#exercise classes in brighton

[veryphilosopheranchor]

The Best Exercise Classes in Brighton for Weight Loss

In the vibrant city of Brighton, where the sea breeze meets the energetic pulse of urban life, the quest for fitness and well-being is a constant pursuit. Among the myriad options available, Gym Rox stands out as a beacon for those seeking effective and enjoyable exercise classes tailored for weight loss. In this article, we will explore the top fitness classes in Brighton, with a spotlight on Gym Rox and its unique offerings.

The Fitness Landscape in Brighton

Brighton's fitness scene is diverse, catering to individuals with varying preferences and goals. From yoga studios overlooking the beach to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes in the heart of the city, there's something for everyone. When it comes to weight loss, however, selecting the right exercise class is crucial.

Gym Rox: A Fitness Haven

Nestled in the heart of Brighton, Gym Brighton has emerged as a fitness haven for those looking to shed pounds and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a team of dedicated instructors, Gym Rox offers a variety of classes designed to target weight loss effectively.

HIIT Workouts:

High-intensity interval training has gained immense popularity for its ability to burn calories both during and after the workout. Gym Rox's HIIT classes combine cardiovascular exercises with strength training, providing a comprehensive approach to weight loss.

Group Classes: 

The power of a supportive community cannot be overstated in the journey to weight loss. Gym Rox's group classes foster a sense of camaraderie among participants, creating a motivating environment that encourages consistency and results.

Specialized Weight Loss Programs: 

Understanding that everyone's fitness journey is unique, Gym Rox has curated specialized programs focusing explicitly on weight loss. These programs incorporate a mix of cardio, strength training, and nutritional guidance to ensure a holistic approach to shedding unwanted pounds.

Client Testimonials

To truly gauge the effectiveness of Gym Rox's weight loss programs, let's delve into the experiences of its clients. Sarah, a regular attendee, shares, "I've tried various fitness classes in Brighton, but Gym Rox is where I found the perfect balance. The workouts are challenging yet enjoyable, and the support from both the instructors and fellow participants keeps me coming back."

John, another member, praises the variety of classes offered, saying, "Whether I'm in the mood for a high-energy HIIT session or a more relaxed group class, Gym Rox has it all. I've seen significant weight loss results without feeling like I'm stuck in a monotonous routine."

The Gym Rox Difference

What sets Gym Rox apart from other fitness classes in Brighton? It's not just the cutting-edge equipment or the scenic location—it's the personalized approach to weight loss. Instructors at Gym Rox take the time to understand each participant's goals and tailor workouts accordingly. The emphasis on form, technique, and gradual progression ensures that individuals of all fitness levels can participate safely and effectively.

Beyond the Gym: Nutrition and Lifestyle

Gym Rox recognizes that weight loss goes beyond the gym floor. In addition to challenging workouts, the fitness center offers nutritional guidance to complement exercise routines. Workshops on healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices further equip participants with the tools they need for sustainable weight loss.

Conclusion

In the vibrant city of Brighton, where the pursuit of well-being is a shared passion, Gym Rox stands out as a beacon for weight loss enthusiasts. With its diverse range of classes, personalized approach, and emphasis on community support, Gym Rox has carved a niche for itself in the fitness landscape of Brighton. If you're on the lookout for the best exercise classes in Brighton for weight loss, look no further—Gym Rox is where your fitness journey takes flight.

[exerciseclasses]

Exploring the Benefits of Joining Brighton Exercise Classes

Are you looking to embark on a journey to a healthier, fitter you? Brighton Exercise Classes might be the answer you've been seeking. In this article, we will explore the numerous advantages of joining these classes, from the health benefits of regular exercise to the social connections you can build. If you're ready to kickstart your fitness journey, keep reading!

The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and helps with weight management. Engaging in Brighton Exercise Classes can provide a structured and enjoyable way to incorporate exercise into your routine.

The Role of Group Exercise

Group exercise offers a dynamic and engaging way to work out. It fosters motivation, accountability, and camaraderie. The energy of a group can push you to achieve more in your fitness journey, and the supportive environment of Brighton Exercise Classes ensures you stay on track.

Why Choose Brighton Exercise Classes

Brighton Exercise Classes stand out for various reasons. The first is the location. Brighton is known for its beautiful beach and vibrant atmosphere, making it an excellent backdrop for your workouts. Moreover, the classes are tailored to suit all fitness levels and goals.

Benefits of Joining a Community

One of the key advantages of Brighton Exercise Classes is the sense of community. You'll meet like-minded individuals who share your fitness goals. Being part of a community can provide emotional support, making your fitness journey more enjoyable and sustainable.

Varied Workouts to Keep You Engaged

Variety is the spice of life, and it's no different in the world of fitness. Brighton Exercise Classes offer a diverse range of workouts, from yoga on the beach to high-intensity interval training. This variety ensures you won't get bored and helps you target different muscle groups.

Expert Guidance and Motivation

Instructors at Brighton Exercise Classes are experienced professionals who will guide you through each session. Their expertise ensures you perform exercises correctly, reducing the risk of injury. They also provide motivation and help you set achievable goals.

Convenience and Scheduling

Life can get busy, and finding time for exercise is often a challenge. Brighton Exercise Classes offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to find a class that fits your timetable. The convenience of location and timing makes it easier to prioritize your fitness.

Social Connections and Friendships

Brighton Exercise Classes are more than just a place to work out. They're a place to connect and make friends who share your interests. The social aspect can significantly enhance your experience and make exercise something you look forward to.

Overcoming Fitness Plateaus

Plateaus are a common hurdle in any fitness journey. Brighton Exercise Classes help you break through plateaus by offering advanced classes and new challenges. This continuous progress keeps you motivated and excited about your fitness goals.

Brighton Exercise Classes for All Ages

Age should never be a barrier to fitness. Brighton Exercise Classes cater to individuals of all ages. Whether you're a young adult or a senior citizen, there's a class for you. It's never too late to start or continue your fitness journey.

Testimonials and Success Stories

Don't just take our word for it. Many individuals have transformed their lives through Brighton Exercise Classes. In this section, we'll share some inspiring success stories and testimonials that highlight the tangible benefits of joining these classes.

Choosing the Right Class for You

To maximize the benefits of Brighton Exercise Classes, it's essential to choose the right class that aligns with your goals and preferences. This section will guide you in selecting the perfect class for your fitness journey.

Brighton Exercise Classes offer more than just a place to work out; they provide a gateway to a healthier and happier lifestyle. With the benefits of regular exercise, the motivation of a community, and a variety of classes to choose from, joining Brighton Exercise Classes is a step toward a brighter, healthier future.

[presidentstalkeyes]

Lately I've been drawing a lot more than I used to but I never thought to upload it here, so have some stuff!

These are my headcanons on an older Molly McGee and Libby Stein-Torres - I made Libby first for an RP I entered, then threw in Molly for the heck of it.

Libby is a twice-published author, 'Neo-Hippie', and traveling Hauntologist, solving long-forgotten deaths and using the past to gain insight on the present (she's a Hauntologist in the philosophical sense in addition to literally researching hauntings).

Meanwhile, Molly still lives in Brighton, works as an event organizer for town hall, and runs free physical fitness classes at the Bandshell (after Scratch left and Ollie moved out of town, Andrea told her that exercise was a great way to take her mind off things, and Molly being Molly she threw her all into it. That's how she got so buff!). She likes to tell people she can bring the dead back to life.

They're still besties of course, but Libby doesn't have a phone or even a phone number so she's constantly borrowing phones, visiting internet cafes and using aging payphones to keep in touch. Sometimes she even sends letters.

There isn't a day goes by that Molly doesn't miss Scratch, even though she only knew him for a short time. She's friends with Todd Mortenson - reunited with him during one of her fitness sessions - but by then she had accepted that Todd was his own person who deserved to his live his own life, at least until he dies for real and Scratch can truly return. She did joke to Darryl about making Todd exercise himself back to death, though. What, when you deal with Ghosts you get a morbid sense of humour. :V

[superloverdaze]

Strength Classes for Seniors in Brighton: Empowering Healthy Aging with Brighton Recreational Care 

As we age, maintaining strength and mobility becomes increasingly important for overall health and well-being. Seniors in Brighton are fortunate to have access to specialized strength classes designed to improve fitness, enhance muscle tone, and support a more active lifestyle. Brighton Recreational Care offers these classes to help seniors stay healthy, active, and independent. 

The Importance of Strength Training for Seniors 

Strength training is often thought of as something reserved for bodybuilders or young athletes, but it plays a crucial role in senior health. As we age, muscle mass naturally declines due to a process known as sarcopenia. This decrease in muscle mass can lead to weakened strength, slower movement, and an increased risk of falls. Strength training for seniors helps counteract these changes, improving muscle mass, bone density, and balance. 

Regular strength exercises also help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and heart disease. In addition, building strength can reduce the risk of injury from falls, enhance joint flexibility, and increase overall energy levels, allowing seniors to enjoy everyday activities with greater ease. 

Brighton Recreational Care's Approach to Strength Classes 

Brighton Recreational Care understands that seniors have unique fitness needs, and their strength classes are specifically designed to meet these needs. The facility offers a supportive and inclusive environment where seniors can feel comfortable engaging in physical activity. Their classes are tailored to different fitness levels, ensuring that each participant can progress at their own pace while achieving optimal results. 

The strength classes are led by experienced instructors who specialize in working with older adults. These professionals understand the physical changes that occur with aging and focus on exercises that promote functional strength, stability, and flexibility. 

Types of Exercises Included in Strength Classes 

Weight Training 

Weight training is a cornerstone of Strength Classes For Seniors Brighton. Using light to moderate weights, participants perform exercises that target major muscle groups such as the legs, arms, and core. This form of resistance training is effective in building muscle strength and improving endurance. It also helps improve posture, stability, and balance. 

Bodyweight Exercises 

Bodyweight exercises, such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, are another key component of strength classes. These exercises utilize the body’s own weight to create resistance, helping to strengthen muscles without the need for additional equipment. Bodyweight exercises are often gentle on the joints, making them ideal for seniors who may have joint discomfort. 

Balance Training 

Balance is a critical aspect of strength training for seniors. As we age, the ability to maintain balance diminishes, increasing the risk of falls. Strength classes at Brighton Recreational Care incorporate exercises that improve balance, such as standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walking, and resistance band exercises that target stabilizing muscles. 

Flexibility and Mobility Exercises 

Strength training isn’t just about building muscle; it also involves improving flexibility and mobility. Gentle stretching exercises are integrated into the class routines to improve joint flexibility, range of motion, and circulation. Stretching is particularly important for seniors, as it helps alleviate stiffness and tension that can develop from aging. 

Functional Fitness 

Functional fitness exercises are designed to mimic everyday movements, such as bending down to pick up objects or reaching overhead. These exercises help improve the strength and coordination needed for day-to-day activities, enabling seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible. Functional fitness exercises also enhance coordination and help seniors perform tasks with greater ease and efficiency. 

Benefits of Strength Classes for Seniors in Brighton 

Strength classes at Brighton Recreational Care offer numerous physical and mental benefits for seniors. Some of the key benefits include: 

Improved Strength and Muscle Tone 

The primary benefit of strength training is increased muscle strength. As seniors engage in regular strength classes, they experience improved muscle tone and the ability to perform daily activities more easily. Whether it's carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or lifting objects, seniors will feel stronger and more capable. 

Better Balance and Coordination 

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in seniors, and they often result in long-term health issues. By improving strength and balance, seniors can reduce the risk of falls and maintain greater stability while moving. Strength classes at Brighton Recreational Care focus on exercises that improve coordination, ensuring seniors feel more confident while walking, standing, or performing activities that require balance. 

Enhanced Mental Health and Well-Being 

Physical activity, including strength training, has been shown to boost mental health by releasing endorphins – the brain’s "feel-good" chemicals. Regular exercise can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. For seniors, participating in strength classes also offers a sense of achievement and empowerment, leading to improved mood and overall well-being. 

Increased Bone Density 

As seniors age, they are at higher risk for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. Strength training helps increase bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. By building stronger muscles and bones, seniors are better equipped to handle the physical stresses that come with daily life. 

Improved Cardiovascular Health 

While strength training primarily focuses on muscle development, it also offers cardiovascular benefits. Many strength exercises, such as those that involve large muscle groups, also elevate the heart rate, contributing to improved heart health. Regular strength training is a great complement to aerobic exercises for seniors looking to enhance their overall fitness. 

A Supportive Environment for Seniors 

One of the greatest advantages of Brighton Recreational Care’s strength classes is the supportive and social atmosphere. Participants work alongside peers who share similar goals and challenges, creating a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. This social aspect helps foster a sense of community, which is essential for mental health, particularly for seniors who may experience feelings of isolation. 

Instructors at Brighton Recreational Care are not only skilled but also compassionate and patient. They take the time to understand each participant's individual needs, making modifications to exercises when necessary to ensure everyone can participate safely and effectively. 

Conclusion 

Strength classes for seniors in Brighton, offered by Brighton Recreational Care, provide an invaluable opportunity for older adults to improve their physical health, enhance their strength, and maintain an active lifestyle. With a focus on safety, personalized attention, and building functional strength, these classes are a vital resource for seniors looking to stay healthy and independent. Whether you're new to exercise or a seasoned participant, these strength classes offer something for everyone, ensuring that seniors in Brighton can enjoy a fulfilling and active life for years to come. 

[willtay]

8 Top Tips for Moving into and Making New Friends in Retirement Living

Making the move to a retirement living community can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Leaving behind the home you’ve cherished for years and the community you are used to can cause concern. However, rest assured that this new chapter in your life brings a whole new sense of community that can enhance your life in wonderful ways.

And, moving to a retirement community doesn’t mean losing touch with old friends. In fact, while embracing new friendships, you can still stay connected to the community you know and cherish. This support system provides peace of mind as you navigate the transition.

Research by UNSW Sydney Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) reveals the positive impact of strong community connections on brain health. Engaging in regular community group activities and living with others significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, feeling connected and never lonely is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline. This insight empowers us to make changes that promote memory preservation and reduce the risk of dementia.

Now, let’s explore how to cultivate meaningful friendships in your new retirement living community at Mayflower Brighton:

See what’s on! At Mayflower Brighton, we have a host of activities. From regular exercise classes to Happy Hours, live performances, shopping adventures, bus outings and more. There is always something going on.

Join a group: Seek out hobby groups, community organisations like Lions, Probus or Rotary, sporting clubs, or faith communities such as local churches. Online message boards such as friendship phone apps, local shops, and community notice boards are great resources to find like-minded individuals and activities.

Volunteer: Use your newfound time in retirement to give back and continue to make a difference. It will also give you that ‘warm and fuzzy’ rewarding feeling. At Mayflower, we offer various volunteering opportunities across our locations, such as helping in our gift shops, driving a minibus, hosting quizzes, pampering residents, and maintaining our beautiful gardens. By sharing your time, skills, and expertise, you can contribute to our vibrant community while meeting wonderful people who share your passion.

Go on a group holiday: Explore the world with fellow retirees by joining tours designed specifically for you. These adventures not only allow you to visit exciting destinations but also provide opportunities to form lasting bonds with like-minded travellers. Sharing life-changing experiences will create cherished memories and meaningful connections.

Have a housewarming: Invite your old friends to celebrate your new home and meet other residents who are eager to welcome you. Consider organising a potluck gathering to showcase culinary skills and uncover hidden talents within your community.

Knock on a few doors: This may feel daunting for many; however, you just may find a new close friend by making the first move. Put together a few simple welcome baskets, and knock on a few of your new neighbours’ doors and introduce yourself. The basket or bottle of wine is a great icebreaker; the next time you see them, they will no longer be strangers.

To get the full picture, make sure to read the complete article about Retirement Living

[eexerciseclasses]

Eexercise Classes in Brighton

Get active and stay motivated with exercise classes in Brighton. Our experienced instructors create engaging workouts to help you achieve your goals. Join now!

[mahirasharma890]

fitness classes in brighton

Achieve your fitness goals with our range of fitness classes in Brighton. Experience fun and effective workouts tailored to your needs. Get started now!

[lunalewis10]

The Best 5 Gyms in Hove and Brighton

Introduction:

Are you looking for the best gyms in Hove and Brighton? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top 5 gyms in these areas, where you can achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a gym enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, these gyms offer excellent facilities and a welcoming environment. So, let’s dive in and discover the best gyms in Hove and Brighton.

Rox life

Rox life Gym, located in the heart of Brighton, is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and personalized training programs. The gym boasts a spacious workout area equipped with a wide range of modern equipment, including cardio machines, weightlifting racks, and functional training tools. One of the standout features of Roxlife is its team of expert trainers who provide personalized guidance and support to help members achieve their fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, the trainers at Roxlife offer tailored workout plans, ensuring you get the most out of every session.

FitZone Gym

If you’re searching for a gym in that focuses on personal training and customized workout plans, FitZone Gym is the place to be. Located in Hove, this gym offers personalized fitness programs tailored to your specific goals and preferences. With a team of experienced trainers, you’ll receive expert guidance to help you achieve the results you desire. The gym also provides nutrition advice to complement your fitness routine.

Powerhouse Fitness

As the name suggests, Powerhouse Fitness is a powerhouse of fitness facilities and equipment. Located in Brighton, this gym boasts an extensive range of free weights, resistance machines, and cardio equipment. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, improve strength, or enhance cardiovascular fitness, Powerhouse Fitness has the tools you need. The gym also offers group classes and personal training sessions for a holistic fitness experience.

The Gym Group

With multiple branches in Hove and Brighton, The Gym Group provides affordable fitness solutions without compromising on quality. This chain of gyms offers a no-frills approach to fitness, focusing on providing a wide range of equipment and a clean, spacious workout environment. The Gym Group is open 24/7, allowing you to fit your workouts into your busy schedule.

Anytime Fitness

If convenience is a priority for you, Anytime Fitness is the gym for you. With locations in both Hove and Brighton, this 24-hour gym ensures that you can exercise whenever it suits you best. Anytime Fitness offers a range of equipment, including cardio machines, free weights, and functional training areas. The gym also provides virtual classes and personalized training options to cater to individual preferences.

Conclusion

Hove and Brighton are home to some of the best gyms in the area. Whether you’re looking for top-notch equipment, personalized training, or convenient access, these gyms have got you covered. So, don’t wait any longer — visit these gyms and take the first step towards achieving your fitness goals. Remember, staying fit and healthy is a lifelong journey, and these gyms will support you every step of the way. Gym Hove, Gym Brighton — your gateway to a healthier lifestyle!

[hellfirehaley]

Strange Love Chapter Nine

CW/Trigger Warnings: THIS CHAPTER FEATURES A DEPICTION OF A SCENE OF A GIRL BEING ROOFIED. IF THIS CONTENT MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS CHAPTER. Mentions of vomit, coarse language, underage drinking, marijuana usage, alluding to a scene of being roofied.

AN: So a bit about this week's chapter: its theme are a little harsh. It alludes to a compromising and real situation that happens to women all over the place to this day and part of the reason I decided to write this chapter is because this week of posting will be the sixth anniversary of my own assault. I wrote this chapter as a writing exercise to help escape from the nasty, negative, gross feelings I usually feel this time of year. If this is something you aren't comfortable reading, please feel free to skip the chapter because I don't want ANYONE to trigger themselves for the sake of a fanfiction.

With that being said, I promise I am going to be handling this delicate topic with as much care and sensitivity as possible. Thank you in advance. if you liked the previous chapters or this one, please feel free to like or comment or reblog it. I also have a taglist so I can keep you up to date on the current chapters when they are posted.

Songs Referenced: Brighton Rock and Killer Queen by Queen, Take On Me by A-Ha, Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles.

Word Count: 4451

Shoutout to my babies @sunflowerharrington for helping me come up with the opening to this scene and @mvnsoneddie86 for helping me come up with the costume for Eddie this chapter. I was seriously stuck on that what to do and you saved my ass Kayla.

Masterlist: https://at.tumblr.com/hellfirehaley/strange-love-an-eddie-fic-chapter-one/qglrwxp3y002

Chapter Nine: The Party

Friday October 11, 1985

Homecoming came quicker than expected and the entire school was beaming with school pride: everyone was wearing their Hawkins shirts or their green shirts. The girls had all green and gold accessories and makeup on today. And all the extra effort was worth it because the best part is we won! 28-21. You were waiting on Robin and Ali to finish getting ready since you decided to wear a simple costume this year since it’s not even Halloween yet. You were wearing a slinky black dress, black stockings and heels with an old witch’s hat from a number of Halloweens ago. Ali and Robin were going as Claire and Allison from The Breakfast Club so they were layering their outfits while you started on makeup.

“So predictions on who is gonna hook up with whom?” you ask, looking in the mirror while you apply eyeshadow. The music in the background was fast and upbeat, Ali having chosen the I Love Rock and Roll album. 

“Well John from French class was eying Madeline so I bet he makes a move tonight.” Ali noted as she adjusted her ankle length brown skirt.

“Blonde haired John or Soccer team John?” Robin asked.

“Blonde John,” Ali says.

“No shit!” you and Robin say.

“Saw it while they were conjugating verbs last Tuesday.” Ali said

“I think that Ben from Chem will finally ask out Samantha Greer.” Robin said.

“The choir girl?” you ask.

“Yep.” Robin said.

“Oh they’d be cute together,” you say.

“You know who else would be cute together? You and Eddie Munson.” Ali said.

“Oh my god yes. The King and Queen of The Freaks,” Robin said, spreading her hands out like she was announcing a movie pitch.

“You’re relentless, you two.” you say.

“And you’re an idiot who can’t see the obvious thing right in front of her!” Ali retorts, putting in her earrings.

“We’re friends!” you try.

“Who are totally into each other. Face it: he’s your Steve and you’re acting like Ali.” Robin said.

“Ouch!” Ali said, hitting Robin lightly.

“But you see my point?” Robin asks

“I suppose so but I barely know him,” you say.

“Get to know him then!” Ali said.

“I have been getting to know him or trying to but okay fine: I do like Eddie but I have to make sure, without a doubt, that he’s gonna be one that stays” you say.

“I get that. How can we help?” Ali asked as she adjusted her pink blouse. 

“Just promise me not to let me get so wrapped up in him that I end up looking like a fool.” you ask.

“Of course dear,” Ali said.

“We’ve got you honey,” Robin said. You finish getting ready, deciding on a dark eye look for the night hoping to come off as mysterious.and witchy. Robin looked adorable in her black cardigan and skirt with black converse: the ultimate comfy and cute look. Ali was working on her makeup at the moment since she just needed to put on her slouchy brown boots.

“Five bucks says Eddie is gonna steal Y/N away tonight at some point.” Robin says.

“You’re making a pointless bet: I’m gonna see him at some point anyways since he was the first one to invite me to this party,” you point out as you go through Ali’s albums before deciding on Queen’s Sheer Heart Attack album.  The whimsical opening sounds of Brighton Rock blasting through her speakers.

“I give it an hour,” Ali said, holding out her hand. 

“I give her 30 minutes,” Robin countered, shaking on their bet. You rolled your eyes as you got down on the bed again, laying down while you waited for them, singing along to each track. The girls joined in on a rendition of Killer Queen as they finished their makeup.

“Alright we ready?” Robin asked as she grabbed her car keys. Ali was pulled on her boots and nodded at Robin.

“I’m good,” you say. Once Ali had her boots on and everything was situated, you three headed out the door and into the car. You sat in the back and they took the front seats. Robin turned on the car and Madonna was blasting through the car as you girls started to sing along. The drive was supposed to be only 15 minutes so it wasn’t too bad.

“So is your boyfriend gonna make an appearance tonight?” you ask.

“Yes he;s gonna meet us there just in case we get too drunk to drive.” Ali said.

“Aww what a sweet Mother Goose he is,” you say with a laugh.

“He is really sweet.” Ali agreed.

“I’m really happy for you Als. Like seriously.” you say earnestly.

“Thanks Y/N. You know we want that for you too right?” Ali said with the same amount of conviction in her voice.

“I know.” you say with a soft smile in the darkness. You arrive at where you suspect the party is based on the music and how many cars are parked down the street. You park a ways down and note how many people are here.

“Are we sure this is a good idea?” you ask as you are walking up to the house, nerves getting the best of you.

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be?” Ali asked.

“Yeah Y/N. It's gonna be fun. Just us, some shots, dancing, seeing our friends. I promise it’ll be fun.” Robin said.

“You’re right; I’m just being paranoid for some reason.” you admit as you walk up the entryway to the house. Ali opens the doors and the house is packed with people all in costume.  A lot of people were dressed as Greeks, movie characters or just dressed in their sports outfits. You smiled at how they decorated the place with black and orange streamers and a fog machine but also had a banner in big bold letters saying CONGRATULATIONS TIGERS! WAY TO GO!

You three immediately made a beeline for the kitchen, making a human chain to ensure not losing each other. Once you get to the kitchen and find bottles of booze just lined up along the kitchen counter. Ali takes some shot glasses and washes them out before pouring up some shots. You clinked glasses and drank down the clear, fiery liquid.

“Another?” Robin asked.

“Another.” you say smiling as she pours up the shots. You down them in a quick procession, grimacing as the liquor goes down your throat.

“Do you want to dance?” Robin asked.

“I wanna make a drink first,” Ali said, already having a bottle of rum in her hand already.

“Make me one too?” you ask. Ali nods as she pour rum and New Coke into a pair of glasses. She handed you yours and cheers-ed before taking a big drink and going to the “dance floor” in the living room. The group was dancing to Take On Me by A-ha, having the time of your lives. You hadn’t been to a party since last year so it was absolutely thrilling to let loose and have a good time. The song ended and changed to a Michael Jackson song.

“Hey I just saw Vickie walk in. I’m gonna go talk to her for a bit. Are you gonna be okay?” Robin asked, pointing in her direction. You nodded and smiled at her with a thumbs up. Ali soon followed her after dancing to a few more songs, seeing Steve show up. Duran Duran started playing and you smiled, taking a drink out of your cup while you swayed to the beat and moved your hips and arms. You finally felt free again and you loved it.

Until you feel a pair of unfamiliar hands place themselves on your waist. 

“Hey there, sexy . Can I have this dance?” a voice said from behind you. You tense up a little bit and immediately feel anxious since you didn’t know the guy.

“Umm…”

“Oh come on, Miss Witch. I just helped carry home a win for us. Least you owe me is a dance,” he said in your ear. You shivered out of uncertainty.

“Fine.” you say, unsure of what would happen if you didn’t. The entire time, his grip on your hips was too tight and uncomfortable. His breath on your neck smelled like beer and it reeked of pot and something else. You looked desperately for your friends, who were unfortunately busy with their crushes. You tried to fake happiness when one hand left your waist, hoping he would be leaving.

“So what’s your name, Miss Witch?”

“Laura,” you lie, not trusting him one bit.

“”Well Laura, do you want a drink?” he asked.

“No, I already have one,” you say.

“Want another one?” he said, trying to sound sexy and coming off sleazy.

“No thanks. I’m trying to pace myself.” you reply.

“Suit yourself,” he says, returning his hand to your waist. The next few minutes felt like the longest of your life as you waited for the song to end. When it did end, you immediately came up with a plan.

“Hey stud I’ve gotta pee. Meet me in the kitchen?” you say coyly.

“Hell yeah baby!” he said as he raced to the kitchen. As soon as he walked away, you made a point to lose yourself in the crowd to avoid the creep’s gaze and downed the rest of your drink but you almost spit it out because it was either watered down or something just tasted off. More metallic than before. You immediately swallowed it and made a beeline for the patio doors, letting yourself out and closing it behind you. You immediately started to feel warmer and anxious after that interaction so you took a deep breath to calm yourself, thanking your Deity for your quick thinking. After a minute of deep breathing, you headed out to the back to see who all was out here. There was a little bit of everyone here tonight so you were happy to be able to blend in. You saw a big cloud of smoke coming from 50 feet away so you started to make your way out of it. The walk was a little wobbly from the heels and the alcohol but you made it to the source of the smoke and you were so glad you did because, as promised, there was your favorite person sitting by the bonfire laughing with his friends wearing just a pair of overalls, no shirt with his tattoos on full display. You started to make your way towards him, leaves crunching under your feet. The sound caught their attention and as soon as Eddie saw you, he smiled wider under the joint in his mouth.

“Y/N! You found me!” Eddie said smiling as you were in ear shot.

“Hi guys. How’s the evening? How was Hellfire?” you ask as you go towards Eddie to sit next to him.

“It’s going well. Hellfire was fucking rad! We got to fight a small army and won!” Gareth said, taking a drink of his beer.

“Well I’m glad it worked out well. Maybe I’ll sit in on a session one day and see how you run a campaign if that’s okay.” you say sitting next to Eddie.

“Of course Princess. I’m more than happy to show you the ropes if you ever wanna guest play” Eddie said with a smile.

“So how’s your night going Y/N?” Jeff asked.

“It’s okay. I lost my friends to their crushes so I danced for a while until this jerkoff jock forced me to dance with him,” you say with a shiver.

“What?” Grant said with wide eyes and an open mouth.

“Which one?” Eddie asked with a clenched fist, rings prominently visible and his bare chest visibly raising and falling rapidly.

“I don’t know. I tried not to look at him, gave him a fake name and told him I had to pee before I came out here.” you say with a slur, the alcohol starts to take its effects.

“Smart move!” Jeff said as the other agreed.

“You’re with me the rest of the night, got it?” Eddie said look at you with a serious expression.

“You won’t hear me complainin’” you say. You fade out of the conversation for a bit, watching the bonfire burn. You think about simple thoughts like what you would eat when you got home, how you’d maybe watch some tv or listen to music. You wondered if Robin was doing well with Vickie and what Ali had planned for her and Steve. You are pulled from your thoughts when a gentle hand touches your shoulder. You turn to your right and see Eddie looking at you quizzically. His touch feels amazing for some reason.

“You okay?” Eddie asks.

“I don’t know; I feel kind of weird” you say.

“What do you mean?” Eddie asks, full attention turning to you.

“I mean I feel drunk but also tired but then it’s like I’m fine,” you say. Eddie hands you a lit joint he had just rolled and sparked.

“Try hitting this once or twice. Small hits” Eddie said. You take the joint and take a few small hits before passing it to your left to Gareth. You sit there for a minute or two focusing on your breathing.

“Okay, at the risk of sounding like an asshole, how much did you have to drink tonight Y/N?” Eddie asks as gently as he can.

“2 shots and a rum and coke.” you slur

“Who made it?” Eddie asks.

“Ali did.” you say. Eddie was quiet for a minute or two, clearly deep in thought as he hit the joint Grant passed him. His eyebrows creased in thought, he finally turns back to you.

“Were you dancing with your drink in your hand?” Eddie asks. You had to think for a moment before nodding. Eddie passes the joint to Gareth, skipping you and causing you to pout.

“Did you drive?” Eddie asks. You shook your head no.

“R-R-Robin did. What’s with all the que-questions?” you slur, rolling the R in Robin’s name.

“OKay. I’m gonna take her home guys,” Eddie said to his friends who nodded in an agreed understanding. Eddie stood up and moved in front of you, offering his hands to help you up. You grabbed his hands and he helped pull you up to your feet as gracefully as you could manage. He moves a hand to your side where his arm is wrapped around you, to balance you and you do the same.

“How are you feeling? Can you walk?” Eddie asked as you started to nod. You two started to make your way back to the patio entry. Your walk was a little wobbly but you were okay in Eddie’s hands. He slid open the patio door for you and went through first, offering his hand to pull you through. The party was still bumping so you and Eddie easily slid through the crowd undetected as you searched for your friends. Eddie spotted the pair sitting comfortably on the couch talking to another couple. He led the way over to them.

“Hey Roberts.” Eddie said, grabbing Ali’s attention to him and you. You could see concern written all over her face.

“Hey guys, everything okay? What happened?” Ali asked.

“No, just…not here. I can explain tomorrow but just trust me, I need to get Y/N out of here NOW.” Eddie said calmly. At these words, Steve’s attention snapped to the conversation.

“You’re sure you’ve got her? We can take her if you want to stay.” Steve said with raised eyebrows, his protectiveness over his friend coming out.

“Yeah I’ve got her. Stay here with your girl and have fun, Harrington. I hate these kinds of parties anyways.” Eddie says.

“Okay if you’re absolutely sure man. Just please don’t leave her by herself.” Steve said.

“”I won’t. I’ll sleep on the floor with her dog if I have to,” Eddie said.

“Y/N, I’m coming over tomorrow first thing to check on you,” Ali said looking at you as you nodded at her. “I love you Y/N/N”

“I lubb you tew Ali and Steeb,” you say as Eddie leads you to the front door and opens it for you to go first before closing it and going back to your side. 

“My van is like a block that way so the walk shouldn’t be too bad,” Eddie said, helping you get down the stairs.

“Okay Eddie. Are you mad at me?” you ask suddenly, hitting the magical level of fucked up where you say whatever comes to your mind.

“Where’d you get that idea from Princess?” Eddie asks.

“Earlier when you asked about my drinking.” you say.

“Y/N I want you to be safe. You can have fun, I’m not saying you can’t, but tonight…” Eddie stopped himself, deciding not to say it.

“I was fine until that jerk wouldn’t let me go.” you whine, getting to the final step. 

“I know, pretty girl,” Eddie said softly. 

“I just wanted to dance by myself or with…” This time it’s you who stops talking but Eddie has other plans.

“With who?” Eddie asks with something different behind his voice. Jealous? Possessiveness?

“I wanted to dance with you honestly.” you admit.

“Aww you wanna slow dance with me?” he asks teasingly and that does it for you.

“You don’t have to make fun of me! I know it’s stupid and I don’t need you to help either at making me feel it,” you say as tears start to prick your eyes, threatening to fall.

“Whoa hey Y/N I didn’t–”

“Just don’t then Eddie. I just wanna go home now,” you say, walking faster now, dropping your hand from around him to get away from him. Eddie watched from a second as you sped up, heels clicking loud and fast as you looked for his van. He wanted to kick himself right now for upsetting you; he just didn’t believe that out of all the guys at school, you wanted him. He wasn’t used to being picked first, let alone at all. He picked up the pace and caught up with you effortlessly. Within minutes, you reached the van in silence as Eddie wordlessly opened the door for you and helped you settle in. You put on your seatbelt as Eddie got in the van and started it, taking off at a slower pace for Eddie. For the first part, you looked out the window as the town started to pass you by and it didn’t take long to figure out just where you were going.

“Please don’t take me to the hospital,” you say seeing a sign for it on the road.

“Why not Y/N? That prick put drugs in your drink and we need to get them out of you before it really causes some fucking damage” Eddie asks.

“My mom works there as a nurse so if I show up to her work like this, I’m dead.” you say.

“So what? You want me to take you home where you could possibly OD in your sleep?” Eddie rambles.

“I don’t know Eddie! I’m fucking scared, I’m feeling tired and I just want to sleep,” you say.

“Fine. I’ll take you home but you’ve got another thing coming if you think I’m leaving you alone tonight,” Eddie states, turning right to start heading to your house instead.

“You can do whatever the hell you please,” you say, crossing your arms like a child. Eddie exhaled, trying to not laugh at you in this state right now as he looked back at the road.

“I’m gonna find that asshole who did this to you and kick his fucking ass,” Eddie said lowly, more to himself. You decide it best not to answer as you try to think of when he could’ve done that to your drink but the drug’s effects were already at work, causing you to doubt yourself and just forget. It really frustrated you that you couldn’t remember. You felt like a scared child and you hated it.

“What are you thinking right now? Talk to me” Eddie asked, when he was a few minutes away from your home. You had been muttering to yourself for a solid minute now and he had had enough, You looked at him in tears and he immediately softened.

“I want my Uncle Dave. He would know what to do,” you say as the tears fall down. Eddie’s heart hurts for a moment seeing it. He so badly wants to do anything to make you feel better.

“We’re a few minutes away from your house. What would you like me to do Y/N?” Eddie asked as he grabbed your hand, rubbing circles on the top of it.

“Call him,” you cry softly as Eddies nods. He lets you cry for a moment while he holds your hand and then he starts to sing along to the radio.

“I get this feeling I may know you as a lover and a friend. But this voice keeps whispering in my other ear, Tells me I may never see you again cause I get a peaceful, easy feeling that I know you won’t let me down cause I’m already standing on the ground. “ Eddie sings as you try to focus on him. He pulled into your spot in the driveway and parked, undoing his seatbelt and getting out of his side. You do the same, getting out and immediately feeling super drowsy and gross. Eddie places his arm around you and walks up to your door.

“Key?” he asks.

“Under the fairy,” you say. Eddie picks up the fairy ornament by the potted plant, grabs the key and unlocks the door before replacing the key under the fairy. You walk in and kick off your heels moaning from the relief as Norm rushes to your side, excited to see you.

“Go get some pajamas on and I’ll be up with some water here in a few minutes,” Eddie says as you nod, going up the stairs. Eddie went to the kitchen to the wall phone and looked for an address book. Luckily for him, the number was pinned next to the phone on a chalkboard. He dialed the number and waited. One ring…two…three, four, five rings, six…seven…

“Hello? Jameson residence, Dave speaking,” a groggy voice answered.

“Dave? Hey I don’t know if you remember me from a few weeks ago but this is Eddie Munson, Y/N’s friend?” Eddie started.

“Eddie Munson?” Dave groaned over the phone, clearly trying to wake up and pay attention to the conversation at hand.

“Yeah Y/N’s friend. Look I wouldn’t have called this late but it’s an emergency. I think Y/N got roofied at a party tonight and she’s scared. She wouldn’t let me take her to the hospital; insisted on coming home and she’s crying out for you. She told me to call you.” Eddie said, exhaling at the end. He could hear shuffling in the background and slight whispers.

“Okay Eddie. Get her to drink water, lots of it, and try to get her to throw it up. Everything. I’m on my way and I’ll be there soon. I’m five minutes away,” Dave says.

“Okay Dave thank you,” Eddie says as they hang up the phone. He went into the actual kitchen and got together a glass of water and a bag of frozen peas in case you got overheated. He looked around for aspirin but couldn’t find any so he went up to your room where he found you lying on your bed in shorts and a Black Sabbath shirt. 

“Hey angel. How are you feeling after getting out of that dress?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah a little better” you say into your pillows.

“Okay good. Can you sit up for me and drink some water?” Eddie asked sweetly. You complied, sitting up with a groan and taking the water from him. You took a few big gulps and sighed.

“Good girl. Now I need to try and get that disgusting stuff out of you.” Eddie said.

“You mean…”

“Yeah sadly I do,” Eddie says as you groan, “Gotta get all that shit outta your body, baby girl. I know it sucks but we gotta do it. If it helps, Uncle Dave’s on his way.”

“You called him?” you say, feeling sheepish.

“Yep, he’ll be here any minute. I feel like you might listen to him more than me but he might have a lecture ready,” Eddie said. You sigh, nodding before getting up and going to the bathroom, locking the door behind you while you take care of yourself.

When Eddie went back downstairs to get himself a glass of water, he heard a key in the door and Norm barking. He looked through the open doorway and saw a long haired man walk in, greeting Norm with some pats. His black and gray tattoos on both sleeves on full display with his tank top and sweatpants. Eddie could tell he grabbed the first thing he had thrown on.

“Hey kid” Dave said, seeing Eddie in the kitchen.

“Hey thanks for coming. She’s in the bathroom right now and she drank about a third of her water so far,” Eddie informed.

“Thanks for the call. How’s she doing?” Dave asked, walking to the kitchen.

“She’s pretty shaken earlier but she seems okay for now, now that she’s home but knowing Y/N, she’s hiding how she’s really feeling,” Eddie admitted.

“Yeah she has always done that. She’s never been one to trust people easily so that’s why I’m glad she was able to at least trust you when in this situation. Thanks kid. I can take it from here if you’ve got places to be,” Dave said.

“I actually don’t. Would it be alright if I stayed? I probably won’t be able to sleep very well tonight if I don’t” Eddie admitted again, not wanting to seem like he’s overstaying his welcome.

“I respect that. How about you take my nephew’s room? He should have some sleep clothes you can borrow,” Dave said, pointing at the room across from yours. Eddie nodded as they heard Y/N open the bathroom door open and shuffle up to her room. Eddie sighed.

“You got her this far man. You did good, kid, now go rest up. I can watch her,” Dave said with a smile as Eddie nodded, starting up the stairs. “Oh and Eddie?”

“Yeah?”

“Sick Eddie Van Halen costume” Dave said with a laugh.

Taglist: @realeddiemunsonstandup @eddies-blunt @sharkbaitouhaha @spookyscoopstroop @bobbiewritesstuff @eveieforeve02 @apublicnotebook @madaboutmunson2 @grungegrrrl @riffcrusader @stardustworlds @tayhar811

[agirlwholovesspe33d]

Here it is: The Main Eight (that name sounds 110 times better than Steam Team)

Thomas Billinton - Driver of NWR No. 1, an LB&SCR E2, NWR Blue.

Gender-fluid.

Dyed a lock of his hair blue because he thought he would look cool. (He was sorta right)

Her middle name is Brighton, prefers to be called Thomas. Please don’t call her Brighton or she’ll kill you.

Bisexual

Excellent singer

Currently dating James. ❤💙

Runs the Ffarquhar Branch Line, his local passenger service starts at Tidmouth, on his first return journey he goes to Knapford and alternates between the two every other return journey.

He sleeps in both Tidmouth and Ffarquhar’s Workers Hut.

Loves fruit as much as Sportacus (the blue guy from LazyTown)

If you offer her cake or any sweet stuff he’ll deny unless it’s an important/big/formal occasion.

He hates Duck, and Duck hates him. Mainly because (and yes I am quoting from The Unlucky Tug) “Duck is a traditionalist proud of his heritage and very by the books, he does things the proper way, contrast that with Thomas who will do whatever if he gets to have more fun“.

Arthur sorta holds a grudge for him since Thomas ruined his spotless record.

Literally the whole island except for Duck loves him.

My ideal voice for him: John Hasler.

Edward Pettigrew - Driver of NWR N°2, a Furness Railway K2, NWR Blue.

Decent singer, doesn’t like singing in public though

His good lifestyle keeps him looking young.

Mostly seen as a father figure by most NWR Workers.

Asexual/Aromantic (Aroace)

Loves milked coffee and can’t live without it.

Runs the Brendam Branch Line, currently resides at the Wellsworth Workers’ Hut, as it is at the start of the branch line. There he lives with Tiffany (his stoker), BoCo and Nia.

He’s one of the few Steamies Damian (aka Diesel) respects.

Henry’s bestie.

Close friends with Gordon, James, Thomas, Percy, Duck, Trevor, the Vicar of Wellsworth, Bertie, Salty, Porter, Nia, Bill and Ben, Neville and Molly.

My ideal voice for him: Keith Whickham.

Henry Stainer - Driver of NWR N°3, a “Black 5″ Class painted NWR Green with Red Stripes. (formerly a C1 “Atlantic”)

Strong, kind, friendly giant.

Loves the nature and usually goes to a forest near Vicarstown, where he and his stoker; Jessica, calm down from work.

Somewhat irritable.

Vegan

Big fan of chamomile tea,

Bisexual (and Hiro’s boyfriend)

Very tall

Loves to deliver the Flying Kipper. He collects it from Knapford South Harbour, A.K.A, the Harbour at Thomas’ Branch Line, being close to Tidmouth Sheds and all and with the other Knapford Harbour being used only for light goods. Although Brendam is still the main and largest port on the island.

He and Edward are besties. He’s also good/close friends with Thomas, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Emily, Bear, Murdoch, Arthur, the Scottish Twins and Molly.

When his engine was a GNR C1, he was ridiculously thin. He became stronger by exercising, something he liked to do while waiting for the locomotive to come out from Crewe Works after the Kipper accident.

My ideal voice for him: Kevin Frank.

Gordon Gresley - Driver of NWR N°4, a LNER A1 Pacific prototype nicknamed “A0”, painted NWR Blue with red stripes.

Used to transport the fast NWR Express Passenger Service, otherwise known as The “Wild Nor’ Wester”. Starting at Knapford and travelling Eastbound for Vicarstown and only stopping at Killdane, Crovan’s Gate and his final stop being at Vicarstown. But ever since the Kirk Ronan Branch opening, the Fat Controller gave this job to a new engine (whom I will enter into more detail in another post), so he does a local service now, stopping at junctions like Kellsthorpe Road, Wellsworth, and Maron. Elsbridge and Tidmouth both in return journeys and journeys to Vicarstown.

On return journeys, he uses a Loop Line via a junction in the middle of the Main Line, after Crosby, the line goes up, passing Elsbridge, stopping there and continues down until passing Tidmouth and entering Knapford from the south

A direct descendant of Sir Nigel Gresley, more specifically his grandson. Not biologically, of course. His father was very close to Gresley and worked with him. And thus Sir Nigel considered the son Gordon’s Father had as his very own.

This fact became stronger after Gordon’s father passed away.

Straight.

Loves tea, and fancy food in general. And would normally have a chat drinking tea with James and Henry. Or other drivers of the Main Line.

Has sort of an Uncle-Niece relationship with Rebecca.

Has a close bond with Thomas ever since the incident at the Lead Mines. Henry sees him as a big brother and he sees Henry as a sort of brother his same age.

My ideal voice for him: Neil Crone.

James Hughes - Driver of NWR N°5, an L&YR Class 28 with added boogie, painted Skarloey red with blue stripes. 

When the engine was in the Engine Works at Crovan’s Gate, James saw the Skarloey Railway engines painted in what was at the time, SKR red so he said “I want that for my engine” and it’s been red ever since. 

N°5 did have the original Class 27/28 wheel configuration of 0-6-0, and the extra pony truck was added at Crovan’s Gate Works to prevent accidents. (It obviously didn’t turn out well but it’s not like they can take it away now)

After his “Buzz Buzz” accident with some bees at Tidmouth Station, he held a phobia for them ever since.

Pansexual and currently dating Thomas

He has a special passenger service from Knapford to Kirk Ronan known as “The Special Express”.

As said, he enjoys the fancy food he could get if he hangs around Gordon and/or Henry but also is happy with Thomas inviting him to something as simple as an ice cream.

Emily’s bestie

Also close friends with Edward, Henry, Gordon, Percy, Toby, Rosie, Duncan and BoCo.

Admired Gordon and sort of have a Napoleon complex.

My ideal voice for him: Kerry Shale or Luke Marty.

Percy Avonside -  Driver of NWR N°6, a GWR Saddle Tank  painted NWR Green with added bunker for long-distance goods trains.

Station pilot at Knapford, but after the work in the yard grew to be too much for him and River (his stoker), so the Fat Controller bought another engine and hired another driver, Montague “Duck” Collet, from the GWR. 

He currently assists with the goods on the Ffarquhar Branch Line and delivers stone trucks to Knapford Harbour. A work Rosie sometimes does when he needs help but the one who helps him the most is Sonny. Although Rosie did deal with Percy’s goods deliveries full-time during a time period where he and Thomas were off the Ffarquhar Branch helping out on other parts of the island.

Multiple accidents made him have memory problems, which explains why he doesn’t even know what a Railway Inspector is.

He sees River as the big sister he never had, mainly because he grew up at an orphanage for most of his life. He also saw Diesel 10 as a father figure during his stay at the Dieselworks. His engine is also of obscure antecedents, and Sir Topham Hatt I bought it second or third hand during a strike at Tidmouth.

Big fan of anything that tastes sweet, except for chocolate. He despises it ever since the accident at Mr. Jolly’s Factory.

He’s more familiar with the term “Father Christmas”, hence why he doesn’t know what “Santa Claus” is.

Ever since the scarf incident in Winter, Percy hates scarves and never uses them, even though he should.

When the siderods on Engine Number 1 were broken and had to go to the Works the day Thomas met Elizabeth, Harold helped Percy with the post, something he didn’t like until Harold crashed his helicopter in a haystack due to the mailsack being too heavy.

He was given a Daytime run with the Post Train after arriving late several times and after an accident with Gordon and trucks with tar barrels.

AroAce.

Evidently Thomas’ bestie, but also close friends with Edward, Henry, Gordon, Toby, Duck, Donald and Douglas, Emily, Gator, Sidney and Philip.

My ideal voice for him: Nigel Pilkington.

Toby Holden -  Driver of NWR N°7, a GER C53/LNER J70 Steam Tram painted brown with NWR Blue sideplates.

He’s preeeeety old, but younger than Edward

Straight

Loves tea, and it helps him to relax.

Helps deliver workman to the Ffarquhar Quarry with the coach of Henrietta, his wife.

He doesn’t care about self-image. He’s just happy.

He is a mutual to both Thomas and Percy but when they argue, Toby steps aside and watches the fire spread, and loves every second of it.

Mentor figure to Percy, even more so than Edward.

As user wrduckdog said “Edward has the kind of wisdom in that he knows just how to advise younger drivers and mentor them. Toby has the kind of wisdom where he knows how to get free candy of a machine if you hit it a certain way”.

Close friends with Mavis, Edward, Henry, Percy, Thomas, James, Emily, Farmers on the Ffarquhar Branch (McColl, Trotter and Finney), Bertie, Terence and Philip. 

Ideal voice for him: Colm Feore or Ben Small.

Emily Stirling -  Driver of NWR N°12, a GNR 1003 class “Single” Locomotive painted emerald green with gold lining.

Emily is also an orphan. After a business trip from which her parents didn’t return, Emily was left an orphan in Scotland, having to raise herself alone, having that tenacious and strong attitude of later model seasons until one day Addison, a granddaughter of Sir Nigel Gresley, saw her wandering through Scotland (where she went for a vacation) and seeing a 7-year-old girl struggling to survive on the streets, she took her in as her sister. In England, Emily grew up seeing the railway and becoming fond of it until she became an engine driver.

Pansexual.

Had feelings for Thomas during her first days on Sodor, but saw how happy he and James were, and slowly accepted them.

Also felt attraction for Spencer but it was more of a guilty crush.

She’s currently Caitlin’s Awesome Girlfriend (if you understood that reference I will love you)

She had a crush on Mavis for a while.

Due to the Peel Godred electric line not reaching Callan Castle and Black Loch, she helps with the tourism there. As well as Molly and Neville from time to time.

Loves fruit and staying healthy as much as Thomas does, in fact sometimes they do workouts together (Sportacus and Stephanie moment)

Sister figure to most members of the team, except for Edward or Toby.

James’ bestie.

Close friends with Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, Percy, Toby, Hiro, Murdoch, Molly, Whiff, Rosie, Mavis and Deci (my OC).

My ideal voice for her: Teresa Gallagher.

Note: Despite some voice actors I mentioned being from TATMR, set movie is not canon in my AU of stories, although I guess that goes without saying.

And there you have it folks, the Main Players on my Humanized AU. It’s been fun to come up with some of these ideas. I especially thank YouTube, Twitter and DeviantArt user https://www.youtube.com/@JamesAWilliams for inspiring me with some of them, as well as my best friend https://www.youtube.com/@ArtuTheBigEngine user https://www.youtube.com/@TheUnluckyTug_official/featured and @asktrio516 . All of them are really awesome. See you in the next post! ;D

[bluecrusadearcade]

Harrison Osterfield is not your regular irregular

By Baker Street, Gentleman’s Journal quizzes the star of Netflix’s new drama on world records, Sherlock Holmes and his golf swing…

Draped in a silk shirt and paisley scarf, Harrison Osterfield is shivering his way across a brisk Regent’s Park. But he’s not complaining. Why would he? After all, the 24-year-old has dealt with worse. In his latest television series alone — Netflix’s The Irregulars — he’s tussled with demonic crows, paranormal serial killers and even the occult. So a little nip in the air? Nothing to worry about.

“I do have my eye on that jumper, though,” beams Osterfield from behind a bold pair of sunglasses. I don’t blame him. It’s a chunky-knit, funnel-neck number from Connolly, and the next piece of clothing lined up for this al fresco photoshoot. But, for now, the young actor must grit his chattering teeth — and continue striking willowy poses in that billowy shirt.

And those poses are turning heads. Dog-walkers, taxi drivers and tourists are all picking up on Osterfield’s energy; a coolly British blend of big grins and bouncy enthusiasm. He swings from a lamppost! He dances through daffodils! He feeds the pigeons! NW1 hasn’t seen this much action in months…

And we’ve come to Regent’s Park for obvious reasons; Baker Street snakes down from its south-west corner. And, on that famous thoroughfare, sits the fictional digs of Sherlock Holmes. But The Irregulars, a supernatural-tinged drama named for Holmes’ gang of trusty street informants, wasn’t shot in London. Rather, it was filmed on the authentically old streets of Sheffield and Liverpool — the same cobbles walked by the Peaky Blinder boys. So this, Osterfield grins, is a fun opportunity to see the real thing.

“All of the rest of the cast,” he admits, “are really big Sherlock fans. I’ve never really read any of the Sherlock books. I’ve seen maybe one Robert Downey Jr. film? So I was very new going into it.”

Today, then, will be a crash course. Because, after we get Osterfield out of the park (and into that jumper), we’re heading to the Holmes Hotel for a coffee and a catch-up. It’s a relatively new hotel just off Baker Street, decked out with knowing nods to the world’s greatest detective. There’s a bronze bulldog guarding the door, pipe-patterned wallpaper and signature cocktails at the sadly-closed bar (anyone for a ‘Case Closed’?).

But, though there are only suggestions of Sherlock in the Holmes Hotel, Osterfield explains that they’re even subtler in the show. Because The Irregulars, in a nutshell (wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma), sidelines the sleuth, and shifts the focus onto Osterfield and his fellow gang members. The actor plays one of the show’s leads; frail runaway nobleman Prince Leopold. All sullen glances and broken bones, his story is the heart of this first season.

“And it’s been a long project in the making,” says Osterfield, noting that filming on The Irregulars began almost two years ago. “That’s quite daunting. When you’ve spent that much time on something and you’ve got no idea how it’s going to turn out?

“It means that, now, it’s crunch time,” he continues, face creasing with mock-worry, “and I have no idea how people are going to react. But I’m really proud of the work, and that’s what I’m taking away from it.”

The Irregulars may be Osterfield’s first lead role — but he’s been acting for years, popping up in several short films and the George Clooney-directed adaptation of Catch-22 before Netflix took notice. His first role came at 11-years-old, when he was cast as Tiny Tim in his school’s stage production of A Christmas Carol. “It’s funny, actually,” says Osterfield, “because it’s quite a similar physicality to my role in The Irregulars”.

“But that’s where it started,” he continues. “And the real reason I got into acting was because there was this girl in the drama class who I really liked. I thought, if I joined up and impressed her, I could take her out on a date. That didn’t happen. But, although she wasn’t interested at all — the acting seems to be going okay!”

It certainly does. But, like actors all over the world, it’s been a very slow year for Osterfield. He returned to set in September to finish filming the Netflix show — but the rest of his lockdown was eerily, cannily familiar to everyone else’s.

“I went back to my home in Kingston,” he nods, “where I was living with three of my best mates who are also actors. Quite a few of my friends are in theatre, and they had a really tough time of it — not knowing what was going to happen next. I was very lucky, knowing that I was going back to finish something”.

The actor says it was strange being locked-down with fellow performers. With sets closed around the country and curtains falling on theatres, it was one of the first times they had all been at home together. But, even with the additional pressure, he says there were no problems. And there never have been, according to Osterfield — as it’s rare that he and his friends ever compete for the same role.

“We’re all very different castings!” he laughs. “Which is good. It’s a mixed bag, really. But it’s very useful when you’ve got to self-tape an audition and there’s another actor literally upstairs. Also, we’ve all known each other for ten years, so we’ve grown up together and, luckily, know when not to push each other’s buttons.”

With no work, Osterfield spent most of his 2020 getting stuck into lockdown. And he shamelessly tried every self-isolated stereotype. He binge-watched every sports documentary from Drive to Survive to Last Chance U. He upped the frequency and intensity of his workouts. He even tried his hand at cooking. He tried everything.

“I did try everything!” the actor laughs, fizzing once more with that lamppost-swinging, daffodil-dancing energy. “Really! I think I went though every lockdown activity there is. I gave baking a go for two weeks — that didn’t work out. I made a banana bread and that was it. I’m not going to be delving into that any more…

“We were quite lucky, though,” he adds, “because we had an outdoor space. We built a homemade golf net in our garden, by putting up two wooden poles and hanging a blue screen we had left over from filming. That kept us entertained most days”.

But, despite the failed banana breads, closed-off golf courses and Irregulars anxiety, Osterfield says that the worst thing about lockdown was missing his family.

“Because we’re a very close family”, he explains. “Massively so. And, usually, we’d have family gatherings every other weekend – my whole family are in East Grinstead and closer to Brighton, so real countryside. I’m honestly just looking forward to the day, with summer on the horizon, that we can do some good barbecues outside.

“We even tried family Zoom quizzes over lockdown,” he adds, “and they all figured out that I’m not that clever. The rest of my family all seem really, really intelligent. I don’t know if they were just revising beforehand, but I was definitely last a couple of times…”

And Osterfield’s most inspiring family member — not to mention the most irregular — is his 89-year-old grandfather. Despite the young actor upping his own fitness levels during lockdown (“I started doing handstand push-ups. That’s my new skill!”) Osterfield’s grandfather put those athletic achievements to shame.

“He’s fitter than me!” laughs Osterfield. “He’s been kept at home for most of the time and, as a family, we’ve been quite worried about him. But I struggle to keep up with him. I’ll ring him up and ask how his day’s going and he’ll say ‘Oh, hi Harry. Can I call you back later on? I’m just doing some exercise’. So he’s doing better than okay!”

But the exercising, Osterfield says seriously, has been a real lifeline. It’s kept both him and his mind busy during lockdown — and has motivated the actor to pursue more physical, active roles in the future. If he can look back at a body of versatile work, measured out in marked body transformations, he says he’ll be happy.

“I’ve been doing a lot of bodyweight exercise over the last year,” he nods. “I thought it would be quite cool, while in lockdown, to break a world record for something — so I’ve been trying lots of fitness challenges. I’m very close to getting the most burpee chin-ups in under a minute. I’ve got to knuckle down on that.

“I also tried to eat an apple in under 38 seconds,” he laughs. “Which sounds like a long time, but it’s actually quite difficult. And, with apples, I eat everything. Even the middle bit. Even the stem. I just chuck it down. I’m a big fruit bat, so I eat everything apart from the seeds.”

There’s that bouncy energy again; that fun-but-utterly-sincere enthusiasm. It’s an odd thing for an actor, to be so happily unabashed by everything — but the 24-year-old is as animated when talking about his acting as he is about his apples. And that’s nice to see. He’s clearly relishing every opportunity to better himself, and just getting started with what promises to be a very exciting career. Harrison Osterfield, it seems, takes every bite of the apple — literally. Talk about irregular.

[exerciseclasses]

9 Things to Know Before Joining a Pilates Studio in Brighton

Pilates has become incredibly famous as a powerful and all-encompassing kind of exercise that emphasizes enhancing flexibility, strength, and general wellbeing. Precision, control, and flow are stressed throughout this mind-body practice, which is more than just a workout. There are numerous crucial elements you should be aware of if you’re thinking about attending a Pilates studio Brighton in order to make an informed choice. Before diving into the world of Pilates in this gorgeous coastal city, there are nine important things you should be aware of, which we will cover in this post.

What is Pilates?

It’s crucial to comprehend what Pilates is before diving into the crucial factors to consider when picking a Pilates studio. Pilates is a low-impact workout technique that stresses core strength, flexibility, and balanced muscular growth. It was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Its unique and all-encompassing approach to health places equal emphasis on mental and physical wellbeing.

Expertise of Instructors

Your experience with Pilates is greatly influenced by the instructors’ skill. Look for Pilates studios that have qualified, knowledgeable instructors who can properly lead you. They must to be knowledgeable about anatomy, alignment, and adaptations for people of various fitness levels. Additionally, knowledgeable teachers can offer insightful advice that will aid in your safe and effective progression during your Pilates journey.

Types of Pilates

Pilates comes in a variety of genres, including classical and contemporary. While current Pilates combines cutting-edge fitness methods, classical Pilates adheres to Joseph Pilates’ original teachings. Find out which fashion suits your preferences and fitness objectives. While current Pilates may include extra equipment or variants, classical Pilates may place a greater emphasis on the classic movements.

Studio Location

Take into account how close the Pilates studio is to your house or place of business. You may be able to maintain a regular practice schedule if your studio is conveniently located. The last thing you want is a long commute that makes it difficult for you to routinely attend classes. Select a studio that is simple to get to so that you may prioritize your health and wellbeing.

Class Schedule

To make sure the studio’s class schedule meets your schedule, check it out. To suit various schedules, several studios offer early morning, noon, or nighttime classes. You can select sessions that fit with your daily schedule thanks to the flexibility of class times. Whether you favor morning workouts or evening ones, having options can significantly impact your ability to keep up a regular Pilates practice.

Equipment and Facilities

Look over the tools and amenities the studio has to offer. To perform Pilates exercises safely and effectively, you need high-quality equipment. Make sure the studio keeps all of its equipment in good condition and adheres to stringent hygiene guidelines. A rich Pilates experience requires top-notch equipment, such as reformers, Cadillac machines, and chairs, as these enable a variety of exercises and adaptations.

Studio Ambiance

Your Pilates experience might be strongly impacted by the studio’s atmosphere. Find a studio that has a friendly and inspiring atmosphere. Pilates lessons can be more stimulating and fun when the environment is perfect. Your whole experience can be improved and you may look forward to each session if the studio has calming music, lots of natural light, and a tidy, well-organized environment.

Trial Classes

Trial lessons are offered by many Pilates studios. Use this opportunity to determine whether the teaching style and studio atmosphere are right for you. You can sample the studio’s offerings firsthand by enrolling in a few trial classes. It’s a great chance to talk to the teachers and other students and determine whether the studio fits your needs and preferences.

Pricing and Membership Options

Review the membership options and pricing schedule. Check to see if it offers flexibility and suits your budget. Pilates facilities frequently provide a variety of plans, such as single sessions, monthly subscriptions, and class packages. Take into account both your financial status and the frequency of your planned class attendance. This will assist you in selecting the best alternative in terms of price and convenience.

Client Reviews

Reading reviews from current and former clients can give you useful information about the reputation of the studio and the members’ experiences there. Online reviews and testimonials are a great way to learn more about the reputation of the studio. Look for reviews that highlight the studio’s advantages, such as its knowledgeable instructors, diverse class offerings, and welcoming community.

Progress Tracking

Take into account whether the studio provides tools for monitoring your development, such as private evaluations or goal-setting sessions. Maintaining motivation and accomplishing your fitness objectives depend on tracking your progress. Numerous studios provide quarterly evaluations so you may track your progress, customize your routines, and establish new goals. On your Pilates journey, these tracking tools can be immensely motivating.

Safety Measures

It is essential to follow safety precautions and regulations in the modern world, especially in light of recent health concerns. Studios should have thorough safety procedures in place, such as rules for mask use, social distance, and sanitary procedures. When choosing a Pilates studio, always put your health and safety first.

Community and Support

You can have a better experience at a Pilates studio because of the sense of support and camaraderie there. Look for studios where members are encouraged to bond with one another. A vibrant community may provide people a sense of purpose, responsibility, and belonging. It’s not only about the workouts; it’s also about the relationships you build with those who share your goals of improving their health.

Personalized Training

Ask about customized training choices if you have specific fitness objectives or health issues. Some studios provide private lessons or classes for small groups that are tailored to each student’s needs. If you want to achieve specific fitness goals or need to make accommodations because of an injury or other medical condition, personalized training may be helpful.

To ensure a positive and secure experience, it’s important to take into account a number of aspects before signing up with a Pilates studio in Brighton. You can choose an exercise program that fits your tastes and fitness goals by paying attention to factors like instructor experience, location, class schedule, and other factors. This all-encompassing strategy will improve your Pilates experience while also improving your general wellbeing.

[stronghours]

the story of the man who got everything he always wanted; a hardworking little boy’s first footing into his bright future as a sadistic control freak; a youth boxer Makes a Mistake and cannot figure out if he accepts his beloved coach is living a fucked life he can’t understand; a chronically ill ex-boxer is pursued voyeuristically and professionally by her fitness coach boss and lashes out in increasingly abusive ways at her personal exercise class but they all fucking love it because they’re weak perverts; an orphaned 13-year-old boy who just discovered industrial music pits his manly aunt against his peer’s ultramasculine fathers to a perhaps fatal conclusion; a pair of old friends come together for one last sinister week after a violent catastrophe permanently disrupts one of their persons and households; a professional and her bodyguard courier a liver out of a body and across state lines; a rotting vampire washes up on the shores of lake michigan and accidentally enthralls its way to a bright future turning to cheese in a chest freezer in Brighton Park

[carryonsimoncarryonbaz]

NEW FIC!!!

Written for the Carry On Quarantine event organized by @xivz​ for the prompt of food delivery. My thanks to @fight-surrender​ and @basic-banshee​ for the beta reads and support!!

Baz is a teacher quarantined at home and Simon is doing temp work delivering food for The Girl and the Goat, a local pub. A craving for a burger leads to Baz ordering from the pub, followed by weeks of mutual pining, the slow burn of a developing relationship thwarted by the physical constraints of social distancing, and a refrigerator full of pub food. Movie nights, exasperated friends, lots of texts, way too much food, and multiple awkward encounters. 

Let My Love Open the Door

Baz

I close my laptop and drop my head down onto it. I’m knackered. The metal feels cool against my forehead. I roll my face from side to side, relishing the smooth chill of it against my cheeks. And then I remember.

Fuck, now I have to disinfect the damn thing.

I’m done. Done for the day but also so done with this.

How can I be expected to effectively teach students—Sixth Form students at that—from a computer terminal? I’m almost three weeks into this, but their looming A Levels and GSCE’s are still on schedule for May.

That’s less than two months away. Five weeks and three days, to be exact.

Thank fuck it’s Friday. I’ll at least have two days to prepare next week’s frightfully inadequate lesson plan.

I grab a disinfecting wipe from the canister and methodically wipe down my laptop. I’m not sick—not a cough, not a sniffle—but I’ve bought into this not touching my face directive and I shouldn’t be smearing my germs on random surfaces. For all I know I could be carrying this thing. One of the asymptomatic Typhoid Marys, spreading it far and wide.

Not that there’s anyone to spread it to, seeing as I’m on my own here, but I wipe the laptop down anyway, unnerved by the whole idea of it.

I’ve washed my hands more in the past month than I have in my entire life. I spent the first day at home wiping down every surface, laundering the bedding, mopping the floors. My house went from having a pleasant, woodsy scent to the overwhelming stench of bleach instead.

It gave me such a headache that I had to open the windows and damn near froze. Bloody coldest March we’ve had in years. April’s not proving to be much better.

My mobile buzzes. I should have left it in the bedroom but I’ve become painfully attached to it.

If I’m not planning out curriculum, video conferencing with my class, answering frantic emails from parents, students, the other teachers at my school, or compulsively cleaning and reorganizing my house, then I’m moodily scrolling through Twitter and Instagram and ratcheting up my anxiety.

I should delete my social media.

My mobile buzzes again.

I glance at my watch. It’s six o’clock.

Bound to be Wellbelove.

Wellbelove: are you done yet?

Wellbelove: Baz!!

Wellbelove: you can’t still be doing classwork it’s after 5

Wellbelove: BAAAAZZZZ

Me: Give it a rest, Wellbelove. Some of us are actually working from home.

Wellbelove: I am working, you poncy bastard I’m obviously far more efficient than you.

Me: Look, some of us can’t just post our morning exercise routine and somehow have that count as work.

Wellbelove: Why are we friends again? Can you remind me why I put up with this slander from you?

Me: Because of my sparkling wit and undeniable charm.

Wellbelove: more like your fashion sense and propensity to pick up the bill when we eat out. Neither of which are in evidence at the moment so I may have to rethink my devotion to you

Me: Still, I’m indispensable.

Wellbelove: then buy me dinner. what are we watching tonight?

This all started at the end of that first week, when Agatha couldn’t concentrate on the book she was trying to read and I’d reached the pulling-my-hair-out state of lesson planning. She suggested we watch a film together—FaceTiming while our Netflix accounts played in sync.

We’ve done that almost every night since. Dinner and a movie, separately, from a distance.

We spend almost as much time arguing over what to watch as we do watching, but that’s just how we are. I’ve known Agatha Wellbelove since we were toddlers at the same crèche when our parents were at uni. Same primary school, same secondary school.

We drifted apart during our uni years, with Agatha at Brighton for phys Ed and Oxford to read for English Language and Literature for me.  

It was some bizarre twist of fate that we were both hired to teach at the same secondary school in Chilham. She was the last person I expected to see on my orientation day.

We picked up where we left off, latching onto each other as we navigated our first real world experience after uni.

It’s been three years now and I think the past three weeks have been the longest stretch we’ve gone without seeing each other since we moved here.

She’s self-centered, brutally straight-forward, horribly short-tempered, dreadfully impatient, and devastatingly gorgeous.

A perfect match for me if I wasn’t so irrevocably gay.

And if she wasn’t . . . well, categorically uninterested in me in that way is probably the best way to phrase it.

But she’s my best friend and I know it hasn’t been all that long but fuck, I miss her.

Wellbelove: WHAT ARE WE WATCHING BAZ ANSWER THE FUCKING QUESTION

She’d be kicking me in the shin by now, if she were here. Maybe I don’t miss her quite that much.

Ugh, it’s my night to choose. I don’t know what I want to watch. Something soothing, not one of those action films or plucky sports dramas she likes so much. I actually like Bend it Like Beckham but not those sappy American ones she’s inflicted on me.

I need something familiar. Comforting.

Me: Pride and Prejudice.

Wellbelove: 2005. Kiera Knightley. I will accept no substitutes.

Me: The 1995 version is superior.

Wellbelove: Colin Firth doesn’t look like that anymore Baz. Let it go.

I start to type “Keira Knightley doesn’t either” but fucking hell she does still look the same.

Wellbelove: and you owe me dinner

Me: 2005 AND dinner? You are greedy and demanding, Wellbelove. I’ll agree to Knightley. Make your own dinner.

Wellbelove: I want a burger I’m ordering out since you’re being a berk and won’t send me food

Fuck. I’m craving a burger now too.

I don’t even want to think about cooking anything. I’m so sick of pasta, even though I’ve tried to make it a different way each time, with my dwindling pantry supplies. And much as I love the curry place down the road I can’t eat it every day.

I used to think I could. I used to say I’d be happy eating tikka masala every day for the rest of my life, but I was mistaken.

And no more chippies. I can’t do another chippy.

Me: Who’s delivering burgers? Please tell me you aren’t getting McDonald’s.

Wellbelove: why would I get McDonald’s when I can get a lamb burger from The Girl and The Goat?

Me: they’re not still open?

Wellbelove: of course they’re still open you stupid git.

I don’t know why I hadn’t thought to check. Why I assumed the pubs would close down, when they all have kitchens and food service, just like the chippies and fast food places.

Me: why didn’t you bother telling me, you hag?

Wellbelove: You are a grown man Hunter gatherer type you should be able to forage for your own food

I want one of those burgers. We don’t go there all that often but The Girl and The Goat has some of the best burgers in town. Fucking hell, I’m salivating at the thought of it.

Me: Text when you’ve got dinner and we’ll start the movie

Wellbelove: you’re ordering from The Goat aren’t you you hypocrite and not even paying for mine

I close the messenger app to look up The Girl and The Goat online. I scan the menu and then ring them up.

The warm, cheerful voice on the line assures me the order will be delivered to my door within a half hour. I give my mobile number so the driver can text when he arrives.

“Just be looking for the text, love,” the woman’s warm voice continues. “Simon will leave everything at your door, no need to open up until he’s gone. I know how wary people are these days so we’re trying to make it easy.”

A little over a half hour later my mobile buzzes with a message from an unknown number.

Unknown number: Food’s here!

Unknown number: I’ll ring when it’s on your doorstep

The doorbell chimes and I peek at the doorway video display only to startle at the huge grinning face looming on the screen. I push the audio button.

“Yes?”

“Hullo! I’m Simon. I’ve got your order from The Goat. Lamb burger and chips.” He holds up a gloved hand carrying a bag. “I’ll just leave it right here for you.” I get a brief glimpse of a broad back clad in a brown leather jacket as he bends down, before he’s back to grinning at the camera again. “Thanks for ordering from The Goat. We appreciate the business. If you text me back you’ll get a discount for next time!”

“Text you back what?”

He leans in closer and shrugs. “Whatever.”

He’s got brilliant blue eyes. A scattering of freckles dotted across his face.

“Um, right, ok then. Thanks.”

He waves and then he’s out of sight again.

I move to the front window and twitch aside the blinds to watch him get in a blue car with “The Girl and The Goat” displayed across the door in white lettering.

I wait until the car is long gone before opening the door, gloves on, carrying the parcel of food as if it’s radioactive until I reach the kitchen, where I can dispose of the bag and transfer the food to my own dishes.

It’s likely overkill, I know, but I find being wary and methodical helps calm me.

I settle down in front of the television with my meal and my mobile, ready to message Agatha, when I see the text from the unknown number again.

I’d not say no to a discount. I click on it to text back. What exactly does one text to an attractive delivery man?

I shake my head. He’s just the delivery man, it’s irrelevant if he’s attractive or not.

My finger is still hovering over my mobile. I’m having an existential crisis over what to text a delivery man so I can get a discount on a pub meal. These are the depths that I have sunk to with this self-quarantine.

It would help if he were ordinary looking. It really would.

Me to unknown number: Whatever

I hit send before I think too hard about how unoriginal and trite a response that was.

My mobile pings back a moment later.

Unknown number: 15% percent off the next order. Just say Simon said when you call it in! :)

Read the rest at ao3!!!!!!!!!!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23590015

[imfemalewarrior]

Dojo & Conditioning!

Dojo-What is your group/org/school called?

I’ve trained with MQFSM Brighton, Penn State Capoeira, and I’m planning to train regularly with Capoeira Omaha 

Conditioning-Does your style have a typical conditioning exercise(s) you do during class?

We usually do movement drills as our conditioning exercise. 

-FemaleWarrior