#Eddie does not look at his bank statement. He never has and he never will

[morganbritton132]

Eddie, posting to Tiktok: Raise your hand if you and your husband had a long discussion about not needing to do renovations to your kitchen every time you’re bored and you both agree that it’s too soon to get new cabinets only for him to get new cabinets anyways. Raise your hand if you’ve ever done that?

Steve: Oh ho ho, Daddy Warbucks, why don’t you tell everybody that your cheap ass has so much money that you didn’t even notice thirty thousand dollars come out of your bank account?

Eddie: You spent thirty thousand dollars on cabinets?

Steve: No…. I spent twenty thousand.

Eddie, accepting facts: When did you even have them installed?

Steve: When your ‘long weekend in Los Angeles’ turned into two weeks

Eddie:

Eddie: Call me daddy again

Steve: No

[elizabethemerald]

The Beach

AO3

The Gaang take a much needed break on the banks of a secluded pond. Katara enjoys the water but is curious why Azula is so hesitant to doff her armor and swim.

Katara took a running dive into the water. As she dove she bent the water up to meet her so she could dive from shallow shore. She enjoyed the feeling of the water rushing over her body. She carefully bent the water around her, pulling her down and down until she settled on the silty bottom of the small pond. 

She sat there for a moment, allowing herself to relax as the water eddied around her body. The Gaang had been on the run again the past couple of weeks. It was nice to able to slow down a little and actually spend time enjoying her element. She stayed at the bottom until her lungs started to burn. 

Katara pushed off the murky bottom and propelled herself to the surface. She bent the water of the pond around herself drawing it in and up. She rocketed out of the water, suspending herself twenty feet above the pond’s surface for a moment. She felt like the statue in a fountain, as the water flowed around her, trickling off her fingers and running down her hair. 

From her vantage point she looked around at the grove they had found themselves in. Toph was laying down on the shore, wiggling her toes in the mud of the bank. Sokka was sitting on a rock, his feet dangling in the water as he closely studied a map in his hands. Azula was further up the beach, still fully dressed, a sour expression on her face. 

As she emerged from the water, Sokka looked up his eyebrows shooting to his hair line at her display. He clapped his hands then help up all his fingers, the classic way of saying he rated her waterbending at a ten. Toph didn’t react, only tilting her head towards the sound of rushing water, then towards Sokka’s location. When neither seemed to indicate a threat she leaned back down in the mud. 

Katara couldn’t help herself but watch Azula’s reaction from the corner of her eye. The other girl’s jaw had dropped. Her carefully neutral expression, that was her usual facade, so often twisted by the scar on her face, had dropped completely in that moment. She carefully schooled her face again when Katara turned and made eye contact with her. 

With a rush of water Katara allowed the pond to return to its previously calm state. Sokka preemptively lifted his maps away from the flow of water, while Toph used the opportunity to sink in the mud a little deeper a contented smile on her face. Katara flowed down with water, bending it so she stepped out of the water far up the beach, just a few steps from Azula. 

Azula’s face, otherwise schooled showed her mood by a hint of color rising in her cheek. Katara smiled at her, before kneeling down so she could see her clearly. 

“Azula, do you want to go swimming with me?” Katara asked. 

Katara carefully watched the journey Azula’s face went on, even though she tried to hide it. The one emotion she saw that she wasn’t expecting was fear. Azula’s emphatic shaking of her head confirmed that she was afraid of something. Katara leaned forward carefully, concern clear on her face. She knew the lightning bender was afraid of fire after what happened to her, but why would she be afraid of going swimming?

“‘Zula. Is there reason you don’t want to swim?” 

Katara could see that Azula was hot in her armor, and had definitely been eyeing the water since they arrived in a way that made it seem like she wanted to take a dip. Azula looked around nervously. 

“Is Zuzu back?” Azula signed, seeming to ignore the question for a moment. 

“No. He and Aang probably won’t be back until tomorrow morning.” Katara said. Then she saw Azula look at something over her shoulder. Katara looked back and saw her brother side eyeing the two of them. Azula’s eyes widened and her breath came a little faster. 

Katara stood and immediately bent a wall of water around the two of them. She froze the wall in an arc, cutting them off from the other two. Though she was careful to leave an opening at Azula’s back so she could leave if she wanted to. She sat down next to the other girl, safe from prying eyes. 

“Azula?” Katara hesitated. She knew Azula could respond angrily, and didn’t want to pressure her. “If you want I won’t ask about it, or ask you to swim again, but is there a reason you don’t want to swim?”

Azula closed her eyes tightly. Then she slowly nodded her head. Katara put out a hand to touch her shoulder but hesitated again. However, before she could withdraw her hand, Azula leaned into the comfort. She slowly undid the cuffs of the fire nation garb she still wore. Katara watched in confusion for a moment until Azula pushed her sleeves up to her elbows. 

Katara quickly bit off the gasp that cut its way past her lips. Azula’s wrists bore horrific burn scars. Each wrist had a burn that completely circled it, the mottled skin still discolored, despite how long ago they had been done. 

“Close your eyes.” Azula signed without looking at her. 

Katara pressed her eyes closed, trying to hold back tears. To her confusion she heard the shuffling of fabric then felt a tap on her arm. She opened her eyes and the tears she had tried to hide broke free. 

Azula was turned away from her, her heavy black jacket undone to the waist and folded down so her back and her breastband were visible. And across her back...a spiderwebbing scar that could only be done by getting hit by lightning bending. Katara had seen similar scars many times, from elders in her village who had fought the Fire nation soldiers to citizens in the Earth Kingdom who had been scared into compliance. 

The lightning scar originated from the center of her back and covered almost all of the skin there. Jagged lines also wrapped around her shoulders and ribs from where the electricity had traveled through her body. 

“Does it still hurt?” Katara asked softly. She hovered her hand over Azula’s back, not daring to touch her. Azula shook her head, still facing away. 

“Nerve damage.” She signed to the side. 

Katara had heard about that. The lightning bending of the Fire Nation, it struck so deep that it destroyed the body’s ability to process the pain. 

“These still do.” Azula signed again before showing the burns on her wrists. Her signs stuttered out, like she couldn’t form what she wanted to say, or like she had a sentence that she wanted to leave hanging. Then she turned around. 

Katara couldn’t cut off the gasp this time. Logically she had known that the burn on Azula’s face had extended further down, but that did nothing to prepare for it to be revealed completely. While the burns on her wrists were deeper, two solid rings of scarred tissue, the scar on her throat looked so much worse. 

From her experience with dealing with burns, both those of her friends and strangers they’ve met on the road, plus Aang learning firebending from Zuko, Katara could get a good gage on the two injuries. The ones on her wrists were a controlled punishment. Like the burn on Zuko’s face. The firebender had purposefully burned her in a way that hurt and would hamper her movement, without crippling her. 

The burn on her throat was different. There was no control in the pattern of this scarring. And worst of all, Katara could clearly make out the handprint on her throat, an adult’s hand. The bender had allowed their flames to burn wildly while they choked her, burning her throat and up her face. 

Katara didn’t hesitate to throw her arms around Azula’s shoulders. Azula stiffened, but didn’t pull away. After a moment she relaxed into Katara’s hug. 

“I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, ‘Zula.” 

Azula kept the tears at bay for as long as she could, but soon she was crying right alongside Katara. They held each other tightly as soft sobs shook their bodies. Katara kept holding her until Azula pulled back. 

“You said these still hurt?” Katara asked looking at the scars on her wrists.

Azula nodded. “My wrists and my throat hurt the most. I can’t feel my back at all.”

Katara broke a chunk of ice off the surrounding wall, and allowed it to melt till the cool water was flowing gently around her fingers. She looked up to Azula’s face. 

“May I?”

When Azula nodded Katara brought the healing energy out of the water. Azula’s face glowed softly in the light of water. Katara watched a pinched look at the corners of her eyes fade. She hadn’t even realized that pained expression had been there so often that Katara had assumed that was how Azula’s face looked. 

“No one has ever seen these before.” Azula signed, her hands moving slower so they stayed in healing stream of water that Katara was weaving. “Other than Zuzu and Iroh. Now you have.”

There was an unasked question in that statement Katara felt. She immediately pulled Azula into another tight hug. She kept her chin on Azula’s shoulder while she spoke. 

“I would never judge you for your scars.” Katara whispered. 

Azula relaxed into her grip again. Then Katara could feel her trying to sign against her belly and leaned back to see what she was saying. 

“Scars like this are shameful in the Fire Nation.” Azula signed. “A sign that you were beaten by another Fire Bender. Shamed by them. That’s why the Fire Lord gave them to me.”

“There is nothing shameful about having scars!” Katara said, cold fury in her voice. “The only shame belongs on your father’s head for hurting you.” 

Katara thought for a moment, allowing the healing water to flow gently over Azula’s wrists. She reached towards her face, but Azula pulled back away from her. Katara returned her attention to her wrists. 

“No one here is going to shame you for your scars. We’ve all been marked by this war.”

She turned over hands showing the soft scars on her own hands, from when Aang had first been learning fire bending, when she had first discovered she could use water to heal. Her scars weren’t nearly as bad, considering they had been healed almost immediately after and often sense. 

“But if you don’t want to swim, I won’t ask you again, and I’ll make sure the others leave you alone.”

Azula looked away for a moment, then nodded her head. Katara helped her out of her armor until both girls were in clothes that would be more comfortable to swim in. Once they were ready she changed the water from ice to water, but kept the wall around the two of them as they walked toward the pond. 

“Toph! Do you think you could make the pond more muddy?” Katara called to their friend. 

“Sure thing, Sugar Queen.” Toph pushed her feet deeper into the mud, then thrust her fists forward, then extended her fingers. The water of the pond suddenly became a murky brown that none of them could see through. 

Katara easily bent the muddy water up around Azula as the two of them walked into the pond. Once she was in the water Azula immediately lowered herself down so only her head was above the water. 

“Hey Sokka! Do you want to come swim with us?” Katara called to her brother. 

“Nah. I’m still working on this map.” He said dismissively. Though she could tell he had been waiting nervously for her and Azula to finish talking. Katara subtly bent the water at his feet to freeze into a block of ice, grabbing him. He looked up surprised, then met her eyes, and saw her subtle glance to where Azula was. “Actually you know what? I think you’re right time for a break.”

The ice block released him and he stood to place the maps far away from the water. He took off his shirt revealing two identical half moon scars on either side of his chest. He strode into the water up to his waist. 

“Hey Toph! How about joining us as well?” He said. 

“Nope!” Toph said dismissively. 

Sokka walked back out of the water until his feet were on solid ground. 

“Hey Toph! How about joining us as well?” He asked again. 

Toph sat up, throwing mud off her. 

“Yeah sounds great.”

She tossed her mud filled clothes to the bank then paddled slowly into the pond. Sokka caught up to her and she grabbed his arm while they waded back and forth. Katara could see her scars as well. From training with the badgermoles, or fighting in the arena with the other earthbenders. 

Katara didn’t have to point out their scars to Azula. She knew she saw them in the way her eyes would flick to a scar then away and in how she slowly allowed herself to stand in the water or swim around. Katara smiled at her and swam alongside her, laughing as she would bend a little water at her or one of their other friends. Sokka walked in the pond, the water up to his ribs, just making slow circles in the muddy water. Toph clung to him like a koalamonkey, kicking her legs as he walked them in circles. He would splash Katara any time she came near, and kept a running monologue of what was happening around him for Toph’s benefit. 

Just when Katara thought her mood couldn’t get any higher a shadow passed over them and she could hear Appa’s growl. Aang saw them all in the pond from the air and immediately jumped off the skybison towards the pond. He shed his clothes as he fell and threw them to the beach. He landed with an incredible splash then began swimming and playing with the others. His own scars were on display, frost burn from his time in the ice, and various other burns and scars from surviving this long as the Avatar. 

Zuko landed Appa and unloaded him quickly before shedding his shirt and joining them all in the pond. His scar on his face was the most obvious but he also had scars from training and combat on his arms and across his chest. He seemed surprised to see Azula swimming with the rest of them, but his surprise turned to joy and delight to see how happy she was. 

Both Sokka and Aang saw Azula’s scars. They didn’t need Katara’s harsh glare not to say anything, but she had to make sure. Sokka’s face twisted in horror and rage, before he put his careful mask on of a goofy idiot, making poor jokes. Aang’s face fell, as his grief overwhelmed him, but he quickly air scootered away until he was composed again. 

Even Toph felt them when she latched onto Azula’s arm during one of the games they played. She didn’t say anything, but when she next grabbed onto Katara’s arm, she held on both a little tighter and a little gentler. 

The war had marked them all. Maybe together they could start to heal the marks, and move forward.

[gaiamax]

Don’t call me, Evan

Trigger warning: implied childhood sexual abuse 

All secrets are deep,

All secrets become dark.

That’s in the nature of secrets.

Writer, Cory Doctorow

The youngest member of the station had felt off all week, like the ground way swaying under him. It had made him irritable and brought long-buried feelings and experiences back to him. As he steps into the house that belongs to Athena and Bobby, he can hear the conversation about going to church for the coming Easter weekend. Joining the adults, he makes his way into the kitchen.

When Buck doesn’t join in the conversation, Bobby involves Buck directly by asking him a question. “Just about  everyone else is joining. Are you coming as well?”

“No” Buck answers much too quickly. “After everything I’ve been through. God is either a dick or not real”

“Buck I know been through a lot this past year but he never asks for more than we can handle” Bobby tells in a soft tone while placing a hand on his shoulder.

All the young man can do is stare at it and watch the flashbacks fade in and out, his brain can see both that man’s hand and Bobby’s and finding it really hard to tell which one is real. At last he bites out “Then your god asks way too much of twelve-year-old boys.” he pulls Bobby’s hand off of him and walks quickly to where the children are playing video games. Buck’s statement causes everyone to look over at Maddie for answers but she shrugs her shoulders.

……

It's the shift after the service most of the firefam had attended and now they were sat eating dinner with Maddie and Athena. The conversation had polite chat, catching each other up on their jobs for the day. The familial atmosphere changed when Athena brought up a new topic.

“So you know that man, I was talking to,” Athena starts. “He set up a community centre in a small town called Ridge Lake…”

Before Athena can continue Maddie buts and adds “That’s where we grow up, you wouldn’t believe Buck, it was Travis Miller.” For Buck that’s way to close, he ran away from that town and him, that off feeling he had been having all week has finally come to a head. It feels like someone has thrown a bucket of cold water over him. “He was like Buck’s mentor as a kid,” she tells the team before turning her head to her brother “You should go see him and thank him, I gave your number to him.”

Everyone waits for Buck’s reply but he never gives one instead he just bites his lips, willing any sliver of emotion down.

Hen speaks with the confusion the rest of the team is having “You’ve never mentioned him before.”

Trying to sound nonchalant Buck starts to speak “it didn’t come up.”

Athena, slightly annoyed at being interrupted, huffs and starts to speak again “he wants to set up one here but he needs donors. So I’ve agreed to help him set up his presentation but we need others. It’s Wednesday, I know the kids are on break, he’s fine with them coming.”

Everyone agrees to help out, Buck wanted nothing more than to say no but now he knows the children are going to be there, he has to say he’ll help too, to make that they stay safe. “I’ll help too” he manages to get out his voice, cracking.

……

Buck can see Travis’ hand on Christopher’s shoulder and his blood runs hot in his veins. He marches over one purpose in mind. Taking two steps at a time. When he’s finally at the two, he wrenches Travis’ hand off the shoulder it’s resting on and slams him into the nearest wall. “Don’t fucking touch him! Or anyone else. Why don’t you just leave, no one wants you here” Buck whispered harshly still holding the older man up against.

Taking a soft placating tone, that had a bite only Buck could hear the older man replied: “Now, Evan I know we’ve had our disagreements but that’s hardly reason for you to attack me”. He says his statement loud enough, so the attention in the room is silenced and brought them. “Think of the impression you’re giving your friends and their children. Your sister even” With that Buck turned his head around, seeing the looks of confusion of the adults and the fear in Christopher’s eyes at his outburst that seemed to come from nowhere.

He let go of the man and ran away to the small room jutting of the hall with his eyes trained on the floor. When he was finally in the room alone with the door close, he sets himself against and just chokes out sobs for a few minutes before hearing a knock on the door. “Boy!” Athena chortles in her usual, you’re in trouble voice that in this moment is somehow comforting. “You need to explain what the hell that was. Let me in.” Before doing her command he squares himself; clenching his jaw, standing to his full height and wiping the tears away with the back of his hand.

He lets her in the room, before stepping as far away from her as much as the four walls would allow. Buck can see that that action, has made an impression on Athena with her raised eyebrows which she quickly hides. “Travis Miller” she states, looking Buck straight in the face.

“What?” He replies, his face etched in confusion. “He’s here?”

“Travis Miller. He runs a community centre that helped you as a kid and is trying to set one up here.” She states again but the tone, more commanding this time while she stares at his face, he feels like he’s back in the bank heist interrogation. For a second Buck wonders if she figured it out but he watches her eyes wander over him for answers.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Buck asks, while trying to make his face impassive and make some distance between him and that man. He knows it’s a futile effort after his display but he has to try.

“He’s the one who helped you get records expunged,” Buck inches his head up from looking at the floor and just regards her with a dirty defiance, which falters her for a half a second. He knows it’s because it's a look you’d never see on his face or could imagine. “And he’s here now” she replies quickly trying to get the answer out of him.

“How do you know that? I told you to stay out of my business” he shouts slamming his hand on the table.

“We’ve been in the hall for two hours and you’ve haven’t spoken to once. Then out of nowhere, you attack him.” She tells him unfazed by the slamming of his hand against the wall and him moving closer. Buck can feel the heaviness of her eyes roaming over him, looking for any cracks in his brittle armour, so he stills himself.

“So, what?” He shouts even louder this time, trying to get that distance from everyone.

“Why don’t you want to talk to the man who made you being here possible?” She asks completely calm, only wanting an answer so she can understand.

Athena demeanour was in direct opposition to Buck who threw one of the spare chairs across the small room. “Damn you, Athena. It’s none of your damn business.”

“He says that what happened between you two is your fault,” Athena says trying to persuade him, to give her answers.

“I’m warning you, Athena,” He tells her with more poison than a scorpion while shaking his head “back off!”

As he spits out the final letter the door flies open, and Bobby, Eddie and Chimney are there staring at him in anger and disbelief. “We heard shouting and stuff being thrown,” Bobby says while checking over Athena, making sure she isn’t hurt. Which only convinces Buck that they can never know, they wouldn’t ever trust him again.

Choking down the bubbling cries in his throat, Buck speaks “I’m going to go home”

Even though it didn’t need an answer Bobby gives one infused with a striking bite “I think that would be best”

……

It’s five hours later and Buck is still sitting in his bathroom; where he had been since he got home, he had a panic attack in it and hadn’t felt well enough to leave. At his moment the bathroom was the safest place in his studio because that was the only room that had a lock on the door. The only place where he felt safe in his whole home. The safety of the room was interrupted by knocking, he had ignored for the better part of five minutes. It had only continued, but this time it was accompanied by Bobby’s voice. “Buck, I know you’re in there. Answer the door.” He was told by his surrogate father figure. All Buck wanted to do was pretend that he wasn’t home, but he knew couldn’t Bobby would just come back later so on shaky feet he made his way to the door. Before it was fully open Bobby walked inside and sat down, waiting for Buck to join him.

“What you did earlier was not okay!” Bobby told Buck who nodded his head agreeing. But then the older man continued speaking. “You're a different person than who were as a kid and the person who joined the station.”

Buck moved further back on the sofa, turned his head to the side and Bobby could see the defensiveness take hold of Buck’s features. “Are you trying to say something to me?”

“Only if you’re hiding something, you need to trust us” Bobby back-pedalled, speaking softly. “Trust us enough, to tell us about it”

But Buck's defensiveness was comfortable where it was “Bobby. It’s not about trust.” As he took in a deep breath to start to speak again, the stronghold of defence had been replaced by a desperate need to be believed. “It’s about having a little privacy. I got the right to keep something to myself.” Buck told him while pointing at himself during ‘his right’ and slamming his hand on the coffee table at the end of his sentence. “Look at us, man, we practically live together already” Buck moving back as he started putting even more distance between the two men, escaping any comfort Bobby was trying to give. The thought of being touched by anyone right now wanted to make him vomit.

Buck can see Bobby thinking before he speaks. Then he finally opens his mouth, “c’mon we’re going to miss dinner.”

Buck voice comes out like a sacred child looking for approval “I’m still allowed to come?”

“You’re still family. It’s family dinner” Bobby answers with how you would speak to a toddler. Under his breath, the older man continues on “maybe we’ll get something out of you.”

……

As he stepped into the house, Buck saw Travis sitting at the table drinking a glass of wine. The minute his brain makes the connection, he turns round on his feet to leave but Bobby blocks the door. “No, Evan. Whatever happened between you two, you need sort it out. He obviously cares about you, after everything he’s told me about you, I don’t think I could be as nice.”

“Don’t call me Evan!” Buck spits from a clenched jaw, trying to get through Bobby again.

“Look just stay with him alone for twenty minutes after that if you still want to leave you can” Bobby tells him, Buck eventually nods blinking tears away.

……

Bobby joins the others in the living room and asks “Do you know what happened?” to Maddie.

Maddie just her head and speaks with disbelief “He should be Buck’s hero. Travis practically raised him after our father died, took him on trips, mentored him, they spent all their free time together”

That when all clicks for Athena, her brain finding the final piece of the puzzle it had been doing in the background for the better part of two weeks. “We should have never left them alone. I think I know what he’s afraid of” She tells everyone, but the strange angry panic in her voice worries Bobby. The older couple share a look, Bobby eyes widened and shakes his head. They let a second pass, letting the new information wash over them before running to the two men, followed by the confused others.

They are just out of sight of the two, when everyone freezes on the spot at Buck hissing out “Travis.” It’s a sound so foreign coming from Buck.

“They won’t let you leave?”, the man replies in a casual uninterested tone.

“You already know” Buck answers getting more angry.

“I told them that you allow your emotions to control you” Travis begins to taunt his face curling into something barbaric “like a child. But they already know that.”

“Really because Bobby said you were saying good things about me.” Buck counters trying to spit venom and muster up any confidence.

“You’re good at football, is that meant to be secret?” He asks again unfazed by the man… no the boy

“No, that wasn’t” Buck answers after a second, turning his away to lose eye contact.

“I don’t follow”, Travis continues his tone moving back to casual.

“ All these years. I kept my mouth shut. I let you go on being the hero Travis Miller my mentor” Buck shouts with anger and confidence finally make itself known coupled with conviction. It’s Athena who unfreezes first but something tells her not to move just yet.

“What are you talking about?” The older man asked but this time slightly vexed.

“God, I was so afraid of you. I was afraid of the police, afraid of losing everything I was gaining. But that’s how you work isn’t it. You make sure there’s a hell of a lot to lose, don’t you?” Buck asks angrily through the silent tears. Bobby and Hen unfreeze together, she looks over at him for confirmation. Her answer in a sad soft nod, both of them go to step out but stopped by Athena who just shakes her head.

“I don’t know what you think you remember” Travis replies vexed but trying to remain casual.

“It’s not about what I remember. You sent videos to me of my own abuse” Buck shouts again, wiping the tears away. At that everyone else unfreezes, a blazing fury burning in all of them, but slightly brighter in Maddie and Eddie. Athena stops them before they interrupt telling them he needs this confrontation.

“Now, you’re just talking crazy.” Travis tries gaslighting half heartedly, knowing that he’s got himself in a situation he can’t get out of.

“God, I should have told somebody when I was a kid! When you were helping me. Well, you know what happens in cases like this; once the dam breaks, the flood comes. One person steps up, then another and another. Because we’re not scared of you any more, we know we’re not alone.You’re your own dam.” Buck his voice filled with sobs and cracks but he also holding his head up high with authority.

“Whatever lies your making up.” Travis shouted back.

“They are not lies, you did it to me. You did it to me and filmed it” Buck counters, leaving no room for excuses.

“I did nothing to you or any other kid” Travis tries again but faltering, he has nothing to fall back on.

“One by one, they are going to pile up until there’s so many accusations- you can’t say they’re all lies.” Buck tells him enjoying the fear that he felt on Travis’ face

“ Do you have any idea how many kids I’ve helped get out of our town? Hm?” How many lives I’ve provided.” Travis asks slamming his hand on his chest. At that Bobby can see Buck’s body start to shake violently with sobs. “Look at you. You’d probably be addicted to drugs or dead by now”, the older man says with disgust.

“Yeah, well, it wasn’t for free, was it?” Buck chokes out.

“I pulled you out of the gutter”, Travis tells him a look of betrayal in his eyes.

“I pulled myself out of the gutter, all the way to the LAFD!” Buck shouts back, with even more conviction, this man doesn’t get to claim he the reason for anything good he himself has done.“I did that!”

“You saying I had nothing to do with making who are?” Travis asks, spit flying out of his mouth.

“No, Travis. Actually I’m saying you have everything to do with making me who I am” Buck speaks calmer than earlier.“Because of you, I get to spend the rest of my life actually helping people”

“Look Evan, I never hurt you.” Travis tell Buck trying to hurt the younger man much as possible.“You could have said no.” Buck lets out laugh that is dry and humourless that quickly turns into more crying.

At that Athena steps into the room with her phone to her ear, “Dispatch, I need….”

Her voice is hidden by Travis shouting “I’ve helped a lot of kids.”

“Shut up, you’re lucky I’m not beating the shit out of you.” Eddie tells the man, anger dripping from every word while he and the others use cable ties to attach him to the chair.

“The community centres are needed, it’ll be worse without them.” He tells them, anyone who will listen trying to convince them to let him go.

“Somebody’ll keep them running. The emergency services will. Athena will.” Buck states back.

As he is turning to move to the other room, he hears “Wait. Wait. Evan… isn’t there something you can do for me?”

“You can go to hell” Buck tells him without looking back

Toss a comment (and reblog) to your writer, oh valley of plenty.

[thegoodquotee]

✍️A BEGGAR AND A LADY

#InspirationalStories

As a woman walked down the streets one day, she spotted a beggar. The man looked pretty old, unshaven and ill-dressed. Every passerby looked at him with contempt; Not like they had anything against him, but merely because of who he was- a filthy beggar.

But when this particular woman saw him, she was filled with compassion.

The beggar was improperly dressed for a weather so cold. Precisely, he wasn’t dressed by wrapped up in what looked like a coat from a very old and not-so-warm suit. She kindly asked the man “Sir? Are you all right?”

The man looked at the women, who, clearly by her appearance was a demonstration of what people from a wealthy background looked like. The old beggar thought that she, like every other person, was mocking him. “Leave me alone,” he growled.

The women did not move. Instead, to his surprise, she smiled at him and gently asked if he was hungry.

“No, I’ve just come from dining with the president. Now go away.”-the beggar replied with a notable sarcasm. The woman’s smile did not fade. She slid her hands under the beggar’s arm and tried to pick him up.

“Woman, what do you think you are doing?” the beggar sounded annoyed.

“Is there a problem ma’am?” a policeman shouted, walking towards the lady and the beggar.

“Not at all officer. I’m just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?”-the women replied

The policeman looked at her with surprise- “that man is old jack and has been here for years. What have you got to do with him anyway?”

“I am taking him to a cafeteria to eat something and to get him out of the cold for a while”- The women answered.

“Are you crazy, lady?” the homeless man resisted. “I don’t want to go in there!” Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. “Let me go, officer. I didn’t do anything.”

“It’s a good chance to feed yourself jack. Don’t blow it.”- The officer advised.

After a lot of difficulty, the woman and the officer managed to drag jack into the cafeteria. It was past breakfast and too early for lunch hour of the day. The manager strode towards the table and asked “What’s going on here, officer?” he asked. “Is this man in trouble?”

“She brought old jack in here to be fed,” the policeman answered.

“Not in my cafeteria! People like him are bad for business.”-the manager angrily retorted.

“Now you know why I didn’t want to come in here woman.”- Jack said to the lady-“now let me go. I never wanted to be here in the first place.”

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, I reckon you know Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?”

“Of course I do, ” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.”

“And I guess you make a good amount of money through those meetings.”

“Why does it concern you, I anyway?”

“Because I am the CEO of the company” the women replied, showing no sign of pride in her statement. “Oh.”- it was all that the manager managed to say.

She looked at the officer- “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?”

“No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I’m on duty.”

“Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?”

“Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.”

“I’ll get your coffee for you right away, officer.”-the manager immediately replied.

“You served him right,” he said.

“Oh, believe me officer, that was not what I intended. I have a reason behind all this.” She stared at Jack intently, and asked “Jack, do you remember me?”

Old Jack examined her face- “well you do look familiar.”- He thoughtfully added.

“Do you remember a cold and hungry girl who frequently visited this place when you worked here?” the women asked – “she has perhaps grown old hasn’t she?”

The officer looked surprised. He couldn’t imagine this fine looking woman as a poor and hungry woman.

[thisdaynews]

Joshua v Ruiz II: Kevin Barry warned of a shock but what about the rematch?

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/joshua-v-ruiz-ii-kevin-barry-warned-of-a-shock-but-what-about-the-rematch/

Joshua v Ruiz II: Kevin Barry warned of a shock but what about the rematch?

Ruiz wears “a mask” according to Kevin Barry, who warned of his threat to Anthony Joshua

Andy Ruiz v Anthony Joshua Venue:Diriyah Arena, Saudi ArabiaDate:Saturday, 7 December Coverage:Live BBC Radio 5 Live commentary with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app

“The two worst detectives working in New York!”

As BBC boxing correspondent Mike Costello and pundit Steve Bunce reflect on the June night that changed the boxing landscape, they curse the fact they didn’t piece together clues to see it coming.

Kevin Barry did.

He said people were “kidding themselves” in writing Andy Ruiz Jr off before his fight with unbeaten world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Here Barry – trainer of former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker – tells BBC Sport why he was influenced by his “history” with Ruiz, explains why the champion’s style creates panic, and predicts who will win Saturday’s rematch in Saudi Arabia.

Listen – Joshua: A legacy on the line

‘Ruiz hits harder than AJ despite mask’

Barry emphatically warned Ruiz could prove everyone wrong when he spoke at a news conference 24 hours before the underdog did just that.

The New Zealander was at New York’s Madison Square Garden because Parker was joining forces with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. But the journalists present had one thing on their minds – whether Briton Joshua would face Deontay Wilder after beating Ruiz.

“I had history with Andy,” says Barry, the 1984 Olympic light-heavyweight silver medallist.

“In 2013 I was asked if I would train him. Had the opportunity not been so exciting with Parker, I probably would have.

“In the first year we ended up sparring Ruiz. The first time, Joseph looked at this overweight guy joking around in the ring and looked at me disbelieving and said: ‘Are you serious?’

“Within the first 15 seconds Andy hit him about 20 times. On the way home, Joseph apologised to me.”

Three years on, Parker beat Ruiz on points in Auckland to win the WBO world title. It remains Ruiz’s only defeat.

Barry says: “Andy was on TV coming off the plane, an overweight, short guy. I spent two weeks trying to convince the public that this was a fight against one of the toughest, most battle-hardened fighters at heavyweight.

“You take the mask aside – and by mask I mean the extra weight – and you have a man who was a good amateur and a man I’ve watched chop down big guys time and again.

“I took Parker to fight Joshua in Cardiff in 2018, so I had a front-row insight into that too. Parker has told me the hardest he has ever been hit was by Ruiz.

“I kept thinking about that and Ruiz had just been written off. So I made my opinion known.”

Barry (right) helped train Joseph Parker to a world heavyweight title in 2016

Panic, pressure and avoiding the same result

Barry was in the front row for the seven rounds during which Ruiz sent Joshua to the canvas four times.

As soon as the IBF, WBA and WBO belts were handed to Ruiz, conspiracy theories began to circulate about Joshua’s health. His team have dismissed them as fiction.

“I said to Parker when Joshua was in the ring before the fight: ‘Something isn’t quite right,'” says Barry, 60. “His body language was different. He looked like someone who shouldn’t really be in there.”

Six months on, despite being the champion, Mexican-American Ruiz is again the underdog with the bookmakers.

Barry, who has trained fighters for almost three decades, believes the outcome may hinge on if the champion can again apply constant pressure. At 6ft 2in – though many think he is closer to 6ft – Ruiz must not allow Joshua the chance to make the most of his 6ft 6in frame.

He says: “The biggest adjustment for ‘AJ’ is dealing with Ruiz coming forward as he has not handled that well. Joshua likes to control and dictate. When that is taken away from him, he has shown a weakness.

“The big thing about controlling the pressure of Andy is you have to train yourself to embrace the pressure and not be restricted, depleted or panicked. Being pressed forces you to keep thinking, and that mental pressure will drain you every bit as fast as the physical pressure, if not more.

“To deal with it, Joshua must make the proper use of his height and reach. If he does the same as last time, the result will be the same.”

Joshua has shared social media videos of him honing his footwork since losing to Ruiz. In recent interviews he has stressed he has prioritised working on his skills over other aspects of training.

“Dare I say it, he needs to be more like Wladimir Klitschko,” says Barry, referring to the former world heavyweight champion.

“At 6ft 6in, you must use that jab. When you have so many attributes and strengths, you must use them. Don’t gamble.”

Raising his voice, he adds: “All he has to do is win seven of 12 rounds. I think he will realise – and he really needs to – that you don’t have to win every fight by a knockout.”

More than belts on the line

Barry says Joshua will have needed to work on his mentality after his defeat by Ruiz.

“You have to look at why you were knocked down four times and if you don’t dissect it back to the root, you can never give yourself the mental confidence to move forward,” he adds.

It is reported Joshua will earn a minimum of $85m (£66m) at Diriyah Arena. There is obvious reward but colossal risk – and not just for him.

Hearn has built a formidable stable of fighters, but Joshua is his biggest draw. DAZN – the streaming service Joshua is affiliated to in the US – has banked on his success. A second defeat would hurt both.

“The stakes could not be any higher for Joshua, his trainer Robert McCracken, for DAZN, and Eddie Hearn is under huge pressure,” says Barry.

“It has all the makings of a classic in a country that has never seen a fight on this scale before. It does make you think back to fights like the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and ‘Rumble in the Jungle’.”

So who wins this time?

Muhammad Ali pulled off a major upset against George Foreman at the ‘Rumble’ in Zaire in 1974. Foreman said he “lost something as a man” that night. So did Joshua at Madison Square Garden?

“Ruiz has the belts and everyone says once you become champion you’re 10% better and I think that is a fair statement,” says Barry.

“But I think Joshua will fight a totally different fight. When he had Ruiz down, all he had to do was take his time but he ran in with the wrong punches and put himself there to be hurt.

“This time we will see more poise. If he uses his skills and controls the pressure, I think Joshua wins the fight.”

Ruiz shocked the world in June. But not Barry.

Now the man who warned we could see a new world champion in New York believes the belts will be changing hands again.

Joshua: A legacy on the line

Read More

[flaviersworld]

Facebook post (2018-12-16T18:02:51.000Z)

A Beggar And A Lady: As a woman walked down the streets one day, she spotted a beggar. The man looked pretty old, unshaven and ill-dressed. Every passerby looked at him with contempt; Not like they had anything against him, but merely because of who he was- a filthy beggar. But when this particular woman saw him, she was filled with compassion. The beggar was improperly dressed for a weather so cold. Precisely, he wasn’t dressed by wrapped up in what looked like a coat from a very old and not-so-warm suit. She kindly asked the man “Sir? Are you all right?” The man looked at the women, who, clearly by her appearance was a demonstration of what people from a wealthy background looked like. The old beggar thought that she, like every other person, was mocking him. “Leave me alone,” he growled. The women did not move. Instead, to his surprise, she smiled at him and gently asked if he was hungry. “No, I’ve just come from dining with the president. Now go away.”-the beggar replied with a notable sarcasm. The woman’s smile did not fade. She slid her hands under the beggar’s arm and tried to pick him up. “Woman, what do you think you are doing?” the beggar sounded annoyed. “Is there a problem ma’am?” a policeman shouted, walking towards the lady and the beggar. “Not at all officer. I’m just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?”-the women replied The policeman looked at her with surprise- “that man is old jack and has been here for years. What have you got to do with him anyway?” “I am taking him to a cafeteria to eat something and to get him out of the cold for a while”- The women answered. “Are you crazy, lady?” the homeless man resisted. “I don’t want to go in there!” Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. “Let me go, officer. I didn’t do anything.” “It’s a good chance to feed yourself jack. Don’t blow it.”- The officer advised. After a lot of difficulty, the woman and the officer managed to drag jack into the cafeteria. It was past breakfast and too early for lunch hour of the day. The manager strode towards the table and asked “What’s going on here, officer?” he asked. “Is this man in trouble?” “She brought old jack in here to be fed,” the policeman answered. “Not in my cafeteria! People like him are bad for business.”-the manager angrily retorted. “Now you know why I didn’t want to come in here woman.”- Jack said to the lady-“now let me go. I never wanted to be here in the first place.” The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, I reckon you know Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?” “Of course I do, ” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.” “And I guess you make a good amount of money through those meetings.” “Why does it concern you, I anyway?” “Because I am the CEO of the company” the women replied, showing no sign of pride in her statement. “Oh.”- it was all that the manager managed to say. She looked at the officer- “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?” “No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I’m on duty.” “Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?” “Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.” “I’ll get your coffee for you right away, officer.”-the manager immediately replied. “You served him right,” he said. “Oh, believe me officer, that was not what I intended. I have a reason behind all this.” She stared at Jack intently, and asked “Jack, do you remember me?” Old Jack examined her face- “well you do look familiar.”- He thoughtfully added. “Do you remember a cold and hungry girl who frequently visited this place when you worked here?” the women asked – “she has perhaps grown old hasn’t she?” The officer looked surprised. He couldn’t imagine this fine looking woman as a poor and hungry woman. “I had just graduated and had come to the city looking for a job. Didn’t find one for a really long time. I was running out of cash and had been asked to vacate my apartment too. I lived on these streets for days. It was the cold month of February, I still remember. And that’s when I found this place and walked in hoping to find eatable my little budget could afford.” Jack’s face suddenly lit up- “now I remember you. I used to be at the counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.” “I know,” the woman said. “Then you offered me the biggest roast beef sandwich, a cup of coffee, and a table for me to sit and enjoy the meal. I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register” “So you started your own business?” Old Jack asked. “No, not exactly. That very afternoon I got a job. I worked my way up. Then, I started my own business.” She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. “Please pay a visit to the personnel director of my company. I’ll go talk to him now. I am sure there is something in my office for which we can use your help. We can even pay you a certain amount of your salary in advance.” Fighting back the tears, Jack asked-“How can I ever repay your kindness?” “You don’t have to” the woman answered. “Thank Jesus. He led me to you.” “Thank you for all your help, officer,” she said to him as they both walked out the door. “On the contrary, Ms. Eddy, thank you. I saw a miracle today. And of course, thank you for the coffee” She frowned. “I forgot to ask you whether you used cream or sugar. That’s black.” “I do use cream and more sugar than what is good for my health”- He replied “I’m sorry,” she said. “Please don’t be. I have a feeling that this coffee is going to taste as sweet as sugar”- He replied with a smile.

[fashiontrendin-blog]

The Complete Guide To Looking Good In Shorts

http://fashion-trendin.com/the-complete-guide-to-looking-good-in-shorts/

The Complete Guide To Looking Good In Shorts

Despite what our sweat-drenched calves tell us in the summer, transitioning to shorts can be a risky move. Too short and paired with a matching preppy blazer over a shirt and tie and you risk looking like it’s your first day of primary school. Anything below the knee and you risk looking like a talent show reject in the year 2000.

There are a number of unwavering rules on how and when to pull out the knee-caps and with the world of fashion stylishly catching up with our need for a bit of ventilation, there’s a temptation to flash some leg before summer starts in earnest. Resist if you can. Spring weather is changeable and the azure skies you leave home under are likely to bruise by the time you’re off the bus.

We all know it’s easy to remove layers if you’ve overcommitted; less so to add ones you’ve not brought with you. “Don’t dive in too early,” says Phil Green, global senior operations manager for Farfetch, who advises leaving it until at least mid-May before breaking out your shorts under British skies. Also check ahead on your plans for the day – wearing shorts in spring is an acceptance that you’ve got no after-dark al fresco plans.

The Perfect Fit

Over the last decade, shorts have got shorter. It’s traditional to lay the blame at Daniel Craig’s overexposed legs, ever since his Ursula Andress-esque stride from the sea in Casino Royale, sporting a pair of La Perla shorts that took their name a little too literally. But what’s suitable for James Bond on a Caribbean beach doesn’t translate well to a barbecue in Colchester.

“A length that grazes the bottom of the thigh is best,” says stylist Dan May, who has worked with the likes of David Beckham and Eddie Redmayne. “It’s the most flattering to any body shape and avoids cutting off the knee.” May also advocates a cuff at the bottom: “It offers the illusion of shortness without showing too much flesh.”

That low-thigh sweet spot is imperative even if you’re trying to cover up rather than show off. As with your upper half, acres of fabric only serve to draw the eye to precisely the thing you’re trying to divert attention from.

Even men with big thighs should opt for a slight taper to the knee, while the edges of your shorts shouldn’t extend beyond hip width, otherwise you risk boxiness that makes your calves appear puny in comparison. Ditto anything with cargo pockets – having things to carry is a problem easily solved by picking up a bag.

The Right Shorts For Every Occasion

It’s easy to style a pair of slim, dark jeans in the winter months. But as we swap the snow for sun, those bottoms will start creeping above your mankles and over your knees, creating opportunities for all manner of fashion faux pas. These are the shorts to wear for every occasion, and how you should style them. Unless you’re a wildlife documentarian, mountain boots need not apply.

Chino Shorts

The fallback style for picnics, barbecues and balmy nights out on the Med, chinos let you swerve heatstroke while also meeting the bouncer’s standards if you’re out after dark. “Chino shorts are ideal because they can be dressed up or down if there’s a tighter door policy,” says Kasia Katner, lead stylist at online styling service, Thread, “the best cut being just an inch or two above the knee.”

Team your cotton chino shorts with a classic Breton shirt and a navy blazer and finish off with a pair of loafers. That exclusive rooftop party beckons.

Tailored Shorts

If you’re confident that baring your calves won’t lead to a meeting with HR, this is the style to turn to Monday-to-Friday when the office temperature is set to ‘roast’. Try combining a pair with a neatly ironed shirt, expertly polished Derbies and a lightweight cotton or linen-blend blazer for a sophisticated look that would also work for a date or al fresco dining at an upmarket restaurant.

“Opt for minimal styles in pared-back, muted colours,” Katner advises, stressing the importance of a style that hits the sweet spot just above the knee. “It’s also best to avoid detailing like flap or zip pockets, and anything remotely sports-geared.”

Denim Shorts

As you start to spend more time in your pub’s beer garden than your own, it’s worth opting for a pair of hardwearing shorts that will withstand a few washes – because there will pint dribbles. And maybe even cigarette ash. Making knee-length denim options the way to go. Although not as breathable as their cotton and linen counterparts, denim shorts are durable and transition well to the evening. Better yet, a dark colour will hide most stains and combine well with a shirt come sundown.

Denim shorts have a knack for looking unkempt if styled incorrectly. So swerve the string vest and pair yours with care. Start with a simple slim-fitting tee, then layer a fine-gauge jumper or sweatshirt on top so your teeth don’t start chattering once the sun wanes.

Tread carefully, too. By which we mean it’s never okay to wear denim shorts with flip-flops. Running trainers can be tricky as well, so pull on a pair of canvas or leather low-tops and you’ll be in step with the rest of this low-key look.

Sports Shorts

Unless you’ve set up a sleeping bag somewhere between the leg press and the running machine, chances are you’ll wear your sweaty gym shorts outside the gym, too. Thanks to the era of athleisure though, it is lot easier to look fashionable as you do so. Opt for a subtle pair of sweat shorts (think logo-free jersey) in a versatile colour like black, grey or navy. Or lunge (not literally) towards a streetwear look with something heavily branded from the likes of Nike or Champion.

Keep the rest of your outfit on track by pulling on a crew neck T-shirt and bomber jacket or luxe hoodie. Similarly, neutral hues work well, but revving up the colour with one piece – either the tee or the jacket – can add some punch to this casual look.

Swim Shorts

Oddly – for a market that’s relatively small and seasonal – there’s an abundance of beach and poolside shorts choices for men. The simplest to wear are tailored styles in block colours and quick-drying fabrics that lend themselves to a post-dip lunch.

Cropped retro swimmers that are extra short in the leg have been in fashion for the last couple of years, but approach with caution and more than a couple of legs day sessions behind you. The same goes for bright, coruscating patterns. If you go bold below the waist, be sure everything above it is muted.

“Make sure whatever you do on top is simple, otherwise you can look a little try-hard,” says May. “Always make sure they’re dry and team with a polo shirt to make the transition effortless.”

The Best Shorts Brands

Reiss

Bridging the gap between high street and high end, this stylish British destination is known for timeless design-led fashion. The brand was a champion of the Cuban collar shirt, way before anyone else, and it has a fine range of shorts to go with this summer staple. While most other brands just offer shorts in cotton twill, Reiss has a line in linen, giving you more options for high-summer temperature fluctuations.

Orlebar Brown

Sounds like a long lost Spanish conquistador, is actually the biggest name in luxury swimwear. These shorts are almost too nice to muddy in chlorinated waters, going through the same level of tailoring as suit trousers in a range of exotic prints you’ll want to hang on your wall. Recently, the British brand has also expanded to encompass the rest of your sartorial needs, including some dashing cotton shorts.

Gap

It’s no surprise that the world’s first choice for chinos does an extensive range of shorts. Ordered by the length of the in-seam, you can choose how much thigh you want on show, and there’s just as broad a spectrum of colours. Also look out for reliable, affordable, laid-back denim styles.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren, along with Calvin Klein, resuscitated US fashion in the 1970s, with a range of preppy staples (knitwear, chinos, polos) evacuated from the campus library and onto the beaches of Cannes. Lauren describes his fashion as an American visualisation of Europe in the 1930s, so think what F. Scott Fitzgerald would strut around in if he was allowed to show a bit of knee and you’d be close to the mark.

Available in a range of fits (relaxed, classic fit, stretched slim) and bold colours and patterns, Ralph Lauren probably offers the best range of shorts off the high street.

Topman

The high-street monolith has a reputation for being able to pre-empt the latest catwalk looks without the need to rob a bank to refit out your wardrobe. When it comes to shorts they have one of the most varied selections out there. Alongside evergreen chino styles, this is a good place to come to try more niche trends without spending a fortune.

Frescobol Carioca

Who is this Frescobol Carioca? Some sort of perma-tanned, fabulously flamboyant European designer who makes the finest tailored swim shorts somewhere on the Atlantic coast? Err no, it’s two British stockbrokers who, thanks to some sort of major DNA mix-up in the fashion lab, happen to make luxury beachwear that embodies the carnival spirit of Rio de Janeiro. Who cares where it came from, just appreciate the vivid mosaic patterns and tailored precision.

Gucci

While the shorts market can be a little overwhelmed by a-tad-too-beige options, don’t expect that from Gucci. Its ever-increasing popularity with social media-hungry millennials is precisely because its garments garner Instagram likes. As items of clothing, they always look better as a standalone statement so anchor with plain pieces that neutralise the extravagance.

Marks & Spencer

While the grand old duke of the British high street still does more than a few pairs of dad-friendly cargo shorts and even one or two three-quarter-length horrors, its huge range of shorts also includes some gems. Its tailored chino styles are some of the best value you’ll find anywhere.

Scotch & Soda

The favourite tipple of Ernest Hemingway, we’d like to think the legendary writer would extend his scotch and soda loving ways to the Dutch brand of the same name. Renowned for its progressive style, the label’s shorts offer a slightly more relaxed fit than the buttoned-up, more tailored names on this list, as well as hippy-ish designs that would suit an upmarket gap year.

A brand that flies under the radar, there’s little chance of being caught twinning with that guy from HR by the work photocopier.

Sunspel

The Sunspel philosophy is rather simple: make exceptional, everyday clothing from beautiful fabrics. As such, expect pure lightweight cotton shorts from the British heritage brand with a garment dye (rather than stitching together pre-dyed fabrics, the entire garment is soaked in colour). This softens the shorts and gives them a lived-in feel. Colour and pattern wise, this is not Gucci or Orlebar Brown, but for understated British gent abroad you can’t go far wrong with a Sunspel basic.

Oliver Spencer

If ever there was such a thing as relaxed formalwear it exists in the mind of Oliver Spencer. The designer set up his eponymous brand a little over 15 years ago and it has risen to the top of the British menswear pile with quality tailoring, minus the stuffiness.

In terms of colour, pink hues reign, as do stripes. Short shorts are unwelcome, the Oliver Spencer cut is just above the knee, while linen and jersey are the favoured fabrics for a comfortable fit with zero pretence.

Ted Baker

Ted Baker is the king of surprise. Think you’re getting plain old chino shorts? Bam, there’s a paisley trim underneath to feast your eyes on. It’s the Ted way – a classic shape and fit hiding some marvellous peacocking finishing touch. The short range tends to be a playful take on the chino style, with a slimmer taper than preppy alternatives, while the colours range from playing it dangerously safe to rich and sumptuous.

Selected Homme

From the Danish clothing company Bestseller, which also houses Jack & Jones, Selected Homme differs from its stablemate’s vintage-inspired Americana with a minimal Scandinavian take on menswear. Readily available at Topman, ASOS and John Lewis amongst others, the brand’s printed shorts are minimal and tasteful while the majority of the range is block-coloured with a few striped pairs popping up.

You’ll get 100 per cent cotton at prices that leave plenty of change for a last-minute vacation.

Bonus: The Look Good In Shorts Workout

Shorts are, by their very nature, revealing. So make sure what you unveil is worth showing off. You don’t need Chris Hoy’s legs to look good in shorts, but some muscle definition will boost your confidence and enable you to dabble in more options. “Building a toned physique means you can be more experimental in your choice of shorts,” says May, “so that both tailored and sports-inspired looks work well.”

Two sessions a week is all it takes to build thighs worth showcasing. “You should train your lower body at least twice a week to really see progress,” says Luke Worthington, head trainer at luxury London gym chain Third Space. One session should focus on ‘knee-dominant exercises’; the other, ‘hip-dominant moves’.

Depending on your level, pick one exercise from each category, then perform in order – start with your big lift, then single leg, then your finisher. Try to complete four sets of each exercise – 6-8 reps on the heavy exercises, then 10-12 reps for single-leg moves and finishers.

Knee Session

Heavy: Barbell Squat

Stand with a barbell racked across your shoulders – pinch your shoulder blades back so the weight isn’t on your neck. Push your hips back and squat, keeping your weight on your heels. Pause, then drive back to standing.

Single Leg: Walking Lunge

Stand holding a pair of dumbbells. Step forward into a lunge with your right leg, sinking until your left knee almost touches the ground. Drive up straight into another lunge, this time with your left foot forward. That’s one rep. Repeat.

Finisher: Hack Squat

Stand with a barbell resting against your heels. Squat down to grab the bar, then drive up to standing through your heels – think of it as a deadlift with the bar behind your legs. Pause, then slowly lower.

Hip Session

Heavy: Barbell Deadlift

Stand behind a barbell, feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down to grab the bar, then drive up through your heels to standing. Pause, then slowly lower.

Single Leg: Barbell Step Up

Stand behind a box with a barbell racked across your shoulders. Step up with your right leg, then drive through your heel to bring your left leg to meet it. Pause, then step down, starting with your right leg. That’s one rep. After all your reps, swap legs.

Finisher: Glute Ham Raise

Think of this as a reverse sit-up. Lie face down in the glute ham raise station, heels under the back pad, thighs against the front. Bend forward so your head almost touches the floor, then drive yourself back up to the starting position.