#well i sure wish your efforts matched your ambitions mate

[laufire]

I still haven't gotten around to reading red hood: the hill #2 but. other nitpicks aside, I think it was a bad choice to have jason know the harlowes from his childhood. logistics and the author's utter ignorance & laziness about jason's backstory aside (jason's freaking wiki page tells you he grew up in park row...), I feel that it'd work better if jason got to know dana & co (like those cowboys passing through town in the westerns he claims to take inspiration from), because that would force him to put in some character work in this. otoh maybe that's the issue.

[dracosaurusrex]

Take a Chance (Draco x Reader)

Summary: In which Draco is forced to come to terms with his behavior when he meets a girl much different than him.

Wordcount: 5.2k

Genre: Mostly fluff; slight angst; mutual pining

A/N: Happy New Year! I’ve been working on several fics lately, but this one was too tempting to resist. Like, I would think about it as I write my other drafts haha. Anyway, I hope you like it! Any feedback is much appreciated :D

Witches and wizards alike flitted across the skies as sounds of the blazing crowds consumed the quidditch pitch. The feeling of adrenaline coursing through his veins fueled Draco’s senses. His mind, alert. His body, in sync. His eyes were peeled for the prized speck of gold. After several minutes of patrolling the air above, he sees it, and without a second to spare, he dives. Frigid wind angrily brushes against his platinum locks as he cuts through the sky--his focus now at an all time high. The sudden change in movement grabs the attention of the opposing team, and their seeker dived in just as fast, trailing behind the flash of green robes. Draco pressed onward, pulling his body inward to increase the acceleration--the snitch now within finger’s length. Within a spur of a second the two players collide, sending the boy flying off of his broomstick to fall freely towards the earth beneath him. The sky's the last thing that occupies his vision before it turns black. His body came into contact with the ground.

It was when he opened his eyes that he sees her. The girl with long, flowy locks was dressed in her Slytherin uniform, tending to the other seeker in the hospital wing. Despite the soreness that filled his body, he kept his gaze locked on her, observing her fluid motions as she addressed sustained wounds and injuries. She’s beautiful.

Draco witnesses Madame Pomfrey tapping the girl’s shoulder before gesturing to him. The moment she meets his gaze, a small smile appears on her face; and the boy, albeit the pain, makes the effort to cast one in return. His heart flutters as she approaches him--only worsening the closer she gets. 

“Hi,” She says sweetly, “I don’t think we’ve formally met. My name is Y/N Y/L/N. I’ll be taking care of you while you’re here.” She reaches her hand out towards him. He looks at her straight before firmly gripping it.

“Draco Malfoy, but you probably knew that already.” She laughs before pointing at her green and silver tie.

“Very much so. Can you sit up?” The boy winces in pain at his attempt to do so. Taking notice of this, the girl steps closer to his side.

“Here let me help you.” Y/N cautiously snakes an arm around his back, and gently lifts him upward. In doing so, he takes in her scent--it consisted of dark chocolate and citrus. The palms that were wrapped firmly around his shoulder loosen as she pulls a chair to the bed. She takes a seat and grabs the clipboard that was placed on the nightstand.

“Do you feel pain anywhere?” The boy thought about pulling a pick up line then and there, but abandoned the thought immediately.

“Just soreness everywhere.” He looked at her as she jotted his information down. She then tears her gaze from it momentarily.

“Can you rate it on a scale from 1-10?” 

“Probably an 8.” Her gaze fixated on the board once again. Draco admired the serenity that framed her features. The light that was casted from the window shines down on her, wrapping her in an angelic aura. 

“I’m going to take your pulse now, okay?” Cold, slender fingers wrap around his wrist, gripping it gently as she takes two other fingers and presses it to the base of his palm. As she counts in her mind, the boy takes initiative to engage in conversation.

“Why haven’t I seen you before?” She takes a moment to respond, writing down his info on the chart. After she finishes, she tucks her hair behind her ear and faces him.

“You’re a year above me.” She states simply.

“Surely I would’ve seen you in the common room though.” 

“Perhaps, but I spend a lot of time here in the wing. That explains why.” 

“Why do you spend your time here?” He ignores the pain he feels when he leans on his elbow, and towards her. She rubs her chin in thought.

“Call it training if you will. I want to be a healer.”

“That’s quite the ambition.”

“We Slytherins have pride in becoming something great, do we not? What better way than to take the opportunity now?” The attraction the boy felt only grew at the sound of her words. She flashed him a smile as she stood up.

“Where are you going? Aren’t you supposed to be taking care of me?” He asked with slight disappointment in his tone. Its sound stirred some interest in Y/N. With her back turned, she bit her lip before reassuring him.

“I’m just getting your potion, Malfoy. Don’t worry, I’ll be back.” She says before walking towards the front of the hall. The boy enjoys the energy she gives off, and allows his sights to linger on her as she plods through the aisles. He watches as she reaches for a vial from the shelf, proceeding to the way she dutifully writes down information on what seems to be a logbook. The girl catches his gaze, and grins slightly. The longer he lays on the hospital bed, under her care, the more he longs to remain there.

Y/N situates herself by his side again, handing the vial to the boy.

“You came in with your tibia and rib fractured, and your forearm broken. Fortunately, Madam Pomfrey was able to tend to you right away. The potion is to ease the pain. It’s recommended that you rest after you take it. You’ll be able to leave tomorrow morning.” Draco opens the vial and gulps down the fluid before making a face of disgust. The way his face contorts induces the girl into laughter. She proceeds to hand him a cup of water in exchange for the vial in his grasp. 

“You must’ve had a nasty fall. I’ll leave you to rest now.” Just as soon as she turns, the boy frantically grabs her wrist.

“Will you be around tomorrow morning?” He asks. She glances down at his hand, but his grip remains.

“Tomorrow is actually my free day.” Her voice held a certain timidness, heat swarmed her head, and her heart fluttered. “Why do you ask?”

Upon realization that his grip lingered much longer than it should have, he pulls away stammering, “N-no reason. I was just wondering.”

“I’ll be in the common room if you need anything.” She states.

“I’ll see you there then.” She nods before flashing one last grin, leaving the boy alone to rest. 

--

Draco awakens the following morning, with thoughts immediately drifting to the fourth year that he encountered the night before. With his body slightly aching and a noticeable urgency in his step, he approaches the dungeons, and slips into the Slytherin common room with hopes to see Y/N. When he does, however, disappointment greets him in the form of another boy occupying the space next to her. Books are laid out in front of them, leading him to assume that he was a fourth year as well. He can’t help but stare from afar. Not only did she seem diligent in her healing duties, but she seemed as equally so when it came to her studies. The sound of her melodic laugh overtakes his hearing, while the sight of her smiling induces his heart to palpitate abnormally—merely wishing that it was him in the place of the boy.

Before he could do anything, a firm arm wraps around his shoulder. Standing next to him was his good friend, Blaise.

“Did Madam Pomfrey fix you up well, mate?” He asks. In attempts to get her attention, Draco responds with a volume slightly louder than normal.

“If it weren’t for her, I’d probably be dead right now.” He was exaggerating, but it was enough to get her to face him. Blaise chuckled and shook his head.

“Dramatic as always, but at least you’re well.”  

Y/N kept her sights locked on the boy, noticing how his friends started pooling in. Suddenly, he was surrounded by those she knew as Theodore Nott, Pansy Parkinson, and Daphne Greengrass--all who were her upperclassmen by a year. They showed him concern, asking what parts of his body were in pain, laughing when they made jokes, and patted his back with reassurance that the next match will be better. She looks at them with longing, wishing she could be as close to the boy in that moment.

Draco meets her gaze, and softens his own. He gives her a soft smile, reducing her stomach into mush. She responds to him with one herself. Warmth fills both hearts as the moment ensues, however the sounds of his friends voices and the presence of a hand waving in front of her face pull the two back into their respective years.

“Y/N, what are you looking at?” Her best friend, Malachi, asks her. He needed help with charms--nothing more, nothing less. The boy follows her line of vision, tracing it back to the platinum-haired boy.

“Malfoy? He’s a fifth year, isn't he? Do you fancy him?” He asked a little too loudly for comfort. Y/N frantically placed her hand over his mouth, and threw him a glare.

“Shut up, Mal! You’ll be the death of me!” She expresses her disdain with a slap to his shoulder, to which he responds with a wince. The boy grips the area and furrows his brows at the girl.

“Isn’t he a bully, though? I get he’s quite a stunner, but why would you, out of all people, like someone so foul?” He wasn’t wrong. Draco had a notorious reputation for picking on others, but memories from their interactions tell her that there’s more to him than what others think.

“I can’t even say I like him--I literally only interacted with him yesterday. Pull your head out of the gutter.”

“You do like him, or at least you’re mildly attracted to him. It’s written all over your face, Y/L/N.” He said teasingly. 

“Stop it before I use you to practice my hexing charms.” The girl grabs her wand as a way to hoax him. He laughs again before raising his arms in defeat.

“Fine, but with the way he’s looking at you, I’d say he’s mildly attracted to you too.” The warmth from Y/N’s heart fills her face, while her hands grow clammy. When she looks up, she begins to understand what Malachi was saying, because Draco was staring at her from where he was standing. Unbeknownst to her, the boy beside her packs his belongings silently, gaining her attention only when his chair screeches.

“Where are you going?” She asks.

“Mel is waiting for me in the courtyard. I promised we’d talk about her boy problems too.” He winks at her, eliciting imaginary steam from her head.

“I-I don’t have any boy problems!” It was her turn to speak in a tone much louder than what was acceptably normal, gaining the attention of the students around her. One of them being Draco himself. Malachi laughs at the girl before ruffling her hair.

“See you, Y/N!” The girl rubs her temples in frustration as she waves the boy away. 

“Idiot.” She mutters under her breath. Her mind is swamped with ideas to get back at her friend that she doesn’t notice him approaching her. Draco sits across from her, taking note of the way her quill was aggressively dragged along her roll of parchment. It amuses him seeing her riled up. Her face was scrunched in annoyance, and her cheek was planted on the surface of her palm.

“Pleasant morning, Y/L/N?” The sudden sound of his voice startles her.

“Very much so. Weren’t you with your friends?” She asks. Her sights juggled between him and the words in her text.

“I was. They went to breakfast.”

“You should eat also. You need to replenish your body from yesterday’s fall.” Y/N places her quill down, clasped her hands together, and looked at him with a knowing look in her eye.

“I would’ve, except I couldn’t help but overhear someone going on about their boy problems.” Draco leans forward with a mischievous expression. He raises his eyebrows at the girl, while 

A coy smirk spreads across his lips. She merely rolls her eyes in response.

“I don’t have any boy problems. My friend was being a git.” She stated in matter-of-fact. Concern then took over, and she remembered the boy’s fragile state. 

“In all seriousness though, how are you feeling? Do you feel any pain anywhere?” Draco, too, dropped his flirtatious facade at the sound of her voice. The expression held in her eyes elicited nervousness from him as they looked directly into his.

“I’m doing fine,” He pauses, “A little sore, but I’m fine.” The boy settled in a more serious state and leaned into his seat.

Feeling a little brave, Y/N reached for his hand, which was propped on the table and lightly  squeezed it. Her touch tingled his senses.

“I’m glad you’re alright. I can get you another vial if you’d like.” She says. A gentle tone fills her voice and she gives him yet another bright smile. He shakes his head--his lips pulling into a genuine grin.

“Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll be needing it.” She nods and retracts her grip. A comfortable silence ensues as she resumes her studies. The boy admires her from his seat. She has the same focused expression that she had when she tended to him the night before. Hair that fell to her face was tucked behind her ear. Her fingers mindlessly spun her quill as she read. She wasn’t actively trying to get his attention, but somehow that was all he could give her.

“Y/N,” He calls out.

“Yes?” 

“I think you’d make a wonderful healer.” The comment makes her face bloom into a bright expression. Within a few moments, she reaches into her bag. Out comes a green apple, which she then places in front of the boy.

“Thank you. With best intentions for you in mind, here’s an apple for your consumption.” He chuckles and takes it.

“Healer’s orders.”

--

Weeks go by since their first interaction. Due to the differences in their years, there isn’t much that goes on between them during the day (to Draco’s dismay). Y/N, although keeping herself occupied, finds that her thoughts drift to the boy from time to time as well. There are several things that irk her, however: the arrogant pride that comes out when with others, and the bullying. A gut-wrenching distaste sat within her every instance that she witnessed it, and the way he treats her in contrast to others is appalling. Therefore, she takes advantage of the distance. It doesn’t deny the butterflies that erupt in her stomach when she sees him, but it allows her to stay true to her morals and values, giving her some peace of mind.

In the midst of all her emotions, she finds herself sitting in potions, listening into Snape’s lecture on the Calming Draught. It was used for calming individuals suffering from shock or trauma, and was a substance commonly found in the hospital wing. The subject itself was something that Y/N desired to excel in, however there have been plenty of moments where she’s seen struggling. Taking note of this, Snape decides to request the assistance from one of the upperclassmen to tutor her. The class session for fourth years takes place during the later half of the day, and by then most fifth years have a study hall to utilize for OWLs review. Without much knowledge about her predicament, Draco walks into the classroom with disinterest painted on his face, and approaches the professor. 

“Mr. Malfoy, glad to see you could make it.”

“Of course, professor.” Snape senses the hint of the begrudging tone in his voice. 

“Ms. Y/L/N, please come up to the front.” The boy’s heart races at the sound of her last name. There’s a shift in energy almost immediately, as she’s seen walking towards the two. Her eyes widen at the sight of the familiar boy, moreover at the realization that he may very much be the tutor Snape was referring to.

“Draco, it’s nice to see you.” She says politely. He nods in response.

“It seems you’re already familiar with each other? Good. Y/L/N, you’re dismissed. Mr. Malfoy will be responsible for tutoring you from this point forward.” The boy waits for her at the entrance of the room while she collects her belongings. Another set of butterflies erupt, and nervousness racks her insides. She purposefully takes her time as she moves towards the door. Draco lightly grins when he sees her. 

“I didn’t know you were good in potions.” She says.

“Let me surprise you then.” 

The pair slowly made their way to the library, discussing things that have happened since the last time they spoke. The boy had been busy studying for his OWLs while Y/N spent her time in the hospital wing as always. It was a funny feeling, really--the ease that came when engaging in conversation. The fact that he was indeed a bully went past her head the more they spoke. In such little time, she learned new things about him, like the way he nodded when he paid attention to her speak, the way he’d fumble with the rings on his fingers, and the way he spoke with expressive hand gestures. He was boisterous and animated, and not too shabby in contrast to the moments when ill-formed words poured out of his mouth. 

“So what role does lavender play in this concoction?” The boy sat with her textbook in hand, quizzing the girl on the brewing process for Calming Draught. He glanced at the girl who was deep in thought.

“It’s calming to aches and an agent for relaxation, is it not?”

“Perfect.” Relief overcomes Y/N, and the comfort she feels around him increases.

“Draco, you’re taking your OWLs this year. What do you plan on doing after you graduate?” He takes a while to respond. It wasn’t something he thought about all the time. 

“Perhaps something close to Alchemy. I’m good with potions, so probably something within that realm.” The girl stared in awe.

“What’s with the look?” A scowl found its way to his face while he fiddled with the pages of her book.

“I think it’s really cool. I never would’ve expected.”

“And why’s that? I’ll have you know I’m very capable.” Y/N sensed a defensive tone in his voice. Nevertheless, she approached her response with much caution.

“Well,” She hesitated, “I don’t see you often, and when I do it’s mostly when you’re picking on others.” She lowered her volume towards the end of her sentence. The boy quirked a brow upward.

“And how does that impact my abilities to excel?” She actively avoided his gaze.

“I’m not saying it does, but it’s not like I know what goes on in that mind of yours either.” The boy softened the tension in his facial features. She was nervous, and he didn’t realize how much her opinion mattered to him until that moment. A small knot began to form in his stomach.

“Well what goes on in your mind when that happens?” He leans forward, interested in what she had to say.

“I would think, ‘I wish you wouldn’t do that.’” She said honestly. The frown on his lips deepened, the knot that had formed only grew bigger, and he glanced anywhere except her.  How was he supposed to respond? The differences between them felt greater than what it seemed. Without much thought, he silently closed the book and shifted it to her. With the feeling of defeat overcoming him, he lifts himself from his seat and leaves. 

The action alerts the girl right away. With her heartbeat elevated and her eyes widened, she frantically shoves her books in her bag, and trails after him in a brisk walk. She catches sight of the platinum-haired boy, and quickens her pace. With much urgency, she grabs his wrist, panting at the amount of energy she just spent trying to meet him.

“Draco, why’d you leave? Is there something wrong?” Y/N’s grip remained unwavering as he turned to her, exposing the shame that filled his eyes. Without meaning to make himself any more vulnerable, he faces away. 

“You can’t just walk away like that and expect me to pay no mind.” She says.

“I don’t think you should be seen with someone like me Y/L/N.”

“What are you talking about? You’re my tutor. I-”

“But I’m also a prick. You have your values, I have mine,” He scans her from head to toe, “I’m not exactly your definition of good.”

“Draco, I don’t understand why that would matter. You’re my tu-”

“Are you really that daft?” His sudden outburst shocked her.

“I like you, Y/N. Your damn opinion matters to me, but I don’t exactly fare well with others in comparison to you.” The girl stood there in shock. With her mind processing his declaration, she couldn’t find the proper words to form a coherent sentence. Draco shifted his view to her hand that remained wrapped around his wrist. Disappointed at her lack of response, he shook it off and trudged away. 

--

To be quite frank, Y/N didn’t know exactly what to feel. Surely, the boy crossed her mind here and there, and it wasn’t wrong to say that she enjoyed his company, but why would he like a fourth year like her? Wouldn’t it be more logical for him to like someone who had more in common with him? 

Three weeks had passed since their last encounter. The girl tried her very best to understand what Snape was lecturing about, so she wouldn’t have to be tutored by the boy. Besides, it wasn’t like he was making the effort to face her either. Whenever he’d enter the common room, he wouldn’t even look at her (at least that’s what she thought). The boy would take a seat with his friends, join in conversation, and laugh along as if the feelings he had for the younger was nonexistent. Perhaps that was the reality of the situation. It shouldn’t bother her--she didn’t want it to--but it did. She found herself cursing the day she tended to him. If only she had taken leave earlier, then he wouldn’t have known about her, and all of these feelings would’ve been avoided. At the same time, it was bliss talking to him--it felt natural. She was comfortable around him, and he believed in her ability to succeed. Yet, the barrier found within their differences managed to convince her to keep her feelings suppressed. 

“Earth to Y/N, what the heck is going on with you?” Y/N finds herself stuck tutoring Malachi in charms yet again.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“You’ve been dozing off for a while now.”

“Oh, have I? I’m sorry. I haven’t been feeling well lately.”

“Clearly. You’re normally so focused. Did something happen recently?” As if on cue, Draco enters the common room, eyes meeting hers for a second before they shift elsewhere. She feels pain slowly creeping into her chest.

“Nothing, really,” She lies, “If it’s alright with you, I’m going to head to the hospital wing.” Malachi nods his head, and helps her from her seat.

“Can you make it there by yourself?” He asks. She nods before giving a weak smile. 

“Thanks. I’ll see you later.” Draco witnesses the interaction from the sofas located in the center of the room. Jealousy arises at the sight of her friend lifting her, patting her back, and sharing her smile. At the same time, however, her dazed expression fills him with worry. His sight follows the girl as she walks past him, not bothering to spare him a glance. Malachi notices this, and approaches him as soon as she leaves the room.

“Malfoy, may I have a word with you?” His confrontation sparks the attention of the group of fifth years surrounding him.

“Anything you have to say to him, you can say to us. Spit it.” Pansy spews aggressively. 

“Easy now, Pans.” Draco lifts himself from his seat, “Let’s take this outside.” The two situate themselves in the halls of the dungeon, keeping silent for a short while.

“Is this about Y/N?” Draco asks. 

“You can’t fool me, Malfoy—I see how you look at her. She’s not okay, and as her friend, I want to know what happened.” The demand in his tone kindled a slight annoyance in the boy’s gut. 

“Nothing happened, and I can assure you that if she wanted you to know, then she would’ve told you already.” 

“Merlin, don’t you notice the way she looks at you?” The tension in Malachi’s voice grew. 

“What do you mean?” The previous question took Draco by shock.

“For two smart individuals, you both are incredibly daft.” A scowl appeared yet again on Draco’s face, however the other boy remains firm.

“If the reason behind the way you look at her is exactly what I think, then all I can say is that she thinks about you too.” The way he framed his words made Draco’s heart beat. He releases the tightness in his face, allowing himself to express more gentleness at the thought of Y/N.

Malachi continues, “Y/N has a logical way of thinking. With her head wrapped around her goals, how could she not? Her mind is constantly fixated on the next step and its consequences, so much so that she doesn’t allow her heart to decide.” The rosy feeling ignited within his chest once again. 

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you two are pining like idiots.” He says, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Besides, I’m sure there’s a softy under that bully we all know.” 

“Shove off git.” 

“Pleasure.” Malachi retreats to the common room, leaving Draco alone in the hall. He chuckles softly before setting off to find Y/N. As he navigates his way through the halls and corridors, his thoughts drift to the way she responded in the past. Would he be able to handle it if she reacts the same way? When the boy finds her, she’s seen in the hospital wing organizing potion vials—her focus was completely locked onto her work. Once he’s in front of her, he clears his throat.

“Excuse me, can I have a vial of Calming Draught?” The familiar voice causes the girl to freeze in place. With much hesitation, she looks up at him.

“You need a referral, Malfoy.” She returns to her duties, but the boy doesn’t leave.

“Then is it alright if I can lay down here? I don’t feel too well.” Y/N glares at him.

“Should I hex myself then?” The boy pushes his luck, eliciting a sigh from the girl.

“What are you doing here, Draco?” The boy sits himself on the bed nearest to the counter she’s stationed in.

“I wasn’t feeling well. I’m feeling pain.” Y/N glances over to Madame Pomfrey, who’s occupied with other students. With a softened glance, she turns to Draco.

“Where does it hurt?” She asks. He points to his heart. “Right here.” The girl couldn’t help but let out a laugh, making him beam in response.

“Don’t waste my time, Malfoy.” She suppressed a smile and rolled her eyes.

“Time with you is time well spent.” Heat rises to her face before she releases a groan of frustration followed by a fit of giggles. She grabs his wrist and pulls him into a secluded hallway.

“Care to explain to me why you’re here? For real this time?” Draco’s face turns serious as he scans her eyes. Her body was close to his, arms crossed over her chest, and her face pointed up at him to meet his gaze. 

“I’m sorry,” the girl raises her eyebrows in response, prompting him to continue.

“I shouldn’t have left you the way I did.”

“Then why did you?”

“Because I like you, and the opinion you have of me matters.” The boy stumbles over his words, “I’m a git, and you’re the exact opposite. You’re diligent, you’re smart, you’re considerate, you’re ambitious,” He tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, “You deserve someone who has a better reputation than I do—someone who can help you.”

Y/N’s arms fell to her sides, her heart rate ramped up with its beats wildly pounding against her chest.

“I’m sorry too.” She says softly. 

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I did,” she smiled weakly, “I knew I liked you also, Draco. I have for a while now. I was afraid of taking a chance—that our differences would somehow come between us, and drag us down.” The boy cherished the way she referred to their relationship with an “us”. It was as though they were already in this together. Furthermore, he closed his eyes in relief before opening them once more to face her. Without any warning, he snakes his arms around her waist and brings her into a close embrace.

“Surely we can work something out, right?” He asks. The depth of his voice induces goosebumps to rise on her skin. With hesitation, she trails her fingers up his forearms before resting her palms on his biceps. Her chest overflows with rosiness and warmth. 

“I think we can.” She presses her ear to his heart, taking in the sounds of his rapid heart beats. 

“You’ll give me a chance?” He parts from her, hands still lingering on her waist, his face slowly and mindlessly leaning in.

“Only if you give me one too.”  The gaze she holds shifts to his lips and back to his silvery orbs. Draco notices this, and lowers himself even closer to her. She can feel the shape of his lips ghosting over hers.

“What are you waiting for? Kiss-” The boy doesn’t hesitate to cut her off, pressing his lips gently on her own. He closes his eyes, and allows himself to memorize the feeling of her mouth. He then tightens his embrace, pressing her body flushed against his. The girl, in turn, steps on her tiptoes, and wraps her arms around his neck, bringing him even closer and deepening the kiss. Sparse breaths were taken in between, only to be disturbed by the reunion of their lips—each time becoming more passionate than the last. Draco lifts one of his hands to her cheek, dragging his thumb along her cheek bones, while she takes the liberty to run her fingers through his hair. The longing that has accumulated throughout the weeks poured throughout the duration of the kiss each caressed one another with gentle, affectionate intent. 

“Does your heart still hurt?” She asks before pressing her lips on his again. 

“I think I’ve been healed.” He responds briefly, and plants another one with him  smiling into it. 

“Good.”

“Good.” 

A/N: Thank you once again for reading! I’m going to try to post my other fics asap! School is starting up again, so I’ll try to find a way to adjust, although I can’t guarantee I’ll be posting as much :D Nevertheless, I’ll try my best; I appreciate you all and the support you give! I hope you have a great New Year!

Tags C:

@beiahadid @hahee154hq @mushi98 @stretchyice @dracosathenaeum @dreaming-about-fanfictions @saby06143 @rottenhexrt

[mrsamaroevans]

YOU ALL OVER ME | ANGEL REYES

Fandom: Mayans M.C.

Pairing: Angel Reyes x the consequences of his bad decisions with Female Reader.

Words: 3,673.

Warnings: Sad and like a bad word. English is not my first language, so, sorry if there are grammar mistakes or if the redaction is poor.

A/N: This is the first thing I finish like in ages! This was not requested but I couldn’t stop listening to You All Over Me by Taylor and this came out. Thank you so much for reading, feedback is well received. *Gif is not mine*

|| MY MASTERLIST ||

“The best and worst day of June was the one that I met you, with your hands in your pockets and your ‘don't you wish you had me’ grin. But I did, so I smiled”

Santo Padre Regional High School.

Those were the words that you read before crossing the door with your mother. You had only one week in Santo Padre and you still had time before the school year begins, but she wanted to have all that ready as soon as possible.

While your mother was making all the paperwork, you were waiting on a bench outside of the office until you got bored. As no one could stop you, you decided to walk around for the facilities of what soon would be your new school. It was smaller than the school you used to go to before moving across the country, but it was okay. Classrooms were big enough, lockers a bit smaller y the patios were open and surrounded by green areas. You weren’t too disgusted about changing school again anymore.

Near the cafetería, was a mural with pictures of the different extracurricular classes and the people who were part of them. The cheerleader’s team looked too pretentious. You hated that cliché, but it was what you felt by just looking at the picture, you could be wrong though. The theatre team looked cool, maybe you’d join them. Then, was the football team.

Guys that looked bigger than what a sixteen-year-old guy should be. One of them proudly carried a big trophy. He had to be the leader, it always is. What was the position they had? You didn’t know, you weren’t too familiar with the terms of the sport.

But that guy in specific caught your attention. It wasn’t because of the trophy he had in his hands or what that meant. He had a beautiful smile, but for some reason, it didn’t look sincere. There was something in his eyes that kept you looking at him. All of him looked happy and proud, but there was something more. Unfortunately, if someone asked you what it was, you wouldn’t know how to explain it. But there was something there.

“You’re new?”

You gave a little jump at the unexpected voice on your side. You turned to your right and you saw him again. The same guy with the trophy in the picture, now in real size at your side.

“I’m gonna be” you nodded and looked back at the mural to see the rest of the teams.

“And, you like what you see?”

That flirty tone in his voice almost made you laugh. You turned to him again and saw that he had a smile that combined with the tone of voice he used and with the question he had made. His hands in his pockets, making his biceps more notorious.

“A little bit, yeah,” you said, willing to not let him intimidate you. And the truth was that you really liked what you were seeing “You are on summer break, right? What are you doing here?”

“I’m gonna do an exam,” he said like he didn’t want to talk much about it, but you didn’t realize it.

“You’re still on finals?” You asked, confused. The first time you noticed in your route was that there were no students or teachers.

“Oh, no… it’s an extraordinary exam. Chemistry” The guy answered as he didn’t care too much that he failed a class. You didn’t know what would be your situation at home if you were in his place.

“So, you’re not good with chemistry, then”

“It all depends on the situation” he smiled.

You kept his gaze for a few seconds. You didn’t want to give him the satisfaction to know that the first guy that got close to you in that city had made you shy. But the visual contact didn’t last too long, ‘cause you had to look at the ground for a second.

“What did you say your name was?” You asked, looking back at his face. He had beautiful brown eyes, but you were afraid that if you look at them for too long, he could know all your secrets.

“Angel,” he said and he looked so calm that that frustrated you even more.

“And I’m sure you’re not one”

Angel devilishly grinned and you felt your knees going a little weak. How a guy that you didn’t even know could have that power on you?

“What’s your name?” He asked and when you were about to answer, your phone rang so you lifted your index finger at him to ask for a moment. You took your mother’s call and the first thing she asked was:

“Where did you go?”

“I’m just walking around,” You told her calmly. You felt kinda sad when she told you that you needed to go to the office to sign the institutional regulation. That meant that your conversation with Angel came to an end “Okay... coming” you end the call and as you were placing your phone back into your pocket, you said: “I have to go”

You looked at him for the last time and started to make your way to the office, but you didn’t even give five steps when he spoke again.

“Hey!” He shouted making you turn back to him “You didn’t tell me your name”

“(Y/n)” you smiled and turned around to the way you had ahead.

“I lived, and I learned. Had you, got burned. Held out, and held on, God knows”

All the effort for the first date. The first kiss. The first ‘I love you.' The first time you made love. That day you met his parents and they adopted you into their family right away. All the double dates with his brother and girlfriend. The fairs and festivals. The football matches in which you were the one screaming louder than anyone whenever they made a score. His better grades. The jealousy from both sides. The fights because of the cheerleaders. All those break-ups and comebacks. Those days at the beach. The laughs. The tears. The good and the bad had gone and all because of his insecurities.

How did that happen? With three pictures someone left in your locker.

“What the hell, Angel?” Was the first thing you asked when you confronted him after school.

He saw the pictures and shrugged “You need me to explain it?” Those words had hit you too hard like never before a question had made. Your heart was breaking and it looked like he didn’t care even a little.

“What’s wrong with you?” You asked, not understanding that attitude towards you. He had never talked to you like that.

“Nothing, you’re the one who wants to fight,” He said, turning around to walk to the small desk beside his bed.

“I received pictures of you sleeping with Haley, what were you expecting?” You got close and threw the pictures at his back, they hit him and then fell to the floor. Angel barely looked at them and chuckled.

“It’s not so bad,” he said, turning to you.

“That it’s not so…?” You laughed at what you heard. Angel was a bit distant weeks before you had to go to college to finish your registration, but you never thought something like that could happen “It has to be a joke”

“You left for a week and I had physiology needs”

“Fucking jerk!” You shouted and couldn’t help but push him making him crashed against his desk. Some brushes fell to the floor and the tears in your eyes started to gather. You didn’t want him to see you crying, so you decided it was time to go.

“Everyone told you that but you didn’t want to see it” he aggressively said.

“Well, you got it” you turned to him and shrugged “Another broken heart… you smashed it” your voice trembled with the last words. That seemed to affect him because his hard expression softened for a second “I hope you’re happy”

But Angel wasn’t even close to being happy.

Once you left his room, he sat on the floor and saw the pictures. He ripped them apart while the tears fell from his cheeks. He hated himself.

He was a coward. He couldn’t break up with you, but he couldn’t let you stay with him. You had plans that he didn’t. Your vision of the future didn’t fit with his, and it was because he didn’t have one. He didn’t have plans like you, he wanted to go and take anything that comes his way. You had ambition, you had a plan to make your dreams come true, and him? He didn’t have anything.

To his eyes, you didn’t deserve someone like him.

“I lived, and I learned, and found out what it was to turn around and see, that we were never really meant to be”

Years went by and life changed.

Angel went through something he thought he never would. His mother has ripped away from their lives and that had been a hard blew for him. His little brother was sent to prison y couldn’t help but feel responsible because he made his way to get a gun easier. Ezekiel told him it was for mere protection, but deep down he knew his brother wanted retaliation.

And that made him get life imprisonment for the homicide of a cop.

His relationship with his father became tenser than what already was. But, after all that he had lost, he found a shelter. The club. Mayans MC. Those men went from simple mates to family too quickly.

He had heard from his father that you came back to the city. By that moment you were already done with college and your parents had been —finally— established in Santo Padre. You told him once, that you had fallen in love with the city and that, definitely, you could see your future there. So, when Felipe said that, he didn’t doubt in believing him.

But knowing you came back and seeing you had been so different for him.

He was on his way to the scrapyard in his bike with Coco and Gilly at both of his sides, but they had to stop for gas. Coco was saying something about how much he hated the hot weather and the incensement in the price of gas when a silver jeep parked in the pump in front of his.

Three doors opened. From the driver’s one jumped off a man with braids and sunglasses; he went directly to the pump. From one of the backseats door, as beautiful as he remembered, you went out.

He saw how you fixed your dress and laugh at something someone told you. You were fanning your face with your hands, a sign that you were hot. Then, a couple of seconds later, you took your hair and tied it in a messy bun. The hot air of Santo Padre in summer was excessive.

“We should have closed the windows and put the air conditioner” Angel heard a masculine voice and then he heard your laugh.

“You know that the combination of air conditioner and this weather make me sick, honey”

Honey. Angel hadn’t forgotten how that word sounded coming from your lips, but hearing you say it to another man broke his heart.

A man in a suit that looked to be more expensive than all of the boots Angel had, walked to you. He had a smile when he kissed you and even though he didn’t want to keep watching, for some unknown reason he couldn’t take his eyes off of you.

“That last house’s not a sign to desist in looking for our home here,” the man told you, taking your hands “We’re gonna find the perfect house or the perfect place to build it”

“I know,” you said and nodded. Your left hand touched his cheek and that was when Angel turned to his bike. The sunrays helped to the gleam of the giant diamond in your finger to not being unnoticed by him.

You were engaged, and you and your fiancé were looking for a house, which meant it wouldn’t take long for you to marry.

“You okay?” Coco asked him. He was pale and it seemed he could faint at any moment. But Angel didn’t answer, he turned to the jeep when the doors got closed instead.

The driver started the engine and that was when your gaze stopped in him.

You looked fine. You looked happy. When your eyes connected with his, you didn’t seem surprised or hurt, or shocked. In fact, he couldn’t decipher what he saw in your eyes.

“You know her?” Gilly asked.

“I used to,” Angel said when he found his voice which wasn’t quickly.

And even though he was hurt for letting you go in the way he did, when he saw you he realized that he had made the right decision. ‘Cause you belong to the world that man in the expensive suit could give you. It was too painful though, to find out —again— that he never really had a chance like that with you.

That night, he required the services of Vicky’s girls and after that, Coco had to drive him to his apartment ‘cause he couldn’t even walk for all the alcohol he drank to cope with the pain.

“So I lied, and I cried, and I watched a part of myself die”

Days after and thanks to el Padrino, he knew who your fiancé was. His name was Miguel Galindo and he was the son of José Galindo, founder of one the most powerful and deadliest cartels in the México-USA border. He also knew that your wedding was set to be in October and that would be in three months.

That day in the gas station wasn’t the last time he saw you. He had seen you in the mall with the first friend you made in Santo Padre. You met in the market and it had been so uncomfortable. There were a lot of people and you had to walk by too close to each other. He also saw you going out of a restaurant with Miguel at your side and once and then you two were in the paper news for going to charity events.

It didn’t matter how many times he saw you at the side of another man, he could never get use to it.

“I know you didn’t want to talk about it at the moment, but… why did you break up?” Felipe asked him. He didn’t more information to know what he meant. Angel had a couple of days going to his parents' house and Felipe knew why.

You had been there on so many occasions and Angel still couldn’t get over you.

“I cheated on her” Angel said “I slept with one of the cheerleaders and I made sure to have evidence. Evidence that I left in her locker”

Felipe sighed and shook his head no “We didn’t raise you like that, Angel”

“I know that” he sounded irritated “But I needed to push her away from me so she could get all the goals she had in life… and it turned out fine. She’s so much better now”

“Did you apologize to her?” His father questioned, hoping to get a positive answer, but when Angel remained silent, he got the answer he didn’t want “You have to do it, Angel. She was and is a great woman, she didn’t deserve that. But at least do it for your mother” Angel turned to his father. There were tears in his eyes at the mention of her “Your mother loved that kid, and she always taught you to apologize when you did something wrong”

Angel nodded and took his gaze up to the ceiling, promising his mother that he would apologize next time he sees you.

A month went by to see you again. A Friday, his father had asked him for help at the butcher shop, so he went out of the clubhouse and when he arrived at the shop, he saw a jeep parked outside and a man waiting by the backseat’s door. For the glass of the shop, he saw his father talking to you. You were smiling and later, your exit coincided with his entrance.

“Sorry,” you said with a small smile and thanked him when Angel stepped aside to let you walk out.

Angel looked at his father and the expression on his face said “Go” so he just nodded got out of the shop.

“Hey, (y/n)” his voice went out less determined than what he wanted, but it worked out to have your attention. The driver had already opened the door for you, but you still turned to him “Can we talk?”

“Uh… I don’t see why” you said.

“Please…” Angel insisted, feeling nervous for the first time in too long.

“Fine” you nodded and made a sign to your driver for him to wait. He took the butcher bag and went to the trunk “What happens?” You asked, giving a few steps towards him.

Angel pointed at the table so you could sit with him, and you did.

“I never apologized for what I did to you,” he said after a few seconds of silence. He saw you sighing and shaking your head.

“Angel…” you began to say, but he interrupted you.

“No, wait… I’m sorry. I truly am and I was in that moment too” he accepted, taking you by surprise ‘cause that day you didn’t see any repentance in him “I was a jerk, you didn’t deserve that and I’m so sorry”

You didn’t know what to say for a moment. Clearly, you had gotten over what happened, but, talking about it only took you to all the pain you felt and the depression you fell into that lasted more than you would have liked.

“Well, thank you for your apologies. I accept them” you finally said and Angel looked relieved with those words “But, don’t worry anymore… it’s been some years and we got over it, right?” You asked with a small smile on your face.

“Yeah…” Angel lied “I think it turned out fine for both of us”

“Yes, everything’s fine now” you repeated “And, well… we’re going to find once and then, the city is too small. Is good that it won’t be uncomfortable next time we cross paths” you smiled once more and stood up “I have to go” Angel accepted that and even though he wanted to make you stay a little bit longer. You stopped and turned to him by yourself “Angel?”

Angel looked up to you, you were closer than what he thought you would “Yeah?”

“I’m sorry about your mom,” you said pressing your lips together. When that happened, you called Felipe and Ez and talked to them, but you didn’t dare to talk to Angel.

“Thanks for the flowers” you shook your head no. You sent those flowers because you were in pain for what happened too, not because you wanted to look good before them or for them to thank you afterward.

“I loved her. She was amazing”

Angel smiled, remembering the times when his mother had told him that you were the one and that she would love to have you as a daughter-in-law “She loved you, too. She loved you so much” he admitted.

You smiled and did something that took him by surprise: you hugged him.

Angel reacted in time to hug you back, he did it tighter though, like he didn’t want to let you go again, and the truth was that he didn’t want to.

“Bye,” you said when you got apart, but he couldn’t say anything back. He just looked how you got in the car and how the jeep went away from the shop as he held on to those five seconds that the hug lasted.

The days kept on going until they became weeks and October arrived quicker than Angel imagined. El Padrino was invited to the wedding ‘cause he had been close to your future late father-in-law, so Miguel appreciated him.

Angel had promised himself he wouldn’t go. Being there and see you taking someone else’s name wouldn’t help in anything, but couldn’t contain from doing it. A few minutes after seven p.m, he drove to the church and waited outside. He was in a spot in which people couldn’t see him, but he would see when they go out. In his hands, he had a strip with black and white pictures from one of those machines at fairs. Those were the only pictures he kept after you broke up with him.

In the first one, you were only smiling. In the second, he was kissing you and in the third, you were smiling and showing your left hand in which you had a candy ring that Angel bought for you.

At 7:45 people started to leave the church and it didn’t take too long for you and your now-husband to go out. You looked beautiful. Your smile could light up the whole country, and, the man at your side looked happy too. He should be. Marry you should be enough reasons to be the happiest and luckiest man on the planet.

A tear fell when your husband cupped your face and kissed you. It didn’t matter how happy you looked, Angel couldn’t help but wish to be him taking your hand at that moment. He looked down at the pictures and sighed. He left them in the tree trunk that was being used as his hiding spot and turned to you, one last time.

He still loved you like the first day and he couldn’t deny it, and also couldn’t hide it. He was hoping to find you in another life to make things right.

“Cause no amount of freedom gets you clean. I’ve still got you all over me”

|| MY MASTERLIST ||

[torentialtribute]

Zip it, Zlatan and respect the ‘circle of Sir Alex Ferguson’

Zlatan Ibrahimovic played 53 games for Manchester United ; one more than Michael Owen, three short from Les Sealey and Fabio Da Silva.

Many of those matches were good ones, too. He scored the winning goal in a League Cup final; his efforts helped propel the club through the rounds to their Europa League victory.

Not 13 league titles, though, is it? Not two Champions League wins, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, either. And not 963 appearances. Fifty three.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic needs to show some more respect to those he calls the 'Ferguson circle'

Ryan Giggs played 104 games more than that for Manchester United in Europe alone. So it is hardly surprising he took umbrage at being as good as told to shut up by a man who featured in as many games for United as Memphis Depay.

"The circle of Ferguson," is Ibrahimovic's name for the former players he claims have too much to say. They would include Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand – and Giggs. Between them they have 38 league titles and 2,738 Manchester United appearances.

"They are not there any more," said Ibrahimovic. "They are on TV, always complaining and criticizing. Yeah, OK, you've had your time, we know it. "

Actually, they had a little more than their time. Ibrahimovic’s letter time – the fortune commanded at the tail-end of his career – was only made possible by the circle of Ferguson and what they achieved. They elevated United as a financial powerhouse even among the elite, created one of the biggest clubs in the world, and because of this United could afford transfer fees and wages beyond anything it had paid previously.

No circle, no Paul Pogba for £ 90million. Certainly, no circle no Jose Mourinho, so no Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford, too.

So a little respect is due. A little respect for those who count games not in tens but hundreds. They hold the club back, according to Ibrahimovic. Yet why shouldn't they have their say? And if their conclusion is that it was better under Ferguson, well, that's fine – because it was. Nothing wrong with the truth.

Ibrahimovic is mistaken if he thinks these players revel in United's misfortune since their era.

It is no surprise Ryan Giggs took issue at criticism from a man who featured 53 times for United

The idea that Giggs, a player who puts the club ahead of his own country on countless occasions, would wish failure on a succession of United managers , is preposterous.

And while the verdicts of Scholes, Neville or Ferdinand can be brutal, they are rarely unjustified. They were right; Manchester United were under-performing, they were playing a style in conflict with the ideals of the club.

That much has been clear since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

If the results, and the football, had not changed and the former players were still talking up their old team mate, then the circle of Ferguson jibe might be justified. The fact is, performances have improved, the Mourinho regime has been shown in a poor light and criticism was vindicated. Those who have represented Manchester United across decades know exactly what it represents.

Whenever Manchester United play we are bombarded with reaction. Those who were at the game, those who were not, those who have never missed a match at Old Trafford, those who have never invested in anything more taxing than a laptop stream.

So why should we be deprived of the views of those who know the game and know the club? Above the clamor, their voices deserve to be heard.

The success under Sir Alex Ferguson propelled United to a level where they could get top stars

"They stayed all their lives under Ferguson, they never moved and they didn't even talk if Ferguson didn't tell them to open their mouths," Ibrahimovic sneered.

He probably sees his own career as more adventurous. It was certainly more lucrative. And maybe that's another reason why when these players speak, people listen: because for a great many of them, Manchester United wasn't just another place they passed through and route to the next signing-on fee.

It was a club they served and an empire they built, and it is theirs to own, in a way it will never belong to Ibrahimovic – or any player like him.

If Rice is the future, why stick with Henderson?

It would be very unfair to compare Jordan Henderson to Declan Rice in terms of shots on target or goals.

Henderson had neither this season – against Rice's two goals and five shots – but then that's not his job.

Jurgen Klopp's instructions at Liverpool are very specific and it is plain that Henderson's duties lie elsewhere. Then again, if Klopp thought Henderson was a midfielder capable of influencing a game in that way, he would surely allow him freedom.

Henderson has made eight chances this season, but then so has Rice. And Rice's interceptions, 39, are close to double those of Henderson with 21. Against that, Rice is in an inferior team, with more defensive work to do.

Passing, 50-50 duels, aerial duels, are all in the same ball park. And Henderson is the captain of a team on top of the league; Rice is a novelty.

Declan Rice looks a long-term answer for England, so it is not a given Jordan Henderson plays

So why the clamor to play Rice against the Czech Republic on Friday? Perhaps because we have seen what England can do with Henderson and it only goes so far. Henderson was outstanding in the biggest matches for Liverpool last season and performed admirably at the World Cup as England reached the last four.

Yet it's still the last four. There must be the ambition to go beyond, and that means evolution. Henderson is a very vocal, senior squad member and a good team man.

He turned up for England training this week, when many would have cried off with injury. Managers appreciate loyalty and commitment. But is it enough to guarantee a starting place, if better options are available? Rice, long term, looks the answer for England. And if Gareth Southgate thinks so too, why wait?

Why rivals need City to win Cup

There will be some very big rivals supporting Manchester City against Brighton in the FA Cup on April 6.

The qualification rules for UEFA competitions could propel the sixth-placed Premier League team into a campaign that starts on July 25 – more than two weeks before the start of the domestic campaign – unless City win the FA Cup.

Here's how it works. If the winners of the FA Cup have already been secured Champions League football, as City no doubt will, the sixth-placed team take the Cup winners spot in the Europa League.

A win for Brighton, Watford or Wolves, however, would demote that team – shaping up one of Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea – in the draw, meaning they enter the Europa League's second qualifying stage in July.

Harsh. But look at it another way. Everyone knew the rules and the potential ramifications before the season started. If a club don't want to risk starting their season 16 days early, the way out remains simple. Don't finish sixth.

Rivals will be supporting Manchester City in the FA Cup to avoid an early Europa League start

Chelsea are worried that a transfer could harm their chances of finding a successor to Maurizio Sarri.

Yes, but think of the severance pay. That is what most of them do, surely.

If FIFA smell cash anything can happen …

First there were two, then three, then four – and now heaven knows how many.

When the South American pitch for the 2030 World Cup was first mooted, the plan was to return the tournament's centenary edition to where it all stood: Uruguay.

Except Uruguay was not considered big enough to handle a modern World Cup so the competition would be shared with their neighbors across River Plate, Argentina. Then Paraguay joined in – and last month, Chile.

At that point, the area covered was roughly 4.12million square kilometers. But it gets better. For now there is talk of a tie-up between South America and the CONCACAF region.

At first look, this would seem unlikely as CONCACAF are already hosting the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Yet don't forget this is FIFA: the organization who corruptly voted for a summer World Cup in Qatar with 32 teams, and are now planning to deliver a winter World Cup in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait with 48 teams – while not even offering a new vote. So anything and everything is in play.

Including the first World Cup to take place across confederations and continents, with ever-expanding numbers of hosts and qualifiers.

And if FIFA smell money, that's exactly what will happen.

Get real and perform, Paul

Well, there's gratitude. No-one has Paul Pogba in half or half a good season, and he's batting his eyes at Real Madrid. "A dream for anyone," he called them, "one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Actually, he's at one of the biggest clubs in the world. One that spent £ 30m more on him than Manchester City on any midfielder. Maybe repay a bit or that first? It will take longer than three good months.

Paul Pogba needs to realize he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world at Manchester United

10 million quid is a game changer …

The beauty of 10 million quid is that's finite. You can count it. You can see it. You can spend it.

So the money invested in the Women's Super League by Barclays is worth a thousand trumped-up stories about 60,000 attendances, when half the crowd gets in for nothing.

At the weekend 60,739 fans filled the Wanda Metropolitano stadium for a women's game between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Yet the real figure – and it is still a good one – is 26,912. That's the number that paid for tickets priced between £ 4.30 and £ 8.60. Yet Atletico women's gates in the five games before that were 442, 467, 346, 1,085 and 216.

So this was a one-off event to watch the best women's team in Spain play at home in a huge stadium , with free entry for Atletico season ticket holders and kids and heavily promoted so that 56 per cent or tickets were given away.

Barcelona ran out 2-0 winners over Atletico Madrid in front of a record 60.739 supporters

The Barclays money is so much so much that the Thames to watch the Boat Race as an indicative of the weekly interest in the Cambridge University rowing team.

more than that.

It affords clean funding, and incentives, it allows clubs to build, quickly but organically, and raises the potential for a significant broadcast contract, because it is now a league that means business.

This is the potential to change women's football in a way free tickets cannot, because letting fans in for nothing your project is not worth paying for; whereas 10 million quid says it is. And then people notice. What can draw enduring crowds to the women's game is evidence of quality, not charity.

Olivier can switch, but cricket will pay a price in the future

Duanne Olivier has played 10 Tests for South Africa which makes sense, having been born in Groblersdal, Transvaal Province. What does not make sense is that, at the age of 26, he wants to play for England.

Olivier is not some kid, confused about issues or dual nationality. He has given up on South Africa to play for Yorkshire – his choice, his call, made for financial gain – meaning if he can earn British citizenship by spending 210 days annually in this country for three years, he will be available in 2022.

And the ECB can take him, too, under their new rules to encourage ringers and suck out what remains of the enthusiasm for cricket in this country. Of course, one might argue that the young Olivier was no great shakes for South Africa, so why should he be any better at 29?

It makes no sense why at 26 , Duanne Olivier wants to play for England and not South Africa

Yet it is not Olivier's talent that is important here, but the way cricket's nationality rules are allowing the international game to become increasingly irrelevant. We start caring about these issues or this branch of sport dies.

There is time to come when your bed is made and you lie in it.

Remember the 2012 European Championship? How were we all wrong about Ukraine? That their fans didn't have a dangerous racist element? That we were the xenophobes for even thinking it? Try counting that to Callum Hudson-Odoi.

A tacky tickets tit-for-tat splash

Barcelona tried to rip off Manchester United fans, so United gift them a taste of their own medicine.

When away tickets at the Nou Camp for their quarter-final meeting on April 16 were priced at £ 102, United immediately matched that for Barcelona supporters attending Old Trafford on April 10. They intended to use the extra funds raised to offer their own fans a £ 27 subsidy for the away leg.

An appreciation of cause and effect created a backlash from Barcelona's supporters, and now their trip is being subsidized, too.

And so the rounds or childish tit-for-tat continuous. It is pathetic. Why didn't Barcelona just play fair in the first place?

Source link

[bikini-athletics]

How one can Be Happier with What You may have

“There are actually 2 methods to help your prosperity. Enhance your signifies or reduce your wishes. The top is to try and do both equally of Individuals concurrently.” – Benjamin Franklin

Read -> Treinamento Negócio Mobile 

Distress shouldn’t be the value for ambition. Someplace I do think A lot of people today attained the principle to want far more, You must be dissatisfied with what you've obtained now. Believing this, your choice is either to dampen your passions or arrive at be depressing with Everything you've.

I think that is a Incorrect dichotomy. You may be pleased and bold. And Whilst a lot of self-guidance guides have secured The subject of ambition, less manage the considered turning into immensely proud of That which you’ve by now bought.

Even further than affirmations and beliefs, I do think There are several beneficial strategies To perform this. Engineering your everyday life may be a terrific way to increase your present-working day fulfillment. Furthermore, it isn’t exceptionally tough to do. Underneath can be a couple Thoughts I’ve recognized sensible in beginning to be happier with in which by I'm: Read -> Treinamento Negócio Mobile

Don’t Established All of your current Eggs in a single Basket

Traders know that diversification retains anyone unfavorable slide from ruining you financially. Holding your passions diversified, helps make guaranteed that a person slip acquired’t make you depressing. Tying your All round lifetime into only one locale isn’t just obsessive, it’s dangerous.

Daily dwelling harmony has become a little bit a cliche. Balance suggests a weak compromise wherever by attempts are juggled. But the choice to equilibrium doesn’t have to be obsession. Possessing quite a few areas of focus on at any supplied time can assist sleek out the fluctuations inside the face. Choose a few-5 things that are vital to fit your preferences in addition to a dozen a great deal more you are feeling are very important.

 Engineer Your Doing work day

Invest a particular period of time reorganizing the way you operate your everyday life. Wanting over within the horizon it can be very simple to skip exactly precisely what is less than your toes. Concentrating on advancements within just your routines, behaviors and pure atmosphere can make an enormous affect within your current-day gratification. Even when they have small influence on your own examining account or GPA.

Start off out by carrying out a run down of the way you commit your time and effort and Electricity. Have all-about a notepad with you for daily. Heritage anytime You begin or avert an motion. This offers you an in depth Consider the way you shell out your time and energy and Strength. It also ought to Current you with an principle of in which you'll make enhancements. Read -> Treinamento Negócio Mobile

The intent isn’t to supply the very best day achievable or one which is devoid of all “very poor” behavior. Your goal is solely to experiment with enhancements Which may make your working day additional intriguing, satisfying or gratifying.

Break Comparisons

Must you be like most inhabitants of industrialized nations, you happen to be richer than most medieval kings. You happen to get freed from most disorders that plagued our ancestors. You have a great deal more human rights. And In addition, you are substantially a lot more not likely to die a violent Demise. By this type of comparison, you ought to be overjoyed compared for your superb-fantastic-grandparents. Why doesn’t this perception like the case?

Read -> Treinamento Negócio Mobile

The solution is due to the fact most of the people foundation their gratification on comparing on their own with Lots of Some others. You could be fabulously rich as compared to your forefathers, having said that, you even have to match your life time to individuals who obtain themselves considerably wealthier, more healthy and far more exciting than you.

Breaking comparisons with Other individuals is likely to cause you to happier, however it undoubtedly isn’t easy to try and do. There isn’t an OFF modify within your brain for Competitiveness. Owning explained that, There are several approaches you can also make adjustments to your lifetime that help keep away from the aggressive distress:

Diversify your social lifetime. If you only affiliate with individuals nowadays from one course, you may always wrestle with comparison. My suggestion will likely be to broaden the groups of oldsters you affiliate with. Not simply just when it comes to cash flow, but age, ordeals, lifestyle and qualifications. The larger diversification, the better trouble you've got nitpicking.

Shut off the media. If info isn’t aiding you make conclusions and only would make you're feeling miserable, why will you be consuming it? Encompassing by yourself with Film star Journals and television reveals that includes spoiled prosperous Tiny ones can gasoline that urge to check.

Find your techniques. Emphasize the possessions that you are exceptional at and cause you to one of a kind. The greater you cultivate a singular id, the quite a bit a lot less prospect You may have of creating linear comparisons in between your life and also your mates.

Cultivate abundance. Level of competition is actually located in zero-sum. The concept that somebody else’s obtain is my reduction. Rarely Is that this the situation. Middle on how the implications of An additional’s acquire may well become your personal get. Emphasizing an abundance frame of intellect will Enable you to steer clear of the comparison that inevitably emanates from looking at scarcity.

Aim internally. Most likely An exceedingly effective recommendation while in the minimum is To put a whole lot much less manage exterior outcomes. In case you produce a steady inner planet, you can endure the storms within the outer Earth. Specializing in the intangibles in your passions, anxieties, bonds and motive will deliver on a bigger latest gratification.

Don’t Make Oneself Miserable

It took awhile for me to know that Luckily Undertaking get the job done to your intention gave exactly the same results as pressured aggravation. The stereotype the upper-achiever really should be an obsessive maniac is surely an efficient only one to create you truly sense depressing.

It is easy to Look into exterior challenges as the supply within your misery. But too commonly you convey it on by by yourself. Ambition is crucial, but don’t see it to get a trade-off for appreciating what you might have. As you trade now for tomorrow, chances are you'll Maybe figure out you don't have something still left.