#not a formal job description among us-

[pizzabookbuying]

not my school not actually having a formal application process for this position and just immediately assuming they can start training me despite the fact that I’m not even on payroll yet—

[ihavemanyhusbands]

Wang Dang Atomic Tango

Also on AO3

Pairing: Escort!Cooper Howard/The Ghoul x Courier!Fem!Reader

WC: 2.1k

Summary: James Garrett from the Atomic Wrangler sends you on a mission to find specific types of escorts for a few wealthy clients, and one of them happens to be a very handsome cowboy ghoul. Wouldn't hurt to give him a test ride first, right?

Warnings: MINORS DNI THIS FIC IS 18+, crossover (fallout tv show and fallout new vegas), canon divergence, formalized sex work (prostitution/escort), smut, unprotected p in v, radiated creampie (with implied radaway use), sex for favors kinda but not really, lighthearted degradation, cursing, sort of public sex, the ghoul being the ghoul, that's it I think but lmk if anything else!

------------------

Since you’d gotten to Freeside, you figured earning a decent amount of caps would be a good idea before crossing over to the Strip. Not only because the Securitron at the northern gate demanded an absurd credit check of two thousand caps, but also because you’d need them for the casinos. 

You’d been helping the King for a few days, staying nearby at the Atomic Wrangler. James Garrett was usually there in the evenings and you’d gotten to chatting a few times, though it mostly concerned business. He seemed more open to trusting you since you were in the King’s good graces, and he’d helped clear your name when some jobs didn’t go according to plan. 

Once the King was done with your services, he rewarded you handsomely, but it was still not enough to cross over. Luckily for you, though, James already had you in mind for another job.

“How would you like to make some extra caps?” He’d said as soon as you’d sat down at the bar.

“I’m all ears,” you said, leaning forward on the counter.

“We’ve got a couple of unusual requests from our wealthier patrons… If you find me some suitable escorts to fulfill their needs, I’d be willing to pay you finder’s fees.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Alright… What sort of thing are they looking for?”

“Our wealthiest client has a thing for ghouls, and a thing for cowboys. He wants someone who can satisfy both fetishes.”

You hummed in thought, crossing your arms over your chest. “And just where do you suppose I’ll be finding someone like that?”

“Well, as it happens, you’re not the only new face around Freeside,” he said. “There’s been rumors of someone fitting that description. Why don’t you try to track him down first? Maybe you could make a deal with him. You’ve got a way with words, so it shouldn’t be too hard for you.”

You let out an amused huff and slid off the barstool. “If you say so. And how much would he be worth to you if I do find him?”

“Three hundred caps sound good to you?”

“You’ve got yourself a deal.”

You shook his hand and set off, trying to rack your brain on where to start. It was late afternoon, so it wasn’t as hot outside anymore. Still, you wiped your forehead with the back of your hand and placed your hat back on to shade your eyes.

You spoke to a couple of the nearby criers, sliding them a few caps in exchange for information. They pointed you in the direction of the old Fort in the eastern part of town, where the followers of the Apocalypse lived. 

You made your way there, stopping to chat with a few of the guards. The Fort wasn’t very large, but still, the inhabitants milled about. You didn’t notice any ghouls among them, so you asked one of the guards if she had seen anyone like that around. 

“Yes, he has been staying here, but he left this morning. Not sure where he went, but he usually comes back in the evenings,” she said. “No guarantee he’ll come back tonight, though. He usually takes all his stuff with him.”

You nodded and silently prayed to whoever was listening that he hadn’t decided to take off that same day.

“You don’t mind if I hang around for a while longer, do you?” You asked, unsure if there was a curfew. 

She shrugged one shoulder. “Suit yourself. We’ve got a few extra cots if you need to stay the night.”

You lingered in the courtyard near the flag, keeping your eyes on the large double doors that led back out to Freeside. You tried to picture what he might look like, why someone would be attracted to that sort of thing. You considered yourself to be pretty open-minded, but you hadn’t yet tried a ghoul. 

You weren’t even sure if he’d be interested in taking the job, but James hadn’t been lying about your skilled tongue and bartering prowess. Who knew? Maybe you could even make an arrangement with him on the side and see if he was worth all the fuss. 

By the time the sun was gone and darkness had settled in, you saw the doors open once more, and he was unmistakable as he strode in. All that leather and swagger, his hat pulled low to obscure most of his face, shotgun casually slung behind his back. 

He glanced in your direction as he passed and you immediately locked eyes. Something in your gaze was beguiling, immediately piquing his interest. One corner of your lips pulled up in a small smile, which he mirrored as he confidently approached. 

He was strangely handsome, even without a nose, his allure undeniable. Taller than you and definitely sturdy underneath his tattered clothes. He seemed almost forbidden, and yet he was enticingly at your fingertips. It would be a sin to pass up on such an opportunity, right? Especially with someone like him.

“Howdy, cowboy,” you said, tipping your hat slightly.

“Howdy,” he drawled as he returned the gesture, his hazel eyes looking you up and down. “You seem like you’ve got somethin’ to tell me, lookin’ at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, you know.” His grin widened, roguish and charming at the same time. 

You hummed noncommittally but still looked amused as you crossed your arms over your chest. “You heard of the Garrett twins? They own the Atomic Wrangler.” 

“Hmm, a few things here and there. Been meanin’ to go check the place out.” He tilted his head to one side in curiosity, raising his hairless eyebrows. “Why? You work there?”

“No, just doing some stuff on the side for them,” you said. “Say, have you ever given any thought to doing some escort work?”

“Say what now?” He laughed, momentarily taken aback. “You know, sweetheart, I’m not usually the sort to do that kind of work… And besides, what sort of sicko would want to hire my services?”  

“Oh, I could think of a few,” you said flirtaciously, pointedly holding his gaze. “There’s some wealthy patrons who’d pay really good money for your time. You’re their literal wet dream.”

“That so?” he mused, giving it some thought. “What’s the pay like?”

“You set your own price, and you get to choose your clients. You also get a pretty big discount on drinks.”

He let out a low whistle. “Well, if that ain’t a hell of a sweet deal. I think I might just take you up on it, for some time at least.”

“Glad to hear it. What’s your name?”

“Call me Cooper, sweetheart,” he said, extending a gloved hand for you to shake. “How about this? Since you’ve been so helpful, I figure the first time should be on me. You gotta make sure I’m up to par first, right?”

You couldn’t help the salacious grin that spread across your face, eyes glinting with mischief. He shifted his weight, his body angling closer to yours. You felt a tingle form in the base of your spine, already starting to understand the client’s proclivities. 

“Oh yes, you’re right, I guess it couldn’t hurt…” you said teasingly, glancing around. “Got a place in mind?” 

He looked off to one side as he thought about it, then he took your arm and nodded for you to follow him. He herded you to a dark corner behind the row of tents, far enough away that you wouldn’t be heard if you weren’t too loud. 

While your vision adjusted to the darkness, your other senses were enhanced, a thrill dancing in your chest. You felt the heat emanating from his body as he pressed close to you, almost making you shiver feverishly. Your breathing hitched as he grasped your face with a gloved hand, looking down at you appraisingly.

“I usually try to cut to the chase, but these lips of yours… they’re really tempting me to kiss ‘em,” he rasped, his thumb tracing your bottom lip. 

“I’m not gonna stop you,” you said. “In fact, I highly encourage it.”

He chuckled, the fan of his breath close to your mouth. “Ain’t gotta tell me twice.”

And with that, he kissed you. His mouth immediately dominated yours hungrily, a small surprised gasp in your throat. His tongue dragged over yours, making your head spin. Had you ever been kissed like that? You couldn’t recall, but all your senses were alight as if for the first time. 

You clung to him, your original mission flying out of your mind. Suddenly, he spun you around and pressed your front against the rough stone wall of the barricade. He kissed your neck as he grasped your hips, tugging up the hem of the field dress you’d decided to wear that day.  

“Easy access,” he chuckled against your skin, his tongue gently tracing the shell of your ear. “You didn’t plan that, did you?”

“Um…” you stammered, your face heating up.

“Naughty, naughty,” he said, clicking his tongue in mock disapproval. “Oughta teach you a lesson, don’t’cha think?”

That sent a pulse straight to your cunt, and you sucked in a breath. “S-sure, maybe I’ll learn it eventually.”

He flipped the hem over your ass, humming in approval as he took in the sight of it. You heard the flick of a pocket knife opening, and felt the edge of your panties being tugged. 

“We won’t be needing these,” he drawled, and with a quick flick of the knife, he cut them loose and let them fall to the ground. “There we go, that’s what I like to see.”

You glanced at him over your shoulder, catching him licking his lips. He tugged one of his gloves off with his teeth and tucked it in his back pocket. His calloused hand traced over the swell of your ass and you unconsciously pushed your hips back, needy for more. 

He chuckled, amused and delighted by this. “So you really are one of ‘em sickos, huh? I knew it from the moment we looked at each other.” 

“Are you complaining?”

“No,” he said, his fingers dangerously close to your cunt, teasing you to no end. “I’m merely makin’ an observation.”

You gasped as his fingers parted you, sliding through your folds with almost embarrassing ease. There was a growl low in his throat that told you he really liked this discovery. He teased your clit with slow circles, wanting to see what sounds he could elicit from you. Your hips shifted up and down as you bit your lip to keep them in.

You heard the slow drag of a zipper being undone, followed by the clink of a belt and the rustling of clothes. Your spine tensed with anticipation your breaths coming out in short pants. He reached around and had you spit in his hand, spreading your saliva over the length of his cock. 

“You ready for me?” He asked, dragging the head of his cock up and down your slippery pussy. 

You nodded with a small whimper. He lined himself up with your entrance and pushed in slowly, making sure you felt every inch. He pulled your head back by the hair and tugged you down by the hip with his free hand, making you meet his shallow thrusts.

“Oh… Oh. You’re–”

“A little big?” He chuckled. “It’s alright, you’re takin’ it like a champ.”

Your cheek was pressed against the stone as his hips rutted up into you more sharply, his harsh breath near your ear. Waves of pain and pleasure from the stretch spread across your whole body, overwhelming your senses. It was getting harder and harder to think clearly, so you let yourself just be carried away.

He let go of your hair and reached around to play with your clit, making you short-circuit. Your body tensed with each drag of his fingers, your cunt clenching tight around him. He groaned and murmured encouragements like that’s it and come on, I know you’re close.

And he wasn’t wrong. White heat flickered through you as you came undone, muffling your cries by biting your fist. He worked you through it, his movements turning sloppy as he too reached the edge and tumbled off of it. Hips grinding against your ass to make sure no drop of his spill was wasted.

You were glad you’d thought to stock up on RadAway, not having to worry about things like this. You already knew you’d be paying him another visit once he’d started working. Once you’d sobered up a little, you looked at him from over your shoulder.

“Phew, yeah, they’re definitely gonna like you,” you said, your heart still racing in your chest, a dopey smile on your face. “Worth every damn cap, I’d say.”

He grinned, breathing hard. “You get a special price, darlin’. I reckon you might just become my favorite client.”

--------------

[malina-33]

Femme Like You - Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Summary: You are the new tour manager for Arctic Monkeys during The Car era. You are practically the only girl in the team, also younger than the rest (27 y.o.), so your skills are immediately called into question. In particular, by the frontman who is not used to being led by a woman.

Word count: 10,2k

Warnings: swearing, emotional swing (is it even a warning?), kind of voyeurism (slight), age gap

A/N: Dear friends, hi!! I know, I know that I've promised you to update the fic every 3 weeks, and the disappeared for 1.5 months, but I spontaneously found a job, so there was very little time. But the chapter is much longer and with some interesting collaborations ;) I'll hope you enjoy them!

And write down what do you think if I make a description of not only the whole work, but also the chapter before each new part? Or is it better to keep the intrigue till the end?

In any case, I look forward to your feedback, it's soooo much important for me. I won't promise to return before the end of September, but I'll do my best not to delay. I already have an interesting plot for the next chapters, you should like it💔

*guys, English isn't my first language so if I have (and I know I have lol) any grammar/logic mistakes don't hesitate to tell me :)

The first week after meeting with the group flew by unnoticed. You dealt with the documentation, understanding how necessary it is, no matter how much you hated it, phoned the representatives of Ashton Gate stadium, made sure that everything was okay and confirmed the presence of the group and even tried to check the weather since the gig would be held outside. However, it turned out to be a little more difficult with the transport company. Apparently, James forgot to warn them about the temporary removal of his duties, so you had to spend time clarifying the situation and explaining who you are. It seemed that your hands-on approach was excessive, because you were trying to control everything in one time, but only due to the feeling of extra responsibility.

Steven, as promised, sent the contacts of the guys and important people from the technical crew, so now your phone had the names of Jamie Cook, Nick O'Malley, Matthew Helders and Alex "dickhead" Turner among others. 19 years old you would definitely envy yourself. So when you got a message while cooking pasta for dinner on Saturday night, you already knew it was from the drummer and not from an anonymous online scammer.

Matthew Helders: "good evening, Miss Y/S! I hope you aren't busy. We'll wait you on the soundcheck on Monday at 2 pm in Domino, need your advice :)"

You almost overcooked Carbonara bacon rereading the message. "Do they really need my advice?" you whispered, furrowing your brows "About what?". But the only answer was:

You: "Sure! Do I need to take some 12% cider?"

Matthew Helders: "you better not show up without a package lol"

Immediately followed by:

Matthew Helders: "just kidding! We are waiting only for you, but in the company of cider it will be even better)"

You chuckled, surprised at how quickly Matt went from formal Miss at the beginning of the conversation to smiles and lols at the end. To tell the truth, you still didn't fully understand how to behave with them. On the one hand, you are their manager and have a certain influence, as well as subordination. Steven and James don't have it, although they are "higher" in position, but they've been friends for half of a life, and you are a completely new person. On the other hand, in this area there is no place for strict formalities, especially since the guys don't look like those who would comply with them. After all they were big kids no matter how mature and pretentious they could look on stage, and you clearly felt it. Maybe your company will help them to relax even more, so there won't be any awkwardness and you will naturally find an edge where all of you will feel comfortable and which no one will cross.

With those thoughts, Carbonara and Rosé you spent your Saturday night watching your favorite series "La Piovra". You got used to such calm and quiet evenings. The era of parties until the morning has passed in the university years, and it’s not that you don’t go to clubs now, it’s just that the older you become the better you began to appreciate moments of silence. Not to be bored alone with yourself is the most valuable skill that you have acquired in your life. Having lived first with your parents for a long time, then getting married early at the age of 20 and having lived with your husband for 3 years, you were essentially not left alone with yourself. Having discovered over time that you feel absolutely nothing for the person whom you said "yes" to in the registry office, you were horrified and frightened to say at least. You thought that you get married once for a lifetime, but it turned out that happy endings exist only in fairy tales. That period of despondency, depression and eventual deepening into work gave its results. Major labels began to notice you, inviting you to musical projects with famous bands such as Maneskin. You worked with them for 1.5 years, leaving after their heyday at the Eurovision, realizing that you can’t give them more. That was your second decision to leave, but unlike the divorce, it didn't bring you much suffering. You understood that you and the group gave each other a lot, and although the parting was bitter, everyone understood that it was necessary. You still remained friends with the guys and periodically wrote off to meet. You planned to go to their concert, but couldn't find the time. And after your assignment to the Monkeys it became even more harder to shedule.

After the divorce you didn't have a serious relationship, instead you had a dream job, money, a car, a country house and even a corgi Grapes. You weren't afraid of the future, loved the time in seclusion and found inner peace by meditating on the production of cider, which was your unusual but very tasty hobby. Were you fully happy, though? Wouldn't you like to cross the threshold of the house and be met not by a dog's barking, but by a warm kiss on the forehead and a quiet "how was your day"? You probably wanted to, but it was hard to admit, especially considering that the fear of intimacy sat somewhere deep inside, not letting you forget the disappointment that you experienced when you removed the engagement ring from your finger. Although you remained friends who didn't hold evil against each other, the bitterness of your marriage was almost impossible to remove from the memories.

But for now, your head has been occupied by the sudden question of where to put Grapes for the duration of the tour...

Monday morning was sunny and peaceful, you woke up in a surprisingly good mood, put on your make-up, put on your favorite lime flared jeans, loaded a case of apple drink from the basemеnt into the car, patted Grapes and drove off to the studio. The road took about an hour, so during this time you managed to phone your father. You haven't talked much lately due to your workload, and now was almost the only time of the day when you were relatively free. You put the speaker phone mode, listening to the slightly hoarse voice of the man, without being distracted from the road.

"Hello my dear! How are you?"

"Hi daddy, I'm fine, going to work right now"

"My busy bee, James has already told me about your progress" you could hear him chuckle, coughing a little. You could only guess what Ford said to your father, because you spoke to him only once in these 2 weeks, when you recalled him after meeting with the group. And not that your story was very colorful. Therefore, the guys or Steven contacted him, and from this point of view, you couldn't imagine what they possibly come up with towards you.

"He assured me the boys liked you"

"Oh, really?" you said on the exhale, squeezing your hands on the steering wheel tightly.

"Yes, James is pleased with you. Well done, babe!" you melted under his words. It felt like you were a little girl again who drew a family picture that was hung on the refrigerator, even though mom and dad looked like monsters.

"Thank you daddy, I'm very happy to be with them actually"

"Of course, in such a company of men. Should I be jealous? 'Cause I looked through their photos on the Internet" dad said proudly, to which you burst out laughing, stopping at a traffic light.

"Dad, c'mon, no! They're too old for me" you laughed.

"10 years are not a big deal. Anyway, your choice. Just don't forget to eat please, I know how tough you work now. Otherwise you'll get drunk on your cider. God, how did you even manage to get into this alcohol sphere..." the man groaned in prostration. You rolled your eyes, but still smiled without answering. You got used to your father's fast flow of different thoughts.

"And don't roll your eyes, little naughty one! I care about you. So if they hurt you, you know who to call, right?"

"Oi, who will offend whom first" you retorted defiantly.

"Okay okay, I won't interrupt anymore. Kiss Grapes for me. I love you"

"And I love you very much, hello mom"

"I'll pass it on, bye!"

You turned off the call, fully focusing on the road. After talking with your parents, you always felt warm in your soul, so up to the studio you didn't leave a smile when you sang songs from the radio under your breath.

You arrived exactly at 2 o'clock, as agreed with Matt, but when you saw a few more cars in the parking lot in addition to the familiar Cadillac, you realized that the guys had been here for a long time. You must have looked a little ridiculous in a business suit and heels and a wooden box under your arm, but you didn't have other choice. Holding the car key in your mouth and trying to press the button at the same time, you clumsily closed the trunk with your leg. A purse was still dangling somewhere on your shoulder, and sunglasses had slipped from head to the bridge of your nose. "Must be an amazing picture to observe" you thought tiredly "Oh, if only Matt were here".

But before you had time to think about it, you heard a soft laugh behind you. You turned around sharply, noticing the frontman smoking alone near the entrance. You spat the key into the box, finally pressing the right button, and shouted

"And how long do you look?"

"I came exactly at the most interesting moment" man smiled, taking a puff.

You heavily crossed the entire parking lot, approaching him. Turner, having finished smoking a cigarette and throwing it into a nearby trash can, silently took the box from your hands.

"Hi, Y/N" he greeted you wheezing nicotine in the lungs.

"Hi," you frowened a little, but slowly added "Alex".

Calling him by his first name was... Unusual. A week ago the appeal to him was exclusively Mr. Turner, but today he was the first to break this line. "Well, apparently, we will both have problems with the boundaries of what is acceptable" bitterly flashed through your thoughts.

You both entered the building - Alex with a box in front, you behind holding the door. The way was silent. You wanted to say something to break this crystal quietness of his, but by the time you mustered up the courage, you stopped at the door 13A. The vocalist pushed it with his left shoulder, squeezing the alcohol forward, and you trotted along.

As soon as you and Alex entered the sound studio, you were immediately greeted with whistling and loud hooting.

"Look who's here, Miss Y/N"

"Hi, guys! I'm here with gifts as promised" you smiled broadly.

Alex at this time put the box on the table and immediately took one bottle for himself.

You noticed that there were Tyler and Tom in the studio as well, so you mentally praised yourself for taking bottles with a margin. You didn't know them personally yet, but was willing to change it. Turner introduced you to the men, and surprisingly you didn't hear his usual sneer in the voice.

"So, welcome Y/N Y/S, she's our manager for the summer before America starts and James gets back"

"Happy to finally meet you!" you were the first to extend your hand to Tyler, which he shook gently, smiling affably, and then to Tom. But he intercepted your hand, kissing your knuckles and making you laugh.

"Mutually, Miss" Rowley said enchanted.

"And she makes her own awesome cider, get one" Matt ordered businesslike, raising his voice from behind the drum kit.

"Yeah, there is enough for everyone, don't hesitate to take"

Evidently you arrived during the break, and before that they had already rehearsed a bit. You were wondering what kind of advice they need from you. The thought that they just needed cider you pushed back with a grin. But Alex, as if reading your thoughts, leisurely started speaking leaning on the table and holding a drink.

"Well, thanks for the cider, but that's not what we called you for. Since you're such a big fan of My Propeller, we discussed it here and decided that it's possible to put one on the set list for a couple of times. So listen to how it sounds, maybe have some ideas or whatevah" he was trying to sound casual, not attaching importance to his words for you.

"I'll do my best!" you almost jumped from such news.

Jamie chuckled audibly, running his fingers over the guitar. You sat down on the couch as Matt tapped the rhythm with his sticks and the melody began.

Seductive. The first association that came to your mind when you heard the intro of this song. It was your favorite from Humbug for sure and one of the band's all time favorites. Alex never told in any interview what was the secret of the lyrics, and probably that was the reason it attracted you even more. The guys played it selflessly, as if there hadn't been those decades that they hadn't performed it. You liked how they gave themselves to the process, even if it was just a rehearsal. They were in simple t-shirts and Matt was proudly wearing pineapple shorts, but you could swear, a real concert was unfolding right in front of you.

When Alex started singing you tried to hide the goosebumps as best as you could, but it hardly worked out well. His voice flowed melodically, not betraying a hint of wheezing or breaking, which could arise due to the age. He closed his eyes, tightly gripping the microphone stand, and moved his feet to the beat, slightly ridiculous, but at the same time gracefully. Throughout the song, you didn’t take your eyes off the group for a minute, sometimes singing along to the words, pulling the last syllable of

 Coax me out my law

And have a spin of my propeller

When the song ended, you clapped and Nick even made a mock bow.

“I don’t know how objective my assessment will be, because apart from the words of delight I have nothing to add” you honestly admitted. It seemed to you that you heard Alex's quiet "As I said", but Matt was quick to interrupt him asking you "Actually, we have already decided to play it in Bristol, but the question is where to chip in. We'll definitely not start with this one, and the outro is already completed, so..."

You thought a little, trying to understand what motives My Propeller reminds you of, and then the penny dropped.

"Pretty Visitors!" you exclaimed louder than you should have because your words echoed through the silent studio.

"Smooth interlude from Pretty Visitors, yeah, not bad actually" Alex quickly developed your idea, turning to Matt, as if asking "Do you mind?", but the drummer only closed his eyes approvingly. It seemed that they didn't need any words at all, they could understand each other with guitar riffs and drum brakes. Their connection, it was amazing, honed to automatism for past 20 years. They were like scientists in a chemistry lab mixing potions together in an attempt to make a new elixir. It was magic to come true and watching this process was so intimate that you involuntarily felt the heat on your cheeks, as if you were engaged in voyeurism.

***

The hours in the studio flew by. Fortunately for you, the guys decided to surprise fans with the return of Mardy Bum which will be the opener. The exact setlist for Bristol was confirmed at the end of the rehearsal, bringing back Teddy Picker and The View From The Afternoon as well. So looking at the perfect 21 songs, you could only imagine what they would save for London. Originally you were going to visit their concert in your hometown, you bought tickets as soon as sales were announced, but after James's call you easily gave the ticket to a friend, saying that you had won a jackpot.

Tom and Tyler have already left and the five of you are left. You were sitting on a soft chair, moved from the corner of the room, and the guys opposite on the sofas. The boys had laid down their guitars and you were leding a peaceful conversation about life, since the studio rental time ended only in an hour. You told them about your career in the industry, Maneskin and the part time projects you've been working on lately, omitting the details of your divorce because you thought it was too early for them to immerse themselves in such personal aspects of your life.

"By the way, Vic is your big fan and Alex in particular" you giggled, remembering the way drunk Maneskin bassist told you that she would like to sleep with Turner. Those were the carefree times of your youth you warmly remembered.

"Really?" Matt raised his eyebrows as he sipped his seemingly endless bottle of cider "You still have their contacts, right?"

"Yeah, sure, we even text each other occasionally" you quipped.

"And you didn't say you were working with us?" Heldres was surprised.

"Actually, somehow it didn't seem possible" you lowered your gaze, "I mean what would it look like? "Hey guys, look who's here, I now manage the Monkeys btw?" - so what?"

You could tell by the Cheshire smile on Matt's bristly face that this was exactly how he thought.

"Oh no, Matthew, don't you-"

"Oh yes, darling, dial FaceTime, you'll show them our doll" the man neighed, turning to Alex, who had been sitting quietly on the couch until this moment, and fidgeted in place after the suggestion.

"For God's sake, Matt, what a kindergarten behavior" the vocalist howled irritably, rolling his eyes, "I don't even remember their names".

The idea of making fun of Turner a little for the morning case with the box and taking revenge seemed to you unexpectedly delightful. Your hand automatically sank into your pants pocket, deftly pulling it out into the light and finding the right WhatsApp chat.

"Don't worry, you just have to say hi to Vic, I'm sure you'll be fine" you sang sweetly, glancing slyly at Matt, who chuckled approvingly, glad that you supported his idea.

Alex only cursed at this and ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it. Either from nerves, or putting his hair in order before the call.

You moved from your seat to the couch between Alex and Matt, gesturing for Nick and Jamie to join. You put your hand in front of you so only your face was visible in the camera frame, waiting for one of the guys to take the call. It might have been a little ill-advised to call like this without warning on a workday evening, but anyway it was already too late, as the beeps trailed in a string of sounds. You hoped that they didn't have a concert today, in any other case, one of them would definitely pick up the phone from you. And by a happy coincidence, it was Vic who ended up on your screen.

"What the hell, Miss Boogie, are you really occasionally calling after all this time of silence?" despite Victoria de Angelis's accusatory words, she sounded playful. She was a little disheveled and with a bright blush on her face. People were walking randomly with the string interruptions in the background. Apparently, the guys were at the soundcheck at one of the venues, and Vic recently finished playing.

Four pairs of eyes openly stared at you with undisguised interest after hearing the nickname, demanding an answer, but you just mouthed "later".

"Awww, sweetheart, and I'm happy to hear you again too!" you said with an ironic smile.

 "I have a lot of news for you, and I will definitely call you in private soon"

"Are you not alone? Who's with you?" the girl even moved closer to the camera in an attempt to see something.

"Well, I have a little surprise for you. Actually four surprises, but one of them you'll find really special" you said conspiratorially, looking around at the guys who were still out of the picture. Alex sat to your right, trying to portray the most distant look, as if everything that was happening was nothing more than baby talk for him.

"Darling, if you have a group orgy without me, then I will be offended and drop the call" the bassist said threateningly, wiping her forehead with a towel that was hung on her shoulder.

You just burst out laughing "Ok ok, I'm not languishing you anymore. I hope you're ready. Boys, say hi to Vics" and you finally moved the camera further so that Matt, Nick and Jamie, who were sitting to your left, got into the camera frame, Alex's appearance you saved for a dessert.

The musician's reaction exceeded all your expectations. At first she narrowed her eyes, bringing the phone even closer to face, and then she widened them with a loud squeal, jumping up from her seat.

"What the hell, Y/N! What the actual fuck, you're a shitty mutherfucker!!!" she covered her mouth with her hand, chaotically moving the phone in different directions. Apparently, other members of the group came running to her scream, as you heard the voice of Damiano asking what happened.

"What happened?" she repeated "The fucking Arctic Monkeys are sitting next to Y/N!" answering a question off-camera and stabilizing the phone. Now you could clearly see the vocalist leaning over her shoulder, Thomas to the side and Ethan slightly behind.

Finally, the men next to you decided to introduce themselves "Hey, guys, what's new?" Matt said smiling to the camera, Jamie and Nick just waved their hands in a friendly manner.

"Oh my God, what's going on" Vic, still dumbfounded, spoke with a face of complete amazement. Damiano, who quickly figured out the whole situation and realized that Vic was unlikely to be able to communicate normally now, carefully took the phone from her hands.

"Hi, Y/N, long time no see! Hi, boys, how fresh you are" the frontman winked. The words "for your age" were suggested mutely, but David left them behind the scenes. The men next to you just laughed quietly at this remark and saluted the Italian boy.

"Vic, that's not all yet, look who's next to me" wanting to finally finish off your friend, you moved the camera to the side, revealing Alex's presence, who was already sitting with a polite smile on his face, leaning on the sofa armrest.

"Hi, love" Turner murmured hoarsely, turning on his usual charisma. You were surprised how quickly he went from "fuck off everyone" to his stage persona. Indeed, a skill acquired over the years.

De Angelis, after looking at the camera for just a second, squealed even harder than the first time, which you even grimaced a little, because in a quiet studio it sounded deafening.

The camera was still held by Damiano, but the girl in the frame could be seen doubled over, holding back cries of happiness. Her guys just laughed out loud at this, knowing full well what a strong fan of Alex she was.

"Y/N, I'm going to fucking kill you, I'll strap your ass so you can't sit still for another week, what are you doing to me?" Vic didn't let go of expressions, which made the men next to you shamelessly laugh, even Turner smiled predatoryly.

"Holy shit, you're real" the girl muttered in one breath.

Her adoration entertained Alex. Celebrities fangirling celebrities wasn't an unknown story for Alex, so the way Vic behaved didn't annoy him, but brought a feeling of sincere pleasure from what was happening.

"It would be strange if I wasn't, mhm?" the man grunted, changing the position - now he rested elbows on his knees, bringing the face closer to your phone. You could smell his light apple scent from the cider you both drank and the cigarette halo that soaked into all of the frontman's clothes.

Damiano finally decided to take control over the situation by turning the camera completely on himself.

"So, Y/N, if you wanted to surprise Vic, then you succeeded 100%! But we are now at soundcheck, and we don't have much time, and she" nodding towards the bassist "still needs to be brought to her senses. We were extremely happy to hear from you, babe. Call us when you are free and tell us everything in detail. Miss you very much!"

"Guys, me too! Love ya, see you at Glasto!"

"Wait! Take a screenshot!" Vic's desperate exclamation came from Damiano's left side.

He made a focused face, looking for the right buttons, while you and the men simultaneously smiled at the camera.

"Send it to the chat" you asked, ending the call and blowing a virtual kiss. You obviously cut off Vic's "I love you" without being entirely sure it was addressed to you.

The studio immediately froze in deafening silence. You put your phone down on the coffee table, still smiling.

"That was a real buzz, they're cute" Matt said leaning back on the couch. The mood of the guys clearly improved by this little conversation. You were glad that you could somehow diversify their evening after a productive and exhausting day. Even Alex stopped keeping his always compressed lips and frowning eyebrows.

"So, Miss Boogie, right?" Jamie began slyly, reminding you of your infamous nickname.

An approving "ooooo" reverberated around the room, from which you hid behind your palms.

"Damn, I was hoping you'd forget" you muttered from your hiding place.

"C'mon, we're intrigued already" Nick reached out to you through Matt, gently taking your hands away from your face.

Jamie suddenly started chanting your name, encouraging you to reveal this terrible secret, and Matt whistled as if Sheffield FC had just scored a goal.

"God, okay, just shut up please" you gave up.

The four men took more comfortable positions in anticipation of your story.

"In fact, there is nothing special in this story, it's just stupid. When Maneskin was approved for Eurovision, we went to celebrate, how can we not. It was in Milan. We got very drunk in a bar and went for a walk around the city. It was about 3 in the morning, and to entertain ourselves we played Truth or Dare. The most banal thing that could be, but nothing better came to mind. And I chose Dare, 'cause everyone else only cowardly told their secrets. So Vic asked me to dance for a minute on the street to any song that a passerby would name. Well, since at such time you are unlikely to meet any adequate passerby, we only found a beggar in the square. I don’t know how old he was, but the first song that he remembered was Boogie Wonderland" at this point you made a dramatic pause, "so yes, I had to dance to this song at night in front of other poor people who came up to us. Since then they call me Miss Boogie. Everyone is satisfied now, having fun, huh?"

You intentionally crossed your arms in insult, surreptitiously watching the laughing band.

"I bet there's a video" Matt said cheekily.

"Yes, there is, but you'll never see it!" you retorted quickly, glaring at the drummer.

"Your hot cheeks make me want to see this video even more" Nick teased tapping Matt on the shoulder.

"You know what," Alex suddenly announced, "choose any song you want. We play it, and you show the video"

You could swear your jaw was somewhere on the floor.

"Woah, did you decide to go all-in?" Matt asked, also not expecting such a generous offer "Be careful, otherwise you will have to play a Taylor Swift song"

"Ouch, why do you think I like her?"

"Who doesn't like her?"

"Your truth" you nodded approvingly.

"I meant our song. We'll perform it at the concert" Turner interrupted your dialogue, looking at you testily from under his eyelashes.

There was a slight silence, which you broke with a heavy sigh.

"Wow, okay, this is getting interesting" you muttered, leaning back on the couch like Helders had done earlier. The three men to your left looked at each other in surprise, waiting for an answer, while you've been thinking, looking at the frontman.

"Certain Romance," you easily stated, "I want this one"

"Your wish is my command, Miss Boogie," he joked without any hint of smile, standing up "you guys remember how to play it, don't you?"

The guys looked at each other dumbfounded, unable to find words for such a drastic change in the behavior of the vocalist, but after a discordant series of affirmative nods, they received a condescending smile from him.

"Well, that's great, there's still time to rehearse. I propose Sheffield!" Alex said solemnly, thrusting his hands into the pockets.

"Al, ru ok?" Matt raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"All right, man" Turner said artificially.

"This house is a circus indeed" swirled through your head. Alex's behavior was defiant. Emerging into conflict. Literally a minute ago everything was peace and quiet, and now he, like a proud peacock, was arranging a show for you at the level of a cheap soap opera.

"No, but seriously, let's even organize a lottery, since Y/N has such an influence on the setlist" Alex didn't let up.

"Come on, pipe down, you suggested it yourself" Nick intervened carefully, not wanting to stir up the smoldering coals of the conflict.

"And I think all of you are into this idea, aren't you?" Turner didn't raise his low, heavily accented baritone, but the underlying toxicity in his tone was evident, "oh, even better, let's ask our Italian friends for advice! Let's get their opinion and her video as well".

"Alexander, smoke?" you stood up decisively from the couch, grabbing your purse and phlegmatically glancing at the wooden cider box you'd probably have to leave in the studio. But you couldn’t leave the guys in such an atmosphere, so out of courtesy you promised to return again.

"Y/N, no problem, see you before Bristol! Send the screen to our group, 'cause I'm getting jealous for these Italians" Matt gave you an encouraging wink in the end, and you certainly promised to do it tonight.

"They'll kill each other"

"He doesn't stand a chance"

Jamie and Matt said at the same time as the door closed behind you.

Alex imposingly walked ahead, not hurrying anywhere. He politely said goodbye to the security guard, noting that the rental period had already come to an end. Almost bowing, he opened the door to the street for you, artificially gallantly holding it with his hand, still making a show from every gesture, which for some reason made you feel disgusted. You were counting on working with middle-aged men, accomplished musicians, but it feels like you are talking to teenagers.

Damp cold air from the river hit your red cheeks, which made you wrap yourself in a jacket more tightly. Alex took out a pack of Marlboro, offering you one, but nodding to himself, removed it, remembering your words a week ago practically at the same place.

"Well?" he said with a cigarette in his mouth, lighting the filter.

The sky was overcast with a milky haze of fog, which wasn't uncommon for these places, a weak wind was blowing, but not a single sound from the road was heard, which made you hear sparks from ignited tobacco hiss like champagne bubbles, falling on the asphalt.

Alex exhaled noisily, squinting at you with his eyes. His face was faintly lit by the flame of a cigarette, but even in such low light, it was noticeable that his gaze was completely blank. "Amazingly indifferent and deep eyes at the same time. It's impossible to tell anything from them" you thought. Or maybe he was like this only with unpleasant people to him, who you apparently were. You can’t even imagine the way these eyes changed on stage "Where are you real, Alexander?". But instead of asking this, you just threw your head back, tiredly closing your eyelids, showing with your whole appearance how absurd the situation is.

"Alex," there wasn't any visible point to call him Mr. Turner even though you were annoyed "I thought we made a deal, didn't we?"

"Really? When?" his voice sounded even more affected than in the studio, despite the fact that now the man spoke rather quietly and slowly. Or maybe even a whisper would be loud in this ringing silence.

"I just don't understand what the problem is" you continued, as if you didn't hear his words.

"I don't see it either, Miss Y/S"

You raised your eyebrows high as you asked a silent question, which made Alex smirk slightly. Taking a puff, he began to explain to you with the intonation of a parent teaching a child not to put his fingers in the socket.

"Listen, I won't hide it, you brought some chaos to our tour. This is different from your direct duties though - to solve all the problems on our way. But you're a stranger who stirred up our peace and foundation. I was initially against this idea, but James left me no choice. You are undoubtedly an educated young lady, and probably from a moral point of view, I sound like a scoundrel now-"

"You sound unprofessional, Alex. You only make me feel contempt, and I don't care about any moral side"

The frontman looked at you from under his brows, taking out a second cigarette in a row from the pack, waiting for a further reaction, but inside you was a frozen magma that didn't want to break out, muffled by self-esteem. For now.

His words contradicted his behavior. In the morning he carries your boxes and asks for a song advice, and in the evening he gives out this shit. If women's logic is ridiculed by society, then men do not have it at all.

“You know what, when James offered me this job, I was damn excited and proud that I would be working with a team like yours. I was on a cloud nine. But you, Alex, you're just a spoiled boy in the body of a 37-year-old man who hasn't overplayed his ambitions and thinks that his subtle nature is so fragile to understand that you need to hide behind the facade of an asshole so that normal people with good intentions don't crawl into your soul. You are cowardly and arrogant!"

You were breathing heavily, and the words "fool fool fool" stretched on repeat in a red line behind your eyes.

You didn't even understand how they escaped from your lips, absolutely thoughtlessly. You even instinctively wanted to raise a hand to cover your mouth, but pulled yourself back in time, deciding to play to the end. Show after show.

Alex hadn't raised a cigarette to his face during your tirade, so that the wick was almost dead in his fingers. You intensively looked at each other without stopping, and at some point it seemed to you that fear flashed in his pupils. Fear of the revealed truth. However, they were covered with a thick veil of indifference to what was happening in a second, and he finally took the last puff, throwing the butt right on the road.

"Miss Y/S, it seems that you have to go" the musician said unemotionally.

You took one last burning look at his features and, without saying a word, turned around towards your car. How ironic, a week ago you left each other in roughly the same sequence of activities - studio, cider, parking lot, but under completely different circumstances.

Slamming the door shut, you sharply revved, not bothering to warm up the engine, and drove out of the parking lot with a clang of tires. Burning tears of resentment gushed from your eyes, covering the already foggy road in front, but you didn't pay attention.

Your cooperation has just begun, and you have already swept on an emotional swing. Only in the morning you were driving in a car towards the sun and rejoicing at the warm words of your dad, and in the evening you return home, wiping the salty paths with the back of your hand from your face.

You were never embarrassed by tears, you cried out almost all of them during a divorce, but if they dripped from your eyes today, then there was a reason for that. Your parents taught you that after rain there is always a rainbow, after tears there is always peace of mind, you need to be able to live through any emotions in order to turn them into your power later.

***

You haven't seen the boys since that evening until today's early departure for Bristol. Of course, you communicated on all sorts of organizational issues during this time and there was no visible tension, especially since they didn't hear about your quarrel with Alex. You were more than sure that he would not tell his friends about that incident. This is what infringes on him, and therefore makes him weaker, which he couldn't allow.

All these days you have wondered what was the reason for such a sharp behavior, however you couldn't really delve into yourself. Why exactly you were crying - from resentment, overstrain or just an emotional outburst, it was also difficult to understand. Perhaps all together. Over the past month, from your first conversation with Ford to recent events, your life has changed 180 degrees, so it's no surprise that your psyche gave a little glitch.

You've comforted yourself with routines though — setting Grapes up with a friend until your next visit to London, inviting your parents over for dinner to tell you all the details, packing your suitcase for the tour, checking out all the technical stuff, and almost forgetting what kind of adventure you're packing for.

And now, without any idea of the nearest future, you were sitting in a black Mercedes Sprinter between Marcus and James Kerr, Ben was in the passenger seat in front, Steven was riding with the group in the bus. It was only 8 am, you were sleepy, only at the last moment you didn’t forget to remove eye patches before going out, you didn’t even put on makeup, so you sat in the wide sunglasses, even though the sun wasn't visible through the tinted windows of the car.

It seemed that everyone was relaxed, easily communicated with each other and knew exactly what each would do upon arrival at the venue. Unlike you. The schedule was pretty clear - check-in at the hotel, lunch, departure for the soundcheck and then free time for the management and the band, but very busy time for the technicians. Of all this, the most sensible thing was to drink plenty of wine at dinner and walk around the rest of the day in a relaxed state of mind, but those were only pitiful thoughts of creeping fear. Deep inside you were sure that everything would be fine, it couldn’t be otherwise, because even if you didn’t know how to do this or that task, the guys knew their duties, and they physically couldn’t play the concert badly.

"Hey, Y/N, you kinda took working with us too seriously" Marcus snapped you out of your thoughts with his mocking tone.

"I'm sorry, what?" you asked, turning to him.

He touched the bridge of his nose with his index finger and chuckled. It took you another couple of seconds to figure out what he meant, so he took advantage of your confusion to explain "you now going to wear glasses in the dark as well?"

The reference to Alex was read transparently, so you imperceptibly flinched and pointedly removed them, as if not wanting to be associated with him at all.

"No, no, I just didn't have time to do my make up" you honestly admitted, shrugging your shoulders ingenuously.

"Oh, I'm sorry, we-" the guy looked around at all the passengers, "we don't understand this here"

You laughed slightly, at the same time relaxing, and asked him a question that had been of interest to you for a long time.

"Why don't you have women in the team? I mean at all"

Instead of Marcus, Ben decided to answer from the front seat, apparently as the eldest among you.

“It didn’t happen on purpose, but later it became kind of unspoken rule. We are here like on the fishing, you know? We leave our wives, spend time within our male company, it’s like an alternative branch of your life, you do quality work here, you feel needed, while no one owe you nothing and you feel absolutely free in your actions, understanding thoroughly those who are around you"

"Are you aware that this is how a normal team should work, regardless of gender? It sounds somehow sexist. Am I really embarrassing you in actions?" you smiled slyly, anticipating the denouement.

"Actually, besides you, we have 3 other women in the team.." Marcus embarrassingly chipped in.

"Guys, don't bother yourself with excuses, I knew who I was messing with" you laughed, crossing your legs. Marcus looked at you dumbfounded, but said nothing, and James just chuckled softly at the window.

"Well, if you knew that, then you also should know about our tradition, right, guys?" Ben began in a conspiratorial tone, exchanging glances with the guys.

"Um, about what?" you arched an eyebrow in disbelief.

"The newbie is signed up for the after-party. Tonight is your first concert, and after that we go to the bar, the drinks are off you! We're equal here" Ben imperturbably continued to scan your reaction with a fox-eye, waiting for an answer. It's not that you're greedy or unable to pay, but to buy drinks for the whole team...

And as if ahead of your question, the man added "enough management and the band".

As if it changed the essence. But you couldn't refuse, so you mumbled something affirmative, getting a roar of male hoarse laughter in response, and starting to laugh at yourself. You appreciated in people, especially males, this ability - to make a woman laugh. In a time of constant change and stress, finding someone who will make you forget about it was very important.

The rest of the road was spent in the same good mood, and these conversations did help you to forget about your anxiety due to upcoming events. Upon arrival, all the management team and the band settled in the hotel. As James promise, you've been given a private suite overlooking the most beautiful park in the city center. But due to an unknown coincidence, you lived not on the same floor with the attendants, but through the door from the group.

Matt carried your things to your room and you agreed to meet for lunch in 20 minutes.

Since you were able to miraculously did a make up even in the car, thanks to the sensitive driving, now you decided to change into more presentable clothes in which you will be at the concert.

Without changing the habit of choosing clothes carefully and for a long time, you took off your hot sweatshirt, remaining in only sweatpants and starting to go through the whole suitcase in search of those things that would match your mood. You had a couple of looks planned, but today's unexpectedly warm weather changed your plans a little, so you confidently took out a black leather skirt and a white blouse.

A piece of matter fit all your forms perfectly, so you were satisfied with the choice, spinning in front of the mirror by the bed. The black bodice harmonized perfectly with the skirt, and the crazy idea of ​​staying only in it, without putting on anything, flashed through your head like a bullet, but flew out just as quickly as soon as you heard the muffled thud of heels on the carpet outside the door and a muttered "Jamie?" at your door followed by a knock. You hysterically shouted "No!" exactly at the moment when the door opened without a click.

"Shit, Y/N!" Alex, not having time to properly enter your room, but having clearly noticed you in a compromising way, abruptly recoiled, remaining in the corridor, but not completely closing the door so that he could hear you, but not see.

"God! What a mess" you pleaded, rushing to the door. You stuck out only your head, meeting the eyes of the musician, who was discomposedly staring at you point-blank.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Why are you naked?"

You asked at the same time, shouting over each other.

"This is my room! And I'm not naked!"

"Where's Jamie? I thought he was at 312" Turner asked, a little bewildered, clearly embarrassed.

"I have no idea where Jamie is. How did you even get in?" you were still half-dressed, hiding most of your body behind a wooden door.

"I knocked, but it turned out that it was not slammed at all"

"What the fuck? Maybe Matt didn't close when he left," you muttered more to yourself. You clearly saw the question “What did Matt do here?” that arose in Alex’s head, but which he never voiced. Clearly realizing that the dialogue could not be continued in this form, you abruptly switched the subject, trying to tear his eyes from your neck.

 "I was changing for dinner anyway, so see you there" you sharply slammed the door in front of him, not wanting to go into details, and tiredly leaned your head against the wooden surface from the inside.

"Crazy" you heard quiet along with receding soft steps.

It was your only meaningful conversation with the singer, since that evening. You understood that it couldn’t go on like this for a long time, but at the moment you didn’t have any ideas how to fix the situation. So you just finally put on the look you chose, after checking that the door was locked, then decided to add a black headband, and being satisfied with your appearance, went downstairs.

After lunch, the whole team went to the stadium, where the technicians had already set up half of the equipment. The guys immediately went to the sound check, and you and Steven went to meet Ashton Gate management. It seemed like there was still plenty of time before the concert, and you thought you would have a few more chances to double-check everything, but in the turmoil that was going on behind the scenes, this turned out to be impossible.

To be honest, you were overwhelmed by what was happening. The soft music, people around, the sun rays moving towards the sunset - this whole scene that was unfolding before you as you unexpectedly stepped onto the empty stage a few minutes before the crowd was let into the stadium looked surreal and incredibly familiar, as if you had been here many times before. The noise and chaos behind you contrasted with the tranquility in front of your eyes. The empty space that was about to be filled with a crowd in just a few minutes brought both excitement and serenity. These were the moments that seemed unreal, but made life worth living.

***

The show was about to start, and you stood next to the dark staircase, where the guys from the dressing room were soon to come up. Leaning on the railing, you nervously twirled a lock of hair around your finger. You went through all the items on the checklist in your head, checking off each one mentally, but something still bothered you.

Alex.

Your unfinished conversations and evasive behavior were weighing on you. You felt guilty, knowing that as his manager, you had behaved tactlessly, driven by emotions. It ate at you from the inside. You decided that you would talk to him today, apologize and put this issue to rest once and for all.

Suddenly you noticed a flickering light from the security, which meant that the group is entering the stage, and you turned sharply, both wanting and fearing to see them. As always, looking luxurious, these four men made their way up to the platform, remaining unnoticed by the audience.

"Good luck, guys! I'm buzzing as hell honestly" you tried to sound confident, but your voice trembled on the last word.

"Miss Y/S, is it just me or are you worried about us?" Nick lightly touched your shoulder in a reassuring gesture.

"Well, it's my first time with you" realizing how ambiguous that sounded, you interrupted yourself with a laugh.

"Oh, you'll love it, babe" Matt mimicked a voice from a cheap adult movie, tossing a stick in the air. It seemed like he could find the right words in any situation, and in the future, you would highly appreciate this skill.

All this time, you were glancing at Alex out of the corner of your eye, trying to read his emotions, but he calmly adjusted the folds on his unchanging dark blue jacket and stretched his neck with turns left and right. Seeing that the guys had moved a little away from you, you looked at your watch, estimating that you had 5 minutes maximum, and whispered to yourself "now or never".

"Alex!" you called him out loudly, trying to outshout the crowd "I wanted to talk, I know it's not the most appropriate time, but-"

"Y/N, forgive me, okay," the man unexpectedly began, barely approaching you. For the first time, you saw genuine excitement in his eyes, here, in the darkness of the backstage area of a 30,000-seat stadium. For some reason, only now you clearly feel the difference in height between you two. He looked down at you patronizingly. Maybe it was because of his heels or the knot of nerves in your stomach that made you feel so small in your attempt to hide from his penetrating gaze.

"I've been a complete jerk and acted childish from the very beginning. You didn't do anything to deserve such treatment. I don't want our tension to affect the group and our work in any way, so I admit my guilt"

You stood in shock, slightly opening your mouth. You absolutely did not expect such a turn of events, so your entire improvised speech evaporated from your mind instantly. He suddenly smiled softly, raising an eyebrow, as if asking 'well, what now?' Still not believing what you heard, you nodded your head almost automatically.

"Y-yes, you were a jerk indeed. But I also didn't behave entirely correctly, my first impression wasn't great either," you sighed in frustration, recalling your memories, "I suggest we start over, huh? Hi, my name is Y/N, I'm your new tour manager, nice to meet you" and to confirm your words, you gracefully extended your hand to him.

"Nice to meet you too, I'm Alex Turner, sort of singing here," he shook your hand with an energetic movement. His palm was dry and steady, causing a pleasant warmth throughout your body, "just business then?"

"Just business indeed. And a little bit of music" you said, more relaxed, smiling with all 32 teeth, still holding onto his hand.

"Deal, Miss Y/S"

For a moment, the roar of fans faded away for you, and you only saw the outlines of his pupils in the semi-darkness and his fingers firmly holding yours. However, your fragile moment was promptly ruined by-

"Al, c'mon!" Jamie impatiently called, and your hand felt the gusts of wind instead of calloused skin of the frontman. You watched him walk away in his waddle manner, as he suddenly turned and shouted, winking "By the way, nice lace".

 It took you a couple of seconds to understand what was said, and when the meaning of his words reached you, you exclaimed in indignation "You, motherfucker!" almost stomping your foot, but your cry was lost in the wild roar of the crowd, as the guys were already on stage.

It was a miraculous sight. Four men made people go into ecstasy just with their appearance - this is the phenomenon of the Beatles, and they were proof that rock and roll is alive. As long as they are alive. Every strum on the guitar strings, every touch of the lips to the microphone, every drumstick strike, every hair flip was special in their performance, they themselves were special.

You were fascinated, to say the least. When the performance came to the last song before the encore, Body Paint, one of your favorite songs from the album, that was definitely made to be played live, you were out of words. The whole song built you up to the climax, to the outro that every time was a pure jamming and improvisation. And you literally exploded in ecstasy when Alex started walking around the stage, unable to stand still from the knocking down energy. He closed his eyes in languor, biting his lips, screaming, throwing out his arms, and you couldn't take your eyes off. You weren't dancing or jumping, you were inseparably watching his every movement, arms folded across your chest. Your mouth was agape against your will, and your eyes eagerly punched a hole in the frontman. This is a unique performance, it's something that is hard to explain without feeling it for yourself. You were made up of his music, you literally felt these waves inside your veins, your brain wasn't able to comprehend what was happening, it was like a catharsis for all of you. And you definitely didn't want to be saved.

Suddenly Alex turned his head to your side, continuing to play some divine riff outlining the Van Gogh fields on the guitar strings. His hair was tousled, shirt unbuttoned, but his jacket fitted perfectly. He rested his eyes on your figure, smiling with one corner of his lips, and you looked at each other for good seven seconds which felt like eternity. You were sure that everything was clear in your eyes, and even if he stood next to you and heard you, you wouldn't be able to utter a word.

What you definitely didn't expect when your eye contact was broken and Alex walked to another side of the stage, that tears would involuntarily flow from your eyes. "What the hell..." you wondered aloud, quickly removing the salty tracks from your cheeks. In fact, you perfectly understood why you were crying. From a sense of greatness. The greatness of music, human synergy and the power of unity. It was too much for you, too strong emotions to bear. It was excellent, it was the taste of life, thanks to which you still were here. "God, if you exist, bless this band, they are saints" although it sounded ridiculous and naive, you seriously were ready to pray for the talent of these guys, for the ability to make other people feel alive. You were in your place, you did everything right, you were cruising the victory. Today he convinced you.

As soon as the last chords of "RU Mine?" were played and the bows to the fans were taken, the men disappeared from the deafening roar behind the dark curtains of backstage. Their hair stuck to their sweat faces, and a distinct masculine smell was coming from their shirts. The guys passed by you with exhausted smiles, unable to utter a word from fatigue, and disappeared into the darkness of the corridors.

You didn't know what to do right now. According to your understanding, your job didn't end with pre-concert organization, there were also post-concert tasks to be done. But you were so lost in emotions that you felt like you were drifting away from an anaphylactic shock.

Unexpectedly, Tyler came to you as he was the last one to come off the stage. He fraternally put a hand on your shoulder, tousling your hair with his heavy palm.

"Well, with the initiation into our hell, sweetheart. How're you?"

"Thrilled, and I want more!" you declared confidently, matching his quick pace that was pulling you further away from the frenzy of the crowd.

"Well, don't doubt that, it's just the beginning" he charmingly smiled, and you couldn't help but mirror his expression.

"Now we're going to celebrate, and you're coming with us" it sounded so authoritative that even if you wanted to object, you immediately closed your mouth, nodding in agreement. "Besides, seems like you need to unwind" you remembered.

You left the stadium only an hour later, apparently, it was a normal time for the guys to "recover". You'd made several jokes about one woman waiting for seven men and received offended and teasing looks in return. You got into the same Mercedes you arrived in that morning, and the driver took you to one of Bristol's typical English pubs that the guys loved so much.

You didn't understand their fondness for these quaint places where the sofa upholstery hadn't changed along with the owner. There were so many modern bars in the city, any of which the band could afford to rent entirely, but they paid tribute to traditions, obviously cherishing memories of their lively youth when they started playing their first concerts in similar places. Such a return to their roots after the thousands-capacity stadiums grounded them well. And the warm nostalgia, slipping across the Guinness glasses every time, was a corner of genuine joy for the guys, the only true luxury they possessed.

And overall, you didn't care where to spend money or on what. After all today's events, which felt like a whole month, you didn't mind anymore. In the morning, you looked at your apple orchard in the early mist of suburban London, then stood half-naked in a five-star hotel room in front of a world-renowned music star, and now, in the evening, you huddled next to him on an old leather couch under a red velvet chandelier, drinking a B-52.

Glasses, shots and colorful bottles flashed in front of your eyes like a kaleidoscope. Your head was spinning from the amount of alcohol, and your cheeks hurt from laughter.

"My dear mates, I propose a toast to Miss Y/S and her first concert with us! I don't know if she understands where she has ended up, but we'll make sure she has a great time with us, right, guys? To Y/N!" Matt solemnly proclaimed, rising from the table, and 8 hands, pouring drinks onto each other, reached towards the center of the table to clink glasses.

"Guys, thank you for this opportunity, thanks to James for his unplanned vacation, thanks to Steven and Marcus-" although the latter wasn't here, you decided to thank him as he had been providing you with all kinds of help during these weeks, "for their support and adaptation, and of course, to you Monkeys, for accepting me. I do like your crazy Monkey house" you joked, but it didn't negate the truth. Despite all the past disagreements with the lead singer, you felt that you were still doing everything right. And even if you hadn't gone on this adventure today, you would still feel grateful to fate for such an opportunity to be at the center of life.

"Glad to hear that," Jamie chuckled ironically, "as they say, welcome aboard"

And with these words, you all whistled, and Tom even shouted like a saloon girl from the Wild West. Your evening, or rather the night, continued until 3 am, fortunately there was no concert the next day, so you could at least sleep in a bit. You looked in horror at the amount you had drunk, trying to estimate how long it would take to recover the contents of your wallet. But you had consumed so much gin and tonic that the only thing that really worried you was how to walk straight for at least 2 meters to the bar to pay for it all.

"Drinks on me!" you declared with a mischievous smile to the group as you headed towards the bar counter.

"What, for everyone?" Matt playfully refined.

"Well, yeah," you didn't have the energy to realize his surprise, but he also didn't have the energy to argue with you, "that's no problem".

And thus, the following events spun in your head like a foggy whirlpool. Here you were finally breathing in the fresh air of the street, tilting your head towards the purple sky, then you were half-lying on someone's shoulder in the black minivan, and finally for no reason you were walking barefoot on a soft hotel carpet, but there were no shoes in your hands as well.

You didn't have any memories of walking into your room either. But in the moment, the feeling of soft snow-white hotel sheets flooded your body with long-awaited bliss. You instantly fell into the arms of Morpheus, only on the verge of consciousness noticing that someone took off the headband from your hair, which had been squeezing your head tightly, and silently closed the door.

You may be too drunk to remember each of your actions clearly, but you definitely wouldn't mistake the familiar scent of cigarettes in the room.

---------------------------------------------------

A/N: Oh, so much has happened in one chapter, and this is just the beginning of the tour... I decided to tell the background of Y/N for a better understanding of her actions. What do you think, maybe you want more of "Italian friends" in the work? Whose line do you want to read in more detail? Share your emotions, it is incredibly valuable to me that someone reads this work actually!

xo🤍

Taglist: @missbabyjay @rentskenobi @findmeincorneliastreet @indierockgirrl here it is!

*if you want to be removed or added to the taglist, feel free to ask me!

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

Hey :) I’ve currently got Gríma brain rot because of your fics (compliment) and was wondering what you think his opinion on music would be?

Is there any particular style or instrument he would like or would there be anything he could play? Also do you think he could sing? I imagine that music would be important to Rohan’s culture and that most of the people would be able to play something?

Grima brain rot is the best brain rot to have, gotta say

We know canonically that music is important to Rohan, Aragorn says as much before they arrive at Edoras. But he just mentions epic songs/lyrical music - so what role instruments play aren't dwelled on. Even in later passages when their songs are discussed - it's more focused on the nature of the lyrics and topics covered than the instrumental aspects of it.

That said, I definitely think there were flute-adjacent instruments and pipes of various sorts alongside something akin to a harp (think the smaller, hand harps of the medieval period and earlier). I can also see them having early version of vihuelas and other proto-violin-family instruments. Drums would have been a thing - the debate around the popularity/presence/nature of the drums of early medieval anglo-saxon england and also Scandinavia aside - I vibe with Rohan having drums.

100% they would have had riddle drums since I think they were major corn producers once they settled in what is now Rohan and riddle drums grew out of winnowing corn.

Now for Grima.

I think he could sing. His voice was his strong suit, it's one of things he had going for him and was important to his power when it came to controlling Theoden. But also, whatever his role in court may have been (see the Grima Thoughts tag for reams of paper on Grima's position in the court, among many other topics), being a good public speaker and having a fine voice was absolutely part of the job description.

So, I think he could sing and sang well and probably liked it. I don't see a reason to think that he wouldn't like music, especially since it was a huge part of Rohan's culture. He would have grown up with song being a venerable and important thing to respect.

Also, since they are an oral-tradition society who are proto-literate at best, song and verse is how history and knowledge are preserved. They would have a strong, complicated and multi-faceted relationship with song.

Not sure if Grima played anything. I could see him knowing a wind instrument, as they're very accessible economically and, depending on the instrument, skill-wise. Maaaaaybe he would know a string instrument of some sort, like a lyre or vihuela-adjacent thing.

String instruments are expensive and take skill to make and time to learn how to play. It wouldn't be an every-day thing. Being a formal musician was an occupation because of the skill required - and also god knows they didn't have Netflix so people had to kill time somehow. Traveling skald coming in to relay news and also recount epic stories through song is a good way to pass an evening.

Obviously, every village and hamlet would have a few people who could play things, but it would vary on who had access, time, and ability when it came to the type of instruments used.

So yeah, I think Grima likes music. I think he can sing and probably knows a good selection of songs. Can he play an instrument? That one I'm more on the fence about. I think it would depend on the back story he was given in any particular text.

As for type? Epics. 100% he wants Rohan's answer to the Odyssey sung every winter and is excited when riddles happen in the quests and has strong opinions on all the bad politicking that happens.

I don't think he's a love-song person. I also don't think he's a pastoral-verse sort of person. Perhaps love songs if they're tragic and everyone is dead by the end of it.

Grima: We should sing Green Grows the Tree.

Eomer: I said love song.

Grima: It's a love song.

Eomer: Everyone's dead by the end of it! The husband returns and just flat-out murders everyone!

Grima: your point?? Very well, if we won't do that then My Lady Walks in the Corn Field

Eomer: People eat the shitty lover at the end of that one.

Grima: With fried beans. It's great.

Eomer: New stipulation, it must be a *Happy* love song.

Grima: ew. I'm going to conveniently take some air. Happiness? Disgusting.

----

<3 <3 <3 thank you for the asssssk

[ablincoln666]

A Light in the Darkness

Part 3

**WARNING: Violence and Blood description

Uriel threw Annabelle far into the row of seats in the auditorium. There was a loud bang as she slammed against the wall but as soon as she recovered herself Michael was behind her pinning Annabelle on the ground. With Uriel coming towards them Annabelle had very little ways to escape. The class started to scramble off stage and into the hallways with Mrs. L behind them. Few kids stayed behind to watch what was going to happen, and it just so happens that one kid was brave enough to throw a mallet at Uriel, knocking her to the chairs. 

“You know something about being among humans for so long Michael,” Annabelle started as she raised her leg,”You start to know where all bodies have weak points.” Annabelle thrusted her leg up and kicked Michael in between her legs. As she yelped in pain Uriel ran at Annabelle from where she was knocked into the seats and found herself faced with a sword. Annabelle miracled a sword from thin air and sliced Uriel across the faces. Annabelle miracles her glasses just as she started to walk away towards the stage and the last few kids ran away Annabelle fell to the ground as pain raced from her shoulder down her arm. Annabelle turned to see Michael with a bow in hand, and an arrow was sticking out of Annabelle’s shoulder. Blood dripped from it as Annabelle started to see dots at the edge of her vision. 

Michael came to stand over her. She turned Annabelle over to see her face as she pulled the arrow out and stabbed her again this time near her collarbone, pushing the arrow deeper and deeper until Annabelle was barely moving. 

“This is why you don’t mess with angels, you bitch.” 

Uriel came to stand next to Michael with blood dripping from her face and bruises starting to form around her forehead. 

“Michael, stop, it is not our job to torcher her, it is the Supreme Archangel’s job. Let’s bring her back with us and then we may see to it about her punishment but for now let's let her rest.” As Uriel casts a miracle on Annabelle the angels drag the girl towards the door and miracle the auditorium and stage but to where they were before and disappear back to Heaven. 

Heaven,

“Your Supreme Archangelness, we come bringing the angel.” said Michael formally as they strolled into the Archangels office carrying Annabelle’s limp body with him and depositing her to the floor. The Archangel rises from his chair and stares at the lifeless body of the girl before waving Michael and Uriel out of the way. 

“What did you do to her?” He asked nervously. “What happened to not making a mess of things?!” Michael and Uriel stood staring at their shoes, not saying anything. The Archangel snapped his fingers and her eyes blinked open. Before he knew what was going on she sat up, opened her arms and cruelly spoke, “Why hello, Supreme Archangel Aziraphale.”

Part 4 coming soon.....

[wemissyoupyo]

#14 - カロン (Charon)

Bio:

種族 (Species): 衛星 (Moon)

一人称 (Pronouns): 僕 (He/him, They/them)

性同一性 (Gender identity): Non-binary

好きな食べ物 (Favorite food): タロイモ (Taro)

好きな趣味 (Favorite hobby): 拗ねる (Sulking)

創造 (Year created): 2015年

誕生日 (Birthdate): 6月22日 (June 22)

年齢 (Age): 数え切れない(大人) (Countless) (Adult)

Sexuality: Pansexual

登場作品 (Appearances): 太陽系に願いを 〜 Solar Emissary

Relations:

Pluto

Eris

Dysnomia

Jupiter

Mercury

Sedna

A loner and scorn Moon. Wields a scythe. Currently working as a mercenary to earn some extra cash, but formally used to work the same job as Nyx and Styx, while also ferrying the remains to Planet Sedna. A very sour attitude and seems to harbor a lot of spite. Lost an eye on that job long ago, but due to the help of a certain planet, he refuses to get it formally fixed. Doesn't have the best reputation due to Pluto's current state. His eye socket gets infected often and bleeds.

-Character description from the official website.

Charon (カロン) is a moon type Celestial a major character appearing in Solar Emissary.

Relationships:

Eris Eris supposedly hired Charon to be a part of her Squad. They are often shown together in illustrations. In most cases, Eris seems to enjoy annoying or teasing Charon, though some illustrations see them acting friendly towards each other. Due to a statement by Pyo regarding Charon's character, its likely Charon doesn't care much about Eris outside of work, but it is unclear.

Pluto Pluto is Charon's planet. It is unclear currently what relationship these two have, but it is implied they may not currently be on good terms, but used to be close in the past. It is implied that Pluto was the one to bandage Charon's eye after an accident. Pluto's current state of depression has also affected Charon's reputation, possibly implying he may be the reason they are currently feeling so down.

Jupiter It is not fully clear what relationship Jupiter and Charon have yet. However, it is implied they may be on bad terms. They are often shown looking disapprovingly at each other. It is not fully clear if the picture is canon or not but on Uchinokomato.me, what appears to be Jupiter's sword is through Charon's chest among other weapons. This is likely mutual hate or disapproval of each other.

Dysnomia Not much is known about the relationship Charon and Dysnomia have but they are often seen in images together. One image shows Charon impaled by a slice of watermelon next to Dysnomia, seen eating a slice of watermelon, perhaps their relationship may be one of some kind of rivalry or indifference.

Nyx Nyx is a fellow moon of Pluto. Seem to be on bad terms as Nyx and Styx are shown to be angrily chasing him with their weapons. Not much else is known.

Styx Styx is a fellow moon of Pluto. Seem to be on bad terms as Nyx and Styx are shown to be angrily chasing him with their weapons. Not much else is known.

Hel (TRAPPIST-1h) Hel looks up distantly to Charon, from the stories they have heard about him. It is unknown if they know the full story, or just simplified versions, maybe even just rumors. It's unknown if Charon knows of Hel.

Trivia:

It has been stated that Charon used to work the same job as Nyx and Styx, as well as ferrying the remains to dwarf planet Sedna. It seems that on this job he lost his eye after being hit by a meteorite. This would was subsequently patched up by a "certain person" (implied to be Pluto). Since then it seems that he refuses to get it formally fixed, healed or cleaned, leading it to get infected and bleed often.

During the events of Solar Emissary, Charon was apparently hired as a mercenary by Eris to be a part of her squad.

Charon apparently dislikes oranges.

Charon has been shown bleeding in a range of different colors. While most of the time it appears his blood is of a purple or pink-ish hue, it is sometimes shown to be either pure black or red. Purple seems to be used more frequently in recent pictures, likely indicating a change in design.

Gallery (Warning: Some art can be disturbing, be careful.)

More art here!

[gortius-viii]

Flag-rating world map

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Some time ago I undertook one of my usual arduous missions, because I am headstrong as fuck, which is not too dissimilar of a form of self-torture. I decided to go to the wikipedia article for "Flags of X [X = country]", and if that didn't exist, then "The flag of X", and based of how much I liked the flags shown in that article I'd give that country a rating from A (the best) to E (the worst), and colour said country a corresponding colour in a map.

This took longer that you might've though, you only get a feel of how many countries there are when you have to visit their wikipedia pages individually. Anyway, this journey of mine led me to reach some conclusions which I'd like to share with you, and see if you agree.

But before that, I'll share with you the clean map and the one with all the ratings, if you would like to make your own version.

"Can we stop with the nonsense that the 'flag of the president' has to be the coat of arms of a nation on top of some monochromatic background? Thank you. No, really, if you are going to make a flag - unnecessary by the way - for a government position that so uninspired, don't do it, what's the point? As I see it, these kinds of flags should be made when there is a significant symbolism or design you'd like a flag to have."

"Sometimes one would like to see a bit of international standardization among flags. In a thousand and one ways. But in this case I am talking about having flags for the same thing, for example, Denmark has a flag for it's postal service. Some countries have designs for when the flag is flown hanging vertically, others have looooong pennants for their ships, other not. But, one can only dream that vexillological comparisons could be carried out in equal footing. And can someone tell the nordic countries to choose if their naval flags should have two or three tails?"

"I have heard hundreds of times that 'you shouldn't put different designs on the two sides of the flag!', because it drives up costs, it's mirrored and 'strange'... bla bla bla. Those who tell you that can't see the creativity and originality in having two flags in one, go Oregon and Paraguay!"

"Unpopular opinion: The flag of Brazil isn't that good. Now, I could go on for ages talking about it, but I already talked about it in my podcast, so I'll send you off to there, but, mainly:

The location, size and everything about the stars is way to complex to be appreciated far away, and only helps to make the flag fuzzier. And although I appreciate the complex mathematical and astronomical calculations involved, I maintain that they're too much.

¿The motto in the middle? ¿Really?

Green and yellow don't fit together."

Now, this isn't in relation to the world map, but I still would like to write it down: "Recommendation to new vexillographers: don't make the mistake of trying to describe every little detail in a flag of yours when you are writing down a description of it. It just doesn't work like that, descriptions of flags are most of the time really vague, not so that you can reproduce it by the text alone, but as a mere formality. I learned this seeing what the Instagram user Flagible used to post on flag descriptions and so on. And I think I did a pretty good job here: https://www.worldanvil.com/w/las-islas-de-las-nueces-gortius-viii/a/algunas-descripciones-vexilologicas-article.

Thank you very much for reading.

[restaurantify]

How to Excel as a Barback: Understanding the Roles and Duties

The Key Player: What Exactly is a Barback?

When we think of a bar's service, bartenders often come to mind first. Their role involves chatting with customers, taking orders via the point-of-sale system, and crafting drinks. However, equally crucial to a smooth bar operation is the barback. This guide unfolds the essence of a barback, their tasks, required skills, and tips on hiring the right one.

What Is a Barback?

A barback is akin to a busser in a bar setting. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the bartender has everything essential during service to maintain seamless operations: clean glasses, ample garnishes, stocked liquor, beer and spirits, ice cubes, and more. Barbacks, much like bussers, keep the service area clean, addressing spills and broken glass, and restocking from the walk-in.

For many, working as a barback is the initial step toward a bartender career. Their goal is clear: make the bartender's life easier, ensure smooth service, and enhance the overall guest experience. Barbacks are the catch-all problem solvers, whether addressing visible customer needs or resolving behind-the-scenes issues.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Barback: A Comprehensive Overview

Barback responsibilities vary before, during, and after shifts and can differ among establishments. Tasks are often prioritized daily based on urgency and specific zones of the restaurant. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Before Service Barback Tasks:

Arrive on time and clock in.

Put on the barback uniform.

Prepare clean rags for service.

Check and restock liquor bottles, mixers, and bar essentials.

Juice citrus, label, and date squeeze bottles.

Fill containers with garnishes.

Fill ice bins.

Replace beer kegs.

Restock counter items and clean surfaces.

Polish wine glasses.

Manage bar inventory.

During Barback Service Tasks:

Refill liquor and wine bottles.

Replace coasters and wipe down counters.

Manage dirty glasses and dishes.

Clean and polish wine glasses.

Fill water glasses for customers.

Run drinks to tables.

Clean used glasses.

Address spills and broken glass.

Assist bartenders as needed.

Inform security of issues.

Assist with POS system.

Pour drinks during peak hours.

Engage with customers.

Take out the trash.

After-Service Barback Tasks:

Wipe down counters.

Take out the trash.

Clean furnishings.

Polish glasses and dishes.

Set up and tear down the bar.

Restock for the next shift.

Unclog sinks.

Mop behind the bar.

Clean non-slip mats.

Organize alcohol deliveries.

Monitor liquor inventory.

Collect and handle dirty rags.

Coordinate with team members for closing tasks.

Hiring a Barback: The Key Steps

Given the odd hours of bar operations, barback positions are suitable for individuals with other daytime commitments or those aspiring for a bartending career. Hiring a diligent barback can alleviate pressure on bartenders, leading to better income and customer retention. Consider the following steps in the hiring process:

Type of Barback:

Determine whether you need a full-time, freelance, part-time, or contract barback.

Method of Recruitment:

Experiment with various hiring techniques, from online postings to industry contacts.

Job Description:

Craft a detailed job description outlining tasks, responsibilities, and required skills.

Interviewing Candidates:

Conduct interviews to understand candidates' skills, accomplishments, and objectives.

Training A Barback: Nurturing the Backbone of the Bar

Even experienced barbacks benefit from a thorough training program. This is an opportunity to introduce them to the business and the bartending team. Key steps in training include:

List essential products to keep on hand.

Introduce the barback to the team.

Educate on regular cleaning tasks.

Provide health and safety training.

Encourage questions and inquiries.

Familiarize with the beverage menu.

Assign a mentor for ongoing guidance.

A formal training program ensures that barbacks feel valued, crucial in a role often characterized by behind-the-scenes, thankless work. The job is fast-paced, physically demanding, and requires multitasking.

Conclusion: The Crucial Role of Barbacks

Working as a barback is often a stepping stone for aspiring bartenders. It offers valuable training, allowing individuals to grasp the fundamentals and intricacies of bar functions. Barbacks, the silent contributors to a bar's success, play a pivotal role in maintaining the bar's rhythm and ensuring a positive customer experience. Cheers to the unsung heroes of the bar—barbacks!

Get in touch with Restaurantify for more insightful blogs.

[enneamage]

I was lurking thru ur older blogposts and saw that ur a 5w6!! I'm a 5w4 and was wondering if you knew a bit more about the differences between the two? I think it makes so much sense for you to be a 5 (me too) since you're here on critblr which is a very niche system of information that not many know about but is very interesting to get into. I also wonder if you would ever consider finding a professional avenue to practice this kind of in depth research and analysis, because for me that sounds like a nightmare (mixing work and pleasure) but I'd love to hear another 5's perspective.

Hello!

I’m actually another 5w4 so we are in the same boat. I’ve found that 5w6’s tend to be a little bit more engineer-like, but that isn’t a hard rule as much as a trend. I’ve found this description is reliable if you ignore the celebrity section. It’s not a shorthand but I’ve found the best way to understand the difference is to meet the people—having the experience of “okay so I’m kinda like this but you’re really like this” helps build the intuition up.

I think it’s really interesting that apparently it’s a trend among Fives to not be as into their field of interest as a career as often as a hobby. I think it’s something to do with the freedom that being a lone actor and not having to rely on other systems to get things done. Granted I know plenty of Fives who have brainy jobs and do them well, but I’ve seen just as many go into something that gets the bills paid so that they can have their freedom on weekends and when they get home. I think it comes from not wanting to be co-opted into something that will drain them.

This is going to sound unbelievably arrogant but knowing what I know about the average view-rate of academic writing, a doofy post that gets viewed on tumblr is probably going to have way more eyeballs and casual individual impact than most formal papers OTL. Academia has a real problem of stuffing everything behind a wall or in a fridge and guaranteeing it never sees the sun, it’s very locked off from the ‘practical’ world, even (or especially?) when its useful. (The rest of the time it’s so badly communicated by reporters that it kind of mutates into being untrue or not what was said in the first place.) The idea of doing stuff formally and intensely is appealing, but the reality of where the money comes from, what people want to use info for and what people are practically able to do kind of dulls it for me. I think I have the most fun when I’m a free agent and can lurk whatever weird fringe thing I get my hands on without having to run it by other people first.

[kim-poce]

15. Witches Are Meant To Burn: Portia's Gods

I posted the wrong chapter yesterday sorry

First | Previous | Next | Masterlist

A long time before the continent was named Graywave, there was a war. Not to start a history essay, but after years of being pushed back deeper into their own territory, several indigenous tribes formed an alliance with two main goals: drive away common enemies, and help each other so they will never face the danger of extinction again. It happened centuries ago, and Allies of Portia has grown into a stable and formally recognized country that shows itself to outsiders as one state.

Within the country, however, the cultural difference is often like day and night, most people whose field of study is Portia are focused on the common history and only go deeper into a few subcultures.

“We are lucky Podium is located near Kiona,” Tina said, after explaining the basics, but also letting it clear that Portia has just too much in it for a crash course to be enough to actually learn all of the basics. “Kiona is in Viné state, which is one of the most open tribes, if this cave was more to the south we would take years to be allowed in. If ever.”

“There are several dialects within Portia, but for the most part of their history, their language was mainly, if not exclusively, verbal. So, given how old Podium is, it’s not weird that there are no books in some of Portia’s language. What is weird is the lack of other traces; pottery, accessories, and carvings! Many tribes love carvings! Sometimes they tell stories, which would fit so well with the rest of Podium, but as of now, I haven’t seen a single thing that looks Portia made.”

“Maybe there are things from the tribes annihilated before the alliance,” I said, it was a pretty common theory among the groups working in the library, there are too many traces left behind by cultures we didn’t even know existed. “After all, the territory wasn’t the main reason foreign wished to end the locals’ culture.”

“Yes,” Tina nodded, “Most subcultures within Portia fall right into the heathen category, there was no belief in fate as we know, it was the opposite, many of Portia’s subcultures believe that you should take the rein of your life, so you can see how quickly this became a cultural war which aimed genocide instead of land. On the subject, I was thinking if maybe you should accept Melanie, since she is a local it just feels right.”

“If I decide to add a local to our team, it’ll be a scholar who already studies the field, Tina.”

She shrugged.

“Ok, so if there is too much about Portia for a crash course, how can we tell if something is Portia made?” Igor asked.

“Okay, here,” Tina lend out folds to everyone, “As the index says, the first part is the description of how the runes are formed, the second part is subcategorized by tribe, which is subcategorized by time, and goes from most important and used runes to less known ones to the ones we saw, hence we know existed, but doesn’t quite know what meant. There is a chronological timeline in case you need to recap, there are references at the end, the ones marked with the stars are books I borrowed and you can have access to, and the ones marked with a point are books that will come quickly if you order to location and the ones unmarked are only available in faraway libraries.”

I skimmed through the first pages as my other students stared at Tina.

“You had just a few days,” Hector pointed out, astonished.

“And this was hand-copied!” Sandra added.

“You call this a crash course?” Livia asked.

“I mean, it’s my field,” she shrugged.

“You should accept the job the academies are offering,” Lucas suggested.

“I’m a student, not a professor, just read it and ask me if you have any doubts.”

“Tina,” I called, looking at the two copies she hadn’t held out, “Will you give it to Melanie?”

“Knowledge is to be shared, my master said so,” she smirked. “The other one is for Cloud.”

“Is Cloud still sick?” June asked, “They must not be used to the climate, shame I wanted to tell you that they picked such a great name for themselves! I picked a boring one for myself, June, who names themselves like this?”

“You?” Tina tried.

“Shut up, my name is perfect!”

“I’m sure you will love them, June, they seem to be the same flavor of a troublemaker as you,” I said.

“Hey!”

“Master, before I forget, there are talks between the students about taking copies out of the area again. Since the fire stopped everyone is feeling like this ‘no work from home allowed’ thing is overkill.”

I sighed. This was bound to happen at some point. “Please keep looking into it, if things stay like this we may need to build a temporary dorm near a town around here, so they can ‘take the work home’ without going home.”

“Okay, Master.”

Livia tilted her head, “Why does Lucas call you-”

“I gave up asking.”

“Knock knock,” Melanie called from outside the tent, “May I go in?”

“She was shyer at first,” I murmured.

“Yes, Melanie, we are done talking,” Tina shouted.

She had brought food, so there wasn't really anything I could say to complain, we talked about the weather, which was somehow hotter than usual, and talked about Portia. Melanie told more about how the runes were not only meant to communicate, and why they changed from season to season, and from subject to subject. She was good at explaining.

“So, while this one means water, you can’t use it for the raining reason, because the high spirits, or gods as you may call them, of water and rain don’t like each other. You must use this one when the middle spirit of wind allows you to, and if she doesn’t you must use this other one.”

“Their politics are complicated and they seem to make this everyone else's problem,” Hector said.

“You’ll get the rain spirits angry at you,” Melanie said, half serious, half joking, but she didn’t deny it. “They are complicated being but-”

Melanie flinched at the sudden loud sound, akin to thunder, coming from outside.

The area where Podium is located is deserted, the ground is mostly sand and rock, with dry-looking bushes, common to the biome, here and there. The tents where the scholars lived were made of very thick fabric since the main issues were privacy and wind. Most of the work was done inside Podium, and the copied books were also kept in a well-protected part of the cave.

There is no rain here, at least it wasn’t supposed to rain in this particular area apart from a couple of drizzles in the coldest winters, but there was no one who wouldn’t recognize the sounds of the storm even if the water wasn’t dripping inside the tents.

We put Tina’s copies inside a protected chest and walked outside, there were a few more things we deemed important to keep safe but our curiosity took the best of us, like the innate curiosity that attracts people to the Hand of Cave, like the particular curiosity that makes me look for the witches, whatever they are, this same feeling moved my legs out of the tent, Melanie and my students just behind me.

We looked up. Or tried. The storm was too strong to allow us to keep our eyes open, the thin white dresses were suddenly not enough to protect us from the cold. The sky was dark as if it wasn’t the middle of the afternoon, the lighting and thunder grounded us to reality, too loud and bright to be an illusion.

I looked around, expecting to see people running from one side to another trying to save their notes from the rain, but everyone was astonished while looking up to the sky.

“What god did we anger this time?” I asked mindlessly.

“Not mine,” Meliane said, making us all stare at her. “What? She isn’t that petty.”

—

@kathea, @extemporary-username, @wolfeyedwitch, @blu-jay-2779, @rose-pinkie, @latenightcupsofcoffee

[dankusner]

200

CHAPTER 15

their numbers were in the two-hundreds. Now they're over five hundred.

I'm not usually face-to-face with the patient. For my safety, I just don't go to the homes anymore. The last one I went to, the gentleman had taken a butcher knife to the furniture.

I spent a lot of time in the beginning of the pandemic calming people's fears, including my clerk. As you know, there are only two of us. I think, overall, this would be what I did the most of — being the voice of reason.-Hon. Karin Knolle, Jim Wells County

Circumstances sometimes require a judge to step outside both her job description and her comfort zone. Barbara McMillon (Cass County) found herself in just such a situation one Saturday morning. A man had barricaded himself in his home and wouldn't come out. He'd destroyed his apartment and slashed up the interior of his pickup truck. Now he was holding off the police with a long-blade knife and threatening harm both to the officers and to himself. After relaying the situation to Judge McMillon on the phone, the police chief told her he wanted her to come and talk the man out.

I asked the chief ifhe had a dead body at the scene. He replied, "No, but I need you to get your backside over here and talk to this guy." I continued to take a stance that I did not have any business being at a police scene ifhe didn't need me for an inquest. I finally agreed that I would go and try to talk to the man. I knew the man, and in the back of my mind I was thinking that he must be suffering from a chemical imbalance of some kind, as the incident that was described was out of character.

As I got out of my car, I noticed the destroyed pickup and the exterior damage to the apartment that the chief had described to me. He said they had been dealing with the situation for over two hours.

As I approached the apartment door, I heard other officers caution me to not get very close, as the windows were knocked out and he could injure me with the knife. The officers were also concerned that it was possible that he had some other weapons, possibly a gun. I stood back from the door and called the subject by name and identified myself.

He immediately said, "Yes, ma'am!"

Brain, Heart, and Nerve

201

I asked him to put his weapon down and come out and talk to the police chief He shouted very plainly that he was not coming out A tine, i called him by name and said, "If you do not put the weapon down and come outside, the police officers have guns and they are going to kill you" This did the trick. The door opened and the man emerged without a weapon. Judge McMillon could hear several of the officers snickering.

Since she had effectively neutralized the situation in two minutes, they began calling her their new hostage negotiator.

All in a day's work.

Courage is important to the job. But so is staying vigilant. The whole time Judge Patricia Ott (Williamson County) was JP, she worried about her colleagues not exercising enough caution when they went about their jobs. Even in retirement, she still worries. Some courthouses have metal detectors, but most JP offices aren't located in their county's courthouse.

Texas justices of the peace are supposed to have bailiffs, but the job is usually filled by the constable or one of his deputies, whose presence is officially required only for formal courtroom proceedings.

Ott has worked to raise the consciousness among judges about the physical risks that go along with the job. IPs are uniquely vulnerable to the public because accessibility to their workplace is a chief feature of the people's court. At some point in their lives, a majority of Texans will need to visit a justice court. Many of these folks will be angry and ag-grieved. Most will display their umbrage via tongue and brow, but there will be those who'll choose to ratchet things up. "You protect yourself best when you don't treat courtroom security lightly," Judge Ott told me. "The odds of the worst happening are small," she said, "but when it happens, you don't want to be the judge it happens to. Be vigilant." Being armed helps. I talked to a West Texas judge who confided that he'd been accosted four times by dangerous people he'd dealt with— though in one instance, it was a case of mistaken identity, as it was actually the district judge the person had the grudge against.

One of the four came to my house after I magistrated him. He got out, and the bondsman told him where I lived because "he wanted to talk to me." He's right there knocking on my front door. The other times were on the courthouse steps, once in a restaurant, and then once at a convenience store. Because of that, I am constantly armed. All four times, even though

[hospitalitymanagement]

Rising Demand for Pastry Chefs: The Edge of a Diploma

In the current culinary landscape, the need for skilled pastry chefs is proliferating, driven by the rise of specialty bakeries, top-quality patisseries, and a growing appreciation for exquisite desserts. As more people are seeking out exclusive and top-quality desserts, the role of the pastry chef has increased, which has led to great career opportunities for those with an excellent background in the pastry arts. For pastry chefs who are aspiring to take part in a specific culinary or pastry education program, it can be among the best ways to earn an advantage in the industry. This article explains the reasons why pastry chefs are highly sought-after, the abilities that you acquire through an accredited diploma program, and how formal education can help make you stand out in the booming field.

The Rising Demand for Pastry Chefs

The pastry chefs make up an essential element of the culinary landscape. As the food industry expands, so does the demand for experts who specialize in preparing delicious desserts. The demand for customized and gourmet desserts is increasing globally, driven by trends like the need for locally sourced and organic ingredients such as gluten-free and vegan desserts and cutting-edge plating methods. Hotels, fine dining establishments, and cruise ships are looking for pastry chefs with the best of both worlds: creativity and precision.

Beyond the traditional job descriptions, pastry chefs nowadays typically run their own bakery or dessert catering business, which allows them to explore new flavors, designs, ingredients, and flavors. This entrepreneurial element makes pastry arts an appealing and feasible profession, especially for those who are passionate about creating edible art.

Why a Diploma Makes a Difference

While passion and natural talent are essential to an enviable career in the pastry arts, formal education provides you with the necessary skills as well as the technical expertise needed to excel in a professional environment. A diploma not only gives you a structured education but also offers opportunities to establish a professional network. Numerous institutes provide jobs and internships that allow you to gain access to high-end bakeries, hotels, and restaurants. The practical experience is valuable in a profession that is based on craftsmanship and creativity.

Essential Skills You'll Learn in a Pastry Arts Diploma Program

The diploma programs in culinary or pastry arts are designed for a wide range of abilities. From basic baking techniques to the most advanced techniques for decorating, a diploma provides extensive training that will prepare you for the challenges of commercial kitchens. Here are a few of the fundamental abilities taught by these courses:

1. Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry Arts

Every pastry chef who wants to be a pastry chef begins with the fundamentals. Students learn to make use of various kinds of flour sugars, fats, and sugars, along with leavening and baking agents. They gain a better understanding of ingredients' functions, which are crucial to making consistent baked products. The curriculum typically includes instructions on the basics of doughs, such as shortcrust, puff pastry, and choux. Each of these requires specialized techniques and accuracy.

2. Advanced Cake Decoration and Sugar Craft

Since desserts have become more creative, the skills of cake decoration and sugar crafting are now essential in pastry chefs. The diploma program gives students practical experience in decorating techniques like piping fondant work, piping, and sugar flowers, which transform simple cakes into breathtaking, visually stunning masterpieces. Students also develop the art of creating sugar-based sculptures that are common at large-scale events, as well as exquisite dessert presentations.

Participating in culinary arts courses in Kolkata provides students with the chance to study with skilled chefs and gain knowledge about these techniques, allowing them to stand out in the job market.

3. Chocolate and Confectionery Skills

The process of working with chocolate requires patience and accuracy. Students who are in a pastry arts diploma program master the art of tempering chocolate, ganache preparation, and confectionery production. The art of tempering chocolate to create the ideal sparkle and snap is a precise art that is highly valued in the world of culinary. From making delicate truffles to creating elaborate chocolate creations, the students learn mastery in handling chocolate and other techniques of confectionery.

4. Menu Planning and Presentation

The art of making desserts transcends taste and presentation. The visual display is essential to enhance the eating experience. In the diploma program, students will learn to create menus for desserts that showcase a range of different textures, hues, and tastes. The techniques for plating, the application of garnishes, and the balance between flavor and presentation are all taught, providing students with the ability to design desserts that stand out visually and taste tasty.

The Benefits of Studying Pastry Arts in a City Like Kolkata

Kolkata, with its extensive culinary history and booming food industry, provides an ideal environment in which to learn pastry arts. Kolkata has an enthralling food scene that blends traditional flavors with the latest trends in food and offers an exceptional learning experience for future chefs. Furthermore, the food schools that are located in Kolkata usually have strong connections with top hotels, restaurants, and catering services, which allows students to gain work placements and internships that provide practical experience.

Achieving the Culinary arts diploma in Kolkata will immerse students in a setting in which they can study both local and global dessert methods. The combination of these two courses provides them with the flexibility needed to work in various food-related settings around the world.

Career Opportunities for Pastry Chefs

A pastry arts diploma opens up a wide range of careers. The graduates may be employed as pastry chefs at posh restaurants, hotels, or in renowned patisseries. Others might venture into the food industry, starting their own bakeries or exceptional dessert companies. Sure, chefs are pastry chefs who are also employed in catering or as private chefs serving famous clients who love delicious desserts.

The knowledge gained through the diploma program can also help prepare chefs to take part in culinary competitions that could boost their reputation and lead to prominent positions in the food industry. If you're a teacher, some culinary schools provide opportunities for pastry chefs with experience to teach the next generation of chefs.

Why a Diploma Adds Value in the Competitive Culinary World

blogs, Due to the rising appeal of cookery shows as well as food blogs, increasing numbers of people are taking on the culinary profession, and it is becoming increasingly competitive. The diploma provides chefs with an organized, thorough training experience that differentiates them from people with no formal training. In addition, employers are more likely to hire applicants with reputable qualifications since it provides proof that the chef's skills are proficient and committed to the art.

A diploma cooking class in Kolkata does not just equip students with the latest cooking techniques but also helps them develop essential soft skills like teamwork, time management, and creative thinking, all of which are crucial in a fast-paced kitchen.

Conclusion

The need for pastry chefs with experience is predicted only to increase as the culinary field continues to grow. Program: If you choose to enroll in the pastry arts or culinary diploma program, students can acquire the skills and technical knowledge, as well as creative thinking and experience, to excel in this highly competitive industry. If you are a person who is passionate about making exquisite and delicious desserts, a formal education is the most solid foundation to build an enjoyable and lucrative career.

If you're looking to pursue a career in pastry arts, then pursuing a culinary arts diploma in Kolkata is a fantastic option. Through hands-on instruction as well as expert guidance and practical knowledge, you'll be prepared to meet the needs of the industry of pastry and be recognized as a highly skilled professional.

[taylorvp1]

Top 5 Recruitment Trends HR Managers Should Watch in 2024

The recruitment landscape is continuously evolving, and HR managers need to stay ahead of the curve to attract, hire, and retain the best talent. As we head into 2024, several emerging trends are set to redefine how organizations approach hiring. Understanding these trends will allow HR managers to adapt and stay competitive in a rapidly changing workforce. Here are the top five recruitment trends HR professionals should watch closely this year:

AI and Automation in Recruitment Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into recruitment processes, from initial candidate screening to interview scheduling. AI tools can sift through resumes faster than any human, identifying key skills and matching candidates to job descriptions with a higher degree of accuracy. Automated chatbots are also becoming more common, handling basic inquiries and providing applicants with real-time updates.

What HR can do: Leverage AI-powered tools to streamline repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic activities like building relationships with top candidates. However, ensure that AI tools are used ethically to avoid bias in decision-making.

Data-Driven Recruitment Data is playing an increasingly important role in recruitment decisions. HR teams may get important insights into how well their hiring procedures are working by using metrics like time-to-hire, quality of hire, and applicant experience scores. Predictive analytics is helping recruiters identify the traits of successful employees, allowing them to make better hiring decisions based on data rather than gut feeling.

What HR can do: Invest in analytics tools that track recruitment KPIs. Use this data to refine your hiring strategy, optimize job postings, and make data-backed decisions that improve overall hiring outcomes.

Focus on Employer Branding With the growing influence of social media and job review sites, candidates are more informed than ever before. Employer branding has become a key differentiator in attracting top talent. Potential candidates are not just looking for a paycheck they are looking for a company whose values align with theirs. Transparency in culture, benefits, and growth opportunities plays a significant role in this decision-making process.

What HR can do: Develop a strong employer brand by highlighting company values, employee testimonials, and your organization’s commitment to work-life balance and diversity. Use platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor to showcase why your company is an ideal place to work.

Remote and Hybrid Work Options The rise of remote and hybrid work is no longer a temporary solution it’s here to stay. Job seekers increasingly prioritize flexibility, and companies offering remote work options have a competitive edge. In 2024, HR managers need to adopt policies that cater to both in-office and remote employees to attract a broader talent pool.

What HR can do: Ensure your recruitment processes are tailored for remote roles. This entails providing remote onboarding, virtual interviews, and a methodical process for integrating distant employees. Be specific about the company's policy on hybrid and remote employment in your job adverts.

Skills Over Degrees Many organizations are shifting their focus from traditional qualifications like degrees to the actual skills a candidate brings to the table. This trend reflects the growing importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and soft skills over rigid educational backgrounds. As upskilling and reskilling initiatives grow, HR teams are more likely to prioritize practical experience and learning ability over formal education.

What HR can do: When drafting job descriptions, emphasize the specific skills required for the role rather than mandatory degrees. Take into account applicants with unconventional backgrounds who could provide new insights to the company. Offer training programs to develop critical skills among employees.

Conclusion As the recruitment landscape changes, HR managers need to adapt their strategies to stay competitive. AI, data-driven hiring, employer branding, flexible work options, and a shift toward skills-based hiring are trends that will shape recruitment in 2024. By embracing these trends, HR professionals can create more effective, inclusive, and engaging hiring processes that attract top talent.

Staying proactive and responsive to these shifts will be key to securing the best candidates and maintaining a future-ready workforce.

[bunnhop]

Trying Out Different Job Classes in Ragnarok Origin!

Published: September 4, 2021 Last Updated on October 9, 2021

(Reposted from bunnhop.com)

It’s another fine week and we’re back with another episode of Let’s Explore Ragnarok Origin! Tutorial. We’re (finally!) close to completing the tutorial and leaving the Adventurers’ Academy for good. It’s so exciting to think about what sorts of adventures we’ll have once we leave the beginners’ area!

Sprakki’s Career Assessment Test

Today, we pick up where we left off in the previous episode. We’ve just received our newbie gifts from Sprakki after formally graduating from the academy. She gives us an option to take a short test–much like in the original Ragnarok Online PC game, but much shorter and simpler–to have an idea of the Job class that suits us the most. It’s like an in-game version of a real-life career aptitude test. We answer three very simple questions and she tells us the Job that we’re most likely going to enjoy based on those answers. I got Acolyte…

…which is the exact same result I’d always get in Ragnarok Online. I probably didn’t expect it because I was a little surprised.

Since this is just a career assessment test, we’re free to choose a totally different Job from the result we got. When we speak with Instructor Brade who’s in charge of handing out letters of recommendation to the different Job Guilds, he reminds us to take this seriously. Unfortunately, unlike in real life, we can’t change Jobs. We have to fully commit to the Job we choose… or make a different character and start from scratch?

Previewing Each Job

Before we make our decision, Brade gives us a Job Notebook where we can check the specifics of each class. Aside from the Job descriptions, it also shows the recommended Stats (or status points allocation) and two to three main Skills.

I decided to try all six Job classes to show what combat is like for each of them. It’s good to note that some Jobs have Skills that aren't available in Ragnarok Online. Two examples of this are the Dancing Dagger for Thieves and the Full Swing for Merchants.

Another noticeable difference is in what some of the Skills actually do. The indispensable Heal for Acolytes does not only recover the HP of a specified target, unlike in RO, but also heals your character at the same time. This goes the same for Blessing and Kyrie Eleison which are now both Party Skills.

The previews for each Job may be basic but not boring. I actually enjoyed interacting with each of the instructors and noticing their unique personalities. Orbis Thea is a mighty warrior who cares about his students and the well-being of the entire Midgard continent; Pamela is calm and kind-hearted; Emily is passionate about magic and the elements; the mysterious Quis is quiet and stern; Barbase cares more about wealth than his students; and Cecilius has a keen sense and encourages independence among her apprentices.

They may be stereotypical, but it’s definitely better to have tutorial NPCs that feel alive than sitting through bland Job previews that only let you use Skills against monsters on your own. And there’s also that strange little boy who keeps dropping and touching Dead Branches! Who is that, really?

An Archer Heads Off to Adventure!

In the end, I chose to be an Archer! Actually, my main character the very first time I played RO back in 2004 was an Archer too! However, I decided to switch to Acolyte after a few months since I… sadly kept running out of arrows.

Once we’ve decided on which Job to change into, Brade instructs us to go to our Job Change destination (in my case, Payon) via a very adorable Poring hot-air balloon! We start it up, hop on it, and fly away from the Adventurers’ Academy island onto a brand new world of adventure! In the background, we hear Sprakki wishing us the best and a very nostalgic guitar version of “Wanna Be Free,” which if you remember is the well-loved BGM for War of Emperium (WoE) maps.

This part was quite heartwarming. Bidding your instructors farewell and setting off on your own journey to the tune of a BGM that brings back the memories of all the fun and the drama of playing guild wars with friends… This scene evoked a sense of both nostalgia and hope. Nostalgic of the good and the bad times in the original RO, and hopeful of what’s to come in Ragnarok Origin.

How about you? Which Job did you choose? Did the unexpected “Wanna Be Free” scene also made you feel “the feels?”

[hr-26]

Recruitment Functions

In the current world of business, firms are realizing the significance of staffing or recruitment functions. There appears to be a correlation between organizations and being able to attract the best talent and, therefore, having high organizational performance. The different dimensions of recruitment functions and the importance of these functions for any organization along with ways of their enhancement for achieving significantly improved organizational performance.

Reach Salahkaar Consultants, a global player in Recruitment Outsourcing, www.SalahkaarConsultants.com

Understanding Recruitment Functions

Recruitment processes therefore include all the activities that are needed in sourcing, selection and placing people in a given organization. They are important in the creation of human resources capable of meeting an organization’s workforce needs effectively with efficiency and proper motivation. Thus, major manpower acquisition processes encompass job profiling, recruiting, weeding, interviewing, choosing and tossing, and personnel acquisition.

Key Recruitment Functions Explained

1. Job Analysis

Job analysis is the first procedural step in the recruitment of employees. The main process of job analysis is the procedure through which various aspects of a certain job are either established or described, these aspects include the tasks and responsibilities required by the job holder, the skills and working conditions that the job requires. This information is very important when developing of JD’s and JS’s, on which jobs are sourced and candidates are selected.

Importance: Guarantees compliance with the business requirements when it comes to employee selection.

Optimization Tips: Periodically review and revise the job descriptions based on business needs to ensure that they correspond with the current standards and goals.

2. Sourcing

Sourcing refer to the identification and attraction of candidates who are likely to fit into an organization’s available positions. It refers to casting the net wide and employing the Internet like job sites, social networks, and employees among others to find talent.

Importance: Paid greater attention to increases the coverage and the pool of candidates’ diver sity.

Optimization Tips: Employ the services of technology such as ATS and expand the use of social networks with a purpose of targeting passive candidates.

3. Screening

Selecting is the systematic process of reviewing applications and CVs and which candidates to call for an interview. This function is rather important to eliminate the best unsuitable candidates for a certain position from a great number of people.

Importance: Reduces the number of people that reach the next level to the most qualified hence minimizing the time and costs spent.

Optimization Tips: Use technology to make the process easier in that there are certain ruses that should form a basis upon which candidates are rejected out rightly.

4. Interviewing

Interviewing comes after shortlisting, and it is a formal or informal discussion of the candidates. Interviews are of different types such as telephone interviews, webcam/video interviews, as well as face-to-face interviews.

Importance: Affords a way to discern the applicants’ aptitudes, background, and compatibility with the organizational culture.

Optimization Tips: Since candidate assessment is very sensitive, it is advised that structured interviews which contain predesigned questions to all the candidates should be conducted.

5. Selection

Interviewing mean involves decisions on who is most suitable for the job out of all the people that have been interviewed. It commonly consists of a screening and security check, referees’ checks, and a concluding interview to ensure the fitness of a candidate.

Importance: Vital when it comes to the selection of employees to meet the requirement of an organization.

Optimization Tips: Finally, ensure that the selection process entails both the behavioral assessments which are conducted to determine the behaviors demonstrated when particular situations are encountered and the situational judgments which are conducted to earn how the candidates reason and make a decision given certain circumstances.

6. Onboarding

Onboarding refers to the training of new employees into the corporate world or someone joining a new department/ division in the same company. It entails orientation procedures, training activities, and follow-up measures that assist new employees to integrate to new working places and the organizational culture of the workplace.

Importance: Assists the organization to provide a smooth transition thereby increasing new employees’ efficiency and loyalty.

Optimization Tips: The characteristics of a sound onboarding program include the following; mentoring and check-ins with new employees should be conducted.

Reach Salahkaar Consultants, a global player in Recruitment Outsourcing, www.SalahkaarConsultants.com

The Importance of Recruitment Functions to the Strategic Plan

Defining effective recruitment functions are not only limiting to the processes of staffing the vacancies. The HR professionals also participate in formulating the future direction of the organization’s human capital, ensuring it recruits the right high performing employees for the strategic development of the firm. Here’s how:

1. Enhancing Organizational Performance

Effective recruitment reduces the chances of hiring the wrong people for the jobs through a proper matching of people within various tasks, thereby enhancing job performance and organization productivity.

Strategy: Ensure that the recruitment functions are consistent with the general business strive and their competency needs for future market.

2. Employer branding — how to establish a powerful brand of a recruiter

Positive candidate experiences imply that the organization is a desirable workplace to work for hence improve the perceived image of the organization.

Strategy: Emphasis on clear communication and explaining experiences and ideas and efficiency in responding and feedback and exercising business courtesy toward all candidates.

3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

The concept of diversity helps in the delivery of numerous ideas and prevents group-thought or more commonly known as group-think, and aids in improved decision making.

Strategy: Assure that recruitment and staffing processes are methodical for engendering workforce diversity and do not include prejudiced job advertisements and other discriminating tendencies.

Challenges Facing Recruitment Functions and the Strategies to overcome them

However, many recruitment functions are challenged by the following problems. Here’s a look at common obstacles and strategies to overcome them:Here’s a look at common obstacles and strategies to overcome them:

1. High Competition for Talent

The issue of talent scarcity in organizations in today’s employment is always a vice and a challenge.

Solution: Incorporate the best points of your employer branding strategy such as potential developments, working conditions, and perks.

2. Evolving Skill Requirements

Technology is developing at a very fast pace; therefore, requisite skills are also dynamic.

Solution: Ensure that there is awareness of the current developments in the market and retain flexibility by updating the job descriptions’ and recruitment requirements.

3. Time-Consuming Processes

Traditional methods of recruitment is tedious and sometimes some errors may be made.

Solution: Employees should take advantage of technology which includes AI-recruitment and the use of ATS to make tasks faster.

4. Candidate Experience

Candidate experience is one of the crucial aspects that can affect an organization’s reputation and drive away talents.

Solution: To avoid giving a candidate a bad perception of the recruitment process make sure you keep them informed at all times, and inform them of their status as frequently as you can.

The various recruitment functions that shall be implemented in the future are as follows:

The current and future recruitment functions are going to be influenced by a few trends and innovations. Here are a few key developments to watch:Here are a few key developments to watch:

1. Broadly AI and Machine learning

Some of the ways that AI and machine learning are revolutionalizing recruitment include automating processes, analyzing data, and improving matching.

Future Outlook: Predict that AI technologies will be used more frequently in the processes of job searching, and matching as well as candidate communication.

2. Data-Driven Recruitment

Innovations in technology are helping organizations at securing and hiring employees through data analysis of candidates and recruitment quantitative measurements.

Future Outlook: Higher adoption rates of efficiency solutions to determine key populace that may be employed and the best strategies to attract them.

3. Remote and Hybrid Work Models

The current trends of remote and hybrid work environment influence the constructed concepts of recruitment.

Future Outlook: More focus placed on virtual recruitment activities, tele-work, and other similar policies.

Conclusion

Recruitment functions are one of those strategic units of the organization that helps to form an organizational talent management system. The major functions of the human resource management include job analysis, sourcing and screening, selection, interviewing, and onboarding function and by realizing and enhancing every one of them; a company can construct a professional and motivated workforce that enhances the achievement of organizational goals. Absorb these tips and grow your recruitment process and get the right people that you require in the current dynamic business market.

Reach Salahkaar Consultants, a global player in Recruitment Outsourcing, www.SalahkaarConsultants.com

[talentconnectedworldwide01]

What is a Work Reference Letter for Canada PR?

When applying for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, the immigration authorities require applicants to submit a variety of documents to demonstrate their eligibility and qualifications. Among these documents, the work reference letter plays a crucial role, particularly for those applying through the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In this article, we will explore What a Work Reference Letter for Canada PR is, its importance, and how to draft an effective one.

The Significance of a Work Reference Letter

A work reference letter, also known as an employment reference letter, serves as a testament to an applicant’s professional experience and skills. In the context of a Canada PR application, it plays a pivotal role by establishing a candidate’s eligibility for various immigration programs. These letters are typically required to prove your work experience in a skilled occupation, a key factor in determining your eligibility and ranking in the Express Entry system or PNP.

Here are some reasons why a work reference letter is essential for a Canada PR application:

Proving Qualifications: A well-drafted reference letter substantiates your qualifications and expertise in your specific occupation, enhancing your attractiveness as a candidate for the PR program.

Ranking in Express Entry:

In the Express Entry system, candidates receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points based on their work experience. A robust reference letter can boost your CRS score, improving your prospects of getting an invitation to apply for PR.

Meeting PNP Requirements: Many provincial nominee programs require applicants to have work experience in specific occupations. A reference letter can help satisfy these requirements and enhance your eligibility for a PNP nomination.

Make sure check this link:- Canada PR

What Should a Work Reference Letter Include?

A well-structured work reference letter should include the following key components:

Contact Information: Start with the contact details of the writer, including their name, title, company, address, phone number, and email.

Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction that explains the writer’s relationship with the applicant and their role within the organization.

Employment Details: Provide information about the applicant’s employment, including the job title, start date, and end date (if applicable).

Job Description: Describe the duties and responsibilities the applicant held in their role. Be specific about the tasks and skills required for the job.

Duration of Employment: Specify the duration of the employment, emphasizing the number of hours worked per week.

Skills and Qualities: Discuss the applicant’s skills, strengths, and qualities that make them a valuable asset to the organization.

Character Reference: Include information about the applicant’s character and work ethic, such as their punctuality, teamwork, and dedication.

Contact Information: Offer the writer’s contact information in case immigration authorities wish to verify the letter’s authenticity.

Tips for Drafting an Effective Work Reference Letter

To create a strong work Reference Letter for Canada PR application, consider the following tips:

Choose the Right Referee: Select a supervisor or employer who can provide an accurate and positive assessment of your work experience.

Be Specific: The more specific and detailed the letter, the better. Include quantifiable achievements and skills, if possible.

Use Formal Language: The letter should be written in a professional and formal tone.

Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors in the letter.

Conclusion

A well-crafted work Reference Letter for Canada PR is an essential component of a successful Canada PR application. It not only serves as proof of your qualifications but also enhances your eligibility for Express Entry and various provincial nominee programs. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can create a compelling work reference letter that strengthens your case for permanent residency in Canada.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a work reference letter for Canada PR?

A work reference letter for Canada PR is a document that verifies an applicant’s work experience, job duties, and qualifications. It is typically required as part of the application process for permanent residency in Canada.

Why do I need a work reference letter for a Canada PR application?

A work reference letter is necessary to prove your work experience in a skilled occupation. It helps establish your eligibility and can also boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, increasing your chances of being invited to apply for PR.