#and so. as i am adding the links (finally). i am going to queue it so i don't forget again lol

[blaiddraws]

Part 3: 7

[first] [all]

[previous] [next]

a brief flashback, set very soon after the last one we saw :)

[girasollake]

Hi! Can I request a smut imagine with prompt 48 and trope 8 with Theodore Nott.

She’s a slytherin too and a badass bitch who everybody wants to be or date

Thank youuu!

✧ theodore nott x fem!reader x jealousy x "you. are. mine."✧

(this request is a part of my writing event, here is the link to the masterlist of the fics i'll be publishing from said event:) )

this took longer than i expected, thank you for your request anon! x

told u guys i’d post smth… surprise!!!!

warnings: 18+ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT, p in v sex, some swear words, some slight cedric x reader, theo being bitchy ig, fingering, general sex stuff, orgasm denial, ummmmmm yeah i think that’s it

i’ll reread it later to fix mistakes cuz rn it’s 2 am where i live and i’m going to bed bye

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

Your relationship with Theo was complicated. At least in your mind that was the most suitable word for this dynamic, you could never find anything else that would quite describe it. You were friends, that’s for sure, this was the only thing you were certain of. Some days you had found yourself tangled in his bedsheets, his soft fingers caressing your back as you lingered in his scent. But, there were also days when you didn’t speak to him at all, strolling through the halls and seeing him tug a piece of hair behind the ear of some Ravenclaw girl while simultaneously giving her his infamous smile. Even though you also flirted and went on dates with others, something inside your guts sunk down each time you saw him with a girl who was not you. And you could barely handle it. Every time you promised yourself you’ll never sleep with him again or give him your attention, you’d always end up doing the opposite. There was something about him that lured you in, it was toxic, but so divine. So, whenever his lips connected to yours in a hungry kiss, you’d forget about all of the other women he probably does this with. It was just you and him and your only thought during these moments was to stay with him like that forever.

‚-it’s not like it’s that important.’

‚Huh?’ You lifted your head and met Pansy’s annoyed face. ‚Sorry, what were you saying?’

¨What is going on with you lately?´She shook her head and sighed. ´I asked if you have a date for the ball.’ She then added.

‘Oh, well, not really.’ You shrugged.

‘Seriously? Is this about Theo again? I’ve told you multiple times that there is a fucking queue of guys just waiting for you and all you do is always go back to him.’ She huffed. ‘What about Mason? Louise? Henry? They were all head over heels for you, I don’t believe they didn’t ask you at least once.’

‘They did. I just said no.’ You mumbled and avoided her angry gaze.

SShe groaned and took a sip of her butterbeer. ‘I was not going to tell you this, but I see there is no other option.’ Pansy took a deep breath. ‘I heard the boys talking about the ball and Nott wants to take Arisa.’

You swallowed a big gulp in your throat and looked down into your drink. You expected that something like this would happen, you just didn’t think you wouldn’t be prepared to hear it.

‘’M sorry.’ She looked at your numb expression with caring eyes.

‘It’s okay Pans.’ You gave her a soft smile. ‘Maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time to move on.’

Even though you tried to not think about him for the next few days, it was unusually hard. He was on your mind non stop, like a song playing on repeat. On top of that, everyone was talking about the upcoming event. While walking through the halls you overheard people gossiping about the pairs, discussing what they are gonna wear and you were also a witness to roughly 7 performances of the boys creatively asking their crushes to go with them.

You walked into the courtyard and took a seat on the nearest free bench. You pulled out your sketchbook in hopes to finally draw something. Truth is, you didn’t remember the last time you practiced your beloved activity, not that you didn’t have time, you just didn’t have any ideas. This time wasn’t different, you looked around and then your gaze rested on the empty page before you. You made a soft line with your pencil and stopped, it was like your hand didn’t want to listen to your mind. You groaned and closed the sketchbook to put it in your bag again. While doing this, you felt a presence in front of you. Looking up, you saw Cedric Diggory, a charming smile plastered on his face.

‘Hi, do you have a moment?’ He asked and you stood up to face him.

‘Of course.’ You smiled.

‘I have a question.’

‘If you want my help with something, then no. I can barely finish my own essays and-‘

‘No, that’s..’ He chuckled. ‘I was wondering if you’d want to go to the ball with me?’

‘Oh..’ You bit your lip softly from the inside. ‘I.. I’ll think about it. Is that okay with you?’

‘Surely, just don’t take too long, darling.’ He sent you a wink and walked out of the courtyard.

Later that night you were studying in your dorm, soft music was playing in your headphones as you scribbled some sigils for one of the classes. Your back was turned to the door, so you didn’t hear that someone came in. It was the feeling of being observed that made you move your head to inspect the room and there he was. Theodore Nott stood next to your door, his arms were crossed and you couldn’t quite read his expression. You grabbed your headphones and took them off.

‘Knocking exists.’ You told him.

‘Not for me.’ He replied sternly.

‘What are you doing here, Theodore?’ You fixed your position on the bed so that you were fully facing him. ‘Don’t you have any other hoes to tend to?’

‘Are you going to the ball with Diggory?’ He avoided your question.

‘Why do you care?’ You stood up.

‘Answer me.’ He took a step closer to you.

‘Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.’

‘For fucks sake, stop being a brat and answer the question.’ He said through gritted teeth.

‘It’s none of your business.’ You replied while stepping closer to him and poking your finger into his chest.

His scent filled up your nose and you felt this forbidden feeling again. Your body was lustful, for him, but you couldn’t let him win again.

He chuckled, ‘See, that’s where you’re wrong.’

You scoffed, ‘Fine. Yes.’ You spat at him. ‘I’m going with Cedric. Is that what you wanted to hear?’

His eyes darkened at the confession, which wasn’t even true. You just wanted to get on his nerves and see what he would do. You didn’t even have time to react before he pinned you to the wall and hovered over you. Your breath hitched and you tried your best to avoid his eyes, because if you looked into them, you’d lose.

‘No, you’re not.’ He stated. ‘You are not going with anyone.’

‘Why? Why the fuck do you care so much?!’ Your eyes were glued to the ceiling.

He gripped your face with one of his hands and forced you to look at him. You closed your eyes.

‘You.’ He whispered and brought his lips closer to yours before breathily adding the rest. ‘Are. Mine.’

The sound of his voice was angelic and it sent a certain feeling down to your core. You tried your best to resist but your eyes fluttered open and met his. You lost.

He grabbed your face and connected your lips in a hungry kiss. You whimpered into his mouth and cursed yourself in your mind. Why was he so addictive? Why couldn’t you quit? He just felt too good to be true. Kissing you in all the right places, his fingers touching where you needed him most, every time you felt him inside of you, it felt like heaven.

He took a few steps back and tried to not break the kiss. He pushed you onto the mattress and with one of his hands he pushed all the books off the bed. He left wet kisses along your jawline and you moaned at the feeling. He discarded both of your shirts and attached his lips to your chest, leaving a couple love bites along the way.

‘I want you to say it.’ He mumbled into your ear.

‘Hm?’ You were brought out of your trance.

‘I want you to admit you’re mine.’

‘But am I?’ He stopped kissing your neck and gripped your throat.

‘Are you?’ He raised his brow and smirked challengingly, knowing you’d fold under him.

You stared deep into his eyes and swallowed harshly because of his grip, before replying, ‘I’m yours.’

‘Good girl.’ He let go of your neck and connected your lips once again.

Soon enough both of you were a sweaty mess, clothes laying somewhere on the wooden floor, soft sounds escaping your lips as he pumped his fingers in and out of you. His breath on your neck and occasional kisses made you feel dizzy, his fingers making you squirm from the pleasure, but it wasn’t enough.

‘I need to feel you.’ You breathed out and Theo didn’t waste a second.

He positioned himself on top of you and slowly entered your aching pussy. You threw your head back and he used that to immediately attach his lips to your neck once again.

‘’S okay, darling. You’re doing so good f’me.’ He whispered to help you relax.

His voice made you let go of the tension in your lower body, finally allowing him to move at a pace so perfect for both of you. He lifted you up and spinned both of you, so that you were on top of him. His thrusts became quicker and stronger, one of his hands was caressing your breasts, while the other rubbed your clit so deliciously. You cried out his name a few times when you were close, but he always stopped just then. He just smirked every time and continued his actions, it turned him on, watching you whine on top of him. He felt he was getting closer to his release, so he sped up again, and this time his hand stayed on your sweet spot. You reached your high with a loud moan and threw your head back, your hand grabbing Theo’s arm. He released inside of you with a loud groan and you used that to push away his hand which was still rubbing circles on your bud, too sensitive for more. You collapsed on top of him and gave him a peck on his collarbone. Theo reached for the blanket and covered the two of you.

‘I lied.’ You mumbled.

‘What?’

‘I’m not going with Cedric.’ You replied softly. ‘I told him I’d think about it and..’

‘Good.’ He interrupted. ‘You’re going with me then.’

‘Am I?’ You looked up at him playfully. ‘I thought you were taking Arisa.’

‘Who?’ He replied and you giggled. ‘She asked me to go. But I refused.’

‘Why? She’s a nice girl.’

‘Maybe. But she isn’t you.’ He tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. ‘And I belong solely to you.’

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

@ girasollake 2024

[moyokeansimblr]

Update

Not feeling so hot and I'm not going to do anything impulsive at 8PM on a Friday evening but

here is a link to a sfs folder with ALL of my content that's currently only hosted on patreon.

I want to add individual sfs links to the tumblr posts but that's a lot and I'm now regretting never adding alt dl links this whole time... and sorry I don't think the downloads in the sfs folder are in order... it also might be some other things, like fixed meshes or stuff. tbh I just added everything I've made after April 3rd 2023 since that was the last time I uploaded anything to sfs.

I guess while I'm here... I was going to wait until after I finish up the last of my active requests (probably by Monday, I'm almost done) but I desperately need a break from CC. I sent a group message on the 17th to my $4 and $6 patrons encouraging them to cancel, but I know not everybody knows patreon even has dms so maybe you'll see this post and I'll reach out again in the coming days so nobody is wasting their money. I am so immensely burnt out and I need to not create for a while. This is completely my own fault, nobody made me work on CC for 8-10 hours 5 days a week for the last several months and I fully knew it wasn't sustainable ages ago but I kept doing it because it made me feel good, until it didn't. Quite honestly, even before I sent the group message the instant wave of relief I felt just having made the decision to take a break... that caught me off guard but just confirmed I need this. I do feel really awful about it because I feel like I'm letting people down but at the same time I don't want to hate creating which was already happening. That being said, I don't know how long the lull in CC is going to be, and if you're only following me strictly for CC I apologize. As said I am still finishing up one request I still had, I'm about 75% done with that as of this post. But that's gonna be it for a while.

There is a part of me that wants to stop using patreon completely and unpublish my creator page (which is what I'm not going to impulsively do tonight without properly thinking it through...since there are positives like how easy it is to download files and whatnot) but I'd again encourage not only those who joined the $4 and $6 tiers but also the $2 tier to cancel so that you aren't wasting your money. If I did do this I would definitely do the individual sfs links on everything first. I'd not just leave you guys unable to download my stuff.

So, what does that mean for this blog? I'll spare ye, impatient readers, who have already read a lot because I ramble⬇️

Well, as of posting this I still have THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR Strangetown posts in my queue. And I'm not tired of playing that.

I'm looking forward to having an opportunity to do all of the things I've been neglecting. I'm finally going to go through the subfolder within my downloads of everything I'm downloaded the last few months and decide if I wanna keep it in my game or not. And finish default replacing everything. And all my other various little projects I haven't been doing.

Also, I want to start playing Veronaville 😮I've already started downloading lots from kattaty to replace the in-game ones, and I found a cool replacement for the neighborhood map. I am leaning towards making a new sub-blog for this so that you don't have to try and follow Strangetown/LFT posts and Veronaville/ALT posts at the same time. I've only ever played the Veronaville sims for like one day as part of a super failed megahood years ago so I'd like to get to know them.

So basically, I guess I'm a gameplay blog for now? Until I want to create anything again anyways, but I don't know when that will be.

I don't know how to end this post... I'm sorry for the disappointment, but thank you so much for enjoying my stuff 💛💛

[tspud-whiteboard]

[Full Previews, Final Files and Extras can be found on GoogleDrive!] !!! THE DEADLINE HAS ARRIVED !!! (End of June it was) I am currently working on putting together the final files, but as this might take a while, YOU CAN STILL KEEP SENDING ME YOUR FELLAS! Once I’ve prepared the actual, finished, fullsize versions, this pinned post will unpin itself and I’ll put a different one here, with the final previews, the download links and some information what the future may hold... maybe I’ll do a Season Two if the interest is there. But we’ll have to see about that. For now, [SUBMIT MORE] like the wind while you still can! Hello, hello! Welcome to The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe Whiteboard Collaboration (a just-for-fun fan project)! I’m assuming that you found your way here because you’re well aware what The Stanley Parable is, and that you are curious to know what a Whiteboard Collaboration might be about!

Let me cut straight to the case then. It all started in 2023 - the 27th of April, to be precise - which just so happened to be the One Year Anniversary for the release of The Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe on Steam and consoles, along with the historically very important and internationally renowned - or at the very least grudgingly accepted - 4/27: STANLEY DAY!

To celebrate the occasion, and only one day too late on the 28th, an idea came forth to put together a Whiteboard, containing all those Stanleys by all the fan artists out there (all credited, of course!), a worthy tribute to the Man of the Hour! And as you can see... we’ve already got quite a few collected!

But why stop there? Since plenty of people also came up with their own Narrator designs, and there’s a good few Timekeeper-Settings-432s and Curators, and plenty of other characters (defining the term loosely here), we might as well give them all their own little space to look absolutely dashing next to each other! Imagine, all those different designs, united in one glorious collection!

My point being... I’d love to see yours in there as well.

So... how can you join in?

The gist can be found up there in the first image, but let me also put it into text form down here, with some extra information:

[Submit] your Stanley, Narrator, 432 or Curator mugshot (or all of them at the same time!). You have [some other canon TSP favorite]? Go ahead, submit ‘em, too! We’ll find a spot. The format of the picture needs to be 300px (width) x 400px (height) to fit with the others. I can resize and cut them into shape if needed, but it’ll be easier on all of us if I don’t have to do that. All pictures will have a small white frame added by me afterwards, to give them that authentic printout flair.

Should the [Submit] button not work for you (I triple-checked and it works for me, but then who knows what this thing does while I’m not looking), sending your artworks through PM or tell me where you posted them is fine as well!

AUs and all art styles are fine! Please only submit one picture per character (if you have more than one design, maybe pick your favorite, or elegantly squeeze them into one picture. If you absolutely cannot decide, sending two pictures per character is okay, but I’d like to cap it there to give everyone equal amounts of space.

Must be Safe For Work!

This is also very important: Tell me how to credit you! Your name will go under your artwork, I do have to put something there. I’ll likely default to your username if I have nothing else to go by, but it’s best if you directly tell me, right there in your submission.

I will publish your submission(s) on here as soon as I’ve added it to the queue, so you’ll know it went through okay, and so you can show it around to others if you wish! (I can’t do that with PMs, of course.)

THE DEADLINE: Please try to submit your artworks before the End of June! Yes, 2023. This month. In this year. There’s a chance I’ll change this if a sudden influx of new entries rolls in, but as of now it looks like it’s a good time to start wrapping this up. I want my life back and all. ...But prove me wrong, why don’tcha? Why not tell your favorite TSP artists that they NEED TO BE ON THIS THING? NEED TO! WE CRAVE THEM, PRECIOUS. ...Sorry, got carried away there.

I give updates regularily. Previews of the latest Whiteboard statuses, questions that need answering, sometimes I might just add some nonsense rambles, all inclusive, for free.

The FINAL files, whenever they’re ready, will be 8000x4000px in size each and are mostly a much bigger version of the previews, with maybe a few small changes for the aesthetics.That’s quite massive. Humongous. It’s really impressive to browse all those artworks next to each other at that size. Here’s the [Google Drive] link, for all to download from and share around. So far, you can always find the latest Previews and a bunch of random Extras there, along with the first fullsize Stanley board as a test. Please do make suggestions if there’s better options, or if you can’t drive the Google.

I also post on Twitter and the Crows Crows Crows Discord server (fanart channel). If either of those are more comfortable options for you, or if you know someone on there who might also be interested in joining this collaboration, maybe poke me so I can give you directions. Or you might be able to find it yourself, I’m not actively hiding them away. Not even passively.

I think that’s all for now! If you have questions, suggestions, reservations, my Asks should be open. Looking forward to hopefully a lot more additions to the Whiteboards, there’s quite a few of you guys I’d loooove to see on there!

[raevenlyreads]

What happens when you ask for a reading?

People have been asking: What is it like to get a reading from you, Raev? A lot of you are just as new to being read for as I am to having a shop front, so I wanted to pull back the curtain a little bit and let yall know what the process of requesting a reading is like. Many thanks to my lovely volunteers for allowing me to share snippets of our conversations.

Preliminary Chats

When a querent reaches out for a reading, we start with a little Q&A, as I help guide my querents to the right spread for them. Doesn’t have to be in real time, though the process does tend to go quicker when we’re both available to chat at the same time. Often, these exchanges involve me helping the querent narrow down what it is they want to know, since they usually come to me with a general idea but not much in the way of specifics. For example:

Querent: My question would be "What is the best way for me to love them", what do you recommend? Me: I think it depends on what kind of love you're trying to give. I think this might be an interesting one for me to read the Revealing Prism for, as it will show 1) something about them 2) something about you 3) something you don't know and 4) a truth you can act on Querent: Mm, love in a general sense I guess? Like, what is the best way for me to show this person I hold them in high regard / care for them etc. not particularly romantic or familial just.. love? Hard to articulate And yeah, okay! Revealing Prism it is then Me: Sounds good! What deck would you like? Querent: The shadowscapes one? Me: shadowscapes was a good choice for this one, it's a very patient and gentle deck. Very loving and nurturing. It will really understand the vibe you're going for, I think. Querent: That's what I'm hoping for yeah <3

Into the Queue

Once we have the question narrowed down, and the spread and deck decided upon, the appropriate commission is purchased and the querent is added to my queue. Usually the turn around is within a few days, no more than a week. I like to try to do my reading as close to the prelim chats as possible, so that the connection is still fresh in my mind.

The Reading Itself

I will spend some time with the chosen deck, asking it the question on behalf of the querent (“[Name] is seeking actionable advice on how to show them they love them. “They” will be the external card, [Name] will be the internal card, help me show [Name] what is Hidden and reveal to us they can act on.”). While I ask, I shuffle. With some decks, this involves rifling the deck like common playing cards. With others (like the oversized Nameless One), I will spread the whole thing out on the table and just shuffle it all around flat. Circle spreads get arranged in a circle (go figure :P), and Above and Below gets shuffled then turned face up as I search for the signifier card. Oftentimes, I’ll know it's time to stop shuffling and begin reading when a card jumps out of my hand, or the deck splits itself neatly in two in my grip, or the cards start sticking to themselves. I lay out the reading, sit with them for a bit to absorb the interpretation, then start snapping pictures.

The Final Product

Once I’m done with the reading it's time for the write up. Each card is interpreted individually, and in the case of multi-card spreads, a synthesis of what they all say together is also written up. For single cards, I tend to drop the image and the interpretation right into our chat. For longer reads, I send a link to your own personalized doc with all the pictures and write ups. You can see samples of those in my kofi Gallery or on my tumblr under the tag #raevs sample reads.

Follow Up

This is my favorite part. I always love to hear what my querents think of their readings, how it impacts the way they think about things, how it opens up their perceptions, the clarity my readings bring. It especially delights me when they come back after some time later, telling me about the ways they saw the factors described in my readings coming to life before their eyes. I love hearing from my querents and would love to hear from you, too! Come talk tarot with me and let's see what the cards hold for you.

Ready to commission a reading of your very own? Check out my ko-fi page!

[historical-fashion-polls]

@kingfucko : sorry this is an awkward way to send a link, I'm not great at tech. but this site has 19th century interpretations of 15th century clothing - https://www.siue.edu/COSTUMES/COSTUME4_INDEX.HTML - and i think this one of French noblemen would make a good poll, as might some of the others: https://www.siue.edu/COSTUMES/PLATE23DX.HTML

the curator: hi my dear! 💖

I hope you don't mind me formatting this as an ask! ☺️☺️

first, no worries at all! I myself am decidedly not tech savvy, and this worked just perfectly ☺️💕

also, I'm so sorry it took me so long to respond to this! ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 I was keeping it in my inbox for when I was finally able to do the event where I featured older styles, but since I've decided not to do that event after all and instead just sprinkle older images into the blog feed as they come in, I wanted to respond now! 💖💖

the site you linked to is fantastic, and I've already set up a number of polls based on the images! 🥰🥰 I'm going to start adding them into the queue, and I've marked you as the submitter on them, since you sent this wonderful link, but if you would rather I don't tag you, just let me know and I'm happy to remove those tags too! ☺️☺️

anyway, thank you so much again for this awesome resource, and I hope you'll enjoy voting in the polls as they get posted to the feed! 💕💕 have a lovely day!! 🥰🥰

[vintagetvstars]

Round 2 starts Tuesday April 30th!

With Round 1 having officially come to a close I just wanted to do a wrap up before we start Round 2!

First off, thank you to everyone who participated! Thank you for all the submissions, propaganda, votes, reblogs, and kind words! I can’t wait to continue this fun with y’all in this upcoming round!

Round 2 will have a total of 32 polls featuring the 64 hot vintage ladies that moved on from Round 1. All Round 2 polls will be posted under #tv ladies 2 as well as each ladies individual tag.

If you want to check which of your favs made it into Round 2 and which got cut please feel free to check that out with these two lists: winners and losers

If your fav didn’t make it past the first round, don’t worry I plan on having some fun side polls throughout the week after all Round 2 polls go up, like declaring the queen of the graveyard slot and perhaps some other fun one off polls. They may be gone from this tournament but they are not forgotten.

Last chance to get propaganda in for Round 2! If you’d like to have your propaganda added to your favs poll for Round 2 please submit it using the linked form: additional propaganda form We will remove the option to send propaganda for Round 2 Monday night. Otherwise please feel free to keep sending in asks with additional propaganda you’d like us to post and tagging us in posts you’d like reblogged throughout the week of Round 2!

Finally, we have an FAQ in our pinned post! Noticed a lot of repeat questions during this first round so if you have a question please feel free to head over there first before sending an ask or commenting it. If it’s not there then please feel free to send in an ask! I am always more than happy to answer questions! I’ll usually just direct commented question to the FAQ or the ask box, that way if you do have something we haven’t yet covered we can post it as an ask so more people can see it in case they had the same question.

We are currently hard at work putting together the bracket for Round 2 and getting the polls ready in the queue! Thank you all and see you very soon!

[magic-is-something-we-create]

HI HELLO i have been running on a very good queue recently so i don't even know if anyone's noticed but YES HI i am still alive, i've just been super busy as of late with real life stuff

firstly: commissions will CLOSE TOMORROW AFTERNOON as im going camping with family for my sibling's 18th birthday, and will likely stay closed until september rolls around - so if you want to get one before the end of the month, the illustration itself will be delayed but you can still get the order in before 4pm CST!!

secondly: i am. so behind on tags of all kinds, both games and taglist-wise, and my inbox has gone untouched in probably 3 weeks?? so like the last time i got super behind, all of that will be added to the queue!!

and, finally: MY QUEUE IS REALLY LOW, so if you or a friend have some art or snippets you'd like me to add to my queue, drop a link here for me!!! i can't promise i'll be able to read all of them, but i'll add them all to the queue so that there's more opportunity for people to find your work and fall in love!!!

[neurodivergent-uni-support-group]

When your brain refuses to function with the same strategy everyday

I've recently finished writing my dissertation after 3.5 months, so am still just about living in academic mode. Unfortunately one thing I haven't seen people who struggle with executive functioning talk about as much is the fact that I can find a strategy that completely clicks with me and works perfectly, but then won't even help me get five minutes of work done the next day. So, I'm gonna slowly build a masterlist!

This was originally supposed to be specifically about how to find the right music to function with but might as well broaden it out a bit. If anyone has any strategies/music/website recommendations that work particularly well for them, let me know and I'll be happy to add them!

Music

Lofi Girl Livestream - Starting with the obvious one, but it's well-known for a reason! The song styles remain consistent enough to not get distracted by changed while still being different enough to keep the brain working, people are constantly in the live chat so there's an element of bodydoubling, and it's a livestream so you don't have to worry about changing songs partway through work. Plus if lofi hip hop's not your thing, they have a synthwave version too.

There's a platypus controlling me but it's lofi (1hr edition) - Getting a bit weirder now, I will admit, but I stand by this one 100%! At least once in every assessment period I will have it set to loop and playing for a full day. If instrumental music leaves too much room in your brain to be distracted, this one usually does the trick. The first couple of rounds might seem more distracting than it's worth but half an hour in, you'll be golden!

Mario Kart Double Dash Full OST - This doesn't specifically have to be Mario Kart Double Dash, but it is a fun one! Basically just think of a game that makes you feel nostalgic or comforted or happy, see if there's a full OST for it and hopefully it'll help. Other soundtracks I'm a fan of using are Danganronpa 2 and Professor Layton, but it depends what kind of speed/genre you prefer.

Minecraft but it's raining - Kinda similar to the previous one but this time it's particularly peaceful OSTs with extra sounds on top! The one linked is the video I use the most but it's the same few songs repeated over and over for 10 hours so depends whether you work better with repetition or variation. There's also an Animal Crossing one here.

8D Lofi Girl (2hrs) - If normal lofi and added rain isn't cutting it, 8D might be the way to go! Since the music is constantly changing direction it adds a bit more interest to your brain. It's only 2 hours long but there do seem to be a fair few others on YouTube so shouldn't be too difficult to turn into a playlist or queue.

I'm Still Standing - Just the song. I just put it on loop and for some reason it sometimes works. Pick whichever song you want for this, though maybe keep it for final day crunches and be prepared to never be able to listen to the song again outside of work.

Websites and Apps

Forest - The main programme I've been using this time around! You set a timer and choose a tree, and every time you complete a time period of work without going on one of the apps/websites on your blocklist, another tree is added to your forest. It comes as both a Firefox Addon and an app, which can either be used synchronised or separately. Be warned, if you do want to synchronise them, you'll need to buy the premium version of the app, but it's a one-time payment of £3.89, so if it's something you can afford, it can be really useful.

Noisli - A mix of background noise and generally useful features, this one's a website and an app. It has lots of different background noises and you can mix and match them to make your ideal work setting. There's also a timer and space to type within the website if you don't want to move outside of it during work!

[theking-blackheart-muses]

Good evening everyone,

I have realized that I have been writing on Tumblr for years. This blog has changed over the years and my writing has changed and developed because of so many of you I write with. I want to make this post to say thanks to all the people who have been writing with me for years and also to the new people who I have just started to write with. I am glad to write with each and everyone you all.

Thanks for being patient with me with things and please never feel like you have to rush to answer threads, please take as much time as you need. Also please feel free to come @ me for threads if it's been so long. Sometimes I forget to post it to queue and sometimes Tumblr ate it.

Especially a shoutout to my mutuals, y'all are amazing. I am thankful for our muses and our ships. I look forward to continue writing with y'all.

Also, over the next couple of weeks I will be updating and changing things. In order to better keep track of this I will be updating my tracking. Moving forwards, all threads will have a name and will be tagged as [ my character name and your character name ] and [ my character name and your character name - the name of the threads. ] This way it will make it easier for me to find and track down a thread.

Some small New Muses will be added below are some new muses I will be adding: Steve Rogers Bullseye- Benjamin "Dex" Poindexter Billy Russo

Another post will be posted when new muses are added. Also some muses names will be changed and FC. If we have threads with muses that are going to change FC/Name I will reach out to you first.

Finally, My pinned mobile navigation has been updated. I have added a link to my blog where I will be posting memes post, answer IMs but links will also be posted below. New Starters will be also be coming through out this week too.

Muse and Meme Posting - Meme and Muse Blog

Thanks for those who have continued to write with me for this long and continue to keep doing so. Also, I love muse stuff and ship, if you want our ships, muse post please react and let me know. If you have an idea for two of our muses feel free to let me know. This is also a permanent call for sending memes, ask and posting starters mutuals and non-mutuals but mutuals will be taken as a priority. Just let me know.

Sorry for the long PSA.

[antihcroes]

alright so! i finally am more or less caught up on things around here, i mean i've gotten one reply since i finished but - things are pretty caught up now!

and i've also gotten bios for ember and riley added, so please check those out!

i've also added a section to my rules that links to a page with some specific notes for certain muses so please check that out as well!

i'm going to try to maybe reblog some memes or put out a starter call or something. and maybe a shipping call as well. and then the only other thing on my to-do list i had for today was potential pinterest boards and queue stuff but i'm gonna work on those later later tonight. but yeah! take a look at the stuff, feel free to come message and chat, love you all <3

[celtfather]

She Moved Through the Fair #592

Keep moving through the fair and through life with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #592. Plus, learn five things you can do in County Mayo, Ireland next time you go.

Black Market Haggis, The Bookends, Stratford Symphony Orchestra, Ballinloch, Mary Beth Carty, Fire In The Glen, Logical Fleadh, The Out of Kilters, Crow's Nest, Clay Babies, Na Rósaí, Scythian, Reilly, Ryan MacNeil, Bill Grogan's Goat, Jen Midkiff

  VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2023

This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2023 episode.  Vote Now!

Two weeks after the episode is launched, I compile your votes to update a playlist on Spotify and YouTube. These are the results of your voting. You can help these artists out by following the playlists and adding tracks you love to your playlists. Follow us on Facebook to find out who is added each week.

Listen on Spotify and YouTube.

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THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC

0:02 - Intro: Bed & Breakfast & Mitchell Petersen

0:11 - Black Market Haggis "Whistling Postman Set" from Better Than It Sounds

4:13 - WELCOME

5:22 - The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra "Salvation Contradiction" from A Celtic Celebration: The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra

10:07 - Ballinloch "The Man from the Daily Mail" from Rise Up!

12:45 - Mary Beth Carty "Dutch Tea Jigs" from Crossing the Causeway

16:16 - Fire In The Glen "Tha Mi Sgith / Gary Ford / Cailleach a' Ghobhainn" from Cutting Bracken

Tha mi sgith Pronunciation: Haaw mee shgee Cailleach a' Ghobhainn pronunciation: kyle - ach A - Gov - awn

19:45 - FEEDBACK

22:28 - Logical Fleadh "Lark In The Morning/Gold Ring/The Slammer" from Logical Fleadh (17 - Track Album)

Fleadh Pronunciation: Flaah

26:54 - The Out of Kilters "The Big Strong Man" from Hot Potatoes

30:15 - Crow's Nest "Lochanside" from Crow's Nest

35:07 - Clay Babies 'When the Boll Weevil Hit the Cotton" from Philomathea

37:56 - Na Rósaí “Lord Mayo" from First Rain

42:12 - CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS & THANKS

45:05 - Scythian "Fire in My Heart" from Roots & Stones

48:36 - Reilly "Black Velvet Band" from Durty Pool

52:21 - Ryan MacNeil "Cearcall A' Chuin (The Ocean's Circle)" from Shuffle

Cearcall A' Chuin Pronunciation: kee - urkle A  -  queue - inn

55:37 - Bill Grogan's Goat "The Blacksmith" from Third Eye

1:01:34 - CLOSING

1:02:31 - Jen Midkiff (she/her) "She Moved Through the Fair" from Collage

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.

Visit our website to subscribe to the show. You’ll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. You’ll get access to our Best of this Year Playlist. You can subscribe to our Celtic Music Magazine and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you’ll get 7 weekly news items about what’s happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage.

Finally, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.

Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/.

WELCOME CELTOPHILE TO CELTIC MUSIC

* Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I’m a musician and podcaster out of Atlanta, Georgia. This Podcast is here to build our diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast.

You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com.

Do you have the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast app? It’s 100% free. You can listen to hundreds of episodes of the podcast. Download it now.

Hey Celtic Bands, I’m looking for new music and stories in 2023. To submit your band, just complete the permission form at 4celts.com. You’ll also find information on how to submit a story behind one of your songs or tunes.

Get a free Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music eBook. email gift@bestcelticmusic

THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST!

Because of Your kind and generous support, this show comes out four times a month. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion and production of the show. It allows us to attract new listeners and to help our community grow.

As a patron, you get music - only episodes before regular listeners, vote in the Celtic Top 20, and you get a private feed to listen to the show.  All that for as little as $1 per episode.

I sent all of our generous Patrons of the Podcast a free sticker this week. Sign up in February 2023 and you’ll get a free sticker too.

A special thanks to our Celtic Legends: Marti Meyers, Meghan Walker, Dan mcDade, Carol Baril, Miranda Nelson, Nancie Barnett, Kevin Long, Annie Lorkowski, Shawn Cali

HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Go to our Patreon page.

Decide how much you want to pledge every week, $1, $5, $10. Make sure to cap how much you want to spend per month.

Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music.

You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com.

TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos.

In 2023, we’re going on a Celtic Invasion of County Mayo in Ireland. Here are 5 Things You Should Do in County Mayo, Ireland:

Go to Matt Malloy’s Pub in Westport.

Visit Westport House and take a train around town to get to know the history behind the Irish of County Mayo

Hike up Croagh Patrick, This pilgrimage area has a story that St. Patrick himself scaled this mountain and fasted atop it for 40 days way back in 441 AD. It’s definitely a revered site in this area of the country, and can make for a great stop on any trip to the region.

Take a boat out to Clare Island to visit O’Malley Castle, one of the castles owned by the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.

Take pictures all along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

#celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? You can take a screenshot of the podcast on your phone. You can send a written comment along with a picture of what you're doing while listening. Or how about a picture you took of a band that you saw.

How would you like to introduce an episode of the podcast? It’s super easy. Contact me for details.

Email me at celticpodcast@gmail, message me on Facebook, or contact me through Mastodon @celtfather@c.im.

jolena posted on Mastodon: "Marc I love your podcast. I'm totally blind so I'm not able to take a picture of myself and what I'm doing. But whether I'm helping my sister do stuff around the house, or exercising on Thursdays I'm listening to your podcast. Through the podcast I've been able to listen to some great artists that I wouldn't have heard if not for the podcast. God bless and have a great day."

Kellan Allen Arrington commented on Facebook: "I was in the tub! No pictures!"

Margaret Zavala commented on Facebook: "After working outside started the fire and relaxing with a good dram of my favorite scotch . While catching up on the podcast'

Alli Stevick commented on Facebook: "I usually work on art while listening to the podcast! Most recently, I have been doing woodburned (and painted) Hobbit houses.'"

Check out this episode!

[arofili]

week-long fandom events: some tips from a pro

a while ago someone asked for advice for running week-long fandom events, and I thought my thoughts might be useful for other people too!

disclaimer: I am NOT actually a pro, that was just a catchy turn of phrase, lol. however I have run several events for several years, and I’d love to share some of my tips and tricks!

these are tips for tumblr-based events; if you’re running your event on a different site or on multiple sites, this might not be the most applicable to you.

some of these points will also be useful for events outside of the week-long structure, but some will be specific to that structure, as it is the one I am most familiar with!

here we go:

it's really nice to have an event sideblog to organize things; the events I've seen that run on people's main blogs are a little more confusing / hard to promote & follow

make sure you know the most popular tags in your fandom and get your promo posts into those tags! especially for first time events, tag blogs with lots of followers / influence and/or DM them and ask for them to boost the event, even if they're not participating

visual banners will draw in more eyes than posts that are just plain text, so try adding a header to your promo posts

give people enough time to prep for the event. I usually make the first announcement about 2 months before the event, and then schedule regular reminder posts as I get closer to the event. I make a reminder post 1 month out, 1 week out, and 1 day before, and then make sure I'm posting something every day of the event (at least) - the queue function is extremely useful for this, so you don’t forget to post!

themes for each day give people something to plan around / inspire them, I definitely recommend them. I usually just have one theme per day, but I've also seen events that give different themes for different mediums, or a list of themes each day that creators can pick from

have a pinned post with links to important information! this includes prompts, rules, FAQs, a link to an AO3 collection, etc. since blog pages are not accessible on the mobile app, it might be useful to also have post versions of any pages you make, and link to those in your pinned post.

when it comes to FAQs & etc, feel free to look at the pages on any of my event blogs (listed at the bottom of this post) and borrow concepts/phrasing from those if it's helpful for you. if you do this PLEASE credit me, but you are welcome to do so

off-site promos might not be the most wide-reaching, but Discord especially is a good place to draw attention to your event for people who don't track tumblr tags. I know I also post links to my promo posts on Twitter, and I usually catch a couple people there who are like "oh I didn't know that was happening, cool!"

track your event tag AND frequently check your event blog’s activity - tumblr is rotten about notifications, so it’s important to keep an eye on things and make sure you’re not missing any submissions!

reblog every submission to your event to the event blog. this is why the blog is there! this is how you can bost the content for your event and help other people find it! I recommend tagging those reblogs for organization with at least the url of the OP; I will also tag for relevant characters, sometimes relevant ships, and the medium of the post (art, fic, etc), and sometimes which prompt the submission was inspired by. also, I find it useful to tag which year the event takes place so you can track your event’s growth over time.

finally, make sure to participate in your own event; it doesn't have to be every day, but I think it's a little weird if you aren't creating content yourself, even if it's "just" a text post with headcanons or something!

these are all just things I like to do in organizing my events; there are other ways to run things, and you'll figure out your own system as you go on, but I hope this gives you a starting ground!

if anyone has any questions about running an event, I’m happy to give you further advice! send me an ask or a DM with any questions :)

AND check out my event blogs: @finweanladiesweek​ @tolkiengenweek​ @aspecardaweek​ @kilielweek​

happy event planning!

[cafeacademia]

Guardian | Chapter One

Draco Malfoy x Muggleborn!Reader Soulmate AU

Chapter Summary: As you navigate your fifth year at Hogwarts, you reflect on the things that have led you this far and you begin to wonder if your complicated friendship with Draco holds more meaning than you originally anticipated.

Warnings: A little bit of angst, some friendly teasing, mentions of Umbridge’s punishments, description of harm to a student, comfort, fluff.

Word count: Approx 4000 (oopsies)

Masterlist

A/N: Hi loves, here’s the first full part of the series! Please check out the Prologue if you’re new to the series, it gives some general setting up for the story and explains how this soulmate AU works. Enjoy! 💖

Flashbacks are separated using *** and use of the soulmate book is highlighted in italics

Previous Part | Next part

(Gif is my own)

Sitting in the library, Neville was not far from the desk you were sat at as he scoured the shelves for a copy of a book about rare magical properties in plants while you were trying to work on your final Potions essay for the term. “This feels impossible.” You yawned, slouching over your four parchment rolls of completed essay. All you really had to do now was make a conclusion, but your brain was wandering after a few hours of working on your homework and it just wasn’t happening. “That’s incredible.” Neville whispered to himself and you couldn’t help but breathe out a short laugh, looking over your shoulder to see that he was fully engrossed in the book he had pulled off the shelf.

Putting your quill down, you looked down at your hand, eyes trailing over the little bandage wrap you wore over the mark left from the detention you had served the previous evening with Umbridge. It was still sore and it felt very tender, but you tried your best to keep it hidden under the bandage and the sleeve of your school jumper. Slowly, your mind wandered towards what Draco might be up to. You hadn’t spoken to him in months since you had started in your fifth year and you’d had less of desire to do so now that he was in the Inquisitorial Squad. And your thoughts paced back to your fourth year when you had started to share a bit of a friendship with him.

***

“You’re fraternizing with the enemy, you are.” Ron scoffed. “I am not.” You frowned at him. “Oi, shove off would you? I know you don’t like the little git, but he seems to like our girl, isn’t that right George?” Fred asked, looking over your head to his twin who was standing on the other side of you. “That’s right Fred, maybe he’s got a crush on you.” He chuckled, nudging you in the side. “Ah, young love.” Fred sighed, garnering a multitude of reactions between Ron sounding utterly disgusted to Ginny’s amused laughter. “Draco is just being friendly.” You rolled your eyes. “Oh Draco is it now? Not Malfoy anymore eh?” Fred teased.

“He’s such a git, Malfoy’s not worth your time anyway, he’s probably just using you or something.” Ron argued and for once, Hermione gave Ron an agreeing nod. “Besides, since when is Malfoy nice to anyone?” Hermione asked, Fred and George giving each other a look, they were a little more accepting than the others, but with the question raised even the twins wondered if there wasn’t another motivation there.

Sighing, you leaned back against the wall of the quad and glanced over at Neville, who had just been quietly listening to the conversation without saying a word, but the look on his face told you that he felt the same as the rest of your friends. The problem was, while you really, truly valued their opinion and you understood that they were trying to look out for you, albeit with a little tough love on Ron’s end, you knew there was something there between you and Draco but you just couldn’t seem to find the words to describe it.

Was it friendship? Was it some kind of connection deeper than that? Whatever it was, Draco seemed to become a different person around you. He was more genuine, more open, more himself and oddly, you were starting to feel like he really valued your attention and your opinion.

“You shouldn’t be giving him the satisfaction.” Ron went on, Harry now wandering over to join the group and you heaved out a sigh because you knew as soon as he joined in, the two of them would be going on about how much of ‘bloody git’ Draco was. “Give who the satisfaction?” Harry asked. “Malfoy.” Ron replied in a disgruntled tone. “Fine,” You gritted out. “Then I won’t give either of you the satisfaction, Ronald.” You suddenly burst out, everyone looking at you as if you had grown a second head from your sudden outburst. “What’s that ‘sposed to mean?” He asked, a little bewildered.

But as the days passed, your friends started to realise what you had meant by that statement. Your little chats with Draco seemed to have halted entirely, and you didn’t speak a word about your budding friendship with the Slytherin. It was as if you had completely forgotten it had ever happened and your friends were starting to wonder if you were sneaking off to talk to him without any prying eyes, but of course there was no way they could prove it.

You valued their concern, you appreciated it in fact, but stupid or not you couldn’t deny that you felt a pull towards Draco. So you removed all indication that there was any interaction with Draco at all and it became quickly apparent to you, that maybe it was safer to just have a friendship with Draco in secret, especially as you weren’t too fond of the attention that being around the Slytherin Prince brought you.

You couldn’t deny, the secret meetings with Draco felt a little wrong, purely because you knew you’d get an absolute earful from Ron if he ever found out. But you still loved spending time with Draco, because out of everyone you had ever spent time with, Draco seemed to really value your company, be it quiet or more talkative. He seemed to understand when there were days that you just didn’t want to say a lot or you were more shy than usual and he understood that it was okay to enjoy silent company, but he also enjoyed it when you had energetic days and you wanted to chat about whatever came to mind.

***

“Are you listening?” Neville asked, leaning over your chair. “Hm?” You suddenly looked up at him, a little bit startled from being pulled away from your thoughts. “If we don’t hurry up, we’re going to be late for Defence Against the Dark Arts.” Neville warned and you pulled a face of worry before you hurried to pack away your things.

“Thank Merlin.” Neville mumbled as you both practically ran up the stairs to your classroom, seeing that there was a line of students waiting outside of the room, telling you that either you were just on time or Umbridge was late, though you thought the latter to be unlikely when she liked to go on about punctuality so often.

As you joined the line, Draco Malfoy made his way up the stairs, stopping when he reached you and pushed his way into the queue, though he was careful not to push you. And while Neville was busy catching up with Susan Bones who was standing on the other side of him, Draco leaned in and whispered to you.

“Meet me after class?” He asked. “Promise no funny business, just you and me.” He murmured and you tentatively glanced up at him. “This isn’t about you know what, is it?” You asked quietly. Draco knew what you were referring to. He knew you would be worried that he might try and pry some information out of you about the DA. Checking from side to side with a quick look, he held up his hand in front of you and pointed his ring finger at you. “I promise, it’s just like our old chats.” He whispered, glancing down to see you smiling, realising he was attempting a pinky promise. “Alright, but you’re using the wrong finger.” You had to refrain from giggling and instead, you shyly hid your smile as best as you could. Hesitantly you raised your hand, almost too shy to even touch him, but you pulled his little finger free and linked it with your own. “Sorry, I always forget which finger it is, muggle promises are strange.” Draco mumbled.

It wasn’t long before Umbridge finally poked her head out of the classroom and invited everyone in.

Draco sighed as he slouched down in his chair with his arms crossed in the drier than normal Defence Against the Dark Arts class. Umbridge was particularly boring to listen to as she droned on about a test you’d all be taking soon.

Instead, his focus was trained on the notebook that peeked out of the top of his bag that sat under his desk. He wished he could pick the book up and leaf through the pages, idly reading your handwriting, take in your thoughts and feelings and remind himself of days before now. Sometimes Draco wished that he could outright approach you and tell you that it was him, that he was your soulmate, but really that would be quite a bad move.

Draco wasn’t even sure if he’d be able to actually tell you, perhaps there was something that would prevent him from doing so or some sort of consequence and he was especially wary of this since his fourth year at Hogwarts when Pansy Parkinson had involved herself.

***

“What is that tatty old thing anyway? And why do you always brandish it about like a... a trophy or something?” She had asked with a judgemental edge to her tone, stealing it right out of Draco’s lap. The boy had nearly thrown himself across the common room at her as she hurried off with it. “I bet it’s a diary.” She giggled to herself. “Yeah, or he keeps secrets in there.” Crabbe added as he joined her. “That’s what a diary is, you dolt.”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Draco stormed towards the pair of them, his heart racing with fear as he watched Pansy teasingly open the cover of the book. However, much to Pansy’s surprise and even more so to Draco’s, there wasn’t a single word, not a single drop of ink, no markings, nothing. The book was completely empty. “You really carry around an empty book?” Pansy questioned, sceptical with her upper lip curled in disappointment. “What did you expect, my heartfelt feelings?” Draco scoffed, his tone cold and sarcastic as he snatched the book back from her, trying not to appear too hurt that his book had been handled roughly. “I’m to keep it safe. Father sent it to me.” Draco lied through his teeth, but thankfully, his lies were hard to detect, even for someone who knew Draco’s tactics to uphold his image and Pansy just pulled an expression that told him that she thought it was weird.

***

But now, as he sat in class, Draco could still see the small dent in the leather cover that Pansy had caused when she’d roughly stolen it from his grasp. He was still angry about it even a year later, perhaps it was irrational to be so annoyed about damage to a book, but this was special and he remembered how very upset he had felt that someone other than him had held the book. It was precious, vulnerable and he treasured it.

But it wasn’t just the book that he treasured. No, what he considered to be more important, more precious and something truly wonderful in every aspect was you. Which was why he had started to slowly distance himself from you. But as Draco looked up to see you sitting a few rows ahead of him in the middle of the classroom, the thing that reminded him of why he wanted to see you peeked out from under your jumper sleeve. Your hand was bandaged and Draco was quite angry with himself, because the night before when you had unknowingly written to him in your book and told him that a teacher had hurt you during detention, Draco had immediately known what it meant and he was livid.

“Attention, mister Malfoy.” Umbridge practically shrieked across the classroom, slamming her hand down onto the front desk, disturbing the Friday afternoon gloom and making everyone in the room jump at her sudden raised voice before she gave him a forced smile. Draco lazily sat up in his seat, eyes flitting to you every time Umbridge turned away to write or point at something on the blackboard as his mind wandered throughout the rest of the lesson.

When the class finally came to an end and Professor Umbridge excused you all to enjoy the rest of your Friday evening, Draco left the classroom and leaned against the wall outside until the very last person left the room.

Draco gave you a subtle smile before he very quickly peeked around the doorframe to see that Umbridge was climbing the stairs to her office before he turned to look at you and give you a proper smile. “I’m so sorry it’s been months, it’s bloody difficult with her around, it’s like she’s everywhere.” Draco sighed, rolling his eyes as he pushed away from the wall and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I understand, everyone is on high alert at the moment.” You replied in a quiet tone, almost too afraid to speak up as Draco began to walk you down the stairs, having avoided the eyes of all of your classmates and hopefully any spying caretakers too.

You were anxious to be spending time with Draco after all of this time. Especially as now he was part of the Inquisitorial Squad and part of you was afraid that your friends had been right last year. What if he did try to use you? But Draco had not yet betrayed your trust and you firmly believed in giving him the benefit of the doubt, you just hoped you weren’t doing it at your own expense.

“Come, we can talk in here.” Draco stepped into a hidden little alcove that was behind a statue at the side of the staircase. It was unlikely anyone would stop long enough to be able to hear you both talking and no one could see you hidden around the corner either.

“Was she hard on you yesterday?” Draco whispered his eyes softening as he watched you give him a little nod. “Yeah, a little.” You replied. “How did you know?” You queried, shyly looking up at him. “Pansy told me she caught you and Neville yesterday.” He explained and you just gave him a little nod. It wasn’t an outright lie, Pansy had told him she’d caught some students, but she never said who, it was only until you confided in your soulmate that it had happened that he knew you must have been in the group that Parkinson had caught. He watched as you slowly lifted your hand and pulled up your jumper sleeve to show him the bandage.

“Can I see?” Draco asked softly, gently taking your hand into both of his, holding you so softly like he was afraid he could hurt you with just his tender touch. You nodded, Draco leaning down to catch the way your eyes seemed to be filled with shame and you glanced at him, only for a second with a watery gaze.

Slowly and as carefully as he could, Draco unwrapped your bandage, reading the words that had been carved into your hand. “Oh love, I’m sorry, I should have been there to stop it from happening.” Draco sounded like he was scolding himself as he apologised, the emotions reaching his eyes as they swam deep in worry.

“It’s alright, I knew I’d end up in detention with her eventually.” You sighed, watching as Draco gently held your hand in his. He couldn’t lie and say it didn’t make his stomach turn horribly. It sickened him to no end and part of the reason he had joined the Inquisitorial Squad in the first place was with the hopes that he might be able to protect you better from that position. Not that he would let on to that, though.

“Does it hurt still?” He asked. “It still stings a bit and it’s sore.” You told him, your eyes saddened as you looked down at the writing you had tried so hard to conceal all day, not just because you were ashamed of what Umbridge had done, but because you simply could not bear to look at it. Would it always be there? You wondered if it would serve as a constant reminder and you hoped that with time that it would fade, but you couldn’t help the worry that sat deep in your stomach that the mark would remain long after healing and you hoped at the very least, that it would not make your stomach turn every time you looked at it.

“I’m so sorry.” Draco sighed, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to the back of your hand, his eyes looking up to meet yours as you let a shy, watery smile take over. You hoped not to cry, but Umbridge and her punishment was still very fresh in your mind and you felt a horrible chill roll through you whenever you thought of it. Merlin only knew how you had managed to make it through your lesson with her without it affecting you terribly.

“I’m so sorry I haven’t been here, but I’m here now.” Draco whispered it so quietly as he pulled you against his side. He hated that he couldn’t promise it wouldn’t happen again. Draco hated that he couldn’t stop Umbridge from hurting you and part of him hated himself for how weak he was for you. Did you find it strange that he was so apologetic? That he was almost loving towards you? But the worry seemed to slip from his mind when he felt you lean against him. It was moments like this that made Draco question himself. He questioned if he should continue to create distance between you, or if keeping you close was easier to keep you safe. And he questioned things like if he should find a way to help you realise that he was your soulmate like he had worked out two years ago. But he was afraid. Draco was starting to feel like that was beginning to be all too common for him to feel these days as things became more intense. The pressure from his father to do increasingly worse things that simply did not align with Draco’s morals was enough to twist his mind and now with working under Umbridge, he hoped it did not skew his true alignment and morality. It was this that he was fighting so hard to keep, because it was the one thing he could control when everyone else was insistent on pushing him into the directions they wanted him to go in.

What you didn’t know though, was that your friendship, his connection with you was more than just that to Draco. When he was around you, he didn’t feel like he had to cling on to who he was and put a mask on. He could just be himself and it relieved some of the tension and the fear.

But the question begged itself again. Am I too close to her?

“You know, Draco.” You broke the silence, the Slytherin humming in response, prompting you to continue. “Sometimes I feel like I’ve known you for years.” You told him. And while it was somewhat true, you had known him since you both had started Hogwarts, you never really knew him until recently. Without even knowing what lay deeper in your connection to Draco, you could feel something there, you felt drawn to him.

That’s because you have, he thought. “I know what you mean. I’ve felt the same too.” Draco replied with a soft smile, only he really did know what you meant, more than you did and he wished he could tell you.

“We should go.” Draco spoke, almost in a regretful tone as he carefully and gently bandaged your hand back up. He hated that he had so little time with you, but he was thankful at least, that you were not against spending time with him. Stepping forwards, Draco checked the stairwell. “There’s no one around.” He reassured you. “See you soon.” Draco smiled sweetly at you. “I hope so.” You nodded, mirroring his smile before you stepped out of the alcove and made your way down the stairs quickly, Draco waiting several minutes before leaving, just in case.

The end of term was on it’s final stretch with one last exam to sit the following Monday for Defence Against the Dark Arts. But as the weekend came, you decided to spend at least some of it with the person you’d not been able to see nearly all year.

“Can I ask you something?” You broke the silence, Draco glancing over at you from his spot on the grass. You were both sat down by the lake, hidden by a bit of overgrown foliage and rocks. It was a part near the shore of the lake that not many people went to and it was perfect for spending a private moment with someone. “What is it?” He asked as he reached up to push his hair to the side.

“You’ll think it’s ridiculous.” You sighed, fiddling with the book that sat closed in your lap. “Nothing you say is ever ridiculous.” Draco said, looking over at you with a sweet smile and you felt yourself warm at his words. “Well in that case,” You paused, looking out over the horizon of the lake. “Do you believe in soulmates?” You posed the question as if you were terrified he’d tell you it was utter rubbish, but when you heard him give you a little hum as he thought about it, Draco leaned over a little, resting his hand on your arm to get your attention.

Meeting his gaze, his blue eyes softened when he saw how nervous you looked and he wondered if someone had told you that it was all an old wives tale.

You seemed to become more shy under his touch and Draco smiled to himself, feeling that it was sweet that you seemed to get so flustered whenever he touched you, even though it had very rarely happened.

“I do, I believe in soulmates.” He reassured you. Draco wanted, with every fibre of his being to show you his book, to tell you everything. But he didn’t. “Did someone tell you it was...” He trailed off. “Stupid? Yeah.” You huffed out. “Do you think there’s someone out there for us?” You asked, relaxing a little as Draco leaned down to gently grip your hand.

“I know there is.” Draco smiled softly.

Sometimes I wonder if I already know you, you wrote. Perhaps we do know each other, but we won’t know until we reach the end of this book, he wrote only moments later. The trundle of the train rolling over the tracks began to lull you into a sleepy state as you sat in a mostly empty carriage on the Hogwarts Express. It was the end of term and while too much had really happened for you to fully compartmentalize and process it all yet, you took solace in knowing that you could figuratively lean on your soulmate for comfort.

You told him everything you felt, almost like a journal and in turn he did the same. He detailed his thoughts, his feelings and he came to you when his day had been too much, but neither of you were too specific. You wished you knew who he was so that you could give him physical comfort, so you could both lean on each other and you wished for this even more so now that you started to wonder if you already knew him.

I promise I’ll write to you as often as I can. You scribbled it down into the book. But there came no answer. And days after you had arrived in London and returned home for the holidays, there was still no response.

If only Draco could tell you what had happened. If only he could write to you and explain it all from beginning to end. But he had no idea if he could, because his only way of communicating with you was no longer in his possession.

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[vassar177]

Cause for Concern

All kinds of people pass through karaoke bars, it just so happens that Nie Mingjue recognizes someone this time. And it's a bit concerning.

Or, the one where Nie Mingjue works at a karaoke house and Jiang Cheng sings through the five stages of grief.

This was a prompt request from the highly relatable @niebruvsky on twitter. Enjoy!

~ Ao3 link here ~

---

Saturday nights are always the worst.

People of all ages come in and out with the most ridiculous requests; ranging from the mild "can I get your number?”; to the slightly unreasonable but still entertaining "sing this song with us youngin’”; right up to the wholly intolerable “please do this stupid internet trend so I can record you for clout.” 

All waiting for him to have some extraordinary reaction when the only thing he really wants to do is go home.

The only reason even works a lousy job at the karaoke house is because it was the only place with a part-time, overnight shift that would accept him once they saw his tattoos.

His normal bodyguard job doesn’t care too much since he wears a suit most of the time- and his strength is the only thing that matters anyway- but apparently, convenience stores are still a bit picky about these things.

And someone needs to help pay for the rest of Huaisang’s schooling. They can’t keep relying on their parents’ inheritance; three major changes only to drop out and end up in a technical school isn’t particularly cheap. Nie Mingjue groans as he stretches his arms.

He was lucky today.

His coworkers immediately noticed he was in no mood to entertain and put him on desk duty, which isn’t particularly interesting. But it does come in handy sometimes.

Like when your brother’s friend mindlessly walks in, eyes cast down avoiding all contact and reserves a booth indefinitely.

Nie Mingjue looks down at the queue one last time before finally making his decision. The dial tone rings four times.

“A-sang.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line, one that tells Nie Mingjue exactly where his younger brother is. The pounding bass, the in and out warping of synths, the much too loud droning of a distorted singer.

Nie Mingjue adds ‘pick up a shitfaced Huaisang’ to his mental checklist.

“Da-ge, what’s up?”

Nie Mingjue can barely hear him. “What’s your friend’s name?”

“Da-ge, you’re gonna have to be more specific than that.”

Nie Mingjue sighs, looking down onto the music queue for room 304. There are two more songs added. “The pretty one that’s always angry.”

“Jiang Cheng?” A few odd sounds filter through the phone and suddenly all the noise Nie Mingjue had been hearing is muffled close to nothing. His voice echoes when he speaks next, “why? Is something wrong? Is he okay?”

“I think he’s cycled through every emotion possible within the last four hours. He’s ordered seven Tequila Sunrises and is currently singing Whitney Houston.”

Nie Mingjue will silently admit the kid has good taste, after he confirms whether or not he needs to stage an intervention.

Now it’s Nie Huaisang’s turn to sigh. Which is never a good thing.

“He’s had...a rough week.” Nie Huaisang gives, ambiguous as always, but Nie Mingjue has all the information he needs.

He may not be the best with faces, but he certainly remembers names and ‘Jiang Cheng’ makes a frequent appearance in his brother’s rants.

“He’s taking your bed though.” Nie Mingjue hangs up before Nie Huaisang can fully vocalize his outraged squawk.

The clock shines a bright 2:17 am and he figures he can leave early for once.

Packing his things doesn’t take long, his bag had stayed with him since he hadn’t been required to get into uniform today. Making his way to room 304, Nie Mingjue braces himself for whatever he’s about to walk into.

He can hear the muted sounds of what he thinks is a power ballad and a very sad tambourine through the door.

What he opens the door to isn’t all that different from what he heard, actually.

Jiang Cheng is sitting at the edge of one of the sofas with what seems to be nine empty glasses beside him. He looks like a startled deer, pupils dilated by the new stream of light pouring into the small room, hand still poised to hit his tambourine, mouth still poised to sing the next lyric.

His eyes are red and puffy and he’s got tear stains running down his cheeks.

The lights from the karaoke machine continue to bounce around the room as they stare at each other in silence and Nie Mingjue ignores the voice in his head that tells him he wasn’t lying when he said “pretty” earlier.

He does listen to the voice that tells him that this is his brother’s friend, though, who probably really needs some food and water right about now.

“Can you stand?”

Speaking breaks whatever trance Jiang Cheng was in as he blinks furiously to adjust his eyes. It doesn’t do anything to curb the confusion. Nie Mingjue can see him trying to mentally put the puzzle together despite none of the pieces fitting.

Especially since Jiang Cheng hadn’t even noticed Nie Mingjue when he paid at the front desk earlier.

Making his way towards the other, Nie Mingjue squats down in front of him, shifting his work bag and offering his back. He throws a light “A-sang asked me to check up on you” over his shoulder for clarity’s sake.

Something must finally click in Jiang Cheng’s mind because he climbs onto Nie Mingjue’s back without further prodding.

He gets a few odd looks as he leaves the building through the employee entrance but other than that, no one complains when he clocks out early.

The walk is quiet.

Nie Mingjue doesn’t speak and Jiang Cheng certainly doesn’t say anything.

He would almost think he had fallen asleep if not for the slight grumble that comes from the other’s stomach, and the weak “sorry” that accompanies it.

Right, food and water.

Locating a nearby convenience store isn’t difficult, not when there’s one on every block, so he deposits Jiang Cheng outside while he goes in to pay.

He thinks he remembers Huaisang complaining about Jiang Cheng’s tastes when drunk, something about coffee milk doesn’t even taste good, and really? A whole-ass sweet potato?

Nie Mingjue doesn’t think too much of it as he picks the items up along with a few other miscellaneous foods and drinks, but looking back, it might come off as a bit weird if someone who is by all means a stranger were to know your exact food preferences.

Or at least that’s the vibe he’s getting from Jiang Cheng as he looks back and forth between the food and Nie Mingjue in confusion.

He eats it anyway.

Nie Mingjue pulls out his phone in the meantime, sends Huaisang some money to take a cab home because he’s obviously not going to be able to pick him up, and sips at one of the drinks he got.

It’s much too sweet for his tastes but it’s better than the soda they have stocked at the karaoke bar. The carbonation always hurts, setting off his nerves and staying much longer than welcomed. He’ll leave the other bottle for Huaisang when he gets home.

It’s the sound of slurping that informs him that Jiang Cheng has finished. His eyes are more focussed now at least, and when he stands there’s no indication he’ll fall.

“I can still carry you if you need,” Nie Mingjue offers anyway, he’s used to it after all.

But with sobriety comes clarity, and with clarity often comes shame, so he’s not surprised by the choked “no thank you” that rushes out of the other’s mouth.

They walk in silence once more, the only difference being what was once halfway to comfortable, is now stifling.

Nie Mingjue can feel anxiety and guilt and self-deprecation radiating off the other in waves. It’s so bad that he's even starting to feel self-conscious.

The clicking of Jiang Cheng’s nails as he plays with them echoes off the walls at a steady pace and Nie Mingjue realizes he doesn’t think he can last the fifteen minutes it will take for them to reach his apartment.

“Celine Dion, huh.” It was the thing that stuck out to him most as he watched Jiang Cheng queue up song after song.

The clicking stops for a moment and Nie Mingjue has to glance over, wondering if his attempt to change the mood worked any. He does not expect the scoff that comes.

“Celine Dion is a legend and an icon, I take no criticism.”

Well then.

Nie Mingjue tries to bite back a smile at the response. Jiang Cheng seems more like himself now than he has all night- or the version of himself that Nie Mingjue has crafted based on stories from Huaisang- and to think it would be because of Celine Dion.

Humming a bit to himself, Nie Mingjue thinks of how many times Jiang Cheng has felt the need to defend himself over something as inconsequential as his taste in music, and it doesn’t sit well with him.

“It wasn’t a criticism,” is what he manages to say after a few long seconds. “I think it’s rather impressive actually, that those are the songs you’ve managed to hit the top of the leader board with.”

And it’s true. Nie Mingjue hasn’t seen someone score a 95 on a Celine Dion song the entire time he’s worked at the house. Although to be fair, not many have even attempted to sing her songs.

“The what?”

“The leader board, it’s posted right when you walk in. By the time I left the front desk your room had taken up seven of the top ten slots.” Nie Mingjue glances over again and Jiang Cheng seems genuinely surprised. He continues, “You must have some serious skill. I only know My Heart Will Go On and A-sang told me I sounded like a cow giving birth.”

Jiang Cheng barks out a startled laugh, looking at him in disbelief. “That can’t be true.”

Oh, but it very much can be. So Nie Mingjue demonstrates.

It’s made worse by the fact that they're walking down a narrow street, the sound echoing off buildings and walls to further enhance the cacophony. It lasts seconds after Nie Mingjue has already finished and Jiang Cheng’s eyes are blown wide. He’s staring down the street as if he can actually see the discordant notes bouncing around.

He has never argued when Huaisang has said that Nie Mingjue is where all things music and art go to die.

“Oh my god.”

Nodding along, Nie Mingjue can’t help but agree.

“Oh my god,” Jiang Cheng repeats, borderline hysterical but still managing to keep it together somehow. Until someone shouts from their window-

“What the fuck was that?”

-and all hope is lost.

Jiang Cheng doubles over, laughter escaping his chest as he clutches onto Nie Mingjue for stability. Even Nie Mingjue finds the timing of it all quite funny, chuckling to himself lightly.

By the time Jiang Cheng actually calms down, there are tears streaming down his face, but it’s contrasted with a flush that comes with delight not despair, and a cheeky smile that brightens his entire face.

Jiang Cheng is wiping his tears, involuntary chuckles making their way back up every few seconds, and still clutching onto Nie Mingjue’s arm for support.

It’s a much better slight than the one he had walked in on. Nie Mingjue decides to make it his mission to see this look as often as possible.

Even if it means he has to embarrass himself here and there.

---

Jiang Cheng does not end up in Nie Huaisang's bed, but that's only because he and Nie Mingjue pass out on the couches after getting through the door. Nie Huaisang has pictures and a smug grin when Nie Mingjue finally wakes up.

Thank you all for reading, I hope you found it a least a bit enjoyable! 

[brettyimages]

I should have posted a diary after Kingston bc now I've forgotten everything that's ever happened aside from What Am I Without You last night

An attempt:

- worked my shift, saw people outside Pryzm when I went to work, got back and was 32 in the queue, met old and new friends. Carrie pushed me into 2nd row when we got in, I was right behind a v tall man so couldn't see the stage but I know he films the whole show for YouTube so I can watch it back forever. Suede played a mix of Autofiction and other post-reunion classics. During IDK How To Reach You Brett came onto the barrier and I got to put my arm round him while he leaned over us for a chorus. Afterwards hung around outside til the band left, back to the hotel to hear the album for the first time before bed.

London: got a morning train and found Rough Trade just after noon, 14 in the queue. Hung around in the shop for the afternoon, got album cover badges from Sam and tried to set up a streaming event but ended up just adding everyone as friends by mistake. Queued outside and saw the band arrive, got to 2nd row at the far end in front of Neil. The ladies in front of me had saved Angela a barrier spot which she gave to me so I was last on the left on the barrier. The front and side barriers weren't linked together which made me wonder as Brett had crowdwalked for Life Is Golden in Kingston. They played all of Autofiction (except Quiet Ones which they dropped), Brett couldn't get to my side of the room because of the keyboards but I got a great view of them all, I almost never see Simon and he was close! As they started What Am I Without You Brett hopped down and let himself in through the gap to stand right beside me and sing the first verse, everyone around me filmed as I just gazed at him and pressed my hand against his side. As he walked into the centre I touched his hair, watched him hugging people he knew. For the second verse he made his way back and I held my hand out to help pull him back to the barrier, he grabbed my hand, looked me straight in the eyes and sang the line 'what am I without you?' while I sang it back to him. The most intense, magical moment. They ended with "really old song" Starts and Ends then I had to queue for the signing, absorbing what had just happened. I've done a separate post about the signing but all five of them were wonderful and I had the best time.

On to Leeds now for the third and final night of the album release tiny show tour, I don't know how they're going to top last night though...