#it’s also a free quiet place to study if you don’t have access to one at home

[the-heroes-and-the-bees]

Since the Thread Reader App has made the wonderful, heartwarming decision, absolutely-not-completely-fucking-unnecessary-and-elitist decision to make itself usable only to Twitter Premium users and the author of this thread has locked it to the app and thus made previous unrolls unavailable, I have taken the laborious task of transcribing this photoset into HTML text upon myself.

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A Twitter thread by user 21st Century Gorgon [snake icon] (@grumpwitch) that reads:

Things I have learned about the general public whilst working at the library:

1. A huge number of people under 20 can’t read face clocks, having grown up with only digital one.

2. Many people don’t know how to spell “library.” It’s in our email address. This causes problems

3. A disturbing number of young people don’t actually know how book-lending at the library works. They assume it costs money! Teach your children about libraries!

4. Crime and thriller are basically the same thing in many cases. In fact, we have doubles of books because of that.

5. People use hidden codes like asterisks to mark which books they’ve read. Please don’t do that! The system will let you know if you’ve already borrowed something! Just ask.

6. If an automatic door breaks, people will walk into it instead of reading the sign at face height.

7. Libraries are a godsend for blind and deaf people and not just for audiobooks. They can come for help with filling out forms and getting directions.

8. Some elderly people go through books at a TERRIFYING rate. They are to be feared and respected.

9. Some people are so afraid of computers that they will come to you with a query and then become upset if you offer to look it up on the computer instead of in a book.

10. Some people have never, ever used a telephone. Especially older women. Their husband did it for them.

11. The DWP fuck over everyone but especially the most vulnerable and I haven’t met a single library worker who hasn’t helped struggling library users with food or phone calls or even a cup of tea when it’s cold and they can’t afford heating.

12. The Jobcentre regularly lie to people and like to tell them that they can get services at libraries that simply do not exist. We will try our very best to help you get what you should have been given at the Jobcentre.

13. Most banks assume that everyone has an email now. In fact, some people have trouble proving that they exist at all without one.

14. Library folk are good folk. We do this because we are passionate about it. We have to be.

15. Libraries aren’t quiet anymore. They may have quiet study areas but most libraries are bustling with activity. Between kids’ classes, singing and memory groups for those with Dementia, craft sessions and noisy office equipment, don’t expect silence

16. Libraries remain the only place where you can spend hours in a publicly-accessible building without being expected to spend money. Parents come to entertain their children for free on wet days. People in poverty come for a warm place to sit. Libraries are a haven.

17. Some people will go their entire lives only reading 2-3 authors but still have enough material to read a book every month. (See also: Danielle Steel, James Patterson, Clive Cussler, etc.)

18. A library lives and dies by the staff on the counter. You can have the best funding, all of the books and tech in the world but you’ll only get footfall if your staff go above and beyond. Sometimes even that doesn’t work, though and it’s frustrating.

19. We’re funded based on footfall. I’ve seen staff cry because we lost a youth group to a private hall that has fancier facilities like a cafe. We need all the footfall we can get.

20. Staff are hitting their heads against walls volunteering to create events, classes and groups only to have them shot down because local councils don’t understand social media or want to charge for it. I can’t overemphasise just how much unpaid work staff do.

21. Most of the facilities are only working because staff pay out of pocket to get things working. My manager bought a new laminator when we couldn’t afford one. She buys in colouring materials for kids. We sometimes bring in our own stationery. We even but lightbulbs in.

22. Authors don’t like to visit little libraries because they don’t get paid. Bookstores often pay.

23. The “sexy librarian” trope has actually done a LOT of harm and has caused countless incidences of sexual assault by men who can’t tell the difference between porn and reality.

24. Old ladies keep libraries in business. Old ladies who read are the best. Old ladies who can tell you exactly which page features the most gruesome murder scene are the very best.

25. Library staff ALWAYS want to know what you thought of the book. We want to know what to recommend to others!

26. I’m not supposed to have favourite library users but I do: I love library couples, who bicker over each others’ reading tastes or share books and then argue about the themes.

I also love the autistic kids with special interests. I will crawl over hot coals to get you a book about the specific type of train you are interested in, tiny child. I will listen to you tell me about it in great detail. I will try to remember for the next time you come in.

27. The single best moment, for me, is when a library user graduates from Young Adult to Adult and suddenly the entire library is open to them! They can read anything! No more tiny teen section! All of the classics! Sci fi! Horror!

They often get overwhelmed.

28. And finally, because I’ve spammed you long enough and because my typos are mounting up, remember this:

Library staff can overcome many challenges but Book Gods help you if you deprive us of caffeine. You don’t want to see what happens then.

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[rimirara]

Best Coworking Spaces in Chennai Near Metro Stations & Transport Hubs

In recent years, coworking spaces have transformed the way professionals, students, and entrepreneurs work. The rise of remote working and the demand for flexible, collaborative environments have led to the emergence of coworking spaces across major cities, and Chennai is no exception. For students, professionals, and freelancers, choosing a coworking space that is both convenient and productive is a top priority. This is where the proximity of these spaces to metro stations and transport hubs comes into play. Being able to easily access workspaces using public transport not only saves time but also makes commuting more convenient.

In this article, we will explore the best coworking spaces in Chennai that are situated near metro stations and transport hubs, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about long commutes. Whether you are a student looking for a quiet space to study, a freelancer looking for a creative environment, or a professional in need of a flexible work area, this guide has something for everyone.

Why Choose Coworking Spaces?

Before diving into the best coworking spaces in Chennai, let’s briefly discuss why coworking spaces have become so popular in recent years, especially for students and young professionals.

Flexibility: Coworking spaces offer flexible membership options, allowing individuals to choose a plan that suits their needs, from daily passes to long-term rentals.

Networking Opportunities: Being in a coworking environment allows individuals to interact with like-minded professionals, which can be valuable for career growth, collaborations, and learning.

Affordable: Renting an office space can be expensive, especially for students and freelancers. Coworking spaces provide an affordable alternative with all the amenities you need to work effectively.

Collaboration: Many coworking spaces provide opportunities to collaborate on projects with others, whether you're a student working on a team project or a freelancer looking to expand your network.

Amenities: From high-speed internet and comfortable seating to free coffee and meeting rooms, coworking spaces are equipped with everything you need to be productive.

Now, let’s explore some of the best coworking spaces in Chennai that are located near metro stations and transport hubs for a convenient commute.

1. The Executive Zone – Annasalai, Mount RoadLocation: Annasalai Nearest Metro Station: Mount Road

The Executive Zone is one of the most well-known coworking brands globally, and its Chennai branch located at Annasalai,Mount Road is a prime choice for professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. Located in the bustling Annasalai area, this coworking space is right next to Government Estate Metro Station, making it highly accessible.

TEZ Express Avenue offers a variety of workspaces, including hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. With its modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and on-site amenities like a cafe and lounge area, it’s an ideal place for anyone looking for a comfortable and professional environment.

For students, this location is particularly attractive because of its proximity to other educational hubs and the shopping mall, where they can unwind after a productive day of work.

2. The Hive – Tidel Park, Taramani

Location: Tidel Park, Taramani Nearest Metro Station: Taramani (Blue Line)

The Hive at Tidel Park in Taramani is a great coworking space for students and young professionals in Chennai. Located near the Taramani Metro Station, The Hive is easy to access, and its prime location makes it an attractive option for those looking to work in a collaborative and professional environment.

Tidel Park is known for its technological ecosystem, and The Hive seamlessly blends modern office facilities with an open and interactive work culture. The coworking space offers flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, event spaces, and high-speed internet. Moreover, it features a well-equipped cafeteria and leisure area for students and professionals to take a break from their work.

3. Regus – Nungambakkam

Location: Nungambakkam High Road Nearest Metro Station: Nungambakkam (Blue Line)

Regus is another globally recognized name in the coworking industry. The Regus center in Nungambakkam is located in one of Chennai's most well-connected areas, and it is accessible via the Nungambakkam Metro Station. This space is perfect for those who need a professional, quiet, and focused environment to work or study.

Regus offers both coworking spaces and private offices that come with top-of-the-line amenities such as high-speed internet, business lounges, meeting rooms, and more. Additionally, the location is in close proximity to some of Chennai’s most famous educational institutions, making it an excellent choice for students.

The surrounding Nungambakkam area also has a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shopping options, so after a productive day, you can relax and refresh.

4. 91Springboard – Ekkatuthangal

Location: Ekkatuthangal Nearest Metro Station: Ekkatuthangal (Green Line)

91Springboard is a popular coworking space provider with several branches across Chennai, and their Ekkatuthangal location is perfect for those who live near or frequently travel through this part of the city. Located right next to the Ekkatuthangal Metro Station, it is extremely convenient for commuters who prefer traveling by metro.

This coworking space offers a vibrant environment ideal for students, freelancers, and professionals who enjoy being around like-minded individuals. 91Springboard’s facilities include 24/7 access, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, lockers, and even a cafeteria. The space also hosts regular networking events and workshops, making it a great place for students to learn and grow while working on their projects.

5. Go-Work – OMR

Location: OMR, Perungudi Nearest Metro Station: Perungudi (Green Line)

Go-Work offers one of the most dynamic coworking environments in Chennai. Located along the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) near Perungudi Metro Station, Go-Work caters to a wide range of individuals, including startups, students, and professionals. The area is home to several tech companies and educational institutions, so you will find a lot of opportunities for networking and collaborations.

Go-Work offers affordable membership plans, high-speed internet, fully furnished workspaces, meeting rooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. Additionally, the coworking space provides access to multiple networking events and community-building activities, making it an excellent place for students to engage with professionals and grow their skillset.

6. The Office Pass (TOP) – Adyar

Location: Adyar Nearest Metro Station: Adyar (Green Line)

The Office Pass (TOP) in Adyar is another fantastic coworking space near a metro station. Adyar is well-connected to various parts of Chennai, and the metro station provides easy access to this coworking space. Located in a serene part of the city, it’s perfect for students and professionals who prefer a quiet, peaceful environment for work.

TOP offers flexible working options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. It is well-equipped with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, event spaces, and a refreshment area. The Adyar area is also home to various educational institutions and residential complexes, making it an ideal location for students.

7. Urban Hub – Mount Road

Location: Mount Road Nearest Metro Station: Saidapet (Green Line)

Urban Hub, located on the bustling Mount Road, is a coworking space designed to meet the needs of startups, freelancers, and students. It is easily accessible from Saidapet Metro Station, making it a convenient location for commuters.

Urban Hub offers a variety of flexible plans, such as hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. The space is equipped with modern amenities like high-speed internet, printing facilities, and comfortable workstations. Additionally, Urban Hub often organizes networking events, providing students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and potential employers.

8. IndiQube – Perungudi

Location: Perungudi Nearest Metro Station: Perungudi (Green Line)

IndiQube offers a sophisticated coworking space that combines modern workspaces with professional services, ideal for students and young professionals. The Perungudi branch is located near the Perungudi Metro Station, which ensures easy accessibility.

IndiQube offers various flexible plans, including dedicated desks, private offices, and hot desks. Students will appreciate the focus on work-life balance, with amenities like a lounge area, cafeteria, and event spaces. IndiQube also hosts regular workshops and community-building events, which can help students build their professional network.

Conclusion

Coworking spaces have revolutionized the way people work, especially in cities like Chennai, where the demand for flexibility and convenience is high. With the growing availability of metro stations and transport hubs, working in these spaces has become more accessible to students and professionals.

Choosing a coworking space near metro stations not only saves time but also ensures that you can enjoy a hassle-free commute. Whether you are a student looking for a quiet place to study, a freelancer in search of a creative environment, or a professional seeking a flexible workspace, the Best Coworking spaces listed above are excellent choices in Chennai.

So, choose the one that best suits your needs, and get ready to experience the perfect blend of productivity, convenience, and collaboration!

[visionlanguageexpert1]

Boost Your PTE Preparation with Free PTE Mock Tests and Scorecards

Preparing for the Pearson Test of English (PTE) can feel overwhelming, but having the right resources can make all the difference. One of the most effective ways to enhance your preparation is by using free PTE mock tests with scorecards. These tools not only simulate the real exam but also provide detailed feedback to help you improve.

Why Are Mock Tests Important?

Mock tests are a critical component of PTE preparation. They allow you to:

Understand the Exam Format: PTE mock tests mirror the actual exam, helping you become familiar with its structure and question types.

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: By reviewing your scorecard, you can pinpoint areas that need improvement.

Build Confidence: Practicing under exam-like conditions reduces anxiety and boosts your confidence for test day.

What Makes Free PTE Mock Tests with Scorecards Valuable?

Free PTE mock tests are an accessible way to practice, and when paired with scorecards, they offer even more benefits:

Detailed Performance Analysis: A scorecard gives you insights into your performance in speaking, writing, reading, and listening sections.

Actionable Feedback: Scorecards highlight specific areas to focus on, making your study sessions more effective.

Progress Tracking: By taking multiple tests, you can track your improvement over time and ensure you’re on the right path.

How to Use Mock Tests Effectively

To get the most out of free PTE mock tests with scorecards, follow these tips:

Simulate Real Test Conditions: Find a quiet place, set a timer, and take the test without interruptions.

Review Your Scorecard Carefully: Analyze your mistakes and understand why you made them.

Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate extra time to sections where you scored lower.

Repeat Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improvement.

Why Choose Vision Language Experts?

At Vision Language Experts, we offer free PTE mock tests with scorecards to help students achieve their desired scores. Our tests are designed to replicate the actual PTE exam, and our detailed scorecards provide personalized feedback.

With Vision Language Experts, you’ll have access to:

Comprehensive mock tests.

Expert guidance to address your weak areas.

Supportive coaching to build your confidence.

Take the First Step Today!

Don’t let the PTE exam intimidate you. Start your preparation with free PTE mock tests with scorecards and watch your skills improve. Join Vision Language Experts to make your PTE dreams a reality.

[yamuna111]

What Do You Do in a Study Hall? Maximizing Your Time and Boosting Productivity in Coimbatore’s Best Study Halls

A study hall can be one of the most productive environments to enhance your learning experience. Whether you're preparing for competitive exams or working on assignments, a study hall in Coimbatore can provide the ideal setting for focused study sessions. In this blog, we’ll explore what you can do in a study hall to maximize your productivity, provide tips on how to make the most of your time, and share how the best study halls in Coimbatore are designed to help you succeed.

1. Creating an Effective Study Routine in a Study Hall

The first step to maximizing your time in a study hall in Coimbatore is creating a structured study routine. A routine will help you stay on track, break your work into manageable chunks, and ensure that you are making consistent progress.

Key Steps to Create Your Study Routine:

Set Clear Goals: Before you enter the study hall, set a clear goal for what you want to achieve. Whether it's completing a chapter, solving practice problems, or revising notes, having a defined goal helps you stay focused.

Break Work into Sessions: Use the Pomodoro Technique or similar methods to break your study time into focused intervals with short breaks in between. This keeps your mind fresh and helps you avoid burnout.

Prioritize Difficult Tasks: Start with the most challenging tasks when your concentration is at its peak, and leave easier tasks for later in the session.

Real-World Example: Many aspirants preparing for exams like TNPSC or bank exams in Coimbatore use structured routines in study halls in Coimbatore to enhance their preparation, ensuring they complete their syllabus on time with higher efficiency.

2. Utilizing Study Materials and Resources in a Study Hall

A study hall in Coimbatore is more than just a quiet place to study; it’s also a space equipped with resources and materials that can aid your learning. Whether it’s books, mock tests, or access to digital learning platforms, these resources can make your study time much more effective.

How to Make the Most of Available Resources:

Bring Your Study Materials: Ensure that you have all the textbooks, notes, and practice papers you need. Some study halls in Coimbatore even provide access to additional study materials such as reference books and previous years' question papers.

Use Online Resources: Many study halls offer Wi-Fi, allowing you to access online courses, videos, and research articles. Take advantage of these resources for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Ask for Help: If the study hall has tutors or mentors available, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on difficult topics or get tips on how to approach certain subjects.

Expert Tip: "Using all available resources in a study hall, such as practice papers and group study sessions, is essential for effective exam preparation. The more you leverage these tools, the better your outcomes will be." – Expert Coach at a Study Hall in Coimbatore

3. Staying Focused and Minimizing Distractions

A study hall provides an environment conducive to concentration, but it's important to remain disciplined. Distractions, whether from your phone, other students, or even your own thoughts, can hinder your productivity.

Strategies to Stay Focused:

Turn Off Your Phone: Put your phone on silent or in "Do Not Disturb" mode to avoid interruptions. If necessary, use apps designed to help you focus, such as Pomodone or Forest.

Create a Comfortable Study Space: Choose a quiet corner or spot where you feel most comfortable and less likely to be distracted. Some study halls in Coimbatore have designated quiet areas for focused study.

Set Time Limits for Tasks: Having a set time limit for each task will push you to stay on track and avoid procrastination.

Real-World Example: Many students preparing for competitive exams in Coimbatore find that working in a structured, distraction-free environment like a study hall in Coimbatore helps them stay focused and complete tasks more efficiently.

4. Collaborating and Networking with Fellow Students

Study halls often provide an excellent opportunity to collaborate with peers who are also working toward similar academic goals. Group study can enhance understanding, foster peer learning, and motivate you to stay consistent.

How to Collaborate Effectively:

Form Study Groups: Collaborate with others preparing for the same exams or subjects. Share knowledge, solve problems together, and quiz each other to reinforce learning.

Learn from Others’ Strengths: Working with a diverse group allows you to learn different approaches and techniques for studying, which may enhance your own strategy.

Tip: Many study halls in Coimbatore organize group study sessions, allowing students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and enhance their collective learning experience.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Time in a Study Hall

Maximizing your productivity in a study hall in Coimbatore requires a combination of focus, structure, and the ability to utilize available resources effectively. By following a clear study routine, leveraging available materials, minimizing distractions, and collaborating with peers, you can make the most of your study time and achieve your academic goals.

Ready to Boost Your Productivity?

If you're looking for a productive, distraction-free space to study, consider joining a study hall in Coimbatore. With the right environment, study materials, and strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success in your exams.

[onlinetuitionservices]

Ace your exams with class 9 science previous year papers

Are you a student of class 9 and appearing for Science exams? Do you want to know how to increase your confidence level and score better marks? One of the smartest ways is to practice from Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers. These papers are a great source to understand the pattern of your exams, but they also teach you important topics and concepts. Let's dive into the importance of previous year papers for your preparation.

Why Do Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers Matter?

Get Familiar with the Exam Pattern: Previous year papers make you well aware of the question paper pattern. The weightage of different sections such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology will be known to you to enable time management properly.

Important Topics Identification:Repeated questions and repeated topics usually signify high-priority areas. Practicing these papers ensure that you don't miss the key concepts which are likely to appear in the exam.

Time Management Skills:Solving Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers under timed conditions will teach you how to manage your time effectively. This is crucial for finishing the exam on time and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Boost Your Confidence:Solving these papers will make you feel more prepared and confident in dealing with the mains. Familiarity with the question types and difficulty levels reduces exam anxiety and enhances performance.

Tips - For the Best Assignment Help

How to Make the Most of Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers

Start Early:Do not wait until the very last minute to begin practicing. Start solving the papers well in advance for timely coverage of all topics.

Analyze Your Performance:

After solving a paper, review your answers to identify mistakes. Focus on improving weak areas by revisiting those concepts in your textbook.

Simulate Exam Conditions:

Solve the papers in a quiet environment without any interruptions. This will help you experience real exam conditions and improve your focus.

Use a Mix of Papers:

Practice papers from different years to get a broader understanding of the type of questions asked.

Where to Look for Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers

Finding authentic and quality Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers is not that difficult. Here are some places where you can find them easily:

School Resources:

Most schools provide past year question papers to students for revising.

Online Platforms:  Many educational websites and apps provide free or paid access to previous year papers with solutions.

Reference Books: The publishers mostly include previous year papers in the books of the exam preparation books.

Final Preparations to Succeed

Regular Revision:

This is a good habit. Repeat key formulas, definitions, and diagrams regularly.

Focus on NCERT:

Class 9 Science book is the core textbook. Have it well done before attempting any previous year papers.

Remain Consistent:

The only way to success is through regular practice. Allocate some time each day to solve Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers.

Conclusion

Practicing Class 9 Science Previous Year Papers is a tried-and-tested method to excel in your exams. These papers not only enhance your preparation but also give you the confidence to face the exam without fear. Start today, and you'll be amazed at the improvement in your performance. Remember, consistent practice and a positive mindset are your ultimate tools for success. So, grab those previous year papers and start your journey toward excellence!

Implementing this study strategy will prepare you to tackle your Class 9 Science exams. Don’t wait—take the first step toward your academic success today by enrolling in Best Online tuition classes

[rimaakter45]

5 Tips for Successful Distance Learning

Distance learning has become a popular way to continue education, especially with the rise of technology and the internet. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or a parent supporting a learner, these tips can help you make the most out of your distance learning experience. Let’s dive into some essential tips to ensure success in your distance learning journey.

1. Set a Routine

One of the biggest challenges in distance learning is maintaining a consistent schedule. Set a daily routine that includes specific times for classes, study, breaks, and leisure activities. This helps you stay organized and focused. For example, you might start your day with a morning class, take a lunch break, and then have a study session in the afternoon. A routine helps you manage your time better and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.

2. Create a Dedicated Space

Having a dedicated space for learning can make a big difference. Set up a quiet, comfortable area where you can focus on your studies. This could be a corner of your room, a desk, or even a small table. Make sure it’s well-lit and free from distractions like TV or noisy siblings. A dedicated space helps you get into the right mindset for learning.

3. Stay Connected

Distance learning can sometimes feel isolating. Stay connected with your classmates, teachers, and support network. Use tools like video calls, forums, and messaging apps to stay in touch. Join online study groups or forums where you can ask questions and share resources. Being part of a community can provide motivation and support.

4. Use Technology wisely

Technology is your best friend in distance learning. Use tools like Google Classroom, Zoom, and educational apps to stay organized and engaged. These tools can help you manage assignments, track progress, and communicate with your teachers and classmates. For example, Google Classroom allows you to see all your assignments in one place, and Zoom is great for live classes and office hours.

5. Take Break and Stay healthy

Finally, don’t forget to take breaks and stay healthy. Regular breaks help you avoid burnout and stay refreshed. take short breaks every hour, and longer breaks every few hours. also, make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and exercise regularly. a healthy body and mind help you stay focused and motivated.

Why Distance Learning is Important

Distance learning offers many benefits that make it a valuable option for many learners:

1. Flexibility

Distance learning provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can fit your education around your other commitments, like work or family responsibilities. This flexibility can make education more accessible for many people.

2. Access to Resources

With the internet, you have access to a wealth of resources. you can find tutorials, videos, and articles on almost any topic. this access to resources can enhance your learning experience and provide additional support.

3. Self-paced learning

Distance learning allows you to learn at your own speed. if you need more time to understand a concept, you can take it. if you grasp things quickly, you can move on. this self-paced learning can help you stay motivated and engaged.

4. Improves time management

By setting a routine and managing your time, you can develop better time management skills. these skills are valuable in all areas of life, not just in education.

5. reduces stress

a well-organized distance learning schedule can reduce stress. when you know what to expect and have a plan, you can avoid last-minute rushes and feel more in control.

Tips for Better Distance Learning

Here are a few additional tips to help you excel in distance learning:

1. Stay organized

Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of all your assignments and deadlines. this helps you stay on top of everything and avoid missing important dates.

2. set goals

Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. this helps you stay focused and motivated. for example, you might set a goal to complete a chapter of your textbook each week.

3. use active learning techniques

Use active learning techniques like taking notes, summarizing information, and teaching what you’ve learned to someone else. these techniques help you retain information better.

4. stay positive

Keep a positive attitude. celebrate your successes, no matter how small. a positive attitude can make a big difference in your overall experience.

5. seek help when needed

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling. reach out to your teachers, classmates, or online communities for support. it’s better to get help early than to fall behind.

Conclusion

Distance learning can be a rewarding and effective way to continue your education. by setting a routine, creating a dedicated space, staying connected, using technology wisely, and taking breaks, you can make the most out of your distance learning experience. no matter where you are. so, why not give distance learning a try? your future self (and your education) will thank you!

[studyabroadconsultancy-2]

10 Study Hacks for Success While Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but juggling academics, cultural adjustments, and personal growth can be challenging. These study hacks will help you stay on top of your studies while making the most of your international experience.

Create a Consistent Study Routine Establishing a regular study schedule helps you stay disciplined. Use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to plan your day, balancing classes, study time, and leisure activities. A well-structured day ensures you don’t fall behind while giving you time to explore your surroundings.

Find Your Ideal Study Spot Explore local libraries, cozy cafes, or university study lounges. Having a dedicated space can enhance focus and productivity. Finding a quiet place with strong Wi-Fi and minimal distractions will make your study sessions more effective.

Use Digital Tools for Organization Apps like Evernote, Quizlet, and Grammarly can simplify note-taking, language practice, and essay writing. Keep your materials stored digitally so they’re easily accessible no matter where you are. This also minimizes the stress of losing important notes.

Form Study Groups with Locals Collaborating with classmates from the host country improves your understanding of the subject and helps you pick up the local language. It’s also a great way to build meaningful connections and gain insights into the academic culture.

Take Advantage of University Resources Many institutions offer free tutoring, writing centers, and career workshops. These resources can be a lifeline when adapting to a new academic environment. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.

Break Down Large Tasks Dividing big projects or assignments into smaller, manageable chunks can make them less intimidating. Focus on completing one section at a time, and you’ll see steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Embrace Active Learning Techniques Active learning techniques like teaching the material to someone else, using flashcards, or drawing mind maps can make your study sessions more engaging and effective. These methods help retain information better than passive study habits.

Prioritize Self-Care Maintaining physical and mental health is essential. Eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, exercising, and getting enough sleep will keep you energized and focused. Schedule downtime to recharge and avoid burnout.

Learn to Manage Time Zones If you’re taking online courses or staying connected with professors and peers from home, managing time zones is crucial. Tools like World Clock or Time Zone Converter can help you plan calls and assignments without confusion.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture Integrate your surroundings into your studies. Whether it’s practicing a new language, visiting historical sites, or engaging with local customs, immersing yourself in the culture enhances both your academic experience and personal growth.

Studying abroad offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. By adopting these study hacks, you can navigate the academic landscape while fully enjoying the cultural adventure. Trusted education consultancies can provide expert advice, simplify the application process, and help you make informed decisions if you’re unsure about any aspect of your study abroad journey. Their support can ensure a smoother experience, allowing you to focus on making the most of this incredible opportunity.

[smartdatatv]

The Hidden Perks of TV Antennas: Installation Tips for Toowoomba Viewers Your Guide to Seamless TV Reception Without the Extra Costs

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon when I decided to switch on the TV and watch the latest cricket match. To my surprise, the screen was filled with static, and the frustration began to build. A friend once told me, "Go back to basics; get yourself a TV antenna." That was the start of my journey into the world of antennas—one that surprisingly unlocked a host of benefits I hadn’t anticipated. If you live in Toowoomba and have been toying with the idea of cutting the cord, let’s dive into the hidden perks of TV antennas and a few installation tips to make sure you’re set up for uninterrupted viewing.

Why TV Antennas in Toowoomba Are a Smart Choice

With the rise of streaming services, it’s easy to overlook the good old-fashioned TV antenna. Yet, in regions like Toowoomba, antennas offer a host of benefits that might make you reconsider. Not only do they provide completely free access to local channels, but you can also enjoy stunning high-definition broadcasts—often better quality than cable or streaming due to reduced compression. According to a 2022 report, over 30% of Australians still rely on free-to-air TV for local news and entertainment . The reason is simple: antennas are cost-effective and reliable.

1. Free HD Channels, No Subscription Required

Many people believe you need a pricey subscription to access high-definition TV. However, an antenna can deliver a range of HD channels, including ABC, SBS, Channel 7, 9, and 10, all for free. In fact, these broadcasts are often clearer than what you get through cable or streaming services because TV antennas pick up uncompressed signals. It’s like rediscovering your favorite shows but in ultra-clear picture quality.

2. Perfect for Toowoomba’s Landscape

Toowoomba’s landscape can be a challenge for some technology, but a TV antenna excels. Positioned high on the Great Dividing Range, the city’s elevation actually improves the strength and clarity of signals from surrounding transmission towers. A strategically placed antenna can pull in signals from stations as far away as Brisbane, expanding your channel options.

3. Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Few people talk about the environmental impact of streaming. With services like Netflix and YouTube requiring vast amounts of energy to stream content, the carbon footprint of continuous video streaming is significant. A study by the Shift Project estimated that streaming contributes to over 300 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, a figure comparable to global airline travel . By using a TV antenna, you reduce your reliance on streaming and cut down on energy usage.

Tips for TV Antenna Installation in Toowoomba

1. Choose the Right Antenna

Depending on your location, the type of antenna you choose is critical. For Toowoomba, a multi-directional antenna is often the best choice because it can pick up signals from various directions. If you're situated in a more remote part of the city or surrounded by hills, an outdoor antenna mounted on your roof will provide the strongest signal.

2. Optimal Antenna Positioning

Installation isn’t just about plugging in a device; it’s about positioning. For the best reception, place your antenna as high as possible—usually on the roof. Make sure it's pointed towards the strongest signal source, which in Toowoomba is often toward the Brisbane area. Tools like the mySwitch website, provided by the Australian government, can help pinpoint the best direction .

3. Don’t Forget Maintenance

Many Toowoomba residents overlook the importance of regular antenna maintenance. Over time, weather conditions can affect your antenna’s performance, causing reception issues. A yearly check-up by an antenna service professional ensures that your equipment stays in top shape and avoids costly repairs. Whether it's due to storm damage or bird interference, quick antenna repairs can keep your viewing experience seamless.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Switch to a TV Antenna

The best part about installing with a TV antenna Toowoomba service is the long-term savings. With a one-time installation cost and no monthly subscription fees, your wallet will thank you. You’ll also enjoy local news, live sports, and popular shows without the hassle of buffering or high data costs. Plus, as antenna technology improves, so does signal clarity. There’s no better time to rediscover the simplicity and efficiency of free-to-air TV.

Final Thoughts

TV antenna installation Toowoomba service offers more than just a return to traditional television. From free HD channels to reducing your carbon footprint, the benefits of an antenna are more relevant than ever. Whether you’re tired of subscription fees or simply want a reliable backup for streaming, a well-installed antenna could be your best entertainment solution. So, go ahead—embrace the simplicity and enjoy uninterrupted, free-to-air TV.

Sources ABC News (2022).

[makeyouproductive]

8 Tips to Create a Workspace That Inspires Productivity

Your workspace plays a crucial role in determining your productivity levels. A well-organized and inspiring workspace can help you stay motivated and maintain concentration throughout the day. 

In this article, we will explore practical tips on how to create a workspace that inspires productivity.

 1. Choose the Right Location

The first step to creating a productive workspace is selecting the right location. Ideally, you want a place that is quiet and free from distractions. If you’re working from home, find a room or corner where you can separate yourself from household activities. An area that has minimal foot traffic and noise will help you focus better on your tasks.

For those working in a shared office, try to choose a desk or cubicle away from high-traffic areas or noisy co-workers. Having a dedicated space for work, whether at home or in the office, helps create a mental boundary between your work and personal life, making it easier to stay focused during work hours.

 2. Keep It Clean and Organized

Clutter can be a major productivity killer. An untidy desk filled with papers, gadgets, and unnecessary items can overwhelm your mind and make it harder to focus. Take the time to declutter your workspace and keep only essential items within reach. 

One popular method is to follow the “clean desk” principle, where you keep your workspace free of anything you don’t immediately need. Use storage solutions like shelves, organizers, or drawers to keep things out of sight but accessible when needed. A clean and organized workspace helps reduce stress and allows your brain to focus better on tasks.

 3. Ergonomics Matter

Physical comfort is directly linked to productivity. If you’re uncomfortable in your workspace, you’ll find it hard to concentrate. That’s why ergonomics should be a priority when setting up your workspace. Invest in an ergonomic chair that supports your back and maintains proper posture while sitting for long hours.

Your desk should also be at the right height to prevent strain on your neck and shoulders. If possible, opt for a height-adjustable desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Additionally, make sure your computer screen is at eye level to avoid neck strain, and use a comfortable keyboard and mouse to reduce hand fatigue.

 4. Incorporate Natural Light

Lighting can significantly influence your mood and productivity. Natural light, in particular, has been proven to boost focus, reduce eye strain, and improve overall well-being. If possible, set up your workspace near a window to take advantage of natural light throughout the day.

If natural light isn’t available, consider using bright, cool-toned LED lighting that mimics daylight. Avoid harsh or dim lighting, as it can cause eye strain and reduce your energy levels. A well-lit workspace helps you stay alert and maintain focus on your tasks.

 5. Personalize Your Space

While organization is important, personalizing your workspace can make it feel more inviting and inspiring. Add a few personal touches like photos, artwork, or plants to make the space your own. These elements can create a positive atmosphere and boost your mood, which in turn helps you stay motivated throughout the day.

Plants, in particular, are great for productivity. Studies have shown that having greenery in your workspace can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus. Consider adding low-maintenance plants like succulents or small potted herbs to your desk.

 6. Minimize Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest barriers to productivity. To create a workspace that inspires focus, it’s important to minimize distractions as much as possible. Start by removing unnecessary items from your workspace, such as your phone or personal devices that might tempt you to check social media or respond to messages.

If noise is a problem, invest in noise-canceling headphones or play background music that helps you concentrate. If your workspace is cluttered with notifications, set specific times to check emails and messages to avoid constantly being pulled away from your work.

 7. Use a Color Scheme That Boosts Focus

Colors can have a psychological impact on your mood and productivity. Certain colors are known to promote focus, creativity, and calmness, while others can increase stress or anxiety. Blue and green are considered calming and can help with concentration, while yellow is known to spark creativity. Red can increase energy but might also heighten anxiety if overused.

When designing your workspace, choose colors that align with the type of work you do. For example, if you need to stay focused for long hours, a blue or green color scheme might work best. If your work requires creativity and innovation, you might opt for warmer tones like yellow or orange in small accents.

 8. Incorporate Technology That Helps

The right tools and technology can make a huge difference in productivity. Make sure you have reliable, up-to-date equipment that enhances your workflow. Slow computers, outdated software, or inefficient tools can cause frustration and slow down your work. 

Consider using productivity apps or project management software to stay organized and on top of deadlines. Whether it’s a second monitor for multitasking, cloud storage for easy file sharing, or a fast Wi-Fi connection, having the right tech setup will help you work efficiently and stay focused.

 Conclusion

Creating a workspace that inspires productivity is all about striking a balance between organization, comfort, and personalization. By choosing the right location, keeping your space clutter-free, prioritizing ergonomics, and incorporating natural light, you can design a workspace that keeps you motivated and focused. Don’t forget to add personal touches that inspire you, minimize distractions, and use a color scheme that promotes focus and creativity. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your productivity and enjoying a more fulfilling work experience.

Original Source: https://medium.com/@makeuproductive1/8-tips-to-create-a-workspace-that-inspires-productivity-172547f7786f

[thelogbookproject]

The Unity of Skovlan, Entry 16: Maela

The Unity of Skovlan is an upcoming unofficial supplement to Blades In The Dark about the fall and rise of the Skovlander people. This series explores what it is all about in the leadup to its September release.

Lieutenant Maela, she/her, is the official leader of Alx Squad. Though technically outranked by Major Fane, this doesn’t really stop Maela from leading, as Fane is not a particularly fit leader and Maela excels in the role. With high Consort and Command, she is both personable and dominant, letting her lead the Squad without resentment. She cares deeply about safety and procedure, making plans and contingencies to keep everyone alive. More than perhaps anyone else, Maela recognizes the need to get everyone out safely, even if the Mission fails, because Skovlan just doesn’t have the personnel to match Akoros blow for blow. Maela also has a dot in Hunt, Study, Prowl, and Skirmish, making her at least competent in almost everyone else’s specialties, making her capable of coming along and leading a lot of different kinds of Missions. I’m gonna show off two Abilities that make Maela a really exceptional leader.

The Quartermaster Ability is a huge shift to how the Load system works in the game, switching from individual characters to a collective pool. This means no individual character is likely to run out of Load, and Soldiers can feel free to pull out multi-Load items with a little less issue. For instance, Gaeyl’s Heavy Armor, shown off in Entry 13, costs 3 Load on top of the 2 Load for regular Armor. For Gaeyl to have access to it, she probably needs to hold back on other gear, but Quartermaster can really unlock it. It enables Kelld to stay with a Light Load, remaining stealthy and quiet, while still being capable of pulling stuff out if they get isolated. The more conspicuous characters like Garm and Tillery can go Heavy to aid their allies. While everyone is stuck to their own Gear lists still, the pool of Load can also help fund pulling out Legacies as the Squad racks up more of them. This Ability also means that Maela can passively improve her Soldiers even when she’s not at the forefront of the action.

If you don’t mind burning Valor, Reserves makes Maela unstoppable. Of course, this is pricey if Maela is using it to Push Herself, or even to Assist, as even 1 Valor for 1d is a steep cost, though it can be worth it if the stakes are high enough. Resistance can also be very expensive, especially because by the text you can’t mix payment types — you either pay all Stress or all Valor, and the idea of burning 5 Valor on a Resistance is enormous, though if it would make you Unfit and you don’t have Fane’s Rehab Ability it’s going to cost even more to bring Maela back afterward.

No, the best place of all for Reserves is leading Group Actions. Maela has enough dice in a lot of key actions to contribute herself, and as many allies as needed can join in knowing that Maela is going to pick up whatever the Stress cost is (which, even in a 4-person group, is probably at most 3, as someone is likely to succeed if everyone is in on it), and that Maela can shrug off any Stress costs. Imagine Maela leading Kelld, Garm, and Gaeyl on a Prowl — that’s 4d6 and a 2d6-take-lower with no other stress investment, which is a bit more than 94% chance of success (calc-ing precise odds of success for group actions with a zero skill in them is a bit beyond me but 4d6 is 94%), taking at a maximum 4 Stress and more likely 2 Stress from Gaeyl’s zero and one of Garm or Maela whiffing (they have 50% odds, so probability says one will succeed and one will fail). Now, obviously, I don’t need to really belabor the point that carefully managed Group Actions are balance-shattering, but it’s a fact of the game and making Maela really good at being the vanguard for them.

Maela is also super good at taking the blow for people by using the Protect Teamwork action. Protecting and Resisting is always a pretty good way to manage team Stress, and Maela being able to use Valor to shrug off Stress is great. While above I mentioned that the idea of burning 5 Valor on a Resist is pricey, I intentionally gave Maela a 2 in every Attribute, meaning no matter what she Resists with, she’s got nearly a 30% chance of shrugging it all off and a 75% chance of paying 3 or fewer Stress/Valor.

As a third aspect that makes Reserves such a fun fit, as a canonically meticulous planner, Maela is the most likely character to use the Flashback mechanic. Flashbacks don’t get much mention in The Unity War, but they’re totally still doable, and their relatively cheap Stress cost means Maela can push the cost onto Valor instead of Stress.

Maela was an interesting Soldier to develop because I wanted to keep the Squad play relatively non-hierarchical. I don’t actually want the players barking orders and directing others unless it’s an interesting part of their character, and while Maela has the Command chops, she’s not a forceful leader, she’s a careful one. That makes her seem like a support leader though, and I don’t want to pigeonhole anyone into playing a support — even Garm and Fane are totally capable of standing tall and leading the charge themselves. That’s why I love Reserves, it makes Maela fearless without making her reckless. Her abilities don’t tuck her in the back, they let her do her own thing while making everyone better, and her natural affinity for Teamwork (not just through Reserves — her excellent wide Attribute spread still makes her a natural Group Action leader and Protector) leads her to leaderly behavior. No one should play Maela because they want to boss people around. You play Maela to make everyone better and get everyone home safe.

I also definitely designed Maela for myself. My natural go-to character in TTRPGs, just in general, is a paladin-style tank. Soaking hits while buffing and inspiring my allies is my comfort zone as a player, and in that way Maela is gift for me.

Next time, we’ll bring our rundown of the Soldiers of Alx Squad to a close with Tillery.

The Unity War releases for PWYW on September 1, 2023. Check out https://tinyurl.com/tuos-details for the rest of this series! Sign up for my Patreon at https://patreon.com/thelogbookproject for a preview, and full early access to the game! See you Wednesday!

[uminabeachaustralia-blog]

Level Entry & Ocean Views

[strawberrystainedd]

i love the library so much. omg. libraries are so awesome and wonderful and cool and like. i think i’m hyperventilating. out of everhthing in the word libraries are the one thing that have resisted capitalism. omg. the library is so amazing

[noteguk]

bad influence | jjk | m

— summary; in which you know Jungkook is a bad influence on you, but you can’t avoid falling for him every time. 

— contents and warnings; pwp, badboy!jk x goodgirl!reader, car sex, dirty talk, fingering, hair pulling, breast play, jk has a big dick and an attitude, unprotected sex (condoms are your friends), jk being kind of a douche, use of the word “slut”, cum eating, creampie, cockwarming, possessiveness, he slaps her ass like once, enemies to fuckbuddies pretty much 

— words; 4.5k

— author’s note; I got carried away because I don’t know how to control myself!!! Also bad boy Jungkook is a fucking concept and I’m exhausted. Have fun. //  BAD INFLUENCE COLLECTION

You didn’t even know who you were trying to convince when you told yourself that you wouldn’t fall for Jungkook’s cheap charms anymore because, clearly, that wasn’t working. Every time you saw him, every dumb promise you made in front of the mirror came crumbling down, erasing your defenses along with it. 

That whole “falling for the bad boy” fiasco was really pathetic, and you knew that terribly well. You thought you had prepared yourself well enough to see through that mess of testosterone and leather jackets, of hollow smirks and messy dark hair. You knew better than to get involved with someone that didn’t take anything seriously and, worse, that mocked you for doing the opposite. 

You knew that Jeon Jungkook was nothing but trouble and, yet, you came crawling back to him every single time.  

“Fuck,” he moaned against your mouth, his eyes flickering shut at another roll of your hips. His voice was so deep, so rough, that you felt yourself clenching around nothing, a small whimper dripping from your lips as you pressed your panties against his bulge one more time. “You should wear skirts more often, you look like a sexy schoolgirl.”

You rolled your eyes, struggling to keep your balance on his lap. Straddling him on the driver seat of his car really wasn’t how you thought your night out would end, but it wasn’t all that surprising either. “I fucking hate you sometimes,” you spat.

Jungkook smirked, taking one of his large hands to the back of your head. “Only sometimes? I should try harder, then.”

You were left without a chance to respond because, within a second, he was pressing his lips against yours in a deep, sensual kiss. Jungkook always made out with you like he was about to lose you, like he was drowning and you were his last, desperate gush of air. Jungkook had been the only one who had ever kissed you like that, so messy, but yet so passionate; every curl of his tongue against yours making you melt in his embrace. You, of course, would never tell him how much you liked it, your pride would never allow you to do so.

His palm was firm and hot against your cheek, tilting your head slightly to the side so he could deepen the kiss. His other hand was tenderly placed on your hips, guiding them as you continued to grind against his clothed erection. The air inside his car was so heavy that you felt as if you couldn’t even breathe, only small whimpers echoing between your mouths at the gentle caresses of your clit against the fabric of his pants. 

But, as much as Jungkook was having fun, that grinding session was starting to annoy him a bit. He had been waiting to have you all night — going through the motions of boring bar conversations and brushing off the shameless flirting of other girls — and he wasn’t going to spend his sweet time just dry humping you like you two were horny teenagers. 

So, he took his shot as you raised your hips from his. Before you could move your body down once again, one of his hands traveled beneath the hem of your skirt, his nails pressing down on the skin of your thighs as he made his way towards your pussy. Jungkook had been daydreaming about your cunt wrapping around his cock for far too long then, and he needed to remind himself of how good that felt. 

“Fuck, babygirl, look at you… You’re soaked and I didn’t even touch you yet.” Jungkook smirked wickedly, his fingers faintly tracing its way up and down your clothed folds. You shivered at the contact, biting on your lip to avoid moaning out — he, of course, noticed that. He had quite the natural talent when it came to seeing what made you tick. “Why are you holding back, baby? Afraid that someone will hear you?” 

Your only response was a shaky breath from your nose, the words far too complicated to leave your mouth. Only Jungkook, in all of his great self, was able to make you such a mess so quickly, and you hated your body for being so reactive under his touches. It was the expectation, you noticed, the anticipation of knowing how well he fucked you, of knowing he was only taking his time before ruining you. 

Without hesitation, he pulled your panties to the side and placed two of his fingers between your pussy lips, barely brushing your entrance. Jungkook covered his digits with your wetness and moved them toward your clit, pressing them delicately on your sensitive nub. “I asked you a question, baby.” 

A bit overwhelmed, you breathed out, trying to keep yourself composed. It was almost impossible when it came to him. “Yeah, I don’t want people to know,” you admitted. 

He knew that, of course. It was a common worry amongst the two of you — especially when Jungkook had such a thing when it came to risky places to have sex in. Fucking you in his car, right outside the bar where you two had accidentally ran into each other, was far from being one of the most out-there situations he had created. 

“Hm? Know what?” He continued playing his self-indulgent game, pressing down on your clit. Your body jilted at the contact, mouth parting slightly and hands resting on his broad shoulders as he began slowly moving in circles over your sweet spot. “That pretty little ___ isn’t such a good girl, after all?” 

“J-Jungkook,” his name was a pathetic moan that died on your tongue, barely a whispered plea as he continued his advances on your clit. You had broken down so easy and so fast, you didn’t even remember you had once promised yourself that you would never come back to his bad boy shenanigans. 

But it was so, so hard to keep yourself away from him. You were only human, and Jungkook was this little demon ruining you just a bit more every time. 

“Are you worried that they’ll know that, beneath all those good grades, all those nights spent studying in your room, all that fucking charity work...” His fingers pressed harshly against your clit and your back arched, making you almost hit the steering wheel behind you. The thought of accidentally pressing down the horn made your blood run cold, and you forced yourself to lean back against his chest. “That under all that, you’re still a slut for my cock?” 

Your eyes fluttered shut, pleasure starting to climb up your spine as his voice guided you towards the past. All the times you snuck out during the night, all the times he fucked you raw after just bickering with you in front of your friends. All the times you told everyone that he was just a pile of trouble, and yet you begged for him to bury himself between your thighs until you were crying out his name. Really, it was difficult to find a bratty clapback when he was fucking you senseless, and Jungkook seemed to like that discovery just as much as you. 

And still, sometimes he didn’t like when you didn’t answer him. 

“You’re so shy all of a sudden…” he trailed off, taking one of his hands to pull up your crop top. He didn’t take it off, especially when he knew you’d freak out being topless in a public parking lot, he just needed to have better access to your bra. “You aren’t this quiet when you’re around other people, though. Always mocking me, being so mean…” 

“Don’t play the victim, you do the same to me,” you found the strength to respond, making Jungkook stop his motions on your clit right away. You sighed in frustration, your shoulders falling as you watched him lick his lips. “Why did you stop?”

“I’m waiting,” he said.

“For what?” 

“For an answer, baby.” He smirked. “You’re so mean. You always leave me hanging.” 

“That’s not true,” you said, taking your hands to his nape. There, you played with the strands of his hair, making him groan after a harsh pull. “What’s the question?” 

Jungkook hummed, taking his free hand to your bra and cupping one of your breasts — his other one was still paused, hovering over your clit like an unspoken promise. “Do people know?” He repeated, unclamping your bra with one swift motion and pushing it up along with your top. “Do they know how much of a dirty girl you are?” 

You swallowed hard and pushed your body against his fingers, trying to find some more friction. “I’m not,” you said, but could not believe your own words. “It’s just—“

The lie vanished the second that his lips found your nipple, his velvety tongue coming out to circle around it before he gave you a harsh suck. You pressed yourself closer to his mouth at the contact, and you could no longer hide the needy moan that escaped you — which seemed to satisfy Jungkook. 

“You’re not?” He spoke as he pulled away from your breast. Jungkook’s fingers slithered away from your clit and dove inside your pussy without further warning, making you cry out his name. No matter how many times you touched yourself, your fingers could never compare to his larger ones, making you stretch out so sweetly around them. “So why are you soaking my fingers like this? That’s so filthy, baby...” 

You clenched your teeth. “God, you’re so annoying.” 

“And you’re so wet,” this time, however, the mockery in his voice had faded a bit, giving space to a newfound wave of lust. As much as Jungkook loved to tease you, he was quite fast to break too — and the lewd sounds of your pussy were making him lose his mind. “Are you remembering all the times I fucked you before? All the times I pounded this tight pussy until you were crying? Begging for my cock?” 

God, you could feel as the heat started to spread down your body, guided by his words alone. When you spoke again, your voice wasn’t as firm as you expected. “J-Jungkook, that’s not…”

“Not what, baby?” He interrupted, tilting his head to the side. You hated how clothed he was, but you couldn’t deny that you wanted to ride him like that — in that stupid leather jacket of his. “You didn’t like it?”

“I- I did.” It was getting hard to think when his thick fingers were pumping in and out of you so well. “I loved it.”

Those words left your throat before you could stop yourself, and your heart almost sank when you realized you had actually praised Jungkook, local douchebag, for something. You knew that he wouldn’t let that go anytime soon. “Loved being fucked like a good slut, right?” He asked, moving his fingers faster. You moaned especially loud when he started pushing them apart, scissoring you. 

“Yes,” you gasped, utterly defeated at that point. 

“Hmmm… so let me ask you again, and I expect a direct answer this time,” Jungkook said, leaning his head against the crook of your neck. His voice was a cloud of heat against your skin, vibrating up and down your body. “Do people know that you’re a slut for my cock?”

“No,” you finally responded, fingers digging on his hair. Your pleasure was increasing so fast that you knew it was just a matter of time before you were cumming around his fingers, like you had done so many times before. “Only you know, Jungkook.” 

That seemed to really satisfy him, because it was his turn to grunt against your flesh. The sound of his voice, so hoarse and guttural, made you clench around his fingers. “You’re getting so tight, baby.” He breathed out, unable to hide the desire that coated his words. Jungkook really needed to feel that delicious pussy of yours around his cock before he went insane. “Close?”

This time, your answer didn’t take long to come out. “Yes.”

“I have another question for you,” he started, and you would've rolled your eyes at him if you weren’t so awfully close to your high. “Do you wanna come on my cock or my fingers?”

“Both, please,” you moaned out and rolled your hips against his hand, dignity long forgotten. You wondered what your friends would say if they knew you were pleading for Jungkook, of all people, to make you cum. 

“Not both, you have to pick one.” Jungkook stopped his movements for the second time that night, and you couldn’t help cursing out at the absence of motion. You clenched around his fingers, making a sly smirk spread across his features. “I’m feeling especially greedy tonight.”

“Fuck you,” you said, taking a moment to organize your thoughts. As much as you really, really needed to cum, the idea of not having Jungkook’s dick inside you was much worse than waiting just a few more minutes to have it. “Your cock.”

He smiled and, for a moment, he almost looked innocent. Almost. “I thought so,” Jungkook teased, giving you one final pump of his fingers and watching as you bit your lip at the abrupt feeling. “I know you love it.” 

You scoffed. “You have such an attitude.” 

“Maybe,” Jungkook said as he removed his fingers from your pussy, watching how they shimmered, coated by your wetness. He looked up at you and took his hand towards your mouth. “Let me see you taste it,” he told you, tapping on your bottom lip. Obedient, you opened your mouth for him, allowing for his digits to slither inside. With a whimper, you sucked him like you would his cock, curling your tongue around him in a way that left Jungkook cursing out. “So fucking hot.” 

His eyes were focused on your mouth as he pulled his fingers away from it, swallowing dry at the “pop” sound it made when it left your lips. “Now,” he almost groaned, “let me taste it.” 

Jungkook crashed his mouth on yours, making you moan against his kiss once again. His tongue hungrily danced with yours, searching for your taste as his hands grabbed your ass, pressing you down against his aching member. You never wanted something as much as you wanted to feel him inside you right then, and Jungkook also didn’t want to wait any longer. 

He smirked against your mouth when he heard the sound of his zipper opening, your hands working fast to pull his pants down. “I told you that you love my cock.”

“God,” you complained, pulling at the hem of his pants. Jungkook raised his hips from the seat so you could slide them down, bringing his underwear along with it. “Do you ever stop talking?” 

“Only when you let me eat you out.” His cock had sprung free, resting against his abdomen as your hands moved to grab it. Again, another compliment that you would never give him, but Jungkook had one of the prettiest (and biggest) dicks you had ever seen; already so enlarged and red-tipped, leaking with pre-cum. Just looking at it made you horny, and it wasn’t long before you were taking it in your hand, giving it a few pumps before brushing your thumb over his crown, spreading his wetness all over it. “Fuck, that feels good.” 

The pleasure in his voice almost blinded you for a moment, making you forget what had been your intention in the first place. However, as you felt yourself clenching around nothing, you came back to your senses. 

“I wanna feel your warm little cunt around me, baby,” Jungkook breathed out, watching as your hand continued to pump him. 

“You’re lucky I’m feeling especially nice tonight,” you told him, placing your thighs closer to his center. With a grunt of expectation, Jungkook’s eyes followed as you raised your skirt with one hand and guided his cock towards your heat with the other one. “Ready to make your schoolgirl fantasy come to life?” 

He opened his lips to respond, but his voice was lost the second that you pressed his tip against your opening, coating his cock with your warmness. “Fuck, baby,” he moaned, hands grabbing your ass as you sank down on him. 

“Oh, God,” you whined as you bottomed out, your walls pulsating around him as you got used to his size. No matter how many times he fucked you, you couldn’t get used to his large size and the amazing way he filled you up like no one else could. “Jungkook, you’re so big.” 

That was another comment that, unfortunately, you could not hold back. Because you hated yourself, that was why. “You can take it, baby,” he said, pressing down on your ass. “Be a good girl and take everything.” 

With his added force, you sank down until you had all of him inside you, practically sitting against his thighs by the time you were done. Taken away by the delicious feeling of his thick cock inside you, you started slowly setting a pace, moving up just so you could crash back down; the sound of skin on skin filling the still, muffled atmosphere of his car. 

“Shiiiiit, ____, you’re so tight.” He breathed out heavy, watching the way your bodies connected; the way his dick was coated by your wetness. “I can’t get used to it, it’s the best pussy I’ve ever had.” 

Now it was your time to be carried away by his compliments. It was stupid, but having Jungkook praise you (especially after he spent most of his days making fun of you) had you feeling over the moon. Before you could hold yourself back, you were already setting up a rhythm, bouncing up and down on him in a way that got him seeing stars; moaning in delight every time you rolled your hips on him. 

“Fuck, yeah, ride this cock,” Jungkook groaned, thowing his head back against the seat. His hair was a mess, falling over his eyes and gluing against his sweaty forehead; and yet he looked like sin incarnated as you fucked yourself onto him. Those saliva-coated lips, those furrowed eyebrows, and the deep, hungry gaze that he sent you way every time you sunk down on him would be the death of you. 

Jungkook breathed out as you started to pick up your pace, your hands pressing down on his shoulders as your ass bounced against his thighs. “Such a good slut,” he praised breathlessly, taking one of his hands to brush a strand of hair away from your eyes.  “Such a filthy little thing.” 

Pride forgotten, you knew what he wanted to hear. “O-only for you,” your words were a confusing mess of syllables, mind drunk on the feeling of his big cock pumping in and out of you. Only Jungkook could fill you up like that, only he could make you such a mess so quickly. 

“Oh, I know, baby.” His palm came down heavy against the globe of your ass, stinging your skin and making you cry out in an amazing mixture of pain and desire. You whimpered at the feeling that his slap left behind, your eyes dazed and unfocused as you looked down at the boy. “This pussy is all mine.” 

You called out his name as he started thrusting up, the force of his movements increasing your pleasure immensely. You loved when Jungkook started to get rough with you, when he started to use you like you were just a doll for him to seek his own high. 

He pulled on your hair, making your head tilt backwards and presenting him with a glorious view of your neck. Jungkook groaned against your flesh, his lips and tongue attacking your skin in a way that you knew would leave marks the following day — just the way he liked it. “I want to fuck you forever,” he moaned, “Wanna make this pussy so messy with my cum. Mark it as my own.”

“It’s yours, Jungkook,” you told him, lost in the buildup of your pleasure. “It’s all yours.”

He groaned, and the force of his hips snapping against yours only increased. Weak, you allowed your body to tumble against his strong chest, letting him use you the way he wanted it. 

“Such a tight and wet pussy for me,” he moaned out through clenched teeth. Jungkook looked almost animalistic then, only wanting to fuck you until his stamina ran out. “Say my name, baby.”

“J-Jungkook,” you gasped. 

“Louder,” he hissed, buckling his hips higher. The feeling of his cock thrusting upwards and reaching even deeper inside you got you seeing stars, eyes rolling back and mouth falling open. “I want everyone to hear it. Hear how good I make you feel, hear that this pussy is all mine.” 

Any other time, you would refuse to do something so absurd — but, at that moment, your mind was floating far away from that car, and all that you wanted was to be a good girl for him. “Jungkook!” you called his name louder, moaning out at you felt his cock throbbing inside you. 

“Again,” he rasped out, his jaw clenching. 

“Jungkook, fuck!” You almost yelled out, the world turning into nothing as you continued to fuck yourself on his cock. Moments like those were wonderful: all your problems went away, and you could only focus on the way he made you feel so deliciously full. 

“Ah, that’s it, shit,” he cursed out, member throbbing inside your pussy, “I’m gonna fucking cum.” 

You cried out at the thought, wanting nothing more than to see him cuming because of you. “C-Cum inside me, please.”

“Yeah, baby,” he said, his voice lost in pleasure. You could feel his desperation from the way his hips crashed against yours with much more force, hitting deep inside you. “Take everything.” 

His mind went blank when you clenched around his cock, wiping everything away from him but the delicious feeling of your walls sinking down on him. Jungkook looked like he was in a haze, his eyes unfocused and teeth sinking on his lip, barely watching the way he disappeared inside you. He only needed a bit more to be pushed over the edge. 

“Please, fill me up, Jungkook,” you begged. His eyes darted towards yours, watching your face. He could see that you had tears pooling at the corner of your eyes, a faint heat in your cheeks. God, he had completely ruined you. “Please, I need your cum.” 

And that was it. His orgasm hit him like a tidal wave, a deep groan leaving his throat as he spilled himself inside you, hearing the lewd sounds of your wetness as he continued to thrust up against your pussy. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he cursed, head falling against the seat once more. Jungkook’s eyes closed as he felt the last drops of his cum being milked by you, his mind a jumble of broken words and disconnected ideas. “Oh, fuck, baby, fuck. Take it, baby, fuck...” 

Of course you did as he asked, and you took every drop of his cum until it was starting to spill out of you. You couldn’t even look down, but you were sure that you were a complete mess between your legs. “J-Jungkook, I’m so close,” you cried out, drunk on the feeling of his thrusts. 

“God, that’s it.” He pressed down on your hips, overwhelmed with the feeling of your walls clenching around his sensitive member. Jungkook loved it, though, loved seeing you cum around his cock like it was all that you ever wanted to do; loved watching your face as you looked at him with so much desperation that he almost grunted out. You really were a precious thing. “Make a mess on my fat cock, come on, baby. Let me see you cum for me.” 

His request was like magic to you, and you came right after, calling his name amidst breathy moans and high-pitched whimpers. Jungkook kept whispering in your ear as you rode your high, praising how good you were for him, how good you felt around him, until you crashed down against his chest, absolutely spent. 

Still, you had experienced enough sexual adventures with Jungkook to know that he still wanted two more things before he called it a night. He had his particular tastes. 

“Let me see it.” Jungkook told you about a minute later, and you knew exactly what he wanted you to do. With your thighs still trembling a little, you leaned back against the steering wheel and pushed your body upwards, letting his dick slip out of you. Jungkook hummed in delight as you pulled up your skirt and he watched his cum dripping down your thighs, painting your folds in a delicate shade of white. He always loved to admire his work. “So fucking pretty… and all mine.”

You had to bite down your lip not to whimper at the touch of his fingertips against your pussy, catching a bit of his cum on them. He took it to his mouth, humming around his digits as he tasted himself. “You always make such a mess,” you complained. 

“Shut up, I always clean it.” Jungkook sighed, looking at you almost tenderly. “You know what I’m gonna ask.”

Yes, you did. 

You sighed. “Fine.”

Jungkook hummed happily as you propped yourself over his cock once again, now half-hard, and placed it back inside you, sinking down until you were sitting on his lap. “Good girl.” He sighed in bliss, his hand caressing your hair as you rested your head against his broad chest. You didn’t understand why Jungkook loved staying inside you after sex, but you couldn’t deny that you weren’t bothered by it. You just liked to pretend as if you were. “Feels so nice.” 

You pressed yourself against his chest. “I hate you.” 

He chuckled and wrapped his arms around your lower back. “No, you don’t.” 

And you hated that he was right.

~ 

BAD INFLUENCE COLLECTION

[apocalypticgargoyle]

𝙎𝙐𝘾𝙆 & 𝘽𝙇𝙊𝙒 ☆ 𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙣𝙖𝙥 𝙨𝙢𝙪𝙩

∘ request: 

goddamn your writing is so good 🥵 any chance you’d be able to write something with sapnap where you’re both at a party and know each other through friends but not well and you’re both a bit tipsy and he just can’t control himself and drags you into a bathroom? kinda fluffy where there’s lots of kissing but also desperate and accidentally rough (because the idea of someone wanting me so much that they lose control is a major thing of mine)

∘ pairing: sapnap x fm!reader

∘ warnings: nsfw (18+),  party scene, drinking, crude language

∘ links: ao3

∘ word count: ~2000

a/n: Thank you so much for the request! I literally have the exact same thing so i think we’re soulmates or something. I hope you enjoy!

For the duration of the day, you’d been waiting for this moment. Your hair tangling amongst itself as you danced to the music with a group of your friends was almost a baptism for you. No longer were you restricted into your business casual attire and socially acceptable behavior. Now you were free to forget your name and responsibilities as mashups of different genres of heavily bass boosted music pulsed in your ears.

The large house was swelling with people, melding together as if their lives depended on the superficial human connection the beat could bring them. Many of them you recognized from some of your lectures; it had been a day where your classmates had planned a party for someone’s birthday. You hated to admit it, but you didn’t know or care whose party it was, you were just happy to have an excuse not to study.

You’d already lost one of your rings and your clothes were sticking to your body from the layer of sweat glistening against your skin, but you wouldn’t trade it for anything. As cliché as it sounded, going to random college parties had equated to your own kind of religion. These senseless addresses were homes to a different kind of worship, but one you had quickly become devoted to. The smell of another girl’s perfume rubbing off on you and the nameless identity of the boy that offered you hard liquor were your new sacraments.

As the song died out, beginning a new string of beats to thunder around the room, you found yourself out of breath. You gestured to your friends that you were refilling your drink, but really you were in search of air that was a bit fresher. You wove through the heavy crowd, ending up in the kitchen and beelining for the fridge. There was a small group of boys standing around the keg, one of them filling his cup as they discussed something a few of them were getting heated about.

You tucked a cold water bottle against your side and grabbed a clean solo cup. As you got closer, you would hear what they were talking about. “I don’t know how you don’t remember that. It was like a big thing a few years ago?” One of them grumbled as his eyes narrowed at the liquid streaming into his cup.

“Sorry, Nick. I forgot they were selling kids on eBay. I honestly don’t see-” They continued on into overlapping ramblings that you couldn’t help but laugh at. One of them, that had been referred to as Nick, looked almost too familiar to you. Yet as you stood there, you couldn’t remember even if your life depended on it.

Nick’s eyes drifted to you as if just realizing you were standing there. “Sorry, do you refill?” He asked, mustering a somewhat shy smile. You snapped out of your train of thought, handing your cup to him.

“I didn’t mean to seem like a creepy, sorry,” you stated, sending him an awkward laugh. His lips parted in a smile. His dark hair was slightly ruffled, probably just from the weather earlier in the day. You weren’t sure if it was your slight buzz or the close proximity, but God, he looked good to you.

“No, I was hogging. It was my bad,” he answered. You brushed your hair off of your warm forehead and he looked up at you from what he was doing, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. “I think I know you from somewhere,” he mumbled before something clicked behind his eyes as he handed you your cup back. “Oh, you’re Clay’s friend, right? I’m his roommate, Nick.” At his words, your brain clouded with embarrassment as memories of him finally fled your brain.

You smirked slightly. “Oh! Yeah, sorry I didn’t recognize you. You look…” You paused for a second. Where were you going with this statement? Hotter? “Grown-up,” you wheezed, making him chuckle again. “- I mean, since freshman year English, I guess.”

He chewed the inside of his cheek, attempting not to grin wider. “Yeah, you look… grown-up too,” he offered, sending you a slight smirk. “It’s weird how close you and Dream are and I never see you around anymore,” he continued.

You chuckled a bit, wetting your lips. “Yeah, I told Clay I had a crush on you and he kicked me out,” you joshed, making him laugh. For as quiet as you remembered him being, you were shocked he was engaging with you in the way he was. Maybe it was just the atmosphere and the alcohol that had him loosened up. Whatever it was, you found yourself partnering with him in beer pong and spending most of the night at each other's side.

You sat closely to him on a couch in one of the several living rooms, your heads set close together as you listened to what he was saying over the music. “Hey, you too found each other,” a deep voice bounded, making you jump slightly, almost spilling your drink on Nick. Clay plopped down on the other side of you, wrapping his arm around the back of your section of couch to tug on Nick’s ear.

“Why didn’t you tell me Nick was a stud now?” you joked, slightly cringing about how bold you sounded. Nick chuckled at your words, swatting Clay’s hand away from him and taking another sip from his cup.

Clay setted further into the spot beside you. “You guys wanna play ‘suck and blow’?” He stated, more to the group of people around you guys. You furrowed your brows at him, almost wanting to roll your eyes at Clay’s blatant mission to set you and Nick up together. But who were you to avoid his attempts.

The card was passed successfully around the group, until it got to Clay, whose breath you could practically feel on the other side of the thick paper. You turned to give it to Nick but dropped it at the last second, making his lips press against yours. It was almost like he was expecting it because he was utterly calm at your action, nearing leaning in on his own accord. There were cat-calling noises made from the group as the kiss ended briefly. “Ope, looks like you guys are gonna have to leave the circle,” Clay stated with an almost sing-song tone in his voice. You were thankful that you had turned towards Clay enough that Nick couldn’t see your jokingly scornful look.

“Well, that’s just too bad. We were so good at this,” Nick chided as the two of you stood to leave. You ruffled Clay’s hair as the two of you left, following Nick into another room. “Would you want to… go somewhere quiet?” Nick asked, his eyes flashing to yours. Your eyebrow perked in his direction before you wordlessly slipped your hand into his.

You found yourself in the bathroom, Nick's hands settling on your hips as he pressed his lips against yours. You let out a sharp moan as he ground his hips against yours, yearning for more friction. Your fingers dug into his hair as his tongue slipped into your mouth, hungry for your taste. His breath was like a drug for you as he groaned into your mouth, moving against you.

His lips left your mouth but only to caress your jaw before settling against your neck, sucking on the skin with a slight sting. You tilted your head back, giving him more access to you before wrapping a leg around him, begging him to go further with you. He chuckled at your neediness, his warm breath fanning over your neck. He tugged the strap of your dress down your arm, pressing his lips against the newly exposed skin, grinding against you. The taste of cheap beer passed between the two of you.

One of his hands slipped beneath your dress to squeeze your ass, pulling you tighter against his jeans, encouraging you to ride his thigh. "I want you," he moaned unevenly in your ear, sending heat straight to your core. You wanted him to completely ruin you, to show you what was hiding beneath the surface of his reserved nice guy barrier.

You answered his words by attending to his zipper, slipping your hands into his jeans and stroking him against his boxers. A moan broke through his teeth, his lips crashing against yours as you egged him on. His erection grew stronger with each of your movements. You could tell he was becoming desperate to ravage you with each of his restrained breaths.

Your teeth dug into his bottom lip, your fingers pushing his pants to the ground as he pressed himself against you. He pushed your underwear aside, answering your silent pleas. Pressing his lips against your neck again, he drove himself into you, earning a blissed out moan from you. A breath of pleasure and relief escaped his chest at the feeling of you instantly tightening around him.

He thrusted into you, as if testing the waters as you moaned his name against his skin. One of your arms tightened around his shoulder as he held you in place, setting his pace. The mix of alcohol and pleasure you were feeling with each snap of his hips was sending your head reeling. He pushed his tongue into your mouth, fingers digging into your skin. You moaned against his lips, sending him to speed up his movements. A sense of roughness came out in him as he pounded into you harder, and you were eating it up. You fingers dug into his hair, pulling tightly to earn a groan from him.

Your hands slipped beneath his shirt, raking against his back, urging him to use you like a flashlight. "Fuck, you feel so good," he groaned, voice husky with some type of forced restraint as if he wouldn't let it come out evenly. You tightened around him, moving in what little space he'd given you to grind against him.

With that, he began to thrust into you harder, as if he was finally giving into whatever he was attempting to hold back. His teeth dug into your shoulder with each pulsing movement, driving himself deeper into you. Ungodly moans left your lips, only confirming his actions as he hungrily chased his high, dragging you with him.

His paces became less rhythmic and more sloppy as he gripped onto you, your fingers digging into his skin as you felt your orgasm was just within reach. You tightened your leg around him, your head swimming as he began to hit your sweet spot repeatedly. With a nearly choked out moan of his name, your body flushed with relief, your climax ripping through you. Nick succumbed to his own as if he'd been waiting for you, the two of you leaning against each other for support as you rode out your highs.

After you caught your breath, you reapplied a layer of lipstick, eyeing Nick through the reflection of the mirror as he stood behind you, straightened his clothes. "Let's not tell Clay about this, purely because he'll make it weird," you stated, turning and evening out his hoodie strings.

He chuckled slightly. "Oh, I agree completely. Don't tell Clay." His sly smirk nearly drew you in as you pressed your lips against his again, a promise that you'd definitely be seeing each other again.

[demoiselettes]

Hello! I came here for the matchup if you dont mind^^

I lwould like to be called Hana!Im straight,use she/her pronounce

My height is around 5'5,medium length black hair, with a few small bangs that I parted on both sides (sometimes it curled up). I have tan skin and a pretty tall figure(well maybe because im kinda skinny)

Outsiders look at me they will think I'm a quiet, shy person (some people even say I look pretty mean when they first see me and I don't know why) but for people close to me they see that I have a rather loud, enthusiastic and open personality. I consider myself a person who puts everyone's wishes above my own

However, I am still quite introverted. I also lose my temper easily. I like to help and comfort people, but sometimes I get tired of helping so many people in one day.I am a sensitive person,it helps me to understand people around but also makes me feel anxious and vulnerable.

I love food,I easily get hungry so I often prepare a lot of spare food in the kitchen. I like to study and learn about world history and politics and discuss them, listen to music and draw in my spare time.Maybe also sleeping because I find myself easily sleepy (maybe due to the amount of homework I have to face most of the day)

My favorite color are yellow,pink,blue,violet. I always try to be strong and don't like to rely on others, but sometimes I want to be taken care of and loved.I have a habit of clinging to my loved ones, and I also want to be comforted and receive encouragement when I feel low about myself.

I think thats all about me,thank you!!

Eventide

I match you with Yoriichi Tsugikuni!

•I think it would take time for your relationship to progress, since it would rely on both of you building up trust

•Yoriichi’s quiet and reserved around you—not rude, mind— he only wants to observe you more and take things slow so as to give you time to get comfortable with him

•When you begin opening up and showing your more outgoing side, he feels relieved that you’re getting used to him

•The more you speak and show enthusiasm at being with him, the more he will open up too

•Not too much, but you’ll notice him talking more, smiling more

•At this point he’ll definitely start growing fonder of you and he’ll try to learn about your hobbies and the stuff you like so he can make you happy by preparing them

•Even though he’s very kind and considerate and measures his words before speaking them, he has a slight tendency to be blunt (not as much as Muichiro, just a bit) but he quickly notices if what he said hurt you and smothers up his words

•Despite his fervent desire to make the world a better place and to put others before himself, he still worries about you doing so

•Of course, he appreciates your kindness but he doesn’t want you to just- you know, let yourself get hurt for others, since you’re too dear to him

•Definitely tries to keep you from getting angry, and when he sees you being worked up about something he pretty much he’s immediately at your side, speaking to in the gentlest way

•He probably wouldn’t talk about his problems too much to you, and instead encourage you to talk about yours instead if it helps you out

•But after losing his brother Michikatsu, he might just break down in front of you without even meaning to, and you being there to listen and comfort him is probably what seals your relationship

•At this point, you guys are basically soulmates

•Considers your empathy to be a gift of some sort, like he’s ability to access the transparent world and melts everytime he sees you comforting anyone

•Definitely has the little wish of having a family with you, growing old with you and let’s hope nothing bad happens..

•So, i don’t think Yoriichi would be interested in politics much but i do think he’d like history, at least that of Japan’s since i’m not too sure if he had any way of learning much about other countries in the Sengoku Era

•So feel free to ramble on and on to him, he’s engrossed in both your voice and the knowledge

•When it comes to music, he whips out his flute

•Tries his best to play some lovely tunes on it for you, sometimes it comes out weird but he’s doing his best

•He doesn’t know how to react to your sleepiness too much, other than to let you sleep and to take over your chores/tasks and performing them as quietly as possible so he doesn’t disturb you

•Yoriichi doesn’t strike me as being a good cook, but he can wield a sword, he can make you food when you’re hungry at times, finds your appetite amusing!

•Doesn’t mind clinginess (secretly finds it cute and might accidentally admit it one day) but he isn’t too clingy himself, just lets you do your thing

•Gives you little headpats at the most random times

•Has tried and failed to tuck your hair into Japanese buns countless times, he’s determined though

[cozy-the-overlord]

A Breath and A Whisper

Summary: Find me. That’s what the voice bids. Loki wants to ignore it. He’s the only one who can hear its whisper, who can see the strange symbols that appear before him everywhere he turns. He closes his eyes, tries to drown it all out, but still it persists. Find me.

Pre-Thor. I don’t specify it in the story, but I picture Loki as the human equivalent of 14/15 years old.

Word Count: 6,273

Pairing: None

A/N: Based on this ask I got for the send me a fic title ask game ages ago. This was my attempt at being spooky for Halloween-- I don’t think it turned out very scary, but it was fun to explore. Up until 24 hours ago I honestly didn’t think I’d get it done in time, so I’m happy with it. 

Happy Halloween!!

Warnings: Some fairly graphic violence towards the end, suicidal thoughts (it’s just one sentence but I want to be sure). Also just general existential angst, but if you’ve read my stuff before you’re expecting that.

Tags: @lucywrites02 @gaitwae​ @whatafuckingdumbass @the-emo-asgardian @imnotrevealingmyname @electroma89 @lokislittlesigyn @moumouton4 @theredrenard @justdontmindmetm​ @lostgreekgod

If you want to be tagged, feel free to send an ask/message :)

Read it on Ao3!

The library was one of the oldest parts of the palace, built before even the unification of the Nine Realms, when the title of AllFather was nonexistent and the king of Asgard was but only that. In the early days it had been something between a museum and a dump, a place where returning travelers could deposit their souvenirs collected from the far ends of the galaxy. Now, the shelves sagged with the burden of ancient knowledge that stretched all the way to the painted ceiling, some accessible only by sliding ladders several stories high. There something sacred about this place, the age-bronzed walls that guarded their wisdom with such archaic resolution. One could feel the weight in the air. Whispers of the past seemed to linger in the corners like cobwebs …

Find me.

Loki startled awake, his notes flying every which way as he whipped from the table. His heart was racing, but he wasn’t sure why.

He had fallen asleep, it seemed. That wasn’t altogether shocking—it was late, and these past few weeks Loki had been developing a habit of dozing off over his studies. But there was something else. His pulse pounded in his ears.

Had … had someone spoken? That had seemed so clear—he could practically feel the puff of breath rolling down the back of his neck. He glanced around, half expecting to find some silent patron smirking behind the bookshelves, masking gleeful giggles at the chance to prank the prankster prince. But there was no one, aside from the snub-nosed librarian scribbling at her desk. Loki was alone.

It must have been a dream, he reasoned. Yes, that was perfectly feasible. Dreams could be like that, tiny slivers of panic that faded as thoroughly as they struck. Now that he thought of it, Loki couldn’t even say what the voice had even said, had there been a voice at all.  There hadn’t, he decided. There couldn’t have been. He was just tired.

Loki thought nothing more of it. He collected his things and returned to his rooms.

He dreamt again that night. Of what, Loki couldn’t quite say—the memory evaded him when he awoke in the morning. But it had been something unpleasant. Just trying to remember sent chills slithering down his spine. Loki was happy to leave it forgotten.

Something was off at sparring practice. Loki had never considered himself particularly adept with a sword, but today the handle felt absolutely foreign in his grasp. He tripped right into Fandral’s poorly concealed feint and found himself sprawled out in the dirt, his brother’s resounding laughter ringing in his ears.

“So!” Thor chuckled, offering him a hand. “It seems the trickster has been out-tricked!”

Loki didn’t take it. There was another sound ringing in his ears, something quiet, despondent. Guttural.  

“Do you hear that?” he asked.

His brother only frowned at him. “Hear what?”

Dinner was loud and raucous, more so than usual. The palace was welcoming guests from across the realm in celebration of the millennial anniversary of the end of the Asgard-Jotunheim War. The festivities had yet to officially begin, but still the din of the Great Hall left his eardrums pounding.

Loki escaped to the library first chance he got, but even there he found it difficult to focus. The librarian rummaged through her desk, stamping books with a fervor that made his skull rattle. Loki found himself reading the same three lines of script over and over again until his eyes watered.

There was someone staring at him.

He could feel their eyes on the back of his head, drinking in his presence like a parched dog. He whipped around once, twice, three times—but there was only vacant air behind him. Still, Loki couldn’t shake the feeling.

Find me.

He woke to heaving darkness and silent screams, flinging his pillow into the wall in a frantic act of defense. The torch had gone out. He fumbled for it, nearly knocking it over in his panic. There was something there, someone there, they were watching him— he could feel them there!

The flame cast shadows across an empty room.

Loki collapsed against his bed, panting. Someone had been there. Even if they weren’t there now, someone had been there. He eyed the door leading to the sitting room, shut as tight as he had left it upon going to sleep. Had someone used that door? Was that how they had made their escape? He could check, but …

What if it was waiting for him on the other side?

The maid found him in the morning, hunched over and sleeping in the chair at the foot of his bed, a still-flickering torch at his side and a dagger clutched in his fist. His sputtering explanations sounded like nonsense, even to him. Loki had to laugh at himself—when had he last allowed himself to be so wound up by a nightmare? His brother would have a field day if he knew of it. The whole thing was ridiculous. Loki resolved to put it behind him.

Whispers followed him through the empty halls and into the library, tickling the hairs on his neck with their incoherency. He forced himself to ignore them. They weren’t real, just some lingering disquiet from the night before. It was nothing.

It was nothing.

Someone had spilled ink on his notebook. Loki frowned at the scarlet stain on the corner of the page, wondering how he hadn’t noticed it before. It wasn’t his doing—red ink was a rarity, and Loki certainly wouldn’t waste it on his study notes. Although he was at a loss for who else could be the culprit. Could someone passing by his table have, whether by accident or on purpose, dropped it on his paper? Loki wasn’t sure how that made any sense, but he couldn’t fathom another explanation. He turned the page and kept on working.

His head hurt. At the feast, the air seemed to be vibrating at a frequency too high for his brain to manage. Odin stood and gave a rousing speech of victory long held, of children saved and peace sustained by the battles of a thousand years ago.

“Stripped of their powers, the Frost Giants are rendered incapable of expanding their bloody conquest. Today we celebrate their defeat and mourn those we lost to their violent deeds.”

Loki clapped along to the hall’s riotous applause, but spent dinner picking at his food out of a sense of propriety rather than actual hunger, resisting the urge to press his hands to his ears like a petulant child. He managed for perhaps half an hour before he could take no more of it and asked his mother to be excused. Queen Frigga held him in a look of concern for a moment before acquiescing.

His dream that night was vivid, violent, one that seemed to slice through the very tendrils of his memory and left him gasping on his bedroom floor, struggling against a tangled noose of sheets and blankets. And there was that breath again, that little gasp of air against the top of his spine.

Find me.

“Who?” he shouted at the darkness, voice rough and thick with tears. “Who are you?”

But the darkness held no response.

He asked the healers if they had anything to induce sleep. Deep, dreamless sleep, free of torment and paranoia. That would fix everything. He was certain of it.

Lady Eir raised an eyebrow. “Are you having nightmares, my prince?”

Loki inhaled. “Something along those lines.” He forced what was supposed to be an easy smile to distract from the childishness of his confession.

“And what are these nightmares about?” she asked.

“I—I’m not sure. I don’t remember most of them.” He hoped that would be enough, but Lady Eir only sat back expectantly. Loki sighed. “Darkness? Cold? Something—” he gulped. “Something horrific.”

It had been chasing him. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it didn’t matter. It was Death, and it chased him through the cold with a venomous cackle, ice shredding his palms as he scrambled on hands and knees for an escape he knew he wouldn’t reach.

But the healer wouldn’t give him anything, not even a sleeping draught. “The Norns have seen fit to send you a message, my prince,” she said.  “You should listen to what they have to say.”

Loki argued—what did the Norns have to gain by depriving him of sleep?—but she wouldn’t be moved. Eventually he had to leave for his lesson, frustrated but still determined. He’d ask his mother to petition on his behalf.

The ink spot had spread. Barely—he could almost convince himself that it looked no different, that he was merely remembering it wrong—but it had bled through to the other pages as well. That was different.

As was the swirling symbol in the middle of the stain.

Loki stared at it, the sound of his instructor’s voice fading into a nebulous drone. It seemed almost runic, although Loki had never seen a rune like it before. It was too curved, a series of looping ovals connected in the middle, like a sheaf of grain laid on the ground. A square was drawn in the middle of it. He rubbed his finger across it as if to wipe it away, blot it out and pretend it never existed. It didn’t budge.

The whispers in his ears returned, louder and clearer than ever before.

Find me.

Frigga peered at the page he had set in front of her, brow furrowing into a frown. “Loki, I don’t understand—”

“The symbol!” he insisted, pointing at the ink blot. “Are you familiar with it?”

“What symbol?”

“What symbol?” he repeated incredulously. “The one right there!”

Frigga let out an uneasy laugh. “Darling, there’s nothing there.”

“What—” Loki blanched. What could she mean? The strange character was right in front of her, clear as day. “No, right there! In the corner. How can you miss it?”

His mother was eyeing him with thinly veiled concern. “Are you feeling well, Loki?”

She reached forward as if to feel his forehead for fever. Loki flinched, twisting to avoid her hand.

“Of course I’m feeling well!” he snapped. “I’m not some crazed maniac! It’s right there!”

“Loki—”

He snatched the notebook from her desk. “Forget I asked.”

Storming out of his mother’s rooms, he nearly trampled a servant girl in his haste. She stuttered back, apologies on her lips, but Loki jerked her forward.

“Do you see that?” he demanded, thrusting the notebook in front of her. “The symbol in the corner of the page?”

The girl looked up at him with wide eyes. “N-no, my prince.”

“Don’t lie to me!” He gripped her arm and yanked her closer. “You see it, don’t you?”

“I’m sorry,” she gasped. Loki dimly realized she was crying. “My prince, I’m sorry—”

Loki released her, watching as she scrambled away down the hall. A puff of breath rolled down his neck.

Find me.

He tried to stay up that night. He sat at his desk and read by candlelight, praying that the words on the page would protect him from the dark, creeping things that lurked beyond the veil of sleep. But the inky letters seemed to bleed red before his eyes, twisting like snakes into those enigmatic loops.

Find me.

They covered the pages, then kept going, staining the wood of his desk, gushing down his walls, drowning his vision in a scarlet filter.

Find me find me find me find me—

“Have you seen this symbol before?”

The librarian was staring at him like he was a madman. Loki knew he probably looked like a madman—he hadn’t bothered to check the mirror before setting out at the crack of dawn.  Weeks of sleepless nights were taking a toll on him. The circles under his eyes had grown so dark that his brother asked him the day before who had socked him.

He tapped the paper. “Have you?”

She glanced down at the figure he had drawn for her and let out a hiss through clenched teeth. “Where have you seen this my prince?”

“Why?” Loki frowned. “Do you know it?”

“This looks to be a Jotun rune.” When she looked up again, her gaze was tinged with suspicion. “My prince—”

“Jotun?” he repeated. He hadn’t been sure what he expected, but that certainly wasn’t it. The Frost Giants … they were villains. Monstrous, horrific creatures, vanquished and trapped in the icy end corner of the Nine Realms. Why would he dream in their language?

“Are you certain?” he asked.

“Fairly. Their characters tend to be written in more of a curved fashion, as you see here.” The librarian followed the arch with her finger. “But your highness, I must ask where you’ve seen—”

But Loki had already left.

He found it within an hour. Or, at least something similar to it. Once he knew what he was searching for, it was straightforward enough. It was in a tome of Jotun language, denoting only the most archaic of characters. This one was missing the square, but it was as close as anything he could find. A regional symbol used only by a local few. It held many translations, but the most common was simple: mother.

All at once, Loki felt as though he might be sick. When he looked down again, he saw that someone had drawn the rune again in the corner of the page, angry red on the page.

Find me.

Find me.

Find me.

“Brother, where were you?” Thor clapped him on the back, an affectionate gesture that still sent him stumbling. “You missed the first day of competition!”

“Oh.” Loki ached in a way he hadn’t words to explain. The whispers writhed behind him.

“Father sent someone looking, but we ended up having to start without you.” Thor dragged him forward, arm around his shoulder. “Mother wants to see you—she was worried, you should talk to her …”

Mother.

Vega.

Loki jumped, whipping around, but of course no one was there.

“What’s wrong?” Thor frowned.

Loki didn’t say anything, didn’t bother to ask if his brother had heard the disembodied voice because he already knew the answer.

“Nothing,” he muttered. “Did you say Mother wanted to see me?”

“You’ve not been well, Loki,” said Frigga. They walked side by side through the palace gardens, a sea of autumn’s faded reds and oranges littering the brick paths. She studied him with concern, but Loki wasn’t listening. He tensed at the wind moaning through the skeletal branches, clear enough to be a voice of its own.

“You’re suffering,” she continued. “Your father and I, we both see it. Thor as well. What ails you, my son? What is it that—”

“Vega,” he interrupts. He was sure he’s never spoken it before, but the name felt familiar on his tongue. “Does that name mean anything to you? Vega?”

His mother frowned. “No. Should it?”

Loki stared at the ground, at the leaves swirling gentle curves in the wind as if transcribing invisible messages in the air itself.

Find me.

He sighed. “I don’t know.”

Vega was a common name on Jotunheim, he found. It’s meaning was simple: to fight, to kill, to slay—fitting, for a Frost Giant woman. But as popular as it was, it didn’t seem to be the name of anyone important. No king would let his daughter share a name with half the commoners under his rule, and as a result there were no Vega’s kept in official record books.

Loki sighed, pressing his hands to his temples. Across the room, the librarian was glaring at him—she didn’t seem to trust him since he first brought her his question. Or perhaps she never trusted him, and his interest in Jotun culture merely gave her a reason to show it.

Find me.

“I’m trying,” he muttered.

“My prince!” He jumped to find a servant staring down at him. “My prince, the King requests your presence.”

Odin didn’t even turn away from his writing at the desk when he walked in. Loki stood in the doorway, clutching his wrist because he wasn’t sure what to do with his hands.

“You summoned me, sir?”

His father beckoned to the seat across from him. “Sit down.”

Loki followed the order. Odin kept writing. “Your mother worries that you are ill.”

Ah. His mother was behind this little meeting. That made more sense.

“I’m fine, sir.” Loki inhaled. “I just haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Oh?” Odin dipped his quill into the inkwell. “Is there a reason?”

“Not that I know of, sir.”

Only then did his father stop to look up at him. “You can lie better than that.”

He waited. Loki stared at the desk.

“I hear you’ve taken an interest in Jotunheim,” Odin continued. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with why you can’t sleep, now would it?”

Norns help me. “Am I in trouble?” he asked.

“Why?” his father paused, eyebrows raised. “Should you be?”

Loki was silent.

Odin shook his head. “Go see Lady Eir. Get a sleeping draught. I won’t have my sons wasting away in their own beds.”

“I already tried that,” he muttered. “She wouldn’t give me one.”

“Wouldn’t give you one?” His father frowned.

“No, she said—” Only then Loki realized he had said too much—Odin was staring at him with the AllFather’s intensity—but it was too late to go back now. He sighed. “She said that the Norns were sending me a message and that I needed to listen.”

“So it’s dreams then?”

Loki wanted to hit himself. Surely, Thor wasn’t tormented by nightmares to the point of illness. And surely, his father was well aware of that that. But still, he nodded.

“About Jotunheim?”

He shrugged, still looking away. “I don’t know.”

Odin was studying him with a strange look. For a moment, it looked as though he might say something, but then he corked the inkwell.

“I’ll have Lady Eir send you something to help you sleep,” he said. “Tonight. I’ve had enough of this nonsense.”

Loki nodded. His mouth tasted like blood. “Yes, sir.”

When the healer’s apprentice came to drop the sleeping draught off at his room that night, Loki listened to her instructions. He smiled, princely as can be, and thanked her profusely. Then he marched into the bathroom and dumped it down the sink. The mirror was covered with red runes—six looping ovals tied together like a sheave of wheat, a perfect square in the middle.

Find me, they whispered. Vega. Find me.

“How?” he asked, speaking to the ceiling. “Where? Where do I look?”

Find me.

Loki turned and froze.

There was a girl in his mirror. A Jotun girl, tall and slender, with ruby eyes and thick raven braids cascading down her bare shoulders. The front of her dress was ripped and drenched in blood; shredded flesh tangled with the fabric. She smiled, bearing crimson-stained fangs.

Loki couldn’t move. His pulse pounded in his eardrums. It seemed his tongue had turned to a desert.

He swallowed. “Vega?”

She smiled wider. Her eyes were glossy. She reached out, as if to touch his face, but her fingers only brushed against the wrong side of the glass.

“Who are you?” he croaked. “What do you want from me?”

Vega frowned. She pressed two fingers to her chest, that grisly cavern of flesh and blood, before pulling them away, soaked in red. Loki flinched.

She dragged her fingers across the mirror, a gory piece of art. First she painted the sheaf, the mother symbol he had read in the book. Then she painted the square in the middle, the mirror squeaking as smeared her blood to color it in. Finished, she tapped the rune with a satisfied smile.

“I don’t know what that means,” he pleaded. His heart was beating so fast that he could no longer feel it. “Is it mother?”

She tilted her head and tapped the glass again.

Loki opened his mouth—

But she was gone. There was another person in the mirror now—a boy. A Jotun boy, his hair slicked back with grease, Vega’s markings marring his face. He stared at Loki in confusion.

Loki stuttered. “Who—”

The boy’s lips moved at the same time as Loki’s. Loki froze. So did the boy. All at once, he realized that the boy was wearing his clothes.

Loki looked down at his hands and screamed.

They told him his mother found him on the bathroom floor, shaking and sobbing and completely incoherent. They told him that he was fine, that he had likely experienced some kind of psychotic break due to stress and lack of sleep. They didn’t say if his skin was blue when they found him. Loki was afraid to ask.

Thor came to visit while they still had him bedridden—watching him for “returning symptoms” they said, but Loki knew it was because he was crazy. He wasn’t particularly looking forward to seeing his brilliant older brother, but Thor said nothing about his current state. He babbled on about the festival, the games, the competitions he’d won, the competitors he’d beaten.

“You should have seen it, Loki!” he grinned. “This man from Vanaheim—he was bigger than Volstagg, just towering over everyone! They all said I couldn’t win against him, but I had him on the ground in less than a minute—”

Loki nodded, hanging on to his brother’s every word. Thor’s mindless conversation wasn’t exactly interesting, but his voice was louder than the whispers, so Loki clung to it.

“It’s a shame that you’ve missed practically the whole thing,” he said sadly. “But Lady Eir says that you should be able to attend the final night, as long as everything stays as it is. I hope it does, brother—you must be there for the final feast! It’s going to be the greatest celebration Asgard’s ever laid eyes on.”

“Is it?” Loki murmured.

“Yes, of course! Would I lie to you?” he laughed. “I’m trying to convince Father to let us bring out the Casket of Ancient Winters at the end and hold it up for all to see.”

The thought of his brother wielding the ancient source of Jotun power was enough to pull a laugh from his throat.

“You can’t hold the Casket,” he scoffed. “You’ll turn to ice!”

“Not with our hands, obviously,” Thor snorted. “I mean to hoist it above the crowd, on a platform or something of that sort.”

“Why?”

“Because!” Thor cried, jumping to his feet in excitement. “What greater symbol is there of Asgard’s victory? It’s the source of all their strength, the motherload of their power, and we took it from them! I think that merits a celebration, don’t you?”

The motherload of their power.

A sheaf of wheat for mother. A square for ...  for …

For what was the Casket of Ancient Winters if not the mother of winter?

“Loki?” Thor was peering down at him, eyes awash with thinly veiled panic. “Loki, what happened? Are you all right?”

Loki forced a smile. “Oh yes, I’m fine,” he said. “What was it you were saying?”

Odin’s vault was never left undefended, but the guards didn’t question him when he told them he required access. At the end of the hall, the blue light flickered like a flame.

When he and Thor were little, their heads were filled with stories of the Casket, how it leveled whole armies of him with a command from its wielder, how a single touch could turn flesh and bone into ice, how it would spread through your body in minutes unless you had the forethought to chop off the offending limb. It was dangerous, but a thrilling kind of danger, the kind that seems too wild to exist outside of a child’s imagination. But here, standing alone before it for the first time, Loki believed every single one of them.

And yet, he knew it couldn’t hurt him.

It was cold, colder than anything he had ever touched before—that much was clear before he had even brought his shaking hands all the way to its side. He closed his eyes and closed his fingers around it …

The castle is on fire. The light flickers behind her, angry and wild as tongues of flame howl at the night sky, but Vega doesn’t dare to look. Gasping for breath in the frosted paradise that had so quickly turned to a hellscape, she clutches the baby to her breast and prays to the Norns, or whoever else is listening.

He must live. Please, he must live.

The sword at her hip is not her own. Vega lifted it from a corpse before she ran. It’s bloodied and dull from battle, and it clearly hadn’t served its master very well, but it’s all she has. The courtyard is littered with bodies, and she finds herself grateful—grateful for the wild shadows that mask the faces of warriors she might have recognized from youth, and more grateful still for her son’s infancy. He will not remember this night.

The temple is not far. She pushes on, stumbling on rocks and snow and corpses but never stopping. The cries of battle still ring in her ears. The death shrieks grow with the flames.

Will the temple bring safety? Vega doesn’t know. Across Jotunheim, it is known that to spill blood on sacred ground is to bring a curse upon your lineage. The temples serve as sanctuaries, safe havens from the violence of war. But the men burning Utgard are not Jotun. The barbarity of the Asgardian warrior seemingly knows no bounds. Would Odin’s troops respect the temple’s sanctity? She had heard stories, violent stories of Jotun women and children massacred even after they surrendered to Asgardian forces. Vega clings to the infant tighter. She’ll not let that happen. They will not take her child from her today.

He’s a good baby. All this violence, all this destruction, and he sleeps peacefully against her chest. She can feel his little heartbeat through the thin furs. They told her that he was too small, that he would not live to see a sunrise, but he had more of his father in him than the royal midwives were willing to admit, and he fought. Fought the elements, fought the fever, fought the strings of fate itself, and he survived.

And now she must fight for him.

She is calling him Lopt. For now. Laufey hasn’t been able to pick an official name, because of the war—she wonders if her lover even knows he is now father to a son. But she likes Lopt. It’s soft, light and airy. Sweet. Safe. She doesn’t think Laufey will disagree. If he’s still here to disagree.

There’s the temple, just ahead of her now. Vega cries out before she can stop herself, a visceral sob of relief. She drags herself up the carved steps and rushes to the altar.

Maybe they would survive this after all. Her, Lopt, and Laufey. Vega imagines the look that will be on his face when she places their child in his arms.

“My lord, your son.”

Lopt is his first son. A bastard son, but still the first. Laufey isn’t concerned with the baby’s legitimacy any more than she is—Vega remembers how he kissed her when she first told him she was carrying his child.

“He’ll have his mother’s eyes.”

The sound of footsteps stuns her from her thoughts—footsteps, and now voices, reverberating against the ice. Foreign voices, accents that she doesn’t want to recognize. Her own blood runs cold in her veins.

There’s two of them—one giving orders to the other in a tone that couldn’t help but command respect. She can see their forms, silhouetted against the night’s fire-streaked sky. Even from here, she can see that the commander wears a horned helm.

Odin.

He’s walking towards the altar, towards them. She ducks behind it, clutching Lopt to her chest in a vice-grip. Even now he doesn’t cry. He looks up at her sleepily, his ruby eyes soft and trusting. Vega inhales. Tears burn in her own eyes—when she blinks, they trickle out, leaving hot, shameful trails down the sides of her cheeks. The king of Asgard, here. If he knew how close he was to possessing Laufey’s only son …

No.

He’ll not have him. He’ll not have her baby. Vega presses a kiss to her son’s forehead.

“You must stay quiet, little Lo,” she whispers. He doesn’t say anything as she tucks him into the basket below the altar.

The voices have stopped. The soldier has left. Only Odin remains. His steps are slow, measured, pacing the length of the room as if examining every foot of it. She waits with bated breath, tread following steady tread, until all at once they stop.

“I see you there.”

His voice is gravelly. Vega’s breath catches in her throat. Gripping the hilt at her waist, she stands.

The self-proclaimed AllFather is wounded. An angry socket glares from where his left eye should be, the rest of his face caked in blood. Good. She has the advantage.

“The battle is over. Your people have surrendered.” He takes a step forward, his voice even and measured. “Best to join the others.”

Vega draws. “Stay away from me.”

His laugh comes out in a puff of air. “You’ve lost, girl.” He takes another step forward, gloved hand at the hilt at his own waist. “Don’t do something stupid.”

“I could warn you of the same.”

She doesn’t know who moves first. There’s only the clash of steel, resounding against the chamber walls. Her sword is weak, but her arms are strong, and she beats him back across the room, away from where her baby hides. Call me girl, does he? Vega is the only daughter in a family of brothers, and her time with them taught her well. This Asgardian ass shouldn’t have underestimated her.

He is blocking her well enough, but he’s blind to one side, and Vega has every intention of utilizing that advantage. She swipes him from the left, and although the sword is too blunt to cut very deep, the force is enough to send him reeling backwards.

She advances on him, a wild, feral thing with flames in her eyes. She’s going to kill him. This barbaric, tyrannical excuse for a king—she’s going to kill him. She will save her son, avenge her people, end this war, all in one stroke—

“Your Majesty!”

Vega barely has enough time to glance up before the dagger buries itself in her shoulder. She screams, her sword slipping through her grip and clattering to the floor. The soldier who had returned for his king is running at her. She rips his blade from her flesh and slashes as this throat. He falls, his body seizing as he gurgles on his own blood.

Suddenly there’s a blade, a different blade, bursting from her chest.

Vega can only choke before she joins the Asgardian on the floor.

Odin rips the sword from her back, ignoring her shriek of pain. He walks around her, those same slow, measured steps as he stoops to check the soldier’s pulse. On the stone, Vega gags. She can’t seem to get enough air.

A baby’s wail breaks through the silence of the temple. Odin straightens, eyes towards the altar.

No.

Vega screams as he walks from her, sounds without words as she tries to drag herself to her infant.

Not him, Norns have mercy, not him!

When the Asgardian King returns, he cradles her child in his arms. Lopt’s cries echo across the temple walls, piercing the dark of the night.

“No!” she howls. The taste of blood floods her tongue. He’ll kill him. He’ll kill him. But her limbs are stone, her life force draining out on the frozen rock around her. She can’t reach her sword.

Odin looks at her, his face concealed by shadow. The light is fading.

She gasps. The sound is rough and ragged. “Lo!”

But it’s too late. The last she knows of the world is the sound of her baby’s panicked squalls, clutched in the arms of her killer …

Loki was ripped from the vision by a hand at his collar, crashing against the smooth stone of the vault floor. The casket tumbled down beside him.

“Are you mad?” Odin bellowed.

On the floor, Loki clawed at his breastplate, half expecting to find a sword erupting from his own chest.

“You—I—” he heaved, gasping for words, for anything. “You—you killed her!”

A kind of realization seemed to dawn on the King’s features. His brow softened, taking a

slow, measured

step forward. “Loki—”

Loki scrambled backwards on the ground, his limbs shaking too much to stand. “Stay away from me!”

Odin stopped in his tracks. He gave a defeated nod. “Very well.”

Loki didn’t know how long they sat there. He didn’t know anything anymore. He just clung to his knees and sobbed.  

How could this be? How could this happen to him? Did they know? Did they all know? Did Thor, did mother? Was that why they treated him differently? Was that why they hated him? But why was he here for them to hate? Why had he been taken? Ripped from the basket in which he had been stowed, where he had been safe, while outside—

“You killed her,” he whispered. “You killed my—” No, he couldn’t say the word, couldn’t comprehend it. The world was spinning too fast and there was nothing for him to hang on to.

He wanted his father to deny it. Tell him that he was mad. Tell him that none of it was true. But Odin’s voice was even, somber.

“Yes, I did.” He heaved a breath, sitting down on the platform. “She attacked me, and she killed my squire. If not for him, she would have killed me too.” The King sighed again. Loki had never known him to look so old. “I didn’t realize what it was she was defending.”

It.

Loki stared at his hands. Most of the color had faded from his skin, but the tips of his fingers remained stained a vibrant blue.

It hurt.

Everything hurt.

“Why?” was all he could gasp.

“Why?” Odin laughed, but the sound held no humor. “I had just orphaned a child. You think I’d leave you to die as well?”

I wish you did.

“But—” Loki drew a shaky breath. He hated it. He hated his tears, hated the sound of his own voice. He hated everything. “Why did you take me? Why couldn’t you leave me there with—” his voice caught in his throat “—them?”

Why did you have to lie?

“Loki,” he sighed, shaking his head. “What happened—it doesn’t matter now. You are my son, and I love you as such.”

The blue had nearly gone now. Only the faintest bit remained, small enough to be overlooked by the everyday passerby, but Loki knew it was there. There were other questions he could ask, but his tongue felt like lead.

“I know the first part is a lie,” he whispered. “So why should I believe the second?”

He stood. His legs trembled, but he was steady enough. Odin said nothing. He only watched as the stolen son walked from the vault.

For hours they knocked at his door—Frigga, Thor, Frigga, Fandral, Sif, Frigga, a servant, a different servant, Frigga, and Frigga again. Oh, how he wanted to open the door to Frigga. She stood out there, crying, begging him to talk to her, and Loki wanted nothing more than to fall into her arms and let her tell him everything would be just fine. He wanted to cry into her shoulder and call her mother and believe her lies.

Because that’s all it would be. Frigga had known. He could lay there and wonder about all the others, but Frigga had known. That was certain. She had known he wasn’t hers. And yet there she had stood, all his life, kissing his head and calling him son.

I love you as such.

You could lie better than that.

Although perhaps that wasn’t fair. Because they had lied, constantly, perpetually, unceasingly, and he had believed it all.

When the whispers returned, it was a comfort. Loki followed them to the bathroom, to the mirror, where she waited for him on the other side.

“It was a lie,” he breathed, hating the way his voice broke. “It was all a lie.”

Vega frowned, a sad, sorrowful gaze. She reached towards him, blocked once more by the glass. Exhaling, Loki brushed his fingers against the mirror, against hers. He could almost imagine he truly felt her touch.

“I don’t know who I am anymore,” he murmured, watching the way his breath fogged up the glass. The tears were hot on his cheeks. “I don’t know what to do.”

She pressed her hand to her chest.

Lopt. My Lopt.

Had he once feared the puff of breath at his ear? How could that have been? It felt like a lullaby, soft and sweet and safe. Loki exhaled. It felt like release.

“What would you have me do?” he asked.

Softly, sweetly, his mother bared her bloodstained fangs and grinned.