#Why you need to Learn Driving from a knowledgeable School

[driving-tips]

Why you need to Learn Driving from a knowledgeable School

The Importance of Learning Driving from a Knowledgeable School

Introduction

Learning how to drive is a significant milestone in one's life, offering newfound freedom and independence. However, it is crucial to approach driving education with a sense of responsibility and safety. When embarking on this journey, it is essential to consider learning from a knowledgeable driving school rather than relying on informal instruction. This article explores the reasons why enrolling in a reputable driving school is a wise decision for aspiring drivers.

1. Comprehensive and Structured Curriculum

Knowledgeable driving schools offer a structured curriculum designed to cover all aspects of driving. These institutions understand the importance of imparting knowledge about traffic rules, road signs, defensive driving techniques, and various driving scenarios. A comprehensive curriculum ensures that learners gain a thorough understanding of driving, promoting safer habits and reducing the risk of accidents on the road.

2. Professional and Experienced Instructors

Driving schools employ certified and experienced driving instructors who are well-versed in teaching individuals of all skill levels. These instructors possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in handling different situations on the road. They provide valuable insights, personalized feedback, and constructive criticism to help students become confident and competent drivers.

3. Emphasis on Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is a crucial aspect of safe driving practices. A knowledgeable driving school prioritizes teaching defensive driving techniques to students. This approach emphasizes anticipating potential hazards, maintaining a safe following distance, and being aware of other drivers' actions. By mastering defensive driving skills, learners are better prepared to handle unexpected situations, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

4. Updated with Current Rules and Regulations

Driving rules and regulations are subject to change, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Knowledgeable driving schools regularly update their curriculum to reflect any modifications in traffic laws. This ensures that students are well-informed about the most recent regulations, helping them avoid legal issues and unnecessary fines while on the road.

5.Proper Learning Environment

Enrolling in a driving school provides a controlled and safe environment for learning to drive. Instructors prioritize safety and ensure that learners receive hands-on practice in a controlled setting before venturing onto public roads. This approach helps new drivers build confidence gradually, making the transition to real-world driving less intimidating.     

Conclusion                                                                              

Learning to drive is a significant responsibility, and acquiring this skill from a knowledgeable driving school is a decision that should not be taken lightly. The structured curriculum, experienced instructors, emphasis on defensive driving, and access to modern training resources make driving schools an invaluable choice for aspiring drivers. The knowledge and skills gained from such institutions not only enhance one's driving abilities but also contribute to making our roads safer for everyone. Therefore, investing in a reputable driving school is an investment in personal safety, the safety of others, and a lifetime of responsible driving habits.

[sweetbans29]

Jersey - CC

Pairing: Caitlin Clark x Reader

Summary: Caitlin likes her jersey better on you than she does on herself (based on THIS request)

Warnings: fluff

Word Count: 3.1k

Sweetbans Masterlist

AN: What any of us would do for this...

When you met Caitlin sophomore year of high school, you would have never imagined your friendship and relationship to get you where you are today. The two of you played on Iowa Attack and that is when you learned just how amazing she was.

It would be a lie to say that the two of you connected right away - you actually butted heads at the beginning. When the two of you first started playing - she wasn't the best teammate. And that was a knock to her, it was a learning curve that everyone had to navigate. She was just that good.

But once the team got more practice together and began to learn how Caitlin played and how everyone played a role, the team really began feeling like a team. It rubbed you the wrong way in the beginning but the more you got to know her and her game it made sense. She was so far ahead of everyone when it came to her knowledge of the game that you could understand where she was coming from.

It was your senior year of high school when the two of you started dating. You made the first move even though she was the one to be completely obvious when it came to her feelings for you. You wanted to make your first date memorable so you asked her mom to help.

You show up at Caitlin's house at 10AM on a Saturday morning and knock on her door. She opens the door and is surprised to see you standing there.

"What are you doing here?" Caitlin asks with a little blush.

"Why hello to you too," you say with a smile. You can Caitlin's nerves with your presence. She tries to keep it cool and play them off but you just stand there and watch her struggle. First, one of her arms comes up and leans against the door while she crosses her leg. When the door begins to move she realizes it is a bad idea and stops leaning on the door and decides to put her hands on her hips to keep her hands from fidgeting.

"You know you are cute when you are nervous," you say and she blushes even more.

"You didn't answer my question," she says trying to regain any part of this meeting.

"Well, if you must know," you say with a teasing tone and the biggest smile. "I am taking you on a date."

She looks at you with wide eyes, a smile immediately making its way to her face.

"Wait, what?" She says with a goofy grin - her heart beating faster now than it does in any game.

"Caitlin Clark, we are going on a date," you say again, your smile matching hers. Her smile fades as a realization hits her.

"Wait, my mom needs me to help her with some family stuff today," Cait says, now frowning.

"No, she doesn't, I sort of roped her into helping me block out your schedule today so I could take you out," you say proudly that your plan had worked.

"Mom!" Caitlin yells as she immediately goes to find her. When she walks away from the door, you step inside and wait for her to return.

"Mom! Aunt Ellie isn't coming over today?" Cait asks. Her mom laughs.

"Well, she is, but we don't need your help. You are going out today," her mom says as she hands Cait a bag.

"What is this?" Caitlin asks, looking at the zipped-up tote bag. She begins to unzip it.

"Nope! You can't look in there yet," Anne's hand comes and stops her daughter. "She will let you know when you can."

Caitlin turns back to look at you standing by the front door. She goes back to where you are.

"Are you ready?" You ask.

She nods with excitement and you guide her out to your car.

"So where are we going?" She asks as you begin the drive.

"You will just have to wait and see," you say with a smile.

It was almost a 3-hour car ride but you finally made it to your destination. Once you were near your final destination, you let Caitlin open the bag her mom handed her. Inside is her Chiefs jersey.

"We are not," Caitlin says as she pulls out her jersey. "There is no way."

You laugh.

"Ya, I actually just drove us out here to go watch it at some local restaurant." You say and she whips her head to look at you in disbelief.

"I kid," you say putting your hand up and telling her to look in the bag. Under the jerseys were two tickets to the game that afternoon.

The two of you spent the day cheering on the Chiefs, eating all of the stadium food you could hold, and enjoying each other's company. On the drive home, you both were riding the high of your team's win. It is only when you are pulling up to her house that she becomes quiet. You park your car and she doesn't make a move to get out.

"Why...how did you do this?" Caitlin asks looking down at her hands.

You give the girl a question look - not that she sees. When you don't answer right away she continues.

"Why me?" She asks fighting the urge inside her to remain looking at her hands and turns her head to look at you. You look at the girl with love-filled eyes and a gentle smile.

"Why not you Caitlin? We've been friends now for a few years and even though I may have had my reservations about you in the beginning, you let me in and showed me who you are. A girl who feels so deeply that she doesn't know what to do with it half the time. You may be reserved with the world, and rightfully so I might add, but you have welcomed me into your heart and have made sure I stick around a while. You never explicitly said you liked me but seeing how your actions have changed towards me the last few months - the protecting, the asking intentional questions, the nervousness, all of it never went unnoticed. You were just too busy caring for me to see that I have been trying to love you back." You say as Cait sits there in disbelief and trying to wrack her brain for any of your signs the last few months. You take her hand in yours.

"So I got tired of waiting - I felt like I knew you well enough to know at the rate you were going, you would have never asked me out before heading to Iowa and I took matters into my own hands. I got together with your mom and dad and they helped me plan this." You bring her hand up to kiss the back of it.

Caitlin is too stunned to speak - she has never had anyone who has loved her like you are. You bring your free hand to cup her face, your thumb brushing against her cheek.

"I am going to kiss you now," you say slowly leaning in. You can see the effect you are having on her as her chest begins to rise and fall twice as fast. You bring her into a gentle kiss - it is slow and innocent. Once you pull apart, you both smile.

Now the two of you have moved to Indiana together and are starting life outside of Iowa for the first time. It's both an exciting and challenging time as Cait navigates the transition to the W right out of college. After finding an apartment - you started learning about the city while Caitlin jumped right into training camp.

The beginning of the season is a rough start as the Fever navigates a fairly new team. You can tell it all takes a toll on Cait mentally as she is trying to figure out what playing in the W looks like. The transition is something both of you were expecting but not to this degree. Her game wasn't what had been affected (at least not to the degree she was worried about) - it was everything aside of the game that Caitlin (and you) had to learn how to deal with. You did your best to make sure Caitlin was talking to her parents and even her old teammates this season to help encourage her and keep her sane.

She is incredibly thankful that you are there with her because aside from her parents, there is no one who knows the girl better than you do.

Her first game of the season was thrilling. It wasn't unfamiliar as Caitlin was used to playing in front of a packed house - it always fueled her even more. You were lucky enough to tag along and planned on being at every game of hers as she had them write it into her contract that you would travel with them to any away game. You had already been looking into flights when she mentioned you would just be traveling with the team.

You would always be close behind her when she would arrive at the stadiums and would often get pulled into quick little interviews about Caitlin. You would always hype her up and match her in some way shape or form.

After every game, the two of you would walk hand in hand with her jersey draped over your shoulder - ready to turn in for the night.

It had become a thing in college where Caitlin would pass along her jersey to you after every game. It became such a known thing that the uniform team would need to provide Caitlin a new jersey every game. It wasn't super uncommon but soon became known that after she put her game jersey on, it would never come back to them.

The fans also started to notice how you would walk out with Caitlin after the game with her jersey draped over your shoulder. The fans that had followed her in college knew that her game jersey was reserved for you but the newer fans had a field day when they found out. It became what you were known for.

You didn't expect it to be the same in the pros with Caitlin's jersey as you saw other players signing and handing off their jersey to a fan after the game. But without fail, after every game, Cait would walk out to you, jersey in hand, ready to hang it over your shoulder for your collection at home. The world knew that all game jerseys were yours, but what they didn't know is that before she would give them to you she would write some sort of cute message on them just for you. They would all conclude with her CC signature and the date.

It's the 6th game in the season when the Fever plays the Sparks for the first time. You are sitting in a box with some of the other staff and visitors for this game. By the end of the fourth - the Fever takes their first win of the season and the crowd and the team go crazy.

You make your way down the court when there are 2 minutes remaining and wait close to the bench as the team celebrates their first victory together.

Cait is pulled into a quick post-game interview with Aliyah and then is told to go meet someone courtside. You wait patiently, talking to some of the other players and congratulating them on a much-deserved win. You are talking with Lexie and Jason Sudeikis (who you have surprisingly built a friendship with as became to many of Cait's games) when you are pulled from your spot and are being dragged across the court by your girlfriend.

"Caitlin, I was in the middle of a conversation," you say yelling over the people. She brings you to a group of people and you immediately gasp when you see Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis standing there with their kids.

She introduces you and you do your best to keep your cool.

"We are such big fans of yours," you say as you hug each of them.

"You are too sweet!" Mila says as she introduces her kids.

Their daughter looks up at Caitlin with tears in her eyes and asks if she would sign and give her jersey to her.

Both Caitlin and Mila speak at the same time.

"This jersey is already claimed but I can definitely get you a signed one!" Caitlin says.

"Sweetie, you know she always gives it to her girlfriend," Mila says at the same time.

You decide to jump in.

Looking at the girl you say, " I would love if you had this jersey." Your smile beams and Caitlin is about to protest.

"But you have to promise to keep it safe for us, okay?" You say and she proceeds to nod with excitement.

You look over at Cait, who is giving you a 'but no this is yours' look and you just wave her off.

"I'll make sure it gets to you once she changes out of it okay?" You say and Ashton and Mila are both incredibly thankful for you.

"It is crazy that you knew that all of my jerseys go to her," Cait says to Mila.

"Well, we have been following you for a little while now and have seen the interview when you mentioned she has all of your jerseys from college. That is super cute," Mila says.

Caitlin blushes and you laugh.

"You would think I have enough but 139 just isn't enough," you say jokingly and Cait gives you a look of hurt - you know it is all in light spirits.

"You love it when I give you my jersey," Caitlin fights back.

"I do, and I hope you never stop," you say leaning in to hug her side, patting her on the chest.

You part ways with the Kutcher family and tell them you will get their daughter CC's jersey but not before taking a photo.

When you get back to the locker room with Caitlin, she changes and your take the jersey.

Later that night you are scrolling through your social media feed and see Mila had tagged you in a post. You pull it up to see it is the group photo that was taken followed by a photo of her daughter in Caitlin's jersey. You smile and like it, leaving a comment - 'No one else I would rather share CC's game day jersey with 🫶🏽'.

You scroll through the comments and see how cute it is and how that is a one-in-a-million jersey. You turn over to Cait, who is lying next to you, and show her.

"I can't believe you gave away my first Fever win jersey," she mumbles. You laugh at her.

"I have your pre-season win jersey! And there was no way we were saying no to Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis," you say.

"Even she was saying that jersey belonged to you," Caitlin retorts.

"I think we will both live if I don't have a jersey from today," you say and kiss her shoulder.

"That's what you think, but lucky for you - I made sure you wouldn't go home empty-handed," she says as she gets out of bed and brings her over her warm-up shirt from the game.

"Caitlin, you did not." You say sitting up and taking the shirt from her.

You look down at it and see her message.

[My girl - This first win goes to you and the heart of gold you have. Here's to many more. I love you - CC 5.24.24]

She is still standing next to your bed when you reach up to hug her. Her arms wrap around you faster than yours can wrap around her.

"I love you, you know that?" You say squeezing your girl.

"I know and I love you even more," she says as she nuzzles her head into the crook of your neck.

BONUS - SOME OF THE MESSAGES CAITLIN WRITES ON HER JERSEYS FOR YOU

[My girl - To the first of many, a little thank you. I love you - CC 11.25.20]

[My girl - Let the fun begin - CC 3.23.21]

[My girl - I tried but 46 wasn't enough. Thank you for cheering me on no matter what. I love you - CC 2.6.22]

[My girl - Thank you for the pregame pep talk, it was needed more than you know. Michigan didn't stand a chance. Love you - CC 2.27.22]

[My girl - First double-double of the season, feeling good. Love hearing you in the crowd. Love you - CC 11.10.22]

[My girl - Not the way we wanted to ring in the new year but having you here made it better. We will get them next time. Love you - CC 1.1.23]

[My girl - A triple-double to take us to the final four, who would have thought...I mean you, you knew I could. I love you - CC 3.26.23]

[My girl - That one was rough, thank you for always cheering me on. I love you - CC 4.2.23]

[My girl - The beginning of the end. So glad you are here with me. Love you - CC 11.6.23]

[My girl - Thank you for loving me through my worst. You are the best - CC 2.11.24]

[My girl - I did it, babe! Most points in D1 women's basketball AND school high with career-high scoring for a game, easy. Hope you enjoy this birthday gift, love you - CC 2.15.24]

[My girl - Not to brag but your girl is the all-time leading scorer in the NCAA. - CC 3.3.24]

[My girl - No mercy, we have been working for this all year. Love you - CC 4.1.24]

[My girl - I wish I could tell you how much you mean to me, your support at every game fueled me. Thank you, baby. Yours forever - CC 4.7.24]

[My girl - Here's to a whole new adventure and jersey for your collection. I love you - CC 5.3.24]

[My girl - This first win goes to you and the heart of gold you have. Here's to many more. I love you - CC 5.24.24]

[My girl - Marry me? - CC 9.19.24]

AN: This is cute. I'm a fan but let me know what you think. And as always, thank you for your love and support 🤍

[odileeclipse]

So…I supposed it’s fair to say you’re an outstanding author and so I’d like to ask for some advice! I wanna get into writing for fun in my free time but whenever I write I just kinda make it up as I go…and I’d like to know how you go about planning how a story goes? And how you lay it out and such. It would really help! Ps THANK YOU FOR TWO CHAPTERS IN A DAY YOU’VE BLESSED US 🫶🫶🫶

HEY! First of all thank you so much for being kind, and I'm thrilled on your behalf for writing for fun! That's how it should be!

So I just want to start of by saying there is no wrong or right way to write, the act of writing is learning, we gain new knowledge as we go, and any form of it is building resilience.

Making it up as you go is a valid and powerful method called discovery writing, I've done it too before, but I find for me I need a lot more structure, well personally I tend to make it up as I go for one-shots since they're short formed and don't require as much structure. In the sense that I can complete Freytag's triangle easily since everything would happen in one small story.

When I start planning a story I begin by asking what I want to accomplish with the story, and what I want the tone to be. I write out the characters I know will be in the story, I try to read up and write everything I know about them and then once I have that in mind and written down on a doc I can begin to outline my story.

I often keep a loose three-act structure in mind, but never let it box me in. The first act sets everything up who they are, what they want, and what’s missing. The second act brings tension, conflict, secrets, or obstacles. The third act is the shift: a choice, a change, a moment of clarity that echoes everything they’ve been through. Even if I deviate, that structure is a comfort. It reminds me what kind of journey I’m walking the reader through.

But above all, character drives everything. Before I even touch plot, I ask What does this character want? What are they afraid of? What do they believe about themselves, rightly or wrongly? A well-built character will naturally create story through their actions, reactions, and contradictions. That’s where real plot comes from people, not just events. (this is just my biased opinion)

From there, I usually write a “zero draft.” Not a first draft just chaos. No pressure to be pretty, coherent, or even readable. It’s where I let myself play and explore, knowing I’ll shape it later. (not always but sometimes) Alongside that, I open up a little ramble document where I talk to myself “Okay, what happens next? What’s her deal? Why would he react like that?”

Being your own co-writer your own curious narrator helps you break through blocks without feeling like you’re failing.

And honestly, the best thing I’ve learned is to be flexible. A plan isn’t a prison. If I fall in love with a different ending halfway through, I let myself follow it. If a character surprises me, I let them. Changing your mind isn’t giving up it’s discovering what the story really wants to be.

But I know what really helps is to learn rhetoric, and rhetorical appeals. It's not required at all but it does help, I'm sure you've already learned it in school before but it doesn't hurt to watch a short video on it.

If it helps, here's a mini template I use sometimes when planning chapters

Chapter X

Purpose: (What is this chapter doing? Revealing something? Deepening a relationship?)

Setting: (Where are we? Where will we go?)

Mood/Theme: (Soft? Tense? Bitter? Bittersweet?)

What changes: (By the end, what’s different?)

Key moments: (Write them out as bullet points.)

Sorry this was super long but my writing process mainly goes like that but of course I'm never confined by it, so I always can just go as I want but I make sure I write down what I changed and how I deviated from my original plan.

[mattsobvimyfav]

No one noticed (Matthew Sturniolo)

angst (im sad and u guys have to deal with it)

The night I broke wasn’t the first time I’d felt it coming. Heartbreak doesn’t hit all at once. It’s a slow unraveling—a thread pulled loose here, a frayed edge there—until one day, everything you’ve held together falls apart.

When Matthew ended things, it wasn’t loud or dramatic. He didn’t yell or accuse me of anything. No, he sat across from me on a grainy video call, his face pixelated but his words cutting like glass.

“This isn’t working,” he said, his voice heavy. “It’s not fair to either of us.”

I remember staring at the screen, feeling like I’d been punched in the stomach. For three years, we had been everything to each other. We dreamed of forever, wedding plans whispered under blankets, future kids’ names scribbled in notebooks. And then, just like that, he was pulling the rug out from under me.

I had begged him to reconsider. “We can make this work,” I had pleaded. “Long distance is hard, but it’s not impossible. We love each other, Matt. You're the one who moved.”

“I know,” he had said, his voice cracking. “But sometimes, love isn’t enough.”

Those words haunted me. They echoed in my head during the quiet moments, the in-between spaces of my days. The first few days, I cried until there was nothing left, my body exhausted from the weight of it all. My friends tried to distract me, dragging me to bars and movie nights, telling me, “You’re better off without him.” But they didn’t understand. How could they? They hadn’t built a life with him, only to watch it crumble.

I threw myself into routines, hoping they’d distract me. School, work, sleep—repeat. But no matter what I did, Matthew was there. In every song that shuffled on my playlist. In every couple holding hands on the street. In the ghost of his laugh that still lingered in my head.

At night, it was worse. The quiet made it impossible to ignore the emptiness. I’d lie awake, staring at the ceiling, my chest aching with the knowledge that he was gone. That he wasn’t coming back.

A month later, the pain hadn’t faded; I had just learned to wear it better. I smiled when I needed to, laughed when it was expected, and made it through my days without breaking in front of anyone. But inside? Inside, I was dying.

Nobody noticed. Not my friends, who thought I was “over it.” Not my family, who assumed time had healed me. They didn’t see the way my hands trembled when I passed by his favorite coffee shop. They didn’t hear the silent screams in my head when I saw photos of him on social media, smiling with his new life in LA.

I felt like I was drowning, but no one could see it.

I hit the floor, knees scraping against the cheap carpet. I buried my face in my hands, and for the first time in months, I reached for my phone and called him. I didn’t think. My fingers moved faster than my brain, and suddenly, it was ringing.

He answered on the third ring. “Y/n?” His voice, groggy and familiar, shattered me all over again.

“Come on, don’t leave me,” I sobbed, barely able to form the words. “It can’t be that easy.”

“Y/n, I—” he started, but I didn’t let him finish.

“I’ll get on a plane,” I said, my voice trembling, words spilling out like a flood I couldn’t control. “I’ll fly to your city. You can hold me, console me, and I’ll leave without a trace. Please, Matt.”

There was a long pause, the kind that stretched seconds into eternities. Then, quietly, he said, “Okay.”

The flight to LA felt like a fever dream. The lights of the city blurred as we descended, a smear of gold against the dark. I had spent the entire journey staring at the ticket in my hand, fingers gripping the edges so tightly they left creases.

He picked me up from LAX. We didn’t talk much on the drive to his place. I wanted to say so many things—ask him why, beg him to explain, to take it back—but the words sat heavy in my throat. Instead, I stared out the window, watching palm trees blur past.

When we got to his apartment, it hit me how much his life had changed without me. The space felt like him but not like the us I remembered. A guitar leaned against the wall. There were photos of his friends, his new life, scattered on shelves. It was a world I didn’t belong to.

We sat on the couch, and for a while, there was just silence. Then, without warning, I crumpled. Tears spilled out, hot and unstoppable. He pulled me into his arms, and I let him. I clung to him like he was the only solid thing in a world that kept shifting under my feet.

“I love you,” I whispered against his chest.

“I know.” he said, his voice breaking.

The night felt infinite and fleeting all at once. We talked in fragments, filling the gaps with touches, with memories, with the kind of desperation that comes when you know something is ending. He held me as I cried, his fingers tracing circles on my back. 

When dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight spilled across his face, highlighting the softness of his features. His lashes cast delicate shadows on his cheeks, and for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to memorize him like this. Peaceful. 

I should have stayed. I should have let him wake up and begged him to reconsider. But I knew how this story would end. He had made his choice, and no amount of begging or pleading on my part would change that.

My chest felt heavy as I slipped out of his arms. The warmth of his body lingered on mine, a phantom reminder of the life we had shared. My steps were light as I moved around his apartment, careful not to wake him. Each movement felt like a betrayal—to him, to myself, to the love we once promised would be forever.

I grabbed a pen and a piece of paper from the counter. My hand trembled as I wrote the words: “I’m letting go.” Three words that felt like swallowing glass. I stared at the note for a long time, my tears smudging the ink.

I set it on his nightstand, next to the picture of us he hadn’t yet taken down. We looked so happy in that photo. It was a cruel irony, really. I traced the frame with my fingers before pulling away, the sting of goodbye sinking deeper into my chest.

The door closed behind me with a soft click. The sound echoed in my ears as I walked down the hallway, my suitcase dragging behind me. Each step felt heavier than the last, like the weight of what I was leaving behind was anchoring me to the ground.

In the back of the taxi, I stared out the window as LA blurred past me. The city was alive and indifferent to my heartbreak, its neon signs and palm trees mocking the ache in my chest. My phone buzzed in my lap, and I didn’t have to look to know it was him.

I opened our thread of messages, my thumb hovering over his name. The text was simple: “Where are you?”

For a moment, I considered replying. Telling him I was at the airport, that I couldn’t do this anymore, that I was sorry for not being stronger. But I couldn’t bear to drag this out.

Instead, I hit “Block.” His number disappeared from my contacts, his messages vanished, and the finality of it hit me like a blow to the chest. I did the same with his Instagram, his snapchat, every piece of him that tethered me to his world.

It wasn’t enough.

I stared at the empty screen, and for a moment, I wanted to scream. How could he do this? How could he let me go so easily? Didn’t he feel the same ache, the same unbearable weight of our ending? Or had I been the only one holding on this whole time?

The plane ride back to Boston was excruciating. Every memory of him clawed its way to the surface, refusing to let me rest. The first time he kissed me under the bleachers in high school. The way he laughed when I spilled coffee on myself at his old apartment. The night he told me he loved me.

And now this—the last night we would ever spend together. The last time I would feel his arms around me. The last time I’d hear him say my name with that mix of softness and certainty.

When the plane landed, the ache in my chest hadn’t dulled. I stepped off the plane feeling hollow, like I had left pieces of myself scattered across his apartment, across the city, across the last three years of my life.

At home, I crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling. My phone sat on the nightstand, silent and cold. There was nothing from him—no texts, no missed calls.

And there never would be again.

I closed my eyes and tried to breathe through the pain, but it swallowed me whole. The kind of heartbreak that makes you question if you’ll ever be whole again. The kind that leaves scars you can’t see but feel every time you try to move forward.

I had done what I said I would—I left without a trace. But as much as I tried to let him go, the truth was inescapable: part of me was still back in LA, in his arms, wishing for a second chance that would never come.

[aerofae]

Giggle Bats (Angst AU) - Snippet 2

AU context here

Tim.

Bruce didn't know what to do about Tim.

It pained him to admit—which is why he never did to anyone but Leslie—but it was the truth. Each one of the boys had been through Hell. Each one carried the burden of traumas heavy enough to bring even the most war-torn veteran to their knees; let alone children (all under the age of seventeen at that). Death, torture, starvation—enough to drive anyone beyond mad. And in Tim's case, he feared that the boy was mad.

In the months that the boys had been living in Wayne Manor they've made such awe inspiring progress. Jason had made himself comfortable both in the library and under Alfred's wing in the kitchen. Dick was learning to manage his anger and to take time for himself (even though he and Bruce still had moments of parental power struggle from time to time). Dick had even enrolled in school, setting a promising example for the others (Jason was ready to join at the beginning of next semester and Damian was nervous but excited over the idea of Kindergarten next fall). Damian was learning that it was okay to just be a kid. But Tim? Bruce didn't know how to reach Tim.

Tim never fought over going to therapy. He kept up with his journal just as Leslie had asked. He came to (most) meals and put in an effort to prove he had eaten at least half his plate. The whole family was learning sign language so that he could communicate without causing more damage to his throttled vocal cords (and he was learning fast). But otherwise? Tim was—Tim was just there. Always watching. Always keeping to himself. Always with that blank look in his eyes and face devoid of emotion. Bruce wanted to say he was observing. He remembered the Tim Drake of this universe being a curious, far-too-adventurous-for-his-own-good child. A child unafraid to sneak away from his parents at Wayne Manor galas to break into the library and rifle through the ancient books (Bruce had let him keep a particularly aged book on criminology, too impressed by the boy's knowledge, stealth, and audacity to take it back when he caught him). Bruce now regretted not taking the time to get to know his neighbors and their curious son. Maybe he could have learned something from his timeline's Tim that would help break the boy's Joker induced trance. Any guidance Bruce could have learned was buried within the the Drake plot of Gotham Cemetery.

“Tim?” Bruce knocked carefully on the door. There were a number of rules within the manor. Two of the top-most rules were no locks, no closed doors. Not yet at least. The emotions and conditioned instincts of the boys were simply too risky still. The last thing he needed was for one of them to sneak out to the city on their own for whatever reason. He had sensors on each one of their windows of course, but he knew better than to doubt their training. Any one of them (Damian included) could easily bypass the sensors one way or another. An open door policy gave Bruce peace of mind. He could check-in on them easily and make sure they were still in their beds at night (if they weren't in his or each other's). There were exception of course, but overall door were kept open. Even Bruce's. Tim's breaking of this rule was enough to put Bruce's anxiety on edge.

Bruce knocked again, a little louder this time. “Tim,” he spoke gently through the door, “I'm coming in, okay?” Bruce twisted the knob and was relieved that the door opened with no resistance.

Bruce poked his head partway in first, looking to the bed. No Tim. Just the neatly made and tucked sheets Alfred had fixed this morning. Bruce opened the door enough to step inside. “Tim? Damian said you stole his markers. You're not in any trouble, bud. I just want to...” His words trailed at the sound of a sniffle, “... talk... to you...”

He followed the sound of the whimpers. Whimpers mixed with painful stifles of laughter—a sound Bruce was tragically familiar with now. He found Tim curled up around his arm in the en suite bathroom. Damian's markers were scattered across the floor and sink. Most notable with the uncapped black marker that Tim had tried (but failed) to scribble out his mirror with. The marks and smears it left on the counter suggested the marker had been thrown down in a fit of frustration. The mirror was a concern to bring up to Leslie of course, but not as pressing as the concern Bruce had for the boy's manic protection of his arm. Tim had it pressed so tightly between his legs and chest that it was concealed entirely. Fearing that Tim was applying pressure to a wound, Bruce quickly got on the floor beside him and scooped Tim into his lap.

“It's okay. You're okay, Tim. Everything's okay. Deep breath. Deeep breath...” Bruce's heart pounded as he rocked the boy gently in his arms. Tim's sobs gave way to a fit of wheezing, manic laughter; then back again to wails of agonized sadness. Fits like this were what made Bruce concerned that he wasn't equipped to handle Tim's needs—but he had promised Jason. Swore to Jason. No hospitals, no wards—nothing remotely resembling Arkham in any way—just home and family.

“No doctor is going to use him as a case study,” Jason had said, “He's not some prize winning research paper! He's my brother! He needs us not them!”

The words echoed in Bruce's mind as he continued to rock Tim in his arms. Us not them. Us not them!

Bruce kissed the top of Tim's green haired head. “It's okay, Baby Bird, it's okay. Take some deep breaths for me. In and out, okay? In and out—here, follow me. Ready? In—and out. In—and out. Good. Good. See, you're getting it. In and out. In and out.” Bruce patiently guided Tim through the fit until his breathing became less frantic and the sporadic fits of laughter gave way entirely to whimpers. Eventually, the stiffness of Tim's body would begin to subside and the boy would sink his weight into Bruce, exhausted. “There you go. Keep breathing, Baby Bird. Keep breathing. I'm going to look at your arm, okay? I just want to make sure you're not hurt.”

There was no resistance. No fight at all as Bruce carefully pulled Tim's arm back from his chest. Bruce had braced himself for blood—some type of wound. Hell maybe even a burn—but when he had finally managed to see what Tim had done—with Damian's markers... “Oh... Oh, Tim...”

There was no trance behind Tim's eyes. There was no numbed silence of emotion on his face. What Bruce saw for the first time since taking Tim in—it was agony. Raw agony. A cruel mixture of sadness, grief, injustice, and everything in between. Bruce's first glance of the boy who had surely been just as inquisitive and adventurous—just as bright and brilliantly minded as his Drake boy had been—the boy he had been too late to save. Tim was there. Tim Drake was there in his eyes, begging to be seen. Begging to be rescued.

“I-I want to be normal again!” Tim croaked through his tears and mutilated vocal cords. “I-I just want to be—normal—a-again!”

Bruce understood now. It pained him to no end.

There, on Tim's arm... The skin that the Joker had bleached ghost white—Tim had taken the marker closest to his former skin tone and had tried to scribble it in.

[sassypantsjaxon]

Fuck it. UA instructors as...things the staff from my college have done, I guess?

Because it's been three and a half years since I graduated and I miss that place every single day

Principal Nezu

Principal Nezu has everybody's names, faces, and quirks memorized before the first day of school. This is never acknowledged.

(Recovery Girl also learns everybody pretty much right away, but she interacts with them a bit more directly than Nezu, so it doesn't seem quite as weird)

Somehow Nezu manages to both be so chill and yet have no chill.

Nezu once texted Mic to ask if he was available for a call about some program at school and when Mic didn't answer within 15 minutes because he was DRIVING Nezu just called him anyway and was like "is this a bad time? I can call you back :)" Like, no,no, We're both here now, let's have this conversation now. Go ahead

One time Nezu pulled the Big Three out of their classes and brought them into his office to sit them down like he was about to have a Big Serious Conversation, and then he just says "Do you think...it would be possible for you to visit the first year hero classes...and tell them about your experiences? :)" Mirio and Nejire are both going "yeah, sure", while thinking why did we have to get pulled out of class like this was something really important? Amajiki is hyperventilating.

Power loader

Power Loader is like some kind of cryptid.

He just shows up when things need to be fixed, fixes them, and then disappears again. He never says a word. Don't question it, just be grateful and let him stay in his hiding place

Random knowledge. Whenever the rest of the staff has some random question that no one else can answer. Ask Power Loader. He knows. He always know. Don't question that either, he's just one of those kind of people

Power loader and All Might are the only two teachers who were asked to come to UA instead of having to apply

13

Actually 13 falls somewhere inbetween applying and being asked to join the staff, because she kind of created her own job.

She just had a meeting with Nezu one day to be like "Your students need an Unforeseen Simulation Joint! Here's what that means and why you need it" And Nezu went "... :) You're hired!"

All Might

Toughest person anybody knows. Can not handle spicy food.

Everybody loves him. Anybody who doesn't isn't cut out for hero school. This is not bragging, it just happens to be true.

All Might once listed one of his credentials as BAMF. (Izuku absolutely lost it that day)

While discussing I Island with Izuku, All Might very casually stated "My ex husband lives there" as if that isn't an Absolute Bombshell to drop You can't just Say That and NOT ELABORATE WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE AN EXHUSBAND!?!!???? (Izuku lost it even more that day)

Present Mic

Mic has a bad habit of talking a little too fast. Nobody's ever 100% sure what he said.

Also he swears. Like. A lot. Like, he would get in trouble as a student for swearing.

There is a drawer on Mic's desk that's labeled 'Present Mic's Top Secret Hiding Place' and anybody who notices it is just like ??? because it's clearly labeled and Not a Secret. But Mic is very scatter brained and will lose anything as soon as it leaves his eyesight. Having a specific place to put things help with that.

EraserMic

Married. But they don't really talk about it, and they don't act married in front of the students, so a lot of them don't realize it

It's actually surprising because they have pictures of them and their kids on their desks. All you have to do is go to the teacher's office. It's not a secret. It's right there.

There's a class for the second years on like, heroism and personal lives or something. Eraser and Mic get to teach part of that unit because they have experience being married heroes.

One year when Aizawa says that he's married to Mic one of the students asks him why

That same year, when Aizawa reveals that there is one teacher he will never be friends with (like, even more than all the other teachers), just because they have nothing in common other than working at UA, and the same student asks him if it's Mic

People assume Mic gets special treatment as Aizawa's husband. This is not true. If anything, he's more likely to get the short end of the stick and be asked to cover for Aizawa.

Eraser Head

Aizawa forgot that there was supposed to be a chaperone for the remedial licensing training and said he would probably be the one doing it. He was not. He sent Mic. Thus proving the previous statement true.

Bad at interpersonal relationships

Has a bad habit of mumbling. Students are never 100% sure what he said

At some point, the people around him start referring to doing anything overly rational as 'pulling an Aizawa'. Yeah. ...yeah...

[natedogx15]

Idea for a Drabble: Chloe realizes, after Ladybug decides to give a miraculous to Kagami, that her idol gave up on her because she’s a terrible person that’s undeserving of that power. So she decides to become one.

As in she fakes that her father sent her to study in a private school and starts to frequent her school pretending to be a newly transferred student from New York that’s the complete opposite of herself: Zoe Lee.

Surprisingly, it works, but Chloe starts to have an identity crisis and her efforts of keeping the masquerade up nearly drive her to madness.

Thank you for the ask prompt.

This is an awesome idea. I love ideas like these where characters masquerade as someone else to see everyone's reaction or thoughts on their real self.

Plus, I think you have a good and unique idea for a Chloe redemption arc with this prompt. Chloe gets to learn the benefits of being nice to other people while pretending to be Zoe, and maybe she'll stop feeling the need to copy her mother's attitude or bully others little by little. Especially when she realizes all her work paid off after Ladybug gives the Bee Miraculous back to her. And it would be amazing to see her start to question why she did all those things when they did nothing for her.

It also gives us a chance to do something with the knowledge provided in Kuro Neko where Cat Noir changed his hero costume. I can see Pollen willing to help Chloe hide her identity to watch the girl grow into a true "queen".

I think it really is a better way to use Zoe's character instead of her primarily being around to replace Chloe. Also, I do think her and Chloe's character could mix together well. I don't think it's too much of a stretch for Chloe's fangirling of Ladybug could be her having a crush on the girl. And Zoe's character at the start was putting up an act.

[tatumslollipop]

♡ Soon Darling ♡

Pairing: Yandere!Wanda Maximoff x Witch!Reader

TW: Stalking, Badly portrait witchcraft,bad grammar, and mentioning of death and cancer

Something has been following me for the past months. I never saw the person but I just know it's there. It's been freaking me out so I stayed at my friend's house for the last few weeks after not feeling safe alone anymore. Sometimes I get these visions of someone whispering stuff in my ears that I can't seem to understand and them caressing their hands gently over my shoulder. It's been happening more in the last weeks. And this night I heard what the person was saying "Soon we will be together again. Soon darling".

I've been telling myself that i'm just going insane but I can't convince myself to believe this anymore. My Mom was a witch she teached me the basics of witchcraft until she past away a few years ago due to cancer. That's why I now only live with my dad, he works in a office so he's away most of the time so I learned to take care of myself. I am now at my house. My friend drove me here so I can get some things like clothes and other stuff. When my mom died she left me a box of her belongings, she told me to open it when i'm 18. My birthday is tomorrow so I am already taking it with myself. Then I grabbed some more stuff I needed and my friend and I drove back to her house. Her Mom and my Mom have been friends since middle school so we went to her house often and me and Victoria got friends quickly. Her mom is also a witch and she is too. "Are the visions getting worse again?" She asked while driving. "Yes, I can't really get sleep anymore. I'm scared. I think we should really do that spell you wanted to do." I said. Victoria advised to put a protection spell over me so no magical being could get to me or reach out to me.

When arriving at her house we immediately got everything ready to do the spell. I lighten the candles while she is pouring holy water around the circle to shield it from any bad spirits. When practising the spell I could feel something inside of me fighting to stay inside of me. It's trying to take over me. It's stronger than anything I have ever fought. The earth started to shake, we started to levitate and my friend was continuing. After what felt like an eternity I fought it. And we finished the spell. It was like nothing I have ever felt before. I felt so strong. My friend looked at me stunned. "What?" I said confused and giggling. "Your eyes they turned purple. There is only one witch that can do that. The Violet Witch. I thought it was only a myth." She said shocked. The Violet Witch is the strongest witch there is, even stronger than The Scarlet Witch. She died a long time ago but said to return again. So this is now. "No that can't be true the Violet Witch isn't real." I continued talking but then I got an idea. I grabbed the box my mom gave me and opened it. Inside of it were a letter,books and jewelry. I opened the letter and it says:

Dear Y/N,

if you are reading this then I am dead and you are 18 and have to face the truth. All my life I wanted to protect you from your faith but I learned I couldn't. You are the Violet Witch. It might seem scary and hard but you need to face your destiny. In the jewelry box is a necklace out of amethyst and it's for protection it tells you when there is a danger around by changing it's colour to red. The books are magic books they have all the knowledge of witchcraft and magic inside of them. But I know you can't do this alone so I asked a old friend of mine to help you with your journey and finding out everything about your power. Agatha Harkness. She is the only one I could trust with this mission. She is gonna take you today and teach you. I hope you'll find peace with yourself. I will always love you. Stay strong and safe for me.

Mom

I could feel cold tears running down my face while reading this. "What does it say" Victoria asked. "My m-mom... she-" I cried and then I felt warm arms wrapping around me. "It's okay" She said gently. After a few minutes I calmed down so much I could tell her about what was written inside the letter. "Do you know this Agatha Harkness?" she asked her I just shook her head. "Maybe my mom knows her. Come on, let's ask her" She said taking my hand and leading me to her mom inside their living room. We immediately got greeted by her mom with a big smile "Hi Kids. What's up?" "We wanted to ask you if you know a Agatha Harkness?" "No- I don't know her" Her mood seemed to have changed instantly when hearing this question. I knew something was up but I didn't want to bother the woman anymore so I simply said "Okay" and walked out of the room with Victoria to her room again.

"That was weird" she said while sitting down on the bed "I never saw her like that" she continued while fidgeting around with her hairbrush on her bed. "Yeah it was" I answered her. Then I let myself fall on the bed beside her "This is all so crazy. I mean one day you get stalked by some magic being and the next you find out you are an super witch. I don't know how to deal with this" "I know this might seem hard but I will always be there for you." "Thank you Vic. You're the best." I said and then hugged her. I never wanted to let go. It could stay like this forever but I knew it wouldn't. After some time of shit talking and playing games it was time for us to fall asleep. I made myself ready for bed but couldn't sleep the words of the unknown woman still hunting me.

"Soon we will be together again. Soon darling"

I mean what is that even supposed to mean. Again?. I don't even know her. Or do I?

A/N: This is a little different from the normal marvel comics and movies but I hope you don't mind too much. Should I make a part 2?

[driving-tips]

Why you need to Learn Driving from a knowledgeable School

The Importance of Learning Driving from a Knowledgeable School

Introduction

Learning how to drive is a significant milestone in one's life, offering newfound freedom and independence. However, it is crucial to approach driving education with a sense of responsibility and safety. When embarking on this journey, it is essential to consider learning from a knowledgeable driving school rather than relying on informal instruction. This article explores the reasons why enrolling in a reputable driving school is a wise decision for aspiring drivers.

1. Comprehensive and Structured Curriculum

Knowledgeable driving schools offer a structured curriculum designed to cover all aspects of driving. These institutions understand the importance of imparting knowledge about traffic rules, road signs, defensive driving techniques, and various driving scenarios. A comprehensive curriculum ensures that learners gain a thorough understanding of driving, promoting safer habits and reducing the risk of accidents on the road.

2. Professional and Experienced Instructors

Driving schools employ certified and experienced driving instructors who are well-versed in teaching individuals of all skill levels. These instructors possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in handling different situations on the road. They provide valuable insights, personalized feedback, and constructive criticism to help students become confident and competent drivers.

3. Emphasis on Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is a crucial aspect of safe driving practices. A knowledgeable driving school prioritizes teaching defensive driving techniques to students. This approach emphasizes anticipating potential hazards, maintaining a safe following distance, and being aware of other drivers' actions. By mastering defensive driving skills, learners are better prepared to handle unexpected situations, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

4. Updated with Current Rules and Regulations

Driving rules and regulations are subject to change, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Knowledgeable driving schools regularly update their curriculum to reflect any modifications in traffic laws. This ensures that students are well-informed about the most recent regulations, helping them avoid legal issues and unnecessary fines while on the road.

5.Proper Learning Environment

Enrolling in a driving school provides a controlled and safe environment for learning to drive. Instructors prioritize safety and ensure that learners receive hands-on practice in a controlled setting before venturing onto public roads. This approach helps new drivers build confidence gradually, making the transition to real-world driving less intimidating.     

Conclusion                                                                              

Learning to drive is a significant responsibility, and acquiring this skill from a knowledgeable driving school is a decision that should not be taken lightly. The structured curriculum, experienced instructors, emphasis on defensive driving, and access to modern training resources make driving schools an invaluable choice for aspiring drivers. The knowledge and skills gained from such institutions not only enhance one's driving abilities but also contribute to making our roads safer for everyone. Therefore, investing in a reputable driving school is an investment in personal safety, the safety of others, and a lifetime of responsible driving habits.

[f0point5]

I have a question and if it’s crossing parasocial boundaries, please call me out but I’m just curious. Why did no one report Jos when I keep seeing things that make it seem like it was an open secret that he was abusive towards Max when he was young? I am Indian so I understand that some cultures do just “stay in their lane and mind their own business” but I thought Dutch people were known to be quite blunt so I think it’s strange that no one called it out. Also the more I learn about formula one and Motorsport in general is that it’s a pretty small world so for people to know what’s going on and not doing anything, how do they live with themselves? I know that some people believe that once someone reaches a certain level of success that their trauma becomes a reason for that success but it’s just so gross to me how people talk about it all. And I’m not at all trying to police Max’s relationship with his dad bc I personally understand having a complicated relationship with a father but it just makes me sad that no one protects these kids.

I think Toto said in drive to survive that all drivers are “traumatized children” so everyone in power in Motorsport knows it’s awful for these kids and yet nothing is done to protect them. I know this wouldn’t solve everything but there needs to be something within Motorsport that protects these kids like an organization or some type of limit (I honestly don’t know) bc if everyone turned the other way for Jos, who else are they “protecting”

Well, we can’t ask the people 😂 it’s actually very talked about amongst Max fans though.

I’ve got several theories on this but just a general disclaimer I don’t know anyone involved in this so I’m just going off what I’ve read and seen in documentaries, what I know about certain cultures and subsets, and pure vibes.

Firstly, I do think people tend to mind their business. My experience of Europeans, especially 15-20 years ago…your kids and your family is your business. And people have different parameters for what they consider abuse. Emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse were nowhere near as defined or understood back then as they are, and even now what “line” will be crossed before each person steps in is very different. Edit - I also just realised, people remember all this stuff now but if you think about it, they probably didn’t see the same people at every single karting race every single weekend. So Max races in Italy one weekend and maybe something happens, but then you go home and forget about it for two months until you see him at a kart race again? Not everyone travelled to every race, from what I understand about how karting works. So really, I don’t think it was sticking in people’s minds so much as it would be if they were seeing this at pick up time every day at a school, for example.

Second, I don’t know how many of these accounts by random mechanics and people are accurate. People will say stuff like “Oh Jos took him in the back of the van and hit him” or “he kept his helmet on because he thought Jos would hit him”. Well firstly, I’ve also read a quote saying Max would keep his helmet on so people wouldn’t see him cry. And Max was like 10…did anyone ask him about any of this? No. The stories of physical abuse - to my recollection - aren’t coming from people who know the Verstappen’s intimately, more people who observed them and have made assumptions about what went on. The stuff about him shouting at Max and being hard on him has come from multiple sources and is admitted by Jos and Max so that we know is accurate but to my knowledge, Jos has said he only ever smacked Max on the back of the head once, and Max has never said Jos hit him. So I kind of think a lot of these inferences from track mechanics…I don’t want to say “not credible” but I do think because of Jos’s past there’s a tendency to sensationalise who he is. He’s obviously a guy who has anger management issues, so it’s definitely possible that he lost his head a few times and was physically abusive. Do I believe this ritualised physical punishment narrative people allude to? Personally I wouldn’t take that at face value. So I’m not sure how much there actually was to “report”? You can’t call child services because you saw an angry guy yell at his kid.

Third, I really don’t think anything Jos is known to have done in front of other people was out of the realm of the possible in that environment. Usual? Maybe not. But so extreme that people were scandalised? I honestly don’t think so. I think people pretend to be scandalised about it now because Max is famous. And I think people remember it because of who Jos is, and who Max has become, but I think there are a lot of parents who get like that about their kids’ sporting careers and it wasn’t the first time anyone had seen it play out like that. When you think about how much money and time these parents are pouring into it, how overly invested in their son’s careers they ALL are, you can easily extrapolate it to understanding that all that effort being ruined or taken for granted is going to make a parent blow a gasket. It’s not right but most of these parents are not raising these kids in the “right” way. I do think seeing a former f1 driver swearing at his karting wunderkid 10 year old is something people will remember more than random guy screaming at his son who came 12th. I don’t think either thing would have necessarily raised that much concern in an environment like karting. Because I’ve competed in various things as a kid and let me tell you not all the parents were kind to their children about the money and time they spent on it.

So yeah I think it’s a combination of these things.

I also think, and have previously said, that people approach the Max/Jos thing with a very narrow view of how relationship and child rearing works. Max may well have been able to achieve what he did with a different approach from Jos, but at the same time, without Jos, specifically him, Max doesn’t become an F1 driver at all never mind a champion. For all he did wrong, he poured his heart and soul into his son’s passion and there aren’t all that many parents who would do that. And i will die on the hill that Max wouldn’t have become the person he seems to be if Jos was the person people paint him to be. The amount of confidence and unflappable self belief Max has doesn’t come from nowhere, you don’t become that self assured if you are only ever torn down. What we know is 1% of their relationship and I think even from what we know it’s clear that Jos absolutely adores Max, beyond the fact that at least in karting, he chose to be his coach first.

But I do think karting, and really any “career” that kids need to start that early and is such a demand on a family, can’t be pursued in a way that isn’t going to leave a mark on a kid. I consider growing up in competitive sport to be a bit like being a child star, in the way that it has a high propensity to greatly affect your childhood and family dynamics. Because the dynamics it breeds are not “normal”, the people who do that to their kids are for the most part not “normal”. You’re not going to raise normal kids to fo extraordinary things. Now, is “normal” the only way to raise a happy adult? No. I think a lot of people forget that.

I don’t think it’s up to any governing body to mandate how parents parent, though. At a push they could have a code of conduct at tracks for sanctioned events that prohibits certain behaviour from parents. But it’s not up to anyone but the parents how they’re raising their kids (within the realms of legality).

[fernsplaysthings]

Prev. reblog about Chatgpt got me thinking about psych stuff.

Decade old degree showing back up for a ramble.

I'm not a professional psychologist, just an enthusiast who gets really into it's conversations about psych stuff.

Brains are facinating. Thought and behaiour patterns are facinating.

Anyway.

I'm not gunna be citing stuff here so get ready for me to be wrong but, whatever.

I was thinking about how the brain is very much a 'use it or lose it' organ. Bioplasticity and all that. Which lead to how certain people who use their brains in a specific way tend to have a lower risk of dementia in later life.

There are other factors, but that's one.

A study was done on London cab drivers. They go through years of studying routes and landmarks through London called 'The Knowledge'. It's intense.

I had firsthand experience of watching my Dad do it over a decade ago. It was stacks and stacks of papers in folders, each A4 sheet had a list ranging from like, four lines, to two pages top to bottom of:

L by [Insert road name] Bear R [Insert road name] F [Insert road name] R [Insert road name]

And so on.

The overarching goal was to be able to traverse the entire city, no GPS, using the most efficient routes, from the customer's location to their end point and to be able to adapt if needed. All backroads. All suburbs. The short term goal was to be able to memorise what was given and turn up to a spoken exam on the regular.

The reason why The Knowledge is a great example of this type of brain useage is because it isn't just memory. It's a lot of memory, but not soley. It begins like it, point to point memorised out of a book. But then the cabbie would have to drive them, perhaps take in some landmarks to tell the examiner about. As the skill develops it's no longer about memorising paperwork alone but making connections with seen and lived experiences, and using rational thinking using the skills developed. Linking different parts of the brain.

By the time you're working someone should be able to mention a place to go to from anywhere in or closely around London and you can do it without wasting their money.

The study found that London cab drivers had a lower risk of dementia in advanced age. And a bigger hippocampus; the learning and memory bit.

I figure professional puzzlers and quizzers are also probably in a similar position.

So if these kinds of people have some of the lowest risk of dementia in later life, what would happen to someone who no longer needs to remember as much, nor understand and reshuffle it to portray their understanding?

If a kid has grown up with school, high school, university using gen ai, or of their own accord, or both, and instead of flexing their brain muscles to show their understanding of a memorised topic they ask it to write their essay for them to be slightly adjusted and sent off...does that increase the risk (on top of other factors)?

A brain isn't the way it is right out of the box. It's an organ that has to develop. And a bunch of it's development is due to what we do with it. There are definitely people who've won the genetic lottery and don't need to do as much. There's definitely some people who are predisposed to just...not care.

But I also don't think anyone has to settle for that.

Back to my Dad. He's not academic. I mean this with the greatest affection too. He doesn't do words so well. Before his cab stuff I don't think he'd ever put his mind actively to something academic. Like, including normal schooling. I couldn't see him doing well in a standardised test.

His quick maths is real good though, to give him credit.

And he, as far as I can see with family still present, did not win the genetic lottery. Or upbringing lottery. His just-turned-80 year old Mum has severe dementia and wasn't winning any mother of the year awards. I never knew his Dad, he passed away in my Dad's early teens. Pretty impactful. The man his Mum had his youngest brother with was the scummiest, vilest, dirtbag to them.

And yet...predisposed or no, he's an excellent cabbie and did his exams in four years (major motorcycle accident included).

They're obviously not the average person, they're a demonstration of what changes when put to use. Obviously not using something doesn't always mean the total opposite, in that people's memories deteriorate, but...in 20-50 years it'd be interesting to see.

[jiungswife]

I KNOW YOU ・゜゜・．#003

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W.C: 1.6k

AUGUST 26

Harmony had grown tired to the nightly lectures and studies, a routine she accepted and eventually learned to appreciate. Despite its constraints, she found solace in the fact that she only had to attend two classes every other day.

This mixed feeling stemmed from the late timing of her classes, which often left her exhausted yet fulfilled by the knowledge gained. Overall, while her schedule was demanding and tiring,

Harmony found a sense of balance and purpose in the steady rhythm it provided.

Monday:

Fashion & design 7pm (1hr)

Visual branding 9pm (1hr & 30min)

Wednesday:

Study session 6:30pm (2hrs)

Visual art 8pm (1hr)

Thursday:

Fashion & design 7pm (1hr)

Creative writing 8pm (1hr & 30min)

Fashion was undeniably her passion, an art form that ignited her creativity and drive like no other, though art in general held a special place in her heart.

However, it was fashion that truly captured her soul and fueled her aspirations. As she strolled purposefully toward the library, her thoughts were consumed by the impending project deadline, just a few weeks away but already weighing heavily on her mind.

Upon crossing the library's threshold, her eyes were immediately drawn to a mysterious figure standing near the window, his imposing height casting a striking silhouette across the rows of books lining the shelves.

It was Gof, a renowned lover of poetry known for his way with words, a presence that both intrigued and captivated her in that moment.

As she entered the library, her gaze caught on a figure standing by the window, his tall frame casting a long shadow against the bookshelves.

This figure was Gof, a poetry enthusiast recognized for his way with words. Though they had crossed paths several times, they shared not only the same creative writing class but also an intriguing dynamic.

Gof was known for his reserved nature, often choosing the comfort of close friends over frivolous small talk. He had an air of mystery surrounding him, akin to the archetype of the enigmatic 'skater boy' on campus, a persona that piqued the curiosity of many, especially the girls who found his allure irresistible.

"Hey, girl," a voice chirped, interrupting Harmony's contemplation as she settled into the seat across from her in the library. It was Gabee, a student whose reputation often preceded her, earning her the label of the campus 'whore' in whispered gossip. Harmony, disheartened by the perpetuation of such high school-like titles, greeted Gabee with a polite but distant "Hi."

"So, I've noticed you're close to Gof. Could you do me a favor and share his number?" Gabee inquired, her request lacking subtlety. Harmony hesitated momentarily, ready to decline until an idea sparked in her mind, causing a mischievous smirk to form on her lips.

"Yeah sure give me your phone"

Gabee squealed as she gave her phone. Harmony smirked got bigger as she put in her ex's number. "I hope you guys last forever" harmony gave her back her phone and the now clueless girl skipped away.

"Why are you here" She heard she looked up and saw gof. She gently grabbed his arm and pulled him down in the seat next to her. "Gabee asked for your number"

"Ew i hope you didnt give it to her" gof says with a disgusted face. "I didnt i gave her my ex's" harmony smiled. "Thats... thats clever" gof admitted. Gof doesnt have to many girl friends. Considering all the girls he ever talked to was the same. But not harmony. She's different to him.

He doesn't know how they became friends. They just instantly clicked. "So why are you here" gof asks again making harmony look at him confused. "Ummm we have class" She says in a Duhhh tone.

Gof scoffed and then laughed getting up. "You really need to check your emails more often" he says then leaving. Harmony quickly pulled her phone out and checked her emails. She soon saw a email from her professor saying class was canceled for the night. Harmony quickly got up and caught up with gof. "Waittt!!!"

"Aint no way you walked this far ahead already" she says catching her breath. "I did, you'll understand when you grow" gof says earning a playful slap to the arm as he laughs. "Wait why were you here then"

"I left my charger, luckily it was still here" harmony nodded as they walked out the library. They walked together as Harmony followed behind. It looked like harmony was his puppy or little child.

"Why are you following me?" Gof asks as they reach his car. "Huh? Oh shit um i dont know actually" she says as she realized she was following him.

"Its only 8:25 wanna go catch a movie?" Gof asks. "WHATTT!! IS THE GOF ASKING ME HARMONY TO A MOVIE" harmony says loudly.

"Oh my gosh why are you like this, shut your mouth"

"Omg i can't believe this should i say yes or yeah or be humble and be like 'sure"

"I cant with you, You know what never mind"

"Wait no! Im sorry, im sorry but wanna just have a movie night at mines?" Harmony calms down and ask earning a shrug from gof.

"Alrighty ill meet you at my place" she says heading to her car. Gof shakes his head with a smile getting into his car.

It's already 8pm, and the frustration continues to grow for sunwoo as sleep eludes him once again. The persistent disturbance comes from his roommate, who has, for the second time now, brought home another guy to fuck, their walls was thick yet his room was right beside hers?

He can't help but feel as though this noise is intentional, meant to unsettle him deliberately. Exhausted and fed up with the situation, sunwoo finds himself questioning why his roommate and her companion can't choose a different location for their nighttime activities.

After all, he had already expressed his desire for a peaceful sleeping environment after the first incident, hoping that she would respect his need for rest as a fellow resident of the same living space.

Sunwoo can't lay in bed and listen to this bullshit any more, mostly because he could start feel himself getting hard by her moans. Oh how he wished it was him instead of that guy.

Sunwoo threw the covers off angrily and walk down the hallway, banging on her door. "Can y'all please shut the fuck up!" The moans and groans coming from her room come to a halt and hes glad they got the message.

As he turn on his heels to head back to his room, a half dressed guy comes running out of her room and shoves past him, almost knocking him over.

He heads for the door before he can even see his face. Sunwoo turn to look at noze, covering the lower half of her body with his sheets as she has a tank top on, which made his situation worse seeing her peirced nipples through the top.

Her hair is messy and sweaty, which would look good on any other day but hes too mad at her to think of him in that way right now. "Oh shit, I didn't know you were home, I'm so sorry sunny" she apologizes.

She thought he were spending the night at his friend's house, like he usually does. "I'm going tomorrow night dumbass. Do you bring someone home every time I'm not here?" Hes ask, arms crossing.

"Maybe not every night," she responds, unable to look him in the eye. He scoff and head back to his room, finally able to get some sleep. He snuggle under the covers but feel his phone vibrate from a text.

Noze 🌸 [8:15pm] Are you mad at me?

Sunwoo 🚨 [ 8:15pm] yes

Noze 🌸 [8:16pm] You weren't home when I

got here, I swear I didn't know you came back:

Sunwoo 🚨 [8:17pm] ok i guess

Noze 🌸 [8:18pm] Sooo, there's a party my friend is throwing Saturday night, wanna go?

Sunwoo 🚨 [8:18pm].. yes

Noze 🌸 [8:18pm] <3

"Why do you have a notebook with my name on it" gof says as he looked around her room. "OH!

Come sit ill show you" she says pulling down to her bed with her. He opens the notebook and it says 'perks of having a hot bestie'.

"You didnt" he says looking at her. "I did okay so number 1. an abundance of freebies and discounts. So remember that time at the cafe where you flirted with the cashier and we got a free muffin? Welp i get 15% off everything there now just because she thinks im your girlfriend" harmony explains.

"You get 15%? Ha i get FREE" gof brags.

"Anyways number 2. hugs. Your hugs make me feel safe or calm especially in public. Plus i love the way other girls looked so pissed off"

"Your evil" gof laughs switching the page and it read 'DOWNSIDES' "Theres downsides?" He reads then reading the first bullet. "How am i a narcissistic asswhole" he asks.

"Because you always make fun of me for the smallest things and sometimes they ruin my whole mood" she responded. "Sorry i forgot your a sensitive lil bean" he says earning a glare from her. He quickly looked away and decided to close the book reading no more. "Your done? But theres more" harmony says.

"Yeah i know but i got bored" he says laying on her bed getting comfortable. Harmony scoffed and got up. "Whatever im gonna go change be right back" she says grabbing some clothes and going to her bathroom. When she came back gof was knocked out on her bed.

"Does my bed kill them or something" she mumbled getting into the bed with him. "Ew no go away" he groaned making her scoff. "Sir your in my bed" she says.

After a while they ended up falling asleep on the most weirdest position possible.

[being-a-human-isnt-very-fun]

Therianthropy Alphabet

credit to @local-xenogender-icon for the alphabet!

A - awakening

I always remember running around pretending to be a deer and always drawing/seeing myself as a deer. I used to push these away when I was older and never thought about it until I realized that therianthropy was a thing and I wasn’t the only one experiencing it. After that I narrowed my theriotype down to a caribou (yes, I know there are subspecies but they’re all very similar so I just say caribou).

B - balance

My therianthropy affects the way I communicate with other people, and my hobbies. It doesn’t affect my work/school/life balance as much, aside from little “quirks” like being afraid of loud noises, being very attached to people, etc

C - city

I don’t live in a city, I live in a rural area, which I’m very grateful for.

D - diary

I do have an alter human diary! It’s mostly just documenting shifts or drawing, and also functions as a regular journal.

E - experience in the community

I’ve had an extremely positive experience in the alterhuman community on Tumblr, and I’m eternally grateful for this because it helped me untangle my therianthropy identity and figure out who I am. Other social media platforms, not so much.

F - friends

None of my friends know I’m a therian, but I have a friend who is a furry who I think suspects.

G - gear

I don’t really feel the need for gear, but I get why people like it. If I had enough money, I might look into buying something, but mostly gear is centered around foxes/wolves/cats, and it would be hard to find caribou gear. I would have to buy a commission which is very expensive.

I - identity

I only have one theriotype, which is a caribou. I’ve yet to meet another caribou, but I have met so many other deer, who have all been super cool!

J - jokes

I love making little jokes about my identity, because it is very silly if you think about it.

K - knowldege

On a scale of 1-10, I would say my knowledge of alterhumanity is a 7 or 8. I still have a lot to learn.

L - liking, loving

I don’t think I could’ve had a “better” theriotype, a caribou is a lovely animal that I am grateful to be.

N - nature

My theriotype lives in northern parts of North America, and in Europe. They are migratory, so they don’t have one specific territory or anything.

O - otherhearted

Tbh I don’t really know the difference between otherhearted and therianthropy but I don’t think I’m otherhearted.

P - popularity

My theriotype isn’t very popular (unless it’s Christmas). Fun fact: in North America, caribou are called reindeer when they’re domesticated, but in Europe, they’re always called reindeer.

R - real body

I get species dysphoria from time to time.

S - sex

I never really thought about the sex of my theriotype? It’s kind of hard to tell really.

T - traits

-fear of loud noises/sudden noise

-foraging for food (gardening mostly)

-head butting things

-communicating with grunts, moving my head, pointing with my feet, or flicking my “ears” (that don’t exist bc phantom shift)

-running/hiking in the woods and swimming

-flight instinct

Urges

I think this question was centered more towards therians with prey drive instincts, because my urges are mostly just to run away, swim in random bodies of water, eat the grass, and restlessness.

W - wondering

Leaving the question here for context: “How do you think you would look like, if you could psychically shapeshift into your therio/kintype? (Describe or put an image here!)”

Y - yarn

Leaving this question for context too: “If you wanted to buy/make a tail, would it be real fur or fake/yarn fur?”

Caribou don’t have tails…

Z - zoo (as in the place)

I like zoos that are there for protection of a species or rehabilitation. I think there can be a lot of abuse involved, though.

[simslegacy5083]

Not So Berry (Straud Descendants) Gen 9

Today's (9/2/2024) Episode: A Difference of Opinion

The guests had just begun trickling into Luigi and Noemi’s beachside wedding when the chefs finished preparing the fishy feast and refreshments. 

Fresh from the bar, the groom-to-be smiled indulgently as his papa pulled him aside. He could spin into his formal wear after one last round of advice.

To his surprise, his father wasn’t congratulating him on his blushing bride but instead concerned with their little boy. “Skye is old enough now to learn about his special status.” Jack said “If you need help teaching him about The Watcher and legacy heirs just let me know. I’m happy to do my part”.

Luigi, unprepared, looked away. He had almost never disagreed with his papa, but he knew what he had to say on this topic wouldn’t go over well.

“Thanks for the offer” he finally began “but I’ve decided not to tell Skye about any of that. I think its better if he lives his life without those worries.”

Jack immediately blurted out “But son, you can’t keep who he really is from him! If this is about not wanting to give up the spotlight…”

“It’s not about the spotlight!” Luigi fired back “Yes, I can be a self absorbed plumhole, but that’s exactly why I won’t be telling my son about how “special” he is! I want him to have a chance at a normal life, without the idea that he’s somehow better than every other sim in the nation!”

Luigi had meant every word, but seeing the look on Jack’s face he immediately regretted his outburst. “I’m sorry papa” he said, hanging his head.

Jack reached out a hand in reassurance “Its OK, but if you have time, I think we need to talk. I promise not to try and pressure you into anything.”

Luigi nodded. He’d meant to broach this subject much more gently, but clearly, he had a lot of resentment built up around it that he hadn’t ever explored. He texted Noemi that he’d join her in a few minutes and waved his father’s shade over to the nearby banquet table.

He hoped he could help his father understand without driving a wedge between them.

Once they were seated Jack started things off “I never knew you struggled with the knowledge of your legacy heir status. You always seemed so proud of it. You never tired of hearing my stories about the Lacey’s.”

Luigi sighed. “I was a child who had very little contact with anyone outside our immediate family circle. You told me other sims here wouldn’t understand, but it wasn’t until I went to high school that I truly began to appreciate what that meant.”

“I had such a hard time fitting in, and it certainly didn’t help having this idea in my head that I was somehow better than everyone else. Even when I thought I was doing such a good job “hiding”; Beau saw right through me in University. I was so embarrassed, and that made me resent him more than I already did for being a better scuffle player then me. If I’m the heir, shouldn’t I be the best at anything I put my mind to!?”

“The first time I told Noemi the truth” he continued “it almost destroyed our relationship. I learned then that its one thing for you to feel Dada and I are the most special sims in the nation, but its something else entirely for me to think that about myself. That’s a problem, no matter if its true or not.”

“I don’t want Skye to have to deal with that, especially since as far as I can tell it won’t change anything. By your count I’m the ninth heir of this family but the first one to have been raised with the knowledge of it. It didn’t seem to make those other heirs any less special just because they didn’t know.”

By the end of Luigi’s passionate monologue Jack had deflated to a shadow of his already translucent self. He sat in silence for a while, clearly processing what his son had said and deciding what to say in return.

At last, Jack cleared his spectral throat “I hear you, and I won’t tell you how you raise your boy, but will you listen to why I chose to raise you the way I did? I promise, I’m not trying to change your mind. I just really want to know that you understand my decisions, now that you’re a father yourself.”

Luigi nodded for Jack to continue. In his experience his papa had always tried to do the right thing, and he was willing to listen and try to understand what had made him believe teaching Luigi this fact about his life, that had often only made it harder, had been the right thing to do.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[hannah-h-pleb]

Hey hey hey. Did you miss me? Sorry I’ve been lacking in writing, empty brain plus school is not a good combination 😟

As much as I love Cartman with all my heart, it’s time I put out some Kenny content! He’s my second favourite and I’m convinced him and I are the same person, so I gotta show my boy some love 🧡🧡

General Kenny headcanons coming up! He’s aged up here, as all characters I write for usually are :))

Kenny McCormick: General Headcanons

Kenny doesn’t die as often anymore, but I still put him as a huge klutz. He’s constantly falling, tripping, and injuring himself somehow. His friends are always like “Dude you’re gonna kill yourself one of these days!”….meanwhile he’s died countless times and no one (except for Cartman and a few others) remembers

He’s developed a decent tolerance to pain due to how many times he’s died. He could accidentally lean on a hot stove and barley feel it. It really depends on the day though

He's kind of a goober. He loves to tease people and joke around. Also likes to joke around as a way to make light of dark situations. Once you've died as many times as this guy has, you reach a point where you stop taking life so seriously

He has blue eyes, but they’re a darker shade of blue, so sometimes they almost look purple depending on the lighting

This guy definitely loves to smoke weed, but that's the farthest he'll ever go as far as drugs are concerned. He refuses to go down the same path as his parents, plus he remembers his "cheesing" days and doesn't care to revisit real hard stuff. Just give him a joint and he's set

Actually one of the most chill people you'll ever meet. Everyone gets along with him. He isn't one for drama, but if he happens to be caught up in the middle of drama, he'll either silently observe or he tries his best to deescalate the situation to calm everyone down so everyone can get along

This is canon (and a topic for another time), but he's a huge perv. But not in a creepy way. He's constantly making sexual innuendos out of, literally everything. Always on the hunt for porn magazines, but he never does anything overly weird like sneaking into bathrooms or anything like that. He's a, "respectful perv" if you will

He's always looking to help out others wherever he can. One of the most selfless people in his inner circle. He's a sweetheart

The best big brother to Karen even as he gets older. Always looking out for her. Can imagine that when things get bad at home, he dips out of the house and takes Karen for drives to calm her down. Probably gets her a treat from the convenience store as well

Also knows lots about periods. When Karen is on "her time of the month", he keeps her stocked up with pads, tampon, treats, heating pads, the works

You would think he's this nonchalant delinquent, but dude's actually so smart. He does well in school, which comes as a shock to his friends because they never see him study. His grades are nearly as high as Kyle's, but his weakest subject is math

Favourite subject? Science. Absolute science nerd. Loves chemistry, physics, biology, all of it. He's so intrigued by it and constantly pushes himself to learn more

I put him as a huge car guy. His love of NASCAR when he was little turned him into a car lover and very knowledgeable about cars. You need your oil changed? He's got you. Having car trouble in general? He's on his way to help you out. Loves playing around with different modifications to his own car, accessories, you name it

Out of the main four, he has a closer friendship to Cartman. As he's gotten older, he's gained a better understanding of why Cartman is the way he is and therefore is able to understand his behaviour. The pair are simply chaos together. Kenny goes along with whatever Cartman does for shits and giggles, unless it’s something really messed up

He’s a huge flirt and a tease, loves pushing peoples’ buttons and finding out what makes them tick

All in all, Kenny is just a chill goofball. Everyone loves him, and he’s one of the best people to be friends with 🧡

More than likely making a part 2. Love this dude 🧡

[winter-leftovers]

Til The End Of Eternity || Chapter eleven: Smother (11/?)

(Douxie Casperan x f!reader)

Summary: Y/n is trying to figure her life out but is going to be hard since her brother is the new trollhunter and she is plagued by dreams and feelings she doesn’t understand.

Chapter Summary: Y/n learns about Douxie’s new feelings for her. Strickler needs protection

Word count: 2582

Warnings: lil bit of angst?

(Season 1 Episode 20, 21,23,24)

Song?: Smother by Daughter

Previous - Next

Masterlist

“Jim is in more danger than we thought” Y/n grabbed one of Blinky’s books and showed him the page she was reading “Angor Rot made a bargain. He obtained his magic but cursed his soul into a single ring, the Inferna Copula” she pointed to the picture of the ring.

“Mm, picture. Helpful” said Aaarrrgghh.

“Who wears the ring, controls him” Y/n continued. When her magic came back, a lot of knowledge came back too.

“It says here that Angor’s been stealing the souls of Trollhunters in a blasphemous attempt to fill the void ever since” Blinky grabbed the book from Y/n’s hands. After a moment he turned to his friend “You don’t have to hide it from me. I might only have two eyes, but I can see clear as day. It’s obvious”

After their quest to Gatto’s cave, Blinky had returned differently. The once blue troll was now…a human.

Y/n straight herself up. She had sensed a shift in Aaarrrgghh behavior but said nothing in fear of overstepping.

“Ever since my human deformity you have been…distant” Blinky complained.

Y/n frowned. She wasn’t expecting that.

“Uh…yes. Distant” the bigger troll nodded.

“I may look different but I’m the same Blinky. How about to cheer you up, maybe later today, I could rent a mini-van we could go for a drive? Something with tinted windows, of course” Blinky offered with excitement. He was desperate to fix the problem that had separated from his friend “I hear we are not too far away from the world’s largest thermometer! I bet you could eat it!”

“Mm, not today” Aaarrrgghh shook his head and left the library.

“Perhaps another time, my dear friend” Blinky said as he watched his friend leave.

“I’m sorry, Blinky” Y/n tapped his shoulder in an attempt to calm his sadness.

Blinky sighed, still looking at the door.

—

Y/n walked down the stairs of her house in a hurry. She overslept and was late to her shift at the store.

“Hey, m-“ she stopped when she saw Blinky sitting on the couch. She furrowed her brow. Why would the troll be here?

“Oh, good, good. Good afternoon, Mr. President Eisenhower” Blinky said into the phone.

Y/n rolled her eyes “Great cover” she thought.

“I suppose I could pencil you in” he stood up and walked away to a place where Barbara couldn’t hear him.

Y/n stood still at the foot of the stairs, observing Blinky mumbling into his phone.

“Angor Rot is in the school” she heard him say.

She took a deep breath and said “Mr. Blinky, do you need a ride to the school? I could give you one” she already had her hand on the door.

“Oh, yes, yes. Thank you, very much” Blinky nodded nonstop.

They were out the door and in Y/n’s car before Barbara could say something.

She started her old car and prayed for no transit.

“Do you think I could, you know, drive?” Blinky turned to her.

Y/n turned to him. Eyes wide open. She couldn’t believe his timing.

“Not today but someday” he continued.

“No” she stepped on the accelerator.

By the time they got there the fight was over. The police was there making sure all the kids were there.

“Master Jim” Blinky ran to Jim, Toby and Claire.

“Is everyone okay?” Y/n asked “Sorry for the delay. We wanted to help but we had to make a couple bathroom breaks” she gave Blinky a dirty look.

“Oh dear!” Blinky stomach gurgled.

“How did you survive Angor Rot?” Y/n asked ignoring the troll.

“Long story” Jim sighed and turned to where Strickler was standing “Have you heard of the Inferna Copula?”

“Indeed, I have” said Blinky. He and Y/n shared a look after seeing the ring on the changeling’s hands.

—

“Okay. We wait until he’s asleep” said Jim.

“I use my shadow staff to get us in” added Claire.

“And I ever so gently remove the ring from his finger”

“Woah. Hold up there, Mr. Storyteller. Do changelings even sleep?” Toby interrupted his friend.

“Yes, but we don’t know Strickler’s schedule” Y/n explained through the phone.

The kids were reunited in Claire’s house planning how to steal the Inferna Copula from Strickler, Y/n couldn’t go because she had to make up for being late to her shift.

“Good point. New plan” said Jim “We spike his coffee with extra strength cold medicine.

“I use my shadow staff”

“And I brin my warhammer in case that doesn’t knock him out”

“And I ever so gently…”

“Wait. What if he’s not alone? His office was guarded last time” interrupted Claire.

“Okay, fine. We spike the coffee”

“Shadow staff”

“I use my warhammer to take out his goons”

“Then, I ever so gently remove the ring”

“But what if it doesn’t come off?” Toby interrupted.

“Why would it not come off?” Jim was getting nervous.

“Oh lord” Y/n said to herself.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s glued on, or he added a few pounds” Toby explained his reasoning.

“Why would it be glued on, you dingus?” Claire said.

“You said be ready for every precaution!”

“He’s waking up!” Screamed Claire.

“Oh, how is he waking up? This isn’t even really happening!” Complained Jim.

“Cut off his hand!” Claire screamed again

“What?”

Y/n giggled. She could see the desperation in his brother’s eyes.

“Use your sword. Hurry do it!” Claire insisted.

“No, I’m not gonna cut—“

“Do it! Do it! Before it’s too late”

“Wait!” Y/n stood up.

The man that was still hanging out in the store looked at her.

“Sorry” she whispered. She sat back down and turned to the side so he wouldn’t hear her.

“If you cut his hand you cut mom’s hand too”

“Oh, I forgot. Angor Rot’s binding spell” Jim sighed “We’re not ready. There’s too much risk”

The costumer came up to the register and Y/n had to put her phone down.

“We’ll figured it out, Jim” she said before hanging up.

After the last buyer left, she was finally free. Outside the sun was setting. The sky was a beautiful pink shade. Around this time, the people of Arcadia are already home or on their way, leaving the streets almost empty.

She put the store keys on her bag and stretched her arms, her elbow cracked after holding the phone for so long.

Y/n crossed the street. It’s been three days since she started avoided walking by the library were Douxie worked. She has spent a lot of time with Douxie lately and she was afraid that she was smothering him. Of course, all she wanted was to keep the routine they had the last couple of weeks: go to the library, scratch Archie’s head and hang out with Douxie until his shift at Benoit started and then go home but she was scared it was too much. What if she was too much? Maybe she should give him some space and focus on her training for a while.

Y/n lifted her eyes from the floor to see if the stoplight had changed and saw them. Douxie and the pink haired girl that worked at HexTech, Zoe, they were just a couple steps away from her. Y/n started to get close go them to say hi when he heard him:

“I don’t know how to tell her! I mean, I don’t want to be rude”

“It’s not rude to set a boundary” Zoe replied. She seemed annoyed “If she’s annoying tell her to stop”

“But she has been so nice. I don’t know, Zoe” he scratched his head.

Y/n felt the blood rush to her ears. It couldn’t be.

“Listen, I already told you this last week. Talk to her”

The stoplight shifted and everyone keep walking but Y/n just stood there, watching them leave.

Y/n’s soul had fallen to her knees. She felt her blood stopping in place, her eyes filling up with tears. She felt light-headed. Her heart was broken. She had smothered him and he was too kind to tell her.

A thunder erupted making them stop. The cold rain started to fall. Everyone rushed to get protection except Y/n that stood there, watching the spot where Douxie had told Zoe he didn’t want her

“Are you okay, kid?” An old man holding an umbrella stopped next to her.

“Yes” she sighed. Her eyes wouldn’t leave the now empty spot.

“Let me help you cross the road” the man offered.

She nodded.

The man grabbed her arm and guide her across the street, stopping under the roof of some store so she wouldn’t get more wet.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to call anyone?” He put his hand on her shoulder

Y/n lifted her eyes from the floor and looked into the man’s pale blue eyes. He was much taller than her.

“No, but thank you for your kindness” she smiled.

The man smiled back.

“You remind me of my kid. Head always in the clouds” he laughed and left her under the roof.

Y/n got home and went directly to the bathroom. She dropped the wet clothes on the floor and sat in the shower. The hot water melted the sadness off her skin. Her mind was numb. No thought went through her head, just the water hitting her back. She waited for the tears to fall but they never did. Eventually, she gave up and stood up.

When Y/n got out of the shower she stepped on something hard. She lifted her foot and saw her pebble, the pebble that she thought was on her bag.

“Maybe Al dropped it here” she thought, taking the pebble to her chest.

Y/n dragged her feet to her bedroom. Her body didn’t have energy, every single bit of it left through the drain.

Eventually, she dressed up and threw herself into the bed. In the darkness, she felt something or someone stepping on her mattress but she couldn’t care. The void had swallowed her.

“What happened?” Al stood next to her head.

Y/n sighed in response.

“Doesn’t matter” he said as he curled himself next to her neck “Tomorrow is another day” he licked the single tear that had fallen from her cheek.

—

Y/n opened her eyes, she wasn’t in her room anymore, she was in the woods, the woods that she’s been dreaming all her life.

“Welcome back to the land of the living”

Y/n stretched her arm trying to feel her comforter but she wasn’t in her bed, she was laying on top of a bed of leaves. She turned to look for Al and saw him sleeping next to her feet.

“Do you feel better?” Asked the woman to her right. A shadow was blocking her face but Y/n’s recognised her anyway “A bed made of leaves is no place for a lady like you to sleep”

Y/n didn’t say anything, she could only focus on the woman’s warm hand brushing the leaves away from her hair.

“Everyone is worried about you, Y/n. You can’t keep running to the woods like this”

“That’s not true” Y/n sat up.

“Oh, Y/n of course it is”

“Hisirdoux is not. He told me himself” Y/n crossed her arms.

The woman chuckled, “He is worried the most. Your father had to stop him from running to the wood to look for you!”

Y/n imaged Hisirdoux pout when he was told he couldn’t do something and smiled.

“Look at that smiled” the women tickled Y/n side “You like him”

“I do not” Y/n blushed.

“Young love is so sweet” The women chuckled and pinched the little girl’s cheeks “There is no crime in liking the errand boy”

“Stop it” Y/n’s cheeks darken further.

“I will not until you admit it” the women try to tickle the confession out of Y/n.

“Stop” she laughed.

—

Y/n lay there in her bed for what felt months yet also felt hours. Her phone stacking with messages yet she wouldn’t answer, she couldn’t even see them in case one of them was Douxie’s.

She heard the news of the destruction of the Inferna Copula in the brief time she met with Jim by the door of the bathroom. He had stopped his rambling when he saw his sister’s lack of response but that didn’t stop him from trying to get a reaction out of her.

One morning, Jim opened the door, his armor on.

“Y/n wake up! I need your help” he shook his sister awake.

“What?” She turned to him.

“Strickler is down stairs hiding from Angor Rot”

“Is this another attempt of getting me out of bed? I told you I am sick” she turned to the wall.

“No, no. Come with me” Jim grabbed her by the arm and dragged her to the kitchen.

“Slow down, Jim” the boy had gotten stronger with his training and was almost dragging his sister down the stairs “Why do you have a smelly sock?” Y/n cringed when the smell got to her.

In the kitchen, Strickler was strapped to a chair, sleeping.

“Really?” She rolled her eyes at the view.

“He said Angor Rot was trying to kill him but nothing happened”

Y/n sighed. She didn’t have the patience to deal with the changeling. She took the sock from Jim and dangled in front of his face.

“Ugh! What is that?” Strickler jumped after smelling the rotten sock.

“Wakey, wakey. We survived the night with no sign of Angor Rot. Congratulations” Jim stepped in front of the changeling and took back the sock from his sister’s hand “We thought we’d bring you some breakfast” The boy threw the sock in his face.

“I don’t eat socks” Strickler scoffed “And I don’t appreciate being tied up”

“Cry me a river” Y/n crossed her arms.

“I asked you to protect me not torture me”

“And I said I’d keep you safe, not comfortable” with his sword, Jim cut the rope that was tied to Strickler’s wrists.

“Well, the sun is up. We’ll have until sundown to get me as far away as possible” Strickler rubbed his wrist as he looked through the window.

“Fine. Let me call the team” Jim grabbed the walkie-talkie from the counter.

Y/n jumped onto the counter next to her brother.

“Trollhunter to Warhammer, you copy?”

“Oh, goodie. The puberty Patrol is on the case. I feel so safe” Strickler mocked.

Y/n rolled her eyes and stuck her leg up when Strickler started to get to close to Jim but he yanked Jim’s walkie-talkie away anyway.

“Do you think your friends will have any chance against that killer? They’ll be a liability” Jim grabbed the walkie-talkie back while Stickler talked “May I remind you, you destroyed Angor’s soul. He’ll be out for blood, be it yours or theirs”

Y/n took deep breaths, trying to control the anger that started to simmer in her stomach and not hit the changeling right in the face while Jim told his friend to look for information on the last stone.

“Smart choice. For once, you’re learning” Strickler grabbed the empty coffee pot.

“For the record, Angor Rot destroyed his own soul” Jim said giving his teacher the cereal box.

A/n: hiiii hellooo!! I didn’t forget about the update!! I just had the worst migraine in the world im sorry 💖