#business analyst role

[adaptiveus]

From Developer to Business Analyst: A Guide to Career Transition in Malaysia

Introduction

Transitioning from a developer role to a business analyst position is an exciting career move that can open up new opportunities and challenges. This comprehensive guide explores the journey of shifting from IT development to business analysis, with a focus on the Malaysian job market. As the demand for skilled business analysts continues to grow, developers looking to make this transition can leverage their technical background while acquiring new skills to excel in this dynamic field.

Key Takeaways:

Business analysts bridge the gap between IT and business needs

Transitioning from developer to business analyst requires additional skills and qualifications

The Malaysian job market offers promising opportunities for business analysts

Certifications and continuous learning are crucial for success in this field

Leveraging existing technical skills can give developers an edge in business analysis

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Required Skills and Qualifications

Steps to Transition

Malaysian Job Market for Business Analysts

Resources and Training

Tips for a Successful Transition

Conclusion

FAQs

Introduction

The role of a business analyst is pivotal in today’s technology-driven business landscape. These professionals act as a bridge between IT departments and business stakeholders, translating technical concepts into business value and vice versa. For developers considering a career change, transitioning to a business analyst role can be an attractive option, offering a blend of technical expertise and business acumen.

Required Skills and Qualifications

To successfully transition from a developer to a business analyst, individuals need to build upon their existing technical skills while acquiring new competencies specific to business analysis. Here’s a breakdown of the essential skills and qualifications:

Technical Skills from Development Background:

Programming knowledge

Database management

System architecture understanding

Troubleshooting and debugging

Additional Skills Needed for Business Analysis:

Requirements gathering and management

Process modeling and analysis

Data analysis and visualization

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication and presentation skills

Business process improvement

User story creation and use case analysis

Certifications and Courses:

CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) from IIBA

CCBA (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis) from IIBA

PMI-PBA (PMI Professional in Business Analysis) from PMI

Agile Analysis Certification

Business analysis tools proficiency:

JIRA

Trello

Microsoft Visio

Steps to Transition

Making the transition from developer to business analyst requires a structured approach. Here are the key steps to follow:

Self-assessment and Gap Analysis:

Evaluate your current skill set against the requirements of a business analyst role

Identify areas for improvement and skill development

Acquiring Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

Enroll in business analysis courses and bootcamps

Pursue relevant certifications (e.g., CBAP, CCBA, PMI-PBA)

Develop business acumen through industry research and networking

Gaining Relevant Experience:

Seek internal opportunities within your current organization to work on business analysis tasks

Volunteer for cross-functional projects that involve requirements gathering and stakeholder management

Consider internships or part-time business analyst roles to gain hands-on experience

Malaysian Job Market for Business Analysts

The demand for skilled business analysts in Malaysia is on the rise, with various industries seeking professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and business needs.

Demand and Opportunities:

Growing IT sector in Malaysia creates a need for business analysts

Multinational corporations and local companies alike are hiring business analysts

Fintech, e-commerce, and digital transformation projects drive demand

Salary Expectations:

Entry-level business analysts in Malaysia can expect to earn between RM3,000 to RM5,000 per month

Experienced business analysts with relevant certifications can command salaries of RM8,000 to RM15,000 per month

Senior business analysts and those with specialized industry knowledge may earn upwards of RM20,000 per month

Industry Sectors Hiring Business Analysts:

Banking and Finance

Telecommunications

Healthcare

E-commerce and Retail

Manufacturing

Government and Public Sector

Resources and Training

To facilitate the transition from developer to business analyst, numerous resources and training options are available:

Online Courses and Bootcamps:

Adaptive US offers comprehensive business analysis training and certification preparation courses

IRM Training provides specialized business analysis courses

BA Mentor offers mentorship programs and training for aspiring business analysts

Cengage offers online business analysis courses and resources

Professional Associations and Networking:

IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) Malaysia Chapter

PMI (Project Management Institute) Malaysia Chapter

Local business analysis meetups and conferences

Mentorship Programs:

Seek mentorship from experienced business analysts in your network

Participate in formal mentorship programs offered by professional associations

Tips for a Successful Transition

To ensure a smooth transition from developer to business analyst, consider the following tips:

Leveraging Existing Skills:

Highlight your technical background as an asset in understanding complex systems

Use your coding experience to create more effective user stories and requirements

Building a Portfolio:

Document your involvement in business analysis tasks, even if they were part of your developer role

Create sample deliverables such as process models, requirement documents, and data visualizations

Tailoring Resume and Interview Preparation:

Emphasize transferable skills such as problem-solving and analytical thinking

Prepare examples of how your technical background can benefit business analysis tasks

Research common business analyst interview questions and practice your responses

Conclusion

Transitioning from a developer to a business analyst role in Malaysia offers exciting career prospects and opportunities for professional growth. By leveraging existing technical skills, acquiring new business analysis competencies, and staying updated with industry trends, developers can successfully make this career shift. The growing demand for business analysts in Malaysia, coupled with attractive salary ranges, makes this transition a viable and rewarding career move.

Call to Action: Ready to take the next step in your career transition? Enroll in Adaptive US’s comprehensive BA Bootcamp to gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a business analyst. Visit https://www.adaptiveus.com/ba-bootcamp/ to learn more and start your journey today!

FAQs

Q1: How long does it typically take to transition from a developer to a business analyst role? A1: The transition period can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it generally takes 6–12 months to acquire the necessary skills and experience. Some may transition faster if they have prior exposure to business analysis tasks in their developer role.

Q2: Are there any specific industries in Malaysia where business analysts are in high demand? A2: Business analysts are in high demand across various industries in Malaysia, with particular emphasis on banking and finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors.

Q3: How important are certifications for transitioning from developer to business analyst? A3: While not always mandatory, certifications such as CBAP, CCBA, or PMI-PBA can significantly boost your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field. They can be particularly helpful when competing for jobs against candidates with more traditional business analysis backgrounds.

Q4: Can I transition to a business analyst role within my current company? A4: Yes, many developers successfully transition to business analyst roles within their current organizations. This can be an excellent way to leverage your existing knowledge of the company and its systems while developing new skills.

Q5: How can I gain practical business analysis experience while still working as a developer? A5: Look for opportunities to participate in requirements gathering sessions, stakeholder meetings, or process improvement initiatives within your current role. You can also volunteer for cross-functional projects that involve business analysis tasks.

References:

International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA): https://www.iiba.org/

Project Management Institute (PMI): https://www.pmi.org/

Adaptive US: https://www.adaptiveus.com/

For more information on business analysis careers and training, visit:

https://businessanalysts.today/

https://businessanalysts.website/

https://businessanalyst.courses/

[saptutorials]

Different Roles of an SAP Consultant

An SAP consultant is responsible for analyzing, designing, and configuring new computer software and systems to their clients’ or employers’ specifications. They create programs, interfaces, and forms, check new interfaces to ensure system workflows are optimized and work well with end-users; make modifications as requested, and get feedback. They have complex tasks; thus, an SAP consultant must…

[charlessmithpost]

The Roles & Responsibilities of Junior Business Analyst

A Junior Business Analyst plays a crucial role in helping organizations understand their business processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. Their responsibilities are essential for the success of a project or business. Here are the key roles and responsibilities of a Junior Business Analyst:

Requirements Gathering: Junior Business Analysts are responsible for collecting and documenting business requirements. They work closely with stakeholders, such as clients, end-users, and subject matter experts, to understand their needs and objectives.

Data Analysis: They analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform business decisions. This involves using tools like Excel or more advanced data analysis software.

Documentation: Junior Business Analysts document business processes, requirements, and findings in a clear and organized manner. They create documents such as business requirement documents (BRDs) and process flow diagrams.

Process Mapping: They map out current and future business processes to identify areas for improvement. This includes understanding how different departments or systems interact.

Problem Solving: Junior Business Analysts help identify business problems and propose solutions. They work with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for process improvement or system enhancements.

Quality Assurance: They may be involved in testing and quality assurance processes to ensure that software or systems meet the specified requirements and work as intended.

Communication: Effective communication is key. Junior Business Analysts must convey complex technical information in a clear and understandable way to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Documentation Management: Organizing and maintaining project documentation, ensuring it is up to date, and easily accessible for the team.

Risk Assessment: Identifying and assessing risks associated with proposed changes or projects and providing mitigation strategies.

Team Collaboration: Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that the business requirements align with the project's objectives and are implemented effectively.

In summary, a Junior Business Analyst plays a vital role in facilitating communication, problem-solving, and decision-making within an organization. They bridge the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams, helping to ensure that projects and processes are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.

[djmarinizelablog]

Hiii there! This is my first time interacting with your blog, and I'm currently learning about data analyst, hopefully one day I'll become one, and I just wanted to know, being a BS zoologist, is it possible to be a data analyst in that field

So sorry for the late response, but the short answer is YES! Anyone can be a data analyst if they put all their efforts in becoming one.

If you're applying to entry-level data analyst roles, it might be helpful to have a portfolio of projects where you dabbled on data and presented them in a meaningful way (whether through a dashboard, an infographic, a website, or just a simple spreadsheet). It tells hiring managers that you're up for the task of data-wrangling and visualization.

Good luck!

[sazanconsulting1]

Sazan Consulting offers System Admin & AWS training. Join our hands-on training in System Admin and AWS. To know more call us at 647-313-1970 or send your profile to info@sazanconsulting.com

[leviathan-supersystem]

BEIJING — China’s struggling real estate developers won’t be getting a major bailout, Chinese authorities have indicated, warning that those who “harm the interests of the masses” will be punished.

“For real estate companies that are seriously insolvent and have lost the ability to operate, those that must go bankrupt should go bankrupt, or be restructured, in accordance with the law and market principles,” Ni Hong, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said at a press conference Saturday.

“Those who commit acts that harm the interests of the masses will be resolutely investigated and punished in accordance with the law,” he said. “They will be made to pay the due price.”

That’s according to a CNBC translation of his Mandarin-language remarks published in an official transcript of the press conference, held alongside China’s annual parliamentary meetings.

Ni’s comments come as major real estate developers from Evergrande to Country Garden have defaulted on their debt, while plunging new home sales have put future business into question.

In 2020, Beijing cracked down on developers’ high reliance on debt for growth in an attempt to clamp down on property market speculation. But many developers soon ran out of money to finish building apartments, which are typically sold to homebuyers in China ahead of completion. Some buyers stopped paying their mortgages in a boycott.

Authorities have since announced measures to provide some developers with financing. But the national stance on reducing the role of real estate in the economy hasn’t changed.

This year’s annual government gathering has emphasized the country’s focus on investing in and building up high-end manufacturing capabilities. In contrast, the leadership has not mentioned the massive real estate sector as much.

Real estate barely came up during a press conference focused on the economy last week, while Ni was speaking during a meeting that focused on “people’s livelihoods.”

Ni said authorities would promote housing sales and the development of affordable housing, while emphasizing the need to consider the longer term.

Near-term changes in the property sector have a significant impact on China’s overall economy.

Real estate was once about 25% of China’s GDP, when including related sectors such as construction. UBS analysts estimated late last year that property now accounts for about 22% of the economy.

Last week, Premier Li Qiang said in his government work report that in the year ahead, China would “move faster to foster a new development model for real estate.”

“We will scale up the building and supply of government-subsidized housing and improve the basic systems for commodity housing to meet people’s essential need for a home to live in and their different demands for better housing,” an English-language version of the report said.

next time you complain about how things are in America, consider that if you lived in some kind of scary communist country like China, you wouldn't even get to fund a bailout for the real estate company owners who ruined the economy like you can (whether you like it or not) in the good old US of A! 🇺🇲

[msschemmenti]

monday morning guest

emily prentiss x reader

summary: emily gets a surprise visitor in the bullpen on monday morning.

a/n: crack idea i got driving past my neighbors house.

monday morning— bright and early. the bau team was finally back from a two week stent of back to back cases and emily was finally starting to settle into her role as unit chief. she was no hotch, but she was relying pretty heavily on her interpol experience and the bond the team had built over the years. with such a close knit team, it was always very easy to spot new comers in the office.

so when a woman breezed through the glass doors of the bullpen, emily wasn’t surprised to catch garcia’s bright pink cardigan hurrying after her to intercept the mystery woman. what she was surprised to see was a face she knew all too well.

y/n y/ln. in dc. in her bullpen? what alternate universe could she possibly have walked into this morning. she turned hastily to the mirror she kept in her office and started fluffing her hair quickly. she hadn’t seen y/n since her college graduation and it’s safe to say she looks very different now. not bad per say but older. feeling satisfied with her hair she rifled through her purse for some lipstick and anything to make her not look like it was monday morning.

down in the bullpen, y/n smiled at the brightly colored woman she’d just been stopped by. she scanned the bullpen over her shoulder hoping to catch sight of emily. after hearing the older woman had returned [allegedly from the dead], she hoped on the opportunity to pay her a visit while she was in town.

“good morning beautiful stranger. welcome to the bau, my name is penelope. can i help you with something?” the woman bounced in anticipation.

“hello, penelope. i’m actually looking for someone. your new unit chief actually.” y/n spoke as she shuffled the folder in her hand to shake penelope’s hand.

“emily? emily prentiss? do you have a crime case you’d like assistance on?” garcia asked.

“yes and no. she and i have some business to take care of, now that she’s returned stateside.” y/n smiled waving the folder in front of garcia.

“oh? business to take care of…” garcia repeated sweeping her eyes from the woman in front of her and emily’s office.

“mmhm. do you think she’s available for a little chat?” y/n asked nodding in amusement at the quirky woman.

“well i would think so— who should i say is here?”

“oh where are my manners, i’m y/n. she should remember me.” y/n smiled as garcia nodded her understanding before heading up the stairs to emily’s office.

“ma’am,” garcia spoke knocking on the open door of emily’s office.

“please stop calling me ma’am.” emily sighed wearily.

“sorry, im just nervous. there’s a really pretty woman down there saying she’s here to see you. and that you’ve got official business to take care of. well i don’t think she said official but she definitely said business. and she waved a folder in front of me. are you being sued or something?” garcia rambled.

emily eyed the tech analyst as she rambled and as she took a breath she held her hand up to stop her before she could start again. “y/n y/ln, right?”

“y/n— yes. i don’t know her last name but she said you should remember her. do you want me to go get her?”

“no, no. i’ll come down myself.” emily rose from the desk, giving herself another once over in the mirror before moving toward garcia and the door.

“wait, what was that?” garcia asked curiously.

“what— what was what? what are you talking about?” emily asked obliviously.

“did you just check yourself out? are you primping yourself? did you reapply your lipstick? oh this just got so much more interesting. who is this woman?” garcia jumped.

“i-what no to all of that,” emily lied as her cheeks heated. “and she’s just a friend from my college days.”

“yeah but what kind of friend? i don’t primp in my office when my college friends come to see me.”

emily peeked around the door frame into the bullpen and caught sight of y/n looking right back at her. the woman sent a flirty wave up toward the office and laughed softly as she watched emily’s cheeks heat in embarrassment.

“not now garcia.” emily mumbled as she straightened her clothes out one more time before descending the stairs to meet y/n. “y/n, what a surprise. what’s it been 10 years?”

“far more than that, em. you look good.” y/n smirked.

“wow, obviously not as good as you. garcia said you came on business?” emily replied trying and failing to tame the blush she’d been sporting since she headed down to the bullpen.

“well yes. and may i just say, you are one hard woman to track down.” y/n shook her head with a laugh.

“oh don’t i know it!” garcia piped in from her placed leaned against jj’s desk. at the intrusion, emily sent a glare her way. penelope grimaced and turned to face jj in fear.

“you’ve been looking for me?” emily asked curiously.

“i have for quite a while actually,” y/n smiled softly before waving the folder in emily’s direction. “we’re still married. and have been for about 20 years now. and let me just say, you’ve got a hell of a lot of anniversary gifts to make up for babe.”

“married?!” garcia exclaimed before slapping her hand over her mouth.

emily’s eyes widened exponentially as she caught all of the team’s eyes on her. the shock was evident on everyone’s face and she honestly couldn’t wash it off her own face.

“how about we go to my office and talk about this?” emily recovered, grabbing the folder and nodding toward the office upstairs.

“of course.” y/n nodded and followed emily into the office.

emily pointedly closed the door on prying eyes and turned to face y/n, “now that you’ve successfully fueled the office gossip fire for at least the next month. married for 20 years? is this about the netherlands? didn’t we get that annulled after we got back?”

“i thought so too. until i was a few weeks out from my wedding and they let us know that i was still in fact married according to netherlandian law.” y/n shrugged collapsing onto the couch.

“well i don’t think they call it netherlandian law,” emily paused catching the first part of what y/n said. “oh! you’re engaged. and i’m keeping you from getting married. i can try to get garcia to pull some strings online to help get the divorce finalized faster. or i can call someone over at interpol, im sure they can do something.”

y/n chuckled affectionately, “well while i appreciate the fact that you’d abuse your access to government resources for my sake. that ship has long sailed. the fact i was still married was the least of our problems. but i found that out and tried to track you down and that’s when your mother, still as lovely as i remember, let me know you had died.” y/n deadpanned, leveling emily with a look she knew very well.

“yeah, that was a whole thing.” emily grimaced.

“uh huh, im sure it was. after that, i just went with the whole widowed thing for a bit. until i heard again from your mother, so lovely, that you were alive again.”

“i didn’t realize you and my mother spoke so frequently.” emily mumbled taking a seat on the couch as well.

“you just keep giving us reasons to gab. anyways, i was in the states and figured id try to catch you after all these years. i brought the papers and figured you could sign them.”

“of course. i wouldn’t want to keep you from another marriage.” emily nodded hastily grabbing a pen to sign off.

“ah i figured you’d have run into the issue before me.”

emily dotted her and slid the folder back to y/n, “no, no one worth marrying. well besides you apparently.”

y/n smiled and giggled, “had i been aware, i would’ve been a far better wife to you but at least i didn’t widow you.”

“oh come on! what do you want me to say? had i known we were still married, i wouldn’t have died?” emily laugh incredulously.

“you had a wife to come home to, it could’ve been motivation.”

emily’s smile was free and contagious, “god you haven’t changed a bit.”

“not much sweet, but i can tell you have. lot of responsibility you got here agent.” y/n smiled sadly. “i hope you’re taking care of yourself. and your team.” there was a beat of admiration that washed over y/n’s face before she sighed and gathered the papers. “listen i’ll get out of your hair. thanks for divorcing me. always a pleasure seeing you.” y/n stood from the couch, emily following.

“of course, are you headed back right away?” emily asked hopefully.

“no i’m in the states for a bit for work, why?” y/n asked.

“oh i was just curious. figured maybe i could make up for this 20 anniversary dinners i missed.”

y/n grinned, “agent prentiss, are you asking me on a date?”

“i think i might be asking you on at least 20, if you want to of course.”

y/n walked over to emily’s desk and grabbed a pen and sticky note. scribbling something down and tucked the post it in emily’s blazer pocket with a smirk. “you better get planning then.” y/n threw a wink over her shoulder and left the office with a smile. all the agents scattered to make it seem like they weren’t intently trying to figure out what was going on behind the closed door. y/n stopped at garcia and smiled sweetly, “thank you penelope. have a good day everyone.”

everyone mumbled their replies and watched as emily’s alleged wife exit the bullpen. as soon as the elevators closed they all hurried up the stairs to emily’s open door.

“you’re married?!” garcia was the first to exclaim and emily sighed in exasperation. she eyed her chosen family and knew she wasn’t getting out of answering this. at all.

[ayeforscotland]

What is Dataflow? Part 2: Diagrams

This is the second part of a couple of posts about Dataflow, particularly why it's important for the world going forward and relating to the Crowd Strike IT disaster.

Read the first part here.

Before I get into this one today, I wanted to address a couple of things.

Firstly, Dataflow is something that nearly every single person can understand. You do NOT:

Need to have a degree in Computing Science

Need to work in IT

Need to be a data analyst / Spreadsheet master

If any of you see the word 'Data' and feel your eyes glazing over, try and snap out of it because, if you're anything like me, Dataflow is much more approachable as a concept.

Secondly, what do I mean by IT?

Traditionally in most of our media the all-encompassing 'IT department' handles everything to do with technology. But every business works differently and there are many job titles with lots of crossover.

For example, you can be an infrastructure engineer where your focus is on building and maintaining the IT infrastructure that connects your organisation internally and externally. This is a completely different role from an Application Portfolio Manager who is tasked with looking after the Applications used in business processes.

Both are technical people and come under the banner of 'IT' - but their roles are focused in different areas. So just bear that in mind!

Now that's out of the way, let's begin! This one will be a little bit deeper, and questions welcome!

An Intro to Diagrams

You probably do not need a history of why pictures are important to the human race but to cover our bases, ever since we put traced our hands on a cave wall we have been using pictures to communicate.

Jump forward in time and you have engineers like Leonardo Da Vinci drafting engineering schematics.

You get the idea, humans have been creating diagrams (Pictures) for thousands of years. Centuries of refinement and we have much more modern variations.

And there's one main reason why diagrams are important: They are a Common Language.

In this context, a Common Language helps bridge a language gap between disciplines as well as a linguistic gap. A Spanish electrician and a German electrician should be able to refer to the same diagram and understand each other, even if they don't know each other's language.

The reason they can do this is because they're are international standards which govern how electrical diagrams are created.

A Common Language for Digital?

Here's an image I've shown to clients from governments and institutions to global organisations.

Everything around us, from the products we use to the bridges we drive over and the buildings we live, work, enjoy and shop in had diagrams backing them.

You would not build a skyscraper without a structural engineering diagram, you would not build an extension on your house if an architect couldn't produce a blueprint.

Why is there not an equivalent for the Digital World and for Dataflow?

Where is the Digital Common Language?

This is the bit where the lightbulb goes on in a lot of people's heads. Because, as I mentioned in Part 1, the flow of data is the flow of information and knowledge. And the common mistake is that people think of dataflow, and only ever think about the technology.

Dataflow is the flow of information between People, Business Processes *and* Technology Assets.

It is not reserved to Technology specialists. When you look at the flow of data, you need to understand the People (Stakeholders) at the top, the processes that they perform (and the processes which use the data) and the technology assets that support that data.

The reason why this is important is because it puts the entire organisation in context.

It is something that modern businesses fail to do. They might have flow charts and network diagrams, and these are 'alright' in specific contexts, but they fall to pieces when they lack the context of the full organisation.

For example, here is a Network Diagram. It is probably of *some* value to technical personnel who work in infrastructure. Worth bearing in mind, some organisations don't even have something like this.

To be absolutely clear, this diagram will hold some value for some people within the organisation. I'm not saying it's completely useless. But for almost everyone else, it is entirely out of context, especially for any non-technical people.

So it doesn't help non-technical people understand why all of these assets are important, and it doesn't help infrastructure teams articulate the importance of any of these assets.

What happens if one of those switches or routers fails? What's the impact on the organisation? Who is affected? The diagram above does not answer those questions.

On the other side of the business we have process diagrams (aka workflow diagrams) which look like this.

Again we run into the same problem - This is maybe useful for some people working up at the process layer, but even then it doesn't provide context for the stakeholders involved (Are there multiple people/departments involved throughout) and it doesn't provide any context for technical personnel who are responsible for maintaining the technology that supports this process.

In short, nobody has the big picture because there is not a common language between Business & IT.

Conclusion

So what do we do? Well we need to have a Common Language between Business & IT. While we need people with cross-functional knowledge, we also need a common language (or common framework) for both sides of the organisation to actually understand each other.

Otherwise you get massively siloed departments completely winging their disaster recovery strategies when things like Crowd Strike goes down.

Senior Management will be asked questions about what needs to be prioritised and they won't have answers because they aren't thinking in terms of Dataflow.

It's not just 'We need to turn on everything again' - It's a question of priorities.

Thing is, there's a relatively simple way to do it, in a way that looking at any engineering diagram feels simple but actually has had decades/centuries of thought behind it. It almost feels like complete common sense.

I'll save it for Part 3 if you're interested in me continuing and I'll make a diagram of my blog.

The important thing is mapping out all the connections and dependencies, and there's not some magic button you press that does it all.

But rigorous engineering work is exactly that, you can't fudge it with a half-arsed attempt. You need to be proactive, instead of reacting whenever disaster strikes.

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: Career Guidance

Top Left to Right--> Pile 1, Pile 2

Bottom Left to Right--> Pile 3. Pile 4

================================================================================================

Pile 1

Current Situation: The Chariot

You are determined and focused on your career goals, moving forward with purpose and direction. There's a sense of control and determination driving your actions.

Challenges: Five of Wands

You may be facing competition or conflict in your workplace. There could be differing opinions and struggles that make it hard to progress smoothly.

Advice: Strength

Rely on your inner strength and patience to navigate through challenges. Maintain self-control and approach conflicts with compassion and understanding. Your resilience will lead you to success.

Ideal Careers:

Leadership Roles: Positions such as a manager, director, or CEO, where determination and leadership are crucial.

Entrepreneur: Running your own business where you can harness your drive and overcome competition.

Project Management: Roles that require strong organizational skills and the ability to navigate conflicts and challenges.

Military or Law Enforcement: Careers that require discipline, determination, and the ability to handle conflict and stress.

Athletics or Coaching: Where physical and mental strength, as well as resilience, are important.

================================================================================================

Pile 2

Current Situation: The Hierophant

Your career path is currently influenced by traditional structures and conventional methods. You may be working within an established system or organization.

Challenges: Seven of Cups

There may be confusion or too many options available, making it difficult to choose the right path. Avoid getting lost in illusions or wishful thinking.

Advice: The Hermit

Take time for introspection and seek inner guidance. Reflect on your true goals and values before making decisions. Solitude and self-reflection will provide clarity.

Ideal Careers:

Education: Teacher, professor, or academic advisor, where traditional knowledge and guidance are valued.

Religious or Spiritual Leader: Priest, minister, or spiritual counselor, providing guidance within established belief systems.

Legal Profession: Lawyer, judge, or paralegal, working within the structures of the legal system.

Research and Academia: Careers that involve deep study and reflection, such as a researcher or academic.

Counseling or Therapy: Roles that require introspection and helping others find clarity, such as a therapist or counselor.

================================================================================================

Pile 3

Current Situation: Ace of Pentacles

A new opportunity or beginning in your career is emerging. This could be a job offer, a new project, or a chance to start something new with strong potential for growth.

Challenges: The Devil

Be wary of falling into negative patterns or becoming too attached to material success. Avoid temptations that could lead to unethical behavior or burnout.

Advice: Page of Swords

Approach new opportunities with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Stay vigilant and gather information before making decisions. Be clear and honest in your communication.

Ideal Careers:

Finance: Banker, financial advisor, or investment analyst, where new opportunities for growth are abundant.

Real Estate: Real estate agent or property manager, involving new ventures and potential for substantial growth.

Technology: IT specialist, software developer, or tech entrepreneur, where continuous learning and vigilance are key.

Journalism: Reporter, editor, or content creator, focusing on gathering and disseminating information.

Consulting: Business consultant or analyst, providing strategic advice and insights to businesses.

================================================================================================

Pile 4

Current Situation: Three of Cups

Collaboration and teamwork are currently significant in your career. You may be part of a supportive group or network, enjoying camaraderie and shared goals.

Challenges: Four of Pentacles

There could be a tendency to hold on too tightly to security or resources, leading to stagnation. Fear of change or loss may be preventing growth.

Advice: The Star

Stay hopeful and keep a positive outlook. Trust in the universe and your vision for the future. This is a time for healing, inspiration, and aligning with your true purpose.

Ideal Careers:

Event Planning: Event coordinator or wedding planner, where collaboration and teamwork are essential.

Human Resources: HR manager or recruiter, fostering a positive and collaborative workplace environment.

Creative Arts: Artist, musician, or performer, involving collaboration and shared creative goals.

Non-Profit or Community Work: Community organizer, social worker, or NGO worker, focusing on collective well-being and humanitarian goals.

Healthcare: Nurse, doctor, or therapist, providing care and support with a focus on healing and hope.

[hunterrrs]

Monday morning, the nerves were long gone, her prep work was largely done and the magnitude of the looming moment finally hit Michelle Crechiolo hard.

That night, when the Penguins battled the Philadelphia Flyers, she would become the first female broadcaster to ever call a regular season Penguins game.

When Crechiolo realized that morning that she would be a trailblazer and perhaps an inspiration to other women in hockey, her thoughts drifted to one of her favorite photos — a picture of her when back she was playing in Mini Mites.

“It’s making me emotional thinking about it now,” she later told the Post-Gazette, her voice quivering. “I’ve got the Jofa gloves, wooden stick. I’ve got on a little pink turtleneck under all my equipment. And I’m just posing and cheesing, and I’m missing a tooth. And I’m just so happy to be a hockey player.

“I’m just thinking about what that little girl would say if I told her that I was doing this, doing color commentary on a Pittsburgh Penguins radio broadcast. It’s just so surreal. It really is. I stuck with hockey because I loved it, and it’s led me here. And I just couldn’t be more grateful to be in this position. It’s wild.”

Around 10 a.m. Sunday, Crechiolo received a text message from Leo McCafferty, the Penguins’ vice president of content and production. He told her they believed she would be a great option to step in for Phil Bourque, who was sick. He asked if she would be up for taking his place on the radio broadcast.

“I was like, ‘Oh, hell yeah,’” she said with a laugh. “That was my response.”

When she hung up the phone, she had a brief moment of nervousness, wondering what she had just gotten herself into. But then she just felt “pure excitement.” She rushed downstairs to share the news with her boyfriend, Chuck.

“That’s when it hit me. ‘Oh my god, I’m going to be the color analyst on a National Hockey League broadcast between the Penguins and Flyers,’” she said.

Not only that, Crechiolo is the first woman to do play-by-play or color commentary on a local TV or radio broadcast for any of Pittsburgh’s three big-league teams.

Once Crechiolo calmed down, she went about her business as usual. She headed to UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex to watch practice, then in the locker room she gathered as many “nuggets” as she could for Monday’s broadcast.

Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Tristan Jarry and Rickard Rakell were among the players who gave her support and advice — or a good-natured ribbing.

When they began broadcasting her quick hits up on the Jumbotron, Crechiolo was anxious about stepping into an on-camera role. But something coach Mike Sullivan said about a player making his NHL debut resonated with her.

“He said, ‘It’s not about putting pressure on yourself. You’re there for a reason. It’s about getting excited for the opportunity, because you’re just doing something you love to do,’” Crechiolo said. “And that was how I felt about this.”

michelle 🥰🥰🥰

[adaptiveus]

How to Become a Business Analyst from a Developer Role in Madrid, Spain

Introduction:

In the bustling tech hub of Madrid, Spain, the demand for skilled Business Analysts (BAs) is on the rise. As companies increasingly recognize the value of bridging the gap between IT and business operations, many developers are considering a career transition to business analysis. This article explores the path from software development to business analysis in Madrid’s dynamic job market, offering insights into the skills, certifications, and strategies needed to make this exciting career change.

Key Takeaways:

Assess your transferable skills and identify areas for improvement

Pursue relevant education and certifications, such as CBAP or CCBA

Gain practical experience through transitional roles or freelance opportunities

Network within Madrid’s business analysis community

Focus on industry-specific knowledge and Spanish language proficiency

Overcome challenges with persistence and learn from success stories

Table of Contents:

Skills Assessment and Gap Analysis

Education and Certification Options

Gaining Relevant Experience

Networking and Job Search Strategies

Industry Focus in Madrid

Challenges and Solutions in the Transition

Conclusion

FAQs

1. Skills Assessment and Gap Analysis

Transitioning from a developer role to a Business Analyst position requires a careful evaluation of your existing skills and identification of areas that need improvement. Many software development skills are transferable to business analysis, providing a solid foundation for your career change.

Transferable skills from developer role:

Analytical thinking and problem-solving

Attention to detail

Technical knowledge of software development processes

Communication with technical teams

Understanding of SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)

Key business analyst skills to acquire:

Requirements gathering and management

Stakeholder analysis and communication

Business process modeling and analysis

Data analytics and visualization

Project management fundamentals

Agile methodologies, such as Scrum

To bridge the gap between your current skillset and the requirements of a Business Analyst role, consider using resources like Business Analyst Wiki for comprehensive skill assessments and development plans.

2. Education and Certification Options

Enhancing your business analysis skills through education and certification is crucial for a successful transition. Madrid offers various options for aspiring Business Analysts to acquire the necessary knowledge and credentials.

Business Analysis courses in Madrid:

Madrid Business School: Offers specialized BA programs

IIBA Madrid Chapter: Provides workshops and training sessions

Online certification programs:

CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional)

CCBA (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis)

Adaptive US, a leading global provider of business analytics training, offers success-guaranteed IIBA certification preparation courses for professionals in over 90 countries. Their comprehensive programs can help you prepare for these certifications from the comfort of your home in Madrid.

Call to Action: Explore Adaptive US’s Data Analytics Bootcamp to kickstart your Business Analyst career!

3. Gaining Relevant Experience

Practical experience is invaluable when transitioning to a Business Analyst role. Here are some strategies to gain relevant experience in Madrid’s job market:

Transitional roles within current company:

Volunteer for projects that involve requirements gathering or stakeholder management

Collaborate with existing Business Analysts on ongoing initiatives

Propose and lead process improvement projects

Freelance or volunteer opportunities:

Offer business analysis services to local startups or non-profits

Participate in open-source projects that require BA skills

Contribute to business process modeling initiatives in community organizations

For more insights on gaining BA experience, visit Business Analysts Guru for expert advice and resources.

4. Networking and Job Search Strategies

Building a strong professional network and tailoring your job search are essential steps in transitioning to a Business Analyst role in Madrid.

Madrid-specific business analysis meetups and events:

IIBA Madrid Chapter events

Madrid Tech Meetups focused on business analysis and data analytics

Industry-specific conferences and workshops

Tailoring your resume for BA positions:

Highlight transferable skills from your developer role

Emphasize any business analysis projects or experiences

Showcase relevant certifications and training

Include examples of successful stakeholder management and requirements gathering

Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with Madrid-based Business Analysts and IT Professionals. Engage in discussions and share insights to increase your visibility in the BA community.

5. Industry Focus in Madrid

Understanding the key industries hiring Business Analysts in Madrid can help you focus your transition efforts and tailor your skills accordingly.

Top sectors hiring Business Analysts in Madrid:

Financial Services

Telecommunications

IT and Software Development

E-commerce and Digital Services

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Spanish language requirements:

Fluency in Spanish is often essential for BA roles in Madrid

Some multinational companies may offer positions where English is the primary language

Consider enrolling in intensive Spanish courses to improve your language skills

For industry-specific insights and job market trends, check out Business Analysts Online for up-to-date information.

6. Challenges and Solutions in the Transition

Transitioning from a developer to a Business Analyst role in Madrid may present some challenges. Here are common obstacles and strategies to overcome them:

Overcoming potential obstacles:

Lack of business domain knowledge: Immerse yourself in industry publications and attend sector-specific events

Limited stakeholder management experience: Seek opportunities to lead cross-functional projects in your current role

Perception as “just a techie”: Highlight your ability to bridge technical and business perspectives in your applications and interviews

Success stories from developers-turned-BAs in Madrid:

Case study: Juan Garcia, former Java developer, now Senior BA at a major Spanish bank

Testimonial: Maria Sanchez, transitioned from mobile app development to BA role in telecommunications

Conclusion

Transitioning from a developer role to a Business Analyst position in Madrid offers exciting opportunities for career growth and diversification. By assessing your skills, pursuing relevant education and certifications, gaining practical experience, and networking effectively, you can successfully make this career change. Remember to focus on industry-specific knowledge and Spanish language proficiency to enhance your prospects in Madrid’s competitive job market.

Action steps for starting the career transition:

Conduct a thorough skills assessment

Enroll in a Business Analysis certification program

Seek transitional roles or projects within your current company

Attend local BA meetups and events in Madrid

Tailor your resume and online profiles for BA positions

Improve your Spanish language skills if necessary

Stay persistent and learn from both challenges and successes

With dedication and the right approach, you can leverage your developer background to become a successful Business Analyst in Madrid’s thriving tech scene.

FAQs

Q: How long does it typically take to transition from a developer to a Business Analyst role? A: The transition can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on your existing skills, experience, and the effort you put into acquiring new competencies.

Q: Are there any specific industries in Madrid that are more welcoming to developers transitioning to BA roles? A: The IT and software development sectors often have a smoother transition path, as they value the technical background of former developers.

Q: How important is Spanish language proficiency for BA roles in Madrid? A: Spanish proficiency is crucial for most BA positions in Madrid, as effective communication with stakeholders is a key part of the role. However, some multinational companies may offer opportunities where English is the primary language.

Q: What are the salary prospects for Business Analysts in Madrid compared to developers? A: Salaries can vary, but experienced Business Analysts often earn comparable or higher salaries than developers, especially in senior roles or specialized industries.

Q: Can I transition to a BA role while still working as a developer? A: Yes, many professionals make the transition gradually by taking on BA responsibilities in their current role or through part-time study and certification programs.

[astroismypassion]

✨PART OF FORTUNE IN SIGNS AND HOUSES SERIES: 7TH HOUSE✨

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

ARIES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aries and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via project management, team leadership, startup environment, via creating and managing marketing campaigns in collaboration with other businesses or influencers. You feel abundant when you take on responsibilities where you can direct and inspire others, focusing on building strong, dynamic partnerships.

TAURUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Taurus and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via selling luxury items, such as high-end jewellery, fashion or home décor, via message therapy, work in fields related to nutrition and fitness, where you can help others achieve and maintain a healthy and stable lifestyle. You feel abundant when you incorporate aesthetics and a sense of beauty into your work.

GEMINI PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Gemini and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via using your persuasive communication skills to excel in sales, marketing or advertising roles. You find abundance in work in public relations, via entering a business partnership where you can complement your partner’s skills. You have an excellent ability to communicate and negotiate with others. You find wealth when you work closely with clients on a one-on-one basis.

CANCER PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Cancer and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via offering babysitting, nannying or after-school care. You may also find abundance in selling handmade items (candles, home decor or personalized gifts). You feel abundant when you work in nursing, patient care, daycare, work in hospitality industry. You feel abundant when you pay attention to your gut feelings when making decisions.

LEO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Leo and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via becoming a motivational speaker or event host. You may also earn money via being a stylist for others, personal stylist, personal shopper or providing makeup artist services for people that go to events. You may also do really pretty nails.

VIRGO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Virgo and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via working as a freelance writer, editor or proofreader. You may also offer consulting services in area of business strategy, health, wellness, nutrition and financial planning. Offer tutoring services in subjects you are knowledgeable about.

LIBRA PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via teaching an instrument or vocal lessons if you have musical skills. Share your knowledge in painting, drawing and crafts. You can start a TikTok account focused on topics of fashion, DIY, lifestyle, make up, clothing, sharing your recipes.

SCORPIO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Scorpio and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via joint ventures, such as turnaround projects or startups in emerging industries or engaging in joint venture that involves a profound change or transformation, via family law, criminal law, forensic science, via work in crisis management or trauma recovery, investment banking or wealth management, work as a financial analyst or alternative healing methods (reiki, acupuncture, hypnotherapy).

SAGITTARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Sagittarius and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via writing books, articles, blogs on philosophical topics, travel experiences or cultural insights. You feel the most abundant when you are optimistic, enthusiastic and when you have direct and honest communication. You could find wealth through work in journalism, especially in roles that involve travel or reporting on cultural events and global news, work in diplomacy or international relations.

CAPRICORN PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Capricorn and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via investment banking, financial planning, property management, real estate development, specializing in corporate law, contract law or real estate law. You could also make money as a mediator or arbitrator, helping to resolve disputes and negotiate contracts. You feel most abundant when you define clear, achievable goals, when you are being focused with persistent effort.

AQUARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aquarius and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via holistic therapy, energy healing, managing public relations for progressive companies or causes, via co-authoring books, developing new products. You feel abundant when you continuously seek out and embrace new ideas, technologies, ways of thinking, when you are being innovative and when you utilize technology to enhance your work and when you stay up-to-date with the latest technology.

PISCES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 7TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Pisces and Libra Sun people in your life. You make money via creative problem-solving abilities, running a boutique hotel, bed and breakfast or wellness retreat, nutritional coaching, meditation coaching, organizing cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals or theatre productions or visual arts.

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

[southeastasianists]

The Philippines is known as a country that supports political dynasties, and powerful clans have played a major role in the country’s politics for decades. But in the last week of June, Vice President Sara Duterte made an announcement that rocked the nation as her family appears to be gearing up to take political dynasties to the next level. On June 28, the vice president confirmed that her father, Former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brothers, Davao First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, will all run for senator in the 2025 elections. 

Social media is all abuzz with news of this development, with those supporting the Duterte camp ecstatic at the possibility of having all three Dutertes in the Senate. However, those who are staunchly against this have been equally loud on Twitter and Facebook, calling the country’s political system a joke. As one of the most influential political families in the country have benefited from the results of a well-executed social media strategy in the last presidential elections, Filipinos can expect that the Internet will once again turn into an all-out war zone in the coming months. But can social media bring about the downfall of political dynasties, or will it take them to new heights? Here’s what you need to know about the influence of social media on political dynasties in the Philippines. 

Social Media Brought the Marcoses Back to Power

For two decades, Filipinos had to submit to the rules of Ferdinand Marcos’ regime as the former president enforced Martial Law. Historians attest that his dictatorship resulted in over 3,000 extrajudicial killings and more than 30,000 tortures, apart from other human rights violations. The Marcoses also infamously stole $5 to $10 billion from the Central Bank of the Philippines as stated in the documents provided by the Presidential Commission on Good Government. 

After the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., Marcos was blamed for his death. The family immediately fell from grace as Aquino’s supporters joined hands to support his widow, Corazon Aquino, during the People Power Revolution of 1986. Mrs. Aquino became the new President of the Philippines, while the Marcoses were exiled in Hawaii. In 1989, the matriarch, Imelda, as well as Marcos’ children were allowed to return to the country, and from there, they started planning their political comeback. Their return to politics started with Imelda winning a congressional seat in 1995, while her children, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Imee Marcos, won positions in local government. 

After Bongbong was elected as a senator in the 2010 elections, it was only a matter of time before he decided to run in the presidential elections. In 2022, Bongbong was up against nine other presidential candidates, the most notable being Leni Robredo, who was the Vice President at that time. It was reported that social media campaigns to discredit Robredo, a strong disinformation campaign, and online efforts to revise history contributed to Bongbong’s win, putting the Marcoses firmly back in power. That election year was one of the most divisive times in Philippine history, as it resulted in the falling out of families, the shut down of a major TV network, and increased hostility in social media platforms. 

Political Dynasties and Their Hold on Social Media

Political analysts are saying that the Philippines is where it is right now because certain politicians have turned public office into family businesses. With everyone complaining about the ever-increasing prices of commodities, lack of jobs, and non-stop graft and corruption for so many years now, many would think that Filipinos should have had enough of political families by this time. However, with politicians becoming social media savvy in recent years, it’s likely that more political dynasties will rise in the future. With the majority of Filipinos perpetually online, it’s likely that political clans will take to the Internet to gather support for their family members who are vying for a place in politics.

Other than the Dutertes, political analyst Edmund Tayao predicts that there will be more families running together in the upcoming senate elections. Siblings Pia and Alan Cayetano currently have seats in the senate, and so do Cynthia Villar and her son Mark. They are all projected to run for reelection in 2025. Meanwhile, 3 members of the Tulfo family, which has four members in congress, are also said to run in the senate elections. Their bid for a senate seat will be confirmed upon the filing of Certificates of Candidacy in October.

Countering Political Misinformation on Social Media

Certain influencers have found ways to spread disinformation on social media as a way to promote some political families, but anti-disinformation advocates have also taken to TikTok and Facebook to fight political misinformation. Genealogist Mona Magno-Veluz is one such TikTok personality who is actively battling historical and political misinformation. There’s also the local civic society organization Break the Fake movement, which regularly holds seminars to train influencers to fact-check their sources. 

AI tools have also been used by fact-checking initiatives such as FactsFirstPH to fight disinformation. Meanwhile, to inform the youth about election-related information, nonprofit corporation Pinas Forward created the E-Boto website, which contains background information for all national candidates, presented in a Gen Z-friendly, TikTok style.

Can Social Media Eradicate Political Dynasties in the Philippines?

Social media has made it easier to access information, but it has also created opportunities to spread disinformation and propaganda techniques to sway the results of elections. Knowing how to distinguish facts from lies, and putting a stop to historical revisionism can protect Filipinos from repeating past mistakes. Fact-checking information, hearing the opinions of a diverse group of people, and educating the public about the dangers of disinformation, fear mongering, hate speech, and cyberbullying may all help to boost the nation’s media literacy and prevent political families from dominating in the upcoming elections. 

But as long as Filipinos keep voting for candidates who share the same beliefs and principles as their family members who are in power, no amount of protests on Facebook or Twitter can change the country’s political landscape. As proven by the current administration, social media will continue to be a valuable tool for political dynasties jockeying for power. After all, it helped a once shunned family to regain their place in politics, so no one should be surprised if it enables multiple family members – even those who are blatantly unqualified – to be elected into public office. 

Nina Sumsy Nina Sumsy is a freelance writer with a background in journalism

[tied-ash]

Danganronpa: Reversed Time (DRDT Opposite AU)

DRRT is the opposite AU of Danganronpa Despair Time! It's basically just all of the characters in DRDT having their opposite personalities - or at least, they're all just wildly out of character.

So ya! Here is everyone, left and right.

Ace Markey - SHSL Jockey Ace is an incredible jockey, having won dozens of awards for his talent... However, people tend to find his lack of response a bit unnerving. Ace seems to have little to no emotion or expression, being neutral in many circumstances.

Veronika Grebenshchikova - SHSL Horror Analyst Veronika Grebenshchikova is constantly looking for the thrill of being scared, leading to her interest in horror fiction. However, upon attempting to share her findings, many of those who are close to her have taken quite the disdain for such topics. So she is less inclined to share anything in terms of horror, embarrassed about her past tendency to get carried away when talking about horror.

Arei Nageishi - SHSL Bowler Arei Nageishi made her debut in the bowling world as a teenager by winning multiple bowling championships. Though she may look cute, she doesn't make any effort to try to impress anyone. With good sportsmanship, many find themselves relating to Arei in some way, especially in the way where she doesn't find a need to constantly integrate with others, and is fine standing off to the side.

Julia Rosales - SHSL Effects Artist Julia Rosales, famously known for being Maribella Rosales's daughter, specializes in theater special effects and has worked on famous musicals and plays in her life. However, many of her notable roles are actually with her mother in movies, even if they do not correspond to her ultimate. There are rumors saying that Julia does not like this line of work, but she and her mother have denied these claims.

Rose Lacroix - SHSL Art Forger As the ultimate art forger, Rose Lacroix is able to paint copies of famous masterpieces that are so realistic that many mistake them for being the real deal. She owes this talent to her photographic memory. However, her memory can also be seen as a curse. Unable to relax, Rose seems to constantly be thinking of something, even if that something is unpleasant. She can often be seen trying to keep herself busy, as if she's trying to not think, but failing.

Alexander Matthews - SHSL Rebel Despite his looks, Alexander is very passionate about what he does. He earned his ultimate by constantly projecting his voice against what he deemed as wrong, often breaking the status quo. However, his passion has a habit of going south, as he gets angry with many people. Just know that if his jacket goes around his waist, he truly means business.

Levi Fontana - SHSL Personal Stylist His appearance may be intimidating, and good for reason. Levi Fontana is not afraid to say what is on his mind, even if the ways he says it are unprofessional. Her goals seem to differ from day to day, but he likely does have good intentions, even if the ways he does these are a bit... unconventional.

Teruko Tawaki - SHSL Lucky Student The protagonist. Despite being the ultimate Lucky Student, it seems like the only luck Teruko has is bad luck. Accidents constantly plague Teruko and those around her. Despite this, Teruko holds a strong trust for many people around her, trying to find the best in people. Sometimes, she even tries to justify people's wrongdoings, especially for her peers.

Hu Jing - SHSL Zither Player Hu Jing is an incredibly talented musician who specializes in the zither. It's said that whenever she plays, she can bring tears to those even the most unemotional. However, it's not like many have had the opportunity to hear such a song, as Hu is an incredibly cruel person. Having unknown motivations, she seems to love bringing people to their worst. Hu possesses a very nagging personality, and once she sees a target, it's hard for her to let go.

Charles Cuevas - SHSL Chemist There's no doubt that Charles Cuevas is very educated and talented in his field of study. However, he does not see that as an excuse to be cruel or superior to others. He is incredibly patient with others, being the perfect teacher. It's said that if he gives you a lesson, then you can understand the material within the night. Some do complain that he can be a bit condescending, but very few feel this way.

Arturo Giles - SHSL Plastic Surgeon Arturo Giles is a plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery. Despite this, he is a very caring person who doesn't seem to see the difference between ugly and beautiful. If he does then he simply does not show it. Seeing nearly everyone as equals, it's been said that he sugarcoats things to a concerning degree, especially if others would call the person in question "ugly".

Eden Tobisa - SHSL Clockmaker Tired and sarcastic, Eden is seen as a rather unapproachable clockmaker. Though she is increasingly skilled in her work, she seems to dislike customer interaction and avoids it as much as possible. Instead, she gets absorbed into her work, avoiding interaction as much as possible. Eden is rarely ever emotional, relying on logic much more than necessary. However, it still has it's payoff, doesn't it?

Min Jing - SHSL Student One of the top performers, Min has rightfully earned her title as the ultimate student. Or, that's what the public seems to think. However, much of her talent actually relies on last-minute preparations. Despite this, Min truly knows what she's talking about; she just focuses on the main ideas rather than individual points.

Whit Young - SHSL Matchmaker It's easy to mistake Whit for anything else aside from a matchmaker. Trying to make light of things and crack jokes, he often finds little to no positive responses. Because of this, he seems to have a severe lack of confidence, often second-guessing himself. Oddly enough, this guaranteed even more success for his clients, seeing as how he found a need to back his claims with facts instead of focusing on his intuition.

David Chiem - SHSL Motivational Speaker David is a motivational speaker who has motivated many people with his speeches. As one would expect, David is very optimistic about just about anything. Though many people suspect him to be very pessimistic and lazy, many sources prove this to be wrong. However, more rumors seem to have popped up, claiming David to be more self-absorbed than he let on. Just like the past rumors, these claims are unreliable.

Nico Hakobyan - SHSL Pet Therapist As the ultimate pet therapist, Nico possesses an incredible ability to work with animals, working with their owners to grow a stronger bond. Nico loves their job and especially loves seeing how happy the owners can become. They seem great with customers, striking up friendly conversations with them. However, looking beyond the surface, it seems that sometimes Nico has never heard of the word "enough".

MonoTV A strange robot with a television for a head. MonoTV is the mascot and "host" for a strange TV show called "Danganronpa: Despair Time". It makes sure that people know it's in charge, being oddly responsible and almost acting like a "parent" to the more chaotic cast members. Also, it claims to be a cat, despite having an appearance more like a dog.

[the-painted-siren]

Anything At All

Summary: Lloyd is an adult who’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself—or so he wants Zane to believe. Good thing Zane doesn’t believe. Notes: A little thing I wrote for Round 1 of Who Wrote That in the Ninjago fic server I’m part of. Decided to polish it off and post it bc I had a good time writing it.

“You’re upset.”

It’s a statement, not a question. 

Lloyd glances up, his expression one that Zane knows all too well: brows creased, face pinched, eyes gleaming with a sheen of exhaustion. Lloyd leans back in his chair, an irritated grumble rumbling in his throat. 

“I am not.” Lloyd throws his pencil onto the stack of scrolls before him. The names of each of his students lay across the pages, accompanied by notes, diagrams, and schedules. Eraser shavings and crumpled-up papers overflow on his desk. 

“It's normal to be upset,” Zane says. “You're stressed from a long day.” 

Lloyd waves him off, yawning. “I’ve seen worse days,” he mutters. “I can get through this one.” 

“Have you eaten today?” 

Lloyd combs his fingers through his hair, a heavy sigh rolling out of him as he sinks down into his chair. He doesn’t look at Zane for the longest time, but the corners of his mouth turn to a pout like a child that’s been caught stealing sweets before dinner. 

“No,” he finally admits. “But it’s fine. I’ll find something to snack on later.” 

“You should eat,” Zane comments. “I can make something—”

“That’s nice.” Lloyd rises to his feet, a scowl flitting across his features as he pushes Zane toward the door. “But I’m a grown-up. I can feed myself.” 

“But I—”

Lloyd gives Zane a proper shove out into the hallway. 

“I appreciate it, buddy, really, but you can’t help this time.” 

———

Zane doesn’t believe that. 

He plays many roles within the team—medic, builder, analyst. He was built to protect and repair. And while he can’t traditionally repair Lloyd’s struggles, he figures he may be able to lighten them. He can take some of the weight off of Lloyd’s shoulders. 

Because Lloyd works—he works and he trains and he fights. Mostly because he loves doing it. He loves protecting Ninjago with every ounce of his bleeding, golden heart, even if he never says it. 

Deep down, though, Zane suspects it’s also because Lloyd doesn’t know how to do anything else. 

Zane figures he’s approximately 25% responsible for that. Less, if he takes Nya and Master Wu into account. More, if he considers the many times he’s recklessly thrown himself into battle, almost died protecting those he cares about, and never opened those vulnerable parts of himself for others to repair. 

Terrible examples that Zane knows Lloyd has internalized. 

Though, FSM forbid he ever point that out—Lloyd would have a fit.  

That leaves Zane the only option of supporting Lloyd through less direct means, which he remembers how to do with his favorite pastime. 

Cooking tethers Zane to his sense of self. It goes beyond a set of calculations that his superhuman brain can produce in seconds. He considers it an art and one of the few things that call for his opinion and not cold, hard facts—it’s something he knows he can always use to comfort his family.  

For Lloyd, Zane brings out a recipe of deep nostalgia and laughter. 

A noodle soup with a rich, golden broth flavored by an assortment of spices, ginger, lime, and cilantro. Traditionally made with beef or chicken, Zane has since changed the recipe to favor shrimp instead, as Lloyd proved to have a taste for it as a child. 

A few hours later, Zane sweeps into Lloyd’s room and sets the piping hot bowl of soup down on his desk. Lloyd looks up and immediately scowls. 

“Zane, I told you to leave me alone,” Lloyd snaps. “Can’t you see I’m busy?” 

Zane doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he scans the contents of Lloyd’s desk.  

“You are working on customized training programs for your students?” Zane asks. 

“Yes.” 

“You teach them because you care about them?”

“ Yes, ” Lloyd hisses. 

“If teaching is your way of expressing love, then cooking is mine,” Zane asserts, “and you are not the only one who is allowed to express their love here.” 

Lloyd looks gobsmacked that Zane would dare speak to him that way. He opens and closes his mouth like a fish out of water, spluttering for words that simply won’t come. Eventually, he scoffs, picks up a fork, and stabs at the food. 

Despite Lloyd’s agonizing display, Zane reckons that everything will turn out fine. He followed the recipe he wrote to the letter, the same as always. It’s never failed before; it shouldn’t now. 

Still, he finds himself watching with anticipation rushing to his head.

Lloyd shoves a forkful of noodles and shrimp into his mouth and chews—quickly first, then slowly, before he stops altogether. 

A shot of icy panic spears through Zane’s mind. Surely, he hadn’t made a mistake? Unless Lloyd had grown out of enjoying his food? Did Lloyd not like it—

A soft rumbling sound touches the air, familiar in every way. 

It takes Zane a moment to process what it is, but when he does, all of his doubt melts away. 

Purring. Lloyd is purring.

His pointed ears—from his supernatural heritage—flick once, ever so slightly. Then again, and again, until they flutter like the wings of a butterfly. Lloyd leans over the bowl, a content smile pulling at his lips as he swallows and dives for the next bite, slurping up noodles with reckless abandon. 

A cool sense of relief floods through Zane’s body at the sight. 

Ever since the Merge, Lloyd rarely seemed joyful. It was as though the years of loneliness had left him struggling to reconnect with even his closest friends and all the more desperate to assert his independence. Especially since his responsibilities had grown to include two—no, three, Zane recounts—kids and a busier monastery to maintain. 

To see Lloyd smile again soothed Zane more than words could explain. 

“Be sure to bring your bowl back to the kitchen once you’ve finished,” Zane says as he takes his leave. “I can serve up seconds for you too, if you wish.”

Lloyd suddenly spins around in his chair, eyes wide. 

“Uh, wait, Zane!”

Zane pauses in the doorway.

“Um… I know this might be a lot to ask…” Lloyd stumbles over his words, eyes darting away. “But… you know those spring rolls you make sometimes? The ones that have shrimp and pork and all that—” Lloyd makes a vague gesture with his hand. “ —green stuff you put in it. Could you…?”

“Of course,” Zane answers swiftly. “I’d be happy to make some for you.” 

Lloyd beams—soft and relaxed against the golden light of dusk pouring into the room. 

“Thanks, Zane,” Lloyd says. 

Zane merely smiles, happy to be of assistance. 

Anything at all to make his little brother smile again.

[sunshineandspencer]

Not in Kansas anymore (Iridescent, Part 9)

Let me stress, this is not Maeve from the show, but my own Maeve just named the same to send Spencer into hell whenever he thinks about it.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!OC.

Summary: They get sent out undercover for a case, and Spencer makes full use of his role before they have to go back to normal.

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: swearing, descriptions of stabbing and blood, general cm violence

Parts: Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, Pt4, Pt5, Pt6, Pt7, Pt8, Pt10

be added to the taglist

Almost a month later, and they’re given another big case. Somewhere out in Kansas, another small town where everybody knows everybody else’s business.

A man, still unknown, had been targeting newlywed couples in towns bordering the one they were now stationed in. The geoprofile that Spencer had drawn up told them that he almost certainly lived in this little town. So far he’d killed seven ‘unfaithful’ newlywed wives, who hadn’t been unfaithful - as far as Penelope could find out.

They know it's a man because he leaves the husbands alive, injured so they can’t intervene, but awake enough to watch. Apparently, the man approaches the house the morning of the attacks, and if the woman answers and talks to him then she’s classed as unfaithful, but if they call for their husband, or the man answers, then they’re spared.

Returning hours later, under the cover of darkness, to attack the couples and have the man watch him ‘save’ their marriage by taking away the ‘problem’.

It’s been brutal.

And undiscovered for so long since the small towns didn’t know where to put all their data into one place. Once a tech analyst in one of the towns realised the connections, the BAU were contacted immediately.

To avoid more deaths, Spencer and Maeve were sent in as a newlywed couple, to lure this guy out as the BAU hadn’t visited any of the towns yet and didn’t know the team members. 

Even the local PD weren’t informed either, to make it as realistic as possible.

Which is how they found themselves standing outside a pretty house in Kansas in a small town that she’d never heard of, his arm around her waist and their matching gold rings glinting in the warm sun. Plus her pretty engagement ring Spencer had produced for her to wear seemingly out of nowhere.

It really is gorgeous, and silver, which is her preferred jewellery type - the gold wedding ring made her very unhappy.

With a soft sigh, she scanned over the house once more, a smile tugging at her lips.

“You know, this house looks too nice for the BAU budget.”

Humming in agreement, he tugged her that extra bit closer to lean his head on top of hers. Hand settling comfortably on her hip.

“I convinced Rossi to hire it out. I’m collecting his dry cleaning for two months.”

Laughing, she slapped his chest lightly with the back of her hand, even as he pouted at the thought of his next two months being entirely taken up by collecting Rossi’s dry cleaning. It’s worth it though, very glad that he’d sacrificed his time for them, because this place is gorgeous. 

She’s always lived in the city, but she could easily see herself settling down somewhere like this.. with someone like Spencer.

Thankfully their neighbours came out to stifle that line of thought, greeting them happily over their white picket fence. Spencer kept his hand on her lower back the entire time, hell, his hand didn’t actually stop moving.

Even as they introduced themselves as Walter and Valerie Reid - both their middle names - his hand smoothed down her spine and then across the small of her back until his fingers ghosted her waist. Somehow able to keep up conversation with their neighbours as he dragged his hand slowly back up her spine, feeling out every ridge as if to convince himself that she’s in one piece. And it just doesn’t work in her brain, how the man who wouldn’t have shaken her hands a couple months ago was now memorising the feel of her.

It had been a month since they made up and sure he had been more tactile with the occasional hand to the small of her back or over her shoulders, but not this much. Forcing herself not to enjoy it since it’s only for the case.

There’s no way he feels even remotely close to the way she does.

“--that right angel?”

That snapped her out of her own head, not even realising she’d started daydreaming about him again. But the silly bastard doesn’t make it easy to focus as his hand brushes hair from the nape of her neck before sliding down her back again.

Smug smile telling her that he knows exactly what he’s doing, and she blinked softly to answer him.

“Sorry love?”

Dammit, not it’s his turn to melt, managing to hold the stupid grin off his face, but the smugness fell into something a little more real as his hand slipped to squeeze the dip of her waist.

“Asked uhm.. if we wanted to look around at kindergartens with them, since we’re trying for a baby. Aren’t we, angel.”

Rolling her eyes, she smoothed her hand down his chest to look at their neighbours, giving them a smile.

“We will be. After we’ve settled, he’s just a little excited.”

The thought of having a kid together should not make her as breathless as it did. Talking with the neighbours for a little longer - even though she’s absolutely not fully with them - before going inside. Where he quickly kissed her temple before getting on with unpacking his bags.

She fully believes she isn’t going to get through this in one piece.

It’s now been two days, and there’s been no sign of their UnSub, which led to them going all out.

They got a large advertisement in the local paper celebrating their newlywed status and having moved in, with a sappy photo of them together. Attended any sort of club or event that had been running to make a big thing about themselves, and loudly went shopping together in the local market that had popped up in the afternoon. Every and each interaction underscored by Spencer’s constant touching and affectionate little kisses to her head, hair or temple.

He is loving every second of having Ava as his wife, introducing her as such every time he gets the chance before launching into their ‘love story’ that felt a little too real. According to their backstory, they worked together as professors at a college and eventually fell for each other after a long period of work rivalry.

Over these last two days, it became so natural to have Spencer practically attached to her hip, that it felt wrong without him. It felt odd to not have him holding onto her or kissing something soft against her temple.

Even in their house, away from anyone that needs to be fooled by their undercover story, he’s no different. It’s hard to convince herself she doesn’t love it.

Unfortunately, he’s had to sequester himself away in their study to do somecase work, keeping a log of everything they do while undercover - and completing hers after losing their card game last night. But then someone knocked on the door, swiftly following that with the doorbell.

Getting up to answer the door, she didn’t even consider that this wouldn’t be one of their neighbours, like it had been for the past two days. However, with the town’s deputy standing on her doorstep, the case flew harshly back into the forefront of her mind. The man had been described as wearing a uniform, this could be it.

Leaning on the door, she smiled out at the man, hoping Spencer wouldn’t wander out to see what it was and blow the whole reason they’d gone undercover.

“Good evening officer, is there a problem?”

“No ma’am, just wanted to introduce myself and make sure you folks are settled in. I’m John Brown, Deputy. Saw your ad in the paper, congratulations.”

Maeve thanked him softly and he held out a hand for her to shake. She saw the way his eyes glinted, knowing this was part of his test to determine whether or not she would be his next victim. A test she has to fail so that he would target her instead of another defenceless woman.

Shaking his hand a little longer than he probably found appropriate. His eyes darted to see if Spencer was going to turn up.

“That’s kind of you Deputy, I’m Valerie. My husband is busy right now, I hope you understand.”

Putting on a bashful smile to appease to the part of him that had to see her as unfaithful. The man is attractive, she’ll give him that, but isn’t anything special compared to her husband down the hall.

It worked, John squeezed a touch too tight before stepping back, hand falling to his badge. 

“No problems at all ma’am, I hope you won’t mind me checking in again sometime.”

Laughing softly, she moved to stand and change her hold on the door, ready to close it and sprint back to Spencer now that she’d spoken to the UnSub. But she needs to maintain this a little longer.

“Please, call me Valerie, I’ll see you soon John.”

Using his first name to really ram it home, and then shutting the door. Calmly turning to walk down the hallway to the study, knowing he could see her through the window.

Turning down and out of sight, she walked straight into Spencer, and he moved to gently hold her against the wall. Hand on her shoulder to hold her still while he finished his phone call, eyebrows drawn together as he scanned her face, making sure she’s okay.

“Yes, I’m sure. Get a team in place for tonight Emily, he’ll be here.”

Christ, he’s looking at her so ardently, she’s not sure that she quite remembers how to breathe.

But then his phone is shoved into his pocket and she has his entire attention - constricting her lungs even further. His hands snaked their way to her hips to hold her still, to ground her back to Earth. Eye contact, steady breathing to coax her own back to normal, the gentle squeeze of his hands to remind her that she’s okay.

“Are you alright angel?”

Honestly, she still melts utterly when he calls her that, and this time he can feel it, the relaxation under his palms as she finally meets his gaze.

“Mhm, I’m alright Spence.You know the profile, he wouldn’t have attacked me at the front door. He’s never done that before.”

“He’s also never hunted in his hometown before, we’re forcing his hand and we don’t know what else he could change.”

Tugging her forward into a hug, one arm wraps around her back, snug around her, the other holding her head to his neck. Breathing her in and just staying like that as her arms immediately wrapped around him. Fisting his shirt in her hands as she leans into his touch.

“Emily has already mobilised a team, they’ll be in place for tonight. I won’t let this guy hurt you. I promise.”

Laughing softly, she practically nuzzled into the skin of his neck, breath warm as she spoke. 

“Careful, I’ll hold you to that.”

Something went wrong. Spencer had been blitzed from behind while they were eating dinner. It had been too soon, they weren’t ready.

Now, as he slowly forced himself up from the floor, something clearly wasn’t right. Picking himself up, trying not to look at the blood that had pooled on their kitchen floor, he scrambled over to the drawer where they’d stashed an emergency gun.

Holding back the sigh of relief at the cool metal reaching his palm, but as he picked it up it felt too heavy - like he was going to topple over.

Probably had something to do with the blood dripping down the side of his face, staining his blue shirt.

Brokenly calling it in to Emily, he realised that the ringing in his right ear was going down - making him aware that there had even been a ringing in the first place. Letting him properly focus on the sound from upstairs, crying. Sobbing, really. But that shouldn’t be Maeve, he’d promised that she’d be fine.

He promised.

Causing him to blatantly ignore Emily and hang up the phone, stuffing his phone in his back pocket and stumbling to the stairs. Ambling up with the gun heavy in his hands, finding the source from their master bedroom.

Wishing they’d never gotten up this morning - or that he’d intervened at the front door. She isn’t worth this case.

Through his hazy vision as he pushed the door open, he saw the UnSub holding Maeve up by the window. Facing the door and waiting for him. Fuck.. he makes the husband watch.

Coming upstairs might’ve just killed her.

“Hello Walter, pleasure to finally meet you. Don’t worry, I met your wife earlier.”

Digging the knife a little harder into Maeve’s side, finally making Spencer aware of the knife pressed into her side. He desperately tried to figure out where it would hit her if he stabbed her, but he couldn’t. He can’t think, Maeve is in danger. His wife.

“Give her--”

“Funny, even with a head injury, you come to save her, gun and all. But she didn’t even call out for you, you know. I dragged her off and she screamed for a Spencer. Bitch was more unfaithful than I realised.”

Panicking, Spencer took a step closer, wanting to bargain and plead and shoot this fucking bastard. For Maeve.

“No, no. That’s- That’s me, Walter is my middle name. Please don’t hurt her, I promised.”

Maeve hadn’t stopped looking at him, so desperately. She had screamed for him, he had promised to keep her safe, holding eye contact as the UnSub laughed. A horrible sound right now as he just wanted this all over.

“What good are promises and vows, when your wife talks to any man that comes to the door, like a common whore.”

“Don’t call her that.”

“I can call this traitorous bitch whatever I want, this is what’s best for your marriage.”

The knife dug in deeper, cutting through the pretty blue sweater she’d worn just to match with him today. All he could do was watch as blood started to seep through, not enough to be serious, but it was still too much for his heart.

Hazy brain trying to sort through what to say. The UnSub’s hatred probably began with his mother leaving his father, regardless of whether or not she cheated - and that pure hatred was cemented when his wifely likely cheated and left him. As if it rationalised his hatred because they’d proved he was right.

But he also knew this kind of man can’t be talked down - his hands were too fucking shaky, and his vision too blurry to try and do anything physical.

Maeve, Jesus, she’s smiling at him softly, even though she had a knife cutting shallowly into her gut and an arm locked around her throat. Her voice wasn’t as level as she had hoped for, but at least she wasn’t crying anymore as she spoke to Spencer.

“It’s alright sweetheart, just take the shot.”

The man doesn’t even seem fazed, as if knowing how unlikely it is that Spencer would get a decent shot off, if any at all. And his grip tightened on the gun, raising it just a little. The action did make him hold Maeve tighter, but there’s no point, he really can’t safely make a shot.

Fuck- he’s terrified that he’ll hit her.

“I- I can’t. Angel, I don’t want to hurt you.”

Sirens finally sounded from outside and the man clearly bristled, looking nervously between him and the window. Spencer was going to fucking throttle whoever just set off those sirens, knowing that it was only going to make the man panic. The police had never arrived so quickly before.

As he was looking for the right thing to say, the man gave Spencer one last look.

“We both know, you’re better off.”

Drawing back the knife and stabbing Maeve in the side, quickly managing to pull it out and get another one in before Spencer’s heavy reactions finally kicked in.

The pain had Maeve doubled over and Spencer fired now that the shot was clear, hitting the man clear in the heart and sending him over - dead before he even hit the floor. Impressive considering Spencer was aiming for his head. 

There had been a scream, and it wasn’t until he was cradling Maeve on the floor that he realised it was coming from him.

Making sure the knife hadn’t been jolted as he violently kicked the man’s body away to make enough room for him and Maeve were on the floor, grabbing for whatever clothes they’d discarded the night before. Desperately trying to stem the bleeding.

Maeve’s hands travelled up his arms, leaving smears he’s never going to be able to tear from his memory, eventually settling in his hair. Until she let out a sad whine, pulling her hand back, all bloody from the injury to his head.

“Spence, sweetheart, you’re bleeding.”

“You’re a little more important than me right now baby. Stay still for me okay, fuck, fuck-- not again, not again--”

Her words were all slurred, and she just continued frowning, not caring that all his focus was on trying to stop her bleeding. Whereas she was trying to get him to refocus, not understanding why she was so important to focus on right now.

“No you- you need to be checked out. You’re so clever Spencer, you need to- you need t’ protect your brain.”

As he was trying to focus on her, he could feel her hands lax from where they’d been smoothing through his hair. Eyes darting up to her face as she started to mumble her words, eyes slipping shut.

“Maeve?! Angel, baby, c’mon, stay with me, help is coming.”

“Oh~ you called me Maeve! It sounds so pretty. ‘M sorry love, I need- I need to rest my eyes, won’t sleep, promise.”

He moved his hands to her face, inadvertently smearing her blood across her cheeks, but he needed her to open her eyes. He can’t lose her - he fucking refuses to lose her.

This woman, carved so perfectly into his heart, isn’t allowed to leave him yet. There is so much more he wants to do with her- hell, he wants to tell the stupid fucking woman that he loves her and he’s an idiot for leaving it so long to tell her. That he’s sorry that she has to be in danger whenever he realises his feelings for her.

Tapping her face lightly while her eyes darted underneath her eyelids.

“Uh huh, it’s real pretty, just like your gorgeous eyes. Keep them open for me angel. Maeve, come on now.”

It had calmed down, the bleeding, the trousers that he’d grabbed from the floor were completely soaked but the blood wasn’t flowing as violently anymore and he could ease some of the panic in his heart.

The knowledge that Emily was outside, the house had already been breached, and there was an ambulance waiting for them was the only thing he was holding onto to avoid breaking down.

But he damn near sobbed when she peeled one eye open to look at him, a few tears dropping onto her face, but she didn’t seem to care.

“You’re lucky you’re cute Spence. But it’s too bright to keep my eyes open, please can you turn the lights of love, please.”

“The lights.. the light is off babygirl, keep that eye open for me anyway. Please Maeve, I can’t lose you.”

Scrunching her face up, ignoring the stab of pain that flickered through her as she gazed up at him. Forcing the other eye open even against the blaring light, trying not to hold it against him for not turning it off yet.

Reaching up, she cradled his face carefully within her hands, like he’s doing with her. So gently, as if she thought he’d break. As if he were the one here so close to dying.

When she smiled again, it took all his willpower to ignore the blood between her teeth.

“You won’t lose me sweet thing, I’m jus’ a little sleepy. Let me have a nap and then we can go back to being married, yeah?”

“No- No! Maeve, come on, eyes open.”

But it was no use, her hands slipped off his face and falling to her chest as her eyes fluttered shut. Smushing her face into his palm as the pain and light started to dim underneath her eyelids, her lips brushing his hand.

“You keep calling me Maeve, I love it so much. I uh.. can we talk about it later? I really like it, but I prefer- I prefer angel.”

Breathing finally evened as she passed out, going limp against his hand as he finally stopped trying not to cry. Pulling her up into his arms and sobbing into her hair, hearing the paramedics scaling the stairs out in the hallway.

Pressing small kisses to her hair over and over, as if he could ever start to make up for not being able to keep her safe. Voice breaking through his words.

“I’ll call you angel forever Maeve, I promise, but you have to wake up. Please- please don’t leave me.”

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