#gym AU

[mayopocket]

you only walked 500 steps yesterday??

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Endurance 1

Warnings: this fic will include obsessive behaviour, possible non/ducbon, bullying, and other elements which may not be specifically triggered. Please be cautious in continuing on to the story.

Character: Walter Marshall

Summary: A fellow gym go makes your workouts even more taxing.

Please reblog and leave some feedback, preferably in a reblog but you can always drop by my asks. I always love working in y'alls ideas with these AUs so I am so excited to hear from you.

As always, take care of yourself <3 be kind and be patient. Love you.

No tag lists. Please review my pinned and bio for guidelines.

You come out of the changing room and peek at the wall mirror as you pass. You admire your new bubblegum pink leggings and polka dot top. It’s a bit out there but you’ve seen neons in this place that make your retinas burn. Besides, you’ve never been shy when it comes to fashion. It’s not just your passion, it’s your job. 

It’s late enough that the bodies there are far and few between. You prefer the nights when the gym feels like a ghost town. The air is quiet but not stagnant.  

Your water bottle swings on its handle from your hand as your bouncy steps keep in time with the boppy music thrumming in your earbuds. Your workout mix is a nice blend of retro and contemporary bass hits. You catch yourself humming and stamp it down. Sometimes, you forget other people can perceive you, not that there’s many around to so.  

You find an empty mat. They all are. You put your bottle down and start your stretches. Your late night sessions help clear your mind though it never really stops. In your mind, you’re seeing pleats, seams, and ruffles. 

Your body moves without thinking. It’s all muscle memory. You’re no gym rat, you don’t go that hard, just enough to loosen up your muscles. Your note overly swoll as the young ones call it. You’re fit enough for a light jog and the stairs don’t leave you winded like they used to. 

After your stretches, you slurp loudly from the straw of your water bottle, walking with it still between your lips as you head for an elliptical. You can just let the repetitive motion take over. You pop your lips off the tub and slip the bottle into the little plastic holder on the side of the machine. 

As you climb up, you see another figure across the floor. The man sits on the end of a weight bench. For a moment, it looks, even feels, like he’s watching you. From there, you can’t see very well. You don’t wear your glasses in the gym since you lost a pair to a hungry leg press. 

You can make out dark hair and his burly form. Hazy but wide enough to clock. Most people around here are stacked. You’re too casual for all that. And you like a piece of tiramisu with your Friday lattes. 

You pick your speed and start to climb. You cling to the machine and rock your head to the music. Once more, your throat vibrates and you have to remind yourself to stop. You can’t help it, you love Destiny’s child. Does that date you? For someone working in fashion, you can’t ever risk that. 

You zone out, vision blurring as you let your body do the work. The sweat speckles and slicks across your skin. Damn, you might just be bootylicious after this work out. 

Your fitbit rumbles and you look down. You’re in the zone. You keep going until you hit thirty minutes and slow down. You cool off for ten minutes and swipe up your bottle, sucking on it greedily as you head back to the mats. 

You swing out your arms and stretch your legs in slowly lunges. You bend forward, touching each toe with opposite hand, lingering with your ass up as you brace your hips. A sudden clang has you standing straight so fast you nearly topple onto your butt. 

You throw out your arms to catch your balance as you let out a pathetic, ‘woah-oh-oh'. You look over at the man as begins reps with the heavy dumbbells. You’ve never gotten above the tens. His blue eyes flash in your direction and you give a sheepish smile. 

You don’t want to seem weird so you return to your stretches. Arms up, lean to one side, then the other. You hear a strange rumble, like thunder, and look over at the man as he continues to work his traps, staring at you. You could even call it a glare. 

You tap your ear bud as you face him, “sorry?” 

“Do you have to make that noise?” He snarls. 

Your brows pop up. We’re you humming again? Oops. 

“Sorry, I didn’t realise I was,” you smile and before you can tap play, he scoffs.  

“Typical,” he grumbles as alternates to biceps. 

He’s built. He’s arms are bigger than your head. Probably. You don’t think he’d let you compare for scale. You drop your hand without tapping. 

You get down and extend your legs in front of you. His breaths underline your movement as you bend one leg over the other and push your straight arm against it as you twist. As you do the other side, facing him, his gaze flicks over again. 

“You put more time into choosing that outfit than you do working out,” he shakes his head. 

You blanch. Oh wow. You must have been really out of tune if he’s that grumpy. You give a tight-lipped smile and keep going. He’s not the first grouch you’ve dealt with. Your editor is a chronic miser. 

You straight arms and legs and bend to touch your toes. You then pull your arms back and plant your hands. You lift your pelvis and torso and lean your head back, raising yourself in a straight line as you hang your head back. 

“Form is off,” he mutters. 

You lower back down and look at him again. 

“Oh, uh, do you have any tips?” You ask curiously. He grimaces. You push your shoulders up and tilt your head, “well, if you think of any, I'd be happy to work on it. I’d hate to hurt myself.” 

You get to your knees and groan as you push yourself to your feet. He tuts as gets down to plank, still gripping the weights. He lifts the left and puts it back down, then the right. You watch him for a minute, impressed by his strength. Your wary of lifting too much, you don’t trust yourself. 

“You think your cute,” he sneers under his breath. 

“Um, sometimes,” you hover across from him, “I just thought you might know more than me--” 

“Of course I do,” he puffs between lifts. 

“Mm, okay, well, I’d love to learn--” 

“They got trainers for that,” he snips as he finishes his reps and puts his knees down. 

“Right, um, sorry to bother then. I was only... asking,” you turn and grab your bottle. 

You flip the top up again and slurp. You get to the bottom, sucking air loudly up before giving up. He huffs and stands with the weights, slamming them back on the rack. 

“Do you have to make so much goddamn noise?” He stands straight and turns to you, crossing his thick arms. You stop short and part your lips. 

“It’s empty, I didn’t--” 

“It’s not the only thing’s that empty,” he taps his skull, “go back to the mall, girl.” 

You scrunch your nose, “you don’t have to be rude, mister.” 

“Honesty is a gift,” he snorts. 

You pull your chin back. You didn’t mean to annoy him and you apologised already. You’re a nice person but you don’t appreciate his tone. 

“Well, if I’m being honest,” you put your hands on your hips, “you’re not very nice.” 

He chortles as a crease forms in his forehead, “and you’re not as cute as you think.” 

“What does it matter what I think I am?” You challenge, “I didn’t ask you.” 

“No, you just float around like some airhead and disturb everyone else,” he accuses. 

You peer around, “there’s no one here.” 

He drops his arms and lifts his chin. He steps forward and you waver, just a bit, put off by his size.  

“I’m here,” he says. 

You blink. What does that mean? 

He takes another step and you stare at him, necks and cheek burning. His words strike an epiphany. It’s just you and him. He’s a lot stronger than you. 

Another step and you put your hands up, “mister, you better not come any closer.” 

He scoffs again, “or what? Are you going to cry?” 

You pout and shake your head, “no, but I... I could scream. Or bite.” 

He shakes his head, “what do you think I’m gonna do, girl? That’s what you do, isn’t it? Make yourself the victim. You need the attention to make you feel special.” 

He’s getting closer. 

“I said stay away,” you project your voice as best you can, “I’m not afraid of you, mister.” 

He chuckles and tilts his head. He stops, just a step away from you, “aren’t you?’ 

Your eyes meet his and you stand trapped in the snare of his glower. His blue eyes are deep and fiery, his chiseled face is framed by dark curls and a thick beard, and his chin is cleft handsomely. He’s fearsome, a bear in man’s flesh. You’re no more than helpless hare. 

You back away and his mouth slants in triumph. He’s won. You turn and gulp, gripping tight your bottle as your sneaker squeaks loudly. You scurry away, buzzing with adrenaline. 

“That’s right, you run away, girl, run as fast as you can,” he calls after you, “not very, I’m sure.” 

You keep a brisk walk as you hurry towards the locker room and push inside. Your heart is hammering and your breathless as you reach your locker. You put the bottle on the bench and clutch the sides of your head. You’re dizzy as you try to get a rein on your frazzled nerves. 

You thought you left the bullies behind in high school, over a decade ago. In that second, you’re right back in your teenage years. Your eyes sting with tears and your stomach churns with humiliation. That glimmer of insecurity creeps back into you. 

No, no. You’re an adult. You’re a grown woman. You have a job and a life you love. You’re nothing they said you were. You proved them all wrong and you will prove that butthead wrong too. 

[nicht-vobla]

LiuCheng meet cute at the gym

4/? (how many parts till they make out? who knows not me)

DM me to commission Your Ship of Choice in this style for $69

[umtrem]

my mind keeps thinking about Sonic being shadow's personal trainer who just joined the gym. I thought about a lot of things while training in the last few weeks. sooo yeah this is a new gym and personal trainer AU

sonic talking about the guy he met at the gym. poor deluded hedgehog...

[stillnotyourmusebitch]

Has anyone written a Gym bro au for Bowser and Luigi yet. Like Bowser is a power lifter and Luigi is new to the gym and wants to gain some strength coz he is feeling insecure. But when Bowser sees him looking so lost and there are regular gym bros who are just laughing at Luigi. This really steams Bowser to the point he walks over and helps Luigi out with the right way to use the equipment and they become friends to lovers.

Luigi falls first coz. "Oh shit a really buff guy is helping me and being genuinely nice to me." (I mean it's a totally normal feeling that weegee)

Bowser is slower to fall but there was a little spark in the beginning where Luigi finished a set and was so excited he did and a fond smile from Bowser just cemented that fact.

((extra points I need to make it I see Luigi as a trans man for this.))

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

The Gym Membership - Part 35 (Crosshair)

Summary: The Axe Event continues

A/N: Hello Lovelies,

Well I had a nice day today, someone told me they loved me. Of course, it was an 80 year old patient, but hey I'll take an 'I love you' any day. It was adorable.

So I just noticed that I also just gained 100 extra followers since my last celebration. I'm sitting at 550! To my new followers, WELCOME! To my old, THANK YOU for staying around. I know you have all been patient with my uploads on my other stories, and I do apologize for that. Thank you for sticking, it means a lot. I was thinking of writing at least ten chapters for each story first before I started uploading, but I think I'll just write and upload as we go along, but stick to the 1000 word limit I've set for myself.

If you guys have a different opinion, just drop a line and let me know.

I know I've used this GIF before, but I mean... look at him.

Love oo

Warnings: Liquor, axe throwing discussion, attempts at flirting, very close touching, annoyed, drinking, competition. I think that's it, if I miss any warnings, please let me know.

AO3 Link   |   Words: 1,151   |   PREVIOUS - -> NEXT

Gym Membership Master List  |   Main Master List

Crosshair’s hands clenched by his side, at Rob’s attempt of flirting. It wasn’t so much that Layla was getting hit on that bothered him, it was the way Rob was eyeing her. He could tell his brothers were having issues with this man as well. Crosshair looked at Hunter, a silent agreement they would teach this man a lesson or two. He turned his focus back to Layla and Rob, ready to step in if the occasion called for it.  

Rob’s smile was sweet, but … a little too sweet for my liking, almost as though he was putting on airs, to get me to drop my guard down. He held out his hand expecting me to hold it as he guided me over, however when I didn’t take it, he simply smirked as I walked over and stood beside him. He cleared his throat and handed me one of the three axes he had in his hand. 

I gripped the handle, getting used to the weight, as I tried to align myself with the target.

“All right, beautiful, are you right or left handed?”

“Ummm either and the name’s Layla.”

Rob chuckled, “What’s wrong with beautiful?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “I’m more than just a pretty face. Not everyone is focused on how they look.”

Crosshair couldn’t help but smile at her stance, he let out a quiet chuckle, a red tint appearing on his ears. 

Rob smiled awkwardly and nodded, clearing his throat, “Right. So Layla, Right or left handed?”

“As I said previously, either.”

“What do you mean either? What are you ambidextrous?”

“Yes.” The statement was plain simple and to the point, yet the look on Rob’s face was one of disbelief and annoyance. 

“Me too” Tech’s voice called out from behind me, I chuckled and high-fived him.

“Oookay…” Rob flipped the one of the two axes in his hand, simply nodding as though all of the sudden he found himself out of his depth. He cleared his throat one more time, before his confident demeanour came back, “Well in that case,” he smiled as he looked into my eyes, “whichever hand you decide to use, use the opposite foot to put forward. Got it.”

“Yup.”

“Great. Now Layla, let’s start with the two-handed technique; it helps if you keep your thumbs lined up, similar to a golf club.”

Crosshair watched as Rob continued instructing her, his eyes laser focused and narrowing as he noticed Rob getting a little too close for his comfort, although Layla didn’t say anything nor did she seem to be reacting much to his presence. A warm angry sensation started to churn in his stomach, when he noticed how Rob shifted to stand behind Layla, gently wrapping his arms around her, as he adjusted her grip on the axe from behind. His head positioned over her shoulder trying to get a better angle to see what she was doing.

He let out a sigh, Layla didn’t look bothered nor had she glanced over to him or anyone else, to ask for help. He turned his focus to his brothers to see what they were doing since they had a total of four lanes. Hunter was helping Zai, even though she really didn’t need it. Wrecker was assisting Mel, although she was simply looking for an excuse to touch his muscles, meanwhile, Echo and Sofie had gone to get pitchers of beer for everyone. 

“If it bothers you why don’t you go over and instruct her?” Tech’s voice was low and full of tension as he spoke to Crosshair. Although things between the two of them had gotten better, there was still a slight bit of tension, mainly because he hadn’t completely forgiven Cross from harbouring such a secret for so long. 

“It’s not bothering me” Cross stated as he took a swig of the beer Echo brought back, after he nodded his thanks.

“Tell that to your clenched fist and jaw.”

“Crosshair, wanna try?” I motioned him over, and held out the axe to him. Rob decided that my complete and utter lack of interest was no longer an entertainment for him, as he finally backed off. 

Cross swallowed the rest of his beer, he swaggered over towards Layla, smirking as he took the axe from her hand; he flipped it back and forth, spinning it in the palm of his hand as he took a step back, from the designated throwing line.  

“Pick a spot” he looked at Layla, a subtle grin on his lips. 

“Sorry?” I was lost at his request, my eyebrow furrowing in confusion.

“On the target” he motioned with his head, “pick a spot.”

I tried to suppress a chuckle at his audacity, “I’m sorry, you want me to pick up a spot on the target? Anywhere?” He nodded, “Oh, okay um … the bullseye.”

“Really?” He quirked his eyebrow, letting out a sigh as he relented. He lined himself up with the target, standing 16 feet from the target, he placed his foot forward, and without even any force he threw the axe and hit the bullseye dead centre.

My jaw dropped open as he hit it dead centre, “W-wow … that’s …” 

“Oh that’s nothing” Hunter chuckled as he came over smacking Cross on the shoulder. He looked at Rob, “Mind if I make a quick doodle?”

“Ugh, sure … go ahead” Rob was shocked as well, he’d been known as the most proficient axe thrower at the company, but even he never moved further than the designated 12 foot throwing line. 

Hunter took a pen and doodled a happy face on the board, it was tiny, he placed it on the third ring, in the upper right hand corner. “Alright, Cross, that’s your target.” He gave a proud smile as he walked away from the target. 

Cross waited until the area was clear and safe for him. Tech gave him a glass of a beer, he took a swig before handing it back to his younger brother. Nodding his thanks. He released the axe before anyone was the wiser, nailing his target dead centre.

“Whoa!” Zai couldn’t hold back her admiration. 

“That’s crazy” Mel smirked

“That’s just luck,” Rob offered.

Wrecker chuckled, “Do you know how many people say that?”

“There’s no way, he hit it.” 

“Why don’t we have a friendly match?” Crosshair offered, as his toothpick swished from side to side. 

“You’re on”

Rob took the spot beside Crosshair, picking up his axe, “Call it”

“Very well, the blue dot on the right corner, the ten pointer”

“Done” Rob stood at his mark, his back straight, he lifted his arm and threw the axe, hitting the ten pointer, dead centre.

Cross nodded at his opponent, “Not bad. For someone standing on the line.” He mocked.

“Why not draw a target for me, we’ll see who the better thrower is.” 

AO3 Link   |   Words: 1,151   |   PREVIOUS - -> NEXT

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@justanothersadperson93​ @liadamerondjarin​ @badbatch-simp24​ @spicymcnuggies​ @lady-ren​ @firstofficerwiggles​ @darkangel4121​ @discofern​ @kavecika​ @monako-jinn-stories​ @ladykatakuri​ @avathebestx​ @theroguesully​ @furyhellfire66​ @carodealmeida​ @ciramaris​ @sprout-fics​ @twinkofthedink​ @dindjarin-mandalorian​ @clonethirstingisreal @crosshair-is-the-superior-clone @totallyunidentified @griffedeloup

[mastercherry]

I have to stop coming to the gym. It's not good for my mental health. ALL the hot people grunting and groaning? How am I supposed to focus on anything else?

I just know I've got some open fanfic tabs that I could be making any of these sounds.

[xenon-demon]

Currently brainrotting about a modern AU where Steve is a fitness instructor. He works at the local gym with Robin (who is a receptionist, since while she’s into fitness enough to work out on a regular basis she’s not into it enough to actually run classes).

Steve occasionally takes on clients for personal trainer work, but mostly he runs classes mainly for people who are in need of encouragement or a gentler hand in the gym (as opposed to the “YEAH YOU BETTER WORK UNTIL BLOOD IS COMING OUT OF YOUR EYEBALLS” approach some of the other instructors have). Think newbies, older folks who aren’t used to this, women who don’t want to be judged for how they look or hit on while working out, teenagers. Lucas (and occasionally Mike, if Lucas forces him to) attends some of his youth classes and absolutely loves it.

And then one day Lucas needs picked up from one of his gym classes so he can attend a late session of Hellfire, so Dustin successfully bullies Eddie into going and getting him and- oh my god who the fuck is that taking the class? It shouldn’t be legal to walk around looking that hot. Steve’s already worked up a sweat so he’s taken his shirt off, exposing his ridiculously chiselled torso to the world, and Eddie is definitely not looking at all. Nope, uh-uh. Lucas introduces them (since he’s genuinely friends with Steve at this point given his regular attendance at classes and their shared interest in basketball) and Steve shoots Eddie with this absolutely charming grin, and oh my god.

Eddie is so fucked.

Eddie, who is but a weak and feeble man, looks up the gym online later that night to see if he can find anything about Steve. Thanks to their instagram page, he finds Steve’s personal instagram... which is filled with lots of workout videos and fitness advice. Most of which is basically uh. Softcore porn. At least for a humble gay man like Eddie. 

...Eddie, in absolute grave secrecy, asks the next day about getting a trial membership at the gym. Look, it’s for research, okay? He’s just... curious.

(And if Steve offers to help the new guy out on the gym floor who clearly has no idea what he’s doing, then he’s just doing it because it’s his job. He definitely doesn’t find the new guy cute or anything, and even if he did, he’s definitely not trying to show off while demonstrating how to do the exercises properly. Nope. Absolutely not.)

[mr-areyoustupid]

au related stuff

[ravenesse]

HP Career Fair 2023 - 🏋️‍♀️

Title: Let's Get Physical

Summary:

Draco never thought that having Harry Potter as his new personal trainer would be the thing that drives him mad.

Yet here he is, at the gym, definitely not drooling over Potter’s tits.

READ ON AO3 ✨✨✨✨✨

[illustriousseu]

There’s 5 euro off of this product! Buy it now

[osplague]

Kept staring at these two guys at the gym trying to figure out if they're gay

Reynauld/Dismas DD gym AU

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Sweaty Palms 1

Warnings: this fic will include obsessive behaviour, possible non/ducbon, bullying, and other elements which may not be specifically triggered. Please be cautious in continuing on to the story.

Character: Curtis Everett

Summary: You start going to the gym to break old habits, but new things are scary.

Please reblog and leave some feedback, preferably in a reblog but you can always drop by my asks. I always love working in y'alls ideas with these AUs so I am so excited to hear from you.

As always, take care of yourself <3 be kind and be patient. Love you.

No tag lists. Please review my pinned and bio for guidelines.

You’ve never been to a gym before. You’ve never been to a lot of places. Crowds are not your forte, public places are your personal nightmare, and strangers make your nervous. Everything makes you nervous. 

You can’t hide forever. That’s the conclusion you’ve come to. It's not a very comfortable one for you but if you don’t change, you’re always going to feel like this. Heavy, deflated, lost. It’s hard to put into words the feeling. The world just seems to pass you by, it functions around you, and sometimes you almost believe you’re not really there. Like a ghost, you just watch it without effect. 

The extra fifteen dollars a month isn’t too much of a stretch. You can hold off on your Kindle addiction for the expense. That’s another thing, you need to start being smart, more practical with your money. 

Planning. That’s something you’re working on. You didn’t come without one. You wouldn’t make it past the door without a set of steps to follow. 

You stop by the front counter first. You ask the woman behind it about how to get into the gym. You bought a membership online. She brings up your profile and issues you a membership card, explaining how you can also download the app and register with your member number. You thank her and continue through. 

You walk along the first floor, the leg machines and the rowing machines being worked by the regulars. You find your way to the dressing room on the second floor and enter with your head down. You try not to look anywhere but where you need to. You find a stall and change, packing away your street clothes, then go out to find a locker to shove your stuff in. 

You emerge with your phone and your new smart watch strapped to your wrist. You glance at the face of it. Your heart rate is already elevated. You unlock your phone and tap the app you downloaded the day before. You flipped through the catalogue of beginners’ workouts but didn’t have any of the equipment to do it yourself. It’s cheaper to just come here. 

You go to one of the spaces laid with mats and stop before one of the racks of weights. You stare at your phone in exasperation. You don’t understand, you’re connected to the wifi but the app just won’t connect. You could try on your own but you really don’t know what you’re doing. 

Ugh, why did you even bother? This is just another failure. You try restarting the app and then your phone, aware of the activity around you. Does anyone notice how clueless you look? 

“Hit it or quit it, little girl,” a man startles you as he brushes by you and grabs a large set of dumbbells, the thirty on the side catching your eye. You shift out of the way and press your phone against your chest, the smooth fabric of your shirt causing it to vibrate as if you tapped the screen. “This isn’t the phone club, it’s a gym.” 

“Sorry, I...” 

“There’s a cafe across the street, you can go play candy crush there,” he scoffs, “seems more your speed.” 

“Must feel real big, huh?” A gritty voice nears from your other side, “real heavy lifting there, pushing around a woman.” 

“Huh?” The first man narrows his eyes as he grips the set of dumbbells at his sides and faces the other man.  

He’s taller than you, muscular but not too bulky. His head is shaved and a dark short beard lines his jaw. Similar hair peeks out from the top of his tee shirt and dusts his toned arms. He slips past you, inserting himself between you and the gym watchdog. 

“Bro,” the first guy sneers, “don’t even start with me. You think you can step up.” 

“I’m not stepping up,” the other man defies, “I’m telling you to mind your business. Take your weights and leave her alone.” 

“Pfft, this some sort of date? You know, this isn’t the Olive Garden--” 

The second man crosses his arms, his back to you as he postures at the other man. He’s silent as he stares him down. You can’t see his face but you can feel the tension roiling off of him. There’s a thick lull as both men stand in a deadlock. 

“Got something to say, bud,” the first guy drops the weights and they boom against the floor. You wince and step back, “go on, I could use the work out.” 

“I said it,” the second man utters flatly, unyielding as he looms like a wall between you. 

“Fucking loser,” the other spits back, “you’re really gonna fuck around for that? Have you seen the skin around her?.” 

The man doesn’t respond. He stays as he is, an unmoving sentinel. The other man growls in frustration. 

“Fucking chicken shit, why don’t you speak up, dude?” 

Still no answer. Just a glare. You clutch your phone against your chest, frozen in horror and confusion. You didn’t mean to start a fight. You hate confrontation. 

Suddenly, the man before you jerks as he’s grabbed by the large man. His back hits you slightly and you drop your phone as he latches onto the other man. Everything happens so fast. The man who came to your defence has the other man on his back on the mat in seconds, a knee on his chest as his fists clasp around the top of his tank top. He bends over him and snarls. 

“Christ, bro, get the fuck off of me,” the man on the floor shoves on his arm helplessly.  

You glance around and notice the audience forming around you. Oh no. You look back to the two men. You step forward and tap the closest man on the shoulder, the one who defended you. 

“Please,” you croak nervously, “I don’t wanna get in trouble.” 

He turns his head, glancing back at you with powder blue eyes made bright by the dark row of his lashes. He exhales and lets go of the other man. He stands and puts his arm out as if to keep your behind him. 

“You really want me to repeat myself?” He sneers down at the other man. 

The larger man pushes himself up and scowls, shaking his head and he turns to stalk off muttering, leaving behind his forgotten dumbbells. The other man bends to pick them up and returns them to the rack. You look down at your empty hands then search the floor. 

You reach for your phone but it’s plucked up before you. The man brings it up between you and holds it out. You take it with a thank you. 

“No problem,” he rasps. 

“I... you didn’t have to--” 

“That guy’s an—he's not nice,” he corrects himself and drags his hand over his mouth and chin, “I don’t like bullies.” 

“It’s my fault,” you shrug, “I was in the way. But er, thanks. I'm... I’m sorry.” 

You turn away and look back at your phone. The app isn’t working. It says it needs another update. 

“You need help with something?” The man asks. 

“I...” you peek at him over your shoulder, “yeah, I... I don’t... I don’t usually... it’s my first time.” 

He nods and hums as he steps closer. You face him and show him your phone. You’re jittery as it trembles in your grip. He’s a stranger. Your whole plan was to avoid those. 

“I got this app to help but it’s not working,” you frown. 

“Try the update?” He points his thick, long finger at the screen. 

You tap and keep the phone visible. The app shop comes up and the update button is grayed out. Underneath, italics read ‘this update is not available for this device’. You frown and bring the screen closer to your face. 

“It won’t let me,” you pout and flick your lashes, mortified. How are you this helpless? Why did you have to have a witness? Several. You look around, some eyes darting in your direction. 

“Hm, well, what are you trying to do? You said this is your first day?” He prompts, “I could... I could help out a little. If you need. I’m no trainer, I just do my own thing but I could try.” 

You bat your lashes up at him then look back at your phone. You don’t know what else to do. Your whole plan has fallen apart because your operating system is outdated. 

“I... I’m not very... athletic,” you explain, “so I can’t go very fast.” 

“That’s okay,” he assures you, “I can go slow.” 

“You don’t have to do that. I can figure it out.” 

“I know I don’t have to,” he shifts and peers over his shoulder, “but how about I stay close anyway,” he moves and you can see the guy from earlier staring daggers from a chest press, “just in case.” 

“Oh, I... I’m sorry,” you tuck your phone into the pocket of your leggings, “I made him mad.” 

“Let him be mad. Got nothing to do with you,” he turns back to you again, “I could take you through some stretches and basics; lunges, squats, stuff like that. As best I can.” 

“Erm, I guess... I don’t wanna be in the way,” you rub your neck. 

“Not in my way,” he says evenly, “lets grab some weights first.” 

He directs you to the rack and without a thought you go to it. He approaches beside you as you realise, you didn’t say yes, you didn’t agree to this, but you don’t know what else to do. 

“Start with some twos,” he advises, “and if you’re not getting a good burn, we can up it later.” 

“Oh, okay,” you grab the dumbbells with the large twos on the side. He grabs the twenties. You feel totally inadequate. 

“So let’s get out space,” he backs up and looks around the mat, “here should be good.” He bends and sets down his weights, "for now, let’s put these aside and start our stretches. You don’t wanna pull anything.” 

You nod and place your weights beside you. You stand and stare at him. He’s in good shape. Great shape. He makes you even more conscious of your neglect. You already feel breathless. 

“I’m Curtis by the way,” he steps forward and offers his hand. 

“Oh, uh,” you shake his hand and give your name. 

“Pretty,” he says as he squeezes before letting you go. His hand is huge compared to yours and the gap in your strength is obvious just in that small gesture. 

“Alright, easy, slow, arms out,” he extends arms, “roll your shoulders and your head, loosen up.” 

You watch him and hesitate to follow his direction. You hate that there’s so many people around. You don’t want to look stupid. You’re so ungainly and awkward.  

“Try not to think about it too much. We’re all just here to work out, right?” He says and you shy away, embarrassed that he noticed your discomfort. You raise your arms and start the stretches, “good, you’re doing good, angel. Make sure to breath, alright?” 

You roll your shoulders and head and blow out a breath. Your nerves are pinging all over and your muscles are shaky. This isn’t what you expected at all. Your plans fallen to pieces and yet, it’s not entirely a lost cause. 

“Arms up,” he guides you into the next exercise, “on your toes, reach as far as you can...” 

You obey, letting his voice guide you. His deep, calm timber is almost comforting. The even tenor is a stark contrast to chaotic nervously. You can get through this. 

[rmd-writes]

I gotta handle you just right

(Part 3 of the Tarlos gym au)

This was supposed to be a quick, smutty, <5k installment to this series. Instead, as so often happens, the characters had other ideas; so what you’re getting is a ~10k smutty installment to this series, in which the boys finally make it out of the gym.

Thank you @welcometololaland @celeritas2997 and @howtosingit for your help and support with this one 💖

TK inhales sharply when he sees the photo and rushes to get off the couch, shoving Nancy’s legs off him as she complains, because he definitely cannot be looking at that photo with Nancy looking over his shoulder.

“Rude much?” Nancy looks at him and then rolls her eyes. “You know what? I don’t even want to know. Go be gross somewhere else.”

TK pokes his tongue out at her and gets up off the couch, heading for his room.

In the safety of his bedroom with his door locked, standing with his back pressed against the door, he looks at the photo from Carlos again, his mind a tangle of thoughts. The first is that the photo is taken from an angle that TK is very familiar with, and the view of Carlos’ torso looking up towards his face is spectacular.

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PS. The Instagram DMs are scrollable, make sure you see the entire message!

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

The Gym Membership - Part 36 (Crosshair)

Summary: Layla spends time with the girls; while the guys continue their axe throwing.

A/N: Hello Lovelies,

It took me a little long to edit this part, simply because I got caught up watching a movie. LOL. I know shameful.

Anyhew, enjoy.

Love oo

Warnings: Liquor, intoxication (please enjoy responsibly and do not drink and handle weaponry of any kind. These are fictional characters, if they hurt someone, I can just backspace. There's no backspace in real life), axe throwing discussions, drinking, innuendo, discussions of objectifying male bodies (the girls discussing their husbands/boyfriends), discussions of feelings, feelings of guilt. I think that's it, if I miss any warnings, please let me know.

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Rob spun the axe in his hand, before throwing it at the target. This was his and Crosshair’s tenth match; and right now the score was 9:1, mainly because Crosshair felt the guy should’ve at least won one. 

With each loss, Rob was getting more and more agitated while Crosshair kept taunting him, it was childish. Honestly, I was shocked to see these two acting like a couple of children. After a while, I walked over to the girls who were sitting at one of the tables drinking beer, eating some fries and nachos.

I sat beside Mel, popping in one of the fries from the table. I ordered a drink from the waitress, as I glanced around the table, enjoying the fact that everyone here was here for only one reason, to celebrate Avery’s accomplishments. 

“Having fun Layla?” Mel asked as she took a sip of some proper beer, now that she was no longer breastfeeding Violet and Iris was comfortable enough to be with a babysitter that wasn’t family, not to mention it’d been a while since she and Wrecker had a night out. She was trying her best  not to get too drunk, but watching Wrecker’s muscles flex, as he tossed the axe against the target, was making it very difficult not to just let her inhibitions go completely reckless. 

“I was until those two started acting like fools.” I motioned over my shoulder, to the two just in their own world. “Regardless, I’m glad everyone’s here for Avery.”

Mel reached over and rubbed Layla’s back, stroking her hair, “Of course, sweetie. We’ll always turn up for you and for Avery.”

“You know …” Zai motioned her hand, swaying it a little, she was a tiny bit tipsy. “When you get two men interested in the same woman, you’re going to have childish rivalry” she smirked as she popped a fry into her mouth, followed by another shot of tequila. “Am I wrong, ladies?” She directed the question to Mel, Sofie, and Layla; the three simply nodded as they each took a sip of their beer.

“I’m sure you’re wrong. Crosshair has disliked me for a long time, and I’ve certainly given him enough reasons to hate me. I mean we are just now on speaking terms, and … okay, yes things have gotten better. We are talking and texting more, but … that doesn’t necessarily mean … you know … I mean he was married to my sister. You’re way off base.” I clarified, waving my hand aside as I drank down my whiskey in one gulp, too nervous and too mortified my feelings may have seeped through. I motioned to the waitress ordering a refill, I needed another one to calm down my racing heart, the last thing I needed was for them to misunderstand our relationship. Plus, she was clearly drunk, and not thinking clearly. 

“Hmmm. Well, if you’re so sure, then can you explain why he keeps glancing over here to see if you’re paying attention?” Sofie teased as she took a sip of her drink. 

I glanced over my shoulder to see Crosshair’s eyes focused on his target, even from where I sat, I could tell they were penetrating and fully engrossed in his task. His muscles flexed under his shirt as he moved his arms, his biceps bulging from the slight movement. His jaw shifting ever so slightly as he chewed his toothpick, swishing it from one side to the other as he grinned a self-satisfying smirk at Rob. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t pull my eyes away, as I took note of how his long fingers gripped the handle of the axe, how his forefinger and middle finger straightened completely as he released the axe from his hand, and slowly curled into his palm. 

“Seems like something caught your eye, or maybe someone?” Mel chuckled, wiggling her eyebrows, her lips pulling into the warmest and most comforting smile I’d seen in a long time. I don’t know how to explain it, but she felt like family to me already. “Hey, I don’t blame you, Crosshair is a very attractive man, with a heart of gold. However, not that I’m disparaging against Cross, but have you seen my man, Wrecker’s arms?” She turned and was not ashamed to be ogling her husband, as she pointed out her favourite parts, “I mean look at how my man’s arms ripple with every movement. Look at that back, ”

“Easy Mel, don’t want to see you drool.” 

“Shut up, Zai. Like you’re not watching Hunter with eagle eyes, and admiring his own form.” Mel laughed as she glanced over to Zai, her cheeks and ears turning a deep pink, while Zai’s smiling pout and blush adorned her own features.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t. Just saying no one needs to see you drool. Plus,” Zai turned her head to admire her own man, “look how his hair falls perfectly every time he shifts, the way his stance brings out his thick thighs, and his tapered waist …” She couldn’t help chewing her thumbnail as she eyed Hunter up and down. 

“I think Mel’s not the only one who needs a napkin” Sofie giggled as she handed a napkin to each of the girls.

“Well, I’m sure you’re keeping your eye on Echo too, right?” I teased, enjoying how friendly they were amongst themselves. It was enjoyable to find women that didn’t judge me, didn’t make me feel less than I should’ve simply because I was pretty, or because I wasn’t like other women who enjoyed gossiping or trying to meddle.

“Of course, look at the way he moves …” Sofie’s eyes focused fully on Echo, as they shone with pure joy, “He moves with purpose, elegance, and determination; and not just when he’s standing there throwing an axe; when he’s dancing he’s the most graceful dancer I’ve ever seen.” 

“Are we talking vertical or horizontal dancing?” Zai teased, laughing as she took another swig of her beer. 

Sofie hid her face behind her glass, laughing, as Mel and Zai continued to tease her nonstop about Echo, as my eyes fell back over to Crosshair, watching as he and Rob had fallen into  some sort of heated debate. 

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@justanothersadperson93​ @liadamerondjarin​ @badbatch-simp24​ @spicymcnuggies​ @lady-ren​ @firstofficerwiggles​ @darkangel4121​ @discofern​ @kavecika​ @monako-jinn-stories​ @ladykatakuri​ @avathebestx​ @theroguesully​ @furyhellfire66​ @carodealmeida​ @ciramaris​ @sprout-fics​ @twinkofthedink​ @dindjarin-mandalorian​ @clonethirstingisreal @crosshair-is-the-superior-clone @totallyunidentified @griffedeloup @leotatombs @leotawrites

[the-best-kung-fu]

LAST CHAPTER OF “HEAVEN’S ON FIRE” IS UP!!!! 🍒⭐️ 🇺🇸 English version: https://archiveofourown.org/works/46057486/chapters/117668695… Versão 🇧🇷 PT-BR: https://spiritfanfiction.com/historia/heavens-on-fire-24761126/capitulo5… THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING THIS STORY! 💚💜💚💜💚💜