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urmomsstuntdouble · 3 years

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more skater au

Annelise peered out the window, drumming her fingers against the steering wheel. Skaters leaned against the chain link fence, clustered in small groups, with one doing a little trick every now and then. She scanned the skate park once more, and looked down at her crystal watch. Julchen was still absent from view. Annelise brought a hand to her head and massaged her temples, growling to herself- Fortunately no one was close enough to hear. But still! Where was that girl? She was going to be late to her own band practice!

Annelise took another glance across the park, but once again, Julchen was nowhere. Annelise sent her a quick text. Julia. I’m here in the car. Where are you? She looked up in time to witness a tall-looking, muscular woman roll past her car. Annelise blinked, Julchen’s tardiness forgotten. God, she thought, as the woman stepped off her board. Perhaps the true religion was strong thighs.

The woman hopped off her board, and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She approached a group of skaters, and another woman of a similar build pulled her into a headlock. The second woman nuzzled her fist into the strong legged, dreadfully attractive one, and laughed. If Annelise had any say in the matter- Which she didn't- she would’ve taken a comb that hair. It was unruly, and sort of cute, but needed to be better cared for.

The women disentangled from each other, and went on talking. Annelise’s phone buzzed, though she didn't notice. She was too busy staring, and feeling gayer than she had in quite some time. Her mouth fell open as she watched the woman laugh, toss her head back and clutch her stomach with one hand. She looked like summer.

Her phone buzzed again, and again, as if someone was calling her. She took one last glance at the stranger, drinking in her appearance, and looked down at her phone. Oh, it was Julchen. Hm. She’d anticipated a text, but any contact was good, Annelise supposed. She answered the phone.

“Anna, baby!” Julchen crowed. Her voice was harsh on the ears.

“Julchen. Where are you?”

“I’m at the skatepark, what do you mean?”

“Check the time, you cretin.” Silence. Annelise looked down at her watch once again, and rolled her eyes. Julchen’s band practice started in five minutes, and the location was a fifteen minute drive away.

“Oh, yeah, I already told Kiku I wasn't gonna make it on time. He said it was cool.” Annelise rolled her eyes.

“I don't care what Kiku thinks,” She growled, “I care that you wasted my time!”

“Woah, way to speak your mind, Anna. I think you should care what Kiku thinks-”

“Well, I don’t right now!” Annelise shouted. She was overreacting, but her car was in the sun, and she was sweating, and it was so hard not to peek out the window at that beautiful woman-

“It’s okay,” Julchen said, voice melting like fondue. “You good, Anna?”

“I’m fine,” Annelise said, pinching the bridge of her nose. God, Julchen was insufferable. Why she ever felt anything for that girl, she’d never know. “Can you please come here? Now? I’m next to the entrance.”

“Yeah, I’ll be right there,” Julchen said, “Kisses!” She made a loud smooching noise, and hung up. Annelise rolled her eyes again. Julchen would absolutely not be right there. Not for lack of trying, though- A few weeks ago, Julchen took a bad fall, destroying her right knee in the process. Torn ACL, patella shattered, the whole nine yards. Annelise held her hand through the reconstructive surgery. Now she relied on crutches to get around and pretended her knee brace didn't exist. The crutches, unfortunately, were a great impediment to Julchen’s speed. But whatever, she said she’d be right there. Annelise lasted three minutes before she got out of the car and stalked towards the nearest group of skaters. It happened to include that gorgeous woman she’d ogled earlier, but who was counting?

“Do any of you happen to know where I could find Julia Beilshmidt?” Silence fell upon the group, and it took Annelise about five seconds to regret her choice. She was out of place, in terms of fashion and physical activity. There were five skaters before her, and they filled out their clothes, to say the least. Especially the woman she’d been looking at earlier. Her shorts hugged her thighs, tighter around her hips, and Annelise was fairly certain she had pierced nipples. There was a chain attached to her belt loops, for Christ’s sake! Annelise could never wear such a thing.

“Julchen? Yeah, she’s here,” Said the Extremely Attractive Woman. “Why’d you need to know?” Annelise looked up, meeting her eyes. And what beautiful eyes they were…But she needed to find Julchen, not admire pretty girls.

“I’m her roommate,” She said, biting her lip. “I’m here to take her to band practice, since she can't drive right now.”

“Oh, yeah, the band. Are you in it?” The woman asked, and Annelise shook her head. She wasn't sure how that was a question. Her sleeves were frilled, and Julchens had been cut off long ago.

“No,” She said, finally. Instead of replying, the other woman nodded with a half smile on her face. How was one supposed to react in this situation? “Anyway,” Annelise cleared her throat, “Do you know where she is?”

“Oh, right,” The woman said, “Yeah, she’s back here.” She slinked out of the circle, and motioned for Annelise to follow her. Annelise stepped back, exiting the circle, and stumbled as she followed the woman with laughter at her heels. Heat prickled at the back of her neck and down her spine. Maybe it was the slight incline, but Annelise was sweating more than usual. Or maybe it was that the woman held her board under one arm, at a position which highlighted her forearm.

Her forearm was tan, a bit darker than her upper arm, and more freckled. Tiny hairs gave her skin a fluffy halo. Despite her muscular build, her body still looked soft. And her hair- Gorgeous, curly and dark, slipping from a low bun. Annelise could imagine running her fingers through it under the soft light of her bedside lamp. You don’t even know her name, said her rational side. But she’s built like Julchen, said another, And you know what Julchen can do. Annelise tried to push the thoughts out of her head. And failed. This woman was exactly her type, and had a cute face. A round nose, not quite button shaped, and deep, brown eyes…Oh wait no, those brown eyes were looking right back at her. Fuck.

“Not to interrupt your staring, but I don't think you mentioned your name,” the woman said. Annelise set her eyes forward as her cheeks burned. What a- hm!

“It’s Annelise.”

“Hm. I think Julchen’s mentioned you before. I’m Isabela.” Isabela. That was a nice name.

“Nice to meet you,” Annelise said out of politeness. She was more sidetracked with wondering what exactly Julchen had said about her.

“You too, babe.” Babe- It had been quite a while since anyone called her babe. Annelise shivered, and chose to blame the heat behind her cheeks on the sun.

“Babe, already?” Annelise chuckled, electing to flirt back. “Bit- Bit forward isn't it?” Isabela chucked back and God, Julchen was gonna be so late to band practice. Annelise wasn't paying attention to where they were going anywhere. They’d passed the main area of the skate park, and now followed a dilapidated chain link fence toward a Port-A-Potty.

“I disagree,” Isabela sniffed, “I think babe suits you.”

“Oh?” Annelise said, her breath catching in her throat. “I happen to like the way you say it.” Isabela gave a soft laugh, and cast Annelise a sideways look.

“What are you trying to say there, Annelise?” Isabela asked,

“Oh, just admiring your accent. Where might you be from?” That hadn't been at the top of her mind, but it never hurt to ask. Perhaps she could later make a pass about wishing to visit Isabela’s home. Isabela cast her a smirk, one eyebrow raised. Without warning, she came to a stop. Annelise swung herself around, grinding her pivot foot into the ground, in an effort to appear that she knew what she was doing.

“Spain,” Isabela said, and turned towards the chain link fence. She looped her fingers into a hole near the top, and pulled towards herself. “What about you?”

“I was born in Vienna,” Annelise said, “What are you doing?”

“Oh, uh,” She grunted, peeling back the fence from the frame. “This is the easiest way to get to where Julchen is.” Oh, right. Julchen. Annelise had been a tad preoccupied as they walked. Not that she’d forgotten about Julchen. She was a wonderful friend, thank you very much.

“And where might she be?”

“Uh,” Isabela said, “Back there?” She gestured towards the dead shrubs behind the fence. Annelise wrinkled her nose- Isabela wanted her to walk through that? No thank you.

“Oh.”

“I promise it’s not that bad. There’s, like, a spot where people hang out. You can't see it from here, but it’s not far,” Isabela said, “Mind holding my board for a sec?” She thrust her board into Annelise’s hands before she could agree. “Thanks, babe.”

“I didn't agree to this,” Annelise pointed out, clenching her fingers around the board.

“Well, you’re holding it now, so. Yeah,” Isabela said. She shrugged, and pulled the fence back even further, then extended her left leg through the gap. God, her legs. How could one woman be such a distraction? Moreover, how could one woman have such good legs? Her quadriceps were defined, the separation between muscles showing as she transferred weight onto the outstretched leg. She ducked under the frame, and pulled herself through the hole, then released the chain links. They bounced back up, but did not meet the frame. Isabela turned away, and stepped towards the shrubs.

Annelise glanced down at Isabela’s board. The bottom was visible to her, revealing several flowers painted in an impasto style- Quite beautifully, too. It must’ve required a strong hand- Had Isabela done them herself? She didn't seem the type.

“Uh, Annelise?” She jerked her head up. Isabela leaned against the fence from the other side, using a foot to hold the gap open.

“Yes?”

“Are you coming?”

“Oh, yes! Apologies, dear, I was admiring your board,” Annelise said, hurrying over to the fence.

“Thanks!” Isabela said, “You like the flowers? I did ‘em myself. They’re chunky, you see-”

“I do see,” Annelise said, “Your technique is good, and the color palate is…interesting. Though I must say, it looks better than I would expect, had I known you painted.”

“Thank you? I think?” Isabela said, “Are you trying to say I’m a bad painter?” Heat filled Annelise’s cheeks once again- Yes, she had been implying that, but only a little.

“N-No, dear, quite the opposite.”

“Okay,” Isabela said, amused, “So are you coming or what?” Annelise sighed, and crouched down to crawl through the hole in the fence. Before she had to touch any dirt, however, she heard a raucous laugh. She and Isabela looked up to see Julchen emerging from the brush. She hobbled on one crutch, with one arm slung around another woman Annelise vaguely recognized- Catherine, perhaps?

“Oh, hey Julchen,” Isabela said, “What’s up?”

“Hey Bela!” Julchen screeched, “I’m on my way out, gotta go to band practice- Oh, Anna, how ya doing?”

“You’re five minutes late to your band practice, Julia!” Annelise shouted, raising her wristwatch. “And we haven’t even left yet!”

“Okay, chill,” Julchen said, “Practice doesn't start til I walk in anyway.” Catherine rolled her eyes.

“God, you’re insufferable,” She muttered, though she maintained a tight grip around Julchen’s waist.

“You were singing a different tune when-”

“Shut up!” Catherine shrieked, cheeks darkening, “Go- Go to your fucking band practice or whatever.”

“Mmkay, babe,” Julchen said, and untangled herself from Catherine’s grip. She stumbled off to the side, but caught herself on her crutch.

“Where’s your other crutch?” Annelise asked, “If you lost it and we have to buy another one-”

“I didn't lose it, it’s just- Look by the fence. On Isabela’s side- Yeah, near your feet-” Julchen guided Isabela as she bent down to search for the missing crutch. In doing so, the loose bit of fence she’d bent over bounced back into place. Annelise managed to jump back in time to avoid being hit. A yelp left her mouth, and she readied a scathing critique of Isabela, though her words died on her tongue. She clutched the board to her chest as Isabela bent down, searching for the crutch. The look of determination on her face was too much. After a few minutes of rummaging in dead leaves, Isabela came up with a crutch.

“A ha!” She shouted, raising it in the air. “I have found your walking stick, m’lady!”

“Thank you, m’lady!” Julchen crowed, and attempted a curtsey, but tipped over. And now Annelise could criticise them both again.

“If you’re done,” She spoke up, “Our agenda does not have time for your hooligan behavior.”

“Aww, you know you love me,” Julchen said, struggling to her feet. Annelise rolled her eyes, glaring, as Julchen crossed back to the right side of the fence. It was slow going, since she was still learning how to move without her knee, but she managed.

“Come along now,” Annelise said, and they speedwalked back to her car. Isabela and Catherine argued behind them, though she didn't pay attention.

“Wait, what if I used Isabela’s board,” Julchen panted, heaving herself forward.

“Absolutely not,” Annelise said, “Skating is what put you on crutches in the first place, I’ll not allow it.”

“I’m just saying,” Julchen said, as they approached the main area of the skate park. “If you, like, sat me down on the board, and I, like, crossed my legs or whatever, it would be way faster than if I-”

“Explain how you plan on crossing your legs.”

“Fair point, but you’ve gotta admit it would be faster,” Julchen said, and she was correct, though not looking at the full picture. Doing that sounded like an excellent way to further damage the rest of her leg, and Annelise told her so. Julchen rolled her eyes, and the argument would’ve continued further had they not reached the car. Annelise unlocked it, still holding Isabela’s board under her arm, and helped Julchen into the passenger seat. As she walked around to the driver’s side of the car, Isabela approached her once again.

“Hey there,” She said, and fuck.

“Hello,” Annelise said, “I’d love to stay and speak with you, but we must be going.”

“Oh, yeah, totally. Just, uh, you still have my board.” Annelise looked down, and yes, she did. She’d been so focussed on Julchen that she’d forgotten.

“My apologies,” She said, and extended the board towards Isabela.

“Don't worry about it,” Isabela said, taking it with both hands. Their fingers brushed as she handed it over. Annelise felt her eyes drawn to Isabela’s, and they held eye contact for a moment. Who knew brown eyes could be so deep and beautiful?

“Uh, anyway,” Isabela said, “You- You had to go, didn't you?” Annelise nodded, gazing down.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Unfortunate? Why?” Isabela purred, raising an eyebrow. “Is it-”

“No reason,” Annelise shouted, overcorrecting, “I’ve gotta go. Nice meeting you!” She stumbled in her effort to make a speedy turn, and ran to the car. She got in, slamming the door after herself, and buckled in with clumsy fingers.

“What was that?” Julchen asked, a note of amusement in her voice.

“Shut up,” Annelise said. Before Julchen could retort, something tapped at the window behind Annelise, and she jumped at the surprise. Annelise swiveled her head around, and oh, it was Isabela, tapping at the glass.

“Should I lower the window?” She asked, and Julchen only laughed. Annelise lowered the window.

“Can I help you?” She asked, and Isabela smiled. She had dimples. Nice.

“Yeah, do you have a pen?” Annelise looked down at her purse, resting between the front seats, and rummaged around in it for a moment before withdrawing a pen.

“Will this do?” She tapped her foot against the brake.

“That’s perfect, thank you,” Isabela said, and took not the pen, but Annelise’s hand. She drew it out from the car, holding tight. Annelise gasped at the contact, and squeezed a little tighter around the pen. Shit, when had she last held someone’s hand- Well, the hand of someone who was awake and sober.

Isabela uncapped the pen with her teeth, and held onto it with her lips. Annelise tipped her head forward, eyes caught on those lips. Isabela rotated her forearm such that the soft, inner arm faced the sky. She began to write on Annelise's skin, the movement of the pen tickling slightly. Annelise kept her eyes on her face, watching her brow furrow in concentration. It took her a long moment to finish. Once she concluded her writing, Isabela capped the pen and pressed it back into Annelise's hand.

“Hit me up,” She said with a wink, and pressed a kiss to Annelise’s knuckles before skipping away. Julchen cackled and Annelise groaned, putting the window back up.

“What- What the fuck-” Julchen heaved, “I can't, you’re so awkward-”

“I will stop driving you places if you keep going with that thought,” Annelise growled. Her entire body burned. She was not in the mood to be mocked- It was just attraction, albeit to one of Julchen’s friends.

“No, please,” Julchen said, wiping a tear, “I’m- You’re so fucking funny, Anna- Isabela? She’s the one who floats your boat?”

“Shut. Up,” Annelise growled again. She put her hands on the wheel, and sped away, cutting Julchen off. As they drove, she rolled her arm to peek at what Isabela had written. She couldn't help but grin at the little smiling flower drawn next to the number. Perhaps Julchen’s tardiness could be good for something after all.

art

#i originally wrote this for the winter spamano event but #did not like it at the time #anyway its my skater au!!#anyway if you like this..thank carla cause she said she wanted more and i happened to have more #im still not super proud of it but you know. if im trying to build hype this is something i can do #hetalia #hws #hws austria #hws spain #hws prussia #nyo austria #nyo spain #nyo prussia #skater girls au #spaus #nyo spaus #my writing #ceros posting

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jaehotbuns · 4 years

Text

dreamboat

rating: pg

word count: 2775

characters: you x johnny

genre: barista!johnny, fluff

summary: to calm your nerves for your first day of university, you visit the nearby cafe to buy a treat but the charming barista gives you his odd and underappreciated recommendations which puts you more at ease than your purchase. he asks you come back often and you do. with every visit, you fall for him more without realizing all the little things he does to impress you.

[thursday, september 5th, 8:29am]

You felt the warmth drain out of your body as you stepped out of the crowded subway car that provided heat from the uncomfortable number of commuting bodies pushed against you. The transition from summer to fall was evident from the cool breeze which greeted you as soon as your two feet landed on the subway platform. Along with the other hustling students and workers, you climbed up the stairs with excitement for your first day of university.

Nerves, shivers, and the cool temperature was causing you to shake slightly which was evident when you pushed the revolving doors out onto the streets and noticed that your fingers were vibrating on the glass surface. You were excited, but wary of getting lost on campus and being unfamiliar in your surroundings. The fact that the population and area of your university was tenfold of your high school was nerve wracking.

The fear of being late and interrupting your class and awkwardly fumbling in caused you to overestimate your commute to campus as while you were walking to your first lecture, you realized that the lecture began at 10:00am and you were only 5 minutes away. Rather than waiting outside of the lecture hall on your phone with freshman jitters, you decided to visit a cozy looking coffee shop that was nearby.

Even with your thick flannel on top of your cotton turtleneck, which was attire fit for fall time, the weather was colder than what you expected which consumed your energy on top of your nervousness. A nice coffee and dessert would take care of both problems.

The smooth varnished cocoa brown wooden door opened with a ‘ding’ sound as it pushed past the golden bell upon your arrival. The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans, sweet sugar glazed desserts, and the buttery fragrance of croissants wafted under your nose as you walked over to the display case to check out their servings. “Good morning!” The tall barista turned around to greet you, wiping down equipment with a washcloth simultaneously.

You smiled instantly to match the bright and charming barista’s expression. His hair was a dark brown, with hints of gold and red highlights which were accentuated under the overhead light bulbs that shined a light golden yellow hue. He was wearing a chocolate brown apron with the cafe’s logo on top of a white button up. His sleeves were rolled messily to his elbows which revealed the muscles of his forearms as he gripped the cups that he was drying. Your eyes landed to his name tag, “Johnny.”

“Good morning,” you replied. His beaming smile was calming your nerves and compared to the traffic noise and sound of footwear against the pavement to the upbeat jazz music in the cafe made you feel like it was an escape to the chaos. The warm light in the cafe and wooden interior contrasted the blue and grey city.

“Looking for anything specific?” He asked as you as you were leaning down towards the glass display case to carefully inspect the desserts to accompany a cinnamon latte.

“Hmm.. not really,” you answered and straightened up your back to meet his eyes. “Do you have any recommendations?”

Without much hesitation he set down his washcloth and placed the cups he wiped onto a rack. Johnny’s index finger pointed to a spot on the display case and tapped on three times. “Our raspberry cinnamon rolls.” Your eyebrows raised at the interesting and unique flavour combination and he took into account of your questioning expression. “The croissants go with anything too, you can’t go wrong with them.” He chuckled to himself, “raspberry usually doesn’t go with cinnamon.”

You shook your head and laughed, “no I’ll trust you on this one, I’m not particularly picky.” He seemed to be happy with your choice as he slid the case open to warm the dessert in the oven. “I’ll have a cinnamon latte as well, thank you!”

“No problem!” He replied with his back to you, closing the oven to turn around and make your latte. As he was steaming the milk and preparing the espresso, you walked over to the cash register to prepare your credit card. “A fan of cinnamon?” He asked, swirling the milk frother before tapping to pour into the cup.

You laughed softly, “yeah, but I’m having a little bit more than usual with your recommendation.”

You looked at him creating a design with the milk before sprinkling generous shakes of cinnamon. “I better not disappoint you then,” he smiled before placing the cinnabon bun on a place and sliding both the coffee and dessert over to you. He typed the order onto the POS system, “are you a student by the way? We’re offering a discount for back to school season.”

“Oh yeah, I am,” you said before pulling out your student card from your phone case and showing it to him.

Johnny’s eyes glanced over to the date issued, “new student?”

You nodded excitedly, making him chuckle at your cute enthusiasm, “yeah, first day actually.” The card machine lit up, and before making your payment you added a generous tip.

“Thanks,” he grinned as he ripped the receipt from the card machine and handed it to you. From behind the counter, he came to the front and took the tray to a table near the register.

After thanking him and sitting down, you glanced around the cafe and noticed that you were the only customer and he was the only worker. Before you could wonder about why that was, his question cut through your train of thought. “What time does your class start?” Johnny had begun cleaning the equipment that he used to make your order.

“10 o’clock,” you replied as you cut into the cinnamon bun with a fork. The raspberry jam gushed from the crevices as you stabbed the fork into the piece. Once you ate the first bite, your eyes lit up at the surprisingly complementary fruity and slightly spicy flavours. “Wow, who knew fruit could go well with cinnamon buns!”

Johnny laughed and nodded, “right!” He seemed overjoyed that you agreed with him, “it’s actually one of our worst sellers but I convinced the owner to keep it on the menu. It’s underrated.”

“Well, I’ll have to come back and try whatever you recommend then,” you said while cutting another piece. “Can’t let these underrated desserts go unnoticed.”

“I’d like that,” he said earnestly. You looked over at your cinnamon latte to take a sip and noticed a leaf design in the shape of a heart. “Come often.”And you did, before every lecture on thursday, you came back to try every underrated drink or food item that Johnny recommended and talked with him until it was time for you to go. By going at 8:30, the time where everyone was either commuting or going to Tim Hortons or Starbucks, you were alone with Johnny.

He asked about you and you asked about him. He also went to your school, but was starting his Master’s degree in Ethics and Philosophy. He only took early morning and closing shifts to focus on school during the daytime. His favourite drink on the menu was their mint iced americano. But the thing you remember most was him saying he liked your smile. You liked his too.

[wednesday, february 19th, 9:58pm]

“Hey!” Johnny called your name as soon as you saw you come into the door. You returned his wave as you walked over to the cash register. “You usually come in the morning, am I lucky enough to see you in the nights too?”

You laughed and shook your head, slapping him playfully on his arm. “I’m swamped with essays during midterm season, so I decided if going to suffer might as well have you to complain to instead of alone in a library.”

Johnny pouted and folded his arms across his chest dramatically, “aw, and I thought you wanted to see this sexy hunk of a guy.” He was right and he knew he was right. After months of flirty remarks, suggestive late night texts, and long phone calls while both of you worked on your respective studies made you feel like you were in a relationship but you were just in a ‘some.’

You placed your hand over your eyes like you were searching for something. You squint your eyes and pretended to look around the cafe. “Who? Where is he?”

His large hand placed your hand down while laughing and shaking his head, “you hurt me. Hurry up and order you dummy.”

“Surprise me with a nice warm and sweet drink,” you grinned and got your card ready. “Maybe like you?” You winked at him. Usually he would reply back with another snarky remark but this time you watch pink creep up in his cheeks and ears. He typed in the order and you paid as usual.

He looked at you and smiled while shaking his head, always being left speechless at how well you took his naturally flirty nature. “Sadly for you, we close at 11.” You watched him froth milk with a tin that held a fine green powder at the side for him to froth next. Although you wanted him to surprise you, you already knew what it was by coming a hundred times; maple matcha.

You pouted, disappointed that you only had half an hour to work on your mountain of assignments and even more at the fact that you could only see Johnny for an hour. Although both of you went to the same university and saw each other every week at the cafe, your classes and work schedules didn’t match up so you never saw each other. “Don’t fret princess, I can let you stay while I close even though it’s 30 minutes.”

You smiled at his proposition, “really? I don’t wanna bother you though.”

Johnny shook his head and grinned while making your drink, “don’t worry. I like when you’re around.” Your head skipped a beat, and you became even more flustered when you couldn’t come up with a witty remark back to fill in the silence.

He came from around the counter and served you your drink at the table he always placed you at. The workers didn’t need to come out and serve customers their drink, but he always did. “Because I want to,” he answered when you asked why he only did it for you.

“Work hard,” he said after you sat down. He patted your head encouragingly, “if you finish your work early we can talk while I clean.”

And so for the next hour you typed away furiously at your laptop. Your head whipping back and forth from your handwritten notes to your laptop screen. Once your wrists and fingers ached from being in an uncomfortable position, you sighed and leaned back into the cushiony orange chair. You rolled your wrists and closed your laptop before placing it into your bag. Although you had to proofread your work, you wanted to use the last few minutes to unwind with Johnny. You glanced at your phone to look at the time, 11:03pm.

You looked up and were surprised to see a customer in front of the cash register as Johnny should’ve locked the door and started counting cash three minutes ago. You were probably too engrossed in your work to notice their rather loud conversation in front of you. All customers left the store except you and the one at cash. “I don’t understand. I came in at 11:01 can you not make an exception?”

Johnny’s usual genuine smile was replaced with a forced customer service grimace as he tried to explain to her, “I’m sorry, the hours of operation are only up to 11 o’clock and drinks take around 3 minutes to make.” You were starting to feel as angry as he probably was.

“The three minutes we’ve been talking could’ve been used to make a simple drink, is that so hard to ask for?” You eyed her up and down. She looked young, maybe the same age as you, and didn’t look like the type to act entitled but here you were.

“I’m sorry, I cannot make you a drink, please leave,” Johnny said sternly. You’ve never seen him angry but his eyes were now sharp and upturned. The whites below his eyes were showing and his voice deep and ragged. You didn’t know who you were concerned for now.

“No! Not until I-”

Before she could finish you rushed up to the counter and interjected. “Johnny! Oh my gosh, I was so caught up in my work that I didn’t realize that it was time to close!” He tilted his head to the side, still fuming but his eyes softened by looking at you. Both him and the customer were confused at what you were going on about. “Why aren’t you closing and cleaning? You’ve worked by yourself for twelve hours since Maki called in sick! Didn’t you need to make breakfast for little Tim’s field trip tomorrow? What’s keeping you?!”

You looked over at the customer, “I’m sorry but we are closed. Unless you need a coffee that badly? Do you?”

She was taken aback, or maybe even guilty. She shook her head vigorously, “oh no, sorry.” She scurried out of the shop and you went over to the door and flipped the sign over from ‘open’ to ‘closed.’ Johnny walked over and locked the door with a key before laughing wholeheartedly.

“What was that?” You laughed too, you didn’t know what took over you in that moment but you had experiences dealing with annoying customers and you wished that you could help others in that scenario as well, so you did. “Maki? Is that the best name you could come up with?” He pointed to the sushi shop across the street with the sign with the big neon words, “sashimi, maki, bento, and more!”

Every word that left your mouth was accompanied by fits of laughter as you recalled what ridiculous things that you said to get the overbearing customer to leave, “hey! I didn’t know how to save you but in the end I did, didn’t I?”

Once he pulled the key out of the slot, he tucked it into his back pocket and pulled you into a hug. With your height different he was leaning down so that your head was next to his. Both his arms were wrapped around your back, enveloping you in a warm embrace. “You did, thank you.”

He didn’t let go, and your hands awkwardly slid up to hold his shoulders and stand more comfortably in his arms. You subconsciously started to stroke his head with your hand. “How are you going to make it up to me?” You teased to break the air of your own tension.

Johnny pulled away to look at you without letting go of your body, “how about a date?” He started to blush again and his flirty self was replaced with a more shy and timid version. “You know, only if you want to…”

“I’d like that.”

[friday, march 20th, 7:43pm]

“How’s this for our first date, huh?” Johnny laughed as he cut into his steak. You looked down at your salmon fillet and watched as the light pink flesh pulled apart effortlessly as you slid your fork down to separate it. You heard the soft jazz in the background although it came out more as lo-fi through the zoom call. “Isn’t this romantic?”

“I mean, it’s going to be the most romantic we get for the next few months,” you laughed as the two of you ate dinner through your laptop screens.

“Damn this semester was crazy,” he said between bites. His blazer was restricting his movement slightly but he wanted to look nice but he left his hair undone because gelling his hair was only worth the pain of washing it out if others could see it; in person that is. “I wish I could meet my professors and colleagues again,” he sighed. “Can’t even take my girl out to dinner either.”

You smiled to yourself at his last sentence but nodded in agreement. “Online school made me realize how much I really enjoyed school.” You took another bite, “and I’d rather only see you at the cafe than only on screen.”

He placed his elbow on the table and rested his hand on his cheek, “we’ll get through this together gorgeous.”

You repeated after him, “we’ll get through this together.”

authors note: how was everyone’s school year? i started my first year of uni which is crazy considering i started this blog in 2015. i hope everyone finished their school year well and know that things will get better! i hope y’all stay safe, healthy, and happy w/ your loved ones <3

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meditativeyoga · 5 years

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Yoga for Back Pain: Are Your Tech Devices Ruining Your Posture?

Tech tools are here to stay, but raising evidence reveals they could additionally ruin your body as well as bring about severe pain in the back issues. Physiotherapist and yoga teacher Stefanie Foster offers understandings right into the damaging effects of technology devices on your stance, as well as how yoga could help you avoid the neck and back pain issues that often arise from persistent forward head posture.

Several news posts have actually turned up just recently (1, 2) after a short article in a medical journal (3) highlighted just how peering down at our technology devices boosts loads on our spine. Numerous of you might be believing that a lot of severe 60-degree, 60-pound pressure appears like some young adults you recognize! It's not just young adults. If you head out in public, as well as take enough time to seek out from your very own cellular phone, it's around you! Individuals of every ages have their head down in tech tools. Possibly you claim, 'That's not me, I keep my head up straight as well as simply look down with my eyes ...' Another research study (4), released before clever phones and also tablets were so common, recommends that merely gazing with pose regulated sufficed to increase spinal loading. So why all the hassle? Due to the fact that this is not simply a single loading (although, I would certainly be reluctant to allow a 60-pound kid remain on the back of my neck!). This is a repeated position or continual position that we find ourselves in over and also over once again. As well as the extra long term or much more frequently our body does the exact same point, the easier it gets. The muscle mass on the front get short and/or careless, muscular tissues, ligaments and also fascia on the rear end come to be as well extended to do their job properly, as well as over a period of years, the shapes of the bones might begin to wedge as well as adjust to that setting too. As we discussed in a previous write-up, the body complies with the path of the very least resistance similar to other mechanical system ... ask your secondary school physics educator! Therefore, without intervention, the short obtains much shorter, the stiff gets stiffer, the lengthy gets much longer, and also the weak gets weaker.

Now, think of a day in the life of Bob: Bob awakens as well as reads the paper over morning meal (he's old fashioned like that.) He boards the train to function, reading articles and also e-mails on his iPad the whole way. At work, he invests a lot of the day peering down at a laptop computer display. After job he goings to his CrossFit box where his preferred WOD entails as many sit-ups as he can achieve in a timed initiative. Among Bob's friends suggested that he try yoga exercise, so he catches a course after CrossFit. He's been going with about 4 months currently and also truly feels like he's mastering it. After an energetic class (entailing more crunch-like abdominal workouts), the teacher invites the trainees to become part of 'the queen of all yoga exercise poses' Salamba Sarvangasana or Shoulderstand, 'if it remains in your technique.' Bob checks out what every person's doing, remembers that he used to do that as a kid and easily throws himself up into Shoulderstand. After yoga, he goings residence, spends even more time on his laptop computer, then checks out a little bit in bed prior to falling asleep. The next morning, he wakes up with a splitting frustration as well as an aching neck and also can't envision why!

Ok, so perhaps once of doing Shoulderstand will not always send out Bob reeling. It can happen! It's not simply that Shoulderstand though, is it? Bob has actually been exercising all those various other poses of prolonged forward head setting (checking out the paper, his iPad, laptop computer, analysis in bed) for far longer compared to his Shoulderstand. And also hence, he set himself for the relative stiffness/flexibility imbalance that comes with it.

There are a couple of even more problems I see with this photo. Did you catch them?

Many abdominal muscle works out further aggravate a slouching (flexion) of the upper (thoracic) spine by contributing to a shortening of the abdominal muscular tissues that develop stiffness from the ribcage to the hips. (5)

The teacher glorified Shoulderstand before an all-levels class by calling it 'the queen of all yoga positions.' I'm aware that this is oft mentioned in the yoga exercise area. (If any person could tell me the initial resource, I 'd enjoy to understand!) Just how can the yoga exercise professional cultivate equanimity when they're hearing they're less of a yogi if they do not do Shoulderstand?

The teacher said "if it is in your practice.' This statement is one of my pet dog peeves. It is meant with great objective. In a regular all-levels class, a teacher could not be expected to check every single trainee as well as provide each of them something to deal with ideal for their existing demands. The instructor is meaning for the trainees to self-assess their capabilities, and needs and select what is suitable. Teachers need to understand far better than to believe that a human being, with a vanity as well as a gently competitive spirit, in their very first year of yoga exercise will determine properly exactly what they await. I keep in mind back to my very first year of yoga exercise technique ... Shoulderstand was the first inversion I exercised on a routine basis! Several of you may be wheezing in scary, while others may be asking yourself 'exactly what's incorrect with that said?'

So, what's the solution?

' If you practice Shoulderstand effectively you have absolutely nothing to stress over' Wrong.

I can listen to some knowledgeable practitioners stating, 'Well, if you do Shoulderstand correctly, you don't place any type of stress on your spinal column at all.' Point taken. And I will concur that an effectively performed Shoulderstand is absolutely much better compared to Bob (and newbie me) tossing himself right into what appeared like the present outside. just since the spinous procedures of your vertebrae don't touch the ground, doesn't imply you're exempt from the forces of gravity going through your spine at very various factors than they're created for. Check out the picture of cell phone man once more: that 60 extra pounds of force is not coming from straight stress on his vertebrae.

' I constantly do Shoulderstand with props, never without.' Excellent. Especially if you are exercising longer holds. even if you have your shoulders on a number of coverings, your head is still forward, also if you are functioning to keep a neutral curve or typical lordosis in your neck. Although I have no idea of anyone that has examined it, I would certainly wager even if you transformed the middle cell phone man inverted with his directly the ground as opposed to his feet, and also supported his shoulders on coverings, there would be greater than 40 extra pounds of pressure at that point. Plus, I want to bet that Iyengar didn't invest the rest of his day when he wasn't practicing yoga exercise floating his going a tech tool. I would certainly also wager that if he ever before got harmed, it wasn't advertised. * gasp! *

' As long as you include a counterpose, you have absolutely nothing to stress concerning' Wrong.

I understand the idea process here, that the counterpose in some way terminates out exactly what you simply did, however it's not that basic. What after that is the counterpose for 10+ hrs a day we invest with our heads forward? Points like Fish Pose (Matsyasana), gazing up in Urdvha Hastasana (Upward Salute), taking the head back in Cobra or Up Pet dog, looking between the hands in forearm stand or handstand are not going to amazingly undo just what we have actually done in everyday tasks and Shoulderstand or Rake Pose.

One reason is that it's more compared to simply our muscular tissues, tendons and also fascia that get stretched in that forward head position. Our nerve tissue gets extended also. In several individuals, this nerve tissue is delicate and also not alleviated by backbending.

It's not a rainbow-like forward flexing curve many of us are developing in the neck. A lot of the time, there's a shear taking place at the CT joint, or the component of your spinal column where the neck becomes the upper back. With this long term forward head setting, the lower neck (cervical spinal column) begins to glide forward loved one to the upper thoracic vertebrae developing a motion like a moving tectonic plate. In this instance, going right into cervical extension (like the counterposes mentioned above) may actually feel worse as there is increased pressure on the discs, joints and also nerve roots.

Here are my recommendations:

Spend much less time on your technology devices. We could all take advantage of this, myself included! Batch process your messages instead than inspecting them regularly all the time. Be with whomever is in the area with you live. Go outside.

When you do have to utilize tech tools, attempt to maintain a neutral spine with regular contours as well as have watching at eye level. Assistance your arms on a cushion if essential to hold publications or reading tools. If you do a great deal of deal with a laptop computer, take into consideration a docking terminal or separate screen so you can have both look and also arms at appropriate setting. If you work from house, consider some options such as existing on the flooring component of the time.

Minimize forward head positioning at various other times. (at dishes, watching TELEVISION, while exercising)

Recalibrate your partnership to 'core job.' A six-pack may look nice, however it could function versus your capacity to maintain healthy back placing. Curling your spine into a "C" form does nothing to enhance main stability. Putting your tailbone or posteriorly turning your pelvis has also been shown to close down your key stabilizing team.

Learn what it feels like to engage your cervical core. No, I'm not speaking about Jalandhara Bandha (Chin Lock). I'm talking about well balanced stability around the neck as well as scapular stabilizers.

If you're a yoga exercise practitioner as well as uncertain that you're doing Shoulderstand 'properly,' or that you await it in any way, work with a seasoned educator 1:1 .

If you're a yoga teacher, bear in mind your language as mentioned over. Take into consideration that your students are 'householder yogis' as well as doing all these things cumulatively outside your class. Show your trainees exactly what it indicates to have a healthy contour in the neck and also to preserve it first in progressive heights of bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) before ever before attempting Shoulderstand, whether with or without props. Hold company authority in your yoga class that if anybody is doing shoulder stand in a harmful way, you reserve the right to give them an alternative, or inquire to rest out the pose.

Check out Tom Myer's webinar The Fascial Matrix - The Lifelong Dynamic In between Flexibility as well as Stability.

Maybe it is time to pause from our tech devices, take pleasure in some sensible recommend as well as wholehearted understandings from Factor, Elise Museles.

#Yoga #yoga positions #yoga teacher #Yoga Weight Loss

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koushujin-institute · 6 years

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Aspiring Hero Profile: Ochimaru

Since this is the first profile posted to this blog, I wanna give a short foreword before we get into the fun stuff. Since this fanfic has a ton of original characters, I decided to make little profiles for them to easily keep track of their Quirks, appearances and personalities. They were going to be for my own personal use but when I got the idea to make this blog, I decided to upload them so everyone else could take a read as well. These profiles will be posted after a character has properly introduced themselves and shown off their Quirk in a chapter. So, a character may be introduced in the story long before their profile is posted. This is to ensure I don’t just spoil everything about them before they’ve even been revealed! I’ve also removed anything from their profiles that will be a spoiler for events in the story, but there will still be minor reveals and details that could be considered spoilers. If you wanna stay in the dark, give these profiles a miss!

Also, I can’t speak Japanese at all so the origin of character names in the Trivia section was taken from a mixture of forums, romajidesu and Google Translate. I spent a while trying to stay as accurate and respectful as possible, but I can’t promise that all of the origins will actually be correct. I just hope they are.

Anyway, with all that out of the way, the first profile for the main character of ‘Our Little Bubble’ will be under the cut so I don’t clutter up your dashboards! :)

Character Name: Ochimaru Kawadatsu

Quirk Description: Lather - The secretion of a slippery, soap-like substance from the hands that has a pleasant scent. It can be coated across areas to reduce traction for tripping up adversaries or to increase speed of movement, or even be used as a regular cleansing agent. It can also be blown into resilient, rubbery bubbles when the user makes a circle shape with their thumb and index finger. These bubbles require a moderate amount of force to be popped and can bounce across surfaces without bursting. The bubbles can also be used as a makeshift shield by coating them across the arms or to even cushion someone’s fall. The size of the bubble blown depends on their lung capacity, and once large enough it can even hold people inside either for their protection or entrapment. Overuse of the quirk leads to decreased soap output and potency, dry hands or bleeding.

General Appearance: Ochimaru has naturally blond hair which is rare in Japan, although it can be attributed to the huge amount of genetic variation that Quirks caused. He has a wavy hairstyle with a fringe that sits to the right. The sides often stick up lazily. The rampant genetic mutations caused by Quirks gives his eyes a soft, baby pink colour. He was often teased for them when he was younger as they were seen as girly, even when other people had similarly strange colours like red and purple. His skin is paler than most due to all the time he spent indoors but it is incredibly smooth, likely due to rejuvenating soap that he produces and washes himself with. He stands at 5’1” but is on the cusp of a growth spurt. He has an average teenage male build and lacks muscle when first joining the hero course as he often has trouble exercising. He has rosy cheeks, a small nose, a round nose and ears that protrude outwards. He usually wears a lot of muted or pastel colours, especially blues and pinks. He is always clueless when it comes to fashion trends and ends up wearing the same couple outfits every day.

Hero Appearance / Equipment: Ochimaru’s hero costume is outfitted to highlight his soapy abilities and to protect himself from soap’s inherent properties. He has a durable pair of goggles that protect his eyes not only from dirt or debris, but also to stop them from getting irritated by his own soap if it splashes onto his face. His outfit is designed to prevent the absorption of liquid, as he would only get heavier as his own soap was slowly absorbed. Synthetic fibers laminated with rubber, PVC and wax make up most of his costume which makes it waterproof. Because of its structure, the soap can stay on the surface of his costume without being absorbed or actively repelled away, meaning he is often slippery to the touch. He also has accessories similar to bubble wands strapped to the belt on his waist, although it often takes precious time to coat them in soap on the battlefield, so he usually just uses his fingers. His forearms and hands are bare as his pores need to be uncovered in order for the soap to be produced. He has large boots with resilient, gripping soles so he doesn’t constantly slip on the soap he creates, although they are easily removable in case he needs to utilise the lack of friction. His costume overall has a pink, violet and blue colour scheme. With his goggles and jacket being pink, his belt and accessories being violet and his trousers and boots being blue. His goggles and boots are particularly iridescent and shiny. His jacket comes with a hood that covers his hair, so it doesn’t get covered with soap.

Personality: Growing up with protective but well-meaning parents, Ochimaru never had many positive relationships with those of his age and was coddled greatly. He yearns for a group of friends and wishes he could do social things that most others take for granted like going out to the movie theater. He was teased for his want to become a hero with his lacklustre Quirk, and he aims to prove that people like him can become heroes if they try hard enough. His admiration for pro heroes came from an incident when he was almost abducted as a child, although it also instilled the fear of the outside world in him. He still avoids public areas like shopping centres and much prefers when he knows everyone personally. He believes that the other students in the hero course are far more skilled and have greater potential than him, but he does his utmost to support them and bring out their potential. Even with his negative self-image, his humble attitude and heroic actions spur others to change for the better. He believes that if someone like him can accomplish something great, other people can accomplish even greater things. He lacks charisma and confidence due to being coddled, and often relies heavily on other people in social situations. He feels most comfortable when with someone he can trust, and he often latches onto people who are more outspoken than him. He has quite a self-deprecating sense of humour which is often how he processes trauma and his own shortcomings, although this can sometimes be a detriment to his mental health.

Other / Trivia: Ochimaru’s birthday is January 8th and he is 15 when joining Koushujin. His first name comes from a combination of ‘ochi’ meaning ‘slip’, ‘outcome’ or ‘punchline’ and ‘maru’ meaning ‘circle’ or ‘round’. His surname comes from a combination of ‘kawa’ meaning ‘river’ and ‘awadatsu’ meaning ‘to bubble’ or ‘froth’. He is one of the few students out of the new Koushujin first years with a fully-formed combination Quirk. His mother is able to produce a semi-solid fragrant soap from her hands depending on her mood and his father can blow massive bubbles from his mouth due to a special, viscous saliva. His favourite drink is lemon-lime ramune, which he has loved since childhood!

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gyromitra-esculenta · 7 years

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Synchronicity 9

Fear!AU. The mind-fuck episode. AKA The Vent, the ghosts, and conspiracy.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

(...)“Well, ain’t that a bloody good question, at that, luv?” Lena snickers from the left and slides up her goggles. Each of her movements leaves electric blue lines fading slowly in the air. There are bullet holes in her throat, her right eye is missing from its socket, and her uniform is stained black at the midsection. “I reckon the knobhead really wants you to notice him, Jackie.”(...)

***

(…)

Ghosts of the past always tend to revisit

Rarely will they come bearing gifts of forgiveness

And from the streets to the wars, so much violence he made

(…)

The corridor Jack steps into is unsettling, the long stretch of the polished marble with dark blue columns turned almost black in the dim red light that filters through an arched glass roof overhead. He knows it does not belong here, in this place, it has been ripped out from somewhere else – a memory, his own or Reaper’s – and put here for him to stumble in, purposefully, or by accident maybe.

He swallows and checks the shotgun’s chamber. Three more shots. His footsteps echo in the silence, the only other sounds his own breath and the rustle of his clothes. The door made out of the frosted glass on the other side of the corridor slowly crawls further away from him with every bit of advance made. The tall grass that tickles his palm does not surprise him in the least.

Psychic shock. Hallucinations. Withdrawal. Crazy or not.

“I know you’re here,” Jack stops and defiantly calls out, shotgun lowered, teeth clenched. “Come out. Tell me what do you want from me…”

“I’m always here, Sunshine,” the Beast laughs and with a rushing trickle, the grass drowns in rising liquid, black sludge slowly creeping up until he stands up to his hips in it. It’s warm, detestably so, steaming in the air turned unexpectedly cold. “Now more than ever because, let’s face it, Sunshine, you need me.”

It’s blood. A river of blood. Jack trudges forward against the strengthening current that threatens to take him with it.

“No. Not you. You’re… you’re a part of me. Him.”

“I was, and always be, a part of you, Sunshine,” the Beast’s whisper fades when a claw traces the scar on his face, with care, sadness maybe, and Reaper comes closer, the expression on the ever-changing face struggling to keep its shape inscrutable. Jack holds his breath. The skin is cold to touch, clammy, and the smell of decomposing flesh surrounds them.

“They will all pay for what they did to us. For what they did to him.” The voice changes, travels, sounds from different points in space.

In a way, it is reassuring, the knowledge that he is merely a surrogate for someone already gone, Jack thinks when the surging current, a wave of rolling darkness, knocks him over and dunks him under the surface. The whole world reorients itself along some axis, the turn of perception dizzying, and he presses his palm against the glass door.

Something in the darkness beyond the threshold screams, long anguished soundless wails reverberating in his chest like a sound wave underwater, more felt than heard. He cannot even start to imagine how anything – anyone – can produce sounds like these, with such suffering forced into each single tone, and still live. Still exist.

He pushes on the frosted glass. Vertigo makes him sway on his legs when the reality again stretches and crashes into his senses. Jack wipes the blood away from his nose with his wrist and duly notes that the open gash on his forearm is gone, and only an angry jagged – slightly raised – pink line is left behind.

He is standing next to the vent, the floor and the wall around it are littered with angry red scribbles, fingerpainted, manic, disjointed, but from that chaos, order emerges the longer he stares at it. Letters and numbers form amino-acid sequences and equations, organic reactions reimagining themselves into something living in his mind.

“The formula to create you, Sunshine,” the Beast purrs. “The recipe for making more of you.”

And above all of that, a question, meticulously formulated, blood still fresh and uncoagulated: ‘Can he truly see him?’.

“Well, ain’t that a bloody good question, at that, luv?” Lena snickers from the left and slides up her goggles. Each of her movements leaves electric blue lines fading slowly in the air. There are bullet holes in her throat, her right eye is missing from its socket, and her uniform is stained black at the midsection. “I reckon the knobhead really wants you to notice him, Jackie.”

Jack feels the inevitability weigh down on him, something constricts his throat. He shakes his head as if to clear his mind. His fingertips brush against the wall and smear the blood.

“Now, luv, don’t go shellshocked on my behalf, there’s still a lot of fecking ground to cover,” Lena rolls her remaining eye. “I could do without you going full nutter.”

“How?” Jack swallows, bending down to peer into the vent.

“Does it matter?” Her hand rests on his head. Fingers soothingly card through his hair. “All soldiers are is lambs led to slaughter. Future banquet for worms. Monsters bred to create monsters. A neverending cycle.”

“Yes. It matters. To me.” Jack crouches and almost balks at the stench of fresh viscera and its spilled contents coming from inside.

“Now, Sunshine,” the Beast hisses, “you’ve smelt worse.” Yes, yes, he had, so he slips inside. The light on his visor illuminates metallic lining of the duct. Jack tentatively moves forward on all fours. Lena is beside him.

“You tell me, luv. You ditched the meds, didn’t you? I’m just a bloody fidget of your broken mind, you duffer. What was that thing Shrike said? Psychic shock, luv.” She smiles, white teeth glinting from the corner of her mouth. “So, in all probability, I’m telling you what you want to hear. What you already believe. Or what the wankiest of them all wants you to believe.”

His hand lands with a squelch in something wet. He doesn’t look and sidles – as far as he can, pressed into aluminum wall – past the lower half of a body. Ripped intestines hang down over the ridges of torn muscle.

“So, Jack, luv,” Lena laughs, “don’t keep him waiting. Remember your training. See him for what he is,” she adds somberly, her nails dig into his scalp. “You need to see him. You need to forget your fear.”

An opening, down into another corridor, and now he does not need to wonder where the other half of the body went, it lays just below. Jack swallows and positions himself gripping the edge of the vent, then slowly lowers himself and swings.

He lands with a soft thump, crouched. Everything is silent. Too silent. He has the uncanny feeling that someone watches him through the eye of the camera on the wall, someone hostile, someone with an agenda differing from his own.

Jack looks back at the vent and Lena smiles at him. She pulls down her goggles and gives him thumbs-up, then disappears from his sight.

He inspects the shotgun again. Three shots. The knife is in its holster, the Seegert too. The vest seems to have the integrity intact. The closest exit is reinforced, the card reader again glaring red at him, so he passes it. Around the corner, another camera observes each his step.

“Yes, Sunshine,” the Beast walks with him. “Someone prepared the way for you. I wonder what was his intention.”

There are bodies in dark-colored hospital scrubs littering the floor. Red cross on the wall. He feels no compassion towards them, not anymore. There are singular piles of ash. He tries not to step on them.

The path leads him through another set of cubicles. The feeling of scrutiny makes him paranoid and he glances up at the camera in the corner of the ceiling, catching the briefest glint of movement. Why? He turns, inspecting the office space.

The PDA sitting precariously on the edge of the desk flickers in the dim of the room, the blue glow of the screen bathing immediate surroundings in an eerie light. Jack slowly approaches and takes a hold of it even if every shred of his instinct screams danger. It smells like an intricate trap he’s entering willingly.

The datapad still receives transmission and is logged into the secure network of the facility. He wonders how unlikely it is the little fact the whole infrastructure is still standing got overlooked by Gerard. There is always one position highlighted and he quickly swipes through several menus along the path left for him until his finger hesitates and slowly moves from ‘Blackwatch Personnel’ to ‘Replica Project’ – and then to ‘Subject 76 Field Test’.

“There is no need, Sunshine,” the Beast murmurs, “for you to read this.”

“Why?” It surges around his wrist yet remains silent except for a hushed hiss bubbling just under its surface, so Jack opens the file. The letters seem to quiver on the faintly glowing screen.

‘I’d like to recommend that the next time there is a need for Blackwatch personnel to supervise any kind of prototype testing, they are reminded of proper protocols for handling the test subjects. Proper handling would have prevented the unfortunate loss of several soft assets.

While most of the protocols were breached during the incident, we can deem the field test in its entirety as sufficiently successful, especially because of the issues revealed. There is a need to develop a more secure method of establishing and ending the connection of our subjects to Reaper as it seems that the incident was initiated rather spontaneously without prior activation of Subject 76, due to the physical trauma the specimen underwent.’

Something cold is crawling down his spine and his breath grows short. The letters on the screen start to swim, but that’s because his hands are trembling, Jack idly notices from somewhere beside himself.

‘During the five-minute twenty-two seconds long synchronization event, Subject 76 barehanded had dispatched four acting members of Blackwatch and gravely wounded another two (see attached footage). The specimen itself suffered several combat injuries, none lessening its combat eligibility in the long run after proper recuperation period. The other injuries that lead to the test subject’s activation correspond with…’

He cannot read anything else, the words run together and transform into smears on the screen. It does not matter because there are hands at his throat and his lungs burn when he tries to draw a breath. He drops the PDA and claws panicked at his neck trying to pry them off.

Cold fingers cover his eyes and something – someone – physical stands behind him, the other hand guiding his wrists down away from his bared bloodied throat.

“I’m here,” the voice is distant and distorted, hoarse. “You don’t need to know this. You shouldn’t know this.”

For a brief moment, the darkness that envelops him is comforting, and Jack slowly breathes to the rhythm of the ever-present sluggish beat.

#sometimes i write #fear!AU #r76 #reaper76 #proper part #gore #i guess #i swear we are getting closer to the end of the hospital

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yoi-secret-valentines2017 · 7 years

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( @porkcutletbowl-on-ice, hi! I am your valentines! Your hint was Viktuuri, so here’s Viktuuri. You also said that Viktor is the most beautiful and I totally agree but somehow forgot to include it in this fic??? Shame on me. Anyways, I’m really truly sorry you needed a pinch hitter in the first place (sorry to both you and the organizer!!!!) but I hope this is good enough! It is 3,450 words which is like a world record for me, and it’s about jetlagged Yuuri moving in to Viktor’s apartment in St. Petersburg. I really wanted to highlight the uncomfortableness of cohabitation (also jetlag ugh so there’s lots of napping for Yuuri). You said ‘yes’ to nsfw, so there is implied sex, but that’s it. Other than that it’s fluff and romantic tension. I will post to ao3 after the reveal as well! Please enjoy! Humbly yours, Elliott Fletcher.)

Title: Hallelujah Whispered Softly

Summary: Yuuri walks around the table to stand in front of Viktor, and he says, “I’m cold,” in the smallest voice Viktor’s ever heard.

“That’s okay,” Viktor tells him, swallows him whole with just his thin arms, and it is warm, getting warmer, steadily.

Fic:

It is cold in St. Petersburg — cold on the walk from the airport, cold in the hallway, and cold with a key between his fingers as he turns it through the lock. The apartment is cold, too, though a furnace hums somewhere within the walls. He steps inside and inhales a waft of lavender which he presumes is from the mop pail stranded in the middle of the hallway.

“I - ” His voice is not as loud as it should be, does not come easy as he wills it out into the air. He has to try again. “I’m h-here.”

From around the kitty corner, he distinguishes Viktor’s voice among the clinking of dishes. Viktor exclaims in Russian — and Yuuri’s grasped enough of the language, now, to understand what he says — “Ah! Yuuri’s home, Mama.” His footfalls thud against the hardwood floor, and he appears, ecstatic in his eyes and his smile, a checkered towel in his hands and suds along his forearms where he has rolled the sleeves of his flannel shirt to the elbow.

“I’m gonna greet him,” he jumps over the mop pail like it is a hurdle and skids to a stop mere feet in front of Yuuri, the stretch of the Welcome mat between them. Their eyes lock, and Viktor rushes his words: “Okay, I love you — Yep, bye!“

Thoughtlessly, Viktor tosses the house phone — an old, cream wireless with a thick antenna protruding from the head — in the direction of the couch, where it lands square on Makkachin’s belly. Viktor pounces on Yuuri, entrapping him in a hug that squishes his arms into his sides and restricts his hastened breath and movement. He smiles wider with every lasting kiss Viktor peppers to his cheeks and forehead, and the single peck to his nose has him giggling. Viktor does not ask how the flight was (he knows Yuuri will always find it dreadful), so he says, simply:

"You’re home,” Viktor holds his face in his hands, and Yuuri has to agree regardless of his hesitation to call anything other than Yutopia Akatsuki ‘home’.

He says, “Yeah,” and watches Viktor scamper back to the kitchen (dodging the pail entirely this time). He unties his shoe laces, loosening far up to the toe before slipping them off. Makkachin saunters over, and he rubs at his collar, touching their foreheads together. He repeats to himself, “Yeah.”

“Yuuri? Are you napping?” Viktor calls softly from the doorway, framed in gold light. There is a squatty, Viktor-shaped shadow cast along the floor that Yuuri giggles, delirious, at before he says:

“Was,” and he is not bitter so much as reluctant to leave Viktor’s plush, king-sized bed — reluctant to unravel himself from the blankets that smell so distinctly like Viktor (mint toothpaste and lavender).

Viktor steps into the room, clicking the door shut behind him blindly and leaning against it. Yuuri feels his eyes on his skin, a warmth that tingles in his stomach, and he tucks his face into the pillow so Viktor will not notice the drool on his chin.

“You slept through dinner,” Viktor tells him, sliding to the floor, his cheeks puffed with air he deflates slowly; the buttons on his back pockets chink against the wooden door. It is an uncomfortable noise that alerts Yuuri, waking him thoroughly. “It’s on the stove if you’d like to eat?"

His voice raises, still soft but hopeful now. It coaxes Yuuri to sit up, and he stands on shaking legs. The floor creaks with the weight of him, each sound out of place, each step aching in his muscles. He pokes the crown of Viktor’s head where the part falls back. Their movements cease, held by their (happy, heavy, sleepy) gazes and the one place they touch. Yuuri leans against the wall, sliding down to the floor and aligning their hips and shoulders until they are even.

A sob escapes from his throat. Viktor pulls Yuuri into his chest and holds him, holds him tight, palms cupping his shoulders and calming the tremors.

"What’s wrong?” Viktor asks, sweet, the same way he called out to a quiet room, and hushed-like, into his ear. His forehead presses calmly into Yuuri’s head, pulling apart the tension.

“I think … homesick,” he clenches the wings of Viktor’s flannel shirt in his balled fists, teeth and jaw ringing.

Viktor spent a tranquil hour on the floor, rubbing tender into Yuuri’s temples and retelling the story of when he first left home. He made Yuuri laugh, and now they eat dinner, Viktor for the second time. Yuuri keeps putting his bowl in the microwave for longer seconds, but each time he removes it, it is the same room temperature, never warmer.

“Should we look at possible music for your Free Program?”

Yuuri deflates, resting his head on a book that sits open on the table. The fine print swims, setting a pulse in his temple that he rubs the ache out of. “Not in the mood,” he says regretfully.

Viktor sighs. “Well … ” Yuuri knows he is searching for another interest to lighten the atmosphere, but it clings to the uncomfortable and does not wish to be changed. “I’ve been clearing out the closet to make more space for your stuff — ”

“I didn’t bring that much,” Yuuri interrupts, shovelling the soup into his mouth. It sits unpleasantly on his tongue.

Viktor says, “It’s fine,” dismissive, and he stands from the table. “I found some old diaries of mine. I think they might cheer you up.”

Yuuri tries to smile, but it does not mask the exhaustion in his eyes. “Could we … save them for when I’m actually awake to appreciate them?” He stirs his spoon around the bowl, whirl-pooling carrot medallions and cubed meat. He frowns into his murky reflection.

Viktor nods, removing Yuuri’s bowl and whisking it off the cluttered table. “You didn’t like it?”

“I don’t think I could stomach Katsudon right now, Viktor. Don’t take it personally.”

He hesitates. “I won’t,” he says eventually, and he turns to scrape the remainder of Yuuri’s dinner into the garbage bin.

Yuuri feels hazy with the tension of the air and the relentless sinking of his gut. He wants nothing more than to sleep off the sickening sensation. He stands from his chair and rubs his arms as he retreats to the bedroom once more. He tugs on a sweater, pauses, then reaches for the two zip-ups on the dresser. He rolls a second pair of socks over the first because it is cold in St. Petersburg.

“Viktor, I’m cold,” Yuuri says into the dark of the room. The void swallows up his words, and he would think Viktor had not heard if not for his emphatic flopping about the mattress.

Viktor hushes between his teeth and asks, “How?” His voices hoarse from the dry air and snoring. “It’s boiling in here.”

Yuuri opens his eyes blearily; he sees sweat along Viktor’s brow and the discarded covers. “ … Sorry,” he whispers, and he rubs at his arms for warmth. The bed jostles beneath him with just those small movements, so he stops. “Sorry,” he repeats, “I’m sorry.”

He moves little and sleeps even less, waking numb with a ringing just beneath his skin. He reaches for his glasses, fumbling, and when he puts them on, the world blends a little blurry from sleep. He holds his breath as he climbs over Viktor to get to the door, and the floorboards creak oddly beneath his socked feet, unfamiliar. He tiptoes to the bathroom, locking it belatedly after he stripped himself of his three sweatshirts and other layered clothing. He turns the shower full hot and lets out a piss before hopping in to thaw.

He stays under the stream until the water flows colder, for an eternity — long enough for Viktor to wake from the dead and cook breakfast because it is laid on the table when he exits the bathroom, bare feet trailing water across the icy floor (the chill sends shudders up his spine).

“Viktor?” He calls.

“Right here.”

“Okay,” He says, and he should be walking forward, but he finds he cannot move. Some force holds him, frozen — the same force that keeps him tense around Viktor like he is nothing more than a stranger and not the one Yuuri loves. He huffs, quiet, and wills himself to move — huffs again.

“Yuuri?” And Oh, it is so much softer. Viktor peers around the kitty corner of the kitchen. He says, “I was thinking a lot last night, and I want to talk to you.” He has this soft smile Yuuri cannot bear to look at, so his gaze drops to the floor. This is bad, the lead in his muscles tells him. And you just got here, too. “Yuuri?”

His inhale is sharp, and his eyes sting (he cannot recall the last time he blinked, so he squeezes his eyes shut). “Yep — ” but it is breathless.

“Just … let me shower. I’ll be out in five.” And then, belatedly, “There’s coffee.”

Viktor walks past breezily, yelping, thudding, giggling to himself. Yuuri winces but does not turn around. With the light sound of laughter, the ink in his veins thins. The bathroom door swings shut, and Yuuri meanders into the kitchen. He assesses the coffee pot — half full — and walks past to the bedroom where he finds a wrinkled t-shirt and jeans, alpaca socks, and his heaviest sweater. His shoulders droop with more than just the weight of his clothes.

Viktor’s words come back to him: 'Thinking a lot’ and 'Wanting to talk’ — both sound dreadful, daunting in a way that makes the coffee he now sips unpleasant and the skin of his knees itch. He tugs on his hair and removes his glasses (because he is too worried to see anything more than colour). His coffee has one sip left, and he leaves it in the mug. Five minutes pass too quickly; Viktor is there, in baby blue jeans and a white t-shirt, too crisp for the muddled thoughts riddling Yuuri’s mind.

“Okay,” Viktor claps his hands, and he is standing with eyes alight and hands that fidget at his dampened collar while Yuuri sinks further into his seat. “First of all, don’t be worried.”

“Easier said than done,” Yuuri says, and he drains his cup (the liquid is cold).

“I want to say … ” Viktor inhales through his mouth, flashing brushed teeth and a pink tongue. “I want to say that you don’t have to be perfect here. You can take naps and use up all the hot water, have morning breath, leave your socks on the floor, whine about being cold, wake me up in the middle of the night — do it all.” He takes more quick breaths. “I want you to - I want you to be you, and you are a human with a tendency to be human, so don’t — don’t try to hide that. Don’t hide anything. Okay?”

Yuuri stands slowly, and his chair scrapes against the floor.

Viktor asks again, quieter, “Okay?”

Yuuri walks around the table to stand in front of Viktor, and he says, “I’m cold,” in the smallest voice Viktor’s ever heard.

“That’s okay,” Viktor tells him, swallows him whole with just his thin arms, and it is warm, getting warmer, steadily.

It is cold in St. Petersburg - a cold that stiffens his hands and tightens his skin. It bears no resemblance to the cold of Hatsetsu, with heavy snow and frosted glass windows. St. Petersburg is fog rolling along cobblestone and up the brick walls of apartment buildings. Even with the furnace blasting heat from hidden vents, a hot water bottle tucked to his stomach, and Viktor (a space heater) curved along his back, Yuuri shivers.

“What time is it?” he asks, face smushed into Viktor’s arm. He rubs his cheek on the tender skin, and it gradually tenses, twitching, ticklish. He kisses the muscle, and Viktor stirs.

“What? Uh … three? It’s exactly three — what’s wrong?” He wraps his arms around Yuuri’s belly, nudging the hot water bottle away and shifting closer to Yuuri since he is too heavy to pull inwards.

“Just cold,” Yuuri sighs. It is not 'just’. He knows there is more to it, and he knows that Viktor knows that too.

Viktor lays his lips along the back of Yuuri’s neck (soft, pliant, warm), and they only part when Yuuri rolls onto his back. “What’s cold?” Viktor asks, the slightest hush against Yuuri’s cheek where his nose presses from the bridge to the tip.

“ … My hands,” Yuuri whispers, and there is no time, no moment, between the words and the holding of his palms. They press against the flood of heat that radiates from Viktor’s naked chest, and though Viktor’s own fingers chill, Yuuri is overcome with the lasting warmth. “And my face, kind of,” he says, and again, without hesitation, Viktor presses the hot of his mouth to Yuuri’s cheek and breathes. Yuuri holds himself still, close his eyes against the lips that have melted into mumbling against his temple.

“What else?” Those pretty lips ask.

“My stomach.”

Viktor pulls Yuuri’s hands from the crest of his collar, and Yuuri curves them around Viktor’s neck, fingertips pressing delicately into the skin along his spine. Viktor rolls onto his stomach, onto Yuuri. He is light in the way he holds himself with his arms framed along the pillow, but the length of his torso and the curve of his legs weigh heavy. They fit from chest to toe, thin and thick alternatively, and Viktor brushes the hem of Yuuri;s shirt, pulls it to his sternum and then higher. He presses their stomachs together, and they shiver with the bareness of it. If he closes his eyes, he can feel the dip of Viktor’s navel beside his, and he cants up for a less abstract pressure.

“Warm enough?” Viktor asks, lips on Yuuri’s chin and climbing higher.

Yuuri has the fabric of his long underwear and Viktor’s boxers between his thumb and forefinger, and he rubs the flannel against his fingertips twice before sliding both pants down just … just enough to press these warmths together.

“Almost,” he whispers into Viktor’s mouth when it caresses his, “Not yet.”

Tea is warm, but the apartment is cold. He cradles his mug in both palms, breathing in minty steam. He takes a sip, savouring the liquid on his tongue before swallowing. The ceramic clinks against the coffee table, and when he leans back into the couch, Viktor grasps one of his socked feet. He squeezes twice, and Yuuri squirms; if his tea was still in his hands, it would have spilled onto his chest for all he jiggled.

“What are you doing,” Yuuri says, exasperated but in a tired way that puts his ill heart at ease in the evening hours. “I’m ticklish.”

“You’re also tired,” Viktor folds his legs and shifts to face Yuuri on the couch, bringing his foot to rest on his thigh. “Mama used to rub my feet when I was tired.”

Yuuri sighs, sliding closer so it is his shoulders on the armrest and not his back. “You can,” he yawns, “can show me those diaries now.”

“Are you going to fall asleep on me?” Viktor asks, leaning close to touch their noses together.

“ … Maybe?"

Viktor pecks his nose, swinging Yuuri’s legs off his lap and standing in one swift movement. He runs his hands through his hair as he walks, disappearing around the kitty corner. Yuuri reaches for his mug and takes a sip, setting it back on the coffee table just as Viktor slides around the bend on one sock, his other leg extended in a perfected arabesque. He skids to a stop, and Yuuri’s eyes focus on the two butterfly books he cradles in his arms — crafted of brown moleskin with purple stickers.

Viktor makes to faint onto the couch, and Yuuri retracts his legs at the last moment to save them from being crushed. Viktor lies down beside Yuuri so their faces press close, and he sets one diary aside to open the other, revealing crisp, white pages and a felt-blue glitter pen’s scrawl.

"This one’s a journal,” He says, breath hitting Yuuri’s cheek, and he presses his smile to the flush of Yuuri’s skin — all teeth and thin lips. “The other’s a skating wish-list from junior division.”

“Wish-list?” Yuuri asks.

Viktor readjusts himself, tucking into the back of the couch and sitting up against the arm. “For songs I really liked, or jumps I wanted to learn, future themes … ” His words dissolve into kisses he engraves along the juncture of Yuuri’s neck, where the cotton of his shirt slips and the fever of his face fades.

Viktor reads the entries aloud, projecting his voice in a sweet medium that lulls Yuuri into daydreams. He only wakes with a snort when he hears Viktor’s commentary. He listens to tale after tale, and with the end of each one, he feels a little closer to the Man tucked into his side, a little more familiar in this cold place of fog and steeple.

He is entranced by the steady flow of words, and they blur together into a single strand until he can no longer hold Viktor’s gaze. He lets his eyes close, slowly, reluctant for sleep to take him, and then he feels a weightless air under him and not the suede of the couch. Viktor’s arms hold him to his chest, legs swept up and rested in the crook of his elbow. Yuuri breathes sharply, dreary and on the verge of unconsciousness, and he tucks his head into Viktor’s neck where his nose can warm.

“Will you put dinner away?” Yuuri mumbles, and Viktor hushes him, laying a kiss at his hairline.

“Sure,” He hikes Yuuri higher in his arms, and Yuuri’s stomach drops. He clenches his fingers into the collar of Viktor’s t-shirt, and he watches his Adam’s apple bob when he says, “You sleep. I’m going to read the other diary. I’ll join you,” Viktor yawns, and the sight compels Yuuri to yawn as well. “I’ll join you soon.”

“Okay,” Yuuri says, and Viktor lays him on the bed. Yuuri wraps his arms around Viktor’s neck and kisses his lips soundly before collapsing onto the mattress. “I love you,” He tells Viktor, and Viktor pulls the duvet cover up to Yuuri’s shoulders.

He kisses Yuuri’s cheek where it flushes pink and removes his glasses. “I love you too.”

Yuuri is jerked awake, startled. “What — What time is it, Viktor!”

“Time doesn’t matter, Yuuri. I have the music for your free program.” Viktor leaps onto the bed, jostling Yuuri’s blanket cocoon. He steps on Makkachin’s tail, and a yelp resounds from both Viktor and his dog, sharp against the white noise that fills the apartment. Viktor is giddy, from his pink shoulders to his pink cheeks, and they pinch around the grin he cannot contain when he is with Yuuri. He is vividly overcome with a sense of déjà vu, but it slips away with the tinge of cold on his fingertips.

Where? Yuuri wants to ask, can feel the word on is tongue, but Viktor is already telling him: “I found it at the bottom of the wish-list, unscratched.”

Yuuri wriggles to sit up in bed, reaching for his glasses, but Viktor says, “You don’t need them. Just — listen.”

He does, with a sleepy, fluttering heart, and he finds Viktor’s hand in his own. It is as warm as the headphones against his ears, hot from Viktor’s own head where it has stayed presumably for the duration of Yuuri’s sleep. An enchanting melody settles him against the headboard, and Viktor sidles beside him, ear pressed to the outside of the right headphone to hear as well.

Quietly, quietly, a voice starts to sing. Yuuri exhales, but the breath does not leave him fast enough. It is a hallelujah whispered softly in his ear. “Yes,” he nods, but he cannot express how much 'Yes’ fast enough. He squeezes Viktor’s hand, all hat muscle against his, all that skin and bone and heartbeat, and he looks carefully into Viktor’s eyes, though he cannot see them clearly. Blue blends into his eyelashes, and the pinks of his cheeks stretches over his red mouth. Yuuri kisses it, “Yes.”

The End

I hope you liked it!

#yoi secret valentines #yuuri katsuki #viktor nikiforov #writing #submission

4 notes · View notes

johnnguyen-us · 4 years

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Best Swim Paddles: 2020 Top Picks and Buying Guide

Being a better swimmer starts with the right training. From your strokes to your kicks, there are many things you have to learn.

To make things easier, you need to invest in swimming aids. Among others, some of the most important are the best swim paddles.

Whether it is for building strength, increasing endurance, and improving speed, swimming paddles can be beneficial in more ways than one.

Looking for the best swim paddles? Keep on reading and we’ll help you come up with the right choice.

Product

Image

Price

Our Rating

Finis Agility Hand Paddles

Our Detail Review

Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle

Our Detail Review

Synergy Hand Paddles for Swim Training

Our Detail Review

Aqua Sphere Ergoflex Hand Paddle

Our Detail Review

HEAD Contour Swim Paddle

Our Detail Review

Best Swim Paddles: 2020 Top Picks and Buying Guide

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Swim Paddles?

Our Top Picks for the Best Swim Paddles

1. Finis Agility Hand Paddles

2. Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle

3. Synergy Hand Paddles for Swim Training

4. Aqua Sphere Ergoflex Hand Paddle

5. HEAD Contour Swim Paddle

How to Choose the Best Swim Paddles

Type of Swim Paddles

Size

Material

Design

Strap

Compatibility

Final Verdict

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Swim Paddles?

Need compelling reasons to incorporate paddles into your swimming training? Below are some benefits that can convince you to invest in one.

Promotes Proper Hand Position: The hand is one of the most important parts of your body when swimming. By wearing paddles, you are training your hand to maintain the optimal position in such a way that it can propel your speed.

Allows You to Grab Water Better: Another good thing about wearing swim paddles is that it allows you to grab more water. In turn, this improves your progress rate per stroke.

Builds Strength: You can also enjoy better strength-building when you wear swim paddles. The resistance is increased, and hence, your muscles are working double time. This can increase the strength of your upper body and arms.

Improves Technique: It improves the distribution of water pressure. In turn, it helps you build better swimming techniques. This can also be effective in adding variety to your swimming routine. This also improves your speed and efficiency.

Our Top Picks for the Best Swim Paddles

Clueless about the best product to buy?? Here are the best options that should be on your list! Let’s also look at their notable features.

1. Finis Agility Hand Paddles

SHOP ON AMAZON

One of the most common problems you will encounter in swim paddles is that they have straps that can easily break. That won’t be the case with the Agility Hand Paddles as it comes with the strapless design.

It is designed to deliver an ergonomic fit. It follows the natural contour of the hand. With this, you can expect the highest level of comfort. Nonetheless, there are some complaints about how it exerts pressure on the thumb. This might make it quite painful to wear.

If you are not doing the proper technique, the paddles will fall off. This encourages swimmers to practice the right techniques so that the paddles stay in place.

With the concave shape of the paddle, it corrects your early vertical forearm position. This is also the one responsible for making your strokes more efficient.

With the use of these paddles, you can significantly improve your upper body strength. This is also effective for promoting proper catch position.

It is also a good thing that it is made using a floating material. This makes it easy to chase the paddle once it gets out of your hand.

Pros:

Comes with a low-resistance design

Paddle stays secure on the hand

Promotes proper hand placement

Cons:

Rigid plastic can easily break

Can be painful on the thumb

Overall

The strapless design of this swimming paddle promotes the proper position of your hand. It has a versatile design that makes it perfect for all swimming strokes.

2. Speedo Nemesis Contour Paddle

SHOP ON AMAZON

The brand name itself is already a good reason to consider this over its competitors.

One of the best things about this swim paddle is the contoured design. This makes it stay on the hand regardless of the intensity of your stroke. Some users, however, revealed that the integrated wristband can make the paddle a bit uncomfortable.

It comes with tubercles, which increases the surface area around the edge. It allows you to push more water. This also makes your trajectory smoother.

Like the paddles mentioned above, plastic is the main material used. Unlike in its cheaper counterparts that are brittle, the plastic used in this product is durable.

For the best outcomes, the manufacturer recommends that you use this with the Nemesis Swim Fins.

Pros:

Made of durable materials

Effectively adds power in every stroke

Available in a variety of sizes

Cons:

The wristband can be quite uncomfortable

The grip could be better

Overall

This paddle features innovative tubercle technology for smoother trajectories and better control. It also has improved tubing straps and a contoured shape.

3. Synergy Hand Paddles for Swim Training

SHOP ON AMAZON

Available in small, medium, and large, this is suitable for all levels. There is a size that will fit your hand perfectly.

Even better, it also comes with an adjustable strap. You can tighten or loosen the fit depending on what you are most comfortable with.

However, there are some reviews about how the straps can cause too much pressure on the wrist. This can make it quite uncomfortable.

Some noted it is quite bulky. This is because it mimics the shape of a large hand. This improves adaption and performance.

It also comes with strategically positioned water channels. This makes your strokes smoother. This also improves your control when swimming.

Unhappy with the purchase? You don’t have to waste your money. Within 30 days, you can return it to the manufacturer and they will issue an unconditional refund.

Pros:

Suitable for all levels

Comes with adjustable straps

Designed with a broad blade

Cons:

Straps can cause too much pressure

Some might find it to be quite bulky

Overall

This paddle comes with an ergonomic shape and a wrist cutout, which will make it comfortable. It also has soft silicone straps, although, some people noted that it can exert too much pressure on the skin.

4. Aqua Sphere Ergoflex Hand Paddle

SHOP ON AMAZON

The highlight of this swim paddle is the innovative construction. It has stiff bones made of polypropylene. This is combined with a flexible frame made of rubber. This is responsible for the exceptional resistance while allowing you to feel the water.

With the contoured fit of the paddle, this can effectively mimic the proper position of the hand. This makes it an effective addition to your swim routine.

It also comes with a wide and adjustable strap. This allows you to easily customize the fit of the strap depending on your hand.

Lastly, it is available in two sizes – small and regular. Most of the options included in this guide, however, are available in three sizes – small, medium, and large.

Pros:

Comes with an adjustable rubber strap

Has a contoured design for proper hand position

Made using durable materials

Cons:

Resistance may not be suitable for beginners

Strap can easily snap

Overall

With a rubber frame and interconnected bones, this can provide a good feel of the water. This demonstrates excellent resistance on the water while promoting the proper position of your hand

https://ift.tt/2QfmGxw from water sports https://ift.tt/2FaMynY

#water sports

0 notes

nexttattoos-blog · 6 years

Photo

New Post has been published on https://nexttattoos.com/cool-tattoos-for-men.html

Cool Tattoos for Men

The removal of technical tattoos have been done so that getting a tattoo is no longer necessarily a lifelong commitment, but you still want to get a tattoo that is worth the time, effort and money it takes to get one. Educate yourself about the different types of tattoo available and those that are fresh for men can also help you make the best choice when it comes to selecting tattoo that you should get. When you find the design you want, be sure to also choose a reputed tattoo artist, so you know that your tattoo will be well made.

How to choose a cool tattoo?

Choosing where to put your tattoo is the next decision you will have to make. The upper part of the arms, the forearms and the chests are all parts of the body that are popular for men to place their tattoos. Tattoos on these body parts can usually be easily hidden when necessary and can also be partially hidden when you want to ask questions such as “let me see the rest of that tattoo” of people’s curiosity that can sometimes be romantic interests of the his. Tattoos can be a great conversation starter.

More great tattoo designs in 2016

There are many fashionable, tattoo designs that make cool tattoos for men. If you have a more aggressive personality you can choose one of the Daggers and Knives, the Design Shark or a Tribal Dragon design. Creative warrior designs are also very popular and arrow tattoos are trends in 2016. At least aggressivepersonality types can explore the possibility of obtaining a Yin Yang or Geometric tattoo. In recent times tattoos of lines or shapes like triangles have also gained popularity. If you are choosing any of these designs, be sure to research and find meanings with them. You do not want a design warrior that means “weak warrior” just because you like how it looks but do not bother to find out what it means.

Color trends to cool tattoos

The color you will use in the tattoo, you should also give careful consideration. Cool tattoos for men are usually made in black ink only, but you can find many colors of tattoos that looks good on men. Tribal designs, arrow and geometric designs are typically in black ink. Talk to your tattoo artist about your color selection before performing the tattoo. An experienced and well-trained tattoo artist can give valuable information on which colors and color combinations, if any, are best suited for your skin complexion and chosen tattoo design. The right tattoo can significantly improve your appearance and even makes you more attractive for possible romantic interests. That often can cause conversations and possible friendships with other people who also have tattoos. You must choose a tattoo design that is both meaningful and aesthetically pleasing to you. It should also have a timelessness in it, so in a few years you can still feel proud to have it in your body. Watch as many different tattoo options as you can, until you find one that is right for you.

Cool Tattoo Ideas for Boys

Tattoos can help show your physique, with your artistic placement. This, for example, emphasizes the perfect chest. The arms and neck are covered with various images, including several faces, a clock tower and much more. The neck has even more designs on it. But since each of these is predominantly black, it forms a strong contrast to the bare skin of the chest. The angel of the wings are also a classic that never goes out of style. This beautifuly tattoo highlights the physique of your back, and there is no need for another story behind it. The only question that remains is, are you a fallen angel or a white one? Owls are always the safe option, if you are cnsidering an animal tatoo. This great tattoo of an owl that rests gently on the neck and keeps you remembering to make intelligent decisions. It is completely sufficient and do not need any color to highlight the symbolic meaning. While the black ink tattoos are very popular because of their sharp contrast to the skin, the color of the tattoos can bring images to life. This tattoo is done just that. Create designs around the autumn leaves in warm colors while incorporating cool colors such as blue in the background. In addition, the black color is used to give it a 3D effect. The character of this tattoo is very urban. There is a mixture of chaos and order that presents the chaotic and at the same time very comfortable flow of an urban environment. The subtle color scheme is just enough to add a bit of life. Go for something a little out of the ordinary? This tatoo literally feels like you have printed a graphic on your body directly from your computer screen. And yet, it seems so real. This is undoubtedly one that stands out a bit from the other tatoo options. If you are looking for tattoo ideas for men, it may be worth considering this. If you are more of a spiritual type and are looking for something with a symbolic meaning, it is always safe to go with the famous ying-yang. Only this time you add something special on the side. The skulls are fascinating. They have inspired artists of all, but this only leads to a new level. A simple skull that emanates from a network of eye and mouth flux – it feels like the material of nightmares! The chest and neck tattoos are becoming more popular, so this is an exclusive design for the artist at heart. Colorful and happy, you can see the flowers, the flies and the petals. While a whole range of tones have been used, they blend well together and are used in perfect harmony. If you are not convinced by this design, I do not know what will convince you. The amazing 3D effect is really fascinating and just literally stinks in your eyes. If you want to enchant others with your tatoo choice, this is definitely a good idea. Chest tattoos are usually centered in a way that ensures that people can not look away. This skull tattoo, which is topped by a very attentive owl, is the perfect example of that. While darker shades predominate, their coexistence with pale tones make the whole picture come to life. On the other hand, the red in the background looks like blood, giving the intricate design of a bloody twist. A machine? A human being? Who knows? This tatoo perfectly presents our struggle with the fast path of life and the amazing 3D effect with all the details that make it look so real. Do you want others to look into your machine, as well as the body and find humanity inside? Is your heart steel or flesh? This fresh tattoo gives the appearance of a choker or a shackle. The eye in the neck fixedly, while the bird spread wings symbolize freedom. Most of that design is in a shade in the color black, but the reddish brown color of the additions emphasize the image. The mysterious souls, I would definitely recommend that you go for a tattoo with less color, much precise observation and maybe a classic skeleton motif updated with an owl or random symbols, from here and there that only you know the meaning of. This is another impressive tattoo of the idea that men. Unlike the typical openly morbid or terrifying images, this takes a break from tradition. In contrast, the red flowers on the black background stand out, but not in a delicate way. The strong yellow color of the eyes looking out from underneath will catch you forever. So I decided to get the manga? What about going Japanese style with some of the traditional reasons? The rich history of Japan, the warrior spirit of a symbolism all in his arm. Imagine if you immerse yourself deeply in Japanese culture, only to find your own soul samurai within you. This comic tattoo of a Chinese dragon in clouds that cover the length of an arm knows how to use color. Mainly in black, red offers a wonderful contrast to the design of the whole, making it stand out. Nothing better than a dragon tattoo when it comes to wonder. This tattoo on the chest shows the fiery beast in all its majesty, as it curves around the skin. The Chinese dragon is the symbol of male power, and this one represents it better. What could be cooler than a tattoo that gives an idea of your skull. Put your hand back on your face, and you can see it transform into an optical illusion. This tattoo back hand of a partial skull shaded in black and will be sure to spin heads. The designs are new to the thing. Here both arms are covered in similar, but contrasting designs. He made use of blue ink, the delicate shading as well as the intricate design is sure to keep all eyes on you. The tattoo that covers all of the arms and the upper part of the corners of the chest, leaving the rest of the skin naked, and with it framed by ink. The intense use of black color in this dragon is what gives rise to that feeling of foreboding. The magnificent beast returns to life in the back, powerful and terrible. Everything, from its claws and mustaches, its fiery red eyes seem to scream danger. A dream come true for the cyborg secret, this tattoo will finally help reveal its true nature. Made in black ink with the bright red of the blood of the glasses, this creations intertwines internal machinery with muscles. Therefore, it represents the harmony between machines and humanity and also proves once and for all that cyborgs are real. This perfected tatoo technique is a great option for anyone who is inspired by ancient inventions and great minds like that of Leonardo da Vinci. Or you can consider yourself as a perpetuum being mobile that runs continuously like a machine. Half a skull and a lot of cold, this forearm tattoo will capture the attention of everyone as you walk down the street. The perfect shading gives the image a 3-D effect, ensuring that it stands out against your skin. A simple, but beautiful design. Two deer blocking the antlers under a man bone necklace. Made in black, they put emphasis on your bare chest. The detail inside the two animals is impressive. If you are a fan of flying and believing in mythical creatures, you might consider getting inked with something like this. The feathers are really very well made and the colors that the real magic brings in it. The tattoos also has a lot of details. One word: Comic-Com. Great vibrant colors of this stunning tattoo are the reason why you woke up in the morning to stand in front of your mirror, admiring your back. Imagine having all your favorite comic book heroes always with you? A dark tattoo that covers the upper half of the back, here you can see part of a skull, wings, crosses, and more. The black ink is used only to emphasize your feeling of images. An owl with two heads and detailed wings, this little tattoo is a beauty. Its creative and captivating design in the use of blue single point, the rest of the image. In fact, it is the blue eyes, in particular, that will leave you in a state of trance while also balancing the blue tattoo on the upper arm. Cool, masculine tattoos do not always include scary skulls or horrible monsters, sometimes they’re just designs – like this one. The bold shapes, strong lines, and fire in the neck and skull create an impressive conglomerate. This cool and colorful tattoo is for all the city dwelers who love to show their skin. Brings a very vibrant and happy tone to any observer. If you like comics, consider getting something like that, I’m sure it fits perfectly with your character. A drilling platform for the blood of a heart – what could be more heartbreaking. This cool tattoo idea is brought to life by the contrast between red and black, two colors that go very well together (even Dracula seems to think so). Who can say no to a good tatoo? If you are having a great time, this option is definitely the one to consider. Despite a single motive, it is extremely powerful and rich, and is likely to impress anyone, not to mention feeling good about oneself. Romantics love this tattoo as it reflects the soft but cruel side of love. The intense red of the rose and the flower of the beautiful shadows are a perfect decoration for your neck. Be careful that you are exposing your inner soft side. A masterpiece, this stunning tattoo is beautiful work of art made on the canvas of a bare back. The woman’s face done in shades of black is accentuated through the colored bars that will come in front of her. The upper half of the back is covered in warm tones with touches seen throughout the rest of the tattoo. Meanwhile, the beautifully arched woman, indifferent face is seen through the colors. Dark romantic dragon, flying along his arm. What a great story. Some details in red give it a very deep sense of serenity, even if the dragon’s eyes may seem vicious. Maybe you just want people to see beyond the obvious. The dragon, a powerful classic. Probably you can not lose with a dragon. They are noble creatures, they are powerful and that everyone is, no doubt attracted by their mysterious past. This tattoo is great because you do not have to exaggerate with the color, and, nevertheless, it captures all the greatness of the creature. Going back to the black ink tradition of tattoos, this cool design makes your chest the coffin of this skeleton. With several designs on the arms, the chest becomes the focus of attention with the skeleton very clearly that they have been placed inside it. With perfect shading, the creation retains a 3-D effect. Are you a dog lover? Then this is your choice. Simple, not very detailed and shady, but very powerful and cruel. And the interesting detail in the dog’s neck is that it also has a tattoo of a rose on the neck. But it’s a Rose, right? While crows are the best symbol of danger, nothing can beat this design. The incorporation of the dark feathers of birds in is widespread wings, which frequently remind people of terrible times, the head is present in their skeleton instead. If you are looking for something with a symbolic meaning that you can try to go for anchors and crowns. Or a combination of both. Remember that not everyone is fit to be king and have strong roots to counteract heavy storms. Tattoos usually have a story behind. And what greater of history, than the original sin with the serpent, the apple and that of Adam and Eve somewhere in the middle. Do you consider yourself a sinner or protector of the Truth? This snake is, without doubt giving you many options. This is another example of the stunning beauty of colorful tattoos. An inspiration to everyone around him, “Who has always anyway?” he asks. So why wait? Just get this wonderful inking creation now! It represents an hourglass with wings inside which the sand seems to be replaced by blood. It is surrounded by a laurel wreath, a reminder of power – which is ultimately in your hands. Lover of the bones? Show love, spread it on the whole of his back. This piece of tattoo art is something that everyone admires and you will always be safe, someone behind you. Imagine wearing a tank top for the gym. Speaking of artistic placement, this is another example. Covering a corner of the chest and an arm, the design is striking. Not too overwhelming, covering only the right amount of skin. On the other hand, the audacity of its lines and the tribal style is striking. This tattoo requires, without a doubt, his total dedication. It is very abundant in color and detail so unless you are a total fan of the Vikings or maybe the da Vinci code, I would not go for it. What I like about this is its asymmetric concept. If you do not like the color, in such a way, this idea is great, because despite having only 2 colors, it says a lot. For all the dark souls this may be what you have been looking for all the time. The shadows are not too strong and still information includes some sweetness. This tattoo is for those who have the courage of a wolf. It resembles someone who knows what he wants and also have the courage and mentality to achieve it. The beautiful and very detailed skin on the head that gives this tatoo very dynamic and feel. An example of the eternal fascination with skulls, this cool tattoo idea is to die for! In the hands of one of its most innovative representation, this shows two stylized skulls, one obviously male and one female, one of each arm. On the other hand, a dark brown tint is added to each, with a subtle rose embedded in the female skull of the hair, emphasizing its femininitity. One can never have enough of skeletons right? If you are one of those people who like to clash with your design options, this is definitely worth considering. Not very common in the placement, not to mention the great details.

#tattoos

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southviridarium · 6 years

Text

Pete Thelman, resubmission

1. Mun information

Preferred Name: Alexx

Age: 20

Pronouns: he/him

Timezone: PST

Activity Level(Scale 1-10): 6

Password:

2. Muse Information

Muse’s name: Pete Thelman

Appearance age: 17

Actual Age: (If muse is a creature/witch/ect)

Birthday: Dec 23rd

Height: Siren, 9ft. Human, 6ft.

Sexuality: Bisexual

Gender/Pronouns: he/him

3. What type of creature is your muse? (if not human, if human, are they a hunter?)

Pete is a Siren.

4. If a creature not mentioned on the list was chosen, tell us more about them in strong detail, strengths weaknesses, ect

n/a

5. Personality (two paragraph)

Pete, as mermaids and sirens tend to be, is a very private creature. Most of his time has been spent in the safety of the ocean and all the beautiful creatures that live alongside him. Despite his preference for hiding away in the tides, make no mistake. Pete is not a fearful creature. He can be vicious, merciless and bloodthirsty. Even without the use of his alluring voice, Pete is calculating and manipulative. He can lure you close not only with his song, but with sweetness, a pretty face and a plan. There are very little things that he will not to to acquire what he wants. Pete has not found his limits yet.

Accompanying his discrete nature is an unexpected curiosity. Though he doesn’t necessarily want to participate in ‘land culture’ or with its inhabitants, he is very curious about it. Whoever nears the lake/ocean will more often than not be watched closely by Pete, who hides in the shadows of the water.. He will peak the top of his head over a rock and watch. With Pete, unless he approaches you for a proposition, you are safe from his grasp. He is not one for blitz attacks, unless he’s seen you defile his beautiful home.

He is a siren but he is not a savage. His intent is not malicious 100% of the time, he does not always intend to kill you. Pete is capable of being a genuine friend, loyal and playful. Though, him being playful is unintentionally rough. For him to act this way you must be the right person. However, being the wrong person will not get you killed. Sometimes.

6. Appearance (two paragraph)

Human form: Pete, in his human form, is a devilishly handsome young man. He stands at 6’0, thin frame with lean muscle. His hair is black, styled in an undercut with some faint natural red highlights. While in human form, he always sports dark clothing and body jewelry, which are considered elegant where he comes from. His jewelry has been created by him with things he finds on the floor of the lake/ocean. He has vertical labret piercing. His favorite pieces are his natural black diamond earrings. His smile could take a woman’s (or man’s) breath away. He is charming to his advantage, but also genuinely when he wants to be.

‘Mermaid’ form: Pete uses this form to attract humans and other creatures into his grip. He is aware that his real form is very off putting. If his intention would be to draw you close but not harm you, his frightening exterior dissipates into a soft and pretty face. His skin turns soft to the touch, his lips pink and plump, eyes wide and innocent. His hair grows longer to dance with the wind and the sea.

Real form: From head to tail tip, he is 9 feet long. From the top of his head to his belly button, it’s 3 feet long. Most of him is tail. His tail is made up of iridescent black scales, speckled with red ones. It is strong, it could break your neck with a simple flick and constrict like a boa. Pete is very, very bony. His frail looking arms are three feet long. His hands are webbed and has unbreakable claws that are two inches in length. His skin is a pale, pale gray. Despite his sickly appearance, protruding rib cage, shelf like collarbones and sunken cheeks, he is not unhealthy. He is perfectly healthy, this is just the anatomy that this particular type of siren has. His eyes are a rich, deep red that turn pale, like a blind person’s, when he is singing his Siren Call. Pete has two rows of razor sharp teeth. His lips look normal in size, but his lips can split ear to ear and his jaw can unhinge to touch in between his collar bones. He has black dorsal fins on his back, outer forearm, back of his hands and along the back and sides of his tail.

7. Name at least 5 headcanons

Pete’s song is high pitched and melodic, like a female siren. Not only can he sing to draw others in, but he can simply talk.

He has a variety of powers which include things like simple spells, water manipulation, ability to cause nasty storms if he’s in a sour mood. (More to come)

As of now he has never used his human form to it’s full extent. He has never been out of the water for more than a few minutes and more than a few feet away from the lapping waves.

Pete is a lone wolf, so to speak. He can make/has friends but he is normally moving alone.

One must be careful when making dealings with Mermaids, and especially wary of Sirens. But with Pete, if you have done him a favor out of your own free will, he will return it. No catch. No strings attached. Just an eye for an eye.

He can consume human food.

Pete does have some benevolence in his heart.

Nets are a big weakness for him.

Very territorial.

More headcanons as my muse develops

8. Write two decent sized paragraphs that shows how you would portray your muse

The sky had just started to darken over the lake. No more harsh sun to beat down on Pete’s paper thin skin, no pretentious mermaids to hog the rocks. Really now, why so much effort to sit and comb those split ends? The water already started to feel cooler, lowering to a temperature Pete was much more comfortable with. Water that was much too warm made his skin wrinkly.

It was no secret that Sirens and Mermaids lurked beneath the surface of the water, Pete allowed himself to float on his back across the lake, staring at the dull sky. The light was getting lost behind the clouds. Ah. This was Pete’s favorite time of day. Nothing but the sounds of nature and the occasional flick of his tail in time with the—

The sound of tumbling pebbles had Pete diving underwater immediately. Hunters? Wolves? Who the fuck? The red eyes of the siren barely rose above the water, eyes locking on where the sound came from. Pete’s claws were ready to strike at any enemy. But upon seeing a small figure at the edge of the water, Pete relaxed. It was a child. A sweet, innocent child. How appetizing.

In a fraction of a second, Pete was underwater and swimming across the lake. Now naive and vulnerable were the young ones. The child wasn’t even in the sand. He was in a patch of grass, only a handful of feet away from the shore, which dropped into deeper, darker waters. Easy prey.

As Pete approached the child, he felt his claws retract, his face fill out and his teeth flatten into nice, normal ones. We wouldn’t want to scare the child now, would we? Pete rose the surface of the water, making himself known, and attracting the child’s attention. The child looked at Pete curiously, unsuspecting and unprepared. Pete folded his arms and rested them against the grass. He offered the boy a smile, and Pete received on in return. “Hello.” The siren spoke gracefully, extending his long arm and making a come hither motion. “Come here, my child.” And by his own free will, the child scooted closer to the edge of the water. “I have something for you.”

“Are you a mermaid?” The child asked, looking past Pete’s head and to the tail that was flicking in and out of the water. “I see your tail.”

Pete only smiled, encouraging the boy to come even closer with his hand motions. “Let me see your hands.” He said softly, kindly, as he slowly reached for the boys hands, that didn’t even take up Pete’s entire palm when he held them. “Hold them like this.” He instructed, forming them into a little, very little cup. Slowly, Pete’s hands were growing thinner, his fingers stretching and becoming bonier.

“What is it?” The child let Pete move his hands. His innocence was so pure, painfully so.

“Here.” He began, using his finger to bring a sphere of water out from the lake. It moved and rippled, matching the current below. He levitated it over to dance over the child’s hands, letting it drop and lose it’s form. It splashed in the child’s hands, revealing a shiny stone. Perfectly circular in shape and colorful, the child gasped with joy.

“What is it?!” He asked again, watching Pete tap the center of the stone with his claw.

This startled the boy, having not seen those before. He looked up at Pete, frightened and with widened eyes as he saw the change in Pete’s appearance. The child’s demeanor changed completely. Eyes darted from Pete’s hands, to his teeth and face. “Listen to me, my sweet boy.” Pete said, placing one hand on the child’s cheek that was received hesitantly and with a small wail. “You are to stay away from the water.” The child looked confused, his eyebrows furrowed up at Pete. “Very bad creatures swim here. Sirens that will not be as nice as I. Do you hear me?” The boy nodded, looking around at the water with worry. “Onward, then. Take your toys and run along. Never return here.”

“Will I see you again?”

“Yes.” Pete said, looking past the boy towards the town. “Perhaps one day, out there.”

Accepted

#application #submission

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