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anonymooseforever007 · 1 year

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Wanna Buy You A Drink

(Bob Floyd x Reader)

Summary: It's been five months since Bob's seen his wife, and aside from Natasha he had yet to mention her to his team. He calls it privacy, she jokes it's internalised possessiveness. But tonight, with Penny's help at the Hard Deck, more than one person is in for a surprise. After all, who doesn't love a good innuendo?

A/N- Hi y'all! No TWs I think, a good few innuendos and one joke about making babies but nothing actually happens. I've been trying to finish this one for a while and am very happy with how it turned out! P.S incase y'all didn't know the Thunderbirds are the US Air Force's professional flight team that does really amazing tricks and skills and the Blue Angels are the ones for the US Navy! Both groups are so amazing to see in person and I just wanted to make a little Navy Vs. Air Force rivalry joke about them!😊 Enjoy❤️

WC- 3.8k

Main Masterlist

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He didn't know you were coming.... or so soon at least.

The last time you had spoken to your husband was a few days ago while trying to find a flight to San Diego for next month. The two of you had texted of course, and you had even gotten a few awkwardly taken selfies of the man with the sunset behind him. Neither you nor your husband enjoyed having your photo taken, so seeing him take time to step out of his usual comfort zone was always touching. Besides, you would never tell him (nor would he tell you), but there was a growing album in your phone of sneakily taken photos, though blanket holes or around house walls when the other wasn't looking. These little albums you each had "hidden" helped the burden of the distance seem less harsh, especially in the times when Bob's job kept him farther way than usual.

Despite the top secret mission he had been sent on being completed, your husband was still assigned to say in the city for an undetermined amount of time. Evidently the higher ups decided they liked how well the crew had flown and wanted to keep them together. Tired of being alone and wanting to have a little fun in the Sunny City, you decided to make an early appearance. Luckily, you had already managed to find a job in the city that was just a different branch of where you worked before. They were also kind enough to give you a two weeks leave of your own to make the move and see your husband. Your husband knew you would to join at some point, only he thought you wouldn't be getting in until late next month. So he would be very surprised in a few hours when he found you at one of the navy's top aviator hangouts that night.

It was a bar called the Hard Deck. You remembered your husband mentioning it a few times through your communications, as where him and his fellow officers liked to go after a long day. A quick google search rendered a fruitful find, and ten minutes after getting your rental car, you were on your way. It barely 5:30 by the time your reached the bar, Aviators and Civilians alike had just begun to pour through the bar doors. But by 6:00 you were sure the place would be packed. So you quickly searched for a seat, always rubbing your right thumb over your left wrist to calm your nerves.

In the centre of the building, a beautiful older beautiful woman moved around the main bar serving drinks with ease. 'Penny' you though to yourself, remembering Bob mentioning her a few times when the bar came up. Apparently in addition to running the bar she also had close connections to the the Top Gun program herself, namely with a certain Captain who helped lead the last Mission. You smiled to yourself as you saw the sign by the bar serving a warning to those who would disrespect women or the navy. Maybe this woman could help you with your fun. When it became your turn to order you smiled at Penny...

"Hi! I was actually hoping I could send a drink to someone else if that would be alright?"

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Bob was tired. There was no particular reason why he was tired today, he just was. Training had gone smoothly and Hangman hadn't been too much of an pain either. All and All, today had actually been one of the least stressful days since he first arrived nearly five months ago. But for some reason Bob just felt off today, he chalked it up to having not spoken to you in a few days. Speaking to you always made him feel better, even when it was only for a few minutes. And having not seen you in person for five months made him long for something from you even more.

But these last few days had been busy, and then earlier today he had tried calling, but it hadn't gone through. This didn't worry him too much as he knew you occasionally turned your phone off during days when you really needed to focus on work. Though it was unusual for you to be working so late, seeing as your time zone was a few hours ahead of his and he called at 4:30 his time. Since the call didn't go though he decide that the "secret" photo album he had of you would have to suffice for now. Neither of you liked having your photo taken, but quick images taken half under the counter and while one slept always made the other smile.

He had been so busy looking at photos he almost didn't notice the group's nightly arrival to the Hard Deck until Phoenix nudged him. Giving him that half secret smile showing she knew what he was looking at. While the rest of the group (and even Maverick to a degree) thought Bob was incapable of talking to a woman without stuttering, Tasha knew otherwise. Bob hadn't even tried to hide it when she had asked why he seemed so fond of rubbing his right thumb over his sleeved left wrist night the group met. She had done it in private, of course, and only wondered if it was a nervous habit of her new WSO. And it was a habit....only not Bob's.

It was something you had always done even before you got married, a comforting repetitive habit that both you and your husband shared. But it also held a deeper meaning as it held the symbol your love.

When the two of you first decided to get married a few years ago you hadn't gotten rings, or at least ones you'd wear on a daily basis. Both your jobs often required plenty of hands on work, and you had both been worried about losing the rings during the day. So instead, a cheaper pair of matching rings was bought and a new tradition was made. Each of you carried the other's ring in your wallet. That way, even when far apart you could have a piece of the other with you. And when the two of you met up face to face again you'd once more exchange rings.

But even that wasn't all.

The pair of you had wanted something more so you had decided to get matching tattoos. They were small and identical and despite almost breaking Bob's hand holding it while getting yours (from fear of needles) the small design was now one of your greatest comforts. On the inside of each of y'all's left wrist were two small stick figures holding hands on a paper airplane. At first glance it may have seems silly to any stranger passing by. But to you and Bob it was everything.

Bob had been the one to draw stick "You" and you had drawn stick "Bob" with his little glasses. You had also drawn the paper airplane as stickmen were the extent of Bob's artistic skills. Besides, the paper plane you believed would be funny at the time. A memorial of how you two had first met in high school, when your paper plane had accidentally collided with his face instead of your friend's desk during class one day. You hadn't even known he wanted to be a pilot until months later, but when you did learn he was quick to comment how one day he'd be more than happy to take you up in a plane, as long as your weren't the one flying it again (he didn't think his face could take it). Years later you still found it funny and Bob would sometimes catch you laughing to yourself tracing the black lines on his wrist while lying in bed. A moment of peace before you two would have been parted again. Bob didn't regret what he did for a job, and neither did you, but that didn't stop you two from wishing to be together more.

Again Tasha nudged him, breaking Bob out of his reverie before the pair headed into the crowded bar. It was just after 6:15 and already packed. Bob knew he'd rather head home and try calling you again, but he had also promised Fanboy one more pool rematch, since Hangman had busted into their last one. Luckily, even though the bar itself was crowded, the pool tables were open.

A few minutes into the game, Hangman and Coyote went to order a round of drinks and came back talking. Apparently there was some "Gorgeous Doll" (Jake's words) sitting at the bar and the pair of aviators were arguing over who'd get the chance to "woo" her first.

Bob wasn't paying too much attention to their conversation or very interested in finding out more about this mystery woman. As far was he was concerned not even Dolly Parton could top your beauty and Bob would openly admit that he'd had a minor(ish) crush on the country singer since he was a kid. It had even become a running joke between your families, the battle for Bob's heart between you and Dolly.

When he'd gotten his wisdom teeth out at 17, his mother told him someone had come to see him. Poor Bob about cried upon realising it was you instead of Mrs. Parton, his "Angel Voiced Beloved". Oh how you wish his brother still had that video tape, but unfortunately it had "mysteriously vanished" after Bob had overheard his sisters mention trying to get it for the wedding video. But more fortunately, the drugs wore off and soo enough he'd come back to his senses, and since that one night you'd been the only one for him. And luckily for him, he'd been the only one for you.

So even if he was slightly curious to see which of his friends would attempt their flirtations, or which ones would fail, for now he didn't put too much thought into it. The quicker he won the game the quicker he could try calling you again.

Soon enough Hangman was called back over to the bar to retrieve the group's drinks and they once again settled in to continue the game. Bob was once again winning, and Javy sat aside beginning to wish he hadn't placed such a bet tonight while Tasha and Callie were already making plans in their heads for what to do with their prize money. The only ball Bob had left to hit was the eight ball, and thanks to a lucky slip on Fanboy's part, it was a shot as perfect as it was easy.

Javy cursed under his breath while Tasha and Callie high-fived, and Rooster cheered raising his glass up almost dumping his drink on Jake's head. Fanboy hung his head in defeat while Bob just grinned. Bob wasn't a bragging man but he still did like to win...a lot. The Squad may have thought of Bob as the quiet and passive WSO, but they had yet to see how competitive he could be when challenged. They had seen plenty of dog fights in the sky, but nothing compared to the vicious chaos between the Floyd family when it came to the annual gingerbread house competition. Under that sweet smile and those large glasses hid an overly excited man-child basking in his victory. Ok... so maybe it had been a good idea to come tonight. Bob couldn't wait to call his wife and tell her about his achievement. After all she was the one who taught him to play.

A few minutes later the group of aviators had settled down again and a new game started. This time Rooster was up against Maverick himself, which always proved to be a good show, full of sneaky cheating and playful jibes. Bob was sitting by Callie and Tasha taking his share of the winnings. It was only 6:30 now and he knew his night owl of a wife wouldn't be asleep for a few more hours so he decided to watch a few more games between his friends before calling a cab home.

Hangman and Coyote were still debating over whose turn it was to talk to the new woman at the bar. Evidently, they'd noticed her reoccurring glances towards the squad during the first game and were sure she was interested in one of them two. And to drive their beliefs further, the glances had been accompanied by a playful smirk "directed" to the two men who'd placed themselves behind an oblivious Bob as them game went on.

It was a few minutes later Penny walk up to the Aviators carrying a drink in her hand and smirk on her face.

"Someone sent over a drink for one you lot," she said, at once turning the entire groups' attention towards her. After all who didn't like a free drink? Usually the drinks in question were for sent for Tasha or Callie, the only two women in the whole squad, but occasionally one of the other aviators would be the recipient. No one would forget the time Ruben got a drink from a 60 something year old women in a sparkly dress. And it appeared this would be one of those times.

With a smirk on her face she turned, setting the colorful drink down saying,

"Lieutenant Bob Floyd someone wants you to have sex on the beach."

Aside from quite humming of ice machine and the clatter of Maverick's pool stick it seemed as if all the sound has been sucked out of the Hard Deck. As if Penny's words has been some wicked spell freezing, all the group's inhabitants where stood still. A little ways away from the group, a woman sat with a growing grin on her face as she watched everything unfold. Just as Bob opened his mouth, his face now a red as his wife's lipstick, Penny delivered the final 'blow'.

"It's double strong too, so I'd say someone really wants you to have it."

Bob looked like a fish. A really cute six foot tall fish with military issued glasses but still a fish. His eyes were wide and his mouth kept opening slightly before closing as if the words in his head were fully composed of silent letters. If one were to look into Bob's head and read his mind they'd be able read the flurry of responses and polite refusals streaming through his brain. It wasn't the first time he'd been sent a drink, but that never stopped him from going speechless when it happened. Now Bob was a married man. A very happily married man, but he still had an awful habit of getting flustered anytime showed interest in him. It was something that Y/N took special pleasure in, and there were times they went out with friends when she'd pretend she didn't know him just so she could relentlessly flirt and turn him red. To be fair he'd also done it to her a few times, but she had a habit of taking any flirting he did as a challenge. And then, while their friends fake gagged and smirked behind their backs, the night would be filled with flirty winks and innuendos until someone gave in and "agreed" to take the other to "their place".....wait a mi....

"I hope you don't mind I took the liberty of getting you a refreshment. Thought you might have deserved it after that wonderful win."

Bob was grinning like an idiot before he even finished turning his head to the approaching voice. He didn't get out of his seat though as his head fell back to the ceiling with a hand over his face as the last of the embarrassment left him. Turning his head back to the women he smiled again as he began to laugh. He turned his body more towards her and noticed the dress she was wearing. Damn he loved that dress. It was the one she wore when they had gotten engaged. Looking at her lips she appeared to have the same lipstick on too.

"I hate you."

Words said without malice, quite the oppose actually, brought another laugh to Y/N's lips as after months apart she finally got to stand in-front of her husband. Eyes never leaving her husband's, she places a hand over her heart and gave a dramatic gasp.

"Well that is the most heartbreaking news I've ever heard darling. You see I was so impressed with your skills earlier, I was ALL set to propose. See I even got you a ring," and with that Y/N pulled her left hand back from her chest and revealed Bob's ring which had been sitting in her wallet for months now. Well, aside from almost every day when she'd fidget with it in her hands while on the phone with him or just because she missed him. And a little farther up from her palm was a small tattoo of two tiny stick people holding hands on a paper plane. In the back ground, Phoenix let out a small sound of joy of her own as she finally understood what was happening. Quickly she leaned over and explained to Callie, who also started to laugh. The rest of the aviators still stood in shock, not sure what was going on. They only knew that for some reason Bob "Blushes at the word boobies" Floyd was getting the attention of one very pretty women, apparently because he could play pool.

Bob only stared at her hand for a moment longer before he finally stood from his chair and wrapped the woman in front of him in his arms. Spinning her around once before kissing her cheek he pulled back.

"Well, I guess I'll have to rethink my words then ma'am. In fact, I think I got a ring right here that may fit your style," he replied grinning as he pulled Y/N's ring out of his own pocket and wallet with a practiced ease done many times before. "You'll have to forgive me for not kneeling to do it now, I'll get my ass chewed out if I dirty this uniform," he joked looking down to the woman in his arms smiling back.

"It may not be typical or proper, but I certainly wouldn't want anything to happen to that lovely ass of yours....so I guess I'll accept," Y/N joked back, drawing out a few words for added affect, not really caring about the propriety of it just ecstatic to be with her other half again.

"PROPER?! I haven't seen you in five months and the first think you do is send someone to tell me you really want me to have sex on the beach. How's that's proper for ya! Not even a hello first," Bob laughed. As surprised as he was initially, he really did miss this little game of y'all's. It brought out a cheekier side of him his friends usually didn't see.

"Alrighty then," stepping back and picking up the drink in question with a smirk, Y/N raised it to her husband's eyesight, "Hello, Lieutenant Bob Floyd would you like to have sex on the beach?"

"Well I just don't know if that's something I can answer in public Mrs Floyd," he replied cheekily, still starting at his wife.

"MRS.FLOYD"

That was the collective statement from the remaining aviators as the couple was finally brought out of their own little world. Turing to face the company Bob stood with his arm around Y/N's waist proudly like a child at Christmas.

"Yeah, Mrs. Floyd. Been that way since I became the luckiest man on earth."

"And since I became the luckiest women. But all ah y'all are welcome to call me Y/N. Or you know... Mrs. Baby on Board. Though I guess we haven't gotten to that part yet, but, it has been five months after all."

Tasha followed, closely by Callie, was the first to approach as Rooster's pool stick fell to the table and Maverick started wacking a sputtering Jake on the back, after the latter choked on his drink with the final sentence.

"Hi, I'm Natasha and this is Callie, callsigns Phoenix and Halo. I'm your husband's ..."

Before Natasha could even finish she was wrapped in a hug by Y/N.

"Ohh I know you!! Bobbie talks about you all the time! You're Black Widow! It's so nice to meet you!!"

"Black Widow," someone asked from the side, while Bob began to chuckle under his breath.

"Ohh right, sorry. I have a hard time with remembering names, so I like to make up helpful nicknames with Bob to remind me of who is who. Like Natasha is Black Widow because of Natasha Romanoff; and Callie is Catwoman because of Callico Cats; and there's also a Rocket Raccoon for whoever's Bradley; and I have a Peter Pan beca...."

"Yep I think they get it darling. No need to divulge all our secrets." Bob interrupted nervously, not quite wanting his team to know all his secrets yet. He'd also NEVER tell them that when you first learned about his job you'd compared him to the Thunderbirds. I mean the audacity of it all! Everyone knew the Blue Angles were superior! Those were some fighting words Bob assured you at the time. Callie and Tasha burst into grins, liking this more and more, while Y/N looked back a her husband with a fake look of innocence in her eyes. Meanwhile Penny, still with the group, wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes as Maverick gaped and Rooster got into a debate with Mickey if he was hotter than Bradley Cooper. Soon the laughter died down and Maverick stepped forward sticking out his hand.

"Well it sounds like you seem very good at giving callsigns of your own. Maybe we'll have to put you in charge of naming the new recruits Y/N. My callsign's Maverick but I'm guessing you know me as Peter Pan."

"Pleasure to meet you Maverick. I might just have to take you up in that offer. Heard a lot about you too. All of you in fact. I'm sorry for interrupting your game earlier, I've been waiting to do that for a long time. Your friend Penny was a brilliant help too." Y/N smiled and shook his hand. He had a welcoming smile that reminded her of her own father. She also sent a smile towards Penny who returned it with her own and took a step closer to Maverick.

"No problem at all, it always nice to see couple's meeting again. I must admit the drink was a nice touch. Never seen an idea that creative yet."

Stepping back towards her husband who put his waist around her once again, "Why thank you captain, I do suppose it's nice someone appreciates a good innuendo." Bob gave a small groan, but smiled as he buried his head into his wife's shoulder whispering how he did appreciate it and would show her how much later. Out of the corner of her eye Y/N caught a few more aviators still staring, though they seemed much less confused, now slowly settling in to of their quiet friend being married. "Though I believe there's a few more introduction left as well," She mentioned as she stepped towards the remaining group and shot a mischievous grin towards her husband, asking him a question without words.

"Oh just do it, they're gonna know eventually I guess," Bob laughed and looked at his wife with an equally mischievous look, finally taking a sip of his drink. After all, she'd probably let the names slip one day. This was going to be great. Hearing her next words, Jake choked on his drink again.

"Alrighty then. Which one of y'all boys is Statefarm?"

#bob floyd x reader #bob floyd #top gun maverick #top gun maverick imagine #Bob Floyd imagine #Bob x reader #Robert Floyd #robert floyd x reader

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bonschai · 2 years

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i don't understand time zone conversions and at thus point i don't have the energy to figure it out

#est is hour hours behind me #usually #pst is 8 hours #i think #thst was supposed to say 5 hours behind me #hours hours lmao #i've goven up on figuring it out things happen when they happen #i miss them all anyway because anything late night in the us happens at like 3 am for me lmao #i don't even know my own tine zone tbh #i forgot that were are in bst rn and not gmt #idk if other countries do it too tho

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slayingfiction · 1 year

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How I push through writing when I don't feel like writing.

Here are some of the techniques that I use to help me write more often or more consistantly when my laziness/depression/anxiety starts to take over.

I watch TV. I don't do it with the purpose of zoning out though. I watch something popular and well-liked such as the LOR or Harry Potter to get new ideas on how I can develop my story and apply their in-depth world-building ideas to help develop mine. Without plagarizing of course!!!!

Zoning out and daydreaming. As I have mentionned before, daydreaming is a huge part of my story outlining and world-building process. I'll stand in the shower, or take a walk and think about how my charcaters would act/react/behave in situations, mundane or not. Doing this gives me a better sense of my characters, and sometimes gives me ideas for scenes I use later on.

Work on writing related projects. These work well at keeping me distracted while still being productive on my writing goals. Example, I have one story I am working now, I made a new language (alphabet and numbers included) to include as a cool and fun component for the book. So, at times when I don't wan't to write, I continue creating the dictionary (very fun, 8/10 would recommend). Also, for the same book, my characters don't work off the Georigian calendar and 24 hour clock, so I've been working at creating a new calendar (harder than it seems, 2.5/10 dont recommend). These are side projects that help my story, without having to write.

Reading. You saw this one coming, I know. Reading is great, especially when you're editing, your writing style will unconsciously change to be more similar the author you were just reading. Also, most importantly, I'll be reading and think, "this story is really good, but you know what story I like even better? Mine." then change to writing.

This one is my biggest life saver!! I learnt about a year ago that sometimes I'll get bored of writing a story, and have difficulty keeping on track. That's why I finished my first book in 2016 and just started editing the first draft last week. The solution for me was to work on multiple projects at once, because it was much harder to be bored of multiple stories. I stick to 2, but will sometimes add a third. This is easy for me, because I have a list of over a dozen series I want to write. Don't abandon one project for another, use them as a distraction/ motivation for each other, so you're always furthering at least one project. I've never heard someone say, "oh no, i accidentally worked on this other writing project for three months instead of the other writing project I was doing. Dammit." No, we're just happy we have written something. Be sure to have well outlined story lines before starting, don't just start writing randomly or you'll reach a point where you don't know where to go from there.

Author/ writer projects. Maybe this is building a following, or community to share your projects and engage with. Tumblr, Insta, Reddit, whatever it is. My hope this year is to start up my website to offer publishing services (editing, graphic design, short writing courses) and build a following as a writer. (See what I did there? Never a bad time to self-promote ;) ) Having your own projects like this will help you in the future when you're going to try to publish and sell your books!

Talk with friends and a writing community. Never underestimate the passion that will burn inside you when talking about your story, or when others are talking about theirs. Surrounding yourself with a positive writing community can be the best thing for you as a writer.

Write or read (your story) every day. I'm not going to be one of those people that say you need to write 1000 words a day, that's a lot. But maybe try for 100? That could maybe only take 5 minutes, and at the end of the year that's still over 36 thousand words of a novel. Or just read your story, and I've always found it helped me get in the creative mood.

Make a playlist of songs that remind you of your characters, your story, or just puts you in the mood to write. Then play it ONLY when you're having trouble writing. Playing it while writing will not help, you'll get annoyed with the songs.

Just really can't do it today? That's okay, take a break. You deserve it. There's always tomorrow.

Does anyone else have ways they push themselves to keep writing? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Writing!

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ros3ybabe · 19 days

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🎀 Overcoming Gym Anxiety 🎀

I got asked about this through my inbox by @sxfiaaa so I figured I'd make a post about it and hopefully help a lot of people with something I too used to struggle with!

🩷 Wear Comfortable Clothing

We've all seen the beautifully dressed people on Tiktok, Pinterest, etc in their matching sets and cutr gym clothes. If that is what you're comfortable wearing to the gym, do it! Wear it, and be confident in it! If you're more of a loose clothes/sweatpants/baggy shirts or hoodie type of person, do that! Wear whatever you feel comfortable (and cute) in, because the better you feel going into a workout, the more you'll be able to focus on your workout!

🩷 Know What You're Doing When You're There

This just means go in with a plan! You don't need to know how to use every single machine or do every single exercise known to mankind. Scroll tiktok or pinterest for some workout videos for inspo (please make sure the video you get inspo from shows proper form!!! Proper form is so important for being safe!!)

If you know you can go certain days of the week, make a workout split to follow that! EX 3 day split: Monday - Leg Day, Wednesday - Upper Body, Friday - Full Body

OR, if you just want to go do cardio, then plan for that! I didn't know how to use a treadmill, but I went to the gym at my university and stood on the treadmill til I figured it out!

🩷 Remember This

No one is going to look at you and judge you or think mean things about you. Everyone is at the gym for the purpose of bettering themselves and their health. If you find people giving you occasional glances, maybe it's because they don't recognize you from the gym (or they do recognize you from somewhere else), maybe their admiring your outfit/physique, maybe their avid gym goers who are watching your form and technique, or maybe their just zoned out and you happen to be in the line of sight.

When I'm at the gym, I look around between sets and take note on other people's form to see if maybe I should tweak the way I do a certain exercise, or I'm admiring another girls outfit or physique because there are a lot of beautiful women at the gym. Sometimes, I'm thinking "dang, they're lifting so heavy, how cool!" or "wow, their form is amazing, they really know what they're doing." I've never thought bad abut someone at the gym because why would I?

🩷 Don't Be Scared To Ask For Help

if there an exercise you really want to do but don't know how and videos aren't helping, ask someone around you who isn't in the middle of an exercise and looks like they may know. The guy at the gym doing upper body who has good biceps may be the right guy to ask about upper body exercises. The girl doing impeccable Bulgarian Split Squats might be the right person to ask for help with those types of movements. Just make sure they aren't in the middle of an exercise, because that can cause some unwanted issues, especially if they're mid-rep, that can turn into a safety issue.

People love to help people, especially at the gym. If you politely ask for help from someone, they may take it as a compliment that you think they look like a person who is knowledgeable on working out. I'd definitely be so flattered if someone asked me for help or advice at the gym!

🩷 Random Advice:

remember your why! no matter how anxious you are, remember why you're going! what are your goals, what do you hope to achieve, how proud will you feel after?

start small if you have to! if it's really anxiety inducing to start working out, make it your first goal to at least step into the gym. then 2nd goal, walk around the gym to get a feel for it. 3rd goal, maybe 5-10 minutes on a treadmill, and then keep building momentum each day.

be careful with the hours you go! there is such a thing as peak gym hours. It varies by place, but a lot of gyms are busy between 2pm and 6pm I've seen. I personally love going to the gym super early morning, it's a little less busy and I'm a morning person so it works out for me! If you can only go during peak hours, bring a friend or keep your headphones on and do your thing!

Bring a friend! If you're really anxious about going alone, bring a friend with similar goals! Sometimes it can be a lot nicer to learn something new with a friend then try and learn it on your own! Plus, it's like extra motivation and accountability!

Have a motivating pre workout routine. Play some music while getting ready, prep your bags, prep your playlist, get your workout itself figured out, and just keep yourself excited to go! I love blasting high-energy music that makes me feel like a baddie on my way to the gym.

I hope this was helpful!! My thoughts were everywhere but I tried to convey them as best as possible! I'm happy to answer any questions or offer more tips and advice, don't feel scared to ask! <3

til next time lovelies 🩷

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the-offside-rule · 3 months

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Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) - Stop Thinking

Requested: yes

Prompt: 5) Overthinking being parents

Warning: none

Baby Prompts

Jude sat painting the wall of what is set to be his Baby's nursery, his mind consumed with thoughts of impending parenthood. He simply stared at the blank wall. He must have been painting the same corner for a good hour now. Y/b had walked upstairs with two cups of tea, before she turned into the nursery and looked at Jude confused. He wasn't smiling, he wasn't even frowning, he was just zoned out of it. She walked over to the nursing chair and set the cups down on the small side table before she decided she would ask him about anything. "Hey, babe." He zoned back into reality, giving Y/n a small smile. "You've been paitning that same square the last couple minutes, you okay?" She asked. Jude nodded. "Course." She arched a brow. "Are you sure?" He thought for a moment, before he shook his head. She patted the bean bag beside her, signalling for him to join her. Jude sighed, joining Y/n on the bean bag, his expression troubled. "What's up?" She asked quietly.

"I dont think I'm not cut out for this." He admitted. Jude looked up to his girlfriend, his brown eyes clouded with worry. "I mean, I'm still trying to figure out my own life, let alone take care of another one." She smiled softly, holding his hand in hers. "Jude, we're in this together. Age doesn't determine love or commitment. We'll figure it out, step by step."

"I just worry about being a good parent, you know? Balancing my career and family." Y/n placed a reassuring kiss on the back of his hand. "Love, nobody's ever really ready for parenthood. But we'll learn. Sure, we'll make mistakes, and we'll figure things out as we go along. That's what parents do." Jude sighed, feeling the weight of his insecurities lifting ever so slightly in Y/n's embrace. "But what if I mess up? What if I can't be the dad our child deserves?" Y/n pulled back slightly, her gaze unwavering as she met his. "Jude Bellingham, listen to me. You are going to be an amazing father. I've seen the way you care for others, the way you light up when you talk about our baby. You have so much love to give, and that's the most important thing."

Jude managed a small smile, his anxiety beginning to ease. I just want to be the best dad I can be." Y/n placed a gentle hand on his cheek, her eyes softening with affection. "And you will be, Jude. Because you have a heart of gold, and that's all our child needs." He leaned up and kissed his girlfriend lovingly. "You always know how to make things better." He whispered. "Mmh, now how about a cup of tea before we get back to painting?" She suggested before Jude agreed, taking the cup from the table and sipping, now feeling a little more relieved about the fact that he has a baby on the way. It will always be better when he had Y/n by his side.

#football #football imagines #football blurbs #jude bellingham fanfic #jude bellingham one shot #jude bellingham x reader #jude bellingham imagine #jude bellingham x you #jude bellingham x y/n #jude bellingham x o/c #jude bellingham

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tarjapearce · 10 months

Text

Bad Teachings (Pt. 5)

Miguel O'Hara x F!Reader

WARNINGS: Strained relationships, friendship starters, piercings, awkward truths. Slow Burn.

Summary: Relationships are weird. And truth isn't always kind. At least, you might have a friend.

(Might feel a bit boring, but we're building something here. 🥹)

Pt. 6

"OK. I've got one for you." —

—??

"What's the scariest plant?" —

You almost giggled into the reply in your head. It was another ridiculous joke, silly but science-y that upon reading it on a blog, you instantly thought on sending it to Miguel.

In the meantime while he replied, if he ever did that is, you kept on working in a new project. Despite the previous client complaining initially on the low numbers on her beauty product line, the numbers were making small changes in other states, giving a glimpse of hope in the team.

Your job itself at this marketing company, Searchbloom, was to make the briefs, office automation of said briefs and of course help prepare new campaigns for approved projects and important clients such as celebrities, big companies, influencers and anyone with enough money to afford a complete market investigation.

Your phone buzzed as you finished another brief from a client.

—Red Tide or Algae Bloom. Really bad for marine ecosystems.

You blinked and shook your head at the little fact that you'd probably forget in the next hours. The giddyness of your comeback taking over once more.

Interesting. I thought it was the BamBOO!—

—Ever thought in going out more?

Damn.

Campy jokes were scratched off your list of things. You could picture in your head the reaction, dead, boring and possibly judging.

I'd need real friends for that(?) —

—Not a bad thing to be on your own, y'know?

Oh?

Swallowing at the dryness of your mouth, you finished the little brief, digitally signed it and sent it to another coworker in the other side of the office cubicles.

I know. But doing things on your own isn't always fun. I mean, I'd really love to go shopping, hanging out for lunch and the like with other people.—

His eyes squinted at your words on his screen

I mean we are social beings by nature, sadly, and as much as I'd like to keep doing things on my own, the making friends fever has taken over. —

—Trust me, don't rush things. They'll come to you in the right time.

Your brows arched in surprise at what you just read and pursed your lips in a tight smile.

I mean, I could ask you to hang out but I know you are a busy man. Plus, I gotta step a bit more out of my comfort zone, ever since I got out of college feels like the right time to start making little changes, can't be socially inadept forever, I guess? —

And I'm not sure if you'd actually be interested in such things, you're a workaholic, so yeah. Sorry for the long ass message. —

He hummed and his lip curled faintly upward

You should try it as well.—

—Got enough to live by. Thanks.

You actually give these "Leave me alone" sorta vibes 🤔—

—That pretty much sums it up.

Oh...

I see—

Your heart gave a wobbly and doleful beat, eyes stuck in reading that sentence over and over again. You gulped laboriously the lump that had just formed in your throat.

He wasn't asking to be left alone, was he? Maybe he was actually hinting that you should leave him alone.

Oh no. No, no.

You hated assumptions. But he was pretty clear about the meaning of the message, right? Right?

Closing his chat log, you put your phone away and tried to pour yourself into work to little to no avail. Your brain felt like split in two, blooming headache biting at the back of your head. Week had just started.

You tried. You tried with all your might to keep the harrowing-thoughts at bay, but over thinking you ever old friend only made things trickier than intended. You barely wanted to look at your phone, cause what would you find there but implicit rejection? Even though the other part of you wanted to reach out, at usual.

Another cold realization. You were the one that always sparked the small and sparse conversations you had.

"... Fuck." Seeing your log of messages with him, offline, just made you cringe at how precisely you were acting and wanted to avoid be seen as. Clingy and desperate.

Gulping down, you pressed on the trash bin icon. Breath stilled for a second as you tapped on the 'Yes' confirmation button. He hadn't replied since yesterday.

Why would he anyways?

Question ghosting over your mind.

It wasn't that hard to process.

His words seemed to make sense now. The palpitations in your heart only made themselves clear further the more you thought about it.

God knows how long he had been waiting to say such things.

You grunted at your thoughts. The noise and unkind thoughts reverberating in your head, made your migraine to simmer to a higher level. You had barely slept as the whole situation was breaking piece by piece the little functionality you had left for the day.

But, tasked yourself with one thing, to not look at your phone through the day. A rather easy task since you only used it to check your little social media, watch funny things or videos that caught your interest.

The knitting and crocheting stash of videos in your gallery weren't enough to keep you distracted. So you had added a new category, city wandering for new spots. And four pm sounded like a good hour to actually start.

And if wandering the city alone, after work to keep you busy from over thinking probable assumptions wasn't considered a hobbie, you certainly didn't know what else to call it.

So you finished work, clocked out and adventured yourself in the arts of local wanderlust. But of course traffic fucked throughly all chances of doing so. You went to the supermarket to grocery and toiletries shopping.

The situation had made you so oblivious to the fact that you needed to replace some basic stuff at home. Shampoo, toothpaste, conditioner, exfoliants.

You couldn't help but notice the coffee and grain aisle full of new products. Hazelnut lattes, cardamom and clove blends, brands you didn't even know that existed, some cheap, other expensive, and of course you took one in between. A small international sample blend.

Your card surely had died a little when you slid it to pay. Almost a houndred bucks in beauty products and another houndred and a bit more in groceries.

The groceries and toiletries were checked from the expenses list. To your little solace, Mr. Landlord was waiting for you with a man and another door.

You let them work, as you unpacked your things. At least you had a new door, a prettier yet still sturdy like the previous one.

Still, no message from Miguel.

----------

On Wednesday you tasked yourself with the same endeavor as yesterday. Not checking your phone. The videos in your "To watch" list were boring and annoying. Political propaganda, movie recommendation spams, mysoginistic stands ups, reactions to bizarre videos.

Nothing worthy to wasting your time on your lunch break. At least you would have the chance to wander the city on your own. You had noticed some work you had slacked, finished and other projects advanced. A perk you didn't think possible in the admist of chaos.

But why would you even congratulate yourself for doing something that was expected from you?

Right.

You clocked out and once more you went to the city. This time no traffic was there to stop you. Parking in a lot, you took your tote bag and walked. Getting comfy shoes to walk after work was added as a mental note. You stopped on a sidewalk.

Streets bustled with people walking like they were probably late to an appointment, Neon signs begun flashing their lights, adorning the streets with their different colors, different sort of aromas filled in your lungs. Pee, trash, hot dogs, sweets and bakery, perfumes, cigars, gas, weed somewhere.

An overwhelming start. You walked in the bakery's direction. To your surprise when crossing the street it was just a little mobile kiosk with choux pastries. Even though the products looked esthetically pleasing, the prices on the whiteboard underneath, made you turn in the opposite direction. And just then you found your first treasure.

Tea Bar. But not a gentrified-looking tea bar with over the top foliage decor with expensive furnace that charged you for just breathing their air. More like a tavern-esthetic sort of Tea bar named Julien's Potions.

Spices, herbs, and other pastries, rested within funky shaped glass containers, the clerk was also into a sort of role-playing that added a little charm to the place. Hand carved wooden tables and chairs littered strategically the small local. Six tables max. The art on the walls was minimalistic, yet still added to the overall layout in the place.

Prices were significantly much more affordable and the little treat you got, a red berries cold brew tea and Mango muffin, we're exquisite. It gave you enough energy boost to return at the parking lot. Of course you took some pictures of the place.

You felt proud. Your first solo adventure had been wonderful.

On Thursday you had ran into a little fancy liqueur shop. Ironically as it was, alcohol and you didn't get along, but the different labels, the shape of the bottles, the year of brewing, the array of sizes and prices, the origin place, made it all too pretty for you to ignore. There were bottles that surely would cost at least five months worth of your paycheck.

Friday was a busy day at work and of course you just went home. On Sunday you had found a well hidden treasure, a bakery. This time, you took more pictures of the different pastries you had never seen before. Petit fours intricately adorned with such precision you wondered if they had a special machine for it.

Puff creams, chocolate croissants, pain au chocolate, Buttery buns that made you salivate. It kinda brought you back to the baking school sales, your mom's peach gallete and strawberry tarts were popular, and the only two recipes you knew by heart. The rest, long forgotten and replaced with new hobbies' knowledge.

-------

A week and a half had been exactly gone by, and not looking at your phone had been easier than you had thought. You had discovered a few more places to add to your personal list. A crystal and esoterism shop, where you bought lavender incense. A little thift shop where you got a lovely and fashionable champagne colored trench coat. And today, you kinda wondered where you'd take yourself on a Friday evening

This time you hoped to find a knitting shop. Starting a new hobby meant to invest in it. And your cheap wools had ran out as you were learning the basics of knitting. After work, you'd park your car in a spot of the parking lot, but to your surprise it was closed early. So you drove until you'd find another, nearby the thrift shop you had found. Open 24/7.

You walked east, the bustle of the city wasn't as loud in some parts of it. You gave the thrift shop's clerk a brief smile before continuing down the street. To your surprise there was a Tattoo and Piercing studio. A.F.A.U.'s Emporium. Sid Vicious' voice reverberating through the place the closer you approached.

Your eyes widened upon seeing none other than Hobie on the front desk, organizing a bunch of guitar cords. The place was divided in two. To the left there was the tattoo artists and piercing cubicles. To the right, apparels and other handicrafts were neatly displayed before anyone that actually took the time in looking.

Walls painted in jet black, with a dim white grunge texture as a decor. Pictures of protests, famous singers that made a significant impact on society through their subversive forms of expressions were hung on the wall.

Jello Biafra, Kathleen Hanna, Patti Smith, David Vanian, to name a few, along some bands logos spray painted in some spaces.

A stark contrast with your well dressed for the system-look. Hobie arched a brow at you and chuckled.

"Got lost in the way, birdie?"

You shook your head as you kept looking around.

"I was wandering the city, actually found this place by mere coincidence. Looks pretty cool."

"Humbly"

"You work here?"

He sneered and shook his head.

"I owe it. Me and many others, actually. I'm just the face fo' it."

"What does... AF..."

"Anti Fascist Artist United." He sniffed as his lip twitched.

Your eyebrows rose and you glanced over the piercing cubicles.

"So ya just... wander in the city and see what happens?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Cool. But dangerous."

"I never go too deep in the city just... the outsides. Don't want to fuck around to find out what's in store for me." you chuckled, Hobie followed.

He tucked his hands on his pockets and walked over you, he motioned to follow him.

"How come every time we met you turn cooler?"

He shrugged and took you to the handicrafts.

"You did them?"

"No. My work's on the other side. These are made by local artist that are involved one way or the other in tryin'to get mo' spaces for people that actually bring a change into community."

"So all of this Merch..."

"Ain't free, that fo'sure."

You giggled

"No, I mean, You just rented this place to give other people a space to offer their art and goods without charging them?"

"Nah. they do pay a small quota, meaning, they can come and clean up, organize shite. Government pays the rent, they get full profit of their thingies. Everyone's happy."

"And the tattoo part?"

He smirked and shrugged.

"Government pays the rent, so... puttin' that to good use."

Your eyes widened slightly and you just nodded.

"Might need a bit of that smart for myself."

"You gotta shape it, birdie. Anyways, what brings ya here besides, yer 'wanderlust'?"

You sighed and shook your head.

"Been wandering the city on my own to try and distract me from something that is messing me up. Just glad I found a familiar face after almost two weeks of random strangers."

"Life's a bitch, innit?"

You nodded and went through the merchandise. T shirts with trippy designs, Pottery in fruit shaped bowls, handcrafted watercolors and painting supplies and of course, knitting tools. Your grabbed a couple of wools and paid him to take the small bundle with you.

"So what yer' here for?"

You looked up at him and sighed

"I'm trying to make friends on my own."

"How's that going?".

You shrugged and a humorless laugh came out your mouth.

"I mean... ever since college... way even before that, actually-" You looked up and scratched your neck awkwardly when he gave you his seizing stare.

"Sorry. Don't wanna bore you with my ramblings."

"Haven't said nuffin'" He sat across you and looked at your fumbling hands. The music had died down a bit.

"Saw yer door being replaced."

"Oh yeah. I'm glad I'm not getting stuck anymore." You looked at him and chuckled.

"Whut?"

"Do you always stare at people like you're judging their choices?"

"Yeah. Makes it funnier when they get all squeamish. Like ye."

"I'm not squeamish."

He arched an eyebrow and you both chuckled.

"Can I ask your age?"

"So ya can feel a Lil'more glum for what you might have or haven't achieved so far?"

"My thoughts exactly." you shrugged with a silent laugh.

"24."

"Ah, yeah. I can already feel the disappointment."

"A too well dressed disappointment"

"Is that why you call me... uh... runway girl?"

"No. Glam life, glam dressing, glam job. Runway sort of shite, so runway girl. Been there, done that. Not fo' me."

You didn't know whether to feel offended or laugh at his assumptions. Everyone was assuming lately.

"My life is anything but glam, Hobie. Just work enough to keep appearances. Something that my job also requires from me."

"That's why the name is perfect for ya"

"It's boring."

He pursed his pierced lips in mild derision

"Graduated uni?"

you nodded.

"Found a job of what you did study for?" Again, you nodded and sighed.

He chuckled.

"Still, you're just assuming. My life is boring. Really. One would think that working in branding companies offers you alot. But it's just another fancy way to say you're-"

"Another workforce for da capitalism?"

You chuckled and shrugged.

"Yeah, I guess. And people think I actually hang out with celebrities-"

"You don't?" He snorted and you frowned

"See?! You were assuming things! And no. It's rare when I actually meet someone famous. I basically make resumes of what they want, how they want it and make it come true. And if I ever meet them means no good. And still I have to dress up like I'm interviewing someone important."

" A wish maker, then. Might call ye Fairy."

" Sounds less brash than Runway girl actually."

" So lemme get this, you graduated uni, are working on something you actually prepared yourself for, dress up like an expensive doll, but... ya wander the city alone tryin' to make friends? "

"Sounds a bit more depressing and pathetic when you put it that way." He tittered at your words.

"Sounds like you're just living by."

"Yeah. That's been a recurrent feeling, even before college."

"What do ye want?"

"Uh... what?"

"Like, yer acting like yer living the life some dream of, but have the life some hate. That leaves ye in the middle. What do ya want?"

"Right now? I'd like a hug and be told everything, at least up here" You pointed at your head, "Will be fine. But since life is a bitch, I wanna get my ears pierced actually."

His smile was satisfied.

"That's a start innit?"

"Yeah... just realized that ever since college, I... didn't get the chance to do a lot of things."

"Uni seems like the dementor of people's dreams. Even worse if it's private." You chuckled and nodded. He motioned for you to follow to the front desk.

"Both ears?"

"Nah, just my right one for the moment."

"A'ight. Pick one, it's on me."

You looked at him with excited eyes, he just smiled.

"This one. It looks soo cool and it's stylish." You went for a triple helix hoop in your upper lobe.

"Golden, silver or colored?"

"Uh... golden."

He prepared his working area. Your chest felt a bit less constricting.

-----

The first thing you did when coming home, besides giving Hobie a ride and greeting his mom on the hallway and getting a random invitation for afternoon tea, was to look at your new body modification on the mirror. Golden 6 mm hoops adorned your ear. You couldn't help but feel giddy and a little sore. Hobie was careful, and he was a pro at it.

Your phone had been buzzing nonstop hours ago. You made a quick dinner for yourself out of the left overs. You then took a shower and changed into your pjs, TV remote on hand, The Diary of Bridget Jones ready to play for the third time, when the notification sound dinged. You groaned.

Your thumbs padded and scrolled through the logs. Some were from the work's group chat reviewing the week's assignments, others from your social media announcing new videos for you to watch, your ex college classmates uploading new photos, and something more unexpected.

Miguel's name on the bottom of your notifications. It was almost comical how you had to rub your eyes and make a double take to confirm that it was him. He had messaged you. Your heart skipped a beat. Your thumb hovering on the unread text, like if reading it would make the room to suddenly explode.

You pressed on it and all you could do was blink almost stupidly at it's contents.

—If you're done giving me the silent treatment drop by on sunday. Need your help.

---------

Taglist:

@yeyrpp2 @zaddyskye69 @gejo333 @bigbassbug @daddylorianisastateofmind @namjooningera @d1lf-loverrr @amb3rrz @xantic0101 @niyanispunk

#miguel o'hara #miguel o'hara x you #miguel o'hara x reader #atsv miguel #miguel spiderman #atsv hobie #hobie brown #t writes✨#atsv fanfiction #spiderman 2099 x reader

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seajelllies · 3 months

Text

𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝟏 ♡︎ What do you mean we had homework? masterlist ✎ roll call 1 ✎ roll call 2

"Took you long enough." You mused, not even bothering to look up at Yuji as he lets out an exasperated sigh, flopping into the chair across from you.

"That wasn't fair, I've never been here before, you should've been more specific." He almost whines, slumping over the table with a defeated frown.

"Mhm. Not my fault. You should've been around here months ago." You hum, before pushing the first few pages of your notes over to him, eyes still glued on the textbook you were highlighting. "Or you know, take your own notes for once."

Yuji happily slides the pages closer to him, yanking out his own notebook to start copying everything. It was clear by the goofy grin on his face that he was not processing any of the information he was writing out, simply just trying to get the information down so he can forget about it later.

"But then I won't have an excuse to see you!"

"Even if you didn't have an excuse, you'd find a way to bother me."

He smiles at that, and your lips curling up into a slight smile of your own was not lost on him. Not even 5 minutes go by before he sighs, leaning back in his chair, already over the notes. He barely copied anything down, and what he did copy looked so much like chicken scratch you'd be surprised if he could even understand it himself.

"I don't understand how you even know what you're reading about." He groans, head in his hands as he rubs his face with a tired sigh. "Nothing makes sense. If this wasn't required for my major I would've dropped this class immediately."

"It's not that hard to grasp, once you get used to the basics." You shrug, twirling your pen in between your fingers. "You just have to pay attention."

"Have you seen the professor? I don't think he's even paying attention. He sounds like he's already 6 feet under." Yuji scoffs, shaking his head with another heavy sigh. You could tell he was over this already.

"Professor Yoshinobu is like 76. Of course he's going to sound like that. He's still good at explaining the material-" You glance at Yuji and you can see him nearly zoning out, hardly listening. You frown, reaching forward to flick his forehead.

Yuji blinks out of his thoughts, and the moment you get his attention you snap lightly in his face. "Look, see, it's not really that hard.." And you end up spending the remainder of what should have been your self study time, going over the material from last weeks class. You were so engrossed in trying to explain things in simpler terms, you didn't even notice that he genuinely started paying attention, leaning forward to nod his head.

The two of you end up filling up his notebook with the notes you took, as well as his own personal notes in an attempt to dumb things down so he could process them easier later. And before you know it, you're getting kicked out for staying past the rental hour you originally placed.

𝑻𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚'𝒔 𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔!

︾ you've been bamboozled, no Sukuna this chapter >:) sorry about that, i wanted to include something like Yuji talking to Sukuna or smthn but !! i figured it'd be easier if sukuna was just not there and then gets randomly barged in on by y/n and yuji tmw 🧍‍♀️

︾ anyways is it messy?? weird?? ooc?? sorry i haven't written in forever >: i've also never done a smau before, please don't look too closely at the time stamps on the messages and tweets i was too lazy to accurately adjusting them;; sobbing

︾ ANYWAYS SUKUNA NEXT CHAPTER I PINKY PROMISE!!! Mostly him & y/n anyways with bits of Yuji.

#jjk smau #jjk x reader #jjk x you #jjk masterlist #jjk sukuna #sukuna x reader #sukuna x you #sukuna x y/n #jjk texts #jjk fake texts #ryomen sukuna x reader

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professional-yapper · 3 months

Note

just a 3am thought for a request that i really want to read, but agedup!lo’ak with avatar!reader. spider has an avatar, reader an spider are close. the Omatikaya clan was having a celebration for (anything you want) spider and reader got up to do a traditional clan dance and Lo’ak got jealous (you can do anything you want whether it be a fluff, smut, etc💙

Why Not Me?

Lo'ak x Avatar! Reader

Warnings: reader is an oblivious queen, Lo'ak is insecure asf, spider and Lo'ak aren't super close in this, alcohol consumption

Here you go! Thought this idea was so cute but I don't think I've been able to do it justice 😭

Lo'ak walked alongside you, lost in his own thoughts as you kept up a steady stream of chatter. It was nice background noise, your voice as familiar to him as Neteyam's or Kiri's. Not that he was purposefully zoning out. Just that you weren't really talking for him to listen. He'd learned that from years of friendship. Sometimes you just needed to let that pretty mouth run itself ragged.

"Oh, and Mo'at asked me and Spider to do one of the traditional dances for the spring hunt ceremony. She wants us to show what we've learned," you said airily, glancing sideways at Lo'ak to gauge his reaction.

The young warrior had stiffened, golden eyes flicking to you, then away when he noticed you were already looking at him.

You laughed a little, confused. "What? What's up?"

Lo'ak shook his head and kept walking, but didn't get far. You caught him by the arm and backed him up against a tree, forearm pressed against his lean chest, which rose and fell a little raggedly beneath your arm, eyes blown wide as he looked down at you.

"Come on, Lo. What's so bad about me doing the dance? Or is it something else? You've been quiet all morning," you prompted, smiling a little, bracing yourself to keep him pinned there.

"It's nothing," he managed finally. Great Mother, how could you not see what you did to him?!

"Sure," you teased, tilting your head, but you stepped back and released him. And back into your sweet, mindless river of babble you went.

But this time Lo'ak listened, heart thudding painfully in his chest. It was dumb to be jealous. So dumb. He didn't even know if you and Spider were dancing together, or were just a part of a bigger dance. But his stomach still shrivelled into a hard little ball at the idea of Spider dancing with you, putting his hands all over you, making you laugh, making you breathless...

How could Lo'ak compare? Spider was built like a fucking tank, almost 10", like Kiri's biological mum Grace. Lo'ak was leaner, only 9"4, 9"5. Taller than his dad, at least, but he still couldn't help feeling totally inferior when standing next to Spider.

When it came to winning your affections, Spider was the obvious superior candidate. Funny, brave, a good hunter, liked by everyone...

It made Lo'ak sick.

"So I asked Spider to help me make a new outfit for the dance, and-" you were saying.

Lo'ak cut you off. "I can help you."

You squinted at him, eyes creasing at the corners in that irresistible way of yours. "You hate weaving and all that stuff. That's why I asked him."

"I want to help," he said stubbornly.

"You're always whining to me when your mum makes you fix something you've torn or worn a hole in. You say it's boring."

"It's not boring. Not to me," he insisted. "Not if it's you."

You blinked. "Okay. I'll tell Spider I don't need him to help anymore. Even if I know you're gonna bail after the first half hour." You punctuated that last bit with a laugh, but all Lo'ak could feel was something in his gut loosening with relief.

Even if Spider did the dance with you, he wouldn't have your attention, attention that was rightfully Lo'ak's, for more than an hour, anyway.

That was the thought that comforted Lo'ak through all the weeks leading up to the ceremony.

When he was helping you make your outfit.

When he insisted on helping you practice the steps, assuring you he knew them better than Spider anyway, even though he'd run away from any of his mother's attempts to teach him traditional dances as a child.

You didn't seem to mind.

And finally, when he was sitting with you mere minutes before you both would have to go to the ceremony and was helping you put on your ceremonial paint.

"You sure you wanna do this?" Lo'ak asked quietly, turning your face towards him as he dabbed paint on your forehead and cheeks gently, golden eyes meeting yours a little hesitantly.

You chuckled. "Course I do. Why? Do you think I'll mess up, after all the practice we've done?"

Lo'ak just shook his head and sank back into silence, not wanting to ruin your good mood with his feelings.

Not that anything really could ruin your mood at this point, it seemed. You were so excited, and as you tugged Lo'ak along behind you to go join the others, he would've smiled if he hadn't been steadily growing more upset.

Only made worse by Spider pushing through the crowd and catching you up in a hug, swinging you in a circle while you shrieked and slapped at his broad chest and shoulders. "You excited?" Spider asked cheerfully, setting you back on your feet and ruffling your braids.

You nodded, grinning back at him while Lo'ak glowered at the side of Spider's head, unable to contain his resentment. "Yeah. Should we go join the other dancers? I think Mo'at wants to see us before we start, anyway."

Spider hummed in confirmation. "Yeah, sure."

"Okay! Bye, Lo. I'll come find you after," you said, turning to Lo'ak and squeezing his elbow warmly.

His expression softened momentarily as he looked down at your happy face. He couldn't ruin this for you. "Yeah, I'll see you after," he murmured, wanting to pull you into a tight hug but not daring to smudge your paint.

You disappeared into the crowd, Spider's arm slung casually around your shoulders, both of you chatting happily.

Lo'ak stood there for a moment, then turned and went in the opposite direction. Preferably in the direction of the nearest alcohol.

Thankfully, one of the other warriors was passing around bottles. It was frowned upon by the elders, but Jake had said it was okay, and so it was okay.

Lo'ak plucked a bottle out of the warrior's hand and tilted his head back, wrapping his lips around the mouth of the bottle and gulping it back. He'd have to be at least a little tipsy to deal with the sight of seeing you with Spider.

Speaking of, Mo'at was calling for everyone to gather around, to create a circle around the fire that had been lit an hour or so earlier and fed steadily until it was a blaze.

Among the dancers, he found your face, glowing with excitement still. He smiled. You noticed him looking and smiled back, giving him a thumbs up before Spider caught you by the elbows and stepped into the dance with you, surrounded by a swirling crowd of equally decorated dancers.

You were radiant.

Twirling, twisting, stepping through the movements like you were walking on air...

And all the while, smiling, smiling, smiling. But at Spider. Not Lo'ak.

His stomach clenched again at the sight of you, whirling around with Spider's hands all over your precious body, without a care in the fucking world.

He had to look away.

"Little bro!" Neteyam's low voice said happily, and familiar hands clasped Lo'ak's shoulders from behind. A kiss was planted atop his head, even if Lo'ak knew instinctively to tip his head back so Neteyam could reach.

Much to Lo'ak's delight and Neteyam's exasperation, Lo'ak had grown to be taller by a good few inches.

"Teyam," Lo'ak grumbled, turning to face his older brother, feeling remarkably like a sulky little kid again.

"Woah, what's with the face?" Neteyam grinned, giving Lo'ak's cheek a light smack, eyes glittering.

Then he found your form in the swarm of dancers and seemed to make the connection. "Ah. Jealous, Lo?" he teased.

"Shut up, bro," Lo'ak grunted, shoving Neteyam's head away while the older man laughed. "S'easy for you to laugh. How would you feel if your mate was out there with Spider?"

"Mo'at asked them to," Neteyam said surprisingly. "They just said no."

Lo'ak admitted begrudgingly that they were brave for that. Mo'at nearly always got her way, on account of being too scary to refuse.

"So you still haven't fessed up?" Neteyam prompted. "It's been years, bro. I'm not saying you're wasting time, but you are wasting time."

"I can't tell them. They'll reject me," Lo'ak said desolately, sitting down on a treestump with a bump, bottle held limply between his knees.

"Come on. Don't be a wuss," Neteyam encouraged, rubbing his knuckles against Lo'ak's head. "They like you. It's obvious. And it was cute when you two were teens, but you're a grown-ass man now, Lo. They're not gonna wait for you forever."

Lo'ak remained silent, not wanting to admit that Neteyam was right.

Neteyam shrugged and sighed. "Ah, whatever. I was just coming over to check on you. My mate thought you looked lonely, sitting here with your bottle all by yourself. Don't get too drunk."

And with that Neteyam left, back to his own mate.

Lo'ak sat there for what felt like forever, sipping slowly from his bottle, seeking out to comfortable buzz of being drunk and not finding it. It just heightened his sick feeling and made him all twitchy, like bugs were crawling up his legs while he sat there waiting for you, watching you enjoy your life without him.

It wasn't that he wanted your whole life to revolve around him. He just wanted to be a part of it. But Lo'ak, you are a part of it, a small voice murmured.

Not in the way he wanted. He wanted to be able to kiss you and hold you and bury his face in your hair, and dedicate his hunts and wins to you without earning pitying looks from the rest of the tribe.

He wanted to be able to see you around other guys and not get jealous because you were all his.

He wanted-

"Lo!" you called, jogging out of the group of dancers, face and body covered in a sheen of sweat, grinning from ear to ear, tail waving happily behind you. Spider followed closely behind, also grinning and sweaty, but bid you goodbye and walked off before you reached Lo'ak.

You crashed into his arms without hesitation, throwing your arms around his neck, trusting him to catch you like always. "Did you watch me, Lo? Did I look okay? Spider thought-"

Lo'ak took a deep breath and tightened his grip on you, locking his arms around your middle and praying this wouldn't be the last time you ever let him near you after what he had to say. "Why is it always Spider?" he interrupted, the words coming out more plaintive than he meant.

You blinked, arms loosening around his neck. "What?"

"I mean-" Lo'ak paused, blushing to the tips of his ears, trying to find the words that would make you understand. "I feel- I feel like you like Spider more than me. And it hurts. We're best friends."

He didn't dare say that he wanted to be more.

Your ears drooped, as did your tail. But, for which he was grateful, you didn't try to free yourself from his embrace. "Spider's like a brother to me. You never used to have a problem with him. Lo, I'm serious. What's going on with you? You've been acting so weird lately."

Lo'ak looked upwards, asking Eywa for courage. "I just- I like you. More than friends. You mean the world to me. I know I shouldn't be jealous of Spider, but it kills me inside every time you ditch me for him anyway, because he's so much bigger and better-looking and better at stuff than me-"

"Hey. Hey," you said firmly, taking his face in your hands, looking serious for the first time in your life. "Lo'ak. Spider's not any of that stuff. I mean, yeah, he's bigger, but that's his avatar. They're genetically modified to have all the advantages.

"You can't help that. And as for better looking, I couldn't even tell you if he's good-looking or not. You're my idea of handsome. He doesn't even come into this. And he's not better at anything. He tries hard. If you tried hard, you'd be better. You know that.

"It's you for me, Lo. Don't be jealous. It always has been." You smile, a dopey little thing that makes him want to kiss you.

And he does, pressing his mouth to yours, burying his hands in your braids and angling your face upwards, kissing you till he feels properly drunk, just on the taste of you.

"You're mine," he breathed against your mouth, chest heaving, heart feeling like it was about to burst with relief. "Say it. I need to hear you say it."

"I'm all yours, Lo. Always have been," you say, pressing up against him like you want your body to melt into his. "All yours."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

#avatar #atwow #avatar 2 #neteyam #avatar x reader #avatar fanfiction #loak #loak x reader #loak x you #loak avatar #lo'ak x reader #avatar lo’ak

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matan4il · 2 months

Text

Daily update post:

There was another independent terrorist attack today, this time in Samaria, in the area of Yitzhar. The victim is reportedly a young Israeli man of 19 years, and he's in a serious state, while the terrorist is said to have been neutralized. The craziest thing at the link is a small summary about the Palestinian terrorist activity in these parts. In Judea and Samaria alone, an area geographically disconnected from Gaza, where Hamas does operate, but which is not under its rule, just from Oct 7 to Jan 15, there have been no less than 2600 (!) terrorist attacks recorded.

Bassem Eid, a Palestinian journalist and human rights activist, has published an op ed at Newsweek, where he's writing to his fellow Palestinians, asking them to stop blaming the Jews for the starvation Hamas is causing in Gaza.

We already knew that the IDF has been using millions of leaflets, phone calls and text messages (millions of each) to warn Gazans to evacuate from dangerous war zones, and that in itself costs a lot of money. I don't think I've ever come across any country investing this much money in evacuating the population of the other side in a war. But now, I saw a TV report on how the IDF is trying to do even more. I've found the footage that they showed, a short vid of an IDF drone, that has speakers attached to it, so it can announce to the residents of a specific project in Khan Younis to evacuate it:

youtube

The IDF has also shared an intercepted phone conversation, where they recorded an UNRWA teacher, who is also a Hamas terrorist, talking about his part in the Oct 7 massacre, where he brags about having kidnapped an Israeli woman. The call took place 7 hours after the massacre began. In this context, and while the UN continues to express itself in a way that unjustly vilifies Israel, it's no wonder that Israel's envoy to the UN has been called back for consultation, something Israel hasn't done in 8 years. Honestly, I think at this point it's clear that it's not just that the UN has been biased against Israel since before Hamas had started this war. As Israel continues to expose the complicity of UN workers in the Oct 7 massacre, the UN now also has the motivation to do its best to discredit the one country that can prove its guilt better than any other.

youtube

I generally don't talk about the negotiations for another hostage deal. It's a lot of emotional ups and downs to follow them, and I also know many reports are denied quickly, some can be just plain false and made by people eager for attention, while other can even be statements intentionally made to pressure one of the sides in one direction or another. I follow the reports, but IDK which ones I believe myself, even when they come from normally reliable media sources. However, I've heard this report on multiple Israeli news sources, and I tend to believe it reflects the genuine belief on Israel's part, so I'm passing it on. Apparently, the Israeli officials in charge of negotiations now believe that Hamas is intentionally not agreeing to any deals, because it wants escalation during Ramadan. It tracks for me, it's clear that the idea of fighting during Ramadan will be used as parpaganda against Israel, even though Hamas are extremist Islamists, who have no issue with violence during Ramadan, and even the US has made it pretty clear through Blinken's statement, that they currently see Hamas as the side saying no to a truce as part of a hostage deal.

youtube

It took way too long for this committee to be appointed, it took them too much time to do anything while the world either denied or justified the crimes perpetrated on Oct 7, it's releasing its port 5 months after the massacre, when the initial info started coming out just days after it, but an independent UN envoy has finally officially confirmed that there is "clear and convincing evidence" regarding the sex crimes of Hamas, committed against victims on Oct 7 itself, and against the hostages since then.

This is 22 years old Noa Farage.

She was a surfer, was planning to travel to South East Asia for 6 months, and volunteered as a scouts counselor. She was very excited to go to the Nova music festival, because it was going to be her last time hanging out with her best friend Roni before her trip. On Oct 7, Roni survived, but Noa was murdered by Hamas terrorists.

May her memory be a blessing.

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)

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g4yforethan · 10 months

Text

comfort

pairing: pietro maximoff x male!reader

summary: reader is injured during the battle of sokovia and pietro does everything to make sure they are okay

warnings: blood, violence, cursing!

being a superhero wasn't easy in the least. you had just become a superhero after learning that a robot wanted to destroy earth and the entire human population. the avengers needed to put a stop to him and asked you and your friends to join them. your friends, wanda and pietro maximoff, grew up alongside you in a orphanage after all of your guy's parents had been killed during a bombing caused by tony stark. after joining groups protesting against tony stark, the three of you volunteered for HYDRA. you all thought you were going to save and change the world. after learning that nearly every volunteer had been killed by the experiment, you hesitated but wanda insisted you do it. after hours of waiting, it was your turn. you went up and touched it. it was the mind stone. it pulled you in and hypnotized you with it's power. you fainted and woke up in your bed. "wanda, y/n finally woke up!" it was pietro. he was sitting at the side of your bed, waiting and hoping that you would wake up as soon as possible. he gave you a hug that felt like forever. you appreciated it. "we thought you had died! what do you feel? do you feel any different?!"

you got up from your bed and tried to walk. you fell straight to the floor. pietro grabbed you and laid you back on the bed. you looked at him as he stared at you and all of a sudden, you heard his thoughts. "i'm so glad he's okay. i wish i could tell him everything." that is what you heard from him. "is everything okay y/n? why are you giving me that face?" you stopped reading his mind and didn't know what to say. "oh um i'm sorry pietro! i was just zoning out." he gives you a smile and goes over to talk to wanda. later that night, you talked to wanda about each other's powers. "i don't know. i think i've been able to read people's minds. i mean that's all i know for now. what about you?" you ask wanda. "i've been able to read minds as well. i've also been able to lift things with my mind as well. speaking of minds, i've been able to read both you and pietro's mind. just don't tell him." you cringed in embarrassment as all you've been thinking about for the past 5 hours is just pietro. only pietro. "oh god wanda what do you know?" "oh nothing. let's just say i think a few people have a crush on each other." you couldn't catch at what she was trying to say. you were confused. "what i'm saying is that i think pietro has a crush on you and vice versa." you jumped up and screamed in delight. you always thought pietro didn't like guys as he always flirted with girls but after what wanda told you, you couldn't believe what she was saying. "you just can't say to him that i told you or that i read his mind okay? let things happen naturally." you agreed and gave her a hug before going to bed.

fast forward a year later, the three of you are now fighting alongside the avengers. you now were able to project energy bolts that emitted the color purple, wanda as well where as her energy bolts emitted the color scarlet red, and pietro ran at superhuman speed. you were in the middle fo the battefield, knocking down ultron bots, guiding innocent civilians to safety when all of a sudden, you are thrown 30 feet back. an explosion was felt. your ears ring so loud, you thought you would be deaf. you couldn't move and blood ran down your body mainly from your head. "Y/N! wanda i'm going to go get him!" pietro yells as he races over to where you were. "y/n, please stay with me!" you were beginning to lose consciousness but could hear everything pietro was saying to you. "i love you y/n. i love you more than you could ever know. just please don't leave me." he starts to cry and holds you in his arm as tony calls for a jet to take you back to the avengers tower.

at the hospital inside the tower, pietro goes with you to make sure you're okay in recovery. after two days, you wake up and see pietro sitting in a chair right next to you. his eyes looked like he hadn't gotten sleep in days. he sees you open your eyes and gets up to see you. "y/n, you're awake?" "hi pietro. how long have i been out?" "it's been about 2 days. you were hit and we all thought we lost you but thank god you're okay." you try to sit up but you still feel weak and in pain. pietro notices this and asks you to wait until you feel better to stand. "you know. i kinda heard what you said before i passed out." "what do you mean?" "i heard you say that you...loved me." you start to notice his face turn red. "uhh i mean you know i um-" "it's okay pietro i mean i've known for a while now." "HOW?! who told?! was it wanda?" "i can read people's minds pietro. i know a good amount. but i love you too..." you move towards him and give him a kiss on the lips. he starts to puts his hands on your face as you do on his shoulders. you two kiss for a few minutes before pulling out. "wow-uh- i really wish you were back to 100% so we could do more than just kiss." you laugh at his comment. "oh get over here pretty boy." you give him another kiss and kiss on his neck. after kissing, he plays with your hair and starts to caress your face. you start to fall back asleep to rest from your injuries. "i love you baby boy." he whispers to you before leaving to let you rest.

#pietro x reader #pietro maximoff #pietro maximoff x reader #male reader insert #male reader #avengers x male reader #aaron taylor johnson #mcu #marvel #men #pietro maximoff x male reader #pietro maximoff x y/n #pietro maximoff x you

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tilebytiles · 3 months

Text

Star Treatment (Alex Turner x Reader) - Part 5

summary: there’s a strange man named alex that has a strange obsession with you, and he makes the strangest offer of your life.

word count: 3.8k

warnings: none

part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4

Your time on the moon was almost over.

With the close of your galactic journey came a bittersweet feeling; you’d had a lot of fun at the hotel. Although you neglected the casino aspect (you’d never been much of a gambler and didn’t intend to start), you took multiple dips in the pool, perused the library countless times, and even ventured into the gym once or twice. The fitness jungle was intimidating, so you only really used the treadmill, but it was still something. You’d gotten to talk to Alexa and Miles a lot more, and they both agreed to keep in touch with you once you were all back on Earth.

The person you’d miss the most, though, was Alex.

You hadn’t seen much of him over the last few days, despite your stay being extended; James had been sent back to Earth prematurely, and a round trip for the rocket was at least six days, so you were more or less stuck up there until further notice. Although Alex’s glances towards you had become more tender, his touches more like caresses, his words spoken in a soft tone he didn’t use with anyone else, you hadn’t spoken much to each other since your impromptu sleepover. You were hesitant to ask him about it; you yearned for his attention, but you also understood how it might look if he was suddenly doting on you every hour of every day. You’d be proving James right, more or less. You would rather step out the airlock than do that.

You also knew talking to each other once you got back home wouldn’t really be an option; he told you once that he’d open the hotel to the public within the next month, meaning his attention would be entirely consumed by his project. You would return to your regular job, and he would remain an unfinished canvas, a story never to be completed. Would he even come to the café anymore? Would he want anything to do with you?

"What's got you all worked up?" You jumped at the sound of Miles' voice and whipped around. He was leaning against the doorway of your room, his arms crossed over his chest and his left eyebrow cocked up.

Your own eyebrow rose at his question. "I'm not worked up. I'm just standing here."

"You get worked up in your own ways," he said with a shrug. "You tend to zone out. In this case, I've been here for nearly three minutes trying to get your attention, and you've just been starin' at the clothes you've got on the bed."

You cringed at the mental image his words painted in your head. "Sorry. I'm just thinking."

"About what?" When you didn't answer and instead looked back down at the clothes- the tee, joggers and socks you hadn't worked up the courage to give back to Alex yet- realisation seemed to hit Miles like a truck. "Oh. About Al?"

Miles was the only one that had approached you directly about whether or not there was anything between you and Alex. Alexa had taken a more subtle approach, nudging you with her elbow and winking whenever Alex smiled at you in passing, but Miles had been much more direct, his curiosity regarding your relationship coming in the form of an abrupt "Are you shaggin' him?" over lunch one day. You told him no repeatedly, probably so much so that it could be read as yes. You didn't dare allude to what had really happened between the two of you, but you were honest with him in admitting there was something there. Something you both felt.

"Why don't you just talk to him?" His words dragged you back to the present.

You sighed. "I wish it was that easy," you mumbled. "But what am I supposed to say? For all I know, I might just be some fling of his."

Miles barked out a laugh at that. "You're kiddin', right? He's bloody obsessed with you."

"He could just be playing it up."

"Y/N," he said, his voice taking on a much more serious tone, "if Alex was fuckin' around with you this whole time, I would seriously harm him. That's a major 'if', though. I've never known him to be that kind of person, and neither has Alexa. He isn't the type to toy with someone else's feelings."

A voice rang out from somewhere down the hall. "Hey, Miles, have you seen my camera?" It was Alexa.

Miles sighed and offered you one final sympathetic glance. "I mean it," he said softly. "Right now, I doubt you're the last person he'd think of leavin' behind." And with that, he left your room, shouting down the hall about how he hadn't seen Alexa's "bloody fuckin' camera".

You looked back down on the clothes you'd neatly laid out on top of the bed. You'd been planning to give them back that day, actually, but every time you finally worked up the courage to do it, you quickly convinced yourself it would be a bad idea. You hated how insecure you suddenly felt; you were positive that even if Alex was obsessed with you, someone better would come along. Someone more deserving of his obsession and unwavering affection. The more desperate side of you wanted to believe Miles, but the more rational side of you knew that whatever existed between you and Alex right now would be gone as soon as you set foot back on Earth and returned to your routine lives.

Your time on the moon was almost over, and you hated it.

•••••

Miles had delivered the clothes in your stead. Now that they were finally out of sight, out of mind, you found yourself laying face-up in the pool, staring at the vast expanse of stars above you. The water was cold, uncomfortably so, but you didn't care; you just needed to think. You needed something else to focus on, something that wasn't the man with the heavenly Northern accent and the well-kept goatee and the shoulder-length hair that was always an elegant mess and the crisp suits and the smile that could charm God. You felt a little pathetic, if you were being honest with yourself- this time, you didn't do that as reluctantly. Maybe self-degradation came to you a little too naturally. Technically, you'd known Alex for months, but it was mostly his existence you knew of, not who he really was. Well, that and his favourite kind of coffee. Still, that didn't really tell you much about the kind of person he was. Knowing he liked his coffee burning hot didn't tell you his favourite colour or favourite food. Knowing his surprising disdain for pumpkin spice lattes didn't tell you his favourite book or his hobbies. Knowing the only pastry in the display case that he ever ordered (on the rare occasion he did order something besides coffee) was the pain au chocolat didn't tell you his middle name, his hometown, his favourite music, his dreams as a child, the things he was nitpicky about, his favourite animal, his greatest fear, how he wanted his body to be dealt with when he died, or whether or not he'd seen Blade Runner.

You would be lying if you said you hadn't imagined his response to all of those things before. You guessed his favourite colour might have been something like orange or yellow. His favourite food was something savoury, no doubt; he never struck you as the type to have much of a sweet tooth. His favourite book was definitely one of the classics. His hobbies had to be reading (that was an easy one), perhaps writing, maybe even playing an instrument. His middle name was something prim and proper, his hometown was somewhere like Newcastle, his favourite music was the oldies, his dreams as a child were to be an astronaut in space, he was nitpicky about his appearance and having everything in perfect order, his favourite animal was something predictable like a dog, his greatest fear was being forgotten, he wanted to be cremated upon death, and he had most certainly seen Blade Runner and would consider it criminal for anyone else not to have. Those were all just guesses, though, and you knew some of them were probably painfully inaccurate. But you didn't think you would ever get the answers.

Somewhere nearby, you heard a door open and then close, and for a brief moment, it dragged you out of the monotonous trance you'd placed yourself in. You quickly slipped back into your lull, though, continuing to stargaze and letting the water around you prick at your skin, giving you goosebumps. You didn't notice the door to the changing room shut, nor did you notice the small splash that accompanied the unidentified individual lowering themselves into the water. You were beginning to think you were perfectly content with staying in that pool forever when the water around you began to rock and bob, bouncing you with it. A figure came into your periphery, and the small glimpse you got made you turn your head, water instantly flooding into your right ear. Alex was wading beside you, casting small ripples into the pool water as he stroked his arms across the surface, keeping himself afloat. You slowly turned your head back to its previous position, feeling the water dribble out of your ear as you continued stargazing.

He was the first to speak, and you hated how your heart lurched at the sound of his voice, as if it would burst from your chest and wait for him to take it. "You've been avoiding me."

His voice remained neutral, but the underlying hurt in his words was glaringly obvious. "I wasn't trying to," you said quietly. "There just haven't been chances for us to talk."

"That's bullshit, Y/N, and you know it."

You shifted and struggled in the water for just a moment before assuming the same wading position he was in. For a few seconds, ones that suddenly felt uncomfortably long, all you could do was stare at him. His expression was neutral, too, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. They always had. You were reminded of the quote about the eye being the window to the soul. "I'm sorry," you finally said.

He let out a small scoff and looked down at the water between you. "At least tell me why."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because you'll think it's stupid."

"What's stupid is thinking I'll think it's stupid." His gaze darted back up to meet yours, and you could tell he was having a difficult time keeping himself contained. You were reminded of the look of anger he'd had the night of the party, and how horribly it contrasted with his features. You didn't think he was built to be angry, and you hated the thought you were making him feel anything close to that.

You sighed and tilted your head back to look up at the stars again. Not looking him directly in the eye made it easier to confess what had been weighing you down so much recently. "I'm scared you'll forget me, Alex."

Silence followed, then, "What?"

"You're going to get famous because of this hotel. You have to know that. You won't have time for me anymore, which is fine because I'm just the girl that made your coffee, anyway. Even if you did have time, there's a chance some other girl will come along that's way better than me in every aspect. She'll be prettier, nicer, more successful, more important. I won't even be jealous of her, because I'll know she'll be far more deserving of you attention than I am. You'll fall in love with her and forget about me and I'll force myself to move on and maybe, eventually, I'll fall in love with someone else, too."

More silence punctuated your words, but this time, Alex didn't fill it with objections or utterances of confusion. Although you were staring up into space, from the very bottom of your line of sight, you could tell he was still staring at you. His mouth opened, then closed, then opened again, as if he was struggling to think of exactly what to say. You didn't blame him; how could you? You'd just dumped an absolute boatload on him.

It felt like an eternity had passed before he tried to form an answer for you. “I could never forget you, even if I wanted to.”

Slowly, your head lowered again, and you stared at him, unsure of what to say in response. Now it was your turn to be stunned into silence. You looked off to the side, then at the edge of the pool behind him, then back at him. “Why?”

He sighed and ran a wet hand through his hair. “The first time I saw you,” he began slowly, “I was ready to worship the ground you stood on. You might think yourself to be plain, Y/N, but in less than a few weeks, you became my whole world, only leaving enough space for …” He gestured around the two of you, his eyes widening a bit, much as they always did when he wanted to emphasise something.

Your brows knitted together at his confession. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I was well aware I’d sound mental,” he said bluntly, dropping his arms back into the water with a small splash. “Because I knew you’d think I was a creep. I was obsessed, and I felt guilty for that, even if I wasn’t tryin’ to stalk you or anything.”

You considered his words. Although you wanted to deny it to make him feel better, you knew he was right; you probably would’ve told your manager if one of the customers tried to confess his undying love to you. “But …” You trailed off, trying to think of what to say next. Your gaze dropped to the water again. “Who’s to say you still feel that way, now that you know me?”

He let out a short laugh. “Fuckin’ hell, Y/N. You’re quite stubborn, aren’t you?” When you didn’t respond, he continued. “When I told you how I felt the night of the party, I meant it,” he said quietly. “I wasn’t lying to you or trying to comfort you. I’ve always had feelings for you, and as far as I’m concerned, I always will. Nothing will change that.”

You didn’t say anything and looked away a little shamefully. You felt a bit silly for being so doubtful up to this point; it was clear Alex liked you, a lot. He called it an obsession, but you didn’t know if it really was as dramatic as he was making it out to be or if he was so inexperienced that having feelings for anyone qualified as being madly in love. Then again, he’d never struck you as the inexperienced type … quite the opposite, really, especially when you considered the ease with which he’d eaten you out.

Alex seemed to pick up on your remorse. He let out another sigh before saying, “Let’s get out of here, yeah? I don’t know about you, but I’m fuckin’ freezing.”

The two of you clambered out of the pool, heading into one of the changing rooms to dry off as best you could and wrapping yourselves up in robes. You’d have to shower later, you thought to yourself. You wondered if you could shower with Alex, and the mere thought tinted your cheeks a light shade of pink. Although you didn’t vocalise any of your thoughts, he seemed to be thinking the same thing as you, for he entwined his hand with yours and said, “Shall we go to my room?” All you could do was nod.

Inside his room, things were the same as they’d been the last time you were in there. You followed him into the bathroom, watching as he gently shut and locked the door before turning to face you. He offered you a small smile, a gesture that made you feel comfortable enough to shed your robe and strip out of your bikini. He followed suit, letting his robe and his swim trunks hit the floor in a circle of damp fabric around him. You refused to let your gaze wander to any part of his body that wasn’t his face, and at the sheer effort that seemed to take on your part, he couldn’t help but laugh.

One of the things that scared you the most about taking a shower with another person was the possibilities. As Alex turned on the water and tested it a couple of times, making sure it was warm enough before stepping inside with you following suit, your mind immediately jumped to the possibility of Alex rearranging your insides against the shower wall. Did that idea come into your head a bit too eagerly? Yes. Were you embarrassed by it? 100%. Would you ever tell Alex you had that idea? Fuck no. Were you a little scared of it happening because Alex was the only man that had ever touched you and you weren’t even sure if you’d like having sex? Absolutely.

To your surprise (and perhaps relief), though, nothing of the sort happened. Alex let you shampoo his hair first, letting out small sounds of contentment as you massaged his scalp. You worked slowly, not wanting this moment between the two of you to end anytime soon. Once his hair was adequately shampooed, he washed the suds out of his hair, then grabbed the bottle off the shelf and squeezed some into his hand. He snapped it shut on his wrist, set it back down, then began massaging the apple-scented shampoo into your own hair. You didn’t have to lean down like he did, considering you were shorter than him and he could access your scalp much easier than you could his.

You two had been in a rather comfortable silence, and he was the first to break it, although not jarringly so. “D’you like cookies?”

A small laugh erupted from you. “Who doesn’t?”

“Fair point,” he mumbled. “I was just askin’ because the café made too many yesterday, and I was gonna steal some for you.”

“Well, what kind are they?”

“Chocolate chip. Close your eyes.” Alex seized the shower head, and you quickly did as you were told, feeling the water and shampoo rush down against your head. Every so often, the water would hit your hairline, and it tickled. As he worked, he continued talking, although the torrent made it a bit harder to hear him. “I might steal a dozen, then we can split ‘em.”

When he finally pulled the shower head away from you, you reached up to dry your eyes. “Bold of you to assume I would share.”

“Ah, well …” He looked off to the side, then back down at you, his hands settling on his hips. “You’re talking to the hotel owner, so I don’t think you have much of a choice.”

“It’s a bit cruel of you to use your position against me.”

He merely hummed in response, unable to hide the smile your words generated, and grabbed the bottle of conditioner.

The rest of the shower went smoothly, and you were a little sad when it ended. It was, arguably, the most intimate you’d ever gotten with him. You two had helped each other wash, and gradually, you became less shy about touching each other. It made you realise something; you’d been viewing this kind of physical contact as sexual for an embarrassingly long time, but now that it was happening, it wasn’t sexual at all. You regretted the lewd circumstances your mind had tried to frame a shared shower in.

You’d gotten dressed following your shower, and now you found yourself back in Alex’s bed. This time, he was laying with his cheek pressed against your chest, listening to your steady heartbeat. On occasion, his fingers would begin to tap out the rhythm against your sides, although they’d stop a few seconds later. Your own fingers worked absentmindedly through his hair, and at some point, you’d begun to work on a small braid. You didn’t think he could feel it; if he did, he didn’t say anything. It would be amusing to see him discover it later.

His voice was a low rumble, and you got the idea he was more tired than he let on. “Thank you.”

Your fingers halted their movements. “For what?”

“For existing.”

Those two words made you want to cry, and you had to force yourself to blink back tears. You worked more urgently on his braid, trying to keep yourself distracted, but this meant he could feel you tugging at his hair now. His head lifted from your chest, and his expression softened into one of understanding as he shifted his body upwards and pressed a kiss to each of your cheeks, catching tears that weren’t there. “I mean it,” he murmured. “And … thank you for giving me a chance.”

That brought out the waterworks, and the tears, hot and heavy, poured from your eyes before you could stop them. His hands left your sides and came up to cup your cheeks, his thumbs wiping away your tears. He kissed your forehead, your nose, and then your lips, lingering there longer than the rest. When he pulled away, he pressed his forehead to yours, staring deep into your eyes. “Stay with me.”

Your eyes widened a little. “What?”

“Stay with me,” he repeated. “Help me manage the hotel. Or … hell, if you don’t want a thing to do with this, I understand, just-” He sighed and screwed his eyes shut. “Stay in my life,” he whispered. “Please.”

He didn’t have to ask that of you. The answer would always be yes. In a million universes, a million more lifetimes, the endless aisles of circumstances that were lined up neatly in the library of what could have been, you would always follow him. Maybe in one world, you would meet as a biker / florist duo. In another, he’d be a dazzling musician, and you’d be an awestruck photographer. In another, he might be a damn vampire, trying to navigate the world without being killed and while shunning the daylight and wearing sunglasses positively everywhere. He could be some eldritch horror, and you would still follow him to the ends of the earth. You knew that even if you were under a horribly strong curse, he would always find a way to break it. He would always find a way to make sure you could follow him. “Of course I will,” you whispered in reply. “Always.”

His eyes slowly peeled open, and he managed a soft smile at you, kissing you once more. “The day after you stole my heart,” he murmured against your lips, “everything I touched told me it’d be better shared with you.”

•••••

tags: @elexnorislingtxn / @edandmollydeservebetter / @sagegreensimmr / @billyseye / @not-a-big-slay

#alex turner #alex turner x reader #tranquility base hotel and casino #tbhc era #arctic monkeys #fanfic #alex turner x you #alex turner x y/n

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infamousbrad · 10 months

Text

For a few years now, I've taken multiple opportunities to ask groups of my fellow Americans the same question: "do you think early 21st century America is a good place to raise a child?" Answers varied from person to person, even among parents of children, from "yeah, pretty good" all the way down to "oh hell no." Rather than give my answer, and go into my reasons (for now) let's look at a report card ranking 35 major countries by several criteria, that just rated only Mexico as worse than the USA as a place to raise a family.

Safety: F. Based on homicide rate, average fear of crime, risk of dying to war or terrorism, school shootings per capita, and protection of civil rights for all. We did okay on most of the sub-ratings, but barely mediocre on civil rights and, well, obviously insanely bad compared to everybody else on school shootings.

Happiness: C+. Based on the human freedom index, world happiness index, per-capita suicide rate, household income inequality, and whether or not some families are discriminated against in adoption rights. I couldn't quickly find the sub-ratings on this one, but the USA came out pretty average.

Cost: F. Based on child care costs, per household family support spending, out-of-pocket educational costs, out-of-pocket health spending, and income-adjusted cost of living. The UK and New Zealand were even worse on child-care costs, but the US came in dead last in every other sub-category. We are the only country that expects those costs to be entirely born by parents who currently have minor children instead of spreading them out across all households.

Health: D-. Based on maternal mortality rate, child mortality rate, access to contraception, air pollution level, and average life expectancy. Because we're not in the bottom 5, I again can't easily find the US ranking on each of those sub-ratings, but I imagine we really got hit on our maternal mortality rate.

Education: C+. Based on teen enrollment rate, early-20s enrollment rate, average reading performance, average math performance, and average science performance. We weren't in the top or bottom 5 so, again, I don't know our detailed rankings but we did end up above average. And finally ...

Time: F. Based on time off per worker, weeks of paid maternity leave, weeks of paid paternity leave, weeks of mandatory paid sick leave, weeks of mandatory paid vacation leave. Only Mexico gave its workers fewer hours off work, and we are the only country in the survey to have a zero in all four other categories.

Across all countries: Only 5 of the 35 countries got an A+ overall. Starting with the highest score: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Luxembourg. Only two countries got an F, the US and Mexico. If you choose to have and raise a family in the United States, you will bear a higher percentage of those expenses than almost any country in the world, your children will be in more physical danger and health danger than anywhere in the industrialized world outside of an active war zone, and you will have less time with them, less time to parent them, than parents anywhere else surveyed.

So, you tell me: in your opinion, is the United States of America in the early 21st century a good place to have and raise children, or not?

Not to beg, but I'd really appreciate more eyes on this, please? Especially from my fellow Americans and doubly-so from people who have kids or who have recently raised kids?

#us politics #us economy #parents #children #family

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lemonmaid · 6 months

Text

Video games that I think Vice Dorm Leaders would play.

Since alot of y'all liked the headcannons about the dorm leaders I thought, 'hell might aswell do the vice dorm leaders'. I'm glad that so many of y'all liked it, request are always open!

Here's part 1 with dorm leaders

Trey Clover : Cool Math Games

I don't think this guy has ever played a video game besides the one that was available on the Chrome-books, (when class got slow and boring).

"Trey what are you doing?".

"Not now, I'm on day 40 of Papa's Freeza".

Ruggie Bucci : Spiderman 2.

This guy only allowed to play it because Leona doesn't play his Playstation 5 that his family gifted him.

"Is that spiderman 2?"

"Yup..."

"How long have you've been playing that?"

"..."

"Does it meet your expectations?"

".."

Bro is in the zone, he's addicted, he has never had this much dopamine in his LIFE.

Jade Leech : Minecraft

When Jade doesn't want to go hiking or do Azul's dirty work, he would really enjoy a good minecraft game.

"Perfect look at what I found"

"Oh. That must have been an update, I don't think I've seen this Biome"

"Oooooh Perfect!! Look at what I built~".

"Floyd is that a penis?"

On second thought, he definitely keeps villagers prisoned for trading and... torture...

Jamil Viper : Walking Dead ( Telletale )

I like to think that Jamil is a casual enjoyed of Telltale games, why? Because no one else had given him this much emotional and power.

"Are you okay?"

"No..."

"Why.... I just finished the series..... and found out that Telltale is out of business"

"Oh... don't kill yourself"

Bro takes the choosing characters fate game too seriously.

Rook Hunt : Red Dead Redemption

This man, has replayed story mode so many times. Everytime, he gets Low Honor and the Bad Ending.

"Oh~ perfect, I don't know what I am doing wrong!"

"Okay... let me watch you play"

*two hours later of murder after murder spree*

"What the actual fuck is wrong with you".

Ortho Shroud : Project Sakai

Perfect combo after Perfect Combo after Perfect combo. Do NOT play in a room with him, because he will be the motherfucker to leave when everyone else has failed or just one.

"Ortho... I think you're taking this game too seriously".

*replays audio in mocking tone

Lilia Vanerouge : He's been around for a long time I think he's played most games in existence. Unless he is behind a few decades, I would say Mario Kart or Gutiar Hero.

"Am I hip perfect?" Lilia breaks down the weridest fuckinh combo behind his back.

"You're....something".

This man still has an Xbox 360 in his room and is still gaining Xbox points.

Grim: Fruit Ninja

This is the only game that he can play because he has no thumbs.

Otherwise, he is a tablet baby, that phone.... scratched, stained, cracked, and weird stench.

A/N

I'm finally mining away the drafts!!! I hope yall enjoy what's coming this week because I'm going to be do drained afterwards lol.

Hopefully more male reader povs.

#twisted wonderland #twst headcanons #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twst crack #twst #twisted wonderland vice dormleaders

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slugtranslation-hypmic · 5 months

Note

Hey slug! Obviously it's a bit older now, but I was wondering if you might be able to translate Sougyaran BAM, from Kuko? I feel like I don't quite understand the TLs I have seen, so I was wondering if there were certain references or concepts I'm missing here lol

I saw the email notification of this request at the perfect moment. Too anxious to do work or anything else productive. Too caffeinated to sleep. Fuck it. Time to look at Kuukou for an hour.

Under a cut for length

Like a lot of Kuukou's... well, everything... this song is an eclectic mix of elements that can all more or less be distilled into these couple of bullet points:

Trying to fight the listener

Dropping powerful life advice or Buddhist teachings

Claiming his music is both a game changer and the kind of stuff that gets your blood pumping

Scatting, rhyming without meaning, or otherwise making wordplay

Outside of the parts that are straight-up nonsensical, the majority of the rap is very casual to the point of being rude. However, it's also interspersed with formal religious language. Again, both of these are how Kuukou talks, but I get why this would make it difficult for someone to translate.

I talk about this a lot whenever I translate anything, but an important (and maybe the most important!) part of any translation is determining the methodology, focus, and goals before you begin. I figure that if someone's asking me to look at song lyrics for songs that have been out for years, they probably care a lot more about the minutiae of what the character's saying than if I'm writing a rap as part of a longer work where readers aren't going to give it much attention. In that second case, it's probably more important to convey the appearance of a rap--rhyme, rhythm, what have you--and make sure I'm hitting the overall meaning rather than translate word-for-word. You know? The issue is, translating word-for-word would produce mostly nonsense on this one, since my interpretation of its meaning is largely coming from reading between the lines. There's also no real meaning outside of the four bullet points above. It's all vibes. So, this is a vibe-focused translation. When Kuukou says something with no meaning (that I can tell) outside of wordplay, I've exchanged it with a fresh wordplay. At the same time, since I assume the audience wants to know the minutiae, I put footnotes at the very end for the most curious souls. Finally, outside of wordplay moments, there is no attention paid to rhyming, rhythm, or line length.

Also I spent like forty minutes on it so it isn't a polished work of art or anything of the sort. Lyrics:

You wanna piece of this? That’s cool, tough guy. Bring it on. ‘Cause I’mma mess you up. Hmm? You’ve had enough? Yeah, bitch, I bet you’re fuckin’ SATIETIED. Who the hell do you think you are? Aw, who I am kidding? It doesn’t matter who you are. I’ve never met an ass I couldn’t kick! And while I’m here thrashing your sorry butt, listen up. I’m Kuukou from Bad Ass Temple, representing Nagoya, yo. And I’m gonna be world champion. Whazzat? Who do I think I am, some kinda fancy-pants hotshot? Nah, dawg. I’m a monk, haha! Get in the zone, do it or go home, this ain’t the scene you’ve known. [1] I’m a rebellious rhymer staging a revolution. C’mon, join me! Let me hear your voices!

“Enough determination can move mountains,” as they say. Yeah, a-a-a-and I’ve got determination for days.

San gha gharan bam! [2] S-S-S-Scatting n’ rapping, rapping with my razzle-dazzle tongue [3] Check, ch-ch-ch-check it, che-wa-watch out Gha bam! S-S-S-Scatting n’ rapping, rapping, BAT’s sexy leader [4] Kick, kickin’ kickin’ killer San gha gharan bam gha gha gharan bam gha gha gharan bam Gha gha gha gha gharan bam

Say what? Rules, rules, rules—who the fuck cares about rules? I’m the ruler now. A ruler and a schooler. [5] Yo, I’ve got that brand new music— When I ring this giant bell, people hear that shit far and wide. Beat it! And lyrics? You already know I spit so much fire they call me a dragon. I’m all about the impulses, the anarchy, let’s fuckin’ go! I’m a breath of fresh air up in this shit. Eight pulls, nine pulls, ten pulls—someone say temples? [6] If you don’t know already, then you oughta listen up. You don’t need any of these options. Go make your own. Paint that shit vibrantly. Go try something new! And if it goes so well you can indulge in some goddamn rejoicin’? Then hell yeah, now we’re talking.

Yo, man. The world’s all in how you see it, as they say, and don’t you ever forget it. A-a-a-and I may be a monk, but I’m not preachin’ just to scold you! [7]

San gha gharan bam! S-S-S-Scatting n’ rapping, rapping with my razzle-dazzle tongue Check, ch-ch-ch-check it, che-wa-watch out Gha bam! S-S-S-Scatting n’ rapping, rapping, BAT’s sexy leader Kick, kickin’ kickin’ killer San gha gharan bam gha gha gharan bam gha gha gharan bam Gha gha gha gha gharan bam

Yeah, life’s got ups and downs. You asking me, “Whatchu lookin’ at?” [8] Your ASS, lol got ‘em. Wassup, wassup, I’m a rhymer. I’m makin’ some good shit up in here. Hm? Ey, dance, dance over days when our hearts are aligned [9] Shoo bidoo doo bidoo Roo bidoo doo bidoo Tickili tickili tackili-tatt-too

Yeah! Haha! My rapping’s freakin’ EXHILARATORY. Hello! Aight, c’mon on, lemme give you some of this and wake you right up. Yo, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, ho!

Gharan bam gharan bam Gh-gh-gh-gh hey! Bring it on, tough guy! R-r-rapping, rapping, r-r-rapping with my razzle-dazzle tongue R-r-rapping, yeah, gh-gh-gh, hey!

Yeah, clear the scene, ‘cause I’mma reinvent the scene. [10] Yo, get outta my way. I’m Evil Monk, the dragon of Bad Ass Temple, you know. Rrrrrrah! [1] This last is literally "clear weather (空)" or "energetic vibes (空)." At face value, it appears to be nonsense for rhyming. However, at the very end of the song, Kuukou talks about "the vibes/the scene (空気)" changing and him changing it (which can also be read as the weather changing/clearing up), which makes me wonder if those two are related. Just in case, I wrote them with a possible connection in English too.

[2] 僧伽藍 (sangharan) is a short form of 僧伽藍摩 (sangharama), a Buddhist temple or monastery. Bam is, of course, the sound of Kuukou throwing hands.

[3] 饒舌 (jouzetsu) is a fairly formal word in Japanese to refer to excessive talking. However, I was surprised to learn in the process of TLing this that it's also Chinese for rapping which appears to be how Kuukou's using it here. Also, if you're curious how English "jazzy" became "razzle-dazzle," I realized near the end of the song that I needed to start this word with the same sound as "rapping" (because he scats the j sound on jazzy and jouzetsu) whereupon I set out to find a good synonym. The issue is, I wasn't sure exactly how the lyric writers were using the term, so I put "jazzy" in an English-to-Japanese dictionary to get "loud, invigorating, eye-catching." Yeah, that's Kuukou all right. "Razzle-dazzle" is similar and starts with an r, so there we go.

[4] The lyrics say "xy な leader" (the な is just indicating that "xy" is being used as an adjective, btw) which I assumed means sexy... ekkusu ii said quickly sounds like sekushii. To be sure I wasn't barking up the wrong tree entirely, I ran a quick Twitter search on that line and found a very large number of Japanese Tweeters thinking the exact same thing I was. (It looks like Kuukou's VA once flashed his collarbone on this line in a concert, delighting scores of collarbone lovers everywhere.) That being said, searching anything on Twitter and finding horny Tweets isn't exactly a novel concept. Well, if I'm wrong about this, then at least I'm in the good company of all the thirsty Kuukou fans. Hahaha. If this seems OoC to you, I feel like it's here mainly for fanservice, not necessarily because Kuukou's trying to get some with the person he's beating up and/or preaching at. Although, idk. If you ship Kuukou with anyone, you could very well see some parallels...

[5] Literally "I'll beat up [everything] including the roulette board." Wordplay on rules (ruuru), ruler (ruuraa), and roulette (ruuretto)

[6] Literally "Terapii (therapy), terapii, terapii, tera (temple)-- Oh, the age of temples?" Wordplay/stupid joke

[7] I don't like how I worded this line, but I don't care enough to spend much more time fussing over it. Kuukou's making a joke that, as a monk, he delivers religious sermons 説法. However, in colloquial terms, a 説法 is a telling-off when someone does something undesirable. Kuukou, as a frequent doer of undesirable things, gets these from his dad constantly. Therefore, he's being like, "This isn't the LAME STUPID kind of 説法... this is the kind that ROCKS! *sick guitar riff*"

[8] These two lines seem like complete non sequiturs because they're paired together in Japanese for rhyming. (nami ga dekiru/nani ga mieru)

[9] I admit that I'm struggling to understand this line because the grammar is very irregular. Japanese Twitter is not being especially helpful here, as most Tweets featuring it are some version of "God, this damn song is stuck in my head."

[10] Literally "[Someone] changes the atmosphere/scene. The atmosphere/scene changes." See note 1

#hypmic translations #hypmic asks

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