#I need to study carlos in a lab

[the-architect-of-ferrari]

Idk why but this reminds me of that video from Vegas (I think?) where he says that one of the things he likes about Charles is that he “just doesn’t care”. Idk if there’s a connection there but I’m connecting the dots anyway

[grimbeak]

Waitwaitwait hold the fuck on.

Carlos bringing The Boy to Night Vale on purpose.

He knows there's something wrong with the portal. It messes with time. If someone went to Night Vale through it, it would de-age them. Reset their memories. He knows who to bring through. He brings Kevin through, because obviously Kevin must be living a terrible life all alone. Obviously no one will miss him. Obviously growing up in Night Vale is best for him.

he doesn't suspect that the boy will rapidly age. he doesn't suspect that anyone will recognize him. he doesn't suspect that he'll remember the future. he doesn't suspect that the boy will be anything like his adult self. he doesn't suspect that the boy will know his name.

[bonbonly]

i keep writing collegeau!f1 drivers, and honestly that has me thinking: (carlos, charles, max, lewis, daniel, lando and oscar! and this is sfw surprisingly lmfao)

→ carlos sainz is always out playing sports with his friends, but after a quick shower he will meet up with you in the library to study. he genuinely is really good about locking in, even if it's only for a few minutes and he manages to soak up all the information pretty fast. he's always willing to help you out, even if chooses to endlessly tease you if you get something wrong. he'll point out your mistakes, giving you more practice problems or drawing something on a board to visualize it for you. and while you do appreciate his help, it's hard to focus on the board when his hair shines like that under the light. you mutter some curses under your breath and get back to studying unaware that he secretly enjoys it when you get frustrated at him.

→ charles leclerc is awfully quiet at first and only shows up to piano rehearsals if you're there. he's very shy at first about his talent, but slowly opens up and let's you accompany him to classes and even recitals! he likes to laugh to himself if he messes up some notes, and loves when you'll lean forward to correct his fingers on the piano, his face just inches from yours. he just wishes you'd finally turn around to meet his expecting gaze, lips aching to be on yours. he plans on kissing you after his first major recital.

→ max verstappen and you both game regularly on the basis. whether it's in the computer lab, or at each others' dorms. he sometimes wishes you didn't just come to his dorm to hop on a game, but he appreciates every second he gets to spend time with you. when it comes to studying, both of you start off trying to lock in but it quickly turns into the both of you talking about how awful your professors are, or some funny story that happened to his friends. he likes to see you laugh, because it's when you really are yourself.

→ lewis hamilton likes to tag along with you when you're at karaoke events with your friends. he insists he can't sing, choosing to shy away from the spotlight. but after a couple drinks, and the way your hand wraps around his arm, tugging him to your warm body, he eventually gives in. the two of you spend most of the night screaming lyrics at each other and giggling hysterically when either of you mess up a line or two while singing. lewis swears he would love to live the rest of his like this with you.

→ daniel ricciardo ends up in your cooking class that you took solely because you needed a free elective. most of the class however is spent with dealing with his antics. he's tossing the flour at you, cracking the most awful jokes while cracking eggs (don't even ask) and all you can do is sit there and groan out loud. however, after a few classes, you realize that the class genuinely was boring and daniel was the only good thing about it. you'd sometimes grab his finished dishes and munch on it, which only causes him to lunge at you and now the both of you are on the ground laughing trying to explain to your professor why your casserole is now on the ground.

→ lando norris unfortunately decided to work at the university's daycare since all his money was going down at the clubs, and you show up to help him because you knew he was going to get overwhelmed. he was currently tackling a 3 year old who refused to let go of his curls, and you laugh out loud before running over to help him. when you manage to calm down the toddler and sing a few lullabies, lando's gaze softens and he can't help but secretly dream of having kids with you after you both graduate, having a small lovely family.

→ oscar piastri sits in the front of the class besides you. it's a hobby for the both of you to listen to the answers your peers give you, and turn around to give the nastiest side-eye ever. outside of class, the two of you laugh about what some of the responses were and you sometimes ask him if he ever judges you like that. he shakes his head, and says no. deep down, he wants to tell you that he thinks the world of you, but he keeps his mouth shut for now. what if you end up judging him instead?

[bitingdrivers]

bones au!! max tells daniel another new fact about himself - maxiel, 1.1k words - read on ao3

The Founding Fathers is busy tonight. The vintage interior of the bar is bathed in warm orange light, the chatter of people and soft music creates a gentle background to conversations. 

It's Friday evening, most people are here to relax after a stressful week of work, meet up with friends or celebrate. 

Max and Daniel aren't here to celebrate – their case isn't solved yet, but it hasn't been stressful either. Truth be told, Daniel is not sure why they're here. 

They were in the lab discussing the details of the case – the body was found on a demolition site, the victim turned out to be a stripper, who also worked in a financial firm. Max had said that he and Carlos found the cause of death – apparently someone punched the guy and he broke his neck on a corner of a bed frame when he fell. Daniel had decided that tomorrow he will talk to the victim's girlfriend. 

After that, they were both reluctant to end the evening, and instead decided to go have a bottle of beer at the bar. 

It's very noisy here so they have to sit close to hear each other. 

“You know, I don't understand why he was stripping,” Daniel says, taking a sip of his beer. 

“Well, a lot of young men become strippers because they need to pay for college,” Max explains before taking a sip too. 

Daniel cocks an eyebrow. “But he already had a job. He was a stock broker.”

“Then he simply liked doing it,” Max shrugs. “I understand it, the victim was handsome and he was probably doing it to feel powerful.”

“You think he was handsome?” Daniel smirks, taking another sip of his beer. He hopes it's not weird talking about a dead guy like that. 

“Yes,” Max hums. 

“I mean, you could be an exotic dancer too, with your alluring personality, muscular build and symmetrical features,” he adds, gesturing to Daniel. 

Daniel almost chokes on his beer. 

“Hah, thanks, Bones. But a good bod is not the only requirement to get into stripping,” he chuckles, rubbing his neck. “Оtherwise you'd be a stripper too,” Daniel ends, shaking his head at the ridiculous thought. 

As the evening marches on, the bar only gets busier, and louder, so it’s only natural for the two men to move in even closer to each other. Their shoulders are touching now, and Daniel can see the individual lashes on Max’s eyes as he studies Daniel before speaking. 

“I actually had once,” he admits.

“Had what?” Daniel asks, puzzled. 

“Stripped.”

Daniel almost chokes on his beer. Again. 

“Wh-For college?” Daniel falters. 

He doesn't expect Max to laugh. And it's not a chuckle either, it's his full-body laugh that makes him bend to the table. 

Daniel suddenly feels much drunker. Maybe this beer is stronger than he thought. 

Max wipes the corner of his eye, still shaking from laughter. “No, no, not for college. I wrote an anthropology paper on stripping in grad school,” he explains, grinning. 

“And you had to,” Daniel pauses, looking for the word, “participate for it?”

“Of course. I wouldn't be a scientist if I hadn't,” Max answers, taking a sip. His bottle is half empty. 

Daniel can see a slight blush on his cheeks. He decides it's safe to take a sip too. 

“What…what was your act?” Daniel finds himself asking. 

He feels a weird feeling rising in his chest, but he quickly pushes past it. There is nothing wrong with asking Max – his friend – about this. Daniel had had far more personal conversations with his mates. Maybe it's because Max is such a private person. 

Max raises an eyebrow. “My act?” 

“Yes, your stripping act. You know, a firefighter or a– a policeman…” Daniel trails off. 

“Oh. I didn't have an act,” Max replies, shrugging.

Daniel hums, picking up his beer – it's almost empty. It's getting late, but maybe they can have one more round. 

“I just used glitter,” Max drops. 

Daniel is starting to think that Max invited him here so he could kill him by making him choke. 

Max seems to take his silence as encouragement to continue. 

“One of the men there gave me this body glitter that you can put on your skin,” he says, rubbing his arms. 

“The next month I kept finding that glitter on all of my things,” Max frowns, shaking his head. 

The beer is definitely strong, Daniel thinks. He can't stop his mind from wandering – to pale skin covered in sparkly glitter, dotted with small freckles and soft hair. Max sits beside him in a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans. In his mind’s eye Daniel can see the way Max would peel off his shirt… 

He shakes his head to dispel the thoughts. No, they shouldn't do another round.

“Maybe if this anthropology gig doesn't work out you can pick it up again,” Daniel jokes, acting normal.

Max makes a face. “No, it was for the paper,” he pauses, “And I didn't like it.”

Daniel suddenly feels the need to stand up and do…something – shadow box or jump around or stand very closely to Max and growl at anyone who approaches them – but he's not sure why. He takes another sip instead. 

“The others of course loved it. But I don't think I was good at it. I am not used to acting like that,” Max says, looking away.

Like what, Daniel almost asks, but doesn't. His mind supplies an answer already. Jesus. 

Maybe he should go on a date or something. 

“I'm sure you looked great, Bones,” Daniel admits, trying to end this conversation. “But I think it's better for you to stay a scientist… less glitter,” he grins, wiggling his fingers. 

He can practically feel the mood lightening. 

Max groans, “Ugh, Daniel, don't even tell me. Sometimes I think I still find glitter in my apartment!” he exclaims and drinks his beer. The blush on his cheeks is even brighter now. 

They chat a little more, finishing their beers. When they get up and put on their jackets, Daniel reaches for his wallet to pay, but Max has already put a few bills on the counter. 

Daniel chuckles. Max grins at him. They somehow developed this game of who can pay the bill faster. Tonight Max seems to be the winner. 

Sometimes, very rarely, Daniel doesn't try to win because he wants to see Max’s pleased smile. And a few bucks wouldn't make a difference to him anyway – being a forensic anthropologist definitely pays more than being an FBI agent. 

As they say goodnight to each other and Max’s taxi drives off, Daniel pulls out his phone to look through his contacts – he needs to find a woman to go on a date with.

[stardust-in-a-bubble]

I've been listening to Alice of the Upper Class and i need to VOMIT about it RIGHT NOW.

Long story short. I'm an immigrant from India trying to pursue my dream career. Currently at university. I've moved countries quite a bit. The endless moving around the constant gaining people losing people and having to start over again and again and the stress of work has clearly taken a toll on me and driven me INSANE.

I freaking love Alice of the upper class so freaking much. I'm feeling the absolute disaster of "I wanted all this" - I wanted this high life of going to parties, singing my lungs out at karaoke, late night dancing till I can't stand, waiting desperately for the last bus and hoping that it shows up, nearly getting lost on a trip to a nearby City, I know that feeling of oh my god I are we gonna have to spend the night here because we stayed too late?!

All the while I'm up late cause I can't get my stupid monte carlo simulation to work, staying extra hours in the lab, racing to get as many math problems done, having a mental breakdown over test scores, cancelling plans to meet the few friends I'm able to keep because I'm an outsider and I'm crazy. All the fun parts feel like stolen moments between all the stress.

All of this because I had a taste of the silver spoon when I first left my country at age 12 and now I can't go back. I feel like Eliza Doolittle - I must become the Duchess. It's exhausting and I could wonder "what if it all never happened" I wanna go back but I don't want to because I'm a freak and I'm a psycho and there are parts of this mess that feel amazing.

I am an imposter. I don't belong here and I'm hanging out with all the other out casts (how bout you) because I'm different. The song just takes up this whole new meaning for me.

(Also, the whole - smart ass, white trash bitches in the first class; Well, that's American dreamin' in a nutshell becomes really funny cause there are a lot of white American immigrant students where I study. And because I study here to pursue my dream, I feel like I bought into part of the American Dream)

This song has captured a huge chunk of what I am. It's a genuine masterpiece. It's not just relatable, it's literally who I am.

I don't know what it's like to be chronically ill and I hope I never know but by God I hope Halsey gets many years of good health. I need people like her.

[sl-newsie]

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter) Descendants 2- Ch. 2: Welcome Back

Ok, fine. I’d be lying to myself if I said I didn’t want to go to the Cotillion. I mean, even antisocial outcast witches need to party once in a while, right?

So I’ve made my decision. I’m surprising them by heading over today!

“I don’t know when I’ll be back, just keep the mice out.” I say my last goodbyes to Binx as I finish packing a small bag. I’d use a transportation spell or my broom, but that’d be too eye-catching.

“Don’t worry, this place will be safe with me. After watching over your mother’s house for 300 years I’ve definitely had practice of guarding. Go have fun and be a normal girl for once!”

“Bye bye!” I wave and start making my way through the thick, dark woods…

The school looks almost the exact same, with the exception of a few new banners announcing the upcoming cotillion. If it weren’t for a nearby poster I wouldn’t remember that I’m a convict. It shows my face sneering an evil smile and says: Beware! Wanted: Magica Sanderson, evil witch. If sighted please report to Headmistress Fairy Godmother immediately! Huh. On the bright side, my picture doesn’t look half-bad. Students are buzzing around everywhere, so to avoid getting caught I slip on my invisibility cloak and creep through the gardens. 

Once I’ve slipped through the front door to the dorm housing then it’s all smooth sailing straight to Evie and Mal’s room. And just in time: Chad just left and in doing so left the door open! I don’t miss a beat and quickly slide in to find Evie and Doug holding hands. Aw, they finally got together!

“So do you think this dress seems a bit bland, or maybe I should touch it up a little?” I look over Evie's shoulder at the purple dress she’s referencing. It’s a gorgeous Victorian one with a purple and black pattern, long sleeves, and a hood attached to the back.

Grinning underneath my cloak, I turn and say: “It gets my approval!”

“Oh!” Evie jumps in surprise and turns around with wide eyes. “Magica? You came!” She tugs me into a hug. “It’s so good to see you! Does this mean you’re going to cotillion?”

“Yes,” I wheeze out, almost unable to breathe. I give Doug a wave. “Hey.”

He waves back and smiles. “Hey, lab partner! I’ve missed you!”

“So you won’t tell anyone I’m here? You don’t think I’m a wicked witch?” I’m only half-joking.

Doug chuckles and shakes his head. “Nah, you’re not wicked. Maybe a bit over-dramatic when it comes to studying but nobody’s perfect.”

“How’s chemistry been going? From the looks of things I’d say you and Evie’s chemistry looks vibrant as ever!”

Evie seems to ignore my comment and starts showing me her sketchbook, which is full of more designs and patterns than I could ever imagine!

“So for you I’m thinking purple and black, like the one you approved earlier. Something sleek but elegant. You’re going to be a cakewalk compared to Chad. We just got done with his cotillion fitting.” Evie rolls her eyes. “I swear his head can not get any bigger!”

I nod. “On a different note, you got your own room?” I take a better look at the racks of fabric and giant sewing machine.

“Yes! FG approved that I get a private room so I can run my business! But enough of that. Everyone’s going to be so surprised when they see you! Especially Carlos, he really misses you.”

I hang my head in shame. “I really miss him too. But I’ve gotta figure out my own problems before I let him get dragged into them too.”

Evie and Doug look at each other, and I’m unsure what they’re thinking.

“Magica, Carlos doesn’t think you’re a burden,” Evie says softly. “He wants to help, and spend time with you. And you better tell him how you feel soon, because-”

There’s a knock on the door and we all freeze. Instinctively I grab my invisible cloak and throw it on, dashing off to hide in the corner. In mere seconds the door opens, revealing Jay and Mal- with blonde hair?

“Hello, everyone,” Jay gives a dramatic bow. “Just wanted to check in to see how things are going, plus Mal needs some encouragement for her date with Ben later.”

Mal twirls a piece of blonde locks in her fingers. “I know I shouldn’t be nervous, but trying to stay the ‘perfect Auradon girl’ is really getting to me.”

Wait, what? Why is she doing that?

Evie and Doug exchange playful smiles.

“Well, if it’s encouragement you’re looking for, how about a positivity spell?” Evie asks.

Mal rolls her eyes. “Evie, you know I don't do so well with positive magic. And Magica’s at least an hour away-”

“Or mere seconds!” I jump out and touch Mal and Jay’s backs, causing them to scream.

“Trixie?” Jay starts laughing his head off and pats my shoulder. “Jeez, you still got it! It’s nice to see ya!”

I cackle wickedly and “I see you guys all got new looks! But Mal, why blonde? I thought I was the one who’s supposed to try to look normal!”

“Uh, I'm trying to look a bit more normal to fit in and impress Ben. But between trying to go non-magic and being bombarded by reporters, I’m so close to bursting! I mean, ‘do you like being blonde?’ ‘is your mother still a lizard?’ What kind of questions are those?! ”

“Really? Just how much TV have you gotten yourself into?”

Mal cringes and goes to snack on a bowl of strawberries on Evie’s desk. “I can’t go a single moment without getting my picture taken.”

“Ooh, yikes! So glad I’m not caught up in that mess! But it is good to catch up with you guys- I’ve missed you. Also if I had known you’re still obsessed with strawberries then I would have brought some as a cotillion gift.”

Jay checks his watch and sighs. “Sorry trixie, but I’ve gotta go meet up with Carlos for fencing practice.” 

My face freezes and I start following Jay out the door. “Oh! Right. Please tell him to meet up with me when-”

“Magica?” Carlos asks from down the hall in a stunned tone.

“Carlos!” A smile spreads over my face as I rush up to the freckled VK. “Surprised?”

“I- I’m surprised! What- what are you doing here?”

Huh? He’s one of the people who invited me here.

My smile falters. “For… cotillion?”

Carlos frowns. “Really? I didn’t think you’d really come. B- But it’s really good to see you!”

He gets new-found energy and gives me a soft hug. Then, Dude rushes out of Carlos’ room at the sound of all the commotion, licking and pawing at my skirt.

“Hello to you too, handsome! Yes, yes, I missed you too!” I laugh and kneel down to pet my furry friend. “Hey Carlos, has Evie interrogated you about cotillion yet? She’s already planning my dress!”

Carlos suddenly gets an anxious look and starts acting… skittery? “Actually, um, about that… I’ve been thinking about asking Jane to the cotillion.”

Snap! Something inside me breaks and sends my head spinning, and I have to lean against the hallway wall. I close my eyes, and I’m spiraling. Just like predicting the future. My purple flames spreading everywhere, people pushing me away, being alone… No one could ever love a Sanderson witch.

“Oh! Oh… right.” I plaster on a smile and laugh nervously. “Um, wow! Congratulations, Carlos! Really, I- I’m so proud! Um, excuse me I need to go find Evie!”

Carlos tries to say something else but I rush past back down the hall. “Um, ok- I’ve gotta get to fencing practice. See you later!”

Spiraling, spiraling, spiraling…

I burst into Evie’s room and am thankful to find it’s only her and no one else. She sees my distraught face and immediately gets up from her desk.

“That’s why you warned me. That’s why you meant when you said I should tell him how I feel… Because now he’s moved on to someone else!” I let out a loud roar and kick a chair, flames already starting to crawl up my arms.

“Ok calm down, calm down-” Evie holds her hands up trying to get me to settle down.

“No! How can you expect me to calm down when my true love is- is- forgetting me? Abandoning me? Just- letting me go?”

“No, no,” Evie keeps a steady tone and takes my hand.

I stiffen. “Better let go, or else I might singe your hand into a pile of ash.”

“I’m not afraid, unlike most people here. I want you to know that Carlos does love you, he really does. At least, I think so-”

“You think so?” I rip my hand away and start pacing back and forth, counting in my head. “One two three, one two three…”

Evie, having learned to stay out of my way, goes to sit at her desk. “Is counting your coping skill?”

In my rage I allow a smirk. “In a way. Only instead of counting numbers, I’m counting how many times people have betrayed me, let me down.” Willow, Audrey, Chad, Ben… Now Carlos. I’ll go easy on him, because I still love him. And I’ve forgiven Ben too, but I’ll never forget what people have done to me. I thought I’d come back to attend a party to congratulate my friends and see my true love, only to discover I’m being tossed aside again.

“You two should talk.”

I nod, still staring coldly at the wall and tears starting to drizzle down my face. “Yes. We definitely need to.”

[fishhateme]

i need to study carlos's alex's and james's brains like little specimens in a lab i fear williams has such scrumptilicious vibes rn

[sunaleisocial]

Study shows how households can cut energy costs

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/study-shows-how-households-can-cut-energy-costs/

Study shows how households can cut energy costs

Many people around the globe are living in energy poverty, meaning they spend at least 8 percent of their annual household income on energy. Addressing this problem is not simple, but an experiment by MIT researchers shows that giving people better data about their energy use, plus some coaching on the subject, can lead them to substantially reduce their consumption and costs.

The experiment, based in Amsterdam, resulted in households cutting their energy expenses in half, on aggregate — a savings big enough to move three-quarters of them out of energy poverty.

“Our energy coaching project as a whole showed a 75 percent success rate at alleviating energy poverty,” says Joseph Llewellyn, a researcher with MIT’s Senseable City Lab and co-author of a newly published paper detailing the experiment’s results.

“Energy poverty afflicts families all over the world. With empirical evidence on which policies work, governments could focus their efforts more effectively,” says Fábio Duarte, associate director of MIT’s Senseable City Lab, and another co-author of the paper.

The paper, “Assessing the impact of energy coaching with smart technology interventions to alleviate energy poverty,” appears today in Nature Scientific Reports.

The authors are Llewellyn, who is also a researcher at the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm; Titus Venverloo, a research fellow at the MIT Senseable City Lab and AMS; Fábio Duarte, who is also a principal researcher MIT’s Senseable City Lab; Carlo Ratti, director of the Senseable City Lab; Cecilia Katzeff; Fredrik Johansson; and Daniel Pargman of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

The researchers developed the study after engaging with city officials in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands, about 550,000 households, or 7 percent of the population, are considered to be in energy poverty; in the European Union, that figure is about 50 million. In the U.S., separate research has shown that about three in 10 households report trouble paying energy bills.

To conduct the experiment, the researchers ran two versions of an energy coaching intervention. In one version, 67 households received one report on their energy usage, along with coaching about how to increase energy efficiency. In the other version, 50 households received those things as well as a smart device giving them real-time updates on their energy consumption. (All households also received some modest energy-savings improvements at the outset, such as additional insulation.)

Across the two groups, homes typically reduced monthly consumption of electricity by 33 percent and gas by 42 percent. They lowered their bills by 53 percent, on aggregate, and the percentage of income they spent on energy dropped from 10.1 percent to 5.3 percent.

What were these households doing differently? Some of the biggest behavioral changes included things such as only heating rooms that were in use and unplugging devices not being used. Both of those changes save energy, but their benefits were not always understood by residents before they received energy coaching.

“The range of energy literacy was quite wide from one home to the next,” Llewellyn says. “And when I went somewhere as an energy coach, it was never to moralize about energy use. I never said, ‘Oh, you’re using way too much.’ It was always working on it with the households, depending on what people need for their homes.”

Intriguingly, the homes receiving the small devices that displayed real-time energy data only tended to use them for three or four weeks following a coaching visit. After that, people seemed to lose interest in very frequent monitoring of their energy use. And yet, a few weeks of consulting the devices tended to be long enough to get people to change their habits in a lasting way.

“Our research shows that smart devices need to be accompanied by a close understanding of what drives families to change their behaviors,” Venverloo says.

As the researchers acknowledge, working with consumers to reduce their energy consumption is just one way to help people escape energy poverty. Other “structural” factors that can help include lower energy prices and more energy-efficient buildings.

On the latter note, the current paper has given rise to a new experiment Llewellyn is developing with Amsterdam officials, to examine the benefits of retrofitting residental buildings to lower energy costs. In that case, local policymakers are trying to work out how to fund the retrofitting in such a way that landlords do not simply pass those costs on to tenants.

“We don’t want a household to save money on their energy bills if it also means the rent increases, because then we’ve just displaced expenses from one item to another,” Llewellyn says.

Households can also invest in products like better insulation themselves, for windows or heating components, although for low-income households, finding the money to pay for such things may not be trivial. That is especially the case, Llewellyn suggests, because energy costs can seem “invisible,” and a lower priority, than feeding and clothing a family.

“It’s a big upfront cost for a household that does not have 100 Euros to spend,” Llewellyn says. Compared to paying for other necessities, he notes, “Energy is often the thing that tends to fall last on their list. Energy is always going to be this invisible thing that hides behind the walls, and it’s not easy to change that.” 

[oliviaphleb]

Open Your Career: Free Phlebotomy Training Opportunities in NYC!

Unlock Your Career: Free⁣ Phlebotomy ‍Training Opportunities in NYC!

Are ⁢you‍ looking to enter the healthcare field without ‌the burden of student debt?‌ If so, you might want to consider​ becoming a phlebotomist! New York⁢ City (NYC) is bursting with opportunities, including free‌ phlebotomy‍ training programs that can help kickstart your career. In⁤ this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about phlebotomy, how to ⁤find ⁤free training programs,‍ the benefits of being a phlebotomist, and practical ‌tips to succeed in this ⁣rewarding field.

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the practice‍ of drawing blood from patients for various medical purposes, including‍ tests, transfusions, and donations. Phlebotomists play a critical role in ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments within the healthcare system.⁣ As a phlebotomist, your duties may include:

Drawing blood samples from patients

Labeling and storing samples properly

Maintaining cleanliness and safety of the workspace

Communicating with patients to alleviate fears

Why Choose Free Phlebotomy Training in NYC?

Choosing to pursue ⁣free phlebotomy training is a smart decision for many reasons:

No Cost: Avoid crippling student debt.

Hands-On Experience: Gain⁤ practical skills that are in high demand.

Job Opportunities: Phlebotomists are needed in hospitals, clinics, and labs throughout the city.

Career Advancement: Start with phlebotomy⁢ and explore ⁣further ‌opportunities in healthcare.

Where to Find Free Phlebotomy Training Opportunities in NYC

Many organizations and educational institutions in‌ NYC ⁢offer free phlebotomy training. Here are some top⁤ options:

Organization

Location

Program Overview

Contact Information

New York City College of Technology

Brooklyn

Offers free phlebotomy training through workforce development programs.

Visit Site

Brooklyn Community Services

Brooklyn

Provides phlebotomy training and job⁣ placement ⁢assistance.

Visit Site

Healthfirst

Various Locations

Offers a ⁤free phlebotomy training‌ program for⁢ underrepresented communities.

Visit Site

NYC Department of Health

Multiple Locations

Occasionally provides free training as part of public ⁢health initiatives.

Visit Site

Benefits⁢ of Becoming ⁣a Phlebotomist

Choosing a career as a phlebotomist comes with numerous benefits:

Job Stability: Healthcare is a growing field with continuous demand⁤ for phlebotomists.

Flexible Schedules: ⁣ Many phlebotomists enjoy flexible hours that fit different lifestyles.

Patient Interaction: Engage with different individuals daily, making each day ⁢unique.

Opportunity for Certification: Many⁤ programs lead ​to certification that can enhance your⁣ job prospects.

First-Hand Experiences: What Phlebotomy Students Say

Here are some insights from individuals who ‌completed phlebotomy training:

“The hands-on training I received during ‍my program made a‌ huge ⁣difference. I felt confident during ⁤my first few blood draws, and I owe it all ⁣to my instructors!” – Jane D., recent graduate.

“I was uncertain about entering the healthcare‍ field, but the supportive environment in my free training class encouraged me⁢ to ‍pursue my dream.” – Carlos R., phlebotomy student.

Tips to⁢ Succeed in Phlebotomy Training

To thrive ⁤in your phlebotomy training and future career, consider these‍ practical tips:

Practice, Practice, Practice: Master the art of blood drawing and patient care.

Study the Basics: Familiarize yourself with anatomy ‌and ⁢medical terminology.

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[wat3rm370n]

Information alone is not enough. The levers of power don’t work themselves.

I have been ringing this bell for years now - saying that people with sense and reason and credentials should be publishing science, studies, and articles. On the side of the humans. In promotion of asserting the benefits of public health and protecting the public good. The landscape has unfortunately been overrun with people who’ve had to retract their papers, pushing quack covid cures, and anti-vax nonsense. So by all means, let the good publishing flow. We need more.

However, I’ve seen some people think that this is a solution in and of itself. That is false. And promoting hopium like that is dangerous. I know that the dearest thing people wish-cast is for some champion to come along and make people do the right thing, the fantasy that if only everyone could just “wake up” and be convinced by facts to do the right thing.... This is not how power works, it’s not how society works, it’s not how public safety is achieved. There have been no excuses all along. Yes, more data and more science and more professional voices speaking out and explaining the reality can help and should be happening. I’m all for flooding the zone with better stuff. But I keep seeing people claiming that evidence being published itself will lead to improvement by putting pressure on health administrators.

It’s like everyone’s waiting for something to happen after this study. Hope is always just around the corner. But this is hopium. The evidence has been clear for years. The healthcare administrators simply don’t care. (Or they care more about the bean counters.) There’s no revelation that’s magically going to make some tipping point where businesses suddenly do the right thing. The pressure needs to come from the public demanding regulations from the government which can punish them with financial hits that are higher than the desired cost of doing business, or have executives get jail time for failing to protect people in ways that have been well-established for years now. 

This was published this week:

The New York Times - Why, Exactly, Are Ultraprocessed Foods So Hard to Resist? This Study Is Trying to Find Out. Understanding why they’re so easy to overeat might be key to making them less harmful, some researchers say. By Alice Callahan Published July 30, 2024 Updated July 31, 2024 But if the trial suggests that some of these foods cause weight gain because they are packed with calories or engineered to be extremely tasty, those findings can help distinguish which of the foods may be OK to eat, and which are most important to avoid, Dr. Hall said. Food manufacturers could potentially use that information to make processed foods that are less likely to cause weight gain, he said, such as by reducing their sodium or sugar, or by adding fiber, which adds bulk without adding calories. Carlos Monteiro, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, who defined the term ultraprocessed foods with his colleagues in 2009, is skeptical that the companies would willingly implement these changes, though. Making a product less irresistible, for example, could cut into their profits, he said.

This was published over a decade ago:

The New York Times - The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food - By Michael Moss - Feb. 20, 2013 What I found, over four years of research and reporting, was a conscious effort — taking place in labs and marketing meetings and grocery-store aisles — to get people hooked on foods that are convenient and inexpensive. I talked to more than 300 people in or formerly employed by the processed-food industry, from scientists to marketers to C.E.O.’s. Some were willing whistle-blowers, while others spoke reluctantly when presented with some of the thousands of pages of secret memos that I obtained from inside the food industry’s operations. What follows is a series of small case studies of a handful of characters whose work then, and perspective now, sheds light on how the foods are created and sold to people who, while not powerless, are extremely vulnerable to the intensity of these companies’ industrial formulations and selling campaigns.

Studies alone do not change anything by merely existing. Expert explanations do not change the way businesses operate. Information alone is not a panacea.

We the people need to take this information and do the pressure part.

The good news is that if the Peanut Butter Grandma with her newsletter and a group of informed activists changed the course of the food industry way back when. So we can surely make changes now. Change happens all the time. Don’t wait for everybody, and definitely don’t wait hoping some published study will change everything on its own. Speak up to those who have the power to change things. Don’t get caught up wasting too much time in busy work activism or social media hype trains that only benefit the platforms and maybe the reputations of some hyped people, or exist to sell products or pump up stocks. 

Write your reps, do it now.

[littlebetesofeverything]

Welcome to Night Vale ep 4

Okay, time for a longer lunch break since I have plans to study tonight instead of right now. (shout out to my friend suggesting one more lab walkthrough before they close it) Fun times for this one since I remember Cecil's job/life was in danger at the end of last episode. Here we go!

PTA meeting ends in bloodshed? seems normal to me. the dinosaurs, not so much. The description here is amazing tbh. Did he say roach-spiders? god help me. Call out NYT Cecil. Is it really free when included in cost?

election season sounds fun for the kidnapped family members. Who doesn't love an abandoned mine shaft vacation? Wait, they get HBO, this is a high-end kidnapping.

Front-page ads sounds like a good idea. wow, daily writers were let go, so they are crowd-sourcing news lol. Is there anything that hasn't been blown up in this town? seems like insurance companies have fun here.

PTA update: the swingset was left open. and there is one dinosaur left to capture, FREE PET! Aging several thousand years is the best cheat for getting a senior discount. And really who isn't insane at this point?

How do you put adults in detention?

Humming and green light? sounds like a Disney villain. Oh wait, plutonium. Actually that probably tracks, the plutonium I mean.

Carlos is beautiful depsite his shorn locks. That sounds like he had a bad phone call. Lavender chewing gum? you do you Cecil.

Dino update: secret police updated the type of dinosaurs they were reporting. Gotta be accurate on the news. 38 deaths? wtf Cecil

ah high school football and small-town rivalry, good memories. I remembered next year is my 10-year anniversary. overdue library books lead to court ordered hand removal.

apartment etiquette is important people. Let it go, let it gooo. Oozing is bad, lights are acceptable. good to know.

mysterious hooded stranger sounds like a great guest, Cecil. thank you for the gender description too for the radio. Honestly, the static is soothing for me.

Weather break!

The missing pterodactyl going to an AU night vale sounds intriguing, can I go? glad they can reschedule the meeting for backpacks causing autism. :/

all species and geological eras can't enter the dog park.

Can i learn about morse code for trumpet quintets? please and thank you.

I feel like I need to keep a counter for just the hardest lines. Maybe another day.

Again, I just love this so much. A great idea for this spooky season.

[fnafpro52]

I dunno man, this is my first fucking post so lemme do some self-advertisement for the book I've sold my soul for.

Prologue - Carlo's Logs:

Log 1

Title: Potential Subjects

I heard a story about an old mansion that fell to tragedy in the late 1900’s, in Newfoundland, but it was never properly discovered what had caused the family’s death. When the authorities went to investigate, they went missing too. Eventually, the investigation was abandoned. However, it’s been so long that whatever was there must be gone. Plus, the remains of the corpses may prove vital in my research to save my wife.

End communication.

Log 2

Title: A New Discovery

I boarded the plane to Newfoundland, Canada and tracked down the mansion. Cautiously, I made my way inside. Nothing was there except for a few skeletons. Four small skeletons. They must’ve been children. I scoured the house for possible adult skeletons, but with no luck. Left with no other option, I carefully gathered the small skeletons, placed them into an empty box I had found, and hired a shady crew to sail me back to my lab in Italy.

End communication.

Log 3

Title: Back To Life

Experimentation was a success. All four subjects were successfully reanimated as human children with special chemical enhancements. Subjects from now on are called: S-1T, S-2R, S-3S, and S-4W. All possess power over a specific element. S-1T has control over time, S-2R has control over reality, S-3S has control over space, and I’m not yet certain what powers S-4W possesses. They just seem to see things that aren’t there. Whether this is caused by experimentation or some other disease, such as schizophrenia, I have yet to uncover. So far, they seem to be great candidates for the cure, but I need to conduct more tests.

End communication.

Log 4

Title: Experimentation

Each subject was exposed to one experiment individually. The experiment consisted of being placed in a round room with a table with a target on it. All subjects seem to be able to harness their power as energy blasts. Subjects were instructed to shoot an energy blast at the target. The state of the target was then analyzed.

S-1T, Time: Upon the energy blast making contact with the target, it was immediately blown to pieces. Subject seemed impressed at the power that it wielded, and decided to test more. Incapacitating agents had to be applied to the room, before I could move onto the next test.

S-2R, Reality: Similar results to S-1T, although the target did seem to break into larger pieces then when S-1T shot it. Subject stared at its hands for a few minutes, but strangely didn’t try to use the power again. Putting it back in its cell was easy.

S-3S, Space: When the energy blast made contact with the target, target was launched across the room. Note that the room is roughly 30 feet across. Subject seemed to cower from their own power. Re-capture was easy.

S-4W, Unknown: The energy blast caused the target to wobble a bit. After another one was launched from instructions given by me, the target fell off the table. This seemed to drain the subject, as they proceeded to vomit before passing out. Limitations for each subject will have to be studied.

Overall, the experiment proved to be a success, as I can now say which subjects will have to be experimented on with more restrictions.

End communication.

Log 5

Title: Subject Behavior

After a day of experimentation, I decided to monitor their actions outside of testing. Subjects 2 through 4 exhibited child-like behavior, although something was odd about S-1T. They stood further away from the other experiments. Its eyes darted around the room several times, even looking into the camera I was monitoring them through a few times. Otherwise, behavior was similar to other subject behavior, although I will be carefully monitoring S-1T’s progress from now on.

End communication.

Log 6

Title: Final Log

Those little fottuti bastardi! S-1T was planning to escape the whole time! I was releasing them from their cell, in order to start experimentation, when S-1T made a run for it. This wasn’t uncommon, as S-1T did this a few times. I reached for my taser, but the other experiments jumped me. They knocked the taser out of my hand, and managed to launch me into my chemical room, where my hand was caught in one of the vats full of chemicals, trapping me. They soon found the keycard to exit and I was powerless to stop them. Then who comes out to try to stop them? She comes out of the room, completely unhooked from her machines. She grabbed the taser I had lost, and turned the intensity up to the max. I yelled at her to return to her chamber for her own survival, but she ignored me. She walked out the front door, and I didn’t see her again. But I did hear the firing of taser shots, before the sound of one of the experiments firing their energy blast, presumably S-1T. Then, the entire building was engulfed in an explosion, obliterating my entire house and the lab underneath it. I woke up days later in the hospital, having survived the explosion by some miracle. However, I was left with extreme injuries, and my right hand has been replaced due to prolonged exposure to the chemicals, creating some form of crystalized claw. The hospital unsuccessfully tried to remove it. After I got out, I started recording this log. I swear, if there’s any God out there, you can bet his holy robes that I’m going to find the subjects, and kill them all, one by one. And I will make it painful.

End communication.

-

Just to tell you, the entire book is not like this for the entire book, just the prologue. Also, this character is named Dr. Carlos Morto for anyone wondering. He's an Italian scientist to put it bluntly.

[bitingdrivers]

Bones AU

Recently my brainrot got to the point of me mashing two of my favorite things together, so I present you this Bones AU I cooked up

If you never seen Bones here's a excerpt from Wiki:

The show is a forensics and police procedural in which each episode focuses on an FBI case file concerning the mystery behind human remains brought by FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth to the forensic anthropology team of Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan

So now that you know what Bones is, here's my thoughts on the characters (get ready. I have a lot of thoughts)

Max as Dr. Brennan

Max is forensic anthropologist (one of the best in the World!). He is cold and rational (love is a chemical reaction). He comes off as a little off putting and doesnt get social cues or customs.

In the show Dr. Brennan is also a renown writer with a best seller book series. I'm not sure I can see Max in this role, but I desperately want to keep the plot of the episode with lab being a club every character works at (in the episode Brennan writes a story about a club called The Lab and reads it out loud to Booth who is in a coma)

A very important part of Brennan's character is the fact that she is an orphan. Her parents left her and her brother alone when they were teens. I think in this au Max can also be an orphan, but unlike Brennan, his father will not be redeemed. My idea is Max's father was actually a really dangerous fugitive and his family had to run away and hide from him. And maybe in order to hide her kids from Jos she decided to put them in the system. Maybe she comes back later and then tries to mend their relationship (basically the plot between Brennan and her father in the show)

Daniel as Agent Booth

Daniel is a fbi agent and a former sniper (also one of the best) who went through war. He is emotional and up beat, goes by gut feeling and loves to joke around. Daniel is a pop culture fan and loves sports. He is the one to "thaw" Max out. Gives Max little pet names (Bones, Maxy, Maximus).

At the start of their relationship Max and Daniel argue a lot because of their different views on life and Daniel sometimes thinks that Max is emotionless and doesn't have empathy. But when they start getting closer, Daniel starts seeing Max as a caring and emotional person that he is.

In the show Booth's character is built on his role as a protector. His father is an alcoholic who used to abuse him and his little brother Jared. Maybe Daniel is the same in this au, but I'm not sure I want to make Daniel's father an abuser. but this au is still in the works so.

Charles as Angela Montenegro

Charles is an expert on computers and reconstruction of victims identities / crimes. He is a free soul, an artist who never really wanted to work with dead bodies and only does it to help his best friends Max and to make enough money to go to Paris and live his artistic life full of sex, muses and parties.

Charles is very emotional and empathetic, but also impulsive and doesn't stay in one place for a long time.

Carlos as Dr. Hodgins

I'm not completely sure about this casting but the relationships with other characters work really well. idk I need to think about this more.

Carlos is an entomologist, botanist, and mineralogist. Most of the time he is very calm, but when it comes to things and peoke he loves he can be described as enthusiastic and eccentric.

A big part of Hodgins' character in the show is his upbringing. Hodgins' family is millions rich and is one of the sponsors of the Jefferson University and the lab. But I don't really see Carlos as a millionaire (even if Hodgins himself doesn't act like that). The part of the rich sponsor family in my mind belongs to Strolls (obviously), so maybe Carlos is a normal guy. idk

Also an important thing is Charles and Carlos relationship. It is very sexual at the start but after some rocky moments they build a very loving and strong relationship.

Oscar as Zack Addy

Oscar is studying to be a forensic anthropologist. He is truly a Max's student. He sees Max as his true mentor and role model. Oscar is very smart and a little nerdy about it. He also is rational and calm, but very impressionable due to his young age.

Has a very close relationship with Carlos because they live together (Oscar lives in the attic of Carlos' house) and work in the same office.

Lando as Sweets

Lando is a young fbi psychologist who was assigned to Max and Daniel to asses their relationship and then basically imprinted on the pair. Lando is a geek, he often makes references to pop culture and freaks out over a new Avatar movie. He is also very awkward and vaguely intimidated by Daniel at the start of their sessions.

Lewis as Cam

Lewis is a coroner. Despite being the official boss of the lab, he and Max basically run things together. He is cool and approachable down to earth boss, but very strict about the rules and paperwork. He and Max have a small rivalry (bones vs flesh thing) .

Other characters

The rest of the grid will be squinterns (squint interns) and other workers of the institute!!

I imagine George as Clark, a very reserved and serious guy who tries to keep things professional, but turns out to be a big gossip.

Seb plays the role of Gordon Gordon. A weathered psychiatrist who has to sort Max's and Daniel's relationships.

I think I'll end this post here because there's so many things I can talk about. Maybe I'll make another post about squinterns. OK hope you liked it bye

[dr-carlosrobles]

Cecil says anything, means anything— And Carlos believes him. He doesn't see himself having any grand needs outside of science anyhow, but still… He understands the sentiment, and appreciates it.

He'll have new things to study, a home, food in the kitchen, and someone to share it all with.

What more could someone want, really?

Safety, though, might not be so guranteed. He'll have a new town to explore, and that can always be dangerous in spite of how good the people can be.

Cecil had mentioned things earlier, a Glow Cloud and Shapes, which he could tell had a capital S— Will those be safe?

Not that danger will keep him from learning about anything.

"I know I'm not obligated, I'm happy with this. Really happy," Carlos is quick to reassure, not wanting Cecil to think any alone time will be a sign of regret, of wanting to change his mind and leave. "It's more a me thing, a scientist thing— People can be overwhelming sometimes, you know? That's why we work alone or in smaller groups, mostly."

It's also a sensory thing, a patience vs irritability thing. It's a lot of things, just like how Carlos is a lot of things, how Cecil, how both of them together will be so many things. All positive, all caring, all… loving.

Love is scary, but worth the risk when it shows up by surprise— Just like science.

"I'm glad it's us too. I don't think I'd run away with anyone else… You were very convincing." And beautiful, and interesting, and increasingly fascinating with each minute— How could Carlos not follow?

Right; Pillow, blanket, a science-themed plush, labcoats, other less important and interesting clothes, a book just in case he has time, hair stuff so he doesn't end up all frizzy… He can get other essentials in Night Vale, probably! If he's lucky, whoever had the lab last might have even left some scientific supplies behind.

"I think that's it," Carlos decides, pushing up his glasses. He looks over everything once more, then twice, and nods. This is fine.

"Oh—" He digs out a blank sheet of paper from a drawer along with a pen, quickly writes a note that he's gone and won't be coming back, and nods again. "That's it! We can go now, I think."

@dr-carlosrobles [continued—]

Oh, my—

𝑂ℎ.

Cecil is struck 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 when Carlos leans over and kisses his cheek in return.

He doesn’t remember the last time he was kissed. Literally, he does not remember it; the last time he was kissed was years ago, by Earl Harlan, and Cecil doesn’t remember a single second of it, wiped clear from his mind after several ensuing— though unrelated— sessions of re-education that left Cecil blank, Earl heartbroken, and their relationship a broken, half-gone mess.

Regardless.

Being kissed now— and being kissed by perfect, perfect Carlos— on the cheek is the most tremendous feeling he’s ever had. And he had such fear when Carlos didn’t respond, at first, but now—

He couldn’t be more thrilled. He couldn’t be happier, really, and—

And he gets a second kiss.

And a third!

And three is one of his best numbers. He can’t help but sigh happily, tugging Carlos’s lab coat closer around himself. It feels so grounding, perfect, warm.

Though Cecil has never liked facial hair on men before— oh, he loves it on Carlos. He loves the friction against his own skin; he hopes it leaves a mark behind. He hopes Carlos is burnt into his skin forever.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Cecil insists, blushing furiously. His blood is rushing so fast he feels like he might lose consciousness— but, he can’t! Carlos is here! He wants to spend every second he can together with him. “I’m just so grateful you’re coming! Thank you, Carlos! I’m—”

He hesitates, then admits— “Prophecies are never guaranteed. Nothing is ever guaranteed. But I… I saw you, and I couldn’t live without you anymore. I feel so lucky that… that this prophecy was guaranteed. That you are…”

He doesn’t want to say guaranteed, even though he, himself, is guaranteed. He’s not going anywhere, not while Carlos is anywhere else.

“There are many prophecies,” Cecil informs him, rather than picking up his previous line of thought. “And many of them… Many of them, I hope would not come true. But I would have endured any of them— all of them— to make sure you would.”

The smile that comes onto his face is sharp-toothed and inhuman and irrepressible.

“But I didn’t even need to. You are your own force of nature, aren’t you, Carlos?”

Just like Cecil is. They are meant to be.

[just-an-enby-lemon]

I realized while I can write Scriddler in a Cecilos AU I really can't do the inverse because while Cecil could easly be Riddler the idea of Carlos being Scarecrow is absurd in my head. Carlos wouldn't scare people to study their fears! Carlos whole point is that he practices ethical science that respects his subject and the society it/they belong to. And while I suport Jon's wrongs and mal practices and think it makes him a good evil Carlos, Carlos would never. Baby boy looks at mal practice and spits on it. He proceeds to clean it because spiting on a lab is anti higienic and might mess with the results.

So is more likely that the inverse would be Riddler Cecil and Carlos being the batfam scientist ala Lucius Fox. Maybe with Carlos realizing that the way the Batfam deals with villains is inefectual and he decides to try by himself in ways that actually rehabilitate the rogues and discovers Cecil is mostly a villain by accident/Gotham having fucked up morals and is actually a sweetheart loved by his comunity and Cecil is imidiatly in love but Carlos doesn't notice/needs time and slowly Carlos falls in love was well while helping Cecil stop engaging in criminal activity

[crsjunkyard]

The Waters of March: Part One

The Sun Also Rises Masterlist

Haha- I'm back with another installment. We're just going for it y'all- the emotion, the drama, the ROMANCE. I'm unhinged.

I'm thinking there will be four parts, but who knows??? The taglist is new, feel free to let me know if you'd like to be added!

This chapter is smut free (next chapter... not so much).

This fic is named after one of my favorite songs, Águas De Março (The Waters of March) by Antônio Carlos Jobim. The chapter gets it's name from this section of the lyrics...

And the riverbank talks Of the waters of March It's the promise of life It's the joy in your heart

Summary: It's spring, and with your studies finally coming to a close- a new chapter begins for you and Viktor. Together you encounter unforeseen obstacles and navigate unexpected surprises, all the while growing closer each day.

Length: 6k

Chapter One: The Promise of Life

No, no- no- this isn’t right, why isn’t it working- this should work.

Viktor let out a frustrated sigh, setting the chalk down to rub the exhaustion from his eyes. He’d been stuck for the better part of an hour, perhaps it was time for a break.

Just a few more tries, I’m simply missing something small- I must be close…

Walking into the lab with an armful of turkey sandwiches and fried potatoes, you waited for your lover to acknowledge you- to turn around and greet you with a smile. However, he continued tinkering away with some calculations on the chalkboard.

He must not’ve heard me you realized, quietly setting down the food.

You’d been feeling especially needy that afternoon, nothing unusual when you had a partner such as Viktor, who looked so tempting all the time. But you’d had a long lesson with Jayce at an offsite refinery today and hadn’t seen Viktor since morning.

Rolling out of your warm sheets before the rising sun could filter through the curtains, you dropped a soft kiss to Viktor’s curls- intent on slipping from bed without waking him. Of course a gentle finger curled around your wrist before you could stand.

“-s’much too early, come back to bed…” he grumbled in a sleepy voice, cracking a single bleary eye. Viktor was too precious in the morning, behaving more like a grumpy housecat than the brilliant scientist he was.

So now, as he glared at the blackboard, you crept up behind him- licking a long stripe from the juncture of his neck to the shell of his ear. He froze for a moment, letting the surprise wear off before he carefully decided his next move. Then, without turning around, he mustered the most serious voice he could manage.

“Jayce, you really must stop doing that- it is not sanitary.”

You choked on your own spit, watching as Viktor turned around with a wickedly satisfied grin.

“Okay, I’ll give it to you- that was a good one,” you laughed, leaning in to peck a quick kiss to his upturned lips. “You okay to stop for a minute? I made latkes.”

“Of course,” his eyes lit up in delight- Viktor was a fan of potatoes, but he was especially partial to a fried one. “Let me go wash the chalk from my hands, ah- and I’ll get us some water.” Meals in the lab were usually taken at your rounded study table, now that the weather had turned you liked to leave the window unlatched- allowing a cool breeze to carry in the fragrant scent of spring blossoms.

“Where is Jayce?” Viktor’s brow quirked at the third plate, waiting to be filled.

“He’s, uh- getting cleaned up,” your eyes crinkled in amusement.

“From what?”

“We had a little incident…”

Viktor gave you an unamused stare, as if to say get on with it. He knew you loved to drag out stories for ‘dramatic effect,’ especially when it was something that would make him laugh.

“Okay, so- you know how we were at the refinery today,” you waited for his nod of confirmation. “Well one of the techs was having an issue with the centrifuge, and I think having Jayce there made him panic a bit because we had stopped our lesson to see if he needed help- and his poor hands were shaking.” you stopped to spoon some extra cultured cream onto Viktor’s plate. “So when Jayce leaned in to try and undo the latch- this guy’s finger slipped and he accidentally emptied a cell full of oil all over Jayce!”

The double doors swung open just as you finished the story, and in came a freshly showered Jayce, looking more than a little disgruntled. Viktor couldn’t stifle his laughter, tipping his partner off immediately that he’d already heard of the day's incident.

“Didn’t waste any time in telling him I see,” Jayce grumbled.

“Can you blame me, hah- the best part was when that guy tried to give you his shirt.”

“Don’t remind me, he was halfway out of it when I finally made a break for the door- we can never go back there.”

“What do you mean, it’s a hextech facility you’ll have to go back at some point,” you smiled at the sullen pout on Jayce’s face, reaching up to pinch one of his cheeks. “Besides, he was kind of cute.”

Viktor coughed on a latke. “Who is this man, you think he is handsome?” he asked with narrowed eyes.

“Handsome for Jayce!” you backtracked, “I’m just trying to be a supportive friend.”

“Yeah, he was cute- too bad I’ll never see him again,” Jayce flopped into a chair.

“Stop being dramatic, I made lunch.”

It didn’t take long for his sour mood to turn, replaced by happy little munching sounds as Jayce worked his way through a turkey sandwich.

“So- you two excited for our little event tomorrow?” Jayce asked through a mouthful of bread.

“I think it will be very interesting… the Demacian science team will no doubt inquire about the progress of the gates- although Heimerdinger should be sending word from the councilors on how much we are permitted to discuss sometime today,” Viktor said.

“It’s supposed to be a party, the invitation said cocktail party- I hate these stupid privacy briefings from the council, they don’t even invite us to the meetings.”

“You’re saying you’d actually want to go to those meetings?” you teased.

“Probably not,” Jayce shrugged. “But it’s the principle of the matter.”

“Personally I find their behavior to be quite insulting- although not surprising,” Viktor carefully picked the onions from his sandwich, earning an eye roll from you.

“I’ll see Heimerdinger tomorrow, I can always bring it up… ask if he’ll let the two of you sit in?”

“You are seeing the professor tomorrow?” Viktor’s sharp gaze focused on you.

“Uh- yeah…” you trailed off sheepishly. “I may have rescheduled my cumulative,” you tried to maintain a calm air- wincing as you heard your voice rise an octave.

“Your exam is tomorrow?” Viktor’s eyes widened. “We haven’t- what about the review… we haven’t even gone over the third tier of advanced geometric theory.”

“Honey, that’s not even part of the curriculum… we finished all the required content a few weeks ago.”

“Ah- I’m sorry, I have been too distracted by the ignition mechanism calculations- I should’ve known.” his face pinched, shoulders curling unpleasantly. I should have been paying closer attention, foolish…

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Jayce tilted his head, pouting like a kicked puppy.

“I’ve done all the studying I can do, it’s not like you guys can sit next to me during the exam- it’s something I have to do on my own,” you sighed, feeling that anxious flutter of nerves that’d been eating at you since the test date was set.

“Yeah but we should celebrate, if you pass-”

Viktor sent Jayce a sharp look

“I mean, when you pass- you’ll finally be ready to start as an official lab assistant- we can start planning which projects you’ll help us with and let you start some of your own, it’s a big deal!”

Turning towards Viktor, you saw his lips pulled into a tight frown- gaze vacant as he lost himself in his own mind. Your face prickled with guilt, you should’ve just told him- now he was probably second guessing himself, assuming he’d done something to cause you to keep this from him.

Maybe it was selfish, maybe you should’ve told the boys. Let them quiz you and fawn over you and wake up early to see you off. But you wanted to do this yourself, to wake up before sunrise, drink an entire pot of black coffee, head to the professor's office- and take the damn test all on your own.

I should’ve just told him that… he would’ve listened.

“I- I’m sorry,” you reached over to grip Viktor’s arm, thumb rubbing soothing circles in the crook of his elbow. “I just wanted to.. I don’t know- prove that I could do it on my own.”

“We are with you all the way, you have nothing to prove to us,” his hand reached to cover your own, giving it a gentle squeeze. “And you should realize by now, you don’t have to do things on your own anymore.”

“This is different, I’ve got something to prove to myself. I chose to do this and I want to finish it,” you so desperately wanted him to understand. This had nothing to do with him and everything to do with finally silencing that voice inside of you- the one that whispered you’d made a mistake, that you weren’t cut out for this.

“That is something I understand all too well, I simply wish you would’ve shared it with me.”

Viktor was quiet for the rest of the afternoon, not necessarily withdrawn- but you could tell the earlier conversation was still weighing on his mind. He didn’t press with review questions, unlike Jaye, who completely disregarded your insistence that you didn’t need to do any more studying. No, Jayce spent the rest of the afternoon shouting impromptu practice questions and scenarios across the room as he assembled an array of gears into the locking mechanism for the gate prototype.

Part of you knew Jayce was just trying to fill the silence after picking up on the tension between you and Viktor. You felt… off balance- awkward and clumsy each time Viktor’s amber gaze focused on you.

How long had you been together? A year and a half? And before that you’d spent a good while as friends. The two of you had your fair share of disagreements, those usually resolved themselves fairly quickly. Seldom did you have full blown arguments, and it was even rarer for those to escalate into yelling.

But this wasn’t a disagreement, you had done something to upset Viktor- even if he hadn’t said it outright, his feelings were hurt. It wasn’t as if this were a novelty either, it really was impossible to cohabitate with another person for this long without upsetting them on occasion. But that didn’t make you feel any less guilty when it happened.

You knew Viktor had a hard time putting himself first, and this was particularly true when it came to expressing his feelings. Sure, he could go on for hours about how deeply he loved you- and he had a wickedly sharp tongue in the bedroom. But when the focus turned to less pleasant matters, he tended to lock up. Minimizing his emotions, brushing them off as unimportant. It was heartbreaking, the way he still didn’t realize how much he mattered.

You tried to set the precedent early on in the relationship.

Honey, if you say something that makes me mad- it’s pretty easy to tell right?”

Ah- yes, you have an exceptionally expressive face.

So do you, y’know.

Where are you going with this?

I want you to tell me, if I do something and it upsets you- I know it isn’t always easy, all I’m asking is that you try.

So on the rare occasion that this occurred, a sickening pit in your stomach grew until the two of you finally had the time to properly talk things out.

Shutting off the last of the equipment for the evening, Jayce bid you goodnight and exited the opposite door. You and Viktor walked across the covered veranda towards your quarters in silence, gently brushing shoulders with each step.

“You’re covered in grease,” your finger swiped through a stray smudge on his temple, mind wandering to how sexy he’d looked- sleeves scrunched up, elbow deep in machinery. “Go shower, I’ll get dinner ready.”

“Thank you,” he smiled softly, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to your lips.

*******

You put on a record before pulling a few ingredients together for a quick poaching liquid, deciding tonight would be a good night for fish. Soon the kitchen was filled with a soothing melody of soft percussion and intermittent chopping.

There was a lot on your mind lately, sometimes you didn’t realize just how much until you found yourself alone in the kitchen. It was therapeutic in a sense, the familiar rhythms had their way of helping you process.

Another shift was coming, not just in your relationship with Viktor- but in your life as a whole. It sent a thrill up your spine, knowing that you were so close, one more exam and you’d be finished. No more lessons or outlines or tests, sure there would be the occasional subject you’d need to brush up on- but you would have credentials and an official position, something that was yours.

There was still that little shadow, following you around- casting the smallest shade of doubt. You had the passion, the drive to see your ideas though, the willingness to learn. But- you weren’t like Viktor, and you never would be.

If you were verging on exhaustion, you rested. If you were hungry or sick or stuck, you took a break- had a snack, maybe went for a walk outside to clear your head. You were good at reading your body's signals and acting accordingly.

Sometimes you worried that it would start to bother him, that maybe he would think less of you someday down the line.

Long arms wrapped around you from behind, and Viktor's soft voice rumbled against your ear. “It smells delicious,” he dropped a kiss to the side of your neck. “How can I help?”

You turned in his embrace, leaning up to kiss the tip of his nose. “Hmm, you can set the table and cut the bread- but not for another ten or so minutes.”

The two of you gazed at each other for a moment, and while you were debating how to best broach the subject, Viktor spoke first.

“I suppose we should talk about your exam tomorrow,” his face remained carefully neutral.

“I’m sorry,” the words came tumbling out one after the other. “I’m really sorry. It was selfish of me not to tell you, I wasn’t thinking- I should’ve realized that you’d accept the fact that I didn’t want to make a big deal of things.”

“You do not need to apologize, I was going to apologize?” Viktor tilted his head in confusion.

“What? Why?” now you were confused, he’d hadn’t done anything- you were the one who kept something from him.

“I am not upset with you, although I do wish you would have told me about the exam. I should have realized myself- that something was on your mind, even if you didn’t tell me, I should have noticed,” his eyes trained on the floor.

“Honey, I love you- but that is ridiculous. How would you have known?” you said firmly. “I didn’t tell you, I should have told you but I didn’t- you’re allowed to be upset, but please don’t blame yourself.”

“You have been baking a lot of pies recently… and I know that’s something you do when you are nervous, but I was too distracted to pay attention.”

“I don't bake pies when I’m nervous.” You didn’t… did you?

“Remember the week of your first exam, ah- and what about that time the professor made you give a presentation in front of the first years… the whole table was cov-”

“Okay, okay, I see it now,” you put a finger to his lips.

He reached up, loosely grasping your wrist before pulling it to his chest. “I feel as though I have neglected you.” “Oh honey, no- I’m so sorry,” your palm flattened against his heart. “You’re so good to me,” you cooed.

“I never feel ignored… we go to bed together every night, and we have breakfast almost every morning. You press kisses to my forehead in the lab without even thinking twice. Zoloste, our lives are so tangled together we’d never be able to separate them, and I wouldn't ever want to.”

You reached up to cup his cheek, adoring the sweet way he nuzzled into your palm. “But you need to know- it’s okay to be distracted. I knew exactly who you were when I fell in love with you- and I’d never want you to be any other way.”

“So it does not bother you, that some days if you did not remind me to eat or take a break I would simply forget?”

“It doesn’t- besides, you’re being too hard on yourself, that barely ever happens anymore,” you teased.

“Does it bother you?” your voice grew fragile. “That I’m not like that? It’s just not who I am, and you’re so brilliant and driven… sometimes I wonder if-”

“How could I want you any differently? When you are exactly as you’re meant to be,” his eyes gleamed with reverence, warming your skin with their intensity. “You- you practically shine, do you not see it? The way others gravitate towards you, as if you are the sun.”

“You are so much… more, you’re not meant to drive yourself into the ground,” his lips curled into a wistful smile. “You are meant to smile and laugh- to dance… and be loved,” he sighed, the words that went unsaid hanging heavy in the air you don’t have to be like me, you are more.

“Viktor,” your voice was gentle, but laced with an undercurrent of force- a firmness that demanded recognition. “Listen closely-”

He stilled, hanging on your every word as he felt strong fingers grip his chin tightly- locking his gaze in place.

“I need you to understand- you are more than your mind. Sure, I think it's incredibly sexy that you’re always the smartest person in the room,” you chuckled at the little roll of his eyes.

“But what I really love is your smile, and the way you make me laugh. I love that ridiculous sweet tooth you have- it’s gotten so bad my brain is trained to expect a kiss each time I taste sugar,” you tucked a few stray curls from his brow. “I love the way you burrow under the covers like a small child because- contrary to popular belief, you enjoy sleeping in. Hell, I even like that you wear socks to bed because your feet get cold.”

You tugged him down, and he gladly submitted- slumping into the crook of your neck with a soft breath. Viktor felt your fingers stroking through his hair as you held him close to your chest. “Don’t ever think that you’re not enough, you are everything.

After a moment you pulled back, meeting his eyes once again. “If I shine, it’s because you love me.”

Viktor kissed you. He kissed you the only way a man could kiss the woman who held his universe in her hands- with all anguish and torment this wretched world had dragged through his life, with every moment you made him realize it was all worth it.

He kissed you until your lungs screamed for air, and even then he kissed you still- until finally pulling away to suck in heavy breaths against your slick lips. And then he was ready, to lay the darkest corners of himself bare for you- until those filled with you light as well.

“If it was not for you- I would have spent my entire life fighting to live without having any reason why. I would have worked myself to the bone, starved and sore and miserable- slowly killing myself a little each day. How naïve of me to believe that could ever be for the greater good,” he admitted in a brittle voice.

“I believed I was justified in neglecting myself, it would be worth it to help those who had circumstances similar to my own. Of course, I believe that still- but I think what I was so terribly desperate for… was to live my own life as well,” his sad smile tore a hole through your chest.

“It was at a very early age that I abandoned hope- I would never have all those things that came with living a normal life. Laughter and friends, family, yearning and fighting and… love. I accepted that perhaps I wasn’t meant for those things, that I would exist as a spectator and nothing more. Eh- it was easier you see, than thinking about what it would be to have those things, and facing that ache inside myself.”

“So I fought that much harder to give others those opportunities, the ones I believed were lost to me, but… I was wrong,” the small smile on Viktors lips grew, stretching so wide it cast an undeniable air of joy across his entire face. “I was wrong- I can let myself want, I too deserve to be happy,” and you could hear the sincerity in his voice, could feel that he believed.

“I am only sorry it took meeting you to show me that trying to improve others lives while destroying my own wasn’t a viable option. Perhaps, we can both become more- together.”

Now it was your turn to tuck yourself in the plains of his chest, feeling him hold you close. “Just want you to be happy,” you murmured into his shirt- knowing that you would protect him with everything you had, promising yourself that never again would he feel so alone.

“Ah- please keep that in mind after what I’m about to tell you.”

“What?” your back straightened, tensing with panic.

“The fish is well past burnt,” he sent you a playful smirk.

“Sandwiches it is…”

*******

Viktor paced holes in the floor, half focused on work as he wondered what was taking you so long. He was beginning to worry, you should’ve been back by now.

“Vik, it’s fine- she probably stopped on the way home to pick something up. Or she’s chatting with Heimerdinger, we both know those two love to talk about fermentation.”

“You are probably right,” he sighed, rubbing at his temples.

The doors swung open, landing against the wall with a forceful smack. All eyes turned as you entered the lab, and upon seeing your heated expression- Viktor’s heart stopped.

Jayce braved the first words. “Uh- how’d it go?” he asked cautiously.

“Fine, I passed- actually I answered every question correctly.” you brushed through the achievement casually, fire in your eyes.

“That is wonderful news, no?” Viktor studied your flushed cheeks and deepened brow, wondering what had set you off.

“It was great, I got to enjoy it for all of two seconds before Heimerdinger informed me the council doesn’t want me working in the lab.”

“What?” the two men exclaimed simultaneously.

“Yep, he told the council that I was to be starting as your lab assistant as a probationary step towards becoming a full researcher,” your tone was positively venomous. “And, keep in mind that I’m paraphrasing here- they lost their shit.”

“Wait a second, when did he tell them this?” Jayce asked.

“Yesterday- presumptuous I know, but he told me the final exam was basically a formality and that he already knew I’d pass,” you seemed unaffected by the high praise coming from a man who rarely doled out compliments. “He informed them that technically the two of you were free to choose whomever you wished to work in the lab- as long as they had the credentials.”

“As it should be, they may provide funding but they are not our only benefactions- and regardless it is a clear violation of the ethos to suggest their contributions should have pull on our staffing decisions,” Viktor sounded furious.

“Yeah, well a few councilors in particular think that my placement here was garnered through unsavory means.” you hissed sarcastically.

“I do not follow,” Viktor didn’t exactly understand what you were hinting at.

“Vik, they think she’s only here because of- y’know because you and her are… together,” Jayce explained.

“Ah, we have a winner,” you rifled through the bottom drawer of your filing cabinet, pulling out a tightly sealed glass bottle of crystal clear liquid.

“Eh- is that wise?” Viktor side-eyed you.

“About as wise as I can be after being told that half the Piltover high council thinks I’m a scheming whore,” you swiftly poured a glass before emptying it just as quickly. “I can deal with the implication that maybe I’ve been given preferential treatment because of our relationship- the part I can’t handle is them implying I’m just using you for the research opportunity.”

“Pour me one too,” Jayce requested, making his way towards your corner.

Wonderful, it is barely midday and these two are drinking in the lab. Viktor sighed to himself, retrieving an extra glass. Eh- might as well.

“They do not actually believe that, it is simply an excuse of convenience,” he swallowed a mouthful, relishing in the burn. “They are upset because none of their personal picks have been placed in the lab- even that dimwit Hoskel knows Heimerdinger would never support you unless you were capable.”

“I haven’t told you the best part yet,” you bit out, starting on another generous pour. “Heimerdinger convinced the council to drop the issue completely-” you paused.

“Well that’s good right? What’s the issue?” Jayce questioned, taking a seat at your table.

“They agreed, on the condition that we ‘limit our public interactions to a strictly professional manner,’ apparently if this nasty little rumor spreads it reflects poorly on the council and blah blah reflects poorly on Piltover.”

“Damn,” Jayce leaned back, feeling warmth spread through his chest with each sip.

“That is unacceptable,” Viktor’s accent thickened as his ire grew. “It is a complete overreach of their authority.”

“Yeah, I gave the professor an earful- but I think he was already expecting it because all he did was give me that stupidly placating smile the whole time I was yelling.” your fists clenched, frame strung with tension.

“This doesn’t even make sense, do they expect you to keep that up for the rest of your lives- because I’m pretty sure nothing short of a solar flare could pull you two apart,” leave it to Jayce to stumble right to the very core of the issue.

“I, uh- brought that up too, he said it would work in our favor- that they would lose interest once it became apparent that we’re, ah- deeply committed to each other,” you looked at Viktor, a sudden vulnerability showing through your angry façade. “The idea of a room full of strangers discussing our relationship like it’s a commodity or something… feels so violating.”

Something dark burrowed it’s way into his chest, sharp tendrils of icy rage- it made him feel vindictive, perhaps a bit destructive. He would remember this moment, he would not forget those responsible for the sadness in your eyes.

This was supposed to be a joyous milestone, you were supposed to come back with a beaming smile. He would pepper your face with proud kisses and whisper sweet praises into your ear- there was a thick bouquet of hydrangeas waiting on the table at home and a package of Noxian cinnamon cookies he’d ventured deep into the imports market for.

Another thing ruined by the incompetence of Piltover's high class.

He crowded in close, leaning his cane against the table before using both arms to tug you into his chest- palms rubbing firmly up and down your back. You melted into his embrace, it was almost suffocatingly tight- and exactly what you needed.

“I’m sorry- I feel like I’m making your life harder than it needs to be,” you admitted, quivering breaths fanning across his neck.

Stupid girl, doesn’t she realized I would burn this entire lab down if it meant keeping her by my side.

Fingers snaked through your hair, he roughly tugged your face up to meet his. Viktor’s gaze burned through you as he leaned forward to press his forehead against your own.

“Do not say that, not ever,” his grip tightened in your strands. “You are the light of my life solnishko, this is something we will handle together.”

In this moment you felt nothing but a fierce sense of pride. Viktor was strong and capable, and he was yours. You knew he would be by your side, that no matter what happened he would fight for you- and that was enough.

“Yeah, uh- not to intrude on this intense moment you guys are having, but I won’t let this slide either,” Jayce’s voice sounded awkwardly from the corner. Damn, I forgot how dramatic these two can be.

The doors swung open again to reveal a flash of black hair.

“Oh good, we’re already drinking,” Cait waltzed into the lab, reaching around Jayce as she helped herself to his drink.

“Wait- aren’t we supposed to have security,” Jayce slid his drink back across the table, standing to get another glass.

“Yeah, to keep out strangers- not me,” she shrugged. “So, I hear congratulations are in order,” her blue eyes scanned over you carefully.

“You heard then, from your mom?” you weren’t sure how much Mrs. Kiramman had shared.

“Yeah, she came home asking questions about you and eventually I got the whole story out of her.”

“She was asking about me?” something about that didn’t sit well with you.

Cait let out a deep sigh, pulling up a seat next to Jayce. She gestured for you and Viktor to do the same, filling four glasses as you settled around the table.

“Mom likes to play the long game, having the reputation that comes with Jayce’s patronage ended up being a big win for our house- but she’s always keeping an eye out for new opportunities.”

“I’ll admit it, she scares me a little bit,” Jayce looked down into his glass.

“I have observed her in action at meetings, she is quite formidable- not as subtle as councilor Medarda but no less skilled,” Viktor added.

“Well, she’s smart enough to realize that if there was actually a possibility of anything shady going on Heimerdinger wouldn’t have defended the two of you so vocally at the meeting.”

“I hadn’t realized he defended us, he didn’t mention that earlier,” you were beginning to feel a little guilty for raising your voice at the man.

“Apparently it was the most frustrated she’s seen him in a long time- I don’t think any of the councilors had realized how important Viktor was to him, but that was basically chum in the water for my mother. After that meeting she’s seeing you and Vik in a totally new light,” Cait took a breath before continuing on.

“When everyone else inevitably pulls their heads from their asses and realizes hextech is a team effort, and that exalting our beautiful golden man of progress isn’t actually getting them anywhere… er- sorry Jayce, my mom wants to be ahead of the curve.

“No your right, that’s been a consistent issue- I don’t know what else I can do about it,” his broad shoulders slumped in defeat.

“You have been doing fine- do not be too hard on yourself, you cannot control what they think of us,” Viktor sent him a soft smile. “I know we are partners, that is what matters.”

“Wait, so what does all this mean?” you asked Cait.

“At the minimum it means there’s a chance you’d have my mothers support, maybe not publicly- not yet at least. But there’s been a lot of tension growing within the council in recent years, hextech amplified all the issues they were already having. I can tell she’s… worried, but I’m not exactly sure why- she’s hard enough to read as it is.

“Ah- this is true, there are several growing fractures within the group- although something many of them have in common is their disdain for the undercity, your mother included,” Viktor's lips curled in distaste.

“Can’t argue with that, keep in mind she doesn’t actually care about either of you- or the undercity for that matter, it’s about power more than anything.”

“So not great, but at least mutually beneficial,” your mind was entering overdrive, running through the different possibilities this new information brought to light. “So theoretically there’s a situation where we have Heimerdinger and the Kiramman’s behind us.”

“I could talk to Mel, uh- Councilor Medarda, at the party tomorrow?” Jayce offered. “She’s supported us from the beginning and she’s pretty well tuned into the other councilors.”

Viktor's brows pulled together, the furrowed crease indicating he was deep in thought. The only councilor he had an ounce of trust in was Heimerdinger, and even then the yordle was somewhat out of touch. Loathe as he was to admit it would be better for the future of hextech as whole to have a few more councilors on their side, and Kiramman and Medarda were the best choices.

“You’re not going to like this-” Cait started.

“I already don’t like this,” you interjected with a grumble.

“But I think the smartest thing for now is just to wait- it’s not like you two really have to do much, just keep your hands to yourselves at official functions- if you can manage that?” she arched a sharp brow.

You looked at Viktor to find his eyes locked on you, this was a decision that would be made together. Tilting your head in question, you saw the minute shrug of his shoulder- punctuated by a slight dip of his sharp chin. You sent him a short nod before turning back to Cait.

“Fine, we can manage,” you responded curtly.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Jayce sputtered, looking between the two of you.

“What?” you and Viktor responded in tandem.

“That weird little mind reading thing- you two are unbelievable, one day Vik can barely look at you in a dress without turning into a tomato, now you’re having entire conversations with a couple of blinks and nods.”

“Not everybody has to be hit with the verbal equivalent of a mallet to understand what someone is trying to say to them,” Cait teased, ruffling Jayce’s hair.

“Don’t pretend you’re any better- remember that girl from the carnival who went on and on about how pretty your hair was? And you just kept telling her what kind of conditioner you used.”

“Shut up, that was one time,” she grumbled.

Viktor reached for his cane, standing from the table. “There is still celebrating to be done, we should not let this ruin the occasion,” he smiled at you shyly. “There’s spiced lamb braising in the kitchen, but I may need help finishing things up.”

“You started a braise this morning? By yourself?”

“Yes,” Viktor rolled his eyes fondly. “Eh- it is not so difficult, especially when I have such an excellent teacher.”

“Hmm- smooth, flattery will get you everywhere ,” you wiggled your brows, leaning up to press a brief kiss to his upturned lips.

“Ugh- is this foreplay or something?” Cait whispered to Jayce.

“No, they’re like this all the time- it's just gotten worse the longer they've been together,” Jayce let out a huff, unable to help the little smile that tugged at his lips.

*******

(taglist: @dedicated2viktor )