#ly made and distributed

[samaspic31]

What if i just gave up instead of fighting to figure out how to “earn a living” out of art or even any fucking field and have habits as ethical as i can in this hellscape of a world where the only thing rewarded is ownership and cruelty. What if

[szhmidty]

Microsoft made Recall—the feature that automatically tracks everything you do in an attempt at helping you except, you know, that's a massive security risk and data mining source—a dependency for the windows file explorer, meaning even if you forcibly strip Recall out you end up losing basic tools.

This is very much a "learn how to install Linux Mint on your laptop" moment. Richard Stallman et al were entirely correct, your computer will soon have spyware integrated deep into the system internals with no ability to cleanly remove it even for experienced, tech savvy users.

Yes, it sucks, there is no Linux distribution that has to even close to the level of support for software and peripherals that windows has, and even the easier distros like Mint still expect a level of tech savvy that Mac and Windows just don't require. Anyone telling you that Linux is just as easy and just as good is lying to you.

But Linux has never been easier, has never been as well supported as today, and simply doesn't contain egregious spyware (well, besides Ubuntu that one time I guess).

[blueberrybirdsworld]

Collision 4/20

Summary:

Lando always had a type : blonde, models, not ready to settle down. Yet once he met her, all his world is changed and he slowly start to realises maybe he was wrong all this time.

It's a prequel story of The Cat Distribution System, on how Lando Norris fall in love with Ariana. Could be read seperatly.

Pairing : lando norris x original female character

Genre : SMAU, Fluff, slow burn, enventual smut and angst

Warning : none

CHAPTER 4 : SMAU

Serie Masterlist

@landonorris

Life lately: city nights, soft lights, slow things 🎼

@pietra you forgot “dragged to the ballet and actually kinda loved it” 😌🩰

@maxfewtrell he's lying. man was into act II don't let him pretend otherwise

@carlossainz55 slow things? who is this poetic new version of you

@formula1fashion slide 4… tux?? okay classy king

@curiouscatfan is that a program for The Nutcracker? 👀

@slowcircuits love this whole soft mood. winter season lando is ✨

@arianariverria

Opening night in Royal Opera still lingers in my limbs. Thank you to the ones who made it feel like gold 🩰🤍

@ballerinasoflondon You were luminous on stage

@velvetdanse this is what grace looks like

@stagequietly saw you last night — truly breathtaking 🩰

@quietballetgirl this bouquet is straight out of a novel. you’re magic.

@balletfansunited whoever gave you those flowers has taste 😍

Instagram Story – @pietra

@f1casuals not pietra casually giving us ballet night with the lads content 😭 I love it here

@ballerinasonthegrid wait was doing Lando and Max at The Nutcracker??

@fashionf1blog tbh obsessed with this whole aesthetic

@quietobserver32 Lando looked like the adoptive son of Max and Pietra

@f1winterwatch #LandoNorris seen by fans at the Royal Opera House in London for opening night of The Nutcracker during winter break. Dressed in full tux and accompanied by close friend Max Fewtrell and Pietra Pilao, the McLaren driver was photographed looking very out of his usual element.

Fans were quick to clock the ballet program in hand — and even quicker to spiral. Sources say he stayed through the full performance and went to the after show gala, according to Max’s own comments he was “weirdly into Act II.” 👀.

@f1girlie lando norris watching ballet in a tux… literally what dimension is this

@chaoticgrid so we all agree this is Pietra’s doing right??

@curiouspitlane "weirdly into Act II" IS THE FUNNIEST THING I’VE EVER READ

@formulafits not me falling in love with winter opera lando. he’s just like a victorian novel character now

@gridgossipgirl he’s not suddenly into ballet y’all 😂 he prob just got roped in by max and pietra

@f1curiosity don’t forget it was donors night at the Royal Opera… PR move?? 👀

@midfielddreams let’s be real: this is 100% media team damage control for the party boy Lando headlines

@offtrackantics tbh i wouldn’t be shocked if McLaren told him to show face and act classy for once lol

@slowburnsundays he looked good. that’s all i’m taking from this. tux Lando supremacy

@gridoverdramatic we’ve gone from ibiza yachts to ballet in a month 😭 PR team is working overtime

@f1goat not buying the “soft boy era” spin yet. we’ve seen the club videos. we remember.

@quietlyofftrack maybe he was just trying to support pietra. like. sometimes guys do wholesome things to balance the chaos

@fansofthegrid i know everyone’s like “image change!!!” but honestly?? maybe he just likes dressing up and sitting down for 2 hours

Texts messages :

Unknown Number hi so, this might be weird unless it’s not? I don’t know

Ariana Who is this?

Unknown Number right, yeah sorry it’s Lando from the other night I get your number trough the dancers contact list I hope it's okay, I swear I’m not weird

Ariana …Norris?

Lando yes, that one Formula One guy bad-at-tuxedos guy

Ariana I remember You weren’t that bad at tuxedos

Lando 😅 thanks I practiced standing still in a mirror beforehand

Ariana Impressive. So, what’s this text about?

Lando right, yeah ok so this isn’t like a thing like it’s not a date not that I wouldn’t, I mean it could be not that it has to be I just thought—

Ariana Breathe.

Lando okay resetting hi again

Ariana Hello again.

Lando I wanted to see if you might want to come to this gathering thing, not like a wild party or anything just friends, pizza, blankets, probably candles Pietra said something about fairy lights and “safe vibes”

Ariana That’s… quite the pitch

Lando I panicked halfway through and committed to the bit

Ariana I could tell So you’re inviting me to a not-a-party?

Lando yes, very chill Max is hosting and Pietra’s coming no pressure at all, if you hate it you can pretend you weren’t even there

Ariana Are you always this nervous when texting?

Lando only when the person I’m texting is kind of intimidating and elegant and casually tore my ego in half at a club once

Ariana Fair And do you usually invite said people to pizza nights?

Lando no, this is a new thing trying something different slower quieter less… tequila and regrettable decisions

Ariana I appreciate that Maybe

Lando maybe yes or maybe “I’ll disappear for three months and never answer again”?

Ariana Maybe yes if I’m not busy and if the playlist isn’t terrible

Lando Max made the playlist so yes it’s terrible but we can change it if you come

Ariana Tempting

Lando pls come I already told Pietra I invited you and she’s going to mock me forever if you don’t

Ariana Send the address I’ll think about it

Lando [📍Shared Location] okay sent thank you for being gentle with how awkward I am I swear I’m cooler in person actually no, that’s probably a lie

Ariana It’s fine I don’t like cool people anyway

Lando 😳 I’ll take that as a win

Taglist : @angelluv16, @httpsxnox, @anunstablefangirl, @chocolatemagazinecupcake, @mayax2o07, @freyathehuntress, @verogonewild, @esw1012

Let me know if you wanted to be added to the taglist !

[wosospacegirl]

Life calls for breaks - Alexia Putellas

Summary: Alexia lost the UEFA Women's Champions League, and you don't really know how to help her. You are there, though, and it's enough.

Word count: 1.5k

a/n: I know this is late, but I didn't have the time to write it before.

..

The sadness you felt in your chest wasn't even comparable to what Alexia was probably feeling right now.

You watched from the stands as the referee blew the whistle and the Arsenal players started to cry, running toward one another, commemorating the win they had just earned.

You had watched the entire game. Arsenal deserved it, but so did Barcelona. You stood by that belief as you searched the pitch for one face in particular: Alexia.

Alexia's worst enemy was herself. She was her biggest critic. Often, Alexia would not be kind to herself, and by the way she was holding it together, greeting and congratulating the Arsenal players while keeping a protective hand on her youngest players' backs, telling them it would be okay. You knew that voice in her head was speaking very unkindly to her right now.

It was as if Alexia went through all stages of grief at once. At first, she didn't show any emotion; she was just there for her players. She was the Captain, she had to be strong all the time—or that's what she thought.

Your careful eyes never left Alexia. You saw as she sat down on the pitch, looking at nothing, letting it sink in. Your heart ached knowing you couldn't go down there and hold her.

Players' families could only access the pitch after the medal ceremony, but given that Barcelona had lost, they wouldn't stay on the pitch much longer after that. It was better to wait for her in the hallway leading to the locker room.

You watched the medal ceremony, how Alexia walked past the trophy without lifting her head. It should be her. It should be Alexia holding it. Alexia should be the one with the gold medal around her neck.

You knew you weren't being very rational right now, but seeing how disappointed Alexia was with herself, you couldn't help it. It made you mad.

Fuck football. Fuck the Champions League. Fuck everything that was hurting Alexia at the moment.

When the medals were distributed, you made your way to the private area of the stadium and waited for Alexia. She was one of the last to walk through. Other players found their loved ones in the hallway and stopped for hugs. They needed that.

When Alexia spotted you, she gave you the slightest smile. You wanted to take all the pain she was feeling and throw it away.

You took a few steps back so you would have a little more privacy, turning toward the right wall. You were kind of alone; anyone could walk by at any second, but right now, only the two of you mattered.

"Hi," you said softly, opening your arms and inviting Alexia into a hug.

Alexia stepped closer, wrapping her arms around you, her head lying on your shoulder.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be," you replied in a small voice, one you knew she needed to hear. "That's football. Part of the game–"

"--but I know it still hurts," you continued, trying to coax a little more out of her. "It's okay to be sad."

You knew how Alexia tended to close off when she was hurt. She would put on her captain facade, being strong for everyone while being hard on herself.

"You played well, amor," you said, pressing a kiss to the side of Alexia's head. “I’m proud of you, you always make sure I am.”

Alexia didn't answer. Instead, she took a step back. "I need to change, but then I'll go straight to the hotel. Meet me there?"

"Yes, of course."

You and Alexia were back at the hotel. Alexia had paid for her own room, so you could be with her without questions or interruptions, since the club didn't allow the players to share a room with anyone outside of the team.

"Come here," you said gently, reaching for her as soon as she stepped through the door.

You had arrived thirty minutes earlier than her. Your pyjamas were already on; you were just waiting for Alexia.

You helped her out of her jersey, then guided her to the bed. You lay down first, and Alexia settled on top of you, her body fitting perfectly against yours.

"You never cry on the pitch," you observed quietly.

"No," she agreed, her voice muffled against your chest.

"You can cry now."

"No," she repeated, but her voice was smaller this time.

You caressed Alexia's back gently, waiting for her to say something more, but she didn't. The silence stretched between you, filled only with the sound of her breathing gradually evening out.

Just as you were ready to open your mouth to say something comforting, Alexia let out a very small, light snore.

You kissed the top of her head, trying to shift into a more comfortable position. With Alexia on top of you, your arms were starting to get sore, but you wouldn't wake her up.

Not when she finally looked peaceful. Not when she needed this rest more than anything. It was relaxing to see her face so soft, without any ounce of disappointment.

This game had hurt Alexia deeply. You knew how much this game meant. Hell, for Alexia, each game was important, even a friendly. Alexia's soul was stitched into football.

Football for Alexia wasn't just a hobby that turned into a profession. It was who she was, it was part of her being. Being born in a football-loving family was just a detail.

Alexia would always find her way back to football. You knew she would find her way back to the pitch even stronger. The whole team would.

But right now, Alexia didn't need 'strong' or 'tough'. She didn't need motivational words.

She just needed to be taken care of. Even if she wasn't admitting it, even if she would fight you on it when she woke up the next morning.

..

Alexia was the first to wake up. She rolled to her side when she realised she was sleeping on top of you. She got out of the bed and pulled the blanket over your body. Your mouth was parted slightly, your hair was a bit wet-Alexia hadn't realised how you hadn't dried your hair before bed.

Alexia had gotten to the hotel just as you were getting out of your shower.

When Alexia went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and get her hair ready, it all sank in.

The game. The goal–or lack of. The absolute sadness on her longtime teammates, the disappointment on the younger players. She, in the middle of the pitch, watching as so many Barcelona fans left the stadium without another title for their club.

Alexia felt responsible for all of it. She was their captain. She should have analysed the game better, and should have yelled better instructions. She was in the midfield, she was the backbone of the team. And it was all shredded apart when the game ended, and Arsenal was the winner.

At the locker room after the game, Alexia had kept her composure. Comforting the ones that needed comfort, being logical to the ones who wanted to go back and watch every second of the game, trying to see where they could be different.

Alexia was whoever she needed to be for the team.

And still that wasn't enough for them to walk out with the trophy in her hand and one more star on Barcelona's badge.

"I hope you aren't sulking here alone in the bathroom when you have a very cute girlfriend on the bed that could sulk with you," you said, a small smile on your face.

Alexia looked at you through the bathroom mirror.

You looked soft, tired, but beautiful. You looked like someone who deserved a medal. Alexia couldn't give you that.

Alexia didn't know what to say, so she put the toothbrush in her mouth, feeling the roughness of its bristles against her gums.

She watched as you got closer to her. You wrapped your arms around Alexia, head pressed against her back. "Talk to me," you whispered, so low Alexia barely understood it.

Alexia felt like she had swallowed a ball, as if something hard had gotten stuck in her throat, so much that her words had gotten stuck. She felt so much, but couldn't express it, couldn't let it fall out of her, because she would get drowned in it.

"Can't," Alexia said simply, taking your hand into her own, showing you that she cared, she just... couldn't be here with you, not a hundred per cent. She needed time to process it, a lot of time.

But she was sure you would be by her side until it happened. That you would be supportive. You always were.

"Okay," you said gently. "I'll wait."

Alexia spat the rest of the toothpaste into the sink, watching it as it dripped down the drain.

Alexia needed some time.

She remembers a quote Kika had shown her once, before the game, before everything. “A vida pede pausas”. 

Life calls for breaks.

The bathroom had a small window in it. Alexia couldn't see much, but she could see the sky.

It was blue, not a single cloud in sight. 

She was in Lisbon, the weather was beautiful, and she had lost.

..

a/n: I absolutely loved writing this, especially because I could sneak in a little bit about my mother tongue in it! <3

[peachyprophets-blog]

DROWNED LOVE. LET ME SEE YOU AGAIN...

Epic x reader

CW: Hint of death, EPIC spoiler warning, polyamorous relationship, female reader, English is not my first language.

Description: You are with Odysseus and his men in the war against Troy, you have known Odysseus for a long time. You are his steady partner and Penelope, Odysseus' wife, you have a committed relationship with each other. Since you are a warrior, you insisted on coming along to help in the fight.

PREV / PART 2

Reader POV:

When we attacked Troy, I stood on top of the walls and shot the Trojan soldiers with my arrows. I heard the screams of the soldiers who lost their lives in the fight for their kingdom. When Prince Hector fell and the battle began, everything seemed to stand still for a moment, all eyes were on the balcony that led to Prince Hector's chambers. When you turned your gaze to the balcony, you saw your captain and the man who made your heart beat faster. Odysseus of Ithaca, and in his arms he held something wrapped in a blanket, while you tried to make out what was wrapped in the blanket you heard a deep voice from nowhere warning that the child was a threat and that there would be no one to save if he let the child live. Child? Which child? This question was buzzing through your head until I realized what was in my captain's arms, a newborn. It was the son of Prince Hector, Astyanax. Before I could see anything else about the newborn I could hear Odysseus saying, "I'm just a man" to himself and the child. Before I could do anything else I just saw him let go of the fabric that the newborn was in, my gaze followed his path to death, not even a scream escaped the little boy as he got up and made his way into the underworld. I turned my gaze to the battlefield, all the soldiers and other members of Troy lay lifeless on the ground, the battle was won. I was standing right next to Poletis, a good friend of Odysseus and me, I slowly looked over at him, "it's done" I could just about manage to say, the pressure and burden that the war had weighed on all of us was lifting from us, the next goal was to go back home, to our homeland, back to Penelope and Telemachus. Poletis nodded at me before we walked from the wall to the others, we waited for Odysseus until he gave us his next instructions. We followed Odysseus on the way to the ships, when all the men were distributed to the ships, Odysseus gently took my hand and pulled me onto the ship. "I'm glad you're okay, now we just have to go back home and everything will be perfect" he said in a gentle tone as we stood next to each other. "Captain?" came the voice of Eurylochus, the second in command after a few days. "We've been on the road for days, the food is running low and the others are getting hungrier." His voice was filled with concern. Odysseus turned to him and discussed the next steps with him. I was lying in bed in Odysseus' cabin, not quite awake yet, I slowly sat up and got dressed. As I made my way onto the deck I heard Odysseus and Poletis on their way to explore an island. I was standing next to some men who were impatiently waiting for their captain and his best friend to return. As some men set out with Eurylochus to look for the two of them, a whole hour passed. When Odysseus returned with Eurylochus and a few men, I looked for Poletis, who was nowhere to be found. A bad feeling gripped my heart when I saw the red ribbon that Odysseus had tied around his forehead, which Poletis had actually worn. When everyone was on the ship, Odysseus, who was standing a little way away from me, called out, "Remember me, I am the reigning king of Ithaca, I am neither a man nor mythical. I am your darkest moment, I am the infamous ODYSSEUS." My world was spinning as the ship set sail again. I sat on the floor after Eurylochus had told me everything that had happened, from the lotus eaters to the Cyclops and Poletis's death. This information rocked my world, Poletis was a friend that no one could replace, he was there for me when I had problems, it was easy for him to make me smile, yet his way of seeing the world was ultimately dead. Eurylochus moved away from me to give me peace, I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice a frame of somone aproaching me.

A/N: HEYYY , I hope you liked my first Post, I already work on Part 2 so it would be nice of you say if you liked this one ;>

[dorabellingham]

Caught in the act

warning: sexual intentions

characters: jude x fem!reader

summary: when you are spending time at his parents' house and he has very compromising ideas

may contain spelling and translation errors!

Jude was lying on the sofa in the living room, absently fiddling with his cell phone, while you finished organising the things you had brought to his parents' house. You wore a loose tank top and shorts that showed your legs, and honestly, he was already losing concentration since you had passed through the room for the third time.

Jude's parents were in the kitchen, talking about the weather, when his mother appeared at the living room door.

-Let's take Taco for a little walk. Who's going?

Jude raised his eyes quickly.

-No, mum, thank you. We are tired of the trip.

He smiled, trying to look casual, but you, who didn't fully understand what they were talking about, noticed the slight tone of haste.

Denise shrugged.

-Okay. We won't be late.

As soon as the door closed and the sound of Taco's paws disappeared, the older Bellingham got up from the couch, walking to you with that smile he already knew well. He seemed relaxed, but he had something in his eyes that delivered his intention.

-What was it?

You asked, crossing your arms and staring at him suspiciously.

-Nothing, babe. I was just here thinking... -He put his arms around your waist and pulled you close, tilting his face until he almost touched his nose to your neck. -We're alone...

You raised an eyebrow, holding back your laughter.

-And what do you think that's the reason for, exactly?

He shrugged, kissing the corner of your mouth gently.

-To enjoy.

Before you could protest, Jude lifted you by the waist and put you sitting on the kitchen counter. He held you by the legs, fitting his body between your knees, and you let out a nervous giggle.

-Babe, your parents can come back at any time...

-Sweetie, they went for a walk with Taco. That always takes time.

He murmured, gluing his lips to yours before you could invent more excuses.

You tried to keep control, but the way Jude kissed you made your mind erase. His hands slid down your waist with familiarity, and his warm touch seemed to ignite your skin.

–You are so beautiful... so perfect... my love.

He said, his voice hoarse and low, while distributing kisses around his neck.

You, feeling his hands go up his thighs, took a deep breath.

-Jude... your parents...

-Shhh, Y/n... -He replied, with a smug smile. -Trust me. We have time.

However, as a direct signal from the universe, you heard the sound of the front door opening. You immediately pushed your boyfriend, coming down from the counter awkwardly, your heart racing.

-Jude, my God, are you in the kitchen?

Mark called, while the sound of Taco's paws echoed through the room.

-Yes, dad, here we are.

Jude replied, trying to look casual while fixing her messy hair. You were slightly red, fixing the tank top and muttering things softly.

His father appeared at the door with a dog's collar in his hands and looked at the two.

–Are you okay? You seem... how to say it?... nervous.

-We're great!

You answered automatically. Jude let out a low laugh, realising his hasty tone.

His mother came in right behind, and Taco went straight to you, putting his paws on your leg as if he wanted to climb on your lap. You took a step back, still nervous, but smiled to disguise.

While your in law's began to put things away and talk about the walk, Jude leaned to you and whispered in your ear, with a provocative smile:

-I think they suspect.

You, still embarrassed, gave him a light elbow.

-You're impossible, Jude.

He just laughed, putting his arm around you.

-I love you, sweetie.

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn't hold back your smile. After all, no matter how chaotic it was, you knew you were completely surrendered to him.

I brought a short one shot because I'm having a terrible day, today the results of the college entrance exam came out and I didn't get in :(

[jybyls]

Freckles || J.O

Navigation

Synopsis: You love your girlfriend's freckles.

Warnings: Fluff, fluff, and some more fluff.

Words: 650~

- 📜🎧🍂 -

An early morning, curtains blocking the sun light so as not to bother you and your girlfriend's sleep. Her arms were securely wrapped around your waist, holding you close to her to feel your warmth. You slowly started to wake up, your eyes adjusting to the soft lighting in the room.

Your pupils dilated at the sight of your lover soundly sleeping next to you. She looked ever so peaceful. You did not want to distribute her resting, knowing how she usually struggled to have a good night's sleep. So you stayed there, in her arms, and didn't move, just admiring her beautiful features.

Your soft breathing matched hers while your fingers traced over her freckles. At this very moment, time seemed to have stopped. Just the both of you, lying in bed with nothing but comfort in your bubble where you felt ever so save.

Minutes went by, but you were still captived by her sweet speckles, so captived that you didn't realise she was waking up. Her eyes fluttered open at the sight of you, lovingly looking her the soft feeling of your fingers over her skin, caressing her in the tenderness way like you were scared you could break her. It made her feel, oh, so loved and cared for.

Your eyes finally met sleepy ones. However, it didn't take long for them to find their way back on her marbles. A faint laughter left. She couldn't understand why you liked this feature of hers so much, but your cute obsession made her heart melt every time. One day, you were enjoying a quiet evening in front of one of Jenna's movie recommendations, but obviously, you were more focused on those freckles than the movie. She noticed but didn't say anything about it until you spoke up to say, 'You should never eat lemon.' It was so random that it got her giggling before she asked you why only for you to respond that lemon makes freckles disappear and that you did not want her freckles to go anywhere. She only smiled and kissed your head as she reassured you that her freckles weren't going anywhere.

So it's safe to say she's used to your hyperfication on small details about her and, more specifically, her spots all over her breathtaking face. In fact, every week, your pure soul had something fetching to say about her freckles. It you would come to have a muse, it wouldn't only be the love of your life but also your favorite trait about her body.

Today was one of those days where you had a certain saying in that loving brain of yours that you, of course, wanted to share with your loved one.

Before even greeting her or asking her about her night, your mouth slightly opened for the words to fly out of it, "I like to think that they were so many stars in your eyes that they decided to spray out on your face and that's why you have freckles." Your finger was tracing the shape of her heart on her cheekbone, following what you now saw as stars. Jenna's poor heart had just woken to so much attention and preciousness coming from you that it almost exploded.

"That is a very lovely way to think, babe." She whispered, her hand caressing your messy hair. "I don't really need to try. You just make my brain come up with those things. Your looks and personality are poetic to me." Your tone shadowed hers. You were so effortlessly romantic. It was for her to keep up with you at times she would be overwhelmed in the best possible, too, but she didn't know how to answer those flatteries of yours besides giggling like a school girl.

You didn't mind either. You found it appealing. "I love you, freckles." You murmured, fondly smiling, "I love you, dummy." She grinned, playing with your hair.

You didn't compliment her to receive compliments back, you just wanted her to know how you perceived her.

- 📜🎧🍂 -

A/n: I love her freckles in case that wasn't clear. Wrote this in like 20 mins or some shit btw. Hope you're having a good day/night. Love y'all <3

[yzzart]

Tom Blyth being really fucking obsessed with actress!Reader, like constant physical contact, many kisses, maybe some moments on set? I love your writing 💖

"Oh, the lovebirds."

pairing: tom blyth x actress!reader.

summary: another compilation between you and tom? we have!

word count: 538!

notes: thank you for requesting this, anon and i hope you know that i love you and beg you to request more ideas!

"See them over there?" — Recording and switching the camera to frontal mode, Rachel pointed to you and Tom sitting under the tree, in the forest setting, together. — "Two lovebirds in love." — Tom's arm was around your shoulder, he was saying something that was, technically, impossible to identify, but then he left a long kiss on your forehead. — "Look!"

Rachel saved that video with a triumphant, happy smile on her face in an album she had made specifically for behind the scenes and it was the thousandth video of you and Tom that she had saved. — The first and biggest fan of both of you.

It wasn't difficult, and not at all complicated, to find behind-the-scenes photos of 'The ballad of songbirds and snakes'; so soon, it wasn't hard to see photos and videos of you and Tom together on set. — So much for you posting and Rachel too.

There were videos where he put Coriolanus' peacemaker helmet on you; your hands between his rough and cut hair, commenting on the possibility of him temporarily turning blonde;; a photo they took of him and him lying on the grass. — Several moments recorded, captured and saved with lots of love.

Also, the small and peculiar fact that you left written messages or just heart symbols on paper, sometimes torn up, for each other. — Hunter thought this was cute, and she even helped Tom put one of them in your trailer.

In every interview, to repeat, in every interview, Tom always tries to be in contact with you; mainly, the physical. — It doesn't matter if your chair is a little far from his, or if you or he are on the other side of the row. — Nothing can stop that man.

The cameras record, with attention and great focus, Tom holding your hand while you answered questions from the interviewer, who was also watching, and admiring the rings that were present on your fingers; and that some were gifts from him. — If Tom had the opportunity, he would never let go of you.

He contemplated carefully; distributing affection with his fingers on your hand and your palm, at certain moments, even tickling you and, sometimes during the interviews, a brief laugh accompanied your words.

And every time it happens, that passionate smile wrapped in such a strong emotion curves on Blyth's lips.

Well, it's not just the contacts and touches between your hands that are captured by cameras and the watchful eyes of fans; Tom's arm resting on the back of your chair, your leg touching his, your head on his shoulder and once again Tom's hand resting on your knee. — You looked like a pair of magnets.

Oh, and not to mention, a moment from an interview, another one from Vogue to be a little specific, in which Tom removes one of the rings that was on his fingers, the one that is always on his pinky, and decided to put it on your finger. — God, your fans went completely crazy on all social media, especially on Twitter. — It wasn't so perfect, in the right measure, but you didn't remove it in any way.

During the premieres, several photos with you kissing Tom's cheek and him kissing your hand, like a knight, spread across networks and even on the film's official accounts. — And Rachel commented on all of them. — And the photos that show Tom's hands on your waist, holding you so gently accompanied by such a sweet and intimate look and following you wherever you went became your favorites.

Flashes and snippets of interviews, videos of Tom's hand on your back, helping you with your long dress and him brushing some locks out of your face while you answered questions. — Even the interviewers smiled witnessing those acts.

And there's always a like from Tom Blyth on Instagram posts of these photos.

[absolutebl]

Best 24 of BL 2024 - Quirky Awards

ONLY shows that ENDED their runs in 2024 are up for awards.

SHOCK & AWE AWARDS

1. Biggest BL surprise of 2024:

Cherry Magic Thailand. TayNew's version was truly a lovely experience and very much its own take on the original, an adaptation rather than a remake. I'm so relieved and grateful that GMMTV managed to pull it off, and sad it wasn't more widely available.

2. The “that country did WHAT?” award:

Meet You At the Blossom from China. From start to finish it is exactly as it claimed to be, wuxia BL, including more than the expected amount of sexual claiming (dubious consent to the point of rape) and actual kisses, wife language, floaty sleeves, you name it. FROM CHINA!!!

3. Biggest casting whoa! where did you come from? award:

Up & Poom in My Stand-In. I mean, WHERE did you two come from and how did this happen? Holy smokes. My goodness are we grateful!

4. That studio did WHAT now? award:

Youku putting Unknown out wide and easily avaiable on YouTube (for most of us). It's just really rare for a Taiwanese BL to get any kind of distribution. And to do that with arguably the best TaBL of the year and not some sad little mew mew? Amazing.

5. I’m sad you were ignored award:

Sugar Dog Life - such a charming JBL, so hard to find. I'm so sad it didn't get distribution. It's charming, one of my favorites of the year, worth tracking down if you can.

6. 2024 BL That Actually Made Me Lose My Mind Award?

I gotta be honest, it was The Sign. I was such a chaotic mess of a show but never once was I bored. It was the only one that drove me into memes and captions and silliness.

I did go a bit feral for a while over Love for Loves Sake and Wandee Gooday not to mention The Only One (until it went tits-up).

NARRATIVE AWARDS

7. Best story 2024:

Cherry Magic (Thai remake). I know, but it worked just as well in another country, if not better. I always enjoy this kind of magical realism concept (after all Color Rush is one of my all time favorite BLs) and despite the increased length, the pacing was solid on this one... even from Thailand.

8. Best narrative structure 2024 award:

Love For Love's Sake. A KBL isekai about a man who must win a game by convincing a reserved teen outcast to fall in love with him. Of course, that teen represents himself and his own unhappiness. I drowned in this show and liked it that way.

9. Best 2024 dialogue (script) award:

We Are, it was just so much fun. And so FUNNY.

10. Favorite scene 2024:

Like anyone needed to ask. Unknown, of course.

11. The most rewatchable BL of 2024 award:

We Are

It's just all the couples are so cute and the core friendship group is so charming and endearing.

ACTORS & CHARACTERS AWARDS

12. Best performance of a queer actor in a leading role:

no award this year, yeah the whole damn industry should be thoroughly ashamed of itself

13. Best pining 2024:

The Time of Fever. That feeding him orange while lying on the floor scene ALONE.

14. Best wingman 2024 (The Namgoong Award)

Yai in The Sign.

15. Biggest OMG I LOVE you boys together, YAY!

SailubPon from Pit Babe & This Love Doesn't Have Longbeans, from the softness of one to the health code violations of the other. Sure their shows are bonkers, but man are these two good at bonkers (and bonking).

With a nod to BigPark from Monster Next Door.

16. Most unexpected return of a BL pair? award:

OffGun. There were rumors that Off was out at the beginning of 2023. And then they came back with 2 shows in 2024 (Cooking Crush and The Trainee)!

17. Well aren't you two just the prettiest? award:

I dithered a lot (Babe's damn waist and OMG The Sign's sex scenes hawt), but in the end it had to go to GreatInn. They were just so good at showing their characters having FUN together. There is a lot of beauty in enjoying sex and another person's company. It's so rare to see that portrayed in a BL (and it shouldn't be rare).

18. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

I'm actually giving it to OffGun. Ya know, where others falter, these two just keep going. It's kinda amazing.

RANDOM PICKS

19. Favorite Linguistic Moment of 2024:

The general flirtatious banter from Last Twilight.

20. Biggest disappointment of 2024:

Addicted Heroin (Thai version). Some of the very best original material + one of my favorite Thai actors (who I've been waiting eons to see in a BL again) and THIS was the result? They could have fixed China's worst BL mistake, instead the made everything worse. I'm gonna be bitter for a really really long time.

I gotta sat The Only One comes a real close second tho. And I'm still mad about Last Twilight, too.

21. Best Wardrobe/Prop Use 2023

Meet You At The Blossom - I love a pretty boy pissing contest over who has the biggest sleeves. Twirl you beautiful bastards, TWIRL!

22. Best Queer Rep 2024

Again, not great this year. I loved the fun sex and play in Wandee, but there were precious few femme characters, and in general it felt like we took some steps back from queerness this year. So I'm gonna give it to Deep Night, because at least they gave us honest poly for the first time.

23. Best Meta Trope call out

Love for Love Sake - Korea taking to task the Dead Fish Kiss when they are often the worst offender was...... amusing.

But Deep Night having male sex workers having to act like they were in a BL for a couple chicks...... literally gay for pay depicting gay for pay and just, well, that's frankly a gut punch. There was some sarcastic clapping on my side of the screen.

24. Well aren't you getting all Live Action Yaoi retro with your bad self?

Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave gets my vintage af award. I flipping LOVED it. Would I recommend it? Only if you, yourself, are a bit vintage.

Final question: which of the 24 was the hardest for me to pick?

20 Biggest disappointment of 2024. Look I had some pretty high expectations of some returning pairs, some great ideas, and some intriguing remakes. 2024 was full of disappointments.

2022's Version of the Quirkies

2023's Version of the Quirkies

Remember I only pull from shows that were completely finished by the end of 2024.

(source)

[russellsppttemplates]

Charles cooking for the kids and they are not the biggest fan of his cooking

"Mama isn't home?", Hervé asked as Charles parked the car in the garage, the spot where you parked your car empty.

"She's having dinner with her friends", Charles explained. As much as he loved spending time with his family in their own bubble, he would be lying if he said that he wasn't looking forward to having his kids' undivided attention on him for the night.

"We might get lucky tonight, maybe she left something made already for us", Hervé mumbled as he got out of the car, "might not be that bad after all", Amélie completed his sentence as she hopped off her seat while Charles carried Thomas up on his hip, walking up to stairs and letting the kids get comfortable in house clothes while he prepared their snacks.

"Do you have any homework, Hervé?", he asked as he cut up some fruit, waiting on the toaster to jump so he could add the bread to their plates.

"No, Ms. Rouvière said we had been well-behaved today, so we didn't get any", your son said as he sat on the stool, making silly faces and playing with Thomas and his building blocks.

"I'm very hungry!", Amélie ran inside the kitchen, sitting on the stool and waiting for her plate as Charles distributed them, "are you, amour? I have this here, and if you want more, let me know and I'll make it. I just don't want you to waste food, that's all", Charles smiled as he kissed the top of her head.

When dinner time came around, Charles had the kids set the table and patiently wait for him to bring the pots and pans to the table, "do you think the pasta will be hard like last time?", Amélie asked her older brother, "I heard mama tell him to leave it longer in the stove", Hervé reasoned, "maybe he did listen to her this time".

"It looks okay... I guess", Amélie added, seeing the pasta on the pot before looking at the giggly Thomas on his high chair, "at least you get the soup mama made for you", she shrugged. Amélie almost always joined you in the kitchen when you batch cooked soup for your little one. Because it made your routine easier, you would often make a big batch and store it in single servings so meal time for Thomas would be easy and you could do it without a hitch everyday.

Granted, the pasta bolognese wasn't the best they've had, but the pasta was considered al dente and the meat wasn't too flavourful, but better that last time where it was too salty.

"It's a good thing papa always let's us have two rounds of dessert", Amélie giggled as Hervé gathered the plates to leave them at the spot on the table where you usually sat, "maybe mama will bring some leftovers", he smiled.

When you got home, the two older kids were first to greet you, "Hi mama!", they said, "Papa is upstairs putting Thomas to sleep", Amélie offered as she looked for something. "You didn't bring anything from the restaurant?", she asked, "no, amour. I ate the last slice of cheesecake they had for the night actually", you said, quirked brow at her question, "did papa not cook the pasta again properly?", you chuckled.

"It was okay, didn't taste of much, but better than tasting bad, I guess", Hervé shrugged his shoulders much like you had done.

"Amour, you're back!", Charles announced his presence, kissing your lips, "did you have a good dinner?", he asked.

"It was good, but I must say I'm feeling peckish, maybe some cookies would be nice", you pouted, prompting him to get them for you.

"This is just once, okay?", you tutted to both kids as they nodded, asserting that eventually you'd have to leave something for them next time you had dinner out without them and Charles was the one in charge of the food.

(Thank you for your submission ✨️)

[twodimensionalboyfriend]

Sick </3

wc: ~1.3k read time: ~5 minutes

༉‧₊˚.¸♡ master list✧ '*•༉

cw: fluff! smooches here and there i guess! gn throughout! also not proofread lol

I have fucking covid!! my bones are on fire!!!

on a serious note, i have never been sick like this before in my life, i had the worst skin and joint aches i'd ever had in my life and my head felt like it was going to explode with pressure and my ears are still fuckin clogged. so anyways im gonna project my problems into this fic in the order in which i experienced them as a form of therapy and if anybody else is out there sick rn, i hope you have a jason todd to make it bearable!

On a silly note, I met a stray cat in the neighborhood the other day but she's been spayed! im hoping this is the cat distribution system at play

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me," you groaned.

You're sitting on the couch trying to convince your boyfriend that you're not sick. It's just allergies! Allergies that come with body aches, pressure in your head, and now a fever.

Jason showed you the thermometer, "Dude, you're running at 100.1..."

You looked at the thermometer incredulously, "Isn't that thing super old? I mean how do we even know it still works? Take it again."

Jason sighed and scanned your forehead again, "Babe, we bought this a couple months ago." He glared at you as he showed you the thermometer again, which now read 100.2.

"Tch, that's barely even a fever," you said rolling your eyes.

"That's it. You're going on bed rest."

"Woah, what?? Jason, I told you I'm fine! Besides I have so much to do today. We need groceries, I have a prescription to pick up, there are so many dishes in the sink, I have laundry to fold and I have work this evening. A little cold isn't... what are you doing?" You cut yourself off as you saw Jason typing on his phone.

"Thanks for the to-do list! While you rest, I'll go and get this done. Grocery list is on the fridge and our pharmacy is in the store, so text me if you need anything else. I am more than capable of doing dishes and laundry, so you don't have to worry about that. And I love you, but you're crazy if you think you're going into work tonight. Text your boss a picture of the thermometer and call out. Or I'll do it for you, whatever you prefer."

"Ar-Are you sure? I mean it's..." You trailed off. You really did feel like shit and it's not like you necessarily wanted to do these errands and chores. After a moment of thinking, you sighed and relented, "Okay, fine, only if you're completely sure you can handle it."

"(Y/N), I'm an adult. If I couldn't do laundry, you should be worried about me." You tried to laugh a little, but it quickly snowballed into a coughing fit, "Woah woah, take it easy. I'm gonna take the list and go to the store. Again, text me if you need anything or if you just wanna say hi," he said with a smile.

Your eyes welled up a bit as you whispered, "Thank you, Jason. I love you very much."

"I love you too, I'll be back soon."

--------

The front door swung open and Jason's voice rang through your shared apartment, "Honey, I'm home!"

You couldn't have gotten up if you tried. You're sickly moan from the couch alarmed Jason, and he dropped the groceries and ran to your side.

You were lying on the couch in your spiderman sweats and a hoodie; your arms draped over your eyes to block out the white lights from the kitchen that added to your headache. Your entire body ached like it never has before. The sight squeezed Jason's heart. "Oh, honey," he said sympathetically, pressing his hands to your cheeks, "Woah, you are burning up! Hang on." He snatched the thermometer from the coffee table and tested his partner. The screen lit up red. It read 101.7.

You mumbled, "H-Holy shit..." It was a bit too much to talk right now.

"Okay babe, I got you some chicken noodle soup because that's what Alfred always made us, and I don't quite have his cooking skills--and this is, uh from a uh... a can--but I'm gonna make some for you, and that should hopefully make you feel better," he looked at you with worry. "Then would you want to watch Pride & Prejudice while I folded the laundry? The movie obviously, since you like it. Even though the show is better," he grumbled at the end.

God damn it. You were crying again.

You were experiencing so many different emotions you didn't really know what else to do. You loved Jason so much and felt so much gratitude for the way he was taking care of you. As if there was nothing else he could possibly be doing right now other than be here. This is on top of the fact that you've been in agony for the past hour as you got worse and worse; and you were really tired of feeling that way.

This shocked and scared Jason, "I'm sorry!! The movie isn't that bad! I just like that the show's more accurate to the book! Also, when Lizzie runs through the rain, why does she grab a soaking wet cloth from the very same rain storm to dry her hair?! I'm sorry I just--"

"I love you so much," you croaked out. "I also feel like fucking garbage."

This put Jason at ease and he kissed the top of your head. "I'm sorry you feel like shit, sweetheart. I do this because I love you too. Like, a lot. Now stop talking and spare your voice. Let's get you cozy and hopped up on vitamin C, and we'll just take it easy."

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

The next morning, you woke up. You sat up slowly and realized most of the pressure in your head is gone. Your body no longer felt like it was on fire! Definitely still congested though. You also realized you fell asleep on the couch after the first proposal, yet you were currently sitting in your bed. Jason must've brought you in. Suddenly, a sneeze crept up and exploded out of you. Then another. Then one more. Jesus, that hurt your chest.

Your fit was loud enough to let Jason know you had woken up. He came into the room holding a spatula. The opened door let in a sweet smell and a sizzling sound. "How are you feeling, baby?" He walked towards you.

"Well I can bear to be conscious, so I'd say much better. What's going on in the kitchen?"

He pressed his hand to your forehead and said, "Pancakes! And lots of orange juice. I don't think you’re in the clear yet. Sit tight; I'm gonna get the thermometer and take your temperature."

Ignoring his request, you got up to meet him in the living room. You stepped out of the bedroom and was met with the sight of Jason discarding the pancake that had burned due to his doting. He saw you walking towards him and urged you to go back to bed, "Go back! I'm gonna bring you breakfast in bed. Pancakes, juice, fruit, the whole shebang."

"No it's okay, let me be out here with you. I'd kiss you good morning, but I fear I might poison you and get you sick."

Jason stole a quick kiss, much to your surprise, "I spent all night with you. If I were to get it, I don't think a kiss would be what seals my fate. You're plate is ready, by the way."

He handed you a plate stacked with 3 pancakes and a butter slice, drizzled in maple syrup with strawberries and whipped cream. It was beautiful, "Oh my god, Jason, that's so gorgeous I don't think I can eat it." Your stomach growled and promptly gave away your true feelings.

"Tear it up, baby girl."

You sat down as Jason finished making his stack. He sat down with you and you both began eating. Pre-packaged pancake mix has never tasted so good.

"Thank you for nursing me back to health, Jason. You've made this past few days in unbearable hell feel more like a manageable limbo."

He laughed, "What else was I supposed to do? Let the love of my life suffer?"

"God I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you in my life."

"Well, fortunately, you'll never have to." He leaned over the table and pressed a syrupy kiss to your lips.

if there are an content warnings you think i missed, please tell me so!! i’ll add them to this post and remember to add them to future ones!! :) ♡ ♡

and pls pls like and reblog and reply!! literally if you interact i will kiss you on the mouth

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Hogwarts Classes (Part 1)

@wisteria-lodge reminded me recently of my notes regarding Hogwarts classes schedule, so I decided to take a stab at it again. The reason I haven't made this post up until now is that I could not, for the life of me, make the schedule make sense. Like, I'd explain it a little later in this post, but for classes to run as they do in the books we have to assume that certain classrooms exist multiple times in the same spot and that all the teachers have time turners.

This post would have two main purposes:

Determine how students are divided into classes based on book evidence.

Determine the class load and homework load that Hogwarts students have (how many weekly classes do they have).

The final attempt at a schedule will come at part 2 if/when I ever make something coherent.

I also want to note that in my fic I will likely contradict some of the information I'm bringing up here since I have a fanon schedule for their classes that makes way more sense than the picture the books paint. So if you notice these discrepancies, that's on purpose.

All that being said, let's get into it:

Classes Division

Let's start with laying down some important baseline numbers:

Hogwarts has about 700 students.

So each year has about 100 students.

Each house per year has about 25 students.

There are 7 mandatory classes, all students of all houses take until O.W.Ls (Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, History, Astronomy)

And each student takes 2 or more electives until O.W.Ls (Care / Divination / Muggle Studies / Ancient Runes / Arithmancy -> 5 electives in all).

Flying class only for first years.

Grade distribution for OWLs goes something like this:

(this is relevant for later discussion of NEWT classes. This table was made for this post, but adjusted to fit my current estimate of the Hogwarts population)

Now, as we only have 12 professors (13 if we count Madam Hooch), I always operated under the assumption classes at Hogwarts are taught to at least 2 houses of students per year, which will give us classes of 50 students (25 *2 = 50). That being said, reading the books, this doesn't appear to be the case for all classes.

When Gryffindor has a class with Slytherin, I can always tell since Harry is going to mention Draco at some point, but when it comes to other houses it's harder to tell, but I collected everything I could find here.

Joint Classes (pre-O.W.Ls)

1. Flying - Gryffindor & Slytherin (I assume Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw have this class together)

The Slytherins were already there, and so were twenty broomsticks lying in neat lines on the ground. (PS)

(Whether the 20 brooms refer to the unmanned brooms for 20 Gryffindors arriving or if JKR can't decide how large a year at Hogwarts is is anybody's guess. Someone needed to tell her there can't be 10 students in Harry's year in Gryffindor and hundreds of students in Hogwarts)

This line makes it clear it's only Gryffindor and Slytherins first years flying together.

2. Potions - Gryffindor & Slytherin (I assume Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw have this class together)

“Double Potions with the Slytherins,” said Ron.  (PS)

And it's clear potions continues in this way in later years:

Double Potions was always a horrible experience, but these days it was nothing short of torture. Being shut in a dungeon for an hour and a half with Snape and the Slytherins (GoF)

(I do want to note "double potions" is an hour and a half long, making a "regular potions" 45 minutes long)

As Harry refers to the joint classes like this:

Still, first-year Gryffindors only had Potions with the Slytherins (PS)

It appears it really is all first-year Gryffindors and all first-years Slytherins sharing these classes. I assume all joint classes work this way.

3. Care of Magical Creatures - Gryffindor & Slytherin (I assume Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw have this class together)

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle had taken over Buckbeak. He had bowed to Malfoy, who was now patting his beak, looking disdainful. (PoA)

And the one line mentioning Theo cause I have to 💖:

There were only two other people who seemed to be able to see them: a stringy Slytherin boy standing just behind Goyle was watching the horse eating with an expression of great distaste on his face, and Neville, whose eyes were following the swishing progress of the long black tail. (OotP)

4. Herbology - Gryffindor & Hufflepuff (I assume Slytherin & Ravenclaw have this class together)

Ernie Macmillan asked Harry quite politely to pass a bucket of leaping toadstools in Herbology one day (CoS)

And again later in the series:

Susan Bones, who had an uncle, aunt, and cousins who had all died at the hands of one of the ten, said miserably during Herbology that she now had a good idea what it felt like to be Harry. (OotP)

5. Astronomy - Gryffindor & Hufflepuff (I assume Slytherin & Ravenclaw have this class together)

“It’s very hard to Stun a giant, they’re like trolls, really tough... But poor Professor McGonagall... Four Stunners straight in the chest, and she’s not exactly young, is she?”

“Dreadful, dreadful,” said Ernie, shaking his head pompously. “Well, I’m off to bed... ’Night, all ...”

(OotP) - Astronomy Practical Exam

It's possible the classes are divided differently for the exam, but the fact you have both Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors there means there are enough telescopes for all of them. We also know the Slytherins aren't there as Harry would've mentioned Draco chuckling at McGonagall getting stunned or something. So I think it's a fair conclusion Gryffindor and Hufflepuff share Astronomy class.

Likely joint Classes (pre-O.W.Ls)

6. Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Muggle studies

Likely joining classes like Care (Gryffindor & Slytherin and Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw). The fact Hermione knows Theo when Ron and Harry don't suggests she shares a class with him, Ron and Harry don't:

He saw them with their heads together later that afternoon in the library, together with a weedy-looking boy Hermione whispered was called Theodore Nott. (OotP)

7. Divination

Divination classes only ever mention Gryffindor students in the class, my guess is that this elective, too, is joint with Slytherin, but that no Slytherins in Harry's year take Divination.

Solo or Unknown Classes (pre-O.W.Ls)

8. DADA - Solo

It seems Gryffindor studies Defence alone. In the two scenes where you'd most expect students from outside of Gryffindor to be mentioned if they are present, don't mention them:

In PoA, during the Boggart lesson, only Gryffindor students face the Boggart.

In OotP, during the first class with Umbridge, only Gryffindor students speak up. Ravenclaws & Hufflepuffs would've spoken up and if Malfoy was there, we would know.

9. Charms

Only Gryffindors are ever mentioned in this class, but since Charms lessons are almost never written out, it's possible they are shared with either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff.

Professor Flitwick put the class into pairs to practice. Harry’s partner was Seamus Finnigan (PS)

10. History of Magic - Solo

In CoS, in the class Hermione brings up the Chamber of Secrets, only Gryffindors ask questions:

“But, sir,” said Seamus Finnigan, “if the Chamber can only be opened by Slytherin’s true heir, no one else would be able to find it, would they?” “Nonsense, O’Flaherty,” said Professor Binns in an aggravated tone. “If a long succession of Hogwarts headmasters and headmistresses haven’t found the thing —” “But, Professor,” piped up Parvati Patil, “you’d probably have to use Dark Magic to open it —” “Just because a wizard doesn’t use Dark Magic doesn’t mean he can’t, Miss Pennyfeather,” snapped Professor Binns. “I repeat, if the likes of Dumbledore —” “But maybe you’ve got to be related to Slytherin, so Dumbledore couldn’t —” began Dean Thomas, but Professor Binns had had enough. (CoS)

If other houses were there, they would've asked something. Like with Charms though, I consider it possible Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw are there and just not saying anything, though, unlikely.

11. Transfiguration - Solo

Harry overheard him telling Professor McGonagall so while the Gryffindors were lining up for Transfiguration. (CoS)

Only Gryffindors waiting outside the class. And again in PoA:

They had Transfiguration next. Harry, who had resolved to ask Professor McGonagall after the lesson whether he could go into Hogsmeade with the rest, joined the line outside the class trying to decide how he was going to argue his case. He was distracted, however, by a disturbance at the front of the line. Lavender Brown seemed to be crying. Parvati had her arm around her and was explaining something to Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, who were looking very serious. (PoA)

Sumamry

Most classes are likely paired for two houses.

Flying, Potions, and all electives are shared by Slytherin & Gryffindor and likely Ravenclaw & Hufflepuff.

Herbology and Astronony are shared by Hufflepuff & Gryffindor and likely Slytherin & Ravenclaw.

Charms might be shared as well. I assume Gryffindor shares it with Hufflepuff as it seems Harry knows Hufflepuffs better than Ravenclaws:

Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbott, and a Hufflepuff girl with a long plait down her back whose name Harry did not know [Susan]; three Ravenclaw boys he was pretty sure were called Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, and Terry Boot (OotP)

Transfiguration, DADA, and History of Magic seem to be taught to each house separately in classes of 25.

Post-O.W.Ls, how classes are organized changes becouse fewer students are taking each class, allowing teachers to merge classes.

Joint Classes (post-O.W.Ls)

1. Potions - All Houses

When they arrived in the corridor they saw that there were only a dozen people progressing to N.E.W.T. level. Crabbe and Goyle had evidently failed to achieve the required O.W.L. grade, but four Slytherins had made it through, including Malfoy. Four Ravenclaws were there, and one Hufflepuff, Ernie Macmillan, whom Harry liked despite his rather pompous manner. (HBP)

2. Herbology - Still shared Gryffindor & Hufflepuff and Slytherin & Ravenclaw

There had been a horrible incident the day before, when Hannah Abbott had been taken out of Herbology to be told her mother had been found dead. They had not seen Hannah since. (HBP)

Herbology is considered a "softer" subject, and not many fail, which could be why classes remained in their former sizes.

3. DADA - Gryffindor & Slytherin (I assume Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw have this class together)

The class is shared with Slytherin:

“An answer copied almost word for word from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Six,” said Snape dismissively (over in the corner, Malfoy sniggered) (HBP)

And apparently no other house:

Although Snape did not know it, Harry had taught at least half the class (everyone who had been a member of the D.A.) how to perform a Shield Charm the previous year. None of them had ever cast the charm without speaking, however. […] Behind Snape, however, Ron, Dean, and Seamus grinned appreciatively (HBP)

Likely joint Classes (post-O.W.Ls)

4. All Electives (Divination, Care, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Muggle Studies)

I assume they are shared by all houses like Potions since many students likely drop them after O.W.Ls like Harry and Ron (and many of them like Divination didn't have many students to begin with).

5. History of Magic - Everyone

This is a subject I also assume N.E.W.T students share since most students likely drop it, so the class should be small enough.

6. Astronony

Couldn't find anything, but i assume it's joint by at least two houses (like pre 5th year).

Solo or Unknown Classes (post-O.W.Ls)

7. Transfiguration - Solo

“— and what is more,” said Professor McGonagall, with an air of awful finality, “Mr. Malfoy was not in Hogsmeade today.” Harry gaped at her, deflating. “How do you know, Professor?” “Because he was doing detention with me. He has now failed to complete his Transfiguration homework twice in a row. So, thank you for telling me your suspicions, Potter,” (HBP)

In the above quote it appears Harry didn't know Draco didn't submit his Transfiguration homework multiple times. Since HBP is the height of his Malfoy obsession, we can be assured from this that Slytherin isn't studying Transfiguration with Gryffindor.

Ron retaliated by doing a cruel but accurate impression of Hermione jumping up and down in her seat every time Professor McGonagall asked a question, which Lavender and Parvati found deeply amusing and which reduced Hermione to the verge of tears again. (HBP)

Again, only Gryffindors are mentioned to be in Transfiguration classes, though it's possible they are shared with Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, if unlikely.

I take this to mean Transfiguration is a very popular subject to take N.E.W.Ts in, that looks good on your resume, so most students stick with it.

8. Charms

Nothing is mentioned (that I could find), but as it's seen as a "soft" subject like herbology, I assume the class size is similar and it's two houses sharing these classes.

Sumamry

N.E.W.T classes are emptier, and therefore more subjects are shared by all houses.

Potions, History, and all electives are shared by all houses.

Herbology is still shared by Gryffindor & Hufflepuff and Slytherin & Ravenclaw. (Astronomy likley as well)

Charms is probably also shared by more than one house.

DADAs N.E.W.T classes are now shared by Gryffindor & Slytherin and Hufflepuff & Ravenclaw.

Transfiguration (likely the most popular N.E.W.T subject) is still a single house class.

Weekly Workload

As we mentioned, we have 7 mandatory subjects and 5 elective ones (flying doesn't count). Each subject has one professor, leaving us with 12 professors overall, one per subject. (and one of the worst student: teacher's ratios I've ever witnessed)

The news about his shouting match with Umbridge seemed to have traveled exceptionally fast even by Hogwarts standards. [...] The following day dawned just as leaden and rainy as the previous one. [...] Double Charms was succeeded by double Transfiguration

(OotP) - The day after the first lesson with Umbridge, a.k.a Tuesday.

It was another bad day for Harry; he was one of the worst in Transfiguration, not having practiced Vanishing Spells at all. He had to give up his lunch hour to complete the picture of the bowtruckle, and meanwhile, Professors McGonagall, Grubbly-Plank, and Sinistra gave them yet more homework

(OotP) - Transfiguration on a day without Charms sometime later in the week.

So, at least 3 Transfiguration classes in a week.

“History of Magic, double Potions, Divination, and double Defense Against the Dark Arts . . . Binns, Snape, Trelawney, and that Umbridge woman all in one day! [...] “Look what we’ve got today,” said Ron grumpily, shoving his schedule under Fred’s nose. “That’s the worst Monday I’ve ever seen.”

(OotP) - Double Potions on Monday

said Snape. “Homework: twelve inches of parchment on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making, to be handed in on Thursday.”

(OotP) - Another Potions class on Thursday

Meaning there are also at least 3 weekly Potions lessons.

And in PS:

Three times a week they went out to the greenhouses behind the castle to study Herbology (PS)

Harry outright says there are 3 Herbology classes.

So, for the rest of the calculations I will use the assumption they have 3 weekly classes in each subject (except Flying, but I don't really count it anyways). I will be counting Astronomy, since I assume not all Astronomy classes are midnight observation classes:

They had to study the night skies through their telescopes every Wednesday at midnight and learn the names of different stars and the movements of the planets (PS)

Harry mentions a study session of the night sky on Wednesday, and learn the names and movements separately, so I assume there is 1 midnight class and 2 regular lecture classes. (They repeatedly fill in star charts, a cold, dark, tall tower is great for stargazing, not so great for filling up charts).

For Students before O.W.Ls, we have 5 years of students, each with various class divisions:

Potions, Elective 1, Elective 2, Herbology, Charms, and Astronomy - shared by 2 houses -> 36 weekly classes per year.

Transfiguration, DADA, History - solo classes -> 36 weekly classes per year.

So, all students between years 1-5 (together) are taught 360 classes a week or 270 hours.

Then in years 6-7:

Potions, History, Elective 1, Elective 2 - shared by all houses -> 12 weekly classes per year.

Herbology, DADA, Charms, Astronomy - shared by two houses -> 24 weekly classes per year.

Transfiguration - solo class -> 24 weekly classes per year.

So that adds another 60 weekly class (45 hours) these poor professors need to teach.

We have 12 professors teaching (together) 420 classes a week (with McGonagall teaching more than any other teacher). Which, I don't think makes sense mathematically. Like, McGonagall would have to teach 84 classes a week (in the same classrooms) which means she teaches 16.8 classes every day even though school doesn't continue into the afternoon. Somehow. Not going into how all professors have time turners or clones of their classrooms. I don't want to touch that now.

Now, if each class only happens 3 times a week (it's already an unreasonable workload on the professors, and that's the minimal number according to the books), each student then (before year 6th when many drop subjects left and right) will have 27 weekly classes -> 5.4 daily classes they need to get to. (Or 20.25 hours a week, 4.05 hours a day).

As for how much homework they have to complete and how much of their week is taken up by schoolwork:

9 classes, let's say they get essays in 8 (Binns doesn't give homework and I'm counting for students who take electives that do give out homework).

A4 paper is 11.69 inches long and includes roughly 400 words (assuming average writing size). That means that a "2 feet" essay would be roughly 800 words. (most of their assignments are less than 2 feet and most often are "1 foot of parchment", but I'm going for a worst case scenario).

10-12 words per minute is the average writing speed for 1st years (5th-6th grade. Study used us from 1995).

Each 2-foot essay will take 1 hour and 20 minutes, lets round it up to 2 hours, to complete (approximately).

We'll give them another 2 hours for research.

4 * 8 = 32 weekly homework hours.

So Harry and Ron's complaints about the homework load on weeks where every teacher assigns a footlong essay actually make sense. That could really accumulate to be quite a lot of work.

In this worst-case scenario of homework above (that might need more research time, depending on assignment) they will spend 20 hours in classes + 32 hours on homework = 52 hours a week on schoolwork.

So, this is the end of part 1 of this, not sure when/if I'll get to part 2. It really depends on if I could rangle the information to be coherent, which is hard to do when it's clear JKR only had notes regarding the schedule of Harry's class alone and no one else for each book — meaning the moment we try to apply this information school-wide, issues start to emerge and professors need to basically constantly be in more than one place at once. (Why aren't there more professors? That could have been such an easy solution!)

[duffslut]

Uncontrollable desire

Axl Rose x Reader

My Masterlist.

Word Count: 408

Warnings: Smut! Minors Dni.

After you and Axl finally finished eating the entire chocolate bar you laid your head on his chest feeling his fingers playing with your hair.

- Why do you smell so good today? - You asked, starting to rub your nose on his skin and then distributing kisses on his chest.

- I always smell nice. - Axl replied. - Now you're turning me on with those kisses.

Axl pulled you by the hair and started kissing you, you kissed him back with such an intensity that you didn't even know where it was coming from.

- Baby... - You said trying stop the kiss. - Babe! - You called him again as your hand unintentionally touched Axl's groin.

- What? - Axl asked and then went back shoving his tongue inside your mouth.

- Why are you so hard we're just kissing. - You said, biting your lips trying not to laugh.

- Are we? - Axl asked and then slapped your ass, pressing it against his dick.

- Stop I wanna watch the movie! - You said, giving Axl one last kiss before getting off of him.

You went back to lying next to him the way you were before, but for some reason your body couldn't stay away from Axl's for more than a few minutes and soon you were rubbing your ass against his crotch, knowing you were teasing him but pretending not to notice.

- I'll give you what you want. - Axl suddenly whispered in your ear after he couldn't take it anymore, and your whole body shivered at his deep voice.

Your panties were pulled to the side, and before you could say or do anything, Axl already had his cock inside you. You were pulled by the waist by him, getting on top of him, your nails scratched his perfect abdomen while you bounced on his cock, taking every inch of him inside you. Axl held your hips so tightly it almost hurt, he moaned as he helped you move back and forth on top of him.

- Oh fuck! - You moaned rubbing your clit as you bounced on his cock faster and faster, squeezing your pussy around his cock feeling it throb, you and him were about to cum.

You leaned your head forward and rested it on Axl's chest, after he and you came at the same time. For some reason you looked at the empty chocolate bar wrapper lying on the edge of the bed, and the name written on it made you laugh.

"Sex chocolate by tabs"

[liketolaugh-writes]

I've been thinking about a Demon Twins AU with Good Parents Fentons.

----

Danny laughed softly, rolled over, and looked at her. Maddie's brow creased the longer he stared, and she waited for him to speak.

"...Aren't you mad?" he asked at last.

Mad? How was she supposed to be mad when she was still thinking about his birth mother cutting his throat?

"About what, sweetie?"

He blinked at her, with the same soft blue eyes she'd always known. "About... me lying for so long, I guess. Hiding so many important things from you and Dad. Things... things that you probably wouldn't have adopted me if you'd known."

"You say that like you tricked us into it," Maddie teased gently. But Danny just shrugged.

"You could've had a normal kid," he said. Maddie's heart broke.

"But they wouldn't have been you," she reminded him, voice soft. "I care about you, Danny, not some hypothetical perfect child that I could have had. You are my son. That's what matters." Danny's breath hitched as he cut off a whimper. Maddie pressed forward. "And you deserve a family - someone that can show you that you can still be loved after the things that have happened to you. Why not us?"

Well- there were actually a lot of answers to that, such as another family might not have hunted his ghost when he died, but none that Danny was likely to voice. If he thought them at all.

Sure enough, Danny just rolled toward her and pressed his forehead against her knee, a silent gesture of gratitude.

"I should call Tucker," he murmured at last, and Maddie nodded and went to get his phone.

Unfortunately, that gave her time to mull over everything that he and Talia had said, all of the odd offhand comments and sly hints. Talia had used her words like a weapon, and Danny, in his way, had done the same.

You still don't guard your left side - was that true? Had there always been that silent cry of a missing piece, and Maddie had simply never noticed?

Why was Danny so skeptical of his grandfather's death? Why did Talia promise that he wouldn't need to get his hands dirty? Why did Talia say that she shouldn't have had Danny and Damian? What were the Lazarus Pits she'd spoken of with such significance?

What did Danny mean when he accused his mother of cutting his throat, and why didn't she deny it?

Maddie was still fussing over those questions when Danny finally hung up, looking satisfied. He squirmed toward her, and she instinctively brought his head back to her lap. That seemed to be what he wanted, because he relaxed with a sigh, and almost immediately slipped into a doze. She ran her fingers through his hair, and kept thinking.

Danny didn't stir until Jack returned with food, and it was only because Jack's cheerful shout was difficult to miss. Maddie leaned forward to intercept before Jack could spill soda all over their bed, and Jack gave her a sheepish laugh before settling down with everything else.

"The door, Jack," Maddie reminded him fondly, and distributed the food while he hurried back to close the door.

Jack sat down again and helped Danny up to prop against him. Almost immediately, a distracted light of worry was back in his eyes, making Maddie winced with sympathy. Danny clearly noticed it too, from the slight wave of tension, but didn't bring it up.

"Danny," Jack said at last, halfway through the meal. His shaky voice made it clear it had been a strain to even get that far. "What did you mean, when you said she..." He couldn't say it. Maddie couldn't blame him.

Danny hesitated, then sighed, putting his burger down. He leaned against Jack and visibly considered how to answer. His eyes were thousand miles away. He reached up, and his fingertips brushed his throat. There was no scar there.

"It was how I got away," he said, and dropped his hand, halfheartedly picking up his burger again. He took a bite, thinking again as he chewed. Jack and Maddie both stopped, unable to focus, but tried not to stare Danny down. Don't rush him, Maddie told herself. Her head snapped back up when Danny continued. "My grandfather was Ra's al Ghul, the Demon's Head." He said it like a title, a name that people would whisper in fear. It was easy to believe. "He had exacting standards for me and Damian, so our training started early. I was good with martial arts, Dami with weapons. But when it came time to put our training to use, I wasn't... good at it."

Danny's voice was strained, and it was clear that even after the day's revelations, it was still difficult for him to talk about this. Not that Maddie could blame him, of course. It was hard just to hear.

Danny had bloomed from... whatever that man had tried to turn him into, from the start of an assassin into a sweet, brilliant boy who watched avidly as Jack showed him how to take the microwave apart and put it back together. Trying to imagine him before they met, what they could have forced him to do, felt like crushing a flower back into its bud. And somehow, suddenly, she understood.

"You said you weren't suited for that life," she whispered. Danny nodded stiffly. "That woman promised you wouldn't need to get your hands dirty. Danny..."

She couldn't imagine it, Maddie realized, because it had never happened. Danny had never been the right shape for that.

"I couldn't kill," Danny confirmed, without looking at her. Maddie bit down a whimper. Jack gasped, and moved suddenly, probably to clutch at Danny like he'd disappear. But Danny flinched, and Jack stopped, closing his fist around nothing as he stared at Danny with grief. Danny ignored both of them, maybe unable to make this confession and look at them at the same time. "I would... freeze. My hands would shake. My fingers would go numb. I don't know what the hell my problem was."

And he didn't, Maddie could tell. Even now, years after his escape from that life, Danny still didn't completely understand why he'd reacted that way. Why he'd found it so viscerally repulsive. Why a child would be unable to kill. Maddie imagined it despite herself, Danny as the little boy they'd first met, holding a knife to some faceless person's throat until he started to hyperventilate, then cry, dropping the knife to rub childishly at his eyes. Before she knew it, tears slipped down her face, then her neck.

"Dami could do it," Danny added, softly. And that image, somehow, was even worse - another little boy gently taking the knife from Danny's numb fingers and slicing through that faceless person's neck, spilling blood over both their hands.

"The problem," Maddie murmured, almost shaking with rage, "is that you were eight, and someone told you to kill."

Danny blinked at her, startled, and then smiled sadly. "Dami could do it," he repeated. "If no one else was around, he'd say I did it. He covered for me for more than two years."

So... six. Danny had been six the first time someone had tried to make him a murderer. Maddie felt sick. She put her food down.

"But then they started to talk about separating us," Danny continued. "Sending us on different missions, or even having us work solo." Eight year olds, working missions like they were adults - Maddie wanted to drag Talia back and kill her for putting Danny in this world. Danny himself looked, at worst, melancholy. "If that happened, we wouldn't be able to hide it anymore, and Grandfather would have had me killed."

"No," Jack whispered, echoing Maddie's thoughts. Danny smiled a little, and leaned further into Jack as if drawing comfort from him. Maddie hoped that he was. That something of this was helping.

All of this leads to Talia cutting Danny's throat, Maddie remembered suddenly.

"So Mother did it first," Danny said without replying. Maddie's heart dropped. "The League had access to... kind of some weird stuff, more magic than science. One of those things was the Lazarus Pits. Looking back, they were definitely derived from ectoplasm, but they'd done something weird to it. Not that important, I guess." He shrugged. "The Lazarus Pits bring the dead and dying back to life."

No, Maddie wanted to say, as if that would stop what she already knew was coming.

"So Mother faked an assassination," Danny continued anyway. "Held my head in one hand and a knife in the other, and told me to be brave. Then she let the doctors declare me dead, and..." He trailed off, letting them finish. He was smiling, small and pained, like he was apologizing for how awful this was to hear.

"Brought you back with the Lazarus Pits," Maddie whispered, shaken to the core. Danny nodded. "That's... that's..."

Danny smiled mirthlessly. "Something only a loving mother raised in a death cult would do?"

Not what Maddie would have said, but in a horrible sort of way, it made sense. Talia loved Danny enough to try to get him out at any cost. To defy the will of the cult they were stuck in. She loved him enough to cut his throat and hold him while he died.

(Was Maddie really so much better?)

[najia-cooks]

Wood sorrel soup with green peppercorn and mint

The wood sorrels—sometimes called sourgrasses—are a group of extremely widely distributed edible weeds in the genus Oxalis. As their name suggests, wood sorrels have a distinctly tart flavor due to the presence of oxalic acid. The seed pods of the wood sorrels are crisp and quite sour, and are therefore sometimes called fairy pickles. Wood sorrel is a commonly foraged green which grows well in disturbed areas, woodland, lawns, and gardens; it may be used as a pot herb or a salad green, or brewed into tea.

This recipe is for a blended soup similar to schav (Yiddish): an eastern European soup made with common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), vegetables, and smetana (sour cream)—and to potage crème d'oseille: a French soup made with sorrel or other sour, foraged greens; broth; eggs; and cream. In my version of this soup, the bright, lemony sourness of wood sorrel is deepened with garlic, tempered with a non-dairy milk, and complemented by the fresh, earthy, citrusy notes of green peppercorn. A garnish of chiffonaded mint or green onion adds some herbacious sharpness that plays well against the fresh wood sorrel.

Recipe under the cut!

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Ingredients:

50g (1 cup packed) yellow wood sorrel

1 small sweet onion

3 cloves garlic, crushed

Margarine, to fry

Salt to taste

1 tsp ground green peppercorns

2 cups vegetable stock

1/3 to 1/2 cup non-dairy milk, to taste

1 Tbsp flour

Mint or green onion, to garnish

Besides common yellow wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta), procumbent yellow sorrel (O. corniculata), or slender yellow wood sorrel (O. dillenii), will also work.

All three species have leaves which are alternate (one leaf per node), trifoliate (three leaflets per leaf), and petiolate (attached to the stem by a leafstalk, rather than directly); have heart-shaped leaflets; and have yellow, five-petalled flowers. Leaflets open in the sun and close (folding downwards) at night.

O. stricta plants grow upright when very young, but are afterwards recumbent; each plant has only one root, so the stems are not truly creeping (sending down new roots at the nodes). Stems may have small hairs spreading away from the center. Flowers appear in branched clusters, usually from 5 to 7 per inflorescence. Pedicels (seed pods) are erect.

O. stricta roots once; if young and light, it is upright. If mature and heavy enough, it will lie recumbent along the rest of its length without rooting again.

O. corniculata plants are prostrate, spreading via overground stolons which root into the ground again at the nodes. Pedicels are deflexed (hanging down) or horizontal.

O. corniculata spreads along the ground; if you try to pull up a mature plant, you will note it is rooted at more than one point (if soil is available).

O. dillenii is sometimes considered a type of O. stricta. Plants are erect and may reach over a foot in height. Flowers usually appear in 2s, but there may be as many as 6 per infloresence. Stems have appressed (lying flat against the stem surface) hairs. Pedicels are reflexed (bent).

O. dillenii, upright with hairy stems and seed pods whose peduncles have a sharp bend in them, like an elbow. Leaves sometimes slightly reddish.

Instructions:

Wash wood sorrel in a bowl of water, then draw the plants out to allow dirt to sink to the bottom. Include leaves, stems, seed pods, and flowers.

In a large soup pot, melt margarine on medium-high. Fry onion, garlic, a pinch of salt, and half the green pepper until the onion is golden brown.

Add sorrel and heat until thoroughly wilted.

Add stock and simmer 10 minutes.

Whisk flour into 1/3 cup non-dairy milk; add the mixture to the pot and whisk. Taste and add another splash of milk if the soup remains too sour.

Add remaining green pepper and salt to taste. Simmer another 3 minutes or so.

Garnish. Serve hot or cold.

[sstan-hoe]

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝟐.

𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 — mob!bucky barnes × fem!reader

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — bucky barnes was the man of your dreams, you would do everything to make him fall for you...and making a bet out of it is even more fun...

𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 — nothing really, which is surprising, just wait until the next chapter

𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 — I actually hate this chapter but I need to get through it to get things rolling, so again please bear with me lol, I promise it will get better....

masterlist

After the night at the gallery, you made sure to not cross paths with Bucky. The idea was to wait at least two weeks, make sure he thinks he will not see you again and the coincidentally run into him in his favourite restaurant.

“He’s quick to get to work, sure he isn’t going to fuck you and then never talk to you again?” Wanda had asked the moment you started talking about the previous evening. Her concerns were understandable after all her money was on the line.

“You should’ve seen his face, he looked so desperate, and I know men, I know this could happen but you gotta stay positive,” in reality you did fear this scenario however constantly thinking about it would not help your case in any way, so you chose to ignore it. Wanda didn’t seem to think so.

“Are not scared he’s going to find you?” she raised a brow, the man was a criminal with countless means to find the people he wanted.

“I’m sure he could, though he has only my first name and thinks I’m an art major,” you explained proudly, Wanda however wasn’t as convinced, “then what if he finds out you’re lying?” she continued.

“He won’t! I ain’t stupid,” you rolled your eyes, yes you played with fire lying to a mob boss still you only had to hold the lie up for a few months and you felt safer.

“Never said you were but neither is he,” her voice had an edge to it, then aside from the bet she did not want you to get hurt. She took a deep breath, knowing there was no arguing with you.

A part of her wanted to quit the conversation but she was too curious for her own good, “what’s step two then…?” She asked slowly while keeping an eye on the entrance. For one if any customer came in and for the if a special person walked inside.

“His favourite restaurant, it’s next to a café. I will watch for a while, see if he enters and once, he does go in, act as if I want to reserve a table. Also, I can use that time to write more job applications,” you said with a proud smile as you wiped a table clean.

“Still no luck?” The red head changed topics, she knew how hard it was to get out. While working on her degree she wanted to do an internship, either they weren’t interested or didn’t even bother answering.

“Nope, I don’t know even know why? I thought they needed people, I thought I would be of use but surprise…,” you let your head fall down for a short moment, all that money for nothing.

Wanda had studied literature with a special interest in writing books and their distribution. Her biggest problem were that there weren’t many companies offering an internship and if they did then there were dozens of applicants.

While she was an outstanding student, she didn’t have any connections and in a world like this you needed them. This problem pushed her into the same situation you were in.

No experience, no one giving her a chance and working in a restaurant that underpaid her. At least she had the chance to do an internship, you didn’t even have time because somehow you had to pay for everything, and internships weren’t known for paying you. If they did then it was not enough to survive.

“What if you used Barnes as an opportunity?” She suggested, it wasn’t a stupid idea per se, but it would make you depend on him.

“So, he can hold it over my head and control me? Not happening, I’m using him to have some fun in this depressing world,” you countered. To be quite honest, it made you sad how everything turned out.

You weren’t one to plan every little detail, but you had your life planned out, go to university and work your ass off to afford a comfortable life. It was the only thing you were sure off, the only thing that was certain and now here you were doing a job you didn’t even need a degree for.

Thankfully some guests came in, that way you could at least stop thinking about the horrible parts at the moment.

---

Two weeks went by in a blast, you tried to stay busy. Of course, there was work but once you came home time was moving too slowly.

What would help against that? Exactly rearranging your entire flat. That way you found things you’d never even know you had or just forget and luckily a certain dress that would fit your upcoming date.

The day finally came, you sat in the café oppisite of the ‘Avengers’ reading through job openings and writing cover letters.

From time to time, you looked up to see if he was already there. It was Monday after all, you had listened around in order to find out if he had a certain day he would visit the restaurant, and you were not disappointed.

You had your hair open again, put lighter make up on and wore a scarlet-coloured dress with long sleeves that ended just above your thigh. A little jewlery and matching shoes – after all you wanted to look casual.

Just as you send out another application you spotted a certain brunette in a black suit matched with a dark red dress shirt. You smirked, the universe was sending you a sign.

You waited until he was inside before you packed your stuff together and walked across the street. Just like the first time you took a deep breath to brace yourself, then entered the high-end restaurant.

Inside it felt like you didn’t belong here, it was all so expensive and yet you liked it. A young woman greeted you at the entrance, instantly asking to help you – maybe she realised you didn’t have the money to really eat here?

“Hey, how are you? I wanted to make a reservation for my aunts birthday,” you told her with a sweet smile, pulling out your calendar to make yourself more believable.

“Sure! I do have to remind you that you have to reserve far in advance,” she said politely. At that you nodded, “got it, so her Birthday is the 12th of August, that would be a little more than a year, is that enough?”

While she scanned through the pages to see what was available you risked a glance around, you didn’t see him yet.

“Would you be alright with the 15th? It’s a Saturday at six o’clock?” she lifted her head to make sure it was alright. “Perfect! Could you also make something little special to surprise her?” You continued to make sure the conversation went on for as long as possible.

Then suddenly a hand touched your arm, “it’s you again,” a deep voice said next to you, sending a shiver down your spine. The moment was here. Turning your eyes met with Bucky’s.

Up close he looked even more handsome than from your place at the café. Your lips spread in a grin, “and it’s you again,” mirroring his words. The reservation forgotten.

Bucky didn’t expect to see you again, a part of him believed into destiny but you, here? It made him rethink everything and he surly wouldn’t let you go again.

“You’re having dinner with me,” he decided and grasped your hand, pulling you with him before you could protest. “You’re just deciding that?” you questioned once he guided you to sit next to him.

“I’m not letting you leave again,” he just said to which you chuckled, “you have no trust in the universe,” you repeated your words from a few weeks ago.

“Doll, you’re here, aren’t you?” Bucky smirked at you, hand coming up to cup your cheek. “Then what’s your plan Barnes? Wine and dine me before sleeping with me?” you raised your brows, this was exactly what he probably wanted to happen – spoiler it wouldn’t.

“It won’t be that easy, I should make you work for it,” he argued, looking at you with those blue eyes. It was too easy to get lost in them, ignore everything he was saying and only stare at them.

Some of his words went over your head, you couldn’t even form an answer that made sense and Bucky knew it, he saw it in your features.

“Don’t tell me you’re already smitten with me,” he chuckled while laying his arm on the back of the booth. You blinked at him, trying to find some words, “I’m not,” you told him in the end.

Though your words weren’t filled with confidence, Bucky didn’t say anything else instead he just poured you a glass of wine. Then held the menu out to you which you hesitantly took from him.

You knew this restaurant was expensive, but those prices made you want to throw up. Yes, part of your plan was to take advantage of Bucky’s money but actually doing it? It felt wrong.

“I can’t, Bucky this is too expensive,” you said, pushing the menu back in his hands. Deciding you didn’t need to eat with him to fulfill your plan.

Bucky however didn’t agree with that, he ignored you and called the waitress over. “What’s your favourite?” he asked, pointing to the woman standing above you, “the pasta, please,” you answered, still picking something that was relatively cheap – cheap being twenty dollar.

He ordered an Argentine filet steak, one of the most expensive things which had you swallowing. Then gave you a look, “the pasta, really?” cracking a small smile.

“Pasta is my favourite food of all,” it was a lie, it was a great meal but only being able to afford noodles made them unlikable at times.

“You know every other girl would’ve sprung at the opportunity to take my money,” he revealed, he found it a nice change of pace that for once a woman wasn’t just with him for his money.

“Well, there’s still time,” you catched yourself again, playing with your glass. Talking to him was easy and hard at the same time. You didn’t know what to say, maybe the small talk would bore him? Yet at the same time this was what you were supposed to do.

“Tell me about your degree,” he beat you to it. Now you had to come up with something and not get caught. “I study in New York, in my fifth semester and my focus is on abstract art,” you explained, hoping he wasn’t planning on asking for details.

“What did you do before?” his question caught you off guard, “what?” you asked in confusion. “You’re old enough to drink which means you’re at least twenty-one and fifth semester means you already study for at least two years, finishing high school with eighteen leaves a gap,” was this man a spy?

“Oh, yeah I’m twenty-three and switched universities,” you swallowed again, he almost caught you and now you had to remember telling him your twenty-three for the next few month.

Bucky didn’t seem to mind how ‘young’ you were but if you remembered correctly, he was just a little over thirty. He nodded at your words, not seeming to judge you.

“Not everyone has a linear path, some need to find other ways and life is no marathon,” it sounded like he knew what he was talking about. If your words were true, you would probably feel a sense of comfort.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right,” you nodded looking into his blue eyes again, he was so close, would he kiss you again? God, you prayed he would, his mouth was like a drug.

For the first time you were able to scan his features properly, his light stubble and soft lips. His skin had light scars just above his eyebrow, you wondered where he got them from.

“You’re so pretty,” you whispered out of nowhere, it just slipped from your lips. “Thank you doll, but I’m no match against you,” he countered, hand coming to rest on your thigh.

Without thinking you pressed your lips to his, hands wrapping around his neck. It caught Bucky by surprise, but he wasn’t objecting, no he pushed against you. Tongue licking along your bottom lip before pushing inside your mouth.

God, this was a dangerous game you were playing because if you didn’t stop soon, you would let him bend you over the table.

Against your believes Bucky was the one to pull away first, breathing heavily and once he saw your disappointed expression he playfully pouted, “don’t be sad doll, I will worship you like you deserve…just not here.”

“Why, no one will see,” you whined trying to catch his lips in a kiss again, now you were just as desperate as he had been. “They will see me bending you over the table and fucking you stupid.”