#high security number plates latest news

[credenceresearchdotblog]

The Military Tactical Vest Market is projected to grow from USD 3133 million in 2024 to an estimated USD 4881.57 million by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2024 to 2032.The global **military tactical vest market** has been witnessing steady growth over the past decade, driven by increased demand for modern military equipment and the rising focus on soldier protection and combat readiness. Tactical vests are an integral part of military personal protection systems, offering ballistic protection, load-carrying capacity, and enhanced mobility. These vests are widely used by military forces, law enforcement agencies, and special operation units. With advancements in technology, the design, materials, and capabilities of these vests have improved significantly, catering to the evolving needs of defense personnel worldwide.

Browse the full report https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/military-tactical-vest-market

Market Overview

The global military tactical vest market is expected to grow at a **CAGR of approximately 5%** from 2024 to 2030. The increasing number of geopolitical tensions, insurgencies, terrorism, and conflicts in various regions are major drivers of the demand for tactical vests. Countries are investing heavily in modernizing their defense capabilities, which includes upgrading the personal protection gear for soldiers. In addition, governments in both developed and developing countries are looking to equip their soldiers with the latest in tactical gear to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Key Drivers

1. Growing Defense Budgets: Countries around the world are increasing their defense budgets to address external threats and enhance national security. This rise in defense spending is directly boosting demand for advanced military equipment, including tactical vests, which are an essential part of a soldier's protective gear.

2. Technological Advancements: The development of lightweight yet durable materials, such as high-strength polyethylene and Kevlar, has revolutionized the tactical vest market. These materials offer improved ballistic protection while reducing the overall weight of the vests, enhancing the mobility of soldiers during combat operations.

3. Rise in Asymmetric Warfare: The increasing incidence of unconventional warfare, including terrorism, insurgencies, and guerilla warfare, has led to a higher demand for flexible and modular protection systems like tactical vests. These vests can be customized with various attachments and accessories, making them ideal for different combat scenarios.

4. Focus on Soldier Protection: Governments and military organizations are increasingly emphasizing the importance of soldier survivability and injury prevention. Tactical vests with enhanced ballistic protection, blast resistance, and trauma plates are now being developed to provide superior protection in the field.

Challenges

Despite the positive growth trajectory, the military tactical vest market faces several challenges:

1. High Costs: The development of advanced tactical vests with integrated communication systems, sensors, and ballistic protection can be expensive. This is particularly challenging for countries with limited defense budgets, where the cost of procurement might limit widespread adoption.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions: The global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the defense industry, including the tactical vest market. The shortage of raw materials, production delays, and transportation restrictions led to delays in the procurement and delivery of military gear.

3. Regulatory Hurdles: In some regions, strict regulatory requirements and testing standards can delay the introduction of new tactical vests in the market. Compliance with ballistic standards, quality certifications, and safety regulations can be time-consuming and costly.

Future Outlook

The future of the military tactical vest market looks promising, with significant advancements in materials science and wearable technology on the horizon. Integration of smart technologies such as communication devices, body sensors, and GPS systems into tactical vests is expected to be a key trend in the coming years. Additionally, the rising emphasis on modular systems that allow soldiers to customize their gear based on mission requirements will continue to drive innovation in the industry.

As global defense strategies evolve and the need for superior protection grows, the demand for next-generation tactical vests is expected to remain strong. Manufacturers will likely focus on developing more versatile, lightweight, and durable solutions to meet the complex demands of modern warfare, ensuring the military tactical vest market remains robust for the foreseeable future.

Key Player Analysis:

3M

Aegis Engineering Ltd. In the UK

AR500 Armor in the US

BAE Systems in the U.K.

Ballistic Body Armor Pty in South Africa

Craig International Ballistics Pty Ltd. In Australia

Ceradyne Inc. in the US

Hellweg International in Australia

Honeywell Internationals

Keijo Limited Company in the US

Pacific Safety Products in Canada

Point Blank Enterprises Inc. in the U.S.

Safariland LLC in U.S.

Segmentation:

By Type:

Soft Vest

Plate Carrier

Multi-Functional Vest

 By Application:

Military

Police

 By Protection Level:

Level II

Level IIA

Level III

Level IIIA

Level IV

By Region

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

France

UK

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South-east Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

GCC Countries

South Africa

Browse the full report https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/military-tactical-vest-market

Contact:

Credence Research

Please contact us at +91 6232 49 3207

Email: sales@credenceresearch.com

Website: www.credenceresearch.com

[spin4bvbx]

How to Renew Road Tax JPJ Online and Get No Plate Motor Terkini: A Guide for Malaysian Motorists

For Malaysian vehicle owners, renewing road tax and getting the latest number plates are essential responsibilities. With technological advancements, these tasks are now more convenient, allowing you to renew road tax JPJ online and explore no plate motor terkini options effortlessly. This article will guide you through these processes and also provide insights into the latest JPJ road tax price.

Renewing Road Tax JPJ Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gone are the days when you had to physically visit the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office or postal services to renew your road tax. Now, you can easily complete this process from the comfort of your home, thanks to the option to Renew Roadtax Jpj Online.

Here’s how you can do it:

Visit the MySikap Portal: The official MySikap JPJ portal allows you to handle several vehicle-related matters. Go to the MySikap website and log in or register if you are a first-time user.

Log in to Your Account: Once logged in, click on "Vehicle" and then "Renew Road Tax."

Enter Your Vehicle Details: You will need to provide relevant information such as your vehicle's registration number, insurance details, and other essential details.

Select Road Tax Duration: The road tax can be renewed for periods of 6 or 12 months, depending on your preference.

Make Payment: The system will show you the total fee, including the No Plate Latest Jpj based on your vehicle’s engine capacity. Payments can be made via online banking, credit, or debit cards.

Wait for Delivery: After successfully completing your renewal, the renewed road tax will be mailed to your registered address.

This streamlined method allows for a hassle-free experience compared to visiting JPJ offices.

No Plate Motor Terkini: Latest JPJ Number Plates

Another essential aspect of owning a vehicle in Malaysia is selecting your vehicle's registration number, also known as the no plate motor terkini. Whether you are buying a new vehicle or looking to upgrade your number plate, knowing the latest series is essential.

JPJ regularly updates the availability of number plate series, and many motorists keep a close eye on these updates to secure special or preferred numbers. You can now check the No Plat Motor Terkini directly online through various channels, including the official JPJ website and licensed third-party services.

Here’s how to check for the latest number plates:

Visit the JPJ Website: You can check the latest available series of number plates directly through the official JPJ site.

Monitor Tenders: JPJ also holds tenders for special number plates. These tenders can be for unique numbers such as repeating digits or significant combinations, which are highly sought after.

Use Third-Party Services: Several third-party websites provide real-time updates on the latest number plate series. These services often allow you to pre-book or purchase a number plate from their inventory.

By securing the latest no plate motor terkini, vehicle owners can ensure their vehicles reflect their personality or status.

JPJ Road Tax Price: Understanding the Cost

The cost of road tax in Malaysia is based on several factors, including the type of vehicle, engine capacity, and the region where the vehicle is registered (Peninsular Malaysia or East Malaysia).

For cars, the JPJ road tax price is primarily determined by the engine’s displacement (measured in cubic centimeters or cc). Here's a general breakdown:

Vehicles with Engines Below 1000cc: The road tax is the cheapest for smaller engine vehicles, making them the preferred choice for budget-conscious individuals.

Vehicles with Engines Between 1000cc to 1600cc: The cost starts to increase for vehicles in this category. These mid-range engines are common in sedans and SUVs.

Vehicles with Engines Above 1600cc: Larger engine vehicles, such as premium cars and high-performance vehicles, attract higher road tax fees.

For motorcycles, the road tax is significantly lower and typically varies based on engine size as well. It's important to renew your road tax on time to avoid penalties and potential legal issues.

Benefits of Renewing Road Tax JPJ Online

By opting to renew road tax JPJ online, you can save both time and effort. Some key benefits include:

Convenience: Complete the process from anywhere with internet access.

Reduced Waiting Time: Skip long queues at JPJ offices.

Payment Flexibility: Choose from various payment methods like credit cards or online banking.

Automated Reminders: Some online services provide reminders when your road tax is due, so you never forget.

[swldx]

BBC 0409 14 Oct 2024

12095Khz 0358 14 OCT 2024 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from TALATA VOLONONDRY. SINPO = 45334. English, dead carrier s/on @0358z then ID@0359z pips and newsday preview. @0401z World News anchored by Neil Nunes. § Four soldiers have been killed and more than 60 other people injured in a drone strike targeting an army base in northern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said. The IDF added seven soldiers had been severely injured in the attack on a base "adjacent to Binyamina" - a town around 20 miles (33km) to the south of Haifa. Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said targeted a training camp of the IDF's Golani Brigade in the area, which is based between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The armed group's media office said the strike was in response to Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and Beirut on Thursday. § The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon says Israeli tanks forced their way into one of its positions early on Sunday morning. UN secretary general António Guterres warned any attacks on peacekeepers "may constitute a war crime", adding that "Unifil personnel and its premises must never be targeted". "Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law," Mr Guterres said, according to a statement from his spokesman. The incident is the latest in a growing number of encounters between Unifil and Israeli forces. § China is holding military exercises around Taiwan, in what it calls a "stern warning" against those seeking "independence" for the self-ruled island. The drills are seen as a response to a speech by Taiwanese President William Lai last week, in which he vowed to resist "annexation" by Beijing. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense has condemned what it describes as "irrational and provocative behaviour" by China, adding it is ready to defend itself. Taiwan's transport ministry says air traffic and port operations remain "normal" despite the military drills off the coast. § A man in illegal possession of a shotgun and a loaded handgun was arrested at an intersection near Donald Trump's rally in Coachella, California, on Saturday, police said. The 49-year-old suspect, Vem Miller, was driving a black SUV when he was stopped at a security checkpoint by deputies, who located the two firearms and a "high-capacity magazine". Multiple passports with multiple names and multiple driving licences were found in the car, the sheriff said, adding that the licence plate was "home-made" and not registered. § A public inquiry is to begin later in Salisbury, to examine how a woman from Wiltshire was killed by a 2018 poisoning blamed on Russian agents. Dawn Sturgess, 44, died after coming into contact with Novichok - the same chemical weapon used to target a former Russian spy four months earlier. § Mexican authorities said on Sunday they had found the bodies of five decapitated men on a road in western Jalisco state, the latest grisly find in the violence-plagued country. The violence in Jalisco is blamed chiefly on the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal groups. § Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich completed Sunday's Chicago Marathon with a world record-breaking time of 2:09:56. She crossed the finish line in Grant Park nearly two full minutes faster than the previous record time, set by Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia last year in Berlin. § Robotics specialists developed a three-armed robot capable of conducting an orchestra. Named MAiRA Pro S, the robot conducted the Dresden Symphony Orchestra in two new works at the orchestra's 25th anniversary concert. @0406z "Newsday" begins. Backyard gutter antenna w/MFJ-1020C active antenna (used as a preamplifier/preselector), JRC NRD-535D, 250kW, beamAz 315°, bearing 63°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 15359KM from transmitter at Talata Volonondry. Local time: 2258.

[highresolutionevents]

HR Events Showcase | Record-Breaking Auction and Spectacular 3D Mapping,...

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We are humbled and honored to have played a pivotal role in the grand charity event dedicated to the noble cause of the 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign. Our team poured heart and soul into crafting an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

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The climax of the evening unfolded with an electrifying bid battle at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort in Jumeirah Dubai. Guests were immersed in a fierce competition, each vying to make a difference and secure the winning bid.

🏆 New Records Soar: P7 License Plate Hits Dh55 Million! 🏆

As the crescendo of the night reached its peak, a new record was etched in Dubai's history books. The exclusive car number plate, P7, became the talk of the town as it fetched a staggering Dh55 million in a jaw-dropping auction moment!

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, supporters, and bidders who made this night a resounding success. Together, we've not only witnessed a groundbreaking auction but also contributed to a noble cause that will resonate far beyond the glitz and glamour of the event.

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[newstfionline]

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Do you avoid the news? You’re in growing company. (Washington Post) The news was a lifelong habit for Claudia Caplan. But something changed during the pandemic. Maybe it was her. Maybe it was the news itself. “It was so upsetting,” says Caplan. “So frightening, so apocalyptic.” And so Caplan began to turn away. Not all at once, and not completely, but today she’s less eager to immerse herself in the world’s troubles. “I’ve always felt I had a responsibility to know everything,” she says. “I don’t feel that way anymore.” Haunted by a sense that the news is relentlessly toxic, once-loyal readers and viewers have been gradually ebbing away, posing a persistent threat to the news business. The troublesome trend is spelled out in research by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. For years, the Oxford-based think tank has been asking people around the world about their news-consumption habits. In its latest survey, 38 percent of U.S. respondents say they sometimes or often avoid news, including 41 percent of women and 34 percent of men. At the same time, the proportion of people who are “extremely” or “very interested” in the news continued to sink. In the United States, this group was in the minority (49 percent) for the first time in the survey’s short history, down from 67 percent in 2015.

Miami Is Shrinking (WSJ) Miami, a global hot spot with ambitions to be a business and financial hub, is driving away more residents than it is attracting. Surging housing costs and a fickle labor market are sending many locals packing. Miami-Dade County lost 79,535 people through net migration to other parts of Florida or other states between 2020 and 2022, according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Brookings Institution. The city risks following the same path as New York City and San Francisco, the country’s financial and tech centers, where the growth of high-paying white collar jobs raised the cost of living, sending many of those cities’ working and middle-class residents searching for a more affordable place to live.

Mexico’s ‘Monster’ Trucks Show Cartels Taking Drug War to Next Level (NYT) In the United States, some truck owners delight in modifying their rigs with oversized wheels, heavy-duty suspension kits and soot-spewing exhaust systems, turning them into the monster trucks that stalk organized events like demolition derbies and mud bogs. In Mexico, drug cartels are taking the monster truck concept to another level, retrofitting popular pickups with battering rams, four-inch-thick steel plates welded onto their chassis and turrets for firing machine guns. Some of Mexico’s most feared criminal groups, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, are using the vehicles in pitched gun battles with the police. Other organizations, like the Gulf Cartel and the Northeast Cartel, use the armored trucks to fight each other. Mexican security forces call these vehicles monstruos (monsters), but they are also known as rinocerontes (rhinos) and narcotanques (narco-tanks). Cartels emblazon the exteriors with their initials or the latest in camouflage patterns, at times making them hard to distinguish from official military vehicles. As more trucks roll onto the streets of Mexico’s violent towns and cities, the vehicles serve as a prism to view the evolution of the country’s blood-soaked drug wars—whether with dread over the cartels’ capacity to outmaneuver efforts by the authorities to impose order or a grim recognition of the vehicles’ postapocalyptic “Mad Max” vibe.

248,901 (Worldcrunch) According to Panama’s Deputy Director of Migration, an estimated 248,901 people have crossed the treacherous Darien Gap migration route since January—surpassing the record total set in 2022. This sliver of land between Colombia and Panama was once considered uncrossable due to the danger it posed, but this year has seen an unprecedented number of migrants risking the journey to reach the U.S., hoping to find a better life. Approximately 20% of them are thought to be children, half of them under five years old.

War comes to Russian business after drones strike Moscow’s financial centre (Reuters) Economic sanctions have been the biggest headache for Russia’s business elite since the start of the war in Ukraine, but two drone strikes in the heart of Moscow’s financial district are forcing companies to think about their employees’ safety. An explosion early on Sunday rocked the Moskva-Citi business district, a few miles west of the Kremlin and home to several skyscrapers, in what Russia’s defence ministry said was a thwarted Ukrainian drone attack, the second in a week. Nobody was hurt in either incident and there was only minor damage, but such attacks are uncomfortable for the authorities who have told the public that Russia is in full control of what they call its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Reuters spoke to several people, who asked not to be identified, in order to gauge the business community’s reaction to the incidents, with some expressing fear and concern, while others remained unfazed.

Danube Ports, a Lifeline for Ukraine, Come Under Russian Threat (NYT) When Russia blockaded Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea after its full-scale invasion last year, grain that could feed millions worldwide piled up in silos. Crude iron that supplied some thirty percent of American steel makers stopped arriving. Roughly half the world’s supply of the neon used in lasers to make chips was taken off the market. But while Russian ships menaced off the Ukrainian coast, the small ports in the Danube river on the Romanian border kept working, offering a small but vital lifeline. Their importance continued to grow even after an internationally brokered deal with Russia stabilized the shipping routes on the Black Sea for the limited movement of foodstuffs. Now, two weeks after the collapse of that deal, the small Danube ports are the only shipping outlet for millions of tons of grain once again trapped in Ukraine—and Russia has made clear they, too, are under threat. The river ports lie on the lower Danube, where it forms part Ukraine’s border with Romania before emptying into the Black Sea. The Danube originates in Germany’s Black Forest and flows southeast through Central and Eastern Europe. It is the largest river in the European Union, by length and volume, and its waterways connect Ukraine to the sea and eight other European nations. The Kremlin has warned that “all vessels sailing in the waters of the Black Sea to Ukrainian ports” will be “regarded as potential carriers of military cargo.”

Religious Riots in India (Reuters) On Monday, at least five people (including two police personnel) were killed in Hindu-Muslim clashes just 30 miles south of India’s capital of New Delhi. The violence was sparked by a Hindu religious procession passing through a Muslim area in the state of Haryana, though religious tensions quickly spread into a nearby city where a mosque was set ablaze, killing a cleric and injuring another person. In response to the religious clashes, local officials met with religious leaders while mobs roamed the streets, mainly targeting Muslim businesses. Local internet services were eventually cut off in an attempt to slow the spread of violence, and government security forces were sent to the area.

Beijing records 29 inches of rain from Saturday to Wednesday, its most in at least 140 years (AP) China’s capital has recorded its heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years over the past few days after being deluged with heavy rains from the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri. The city recorded 744.8 millimeters (29.3 inches) of rain between Saturday and Wednesday morning, the Beijing Meteorological Bureau said Wednesday. Beijing and the surrounding province of Hebei have been hit by severe flooding because of the record rainfall, with waters rising to dangerous levels. The rain destroyed roads and knocked out power and even pipes carrying drinking water. It flooded rivers surrounding the capital, leaving cars waterlogged, while lifting others onto bridges meant for pedestrians.

Australians fight for the right to work from home permanently (Reuters) Before COVID-19 sent one-third of the global workforce home, the Melbourne property surveyor that employs drone operator Nicholas Coomber called its 180-strong staff into the office every day at 9 a.m. to hand out assignments. Now that they work from home, the surveyors travel straight to the field as early as 7.30 a.m., enabling Coomber to pick up his children from daycare earlier than before the pandemic. As corporate leaders from JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon to Tesla and Twitter boss Elon Musk call for an end to pandemic-era remote work arrangements, unions in Australia are setting a precedent and fighting back, taking to court the country’s biggest bank and wrangling with the federal government to demand WFH, as it is known, to become the norm. “All the deep changes in the Australian labour market have come out of crises. When you have a jolt, you never return to the way the world was,” said John Buchanan, head of the University of Sydney’s Health and Work Research Network.

Iran shuts down for two days because of ‘unprecedented heat’ (Reuters) Iran has announced Wednesday and Thursday this week will be public holidays because of “unprecedented heat” and told the elderly and people with health conditions to stay indoors, Iranian state media reported. Many cities in southern Iran have already suffered from days of exceptional heat. State media reported temperatures had this week exceeded 123 degrees Fahrenheit (51 Celsius) in the southern city of Ahvaz. Government spokesman Ali Bahadori-Jahromi was quoted by state media as saying Wednesday and Thursday would be holidays, while the health ministry said hospitals would be on high alert.

Israel’s spy veterans take on their government over judiciary overhaul (Reuters) Every morning Amir sets up a protest stand to warn passersby that Israeli democracy is in danger from hotly contested legislation to curb the courts. But he’s a very unusual protester—a former Mossad spy who never before questioned the state for which he once risked his life on foreign missions. Amir, who declined to be fully named due to his sensitive previous secret roles, is among former veterans of Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence service, who are taking to the streets in protest at their government’s judiciary overhaul. Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nationalist-religious coalition passed the first phase of the legislation, limiting Supreme Court powers to void government decisions deemed “unreasonable”, despite months of protests by hundreds of thousands of Israelis. They have drawn the support of reservists in elite special forces units and fighter pilots who have threatened not to show up for duty, and the dissension has spread among former members of the Mossad. “I served different administrations faithfully for 20 years, even ones that did not reflect my political views. I accepted the outcome of the election last year but when they (the current government) changed the rules of the game, that was it. They have crossed a red line and have broken their contract. People like myself are no longer bound by our duty,” Amir said.

Foreign nationals evacuate Niger, as regional tensions rise (AP) Foreign nationals lined up outside an airport in Niger’s capital Wednesday morning waiting for a third evacuation flight, while a regional bloc continued talks about its response to the coup that took place last week. French forces in the capital, Niamey, evacuated hundreds of mostly French nationals to Paris on two flights Tuesday, following concerns that their citizens and other Europeans risked becoming trapped by last week’s military coup. France, Italy and Spain all announced evacuations for their citizens and other Europeans. The United States has yet to announce plans for an evacuation, however some have left the with the help of the Europeans.

Microwaving Plastic (Wired) According to a recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology, you really gotta stop microwaving your plastics—especially if you have young kids. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska, examined the effects of microwaving plastic food containers. It found that doing so can release millions of tiny bits of plastic called microplastics, as well as even smaller nanoplastics that are harder for human bodies to filter out of our systems. According to the study, plastic food containers put in the microwave for three minutes released up to 4.2 million microplastic particles and 1.2 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter of plastic into their contents. While human kidneys are generally able to filter out microplastics before they can spread into the bloodstream, nanoplastics are small enough to evade that filtration system. Once in our bodies, nanoplastics can disrupt hormones, and prolonged exposure to them can even kill kidney cells. “My goodness, especially if you have kids or if you’re pregnant, do not put plastic in the microwave,” said a former EPA regional administrator and advocate against plastic pollution.

[vilaspatelvlogs]

यूपी : गाड़ी में इस तारीख तक नहीं लगी HSRP तो लगेगा 5000 का जुर्माना, ऐसे करें आवेदन

यूपी : गाड़ी में इस तारीख तक नहीं लगी HSRP तो लगेगा 5000 का जुर्माना, ऐसे करें आवेदन

पढ़ें अमर उजाला ई-पेपर कहीं भी, कभी भी। *Yearly subscription for just ₹299 Limited Period Offer. HURRY UP! ख़बर सुनें ख़बर सुनें वाहनों पर हाई सिक्योरिटी रजिस्ट्रेशन प्लेट (HSRP) (एचएसआरपी) लगवाना अनिवार्य कर दिया गया है। नंबर प्लेट लगवाने में लोगों को हो रही परेशानी को देखते हुए उत्तर प्रदेश (यूपी) शासन ने आवश्यक दिशा-निर्देश तय करने के लिए इसमें कुछ दिनों की छूट दी थी। लेकिन अब यूपी सरकार ने…

[reliciron]

Was looking up stuff about the Agent’s ship and found backgrounds for each ship on the swtor wiki here. Thought they were cool so I’m gonna share them:

X-70B Phantom

The starships of the Imperial Navy are the product of centuries of military research and development. The Empire designed its fleet to destroy the Republic as quickly and efficiently as possible. During the years of the Great War, however, the Empire refined its design strategies. Co-opting newly discovered technologies and revising blueprints according to lessons learned, Imperial engineers built a new generation of starships.

First among these, Imperial Intelligence commissioned the X70B-Phantom—the most low-profile, high-tech starship the galaxy has ever known. From its radar-resistant sleek exterior paneling to the next-generation navigation systems, the Phantom is so far ahead of its time that mass production would never be possible. More likely, the experimental prototypes built so far will be designated for critical Intelligence missions, and entrusted only to the most professional and responsible Imperial Agents.

Corellian XS Stock Light Freighter

The classic Freighter has advanced by leaps and bounds since the Dynamic class Freighters from the days of the Jedi Civil War. The freighter is larger and more versatile than its predecessors, and the XS Stock Light model also features a variety of significant upgrades that make it one of the fastest and most nimble ships in the galaxy. In addition to an enlarged cargo hold, the XS also has secret compartments throughout the ship for transporting contraband and anything else the captain would prefer to keep hidden. If the captain prefers to simply avoid being boarded, the XS has proven itself to be fully capable. In addition to the standard laser and torpedo batteries, the starship is designed with upper and lower turrets that can be controlled manually or remotely from the cockpit. Captains of these freighters typically live on board, so the XS Stock Light has all the creature comforts anyone could ask for, from a recreational lounge to extra sleeping quarters. It’s no wonder that it inspires such loyalty in its owners.

Kuat Drive Yards (KDY) D5-Mantis Patrol Craft

A rare, best-in-class vessel, the D5-Mantis is an alpha predator in the cold depths of space. Designed to meet the hefty demands of a much larger interdiction vessel, the Mantis has a compact frame and above all-- is built to fight. By employing three retractable weapon foils with independent power supplies, the Mantis is capable of safely utilizing armament intended for larger class vessels, as well as reducing its profile significantly in order to be packed tightly into carrier ships with a surprising number of other Mantis crafts. To mitigate what would otherwise be an extremely cramped interior, the engineers of the D5-Mantis make efficient use of vertical space and minimized bulkheads to provide more open areas and ensure ease of access for maintenance. Due to the prohibitive cost of building a completely independent, long-range picket ship, the Mantis has never seen large-scale production. Spotting one in use is a very rare sight, and a mark of exceptional means.

Rendili Hyperworks BT-7 Thunderclap

The BT-7 Thunderclap is the Republic's largest and most elite rapid assault ship—streamlined for fast deployment in combat situations. Upgrades requested by Republic Special Forces ensure reliable performance and durability: state-of-the-art armor plating and heavy laser cannons provide exceptional combat capability, modular shield systems protect the Thunderclap from enemy fire, and the ship's design deflects blaster fire away from crucial components in the event of shield failure. Despite its efficient military design, the Thunderclap is outfitted with all manner of interior improvements. The main deck contains a high-tech command center and briefing room, a secure armory, and a fully-outfitted medical bay. Personal bunk space is above average, and recreational facilities are available for increased quality of life for the squad during extended missions.

Fury-Class Imperial Interceptor

Featuring an advanced hyperdrive and state-of-the-art sub-light engines, the Fury is the most versatile starship in the Imperial fleet. Though initially designed for high-priority military missions, the Fury has become a favorite among Sith Lords and the latest models have been engineered accordingly. The Fury's angular design combines the maneuverability of smaller Imperial fighters like the Interceptor with impressive armament that rivals some of the Empire's larger military vessels. The Fury also features a newly designed set of 'strike foils' that remain down for travel but can be expanded in short range combat to maximize the ship's agility and range of firepower. On the interior, adjustments have been made to match to the luxury and aesthetics demanded by the Sith. No expenses have been spared.

Corellian Defender-Class Light Corvette

Developed at the height of the Great War, the Defender was custom-built for the Jedi Order. The Jedi Council commissioned the starship after determining that Republic military vessels were not well-suited to the Jedi's more specialized missions. The Defender's exterior design is based on the consumer model corvette, but it has been outfitted with countless customized upgrades. The starship includes two levels. The formal upper level features diplomatic meeting rooms and an elegant conference room at the ship's center. The conference room contains a unique Holocom system for secure communications with the Jedi Council. The Defender's lower level includes a cargo hold, a medical bay, and a small private space in which the Jedi can retreat for meditation. Despite the Jedi Order's commitment to peace, the ship is battle-ready. If circumstances warrant, the Defender is engineered with high-powered shields and twin turbo lasers to engage the enemy.

[drnikolatesla]

Nikola Tesla On X-Rays, Electrons, Radiation and Cosmic Rays

History tells us that J. J. Thomson discovered the electron, Marie Curie radiation, Albert Einstein the photoelectric effect, and Victory Hess the cosmic ray, but below is proof Nikola Tesla was the first to discover the electron (a year before Thomson), radioactivity (2 years before Curie), the photoelectric effect (9 years before Einstein) and Cosmic Rays (16 years before Hess). All went on to win Nobel Prizes.

“TESLA’S LATEST ROENTGEN RAY INVESTIGATIONS.” The Electrical Review, April 22nd, 1896.

“Further investigations concerning the behavior of the various metals in regard to reflection of these radiations have given additional support to the opinion which I have before expressed; namely, that Volta’s electric contact series in air is identical with that which is obtained when arranging the metals according to their powers of reflection, the most electro-positive metal being the best reflector. Confining myself to the metals easily experimented upon, this series is magnesium, lead, tin, iron, copper, silver, gold and platinum. The lastnamed metal should be found to be the poorest, and sodium one of the best, reflectors. This relation is rendered still more interesting and suggestive when we consider that this series is approximately the same which is obtained when arranging the metals according to their energies of combination with oxygen, as calculated from their chemical equivalents.

"Should the above relation be confirmed by other physicists, we shall be justified to draw the following conclusions: First, the highly exhausted bulb emits material streams which, impinging on a metallic surface, are reflected; second, these streams are formed of matter in some primary or elementary condition; third, these material streams are probably the same agent which is the cause of the electro-motive tension between metals in close proximity or actual contact, and they may possibly, to some extent, determine the energy of combination of the metals with oxygen; fourth, every metal or conductor is more or less a source of such streams; fifth, these streams or radiations must be produced by some radiations which exist in the medium; and sixth, streams resembling the cathodic must be emitted by the sun and probably also by other sources of radiant energy, such as an arc light or Bunsen burner.

"The first of these conclusions, assuming the above-cited fact to be correct, is evident and uncontrovertible. No theory of vibration of any kind would account for this singular relation between the powers of reflection and electric properties of the metals. Streams of projected matter coming in actual contact with the reflecting metal surface afford the only plausible explanation.

"The second conclusion is likewise obvious, since no difference whatever is observed by employing various qualities of glass for the bulb, electrodes of different metals and any kind of residual gases. Evidently, whatever the matter constituting the streams may be, it must undergo a change in the process of expulsion, or, generally speaking, projection — since the views in this regard still differ — in such a way as to lose entirely the characteristics which it possessed when forming the electrode, or wall of the bulb, or the gaseous contents of the latter.

"The existence of the above relation between the reflecting and contact series forces us likewise to the third conclusion, because a mere coincidence of that kind is, to say the least, extremely improbable. Besides, the fact may be cited that there is always a difference of potential set up between two metal plates at some distance and in the path of the rays issuing from an exhausted bulb.

"Now, since there exists an electric pressure of difference of potential between two metals in close proximity or contact, we must, when considering all the foregoing, come to the fourth conclusion, namely, that the metals emit similar streams, and I therefore anticipate that, if a sensitive film be placed between two plates, say, of magnesium and copper, a true Roentgen shadow picture would be obtained after a very long exposure in the dark. Or, in general, such picture could be secured whenever the plate is placed near a metallic or conducting body, leaving for the present the insulators out of consideration. Sodium, one of the first of the electric contact series, but not yet experimented upon, should give out more of such streams than even magnesium.

"Obviously, such streams could not be forever emitted, unless there is a continuous supply of radiation from the medium in some other form; or possibly the streams which the bodies themselves emit are merely reflected streams coming from other sources. But since all investigation has strengthened the opinion advanced by Roentgen that for the production of these radiations some impact is required, the former of the two possibilities is the more probable one, and we must assume that the radiations existing in the medium and giving rise to those here considered partake something of the nature of cathodic streams.

"But if such streams exist all around us in the ambient medium, the question arises, whence do they come? The only answer is: From the sun. I infer, therefore, that the sun and other sources of radiant energy must, in a less degree, emit radiations or streams of matter similar to those thrown off by an electrode in a highly exhausted inclosure. This seems to be, at this moment, still a point of controversy. According to my present convictions a Roentgen shadow picture should, with very long exposures, be obtained from all sources of radiant energy, provided the radiations are permitted first to impinge upon a metal or other body.”

“The preceding considerations tend to show that the lumps of matter composing a cathodic stream in the bulb are broken up into incomparably smaller particles by impact against the wall of the latter, and, owing to this, are enabled to pass into the air. All evidence which I have so far obtained points rather to this than to the throwing off of particles of the wall itself under the violent impact of the cathodic stream. According to my convictions, then, the difference between Lenard and Roentgen rays, if there be any, lies solely in this, that the particles composing the latter are incomparably smaller and possess a higher velocity. To these two qualifications I chiefly attribute the non-deflectibility by a magnet which I believe will be disproved in the end. Both kinds of rays, however, affect the sensitive plate and fluorescent screen, only the rays discovered by Roentgen are much more effective. We know now that these rays are produced under certain exceptional conditions in a bulb, the vacuum being extremely high, and that the range of greatest activity is rather small.

"I have endeavored to find whether the reflected rays possess certain distinctive features, and I have taken pictures of various objects with this purpose in view, but no marked difference was noted in any case. I therefore conclude that the matter composing the Roentgen rays does not suffer further degradation by impact against bodies. One of the most important tasks for the experimenter remains still to determine what becomes of the energy of these rays. In a number of experiments with rays reflected from and transmitted through a conducting of insulating plate, I found that only a small part of the rays could be accounted for. For instance, through a zinc plate, one-sixteenth of an inch thick, under an incident angle of 45 degrees, about two and one-half per cent were reflected and about three per cent transmitted through the plate, hence over 94 per cent of the total radiation remain to be accounted for. All the tests which I have been able to make have confirmed Roentgen’s statement that these rays are incapable of raising the temperature of a body. To trace this lost energy and account for it in a plausible way will be equivalent to making a new discovery.

"Since it is now demonstrated that all bodies reflect more or less, the diffusion through the air is easily accounted for. Observing the tendency to scatter through the air, I have been led to increase the efficiency of reflectors by providing not one, but separated successive layers for reflection, by making the reflector of thin sheets of metal, mica or other substances. The efficiency of mica as a reflector I attribute chiefly to the fact that it is composed of many superimposed layers which reflect individually. These many successive reflections are, in my opinion, also the cause of the scattering through the air.

"In my communication to you of April 1, I have for the first time stated that these rays are composed of matter in a “primary” or elementary condition or state. I have chosen this mode of expression in order to avoid the use of the word “ether,” which is usually understood in the sense of the Maxwellian interpretation, which would not be in accord with my present convictions in regard to the nature of the radiations.”

—Nikola Tesla

[yuusa]

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝟏𝟒

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟑𝟔𝟒𝟒

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟏𝟒:

You knocked on their front door, a basket of food in your hands that you prepped earlier in the day. You hope it wasn’t rude to ask them to use their kitchen, you thought it would be much better to cook them fresh dinner rather than something you stored in the fridge from the morning.

It had been a couple of days since your encounter with Akito and you have been trying to contact Yuki more often. At first, you didn’t know what you were supposed to do in order to “maintain” your friendship, as your relationship with Yuki always seemed to be left in the air, waiting to be taken. 

It was small gestures of acknowledgment you tried to hint at towards him. For example, you told him that Tohru wanted to invite him to a game of badminton after school. While you were unable to attend due to your shift, you encouraged him to play with them, if not for his sake but for yours. You were a bit glad to hear that he came back to you later in the day and texted you about his experience, saying that he felt much lighter than he did earlier. 

You may have replied a bit late due to your shift, but you noticed yourself smiling a bit more often as you began to think about the gray-haired male. Shimada commented on your positive attitude and thought that you might have broken out of your nest to explore the world, while Aikyo said you were choosing a lot more zodiac related stationery. This feeling of caring and thinking about others was flooding your mind like a cup under the faucet, constantly overfilling.

You heard a couple of voices behind the door and some shuffling before the door slid open. Shigure greeted you casually while inviting you in.

“Oh! What brings you here (Y/n)-kun?” He asked.

You lifted up the basket full of food, “dinner. I wanted to thank you for the other time when you invited me for dinner.” 

“That’s amazing! Perfect timing as well, Tohru-kun and Yuki’s brother went out to eat and we didn’t have anything.” You took off your shoes before making your way to the table, seeing Kyo and Yuki sitting there watching T.V. 

“(L/n)-san?” Yuki questioned, “what are you doing here at this time?” 

“I thought it would be nice to cook everyone dinner, as a way to repay you for your previous invitation.” You bowed in front of them politely, “I hope it’s not too much to ask to use your kitchen.”

Shigure waved his hand, “that would be fine! You sure did come at a perfect time!” 

“I see, I had no idea Sohma-san had a brother.” You commented, turning around to the kitchen and opening your basket to reveal several containers. There were several filets of salmon that you recently purchased from the store that was marinated after you came back from your shift. They were a nice color already from the amount of time they slept in the marinade, if you had soaked the salmon in the miso for too long, it would become extremely salty.

“What are you making?” Kyo peered over your shoulder as you unlocked the lid. You took out the apron you brought with you and tied it around your back, securing it with a knot. 

“Miso salmon, I heard in class you were not fond of miso, so I made a separate filet,” You replied, “it’s a bit simple.” 

“That’s fine, I’ve always been interested in your cooking ever since the other girls said you were great at it,” The orange-haired classmate grinned before making his way back to the table, “you better not put chives in it!” 

“Could you be any pickier?” Yuki rolled his eyes while Kyo stood up defensively, trying to explain that chives were probably the devil’s creation. 

“It would be nice to have (Y/n)-kun cook for us as well! Two beautiful girls!” Shigure swooned, “a dream come true!” 

“I hope you don’t get arrested,” Yuki groaned. 

“Are you jealous of (Y/n)-kun cooking skills Yuki-kun? You are quite clumsy with your hands and last time when you tried to coo—” 

“Could we not talk about that?” He snapped back, “I’m starting to get better.” 

“That’s good Sohma-san.” You commented, “practice always helps with improving yourself. I wasn’t very good at cooking at the start either.” You roughly chopped up the vegetables while multitasking, engaging yourself in the conversation. 

“It’s good news to hear that you’re still trying.” You smiled, causing Yuki to turn his head away as his cheeks began to flush. 

Yuki vividly remembers the day the two of you shared a quiet moment on the rooftop, his cheeks beginning to burn a hotter temperature at the thought. He wonders if you still have the drawing the two of you made together.

Shigure hummed, “you’ve been much closer to Yuki-kun lately, did you two do something together?” 

You casually shrugged, pushing the vegetables onto their own separate bowl as a side dish. “Not really.” 

There was a brief pause of silence before hearing someone’s stomach growl. Kyo groaned in response while flipping himself over onto the floor. 

“Don’t worry, it’ll be done soon.” You replied, specifically to his growling stomach. “Where did Tohru-kun go with Sohma-san’s brother?” 

Yuki sighed in annoyance, the feeling of exhaustion directed towards his older brother, “he decided to take Honda-san out to eat at the nearby restaurant.” 

“I see. . .” You didn’t know exactly how to respond, you were an only child after all and you didn’t have anyone to talk to in your younger days. Although you went to the same middle school as Yuki, you both hadn’t crossed paths until you became part of the committee for the first year of high school. 

“How would you describe your brother, Sohma-san?” You flipped over the salmon that was beginning to crisp up slightly in the pan. It was starting to smell really good. 

“He’s annoying, perverted, and most of all strange.” Yuki responded, feeling his blood almost begin to boil at the thought, “makes me wonder how we are even related.” 

“He sounds quite interesting,” you moved the cooking the non-miso salmon for Kyo. 

“No, he is quite the opposite.” Yuki retorted, flipping through the pages of his book.

You carefully plated each of the dishes onto the plates before making your way over to the table. You remember making this recipe in class and just happened to remember it earlier in the day. The smell of salmon and miso filled the room while there was a neatly scooped ball of rice in a small bowl.

“Dinner is ready.” You announced, tucking in your legs underneath you as you sat down with them.

“Oh! Smells good!” Shigure clapped his hands, already holding onto the chopsticks in between his fingers as he smiled. “Do you normally cook like this at home?”

You scratched your cheek awkwardly, “not very often. I take home leftovers from work.”

You were surprised on the inside. You never knew how inviting the Sohma family was until you decided to open the doors. You’ve wallowed up in your own concerns to realize the number of people who also needed help. You gripped the edge of your skirt as the rest of them prayed.

You really didn’t want to think about your own problems, not when you are doing so well at trying to be with others.

“Thank you for the meal.” Everyone said, their chopsticks digging into the meal as they ate.

Yuki eyed you from the other side of the table. Your noticeable change in behavior was quite obvious to him. He wondered if the meeting with Akito changed your perception of things, or if it was the day you heard him cry.

Even at school, you made an effort to address your fans. You would write in your journal less and focus heavily on talking with other people. He felt as if you were forcing yourself to talk to others despite the change in tone. Even though there was that lingering feeling, he can’t deny the fact that you almost look content with what you were doing.

You were simply distracting yourself from your own problems by helping others.

You knew you may not be the best at wording the things you say, and you aren’t the best at being someone’s friend, but you were trying. You felt as if actions spoke more than words could, and that by being able to communicate with people you might even find your own happiness in theirs. It could be wishful thinking, trying to comfort others when you couldn’t even take care of your own self, but the way Yuki’s eyes stared back at you like a reflection in the mirror, you couldn’t bear to see someone like that.

No one else should suffer from your eyes.

You brushed back a few strands of your hair as you quietly ate your food, listening to Shigure talk about his latest book and editor. You wondered if the chance of pace made you easier to talk to. Aikyo told you a couple of days ago that you looked much brighter than you did when she first saw you.

“I’m home!” Tohru’s voice echoed in the halls before turning to see everyone seated at the table, nearly finished with the food. “Oh! (Y/n)-kun, you came over today!”

“Yes. I thought you would be here as well, but I was told you went out to eat. There is an extra salmon filet in the fridge for you to eat later if you ever feel hungry.” You responded, wiping at your lips with a napkin as you placed your chopsticks on top of your bowl.

It didn’t seem like Yuki’s brother came home with her, there didn’t look like there was anyone other than Tohru who came back. You narrowed your eyes at the sight of her holding a stack of clothes and shoes in her hand.

“Tohru-kun, why do you have someone else’s clothes?” You asked.

Tohru began to stutter as the rest of the group went cold, “a-ah! I-I went to the store to buy some!”

You nodded, not really understanding the reason behind her nervousness but decided to overlook it. You noticed that there seemed to be a wiggling creature underneath her actual clothes, the unknown figure slithering close to her neck. You quickly stood up and walked towards Tohru who began to sweat profusely.

“Y-Yes? W-What’s wrong (Y/n)-kun?” Tohru nervously stuttered.

You reached out to her neck and pulled out an albino snake. She squealed in surprise, almost as if she had been caught red-handed. The snake slithered around your arm but you slowly maneuvered it to stay near your hand.

“I’m surprised you didn’t notice this snake Tohru-kun.” You carefully opened up the snake’s mouth to examine its fangs, “it doesn’t seem to be venomous. It might just be a harmless snake, but you should be careful next time when you’re walking home.”

Yuki and Kyo sweatdropped, trying not to say anything that could alarm your suspicions of this mysterious snake. They both knew exactly who it was, but they were lucky the contact with you and him was enough to not transform back. The two of them never knew that you were so calm in the face of a possibly dangerous animal, then again, the only time Yuki has ever seen you look a bit flustered was the time he asked for your phone number. 

“An albino snake. . . I haven’t seen one in person before.” You gently guided the snake and stroked at its cheek with your finger, the animal curling up on your arm as to embrace your warm skin. It nuzzled against your finger while its body continued to wiggle around you. It seemed content on staying with you. 

“O-Oh. . . Do you like snakes (Y/n)-kun?” Shigure cleared his throat.

“Hm. . .” You hummed, “I think they’re interesting.”

Unbeknownst to the group, the white snake was stuck in a predicament. While your body was extremely warm and soft, almost like cuddling a pillow, your eyes looked predatory. He was struggling with the two inner sides of his head, one that wanted to stay in a warm environment or run away from you. This was a very dangerous situation as some eagles were known to consume snakes.

You felt Yuki pull the snake away from you and handed it over to Kyo who stood by Tohru’s side. “(L/n)-san, why don’t I guide you to the bathroom, the snake might be a bit dirty.”

“Sure.” You absentmindedly let Yuki drag you towards the bathroom for girls while Kyo and Shigure dealt with the snake.

He carefully pushed you in and instructed you to wash with soap before closing the bathroom door. Yuki waited outside to stand guard for you. His headache would surely grow if his older brother found out that he was friends with another girl other than Tohru, he might say something embarrassing to you.

He heard the faint sound of the familiar explosion as his flamboyant brother called out to him from the other room.

“Sohma-san, what was that noise?” You asked, feeling slightly concerned as it sounded similar to the one from the school festival, “was that an explosion?”

“No! Don’t worry about it, the neighbors must be lighting fireworks.” He replied, trying not to stutter. You raised your eyebrows but didn’t comment on it any further.

You awkwardly rubbed at your skin with soap while checking your appearance in the mirror. It seems as if the dark spots under your eyes have worsened, but it wasn’t enough to warrant a response or comment from others. You might be able to fix it with light makeup. You washed your face before knocking on the door to alert Yuki you had finished.

“Sohma-san, did your brother come home?”

Yuki opened the door to reveal your washed-up form, your skin slightly glowing underneath the light.

“It appears so.” He sighed before taking you back to the table where his white-haired brother sat.

He had long, flowy white hair that reached to his back. His eyes were much different from Yuki’s, it was a bit familiar to the snake you just touched earlier. He certainly did look like an older version of Yuki.

You politely bowed down in front of him, “it’s nice to meet you, I’m (L/n) (Y/n), Sohma-san’s classmate from school.”

He appears to be quite interested in your appearance as he placed his hand under in chin in a thinking position. He always thought Tohru looked pretty but you seemed to be more of a model. You had nice (s/c) skin that was warm to the touch and soft. Your (h/c) hair framed your face nicely as you peered up to him with your sharp gaze, possibly one that could freeze the room. 

“So you’re my precious little brother’s friend! Nice to meet you, I am Sohma Ayame!” He flamboyantly announced, swinging his arms above his head to emphasize his words, “do you mind coming over to my store?!” 

“Huh?” He grabbed onto your hand while tilting your chin up, your eyes meeting up with his golden orbs. 

“You and Yuki can come over together!” He eagerly asked, his eyes sparkled brightly as he smiled in anticipation of your response. Yuki could feel his annoyance boil at an extreme temperature, almost like a kettle was about to burst. 

“Um. . .” You didn’t know what you were supposed to say. This was your first time meeting someone as energetic as Ayame and you didn’t know exactly how to handle this sort of attention. “Sure. . . ?” 

“Splendid!” He twirled you around, “I will write down the address so you can visit it over the weekend! Be sure to bring my wonderful and amazing younger brother!” 

“H-Hey!” Yuki pulled you away from Ayame, “you’re pressuring her into this. Besides, aren’t you already busy this weekend?” 

Ayame gasped in horror, “you’re right! But I will always make time for you Yuki! Nothing could come between our love. . .” 

“Could you try not to get arrested?!” 

You awkwardly stood in the middle of them, your mind completely blank at the scene unfolding in front of you. Yuki and Ayame bickered back and forth, one trying to convince the other to leave and one desperately trying to rekindle the brotherly love lost in the snow. 

They sure are lively, you thought. Despite how dysfunctional their family was, or how many times they argued and disagreed, they always seem to come together in the end. 

You found it quite strange yet familiar. 

“Honey, it’ll be okay.” Your father comforted your mother as she wept in the other room. 

“Of course it’s not okay?! Have you seen her?!” She screamed, curling up into a ball as your father pulled her into his arms. She rejected his advancements by shoving him back, knocking over some of the ceramics which decorated the halls. “She-Our daughter, she’s gone! Replaced by someone I don’t even know!” 

“How can you stand to look at her?! (F/n)?!” Before she could pull her hand back, he quickly grabbed onto her and steadied themselves. “Let me go!” 

“She’s the devil I tell you! She’s cursed!” She screamed. 

“Calm down (M/n)!” He shouted back, “breathe for me honey, it’ll be fine, you’ll be fine.” 

Your mother stifled her cries as she felt her arms and legs become weak, her fragile body dropping to the floor. The tears in her eyes dropped to the wooden floor like the rain from darkened clouds. Your father knelt down by her side, wiping away at the tears which pooled in her eyes as she sobbed pitifully. 

“It’s okay. We can get through this together.” He whispered, bringing the two of them into another attempt at an embrace. 

You yearned for someone to tell you the same words as well.  

You unconsciously blinked away the small tears in the corner of your eye, but still wiped at your face with the back of your hand. Your lips formed a frown as you quickly gathered up the dishes quietly, the two brothers still bickering in the background as you made your way to the sink. Tohru watched as you slowly washed each of the dishes, still not making any sort of comment to the situation. 

She looks lonely. . . Tohru didn’t quite understand what was going on in your life. She noticed your more cheery side during the week but couldn’t help but feel as if you were still unhappy. You seemed so exhausted every time she sees you outside of school, the dark circles under your eyes never went unnoticed by her. 

Could it be that you were trying to make yourself look happy? She wondered. She noticed that you rarely ever talk about yourself, always contributing to the conversation with a surface idea but never elaborating any further. It was almost as if she didn’t know you at all. She didn’t know what was your favorite color, or what your favorite animal was, all the basic information a friend would know, but she doesn’t have that. She only knows little bits of what you said, you work at a cafe, you live in a singular apartment, and you are an only child. 

Did you have a rough life with your own parents as well? Tohru always wondered why your parents never came to school meetings, why they never came to school events, they never showed up in your life at all. When it came to field trip permissions, you were always the last to turn in your slip despite being one of the top students in the school. When the Home Economics teacher asked the class to make your parents favorite dish, you stood there with nothing, it was almost as if you didn’t even know what your parents liked. It was the first project you ever failed in Home Economics. She remembers this event clearly as the teacher scolded you after class, concern written over her eyes as she tried to confront you about your own family life. 

Tohru knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but she couldn’t help but hear that you say that you don’t know anything about your parents. 

You stared at the dishes with gloomy eyes, wiping at the surface with soap and sponge, watching as the bubbles formed and disappeared into the black hole of the sink. The sounds of another person’s footsteps came to your side as you turned to them. Tohru smiled at you before grabbing another dirty plate and beginning to wash it with the other sponge. 

“(Y/n)-kun. . . Is there something on your mind. . .?” She asked, your eyes widening for a split second before reverting itself to its original doleful look. 

“. . . No, I’m fine Tohru-kun.” You gave her a smile, the sides of your cheek beginning to hurt. “You don’t have to worry about me.” 

You scrubbed at the stain on the plate, Tohru still watching as your smile drooped down slightly, the pain still evident on your face yet you were trying to cling onto the fact that you were fine. You placed the dish onto the clean rack and reached out to the last one, only for it to be swiped away from you by Tohru. 

“If something is bothering you, you could always tell me (Y/n)-kun.” She washed the plate with a genuine smile, “I’m here to listen.” 

You froze in place, your surroundings being drowned out by the sound of your static heartbeat.

[echo-hiraeth]

His First Time Away from Home - Marcus Moreno x F!Reader

Summary: Y/n and Marcus have been dating for a couple of months now and she’s become like a second mother to Missy. When Marcus is going away for a week on business, the moments leading up to it are spent fussing over his two favourite girls.

Warnings: Absolutely none, enjoy some well-deserved fluff and protective Marcus

Masterlist 

“But I can totally cancel it if you don’t feel ready”, he repeated, holding your face in his hands.

You smiled up at him, resting your palms on top of his. “Like I said before, we’ll be fine. I love Missy and we could use some one-on-one time. Grumpy fathers ruin her, what did she call it again, oh yeah- vibes.”

He pressed a slow and tender kiss to your lips. “I’m not sure I even want to leave.”

“Ay, there’s the rub”, you taunt, Marcus pressing another peck your mouth as he tries to stifle a laugh. “She won’t even know you’re gone, I’ll make up for the lost dad jokes.”

“You’ll call me?”, he asks, forehead pressed against yours.

“So much it’ll drive you insane”, you reply, slowly wiggling out of his embrace. “Get back to packing Moreno.”

You winked at him as you left the room, making your way back into the kitchen. As you checked up on the food in the over Missy entered the room. “He’s totally freaking out, isn’t he?”

“Oh yes. If you wanted to ask him about that new phone, now’s the time”, you tell her, high-fiving her in passing by.

Missy and you got along great. From the very first time the two of you had met there was a click. She felt comfortable confiding in you about all the things her father never quite understood. So you’d spend most of your time talking about the boys at her school, giving her life advice as you painted her nails. Missy in turn kept you updated with the latest trends, advising you what to do with your hair, make-up and whatnot. Marcus had more than once come home to the two of you passed out on the couch, some cheesy chick flick playing on the tv. You’d been the missing puzzle piece of the household, everything tying together when you moved in. The laundry was always done, fresh dinner was served almost daily and the house had started feeling like a home again. This made it so much harder for Marcus to leave.

While you pulled the tray out of the oven Missy was in deep conversation with her father, explaining to him that she absolutely needed the newest phone, making up some excuse about how her old one wasn’t working properly. As you’d predicted he’d approved, beckoning her to get his computer to place the order. You quietly laughed to yourself, plating the food.

“Are you absolutely sure you don’t need me to stay?”, he asked again, fidgeting with his wallet.

“Yes Love, I’m confident in my ability to look after a twelve-year-old and myself for a week. You go and enjoy some alone time”, you assured him, finishing up the table. “Now sit down, you’re making me nervous.”

He sat down, taking your hand in his. “I’m sorry I’m being so fussy, I just want to make sure you’ll be alright.”

You quickly pecked him on the lips when Missy came back. “I know Marcus, we’ll be fine.”

“Could you stop being so gross?”, Missy groaned, handing the laptop to her dad. The two of you laughed, quickly letting go of one another.

 The drive to the airport was hectic to say the least. Marcus was frantically informing Missy on just about anything he could think of, phone numbers, security codes, rules, how to work the oven… He was a nervous wreck.

“You’re leaving me with her, she won’t starve anytime soon”, you’d chimed in while parking the car.

“Yeah I know, she just needs to know in case of-“

“Dad, you’re gonna be late like this”, Missy interrupted, handing him his backpack.

The goodbye was sad but sweet, a bone-crushing hug for Missy and a passionate kiss for you. You’d practically dragged him to his gate, egging him on to just get on the plane already. After giving the both of you yet another hug he finally left.

“What now?”, Missy questioned with your arm around her shoulder.

“Oh, now the real fun begins.”

 You’d spent the entire week just living it up. The days were filled with music, video-games and movies. You’d taught Missy some of your recipes, breaking a few plates in the process, but having fun nonetheless and she’d made you a tiktok account, showing you around the app and soon you spent hours on your phone, scrolling through videos of cute puppies and kittens. Every morning and night, when Missy was still sleeping, you’d call Marcus. Though he texted you pretty much throughout the day, he still wanted to see you when he woke up and went to bed, who were you to refuse him.

The morning of his flight was spent telling you how much he missed you and how excited he was to have you in his arms again. He’d be arriving later in the night and would call and uber, not wanting you to drive in the dark. When Missy woke up you hung up, sitting down to eat breakfast with her and plan out your day.

The most part of the afternoon was spent cleaning the place, doing a week’s worth of laundry and picking up all the empty bags of chips and cookies. You’d taken Marcus’ trip as an opportunity to take some time off yourself, telling Missy that her father never even had to know about it. This week was all about bonding and having fun and chores were not a part of that, until now.

By the time you were done and ate dinner it was already past ten and the two of you decided to just spend some time gaming together until Marcus would be home. You were just in your fourth rematch of Just Dance when the door opened. Both of you failing to notice Markus as you were completely immersed into the dance. He leaned against the kitchen counter, watching the both of you laugh and dance together, occasionally shoving the each other one to mess up the routine.

“I win!” Missy shrieked.

You poked her in the side. “Yeah because you’re cheating!” The two of you laughed. “I’ll get us something to drink.”

Marcus smiled at you when you turned around, you blushed upon seeing him, nudging Missy.

“Looks like you two had fun”, he murmured, squeezing Missy to his chest.

“By all means Mister Moreno, show us how it’s done”, you teased with your hands on your hips.

He pressed a quick kiss to your lips before picking up one of the controllers. “You’re on.”

[tothemeadow]

‘glowing lights, hard love’

Rengoku Kyojuro & Tomioka Giyuu x Reader (hinted)

-

Overhead, flying police cars zoom by, their sirens blaring at high blast. Puffs of smoke float up, the glare of neon lights illuminating the clouds. Two men stand side by side, leaning against an iron railing and staring at the bustling streets below. A sea of vibrant colors and loud noises fill the streets; cars of different shapes and sizes blare their horns, waiting for the red light to change. A murmur of Japanese and English mingle with the hum of engines, the sound of laughter and angry screaming bursting every other moment or so.

Kyojuro turns his head to the side, looking at Giyuu’s brightly lit face. He nods at the cigarette hanging between his friend’s fingers, a slight frown coming to his face. “Smoking’s gonna kill you one of these days,” he hums.

Releasing another puff of smoke, Giyuu glances back at him. “In a city like this? I don’t think so.” Either way, he snuffs out the butt against the iron railing and flicks it towards the streets below. “How are those new implants holding up?” Giyuu says, casually changing the topic.

Subconsciously, Kyojuro reaches up, gently cups his ears. Not too long ago, he’d completely loss his hearing; it was a dumb mistake of his, being so reckless while taking down a demon. An explosion of all things, how about that? Being a hunter in a city like this is only bound to bring trouble, that much is for sure, but to have something like that take away one of his senses? It really sucks. Thankfully, he had Shinobu secure some high-end hearing implants. It was a relatively simple process, switching out his damaged eardrums for the implants instead, and it’s one he’s thankful for.

“I’d say my hearing is as good as Tengen’s,” Kyojuro cracks, an easy smile coming to his face. “Maybe even better.”

Giyuu huffs in amusement. “That so? Where is he, anyway?”

“Red Light District; apparently he’s investigating some case with Tanjiro and his friends.”

“They’re that blond kid and one with the boar mask, right?”

Kyojuro nods. “Those are the ones. I just hope they don’t get into too much trouble.”

Yes, being demon hunters in Kimetsu City is a complicated business, but it’s high risk, high reward. Completely separate from the government, the slayers run their own private organization, stalking the streets for blood-thirsting beasts and killing them before they have the chance to kill innocent people. Both Kyojuro and Giyuu have been around the block numerous times, each of them with an impressive number of kills under their belts. The slayers are essentially the perfect killing machines – have been for the past couple of centuries.

Pushing away from the railing, the two venture through the service/living complex. Barking vendors call for their attention, urging them to try out their latest weapons in stock or at least stop and grab a bite of food. Just like the streets, the complex is full of people, all from different backgrounds and stories. In a city like this, being different is the norm. Cybernetic implants are a common everyday thing, as are the various weapons strapped to a person’s back and hips. Although Kimetsu City is a glittering vision of the future, it doesn’t mean that it’s perfect. Actually, it’s way different than that.

“You plan on seeing (y/n) tonight?” Kyojuro asks. Again, they’re alone, but this time in a large elevator. Reaching up, he pulls the grate down, sealing the opening off while Giyuu punches the button for the main floor.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice the way Giyuu tenses. Both Kyojuro and he are striving for (y/n)’s affections; they consider it a friendly rivalry, if anything. Instead of answering straight away, Giyuu looks down at his metallic hand, flexes his plated fingers in and out of a fist. “If I don’t get my ass handed to me today, I just might.”

At that, Kyojuro booms with laughter. Clapping a hand on Giyuu’s shoulder, he gives the other a reassuring squeeze. “On the contrary, my friend! I’ve seen you handle enough demons to call you out on your bullshit!”

Giyuu rolls his eyes. “And what about you?”

“Hmmm… Well, maybe I’ll treat them out on a night the town, you know? Take them to that soba place in Kabuki or something. Get something to eat, drive around town, maybe take them back to my place…” Kyojuro flashes Giyuu a mischievous smile. “Unless, you intend to ruin that plan?”

The elevator stops, then, and the gate lifts open. Giyuu quickly sends Kyojuro a disapproving look from the corner of his eye and steps out. Kyojuro follows close behind, his heavily soled boots thudding against the concrete. Descending down the stairs and onto the street, they cross over to their bikes; slinging their legs over their own respective ride, they cast each other a knowing look.

“Wish you luck,” Kyojuro chirps.

“Right back at you,” Giyuu grunts.

The white gleam of Kyojuro’s teeth reflects the surrounding neon lights. “May the best man win, my friend.”

In response, Giyuu revs the throttle of his bike. “Just don’t get killed,” he says, kicking up his kickstand. “Or Tanjiro is gonna kick your ass.”

Kyojuro laughs, then, as Giyuu takes off into the evening, the tail of his rear light being the last thing Kyojuro sees.

***** Secret Santa from me to @thgreatestblue ! Happy Holidays!

[vilaspatelvlogs]

हाई सिक्योरिटी नंबर प्लेट लगाने की बढ़ी मांग, वेटिंग पीरियड घटाने के लिए बढ़ाए जाएंगे केंद्र

हाई सिक्योरिटी नंबर प्लेट लगाने की बढ़ी मांग, वेटिंग पीरियड घटाने के लिए बढ़ाए जाएंगे केंद्र

पढ़ें अमर उजाला ई-पेपर कहीं भी, कभी भी। *Yearly subscription for just ₹299 Limited Period Offer. HURRY UP! ख़बर सुनें ख़बर सुनें दिल्ली में हाई सिक्योरिटी नंबर प्लेट (एचएसआरपी) और कलर कोडेड स्टीकर की भारी बुकिंग को देखते हुए अब इनके केंद्रों की संख्या को बढ़ाया जाएगा। दरअसल अभी दिल्ली में एचएसआरपी और कलर कोडेड स्टीकर लगाने के लिए 350 केंद्र है, जिसे अब बढ़ा कर 500 से अधिक किया जाएगा।  बता दें…

[latestbreakingnewsupdates]

Home delivery of High Security Number Plate begins nationwide, know how to apply and how much the charge is

Home delivery of High Security Number Plate begins nationwide, know how to apply and how much the charge is

New Delhi: High security registration number plate on vehicles following government new guideline (High Security Registration Plate) Is now required. In such a situation, people do not have to turn around, so their home delivery (HSRP home delivery) Also started. For a small extra fee, you can get this plate by applying from home.

Let us know that a team of over 100 people is engaged for…

[artificialqueens]

Galactica, Chapter 58 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Last Chapter: Katya found out she might be pregnant, the assistant network caught on to BDR’s latest paramour, and Violet was ordered to go home and rest.

This Chapter: Gigi’s new look gets the reaction she’d hoped for, the twins enjoy some one on one time with their respective partners, Courtney has a rain-soaked nightmare, Pearl looks (but doesn’t touch) and Katya stresses.

***

Courtney knocked softly on Ivy’s door, a smile on her face that had been there almost all day. Fame had thankfully left early, she and Patrick spending the evening at some fancy opera event at the Met, leaving Courtney to get ready for her date in peace.

Her first official date with Bianca. It was almost too exciting for her to comprehend.

“Hey Courtney, what’s up?” Ivy asked, looking up from her computer, beckoning Courtney inside.

“Well, I have a date tonight...and it’s really important and I need to look hot and...I thought maybe I could borrow something from the closet again?”

“Oh. Yeah, that’s fine. Um...let me just finish this email and then I’ll help you. Feel free to go have a look around, though.”

“Thanks.” Courtney bit her lip, sensing that Ivy was decidedly less enthusiastic about this than the last time she’d helped. She was probably in the middle of something important, maybe anxious about her own Friday night plans. Courtney felt bad, and would have told her to forget it if she had literally any other options. “I promise to be quick!”

“Yeah, no worries.”

Courtney kept her promise, pulling a short, royal blue dress with a high slit and a pair of strappy aqua shoes.

“Are you sure you wanna wear those shoes, Court? It’s kind of horrendous outside,” Ivy said, but Courtney shook her head.

“It’s fine, I’m just gonna be going into a cab and then inside. Thank you so much for your help!”

“No problem,” Ivy said, always gracious even when Courtney was obviously annoying her. “I hope you have a good time.”

“I’m sure I will!” Courtney exclaimed, taking the dress and shoes back to her own office to change, already feeling giddy with excitement, wondering what Bianca’s idea of ‘wining and dining’ would be like.

She took her time getting ready, freshening her hair with a curling iron she’d stashed in her desk and giving herself what she hoped was a sexy smoky eye. She kept an eye on the clock, knowing that Fame expected her to be in the office until 7:30. She chose a berry-colored lip gloss from the samples that Alaska had given her, and then stepped into the bathroom to get dressed, thrilled that the dress fit perfectly. She checked her phone and computer one more time before signing out, making sure that there were no last-minute requests from Miss Fame, and then made her way downstairs to grab a taxi.

She’s just settled into the backseat when a message came through that made her heart sink.

FAME: Dogwalker sick. Need you to walk Charles ASAP.

Courtney groaned, tapping on the glass partition to redirect the cab driver, and then texting Bianca.

COURTNEY: Still dealing with a work thing. I’m so so sorry, I might be a little late.

BIANCA: No rush. We can always push the reservation.

COURTNEY: I’ll tell you the second I’m on the way.

BIANCA: XX

Courtney knew that dog walking was an occasional part of her job, although it hadn’t come up yet before. However, she’d carefully read the 7 pages of instructions Violet left about him, knowing that Charles was Fame’s treasured companion and she would be toast if anything ever happened to him, and prepared for the time when she’d have to step up. She wasn’t terribly worried--after all, she loved dogs, and her own family had German Shepherds, so a big dog shouldn’t be any trouble.

But Charles wasn’t just big. He was massive, outweighing her by a hefty amount, first fighting her as she tried to put on the raincoat that he apparently hated, and then dragging her down the street so fast that she slipped on some ice, falling to her knees on the corner, immediately cursing herself for not listening to Ivy about those stupid shoes.

“Charles, sit!” Courtney was terrified that he would run into the street without her and get hurt, rain and sleet pummeling her face as she sacrificed her umbrella to grip the leash with both hands. As she tried to stand, a bus drove by, sloshing icy gutter water all over her. “Fucking shit!”

Charles, of course, paid no attention to her predicament, still single-mindedly bound for the edge of the park where he was trained to do his business. Courtney got up, shivering, and took him across the street, finding herself soon faced with picking up a steaming, human-sized pile of shit in the pouring rain. By the time they got back to Fame’s mud room and Charles properly toweled off (with him stepping all over her chest with muddy paws in the process), she was soaked to the bone and shivering like crazy.

She glanced at herself in the mirror, wincing at her soggy, lifeless hair and smeared eye makeup, knowing that there was no way she could show up for a date looking like that. She got out her phone, dialing Bianca’s number with shaking fingers.

“Hey, sunshine,” Bianca answered, and Courtney closed her eyes, cringing at how wrong that nickname was at the moment.

“Hi. Um...I don’t think I can make it tonight,” she said, trying her best not to cry.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just...I had a situation with Fame’s dog and I’m soaking wet and I look an absolute mess and I can’t-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa...are you okay? It’s freezing outside!” Bianca exclaimed.

“Yeah...I just...I should go home, I can’t-”

“You’re not seriously thinking about getting on a train to the Bronx right now, are you? You’ll die of hypothermia. I can hear your teeth chattering, for fuck’s sake.”

“But I can’t go out, I look-”

“Okay, then we’ll stay in.”

“But you wanted to go out, and-”

“No, I wanted to spend time with you. I’m starting a hot bath right now. Get a cab, come over, I’ll see you in ten minutes,” Bianca instructed, and Courtney couldn’t help but feel a bit of relief that someone else was taking charge of the situation.

***

Gigi couldn’t stop staring at herself in the hallway mirror, her fingers gliding through her silky soft hair for the third time.

It was the most gorgeous deep auburn red, the color bringing out her freckles and playing up her grey eyes.

She looked like a completely different person, and she loved it.

“Looks like someones been to Juju’s.”

Gigi turned to see Symone leaning against the doorframe, a smile on her face, the adorable gap between her white front teeth stupidly charming.

“What gave it away?” Gigi giggled, throwing her hair over her shoulder.

“Just wait til you go shopping.” Symone grinned, her jeans slung low on her hips. “The underwear I have now is more expensive than any other clothes I have ever owned.”

“You got new underwear?” Gigi felt her eyes widened. “With like… With Sutan?” She bit her lip. Sutan had gone with her to the salon, him and Juju talking quietly while she was getting her hair washed by an assistant. They had obviously made the right choice, Gigi feeling like a superhero, but she couldn’t imagine any man coming with her to a lingerie store.

“Sure.” Symone shrugged. “It’s all ‘foundational undergarments’ and ‘French cut’ this, ‘t-shirt bra’ that. ‘You need a secure adhesive backless’. Where I’m from we just call those chicken cutlets.” Symone smiled. “For my first fitting, he asked me to wear high rise briefs and a seamless bra. I felt like my grandma.”

Gigi laughed, the tiny worry she had felt flare up already gone again.

“Do you want to cook dinner together?” Symone pushed out from the door, and Gigi nodded, this modeling thing already so much better than she had dared hoped for.

***

“Ah!” Violet moaned as Sutan pushed her forward, his body boxing her in and keeping her in place. They were in the kitchen, the counter digging into her hips.

“Hey gorgeous,” Sutan’s voice was low, his lips against her neck, his warmth breath tickling her skin. She felt him grab the edge of her skirt, hiking it up and over her knees, thighs and even ass as he pulled it higher and higher, pooling it on the counter, forcing Violet to hold it herself, his hand guiding her before he let go.

“Please-“ Violet groaned, his fingers digging into the fabric, every move she made exposing herself further.

“Please what?”

She could feel Sutan’s fingers glide up her outer thigh and Violet blushed, her core burning hot, her panties getting wetter by the second.

“Please-“

It felt absolutely filthy, and so fucking good, Sutan in complete control and Violet loved it.

They were both tipsy, their wine glasses and dinner plates in the sink, the dishes completely forgotten when Sutan had given Violet a quick kiss that had developed into so much more.

“Please what lovely eyes?” Sutan’s voice was silky smooth, nothing in his tone betraying the way his fingers danced over her ass cheek, nails scratching on skin, a fingertip sneaking under the lace.

“I-“ Violet swallowed. She felt like she was drowning, wanted to drown, wanted to disappear in everything Sutan was. “I-“

“Tell me,” Sutan whispered, his lips against her ear. “Or I might punish you darling.” He leaned forward, pushing her that little bit further, and that was when it happened.

“Ah!” Violet closed her eyes, a blinding pain shooting through her. “Wait! Wait wait wait!”

Her foot had gotten caught on an angle, and Sutan jumped backwards.

“Wait,” Violet took a deep breath through her nose, the pain already disappearing, frustrated tears welling up in her eyes. “Fuck-“

“Everything okay?”

Violet turned around to see that Sutan had taken literal steps back, his trousers still tented, his dick obviously hard underneath the zipper.

“Mmh,” Violet nodded, the delightful embarrassment from earlier replaced with something that felt a lot more like shame, her eyes focused on Sutan’s feet. “I-“

“Can I touch you again?”

Violet’s head snapped up, Sutan looking at her, a glimpse of insecurity in his eyes, almost like he was the one who had done something wrong.

“Please-“ Violet opened her arms, and seconds later she could bury her face in his neck, his arms around her, holding her tight, kisses pressed into her hair.

“I’m sorry,” Sutan murmed, his voice low. “I didn’t mean to-“

“I know-“ Violet smiled, the apology so unnecessary it was almost comical. “I know.”

“Good.” Sutan pulled back, a hand in her hair tilting Violet’s head upwards so he could look at her. “Good. I shouldn’t have-“

Violet leaned forward, shutting him up with a kiss, her arms going around his neck as she held him tight.

***

When her cab pulled up in front of Bianca’s building, the doorman immediately rushed forward to open her door. She was fumbling with her credit card, fingers still stiff and cold, but he gestured for her to put it away.

“Ms. Del Rio is taking care of that,” he said, handing over some cash to the driver, then covering her with an umbrella and walking her to the lobby, where she was sent up in a different elevator than last time, directly to Bianca’s second floor, right outside her bedroom.

Courtney clutched her soaking wet jacket, trying to get her bearings when Bianca appeared around the corner, looking at her with concern and dismay.

“Omigod, baby, come here…”

Courtney barely knew what was happening as Bianca rushed her into the bathroom, helping her strip off her wet things.

“What the fuck are you doing in these shoes in this weather? And this jacket--why aren’t you in a winter coat?” Bianca asked, dropping it to the floor and then unzipping her dress, her voice gentle despite the scolding words.

“Th-that is my winter coat.”

“That’s not a winter coat,” Bianca informed her, pulling the dress down.

Courtney didn’t have the energy to protest, and besides, she was much more concerned with the dress.

“The dress isn’t mine, I think I ruined it-” she began, voice breaking, and Bianca looked it over while she stepped out of her panties and placed her jewelry on the counter.

“It’ll be fine, it just needs to be cleaned,” Bianca promised, leading her, still shivering, over to the jacuzzi tub, where a huge pile of bubbles was waiting for her. “I didn’t make it too hot, because I didn’t want to shock your system. But you can change the temp if you want.”

Courtney sank into the bubbles, the water silky and warm as a hug. After a few seconds, she finally began to feel her fingers and toes again, flexing them under the water, a sigh leaving her. She looked up, where Bianca was setting a remote control at the edge of the tub--which apparently controlled the jets and the temperature and even the lights. Courtney had never seen anything like it. She’d also put out a whole basket of bath products and lit a couple of candles.

“I’ll give you some privacy now,” Bianca said. “I left some towels and a robe on the warmer, and uh...if you need anything else, just let me know, okay?”

“Can you stay?”

It was embarrassing to admit, but Courtney didn’t want to be alone right now. Bianca didn’t make her feel weird about it though, simply took a seat on the ledge beside her, chatting about her trip, the trouble her staff had created while she was away, her voice soothing as Courtney leaned back against the terry cloth pillow with her eyes shut.

After she’d warmed up a little, Bianca washed her hair, strong and sure fingertips massaging the lather into her scalp as the other hand cradled her neck. She then helped her dry off with heated towels, and finally wrapped her in a warm fluffy robe while she ran a blow dryer through her hair. Courtney couldn’t remember ever feeling this cared for in her life, not even as a child, and if it wasn’t such absolute heaven, she’d probably feel ashamed at how much she enjoyed it.

She managed to swallow down a few mouthfuls of soup from the Chinese delivery that Bianca had ordered for dinner before her eyelids began to droop. Bianca noticed immediately, pressing a kiss to her forehead and then leading her to bed. She curled into Bianca’s arms, limbs growing heavy as hands stroked her back soothingly.

“Do you feel better now, angel?” Bianca asked.

“I felt better the second I walked in the door,” Courtney murmured.

“Yeah?”

“I guess there’s not really a door. The second I stepped off your elevator,” Courtney said, making Bianca laugh, her sleepiness causing her to be more honest than was probably called for, adding a whispered, “You make everything better.”

***

Pearl sat at a stool towards the back of the club, nursing a drink while telling herself over and over again that she was doing nothing wrong.

For one thing, she and Adore were over. Actually, fully over. And for another, she had no idea if Dahlia was even dancing tonight. She’d just come by for a casual drink...for the third time in 3 days. Just to see. Just to look.

And there was nothing wrong with looking, right? Even if she had lied to Trixie and Katya about where she was.

Pearl had already brushed off a parade of girls, tipping all of them, but saying no to everything else they offered, since she didn’t want to miss her chance of seeing Dahlia.

She was just about to give up, when one of the last dancers of the night came on, and there, there she was.

Dahlia was just as beautiful as Pearl remembered her, even more beautiful actually, since her costume for the night was the naughtiest sheer black teddy and lace panties, tiny little pink bows attached to the spaghetti straps of her top.

Her brown hair was styled in a delicate mess of brown curls, her plump lips painted pink, her eyes heavy and sultry, Dahlia looking like a sex kitten getting ready to go on the prowl.

Pearl swallowed as ‘Kiss It Better’ by Rihanna started playing, taking a big gulp of her drink.

Pearl hadn’t known if she wanted Dahlia to notice that she was there, hadn’t really thought this through at all, but when Dahlia dipped down on the pole, her ass beyond perfection, their eyes met across the room.

Pearl watched as Dahlia’s lips parted for a second, her eyes widening, but then, she smirked, throwing her hair over her shoulder.

***

“Mmh,” Raven moaned, her fingers in Raja’s long dark hair, her fiancée's lips on her neck, one of her hands up her top. They had been watching a movie on the couch, staying in just the two of them such a rare treat that they had even made popcorn. “Please-”

“Please?” Raja grinned, her long body on top of Raven’s under their blanket, their movie completely forgotten. “Are you being polite princess?”

“Fuck off.” Raven showed Raja’s shoulder, which only made the older woman laugh. “I’m perfectly polite.”

“Sure,” Raja smiled, shifting her knee so it slid in between Raven’s thighs, her skirt riding up to make room for Raja’s pant covered leg. “That’s what I love about you. How polite you are.”

Raven pulled on Raja’s hair, a surprised gasp leaving her girlfriend. She thrusted her hips, forcing Raja off balance and down in a messy kiss, teeth clacking, their lipsticks smearing, Raven taking charge.

***

“Just a few more minutes.” Trixie smiled, his open palm resting on Katya’s knee, his thumb rubbing up and down, trying his best to be comforting.

They were in the bathroom, Katya sitting on the closed toilet while Trixie knelt on the floor next to her, the elephant in the room the pregnancy test that was lying on the edge of the sink, both of them doing their damndest not to look at it yet.

He could tell she was anxious, knew that from the second she told him that she’d bought the test after work, even before she admitted that she was afraid to take it.

Trixie had always assumed that one day he’d be a father, and he was certain that Katya would be the best mom ever, so in his mind, this news was either amazingly exciting or slightly disappointing.

But Katya was another story, her clear terror making him dampen his own enthusiasm so that she felt safe to express herself. The last thing he wanted was to make her feel guilty for being scared on top of everything else. He knew, also, that there was a chance that she wouldn’t want this potential baby, so he prepared himself mentally to support her in whatever she wanted to do.

“I love you,” he offered softly, adding, “And it’ll be okay, no matter what it says.”

“Mmhmm,” Katya murmured agreement, though her eyes said that she didn’t fully believe him.

“Yo yo yo, where my bitches at?!” called out a voice, the slur telling them that Pearl had been drinking quite a bit.

Trixie assumed that Katya wouldn’t want to be interrupted during this private moment, but apparently, he was wrong.

“We’re in here!” Katya called, and Pearl’s heavy footsteps approached the door, pushing it open.

“This is a weird place for a party, dudes,” Pearl said, jacket hanging off one of her shoulders. “What’s going on?”

“Umm…” Trixie considered how to handle the situation delicately.

“I might be knocked up,” Katya said quickly, and Pearl’s eyes grew large, her mouth falling open.

“Wh-how?”

“Probably sex,” she answered, and all three of them laughed, breaking the tension just a little.

“So…” Pearl plopped down beside Trixie on the tile floor, and a rush of gratitude flooded his heart, relieved for the distraction, understanding why Katya called her in. That is, until she asked, “Have we thought about names? Cause I’d like to submit ‘Pearl Junior’ for consideration.”

“Pearl Junior?” Trixie scoffed. “Why, you’re not the father.”

“Come on! Little Pearlie J. P.J.?!”

“I don’t hate it,” Katya said, and Pearl cheered, giving her a fist bump. “But remember, I might not even be pregnant.”

“True, but you guys are getting married. It’ll be relevant eventually.”

“Not necessarily,” said Katya, gripping Trixie’s hand tighter. He squeezed her back in what he hoped was a reassuring manner.

“Yuh huh! That’s why we call you ‘breeders’!” Pearl insisted.

“But I just don’t-” Katya began, but was interrupted by the timer on Trixie’s phone.

“You ready?” he asked, taking both of her hands in his.

“No.”

“Well...remember, sometimes these tests aren’t 100% accurate. So whatever it says, it might not mean...” He reached out, catching a tear that had slipped down her cheek. “Babe…”

“I know. But I...can’t look.” Katya curled into his arms, burying her face in his neck. “You do it.”

Unfortunately, the stick was just out of reach, unless he let go of her, which he wasn’t prepared to do.

“Pearl, can you-”

“Sure.” Pearl snatched the test off the sink, looking at it, brow furrowed. “What the fuck does 11 mean?”

Katya’s head snapped up, reaching for the test while Pearl picked up the box.

“Why would it say 11? That’s so dumb, how do you know if...ohhhh.”