#rdg management

[rdgmgmt]

[seiwas]

i maxxed the tags (what did i expect) but!!

what a soft piece ari 🥺 thank you for sharing this hurt/comfort piece w us!! i think satoru will always be a figure of strength—but i think it’s in part because that’s how he brands himself to be around the people he cares about. he’ll never truly share how he thinks and feels about things, will almost always downplay it really. but he’s always worrying, always aware and cautious, overthinking 🥺 and i felt that loads here!!

there’s a shipwreck stuck between your ribs ; satoru gojo

synopsis; three times satoru sees you cry, and the understanding you gain of each other from it.

word count; 4.6k

contents; satoru gojo/reader, gn!reader, the synopsis speaks for itself i think, copious amounts of hurt/comfort, i just think he’d be so good at comforting u :ccc, also fluff!!, he’s addicted to calling u ”baby,” satoru gojo vs human emotion (he loses)

a/n; pls ignore the fact that 90% of my gojo fics are hurt/comfort ok we dont need to get into that <33 the writing in this one might be a lil rusty but im pretty fond of this gojo :’3

dim lights, buttery popcorn, and boredom.

the senses invading his mind are mellow, coaxing, a little tedious. all he can see are the buzzing lights before him, all he can hear is the insistent chewing of the people around him, and all he can feel is just that:

boredom.

satoru stifles a yawn, resting his cheek on the heel of his palm. he’s trying to pay attention — really, he is. trying to pay attention to the movie he picked out himself, after thoughtful consideration, one he’s been looking forward to watching with you all week. he’s trying his best. but, gosh, it’s just so boring.

or maybe he just doesn’t have it in him today — with all these too-dim lights, too-loud popcorn-chewers, and the too-convoluted plot playing on the big screen in front of him. he has no idea what’s happening, anymore, what scene this is supposed to be. some sob-story? he clocked out a while ago.

so, with nothing better to do — satoru decides to savour another view.

that’s how it always goes. no matter the movie, no matter the snacks, whether you’re watching at home on the couch or a nearby movie theatre — eventually, when his eyelids begin to grow heavy, or when his attention span begins to falter, that blue-soaked gaze of his shifts. a moth to a flame, following his instincts. constantly looking over to see what kind of face you're making. 

after all, your reactions are far more entertaining than any movie could ever hope to be. little sighs of exasperation, jolts and shivers down your spine, or a laughter so bubbly he can’t resist leaning in for a kiss or ten — he loves it. adores it. lives and dies by it. 

so satoru turns his head, and looks at you, knowing you’ll save him from the boredom clutching at his subconscious. 

and something in his chest constricts.

at first, he doesn’t notice it. hungrily lapping over the expanse of your jaw, to your cheekbones, his gaze drinking in everything he can see. scanning your eyes for a hint of emotion; and he finds it. he finds it in something that glimmers in the dim lighting of the theatre, something that has his breath drawing back to the depths of his throat.

tears.

crystalline, dew-drawn, a fresh set of tears clinging to the edge of your lash line. they’ve yet to fall, but satoru sees them — he sees them and he doesn’t know what to do. 

tears. 

tears?

you’re crying.

in the depths of your glassy eyes, he sees a fractured scene — playing against the scope of your iris, as the movie reflects off your pupils. there’s a turmoil there, a sadness, one that has you covering your mouth with the front of your knuckle. and you’re crying.

satoru wants to tease you. he wants to lean over and purr against the shell of your ear, poke fun at you for being so emotional. such a little baby. what else is he supposed to do?

the tricky part is that he can’t. he can’t move, can’t shape his voice into a purr, can’t even speak. he’s frozen in place like a bug trapped in amber, stuck to his seat, unable to do anything but blink at you in what he thinks might be bewilderment.

his breath hitches — and that’s all. 

something about the sight of you makes him falter, makes him stop in his tracks. catches him off guard. he doesn’t know what to do, doesn’t recognize the feeling stirred deep within his chest, something discomforting and foreign. doesn’t understand why his heart feels so itchy, all of a sudden.

then your eyes meet.

and you blink. once, then twice. eyes just a little wide, an embarrassed kind of surprise. he thinks you must be flustered, and he’s proven right when your gaze flees from his.

a mingle of words clog up at the base of his throat. say something, say something, say something. but he doesn’t know what. 

he wets his lips, preparing to part them, but before he can get the first syllable out you're leaning in. close. close enough that he feels your breath ghost against the shell of his ear, close enough that his heart starts skipping the way it always does when you press yourself against him like that’s where you belong.

a whisper. it’s small, hushed, a little frail. but there’s something else, too, laced together with the vowels — amusement. 

”you didn’t tell me this was a sad movie.”

a pout plays at your lips, as you murmur your grievances. but then there’s that amusement; it’s there when you pull back, in the crinkle of your sparkling eyes, the curve of your smile. 

and satoru’s shoulders relax. stiffened bones melting. he exhales a breath he had no idea he was holding, and his heart feels at ease. a grin finds it’s way to his lips, wide, teasing, cheshire and sweet. 

he leans a little closer, bumping his head against yours. gently. ”i think you’re just sensitive, baby.”

his teasing is rewarded with a little huff, as your elbow meets his side. soft. everything you do is soft. 

”oh, shut up,” you scoff. smiling. he’s so relieved that you’re smiling. 

a moth to a flame, following his instincts, satoru brings you closer. an arm around your waist, pulling you into his orbit, until you’re practically sharing seats. searching for your hand — and he finds it, intertwining his long fingers with yours, just to give it a little squeeze.

(for some reason, he feels more protective than usual.)

he feels your gaze. questioning, maybe. but you melt into him quickly, with your head slumped against his shoulder, and his heart settles back into a sleepy rhythm. just watching the movie pass you by.

the dim lighting of the theatre casts a hazy shadow over your face, a tender desaturation, and his eyes stay glued to it when you aren’t looking. the smell of popcorn hangs heavy in the air, salty and buttery, warm and sweet, and he’s almost grateful to feel that familiar boredom tug at his veins.

anything is fine. anything is better than that discomfort, that irritating itch. 

satoru watches the movie flicker by, scene by scene, whispering commentary into your ear and stealing your popcorn with a satisfied hum. chuckling when you whisper-shout at him to cut it out!

he tries not to think of the glittering tears at your lash line, and almost succeeds.

rain clouds, cups of chamomile, and frustration.

it seeps out into the open air, engulfing your living room in a feverish haze. thick and suffocating; the scent of heavy rain, lukewarm tea, and that ugly, ugly feeling underneath his skin.

it pulses. it itches. and oh, how it aches.

satoru hates it. he hates feeling angry, feeling upset — hates when either of those emotions are in connection to you. hates it, hates it, hates it more than anything.

he does everything he possibly can to avoid it; his eyes are keen, always have been, and he can see when that thin line he shouldn’t cross crawls a little too close for comfort. when the rubber band of your patience just snaps. he sees all your buttons, knows which ones not to push. he knows you.

and, more importantly, more than anything — nothing you do could ever make him angry at you. 

(well, at least that’s what he thought.) 

satoru’s anger is a fickle thing, controlled, kept under wraps. it’s a slow process; it simmers, boils, a cup of chamomile brewed too long. and then it all but invades his senses. it never gets the best of him, never, but right now he can feel it — little pinpricks against his skin, a frustration that stirs his guts and has his eyes going cold.

satoru towers over you, like this. full height on display. not slouching or draping himself over furniture, but standing tall, and proud, and menacing. he isn’t smiling, and that’s all you need to know that he’s upset with you. his eyes are layered over with discontentment. 

a sigh spills from his lips, a little gruff, unmistakably annoyed. it slices the silence of the room in half, and a shiver travels down your spine. he doesn’t notice it. his voice has a rough edge to it, something firm. something that doesn’t sound like it could come out of his mouth at all.

”don’t act like such a child.”

a flinch. or maybe more like a jolt; this time, he notices, but it’s too late. he’s in too deep, boiled water licking at his ankles, pulling him down. frustration nips at his skin, and he can’t quite seem to push it away.

and you’re just so, so unaccustomed to it. unaccustomed to seeing him wear anything but a smile, unaccustomed to that cold gaze, usually nothing but warm and fond when it meets your own. this isn’t like him.

it’s not like him at all.

swallowing thickly, you do your best to calm down. but before you can make any attempt to contain it, wetness begins to gather in the corners of your eyes. pooling, little droplets yearning to fall.

satoru notices them instantly. he sees that sad glimmer, framed by the murky darkness seeping in from beyond the curtains, accompanied by the symphony of pitter patter against the windowpane. tears, much like the rain beating down outside.

and his chest goes cold.

a tiny sniffle pushes past your lips, and the dam inside you begins to break — tears tripping over your lash line, rolling down your cheeks. cascading across your pretty face. the air fills with a sense of dread, and both of you seem to be thinking the exact same thing.

(oh, fuck.)

satoru notices, belatedly, that his throat has gone dry. that his heart feels itchy, again. it itches and itches but he can’t do anything to soothe it, and your tears continue to fall. 

his heart begins to crack. right down the middle, like a gash in the reflection of a puddle, right across his chest. it hurts.

an inhale, then an exhale. you’re still trying to keep it all together, grasping for control over your emotions, but it’s not going too well. the little breaths that escape your throat are shaky at best, hands trembling as you wipe the tears away with the front of your wrists. and your voice sounds a little like it’s about to crumble away. 

”sorry,” you squeak, taking a step back. there’s a silent panic in the gesture, one that makes satoru want to get down on his knees. ”i’ll just — i’ll leave —”

he wants to stop you. he needs to stop you. but he does nothing, nothing at all, even as you stumble out. leaving the haunting echo of tiny sniffles and tear-stained cheeks behind you. 

satoru just stands there. once again, the sight of your tears seems to render him completely helpless. useless.

and he's frustrated, honestly. frustrated by the argument, by your tears, by his own guilt. he’s so frustrated he wants to claw his eyes out. he scratches at his forearm, but it does no good. all he can think of is your frightened little expression.

(he scared you.)

satoru slumps down on the couch, head in his hands, running rough fingers through his soft hair. it’s unruly by the time he’s done, and his bottom lip is bruised with teeth marks, and everything in the world feels so meaningless. so out of tune.

(he made you cry.)

a sigh. drawn out, tinged with exhaustion, bitter and battered like the swing of a baseball bat. he feels a little like he could throw up. it’s foreign, this emotion, suffocating. how long has it been since he genuinely felt this kind of shame?

the crack in his heart grows deeper, while you’re gone. more severe. every moment you spend outside of his vision makes him falter more and more, makes his desperation grow. desperate to plead for your forgiveness, to convince you not to leave. to wipe the tears away from your cheeks, delicately, the way you deserve. but he can do nothing but sit there, useless, repeating the same old phrase inside his mind.

he’ll make it up to you.

and when you finally come back, having calmed down a bit, he does just that. you’re embarrassed, he can tell, a little meek. it makes him feel that discomforting emotion, again, that ache. the crack that only ever seems to deepen.

but he covers it all up with a smile. a little sheepish, more than a little forced, but he hopes you understand. hopes you can see his remorse, see a man who loves you, because he does. 

so satoru takes you into his arms, softly, hands finding the small of your back. delicate, protective. a little whisper spilling from his lips. 

”’m sorry, baby. i didn’t mean it.”

and it’s not enough. he knows it isn’t. but he does what he can — even when it just ends up clumsy, teasing, bordering on something that most would interpret as insincere. all he can do is coddle you. shower you in hugs and kisses, gifts and praises. he hands it out like candy, eager hands finding yours, everything spilling out of his chest all at once. 

there’s a desperation to it that isn’t lost on you.

but it works. he’ll make it up to you; he swears. and he dotes on you until you’re too embarrassed to be sad anymore, apologizes until his throat runs dry. until he’s sure you believe him. 

he brews you another cup of chamomile, stirred to perfection, warm enough to make up for the shiver he sent down your spine. the rain beating down on your windows serves as a constant reminder of his failure, and satoru does his best to ignore it. swallowing what’s left of his frustration, focusing on you.

anything to see you smile again. anything to wash away the red tint to your eyes, the puffy skin beneath them. anything to hear you laugh, to get you to feel safe around him again. 

(anything to make him forget the sight of those tears rolling down your cheeks.)

panic, panic, panic.

it’s all he can feel, all he can think, the only emotion his muddled mind can cling to. he’s in pure, sincere, genuine panic, and you aren’t saying a thing. can’t bring yourself to.

arms wrapped around his waist, tightly, you hide away in the crook of his neck. clutching the fabric of his shirt, burrowing your face deeper into his warmth — and you’re not just crying.

you’re downright sobbing.

satoru knew something was off the moment you fell into his embrace, suddenly, tackling him into a hug so desperate it left him reeling. a kind of desperation he isn’t used to, from you.

he knew something was wrong. 

he knew even before he heard it; your choking sobs, those shaky, heaving breaths. muffled into the cotton of his shirt, his uncertain arms around you.

they break his heart.

”hey, hey…” there’s a soothing lilt to his voice, awfully delicate. sweet like molten honey, almost enough to hide the panic. ”what’s wrong?”

satoru holds you to his chest, safe and secure, cradling you protectively. as if shielding you from the world — from whatever or whoever got you like this. as if you’d crumble into dust, otherwise.

he tries to calm down, but his mind is spinning like a broken clock, and your silence doesn’t help. you’re trying to respond; he knows you are, but you just can’t get the words out. any attempts only make you cry harder.

a shake of your head is all he gets — and it’s not much, but satoru’s learned to make a lot out of a little. 

so he continues to hold you, hiding his worry, tucking his anxiety away somewhere you won’t be able to see. he curses, inwardly, grasping blindly for conclusions — for some divine guidance. how is he supposed to deal with this?

(how long has it been since he felt so very useless?)

gentle. that’s the approach he takes, finally, hiding his nervosity. he rocks you back and forth, just a little, like he’s lulling you to sleep; his warm hands finding the small of your back, the back of your head. cradling you so close you hear his rapid heartbeat by your ear.

soothing whispers. murmured into your hair, so soft they seem to melt once they slip from his tongue, all honey and devotion. affection so palpable you taste it in the air, from the breaths he exhales. 

”it’s fine. i’m here, i’m here… i’ve got you.”

he doesn’t know what he’s doing, not really, but it seems to work. because you calm down, after a while, just sniffling into his neck and letting him soothe you. sobs and unstable heaves, turning into whimpers and shaky breaths. clinging to him all the while; so desperate for comfort, for him.

it makes him feel so, so desperate to protect you, to wash every single one of your worries away.

it’s unbearable, this aching desire. like a great, insatiable, unnamed something deep within the caverns of his chest, clawing at his ribcage, snarling and hissing, itching to break out so it can open its maw and devour you both.

(it’s ugly. it’s grotesque. it wants to keep you safe so badly it might kill him for it.)

a coo. sad, dripping with care, a comforting tone that he hopes you’ll find soothing. he smooths his palm down the back of your head, heavy, doting. it hurts so much to see you hurt.

”my baby….” satoru exhales, a little shaky. but he smiles, and he hopes you can hear it, hopes it’ll help mend the pain in your chest. ”what’s got you this upset, hm? you're worrying me, here…”

a broken sniffle. the guilt eats at you, gnaws at your bones, and all you can do is hide away in the crook of his neck. apologizing, your voice no more than a tremor of a breath.

”’m sorry…”

and satoru thinks his heart shatters. he can practically hear the crash, feel the broken, useless little pieces dig into his skin.

his arms travel down to your hips, steady, and he lifts you up. just for a second, just so he can plop down on the floor with you in tow — keeping you snuggled into his neck. seated on his lap with your legs around his waist, like you’re his baby koala.

”shh, it's okay,” he soothes, a grounding rumble of his chest right by your ear. he’s got you enveloped, wrapped up in his buzzing warmth, and all you can feel is him. ”you’re okay. no matter what it is, i'll take care of it, alright? you can rely on me.”

a moment passes. 

satoru clears his throat. nervous, suddenly. ”you know that, right?”

all you can give him is a shaky nod, but it’s enough. he sighs, in palpable relief, still rubbing circles into your back. ”okay,” he sneaks a hand underneath your shirt, tracing little shapes into your bare skin. ”good.”

he isn’t sure how long you spend there, on the floor, entirely focused on comforting you. washing away all your sadness, with every gentle caress, every soothing murmur of there, there… every little stutter of his heartbeat next to yours.

and when you’ve finally calmed down, melting under his touch and into his skin, arms going lax around his neck — satoru takes a breath. collecting himself, so you don’t have to. acting like his heart isn’t still a mess of crushed glass.

”you okay now?” he coos, drawing absentminded hearts into the skin of your back. his voice is teasing, but warm, spilling from his tongue and into your ear. deep and smooth. ”almost gave me a heart attack, baby.”

he feels the way your grip around him tightens, just a smidge, and he hears the weak little breath you draw in. your voice is still shaky, and it makes him want to rearrange the world, stitch those broken vowels back together. 

(he doesn’t like how irrational it is, this insatiable something. how it makes him want to bend the rules of the universe, just to see you smile. a dangerous temptation.)

”i’m sorry,” you croak, clinging to him like a shipwreck to a shore. ”it’s not — not a big deal, ’m just…” 

satoru pulls back. just a little bit, making sure your arms and legs stay in their rightful place, curled around his neck and waist. making sure the two of you stay connected.

then he pinches your cheek.

”don’t apologize,” he quips, a playful frown on his face. soft, a vague furrow of his brows. like he’s scolding you. 

it makes you wince, your eyes downcast. you look so meek. a little like a kicked puppy, glassy eyes glancing up at him in search of comfort.

satoru clicks his tongue. ”and don’t look at me like that, either.” 

he boops your nose, playful, doting, and you exhale weakly. it’s small, more breath than a real laugh, but you’re almost smiling, and —

it’s a start. it’s something.

satoru coos, voice dripping with warmth, sickeningly sweet. it seeps from his fingertips when he cradles your cheek in his palm, rubbing circles into the puffy skin beneath your eyes. there’s a mirth in his own, crinkled at the edges, tucked into that blue shade, something glazed over with pure adoration.

”there’s that smile.” 

he leans forward, closer, to press a kiss against the bridge of your nose, eyelashes fluttering. tickling your skin. you fall further into his embrace and he makes no move to resist, wouldn’t do it even if he physically could. even if he had the strength to let you go.

then he broaches the subject. hesitant. tactful, careful, delicate — he tries to remember how it works. how to handle something fragile. he thinks of those boxes you carried last week, little porcelain cups. heavy in his arms. he thinks of the way you jab his side with your elbow; gentle, always gentle, even though there’s never any need.

he thinks of you, and it all comes easy. that’s how it always goes.

”wanna talk about it?” he asks, softly. fingers treading through your hair, scratching softly at your scalp. it makes you melt, a little. clearing your throat.

”it’s nothing, really,” you mumble, tiny, seeking respite in the warmth that seeps from his body. speaking with a raspy voice, a hoarse throat, all tired out after crying. ”nothing big, anyway…” 

a moment passes, before you continue. ”i guess it's just been a rough week,” you admit, a sigh slipping from your lips, tinged with pure exhaustion. ”just little things piling up. ’m okay now.” 

a hum. satoru clears his throat.

”anything i can do?”

(please let me help.)

but you only shake your head. ”you’ve already done enough,” you assure him, leaning into his touch. ”think i just needed to get it all out, y’know?”

a beat. an itch. satoru holds you tight, a little tighter than he should. gentle, he reminds himself. but he needs you close enough to feel the flutter of your heartbeat, close enough to delude himself that you’ve merged together. closer isn’t close enough.

he gnaws at his bottom lip, teeth sinking into the flesh. pulling words out from the back of his throat, uncertain. ”i’m always here,” he settles on. ”if there’s anything you need, come straight to me. okay?”

a frown plays at your lips. you’re silent, for a while, until he hears you mumble beneath your breath.

”i don’t want to bother you so much, though…”

”— it’s not a bother.”

the words spill into the air, a little more firm than he meant to sound. but he means them.

”i’m serious. if you ever need help, with anything, come find me. i’m yours,” satoru inhales, deep, his chest moving in tune with the breath. you’re carried along with it, as if being lulled to sleep, following the steady pattern of his lungs. 

then he exhales. in, and out, and with it comes a promise. ”if anyone makes you cry, i’ll get rid of them.”

he says it casually, so casually that you assume it’s a joke, a bout of breathless giggles pushing past your lips. the sound has his own curling up, and he doesn’t have the heart to correct you. has enough tact to know that this might not be the best moment to let you know that he’s honestly a little terrified of how far he’d be willing to go to keep you safe and happy. 

but you’re smiling, finally, laughing. and that matters more than anything. when he closes his eyes, he thinks he can even feel the telltale signs that his heart is picking itself back up, gluing jagged shards into a shape that resembles you.

"that's scary!” you gasp, amusement bubbling up inside your throat. ”you’d go to jail for me?”

satoru huffs. ”bold of you to assume i’d get caught,” he tuts, a smug smile on his face. it makes you giggle, again, and he feels like a god.

”okay, okay,”  you nose at his neck, breathing him in, strawberry lotion and laundry detergent filling your senses. ”please don’t kill anyone on my behalf, though.”

”no promises.”

”satoru…”

slowly, steadily, his heart begins to stitch itself together. it helps that you’re there, he thinks. helps that you’re pressed up against him, that you’re holding him, like he’s the safest thing in the world. like you trust him.

(the word tastes like molten honey and luscious berries, sickly-sweet on his tongue. he gulps it down hungrily.)

it’s healing. the weight of your arms around him, the breaths that brush against his neck. he holds you to keep you together, intact, to keep himself together. a shipwreck and a shore — he just isn’t sure which one of you is which. but your jagged edges fit just right with his own.

”i don’t like seeing you cry.”

you blink. gazing up at him, with a contemplative look in your eyes. it melts into something a little too close to guilt for his liking. shame.

”— but i still want you to let me see you like that.” satoru smiles, with a tilt of his head. snowy tufts of hair falling across his face. ”is that weird?”

a moment passes. then you hum.

”no,” you exhale, a little breathless. smiling, somewhat weak, but still enough to have his heart skipping a beat. ”i love that about you, satoru.”

”huh?” he gapes at you — blinking dumbly. ”love what? that i want to see you sob into my chest?”

”that you try,” you stifle a yawn, sleepily nuzzling into him, all tuckered out from crying. ”even when it makes you a little uncomfortable.”

satoru stills. 

silence fills the space between you. there’s nothing more to say. his tongue isn’t really cooperating with him, anyhow — all tied up. so he leaves a kiss on the top of your head, and doesn’t say a word about the tremor running through his chest. 

he hates seeing you cry. hates how powerless it makes him feel, how useless. hates the fact that he can’t always protect you from the world, from himself.

but you let him see you like that.

he thinks of your tears, crystalline and glassy, like translucent marbles on a summer shore — and sees the trust instead of the sorrow. he thinks of your tearstained face, meek and feeble, and knows it’ll always be enough to break his heart to pieces. 

he thinks of you, and tells himself that it’s worth it; just as long as he gets to bring that pretty little smile back to life. 

[markwatkinsreviews]

EFL ONE MATCH REPORT: Reading (0) 0 Blackpool (2) 3

Date: Saturday 14 December, 2024.

Kick-off: 3pm

End to end much of the game but Blackpool always seemed more purposeful although somewhat wasteful with their many chances in-front of goal, but they could perhaps afford to be, always in control 1-0, 2-0 then finally 3-0 up by the finish. Reading were reduced to a handful of shots of the hesitant or wide variety, and generally out muscled (usually fairly) off the ball. The hoops seemed to have had a strong shout for a penalty, mind.

The Royals goalkeeper, Pereira, made a great diving save first half, pushing a goal-bound header onto the post, and in the 2nd half, and on his knees, blocked a fierce Pool shot by his near post. He was Reading's best, the rest, nowhere. Even the brave Mbengue (coming back on after being sent flying up in the air then hitting the ground with a thump!) was diffident with several long range passes being too easily intercepted.

Blackpool's No.25, Apter, energetically shone, and was the star of this last Reading home game before Christmas.

Not even seasonal appearances by Father Christmas, (the) Maidenhead Salvation Army Band, and tiny children clicking clackers and flickering mobile phone lights were able to raise this Royal Scrooge to mend his ways in the 90 minutes plus .

In fact, new Reading manager Noel Hunt seemed devoid of any obvious game plan, where as Steve Bruce's experiences of Christmas past shrewdly showed.

3-0 Blackpool then: Morgan (24); Apter (37) & Fletcher (72).

Seems it's going to be a cold, cold Christmas without Ruben Selles, and no one wants three tangerines in their sack at this time of year.

Northampton up next at the SCLS on Boxing Day.

RDG MOTM: Pereira

BLACKPOOL MOTM: Apter

Attendance: 14 ,455

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 8/10

Mark Watkins, 14 December, 2024.

[kmindzfaridabad]

What Should You Consider When Selecting the Best IELTS Institute for Your Preparation?

Selecting the right IELTS institute may get a bit confusing for those who are looking to score a high band score in the IELTS test. There are so many institutes available that it is hard to figure out which one can provide the best preparation according to your requirement. Here are some key factors to consider while selecting the best institute for you.

1. Institution's reputation

Here is a list of the critical factors to be kept in mind while searching for an IELTS institute: The reputation of an IELTS institute says it all about the quality of education and the success rate of that particular institute. Search for those institutes that have positive reviews and testimonials from ex-students, who have received high band scores.

You can also ask friends or acquaintances who have undergone this course for suggestions. A respectable IELTS institute will certainly be offering the best teachers and can show previous results of students doing well in the exam.

2. Qualified and Experienced 

For an IELTS course, qualified and experienced faculty is a significant part of the training process. These instructors have adequate knowledge about the IELTS exam pattern and scoring criteria. They can help the students in each section-LST, RDG, Writing, and Speaking.

Find an IELTS institution that uses certified trainers who have multiple teaching experience in IELTS and can give individual attention to students.

3. Comprehensive Course Content

The best institutes providing IELTS training offer a comprehensive course curriculum. Make sure practice tests, mock tests, and a comprehensive lesson on all the sections of an IELTS exam are a part of the course.

Other important skills like time management, effective essay writing, and techniques for overall listening and speaking ability improvement are also incorporated into the course. An all-inclusive course can be taken for both General and Academic modules based on your needs.

4. Flexible Study Mode 

Options Flexibility has emerged as a major constituent in today's world while choosing an IELTS institute. Most institutions provide online classes, hybrid learning models, or weekend batches depending on the available time of students. Choose an institute offering flexible study mode options so that you can decide on a study program suitable to your schedule.

If you want to study through classroom sessions, then choose institutes that are accessible and have convenient timings for classes.

5. Success Rate and Student Outcomes

One of the best ways to measure a successful IELTS institute is through its success rate for winning desired bands for their students who have taken up the test. Analyze the institute's previous records and see how many students have resulted in passing the IELTS exam with good scores and bands.

If this success rate is high, then that institute gives good scope for succeeding in attaining your goals for taking the IELTS exam.

Conclusion

One of the most crucial decisions that lie ahead is choosing the best IELTS institute. The institute's reputation, faculty experience, course content, flexibility in the course, success rate, fee structure, and practice materials are all present in their respective storehouses. These variously help identify an institute that would suit your preparation needs well enough with respect to achieving the desired band score.

[anaa11111]

What is Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)?

Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is a free Microsoft tool that allows IT professionals and system administrators to manage and organize multiple remote desktop connections from a single, intuitive interface.

RDCMan is a comprehensive application that simplifies the process of remotely accessing and managing various computers, servers, and other devices within an organization. Unlike the standard Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) tool, which can only handle a single remote connection at a time, RDCMan enables users to consolidate all their remote connections into a single window.

With RDCMan, users can:

Manage and maintain servers, workstations, and other devices remotely

Access and troubleshoot systems from a central location

Manage and deploy software updates

Monitor system performance and resource usage

Provide technical support to users

The key features that set RDCMan apart from other remote connection management tools include the ability to:

Organize connections into groups and sessions for better management

Save connection details, including user IDs and passwords, for quick access

Quickly switch between multiple remote connections without having to re-enter credentials

Customize settings and preferences to suit individual needs

How to Use RDCMan

To use RDCMan, users first need to download the latest version from the Microsoft website. Unlike previous versions, the current version (v2.92) does not require installation, as it is a standalone application. Once the download is complete, users can extract the files and start using the tool. RDCMan provides several keyboard shortcuts to help users navigate and manage their remote connections more efficiently. Some of the common shortcuts include:

F2: Rename the selected connection

F5: Refresh the current view

Ctrl + N: Create a new connection

Ctrl + W: Close the current connection

Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new group

To set up a new remote connection, users can click the “New” button and enter the necessary details, such as the computer name, user ID, and password. They can also organize their connections into groups and sessions for better management.

RDCMan Vulnerability and Security Considerations

In 2020, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in RDCMan that could allow an attacker to execute malicious code on the target system. This vulnerability was quickly addressed by Microsoft, who released a patch in RDCMan version 2.7 that included a validation mechanism for opening rdg files.

It’s important to note that, like any software, RDCMan should be regularly updated to ensure that users receive the latest security patches and fixes. Failure to do so could leave the system vulnerable to potential attacks. 3Additionally, users should be cautious when opening .rdg files from untrusted sources, as they could potentially contain malicious code. It’s recommended to only open .rdg files from trusted sources and to always verify the integrity of the file before opening it.

Alternatives to RDCMan

While RDCMan is a popular and widely-used tool for managing remote desktop connections, there are several alternative solutions available in the market. Some of the popular alternatives include:

mRemoteNG: A free and open-source remote connection manager that supports a wide range of protocols, including RDP, VNC, SSH, and Telnet.

Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager: A comprehensive remote connection management solution that offers features such as password management, role-based access control, and two-factor authentication.

TeamViewer: A popular remote desktop software that allows users to access and control remote computers, as well as collaborate with others in real time.

LogMeIn: A cloud-based remote access and support solution that enables users to securely connect to and control remote computers from anywhere.

When choosing a remote connection management tool, it’s important to consider factors such as the number of remote connections, the level of security required, and the specific features and integrations needed to support the organization’s IT infrastructure.

Conclusion

Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is a powerful and versatile tool that simplifies the process of managing and organizing multiple remote desktop connections. With its ability to consolidate connections, save user credentials, and provide customizable settings, RDCMan has become an essential tool for IT professionals and system administrators who need to efficiently manage and maintain remote systems.

While RDCMan has faced some security concerns in the past, the latest version of the tool includes robust security measures to protect against potential attacks. By regularly updating the software and exercising caution when opening .rdg files, users can ensure that RDCMan remains a secure and reliable solution for their remote connection management needs.

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on https://yaroreviews.info/2023/11/rmt-and-train-firms-take-step-towards-ending-dispute

RMT and train firms take step towards ending dispute

Getty Images

By Vishala Sri-Pathma & Katy Austin

Business reporter and transport correspondent

RMT members are to vote on a pay deal that could halt the union’s current wave of industrial action against train companies.

Operators have put forward an offer that proposes backdated pay rises for staff and job security guarantees.

RMT boss Mick Lynch said he supported the deal, calling it a “welcome development”.

However, further negotiations will be required to thrash out proposed reforms to the railways.

A separate dispute with train drivers in the Aslef union also remains ongoing, so walkouts over Christmas could still be possible.

The RMT’s dispute with rail companies has been going on for nearly 18 months already, with workers calling for better job security, pay and conditions.

Last month members voted for a new six-month strike mandate, meaning the threat of action over Christmas and into spring.

After talks between the union and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents operators, a so-called memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been developed which sets out a mutually-agreed way forward.

The BBC understands the MOU involves a backdated pay rise for 2022 of 5%, or £1,750, and job security guarantees such as no compulsory redundancies until the end of 2024.

A second year’s pay rise would still depend on reforms being negotiated at local level.

The Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said: “If accepted, this MOU will terminate the national dispute mandate, creating a pause and respite from industrial action over the Christmas period and into spring next year, while allowing for these important negotiations on proposed reforms to take place.”

RMT members will now vote on the deal in an online referendum which closes on 30 November. It is the first deal they have voted on since the start of the dispute.

The Department for Transport called the deal “fair and reasonable” and said it marked “a positive step towards resolving this dispute”.

RMT members, including guards and ticket office staff, who work at 14 train companies have taken part in a series of national strikes since June 2022 in the long-running dispute.

Coinciding with walkouts by train drivers, the strikes have brought much of the rail network to a standstill and disrupted major sporting events and music festivals.

A separate RMT dispute with Network Rail – which manages the UK’s rail infrastructure – was resolved in March this year after signallers and maintenance workers voted to accept an offer.

Related Topics

Department for Transport

RMT

Strike action

More on this story

Rail workers vote for six more months of strikes

19 October

Rail workers announce new weekend train strikes

11 August

[khokhlofucker]

Failures of the American army.Granada

1The navigation system broke down. And the whole group flew in circles over the island, looking for a landing place. Well, they reached the Soviet DShK. The weapon is proven and ideally adapted for landing vehicles. There was a panic on the air. "We have come under heavy anti-aircraft fire and are changing course..." In short, part of the landing was thrown out in some remote corner of the island. Where exactly, there is no information. But the fact that they "fought" there until the end of the operation is a fact. With whom — it is unclear. And this case became known only because after the operation, the command of the landing force sued (!) the Air Force. However, the matter was hushed up.

2The most important target of the first wave of invasion was the airfield. It was there that the famous "Delta" was thrown. 35 Delta fighters made a long jump and managed to secretly land on the airfield. However, the specialists miscalculated. The Cubans are experienced fighters, they were able to see part of the paratroopers. And it began… 6 commandos were killed while still in the air. 22 wounded. The rest were pressed by fire to the runway and were not even allowed to raise their heads. The Soviet AK was a cut above the spetsnaz pistols and silent submachine guns. The "deltovites" were saved only because they called the aviation. It was the attack of attack aircraft and helicopters that allowed the remaining fighters to leave the runway.

3There were also "weirdos" from the elite unit of combat swimmers of the USA. "Navy Seals" are really quite trained fighters. Precisely as a sea-based RDG. And the command decided to use them as an assault landing unit. Two boats with teams of swimmers were to be dropped from the Hercules transport planes. As it happens, most represent the Soviet film "The Case squared ...". The first reset ended tragically. The boat and its crew, instead of surfacing, "dived". There is no exact information about the fate of the crew. But it is clear that it is quite problematic to survive in such a situation. The second reset was successful. The boat surfaced. Even the engine was started and moved to the shore. And ... Seeing some kind of ship, the "seals" (the American name for combat swimmers) decide for camouflage purposes (an interesting solution for the day and excellent visibility) to turn off the engine and wait out. We waited it out. But they were so eager to observe the disguise that the engine was turned off forever. And the boat was hanging out from the elite

4But there were also real fights of "seals". So in the north of the island, the commandos still got ashore and ran into vigilant gendarmes. For more than a day, gendarmes gave combat swimmers a "light" without letting them off the beach. About the same way, the "seals" won when the English representative P. Skun was released. 20 combat swimmers with light weapons came under fire from BTR-60 Cubans. They drove them nobly. They were rescued by stormtroopers. But the most interesting fight was for the Richmond Hill prison. "Delta" on 6 helicopters had to land on ropes and capture the prison. There was only one way for helicopters. Between the prison and the garrison barracks. The army of Grenada was "playing war" in this battle. A helicopter appears in the targeted "opening". Commandos descend from it by cables. They are shot like in a shooting gallery. And the machine gunners also shot down a helicopter.

5There was also another combat episode. When Rangers and Marines were shooting at each other for several hours. And at the same time, both units, according to the American tradition, asked for aviation. Well, they asked for it. Friendly fire... And strikes on their own for US aviation are not an isolated case, but rather a typical one. Naturally, the information about the losses of the US army in this operation also raises doubts. Officially, the Americans lost only 18 people. In addition, 116 people were injured. Similarly, the losses of the opposite side also raise doubts. The Cubans lost 25 people and 600 were captured. Grenadians — 45 dead and 24 civilians. The only true figure came from... Of the Soviet Union. During the operation, the Americans fired at the USSR Embassy twice. Allegedly wrongly. One of the employees was seriously injured. For an attentive reader, even if he cannot find truthful information about some operation, there are always "loopholes". That's where the more or less truthful information lies. Just need to dig them out properly and understood

[ukrfeminism]

The train station manager whose idea launched free ‘Rail to Refuge’ scheme for domestic abuse survivors

It would not be an understatement to say that for some people, a train journey is their ticket to freedom and safety.

Every day since April 2020, around four survivors of domestic abuse across Britain have used the Rail to Refuge scheme, which covers the cost of their train ticket, enabling them to escape a dangerous relationship. Financial abuse can leave them without the means to get far away from their perpetrator.

Anyone who uses the scheme has Southeastern rail worker Darren O’Brien to thank. The station manager came up with the idea of offering survivors free travel to a refuge after watching a Channel 4 documentary about Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid.

“There was one particular incident where a lady was offered a place at a refuge but she couldn’t afford the travel there – a ticket for her and her three kids. She would have lost out on the place if she couldn’t travel,” he told i.

After bringing up the idea with his manager, Southeastern began covering the cost of fares for domestic abuse survivors in September 2019, with Great Western Railway joining the initiative six months later. With violence and abuse worsening in the Covid-19 pandemic, Rail to Refuge rolled out across Britain’s train companies in April 2020.

How does Rail to Refuge work?

When Women’s Aid connects a survivor with a refuge vacancy somewhere else in the country, a ticket is also booked, with train companies covering the cost. Train tickets will also be provided for their children.

The survivor uses an e-ticket on their phone or they can pick up a paper ticket from the train station with a debit or credit card before they travel.

The setup of the scheme allows survivors to board trains without having to explain their situation to anyone.

Mr O’Brien says: “They just want to get [to the refuge] safely. They’ve been through years, or whatever it is, of torment and abuse and they’ve got their kids and they live in fear and now they’ve got their opportunity. I can imagine their minds won’t rest until they actually get to that safe place.”

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which worked with Women’s Aid to expand the scheme, has now extended it indefinitely.

Mr O’Brien, in his forties, becomes emotional when asked if the scheme is the highlight of his 16 years at Southeastern.

“I remember talking to somebody, saying if we could just help one person, that would be brilliant. But we’ve helped over 1,300 people.

“Apart from being a father and getting married, there are not many other moments in my life, I suppose, that would surpass this,” says Mr O’Brien, who lives in north Essex with his wife and two daughters.

He knows people who have been in abusive relationships but says he could not always help in the past.

“So this is my way of giving something back.”

In its first year, the scheme has helped get 1,348 survivors, including 362 children over the age of five, to a safe refuge.

“It’s quite sad to think these things are prevalent in today’s society,” says Mr O’Brien, adding that the subject of domestic abuse is still taboo and associated with shame.

It is vital to get children out of abusive homes. “You don’t want these things to be normalised… You don’t want that child, if you’re a parent, to think this is acceptable because it’s not. Nobody should have to go through this.”

He believes schemes like Rail to Refuge need to exist for as long as domestic abuse is a problem.

“This should be in place to help people because they have enough obstacles to overcome. When you can help… [remove] barriers, it makes such a huge difference to their lives.”

Farah Nazeer, chief executive, at Women’s Aid said: “Rail to Refuge is a wonderful story of different organisations working together to support survivors of domestic abuse to safety.

“Sadly, demand for refuge spaces is still higher than the provision available, with 57 per cent of refuge referrals declined during 2019-20. So, it is absolutely vital that women and children are not prevented from reaching a refuge by the cost of travel. Now, on the first anniversary of lockdown, it is incredibly welcome news that RDG is extending the scheme until further notice. There is no end date on the scheme ending.

“We hope Rail to Refuge will continue because it is clearly needed, with four survivors on average using it every day,” she added.

...

It looks like this scheme is hugely helpful to those in need - I hope railways and public transport providers in other countries will also provide this service to domestic violence victims. In fact, if you’re based somewhere that doesn’t yet, you might consider starting a campaign!

[zontiky]

okok PLEASE consider: five (and by extension dolores) finds a live dog in the apocalypse

YOU KEEP SENDING ME SUCH GODTIER CONCEPTS AND I NEVER HAVE THE ENERGY TO REPLY ;W; BUT I WILL SOON I PROMISE

yes yes a million times yes, YES

I'm not gonna be that bitch and just say that the dog is gonna die, because let's be real, no veterinarians, no food, no good stimulation... he's dead I'm sorry sbfhdja

NO let's be POSITIVE

they find a little dog and five falls in love

is this an rgd au?? I want it to be an rdg au hold up lemme dm you

up to me isn't an answer but HERE WE GO, REAL GIRL DOLORES AKA MY LOVE AHFBDNS

so she's like "five we can't take care of a dog. also how the hell is it alive"

five ignores her. he's good at that

"I'm gonna name him mr pennycrumb we're gonna be best friends except for you dolores don't worry you'll always be number one in my heart"

dolores voice: thanks

so they take in this dog

pens for short

and taking care of him is??? hard like neither of them know shit about keeping animals alive

somehow though they manage to not kill the dog

and fuck you this is a magic dog

he lives long... and goes back to 2019 with them... ;w; I'm soft for Mr pennycrumb

that's all I have really ahfbnsa but THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING CONCEPT!!!

[agirlinjapan]

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars (Week 28)

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars By Noriko Ogiwara A Translation

Miss the last piece? Read it here!

Check out the RDG Translation twitter!

Help me pay for my next translation project on Ko-fi.

Christmas in July, anyone? It might be hot and summery for us right now, but for Izumiko and the others in RDG right now, it’s December! I’m sending cooling thoughts to everyone broiling in the summer sun with this week’s installation.

Red Data Girl: My Wish on the Night of the Shooting Stars By Noriko Ogiwara Chapter 4: Mizuho Part 1 (2 of 2)

When Izumiko went up to the student government room, she found Miyuki there already, just like Mayura said she would.

Aware of Izumiko’s arrival, Miyuki looked up from the computer screen. For the first time, Izumiko realized that she wasn’t worried about her grades like she had been earlier in the semester. After all, she had already showed Miyuki all of her tests and she didn’t think he would react as unexpectedly as Mayura had upon seeing her results.

All the same, when he opened her report card, he said in a surprisingly bright voice, “Wow? You ranked tenth? You really did well!”

“Yeah. I reached my goal. And it’s all because you helped me.” Izumiko smiled and placed her bag down before settling into a nearby chair. “So…”

“The fact that your grades went up this far in such a short time shows that until now, you have been putting in very little effort. Clearly you can do well if you actually try.” Miyuki seemed to notice nothing as he spoke, saying things that hurt a little to hear. “You decided you weren’t any good at math and science, didn’t you? That’s not true. You and I might approach the material in different ways, but you quickly find the answers through instinct. Don’t just assume you’re going to be wrong because you’re not used to doing that kind of work.”

Izumiko shrank into herself, but decided to go along with the conversation for a little longer.

“I kind of get what you’re saying. Before this, I didn’t really understand the point of trying hard just because of tests. But now that I’ve done so well, I feel like I shouldn’t be saying I want to be like Mayura. Now I just want to pass her, exactly like you’ve been saying.”

Happy that her roommate had done so well on her exams, Izumiko smiled at Miyuki. “I heard that Mayura just barely beat out Takayanagi for first ranked in the grade. It seems like no one can beat her.”

“For sure. She’s definitely impressive,” Miyuki said with no particular enthusiasm. His tone might have been uninterested, but Izumiko caught the tiniest bit of a smile on his face.

“By any chance, were you aiming for first rank too, Sagara?” Izumiko asked, feeling a little unsure of herself.

Miyuki’s awkward smile remained. “What do you mean ‘by any chance’? When you’re capable of doing something, shouldn’t you put all your effort into doing it? It’s human to feel disappointed when you lose out on what you were aiming for. I’m the same as anyone else.”

“But you’re so good at everything. I can’t even compare myself to you,” Izumiko said in surprise. She honestly couldn’t see what Miyuki felt badly about. Wasn’t this the same Miyuki who had said he’d be happy as long as he scored in the top five?

“So, we should celebrate today…”

Miyuki spoke up, unaware of the direction Izumiko was seemingly trying to move the conversation in. “You’re not an incapable person. You can do so much more than you do now. I’m not just talking about studying. You’re starting to turn this academy into a safe place for yourself all on your own. The goddess hasn’t possessed you in a while, and you’ve managed to make the diviners your allies. I feel like something changed when we were named Team Goddess. I’ve got to think more about how else I can be useful now.”

Caught up in whether or not this was a good chance to reach for her bag and the present inside, Izumiko only heard the last part of his statement.

“Think more about… what?”

“Takayanagi, the Soudas, and everyone else are part of the team to protect the goddess, right? They argue here and there, but I can tell that from here on, they’ll be there to have your back with their spiritual powers. It’s their destiny to eventually become World Heritage Candidates like that. But that’s not the same for me.”

Izumiko sucked in a surprised breath and then heartily denied his words. “That’s not true at all! You’re part of this too, Sagara! Weren’t you able to get rid of those shikigami before at the Christmas party just like Takayanagi was? You were the one who helped me when the Wild Hunt came, too!”

“I was able to see the shikigami and get rid of them with my staff because Wamiya lent me his power,” Miyuki pointed out calmly. “You already know it. I don’t have abilities like everyone else does. If Wamiya ever felt like letting go of me, everything I can do now would disappear. That’s why I can’t be part of the team.”

“Why can’t you? Isn’t it okay for you to use Wamiya’s power?” Izumiko said, voicing her true feelings before pausing to think. “One day, you’re going to be the one who helps me out more than anyone else. I think Wamiya knows that and that’s why he’s with you.”

“That’s fine for the three years we’re here. I’ve more or less gotten used to him at this point. But if you think about it in the long run, I would only be able to show any abilities while I was near you. Admit it. That’s not exactly useful protection for myself. For example, if you were in Japan and I went abroad, do you really think Wamiya would actually cross the ocean with me?”

There was no hesitation in his voice, almost as if he had already thought about this many times before. Izumiko blinked and readjusted herself in her chair as she gazed over at Miyuki.

“Do you think you want to go abroad, Miyuki?”

Miyuki straightened his back and said, “Nothing’s set. I’ve only thought about the possibility. I don’t know what would be best for me yet. But I know I wouldn’t be gone for a long time. I’m not thinking I’d be gone my whole third year. I’d probably just be testing it out on a quick trip.”

“Testing out… going abroad?”

“I’ve talked with some people about becoming an exchange student,” Miyuki confided without any hesitation.

Izumiko’s body stiffened. Her breathing paused as she stared at him. All the same, it didn’t seem as if Miyuki thought what he was saying was all that shocking.

He continued speaking, his tone calm. “I’ve told my homeroom teacher that I’m considering the possibility of studying abroad for half a year or maybe a whole year when we’re second years. There’s downsides to being an exchange student, and I’m still thinking it all over, but there are definitely things I’d only be able to learn if I went now. I want to put myself first, and while I hadn’t planned to hand over my place at the goddess’s side from the start, if it turns out that the “team” is only you and one other person, Takayanagi or Mayura’s abilities are more important for you to keep nearby. You have to keep people who have the ability to fight near you.”

Izumiko was overwhelmed by the realization that Miyuki didn’t understand. He didn’t understand what Izumiko was wishing for in her precious three years at the high school or why she had come here at all.

We only have three years here, but if he’s not here too, there’s no point to it at all. I don’t even want to think about him not being here with me. Miyuki might not have any special powers, but he’s been my best support...

Something occurred to Izumiko just as she was about to say all of this out loud. If she said the things she felt, it would be the same as her saying that she needed him. She realized that was the one thing she hadn’t been able to do since Miyuki had been bound to her and her destiny.

Staying silent, Izumiko looked down at the hem of her skirt, knowing she couldn’t say the things she was thinking. Miyuki looked at her quizzically. However, it didn’t seem as if it was because he was wondering why she was acting the way she was.

“This is all still in the future, and I don’t know how it’s going to work out, so you don’t really have to think about it. I haven’t talked to Yukimasa about it yet either.”

“If Mr. Sagara says yes and gives you the money… will you go abroad?” Izumiko asked finally, her voice hoarse.

“Not necessarily. It would depend on where I could study.”

Maybe it was because he was thinking about Yukimasa, but Miyuki took a short breath and then said, “It’s just that with everything going on and now that I have to track down Yukimasa who’s disappeared into thin air, I probably won’t be able to go to Tamakura Shrine this winter. It seems like Yukimasa’s flown to the United States.”

“What? Really?...”

There was no reason that Miyuki had to spend his time at Tamakura Shrine over the long vacation. Izumiko knew that. They hadn’t bought tickets together in advance like they had for summer vacation. Seeing as her mother’s friend, Dr. Mizuho Nakayama was coming to Tokyo for a conference, she had bought a ticket for Izumiko as well so that they could travel back to Tamakura together.

Still, Izumiko couldn’t imagine a New Year where she didn’t see Yukimasa or his son even once. This, too, was quite a shock for her.

*****

On the twenty fourth, a silver and white Christmas card arrived for Izumiko at the girl’s dorm.

 Merry Christmas, Izumiko.

This year, I thought I’d give you your last Christmas present of the season first. But what should it be?

Yukimasa

 Izumiko stared at the card in front of her a little sullenly.

He must be teasing me with this…

Yukimasa had disappeared from the school without one word to Izumiko. Why was he asking her what she wanted now?

No matter how you think about, it’s generally pretty weird that an ascetic monk is wishing me a Merry Christmas…

The card arrived in the afternoon while Izumiko and Mayura were getting changed for the day’s party. Angelica’s party was still three hours away, but it would take them an hour and a half once they left the school to ride the Keio Line and then the subway to their destination. It was a good idea to give themselves some extra time in the process.

Mayura looked over at the card curiously, but she didn’t seem to think that the sender’s name was the Yukimasa Sagara they both knew. Soon enough, she moved away and went back to her own preparations.

“Hey, Izumiko. Why haven’t you given Sagara his Christmas present yet?”

“The timing hasn’t been right so I haven’t given it to him,” Izumiko replied reluctantly. Bringing it up only made her feel more disappointed about the situation. She let out a sigh. “I might give up on giving it to him. It’s not anything special and walking around with it all this time has hurt the wrapping paper.”

“What are you talking about? Today’s Christmas Eve, isn’t it? What if you give it to him before we go to Angelica’s house?”

Izumiko bit her lip. “Miyuki said something came up all of a sudden that he needs to do and he already left. He’ll meet us there. He sent me a text about it this morning.”

“Huh? He must have only sent it to you. Miyuki was the one to decide that we’d go to this. I’d love to tell him that he should actually be coming with us for that exact reason. Manatsu and I are only going because of him.”

Mayura glanced towards Izumiko and then let out an unexpected laugh. “Wow, Izumiko. You look seriously peeved. You went out of your way to put on such a cute outfit, but with that face… Look at yourself.”

Izumiko was wearing a dress with a short sweater over it. She had on a necklace and a corsage to dress the outfit up as well. Her hair was still in its usual braids, but she wore a rhinestone headband to give them more of a party-like appearance. Dressing up was supposed to make her feel better about going to the party, but Izumiko still wasn’t excited about it at all. She looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror on her wardrobe’s door, but she couldn’t focus on her expression at all.

“I never know what Miyuki’s thinking…” she complained.

“And he doesn’t understand how you feel either,” Mayura said bluntly in response. “Why can’t you give him that present? I promise you he’ll be happy to get it.”

Izumiko continued to frown. “I imagined myself giving him a better present on Christmas Eve. What I have is so ordinary.”

“You’ll know what he’s thinking when you finally hand it over. If it’s from you, it’ll be special to him.”

When Izumiko did not respond, Mayura smiled. “Well, I guess I have to say this then. In Europe, Christmas is celebrated for twelve days. I think you should give Miyuki that present even if it’s on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Don’t give up. You’d be stupid not to give it to him.”

The two of them finished getting ready with a little time left to spare before they had to leave. As they finished though, there was a knock at the door and the head of the dorm, Ms. Saijou, poked her head inside.

“Izumiko, do you know a woman named Dr. Nakayama?”  

Izumiko looked in Ms. Saijou’s direction in surprise. “If you mean Mizuho Nakayama, I know her.”

“Yes, yes. That’s the person. She’s just arrived here to pick you up. She’s in the lobby.”

“What?” Izumiko glanced towards Mayura in confusion. “What should I do? Mizuho must have gotten my return date wrong by a day.”

“Oh, is this the person you’re going home with?”

“I’m going to go down and talk to her for a minute.”

Mizuho Nakamura was not a careless person and so Izumiko couldn’t imagine that this was a case of misinformation. She hurried out of the room and down to the lobby.

In Izumiko’s mind, Mizuho was always a doctor in a white coat. The woman waiting just inside the door, however, was wearing a well-tailored beige trench coat. Regardless, Izumiko knew who she was. She was tall and just a little too thin with her hair in a high ponytail held up in a barrette. Her sharp cheekbones gave her strong, easily recognizable facial features.

Still confused, Izumiko stopped in front of the woman.

“Mizuho, I’m sorry, but today’s not actually the day I’m going home…”

Before Izumiko could finish speaking though, Mizuho wrapped her in a tight hug. Her grip might have been powerful, but Izumiko noticed the strained look on her face. This wasn’t the easygoing smile Mizuho wore when Izumiko visited her office in the hospital.

“I know, Izumiko. I need you to be calm and listen to me,” she said close to Izumiko’s ear. Her voice was so low it was practically a murmur. “Without making a scene, we’re going to leave together right now. Yukariko was injured at work. I’m taking you to her, but she doesn’t want anyone else to know her whereabouts right now.”

Keep reading!

[rdgmgmt]

[crumbstheword]

I stumbled across the photo of the cake I popped my edible Corpse Bride on yesterday and thought I'd share her. This was made for friends and unfortunately I found out the box was too small a bit late! LOL I managed to make an extender from another box though so she got there safely 😉 I think it was a chocolate cake base with chocolate buttercream and fondant ivy all around it.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ .⠀⠀ #organic #cake #love # #cupcakes #cakes #fortnums #cakeblog #cakeporn #rdg #hobbybaking #ilovecake #jackskellington #punpkinking #hobbybaker #foodblog #cute #lovecake #gloobyfood #crumbsthewordbakery #crumbstheword #rdguk #teaparty #corpsebride https://www.instagram.com/p/BypUWObHvHG/?igshid=6r3c4bhcgp1d

[markwatkinsreviews]

MATCH REPORT: READING (2) 4 CAMBRIDGE UNITED (0) 0

EFL ONE : Saturday 16 March, 2024 : 3pm kick-off

A clean sheet, and four fantastic goals: Smith (10’), Azeez (45+1’), Wing (61’), Ehibhatiomhan (84’).

Whilst a scrappy game for the most part, if you are a Reading fan you can't argue with the result. In fact, there was so much rough & tumble in the Cambridge goalmouth, United had to change goalkeepers at HT. United had two good spells of pressure, at the start of both halves, but failed to build on and (twice) faded away thus inviting a wave of hooped attacks either side of the break.

For United, captain Michael Morrison (ex-Reading) had a quiet game, with fellow defender, James Gibbons, making two vital tackles in quick succession, second half. Joel Castro Pererira, keeping goal for Reading had a confident session, kicking and saving.

Nine minutes of additional time was added to the end of the second half by a competent, but pedestrian referee - ironically named - (Ben) Speedie, but by then, like the weather, Cambridge were left out in the cold, as was their star striker, Lyle Taylor who never really got a look in, in an unusually ineffective performance. Only one booking - Cambridge's big No.6, Ryan Bennett - who I thought was unlucky.

New manager, Garry Monk, has seen his team sunk by 6 (v Lincoln City) and now 4, in the space of five days, and like improving Reading, Cambridge United now find themselves in a relegation battle.

Reading: Pereira, Mola, Mbengue (Dean, 87’), Bindon, Dorsett (Abrefa, 75’), Wing, Savage (Rushesha, 87’), Azeez (Ehibhatiomhan, 76’), Knibbs, Elliott (Mukairu, 55’), Smith. Subs Not Used: Button, Wareham.

Cambridge United: Stevens (Mannion, 46’), Gibbons, R. Bennett, Morrison, Andrew (Kaikai, 46’), Cousins (Lankester, 72’), L. Bennett, Digby, Brophy, Kachunga, Taylor (Ahadme, 81’). Subs Not Used: Okedina, May, Bonne.

RDG MOTM = Amadou Mbengue, played the ball around with ease. The Royals in-form man.

CAMBRIDGE UNITED MOTM = Liam Bennett, full of endeavour with good close control and a bit of bite in the tackle to get the ball going forwards.

Attendance: 15,644

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 7/10

Mark Watkins, 17.3.24

[nothin---g]

June 29, 2019

My family attended my goddaughter’s baptismal in Pampanga. My father made a decision that before we go to my Lolo’s house, we should visit Uncle M’s house first. One of my cousins questioned me if I am a lesbian or a bisexual one because of my hair then later on he advised me about how I should understand my father's sentiments about boys, love, and relationship. Actually, I disagree when it comes to educating me about boys’ behavior because boys should be the one educated when it comes to respecting girls. I just want to share that our family barely visit my father’s side (Pampanga) and I am really not close with my cousins there that’s why I appreciate 'that' cousin that I've mentioned above because he really tried reaching out to us.  

My goddaughter is so cute!!! I already have 4 goddaughters but I think I suck as a godmother. I told myself that I will spoil them if I became a doctor in the future regardless of their age knowing that they will be teens at that time. I didn’t expect that at the end of the day, I will wish that we should have stayed longer. This time, I feel like I’ve gotten closer to them and I actually miss being there right now. We bought Silvanas (my favorite!!!!) before we travel back in Laguna. My father stopped by my auntie’s house and we ate at a restaurant near their apartment. 

July 3, 2019

MMI chatted me if I wanted to catch up with her and JG. To be honest, I feel something is suspicious and off since it is unusual for someone like her to invite me. Anyways, I agreed to meet up with them since I miss JG so much because the last time I was with her, she is so quiet and busy with her phone. We chose a milk tea place (Sediento) and stayed for 3-4 hours? MMI told a lot of stories about herself and how is she and RDG got into a fight(?) which is not really my story to tell. She also said that I was mentioned by JCV because her girlfriend(?) asked if I was the one who told MMI about her tweets and I won’t deny that because before I wanted to know MMI’s side but then JG and AMM clarified that JCV’s girlfriend is just like that. The part that really touched me the most is that JMN cleared my name by saying that I’m not like “that” because maybe JVV and his girlfriend doesn’t like that I know such things. MMI and JG were blaming me for knowing too much information about our batch, as if I wanted this!!! 

JG and I accompanied MMI who bought medicine for her mother(?) then let her ride a jeep first before we go home. JG and I were waiting for her jeep to come when she mentioned Sef, an omegle(?) guy, then I asked her if she wanted to tell the story somewhere (more like 7 11). She was irritated and then blamed me for offering MMI that we should accompany her. She told me that MMI was obviously wanted to catch up so that she can tell a lot of things about herself. I told her that I knew that there was something suspicious when MMI let us know about her little situation with RDG, MMI looked like she needs our sympathy. All in all, I really love this day because I cleared some misunderstanding I’ve had with JG .

July 10, 2019

I really promised myself that this summer, I will be able to visit at least 5 museums before school starts but I guess the last one will be in December. I am with my two sisters and we decided to visit National Museum of Anthropology first before National Museum of Fine Arts. National Museum of Anthropology has 5 floors that has 3-4 exhibits/gallery per floor if I remembered it correctly. We always start at the top floor and my siblings were already tired when we were about to reach 3rd floor. While waiting for a grab driver, there’s a couple (boy-boy) that I noticed outside the building and they are so cute!!!! They also have hickeys motherfu- !!! I really whispered to myself that famous line “sana all.”

We decided to eat at SM Manila and I give up on thinking that we can also visit National Museum of Fine Arts at the end of the day because we really have to be at the terminal before rush hours to avoid traffic. I really think that I spoiled my sisters because I let them taste Macao Imperial Milk Tea's best seller and bought them Whatta-Box from Wendy’s for lunch. I hope that next time, the money that I would spend comes from a job that  I love and I also hope that my parents would be there too. We were all tired when we arrived at our house but it was all worth it! 

July 11, 2019

Overnight with two of my favorite peeps!!! First, we headed to Puregold to buy drinks and snacks then we were about to go to JG’s house, AMM asked JG at the counter (non-verbatim) “bat ka ba layo nang layo? mabaho ba hininga ko?” After this scenario, JG and I can’t stop laughing out loud.

I am so weak when it comes to “purong” empi! I’m already drunk at my 5th or 6th cup. AMM and I were a mess! We shared the same bowl just to puke. I crawl into the bathroom. AMM was continuously saying a phrase that I forgot while typing this. JG took care of us but she has a lot of videos of ourselves! One thing that I regret from that night is that I embarrassed myself to JG’s younger brother (i have a crush on him). I giggled loudly when he came home the fuck. Honestly, I don’t remember everything that happened that night since I just sleep whenever I feel drunk.

The next morning, I blamed empi for everything! My head hurts (fuck). We all love what happened to us last night. We ate breakfast and continued sharing stories about ourselves until I plead that I have to go home because my sister is alone at our house. 

July 15, 2019

Enrollment day! I thought that I can go home early but there’s a lot of procedure when enrolling and what sucks is that it is in different buildings ugh. My batchmates were shocked because I cut my hair short but I am really thankful that they are complimenting it because I am so done with people who always tries to drag my confidence down. At the bus, I decided to meet up with my barkada. 

Another milk tea place again! The place is so far from where my bus dropped me off. Two of us walked and that's why we both laughed at each other when we met because we fucking know the struggle just to be there. We tried to play Jenga but it is so noisy that’s why we stopped. All of us hooted with laughter when AFDR told RDS, "sa akin ka na magpay." We are also happy because RDS treat us. We stayed a little bit longer and we didn't expect we will experience brownout inside a cafe. To be honest, there's a lot of things that happened this day and I tried asking my friend for that tiny moments that made me happy but she can't also remember. I really wanted to type those things but I won't push myself because the important thing is that I don't think my day was wasted. I just want to add that JNG is so funny when she persuades me to have an overnight.

July 20, 2019

Our plan to come by at Enchanted Kingdom finally happened!!! I AM PROUD THAT I'VE EXPERIENCED ALL THE EXTREME RIDES!!! Even though the weather is really hot, I really loved the fact that we didn't fall in line that long. As far as I remember, we rode Flying Fiesta ▶Rialto ▶Space Shuttle ▶Anchor's Away ▶AGILA ▶Roller Skater ▶Bump Car ▶Jungle Log Jam ▶Disc-o Magic ▶Rio Grande ▶Air Race ▶Ekstreme Tower ▶Wheel of Fate ▶Air Race ▶Space Shuttle. Believe it or not but I only have one photo (Ferris Wheel) on my phone because of extreme happiness that I felt this day. Mostly, our topics were about AFDR's flings. She even mentioned that she met NB's boyfriend there. Frankly, my friend and I (single) planned to find handsome men inside but sadly they were only few. AFDR found one and she named him Eleven. LRM found someone too but that guy has a girlfriend. I found someone too after we watched the fireworks because he is wearing a white shirt + he looks so tall.

July 23, 2019

Even though we were incomplete, we managed to continue having an overnight before our vacation ends. First, we went to SC's house (specifically rooftop). We tried to guess her cat's name and we laughed so hard when they mentioned ~toptop liagibma~ JNG told us that she is one of the reasons why RA broke up with DR then we shared our sentiments about the way he chats us. We also cornered RDS if he still have feelings for NB and when he said no we asked him when. We stayed at SC's until eight o'clock because: 1) we played mafia and I am flattered because they praised me and they said that I am a good mafia and a good doctor 2) it's hard for us to decide where to eat 3) the rain won't stop 4) we pleaded to SC's mother to let her join with us.

We ate at Onyang's and oh boy the foods are delicious!!! I really loved the chicken even though it is spicy. We arrived at our house around 10 and start mafia game again around 11. Boy, we are so serious to catch the mafia. I just want to brag that I think I just failed 2 to 3 times to catch a mafia. I JUST WANT TO SHARE THAT WE WERE ALL HAPPY THIS TIME TO THE POINT THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER THE REASON WHY WE LAUGHED SO HARD WHILE PLAYING THIS. We also played kindat killer and it is so funny too. I never thought that I would be this happy again even though there's no liquor. We decided to sleep around 3 AM? The next day, we just watched Escape Room and they go home right after because 1) i think we were still sleepy 2) they don't took a bath.