#Samuel Personal Trainer

[samuelhufnagel]

Your path to holistic fitness: With me, Samuel Hufnagel Personal Trainer, at your side

Are you looking for a fitness solution that really suits you? Discover with me, Samuel Hufnagel, your individual path to holistic fitness. With my comprehensive training - Bachelor Professional of Physical Fitness, Personal Trainer A license, training therapist, fitness trainer and sports nutritionist A license - I am well equipped to support you on your path, be it in Koblenz, Cologne or Frankfurt am Main.

At samuelhufnagel.com you will find an insight into a wide range of services that focus on your health and fitness. Whether you are struggling with physical ailments, want to lose weight or build muscle, my approach is always tailored and aimed at achieving your specific goals.

But how can you be sure that this training is right for you? The answer lies in the diversity and flexibility of my methods. Through a combination of state-of-the-art technology, proven training methods and a deep knowledge of the human body, I offer solutions that are tailored precisely to your needs. CLICK HERE to know more about fitness.

[henry7931]

Summer Bod Part 1 (SwapCorp Story)

Tons of people around the world are trying out the latest advancement in body swapping technology. All led by a company called SwapCorp. SwapCorp allows its clients to selectively choose an ideal body provided with what characteristics/ features the client wants. Once a suitable body is available, the client comes in with their body knowing some else will be using it and leaving with a new one.

This is where our story begins.

Justin Samuels (age 21, 5,3”, 145 pounds, caucasian, red hair, slim build) who is the first person he knows thats trying out SwapCorp. Justin describes himself as a bit of a book worm, has a small friend group, gay, and wants to try a more ‘muscular/ masculine body’. He wants to do a 3 month contract for his swap.

SwapCorp pairs him with David (age 25, 6,2”, 218 pounds,caucasian, dark brown hair, muscular build). David is a personal trainer who wants to explore the opposite gender. Luckily with SwapCorp their algorithm matches the precise swaps necessary for their client’s satisfaction.

So now let’s see how Justin is adjusting to his new body!

Justin:

God this all still feels so surreal, granted it’s only been one day since I got this new body from SwapCorp. But I’m so happy with my swap! I love this body!!

I feel sexy and confident with all of these muscles. And I can’t wait to show off my new temporary self this summer.

I was never the athletic type, I spent more time studying than going to the gym in college but that’s the reason why I’m so successful right now.. Started a part time job, graduated early, and I’m starting grad school in the fall that’s covering all of my bills.

So I figured why not splurge some of my savings and actually have a good time this summer.

And today feels like the true start of it. I’m planning on going to the beach with all of my friends and I can’t wait for them to see me! They are going to be so jealous.

Yesterday, after leaving SwapCorp I spent my entire time exploring this beautiful body. And I feel a little embarrassed to admit just how many times I jerked off.

But I can’t help it, I’m just so turned on by this body! Plus, I paid good money for it.

And speaking of jerking off, I’m already hard! What’s really been getting me are these sexy feet.

I know feet aren’t for everybody but I’ve always had a fetish for them. I’ve spent countless hours jerking off to jock feet porn on the internet. Even in school, when I’d see some of the jocks wearing sandals or chacos— it would take all of my energy not stare at their feet.

And now I have these gorgeous size 11s! They’re so much bigger than my size 9s. And I can do whatever I want with them. Sniff them for hours, run my tongue across the soles, I even came on them 2 times yesterday just to lick it off.

Oh boy all this talk about my big jock feet is making my new dick leak. Speaking of which this thing has a mind of its own!

It’s longer and thicker than mine paired off with a nice set of hairy balls. I had to trim back my pubes a bit. I can tell this is a straight guy’s body since he doesn’t manscape that much. ( Luckily, I took care of all that for him. )

But I can go rounds of jerking this big meat! Even back to back, somehow this body just continues to pour out cum.

I grab it and it’s so hard. I take the head and rub it on the sole of my foot.

“Fuuuuuck, that feels good!”

I start rubbing my dickhead faster on my foot and just feeling both touch sends shocks through me.

I lift up my hairy armpit and take sniff. Wow those stink!

I sit my foot down and start jerking my meat. I need to speed this up so I’m not late for my big new bod reveal.

I pump aggressively, I love how much this dick can handle versus my old one.

I go faster and faster… moaning loudly. My moans are almost like screams. I stair down at my fit stomach and hairy legs/feet.

It sends me over the edge and I squirt out so much cum. Before I get up, I take my thick jock fingers and grab all of the cum off my stomach. I lick each finger clean before heading over to my shower.

*30 minutes later*

Okay now I think I’m ready to introduce my new body to my friends.

My friends and I are a lot like. Alex, Max, Will, and I all share the same interests like our education, video games, comics, boys… I guess the only way to put it is that we are 4 gay nerds lol. But I love our little crew.

I head to the beach early and told them where to meet me. I haven’t sent any photos of my body yet so this should be fun!

I take off all of the clothes I had on over my new red speedo. I figure this is one way to make an impression. I run tanning oil all over my body and lay back waiting on them.

That’s when I see all three shuffling their way down the beach.

“Hey boys!” I holler out to them.

All of them look stunned by my presence.

“Oh my god, is that you Justin?,” says Alex.

I flex my arms just to show off a bit before saying, “Yep! This is the new me.”

“Holy crap! That body!!,” says Will.

I stand up and all of them are drooling over me. Mex even asks me if he can touch my abs.

“Go for it bro!”

Alex giggles, “oh so now we’re your bros.”

“Yeah with a body like this I have to get all of my ‘straight’ lingo down.”

“Shit, Justin how much was all of this? Do you have any side effects?”

“Surprisingly affordable and no I haven’t had any side effects.”

“Wow! This is so crazy, I can’t believe that’s you inside.”

I grin at all of my friends amazed by my new body.

We rented a boat to take on the water so we all hop on and all three of them can’t stop looking at me.

I sit in the back while Alex drove, Will and Max continue to ask me questions about the process.

Will even took a photo of me which I jokingly said to him, “hey don’t jerk to that pic later haha.”

“Lol no promises,” he says back.

All around it was a fun day, we ended up getting food afterwards and by the end we made plans for dinner tomorrow.

As I get back to my place, I wash off all of the salt water and sand. And went straight to my bed.

I laid in bed fully naked just gingerly fondling my dick and balls. All I can think about is how much my friends lusted after my new body.

I look down at my hard dick and grinned. Maybe it’s time to upload a couple of pics to Grindr. I’m ready for some real action!

*The Next Day*

I get a text from Alex that he has an emergency and for me to come over to his place immediately.

I quickly got dressed and rushed over. I get to his door and text that I’m here.

He responds, “it’s unlocked, come up to my bedroom.”

I thought the text was strange but Alex and I are probably the closest in our crew so I trust him.

I go up his stairs and open up his bedroom door.

And to my surprise I see a very hot guy laying in his bed.

“Surprise mothafucka!!”

“ALEX?!?”

“Yep! What do you think?”

“Holy shit! You went to SwapCorp? Oh wow you are… so freaking hot now!”

“Thanks! Now Justin we’re buddies, so why can’t we help eachother out a bit,” Alex pulls the blanket down realizing a massive hard on between his new legs.

“Wow! Are we about to hook up?”

“Only if you’re down!”

“Hell yeah!”

I strip off all of my clothes and hop into bed with him. We immediately start making out, we get so into it and I naturally gravitate my mouth down his chest to his cock.

I start sucking him off and he lets out these loud moans.

“Justin… god, this feels amazing!”

I lift my head up and I say, “this isn’t your first BJ right?”

He doesn’t say anything and just grins at me.

“Well… I guess I feel honored to your first.”

I fondle his balls while taking his dick deep down my throat. He’s convulsing from all of the pleasure.

“Oh god! Hold on Justin! I don’t wanna cum yet!”

I pull my mouth off and take my hand off of his balls.

“I have a weird request and you can say no to me,” he says nervously.

“Sure man!”

“Can I smell your feet?”

My eyes widen, holy crap Alex has a foot fetish?

“Oh my god yeah! As long as you let me smell your sexy toes!”

We both position ourselves to wear each others feet are directly in view.

His big jock feet are soooo hot!

I put my face into them and start licking between each of his toes.

I feel him tracing my soles and he says to me, “wait till you see Will and Max…”

“WHAT?!?”

God this is about to be the BEST summer!

[wannaeatramyeon]

THANK U FOR THE RECENT SAMUEL SEO im literally so obsessed with him i cant-

but!! he’s not the only one!!

could u try goo with a childhood friends!lover? (im just going through my list of red flags boyfriends with this trope heh)

To my requests. sorry for not answering in order. Btw I've got a school day/teenager long fic with Goo in the Gun + Goo masterlist... but how about this.

Goo Kim x Reader: Childhood 'friends'

G/N. Sorta childhood friends to lovers.

Goo descends into your life like an angel.

"Will you pay me if I beat up these boys?" he shouts over, giving the wooden baseball bat in his hand a few practice swings.

(He takes in your cowering body, cornered against the wall, the group of older boys slinging insults first.

Then your pristine, limited edition trainers and the expensive label on your clothes second.)

You look over at the short figure with the badly bleached blonde hair. He seems small for his age, same as you.

Best case scenario, he makes good on his word. Worst case, they beat both of you up.

You give a nod and all hell breaks loose.

.

.

Goo isn't an angel at all. He's a demon that has ascended and strutted into your life.

"Is this enough?" You ask, peeling open your velcro Sanrio wallet and removing a handful of bills.

"Thanks!" Goo swipes it out of your hand, tainting the notes with blood before tucking it away in his pocket with a reassuring pat.

A body at his feet lets out a groan and he gives them a hard kick. You think there’s a crunch of bone breaking. It’s not as sickening as you thought it would be.

"That one's for free." He gives you a gigawatt grin and you return it. In your eyes, not even what you just witnessed this boy doing could tarnish his shine.

"My name is Goo," he signals for your phone and you hand it over without a second thought. He taps in what you assume are his contact details before giving it back.

"Call me if you need any help." You reach out to take it and he leans in, smile taking a dangerous edge, "You'll need to pay though."

.

.

For fear of retribution, you ask Goo to walk you back home from school everyday for the next few weeks.

You text him a time and an address, and he texts you back his price. It's enough to drain your allowance, but not enough for you to risk your safety.

He waits for you by your school gates everyday, with his patchy hair and a scruffy jacket three sizes too big, and gives you a wave with both arms whenever he spots you.

He's chatty. Much chattier than you expected. Always just seemingly rattling off whatever is on his mind. Animes he has watched, manhwas he's reading. What he had for lunch, what he's craving for dinner.

You piece together that Goo is only a few months older than you. He should be in 6th grade by now but he never mentions school. You don't think he even attends school.

He also has a terrible sweet tooth, that you pay for of course. Stopping off at a convenience store together as he picks out a snack.

"Get whatever you want." you say the first time you catch him deciding between a drink or a bar of chocolate. "I'll pay for it."

He buys both.

That should have been a mistake. He drains your allowance further everyday. Yet you can't help thinking it's fine as he gives you a toothy grin that reaches his eyes.

The weeks pass by in the blink of an eye. When you reach your front door on the last day, Goo shuffles, fidgets uncharacteristically.

"I can keep walking you home," he says, eyes on the floor and kicking at dirt. "...I can give you a discount."

.

.

Goo starts seeing you at the weekend too.

You're the first person that sees him after getting his hair professionally done.

"I'm handsome, aren't I!" his bravado masks his nervousness. He doesn't know why he's nervous in the first place, but when you agree and ruffle his newly coiffed locks, it evaporates completely.

Payment comes in the form of food and drinks, snacks and street food, cinema tickets, small little gifts he has his eye on.

As consolation, at least he always shares.

.

.

When you first met you're sure he was shorter than you.

You don't remember when he matched your height, but now you notice you have to tilt your chin up to look at him.

You miss the scruffy jacket he used to have. The one that he rapidly grew out of, body filling out with muscle. It gets replaced by more and more luxurious brands. His hair looks more and more polished. He picks up glasses along the way to complete the look.

He still makes you pay every time you meet. You feel like he lets you off easy with cheap choices because his taste these days seems anything but cheap.

You wish you had more time with the boy you used to know, but you love the man he's growing into.

Goo never lets you sway too far away from him, keeps you by his side most weeks. Reaches out to send you silly memes or calls you just to ramble his thoughts when you're apart.

You're two peas in a pod.

.

.

The longest time you spend apart is when Goo is sent away to juvie.

An unknown number texts you, says they're Goo's cousin and breaks the news.

It doesn't come as a surprise, considering how you first met, the person he is. You've spent years together at this point and seen him at his most violent and bloodthirsty.

Still. For you, nothing can tarnish his shine.

.

.

On the day Goo is released, you're waiting for him outside the juvenile detention centre.

You're the first person he sees, and he waves at you with both arms before opening them, welcoming you, offering himself.

He’s even taller, more muscular. His features distinguished and jawline cutting. His hair, just like years gone by, is bleached and patchy. 

The grin is the same. It’s always the same.

You sprint and throw yourself full force into Goo, knocking the air out of his lungs.

He holds you tight. Clings on harder than he ever has. Missed you more than he will ever admit.

As if you're reading his mind, you murmur into his collar, "I've missed you.'

Goo takes a deep inhale, nose nestled in your hair and breathing in your familiar scent. Relishing your touch, your presence, you.

He doesn't plan on spending this long away from you ever again.

"Me too, Sweetheart."

[watchinghallmark]

Summer Nights 2024 Lineup

The movies seem... interesting.

JUNEBUG

Saturday, August 3 (8 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Autumn Reeser (The Wedding Veil), Aaron O’Connell (The Haves and the Have Nots)

When an eight-year-old version of herself starts appearing to her, Juniper (Reeser) begins to realize that her life is not what she had hoped it would be as a child. Young Junebug pushes Juniper to achieve her dreams, to start writing again, and to collaborate with the cute artist Alex (O’Connell) that she recently met to get her life back on track. 

🐞 I feel like this could be really cute. Autumn seems very excited about the project so hopefully that's a good sign.

MY DREAMS OF YOU

Saturday, August 10 (8 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Skyler Samuels (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries), Kapil Talwalkar (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist)

Grace (Samuels) has recurring dreams about a handsome stranger named Michael (Talwalkar) due to a mix-up in Dream Central.  When they finally meet in person, Grace is shocked to learn he has no idea who she is.

😴 I'm really excited about this casting! Kapil was great in ZEP and it's great to finally see some diversity (Hallmark you're sucking so bad lately with that).It sounds like it could be fun and also a little nutty which I like.

A COSTA RICAN WEDDING

Saturday, August 17 (8 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Rhiannon Fish (My Norwegian Holiday), Christopher Russell (Operation Nutcracker)

A clumsy maid of honor (Fish) gets help from her handsome nemesis (Russell) when things go awry at her best friend’s Costa Rican wedding.

🤵👰 The fact that they even describe her as clumsy... oof. Rhiannon can be hit or miss, especially when they have her play an idiot so often. Her paired with Chris is certainly not helping matters either.

THE MAGIC OF LEMON DROPS

Saturday, August 24 (8 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Lyndsy Fonseca (Nikita), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars)

When Lolly’s (Fonseca) Aunt gives her three magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams.

🍋... what? I feel like this is code for some hallucinogenic drugs but ok. Love both actors though so I'm interested.

HEAD OVER HEELS

Saturday, August 31 (8 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Rebecca Dalton (Good Witch), Olivier Renaud (Romance with a Twist)

A suburban girl at heart, Addison (Dalton), is off to prove herself in the world of high-end fashion footwear when she lands a life-changing internship at an Upper East Side studio leading up to the star-studded New York Fashion Week.  Addison is determined to hold onto her integrity and her family values while struggling to balance it all and forge a path to success and romance, although she may fall head over heels while trying to make her dreams come true.

👠Yawn.

JAZZ RAMSEY: A K-9 MYSTERY

Friday, August 2 (9 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Rachel Skarsten (The Royal Nanny), Corey Sevier (Take Me Back for Christmas)

When Jazz Ramsey (Skarsten) and her crime detection dog Zeus stumble upon an old crime scene, the K-9 trainer, her star pup, and ex-boyfriend and lead detective Nick (Sevier) are thrown into the investigation.

🐶 Excited about this!

NELLY KNOWS MYSTERIES (wt)

Friday, August 23 (9 p.m. ET/PT) 

Starring: Pascale Hutton (When Calls the Heart), Kavan Smith (When Calls the Heart)

When an unusual handwritten letter arrives at Nelly’s (Hutton) office, she identifies the handwriting as belonging to her childhood friend Dahlia (Sarah Grey, The Secret Lives of College Freshman), claiming her boyfriend Blake (Julian Haig, Dial S for Santa) is being unfaithful.  Determined to help, Nelly wants some answers and rushes to Blake’s home only to find his dead body.  When Dahlia becomes the prime suspect, the new, handsome Detective in town, Michael Hogan (Smith) must work with Nelly to prove that her childhood friend is not the killer everyone believes her to be.

📫A Pascale and Kavan mystery??? It's all I've ever wanted!

What do you think about these movies? What are you most excited for?

[spaceflower07]

Name: Alfred F. Jones Specialty: N/A (but likes fire, flying, and electric types) Place of Origin: Alola, Melemele Team: Growlithe, Braviary, Snorlax, Wailmer, Alolan Raichu, Charizard, Jolteon Not used for battle: Rotom, Vulpix Rank: Top 5 (Alola) Top 10 (Globally) Pokemon he hates/fears: Ghost types, Beedrill (he's allergic to bees)

Alfred is renowned globally as the cheerful President of Astral Institute and strongest Elite Four member. From childhood, Alfred had secretly been participating in underground tournaments, honing his skills despite facing inexperienced opponents. He rose up the ranks quite quickly, setting record after record. Using his knowledge from Astral to good use, he knows exactly how to beat every type of Pokemon, and speed is his game. You can't harm what you can't touch, and he ends the battles in seconds with his fiery and electrifying team. He only does enough to knock them out, as he deems it barbaric to harm the Pokemon beyond what was necessary. He's an adventurous powerhouse trainer—after a childhood of being locked away, he was eager to explore everything there was to be explored. Alfred's impressive ascent through the ranks and genuine enthusiasm for battling captivated audiences, earning him a devoted fan base. He gained his own fans among the other competitors as well with his charm, as he made a habit of befriending his opponent before every match. He is currently Ivan's battle and traveling partner, and while they are certainly growing close, they are undoubtedly still opponents, and their rivalry can be very bitter at times. While Alfred doesn't specialize in a specific type, he favors electric, flying, and fire types with his energetic nature, desire for freedom, and fiery spirit. He has also never caught a Pokemon without helping or befriending them first, which is why his Pokemon had such fierce loyalty to him. 

Alfred was formerly the son of a renowned scientist, Samuel Jones. When on the verge of creating an extraordinary machine, the laboratory was attacked by a suspicious organization in Sinnoh, fearful that it would be their doom. Alfred's father died getting him to safety, and upon hearing the news of her husband's death, his mother fell into depression and disappeared. Alfred's brain conveniently erased the memory to protect him, and to his knowledge, he simply never had parents. Alfred's father worked in the Astral Institute, and knowing that he was the only survivor and witness of that night, Astral took him in and locked him away in their Headquarters on a remote island off Melemele. He was raised meticulously, treated as a fragile and helpless little thing to be protected and handled like glass. He wasn't allowed to make friends or leave the Headquarters, or even do anything remotely dangerous or interesting. Sick of feeling trapped, Alfred would regularly sneak out to join underground tournaments and battles. At the age of fifteen, he snuck out to join the Final Test, and after passing, the Astral Institute was bound by law to begrudgingly allow him to be a trainer.

More bits of information:

Despite his confinement by Astral, Alfred harbors no resentment towards them. Instead, he channels his frustration into a fierce determination to prove his worth beyond being simply their "golden child." Yearning for freedom, he sets his sights on becoming Pokémon Champion, driven by a desire to showcase his abilities and assert his independence. For Alfred, achieving greatness is not only about personal ambition but also about reclaiming control over his own life. He could be the greatest if only they let him go. Alfred initially resented Ivan, feeling threatened by his strength as he believed it was nothing but natural talent, especially with his lack of ambition. He challenged Ivan to numerous battles to prove his own superiority but always lost, frustrating him. However, when Alfred learned of Ivan's motivations, he put aside his own pursuit of greatness to support him. He realizes the futility of seeking personal glory and shifts his focus to improving Astral, believing it to be a more meaningful endeavor that benefits everyone, Pokemon and humans alike. He had been the Pokemon Champion for a brief time before Ivan defeated him, but Alfred wasn't angry about it and had been happy that Ivan succeeded. While no longer the Champion, he was still one of the Elite Four and the President of the primary agency for anything Pokemon-related, so he still held in high regard and power.

Alfred's childhood revolved around technology, aiding Pokemon, and helping around the Astral Institute, resulting in his intelligence and dedication to Pokemon. Despite his knowledge, he struggles with social cues as his isolation has left him socially inept, unused to conversing with anyone but the Astral employees. In battle, he avoids using Rotom, Vulpix, and Wailmer, as the first two weren't for battle and Wailmer was fearful. Snorlax holds a special place in his heart, being his first Pokémon and caregiver in his infancy.

Note:

Astral Institute is a technological organization that handles the Pokemon Leagues, Gyms, Championships, Tournaments, and battles, like an agency for trainers to go on missions, take commissions, or study courses. It is not required for trainers to take missions and they are generally free to do as they please, but they are required to go through a Final Test before becoming a trainer.

The Final Test is the participants being placed in an enclosed captivity filled with violent Pokemon; if they survive, then they pass, and they receive Pokeballs that are unique to trainers.

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

Hallmark Announces Its 2024 Summer Nights Lineup – All New Premieres in August

Premiering on Hallmark Channel:

JUNEBUG Saturday, August 3 (8 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Autumn Reeser (The Wedding Veil), Aaron O’Connell (The Haves and the Have Nots)

When an eight-year-old version of herself starts appearing to her, Juniper (Reeser) begins to realize that her life is not what she had hoped it would be as a child. Young Junebug pushes Juniper to achieve her dreams, to start writing again, and to collaborate with the cute artist Alex (O’Connell) that she recently met to get her life back on track. 

MY DREAMS OF YOU Saturday, August 10 (8 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Skyler Samuels (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries), Kapil Talwalkar (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist)

Grace (Samuels) has recurring dreams about a handsome stranger named Michael (Talwalkar) due to a mix-up in Dream Central.  When they finally meet in person, Grace is shocked to learn he has no idea who she is.

A COSTA RICAN WEDDING Saturday, August 17 (8 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Rhiannon Fish (My Norwegian Holiday), Christopher Russell (Operation Nutcracker)

A clumsy maid of honor (Fish) gets help from her handsome nemesis (Russell) when things go awry at her best friend’s Costa Rican wedding.

THE MAGIC OF LEMON DROPS Saturday, August 24 (8 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Lyndsy Fonseca (Nikita), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars)

When Lolly’s (Fonseca) Aunt gives her three magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams.

HEAD OVER HEELS Saturday, August 31 (8 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Rebecca Dalton (Good Witch), Olivier Renaud (Romance with a Twist)

A suburban girl at heart, Addison (Dalton), is off to prove herself in the world of high-end fashion footwear when she lands a life-changing internship at an Upper East Side studio leading up to the star-studded New York Fashion Week.  Addison is determined to hold onto her integrity and her family values while struggling to balance it all and forge a path to success and romance, although she may fall head over heels while trying to make her dreams come true.

Premiering on Hallmark Mystery:

JAZZ RAMSEY: A K-9 MYSTERY Friday, August 2 (9 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Rachel Skarsten (The Royal Nanny), Corey Sevier (Take Me Back for Christmas)

When Jazz Ramsey (Skarsten) and her crime detection dog Zeus stumble upon an old crime scene, the K-9 trainer, her star pup, and ex-boyfriend and lead detective Nick (Sevier) are thrown into the investigation.

NELLY KNOWS MYSTERIES (wt) Friday, August 23 (9 p.m. ET/PT)  Starring: Pascale Hutton (When Calls the Heart), Kavan Smith (When Calls the Heart)

When an unusual handwritten letter arrives at Nelly’s (Hutton) office, she identifies the handwriting as belonging to her childhood friend Dahlia (Sarah Grey, The Secret Lives of College Freshman), claiming her boyfriend Blake (Julian Haig, Dial S for Santa) is being unfaithful.  Determined to help, Nelly wants some answers and rushes to Blake’s home only to find his dead body.  When Dahlia becomes the prime suspect, the new, handsome Detective in town, Michael Hogan (Smith) must work with Nelly to prove that her childhood friend is not the killer everyone believes her to be.

To read the entire article over at Soap Opera News click this LINK. And there's an article at TV Insider as well, click this LINK for more on that.

[handfulofnickels]

every backyard sports character is neurodivergent in some way and you cannot tell me otherwise

Maurice Samuel Vaughn, nicknamed "the Hit Dog", is an American former Major League Baseball first baseman who played for the Boston Red Sox, Anaheim Angels, and New York Mets from 1991 to 2003. He was a three-time All-Star selection and won the American League MVP award in 1995 with Boston. It was revealed on December 13, 2007, in the report by Senator George J. Mitchell that Vaughn had purchased steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs from Kirk Radomski, who said he delivered the drugs to him personally. Radomski produced three checks, one for $2,200 and two more for $3,200, from Vaughn, one of the latter dated June 1, 2001, and another dated June 19, 2001. Radomski said that the higher checks were for two kits of HGH, while the lower one was for one and a half kits. Vaughn's name, address and telephone number were listed in an address book seized from Radomski's house by federal agents. Vaughn's trainer instructed him to take HGH in attempt to recover from injury.

[pokemonfangame]

The First Journey: A Professor Oak Adventure

A swan song to the older generations who started with the originals, and a novel, thrilling, emotional story for the newer generations!!

Experience "Generation 0" where it all began - witness Professor Oak's first journey across the Kanto Region - and after you are done, follow Red's Journey to Johto, 40 years later, in search of a very important person!

Two adventures in one! Instead of a traditional postgame, you'll get to experience a new story, throughout a challenging Johto, in the shoes of the (second) strongest Trainer in the world! Follow Red's Journey to redemption after a devastating and humiliating loss to Ethan (Gold). Witness his transformation through loneliness to maturity, as he traverses Johto together with a cast of familiar characters.

It is the year 1957. Samuel Oak, a 20 year-old prodigy, has just returned back to his home country after spending three years in the world's best university. With him, he brings science, technology, and the true spirit of trainerhood. On a mission to establish the first ever League in the East, Oak will have to adjust to local battling traditions, overcome bureaucratic hurdles, and introduce local uneducated Tamers to the proper way of doing things.

[nightsidewrestling]

D.U.D.E Bios: Charles Nye (2021)

The Third Son of Pride Charles Nye

Damian's grandson and Viola's youngest son, Charles is an intelligent kid who spends more time with his heads in books rather than watching his mother wrestle.

"Did you name me after Dickens, Chaplin or Addams."

Name

Full Legal Name: Charles Lakshmi Nye

First Name: Charles

Meaning: French and English form of 'Carolus', the Latin form of the Germanic name 'Karl', which was derived from a word meaning 'man' (Proto-Germanis 'karlaz'). However an alternative theory states that it is derived from the common Germanic name element 'harjaz' meaning 'army'

Pronunciation: CHARLZ

Origin: English, French

Middle Name: Lakshmi

Meaning: Means 'sign, mark' in Sanskrit. This is the name of the Hindu goddess of prosperity, good luck, and beauty

Pronunciation: LUK-shmee

Origin: Hinduism, Indian, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Odia

Surname: Nye

Meaning: Originally indicated a person who lived near a river, from Middle English 'Atten eye’ meaning 'At the river’

Pronunciation: NIE

Origin: English

Alias: N/A

Reason: N/A

Nicknames: Charley, Charlie, Charly, Chas, Chaz, Chip, Chuck, Chuckie, Chucky

Titles: Mr

Characteristics

Age: 10

Gender: Male. He/Him Pronouns

Race: Human

Nationality: British

Ethnicity: Mixed White-Asian (English & Indian)

Birth Date: January 15th 2011

Symbols: N/A

Sexuality: N/A

Religion: Christian

Native Language: English

Spoken Languages: English

Relationship Status: N/A

Astrological Sign: Capricorn

Theme Song (Ringtone on Damian & Vi's Phones): Damian: 'The Middle' - Jimmy Eat World Vi: 'Without Me' - Eminem

Voice Actor: N/A

Geographical Characteristics

Birthplace: Brigg, Lancashire, England

Current Location: Brigg, Lancashire, England

Hometown: Brigg, Lancashire, England

Appearance

Height: N/A (Hasn’t finished growing)

Weight: N/A (Hasn’t finished growing)

Eye Colour: Brown

Hair Colour: Black

Hair Dye: None

Body Hair: N/A

Facial Hair: N/A

Tattoos: N/A

Piercings: None

Scars: None

Health and Fitness

Allergies: None

Alcoholic, Smoker, Drug User: N/A

Illnesses/Disorders: None

Medications: None

Any Specific Diet: Vegetarian

Relationships

Allies: N/A

Enemies: N/A

Friends: Glyn Pritchard, Bada Llewellyn, Jacob Rhydderch, Quintus Rhydderch, Comhghall Rhydderch, Dagda O'Hannigan, Quirinus Rhydderch, Talfryn Rhydderch, Hall McFarlane, Dalton McFarland, Quasimodo Rhydderch, Bairrfhionn Rhydderch, Wallace Rhydderch, Samuel McCormick, Vance Lum, Emil Winter

Colleagues: N/A

Rivals: N/A

Closest Confidant: Quentin Nye

Mentor: Quentin Nye

Significant Other: N/A

Previous Partners: N/A

Parents: Quentin Nye (43, Father), Viola Nye (42, Mother, Née Lum)

Parents-In-Law: N/A

Siblings: Adam Nye (22, Brother), Paulette Nye (19, Sister), Benjamin Nye (16, Brother), Olivia Nye (13, Sister)

Siblings-In-Law: None

Nieces & Nephews: None

Children: N/A

Children-In-Law: N/A

Grandkids: N/A

Great Grandkids: N/A

Wrestling

Billed From: N/A

Trainer: N/A

Managers: N/A

Wrestlers Managed: N/A

Debut: N/A

Debut Match: N/A

Retired: N/A

Retirement Match: N/A

Wrestling Style: N/A

Stables: N/A

Teams: N/A

Regular Moves: N/A

Finishers: N/A

Refers To Fans As: N/A

Extras

Backstory: Charles is the fifth and final child of Quentin and Viola Nye, which makes him the grandson of Damian Lum. Charles currently attends primary school in Lancashire.

Trivia: Nothing of note so far

[sunsetdew0101]

Second Chance

Chapter 1

Pallet Town was a quiet little town where everyone and their grandmother knew everyone, and there was little that people didn't know about each other's lives. In fact, the most mysterious people in the city were Samuel Oak, the Pokémon Professor of the Region, and little Aisha Ketchum.

Aisha was an anomaly.

She was a quiet but hyperactive girl who never stopped at home for more than a few hours. People could often find her spending her time alone until Gary Oak dragged her into some mischief that would end with them both covered in mud and scratches. If they weren't terrorizing anyone, a look at Professor Oak's library would show the two children (three before Daisy Oak left on her journey) with their noses buried in any Pokémon book they could get their hands on.

But that wasn't what made Aisha an anomaly.

It was the moments when she seemed to disconnect from reality, looking into the distance, observing something that only she could see, dissociating herself from what was happening around her. It was her aged eyes that stared at people as if she had seen too much. It was the nightmares that she didn't remember but that Delia mentioned that kept her awake at night. It was how she walked as if trying to compensate for extra weight.

It seemed like the only way Aisha could keep her grip on reality was when she was surrounded by Pokémon. As if something inside her told her she needed to give the fascinating creatures her full attention. The first to notice this (and no one was surprised, that girl was like a granddaughter to him) was Professor Oak. Aisha spent a lot of time at the Ranch while her mother worked, and it was the place where she felt most alive. It was this discovery that gave the Professor an idea.

The challenge would be to get the child's mother to agree.

Ash always felt like something didn't fit.

It was like she was seeing a movie for the first time, but she knew things were missing. It was an unsettling feeling that seemed to have accompanied her for as long as the girl could remember.

The green and pink bubbles that Aisha saw in the corner of her eye, which disappeared whenever the girl tried to look directly at them, did not alleviate this feeling, despite the strong feeling of affection that welled up in the girl from Pallet. Nor did she understand the absolute terror and safety that the sea brought her or how the sound of the waves on the shore near Pallet seemed to match the strange melody she whistled absently. Or how she knew things about Pokémon that she had never encountered before.

But the worst was the feelings Ash had. They were like a nagging itch in the back of her mind that pushed her to know more, to become more than before (before what?).

Ash knew the Professor and Gary were worried about her. The long hours that the girl spent facing emptiness and the constant lack of sleep that nightmares brought her (as well as the feeling of loss) were not normal for a child. Professor Oak had tried many times to convince the child's mother to seek professional help, but Delia always rejected the Professor's suggestions, and in some cases, offers of help.

In the end, Ash just continues to spend her free time and school breaks at the Ranch and Professor Oak's Lab, asking questions and helping with the Pokémon. The girl spent many summer afternoons at the Ranch's creek with Gary and Daisy, playing with the Pokémon that lived there, at the annual Teacher's Camp, or watching reruns of the most recent or previous Pokémon League. This is how Ash's interest in Pokémon blossomed into a passion for Pokémon battles.

The battle style of each Trainer, the battle style of each Region marked on each of them, the way each move was used, the strategies, and how Pokémon of the same species differed in battle. All these little details lit a fire inside Ash, giving life to the girl that made many people sigh of relief. The only person who seemed upset about Ash's change was her mother.

The woman was often seen mumbling about Ash's new passion. For some reason, Delia hated her daughter's decision to become a Pokémon Trainer and she made a point of telling everyone who would listen how illogical her daughter's idea was. Some people could partially understand her reasons.

Being a Trainer was expensive. The Aptitude Tests were free, but the License Exams and materials and supplies for the trip cost a few thousand PokéYen. Furthermore, travel was dangerous, even for the most experienced Trainers. And not everyone who went on journeys became good enough Trainers to attract some sponsorship that would make the acquisition of supplies cheaper, or that would allow them to have a career. However, not everyone believed Delia's reasons, and the older ones remembered well what the woman was like as a teenager.

Ash didn't know whether to believe her neighbors' rumors about her mother or her mother's constant proclamations about just wanting to make sure she was safe and that she wasn't getting ahead of herself. Something seemed to die inside the girl whenever her mother gave her opinions on Trainers and Pokémon Journeys. It was worse when Delia acted out and showed her daughter what she really thought of her dreams. Professor Oak's disbelieving look still haunted the girl, as she said she fell down the stairs when he questioned how Ash had broken his arm. (Sometime later, the Professor obtained partial guardianship of Ash. When questioned, he simply pointed out Delia's lack of time to care for Ash properly)

However, none of Delia's protests quenched Ash's newly ignited passion for battle. Somehow, the obstacles made the girl more engaged. Professor Oak got a wistful look and a secret smile whenever he saw Ash struggling with his studies or questioning any Trainer who came to visit the Ranch or the Lab, especially with how distracted the girl could be. Ash and Gary's classes became more frequent, both children competing to see which one knew more.

It would be in one of these classes, one of the weeks in which Daisy returned to Pallet, that they would receive their first partners.

The three children watched the Professor warily. It wasn't often that he called them into his office at the Laboratory. There was where the Professor kept important documents, held meetings with other fellow researchers or members of the League, and worked on some of his research. The only times Ash or Gary had been called there, they had taken a prank too far, but those moments had become few and far between as the years passed. Daisy's presence ruled out any bad behavior on their part.

However, the manic gleam in the Professor's eyes and the large mug of coffee in his hands piqued their curiosity. A month and a half earlier, in the middle of Gary and Ash's classes, Professor Oak received a call from one of the researchers working with him. None of the children knew what had been said, only the Professor's laugh and his hasty retreat to his office pointed to some new research topic.

Since that day, the Professor had locked himself in the Laboratory with only a few assistants and researchers, who Ash knew were hand-selected. Gary and Daisy only saw their grandfather at mealtimes. He only took a shower and then returned to work. The only time he left the Laboratory for more than an hour, the Professor took his cart and left Pallet early in the morning, returning later in the day with a locked box in hand. Daisy had sworn she listened to her grandfather about proving a theory to some knuckleheads before he locked himself in the office again.

The Professor's excited shouts a few days earlier suggested that he had succeeded in his plans.

"Uh, grandpa?" At the older man's nod, Gary continued. "Not that isn't great to see you with some coherence and indications that you're just running on spite and coffee. But… why are you calling us?"

Aisha bit her lip in an attempt to contain her laughter. Daisy elbowed her brother, who just shrugged. Gary could be very sweet, but most of the time, the boy was tactless, even with his family. The Professor laughed hoarsely and set down the mug.

"As you well know, I've been a little busier lately. The call I received was about a fairly recent discovery." The three children exchanged curious glances at the Teacher's words. "And after many hours of research and successful testing, I am pleased to inform you that two evolutions of Eevee have been rediscovered: Glaceon, the Fresh Snow Pokémon, and Leafeon, the Verdant Pokémon."

The Professor pointed to one of the office doors where two four-legged Pokémon came out. The children couldn't contain their sounds of admiration when they saw the beauty of both Pokémon. Upon seeing the Professor's happy wave, they carefully approached so they could pet the Pokémon.

"It's not that we're not grateful for the opportunity to see them in person, Professor. We really are. They're amazing and breathtaking!" Ash carefully ran his hands over the Glaceon's cold bluish fur, which he preened with the girl's praise. "But, isn't this one of the cases where we should wait for the official announcement in Pokémon Researchers Monthly?"

"Normally, that would be the case. However, this specific situation is already beyond confidentiality. These two Eeveelution," the children groaned at the pun but were ignored by the Professor, "were accidental 'discoveries' in Sinnoh. Two Trainers , who coincidentally had an Eevee, were located in the Eternal Forest and in a frozen cave near the City of Snowpoint. In both locations, they found a rock that seemed to have properties similar to the Leaf Stone and the Ice Stone. approached the rocks and, after touching them, they evolved into an unknown Pokémon, similar to these two."

"Wait. You said rediscoveries just now." Daisy interrupted. "Aren't they a new evolution?"

"Technically no." The Professor explained while pointing to some papers. "There are records of Glaceon and Leafeon existing in Sinnoh until about five to six centuries ago. For some reason Glaceon and Leafeon went unseen, until they became little more than a legend. Professor Rowan is already taking care of putting together a team to try to find out why."

"Yeah, yeah, that's all very interesting and all, but it still doesn't answer why you called us." Gary spoke in a dry tone while observing Leafeon.

"Well, after seeing firsthand that some of the Eevee evolution's we thought were legends, or at least extinct, were still possible to achieve today, we Regional Professors started digging. Eevee are known for their changeable DNA, the The probability of there being more forgotten evolution's is quite high." The Professor opened a container on the table and grabbed something from inside. "After some time searching, Professor Elm and Professor Sycamore found some promising clues of three other evolution's. We have some theories as to how they might be obtained, thanks to some manuscripts, but nothing has been confirmed. And that's where you come in."

Professor Oak turned to the children, showing three Pokéballs in his hands which, once enlarged, released three familiar brown furred Pokémon. The three Eevee shook themselves before running to their evolved forms and engaging in a game of tag.

Professor Oak went on to explain how all Pokémon Researchers and Professors were in a race to try and be the first to record a successful evolution of an Eevee into an Espeon, Umbreon, or Sylveon. They were all reaching out to Sponsored or League Trainers for the opportunity to help them with this assignment. Gary, Daisy, and Ash stared at the Professor with wide eyes at what the Professor was telling them.

"You mean… You mean… That you want our help? Really!?" The Professor gave a warm laugh and nodded at Ash. She and Gary screamed in joy, briefly scaring the Pokémon, before they joined in their celebration. The Professor and Daisy looked at each other in amusement, observing the joy of the two youngest kids.

Two children running with their Eevee partners around Pallet became a common sight for all the inhabitants, one that would bring many laughs over the years.

Delia Ketchum considered herself a good mother. In fact, the woman would go so far as to say that she was the best anyone could ask for.

Delia had become a single mother at 19, having discovered her pregnancy too late, leaving her trapped with a child she never wanted but couldn't get rid of. The woman regretted having to spend the money she inherited from her grandparents on the child, but in the end, she didn't have much choice. Delia's plans to leave Pallet and go to a big city in Kanto or another region had been firmly squashed with the new addition to her life, tying her to the cursed town.

Delia didn't even know who Aisha's father could be, leaving the possibility of getting zero child support. And with the birth of the child, Delia has had to increase her shifts at the small restaurant she works at and completely cut back on any planned outings she might have had. Even with the help of the Oaks, who had offered to watch over their daughter while she worked, she barely had time for herself. Aisha didn't know the meaning of being quiet and still, something Delia made a point of teaching her once it became apparent that the girl hadn't grown out of it. Eventually, the girl learned and stopped bothering Delia, becoming a rare sight in the house.

When Samuel asked for partial guardianship of his daughter, Delia almost sighed with relief despite the man's incessant questions about Ash's broken arm. (Delia hated that nickname, despite its accuracy. Aisha had burned so many of Delia's plans, it was only right that she reciprocated.) In the end, Delia gave Samuel the same answer as Aisha. The girl had fallen down the stairs. It wasn't Delia's fault that the girl shrank away from her at the edge of the stairs. She should have paid more attention.

Ash had never been happier in her life. Being able to have a Pokémon registered in her name and be its Trainer had been the best feeling the girl had ever felt. The nostalgic feeling that welled up in the girl's chest whenever Eevee climbed on her shoulder or when they played at the Ranch, couldn't erase Ash's happiness. Not even her mother's comments about an Eevee evolution date or how some kids screamed about the injustice of her having a Pokémon.

Ash was six years old, but she was more than determined to do her best to help the Professor and become friends with her partner. With Eevee's presence, the moments where Ash seemed to get lost staring into space had significantly diminished, bringing clarity to her days that Ash only enjoyed when she was at the Ranch.

Over time, Ash and Eevee become close, making it rare for anyone to see them apart. Eevee was a serious-looking Pokémon, but she was always ready to mess with Ash and Gary, and her passion for battle rivaled Ash's. Lab researchers often saw Ash and Gary in battles under the supervision of the Professor or the eldest granddaughter, in front of a television watching League battles, or in the library buried in a book. Professor Oak smiled fondly whenever one of the staff commented on these moments, pride shining in his eyes.

It was at that time that the number of photo albums grew. Unsuspecting photos of the children with their partners, filling the pages of the albums in a disorganized way, until Ash asked the Professor to beautify them. Seeing Ash surrounded by stickers and pieces of paper at the dinner table became something the Oaks quickly got used to, helping the girl's new hobby with new materials for her to experiment with.

Eventually, the experiment bore fruit. Two years later, Eevee would end up evolving. One summer afternoon, Ash, Gary, and Daisy (and for the first time, Delia too) were in the laboratory while the Professor examined their partners. The Teacher had asked Ash to ask Eevee to demonstrate the moves she had just mastered when suddenly, Ash's Eevee let out a happy chirp, and after a petting head from the Trainer, it began to glow. The light spread across the Pokémon's body, thinning its tail and body, shrinking and widening its ears, until it disappeared as quickly as it appeared, revealing a lilac Pokémon.

The Pokémon opened its purple eyes that had an indigo-blue glow, flapping its ears and swinging its forked tail, adjusting to its new body. Ash could only stare in awe as the Professor and grandchildren celebrated yet another confirmation of a legend. Daisy grabbed one and demanded a photo of both partners. It was necessary to immortalize the proof of a connection between a Trainer and a Pokémon.

"What do you mean by Trainer?" questioned Delia in a sharp tone. Everyone looked at the woman, with confused looks. Espeon seemed to shiver at Delia's tone of voice. Upon seeing everyone's dumbfounded looks, Delia pointed disdainfully at Ash.

"Then?" continued the irritated woman: "What do you mean by Trainer?"

Ao3

Index

Next Chapter->

Fic Dividers Used Here

[quietwingsinthesky]

6!

number 6! chapter 3 of a pokemon fic i have been. uh. totally definitely working on and didn't forget about no way. title of this document is: blue is tramsgender p3, or (pokemon colosseum announcer voice) RED GET OFF THE FUCKING MOUNTAIN

the fic is currently on anon since it's unfinished and having an unfinished fic on my page was stressing me out lmao, but the first two chapters are here. chapter 3 is... nowhere near complete. but i swear i'll finish it one day. it means a lot to me. i sure love projecting my gender onto characters from 1999.

anyway, i do have a scene right here that i wrote between oak and blue that is. maybe my favorite thing i've written in the fic at all. so i'm throwing it all out on here lmao. (context being that i took the canon fact of blue going to the kalos region and moved it before he becomes a gym leader, meaning that someone else had to take over viridian gym in the meantime and the closest person available was oak. who hasn't seen his grandson in person in a while and even before wasn't exactly... let's say, good at the whole 'blue being trans' thing. not maliciously, but you know, forgetful. and well. you'll see.)

“He’s my grandpa,” Blue says as he pushes past the rookie. “I’m not fighting any of you. I’m dragging him home for dinner.”

“Who even are you?” The other trainer calls after him. Blue turns and cocks a grin. Jolteon bounds around his feet, fur bristling.

“The name’s Blue,” he says, and with a faux salute and a twist of his heel, “smell ya later!” He marches right into the heart of the gym. It isn’t anything like he remembers. It’s been fully remodeled since the days of Giovanni, but it’s also... lacking, somehow. Gramps got rid of all the traces of his predecessor, but there’s nothing filling the space. Blue was expecting at least a poster or three of fun facts about Pokemon, or type advantages, or anything. The walls are bare and beige. The only interruptions are the doors, and eventually, Blue finds the one that leads to Gramps’ office.

Samuel Oak, it reads, Leader of Viridian Gym.

Blue takes a deep breath, fills his lungs before the shouting match begins. He opens the door.

“Hey, Gramps, heard you-” He announces, boisterous. He stops. Jolteon makes a curious chirp at his feet. “Gramps?” He's face-down on his desk. Blue’s heart skips a beat until Gramps snores like a chainsaw, and Blue lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He walks around the desk. “Hey. Hey! Wake up, old man!” Blue should shake him. He doesn’t. He keeps calling until Gramps jumps and sits upright. He looks haggard. It’s only been two years, but there are so many more lines set in his face, his hair thinned, his eyes paler.

“Who-?” Gramps squints at him. “Oh. A trainer? You’re a little late to challenge me. Come back—” He yawns. “—tomorrow.”

“This joke never was funny,” Blue growls. He leaves Gramps’ side of the desk, standing across from him instead and crossing his arms. “What’s your excuse this time? No one said my name in two years, so you just happened to forget again?” He’s not hurt. He’s never hurt. He’s fine, and his eyes aren’t stinging, and his throat doesn’t ache, and he didn’t expect anything different, so it’s fine. Gramps blinks up at him.

“I’m sorry? Do I know you?” His hand slides over his desk, grasping until it finds a pair of glasses. Blue’s only ever seen Gramps wear glasses while he was reading. Gramps puts them on now and blinks twice. “There we are. Now, who are...” Gramps trails off as he takes in Blue’s face. Blue pinches his mouth. Jolteon presses against his leg, purring. Gramps stares at him for a long time, his mouth falling open. He looks heartbroken.

“I’m your grandson,” Blue snaps, “or are you going to pretend you don’t recognize me, too?” Forget a name, and you never have to acknowledge it changed. Forget your grandson, and you never have to see him standing in the place you expected to have a granddaughter. Blue never should have come back. Gramps stands.

“Arceus...” Gramps whispers. He never used that kind of language when Blue was a kid. Blue screws up his face. His throat feels tight. If Gramps starts yelling now, he’s not going to be able to give it his all back, and then what’s the point? “You... You look...” Gramps puts a hand over his mouth. Blue wants it to be horror. He can defend himself against horror and anger and everything in between. It’s not. Gramps’ eyes water, spill, and he’s crying. Just like that, Blue is a disappointment again. He takes a step back.

“Guess I had to get that over with,” he hears himself say. “Time to draw up a new will, huh, Gramps? Keep me off it this time?” He needs to leave. He turns.

“Wait!” Gramps says. Blue ignores him. He runs, because that’s what he’s good at. “Wait!” he hears Gramps call again, but like the rookie at the door, Blue doesn’t stop for him. He can hear Gramps behind him, not running but moving as hurriedly as his old limbs will let him. “Blue!” Gramps yells.

And Blue stops.

He can’t turn around. He hears Gramps approaching, panting heavily, out of breath. He can’t turn around. Gramps puts a hand on his shoulder and tugs. He can’t- Blue turns.

He’s taller than Gramps. When did he get taller than his grandfather?

They stare at each other.

“Look at you,” Gramps says, quietly. Blue swallows. “Why, I’d barely recognize you, my boy, only...” Gramps lifts his hand from Blue’s shoulder to touch his face. He stops before he makes contact. He drops his hand. Blue sniffs. “I wouldn’t recognize you,” Gramps repeats, “but you look so much like your father.” Gramps looks as though he’s seen a ghost, and as though he’d give anything to let it stay and haunt his home. He lifts both his hands now and puts them on Blue’s shoulders, still looking over his face. “And you shot up like a tree. You get that from your mother’s side, I’ll bet, but that face... You’re the spitting image of him the day he came home from his journey.”

Blue sucks in a breath. He wants to say something. He starts crying.

Gramps doesn’t seem to know what to do with that. He pulls Blue an inch closer by the shoulders as though to draw him into a hug, but then freezes and lets him go. Pats him on the shoulder once. Looks like he’s afraid he’s broken Blue, and honestly, Blue’s not sure his fears are unwarranted. Blue wipes at his eyes. With a rough voice, he manages, “Daisy wants you to come home. For dinner. Because I’m back from Kalos.”

“Visiting?” Gramps says, which is all Blue needs to know that he hasn’t been reading all of the letters Blue sends home. Blue looks at the dark circles under his eyes and shakes his head.

“Staying?” He means it as a statement. It tilts up at the end into a question, whether he wants it to or not. Gramps blinks at him.

“Oh,” he says, and he smiles, “welcome home, then.”

[whyreyousoobsessedwithme]

Chap 430 thoughts (spoilers ahead)

Ok so I was going to upload this the day it was released but shit happened 

First of all, FUCK workers

James, you two faced bitch, fuck you. Out of all the options this bitch had, he choose the Workers??

Also tf?

This man is on no-one else’s side but his own. I do not trust him. Even in the earlier chapters he never properly communicated with Daniel about anything. Like why should he unite the 4 crews? Why does he want to bring Charles down so bad, wasn’t he “raised” as one of the geniuses by him? How does he know Sofia? How does he know about Vivi’s cookies? Another reason why I don’t trust his ass.

We know for sure that James isn’t a good guy, he’s only for himself, his motive for bringing down Charles has to be personal because if it was for the good of people he wouldn’t have made a deal with Yujin.

How did he find out about the second bodies? How does he know that Jinyoung and Charles found out about it together? I have a feeling that Jakes late father and his half older brother might be connected with this. I’ve noticed that everything in this WEBTOON is connected. One thing we know for sure is that Charles didn’t create the second body project. I also feel like Crystal was the first one, maybe that’s why she has someone like gun guarding and training her. 

Still think gun is  somehow related to this because of his eyes. 

They really posted this photo with the caption “young teenagers…”.

Saw a lot of posts saying Blondie here was concerned for Samuel but I personally think that’s bullshit. I think it’s because he’s worried about what will happen to him and mitsuki if they were to leave.

I would LOVE to see her in action. If she’s working for them I’m sure she would know how to fight. Unless ptj decides to make her some kind of stepping stone like he did with that woman in Vivi’s nightclub.

Nah he can’t lose his pretty ass hair man. Although I don’t think it will happen to either of them. The reason Daniel was tortured was because he refused to tell the truth, these two however are there for different reasons. Plus remember when Tom lee said they would hide Johan away for a while. Maybe he’s been put in a coma for a while until things clear up.

Who let grandpa out of the retirement home?���

Seriously though, how the did he grow so much in a month? Gun could easily quit the illegal shady business and become a fitness trainer.

This could literally anyone atp. A lot of people think it’s Hudson because of the silhouette, I think so too since he does have a reason to get back at the workers and it’s been hinted that once he fails he comes back stronger. Or it could be his teacher but I’m not too sure on that just because he has no motive to go against the workers.

I also think it could be Vinjin because he was previously involved. And let’s not forget Magami, Ryuhi, and Xiaolong. Ryuhi because like I stated earlier, is worried about neko and himself. And the other two weren’t even at the meeting table, maybe they realized Yujin wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of them should they fail so they’re ensuring their safety? Or plot twist, it’s either Gun, James, or (dramatic music) Olly back from the dead. I’m only saying this because of their reaction, personally I think Gun and James are too busy for that and there have been theories that Olly might be alive so. Or it could just be someone from big deal or parody hostel. 

[kiillmeromantically]

Four new muses! Because self control is not my strong suit! Info on them under the cut. If you’d like to plot with them or for me to throw some starters your way, like this! 

Honey Byrne. Thirty. Bisexual (Female leaning). trust fund baby. her family came from old money but she never quite fit their mold. she grew up in london but eventually relocated to the states. all the while trying to figure out what she wanted to do with her life instead of relying on the trust fund. suki waterhouse fc.

Samuel Whaley. Twenty Nine. Heterosexual. personal trainer. he was a quiet kid but no one ever knew why. he didn’t want to be close to anyone because of his mother who was struggling with addiction and he didn’t want to be taken from her. eventually she lost her battle but by that point he was in his twenties and he didn’t know how to deal. drew starkey fc.

Manon Hex. Forty Four. Heteroflexible. gallerist. former wild child,all that changed when she was in her mid twenties. that was when she met her husband. the marriage was good for about the first ten years and then she found out he was cheating. yet she stayed because of their two children. minka kelly fc.

Harlow Newton. Forty. Heterosexual. lawyer. incredibly dedicated to his career so much that he let his life pass him by. yet he never imagined that by the time he hit forty that he was not going to be married or have children. now that he has become partner at his firm, he is determined to make up for lost time. henry cavill fc. 

[kitchensunflowers]

Disability Resonance & Crip Time in "Saturdays" by Louis Tomlinson

A reading of "Saturdays" that highlights parallels with certain disability theory concepts that I was thinking about while listening. (Specifically, parallels between its lyrics and the essay, "Six Ways of Looking at Crip Time", by Ellen Samuels.)

Basically, I was listening to Saturdays the other day and was suddenly overwhelmed (as in... I cried) by the way the lyrics mapped on to different experiences I've had as a chronically ill/disabled person. In particular, I've recently been struggling with increases in certain symptoms and internalised ableism, and the song really spoke to these feelings.

One of my favourite disability theory essays is Ellen Samuels' "Six Ways of Looking at Crip Time", linked here and first published in Vol. 37 No. 3 (2017) of Disability Studies Quarterly (available to read in full on dsq-sds.org, the journal's website).

Samuels both articulates different aspects of the experiences + feelings I was thinking about and describes the concept of 'crip time' better than I could, so I thought I'd share those parallels here, for my own interest and in case any one else might be interested, too. (And for anyone interested, I really recommend reading Samuels' full essay!)

Disclaimer: In pointing out these parallels, I am not claiming that this is therefore a song written to be read as being about disability. That is not my intention here - I am just making note of the resonances I personally felt while listening.

Anyway tldr, here are the parallels I was thinking about - Louis' lyrics italicised and excerpts from Samuels' essay indented:

Saturdays by Louis Tomlinson

Six Ways of Looking at Crip Time by Ellen Samuels

*

I'm not supposed to be Feelin' dirty cheap on Silver Street At quarter to three

"Crip time is time travel. Disability and illness have the power to extract us from linear, progressive time with its normative life stages and cast us into a wormhole of backward and forward acceleration, jerky stops and starts, tedious intervals and abrupt endings. Some of us contend with the impairments of old age while still young; some of us are treated like children no matter how old we get." (Samuels 2017)

Hidden across my face In the crowd, I'm countin' up the days In a haze

"The medical language of illness tries to reimpose the linear, speaking in terms of the chronic, the progressive, and the terminal, of relapses and stages. But we who occupy the bodies of crip time know that we are never linear, and we rage silently—or not so silently—at the calm straightforwardness of those who live in the sheltered space of normative time." (Samuels 2017)

I'm gazin' at the floor Somebody's got your trainers on The ones that you wore When you walked out the door

"Crip time is grief time. It is a time of loss," (Samuels 2017)

I've been wonderin' about what you're up to Not for the first time Not for the last time

"With each new symptom, each new impairment, I grieve again for the lost time, the lost years that are now not yet to come. This is not to say that I wish for a cure—not exactly. "I wish to be both myself and not-myself, a state of paradoxical longing that I think every person with chronic pain occupies at some point or another. I wish for time to split and allow two paths for my life and that I could move back and forth between them at will." (Samuels 2017)

And I've been thinking 'bout the things we used to do Not for the first time And not for the last time

Ibid. (Samuels 2017)

We always used to say "Saturdays take the pain away" Nobody stays the same

"I was practicing tai chi every day, learning how to move slowly and gracefully through the world, as part of a group all making the same movements, synchronized, flowing. I felt more at home in my body, with other people's bodies, than I ever had. Then it all came apart." (Samuels 2017)

No matter how much you want it Some things change

"It happened in a flash, and it also lasted forever. It took me six long months in physical therapy to get back to where I could walk more than a few steps, and I was never again able to walk as far as I had before. Tai chi, which I loved deeply and which was supposed to fix me, broke me instead." (Samuels 2017)

Some things change

Through my cigarette A shadow of you sticks me to the carpet Try to ignore it

"The bodymind refuses to let go of the lost object [...] I have found much harder to let go [of] the memory of my healthier self. [...] "For crip time is broken time. It requires us to break in our bodies and minds to new rhythms, new patterns of thinking and feeling and moving through the world. It forces us to take breaks, even when we don't want to, even when we want to keep going, to move ahead. It insists that we listen to our bodyminds so closely, so attentively, in a culture that tells us to divide the two and push the body away from us while also pushing it beyond its limits." (Samuels 2017)

Somethin' about the way The light catches the mirror in my brain It gives me shade

"[...] other times, when we talk about crip time, we mean something more beautiful and forgiving. [...] My friend Alison Kafer says that "rather than bend disabled bodies and minds to meet the clock, crip time bends the clock to meet disabled bodies and minds."" (Samuels 2017)

I'm starin' at the door Somebody's got your trainers on The ones that you wore But you're not here anymore

"And so, I moved backward instead of forward, not into a state of health, but further into the world of disability, the world I was now coming to understand as my own. I moved from being someone who kept getting sick, over and over, to someone who was sick, all the time, whose inner clock was attuned to my own physical state rather than the external routines of a society ordered around bodies that were not like mine." (Samuels 2017)

[...]

My heart might be broken But I won't be broken down My heart might be broken But I won't be broken down

"This sounds very much like the notion of crip time that Alison and Margaret were talking about. [...] disability scholars like Alison, Margaret, and I tend to celebrate this idea of crip time, to relish its non-linear flexibility, to explore its power and its possibility. "What would it mean for us also to do what queer scholar Heather Love calls "feeling backward"? For us to hold on to that celebration, that new way of being, and yet also allow ourselves to feel the pain of crip time, its melancholy, its brokenness?" (Samuels 2017)

We always used to say "Saturdays take the pain away" Nobody stays the same No matter how much you want it How much you want it We always used to say "Saturdays take the pain away" Nobody stays the same No matter how much you want it Some things change

[vinceleemiller]

Trials Are Teachers | 1 Samuel 23:13-14

What lessons have you learned from your long, arduous trial?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way."

Yesterday, David went over to Keilah and defeated an invasion of the Philistines, putting him within Saul's reach. Today, we will see how that turns out in  1 Samuel 23:13-14 which reads:

Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand. — 1 Samuel 23:13-14

In this text, we notice that David's men continue to grow. He was around 400 men but now has grown to 600. They continue to run and avoid engaging in civil conflict with Saul. David seems to have given instructions not to engage with Saul. This is honorable, given that "Saul sought him every day" for over a decade. This was a long, arduous trial that had no end in sight.

Have you ever endured a long, arduous trial like this with no end in sight? If you have, you know it can be both exhausting and exhilarating.

As a pastor, I've seen many people walk through these seasons many times. I have also learned that believers enduring long, arduous trials often develop profound resilience and strength. Although the trials are unenjoyable in the present situation, they become trainers and teachers for future situations. At a point, a person emerges transformed, realizing the trial was not merely an obstacle but an opportunity to test and toughen their faith, revealing spiritual muscles that God will use for future feats.

So, are you going into, in, or coming out of a long, arduous trial? If so, trust God through the obstacle and see the opportunity. Pay attention to how God is training you. Learn the lessons God is trying to teach. God just might be preparing you for something great. At this moment in our text, God was forging David's character as a man and leader. He was building his trust, patience, and resilience for the battles ahead.

If you are a believer today who has been through a long, arduous trial, surely you have learned some timeless lesson. Do me a favor and share the lesson or lessons that your trial has taught you in the comments below. Some believers listening today are going through a trial, and they cannot see the opportunity but only the obstacle, and they need your encouragement today. The lessons you have learned could be the good news they need to lift their eyes to the opportunity God wants them to see.

#ResilientFaith, #TrustGod, #LessonsInTrials

Ask This:

What lessons have you learned during your long trials that have strengthened your faith?

How can sharing your experiences help others grow in their faith?

Do This:

Share the lesson of your trial.

Pray This:

Father, help me trust in Your guidance during my trials, knowing that You are shaping my character and faith through these challenges. Grant me the strength to encourage others with the lessons I've learned, reflecting Your faithfulness in my life. Amen.

Play This:

He Will Hold Me Fast.

Check out this episode!