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steamed-ham-moved · 7 months

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HOLOSTAR

Negan x fem OC/Reader] [CYBERPUNK AU] [Warnings] Mention of suicide [Summary] FASTWAVE! wants to release a new brand of HoloStar. Negan is selected but the honor is far from his. [Excerpt] “Don’t forget Sua, this will be the first male HoloStar. FASTWAVE! is going to be known for something bigger and better than collecting old pieces of shit. Whoever he is, he needs to make the panties drop and pussies pop.” She says nothing in return and excuses herself from the room.

AO3

FASTWAVE! is an up and rising company. Unlike their competitors whose sole focus is contributions to future innovation, FASTWAVE!, seeks to recover artifacts from the past and preserve them. Contradictory to their name, that’s what they started out doing and would continue to do so among other things. Their ever expanding museum dedicated to vintage findings and preservation is widely known and consistently draws crowds from around the globe.

Sua works at FASTWAVE! as a Vulture. She’s worked there for a whopping two years and is going on her third. Vultures traveled far and wide in search of anything that could be considered ‘vintage’ where their payment would then be reflective of their findings. Being a Vulture meant that you needed to be okay with being alone for extended periods of time and that was the deal breaker for many. One might find themselves away from home anywhere between a week and a month. For that reason, there weren’t many who willingly chose to stay on such a career path. In addition to that, finding anything of value in such vast and seemingly desolate terrain took extensive time and effort. That being said, the job could be simple if you knew what you were doing - knew where the areas of interest were, knew how to handle yourself, and get out of tight situations. Danger lurked everywhere. Pirates were people that you definitely wouldn’t want to come in contact with. They were free roamers who could be potential threats if they found you with anything they might want. A majority were after vintages too but it wouldn’t be for something like a keepsake, such rarities would be auctioned off on the black market and in some cases, never to be seen again.

Sua enters FASTWAVE! headquarters for the first time since being hired and is headed up to meet with the big boss. Besides mandatory protocol; checking in before and after every run, it was highly unusual to be called up in person. Most communication happened through her iZtech. Frankly, it raised several red flags since she knew that her performance as of lately was up to standards but she supposed she’d find out what this was all about soon enough.

Her boss’ office is, of course, located on the very top floor but the bullet lift gets her there in a matter of seconds. She approaches the office door and instinctively raises her hand to knock out of politeness but it’s then that the automatic doors slide open for her. She startles slightly and reminds herself that there were cameras everywhere, her boss likely knew the moment she entered the building.

Sua tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and passes into the room. The office is absurdly spacious and everything inside is white or a shade close to white; walls, furniture, appliances, even down to the collectives on the desk. The room lacked any kind of decor which greatly contributed to the rooms already sterile appearance. Sua finds it depressing and distasteful, but then again, ‘sterile’ was the modern look.

Her boss is seated at a large (white) ‘L’ shaped desk, elbows rest on the desktop, both hands clasped together, a picture of formality and composure. There’s a single chair placed directly in front of her and Sua assumes it is for her to take. The boss stares at Sua the entire time it takes to walk over and seat herself, it’s incredibly intimidating and Sua does her best to remain unphased.

Her boss says nothing and continues to stare, prolonging the awkwardness. It’s their second time meeting face-to-face. She’s a stout woman, buzzed blond hair, doesn’t give off a very warm presence, and speaks with a strange dialect. There’s a glass nameplate that’s slightly tilted away from her and she can barely make out the first two letters. That’s right, her boss went by ‘Alpha’. Odd choice of name, cool, but still odd. Sua looks back up to meet her boss’, Alpha’s, eyes. The woman moves to fix her name plate, pushing it so it’s no longer angled and speaks. “There’s no need to worry dear, you ain’t gettin’ fired.” Her face is still a blank slate and isn’t giving anything away. Sua can only nod while waiting for the woman to continue.

“Sua, I don’t know if you know, but you’re one of my best. Clean runs; always bringin’ me back something, never any disputes, and you’re loyal.” Alpha seems to have read the confusion on her face and goes on to explain. “Yes, I know about the offers you’ve received from Landro Corporation, MCND, and New Axis. Now those are the top guns, I’m sure you could have made off well with them but you didn’t. I’m not gonna get into the ‘whys’ because you’re here for us right now and that’s what matters. Gettin’ back to the point, I called you here because I trust you.” She pauses, giving Sua an expectant look. “What do you say Sua, can I trust you?”

“You can trust me ma’am, no questions asked.” She affirms confidently.

“Good. As you know the company has been doin’ well, it does better everyday, but I’ve been thinkin’ it’s time we start expandin’ into the main market.” She picks up her iZtech which had been laying on the desk and makes a few rapid taps on the screen. A hologram is projected from the device and appears in front of Sua revealing a collage of several different brands of HoloStars. “Centuries ago there was a quote that went around. It said, ‘the future is female’, and it’s true when it comes to Holostars. Ninny, Vega, Giselle, Juliette, and so on! We have so many beautiful females to choose from.” The projection cuts out with a touch of her screen. “But we need to be realistic, our goal is to profit. Period. We’re missin’ a very big demographic here, the world doesn’t consist only of horny teenage boys and creepy old men.” Alpha’s gaze bores into Sua, “do you get what I’m sayin’ here?”

Sua nods, “you want to release the first brand of male HoloStars.”

“Obviously.”

“This is where I need you. Evidently, we’ll need a base model. I need you to find someone for me. Someone younger, masculine, tall, good physique, and a nice smile. Someone the ladies will fall head over heels over, no matter what age. Don’t worry about voice or personality, we can manipulate that in the later stages.” Alpha pulls up another hologram, this time images of several good looking, conventionally attractive men are displayed. They appear to be between the age range of twenty and thirty and Sua can contend that at least seven of them are guaranteed to make the female population swoon.

“When you find someone bring them to me but this needs to be done in absolute discretion. And when I say absolute, I mean absolute. I’ll be trustin’ your judgment on this. I’d suggest going to The Rapture and finding… what do they call em’? Rent A Man? Doesn’t matter, but I’ve heard that they have a wide selection to choose from.” The hologram is gone again and Sua finds herself questioning what exactly it is that Alpha is asking of her because it sounds like an abduction more than anything else. And The Rapture, Sua assumes, was only because the people there were dispensable. They had so many people who were used as services, who cared if someone went missing.

She remains silent, taking some time to process what her boss had just asked, or rather, told her; to kidnap someone and keep it a secret. Alpha made it sound like it was so simple. Like it was a two to three step process but the reality was that doing planning and executing some like this was going to be extremely complicated, especially with all the moderation and tracking technology that nearly every single building had installed. And what were they going to do with the person afterwards..? She has to shake herself mentally when she remembers that Holostars were AI, they were programmed and developed from scratch by the use of advanced modeling software. Since when did they need real people? Perhaps it was because FASTWAVE! was taking a different approach to the Holostar?

Does she dare ask?

She had to.

“I understand, but why exactly do you need a ‘base model’? I thought that HoloStars were AI based.”

“If you’re askin’, then it means that you don’t understand.” Alpha corrects, studying her intently.

Sua’s eyebrows knit in skepticism at her boss, wanting the full explanation but at the same time worried that she’d learn something that she couldn’t come back from.

“Hon, don’t tell me you don’t know - that you’ve never even thought of it before.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sua replies in complete honesty.

Alpha lets out a little sigh to herself. Her eyes close as she rubs at her temples, like she’s having an internal debate on whether or not she wants to share what she knows. “I’m all about trust Sua,” she begins, “and again, I’m trustin’ you that you’ll keep this next thing between us.”

“You have my word.” Sua confirms, and Alpha proceeds. “I have an inside source from MCND and let me tell you, some of the shit they’re doing over there ain’t pretty. Of the lesser evils, there’s the creation of HoloStars. The HoloStars are AI based, were created from a blank slate, and no such person actually exists in the world. That’s what you all believe right?” Alpha’s face turns grave and Sua swallows subconsciously preparing for whatever it is that’s coming next.

“The truth, Sua, is that they did. Juliette existed, Giselle existed, Vega existed, and Ninny existed. They were used as base models for the HoloStar and were killed after their projects were completed. Then, all traces of them were wiped clean, it was like they were never born.”

The revelation of murder doesn’t have the anticipated shock value as it should, everyone knew most big companies were corrupt. They were actively working on human replication and reengineering the brain. If you really thought about it, murder wasn’t the worst thing that could happen to a person and was something she should have anticipated. No, the real shock is knowing that the AI were real people, it’s the ugly kind of fate in knowing that they still lived on as a HoloStar but were otherwise erased from existence.

“And you’re going to follow in their footsteps?” She asks carefully. Frankly, her boss didn’t strike her as the type to take the moral high ground, only a few minutes ago had she clearly stated that her only goal was to profit.

“Hon, that’s just how it is.” Such a response causes Sua’s stomach to churn unpleasantly at how flippant Alpha speaks about the abduction and murder of a living, breathing human being. Yes, on a run she knew how to handle herself outside of the city and get around undetected but kidnapping a person discreetly was - would be something else entirely, Alpha had to know that. Not to mention it was a completely messed up thing to do for the sake of a ‘product’. Her boss apparently had a non-existent moral compass.

“Why?”

“Figureheads pride themselves on the work and effort their companies put into the cultivation of their brand, on how unique theirs is. There can only be one in the world, and that is, the one of their own creation.” Sua nods but thinks that it’s superficial reasoning at its finest but what could she do about it? Nothing, she was just an employee, that was all. If this was what the boss was asking of her, she couldn’t very well refuse and Alpha makes that the next point. “You could, of course, end up being a HoloStar yourself.”

That was out of the question. She knows she really has no other choice and agrees. “I’ll do it.” She answers evenly. As long as Alpha wasn’t going to make her kill this person, it’s something she should probably clarify but she thinks that as long as she does her job then there would be no reason to make her go that far. It was how that old saying went, ‘out of sight out of mind’, or something like that. Turning a blind eye was only what everyone else in the world did, what she did wouldn’t make any difference.

“Wonderful!” Alpha praises, as if there isn’t an over looming threat in the air. “You have up to two months to complete this job. If something goes wrong, then that’s fine too, but I can’t guarantee your safety if that happens.”

Correction, two over looming threats in the air.

In other words, if she botched the job then it would be of no concern to FASTWAVE!, she would end up being their scapegoat and everything would end up being swept under the rug. She would likely cease to exist just like the HoloStars.

There’s really nothing left to say on the matter, Sua gives her boss another robotic nod and Alpha dismisses her with a wave of the hand. She rises from her chair and the room suddenly feels cold, she realizes that she’d been sweating pretty hard throughout the conversation. Stiffly, she makes her way towards the exit while pulling the shirt from her body seeking the cool air. She’s stopped however, when her Alpha calls out to her. “Don’t forget Sua, this will be the first male HoloStar. FASTWAVE! is going to be known for something bigger and better than collecting old pieces of shit. Whoever he is, he needs to make the panties drop and pussies pop.” She says nothing in return and excuses herself from the room.

It’s now dark outside. The hustle and bustle is unending in the city. Mechcrafts whizz through the air leaving fast fading star trails behind them while neon lights of the city shine bright as ever; others flash animatedly, catching eyes as they were meant to. A few blocks away, she can see the distinct glowing figure of a HoloStar. It stands near equal height next to the endless skyscrapers of the city and its vivid pastel coloring draws more attention from bypassers than those flashy neon signs could ever hope to.

As the large figure turns, Sua recognizes that this week's brand is Juliette. Every week the city showcases different HoloStar brands in slightly varying styles; clothing, hair, makeup, etc. But nothing too drastic or different from what the base model looked like. The last time Sua saw Juliette, she was being showcased in a fit for the Winter. This time it’s for the Summer. The Holostar is wearing a simple yellow sundress, hair is pinned up, shades are perched on the top of her head, and she’s barefooted.

The door of her mechcraft, Orion, opens upwards and the control panels light up around her as she sits down. A single tap on the screen has her on auto route to home and as Orion powers up she wonders why a male holostar hasn’t been developed yet. HoloStars have been around for a good thirty years at least, something like that should have been a no-brainer but she recalls what Alpha had said about the world being more than just horny teens and old men. Did the executives of those companies really just consist of salacious old men who would continue to roll out the next female HoloStar for their own satisfaction until their dying breath? The reality of that was believable enough, that’s how the world was.

Like a school of fish, there’s a steady flow of mechcrafts traveling throughout the city and Orion soon joins them. The route takes Sua right past Juliette and it’s strange because the AI seems to make direct eye-contact with her for a split second before flickering once and disappearing. Sua attributes the abnormal function as a glitch and doesn’t think any deeper into it the rest of the ride home.

When she gets home, she closes the door behind her and rests back against it letting out a deep sigh. It’s been a day, mostly because of her meeting with Alpha, and Sua wishes she had someone to share her woes with. She’d normally message Yumiko when she was done with a run in hopes that they could catch up with one another if their schedules aligned. Yumiko was also a Vulture at FASTWAVE!, they had coincidentally run into each other on a run once, not knowing they were both working for the same cause. Unfortunately, it was something they found out after they already had it out. Things turned out though and they became fast friends. Although they weren’t able to see each other in person often, they were still able to communicate via iZtech.

Because this new ‘job’ has her sworn to secrecy, she obviously can’t tell anyone about it. She instead opts to share her thoughts in a notebook the good old-fashioned way spending the next few hours sorting out her thoughts and compiling it onto paper. The physicality of writing is relaxing but when she finally finishes, she’s left feeling dissatisfied because it’s not the same as telling a real person. She thinks that maybe she should look into getting a HoloStar for herself, a digital companion was still a companion after all.

By now her wrist is starting to tire and Sua stops mid-sentence, deciding to prepare herself something to eat and then go to bed. Hours later, however, she finds herself lying faceup in bed unable to sleep. She can’t stop her mind from wandering, more specifically, from pre-planning everything that she would need to do in the next two months. Maybe she should have been planning ahead instead of writing down everything she already knew. She still could anyway. Mentally reassuring herself that she had enough time to pull off this job is what finally allows her mind to slow down and for sleep to soon follow.

The next morning is nice and slow. There’s no pressure in knowing she’d be off on another run and Sua chooses to lay in the warmth and comfort of her bed until noon. Eventually, she ends up recapping the thoughts she had last night and retrieves her notebook so she can lay down and write.

She starts with The Rapture.

The Rapture had the best reputation out of all ‘Rent A Man’ services, or as Alpha had said, it offered a wide selection. People going out to buy themselves pleasure was a norm in the current day and age. When places like The Rapture first started popping up on the mainstreets, they took the city by storm. But that wasn’t without sparking outrage. The first reason being that their service offered men only. The second, which was understandable enough, was the fact that you could see people fucking through the windows on any given day. It was something nobody had ever seen before, everything still happened behind closed doors. But that was history, people hardly blinked an eye at that kind of thing anymore. For most, the thrill surrounding The Rapture and all you could dream of sex as a service wore off, it got old and fast. There were always the addicts of course, who burnt holes in their pockets just for an hour with their favorite RAM but that was not the average person. There would always be some form of controversy surrounding The Rapture and those alike, but they were here to stay and weren’t going anywhere. Forces against them were like ripples in the water.

Sua steps into The Rapture, it’s her first time being in a sex services establishment and she’s not entirely sure what to expect or how things worked. She does note, however, that there was no activity to be seen from the front window. There’s nobody else inside either, must have been a slow day.

A cheerful voice greets her from the right. “Hey there! Welcome inside.” A blond woman smiles at her showing off pearly whites and beckons her forwards in a way that translates to, ‘don’t be shy’.

“Is it your first time here?” She asks.

“It is.” Sua admits, whilst glancing at the small nametag on her breast, it reads, ‘Janine’.

“Well great! Let’s get you started - you know what this place is right?”

Of course she knew, everyone in the city knew. She must have really looked lost. “Rent a man service, right?”

Janine nods, “yup!” She twirls the pens she’s holding in her hand once and tucks it behind her ear before moving to retrieve her iZtech. “What’s your name girlie?”

Sua cringes internally at the word ‘girlie’ but answers nonetheless. "Zera.”

“That it?”

“Yes.” Janine hums in acknowledgement and goes about creating the account tap by tap. Sua takes the time to observe the interior while she’s waiting. The room appears to have the exact opposite theme of her boss’ plain white. It’s gone absolutely over the top with the psychedelics and the intensity is amplified by the trippy design that makes it seem like she’s on multiple different drugs at once. Swirling colors everywhere, all of slightly different iterations seem to be pulling her into an optical illusion.

“Is there anything you’re looking for in particular?” Sua turns to Janine, blinking a few times, looking at the design for such a short amount of time had already given her some eye-strain.

Janine giggles. “Pretty cool huh?”

“Yes, I’m surprised you’re not getting a headache though.” A headache Sua could feel herself beginning to develop thanks to the eye-strain.

“Yeah, I guess I’ve gotten used to it. Been working here for a while now. So anyways,” Janine pushes the iZtech into Sua’s hands. “Can you fill out some of your personal information here?”

Sua agrees, fumbling with the device momentarily. Fake name having already been filled out, she gives them the address to her old apartment, the number of her work related iZtech, and other unimportant false information. Why they needed the data was beyond her. It would likely be a ‘check-in’ and ‘check-out’ thing but that required a username and password at the least.

As if reading her mind, Janine says, “we also take the safety of our men here very seriously. Also, you can sign up for sessions online.”

It made sense, she supposed. Sua hands the iZtech back to Janine who suddenly turns the camera on her and takes a picture causing Sua to frown back.

“For your profile picture.” Janine explains. “You’re frowning here.” She shows the picture to Sua for proof and she is indeed frowning, looking like she just found out her pet died. It’s a horrible picture of herself but at the same time, funny, because it just happened to be taken at the right time capturing her face like that.

Sua sighs, “it’s fine, you’re the only one who’s going to be seeing it.”

“Yeah, or whoever's working.”

“It’s fine.”

“Alright then. Now for the important part. Are you looking for anything in particular?” Janine repeats, giving Sua a suggestive look. She didn’t think so, but obviously she had to match Alpha’s criteria of, in short, looking ‘young and fuckable’.

“Not really, I figured I’d check them all out and see who I liked best.” Her response causes Janine’s eyebrows to raise and Sua realizes that her request was probably out of the ordinary compared to their other customers. Who cared though? They’d be making extra cash off her for this.

The surprise on Janine’s face morphs into a smirk. ”Oh, I see, I see! That’s perfect then, we have so many hotties here to choose from. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied by one or more of them.” There’s an acute sense of deja vu when the blond woman reveals a hologram with a list of the RAM options in a display of rows and columns, headshots only. “I don’t think you’ll be able to see them all today, but these are all the guys who are available right now.”

Janine mirrors the hologram so that Sua can read the names, or rather, their tags. There’s about twenty currently available, shown as ‘priority’ on the first page and Sua feels a headache spike when she notices that there’s twenty-one pages of unavailable options after the first. Shit, this was going to take some time. There was a reason Alpha had given her two months for this, but still, seeing that twenty page list of RAM was overwhelming.

Sua scans through all the available men on the holo and finds that none of them really spark anything inside her, they all look generally average, at least to her standard. And that would be yet another thing she’d have to remind herself, that she was looking for someone who the general female population would find attractive, and that she would have to put her personal tastes aside for this.

There’s a small ping from the iZtech as a new profile shows up on the hologram bumping the availability number up to twenty-one. Sua looks to the top row and is met with quite the handsome face. It’s an older man who she guesses is between the age forty and fifty, short brown hair, trimmed graying beard, hazel eyes, and admittedly adorable dimples. The tag underneath his picture identifies him as, ‘NS1966’. The man already fails to meet Alpha’s standard because of his age, yet Sua feels compelled to give him a chance. But then she thinks, a chance at what? If he’s chosen then he’s going to die. The thought doesn’t make her feel well but she decides to see him anyway.

“NS1966?”

“Yes, might as well start at the top of the list.” Well, the list would be fluctuating based on availability but whatever.

“Okay, he just got done with another client. Do you want us to clean the room up for you or…?” Right, someone just got done fucking him. Gross, but it wouldn’t matter, she was just there to judge physical characteristics, move onto the next guy, and then get the hell out.

“No, it’s fine.” Sua replies.

“Gotcha… you just gonna talk to him first then..?” Janine asks, looking just a tad bit off-put and judgemental. Sua frowns at the question, much like the picture that was just taken of her. Because, holy fuck, there was no way she would sleep with someone knowing that they’d just fucked someone only minutes before. “Yes, just talking,” Sua confirms stonily while handing Janine her payment chip.

“Okay. How long did you want? Thirty or fifty? And do you want him in a chair or on the bed?”

“Chair...” Sua says slowly and it comes out sounding more like a question than an answer. “Is there anything less than thirty?”

Janine appears apologetic as she inserts the chip, “sorry, the only time slots we offer are thirty and fifty. In the past people have pulled some sneaky things, that’s how we try to prevent it.”

Sneaky things huh? LIttle did she know that Sua would be doing something rather sneaky herself.

“Oh, can you hand over your iZtech, it’s part of our policy. If you have another on you, we’ll know and have to take it from you.” They wanted that too? Luckily Sua was only carrying her work one, she wouldn’t trust her personal device to be left in someone else's hands. Janine returns her chip and Sua swaps it for her iZtech. The woman smiles reassuringly as she places it in one of the desk drawers, “it’ll be safe and sound with me, don’t worry girlie!” She then starts towards the main hallways but not before beckoning Sua to follow.

Making their way through the hallway, she keeps her eyes glued to Janine’s back in an attempt to avoid looking at the swirl of colors around them. They make a few twists and turns before stopping at a door with the NS1966 tag on the front. The building turns out to be bigger and more complex than Sua had originally thought, but she had been sure to pay attention to the layout with the job in mind.

“Before you go in,” Janine begins, taking on a more professional attitude, “I have to tell you a few things. One is something that I told you already, that we prioritize the safety of our men here. If you, in any way, shape or form, hurt one of ours we cannot allow you here ever again. Second is that you do not take off their blindfolds or untie them. If that happens, again, we won’t allow you here ever again. I’m also supposed to tell you that you can’t leave with any of our men, but that means you would have had to untie him first which means you’ve already broken one of the rules.” Her eyes darted to the right, visibly trying to remember if she had anything else important to warn Sua about. And It doesn’t seem like she does as she begins to unlock the door.

“Oh yeah, also, you should be leaving right after your thirty minutes are up so we have time to clean up before the next client if need be. If you’re not gone by then, I’ll have to have you removed which would be embarrassing. But, you don’t seem like the type to overextend your time.” The door slides open and Janine gives her an excited smile before pushing Sua into the room. The blond then hits a button on the wall and the door slides shut. “Have fun!” She calls from the other side.

The door clicks and she’s locked in. So that's why their time slots were that specific. The door was on a timer meaning she wouldn’t be able to leave anytime she wanted. Damn. She might actually need the full two months for this. Sua rubs at her eyes, she was still on the verge of a headache and now she had thirty minutes of whatever this was. And speaking of ‘whatever this was’, the room was stuffy with the pungent smell of sex in the air. Expected, but still nasty, her face twists with disgust and she has the urge to pinch her nose like a child.

Oh she definitely had a headache now.

It’s another room to take in, this one thankfully isn’t designed with the nauseating psychedelic colors of the lobby. It’s very plain, less sterile, but still too plain. Light gray walls, a table offset from the middle with one seat, a couch placed off along the wall, a bed on the opposite side of the couch, a clock above the doorway, the occupant. It looks like everything in the room was placed there just to fill the space because it’s not fitting any sort or theme and in general looks out of place.

“You gonna fuck me or what?” NS1966 says.

“Is that what you want me to do?”

A snort. “Why the hell else would you be here then?”

NS1966 is sitting on a chair placed directly inline with the door. He’s got a black blindfold on, ankles are bound to the chair legs, arms behind the back, and the most notable of all things is that he’s naked.

The sight causes a flood of heat to spread across her face and down to her neck but she can’t look away. Dark red smears of lipstick paint NS1966’s neck and other regions of his chest, his legs are spread open, cock limp between his legs, and there’s puddles of bodily fluids on the floor in front of him. As Sua takes in the image before her she understands why Janine had asked her if she wanted them to clean up, the previous client had made a mess. If she knew that she was going to be stuck in the room for the entire thirty minutes then she would have agreed. Her head throbs and she has to effectively stop herself from gagging because, what the fuck. How was this place getting away with this?

The place claimed to prioritize the safety of their men but NS1966 is bound to a chair and blindfolded like some kind of war prisoner. Might as well gag him too while they’re at it. Not only that, but the health of this man was beyond questionable. With the way he was supposedly fucking all day everyday, how many diseases was he carrying?

Sua backs up against the wall, squeezes her eyes shut, and steadies her breathing the best she can considering the air which was full of sex spores. And she knows sex spores aren’t real but she’s imagining that they are.

“Fucking hello?”

Sua passes NS1966 and goes to move the table behind him so she can sit down and gather her thoughts properly while not having to look at his nakedness. He had a nice body though; Looked tall, somewhat lean, tattoos, and a dark hair-covered chest. But something just felt wrong about looking at him while he was… like that, even if this is what he was being paid to do(?) She takes a seat in the chair and grimaces when she thinks about what past clients have done in it. Her clothes were as good as soiled.

“Time’s ticking, you know that right?”

It’s much better being behind him, all she can see is the back of his head. Sua still doesn’t answer NS1966, his ranting fades into the background and she goes on to wonder how exactly she’s going to get anyone out of the building if all the rooms were designed the same way. But before all of that she needed to choose someone. Sua pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration. She knew it was going to be complicated but this was beyond so. Still, she somehow thought that she would pop in as a client, assess the attractiveness of the RAM in question, and move on. Then, after she made it through all twenty-one pages, she’d choose the best and get him to alpha. She had simplified things too much and was only just realizing that there were smaller things that made up the big picture that needed to be accounted for.

She was overwhelming herself and needed to set herself straight. Okay, okay… you need to choose someone first. And to do that you need to see faces, not just bodies. NS1966 was right, time was ticking. Despite what Janine had told her earlier, not to take off the blindfold, that was exactly what Sua was going to do.

NS1966 was still going on about something but as she comes near, he stops. “Are you going to tell me what the fuck you’re doing?”

After a brief scan of the room for cameras, Sua tugs on his blindfold from behind. “If I take this off are you going to snitch?” She doesn’t really know why she bothers asking him, she’s going to regardless of what he says, as she would have to with all the other RAMs. Another problem that would need to be addressed…

“No.”

“Good.” She undoes it within a few seconds and stuffs it into her pocket for the time being, not trusting the cleanliness of the table surface.

NS1966 cranes his neck to try and look back at her but Sua places her hands on either side of his head so he can’t move. “Fuck. You like looking at my dick from that angle or something?”

He can’t see it but she rolls her eyes at him. He had a mouth, that was for sure. “No I-“

“You’re really not here to fuck?” He prods.

“I’m not.”

“Damn. That’s a first.”

“Hm.” She really doesn’t know what to say, what would she say to any of them? They had a whole thirty minutes of nothing and she was nowhere near willing to siddle down for a nice conversation.

The blindfold was off and she wanted to look at his face. Sua grabs a fist of his hair keeping his head still and moves around so that she’s looking down at him. He fights her grip and tilts his head up to look back at her and she lets him have that. She studies him and NS1966 gazes back at her, hazel eyes filled with a boyish curiosity. He caught her eye with his picture but he looked much nicer in person. The hair, the eyes, the beard, and the dimples. The everything. He was a gorgeous man all around but would Alpha make an exception?

She releases her hold from his hair. “I’m just here to talk, that’s all.”

“Really?” Dark eyebrows raise as he scoffs. “Because I'm pretty sure that I'm the only one actually trying to carry on a goddamn conversation here.”

“Fine, I'm here to listen to you talk. I’m lonely.” Sua lies while making steady eye-contact.

NS1966 appears taken aback by her confession and closes his mouth momentarily before replying. “That’s sad as shit… but I guess I can’t say fuckall about that…” His eyes are downcast, it’s clear that he’s referencing his own situation, which was indeed ‘sad as shit’.

Sua returns to her seat situated behind him and her eyes fall down to how his wrists are bound together rather tightly. A thin black rubberized rope had been wound around his wrists and between the fingers digging into his skin causing blotches of redness. His ankles are subject to the same treatment. She wonders how long he’s been sitting in that chair. Was he allowed to get up and have a break? Or was he really just here like this literally all day? She feels pity for him, thinking about his cruel and frankly degrading circumstances. Even so, she’s not about to untie him.

She shrugs off her overcoat and comes around to him, placing it over his lap to cover his manhood. It would be weird to talk from behind him, at least now she’d be able to look at him. “How did you get into this?” Sua asks, standing before him.

“I don’t know.”

“What did you do before this?”

A silence stretches between them before he finally says, “...I don't know that either.” The quiet admittance of his voice tells her that he really doesn’t know and she says nothing for a while even though she wants to ask how that could be. She has a few ideas of what’s happened to the man and decides not to pry. Rather, she moves away from the questions about the past altogether. “Okay. What about this place?”

NS1966 looks skeptically at her, probably wondering why she wants to know such things. “I’m just here to talk, remember?” She says.

“Fuck, I don’t know. I just sit here… women, men, they come here for a good time and they get one. You already know that.”

“I know.” Sua had her mind set on not engaging in conversation, yet here she was asking him to tell her about his day. “What else? Tell me anything.” She tells herself that she might as well try and get something useful out of him.

“I live here - we all live here. After I fuck everyone, they take me upstairs to my room. I share a room with another guy. There’s cameras everywhere, none of us have ever tried to escape, none of us know shit about anything to leave anyways. I wake up and eat, they take me back down, rinse and repeat.”

It hurts to listen to him talk about his life, or what was left of it. Sua feels sympathy for him like she never has before. This man wasn’t living, The Rapture was using him for their own gains while keeping him a prisoner. Every single one of the men here were prisoners. It begs the question, again, how was this place getting away with such treatment of these people? Did they willingly sign up to be a part of this? Things didn’t make sense. NS1966 had also stated that none of them knew anything, implying that the others had lapses in memory too. But were they really lapses in memory..?

“I don’t suppose you’re getting paid for what you do?”

“No. I just get to live here rent-free.”

“Do you like it..?”

NS1966 scoffs. “I fucking hate it. Yeah, I used to like sticking my dick in something everyday, but now - that’s all I ever do, that’s my life. I have… nothing else. I…” His face contorts into something resembling despair and he can’t seem to finish his sentence. Sua starts to feel bad for getting him to talk about something so depressing, something that he quite obviously had no control of, his own life. She wants to comfort him, but she doesn’t really know how, given the context of his situation, or if it would even be of comfort. So she doesn’t. “Go on.” She says, instead. “You can tell me, whatever is said in this room stays in this room.”

NS1966 looks resigned, like he doesn’t care what he says at this point because none of it matters anyways. “I don’t want to fucking be here anymore. I don’t fucking know if I did something to deserve this, I can’t remember anything before being here. I think about escaping this place, but even if I did, I’d still have nothing. If they caught me, would they bring me back here or kill me? If they killed me they’d be doing me a huge fucking favor… I’ve tried killing myself… a few times. I tried, but I couldn’t. I went to do it… and I just fucking couldn’t… I’m so fucked up…”

She’s never seen a man have a near breakdown… it scares her quite honestly. He sounds completely broken and she doesn’t know why but it crushes her. He’s obviously been holding this in for a long time and had nobody else to talk to because no one else cared. And now he was telling her, of all people, they were still strangers to one another. “I’m sorry…” Sua whispers because she doesn’t know how to react or what to say to that. It’s unlike anything anyone has ever told her before. It's so… real. And she knows nothing she can say or do is going to make things better for him so she cradles his head into her arms and offers what she can for physical comfort. NS1966 freezes at first but slowly relaxes into her when she begins to play with his hair gently in attempt to calm him down. His hair is soft to her touch as she combs through it repeatedly.

“What about you?” He asks after a few minutes. “What do you do out there?”

And so she tells him, if only to distract him. What he knew about her and what she knew about him wouldn’t make any differences. She tells him about her job, what she does, the places she’s been, some of the newest technological advancements, and other small tidbits about her life. She still doesn’t know what he did and didn’t know about so she tells him a little bit of everything. All the while NS1966 lays his head into her arms and listens carefully, his eyes are closed and he looks almost serene. She didn’t know this man from a hole in the ground, but Seeing him like this, it stirred something inside her but she couldn’t quite place what exactly it was.

She had stopped talking at this point and they’re unmoving in a comfortable silence. NS1966’s head stirs against her arm and she peers down to him. He’s looking back at her and as they stare deeply into each other's eyes, she feels like she’s caught in a trance. His eyes are so expressive she wonders what he’s thinking now. She wishes she could save him.

Their faces are close and he’s tried his best to lean up closer to her subtly, he wants a kiss. It’s cute, but she won't kiss him. Sua strokes his face gently, along the short scruff of his beard then up to his nose and forehead. She finds great satisfaction in hearing the deep rumble in his throat, almost like a purr. He’s leaning into her touch, practically melting and now she thinks she’d be okay if she had fifty minutes with him instead of thirty.

But this wasn’t what she was here for, she had something to do and there wasn’t time for… whatever this was with NS1966. He was just like everyone else in this godforsaken building, everyone couldn’t be saved. She drops her hands from him reluctantly, watching as his face turns in disappointment at the loss of her touch and closeness. She goes to pick up her overcoat on his lap and is bewildered when she sees that he’s hard. A generous sized tenting has formed quite obviously from under her jacket and she does her best to ignore it when she picks it off of him. Did he really get excited over that minimal amount of contact?

NS1966 looks down suddenly flustered, something she finds uncharacteristic of him. “Fuck. It’s the shit they put me on. I swear, they’re always shooting me up with some shit.”

It made sense, how else was he supposed to do what he’s doing all day without some kind of ‘enhancements’. “It’s okay.” She responds lightly. According to the clock, her time was nearly up.

Besides the sudden air of awkwardness between them, she doesn’t particularly have anything else to say to NS1966 so she relocates near the door without a word, waiting for it to open. Still, she feels as if she should say something to him considering they just had a moment, but again, she doesn’t know what she would say.

“I’m Negan” Sua looks back at him in mild surprise. So he knew something after all.

“Zera.” She lies. “It was nice meeting you, Negan.”

“Will I see you again?” It’s cute, the way asks , trying to mask his hopefulness.

“I don’t know.” She answers honestly.

The door stutters sliding open and she offers him one final reassuring smile. Reassuring him for what though, she doesn’t know. “Goodbye Negan.” The door closes behind her with a click.

#long fic #twd #negan #negan fanfiction #negan x oc #twd fanfiction #negan x you #twd negan #jeffrey dean morgan

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pubcapscott · 10 days

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Sierra Roamer - The Latest Collaboration Build From Sierra Nevada Brewing For Sea Otter

Sea Otter is almost here, so that means it’s time for a new Sierra bike. For the last six years, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co has collaborated with brands to create a one-off, custom bike to show and give-away to raise money for a non-profit at Sea Otter. This year, HotSalad Bicycles helped to create the Sierra Roamer to benefit The Roam Collective, with the aim to bring further diversity into…

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ourmobilelifeguru-blog · 11 days

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The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking Shorts: Gear for Outdoor Performance

Mountain biking shorts like Fox Flexair, Ranger, and Defend are ideal in catering to diverse riding needs. Fox Flexair allows ease of movement and breathability, Ranger combines style and functionality, while Defend is built for rugged trails. Brands like Fox, Troy Lee Designs, and Patagonia dominate this field, each pioneering unique features that cater to rider requirements, body shapes, and environment conditions. Interestingly enough, these brands not only focus on performance but also values - Fox on high-performance technology, Patagonia on eco-friendliness and lightweight design, and Troy Lee Designs on comfort and efficient performance. On top of style and performance attributes, caring for these biking gear prolongs their usability and maintains your riding comfort. Dive in to discover more about these trail-blazers.

The top recommended mountain biking shorts for 2024 are Troy Lee Designs Skyline Bike Shorts with Liner, Ally 4D-Padded MTB Mountain Bike Shorts, and Patagonia Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts. These shorts offer a blend of snug fit, essential features, and sustainable materials while providing optimal performance on the trail.

Best Mountain Biking Shorts for All Occasions

When it comes to mountain biking, having the right gear can make a world of difference in your comfort and performance on the trails. The ideal mountain biking shorts will provide not only a comfortable fit but also protection, durability, and functionality. Let's dive into some top-notch options that cater to a variety of riding styles and conditions.

Starting off with the Troy Lee Designs Skyline shorts, these are considered a favorite among riders for their well-rounded performance. Offering a comfort rating of 8.5 and built with sturdy materials, the Skyline shorts are designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive trail riding while providing ample mobility and breathability. With an inseam length of 13.75 inches, these shorts offer excellent coverage and protection, making them suitable for various mountain biking adventures.

Moving on to the Specialized Trail Short, this option is beloved by many riders who seek functionality without compromising style. With a comfort rating of 8.0, these shorts strike a balance between performance and casual appeal. The lightweight and stretchy vaporize woven fabric provides flexibility and ventilation, while the adjustable waistband ensures a customizable fit. This versatility makes the Specialized Trail Short a go-to choice for riders who value comfort and practicality.

For minimalistic riders who prioritize lightweight construction and timeless style, the Patagonia Dirt Roamer shorts are an excellent option, boasting a remarkable comfort rating of 9.0. Designed for ultimate comfort and quick-drying properties, these shorts feature an inseam length of 12.5 inches and two zippered thigh pockets for convenient storage during rides.

Now, if ventilation is a top priority for you, the Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Shorts should definitely be on your radar with its high comfort rating of 8.5. Constructed with lightweight material and perforated inner thigh panels for enhanced airflow, these shorts ensure optimal breathability during rigorous rides. Moreover, the dual zippered pockets positioned high on the back of the thighs provide secure storage without hindering movement.

Lastly, if weather resistance is paramount in your mountain biking pursuits, the Endura MT500 Spray Shorts are an ideal choice with their impressive durability rating of 9.0. Engineered to excel in wet riding conditions, these shorts feature a waterproof panel on the seat area and seam-taped construction to keep you dry and comfortable when tackling challenging trails.

Whether you prioritize mobility, ventilation, minimalist design, or weather resistance in your mountain biking shorts, there's a wide range of options available tailored to each rider's unique preferences and needs.

As we navigate through the world of mountain biking gear, next up we'll explore the top brands and styles that are turning heads among outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Brands and Styles

When it comes to mountain biking, the right gear can make all the difference, and one of the most essential pieces of gear is your shorts. Some of the leading brands in the mountain biking shorts industry are Fox, Troy Lee Designs, and Patagonia. Each of these renowned brands brings its unique approach to the table, designed to cater to different ride preferences, body shapes, and environmental conditions.

For instance, Fox is known for its high-performance shorts that incorporate the latest technologies and materials to ensure maximum comfort and durability. These shorts are built to withstand the rigors of intense mountain biking and provide superior moisture-wicking properties to keep riders cool and dry during demanding rides.

On the other hand, Patagonia takes a more environmentally conscious approach with their mountain biking shorts. They focus on creating eco-friendly designs that boast lightweight construction without compromising on performance. This makes them an ideal choice for riders who prioritize sustainability without sacrificing functionality.

Additionally, Troy Lee Designs has carved out a niche with its snug fit, pedal-friendly designs that offer a perfect blend of performance and comfort. The tailored cut of their shorts ensures a streamlined fit while allowing for unrestricted movement on the trails. This brand specifically zeroes in on the importance of a comfortable fit to enhance the overall biking experience.

Considering these distinct characteristics of each brand, it's crucial for riders to weigh their personal preferences against these specialized offerings before making a purchase. Whether you're seeking high-performance features, sustainable materials, or a perfect balance of fit and function, understanding the unique selling points of these brands can guide you towards making an informed decision.

It's important to remember that different riding environments may call for distinctive designs - from downhill trails that demand rugged durability to cross-country routes that benefit from lightweight breathability. By understanding your specific needs and considering the strengths of each brand, you can select a pair of mountain biking shorts that aligns perfectly with your riding style.

As we journey deeper into the world of mountain biking shorts, we'll uncover additional factors such as sizing considerations, specialized features, and practical insights to aid you in selecting the ideal pair for your adventures.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Mountain Biking Shorts

When it comes to choosing the right mountain biking shorts, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Let's start with fit and comfort. The fit of your shorts can significantly impact your riding experience. You'll want a snug fit that allows for optimal mobility and comfort during those long, adrenaline-pumping rides. Look for features like adjustable waistbands and stretch panels, which offer a customized fit and ensure that the shorts move with you as you navigate challenging trails.

Comfort is crucial, especially since you'll be spending extended periods seated on your bike saddle. Shorts that are too loose may lead to chafing, while excessively tight ones can restrict movement and cause discomfort. What you're looking for is that sweet spot where your shorts provide support without hindering your movements.

Material Matters

The next important consideration is the material and durability of the shorts. Look for pairs made from high-quality, durable, and moisture-wicking materials such as nylon and polyester. These fabrics are designed to withstand the rigors of rough rides, ensuring they hold up well even in varying weather conditions. A rugged pair of mountain biking shorts will give you the confidence to tackle tough trails without worrying about tearing or damage.

Ventilation and breathability play a vital role in ensuring your comfort during intense rides. Seek out shorts with strategically placed airflow zones and breathable fabrics. The airflow zones promote ventilation, allowing air to circulate around key areas like the groin and lower back, keeping you cool and dry even when the trail heats up.

Imagine cruising down a challenging trail on a hot summer day. The right pair of ventilated biking shorts will work like a cooling breeze, preventing excessive sweating and discomfort, enabling you to focus on enjoying the ride.

Considering these essential factors – fit and comfort, material and durability, ventilation and breathability – is crucial when selecting mountain biking shorts for your outdoor adventures. Keep these elements in mind as you explore our comprehensive buying guide to make an informed decision that aligns with your performance needs.

As you prepare for your next mountain biking adventure, understanding the advantages of good mountain biking shorts will further enhance your outdoor experiences.

The Advantages of Good Mountain Biking Shorts

When it comes to mountain biking, having the right gear is key to an enjoyable and successful ride. Quality mountain biking shorts offer numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your experience on the trail.

Comfort and Protection

One of the biggest advantages of quality mountain biking shorts is the comfort and protection they provide. With cushioning and support, these shorts mitigate saddle soreness, which can be a real pain (literally!) during long rides. Imagine having that extra layer of comfort and protection enabling you to focus entirely on enjoying the ride rather than wincing through discomfort. Moreover, they are designed to reduce abrasion, protecting your skin from chafing and irritation caused by repetitive movement against the saddle.

Performance and Mobility

Unlike regular shorts, high-quality mountain biking shorts are tailored for performance and mobility. They offer freedom of movement and flexibility, allowing riders to maneuver through rough terrains with ease. You won't have to worry about fabric restricting your movements or feeling uncomfortable while tackling challenging trails. The enhanced agility provided by these shorts can make a significant difference in how you navigate obstacles and sharp turns on the trail.

Climate Control

Another essential advantage of good mountain biking shorts is their climate control capabilities. These shorts are adept at regulating body temperature and wicking away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. Wearing moisture-wicking shorts can make a remarkable difference, especially during hot and humid rides, preventing discomfort and potential skin issues associated with prolonged exposure to sweat.

In summary, investing in quality mountain biking shorts doesn't just benefit your ride in terms of comfort and performance—they also contribute to your overall well-being on the trail. They are designed to enhance your experience by providing optimum comfort, protection, performance, and climate control, ensuring that you make the most of every ride.

As crucial as it is to understand the advantages offered by high-quality mountain biking shorts, knowing how to choose the ideal pair forms the backbone of optimizing your outdoor adventure. Let's explore what factors to consider when selecting the perfect set of mountain biking shorts.

Selecting the Ideal Pair of Mountain Biking Shorts

When it comes to mountain biking, the right pair of shorts can make a world of difference in both comfort and performance. To find the ideal pair for your needs, it's crucial to consider a few key factors.

First, consider your riding style. If you prefer aggressive riding and downhill trails, you need shorts that offer more protection and durability. On the other hand, if you mostly enjoy cross-country or trail riding, you might prioritize lightweight and breathable shorts that also offer a high level of mobility.

Next, think about the fit. Are you looking for a snugger fit or do you prefer a more relaxed feel? Some riders prefer a looser fit for better airflow and freedom of movement, while others prioritize a closer fit to minimize flapping material.

Finally, focus on specific features that matter most during your biking adventures. For example, if you tend to ride in hot climates, prioritizing shorts with enhanced ventilation can make a big difference in your overall comfort level. Pockets for stashing essentials like your phone or snacks may also be important to some riders.

Let's say you're someone who loves aggressive downhill riding. You'll likely be looking at options that are specifically designed for this purpose—shorts that feature durable materials with added protection and reinforced panels in high-wear areas.

Our website offers detailed comparisons of different shorts based on these criteria to help users make tailored selections that align with their specific preferences and requirements. By providing this valuable information, we aim to ensure that riders can find the perfect pair of mountain biking shorts that not only meet but exceed their expectations.

Above all, remember that investing time in selecting the right mountain biking shorts can significantly enhance your overall riding experience. It's all about finding the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and style—ensuring that every ride is as enjoyable as it is exhilarating.

With these considerations in mind, you'll be well-equipped to identify the shorts that perfectly complement your unique riding style and preferences.

By understanding how to select the ideal mountain biking shorts, you're now better prepared to explore how to maintain and care for these essential pieces of riding gear.

Guide to Maintaining Mountain Biking Shorts

Taking good care of your mountain biking shorts can significantly extend their lifespan and preserve their functionality. Regular washing is essential to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that accumulate after rides, ensuring hygienic and odor-free apparel for future use.

Washing Tips

When it comes to washing, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of fabric your shorts are made of. Most mountain biking shorts are constructed from technical fabrics like nylon or polyester, designed to wick away moisture and provide durability. Opting for a mild, non-abrasive detergent and a gentle washing temperature of 30°C helps maintain the integrity of these performance materials.

Recommended washing temperature: 30°C

Recommended detergent type: Mild, non-abrasive

Proper storage post-wash is equally important. Folding or hanging your shorts in a dry, well-ventilated area prevents moisture buildup that could lead to mold and mildew.

Avoiding Exposure to Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals such as bleach or fabric softeners can degrade the technical properties of your mountain biking shorts, affecting their moisture-wicking capabilities and overall performance. It's crucial to steer clear of these chemicals during both the washing and storage processes to ensure your shorts remain in top condition.

Inspecting for Wear and Tear

Regularly inspecting your mountain biking shorts for signs of wear and tear is a proactive approach to addressing potential issues early on and preventing further damage. Look out for fraying seams, tears, or any weakened areas that may compromise the structural integrity of the garment. Perform necessary repairs promptly to prevent these issues from worsening.

How often do you need to wash your mountain biking shorts? It's recommended to wash them after every 2-3 uses, especially if they've been subjected to intensive rides.

Prompt washing after each use, attention to the washing guidelines, avoiding harsh chemicals, and routine inspections are integral aspects of preserving the quality and longevity of your mountain biking shorts. Following these practices ensures that you get the most out of your investment in high-performance cycling apparel.

With proper care habits in place, understanding the latest trends in mountain biking shorts opens doors to enhanced performance and comfort. Let's now shift our focus to exploring these cutting-edge developments in cycling gear.

Latest Trends in Mountain Biking Shorts

The evolution of mountain biking gear has been truly fascinating. High-performance designs and feature-rich options have become the focus of the latest trends in mountain biking shorts. Manufacturers are constantly on the lookout for advancements in materials, technologies, and construction techniques aimed at enhancing comfort, durability, and overall riding experience. As a result, riders today have access to innovative developments that cater to their specific needs, providing both style and practical functionality.

One notable trend is the integration of advanced moisture-wicking fabrics into mountain bike short designs. These fabrics are engineered to swiftly move sweat away from the body, keeping riders dry and comfortable even during intense rides. This innovation has become increasingly important as riders seek apparel that can withstand long hours of physical exertion. Additionally, these fabrics also help regulate temperature and reduce friction to prevent chafing.

Another significant trend is the focus on sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the production of mountain biking shorts. Many manufacturers are adopting environmentally conscious practices by utilizing recycled materials or implementing sustainable manufacturing processes. This not only aligns with the values of environmentally conscious riders but also contributes to reducing the industry's environmental impact.

Furthermore, advancements in construction techniques have led to the development of seamless and ergonomic designs that enhance freedom of movement while minimizing irritation from seams. This is particularly beneficial for riders who engage in aggressive downhill and technical trail riding, where unrestricted mobility is essential for peak performance.

Key Trends in Mountain Biking Shorts

For instance, some brands utilize specialized weaving techniques to create stretch panels within the shorts, allowing for optimal flexibility without compromising durability. These innovations represent a concerted effort by manufacturers to address the diverse needs of riders across various disciplines, including cross-country, enduro, and downhill mountain biking.

As our website showcases these latest trends in mountain biking shorts, riders are empowered with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their gear purchases. By staying updated on these trends, cyclists can explore cutting-edge options that elevate their riding experience while aligning with their individual preferences and performance requirements.

This ongoing evolution reflects a commitment to enhancing the overall riding experience through innovative design and attention to detail. Each trend represents an advancement that aims to improve both performance and comfort for mountain bikers around the world.

The future of mountain biking gear continues to expand horizons with new innovations, promising an even more exciting and enjoyable riding experience for enthusiasts worldwide.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking shoes

Mountain biking helmets

Mountain biking gloves

Bike racks

#gear #mountain bike #mountains #mountain biking #mountain biking shorts #cycling shorts #cycling #bike life

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kicksaddictny · 8 months

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Kizik Space-Inspired Mars Roamer

Reaching out on behalf of innovative hands-free footwear brand, Kizik to ensure the brand’s upcoming footwear launch is on your radar for relevant coverage opportunities.

Launching on September 12th, the Mars Roamer is Kizik's boldest shoe yet. This flashy, futuristic shoe combines the iconic look of the brand’s patented Unified® tech with the space-age feel of its cushioning quilted upper. With a space-inspired tread featuring waves and horizontal traction grooves as a nod to Neil Armstrong’s first footstep on the moon.

The Mars Roamer retails for $199 will be available exclusively on kizik.com beginning Tuesday in 4 colorways: Deep Space, Ares, Moon Dust and Ultraviolet in women’s sizes 6-13 and men’s 4.5-13.

Deep Space

Ares

Moon Dust

Ultraviolet

#kicksaddict #kizik

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harshreddy · 8 months

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Buy Roamer Watches | Best Watch Collections by Just in Time

Buy Roamer watches at best price from Just In Time. 100% authentic watches, Brand Warranty, Free Shipping & Watch Services available.

#roamer watches #buy roamer wach #jit roamer watch collections #just in time #watches for men #watches for women

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itsaboutwatches · 1 year

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TIME travel with HiYATH

Time is the only constant luxury in our lives today and our generation loves flaunting the time wear as a luxury accessory. Keeping this need in mind, UAE based conglomerate, Alfalah Group has come up with their new venture of affordable luxury watch retail chain called HiYATH in India.

Currently available online at www.hiyath.com , they are offering a vast range of affordable time pieces from smart watches to mechanical to automatics to skeleton watches in exclusive prices. Some of the top brands available currently with HiYATH are Reebok, Roamer, Earnshaw, Swiss Military, Obaku, JDM Military and many more. HiYATH hosts international watch brands from prestigious brands at unbelievable costs and comes with international warranties. Be it Swiss watch or Japanese technology, if you want to add any chrono beauty to your collection the HiYATH is the final destination to your search.

#luxury watch brands #fashionable #watchaddict #watchland #fashion #stylish #branding

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thetoxicgamer · 1 year

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New Rainbow Six Siege Operator Solis is IQ But on Defence

The brand-new Rainbow Six Siege operator, Solis, is modelled after the game's original character, IQ, except Solis is on the opposing team. There are many reasons to be excited about Solar Raid's main addition, despite the fact that that may sound incredibly reductive and possibly even a little tedious. Let’s start with the key details. Solis is a two-speed, two-armour defender. She can equip either the P90 SMG or the ITA 12L shotgun for her primary, and the SMG-11 for her secondary. Her gadget is the Spec-IO Electro Sensor, which is a pair of AR goggles that allow her to see enemy gadgets through walls up to a few metres away. This gadget operates on a cooldown, but it also has a secondary function: you can scan an individual enemy gadget so that its location is revealed to the rest of your team. While IQ has always been a useful presence on the attack, she’s only really brought along as a direct counter to hidden defender gadgets and traps – her role is to speed along the roam clear. Solis, on the other hand, is a lot more versatile, providing early reads on attacker locations, hunting down drones, and more crucially, directing other teammates so they can successfully counter an attacking play. Bandit and Kaid tricking could become a lot more viable as Solis can easily call out the correct wall panel to place electric gadgets on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDfvT_j_s_k Solis can also be used proactively, teaming up with another roamer to hunt down attackers who are inside the building and using their gadgets to gain further intel. This is especially helpful against trapper-style attackers, including Nomad, anyone with claymores, and even intel-gatherers like Jackal. IQ players will still have the edge in a 1v1 though, as Solis cannot equip a weapon while using her gadget. The new Rainbow Six Siege operator will be available when Operation Solar Raid launches on December 6. As with previous operators, she’s first available for a week to anyone who purchases the premium battle pass, and then available to purchase for either 25,000 Renown or 600 R6 Credits. There’s a lot more than just Solis coming, though, so check out our full Rainbow Six Solar Raid breakdown. Read the full article

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zotickwatchesandaccessories · 1 year

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Buy Swiss Made Roamer Automatic Watches for Men Online | Zotick

Discover the Latest Collection of Swiss Made Roamer Watches for Men & Women Online in India from Zotick, an Authorized Dealer of Roamer Watches in India. Buy Roamer Watches Online at the Best Prices. 7 Years Warranty. Exclusive Offers.

https://zotick.com/brands/roamer/

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andcol73 · 2 years

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Ho fatto una scoperta eccezionale su Catawiki, il sito per oggetti speciali con una storia da raccontare.

Dai un'occhiata: Roamer - Rotodate 44 automatic - 305467 - Uomo - 1960-1969

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guy60660 · 3 years

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Roamers Brand

#roamers brand #moody #at sea

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snelbz · 3 years

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I'll Be Seeing You {4}

Nesta x Cassian, 1940′s AU

Collaboration with @tacmc

Summary: After Cassian gets injured in the war, he’s taken to a war camp to be cared for until he gains enough strength to return to his battalion. While he’s there, he falls for a nurse that couldn’t care less about his title and doesn’t put up with his bullshit. Once he’s healed and the years pass by, he finds that there’s only one thing he wants to remember from the war, and she’s only a letter away.

Trigger Warnings: war

Chapters will be posted every Monday.

Word Count: 2429

IBSY Masterlist

Shelby’s Masterlist

Tara’s Masterlist

October 1940, The Autumn Court

Major Cassian Nazari was bored.

Nesta could sense it from where she was, back turned to him at the other end of the tent. It had also been a sign when she came in that morning and he was complaining, loudly, to Madja. I don’t see why I can’t get up and walk around. I’m fine. And bored shitless.

Madja, of course, had told him, Very well, Major. Do as you wish.

Cassian had taken two steps before a wave of nausea hit him from the pain, and he was throwing up his breakfast. After a dose of pain medicine, he had fallen asleep.

Now, he was awake, his pains were dulled, and he was loud.

Loud, and having a one-sided conversation with the unconscious soldier next to him about his favorite brands of whiskey.

He was just getting to the pros of living near a distillery, back in Velaris, when Nesta approached his cot. He glanced over to her and gave him a smile. A sleepy, drug-induced smile. “Nurse Nesta.”

“Major,” she replied, sitting next to his bed. “How are you feeling this afternoon?”

“Feeling great. Ready to get back out there.”

“Really now?” She asked, feeling his head for fever. He’d been warm after getting sick and she wanted to check and be sure they hadn’t missed some sign of infection setting in. His skin was cool as could be now. “So this morning was just a reaction to the breakfast porridge?”

He got quiet immediately and rolled his eyes.

“That’s what I thought.” She helped him sit up and checked the wounds on his back. They weren’t healing like she would have liked, but it was also likely he could have used stitches over a few of them. His burns were healing nicely though, even though she knew they still caused him quite a lot of pain. The broken arm and shoulder were the same.

Now that his shoulder was set correctly, it was all about keeping him still, which seemed to be a continual problem for him.

“I can’t sit here forever,” he claimed. “I’ll go insane.”

“You need something to occupy your mind,” Nesta said. “I’ll bring you some books.”

Cassian snorted. “Your romances? I’ll pass.”

Nesta huffed and shook her head. “Has anyone ever told you how difficult a man you are?”

“On many occasions,” Cassian noted. “Mostly women.”

Nesta sighed and helped him fall back against his pillows. “I’ll be back.”

“Good,” he muttered with a yawn as she walked away. After telling her fellow nurses she’ll be back in a moment, Nesta exited the tent and walked to the one just across the way from it, where the nurses slept. She strode to her tent in the far corner and grabbed an old western romance that he would surely read if bored enough, then pulled a suitcase from underneath her cot and popped it open.

The old, folded-up wooden chess board that sat inside had once belonged to her father. They used to play often, before the death of Nesta’s mother.

All the pieces were slightly dusty, but still in good shape. She picked up one of the ivory pawns, wiping it off with the apron tied around her waist, careful not to get any blood or antiseptic lotion on it. Without the dust coating it, the piece shined and she replaced it in its home before cleaning off each piece. She closed the suitcase, carrying it, the book, and a small, foldable tray back across the camp, and into the med tent.

As soon as Cassian saw her, he zeroed in on the case. “What’s that?”

“First,” she said, sitting down and holding the book out for him. “I brought you this.”

His face twisted with a twinge of pain as he reached out and took it, opening it and flipping through it. He paused on a random page and read a few lines. His eyes widened. “This is…explicit.”

Nesta’s cheeks reddened.

“It’s a romance,” he groaned.

“It’s an old western,” she defended. “It’s one of my favorites. It’s a very good book.”

Rolling his eyes, Cassian sat it on the side table, but pointed at the suitcase, which she had set down to unfold the tray. “And what’s that?” He repeated.

Nesta set it on the end of his cot and opened it. “Until I’m needed, we’ll play chess.”

Cassian stared at her for a moment before repeating, “Chess?”

She lifted a brow as she set up the board, on top of the tray. “You’re complaining about the forms of entertainment I offer?”

Cassian hesitated, and Nesta secretly liked that hesitation. For once, a comment made by her actually made him think. Usually, he was so quick on his feet. She liked it when he wasn’t.

“Fine,” he said, at last, clearing his throat. “But, it’s been a long time since I’ve played. You may have to refresh my memory.”

She suppressed her smile, moving the tray just next to his bed, so it would be within his reach. “I can do that.”

He nodded, grunting as he got himself into a sitting position. Nesta made a move toward him, but he held up a hand, letting him know he could do it on his own.

Even if it was just barely.

She laid out the pieces, almost reverently, but quickly and efficiently. She didn’t have to think about where the pieces went and before he knew it, the board was set in front of them. The white pieces sat on his side of the board, the black on her own. She gestured for him to make a move.

He reached for one of the pieces in the front, but then pulled his hand back. Twice, he repeated the movement, before clearing his throat and saying, “Ladies first.”

“That’s not how chess works, Major,” she chuckled. “White goes first, black second.”

He nodded and stared back down at the board. “Right.”

Picking up one of the pawns, Cassian moved it diagonally, as if it were a checker.

Nesta blinked, waiting for him to move it back or chuckle as if he were playing a joke. “That’s not how you move a pawn forward.”

His cheeks heated and she knew he was embarrassed. “Well not all of us grew up as well off as you were.”

Eyebrows raising, Nesta was unable to stop the surprised chuckle from bubbling from her lips. “Excuse you, sir?”

“I’m just saying, only spoiled, rich girls grew up playing chess.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, but couldn’t bring herself to be angry at his words. “You don’t know how to play chess, do you?”

“I told you I would need your help.” He wasn’t looking at her, just the board and pieces.

“When’s the last time you played chess?” She asked.

He shrugged. “Never.”

Nesta stared at him for a moment, waiting for an explanation. “Never?”

Cassian’s head fell back and he groaned. “Nurse, are you going to make me ask you to explain the rules to me or do I have to make a fool of myself any longer?”

Nesta pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. “Very well.”

She went on to explain the rules to him, then just to make sure she was not setting him up for failure, she explained the rules to him, again.

The pawn can move one square, unless it is the first time they move, then they can move two. It can’t move backwards. They can capture pieces on either space, diagonally, in front of them.

The knight moves in an L shape. Don’t ask why.

Bishop is a bit of a roamer. It can move in diagonally, as many squares as it wishes.

The rook can move both horizontally and vertically, as many squares as it wishes, as well.

The Queen is basically the best, most important piece. She can move however she wishes, wherever she wishes.

Cassian stared at the board thoughtfully. “Hmm. And the king, again?”

Nesta chuckled, quietly. “He can move only one square in any direction.”

“And he decides who wins the game?” Cassian asked, head cocked to the side as he stared at the board, trying to imagine it all.

“More or less, yes,” Nesta said, watching him study the board. “When a player attacks the other’s king, it’s called a check. A checkmate, or the win, is what happens when the opposing king can no longer make any legal moves.”

“So you must protect the king at all costs, then?” Cassian asked. “That’s the purpose of the other pieces?”

“It is,” Nesta nodded.

“And that’s why the queen is such an important piece?” he continued, meeting her gaze. “Why she has the most freedom? To protect her king?”

Nesta narrowed her eyes. “Speaking like that, I cannot believe that you don’t admire a good romance novel.”

“I already told you, I don’t think women are meant to stay home and do nothing but become mothers,” he replied, reaching out and moving his own piece properly this time. “However, a boring book about two people falling in love? No, thank you, ma’am.”

“Falling in love isn’t boring,” she defended, moving her own piece.

He grunted in answer, making his move.

Nesta looked at him, gauging his non-reply. “Have you ever been in love, Major?”

“Now who’s asking the personal questions,” he muttered, waiting for her to take her turn. She did, silently waiting for him to answer. He picked up the piece, studying the board, though barely anything had been done to need strategy yet. “No. I haven’t.”

Nesta watched him for a moment before looking back down at the board. “Interesting.”

Cassian moved his piece at last. “Don’t worry, plenty of women have been in love with me, I just haven’t returned the feeling.”

Nesta couldn’t help but bark a laugh. “Of course you would think so.”

Cassian’s grin told her it was all just a joke, but Nesta had no doubt that Cassian had had his fair share of women throughout the years.

“What about you?” He asked. “I know about your ex, of course, but have you ever been in love?”

It was Nesta’s turn to be quiet, but she pretended to be thinking over a move. “Yes,” she finally admitted, moving one of her knights, which had finally been unblocked by her pawns. “At least, I think so, at least. Things with Tom were…complicated.”

“Complicated doesn’t sound like it’s a good thing,” he replied, mirroring her own move.

She narrowed her eyes at him, finally catching on to how he’d been playing. She said nothing about the game though, and continued on. “There’s a reason we aren’t together anymore, if you recall.”

Nesta moved another piece and he asked, “Would you go back to him? If you found out he’d been waiting for you?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted, still staring at the board, if only to keep from having to look at him. “His family was much better off than mine, which was the reason for our engagement anyways. I came here to keep my sisters from having to do so.”

“That doesn’t sound like love,” Cassian murmured, taking his turn.

“And what makes you such an expert on the subject?” Nesta snapped.

Cassian slowly met her eyes once he set down his knight. He didn’t look offended by her tone. Instead, he remained quiet for a moment, then said, “I may not waste my time reading romance novels, and I may have never been in love, nurse, but I have plenty of experience in what love is not.”

She couldn’t place it, but she didn’t like why his voice became so…sad when he said it. “I didn’t mean to react in such a way,” she replied, not even paying attention to the moves she was making at this point. “I’m just not…accustomed to talking to anyone about these sorts of things. Especially a patient.”

He nodded. “I get it.”

Nesta nodded and broke his gaze as her eyes settled back on the board. After a moment, she moved her queen and said, “Check.”

Cassian blinked, eyes darting to the board, trying to find how his king was in jeopardy. Once he saw it, he tried to figure a way out of it, but after five minutes of thinking, he knocked his king down in surrender.

Nesta suppressed her smile as she outstretched her hand. “Good game, Major.”

He chuckled and shook her hand. “Nice lie, nurse.”

“Perhaps we can play again tomorrow,” Nesta asked, with a questioning tone.

Cassian met her eyes, and the edge in them softened as he said, quietly, “I would like that.”

She nodded and began putting it away as a few nurses entered the tent with big boxes in their arms. “Looks like we got some care packages from Velaris, gentlemen.”

Cassian’s brows rose, and Nesta chuckled at the excitement that flooded through the tent from those who were awake. In a war, it was the little things that made it all better.

Nesta placed the chessboard beneath Cassian’s cot and rose to help the nurses go through the boxes. With everything they pulled out, there was an announcement.

We’ve got candies!

Homemade breads and jams!

The funnies from the newspapers!

Tea!

Nesta reached into the box and pulled out a big carton and announced, “Cigarettes!”

That one got a round of applause, but nowhere near the number of cheers that the whiskey got. It went on for another few minutes, and then for the first time in quite some time, something that resembled joy could be felt in their little war camp.

As the goodies were dispersed, Nesta’s eyes kept trailing to Cassian.

She was surprised to find his eyes on her as well. Carrying one of the small bottles of the cheap whiskey that had been sent, she found herself standing beside his cot. She set the bottle down on the side table, along with a pack of cigarettes, and said, “Might not be the brand you prefer, but it’s better than nothing.”

“I’d drink anything right about now, brand doesn’t matter,” he chuckled. “If you could possibly get me some of that sweet bread and blackberry jam though, it might make it just a bit easier to go down.”

She shook her head, saying, “You’re unbelievable.” But she knew she would get it for him, she’d make sure of it.

Because his smile was the first thing that made her own appear without being forced in quite a while.

#i’ll be seeing you #snacmc ibsy #nessian ibsy #nesta archeron #cassian #nessian #acotar #acomaf #acowar #acofas #acosf #1940s au #period au

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