#make it personal and emphasise yourself as a local person

[tzimtzum]

Hey everyone! In light of the UK's puberty blocker ban I'm dropping back in to share the advice of my relative who works in parliament: email your local MP and tell them you will not vote for them in the next election if this doesn't change. even better, get your parents or other older people in your community to do it - labour has shown again and again that those are the votes they most want.

TERFs are a small but very vocal minority who have given many MPs the impression of a much larger voting base than they actually represent. The best thing you can do right now is convince your MP that this will lose them more votes than it will gain.

you can find contact details for your local MP here (x) and it will only take five minutes to email them! There are email templates floating around that you can use for inspiration, but please personalise it in your own words or they're likely to be treated as spam.

[rotandguts]

✶ ┄ DRIVING IN CARS WITH BOYS

danny (evil dead rise) x fem!reader

summary: a workplace camaraderie spurs a string of late night drives with danny, each one bringing you closer to realising your feelings for one another.

word count: 8.3k

warnings: 18+ mdni, nsfw, semi-public sex, car sex, oral (m receiving), masturbation (f receiving), lowkey sexting lol, degradation if u squint tbh, mention of masturbation (m), DANNY IS 18+

A/N: okay so, i’ve just want to discuss how i’ve written danny but i just want to emphasise that i don’t want to erase the fact that he’s literally trans. i don’t have enough expertise writing from a trans point of view imo as i’m a cis female and i don’t want it to be offensive or tacky in anyway. so for this purpose i’ve just written danny as having a dick but i know how difficult it is for the trans community, especially trans youths and those with low income to receive certain types of gender affirming surgery and don’t want to just dismiss that. i hope that’s okay with everyone if anyone has any advice or anything lemme know!

publishing date ―  may 22nd, 2023 |  © rotandguts

✶

When Danny first got his licence, he took any chance he got to drive the family’s Buick Roadsmaster. While not as impressive as some of the vehicles his classmates had, the fact he was even able to access a car with the income his family possessed was enough for him. It also explained why he was still living with his mom while attending college.

To help his mother he’d taken to working at the local Henrietta’s pizza joint, making enough to just make ends meet. In combination with whatever DJing side gigs he could get, he was slowly starting to save up. Aside from monetary gain, the part time job also gave him a new social life. Everyone who worked there was a little older, working to save during college like himself. It gave him the chance to speak to others in a space away from class, and the job itself was pretty easy anyway - due to his ability to drive he’d get sent out on deliveries most of the time.

Normally he’d be fine with this, getting paid hourly plus keeping the tips he got from going door to door (minus the occasional inconvenience from a few annoying assholes or prank calls). But he started to actually miss joking around in the kitchen or front desk with his co-workers. Danny was by no means unpopular, he had his own small friendship group from high school that kept him steady, but meeting new people he genuinely got along with was nice.  He was generally of a shy disposition, not one to reach out to others naturally, but a fiercely proud friend when you got to know him.

One person he began to miss in particular, was you. He’d recognised you from a few of his old high school classes, more on the quiet side like himself, usually folded over scribbling into your textbook. You were the only other person around his age working in Henrietta’s. He remembered that in school you kept to yourself but had plenty of friends on the committees you were on. Danny had remembered you were involved from an assembly talking about yearbook and prom committee, he thinks. He only attended after being threatened with detention if he skipped out to smoke under the bleachers with his friends. At work, you were the most talkative person there. He could tell how you had easily adapted in the extracurricular groups you were a part of from that skill alone.

Danny couldn’t really say he had ever tried to talk to you in school before, but when you both got to talking you would later admit that you hadn’t really made an effort to approach him either.

You had been working at Henrietta’s for similar reasons as Danny, you had initially joined in high school to save money to support yourself in college. After working there the past few years now, you’d seen classmates from both high school and college come and go but never really struck up a true friendship with them other than a wave or smile in the school hallways. All the other long term workers were post-graduates unable to put their diplomas to use and while it was handy for getting invited to college parties - you certainly felt a disconnect.

But then there was Danny.

Shy, kind, attractive Danny. You would be lying if you said you’d never noticed him in school. He was that one quiet cool kid that everyone just kind of liked. Good taste in music, if you could remember correctly. As soon as you got home from your first shift together you’d made sure to stalk all of his socials, he was kind of artsy - not quite goth but not quite full blown skater boy. He was rarely seen on his own Instagram, instead filling with pictures of his friends or gigs he’d been to. You bit your lip, growing only more curious about the blonde boy, head filling with speculation about his taste in romantic partners or what he’d be like behind closed doors.

You remembered the first day he’d walked in with the hairstyle he sported so casually now. He wore it so well compared to the dark brown mop he used to have. You’d never really noticed the boys or girls in your class before as being particularly attractive, but Danny walking in with that haircut and his new skater-ish look was like a breath of fresh air.  

This bubbling attraction was never indicated or acted upon until both of you were on kitchen duty during a quiet Sunday night shift. Danny had found that you liked to playfully bicker, it was like vocal tennis to you. Each of you began to find things to make the other flustered, never hitting too below the belt.

Both of you had been tiptoeing on a dangerous line, comments almost falling into uncharted territory. Running out of options to make him squirm, you turned around and admitted, “I actually remember when you came into class with that mullet for the first time. I thought it was super hot.” He froze, not sure how to respond. Were you actually flirting with him? Was this just part of the joke? Instinctively running his hands through his hair, he thought of a quick response.

“Thanks, I guess. Yeah, I liked when you had streaks in your hair.” You had briefly followed the TikTok trend coming back to high school after lockdown, two platinum blonde streaks framing your face. You raised your eyebrows. “Daniel! You’re like, totally obsessed with me!” You giggled, tucking hair behind your ear. Danny, blushing, shrugged and diverted his eyes to the task at hand.

“I could literally say the same for you. Still think my hair is super hot?” He smirked, looking up at her across the small divide of the work station. “Yeah, I do.” She smiled back.

From here, a light flirtation began to intertwine with the duo’s constant bickering, quickly leading to them becoming close. Their co-workers had begun to notice that they’d swap shifts in order to be together, not that either of them would admit that. As long as they were getting the work done, nobody cared. They were a dynamic duo in the workplace, known to close the building in record time and maintain high sales during quiet days. Slowly, you had both began to be left in charge of the store on a Sunday closing shift.

Naturally, he’d offer to give you a ride home. You didn’t live too far from him and if his mom had found out he’d left you alone to get a bus or walk home she would’ve killed him. It was a win-win, and he was always grateful for the time he spent with you alone. Along the way, there would occasionally be a late night detour to McDonalds or whatever fast food place that would be open at the time, both of you sick of pizzas after long shifts spent in the kitchen.

In the parking lot within the safe confines of the family car, you’d gossip about classmates and co-workers and sing loud to your heart's content to whatever CDs he had lying around. Sometimes he’d play his new mixes for you, eager to hear your thoughts. One night after playing you his newest mix, nervously playing with the clutch, you placed your hand on top of his.

“I really appreciate you playing me these by the way. Like genuinely, I really like them.” You smiled, and he smiled back. It was no secret that he was very shy about playing others his music, the only time it felt natural was when he did do a DJ gig somewhere (thanks to the fake ID his aunt Beth got him). He was desperate to play it cool, but his hands clammy at your touch indicated otherwise.

“Thanks man.” He started the ignition, leading you to jump slightly and remove your hand. He could still feel the ghost of it when he began to drive away, willing you to place it back again. But the soft feeling of your palm never returned.

“Really… Thanks for everything, Dan. It means a lot to me.” You continued, your eyes on the road now like his should have been, only distracted so he could take short discreet glances at you. “I’m glad we met.”

“What was that?” He teased, pretending not to hear her. She lightly nudged him, “Har-har, very funny.”

“Yeah whatever. Really glad you’ve become my passenger princess,” You turn around to look at him through eyelashes, head pressed against the headrest. You couldn’t help but note how good he looked with the dimmed lighting of the street lights at night.

“The only reason I keep you around is ‘cause you keep leaving your shit in the car all the time, so I have to hang around you ‘cause my mom gets pissy that all this random junk is here.” Danny begins to joke around, picking up a lip gloss you’d left a few shifts ago. “Shit! I was looking for that!” You grabbed it off him, pulling the mirror down to apply it. He scoffed and rolled his eyes, jokingly.

By the time you got to your door, you almost didn't want to leave the car. A lingering thick silence grew and every small creak or sound the car would make emphasised it even further. Despite all these late night car rides or the occasional video call, you barely spoke during the day. It wasn’t like you were purposefully avoiding each other, you were doing different majors and had classes spread across the campus. Nonetheless, you found yourself missing his company.

“I really really meant what I said, Danny.” You promised, “Not teasing you, I promise.”

A faint smile on his lips, he replied “I know.” Silence again for a moment.

“I like teasing you.” He’d said it so quietly you didn’t even know if you’d heard him correctly. His eyes shifted to your figure, your own eyes now glued to the view of the dark empty street from the windshield. You could feel your chest growing heavier, and the burn rising to your cheeks. He continued, “You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

Without thinking, you turned to look at him again. “Yeah, you too Daniel.” You parted from him with a light smack to his arm.

Getting out the car, you sped to your front door. You were dying to turn around to catch his reaction, he always did such a good job of appearing so stoic and then crumbling at the very last moment at any sort of praise sent his way. As much as you tried to resist it, you couldn’t help but glance back at the boy. He was watching you from the car window, rosy cheeked and eyes hopeful.

But you couldn’t just leave him with that. As much as you desperately wanted to appear cool and mysterious, there was a part of you that clung to any interaction with him you could get. It’s what made you both so reluctant to hang up on each other during the occasional late night video call, only thwarted by Ellie politely reminding Danny he was keeping the other members of the household awake with his laughter.

Running back to the car trying not to trip over your own two feet, you hoped he couldn’t sense your own nervousness. You bang on the window, with Danny already in the process of rolling it down.

Air cold and still, lights dim.

“Thanks for the ride.” Leaning in, you pressed your glossy lips earnestly to his warm cheek. For a moment as you pulled away slowly, you could feel how close your faces were to each other. His breath on your face, you waited for anything to happen. “Y-yeah, no worries man.” Rushing back to your home, you couldn’t tell if you’d accomplished your goal or not. On one hand, he was flustered - it was obvious. But on the other, you’d almost wished he’d done something, anything, to keep you talking to him.

A few days went by with you beginning to narrowly miss each other at work, he would finish as you started or likewise. You hoped it wasn’t purposeful, although you’d admit that you hadn’t bothered to change any of your shifts since that night.

Legs hanging off the bed, you had been relaxing after a long day of kind-of studying. The fact you’d bothered to get the textbook out at all had seemed like a cause for celebration for you. Toying with the thought of teasing Dan via text, you were surprised to find the boy had already texted you.

DANNY

outside.

(sent at 23:04)

now

(sent at 23:05)

Alert, you stumbled your way to your bedroom window, legs still half dead from just lying around. And there it was, the trusty family Buick parked right outside. You could see his arm hanging from the window, fingers strumming something onto the car door. Those fingers had been thought about many times when Danny was on your mind. Long and kind of skinny, you imagined how they looked on the record decks he spent so much of his free time over.

Spinning the record, a single digit softly pressing down on the smooth ridge. How did he control them? Was he soft when he did it? Did he tug the record ever so slightly? Was he a little messy with his strokes? How much pressure did he apply? Did the rhythm depend on the listener?

This was going too far. And plus, you were keeping him waiting.

“Hurry the fuck up, I’m starving bro.” He whined as soon as your figure appeared in your front doorway.

“I ate already Dan,” Still searching for an explanation.

“Okay? Damn, you can watch me eat then! Just hurry up!” He nudged the horn, causing you to both jump. “I didn’t think that would be enough pressure to be honest, that kinda scared me too.” He admitted.

He was a little rough, you thought. Good to know.

“Why the fuck are you here, dumbass? I’ve got class in the morning.” You folded your arms, still not making any effort to get in the vehicle.

“I miss you, obviously.” He shrugged, as if it really was the most obvious thing in the world. It was like you could hear your heart ping inside you when he said that. You were starting to hate the recent way he’d been making you feel. He was certainly winning the teasing game.

You rolled your eyes, you were going to fight for this. “Danny, if you want to fuck me that badly you just need to ask.”

“Fuck off, I’m starving. I thought you loved me.” He pouted. Damn, he was good. Maybe this was all it was to him really, just a game. Maybe this is how he’s trying to set boundaries to imply you should just be platonic. Secretly, you hoped he wasn’t.

You huffed, “Fine.” And now both of you were driving to god knows what fast food place.

“Is your mom not pissed at you just taking the car all the time?” He shrugged off the question. “As long as I’m paying for the gas, she doesn’t care.” You hadn’t actually met her, despite hearing stories about her.

“Does she get annoyed at you coming home so late?” You were lightly prodding, not necessarily to simply tease but just to get a better picture of what it was like for him. He seemed once again unbothered when he responded, “I’m really good at staying quiet.”

“Aren’t you meant to be a DJ?”

“Yeah, but I guess I’ve had practice in other ways.”

What. The. Fuck.

Respectfully, you didn’t know what to do with that information.

“Gross, I don’t need to hear about all that.” You lightly hit his shoulder, almost frowning selfishly when he didn’t even take his eyes off the road.

“Hear about what?” He feigns ignorance, but you swear you can see a flicker of a smirk on his mouth. “Your sex life, Daniel!”

“Woah woah woah - I never said anything about sex! That’s just all your perverted thoughts, assuming the worst in me.” There it is, there’s that smirk he was so desperate to hide. You try to fight it with an eye roll.

“Dick.”

“God, penis on the goddamned brain! You’re so fuckin’ filthy, babe.” He was obviously joking and yet there was something there that had you squirming in the car seat. “Shut up. You win tonight.” His face warms up at your comment, you can’t find it in your heart to truly hate him for it. Your comment only happened to foreshadow what was to come.

By the time Danny gets and finishes his food, you’re both sitting in silence in some darkened car park. This is no different from the usual after work trips, but something really seems different in the air.

The silence was peaceful, almost kind of soothing. For a second, it felt like you two might be the only two people left at the end of the world. Of course, this wasn’t the apocalypse and the biggest hurdle in your life at the moment was the internal battle with your feelings for the boy seated beside you.

His hands were still gripping the steering wheel but the car was in a static standstill. You hoped he was just as nervous as you were.

“I’ve been thinking about what you were saying, by the way.” He finally spoke, causing your head to turn to him.

“I say a lot of things, Dan. Gonna have to be more specific.” A smug smile greeting him when he turned around to meet your waiting eyes. He sent a blank look your way, taken out of context it would’ve seemed like he was actually fed up with you.

“Like, the whole spending time with you thing. I’m glad we met too.” You couldn’t help but bite your lip, looking at him through long lashes, an almost siren’s gaze. “Danny, it seems like you’ve gone all soft on me.”

He almost cringed at your words. If there had been one thing that Danny had been when he’d been thinking about you recently it definitely wasn’t soft. He prayed that you weren’t secretly a mind reader, but you could tell you had prodded enough from the way the atmosphere shifted.

“I like going on these drives with you, it helps me clear my mind I guess.” Danny continued to play with the leather of the steering wheel. As bad as it sounds, he’d found a spot he could lightly rip up with his nails and it became his new fixation when he was fidgeting. “And I was maybe wondering if you’d like to go on more of them. With me… not just like after work or anything.” He stuttered, kind of scared to meet your gaze again. One thing he hated was how much you made him squirm. You had a specific talent for making him nervous, but at the same time the feeling was so addictive that he didn’t want you to stop.

“Is this like you asking me on a date?” Brows raised, your fingers fell to the hem of your shirt subconsciously doing the same fidgeting that Danny was performing in front of you.

“No! Not like, I don’t mean anything like pervy or that despite what I was, like, joking about-” He moved in defence, his hands raised as if to block her joke from reaching him.

“I’m fucking with you. You know I love our drives, they’re our drives.” You said it with such conviction that despite not really saying anything he completely understood what you meant. These little trips no matter how far they went felt special to them.

He softly chuckled, feeling like whatever barrier he’d been putting up was falling. “You’re obsessed with me.”

“Shut the fuck up, Danny.”

“It’s okay! I’m a little obsessed with you too! We can be mutually obsessed with each other - that’s how friendships work!” For a moment, you realised that maybe the way he spoke to you - the way you spoke to each other - was what kept you coming back to him. He was attractive, sure, but something was so free about the way you could speak around each other.

But also, god, he was so attractive.

He leaned back against the headrest, you took the time to appreciate his soft jaw. Those damn pink lips. As much as you’d been trying to not admit it you were desperate to feel them on your neck. There was nothing more you wanted right now than to lean over and kiss him with such ferocity that you’d both forget your own names.

You most definitely shouldn’t be feeling these ways. Aside from him being a friend, he was a co-worker. Relationships like that always ended so messily.

“I think I pity you actually, why do you have to stay so quiet, Dan? Couldn’t have been good if they didn’t even make you moan.”

“I didn’t say they couldn’t make me, I just said I was good at being quiet.” You both paused for a moment, where did you go from here? You could open Pandora's box, and let out whatever tension you’ve been feeling or you could stay within the safety of his friendship.

“Was hard for them to stay quiet though.” Your chest tightened, you felt like all of the air had disappeared in the car.

Holy shit.

“I’m sure they managed just fine.” Managing to choke out a swift comeback, trying to appear as sardonic as you possibly could. “Yeah, my hand sure helped.”

Another blow to the system. He was good at this.

He shifted, like he was preparing for his next hit. “You talk too much to be quiet, I think.” Another stab to your chest, screw him. You were going for the kill.

“Maybe I just need a helping hand.” Your eyes shifted to his own hands, still on the wheel. He’d noticed. He was coming for blood.

“That can be arranged, sweetheart.” If this was Mortal Kombat, his streak would be unreal. “I don’t think you’d be able to handle me.” You countered, you were ashamed to admit you were losing the fight. “I think I’m a little too wild for you, Dan.”

“Prove it.”

The killing blow.

If this was a film, this would be the part where you pounce on each other and fight for dominance with your tongues. But this is not a movie, and as passionate as that sounds, the thought of your tongue as some sort of roman gladiator kind of made you feel icky.

All you could do was respond with exhaling a breath you never realised you were holding, kind of amused. You tilted your head as if to say, ‘touché’.

And that was that.

He got you home safely as he would any other night, watching you as you entered the house. Through the peephole, you could see him linger for a moment staring at your door. He rested his head once again on the headrest, this time looking exasperated. Running a hand through his platinum hair, he started the engine and left.

Bed sheets twisted in hand, you weren’t proud to admit just how much of an effect his words had on you. But lying there, your fingers softly playing with your clit, you didn’t really feel guilty either. You thought once again of his own fingers on you, a little rough with you. The rhythm of them as they throbbed within you, he’d know exactly what tempo would ruin you.

Initially you were concerned about looking him in the eyes the next time you saw him, but when you got another good look at him that feeling quickly went away. He was intoxicating to be around. How were you this down bad for him?

The rides continued as normal, if not more frequently now. Always tiptoeing on the line between playful banter and the most delicious flirtation you’d ever partaken in was like whiplash. But you couldn’t stop.

Speculation about the other's sex life could be tried and tested, each playful answer given offering a thrilling image that would be used to fuel lonely fantasies behind bedroom doors.

After you had to travel to Oregon for a family emergency, contact with Danny again grew to a halt. It wasn’t like you were desperate to speak to him all the time but in the moments you weren’t busy, he was usually at work, in classes or looking after his sisters.

DANNY

miss u u massive fucking loser

(sent at 22:37)

YOU

die

(seen at 22:39)

miss you too

(seen at 22:39)

how is life without me?

(seen at 22:39)

DANNY

sucks

(sent at 22:39)

going to strangle bridget if she comes into my room one more time perhaps

(sent at 22:40)

as soon as ur back in the state ur getting ur cute little ass into my goddamn car and i am going drive u all around the city

(sent at 22:40)

YOU

that’s kidnapping?

(seen at 22:40)

DANNY

cry about it

(sent at 22:40)

what did u do today my beloved?

(sent at 22:41)

YOU

shopped for lingerie

(seen at 22:41)

It hadn’t been a lie, you had visited the local mall and picked up some stuff - some of it had just happened to be nice underwear.

DANNY

HOT

(sent at 22:42)

send pics

(sent at 22:43)

There was a great potential here that you had to consider. Danny could literally just be joking, this wasn’t too far out of the things you usually teased each other with. But, at the same time you wondered if this would be a good way of getting back at him for making you squirm. Would you be crossing a line if you sent one or two unsuggestive pictures to him?

When the pictures were delivered, two of you in different sets of lingerie, he almost dropped his phone. You’d be the fucking death of him.

After a few minutes of no response but the screen indicating they had been seen, you began to panic. Fuck, what if this had all back fired? Were these unsolicited despite what he had said? Were you too dumb to read between the lines?

YOU

heyyyy you good lol

(sent at 22:52)

sorry if that was too much

(sent at 22:53)

Still a few more moments of no response. Until, both turned to (seen at 22:56).

DANNY

no sorry! i was helping my mom with make dinner

(sent at 22:56)

YOU

dinner at 11pm?

(seen at 22:57)

DANNY

we’re a hungry bunch

(sent at 23:00)

Biting your lip, all you could do right now so far away from seeing his actual reaction was take his word for it. Your phone pinged with a new notification.

DANNY sent a photo.

It was similar to what you’d sent, with him being shirtless and in his boxers. He’d taken it from a mirror, kneeling on the floor - tattoos on display. The things you would do right now to be in that room on your knees were unspeakable.

YOU

cold in there?

(seen at 23:02)

DANNY

freezing

(sent at 23:02)

need someone in new lingerie to come warm me up i guess

(sent at 23:03)

Initially, you typed out ‘good luck with that’ but paused before you hit send. You couldn’t just let this escape you anymore.

YOU

i’ll be home soon

(seen at 23:06)

After that, you could hardly wait to see him. None of your other chats after that quite reached that level of promiscuity. You were craving even more of him after seeing him like that. No longer did you need to imagine what he looked like under the uniform.

It wasn’t long until you were back in Los Angeles and already getting ready for him to come pick you up. You’d thrown on a cute white milkmaid summer dress, trying to look effortless despite you having the outfit planned for your return since that night you exchanged pictures. The new lingerie was incorporated as well, of course. Even if nothing came of all this, you were going to go out there knowing you looked damn good. A red cardigan was added on top, giving enough coverage for the hot LA nights.

You practically jumped into the car when he pulled up outside your house, shouting to nobody in particular that you would be out late tonight.

Cheshire cat-like grin on his face, just being beside him again made you remember just how much you missed him. “Hey,” He began, starting the ignition.

“Miss me?” You winked, hand softly playing with the back of his mullet for a moment as if you were greeting a pet. “You don’t know the half of it, babe.”

“Where are we heading for food?” You enquired, nothing had really been planned beyond just seeing each other. “Well actually, I was gonna ask if you wanted to come to mine for dinner tonight. My mom is working super late so, um, she invited you. Means we can still go on a drive til she gets home.”

Beaming, you immediately started nodding. “Oh my god, Danny! You’ve been talking to your mama about me.”

“Not like we spend most of our time with each other.”

“You’re obsessed! How long have I been saying this?” Smug assertion rolling off your tongue so easily, you realised you hadn’t actually answered the question. “Yeah, I’d love to come.” He smiled.

“Where are you thinking of going in the meantime?” You began to play with the hem of your dress, lifting it ever so slightly to expose more of your thigh. His eyes flickered to the new skin on show, thinking of you in those photos again. “Um, takeaway milkshakes in the park sound good?”

“Sounds great, actually.” And so off you went.

He picked strawberry, you picked vanilla. You were sitting in covered darkness, the overhead light of the car on to allow you to see one another. Sneaking glimpses of each other as you finished the drinks, giggling when you caught the other.

“What’s in Oregon?” He asks, all you’d been talking about up to that point was the workplace gossip you’d missed during your time away. You shrugged, “Parents are from there. I grew up there actually, I go back and forth occasionally.” You stopped to take a slurp of the sweet beverage.

“My great aunt is ill but its whatever. We’re not close or anything with that side of the family, it’s still sad I guess, but I don’t know. Just not like, to be a downer or anything, y’know?” The boy nodded beside her, “Yeah my mom’s family is kinda distant.”

You knew about his asshole dad disappearing. He spoke about him so little that you didn’t want to pry when he was obviously going through shit that didn’t really concern you. “Her mom, my grandma, she was kind of nuts.”

“Bummer. Fuckin’ stupid family shit, am I right?” You tried to lighten the mood. “Yeah, such a pain in the fucking ass.” He smiled. The mood had obviously taken a nosedive, so you attempted to liven it up a bit.

“I actually lost my virginity in Oregon a few years back.” Hand filing through your hair to push it back from your face, you shook your head. “Was like this stupid guy that knew my cousins. It was terrible.”

“I think I’ve got you beat, mine was in the bathroom at some random gig I went to with a girl from school. We never spoke after it.” Your face dropped, evidently feeling sorry for him. “Don’t feel sorry for me, man, neither of us were feeling it.”

“Wow, I don’t even know where the weirdest place I’ve had sex is, honestly.” Thinking through the few escapades you had partaken in, you realised most had been in homes when parents were out.

“That gig one was probably mine. Actually, I got a blowjob under the bleachers in senior year once, that shit was crazy.” Jealousy struck through your heart, who gave him it? He answered the question for you, “It was Brenda Glemmer.”

That bitch.

“Wow, someone’s jealous.” You hadn’t realised that you’d involuntarily said that last part out loud. “She was a dick to me, my hatred is not blowjob related.” Failing to convince him, he rested a hand on your shoulder in comfort. “Sure thing, babe.”

Rolling your eyes, you suddenly remembered your craziest experience of all. “Actually, I think I have you beat! I once got ate out in a graveyard!”

“Jesus christ, I’m not at all surprised you give such goth gf vibes.” He smirked, finishing his milkshake. “God, what I would’ve given to be that guy.”

Cheeks heated, “Fuck you!” You exclaimed.

“Not if I fuck you first!” That earned a smack and more giggling. He continued, “I knew you were into kinky shit like that.” But when the giggling died down, the deep wanting returned.

“Ever had sex in this car before?” You found yourself staring out into the blackness of the park, your heart beating the fastest you thought it may have ever beaten.

“No, can’t say I have.” His hands are clutching the wheel again. “Thought about it, though.”

“Oh really?” You were on full autopilot mode now, the words exiting your mouth only coming out as an act of self preservation in case you pass out from nervousness.

“You know I’ve thought about it.”

You turn to look at him, and there he was, already waiting for you. “You really should do something about it then.”

“Maybe I’m worried the girl I like doesn’t want it like I want it.”

“I think she needs it more than she needs to fucking breathe, Danny.”

And that was that.

Lips desperately pressed to one another, needy to taste what you had been anticipating for months now. His face was just as warm as yours, the heat only adding to the feverish feeling.

You tasted like vanilla and sweetness, like sunset and cinnamon. Your hands knotting with his hair, he begged you to tug on it with a groan, you had to comply. It had been a while since you had last kissed anyone, but none had ever even come close to this. Laced with absolute desire and greed from both sides, taking whatever you could both get after wanting it so badly for so long.

His hands began to gently pull the cardigan from your shoulders, throwing it to the backseat before dipping his fingers under the straps of your dress. It was here, unfortunately, you had to stop him.

“Nuh-uh, not here. Too creepy.” You bit your lip, worried that you were out of options.

“I think I know a place.”

Hastily reversing, he sped off in the direction of his own apartment building. The underground carpark often lay abandoned after around 10pm, leaving it an ideal place for a potential late night escapade. His mom would get a ride to the front of the building, meaning if she did come home there would hopefully be zero crossover, especially with him having the remote with him in the glove compartment.  

Right hand dropping to rest on your thigh, you couldn’t help but notice how good he looked with one hand on the wheel, brows furrowed in concentration.

For a moment, it was like neither of you really knew what you were going to do when you got there. You were kind of spoiled for choice, not really ever having a place to yourselves with you both still living with parents. This car granted multiple opportunities - or as Danny was thinking, interesting positions. He needed to try them all.

You could feel your arousal pooling beneath you, while Danny continued through the traffic, you crossed your legs over and began to grind your thighs together for temporary relief. Eyes flicking from the road to your sexually frustrated figure. Slowly, opening your legs ever so slightly, he holds the hem of your dress and lifts it back, exposing the underwear. He recognised it immediately, licking his lips.

“You’re fuckin’ bad.” You smirked at his words, “Like it?”. You feign innocence, twirling a strand of hair with your finger.

Danny groans, moving the hand from your thigh to brush his fingers through his hair. “Yeah, really, really like it.” His fingers go back to trace along your entrance, underwear soaked already. You couldn’t even feel embarrassed, not when the fingers you had been imagining on you for so long were touching you like this.

Your hand hovers over his own, and you press his digits into your cunt. You emit a dark sigh, a noise that makes Danny want to pull over and fuck you on the sidewalk out in the open. Guiding his hand against you, working you up into the unspeakable rhythm, you begin to knead your breast with your other hand. Feeling delirious with goosebumps growing on your skin, you lean forward to press kisses against his neck. Tongue flicking under his silver chain that you’ve been dying to taste for so long. “Stop distracting me,” He groans, without doing anything to stop you.

He was pushing a little harder on the peddle, doing everything in his power to not get lost in the view of your cleavage, knuckles white wrapped around the wheel.

After what felt like a lifetime, the car pulled into the darkened garage. He fumbled with the remote, almost dropping it in a rapid attempt to press the button. The buzz of the gate finally indicated, the shutter lifting.  With that, you guessed your fate was sealed.

Danny made sure to park in the far back, if anyone did come down here they would hopefully have a hard time noticing the pair.

As soon as the keys were turned, Danny was pulling you into his lap. You started to rock your hips on him, not applying too much pressure in a further attempt to torment him.

“Too scared to take me upstairs to meet mommy right now?” You teased, running your hands through his hair. He made no effort to hide how much pleasure the sensation was giving him. “Just absolutely desperate to fuck you right now, if I’m being honest.” He was almost breathless, struggling to get the words out with you grinding on him the way you were.

You smirked, his right hand travelling from your hips, to your breast, to your neck. “So, so pretty.”

You stopped him, desperate to ask him a question that had been playing on your mind since it happened. “Were you really helping your mom with dinner when I sent those pictures?”

“Fuck no, they were saved to my camera roll the second they came through.” You scoffed. “I fucking knew it!”

“Yeah, yeah. As if it was hard.” He holds your hips down onto his own and for the first time you feel the thickness under you. Both of you breathing wildly, grinding into each other, knowing there's still far more to even come. It was exhilarating.

“I think I know something else that might be really hard right now.” Here you were, working yourself up on his lap. You were sure your wetness had soaked through his shorts. “Wonder whose fault that is?”

Your lips were back on his, and immediately it was like another hit of the most powerful drug. The way he moved with you, his grip on you was egging you on even more. You wanted to be so bad for him.

His fingers once again fell to your underwear, pushing them aside to feel just how wet you really were. “Fuck.” He murmured, beginning to rub his thumb over your clit. “Danny,” You moaned in retaliation.

Without warning, he sunk his middle and index fingers into you. Slowly pulsating inside you, you gasp for air. Falling back and-

BEEEEEEEP

The sound of you pressing against the wheel causes you both to jump, but also causes Danny’s fingers to go further inside you - leading to another moan.

You both giggle, not stopping with the new depth and pace as we works up into you. “I seriously need to stop doing that.” You fall against him, forehead placed against the other. “Wanted to feel you for so long.” He mumbles.

“Mhmm?” You were in too much bliss to properly respond as he nodded, “Feels good?” You nodded in return. He starts to suck on your neck, biting the areas you react the most to. You thought this feeling of closeness was unobtainable, yet here you were with him.

Pressing a light kiss, you whine when he removes his fingers from beneath you. He lifts his index to his mouth, licking it. “You taste fucking amazing,” Danny smiles at your wide eyes. “You want a taste?” Again, you nod. He places the two fingers in your own mouth. “Suck, baby.” He commands you and you follow without hesitation. His jaw goes slack at the sight of your sucking his fingers, tongue making little circles around his fingertips to show what you’re capable of.

Letting them go, you mumble, “I think I wanna go in the back seat, Dan.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, wanna taste your cock.” Well, that’ll do it. You’re practically launched backwards through the small gap to get to the back of the car. Danny instead swings the driver side door open, ejecting the chair forward and climbs in on top of you. Pinning you down, you reach for his dick as his hands grip your waist. Kissing you with a ferocity somehow not even present in the kisses from before, he presses you against him.

Pulling away to gasp for air, with your help Danny yanks his sweater and baggy t-shirt off in one fell swoop. His shorts get thrown on the floor, leaving him in his boxers. He reaches for the zip of your dress, pulling the straps down and ripping it off your body right from under you. “I’ve been thinking about you in this everyday since you sent me that picture.” He plays with the straps of bra, noses touching and breath light on your face. His soft eyes on your figure, taking a moment to take it all in.

“Well, maybe three times a day.” You softly smack his chest as you fall into him, giggling as he plays with the hooks at the back. You shake the bra off and reach for your underwear, leaving you totally exposed. Danny, giving a second to take in the view of your naked body, pulls down the waistband of his underwear. From the immediate sight of his cock, precum dripping from the tip, you’re compelled to lick it.

On your knees beside him in the back seat, you lick a stripe up the length of him before taking him in your mouth. You stay like this, head bobbing as he grabs a chunk of your hair and gently guides you with the other hand on your head. With a little difficulty, you look up at him, his head thrown back on the headrest and his mouth stuck in the shape of an ‘O’.

“Stop, stop. Fuck, c’mere.” He picks your torso up by your arms and guides your lips back to his, before pulling your legs over so you’re now straddling him.

Rubbing his length against your clit, he begins to suck on more bare spaces around your neck and chest. You hold his head as you rock into him.

“Danny, I can’t- I need to feel you now.” He nods hastily, and positions himself under you.

You lower yourself onto him, letting out a guttural moan at the feeling of him filling you. You wrap yourself around him as he grits his teeth, holding your hips as you start to ride him.

Face buried in his neck, you whimper as you set a steady pace, fingers twisted tightly in that blonde mullet you loved so much. Your knees dig into the seat, you can feel yourself coming undone.

He rips your head from the crevice, getting a good look at you as he starts to take the lead and rolls up into you.

“Such a pretty baby,” His hand wraps around your jaw, squeezing your cheeks. The hand drops to your neck, as his other wraps around your thigh, giving more guidance. “Keep talking,” You struggle out, fucking yourself into him at this point. By this point the windows are fogged and you’re sure the car is rocking by now.

Your fingers wrap around his hand on your neck, begging him to hold it a little tighter, a little rougher. He tuts, before connecting his hand to your backside with a loud smack.

“You’re fuckin filthy, you know that?”

“Yes, yes, Danny, fuck!”

“Fuck, you’re better than anything I ever imagined.” With two taps to your waist, you both stop. You’re evidently growing weaker, all fucked out on his dick. He flips you around so your back is lying on the seat. You’re all sprawled out in front of him, hair kind of crazy, but he swears to god he’s never been more attracted to any human being ever.

He presses himself down on top of you, balancing his weight so you’re not crushed but something feels so intimate about the way he’s on you.

Smiling again, he plants out of time kisses onto your lips whenever he can. Forearm above your head to keep him balanced, palm lovingly on your crown to support you. His eyes watching your face closely, this was it. Fuck, this was really it.

The feeling that could only be explained as a tidal wave of wet hot rising, Danny’s pace guiding it to where it needed to go.

“I’m gonna, fuck, I’m gonna cum.” He whimpers, picking up his pace while still visibly shaking. You pull his forehead down to yours as he continues to work his hips into you. Your thighs are holstered far above his hips, offering a perfect angle for you both. The feeling of him filling you up was enough to send you over the edge.

“Dan, shit, me too.”

“C’mon baby, needed this for so long. It’s always been you.” With those finishing words, you couldn’t hold back any longer. Body shaking with the orgasm rippling through you, Danny beginning to come down from his own.

For a while, you both sat in the corners of the back seat, as if you were boxers in a ring. Your eyes stayed trained on each other’s bodies as you caught your breaths.

You crawl over to him, finally resting in the space between his legs as his arms wrap around your body.

“Do you think it would be awkward if I could stay the night?” You finally announced. You turned to face him. “It wouldn’t be, like, weird if we slept in the same bed, right?”

“My dick was literally just inside you.” His palm resting on your jaw, lovingly stroking his thumb over your cheek. “And? Maybe you hated it!” He shook his head, “That was the best thing I’ve probably ever experienced in my life.” He left a kiss on your jaw, where the ghost of his fingers still lingered.

His mom probably would be fine with her staying as well, seeing as she wasn’t really judgy with the whole boy and girl sleepover thing.

“Just a fair warning, my sisters are a fuckin’ pain in the ass.” He shook you off him, beginning to locate both of your scattered clothing and collect yourselves. “That’s cool. I’m excited to meet them.”

For a second, he watched you get ready, still eyeing your body. Your neck and chest were covered in purple markings left by him. He smiled wistfully, appreciating his work along with your figure. You clocked him watching and rolled your eyes, “Perv.”

“You’re cute.” He skimmed his hands over each one, as if it was the world’s most abstract dot-to-dot puzzle. You realised just how many hickies covered you. “Fuckin’ asshole.” Before he could grab it, you snatched his sweatshirt from beside him, offering you more coverage than your cardigan would allow. “How the hell am I gonna cover these up when I see your mom?” Danny shrugged once again, still finding the whole situation amusing and honestly, kinda hot.

“Just say it’s a birthmark,” He began to press soft kisses on each hickey. “Or maybe I’ll just have to keep one hand around your neck at all times.” You lightly smacked him, but it didn’t deter him from the task at hand. Your gaze softened, lifting his chin up so you were both eye to eye.

“So obsessed, huh?” He nodded at your words, stealing another kiss from your lips. You’d let him take as much as he wanted of you. “You know it.” And another, and another, until he was kissing every inch of your face as you tried to bat him away.

Leaning into his ear you whisper, “Maybe later, you can show me just how quiet you can be?” He almost growls at your statement, you press a finger to his lips. The promise of more to come was exhilarating to the both of you. He parts with a soft bite to your neck, softer than the ones offered earlier.

He held your hand all the way to the apartment, and in the elevator you nestled into his neck. The feeling of him, his scent, so strong all around you was enough to make you totally intoxicated with the mere thought of him. Looking up, you catch him looking down at you, soft smile playing on his lips.

Yeah, you could get used to this.

[kindred-spirit-93]

i forgot my birthdays next week thursday

GIVE ME ADVICE PLEASE I DONT WANNA TURN 13 *SOBS*

aw happy birfday in advance! have some cheesecake(s) :3

crying with u bbg. sadly i dont have time slowing or stopping powers (adulthood be like that fr :')) so i cant do anything to wither the passage of time. i can however make lots of dua for u <3

ill be chilling here for a long time to come lol ur always welcome to drop by for some tea and molokhiyeh and other shenanigans :D

--

my advice is to really stop and take of yourself when you need it & never apologise for it. 13 was my least favorite chapter of life so far so take it from me lol; your well being is extremely important and doing the things you like will keep u sane and safe inshallah

find a balance between studies and family life (if applicable lol both can be overwhelming sometimes ik) and sleep well. sleep. sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. no all nighters or im personally travelling w my shibshib to bonk u on the head. sleep deprivation is the freakin worst im still recovering 3 year later from the damage i inflicted on myself lol in uni.

on that note pls minimise (or ditch altogether) energy drinks and coffee. idk what the kids are up to these days and whats cool or whatever, but i implore u to not go anywhere near them at least till u graduate (coffee is inevitable ik its a big part of the culture, but energy drinks pls never ever its not cool i promise).

drink water!! idk how my kidneys are still functioning lol, they deserve nobel peace prizes fr. drink as much liquids as u can (esp during the summer) and lots of water. no tea and juice dont count (sadly)

cant emphasise enough how much الصحبة الصالحة (good companionship) makes a world of difference and takes so much weight off ur shoulders. peer pressure is awful and really messed me up in hs so if u can find some good friends stick with them and help each other out. its really rewarding to have people who got ur back yk?

and if if if god forbid everyone sucks (it can happen) being alone as hard as it can be will ultimately be much better for ur mental health and peace of mind than any fake friendships could ever hope to be.

but worry not there is still lots to enjoy in life, esp the little things like flowers on the side walk or a nice cool breeze or a big glass of fresh mango juice lol. a kitty in the corner shop, someones smile, a new book u started, cool rocks u found in the park, and so much more.

being up to date with the news and keeping vigilant is important yes but so is ur mental health. take breaks when u need it. dont forget to boycott stuff and stick to local/ alternative products

ramadan kareem in advance too lol! wishing u and ur family all the best, lots of qatayef and barakah inshallah as well XD

thats all i can think of for now lol if i remember stuff ill add :3

--

also also, read somewhere that ibuprofen is a girls best friend lol: having a lil first aid/ essentials kit for ur school bag is great; plasters (band aids), pads, paracetamol (bc u can take it on an empty stomach not ibuprofen tho) was my go to, as well as pocket tissues (allergies amirite) and a packet of wipes bc things can get sticky lol. emergency snack(s) was the most important part lol. usually a piece of chocolate or something small and quiet i could smuggle under my desk XD

first aid tip: if u ever feel light headed have some dates on hand (like in a smol tupperware or sum) and nibble on it; the sugar elevates blood glucose and keeps u alert till u can get help. drink water pls

go kick ass bestie and make the most of it <3

[mrmoldavite]

Sun through the Houses in a Relocation Chart

When analysing the Sun's house placement in relocation charts, it represents where you will experience vitality, purpose, and identity in the new location. It shows where you’ll feel “alive” and where your ego, confidence, and creativity can shine.

Below is a house-by-house interpretation:

Sun in the 1st House

Focus: Identity, confidence, and personal expression.

In this location, you’re likely to feel more confident, assertive, and energised. This placement makes you stand out, drawing attention to your individuality. You might feel more motivated to focus on personal goals and self-expression.

A great place for building self-confidence, embracing your individuality, and establishing a powerful presence. You may feel more inspired to take the lead in your life, attract attention effortlessly, and reinvent yourself in a way that aligns with your true identity.

Sun in the 2nd House

Focus: Finances, self-worth, and stability.

This location emphasises financial growth and material security. You may feel more purpose-driven in building wealth or improving your sense of self-worth. Your values and possessions take centre stage, and you’ll want to create a stable foundation.

A good place for building financial security and developing a stronger sense of personal value. You may gain recognition for your talents or attract opportunities that enhance your income. Confidence in your abilities grows here, making it an ideal location for cultivating self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

Sun in the 3rd House

Focus: Communication, learning, and local connections.

In this location, your purpose revolves around expressing ideas, learning, and networking. You might feel inspired to write, teach, or share knowledge. Relationships with siblings, neighbours, or your community are highlighted.

Ideal for intellectual growth, expanding communication skills, and forming meaningful connections through dialogue. This location encourages curiosity, learning, and engaging with a dynamic social environment that keeps your mind active and inspired.

Sun in the 4th House

Focus: Home, family, and emotional foundation.

Here, you may feel a strong connection to your roots, family, and inner emotional life. Your focus will likely shift to creating a stable and nurturing home environment. This placement can also lead to introspection and a need for privacy.

A great place for establishing roots, creating a nurturing home environment, and deepening your emotional security. This location supports family connections, personal healing, and finding comfort in your private life.

Sun in the 5th House

Focus: Creativity, romance, and self-expression.

This is one of the most joyful placements, highlighting fun, romance, and creative endeavours. You’ll feel inspired to take risks, pursue hobbies, and fully express yourself. Romantic relationships may flourish, and you may feel more playful and charismatic.

A wonderful location for romance, creative expression, and embracing joy. This placement enhances passion, playfulness, and the desire to indulge in life’s pleasures.

Sun in the 6th House

Focus: Work, health, and daily routines.

In this location, your purpose revolves around improving your work ethic, health, and daily habits. You may feel motivated to contribute to something meaningful through service or practical efforts. There’s a focus on balancing work and well-being.

An ideal place for cultivating healthy habits, improving productivity, and finding satisfaction in daily work and self-care.

Sun in the 7th House

Focus: Relationships, partnerships, and social harmony.

In this location, you’ll feel drawn to building meaningful partnerships, both romantic and professional. Your identity may be shaped through your connections with others. Relationships take on a central role, and you may attract significant people into your life.

Excellent for developing balanced, fulfilling meaningful relationships, enhancing social harmony or working in collaboration.

I'm currently experiencing this, and I'll say that I do have a strong urge to form new romantic and platonic connections. The sun is shinning, the people are happy and my skin is glowing! The main things that have been manifesting is me meeting beautiful women and connecting with likeminded men that are of spiritual or business nature.

Sun in the 8th House

Focus: Transformation, intimacy, and shared resources.

This location emphasises personal transformation and deeper emotional connections. You may feel drawn to explore taboo or hidden areas of life, such as psychology, spirituality, or finances (e.g., joint ventures, investments). Intimacy and self-discovery take centre stage.

An intense location for transformation, emotional depth, and cultivating deep and intense yet meaningful bonds.

Sun in the 9th House

Focus: Travel, higher education, and philosophy.

In this location, your sense of purpose is tied to adventure, exploration, and expanding your world view. You may feel inspired to pursue higher learning, teach, or travel extensively. This placement encourages spiritual and intellectual growth.

Perfect for seeking meaning, experiencing cultural diversity, or studying.

Sun in the 10th House

Focus: Career, ambition, and public image.

This is a highly visible placement, emphasising your professional life and reputation. You’ll feel driven to achieve and stand out in your field. Your efforts and accomplishments are likely to gain public recognition.

An excellent location for career advancement, leadership, and building a legacy.

I have this placement in my natal chart, so naturally when I'm in my hometown London my mindset is always ambitious thinking about my career and social status. What I contribute to society, how can I build a career.

Sun in the 11th House

Focus: Community, friendships, and long-term goals.

In this location, your sense of purpose is tied to group dynamics, networking, and working toward collective goals. You may find inspiration in collaborating with like-minded people or contributing to causes larger than yourself.

A great place for forming connections and pursuing your dreams.

Sun in the 12th House

Focus: Spirituality, solitude, and inner work.

Here, your focus turns inward, encouraging introspection, healing, and spiritual growth. You may feel drawn to solitude or behind-the-scenes roles, where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

A good location for retreat, self-discovery, or creative work that thrives in privacy.

Final Thoughts

In relocation astrology, the Sun’s house placement highlights where you’ll feel a strong sense of purpose and vitality in a new place. It’s also essential to consider aspects the Sun makes to other planets and angles in the relocated chart for a more comprehensive understanding.

[tgbsmumbai]

How Does a PGDM Course Enhance Your Leadership Skills?

Leadership skills are some of the most sought-after attributes in today's business world. In an ever-evolving market, organisations rely on strong leaders to guide their teams, make strategic decisions, and drive success. Leadership isn't just about holding a title or position of power; it's about influencing, inspiring, and motivating people to achieve their best, irrespective of your role. The educational structure and curriculum of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management are pivotal in nurturing leadership skills from an early stage.

In this blog, we share how you can gain leadership skills by opting for a program in a reputed institution like Thakur Global Business School.

What's a Post Graduate Diploma in Management?

A Post Graduate Diploma in Management, commonly known as PGDM, is a two-year, full-time program designed to offer in-depth knowledge and skills in management. Unlike a traditional MBA, which tends to be more theory-oriented, a PGDM program emphasises practical applications and real-world business scenarios. This distinction often makes PGDM admission highly sought after by employers who value the hands-on experience and managerial competence that these programs cultivate

How Does PGDM Contribute to Your Leadership Skills?

Once you are admitted into a PGDM course in Mumbai, like in TGBS, the exposure to industry experts, case studies, and internships will help you develop strong leadership skills through practical experience and real-world challenges.

The following are a few ways in which a PGDM program can contribute to your leadership skills.

A. Communication

PGDM programs enhance communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, by teaching effective articulation, persuasion, and active listening. They involve public speaking workshops, group discussions, and presentations that simulate real business scenarios, helping you be convincing and empathetic leaders and preparing you for meetings to present ideas clearly and confidently.

B. Decision-Making

PGDM programs emphasise the development of decision-making abilities through case studies, simulations, and practical exercises. They teach you how to analyse complex situations, weigh options, and make sound decisions under pressure, preparing you for high-stakes business environments and building confidence in your judgement.

C. Emotional Intelligence

Effective leadership involves understanding and managing emotions, both personal and others'. Top colleges offering PGDM courses in Mumbai often teach the concept of emotional intelligence through guest sessions and workshops. This helps foster positive relationships, manage stress, and navigate the workplace's emotional landscape, essential for inspiring and leading teams.

D. Case Studies

PGDM programs utilise case studies and real-world business situations to teach you how to identify problems, develop strategies, and make decisions. This method bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, allowing you to apply their knowledge in a practical context, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.

E. Internships and Projects

Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of PGDM programs. Internships and live projects offer invaluable opportunities to immerse yourself in the business world. These experiences not only enhance your resume but also allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real business settings, solve actual problems, and make meaningful contributions to an organisation. Whether it’s a summer internship at a multinational corporation or a project with a local startup, these experiences develop your leadership skills in ways that lectures and textbooks cannot.

F. Organising Events

Organizing events in college can significantly improve leadership skills by providing hands-on experience in team management, communication, and problem-solving. Leading a team to plan and execute an event involves delegating tasks, motivating members, and resolving conflicts, which enhances managerial skills. Effective communication is crucial for coordinating with team members, faculty, and vendors, thereby improving both verbal and written communication abilities.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to elevate your career and develop the leadership skills that are essential in today’s business landscape, a PGDM course from a leading business college like Thakur Global Business School could be the right step for you. From building foundational abilities in communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence to offering practical, real-world experiences through case studies, internships, and industry interactions, their PGDM programs are designed to transform you into a versatile and effective leader.

[safetylearning-blog]

How to Get the Most Out of Your CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial skill that can save lives in emergencies. However, to truly benefit from CPR training, you need to engage actively with the material and practice regularly. Here’s how to maximise your CPR training experience.

1. Choose the Right Course

Selecting a course that fits your needs is the first step in effective CPR training. Consider the following factors:

Audience: If you're a healthcare professional, look for courses like Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). For laypersons, the American Heart Association's Heartsaver CPR AED course is ideal.

Format: Decide between online, in-person, or hybrid courses. In-person classes offer hands-on practice, while online courses provide flexibility. Choose what suits your learning style best.

Certification: Ensure that the course provides a certification that is recognised in your field or required by your employer.

2. Engage Actively During Training

Active engagement during your CPR training can significantly enhance your learning experience:

Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor questions, no matter how basic they may seem. This helps clarify concepts and reinforces your understanding.

Participate in Activities: Engage fully in hands-on practice sessions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the techniques.

Work with a Partner: Practicing CPR with a partner allows you to receive immediate feedback. You can learn from each other’s techniques and improve your skills collectively.

3. Focus on Technique

CPR is a physical skill that requires precision. Pay close attention to the techniques taught during your training:

Compression Depth and Rate: Aim for a compression depth of about 2 inches for adults and a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Proper technique is crucial for effective CPR.

Hand Placement: Familiarise yourself with the correct hand placement for chest compressions and rescue breaths. Consistent technique is key to successful resuscitation.

AED Usage: Learn how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Understanding its operation can be lifesaving in cardiac emergencies.

4. Practice Regularly

Repetition is essential for mastering CPR techniques. Here are ways to ensure you keep your skills sharp:

Attend Refresher Courses: Consider enrolling in refresher courses every couple of years to stay updated on current guidelines and practices.

Use Training Manikins: If you have access to CPR manikins, practice your skills regularly. Many community centers and healthcare facilities have training kits available for practice.

Join a CPR Group: Look for local groups or clubs that focus on CPR and first aid skills. Regular practice sessions with others can help reinforce your learning.

5. Leverage Technology

Incorporating technology can enhance your learning experience:

Mobile Apps: Use CPR training apps that provide interactive tutorials and quisses. Apps like the American Heart Association's CPR & Choking app offer step-by-step instructions and videos.

Online Resources: Explore online videos and tutorials to supplement your training. YouTube channels dedicated to first aid and CPR can provide visual aids to reinforce techniques.

Virtual Simulation: Some organisations offer virtual training simulations that allow you to practice CPR scenarios in a controlled environment.

6. Understand the Importance of CPR

Understanding the impact of CPR can motivate you to learn and practice effectively:

Statistics: Familiarise yourself with statistics regarding cardiac arrest survival rates. Knowing that immediate CPR can double or triple a victim’s chances of survival emphasises the importance of being prepared.

Real-Life Stories: Read or watch testimonials from individuals who have successfully performed CPR. Understanding the difference your training can make in real-life situations can inspire you to commit to your training.

7. Stay Updated on Guidelines

CPR guidelines can evolve based on new research and findings. Stay informed:

Follow Organisations: Keep an eye on updates from reputable organisations like the American Heart Association or the Red Cross. They regularly publish guidelines and new recommendations for CPR.

Join Professional Networks: Consider joining professional organisations related to health and safety. These networks often provide updates on training and best practices in CPR.

8. Create a Personal Emergency Plan

Having a personal plan can reinforce the importance of your CPR training:

Know Your Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts and medical information accessible in case of an emergency.

Practice Scenarios: Role-playing different emergency scenarios with family or friends can prepare you for real-life situations. Discuss how to respond and where to find necessary equipment, like an AED.

Encourage Others to Learn: Share your knowledge about CPR with friends and family. Encourage them to take training courses, creating a community that is better prepared for emergencies.

9. Evaluate Your Training Experience

After completing your CPR training, take time to reflect:

Assess Your Confidence: Consider how confident you feel in your ability to perform CPR. If you feel uncertain, seek additional practice or resources to bolster your skills.

Gather Feedback: If you have the opportunity to practice in front of an instructor, ask for feedback on your technique. Constructive criticism can help you improve.

Set Goals for Improvement: Identify specific skills you want to enhance. Setting achievable goals will help you focus your practice efforts.

Conclusion

Getting the most out of your CPR training involves active engagement, regular practice, and a commitment to staying informed. By choosing the right course, participating fully, leveraging technology, and understanding the importance of your training, you can develop the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in emergencies.

[commwiserconsultants]

20 STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING A THRIVING LEGAL PRACTICE

In the bustling world of legal services, where every firm vies to be noticed, mastering the art of building a legal practice is akin to unlocking the door to success.  In today’s digital age, where information reigns supreme, the role of strategizing for law firms cannot be overstated. It’s not merely about visibility; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates, building trust, and ultimately fostering lasting relationships.

So, why does it matter? A robust strategy is not just about attracting clients; it’s about nurturing growth, fostering credibility, and establishing your firm as the go-to authority in your niche. In this article, we will unravel 20 ingenious strategies tailored expressly for legal practices, each one a stepping stone toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

Build a Strong Foundation

1.  Craft a Compelling Brand Identity: Create a brand that mirrors what your law firm stands for and what makes it unique. For instance, if your firm specialises in environmental law, your branding might emphasise sustainability and responsibility.

2.  Make Your Website a Digital Courthouse: Your website should be easy to navigate, informative, and show up on search engines when people look for legal services. Think of it as your firm’s virtual office where potential clients can learn about your services.

3.  Content is King (Queen): Share informative articles, blogs, or infographics that explain legal concepts in simple terms. By doing so, you establish yourself as a trusted source of information and attract potential clients who are seeking answers to their legal questions.

4.  Embrace Social Media for Brand Awareness: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to showcase your firm’s expertise and connect with potential clients. For instance, you can share updates about recent cases you have won or provide insights into changes in the law that might affect your audience.

5.  Nurture Leads with Email Marketing: Develop personalized email campaigns that provide valuable insights into legal matters, address common concerns, and highlight your firm’s successes. By staying in touch through email, you keep your firm at the forefront of potential clients’ minds when they need legal assistance.

Leverage Digital

6.  Target the Right Platform to reach your audience: Reach potential clients who are interested in your legal services by targeting the right platform to showcase your practice. For example, if your practice focuses on family law, consider engaging with online communities or groups where individuals often discuss family-related issues. By participating in these platforms, you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource and connect with people who may require legal assistance in areas such as divorce or child custody.

7.  Optimize Your Google My Business Listing: Make sure your firm’s information is accurate and up-to-date on Google My Business. This helps your firm appear in local search results when people look for legal services nearby. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews to enhance your firm’s credibility.

8.  Invest in High-Quality Branded Legal Videos: Consider creating professional videos to showcase your firm’s expertise and personality. These videos can include client testimonials, interviews with attorneys, or explanations of common legal issues. For instance, you could produce a video series explaining different aspects of estate planning to educate potential clients.

9.  Develop Educational Video Content: Position your firm as a reliable source of legal information by creating videos that answer common legal questions or provide helpful tips. For example, you could create a video explaining the steps involved in filing for bankruptcy or offer guidance on preparing a will.

10.  Harness the Power of Podcasts: Consider guest appearances on relevant podcasts to reach a targeted audience. Podcasts offer a unique opportunity to establish yourself as an industry thought leader and connect with potential clients in a more conversational and engaging format.

Building Relationships & Reputation

11.  Personalize Email Subject Lines: Make your emails stand out by using personalized subject lines that include the recipient’s name or location. For instance, instead of a generic subject line like “Updates from Our Firm,” you could use “X, Here’s How We Can Help with Your Legal Needs.”

12.  Push Your Media: Maximize your firm’s visibility by actively seeking media coverage. Whether it’s through press releases, expert commentary on legal matters, or contributing articles to industry publications, leveraging media opportunities can enhance your firm’s reputation and attract potential clients. By strategically pushing your media coverage, you can position your firm as a thought leader in the legal field and increase awareness of your services among your target audience.

13.  Online Reputation Management: Protect and enhance your law firm’s online reputation with proactive online reputation management strategies. Monitor online reviews, engage with clients and peers on social media, and showcase your expertise through thought leadership content. By actively managing your online reputation, you can build trust with potential clients, maintain a positive brand image, and stand out in a competitive market.

14.  Harness Social Media Lookalike Audiences: Expand your reach on Social Media platforms by targeting users who share characteristics with your existing clients or website visitors. For instance, if your firm specializes in immigration law and has a significant number of clients from a certain demographic, you can create a Lookalike Audience to reach similar users who may need your services.

15.  Build Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses, such as accountants, financial advisors, or real estate agents. Reach a wider audience through referral initiatives. This helps establish your firm as a trusted resource within a broader network.

Fuel Growth with Continued Strategies

16.  Seek Referrals from Satisfied Clients: Encourage happy clients to spread the word about your firm to their friends and family. For example, you could simply ask satisfied clients to recommend your services to others in need of legal assistance.

17.  Target Relevant Keywords in Content: Identify the words and phrases your potential clients are likely to use when searching for legal help. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website content, such as blog posts or service pages, to improve your chances of appearing in search engine results. For instance, if your firm specializes in criminal law in Delhi, you might target keywords like “Delhi criminal lawyer” or “criminal attorney in India.”

18.  Create Content Related to Current Events: Stay connected with your audience by addressing legal issues or news stories that are relevant to your practice area. For example, if there’s a significant change in employment law regulations, you could create a blog post or video explaining how it impacts your clients and offering guidance on what they should do next.

19.  Prompt Secondary Conversion After Booking a Call: After someone schedules a consultation with your firm, provide them with additional resources or content to deepen their understanding of their legal situation. This could include informational guides, case studies, or testimonials from past clients. By offering valuable insights, you can build trust and increase the likelihood that they will; choose to work with your firm.

20.  Track, Analyze, and Adapt: Do not set your marketing strategy on autopilot. Regularly track key metrics like website traffic, lead generation, and conversion rates. Analyze the data to identify what’s working and what’s not. Be prepared to adapt your strategies based on insights to continually optimize your marketing efforts for maximum impact.

Conclusion

Our exploration of 20 strategies for law firms, it’s clear that innovation is key to success in today’s competitive landscape. From crafting compelling brand identities to nurturing relationships through personalized outreach, each strategy offers a pathway to growth. Yet, our journey does not end here. By tracking, analyzing, and adapting, your firm can stay ahead of the curve and seize new opportunities. With diligence and creativity, your legal practice is poised for a future of prosperity. Embrace the possibilities, harness innovation, and step confidently into the future. Your firm’s success story awaits.

Source : https://commwiser.com/20-strategies-for-building-a-thriving-legal-practice/

[hawkeandcophysio]

How Physiotherapists Treat Post-Surgery Recovery Effectively?

Recovering from surgery can be challenging, but with the right support, it becomes much more manageable. One of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery is through the expert care of a physiotherapist Henley Beach professional. In this blog, we'll explore how physiotherapists help in post-surgery recovery and why choosing the right physiotherapist can make all the difference.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Post-Surgery Recovery

Post-surgery recovery isn't just about resting and taking medication; it also involves rehabilitating your body to regain strength and mobility. This is where physiotherapy comes into play. A skilled physiotherapist helps guide you through a personalised rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.

Physiotherapy Adelaide clinics are known for their comprehensive recovery programs, which often include exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and create a customised plan that aligns with your surgical procedure and recovery goals.

Personalised Exercise Programs

One key component of post-surgery recovery is physical exercise. After surgery, your body needs to rebuild strength and flexibility. A physiotherapist from physiotherapy will design a program that helps you progress safely and effectively. 

These exercises can range from gentle stretches to more intensive strength-building activities aimed at restoring your body's functionality.

Physiotherapist Henley Beach professionals are adept at creating exercise regimens that accommodate your specific surgery and personal health goals. They monitor your progress and adjust the program to ensure you recover optimally without overexerting yourself.

Pain Management and Recovery

Pain management is another crucial aspect of post-surgery recovery. Physiotherapists use various techniques to help manage pain and discomfort, including manual therapy, heat and cold treatments, and ultrasound therapy. These methods can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve your overall comfort during recovery.

When you choose physiotherapist Henley Beach, you're not just getting a treatment plan but a partner in your recovery journey. They work closely with you to address pain and provide strategies for managing it effectively, ensuring you stay on track with your rehabilitation goals.

Education and Guidance

Education is an integral part of the physiotherapy process. Your physiotherapist will educate you on how to perform exercises correctly, how to manage pain, and how to prevent further injury. This knowledge empowers you to take an active role in your recovery.

The physiotherapy Adelaide team emphasises patient education. They help you understand the importance of each exercise and how it contributes to your overall recovery. With their guidance, you'll be well-informed and confident in your recovery efforts.

Why Choose a Local Physiotherapist?

Choosing a local physiotherapist can be incredibly beneficial. They are familiar with the local healthcare environment and can offer a more personalised approach to recovery. For example, if you're in the Henley Beach area, a physiotherapist can provide convenience and local expertise tailored to your needs.

Similarly, opting for physiotherapy Adelaide services means you'll have access to a range of specialised services and a network of healthcare professionals who understand the local community's needs. This localised care can enhance the effectiveness of your rehabilitation process.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from surgery requires patience, effort, and the right support. A physiotherapist plays a crucial role in guiding you through this journey with personalised care and expert advice. Whether you choose physiotherapist Henley Beach professional, you're ensuring that you have a dedicated professional helping you every step of the way.

By focusing on personalised exercise programs, pain management, education, and local expertise, physiotherapists help make post-surgery recovery as smooth and effective as possible. So, if you're on the road to recovery, consider reaching out to a physiotherapist to support and accelerate your journey back to health.

Source by - https://shorturl.at/Yn323 

[jimmarguliesofficial]

James Margulies Presents 5 Tips for Buying a Vacation Home

Buying a vacation home can be a dream come true, offering a personal retreat and potential rental income. 

According to James Margulies, it's a significant investment requiring careful consideration. 

Here are five essential tips from James Margulies to guide you through the process:

1. Evaluate Your Needs and Goals

Before diving into the market, clarify your primary reasons for purchasing a vacation home. 

Are you seeking a personal getaway, an investment property, or both? Understanding your priorities will help you choose a location and property that align with your goals. 

For example, a home intended for personal use might prioritise comfort and proximity to attractions you enjoy, while an investment property might emphasise rental potential and high occupancy rates.

2. Research the Location Thoroughly

Location is paramount in real estate, and even more so for vacation homes. 

Investigate the area's appeal to both you and potential renters. Consider factors such as weather, accessibility, local amenities, and market trends. 

A region with steady tourism and strong infrastructure will likely offer better returns on investment and consistent enjoyment for personal use. 

Additionally, visiting the location during different seasons can provide a comprehensive understanding of its year-round appeal.

3. Understand the Financial Implications

Buying a vacation home involves more than just the purchase price. 

Factor in ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. 

If you plan to rent out the property, consider management fees and potential vacancy periods. 

Consult with a financial advisor to understand the full financial impact and ensure the investment aligns with your long-term financial goals. 

Additionally, explore financing options, as mortgage rates and requirements for vacation homes can differ from primary residences.

4. Inspect and Assess the Property

A thorough property inspection is crucial. Hire a professional inspector to evaluate the home’s condition and identify any potential issues. 

This step is essential to avoid unexpected repairs and expenses. 

Additionally, assess the property’s amenities and layout to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. 

If you plan to rent it out, consider features that are attractive to renters, such as proximity to attractions, a fully equipped kitchen, and modern conveniences.

5. Understand Legal and Rental Regulations

Each region has specific laws and regulations regarding vacation rentals. Familiarise yourself with local zoning laws, rental restrictions, and homeowner association rules. 

Some areas may have limits on short-term rentals or require special permits and licences. 

Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid legal issues and fines. 

Consulting with a local real estate attorney can provide clarity and help you navigate the legal landscape effectively.

By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your vacation home purchase is a rewarding and financially sound investment.

[ukdamo]

The Taste of Soap

One of mine

The weather in London, on the morning of Saturday, March 1st 2024, was ambivalent, at best.

I stepped out of my overnight digs on Blundell St., N7, and set off for Euston. My mood was introspective, shading into quiet joy, with smatterings of anxiety. I was sporting a white T-shirt, a red plaid shirt, yellow 501s, red Kickers, and a grey backpack. I had my contact lenses in, and my half-moon reading glasses hooked in the top buttonhole of my shirt.

Google said the walk to Friends' House was 40 minutes: I was going there to attend my first ever Meeting for Sufferings. The weight of responsibility thus imposed was considerably heavier than the backpack. Still, I was well-prepared. I'd been diligent. I was as ready as I might be.

The lowering sky made an irrevocable decision to unburden itself. By the time I reached York Way and turned south, it was pelting down. I stopped, retrieved my 'showerproof' windcheater from the backpack, and donned it. At this point, I might have caught a bus; the 390 would have done good service. But I wanted the walk: the walk was an opportunity to gather and situate myself. Mostly, I don't mind getting wet: rain can be nourishment. There's an honesty about it, especially when you don't hide from it. Standing on the good earth, rain sluicing through your hair, trickling behind your ears and down your neck, stimulating the senses, emphasising your corporeality; it connects you to yourself and the world.

And what's a bit of rain, anyway? Friends in former times walked all day, blistered their feet, and slept in hedges, to get to Meeting. I had a sense of those earlier Friends alongside, as I beetled purposefully south. I mused about whether I was worthy to emulate them: being a representative on Meeting for Sufferings is not something to be trifled with. My appointment showed confidence on Area Meeting's part, and it required a reciprocal commitment on mine. But I didn't dwell long on this. Quakers are a do-it-yourself sort of set-up, and it's necessary that we muck in to get the work done; imposter syndrome is deeply unhelpful. More so because we are a Society of Friends: it's a collective endeavour. One of my favourite episodes, related in Quaker Faith and Practice, refers to a younger person, feeling somewhat inadequate, being appointed to a role in her local Meeting. She speaks to a weightier Friend about it, who sums up the Quaker approach very succinctly: “We have to take what we can get.” Quite.

That rain, though. It had latent effects.

To explain them, I need to backtrack to the cheap overnight digs in Blundell Street. I keep a wash-bag with toiletries in the grey backpack: it saves packing and unpacking it for gym visits or occasional overnight stays. But the tin of hair wax that produces my trademark Tintin quiff was not in the wash-bag that morning, which signified one of two things:

Either, I'd used the last of it (and not replaced it), or I'd taken it out to substitute for an empty one in the bathroom at home (and then not replaced it). Whichever one of the two it was, there was no wax. Did I mention I am 62?

I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror. My hair was a poorly forked haystack. Michael Fabricant, MP was besting me in terms of coiffure. It was not to be tolerated. I could not, for the life of me, remember is name, as I typed this. I had to use Google: 'MP with bad wig'. Michael came up first, insisting that what we see is his own luxuriant - if enhanced - locks. (Did I mention that I recently turned 63? Same age as as the aforementioned Michael).

There was liquid soap in the tiny bathroom, at Blundell Street. A gobbet of that, suitably applied, might make an acceptable substitute. And so I soaped up the quiff, and became recognisably myself. By the time I'd eaten my supermarket brand weetabix, tupperwared from home, the soap would be dry, and I would be fit to appear in public. The day was saved.

God, however, is not mocked (Galatians 6:7): I was now on York Way, heading south, in a deluge, and had a 40 minute walk to Friends House ahead of me. The former Cardinal of York, Thomas Wolsey, sidled over and confided; “Had you but served God as diligently as you have served the King, he would not have given you over in your grey hairs”. Quite, Thomas. I see how the matter is framed against me.

Still, wet or dry, quiff or no quiff, there was joy to be had. The pattering of the rain encouraged me to beetle along at a steady lick, and the physical sensations produced by the inquisitive rain were notable. Plus, there was the august edifice, at Euston; beckoning. And the day's work. All of that was before me; plain, and honest enough.

The rain tracked behind my ears. It negotiated the bridge of my nose, and trickled down laughter lines (Oh! for Liam Gallagher's monobrow). My Levis were plastered to my thighs. The red Kickers had turned oxblood. The showerproof windcheater was shown to be a chocolate fireguard. And then, all at once, I could detect fragrance in the air. It was not my 4711, re-wakened by the rain, as sometimes happens. The scent was of honeyed peach. I knew the source. The crestfallen / beaten down quiff was a straggle on my forehead. A quick purse of the lips, to shrug off the rain, brought the flavour to my tongue. The taste of soap.

Not the Sunlight soap of my childhood. Not the immense, buttery block that sat, in a scallop shell, on the stoneware sink in the kitchen, next to the loofah. But the taste of soap, nonetheless.

We were a family of six, with four males: that meant a lot of soap. The quotidien soap of the household was that Lever Brothers stand by, Sunlight. With lanolin, even. I had no idea what lanolin was – but mum could use it on her delicate skin. This was in the days before hypoallergenic was a even a word, still less a range of products. Sunlight came in fat, cumbersome, rectangular, pale-magnolia cakes. Really, it was completely unfeminine: great half-charlies of soap that were too big for the hand, unless you were a navvy, a stoker, or a coal miner. They carried a wide groove on their upper surface, with a cursive Sunlight stamped into it. I don't know if Sunlight is still going: it had a retro makeover many years ago but I can't recall seeing it in decades. The gradual demise of the C2 working class probably doomed it to extinction. And as for lanolin, people finding out that it was the oil from sheeps' fleeces no doubt undermined its appeal, somewhat.

So here I was, in 2024, on York Way, in London, heading south; the taste of soap in my mouth. His Eminence Cardinal Wolsey had stayed but an instant: he made his little jest, and departed. But here was mum, now; all together more solid and purposeful, with a message to impart.

I was back in the family home, in Nelson: it was 1972. Mum took a firm grip on my right ear, as I was lying on the hearthrug in front of the TV, and pulled. I might have pulled away, or resisted. But I didn't; 'Fair cop', one might say. She tugged me upright and took the few steps necessary to reach the kitchen, whilst I winced and tried to match her footwork.

She pulled open the door, with her free hand. Lino floor; free-standing pan cupboard to left; to the right, an ancient, pale green, kitchen unit (with drop-down enamelled work surface; good for pastry rolling). Next to it, the third-hand fridge (with missing button on the handle. The naked spike gouged your thumb when you depressed it to open the door). Then came the gas cooker. Opposite that, the back door into the yard. Adjacent to the door: the mop bucket.

We arrived at the sink, which was recessed into the end wall, with a window above it. That sink was a stoneware behemoth. Deep. Full-bellied, Victorian taps jutted out of the wall to the right (the lead pipes showed). Draining board to the left. That scuffed and chipped stoneware plateau was cold and unforgiving on a child's bare bum, I can tell you. And the window… the childhood embarrassment of caught, in flagrante, when the tally man called round with his little dog-eared book. But that occurrence was not uncommon in my childhood; boys got slutched up to buggery, smeared with tar, grimy. They were unceremoniously plonked in the sink, when small; or obliged to crouch on the draining board, when bigger; where they were mercilessly scrubbed clean by diligent mums, each wielding a rasp (it may have been a loofah). Back then, it was all part of the day's work, for everyone involved.

I was eleven now, mind: too big to fit in the sink recess. Still; there on the draining board was the scallop shell, and in the scallop shell was the loofah, and under the loofah was the Sunlight soap.

The scallop shell always retained a bit of water, and the soap marinated in it. Jellifying. Slowly. I always hated the texture of that lower portion. The translucency. The squidginess.

Imperial Leather would have prevented that. Standing proud, inverted on its label, holding itself aloof from all that goo. But those days were, as yet, unimagined.

With a tight grip on the ear, mum pulled my head over the sink, obliging me to bend at the waist. Her free hand reached for the scraggy loofah, on top of the soap, & picked it up. She gouged out a great gobbet of jellified soap, shoved the loofah into my mouth, and scrubbed. The taste was rank, and the abrasive loofah, noxious.

She synchronised words with her actions; “Damian Entwistle, I never want to hear such language out of your mouth again! It doesn't become you.”

Fifty some years later, I have no recollection whatever of the word(s) that had so provoked her amour propre. Some playground profanity, no doubt. There would have been prior warnings about 'washing your mouth out with soap &water' that had gone unheeded. Mum was ever just, and always loving. But acute disappointment had overwhelmed her natural tenderness on that occasion.

And on this occasion, in London, walking to Meeting for Sufferings in the rain: what had she to say to me then? The words leapt immediately to mind.

Who will set a guard over my mouth,     and an effective seal upon my lips, so that I may not fall because of them,     and my tongue may not destroy me …

… Remember your father and mother     when you sit among the great, or you may forget yourself in their presence,     and behave like a fool through bad habit …

(Sirach 22:27 ff)

Quite, mum. I see how things are framed.

Mum, “Think on.”

© Damian 29/5/24

[excentrichair]

Unlock the Secret to Flawless Hair: The Benefits of Choosing Hairdressers Nearby

The significance of proximity in the pursuit of the ideal hairstyle cannot be emphasised. Imagine yourself in a hurry to go to a special event, but your hair is not ready for the camera. You start looking for a solution so desperately that panic sets in. This is where having hairdressers nearby works its magic. You will receive a grooming experience unlike any other when convenience, knowledge, and dependability come together. Let's examine all the benefits that await clients who choose hairdressers nearby.

Convenience at Your Fingertips:

Time is a valuable resource, so it's best to avoid wasting it on long commutes to far-off hairdressers. Choosing hairdressers nearby allows you to take back those valuable moments for yourself. No more stuck in traffic or making long trips. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk or a short drive to your hairdressers nearby, where you can unwind and revitalise yourself.

Personalised Service with a Local Touch:

Hairdressers nearby take great satisfaction in offering individualised care that is catered to your requirements. They emphasize developing relationships with their customers, taking the time to learn about your preferences and aspirations for style, in contrast to larger chains. They have the know-how to realise your vision, whether it calls for delicate trimmings or striking alterations. Additionally, their knowledge of regional trends guarantees that you're always one step ahead of the competition.

Flexibility to Accommodate Your Schedule:

Unpredictable things happen in life, and hair emergencies at the last minute are not unusual. Fortunately, being adaptable is key when there are hairdressers nearby. Want a quick touch-up before an impromptu night out? Just give the hairdresser in your area a call, and they will make every effort to make you feel welcome. No more juggling competing schedules or waiting weeks for an appointment. Their top priority is your convenience.

Supporting Local Businesses:

Choosing hairdressers nearby is not just about practicality; it's also about giving back to the community. Investing in hairdressers nearby and encouraging a sense of community are two benefits of frequenting hairdressers nearby. These businesses frequently serve as the community's pillars, adding to its vitality and personality. Your choice to frequent them enhances the neighbourhood’s social fabric in addition to making your hair look better.

Peace of Mind & Trustworthy Service:

When it comes to hair care, trust is essential. You can feel secure knowing that trustworthy, reputable professionals are at your disposal when there are hairdressers in your area. Their proficiency and meticulous attention to detail guarantee flawless outcomes whenever you're looking for a standard trim or a full transformation. Furthermore, if any issues come up after the appointment, being close by enables a speedy resolution, which promotes loyalty and trust. In conclusion, there are numerous and indisputable advantages to choosing hairdressers nearby. The benefits are numerous and persuasive, ranging from ease and individualised service to peace of mind, supporting small businesses, and convenience. Therefore, you need only visit your hairdressers nearby the next time you need a hair makeover. Accept the ease, knowledge, and friendship it

[niveditha]

DIGITAL MARKETING COURSE IN BTM

Although the fundamentals of content marketing promotion are still largely the same, the particular approaches and techniques may change with time. Here are some updated and maybe applicable content marketing promotion techniques for 2024:

Utilise New Social Media Channels:

Watch out for newly developed social media sites that have the potential to become well-known. Reaching a less crowded audience can be facilitated by early adoption.

Examine virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR):

Think about implementing immersive experiences into your content marketing as AR and VR technology develop. This could entail developing VR experiences linked to your brand, AR filters, or interactive VR content.

Engaging Content:

Make more interactive materials, such as surveys, polls, and quizzes. This increases the reach of your content by engaging your audience and promoting social sharing.

Optimisation of Voice Search:

Make sure your material is optimised for speech inquiries given the growing popularity of voice-activated devices and voice search. Pay attention to long-tail and conversational keywords to match natural speech patterns.

Customisation Assisted by AI:

Use artificial intelligence (AI) to provide customised content recommendations based on user activity and preferences. AI algorithms can help you deliver more relevant content to your audience by enhancing the user experience.

Dominance of Video Content:

Video is still the most popular type of material. To draw in viewers, make an investment in top-notch video production and take into account interactive video, live streaming, and short-form videos.

Blockchain Technology for Openness:

Examine how blockchain technology might improve content transparency. This can entail utilising blockchain technology to verify data and guarantee the integrity and validity of your content.

Digital Collectibles and NFTs:

Investigate the realm of digital collectables and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), depending on your sector. Your audience may become more involved and feel more like owners as a result of this.

Hyper-Personalized and Localised Content:

As far as feasible, personalise your material to each user and adapt it to particular locales. Geotargeted content, customised suggestions, and location-based advertisements are a few examples of this.

Social Impact and Sustainability:

In your material, highlight your brand's dedication to social responsibility and sustainability. Emphasise eco-friendly activities, neighbourhood projects, or collaborations that have a beneficial social impact.

Inclusive marketing:

Make inclusive marketing a priority by including a range of viewpoints and opinions in your writing. This increases the size of your audience and is also in line with societal values.

Decentralisation and Web 3:

Keep yourself updated on advancements in decentralised platforms and Web3 technology. These may present fresh chances for community involvement and content sharing.

Did you know that 82% of companies use content marketing? Content marketing is one of the most valuable strategies for driving traffic, earning leads, and growing your business’s revenue. For your content marketing strategy to remain effective, you need to stay on top of the latest content marketing trends.

Here are the top trends in content marketing for 2024:

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate and personalize content

Creating content that offers value

Crafting relatable, trendy content

Focusing on the quality of your content

Shooting short-form video content

Monitoring how AI impacts search engine optimization (SEO)

Honing in on the user experience

Trying podcasting

Being consistent with content creation

Refreshing old content

Adding interactive elements to your content

You’ve spent a lot of time coming up with content, researching it, and of course, writing it. Then you publish, and the work continues.

It’s important to create content, yes. But, it’s equally as important to promote what you already have. Coming up with a strategy to promote what you’ve already worked so hard on can be most impactful for creating traffic and raising your brand awareness.

Seriously, you don’t need to publish multiple pieces every day. In this case, less really is more. And you can get more out of the work you’ve already done than you would if you published a quickly thrown-together piece every single day.

The trick is creating really in-depth pieces and then promoting it accordingly.

Why You Should Be Promoting Your Content

Think about your marketing strategy for a second. You promote your brand, you may pay for ads, and you probably spend time updating your business on listing sites and so on. These are all wonderful promotion habits.

You likely also have a social media profile, or two (or maybe even three!), and you likely share updates on there as well. Why do you do this? To be frank, it’s probably because you want to be part of the noise, and build your brand awareness while at it.

But why is this important? Well, content promotion helps you work less hard. What we mean by that is, you can use your existing content to retarget new audiences or repurpose it for new channels, without having to create new content each time.

Besides, sharing your quality content will help you focus on creating and maintaining strong pieces, rather than creating content just to have more content. More isn’t always better, you know.

To recap, promoting your content is essential because:

Creates brand recognition and awareness: Your blog, social profiles, and website are your own media, meaning you can share whatever you want on them. Sharing your content on multiple platforms helps you increase your brand awareness because it has the potential to be seen by new eyes on each channel. Plus, it makes it easier for others to find and share, too!

Enables you to become part of the conversation: When someone does an internet search on the product or service you sell, does your name appear? Probably so, but it wouldn’t unless you had content out there. Your name is more likely to become familiar if you are pushing content out there. Also, it helps to share your content on social media because, if you aren’t sharing, do you even exist? Sharing in the noise seems counterintuitive, but it is essential. You never know who might see your content. No one will see it all unless you shareMakes it much easier for others to share you too: Part of why you need to promote content is because it makes it easy for others to see. Content that is seen can be shared. If you share on social media, for example, your content is not just quick to be seen but also easy to be shared by others. A quick retweet can get you in front of the eyes of a whole new crowd of people.

Promoting your content is essential in building up your name. It’s one thing to have a good product, but it’s another to write about it. By sharing your expertise, you are further establishing yourself and building up your social currency (and desire to be shared).

But, your content can only go so far, you have to promote it, too.

Wrapping up

Content marketing can do a lot to bring traffic to your website and progress your business goals, but only if you take the right steps to promote your content.

Follow these tactics and monitor their impact on your site traffic:

Broadcast to your email list (more than once).

Evaluate content promotion networks.

Explore options with paid media.

Reach out on social media.

Connect outside social media.

Ask content curators to include your content.

Increase your reach by guest blogging.

You might find that some tactics work better than others, so adjust your strategy and get the most out of your promotion to get your content noticed. It's critical to maintain flexibility and modify your content marketing approach in response to emerging trends and technological advancements. To keep ahead of the ever-changing field of digital marketing, regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns through the use of analytics and remain receptive to trying out novel strategies.

[staranyy]

You can Prevent yourself with employee dog bite prevention

Dogs communicate through body language, Employee Dog Bite Prevention signs of aggression are crucial. The best method to prevent dog bites prevention is to provide a guideline to other important people. Be patient and persistent, and don't get discouraged if progress is slow. Repeat commands and actions until your dog understands Be consistent with your commands, rewards, and rules. Dogs thrive on routine, so try to establish a consistent training schedule. Training takes time.  Repeat commands and actions until your dog understands

Choose a Good Breed

Proper training and socialisation are fundamental in preventing aggressive behaviour in dogs. Training is the first key you can prevent yourself with dog bite prevention and there are many steps to prevent yourself dogs. Socialising dogs from a young age helps them become well-adjusted and less prone to aggressive tendencies.

Take a Good Lecture

Proper training and socialisation are fundamental in preventing aggressive behaviour in dogs. Training and socialisation are the first step to train a first and dog bite prevention. Socialising dogs from a young age helps them become well-adjusted and less prone to aggressive tendencies.

Improve your self

The choice of a dog breed significantly impacts the likelihood of bites. Some breeds look like so dangerous making them ideal for families. while others may require experienced owners due to this ownership. Considering the temperament and characteristics of a breed is essential in preventing potential issues.

Exhibit to a Dogs

Supervising interactions between dogs and people, especially children, is crucial. Even the most well-behaved dogs can exhibit unexpected behaviours. By closely monitoring interactions, owners can intervene if necessary, preventing potential incidents.

Teaching Children

Educating children on how to behave around dogs is a key aspect of bite prevention. Teaching them to approach dogs calmly, ask for permission before petting, and avoid certain behaviours can significantly reduce the risk of bites.

Handling and Respect

Respecting a dog's personal space and following proper handling techniques are essential. Approaching dogs calmly and avoiding sudden movements can help build trust and reduce the likelihood of defensive reactions.

Healthcare and Vaccinations

Regular veterinary check-ups and lone worker dog bite prevention to a dog's overall well-being. You can check your dogs regularly and their behaviours and take a healthy treatment of employee dog bite prevention emphasising. The importance of responsible pet ownership in bite prevention. Always ask the owner for permission before approaching a dog, especially if it's an unfamiliar one. Respect the dog's space and allow it to initiate contact.

Identifying Triggers

Understanding situations that may trigger aggressive behaviour in dogs allows owners to avoid or manage those situations appropriately. Recognizing and addressing triggers is a proactive approach to preventing bites.

Securing Your Property

A well-fenced yard and proper leash use in public spaces are critical in preventing dog bites. Restricting a dog's access to unfamiliar environments and ensuring they are under control during walks contribute to a safer community.

Legal Responsibilities

Adhering to local dog ownership laws is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial aspect of bite prevention. Being aware of responsibilities as a dog owner helps create a safe environment for both the owner and the community.

Seeking Professional Help

Professional trainers and behaviourists play a significant role in addressing and preventing aggressive behaviour in dogs. Knowing when to seek their assistance can make a substantial difference in a dog's behaviour. Dogs can be protective of their resting and eating spaces. Avoid disturbing a dog when it is resting or eating to prevent any potential aggression. Always ask the owner for permission before approaching a dog

Awareness Programs

Participating in community initiatives for responsible pet ownership and spreading awareness about dog bite prevention contribute to a safer environment. Ensure your dog gets regular exercise to help burn off excess energy. A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog.

Emergency Preparedness

In the rare event of facing an aggressive dog, knowing how to react is crucial. This includes understanding when to stand still, avoiding direct eye contact, and seeking help immediately. Consider enrolling in a dog training class with a professional trainer. This can provide valuable guidance and socialisation opportunities.

Conclusion

Ensure your dog is in good health. Sometimes, behaviour issues can be linked to health problems. If in doubt, consult with your veterinarian. Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Tailor your training approach to your dog's individual needs and personality. Always use positive reinforcement and make training sessions enjoyable for your dog

[teamlivstudio]

8 Creative Hacks to Cut Down the Cost of Home Interiors by LivStudio

Welcome to LivStudio's blog! We understand the excitement and challenges that come with designing a home interior. As one of the best home interior designers in Chandigarh, we believe in creating stunning spaces without straining your budget. Decorating your home can be a fulfilling experience, and we've curated eight innovative hacks to help you cut down on the expenses of home interiors.

1. Plan and Prioritise

Begin your interior design journey by outlining a clear plan. Assess your space and identify the areas that require immediate attention. Prioritise these areas based on their significance and allocate your budget accordingly. By having a roadmap, you ensure that your funds are channelled into the most crucial aspects of your home.

2. DIY Decor

Unleash your creativity by embracing do-it-yourself projects. Crafting personalised décor items not only adds a unique touch to your home but also significantly reduces costs. From handmade wall art to custom furniture refurbishments, DIY projects can transform your space without breaking the bank.

3. Upcycling and Repurposing

Take a closer look at items you already own. Old furniture pieces or decorative elements can be given a new life through upcycling or repurposing. A fresh coat of paint, rearrangement, or repurposing can turn these items into unique focal points of your interior design.

4. Shop Smart

As leading interior designers in Chandigarh, we emphasise the importance of savvy shopping. Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and clearance events. Online platforms, thrift stores, and local markets often harbour hidden gems at affordable prices. Don't hesitate to explore various options to find the best deals for your home décor needs.

5. Focus on Statement Pieces

Investing in a few statement pieces can elevate your entire interior design concept. Whether it's striking artwork, an elegant rug, or a unique furniture item, these focal pieces can add character to your space without the need for excessive spending on every detail.

6. Optimise Lighting

Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the ambiance of a room. Maximise natural light during the day to reduce dependence on artificial lighting. Consider energy-efficient fixtures that not only cut down on electricity bills but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your interiors.

7. Minimalism and Functionality

Adopting a minimalist approach can work wonders for your budget. Declutter your space and focus on functional elements that serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose. Streamlining your décor not only saves money on unnecessary decorations but also creates a clean and sophisticated look.

8. Consult with Professionals

Sometimes, seeking guidance from the best interior designers in Chandigarh can be a smart investment. Professionals can offer expert advice on where to allocate your budget effectively. Their insights can help you make informed decisions that are the best interior designers in Chandigarh with your vision while staying within your budget constraints.

At LivStudio, we believe that a beautifully designed home is achievable without exceeding your financial boundaries. By implementing these creative hacks, you can craft a stunning interior space that reflects your style and personality without breaking the bank.

Ready to transform your space? Contact LivStudio, among the best home interior designers in Chandigarh, and let us help you bring your vision to life without breaking the bank.

Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more tips and inspirations from LivStudio.

[ndayrvd]

Contractor Tips: 9 Ways To Create An Impressive Resume

In the vibrant and dynamic backdrop of Sydney, Australia, where businesses flourish and industries thrive, the competition for white collar contract & labour hire can be intense. The resume or curriculum vitae (CV) you present isn't just a list of qualifications—it's a testament to your dedication, experience, and unique fit for a role. 

In a city that prides itself on being a nexus of innovation and opportunity the standards are high. Professionals from various fields converge, bringing their skills to the table. Thus, creating a standout resume becomes not just beneficial, but imperative.

Standing out in such an environment can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, you can craft a resume that captures attention and makes a lasting impression.

With this in mind, let's delve into some essential tips to make sure that your CV isn't just glanced at, but truly seen and appreciated.

Tailor It for the Position

Before you begin crafting your resume, take a moment to thoroughly review the job description and requirements. Customise your CV to align closely with what the employer is seeking. Highlight skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the position, ensuring you're presenting yourself as the ideal candidate.

Quantify Achievements

Numbers speak volumes. When detailing your professional experience, try to quantify your achievements. Instead of writing, “Successfully managed a team,” you might say, “Led a team of 10, achieving a 20% increase in productivity.” This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.

Use a Clean and Organised Format

Your resume should be easy to skim. Utilise a clean, modern layout with clear headings and bullet points. Avoid overwhelming the reader with walls of text. Remember, recruiters often spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so ensure yours is structured in a way that your most significant achievements and qualifications are easily discernible.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications

Especially in Sydney's competitive market, having relevant qualifications can make all the difference. Whether it's a formal degree, a certificate, or specialised training, make sure to highlight these clearly on your resume. If you’ve undertaken any courses in Sydney or renowned Australian institutions, don’t hesitate to mention them, as local credentials can be especially appealing to Sydney-based companies.

Optimise with keywords

Many companies utilise Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they ever reach a human recruiter. These systems search for specific keywords related to the job. Ensure your resume contains relevant keywords from the job description, but always ensure they're integrated naturally and truthfully.

Showcase Transferable Skills

While hard skills specific to a role are essential, don't underestimate the power of transferable skills. Abilities such as problem-solving, leadership, communication, and adaptability are universally valued. Especially if you're transitioning between industries or roles, emphasising these skills can demonstrate your versatility and capability.

Add a Personal Touch with a Professional Summary

Consider opening your resume with a brief professional summary. This section, typically 3-4 lines, offers an opportunity to pitch yourself succinctly, highlighting your most impressive and relevant attributes. It can set the tone for the rest of the resume and intrigue the reader to learn more.

Don’t Forget Soft Skills

In today's collaborative work environments, soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and communication are becoming increasingly essential. While they might not always be the primary focus of a role, demonstrating that you possess these attributes can make you a more appealing candidate. Think of instances when you've demonstrated these skills and weave them into your resume.

Proofread and Seek Feedback

Last but by no means least, meticulously proofread your resume. A single typo can undermine your professionalism. After you've reviewed it multiple times, consider asking a trusted friend or mentor to look it over. They might catch something you missed or offer invaluable feedback on how to make it even stronger.

Crafting an impressive resume is both an art and a science. It requires a delicate balance of showcasing your skills and experiences, telling a compelling professional story, and presenting all this information in an easily digestible format. Especially in vibrant cities like Sydney, where opportunities abound but competition is fierce, taking the time to perfect your CV can prove immensely beneficial.

With the tips mentioned above, you're equipped to present yourself in the best light and make an unforgettable impression on potential employers. Whether you're just starting your professional journey or looking to make your next big move in Sydney's bustling job market, a polished resume is your passport to new opportunities.

[jaetaimjadore]

Illumination | mk.l [1] (discontinued)

Pairing: Mark Lee x reader

Genre: fluff, angst, soulmates, the world is black and white until you encounter your soulmate, born with your soulmate’s first word tattooed to your body, medical student!AU

Warnings: profanity, slowburn, reader’s initially morally questionable choices, made-up/unrealistic depiction of college life, members aged up/down, food

Word Count: 10.9k

‣ Chapter Synopsis: Your life so far has consisted of four things: black, white, grey, and blue. The black, white and grey part was all well and good, but the blue…let’s just say that colour is a real pain in your ass arm.

Parts: [Blue] [It's Complicated] (ongoing)

Author's Note: *gasp* ok, ok, ok I finally did it. I finally released the first chapter of Illumination, I'm shaking AAAAAA. This chapter is a precursor for context purposes – a backstory if you will (but not a prologue, idek it's kinda complicated) – and will provide the essential information to understand the plot in future chapters. This is my first fanfic ever, so I really hope you enjoy it!!!

Taglist: @wordholic @m1ss-foodi3 @skye-is-here @marksquare @serenity-17 @yyangcoffee @allmylove2chenji @toxicenough

request or dm to be added to taglist <3

PART 1: Blue

You huff, flopping down dramatically amongst the scattered papers on your dishevelled bed, the assortment of rustling sounds loud enough to travel through the phone your unoccupied hand presses to your ear.

“I’m just saying,” says the sickeningly sweet voice matter-of-factly over the speaker, sounding far more interested in whatever he was doing than the conversation at hand.

You drop the piece of paper clutched delicately in your other hand, letting it drift wherever the wind of your air conditioner allows. “Winwin, you’re this close to making me lose lose my mind.” You know he can’t see the way your thumb and forefinger pinch together to emphasise your point, but you do it nonetheless. With a groan you sit up, “You know I can’t apply for medicine without full colour vision. I mean, how would I medically treat a person without even being able to distinguish red from green?” You blink, adding with a mumble, “Whatever those colours even look like…”

After a short silent pause, you shake your head to yourself, bowing down as your voice thins into a demoralised hum. “It’s just not possible, Winwin. I guess I just need to accept that.” You glance towards the crook of your left elbow with knitted eyebrows, scanning each letter of the word etched into that part of your skin over and over again.

Blue

It's in a sort of pretty cursive font you’d always aspired to write in as a child – but never could, mind you – there it is, this word on, or rather, in your skin. And it’s the one thing that’s stopping you from achieving your dreams.

You’ve known of its existence as long as you’ve known yourself, stamped by its decree since you were brought into this world fresh from the womb; it could have even been there since you were inside for all you could tell. According to your mother’s apparent excellent memory, you had first noticed the mark when you were merely 10 weeks of age, probably around the time you discovered you had hands, she had told you with a chuckle.

By the age of two, you could speak the word without fault, having been coaxed into voicing it by your parents far too many times that it would’ve been worrying if you couldn’t. But it wasn’t until you were four-years-old, bouncy and lively in every which way a child of such age could be, that you'd understood it wasn’t simply just a few squiggly birthmarks on the inside of your arm; it was the age when you could finally read it and understand what it was and what it meant.

⋆⋆⋆

You and your mother were at the local beach, sat on the checked picnic rug in front of the vast ocean, the sun beating rays of heat against the little flower-patterned bucket hat sitting on your sand-ridden hair, while her hair flew beautifully along with the pleasant breeze.

You sit between your mum’s open legs, on top of her splayed-out sundress giggling as you poke her shiny sunglasses with a small pointer finger. “Baby, can you read this out for me?” Her fingers lightly tap the word on your arm. You nod enthusiastically, almost tipping the bucket hat out of its place if it weren't for her gentle hand.

“Buhhh…ulllll…oooo. BuhLOOO.” You crack a big, toothy grin, looking at your mother expectantly. She chuckles fondly, kissing your warm cheeks, cooing, “Yes! Blue! Good work, Y/n!” You grin even wider, feeling proud to make her happy. “Do you know what blue means?”

You shake your head.

“Blue is a colour,” she speaks softly, emphasising ‘colour’, earning a confused frown from you.

“Cuh-luhr?” You tilt your head in question, blinking round curious eyes up at her, causing her to smile. “Yes, colour. Colours are…” she pauses, contemplating her words to fit her four-year-old’s limited vocabulary, “Colours are like your feelings. When you feel happy you might feel the colour yellow.”

“Yehlow,” you sound out, nodding your head along with each syllable.

“Yes, that’s it, yellow! And when you feel angry-” she pouts with knitted eyebrows, feigning anger, causing you to erupt into a fit of giggles, “-you might feel the colour red.”

“Red," you pout too, imitating the emotion, before an idea pops into your head, eyes lighting up in thought. “Momma, momma, what about buhloo?”

This causes her to still for a moment, looking up through the corner of her eyes in thought. “Hmm, blue can be whatever you want it to be, baby. You might feel happy or sad…or excited.” She brings her fingers up to your sides and starts ticking you until you gleefully drop back against the rug, flailing around before being attacked with innumerable fluttering kisses.

⋆⋆⋆

“You know, staring at it won’t make it go away…or make you feel any better, Y/n,” Winwin tsks over the phone, causing you to snap out of your dazed reverie with comically wide eyes and a magically straightening posture.

“What? How’d you know I was looking at it?” The bemused tone in your voice earns you a scoff from the boy in your ears. “Uhh, because I’m your best friend and you always look at it," he speaks with a flat tone.

Deflating, you sigh in defeat. “Touché.” You turn your neck around to take in the horrendous sight of your messy bed once again, hastily gathering the papers in a makeshift pile before continuing, “My point being, I can’t just apply for the course by lying about my illumination, because A: that’s just morally wrong, and I’m not that kind of person, and B: they’re gonna find out anyway when I can’t tell apart basic dipstick colours. I’m just saying.” You quote your best friend’s words from earlier with a grin and a mental mic drop…although you’re not quite sure why you’re so proud of yourself when you’ve single-handedly argued against getting into the course of your dreams.

“Whatever you say, bubbles, but take it from me – someone who can tell apart dipstick shades – you’re gonna meet your soulmate sooner or later. I mean, I did, and that’s gotta mean something, so surely you’ll meet yours soon." he pauses, half expecting you to interject his little speech, but to his surprise, you don’t.

“Look, you’ve nailed your pre-recs and you passed your finals with flying colours not even a month ago...no pun intended."

You snort at the remark.

"Y/n, you’ve practically already been accepted in Neo Central’s clinical program. Are you really gonna throw this all away in despair? Over that goddamn tattoo?" Winwin pauses, hesitating. "What happened to us getting into med school together?” He almost sulks over the phone and you find yourself frowning, feeling guilty as ever.

You did promise each other you’d both work hard throughout high school to achieve results that would get you into med school without a hitch. And work hard you did, studying together in the library often till midnight, waking up early to fit in that extra little bit of revision. Racking your brains for the answers until you had that beloved lightbulb moment. You endured it all together.

And the efforts definitely payed off, both of you being among the top achievers of your grade; Winwin even earning the dux award in grades 11 and 12, which you couldn’t be prouder of.

In a way, you suppose you’re obligated to him for being by your side through some of the toughest years of your life so far, but your situation wasn’t exactly allowing for decent recompense on your part.

Maybe I could try applying…

You bite your lip in thought, entertaining the idea briefly before shaking it away.

No, it’s wrong, and even if I got accepted, I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt

Sighing with a devastated expression, you reply, “Sicheng, I know…and I’m really sorry. But I thought I would’ve had my illumination by the time college applications were due.” You place the pile of papers onto your nightstand and lie back properly against your pillows. “And for the last time, please stop calling me bubbles.”

Bubble

Six letters, two syllables, and one utterly ridiculous word.

But it was your utterly ridiculous first word. Go figure.

This was yet another word of significance in your life, and you’d only come to know why by the age of eight; the age when you also fully understood what the peculiar little word in the crook of your elbow truly meant for you.

⋆⋆⋆

“Wait, so this-” you point at the word on your straightened arm, showing it to your parents who busy themselves with the night’s work in the kitchen, “-is my soulmate’s first word?” You scrunch your nose, almost disgusted with what they’d just told you.

“Yes,” both your parents speak in unison, both glancing up at you for a second, before resuming their chores, you blinking up at them obliviously. “Whaaaat?” your face screws ever tighter as you drag out the word, looking back to your arm in confusion before flopping it down to your side, shrugging, “I don’t get it.”

Your dad dries his hands on a dishcloth before walking around the island and patting one of the bar stools, pointing his chin toward it for you to saunter over and struggle to sit upon by yourself. “Do you remember what your first word was, love?” he asks.

“That’s easy, bubble,” you reply simply.

“Exactly,” he smiles, “Just like you had your first word – bubble – someone else had theirs, and that’s blue.” He unfolds your crossed arms and points at the word. “And just like you have that special person’s first word on your arm, that special person also has this special person’s first word on their arm,” he playfully taps at your cheek, his words causing you to smile, even letting out a tiny giggle at being called special.

“Soooo, someone else has bubble on their arm? In the same place?” you ask, starting to get invested after grasping the gist.

“Yes," your mother interjects blithely, joining you and your father on the other side of the kitchen island after finishing her work with the dishes. “And guess what?” She bends down to your face level and whispers, causing you to perk up in hopes of listening in on a potential secret. “WHAT?” You absentmindedly whisper-shout, earning a few chuckles from your parents.

“Mum and dad have matching marks too,” she smiles, watching as your eyes widen and a dramatic gasp falls past your now ‘o’ shaped lips. “Can I see?” You ask, eyes lighting up in fascination and excitement.

They share a soft look with one another, nodding to you before looking down at their feet, your gaze following. Etched on the inside of both of their right ankles are the words cat - on your mother's ankle - and ball - on your father's.

The sight sends another loud gasp tumbling from your lips. “Woooow,” you look up at them with stars in your eyes, as they smile brightly back.

“Do you remember your colours?” your dad chuckles.

You eagerly nod in response. “Yes! Yellow means happy, but the sun and bananas are yellow too, I just can’t see it yet. Red means angry, but apples and love hearts are red toooo!” You shape your hands into a heart and push it out from your chest towards your parents, before dropping it with a huff. “But I can’t see red yet either." Your mum responds by reaching forward and stroking your head as you continue. “Blue is the colour of the sky and the sea…oooo and this is blue too!” You excitedly point to the word on your arm, recalling your mother describing its deep blue tint to you not too long ago.

You’ve learnt a lot for a child of your age, always the inquisitive type, never hesitating to ask the colour of every little grey object that caught your eye, and making sure to recite the colour without fail. One might say this was further provoked by the day one of your friends came screaming to you that she could see colour.

It made you curious and perhaps even a little envious in every essence of your eight-year-old self – though you’d never admit it aloud.

Your friend had mentioned a funny word that you couldn’t quite remember. Ilima…minli…alima…what was it?

“Don't worry, lovely, you’ll be able to see colours soon.” Your mother winks at you.

“When?” you flick your gaze back and forth between your parents in wonder.

“Well, when you meet the special person whose first word was blue,” your dad starts, tapping the tattoo, “That’s when you’ll see colours.”

“It’s called your illumination.” Your mum pronounces the word distinctly, and you repeat it back once, twice, seven times, however long as it takes for you to remember it.

⋆⋆⋆

“Alright, bubbles, just know that I support whatever decision you choose,” Winwin chimes into your ear drums, yawning loudly through the speaker.

“Thanks, Win,” you smile, feeling a comforting warmth spread through your chest.

He seriously is the best, you really don’t deserve hi-

“-no matter how stupid I think it is.”

Scratch that.

You roll your eyes, “Ok ding dong, get some rest, you obviously need it.”

“Night bubbl-“

“Don’t. Call. Me. Bubbles,” you cut Winwin off, grumbling, “Good night.”

You end the call and drop the phone on your chest lightly, sighing for the nth time that night and turning to face your laptop on the other side of the room. Its light is bright and inviting as far as the average unilluminated eye could tell, coaxing you to reluctantly swing your feet over the edge of your bed and drag yourself to sit on the leather chair in front it.

Typing in your password on the keyboard, you manoeuvre and click the trackpad to a document saved on your desktop, eventually met face-to-face with a college application.

The college application. Not the other irrelevant ones you’d already filled out, emailed, and had interviews for; those don’t really matter, even though you suppose they should.

This application however, was the one that was supposed to be securing your admission into Neo Central College, the college with the most prestigious medicine program of them all. This application is in tip-top shape; already filled with words from top to bottom just in case your soulmate decides to show up last minute.

It’s right in front of you, all ready to be emailed through, to be read and commended and accepted by the college of your dreams.

You look back to your arm and the action quite ironically bursts your bubble. Here this damned tattoo sits, mocking everything you’ve ever worked for, stopping you from reaching the one thing you’ve always wanted. You sit there in silence staring back and forth between the the application and your tattoo, swivelling around every once in a while in your chair, blowing away loose strands of hair every couple minutes. You think and wallow in a deadly cycle, recalling Winwin’s words from earlier.

"Are you really going to throw this away?"

Well, am I? you think to yourself. But do I really have a choice in the matter?

Your internal struggle causes you to stand up and start pacing around your room, feet tapping unrhythmically and teeth gnawing at your lips.

Is this what I want? You try to reason with yourself. It’s still not too late to apply to NCC, admissions don’t close for another month.

Surely you wouldn't let Winwin down, right? It’s the least you could do not to. Right?

A buzz from your phone startles you, luring you toward your bed to read the message:

Loselose [10:36pm]: My interview’s in a couple weeks…you better wish me luck whether you decide to apply or not 🔪🔪🔪

You grimace at the text, dropping your head back to face the ceiling, feeling even worse now that the words are displayed in front of you.

How nice it must have been for him to have found his soulmate and be able to see the world in colour. You’re happy for him, you truly are, but that was supposed to be you too. You and him together.

Loselose [10:37pm]: I know you’ve already filled that application out

Loselose [10:37pm]: It’s still not too late to submit…if you want 🤷‍♂️

You simply blink.

If you want…

You eyes grow as big as saucers.

What the fuck, of course I want to! screams your slightly fogged up internal voice. Who cares if you haven’t had your illumination yet? This is your life, that you control; nobody and nothing else has the right to take that control away from you.

With this in mind, you dash back with long strides to your laptop, an empowering newfound energy coursing through your veins, instigated from Winwin’s confronting text. With shaking hands, you open up your mailbox, dragging the application file into the already drafted email, and hitting send.

Email sent.

You flop back into your chair, pushing it back slightly from the desk while releasing a deep breath you frankly weren’t aware you were holding in the first place.

Well, that was fast.

You start to feel light-headed.

I mean, I’ve got the grades. Again, starts your pious self-talk. And I’ve got the pre-requisites, and the extra credits. Worst case scenario, they discover my non-existent illumination…but surely they won’t kick me out of the medical program once I get in, right? What could go wrong?

What could possibly go wrong?

Mark Lee’s first word was blue.

So weird he’s always thought, still can’t bring himself to understand how it‘s even possible for a baby to speak a word as phonetically complex as that. He'd come to accept it eventually after his mother’s incessant convincing over the years that she swore she heard him babble it when he was an eleven-month-old infant.

It was undoubtedly a weird first word, however, not the least in a bad way.

Though Mark hasn’t ever seen anything remotely blue in his eighteen years and two months of existence – can't see anything other than black, white and grey for that matter – blue is in fact, his favourite colour. And if someone were to ask him how he came to that conclusion without his illumination, he wouldn’t dare tell them that it’s been his favourite colour ever since his mother told him what colours were in the first place.

He just feels it, likes the vibe, flows with it. He’s drawn to the enigma surrounding the word blue; how he’s been told before that the sea and the sky are both coincidentally blue. That underneath all those dull monochrome hues, the two most vast and boring plains to exist, are perhaps not so boring and plain in another person’s reality.

The ocean waves which Mark can only describe as an assorted palette of greys, whites and blacks, is, in fact, the same beautiful rolling sapphire silk to the average illuminated folk. The sky Mark walks beneath, most often a dull mid-toned grey – perhaps whitish on the best days, darkish on the worst – is the same sky luckier people would spend hours admiring; waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the dulcet sunrise, a white ball too bright for its own good, or so Mark would describe it as.

These are things he can’t even begin to imagine. After all, he can only be acquainted with the life he’s so far lead, and it is the most dull, plain and monotonous notion to have ever graced his conscience. Nonetheless, the possibilities lying in the palm of Mark's future, pique his curiosity. But he knows all too well what happened to the curious cat, so that's exactly where he reluctantly chooses to draw the line.

The truth is, he wants to witness colour. Desperately. But he knows that to witness any sort of blue, green, red, or yellow he must undergo his illumination. He must meet the one.

His one.

And that's where Mark's main issue stems from; he really can’t care less about his one.

Fuck that he often says, absentmindedly glancing down at the ink etched into the crook of his left elbow every time the thought pops into his head. He wasn’t born with the word inked into his skin like some of his childhood friends were, it simply faded into existence when he was about four months old, or so his mother had professed to him more than enough times his poor ears could handle.

Bubble

That’s what the letters spell, written in a fancy font that most girls in his classes would compliment as aesthetic.

But Mark hates it with all his being.

What a stupid word.

⋆⋆⋆

“Renjun, Jaemin, do you have a favourite colour?” Mark asks his friends as they sit side by side on their regular stone bench, shaded from the blaring sun by the swaying leaves of the tall tree up above.

Mark sits to the very left of the two boys, face scrunched while roughly tugging at the jammed zipper of his Spiderman lunchbox. Renjun – who sits in the middle – promptly snatches it, returning it to Mark unjammed and open, displaying his sandwich packaged neatly in cling wrap.

“Thanks, Jun,” Mark replies, ever the well-mannered boy despite his often-troublesome tendencies.

Taking his sandwich out, he immediately frowns with a small humph.

Tuna coleslaw; eight-year-old Mark’s worst nightmare.

Yuck!

Sniffing something a little more delicious, Mark cranes his neck forward, eyes landing straight upon the source; Jaemin's egg and bacon sandwich. He feels his mouth start to water watching his friend chew away happily.

In Mark’s defence, that sandwich would also look way yummier to any other eight-year-old holding a tuna coleslaw sandwich.

Jaemin catches Mark’s more-than-eager stare, pausing mid chew and pulling his sandwich closer to his chest possessively. Mark’s pout etches itself a little deeper across his puerile features as he sulkily bites into his tuna coleslaw sandwich.

“Ugh, fine,” Mark perks up as Jaemin's red Nike Air Forces step into view, “Here,” he holds his sandwich out to Mark, nodding for him to take a bite.

Never before had one seen a little boy light up with such joy, as Mark smiles widely, revealing two gaps from the two milk teeth that fell out a couple weeks prior. He gratefully takes a bite – not too big a bite though; he wouldn’t have liked it if Jaemin ate a third of his own egg and bacon sandwich in one fell swoop, so he wouldn’t do that to Jaemin either.

“Dankoo daemin,” he beams with two cheeks full of the delectable sandwich, crumbs decorating the corners of his more than satisfied smile. Renjun giggles looking at Mark’s ridiculous face, poking his puffed-out cheek. “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Jaemin dismisses, bowing his head to smile widely in hopes nobody sees it. Both Mark and Renjun see it.

A thought suddenly pops into Mark’s head. “You guys didn’t answer my question," he points out.

“What question?” Renjun asks, eyes wide and sparkling as a small breeze flicks up a lock of his dark brown hair. Mark huffs at the sincerity written on Renjun’s face, repeating, “Do you have a favourite colour?”

“I don’t know what colours look like," Jaemin chimes in, scoffing down the last of his lunch, “I haven’t met my soulmate yet.”

“Me too,” Says Renjun, indifferently. “But I don’t care. Girls have cooties-”

“-my favourite colour is blue,” Mark ignores them, interjecting his own statement, hellbent on boasting the little fact. His two friends turn their heads toward him simultaneously.

“You can see colours?” Renjun asks, somehow more invested now that his friend could apparently see the world through a different lens.

“Yep,” Mark grins ear to ear, proudly tilting his chin to the air.

In all honesty, Mark can't see colours. His world is just as boring and dull as Jaemin and Renjun’s probably is, or maybe even more. This little boy just wants a little attention to himself, a juvenile selfishness instilled in almost any child of his age. Telling a little white lie couldn’t hurt, right?

Wrong.

“Liar,” Mark’s head whips around to see Jax, the boy nobody dared mess with in third grade, walking around to the little bench and standing tall in front of Mark’s small frame. He already had his illumination, and that made him all the more intimidating.

Though Jax only speaks the truth, Mark doesn’t back down, his immature little pouch of pride willing him to argue back, smile dropping into a furrowed expression as he yells. “I’m not lying!”

“Prove it then,” Jax says. “Show me what…” he looks around, eyes lighting up when they land on Mark’s tattoo. “Tell us what colour your mark is.”

Mark’s eyes follow Jax’s gaze to his very grey, very colourless tattoo; Bubble.

He hesitates, trying to logically solve the colour.

Bubbles are made from water and soap; water is blue...but soap is pink…that doesn't many any sense!

Suddenly aware of his slouching posture, Mark straightens his back and stands up, feigning confidence. The top of his head only reaches Jax’s mouth, so he lifts his chin a little higher.

“That’s easy, it’s blue,” he speaks, hoping he comes across more confident that sceptic. He went with blue since there’s more water than soap in bubble mixture; it makes sense so it simply had to be blue.

Blue is the colour of the sea and the sky. Blue is also Mark’s favourite colour. There were simply too many blue things in the world for the tattoo on his arm not to be blue.

⋆⋆⋆

Needless to say Mark's tattoo wasn't blue.

He became the third grade’s laughingstock, earning an earful of malicious laughter and teasing for upwards of two weeks. He’s never been able to let the incident go ever since.

Orange, it was orange. Not blue.

Orange.

He should’ve known, given its lighter grey complexion compared to Jaemin and Renjun’s tattoos, and he’d be damned if he ever forgot it.

Bubble

Right now, sitting in his room, on his bed with his hands so close to ripping out his head of bed hair, Mark wishes nothing more than to erase this word from existence.

“Shit.” He curses, hastily reading over the words on his laptop again and again.

Illumination: Required

Illumination: Required

Illumination: Required

“Ah, fuck," he throws his head down into his hands.

How did this happen?

How did he miss this after reading through the application requirements at least thirty times over? How did he miss it the dozen times he read through it before he sent the application? How did he miss it the dozen times he read through it after he sent the application?

Of course, he didn’t do it intentionally…he just missed it.

But how?

Mark looks up at his laptop once again, ripping his glasses off and blinking his eyes shut for ten seconds, willing for this nightmare to end once he opened them back up.

Illumination: Required

It's still there.

“Fuuuuuuck,” he drawls out tossing the glasses somewhere across the room, running his hands down his face and rubbing his eyes as he falls back against his unmade duvet. “Fuck you,” he mumbles into his palms, not in the correct frame of mind to distinguish who or what exactly it was directed at…probably the six-letter death wish on his arm.

There goes his shot at landing NCC’s undergrad medical program, blowing up right before his eyes.

He had sent in his application almost two weeks ago, confident and ready as he’d ever be.He’d worked for this. He worked hard for this.

Though he hadn’t cared much for his studies as a child, Mark had grown to be a naturally bright young man; some might have called him gifted. That being said, he didn’t boast his natural smarts, and he didn’t rely solely on them too. He put in extra efforts in high school to get himself where he is now. All he had to do was nail the interview, and the world would be his stage.

Mark groans.

So much for that.

He smacks the tattoo on his left arm in anger. It was all because of this. No way in hell is he getting an acceptance email-

The shrill ring of Mark’s phone from his desk startles him back to a seated position on his bed. He sighs and sullenly trudges his way to pick it up, glancing briefly at the caller ID.

God, I really need to lower my ringer.

Displayed is some unknown number, but still within the country given the dial code. He picks up the call and holds the phone to his ear, waiting for a voice to speak up over the line; he’s heard far too many horror stories about scammers that can track voices, vouching never to speak up first on calls with strangers.

“Hello? Is this Mr Mark Lee?”

He perks up at the almost robotic female voice that speaks on the other side, clearing his throat silently.

“Yes, it is. Speaking?” he cautiously answers.

“This is Tiffany Young from the Neo Central College admissions board.”

Mark’s eyes widen, mouth dropping open, suddenly feeling his heart rate pick up in his chest.

“Oh? O-oh, yes, ma’am!” he stutters, catching himself by the tongue before he blurts out anything stupid that could work against him. Grip on his phone faltering for a second, his second hand comes up to support it against his ear, not trusting himself.

Get it together, Mark.

He decides that sitting down in his chair would probably be the best way to get it together.

The lady – Ms Young – speaks up again. “I’m calling in regard to your college application for NCC’s medical program.” She pauses, expecting Mark to reply, though it takes him a moment to catch on.

“Oh...oh! Yes!” he squeezes his eyes shut, knocking his knuckles three times on the side of his head, face contorting into one of embarrassment and annoyance at himself and his atypically sputtering demeanour.

What the hell is happening?

“It was a privilege to read. You seem to be a promising student, Mr Lee.”

Mark covers his mouth to suppress what felt like a squeal as he felt it slowly rising up his throat. “Thank you, Ms Young.”

“You’re most welcome. You may know it is not typical that we call our applicants directly…” Oh no, he feels it coming. “…I understand you have not had your illumination as of yet.”

Mark gulps, feeling a shallow pit open in his chest, all the nerves shooting right out of his dispirited heart in anticipation. “Yes, ma’am,” speaks his timid voice, void of all the confidence it held not even a week ago.

“I hope you are aware an illumination is one of the requirements for this course. This was made explicitly clear in the requirements form issued prior to application submissions.”

Mark nods, more to himself than anyone else, repeating, “Yes ma’am," and though he can probably come up with at least a dozen convincing excuses as to why he still applied, he knows better than to rub salt in a wound, instead opting to hang his head low as he holds the phone to his ear and accept what the woman has to say.

He hears Tiffany sigh over the phone, feeling even worse for being such an oblivious fool. “Given your exemplary performance in school, along with your application, the admissions board has decided to overlook the mishap and offer you an interview opportunity.”

What, what?

Thank goodness Mark hadn’t decided to quench his parched throat with the water on his nightstand, because it would’ve splurged right at the phone instead. “HUH?” he blurts out, hand slapping over his mouth in embarrassment as soon as the word leaves his lips. “I’m sorry, ma’am, I-I don’t understand.” His eyebrows furrow as he pushes his ear into the screen of his phone.

How are they allowing this when they're aware he can’t see in colour? Isn’t that against the regulations?

“Congratulations, Mr Lee, Neo Central College has accepted your application, and would be pleased to meet you for an interview.”

Mark blinks, wide-eyed and dazed.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

He snaps out of it, almost shouting, “Yes! Thank-thank you, ma’am. Thank you so much!”

The line cuts, leaving a very stunned, very confused Mark Lee sitting at his desk, his hands once more rising to his hair; but this time to tug at his roots in shock.

“Holy mother of-“

“God, what am I doing,” you mutter to yourself quietly, hands fidgeting in your lap as you sit in the passenger seat of your mum’s car – more specifically her navy car…but you wouldn’t know either way since; You. Can’t. See. Colour.

You scoff at the thought.

It would be an understatement to say that today hasn’t been your day so far. In fact, today you didn’t just wake up on the wrong side of the bed – with about only 6 hours of sleep, by the way – but you woke up with a splitting headache AND an unusually bitter taste in your mouth.

Not pleasant in the least.

Still, you’ve learnt to take everything in this life with a grain of salt.

Besides, you’ve known no headache a dose of Nurofen couldn’t fix.

Maybe this was the universe’s way of saying a big FUCK YOU for applying to something you really shouldn’t have even considered applying to in the first place, given your circumstances.

But you’ve never been one to back down in the face of the universe and it’s wrath. Instead, you simply opted for sending both your middle fingers right up its big egotistical assho-

You’re startled out of your thoughts by your mother’s palm slamming down on the car horn, your body sent lurching forward – though saved by the oh-holy contraption called a seatbelt – as she rams her foot down on the break. Her hand hovers over your torso in protection as she quietly curses the reckless driver responsible for the ordeal.

You sit there still with your own hand pressed to your heart, breathing heavily in shock of what almost unfolded.

Yep, that’s a definite fuck you from the universe, alright.

“Darling, are you okay?” Your mother lets out a deep breath of her own, starting to drive again once she deems it safe enough.

“Peachy.” You reply anxiously, looking down at the dark folder in your lap, your heart rate refusing to slow down.

Despite knowing the potential consequence of you applying to NCC’s acclaimed medical course, your parents have both supported you from the beginning, having a similar take as Winwin to the whole situation, and rather encouraging you more than anything else to give it a shot since you never know what the world has in store for you when you least expect it.

By this point you think you’re more than acquainted with the world’s intentions for you, especially when you least expect it.

But…maybe there’s some truth in the matter. After all, you are on your way to the interview you thought you wouldn’t be accepted for. It’s a miracle how your non-existent illumination went unnoticed and unquestioned…as of yet.

Soon enough, you spot the familiar evergreen trees whose arrangement never fails to stun you stupid every time you’ve driven past them. However, this time you’re not driving past, but driving right down the road which they sway idly above, casting their shadow over your giddy features as you watch them wave their hearty hellos to you. Just beyond the trees you spot the student accommodation building, a proud array of grey and black tones visible through the branches which you could only assume look exquisitely colourful to those who can appreciate it.

When you catch a glimpse of the main NCC campus, you’re more awestruck than you’ve ever been. You spot a large, elegant water fountain at the entrance – spraying water at least five full metres high in precise routine – and you want nothing more than to jump head-first into the extravagant display. Behind the fountain is a long, angled row of steps – about ten from what you can see through the window – adorned by at least fifty people at a time walking up and down, most likely either on their way to, or back from their own interviews.

The stairs lead up to the tall, wide and dare you say, fashionable, looking main building with the big bold letters NCC built near the top. It was modern in every sense of the word; ever the classy and chic architecture with its tall, reflective glass windows and smooth, lightly coloured exterior. Ornamental pillars extend from the roof, meeting the walls midway to the ground.

It’s fabulous, to say the least.

You can only imagine what the interior of the building would look like.

Too busy staring at the architectural masterpiece, you don’t realise your mother has parked the car until she gently grabs your hand from your lap.

You turn to her with a nervous smile and nod, noticing the way her eyes tear up.

“Go kiss your frog, princess,” she smiles.

You burst out laughing at her unexpected dialogue. “What? Kiss my frog?” you ask in amusement between giggles, wiping at your mother’s cheek with a soft thumb.

She kisses your forehead. “Don’t be nervous, be frank and confident. You’re going to do amazingly.”

“Yes mum,” you nod, hearing those exact words for at least the sixth time today, “I will.” You click your seatbelt off, gripping the folder tightly before opening the car door and stepping out into the cool air while shrugging on your jacket.

“And Y/n,” you hear her call out, leaning over the passenger seat to see you better as you stand in front of the bright sun. You turn back around, waiting for her to continue, “Do smile, dear.”

That makes you crack a genuine, wide smile towards her, leaning back inside to peck her cheek. “Got it. Thanks, mum.”

Closing the door, you look down at your somewhat crumpled skirt from sitting in the car. With a tsk, you pat away the creases and tug it down slightly, before taking a deep breath and marching confidently to the entrance of Neo Central College.

“Winwin’s interview should be happening right about now,” you muse aloud, sending him blessings while you did. You decided to arrive an hour early in hopes to catch him before you went in yourself; seeing him would give you the energy boost you know you need.

In the meantime, you decide to simply stand around and stare.

At the fountain, at the building, at the people, at EVERYTHING.

Walking up the stairs along with the bustling crowd of young adults – your steps a little slower than others’ in your dazed reverie – you feel a certain comfort.

The ambience, the aura…it’s enticing.

Reaching the top step, you find your head dropping all the way back as you squint up towards the NCC logo previously seen from your car – not caring for the numerous stares and shoulder bumps you were receiving as a result of planting yourself smack in the middle of the busy walkway.

Suffice to say that everything was a lot bigger and taller now that you were standing right in front of it all.

Daunting, now that you really think about it.

You release a shaky breath and close your eyes, mind wandering to the one image you’ve dreamed of far too many times.

There you are, looking a smidge more mature than you are now, dressed in a black, mid-sleeved robe with a dark velvet sash resting around your shoulders. Although you can’t picture it, you know the sash is green; the representative colour for Medicine graduates…Neo Champagne Green.

A black square hat rests on your head with a tassel dangling off the right. Winwin stands to your left smiling at you as you smile right back, both holding your bachelor’s degrees wrapped in a ribbon that still looks pretty despite its grey colour.

A smile subconsciously stretches across your face at the pleasant scenario, eyes kept closed just to hold onto it for a little longer…just a little longer.

They’re gonna find out, I’m not gonna be accepted anyway.

Just as the thought manifests in your brain, you feel a sudden stab on your foot, face contorting in pain as a yelp leaves your mouth, stance faltering in your block sandals.

“Sorry.” Yells a distant voice, but you’re far too distracted to notice.

Your arms flail around, reaching out and grabbing the nearest stranger in attempt to balance yourself properly on your feet. As you feel the person’s hand quickly move to catch your back your eyes fly open.

You gasp.

To the third person, the scene would look like an awkward mishap they didn’t ever want to be involved in; you harshly gripping a random man’s forearm and staring dumbfoundedly as if he’s the one trying to make an advance…all this, for some peculiar reason, happening in the middle of a busy university entrance.

But you're seeing something VERY different.

Your eyes widen as you watch the stranger, a ripple making its way down his annoyed features, leaving behind an outrageously extravagant splash of…something all through his face.

This time both your mouth and eyebrows drop down together.

The man is young and handsome, but that’s all you’re able to discern as your head whips up to look at the sky behind his face. You gasp again, stumbling back a few steps as your hand lets go of his arm, flying up to cover your mouth instead.

It’s then that you notice your blurry thumb in your periphery, your eyes crossing down to stare at it against your cupid’s boy, head tilting in shock. You scramble to tuck your folder underneath your arm, before ripping your hands away and holding them in front of your face with your fingers spread wide, turning them back and forth in alarmed examination.

At this point, the pain in your foot is all but non-existent.

You spin around left and right on the spot, eyes landing on whatever and whoever coming into view.

Everyone – everything – looks like it has been dipped in…in…

Life.

You suddenly tug the left sleeve of your jacket up to your tricep, looking down at the marking on the inside of your elbow…now looking not-so-grey.

That’s when you realise;

HOLY FUCK, IS THIS MY ILLUMINATION!?!?

You pull down the sleeve and immediately turn around to apologise to the stranger from before – somehow expecting him to still be standing there, ready to listen to your impending coming-of-age dramatic monologue.

But he’s nowhere to be found.

“Y/n!” Hyperaware of your senses now, you abruptly turn back again towards the direction of the college building, looking for the owner of the voice while squinting as tall glass reflects the sun in your eyes. You see a familiar lean body wearing a formal jumper and black pants.

As he approaches you immediately recognise who it is.

“Winwin?” you ask, still squinting as he comes to a halt right in front of you.

“That’s the name,” he chuckles.

You look up at his face, your own features tensed as ever as your eyes travel around each contour glowing underneath the sun above; starting from his chin, to his lips and nose, his cheeks, ears, eyes, forehead, hair, and back down again.

So this is what a human really looks like

Finally, you look down at his very colourful hands clutching a single-coloured – though you can’t tell which colour – folder just like the one resting in your own very colourful hands, and you're immediately reminded of why you’re both here in the first place.

“Oh, right,” you shake your head subtly, blinking to yourself, before looking up at him again. “How was the interview?” You strew together a confused looking smile, eyebrows still subconsciously furrowed from the preceding epiphany.

Winwin turns his chin slightly to the side, eyes narrowing in on you. “The interview was fine…but are you?” He pushes his head forward with raised eyebrows in question, worriedly watching the distracted way your eyes travel across his arms as if there’s a snake wrapped around them. “Hey!” He snaps his thumb in front of you twice, watching amused as you’re dramatically startled back to reality. “What‘s wrong?”

Should I tell him?

I mean, the guy just came back from his interview, I probably shouldn’t tell hi-

“Ihadmyillumination,” you blurt out, looking Winwin dead in the eye to gauge his reaction, still unsure whether to categorise the happening as good or bad.

“WHAT?” he blurts back, earning a few glances from the endless hoard of passers-by. You huff looking around timidly as if you hadn’t just created an even bigger scene less than four minutes ago, speaking in a hushed tone. “I said, I had my-“

“I know, I heard you the first time,” he waves his hand in dismissal, grabbing you by both shoulders with a wide angelic smile, “Y/n, that’s great! When did it happen?”

Your stare ahead at his wide smile, pearly looking teeth on display.

Those are definitely white

“Just now,” you utter trying to get used to this big bang in your life called colour.

“Now?” he questions, to which you nod in response. “Who’s the soulmate then?”

You simply stand there, blinking blankly, no expression whatsoever on your face.

Oh, shiitake mushrooms.

“Y/n,” Winwin speaks, a warning tone lilting at the end of his voice, “You do know who it was…right?”

You hesitate, clearing your throat and forcing a very fake sweet smile. “Well, there’s so many people here, I couldn’t have possibly-“

“God dammit,” he huffs, interrupting your futile justification, your smile dropping as you watch his thumb and pointer finger rub circles into his temples. He stands straight again. “Is there no one…absolutely ANYONE, that you saw or, like, touched, directly?” fe flattens a hand and slices it through the air, illustrating his point of directly.

You think back to what happened, replaying each significant action in your head.

Well, someone stepped on my foot, then I almost fell and grabbed a stranger’s arm and-

You mind pauses, hooked onto something.

The stranger…You think.

THE STRANGER!

He must be the one!

“Oh, OH! Th-there wa-there was a stranger!” You point a finger forward at your eureka moment, eyes expanding as you flick your neck to look over at Winwin in wonder.

He’s unamused to say the least, not an ounce of excitement at your words. He blinks once at you, before stretching a sarcastic smile across his face. “If I could turn this whole place into the facepalm meme right now, I would,” he gripes, shaking his head with a twirl of his finger at the mention of whole.

“Well, he is a stranger, I don’t know who he is…All I know is that he was headed inside the gates,” Yyu visibly deflate, nodding your chin over Winwin’s shoulder toward the entrance gate of the college, earning a sigh from the man as he turns his head in the same direction.

He turns back to you. “Well, you better damn hope he gets accepted at NCC if you ever wanna see him again.”

“Well, I better damn hope I get accepted first,” you chuckle dryly.

“Oh right, shit, you have your interview soon.” He glances down at the smartwatch on his wrist, mumbling an off-hand “Thirty-five minutes to go.”

Wait, he thinks to himself.

Realisation suddenly strikes his features as he has a thought, face slowly rising to meet yours with a stunned expression. “Y/n.”

“What?” you reply anxiously, hands beginning to clutch tightly at the corners of your folder pressed a little too harshly into your torso, anticipating the impending hour ahead of you. You watch as Winwin awkwardly digs through his back pocket, fishing out his phone and typing something, all while a sly smile tugs at the corners of his lips. He no sooner shoves the screen so close to your face, you’d have to lean back to see what’s displayed.

“What colours are on this dipstick bottle?”

You stand confused at his sudden question, until you fully look at the image in front of you. “I see…white and black…and grey…” you glance at Winwin, unsure. He stands there with a cheeky smirk.

You flick your gaze back to the screen, focusing hard.

And suddenly it hits you.

Like a goddamn truck.

Eyes widening for what might as well have been the seventh time that day, your smile grows as you continue, “…and there’s also a bunch of other colours that I can’t describe but can definitely see!” The pitch of your voice gets higher and higher as you speak, before breaking out into a squeal that you have no choice but to cover with both hands, staring up excitedly at Winwin.

It fully sinks in.

Colour…I CAN FUCKING SEE COLOURS!

And if I can see colour, that means…

Your whole face sparkles up in joy at the thought, a firecracker burning up inside you as you throw your arms around Winwin’s neck and hug him tightly, almost knocking him over in the process.

He chuckles into your shoulder, just as happy as you.

“Welcome to NCC, Y/n Y/l/n.”

It has been the better part of three hours since the flight Mark and his mother had taken landed in town, and he’s already jogging up the familiar wide steps two-at-a-time on his way to the main NCC campus reception. He decides against wasting any time or logic in admiring the architectural mastery of the place, having already done that a couple weeks ago. He’d barely made it on time back then despite arriving an hour early, too distracted by the magnificent setting.

Not this time, he inwardly tells himself, long strides carrying him straight inside the building to greet the same lady at the front desk from weeks before, though it’s clear she doesn’t remember him when she asks his name while donning an oblivious expression.

Poor facial recognition probably comes with the job.

“Uhhh, Mark Lee,” he looks around cautiously, making sure to lower his voice in case any curious ears prick in on his words. “I have a special provisions application.”

The lady nods, muttering something about expecting a special provisions applicant at this time today. She stands, leading Mark down a few plain corridors before stopping behind a large wooden door.

On it a shiny panel reads, Executive Professor and Dean of Medicine, Soo-man Lee

Same last name. Huh, Mark muses in his head.

“The Dean will be with you in a moment.”

Mark nods, thanking the lady as she retreats back down the corridors.

Today, Mark assumes, is one of the busiest interviewing days for next year’s NCC applicants – according to the number students he’d seen entering and exiting the building alongside him earlier.

But the truth is, he’s not here today for his own interview – he’s already had that; as a special provisions student, the panel requested an earlier interview for him than regular applicants.

The reason he’s here right now…well he has no clue why he’s here.

A week prior, when he thought he’d be expecting an acceptance letter, he’d instead received a call-back request for further consultation…whatever the hell that meant.

So now as Mark sits here waiting for that further consultation, faced with the reality of the Dean’s office door right in front of him, all he can feel are the cold jitters and nerves coursing down his spine as he makes it his mission to envision every the worst-case scenario that comes to mind.

On top of that, the cold air from the air conditioner does little to alleviate his heightened state.

Upon hearing the dampened sound of footsteps in his periphery, Mark looks up. A tall, slender male figure holding a lightish folder approaches from the right side of the hallway – the same hallway Mark had been led down. The man wears a formal looking jumper and what Mark can only assume are black slacks, given their seemingly dark tone. He looks to be from some East Asian country – perhaps he’s Chinese – and seems young, probably around the same age as Mark, maybe a year or two younger.

No wait, that’s impossible…unless he’s a prodigy or something, Mark thinks to himself with a small shake of his head.

As he walks closer, Mark decides the chap to be decently good-looking, dare he say, handsome; delicate-looking features and hair styled in parted curtains, and though he does look a little on the feminine side, it suits him.

He looks distracted, taking deep breaths as he quietly mutters indiscernible sentences to himself, glancing at the ceiling every once in a while. If he notices Mark staring at him, he doesn’t acknowledge it until he’s walking right in front of Mark’s seated figure; briefly making eye-contact, forcing a polite smile with a small nod of his head, and then walking right by.

Must have an interview, Mark assumes, watching the guy retreat around a corner, wishing him well out of goodwill.

No sooner does the office door in front of Mark open, startling him as an average heighted man – likely in his mid-sixties – steps out. He’s dressed head to toe in formal attire, shoes polished shiny and glasses resting low on the bridge of his pointy nose. Mark recognises him as one of the panel board members that interviewed him weeks prior.

Wait the Dean was there that day?

“Mr Lee, please come in.”

“Yes, sir,” Mark immediately stands up, politely walking into the Dean’s office as the door is held open for him and shut quietly once he steps inside.

“Please, take a seat,” the man gestures amicably to a black leather couch situated in front of a large, polished oak desk with neat piles of folders, papers and such stacked near the edge. A huge bookshelf, as tall as the ceiling, spans across the left wall of the office, filled from top to bottom with books of an array of grey and black tones. A strong scent of weathered paper and musk fills the air, accentuating the modern woody room.

This room is very different to the room the interview was held in.

A little intimidating, to put in simple words.

The Dean sits down in the large leather seat across from Mark’s tense form, clasping his hands upon the desk in front of him. “I’d like to start by commending you on your application to NCC, Mark. You don’t mind if I call you Mark, do you?”

Mark shakes his head a little too vigorously than he’d have liked. “No, sir, not at all. A-and thank you. It’s an honour to be considered at all," he gestures his hands in a way he can’t quite understand himself, eventually deciding on pulling them into his lap before he ends up knocking the water jug off the coffee table in front of him.

The Dean beams a small smile – the kind you’d expect him to pull when getting his picture taken – and nods along with the boy’s enthusiasm. “I expect you’re confused why you received a call-back letter?”

Not so much confused as scared.

“A little, I’m afraid," Mark replies cautiously, voice catching in his throat, which he immediately clears. But as he sits there, he acquires an inkling of why he may be here...why he didn’t receive the acceptance letter he’d hoped to receive.

He mentally face-palms himself at not having picked up on it earlier before walking inside.

“A few things need to be discussed,” Professor Lee pauses, getting straight to the point, “I understand you haven’t experienced your illumination as of yet.”

Mark blinks, swiftly but hesitantly replying, “Yes, sir.”

“I hope you understand, that as a medical student you would be required to have colour-sensitive vision,” the professor eyes him through the top of his spectacles, earning a nod from Mark and another quiet “Yes, sir.”

“You may already know that the first year of your chosen course consists mainly of revision of previously acquired knowledge; biological and chemical concepts taught within high school." While speaking, the Dean unclasps his hands, somehow acting as a visual indicator for Mark to relax slightly from his tense posture. "From what I gather, you’ve maintained an exceptionally high GPA over the past few years, as such posing little foreseeable concerns regarding your first year – if accepted – at Neo Central College.”

Nodding thoughtfully in response, Mark purses his lips to suppress the smile that tries to form on his lips; he can’t help but feel a sort of pride swell in the depths of his chest at the praise.

The Dean continues, “With all this considered, after major discussion among the admissions board as well as myself,” he holds a hand to his chest, “and, in conjunction with your interview,” a small smile appears on his face at his next words, “we have reached a consensus that it would truly be a shame to turn away a promising student such as yourself from Neo Central College.”

Mark’s head visibly perks up, now allowing his small but confused smile to show.

“Mr Lee, I would like to accept you into our undergraduate medical program.”

Marks eyes widen at the same time his mouth drops open, blinking a couple times before realising how rude he must currently appear in front of such an important figure.

With all the world’s metaphorical slaps hitting his reddening cheeks, Mark instead opts to fix his posture and sport a relieved – but poised and hopefully professional-looking – smile on his face.

“However, this course is offered to you on one condition.”

Now his smile falters as the room is engulfed by a heavy layer of air. The Dean stares at him with a serious expression, causing Mark to subconsciously gulp, nerves crashing in again at full swing as if they never left in the first place.

He anxiously sucks in a deep inaudible breath as the Dean further explains, “You must undergo illumination by the end of your first year, otherwise…” he removes his spectacles with a single hand, holding them out to one side, “…I’m afraid you will have to discontinue the course. And while, I understand the matter is out of your direct control, this is a measure which must be taken and clarified from the beginning. Do you think this is feasible for you?”

Illumination.

Mark has always been inclined to brush that word off for another day…another time…another place…maybe even another life. But now he realises that muttering an off-hand fuck that and going about the rest of his day is not – no, cannot – be the solution.

Not if he’s going to pass up a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity like this, at least.

Which he’s not.

It takes Mark no longer than three seconds to outtalk the little voice in his head telling him that what he’s about to agree to could quite potentially be impossible.

It’s not impossible. I can do it.

With a determined nod of his head – more to himself than anyone else – and a solemn look glazing over his tensed features, Mark looks up, fierceness present as ever in his eyes.

“Professor Lee, I would be honoured to take up this opportunity,” he nods his head again, this time more firmly, feeling even more determined than ever.

This is his life that he’s setting himself up for; medicine is his dream, being a doctor is his aspiration. He wants to help the world, heal the world. This course is his one-way ticket to getting everything he’s ever wanted. Of course, he knows it only gets harder once he gets in, but he’s always been ready to put in the hard work; always ready to put in extra effort when required.

If having his illumination was the extra work he needed put in to reach his goal, so be it.

It’s now or never.

“Your acceptance under such provision in an extreme anomaly for Neo Central College, Mark. Once you agree to these terms, they mustn’t be taken lightly.”

I mustn’t take this lightly.

“Yes sir, this will not be taken lightly," Mark says with a tight shake of his head, watching as the Dean stands up and taking it as a cue to stand up himself. “Thank you very much for this opportunity.”

The Dean smiles, walking around his table and extending out his hand for Mark to shake.

“Neo Central College is glad to welcome you, Mr Lee.”

Mark doesn’t know when or how he finds himself back where he was before his meeting with the Dean, but here he is, sitting in the chair outside the very office in which he just sealed his future; elbows digging into the top of his kneecaps, eyebrows furrowed, hair a little dishevelled now that his fingers have scooped through them once, twice, maybe even eight times.

I’m in?

His eyelashes flutter against his cheeks as he sucks in a sharp breath of air through his teeth, eyebrows furrowed while tilting his chin to the right in thought.

He abruptly stands up.

BLOODY HELL, I’M IN!

Before he can stop himself, he jumps up in the air in excitement, pumping a fist high enough it could’ve punched right through the roof, before realising what he’s just done and clearing his throat.

He cranes his neck left and right in appraisal of any audience, letting out a relieved sigh seeing the hallway is empty.

With a giddy smile and a little skip in his every other step, Mark makes his way back down the halls, through the reception and straight out to the front gates of NCC where the sun shines bright, and the world stands anew.

Looking out at the crowded entrance steps bustling with students in every which direction, Mark feels like a changed man, pleased at the thought he’d be walking up and down those very steps almost every day the next year.

I’m unstoppable!

“Mark!” He hears a familiar voice yell beyond the throng of students, standing on his toes with cinched eyes to spot his mother waving at him.

Her smile is so sweet and fond; it powers Mark with a certain surge of energy as he waves back, smiling just as wide, before springing forward on his feet in excitement to tell her the news. He sees her expression turn into one of surprise watching her son run towards her.

Mark’s smile only grows, twisting, turning and dodging past the walking bodies – probably accidentally nudging a few of them here and there, but frankly he’s oblivious.

He knows his mother is going be the most proud, having always been his number one supporter; the thought itself makes a garden of happiness bloom around his heart.

However, in this state of oblivion, Mark accidentally steps on a foot among the crown before he can help it, hearing a small yelp while muttering an “Oh, shit,” as he feels his own ankle twist upon contact. He stumbles forward yelling back a “Sorry” as he catches himself on his toes, heartbeat thrumming in his chest upon the almost-occurrence of him tumbling down the steps…and potentially taking down at least 10 other people with him.

He stands there for a moment, body slightly hunched, hands resting on his knees as he breathes heavily facing toward the ground.

Then he starts to notice something – almost like a crease or wave of sorts – ruffling across the floor as if it were a wave crashing on the seashore.

It leaves the concrete looking a little more…grey.

With furrowing eyebrows, Mark double takes his gaze to something that glints from a couple meters away in the corner of his eye, his once heavy breaths hitching in his throat.

A shoe buckle…but it’s not grey or black or white.

It’s…it’s…

Mark doesn’t know what it is.

Tilting his head to the side, his eyes – now growing increasingly wide by the second – follow the black shoe upon which the buckle rests, turning his body as the owner of the shoe steps by.

What?

Mark raises his head in confusion, suddenly jumping on the spot when he’s met with a hoard of all sorts of different pigments in every which angle. He snaps his neck left, right, back and front, looking around as if all the people walking past him have turned into ghosts floating by.

It’s everywhere.

Well, it isn't exactly one thing, it is many things; repeatedly present along shirts, pants, shoes, jackets, hair, faces, even cars!

I must be dreaming…

Mark closes his eyes for a second, tipping his head back towards the sky while mentally instructing himself to take a few deep, calming breaths.

In…and out.

And in…and out.

He opens his eyes.

“AH, what the fuck?” He gasps in horror, arms raising up to his sides as he jumps again in reflex, almost falling onto his back as he’s startled by the very different tone present all throughout the sky.

“It’s not grey,” he wonders aloud, moving his eyes all around the brightness above.

He freezes.

Wait…

...then…

Is it blue?

Blue → It's Complicated

[another] Author's Note: AHHHHHHHH hope I didn't put you to sleep lmaoooo. Anyways, that's Part 1 of Illumination and practically where the real story between Mark and Y/n will start off from in future chapters. I plan to drag this series out for at least a few more longer chapters, so please stay excited and look forward to it :D I've also decided to start a taglist for Illumination, so if anyone's interested, please don't hesitate to request here and I'll be more than happy to add you :))))

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