#How Do Golf Alignment Sticks Work

[lanymme]

God I forgot how good Pokemon Sun and Moon were.

The like. background alolan sovereignty stuff and the frankly startlingly sensitive discussion of child abuse and the way they entertwine? Team Skull being kids failed by the system, and that social ill giving room for the Aether Foundation to sort of push its way in and establish a hold in Alola to "do good"? The fact that the stuff the Aether Foundation is doing is really good work from a certain perspective, but is also disruptive, controlling, and not in alignment with the Alolan way of doing things? Guzma being abused as a kid, and ending up pushed around and manipulated by Lusamine, an abuser herself, who knows how to push his buttons?

The whole subplot of looking for a champion, which probably would've been Kukui or Guzma if their own hero and rival story hadn't been shattered by the stuff that happened to them? Guy whose dad broke golf sticks over him develops a perfectionist obsessed with being strong enough that nobody can beat him again, and constantly proves to himself he's safe by throwing that strength around? The way their relationship starts to repair when those societal problems start to be addressed?

And then Gladion and Lillie. God. The way Gladion is the older child who figured out what was happening first and got out of there, went no contact, and had to do what he could to stay off the street. The way Lillie is just starting to figure out and unpack the things her mother taught her, and beginning to become braver and show more independence? How her fucking mother DRESSED HER UP AS THE NIHILEGO, and then her big moment is to put together her own trainer-like outfit, to start picking her own clothes?? The way Lusamine treats her pokemon with zero humanity but pretties up and preserves them horrifically for show, the way the Aether Foundation is engaging in torturous unethical experimentation, as metaphors for the way she abuses each of her children???

The ways in which Guzma, Gladion, and Lillie all bond with Pokemon that sort of symbolically resonate with the kinds of abuse they received and the way they learned to deal with it--Guzma picking bugs, traditionally the weakest type, and Wimpod who runs from everything--showing the kindness deep down in him, and the way he grew up to be strong. Gladion, whose pokemon was more overtly abused, and evolves through his care into Silvally who can take on any type the way Gladion is forced to learn how to adapt to being by himself, and then to being a member of the community? And Lillie with Nebby, who starts out weak and defenseless, helpless, imprisoned, and escapes despite that and gets by through relying on other people, until she learns to take care of herself--and her buddy evolves into the legendary that defends the Alola Region from alien threats like her mother????

fuck that game was good. it fit so well with the themes and aesthetics of pokemon. I really wish they'd make more like it.

[pablogerbolesparrilla]

Best Drills to Fix a Slice in Golf: Take Control of Your Ball Flight

Best Drills to Fix a Slice in Golf: Take Control of Your Ball Flight

The dreaded slice is one of the most common problems in golf, particularly for beginners and high-handicap players. A slice occurs when the ball curves dramatically from left to right (for right-handed golfers), often causing a loss of distance and accuracy. Fixing a slice requires addressing the root causes, which typically involve improper grip, swing path, and clubface alignment. Here are some of the best drills to help you fix your slice and improve your game.

1. The Alignment Stick Drill

Why It Works:

One of the main causes of a slice is an outside-to-inside swing path. The Alignment Stick Drill encourages a more neutral swing path, helping to reduce the likelihood of slicing the ball.

How to Do It:

Place an alignment stick or a golf club on the ground, pointing slightly to the right of your target (for right-handed golfers). This will guide your club on an inside-to-out swing path.

Take your regular stance, ensuring the clubface is square to the target.

Swing your club along the path of the stick, focusing on keeping the club on the inside of the target line as you swing through.

This drill helps to encourage an in-to-out swing path, which can help close the clubface at impact, reducing the slice.

2. The Half-Swing Drill

Why It Works:

A slice can often result from trying to hit the ball too hard, leading to a poor swing path and an open clubface. The Half-Swing Drill focuses on making a controlled, compact swing that can improve your strike and accuracy.

How to Do It:

Start by taking a half swing (about shoulder height) with a short iron or wedge.

Focus on a smooth, controlled swing. The goal is to avoid overswinging and to maintain solid contact with the ball.

Once you’re comfortable with the half-swing, gradually lengthen your backswing, but continue to emphasize control and proper alignment.

This drill will help you focus on a more consistent and accurate swing path while preventing an overactive hand action that causes a slice.

3. The Clubface Control Drill

Why It Works:

An open clubface at impact is a primary cause of slicing. This drill helps you develop better control over the clubface, promoting a square or slightly closed position at impact.

How to Do It:

Take your regular stance, but place a tee or object just outside the toe of your club.

As you swing, make sure the clubface remains square to the target line (or slightly closed) throughout the swing.

Focus on turning your forearms naturally as you make contact with the ball.

If the clubface is square, you’ll notice a straighter ball flight or even a slight draw. If you’re still slicing, check for excessive hand rotation or an open clubface at impact.

4. The Grip Drill

Why It Works:

A weak grip (where your hands are turned too much to the left on the club) is another common culprit behind the slice. Adjusting your grip can help you square the clubface at impact, which is crucial to fixing a slice.

How to Do It:

Begin by holding the club with your normal grip.

Focus on making sure that the “V” formed by your thumb and index finger on both hands is pointing toward your right shoulder (for right-handed golfers).

Your hands should feel more neutral or slightly stronger (rotated slightly to the right) to prevent the clubface from opening too much during the swing.

Once you’ve adjusted your grip, practice hitting shots while paying attention to whether the ball starts to fly straighter.

5. The Pump Drill

Why It Works:

The Pump Drill helps you build muscle memory for the correct swing path and sequence. It’s especially useful for preventing an over-the-top swing that causes a slice.

How to Do It:

Take your normal stance and set up to the ball with a short iron.

Begin by swinging the club back as you normally would, but stop when the club is parallel to the ground.

From this position, “pump” the club forward by bringing it down toward the ball, but don’t hit it yet. Pause about halfway down and check your swing path.

Continue to pump the club for several repetitions, focusing on swinging from the inside and keeping your clubface square.

After several pumps, complete the full swing, making sure the club stays on the correct path and the ball flies straighter.

6. The Towel Drill

Why It Works:

The Towel Drill focuses on ensuring that you’re not coming over the top with your swing, which can often lead to a slice. By promoting an in-to-out swing path, you’ll learn to make contact with the ball more effectively.

How to Do It:

Place a towel or object just outside your right foot (for right-handed golfers) and about a foot behind the ball.

The goal is to swing the club without hitting the towel as you make contact with the ball. If you hit the towel, it means your swing is too steep and coming over the top, which can promote a slice.

This drill helps you focus on an inside-out swing path, which is critical for correcting a slice.

Focus on swinging the club in such a way that it moves on a more natural arc, avoiding an over-the-top motion.

7. The Feet Together Drill

Why It Works:

The Feet Together Drill promotes better balance and rhythm in your swing, which can help you avoid the common error of spinning out and slicing the ball.

How to Do It:

Take your normal stance but place your feet close together so that your heels are almost touching.

Swing the club in a controlled motion, focusing on maintaining balance as you make contact with the ball.

This drill encourages proper weight transfer and helps you avoid swaying or spinning, which can lead to a slice.

Once you’re comfortable with this, slowly widen your stance and continue to focus on smooth, controlled swings.

8. The Weighted Club Drill

Why It Works:

A slice often occurs due to a lack of strength or control over the club, especially in the lower body and arms. The Weighted Club Drill helps build strength and improves your swing tempo.

How to Do It:

Take a weighted club or attach a swing weight to your regular club.

Practice hitting shots with the weighted club, focusing on a smooth and controlled swing.

The added weight helps you develop strength and encourages a more fluid motion, which can reduce the chances of slicing.

Gradually return to your regular club, and you’ll notice an improvement in both your swing speed and accuracy.

Conclusion:

Fixing a slice requires a combination of technical adjustments, consistent practice, and patience. The key is to focus on the root causes of the slice—whether it's an incorrect grip, swing path, or clubface alignment—and work systematically to address them. Incorporating these drills into your practice routine will help you make substantial improvements in your game, and over time, you’ll see your slice diminish, leading to straighter, more accurate shots.

Start practicing these drills today, and you'll be on your way to conquering that slice for good! 🏌️‍♂️

[learn2golfacademy]

Golf Lessons for Beginners: Avoid These Common Mistakes 

Golf combines skill, strategy, and patience. It's a sport that can be incredibly rewarding, offering a unique blend of mental and physical challenges. 

Learning golf, however, can feel overwhelming. There are techniques, rules, and etiquette to grasp, and it is easy to become discouraged, but learning is part of the fun.

One of the best ways to enhance your game is to learn from the mistakes of others. Recognizing and understanding common pitfalls can empower you to avoid them, leading to more enjoyable play and quicker progress. Every round presents an opportunity to learn, and each lesson helps build a solid foundation for your golfing skills.

In this post, we will discuss common mistakes newcomers make during their beginner golf lessons. We will also provide practical tips on how to avoid them. By focusing on these key areas, you can set yourself up for success. 

Beginners Golf Lessons: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Explore the common mistakes made when learning golf and how to avoid them.

Poor Grip Technique

One of the first things beginners struggle with is the grip technique. A poor grip can affect your swing and result in inconsistent shots. Many people, during their beginner golf lessons, grip the club too tightly or hold it incorrectly, which can lead to tension in your arms.

How to Avoid It:

Focus on holding the club gently; firm enough not to drop it but not so hard that you squeeze it. Try different grip styles (like the interlocking or overlapping grip) to find which feels comfortable for you. Practicing your grip with a coach or more experienced player can also help reinforce good habits.

Improper Stance and Alignment

Another common mistake is having an improper stance and alignment. Beginners often stand too close or too far from the ball, or they aim in the wrong direction. This can lead to poor shots and frustration.

How to Avoid It:Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and that you are standing at a comfortable distance from the ball. Use alignment sticks or clubs on the ground to help you visualize your target line. Practice your stance in front of a mirror to ensure you're lined up correctly. Always double-check your alignment before taking a swing.

Overthinking the Swing

Many people overthink their swing mechanics during their beginner golf lessons. They get caught up in trying to remember all the technical aspects, which can lead to hesitation and poor execution. Golf is as much about feeling as it is about technique.

How to Avoid It:Instead of focusing on every detail of your swing, simplify your thoughts. Pick one or two key points to concentrate on, such as your grip and follow-through. Visualize your shot before you swing, and trust your body to do the work. Over time, as you become more comfortable, you will naturally develop a smoother swing.

Neglecting the Short Game

While many beginners focus heavily on driving the ball from the tee, they often neglect their short game, chipping and putting. This can be a significant mistake, as the short game is crucial for lowering your score.

How to Avoid It: Dedicate time to practicing your short game. Spend at least half of your practice time on chipping and putting. Learn to read the greens and understand how to control the speed of your putts. Start with short putts and gradually move back to longer ones. A strong short game can save you strokes and boost your confidence.

Ignoring Course Management

Beginners sometimes make the mistake of playing too aggressively. They aim for the flag on every shot, regardless of the hazards in the way. This can lead to higher scores and frustration.

How to Avoid It:Learn to play smart golf. Assess the course and identify safe spots to aim for. If you see a hazard, consider taking a safer route. Focus on making strategic decisions rather than just trying to hit the ball as far as possible. Good course management can lead to lower scores and a more enjoyable experience.

Avoiding common mistakes in golf is essential for newcomers who want to improve their game during beginner golf lessons. By focusing on your grip, stance, swing, short game, and course management, you can make significant progress. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and the key is to learn from them. With practice and patience, you'll find yourself enjoying the game more and playing better, making each round more rewarding. Find a professional golf academy that charges reasonable rates for their golf lessons and is well-rated by previous students. Then, enroll to enjoy the game.

[shiftgolf]

How to Build Serious Lag in Your Golf Swing: Drills for Effortless Power and Precision

Introduction: Why Lag Matters in Your Golf Swing

Lag is one of the secrets behind effortless power in golf, and mastering it can make a world of difference in your game. PGA Tour players are able to generate incredible speed and distance, thanks in large part to their ability to create and maintain lag. But what exactly is lag, and how can you use it to your advantage? In simple terms, lag is the angle formed between your lead arm and the golf club shaft in your downswing. It's not just for the pros—any golfer can improve their power, control, and accuracy by learning how to harness lag properly.

This guide introduces several drills to help you achieve lag, stop casting, and build power while protecting your body. From basic wrist hinges to advanced practice techniques, we’ll cover ways to build lag into your swing and transform your game.

The Science of Lag: Why It’s Essential for Power and Precision

Lag is like a stored-up spring in your swing, waiting to release at the perfect moment. When done correctly, it creates a whipping effect at impact, where maximum speed and energy are transferred to the ball. Lag allows you to generate speed effortlessly, without excessive force, and the club does the work for you. This results in straighter shots, longer distances, and less strain on your body.

Here’s how to build lag into your swing with drills that emphasize feel, control, and timing.

Drill #1: Exaggerate the Feel of Lag

We need to get you feeling what it is like to have lag stored at the bottom of the swing. In this drill, all you need is an alignment stick, or another club. What you are going to do is lay the alignment stick on the ground to your left, as you’re addressed to the golf ball.

The alignment stick needs to be pointed down the range, and aligned on your heel line of your stance. You will not be taking full swings while doing this drill, but only taking your arms to about waist height. Make sure your wrist is hinged, and a decent angle is being created between your lead wrist and the club.

Now, while holding that angle, drag the handle through the hitting area, and keep the angle until it’s aligned over the alignment stick on the ground.

What this is doing, is forcing you to maintain lag through the hitting area, as well as getting you used to the feeling of it. This is an exaggerated move, but it will translate over to your swing in a less exaggerated way.

While you are hitting balls during this drill, expect them to be very low shots, with a tendency to be pulled. This is because you have extreme forward press at impact, as well as a strong clubface.

To start, it’s essential to get used to what lag feels like at the bottom of your swing. For this, an alignment stick or a spare club can be helpful.

Set Up: Place an alignment stick on the ground along your heel line, pointing downrange.

Positioning: Address the ball, taking your arms to about waist height in a mini-swing. Hinge your wrists to form a decent angle between your lead wrist and the club.

Feel the Lag: Now, as you move forward, focus on dragging the handle of the club through the hitting area without releasing your wrist hinge too early. Aim to keep the club shaft parallel to the alignment stick on the ground.

This exercise reinforces the feeling of holding lag through impact, which translates to more power and better ball striking. Expect lower shots initially, as the extreme forward press at impact exaggerates the lag angle, helping your hands lead through the strike.

Drill #2: Stop Casting with the Swing Drill

Most players lose the angles they create during their backswing as soon as they start their downswing. They unhinge the wrists, and try to “help” the ball get in the air instead of hitting down on the golf ball.

For this drill, I want you to hold the club out directly in front of you, with your arms completely extended. Now, move your hands back, then pull them forward.

What you are going to see, if you keep your wrists loose, is the angle between your hands and the club is going to become very small.

So the club head is going to get behind your hands, then whip forward as you finish pulling through. What this drill is showing you is what it feels like to create lag at the start of the downswing.

The wrists need to be loose while performing this drill, as that’s the only way to witness the lag being created.

If this is done right during your swing, it should feel as though your club shaft is getting closer to your body during the downswing, compared to being “casted” away from you.

Many golfers cast—releasing the angle between their lead arm and the club too soon—which reduces power and consistency. Casting generally results from overly tense wrists or a misunderstanding of the downswing transition. Here’s a drill to help you avoid casting and feel lag naturally.

Hold the Club Out: Extend your arms in front of you, holding the club directly out from your shoulders.

Feel the Angle: Move your hands back, then pull them forward without tightening your wrists. As you do, the angle between your hands and club should become smaller, storing energy.

Swing Without Tension: In your downswing, maintain loose wrists so that the club head naturally lags behind. This mimics the feel of a well-timed release, avoiding the urge to “help” the club through impact.

Practice this drill regularly to build muscle memory for a lagging downswing. You’ll find that the clubhead naturally trails your hands, delivering a more efficient, powerful impact.

Drill #3: The Towel Drill to Encourage Lag and Downward Strikes

Lag works best when your weight shifts properly onto your lead side, allowing a clean, downward strike on the ball. This drill helps reinforce the proper ball contact by adding a feedback mechanism.

Set Up a Towel Behind the Ball: Fold a golf towel a few times for thickness, and place it on the ground about a club head’s distance behind the ball.

Strike Without Hitting the Towel: With this setup, your goal is to make contact with the ball without disturbing the towel. This will only happen if you lead with your hands and maintain your wrist hinge until impact.

This drill reinforces lag by demanding a forward-leaning shaft at impact. Another variation of this drill is to place a tee a few inches in front of the ball; focus on driving through the tee. Both drills will force you to strike downward, creating a cleaner, more consistent ball flight.

Drill #4: Wrist Hinge and Release

A strong lag angle begins with proper wrist hinging. This drill trains your wrists to hinge naturally and lets you hold that hinge until the correct point in your downswing.

Set Up with a Hinge: During your backswing, let your wrists hinge naturally as your arms reach parallel to the ground.

Pause and Feel the Angle: At the top, hold the angle momentarily, then slowly bring the club down without “throwing” the club out.

Release Naturally: Focus on the sensation of maintaining the hinge through the downswing, only allowing the club to release near impact.

This drill teaches your wrists the timing of a delayed release, allowing you to preserve the stored energy until the ideal moment. Practice this regularly, and you’ll develop a habit of holding the lag angle, resulting in more powerful shots.

Drill #5: Stop Helping the Ball in the Air

Many players have the wrong idea when it comes to contacting the golf ball. They will try to help the ball in the air, when in reality that’s the last thing you want to do.

Swinging like this will result in weak ball flights, loss of distance, and very inconsistent contact. We need to start hitting down on the golf ball, as a result from shifting our weight to the lead side, which in return will create lag for us.

In this drill, all you are going to need is a golf towel. Fold the towel a few times so it’s a bit thicker, and lay it on the ground about a club head away from the golf ball.

Having the towel behind the ball does two things: One, it will give you immediate feedback to whether or not you are hitting shots fat/helping the ball in the air, and 2, it will force you to get your hands in front of the ball at impact as a result from lag.

This drill will give you the feeling of proper contact and hitting down on the ball.

Another variation of this drill, if you don’t have a golf towel, is to place a tee a few inches in front of the golf ball. Instead of focusing on hitting the ball, focus on hitting the tee. This will have the same benefits for your swing as the towel drill has.

Lag creates SPEED. Lag creates POWER. Take these drills to the range, and in no time, you will be producing SERIOUS lag.

Golf Lag Swing Trainer

Want a Club That Guarantees You’ll Increase Lag, Stop Casting, and Hit Higher, Longer, & Straighter Golf Shots?

Lag Shot is being used by thousands of golfers to generate more lag, improve their ball-striking, hit more greens in regulation, and ultimately shoot lower scores.

It’s even being recommended by top golf instructors like Adam Bazalgette (3-Time PGA Teacher of the Year), Andrew Rice (Golf Digest Top 50), and Mark Durland (Golf Magazine Top 100)

Using the Lag Shot Swing Trainer for Faster Results:

The Lag Shot Swing Trainer is an invaluable tool that helps golfers build lag by providing instant feedback. The weighted club in the Lag Shot Trainer helps ingrain the feel of lag as you swing. Its flexibility trains your muscles to stay relaxed, while its weight encourages you to maintain lag until just before impact.

Start with Half Swings: Use the Lag Shot Trainer with half swings, focusing on the feel of lag in your wrists.

Progress to Full Swings: As you grow comfortable with the weight and timing, try full swings. The trainer will promote a natural lag, ensuring that your wrists stay hinged until just before impact.

Monitor Feedback: If you cast or release too early, you’ll feel it immediately as the club loses its path. The Lag Shot Trainer’s design forces you to maintain lag until the ideal release point.

Highly recommended by top golf instructors like Adam Bazalgette and Andrew Rice, the Lag Shot Trainer can accelerate your lag-building progress and improve your overall ball striking.

Benefits of Mastering Lag:

1. Increased Distance and Speed

The energy stored in the lag angle boosts clubhead speed, helping you hit the ball farther with less effort.

2. Improved Accuracy:

With better timing and a more consistent release, lag helps to keep shots on target, leading to lower scores.

3. Protection Against Injury:

Lag reduces reliance on muscle strain, protecting joints and muscles, especially as golfers age.

4. Consistent Ball Striking:

Better ball contact, with downward strikes and centered hits, leads to improved control and stability in all aspects of your game.

Conclusion: Build Lag, Transform Your Game

Lag is not just a pro golfer’s advantage; it’s a fundamental that can help golfers of all skill levels hit longer, straighter, and more controlled shots. The drills here, along with tools like the Lag Shot Trainer, provide a structured approach to building lag. By practicing these regularly, you’ll develop the muscle memory needed to retain lag and reap the rewards of effortless power and precision.

So, next time you’re on the range, take these lag drills with you, focus on building that lag angle, and get ready to crush your irons like never before!

[homeimprovement31311]

How To Improve Golf Swing At Home?

How To Improve Golf Swing At Home?

Introduction 

Improving your golf swing at home can be a convenient and effective way to enhance. Your performance on the golf course. Whether you are a beginner looking to develop fundamental skills or an experienced golfer aiming to refine your technique or  practicing at home provides valuable opportunities for improvement.

For more: How To Improve Golf Swing At Home?

 In this guide we will explore a range of exercises or drills and tips that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to enhance. Your golf swing and ultimately lower your scores on the course. So grab your golf clubs or find a suitable space in your home or yard and let’s get started on the journey to a better golf swing.

How Can I Make My Swing Perfect at Home?

Perfecting your golf swing at home is achievable with consistent .Here are steps to help you improve your golf swing

Understand the Basics: 

Start by understanding the fundamental components of a golf swing. This includes grip or stance, posture and alignment. Online tutorials and instructional videos can provide valuable insights. 

Mirror Work: 

Use a full length mirror or record videos of your swing. This allows you to visually assess your posture or  alignment and swing mechanics. Compare your movements to professional golfers to identify areas for improvement. 

Balance and Stability:

Balance is crucial in golf. Practice balance exercises like standing on one foot or performing yoga poses. This will improve stability during your swing.

Swing Plane: 

Create a makeshift swing plane by using a broomstick or alignment sticks. Swing the club along the plane to develop a more consistent and on target swing path. 

Strength and Flexibility: 

Incorporate exercises that enhance your core strength and flexibility. Focus on your lower back hips and abdominal muscles as they play a significant role in your swing. 

Indoor Putting Practice: 

Set up a putting mat or create a putting area with a cup and practice your putting indoors. This helps develop your putting stroke. which is essential for a lower score. 

Impact Bag or Pillow Drill: 

An impact bag or a heavy pillow can simulate the impact position of your golf swing. Practice making solid contact with the bag to improve your ball striking skills.

Slow Motion Swings:

Practice your swing in slow motion to break it down into its components. This allows you to focus on specific aspects.Like takeaway backswing, downswing, and follow through.

Alignment Sticks:

Use alignment sticks to ensure your clubface or body and target are properly aligned. This helps develop a more consistent setup. 

Mental Visualization: 

Spend time visualizing a perfect swing. This mental practice can improve your swing consistency and effectiveness. 

Grip and Posture Drills: 

Work on your grip and posture regularly. Proper grip and posture are the foundation of a good golf swing.

Review Professional Instruction: 

Seek online lessons or instructional from professional golf instructors. They can provide personalized feedback and guidance based on your swing.

Practice Routines: 

Develop a structured practice routine. Dedicate time to different aspects of your swing such as pitching and driving during each session. 

Golf Simulators: 

If you have access to a golf simulator.It can be a valuable tool for practicing your swing indoors with realistic feedback.

Stay Fit: 

Maintain overall fitness through cardio and strength training exercises. Being physically fit can enhance your golf swing  power and endurance.

Remember that consistent and deliberate practice is key to improving your golf swing. It is also beneficial to periodically seek feedback from a golf professional to fine tune your technique. With determination and the proper approach. You can make significant strides in perfecting your golf swing from the comfort of your home.

What Drills can I do to improve my golf swing?

Improving your golf swing involves practicing specific drills that target different aspects of your swing mechanics.

Alignment Stick Drill: 

The Alignment Stick Drill is a golf training exercise or drill used by golfers to improve. Their alignment and consistency in their swing. It involves the use of alignment sticks. Which are typically long slender rods or sticks. That can be placed on the ground to help golfers set up and maintain the correct alignment. Their body and clubface in relation to the tar.

The Alignment Stick Drill is a valuable tool for golfers of all skill levels to improve. Their alignment which is crucial for hitting accurate and consistent shots. It helps golfers develop muscle memory for the correct setup and swing path ultimately leading to better performance on the golf course.

Slow Motion Swing Drill:

A Slow Motion Swing Drill is a golf practice technique. Where a golfer deliberately swings the golf club in slow motion. A much slower pace than their regular swing. The purpose of this drill is to break down the golf swing into its individual components. The golfer focuses on proper form balance and mechanics. It can be a valuable training method to improve swing consistency and identify and correct flaws in one technique.

Once you have practiced the slow motion swing drill and feel comfortable with the correct mechanics. You can gradually increase the speed of your swing to transition back to your regular full speed swing while maintaining. The improvements in your form and technique.

Impact Bag Drill: 

The Impact Bag Drill is a training exercise commonly used in sports like golf and martial arts to improve technique and develop muscle memory. It involves striking or swinging at a target, typically a soft bag or cushion, to work on specific aspects of form or power, and control.

The Impact Bag Drill is beneficial because it allows golfers to work. Their impact position without the pressure of hitting an actual golf ball. This helps in building muscle memory and improving the mechanics of the golf swing. It is often used as part of a broader training regimen to enhance golfer overall performance on the course. Golfers of all skill levels can benefit from this drill to refine. Their swing and achieve better results in their golf game.

Swing Speed Training: 

Swing speed training is a golf specific training method aimed at increasing a golfer’s clubhead speed during their golf swing. This training is designed to help golfers hit the ball farther off the tee and achieve greater distances with their clubs. Ultimately improving their performance on the golf course. Increasing swing speed can be particularly beneficial for golfers looking to gain more distance and be competitive in various golf formats.

It’s important to note that swing speed training should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a golf professional or fitness expert. Overexertion or improper training techniques can lead to injury. Golfers should aim for a balance between power and control in their swings as simply. Increasing speed without maintaining accuracy can lead to inconsistent results on the golf course.

How Can I Increase My Golf Swing Power?

Increasing your golf swing power requires a combination of physical conditioning, improved technique, and consistent practice. Here are some tips to help you enhance your golf swing power.

Strength Training: 

Strength training also known as resistance training or weight training is a form of exercise.That aims to increase an individual. Physical strength by using resistance or weights to overcome muscular resistance. The primary goal of strength training is to develop and enhance the muscles ability to generate force. Which can lead to improvements in muscle size or endurance and overall functional capacity.

Remember that increasing golf swing power is a gradual process. It is essential to strike a balance between power and control. Work with a golf professional to assess your swing and provide personalized guidance on how to enhance your power. While maintaining accuracy and consistency in your game.

For more: How To Improve Golf Swing At Home?

[jimmydemaret]

BIKEHAND Bike Bicycle Professional Wheel Alignment Gauge Dish Dishing Tool

BIKEHAND Bike Bicycle Professional Wheel Alignment Gauge Dish Dishing Tool

The very best Golf Alignment Sticks Pro. BIKEHAND Bike Bicycle Professional Wheel Alignment Gauge Dish Dishing Tool.

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[illfoandillfie]

Kinktober Day 3: Bukkake

Kinktober Masterlist | Regular Masterlist

Pairing: Primarily Ben Hardy x Fem!Reader and Lucy Boynton x Fem!Reader + also Lucy Boynton x Rami Malek + Gwilym Lee + Joe Mazzello

Words: 4,881

Warnings: bukkake (obviously), oral sex (f receiving), 69ing, cumplay, vibrators, some overstimulation, degredation (being called a slut).

A/N: This is something of a sequel to The Dinner Party. As soon as I saw bukkake was an option for day 3 I knew I had to do something with the borhap boys and then I’m too much of a whore to leave out Lucy so here we are lmao.

The day after the dinner party was a mostly quiet one. Ben treated you to a massage which was very appreciated, and then spent the rest of the day showering you in affection, ignoring your protests that you should be thanking him since he’d helped you live one of your biggest fantasies. You spent a long while talking about it too, going over everything in more detail now that you were in a better headspace to think properly. You talked through the emotions the scene had brought up and how close it came to what you’d been imagining. Ben confided which parts he’d liked most and which parts had made him worried and how he’d come close to safe wording once, when Joe had been spanking you. But for the most part he’d enjoyed it as much as you had and you agreed that neither of you would be opposed to something similar happening again. Although you also agreed that if it was a one-off event that would be okay too.   

Everyone remained in London for some weeks though it was hard to organise a group hang out again. You did meet up with everyone individually – Rami and Lucy joined you when Ben bought tickets to the ballet, you met Joe for dinner and drinks, and played a round of golf with Gwil – but it was difficult to find a time you were all free again. And not for lack of trying. It just seemed as if half of you were always busy at any one time. Lucy kept pushing though, eager to see everyone again, and eventually the planets aligned. A meeting fell through here, a lunch was rescheduled there, and all of a sudden everyone was free. There was some back and forth in the group chat about where to meet but eventually it was decided that your place would serve best again. It felt as if everyone was being careful not to reference the last time they’d all come over. It had felt like that every time you’d seen any of them. The most anyone had said was that dinner had been nice and it was good to catch up. But neither you nor Ben were keen to be the ones that brought it up either. For one thing you didn’t want to seem as if you were fishing for compliments, but there was also the uncertainty about far they’d read into such a comment. But even with the slight awkwardness, neither of you had any complaints about hosting everyone again.   

There was a lot less to prepare this time around, just a small afternoon tea rather than a full dinner. Ben did a run to the store to pick up a few necessities like milk and bread and a bag of apples so you could whip up a simple teacake. You had a quick tidy-up but didn’t need to go to the same amount of effort you’d required to set up for the dinner party. You didn’t have to worry about moving the furniture around, or dressing provocatively, or digging out sex toys, or anything like that. And when everyone arrived you sat around the living room on whichever chairs were available with mugs of tea or coffee, chatting casually, and snacking on sandwiches and cake. Some wine and bottles of beer got opened but that was as raucous as the afternoon seemed likely to get. At least, until an hour or so in when there was a lull in the conversation.   

For a moment all the talk seemed to stop. It wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. The silence was perfectly tolerable if a little odd considering how many of you there were. You were just about to ask Gwil how the project he was working on was going when Lucy spoke up.   “So that dinner party was fun.” She said, her eyes flicking from you to Ben and back again.   There was a chorus of agreement from everyone else and you giggled, knowing they were all thinking about what it had felt like to fuck you. Ben slowly lowered his beer bottle without it having reached his lips fully and your heartbeat sped up, wondering if they’d have more to say.   “I just have one small regret about the night,”   “Oh?” You felt as if every cell in your body had frozen in anticipation, wondering what Lucy might have regrets about. Had she disliked something that had happened?   “Well,” Lucy took a sip of her wine as if to fortify herself a little, “I wish we’d made out more. We could have made a show of it for the boys.”   Your body had started to work again but at twice the speed, your stomach somersaulting at the suggestion. You tried to keep your voice level, “Y-yeah, that, um, that probably would have been fun.”   Ben’s head had whipped around to look at you and in your peripheral vision you saw Gwil and Rami exchange looks. The same thought was on everybody’s mind but they were waiting for you. Slowly you turned to look at Ben too, already able to see the excitement in his eyes, “What do you say Benny? You okay to watch Me and Luce?”   “Uh,” he cleared his throat and nodded, “Yeah I’d like that a lot.”   “Rami?” you asked, sure he’d already have talked it through with Lucy but wanting to give him a chance to voice any discomfort, “Do you mind if I kiss your girlfriend?”   He chuckled softly, “No, I don’t mind at all.”   “Okay,” you glanced again at Lucy who had eagerly watched the whole exchange, and then back to Ben who nodded at you and took charge of the situation.    “Right. Lads, help me move the furniture a bit so the girls have some room. Babe, go and get a couple of blankets or sheets or something so that we don’t end up with spunk in the carpet.”   You hopped up and hurried to the bedroom as everyone else began rearranging the furniture. Lucy followed you and, to your surprise, so did Ben. He grabbed the pillows from your bed, pulling their covers off so they could be replaced with fresh ones as you dug through the cupboard for some clean sheets.   “Right, what did you ladies have in mind?” he asked softly as you all busied yourselves.   “Well, I guess, maybe me and Lucy will make out-”   “More,” Lucy cut in, “Not just making out, I want to fuck you.”   You gulped, “Okay. Me and Lucy will fuck and you guys can all watch and jack off over us. How does that sound?”   Lucy nodded enthusiastically, “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”   Ben’s eyes flicked between you but he nodded, “That's what I assumed. Just to be clear though, nothing else?”  “What did you have in mind?” Lucy asked slyly, “I’d be up for blowing you guys too if you wanted.”  Ben laughed, though his cheeks flushed pink, “I wasn’t suggesting anything. In fact, I was going to say it’s probably safer if we put a no touch rule in place. I mean if you want things to be more like last time, obviously I’d be into that and I know Y/N would be too.”  You nodded agreement.  “But this is very spur of the moment, and a lot of planning went into last time. I’d at least want to talk to Rami about offering any, well,”  “Any of our holes?” You suggested, making Ben flush more.  “Yes, that.” He said with a small laugh, “It’s probably better if it’s a look but don’t touch situation. Unless you had other ideas.”  “No, that makes sense,” Lucy said, “I did talk with Rami about it already but the idea of me being shared around wasn’t brought up, it was just about everyone watching me and Y/N.”  “Then I think it’s for the best if we stick with that.”  “Yeah, whatever you guys are most comfortable with,” Lucy said, “As long as I still get to play with Y/N’s cunt.”  Ben smiled at having such a statement addressed to him, but he could see your excitement at the idea and was happy to agree on your behalf.    “Right well, I’m going to go make sure Rami knows whats going on. Why don’t you two go and get these sheets spread out, make it comfy for yourselves, and then I’ll go over the rules so everyone hears them and we can get started.”   You pulled Ben into a quick kiss, “Thanks babe. Love you.”   “Go on, go set up.” He laughed, handing Lucy the newly covered pillows, “Who knew we had two sluts in the group.” 

By the time you returned to the main room it looked quite different. The coffee table had been shifted aside, butting up against a wall out of the way. The couch, arm chair and a few spare seats from around the dining table had been rearranged too, creating something of a circle. Ben pulled Rami aside and you were momentarily distracted watching them chat, until Lucy threw a pillow at your head to get your attention. Laughing again, a little giddy with excitement, you helped her spread out the sheets, laying the pillows in the centre. She observed what you’d created with her hands on her hips.   “There, that should do. How you feel about toys? Got a double ended dildo we could use?”   “Ummm, nothing like that. Theres a regular dildo though and a vibrator. Plus y’know, cuffs and paddles and that.”   Lucy shook her head, “What about that one with the remote we used on you last time?”   “Yeah, I’ve still got that. What are you thinking?”   “I’m thinking the boys could control it. And maybe grab the other vibe too?”   You agreed and hurried back to the bedroom as Ben gathered everyone’s attention to explain the rules of the evening.    “So Lucy and Y/N have graciously offered to be tonight's entertainment but there’s to be no touching involved. You are allowed to talk to them, give them suggestions, make comments about them, call them derogatory names – the same sort of thing as last time. And, of course, you’re encouraged to enjoy yourselves fully and have a cheeky wank while watching them. As long as you keep your hands to yourself. Um, what else,” Ben paused as he watched you re-join Lucy in the middle of the circle, “There is lube, if you’d like to use it. And if you are going to cum, try to aim for the girls or at least the sheets and not our furniture or carpet. Of course you can also-”   You stopped listening as Lucy tugged you down to the floor, situating herself above you so she was straddling your waist. She grabbed your wrists as you reached out to touch her, pushing them over your head and pinning them against the floor as she leaned down to kiss you.   You couldn’t help but arch into her, Ben’s voice calling you a slut still ringing in your ears, as you tried to deepen the kiss. 

Ben had long stopped talking, all four of the guys completely focused on you and Lucy. You were vaguely aware of the sounds of them getting comfortable as Lucy let your wrists go. She sat up straighter and drew her dress over her head, revealing the matching bra and panties she wore.    “Came prepared?” you asked which just made her laugh.  “Now you,” she said, shuffling back so she could strip you too. You hadn’t put in as much effort with your underwear, not having expected to show it off for anyone other than Ben, but someone still let out a long low whistle of appreciation.  Lucy giggled as she resettled herself on your hips and leaned down to kiss you again, distracting you as her hand reached for the vibrator.   You jolted as she pressed it against your clothed clit, holding it there until you let out a soft hum of pleasure. And then, just as soon as it had started it stopped. Lucy sat up again and looked around at the entranced men, all of whom seemed to be a little dazed.   “Well c’mon boys. We wanna see your cocks.”   There was a sharp intake of breath and then you heard zips lowering as each of them complied with Lucy’s request.    She just grinned at you.  

You had enough time to glance around and see Ben in one chair, slowly stroking his semi-hard dick, before Lucy surprised you with the vibrator again. She held it against you, turning up the speed of the vibrations and using the tip to draw circles over your clit as you squirmed underneath her. Rocking forward Lucy let out her own soft hum of pleasure as she rubbed herself against the vibrator too.  From somewhere above you came a soft groan from one of the boys, though it was hard to tell who exactly when Lucy was once again adjusting the speed of the toy. She turned it up a notch, the buzzing getting louder as the speed increased, and held it firmly in place. Her other hand rested against your thigh so her back was arched slightly as she rocked against the toy, both of you keening and moaning softly as it drew you towards the edge.   You came first, mouth falling open as you shuddered with the orgasm, but Lucy kept the vibrator in place until she’d reached her peak too. She didn’t take much longer than you did but it was long enough to have you whining as the pleasure teetered on the edge of pain. You felt nearly breathless as she shut it off and put it aside.  

Looking up at your captive audience, Lucy asked, “What would you fellers like to see me do to the slut next?”  It was quiet for a bit. You waited, still trying to catch your breath, to see if anyone would comment on your fate.  After a moment Joe spoke up, “I think you shouldn’t throw stones in glass houses Luce. You’re as much of a slut as Y/N.”  Lucy laughed, “Fair point. So then what would you like to watch two sluts do?”  Joe didn’t even pause, “I think you should 69.”  “That does sound fun,” Lucy said, already reaching for your knickers, “Someone unclasp my bra for me?”  You let her work your underpants down your legs, watching as Joe happily stood up to help Lucy with her bra. She shucked it off and stood to remove her panties which gave you time to rid yourself of your own bra, leaving you both naked.   The next thing you knew as you settled back against the pillow, was Lucy lowering herself over your lips and the salty sweet tang on your tongue as you licked along her wet slit.   She hummed in response, and rocked against you, cooing about how good you were and how you were going to make her cum again, encouraging you to delve deeper and taste more of her.   “I said 69 Luce,” Came Joe’s voice and then she lowered her head to your pussy too, her breath warm as she lightly licked along your lips. 

Knowing that there were so many eyes on you was definitely a turn on, especially when you could hear the boys. They made comments about you and Lucy, calling you good sluts for keeping them entertained, grunting about how hot it was to watch as they stroked themselves. And then there was the sound of their strokes too, hands on skin, occasionally assisted by the wet of lube or spit. You could hear their hisses and hitched breaths mixed in with Lucy’s own sounds as she spread your lips with her fingers and lapped up your juices. The only problem was that Lucy’s ministrations were too light. Her tongue and lips felt nice as she traced them along your slit and flicked against your clit, but you wished she’d be a little firmer or faster. To compensate, or maybe in an attempt to demonstrate what you wanted, you sucked harder, pressed your tongue more firmly to her cunt. Which just made her climax sooner. She moaned when she hit her release, still bent over you but breaking contact so you were left wishing she’d just keep going.   She rode out her orgasm on your face and then sighed with satisfaction as she crawled off you.  “Lucy,” you pouted, wiping your mouth, “I didn’t finish.”  She clicked her tongue and mockingly pouted back as she knelt between your legs, “Boo hoo.” Her fingers lightly traced along your lower stomach, making you shiver, “You already came once, isn’t that enough.”  “I’d prefer more.”  She let her hand trail lower, down to your clit, “Hmm, my mistake.”  And then all of a sudden she was pressing two of her fingers into you, making you gasp. With her free hand she spread your lips open, offering the others a clear view of her fingers disappearing into your hole, all the while teasing you for being so wet and so desperate for more.  You moaned as she adjusted her pace, speeding up, fucking you hard and fast with her two digits, but it wasn’t enough to get you close to orgasm.   “Please,” you whined after a little while, but Lucy only laughed, continuing to finger you in the same way for a few more strokes before suddenly pulling out.  

Before you could so much as open your mouth to swear, Lucy was pushing something new into you.  Your voice cracked with your moan as she turned the egg on, the vibrations hitting all the spots Lucy hadn’t hit before. You were aware of Lucy kneeling over you as you writhed on the floor, unable to escape the constant stimulation. But, as you drew closer to the edge, it became harder and harder to take in what was happening around you. You were vaguely aware of one of the boys groaning but otherwise you were completely oblivious to the rest of the group, entirely consumed by your cunt and the release you’d so craved washing over you. Even when Gwil stood up aimed his cock at you, rapidly jerking himself until his semen painted your stomach, you barely had any clue it was happening. No one had stopped the egg, no one had slowed it. You gasped Lucy’s name, trying to tell her it was becoming too much but she didn’t answer. It wasn’t her fault though. You were too distracted to notice that Joe had gripped Lucy’s hair and pulled her around to face him. As you clutched at the sheets and wailed to god, Joe was groaning through his own orgasm, one hand holding Lucy in place so that not a drop missed her face. You only became aware that Lucy no longer had the controls when Ben shoved her down and told her to suck on your tits. Whoever had taken the controller from her, or picked it up when she dropped it, was kind enough to slow the vibrations to a less consistent pattern but they didn’t turn it off. Instead you experienced brief moments of piece between the harsh seconds of high intensity vibrations. And on top of that your nipple was enveloped by the warm wet of Lucy’s mouth. Joe’s cum spread from her cheeks and lips to your skin as she mouthed and kissed at every inch of your breasts. It must have made for a nice show because before long Ben was splattering his seed over Lucy’s back as Rami sprayed cum over your neck and into your mouth as you opened it to scream through another orgasm.  

When the egg did stop, you were panting for air. Lucy was on her knees again, facing away from you and giggling as she drew her fingers across her cheek and licked them clean, clearly putting on a show for the boys.   “You guys really must like seeing us be so slutty,” she laughed and you saw Ben and Gwil nod in unison. Gwil was already hard again, slowly stroking himself once more though Ben clearly needed some more time to recover. Sitting up, you glanced around and saw Rami watching you as Joe examined the controls of the egg. An idea had already formed as to how to get some revenge upon Lucy and so you held your finger to your lips before either Rami or Joe could give you away. Joe winked and Rami broke into a smile as you reached out for the discarded vibrator and quietly shuffled towards Lucy, her back still marked with Ben’s cum. Of course, both Ben and Gwil spotted you creeping up but they held their silence, Gwil telling Lucy to open her legs a little wider as if it would help get him off again. She obliged, her focus entirely on his weeping cock as she absentmindedly touched her pussy.   “I know I’m not allowed to touch you,” Gwil said, “but I think it would be alright if you helped me out, don’t you?”  “I suppose that would be okay,” Lucy said, hesitating for half a second before drawing her wet hand away from herself and reaching up to grasp Gwil’s cock.   It gave you the perfect opportunity to close the distance between you and to press the tip of the vibrator against her hole,quickly pushing it in as you turned it on. It didn’t come up against much resistance, wet as she was.   “What the f-oh!” She gasped as you thrust the buzzing toy in and out of her, adjusting the angle until her legs tensed and she moaned. And then you held it there as she dropped her hand and tried to bat you away. You tutted in her ear and told her you were just repaying her for what she’d done to you, beginning to properly fuck her with the toy, keeping it angled to hit whatever spot you’d located that she clearly enjoyed. The sight of you pumping the vibrator into Lucy’s pussy as you reached around to palm at her breasts obviously worked for Ben, his cock getting stiffer before your eyes. You heard Joe and Rami move towards you as well, though you couldn’t see how eagerly they watched as Lucy cried out and came.  You felt very pleased with yourself for about a second before the egg jolted to life inside you again and you matched Lucy’s cry with your own, your hand slipping from the end of the vibrator. It stayed inside Lucy for a little longer, her cunt clenching so hard that it kept the toy in place, but before long it had slipped from her, still buzzing where it lay on the sheets.  Joe still held the controls for the egg and adjusted them constantly, making the egg buzz higher and lower and stop and start so that you were barely feeling it beyond brief bursts of pain tinged pleasure.  “Fuck that was hot,” Gwil grunted, his thumb spreading precum over his tip and down his length, “Both of you sluts looks at me.”  You dragged your eyes up to his cock, watching how his fist sped up as he got closer and closer and then finally came again, making sure to hit you and Lucy’s chests. 

There was a cheer as you felt yourself be manhandled into facing Lucy. She winked at you and bent forward to lick the cum from your tits, keeping it on her tongue so that when she kissed you, you could taste it. It mingled with her saliva and yours, streaked over your lips as Lucy deepened the kiss, making sure her tongue met yours so she could share every drop. What sperm had newly been spread over Lucy’s chest soon smeared across yours as she pulled your in close, your nipples brushing as you got drunk on her kiss. You were still feeling buzzes from the egg inside you though you doubted Joe still had the controller since the pattern was no longer as random. However, Lucy had no toy shoved inside her cunt to keep her on edge. Instead she manoeuvred so that her pussy pressed against your thigh, leaving a wet trail where she dragged it over your skin.   You automatically lay a hand on Lucy’s back to hold you steady, inadvertently spreading the cum that had been left over her.   That did it for Ben who grunted as he dripped more cum over you and Lucy as you made out.  “Go on Luce, pin the whore and grind your cunts together.” Rami suggested, clearly enjoying seeing his girlfriend on top of someone else.   She didn’t need to be asked twice, gladly pressing you to the sheet again and climbing on top.   All you could do was whine at the inconsistent vibrations within you, looking up as Lucy pressed her pussy against yours, their slick mixing as she gyrated her hips. And then you felt it. Lucy had reached for the still on vibrator that had fallen from her. She pressed it between you and at the same moment, whoever now held the controller for the egg vibrator turned it up so that you felt the buzzing from inside and out. You screamed at the combination of sensations, pinned under Lucy and unable to escape.   Lucy was moaning too, getting off on you. And you felt a sticky kind of wetness as Rami’s orgasm landed on your mound. Lucy used her fingers to spread it across her pussy and then continued to grind against you, the white of his release adding to the creamy wetness that already existed from both your cunts.   You were the next to cum, unable to hold off as the egg got louder and faster. And then Joe who didn’t seem too fussed about aiming for either of you. His cum spilt onto the sheets around you but neither of you noticed. You were too busy whining as you once again became overstimulated and Lucy was entirely distracted by her quest for a final orgasm. By the time she reached it you were nearly crying, but thankfully she shook with her well earned climax and then slipped from you to lay on the floor.  

Ben had already zipped himself away and was quick to catch the vibrator and turn it off as whoever had the controls mercifully switched yours off as well.  You hissed when you tried to move, the egg still rubbing the sensitive spot but Ben hushed you and gently removed it from your pulsing pussy.   “Joe, Gwil. D’you guys want to get everyone some water?” He asked, though it wasn’t really a question.  They agreed and you heard their footsteps disappear through the doorway. Once they’d gone, Rami helped Lucy up as Ben helped you, leaning in to kiss your forehead softly.  “Are you both okay?” Rami asked, concern written in his features.  Lucy said yes as you nodded and, satisfied, they assisted you towards the bathroom, letting you each lean against them as you walked slowly.  Ben tried to insist on helping you clean up but you told him it was fine and shut the door so that you and Lucy could run some warm water and clear away the evidence of your debauchery.   Lucy laughed, seeming less worn by the second, as you scrubbed her back clean with a flannel, “That was a lot of fun.”  “Yeah it was. Really glad you suggested it.”  “Good. I was a little worried you wouldn't go for it after last time.”  “Are you kidding? Me and Ben were both kind of wondering if anyone would want to do something like that again. But we didn’t want to just ask for it in case it seemed like that was the only reason we’d want to hang out.”  “Think it’s safe to say everyone would be on board if you ever suggested a dinner party again.”  You laughed too, “Yeah, I think you’re right. 

Rami knocked on the door as you were washing yourselves so he could return your clothes to you and by the time you were both redressed the living room was almost back to normal. The chairs were still rearranged but no one seemed too bothered by it. When the boys realised you and Lucy were coming back, a round of applause broke out. You laughed, a little embarrassed, but gave a bow as if you were completing a performance, Lucy joining in beside you. She made her way to the couch where Rami sat, curling up and laying her head in his lap as she finally relaxed. You found Ben, sure you weren’t going to have the same emotional reaction you’d had to the events of the dinner party but wanting to be near him just in case. He was in an arm chair so you climbed onto his lap, resting your head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around you.   You felt tired and a little sore but very very satisfied and your heart was nearly bursting with how lucky you were to know such a wonderful group of people.   Ben’s hand was warm and heavy where it rested on your side but you didn’t mind. It was comforting. As was the gentle rumble of his chest as he spoke, laughing with Joe about something as if there hadn’t been an interruption 

Taglist: @labessieisallama @deakyclicks @jennyggggrrr @drowseoftaylor @hannafuckingsucks @i-cant-hangout-im-drumming @queenmylovely @ilovequeenmorethanyou @johndeaconshands @borhapbois @stardust-galaxies @cherries-n-rocknroll @rogersslave @scorpiogemini

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I Forgot That You Existed : Chapter Nine

A/N: Chapter nine is here. It’s showtime. Kind of a musical chapter. The concert part is completely based on Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour you can watch the concert for better visualization of that part. Only one more chapter to go before the epilogue. Hope you like this chapter. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

Pairing : Tom Holland × Singer reader

Summary : It's been more than five years since you and Tom have gone their own ways after a heartbreaking breakup which had left both of you shattered. Both of you thought that you were finally over with each other and were happy in your respective lives until you meet again at a reunion trip planned by your best friend and you realize you are still not done with each other.

Warnings : none

Mini Playlist : Are you ready for it, I did something bad, Gorgeous, Delicate, Shake it Off, Style, Love Story,You belong with me, This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things and Cornelia Street by Taylor Swift

After reading out the letter you let out a deep sigh you felt a little giddy as you shakily folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. You sat on the bed immersed in deep thought for how long you don't know. The words written in the letter were constantly reeling in your mind. You felt as if someone had placed a mirror in front of you and you can’t hide from your real self. You were snapped out of your train of thoughts when you heard Harry going off about something. You went out of your room and stood on the corridor upstairs holding on to the railing as you looked down to see everyone gathered. 

"What happened?" 

"Tom is not answering his phone, he said he would return by afternoon and it's almost evening now." Sam said. 

"I'm so done with his careless attitude, what does he think of himself?" Harry grumbled. You puckered your face thinking suddenly you remembered something. 

"Okay guys calm down I know where he could be." You went to your room to grab your bag and came down the stairs. 

"Don't worry I'll bring him back before dinner." You said before leaving. 

The cliff top was the only place you both used to go when you felt down. So you started to walk in that direction. The sun was setting and as you had guessed you could see him from a distance sitting there. You went to one of the stalls and bought two beers before going up to him. 

"I knew I would find you here." You said nonchalantly. Tom turned his head. 

"Oh.. Hey" 

"Why aren't you answering your phone? Everybody is worried for you." 

"Sorry didn't mean to bother anyone." 

"Here." You handed him a beer bottle. As you sat beside him, you clinked your bottles taking a sip you spoke. 

"So how are you doing?" 

"Fine I guess." 

"You wanna talk about it?" 

"No. " You scoff rolling your eyes and grabbed his jaw making him face you. 

"C'mon talk to me"

"There's nothing to talk about Y/N, I'm fine, really fine." You turned your gaze to the horizon letting out a deep breath. 

"Why did you let her go?" you said softly.

"Because that will be best for us." 

"But you were in love with each other." 

"Maybe. Or she was just in love and I was looking for a distraction which I had mistaken as love" 

"See nothing has ended Tom if you want I'll go talk to her and apologize for everything." 

"You don't need to do that, you haven't done anything to apologise. It was all my fault whatever happened today and six year ago I'm to be blamed. My insecurities made me indecisive. For the first time in these six years I have made the right decision." Tom ranted. 

"I'm sorry Y/N I'm really sorry for everything." You placed your hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

"Hey if you're to blame then I'm equally guilty too. Everyone told me to sort out our differences but I didn't. Moreover, I hid the truth about our baby from you and your family. I'm sorry too. And if I wouldn’t have come here in the first place none of this would happen." 

"By the way, sorry for ditching you today at the rehearsals."

"Though I was mad at you before but now it's okay." 

“Is it ok for you to drink cold stuff before your concerts doesn’t it affect the throat?”

“It’s absolutely fine mom. Plus I need it, you know, stress relief.”

"Hey you remember when we were in high school we sneaked out to go to that party our parents told us not to go and got really drunk and your parents caught us late at night when you were trying to get into your house through the window." 

"Oh that was a hell of a night and we got caught all because of Harrison who tripped on one of our flower pots in the backyard breaking it and waking up my parents." You scoffed. 

"Then my parents told both of your parents. And we all got a two hour lecture the next day with one month being grounded." 

"You and Haz always used to fight when we were younger." Tom chuckled

"Yeah because that div had an annoying habit to pull my hair. And you know how much I hate when someone touches my hair" 

"By the way I watched your recent movie it was really good." 

"Thanks" 

"Though I felt the intimate scenes were quite sloppy" you stick out your tongue and chuckle. Tom rolled his eyes.

“Because you weren't there princess I don't get the feel and passion unless it's you.” He winked. You rolled your eyes.

"Your new album really took me by surprise. I was left wondering where did my naive country girl go?" 

"Had to put some people in their place." You gave a sly grin. 

"That was hell of a comeback." 

"Sure it was.. Going by the words of the media, 'PHENOMENAL!', 'RECORD BREAKING!', 'SAVAGE!'." You both giggled. 

"I thought you didn't like my songs."

"Oh C'mon, you believe that?" 

"I haven't been here around six years. A lot of things have changed so who knows?" you shrugged. 

"This feels good... Us together having heart to heart conversations like old times." Tom said. You hummed lacing your fingers with Tom's, resting your head on his shoulder. 

"You sent the VIP passes to Mrs Nelson?" 

"How can I forget our little special guest."

"Vienna is such a sweet girl that reminds me of…" you stopped as memories of when you were going to be a mother flashed in front of you. 

"I don't know why I'm sharing this but we were going to have a girl." You mumbled placing your other hand on your belly. 

"You know the time when Destiny was inside me." You said fiddling with his fingers. 

"Destiny?"

"Yeah I had thought to name her Destiny. I know it's silly." You shrugged. 

"No it's actually cute." 

"Those were the most precious moments of my life. A tiny speck of life growing inside me that we made, accidentally though.” You gave a low laugh.

“Motherhood is a whole new feeling.She would have been the same age as Vienna and maybe we would have been celebrating her 5th birthday here." You said with a hardened gaze. 

"Sometimes I really feel she might have known that I'm going to be a horrible mother that's why she left me." 

"Hey don't you ever think like that you would have been the best mom." Tom said with a serious tone looking at you.

"Hmm.. I really missed you." You snuggled into him. 

"I missed you too." Tom pecked on your hairline. 

"So what did you actually miss about me?" 

"Umm.. let me think, I definitely missed the face you made after losing in golf. You were such a cry baby" you chuckled.

"You are never letting that go aren't you?"

"Nope" 

"Then I missed your half burnt pancakes." 

"I missed your soft curls and I mean it" you ruffled his hair with your hand. 

"I honestly hated your buzz cut. It was so depressing for me to see you without the curls I adore so much. I felt so angry on the Russos I thought of giving them an earful for why they made you cut your hair." 

"But I felt really good, no need for styling. And what about you? You also cut your hair short." You straightened yourself. 

"Hey! That's a bob cut that has nothing to do with your buzz cut. I atleast had hair on my head." You retorted. 

"Okay.. what other things you missed?" 

"I missed your unruly eyebrow" you brushed your thumb over his eyebrow. 

"I missed your crooked nose." You booped his nose with the tip of your index finger. 

''I missed your smile and your soft lips" your hand rested on his cheek. 

"And?" Tom said in a low voice your faces were inches apart as you breathed heavily.

" I..I" you stuttered as you glanced at his lips. Tom licked his lips watching you enigmatically. You cleared your throat and pulled away immediately. 

"Never mind what did you miss about me huh?" Tom was snapped out of his trance as he blinked his eyes a few times. 

"What did I miss?" 

"Uh.. I missed watching sunsets like this with you." 

"I missed the priority access to your new album and listening to them up close. You are still not going to tell me about the song you are going to sing in the end are you?"

"Nope you have to wait mister that's a surprise. Okay now continue" 

"Well I missed this adorable face, I missed these beautiful eyes which could read me like an open book, I missed this captivating smile which can light up my whole day, I missed you so much." He tucked in the loose strands of your hair flying in the sea breeze behind your ear. 

"Y/N I.. I" 

"No Tom, don't say those words. Don't make it harder for me to leave than it is already." 

"Then don't leave." Tom hold on to your hand. 

"We don't have a choice Tom." You got up. "Now come on let's go back before everyone gets even more stressed than they are already for us." 

Your heart crumbles under the weight of the fact that the love you share isn't enough for either of you. You could finally tell that you want to live your life with him. But you don't want to get carried away with the misconception of proclamation of love equates to a happily ever after. You know your realities are not aligning. 

Tom stood up and laced his fingers into yours. You smiled and gave a little squeeze to his hand as you both walked down the road hand in hand. 

Tom looked at you intently. He wanted to hold on to you tighter and believe that maybe this time things would work out as he had dreamed of once but he knew you had let go long before that. You are hurt and scared to fall in love again. And he is desperate to try and make you realize that your long lost love is still alive and wants to come back to you. You just need to open your arms and embrace it. 

"Here I brought back your brother safe and sound." You said reaching home. 

"Why do you have a phone if you're not going to answer it?" Harry scolded Tom. 

"Okay it was my fault I'm sorry." 

"Guys I have an announcement. As you know tomorrow is my concert so I have arranged VIP passes for you guys." Everyone cheered. 

………………….......

Next day went really fast as the time came for your concert. Thousands of people waiting on the ground just to get a glimpse of you and listen to your songs. Your heart was racing even after performing so many concerts the anticipation was killing you as you got ready looking into the mirror touching up your makeup for the one last time. 

"Y/N are you ready?" Tom said, his jaw dropped as you turned around. 

"Wooww! You.. You look ravishing." You giggled. 

"Thanks Tom." 

"Okay it is going to start in five minutes. Don't worry everything will be fine, I will be there backstage." 

"Tom, Tom, relax , you seem to be more stressed than me. I have done this before a lot of times. You just enjoy the show, I got this." 

The stage was set, the stadium was full, the crowd cheering at the top of their voice as the show began. 

Pre recorded song playing

Baby, let the games begin

Let the games begin

Let the games begin

Baby, let the games begin

Let the games begin

Let the games begin

The screen doors slide open as you enter the stage. Audience went crazy cheering loudly. You stood in the center and pulled down your hood of the jacket you were wearing and started singing.

“Knew he was a killer first time that I saw

 him loved and left haunted

But if he's a ghost, then I can be a 

phantom

Holdin' him for ransom

Some, some boys are tryin' too hard

He don't try at all, though

Younger than my exes but he act like such a man, so

I see nothing better, I keep him forever

Like a vendetta-ta

I-I-I see how this is gon' go

Touch me and you'll never be alone

I-Island breeze and lights down low

No one has to know

In the middle of the night, in my dreams

You should see the things we do, baby

In the middle of the night, in my dreams

I know I'm gonna be with you

So I take my time

Are you ready for it?

Me, I was a robber first time that he saw me ............”

You continued singing. After the song ended you paused to look at the whole stadium as the audience cheered loudly. You peeled off the jacket to reveal the bodysuit you were wearing. The notes for your next song started playing.

“I never trust a narcissist

But they love me

So I play 'em like a violin

And I make it look oh so easy

'Cause for every lie I tell them

They tell me three

This is how the world works

Now all he thinks about is me

I can feel the flames on my skin

Crimson red paint on my lips

If a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing

I don't regret it one bit, 'cause he had it coming

They say I did something bad

Then why's it feel so good?

They say I did something bad

But why's it feel so good?

Most fun I ever had

And I'd do it over and over and over again if I could

It just felt so good, good”

Fireworks went off, it was spectacular to watch. 

"Holyy!! Shit!! Man she's literally a queen. Just look at her." Ed exclaimed. Everyone agreed to him as they all witnessed you in your full glory from the VIP seating area. 

“That’s my girl!!!” Zendaya exclaimed.

“I never trust a playboy

But they love me

So I fly him all around the world

And I let them think they saved me

They never see it comin'

What I do next

This is how the world works

You gotta leave before you get left

I can feel the flames on my skin

He says, "Don't throw away a good thing"

But if he drops my name, then I owe him nothin'

And if he spends my change, then he had it comin'

They say I did something bad

Then why's it feel so good?

They say I did something bad

But why's it feel so good?

Most fun I ever had

And I'd do it over and over and over again if I could

It just felt so good, good

It just felt so good”

(Loud cheers from the audience.)

"Well good evening Cornwall!! And welcome to the Reputation extended Stadium tour beach carnival concert." 

"You know guys I have been coming to this area since I was about 15 years old. So it's a good long history between us. And I want to say thank you for a few things. First of all having been to Cornwall as many times as I’ve been here, I know how many things are available for you to do on a Saturday night. You have lots of options and you decided to spend your Saturday evening with us. Thank you so much!!" Audience cheers loudly.

"You may have heard this. It’s a little known fact. This is the last night of the beach festival and my tour." audience cheering. 

"And so you decided not only to spend your Saturday night with us, but to come here and commemorate the last night of the festival. That is such a beautiful thing."

"Thank you for deciding all of those things tonight. I would even say it’s something even more than beautiful. It’s like a step above beautiful. What’s the word for that, Cornwall?"

Voice echoes "Gorgeous"

"That’s the one." You chuckle. 

Notes of Gorgeous playing

“You should take it as a compliment

That I got drunk and made fun of the way you talk

You should think about the consequence

Of your magnetic field being a little too strong

And I got a boyfriend, he's older than us

He's in the club doing, I don't know what

You're so cool, it makes me hate you so much (I hate you so much)

Whisky on ice, Sunset and Vine

You've ruined my life, by not being mine

You're so gorgeous

I can't say anything to your face

'Cause look at your face

And I'm so furious

At you for making me feel this way

But, what can I say?

You're gorgeous

You should take it as a compliment

That I'm talking to everyone here but you (but you, but you)

And you should think about the consequence

Of you touching my hand in the darkened room (dark room, dark room)

If you've got a girlfriend, I'm jealous of her

But if you're single that's honestly worse

'Cause you're so gorgeous it actually hurts

(Honey, it hurts)

Ocean blue eyes looking in mine

I feel like I might sink and drown and die”

You're so gorgeous

I can't say anything to your face

'Cause look at your face

And I'm so furious

At you for making me feel this way

But, what can I say?”

"And now Cornwall I would like to introduce you to the incredibly talented gorgeous women of the tour." 

"Make some noise!!!" the audience cheered. 

"For Jazz!, Maria!, Gracie!, Kamilah!, Jeslyn!, Melanie!, Nadine!, Stephanie!, Yoe!, Eliotte!" 

"And I'm Y/N." 

"Thanks for hanging out with us tonight!" 

You resumed singing. 

(Medley of Style, Love Story and You belong with me.) 

As the song ended the crowd erupted in cheers you looked up to the whole stadium smiling. You turned your back to the audience and strolled sensually and again turned around throwing your voice to a higher pitch.

“You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye

And I got that red lip, classic thing that you like (crowd screaming)

And when we go crashing down, we come back every time

'Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style

You've got that long hair slick back, white t-shirt

And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt

And when we go crashing down, we come back every time

'Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style

Midnight, you come and pick me up, no headlights

Long drive, could end in burning flames or paradise

Fade into view, oh,

It's been a while since I have even heard from you

(Heard from you)

And I should just tell you to leave 'cause I

Know exactly where it leads but I

Watch it go round and round each time”

''Cornwall will you please make some noise for my incredible band?!" crowd cheered. 

“We were both young when I first saw you

I close my eyes and the flashback starts

I'm standin' there

On a balcony in summer air

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns

See you make your way through the crowd

And say, "Hello"

Little did I know

That you were Romeo, you were throwin' pebbles

And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"

And I was cryin' on the staircase

Beggin' you, "Please don't go, " and I said

Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone

I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run

You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess

It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes"

Chords of you belong with me playing......

“Oooooh, I remember you drivin' to my house

In the middle of the night

I'm the one who makes you laugh

When you know you're 'bout to cry

And I know your favorite songs

And you tell me 'bout your dreams

Think I know where you belong

Think I know it's with me

(audience cheering)

Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you?

Been here all along, so why can't you see

You belong with me

"Let me see you jump!!" You jumped in your place singing, the audience jumped along with you too.

“Standin' by and waitin' at your back door

All this time, how could you not know, baby

You belong with me

You belong with me

You belong with me

Have you ever thought just maybe

You belong with me

You belong with me”

Loud cheering as you bowed and went backstage. 

"Man she could wage a war against the world just look at the crowd." Harry joked.

"Couldn't be more proud of her. She has come a long way" Harrison said

“I knew how much you love to sing that song” Tom quipped handing you a water bottle. 

“Fuck off!” Tom chuckled. You quickly slipped on to a new costume and went back to the stage. You performed a couple of songs from your album.

(soft notes playing in background) audience cheering

"I LOVE YOU Y/N!!!" A fan screamed. You smiled. 

"Are you having fun yet?" You listen to the audience scream yes.

"Oh good.. You know you may notice this…"

"Not sure if you  picked up on it yet I'm pretty sure you have, though. Have you noticed that you have a light up bracelet on your wrist?" the whole gallery got lit up as everyone raised their hands. 

"There they are." Crowd cheered. 

"So pretty." 

"Um… but that's not the only thing about them, the reason why I wanted to have those on the tour to make sure no matter what I would see every single one of you in these stadiums. So if you are on the top, top deck, last row and you think I can't see you that would be incorrect. I can see every one of you dancing, throwing your hands up in the air. And the top of that I can hear you… "

"It really seems you guys have memorised every single word to the songs and so not just singing them but like…." 

"Screaming them." 

"If I had to take a guess I would say one thing that probably everybody has in common I think I would say that one thing would be…" 

"That all like the feeling of finding something real like… you know finding real friendships, real love or somebody who really gets you or somebody who is really honest with you." 

"I think.. I think that's what we're really all looking for in life and…" 

"I think the things that can scare us the most in our lives are the things that we think will threaten the prospect of us finding something real. For ex- having a bad reputation in our mind would get in the way of you… Finding real friendship, real love, real acceptance, people you really fit in with because you think to yourself what if they've got the preconceived notion about me that they heard from gossips and rumors." 

You sang Delicate whilst you got up a hydraulic suspended stage. You waved to the crowd taking a tour of the whole stadium in it. As the song ended you were back again on the stage. 

"Allright Cornwall, I… just decided to go… A little exploring around to see… If you guys are having a good time back there." you walked around the stage.

"Are things fun back here? Alright well would you dance with me?! What do you say?!"

“I stay out too late, got nothin' in my brain

That's what people say, mmm hmm, that's what people say, mmm hmm

I go on too many dates, but I can't make 'em stay

At least that's what people say mmm mmm, that's what people say mmm mmm

But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop moving

It's like I got this music in my mind, sayin' it's gonna be alright

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break

And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

I'll never miss a beat, I'm lightning on my feet

And that's what they don't see mmm mmm, that's what they don't see mmm mmm

I'm dancing on my own (dancing on my own), I'll make the moves up as I go (moves up as I go)

And that's what they don't know mmm mmm, that's what they don't know mmm mmm

But I keep cruising, can't stop, won't stop grooving

It's like I got this music in my mind saying it's gonna be alright

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate..........

You sang as you climbed up an elevated platform. 

Hey, hey, hey”

“Just think while you've been getting down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats in the world

You could have been getting down to this sick beat

My ex-man brought his new girlfriend

She's like "Oh my God", but I'm just gonna shake it

And to the fella over there with the hella good hair

Won't you come on over, baby, we can shake, shake, shake, yeah oh”

You were about to do a free fall as the dancers below raised their arms to catch you but you stopped. 

"Nah...No, one second. I don't care if this is a promotional concert, I'm not gonna jump off from here. Sometimes people can get bitten by snakes.. dangerous." The audience laughed. Tom facepalmed laughing at your antics in the back stage. You came down running from the elevated platform panting as you went to the centre and let out a high pitched shriek. 

“Yeeeeaaahhh!!!” 

'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate (haters gonna hate me)

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

Song fading away. You went for another costume change and came back with your guitar and addressed the crowd. 

"So you guys I was wondering if, um… If it would be all right with you if we just had a…

You were cut off by Joseph who came up to you and handed you a tissue bending down on his knee. 

"Thank you so much…" you took the tissue. "There's a.." 

"I feel like it's important to be honest with you guys. I have a tiny miniscule cold. Do not mind this.. This is just gonna be me blowing my nose. I'm gonna turn around and do it." 

You turned around and blew your nose. Then you hand over the tissue back to Joseph. 

"But I what.. I really think it was all good to take note of how Joseph presented me with the tissue. This is the best thing I have ever seen. Never in my lifetime has anyone presented me a tissue with such commitment."

"Umm so okay guys wanna talk to you about something. I propose the idea that we spend some time with just you and me and the guitar." 

"Is that alright with you?" 

"So one thing that you guys have always been.." 

"Really uh…" 

"Really not just supportive about but you've, um… Cause that sounds like you were understanding of it." 

"You've really encouraged me to experiment with my music and try different things, different sounds, try different instruments. "

"Um… you guys were always the ones pushing me to experiment and grow. And I really appreciate that." 

"Cause…" 

"I have had so much fun, switching up you know, styles of music, genres… um.."

"My relationship with you and how much we interact on social media platforms, at shows or at my house." 

Fans scream

"I am.." you chuckle

"I know from our conversations that you guys are so all about lyrics and all about feeling, all about whatever that the person you listen to is singing about what you happen to be going through, or did go through at some point in time, I.." 

"I think that's kind of all you care about when it comes to a song. So I've always written songs with the lyrics, the feeling and the melody in mind. That no matter whatever it took a turn after production be it pop or acoustic or whatever. I always wanted for a song to be able to be stripped back down and still be something that you liked and wanted to sing at the top of your lungs." 

"So before leaving I wanted to gift you guys something."

"You guys are going to be exclusively listening to an all new song from my upcoming unreleased album." 

The audience roared. 

You started playing the guitar and closed your eyes as you sang. 

“We were in the backseat

Drunk on something stronger than the drinks in the bar

"I rent a place on Cornelia Street"

I say casually in the car

We were a fresh page on the desk

Filling in the blanks as we go

As if the street lights pointed in an arrowhead

Leading us home”

You pour your heart out as you sing. 

“And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

That's the kind of heartbreak time could never mend

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

And baby, I get mystified by how this city screams your name

And baby, I'm so terrified of if you ever walk away

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again”

Tom listened to the song carefully as he understood why you said it was a surprise. Because this song tells the story of you, him and the love you share. 

“Windows swung right open, autumn air

Jacket 'round my shoulders is yours

We bless the rains on Cornelia Street

Memorize the creaks in the floor

Back when we were card sharks, playing games

I thought you were leading me on

I packed my bags, left Cornelia Street

Before you even knew I was gone”

The memories of six years ago flashed in front of both of your eyes. The day when all went wrong, the day you parted ways and left. 

“But then you called, showed your hand

I turned around before I hit the tunnel

Sat on the roof, you and I

I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

That's the kind of heartbreak time could never mend

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again”

You had tears in your eyes. 

“And baby, I get mystified by how this city screams your name (city screams your name)

Your voice went an octave higher. You want to bid adieu to this place as it only reminds you of him. The memories haunt you.

And baby, I'm so terrified of if you ever walk away

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

You hold my hand on the street

Walk me back to that apartment

Years ago, we were just inside

Barefoot in the kitchen

Sacred new beginnings

That became my religion, listen”

You were transported to that time when you were together so in love with each other. Those lazy mornings you wearing one of his sweatshirts sitting on the kitchen counter looking at him making breakfast for you. So domestic it felt as you hoped to wake up to him like this everyday for your lifetime. 

“I hope I never lose you

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

Oh, never again

And baby, I get mystified by how this city screams your name

And baby, I'm so terrified of if you ever walk away

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

I don't wanna lose you, hope it never ends

I'd never walk Cornelia Street again

I don't wanna lose you, yeah

"I rent a place on Cornelia Street"

I say casually in the car”

You bowed in front of the audience smiling after the song ended.Tom wiped his tears as he watched you through the monitors in the backstage. 

Fans screamed in excitement. 

This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things started playing in the background.

"Thank you so much for an incredible evening and an amazing tour. We love you." 

"Please give it up for the dancers!"

"Make some noise for the singers, Cornwall!"

You bowed

"Give it up for the band!" 

The whole team bowed in gratitude. You walked the lengths of the stage waving at the crowd and blowing air kisses. You ran to the other end waving and giving flying kisses. You went to the centre of the stage and bowed for one last time. As the stage descended, taking you down the stage as you waved goodbye and mouthed to the audience. 

"I love you guys"

As the show ended you went backstage and everyone hugged you and applauded for the marvelous show you put up, someone handed you a bottle of water to drink. But your eyes were searching for only one person and as you caught sight of him you ran to him. Tom was standing at a corner, arms crossed across his chest, smiling his eyes showed how much proud he was of you. You went and hugged him tightly. Tom gave a light peck on your cheek. 

"Darling, that was so good. Didn't know you were such a big star, you literally set the stage on fire." he said cupping your face. 

"Couldn't have done that without you. Thank you Tom. Love you so much. You kissed him on his cheek." Tom couldn't ignore the fact that unknowingly you told him you loved him. 

"Okay I'm going to get changed and join you at the little party the crew has thrown okay." You left. 

But Tom was in no mental condition to enjoy a party, not after listening to your confession. He felt time was slipping out of his hands as he could not hold you back. He straight away went home. 

You went to the hall where the party was arranged, you didn't find Tom there. 

"Hey Maria where's Tom?" 

"He went back" 

"Went back? Why?" 

"Don't know honey, you enjoy the party, this is all for you." You felt something was off. 

"Sorry Maria I need to leave too. You guys enjoy." 

Tom was the first one to return to the house. Others came back a while later. 

"Y/N just nailed it" Paddy chirped. 

"Can we have some dinner now? I'm starving" Tuwaine complained.

Everyone headed towards the kitchen as Harrison's eyes went to Tom. He was standing on the porch. He frowned and made his way towards him. 

"Hey man what's up?! The concert was damn good! Weren't you supposed to be with Y/N for the after party?" Harrison asked. Tom turned his eyes puffy red with tears. 

"Bro what's the matter?"

"Harrison I can't let her go, not this time." Tom sobbed. 

......................................

Taglist:To be added send me an ask I’ll be happy to add you in the following chapters.

@sleepybesson​ @sophs-library​ @spideyparkerstark​ @itstaskeen​ @milli86​ @biebsmylife95​ @quaksonhehe​ @hannahholland1811​ @awhollandx​ @joyleenl​  @greatpizzascissorstaco​ @tomhollandsotherpinkytoe​ @jjandreidsgirl​ @brighterthanthesunx​ @marvelpeters​ @panicattheeverywherekid​ @onewithnomightypowers​ @itsnotmeh24  @bitchinwpei @astridcommings @hollandprkr​  @hollandsobrien​ @timotayswriter​ @kiki-hines​ @casualprincess77​ @spideyth​ @perspectiveparker​ @thevelvetseries​

[senior70]

On the Ridiculous Hobby of Quilting

For those of you who find the idea of cutting materials up into small pieces and fastening them all together again, otherwise known as Quilting, a ridiculous idea, just bear in mind that to some of us the very idea of walking around trying to hit a small hard ball into a small bucket with variously shaped sticks, a wasted effort known as Golf, equally preposterous. But I will concede that both require patience and accuracy and a good deal of skill.

Having cut a large number of small triangles from three different materials, one starts by sewing two together to form 216 squares! At this point one adds triangles of the third material on either side, and then a bigger triangle of a fourth material to form a bigger square. I hope you are paying attention and following closely.

The next step involves sewing two of these squares and an equal sized square cut from a fifth material, into a line of three squares, twelve of them in number. While this may sound fairly straight forward, bear in mind that every effort must be made to maintain a perpendicular relationship between up and down seams, and the point of all those triangles should, ideally, meet exactly at the seams. This is a form of geometric nightmare of which Pythagoras never dreamed.

Now, three lines of those three sewn together squares are sewn to form a square block of nine. Again, those seams must be parallel, or the square will easily become deformed into a sort of curving parallelogram, that will defy any subsequent attempt at joining to another square. At this point one has four big blocks, all of which are supposed to be square, an achievement that borders on the unlikely unless one is a master quilter or just plain lucky.

To complete the quilt top, these four big blocks must be sewn together. Let me tell you, those are l o n g seams to sew on the sewing machine, and a BA in material handling and feeding would perhaps be a good preparation for this task. Should one succeed in such a way that all the up and down seams are actually perpendicular to each other, a congratulatory glass of wine is in order. Now one has a quilt “top”. But it is not yet a quilt.

Quilts have a “backing” material, which though perhaps not often seen, needs to have some pleasant coordination with the pattern and colouring of the quilt top. Quilts also have “batting” between the top and the backing, a spongy, soft material that gives quilts their “poof”. Of course, the only way of holding these three layers together is to “quilt” them together. To be totally utilitarian, a series of straight lines across the whole thing would achieve this mechanical necessity. But, that would be no fun at all, would it? Why not make it challenging and sew all sorts of patterns and crazy feather or spiral shapes instead. Why not indeed.

For this part of the process, one leaves one’s tabletop sewing machine and goes to the quilting machine. Consisting of a big sewing machine mounted on two sets of rollers, at right angles to each other, such that the machine has a full range of movement, it also has a set of three (or more) long rollers on which to carefully mount the backing, the batting and the quilt top. This can involve a lot of pins and the attendant risk of finger pricking and bleeding on the material, which is a poor start. Once mounted, the three layers are rolled up so that only about an eighteen inch strip is actually showing and available to begin quilting with the sewing machine.

What and how should one quilt? If one is brave, foolhardy or already skilled, one can “freehand” quilt. This means one stands at the front of the machine, holding both handles and one moves the sewing machine in patterns that come into your head, carefully filling in the space as one slowly moves along the exposed strip of materials. If less brave, one follows a pattern, and there are thousands of possible patterns, and hundreds of quilt books with suggested patterns in them. One catch. The patterns have, ingeniously, to be continuous, the end point of one repetition being the start point of the next. Try drawing one of those freehand, I dare you.

So, having chosen a pattern, how does one follow it? Ah! Attached to the travelling sewing machine is a device made of two adjustable arms, that carries a small laser flashlight on its end. The selected pattern is taped or otherwise fastened to the flat strip of board that forms the back of the quilt machine. The sewing machine is moved such that the small laser beam falls on the beginning point of the pattern. Oh, did I mention that one has to simultaneously ensure that when the laser beam is on target, the needle end of the machine must be positioned such that the first stitch will be a quarter of an inch into the corner of the quilt top. Damn, reposition the pattern and start again. Sooner or later this celestial alignment can be achieved, hopefully with greater regularity than most astronomical coincidences.

Now, to follow the pattern, one works from the back of the machine. Never fear, the sewing machine has the same set of controls at front and rear, a little like those vehicles made for driving instruction in which both driver and passenger have controls. However, in this case, there is no emergency brake.

Take deep breaths and do countless exercises to relax (as if one can actually relax at the point at which one is going to start piercing the layers of material with the first few stitches). Stand, feet a little apart, and in line with the side of the machine of the direction in which it will be moved. One must learn the “Quilt side step”, by which, without faltering with the upper body, one slowly walks along the length of the quilt, somewhat like a stealthy cat coming up on its prey. Now grip the two handles of the machine. Can you see the laser light point on the pattern? No. One’s arm is now in the way. Start again. Adjust the laser holder arms so that one can see the point of light. That helps a lot.

Deep breath, press the button on the handle and start trying to move the machine such that the laser point follows the line of the pattern. At this point one is fiercely concentrating on the pattern, and apart from the clattering of the machine, one has no idea what is actually happening at the front where stitches are being stabbed into the three layers. Let’s just hope that all is going well over there. If it isn’t, and there are numerous reasons, such as thread tension, lack of alignment or needle/bobbin timing, one can look forward to a back bending and eye aching task of picking all that thread out of the material, using a tiny pointed tool, a few inches at a time. You didn’t have anything else to do, did you?

So, let’s be optimistic, and say that all is going well. Printed patterns can be taped together to make a useable length, but sooner or later one comes to the end of the pattern, at which point the needle can be stopped in the down position, thereby holding the point temporarily. The pattern can now be moved and re-taped such that the starting point of the pattern is under the laser light again. That sounds easy.

Repetition is the foundation of land surveying techniques, the British Ordnance Survey picturing the ideal surveyor as standing by his theodolite on some windswept hill top, on which, with infinite patience, he repeats his ‘round of angles’ sixteen times in order to meet the exacting standards of first order surveying. Quilting is not much different, though not windswept.

When the first row of quilting is finished at the far end of the quilt, the three layers are unrolled enough to expose the next eighteen inch strip, the machine is moved back to the beginning end, and the process is repeated. While quilters are notorious for having fifteen projects on the go at once and rarely actually completing one, once the machine quilting process is started there is no stopping. As one quilt book author notes, all other aspects of life cease until the work is done.

Did you think that you now have a completed quilt? No, not quite. One now has a quilted quilt with rough edges around the square or rectangle. The final task is now to “bind” the edges with a border of some kind, at least a half inch simple edge if not something a bit more attractive such as a double or multiple strip border. Back to the table top sewing machine and those material handling and feeding skills.

At last! The quilt is complete.

Now what? Well, if you add up the hours that you have spent on this marathon project and multiply it by the dollars per hour you would like to think that your quality of work deserves, you will quickly conclude that only billionaires can actually afford to purchase your quilt at the net cost of your time and materials. So, unless you have an immediate use for this “magnus et opus magnifico” yourself (and there are only so many beds in a house), you will likely be seeking a friend who would like to be given a quilt, or you will end up taking it down to the Shelter to give to someone who could make good use of it.

Well now, what am I going to do for my next quilt?

senior70 April 2020

107

[fantasiesxwritten]

Sex to Impress

“Richard, please! Playing against you makes me look like the next Tiger Woods. You’re complete shit out on the golf course.” I teased as I delighted in a chuckle at his expense.

“Oh, fuck off Brown. Give a rookie a chance to step his game up. After all, it was my first time stepping foot out on the course.” he retorted in his defense.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll give you another chance to prove yourself. Me, you and the boys should go up to Cayman Course and play this weekend.” I said as I stared out the window from my office that stood on the 27th floor of the building I worked in. 

Cars passed by quickly below as I awaited for my 2 o'clock appointment. Any of those people walking below could have been him or her, I wasn’t sure since my last had canceled last minute; the line-up was all jumbled up to me at this point. I was just looking forward to getting through the remainder of the day, so I could get home to my girlfriend who I’m sure would be just as excited to see me as I was to see her.

“Sounds good, gives me another chance to try and kick your ass.” Richard bragged without reason, sending me into a small laughing fit. He would need all the confidence he could gather if he thought he could outplay me.

“We’ll see about all of th—” I was cut off by the sudden knocking on my door. “Come in.” I responded as the door slowly opened revealing our floors mousy secretary.

“Mr. Brown?” she asked, sticking her head partially inside the door.

“Yes, Janette?” I cleared my throat, covering the speaker to the phone.

“Your 2 o'clock is here. May I send her in?” she asked timidly, pushing her glasses up from the brim of her nose.

“Yes, of course.” I replied, turning my attention back to Richard now on the phone. Removing my hand from the speaker, I whispered slightly, “I’ll call you back after this interview. Don’t try to flake on Saturday either!”

“Don’t you worry about that!” he chimed back.

I chuckled, placing the phone back down to hang it up. Quickly, I fixed my blazer and aligned my tie neatly, staring in the direction of the door for the next hopefully not helpless victim to walk through the door. In walked a woman with hair like a Goddess that cascaded down her back and sat gracefully around her shoulders, with orbs of the deepest green and a dazzling smile to match her already stunning appearance. Her Alexander McQueen jumpsuit with the matching blazer adorned her body perfectly, hugging her undeniable curves. I had to force seriousness in my demeanor and across my face as my tongue threatened to leak out of my mouth and pant like a famished dog.

Quickly reacting, I caught myself and greeted her properly, “Forgive me if I don’t have your name, the interview roster has been off due to missed appointments. Allow me to introduce myself first. Christopher Brown, but please call me Chris.” I spoke through a flirty smile.

She returned that same smile that read more than just glee as she responded, allowing me to hear her raspy, yet sexy voice.

“Kandace Smith, pleasure to meet you Mr. Brown.” she said as she took my extended hand into her own and firmly shook it.

“I told you to call me Chr–”

“I know. It’s this thing I have with formalities, something very BDSM about it to me.” she admitted, taking a seat as her smile turned into an obvious smirk.

My smile turned into a look of astonishment as I crossed over to sit opposite of her at my desk. My cock had heard what she said loud and clear but I don’t think my mind had registered that she might have just made an obvious pass at me in telling me what she was into. Clearing my mind of the thought and possibilities, I clasped my hands together before me as I let them rest against my oak wood desk, peering across at her.

“Did you bring a resume in with you today?” I asked.

“Of course.” she answered me cheerfully as she turned to reach inside her briefcase and retrieve her resume out, holding it out for me. “I always come prepared.”

“Good.” I mumbled as I took the resume from her and briefly skimmed over it. “So tell me why you feel qualified for this position.”

As she began to talk, I made sure to situate the paper just enough over my face, where I could peer over it from time to time, stealing glances at her buxom cleavage that was peeking over the top of her jumpsuit. I made sure to listen to her spiel, dropping a few mhm’s and ahh’s to appear to be listening wholly to what she was saying. I had already decided from the moment she entered my office looking like sex in heels, that the position was hers. Yet and still, I would make her work for it and show and prove why she deserved the job. After all, it was a standard interview and it was only fair that she played her part.

“So, that’s why I feel I’m more than qualified for the position.”

“Hmm. Very well. I also see here that you were an Exec Assistant for Henry over at Global Maynard for several years. How did that work out for you?”

I was buying more time for me to steal glances, while she enlightened me on her professional endeavors. She paused in the middle of her speech as she glanced up at me, our eyes locking for a second before I turned away, clearing my throat as a means to diffuse what I’d been caught doing.

“Mr. Brown, are you staring at my tidbits?” she asked so calmly, yet so full of confidence.

Her words reeked of sex and insinuations that I was more than happy to elaborate on and turn them into reality. Her tidbits should have been sprawled across my desk, with her ass poached up high as my dick slammed into her repeatedly. All while giving her the run down on what I needed to be done the very next day; her as soon as possible start date.

“Uhhh…” I quickly tried to vanish the thoughts, before my tongue slipped without my permission, “actually, I was.” I confessed, smirking along with it.

“Well, well.” she flirted with me, eying me slowly, and leaning back just a bit in her chair to make her bosoms pop out more.

“Damn, don’t do that.” I hissed out low, feeling a rising in my slacks begin to form.

“Or what?” Kandace challenged me, not seeming prepared to back down.

“Or I’ll just have to offer this position to the next suitable applicant.” I teased, letting my tongue graze my bottom lip.

“I doubt that. I’m prepared to physically show you why I deserve this job and now…”

With those words, she was up from her seat and on her knees, between my legs before I could blink my eyelids. Looking down at her as she looked back up at me, Kandace’s hands fiddled with my button and zipper until her hand was reaching inside of my boxers to relieve my growing hard on from inside. As soon as it hit the air, my back relaxed into the chair as I blew out a breath of relief along with it, hissing as soon as her tongue trailed from the bottom of my shaft and up to greet the head. Her greeting was swallowing it whole with her mouth, closing around it as she slowly sucked it, letting her tongue run devious circles around it.

“Ahhhh..” I released a sound as her mouth cascaded further down, her tongue outstretched as she did this, tickling it’s way down with the warmth of her mouth.

No hands while she performed to the best of her ability; all I saw was the top of her head as she bobbed it up and down, slowly at first before picking up speed. Kandace began moaning as her speed did increase, her jaws tightened around me as her lips did the same, sucking me to perfection. Up and down she sucked me in and out of her mouth, making sure to keep it nice and wet, planting her hands firmly on my thighs. Slurping sounds were now filling my office as I clenched my fists on and off, so tempted to grab her head and slam her mouth down on me; but I decided against it.

“Mmmm!” she hummed over my dick, sucking faster now; her soft and supple lips stroking my dick like small tightly gripped hands.

Leaning my head back, I began to thrust lightly upward towards her mouth, feeling my dick take a gander down her deep throat as she relaxed it and opened it up for me. She sat up some, positioning herself in a way to continue taking me down her throat comfortably, gagging only slightly before getting back on track.

I continued to resist using my hands to guide her at the pace I wanted, just as I thought it, her head game began to get ferocious. Catching me by surprise as it seemed she was trying to suck the skin off, I bit my bottom lip and grunted low as a response. She then looked up at me, watching me seductively as my dick entered and left her mouth, from the base to the tip. Watching this was making my dick swell in her mouth and I was desperate to feel the inside of her walls, after all – I wanted to test out the entire product, not just certain aspects of it.

“Wait, wait.. get up.” I instructed, watching as she slowly slid my dick from her mouth and used my thighs to help lift herself up from the floor. Once she was on her feet again, her legs spread before me as my hands automatically reached out to travel up from her thick thighs around to her ass, squeezing it firmly in my hands. I pulled her closer to me, looking up at her.

“Get out of that shit. Now!” I forced out through gritted teeth, more than ready for what I knew she could put on me. “First order of action as this is just a trial period. Prove to me.”

She smirked as her tongue traced her lips, before biting them hard. She slowly slipped out of her blazer, letting it hit the floor beside her feet as she let her jumpsuit follow suit. Standing in front of me, she wore a cherry red lace bra and thong set that was just pleading with me to free her from it.

“Goddamn… your body… is unreal.” I complimented her to look up and see her blushing behind it.

I wasn’t lying though, she was like a stallion, as her curves were wild enough to cause a crash and leave the scene as a hit and run. In this particular case, that’s just what I wanted. She reached around as if she could read my mind and slowly unhooked her bra, pulling each arm out as she watched me, watching her. Letting it fall at our feet, she started to remove her thong, before I stopped her.

“No, no. Leave it on.” she grinned upon hearing my words.

“How do you want me then, Mr. Brown?” Kandace asked in the most submissive tone ever, making my dick throb.

“Turn around.” I suggested.

She did as she was told, her ass in my face, as I pushed down on the middle of her back, making her touch her toes. I kissed her right ass cheek first before moving over to the left, smacking the opposite cheek as I did. It jiggled before my face, as I ran two fingers down her slit, over her pussy; the heat emanating off of her. She moaned lightly as I slid her thong over some, pushing those same fingers inside her wet opening as they slid in easily.

“Fuck!” she moaned a little louder, gripping her ankles tighter.

“So fucking wet…” I told her as I slid my fingers in and out of her slowly, running my thumb lightly over her clit, teasing her a bit.

Moans flowed from her lips as I picked up the speed just enough to illicit more of a response from her.

“Fuck me already..” she begged, pushing back on me, making her ass clap for me a little.

“Mmm. Sit on this dick.” I groaned as I grabbed her hip and rolled my chair back some.

My dick stood straight up in the air, erect as fuck, as she released her ankles and allowed me to pull her back at my desired speed. Gripping my dick with my other hand, I held it upright, letting the head tease between her legs, making sure her thong remained out of the way. I let the tip tease her a little longer before pulling her slowly down onto me, listening to the sounds she made as each inch of my thick cock filled her up. When Kandace sat completely in my lap, she wiggled around a little before she began lifting herself up and down on me, slowly.

“Shiiiit.” I grunted, feeling her tightening herself around my dick already as she pulled.

“You like that, Mr. Brown?” she asked in a low tone, followed by the sexiest moan I’ve ever heard.

“Mhmmm.” I spoke out, clenching my teeth together, gripping the side of my desk with one of my hands.

“Good. Ima ride the shit out of this dick!” she promised as she held onto the sides of my chair, gripping the arms tightly.

Kandace began with slow and steady strides and before long, she was clapping her ass down on me hard. She leaned forward as she rolled her hips, while still bouncing hard on my dick that was filling her up nicely and she was taking it all. Turning around slowly, she watched me enjoying her from over her shoulder, bouncing faster and harder, still rolling her hips.

I groaned out again; she was handling this and I didn’t need to do anything. I had to admit that she was really working hard for the position that as far as I had been concerned, already had her name all over it. Much like the way my dick was all up and through her pussy. Unable to not handle controlling at all, I began to thrust upward inside of her; roughly. Her moans turned into minor screams as I poked her insides deeply, over and over again. She repaid me by forcing herself down onto me, grinding even harder.

It felt as if we were having a match against the other now, to see who could fuck who harder. I guarantee that was one fight she would lose if she really wanted to take it there with me. Grabbing her hips on either side now, I began to pull her down onto me as I shoved me deeper inside of her.

“FUUUUCK!” she squealed out as I thrust hard into her while she was pushing back down.

Grinning evilly, I continued to tear up her insides as she screamed so loud, I thought my secretary might come knocking on the door just to make sure I hadn’t committed murder in here. I threw my hand over her mouth and she immediately bit into my fingers, making me groan as she kept pushing down onto me. Rocking against me, we both went opposite of each others strokes, her ass clapping harder against me.

Her muffled moans could still be heard well enough as her walls tightened around my dick, suffocating him almost; my dick throbbing in reaction. I could feel that sensation welling up inside of me as she rolled her hips in a circular motion in my lap, slamming down onto me as I roughly pushed myself up inside of her. My teeth imprints were being left on my lips from biting them so hard as my other hand reached around between her legs from the front. Sneaking past her thong, I let my fingers glide up and down her clit roughly and slow.

Kandace’s moans quickly picked up as well as her movements, thrusting her pussy wildly against me. I was seconds away from exploding deep inside of her, when I realized we didn’t use a condom. My dick was telling me who the fuck cares at the moment as this load that was on edge was about to give way for her. Kandace’s rough and labored breathing picked up, as I tightened my hand over her mouth, feeling her pussy contracting around me; knowing she was close to cumming as well.

“Yes.. yes… YES!!!” she screamed behind my hand, as I let my other tease her clit faster.

She rode my dick with a mission now, taking us both there as we came simultaneously. I monitored my own grunts and groans as I shot my load inside of her and felt her walls squeeze over me repeatedly, begging me to keep cumming inside of her.

“Fuckkkkk! Ah, ah, ahhhh.” I grunted, thrusting upward in spurts, as I released all of me.

Kandace bounced slower now as she began to calm down from the crazy orgasm she’d just had all over me. I removed my hand from her panties now, as she grabbed that same hand quickly and shoved my fingers inside of her mouth. Sucking them clean and dry before she turned around to face me, while still holding my dick tightly inside of her, her pussy still pulsating.

“Don’t worry about the condom thing, I’ll take that as a condition that the job is guaranteed to me now.” she said with a smirk, a wink and the ultimate air of confidence.

Grinning in return, I shifted, signaling I would like for her to move now. She took heed to my hint and slowly lifted herself up to fix herself and put her clothes back on as I stuffed my slightly still erect dick back inside my boxers; zipping and buttoning my pants back up.

“Can I be frank here?” I asked, adjusting myself inside my pants.

“Of course,” she spoke as she got situated into her jumpsuit again, leaning down to grab her blazer up from the floor.

“You had the job before your mouth graced my dick. Although I still appreciate the hard work and dedication. The decision is definite now.”

Kandace’s face read shock at first before she smiled sweetly. “That’s fine, Mr. Brown. And I now expect 10% more than my starting pay for this position.”

“Bu-but..” I stammered over my own words.

Grabbing her bag from where she had it sitting before she moved to between my legs, she winked at me. “Sexual harassment lawsuits are a bitch! What time shall I be here tomorrow?”

Stunned and almost speechless, I mustered out a weak reply. “8:30 sharp.”

“Perfect. See you then, boss!” she said in a chipper tone as she took off to the door and pulled it open, seeing herself out.

I was left dumb founded and partially irritated with a slight tinge of arousal from it all. Had I really just been swindled by a woman, and coerced into a pay raise before she’d even started work? My fist connected with the desk as the realization of how true this was had set in.

Reaching over to the phone, there was only one person to call who would believe me, besides I promised him a call back anyway. Dialing his number, I listened to it ring repeatedly. When he finally picked up, I was still in partial shock, the only words I could find to say were….

“Richard, man. You’re never going to believe what just happened…”

Author | Kierra Posted | September 2012

[soulwallet]

Are You Carrying the Right Credit Card in Your Wallet?

Credit cards make life easier - boost our purchasing power and makes big-ticket purchases much easier. They offer financial convenience in times of an emergency and come with a range of different benefits.

Credit cards offer ease of transactions and can also become a source of savings when you choose the right ones and then use them the right way.

Here are three questions that will help you determine if the card you have works well for your particular needs.

1. Does your credit card loyalty program offer the best value to long standing customers?

Credit cards in the UAE offer several exciting features for new cardholders that usually are for a limited period only. Alluring signup bonuses, zero-interest periods, waived annual fees and many more schemes are available for new card applicants.

However, what rewards do these credit cards offer over the long term?  This is vital information that one should check before deciding on the most suitable credit card. This will also help you decide whether it’s worth sticking with your existing bank’s credit card or if you indeed need to change and would be better off with another option.

The rewards offered for signing up are one of the main reasons people switch credit cards frequently. Consumers usually change cards for the better rewards program and to take advantage of signup offers that last for a limited period only.

It is important that the credit card you have chosen offers you good value for both short term and long term as well. An attractive signup bonus offer, a 0% interest period, no annual fee for the first year, or high spending rewards and other such perks must be attractive and indeed competitive over the long term and not just during the initial signup offer period.

The whole package of benefits to suit your lifestyle and spending patterns must be balanced between immediate rewards and long-term value. Your credit card must be suitable for your everyday purchases and your typical spending patterns.

If you can continue to enjoy great benefits from your credit card over a long-term without incurring additional costs and with minimum efforts, then it is worth considering to keeping on with you.  But if the ongoing benefits are not appealing it is definitely worth looking out for a better option.

2. How well does your credit card rate for the features that you use most?

The credit card in your wallet must have the incentives suitable for your spending patterns and lifestyle. There are a set of distinctive perks available on different credit cards offered by various UAE banks.

Hence, begin analyzing your spending patterns by accessing your credit card statements. Note down expense categories on which you spend the most as this can help you identify the credit card that best rewards that type of spend.

For instance, frequent travelers would be better off having a credit card that offers rewards on airline tickets and hotel stays and benefits such as airport transfers and VIP lounge access. Such credit cards typically have an annual fee component but frequent travelers generally gain back the value from the perks and rewards offered.

There are also credit cards with travel benefits that fit the needs of travelers looking for best deals, such as discounts on travel, dining and hotel stay along with the flexibility in reward redemption.

If you use your car a lot then it would be advisable to check for credit cards that offer fuel discounts, gas credits or rewards features on amounts spent at gas stations.

If you love playing golf - an expensive hobby to keep up, owning a credit card that has exclusive privileges on golf like a free tee-time once or twice every month at selected locations can be a good choice. Movie lovers will benefit if their credit card offers them a buy-one-get-one cinema ticket or similar movie discounts. When eating out is a weekly habit for you, dining discounts and perks on the card is a must.

For those who live a simpler life and spend only on basic necessities, cards offering cashback or rewards on groceries and other retail expenses can be the most rewarding. Hence, do review your regular expenses to choose a credit card that best rewards your lifestyle.

3. Is the type of credit card you carry, giving you the right value-based your lifestyle?

Credit card operators offer perks to customers differentiating their value-added services such as cashback, miles or rewards programs. When looking for real value on your credit card, it’s vital to match the type of card perks with your spending needs.

Cashback cards help cardholders get a percentage of their spend back on specific expense types incurred on the card. If you are a frequent credit card user then even a small percentage rebate can help you save money. Cashback earned is usually directly credited to your credit card account as money back.

Cashback on a flat-rate credit cards typically pay anywhere between 0.75% to 1.25% for all purchases whereas tiered and bonus-category credit cards give higher cashback rates at selected merchants or on certain types of purchases (groceries, school fees, fuel etc.) but with a nominal (usually 0.25% to 1%) reward on all other purchases.

So if you prefer some extra money in your pocket than other rewards, a cashback credit card could be the answer. However, do keep in mind that even cashback offers come with their own terms and conditions - prominent ones being a minimum spend requirement and maximum possible cashback restrictions (or caps).

For travel enthusiasts credit cards that offers air miles as a reward could be a better option. These cards provide higher miles on travel purchases and international spending made via the credit card.

It is true that joining bonuses are often the most attractive reasons to apply for a new credit card. However, in the following years, you’ll need to spend more to gain attractive rewards, especially if the card has an annual fee.

When redeeming miles, also note that there could be blackout dates, airline restrictions, or booking instructions that you will have to consider. Reward points offered on credit cards in the UAE are very diverse. You can accumulate reward points against spend and then redeem these points for various items – shopping vouchers, gifts, and even air miles. However, similar to cashback, these rewards credit cards also sometimes have an expenditure cap attached to them.

As is most often the case, there is no perfect credit card for everyone. But there could be definitely a perfect credit card best suited to your individual purchase patterns and benefit preferences. Taking that little extra effort to “align” yourself to the best credit card for ‘you’ can not only help maximize your savings but also provide you with meaningful benefits to enjoy.

[quinnhqarchive]

vlog posted on the qfab youtube channel on july 28th, 2019

► word count: 833

“Hey everyone. It is July 27th, and I am so exhausted from the Vlog Wars that I’m not sure where I am. I do know that we’re filming this at almost midnight, so you’re not getting a long introduction. I’m getting straight to the point.”

1. I hated the remake of A Star Is Born because I preferred the original. 2. I enjoy working out, but not at the gym. 3. If I'm going to the gym, I put on make-up first. 4. I prefer summer to winter, but I love winter clothes. 5. I hate the idea of "Netflix and chill." If I invite you over to watch Netflix, we're just watching Netflix. 6. I always have my nails done, fingers and toes. 7. I could never be vegan because I love cheese. 8. I could never be vegetarian because I love bacon. 9. I really enjoy cleaning. 10. I don't like cooking. I can cook, but I would rather someone else do it and I'll wash the dishes. 11. I cried when I watched Captain Marvel. It's the only comic book movie I've seen. 12. I only went to see it because I heard the "meninists" hated it. 13. I've wanted to learn to surf since I moved to California. 14. I'm too scared of sharks to ever do it. 15. I take a daily anti-depressant and an as-needed anxiety medicine. 16. Betsey Johnson is my favorite designer, but only some of her clothes fit my personal aesthetic so I don't wear her all the time. 17. I still have my pom-poms from high school. 18. I also still have both of my prom queen tiaras. 19. I get a chemical peel on my face once a year. 20. I get along very well with people that are different from me. 21. Usually if someone's personality is too similar to mine, we don't get along. 22. I have never sent or even taken a naked picture of myself. 23. I really, really don't get the appeal of "dickpics." 24. I still ask my mother to buy things for me sometimes. She usually says yes. 25. I'm extremely picky about churches. 26. I've probably been to over a hundred different churches in my life. 27. I try to go to service every Sunday, even if I'm not at home. 28. I think baseball is extremely boring. 29. I like watching golf. That probably comes from my father. 30. I considered studying journalism in college. I decided against it because the department head was a jerk. 31. On the alignment chart thing that people do, I'm either "chaotic neutral" or "true neutral" depending on the day. Which I suppose makes me "true neutral." 32. I don't like fruity drinks. All I can think of while I'm drinking them is how many calories they have. I'll stick with wine. 33. I love changing my hairstyle. 34. If my hair is longer than shoulder length, it's most likely extensions. 35. Someone called me "the ghost of Grace Kelly" in high school, and I still talk about it. That might be the best compliment I've ever received. 36. I liked Game of Thrones, but not as much as everyone else. Once Margaery Tyrell died I didn't enjoy it as much. I don't even want to talk about the last season. 37. I've got a high pain tolerance. 38. I break my phone like once every other month. Sometimes it's because I threw it, but it's usually an accident. 39. I never drive my car. I live at IHQ, I work at IHQ, I get a Lyft to the beach. 40. I have bad road rage, so again, Lyft. 41. And I'm just not a good driver anyways. 42. This one is kind of weird, but I love sharing beds with people. Not in, like.. a sexual or even romantic way. It can be with friends. It's just an intimate, personal type of affection. I think it's soothing. 43. I don't mind some PDA, but it depends on the circumstances. I was raised in the south. There's a time and a place for it. My mom's house isn't it, but you can kiss me at a bar. 44. I like watching soap operas, but I can't keep up with a show that comes on everyday. 45. When I drink Red bull I get super hyper. 46. I love being in love. 47. I'm a lightweight when it comes to alcohol. 48. I've never smoked marijuana. It's legal, and I don't think there's anything wrong with it. It just isn't for me. 49. I am seriously running out of things to say. That's ridiculous because I love talking about myself. 50. Okay, I'll end with this because it will be the most controversial: I hate the TV show Friends. I hate everything about it, and I'm not explaining myself.”

“Alright, there you go. I’m going to bed. Thanks for watching, subscribe, you know the drill.”

[elastigirl72]

Day 20: Herceg Novi>south of Shkoder, Albania

Mountains or coast?

Sometimes and without planning, things just seem to fall into line. I reconnected with my younger brother, Alex, 19 months younger than I, and #4 of 4 siblings born within 5 years to two crazy, outlandish parents. That reconnection in itself is a long story and I won’t go into now. But i regularly work in Norway and by chance, in Alex’s home town where he lives with his wife, Monika and two girls, Emma and Susi. Life and families are complicated but, stars aligned and 25 years or more have passed, and the next time I’m there. I’ll stay and be Auntie Michelle to nieces I love.

Also by chance, the last time I visited, I mentioned to Alex about my planned trip, and where I was heading. He looked at the route and said “I have a friend who has an apartment there. Let me call him”. So he did. It just so happened that Per was happy for me to stop by if it worked in with my plans, even if he wasn’t there. As if by magic, I came through, and it coincided with a rest day. I was met by Lidija, who having checked with me a few days earlier, met me with freshly caught fish, and a potato salad, a bottle of wine of choice (red or white. Or both!), bananas, strawberries picked from her friend’s garden that morning, and a barrel full of conversation. After 3 cups of tea, she left me to indulge in the shower, with shampoo, hair conditioner, body cream, moisturiser, radiators, chocolates a washing machine and a view if it became visible across the whole of Herceg Novi. I have never met Per, and only just met Lidija, who I believed lived in the same road, but in fact had caught a taxi from a nearby village, just to make me feel welcome. I am now so fed and rested, if I don’t do a big week, I’ll go home heavier than when I set off!

This was the shelter in a storm, quite literally. And couldn’t have happened at a better time, at any point during the 3.5 week expedition. How do you show gratitude for such generosity? If I wasn’t already in heaven, to top it off, Lidija returned the next day with home made lunch, and took me on a walking tour of her home town. An amazing woman who is a Tony Robins coach. I am apparently a sun person, and she a moon. I need 20 minutes of sun a day and she needs to sleep. She knew everyone in the town as we walked around. I fell in love with Herceg very quickly.

As the storm passed over during the early hours of the day, I noticed a figure on a rock outcrop, and was sure the silhouetted figure was fishing. Walking along the promenade, I learnt the figure was a statue of a haunting and beautiful woman, a memorial to a lady who was betrothed to a sailor, who went to sea and never returned. For the rest of her days, the lady returned to wait for her love to sail back to shore, and did so until she died. Truly moving and befitting of such a small sanctuary in deepest Europe where most people won’t visit or have heard of.

Every trip I’ve done, I’ve come across incredible, memorable people who have stayed with me since. Mario (Italy 2015), Jonathan and Pete (Canada 2016 and 2018). Sadly, from my first ever trip, in 1991, I met equally kind people who are written in a diary, but long since past. It’s these moments that erase the challenge days and sow a seed deep inside. I hope that I can in turn be so generous and kind.

6th May is a big day, and start to the biggest week, both mileage and climbing but also uncharted waters. I’m a little anxious but at least slightly recovered...if something is going to go wrong, it will be in this next week. So near, yet so far...mountains or coast? Start days early and ride as far as possible?

6 May: Shkoder 1430

After the mountains lit up in a fury of lightening bolts and torrential rain, I felt confident that setting my alarm for 5am was a good decision. Early miles were the plan, and at 7am, although there were still torrents running across the roads, the bay was calm, and I was on my way.

One day’s full rest was telling from the first rotation. I felt great! I was prepared for the intermittent downpours with my new bin bag and trusted shower caps, and knew, come hell or high water, I was crossing into what in my head felt like another continent today but was in fact, just another country, and my 10th on the list: Albania.

You can get to Albania by bike several ways from Montenegro: outright ferry, around a huge bay and up Kotor or a €1 ferry crossing, which takes 10 minutes and provides a panoramic view of the black mountains. I opted for the latter, and sailed my way through towns and up climbs, barely noticing the gentle early headwind, almost a pre-requisite to a ride now. The traffic was less, although I did see an elderly pedestrian spontaneously leap in front of a speeding knackered old VW Mark I Golf...how he wasn’t killed! If it wasn’t suicidal pedestrians, it was motorists pulling out of side roads or shop fronts, almost teasingly to see what a cyclist with right of way might actually do: stop or ride straight into the now stationery vehicle blocking the carriageway because in fact they can’t pull out on to the opposite carriageway anyway. I counted at least 20 stray dogs between Herceg and the border, and now have come to expect them at every turn in the road. I will need to plan my defence strategy as I believe at some point, a dog and I are going to get better acquainted, probably as I find my steepest climb, am tired and can’t escape 😃. I am considering tying a stick to my bike and working out my war cry as I write.

Maybe it’s because I am recharged or maybe it is because even with impending doom looking down on me from the heavens, the green clad mountains that now surrounded me made for yes I know I’ve said it before, an epic day’s cycling. The bin bag and shower cap yo-yo’d in and out of my bag, gaining me much attention in the rural Montenegro countryside as I rode through as the joker on wheels. Here, the people, buildings and cars all changed, decrepit, off the beaten track, and oblivious to style, just functional living: the need for a car, a roof and clothing rang through and any signs of wealth disappeared as I approached the Albanian border. Soaked, I noted that I’d never seen such dark and threatening sky over any mountains. I wondered if the swallows that darted around the road indicated anything, but it was memorable and beautiful.

I’d already fallen in love with the day before I reached Albania, and despite twanging my bad knee before the climb between countries, was prepared to ride on as long as I felt as I did. 😀

And suddenly, surprisingly, Albania! (And another passport stamp 🎊)

Where the tarmac is smooth, the ageing locals ride bikes, the area feels untouched by time or tourism, and the surrounding countryside is jaw-droppingly Jurassic. In 10km I rode past two mosques, minute and not what I expected. Every last morsel of flesh was covered so being a heavily Muslim country, I felt I was being respectful. Motorists gave way, and many people, young and old, even waved, or honked positively. I even got a “go, go, go” from one driver! I wanted to stop and take so many photos, but the ever threatening sky bore down on me and reminded me to keep pedalling.

I barely noticed the city of Shkoder; I was through it so quickly. The driving here made me laugh, as it was chaotic. My lasting memory will be of a very large old lady in her local dress, headscarf and woollen tights, pinned with her bottom just on the edge of the scooter seat, driven by her husband, bouncing off down the road in front of me. I wish I’d got a photo of that, or the old guys on scooters, smartly dressed, but weathered and worn.

Not long after leaving the city limits, I saw lightening ahead and a distant rumble of thunder. It was only 16 miles till my planned stop, and another 56 to Tirana, my stretch goal. I was feeling great. But checking these details and considering my options, I’d stopped right outside a brand new looking spa hotel. I went inside, enquired, and found the room, full spa access, and breakfast would cost €35. I repeat €35! And the possibility of booking a massage. Even with this information, I had to sit down, digest and consider my options: the weather radar, my knee, how good I was feeling...

The weather is looking better from tomorrow, so why push on? I am lying down in my €35 room, snuggled in a huge dressing gown having had a luxury shower and awaiting my massage. I am hoping very much my knee twang isn’t terminal but it doesn’t feel good. But if my journey ends here, I am truly happy. I love Albania, even if I’ve not spent a night here yet. I couldn’t feel more welcome. I hope you can make it too someday...till tomorrow...and decision time; mountains or coast? 🤔

[jimfuryk]

James Michael Furyk

Alignment Sticks – What Are They? How to Use Golf Alignment Sticks

Think of bright-colored fiberglass sticks 4-feet long – that’s what alignment sticks used for golf look like. The material, fiberglass, is pretty durable. Thus, strong enough to not bend or break despite being subjected to heavy beating.

And all types of golfers are using them – amateurs, Tour players, and even junior golfers. After all, alignment sticks have proven to be incredibly versatile since you can use them for more than just improving alignment. And despite being so versatile and productive, the cost is quite inexpensive (professional golf swing lessons will definitely cost you more).

The design is lightweight, hence easy to swing/handle and also carry with you anywhere (practice on the range, course, backyard, wherever you like).

A minimum of 2 alignment sticks seems to be enough but then you can carry a 3-piece set as well if what you want from it is more flexibility in terms of working on more than just one or two drills at the same time.

Alignment Sticks – Why You Should Use Them? A flawless golf swing sequence is only beneficial if it can be performed consistently throughout your round of golf. Consistency, no matter what, is always a useful thing in golf. But, unfortunately, it’s also the most difficult to achieve. And one of the primary reasons for that is not being able to get the alignment done right.

Struggling with alignment almost always leads to messing up consistency. When you don’t measure your alignment and instead just imagine it, the end result is inevitably going to take the form of mis-hits, incorrect stance width, and inconsistent swings.

So, at such times, alignment sticks can really help when it comes to creating actual physical lines you can see that provide consistency. With them, perfecting your golf swing becomes much, much easier. Along with compelling you to take the right stance width. Think of them as visual gates you use for hitting your shots.

Alignment Sticks – Basics of Using Them Properly for Practice How to Use Golf Alignment Sticks You can play as many real golf rounds as you want. This particular approach, no denying, does help as far as practice sessions are concerned.

But have you thought about how that can just as well be encouraging bad swing mechanics or any other mistakes you may have gotten used to? Just because you’re practicing doesn’t mean you’re practicing the right techniques, right?

On the other hand, practicing with alignment sticks genuinely encourages significant improvements. The most basic or common way of going about it is to place the sticks down onto the ground for visually displaying your alignment. This is the most effective (and more importantly, the correct) way of going about practice sessions.

You’re actually creating that target line as well. Just lay them down – one alignment stick facing the intended target, behind the golf ball of course, and then the other stick lined up in a parallel position to that first one closer to the feet. Hence, your feet have been correctly lined up in the direction of your target.

All that’s left to do now is remove the stick trailing the ball, then simply just swing away!

Learn more: https://jimfuryk.com/

[narryblossom]

Sorry to bother, but I'm new to the Narry fandom. Your blog has really taught me a lot. I was wondering if you have a rec list of your favourite Narry fics? The longer the better. Thank you for being awesome!

No bother at all! I’m glad to be of service, Narry truly is a wonderful ship. Let’s talk about fics! Here are 50 that I love:

if I got a condo on a cloud then I guess you can stay at my place by orphan_account – 8.3k, pretend boyfriends au

Harry can’t just show up to his sister’s wedding where his ex boyfriend is going to be without somebody with him, I mean he can’t just loiter around the chocolate fountain. So that’s why he enlists Niall’s help.

Turn all your grey skies blue. by mogigraphia – 9.7k, kid fic

Niall’s a new single dad, and Harry’s his daughter’s teacher at the daycare.

The Wedding Singer by littlecather – 27.5k, strangers to lovers

It’s not that Harry doesn’t believe in love, exactly - he just thinks that romance and marriage and all that comes with it are overrated. Niall has sung at over a hundred weddings, and is determined to prove Harry wrong. After all - there’s a reason for all those songs.

Frenemies by alteringegoism – 8.1k, enemies to lovers

Harry hates Niall. Niall hates Harry. But Harry wants Zayn and in order to get to him, he’ll have to go through his best friend Niall. Harry will just have to kill Niall with kindness. That’s if Niall doesn’t kill him first. Oh and Liam and Louis are getting married.

When I Close My Eyes, All the Stars Align by FallingLikeThis – 11.6k, soulmate au

A Beauty and the Beast Au in which Harry’s only beastly qualities are his hair and his bad attitude and Niall arrives to spy on him for his sister but ends up staying for so much more.

Lips As Red As Mistletoe by runawaymind – 9.2k, friends to lovers

It’s near Christmas time at Hogwarts and these damn magical mistletoes seem to chase Harry wherever he goes, and it’s a riddle of its own as to why Niall is close by every time one of those stupid plants seem to bloom out of nowhere.

take me over the edge by jamesniall – 6.7k, smut

“The bathrooms are in the end of that hallway, turning to the right.” Harry says, voice slightly lower and deeper than what Niall was used to hear out there in the golf grounds. “Go in there and wait for me.” Harry finishes, softly slapping his cheek, cleary not intended to hurt Niall, but still enough for him to feel it in his gut, making blood rush faster down to his cock. It feels heavy, more than halfway hard in his briefs and Niall has to bite down a whimper when Harry opens his mouth again.

“And don’t touch yourself.”

Or, Niall is Harry’s caddie for the first day at The Masters, at least that’s how it starts.

baby, you don’t know what it’s like by peerpressure – 31k, strangers to friends to lovers

Harry tries really, really hard to only see Niall as a friend.

It’s not working very well.

Because Niall is simply amazing and Harry is so stunned that he’s even allowed in his presence. And also because he wants to suck his dick. Just a little. But he also wants to cuddle him and maybe share food and fight for blankets and press cold feet against each other and shampoo each other’s hair.

Harry just wants to be with Niall.

(In which Louis is a good friend, Liam is kind, Zayn is always stressed, Niall is the new guy and Harry falls in love)

friends just sleep in another bed by littlecather – 39.2k, canon complaint

“Just - I’ve just been hanging out with Harry. A lot - slept over a couple of times.”

“You slept over?” Dougie echoes.

“Not like that,” Niall rolls his eyes - even though it kind of is.

Tour starts; Niall and Harry grow closer.

must have been the mistletoe by countthestars – 7.3k, friends to lovers

“Hey, Harry,” Niall says, voice low and conspiratorial. “Look up.”

“What?” Harry whispers back, because there’s a lot to look at up there, blinking lights and boughs of garland and… “is that mistletoe?”

“'Fraid so,” Niall confirms. His lips twitch like he’s fighting a smile, but he keeps a straight face as he taps his finger against his mouth. “It’s bad luck not to kiss someone underneath mistletoe.”

let’s spin the world around by jamesniall – 4.4k, college au

“Superlatives are just about putting the word más before an adjective or a sustantive. Like más grande which means bigger, or más fuerte, which means harder” Niall says, looking pointedly at Harry and Harry is 99% sure he’s doing it on purpose.

“más rápido means faster” Niall continues, “Are you getting hard from this, Harry?” and if Harry would have had something in his mouth he would have spilled it all over Niall’s face.

Or, Harry learns spanish thanks to Niall’s dirty talk.

Maybe You’re My Snowflake by pintsandguitars – 20k, college au

Harry Styles loves the snow. Niall Horan loves the stars. And somewhere between snowflakes and night skies, they start loving each other.

A head for business and a body for sin by flickerbyniall – 2.1k, au

He first time he caught Harry’s eyes was about an hour ago, the boy was eating some strawberries from the buffet table around the corner, oblivious to the fact he was standing out in the crowd with his rebellious look.

or Harry goes to a Gala and can’t take his eyes off the boy wearing a leather jacket.

Searching by littlecather – 12.1k, au

Niall has been hired by a magazine to track each employee’s searches on Google. Harry uses Google a lot.

wide open spaces by outwardbound93 – 18.8k, au

“Well,” Harry says at the end of the day. The sun sets late in Texas like it doesn’t want to go, clinging to the scrubby flatlands with the last reaches of striped sunbeams. Niall leans on the broom and watches Harry fidget with a bundle of notecards he has to fill with peoples’ heartfelt sentiments. Love notes, apologies, get-well-soons, Harry’s got them all. “Will I see you tomorrow, then?”

Niall props the broomstick against a shelf holding a bunch of little green plants he doesn’t know the name of. The shop is bursting with green leaves, colorful blossoms like pops of candy mixed with buttered popcorn at the movie theatre, and at the heart of it, Harry. Harry, with his languid speech and that one curl that stubbornly sticks out on the side of his head that Niall always wants to twirl around his finger and that smile that arrives in a flash or unfurls slowly.

“Yeah,” says Niall. “I’ll be here.”

Relatable Content by makesomelove – 12.3k, au

Harry glances down at the floor, then up at Niall, lip curling up in a bashful smirk. Niall wants terribly to kiss him. The opportunity is right there in front of him, and it’s the worst idea in the entire world.

It would reach the press. He’d be in the news - CEO and Founder of BeepFodder Niall Horan Sexually Manipulates Underlings. His mum has an alert for him on her computer and she’d see it and have a heart attack. They’d lose sponsors. Even if they didn’t publish the footage, it’d still exist. It all still would have happened. Harry would know Niall likes him. The thought of the most vulnerable spots in his heart being captured on film and shown to millions of people makes Niall sick. Going through with this in a legitimate way would ruin his life no matter what.

just a little rush, babe by theamazingpeterparker – 10.3k, vampire au

“You know everything they say about Dracula? All that stuff I wrote in my paper?” Niall asks as he rips one of the glazed donuts in half. Harry hums. “It’s all bullshit. Real vampires do tomato juice cleanses and do yoga. Fuck.”

Harry’s a vampire who’s awful at parallel parking, being scary, and being alone. He meets Niall walking home alone one night.

this could be the end of everything by basementhero – 20.4k, mythological au

The Norns remembered each cycle of time and would recount the tale if asked: Harry and Niall were not the first of their kind, nor was it the world’s first attempt at existence. Some cycles were short while other stretched on for tens or hundreds or thousands of millennia. It was always the same in the end, though, no matter how many intervening years it took to get there. Baldr always fell; the giants always attacked, and the realms of Yggdrasil—the world tree—were always plunged back into the void after Ragnarök, waiting for rebirth.

But not everything was so set in stone; at least, it didn’t seem to be.

(or: Niall and Harry are immortal deities, but even gods are subject to fate.)

We Could Be The Ones Who Matter by jibrailis – 17.5k, canon complaint?

Harry and Niall both get weirdly intense about things, and by things, they mean competitive Scrabble.

Uncertainty Principle by jibrailis – 81k, au

He didn’t expect this: Australia, the vineyard, and Niall who won’t look him in the eye.

lovesick boys will write you lovesongs by narryblossom – 15k, past relationship

When Niall walks through the gate at Dublin Airport at four in the morning, jet lagged to hell and back, he feels like he’s home. He thinks he’s never felt so happy to hear an Irish accent, and he certainly has never been so happy to have no fucking clue what he’s doing.

(Well, he has some idea of what he’s doing, he just isn’t sure it’s going to work out the way it does in his head.)

(An AU where Niall dreams of his lost love and finds himself going home to search for him.)

let yourself be enchanted by acastle – 23.8k, hogwarts au

“Which means, I’ve got a Charms post to fill. And do you know who he suggested for the job?”

Harry doesn’t trust the wide beam on his face, and Louis goes on, “Well, he’d told me about this bloke. Class of 2011, student rank number three but top at Charms of his class, Hufflepuff, prefect, atrocious Quidditch player, but he makes a great treacle tart-”

“He suggested me?” Harry says blankly.

Along the Way (Something Changed) by catrinahart – 25.2k, au

For the last five years, singer turned actor, Harry Styles has had Niall by his side to help manage his incredibly crazy life. They met and quickly became the best of friends. Then people start asking questions, making Harry think, what do they see that he doesn’t?

baby, you make my heart beat faster by countthestars – 9.8k, au

Niall’s into Harry. Harry’s into taxidermy.

move your world a little closer by countthestars – 45.8k, alien au

In which Niall is a bit lost, Liam and Louis can’t seem to get their shit together, and Harry is literally out of this world.

(aka: alien narry)

and days gone by by outwardbound93 – 20.7k, college au

Niall catches himself glancing at Harry in the backseat. The tops of buildings are lined with Christmas lights like the iced piping on a gingerbread house, and the crisp sharp light of a winter night makes Harry’s skin look warm and soft.

riverina by outwardbound93 – 13.2k, royalty au

Harry looks up at Niall, the sharp, almost antique lines of his face thrust into regal beauty by the stadium lights. Harry’s ribs press against the size of his heart.

Or, a royalty!au where Niall’s a prince and Harry’s the reporter that writes about him.

and you know in your heart it’ll be worth it by outwardbound93 – 12k, mythological au

“At home, we sleep on the,” he points at the ceiling. “The top, so we don’t float away.”

Niall laughs. “The ceiling, you mean?” He traces the line of Harry’s dimple. “I figured you slept inside a castle, like in the pictures of what Atlantis looked like.”

“I doubt that’s accurate,” Harry says. He palms Niall’s thigh, running his hand down to his knee, where he pauses to feel out the unfamiliar bones with his fingertips. “Otters sleep holding hands so they won’t drift apart, did you know that?”

“What, are you an otter?” Niall asks.

“No, but it might not be too bad,” Harry says. He lays his head to rest on Niall’s chest, over his heart. His fingers tangle with Niall’s in the sheets, his skin tanned and smooth, Niall’s pale and scarred.

“Eh,” Niall says. “It’s not too bad, I guess.”

let me photograph you in this light by storhan – 29.6k, college au

“I like that one,” he says, turning the camera back around to show Harry the picture he took earlier that day of Niall reading. Harry also finds himself smiling, he quite likes that one too.

“Me too,” Harry says softly.

Or, Harry’s a photography major and Niall is his muse.

something so magic about you by storhan – 14.7k, kid fic

Niall’s a single father and Harry’s his neighbor who never seems to wear a shirt.

i sing you like a song i heard when i was young by disequilibrium – 17.7k, magic au

Niall never thought he’d find his way back home. But then, the wind works in mysterious ways: a stranger at the door, an impossible escape. A whisper that changes everything, forever, again.

St-st-stuttering by asaprockme – 8.8k, college au

In which Harry has a stutter that he just can’t control. Niall doesn’t mind.

If we dream forever, whatever happens next by brokendrums – 6.3k, au

Niall meets Harry on the train and can’t stop thinking about him. Then one evening when they get off the train, Harry invites him back to his.

let’s start right now by dramaturgicallycorrect – 29.6k, au

[Harry’s a professional cross country road trip driver, and Niall is his latest fare.]

What’s A Fella T’ Do? by iwanna_seeyou_undoit – 35.6k, pretend relationship

Pretend!Boyfriends AU where Harry doesn’t own any trousers that don’t have holes in them, Niall is the only one who can drive, and they definitely aren’t shagging.

I’m not trying to stop you, love by littlecather – 27.4k, college au

Niall and Harry are the only ones left on campus over the Christmas holidays, and even though they’ve never really hung out before, they manage to spend most of the week holed up in Harry’s room, together.

the piano man’s playing some old melody by littlervoice – 5.6k, pianist au

Harry is a piano player. One day his neighbour puts in a request.

Do you want to come to the gym? by maxette – 3k, strangers to lovers

Niall is Harry’s personal trainer: a romantic comedy without the middle forty-five minutes of misunderstandings.

running around in love again by mozartspiano – 2.5k, college au

they meet at a coffee shop on valentine’s day. it’s all a horrible cliche.

place your head on my beating heart by takesmeunder – 5.3k, college au

That’s usually how they fuck, with Harry on his hands and knees with Niall doing him from behind. It’s impersonal and something they both enjoy, but something twists in Niall’s heart at the thought of doing it that way tonight.

You Feel Like Home (You’re Like A Dream Come True) by roughvoiced – 16k, pretend relationship

Niall sighs and unwraps the scarf from around his neck. “A plus one,” he repeats. “I need one.”

“For what?” Harry asks, watching as Niall unzips his coat, letting it slip off his arms and drop to a rumpled pile on the carpet before slipping off his shoes and striding over to Harry, plonking himself down on the sofa beside him and snuffling up under his arm, waiting for Harry to pull him in close before he speaks.

“Greg’s wedding.”

or, the au where Harry offers to be Niall’s plus one and ends up with a whole lot more than he bargained for.

This Time Tomorrow by colbyjack – 36k, dancing au

Even under the yellowing light of the streetlamp above them and the faint, milky glow from the moon; even in a vacant street in a bustling city and the entire span of states farther than the hills’ green border; even under the rain, Harry thinks Niall is the most wonderful person he’s ever met—the very ‘you’ in his journal.

*

A story in which a contemporary dancer/ballet teacher and a Latin ballroom instructor fall in love within the first year they meet.

Another Auld Land Syne by colbyjack – 6.2k, this is probably my favorite narry fic of all time i think of it constantly and idk why ok bye

“We drank a toast to innocence We drank a toast to now. And tried to reach beyond the emptiness, But neither one knew how.”

-

Harry and Niall are old flames who eventually find each other again, of course, because the universe doesn’t want to give up on them.

stacked against you by siempreniall – 3.3k, college au

Niall hates the library. All of the computers are always taken, the stacks make him feel claustrophobic, and his short attention span has never given itself well to studying anyways. The cute boy at the information desk makes it all worth it, though.

i want you so much (but i hate your guts) by siempreniall – 6.2k, secret relationship smut

Niall doesn’t know what he’s still doing there. This isn’t really how he likes to spend his Sunday nights. He doesn’t want to be yelled at and made to feel guilty for something that happened months ago. All he wants is to leave, really.

heartbreak hero by acastle – 30k, enemies to friends to lovers

“So you want me to hear your side of things?“

“Yes, that would be a start.”

“Fine,” Niall steps forward, so he and Harry are practically nose to nose. “Come back tomorrow at 8, so you can air your side of the situation on my segment.”

In which Niall is a love guru of sorts on the radio, who thinks love is the bane of the world, and Harry is a fuckboy who’s lovely, surely, but is not the best boyfriend in the world, not by a long shot. His girl breaks up with him while on air with Niall, and Harry isn’t having that, so he forces Niall to help him win her back.

(Alternatively, Niall’s Guide On How to Win Back the Girl, patent pending. It should work, in theory.)

hold me closer tiny dancer by countthestars – 3.6k, strangers to lovers

Dancing isn’t really Harry’s strong suit. Niall doesn’t really care.

Home is Wherever I’m with You by ziamfcks – 5.3k, strangers to lovers

Niall is blind and Harry works in a coffeeshop. It’s love from the start.

[Click this link to see drabbles from tumblr I’ve rec’d]

So there’s that! I’ve read soooooooo many fics over the years and I’m sure there are a ton that I’ve forgotten. There’s also a narry only fic rec blog called @thenarrystore that posts every day so that’s a good place to find more!

[eugesounds]

En Fuego!

No, we weren't on fire, but it WAS wicked hot out there! That's the super nice and uber-talented pianist Tony Palos and I at En Fuego Cigar Lounge in Murphy, TX. I hadn't seen Tony in about 20 years, but when an opportunity to play a sax/piano duo gig with him arose, the stars aligned and it all came together perfectly.

Tony and I worked together at the Dallas School of Music in the early days when the school was located at Trinity Mills and Midway in Carrollton. He's now living in Denton and with his wife Tina, owns a successful Karate studio (which is no doubt why he's in such great shape!). He and Tina also have a group called First Take - she's a talented trumpeter.

The En Fuego Lounge is a beautiful spot in Murphy, Texas. If you know me, you know I frequent the shop about once (or twice if I'm lucky) a week, usually on Fridays after morning golf and/or Sundays for...golf watching. When Lady Sax and I travel I often seek out cigar shops and lounges along the way. Too many times the shops are "cliquey" and you feel like you may be intruding on a "members-only" gathering (side note: golf courses can be that way too....don't get me started). But from the very first time I ever ventured into En Fuego I was welcomed like an old friend and it has become a wonderful place to "hang", to relax, and even to learn a few new things (they don't call it En Fuego University for nothin'!). It's just a fantastic place to enjoy a great stick with a bunch of wonderful people.

A few years ago I asked the owner Larry Moore to keep me in mind if he ever needed a little music at one of his events and I remember talking to Lady Sax about how much fun that would be if it ever came to fruition. So when the opportunity arose to play his "Fire and Chrome" event this summer, I really wanted to make it happen. My usual go-to sidekick on a gig like this would be my brother from another mother Mike Finkel, but Mike was booked so he suggested I call Tony. And as fate would have it, Tony was free and we secured the date. It was such a gas to see him after all this time and super fun to play with him. I tried to throw a few curve balls his way, some tunes that are outside of the usual "real book" bunch of jazz standards that we'd typically play. Of course, he handled them all beautifully as I knew he would.

I know our playlist was a bit "different" than what the boys (and ladies) at this event might hear, but I think it suited the atmosphere well and everyone seemed to enjoy the proceedings. After we had packed things up and I had said goodbye to Tony, I decided to stay a while to watch the US Open and enjoy a cigar when a shop fixture named Marianne sidled up. She said she was busy all morning but had come just to hear me play and didn't arrive until we had finished. To be honest, I wasn't certain if she was serious or just being her usual pleasant self, but when a woman asks you to play saxophone, you do it!

I was more than happy to play a solo version of Over the Rainbow for her and it was the perfect cap to a really fun gig. It was also very special to have the attentive ear of my lounge buddies who braved the heat to sit on the patio as we played. Thanks to Tony for making the trip down from Denton. And, thank you Larry, as usual, you were very generous and a wonderful host. I hope we can do it again!

PS I'll see you guys Friday :)