#why do i have to socialise and who decided that group assignments are a great idea??

[just-slightly-chayotic]

please i just want to go read kimchay fics but instead i'm waiting for a phone call with a group of people

[prof-peach]

Hello there.. My name is Ranny and I saw Pokemon matchups are open.

I read somewhere among your posts that Ghost types could be good for little exposure to the outside? I could be mistaken, but I'll leave it to the expert.

I feel I'm quite.. difficult.. to matchup with and I can't think of something myself, I don't want to hinder any Pokemon's growth with my circumstances.. which I should probably explain? I guess I don't need to go into too much detail but I have a lot of anxiety and depression, social anxieties and ptsd (very reactive to things moving too fast above me). I have fluctuating agoraphobia also, when at a severe level being too close to windows and doors will trigger panic attacks.. I have mobility issues down to Fibromyalgia, communication and management difficulties due to Autism, and I have a hard time concentrating or get lost in hyperfocussing down to ADHD..

I'm very introverted, an INFJ personality, but I do get lonely, very lonely. My depression pretty much has me feeling low more often than not but also pretty hopeless in finding a Pokemon friend, partner, companion, or anything that won't ultimately become hindered by my existence..

Any shred of hope I have of finding someone, even if just the right direction toward one, has been poured into this.. But ultimately, please don't feel too bad if you can't think of any or don't have any available.

I have seen many specialists for my mental and physical health too, it's a painfully slow process, I just thought some company might help the journey perhaps..

Fingers crossed, huh?

Many kind regards, Ranny

The right thing you did here was explain. I’m able to give you a far more accurate suggestion because of that, so thank you for being honest about what you need a Pokemon for, aside from good company.

You’re not wrong, finding a Pokemon must have been hard for you, no one individual Pokemon could cover all the bases. That being said, a group of three low impact species could indeed help you here.

Because your situation is so specific, there’s a little less wiggle room on what you could get away with keeping, but for sure you have some choices.

So first off, emotional help, shuppet. A Pokemon happy to be indoors, often willing to help those who show them love. They’ll help regulate the moods, keep you calmer, happier, and overall more freed up to handle other things. The feelings of anxiety and depression are exhausting, You know that, but without that constant background noise of it all, you’ll have a lot more energy and opportunity to enjoy more things. In serious cases, even two shuppet would help, so talk to your doctor and also the pokecentres near you about this. This of course can be done over the phone or online, if it suits you better. Shuppet are underrated, and have high populations in the wild, I don’t know why folks overlook them, perhaps the dex entries around the species spook them. Either way, can’t suggest better than them.

Second up, indoor happy psychic types. The psychic lines are adept at aiding day to day, if you hurt and can’t reach something, or you feel tired and can’t get up to deal with going to the bathroom or something, they’re more than capable of using telekinetic powers to assist your movements, even in the bad days. Some are fully able to learn how to help regulate moods too, predicting panic attacks for their trainers, using various methods to help you before things get too stressful, or even dangerous. They also regulate brain waves, so your autism may feel a little easier to manage the longer you spend with a psychic partner. It’s proven most psychic types will do this automatically, to aid their human family day to day.

My top psychic pokemon picks for you:

solosis - a Pokemon that can and does exist in the vacuum of space, they don’t require food like average Pokemon, and have a very upbeat outlook on things more often than not, thrive indoors, so long as they get enrichment and company.

Espurr - correctly trained these Pokemon can also double up as a really good buddy for those who feel calmer when petting or brushing fur. They can be great loving companions, but also are notoriously happy entertaining themselves should you be busy, and find the life of an indoor Pokemon quite agreeable sometimes.

If I was in your position, and I felt like I could afford and handle three, I would get all three Pokemon I suggested. This gives them days off, time to relax, and breaks from the duties of a support Pokemon. Everything needs time out, so having a care rotor will allow them to plan for time out, to do things they enjoy too.

You’ll have to take this list to your local adoption centre, or even lab/professor, and they will help to put you on a waiting list for the correct species you decide upon in the end. You can’t just go and catch one from the wild in this case, these Pokemon all need very intense and specific lessons to help them be the best aids to you. The facility that eventually helps you find a set of partners will then try to match your personality to those of the support Pokemon then have ready to be rehomed. Get ready for a few visits to the facilities, to meet potential matches, but it’s well worth it. The company and love Pokemon give us is proven to aid in mood, and wellbeing. I think it’d really do you well to take at least a shuppet on.

Be aware, when possible it’s still nice for these Pokemon to go outside, even if you don’t. If you have access to a yard, or a shared garden, try to let them have time in the sun when possible if they are interested. Socialising them is also advised, even if only with friends and family’s Pokemon, send them with trusted individuals to the shops, just to take a break from the house, you know, normal junk like that.

The facility that will eventually assign you a partner will make sure to pick individuals who suit your lifestyle as best as possible, so you shouldn’t end up with a partner who isn’t ok with the conditions you’ve set out.

Do not lose hope, there’s a combo out there for everyone, and I think this set is a good one for you from what you’ve told me. Hopefully you can move forward and make some neat friends!

[bubbleyumss]

The Scorch - LOKI- BUCKY mini-fic.

Hi there! I haven’t posted any written works on here for years, so forgive me that my first one back may be a little rusty! I just want to share a small fic I wrote with some of you, hopefully you enjoy.

So its after Endgame, lets forget that Loki dies thanku v much, and Steve doesn’t have his ending either. It’s a lil messy as I’m not great with crossing storylines, I usually just insert the reader into already written ones.. This may eventually lead to a split off between Loki and Bucky, the reader will have to choose who they want! But for now, it’s very Loki based. Lmk if u like, and any suggestions on continuing. Thx:)

Warnings - Violence/use of blades/knives and fire/scalding/burning.

Word count - 4K

It was unimaginable that we would all make it back from Thanos's army, but we knew it was nothing short of a miracle and we were all insanely grateful for this. Tony wasn't the same, his body was withering faster than it would have done before, but he knew that this was nothing that he couldn't seek to fix, seeing as his mind was as quick witted as ever. Barton took off back to his family, bringing Natasha with him for some much-needed time off, though Nat was never one to back down if there was a mission that was needed to be handled. This was the stage that I was at these days.

I hadn't joined the team too soon before the snap, but when I did, I had already lost those dearest to me, finding my home within the Avengers compound thanks to Tony. Though I hadn't seen much of him through the years after the snap, as I was tasked with tailing Rogers, he had always told me that I was welcome at his cabin table with his wife and daughter, making his family such dear friends of mine.

The Avengers compound was my home now, even though Tony had permanently retired from the team, there were a few of us that still worked under Fury, choosing to live there so that we were safe. The Vision and Wanda lived here for now, until such a time that their new home was built, the Captain, Bucky and Sam dropped by from time to time, acting like they didn't want to be a part of any team but always finding themselves socialising happily when they did. Same went for Nat, as she found comfort in Bruce's room sometimes, much to the pretended ignorance of us all. Thor stopped by often, claiming that Norway may be good for comfort, but sometimes he needed the discipline to get him back in his head.

It was on one of these trips that he decided to bring the newest member of the team, his brother, Loki.

"You've got to be kidding me." Steve said, standing with his arms crossed in the lounge. Steve, James, Nat, and I sat within, prepping me for my next assignment in Argentina. "No way is he joining the team."

"Last time I checked you're not even on the team yourself, Captain." He raven-haired man smirked, glancing to me, then back to Steve. I had heard of Loki, mainly from Thor, but it was clear that everyone had some sort of opinion of him, and the majority of it was bad. I had always been intrigued, as before I joined the team, I was hardly the golden child, which was how I came onto Fury's radar in the first place, so I knew what effect the evil expectations had on a person.

"Not officially." He responded, looking down to Nat, "But there are people on the team that will have an issue." Loki then looked to Nat, eyebrows raised, expecting her to agree and wish for him not to join.

"Oh, come on, comrades, Loki is different now, trust me!" Thor smiled, clapping his brother on the back, much to his annoyance, "He's still miserable as ever, but he will fight with us, not against us."

"Fury clearly trusts me enough to allow me to join your little club." He smiled, raising his hands, "I just wish for the place to stay, since my home was blown up and the new home smells of cod." He sneered, looking at Thor's disapproving face. I looked to the faces on those who sat before me, knowing that they all were only here part time either way, realising that perhaps I should speak. I stood, making them all turn to me, Loki's eyes set on mine full of intent.

"Well, I think we should give him a shot." I shrugged, "I was allowed even though I burnt down a city or two, so, I don't see why not." I smiled at Steve, then down to Nat, all showing equally unamused faces, Bucky's especially. It was always odd looking at his face and remembering our past, though in times like this I could see his anger as a simple ruse, knowing that he agreed with me wholeheartedly. "He can come with me to Argentina, as a test run." I suggested, making Bucky scoff.

"No way." He muttered.

"Yeah, I agree, that's a terrible idea." Steve shook his head. I could feel a sense of anger boiling inside me, which wasn't unfounded; they often looked at me like a younger sister, just as they did with Nat, but I supposed as they knew her for longer, they knew that she could handle herself. I could too, they just hadn't seen that yet.

"Tough. He's coming with me." I replied, defying their looks of shock. "God of Mischief, you're with me. Argentina, small hydra starts up, do you think you can handle it?" I had made my way to him at this point, only within a couple of steps of him. He smirked, and suddenly I lost all confidence I had started out with; his eyes looked me up and down, drinking me in in such an intimidating way. He was a god, far more powerful than me, and for whatever reason I really wanted to know him better.

"Of course."

-

As much as I started out wanting to side with the God, one jet ride with him and I already regretted it. I decided to try and get to know him, to ask him some questions about himself, only receiving sarcastic remarks as his responses. I had asked him of his time in New York, though supposing that it was a sore subject I opted to talk about his powers and what he could actually do, as I had only heard, though when he told me that it was nothing that would interest a human, I grew inpatient. He wished to play around, not to let me know him at all, and so I decided to just stop talking.

"Your eyes, do they relate to your talents?" He then asked after nearly half an hour of silence. I nearly completely ignored him, feeling that similar rage that I had attempted to defend this guy, and all he repaid me in was rudeness.

"Kind of." I replied, not wishing to talk any more.

"Well, they are beautiful." He commented, taking me by surprise. This of course wasn't the only compliment I have ever had on my eyes, the gold sheen often took people by surprise, but why on earth did he think that it was appropriate to say now?

"Why won't you answer any of my questions about you?" I then asked, taking the attention off his own question. He was silent for a minute, "I took a chance taking you along, I could have said no."

"Don't act like you have done me a favour, I could find somewhere else to live if I needed to." He scoffed, angering me further. My knuckles tightened around the jets steering, trying to keep it together.

"I have done you a favour, you clearly want in this group or you wouldn't have shown up." I retorted, "Is it so bad that I want to know you a little more? We're both the odd ones out-"

"You do not know what it is like being me." He interrupted, gaining his own anger now, "Do not pretend you do, you are just a human with some magic tricks." I watched from the corner of my eye as he rolled his eyes, slouching back in his seat, "Tricks that I have not even seen, by the way, so please try not to need saving too much while we complete this mission."

I closed my mouth, not wishing for my anger to get the better of me just yet. I knew that I had to contain it and utilise it for the mission, so that I didn't have to rely on Loki at all. I felt a sudden rush of wanting to prove the god wrong.

"I really wanted to like you; you know." I said through gritted teeth, thankfully seeing our landing destination only a few miles ahead.

"And I knew that I wouldn't like you." He replied, his smirk heard through his words.

-

We stood either side of a large brick gateway, glancing behind it and trying to determine the best course of play. It was just a small branch of Hydra still floating around, those that had disappeared in the snap and had returned in a way to start up their resources again. There was a group of maybe fifteen men surrounding the compound, this compound that really was in the middle of nowhere and took us all of thirty minutes to sneak up to the gate, I looked over to Loki.

"You shapeshift, right?" I whisper-shouted, remembering Thor's stories of his brother turning to a snake. He nodded, face screwed, "Get one of those uniforms, take me in as prisoner." I suggested, watching as the cogs then whirred in his mind. "It's the easiest way." I tried to prompt him further.

"I don't like easy." He responded, then beginning to smirk, "I want to see your tricks." He motioned his hand to the gate, wishing for me to go in first. I furrowed my brows, allowing his arrogance to make my anger grow.

"Oh man, I really don't like you." I growled, coming to smirk after however, "But, if you insist."

I reached my hands over my shoulders to take a hold of my swords, watching Loki's eyes watch me as I pulled them in front of me, allowing my eyes to glint and set both blades alight. It was true that I had turned cities to ash before, and now it was clear to him that I had seriously and literally burnt them down. I turned, running as fast as I could into the sandy compound, managing to get near to the centre before any of them managed to turn their guns to me; before two of them could I allowed for my leg to spin out, spouting flames from the pad of my foot, catching the three that stood closest to me. They fell to the floor, rolling to get the burning away from them as their comrades began to shoot; I spun my swords in a way to deflect those bullets that came for me. Knowing that I couldn't stay on the ground any longer I pushed my legs, flinging me up about ten metres, coming down behind two of them and slicing their backs with my blades.

I could hear the fast footsteps of one of them attempting to come from behind, though he was stopped as I pointed my blade towards him, watching as the flames that encased the metal emerged from its tip to then surround the man. I smirked; it had felt good to get back in the action. I turned, quickly throwing one blade into the chest of another, running towards him and retrieving it from him before I spun the other, throwing those bullets back towards two others. I turned to look as two had retreated within, presumably to warn the others that worked inside; at this point I wondered if Loki had disappeared, or if he was simply lying-in wait for me to be done, either way, I heard the steps of more men barrelling towards me at pace. I threw my blades at two of them to my sides, one going through a chest, the other a stomach, leaving the last man coming for me head on.

He threw the first punch, easily missed by a duck to the right, and with only a knee to the stomach and an elbow to the back, the man was on the floor. I knew that these new hydra agents weren't going to be up to scratch, but I found it almost insulting that they were so terrible at fighting. I wrapped my hand around the man’s neck, picking him up to that his toes only touched the floor; I smirked, feeling the palm of my hand grow hotter and hotter as the man began to shout. Suddenly, the feeling of cold metal against the back of my head alerted me to the fact that I had missed a man, something to do with the distraction of fun that this had given me. I dropped the man to the ground, noting the boiled skin in the shape of my hand.

As I turned, the metal of the gun was dropped, as was the body of the man holding it. As his body fell, I saw the gold knife that was planted within his back slowly disappear, looking up to see Loki's smirking face as he walked towards me.

"See, if I was not here, you would have been dead." He raised his eyebrows, stopping short of laughing in my face. I growled, turning to retrieve my blades from the bodies nearby, dousing them before attaching them back to me. I looked around, seeing the scattered bodies, some still on fire and some not, but none remaining alive. "Nice tricks." He then said, trying to act as though he meant it. I rolled my eyes.

"Come on. We need to get whatever information we can."

-

It was one thing hearing of the powers that Loki possessed, and another to actually see them in action. The duplication, meaning one moment I thought I was talking and looking at the real him, only for it to vanish before my eyes and reveal he is several feet away from me. He had finally used his shapeshifting ability to change into one of the guards like I had suggested, letting himself into a room with ease before shooting down those inside. He seemed to like watching me watch him, I would stand back, impressed, after he would use his powers, and he would smirk at me once his show was over.

The control room was last, requiring us to actually fight together rather than one by one. I hadn't thought it would go as well as it did as he seemed to be someone who preferred to work alone, but as we fought it seemed we worked around each other well, him throwing his punches, grabbing a hold of an officer, and holding him up for me to burn.

"We seem to work well together, you and I." He said, panting once the last body had dropped. He smirked, having a look of surprise on his face.

"Or more I work well and you're a good sidekick." I shrugged, moving to the control computers where the officers from before had attempted to erase their hard drive. "They didn't manage to wipe it." I sighed a breath of relief, knowing that our fight hadn't been for nothing.

"Sidekick?" He questioned, coming to my side as I inserted the flash drive given to me before the mission.

"They have more start-ups." I then said, taking his attention away from me and to the screen. There was correspondence between them, showing at least five different locations to which, their information was coming or going. He leaned over, getting a better look, though as he did, I could suddenly feel his presence beside me. The smell of leather and whatever cologne God's now wore entered my nostrils, taking my brain away from what was before me. I thought Loki attractive, of course, but there is no way I could think of him in any other way than an annoying tagalong. not right now at least. "Brazil, Tunisia, the Ukraine." I sighed.

"Does that mean that we will have more missions together?" He then asked, attempting to sound disgusted. I rolled my eyes, trying not to smirk.

"No, it means that I will have more missions. I'm definitely not bringing you along." I scoffed, snatching the flash drive from the computer once it had finished downloading. I stood straight, only then realising how close he was to me. His eyes bore down at me, amusement shining within.

"That's good to hear. I don't think I could take any more of your little bonfire powers." He contested, trying not to break from his egotistical character. The hints of a smirk teased at his lips, and if the smell of burning flesh wasn't surrounding us both, and the urge to punch the smugness from his face wasn't growing in favour, I would have said we were having a moment.

"Let's get going then. Got to get you home so you can brush up on your magic act." I smiled a wry smile, pushing past him in attempts to leave. Though, the moment I came to the threshold of the door, I felt the searing burn of a blade being pushed through my chest. A soldier had stood by the door, waiting for his opportunity to strike, and finding it when I never bothered to check before stepping out. I dropped to my knees immediately, watching as a series of knives were then thrown into the chest of that very officer, forcing him to drop dead before me.

Loki suddenly came behind me, on his knees also, holding me up against his chest in a panic. He thought I was truly dying, and so I couldn't let this moment go by without playing him at his own game. I allowed myself to lean back, pulling the knife from my chest and throwing it to the floor before I looked up to him, taking in his look of worry.

"You can heal, right? You can heal..." He began to stutter, becoming even more shaky when I slowly shook my head. "No, you can't die, I-I will be blamed, this will be my fault." I scoffed, coughing as I did.

"You'll be blamed? Wow... you really do only care about yourself." I muttered, voice getting weaker as I spoke. "You can't even admit that you'd be sad if I died." I tried to muster a laugh, allowing it to make me cough further and forcing his grip on me to become tighter. His scent was intoxicating, so much so that I thought he must have done some magic to make it so; though what struck me most was the small flickers of green in his blue eyes, they were beautiful.

"You can't die." He then smiled, "I would have no one to vouch for me anymore." He whispered. This took me by surprise. My vouching for him must have actually meant something to him for it to affect him in such a way, though when thinking about it, I may have been the first one to do so in a very long time.

"You deserved the chance, Loki." I shrugged, wincing as the pain was still within my chest, his eyes held the torment that I was now putting him through, probably bringing up bad memories, I needed to bring this to an end, "I'd vouch for you again, you know... even if you don't like me." He chuckled.

"Of course, I like you," He smiled, "I wouldn't save the life of just anyone." The moment the words left his lips I sat myself up, wiping my chest of the dried blood from the knife. I heard no sound from him as I stood myself up, only turning to look at him when I had reconnected my swords to my back. He remained on his knees on the floor, looking up at me incredulously, noting the smirk on my face and trying to stop one coming to his own. "You weren't really dying?"

"Oh no, it takes a lot to kill me." I waved my hand dismissively, letting a smile grow on my face. It was only a second before he had gotten to his feet, placing his hand firmly around my neck and pushing me back against a wall.

"Not anyone can trick me." He growled, his voice hinting a slight tease. I smiled in his grasp, slowly raising my core temperature, and simply watching his eyes to see when he would notice. His hand gripped a little tighter and his eyes squinted, waiting as long as he possibly could before removing his hand in pain, blowing on it when he did.

"And not anyone can threaten me, your majesty." I smiled, "Time to go." I then suggested, turning away from him, and exiting down the corridor. His footsteps were quick to follow, coming to my tail as he sighed.

"So, what's the protocol for leaving? Do we just let the bodies be found?" He then asked, finally asking something about how we did things around here. He really did want to be a part of the team, and in reality, I was certain that he would fit in quite well. I smiled again, turning to him once we were facing the exit.

"Really Loki? Why do you think Fury sends me on these missions?" I asked, placing my fingertips to the wall. I started walking towards the exit, allowing my fingertips to dance along the wall, setting it alight in their wake. He followed close behind, the both of us only stopping when we were a few metres outside of the building, I looked to him as we relished in the spiralling flames, "Bonfire powers is pretty accurate, honestly." I shrugged, watching his smirk emerge.

-

"I am what some people call a 'mutant'. Nothing gave me my powers; I suppose I've always just hand them." I shrugged, "I burnt down my family home. Killing my family when I was five. I didn't know what I was doing." I didn't know why I suddenly felt the urge to tell Loki my whole life story on the jet ride home, but I think it had something to do with the fact that he had fought for me and with me, and that while he thought I was dying he really did try and make me feel better. "Then there were three foster homes after that that went down in smoke... a similar start up like that one was the only ones who took me in."

"Hydra..." I heard him whisper.

"Yes." I sighed, "But... I didn't need the brainwashing like the Winter Soldier... I did everything I did voluntarily." I coughed, shifting awkwardly. I knew that my story wasn't palatable to normal people, but as Loki wasn't normal and had enough blood on his hands for the both of us, I felt he could be trusted with the truth. "Fury said it was either work for him or be locked up somewhere. So." I shrugged. There was a long moment of silence, one, I assumed, because he wasn't sure as how to respond.

"I was forced into the New York invasion." He then said, breaking through the silence in one swing. "My brother doesn't even know the whole truth." He sighed. I glanced to him, his eyes remained forward, face stoic, "Thanos held me for months, training me to lead the Chitauri, though the training was simply torture and mind games."

"You were being controlled by the mind stone too..." I whispered, more to myself, but he had heard it. He looked to me, eyes soft, nodding. "Wow."

"If I didn't, he would have killed me, destroyed the Earth, and Asgard. I couldn't allow for that." He then sighed, sitting back in his chair, "There, I answered one of your questions. But you only get one." I scoffed.

"I tell you how I killed my family, and you think that answering one question makes up for that?" I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to stop my smile as he nodded. "What will it take for you to open up a bit? If we're to go on all of those missions together you're going to have to at some point." I raised my eyebrows, watching as he tapped his chin.

"I'll tell you what, I'll answer one question each time I save your life." He smirked, "I'm sure I'll have answered all of your questions before the summers end."

[dottiechan]

Tempest (Pt. 4)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |  Part 5  

Read on AO3

Pairing: Ava Du Mortain x f!Detective

Wordcount: 2177

Warnings: mentions of death, smoking

Summary: Ava’s handler has information that will turn her lengthy mission upside down - along with her heart.

Lady Ashbury’s parlour, London, 1898

“You’re ridiculously torpid this afternoon, Ava.”

The hostess’ words ring clear in her ear and she almost flinches - not like the others can hear them. Nate has taken it upon himself to entertain Lady Ashbury’s guests when Ava turned even more sullen and laconic than she usually would in a setting such as this. Afternoon tea wasn’t exactly her scene after all. Nor was being parted from the private detective in such a hurried, unplanned manner as the invitation that simply could not be refused was thrust upon her this morning by a note from Lady Ashbury. Letters such as that hold no importance to her at all normally. She doesn’t socialise. She doesn’t attend parties, or put on a show for the sake of being thought of as ‘pleasant,’ whatever that is supposed to mean these days.

But it would have been impossible to ignore her handler’s request.

“You said it was urgent, Lady Ashbury.” Ava folds her arms almost petulantly as she gazes out the window, refusing to look at the older vampire clad in a divine tea gown of showy green silk and soft cotton frills.

“Had I known this lengthy assignment would make you so surly, I would have invited you to my gatherings more often.” The sentence passes from the socialite’s parted red lips, and the corners of her mouth twitch upward in a way Ava can’t help but feel secretly mocked. “Oh, don’t frown like that! Or else we will all die of your ennui. I have great news, great news indeed! But I see no reason why we shouldn’t have an equally pleasant afternoon to ourselves before we talk business.”

“Half of your guests are not even of the Agency,” murmurs Ava, her disapproving glance sweeping over the almost gaudily overdecorated room. Eventually, her eyes settle on Nate serving tea cakes to some of the ladies, all refined charm and long fingers and even longer smiles, and a pang of guilt runs through her when she realises that her old friend is actually enjoying himself, thriving and basking in the plenitude of attention he is showered with. She’s been so absorbed in her love for the detective that she nearly haven’t had enough time for him as of late.

“All previously settled engagements, of course. I’m sure you understand how rude it would have been of me to entreat them not to come,” Ashbury lies fluidly, yet her brown eyes glint with a mocking light that betrays her immediately and on purpose. She delights in the tensing of the muscles in Ava’s jaw.

“Of course.”

“Now don’t be so uncouth, or else I will be the talk of every party and club for the coming weeks about the questionable company I keep,” Catherine Ashbury shakes her head stubbornly, dark locks bouncing defiantly as she links their arms and tugs Ava away from the window. They walk down the long parlour slowly, close enough to the guests that they feel like they’re part of the occasion, and yet far away for their conversation to remain private.

“You’re already the talk of London, Lady Ashbury,” Ava retaliates, almost suavely wrapping her jest in a cloak of concern. “Thirty years you have been here, and thirty years you haven’t aged a day.”

“Some of us are just lucky in that regard, aren’t we?” the hostess grins at Ava. “Unlike these poor ladies here... Or even your private detective. They’re young now, but they’ll whither away soon like roses in the winter. Such a waste. Just like this whole operation has been, if you pardon my frankness. I understand her protection was part of the deal the Agency made with the Police Commissioner, but such a waste of resources this endeavour has been! Our top agents, wasted on the protection of one human. I’ve always appreciated your practical thinking, so I know you must feel the same way as I do. And to be stuck in it for two whole years...! Well, I’m sure you will be relieved to learn the rumours I’ve been hearing lately.”

Ava awakens from her listless silence when Catherine Ashbury ceases to prate about the question of mortality and baits her into enquiring more about the mysterious little sentence she dropped at the end of her speech. She schools her features into an emotionless mask even as her heart begins to fill with uncertainty and fear, painfully aware of Ashbury’s almost predatory gaze fixed on her at all times. “Do they have to do anything with our mission?”

“Would you be intrigued if I said yes?” Catherine asks, red lips curving into a satisfied smile when she notices her quickening pulse. “Alright then. Mind you, these are only rumours, and you didn’t hear them from me... But it is said that the Agency wants to form permanent working units - much like your partnership with Nathaniel, only in teams of four and with greater autonomy than what is usually granted to field agents. I hear the top squad has already been assembled - and utilised. Here, in London. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“What could possibly be their objective here?” Ava frowns as they walk slowly, Ashbury leading the way to the small balcony facing a lush park of green fenced in by equally posh buildings as the one they’re in right now. “I haven’t been alerted of any major supernatural activity here, save for the rouge dark elf, of course.”

“Ah, there you go, spoiling the surprise,” Catherine sighs, finally giving up her maddening secrecy as she takes a deep breath, the crisp air chilling her lungs in the most effervescent way. Or is it the anticipation radiating off of her agent in waves as great as ocean tides? It is an exhilarating game, reading others, playing with words and watching the body betray the mind as it answers all questions so truthfully. She is only the temporary handler of the two agents, and has been that for two years straight now, but a sudden recognition manifests in her heart - as difficult and disagreeable and perfectly unpleasant Ava can be sometimes (the very opposite of her companion) she will miss her. She thinks her a remarkable entity, a true novelty among the cheap copies upon copies of women who thoughtlessly sacrifice their truest parts on the altar of hypocrisy and vanity, until no vestige remains of their original self. To know Ava is to face a lot of uncomfortable but all the more truthful feelings - one can decide to despise Ava for it, but the wise learn to look within.

Though Lady Ashbury may not look it, she is old. Older than Ava, and certainly older than youthful, handsome Nathaniel. And she feels old too, the debauchery of her long centuries and the dishonest little games that made up her life ageing her soul prematurely. But when Ava speaks...! When Ava speaks, her throat becomes the well, and her words truth, and she shames mankind in the most delicious way. Like that splendid painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme, La Vérité sortant du puits armée de son martinet pour châtier l’humanité. Truth Coming Out of Her Well to Shame Mankind. A painting she wishes she could procure for herself.

And Ava. A woman Catherine wishes she met when she was still herself.

But it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. The demise of the rogue dark elf is only part of the rumours circulating in the Agency about Ava’s involvement during her latest assignment. Or about Ava herself, and her career, for that matter.

“Speak plainly, Catherine,” Ava almost pleads, her diplomatic facade slipping up to reveal a shade of fear in the green of her eyes. Ashbury wishes nothing but to descend upon Ava’s connection to the private detective like a vulture until she realises the rumours have more truth to them than even those who maliciously spread it could imagine. She hasn’t a shred of doubt about Du Mortain’s feelings for the human woman now, her initial doubt obliterated by every sign in Ava’s body language as they stand so close to each other on the small balcony overlooking the beautiful Cornwall Gardens. Ava is a clever woman, capable on jobs, willing to take on risks no one else would dare. And more importantly, she is aware of her strengths too - and thus her self-aware nature marks her as superior to all the other humble little agents. She must know what Catherine is about to tell her - with the task forces forming, and the first such group striking in a place none other than London, she must know that it is only a matter of time before the rogue is dealt with. Before she’d be given an assignment and a position befitting someone of her talents.

And here she stands, this brilliant woman in all her glory, terrified of a promotion that would have put a smile on her stern face two years ago.

“As I said, you didn’t hear this from me,” Lady Ashbury resigns, a little sullen at being robbed of her smug pleasure all of a sudden. “But I know for a fact that your current assignment is drawing to a swift conclusion as we speak. And rumour has it, you are destined for greater things once it is over.”

“Greater things,” Ava echoes, her whole being feeling hollow. Around the detective, she forgot about the world, to be honest. And it seems like she is about to pay the price for her two years of blissful ignorance. She always knew the mission would end, and yet in a strange way she didn’t really believe it. It’s like how people know they are mortal, and yet feel so much entitlement to life that when death comes for them, they have the audacity to appear shocked.

Ava has no illusions. This is a goodbye, not an opportunity. Nate may think that bringing in the private detective is a reasonable step, but Ava will do everything in her power to prevent her from learning who she is, what they are, what the last two years have been about. They were never right for each other. She was never right. And if she leaves now, maybe she can draw that conclusion too.

“My dear, everything you’ve done up to this point is in the past now. And it is best to leave a dead thing in the ground.” Catherine’s plummy honeyed words have an admonitory yet sad edge to them. It is a warning about the detective, and what clinging to her could mean to her career, with an undertone of genuine empathy uncharacteristic to Lady Ashbury. She inspects the woman to her right, a dark speck against the grey sky, and feels honest to god sympathy - and emotion she hasn’t felt in decades. Maybe it is good she will no longer be her handler, Ashbury thinks as she lights a cigarette. She felt too many real things ever since Ava came into her perfectly splendid and dull life, tearing apart the walls of hedonism and debauchery she’s built around herself. But that is a goodbye that can wait.

“Congratulations, Commanding Agent Du Mortain.”

Catherine watches Ava from the balcony still as she purposefully cuts across the Cornwall Gardens, stomping the prized lawn of the old Mr Thomas Broadwood Junior in the process as that sweet Nathaniel treads on her heels ever so loyally. They must be headed for Cromwell Road which will no doubt have available hansoms for them to hail. Not that they need them, but if they are going to Whitechapel, which she is certain of, they need to travel the old fashioned way for appearance’s sake.

The tea gown is too flimsy for her to stay outside for much longer, so she heads inside, cheer and conversation and the wonderfully lukewarm sensation that only pointless small talk can elicit wrapping her in a blanket of comfort instantly. And Lady Ashbury is finally home.

On the other side of London, a woman is losing the only home she’s ever had in centuries. How many lives can she save if she goes along with the Agency’s plans for her? Surely the detective isn’t worth all that. (She is. Her rationale may deny it, but she knows she is worth all that and more to her. And she ignores it anyway.)

Ava will go on loving her in every following decade, in every language she knows, with every breath she takes. She marries duty, and allows death to make a martyr of her lover left behind. Turn her into her very own memento mori.

And in the end, the agent isn’t completely mistaken - something will indeed claim the private detective’s very soul. But it will not be as serene as eternal sleep, as Ava keeps believing. No, it is not death that claims the detective after all.

Even though sometimes even she wishes it were that simple. That peaceful. That freeing.

But there is no rest for the wicked.

[jemej3m]

smile and wave, boys

a fake exes trope? more likely than you think! i got my prompt from here via @sig66 (first dot-point). i love u babe here have a fic

*

Neil was in advanced statistics because he’d decided to make his sophomore year of college hell: It was within the statistician’s stale lecture hall that Neil met Nicholas Hemmick. 

“Why do I know you?” Nicky had waved his pencil menacingly, eyes narrowed as he slid into the seat beside Neil’s. “I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere.”

That wasn’t exactly what Neil wanted to hear on a Monday morning. He just shrugged, but the man just smiled and extended his hand. 

“Nicky Hemmick. Marketing major.”

Neil shook it reluctantly. “Neil Josten. Mathematics and chemistry.” 

His eyes lit up. “I do know you! You’re friends with Matt Boyd, aren’t you? Allison’s in my public relations and business law seminars. It’s fantastic to finally meet you, Neil! God,” Nicky remarked. “You’re just as pretty as Reynolds said you were.” 

Neil had no clue what to say to that, but it didn’t matter: The lecture was starting. 

Eventually, Neil had warmed to Nicky’s persistence. He was harmless, really, and easy to work with for group assignments (though there weren’t many in maths). When Neil missed a lecture on anniversary of his mother’s death, Nicky sent him notes. When Nicky left for Stuttgart a week earlier than the winter break, Neil got second copies of everything and compiled him a file to scan through. 

Nicky was fine as a classmate, and as a person. Neil valued his company and appreciated his efforts and patience. 

That is, until he started asking about Neil’s lovelife. 

*

Neil knew Andrew Minyard only by chance. It wasn’t like they’d cross paths otherwise, seeing as the man was a criminology major and had seemingly no interest in socialising whatsoever. 

It’d been a Saturday morning: Neil had taken his usual jog around campus, showered back at the dorm and snatched his bag to trundle down to Sweeties for the biggest cup of black coffee available. He’d sit in his corner like he did every Saturday morning and get through his derivatives pamphlets before his friends inevitably distracted him. 

He’d arrived, waited for his drink - said hello to Katelyn who was tucked behind the coffee machine (they were friends from the Spanish class he’d taken last year) - and turned to sit, but someone was already there.  

He was even shorter than Neil, and somehow grumpier too, a black beanie pulled over blonde hair and black glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. Despite that, muscle wrapped his arms and there were definitely sheaths in those armbands. The piercings didn’t subtract from the look either. 

Neil wasn’t deterred. This was his Saturday routine. 

“I usually sit here.” He said. 

The man lifted his gaze from his laptop slowly. 

“My friend who works here - usually reserves it for me.” Neil explained. 

His gaze dropped back to the screen as he put his feet up on the coffee table in front of him. 

Neil narrowed his eyes. “Alright, asshole. Ignore me.” He grabbed an unused chair from nearby, dropped it in front of the man and sat down, causing enough of a ruckus that he looked back up from his work. 

Neil felt his gaze as he settled, answering almost five questions before the staring got weird. Looking back up, he arched an eyebrow. 

“Problem?” He asked. 

“Yes.” The man said. He was probably just about Neil’s age. Pretentious dick. “You’re insufferable.”

“So I’ve been told.” Neil answered coldly. 

Neither of them were stubborn enough to move, so they sat in stoic silence. Neil hoped he would leave before Neil did, but to his dismay, they both readied to leave at the same time, sending unsubtle glances towards one another. 

Katelyn gave him an apologetic look as he swung by, handing back the mug. “I don’t know where he came from but he wouldn’t listen to me when I told him it was saved. Sorry, Neil.”

“It’s all good.” Neil said. “I’ll just get here early next week.”

And so, Neil got there early. Got his spot. But the man had shown up and pulled the exact same thing, dragging across a chair to sit opposite him in passive-aggressive silence. 

Another barista, Roland, eventually managed to get the man’s name and passed it to Katelyn. Andrew Minyard. 

After a few weeks of back and forth, Neil decided to give it a rest. He arrived early, dragged up a seat and left the original spot to Andrew. If he was surprised by Neil’s complacency, he barely showed it, other than a slight narrowing of his eyes. 

Without intending to, it became habit. Neil even learned his coffee order, though sometimes he switched up the syrup. 

The first time they’d spoken was when Andrew snapped his fingers at Neil’s face. 

“Math major. You got a calculator? Phone’s dead.” 

Neil handed it over. “What do you need a calculator for?”

“Judicial system topic.” He muttered. “Has a finances subject.” 

“A crim major?” He’d thought maybe someone as entitled would’ve studied the classics, or english literature. Poetry, even.

“Just asked for a calculator, not a conversation.” He groused. Hesitated. “Yes, criminology major.” A few minutes later he chucked it back into Neil’s lap and muttered out a begrudging “Thanks.” 

Neil took it with a grain of salt, but still: their little routine continued. 

*

“Neil, Neil, Neil.” Nicky grinned as he sidled up to Neil after class. “What am I going to do with you?”

“What did I do this time?” Neil asked, affronted. 

“I just wanted to know when you last went on a date.” Nicky grinned.  “Been getting some great stories out of people lately.”

Neil couldn’t tell him he’d never been on a date before. Nicky would lose his shit. How the fuck could he shut this down with little to no collateral damage?

“Oh, come on!” Nicky jostled his shoulder. “It couldn’t have been that bad, right? No one would turn down a looker like you.” 

“It just didn’t work out.” Neil lied. 

“Ooh!” Nicky laughed. “Who, who? You have to tell me. You’ve got no choice.”

Fucking hell - who was someone that Nicky would never, ever come across throughout his college career? He already knew most of Neil’s friends, because it wasn’t like Neil had many. He couldn’t make up a name because Nicky would figure out the truth as soon as he scoured the internet, and there wasn’t any time to go fabricating a whole person.

Without better judgement, he blurted: “Andrew Minyard.”

For once, that drew Nicky up short. He looked at Neil like he’d grown a third eye. Neil looked back, equally as surprised by his own words. 

“Andrew Minyard?” Nicky asked. “Really?”

Fuck. Nicky did know him. Maybe he only knew of him? 

“Uh, yeah.” Neil grimaced. “Why, what’s wrong with him?”

“Oh,” Nicky laughed lightly, if a little tight in the throat. “Nothing. He’s just my cousin, that’s all.” 

Oh, Neil thought. Oh indeed.

Oh, fuck.

*

[accio-kitty-malfoy]

A Breath of Fresh Hair

Chapter Five: The Day Before

 https://archiveofourown.org/works/24633025/chapters/59766049

Harry was woken up early that morning. At 07:04 exactly, Ron was shaking his shoulder to wake him.

“I think mum will blow up if you don’t get up soon, mate.” Ron looked just as tired as he felt, but there was an excitement coming off him that felt like static. Harry obliged and dragged himself out of bed, deciding to at least go downstairs and show his face so Molly knew he was there to help if she needed him. There was a continental-style breakfast laid out on the table that people could help themselves to as and when they woke up or were hungry. There was a slight orange sheen that hung over it, telling Harry someone had placed a ‘keep fresh’ charm on the food. There were cold meats, cheeses, smoked salmon and kippers, breads, preserves, honey (from the bees in the garden, Harry hoped), boiled eggs, different kinds of cereals, fruits, natural yoghurt and on hot plates there was everything you would want for a fried breakfast. There were two great vats too; one labelled ‘coffee’ and the other ‘hot water’, with a basket that contained a selection of teas and jugs of different milks including almond milk for Ginny. Harry sighed happily, grabbing a plate and filling it up with all of the delicious things on offer. He made himself a cup of tea and poured Ron a mug of coffee, adding three sugars to it and handing it to him.

“Thanks mate.” He gratefully accepted the coffee before picking up a sausage and devouring it.

“How are you feeling?” Harry asked.

“I’ve never been so excited about anything in my whole life, even the Quidditch world cup. I mean, have you met that woman? She’s amazing. And, of course I’m nervous, but not about if I’m making the right choice or not. I just want everything to go right.” Harry set down his plate and cup and embraced his friend.

“It’s going to be awesome. You both deserve it.” Ron hugged him back and when they pulled away from one another, they were both misty eyed. The rest of their breakfast they spent talking about what else needed doing for the wedding and talking to other people as they went in and out of the kitchen for breakfast or more caffeine.

 The sky outside was a soft blue with fluffy clouds drifting lazily by. It was still hot, but the sun had lost some of its intensity, making it a more comfortable heat. Harry wandered around outside, already on his second cup of tea. He helped where he could and fetched sustenance for people when they needed it. His big job was coming the next day; the day of the actual wedding, when he was meant to be styling hair. The ceremony would be starting at two in the afternoon, so he would likely have to have made a start by eight at the latest. He preferred staying up late and sleeping in late, but he knew a couple of days getting up early would be worth it. He was also excited to work alongside Cho. She was going to be doing the makeup for the day and she was absolutely wonderful at it. She specialised in wedding and special events makeup and had travelled around the world, going where her business took her. Harry almost envied her; she was getting to do the thing she loved the most while also getting to see the world. He decided to talk to her about it when he saw her and ask her if there were any pitfalls to it.

 Dean and Seamus had put up temporary huts in the garden. Each one contained a bed, a sofa, a coffee table, coffee and tea making facilities, a mini fridge and a separate room with a toilet, sink and shower. As more and more guests arrived, they were assigned a hut each. When they’d settled themselves into the huts, they all threw themselves into helping or socialising. A lot of them were friends from Hogwarts and it was amazing to be able to catch up with them and see how they’d been doing and what they’d been getting up to since their school days. Harry admitted that he’d been a bit rubbish at keeping in contact with people and vowed to make he saw them more often after the wedding. The huge gardens at The Burrow had almost turned into a temporary village and it was busier than Harry had ever seen it. Molly looked frantically busy, but she also looked delighted. The place was running like a well-oiled machine; albeit a very noisy one, under Molly’s direction. Arthur, Ginny, Charlie and Harry took it upon themselves to keep everyone supplied with refreshments as the day went on.

 Harry almost dropped the tray he was holding when he ran into, almost literally, someone he didn’t expect to see there. Pansy Parkinson was carrying arms full of what looked to be documents towards the house. Her hair was cut into the bob that she’d always had it styled in while they were at Hogwarts and she was wearing a simple but expensive looking while blouse and black pencil skirt. She was wearing an almost burgundy lipstick that contrasted wonderfully with her pale skin and her lips were drawn into an easy, amused smile.

“Don’t look so startled, Potter. I’m just here to drop these papers off for Hermione and pick some other ones up off her. You do remember that we work together, right?” Harry nodded and pulled himself back together.

“Yeah, of course I do. I just didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Right. Well, I guess I do look a bit out of place, don’t I? I’ve just come from the office, you see. I suppose I don’t really fit in with the décor around here.” Harry expected to see a smirk on her face when she was talking about The Burrow, but it wasn’t there. Instead she had an almost wistful look in her eyes. “It looks wonderful. I can’t wait to see what it looks like tomorrow at the actual wedding when everything’s finished.” Harry felt shock run through him again. He hadn’t expected Pansy to be invited to the wedding, but he didn’t really know why. He supposed that he’d never really thought of Pansy and Hermione as friends, but simply as work colleagues. Though, when he thought back he realised that Hermione talked about Pansy a lot, and she’d often spent time with her after work; either finishing things off that they’d not gotten done during working hours, or simply going out for a glass of wine with her.

“I look forward to seeing you then.” Harry said after he’d recovered. “Do you want some help with those documents. You look like you’ve got your hands full.”

“No, I’ll be fine, thank you. This really isn’t that much compared to what I’m usually lugging around the office. I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m sure my plus one is looking forward to seeing you too” She smiled at him and walked off to deliver the papers to Hermione, leaving Harry wondering who she was planning on bringing, and why said person would be so happy to see him. He couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or not.

 Lunch was laid out in a similar way to breakfast, but instead of being served in the kitchen, it was laid out on tables outside. The tables were almost bowing under the weight of twenty different kinds of sandwiches, pork pies, sausage rolls, quiches, more cuts of cold meats, a huge salad that had been prepared fresh from the garden, dips, crisps, more fruit, cakes and biscuits. Arthur had also prepared a variety of different juices. While they were eating, Harry decided to speak to Dean and Seamus about their business. The idea that Ginny had planted in his head the day before had been growing, and he’d been thinking more and more about it. When he asked how they’d known how to run a business, they laughed.

“We had no idea how to set up or run a business and, truth be told, we’re still learning. We actually have a lot of help from Blaise. He’s what you call an ‘invisible’ partner. That means that he helps us run the business and does all the business-y side of things, but it’s still ours and it’s only our names that are associated with it. That’s what he does for a living: helps people like us that have something that we want to, and can, make a living out of and helps realise that dream. He has a few people who work with him now doing the same thing, but we were one of his first projects.” Harry listened to what Seamus was saying, realising that if he had help like they did, that perhaps he could make this idea that he had a reality.

“We can pass you his business address so you can owl him, if you like?” Dean asked, and Harry nodded.

“Yeah, that would be cool. I can always chat to him and see where it goes.” The other men nodded, and Dean wrote the address down for him. Harry folded it up and put in the pockets of his shorts, thanking them.

“You should do it, you know Harry.” Neville commented, biting into an egg and cress sandwich. He chewed and swallowed before adding “It would be good for you too. You could rent a place in London to work out of and live at Grimmauld. I’d be happy to work on the garden with you, and I’m sure these guys- “He gestured towards Dean and Seamus. “-Would be happy to help you fix it up, and you’d have loads of volunteers to help clean and decorate.” Dean and Seamus nodded in agreement and Harry couldn’t believe how much sense it all made. It was like the idea had always been inside him, but he needed Neville to say it for him to realise.

“Maybe after the wedding I’ll start thinking about it. I’ll go to the house to see how much work need doing.”

“One of us can come with you to make a list of any building work that might need doing.” Dean offered. They sat and chatted for a while longer, the idea taking root even more in Harry’s mind and becoming something that he though might actually be achievable.

 The rest of the day saw Harry helping when and where he could and there was another buffet put out in the evening for all of the guests. All of the work that could be done that day had been done by then and everyone say around outside, talking and unwinding after the long day. Harry was reminded once again how lucky he was to have such an amazing adoptive family and group of friends. They’d all worked tirelessly throughout the day to make sure that Ron and Hermione’s wedding the day after would be perfect. He looked around at everyone laughing and nattering about anything and everything and felt like he well and truly belonged. He was safe and happy here, but he also couldn’t wait to see what came next. He was looking forward to the wedding the day after, he was looking forward to the birth of Bill and Fleur’s baby, he was looking forward to seeing what the tiny seed of an idea about the salon would grow into with his friends’ and family’s help.

“Hey Harry.” Ginny plopped down next to him, offering him a drink which he accepted.

“Hey Gin, how are you?” He gave them a quick side hug; he felt like he hadn’t seen them all day amidst the chaos.

“Good. A bit better than yesterday. I’m a little bit less worried about seeing Luna. I got a letter from her today.” Ginny passed the letter to Harry.

 ‘Ginny,

I’m so looking forward to seeing you at the wedding. I can’t wait to see your new hair! I bet Harry did a fabulous job on it. I must remember to ask him to trim mine when I see him. I think it’s a fantastic idea for him so set up his own salon. You’re always full of good ideas; always have been.

 Percy can suck a branch if he thinks he’s going to upset you while I’m there. I’ll hex his balls off and make him wear them as earrings. Please don’t let jerks like that stop you from living authentically. You deserve to be happy and I will do anything and everything in my power to help you.

 Sorry I couldn’t be there sooner, I love my job at The Quibbler but it’s so hard to be able to take time off. Tomas is taking over the fort tomorrow and the day after, but I had to be here to set everything up and make sure everything would run smoothly while I was away. I’m sure he’ll manage though, he’s a good lad.

 Anyway, I’m sorry this letter is so short, but I have to get back to work. I’ll see you tomorrow!

 Yours,

 L x’

 Harry finished reading the letter and Ginny sat almost nervously next to him as he did. He smiled.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Gin. I can almost feel her feelings for you coming off this piece of paper. Ginny smiled.

“Are you sure? I’m just so scared it’s wishful thinking.” Harry nodded.

“There’s only one way to find out, right? And what’s a more romantic setting than a wedding?” Ginny groaned, pushing him.

“Oi! Don’t break the best man.” Charlie quipped as he walked over to them.

“Sorry, Charles.” Ginny retorted, earning a hair ruffle from the older Weasley. The three of them sat drinking and chatting for a while. Harry had never spent much time around Charlie when he was younger, but the more he got to know him, the more he realised what a down to earth, pleasant person he was. He showed Harry and Ginny his new tattoo. It was of an origami dragon that slowly folded its wings in and out. The lines were so precise that it amazed Harry, and Ginny asked where he’d had it done.

“A new shop opened up called Boot and Bones. Terry and Susan from Hogwarts while you were there opened it up and their work is fantastic.” Ginny looked like they were mentally taking note, and Harry suspected it wouldn’t be long before they got one too.

 Evening rolled into night and the day’s hard work began taking its toll on people. One by one the group thinned out as they returned to their huts or to the house to get some sleep before the next day. Harry decided to take a shower before going to bed to wash the day off himself. On the way into the house he saw Hermione and he remembered the words that Pansy had said.

“Hey, who’s Pansy bringing tomorrow?” He asked, trying to sound as innocent as he could.

“You’ll see tomorrow, but when you do, please behave yourself. She asked me and Ron first and we agreed that it was alright. Please bear that in mind.” Hermione’s words made Harry even more curious, but he dropped the subject. He gave Hermione a gigantic hug and told her that he loved her and that he would see her in the morning before making his way to the bathroom to shower. The water felt good on his skin; cool and refreshing. He melted into his bed as soon as he got in it. Molly had changed his sheets and it was one feeling he would never get tired of. He thought about living on his own and knew that he’d miss all of the creature comforts that he got to experience living with the Weasleys. He knew that he would find it hard at first not having them around; he’d never lived on his own before. He drifted off to sleep thinking about Gimmauld and how he could decorate it to make it look more like it belonged to him, and what he would ask Neville to do with the garden, and what his Salon might look like, if he got round to putting his plan into action. Blaise’s address laid folded up on his desk.

[safety-net-did]

I keep thinking about this. It's been an undercurrent in my brain for so long.

This is why I struggle. The idea of selling myself and hawking my wares... it's not something I'm built for, nor something I've been able to adjust to over the years.

I want my work to stand on its own merits, not because of me.

But that's not really a possibility in the modern way of distribution.

I've been thinking about this since I first reblogged it.

Longer, actually. I didn't have a focal piece to bring my thoughts together before, but it is something I have thought about in various ways since I was a teen.

See, as a kid I wanted to be a writer. It was my first "dream job". I wanted to write novels and poetry and short stories and essays and picture books.

Heck, skip "wanted to". I did write novels and poetry and short stories and essays and picture books!

I've lost a lot of my old writing to the sands of dissociatively amnesiac not caring. But I wrote a whole YA chapter book as a preteen, planned out and half-wrote an Old Gods mystery horror novel. Wrote a couple children's books and attempted to illustrate them. Reams and reams of poetry, dozens of short stories and informal essays. (I was the kid who wrote about 6x the amount needed for school but still handed in the expected amount for an assignment. The other chunk was for my own fun.)

Writing was my first love, well before I learned anything about love, well before I ever felt truly loved.

Then I got older.

I realised that the cost of being a writer was that you always had to be selling yourself. Who you were mattered more than what you wrote. As a kid with very little sense of self, next to no self-esteem, and a socialising structure that lead to rather extreme social anxiety...

Writing was the first dream I abandoned. Many life experiences had taught me that selling myself was not something I could do. A lesson I've relearned a few times, as it seems all the careers I have an interest and aptitude in require you to sell yourself.

I pivoted to thinking I'd be an English teacher, then trained into being a librarian. Insert unrelated life crises here. Being a librarian was the next big dream I had to abandon.

My next thought was to open a restaurant. Sounds insane to me right now-- entrepreneurship is all about selling yourself! However at this point Dylan had taken full control of our life. He is so charismatic, personable, passionate. He is capable of selling himself so well.

He is a staunch vegan* and a great chef. He was going to make a vegan comfort food restaurant, eventually scaled back to a food truck/catering idea. This was back in 2015, a bit ahead of the huge boom in vegan options around here.

More unrelated life crises, and Dylan is knocked out of full control of our life... So Dylan and Little-D-dylan(Later ghost and clockwork) had to work together. So we pivot away from the food business. Another dream abandoned.

We decided to become a sexual health educator, as we're already running the college queer student group. We take the closest college course to that available to us (a psych course, because we wanted to go into the counselling/educating side more than the physical health side. Also because medical stuff isn't much of an interest outside of sexual health. The program we wanted to take specifically geared to training sexual health educators required a diploma in a relevant field and this seemed the easiest one to get for us.)

More unrelated life crises (see a pattern?) and that dream had to be abandoned too.

*not interested in discussing veganism, it's not the point here

circling back around to the issue of writers being expected to do all their own goddamn marketing via social media these days, because it completely nixes the possibility of writers being weird shut ins, off-putting eccentrics, or misanthropes. 80% of the literary canon was written by weird shut ins, off-putting eccentrics, and misanthropes. if you weed out everyone who’s the wrong kind of insane to maintain a twitter presence, who on earth is left

[wannawrite]

Type Of Boyfriend: Yoo Seonho

who?: Cube Ent / Pd101S2’s Yoo Seonho genre: 🌸 type: bullet point blog navigator. • how Yoo Seonho would be your boyfriend • with added Christmas spirit ahhh thank you for requesting @isaluciavevo this, it’s so long overdue I’m sorry Seonho is so freaking cute my heart can’t take this - Admin L 

• hmm Yoo Seonho • 1/2 of my Cube chicks • y’all know this boy is wild • in the cutest way possible • Seonho goes to the same high school as you do, Cube International Academy • and he’s the vice-captain of the basketball team • captain - Lai Guanlin • Seonho is generally a bright and cheery person who doesn’t have trouble making friends • or keeping them • he practically knows the whole school • THAT Sophomore who is always hanging out with Seniors and Juniors • it’s also kind of pressing how a Sophomore is already the basketball captain • how shady • but that’s because Seonho enrolled into Cube because of his basketball skills • he was scouted when he was in middle school • and look where he is now • playing for one of the best high schools • talent • simply pure talent • can’t relate • but anyway • you’re new to Cube • you transferred over from C9 Academy • bye bye Jinyoung • and your transfer time was at a very odd time of the term • they decided to shove you in right when the last term started • which is around September and exams start in October • It isn’t the first time you’ve transferred schools but you didn’t exactly expect the principal to take ‘as soon as possible’ seriously • it was like they tossed you into the Lion’s Den with no prior warning • who gives prior warnings anyway.... • bad analogy but moving on • Cube is kind of intimidating no lie • there’s good looking and popular people everywhere • you feel out of place :( • luckily, Eunbin, the girl who is assigned to take care of you, is very sweet and introduces you to her friends too • even Wooseok, who sits next to her in class, welcomes you with open arms • you end up spending a lot of your first week with them • one day, you’re walking towards the cafeteria with Eunbin and Wooseok when a loud voice yells from behind • ‘HYUNG!’ ‘NOONA!’ • awkwardly, you stand to one side as a boy embraces his friends • it’s that weird thing when you’re with your friends • and they bump into their other clique • like • ‘uh hi idk if she’s been two-timing us’ • ‘who is the actual best friend.’ • ‘does she spend more time with me or you’ • except you can’t compare because you’ve only known people for two weeks • ahah • rip • take an L • sadly • ‘oh! Seonho, this is Y/N, they just transferred over from C9.’ Eunbin introduce, grinning from ear to ear • you smile shyly and wave • socialising 101 • Seonho brushes his fringe out of his eyes, beams brightly and waves back • HEART MELTED • his eyes just sparkle with happiness and they aren’t hidden by his huge spectacles • they’re too prominent • TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BE HIDDEN • ‘hey! Seonho, let’s go!’ A group of guys holding basketballs and dressed in their sports uniform shout • Seonho nods • ‘okay! I’ll see you around then guys. Welcome to Cube!’ • he skips away to join his friends • you’re left with your mind in a mess • honestly, he’s one of the cuter guys in your grade • actually, correction • the cutest guy you’ve ever seen • there’s no doubt about his physical handsomeness • not one • he’s good-looking, well-proportioned, has a sensible haircut • hair makes a HUGE difference • ‘oh!’ Eunbin clicks her tongue on the roof of her mouth. ‘you think he’s cute don’t you?’ • ‘n-no...’ • Wooseok ruffles your hair. ‘of course you do! you do! who can’t find him adorable?’ • ‘well, in THAT way but-‘ • ‘so you agree? you think he’s really cute?’ he teases more • You open and close your mouth several times, looking like a goldfish • ‘shut up.’ • Wooseok and Eunbin burst into laughter, playfully poking at you • you just wanted to eat lunch in peace, now look what happened :( • and they’re serving pizza today! • in the queue, Wooseok suddenly says, ‘how many times do you think Seonho or Guanlin queued up for pizza?’ • puzzled, you speak up. ‘aren’t we only entitled to one serving?’ • Wooseok just chuckles. ‘idk what goes on at C9 but this is Cube. no one will really pay attention if you take more than one plate, trust me, and I wouldn’t worry about Guan or Seonho, they’re pretty much Cube royalty’ • and that’s how you figured how popular and significant Seonho was • extremely • the next day, you found a sweet post-it stuck onto your locker • ‘y/n, hope you have a great day! talk to me if anything!’ • and there was also a bar of candy taped onto your door • your heart fluttered • madly, actually • you felt so special, like you owned the world • then, the boy next to you opened his locker and out came a similar looking note and a bar of chocolate • ‘awww! Seonho, he’s the sweetest.’ • o h • the boy collected his books and left with a bright smile on his face, ripping open the chocolate candy bar and tucking the post-it into his wallet • oh wow • your face flushed red and you crushed the post-it and shoved it to the very bottom of your backpack • you wish you could stuff your feelings back to wherever they came from • it was embarrassing to feel so special and close to someone you had barely made eye contact with • Seonho was just that guy who liked to present his friends with acts of his love and kindness • while he was incredibly popular, he was still humble and true to himself • cute • so so SO cute • NO SWEETIE YOU CAN’T FALL FOR HIM LIKE JUST THAT • N O • love at first sight :”) • you kind of dread today knowing that Seonho doesn’t share any classes with you   • sigh • in science, Wooseok suddenly turns to you and asks, ‘hey, do you mind helping me return some books to the school library today? I would but Mr Kim called me up for math remedial and then I have basketball practice right after...’ • being the nice and kind friend you are, you agree to help him • ‘ah shit,’ he curses, realising he left the books in his locker. ‘can...you drop by the gymnasium later, I’ll pass them to you.’ • shrugging, you reply, ‘yeah sure, I need to talk to some of my club seniors anyway,’ • ‘thanks! you’re the best!’ • you don’t think anything of it until lunch, after consulting your squad - who screams • ‘why?’ • ‘wOOsEOk asKED yOu tO waTCH hIS PRActIce!’ • ‘....no I’m just getting stuff from him aiya what the heck...’ • ‘no way, Wooseok isn’t like this. Did Eunbin not introduce Seonho to you yesterday?’ • ‘iT MUST BE SEONHO.’ • and that’s how everyone started shipping you two • pls be rational, logical friends • you realise slyWooseok isn’t one of those people when you arrive at the gym • and he dumps a whole pile of books in your arms • you know your arms are bound to break • and the library is on the 4th floor, not in the same block • ‘WOO-‘ • ‘THANK YOU’ he yells, running back to join his team • even though they’re getting a 10 minute break • sighing, you sluggishly stumble out of the gym • ‘here,’ • YOO SEONHO STRIKES • ‘let me help you.’ • AsDFGHJKL • he won’t take your refusals and talks to you along the way • in the end, he smiles at you before bidding you goodbye • AND A NEW CONTACT IN YOUR PHONE • that’s how it started • you found yourself texting Seonho a lot • like • a lot • he was super sweet person to talk to • and often used cute emojis to talk • then if he got mad about something, he would leave you on ‘read’ until 10 minutes later • I’m gonna try and do that ^ • it was such a casual thing when you guys started dating • literally • but your heart was pounding, even hours after he had asked you out • it was right after your final paper • btw, Seonho stayed and studied with you until the library closed when you were cramming • and he also helped you with notes and whatnot • Eunbin and Wooseok even made a bet to see how long it would take for you two to start dating • the cutest tbh • and once he asked you • you said • YES • and then you got to know a lot more people in your grade, older and younger students • how cool • Seonho always gave you his basketball team jacket to wear at games • he was so shy the first time he asked you • it was right after his practice and you were waiting for him near the school gate • he came out of the locker room, trembling hands holding onto his jacket • subtly • ‘h-hey b-babe,’ he stammers • listen • this boy RARELY stutters, he always can find a good excuse or make up something on the spot • you know he’s serious about something • ‘can...c-can you w-wear my jacket to my game this Saturday? if...i-if y-you’re planning to g-go of course!’ he adds quickly, while a blush fills his face • there was no way you were going to pass up the opportunity • and that’s when your relationship was announced to the general public • but who was shocked? • everyone saw it coming • you guys are too cute as a couple to go unnoticed • Seonho is a lowkey sucker for PDA • like the boy will make his relationship KNOWN • it’s the little things that matters • a small peck on the cheek • the way your hand fits in his • sometimes you really want to kiss his forehead but this boy is like a 6’0 giraffe and unless you’re at least 5’11.5 that’s a bit of a struggle • rip me I’m 5’4.5 • I think • he just giggles and bends down so you can kiss him comfortably • or you’re 6’5 and height has never really been a problem • oh, I envy • he will hug you out of nowhere • back hugs • side hugs • front hugs • hugs you and spins you around • collapses into your arms hugs • yes, expect clinginess and extensive skinship • but you love it • you guys don’t argue much unless it’s something roughly related to life or death • you can see the fury in Seonho’s eyes but he just locks himself in a room for a good hour to get the rationality back • maybe that’s the secrets to a good relationship • he doesn’t hold back on the ‘L word’ either • you first said it a good year into the relationship • he said it in a good month • it was the weekend right after his team won a major championship and you took him out for pizza • he said I love you after you promised to pay for the pizza he wanted • but he really means it • dates with him could be quite adventurous and spontaneous • ‘yo, let’s go on a date today.’ • ‘ok. just let me cancel this thing first.’ • it’s either you guys go to the amusement park the time it opens to nightfall • or you go there, take one ride and leave • Seonho could also be the guy who likes cafe dates • not cafe hopping but • you guys could pinpoint a particular place • go there for a couple of dates to try everything you like on the menu • before moving on to another place • on 1 December, Seonho burst into your house and woke you up by singing to Christmas carols • enthusiasts about the holiday • buys matching ugly Christmas sweaters • he tried to DIY ones with you but they weren’t the best • you wear them to sleep though, because don’t waste comfy sweaters • present wise, if you send him a list of things you want/need, he might get all of them just for you • compliments you all the time • but if that shirt is ugly, that shirt is ugly • Seonho tries to teach you how to play ‘Jingle Bells’ on the piano • it involved a lot more hand-holding than you thought • his passion for music is admirable • just watching him immerse himself in the piano can make anyone cry • and the fact that he wants to involve you in something he holds so close to his heart • C R Y ME A RIVER • when it snows, it’s either you two snuggle by the fireplace • or engage in a deathly snowball fight outside • Guanlin and Wooseok joined you guys once • Guanlin nearly had to go to the ER after • Seonho likes to build snowmen with you • only with you • even though it didn’t look like a picture perfect Olaf, he was so proud of it and took a dozen polaroids • all in all, Seonho is a super supportive boyfriend, loves skinship • he can get annoyingly clingy and sometimes sensitive • but you guys always work it out • because love is love • you learn more about Seonho everyday • he will warm up and open up to you, don’t worry • you love him • like c’mon, he helped you decorate a whole ass Christmas tree then let you put the star on top • this is marriage • happy holidays!

[not-poignant]

Can I ask for 8 (again - though I also really love the section you chose!), 15, 21, 27, and 40(again)? Sorry if it's too many, you can just pick a couple instead of you need to! (I'm just endlessly curious!)

I’m skipping the dialogue one (Q8) (though I have answered it) not because I don’t want to but because this post just got really really really long and I’m already embarrassed. e.e

Have answered 15 here!

21. How many times do you usually revise your fic/chapter before posting?

It really depends on what it is.

Random fic oneshot? Probably not that many times. Once?

Something in the Fae Tales verse? That usually goes through more rigorous editing. Sometimes around 2-5 pass-throughs from me, depending on how smooth I think the chapter was. (I have been told by a head editor of a publishing company that I write very ‘clean’). But I have a habit of writing clunky or clumsy sentences, and sometimes editing pass-throughs are less about typos and more about sort of smoothing out the reading experience so it’s more pleasurable and less ‘well that was a weird fucking sentence.’

Fanfiction really depends on my mood. Sometimes I’m super thorough, and sometimes I don’t care that the word ‘enough’ has been used three times in the same paragraph. I also don’t care about passive tense as much as some people, because I really like passive tense. I’ll still always edit though. I’ve never written something and put it up straight away.

Original novels get edited per chapter, and then get about three really thorough edits from me at the end. That will be a grammar/typo/sentence structure edit, a continuity/substantive edit (including adding/subtracting scenes) and the a final formatting/copy edit.

Just about everything I write goes to a beta, and original novels/short stories go to a couple of betas and then an editor. After the final editor pass-over, I make those changes, send it back to the editor, and after that I proof-read, which is my least favourite part and I have been lazy enough on this before that a typo I missed and the editor missed made it through to print, so…eep.

Read mores hide my shame at how long this response is (and you don’t have to see how much I hate AO3 story collaborations as a rule):

27. How do you feel about collaborations? 

In terms of more than one person working on the same story: I don’t like them. I’m a very control-hungry author and I enjoy worldbuilding and character building from the ground up, and even the fic authors I love the most I’ve never ever thought ‘I should do some kind of collaboration with them.’ I don’t want to pollute their style with my own, I love what they do because of what they do, so collaborations really aren’t my thing. I don’t write to ‘socialise’ or to have a really close bond with someone, which isn’t to say that I don’t make friends through writing, or that I don’t have writer friends, but specifically, I don’t want to write in a social way. I’m too introverted, too reclusive, and honestly, too controlling over the stories I want to write. I suspect I’d be an asshole to collaborate with.

It’s no coincidence that I was always that person at university who ended up doing everyone’s work in the ‘group work’ assignments, and eventually preferred it that way.

I do roleplay with a friend though. I’m not open for roleplaying with anyone else, but we’ve easily gotten down over a million words over the past few years. I have tentatively thought about adapting that into an original story, or stories? So that would then count as collaboration? But that’s a lot of work, and honestly I just enjoy that as something that only the two of us currently get to look at.

I’m also really wary of reading AO3 collaborations with two or more authors. Generally speaking, it usually means the story has been roleplayed beforehand, and you either get two perspectives in the same chapter with no breaks between those (which I personally hate, it’s cool if that’s your thing), clumsy transitions between voice, a lack of consistency in style of prose, or get clunky transitions on theme. There’s always exceptions to the rule and I’ve bookmarked a few collaborations, but about 8 out of 10 ‘multi author’ stories I read on AO3 really show (at least on my end, as a reader) the cons of writing with a partner or friends, than they show the pros. :/ I imagine the pros for the author/s though, is that they actually got a story written that might not have been written otherwise.

Even Glen and I have talked about collaborating, and we eventually decided against it, and we live together, and share everything together, lol. And he’s a writer! A very very good one!!

Exceptions to this are: I have and will collaborate in a writer’s room for scriptwriting. Idk why, it just feels different. And I would absolutely collaborate with an artist on a graphic novel. In fact I would love to do that. Also I have illustrated tarot cards for other writers in the past. And have done art collaborations such as the Red Circle series where I painted the sculptures, and Le Animale made the sculptures, and then I did accompanying art and totem meanings. So I guess I’m just also quite fussy about writing quality, and I know how collaborations often fuck the shit out of that in a bad way.

(I have participated in a fic round robin once though but hush let’s never talk about that, it wasn’t a terrible experience I just didn’t really enjoy it either).

40. Write an alternative ending to [insert fic title] (or just the summary of one).

Okay.

Okay like imagine like, imagine Snowball Earth.

Like we’re in the next ice age.

And imagine all the humans are gone right? They’re just…gone. Maybe there’s like a few pockets left here and there, but otherwise gone.

And now imagine Pitch and Jack and the rest of the Guardians standing on this icy white plain looking out into this vista of endless cold and then Bunnymund just exclaims:

‘Fucking great, Jack, now you’ve gone and done it, haven’t you?’

And then he pops into a tiny little bunny, because there aren’t really many people left to worship any of them anymore.

And Pitch places his hand around Jack’s shoulders and says quietly, with a smile:

‘I’m so proud of you.’

*

From this meme.

[aiimaginesbts]

House of Cards: Chapter 1 (M)

Taehyung x Reader, with Jungkook

Genre: Smut, angst, fluff

Warning: Infidelity. Please avoid if this is not for you.

Word count: 2,778 words

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 (Final)

Disclaimer/Copyright

How many love stories start this way? And just how many of them become this messed up?

You were just another student in high school who had developed a crush on one of the seniors. And not just any senior. No, you fell for the most popular student in school – Kim Taehyung. He was one of the top students, actively participating in various sports, and his good looks didn’t hurt his reputation any. Needless to say, he had dozens of fans and admirers constantly vying for his attention. Obviously he never gave you the time of day, considering he never even noticed you. How could he have known that you exist when you were the shy wallflower who ducked her head every time his gaze even strayed in your direction?

You admired him from afar, like the majority of the female population in school, lacking the courage to go up and talk to him, all the way to his graduation ceremony. He graduated too soon for your liking – you wished you were his age so you could have spent more time in school with him – but at least after he left all the fuss died down and you could concentrate more on your studies instead of planning how to watch him in between classes and after school. Thoughts of him visited you less frequently since, he was just a crush after all, but you never quite forgot him.

No one else caught your attention after that. Although you gained more confidence to mingle with your peers and became more active in school, you were studious and managed to make it into one of the top universities in the state, making your family proud. It was a little far from your parents’, but you didn’t mind it. Actually, you were quite relieved to have some space of your own away from your family – even if it meant having to board with the other students – especially when you were herded with the other new students into the main hall on your first day of orientation and you saw him.

Yes, it was Kim Taehyung, smiling in greeting towards the fresh batch of youngsters having their first glimpse of the university’s large hall. He was one of the senior students who volunteered to facilitate with the orientation process. Naturally. After words of welcome from the students’ representative, you were divided into smaller groups to get to know each other, and a senior student was assigned to each group to keep things organised and answer any questions that the fresh intake might have. Taehyung headed towards your group sitting in a circle, and your heart beat just a fraction faster when he approached and sat across from you.

It was stupid of you to hope that he recognised you, because why would he? Marshalling all your powers of concentration, you focused on the discussion and tried your best not to gawk at him. His attire was simple and casual – an oversized white sweater, washed-out blue jeans and sneakers – but he looked as handsome as ever, and you noticed that you weren’t the only one sneaking glances at him. His boxy grin and resonating voice had garnered the attention of the other girls in your group as well. This is going to be high school all over again, you thought to yourself, swallowing a sigh before paying more attention to what the guy beside you was saying.

After he finished, it was your turn to introduce yourself. Midway through, you hesitated, then thought, why not? and informed the group of the name of the high school you graduated from. Satisfaction filled your chest at Taehyung’s surprised reaction at this tidbit. Finally, after all these years, you had his regard, but you wanted to kick yourself when your cheeks started to flush as he gave you his undivided attention.

You lingered after the session ended, giving him a chance to approach you. You bit your lower lip to contain your excitement when he did just that. He was surprised and impressed that his junior managed to make it to the university; it was not easy to get in, and the conversation just flowed from there. He felt an obligation to look after you as his junior and you used that to your advantage, approaching him with questions, asking him to show you around, and his excitement at a chance to show you the ropes only made you bolder, daring you to strike conversations about other topics unrelated to your studies. He seemed to enjoy your company, too, an easy friendship developed between you and after a while, he asked you out.

The fact that someone who used to be the most popular student – still was one of the most popular, actually – was dating you was surreal. At least that was what you thought. Turned out that the idea wasn’t so far-fetched to everyone else, including Taehyung. Not long after you agreed to being his girlfriend, you asked him why he asked you out.

“Someone like you?” His brows furrowed in confusion. “Why would you ask something like that? You’re bright, confident, pretty and you can carry a great conversation, which is more than I can say for most of the girls here. Most of the guys, even.”

Somewhere along the way, without realising it, you had shed your quiet, wallflower personality. You were still shy, but you had learnt to work past it to become more outgoing, to socialise with more people, not just the tiny band of friends you had when you were younger. Your eyes had flicked up in a silent thanks to God that your sense of fashion had also matured to what it was now.

There was no hiding your shyness from Taehyung though, not when he was your boyfriend and you spent a lot of time together outside classes. It rarely showed compared to how timid you were in school, but Taehyung didn’t mind, especially when you were in bed. He found it endearing, and was surprised to find that you were still a virgin. Frankly it wasn’t unexpected, but he didn’t know just how reserved you were in school, and even after you gained more confidence in yourself, after crushing on him so hard, no guy gained your interest. You gave him everything, because he was your everything. You were aware that he probably didn’t feel as strongly about you as you felt towards him, but he loved you, and that was all that mattered.

Of course it was foolish of you to expect your luck to run its course forever. Someone like you could never measure up to a person as perfect as Taehyung. Not only was he smart, good-looking, friendly and athletic, he was also the heir to a big company, and his relationship with you would not offer his family any benefits. He had barely graduated and taken his position in the company when he relayed to you the bad news: He was to marry a woman from a prestigious family to help the company expand its market overseas.

You didn’t even stop yourself from crying, you had been together for 2 years by then, so you didn’t hesitate showing him your pain. He pulled you into his arms, holding you tight, and it was a while before you realised that his body was also wracking with silent sobs, his tears falling on the top of your head as you were soaking the front of his crisp shirt, now crumpled from your desperate grip on it.

Both were unaware of how much time had passed, but even an eternity would seem like a fraction of a second before you had to let each other go and accept the bitter reality. He had to leave eventually, and you had to deal with the world crashing down on you. Neither of you contacted each other after that, it would only make it harder to let go, but you heard that his engagement was extremely short and in no time, he became a married man. You were thankful that he did not invite you to the wedding, because even the sight of his invitation might make you burst into tears.

However, you were strong, you’ve made it so far in life, so after a few months of wallowing in your sorrows you decided that it was time to pick up the pieces and try to move on. It was not easy. Every day was a struggle, every day without hearing his voice or receiving his texts, wishing you luck for an exam or simply telling you that he needed you was difficult, bordering on impossible, and you wished that you could just give up.

And then one day your phone rang. You had deleted his number, but you should have known that your brain would never allow you to forget the familiar digits. Fingers curled in a hesitation that only lasted for a second before you picked up.

Why am I doing this? How did I let this go on for so long?

It didn’t matter how many times you asked this of yourself, because you knew just a word from him would cause you to give in to him. You could not resist Taehyung any more than he could resist you.

“It’s late. Wouldn’t you get into trouble with her?” You asked despite yourself. His answer was a groan reverberating deep inside his chest as his length sunk into your warm mouth. Looking up at him gripping the hotel room bedsheets, unable to answer your question, made you grin around his cock. In fact, it took him several deep breaths and another groan as you swirled your tongue around the head before he could even utter a word.

“She’s on a company trip,” he gave up trying to keep his hands at his sides, one of them releasing the sheets to grab your hair as he guided you slowly up and down his length. “God, I missed this so much.”

You lifted your head up to look at him, his dick escaping your mouth with a loud pop. “After all this time, she still doesn’t do this for you?” You knew the answer but you asked him anyway. Nothing boosted your ego more than him admitting that you were better than the woman he was expected to spend his lifetime with, to love until death did them part, and he had no qualms about giving you that.

“She is horrible at giving blowjobs. I don’t know how she manage to make it so uncomfortable that I just ask her not to do it,” he said with a whine of protest at the loss of contact. “Why are we talking about her anyway? I don’t want to think about her now. Hell, I don’t want to think about anything other than your wicked mouth wrapped around me,” pushing your head with his hand, he directed you back where he wanted you to be. “You’re so fucking good at this.”

You returned your focus back on him, taking as much of him as you could without gagging, bobbing your head up and down his shaft, your right hand moving up from the base, making up for what your mouth couldn’t take. Your left hand snaked between your legs, finding your clit and rubbing hard on it. His hips bucked against you, and you knew that it wouldn’t be long before he stopped you. It was not often that he could see you, at least, not as often as either of you would have liked, so he always wanted to get inside you before he came. Your moans vibrating against his cock was the last straw, his hand in your hair tightened to pull you up, your tongue dragging along from his base to the head, giving him a show of you flicking his precum with your tongue into your mouth.

“Don’t move,” he said in a low tone that never failed to arouse you, and you obeyed, only lifting your chin to follow his movements as he slipped up from under you. He grabbed your hips and turned you around so that you were facing away from him, on all fours with your ass in the air. His hands moved from your hips down to cup your ass cheeks, spreading them open so your wet, pink entrance was in full view.

“Mmm, so wet for me,” his words made you moan softly in excitement and embarrassment at the same time, and it only got louder when he dropped down to taste you. It was your turn to clench the bedsheets as your walls clenched on his tongue. His fingers continued your work earlier, slowly rubbing your clit in circles before pinching the sensitive nub, making you scream his name.

He got on his back and pulled you down so you were sitting on his face and started to work you to an undeniable high. He licked your slit up to your clit, where he settled to circle the nub while he inserted his index finger into you. He had just started, but you were already squeezing on his finger, your moans coming forth unbidden, growing louder in volume when a second finger joined his first. Never having any partner other than Taehyung, even after his marriage, your fingers and vibrator were the only things keeping you company on lonely nights, but nothing compared to his fingers, his tongue, his cock. You closed your eyes in mortification at the lewd sounds your pussy is making as his fingers moved faster, urging you to come, and you did. He knew your body best, and he could make you come in record time.

Gently pushing you up, he positioned you back on your elbows and knees, caressing your back as you came down from your high, using the opportunity to rub the tip of his throbbing cock at your entrance. Your breathing had just started to slow down when he pushed himself into you, making your heart race again, feeling him stretch you out impossibly as he filled you to the brim.

“God, you’re so fucking tight, y/n,” he breathed, his nails digging into your ass in an effort not to come right then and there. You lacked the strength to reply, simply pushing your hips back against him in a silent request for more. Taehyung was more than happy to oblige, using his grip on your hips as an anchor as he rammed himself into you repeatedly. He hit you hard and deep, making both of you feel good, and for a while the only sounds echoing inside the small room were your laboured breaths and moans, accompanied by the lascivious noise of his hips meeting yours.

Just when you thought you could take it no more, he paused and pulled out of you. Ignoring your whine of protest at the sudden emptiness, he picked you up and laid you on your back before quickly returning back into you, his gaze intent on the sight before him as he fucked you missionary style. Your hands reached up to clutch his lean arms, your back arched in pleasure, mesmerising him with the view of your breasts bouncing with every thrust, driving him wild.

You could tell that he was close, his steady rhythm breaking as his hips moved faster, panting hard, and finally slowing down when he felt you clench around him, your legs trembling as his name escaped your lips. With a few more thrusts, you felt him filling you up, his body almost crushing yours, his face buried in the crook of your neck, his grunts filling your ears. You wrapped your arms around him as the two of you caught your breaths before he swiftly slid off and out of you, bringing you with him to lay on his side.

It only took a few moments for him to regain his composure. “We should get cleaned up,” he tried to tug you into the shower, but you pulled your hand away.

“Go ahead. I want to rest for a bit first.”

He smiled at you, shaking his head. “Okay, but don’t take too long. I’ll wait for you to join me.”

You nodded and watched him step inside the bathroom. We should stop doing this; another useless thought that was promptly pushed out of your head at the thought of hot water hitting his body, and you got up to join him.

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How to use Android parental controls

Kids are increasingly more tech-savvy in recent times, or even a little one will control to apply your Android cellphone or tablet in ways you didn’t know have been viable. Apart from running up a heavy bill in app and game purchases, this means your youngsters can also be at threat from on-line predators and person content. But you do not have to stay in worry. We’re going to reveal you the way to set up practical parental controls and create person profiles for children that you may use in Android 5.Zero or later (and in four.3 onward on pills). How do I set up a children’s account on Android? We’re the usage of the present day version of Android (7.1 Nougat) on a OnePlus 3T, however, since the interface varies on pretty much every Android cellphone don’t anticipate yours to appearance equal. The process, although, is broadly the identical – you could just hunt around for the Users access in your smartphone or pill’s settings. First, drag down from the pinnacle of the display screen, then drag down further if a settings cog icon doesn’t appear. Tap the icon to open the Settings app.

How To Start A Club, Group Or Organization

Starting a Club

There are tens of hundreds of thousands of energetic clubs within the United States on my own. There are as many club types are as there are mutual interests among human beings. There is golf equipment for socializing, advocacy, elevating focus, college sports, volunteering, information sharing, sports activities, expert development, religion, cultural, monetary, and so on. While the kind of clubs is almost limitless, there may be some commonality amongst golf equipment as to how to great create them and run them. Many golf equipment thoughts in no way get commenced or never truly get off the ground because some common mistakes are made – errors made actually tens of millions of times. While no two golf equipment is the equal, we encapsulate the various fine suggestions and tricks in starting a membership on this posting – so you can research from the backs of others in forming your very own successful membership.How to install windows 10.

Realize the time dedication is constantly extra than you believe you studied The exhilaration and fun of the idea of beginning a club is usually closely observed through the reality of the attempt it’s going to take to make it be successful. Just as in commercial enterprise or in any other challenge, an incredible concept works so long as it can be done nicely. Who wants to create a failed membership no matter how exceptional the idea? In almost every club, the leaders, organizers and key contributors need to “donate” their very own spare effort and time to make the membership perform its assignment. Limited time, limited assets, the overwhelming drag of inertia of creating people take motion are just some of the huge reasons why clubs emerge as failing. Of route, golf equipment is regularly started due to a strong interest, and so that you need to leverage the sturdy interest level into a hit motion for the organization.

Define the mission and aim for the club

Most eyes roll after they listen they want to create a challenge declaration. Many were worried in a corporate workout in developing a task statement wherein you frequently come to be with a group of vacuous words that have no actual that means and all people forgets about. Often people “feel” they recognize what the task is but whilst they are attempting to articulate it, they can not. That’s not to say a group can’t achieve success without a task declaration – but, in developing with the desires you may assist clarify on your mind what the long term goal is and assist talk that to others. Your challenge may be to develop a political timetable or to elevate environmental focus, or it might simply be to socialise and discover destiny dates – it may be all of those matters — whatever it’s far, the more sincerely articulated the vision, the extra which you direct your efforts towards accomplishing that imaginative and prescient.

Advantages to Android Game Development

The enterprise of mobile recreation development has delivered a totally vital component to the market – the potential to conceptualize, develop, and launch video games on devices with far greater achievement and ease than ever earlier than. And with the Android app marketplace only requiring a one-time price for submitting an application, the price will become almost negligible to position the product out for tens of millions of customers to find. Even the submission procedure is considerably shorter than on most different smartphones, as the app law is a long way extra lenient for the Android OS.

Another drawing point for growing games on Android gadgets is the programming language featured- Java. Java has long been one of the maximum famous programming languages for video game builders, and for this reason, makes it extraordinarily easy for the average programmer to pick out up Android development for the primary time. Compared to most different mobile structures, which usually game changed or newly invented languages, the getting to know curve is reduced to almost not anything, so a brand new developer can complete a sport in a fragment of the time.Silver light for android download.

Another unique element to Android recreation development is the shortage of standardization inside the droid telephone family. As the Android OS isn’t certified to an unmarried cellular cellphone making corporation, the phones themselves can range to an excessive diploma in phrases of functions and hardware specifications. While one device may have a fully functioning A-GPS and HDMI video compatibility, another may additionally have a QWERTY keyboard and no GPS in any respect. While that is really appealing to a few developers, as they may be possible to find a telephone so one can meet their hardware needs exactly, it’ll additionally restriction the potential audience, as some telephones will no longer be capable of supporting the extra complex applications.

When the sports improvement method has, in the end, reached the point where it may be released to the public, the developer is presented with yet every other desire- which market might the sport be most visible in? Unlike the iOS, there are numerous marketplaces and app shops for Android telephones, each one with its very own advantages and drawbacks. From the simple Android market, constructed to best show the apps like minded with the phone currently getting used, to the Amazon app keep, which offers a one of a kind free app each day, the myriad of advertising strategies can be almost daunting, which makes it all the more beneficial that a utility can almost always be entered into multiple marketplaces without trouble. However, whether or not it makes feel to unfold interest throughout several exclusive fields is any other question totally.

Differences Between Formal and Informal Social Control

Social manage can be taken into consideration as an essential element of a man or woman’s socialization system

There are some general norms or policies which should be accompanied with the aid of members of all societies. Any deviation from these norms can also bring about a minimal level of punishment for making sure the social order. It refers back to the strategies of regulation of a man or woman or organization conduct in a society, which encourages conformity and obedience. It might also encompass social or political mechanisms. Its paperwork is formal and casual controls.

Social manage can be taken into consideration as an essential element of a man or woman’s socialization system. There are some general norms or policies which should be accompanied with the aid of members of all societies. Any deviation from these norms can also bring about a minimal level of punishment for making sure the social order. It refers back to the strategies of regulation of a man or woman or organization conduct in a society, which encourages conformity and obedience. It might also encompass social or political mechanisms. It’s paperwork is formal and casual controls.

Formal Social Control:

Formal social manipulate is carried out by using legal dealers consisting of law enforcement officials, employers, navy officers, and others. It is achieved as an ultimate choice at a few locations whilst the favored conduct isn’t possible through informal social manage. The situations and severity where formal control is practiced vary with countries.

This is practiced through law as statutes, guidelines, and policies against the deviant social behavior. For example, sure legal guidelines like the prohibition of homicide can be directed in any respect individuals of a society. Fishing and searching guidelines are made for certain organizations. Corporate legal guidelines are laid for governing the conduct of social institutions. Formal manage is carried out by using government and corporations through regulation enforcement mechanisms. It can also be conducted via a few formal sanctions consisting of fines and imprisonment. Processes of formal control in democratic societies are decided and designed through regulation by elected representatives.

Courts or judges, navy officials, police officers, school systems or instructors, and authorities corporations or bureaucrats, enforce formal manage.