#manage e waste project

[aishwaryyadav12]

Conserve Energy, Conserve the Planet: A Call to Action

In our everyday actions, we often overlook the impact they have on our planet. From the flick of a light switch to the turn of a key in an ignition, we consume energy derived from precious resources, which in turn contributes to climate change, dwindling ecosystems, and the loss of species. However, we have the power to change this narrative. By conserving energy, we can create a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. Let's explore some simple yet effective ways to conserve energy and protect our planet.

Small Changes, Big Impact:

Conserving energy doesn't have to be complicated or burdensome. It starts with small changes in our daily lives. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, opt for energy-efficient products, and consider alternative modes of transportation such as biking or public transit. These simple steps can make a significant difference in reducing our energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Embracing Renewable Energy:

Supporting renewable energy sources is another crucial aspect of conserving energy. By embracing solar and wind power, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Consider investing in solar panels for your home or advocating for renewable energy policies in your community. Together, we can create a greener and healthier planet.

Reducing Single-Use Products:

A lesser-known aspect of energy conservation is reducing our reliance on single-use products. Items like plastic bags and disposable utensils not only contribute to waste but also require a considerable amount of energy to produce and dispose of. By opting for reusable alternatives, we not only save energy but also help protect our natural resources and mitigate climate change.

Advocating for Change:

Energy conservation goes beyond our individual actions. It requires collective efforts and advocacy for change on a larger scale. Support political initiatives and policies that prioritize renewable energy sources. Encourage businesses and organizations to adopt sustainable practices. By raising our voices and working together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Testimonials from Youth Changemakers:

To inspire and motivate youth to save the environment and energy, let's hear from some young changemakers who have made a significant impact:

"I realized that every time I turned off unnecessary lights, I was not only saving energy but also contributing to a healthier planet. It's empowering to know that my small actions matter." - Greta Thunberg, 20, Sweden.

"By installing solar panels on our school rooftop, we not only reduced our energy costs but also taught the entire school community about the benefits of renewable energy. We are showing that sustainability is achievable." - Licypriya Kangujam, 11, India.

"Switching to a bike for my daily commute not only saves me money but also reduces my carbon footprint. It's amazing how a simple change can have such a positive impact on the environment." - Isra Hirsi, 20, United States.

"Through our environmental club, we organized a campaign to reduce single-use plastic on campus. Seeing the positive response from students and staff made me realize the power of collective action in conserving energy and protecting our planet." - Melati Wijsen, 22, Indonesia.

[fromjeevita]

Is Everyone a Climate Changer?

Introduction

Climate Change is a short term with a big impact. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produce heat-trapping gases like Carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are the cause of Global Warming. This further leads to the melting of glaciers which causes a rise in water level every year.

Where do we step in…...

Now, one might ask if he/she is connected to this. The answer is a big YES. Everyone from rich to poor, short to tall, fat to slim is responsible for the climate change happening around us. They are unknowingly a reason for climate change whether it is positive or negative. Yes, climate change can be both negative and positive]. For those of you wondering what positive climate change is, they are the impacts of climate change which are beneficial for us. 

A mind-boggling FACT.

Let’s talk about an average person’s morning routine. He/she wakes up, brushes their teeth, takes a bath, eats breakfast and gets on any means of transport to get to their work. Even in this short 3-4 hours of the time gap, the person has created an impact towards climate change. For example, when he/she brushes their teeth the amount of water they use is a key factor in CC because if they use a greater quantity of water, the purification company would have to use more of their factories to purify them. Now, some of you might think that if they waste just 20-30 ml of water it is not going to make a difference but wait let me show you how cool maths is. Let’s say each person wastes only 1ml of water every day (which is less and not true at all) and only 1 billion out of the 8 billion people on this planet waste it. So now each day 1,000,000,000 ml or 1 million litres of water is getting wasted. And again, this is not even the accurate results. So, you see how such a small thing created such a massive impact on climate. These small things when compiled make big impacts.

Similarly, if we put this vice-versa then if a person only saves 1 ml of water each day and only 1 billion out of 8 billion people on this planet do so, we all will be able to save about 1 million litres of water every day. This was only the start of your day. 

Conclusion

Let’s take one more example. Let's say you travel to your workplace or school in your car or scooter. We all know that burning fuel releases greenhouse gases into the environment. If one person goes in one car and the second one goes in another car to the same place. That is 2x emission of harmful gases. But let’s say they both go in one car; it will reduce the emission by half. These are just some short instances from our daily life which lead us as a changing factor in the climate change journey. So by just thinking about it for some time, we can give our efforts to the planet and climate itself

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.co2nsensus.com/blog/countries-generating-carbon-credits

[envirocarefoundation]

Is Everyone a Climate Changer?

Introduction

Climate Change is a short term with a big impact. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produce heat-trapping gases like Carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are the cause of Global Warming. This further leads to the melting of glaciers which causes a rise in water level every year.

Where do we step in…...

Now, one might ask if he/she is connected to this. The answer is a big YES. Everyone from rich to poor, short to tall, fat to slim is responsible for the climate change happening around us. They are unknowingly a reason for climate change whether it is positive or negative. Yes, climate change can be both negative and positive]. For those of you wondering what positive climate change is, they are the impacts of climate change which are beneficial for us. 

A mind-boggling FACT.

Let’s talk about an average person’s morning routine. He/she wakes up, brushes their teeth, takes a bath, eats breakfast and gets on any means of transport to get to their work. Even in this short 3-4 hours of the time gap, the person has created an impact towards climate change. For example, when he/she brushes their teeth the amount of water they use is a key factor in CC because if they use a greater quantity of water, the purification company would have to use more of their factories to purify them. Now, some of you might think that if they waste just 20-30 ml of water it is not going to make a difference but wait let me show you how cool maths is. Let’s say each person wastes only 1ml of water every day (which is less and not true at all) and only 1 billion out of the 8 billion people on this planet waste it. So now each day 1,000,000,000 ml or 1 million litres of water is getting wasted. And again, this is not even the accurate results. So, you see how such a small thing created such a massive impact on climate. These small things when compiled make big impacts.

Similarly, if we put this vice-versa then if a person only saves 1 ml of water each day and only 1 billion out of 8 billion people on this planet do so, we all will be able to save about 1 million litres of water every day. This was only the start of your day. 

Conclusion

Let’s take one more example. Let's say you travel to your workplace or school in your car or scooter. We all know that burning fuel releases greenhouse gases into the environment. If one person goes in one car and the second one goes in another car to the same place. That is 2x emission of harmful gases. But let’s say they both go in one car; it will reduce the emission by half. These are just some short instances from our daily life which lead us as a changing factor in the climate change journey. So by just thinking about it for some time, we can give our efforts to the planet and climate itself

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.co2nsensus.com/blog/countries-generating-carbon-credits

[roguishcat]

Brunch

Summary: Another, better emotionally equipped male would probably just ask Tav out. Like on an actual proper date at a nice venue rather than sticking to their monthly meeting for brunch as a pathetic excuse for spending time with her. But that was the crux of the problem. Astarion had absolutely zero clue as to how to be in a relationship.

Humour/Friendship/Romance

Tags: AU, Modern times, Elf Astarion, No Cazador, Mature Language, Suggestive Themes, Jealous Astarion, Astarion is bad at feelings

Two-shot: Part 1 - 5k words

Pairing: Astarion x unnamed female Tav

Rating: Mature (Part 2 will be rated E, so MDNI please)

A/N: This does not have a beta. So if you notice any mistakes, please let me know! 💖 Comments are always appreciated!

“Sorry, I’m late,” Tav stumbled gracelessly into the café, her cheeks flushed from the heat.

“Quite alright, darling. I have already ordered,” Astarion replied, his eyes sweeping over her in appreciation.

Tav, being herself, misjudged his look and self-consciously pulled on the front of her dress, unsuccessfully trying to get it to unstick from her clammy skin. Everyone was suffering from the heatwave, and they looked it, except Astarion, of course. He, unlike Tav, looked as cool as a freaking cucumber. Silver curls falling just so, his white shirt fresh, sleeves rolled up to bare his forearms.

“I’m just going to go and splash some water on my face, it’s boiling hot outside today. I don’t know how you can bear it. Here, hold my bag.”

She thrust her tote into his hands and walked off in the direction of the bathroom. Astarion wasted no time in rummaging through it because really, what else did she expect? If she didn’t want him to snoop, she shouldn’t have handed him her things and allowed for him to have ample time alone with said things.

Tav was quick to come back, she didn’t even bother taking her bag back from him when she sat down. Sweet, trusting thing that she was.

“How you’ve been?” she asked and reached for her glass of water.

“Good. Won the case, quite predictably. The other guy’s lawyer was completely out of his depth.”

Astarion didn’t even look up from his phone as he said that. Tav wasn’t even annoyed. He’s been like this as long as she’s known him. For all intents and purposes, he appeared to be disinterested and careless, but actually Astarion noticed much more about others than he ever let on and could even be quite sweet, on a very, very rare occasion.

She was glad that their friendship survived over the years, even if they only met up for brunch once a month. She would like to see more of him, but with how busy Astarion was, it was frankly quite a miracle that he had deemed her important enough to meet up with any regularity.

Astarion and brunch, who would have thought that he would even entertain the thought of something so mundane?

When Tav first met Astarion all those years ago, they were all dirt-poor students, roommates trying to get by. Actually, she was still eyeballs-deep in student debt, unlike Mr. Big Shot lawyer, who was doing very well for himself evidentially.  

“How about you, dearest? Anything exciting happen lately?” Astarion questioned.

Tav knew what he was alluding to and was quite prepared to lie through her teeth. Because her latest attempt at a relationship was not going well, but she would never admit it to Astarion. She didn’t need his ‘I-told-you-so’ smirk.

“Good, good.”

Astarion scoffed and rolled his eyes at her woefully inadequate attempt at lying. And to him, out of all people. He did not buy it. Because he knew exactly what Tav looked like when she was actually excited about someone.

“Thought as much. That’s why I went ahead and dumped him for you.”

“Excuse me?!”

She noticed that the phone in his hands was not actually his.

“You cheeky bugger, I can’t believe you swiped my phone and managed to unlock it! And who gave you the right to end my relationship, hm?”

“Tav, two pity fucks because for some reason you were feeling charitable do not count as a relationship. I did you a favour.”

“You’re the one to talk. You’ve slept with tons of people for much less than puppy dog eyes!” she shot back.

“If you are referring to the time Gale and I got shitfaced and got it on in the public garden, let me assure you, the stars that night were beautiful. It was a magical, unforgettable evening.”

“Sure it was,” she laughed and grabbed her phone.

She couldn’t stay mad at him for long and he knew it. Besides, he was right. She wasn’t that into her now ex. She only went out with him because he kept asking and she thought that it wouldn’t hurt to give it a go and make it work. Because, truth be told, it’s been a long, long, long while since she’s been on a date, so she thought that a nice dinner with a conventionally nice, smart, attractive person was not a bad thing for her.

Their order arrived. Full breakfast and coffee for Tav, just black coffee for Astarion. He sipped it slowly, enjoying the way Tav dug into her food with gusto.

“Mmm… this is awesome. Sure you’re not having any?”

“Food? Here? You’ve got to be kidding me,” he grimaced. Even the coffee was foul. He could only imagine what the food was like.

“Yes, I know, I know. Your taste is way to refined to dine on something so greasy and disgusting.”

“Yes, because some of us actually have class.”

“I would throw my bacon at you, but it would be a waste of good food. Consider yourself lucky that this is delicious.”

Her attention back on her food, Astarion was free to look at her at his leisure. He knew Tav hated summer, she was no good with the heat. But he quite liked seeing her all sun-kissed, new freckles dotting her skin, hair swept up to bare her beautiful neck.

Astarion would never admit it even if he was threatened with decapitation, but he liked talking to her, watching her. Tav was probably the only person he actually enjoyed spending time with nowadays, but it was not always so.

Astarion was not very fond of Tav when they first met. Actually, that was an understatement. She annoyed him constantly, especially when she was trying to be friendly and welcoming. He could not understand what her deal was. In his experience, people were never nice just for the sake of it. There were always strings attached. So, her doing the whole sweet girl-next-door act left him entirely unimpressed and irritated. If only he could afford the rent, he would not even bother with roommates. As things were, he had to put up with two.

Except over the years he noticed that her kindness was not reserved to the few that she could possibly gain something from. Tav was helpful, thoughtful and empathic towards everyone, which immediately drew people to her. He suddenly found himself a part of a friendship group which gravitated towards Tav. Them liking her was definitely the only thing they initially had in common.

Whilst Astarion enthusiastically threw himself into his studies during the day and even more enthusiastically enjoyed recreational activities with different partners after hours, he gradually came to appreciate her and was glad that Tav became something of a constant in his life. She was a clueless, naïve, sweet fool, but she was his fool. Not that she was stupid, she was quite intelligent, but rather too wide-eyed and hopeful for this world. People like that did not go far and Astarion was planning on going very far and making the most of every opportunity, no matter the cost.

At one point, sometime between cramming for his finals and helping her study for hers, Astarion toyed with the idea of sleeping with Tav. It wasn’t the first time he thought of it. Over the years, he entertained the idea in passing on several occasions with the level of enthusiasm one has when selecting a sandwich for lunch. That is, the same lukewarm interest that most of his conquests would receive. But over the years, Tav wormed her way into his heart. She was not just an annoyance, not just a roommate. They became friends, even if Tav was the one doing all the heavy lifting when it came to maintaining the said friendship. She was just always there and Astarion was very much taking her presence in his life for granted.

However, the realization that their studies and therefore time together would soon be over made the elf see Tav in a different light for the first time. And so he wondered, if she wasn’t just a roommate, just a friend… Whatever in the world could she be?

If anything, Tav was quite beautiful. Not staggeringly gorgeous, like some of his ex-lovers, but very pretty in her own way. Astarion was sure that if they had sex, it would be a fantastic experience for both of them. Especially for Tav. She would actually get an experienced lover unselfishly fulfilling her needs for once. But then he thought of something that he cared squat about when it came to others and very much when it came to her.

Tav’s feelings.

She wasn’t a prude, but she didn’t just sleep around for the sake of it. She would probably start reflecting on what it meant for their friendship, worry that it was going to screw everything up. And that was why Astarion didn’t go through with it. Although he was really tempted.

Predictably, they drifted apart after graduation. Predictably, it was his fault. He was the one who constantly cancelled plans and didn’t turn up when she invited him and others to outings. Tav went on to get her teaching certification and he continued on his path of becoming a lawyer. He worked hard and partied harder. His life was a kaleidoscope of faces he couldn’t remember, except those that he regularly spent time with for work.

It was fun, great fun, such great fun, he kept telling himself. It was exactly what he wanted. To take the big city by storm and make it his. To get away from his past, from the memory of scrimping and saving, living in borderline poverty as a child. Feeling helpless as his mother worked every waking moment to provide for his future, them constantly worrying about making ends meet. That was why he made damn sure that no one knew anything of his past. And that meant detaching himself from everyone who knew him before he became Astarion Ancunín the successful lawyer, who was now well on his way to getting a promotion and yet another pay rise.

A little under a decade passed. Astarion rarely gave Tav or any of his former friends much thought. Then, one balmy summer afternoon he saw her in the busy city street, surprisingly talking to Halsin, the environmental lawyer he went up against a few times, out of all people. Astarion felt as if someone sucker punched him. Stunned, Astarion found himself stopping abruptly, not paying attention to people bumping into him. Tav was wearing a pretty sundress that bared her delicate collarbones and shoulders, the light fabric whispering against her skin, her unbound hair framing her face. And then she laughed at something Halsin said, a genuine, full laugh, and smacked his biceps playfully. Astarion felt a wave of something that he could not quite recognise. Another, better emotionally equipped person, would recognise the feeling as longing. To Astarion it was just an unpleasant, hollow feeling that he was quite unfamiliar with.

Whatever it was, it compelled him to cross the street and start walking in her direction. Tav was just turning around when she collided with Astarion, which may or may not have been on purpose on his part.

“Ouch, sorry. I wasn’t- Astarion?”

He inwardly preened that she recognised him immediately. Clearly, he was just that unforgettable.

“Hello, darling,” he practically purred, steadying her gently.

“Wow, it’s been years! Fancy bumping into you like that, literally,” Tav chuckled, feeling quite drab next to him. “Well, I would love to catch up, but you probably have some place to be, all dressed up like that.”

Ah, that was true. He did have some place to be. He always had some important meeting, or trial, or party to go to. But that meant letting her go and that was definitely unacceptable.

“Actually, I am quite free this afternoon. How about getting some brunch?”

“Brunch? Really? Didn’t think you’d be the type, Ancunín,” she teased him a warm smile. “But sure, why not.”

He immediately regretted suggesting brunch, out of all things. But he was never very good coming up with something when put on the spot. And yes, brunch was something boring married couples and the elderly enjoyed, but there they were, walking down the busy street and into the nearest café.

And that was how it became their monthly thing. Meeting up for brunch on Sundays.

Another male, who was better versed at recognizing his own feelings, would have probably just asked Tav out by now. Like on an actual proper date at a nice venue rather than sticking to their monthly meeting as a pathetic excuse for spending time with her. But that was the crux of the problem. Astarion may have had a wealth of knowledge when it came to casual flings and friendly fucks, but he had absolutely zero clue as to how to be in a relationship.

And by gods he wanted to! It was embarrassing how much he wanted to. He wanted to wake up next to her every day, to have her move in with him, to have Tav around constantly, give her presents, see her face light up beautifully, whisper sweet nothings into her ear as they got lost in each other. You know, all that sappy crap that couples found so endearing. He wanted all that sappy crap.

But to get to that stage, he had to actually make the first move. He was kind of hoping to entice Tav into propositioning him first, but she was either incredibly dense, bless her heart, or just pretending not to notice that he was constantly flirting with her. Though perhaps it could have something to do with him parading a staggering number of lovers in front of her over the years. He admitted to himself that if tables were turned, he too would doubt that the other person’s interest was sincere.

And so Astarion decided to go for it and ask Tav out. Because he couldn’t stand the thought of her going on yet another date with someone who was not him.

He cleared his throat. “Tav?”

“Hm?” she looked up from her food, half-way done. It was truly impressive how she could devour huge amounts in no time at all.

“I have this thing that I’m supposed to attend, a charity gala dinner of sorts. Would you like to come?”

“You mean to tell me that Astarion Ancunín can’t get a date for the evening?” she teased. “I find that very hard to believe. But sure, sounds like fun,” she smiled, looking quite excited.

He deflated a little. Because whilst it was a ‘yes’ on the outing, it seemed like Tav thought he meant going together as friends. He sighed into his cup. It would have to do for now. At least he would have someone he actually wanted to talk to throughout the evening. And he was curious what Tav would choose to wear. He rather hoped it was something backless.

On Monday, Shadowheart stopped by his office, knocking on the open door to get his attention.

“Got a minute?”

“For you, dearest? Of course.”

She walked up closer to his desk, delicate heels clicking on the hardwood floor and then the sound being swallowed up by the expensive carpet.

“I heard you are bringing Tav along with you to that charity thing,” she began slowly.

Astarion scowled and took his gold rimmed glasses off. They were non-prescription, as everything about him including his eyesight was perfect, but he rather liked how sophisticated he looked when wearing them.

“And how, pray tell, do you know that?” he drawled, annoyed to have Shadowheart out of all people find out about his plans.

“Astarion,” Shadowheart gave a longsuffering sigh that was meant to show that she doubted his intelligence, “I know you don’t pay attention to anyone unless there is something to gain, but you do remember that I used to hang out with you and Tav at uni? Of course, not,” she scoffed at the blank look he gave her. “You didn’t even recognise me when I first started working here.”

Astarion vaguely remembered that there was a goth chic hanging out with Tav from time to time, but he was otherwise uninterested in anyone that he wasn’t involved with. He barely said ten words to Shadowheart back then. Her being snarky and mean should have been reason enough for them to hit it off instantly, but not so. Years later, when Shadowheart first started at the company, the silvery blonde hair, the professional-looking pencil skirts and heels, and the much softer manner with which she carried herself were polar opposite to the way she looked when they were in their early twenties.

“Get to your point,” he huffed, really not in the mood for whatever Shadowheart had to say.

“Look, I like Tav. She’s not like you and me. We are pragmatic, narcissistic, ruthless,” she accentuated her words by closing the file he was looking through sharply in his face. “Which makes us perfect at what we do. But, for some reason, Tav seems to like you well enough to keep putting up with you as a friend. But do you really think that you two are on the same page about what is going to happen once you bring her home?”

“Ah, yes. The relationship advice that I didn’t ask for from the person who is as terrible at relationships as I am. Good talk,” he opened the file again to signal that their conversation was over.

“I’m serious. You can’t just screw around with Tav. She is the type that is for keeps and shit.”

“Tsk, I see Karlach’s potty mouth is rubbing off on you,” he admonished the half-elf with a smirk.

“Perhaps in more ways than one,” Shadowheart all but purred.

“Do not need the sordid details and to save you the trouble, never will in the future.”

“Oh really?” she raised her eyebrows in surprise, flipping her long hair over her shoulder, “I thought you lived to gossip. When did you become such a bore?”

“Since I had this terrible, headache inducing environmental case thrown on my table,” Astarion rubbed his temples, trying unsuccessfully to fight back a yawn.

“Halsin?”

“Who else. As if it is possible to save that fucking lake for those damn ducks. What is it with that man and ducks?”

She chortled. “Good luck with that. Who knew that he would be so proficient at what he does, right? Wasn’t he the one who was caught streaking couple nights before his graduation? I think we were first year students at the time.”

“It was him, shouting something along the lines of being one with nature. Nice ass though.”

“Nice ass indeed,” she agreed. “But we are digressing. Don’t just sleep with Tav to have yet another notch on your bedpost. If you want to try to make it work with her, go right ahead. Gods know she’s had a crush on you long enough. But if not, well… Expect to be in for a world of hurt. Karlach will hound you and impale you with one of those new swords she bought for her weapon collection she thinks she snuck past me a couple of days ago.”

“You are living together?” Astarion actually looked up, giving her his full undivided attention.

“So it seems,” Shadowheart smiled, a proper, genuine soft smile which rarely graced her face. “Think about what I said. And don’t do anything rash.”

After she left, Astarion tried to focus on his computer screen and the papers in front of him, but his thoughts kept drifting to what Shadowheart said earlier.

Tav has had a crush on him for years. Surely not! He would be the first to know if she had feelings for him, right? And what confused him the most that instead of being elated, relieved that she wanted him, he felt a sick kind of dread.

Shadowheart was right. What was he even thinking? He was not ready for an honest-to-gods relationship! Especially with someone like Tav! Someone he cared about too much to just say ‘thanks, but no thanks’ if something went wrong.

He groaned and massaged his temples again. Why did he even ask her? He couldn’t just cancel now, could he? Although… why couldn’t he? It would be easy enough. Make up an excuse of some sort. Tav would probably forgive him. One could hope.

That same evening there was a pounding on his apartment door. Shadowheart was furious, that much he could tell just by checking the doorcam.

“Can I help you?” he opened the door and Shadowheart stormed right in.

“Cut the crap, Ancunín!” she snapped, eyes blazing and clearly ready for a confrontation. “Tav called me. Apparently, you haven’t the balls to actually admit that you like her, so you just cancelled the date!”

“It wasn’t a date,” he said pathetically, sounding like a petulant child even to his own ears.

“That’s what she said too. That it was just you two going as friends,” she mocked. “So, tell me, what set you off? Was it me telling you that she likes you? Is that it?”

“That has nothing to do with this!” he bristled, his hackles raised. “I simply decided that I don’t want to take anyone.”

“Sure you did,” she rolled her eyes at the obvious lie.

Astarion chose this moment to regroup, sensing that Shadowheart had one over him. And under no circumstances was the obstinate elf stooping so low as to admit that he was afraid of dealing with feelings. Letting out a breath, he ran his fingers through his snowy curls, letting his lips curl upwards into a smirk. It was a familiar act, comforting in a way. Playing the rake has served him well over the years.

“Besides, why would I even want Tav in that way? I could have anyone, literally anyone, just like that. I could have you right here, right on the floor, right now, if I wanted to.”

“Excuse me?” She scowled and crossed her arms over her chest, unimpressed by his insinuation.

“You heard me. In fact, I think that’s why you are really here,” he took a purposeful, predatory step towards her, taking his glasses off and giving her a slow, practiced smile. He tilted his head forward a little, letting a rogue curl fall out of place, dropping his voice to a sensual murmur. “Want me to throw you one, Sha-dow-heart?”

Her eyes narrowed into slits. In hindsight, perhaps challenging her was not one of his brightest ideas. But then again, how many of his snap decisions were?

“Do it,” she lessened the distance between them, so they were standing almost nose to nose. “I said do it. Throw me one, Astarion.”

“Excuse me? Wha- what about Karlach?” he stuttered, panicking and unsure of what to do next.

“Let’s just say we have an understanding, of sorts. So come on then. Right here, right now, on the floor.” Shadowheart trailed a delicate finger up and down his chest, bringing her other hand up to pop the top button on her shirt open.

“What do you say?” she murmured, looking up at him through her long, fluttery lashes.

Shadowheart was a picture and she knew it. There was no way any living, breathing creature would turn her down, especially when her intent was all-too-clear.

Astarion gulped. “I- I think you should go.”

“I knew it!” she jabbed him hard with a manicured finger, making the elf wince. “I knew that you were full of shit! And you know why? Because you like Tav, you clueless idiot! So do yourself a favour, stop being a fool and call her! Take her to the party, don’t take her to the party. But tell Tav how you really feel or I swear to gods, I will give her number to everyone who has been clamouring to ask her out. I have a list a mile long of people who would happily sweep her off her feet the way that she actually deserves! Your move, Ancunín.”

And with that she stormed out, slamming the door shut for good measure.

Astarion did not call Tav. Not that evening, not the day after, and not the day after that.

He hated how much of a coward he was. And Shadowheart was right, Tav deserved much more than his half-arsed attempts at asking her out.

On Friday evening, Shadowheart stopped by his office before leaving for the day and sat down on the sofa opposite his desk, crossing her shapely legs as she looked at him with an unreadable expression.

“Halsin asked Tav out, you know. And she said yes. They are meeting for drinks tonight, probably right about now.”

Astarion did not look up from the papers strewn across his desk. “Thank you for that information, not that I asked.”

“So I take it that you don’t care?”

“Not in the slightest,” he waved her question off, as if it was completely inconsequential and unimportant, lifted the cup of coffee off his table and took a sip. He definitely would have to pull an all-nighter, with the workload being absolutely impossible.

“Good, good. That’s what I thought too. Which is why I told Tav that it wasn’t slutty at all to go all the way on the first date.”

He choked on his coffee.

She quirked an eyebrow and waited a beat for her words to sink in. “And then, being a good friend, I made sure that Tav had three types of condoms in her bag. Halsin looks like a big boy, but you never know what size they might actually need.”

Astarion could not reply because he was still trying to cough up his lungs, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes.

“But never mind that, I’m sure you have a marvelous evening ahead of you,” Shadowheart smirked, getting up and smoothing the front of her pencil skirt out. “I, for one, am meeting up with Karlach in an hour, so have a nice weekend.” With that she walked out of his office, her heels clicking in a way that could only be described as smug.

Astarion told himself that it didn’t matter to him if she slept with Halsin. Hells, it didn’t matter if she slept with half the city! It was none of his business. He had their monthly brunches to look forward to. The next one would be in a couple of weeks, or 26 days, or 624 hours. Not that he was counting.

And that was how Astarion found himself standing across the street from the place that he heard Tav go on about. He guessed correctly, she was indeed at that exact restaurant.

Astarion scowled as he saw that she actually made a real effort for this date, looking absolutely delicious, if he said so himself.

He could have taken her there. It could be him sitting across from Tav now. Reaching out to wipe a bit of sauce from the corner of her mouth with his napkin, she really was a messy pup sometimes, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Leaning forward to-

“Oh, hells no,” Astarion hissed, watching as Halsin leaned forward to whisper something in Tav’s ear, making her blush prettily.

“You deserve it, you know.”

He jumped at the familiar voice. Karlach was looking at him with a smirk, Shadowheart standing next to her tiefling.

“What are you doing here?”

“On no, Shadowheart, Astarion’s been discovered!” Karlach stage whispered. “Spying on a person on her date like some kind of creep.”

“And you two? Don’t tell me you just happened to stroll past this particular restaurant at this exact time, hm?” Astarion mocked, his back rigid as he placed his hands on his hips.

“Oh, we are nosy, alright” Karlach admitted readily with a shrug. “But we are rooting for this date to be a success. And I bet Shadowheart that you would turn up. Pay up, baby!”

Shadowheart grumbled and got her phone out, sending the money to Karlach. “You see, I had some faith in you. Should have known better.”

“Well, thank you very fucking much,” he bowed with a flourish and turned away from the two. “Now if you two excuse me, I have a date to crash.”

“What do you think you are doing? There is no way you are going there!” Shadowheart hissed, grasping his forearm and making him squirm. The woman was deceptively delicate, holding him in place easily with a vice-like grip.

“And why the hells not?” Astarion spat, finally managing to push her away with his other arm.

“Because Karlach here will throttle you if you make one step towards that restaurant.”

“Fine,” he grumbled. He survived this long by knowing to pick his battles wisely. He could perhaps take Shadowheart in a scuffle, but Karlach was a different matter entirely. Yet, he was not above being a petty bitch about it.

“Shadowheart wanted me to throw her one,” he hissed spitefully.

“Yes, she told me about that conversation you had,” Karlach grinned, completely unfazed by the hostile looks the two elves were giving each other. “Because my baby always tells me everything.”

“Baby does,” Shadowheart nodded without looking away from Astarion but squeezed Karlach’s hand, her shoulders relaxing somewhat.

“Ew, talking in third person,” he sneered. “It’s such a disgusting, coupley thing,”

“How would you know? Not exactly an expert,” Shadowheart countered quickly, making him scowl.

“Come on, let’s get you home,” Karlach patted Astarion’s silver curls good-naturedly. She really did feel sorry for him, firmly believing that the elf was capable of getting his head out of his ass if given enough incentive. “Whatever happens now, happens. You missed your chance.”

“Shadowheart? Is that you?”

The three froze as they saw that Tav was walking towards them, smiling broadly.

Shit.

She saw them. The three weirdos stalking their friend whilst she was on a date. Not their proudest moment.

Tag list: @ninty900, @ayselluna, @dajeong, @ravenswritingroom,

@misscrissfemmefatale, @clazberryk

[fatehbaz]

"Industry" as a frame of meaning is [...] relevant from the beginning of [modern-era labor advocacy and the general practice of intentionally "taking it easy" or "slowing down" while at work in order to advocate for and take care of oneself] [...], a form of "working badly" [...]. This close link is understandable given the absolute focus on efficiency that marks management thinking - Taylorism [Frederick Taylor's time studies and his support for using stopwatches to micro-manage in the workplace], the Gilbreths' time and motion studies [...]. [W]e can feel that trace of disgust, a certain sneering affect [...]. The sneer gathers around the word "motionless," [...]. The promise of the “upstanding citizen” is posed against the figure of the cripple, etymologically bound to the one who creeps, who stays low, to the one who is not proud and erect and in public view. In this way, that figure - along with the hobbled, the mute, the blind, the mad, the deaf, the chronic, and, of course, the paralyzed - becomes the exemplary negative definition. [...] [T]he only culturally sanctioned options are to be hidden from public life or recuperated [...]. That [...] fantasy of [a] return to previous levels of mobility that aligns easily with ableist conceptions of normal function and health [...] is also grounded in the specific idea of a return to ["productivity"] [...].

We can find this dynamic in especially dramatic form in the influential work of early twentieth-century “scientific management” theorists Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, known both for their time and motion studies of labor processes [...]. [T]he Gilbreths are relentlessly devoted to the reduction of inefficiency in labor to save energy, reduce unnecessary fatigue, and, above all, neutralize the fundamental “waste” of effort and time hidden within every human movement, particularly when at work. According to Frank and Lillian, “there is no waste of any kind in the world that equals the waste from needless, ill-directed, and ineffective motions, and their resulting unnecessary fatigue.” The battle against this “waste” gets posed as a civilizational battle stretching back across human history, only now conquerable with modern means, yet theirs is also a project with explicitly nationalist overtones that can be strategically couched to suit a war economy and a desire for American imperial hegemony.

---

The solution they propose is a total analytical dissection of labor processes, breaking single tasks into discrete parts to detect the little gaps in time that could be closed. Such minute lags and “micromotions” will necessarily get missed without the tools the Gilbreths turn to, like moving picture cameras - turned to face workers with chronometers in front of the lens and reticular grids on the wall behind for scale - and a “chronocyclegraph,” which allowed them to zoom in on a single gesture to see its tiny deviations and wasted movements frame by frame. In their methodology, delays and breakdowns take a form almost directly counter to simple malingering or the kind of willful self-stasis that Spargo denounced. Rather, what causes the inefficiency that the Gilbreths target is too much movement, an excess of animacy and motions that need not be done to complete a task, resulting in unnecessary fatigue and wasted opportunities for profit.

Yet at the heart of this, there is one figure seen to most embody this “wasted” energy and time in full - not in a specific action, badly choreographed task, or laziness, but in their entire being. This is what they designated as the “cripple,” [...].

---

“What,” the Gilbreths ask, “is to be done with these millions of cripples, when their injuries have been remedied as far as possible, and when they are obliged to become again a part of the working community?” [...] The “cripple” therefore emblematizes the waste of America’s “human resources” for the Gilbreths. It manifests a physical limit - the body that is conventionally seen to be unable to do productive work - but also a political one that they cannot even fathom, or at least allow publicly: the idea that anyone might challenge either the supposed utility of this frenzy of streamlined work or the very category of what constitutes “waste” itself. For the Gilbreths, the “elimination of waste” is not merely a project of capital. It is a civilization-scale undertaking that benefits all involved in the process: “All workers are sharing in the savings made possible by the elimination of waste.” [...]

It is not mere surveillance, increased policing, or something that openly oppresses and invites a revolt. Instead, it is a mode of management and control that seeks to saturate every step of the process, all the while insisting that what’s good for profit is good for those whose stolen time generates that profit.

---

All text above by: Evan Calder Williams. "On Paralysis, Part 3". e-flux Journal Issue #147. September 2024. Published online at: e-flux dot com slash journal/147/624989/on-paralysis-part-3/. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Text within brackets added by me for clarity/context. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism.]

[anzulvr]

Hello how are you today. I was wondering can I request karma x reader headcanon who are enemies. Like always competing for better grades and are always at each other throats

— ACADEMIC RIVALS HEADCANNONS

Karma Akabane x Reader (gn!) // the beginning of this takes place before Karma is dropped to E class, you’re A-CLASS classmates // this is so late I’m sorry… like a year late i think. pls forgive me. Cute request shoulda done sooner but I’m so behind!!

Unconsciously Karma is going to assume the worst of you, before even speaking to you he had a few assumptions of the type of person you were.

Though you can’t really blame him for it, A class students aren’t exactly known for being kind.

You had a few assumptions about him yourself.

Wasted potential, a genius who got into fights on a regular basis. He was so full of himself, always leaving class before the lesson ended. Not to mention the way he never followed instructions.

You didn’t appreciate the fact things worked out for him better than they did for you.

He constantly outperformed your scores with a point or even half a point. It was irritating. You spent hours perfecting your writing, memorizing equations, and taking notes. He didn’t even stay in class for longer than 30 minutes because he already knew the lessons?!

No matter how much you studied ahead, he already knew that. If you managed to score 100 on a test he’d somehow gotten extra credit points. It was driving you insane.

He could probably feel the hostility, which is why you avoided each other for the most part.

Until…

You got paired up for a project.

Your worst nightmare came true.

He’s cute from afar. Actually having to interact with him and having your A+ on the line was not cute in the slightest. He’s smart, you couldn’t deny that, oftentimes he slacks on bigger homework assignments like these because he doesn’t feel like it.

You were hoping he’d help regardless, you could do it all yourself but if he pitched in it would take a lot of stress off your shoulders.

You got into a disagreement about how the assignment should be done. He decided you could stray from the instructions a bit while you wanted to do everything by the book.

Eventually he caved when he saw it was genuinely bugging you when he didn’t even care about the assignment.

Now that you had to talk to each other almost every day, you both realized what you had in common. Things you misunderstood about one another and had grown pretty close.

Close enough for him to make fun of you and shove his test scores in your face.

You didn’t expect you could become friends with someone so different from you. When you realized how much you liked him it worried you.

You started looking his way when you should've been reading your textbook.

You stopped telling him to be quiet whenever he talked your ear off during a lesson.

You were putting more effort in the way you looked and dressed when you got ready in the morning.

You even turned in an assignment late because you chose to help him with a last minute project.

If someone had told you that you'd like him that much a few months ago; you would have laughed in their faces.

You realized how far gone you were:

(“He's distracting me from my studies... Wait- was his plan to begin with?!”)

Lucky for you, he started showing up on time and even stayed in class the whole day!

(he did show off to you how he could finish the worksheets in less than half the time you could, but hey, you can't win them all.)

He won't tell you why he's suddenly so punctual, and he's much better at hiding his motives than you are but you have a feeling you've also been taking up his thoughts.

[verdemoth]

Maven! Small guy KEENLY aware of the crushing weight of responsibility. Director of Mission Control after Odyssey’s ‘retirement’. Doing their best.

-> Following after their mentor, Maven is the current head of Mission Control, a small team tasked with monitoring the status of expeditions, keeping the portal stable, and maintaining the technological systems that assist in these efforts. Maven’s the one calling the shots. In the case of a hazardous situation, Maven has to make an assessment with what information they have access to and decide what to prioritize. They’re inclined to recall the field team when faced with any untested issue, but the current owners/investors of the whole project aren’t too happy when supplies get wasted ‘for nothing’.

-> In practice they usually just go along with whatever Odyssey advises to the absolute best of their ability. And they Will Not complain.

-> They’re kind of usually too worried about have a personality for the entire duration of a mission. They fixate on the job and fret over it 24/7 until everyone makes it back in one piece.

-> When they can relax, Maven’s got some hobbies. They’re into embroidery, playing niche card and board games, and enjoys science fiction and mystery stories.

-> Their cousin, Perseverance, bullies them relentlessly for being a nerd </3. Even though Perse is the one who writes essays on oscillating genes, or the influences that parasites exert throughout an ecosystem, just for fun, so. >:(

-> Maven and Perse didn’t grow up very close in both a physical, spacial sense as well as an emotional one. Their teens is when they started to connect, when their families moved closer again. Maven babysat fairly often and helped her out with schoolwork, leading to Perse taking an interest in Maven’s aspirations and making them her own.

-> She’s a grown woman now and can look after herself, but Maven’s still worried for her now that she’s joined the team officially. They don’t want to get her killed. But then she goes and pulls some shit to make them reconsider all the effort they’re putting into worrying. Like showing Maven a big fuckoff moth she found by releasing it into their room. Again. (..it was a cool moth though)

-> Maven has to babysit Perse’s terrariums once she starts joining expeditions. Maven does not like crawlies.. but they are committed to upholding the highest standard of care for these creatures. They were reaaaaaally anxious about it the first time, but Perse said they did a great job, and they kind of grew to enjoy it? The feeling of being able to do right by these little animals and keep them safe. They don’t mind it, actually.

-> Maven was just stepping into the leadership role on that fateful day they lost contact with the field team. It was supposed to be straightforward, one of the first missions they’d be commanding with little input from Odyssey, up until it all went very wrong. When the storm hit, they scrambled to manage the crisis. In the time it took to restore communication, Maven was certain they’d gotten three people killed. Instead, they just got one person killed. Like it really makes a difference. They are quite certain that Opportunity’s disappearance and presumed death are their fault and they’re not dealing with it very well.

-> They look up to and respect their mentor a lot and honestly it’s just.. easier to let em overstep and take some responsibility away from them. Maven feels Complicated about it. Relieved, sure. Patronized too. They feel crushed that Odyssey doesn’t seem to trust their ability.. but is e really wrong? They’ve already proven to be inadequate. They’re not sure they’ll ever move past this.

[midnightshade]

Title: The Greatest Curse

↷Synopsis: An Assortment of NSFW and SFW Headcanons of how Kenjaku would be in a relationship

Pairing: Kenjaku x Reader

Series: Jujutsu Kaisen

Rating: E (Explicit)

Word Count: 3,373

Warnings: Slight Possessiveness and Controlling Behavior from Kenjaku, Breeding, Pregnancy, Marking, Rough Sex, Mentions of Violence, Exhibitionism, Anal, Consensual Noncon

Author's Note: I updated this because I had accidentally deleted the other one from my old blog, so I re-did it. Hope y'all enjoy ♡

Masterlist

reblogs and interactions are incredibly appreciated ♥︎

Kenjaku loves life. He likes living and he likes people! He hasn't been jaded by his long life and sees the opportunity and potential in even the mundane. That being said, he doesn't often let himself get attached to people.

It makes sense. He's functionally immortal, so getting attached to any one individual can be impractical. Making long-term friends instead of just allies or finding a lover seems like an impossibility. So when he finds himself getting attached to you, he does what he usually does when he feels a connection forming: deny it.

His immediate reaction is to try and deny any feelings of fondness he has for you and keep you at arm's length. There's definitely a "testing period" for Kenjaku when he notices he's taken a liking to you.

You will notice a shift in his personality. Kenjaku is a polite man, all things considered. He's capable and willing to work with others to achieve his goals, but you will notice him pull away.

He isn't outwardly rude, especially if he still needs you as an ally, but his responses are kept clipped and he is more demanding of you than before.

If you manage to push past this roadblock and he finally accepts that he likes you, it's like a 180.

He isn't especially doting, but he is devoted.

Whatever the reason, if you've somehow managed to slip past his defenses and become someone he actually cherishes, consider yourself blessed.

Just by virtue of being with him, your relationship will not always be the safest or the healthiest.

To be blunt, you'll know he loves you because he hasn't killed you. If he's allowing you to stay at his side and to warm his bed every night instead of just disposing of you once you stop being useful, then he loves you.

Because this type of love is so rare for him, know that he tends to be possessive. I do see him preferring more capable partners, so if you can defend yourself or if you're clever enough to get out of a bad situation, he has no issue with letting you wander and do as you please.

But he will check up on you, and he does tend to prefer having you close by. Just for his peace of mind.

He will mentor you in any variety of subjects if you ask. He finds it fun to share his knowledge, and watching you learn and grow is an exciting side project for him.

Kenjaku isn't typically one to say "I love you," aloud. It isn't like he'd never say it, he's just more likely to show love and affection through acts of service and physical touch

He likes to be touching you when he can. A hand on your shoulder or an arm coiled around your midsection. He enjoys hugging you from behind and resting his chin on your shoulder or your head, usually to look over what you're doing.

Likes soft affection like kissing your knuckles or your forehead. He is prone to grabbing your chin or cupping your face to make you look at him when he's speaking.

Admittedly, his controlling nature can bleed through in little behaviors like that. He sees you as his partner, but he's more comfortable leading the relationship.

He doesn't really get jealous, but he can be protective. If you're targeted, he won't waste his time dispatching the problem.

If someone hurts you, there's really no question about what their fate will be. Messing with you is the single dumbest thing anyone can do. He will have no mercy and he will not hold back. All it takes is one wrong move before they're reduced to an unidentifiable stain of red on the pavement

He likes a partner with ambition. If you have the drive to pursue your goals, he finds that incredibly attractive. He will nudge you in that direction if you're more on the timid side.

He likes children so he is very keen on it if you're either good with kids or have some sort of fondness for them.

Even if you struggle with children, don't despair. For a millennia old evil Sorcerer, he's surprisingly talented with kids and he's more than happy to teach you how to properly care for and spend time with them.

If children are something you 100% do not want, he will struggle a little with that. He likes children and he wants them, especially with an actual lover. I don't know if he will be okay with never having children.

The kids he's already had were mostly for experimental purposes. He wants to experience what it's like to actually have children just to have them.

He might try to convince you or manipulate you into it. He might love you, but Kenjaku is used to getting what he wants.

Isn't big on most pet names, but he will call you things like "dear" or "love." Likes it when you call him pet names, though. He finds them amusing

If you're in a relationship with him, you have to accept all of him, especially his work. He enjoys his work, and he's naturally very curious. He loves you, but he isn't abandoning his work for anyone. It's his passion

If you have a quick and ready mind and show that you're just as curious as he is, he will fall for you hard and fast. He craves intellectual stimulation and wants someone to call an equal. He loves talking to you about anything and everything. It's comforting for him to have someone to dispel the loneliness for once.

However, his work isn't just fun and games. He is not a good person. He has killed people and destroyed lives without a second thought just to further his goals and satisfy his own curiosity. You have to accept this part of him as well if you're going to be with him.

Seriously, if you're at all squeamish, a relationship will not work with him. He's prone to dissecting curses and humans alike, and you've definitely seen his brain on more than one occasion. Not to mention the amount of blood he has on his hands.

If he trusts you enough, you will end up being involved in his plans, meaning you'll be getting your hands dirty. His work is important to him, so there's no greater honor than being entrusted with it.

He is happy when you take a genuine interest in his work. He's the type to guide you through the process of dissecting a curse and see it as a genuine bonding experience.

He likes quiet moments together. He is especially fond of when you rest against his chest while he reads over something. Will often play with your hair at the same time

Regardless of whether or not you're a Heian Era Shaman who has been following him for centuries or a Modern Day Sorcerer, please have some fun with him.

He has a deep love and appreciation for life. He likes to have fun! (Often at the expense of others) Don't be afraid to be spontaneous with him or drag him somewhere just because it piques your interest. He enjoys someone who likes to have fun.

He's interested in new inventions, always has been. New tech, breakthroughs in science and medicine. Even TV and video games.

He actually loves video games. He doesn't always have time for them or to keep up with new IPs, but he enjoys playing with you. Especially retro style games and puzzle games like Portal.

He can be a little shit. He will pull little pranks on you or come up behind you and tickle you. He enjoys getting a bit of a rise out of you and thinks it's funny when you yelp and pout at him. He'll give you kisses all over your face as an empty apology.

Little things show his trust for you. Letting you sleep with him, eating the food you make without worry of poisons, allowing you to tend to the stitches along his head. All of those are rather vulnerable situations, and he doesn't shrink away from letting you near.

He's a great cook. He's had time to practice, so he'll surprise you every now and then with a meal he's prepared. It's typically vegetarian, because that's what he's used to, but it's always delicious and leaves you wanting more.

Be warned, this is Kenjaku we're talking about. He can be manipulative. He'd rather talk any problems out, and he doesn't have patience for childish screaming matches or arguments. He'll talk circles around you, anyhow. He knows how to bend people to his will.

He is a vain man, at least I tend to think so. He has an aesthetic he likes to keep to, even when he's changing bodies, and he tends to prefer more traditional styles of fashion.

Because of this, I think he might be a little insecure about his appearance. He'd sooner gargle shards of glass before ever admitting to it, but once you enter into a relationship with him, there's this slight hesitation from him to change bodies if he thinks his new host won't be as attractive.

As such, he greatly appreciates loyalty. Assure him you still love him, no matter what he looks like, regardless of whether he's a man or woman. It puts his mind at ease.

If you don't flinch away at the sight of his brain, he will fall deeper in love. Being able to handle the sight and also see him in such a vulnerable position means a lot

He's a possessive man. As mentioned before, he likes people but he rarely allows himself to get attached. Being his lover means he is very fond of you, which means he is not letting you go

When you die, he will reincarnate you. It doesn't matter if some other poor soul has to die so you can use their body, all he cares about is having you back with him where you belong.

And know that he will revive you as many times as necessary. If you die in action or of old age, no matter what era he met you in, he's bringing you back.

Til death do us part, but not even death can part you from him. You are his, and that's just how it is.

Loving him isn't always easy or safe, but if he's let you by his side, know that you're the most important person to him. You're under his protection, and he will see to it that you're well loved and well taken care of.

NSFW Under The Cut:

Kenjaku is a walking breeding kink. This man gets insanely horny thinking about flooding you with his seed and getting you pregnant. It doesn't matter if you physically can't get pregnant, he's going to fuck and fill you regardless.

His breeding kink isn't just for show, either. If you two have been together long enough, he will want children eventually. He'll either breed you himself or, if you have a dick, he'll jump into a body with a womb and carry the baby himself.

His favorite position is a mating press. Any position that lets him fuck you hard and deep and that lets his balls smack against you is his favorite.

He can't bring himself to pull out. If he's fucking you, he's milking his balls inside of you. It just feels better to cum inside and he enjoys the intimacy of it.

The one exception are the rare times he pulls out when he's fucking your mouth so he can cum all over your face. He loves seeing you painted with his cum.

He needs to cum at least twice a day, so prepare to have your holes stuffed often

To say he prefers rough sex would be an understatement. He can be violent in bed and he enjoys a little pain with his pleasure.

If you're a one-night stand that could be a problem because he would care very little about your pleasure or comfort, but as his lover he would be more attentive to your needs.

He'll slow down and be more gentle if he needs to be and he never pushes you further than he thinks you can take. He'd also implement a safe word if necessary.

Not to say he never enjoys slow, gentle sex just for himself because he does. He likes to see you come undone underneath him, watching you fall apart with every slow roll of his hips and every gentle kiss to your face.

He likes marking you. Leaving bruises all over your pretty skin, biting you and sucking hickeys all over your neck. They're presents from him, proof of his ownership.

He also likes being marked in return. He will keen if you rake your nails down his back and if you bite him, he always encourages you to bite him harder. He doesn't mind bleeding a little.

He is great at aftercare, despite what people may think. He'll clean you up and make sure your injuries are tended to, all the while praising you for being so good.

He likes to cuddle after sex. He enjoys the quiet intimacy of holding you in his arms, basking in the afterglow. Sometimes, he'll doze silently as you both regain your energy, but usually, he'll engage in pillow talk, usually about whatever has piqued his interest.

His marking kink ties closely with his breeding kink. He sees the act of breeding you as another way to mark you as his own, and if you can get pregnant, he will show you off a lot and ensure everyone knows he's the one who put a baby in you.

He has a praise kink and a body worship kink. He's vain, so hearing his partner call him beautiful or handsome really gets him going. He likes to be pampered and worshipped in bed, even as the dominant one. He wants you to submit and praise him for making you feel so good.

He also likes praising you. He takes pleasure in watching you blush or look away in embarrassment at his words. He'll say the nastiest shit in your ear in the sweetest, most affectionate voice he can.

Just like in the relationship itself, Kenjaku prefers to take a more dominant role. He doesn't like giving up control, despite what he might say otherwise.

He gets a headrush knowing you completely submit to him. Having that power over you is intoxicating.

He'll let you top him, but don't mistake the situation. You may be the one fucking him, but he's the one in control.

If he's in a male body, please play with his ass. He turns into a drooling mess if you fuck him in the ass. Whether you're using your fingers, your dick, or a strap-on, it's one of the few times you can actually make Kenjaku beg for more.

Tease his asshole with your fingers, lick and kiss at it before shoving your fingers in, and his thighs will start to shake before he demands more. He's a size king, so the bigger the better

He also loves being eaten out. Spend enough time between his legs eating his ass (or his pussy if he has one) and he will fall deeper in love with you. He'll pull and pet your hair and moan out praises as you please him with your mouth.

It's rewarding seeing a man like Kenjaku turn into a desperate mess.

If he has a dick, depending on the body he's in, he loves having his balls played with. The fastest way to get him in the mood is to come up behind him and grope and fondle his balls. Squeeze them gently and tug on them and Kenjaku will slam you against the nearest wall and fuck you until you're unconscious.

Big on Somnophilia. He will discuss it with you if that's a boundary, but if you give him the go-ahead, he will take advantage of it. There will be times when you'll wake up, and he'll already be balls deep inside of you.

He is not shy, and he has no shame. He actually gets turned on fucking you in front of people and sees it as another way to claim ownership. He has no problem continuing a conversation while you're moaning and creaming around his cock.

He has a stupidly high libido, but his self-control is even worse. Sure, he may not mind bouncing you on his dick in front of people, but if you're purposefully trying to get him to lose control, he has no problem ignoring you.

Be careful, though, because when he gets the chance, he will pull you aside and bend you over the nearest flat surface and fill you up until you're a drooling mess.

He will walk out with you trailing behind him, legs shaking and cum still dripping out of your twitching hole while he looks like he hardly broke a sweat from breeding you.

He likes to cockwarm you, but he's more so obsessed with the feeling of you cumming around his throbbing cock.

He'll play with your pussy or stroke your cock mindlessly while you shift and grind yourself against him. He's stubborn and won't move, but his free hand will be placed firmly on your hip to keep you still. When you finally cum, he revels in the way you clench and pulse around him 

Kenjaku loves edging and overstim. Receiving and giving. He will often do it together, edging the both of you while he fucks you, making the sensations more intense until you just can't handle it anymore.

When he's built up the pleasure enough he'll make you cum over and over and over until you're crying from overstimulation. But he won't stop until he's satisfied and exhausted

Please have fun with him. Sex can be passionate and romantic, but he never wants it to be a chore or a job. He wants it to be fun!

Make jokes, be silly, laugh at the weird noises bodies can make sometimes or if one of you accidentally hits your head against something from going too hard. He doesn't want it to be boring.

He loves pleasuring you just as much as he likes to be pleasured. He's more giving in bed than people may think.

If you have periods, he literally does not care about having sex while you're bleeding. You've seen his brain, he's killed people. Do you think a little blood will gross him out?

His dirty talk is more graphic and usually tends to be about the act itself, about how he wants to fill you up and make you scream for more.

He's fine with calling you a slut or a whore, but he doesn't like calling you thinks like stupid or ugly. Even he would never go there.

You have probably kissed his brain at one point and yes, the mouth inside of it can be used. He has eaten you out/sucked you off with it before and it was as strange as it was arousing.

Not to mention a little nerve-wracking since you were concerned about hurting the very sensitive organ.

Kenjaku finds it arousing and very comforting that, even in bed, you don't find his Technique off-putting.

He's into consensual noncon. Dubcon, to be more specific.

He likes it when you struggle against him and make him work for it. He likes to force you down or force your legs open 

Fight back against him, and it'll really get him going, but he does have a limit.

He would be turned off if you cried or screamed at him to stop, even if you were acting. He likes a little chase and struggle, but the idea of actually forcing you turns him off.

Having you fight back a little, only to submit and beg for more is what he wants. He wants to be desired, after all.

He may be rough in bed and possessive, but he loves you more than anything.

You're his, every part of you, but that also means every part of him is yours.

[pookasluagh]

They're talking!

Ch 4 – Inquiry – of The Regret List is out! Crowley is a chaos-demon with texts, Aziraphale opens up about his situation, the first few sparks start to come to life… Excerpt:

Crowley couldn’t stop staring at this trainwreck of a man on the screen. Finally, he managed, “But why? You’re almost fifty. Surely, you don’t need their approval still? Fuck! I thought you would’ve outgrown this by now or—”

Biting his lip, he cut off and looked away, but not before he saw Aziraphale’s raised eyebrow. “Or what?”

Crowley recognized the edge in his voice, something low and fierce and how dare he question Az’s choices. It tipped him right over into boiling anger. “Or maybe I wouldn’t have reached out!” he spat. “I don’t want to be wrapped up in some church bullshit thing again, Az. Your bit on the side or whatever. Tell me honestly—why do you still hide from them? From everyone?”

They glared at each other over the video connection, both waiting for the other to break. Aziraphale looked away first. He shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t know, Crowley. Because I’m scared. I don’t know how to live any other way.”

Crowley’s heart cracked. He was angry and frustrated and yearning all at once. He wanted to protect this man, to shout at him to protect himself, to wrap him up in warm blankets and feed him hot cocoa and kisses. Before he could say anything else, though, Aziraphale sighed.

“Changing now—it would mean admitting that I’ve wasted so many years of my life. I’m not sure I have the strength to face that. Maybe I’m too old to start over.”

“Fuck that,” Crowley blurted at once, causing the other man to open his mouth in surprise. For a split second, he thought about softening his response, then shook his head. “You’re too young not to.”

***** Fic notes: human AU, religious deconstruction, old friends, starting over late in life, rated E.

[dramioneasks]

HP FESTS: Dramione Teratophilia Fest (Part 2)

Dramione Teratophilia Fest 2.0 2023:

Moulting by emmarauren - M, one-shot - “My wings!” She cried. “They’re falling off.” “Oh sweetheart. They’re only moulting.”

Ministry Interference by seawitchcreations - E, one-shot - The Ministry has found that you are a MATCH for a Magical Creature. Please report to the office of Mr. Samuel Collins, located in Lab 43 on the 3rd Floor at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at your earliest convenience. We look forward to your cooperation in this matter. Courtesy of the DMLE. Hermione’s plan to take Draco home is derailed by Ministry Interference.

warped, wretched thing by LeafHouses - E, 2 chapters - Draco finds Harry slumped over his desk, body as still and cold as winter, skin already shrinking away from the bone. Ginny has been searching for her husband for a week, recalling the recent madness in him. She didn’t know about the little studio on the riverside, didn’t have a key to the door, and thus, didn’t find the body. Or the broken painting. or On a cold day in fall, Harry Potter dies suddenly, and Draco Malfoy is left with a broken heart, a distraught widow, and a haunting painting of a mysterious woman.

Into the Light by Absolutely_Avid - E, one-shot - Draco Malfoy, turned recluse and werewolf with one bite, has locked himself away in his manor. Content to waste his life away, Draco is put out when his best friend and childhood enemy conspire to drag him into the light.

Blessed in Darkness by EastWindmlk - E, one-shot - no summary

The Rockrose & The Thistle by Bana_Bhuidseach - M, WIP - It is selfishness that draws her out of the ocean to save him, and it is selfishness that makes him keep her on land afterwards.

À la Claire Fontaine by LiloLilyAnn - T, one-shot - Deep beneath the glassy surface of an enchanted lake, lived a lone water nymph. She knew not the world outside of her marine home nor why she feared those who walked on land, but she believed the feeling in her chest and the magic of the water around her that told her to flee from them, nonetheless. Until one day, a boy appeared on her shoreline, and everything she thought she knew was altered.

Breakfast in Bed and Other Conveniences of the Undead by Art_emis - E, one-shot - A tale of Hermione Granger and her compulsion to secure equity for all. Or, how Hermione Granger accidentally landed in a relationship with Draco Malfoy- Vampire, via the siren call of “properly conducted research.”

Yes, Master Malfoy by orphan_account - E, one-shot - "Draco takes in the tiny creature, such a special thing. A treasure he’d coveted the moment he set his eyes upon her. Granger was no ordinary house elf by any means, such a prize in his collection." Draco Malfoy has a house-elf kink.

I know you won't hurt me by katiekrum - M, one-shot - I'm not sure of my feelings for you, but I won't let anyone before me claim you as their own.

Benighted Traveler by Biirdiee_Rose - E, one-shot - Fingers wrap around his jaw, forcing him to look up and into glowing golden eyes. Oh holy shit— “You dare to disturb my place of rest?” Her voice carries centuries of power, rattling the very frame of him, sinking deep into his flesh and crackling his bones. Draco knows the moment he lays eyes on her who she is. The Princess of the 18th Dynasty. Hermione. Her name had been Hermione. - Draco's research project had been an utter failure so far, until he managed to stumble upon a hidden tomb. Not just any hidden tomb either, but the tomb of a princess everyone thought was lost to history. He didn't mean to wake the princess, nor upset her. Lucky for him, she might just find him useful.

Paranormal Activity by pinkhairandbooks - E, one-shot - The first time she had burst into his bathroom while he was having a private moment in his shower, manifesting her presence with a mocking “and you call that a wank?” Draco had screamed. The second time he had merely blushed furiously and closed better the shower curtain, though that had done nothing to cut off her snide comments about his supposed inability to masturbate. The third time he had snorted, terribly annoyed by those constant interruptions, and had let his irritation take control of his mouth. Idea that, in retrospect, he realized how bad it had been. “Do you want to explain to me how to do it, then?” He mumbled annoyedly, only popping his head out from behind the shower curtain to scowl at her.

We Were Prey by AutumnWeen - M, one-shot - “The name I used to bear is of no consequence. To you I am Draco. I must confess have grown fond of the name, as pretentious as it is. Did you know it was the dragon that guarded the golden apples of a goddess? Golden, like you.” Draco's memories of Hermione make her easy prey for the Fae, and not even her magic can protect her.

soft purrs and dark secrets by FeInTheClouds - E, 2 chapters - no summary

Venenum by pinkhairandbooks - E, one-shot - A dangerous creature has been lurking Hermione’s village since she can remember, too many animals have been killed and too many crops destroyed. Fearing for their lives the village offers Hermione to the beast as a virgin sacrifice, hoping she will quench its thirst.

Dramione Teratophilia Fest 3.0 2024:

Unmated by Kayka, Tippilo - E, WIP - She rereads the registration form for the twelfth time. Name: Draco Malfoy Species: Veela Status: Unmated Mate: Hermione Granger She had no idea… Why didn’t he tell her? 

Of Sun Swords And Worms by aurorasleeps - M, WIP - Hermione Granger spends her days waiting: for the rain to fall, for the tea to brew, for pink, wriggling earthworms to leave their rain-steeped homes and keep her company. She pulls threads out of rugs and holds herself very still and tries to fool the world into forgetting her and, in the persistent discomfort of her life, she is almost content—at least, until he shows up, all dark suit and skeletal hands, and well, nothing changes—only that it does.

Fool's Mate by charingfae - E, WIP - As the Ministry-Fae Liaison, Hermione is eager to find a resolution to the escalating conflict between their people. Recent attacks have tensions running high, and successful negotiations with the fae would broker an era of peace. But when she finally steps foot into their kingdom, her hubris gets the best of her. To avoid execution for her crimes, the Minister gifts her to the fae. For life. She's trapped in the prince’s castle, learning all she can in a bid to end the escalating attacks and find her way home. Like the castle, her captor is cold, cruel, and devastatingly beautiful. He's also, apparently, her mate.

Hamartia by thedarkalchemistx - E, WIP - Having faced certain death at the hand of her father, King Menelaus, Hermione of Sparta is raised in the temple of Apollo, favoured by the god himself. Her life is a peaceful one; with an abundance of good books and good friends, happiness is inevitable at the temple. But when her uncles Pollux and Castor come to retrieve her-expecting her to resume her life as the princess of Sparta and marry the brash red-headed son of Achilles-her life falls to pieces. With the blessing of Apollo, Hermione volunteers for a dangerous tournament. The prize? Freedom to marry whom she chooses...or not at all. But if she fails, her life will no longer be her own. To win, she must seek out the most famous mentor of the Age, a creature so wise that even the gods have sought him out for his knowledge. It's really too bad he's a bigoted little prat and an immortal pain in her arse. --- Please PLEASE read the tags. I cannot stress it enough. [WARNINGS: CHARACTER DEATH]

Dream a Little, Dream of Me by BlueZeldana, Roseheira - E, WIP - Draco Malfoy saves Hermione's life during the Battle of Hogwarts, revealing his true nature to her. Seeing his white-grey wings brings back memories she didn't know she had.

Elysium by byanca_black - E, 2 chapters - “You liked that?” he murmured, his tone teasing and possessive as he leaned over, pressing her wrists firmly above her head. “Yes,” Hermione breathed. “More,” She strained upward, her mouth reaching for his neck, but Draco held her down. “Needy girl,” he chuckled, one hand moving to her face as his thumb brushed along her lip, wiping the trace of his blood that lingered there. “I think you’ve had enough for now.” A soft whimper slipped from her throat. That taste—it was the most intoxicating thing she’d ever known. OR Draco teaches just-turned vampire Hermione how to feed, introducing her to the intoxicating pleasures that come with it.

A Hope of Sweeter Breath by nocteacakes - E, WIP - Nearly a decade after the War, Unspeakable Hermione Granger finds herself at Malfoy Manor at the request of Narcissa Malfoy, to cure Draco Malfoy of a curse. As Malfoy's condition worsens and circumstances become more desperate, it's not his appearance that scares her but the changes in her feelings for him.

you'll be made of ashes too by PotionChemist - E, WIP - Hermione has a rather unique problem that needs to be solved through experimentation. Luckily, Draco is hopelessly infatuated with her and willing to risk it all.

Taste and See by LuckyOrNot, Molivier - E, WIP - It’s a straightforward job: seduce, drain, and move on. But when Hermione’s latest target—a priest in a quiet, out-of-the-way church—turns out to be more than she bargained for, her smooth plan quickly spirals beyond her control.

Beyond the Manor Gardens by mysticwrites - M, one-shot - Ever since Draco turned into a werewolf at the age of 18, he spent his full moons alone. Seven years later, he finally encounters another werewolf, and he can't get her out of his head. But how will he explain this to his girlfriend?

Caged Comfort by TheMaryScribbler - E, one-shot - “Here’s your mate, fucker!” Hermione Granger’s body thudded to the ground of his cell and Draco’s world was flipped upside down. Very rarely surprised by the twists that life threw at him. Draco knew that he deserved worse than the punishment of a monthly werewolf transformation, courtesy of the Dark Lord. Easily accepting the fact that instead of being sent to Azkaban he was used as an experiment in a secret Ministry lab. It almost seemed fitting, even. Turned into a monster by those who believed in blood purity and then subjected to inhumane tests by the other side. The supposed upholders of equality. A poetically just end for a turncoat boy who had caused so much death. But this… Draco was shocked to utter stillness, even whilst the beast within him urged him to run to the crumpled creature on the floor before him. He pulled in a deep breath and scented the undeniable truth. She smelled like she was his. OR Werewolf Draco and Hermione are forced to breed in a lab.

There Is A Light by achromatics - E, one-shot - The sky flashes once, twice, three times. And in the wave that crashes, he swears he sees something. A flicker of something large, deep green and spindling against the backdrop of the booming skyline. And then it’s gone. Draco lives a quiet life. It's tired and fulfilling enough, until the day it isn't. There's something strangely familiar about the beast who thrashes through the waters around the lighthouse he tends to. The girl who rolls in with blood and the tide is animalistic, and just as strange as the creature. When one comes, the other goes. Almost like two halves to a whole. But that's absurd. Isn't it?

Luna Ardoris by MaryBMeunier - E, one-shot - Draco is a possessive bastard who can’t stop saying “my wife.” Oh, and he’s also a werewolf.

A Secret in the Black Lake by slytherin_scribe, TheGardenState - E, one-shot - Hermione's fixation on mysterious sightings in the Black Lake leads her to heavy research and investigation, but why has Draco Malfoy taken such an interest into her endevaors?

Carved by thistlethread - E, WIP - It was meant to be the perfect holiday, a retreat packed with lounging by pools, bouts of existential crisis and if she was really lucky, a meaningless fling she’d never have to see again. But some things aren’t meant to be. And others are.

What a Kraken Grasps It Does Not Lose by ThornedHuntress - E, one-shot - “Those instincts make me want to fight, poppet. To kill.” A wolfish grin twisted his expression as he interrupted her, his voice lowering to a purr. “Or if I’m lucky, they make me want to fuck.” ~~~ Hermione Granger never intended to deal with the devil. But what a kraken grasps it does not lose, be it a longship or leviathan...or a librarian too clever for her own good.

Curses and Claws by allofthelights11 - M, 3 chapter - Hermione's team is clearing out dark artefacts from abandoned manors after the war, and no one has seen Draco Malfoy in eighteen months. He turns up at a most unexpected time. --- This little journey will feature an alternate ending at chapter 3. 👀 Teratophilia Fest 2024: Gargoyle Draco who is overly protective of Hermione.

my teeth at your throat by watchyoubreathingout - E, 2 chapters - She was astonished to find that the only thing monstrous about the creature who’d evaded her for years was how unnaturally beautiful he continued to be. Since her husband went missing two years ago, vampire hunter Hermione Granger has hunted not just monsters, but answers as well. She’s been on the trail of Draco Malfoy, knowing the blond vampire is the key to giving her what she wants.

The V by TeTe91 - E, WIP - A glass of firewhiskey in hand, Draco let his wrist circle, watching as the ice cubes twirled inside his tumbler. It was his way of passing time at the brothel. The V wasn’t just any brothel, though. At the V they knew how to treat purebloods like him. It was an establishment of sophistication and discretion. Or: In which Draco's preference for Mudbloods becomes his demise. [WARNINGS: RAPE/NON-CON, CHARACTER DEATH]

The Keeper of the Tower by seawitchcreations - M, one-shot - Princess Hermione has been stuck in a tower, waiting for a knight to “rescue” her. Except… she really likes her little life stuck up there with the dragon that guards her. How is she supposed to leave him when her twenty year sentence is up? Will he even let her go?

Never Meant To Be by Kaceywritesfiction - E, WIP - Hermione and Draco - angels and devils. Can love thrive at opposites?

with our hands tied. by ravenflorals - E, one-shot - Between being stalked by an unknown threat, and her assigned bodyguard one Draco Malfoy acting funny Hermione gets thrown into an eventful weekend in Amsterdam. After an incident in the hotel room things come to light. Leaving Hermione wondering where she goes from here, and more importantly leaving her with her hands tied.

Lost to the Flames by papersewnthoughts - E, one-shot - Once upon a time, a lone princess was living in her castle with no one but her trusted shadow. OR Icarus flew too close to the sun and Hermione got to close to her dragon. [WARNINGS: CHARACTER DEATH]

Weep by AutumnWeen - M, one-shot - “There are several versions of the legend. The most common one in this area is the version of La Llorona who cries for her children, that’s where the name comes,” the young man said. “What happened to her children?” she asked through the tightening of her throat. “She drowned them.” *** In her haste to run away from the grief that plagues her life, Hermione finds herself in a foreign land where reality and myth intertwine, and she is forced to face fear itself.

The Tale of the Changeling by Wanderingfair - E, one-shot - Hermione is sent into the Forbidden Forest to locate a flower for Professor Slughorn. What she encounters is something otherworldly. The changeling in European folklore was a fae substitution for a human that had been abducted in its place. Some humans were thought to be abducted for their beauty, or other desirable traits. What if, what was sent in the human’s place was something much more prepossessing and infinitely more dangerous? Submitted for the approval of the Hogwarts Midnight Society, I call this story...

Monster by volchitsa - M, one-shot - It takes a monster to destroy one. [WARNINGS: CHARACTER DEATH]

In Cold Blood by ViridianRynn - E, WIP - Hermione has spent the last five miserable years of the war tracking and dispatching Voldemort's new set of horcruxes that were created from deadly magical animals. As the last one standing from her team, she works tirelessly to find the final horcrux—a basilisk—alone. As she closes in on her target, unexplainable things start to occur in the cave system she's investigating. The final horcrux isn't what they thought and Hermione is left with an impossible choice: murder or give herself to the monster.

Blood Moon by IfBrainsWereGold - E, one-shot - For a long time, she believed that the First Hunt was the worst part of having werewolves as your neighbours. But it turned out there were worse things - the pack and her village struck a deal a long time ago. Once a year they were due to deliver a young girl, a virgin, to the pack as a sacrifice and in return the pack won’t hunt in their midst. Hermione didn't know what she wanted to do with her life, but she was sure getting harvested wasn’t it. And yet, that seemed to be her fate after all. [WARNINGS: RAPE/NON-CON]

Can You Feel My Heart? by galaxy_skies - M, one-shot - The change starts in his sixth year, on a Tuesday that’s so otherwise unremarkable that it feels like some shower-hazed distortion of reality, some shift in the world that doesn’t make sense, that can't be real. But the water cascading over him is hot enough to scald his skin pink, and the fingers tracing along the edge of the feather buried in his back are his fingers, the same he’s had all his life, the ones that have mapped his own body out like the constellations in the sky. The first feather. A rite of passage, usually, a sign of welcomed maturity. Or so his mother had told him, in those hushed-under-blanket whispers when the world around them shrank down to her bright blue gaze searching his face.

Be still, my home by papersewnthoughts - M, one-shot - Once upon a time, there was an angel in every sense of the word. When he was sat upon the world by his master and first saw her, he thought he finally understood the glory everyone talked about. OR Lucifer's fall from Heaven reimagined

This fest is ongoing.

[imogenkol]

piggy backing a little bit off of this brilliantly heart-wrenching post by @e-the-village-cryptid I wanted to dip my toe into the whole Bix x Timm dynamic - why Bix chose him and why it reads heavily as compulsory heterosexuality to me.

Bix has so many plates spinning - between managing her own salyard and organizing a black market operation selling ship parts to the rebellion (which could get her incarcerated for life at best and executed at worst), she is constantly keeping herself occupied so that she doesn't have to engage with her own thoughts. But she still has to go home at the end of the day, and if personal experience has taught me anything, it's that no matter how worn out you are, whatever you're trying not to think about will always haunt you during the night.

I feel like Bix dreads when the anvil rings at the end of the day because she has to go back to an empty home, with nothing but herself and her own thoughts. She probably still works on a few projects by herself there, but that can only hold her focus for so long.

After her on-and-off failed relationship with Cassian that lasted for years, Bix doesn't strike me as the kind of person who even wants to pursue a relationship with anyone at all. That takes time she doesn't have or want to waste and requires her to be open and vulnerable, which is counter-productive to her daily goals. However, there is still a gap that really needs to be filled by something.

Enter Timm Karlo, who Bix has employed at her salyard for an undisclosed, but probably decent amount of time. He is reliable at work and her right hand man in the business. Timm picks up the slack that Bix is physically incapable of doing herself because her workload is already massive. So there's a level of appreciation for him already there and he is, of course, already there. Bix didn't have to go looking for him, she didn't have to put much effort to court or be courted. Timm most likely had feelings for her for a while before she finally decided to reciprocate.

Timm Karlo is perfectly convenient and ordinary.

I'm not saying Bix intentionally heartlessly used him per se, I do believe she had some genuine affection for him, but it is very telling that even when they are officially a couple, she still keeps him at arms length and sometimes even further.

It seemed that they had a very specific set of rules set by Bix. Dinner one night a week. Not twice a week. No spontaneous dates (unless she decides to visit him outside of the set agreement on her own terms). One night a week.

Of course that could be explained by Bix's ridiculously loaded schedule, but it feels like she views the relationship less like a relationship and more like another quota to be filled. Bix shows very little genuine interest in Timm outside of that. She is easily irritated by him and hasn't really told him much about herself other than what everyone already knows (this is honestly the best explanation I can think of as to why she told him Cassian was from Kenari. It's easier to talk about people you know than yourself). The one time they do spend the night together on screen is after Bix has had some drinks at Cavo's and got too deep in her own head about everything happening. Timm was fulfilling his main purpose in that scene - to be a distraction.

The biggest thing for me is that she does not tell him about her secret operation. Bix doesn't trust him, at least not fully, despite the line "He'd do anything for me." If she really believed that, I feel like she would have told him what she was doing, being the reliable hard worker he is. Maybe a part of her knew he couldn't keep his mouth shut, maybe she wanted to protect him, maybe she was greedy and didn't want to have to give him a cut. Could be all of the above.

No matter how you slice it, I truly don't believe Bix held deep feelings - or really any genuine attraction - towards Timm. I think that's what makes his death even more traumatic for her, in all honesty. She feels responsible even though he was an insecure, jealous man that went behind her back and betrayed what little trust she had in him. Which made her feel foolish because she never gave him much thought at all and that's how she overlooked the obvious signs.

In conclusion, Bix should date girls.

[aishwaryyadav12]

Is Everyone a Climate Changer?

Introduction

Climate Change is a short term with a big impact. It refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produce heat-trapping gases like Carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are the cause of Global Warming. This further leads to the melting of glaciers which causes a rise in water level every year.

Where do we step in…...

Now, one might ask if he/she is connected to this. The answer is a big YES. Everyone from rich to poor, short to tall, fat to slim is responsible for the climate change happening around us. They are unknowingly a reason for climate change whether it is positive or negative. Yes, climate change can be both negative and positive]. For those of you wondering what positive climate change is, they are the impacts of climate change which are beneficial for us. 

A mind-boggling FACT.

Let’s talk about an average person’s morning routine. He/she wakes up, brushes their teeth, takes a bath, eats breakfast and gets on any means of transport to get to their work. Even in this short 3-4 hours of the time gap, the person has created an impact towards climate change. For example, when he/she brushes their teeth the amount of water they use is a key factor in CC because if they use a greater quantity of water, the purification company would have to use more of their factories to purify them. Now, some of you might think that if they waste just 20-30 ml of water it is not going to make a difference but wait let me show you how cool maths is. Let’s say each person wastes only 1ml of water every day (which is less and not true at all) and only 1 billion out of the 8 billion people on this planet waste it. So now each day 1,000,000,000 ml or 1 million litres of water is getting wasted. And again, this is not even the accurate results. So, you see how such a small thing created such a massive impact on climate. These small things when compiled make big impacts.

Similarly, if we put this vice-versa then if a person only saves 1 ml of water each day and only 1 billion out of 8 billion people on this planet do so, we all will be able to save about 1 million litres of water every day. This was only the start of your day. 

Conclusion

Let’s take one more example. Let's say you travel to your workplace or school in your car or scooter. We all know that burning fuel releases greenhouse gases into the environment. If one person goes in one car and the second one goes in another car to the same place. That is 2x emission of harmful gases. But let’s say they both go in one car; it will reduce the emission by half. These are just some short instances from our daily life which lead us as a changing factor in the climate change journey. So by just thinking about it for some time, we can give our efforts to the planet and climate itself

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://www.co2nsensus.com/blog/countries-generating-carbon-credits

Bhavya Gupta

[fromjeevita]

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Key Steps Towards Achieving Net Zero Emissions

In the face of the growing urgency to combat climate change, achieving net zero emissions has become a paramount goal for societies worldwide. However, this transition requires more than just technological advancements; it necessitates a profound behavioral change in the way we live, work, and consume resources. To ensure the success of this transformative journey, it is crucial to engage young people in sustainability initiatives and encourage them to adopt sustainable behaviors. Let’s explores a few key measures and approaches that can empower youth and drive the transition towards a net zero future.

1. Clean and Hygienic Living and Working Conditions: Creating clean and hygienic living and working conditions lays the foundation for sustainable development. By prioritizing the well-being of individuals and ensuring access to safe environments, we can foster healthier communities and contribute to a more sustainable future. This includes investing in proper sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure to improve overall quality of life.

2. Sponsoring Research on Regional Environmental Issues: Environmental challenges vary across regions, requiring tailored solutions. By sponsoring research on local environmental issues, we can develop context-specific strategies to address these concerns effectively. This approach not only promotes sustainable development but also encourages young researchers to actively engage in finding innovative solutions to regional environmental problems.

3. Ensuring Safety against Industrial Hazards: Industrial hazards pose significant threats to both human health and the environment. It is essential to prioritize safety measures and regulations to prevent accidents and mitigate the negative impact of industrial activities. By investing in research and development of safer industrial practices, we can minimize risks and safeguard communities.

4. Economical Methods for Salvaging Industrial Wastes: Industrial waste management is a critical aspect of sustainable development. Finding economical methods to salvage and repurpose dangerous industrial wastes can significantly reduce environmental pollution. By promoting the adoption of circular economy principles and investing in innovative waste management technologies, we can minimize waste generation and enhance resource efficiency.

5. Encouraging Afforestation and Environmental Education: Afforestation plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Encouraging the growth of forests and integrating environmental education into school and college curricula can instill a sense of responsibility towards nature in young minds. By nurturing an understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the value of sustainable practices, we empower the next generation to become environmental stewards.

6. Promoting Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Transitioning to non-conventional sources of energy, such as solar power, is pivotal for achieving net zero emissions. By encouraging the adoption of renewable energy technologies, we can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Youth involvement in promoting clean energy solutions and advocating for sustainable energy policies can drive the necessary shift towards a low-carbon future.

7. Producing Environmentally Friendly Products: Promoting the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products is crucial for sustainable development. By encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices and consumers to make informed choices, we can create a demand for products with lower carbon footprints and reduced environmental impact. Youth-led initiatives, campaigns, and consumer education play a vital role in driving this shift.

Engaging youth in sustainability initiatives and fostering sustainable behavioral change is paramount in achieving a net zero future. By educating, empowering, collaborating, incentivizing, and setting positive examples, we can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible citizens. Together, we can create a world that not only meets our present needs but also ensures a healthier and more sustainable planet for future. 

[envirocarefoundation]

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future: Key Steps Towards Achieving Net Zero Emissions



In the face of the growing urgency to combat climate change, achieving net zero emissions has become a paramount goal for societies worldwide. However, this transition requires more than just technological advancements; it necessitates a profound behavioral change in the way we live, work, and consume resources. To ensure the success of this transformative journey, it is crucial to engage young people in sustainability initiatives and encourage them to adopt sustainable behaviors. Let’s explores a few key measures and approaches that can empower youth and drive the transition towards a net zero future.

1. Clean and Hygienic Living and Working Conditions: Creating clean and hygienic living and working conditions lays the foundation for sustainable development. By prioritizing the well-being of individuals and ensuring access to safe environments, we can foster healthier communities and contribute to a more sustainable future. This includes investing in proper sanitation, waste management, and infrastructure to improve overall quality of life.

2. Sponsoring Research on Regional Environmental Issues: Environmental challenges vary across regions, requiring tailored solutions. By sponsoring research on local environmental issues, we can develop context-specific strategies to address these concerns effectively. This approach not only promotes sustainable development but also encourages young researchers to actively engage in finding innovative solutions to regional environmental problems.

3. Ensuring Safety against Industrial Hazards: Industrial hazards pose significant threats to both human health and the environment. It is essential to prioritize safety measures and regulations to prevent accidents and mitigate the negative impact of industrial activities. By investing in research and development of safer industrial practices, we can minimize risks and safeguard communities.

4. Economical Methods for Salvaging Industrial Wastes: Industrial waste management is a critical aspect of sustainable development. Finding economical methods to salvage and repurpose dangerous industrial wastes can significantly reduce environmental pollution. By promoting the adoption of circular economy principles and investing in innovative waste management technologies, we can minimize waste generation and enhance resource efficiency.

5. Encouraging Afforestation and Environmental Education: Afforestation plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Encouraging the growth of forests and integrating environmental education into school and college curricula can instill a sense of responsibility towards nature in young minds. By nurturing an understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the value of sustainable practices, we empower the next generation to become environmental stewards.

6. Promoting Non-Conventional Energy Sources: Transitioning to non-conventional sources of energy, such as solar power, is pivotal for achieving net zero emissions. By encouraging the adoption of renewable energy technologies, we can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Youth involvement in promoting clean energy solutions and advocating for sustainable energy policies can drive the necessary shift towards a low-carbon future.

7. Producing Environmentally Friendly Products: Promoting the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products is crucial for sustainable development. By encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices and consumers to make informed choices, we can create a demand for products with lower carbon footprints and reduced environmental impact. Youth-led initiatives, campaigns, and consumer education play a vital role in driving this shift.

Engaging youth in sustainability initiatives and fostering sustainable behavioral change is paramount in achieving a net zero future. By educating, empowering, collaborating, incentivizing, and setting positive examples, we can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible citizens. Together, we can create a world that not only meets our present needs but also ensures a healthier and more sustainable planet for future. 



[whumpster-fire]

25 Exciting Phrases to Spice Up Your Next Business e-Mail

1: "Dear Motherfucker,"

2: "To whom it may concern, as well as the entire company directory who I am cc'ing because none of you care about my time so I don't care about yours,"

3: If you'd like to know why I am sending this e-mail, please consider reading it for fucking once."

4: "If I do not see conclusive evidence of your head being out of your ass in the next 3-5 business days, I will remove it from your shoulders."

5: "Please attach a current headshot and resume: the latter so I can laugh at your alleged qualifications, the former so I can print it out and put it on a dartboard as advised by HR's Anger Management Seminar"

6: "Due to the considerable destructive forces at my command,"

7: "Cc'ing The Pope on this one to keep him in the loop since the magnitude of this clusterfuck is nothing short of Biblical,"

8: "This is the fourth e-mail I have sent asking you to do your goddamn job. The fifth will be attached to a brick hurled through your office window. You do not want to know what the sixth will be, so get your shit together ASAP please."

9: "Please keep in mind that refraining from inappropriate use of the Reply All button is the only thing separating us from descending into complete Lord Of the Flies anarchy."

10: "All, please review the selection of Dilbert cartoons attached below and reflect on how they might be relevant to the current situation and your role in it."

11: "The Carpool Committee has unanimously voted to play exclusively Alvin And the Chipmunks songs in any vehicle you are a passenger in for a month the next time you schedule a mandatory meeting before 8 AM."

12: "The potted Ficus tree by the 4th Floor break room will be taking the lead on this project from this point on since it is more qualified than any of you."

13: "I didn't think I needed to inform everyone that 'accidentally' stapling your balls to get out of Company Spirit Meetings early is against company policy. However,"

14: "Due to recent events, any personal office supplies brought from home, e.g. paperweights, must now be checked with a Geiger counter."

15: "Please be advised that if you reply with a question that indicates you have not read and understood the list of action items below in its entirety, I will kick you in the teeth so hard you will chew with your appendix in the future."

16: "We regret to announce that Sean is now an outlaw and no longer protected by our Workplace Violence Policy. This decision was not made lightly, but the current situation re: the break room microwaves has forced our hand. Cc'ing Sean to keep him in the loop."

17: "Please keep in mind that you are neither the most profitable nor the most important of our clients, and your disproportionate share of billable hours is due primarily to your whininess, entitled attitude, and inability to give a straight answer."

18: "If you feel the need to contact me outside my scheduled hours, please write your issue on a piece of letter sized paper, then roll it up, seal it inside a glass bottle, and cast it into the ocean. This will get a faster response than emailing, calling, or texting me at 1 in the fucking morning."

19: "Team, As a result of employees being bombarded with hundreds of e-mails after inadvertently hitting reply all, we are now instituting the following change to our e-mail communication policy: to help prevent duplicate corrections, when admonishing a coworker who you feel has used Reply All inappropriately, please make sure to use Reply All as well so the other recipients can see that the responsible party has already been notified of their mistake."

20: "Cc'ing you on every e-mail about this issue due to your record of not giving a shit about a problem unless your time is being wasted."

21: "Please do not disturb the protective circle of salt around the 2nd fridge from the left in the break room, and do not under any circumstances open it without appropriate PPE and an escort from an old priest and a young priest."

22: "After consulting with Legal and HR, we have determined that the ficus tree by the 4th floor break room dispersing pollen into the office environment does not constitute a violation of our sexual harassment policy. Also, please be advised that the ficus tree is female and is not the source of your pollen allergies. No disciplinary action will be taken against it. However, your repeated complaints targeted at the ficus tree based on its status as a plant may constitute a hostile work environment. Please meet with HR ASAP to discuss this further."

23: "Team, Placing an 'Elf On the Shelf' in any location on company premises or within your home office where it may be able to see, overhear, or access proprietary information will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Company proprietary data may not be divulged to any unauthorized third parties, and that includes Santa Claus."

24: "Cc'ing Santa Claus to keep him in the loop on this one."

25: "Sincerely, The Only Guy Who Does His Goddamn Job Around Here."

[wobblefox]

Top AI Tools Transforming Business in 2024

The Top AI Tools That Are Changing How We Do Business in 2024

AI Tools is no longer some sci-fi fantasy—it’s here, it’s real, and it’s changing everything about how we do business. In 2024, AI is a game-changer that smart businesses can’t afford to ignore. Whether it's about speeding up your day-to-day tasks, getting a better understanding of your customers, or staying ahead of the competition, AI is where it’s at. So, let’s break down the tools that are making waves this year.

Wanna know More About Digital Marketing

Why AI Matters More Than Ever for Businesses

AI is like having a superpower for your business—it takes data and turns it into insights, handles tasks automatically, and even gives each customer a personal touch without you lifting a finger. We’re in a time where data drives everything, and AI is the secret sauce that makes sense of it all. It’s what helps you make smarter decisions, faster, and that’s a huge win for any business looking to grow

Why AI is Essential for Modern Business

Simply put: AI makes things better. Faster responses to customers? Check. Instant insights into market trends? Done. Predicting when your equipment is about to break down? No problem. In 2024, companies of all sizes are turning to AI to keep up and stand out

The AI Tools You Should Know About in 2024

A. AI for Data Analysis: Power BI and Tableau

Data is everywhere, but making sense of it can be a headache. Thankfully, tools like Power BI and Tableau take the guesswork out of it.

B. AI for Customer Service: ChatGPT and Zendesk AI

AI is reshaping customer service, making sure your clients get what they need when they need it.

C. Marketing Tools: HubSpot and Persado

Marketing is all about making a connection, and AI tools like HubSpot and Persado are all about making those connections count.

D. Sales Automation: Salesforce Einstein and Drift

For sales teams, AI tools are like having an extra set of hands (or several!) to take care of the heavy lifting.

E. Content Creation Made Easy: Jasper AI and Grammarly Business

Keeping up with content demands can feel like a full-time job, but AI tools are here to help you get ahead.

F. Smarter HR Tools: Workday AI and Pymetrics

HR can be a challenge, but AI tools are taking a lot of the stress out of hiring and employee management.

G. Finance Tools: IBM Watson and Xero AI

In finance, AI is making everything from accounting to forecasting easier.

H. Keeping Equipment Running: GE Predix and Uptake

In industries that rely on equipment, AI tools are the unsung heroes preventing breakdowns before they happen.

I. Staying Safe Online: Darktrace and Cylance

Cybersecurity threats aren’t going away, so AI tools like Darktrace and Cylance are stepping up to protect your business.

How AI is Boosting Business Efficiency and Driving Innovation

AI tools are helping companies work smarter, not harder. By handling the repetitive stuff, AI frees up your team to think bigger and focus on projects that really make a difference. It’s not just about cutting costs; it’s about giving your busi

The Best AI Has to Offer

Scalability: Grow faster without losing quality or breaking the bank.

Smarter Decisions: AI turns raw data into insights that help you make choices with confidence.

Better Customer Interactions: Personalized service that feels truly personal.

Cost Savings: No more wasting time on boring, repetitive tasks.

Productivity Boost: Your team can spend time on strategy instead of busywork.

The Challenges of Adopting AI in 2024

Of course, AI isn’t a magic wand. It comes with its own set of hurdles—like finding the right talent, protecting privacy, and getting the tech to play nice with what you already have. But if you tackle these challenges head-on, the rewards are worth it.

Bridging the Skills Gap

AI expertise is in demand, and training your team or bringing in specialists can make all the difference.

Keeping Data Safe

Data is the fuel that powers AI, so keeping it secure and compliant with regulations is a top priority.

What’s Next for AI in Business?

AI isn’t slowing down. In the coming years, we’ll see more focus on ethical AI, advancements in autonomous tech, and hyper-personalization in every industry.

Ethical AI

AI is getting fairer and more transparent, with companies pushing to remove biases and increase accountability.

Autonomous AI

From self-driving cars to smart warehouses, autonomous AI is about to change how we move, ship, and manufacture.

Super-Personalized Experiences

AI will get better at understanding what customers want before they even know they want it.

Final Thoughts: Make AI Work for You

In 2024, AI is a no-brainer. It’s time to embrace it, use it to streamline your processes, and start delivering experiences your customers will love. AI is here to make your business smarter, faster, and more adaptable—and if you’re ready to lean in, the future looks bright.