#the shop was SO cute it was really dedicated to trying to have older prices and things like 5 cent candy | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

boinin · 5 months

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Blue Lock in Japan fandom diary

I was in Japan for my holidays, which was incredible—it's somewhere I dreamed of visiting for a long time, and it lived up to every expectation.

I'll talk a little bit about my experience from a Blue Lock fan perspective, as it's something that interested me prior to going. April 2024 was a good time to visit, thanks to the Episode Nagi film coming out. There was a lot of pop-up cafés/collabs open, and no shortage of merchandise.

In Harajuku's Takeshita Street, there were a series of banners/pendants for the new film, featuring all the main characters. There were also digital ads for Episode Nagi in a few places—I recall the trailer playing at Shibuya Crossing (which is exactly as surreal and overwhelming a place as I'd imagined).

Rambling and pics under the cut, including gacha machines, stores, general anecdotes and my merch haul.

In case anyone's uncomfortable seeing IRL pics, be warned there's couple shots of my hand below. No face reveals 😛

Gacha

So, gacha machines are EVERYWHERE in Tokyo and other cities, often randomly in the street, but also in dedicated stores. The biggest selection tended to be in arcades or shopping centres. Akihabara had a few big ones (Gigo comes to mind), but I found multiple. And Blue Lock is really well represented! There's loads of stuff to waste money on, from little acrylic keychains to small figures to... tiny cushions with characters' faces on them 👀

One minor annoyance is that the gacha merch for a fandom doesn't tend to be grouped in one place, so you spend a lot of time wandering around stacks of machines squinting at their content. Only one store I visited in Osaka had all the Blue Lock stuff grouped together.

In general, most of the machines are priced between ¥300 and ¥500 a spin (€1.80 to €3.00 at time of writing), so it's reasonably affordable unless you're a completionist set on collecting ALLL the merch.

Much of what's in the gacha machines is seasonal, so it's worth snapping up anything that you like while it's there. That said, I found a few stores selling same season or older gacha merch at a markup. The most expensive ones were older merch/limited edition, which can cost many multiples of what you'd pay originally. Other places (like Ani Ani) sell current gacha merch at a small markup. I was able to buy a Rin to finish a seasonal collection for only ¥100 more than I'd pay at a machine, which saved me whatever multiple of ¥300 I'd have paid on spins to get him in addition to the four others.

Throughout the trip I saw the same gacha content over and over again in various places. Specifically for Blue Lock, you don't generally have to worry about throwing money at the first set of machines you find or risk missing out. That said, one regret of mine was passing on some really cute gacha figs of the Bllk boys in casual clothes on a street on Akihabara, which I never saw anywhere else.

There's also heaps of claw machines in similar locations, which mostly had figures of Nagi and Reo in their Hakuho uniform.

Pop-up stores/collabs and merch stores

Blue Lock is well represented in cafés/pop ups. This is likely due to the EpiNagi film releasing this month, but with some research beforehand, you'll likely find a venue should you wish to get some Bllk themed food/venue exclusive goodies. Be warned—many of these will require a reservation, and they book out quickly. That's the case for most of the fandom cafés. If it's a must-do for your trip, research a venue before you go and try booking a slot if you can.

I only went to one myself, which was a place in Harajuku that did Blue Lock themed drinks. I chose Nagi's, which looked mysteriously black on the menu. It turned out to be tea with lemon flavoured jelly—tasty and canon inspired! I also got a free card of Bachira, which the store assistant handed to me at random. This was overpriced at ¥800 (€4.77) compared to what you'd pay normally in Japan for a drink, but that's the branding mark-up. In comparison, a bottle of soda, tea or coffee from a vending machine costs on average around ¥150 (€0.90).

Regarding stores, there was a Blue Lock pop-up in Ikebukuro in an electronics store which had SO many acrylic stands and plushes. A lot of this was bishounen/pretty boy appreciation material for each of the characters. Think stands of the boys smiling handsomely at the camera in various outfits.

At time of writing, merch tends to feature just the characters from season 1 of the anime, specifically the Egoist Four, Nagi, Reo, Rin and Sae. I saw little for the other characters, and next to nothing for manga-only charas. My favourite manga character find was a sticker of Hiori, which has subsequently gone missing amidst the chaos of unpacking 🥲 If it turns up, I'll add a picture. Found it!

In terms of spots for Blue Lock merch, Ikebukuro and Akihabara were the best and most concentrated. Akihabara gives tourist trap vibes, but if you're willing to navigate every nook and cranny plus the crowds on the hunt for blorbos, you'll almost certainly find merch to your taste.

Ani Ani in Akihabara was pretty good for BLLK, and excellent in general for its selection of fandom merch. Smaller shops have more niche content, which is great if you favour side characters.

Ikebukuro has a more chill vibe than Akihabara (less tourists) but still a decent selection of fandom merch. Hands down the best spot for Blue Lock on my trip was the Animate store there (pictured above), which had five or six shelves just for our favourite football prisoners. Lots of plushes as you can see, but also things like clear files, acrylic stands, keychains, stickers, pins and more. Again, big focus on pretty boy appreciation, but there were also cutesy things like chibi figures/stickers. There's also heaps there for other animanga fandoms.

Animate Ikebukuro had the Blue Lock fragrances! I only sniffed a couple of these—both Isagi and Kunigami's were reminiscent of blue shower gel, but with woody notes in Kunigami's case. Chigiri's fragrance was more floral and fruity. They cost somewhere between ¥7000 to ¥8000 I think (around €45ish).

In addition, Harajuko has a lot of anime stuff along Takeshita Street, but the selection can be hit or miss. I found two shops there that were reselling Blue Lock goods (things like gacha figs and limited edition merch). These could be pricey, but these were the best for cute/older Chigiri and Kunigami merch IMO.

Snacks

Again, availability may relate to the timing of anime releases etc, but I tried a bunch of BLLK snacks in Japan. The most common type were these chocolate wafers, which you could get cheaply in convenience stores for loads of different shounen fandoms (I recall seeing One Piece, JoJo and MHA). The wafers themselves were mid, but the packaging was cute and you get a free sticker or card in each. I managed to get a Kunigami card on my first try 🥹

"Slowbar" is like a protein or granola bar. Again nothing to write home about taste-wise, but I saw a few with Bllk packaging. Go figure, I bought one that had Kunigiri. No freebies, but it was a more substantial snack than the wafers.

My merch haul

Here's what came home with me! It's modest as far as fandom hauls go, particularly next to all the stuff I bought in the Pokémon centres. I didn't go as nuts as I thought I would, but the gacha machines definitely put a dent in my bank account. They're fun, but should be treated with caution by anyone who likes owning complete sets of things.

Close up of gacha figs, minus Rin + the bonus Chigiri I picked up on.

I ended up spending around ¥3000 (about €18) to get the full set of sleeping figs (including duplicates). Spent around the same to get the sleeping bag figs, then at least half that again on Chigiri's when I spotted him at a resale store (he's from a previous release).

As a result of my gacha spree, I have a bunch of duplicates 🥲 It would be a shame to bin 'em, so might do an interest check to see if anyone's interested in taking them off my hands.

These are the cards/Zantetsu sticker I got from the combini wafers, the Bachira card from the juice café, plus a random cushion of Rin from a gacha machine. It's way too small to be practical, but still cute.

I bought the two Kunigiri chibi plushes at a resale store for ¥3000 altogether. Chigiri was twice the price of Kunigami, lmao.

Kitty!giri came with a little sleepy eyemask. As soon as I saw him, I had to have him. Bought him at Ani Ani in Akihabara for ¥2500 I think? (€15 approx). They had kitty Isagis and Bachiras too.

Now for a story: there's a gacha series out now which has gold rings featuring the names of the main BLLK cast + Aryu. I swore not to buy any of these, cos it's a little self-shippy; no shame in that, but it's not really my bag. I also dislike gold jewellery.

Relatedly, partner and I just decided to get married, and half-talked about looking for a engagement ring in Japan before we travelled.

So. A few weeks later, while wandering around Harajuku, partner walks back to me after disappearing for two minutes. They hold out a gacha capsule with a shit eating grin—"Hey, got ya something!"

I shit you not: not only was it one of the stupid rings, but out of eight choices, they managed to pull Kunigami's 😭 I laughed/despaired for about five minutes. Partner was amused.

I don't have small hands (¥100 for scale); Ringsuke loosely fits my baby finger but gets stuck on my ring finger if I shove it on past the bottom knuckle. Based off my own measurements, the BLLK rings are probably around 50-53 mm in size (Japan size 12 maybe). It's surprisingly good quality for a ¥400 capsule machine prize.

So yeah: that's how this Kunigiri stan ended up with an ill-fitting engagement ring with her favourite blorbo's name on it 🙃 ...I'll get a proper one eventually, and Kitty!giri will inherit Ringsuke. Y'all are about the only people I'm ever admitting this story to.

Finally, my favourite purchase is these two acrylic stands of Chigiri and Kunigami, with pop ups of their stats. I'm not big on acrylic stands generally, but this was one of my favourite official art releases and I couldn't pass it up. They were ¥1800 (€11) apiece in a Harajuku resale store—probably more expensive than their original sale price, but I'm not complaining.

That's about it, I think! I've tried to recall as much detail as I can about places/prices here, but happy to provide more info if anyone's curious about anything—just ask!

#blue lock #bllk #personal #japan #kunigiri #long post #mine

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yaoib0y · 2 years

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oh yeah guys i got a trans flag today when i went to the town near the vacation house we're staying at w my grandma. she doesnt know i got it she just told me to get anything when we went wondering around. but cant wait to show it when i get home !!

#i also got a really cool new leather wallet #all in all i only spent like 35 bucks which?? is pretty good for california #the shop was SO cute it was really dedicated to trying to have older prices and things like 5 cent candy #also the ladies running is were so nice i think they might be a couple because there were only a couple flag options #and most were lesbian ones #while i was getting the flag we all had the like look #like #oh yeah. hey fellow queer #they were so sweet <33 #i know i already have a nb flag but you can never have too many pride flags #it never shuts up

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mackeydoodledoo · 3 years

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Café Food and Tattoos

Pairing: Daniela Dimitrescu x (Fem!)Reader

Summary: One small glance at each other from across the way, has Daniela Dimitrescu enticed. One post-work encounter has her walking R home and visiting R during R’s work hours. Turns out that Daniela is not only there for the café food.

Warning: None, fluff all the way :)

A/N: So, this original idea is from @su-lilly-reblogs and I really love the idea of Daniela being a tattoo artist and I just love this entire idea in general! It’s a little short but I hope this entry is a good one!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you were cleaning a table out on the patio, you heard a door from over next door open. Being the person to always want to see who was coming out of the tattoo place next door, you saw a strawberry-blonde woman step out. You attempt to snap your focus back on bussing tables out on the patio but when you look up at the same woman that had stepped outside, she had noticed you staring at her. The world stopped for you. She looked so enticing to you. You just wanted to drop everything and walk over to her. However, you were snapped back to reality when your elbow made contact with a glass cup. Your instincts had caught the glass just before it could make contact with the ground. You sigh when you looked back up to the tattoo place and the woman was no longer there.

When you stopped at a crosswalk, you shiver at the slight breeze of the cool evening. You regretted not bringing a jacket of some sort. However, you felt a jacket being placed upon your shoulders. You could feel the presence of another person standing next to you. You use your peripherals and from the corner of your eye, you saw a familiar strawberry-blonde hair.

"Warm now?" She asks

"Yeah," you slightly smile, "Thanks."

"Daniela Dimitrescu," she answers

"Y/n Y/l/n," you reply

When the crosswalk light had allowed you to cross you noticed that Daniela was walking alongside you.

"So," you break the silence, "How long have you've been tattooing?"

"Since my apprenticeship at 18," she answers, "I mostly tattoo in black and white. Majority of my works are botanical and anatomical."

"Has any client requested a tattoo that was out of your comfort zone?" You ask

"A couple of times," she answers you, "But, the clients loved the end products. So if one would specifically request for something I don't normally do I'll do it."

"Maybe I'll have to get a tattoo done by you one of these days," you smile

From the corner of your eye, you could see that Daniela smiled at your suggestion. What you didn't notice was how she was still be your side long after the both of you met at the crosswalk.

"Did you want someone accompanying you home?" She asks, realizing your silence

"That would be nice," you say, "We're pretty much here already."

You walk up the steps to your house and turn around. You notice that Daniela is no longer in sight.... You sighed as you were going to offer her a cup of coffee to go. Even give her jacket back to her as it was still placed on your shoulders. You couldn't help but take in the scent of herbs and citrus that lingers on her jacket. Maybe she'll stop by tomorrow... I'll give her jacket back then.

The following morning was a mess. Table after table you barely could keep yourself steady trying to wait tables, clean the tables etc. You weren't the only one on the floor however, nearly everyone requested for your presence specifically. It was hell.

"Y/n, a table is requesting for you," your coworker says

Great... Just when you were able to breathe. You compose yourself and head back out onto the floor but you freeze.

"Daniela?" You call out, walking toward her with a menu in your hands

"Hi y/n," she smiles

"Fancy seeing you here," you smile back, "What can I get you to drink?"

"Water," she says, looking up at you

When you return to her table with a glass of water, you go on to check on your other tables with the assistance of your coworker.

"Sorry about that, its been a mess all morning," you sigh, seating yourself across from Daniela

"That’s okay love," she says

"You know what you want to eat yet?" You ask, taking out your notepad

"Are you on the menu?" She flirts

Your heart skips a beat, your cheeks flush red, you look at her surprised. Daniela giggles as she watches your face.

"What’s wrong love? Cat got your tongue?" She asks, smiling menacingly

The only thing you could do was nearly choke on your own spit before Daniela actually tells you what she wants. With haste you make your way back into the kitchen to give the chef Dani's order and catch your breath.

"One of the best tattoo artists in town, enticed by the awkward café waitress," your coworker laughs

"Shut it Clarice," you sigh, "We only met last night."

"She apparently dedicates her life to tattooing," she explains, "No one to get attached to. But, you can change that, I think it's time for you to get out there. With her. Maybe even get a tattoo done by her."

"Are you crazy?!" You ask, "She's so out there and I'm me. So who am I kidding??"

"Just look through your cameral roll for some inspiration for a tattoo, I’m sure the two of you can negotiate something in the next couple of weeks," Clarice suggests, "You got your tips, hourly pay you've been saving for this tattoo haven't you?"

You nod. You only have one tattoo. You've been dreaming about getting another one but you haven't really looked into it. You didn't plan to until you had enough money to have it done. You hear the chef calling out Daniela's order and you begin reaching for it.

"I'll check on your other tables," your coworker says, "Just book that appointment with Daniela."

You nod, because your coworker will make sure you do so if she found out you chickened out.

"Took you long enough," Daniela teases

You smile as you place the plate of food in front of her and seat yourself across from her once more.

"Do you have any tattoos?" Daniela asks

You roll up your left sleeve to reveal an arrow tattoo with a color in one of the three triangles.

"I got this when I turned 18 with my older sister," you say, "I've been saving up for another tattoo. But I don't think I have saved enough yet nor have I done research on artists to do it on me."

"Hit me with the design," Daniela suggests

You open your phone to reveal a botanical anatomy piece.

Daniela looks at your phone in awe, "I'll do it."

"What?" You ask, putting your phone away

"I'll do that tattoo on you," she says

"R-really?" You ask, your mood changing

She nods happily. You sigh in relief.

"How much do you normally charge?" You ask

"For you my dear, I'll discount it," she answers, "Normally, that kind of piece would be $600-$700."

You, again almost choke on your own spit. However, re-composing yourself.

"I'll do it for $400," Daniela says

You've saved up at least $300 as of your last paycheck. However, since the tips are really piling and you look pay is tomorrow, you have hope.

"When are you free?" She asks

"I'm pretty much free Mondays and Tuesdays," you say

Daniela pulls out her phone and supposedly looks through her calendar.

"How does Tuesday at 3pm sound to you?" She asks

"Works for me," you smile brightly

You leave to get Daniela's check and pay for her food. It was the least you could do for her. She practically got to book your dream tattoo. You go on and check on your other tables, running their checks, your coworker bussing the tables for you.

"Where were we?" You ask

"My check?" Daniela asks

"Don't worry about that," you say, "It's the least I can do for you."

"Thank you y/n," she smiles, "I gotta run. Work is about to open."

She stands from her seat and walks by you. However, before she leaves she leans down to your face and places a kiss on your cheek and then walks out. You just remembered about her jacket. Damnit...

Tuesday couldn't come soon enough. You've been working your arse off at the café. Daniela would pop in during her breaks to come say hi or order some food to go. You had long sent the image you had shown Daniela on Thursday to her. She’s talked about how excited she is to do that big of a piece. You told her that you had wanted it on your right outer forearm.

"So you didn't even HAVE to ask Daniela to do that tattoo?! Man, that's golden! She's definitely into you if she had cut down the price by THAT much," your coworker states

"Is she?" You ask, blushing

"Oh come on, if I didn't see how she looks at you when you talk to her, I wouldn't be saying that she's definitely into you," she says

"You have a point," you say

"Did you get her number?" She asks

"No," you say, "We've barely had time as is. She heads straight home to work on the piece for me and I'm busy here. Only chance I get is Tuesday."

"You better girl," she says before walking off to a table

When Tuesday had finally come, you tuck the tattoo fee in one pocket and her tip mixed with your phone number in the other. You take a deep breath before opening the door to the tattoo shop next to your own work.

"Y/n!" Daniela smiles as she comes walking over to you to give you a hug

"So I just finished up your tattoo and I just wanted to run through it with you," She says

"Dani, didn't we both agree on whatever you do is fine with me?" You smile and jokingly sigh

"Yes but I just want to have your approval anyway," she smiles

She takes her iPad and opens up to her editing app and shows you. You noticed that Daniela edited the work a lot to her style of work. And you loved it.

"Lets get that bad boy tattooed on me Dani," you smile

She has you fill out paperwork as the stencil begins printing itself out. You hand back the paperwork to her and she leads you to the back of the shop, leading you into a separate room, presumably her studio.

"Welcome to my humble studio," she smiles, "Just sit your little cute butt in the big chair and give me a hot minute."

You watch her cut out the stencil and watch her concentrate on applying the stencil to your arm. You try to keep yourself as steady as possible so she wouldn't have to reapply the stencil.

"Relax love," Daniela says, as if she could feel your tension

"I don't want to accidentally move my arm," you say

Once she removes the stencil, she backs away, "Check that out and see if you like the placement."

"I love it," you almost squeal

You again watch her prep her tattoo machine and begin concentrating on you.

The pain was unbearable but it was a pretty big tattoo that you had picked out. Daniela barely talked though. But, you assumed it was because she was concentrated on your piece.

“Hey, I have your jacket and-”

“Keep it love,” She says without looking up at you

“Are-are you sure?” You ask

“You look good in it y/n,” She finally looks up at you, smiling

You smile back at her.

Once she removes the excess tattoo ink she guides you to step outside with her for her to take a picture. After the fact, you two go back into her studio to have her put saniderm on your arm.

"Now keep that on for a couple of days for me okay?" She smiles

You nod. You reach into one pocket and pull out the $400 Daniela requested for the piece and then reach into the other and hand it to her.

"Why thank you love," she smiles

"That's not all," you say

You lean forward and give her a kiss on the cheek. She somewhat gives you the same face you did when she did the same to you.

"Will I see you at the café tomorrow?" She asks

"You will," you wink at her before making your leave

She opens the piece a paper: a $40 tip and a note.

"If you want to get together sometime outside of having café food and tattoos," Daniela read aloud

At the bottom of the note, was your phone number.

#daniela dimitrescu #daniela dimitrescu x reader #female reader #modern au #tattoos #bela dimitrescu #cassandra dimitrescu #alcina dimitrescu #lady dimitrescu #resident evil village #resident evil 8

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froegs · 3 years

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My Stardew OC’s!

long post, but feel free to read up if u wanna ask questions or request to see more of them!!

Ivy Sodbuster!

Quick Facts about Ivy:

She worked in customer service @ joja for 6 years

She was a dedicated scene kid 8th grade and all through high school, unfortunately she had to trash (almost) all her clothes and redye her hair bc of joja 😞

She only wore business casual bc she would go and work for seven hours and come home, sleep, repeat. When she started working on the farm she was broke as hell so she had to rip the sleeves off her shirts and cut her jeans into jorts so she could have work clothes

Emily was her first friend in town bc she saw ivys busted ass and said..... let me help you

She became friends with Sam second just because. He was around.

She inherited grandpa’s farm with her cousin, Oakley (my friends oc, once she finalizes a design I’ll draw them more).

Oakley’s more “mature” (bc shes 30) but she just is really anxious. Ivy tries to set her up with Leah but they don’t click,,, Oakley ends up falling for chicken man.

Sam introduces Ivy to Seb and instead of Farmer falling for NPC its the other way around Fr.

Seb crushes on Ivy immediately

His first attempt at flirting was like “hey ivy...... wanna see me beat Sam at 8pool for 3 hrs straight?” And Ivy immediately joined Sam’s side and demolished Seb in 8ball.

Ivy ended up hanging out with the ASS trio on a daily.

Seb and Ivy started dating Fall 1 of year 1 after they confessed their feelings for each other during the dance of the moonlight jellies festival

They moved in together 3 days after Seb’s bday

And were married Summer 10

They fast burned this bitch but they are so stupidly in love

In Year 3 Spring Ivy’s other cousin on her moms side became pregnant and chose to give it up for adoption, but beforehand she asked everyone in the family if they wanted a baby

Ivy looked at Seb like 👀

So on Year 3 Winter 1 they brought home their son, Finn

I think this is a classic trope for all Sebastian lovers but he def dresses Finn up in a frog onesie and calls him tadpole !!

Her favorite activity is fishing, that’s how’d she find excuses to hang out with Seb by the lake

She loves making artisan items, especially truffle oil. Oakley prefers large crops and agricultural designing and ivys like fuck yeah mushroom >:D

Milo NoLastName!

Quick Facts About Milo:

Milo was smuggled into Pelican Town by the Traveling Merchant when he was 6 and was taken in by Gil and Marlon.

Gil was 55 and Marlon was 46 when they “adopted” Milo

Gil took the most care of him and Marlon kind of had the attitude of like... a dad when your family pressures him to get a dog. First week their like FINE I GUESS we have to TAKE CARE of HIM. Next week: me and the bestie!

Milo looks up to Gil so much. His favorite brown jacket was Gil’s old one.

Marlon took Milo into the mines when he turned ten as a sort of “coming of age” trip and.... a bat nipped a part of his ear off.

Marlon said it’ll build character

But he was freaking out about it

Gil was upset but got it patched up.

I head canon that Evelyn taught the kids in town before they went off to high school, so four times a week (he’d usually stay home Friday to reset and relax or help out his dads) he’d have to socialize with the others

But he was always a few years older than them so he felt kind of distant

The others in question were Alex, Penny, Sam, Abigail, Sebastian, and Maru

Once he graduated middle school he convinced Gil to let him homeschool so he could find geodes and sell them during most the day.

When he was 17 he finally reached floor 120 of the mines, but on his way climbing back up he got attacked by three squid kids and void spirits, lost his left ear, and blacked out

He was rescued by Marlon, who rushed him home and took care of him

Because Pelican Town didn’t have a doctor at that time, the bus was broken down, all Marlon could do was try and clean up his ear and give him antibiotics and make sure it didn’t become infected

He lost his hearing in that ear

That was the biggest injury he’s gotten so far, but he was grateful when Harvey moved to town

Harvey opened his clinic, fresh faced (ish) at 26 and immediately some scruffed up 24 year old saunters in like “thank GOD ur here dude, here’s fourteen years worth of problems. Good luck.”

It didn’t actually go like that

But

Basically

Milo’s not really a social person, at 25 he discovered he could easily buy a car and drive out to the desert to try his hand at skull cavern. He came prepared but ended up needing emergency surgery that night anyway

He slowly but surely became friends with Sandy and the desert trader. He liked the trader for her prices and Sandy for her kindness.

He also fell in love with....... HARVEY!! (shocker)

Harvey actually fell in love with him first :))

Idiots to lovers slow burn

Hell they’re not even together by the time ivy rolls around and they met like.... 6 years ago??? My god these bitches.....

Pheobe Dy

Quick facts about Pheobe:

Pheobe actually grew up closer to the desert than Zuzu City or pelican town!

Her parents own a decent sized cacti farm and she’d bus into town for school where she met Sandy and Emily!!

I like to believe there’s another town (not as small as Pelican) but close knit in the desert. I hc that Sandy’s shop, skull caverns, and the trader are just like the entry road to a nice desert town

Anyway

She got into fashion and design when Emily pulled her and Sandy into it in sophomore year of high school

Sandy didn’t like it that much and would usually hit glue or staple pieces bc she’d procrastinate the whole time lol

But Pheobe and Em where DEDICATED

they’d hang out after school to design clothing and critique each other’s work (with love, of course)

Pheobe went to college for clothing design with her backup being IT and computer work (another passion of hers)

She started dating Sebastian when she met him during a trip to a small computer repair store in ZuZu city

He thought she was cute so he gave her his number and they met at Stardrop Saloon

She felt a need to like him, not because she was actually attracted to him in any way, but because she was a ~closeted lesbian~

So that relationship didn’t last too long

Ok maybe a little

2 years

But she’s bad at cutting off things, ok?

That’s when she realized she liked her best friends... Sandy and Emily

Emily and Sandy were already in a pretty open relationship by the time Pheobe came around, but it still took her some courage to admit her feelings to them.

They started dating when all three of them were around 26.

Emily moved with her sister Haley to pelican town a year into their relationship, and Sandy and Pheobe followed.

They bought a car so Sandy could maintain her shop in the desert

There is now a house where that garden that Harvey stands in 25/8 is. And Sandy and Pheobe live there. I don’t make the rules.

Pheobe and Emily work together on a small clothing company, they design the clothes together, Emily makes them, Pheobe made a website and uploads them there, and Sandy sells some at her shop :D

The three of them would like to tie the knot one day, but right now they’re super content on where they are, so sometime in the future :)

#long post #stardew valley #stardew valley oc #sodbuster farms #farmer ivy #sdv art #sdv ocs #anyway thanks for coming to my ted talk #Pheobe sdv #Milo sdv #that’s all folks

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bnhavibes · 4 years

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Hey can I request something for Shinsou x reader? Where he’s the new addition to class 1-a and becomes close friends with the reader. They end up falling asleep on the couch from studying. Aizawa finds them and he’s like DAD !! 👀 it’s not what it looks like

Ooooh I love this so much! Y’all are clever out here.

Hi I’m Brit, one of the new writers! Really hope you like it!! Find me at @slut-zawa

Ao3

SHINSOU X READER, ~2.2k words

Warnings: none

Rating: gen, just cute lil fluff

It was comfortably silent in the cozy confines of Shinsou’s room that had become a frequent spot for you and him to hang out in the past month.

You had empathized deeply with Shinsou at the sport’s festival, having a non-physical quirk yourself. You remembered cheering him on from the stands, secretly hoping he would win. As much as you supported your fellow classmate Midoriya, the anguish you had seen in Shinsou’s eyes was so familiar to your own before you had gotten into 1-A. You had hoped to see him go far.

Naturally, you were elated when he made it into the hero course. You two were quick to become friends, having the same sarcastic humor. You had genuinely snorted with joy, impressed when you first heard him make a witty remark, because you had been thinking the exact same thing in your head, you just didn’t have the guts to actually say it. He was essentially the spokesperson for your internal dialogue, and it was lovely to have someone who just got you.

Early on in your friendship, you had gone out to get ice cream, or shopped at fancy clothing stores just to feel like celebrities, then frowning longingly when you saw the price tags. You also frequented bookstores together. Shinsou was your go-to guy for any errand you had to run, because he would always make it into a fun adventure. You loved that about your friendship. Now, though, finals week was coming up and it was cram time. Shinsou had a lot to prove; being new to 1-A, he had to show that all the work he put in paid off. At least, that’s what Aizawa kept telling him.

You shook your head and blinked away your stupor, trying desperately to focus on the words in your dreadful English textbook. Honestly, Present Mic was a surprisingly interesting professor as far as lecturing went. Though he did take the liberty to scare the life out of you every once in a while by using his quirk whenever he saw students dozing off. It would always be a random word in the middle of a sentence, taking everyone by surprise, the sneaky bastard.

Your finger ran along the line of text, relishing the smoothness of the pages and that new book smell, as you struggled to not read the same line over and over again with your blurred vision. The sweltering heat of Shinsou’s room was lulling you to sleep. Apparently the air conditioner had broken in his room, and it could not be fixed until this coming Monday. It was Saturday.

You sighed as you wiped away the sheen of sweat on your forehead, another drop rolling down your chest. Both you and Shinsou’s shirts were long-gone, and you were close enough to not feel weird about being half-naked around one another. He did, however, enjoy making fun of your bra that had sloths sprawled across it. What could you say? Sloths are cute.

The only sounds in the room were the scratching of graphite against paper, turning of pages, and the occasional ripping of said pages, followed by a “shit!” from the purple-haired man. You snickered as you looked over at Shinsou who was leaning over his textbook on the coffee table attempting to repair yet another page that he had turned a bit too aggressively. He was sitting criss-cross on the couch facing you, lining up clear tape to the tear. When he focused like he was now, his lips shot out in an adorable pout that had the corners of your lips turning up, eyes crinkling in affection.

“You want to maybe stop trying to murder your textbook?” You shot him a playful look when he scowled up at you. Your legs were languidly stretched out in front of you, feet resting on the hard wooden coffee table. Your binder was spread across your lap, and you were still leaning over your textbook laying next to you.

“A little tough love is good sometimes,” he retorted, still sneering at you. You scoffed at his statement, and he gave a light laugh, unable to keep his sour expression for long. Though you were trying to keep the atmosphere light with little jokes, you could see the worry behind his eyes.

“Hey. I know you’re stressed about these finals, but you’re going to do great, I’m sure of it!” Shinsou crinkled his nose at you and mumbled “I guess.”

“Even if you do fail miserably, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll just be transferred back out of the hero course, not be able to become a successful hero and your home will be a dumpster. Not too bad, eh?” The purple-haired man elbowed you and smiled.

“Well, I don’t plan on failing, but nice try,” he said while he poked your cheek. You flinched away and giggled. There was the determined Shinsou that you knew and loved.

You both went back to your textbooks in the spirit of not failing your finals miserably.

After what felt like an eternity of studying with no break, you shoved the binder off your lap, placing it on the coffee table. You took a long swig of water, cautious to stay hydrated. You were really starting to question why you two hadn’t studied somewhere else, but you were truly too exhausted to think much right now.

Shinsou was slouching back against the armrest of the sofa, head buried in his textbook to the side of him. He still faced you, but his legs were bent at the knee in front of him. He was starting to doze off into the fuzzy comfort of sleep when he felt a weight fall against his knee. Shinsou’s head shot up to see your body slouching against his leg, fast asleep. He quickly grabbed your shoulder and laid you down gently between his legs so your head rested against his chest.

Leaning up slightly, Shinsou tugged the blanket up to at least somewhat cover you. He lazily carded a hand through your soft locks as exhaustion dragged down his eyelids. Soon enough, his chest was falling and rising evenly as he fell into a deep slumber.

______

A set of heavy knocks sounded on the door. Shinsou’s brows knitted together and he sleepily shoved his head to the side, digging his ear into the arm of the sofa in an attempt to drown out the aversive noise.

“Shinsou, there is no excuse for being late for training. Open the door!” A deep voice rumbled from out in the hallway, and a few more sturdy knocks pounded the door.

Tired of waiting, Aizawa Shouta burst through the door, curious to see just what Shinsou thought was so important that he skipped their training session. Shinsou had to know that Aizawa was a busy man and had so graciously set aside time in his day specifically for these training sessions. He had begun worrying that after Shinsou joined class 1-A that he would let it get to his head and lose his sense of dedication. The sight he was met with as he stepped into the young man’s room was...unexpected, to say the least.

One of the more promising young girls from 1-A was laying on top of Shinsou, her head resting on his chest. His very naked chest. It was then that Aizawa realized the female student was only in a bra, a blanket thankfully covering the rest of her lower body. He didn’t want to think about what they had been up to. He knew the two had been nearly inseparable since Shinsou got into 1-A, but Aizawa hadn’t realized you were that close. Oh my god. His mouth dropped open silently before he began yelling.

“Shinsou! Wake the hell up!” Aizawa, stygian hair floating in the air with glowing crimson eyes, walked closer over to the couch, looking slightly horrified as he continued to take in the scene. Shinsou, whose eyes had already shot open at the intrusion, was coming to and finally grasping the gravity of the situation. It looked bad.

“I don’t know what you young kids have been up to, but I just hope you’re being safe—“

“What? Oh. Oh my god, it’s not what it looks like, we were just studying—” The older man wore an incredulous expression, huffing. Shinsou watched wide-eyed as the girl on his chest stirred awake, humming sleepily.

“—Like I haven’t heard that one before.” Shinsou was desperate now, flailing his arms about, trying not to hit you, as you were now sitting up between his still-outstretched legs.

“Ah! No, seriously it’s not—” Aizawa ignored the purple-haired boy’s objections and continued.

“You better not have skipped our training today to do that. You still need to take this as seriously as you did before you got into the hero course.” Shinsou was now looking down in shame, though it wasn’t what it looked like!! His grumpy mentor just wouldn’t listen to him.

“Wait, what?” You spoke up, rubbing your eyes, voice raspy from sleep. You had missed most of what the men were arguing about, but you had registered a lot of yelling. “Doing what? We were studying for finals.”

“Studying doesn’t explain why you’re laying on top of him and how you’re both half-naked.” Aizawa sternly stared you both down, preparing to scold.

“Oh.” You looked down at your sloth bra in shame and tried to cover yourself with the thin blanket. “Can’t you feel how hot it is in here? The heater’s broken!”

As if on cue, Aizawa suddenly seemed to become aware of the fact that it was nearly 86 degrees Fahrenheit in Shinsou’s room, if you had to take a stab at it. He swiped at his glistening forehead with the back of a calloused hand and frowned at the two slouching figures on the couch. Aizawa’s stern expression faltered as he saw how flustered his two students were. He supposed it was possible he had misinterpreted the situation.

“Alright, you get a reprieve this time. But never again, get up!” He yelled the last part, making you both flinch. It was still too soon after waking up for that kind of volume. Shinsou complied, joints popping obscenely as he stood up and stretched, the muscles of his chest and abdomen rippling at the effort.

An inhuman screech that you supposed was a yawn made its way out of the shirtless male’s throat. Aizawa cleared his awkwardly, and turned towards the exit, hair flopping back down. He stopped in the doorway, glaring back at Shinsou.

“I expect to see you in the gym in five minutes, no later.” Without waiting for an answer, the teacher closed the door behind him to allow his two students to make themselves decent before anyone else saw them.

You and Shinsou heaved a deep sigh of relief at the same time, then glanced at each other. You both dissolved into bubbly laughter, doubling over. Neither of you stopped until you were gasping for air, happy tears stinging your eyes.

“That was a close one,” the now appropriately dressed male said through lingering giggles.

“I know! I thought we were done for, for a minute there.” Aizawa was a very imposing man when he wanted to be. Livid homeroom teacher was not a nice thing to wake up to, and you rubbed at the ache that was originating somewhere deep in your skull. Without warning, your shirt that you had just begun feeling around for flopped against your face. You pulled it over your head after giving Shinsou a look.

A crinkling sound made you tilt your head as you shifted on the couch. You frowned down at the wrinkled, torn pages of your textbook. What the hell did you do in your sleep?

“Hmm, I guess I’m not the only one with a grudge against my textbook.” Shinsou looked at you smugly as he hurriedly pulled on his shoes.

“I was asleep!!” You defended, maturely sticking your tongue out at him, and quickly gathered your textbook and binder in your hands.

Finally, you got up from the couch and blanket that you had sunk into so deeply that your sleep-fogged brain was certain you would not be able to extricate yourself from it. Both you and Shinsou headed for the door to his room, smirking evilly at each other. Stepping out into the considerably cooler air of the hallway of the U.A. dorms, you both shared one last look.

“Go get ‘em ‘Toshi,” He waved your statement away with his hand noncommittally before giving you a sly smirk.

“Yeah, yeah. See you later, babe.” You threw your head back in laughter at your new inside joke, looking after Shinsou in amusement as he had now begun a slightly panicked jog to make it to the gym in time.

It was wise to avoid making Aizawa even more angry than he already was from this morning’s events. If Shinsou did decide to piss him off further, you might not have a best friend anymore, and that would be terrible, because you had the best friend in the damn world.

#answered #fic #my fic #shinsou hitoshi #bnha fic #bnha #mha #shinsou x reader #brit

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at-the-exd-of-everythixg · 4 years

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][All questions for otp meme for Pascal + Rhys][

@blind-mutant

Coffee shop AU: Who is the barista, and who frequents the coffee shop?

Pascal is the man who knows everyone's order before they get there. Rhys is no different and perhaps Pascal slips a cookie or two for Rhys. The man just seems so skinny and cute...how could Pascal not bleed his heart out all over the place when looking into his little face?

Rhys meanwhile, is smitten with the weirdo who gives him free coffee and extra snacks at the price of hearing terrible jokes. There's some worry when some nights Pascal is incredibly clumsy and seems to shake and stare off into the distance...which only draws Rhys in more at knowing that the barista isn't perfect. Which only makes him MORE perfect and hit-onable.

Highschool/College AU: Who is the straight-A student, and who’s the backrow slacker?

Rhys tries hard in school, he has to if he wants to prove himself and actually stay at the institute. He works hard but things are harder for him, what with being a gay disabled albino mutant. A bigger shit could not hit the fan...that is, until blind rich boy Pascal Solberg arrives and he's brought a big fucking fan.

Pascal is thrilled to be at a school with actual people. Everyone adores Korra and he seems to have an answer for everything! But Rhys sees through this shit and he's determined to find out why Pascal knows far too many things than he should...definitely not because Korra is very cute and so is Pascal!

Rivals to loves AU: Who takes their rivalry seriously, and who is half in it just to push the other’s buttons?

In the institute, Pascal loves teasing and bullying Rhys. It gets him more attention and even without his future sight, Pascal knows that Rhys will be safer, that other patients will be better off if he's paying for actual mistakes rather than letting anyone else suffer. It hurts, but Pascal would take this paik in stride...if not for how annoying Rhys could be.

Rhys??? Oh he's onto Pascal. Knows that he's with a dumbass who wants to hurt himself and is only going to end up dead. It isn't often that a fancy prick ends up in such a place like this...and yet Pascal is here. He doesn't talk about why he ended up at the institute, but he seems to have something up his sleeve and Rhys wants in on it.

Enemies to lovers AU: Which one switches sides?

Its...certainly a thing for Pascal church to join up with an anti-mutant church, but he has some...worries about the fact that he is essentially similar to a mutant, as well as the fact that Pascal's mother seems to be inclined on keeping it a secret to the rest of the church as well as the mutants that the church frequently attacks. He doesn't like it. He doesn't enjoy being used to hurt people. But Pascal does like the pretty mutant that called him a shitbag before swearing when Beast tells him that Pascal is the target.

So now...he lives at the X-Mansion? X-house? Pascal is there and things are awkward, especially when Rhys gets put on his shift of watching Pascal. But the seer is secretive with the full extent of his powers and seeing everyone happy at the mansion as well as Rhys getting kinder when he learns that Pascal was unwilling in hurting people...it makes the seer certain in what he has to do. He needs to protect the Institution and all of its inhabitants.

Especially Rhys, who still calls him a shitbag, but now laces it with teasing affection as well as 'Scal and Firefly. Who sounds so happy and sents Pascal's heart reeling when he coos over Korra. Murder is easy depending on who it's for.

Soulmate AU: Who is eager to meet their soulmate? Who absolutely does not want to meet their soulmate?

Of course Pascal wants to meet his soulmate. Who wouldn't? They'll be the only other person who really understands him now that Cassandra is gone. He doesn't care what category his soulmate is, whether he'll get a partner, a friend or family member, Pascal just wants to stop feeling so alone in this world, even if he has two beautiful children who meow and bark at him. His soulmate is perfect, no matter what.

Rhys however, jesus fucking christ he can't have a soulmate. He's a shitty person, next is the fact that Rhys is homeless and a mutant. He isn't what anyone would want honestly, especially when Pascal is the leader of a whole fucking church. That definitely sends Rhys reeling and now Pascal needs to try and take on the mission of wooing Rhys and letting the smaller man know that Pascal won't hurt him. He wants to only make Rhys happy.

Single parent AU: Which one is the single parent? (Alt. if they’re both single parents: Which one is open to starting a new relationship from the start? Which one is never planning on finding love again… Until they meet the other and are instantly smitten?)

Rhys and Pascal are both messes of fathers but they try and they love their kids. Rhys's kid is the last he has of Blue while Pascal had no choice but to try and be there for his kid after he killed their mother. It's hard to provide for them but our idiots do try...and it gets harder, maybe easier when Pascal's kid starts to declare that Rhys's kid is their best friend. Well...Pascal and Rhys being dilf friends forever??

Its certainly easier when you have someone to support you and knows what you're going through. Rhys is always reassured by Pascal's visions and Pascal definitely needs to emotionally and maybe lean on Rhys's for support when he convinces him to not helicopter parent his kid. And perhaps there's nights of crying over people they've lost, what they've done. But there are also nights where the kids giggle and gag as Rhys and Pascal stare at each other a little too long and accidentally refer to reach other as dad. Sometimes a family is two bros, their kids from traumatic stories and extra hairy and hairless kids.

Doctor AU: Which one is the longsuffering doctor? Which one is the patient?

Rhys needs hospital for the first time in a long time and FUCK does it feel terrible. He almost wants to leave and throw up before his attention gets caught to the weird guy with a guide dog arguing with a blind 12 year old about whether or not telling the script of ratatouille counts as telling a story. Well. Rhys is blind. That means he counts and gets to join in on listening to "stories for the blind" while waiting for his name to be called out.

He does eventually, and much to Rhys's surprise, Pascal actually offers to stand with him. He cuts his story short and leans in close to give Rhys a run through of what will happen in his appointment and if it's that bad, Pascal is happy to make sure a doctor keeps their hands strictly professional. Rhys is...actually really happy, especially when Pascal asks if Rhys can have a lollipop and then if he could have a lollipop. Hospital trips suddenly seem better when Pascal is there being a goof and wanting to help out with more in his life.

Bodyguard AU: Who is the bodyguard? Who are they protecting? Which one is secretly pining for the other?

The obvious answer is "Rhys gets hired to guard prophet man" bUT. Pascal guarding Rhys while he's on a recruitment mission for the mansion? Could be cute of Pascal admiring Rhys's dedication to wanting to help out a child and to get them to a safe space, but could also be incredibly funny if Rhys assumed he was being guarded by a human and uh. Wasn't the nicest.

Unfortunately, Pascal's greatest sexual fantasy is being someone's doormat so he takes in in stride. And perhaps a part of Pascal doesn't actually want to tell Rhys what he is...mostly because it's funny and it'll be even funnier when they go back to the mansion and Pascal can have a lased beam battle with Cyclops.

Pirate AU: Who is the pirate? Who is the member of the royal family who did not sign up for this?

Rhys is a captain that is always pleased to have non-human and capable crew members. The new boy is clumsy and soft, but he's cute and a hard worker so Rhys is a kind man who will let him stay. Especially when the boat rocks and Rhys gets pressed into a warm chest, gets to feel Pascal awkwardly laughing deeply and a comforting hand on the small of his back. Oh, he definitely needs to keep such a pretty boy that smokes so nicely when Rhys teases him.

Pascal knows he should tell Rhys he's a prince. The heir to the very seas they sail on. But it's hard and the Irish Phantom is so beautiful, much more beautiful than any suitor Pascal may be destined for. It isn't a hard choice to lie about who he is and to swallow nervously when his captain smiles and flirts in a low voice, feeling rough hands squeeze instinctively when they almost fall over. He'll tell Rhys soon. Soon.

Childhood best friends AU: Which one was super obviously in love with the other the whole time? Who was oblivious until they were older?

Pascal is smitten by Rhys. His family comes to the church every week, not exactly aware of what the people of the last light worship, but Pascal is smitten by Rhys. Cassandra gags, winking her many eyes before they shut and hide away when Pascal blushes and tells her on mom. Rhys is nice and one of the only children of the church, which is why Pascal is addicted to knowing more about Ireland, about Rhys and to feel the little shadows dance around his fingers. He loves hearing what darkness is supposed to sound like.

Rhys loves the other odd boy too. It's easy to when Pacal adores his powers and actually asks more about him. Rhys has his very first friend for years until he doesn't and he's alone in an institute, reeling and a part of him wishing that he could be back at the church, laughing himself silly at Pascal and Cassandra having a real life pokemon battle (that ended with Cass using a rock type love by throwing a rock into Pascal's face). He still thinks about Pascal every day and what else can he do but cry when he hears the sheer awful jokes that could only come from Pascal when he walks through a park one day?

#ask #blind-mutant #he speaks of holy fates (pascal)#headcanon

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crimsonredemption · 5 years

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Hey! Love your modern!reader stuff! What would you say the gang would work as when they would live in this time? (sorry for my english 🙈, i hope you know what i mean)

Thank you so much! Don’t worry your English is perfect!

Modern!Au Headcanons // TW: None The van der Linde gang and their jobs

I see Arthur working as a curator in a museum, probably one displaying various art pieces. He loves the paintings, the history behind them and the many different ways to interpret their meaning. He’s shy about it though and rarely talks about his job to others; he also only works there maybe three days a week so many people don’t even know he’s in the field. Before giving his first tour through the museum he was a nervous wreck but he soon lost himself in it and there was no stopping him it’s just really cute ok? When he’s not at the museum gushing about artists and paintings, you can find him at his ranch living his best life with the animals he keeps there.

Dutch is a lawyer! I can just perfectly imagine him swaying his way around the courtroom delivering the speech of his life to the judge and the jury. He’s bursting with charisma and has an easy time wrapping others around his finger. It doesn’t always work, of course. But he always has words of encouragement for those he defends. “Have a little faith, will you? We’ll turn this around” his catchphrase is getting on everyone’s nerves but he just won’t stop

Hosea would probably be a teacher, or at least an educator of some sort. That’s a fact and we all know it! I see him in a high school teaching older kids about history and geography? Maybe literature? He’s very interested in his students and makes sure to uplift and encourage them as often as possible. He can be strict and demanding, but not ever cruel which is why he is respected by everyone. Sometimes tells stories of his youth and people are convinced he’s been into some shady business but?? He’ll only ever tell enough to keep them guessing.

Charles runs a wildlife sanctuary! He’s big on the rights of those that can not defend themselves against mankind. He’s got a huge heart and while he’s not the most social person, it’s easy for him to find sponsors and donors. I can totally see him as a veterinary surgeon as well!

Javier works in an urban coffee shop as a barista. He knows his stuff and probably makes the best coffee around town. But in his free time, he likes to sing and perform his own songs, which soon made him somewhat Instagram famous his looks probably also helped and while he loves the many opportunities this brings, he’s the happiest when he can sing to his loved ones in private.

Sean, I said it before and I’ll say it again, is that guy working part-time at Subway while he’s in college. He’s the guy to take your order and tell you how goddamn awful your choice of meat toppings and sauce is “Oyy here we go again with the fuckin Tuna and honey mustard?? Are ya’ll even tryin’?? What kind of sick ole’ bastard only wants pickles on his salami sub???” But he’s a nice guy after all and gives away cookies for free if you’re nice to him, fuck company rules.

It took John a long time to find his calling. After years of drifting from job to job he had to take a good long look at his life so far and he decided that what he really enjoyed most was helping people, sometimes complete strangers. He becomes a social worker, maybe even doing some street work. He may not be the most social person around but he’s kind and dedicated, and most importantly never judges a book by its cover. He knows that there is always more to someone than meets the eye.

After working as a nurse for a few years, Abigail decides to go to med school to become a doctor. It demands a lot of time and dedication but fortunately, she can count on her family and friends to help her out. She hesitates at first knowing that she won’t have as much time for Jack as before, but her mind is put to rest when she sees how John and Jack are bonding more than ever now that he spends more time with his son.

Pearson owns his own catering company. He started as a chef in a small restaurant located in his hometown when people started hiring the restaurant to cater to social happenings. He soon realized that being on the road, while also being a chef and getting to cook to his heart's content was the best of both worlds!

Lenny, like Sean, is also still enrolled in college and works part-time as a lifeguard at the local public swimming pool or at the beach depending on where he lives. He’s fun but also enjoys being responsible, a perfect combination to teach little kids how to swim!

I can totally see Tilly as a real estate agent! She’s kind and opinionated and really knows her way about business and salesmanship. She’s an honest soul as well, there’s no way she would try to sell you a shit home for the price of a mansion by disguising its flaws! She’ll probably be like “Yeah it might be haunted but you and I both know your budget...sooo get used to it”

Karen works in PR (Public Relations) for a major company. She’s very social and has an easy time making friends and new acquaintances, which comes in handy! She can also hold her liquor, a nice trait to have when you gotta be on a lot of company parties and outings.

Mary-Beth works part-time in a Library surrounded by what she loves most - books! She plans and organizes book fairs and festivals especially aimed at kids to get them into reading, something she’s really passionate about. In her free-time, she tries herself as an author but yet still has to send a manuscript out.

I love the idea of Sadie as a firefighter. She’s a total badass who has a heart of gold, always ready to help in any way she can. It’s a tough and dangerous job but she’s more than willing to put herself in danger if it means saving the lives of innocent people. She can be rough, sure, but working in a field that’s predominantly male it’s a trait that has helped her more than once. She was met with the usual demeanor, but they soon found out that she’s not one to mess with.

Strauss works in a bank, a big one that is. It’s a well-paying job and he’s content with his life choices so far, but sometimes he thinks about all the people he met that have been at their absolute worst and while he sometimes really did want to help them, he couldn’t. It keeps him awake at night occasionally.

Kieran works with horses, you can’t convince me otherwise. Maybe he has a little ranch that doubles as a hotel, where he offers to teach people how to ride horses? The ranch would be way off in the middle of nowhere, but it’s perfect for those who want a fresh breath of air or to just get away from the city for a little while.

Micah earns his money with little acting gigs and voice acting. He makes more money with the voice acting though, which he doesn’t like all too much. He’d rather score a role in a big movie and become famous but for now, he’ll have to roll with the small parts he’s given.

Reverend Swanson would still be a Reverend I suppose?

#red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #rdr2 headcanons #my writing #hnnnggg #Arthur would probably meet his s/o at the museum too???#how cute would that be though #arthur morgan #charles smith #javier escuella #dutch van der linde #john marston #sean macguire #rev swanson #karen jones #mary beth gaskill #tilly jackson

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zendozebra · 6 years

Text

All the Time in the World Chapter 13

Midoriya was nervous. Sure, he wasn’t as nervous as he had been on his first date with Mina, but he was still a nervous creature. It runs in the family, if his mother was any indication. Every family has some sort of shared trait, like Asui’s bluntness and Kacchan’s temper. Even Kokiri-san told him that he gets his bad memory from his mother. But, he has to “tough it out”, as Kokiri-san would tell him. They leave for the training camp in just a few days, and he wouldn’t get much time to spend with Mina once they left. That meant this would be their last date before camp started, and they wouldn’t get to spend much time together between all of the training they’ll be doing.

Plus, Aizawa-sensei told the class that Kokiri-san won’t be joining the class during their time at the camp, so Izuku won’t have to worry about any tricks during his training. He’ll be able to focus and take his training seriously, instead of keeping an eye out for a flying fish that ends up smacking him in the face. While Kokiri-san laughs at him. Really hard, for like an hour. That day was really weird.

“Alright, I’m back! Hope you like strawberry!” Izuku smiled when Mina put down their milkshakes. This is a shake shop she’d been going to since she was younger, and probably knew the menu better than she knew her school schedule. She knew that he got anxious when he went to new places, so she’d offered to order for them while he found them a place to sit. She herself had gotten something called a grasshopper shake, which she seemed to like. He was happy with strawberry, but he was relieved that she hadn’t order something new and ended up not liking it.

“Oh no, we forgot to make a toast, dangit!” Mina yelled out, starting to frantically look around for something, anything to dedicate their meal to. That was one of her weird little habits, every meal needs to celebrate something. Their first dinner was dedicated to, obviously, their first dinner. Their second date, when they went out to lunch at a small cafe, was dedicated to that cute cat they passed on their way to the cafe. Izuku thought it was adorable, and he always played along because it was something small that made her happy, and he loved seeing that goofy smile on her face and her bright eyes whenever they clinked their glasses together.

“Oh, I got it! Cheers to Iida not-killing Majima-sensei!” That had been a hot topic at school after the exams were over. A few of the students from both classes had been watching the recordings of each exam, and that moment had been pretty popular amongst both 1-A and 1-B. Well, that, and Izuku and Kacchan’s defeat of All Might at the end of the exams. He remembered Iida feeling absolutely terrible after the exam, even though he’d passed with almost flying colors. His essentially lethal attack on their teacher docked them a few points. Iida thought it was a punishment given by Nezu, but Izuku thought it was probably Kokiri-san being bitter.

“Oh, hey, what do you think Majima-sensei is up to now? He couldn’t supervise our study session today because he said he was busy, but did he tell you what he was up to?”

“Oh, he said he wanted to meet up with an old friend of his, so they could gather some information for Nezu-sensei.”

XXXXXXXXXXXX

This ought to be easy. Just knock on the door and tell them you want to talk to the boss. He’s done it a thousand times, even a few with this boss in particular. True, that was back when Time Enough was one of the most wanted support villains. Man, the shit he helped to pull off were fuckin legendary. Maybe that was why Nezu set him up to this. He knew all about Majima’s past and all of the connections he used to have, so that’s what was probably going on. Plus, it’s a good thing he managed to find his old costume in his storage locker over in Osaka. It looked almost exactly the same as his hero costume, but with an oni mask instead of a bear, and he wore a red outfit underneath instead of black. It’s weird, he remembered this outfit looking much cooler when he was younger, but now it just looks kinda dumb. Oh god, he really is getting old, isn’t he?

Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door, watching a slot open up at he saw a pair of red eyes. “What do you want?” Well that was rude, he’d have to get used to that again.

“I’m here to talk to Iwasaki. Tell ‘im Majima is here to see him.” That oughta work, not a whole lot of people forget him and his dumb bullshit. The guy closed the slot and didn’t come back for a few minutes.

“Boss doesn’t know anyone named Majima, get lost.” Excuse me, what? That’s not good.

“Son of a bitch. Tell him it's Time Enough, and he’ll let me in if he knows what’s good for him.” The man raised an eyebrow and closed the slot again. Seriously, it’s like his entire reputation just evaporated over the last 20 years. Sure, he was out of the game for a while, but all of the shit he’s done should be able to get him further than the front fucking door.

Said door was thrown open when Iwasaki himself appeared like a crazed madman, standing there with wide eyes. His breath was ragged, and he looked far older than when they’d last seen each other. He’d gained quite a bit of weight too, and he didn’t carry it well. Eugh. “Ma-Majima-sama. What are- You’re here?” There we go, that’s more like it. Seems like Iwasaki thinks he’s pissed him off, let’s roll with that.

“Well, I’m just going around, you know, visiting some old… Friends. I just came back from visiting Murata. It was a fun visit, very nice, he even had one of his guys waiting for me at the door, just to make sure I felt welcome.” There we go, the fat bastard took the hint and let him into the office, where his grunts were sitting around watching tv or playing cards. They weren’t villains, just your average small-time criminals, so he can imagine their confusion when their boss, blubbering like a fool, led a tall man into their base, dressed very obviously like a villain.

“If you’ll follow me, Time-sama, I can lead you to my office. We can discuss business as much as we want once we’re there. I have the whole room sound-proofed for our privacy.”

Instead of doing that, Majima grabbed a chair at one of the card tables, this one being used for blackjack. That’s good, he hadn’t played a set in years, let’s see if that old Majima luck could still come into play. “Nah, I’m not really concerned about privacy, we can talk here. I want to play.” He through some coins into the small pot at the center of the table, throwing a nod to the dealer, who took the hint and dealt him a hand. A glance from the corner of his eye showed him that Iwasaki grew even more nervous, but didn’t argue with him.

“What is it I can do for you, sir?”

“I’m looking for a broker, one who’s better than you or any of your guys, and you’re gonna point me in his direction. Once you do, I’ll put your lack of hospitality to the side, pretend like it never happened, and I’ll be on my merry way. Easy as that, I’m not asking for much.”

“Of course, sir, we can work out payment as soon as we find who you’r-”

“Hey, oh, woah, woah, hey, hold it right there. Payment? What exactly would I be paying you for?”

“Well, the standard fees for information collection, plus a price adjustment depending on who ex-”

“You seem to have forgotten just who exactly is in charge here, Iwasaki. Remind me, who gave you your first set of recruits? I had even given you some of my best men. I treated you very fairly, I thought, and when I stop by to check in on one of my favorite pet projects, you’re gonna tell me that I have to pay?”

“Sir, you told me that I have to charge everyone, no matter how high profile they are.” There was a beat of silence, about thirty seconds, where Majima just stared at Iwasaki from behind his demonic mask, before he slapped the man hard enough to knock his glasses to the ground. He cleared his throat, glancing around the room while Iwasaki picked up his glasses.

“I’m looking for a guy, goes by Giran, and you’re going to tell me where he is or I will rain hell on you for all of time. And no one you run to, be they heroes or villains, will be able to save you from me, not even that Watcher guy those UA chuckle-fucks have been trying to threaten me with.” Iwasaki gave him an odd look, one of confusion. Good, that’s what we’re going for. “The fuck is that face for, boy? You got a problem with me, you fuckin’ say it. We’re men here, now act like it.”

“I’m sorry sir, but I was under the impression that you were the Watcher.” Perfect, time to fix that shit mistake that Nezu made by posting his alias and quirk up on the official UA website.

“Excuse me?” Majima stood up, turning to Iwasaki and grabbing the man’s hair, slamming his head onto the blackjack table. The money pot tipped over, spilling coins and bills onto the table. Everyone in the room All of the goons watched this man brutalize their boss while he begged for forgiveness. “You really have forgotten who the fuck I am, boy. Time Enough is immortal, a fucking GOD, and there is no one who can ever be what I am, no matter what quirk they have, or how much they fucking try! You think you’re funny, a fucking comedian? Then get some better shit, boy, cause I’m not laughing buddy. Am I? AM I?!”

There we go, Iwasaki was now crying like a newborn, snot and tears were flowing from his face and onto the table, all of his men standing around him and freaking out. They watched their boss cry out as Majima ground his face into the table, but one of them seemed to have a bit more courage than the rest. He grabbed Majima from behind, going to throw this stranger off of his boss, but the time stopper did what he does before he got the chance. Majima walked around the room, checking everyone’s pockets until he found a switchblade, using it to cut the fool’s fingertips, keeping them small but deep. Then, he used the blade to carve ‘FOOL’ into the man’s forehead, snapping his fingers and watching the man double over from the sudden burst of pain.

Majima looked at the knife in his hand, wiping it off on his cloak and tossing it back to its owner, who was surprised when they realized it was theirs. He grabbed the back of Iwasaki’s jacket, dragging him out of the room and towards where he assumed his office was. He dropped him and moved behind the desk, sitting in the chair and folding his arms as he watched the disgusting excuse for a man pick himself up, staring cowardly up at the time stopper in front of him.

“Now, I believe that you were going to tell me where I can find Giran, ain’t that right?”

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Next chapter is going to have a ton of action, as well as reveal a lot of secrets and offer a ton of answers. I’ve been taking extra time to make sure that it is detailed, as well as easy to understand. As an aside, I have plans for future plots, but I wanted to ask a question- Would you like to see Majima take on an apprentice, and if so, who would you like him to train?

Also, an apology to Entomoid, because I completely forgot that Koda Koji was supposed to be a rock monster or something. His design tends to blend in with the six-armed Shoji and the pink-skinned Ashido. So, as an apology, a quick omake-

Majima’s neck was still stiff from Iida’s kick earlier, so he was trying to ignore the pain as he walked into his office. Seriously, why’d he have to go sober again? He’d kill for some vodka right about now. Maybe he could cheat, he might still have some smirnoff in his des-

“Oh, shit, what are you doing here? School’s over, kid, what’s keeping ya?” He didn’t mean to scare Koda, but the kid jumped almost 5 feet in the air, spinning around and flailing his arms around wildly. Wait, no, that was sign language, wasn’t it? The fuck was he saying, forgot bag? Oh, yeah, that reminds him.

“Your bag is under my desk, kid, I noticed that you left it here when the academic portions of your exams were over.” Koda gave him an odd look, before signing something to him.

‘You know sign?’

“Yeah, just a bit though. Ueno, the gun runner I talk about from time to time? He had a quirk that enhanced his hearing, which didn’t really mesh too well with all those guns he spent his time around. He went deaf about two years after I met him, and I worked with him long enough after that I picked up some bits here and there. The only sentence I know by heart is, ‘They got the money, go get the product.’ Saw that one almost every day, got used to it real quick.”

‘Is Ueno-san still a gunrunner, sensei?’

“Nah, he died about… I wanna say, 30 years ago? I visit his sons now and again, they keep his business running. Now here,” He threw Koda his bag, “Get out of my office, and congrats on passing the practicals. Yamada’s voice isn’t easily overcome. Oh, and good work on getting over that fear of bugs, those things aren’t too easy on the eyes.” Majima looked at his desk, waited a second, then stopped time. Now that he wouldn’t embarrass the kid, he looked over at Koda, seeing a small, proud smile on his face. That’s good, kid deserves the praise for this one. He snapped again, watching the kid leave before opening his wallet. He’s got a few bills, he’ll just settle for a soda from the vending machine down the hall.

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nashvilletonihon · 6 years

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There’s No Race, There’s Only A Runner. Just Keep One Foot In Front Of The Other...

Hey guys. It’s been a few days (ok, maybe a little bit more than that) since I last posted anything. To be honest, I don’t have much to tell. I’ve been at my high schools for two weeks now and have actually taught less than a handful of times. This upcoming week is the Cultural Festival, so both Amino and Kumihama have been focused on preparing for that. This means there are shortened classes and varied schedules depending on rehearsal times. Cultural Festival is a school wide event that requires the students to all participate in various activities. At Amino, the First Years are required to perform in a play. The second years are required to sing and the Third Years are required to dance. There are also food stalls, games and activities that the teachers can buy tickets to. (I have one for a Japanese tea booth I plan on visiting on Wednesday.) At Kumihama, all of the students chose to perform in different plays depending on their homerooms. There is a general atmosphere of excitement and anticipation filling the hallways and classrooms at both schools and I am 100% ready to see all of the students hard work and effort come to fruition. We just have to hope against hope the typhoon doesn’t ruin everything.

This past month has been one of the most difficult of my life. I’ve been very open and honest about my struggles regarding moving to and living in Japan. This week was especially hard because I was not feeling well, school and classes did NOT go how I had imagined them and I was incredibly emotional and homesick. (For those of you following the saga that is my sleep schedule, I wish I could inform you that it’s getting better....but it’s not.) I thought maybe a run would combat the stress and anxiety I that I was feeling, so Wednesday night I did just that. In 90 degree weather and at least 1,000% humidity I put on my running clothes, laced up the new sneakers I bought (because I FINALLY found a pair in my size) and just...ran. I didn’t have a set destination. All I knew was that I needed to run away from my emotions. (Spoiler alert: They caught up with me later.) As I was aimlessly running, I stumbled upon a park a short distance from my apartment. Curious, I decided to take a little detour to see what it had to offer. Turns out there were a few tennis courts, a small lake, a really, really nice baseball field and some nature trails heading up a “mountain” toward one side the stadium.

Feeling adventurous, I decided to explore one of the trails. I quickly realized how out of shape I am as I began to climb the almost vertical stairs. Huffing and puffing I hauled myself up this mountainside. With each step I took I became more and more emotional. I kept thinking about how classes that day had been a total bust. The students sat there. Stone faced. Silent. They just stared at me like I had grown a second head as I attempted to introduce myself. The more I tried to make it exciting, engaging and fun, the more they refused to participate. You want to talk about feeling judged? Stand in front of a classroom full of 30 high schoolers who want nothing to do with you and what you have to say.

(It ain’t fun.)

Wheezing and panting, my mind filled with failures of the day, I finally reached the top of the mountain. Exhausted, stressed, anxious and downright fed up, I sat down next to a small, run down temple and cried.

“What am I doing here? Why did I leave the great life I had in America for this? The students don’t care. I can’t understand anyone. I’m alone and I miss my family. I miss Preston so much. Does he miss me like I miss him? I miss going to movies with him. Feeling his arms around me in bear a hug. God, what I wouldn’t do for a hug. From anyone. I could still be working at a really great job right now back in the States and having the time of my life with my friends. Instead, I’m here. I don’t want to be here anymore. I feel like such a failure. This is too hard and I honestly don’t know if I have anything left to give. It’s only been a month but it feels like a lifetime. I want off this roller coaster. Please. I just want to go home.”

I cried until I thought I couldn’t cry anymore. (I did the next day while on the phone with my mom.) I sat there next to that temple with snot, sweat and tears running down my face and felt so, hopeless. To have so many things beyond my control is new for me and I hate it. I knew this was going to be hard but I had no idea it was going to be THIS hard. I know by now that I must sound like a broken record when it comes to this. “Yes Rachel, we get it. It’s hard but god bless, pull up your big girl panties and DO something about it.” Or maybe that’s just what I would tell myself from the outside looking in. And I promise you all that I am. I’m studying Japanese like it’s a dying language, saying yes to every offer that involves hanging out, grabbing food or exploring, getting involved in after school activities like Kendo and attempting to stay as busy as possible to keep my mind off of the crippling doubt and anxiety ridden thoughts I’m having.

Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

That being said, I’m a firm believer that the universe gives you exactly what you need precisely when you need it. Enter Kate and Jess on a rainy Thursday evening. A few days earlier, Leah (my predecessor) had reached out and informed me that last year an older Japanese couple, Kumi and Masani Yoshida, had invited some of the JETs over to their house for a weekly dinner. The wife used to be a JTE at Amino (my base school) and apparently their bread is famous among the Kyotango AET’s who have had the pleasure of attending one of these gatherings.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to go. I had just finished bawling on the phone to my mom when I got the message that they were outside my apartment. I quickly splashed some cold water on my face, slipped my sneakers on and walked outside. No make-up. Messy hair. Sweaty and sick looking. “Sorry I look like death warmed over.” I mumbled. “Not at all. You look great.” Kate replied with a smile. (Already being much nicer than I deserved.) “Would you like to follow us so that you know how to get there the next time?” Not feeling particularly social, I quickly agreed and got in my car. 20 minutes later we had arrived at an adorable Japanese home with two of the kindest people waiting for us inside. (I dare someone to find an unkind person in Japan.)

Dinner was entirely vegetarian, comprised of dishes like noodles, rice and vegetables all grown in and harvested from their personal garden. AND THE BREAD. (I would 100% die for that bread.) The Yoshida’s didn’t even seem to mind that I was mostly speaking in English, too tired to try to work out what I wanted to say in Japanese. Kate and Jess have been in Japan for five years now and did most of the translating for me and the Yoshida’s in return. I was maybe a little more candid than I should have been upon first meeting them about how lonely and miserable I was. (Keeping in mind that I had my incredibly gracious hosts sitting right next to me.) I told them mostly everything. How isolating the countryside is, especially when you’re a Prefectural JET because you don’t get the luxury of meeting all the Municipal AET’s at the Board of Education almost every week. I talked to them about how sad and homesick I was and how I didn’t know if I had it in me to last an entire year. They both listened with patience and responded with kindness. Kate told me about how she went through the same feelings and emotions when she arrived. Her situation was a little different from mine because she wasn’t a JET at that point and had no job to work at or school to attend. “I was home for 10 hours a day, by myself. It was awful.” she confided in me. “But don’t worry. We’ll make sure you’re not alone anymore.” I almost started crying at the dinner table.

As the meal began to wind down, we made plans to return again the next week. This time Kumi invited us to come earlier than 6:45 so that Kate and I could help her cook dinner if we wanted. It’s a fantastic opportunity to expand my Japanese recipe book and authentic dish making skills, so of course I adamantly agreed. Laden with leftovers and some brand new towels (the Japanese love giving gifts) I slipped on my outside shoes as Kate informed me that Kumi is well versed in the art of tying and wearing 着物 kimono and that there is a festival dedicated to kimono is October. I was immediately invited and have plans to attend with Kate and Kumi if our schedules allow. Kate and Jess also made plans to pick me up the next morning to show me around Kyotango, take me to the grocery store so that they could help me with any questions I might have regarding labels and food items and to basically let me know that living in the countryside isn’t a death sentence. (However much it might feel like one at times.)

So this morning, we did all of that. It may have been raining but that didn’t dampen our spirits as we bought locally grown veggies and homemade bread at a cute café down the street from where I live, drove along the coastline for some of the most gorgeous views I’ve ever seen and a place that I definitely plan on taking my family and Preston when they come to visit next year. We grabbed a delicious lunch of ramen at the mall where I do some of my grocery shopping and capped off the afternoon with a trip to this tucker away liquor store next to the train station where I can find all of my favorite American whiskeys and spirits for half the price. Places I never would have known about if Kate and Jess hadn’t taken time out of their Saturday to drive around and show me. I am forever indebted to them and their kindness. We already have plans to go hiking once the weather cools down for good and to go to the 温泉 onsen (Japanese bath/hot spring) for some girl relaxation time when school gets to be too much. I laughed and smiled more today than I have all week. Most importantly though, I didn’t feel judged for the way I’ve been feeling. Here they are five years later with no plans to leave and a potential house in the works. Life’s funny, ain’t it?

I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. I have no idea what the next 11 months will bring. (Except maybe tears. And most certainly memories.) What I do know is that I am slowly surrounding myself with a group of wonderful, kind, caring, gentle, patient and genuine human beings who make each unknown day a little bit easier to manage. It makes me excited to introduce my family and boyfriend to them. To show my loved ones the people who have become so dear and so close to me. My network of support and a safety net when walking the tightrope gets to be a tad too scary.

I’m one fortunate gal, I tell you what. I haven’t given up just yet, and I’ll keep puttin’ one foot in front of the other.

- レイチェル (Rachel)

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chaletnz · 7 years

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Italy Day Eight: Salerno

Today was another day without a checkout time so I was in no hurry to get up, I was also still tired when my alarm went because the snoring of the old Italian man in the bed beside me had woken me throughout the night. When I finally decided to get up I took my time getting read and organising my bag before heading out on my walk downtown to the main train station. I wanted to check the times and ticket prices for the trains to Bari tomorrow and find my best option for transport and ended up buying a ticket for tomorrow afternoon. The only thing left on my agenda for today was to try the "Caffe alle nicciola". Whilst searching for cafes in Salerno I discovered that this variation on espresso was actually invented locally in this very city. In this very coffeehouse that I visited even. I ordered a chocolate croissant and a nicciola which was the perfect Italian breakfast combination. I walked along the streets and then came back along the promenade to enjoy some awesome views over the sea and across to the colorful little houses and mountains on the other side. I then headed towards the castle but there was no short route up as the only path is privately owned and the road route would take an hour so I decided to go exploring the back streets. It's a miracle I did too because I came across a huge art piece down several sets of stairs, dedicated to Alfonso Gatto with lines of poems on each step and huge portraits on the walls, but the best part - at the bottom when I saw a scrawled signature I discovered it was by Alice Pasquini! The very definition of a hidden gem! Now I was somehow in the city centre which was full of kids just released from school so I ducked into some shops for a look and found my way back to a square I'd visited last night that was quite impressive with a nice fountain in the centre. I watched some workmen stringing up fairy lights along the paths so I'll have to come back later for a look once it's dark! Next I followed my map to another square with an old church and bell tower then I walked back down to the sea where I sat and had a nice little shakerato (chilled cocktail with espresso and Baileys) at Di S Teresa on the boardwalk. It was nice to sit on the beach and people watch and enjoy the ocean views while sipping my coffee cocktail - finally I felt like I was on holiday and could just relax and not be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of tourists. I don't understand the street dealers, they're all selling the same stuff on the side of the road. All the Africans with their fake bags and shoes, and rubber balls. Who ever buys it?! One guy had some beaded necklace things he was trying to push on to people on the boardwalk. No, we're here for the views and the cafe not to buy some random thing off a towel on the side of the road... I sat in the sun for a while to work on my tan and watched some dogs playing. There was a really cute little black puppy that was really shy and then this white dog called Matilda came running and barking like crazy with her owner loudly shrieking her name behind her. Two guys with their dogs joined and the energetic one called Tyson went to Matilda's mommy and drank all the water she offered him from her portable dog bowl. But just when I thought I could not watch the dogs any longer, the cutest lil dog arrived! He had his back legs hung up in a sling thing and was on wheels but he was going for it - running and wheeling across the sand. All the other dogs sniffed him when he came over to introduce himself and it was the most heart warming thing I've seen in Italy! I headed walked back to the hostel feeling a bit sunburnt and hungry so I had a snack and a lie down then went out for dinner. I'd been eying up a pasta place earlier that I'd decided to eat at because it was cheap - only €6 for a plate of pasta and a coke combo. When I went in to the (completely empty) restaurant the guy at the counter said they were out of tomato pasta and that he only had pesto or cheese. This should've been alarm bells - my head was screaming "but this is Italy!" But on the outside I sighed gently, asked for the cheese and pepper pasta and sat outside to wait. It arrived lukewarm and smelling heavily of Parmesan cheese. It wasn't soft and creamy like I imagine pasta should be but rather hard and chewy. Pasta is still a relatively new dish for me anyway, I'm fine with plain tomato penne but stray from this well trodden path and it's not a pleasant carb-loaded meal for me! Afterwards I needed to walk it off so I followed the main streets around the centre and observed how different the shops were in the evening. It seemed like loads of restaurants suddenly popped up in spaces where there was just a giant iron door when I passed earlier in the day. As night fell I spontaneously decided this would be the best time (and cheapest place) to get a haircut so I returned to a small backstreet I'd passed this afternoon and seen two barbers. The one I really wanted to visit was already closed but the other was still open with two older gentlemen having a chat together waiting for customers. They spoke absolutely not even one word of English so my request was made entirely with hand gestures until I just sort of gave up and let him do his thing. He gave me the most basic of haircuts but it was only €10 so I think I made the right decision! My last stop for the evening was at Angelo Napoli for what will probably be my final authentic Italian affogato. I must say "affogato" with a very heavy accent because not once have I been understood when ordering it!

#Italy #Salerno

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rambles-n-tumbles · 7 years

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Proposal

Pairing: Kim Seokjin/Jung Hoseok

Genre: Fluff, Established Relationship, Slight Feelings of Angst

Word Count: 1,656

Summary: Seokjin and Hoseok hoped to spend a casual day at the mall. They didn’t expect to leave with tears in their eyes and a ring on a finger.

The weather was finally cooling down as summer attempted a shift into autumn, the heat waves succumbing to the cold breeze that came and stayed in town for longer than a day. But the sun remained high as Hoseok threw on a sweater, rushing to meet Seokjin at the door.

“Why are you always ready so quickly?” Seokjin smiled, shrugging as he locked the door behind them.

“I don’t know, why are you always so slow?” Laughing, Hoseok climbed into their car, putting the keys in as Seokjin climbed into the passenger seat with a chuckle.

The two made it a habit to get ice cream on Thursday afternoons when the prices were low and people flooded through the mall, eager for discounts and slashed prices as the two sat by watching their interactions. It was a simple task, but one they found amusing, watching people walk in circles as they grew lost, hearing stories told by teenage girls who thought no one would hear their gossip and the occasional employee running after a dog that escaped its crate in the pet shop.

“What do you think we’ll spot today?” Seokjin watched cars drive by, people window shopping and children playing on swing sets as Hoseok stopped at a red light. “Maybe a parent losing their child?”

“I think it’s a good day to watch a temper tantrum at the toy store.” The light changed, Seokjin swatting Hoseok’s arm as he smiled innocently. “What? It’s true!”

“Those are never fun, I always feel stressed afterward.” Hoseok glanced at his boyfriend, watching the crease form in his forehead. “Those poor parents.”

“I don’t know, I would say those poor kids.” Seokjin sighed, rolling down the window slightly as Hoseok turned into the parking garage, the mall in sight as the two watched a large family walk out the main doors, a child dangling from his parent’s arms as he screeched about a new toy.

“Really, what a poor child indeed.” Hoseok rolled his eyes, Seokjin chuckling as they parked the car.

“Shut up.”

“Isn’t this so much nicer, Hobi?” Seokjin managed to drag Hoseok through three stores before convincing his boyfriend that they needed caffeine in their systems to people watch.

“I guess, but I could do without that shot of espresso.” They found a small bench between the pet shop and the toy store, hoping to watch some smiling faces and maybe hear some good gossip from the teens that tended to regular this corner of the mall.

“Shush, it’s what really makes you wake up before the gossip starts.” Right on cue, a group of teenage girls scattered inside the small pet shop, one sticking close to a young shop employee. “Oh, I think we have our first sighting.”

The teenage girl tried asking the older boy a question -something stupid, Hoseok was sure- but instead got pushed by an older man into the box of dog food, spilling it on the floor. As her friends hurried over, the manager had been handling one of the dogs, causing the dog to jump out of her arms and right at the girl currently panicking to clean up her mess. It quickly became a disaster of hair flying and dog biting at the girls hands as the manager and young employee tried to separate the two, the girls friends trying to convince them both that ‘this doesn’t happen normally, please you should date her’ as Hoseok and Seokjin cringed from their spot on the bench.

“Wow, I’d hate to be in her position.” Hoseok choked on his coffee, turning to glare at his boyfriend playing coy on the bench beside him.

“Because you’re perfect, right, mister ‘I know all about technology, let me just break your phone twice and then ask you out’?” Seokjin turned a dark shade of red, his ears burning as Hoseok chuckled into his coffee cup, taking another sip as he watched the young employee help the teen fix her hair, though they both knew the damage was done.

“I didn’t think you would say yes, I thought I’d never see you again so I just said it,” Seokjin grumbled into his own cup of coffee, the whipped cream sticking to his nose as Hoseok looked at him questioningly.

“What are you talking about?” Seokjin shrugged, suddenly nervous as his boyfriend slid closer, watching his face for hints. “Why wouldn’t I see you again?”

“Because, you’re cute and I’m just, not?” Hoseok wanted to laugh, really he did, but he knew there was no humor in his boyfriend’s voice at all, the sudden confession catching them both off guard as they looked down into their coffee cups, Hoseok waiting for an explanation. “I just thought you were so funny and talented when I saw you dance I just knew there was no way you’d find something interesting in me.”

“Seokjin.” Hoseok sighed as his boyfriend shook his head, avoiding all eye contact as Hoseok continued. “How could I not see something interesting in you? You’re incredible.”

“Oh yeah? How?” Seokjin wanted to pinpoint where his sudden anger came from, where had these emotions and insecurity spout from? Hoseok had been nothing but generous and this is what he gets in return? Insecurity? Seokjin wanted to take it back, opened his mouth to apologize, but Hoseok beat him to it.

“You’re dedicated to everything you do, no matter what anyone else has to say about it. You’re dependable for anything and everything, to the point that sometimes people rely on you too much but you never say no because you know they have your back when you need them too. You practically raised your little brother and JK knows everything he does because of you, you even made sure he was getting himself set up properly before even looking at your own life. You wake up way too early to make sure I’m on time, and never leave before making sure everyone has what they need. You’re incredibly thoughtful and do everything so wholeheartedly that no one ever believes you’re lying. Do you know what it’s like to be dating you?” Seokjin couldn’t breathe, he didn’t know how fast his heart was beating but somewhere in Hoseok’s words it became an erratic thumping behind the brown in Hoseok’s eyes and suddenly all Seokjin knew was Hoseok.

“It’s unbelievably incredible being your boyfriend. It’s a blessing in every single way from being able to hold your hand to be the one who you run to when something incredible happens and makes you shine from the inside out. It’s the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever experienced to see that smile every single morning and I don’t know why you would think I feel anything but grateful to be able to be with you every single day but if you’re feeling that way then I must be doing something wrong.” Seokjin wanted to cry and scream and throw something at Hoseok to make him stop falling more in love as he kept talking but all he could do was shake his head as he felt tears fall heavy down his cheeks. Hoseok wiped one away with a gentle smile, moving to put down his coffee cup and dig in his pocket as Seokjin felt his heart drop into his stomach, all thoughts falling away to nothingness as a sparkling ring emerged from the pocket in Hoseok’s jeans. The jeans he made sure to wash every week, the jeans he bought with Hoseok on their fifth date, the jeans that held a ring he had never seen before but somehow it seemed incredibly familiar as he realized what was happening around him as Hoseok’s voice filled his entire being once more.

“I must be doing something wrong if you feel anything but completely and utterly loved, so let me make it up to you. Let me wake you up every morning as you smile that gorgeous smile after an incredible nights rest. Let me hold your hand as you walk into the world, bold and proud of everything you are able to accomplish. Let me be the one that holds your every worry, every fear, and every insecurity, and let me be a part of the plan to make them your strengths. Let me love you every single day as though you cannot be loved anymore in this world. Let me be yours.”

The security guards tried to make their way to help out in the pet shop, but somehow became entangled in a makeshift marriage proposal, but no one was complaining as the two men laughed, cameras flashing as the two proclaimed their love for the world to see.

#bts #bts fanfiction #bts fanfic #kim seokjin #jung hoseok #2seok

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superchicalonelyviking · 7 years

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Four

Hello everyone from Fuji Q theme park next to (you guessed it) Mount Fuji!

We've been in Japan 10 days now and what a fantastic country! We are totally impressed by how clean, beautiful and cheerful everything is here!

We arrived in Sakaiminato, a small port town in the South of Japan, getting off the boat you straight away see Japanese style houses, Japanese style seagulls (huge brown feathery type things!) and of course lots of vending machines! Sakaiminato is a nice seasidey town with lots of sculptures of characters from an anime cartoon series by the artist Shigeru Mizuki, lining the streets. You can go round and get rubber stamps of all the characters! Walking around town there are red lanterns hanging everywhere, lots of really sweet music playing and people greeting you from the shops as you pass. A kindergarten crocodile passed us, all wearing yellow hats and with colourful water bottles strapped over them and every one of them said 'koniciwa' to us, it was extremely cute! We had read that a Japanese way to show respect to people is to bow / nod your head, and everywhere you go people do this in greeting to one another. Everybody is so polite here as maintaining social order is important in Japan, apparently foreigners tend to break the rules (many of them unimaginable) all the time and have no idea, meaning we are a constant source of embarrassment and annoyance. Well I hope it's not quite that bad but we've been trying to fit in as much as possible!

From Sakaiminato we got a train up to Hiroshima, passing lush mountainous scenery on the way. Even the train was very nice and clean and had cute pictures of cartoon characters everywhere ! We got a Shinkansen for some of the way, which is name for the Japanese high speed / bullet trains- it feels like you're on an aeroplane rather than a train, actually looks a bit like an aeroplane too and it's fantastic how quickly you can move between places. The train attendants, on reaching the door at the end of the carriage, turn round and bow before leaving!

Hiroshima is a very nice, progressive and apparently international city (we thought it would be a lot more multicultural here, even in Tokyo it's unusual to see people who are clearly foreign, and apparently 95% of people who live in Japan are Japanese or Korean due to strict immigration laws), Hiroshima is most famous for being where the atomic bomb was dropped in WW2 and hence most people come to visit the peace park, museum and monuments which serve as a memorial and a message that it should never happen again. The place is very emotive but feels very optimistic too, it is very much about peace rather than divisions. There is a large flame in a shrine which will burn until we reach global nuclear disarmament, a bell which you can strike to send a message of peace, and a children's monument, inspired by a girl who developed leukaemia age 11 and attempted to fold 2000 origami birds before she died but unfortunately didn't succeed, so thousands of school children across Japan send birds they have folded in her memory. There was a busker in the park playing violin really beautifully, after a couple of hours we were so sad that we had to go for Okonomiyaki to cheer up! This is the local dish of Hiroshima and is this fantastic pile of pancake, cabbage, pork, noodles and an amazing sauce, all cooked in front of you! Afterwards we went and balked at how expensive the fruit and veg is here (in the supermarket, about £1 per apple!) apparently due to laws which protect Japanese farmers and govern imports, decided to attempt to cook some of our own meals to save money but subsequently decided this was a terrible idea, we are rubbish at cooking Japanese food and you may as well just pay someone who knows what they're doing! (It's hardly even any dearer) - oh apart from breakfast, we've been having scrambled tofu everyday, you can get a huge block of tofu for around 25p which is about 90% cheaper than in the UK! Also Mat is super happy because the loaves of bread here are sold with the crusts neatly sliced off, initially a disappointment for him, until he discovered that for less than half the price you can buy a bag containing all the discarded crusts!!! Anyhow this probably isn't very interesting so back to Hiroshima...

There is also a beautiful castle, rebuilt in 1958 in a lovely park with the huge temple of the carp god outside, all surrounded by a moat . At the temple you have to wash your hands and mouth with water outside before going to pray in front - to do this you have to summon the gods by ringing a bell, and afterwards clap and bow to signify you have finished. The main religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. I don't know a huge amount about Shinto but I do know there are many gods, and a belief that when people die their spirit goes back into nature, and natural things such as rivers, trees, mountains and rocks are often worshipped or seen as sacred. There are small temples scattered around most places and most will be dedicated to a particular God. We visited some more in Tokyo, where we went next !

Tokyo in comparison with Hiroshima is a huge sprawling city (or amalgamation of lots of towns into a huge metropolis) it is very busy but yet feels strangely calm, I guess due to the attitude there of politeness and consideration not to bother others. Everyone is so well dressed, for example you see lots of people in smart suits and very white starched shirts, children in pristine sailor suit style school uniforms, in fact all the uniforms are very stylish and look brand new, we feel pretty scruffy in comparison! The place we stayed was tatami style with tatami mat flooring, futon mattresses and traditional wall decoration, and you're provided with slippers to use whilst inside the house (although not on the mats, and there's a separate pair for the toilet, it's quite complicated!). We had a few days exploring Tokyo, went to some beautiful temples (visited the temple of the God of Strong Legs, so now our legs are in fine shape) and explored some of the older parts of town, and after we'd finished with the cultural bits went to Joy-polis which is a bit like a cinema complex if instead of a cinema it had loads of indoor rides, and felt more like a giant disco! There is even a rollercoaster themed around sonic the hedgehog where you have to play a guitar hero style drumming game on the way up, and a ride where you're strapped into a skateboard with a big lever attached and it simulates going up and down a half pipe! What really makes the place though is the brilliantly enthusiastic Japanese ride attendants who clap and cheer when the ride begins and when the place closed were all grinning and waving from the exits! We also spent a couple of days at Disneyland and Disney Sea - I was majorly skeptical about this plan but actually it was fantastic, the attention to detail is really incredible, the place doesn't really feel like you're in a theme park so much as a giant pop up book, it's really fun just to explore and go on the kids' rides with all the freaky animatronic characters, some of the sets are actually really impressive! The parades are fun too and there are really good dance shows and a huge firework and light show projected onto the castle at the end of the day. Disney Sea was especially amazing, it is centred round a huge lake with a massive man-made smouldering volcano behind with a rollercoaster coming out of the top. Mat should probably tell you more this as he is the biggest fan but I also loved it!

We also visited Akihabara, Tokyo's 'geek' district, with massive gaming arcades and retro video game shops. Mat played Tetris at an arcade, and was thrilled to get the highest score of the day, before realising his was actually the only score of the day. On the whole Akihabara feels like the big, slightly weird Tokyo that we sometimes hear stories about. It's a cool place!

Near our place was a sushi conveyor belt restaurant where most plates were just 100 yen, approx 70p! So we were loving having amazing cheap sushi. Everything is ordered from a touch screen, but then is delivered via conveyor belt, with a musical jingle playing just as the plate reaches your table so you know to take it!

On our last day in Tokyo we discovered there are several so called 'Penguin Cafes' in the city, so we're really excited as the Penguin Cafe Orchestra was one of the reasons we were keen to come to Japan- the founder Simon Jeffes visited it (via the trans Siberian!) and wrote a lot of music here in the 70's, and the Penguin Cafe have toured Japan and have a following there. The famous song Music for a Found Harmonium was played on a harmonium found in Japan! So it turns out that some of the Penguin Cafes actually have real life penguins that live there (along with Tokyo's owl, cat, bunny etc. Cafes!), and you can watch them over a cup of tea! We decided against that but instead turned up to a place in Asagaya and on arrival realised it wasn't just any old Penguin themed cafe, it was totally inspired by the music, which was playing inside, with their records on the walls, and we spoke to the owner who also loved the music!

Afterwards we went to a nearby Yakitori place he recommended, very small places where you can buy beer and sake(rice wine) and Yakitori which are small skewers with meat and vegetables, cooked in the window, all the food is prepared behind the counter. It was a bit difficult to order as the people there didn't speak much English and our Japanese is awful but we ended up with lots of beer and skewers and afterwards the chef brought us a platter of leftover Fruit and salad then served us three different types of sake, each with a different flavour, which were all really good. Later we ordered more sake and were totally alarmed when the waiter didn't stop pouring after filling our glasses, meaning it splashed over the sides and filled up a small saucer underneath but on googling this found out it is a way sake can be served and is a happy bonus as you get a bit more than the glassful! Our original plan had been to go on a Tokyo big night out (by our standards at least) but we loved this place so much that we stayed all night, they also gave us free ice cream too! It is called Kawana. Highly recommended!

Since leaving Tokyo we have been in Fujiyoshida which is a city at the foot of Mt Fuji, and it has been brilliant! I had a giant picture of the Great Wave of Kanagawa by Hokusai on my wall since the beginning of university (for no good reason other than my room needed posters, I saw it at the Keele fresher's fair and liked it), the painting has a picture of Mt Fuji in the background (it's actually one of a whole series of woodblock paintings of Mount Fuji by Hokusai), the picture is still up in our lounge today and I never thought I would actually see the mountain, or that it would be as spectacular in real life!

The first night we stayed in a place we found on air bnb, we were the host Kazu's first guests so we're guinea pigs for his 'authentic Japanese experience', which turned out to be awesome!

On arrival we were given some lovely Japanese clothes to wear and then we had coffee, green tea flavour kitkats and then Kazu got out what looked like a kind of industrial workbench clamp and with it made us some Kakigori, a type of crushed ice dessert! Then we were taken to a study room and he taught us some Japanese calligraphy, using ink and a special brush, including how to write our names- they are written using an alphabet where all the characters represent a phonic, so for example the 'th' of Elizabeth is the same character as the 'th' of Matthew. There are two other alphabets used in Japan, with more than 2000 characters! Often the characters represent whole words rather than just a sound.

After calligraphy Kazu made us some Takoyaki which are these delicious octopus dumplings! And he drove us to a local restaurant for Ramen, and advised us on what to order. As if we thought it couldn't be any better, when we got back Kazu had run us a hot bath with Japanese bath salts so we had a mini onsen experience too!

In the morning Kazu cooked about 5 different dishes including tofu miso soup, cooked fresh salmon, rice, a really nice salad and tofu in a dressing, and afterwards showed us how to perform a tea ceremony and we had delicious green tea, with very tasty mochi which are a Japanese sweet made by pounding rice into a pulp. He also showed us a Japanese musical instrument called a Shamisen, played for us and let us try it. He even had a replica samurai sword! It was all so totally Japanese!

In conclusion it was great and if you're going to the Fuji area look up Kazu's place! Also, we really need to up our game with our air bnb! It's a bit more difficult to think what we would do for an authentic British experience, but any suggestions are welcome!

Whilst in Fujiyoshida we also went to Fuji Q, a theme park Mat has dreamed of going to for ages. The best rollercoaster was a '4D' rollercoaster called 'Eejenanka', where the seats rotate on their own axis, meaning you go over drops face first, upside down, forwards, backwards... it's really hard to keep track of what's happening and it feels nothing like any other rollercoaster I've ever been on! Our on-ride photo was so beautiful we had to buy it.

There was also the 'Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear', a walk-through haunted house (well actually a zombie hospital) with a reputation of being amongst the scariest in the world. It's really long, it took us about 20 minutes to get through, and you go through just the two of you, feeling alone, rather than with a big group. It was genuinely very scary, my heart was pounding the whole way through, and we were almost tempted to quit at one of the emergency exits part way through!

One afternoon at Fuji Q thousands of fans wearing matching coats turned up and gathered around a big model Sea plane- it turned out they were at a festival for an online Japanese video game - then a girl band came onto a little stage and everyone did a coordinated dance to the theme song. Totally bewildering!

On the last evening in Fujiyoshida we cycled up to a mountain opposite Fuji called Shimoyama, here you hike up through the trees to find the Niikurafujisengen shrine (dedicated to one of Japan's princesses) and a beautiful Chureito pagoda representing citizens of Fujisan, all with an absolutely stunning view of Mount Fuji towering over the town. At sunset it was particularly peaceful and calm. We met several elderly men jogging up and down it as we were nearly collapsed by the side of the path! On the way back down we went to the temple and were surprised by how noisy it was there as they are normally VERY quiet -it sounded like someone was doing some really enthusiastic evening gardening behind it- and then we realised the temple was covered in monkeys! They were leaping around all over the roof and through the trees behind, one of them had a baby on its back, they were super cute!

We went for really good sushi for dinner both nights in Fujiyoshida, it was a small traditional sushi place - somewhere Mat has wanted to go since working at Yo! Sushi (a bit of a different type of sushi experience!) - and the chef was so friendly and told us what all the different bits of sashimi were and how to eat it all! We got to meet his family, wrote in the restaurant guestbook and when we left he gave us a calendar with his name on it and on the second night he gave us a pen! Another recommendation for Fujiyoshida - it is called Musashino.

Next we are going up into the alps to a more rural part of Japan, so we're looking forward to that! Will blog again soon ! Miss you all!

Libby and Mat

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templified · 5 years

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Best Intercom Alternatives for Online Business Communication | Templified

New Post has been published on https://templified.com/best-intercom-alternatives-for-online-business-communication/

Best Intercom Alternatives for Online Business Communication

Intercom is a messaging platform that allows businesses and customers to communicate efficiently using the intercom app, it website, through social media and through email. Intercom is one of the most popular messaging platforms anywhere, it has over 100,000 active monthly users. Quite a number of them, over 30,000, are paying customers. So, the popularity is clear, the features are full and is a great marketing tool. Allowing people to communicate, that is a big part of business and Intercom does a fine job of allowing that to happen.

That said, intercom doesn’t have the market completely cornered. There are quite a number of useful options out there that have fewer limitations and more powerful, robust featuring lists. So, we have set out to create a list of the absolute best intercom alternatives for online business communication.

Zendesk

Zendesk has been around for quite a while, it’s probably one of the older Platforms in this collection, but it is still going strong. This is a proven tool for cloud-based customer service, one of its biggest advantages is speed. It’s easy to install, easy to integrate and everything blows up lightning fast. Setting up Zendesk takes just a few minutes, it’s great for all types of businesses and all sizes of business. If communication is what you are after, Zendesk is a really powerful tool to make it happen.

You won’t be alone either, this platform is used by some of the biggest websites around like a Airbnb and tumbler, among others. Zendesk works on the web, it works with Android and iOS just as well. You get a full support guide, business tools and easy integration. Zendesk offers a one month free trial. After that, the cost is just $5 per month. Zendesk is intuitive, clean, simple and delivers a fantastic user experience.

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LiveChat

LiveChat offers a 14 day trial to show you exactly what this powerful Intercom alternative brings to the table. LiveChat is a premium help desk software for businesses and, as the name implies, it offers LiveChat service. Live chat can help turn support teams into rock stars, that’s what the advertising copy says at least.

Priced at $16 a month after that 14 day free trial, this chat platform offers a lot of features that can make it pretty useful. There are canned responses, customizable branding, screen sharing and third-party plugin integration.The platform is quite stable, it’s easy to separate groups and integrates well with other software. The reports are plentiful and there are quite a number of tools to make this is software even more useful. The security is tight and there are custom rules that you can Implement to make things even more secure.

Overall, LiveChat is among the most popular help desk plug-ins for customer support that we have found. It’s also among the oldest, that means they’ve gotten a lot of the bugs worked out and it works perfectly on all operating systems. LiveChat integrates perfectly with WordPress and all of the other major but page Builders, helping to improve communication across the World, helping you stay in touch with your customers and your website’s visitors.

LiveChat is available in dozens of different languages, making it a great solution for websites that I have worldwide reach and appeal. Live chat sets up quite easily and you can chat from any device, phone, tablet, laptop, you get the idea. The interface is clean and concise and I think it’s a great alternative intercom.

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Zoho Desk

This Zoho Desk software is a little bit different. It claims to be the first context-aware help desk software anywhere. Reading reviews, it sounds like that clean is pretty accurate. There are a lot of different contacts or where software systems, Google Assistant being one of them, and they can be decent making context-aware replies. Zoho Desk seems to be a step above. The automated, contacts to wear support is definitely better than a lot of the other options out there.

Zoho Desk puts customer service at the Forefront of what your company offers, making customers empowered. That can help to make your agents even more productive, giving them only the best leads and helping them to engage and close. Zoho Desk also offers automation, making most repetitive tasks completely automated. Zoho Desk is a fantastic platform where your entire team can collaborate, increasing productivity and customer satisfaction. Not to mention employee satisfaction. Zoho Desk offers support even when you are not around, that’s a really cute component to delivering exactly what your visitors want.

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SmartSupp

If you were looking for a very affordable service to integrate with your WordPress website, SmartSupp is really great alternative. This service integrates with WooCommerce, Magento, WordPress and more, even integrates with Google analytics to help share reports. You can create any sort of custom report for livechat sessions. SmartSupp is a little different than some of the child services in this collection, it offers a completely free plan of course, you can step up to the Premium plan which costs $8 per person per month. But, for many, the free version is going to be plenty.

This service is really built mostly for eCommerce Support, so I think that it’s a really great choice. A lot of people are singling this out as being one of the most easy chat platforms, perfectly integrating with open car, pretzel shop, webnode and WordPress as I mentioned. That’s a lot of flexibility and if your store needs a high-quality, free option for chatting with customers, I think this is a great pic.

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Pure Chat

Purechat is another free livechat service for high-volume websites. If you need a dedicated livechat operator, this is one of the better choices. Purechat allows you to connect to your website and displays a chat widget for all users to be able to connect. Well this service offers a free plan that gives you unlimited chat, chat transcripts, custom widgets and an engagement Hub, while supporting up to 3 operators, the premium version adds even more service and functionality. Purechat offers a free chat Forum, users can fill in their personal information and you’ll be able to connect with them once you are online. That’s a really nice feature and considering what you get for the free version, I think this is a very smart alternative to intercom.

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Drift

Drift is another chat service that allows you to connect with your customers in a convenient and easy way. The people at drift.com will help you schedule a free website conversion assessment, it allows you to get a very clear understanding of how conversational marketing can help increase sales and help you do a lot more business. Drift is a conversational marketing platform, they say that it’s the first and the only one on the web.

Drift allows you to automate the sales funnel with box, chatbots that can answer common questions in real time. He’s boxing and do a great job of routing qualified leads to the right sales rep and starting conversations with prospective customers in real time. All of this can help you generate more leads and that is one of the biggest things that this service has to offer. Converting more traffic, getting better leads, that’s what drift is all about it and I think that’s what makes it such a great alternative to Intercom.

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Chatport

Chaport says it is a better way to talk to website visitors. With chat for, you get to install a chat button on your website that can help answer customer questions and that will help increase in sales. Communicating with your customers should be an enjoyable experience and that is what Chaport attempts to do. It’s designed with a modern messenger look, it makes communication with customers fast, easy and enjoyable. It’s just like chatting with old friends. Creating satisfied customers can really help increase sales, talking to visitors and solving their problems quickly can help them make a decision to purchase your product for your service.

With Chaport, you don’t always need to be online. Visitors can write to you even when you’re offline and you will be able to answer questions via a livechat, receive email notifications and more. You can even try the app directly in your browser without installing the widget on your website. This is a One-Stop shopping center for answering customer questions and building trust, engaging with customers before they make their purchase is the best time to ensure that you make the right first impression.

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Freshworks

Freshworks is a feature-packed customer engagement Software System, are refreshing business software that your team and your customers are going to love. There are several different components included, freshdesk which helps to empower your support team. This allows people to work together to resolve customer issues faster. There is fresh chat, that allows you to engage with website visitors for sales and customer satisfaction. Freshsales helps to keep your sales team up-to-date about the newest leads and Prospects, helping them to close deals even faster. There are several others and I think that this service is certainly worth checking out. Freshworks is used by some of the largest websites in the world, helping to deliver a professional and friendly experience, boosting sales and building Trust.

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SnapEngage

SnapEngage is a livechat the gets proven results, helping you connect with visitors and improve results. SnapEngage can help amplify your sales by enabling your sales team to qualify and convert even more leads. It’s all about engagement. SnapEngage has a gold ribbon chat that empowers qualified leads to take the next step. Keeping qualified leads moving down that sales funnel is very important.

You get real-world sales results, using this SnapEngage conversation platform, you’ll be able to engage with customers in an incredibly conversation friendly and efficient way. Retaining existing customers is every bit as important. SnapEngage helps Boost customer satisfaction. That can reduce your cost per interaction and every little bit of savings helps. With real-world support results, he will deliver answers to customers in a way that give them a fantastic user experience. Basically, this is about engaging with your customers and potential customers in a smarter way, using automation where it makes sense and good old-fashioned human contact when a needed.

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Slack

Slack describes itself as a collaboration Hub, helping to put the right people in the right information together. When everything comes together like that, everyone benefits. Slack is certainly one of the most popular software services in this collection, everybody seems to have heard of it. Slack allows you to create a channel for every conversation, organizing information by topics, projects, teams or whatever makes sense for you and your company. With these channels, everyone who needs the right information gets it and that can help streamline your efforts.

Slack fully integrates with all of the most popular apps and services that you might already be using everyday. With slack, information can flow into the stream of conversation, everyone gets to see it and act on it, inside the slack app. It’s really a great way to integrate and streamline your efforts to make sure that everyone’s hard work pays off.

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Olark

Olark is a software service that helps you grow your business with each and every online conversation. Olark livechat helps connect you to the right customers at the right time in the right place. That means that you can increase sales while you provide support and acquire new, promising leads. Making each and every conversation count is very important, you’ll need to be able to identify and engage with your most qualified leads. Features like automated messaging, preach at surveys, detailed visitor insights and a wide range of in-depth reporting or some of the tools that can help you achieve that goal.

Olark believes that growth happens faster when people work together. That is why I Olark integration is so thorough. No matter what CRM or eCommerce platform, analytics software you use, Olark does a great job of integrating. No matter what your business call, whether it’s simply offering better service, generating leads or higher sales, Olark has the type of livechat features to help you accomplish that goal.

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#Chat #Helpdesk #Intercom

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peterslewisp1 · 7 years

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Parent Shares Story on both children needing glasses, for two completely different reasons.

When my youngest, Owen, was a newborn, he had these beautiful blue eyes that would swing back and forth like pendulums. He never opened his eyes outside, and soon I realized he didn’t seem to “see” us.

We found out at only 2 months old that he had a lifelong condition called Albinism, which affected his hair, skin, and eyes. Those early months were long and difficult for me; his vision was so poor that he didn’t recognize my face until he was 5 months old. When Owen was about 6 months old, we saw a wonderful doctor at UCSD that changed our lives and prescribed him his first pair of glasses.

When we found out about Owen’s albinism, we were devastated. No one wants to hear that their child is blind and will hate sunlight for the rest of his life. It was really hard looking into his eyes and realizing he can’t even see me yet. That first year was rough on me, both emotionally and physically. I never felt like I was ever going to get the hang of juggling two pairs of glasses (prescription glasses and sunglasses), a hat, and sunscreen. But as his vision slowly improved over the first year of his life, my spirits lifted and it became our new normal. Now I can’t picture Owen any other way but with cute round frames on his face!

A couple years later, when our older son Jack was about 5 years old, he failed his vision and hearing test in the nurse’s office at school. It was a total surprise when he came home with a note saying he probably needed glasses too!

When we found out about Jack needing glasses, we were obviously completely surprised. He was an early reader — reading before his 5th birthday — and hadn’t hinted at all that he had a difficult time seeing things. But the news settled in quickly; since his little brother has always worn glasses, this was a familiar part of life for us. Now it’s second-nature to us and them, and I love how much they’ve bonded just over wearing glasses together.

“I never thought both my boys would be in glasses, in two completely different, unrelated reasons for wearing them. This definitely took some time to get used to.”

Owen has been wearing glasses for as long as he can remember. It was a little bit of an adjustment to go from his flexible baby frames to hard acetate, but within a day or two he figured out they were easier to put on by himself and loved the newfound freedom. When Jack found out he needed glasses, I think there was a part of him that was actually really excited to be like his little brother; he saw it as a privilege to get to wear glasses! When we were getting out of the car before Jack’s first eye exam, he whispered to me, “I want glasses. But ones that look more grown-up than Owen’s, without a strap on the back.” He embraced them from day one and loves all the compliments he gets.

It sounds silly, but honestly I think there’s a little bit of a grieving process you have to go through when you realize your child’s face will never look the same again. The most important thing I’ve learned (and like to tell everyone who compliments the boys’ frames) is to appreciate how EASY it is to buy and fit JPE glasses. We spent three years going to different optical shops and purchasing over a dozen frames for Owen, and it was frustrating every time. When he broke a pair of glasses or grew out of them, I’d cry because the process of getting new ones was so stressful and expensive. Both boys are now rocking JPE frames, and we’ve never looked back — they’re better looking, sturdier, and more scratch-resistant than any other lenses we’ve had. And best of all, you can adjust them yourself anytime you want, keeping me out of the dreaded optical shop.

We heard about JPE from a friend when Owen was probably 1 or 2 years old, and I remember being so sad that he didn’t fit in the frames yet. I knew the day would eventually come when he’d be old enough, but what I didn’t realize at the time is that Jack would actually be the first to wear JPE frames! We ordered a try-on kit and picked out a pair with him — and made a mental note of the frames we’d pick for Owen to wear in a couple years.

One of the best things about JPE frames are that they’re adjustable at home. Nothing is more awkward than having to go into an optical shop and ask them to fit the glasses you bought online instead of from them! We’ve had at least 15 pairs of glasses in our home, all from different places, and JPE quality is top-notch. The hinges are very strong and durable, and even with rough boys we have yet to get a scratch on our lenses. And trust me when I say you can’t beat the $79 all-inclusive price — over the years I’ve never paid less than $200 for a of glasses!

It definitely was an adjustment for me, but as a parent - you need to give yourself time. It’s a big change that came on suddenly. Your child’s face will never look the same again, and that’s kind of shocking at first! Your kids will mirror your emotions, so if you’re confident, they will be too. One thing we’ve done that’s helped a lot in the adjustment period is giving our kids responsibility and ownership of their glasses. They each have a dedicated place to store their glasses at night (in pockets that hang off the side of their bunkbed). Morning and night, it’s their job to carefully put on and take off their glasses and put them away in the case. Giving them small responsibilities like this and praising them when they succeed has helped our boys respect and take care of their glasses.

Owen is charming from head to toe. He speaks so eloquently in the cutest little voice that makes you eagerly listen to every word he says. You can’t help but instantly fall in love with his inquisitive personality, and his glasses are usually the icing on the cake for people. He is always imagining and building things using legos, blocks, a drawing he’s made, or even the hangers strung together from his bedroom closet. He’s got the wildest imagination and makes sure to share his well thought out, detailed plans for his masterpieces and adventures with whoever will listen. He loves to read and use the CCTV at school that magnifies the pictures in his books. He gives the best hugs and is one of the most thoughtful kids I’ve ever met. Despite the visual limitations of having albinism, he is confident and independent — I love that he never lets it hold him back.

Jack is likely the happiest child you’ll ever meet. Every teacher he’s ever had since the age of two has told me he has the most infectious laugh and smile they’ve ever seen. It’s true — he gave his first smile at five weeks old and never stopped after that! He has high-functioning autism (Asperger’s) and wears his heart on his sleeve. When he’s cheerful he lights up the whole room with his giggles, but when he’s sad he feels it with such deep, raw tears. The way he feels with such genuine emotion is one of my favorite things about him. Most often you’ll find him reading (literally for hours a day) and building flying space ships out of legos. He loves school more than anything else — it’s his favorite place to be!

Thank you so much Alie for sharing your story with us!

Continue to follow along their story at @delightedtobe

from Jonas Paul Eyewear - News https://jonaspauleyewear.com/blogs/news/parents-story-guest-feature from Jonas Paul Frames http://jonaspaulframes.tumblr.com/post/172033556982

#Jonas Paul Frames

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rafaelhillr1 · 7 years

Text

Guest Feature: Two children needing glasses for two different reasons.

When my youngest, Owen, was a newborn, he had these beautiful blue eyes that would swing back and forth like pendulums. He never opened his eyes outside, and soon I realized he didn't seem to "see" us.

We found out at only 2 months old that he had a lifelong condition called Albinism, which affected his hair, skin, and eyes. Those early months were long and difficult for me; his vision was so poor that he didn't recognize my face until he was 5 months old. When Owen was about 6 months old, we saw a wonderful doctor at UCSD that changed our lives and prescribed him his first pair of glasses.

When we found out about Owen's albinism, we were devastated. No one wants to hear that their child is blind and will hate sunlight for the rest of his life. It was really hard looking into his eyes and realizing he can't even see me yet. That first year was rough on me, both emotionally and physically. I never felt like I was ever going to get the hang of juggling two pairs of glasses (prescription glasses and sunglasses), a hat, and sunscreen. But as his vision slowly improved over the first year of his life, my spirits lifted and it became our new normal. Now I can't picture Owen any other way but with cute round frames on his face!

A couple years later, when our older son Jack was about 5 years old, he failed his vision and hearing test in the nurse's office at school. It was a total surprise when he came home with a note saying he probably needed glasses too!

When we found out about Jack needing glasses, we were obviously completely surprised. He was an early reader — reading before his 5th birthday — and hadn't hinted at all that he had a difficult time seeing things. But the news settled in quickly; since his little brother has always worn glasses, this was a familiar part of life for us. Now it's second-nature to us and them, and I love how much they've bonded just over wearing glasses together.

"I never thought both my boys would be in glasses, in two completely different, unrelated reasons for wearing them. This definitely took some time to get used to."

Owen has been wearing glasses for as long as he can remember. It was a little bit of an adjustment to go from his flexible baby frames to hard acetate, but within a day or two he figured out they were easier to put on by himself and loved the newfound freedom. When Jack found out he needed glasses, I think there was a part of him that was actually really excited to be like his little brother; he saw it as a privilege to get to wear glasses! When we were getting out of the car before Jack's first eye exam, he whispered to me, "I want glasses. But ones that look more grown-up than Owen's, without a strap on the back." He embraced them from day one and loves all the compliments he gets.

It sounds silly, but honestly I think there's a little bit of a grieving process you have to go through when you realize your child's face will never look the same again. The most important thing I've learned (and like to tell everyone who compliments the boys' frames) is to appreciate how EASY it is to buy and fit JPE glasses. We spent three years going to different optical shops and purchasing over a dozen frames for Owen, and it was frustrating every time. When he broke a pair of glasses or grew out of them, I'd cry because the process of getting new ones was so stressful and expensive. Both boys are now rocking JPE frames, and we've never looked back — they're better looking, sturdier, and more scratch-resistant than any other lenses we've had. And best of all, you can adjust them yourself anytime you want, keeping me out of the dreaded optical shop.

We heard about JPE from a friend when Owen was probably 1 or 2 years old, and I remember being so sad that he didn't fit in the frames yet. I knew the day would eventually come when he'd be old enough, but what I didn't realize at the time is that Jack would actually be the first to wear JPE frames! We ordered a try-on kit and picked out a pair with him — and made a mental note of the frames we'd pick for Owen to wear in a couple years.

One of the best things about JPE frames are that they're adjustable at home. Nothing is more awkward than having to go into an optical shop and ask them to fit the glasses you bought online instead of from them! We've had at least 15 pairs of glasses in our home, all from different places, and JPE quality is top-notch. The hinges are very strong and durable, and even with rough boys we have yet to get a scratch on our lenses. And trust me when I say you can't beat the $79 all-inclusive price — over the years I've never paid less than $200 for a of glasses!

It definitely was an adjustment for me, but as a parent - you need to give yourself time. It's a big change that came on suddenly. Your child's face will never look the same again, and that's kind of shocking at first! Your kids will mirror your emotions, so if you're confident, they will be too. One thing we've done that's helped a lot in the adjustment period is giving our kids responsibility and ownership of their glasses. They each have a dedicated place to store their glasses at night (in pockets that hang off the side of their bunkbed). Morning and night, it's their job to carefully put on and take off their glasses and put them away in the case. Giving them small responsibilities like this and praising them when they succeed has helped our boys respect and take care of their glasses.

Owen is charming from head to toe. He speaks so eloquently in the cutest little voice that makes you eagerly listen to every word he says. You can't help but instantly fall in love with his inquisitive personality, and his glasses are usually the icing on the cake for people. He is always imagining and building things using legos, blocks, a drawing he's made, or even the hangers strung together from his bedroom closet. He's got the wildest imagination and makes sure to share his well thought out, detailed plans for his masterpieces and adventures with whoever will listen. He loves to read and use the CCTV at school that magnifies the pictures in his books. He gives the best hugs and is one of the most thoughtful kids I've ever met. Despite the visual limitations of having albinism, he is confident and independent — I love that he never lets it hold him back.

Jack is likely the happiest child you'll ever meet. Every teacher he's ever had since the age of two has told me he has the most infectious laugh and smile they've ever seen. It's true — he gave his first smile at five weeks old and never stopped after that! He has high-functioning autism (Asperger's) and wears his heart on his sleeve. When he's cheerful he lights up the whole room with his giggles, but when he's sad he feels it with such deep, raw tears. The way he feels with such genuine emotion is one of my favorite things about him. Most often you'll find him reading (literally for hours a day) and building flying space ships out of legos. He loves school more than anything else — it's his favorite place to be!

Thank you so much Alie for sharing your story with us!

Continue to follow along their story at @delightedtobe

via Jonas Paul Eyewear - News https://jonaspauleyewear.com/blogs/news/parents-story-guest-feature

from Jonas Paul Frames - Blog http://jonaspaulframes.weebly.com/blog/guest-feature-two-children-needing-glasses-for-two-different-reasons

#Jonas Paul Frames - Blog

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