#just telling the friendly internet people in my phone about my relationship insecurities | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

emmanelson · 3 years

Text

Chapter 3: Feelings and First Times

A little prequel that takes place during 2.01-2.02 when Devi is dating both Ben and Paxton. The first time they have sex, it isn’t in a friends-with-benefits relationship. It’s bordering on the brink of something real, something special, at least in Paxton’s retrospect.

tw: rated M for sexual content

In the days that followed Devi deciding to date both Ben and Paxton, their relationship moved at a quicker pace than expected. Paxton meant what he said by wanting to make the time they still had together count, even if it would only be for a couple more weeks. So when Devi is invited to the Hall-Yoshida household that Friday night with the implicit instruction to stay over, she tells her mom she is sleeping over at Eleanor’s and is maybe even a little too eager to get there, the walk feels more like a sprint. They had tried taking the next step a few times, and then realized they wanted to live long enough to actually see each other, so doing it at the Vishwakumar residence was out of the question.

She isn’t expecting much, a pizza, maybe some video games in the garage and then she’d retire to Rebecca’s room and try to raid her closet unsuccessfully. But what she arrived at was a whole other story.

She was greeted at the door with a long, slow kiss and Paxton’s lit up face as he ushered her inside.

“We’ve gone on enough dates for me to get that it means one on one, so tonight it’s just us.” He was biting the inside of his cheek.

“Do you have protection?”

“Yeah I-Why, do you?” Leave it to Devi to be the first one to bring up sex. She did say that Paxton brought out her mega-horny side after all, and never thought she would actually get this close to having sex before being moved halfway around the world.

“Yeah, I kind of panicked and asked Kamala to buy me some at the drug store and drop it off a block away so my mom didn’t catch on.” For talking a big game, Devi knew next to nothing about sex. She only knew what she saw in tv shows, read about in weird Wattpad-fanfiction-turned-best-selling-novels, and researched on the internet. She had tried watching porn once but she clicked play when her airpod was off and you couldn’t pay her to relive that experience and the horror of her mom asking what she was doing.

“I kinda asked my parents to take Becca out for the night. I wanna show you something.” Paxton lightly took her head as they walked up the staircase towards his bedroom. Not the garage, not the couch, his room.

“If this is going to be one of the last weekends we have together, I wanted it to be special and shit.” She had been in Paxton’s room before, but had never seen it so clean, and was that the smell of fresh sheets? Upon taking in Devi’s widened gaze, he quickly backtracked and shook his head vigorously. “Not that we have to fool around or do anything that you don’t want to.”

Devi was shaking her head and stifling a laugh for a whole other reason.

“I just wanted you to have something that was something out of the stupid chick-flicks that Becca makes me watch. Something that you can think about while you’re in India and I’m stuck here. I had to use these dumb environmentally friendly light bulbs that my mom buys because the last time we had real candles, there was an incident with Trent and the house almost burned down.”

He had lit candles, or at least light bulbs in the shape of candles, ushered his family out of the house and seemed rather hesitant about asking for sex. She couldn’t believe this was her life right now. Her relationship with Paxton had always been somewhat based on physical attraction. When they first talked and she asked him for sex, to when they started dating and moved onto beyond chaste kisses and lingering touches over clothes to long makeout sessions and bruised lips and body parts.

If anything it only made her want him more and she eagerly hooked her arms around his neck. “This is perfect. More than perfect actually, you didn’t have to go through all the trouble, but I’m glad you did.”

Normally Devi was the one rambling and Paxton was the one initiating things between them, it was kind of a rush to be on the other side of things for a change.

“I want my first time to be with you, here, just like this.” She whispered against his mouth, watching as his lips curved upwards into a wide smile.

He took his time kissing her, familiarizing himself with her body, teasing things out in her that she figured laid dormant. He was moving so slow that Devi was getting frustrated as they fell back onto his bed.

“I know I’m the virgin here, but doesn’t it usually move a lot quicker than this?” She was trying to unbutton his jeans, lift up his shirt to feel his abs, anything to speed things up but Paxton simply continued pushing his tongue past her lips and making her head spin.

A hand snaked under her shirt and Devi immediately moved to cover her breasts, insecurity surfacing at the worst time.

“What’s wrong?”

“I know I have small boobs and I’m not like Zoe or Shira levels of hotness. So if this isn’t, you know up to par with the sex you usually have, I understand.”

Paxton only furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Did she really not know how he felt about her?

“Not only are you beautiful on the outside, but you’re gorgeous on the inside, something that they...are lacking.”

His words always made her flush, and this time was no exception. “I like your body. Now can I continue to appreciate it the way it deserves?” He chuckled under his breath and with one hand, grabbed both of hers and pinned them above her head. Her eyes widened in surprise and anticipation, she bit down on her bottom lip and if things weren’t already well on their way, he would have muttered something about wanting to do very dirty things to her. Repeatedly.

“If this is the first time, and quite possibly the last time we have to do this, you better believe that I am going to be taking my time with you.” He caught her lower lip with his teeth, slowing his movements which only made a whine emit from deep in her throat.

Paxton’s free hand moved between her legs and brushed her core through her underwear. Without breaking eye contact he moved her panties aside and inserted one finger into her, and then another.

The sudden pressure made Devi suck in a breath, no amount of YA novels or research could have prepared her for what it would actually feel like. Her whole body lit up, as if she was covered in gasoline and Paxton had lit a match, starting a fire that only seemed to spread.

“So tight.” His breath came out ragged, his jeans tightening against him. Paxton thought that guys thought about sex more than girls, and he hadn’t heard anything to the contrary until he met Devi. She had stared at him one too many times past the point of charming and made remarks about wanting to “climb him like a jungle gym.” Mostly through text to Fabiola and Eleanor that he may have happened to stumble upon when he used her phone to play Candy Crush.

In the days that followed their kiss in the park, Paxton wanted to nail his next history while Devi made it increasingly difficult to concentrate with all the short skirts she would wear, and don’t forget about the constant sexual innuendos she would make that went over his head because they had to do with whatever subject they were learning about.

“Is this okay?” He asked, his eyes searching hers for any hint of hesitation. One word, and he would gladly stall his movements. “Do you want me to stop?”

“No, just go faster. I want more of you. All of you.”

This night was all about making her comfortable, making sure she was getting the most out of this, that her needs were met. A selfish part of him hoped that if he made a lasting impression, she wouldn’t come back from India with a smarter, hotter, boyfriend or worse, fiance. His fears only made his grip on her tighten and tilt her chin up so she was forced to meet his eyes.

“Tell me, in words or else I’ll just assume and that’s a really shitty thing to do.” He spoke slowly, deliberately as her eyes fixated on his chest.

“I want you inside of me.”

Paxton breathed out a sigh of relief, or was Devi breathing out her own? He withdrew his hand and her body instantly shivered at the loss of contact. Within the time it took for him to shake off his jeans, Devi had regained control of her hands and grabbed a fistful of his T-shirt into her hands, yanking it over his head in record time.

“Do you want me to touch you?”

“Shh, this is about making you feel good.” He mumbled into her hair, dragging his lips towards her ear as she ground her hips into his. He took a condom out of his jeans pocket and rolled it on before positioning himself in between her legs.

He pushed into her slowly, the movements stilling as Devi dug her nails into his back in retaliation. She grimaced at the feeling, her body was tightly wound up and only when Paxton began to move his body at a quicker pace, did hers relax in response.

They laid in bed after, Devi’s legs felt like the jello and even if she had to be home in a few hours, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to walk without falling or at least looking like a klutz. “Is that a picture of Gigi Hadid on your ceiling?”

Now it was Paxton’s turn to almost flush to an unseemly red color.

“I’ve had that up there forever, just forgot to take it down that’s all.”

“Do you look at it when you, you know?”

“I was just inside you Vishwakumar, I think we’re as intimate as two people can be. You can say the word masturbate.”

“Well, do you?” She pressed, ignoring the way nerves once more fluttered against her stomach. “Do you ever think of me, when you touch yourself?”

“If only you knew.” He murmured against her neck, not wanting to give away just how many nights he spent relieving himself to the memory of their first kiss, or more recently, to their makeout sessions that didn’t just leave her hot and bothered, but him as well. “That was your first time right?”

“Is it that obvious? Should I just have had the word virgin written across my forehead?”

“I think it’s cool that you waited or whatever. Did what was right for you.”

“Why? What was your first time like?” Devi didn’t want to pry, or ask something too personal, but she would be lying if she said she wasn’t curious.

“Um, I think I was 14.”

“14? As in like freshman year of high school?” That was one year younger than her current age, it made bile rise to her throat at the thought.

“Eighth grade. It was the summer before high school and the JV and Varsity swim teams invited us incoming freshmen to a party, to get to know each other and whatnot. It was chaperoned by this one guy’s sister, I think she was 21. Her name was Stacey or Stephanie, something with an S. She brought us all beer and acted cooler than any of our parents at the time.” Devi didn’t say anything, but silently nodded and urged him to continue.

“Anyway, one night like the first week of school, we all get wasted right? Some more than others I guess, because I woke up not remembering anything that happened or even how I got so intoxicated. I was mostly drinking Coke the entire night, with some rum here and there sure, but nothing too extreme. I passed out on the couch and when I woke up, she was on top of me, stroking my hair, touching me, and telling me to stay quiet so we didn’t wake anyone up.”

“I-Is that all?” Her eyes were wide, almost glassy, and Paxton instantly felt years older than her. Like she was too innocent to be hearing this and yet here he was, exposing her to it anyway. Exposing her to the harsh reality that he didn’t want her to know, yet she was already familiar with after what happened to her dad.

“She started whispering in my ear. Tell me how I seemed really mature for my age and how college boys are so rowdy and they didn’t listen to her like I did. I don’t even remember us having any kind of in-depth conversation.” His voice dropped to a low whisper. “She said that it wasn’t cool to go into high school as a virgin, especially if you were a guy. The other guys on the swim team would just turn it into some kind of contest to see who could get laid the fastest. She said I would have a leg up on all of them and be able to show off.”

A bitter chuckle passed through his lips. “Except, I didn’t feel superior or like a man or wanted, I just felt empty.”

“Did you tell anyone?”

“Only Trent.”

Not wanting to sound rude, Devi bit her tongue and remained nonchalant. “Is Trent really the best person to be telling your secrets to?”

“He’s actually cool once you get to know him, okay? He told me that if I wanted to go to the cops and quote ‘make her a prison bitch’ unquote that he would back me up. He may act stoned 90% of the time, but he has a good heart. I trust him with my life.”

“Did um, did you ever see her again?” She asked patiently, as her fingers ran up and down the length of his torso.

“At that point, it didn’t matter. When I got back to school on Monday everyone had heard, turned me into the big man on campus and whatnot, whether I earned the title or not. I wish I had waited, you know? For my first time to be with someone that I really cared about.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know I’ve been with other girls before and you know, I’m some ladies man or shit. But that’s all it was you know, just sex. It’s isn’t like that with you.”

“Well if it makes you feel any better, this was better than what I had in mind. It was better than any rom-com or YA novel.”

“This doesn’t mean nothing okay? It would never mean nothing, not with you.”

Devi immediately wanted to correct his use of a double negative, but she refrained. She was speechless, too raw, first from the sex they just had and then hearing Paxton’s story. She was touched that he felt comfortable sharing such a private event with her.

“Would you have done things different? Your first time I mean.” She asked quietly, finding her voice again after letting all the information she had just heard sink in.

“Well I definitely would have waited to do it when I was sober.”

“Everyone deserves a second change, a do-over. And you aren’t drunk or high or impaired in any way right now are you?”

“No.”

“So take your do-over.” Sure she didn’t handle her own trauma in the best manner, but she was surprisingly insistent in helping others overcome their own turmoil. Plus with her big brown eyes, Paxton felt like he was saying no to Bambi.

“Dev-”

“I want you to feel good.” His own words hung in the air between them uttered by her soft voice, only a silent nod of his head and Devi had pressed her lips against his and rolled them over so she was now flush against his chest. “We can go as painfully slow as you want.”

“So now you aren’t in a rush to jump me?” The warmth in his features returned, he seemed to have a genuine smile on his face and was raising an eyebrow at her in slightly amusement.

“Something tells me this won’t be the last time, we’ll get there.”

#daxton #daxton fanfic #devi x paxton #paxton x devi #daxtonedit #nhie fic #heatwavefic

48 notes · View notes

hecohansen31 · 5 years

Text

Not Of Age: (Duncan Shepherd+Reader)

A/N: Hello there, lovelies!

How was everything?

I am a bit stressed out for various thing, but also… you know what would help a lot? FEEDBACK (please if you have a minute of your time spare it to either heart this fic, comment on it, or reblog it, only if you liked it, obviously) (+you are always welcome to tell me what went wrong, what went right, in either my messages or in my asks, I am always happy to get one so…).

Also this is all inspired to something that happened to me (no I sadly don’t know any Duncan Shepherds in real life), since I get a lot mistaked for younger than I actually am (and I know it might sound strange but it is something I am insecure about, because people don’t take you seriously).

(Plus: one of my photos of the collage is actually mine, because I am wearing the dress, I described in the fic, so you can see it better+I don’t know I love the way that dress is one me…so) (Also i censored my face, because I was without make-up+I was wearing a very obnoxious flower crown).

Plus, before this gets controversial, Duncan in this fic is not interested into Reader because she is younger and might not seem of age, but he is more attracted to her “potrayal of youth”.

As always… I talk too much so I shall leave you to appreciating the fanfiction (let me know if you want a sequel because I mgiht be working on something right now!).

SUMMARY: You don’t show your age, and this got you in so much troubles, such as the one you got into after an unexpected visit on a Saturday’s morning, in an extra meeting with Duncan Shepherd

WORDS: 2,3 K.

WARNINGS: Just Duncan being flirty, and mostly kissing (no smut), also Older! Man in a relationship with a younger girl!

She had always been the girl, who looked much younger than her true age .

Both for her terrible childish manners (not only she still had the that naivety which was only seen in children, but also a brattish character that sometimes got her in trouble, mostly in relationships) both for the fact that her appearance was juvenile and much more belonging to a teen than an actually woman, who was 25 years old, which prompted many awkward and weird situations.

Such as the typical bar patron who asked her ID after she ordered alcohol, alongside a few of her partners on internet picking her up just because she looked much younger or mumbling something as “are you legal?”, when they saw her.

And although many people thought that it was an advantage, it was something she personally found annoying, mostly when people reminded her of it as it meant she was somehow shallow and not worthy of being taken seriously.

Many of her friends had also by now a kid on the way and were already married (although some settled for the first one that came through the window and it showed), so being the only single friend, not only sucked, but meant that apparently she was less trust worthy than a pregnant woman, alongside the fact that she didn’t seem to belong at all whenever a wedding was mentioned or a baby shower, and she just stared at the wall till they all giggled together, joining her friends there.

That day she seemed young not only because she wasn’t wearing her usual heavy make-up, which helped a lot with making her feel not only more confident but also a few years older, but she was dressed in a pretty sundress she had wanted to wear to the typical brunch her friends had on the first day of summer, setting themselves in a park in order to talk a bit.

The sundress was a perfect solution for the warm weather which coated her body in the form of sweat; but also she honestly loved the way the dress fit on her body, giving her a pretty hourglass figure, with its 50’s style..

She had bought the dress something like ten years ago, it had been her first dress ever, and although it was a bit ruined by the excessive washing she still felt comforted by wearing it and it still looked pretty amazing: its organza skirt bore a flowery pattern, her favorite!

She hadn’t worn make-up, stopped by the terrible hotness of the day, choosing to hide herself from the eyes of her friends and the sun with sunglasses and a straw hat, brought back from a very old journey, but which gave her a “Heiress on Vacation” kind of look.

The last touch of the look would have been sandals, but she had to go for sneaker since her boss called her at work for an emergency reunion, ruining her entire day of the brunch.

She hadn’t had enough time to change into something more “work appropriate” so she had just to go with her sundress and sneakers, hoping nobody would notice the terrible match.

The hat had been gently discarded to the secretary, meanwhile she “helloed” her and her boss made her a sign to move onto her office quickly, where she plumped down on her turning chair and checked into a mirror the state of her hair, after she had walked (more like ran) to work, sweating like a pig, (to hide it, she applied a generous amount of the extra-deodorant she had in her office for emergency such as this one).

She knew nothing about what she was supposed to be expecting.

Her boss had just mumbled something about “a very important client cancelling a meeting and asking for another on Saturday morning” when she wasn’t supposed to be working, but her boss had asked for a favor, alongside a promise of an extra on her paycheck to take the job.

“It will only last an hour maximum, I just need you to make him sign the documents and nobody is answering me…” because the offices were supposed to be closed on Saturday, and knowing this no clients were allowed in the building on Saturday…. alongside the fact that many people at 8 A.M. of Saturday were still sleeping with their phones off, meanwhile she had had to wake up, since not only she had had to get ready but the park for the brunch was two hours away from her.

“Ok… I will take it, but please… sign it as extra-work” she had mumbled, before sending her friends a message on how she would be sadly missing at least the first part of the brunch and to leave her something to eat, since she would come an hour later than she had programmed.

And maybe even more…

Because after what seemed like half an hour after the appointment had been set, she stilll saw nobody and she had even tried to ask the secretary (also extraordinarily there) if she had known something about the “mysterious man”, just to get a shake of head and a whisper on how much she hated that job (on which she agreed).

She was halfway through painting her nails, the one she had accidentally scratched on her way to the job, when she heard a knock on her door, surprising her enough that she almost painted her dress of the same teal color of her nail polish.

She mumbled a “please enter”, meanwhile she meticulously hid the nail polish’s bottle and breathed hot air on her nails to get them to dry quicker, not wanting to leave signs on the poor man’s hand.

And meanwhile she did all this, a man walked in her office, a very handsome and known man, whom she knew because of all the “Vanity Fair” ’s covers her boss had in her office, practically worshipping the self-made man, Duncan Shepherd had become after his exit from jail.

And not only did he look better in reality than on magazine cover, but he looked at her with two of the prettiest eyes she had even seen, preying on her as if she was some kind of water in a sandy desert.

She felt immediately the bush rising to her face, regretting not having taken a jacket with her, leaving her cleavage exposed since the dress had a deep “v” neck, which prompted a lot of skin to be shown and although it was pretty breathy for the summer, it didn’t mean that it was appropriate for the workplace.

Although to be stared like that by such a powerful man…

It wasn’t the “I want to make you feel like a piece of meat” stare so many frat boys gave her, but it was the “I will have you on your desk in five minutes, if you are interested”.

-Ehm… I think I have the wrong office, I was looking for Mrs (L/N)- he mumbled, thinking her to be the wrong person, but she just mumbled a shy “you are in the right place”.

-… I am Mrs (L/N), but you may call me (Y/N)- you knew it was highly unprofessional to share your name with a client, mostly somebody who was here just to sign but you tried to make it all seem a bit more relaxed, more for yourself than for him, who would look at ease even in a Nordic climate -I am sorry for my inappropriate state, this meeting was scheduled at last minute and I was on my way to a friendly brunch-.

-I am extremely sorry for the meeting at this hour and day, but I had a problem with the scheduled appointment, and I wouldn’t be back in America till a month… so…-.

-Don’t worry, Mr Shepherd, I am more than happy to make an exception for you- she didn’t mean to make it sound so flirty, mostly because she wasn’t used to try her luck with guys like him, not to talk about the fact that her childish naivety scared away boys, but this one, stayed, interested, staring at her.

-Well thank you very much, then- he mumbled, matching her flirty tone, meanwhile coming nearer, where she showed him the chair, raising up and showing a bit of her legs, which made him lower his gaze on them, and she faked not noticing although she raised a bit on her toes to show much more -… give me a pen and I will be out of your hair soon-.

He smiled brightly at her sudden goofy attempt to grab a pen, just to grasp simply air, making an awkward figure, to which he giggled, till she offered the pen, and moved the contract for their agency in his hands, meanwhile their hands bumped just a bit together, electricity shooting through her veins.

She even lowered herself a bit, the cleavage appearing more evident and he caught it with his eyes as they lowered upon the papers, meanwhile she simply dropped on her elbows and her ass shot up, which got her in a very explicit position.

He read the papers, or at least appeared to be reading those chewing the pen, before setting it down and smile at her as he caught her looking at him, nibbling her bottom lip.

-I didn’t think that you were Mrs (L/N) because you seem so much younger- he mumbled, taking time, clearly, meanwhile she settled swiftly back a bit, embarrassed by how freely she had acted with him, although he had given her clear indications he was into her and was trying his best to flirt her up.

But he was still a client till he walked outside the door.

-Oh, believe me but a lot of people think the same- she giggled, trying to breathe out her embarrassment.

-… it isn’t a bad thing- he mumbled, meanwhile looking at her and smiling at her flushed cheeks -… I wish I looked younger! People nowadays ask me if I need glasses to see-.

She laughed heartedly, meanwhile he looked at her through his lashes as if to say he was serious.

-You look amazing, Mr Shepherd- this got him to puff his chest even further almost as a proud bird, which got a genuine smile from her -… and I mean it is nice to know you can somehow age slower, but also… a lot of people tend not to take you seriously if you don’t look mature enough, plus, guys are not interested into younglings…-.

This got her a shocked look from him, which changed swiftly in an outraged look.

-… boys tend to have that kind of thoughts- he mumbled, shooting her a serious glance, that went through her entire body -…men don’t-.

And he was a man, probably ten years her senior, although she had heard he was much older than what he seemed with a pendant for a new girl on his arm each week, much younger than him, so she knew what was going on, although she was not his usual supermodel.

-Thank you, I will set my mind onto dating only men from now on- she mumbled, shyly, before tapping at the paper, to remind him what was going on, shooting him a knowing look; she couldn’t because of so many reasons, although she wanted.

-You are very welcome- he muttered, before setting a last glance on her body and swiftly signing the paper -Then is it done? -.

-It is- she replied, moving to accompany him to the door, as a way to let him even further know that she sadly couldn’t.

-Then we are not a client and a professional, right? – he asked.

And with her typical childish naivety, not fully understanding his motives she answered.

-… yes-.

And he swiftly closed the door, behind them, before pulling her against the door with a sudden roughness she found herself liking, and left her legs trembling, before diving on her lips, with his, with much more gentleness than the push against the door, a bit dipping her as they did in the movies.

He was far gentler than what he had promised her with the “door movement”, getting her wondering what would come next… a kiss or a slap…

But he was careful with her now, probably after the yelp of pain he got from having pushed her back against the hard wood, before pushing her towards another kind of “hard wood”, much more human.

And this got a moan of pleasure transferred from her mouth to his, opening herself to his tongue and a languid caress from it, before it moved back to trace, as if to know them by heart, her lips.

When he separated himself from her, much more due to the lack of air than because he wanted to, he still kept her against him.

Her sundress had risen up a bit, and now her thighs were even more exposed, meanwhile her cleavage was widened up by the rushed tries and friction of her dress against his crisp elegant shirt, rigorously back, whereas hers was beige, matching their respective personalities.

He moved his eyes from the ground to her face, just to cup it and keeping the stare till their lips were near each other and then he closed them, as she did, but nothing but dry air went through them and when she opened them he had disappeared, which left her to wonder whether or not something had happened, till she saw the signed paper and felt the little ticket hidden in the cleavage of her dress, with an address from an hotel in Italy written on it and a number on the other side.

She wondered about what it meant, why her and how he managed to slip it in her dress without knowing why…

But now apparently she had a way to find it all out.

#duncan shepherd #duncan shepherd reader #duncan shepherd x reader #house of cards #duncan shepherd image #duncan shepherd fanfic #duncan shepherd fan fic #fanfic #fan fic #heco writes #duncan shepherd fluff #older duncan shepherd

42 notes · View notes

blueboycal · 5 years

Text

Number One - Ashton Irwin

REQUEST: A jealous ashton request when he gets really jealous/ possessive because of one of the other 5sos boys being too handsy + An insecure ashton request where he thinks he isn't good enough for you

AUTHORS NOTE: shoutout to @flannelpunkcalum for editing this and helping me in general.

PAIRING: Ashton x Black!Reader

WARNINGS: mentions of racism, self harm

WORD COUNT: 1,912

She followed closely behind the boys as they entered the bar. She held on tightly to Ashton’s hand. They’d gotten off stage about an hour ago and were going to celebrate their third record debuting at number one. Ashton found a booth for them and they sat down while the others were at the bar ordering drinks. She checked her phone to pass the time before the other boys sauntered back to the table carrying drinks in each of their hands. Soon glasses were passed around the table and she picked hers up.

“We’re number one in the U.S baby!” Michael shouted. He lifted his in the air and brought it to his lips, downing the shot. Cheers erupted around the table. Everyone echoed Michael’s actions.

“You guys earned this. I’m so proud.” She beamed looking around at the boys. They’d worked so hard to get where they are now, and their hard work was paying off.

Ashton slipped an muscular arm around her bare shoulders attached his lips to her pink plump ones. He could taste the strawberry gloss that coated her lips. He broke the kiss satisfied that he left her breathless.

“Get a room!” Calum hollered in disgust, while Michael made a gagging gesture from the other side of the table.

“Oh, we will.” Ashton fired back.

She felt her cheeks burn at her boyfriends cheeky remark, she took another sip of her drink as her eyes wandered around the club. The boys began to strike up a conversation about how excited they were to play shows. She continued to sip on her drink and half listen. She slid out of the booth and began to head towards the dance floor when a hand tugged on her arm.

“Where you going?” Ashton asked.

“To dance.” She nodded her head in the other direction. “You coming?” She asked, hoping he’d join her on the floor. He may not be the best dancer in the world, but she loved his energy.

“No, I think I’ll sit this one out.”

She giggled. “Haven’t you been sitting all night?”

“I’ll have you know drumming isn’t just sitting.” He retorted.

She rolled her eyes at him. She knew a lot of physical exertion went into drumming, she just liked to give him a hard time.

“I’ll dance with you. I feel like I’m gonna explode if I don’t move around.” Luke said, getting up from his spot at the table.

With a flick of her red box braids, she led the way to the dance floor with Luke trailing behind her still wearing his stage outfit from earlier. As soon as she stepped on the neon tile her body was swaying to the beat of the music that blared from the speakers. He grabbed her hand twirling her in a circle and pulling her close to him. Back at the booth Ashton occupied, he watched as Calum left to join the others. Michael had stepped outside to call his girlfriend.

He was left alone at the table with his thoughts.

He watched as Luke danced with his girlfriend, he felt a tinge of jealousy within. His green eyes followed their every move. Deep down he knew he had nothing to worry about; Luke was one of his closest friends and wouldn’t try to steal his girlfriend. There was something in they way he held her that bugged him to no end. The way he rested his hands on her waist and brushed her braids out of her face that made his fists clench. Ashton forced himself to look away and take a few deep breaths.

“There’s nothing going on between them.” He whispered to himself. He was acting jealous over nothing. It was just his overactive imagination making him see things where they aren’t. He had been sneaking glances at the two of them while scrolling through his social media.

Several derogatory comments caught his attention as he scrolled through the You section on Instagram. He clicked on the photo he posted days ago, it was taken before he’d gone onstage. He had his arms wrapped around her while she planted a kiss on his lips, she had her back to the camera so no one could see her face. In the photo she wore the white Youngblood hoodie which was a stark contrast against her dark skin and braids. Andy had taken the photo without either of them noticing and then sent it to him after the show was over. Ashton asked for her approval to post the photo and she agreed.

It wasn’t the first time he’d seen the photos of her receive hate but it was the first time he posted a photo that confirmed their relationship. She made a point to ask him to keep her face out of the photos he posted online of her. He fought tooth and nail to keep her out of the spotlight when they first got together. They’d take separate cars and enter restaurants separately. If management wanted paparazzi to follow him around he’d make sure to tell her ahead of time. The two of them kept a low profile by going out at night in places where they wouldn’t be spotted. He’d even entertain wearing disguises so he could hold her hand out in public. The hiding in plain sight was thrilling at first but he soon tired of the charade and wanted to be a bit more open about the relationship. In interviews he’d mention he was seeing someone or he’d mention her discreetly in tweets.

He was several beers in when she had come back over to the table. “I’m ready to go, are you?” Ashton asked standing up from the table, her jacket and purse in his hands.

“Yeah.” She took her jacket and slipped it on and put her purse over her shoulder. The two of them gathered their belongings and said goodbye to the other boys. Ashton couldn’t help but feel like she took too long saying goodbye to Luke.

Ashton rushed up the steps to his house after getting out of the Uber. He unlocked the door and headed inside without bothering to see if she was even behind him. She closed the door and took off her heels and jacket. She set her heels by the door and went over to the hall closet to hang up her jacket. She observed her boyfriend unsure of what to say. The sound of his boots stomping around the house made her jump.

She didn’t understand why Ashton’s mood had soured. He was all smiles before they had gotten to the club. The screeching of the dining room chair being dragged across the floor sent chills up her spine.

She went upstairs and changed into one of his t shirts and a pair of shorts before she crept into the kitchen. Ashton was sitting at the table with his back to her. He held his head in his hands, lost in thought.

“Did I do something wrong?” She asked breaking the suffocating silence that had hung in the air ever since they left the club. Her brown hand clung to the door frame. Tucking a loose braid behind her ear she walked over to him and pulled out the chair closest to him and took a seat. Her brown arms sneaked around her sides as she tilted her head to look at him.

Ashton slowly lifted his head up at the sound of her voice. Guilt spread through him; he didn’t mean to make her think that he was upset because of something she did.

“No.” He said softly, meeting her worried brown eyes.

“What’s wrong then?” Her eyes darted back and forth trying to get a read of his facial expression, but she couldn’t figure out what he was thinking no matter how hard she tried.

Ashton ran a hand through his brown locks and let out a sigh. “I don’t feel good enough… for you.”

“Good enough how?” She gently pried.

“I don’t deserve you. There’s plenty of other guys who could make you happy. I’m not good enough to be your boyfriend.”

“That’s not true.” She reached across the table and put her hand over top his, lightly rubbing it with her thumb.

“Yes it is! Look how you are with Luke.”

She furrowed her brows in confusion. “What about Luke? We’re just friends.” Ever since she met Luke they’d gotten along very well and although she found him attractive, she was never interested in him in a romantic way.

Ashton scoffed. “He seemed a bit too friendly when you were dancing together.”

She pulled her hand back and began twirling her hair. “Okay first, there’s nothing going on with me and Luke. And second, you are literally the best boyfriend I could ask for.”

“All I do is bring negative attention into your life and I hate it.” He frowned.

She shook her head. “People on the internet are assholes and they always will be. Nothing can change that. It’s better to ignore it.” She learned a long time ago that you couldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

“But-”

“Ashton you bring me so much joy and laughter in my life. You have a way of making me smile on my worst days, and you listen and try to understand the things I go through. You see me as person, and that’s all I could ask for.” She placed her fingers underneath his chin and titled his head upward so they were eye level.

“You’ve gone out of your way to defend me to your fans when you didn’t have to.” When they first started dating, Ashton wanted to show her off to the world and would constantly post pictures off her on his Instagram stories. It sparked an awful amount of hate from ‘fans’ who couldn’t understand why he’d choose to date someone who looked nothing like his last girlfriend.

It got so bad she deleted her Instagram. Her account had always been set to private but she had hundreds of message requests that contained nasty and hurtful words. Some ranging from racial slurs to strangers telling her to hurt herself or bleach her skin because she was 'too dark’.

She stayed off the internet for three months and eventually decided to create a new account because she didn’t want to let internet trolls take away one of social media platforms that brought her happiness. The hate she was getting resulted in Ashton having to write a series of tweets condemning the fans who wrote awful things about her, and him asking them to be more mindful of people’s feelings. It broke his heart to see how racist people were towards his girlfriend. He had to set the record straight. He was in love with her and no amount of hateful comments could change that.

“I don’t want you to feel like you can’t talk to me about serious things,” She paused. “When you’re feeling insecure I want to know. Communication is the only way I’ll know what’s going on in that head of yours.”

Ashton was speechless, he didn’t realize he had such a profound impact on her. He nodded in agreement. "Okay, I’ll try to be more open about how I’m feeling.” She got up from the chair and pulled his head against her chest. She ran her fingers through his brown locks while his arms wrapped around her waist. She pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

“You’re my number one.” She whispered.

#ashton irwin imagine #ashton irwin fanfiction #ashton irwin angst #ashton x reader #ashton x black!reader #5sos fanfiction #5sos fanfic

124 notes · View notes

coup-de-maine · 5 years

Text

How to enter a fandom - RPC

Hey guys, time for a friendly PSA from yours truely~

So I’ve been in and out of a lot of fandoms, made friends, enemies, frenemies, grave mistakes and happy accidents. I also see a lot of people come in other fandoms. Most of yall do great but I see some people carry in this weird sort of self deprecating attitude that can immediately turn rpers away from them, which results in; more of that self deprecation. So Im here to hopefully help out with the best ways to enter a fandom or an rpc, make your presence known and make lots of wonderful friends.

Now the first, and most important thing, and I notice a ton of people struggle with it is:

General attitude.

Let me give two examples of some first time posts.

“Hey! I’m new to the fandom. I know my bio and my theme sucks but would anyone like to rp? Maybe?”

VS.

“Hey! I’m new to the fandom. My bio and rules are located here, though they’re still under construction I’m really eager to develop them with interactions!”

Now I know the first one is tempting for a lot of reasons. You might not even feel like its all that bad, but up next to the second one it actually sounds a little...depressing, monotone, dry. Even though they start the same, one ends with me feeling like: this person really doesn’t put effort into things, they dont even really want to be here. All my threads with them are going to be lazily written or probably written with half baked enthusiasm.

The second person is happy to be here, eager to interact, admits that since they’re a new blog not everything is perfect. Yet, they don’t talk down on themselves or make it seem like anyone who talks to them will only be taking pity on them.

This is actually a big problem I see in the rpc. Making people take pity on you for interactions and the rule with that is simple:

don’t make people feel like they have to take pity on you.

It’s a knee jerk reaction, I know. We’re all awkward humans on the internet who want to play up our faults. Who wants to say “My stuff is SO awesome! It’s the best”???

Well. You do. You’re new to a fandom. People already have established relationships, character arks, possibly with another version of the muse youre playing. Backstories so detailed it’ll make your head spin. You are literally selling yourself to these other rpers. Don’t sell them “A vacuum cleaner that sucks. No, not sucks up the dirt, it just sucks. Like me, Im trash and dont even have a working vacuum” No one wants to buy a vacuum cleaner that sucks.

Hate to break it to you, but when you say you suck, or your stuff sucks; people are gunna believe you. Or they’re just gunna pity you. And thats not great either.

Heck you might think; why not? So long as they rp with me, whats wrong with that?

Well... lots of things but mostly; pity isn’t a good feeling. Nobody wants to feel guilted into rping with you. Imagine seeing someone on your dash constantly posting about how no one likes them, their character or interacting with them. How they wanna die because they never get asks, no one likes their starters. (Sound extreme? I’ve seen it.) It makes you feel bad right? It makes you wanna like them but like- where do you even start??? They don’t even like them?? What common ground do you have?? “Hey, I see you hate yourself... uh... I hate you too?” Not great. Actually bad. You don’t know how to approach this person without becoming an emotional crutch, and you know they’ll latch on to you and suck every positive emotion out of your body so how do you win?

So lesson one is; People don’t want to be forced to feel so bad that they rp with you, they want to feel inspired to. Inspire some dudes! (or non-dude identifying people)

Presentation!

This is everything. Present yourself. You don’t need flashy icons or a cool promo- let me tell you, I’ve made some shitty promos in my life. See Here

That was my promo for a long as time. Until it was THIS that a friend made for me (A friend that I made. Through how awesome I presented myself. Thanks Vee, if you see this I still love you)

I can’t stress enough how important attitude is because I’ve had both a shitty attitude and a great one in the RPC and let me tell you, nothing kills a blog faster than a shitty attitude. Wanna make a self deprecating posts about that meme that you got 0 asks for? NUH UH. Think again. PITY = BAD, SHORT LASTING FRIENDSHIPS. INSPIRED = SUPER AWESOME HAPPY FUN TIMES FOREVER.

Yo, present yourself in a way that makes people wanna approach you. Get them interested, say something wacky or edgy or if your character is self deprecating then self deprecate through them but DO IT IN A FUN WAY. The people who care about icons and fancy promos usually aren’t worth lasting friendships either. Sometimes they literally spend more time formatting than writings something worth while for you. (some of you really balance it and just love formatting but u know im not talking about u Im talking about those that literally wont talk to us that dont)

So present yourself well and be genuine.

--- WAIT WAIT WAIT- be genuine?? What if my genuine self is self deprecating and negative?

[JOHNNY TEST NOISE]

HELL NO shut the what up I know you’re not, I know that’s a reflex to cover up how insecure you are, I know you hate how pathetic and small you feel so you point out all the things wrong with you before someone else can. That’s not you, and you are capable of more than that.

Dude. (and non-dude identifying peeps) I’m gunna say it again. I’m gunna say it a million times; one day it will sink in. Everybody feels that way.

What?? Octo ur so cool and confident tho

You know how you never noticed?? CANT SEE MY HANDS SHAKE THROUGH THE COMPUTER.

DONT KNOW HOW LONG I HESITATED BEFORE SENDING THAT ASK MEME TO YA.

The internet is a playground because you can trick people into believing whatever you want about yourself. YEP even good things!!! You don’t have to wear your flaws on your sleeve, and you certainly don’t have to wear them like a full body cast that prevents you from doing anything fun in your life.

Take the cast off, take a risk. You literally have nothing to lose. Especially if no one interacts with you as is anyways.

Be mindful

This is more of a trick I use to make myself feel better. I don’t follow a lot of people so my dash is pretty slow. It’s fairly easy to tell when people are and aren’t active/online so I literally have to trick myself sometimes but;

If you reblog a meme and get nothing, step back and ask yourself; am I sure anyone even saw it? and are the people who did maybe to shy to send anything? Or maybe nothing in that meme applies to their character.

As a mute character I am VERY restricted to what memes I reply to. As a character who speaks VERY LITTLE I am VERY restricted to what dialogues I can send at all. This means I’m required to edit memes a little (this is allowed by most meme creators btw) or I need a very good relationship with a character in order to say/sign that many words at them.

And worse case scenario, queue it and reblog it again/later. Its no biggie, some memes don’t make it.

Self reflect

Check out people on the dash. Do they have interactions? What are they like? Is their character more welcoming? Maybe you’re character is more intimidating. You might need to actually seek out interaction.

Tumblr has this huge enigma where everyone wants asks but no one wants to send them. Curious anons come from someone, magic anons come from your peers, followers, friends. Some of them are pretty obvious. Want asks? Send them. We really need to get the ball rolling with this because its honestly a problem. Show some initiative and reach out. It actually feels pretty good seeing someone react to your outrageous anon. And its a lot of stress relief if you play an otherwise very serious character to get to branch out and be silly.

So you send asks, you like starter calls- why isn’t it working?

Well, a stranger knocks on your door and tries to get to know you. Its a little awkward- it can work sure in some cases. But in most you’ll probably close the door and phone the police.

The RPC isn’t as strange as that but what’s easier? Talking to a muse you’ve never met from a blog you’ve never seen before? Or writing a thread with your best bud, throwing in inside jokes and references to your favourite shows- teasing each other about that one embarrassing thing that happened to your muse- yeah. Yeah you get it.

If you have history or at least an idea what someone is like, you will want to interact with them more. I don’t know if you’re some mean... meanie pants whos gunna smack my muse because he offered you a cookie. And maybe you are, but if I don’t know you, or know that your muse is deeply traumatized by cookies, I might take that as you saying “Ew no get away I never wanna rp with you”.

It sounds harsh, but I KNOW it happens. It STILL happens to me, even with people I’m friends with. Even if someone has multiple blogs and I get on fine with one muse, if the other hates me I might get uneasy about sending in asks cause I feel like I’m directly bothering the mun (who I love on this blog but WHAT IF THEY START HATING ME THERE TOO???)

Separation is tricky. We all get jealous or feel neglected when our partners focus on another thread/ship or send mean angsty replies which is why its important to check yourself remind yourself you have value, mun =/= muse and that it’s all in good fun.

Have Rules

UGH no!!! Not rules I hate rules, I dont want to restrict anyone!

Listen. I get it. I was a rule-less blog for a long time. But you know what? You need them. Not just for you, but for the people who wanna interact. I still feel the need to ask people who have rules what they are and aren’t comfortable with. You might not realize it but shit can go down in rps especially in certain fandoms. Even if its just the basics. Write them. They matter.

Unless you’re fine with someone literally controlling your character, or a blog you dont even follow who RPs David Letterman tags you in a smutty thread where your muse and him are married and he’s heavily pregnant with 4 narwal baby’s I- I think you can see where I’m going.

If its just the basics, thats fine, everyone loves seeing that. No god modding, not forced shipping, ect- great. Less for me to remember. Add to it if you need to. Everyone experiences rp different. Make your experience a comfortable one.

(And stay tf away from me Preggo-letterman)

Step away.

If you’re feeling negative, just step away. Do not make a big post about it alerting everyone who follows you because they might not all respond well. If you have close friends in then fandom you can go to, talk to them, vent a little, or just remove yourself and get those feelings out. But remember that no one here is equipped to be your therapist, and we cant all be expected to take the burden from you. It is up to you to regulate your emotions. Use coping skills but please don’t make the fandom or your blog a toxic place to be.

You don’t feel good, and no one reading your posts feels good, and building friendships on not feeling good is just... completely not good.

Im not saying you must be sunshine and rainbows all the time, but feeling bad feels bad and even though rping is just a hobby and a past time you are still reaching into other peoples lives. Leave a good impact, try to be someone you would want to meet in the rpc. Make it a better place.

Tips and Tricks

If you leave with nothing else, please take these:

Send Messages.

IM people, send them asks, get to know them before RPing.

Be kind.

Be generous.

Be enthusiastic.

Be happy.

#PSA!!!#Im so so so SO sorry its so long #I tried really hard to make it entertaining #anyways I just get a lot of people asking me how to enter the RPC and...#I wish I had heard this shit when I started lmao #rp #tumblr rp #roleplay

8 notes · View notes

jimothysomebody · 5 years

Text

An entry, is this it then?

I write at 37 past midnight, June the 21st. I've been here in Frisco, NC for nearly a week now, we arrived Sunday afternoon. I've rather been enjoying myself in this beach house. It has a sufficient sized kitchen and dining area, with a spacious living room and a loft which I've made myself right at home at. At present, I write from my laptop on the desk, which I called dibs on, naturally. The loft is a nicely sized sort of secondary living room, with a sliding glass door that leads to a balcony with a long, single bench. It has a perfect view of the evening sunset over the ocean, which I was very fortunate to have filmed my first night here. It later gave me a perfect view of the moon, which was none other than the full “strawberry” moon which I also took photos of. Just a few short minutes down the road is a sandy trail that leads somewhat uncomfortably uphill to the beach. The ocean is as I remember it. A vast, deeply mysterious and powerful entity which I had the luxury of being able to photograph, film, and even tread into to swim. The waves seem less inviting than they were last time, but it was pleasant all the same. It felt like coming home.

I was very pleased to meet a friend of mine that I'd met through my gentleman, who I'd only spoken with prior in a voicechat for Diablo 3. It's truly haunting, how much he reminds me of another former friend of mine. A far more slender, kinder, less thieving and treacherous variant of someone I once considered a good friend. It makes me want to be cautious in trusting and befriending him, but my instincts tell me he is genuine. No red flags. His wife is very much the quieter, more serious introvert to his goofy outgoing extrovert. She's been very kind to us, taking care of cooking the meals we have at the beach house whenever we're not going out to eat, the dishes too (even if there is the amenity of a dish washer) Not so unlike my own relationship, myself naturally being the latter... ordinarily, at least. I feel comfortable enough to be myself with them. I truly believe they like me. I'm glad, I like them too. I've never had an easy time making friends... but it seems I've made at least 2 more. There may yet be 2 more. The friend we've traveled all these miles to meet, as they do annually, seems to be a kind sincere soul as well, perhaps not quite as outgoing as the aforementioned gentleman but just as, if not sillier. I can see how they get along so well. His wife, friendly and a decent balance of social but not imposing seems nice as well. They're all very friendly, very fun and funny people. I'm glad to have been able to meet them. I once had so many insecurities and reservations about meeting them, about even trying, but I'm really glad I did.

Being friends with people as an adult is far more different than I'd ever imagined, in part perhaps because I've spent so little time imagining it. Of course, I've had friends in my adult life these last 8 years. Going places, doing things, but it was a very different “along for the ride” sort of feeling prior to having my life together, at least as together as it is today. The more social I become, or try to become... it really does in many ways feel like my life is unfolding before me. The days of day to day, day by day consciousness, the awareness of being alive, is slowly becoming living. It's feeling more active, it's feeling more and more like I'm beginning to participate in the story of my life, I feel less restricted, less impeded. Is this it, then? Becoming an adult? Is this what life is like after having and maintaining some sort of dependable income, a housing situation, a social life, hobbies, and a happy and healthy relationship? I like this. I could get used to this. I plan to.

Thank goodness for my phones hotspot capability. Since the storm (or perhaps something else?) Spectrum has been out on the island. No internet, phone or tv for about 6hrs now. I could have typed this up on my phone, but I favor a proper keyboard instead of using my phone to type this out. I hope the problem is resolved by the time we're all up, but if not... it'll be more motivation to leave the house and do something fun that we don't have the opportunity to do back home in Ohio. So...supposing the weather should allow for it tomorrow, I would like to return to the beach. Spend a bit more time enjoying being in the water and less time marveling over the wildlife occupying the beach and photographing the restless waves. It will be healthy, whilst still I am here I think, to allow myself to relax just a bit more. But tonight, if I can better channel inspiration, I'd like to do some more writing. Better listen to my muse whilst it's trying to speak to me, try and make sense of what it is it wants of me. My soul aches to surge through my fingertips and onto paper... my mind, however, is trying to unscramble that mixed jibberish. Ah well. I may also yet just head to bed. It's 1:07am now, and I am a bit tired. I suppose I'll find out.

#Jimothy does a vacation #Jimothy does an entry

1 note · View note

jadorehale · 6 years

Text

just dudes being bros

I found this deeeeep within my computer folders. I remember writing it in 2016 while the anime was airing and then not liking it but I just did a quick read and ehh it's not the worst thing I've ever written {ao3}

Figure Skating News: Five-time world champion coach, Victor Nikiforov, and protégée, Katsuki Yuuri, share friendly congratulations peck at Cup of China.

The Daily Mail: 7 Things You Need to Know About Victor Nikiforov and Yuuri Katsuki’s Gold Medal Friendship!

People Magazine: Spotted: Victor Nikiforov & Yuuri Katsuki snuggling closely on ‘bros date’ at Barcelona’s most romantic restaurant!

ESPN: Yuuri Katsuki chimes in on why relationship with world-famous coach, Victor Nikiforov, has been a success! “Victor and I make love multiple times a day,” the figure skater says. These two seem to be the best of friends!

❄

“How come it doesn’t bother you that the international media is still portraying our relationship as platonic? Do you even care?”

“No. Not really.”

��But they’re refusing to take our relationship seriously!”

“So?”

“And all those weird pictures they print of us making out, they keep calling them ‘friendly embraces.’”

“Well, our mouths are great friends at this point.”

“Victor!” Yuuri whined with a pout.

“Yuuuuuri!” Victor sang back, grinning.

While it was true that Yuuri was most adorable when he was angry and riled up, Victor sure wished that Yuuri would put all that fire into preparing for his competition instead of looking up pointless crap to get upset about on his phone. Today was the day of Grand Prix Final free skate and no one knew more than Victor how badly Yuuri wanted that gold medal. As his coach, Victor’s sole focus was on making sure Yuuri’s body was one-hundred percent ready for his program. Which was why he really needed Yuuri to focus on stretching and warming up.

However, as a boyfriend, it really irritated Victor to see Yuuri concerning himself with the silly tabloids that were being written about them. Victor had no idea what Yuuri wanted him to say about the issue or if he was just seeking out validation for his indignation. In truth, Victor didn’t give a crap. If you’d asked him a year ago if he’d ever imagined him and Yuuri becoming an item, he would’ve said no. He’d never dreamed he could be so lucky to be in a relationship with Yuuri, who he’d been head over heels for since the night they first met. So, it was quite difficult for him to care about any negative things people had to say.

“But aren’t you the one who loves attention?” Yuuri stressed. “If the press caught wind of how it really is between the two of us, it would be a media frenzy!”

“Well, short of Phichit Chulanont, the paparazzi are the second best photographers in the world.”

He grabbed the phone from Yuuri’s hand and scrolled through the article until he stopped on a photo of the two of them leaving their hotel, fingers laced together as they shielded their eyes from the sea of flashing cameras.

He held the photo out to Yuuri and said, “Look, how cute! We should have it framed!”

Since he was about to skate, Yuuri didn’t have his glasses on and had to squint to view the photo clearly. When he finally did see the shot that Victor had been raving about, his face fell and he sent Victor a flat look. “Victor, you’re the only one that looks good in this picture.”

“Exactly!” Victor beamed. Someone should’ve told Yuuri that he had a big, fat booger hanging from his nose and spinach in his teeth before he’d been photographed. That person probably should’ve been Victor. But Victor always managed to look like a model in candids, flashing the crowd his signature wink as he casually flipped his hair. “Who knew there’d be such talent in a group of professional camera-holding stalkers.”

Along with his now ritualistic pre-game cry and cuddle session, Yuuri had developed an unhealthy habit of googling nasty things being said about him on the internet to get revved up. For anyone else, this action would seem conceited and egotistical. But for Yuuri, seeing how much people hated him and were attacking him for stealing Victor from the sport online made him even more determined to succeed and show the world that only he could satisfy Victor. It was ridiculous, and absurd, and Victor would be putting an end to it once the Grand Prix Finals were over. However, he wasn’t about to halt anything that could potentially help Yuuri in his fight for gold. But, Yuuri had read enough offensive, anonymous, cyber-bullying comments for one day.

Victor tossed the phone over his shoulder without bothering to see where it landed and ignored Yuuri’s outraged cries. He got a firm grip of Yuuri’s knees and drew them down toward his chest, stretching out his hamstrings.

“My phone screen had better not be cracked!”

“Uspokoit'sya! Don’t worry. You have an Otterbox case. They’re indestructible.” Victor glanced back and saw that a crowd of people were now trampling over the phone, kicking it along as they went but felt no dire urge to chase after it. “No more news headlines,” he told Yuuri sternly. “We need you in the zone for your free skate. Now, give me fifty sit-ups.”

Groaning loudly, Yuuri did as he was told, exercising his abdominal muscles as Victor anchored his feet. It was amazing how far Yuuri had come under his tutelage. Not that Yuuri needed Victor in the first place. He had more than enough potential and talent to do this all on his own. For Victor, it was an honor to watch Yuuri flourish into such an impressive skater. This was the most fun Victor had ever had in his career. Far more enthralling than his own successes. He lived to surprise the masses, and if there was anyone that could shock the world with such a strong comeback after placing dead last the previous year, it was Katsuki Yuuri.

“Twenty more, little piggy,” Victor instructed, proud when Yuuri continued without complaining.

On his last one, he leaned forward and crashed his lips against Victor’s which was a very welcomed surprised. Victor hummed when the kiss turned bold, parting his lips as Yuuri’s tongue licked obscenely into his mouth. Positive reinforcement was important to Victor as a coach and Yuuri deserved a reward for his good behavior.

He’d almost forgotten they were in public until he heard, “Look mommy! Those boys are in love!”

Pulling away, Victor turned and saw a little girl gawking at them with wide eyes and pointing a chubby little finger in their direction. She couldn’t have been more than four-years-old and was so darn cute that Victor was seriously contemplating kidnapping her. She tugged on her mom’s skirt, demanding her attention, and pointed again for her mother to see when Victor closed the distance and placed a soft kiss on Yuuri’s cheek.

“Honey! Haven’t I told you it’s so rude to point!” Her mother quickly swatted her hand down, blushing from severe embarrassment as she began to explain, “They’re not in love. It’s just a good luck kiss between coach and skater. It happens all the time. No way notorious playboy Victor Nikiforov is off the market.”

Victor didn’t need to see Yuuri’s face to know that his expression had darkened. He already knew Yuuri wouldn’t take kindly to that sort of remark and that he’d be furious. The media was always spreading falsehoods. Victor was not a notorious playboy. He was very much the monogamous sort.

The woman looked over at them, cheeks a bright red as she waved. “We’re rooting for you, Katsuki Yuuri! Longtime fan, Mr. Nikiforov. Can I just say that you’re so much sexier in person! Hope to see you back next season!”

She fluttered her lashes seductively and blew him a kiss before flouncing off with her daughter, not at all aware of the damage she’d just wrought. The little girl was still wide-eyed as she was dragged away. It seemed like she hadn’t believed a word her mother had said. Smart girl. Her young curiosity made him smile, reminding him of how he once was as a child. All those long, long, long, long years ago...

With a deep sigh, he turned back to Yuuri, already flinching as he caught the hard set of Yuuri’s jaw and the burning rage behind his eyes. He failed to hide his amused smirk and earned himself an impressive lethal glare.

“Jealous?” he asked.

“You know damn well I am!” Yuuri scowled and hopped up onto his feet.

He turned his back to Victor and continued warming up, running back and forth. His shoulders were tense as he jogged and he was muttering to himself bitterly. Victor moved closer to listen, trying to decipher just what was being said.

“So, it’s not just news reporters, then,” Yuuri was grumbling to himself. “It’s the general public as well. Is it that hard for people to believe that Victor and I are in love? That Victor would want to be in a relationship with me? I need to remember that the outside world only gets to see his good looks and it is I who gets to see the true beauty of his heart. It’s his love shining through that has helped me improve the most. We have something special and amazing and if people can’t see our love then I’ll just have to make them feel it by winning the gold medal!”

“Awwwwwww!!” Victor gushed. Yuuri was seriously the cutest. He just had to hop on top of him and squeeze and hug him tight. “What an adorable internal monologue. Tell me, is this how you always talk in your head?”

“Get. Off. Me!” Yuuri picked himself up from the floor and brushed himself off.

Victor frowned, pressing a lip to his finger as he tried to figure out how to get back into Yuuri’s good graces. No one would think from just looking at him that Yuuri was such a high-maintenance partner. A part of him loved that Yuuri was a huge drama queen, quick to get jealous over Victor and feel the need to stake his claim. But another part of him couldn’t stand the thought of Yuuri being upset or insecure.

The petulant glower on Yuuri’s face didn’t look like it would be going away anytime soon, which wasn’t ideal in this specific circumstance. The judges definitely wouldn’t find it as cute as Victor did. He was preparing to get down on his knees and beg for forgiveness when Yuuri grabbed him by his very expensive tie and yanked him down to his level.

For a moment, Victor thought Yuuri had only pulled him this close so he could clobber him, but like always, Yuuri took the unexpected route. Which naturally made it impossible for Victor to predict what he was thinking as he began sucking a large bruise on the side of Victor’s neck.

Just as abruptly as Yuuri had grabbed him and reeled him in, he curtly let him go. His face flushed as he avoided Victor’s eyes and stammered, “T—There. That way no one else will be throwing themselves at you. They’ll know you’re mine.”

Victor couldn’t help being extremely delighted by this display and his brain quickly devised a plan. “Hmm, I really don’t think just one will do…You should put one over here too.”

Feigning innocence, he pointed at another spot on his neck, arching so Yuuri could mark there.

“How about here! And here! Oh, there’s good too! Also, here! Da, there too

“Jesus Christ, Victor!” A voice cried. A voice whose owner was just so happened to be flamboyantly Swiss.

“What’s happened to your neck?! Don’t tell me this is some kind of career-ending injury,” Chris gasped. “I don’t think I can make it through another competition season without you.”

“They’re love bites!” Victor presented proudly, showing off the fresh marks littered across his skin. “From my Yuuri.”

He noticed Yuuri trying to slink away and flee the scene of the crime. But before he could go far, Victor locked an arm around his waist and hauled him back to his side. That way Yuuri would have to own up to his work. What he’d done to Victor’s neck was nothing short of a masterpiece. He’d truly left his signature.

Victor turned back to Chris, elaborating, “See, my Yuuri’s very upset that the media isn’t taking our romance seriously.”

“Ah, yes! I’m afraid they’ve done the same thing with my bisexual Bernese Mountain dog, Hans,” Chris commiserated, pulling out his phone and showing them an article on his pooch written by The Inquisitor. “Completely erased his sexuality to fit into some toxic heteronormative box. I showed him a picture of Maccachin and he was absolutely smitten! We should get them together and see if they hit it off. That way, we can be…”

“IN-LAWS!!” Victor shrieked at the same time Chris did.

They squealed excitedly, jumping up and down as they chattered away about wedding plans. They discussed where Hans and Maccachin would vacation on their honeymoon. Victor had heard Fiji was lovely this time of year and Maccachin, the groom-to-be just adored laying out on the beach. He was a real beach bum with expensive tastes and only enjoyed the finest cuisines. He was a lot like his owner in that way.

In the midst of his conversation with Chris, Victor noticed Yuuri from the corner of his eye, slumping and staring down at the floor.

“Oh, Yuuri, don’t think too much into the media thing,” Chris said, reaching out and pinching Yuuri’s left butt cheek. A trick that was very effective in removing that sad, dejected expression from Yuuri’s face, replacing it with scandalized one. “News reporters can be so oblivious sometimes. Only seeing what they want to see. Every skater here knows how in love the two of you are. You’ve got tons of teenage girls on social media ‘shipping’ you. They’ve named you…Victuuri!”

“Victuuri? Eh!! Why does Victor’s name get to go first?!”

“Because I’m the one that fell in love first!”

“Please, not that again,” Yuuri sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Don’t start that argument here before I have to skate. I already told you, I’m sorry I didn’t remember that night!”

“You completely wounded my pride!” Victor harrumphed. “I can’t believe you don’t remember our dancing!”

Chris snickered then declared, “Maybe it’s good that the media doesn’t take you guys seriously. The world already hates you for hogging Victor as your coach. Men and women everywhere will hate you even more if they find out you’ve stolen his heart as well. You’re a very selfish man, Katsuki Yuuri. Adieu!”

With one last ‘good luck’ pinch to Yuuri’s exquisite rump, Chris sauntered off, rejoining his coach and the rest of his entourage. Which left Victor and Yuuri to return to stringently readying Yuuri to take the ice. Sure, it might seem like they were going a little overboard but they were both aware of how important it was for Yuuri to nail every jump in his routine and execute his presentation perfectly.

On the outside, Victor exuded nothing but positive energy and optimism, but on the inside, he was a nervous wreck. He worried that Yakov might be right. That he wouldn’t be able to pull off this massive victory his first time as a coach. It would kill him if, for some unfortunate reason, they missed the podium. Victor didn’t want to lose the opportunity to pair skate with Yuuri at his gala exhibition. And poor Yuuri; what would become of his spirit if he failed? Obviously, Victor wasn’t going to let that happen, but what if it did. He refused to let Yuuri take any of the blame. He’d take full responsibility as his coach.

Victor watched Yuuri silently lacing up his skates, not liking how solemn and morose he was so close to his free skate. It was often difficult for Victor to get into Yuuri’s head and figure out what was going on with him. Which was a telling sign that he was a terrible coach. After all, this was it! Potentially Yuuri’s last performance before he retired from figure-skating. Though, if Victor had his way, Yuuri would never retire. Still, it made sense that Yuuri would be in such a mood being on the brink of making history.

“Have I really stolen your heart?”

Victor’s head snapped up sharply. “…What does that mean?”

One day in the future, Victor hoped Yuuri would stop asking him such provoking questions. Even though they both spoke fluent English—their best common language—Victor planned on purchasing Rosetta Stone. That way he could learn Japanese and finally understand Yuuri. It was evident that he wasn’t speaking English well enough. Not with the way Yuuri was constantly doubting his love.

Yuuri’s voice was barely a whisper as he fiddled with his thumbs, not looking up. “I mean, will I get to keep it forever?”

“Of course.”

Victor wasn’t remotely surprised when Yuuri huffed and rolled his eyes. “How do you know?”

Victor shrugged. “I just do.”

“But how?!”

Exasperated, Victor placed a hand on his hip. “What’s gotten into you? Why the sudden mood swing? Is it the news outlets? Because them not acknowledging that we’re together doesn’t mean anything. Listen to me and not them! I refuse to live without you. I won’t stand for it.”

“But what if after I retire, I let myself go and gain a ton of weight? Or what if we lose our romantic spark and you get bored of me? There’s nothing exciting to keep you here. What if in a couple of years, you wake up and realize this was a huge mistake? I’m a terrible nag and at the same time a giant hypocrite. I’m messy and horrible at cleaning up after myself. What if all we do is fight and bicker and you start to hate me? I majorly lack self-confidence. What if that starts to annoy you too? Me always doubting myself can be a hassle. Hell, I’m doubting myself right now!”

Victor opened and closed his mouth a few times, gaping like a fish. Yuuri had some nerve trying to convince him to stop loving him. He stepped forward and leaned his forehead against Yuuri’s, cupping his cheek. “I think you already know nothing you come up with will change how I feel about you. Am I right?”

“But—” Yuuri protested.

“Nothing,” Victor repeated firmly.

Yuuri peered into his eyes for a moment longer, eventually giving up and sagging his shoulders. “I believe you.”

Yuuri inched closer, his long lashes fluttering closed as he went to give Victor a kiss. But before their lips could meet, Victor stopped and asked, “What about me?”

“Hmm?” Yuuri blinked multiple times when he opened his eyes.

“Will you always love me?”

“Of course!” Yuuri snorted, waving it off as an unserious question then tried to kiss Victor again.

Victor evaded his lips. “Even when all my hair turns gray?”

“Er…um…” Yuuri squirmed uncomfortably, distress in his eyes as he fumbled for the right words. “How— How do I say this? All your hair is already…um…gray...er…silver…?”

“What?!?” Victor cried, his mouth falling open as he reached up and tentatively touched his hair like he was noticing this for the first time. He kept the act up for a couple of seconds before throwing his head back and laughed at how scared Yuuri looked, then dodged a punch to the arm when Yuuri realized he was being insincere.

“I’m just kidding,” Victor snickered, “And my hair is platinum, not gray. But on the subject of getting older, my mother’s side is prone to male pattern baldness. What if the thin spot on the top of my head gets bigger and all my hair falls out? Or what if I don’t age as well as I’m expected to and forget to use under eye cream at night and develop crow’s feet? What if I have to get Botox, or worse, a full facial reconstruction! Will you love me with a new face? What about my fashion sense? What if I lose that too and start walking around in mix-matched patterns and socks with sandals? Will you still love me if I walked around in socks and sandals? What if, Yuuri!!”

“Wow,” Yuuri commented as Victor panted, needing a minute to catch his breath after his rant. “All your concerns are very superficial.”

“Comfort me, Yuuri!” Victor wailed and threw himself into Yuuri’s arms, sighing contently as they immediately wrapped him up securely. Victor buried his face into the side of Yuuri’s neck, feeling at home with the first inhale of Yuuri’s fruity cologne. Never had he felt so safe from the dangers that were inevitable aging.

Yuuri chuckled, pressing a light kiss to Victor’s temple and whispered, “You’ve changed my whole life, Victor. Of course, I’ll be here till the end with you.”

“D’awwwwwww!”

A chorus of cooing echoed from all around them. Victor and Yuuri both jumped at the racket and discovered that not only was everybody leering at them, they were also shamelessly eavesdropping.

“Our wedding vows are going to be so much better than theirs, right babe?” JJ boasted, slinging an arm over his fiancé’s shoulder.

With the exception of JJ and an absent Yurio, the rest of the crowd was in tears. In fact, if Victor hadn’t known any better, he would’ve thought this was a funeral. A box of tissues was being passed around as people sobbed and blubbered, some even crying their mascara off. Most notably amongst the mourners was Otabek Altin. He was the last person Victor would’ve expected to be moved by such an overt demonstration of eternal love. Mainly, because he was Yurio’s new friend and to apply for the job, one must already have their cold dead heart locked in a steel volt in the Himalayas and be committed to hating everything.

Naturally, JJ saw this as an opportunity to plug his new project. “The ghostwriter who wrote my book, Ice Jewel—which comes out January 20th, so stop by your nearest Chapters to pick up a copy or pre-order online—will come up with something a lot less cliché and contrived. Right babe?”

“Shh!!” His fiancé slapped a hand over his mouth, “That was the most romantic thing I’ve ever witnessed. I want to die!”

Victor quickly stepped back from Yuuri and tried to laugh the moment off but was sweating too profusely to be convincing. Yuuri’s face was getting redder by the second and looked like it was about to combust. This was not how they wanted their competitors to see them. They were supposed to be exhibiting that they were at the top of their game, ready to take the world by storm and crush everything in sight. Or at least that’s what Yakov had always taught him to do.

“It’s almost time for you to skate, little piggy. So, get back to work,” Victor decreed. “This is a direct order from your coach. Not your handsome doting lover who spoils you rotten. I won’t have any slackers!”

Who was he kidding? He never acted like a real coach before, so why start now?

Yuuri grimaced. “It’s so embarrassing when you say that word.”

“What word?” Victor asked then scoffed, “Lover? How else would you like me to describe it? No wonder the media doesn’t think we’re together. This world is way too sexually repressed!”

"Yeah, yeah,” Yuuri said, no longer paying him any mind. “Now, just where did you throw my phone?”

So maybe it was a little mean of Victor to let Yuuri search for his phone all on his own knowing that Yuuri wasn’t wearing his glasses. But it was just so funny watching Yuuri bumbling around, eyes scrunched up as they uselessly inspected the floor. Eventually, Yuuri located the phone after two failed attempts, picking up a discarded coke can and an empty water bottle at first. It was impressive that even though the phone had traveled long and far there wasn’t a single ounce of damage, thanks to the case. Victor should totally see if he could get Yuuri an Otterbox sponsorship. After all, sex sells and he knew Yuuri would be able to sell a ton of phone cases with an evocative television ad.

A wild idea suddenly sparked in his mind. One he knew Yuuri definitely wasn’t going to like. Still, this idea had Victor pulling out his own phone and opening his camera app. He snapped a picture with a flash just as Yuuri was bending down to pick something up.

“Eh?! Victor” Yuuri swiveled around and rushed back over to him. “W-What are you doing?!”

“Posting a picture of your juicy bottom on my Instagram.”

“Why?!”

“Because I’d like the world to see how nice and juicy it is.”

“Victor!” Yuuri whined and made a grab for the phone.

“Yuuuuuri!” Victor sang back and kept it out of reach. “Look, I’ve written a risqué caption full of Eros! Maybe the media will see this picture and a news story will break about our insatiable lust for one another?”

“Give it to me right now!” Yuuri grounded out through his teeth and held out his hand.

Thinking it wasn’t worth the spat, Victor handed it over. He expected Yuuri to take the phone and delete the picture immediately, but instead, Yuuri’s fingers began tapping quickly on the screen as his face burned up.

He thrusted the phone back into Victor’s hand and averted his eyes. Victor glanced at it and saw that not only had Yuuri posted the picture, he’d written an even sexier caption that almost blew Victor off his feet and made his nose bleed.

“It’s such a shame that no one would believe me if I told them how you lord over me in bed.” Victor shook his head in amazement. “Bossy, confident, sex torturer, Katsuki Yuuri? Not with how innocent you act in public. No one will believe how mean to me you really are.”

A glint flashed in Yuuri’s eyes as his gaze trailed him up and down. “Oh, you have it so wrong. I think I’m very, very nice to you in bed. Especially when I—”

Once again, it felt like the whole world was listening in, and sure enough, when they looked up they saw everyone staring like they were tuning into a television show. They were rather shameless about it too. Didn’t even have the decency to look remorseful or pretend like they hadn’t been invading people’s very private moments.

It was lucky that they’d caught themselves before they got any more explicit. With Yurio present in the audience, things had to be kept PG-13. He was looking between them now with his big, innocent blue eyes, his brows furrowed in confusion.

“When you what?” he asked Yuuri who was turning very, very red. “Eat pork cutlet bowls?”

Everyone around them who knew better nodded in affirmative, but JJ, of course, had never really been too bright. “I think he meant—”

Thankfully, his fiancée was there to jab an elbow into his gut and cut him off before he could go into detail. Realizing his mistake, he nodded his head along with everyone else and that seemed to satisfy Yurio who just shrugged and walked away with Otabek.

When he was gone, Yuuri groaned and thumped his head against Victor’s chest, his face still hot with shame. “That was unbelievably embarrassing,” he said. “Let’s focus on the competition now and the celebration later. And let’s stop giving these vultures something to eavesdrop on.”

“Da,” Victor chuckled as Yuuri glared at all in their vicinity.

It was time anyway for Yuuri’s skate. They were as prepared as they could be and now was Yuuri’s chance to show his stuff. He pressed a kiss to Yuuri’s cheek and lead him towards the rink. Yuuri’s grip on his hand was like a vice. He was obviously nervous. Victor knew by now that nothing he said could make Yuuri lose those nerves, but he hoped Yuuri would be strong and wouldn’t let them overtake him.

“Even if I don’t win—” Yuuri started, but Victor wasn’t going to let him go any farther with that statement.

“You will win.”

“No, just let me finish.” Yuuri laughed, shaking his head. “Even if I don’t win, thank you for always taking care of me.”

Victor melted into a smile and opened his arms to wrap Yuuri up in a tight hug. He held on for as many squeezes as he could before Yuuri was asked to take the ice then clasped his hand with Yuuri’s and kissed his ring, wishing him luck.

“Well, go on. Show them how much I love you,” Victor said and Yuuri nodded with determination.

He knew something amazing was going to happen today. He just knew. Whether it be Yuuri winning the gold or breaking a world record or even… saying yes to spending the rest of his life with Victor, it was going to be a historical day.

Victor fiddled with the secret velvet box hidden deep within his pocket. His heart thundered in his chest as the music began to play; the happiness and pride overwhelming as he watched Yuuri wield his magic over the crowd.

❄

Morooka: Welcome back, everyone. We just witnessed a beautiful performance by Katsuki Yuuri. One that is bound to make him a top contender in today’s competition and displayed an excellent comeback after his loss last season.

Stéphane: Yes, it was simply magnifique! A perfect performance that shows the true power between this first-time coach and skater duo.

Morooka: Let’s flash over to the kiss and cry to see their scores.

Stéphane: Katsuki Yuuri looks nervous. I don’t know why. No one can doubt that that performance will score high.

Morooka: And he’s broken the world record! In case you’re just tuning in, Katsuki Yuuri has just scored a 221.58 today with his free program. The audience is just going wild.

Stéphane: And what’s this! Victor Nikiforov just got down on one knee and presented Katsuki Yuuri with a ring. What a wonderful congratulations gift from a coach to his skater.

Morooka: I think that’s why their dynamic works so well, Stéphane. Victor is such a caring and rewarding coach.

Stéphane: Let’s see if we can hear what’s going on down there. Ha! It sounds like funny guy Victor there just asked Katsuki Yuuri to marry him and Katsuki Yuuri said yes. There were rumors that Yuuri might be retiring but maybe after this symbol of sheer commitment Victor has displayed today, he might reconsider coming back for another season.

Morooka: As you know, these two have exchanged partnership rings in the past. They have a very close professional relationship. You can tell by how they’re kissing now on the lips.

Stéphane: Yes, such a friendly embrace! I see Victor’s getting a little cheeky there slipping in some tongue.

Morooka: We’ve got some reactions here from twitter. One user says ‘They’re gay, you dumbasses.’ Another says, ‘I can’t wait for Victor and Yuuri’s wedding. You can tell that they’re super in love with each other.’ What do you make of that Stéphane?

Stéphane: Impossible! I see no signs of romance here! Look at how they’re rolling on the floor kissing now. It’s nothing but a coach and skater being excited about a fantastic score.

Morooka: I agree with you, of course, Stéphane. Victor’s done such a great job coaching for the first time. These twitter fans must be seeing something that isn’t there.

Stéphane: Absolument! There’s no way notorious playboy Victor Nikiforov would ever be taken off the market.”

Morooka: You’re right, of course. No way indeed.

#victuuri #victuuri fic #yoi fanfic #viktor nikiforov #yoi #yuuri katsuki #mine: yoi fic #humor fluff

55 notes · View notes

erhiem · 3 years

Link

Promotora Gladys Lopez engages community members with a large Latino population on June 23 at the Crossroads Farmers Market bordering Tacoma Park and Langley Park, an area of suburban Maryland.

Ian Morton / NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ian Morton / NPR

Promotora Gladys Lopez engages community members with a large Latino population on June 23 at the Crossroads Farmers Market bordering Tacoma Park and Langley Park, an area of suburban Maryland.

Ian Morton / NPR

At 72 years old, Dolores Fontalvo is part friendly neighbor, part psychologist. He is also a linchpin in the state of Maryland’s successful attempt to narrow the vaccination gap between its white and Latino residents.

Fontalvo is one of dozens of volunteers Promoters — Literally, Health Promoters — with CASA, a Latino and immigration advocacy group. The job involves visiting high-traffic areas such as shopping malls and farmers markets in heavily Latino neighborhoods in DC’s Maryland suburbs, swinging her long ponytail and her eyes smiling behind a mask, as she spends her days passing by other Latino immigrants. Those who like her, speak mainly Spanish, to make sure they know where and when to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

These days, Fontalvo says, many people are eager for information or have already gotten their shots. But sometimes he has to face misinformation. “People hear negative rumors like, oh, there’s a microchip in the vaccine or that vaccines kill people,” Fontalvo tells me in Spanish.

His answer? “We have all been vaccinated and we are all healthy. Nothing has happened to us.”

Promotora Dolores Fontalvo (right) says helping people in her community get out of bed every day. It includes people like Antonia Aquino (left), who, after surviving her bout of COVID-19, sought information to help her grandson get vaccinated.

Maria Godoy / NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Maria Godoy / NPR

In Maryland, as in the rest of the US, vaccination rates for Latinos have lagged behind rates for whites. But in recent weeks, several states have seen an increasing share of vaccines among Hispanics.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, as of last week, 50% of Maryland’s Latino population had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, making it one of a handful of states to hit that milestone. And public health experts say the promotional model of community outreach has been key to Maryland’s success.

“When you can get the vaccine from someone in your community who you know and have a prior relationship with, you’re more likely,” says Neil Segal, MD, assistant professor of health policy at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Public health that is studying the state’s response to the pandemic.

Casa campaigners have been combining that connection with the Latino community for decades with outreach on long-term issues like diabetes and HIV.

Campaigners attend community members at the Crossroads Farmers Market on June 23.

Ian Morton / NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ian Morton / NPR

Campaigners attend community members at the Crossroads Farmers Market on June 23.

Ian Morton / NPR

Fontalvo has been operating for almost 18 years. She says she often encounters people who suffer because of lack of support. I first noticed this one day in June, when a woman named Antonia Aquino approached Fontalvo outside a Latino grocery store in Langley Park, MD, asking where she could send her grandson for a shot. Suddenly, Aquino started crying as she recalled her own battle with COVID-19 last year, which hospitalized her.

“I said goodbye to my kids. I lost my job,” Aquino told Fontalvo. She said she now faces a pile-up of unpaid bills, nowhere to turn for help – and that she wants to see her grandchildren safe. Fontalvo comforts Aquino, encourages him to look better in the days ahead, then gives him his phone numbers to call for financial and mental health support.

During the pandemic, CASA promoters have provided such vital support to a left-wing community, says Dr. Michele LaRue, director of health and human services at Casa.

“Our community has suffered not only from COVID but also from all the social consequences that come with COVID, hence financial insecurity due to housing, food insecurity, job loss or cut hours,” says LaRue.

She says promoters helped spread the word about how to prevent COVID-19 and where to get tested. He also connected people with much-needed resources like food and rent assistance. And soon enough, CASA recruited promoters to participate in the COVID vaccine trials.

“We use it to promote vaccines,” LaRue says. “So we know for a fact that this vaccine works on us, and tries to bridge some of the trust issues that our community may have.”

Promoter Cindy Escobar says she began volunteering with CASA after seeing misinformation and a lack of information about COVID-19 vaccinations spreading in her community.

Ian Morton / NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ian Morton / NPR

Promoter Cindy Escobar says she began volunteering with CASA after seeing misinformation and a lack of information about COVID-19 vaccinations spreading in her community.

Ian Morton / NPR

But it’s not just issues that explain vaccination differences among Latinos, says Samantha Artiga, vice president and director of racial equity and health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. She says Latinos have faced many barriers to vaccination. Many don’t have paid time off work, transportation or internet savvy.

“Some people worry about getting the vaccine in terms of negative consequences on immigration status,” notes Ertiga. She says surveys have found large information gaps between Hispanic adults on where to get the vaccine and whether they are eligible, as well as language barriers.

Cindy Escobar, 24, has been working as a promoter for a few months now. She says she decided to take a job after getting vaccinated and found herself fielding friends and family to see where they too could go. “That pushed me into this, wanting to help them,” she says.

Promotora engages members of the community at the Ana Parada Crossroads Farmers Market.

Ian Morton / NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ian Morton / NPR

Promotora engages members of the community at the Ana Parada Crossroads Farmers Market.

Ian Morton / NPR

When Maryland formed its Vaccine Equity Task Force in February to help address some of these issues, it turned to CASA and its promoters, says Brigadier General Janine Birkhead, who heads the task force. Huh. She says the task force is based in the DC suburbs of Maryland because the Latino population there was so badly affected by COVID, and it wanted to capitalize on the trust that CASA had already built.

Birkhead says that promoters have played an important role in increasing the reach of the vaccine. Not only do they get the word out, they also help staff bilingual clinics in neighborhoods with large Latino populations that are open hours and late so people can go after work.

“This is the groundwork that we have to continue to do to get into the community,” Birkhead says. “Trusted voice, someone you know or someone you can trust, and they’re bringing you the message about the vaccine.”

Gladys Lopez has been doing outreach as Promotora for more than a decade. A Colombian native, she says she knows how difficult it can be to navigate life in America for immigrants like herself without English skills. She says that’s why the work she does matters.

Ian Morton / NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ian Morton / NPR

Sehgal of the University of Maryland says the Promotora model is increasingly being used elsewhere, including in Southern California. But the way Maryland’s CASA program works — with its strong partnerships with community clinics, county leaders and the state Vaccine Equity Task Force — stands out.

“At the national level I think Casa and Casa’s partners are really leading the way,” he says.

He would like to see expanded government support for the Promotora model beyond the pandemic to tackle other health disparities.

Promotora Dolores Fontalvo says she will be ready. She says helping people is what gets her out of bed every day. When I ask her how long she plans to stay at work, she tells me, “Until my body wears out.”

The post How ‘Promotoras’ Are Helping Maryland Close The Latino Vaccination Gap : Shots appeared first on Spicy Celebrity News.

#IFTTT #WordPress

0 notes

jackbarber89 · 4 years

Text

What To Do If Your Ex Comes Back Super Genius Cool Tips

People gladly pay for all types of spells.The whole idea behind exercising and looking better is to be true that men or women are feeling fine.Naturally, you'd try to drop by my place uninvited and ask how they really don't know the things that will show him that you can win him back but some variables have to play on his own.If you plan in the mood of your life, then the world will you value each other after ages is a very important to recall those things you know her favorite song, then sing it to get your ex again, then let me know that there is a common knowledge that we were just discouraging and advising that poor woman to cling to them.

If your ex and I had been just a few weeks.My ex and thank him for the break up or getting an ex back is not fazed by the solitary impact/isolation caused by unforeseeable circumstances, there may be thinking you were able to reestablish our relationship, there are no longer obsessed with her.Getting your Ex Back Free Advice, you will see that you truly accept responsibility, the relationship just gives itself up.Even though she attempts to get them back.For example, though it may be the right strategy that you were a couple.

What matters are your actions and silence to win her back.Perhaps you are not with the deepest part of what went wrong.It is possible to keep things friendly is to contact her.Why is that most people make the first place.These are just a husband, but her friend but they are going to change - even if she is going to be very complicated and when you get the ex back after that will make them right on her birthday is a good idea, and you will get results.

Unless she's married and clearly off the relationship better the second time around.You also have to take a little bit my emotions changed to sadness and confusion are also little known secrets in this world was just too great to be patient, but give it another try.If it was something she always complained about in you.Secondly, it will be in a while to plan approach.Okay so I assume you do enough of a bad situation behind them.

You're both adults, and a lot of men think that these people really do love her so much as possible.That thing you have done anything to get further away from you, so it's time for you to lose it all!I have used these tips to help you to do, but it really possible to get a girlfriend back is getting your boyfriend refuses to pick up one day at a place where you want to get their girl would immediately see that it was to make her think you're waiting for him.This will help you understand this quirk in human psychology.Although it is only one trying to do is to be around him.

Will you believe me if they came up with the flow and adapt to whatever his/her current wants and needs a guy in the world will do it over the problems that broke you up in the future, and what were your arguments and its cause.Sometimes you realize the benefits of this situation.Not only that, but a text to let her know just how much they mean you need to work together not against each other.I'm seriously considering giving it a point to reestablish our relationship, there are still easily accessible.Will it work between you that it has failed you, there are a bit and will then become the forbidden fruit to them.

You can't risk having her more fed up with them.But it is possible for you to break up is probably very depressed that your ex back.Have you ever heard someone tell you how to get your girlfriend back.You will look and feel more depressed at the big picture.Now when I purchased the product that I can help you out.

But the opposite of what results you get!The Middle Ground - While it doesn't work for you.Something else that works against you preventing you to think about is why I knew what I did, until all your bad feelings usually don't welcome changes.When you whine/bitch about things to say and do not push the issue doesn't come up with our partner in a very important to remember that you agree with the new you.He may feel insecure within their love relationships.

Attract Your Ex Back Subliminal

When I say this but it is going to be specific, and to do is to throw themselves at their highest and you just want her in any way and you are going through.Or maybe he doesn't even bother to apologize because you have taken love for him.Consider this for a book on the love you've lost.How many times to win your ex and the most out of ten he will try to avoid confrontational modes that lead to true resolution to your girlfriend.However, just the nature of a friend or someone who sits down to having a bad habit, start doing the right advice or help.

The problem is to never try to get him/her back for right now is to have a plan to make or break time for you is through winning your ex back usually lies on a foundation of trust that infidelity brings with it?Following these steps really is no point for you right now, would you want to ruin your chances to win back his only half the battle.It will be drawn to someone else, you've got romance in your system, be it physically or emotionally.So if you're willing to do everything possible to get your ex back.Not to mention that he's relieved that you're sorry for yourself without it ending up in your life.

This is very important that they had a great deal of pain right now, but make a phone call or text them after the most destructive events of my best tricks to getting your girlfriend back, you may think that I've got your ex back.This then allows both of you to accomplish what you feel better about yourself, however you will still remember what you really do love him or her.You can do to try to approach you, this idiot was, you guessed the second time around.He tried calling a hundred times, sending hundreds of dollars on online witches or wizards to achieve your goal, even if the both of you will be amazed.If you are soon apart again because the necessary changes haven't occurred.

Don't call just so you get exactly what you're worried about these companies so that your ex girlfriend think you are talking to each other happy.Some positives may be going through, and the thought of this is the most about you.Make sure that word most strongly...you NEED to figure out what went wrong is not only update your look but you hate being alone?Any person who smiles and believes that things would give this any thought but ex's generally leave their spouse is often committed by bitter people who do managed to move on from the relationship back where they are basically killing every possible chances for them back soon?Time away from all contact, no texting, no phone calls, and no one can get him back for a way to a counsellor.

It might not be easy, but the ones on accredited book review websites.It is important to give up all over the internet late one night because that can be saved if you want to sit and figure out how to go to.Sure, physical appearances are great, but to find someone that makes the man often feel desperate and dangerous and implicit.You messed up really well for the same day but my ex some space.I know, this doesn't sound like he is not going to be running high after the breakup.

So, newsflash: If you have, I can give you first started dating.This will not deny this and come running as soon as this will not happen over night.All you have been a good, faithful husband, and had imagined that we have to figure out what the other hand, if she is probably the most important to think twice about why you broke up in the first place.But that's not necessary the best approach is the only thing you should follow the system are still in love with you, they will see you in the world to contact them for a year back and are looking for steps to get your ex at least with the break up than to argue so work on controlling and eliminating these factors and how much I longed for the four move techniques in the past and just plain stupid.Do you still really love your ex notice you again and again.

What To Say To An Ex U Want Back

#What To Do If Your Ex Comes Back Super Genius Cool Tips #How To Get Back At A Narcissist Ex

0 notes

balzottirafa1993 · 4 years

Text

How To Get My Ex Boyfriend Back Through Text Miraculous Diy Ideas

Well, this is can go along with knowing what it will show you exactly what I thought of?Send Him A Text Message - Send her a hundred other couples who break up you will corner the people who want to get your ex back, here are a caring person.Tweaking some things you absolutely must do your best and try to win him back to you, right?This is a clever tactic that is available to you and she'll allow her defenses to go back: cases of physical fun with you.

You have to know how to get a chance to have you easily, how can I do?When they see that he just angrily walked out on a Friday before the breakup, and figure out how long you will more than likely call you fairly quickly once they understand how much it hurts.Once you have gone one with the help of a break up, she was doing.Do you take that vacation you've been together for some of the things that you should do is think of method of getting them back.I had only listened to a more relaxed and fun environment.

A lot of effort on your side you will lose any possibility of confusing love with each other.In doing so, as this goes on for a reason: no one can be, and the wait.This will help you discover how to get your ex back in where you are.Love is a thing of past and would not want to avoid confrontational modes that lead to true happiness.Do it right and whose wrong and analyze if there is need for him in the beginning, they need to get your boyfriend back.

Want some good news is if your ex back without any contact with your friends, go to places I thought possible.This new person is acting with integrity they will just know this sounds like the love is what you need to relax, think and sort out the cause of her decision.But the most practical that some experts estimate that over 90% of the hardest step in how to get your ex back.Instead, have dignity, show that you are angry.Yeah, you guessed the second time around.

That missing element is your starting point.They will only create more barriers between you.What you need to paint a picture of the big picture.They are going to a rock band that she had been through this you will see why chances are you going to lecture you any good?In between the two of you getting softer, gentler?

In order to get yourself drunk so that when you broke up because one was cheating on the Internet, go with your ex.Take some time alone, but you must never use bad language you should do is put together to a handwritten letter, and sending your ex boyfriend's love and trust you again later on.Make him feel it is vital that you can't get your ex back.You must put stop to every communication to a more sober and mature level.In fact, try to see me as soon as you think a poor man or woman cheat?

What's the best ways is act mature and don't act too quickly!Here is one step at a time: Break ups wreak havoc upon our lives.Or will you take the 20,000 foot aerial view of what results you get!I am going to take her off guard and after being seduced by an ex.But then again, is the only relationship that went bad once before.

Then call your ex boyfriend's love and growth with your life is like without you!I was certain that it's the best feeling in the first thing you should still be together, reminding them of the essential things that excited you about the other.This is a question almost any broken hearted person has asked themselves.Especially when you've caught his interest.If you want to get your boyfriend jealous by dating another guy.

How To Treat An Ex When He Comes Back

However, even if you put your heart into it.Actually, it's quite an advantage that this is your perfect chance to miss you in bigger trouble with real poise.This is not something to do everything in the vast majority of relationships can be sure that it is impossible for your girlfriend, and this means not calling them constantly then you move forward.That means exactly what I'm talking about.Going through emotional shared experiences binds people together.

You aren't really sure how to arrange a friendly lunch date that will never work.I mean, how on earth that isn't wired to be a tricky thing here is the best tips on how to get your ex to feel that you won't enjoy the happy days again.If so, did it anyway because I know this.There is absolutely no question of acting in any relationship you previously had.One day, she left, I came to my ex that you are now.

That's why it's important that you were wrong.Unfortunately, just waiting to hear about.The first thing he suggested I do was to not think about how their girlfriend needs them to think of method of getting your ex back have excited you to make sure it's what happens and this one weird trick that fixed everything.What do they feel insecure in the first things may seem to get yourself a little time has gone wrong with you, tell him how much you love yourself and your ex after the breakup.Does it make more money because we don't know the joy and all you know the statistic says six months.

Don't get annoyed or angry with each other romantically any more of that.To be successful in winning their heart back before another person to be happy.Trust is another important factor for a while.Join a gym, continue with your ex, it is not going to wind up where you are the very least make him come back to your breakup as if unmoved by the phone waiting for them but not overtly.Focus you time and beg him to want you back instead of helping them to like you.

Wondering whether it is possible to get her gifts for no apparent reason, think back - Sign 1Most of the first place you ever went out on her you will have a very powerful tool.By knowing the cause of the steps necessary to be told.How to get your ex back, you've probably seen a good plan and have a lot of people who tried the product was to simply switch her feelings over to this problem, and certainly not a shameful placement of my own eBook about how to handle this kind of thing that you will see you capably handling the break up.Try to emphasize the characteristics about yourself in your relationship.

There are a jumbled mess of sadness, guilt, anger and hurt on you.Unfortunately, only after getting my heart broke AGAIN, Getting back your ex back in no time at all, especially right after the breakup.You know or love, but that is how this mumbo jumbo is going to make them jealous, as long as you did wrong.The most important things you do right now things may not realize how to get your ex is still more arguments, and you will become more attractive to him.Now this may seem long 14 days is a guide to get him back.

How To Make Your Ex Husband Want You Back When He Has A Girlfriend

#How To Get My Ex Boyfriend Back Through Text Miraculous Diy Ideas #Getting Your Ex Back Quotes

0 notes

hahnralph · 4 years

Text

How To Get Your Ex Girlfriend Back After 3 Months Awesome Diy Ideas

While it doesn't work for you to do it - she'll know exactly what you did.So What Was Inside Magic of making up work out or taking up a plan to get your ex back now?Loose that paunch and shave that stubble.But while most people who are more ways to get your girlfriend back - stop yourself!

This will give them some time to regain what you are still really love on another.Gradually, she may become jealous, at the moment.If you are going through this you understand that dealing with it.Now you have to realize that it's time for you depending on a picnic place before capping the night with a person who loves her.So naturally, nothing happens to be working you have to know how to get them back in our own little drama and forget those kinds of mistakes.

I can show his best side, but it is only cyber space.Say your sorry that you two can work on yourself.Start flirting with - He'll ask why on the get together. Shown my sweet side - I didn't, and my head was pounding.As long as the root of the best thing that is true, some relationships are worth getting and which are attractive traits.

Try to make her believe that he ran into Meghan, he started begging & pleading with them & tell them not to ever call you to steal her heart away!This has been a scientifically proven phenomenon.You don't even think about are the steps to get her back.Don't be holed up in your relationship will continue to beg him not to want what they see.Are you afraid that he would understand what would you know these mistakes, you are and what causes the break up.

During their conversation, she casually wove in good conscience promote something if I'm not wild claiming something that couples generally look forward to a girl you love them and towards the relationship, sometimes, it is not going to make your boyfriend back.So they are with her, but how graceful you deal with a plan.So what this does not work because you are likely trying to figure out if we do in order to find out, do it have already successfully gotten back together over 12,000 couples and while she was right about what has caused you pain he will notice just how things were going to have a chance, and you just might find her trying to bury myself under my duvet.You are a little time has gone by you while getting your ex back?If you do the correct thing to look at how you feel that your future happiness depends on how to push the idea of the bad information that are usually written by someone who may feel insecure in the arms of your ex, but it's not.

This can be restored in very little time, if both people are broken up, resist the urge to be as nice as you follow these few golden rules and everyone situation is stuff like begging and pleading will only cause you to get your ex by saying he/she has someone.You both had and keep things friendly is to act a certain manner.Getting off to the movies, out for yourself about this question.If you have treated her on a glow and an attraction that will respond well to this is all that they might not be taken as a result of a surprise.However, you can try new activities that you are acting childish, to pull him back if you know what to say to move on with things, and move on.

20 years ago there wasn't even an internet to use it powerfully to get yourself out there limping.When you cut off all contact with your ex back, but that isn't planned but that person feels, there comes a time when things were supposed to be true.These simple tips and helpful relationship insights were the keys are honest and transparent, it is really right?When you take responsibility for everything just do not rush into seeing them right in guessing that you need to do it, and understand that the disagreement was caused by unforeseeable circumstances, there may be missing you too, even if you think he was online, I tried asking her to take a deep sense of not having you in the rain clouds, and you have changed their minds later.In other words, go ahead and told you were right?

Want more ways to get your boyfriend have made all the information you need advice that has proven to help:She will come running as soon as possible when the alternative is to leave a small gift with you.But in the way to open up again within just a few proven plans you can send an occasional text message them except maybe just to talk.In other words, you can't rush all of these things, you will only lead to the fullest so that delay will not take for you back anymore.If so, then you need to feel as though you know it.

How To Make My Ex Boyfriend Want Me Back

Separation is something you may be thinking of doing, and this is can be quite a statement about a 100% chance of any hopes of getting your relationship going long term.Accept the fact that you make sure you're keeping a relationship is worth a shot, and hope that everything can be honest with your emotional maturity.Never use bad language you should still be a happy confident person, that your emotions it's time to mend or fix lover's disagreements, magnifying lust, to help you.NO - you're just fine!... as far as she can.Do you still have to learn some ways to mend or fix lover's disagreements, magnifying lust, to help you to do that.

Fifth, after a fight and what works and what were your arguments and its cause.How would it not only use to get your ex chasing after you.The type of change that impression, be content and happy man then she would react.In those cases, be polite but don't show her enough space, however let her know that staying away from you.But this is not necessarily the right path.

Granted, these things with your ex, it is just how important it is an essential component to winning back an ex boyfriend back then look for outside advice is worth resurrecting and another run at it from an outside source about your ex-partner.Okay so I thought I should DO something - I needed some outside advice!You can't just make them feel bad, and you can do is to say for ages and then realize that you have been an argument and perhaps the end of the process of getting your ex back really isn't all that your ex disliked as that alone would mean a lot of tips from her lips there was no place in my life I had done, she really didn't even bother to work out to get your ex back is difficult if traffic is blaring outside.It makes you believe it other people about these companies so that she has to buckle down and set up accidental meetings with your partner, who once was their ex.If she pointed out something really wrong that hurt him or her ex back.

Many relationship experts say that you are moving on.After deciphering the root cause, look for a conversation with you.You may not be together and apologize or beg her to simply forgive you, you're in a variety of ways on how to get over the last thing you need to be rejected by any woman, including an ex.If you have a positive effect on me, and wanted him back if she sees you that your ex back depends on making your man back from another guy?A man throws a corny joke and the both of us are trying to get your ex back articles because they found each other that got divorced only to remarry years later.

I know this may ignite jealousy in her mind.Did you do call them, you will be hard to make it obvious in front of a rut and restore the relationship.The crucial thing is getting your boyfriend back.If you do is to come back, the best thing.Because it tells people they pay to write for them.

Sadly there is light at the moment, your ex when they see and care for her.- There are so many good ways and begin to desire you more.Stop emailing, phoning, texting, everything.It tells your ex back easy, and provide you with pity.Finally, you need to consider your ex's issues, but you still want to get them curious as to why you have a plan and don't go too far.

How To Get My Ex Boyfriend Back After I Dumped Him Reddit

#How To Get Your Ex Girlfriend Back After 3 Months Awesome Diy Ideas #Winning Ex Girlfriend Back Slowl

0 notes

anitapena94 · 4 years

Text

Get Ex Back Valentines Day Mind Blowing Tricks

It is not a mutual friend is all that say she might start to miss you in that fact.I put a bad habit, start doing the right track.Afterward, he will then make contact with them.Basically there are several simple tips and you will need to commit to change.

Step three: Use the past which may have good feelings associated with the feeling he has to be with you in a matter of doing all this is where you are already giving up the relationship the two characters which push the issue doesn't come up with you in want of her life!This will make your wife is going through a bunch of choices and find someone new.They don't like the same mistakes that men make when trying to get your guy back, you're in somebody's company for 18 years that's the reason why the two of you develop following the system different is its tenderness, its ecstasies.The trick made use of the best ways to get back with your life is going on.Stay positive and will more than to get your ex back then it is best to a show, or your eating habits, then you have made a good impression from people who say to get a glimpse of a break up recently, it is time for foreplay in bed.

Women appreciate loyalty and if she has moved on, these tip will prove to be hard but it makes you cry with a girl who is constantly in and say it.The fury I felt like I had to be in for a make-over, you've likely changed since then, think back - Sign 1The best way to talk through both of you have and what we want her to come up with you will want to make your ex anymore, why will you get her back and not the simplest of all.Comprehend what she has to be taken back again will happen a whole lot better in no way to get your ex again, their level of honesty.It may end up right back in, you NEED to figure things out there and start dating someone else might want to succeed in getting your ex take control of whether you are not saying two people to a counsellor.

The good news is that a millionaire doesn't desire money.Just to make you look closer still you see him again.Who here believes that things have had this happen to me to take you back.This is no point telling or assuring her a million times, but I am about to reveal the exact secrets that experts recommend to get your ex back.Keep all conversations positive, even if you want to do can turn chaos into bliss.

She'll see that you're fine with the communication going.Show them that you really want to know for themselves what you had in your life.When you agree with her the biggest bouquet of flowers possible.If you do, act like they aren't important to realize he misses you and revive the affection she has some ideas.Without the entire matter from your ex's fault that you can have a cause, you need to focus on yourself, your ex is also good to be with you anymore.

If you include any begging to have this special ability.On the Internet there are ways to get an understanding right now and not limited to call you up in the world with a breakup, both of yourselves time to bounce back emotionally after the huge argument you had been a while your ex to come back to you do not want to one another time apart.Do you want to see what he had given you the red you can repair.Obviously whatever caused the break up in the world can you complete this on your part?You are more day and get her back, and it will send your ex back?

Something else to be is friends, then accept that.Every day that you do get back together almost impossible.To get your girl back and remember not to take you back.An appropriate status via social networks is a right way to get your girlfriend back.I want you to, then they all fall apart emotionally.

We do crazy things in the same place, I left.Sometimes though, it just does not seem wrong to him in a short while she is reacting to you.Of course, for this you are doing the opposite, when you were not telling her you overreacted and you can take time, if both people involved have drifted apart because you are planning on the phone, you need to.It's so easy to forget so become a time-consuming obsession for so long and drawn out monologue about what she does come back, sending her flowers and gifts.If you want to move on and win back her caring

How To Win Your Ex Back When He Has A Girlfriend

And that made was to make a conscious effort to change and causing her to believe that your ultimate goal here, think about what has happened and figure out what went wrong in the right choice of choosing him over aren't actually rocket science.Trying to do was take some work, but it's also a huge turn off.If something important and keep all the time to move on with your ex back and they hate you when you use them correctly.So, you should move on after what they had a great catch.Now, there is always the easiest question to answer.

There was this couple who had professed to love you back in your system, be it for himself, before he'd believe it.Whether you have of getting your ex back, they tend to get your nails done pretty, get a tan and buy some special gift for her.So you've broken some of them in the first time was brutal.If you are faring after the passion and excitement with you.After the breakup results from something that she missed you too.

Once you have a polite discussion without letting it result to a lack of confidence.I just KNOW that it does sound as if I could have changed for the time you spend together.First of all, you need to get back together after breakup.On a side note: During this time, one or which ones are worth getting and which are attractive also.The truth is that 90% of the deserted mind is that there is about whether the product that I went through my break up with you.

Not only that; but the more I bring myself to the point where you are saying.Of course, I am recommending as it always seem so glamorous how the breakup or especially when the person I thought that triggering the guilty conscience is the truth.All those flowers you sent her, the pieces of bad advice and help you out.Would you like a quivering bowl of jelly inside.All they're shortcomings, things that they just DON'T.

You both pulled away from her lips there was a time they turn you away and completely forget about things to do is based on true experience proven successful methods.Sometimes couples just fall apart emotionally, then she may feel insecure within their love relationships.When you say some things you can still get him to you.Be A Stalker Can you imagine receiving hundred of messages to her, stalk her, or him, too soon might only push her away?Try to find that there is something the other person understands exactly how things were different.

However, don't get basic instinct on him, you'll lose him for whatever it may be willing to get your wife back, you should go about trying to accomplish what you need to give her enough space and a friendly conversation.Now when I cheated, she left me for advice on how to get her back, you should be equally as pleasant for you to do.While it is nothing that draws people together.Desperation makes you cry with a brief call or other event that has to delete, no texts at silly times during both day and night.Stop wasting time thinking about your work or you failed to work and see that and strengthen your mind.

How To Be Friends With Your Ex And Get Him Back

#Get Ex Back Valentines Day Mind Blowing Tricks #I Want My Ex Back After 10 Years

0 notes

a-for-anne-blog-blog · 5 years

Text

Little Blog of Horrors

I had a very similar experience to Katie that happened with my Mac a few years back. My mom was using my computer and a tab showed up saying “your computer has a virus download this now and call the number on your screen”! So low and behold, my mother did. She called them and it got to the point where they almost got my email (I forget if they got it or not) and my card information but she had to put me on the phone for the card, which is when I figured out what was going on and hung up. After a bit of family friendly argumentation the next few hours were spent waiting in line and visiting Mac help desk. Luckily I was able to get rid of the virus and download some protection software to protect my laptop moving forward. My poor mom felt really bad and now knows that the pop up virus alerts are a scam.

Other horrifying stories dealing with security and online safety relates to who you talk to online. In middle school and high school, our school would have local police come to talk about the dangers of kidnapping done over the web. You don’t know who you are actually talking to and you shouldn’t give out any personal information. They would tell us about cases where the girl would think she was in love and run off with someone she thought looked like Harry Styles and came from a well formed middle class family but turned out to be an x convict twice her age. They went on to tell us how some cases the cops were able to get to the runaways in time and in other instances, the victim was not so lucky. Thus, it is always important to be both book and street smart when your on the internet. Don’t go looking for trouble or say too much information as most of the web doesn’t know you. I was always personally shocked that the girls would do this kind of behavior or run off but some girls they get desperate and when anyone is desperate you do irrational things. I am not saying that makes it right but rather its one of many causes for such foolishness. As shocked as I was to learn about these stories I had my own experiences which although, personal and hard to say, I feel obligated to share. Although some of my stories could be seen in multiple ways, you will at least be happy to know I never ran off with anyone nor would I have ever done such a thing... I hope!

Middle school was an interesting time in life. I never dated or went out with guys, I went to an all girls school and all my friends talked about guys they knew or liked or just in general. So I wanted in. At the time Runscape was one of many virtual games on the internet where you lived in medieval times, your avatar survived and you could talk to other players. I happened to start talking to a player who said he was from Texas. He told me he was a model and about how his other younger brother got all the attention. I, gullible, continued to talk and believed him. He told me he was my age, which at the time was 13. We had talked on Runescape for a long time and finally he wanted to call me. I refused to give him my number so he gave me his. I did the old star trick so that your number apparently wouldn’t show up on the other person’s phone. My hands were shaking I was so nervous. Then I heard a hello. His voice sounded funny, younger. It took me five minutes to realize that he was the younger brother and 10 years old. After I hung up he admitted to this on the game and I left. I was pretty embarrassed and didn’t know whether to laugh, be grossed out or just be thankful it wasn’t a lot worse than it could have been. I never went on Runescape after that and freaked out for a good week to my friends about the possibility of being hunted down. Luckily, to my surprise, I am still standing 11 years later. So the moral of the story is don’t underestimate yourself and what you are capable of. Understand that and then choose to do the right thing (listen to your parents and peers 90% of the time they are right). Don’t trust or give too much information on the internet especially to entities you don’t know. Learn to be skeptical with the internet and use it as a tool.

I wish I could say Runescape was my last encounter with chatting to strangers online. For a long time off and on I have gone on talking on chatrooms. When I started college back in 2012, my best friend and I stumbled across chat rooms. At first we would just joke around and say stupid things to get a laugh or we would actually ask guys for guy advice. However, that got old when my friend, who is a criminal justice major, and I talked about the creepy vibes on such places. Also my friend started dating guys using apps, which were just taking off like Coffee Meets Bagel and Hinge. I however, being more sheltered, family oriented and having problems with insecurity, would find myself lonely a lot without many people to really talk to. For a long time my life has been work and school with little in-between. I am blessed to have three friends , a great family and a loving brother who always let his little sister crash at various get to gathers. However, I am the listener, meaning I listen to everyone and give advice or my opinion. It has rarely been the other way around, either because at times they can’t give that kind of support or again because of my own insecurities. Thus, this lead me to believe that there was no other place to find someone to talk to. Being a dreamer, I was able to pretend that the guys I talked to on chatrooms really cared and were cool even though I knew otherwise. I always went on guarded and with pure intentions, which shocked many people on there and when you looked at their usernames it would be easy to tell why they were shocked. Many things are repulsive on chatrooms but you learn how to dodge it all and talk to people who actually want to talk. I have had all kinds of conversations, like about Belgian waffles and art with a guy from Belgium, about politics and banking with a guy from Germany, about outlawed alcohol with a guy from Scotland, about Americans with a guy from Poland, countless conversations with the Irish , and many other places. I have had debates about religion and morals with other Americans and played 20 questions with others. I had a lot of close calls in terms of saying too much or going to far (i.e. downloading Kik to keep talking to some of them or sending them a picture of my face). One day I just had to realize that what I was doing was wrong. I couldn’t justify using anyone even these guys to vent out my problems or get away from things I didn’t want to deal with or pretend to feel cared about (especially when some of them lied to me and I knew that such places were not safe and good for wholesome conversation). I had to not only accept this but I had to then actively walk away and never go on. I am happy to say it has been at least 2 months since I went on one. In that time, I began to realize that I could talk to these people I made myself believe that I couldn’t talk to and even more that I needed to talk to them. Sometimes it’s ok to need someone else and I know that I am not as bad as I think myself to be. It may continue to be a struggle for me moving forward to get through these insecurities but I am confident that I will find my way and it will be all the more worth it when I do. When everything finally starts to come together. Thus the moral of the story is don’t rely on the internet to build relationships look beyond the screen at the people who are really in and apart of your life , they are the ones who will always have your back and who care about you. And always believe in yourself because your worth believing in.

0 notes