#improvement from last year aye?!

[thinkingnot]

LOOK ITS HIM!!!

Techno birthday card! :D

(techno birthday art comin’ around 4th of June)

[formulawolff]

i. alkaline - t.w.

pairing: female driver! x toto wolff

word count: 2.7k

warnings: cursing, significant age-gap, power imbalances, slow burn, eventual smut, inappropriate work relationships, mentions of infidelity, drug/alcohol use, use of common fic tropes

synopsis: as the first american female driver for formula one, you are thrust into the competitive world of racing. when you are approached by a team principal willing to make a deal, you presented with the opportunity of a lifetime.

author's note: this is my first f1 related fic, so i may have made some errors in terminology. the title is based on the song alkaline by sleep token. i recommend listening while reading! please, please, please let me know if you like the fic! i plan on making this my first f1 series :')

racing was never in the cards. 

well, racing a nearly 1,800 pound car was never in the cards. 

especially at speeds reaching two hundred miles an hour. 

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

yet, here you were, shaking james’ hand, beaming as the cameras flashed. there were a flurry of voices, all of them nearly trembling with excitement, relief, and well, hope. if you were able to accomplish eighth place today, what did that mean for the future of williams racing? 

would williams be a sizable contender for the 2025 constructors’ championship? would they be able to squash the disbelief? the doubts? hell, if you kept this up, there was a chance that you could get williams into the top ten of the 2024 championship. 

were you what they had been missing for so long? 

were you the key to their future success?

“great job,” james’ voice is nearly hoarse, more than likely from all of the celebration, “you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about you.” 

“probably nothing great,” you scoff, rolling your eyes slightly, “i’m sure that everyone is claiming i didn’t deserve it.” 

“quite the contrary,” a chuckle bubbles up from his throat, “they all adore you.” 

“was it because i gave the camera the finger?” 

“no,” there is a slight twinkle in his eyes, quite the contrary from what you were used to, “they love you because you’re you. there is no one in this sport who is quite like you.

there’s an authenticity that cannot be replaced. it’s obvious you have a true passion for racing. it shows on the track. good job, today.” 

heat flourished into your cheeks, tears welling up at james’ words. after years of being ridiculed by team principals, attacked by fans, and bashed by the media, praise was something to be cherished. it was always welcomed warmly, your heart swelling as james brought you in for a sweaty embrace. 

“thank you, james,” the words are slightly muffled as he squeezes you gently, “you know how much that means to me. thank you for believing in me.”

“of course,” james murmurs, rubbing your back ever so slightly, “great job, american girl. you deserve this. go do some interviews, flash that beautiful grin of yours, and then get some rest. you need it.”

“no partying?” you arch your brow, “i think i deserve a drink or two.”

“maybe a little bit,” another chuckle rings out, “i just don’t want to see any press about it in the morning. that’s the last thing we need after our victory today.”

“right, right,” you nod your head, saluting the principal, “aye, aye captain.”

“it’s principal,” james shoots you a wink before turning to several engineers, the group getting swept away into the chaos. 

no matter how well the team did, there was always chaos after a race. it was typical, routine even. there was always the pit crew cleaning up, shouting to one another as the fans trickled out of the stands. engineers milled about, tablets in hand, murmuring to one another, pointing out aspects of the car that needed improvement. there was always some piece of the car that could be adjusted, a slight tweak or advancement. it could make the car faster, or it could only lead to inevitable disaster. 

exhaling, you stroll out of the paddock, the dread of facing the press weighing down every step. 

you could turn around, and hide in the paddock. 

however, this was part of being a driver. simply a requirement of the job. press was an essential aspect of formula one. how else would the world know how you felt after that race? how else would information about driver contracts, car modifications, disqualifications be shared?

how else would the world have known about the first american female formula in formula one?  

you had to at least thank the press for that. 

even if it was shared before your official announcement that you were joining williams racing for the 2023 racing season. 

“there she is!” a voice calls out, light and airy. 

the corners of your lips tug into a smile as you see daniel ricciardo jogging towards you. before you know it, his arms are wrapping around your frame, holding you tight. he’s sweaty, per usual, but you accept the gesture, suppressing a giggle as he sways you back and forth. 

“i knew you could do it! i knew you could do it!”

“don’t puncture her lungs, please,” another voice chimes in, “i would like to keep her around, you know.”

daniel releases you promptly, placing a swift peck on your cheek, “no need to fret alex. i’m not that mighty.”

“i’m more worried about contracting any diseases from the land down under,” scrunching your nose, you wave your fingers at daniel, earning yet another laugh from the australian. 

“the only disease you’d contract are my insanely good looks.”

“here we go again,” alex rolls his eyes, “are we ready to face the press or what?”

“i think so,” daniel shrugs, “go ahead, alex. we’ll follow you.”

alex shoots you an inquiring glance, but begins to walk in the direction of the conference room. once he was a reasonable distance away, daniel clears his throat. 

“someone seemed a little jealous.”

“i wouldn’t say jealous,” you can’t help but defend alex, “he’s probably a little bitter.”

“fifteenth place is nowhere as good as eighth,” daniel points out, the notes in his tone solemn, “he’s been there a few years and seen subpar results. you came in last year and have pretty damn good ones. i’m sure he can’t help but feel a little bit of envy.” 

“maybe he just had a bad race.”

“you say that every–” daniel begins, but he’s swiftly cut off as you pull open the door to the conference room. 

all around, cameras flash, reporters chirp out questions, and phones are immediately pointed in your direction. sucking in a deep breath, you settle on the couch next to daniel, max verstappen across from you. he shoots you a thumbs up, complemented with a wide smile. alex was on your right, fiddling a loose thread. 

confusion consumes you momentarily once you realize that max was the only one from the podium to remain in the conference room. checo and carlos were not present. so why was he still here? 

daniel passes you the mic, placing it on your lap. a shit-eating grin plasters his face, and you grimace. of course he was going to make you speak first. hesitantly, you pick up the mic, clearing your throat. 

“hello, everyone. any questions?”

immediately a reporter butts in, “how does it feel to not only be one of the only women competing in formula one, but the first american woman to place in a race?”

your hand tingles as you hold up the mic, trembling slightly. public speaking was never your forte. fuck you, daniel. 

“w-well,” you curse yourself for stuttering, “i take a lot of pride in the way i compete, especially as such a trailblazer for women who love the sport. i’m aware that there is a lot of unrest and outcry concerning my gender and how i’m not ‘supposed’ to be competing with the men–”

“i think she’s a worthy opponent,” max’s voice interjects, “she competes at the same intensity as we do, if not more. she is going to be standing next to me on a podium in a matter of weeks. i’ve never met someone so driven to win or passionate about the sport. 

we pay no attention to her gender. it doesn’t affect us. we pay attention to her character. i do not want to speak for her, but i am sure she would appreciate it if you all refrained from the gender based questions. ask her about the race.”

as he finishes speaking, his eyes drift back to you, sparkling ever so slightly. his cheeks were tinged a pink hue from the passionate sentiment, and you couldn’t help but just sit there, frozen with disbelief. 

max verstappen, three time world champion, one of the best drivers to ever step foot on a formula one track, publicly praised you. in a room full of journalists, no less. 

sure, you were friendly with max. since there were only twenty drivers, most of you were close, on and off the grid. you had exchanged numerous conversations with max over the last year, but you were still a little intimidated by the dutch driver. 

of course, who wouldn’t be? he was a dominant force on the track, winning nineteen of the twenty-two races last season. 

so yeah, when he just did nothing but send you the uttermost praise in a room bustling with the press, you were going to a little starstruck.

“do you have any additional remarks to maxs’ comments?” a reporter snaps you out of your trance, “you appear to be a little off-put by what he just said.”

blinking, you bring the mic to your lips, “no, i actually appreciate what he said. maybe that means you guys will finally take me seriously.”

“are you under the impression that formula one does not take you seriously?”

as the reporter baits you to respond, a twinge of frustration brews in your stomach, churning it into a knot. sucking in a sharp breath, you focus your attention to the reporter. 

“no, that is not what i said. it is the simple fact that i have been working my ass off this last year to be a competitive racer. i’ve worked tirelessly with williams racing to place. i’ve been trying to earn points for my team because i believe in my team and i want us to succeed. yet nearly every day i wake up, someone on social media posts some bullshit or bashes me for competing. 

i’ve been making a name for myself, and look where it has gotten me. you all are more concerned about my gender than the race i just had. i think it’s a bit frivolous to be more invested in my gender than my racing. so yeah, when the three time world champion says something good about me, i would hope that you guys listen to it.”

there’s a few gasps from a few reporters, and you can’t help but notice all of the beady red lights on the cameras. of course that was all recorded. of course it was going to be blasted all over social media these next couple of days. 

so much for good press. 

setting down the mic, you lean over to daniel. the words are low enough so that only he can hear, “i’m done here.”

“i don’t blame you,” the aussie plucks the mic out of your hands, “get out of here. cool down. i’m sorry about that prick.”

“don’t worry about it,” you mutter, cheeks burning hot with sheer anger, “i’m leaving before i cuss them all out.”

“atta girl,” daniel winks, “i’d like to see that, though.”

“not now,” you bite your lip, “i need to bite my tongue.”

as you get up, max’s gaze is full of sympathy. alex’s mouths, i’m so sorry, disappointment painting his features. walking across the stage, daniel’s words drown in your ears. 

balling your fists together, the tingly sensation resides as you march towards your motorhome. tears blur your vision, strings of curses filling the air as you walk. after that little incident in the press room, james was not going to be happy. of course, after everything you accomplished today, it was diminished somehow. 

by an asshole reporter, at that. 

flinging open the door to the motorhome, you resist the urge to just scream. it would not help much, but god would it be cathartic. however, there were more important things to be addressed. you needed to decompress and settle down. 

as much as you wanted to celebrate with a few drinks, a shower, some comfy clothes, and your bed were more appealing. 

maybe a glass of wine in bed wouldn’t hurt. 

as you unzip your fire suit, a knock at the door disturbs the silence. 

shit. just as you were finally getting settled. 

groaning, you spin on your heel, making your way to the door. 

“daniel, i swear to fucking god. i don’t want to talk right now–”

however, it was not daniel standing at the entrance of your motorhome. 

before you was torger wolff, also known as toto wolff, team principal of mercedes-amg petronas. 

donning a white team button-up, the sleeves were rolled to his elbows, showcasing his muscular build. inky black slacks were on his lower half, making him appear taller than he already was. fluffy brunette hair stood up on nearly all ends, messy from the stress and chaos of the race.

however, there was no denying he was handsome. with sharp, angular features, and wrinkles scoured in his face over the years, it gave him a powerful yet stoic aura. 

like his name suggested, he was like a wolf, poised and eager to pounce.

yet, you were more focused on his eyes. a brilliant, warm, mocha-hued gaze framed by thick, dark lashes. and they were peering right at you, taking in the sight of you in your half-zipped fire suit, a black long sleeve underneath. 

your eyes widen, a hand covering your mouth. sheer embarrassment courses through you, heat flooding your cheeks, trickling down your neck, “i – oh my god. um, oh my god, i am so fucking sorry.”

clearing his throat, he arches a brow, “did i come at a bad time?”

“no,” you shake your head, perhaps a little quickly, “no, no, no. please, come in. how rude of me.”

there is no readable expression across the austrian’s features, his lips pucking ever so slightly, “it won’t be long, i promise.”

swallowing a lump in your throat, you step back, inviting the principal in to the motorhome. you lead him to the kitchen, gesturing to a barstool, “you can sit here if you’d like.”

he glances at the stool, yet does not sit. your brows furrow as he remains standing. leaning against a counter, you fold your arms across your chest. 

“is there a reason you stopped by?”

“as you know,” toto begins, “lewis is leaving mercedes after the 2024 season. he will be joining ferrari in 2025. to put it simply, i am on the hunt for my second driver.”

your lips purse, “i’m not sure why you came to me. you would have better luck with carlos. he’s looking for a team. i made a verbal commitment to james. i’ll be staying with williams through 2026.”

“is that so?” toto inquires, taking a step towards you, “and why are you choosing to stay with a team that limits your potential?”

the question takes you aback, “i’m not sure you what mean.”

rolling his eyes, he tuts, “williams racing is nowhere as near as competitive of a team as ferrari, redbull, mclaren, or mercedes. for years they’ve been piddling around, finishing at the bottom of the championship. yes, their drivers are talented, but they are not given opportunities to thrive.”

his comment sends another wave of anger coursing through you, your fists balling at your sides, “you have no idea what you’re talking about–”

“actually, i do. i’ve been around a long time. i’ve seen a lot more than you ever have. james is a great team principal, but you are not going to compete if you stay at williams. eventually, you’ll be like alex. you’ll finish with mediocre results. you’ll lose faith in the team who you once cherished so deeply. you’ll be ridiculed even more by the world of formula one, even more so than you already are.”

gritting your teeth, you take a step forward, “i think it’s time for you to leave.”

“what?” toto cocks his head, “did i say something you didn’t want to hear, little dove? did i strike a chord?”

“i think you’re just projecting,” you maintain your composure as the principal scoffs, “that’s exactly what happened to lewis, and you’re afraid it’s going to happen to george.”

“you’re a smart girl,” it takes a moment for you to realize how close the two of you had suddenly gotten.

he was in very close proximity now, only a few inches apart, looking down at you with a wickedly smug grin, “and i know that you’re very aware that formula one is a business. i have to maintain the mercedes reputation and acquire a driver who will bring us home podiums.” 

“i think you’ll have that luck with carlos,” breaking away, your gaze settles on the door of the motorhome. 

fingers grasp your chin, tilting your head upwards. 

“but i want you to drive for mercedes. i want to make you a world champion.”

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖✩₊˚.⋆

please let me know if you would like to be tagged! thank you for reading! <3

[theealbatross]

Sebastian Sallow x Reader: kiss me

Plot: You fought, kissed, and made up. But it could never be that easy.

or, Sebastian took two steps forward and three steps back.

Tags: insecurities, social pressures, obsessive tendencies, slytherin!reader, dark!seb and reader if you squint, but not really, underage drinking (theyre all 16-18 in this), they're just crazy about each other and can't tell anyone, kissing (duh) nothing too PG, happy ending?, read 4k words and figure it out, if the end made you scream say 'aye'

[ 6th Year ]

“Spin that fucking bottle!”

If you had known what absolute monstrosity you would create when you introduced muggle sleepover games to your housemates you would’ve gone to bed early.

But now, you were surrounded by drunk, nosy, Slytherins that were dead-set on exposing each other’s most embarrassing secrets. No one was safe.

“Imelda!” Everyone cheered, Grace quickly hooked her arms around the other girl’s neck when she tried to escape.

The party had long since been over, most of the students from other houses had already retired to their own rooms but those who had friends in Slytherin (like Poppy and Natty) or were too drunk to journey back to the spiraling staircases of their houses safely (like Everett and Samantha) decided to sober up for a while in the Quidditch Grand Champion’s common room.

“Are you actually as mean as you pretend to be or do you just not know how to make friends,” Natty slurred, pointing and wagging a finger at her.

If she was in a better constitution, she would’ve been able to brush off that accusation easily and with confidence but a dozen of improved (thanks Garreth) Firewhiskey shots later and the ever-guarded Imelda flushed in embarrassment to the surprise of everyone. The small circle burst out laughing, Imelda pushed Grace away in annoyance.

“It’s okay, ‘melda. We love you as you are!” Poppy was definitely still hammered.

“Next, next, next!”

The bottle spun and spun but your eyes were at the boy who had just returned from tucking Ominis in their shared dorm. You smiled up at him as he sat in the reserved space available just for him right beside you. “Omi?” you mouthed.

He squeezed your hands, silently letting you know your lightweight friend was now safely tucked in his own bed and ready to welcome the worst hangover he had ever known tomorrow.

“Well, well, well! Our brilliant, beloved, beater!”

It was when you turned your eyes back down on the ground that you saw that the mouth of the bottle was now undoubtedly pointed at Sebastian.

“Mate, I just got here!”

The crowd booed, Sebastian receiving light punches and playful jeers. “It’s the rules, Sallow!”

Everyone looked at you expectantly, the false inventor of such guidelines. You smirked, shrugging, “Rules are rules.”

Sebastian gaped at the betrayal. He gave you a look that lets you know he’ll get you back for this, even secretly poking your waist sharply. You didn’t like the way your housemate’s eyes glinted at the small interaction. Oh no.

“Alright, Alright,” Garreth shushed the crowd with two outstretched hands. “I have the million galleon question! I’m sure everyone will praise my genius for it!”

“Get on with it already!”

The Gryffindor threw a drunken glare at the voice from the back of the common room. “Now, I’m sure our dear Sebastian, despite receiving many letters of admiration and flutters of pretty lashes –”

“Gross,” Imelda grumbled.

“—has yet to officially court someone!” Garreth announced, arms stretched wide like he was a ringmaster about to start his greatest show. Everyone oo-ed and ahh-ed and cheered.

You didn’t like where this was going.

Sebastian, for all the eyes that were on him, managed to maintain the small smile on his cocky face.

It was true. You were not blind to the … physical developments he had undergone the last two years nor to the attention it had garnered him. The boy you had sneaked around Hogwarts with in your fifth year had disappeared and was replaced by a man. An unfairly tall, tanned, attractive man. You damn near walked past him again if he had not pulled you to his side on your first day during your 6th year.

You weren’t ignorant of it, nor were you dumb enough to deny your attraction to your friend.

But you are a lady. And his friend.

His most trusted, beloved friend (his words not yours).

You’d rather not risk your lifelong connection if he won’t. You know how to read between the lines as blurry as it had become. He’s lost too much and you refuse to become another scar in his soul. The both of you have had enough of that to last you till the next lifetime.

“So, my question is,” your eyes widened when you felt two hands on each of your shoulders, in your deep reverie you have failed to notice Garreth sneaking behind your back or that all conniving eyes and raised eyebrows were now on you.

Sebastian smiled.

“Kiss, Marry, Kill.”

[ 7th Year ]

It was by incredible luck that your 7th year of Hogwarts called for the Triwizard tournaments to be held in Hogwarts.

You were prepared to enjoy the event in relative peace. Happy that for once you would be the spectator of all the action instead of being the one in the middle of it.

Life just can’t make it that easy for you.

You did not even realize that Sebastian of all people had thrown his name in as consideration until he had been called and your dreams of a quiet last year in Hogwarts were shot to the depths of hell. It was the first time in a while that you felt true fear, the type that froze all your blood solid.

The fight that followed in the Undercroft was explosive.

“How could you be so reckless, Sebastian?! People die in these games! Why would you do this?!”

Just the thought of it makes your stomach sink. Sebastian will be front and center of this bloody battle of pride that is broadcasted to the entire wizarding world. It was different when it was the two of you jumping through all types of danger – this time you won’t be able to help him. He will be alone.

Yet, when you had expected a valid explanation and a plan out of all this madness he instead looked at you with such anger and vitriol that you physically flinched.

“Because I am sick of being just your friend!” Even Ominis pushed himself off the wall he had been leaning on. Foreseeing a tragedy about to uncontrollably unroll. “I’m constantly surrounded by you two! Ominis Gaunt, the scion of the purest bloodline in the wizarding world, the Heir of Slytherin who could do no wrong! How brilliant!”

He cackled a laugh, he looked like a man at the brink of insanity. How long had he been holding on to these thoughts?

“And you!”

“Sebastian enough –” Ominis tried to cut through his mania but he wasn’t having any of it. Once the words were out, there was no taking them back in. He was cursed – he will have to see it through.

“Famed Hero of Hogwarts,” each word was dripped in poison, the insecurities bubbling inside him caused him to lash out at anyone and everyone who dared question his decision. How could they understand? How would they understand a nobody? “Do you know how tired I am of being in your shadow?”

He felt the sting before he heard it, the slap drowned the Undercroft in silence. Then, the weight of his grave words sunk in. The green haze in his head cleared just to see the boiling tears falling down your distraught face.

What has he –

“Then let me free you of such shadow, Sebastian,” your face crumpled, physically pained by such cruelty from your dearest companion. “You’re on your own this time.”

That had been months ago, aside from the few classes you had together he had not even seen you anywhere else. Not even in the first game when he had sent you an owl begging you for a chance to apologize and dedicating his win to you. The victory over the other contestants tasted bitter when he couldn’t find your face in the celebrating crowd.

And the pit in his chest turned into a black hole when he caught Ominis at the edge of the celebration shaking his head. She didn’t come. He’s lost her.

Ominis refused to help him – not that he deserved any. In retrospect, it was ... silly – the insecurities he had been shamefully hiding. He knew his friends had never seen him short of an equal but it’s difficult to see the good when the entire world is looking down at you with cruel, disapproving eyes when your back is turned. Cruel whispers they made sure only he could hear.

“I thought he’d live somewhere more posh.” “Sallow? Dating her? That’s preposterous he’s an orphan with barely a galleon to his name.” “Why do you think they keep him around?”

It was stupid and irrational and he handled it in the worst possible way. Lashed out at the one person who least deserved it, who went through hell to drag him back out, then benevolently tended to all the wounds and scars in his humanity till he was himself again.

“Let me free you of such shadow, Sebastian.”

He slammed his head on the wall he was leaning on, the heartbreaking image of her distressed face was a nightmare that had chased him awake or asleep.  Sebastian may deserve this but you most definitely didn’t. He never deserved you.

Yet, here he was, sitting on the floor of the Ravenclaw Tower with a wilted bouquet of wildflowers he had picked before breakfast, hoping he could catch her somehow. He ignored the giggles, snickers, and confused questions thrown his way no matter how embarrassed he felt. He wasn’t moving from this spot until he can apologize – the silent treatment was torture worse than Crucio. And he had been hit with one.

At the first sound of the walls transforming, he was already up on his feet, his hands instinctively brushing his hair as if looking presentable would even out his chances of repairing his most treasured friendship.

The door opened and finally, your eyes met his. The tension was something that would choke even the greediest puffskein. Your eyes were wide, unblinking and your lips were pursed in a fine line that communicated how much you loathed being in his presence. He hopes you know that you could never hate him as much as he hated himself at this very moment.

“For you!” It was only when it was being offered to you did he realize how abysmal the dying bouquet he had been carrying in his hands since this morning looked. But it was too late now, she was already here, looking at the flower then back to him and all the lines he had practiced flew out of his head.

Instead, he just fell to his knees, prostrating, tears already threatening to fall down his face. He had never been an honorable man. “Sebastian! Get up!”

“I will do anything you ask me to,” The feel of her touch made his skin tingle. After months of not even catching your eyes or hearing your voice and it was more than worth it to suffer through all this humiliation just for this moment. Even if you may never forgive him at least he could apologize. He’ll have a better last moment with you than your fight. “I’ll win the games. I’ll quit. I’ll drop out of Hogwarts if that’s what you want just, please … forgive me.”

He felt your arms wrap around him but he was too distraught, barely comprehending that you had somehow pulled him back into the room until the two of you fell on the ground and the door of the room slammed shut. Still, he continued sobbing in your arms, his arms wrapped tightly around your waist as he drenched your neck with his anguished tears. “I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Sebastian wasn’t playing fair but your forgiveness was a prize he was willing to cheat to earn. There would be no point of honor if he lost you – anyone else but you.

“It wasn’t anything you did. It was me,” he sobbed. “I just – you and Ominis became such incredible people that I realized it was me who had not become anyone. I am a nobody!”

“Sebastian that is just not true –”

“It’s moronic I know! But I just thought … if I could win these games … if I could stop being just myself and be a champion then I can finally earn the spot beside you.”

It was embarrassing to admit all that, the deep insecurities that had festered inside of him the moment he was finally faced with the reality of the world. That he was surround by great people who has and will achieve great things and he was … him. A failure, a murderer, a burden.

“Don’t make me slap you again,” your cold voice woke him up from his self-lashings.

He sniffed, nodding, finally finding the strength and shame to sit up on his knees in front of you. “I … I really am so sorry.”

He pinched his eyes shut, preparing himself for the worst. His nails digging in his palm in an effort to stop it from shaking. However, it took one touch of your palms to break through all his pretenses. “I forgive you.”

He crumbled in relief, jumping into your open arms in a mess of tears, snot, and even more apologies.

“I know, I know,” you shushed him, hands tight even as he soaked your shirt through. “Ominis talked to me and … Sebastian you really are so silly. What do you mean you're a nobody? You're the top student in our year! So much so that all those Ravenclaws have declared you their enemy. You're the greatest beater in our generation that even I have been receiving owls begging me to somehow convince you to play for their team when you graduate! I can't even imagine how many times I would have gotten in trouble or straight-up died if it wasn't for you! I swear you're so fucking daft sometimes!”

He nodded eagerly, taking any jabs you may have if it meant you were talking to him. Even if it was still difficult for him to accept that any of those achievements you dictated could ever surmount to what you had achieved he knew it wasn't smart to try and correct it now when you had just forgiven his transgressions. “Stupid, stupid, boy.”

It was there in that room that your fractured friendship was mended with a bunch of dead flowers and Sebastian’s tears.

To celebrate, you had produced a couple of leftover Hogshead Brew for the two of you to enjoy till you were tipsy enough to forget the past horrible months without each other and were now giggling to each other’s face as if to make up for all the laughs you were owed in the months of silence.

“Lay back down, your eyes are going to be swollen shut.”

He’s been crying so hard for so long that he was too tired to do anything but follow your words, laying at the center of the bed you’ve conjured and sighing at the warm cloth you pressed on his eyes that miraculously stopped the world from spinning.

If he thinks too hard about the shameful faces he had shown you, he fears he’s going to combust, instead he focused on the rake of your nails on his hair, the familiar scent of your perfume he had given to you as a gift for your birthday last year, and the weight of your head as you laid on his stomach while the alcohol coursed through his body.

“You shouldn’t quit.”

He folded the cloth in one eye to take a peek at you. You giggled sweetly, clearly taking the drink harder than him, and gods above did he miss it. His happiness was cut short however when you crawled over the length of his body and instead plopped next to him, your head resting on his outstretched arm.

Physical affection wasn’t new to the two of you – after what you had been through hugs and holding hands were something the two of you found comfort in, a reminder that despite everything, the two of you made it out together – but after a few months without it he was faced with the realization of how unconventionally intimate your friendship truly was.

“Like I said, Ominis explained to me how you’ve been feeling – only another man would ever understand a bruised man’s ego. And if this is what’s going to make you feel better then I will support you till the end.” He turned his head so he can look at your eyes. When you cupped his face he felt his gut curl on itself from adoration. “But make no mistake Sebastian, the two of us have always been equals. We’re kindred spirits, remember?”

Kindred spirits, he thought. He remembers the first time he called the two of you that -- something a little cheeky for the first witch who didn't sneer in disgust at the prospects of his less than favorable past time. The curiosity in your eyes then was one he had seen in his own, even then he had this funny feeling that you were going to get along very well.

If he only knew how right he was, he would've thought he was a prodigy in divination.

A tear once again pebbled at the memory but just as he closed his eyes ready to wipe it away you were already sitting up, throwing the wet cloth and pressing a kiss on the edge of it. Sebastian sucked in a breath, blinking to see you hovering over him now. He’s never seen you this zealous. The passion in your eyes is almost mirroring his own.

It would seem whatever was in that brew had smashed through your inhibitions and his pride as he let you continue peppering kisses all over his face.

“You are very precious to me,” she whispered fondly, her gaze soft, drunk and adoring then it turned dark, an emotion crossed your face that he’d only seen when you had been fighting the meanest of foes. “I’d blow this entire school up before I let any of them think they could take your place in my life.”

Sebastian shuddered, his entire body burning under your gaze.

Leaning over again, you pressed another kiss on his other eyelid. “I won’t allow anyone to take you away from me.”

On his forehead. “And you are not allowed to leave me. I forbid it, Sebastian.”

As pathetic as it was, the words were everything he needed to hear. The possession healing over all his insecurities like a balm.

He has always been a selfish lad. His parents and everything he had ever known were ripped away from him at too early of an age that it made him realize that he needed to protect Anne because she was all he had but even that exploded spectacularly into a tragedy.

And then he met you and finally, finally, he met his person. Someone who was seemingly made just for him. Someone who understood him for all his secrets and flaws and still called him a friend.

However, it would seem that he was cursed of a cruel fate. Because the one person who was supposed to be just his turned out to be the most sought-after witch of their generation with the type of magic that had not been seen in centuries. At first, it didn’t matter, he was confident of his place in your life. But as the two of you grew up, the reality that your position in society were skies apart was when his insecurities began to painfully blossom.

But this … it was nice to be claimed like this. To be able to hear and see the crazed obsession he had only seen in his own reflection be mirrored by the one person he needed it from the most. The whole world can laugh behind his back, it didn’t matter anymore. The most brilliant witch in history is in this bed with him, kissing all his insecurities away and branding him as hers.

He chuckled but was cut short when you pressed a softer kiss just by the edge of his smile. His heart threatened to pound out of his chest, his ears failing to hear anything else but the next words out of your mouth. “Do you understand me, Sebastian?”

It has never been clearer: she is his.

“You are mine.”

With her final words, Sebastian’s brain seems to finally function again. A surge of alcohol and courage caused him to raise his limbs to cup your face, pulling you closer and closer so he could finally do what he had been dreaming about since your first duel.

A kiss. A promise. The final bind that would lock your souls together forevermore.

You gasped, smiling through the kiss before you plopped your entire body on top of his, your body finally getting overwhelmed by the alcohol and all that has happened in the past hours – knocking you straight into a dreamless sleep.

For the first time in a long, long while, he was at peace.

The two of you may never remember this moment but he’ll know it in his soul. In this dim room, surrounded by her scent, and her skin, and her kisses – he has finally found where he belongs and who belonged to him.

He pulled you into him – tighter, closer. It didn’t matter, you were his.

Only his.

“Guess we made up?”

When you woke up Sebastian was already lounging in the ottoman by the end of the bed, casually reading a book while you were crawling towards him with your blanket over your head and suffering through a hangover.

If not for the redness in his eyes you would’ve thought you hallucinated his teary apologies.

He was quick to open up his form, grabbing a decorative pillow for you as you laid down on his lap dramatically. You don’t remember much but you knew enough that the big fight was forgotten and forgiven.

“Guess so, darling,” he chuckled nonchalantly, back to his cool, charming self as if he hadn’t been a crybaby in your arms just yesterday.

‘Darling’? That’s new.

You grinned, letting him pet you. You weren’t complaining, not being friends with Sebastian felt wrong and it was a miracle you stood your ground as hard as you did.

“Aren’t I so gracious, dear?” you teased, poking his stomach to make him flinch. The two of you laughed. “What happened after I popped out that blasted poison from Hogshead?”

When you try to comb through your memories your headache fights back with a vengeance so you had hoped he would supply the blank pages in your mind.

He stared at you for a beat before sighing, looking truly as miffed as you. “I wish I remembered, I’m in the dark as much as you.”

And as much as he knows it was wrong to not try to remember, he also knew he wouldn’t be able to live through the embarrassment of what he might’ve been telling you while he was drunk and emotional again. It was a mistake but he was more than happy to let those blank memories remain blank. What’s important is that you are friends again.

“Let’s focus on the future now, hm? No sense digging through what would definitely be an embarrassing moment for me,” he groaned, pinching your cheeks when you gave him a teasing smile.

You hesitated, biting your lip but then nodded. “If you say so.” It was in the past after all.

Sebastian was glad you let it go. (He will regret this in years to come.)

“Speaking of futures, I had wanted to ask you,” he played with the short strands of your hair, heart full of adoration as he looked down at your face. “Go to the Yule Ball with me? Gotta have a pretty date for this year.”

You dramatically gasped, “The Future Triwizard Champion asking little old me? Also, I was your date last year, scoundrel!”

He burst out laughing, you jumped into his arms, pressing a kiss on his cheeks.

His lips tingled, his head ached as it begged him to remember. But then you flashed him that bright smile and nothing else mattered.

“I would love to.”

The two of you were back to what you had once been. It would just be greedy to ask for more.

Right?

[scrollonso]

First Kiss (Race 9)

A strollonso AU where 18 year old rookie Lance Stroll falls helplessly in love with the notoriously mean world champion. (1.1k words, no warnings) [@v3lnys @biancathecool] {I love that picture of lance,, he looks so cute mwah}

last part - masterlist - next part

Lance was so excited, he hadn't been back to Canada in so long it felt great to be back.

Lance got to the paddock with his dad, feeling like a little kid again as he walked next to him, it felt great outside. He was in a short sleeved Racing Point shirt, his hair having more body than usual as he walked and talked with his dad

"Are you confident in the car? I know this seasons been tough on you but we're always trying to improve the car for you and Nico."

"I am, Dad, I'm not sure what keeps going wrong. Maybe I'm not good enough yet?"

"Don't say that, Lance, I know you're good enough, it just takes some getting used to."

Lance nodded, his dad was probably right but he knew how people felt about him and with how he's performing he couldn't help but doubt himself. He just hoped that he'd at least finish his home race.

Qualifying came and went, he was embarrassed to see how he'd done. His mind hadn't been wandering like at the last Grand Prix so there was no reason for him to qualify 17th while Nico qualified 6th.

"I'm sorry" He said on the radio, Brad quick to tell him it was okay and they'd do better tomorrow, Lance was determined to do better tomorrow, he had to do decently considering the fact that now there were two Canadians on the grid so the crowd was practically split in half.

Lance hoped Brad was right, he was sick of feeling like he was letting his team down.

Fernando came over as usual to greet Lance, having qualified on pole (also as usual).

Lance was happy to see him, he was glad the Spaniard wasn't as busy as in England, he wondered if he would've done better had he not seemingly avoided him all weekend.

"Lancito! Is home race time" He sounded more excited than Lance, wrapping an arm around the taller boys shoulder

"You already had your home race, Nando" Lance teased, smiling down at the Spaniard

"Ay, we are friends no?" He asked, Lance nodding to confirm they were in fact friends "Exactly! Any home of a friends is a home of mine"

He rolled his eyes, trying to hold back a smile at the comment, he liked thinking about how him and Fernando were friends, being casually close like this made Lance's heart flutter. He adored being friends with the World Champion.

Lance was the first one to look for Fernando on the paddock the next day, finding him in the middle of an interview.

He tried to stay quiet as he crept up behind him, putting his finger to his lips to tell the interviewer to not say anything.

"...Si, the car is spectacular, little problems here and there but our engineers are always quick to fix all errors."

"Of course, now, let's ask the questions the fans really want to hear. Fernando, people are still wondering about you and the Racing Point driver, Lance Stroll's, relationship, anything to comment?"

"I adore Lance, we spend a lot of time together and he's truly brilliant, he'd be one of the best on the grid if he just had a car that could showcase his talent"

Lance couldn't help but smile, face flushing pink as he heard how the older man was praising him

"No need to flatter me, Nando" Lance laughed, speaking up and moving to stand next to Fernando

"Mi sol, when did you get here?" Fernando's face lit up, quick to pull the boy closer as he forced him into the interview, neither of them noticed how the womans face changed after hearing such an affectionate nickname be used so openly between the two drivers.

"I was gonna scare you but you were talking so nicely I felt bad" Lance smiled at Fernando, completely forgetting they were being filmed and the World Champion was in the middle of an interview.

"So mature, Lancito" Fernando rolled his eyes, not surprised at the boys actions

"I know, right?" Lance nodded, finally looking away from Fernando and to the interviewer "Right, I'll let you finish. Don't talk about me too much" Lance teased Fernando then nodded to the woman behind the camera and headed back to his garage, glad he wasn't the one being interviewed this time.

The race came and went, Lance managed to make up a good bit of places but just barely missed points, finishing in 12th.

He knew no one was upset with the outcome because anything is better than a DNF but not getting points at his home race hurt more than not finishing another race.

Fernando ended up winning, obviously, and Lance figured because "any home of a friends is a home of his" he should go watch the older man on the podium at his "home race."

Fernando had grown accustomed to seeing the Canadian under him while he was on the podium, knowing he was there managed to make the celebration better. Any time Lance was around he made everything better for Fernando, as if just his presence brought luck to the Spaniard.

As the Spanish anthem played he couldn't help but look down at Lance, smiling softly as the boy gazed up at him. The camera then cut to Lance, broadcasting the shared looks between the drivers for the whole world to see, it really is great to see drivers have such great sportsmanship.

Like clockwork Fernando made his way to Lance afterwards, pulling him into his arms "You did so good today, Lancito" He praised, proud of the rookie even if he didn't score points.

"You literally won, Nando" Lance laughed, pulling back to look at the World Champion

"I stayed in first basically the whole race, your overtakes were brilliant, mi sol" He gushed, having asked his engineer throughout the race to update him on the boys spot, as if Lance was a threat to him.

"Thank you, Nando, you're too kind."

"Do you want to go out with me?" The Spaniard asked suddenly, Lance becoming visibily shocked at the question

"Go out with you?"

"Si, you are hungry, no?" Fernando seemed confused, unsure why the rookie was so surprised at the suggestion, he literally flew almost a whole day to Australia to spend a week with him (and Mark)

"God, Nando, I really need to teach you how to word things better" He smiled, wrapping an arm around Fernandos shoulder "Let me treat you to dinner, race winner"

[relastelvanni]

📖 2022

The week leading up to Christmas 2021, I was unwell. I was feeling very fatigued and burnt out as we all were. There wasn’t a lot of sun so I was likely Vitamin D deficient, right? Also I somehow lost 10 lbs between October and December without trying which didn’t match what I was eating - probably stress? Oh, but I feel really thirsty, and I can’t seem to quench it… that’s an odd symptom I can’t explain with burnout. It was that symptom that made me test my fasting blood sugars and sure enough, they were way over into diabetic levels.

🚨

On Hogmanay as I rushed to get my booster before the bells, I also went to the GP as an emergency for my blood test. The results came back and my GP wanted to talk urgently. On Jan 5th I was officially diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and put onto metformin straight away. This began a whirlwind of a year.

On the outside I seemed calm, on the inside I was a ball of emotion, but mostly shame. Shame that after years of warnings this could happen, I had to tell people what had happened. I felt guilt for making people around me worry for my health. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was okay and they didn’t have to worry about me. Maybe not a healthy attitude to take but from the moment I left that Doctor’s surgery and took a 2.5 mile walk home, I decided I was going for remission, end of.

I immediately went on a low carb diet of 130g of carbs a day and stuck to it religiously, I did not break 130g or tried not to. No cheat days, no snacking. Again, perhaps not the healthiest thing to do but I couldn’t bring myself to eat high carbs again. I started walking a lot more, walking three miles home from work in the winter. I went swimming, I got a bike through the cycle to work scheme. But most of all was the diet. It was tough and there were times I felt like crying. But my head told me “I put myself in this situation, you don’t deserve sympathy”. Urgh, silly head.

But despite that negative mindset, the physical side improved quickly. My sugars fell rapidly most importantly and as a by-product, I lost 15 lbs in the first month, followed by another 15 lbs in the second, starting at 255 lbs and ending March around 210.

Now those who know me will know I had no problem with my weight before - I was very happy as a chubby person because I went on a journey over the past few years of learning to love my body, throw off the shame I held against my body and show it off at the beach and the pool etc. So the weight loss for me was such a sudden shift in mindset too. I was back very quickly to a body I had before I learned to love my body… and societal pressure came back. That’s been a struggle this year is loving my new body without need for validation externally.

But in terms of the diabetes, by the end of March, I had my hbA1c checked again… and I was no longer diabetic! I had managed, with the tablets, to get the diabetes into remission. I can’t tell you how proud I am to have got to this point. All the hard work and hardship I put my mental state through was worth the result.

Over the next three months I relaxed the diet a wee bit and let myself eat a little more, but no where near the levels I was at before. My weight finally stabilised at around 180 lbs which is where I’m at now, meaning in total from max weight, I’ve lost 85 lbs in the last year. But more importantly, at the end of June, my HbA1c was still at a non diabetic level, this time without medication.

Since June, my weight has been stable, my sugars are still down, I’ve taken up badminton 2-3 times a week to keep me active physically (and mentally too). I feel fantastic physically and I’m so happy I’ve managed to turn around the diabetes. I still need to work on my mental state and work on some of those troublesome feelings I had at the start of the year as well as others. But aye, long post, but I’m still here, still going. Hopefully 2023 I’ll stay in remission. All the best to everyone 💛

[scapegrace74-blog]

The Man from Black Water, Chapter 20

A/N  With this epilogue, I’m wrapping up the crazy crossover that was bringing Jamie and Claire into the Man from Snowy River universe.  Thanks to everyone for reading, commenting, liking and reblogging.  It’s been a real joy to introduce many of you to this world that I’ve loved since I was you.

Previous chapters are available on my A03 page.

“Twins?” sapphire eyes rounded with tentative excitement.  “How can ye be sure?”

“If you put your hand here, you can feel one head,” Claire patiently explained.  “And over here is another.”

“Tang dhia,” Jamie offered up a heartfelt prayer of thanks for this abundance of good fortune.

“Ye’ll be able to deliver them safely, Sassenach?” his smile faltered as worry set in.

Claire looked up from where she was crouched on the barn floor.

“That’s really up to this lady here,” she patted the cow on the flank as she rose to her feet.  “But I’ll do whatever I can to help her out.”

Jamie nodded, relieved by his wife’s reassurance.

“That was the last heifer ye needed tae examine, aye?”

“Yes, I’m all done.  With a little luck, we’ll have eleven calves joining the herd come springtime.”

It was better than Jamie could have hoped, and it was all thanks to his wife.

***

After a blissful few days sequestered indoors, familiarizing themselves with the many carnal delights their new marriage offered, Claire finally convinced her husband to don enough clothing to step outside on a crisp, clear day, and show her his ideas for improving Lallybroch.  Excited his humans were no longer abed, Rollo lolloped ahead of them.

“A larger stable would go aboot here,” Jamie indicated a relatively flat piece of elevated ground, “wi’ space enough fer six stalls and a wee storage room fer yer instruments an’ such.”

Claire marveled once again at her husband’s easy acceptance of her chosen profession and his utter certainty she would be successful in pursuing it.

“Around the bend in the river there is a spot that’s sheltered from the northerly wind where I’d build a shed fer the cattle,” Jamie continued, his voice growing eager with anticipation.

“Won’t it be too cold to keep them out of doors all winter?” Claire wondered aloud.

With no little pride, Jamie preceded to spell out his grand plan. By crossbreeding hardy Highland cows with Lowland breeds better known for their meat, he intended to beat the cattle barons like Henry Beauchamp at their own game, albeit on a much smaller scale. The resulting livestock would be far cheaper to over-winter and would not need to be driven back and forth to the rich upland grazing, thus saving time and increasing yield.

“Jamie, that’s brilliant!” Claire enthused.  Her husband blushed beneath his winter tan, delighted by her praise.  Caught up in her excitement, Claire then proceeded to suggest several refinements to his plan.  The most important of these was to purchase slightly older heifers, rather than the one-year-olds he’d planned to procure from her father.

“Wouldna the older mothers ha’ fewer years tae produce?” he asked.

“Some animals bear young that are carbon copies of themselves, no matter the sire.  If you look at a cow’s previous offspring, you’ll know whether she’s going to pass along the longer coat and that Highland hardiness that you’re after.  You lose a few generations of calves, but what you gain are the characteristics you’re trying to ensure.”

Jamie looked at his wife in awe, the cold breeze staining her cheeks the colour of summer apples and blowing her hair amok.  It made him wonder.

“Will our bairns take after their sire’s red hair, do ye think Sassenach?” he half jested.  “Or will they have a mad curly wig like their mam?”  In truth, he rather hoped for a combination of the two.

Still a bit shy about speaking openly of their romantic life and its consequences, Claire bit her lip and looked down the glen, rather than meeting his eye.

“I suppose we’ll have to see, won’t we?”

***

“When do you leave for Inverness?” Claire asked as they walked hand-in-hand back to the main house after examining the cows.

“Day after next, if the weather holds.”

“I’m so proud of you, darling.  Perthshire’s first crofting commissioner.”

The Napier Commission had finally achieved its aims, and Parliament had passed the Crofters Holding Act the previous summer.  No longer could the Campbells or any other landlord turn Jamie or his fellow crofters out of their hereditary homes, so long as they continued to occupy them and used the land productively.  Rents couldn’t be arbitrarily increased.  The various counties of Scotland had elected representatives to a Crofting Commission that oversaw all disputes between crofters and their landlords.  Well-respected, charismatic and intelligent, James Fraser had been a natural choice for their region.

“Will ye visit wi’ yer Aunt Rosemary and Murtagh while I’m away?” he asked as they closed the door against the wind and moved into Lallybroch’s new ground floor sitting room.  A beautiful pine stairway Jamie had crafted by hand led upstairs to the three bedrooms.

“Maybe for the day, but I’m looking forward to having the time to do a little reading, perhaps catch up on some mending.”

Jamie settled into his favourite overstuffed armchair beside the fire, pulling Claire onto his lap before she could sit elsewhere.

“Are ye tired o’ yer husband awready then?” he teased, kissing the velvet skin beneath her jaw.

“You are rather distracting,” Claire purred as she extended her neck to invite further exploration.

“Aye,” he agreed, too pleasantly occupied to feign indignation.  Claire shifted her weight, rubbing her ample bottom against his groin in a move he was quite certain was deliberate.  She looked like an angel, but his wife was an incorrigible wanton, God be praised.

“Jamie?” she interrupted as he began the laborious process of peeling off all her winter layers.

“Hmm?”

“Maybe, by the time you come back from Inverness, I’ll have news for you.”

Even nose deep in her cleavage, Jamie heard the tentative, expectant tone in his wife’s voice.  His heart started to pound like a fist against his ribs.  He looked up into her bright, hopeful face with tears stinging the back of his throat.

“Then I shall rush home wi’ all due haste, Sassenach.”

[archangelsunited]

WIP on the Correct Day.

Tagging: @kookaburra1701@orfeoarte@gilgamish@thana-topsy@changelingsandothernonsense@tallmatcha@snippetsrus@rainpebble3@rhiannon1199@inquisition-dragonborn@the-storytellers-seer@thequeenofthewinter@elfinismsarts@paraparadigm@friend-of-giants@saltymaplesyrup@weirdponytail@ms-katonic-of-tamriel@mareenavee

Little something I cooked up so I would cook something else.

               “Look, I’m just saying that crossing the border in the year of your divines 201, might not be the best idea.” You stooped down to pull at the laces of your boots. Your husband, six and a half feet of dark green orc, is staring at your backside again. It is fascinating how the love of a big ass will travel across time, space, and culture.

               “And I’m just saying, its none of your business how I earn my money.” You turned to look at his face, which was a bit blank. He had been upset since you had taken the job as a courier. Something something, stronghold, something something, stay in the kitchen. You stopped paying attention after he brought up the word “female”. You didn’t have a dick in this life, which was a bit disappointing, but the chest was an improvement. Sex was fantastic, multiple orgasms for the win.

               “Look, I don’t care if you’re selling Falmer Blood Elixir, or if you’re robbing priests at knife point.”

               “Neither of those.” He rolled his eyes at you.

               “I CARE about you being near the border of Skyrim and Cyrodill this year.” You pulled on the stupid looking cap that completed the look.

               He held up his hand. “I swear on the name of my father, I won’t go near the border.”

               You were pretty sure he was lying, since the last time he swore on the name of his father he had cut the man’s head off with an ax. Still, if he was determined to get himself killed, there wasn’t much you could do to stop him.

               “Alright, then. I’m going to Dawnstar, I’ll meet you in Whiterun in a few months, yeah?” You tried to drink in the details of his face. The broken tusk, the scar over his nose- it was unbearably precious to you.

               He reached forward, putting a big hand behind your head. He pressed his forehead against yours. His breath was heavy in your face and it made all the blood in your body rush to your face. You placed your hands on the sides of his neck. Your fingers brushed the muscles along his spine.

               “Ozor, I am serious.”

               His hands wrapped around your waist, squeezing slightly.

               “I’ll see you in Whiterun, then you can ride my face.”

               You sighed. That was going to be the best you were going to get.

               <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

               Ozor woke with a crick in his back and the taste of blood on his tongue. Someone had taken the Amulet of Mara from around his neck. His hands were bound.

               “Hey, you. You’re finally awake.”

               Ozar groaned. He had a fleeting thought to listen to his wife more.

               <<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>

               You were on your third day wandering around Whiterun when someone spots a dragon. You took that as your cue to get the hell out of dodge, but the guards have already locked down the city.

               “Look,” you said to the guard at the gate. “I’m a lollygagger. I have nothing to do, and no coin with which to do nothing with. The best thing you could do- no, your DUTY to your Hold is to let me get eaten by a dragon.”

               “Aye, most likely.” The guard nodded in agreement. “But if the Jarl says the gate stays shut, then the gate stays shut. But I’ll take your offer to stand as dragon bait under advisement.”

               You were about to argue some more, and the guard was about to let you. He was as bored as you were, when the gate creaks open, just a smidge, and an orc stumbles through. He’s charred, missing a bit of one tusk, and a bit of his hair is burnt off.

               He looked suspiciously like your husband.

               He was wearing some blue armor that is barely strapped on to his chest, and some pants that look about twelve inches too short.

               “You, hey you.” Your voice wass almost cracking with excitement, or would be cracking. “You ran right into that-”

               “You had to turn up at the gate?” Your husband asked. “You had to turn up at the gate, so you could personally deliver the I-told-you-so? And how the fuck did you know-”

               Ozar gave a rasping cough, then bent double.

               “It doesn’t matter how I knew.” You said, with the air of someone who was going to be thoroughly fucked (hopefully, it had been a dry bit of time. You’d been saving the coin for a private room when he got there). “What matters is you didn’t listen to me.”

               Ozar let his weight fall on you completely.

[tallyanimatez]

(Feather Au)Your dorm leader ver about Yuu being executed so amazing.Can I request about it again with the first years?

Everyone's out for blood today ay! *ends call*

I'm probably going on a long break from writing.

Feathers!Yuu execution but with first years.

Tw: mentions of death, angst, possible OOC because I'm learning

Out of all the people who chose to visit you, it had to be the people who cared about you the most.

"I really thought you were joking when you told us yah a wanted criminal"

Ace Trapolla, your first true friend you made in this wretched world. The person you wanted to strangle the most before.

Ace didn't give you the best impression when you two first met, when Grim officially joined the racing tournament. But his attitude has definitely improved a lot better now once you guys got along.

And now? You didn't think he'd muster up the courage to come and bid his last goodbye, you know how terrible ace would be when it comes to moving on, but you guess this is an improvement

After all, as long as he understands that even he can't do anything to save you, atleast he can say his farewell to stop being delusional.

"Well, I guess this is farewell then, but don't think you can escape me in the after life!"

"Typical Ace, hehe."

Ace turned around, good, if you can't watch it, don't look, you keep telling Ace to not act whenever it's not needed. Atleast now he's starting to change, when you're gone...

The next person comes up to bid their goodbye, you expected him to be here if Ace was here.

"I always looked up to you since you gave me so much helpful advice...I never thought you were a criminal Yuu."

Deuce Spade, if there's Ace, there's a Deuce. It's a non-spoken rule that your group knows of.

Deuce was the more helpful person whenever you, him and Ace hung out with each other, often assisting with heavy groceries or gears in general. He is just all on brawns...really.

You know that if none of the 4 will come, at least Deuce will see you to bid his goodbye, he understands the situation atleast.

The reality is more brutal than you think, that's why you shouldn't always be so oblivious to everything, so that it will be easier to move on when the time comes.

"I guess this is really goodbye...Farewell, I'll make sure to follow your advice though!"

"I hope you don't get into anymore fights Deuce."

Upon hearing what you said, Deuce frowned a little bit, but regardless, he moved back. Now the next person...

"I didn't expect this, not from someone like you at least..."

Jack Howl, the tsundere wolf boy you jokingly like to call. He's the main person you can count on when you need to go somewhere else leaving Adeuce unsupervised.

If there's one thing you'd give to him, he's better than any of you in this group when talking about attitude, well almost. His tsundere attitude wasn't always your favorite because you didn't like dishonesty, not like you have never lied before.

Jack is disappointed, you're someone who told him to go with what's right to him, and yet here you are, near your death.

You promised you wouldn't leave them, yet you knew the inevitable fate would come...why did you made it anyway?

"I don't really have much to say, I thought you were better than this"

"Sorry wolf boy, looks are deceiving."

Jack's tail dropped down along with his ears, despite saying things like that, he often can't hide how he feels most of the time, making it easy to predict how he's feeling...

He moved out of the way for the next person to bid their goodbye, the person who probably looked at you like a deity.

"I admired y'ah alot with your sharp tongue to people, but...this is too far ain't it?"

Epel felmier, your person to go with, because you get discount with Epel's pretty face, and he's fun to tease sometimes... and the person who would stop Vil from almost trying to poison you everytime you made him frown for defending Epel

He always wants to appear strong, puffing his chest out and trying to prove he's really strong to even trying to help you with your heavy gears & equipment ( even though jack is there to help and you can managed just fine on your own ), to indulge in his antiques, you just give him mildly heavy object so he won't complain.

Right now? Epel is quite upset, if you're gone, then he'd have to deal with Vil without any help, and noone would acknowledge that he's strong just like you did.

Even though he's often fight through pest and rough times during the country side, it won't be the same as fighting to move on once you're gone...

"I hope you'll get stronger to help more people apple boi~"

"Argh- not everyone is gonna look at me like y'ah do.."

You smirked, teasing Epel was a piece of cake, well almost as easy to tease Jack, but you can't deny that he had saved you from starving before by offering apple pie. You won't be able to repay the favor.

The last one, he's more quiet than his usual...

"..."

Sebek Zigvolt, for the love of god, you have no idea how he made it into this group, and how you survive with your ear drums intact.

He's loud. Especially speaking to his "Waka-sama" whom you have little clue about, and whenever you're bored, just listen to Sebek's rambles, free entertainment I guess...

It's awfully hard to get Sebek quiet majority of the time, you're surprised that he even attended your execution when he always saying he needs to be with his waka-sama, he's really hard to understand sometimes, but you're happy he cares at a somewhat degree.

A foolish human that is blinded by despair, you've made him feel something he shouldn't have felt when he swears to be loyal to his Waka-sama, you'll have to pay the price.

"I don't think you'll have anything else to say, so just back off and look away Sebek."

"..."

All Sebek did was backing down and standing to were the first year group is. You'd thought you'll lose your hearing to him because of how he follows what's moral and what's not alot.

But at the very least, your closest friends came...

You can go, till you meet them again next life.

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

Authors note: I think my brain went from 100%-0% when I wrote Ace to Sebek, possible chances of them being OOC but datz alright because I'm learning :D

Y'all out for blood aren't cha....

[rabbitcruiser]

World Lemur Day 

World Lemur Day celebrates lemurs and spreads the word about the need to conserve them; it inspires a love for them and actions to save them from extinction. It also celebrates Madagascar, the island nation located 250 miles off the east coast of Africa that lemurs call home. Events are held around the world on the day, in person and virtually. World Lemur Day takes place on the last Friday of October, and the World Lemur Festival takes place during the weeks surrounding it.

Madagascar is rich in biodiversity, and much of its flora and fauna can be found nowhere else in the world, as is the case with lemurs. Scientists believe that lemurs may have gotten their start on Africa's mainland before arriving; they think lemurs floated to the island on vegetation, and then evolved and diversified over millions of years. Madagascar was a favorable environment for them because the landscape was habitable, there were varied food sources, and there weren't any large predators.

Today there are over 100 species of lemurs. By one count there are 112, but the number changes when new ones are identified through discoveries and genetic testing. Subfossils indicate there once were more and that some became extinct, possibly from being hunted by humans after humans arrived on the island. The 2020 update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species indicated that almost all lemur species were threatened with extinction and that almost a third were critically endangered.

The smallest lemur is the Madame's Berthe mouse lemur, weighing in at 30 grams, and the largest is the indri, which may weigh up to 9.5 kilograms. Subfossils indicate that some lemurs were once as large as gorillas. Some other lemurs are the ring-tailed lemur, dancing sifaka, and aye-aye. Lemurs have unique traits in common. They have a heightened sense of smell because of their long snouts and wet noses and have improved night vision because of their tapetum lucidum, an extra layer of tissue behind their retina. All lemurs except aye-ayes have incisors and canines that lean forward instead of upward, called toothcombs, which are used for grooming, as well as to eat seeds and bark.

The forests of Madagascar benefit from lemurs, who help them grow by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Lemurs eat fruit but don't digest the seeds, and leave the seeds around the forest in their droppings. They also may get seeds and pollen stuck in their fur while looking for fruits and nectar, and may pass them onto other flowers.

To protect lemurs, the challenges and threats they face must be known. They face habitat change and loss, climate change, invasive species, and poaching. The forests of Madagascar are decreasing in size, changing the habitats of lemurs. This negatively impacts individual lemurs and the species as a whole. Madagascar is one of the top countries affected by climate change caused by humans. Droughts in the south and yearly monsoons in the north have become more prevalent in the twenty-first century, affecting all life on the island, including lemurs. Being that Madagascar developed in isolation when non-native species enter the ecosystem, they can threaten those that live there. Lemurs are also hunted for the pet trade, for food, and for cultural reasons.

A "fady" is a taboo of the Malagasy people, those who reside in Madagascar. For some, hunting, killing, or eating the indri is fady, since legend says that the spirits of ancestors live on within them. The aye-aye is associated with evil, and legend says that bad things may happen to those who see one. They are often killed because of this.

Lemurs benefit from ecotourism. Those visiting Madagascar bring money to the local economy, and, in turn, the Malagasy see the benefit of having the lemurs around—tourism wouldn't thrive without them. As the economy grows, the lemurs benefit. Conservation work in Madagascar is complex and supports wildlife, habitats, and people. Building relationships with and working with the Malagasy is crucial. Establishing and maintaining protected areas, reforestation efforts, dealing with invasive species, captive breeding at zoos, and reintroducing and relocating species are all part of conservation efforts. These efforts are given a boost today with World Lemur Day!

How to Observe World Lemur Day

World Lemur Day is celebrated individually, but also by zoos and other organizations. Some ideas for participation include:

Post on social media with the hashtag #WorldLemurDay and tag the Lemur Conservation Network. They can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Focus your posts on the urgency of lemur conservation and how everyone can help make a difference and save lemurs from extinction by working together. Use the social media guide to help you craft your posts.

Utilize the Lemur Conservation Network's participation guide for ideas on how individuals, member organizations, zoos, educators, and libraries can participate. For individuals, they suggest holding a fundraiser for a Lemur Conservation Network's member organization; sharing photos of lemurs seen at zoos or during travel to Madagascar, along with information about them, what is loved about them, and memories of the trip; creating and sharing information graphics about lemurs; holding a community event, such as a lemur-themed happy hour, film screening, or costume party; visiting a school to teach kids about lemurs; or walking around in a lemur costume.

Plan your own event. Consider collaborating with a Lemur Conservation Network member organization to create one. Send details about your activity or event to the Lemur Conservation Network for them to add to their event calendar, and check the calendar for other events to attend.

Join the Lemur Conservation Network.

Volunteer with the Lemur Conservation Network or with an organization in Madagascar that protects lemurs.

Read a book about Madagascar.

Listen to a podcast about lemurs or Madagascar.

If you are a teacher, you could use the Lemur Conservation Network's teaching resources for your classroom.

Check out the Lemur Conservation Network's "Professional Resources for Research and Conservation."

Check for other ideas on the Lemur Conservation Network's "How to Help" page.

The Lemur Conservation Network suggests contacting them to learn more about participating in the day.

Source

[shoodleynoodle]

Andami ko gusto maachieve sa 2024 as a palamunin at pabigat na tambay lang netong last quarter ng 2023. Ahahaha. Sana makahanap ako ng work from home na job next year para pwede ko pa rin gawin yung mga binabalak ko. Alam ko rin kase na di afford ng pamilya ko na mag-onsite work ako kase ako lang rin naman ang nakakakilos dito sa bahay–linis, luto, etc. Tsaka may plano kami ng family ko na magtravel next year since silver anniv na ng parents at never naman kaming nakaalis talaga ever since pandemic happened. Bukod don, gusto ko rin makapagshare na sa kanila sa mga gastusin sa house kase parang ang bigat na for my mom na sya na lang ang sasalo ng lahat ng bills namin next year. Magtatayo na rin kase yata ng business papa ko tapos gusto rin nila na makatulong ako dun kahit paminsan-minsan since starting pa lang kami.

Habang naghahanap ako ng work next year, mag-iintern muna ako sa SNED dept ng school nila mama para naman makaexplore rin ako ng mga gusto kong gawin sa buhay, saka unofficial intern naman na nila ako ngayon at lagi akong present at natulong sa mga event event nila. Ahahaha. Excited me kase syempre bukod sa experience ganun, may gagawin na ako sa buhay ko. Nakakapagod pa rin pala magpahinga after grad.

Balak ko rin mag-open ng bank account next year or after christmas para naman maka-ipon na ako at ma-control ko na uli ang expenses ko. Ahahaha. Gusto ko rin subukan uli mag-invisible 20 kase nainspire ako sa pinsan ko. Ahahaha. Tinry ko sya this year kaso kalahati pa lang ng taon, nagastos ko na rin sya kasi lagi akong walang barya nung nagcocommute. Ahahaha. Next year, sana matuloy ko na talaga para may backup ipon pa rin.

Need ko na rin iwasan mag-online shopping at pagpapadeliver ng food. Feeling ko kaya ko naman na ngayon kasi di na ako nagdodorm saka nakakapressure na magpadeliver kase sa bahay na ako at need ko na iconsider ang pamilya ko kapag nagpadeliver ako. Siguro tuwing may okasyon na lang, ganun. Need ko na rin talaga iwasan magsend ng pera sa gcash ko kasi feeling ko lagi play money lang pag nasa gcash tapos pakiramdam ko di kawalan kapag pinangonline shop ko. Hahahaha. Boang. Eh nung nakita ko yung gcash flashback ko, anlaki rin talaga ng nagastos ko sa gcash this year.

Gusto ko na rin uli bumalik sa pagbubullet journal or atleast matutukan na talaga pagnonotion kasi, nung may pasok pa at nagdodorm ako, effective talaga yun sa pag-improve ng productivity at budgeting ko. Natigil na kase ako nung bumalik ako dito sa bahay kase feeling ko wala naman na ako masyadong expenses at gagawin. Ahaha. Binilhan rin ako ng tita ko ng markers at pens kaya nagkaurge rin ako na bumalik sa pagbubujo. Hindi ko na nga tanda kung kelan huli kong entry dito ng bujo at inactive naman din ako dito nung napasok pa ako sa univ. Eto na lang gawin kong hobby para matigil na rin ako sa pag-shoshopee at tiktok shop kakahanap ng mga pwedeng gawing hobby na di ko rin naman talaga natatagalan. Ahahahaha.

Hindi ko pa rin alam kung magte-take na ba ako ng boards pero minsan sinisilip-silip ko yung college notes ko para lang marefresh ako tas kung sakali man na maisipan kong magtake ng boards, siguro di ko na lang ipapaalam sa sambayanang pilipino. Ahahaha. Pero kailangan ko rin pala unahin muna kunin files ko sa univ kase di ko pa rin nakukuha tor at diploma ko. Hahaha. After nun, siguro, valid ids na rin.

Dami kong plano for 2024, first time to talaga kasi dati malungkot lang naman ako kapag holiday season. Ngayon, malungkot pa rin naman ako pero kasi nafifeel ko na yung pressure to start getting my shit together para mabawasan yung guilt of being useless and being a freloader dito sa bahay. Ahahaha. Gusto ko lang makapagprovide sa sarili ko at matulungan yung mama ko para gumaan naman uli ang buhay. I'll really try to break my bad habits (spending) next year! Dapat ang matirang magastos na bisyo ko na lang ay pagve-vape. Ahahaha.

Sana naman makiayon na ang universe sa akin, di po ako ang strongest soldier nyo kaya tama na sa pagpapasabak sa akin sa gyera.

[mushroomminded]

two mushy things, one that just came to me now and one i just feel like saying;

1) the most recent comic is one of those pieces of art so good it makes me go 'god i wish i did that', peak integration of lyric and visual storytelling, absolute masterpiece, 12/10

2) for the last however long we've known one another at this point (sox years I think?), you're one of the key creators who's work- particularly in the narrative space- has pushed me to want to compete and stand on the same level. all of my usual self loathing aside, on a common sense level, i know i've worked hard to hone a writing talent for literally over a decade and that i am, at least, Relatively Decent at writing and have been for a while- even back when we first met. however, i also know that I can always improve- because we never stop improving and growing as creators the more we create, it's inherent to the process- and seeing how well plotted your work is, how your dialogue flows, lit that spark under me of 'i know i'm doing this stuff well already, but i know i can do it better- i myself want to feel like i can match this, what i'm reading'. of course you're not the only creative friend of mine who's had that impact on me, but that doesn't change that you have- and your impact has been quite big in places (you, alongside my partner, are literally one of the driving forces that made me finally pull my finger out and actually work towards 'completing' Barnbellow's Estate, from a mixture of both seeing what you were doing with Micoverse and wanting to match it in the mediums i best could but also, crucially, for your enthusiasm for it). I am very, very lucky to know and have befriended people who are extremely talented in innumerous fields, all of whom are constant inspirations to me, and I just wanted to let you know that you are among that crowd of Artist Friends What Make Me Also Want To Make Things Good Like (and also subsequently why I shove the things I make in your face like 'HEY YO CHECK THIS OUT DO YA LIKE IT DID I DO GOOD', which i can only apologise for but also reassure you you are not the only person that knows me who has to endure it 😅). So, y'know. Keep on doing that, ay.

SEND THIS WHILE IM IN BED AND CANT DRAW MYSELF CRYIN OK.... ITS NOT LIKE THAT MEANS A LOT....

[hummingbird-of-light]

Against All Odds

Part 559

McCoy

McCoy sat with Christine at a table in the library after lunch. The afternoon before had been perfect. A walk to the lake in the crisp winter air, Scotty warm at his side, life had felt nearly normal again. Of course guards had followed at a respectful distance, but it really felt like the start of gaining back their lives.

But that had been yesterday, and with only a few short weeks left of classes before break, it was time to really buckle down and study.

“You’ve improved a lot,” Christine said, looking over McCoy’s biochem homework.

“Dr. Boyce was a big help in explaining it,” McCoy said quietly. “I know the teachers here are good, but he just—”

“He gets you,” Christine filled in.

“Yeah,” McCoy agreed. “He was my teacher for years, I suppose he knows how I learn things by this point.” He smiled.

“Did I ever tell you, my parents were a bit jealous I got to meet him at your home?”

“Really?” McCoy looked at Christine with interest.

“Yeah, his surgical papers are highly regarded.”

“Oh. That’s cool. Maybe someday I’ll understand them.”

“It’ll be sooner than you think if you keep working like this.” Christine tapped on McCoy’s PADD. He smiled again at the compliment.

They went back to working quietly again. Soon enough it would be time to head off to their afternoon classes. McCoy glanced over at another table where Scotty sat. Jaylah, Keenser and Chekov sat with him, heads altogether working on something engineering related.

In the pool for swim practice, McCoy’s mind wandered. How many afternoons had he spent in the pool at home with Scotty during the six weeks they had been there. He’d lost track, but Scotty’s swimming had gotten stronger. He glanced over at the bleachers as he turned his head for a breath as he swam laps.

He hoped the Scotts would come stay for the break. He would love to take Scotty north to the mountains. The Scotsman had seemed disappointed when McCoy had said the palace rarely received snow. Did Scotty think Georgiares’ snow was like it’s rain? McCoy pushed off the wall underwater as he turned. He’d take Scotty to see a Georgiares winterscape, but he hoped his fiancé wouldn’t be disappointed.

“Mr. McCoy? Are you going to join us?”

McCoy’s stroke faltered. Lost in thought he had turned again as he reached the other wall. Mr. Archer was looking down at him from the side.

“Sorry,” he said, as he turned back and joined the group at the wall. “My mind…” he waved a hand in the air to indicate his thoughts free floating.

“What were ye thinking about?” Scotty whispered, as they lay in bed after curfew.

“Thinking about?” McCoy asked.

“In the pool. When Archer called ye.”

McCoy frowned. “Oh,” he said as he remembered the afternoon. “Swimming always settles my thoughts. I was thinking about break. If Mother has asked your mom yet.”

“I think they’d let us know love.”

“Maybe. They might wait, or forget to tell us. Or tell Robbie to tell us when he comes.”

He heard Scotty sigh softly in the dark. They had spoken to Robbie and Leah the night before. They had seemed happy, all things considered. But McCoy knew Scotty was still worried about Robbie.

“I was thinking about places I want to show you too. The mountains and all that. Places we didn’t get to see last summer.” McCoy yawned. Scotty was warm against him.

“We’ll see them yet love,” Scotty said. McCoy could hear his fiance’s smile.

“You have holidays over break? On Earth?”

“Aye,” Scotty agreed.

“Us too, but they probably aren’t the same.” Another yawn split McCoy’s head and he felt the vibration through Scotty’s chest as he chuckled at him.

“Go to sleep mo ghràdh,” Scotty said. “I’ll teach you about earth holidays later.”

“Ok,” McCoy said through a yawn. His eyes were already closed. “I’ll teach you Georgiares’…” He felt a brush of lips against his forehead.

“Love ye Len.”

“Love… you…”

Part 560

Scotty

The next few days passed them by quite quickly. They studied for the upcoming exams, spent time with their friends, went to see Dr. Hudson on Friday.

It was more to cope now after Robbie’s kidnapping, but the psychologist knew just how to catch the two boys. And she would be ready to help Robbie, too.

Scotty was waiting anxiously at the gates of school after the afternoon classes were finished. His wee brother would return to school so that he had the weekend to settle back in, before the next week of school would start.

“Ye think he’s really ready to return?” Scotty glanced at Leonard who was standing next to him.

The prince smiled softly at him and grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently.

“Of course. And we will make sure that he’ll be fine,” Leonard reassured him.

Just when Scotty was about to answer, a car pulled into the driveway. Both boys turned their heads and almost instantly a smile crossed Scotty’s face.

“Robbie!”

The car stopped and several people got out.

Sarek, some guards, Robbie and Leah… and two very surprising guests.

“Mum? Granddad?” Scotty asked when he saw the two of them. He quickly let go of Robbie and ran over to the rest of his family, hugging them as well. He couldn’t believe it!

“Hello Monty,” his mother chuckled, running a hand through his hair.

“What are ye doing here?” Scotty looked from one to another.

“We wanted to make sure that our wee lad gets here safely,” Granddad answered.

Robbie groaned.

“I’m not a wee lad anymore!”

Francine just chuckled as she ruffled her youngest son’s hair.

“Yes, ye are.”

Robbie quickly stepped over to Leah, trying to avoid his mum’s affection.

“Come on, love, you know that they don’t mean it like that,” the princess said, pressing a kiss onto her boyfriend’s cheek.

Greetings and hugs were exchanged and the boys found out that Francine, Alasdair and Leah would stay until dinner.

Scotty was over the moon. Never before had parents been at school if not for bigger events.

Mr. Pike joined them quickly and welcomed Robbie back. He then chose to have tea with the adult guests, allowing for the younger ones to have some private time.

“Come on! We meet with the others!” Scotty said, already grabbing his brother’s sleeve, but Robbie stayed where he was.

“Uhm, I… wanted to show Leah the lake. But… ye can join us if ye want to.”

Scotty blinked in surprise. But slowly a smile formed on his lips. He knew why Robbie wanted to show Leah the place. It was special, after all.

“Oh, uhm, no. No, it’s fine. Ye better head off without us.”

Scotty looked at Leonard who nodded in agreement.

“Sure. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do,” the prince just said and Leah grinned as she grabbed Robbie’s hand.

“Well… that leaves a generous margin,” she said with a wink and Scotty and Leonard watched them leave with some guards.

“I… suppose Robbie’s better.”

“Aye. Aye, ye’re right.”

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Wow I never thought I'd see an ARMY talk about NCT the way you did. What do you think of the group? You said you like their latest cb, what exceeded your expectation? If you have one who is your bias?

**

Hi Anon,

I usually check out every new release if I've got time to. Checked out Ay Yo and liked it. It's a dope track.

What I said is:

"For the first time in three years I am not completely disappointed. (Too bad SM Entertainment is sort of self-destructing right now.) Ay Yo is giving me everything the boys are capable of. And by 'the boys' I'm referring to Haechan, Mark, and Taeyong - that trio + Ten are the only people I care for (in a very neutral sense), in NCT. Chenle and Jaemin occasionally stand out. But the real star this comeback is the song. 2 Baddies was an atrocity that didn't need to exist, but Ay Yo sits just at the sweet spot between disorienting experimentation and anthem hit. When you see the boys perform it it only gets better... "

NCT is one of the more interesting projects out of SM in (1) its concept - NCT is the musical expression of Seoul, her culture; and (2) its medium of choice: hyper-pop and hip hop. NCT is a group significantly more interesting than SHINee or EXO. In theory, in my opinion. But until now, they really didn't live up to that hype. Again, my opinion.

But when I saw the dance practice for Ay Yo, I had to revisit that thought.

This dance practice video alone justifies the existence of this group. First of all, full kudos to Rie Hata for choreographing such an avant-garde and memorable routine. Next, the guys have to get their full credit. I haven't even bothered watching anything else they've released yet, I'm perfectly content just watching the dance practice over and over. That's how good they are.

My problem with NCT though (and honestly most SM-trained idols) is that, like a Roja parfum, performance quality doesn't last long. I know someone who attended that live performance that had Lucas disruptively dancing to a completely different song mid-performance. Like they saw that, in person. Can you just imagine what that is like? But I won't dwell on that, what I'd rather highlight is how much they've improved. They moved like a single unit from start to finish in Ay Yo. The entire performance is seamless, the attention to detail impressive, and they're all so into it. It's really cool and close to how insanely immersed BTS gets during a performance. This style of dance seems to work them into that almost trancelike state, and it suits them very well.

Haechan ties with Taeyong who ties with Ten who ties with Mark to be my favourites in NCT. I can't really speak to their characters, I don't watch them enough to comment, but I do think from a 'capability' standpoint, those four are in the top 10 male idols ever produced by SM. So, it was very gratifying seeing them improve even more this comeback.

The song is actually good too though, like I said, the bridge is a bit unfortunate. Jaehyun's verse too.

I hate bridges in SM songs. Generally. The bridge in an SM song exists to serve as a mood breaker and palette cleanser for the highlight of the song, which in Ay Yo is from timestamp: 2:57 to 3:35. A bridge should be something that redirects your focus, something that plays with the motif of the whole song, not introduce its own. Anyway, that's mostly my thing. I'm sure many people enjoy the abrupt switch ups mid-song, and sometimes I'm one of those people, but most times I'm not. It's so encouraging for me that Ay Yo is a song good enough even with that.

For the Anon who sent me an ask more tied to the mess happening at SM rather than my views on NCT, I'll get to your ask before long.

[achitka]

Chapter 22: A Gift of Healing

Summary:

So, this is my little HC of how Julieta's Gift is improvable...Meaning the more she learns the more her Gift can heal. Takes place roughly a year ish after the magic comes back. She be fancy.

A Gift of Healing

Agustín finished preparing the araçá juice under the mostly watchful eye of his wife who was fishing the last of the chicken bones from the pot of broth she made. While he was accident prone, he was less so when in the presence of his wife. He knew what the price of fixing his damaged self cost her and did not want to add to an already stressful day. She, of course, had been up too long and it showed as she moved slowly around the worktable after she put the lid on the pot.

“Mi amor, time for a break,” he said and offered her a cup of the fresh juice. She looked about to protest, but he gently took her hand and placed the cup in it. She smiled that beautiful smile that he could never tire of seeing and nodding she went to the table, sat down and took a long sip.

“Thank you,” she said, fingertips tapping on the wooden surface. “I hope this is isolated, I don’t think I’m ready for a full-blown outbreak of anything. Thank goodness there’s another doctor in the Encanto. Mamá is a little better, but I’m worried this will take too much of her strength to fight off. I'm going to call on Dr. Gonzalez in the morning and have him come check on her.”

Julieta clearly had a better idea of what was happening with her mother and had always wanted to study these types of things. It was an unexpected blessing when that opportunity came. She was learning much from the new doctor that had arrived within months of the mountain splitting open. He, like the people he came with were refugees from Colombia's latest troubles. 

Agustín listened as she recounted some of what she’d learned recently, one of which was a thing called antibiotics. Specifically, penicillin. The Doctor told her how it had saved many lives of those wounded during the war in Europe. A wonder drug, made from, of all things, fungus. But it was soon discovered that multiple doses were required to prevent relapse.

The man had come to Colombia from Spain, hoping to escape the civil war there only to have misfortune follow him here. Having already lost his wife and child in Spain, there was an air of loss that followed Dr. González and though Julieta was glad to have another to help care for the townsfolk, she did not push. Agustín thought it odd that Dr. González, who had some knowledge of traditional healing, did not put much stock in it. Though he was oddly open minded enough to teach his wife when she asked. But then, Julieta Madrigal was very good at getting what she wanted. She would politely ask and you would totally think it was your idea to do as she asked. Her mother’s daughter for sure. Having already read all the books Dr. González had brought with him it was clear Julieta was not satisfied. She wanted to learn more.

“You’re doing your-” Agustín stopped when he heard a low growl. He looked past his wife and spied Antonio in the doorway of the kitchen atop Parce. He put a hand on his wife’s arm to forestall her getting up and said as he approached him, “Ay, Antonio, why you out of bed little one.”

“Don’t feel good,” Antonio replied looking miserable, “and Parce said you weren’t in your room and he could find you.”

Agustín picked him up and felt his head, he had a fever but did not look dehydrated, “Thank you for bringing him, Parce.” The jaguar chuffed and laid down in the doorway. Julieta waived Agustín over and he came and sat next to her cradling the half-awake boy. She felt his head and her brow crinkled; eyebrow raised. She was calculating what it would take of her strength to help her sobrino. She reached over and picked up the cup of juice that casita had poured.

“Take a sip, Antonio,” Julieta said, Agustín knew she was letting her Gift flow into the juice. Antonio perked up a little and after a few more sips, he was much more alert, this surprised Julieta. Agustín was watching, eyebrows raised as her surprise turned to some sort of realization. She’d never been able to ‘cure’ fevers in the past only ease the symptoms. Julieta felt Antonio's head again and looked astonished.

“Thanks, Tía. I’m gonna go back to bed now,” Antonio said and drank the rest of the cup. He set it down and gave her a hug then turned and gave Agustín a hug as well. He climbed atop Parce and even as the jaguar left the kitchen, Julieta was up pouring another cup. Agustín was right behind her as they hurried up to her mother’s room.

[veymax]

What Are the Benefits of Rinding an Electric Skateboard?

Electric skateboards offer numerous benefits compared to traditional skateboards, such as faster speeds, greater portability, and an easier learning curve. Furthermore, they are generally safe and can last quite a long time if used and maintained properly. On average, it is estimated that an electric skateboard can last up to five years or more if the battery is kept charged and the board is not exposed to extreme weather conditions.

The benefits of riding an electric skateboard.

Slice your way through traffic jams! If you are an urbanite, then this is probably one of the issues you battle with every day. However, with an electric board in hand, you can start your day not trapped in your car or a crowded bus. You can actually enjoy your ay to work, as you get your daily dose of fresh air. This will definitely lighten up your mood, and lets you start everything on a positive note!

Enjoy every ride with less effort. Because electric boards don’t require you to push constantly, you are less tired after riding. There’s also little to no effort for charging the electric ride, just plug it in, leave it for around 4-8 hours and you’re done! You can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride again.

Save money on gas and repairs. This is probably one of the main concerns of any car owner. Gas and repairs take so much from your savings, and the opposite is true for veymax e-skateboards. These electric wonders are very economical, and one of the most energy-efficient vehicles in the market.

Get that much-needed exercise! As someone who’s always busy with work or school, you might have no time to work-out at least once a week. You might want spend your spare time resting rather than sweating it out at the gym. Little do people know, with an electric skateboard, you can also get that exercise your body needs. Riding an e-board requires you to constantly focus on where you’re going, and the weight-shifting for turns require your body to move with the correct balance. This hones not only your senses, it also gives you a fresh feeling once you arrive at work or school.

Control your speed with no worries. Because of the ESC installed in your e-board, you can have full control of your speed. Manual models tend to travel at a higher speed when going downhill, and slower on flat surfaces. Contrary to this, most e-skateboard models have the option of riding at a steady speed, no matter what path you’re taking.

They are versatile and portable electric vehicles. Probably the most portable out of all kinds of electric rides, e-skateboards can be ridden in all kinds of terrains. Versatility-wise, electric boards give you the option of switching between manual or electric use. Just like a normal skateboard, you can use your e-board to perform tricks in manual mode. You can then switch back to electric mode on your way home. That way, you can enjoy both features to the fullest!

You can help save the environment! One thing electric rideables are popular for is their contribution to the environment. Electric skateboards generally leave less carbon footprints, and do not burn fossil fuels the way other gas-powered vehicles do.

All of these amazing benefits just prove that electric skateboards are innovative, convenient, and practical investments that will last you a long time. They are definitely the future of skateboarding, and they definitely upgrade and improve one’s lifestyle.

[upismediacenter]

FEATURE: New Requirement: Mandatory F2F

New semester, new you, and new mode of learning too! But this time around, it’s more of a mix of past set-ups with some adjustments. For the second semester of AY ‘22-’23, the UPIS administration is implementing mandatory face-to-face classes. If before, students had limited face-to-face classes with the option of being a roomie or a zoomie, all are now required to attend in-person classes. For students in kindergarten to grade 2, face-to-face classes are twice a week, while for grades 3-12, they are held thrice a week. This major shift is a period of adjustment that has brought forth many new thoughts, feelings, and realizations to the members of our community. Students and teachers alike from different levels have much to share about their experience.

While high school roomies from the first semester have had some time to dip their toes in once a week face-to-face classes, elementary students have a bit more adjusting to do. Even those who were roomies last semester only attended in-person classes twice a month. Going from that schedule to in-person classes thrice a week is definitely much less gradual of a transition. That being said, it sure hasn’t dampened the spirits of Reen Lopez, a student from 6-Perlas. “I feel joyful knowing that we have face-to-face three times a week. I do think that this could improve the social development of the youth,” she said in an interview.

It is indeed joyful as, according to her, the current set-up has much improved her enthusiasm for learning. “I [also] understood the lectures and discussions more properly since I do not encounter the same problems as before (internet or broken device).” More than that, it’s the little things you can’t get with remote learning that Reen enjoys the most, such as simple chats with her friends, the food from the canteen, and even the laughs and shouts of children outside their classroom, which she said she missed a lot.

Of course, given that it’s been practically three years of mostly remote learning for her, face-to-face classes come with its own challenges. “All of my classmates have matured and changed a lot during those years. This was the problem I experienced on the first day of face-to-face for the 2nd semester.” She said, sharing that her unfamiliarity with her classmates’ interests led to very brief conversations and interactions with them.

But overall, she feels that the good outweighs the bad. When asked whether there is anything she would suggest or change with the current set-up, she answered, “None, none at all. I'm content[ed] with the set-up right now, and I don't need anything more.”

As for first semester high school zoomies Justice Aguinaldo of 9-Barium and an anonymous Grade 12 student under the name, Yoshi, the live classroom experience provides much to delight in and each have expressed a comparable level of surprise at their adjustment to mandatory F2F. “I was nervous as to what my experience would be. Now that we're almost a month in, my perception [of] it has completely changed and [I am] liking [the] system,” said Yoshi.

It indeed appears that certain things require only the passage of time to get settled into, for while Justice also faced challenges in adopting a new routine for the schedule, they are now, according to her, more manageable. “Even if the travel to and from school can be exhausting, it is worth it,” she said. Despite similar struggles, Yoshi has also found a number of the changes, along with reinstatements, in the new normal to be worth rejoicing.

Save for twelfth graders with their interest courses, students no longer need to transfer to different rooms; and as they can also opt to bring only digital copies of their course packs instead of traditional printed ones, baggage and commute-liability has considerably decreased for some. In the same way, Justice commends how classes have been conducted, particularly, in the wealth of health and safety protocols that are being implemented.

A temperature-scanning alcohol dispenser situated by the UPIS gate to greet, check, and disinfect those intending to leave school premises. Photo credit: Allana dela Cruz

According to her, “I feel assured and safe somehow that UPIS has an organized system, which follows the health guidelines needed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” For students such as Justice and Yoshi who’ve only ever attended classes on Zoom for nearly three years, truly a sense of comfort must be derived, not just from a well-ordered state of things, but also in the various familiarities that come with the physical setting.

In Yoshi’s case, adapting to the new system was easy because of how it still feels so much as it had during pre-pandemic. Justice, too, has been able to meet with old friends as well as make new ones with greater ease in the current set-up—some of the former advantages that were unique to taking classes in person. Most salient for her though, is the opportunity to communicate with classmates and teachers in a manner that is both productive and engaging—to learn and connect at a more personal level.

Gone now for the two, are the warbled online discussions occasioned by a weak internet connection during classes held on-site; and while remaining partly online, it is no longer so fraught with the stress of contacting one’s peers or the helplessness of being locked at home. The day devoted to classes online now functions, as Yoshi has said, “as a refresh for the body and mind.”

On the other hand, Mishi Guiang of 6-Perlas takes a more impartial stand. “I don’t think I favor one mode over the other,” she said. She also remarked that they do not differ much overall in her experience. Despite this, the unique upsides to mandatory F2F cannot be denied, for she’s professed to enjoy a pleasantly higher degree of attentiveness and interactivity, as well as a greater sense of responsibility, “Procrastination has been less during the current set-up.”

Lessons for her are easier to understand compared to before, with live discussions coming across with greater clarity and tasks given in person posing less difficulty. A concern however, similarly includes commuting to school thrice a week; Mishi feels for those with whom it is a shared issue, “the harder part is traveling if you live far or if there is traffic.” The one day allotted for remote learning has likewise allowed for troubles with signal and connectivity to remain.

Though by no means trivial issues, she has stated that she wouldn’t change a thing with the current situation and merely acknowledged that she understands why some have a significantly preferred method, “Online is good for people with gadgets and good internet and like online in general. Face-to-face is good for people that like meeting the teachers and being able to answer things physically instead of google classroom.”

The latter part of Mishi’s sentiments definitely goes both ways for Sir Michael “Myk” Dela Cerna, as this set-up provides the opportunity to slowly return to traditional teaching and learning methods. Finally given the chance to consistently see his students face-to-face, he prioritizes getting their input on the topic being discussed. This is especially important considering the subject that he teaches. “Bilang ang aking kursong tinuturo ay Sining ng Komunikasyon kaya dapat higit na mahasa ang mga kasanayan sa paggamit ng wika (isa kasing hamon ang mayaman at aktibong talakayan sa dating moda na purong online),” he said. To make the most out of the current set-up, he makes some adjustments to his teaching methods by having more groupworks and discussions.

Sir Michael “Myk” dela Cerna conducts Pagsasalin class to the twelfth grade students. Photo credit: Allana dela Cruz

It does seem that class discussions are going well for Sir Myk, as he observes a higher morale in his students now that they are regularly interacting with their peers. In his words, “Hindi na kailangan “pagalawin ang baso” upang madama na kasama mo na ang mga mag-aaral.” Now, he’s able to actually feel the class’ interest and reactions.

Regular face-to-face classes is certainly Sir Myk’s preferred set-up when it comes to teaching. Aside from the more frequent and regular interactions with students, he’s now more able to focus on one group of students as opposed to during blended learning, wherein he had to simultaneously cater to both roomies and zoomies. Additionally, given how limited face-to-face classes were last semester, teachers had only a few select activities that they were able to carry out then. But even now, when there’s more in-person classes and opportunities, he says that the challenge lies in maintaining the momentum of learning.

If, for the greater heft of nearly three academic years, both teachers and students had utilized various online platforms—such as Google classroom, Padlet, and Quizizz—committing to mostly live activities and past face-to-face methods might not suffice. In Justice’s words, keeping them in commission, “can ensure that the students are supplied with the materials they can use to have a deeper understanding of the lessons.”

Though regularly conducting face-to-face has been a long-time coming, or as Yoshi had put it, “rather foreseen than sudden,” it’s important to keep in mind that years have passed since being subject to it—that more students still need an adjustment period and that teachers should be given time to strike a balance between the best of past teaching approaches. Many of us are dreaming of the way things were, but what warrants our attention at the moment, is getting the most out of this current mode of learning. //by Allana dela Cruz and Alyana Fabella