#Step one: 2 calves per leg

[trans-leek-cookie]

I love Sci Fi genetic modification. Because it let's me make things that suck

[otomehonyaku]

One of my headcanon that there's much space for Ruki's footfetish in Ruki/Yui intimate life. It's so niché so people don't write about it in details (tho it's reasonable because not many people would like to fantasize of it). I'm not a fan of footfetish as well, but as Ruki's fan I think I'd like to see more writings about it because it's one of the interesting and unusual preferences of him

I'd want to ask you 2 questions: How often you think this kink would take place in Ruki/Yui intimate life? And would you ever write about it?

oh man you have a good point! I keep forgetting that it's quite heavily implied in the games that this man has a foot fetish (mostly because I might have repressed the memory lol) or at least has a big thing for legs in general. personally I don't think I would write in depth about feet per se. while it is pretty much canon I don't really feel comfortable with it myself—forgive me for glossing over the feet part in what I'm about to say, though you could definitely read it in between the lines—but what I imagine is this:

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Ruki has this peculiar thing for Yui's legs, not just her thighs, but especially her lower legs. Tantalisingly slowly dragging his knuckles over her skin, from the inside of her ankles to her inner thighs, almost all the way to her groin. Making sure he holds her gaze as his hands tease her, coaxing soft whimpers from her lips. Watching her face twist in anticipation as his hands ghost over her core before pulling away and starting anew, this time with his fingertips. Leaving small lavender bruises on her thighs from pulling her against him with reckless force. Sinking his teeth into the sensitive skin of Yui's upper calves—his favourite part—the patch of skin just above her knees, her ankles, her inner thighs, without properly healing the wounds he makes so as to remind her of his fangs with every step she takes for days afterward. He takes a sadistic sort of pride in seeing the bruises on her knees after she gives him head. Again, all power play.

This obsession of Ruki's generally manifests itself in small, unconscious touches here and there rather than giving these parts of hers his undivided attention. Nevertheless, Ruki does have a weakness for Yui in clothes that accentuate her slim legs, particularly short skirts paired with thigh-high socks or black, see-through tights. He will physically drag Yui into a secluded space—their bedroom, an alley, the broom closet in between classes—to discipline her. Oh, if only she did not tempt him so...

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

kind of went off on a tangent but I'll add this to the headcanon post later \(//∇//)\

[clonedchaos]

Marathon

Orchids and Oranges: A Yasammy Week Special

Yasammy week brought to you by @yasammyweek!

Sorry this one was late, I had some errands to run yesterday and an 8 hour shift early this morning. I'll try my best to catch up, but I might be a day late on my prompts.

Day 2: Firsts Rating: G/PG Summary: Sammy attends her first marathon. Fortunately, she has an expert partner to coach her along. 

AO3 Version:

Tumblr Version:

"Ready for this, Sammy?" Yaz asked, reaching down to touch her toes. Her hair was done up in a tight bun, preventing any loose strands from obscuring her vision. Sammy had ditched her boots for a nice pair of pink running shoes; courtesy of her amazing girlfriend. After so long sporting boots, this experience felt foreign. It was far more practical for running at least.

Sammy quickly copied her action as Yaz continued to lead her through the stretching exercises. "Ready as I'll ever be," She smiled. This would be the first time since Nublar that she would be running such long distances. And, it was the first time Yaz had done anything akin to track since the island. Plus, it was fundraising for the local hospital in Yaz's district. All around, this would be a fun time. She was thrilled to be able to partake in an experience and hobby that was close to Yaz's heart. She just hoped she could keep up!

"Alright. You know the basics. Conserve your energy until we near the finish. When going downhill, let gravity do the work for you. It'll make your pace far easier, trust me. And don't push yourself too hard. If you need to take a break, we'll take one," Yaz listed, twisting her upper body to loosen her muscles.

"You got it!" Sammy chirped, playfully saluting her. Yaz chuckled and nudged her with her shoulder.

"Runners! To the starting line! We will begin shortly!" A man's voice crackled through a loudspeaker.

Sammy noticed the flame of competition erupt in Yaz's eyes at the announcement. She was so passionate, so confident. Oh, how she wished she had that sense of valor.

Yaz turned her attention onto Sammy and extended a hand. "Ready, cowgirl?"

"Always, track star," Sammy replied, playing up the nickname. Her fingers intertwined with Yaz's and they headed for the starting line.

Sammy's heart beat wildly in her chest as the anticipation began to build. Her first marathon! This was going to be so much fun! 

She was forced to wait-- she hated waiting when she was this excited-- until the announcers dropped the welcome banner and the marathoners took off. Sammy was instantly pulled forward as Yaz shot off like a bullet. She felt like a cartoon character with the way her legs were flailing back and forth.

Yaz glanced over her shoulder and slowed her pace. "Sorry about that. Got a bit carried away," She apologized, her movements deliberate and precise.

Sammy put a bit more pep in her step and took the lead. "Don't tell me you wanna slow down! We've got competition!"

The marathon path snaked through the thinning shops of the town square and out into a lush pine forest. Miniature markers were laid out on the trail, directing them where they should go. Despite the event not being a race per se, the duo kept toward the head of the pack.

They passed by a small blossoming flower field with vibrant daisies. It took Sammy all the self-restraint in the world to not divert off the path and pick a few to give to Yaz. She'd look astonishing in a woven flower crown.

A medial incline was up ahead.

"Remember, Sammy. Let gravity do the work for you," Yaz panted, having vast control over her breathing patterns.

Sammy nodded and powered forward. By the time her and Yaz reached the top, her calves felt like they were on fire. As they descended, Sammy reserved her energy and let motion take hold. The breeze tickled her cheeks as they picked up speed. She couldn't help but laugh, causing Yaz to do the same.

The next locale was to skirt around the edges of a lake. The sand pulled at her feet, a much rougher terrain to balance on and navigate through than hardpacked dirt or concrete. And boy, cannonballing into the water was getting more and more appealing by the second. It was hot. Really hot. Why had they chosen to do this in the summer again?

Sammy wasn't sure how much time had passed when her pace began to slow. She wanted to keep up with Yaz, but her body felt like it was in the process of shutting down all together. With every gulp of air, her chest burned and her throat stung.

"Sammy? Do you need to take a break?" Yaz asked as they crested another hill. She began to slow her own pace.

Sammy shook herself. Come on, Sammy! You can do it!

Maybe she could. From the high vantage point, Sammy could spot the finish line at the bottom of the hill. Several onlookers awaited them, as well as volunteers with numerous water bottles and towels at the ready.

"We're so close. We can't stop now!" She insisted.

"But Sam--"

Sammy released Yaz's hand. Just a little bit further. Her legs felt like jelly and her cheeks burned. The sun was relentless. Was she going to black out?

Yaz suddenly overtook Sammy. She crossed the finish line and spun on her heel. "Come on, Sammy! You got this!" She encouraged, waving her hands. She didn't take Yaz for the cheerleading type, but she sure inspired Sammy.

Yaz was right there! She was waiting for her. Just a few more steps. She could do this, couldn't she? Seeing Yaz standing there, waiting for her, it filled her with hope. Sammy pushed forward with one last burst of energy. Her legs completely gave out from under her and she crashed into Yaz, sending both of them toppling onto the ground.

Sammy blinked, her throat burning and chest heaving as she fought to take in oxygen. Sweat dribbled down the side of her face. She was used to the heat and physical exertion of working on the farm, but she forgot just how taxing running could be. Being chased by dinosaurs had surely lit a fire under her back on Nublar.

Sammy finally snapped back to reality as she moved into a sitting position. Immediately she helped Yaz do the same. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! Are you okay?!" She immediately began checking her over for any bruises or scrapes that she might have accidentally inflicted upon her. Exhaustion was thrown to the side as her girlfriend's wellbeing was of far more importance; to her at least. She didn't even care her vision was slightly spinning.

Yaz grabbed her hands. "Sammy. I'm fine, really." Her eyes searched Sammy's expression thoughtfully.

Sammy set a hand on her forehead and wiped away the sweat on her brow. Why was she feeling fuzzy?

Yaz leapt to her feet, dashed over toward one of the water refuel stations, and grabbed two ice cold bottles of water. In seconds, she was right by Sammy's side. "Here, drink this. You're dehydrated," She uncapped one and handed it off.

Sammy brought the bottle to her lips and took in the refreshing icy chill. In ten seconds, she had downed the entire thing.

Yaz held the other bottle against her forehead to help cool her off. With her other hand, she supported Sammy's back in case she fainted. "Feeling better? I don't want you passing out on me. If you need to lie down, I'll help you," She quickly rambled off and bit her lip.

"I'm fine, Yaz," Sammy assured as she leaned against Yaz's shoulder. Her breathlessness had begun to subside, and the water bottle had done wonders for her heat exhaustion. "Just out of it is all. I forgot just how much running takes it out of ya. You make it look so easy."

Yaz chuckled and moved to set a hand atop Sammy's. "It took years of practice to get to where I am today. Or, well, to where I used to be. You did amazing. Besides, I can say the same for you and horseback riding. Remember what a disaster I was trying to ride for the first time?" She teased.

Sammy thought back to that particular, eye-opening experience. "I thought you got an A+ for effort," Sammy mused with a smile. "Give it a few more lessons and you'll be a proper cowgirl in no time."

Yaz laughed. It made Sammy's heart flutter. "I know it's hard for us to find the time when we live so far away... But what do you say about going on a few nature runs with me from time to time? In return, you can give me horseback riding lessons."

Sammy dropped her empty bottle and squealed. "Ooo! That sounds perfect! There are tons of places around the farm with a more scenic view. Or, or-- We could go camping! I've only done it a few times, but I think we'd have tons of fun. We could roast marshmallows, tell spooky stories, cuddle by the campfire. Imagine hiking in the mountains! Going for a morning jog while overlooking a breathtaking view would be just the sight to get us up and going!"

Sammy continued to ramble on with her ideas, Yaz listening intently. There were so many things they had yet to experience together. Where would they go next?

[afatlotofchance]

The Prince and the Sorcerer (part 2)

And here's the second part! A trigger warning however: it involves body explosion.

Once upon a time, there were two brothers, two naughty children who wouldn’t stop eating their soup, for they were gluttons with unending stomachs. They kept eating and eating and eating, and their mother told them “Stop eating like that, it is bad for your health!” But they did not listen and kept eating, and eating and eating…

XXX

Evan was impressed by how much weight the prince had gained in merely ten days. Evan had a talent for knowing things – more specifically, for measuring and weighing thing with just a look. It was a talent needed for magic, where everything relied on equivalence and fair exchange. And according to Evan’s eye measurements, the prince had gained roughly two hundred pounds – around twenty pounds per day. The spell worked quite well.

Not that the weight gain was really the doing of the magic. It was the doing of Tristan’s gluttony. But the spell helped.

You see, that was the beauty of this curse. The more the cursed one would be gluttonous and eat in excess, the more weight he would put on, and the faster the weight would be put on, until they finally realized something was wrong and resumed to a more temperate lifestyle – the only way to undo the curse. Or at least to stop the pounds from packing on.

Usually, such a spell worked in an entire year – but with Tristan, Evan had a hunch that the spell would work much faster.

The weight gain had occurred mostly in the prince’s lower parts. Sure, his upper body also got fatter. His breast filled with fat had expanded and flattened, weighed down by its own heaviness, spilling on each side of his chest. His face had widened and rounded up ; pear-shaped before, it was now nearly like a ball, the round cheeks unifying themselves with the big roll of fat that was now his throat, a second blubbery chin under the first one, a small, cute, afraid little chin lost in the growing and devouring mass.

But his legs and belly were hit the hardest with the weight.  

His legs, before of a normal shape despite being chubbier and thicker than usual, had now turned into trunks of flab, piles of folds. They grew, puffed out and bloated up into a monstrous pile of blobby flesh. What used to be thighs, calves, bottom, were now just shapeless masses. It went to such a point that Tristan’s kneecaps had sunk, now deep depressions into the buttery limbs. It still didn’t prevent the prince from standing up and walking around – but he had to spread his legs further away, he waddled a lot and bumped into a lot of things and people with his overgrown behind.

His belly was even more impressive. The already big ball of a gut had tripled in size, looking now overtly disproportionate and freakish. It went far, far way in front of him, jiggling with each step, falling down to the ground more and more as the fat piled up, already covering his highness private parts and the top of his doughy thighs. It didn’t even looked like a real belly – it was too grotesque, too out of proportion, too ridiculous, like a reflection of a distorting mirror.

It hadn’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the court. They were used to see the Prince grow fatter every year, but not at such a quick rate. Courtiers whispered among each other – always when his highness wasn’t there to hear. Evan couldn’t say what the King thought of the entire situation, he seemed preoccupied with other businesses – as for the Queen, she apparently decided to prolongate her vacations in her castle, and wasn’t going to be back until Tristan’s birthday. Tristan himself hadn’t seemed to notice the weird weight gain – Evan had realized that the Prince was a bit “thick of the skull” as his own father said. It was just a matter of time before Tristan realized something was wrong.

Evan had been in the first line to see the Prince grow more and more every day, for now he was forced to share the royal meals, Tristan’s orders.

“You need to learn the ways of the court, and to fit with the nobility and royalty. You can’t keep looking a dirty peasant forever now that you are a court sorcerer. You are as ugly as a malnourished ass. I don’t know how I could even stand to be near you for so long. Put on some meat on these bones and look good, for heaven’s sake!”

The King had backed up his son on this decision. Apparently, he also was bugged by Evan’s thinness. Evan had to remind himself that he was indeed in a royal court, where people had to fit to the standards of beauty, and what was beauty right now was plumpness and chubbiness. Evan knew of the history of his country, he knew of the ancient times where kings had to be bald, and where princesses had their feet cut off – these were also standards of beauty, canons of fashion, and yet that would have been seen as outrageous today. He knew that these fashions and trends came and went away, and were just conventions, without any real importance. But he couldn’t possibly explain that to them: for them, appearance was everything. They didn’t had magic, so they had to be impressive, to be charming, for beauty was a power. Ugliness was also a power, but they wouldn’t understand that.

So, in practical terms, Evan had to stuff himself if he wanted to be well-considered at the court. Or just considered at all. Or not kicked out. And he certainly wasn’t going to be kicked out now that his spell was in place.

Sharing his meals with the royal family, he ended up with portions as big as theirs. Not as big as Tristan, of course, he would have died if he ate as much as him, but as big as the King. He also was served an impressive number of bears – again, based on the King’s daily consumption – but Evan got away with it by saying his magic would go out of control if he was too drunk. They still managed to make him gulp down three huge pints of beer a day.

Adding that to the enormous amounts of meat, cheese, fruits, breads, legumes and other foods, Evan often ended up the day gassy and nauseous. He wondered if that was the price to pay for his magic.

XXX

During one of these dinners, as Evan tried to refuse without any success a third serving of meat, King Ralston brought up the subject of clothes.

Indeed, due to his recent gained weight, Tristan had met a number of problem with his current wardrobe. These problems were quite obvious right now, as the Prince gulped down a bowl of soup without any spoon, splattering his lips with a deep green.

His shirt was unable to cover his belly entirely, stopping at the level of his upper abdomen, around his stomach – the same place his belt was now stuck, unable to get under the belly button. Belly button now over-stretched and reddened due to the pressure all the food built up inside. The rest of his shirt was tight to the point of ripping, especially on his ham-like arms and his distended, overflowing chest. His calves were also overflowing, this time over his boots, just like his love handles tried to escape from his pants. Nothing he owned could cover him entirely anymore – everything was too small, too stretched, too tight, unable to close properly, revealing his massive flesh to the world.

And, as King Ralston explained, no matter how fast the royal tailors worked, every time a new suit was ready for Tristan he had already outgrew it.

“Would it be possible to conjure up clothes by magic? It would save everyone a lot of time and money.”

“I am afraid, my King, that such a thing is impossible, Evan explained while massaging his hardened stomach. I can’t simply conjure things up from thin air, only God can do such thing. However I could… well, I could enchant the Prince’s clothes so that they would expand and always adapt themselves to his new girth. You ever heard of these magic boots or armor that fit whoever wears them, no matter their size?”

“That would be splendid indeed! Do that this instant!”

“However, it would need some particular elements. A hundred pounds of gold, fifty pounds of silver, along with three pearls, a red feather and soft, green wood from a young tree.”

“We can easily give you that!” Tristan shouted while munching entire loaves of bread, his green lips now covered in crumbs.

“Yes… But it is the ingredient for enchanting an individual clothe. I will need them renewed for each clothing and each spell. Wouldn’t it be easier if you… well, if you tried to lose weight, prince Tristan? Costs less than enchanting all of your clothes.”

Tristan, who was midway through eating a slice of pie, turned cold, dead eyes towards Evan.

“What?”

Evan started to get nervous.

“Well…”

“It’s rather you that needs to gain weight! You clearly see things upside down. No wonder you make such a bad magician. Servants! Feed him twice of his meal! Don’t let him get way, force him to eat if he resists! I don’t need to lose weight; you need to gain some!”

Evan, not really understanding what was happening to him right now, was dragged by servants to the royal kitchens as a button on the Prince’s shirt popped. 

XXX

And the boys ate so much they became bigger and bigger, and one day they wouldn’t fit into their clothes.

“Mother, mother, we can’t put close our shirts, we can’t close our pants!”

“It’s because you eat too much, you naughty boys!”

“No we don’t, and you don’t know anything! Buy us new clothes and we’ll keep eating!”

XXX

You couldn’t have possibly imagined that Tristan would get bigger. And yet, he did.

It was extraordinary. It was amazing. It was frightening.

His belly, of course, was the first thing to expand. It got even further away from the prince’s body. It even started to split in two! One big, enormous, bulging stomach on top, and a lower, huge roll of fat under the belly button, going up to his love handles, now ridiculously small, crushed by the rest of this titanic body. Evan couldn’t stare comfortably at this roll that fell down to the prince’s knees, for he saw in it a twisted smile. The smile of the curse. Evan rather tried to focus his mind on other parts of the Prince’s anatomy. Bad idea. He noticed another, smaller roll, rather a chunk of flesh, hanging under the belly, under the twisted smile. It was something new, that wasn’t there before, and the young magician tried to understood what it was – before realizing with horror that it was supposed to be the skin placed between the belly and the privates, skin that was now so puffed with fat it looked like a grotesque tumor.

His chest had again expanded and widened – his flabs of flesh now nearly as long as his arms, and his nipples as big as his hands. And what hands he had! They were just a set of chubby sausage-like fingers around a big round ball of dough. His hands were too fat for him to close them properly! But these hands were able to close enough to grab whatever food it could and bring them to Tristan’s mouth. To Tristan’s wider, larger head, a blob-like face with a third chin recently formed under the usual two, a fold that spilled over his chest and shoulders. The Prince kept raising his arms up to his collapsed cheeks, thus revealing grotesque arms, with monstrously bloated biceps, so fat that they folded on themselves and hanged grotesquely like melted step pyramids. In fact, his arm’s flesh fell so low it managed to touch his love handles!

Standing up was proving more difficult for Tristan, due to the new state of his legs and behind. Evan had previously described it as a pile of folds, blobs and chunks of flesh piled up into an imitation of a limb; This description was more accurate than ever. The prince’s legs didn’t look like legs anymore. They were rather like… enormous, fat, hairless caterpillars. Now you couldn’t tell where the thigh began and where the calve ended, for both were roughly of the same size, and the thigh had split itself into two massive folds, and the calve was spilling over a bloated and puffed up feet, covering it like some grotesque pale mushroom… You couldn’t even see where the knees were. All you could see was the rough shape of an inverted pyramid, many, many folds and some toes sticking out at one end.

And all of fat, because the prince had again gained two hundred pounds in merely ten days. He must have been around… seven hundred now.

If Evan had such a precise view of the Prince’s anatomy, it was because it was Tristan’s bath time. Now that the Prince was too big even for his own extra-wide bathtub, he had to be washed by his servants with wet clothes. They raised one by one his folds of flesh, scrubbing hard underneath until the flesh was pink and as soft as a baby’s skin. And during this process, Tristan kept eating breads and meat and tomatoes, juice, sauce and blood covering his face, dripping down his chest, that an unfortunate servant had to constantly clean before it got dirty again.

“I remind you, if you ever found some food on my person, give it to me!” Tristan ordered them. “If you keep it to yourself, I’ll have your fingers broken!”

If Evan was present in the royal bathroom, and in a state of nakedness (for yes, our young court wizard was as naked as a worm), it was on Tristan’s request. The Prince had insisted on checking himself Evan’s weight gain.

Evan had put on weight, he had noticed it himself. His arms and chest felt softer than usual, even though they were by no mean bigger. His face was filled out, of a normal size now, without any sunken cheeks. the only two parts where he had obviously gained some pounds were his belly (bloated due to the amount of food and gazes in it, that had now expanded over a now quite uncomfortable belt, and soften up as the rest of his body to the point that when he slapped it the flesh jiggled a bit) and his behind (that was big enough now for him to feel a tightness in his pants, and to have the weird, but quite pleasant, feeling of always sitting on a cushion wherever he stopped to rest). But outside of these two bulges in his silhouette, he didn’t looked overtly fat – which was a relief. Merely living alongside Tristan made him anxious at the mere idea of fatness.

“Not big enough.” judged Tristan.

“I beg your pardon, my lord?”

“You’re not putting enough heart – or rather stomach in it! You need to get bigger. Now you look merely decent. I want you à la mode. Get it? I’ll check you in two weeks, and I hope you’ll be bigger.”

“I… Yes, my lord.”

Evan couldn’t possibly put a fight with Tristan, not now, not like this. Not without some clothes on.

“Speaking of big… I need you to extend my bathtub. It shrunk down, probably due to the humidity. Make it bigger for me, please.”

Evan just bend over and did as he was told. The bathtub was made of wood, so it was very easy to made it expand – you just had to give back a bit of life into the material, and then make it grow like a plant or a tree would. Just a bit faster.

“Is it big enough for you, now, my lord?”

Tristan tried to enter it. He got in his legs, his behind, his backfat, but his belly just hang over the bathtub’s side.

“Not big enough. Bigger!” he shouted before resuming his sloppy eating.

Evan sighed and made the bathtub big enough for Tristan’s belly to fit into it. The wooden thing was now nearly as big as the entire room.

Tristan said something between his munching and slurping. Tristan wasn’t sure if it was a “Thank you” or a “You can go now”, but he gladly got away from the room.

Evan was scared. Oh yes, he was. Because without the curse’s magic, the Prince would have had his legs and feet crushed already. His bones would have shattered under his own weight. Without the curse’s magic, his flesh would have been infected and rotting already. Without the curse’s magic, his heart would be beating so fast it would be ready to explode. The only thing that allowed him to speak and breathe normally without sneezing, snoring and choking was the curse.

Evan hoped Tristan would soon realize his mistake and take on a life of moderation. He truly hoped so, and he prayed all the deities he knew for the Prince to realize the danger of his condition before it was too late.

What Evan was the most scared of was that… the Prince seemed to have… grown. Three, maybe four inches taller. The spell book said nothing about the cursed one growing in height!

XXX

“Evan, I am… worried about Tristan.”

King Ralston had asked for the court wizard to sit next to him during the evening’s banquet. Tristan wasn’t present – he had requested for his meal to be served in his private quarters.

“You are worried about your son’s new girth, I guess?”

Ralston, his round face already reddened by the alcohol, nodded.

“He always was a big kid, and we are all so proud of him for being so fleshy and wealthy in body… But now this is becoming ridiculous, and grotesque. He never became so large so quickly, never before. It is almost as if… he was sick.”

Evan forced himself to finish his fourth pint of beer. Whenever you sat next to the king, and spoke with him, you had to share his drinks. And let’s just say Ralston was a heavy drinker.

“Yet he seems in… in perfect health.” answered Evan while holding a burp down.

“Our physicians detected no sickness in him. Yet I feel he suffers from some sort of abnormal condition. I was thus wondering if magic was maybe to blame for that?”

Evan tried to say no to a servant that was pouring him a fifth pint of beer, but the young man thought it was merely an answer to Ralston’s question, and so did the king.

“Are you sure no curse plagues my son?”

Evan shivered.

“No. No curse at all. I put a protection spell around his highness, and I check regularly if there are no imp or demon in him. No, I am afraid that his weight gain is due to his own greediness and gluttony.”

The king was looking at Evan with his cold, piercing, staring glare that made more than one coward. Contrary to most people, who got cloudy eyes when drunk, Ralston’s eye-strength seemed to intensify.

“You are not hiding something from me, are you?”

Evan, nervous, gulped down half of his pint to give him some courage.

“Not at all! I assure you, your son is bringing this onto himself entirely! If he doesn’t act soon, he will be his own undoing!”

The King took his eyes off Evan and looked sadly at his plate. Evan, still nervous and feeling incredibly guilty, finished his fifth pint, and couldn’t hold a loud belch.

The servant nearby took it as a signal that the young wizard had room for more, and brought him a roasted chicken.

Evan looked at him with the desperate eyes of a man who begged for mercy. The servant took it as him asking for more, and added roasted potatoes on the side.

XXX

And the boys ate so much they became fatter and fatter, and one day they couldn’t even pass the door.

“Mother, mother, we are stuck in the door!”

“It’s because you eat too much, you naughty boys!”

“We eat a lot it is true, but it is certainly not the cause of that. Break the door and make it larger, and we’ll keep eating!”

XXX

“Ten more days…” Evan thought to himself. “Ten more days, and what? Four hundred pounds more?”

It was terrifying. A true nightmare. Evan had unleashed pure horror upon this world.

He breathed in and out to calm himself before entering the Prince’s bedroom.

“Your new throne is ready, your Highness.”

Tristan, his mouth full, shouted something that sounded like “Perfect!” and made a sign to his servants to stand back for he was going to lift himself. He devoured the last slice of his cake – a strawberry cake as big as a carriage’s wheel – adding frosting to the white and pink goo that covered his face, and leaving crumbs upon his heavily-stained shirt. Once his hands and mouth empty, Tristan slowly rose himself up.

He was barely leaving his bedroom, these last days. He was now so big that moving and walking around was a real problem. He spent his days on his bed – or rather a parody of a bed, big piles of cushions and pillows on the floor for each wooden frame would break under him – being fed by incredibly nervous and disgusted servants. Sometimes even had shovels nearby to feed the Prince. Shovels!

Tristan walked towards the door. Evan quickly backed up into the hallway before getting crushed – each step of the obscenely obese blob of a boy made the stone floor tremble.

The Prince stopped right in front of the door.

“Ah…” he grunted.

He tried to squeeze himself through. Without any success.

“Bring workers here! Break the walls! The door is too small, I can’t fit through!” the Prince ordered.

Evan looked at the servants running away, terrified of the monster he had created.

XXX

Evan role had been to magically expand Tristan’s golden throne. He had now gotten much too vast to possibly fit in it, and with his twentieth birthday coming soon, he possibly couldn’t afford not to have a throne to sit into. It had costed a lot of golden coins, objects and jewelry – since Evan couldn’t possibly conjure gold out of thin air, he had to melt already existing ore into the throne to expand it – but the job was finally done. A throne wide enough to host at least three King Ralston, a fourth one if the other snuggled a bit.

“His highness, Prince Tristan of Bundruw, for the testing of the new royal throne!”

Everyone gasped when the humongous pachyderm entered the room. It looked human, and yet it did not. No one could have possibly guessed a human could grow that fat. And yet Prince Tristan was there, as big as a church, and walking towards his new throne with the same, cruel, wicked glee, and the same piercing, beautiful, but cold, disdaining blue eyes. A beautiful face that now just looked ridiculous and grotesque on top of such a monstrous body.

The prince towered over everyone in the room – the courtiers, the servants, Evan. He had gotten even taller than his own father! Evan guessed he must have been… five, if not six heads taller than his original height.

“It didn’t know the curse would do that…” Evan said to himself. “I didn’t know… it were just childish pictures in a book… I didn’t know…”

Tristan, his clothes soiled with sauces and his face smeared with food, sat on the throne.

“Big enough for me. Now food! Food! Bring me food!” he shouted.

Only then Evan dared to raise his head and look at the Prince, and what he had become.

He saw… balls and folds of flesh and fat spilling on top of the throne’s large arms. He saw a titanic belly that spilled on the Prince’s lap so much that it buried his entire legs under a foot-deep heap of lard. Under this behemoth of a torso, Evan saw the only part of his Highness’ lower body that was still visible – his two feet, puffed up like balloons, almost entirely round, and yet still fitting into his blue, pointy shoes. The young wizard also saw the two repulsing, overflowing, wineskin-like pectorals, now the size of the plates on which the roasted swans were usually served, hanging from each side of his anatomy like two fruits from the land of the giants. And finally, Evan got the strength to look at the Prince’s face – at the clod of butter, the clump of blubber that was now his face. A neckless head with two cheeks so swollen and fat they actually fell down and rested on his shoulders.

Evan couldn’t bear such a sight. He knew it was all his fault. He was the one who had succumbed to frustration and wrath. He was the one who used this magic his master had begged him not to use. He was the one who acted out of spite on the Prince. He had foolishly hoped the Prince would change his ways – but look at him! He was barely human anymore! And all the difficulties he encountered, it was Evan’s role to sweep them away! A bigger bath, a bigger throne, bigger clothes! Evan realized now, but too late, that the Prince was incapable of feeling any shame or guilt whatsoever. It may have been why he lacked basic human decency or common empathy. What a fool he had been! 

Evan, unable to look further as an entire roasted bull was presented to Tristan, left the throne room.

If he had stayed a bit longer, he would have noticed Tristan’s enchanted clothes… tattering. On one of his arms so big he had trouble bending them… a seam ripped. And on his gargantuan belly that expanded by the minute… a button of his shirt popped off. 

XXX

“Come on! Think! Search! There must be something!”

Evan opened the last of his grimoires. He looked through every chapter, every page, every line. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. No mention or indication of the curse – or how to reverse it. The curse only existed in this damn old tome, that his master had warned him about many times. It was there, with its silly rhymes, stupid little story and childish drawings.

And one word, written in big, red letters.

“EXPLODE”.

Evan couldn’t possibly let Prince Tristan explode!

“There must be another way! There is always another way! That’s the basis of magic, to find another way! The Prince can’t possibly be stubborn enough to refuse to change his ways despite the harm it does to him! Right? Right? But he doesn’t know he will explode, and for him fat is health and beauty, and he doesn’t care, he has this weird mind, he just wants to eat, eat and eat! Maybe he got addicted to the food? The curse augments gluttony right? To the point of making him blind and oblivious to everything? No, it can’t be… But if… isn’t that how the curse works? It looked like so. Clouded mind, disturbed judgement… But then how could the victim decide to change its ways of life on its own? The curse would just bit its own tail and doom the victim to death! It would be stupid! Doesn’t work… but…”

Evan stopped his babbling. Master Rummuel said… that it was akin to fairy magic, right? The fair folk! Of course! It would explain why the curse would be such a deadly trap! What could you except from the magic of amoral beings living in dreams and mixing up time and space?

Evan, shivering, took the last slice of the kidney pie that the servants had put on his table and swallowed it. It was just to calm his nerves, but as he did so, he wondered. “When did I ate the rest of the pie?”. He then wondered. “Why are the servants even bringing me a kidney pie? I usually have a blackberry one in the morning and a gooseberry in the morning…” He then wondered “Since when do the servants bring me berry pies in my room for me to eat later?”. And that was with this third and final question that Evan suddenly realized something.

A flood of memories came to his mind. Details he hadn’t paid attention to. Things he did without thinking of. Requests he made that he quickly forgot afterward.

He remembered the stress of the whole situation. He remembered thinking that food was an easy way to ease his mind. He remembered talking about his favorite pies, the ones his mother made on the great occasions, with the servants. He also remembered how he asked for them to leave him a snack in the morning, to be ready to live another awful day, and one in the evening, to rest from his exhausting diurnal activities. He remembered his hand moving on its own to snatch food whenever he could. He remembered munching something whenever Tristan shouted his name or insulted him. He remembered gulping down pints of beer at the banquets whenever the King looked at him for too long – to look relaxed and undisturbed, so that His Highness wouldn’t guess he was the one who cursed his son. He remembered how guilt burdened him so much that he couldn’t even pass in front of Tristan’s door without some comfort food to swallow. He saw the ghost of the myriad of things he had snacked upon during all this time – bread and pies, pickles and biscuits, melon slices and pastas.

By the heavenly lords, Evan had turned into a stress-eater! And not just any stress eater, a constantly-eating stress-eater automaton! How come he hadn’t realized it sooner? It was as if his memories had been blacked out, or if he had acted when dissociated from his body. Yet he had noticed himself becoming heavier. He had even asked for a new belt because his old one didn’t fit anymore!

Evan paused to ponder about this last thought. A new belt? He hadn’t…

Fear froze the young magician’s blood in his veins.

He slowly took off his clothes and, not having a mirror, decided to use his third sight. 

Yes. It was as he dreaded. Tristan wasn’t the only one who had gained quite a weight. Evan now had a big, round ball of a gut. A “beer sack” as the people in his village used to say. A beer sack, at his age? Yes, a big, pumpkin-like paunch!

What the hell was going on here? Everything was going array! It was as if Evan wasn’t in control anymore!

Another, final memory emerged from the fog in Evan’s head. A thing his master had told him, long ago.

“The magic change the magician. A spellcaster is defined by his spells, not the other way around. Just like the flow of water digs the land to create riverbeds, the water itself is shaped by the land, into a river. As a result, healers become nurturing people, always keen on the second chance, just like those that abuse of the transformation spell begin questioning everything and forgetting who they really are. Take a wizard that uses his magic to create a huge barrier around an entire town, and uses all of his magic to maintain said wall. Well, years after years, the wizard will change. He will become hard. Tough. Unmovable. He will dislike moving too much, he will stop listening to other people. He will become single-minded and dedicated. Soon, he’ll be just like his wall. This is the price to pay for magic. At least, one of them.”

Evan gulped down.

��Master…” he whispered to himself. “What’s the price for a foolish boy who cursed a glutton prince to become an all-devouring mountain?”

Evan pinched his belly. His fingers dug into his doughy flesh. He had a pretty good idea of what the answer would be. 

XXX

And the boys ate so much they became rounder and rounder, and one day the floor broke under them.

“Mother, mother, the floor break under us!”

“It’s because you eat too much, you naughty boys!”

“It is true we eat too much, but eating is good! So move our room downstairs, and we’ll be able to eat as much as we like!”

XXX

Evan looked in the mirror one last time. No third sight. Just a plain old mirror.

“This is it. I am officially part of the court. One of them.”

What made him say that? The simple fact that he couldn’t recognize himself anymore.

Their work to fatten him up had worked very well. His chest was now full, fat and falling down. He had love handles, with little rolls on top of them, and plum thighs tightening his clothes. His cheeks had gone soft and red and, of course, he now sported a big, curvy, fleshy belly. He had now the complete paraphernalia of a respectable courtier.

People were treating him differently now. The noblemen were talking with him in lengthy discussions. The ladies were complimenting him. Some people had advised him on the latest fashions in clothing and makeup. Two sisters, daughters of some duke, had expressed in half-spoken word a wish for him to become their suitor. Evan wasn’t sure what to think of all that. He wasn’t even sure what to think of his own reflection! Not only had he put on sixty pounds, he had also his wardrobe completely renewed, since the old clothes were all too small. And for today, for the Prince’s birthday, he had to wear one of the most trendy and expensive costumes the court provided him with.

A tunic-like doublet of green velvet, which was really just some sort of short-sleeved gold-lined shirt ending up as some sort of skirt covering his privates and his fleshy behind. A belt color of the sand digging into the fat of his waist, a wide collar of the same sandy color covering his shoulders, hose of a clear, light red, and finally some dark, pointy slippers. Everything skin-tight, of course, according to the fashion Tristan started at the court a few years ago. Evan feared that one of the buttons of the shirt-doublet would pop off.

“To be forced to suffocate in your own clothes just to imitate a spoiled overweight Prince… He thinks he can just turn everyone else into copies of himself, huh?”

“And what have you turned Tristan into?” whispered a little voice in his mind.

Evan tried to ignore it, but it came back, again and again, until he had to scarf down an entire loaf of bread to shush it.

Immediately, he had a vision. He saw himself at the banquet of the Prince’s birthday, eating so much and with such gluttony that, actually, one of the buttons of the doublet popped of. And this scene had a dreadful feeling of déjà-vu because he saw it many times before – with Tristan. Was it a magical premonition? Or just his own imagination?

XXX

Evan was determined to stop this curse, to take it off the Prince. He had tried before, without any success but he was sure that if he would concentrate enough, with all of his power, he would be able to undo it. He placed it in him, he should be able to take it off!

Everybody had reunited in the great all. All the courtiers, all of the nobility, all of the most estranged members of the royal family. Most of these aunts, uncles and cousins were giants of some sort, extremely fat or monstrously muscular. And some had even weirder deformities - for example a prince had a behind the size of two pumpkins on an otherwise thin body! King Ralston was here, apparently already drunk and burping loudly, talking with his brothers. They had a very strong family resemblance, all blond, bulky and round-faced. One was clean-shaved, and looked like a much younger version of the King, while the other was taller and thinner, without a beard but with the thickest and most impressive mustache Evan had ever seen. Evan suspected the clean-shaved to be Mister Pumpkin-Behind’s father, they had a certain look-alike-ness when seen from behind. Queen Ermina had also managed to come. She was a curvy, but beautiful woman, with full lips and pink cheeks. He couldn’t see her hair under her cap, but Evan had heard she had beautiful light-red hair. She seemed to be one austere woman, only showing on her face three expressions: disappointment, disdain and disinterest. Evan thought it was a waste to have such a pretty face pouting all day long.

But the guest of honor, the now twenty years old Tristan was still not here. Evan looked anxiously through every door, waiting for him to appear.

When a nervous servant announced the Prince, Evan started to heat his magic. Only to drop it all in shock when Tristan was pushed – almost rolled – into the room. For one moment of bravery, he had forgotten the grotesque horror of his own spell, but now the truth was facing him with its ugly, abominable face.

Six hundred new pounds had been added to Tristan’s mass, making him lose any resemblance he had with a human being. He was just a ball of greasy, sweaty lard. The enchantment of his clothes had worn of, unable to resist such an inhuman weight. His shirt, his vest, his pant and his belt, everything has ripped, snapped or exploded, leaving him clothed in very expensive and very colorful rags. Once inside the room, Tristan started to walk – or rather to do a repulsive parody of a walk, half wobbling due to his enormous girth and high height making him lose his balance, half dragging his heavy mass on the floor. His feet looked so tiny, crushed by legs that reminded Evan of several Berkshire pigs put on top of each other.

The bone structure of the Prince must have been completely dissolved by now, and his organs smothered and flattened by the fat. His arms were obviously disjointed from his body, his torso was so big that no spinal column could have possibly been able to link his head to his pelvis, and his head looked like it had melted inside his body. By all the higher powers, he was almost completely round! A globe of flesh with stumps of fat for limbs and a tumor for a head! It wasn’t a Prince, or a human, it was a monster! A filthy, disgusting monster covered in sauces, crumbles, blood and rotten food, only able to scream “Food! Food! More food!”. Evan wondered if Tristan had gotten completely insane by now.

Since his arms were too short to reach his head, he relied entirely on the servants to eat. The terrified young men had to climb on a ladder to feed their highness – one man put his hand too close to the mouth of Tristan, and he nearly bit them off.

Evan, tears in his eyes, turned his head away, only to look at the terrified faces of the courtiers, all mesmerized by the horrific sight of the round Prince.

Evan had to do something. He was going to save Tristan, no matter what.

But as he got his spells ready, a tiny voice whispered in his mind. Not the same one as previously, another one. Less insidious, much calmer.

“Do you remember when Tristan ordered for a servant who spilled hot milk on his clothes to have one of his fingers cut off? Or maybe was it two?”

Evan paused for a moment.

XXX

And one day the younger of the brothers said to other:

“Mother may be right. I can barely walk and I can’t see my toes. I think we eat too much and we ought to stop.”

But the older brother did not listen and went on gulping his soup:

“Stop if you like, that’ll make more for me. I’ll eat and eat until the end of me!”

XXX

XXX

Evan tried everything. He couldn’t. The curse wouldn’t bulge. It stayed there, as Tristan kept eating mountains of food and gaining dozens of pounds by the minute. And these voices in his head kept reminding him all these things… That Tristan was spoiled, that Tristan was cruel, that Tristan had no empathy, that he would make a cruel tyrant, that the kingdom would be better without him… And Evan had to admit it, they were right. All these voices were right. Tristan deserved to be removed from the throne.

But not like that. Not killed. Evan didn’t want to be a murderer. He didn’t want to kill. That was one of the rules his master had taught him. “Everything seems so easier if we just could murder everyone with our powers. We have to resist this temptation. Those that kill are the weak ones.”

And Evan was weak. Not strong enough to remove the curse. He couldn’t call his master now, it was too late – and how could he explain that? How could he admit to him that he betrayed his trust and used one of the spells he advised him against?

The rags of the Prince had now disappeared in his rolls, leaving him completely naked. Hopefully, or rather “unfortunately hopefully”, his privates were now invisible, completely buried under his own flab.

Evan, with teary eyes and a bilious mouth, thought in panic about what could possibly break the spell.

He stopped thinking upon hearing… nothing. The silence. A complete silence. He cleaned his eyes, and looked at Tristan, who had stopped eating. The Prince now looked at the ceiling, moaning. He let out a small burp, and said in a clear, distinct voice.

“I… don’t think I’m hungry anymore. I’m… full. Stuffed to the brim.”

Evan, for one moment, had hope. Was Tristan ready to stop his gluttony? Would he stop eating? Would he, for once, show some temperance?

“If I eat another bite, I might explode!” the Prince laughed.

No one laughed with him. The smile of Evan was now paralyzed with fear.

“Ah… I know how to joke. Bring me a blueberry pie, you rat-faced scarecrow!”

The servant in question nervously took a blueberry pie and threw it in Tristan’s open mouth, now as wide as an oven.

Immediately, his throne broke under his weight, and his stomach started growling.

Evan, knowing what would happened, got up from his chair and away from the tables.

The weird sound inside Tristan had now turned into some sort of slosh. There was also another sound… like something tightening. Like skin tightening.

Tristan let out another burp, a deep and gurgling one.

“I… I don’t feel very good.” He said.

Evan was now running for the doors. And as the sloshing sound became a powerful rushing, and the tightening sound became high-pitched, Evan put his hand on his ears and ran in the hallway.

The last sound he heard before running away was the Prince’s cry of surprise. As if he had finally realized something.

XXX

And he ate so much he became bigger and rounder and fatter and rounder and bigger,

Until one day he finally exploded.

As for the brother he slimmed down and found a wife

And they had children in a house

Built over the exploded remains

Of his own fat brother child. 

[sang8262]

1, 14, 15 :D

Oh these are particularly fitting for JP!! Thanks so much for the ask! 1. is about fashion, 14. is how F/O treats you, and 15. is about love languages, under the cut since it's long:

1. Gush about your F/O's sense of style/ fashion!

WOOO so, I love formal wear, if that wasn't obvious enough already. A bit too much, and frankly, without knowing much about suits other than 'they look nice'. But that doesn't stop me from loving how nicely put together JP is all the time, whether it be his bold orange vest, scarf and fedora fit, the Nayshalli robes, or even just plain ol' classic 3 piece suit we often see him in.

I've mentioned elsewhere but his character design with the playing cards/ 'King of No Country' title also reflects super well with what he's wearing in his default costume!! I really enjoyed digging into the details and finding that everything clicks together like that.

Otherwise it's also that, goodness, you can really admire his legs. Usually I don't think it's common to be able to have such... tight, form fitting suit pants look not-silly, but this is a game so they can do what they want with the models. So I'm allowed to admire his calves and butt lmao. NOT TO MENTION his gloves and shoes are just, WHAH. They modeled those with really nice details and for a good reason, since his intro scene focuses on his hands, and his win outro focuses on his shoes. It's just a crazy power move to not step on his opponents while showing he definitely could. While fighting in a pristine outfit. This is less about his fashion per se but rather how he maximally uses his good fashion as a weapon as much as his own fighting skills. It sends a message.

Oh and I haven't talked much about the arcade mode robes, and since we got a bit more art of what traditional, formal Nayshalli outfits look like in recent art, I can appreciate this outfit of his a bit more! This might be obvious or expected, idk, but I love that the patterns on it, the colors, and jewelry are all consistent with what other side characters are wearing too. It feels just a bit more believable as the traditional/ local style yknow?

Also, I REALLY like how his and Kimberly's arcade modes depict him almost as a supernatural monster or other, and the longer hair, glowy eyes, and gratuitous use of psycho power helps a lot with that image. The robes just add to the feel of 'an old and ancient evil' kinda vibe.

That said, I think it's amazing how well he manages to make such a wide range of colors and styles work for him. Of course the in game palettes can be pretty ostentatious sometimes, say with a golden yellow coat jacket (Outfit 2, Color 3). But overall nothing looks bad on him across all the outfits we've seen him in, he's just got that confidence and charisma.... and it helps he's built like a shit brickhouse underneath to support it.

14. Gush about how your F/O treats you (Are they protective? Loving? Are you the only person who gets to see their soft side?)!

HONESTLY for scenarios where he's interacting with me, it's hard to imagine anything other than his public facing "polite gentleman" persona;; I feel like I'd be a nervous wreck, just purely for the fact that he's authoritative and perceptive-- conversations with him would feel like I'm being interviewed and analyzed with every response, and I do not think I'd be getting high marks;;

So I guess he'd treat me with.. kindness?! Probably a lot of assurances that it's a pleasure to meet me, no problem at all, do sit down, all with a soft smile and untold calculations to steal my bank account clicking away in his head. Genuinely, I would never survive a social exchange with someone like JP lmFAO;;;;

15. Gush about your F/O's love language!

Had to remind myself which ones there were but I'd say acts of service and quality time!!

Logic being, process of elimination:

Gift giving - I feel could be a way he shows affection, but in a manipulative way. To him, the material and capitalistic are ways to control people, especially if it means gaining the affections of the other. I'm sure he can be honest and genuinely thoughtful with his gifts, but giving gifts to him is another story. I mean, just look at how he responds to the things we give him in World Tour: even with max friendship bond he opts for "I suppose I should thank you", and he talks about his old JOB when receiving the item he should 'love most'. So gift giving is not the strongest one for him.

Words of affirmation - similar thought process here with the above. He's a chronic liar and deceiver, so words are more of a tool to use to manipulate people. And again, I'm sure he can be quite honest with his feelings if he wants to, and he's not so obtuse to dismiss truly affectionate words towards him... But it probably isn't his most obvious way of showing or receiving affection. He probably gets empty compliments all the time with people trying to get on his good side, so yknow what? Maybe a real, raw emotional confession of admiration towards him might be refreshing for him for a change.

Physical touch - IDK maybe cause I'M not super keen on it, the author is projecting too much oh no But it's also rather difficult for me to see him too big on casually affectionate touch. Mostly based on how he doesn't like close combat, and is totally a neat freak about getting his clothes and hands dirty. As if he doesn't want to get his fingerprints on potential evidence cause of something so.. personal space invading, like touch. Maybe the key word here is causally affectionate: if it's deliberate, planned, and strictly under his terms, it could be nice who knows!!

I guess I could also make the argument that, because of all these reasons above (that so often he lies and is lied to, material wealth is meaningless to him, physical touch is a foreign concept) that those moments engaging with these 3 in particular are all the more valuable. It's just in comparison to the following 2, it's less obvious or, strong of a message of love for him IMO.

With all that said,

Acts of service - He probably respects people who go out of their way to seriously do the thing they promise, more so than the promise (words) themselves. And there's that conversation from World Tour with him, about free will and all (Libet's experiment, which is a whole other rabbit hole I won't get into;;), which tells me he's at the least intrigued by what compels us to act and do the things we do. So maybe he'd give actions and plans enacted a bit more credit, especially if he knows a lot went into accomplishing a certain action/plan with respect to resources, time, effort, etc.

Quality time - Similar vein with the above! He seems so busy and in the middle of something all the time, even as he's quietly looking out over the city at night... He could use a break now and then. Time is money and all that too so, any quality time you spend with him is inherently valuable. And even time spent working with him might be a way to show affection too. Goes hand in hand with acts of service, since it's about dedicating all resources to show how much you support him (and his criminal activities).

[osamasahil369]

The Importance of Leg Workouts for Women

Leg workouts are often overlooked by women, but they are essential for overall fitness and health. Strong legs help you to move more easily and efficiently, improve your balance and coordination, and reduce your risk of injury. They also play a role in maintaining a healthy metabolism and weight.

What to Include in a Leg Workout

A well-rounded leg workout should include exercises that target all the major muscle groups in the legs, including:

Quadriceps: The quadriceps are the muscles on the front of the thigh. They are responsible for extending the knee and helping you to straighten your leg.

Hamstrings: The hamstrings are the muscles on the back of the thigh. They are responsible for flexing the knee and helping you to bend your leg.

Glutes: The glutes are the muscles in the buttocks. They are responsible for extending the hip and helping you to stand up from a seated position.

Calves: The calves are the muscles on the back of the lower leg. They are responsible for plantar flexing the foot (pointing your toes down) and helping you to walk and run.

Some Effective Leg Exercises

Here are some effective leg exercises that you can include in your workout:

Squats: Squats are a classic leg exercise that works all the major muscle groups in the legs. To do a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body down until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

Lunges: Lunges are another great exercise for working the legs. To do a lunge, step forward with one leg and lower your body down until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.

Leg press: The leg press is a machine exercise that works the quadriceps and hamstrings. To do a leg press, sit on the machine and press the weight up with your legs.

Hamstring curls: Hamstring curls are a machine exercise that works the hamstrings. To do a hamstring curl, sit on the machine and curl the weight up with your heels.

Calf raises: Calf raises are an exercise that works the calves. To do a calf raise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and rise up on your toes.

How Often Should You Do Leg Workouts?

The frequency of your leg workouts will depend on your fitness level and goals. If you are new to exercise, start by doing leg workouts 2-3 times per week. As you get stronger, you can increase the frequency to 3-4 times per week.

How Long Should Your Leg Workouts Be?

The length of your leg workouts will also depend on your fitness level and goals. If you are new to exercise, start with workouts that are 30-45 minutes long. As you get stronger, you can increase the length of your workouts to 45-60 minutes.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Leg Workouts

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your leg workouts:

Warm up before each workout with 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.

Cool down after each workout with 5-10 minutes of static stretching.

Focus on using proper form during each exercise.

Gradually increase the weight you are lifting over time.

Listen to your body and take rest days when needed.

Conclusion

Leg workouts are an important part of a well-rounded fitness routine for women. By including regular leg workouts in your plan, you can improve your strength, power, and overall fitness. So get started today and start seeing results!

[nourishandthrive]

10-Minute Yoga Routine for Beginners

Yoga is a wonderful way to start your journey towards a healthier and more balanced life. Even with just 10 minutes a day, you can experience the physical and mental benefits of this ancient practice. Here’s a simple yoga routine perfect for beginners to get you started.

Child’s Pose (Balasana) - 1 Minute

Child’s Pose is a gentle stretch for the back, hips, and thighs. It’s a great way to begin your practice and focus on your breath.

Kneel on the floor, touch your big toes together, and sit on your heels. Separate your knees about hip-width apart, and then lay your torso down between your thighs. Stretch your arms forward with palms down.

Benefits: Relieves stress and fatigue, gently stretches the lower back and hips.

Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) - 2 Minutes

This dynamic movement helps warm up the spine and improve flexibility.

Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. Inhale, arch your back (Cow Pose), and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale, round your spine (Cat Pose), and tuck your chin to your chest. Repeat slowly, coordinating with your breath.

Benefits: Increases spinal flexibility, massages abdominal organs, and improves balance.

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) - 2 Minutes

Downward Dog is a full-body stretch that strengthens and energizes the body.

From a tabletop position, lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V shape with your body. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart. Press your heels towards the floor and relax your head between your arms.

Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and shoulders; strengthens arms and legs; relieves stress.

Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I) - 2 Minutes (1 Minute per side)

Warrior I is a powerful standing pose that builds strength and stability.

Step your right foot forward into a lunge position, keeping your left foot grounded with toes pointing slightly out. Raise your arms overhead with palms facing each other. Keep your front knee bent at a 90-degree angle and your back leg straight. Hold for one minute, then switch sides.

Benefits: Strengthens legs, opens hips and chest, improves focus and balance.

Tree Pose (Vrksasana) - 2 Minutes (1 Minute per side)

Tree Pose improves balance and strengthens the legs and core.

Stand tall with your feet together. Shift your weight onto your left foot and place the sole of your right foot on your inner left thigh (or calf, but avoid the knee). Bring your hands together in a prayer position at your chest. Hold for one minute, then switch sides.

Benefits: Enhances balance and stability, strengthens legs and core, promotes concentration.

Corpse Pose (Savasana) - 1 Minute

End your practice with Savasana, a restorative pose that promotes relaxation and recovery.

Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and let your entire body relax. Breathe naturally and focus on releasing any remaining tension.

Benefits: Reduces stress, calms the mind, allows the body to absorb the benefits of the practice.

Conclusion

This 10-minute yoga routine is perfect for beginners who want to start incorporating yoga into their daily lives. Remember to focus on your breath and move mindfully through each pose. Consistency is key, so try to practice this routine daily to reap the full benefits of yoga. How did this routine work for you? Share your experience and any tips you have in the comments!

[healthyfitlifestyle09]

Legs and shoulder workout at gym

Combining a legs and shoulder workout at the gym is an effective way to target multiple muscle groups and maximize your training time. Here's a sample workout routine that focuses on both legs and shoulders:

Warm-up: Start with 5-10 minutes of light cardio (e.g., jogging, cycling) to increase blood flow and prepare your muscles for exercise. Follow this with dynamic stretches for your legs and shoulder mobility exercises.

Leg Workout:

Barbell Squats:

4 sets of 8-10 reps

Target: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back

Instructions: Place a barbell across your upper back and shoulders. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body by bending at the hips and knees. Keep your back straight and chest up, then push through your heels to stand back up.

Leg Press:

3 sets of 10-12 reps

Target: Quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Instructions: Sit in the leg press machine and place your feet hip-width apart on the platform. Push the platform up by extending your knees, then lower it back down without locking your knees.

Lunges:

3 sets of 12-15 reps per leg

Target: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves

Instructions: Take a step forward with one leg and lower your body until both knees are bent at 90 degrees. Push back up to the starting position and alternate legs.

Leg Curls:

3 sets of 10-12 reps

Target: Hamstrings

Instructions: Use the leg curl machine to work your hamstrings. Lie face down on the machine, curl the weight up by bending your knees, and then lower it back down.

Shoulder Workout:

Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press:

4 sets of 8-10 reps

Target: Front and middle deltoids

Instructions: Sit on a bench with back support. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height and press them overhead until your arms are fully extended. Lower them back to shoulder height.

Lateral Raises:

3 sets of 12-15 reps

Target: Side deltoids

Instructions: Stand with a dumbbell in each hand by your sides, palms facing your body. Raise your arms out to the sides until they reach shoulder level, then lower them back down.

Front Raises:

3 sets of 12-15 reps

Target: Front deltoids

Instructions: Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your thighs. Raise one arm straight in front of you until it reaches shoulder level, then lower it back down. Repeat with the other arm.

Face Pulls:

3 sets of 12-15 reps

Target: Rear deltoids and upper traps

Instructions: Attach a rope handle to a cable machine at chest height. Pull the rope towards your face, keeping your elbows high and squeezing your shoulder blades together.

Cool-down: Finish your workout with static stretches for both your legs and shoulders to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.

Remember to use proper form, choose weights that challenge you but allow for good technique, and rest for about 1-2 minutes between sets. Adjust the number of sets and repetitions to match your fitness level and goals. If you're new to these exercises, consider seeking guidance from a fitness professional or trainer to ensure proper form and technique.

[eazy-group]

The 13 best exercises for overall health and fitness

New Post has been published on https://eazyfitness.net/the-13-best-exercises-for-overall-health-and-fitness/

The 13 best exercises for overall health and fitness

The powerful combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training can help a person build muscle strength and improve their heart, lung, and circulatory health.

Exercises that target multiple muscle groups are particularly effective. These include various exercises that require little to no equipment and can suit a range of fitness levels.

Here, we look at 13 of the best exercises for overall health and fitness. We explain what areas of the body each exercise primarily works and provide step-by-step instructions.

People can do the following exercises individually or as part of a circuit. Some require basic fitness equipment, such as dumbbells or an exercise ball, but people can do many of them with no equipment.

The American Council on Exercise recommend that people continue doing repetitions until they reach muscle fatigue or can no longer maintain proper form.

However, they note that endurance athletes, such as runners and cyclists, should stick to about 20–30 repetitions rather than working to the point of muscle fatigue.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend doing 8–12 repetitions of 8–10 strength training exercises on at least 2 days of the week.

The ACSM also recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a day, 5 days per week. Alternatively, they say that people can perform 20-minute sessions of vigorous physical activity on 3 days of the week.

Pushups work multiple muscle groups, strengthening the arms, chest, and shoulders.

How to do them:

Start in a plank position with the arms straight and the body lifted in a straight line horizontal to the floor. Keep the feet together and the toes flexed to support the body.

The palms should be flat on the floor shoulder-width apart, with the fingers facing straight ahead or slightly inward.

Keeping the head in line with the spine, slowly bend the elbows outward and lower the body down to the floor.

Try to keep the hips and lower back in line.

Lower as far as possible, aiming to touch the chest or chin to the floor.

Use the arm muscles to press the body back up into the starting position.

Keep the abdominal muscles engaged throughout to help support the back.

Bodyweight squats can increase lower body and core strength as they work the abs, buttocks, hips, thighs, calves, and shins.

How to do them:

Stand with the feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, angling the toes slightly outward.

Keep the hands down by the sides, with the palms facing in and keep the shoulders back.

Engage the abdominal muscles to support the back.

Shift the hips back and bend the knees as though taking a seat, keeping a flat back.

Keep lowering down to the ground until the thighs are parallel with the floor.

Push through the feet to straighten back up into the starting position.

Inhale into the squat, then exhale when standing back up.

Lunges work the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdominal muscles.

How to do them:

Stand upright with the feet together.

Step one leg forward into a long stride, bending the knee and placing the foot flat on the floor.

Bend the knee of the supporting leg toward the floor.

Use the muscles of the forward leg to push back to standing.

Repeat with the opposite leg.

Running is a form of aerobic exercise, and it can help improve cardiovascular fitness and bone strength. Jogging is a less intense form of running and may be best for beginners.

People can often improve their running endurance through interval running, which involves running for a certain distance or time and then switching to walking before running again. Alternatively, people can switch between running and sprinting.

Sprint interval training may help decrease body fat, increase aerobic capacity, and increase peak running speed.

Side planks help build core strength, which can help reduce lower back pain. Side planks work the buttocks, hips, and abdominal muscles.

How to do them:

Lie on the right side with the legs outstretched directly on top of each other and the elbow under the shoulder on the right arm.

Engage the abdominals and lift the knees and hips off the floor, keeping the head and body aligned.

Hold the position for 15–20 seconds, focusing on not letting the hips, head, or shoulders drop.

Slowly return to the floor, switch to the left side, and repeat.

Planks strengthen the back and abdominal muscles and help build core strength.

How to do them:

Start with the elbows and lower arms on the floor, keeping the elbows in line with the shoulders.

Lift the body so that it forms a straight line horizontal to the floor.

Keep the feet together and the toes flexed to support the body.

Hold for 20–30 seconds.

Slowly lower to the floor and rest for 1 minute, then repeat 3–5 times.

Once people feel strong performing this exercise, they can try a high plank. This move uses the same body positioning, but the person keeps their arms straight with their palms flat on the floor, directly underneath the shoulders.

Knee tucks work the abdominals, calves, and shins. People will need an exercise ball, sometimes called a stability ball, for this exercise.

How to do them:

Lie on the stomach on top of the stability ball with the hands and feet on the floor.

Walk forward on the hands until the knees are resting on the ball and the feet have lifted off the floor. The hands should be directly underneath the shoulders.

Roll the knees forward to curl them into the chest.

Slowly push the knees back to return to the starting position.

The glute bridge is good for the muscles in the back of the body, known as the posterior chain.

How to do it:

Lie on the back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor.

Contract the buttocks and abdominals to lift the hips off the floor, bringing them in line with the shoulders and knees. Avoid arching the lower back.

Slowly lower back to the starting position.

This exercise helps strengthen the shoulder muscles. People will require two dumbbells.

How to do them:

Stand with the feet hip-width apart.

Hold a dumbbell in each hand with the inside of the wrists facing forward, then bend the arms to bring the weights to shoulder height.

Engage the abdominal muscles and exhale while extending the arms straight up to lift the dumbbells in a straight line above the shoulders.

Inhale to bend the elbows and slowly lower the dumbbells back down to shoulder height.

Try to avoid arching the lower back.

Dumbbell rows can strengthen the back and increase muscle growth. An increase in muscle strength also causes the body to burn more calories when resting. People will need two dumbbells for this exercise.

How to do them:

Stand with the knees slightly bent and tilt forward from the hips, keeping the back straight.

Hold the dumbbells out in front with the arms straight and the inside of the wrists facing each other.

Pull one hand toward the rib cage, then move it back to the starting position.

Repeat with the opposite arm.

Keep alternating sides for 8–10 repetitions per set.

Repeat for 3 sets, with a 45-second rest between each set.

A pike roll-out works the abdominal, arm, and shoulder muscles. People will need a stability ball.

How to do it:

Lie on the stomach on the ball with the hands and feet on the floor.

Roll forward on the ball to rest flexed toes on it. Keep the body in a straight line, with straight arms directly under the shoulders and the palms flat on the floor.

Hinging at the hips, lift the buttocks toward the ceiling, keeping the legs straight and the toes flexed on the ball.

The hips will be in line with the shoulders, with a straight back and head between the arms.

Slowly lower back down to the starting position.

joci03/Getty Images

The Crow Stand is a yoga pose that improves balance and can help build wrist, arm, and core strength.

How to do it:

Crouch on the floor and place the palms flat on the mat with the fingers spread and the arms slightly bent.

Bend the knees into the triceps, close to the armpits, and place both feet behind the hands. The lower inner thighs should rest just above the elbows.

Balance on the toes and shift the weight into the hands.

Start by lifting one foot off the floor at a time.

When able to, lift both feet off the floor, touch the big toes together and balance on the hands.

Slowly release the feet back to the floor.

Swimming uses almost all the muscle groups but is a low impact exercise. Therefore, it may suit people with certain injuries or health conditions.

A person should swim in a public pool or a safe, supervised environment, particularly if they are a beginner.

People can take a few steps to make these exercises more challenging as their fitness improves. These steps include:

adding more weight

increasing the number of repetitions, sets, or both

increasing the frequency of workouts

People can also work alongside a personal trainer or fitness instructor. These professionals can safely increase difficulty levels and help people maintain proper technique.

Please note: Medical News Today does not imply a warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. Nobody at MNT has evaluated them for medical accuracy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.

Regular exercise is important for overall health and fitness. A combination of resistance and cardiovascular training is a powerful tool to help prevent many health conditions.

People can start slowly and increase the frequency of workouts or the number of repetitions and sets in each one as their fitness levels improve.

[stetsonusa]

How To Use A Leg Extension Machine For Fast Results

If you're looking to add a little more muscle to your legs, then a leg extension machine might be the answer for you. Not only are these machines incredibly effective at helping you build muscle and strength in your legs, but they're also relatively fast and easy to use. In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of using a leg extension machine, so that you can get the most out of its benefits.

What is a Leg Extension Machine?

A leg extension machine is a great way to get fast results with your fitness program. Leg extension machines work by using resistance bands to lift your legs up and out, providing a total body workout. This machine is also great for toning your thighs and calf muscles. To use this machine, follow these simple steps:

1. Adjust the seat height to fit your height.

2. Fasten the resistance band around the ankles and pull tight.

3. Place your feet on the platform of the machine and press down into the resistance band, lifting your legs up and out as far as you can.

4. Hold the position for one second, then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.

5. Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.

How Does a Leg Extension Machine Work?

A leg extension machine is a great way to increase the range of motion in your legs. It uses weight plates to add resistance against the legs, which can help you improve your strength and flexibility. In addition, the machine can also help improve your circulation.

To use a leg extension machine, you first need to set it up. You will need to adjust the height and width of the weight plates, as well as the tension of the resistance. Once you have set up the machine, you can start using it by lying down on your back with your legs extended in front of you. Place your feet on the weight plates, and then press down into the resistance to exercise your legs.

The Best Leg Extension Machines

If you're looking to build muscle and get fast results, a leg extension machine is your best bet. According to Men’s Health, these machines provide “amazing” results because they target the quads, hamstrings, and calves in one go. Plus, they’re very easy to use – all you need is some space and a weight stack. Here’s how to use a leg extension machine for fast results:

1. Place the machine in front of a sturdy bench or stool.

2. Position your feet on the footplates, with your heels hanging off the end of the bench.

3. Adjust the seat width to fit your body comfortably.

4. Load the weight stack into the machine by pressing down on the lever until it clicks into place.

5. Adjust the resistance by turning the dials on each side of the machine. Start with low resistance and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

6. ghazi your legs up towards your chest as far as possible, then lower them back down to starting position. Do five sets of 10 reps per leg.

How to Use a Leg Extension Machine for Fast Results

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to see results in your muscles, a leg extension machine is a perfect tool for you. Leg extensions work by using gravity to pull the muscle fiber towards the machine, which causes the muscle to contract and get bigger.

To use a leg extension machine, first, find an area of your body that you want to target. Lie down on the machine with your legs hanging off the side, and position your feet on the platform in front of the machine. Adjust the tension knob so that the resistance is just enough to challenge your muscles, but not too much that you can't complete the exercise.

Now squeeze your glutes as hard as you can and lift your legs up towards the machine, keeping your back flat on the bench. Hold for one second, then slowly lower them back down to the starting position. Repeat 15 times per leg.

Conclusion

When you're looking for a quick and easy way to tone your legs, nothing beats using a leg extension machine. Not only do these machines help to sculpt your legs, but they also increase your range of motion and promote better blood flow. If you're ready to see some real results in no time, make sure to check out our selection of leg extension machines today!

How to Use a Leg Extension Machine for Fast Results

If you're looking to tone your legs, nothing beats using a leg extension machine. These machines target your quads, hamstrings, and calves in one go, which results in amazing muscle gains and fast results. To use a leg extension machine, first find an area of your body that you want to target. Lying down on the machine with your legs hanging off the side, position your feet on the platform in front of the machine. Adjust the tension knob so that the resistance is just enough to challenge your muscles, but not too much that you can't complete the exercise. Now squeeze your glutes as hard as you can and lift your legs up towards the machine, keeping your back flat on the bench. Hold for one second, then slowly lower them back down to the starting position. Repeat 15 times per leg

[academyguide]

[ad_1] I won’t provide sets and repetitions of my current regime presented here, as in this current routine, I’m tending to ‘decide on the day’ based on my condition. Hoping that everyone is well, and I wish you all the very best in your training. Osu, — AB.     基本 (KIHON)  1. Drive forward from heiko-dachi into hidari zenkutsu-dachi with saken jodan-zuki kara followed immediately by chudan-zuki then return to heiko-dachi. Next drive forward again, into hidari zenkutsu-dachi, with uken jodan-zuki then immensely return to heiko-dachi again. Without hesitation maximize juryoku (gravity) by advancing into migi zenkutsu-dachi with saken jodan-zuki. Following these four tsukiwaza return to heiko-zuki and mirror the practice on the opposite side. Initially practice two waza per count as niren-zuki then move on to all four tsukiwaza in one count. Concentration on moving the center and gravity, fluid and relaxed arms, and ‘throwing out a heavy fist’. In sum, this renwaza is ‘kizami-zuki/gyaku-zuki’ and ‘gyaku-zuki/gyaku-zuki. Be sure to do this in a freestyle manner; that is, keep the arms loose, use the waist and legs fully, and engage your calves and gain maximum hip extension by rolling over the rear foot (with the heel raised and ball of foot planted).    2. The following four renzokuwaza are ‘legs followed by hands’. Besides correct technical form, trajectory and use of power, the key point from jiyu-dachi is to ‘attack with the sasae-ashi with both keri and tsukiwaza; that is ‘large scale tai no shinshuku’ twice. In sum, the snap of the kicking leg is not enough: ground power must be utilized. Likewise, koshi no kaiten is not enough for each gyaku-zuki. The expansion/stretch of the rear leg must underpin the rotation and seiken must impact just before the completion of the stance. After the completion of the tsuki, zenkutsu-dachi must be contracted by drawing up the rear leg and simultaneously returning to the freestyle kamae. Make sure the this is done with te-ashi-onaji (hands and feet simultaneously concluding together, and that it is done naturally and relaxed. Movements one and two of Heian Yondan provide a reference in this regard.   -  Jiyu-dachi: Chudan mae-geri keage kara chudan oi-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi).  -  Jiyu-dachi: Chudan yoko-geri kekomi kara chudan gyaku-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi).  -  Jiyu-dachi: Mawashi-geri kara chudan gyaku-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi).  -  Jiyu-dachi: Ushiro-geri kekomi kara chudan gyaku-zuki (zenkutsu-dachi).     3. From heiko-dachi advance with migi mae-enpi into migi zenkutsu-dachi, return to heiko-dachi and repeat on the opposite side. From here step sideward into kiba-dachi with migi yoko-enpi return to heiko-dachi and repeat on the opposite side. Step rearward with migi tate-enpi return to heiko-dachi and repeat on the opposite side. On the spot rotate into a wide kosa-dachi with migi kaiten-enpi return to heiko-dachi and repeat on the opposite side.   In all cases the body must be soft and, in particular, ‘shoulder snap’ must be utilized. With the exception of the kaiten uraken, shime must be used to optimize a strict hikite. When doing the kaiten uraken, the non-striking arm rests on the abdomen, as 'Zenwan mune mae suihei kamae' (like movements 2 and 6 of Tekki Nidan Kata) with the palm of the fist facing downwards. Note that when utilizing tenshin—into the wide kosa-dachi—one must not only spin but descend into the stance; thus, compress and stabilize. If you are observant, you will notice the use of the classical kakato-chushin here mixed with the freestyle 'tsumasaki methodolody'. Of course, the foundational method is the most important, but without freestyle it is incomplete.       4. Idokihon: Closed fist ukewaza followed by seiken gyaku-zuki -  Zenkutsu-dachi: Jodan age-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki. -   Zenkutsu-dachi: Chudan soto-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki. -   Zenkutsu-dachi: Chudan uchi-uke kara chudan gyaku-zuki. -   Zenkutsu-dachi: Gedan-barai kara chudan gyaku-zuki.

  Focus on koshi no kaiten in zenkutsu-dachi: rotation/opening the hips into hanmi for each ukewaza utilizing the rear axis; and counterrotation into shomen for each gyaku-zuki using the axis of the lead leg. Practice both advancing and retreating with fumidashi making sure that both uke and tsuki have kime. Undetectably inhale on the uke and exhale on the tsuki. The ‘karada no buki’ (weapon of the body) in closed fist ukewaza are the wrists; therefore, ‘send your power from the ground to them’ as you snap the shoulders/arms. Also pay special attention to the hikite on both waza. Lastly, maximize the classical kakato-chushin and make sure that rear foot ‘sokuto’ is firmly on the floor—especially when rotating into shomen.   I personally practice both the classic hanmi, around 45 degrees; but also, the large scale hanmi of 90 degrees, which I picked up from Robert Sidoli Sensei a few years back. In either case, I always concentrate on making perfect shisei (posture) throughout my transitions.  5. Idokihon: Kokutsu-dachi, Shuto-uke Advancing and retreating in kokutsu-dachi with shuto chudan-uke and other waza; furthermore, transitions into zenkutsu-dachi with chudan tateshihon-nukite.   -  Kokutsu-dachi: Shuto chudan-uke. -  Kokutsu-dachi: Shuto chudan-uke kara nukite (zenkutsu-dachi) -  Kokutsu-dachi: Shuto chudan-uke kara kizami mae-geri soshite nukite (zenkutsu-dachi). -  Kokutsu-dachi: Shuto chudan-uke kara kizami mawashi-geri soshite nukite (zenkutsu-dachi).   Emphasis on the conscientious weight distribution to the rear leg, and ‘control of the rear foot’ moving in kokutsu and transitioning in zenkutsu-dachi; also, kakato-chushin as to avoid ‘drifting the stance when making nukite. In addition to these points, the shisei of the pelvis, torso, neck and head, and both high and compact raising of the knee for both forms of kizami-geri. Lastly, that within fumidashi the hips do not rotate to completion until the end of the step; that is, shomen is maintained until the last moment. Noting Tanaka Sensei's classes, who is a specialist of the kizami-keriwaza, the spring of the ankles is of utmost importance.     五本組手 (GOHON KUMITE) Attacks: (1) first set JODAN (Jodan oi-zuki); (2) second set CHUDAN (Chudan oi-zuki; (3) third set MAE-GERI (Chudan mae-geri keage); and (4) fourth set  JIYU (a freely chosen attack on each step)   Defense and Counterattacks: (1) Any jodan ukewaza with a free choice counter attack after the fifth and final defense; (2) Any chudan ukewaza with a free choice counter attack after the fifth and final defense; (3) any gedan ukewaza with a free choice counter attack after the fifth and final defense; and (4) fourth set, free choice ukewaza in reaction to all five random attacks with a free choice counterattack after the fifth and final defense.   The prime focus of when attacking is the seaming out of any superfluous actions; in particular, pertaining to unsoku. Also fully utilizing the hikite. In the case of defense and counterattack, the focus point is ‘spontaneous best fit uke and hangekiwaza: especially in regards to maai and optimal effect.    型 (KATA)  A.  General: I am currently working through all 65 official IKS (International Karate Shotokan) Kata, which something I do each year.  B. Specific: 珍手 (Chinte) and 八門 (Hachimon).    © Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2022). [ad_2] Source link

[saffron-nova21]

VII. Iwaizumi Hajime (27) Athletic Trainer Pt. 2

The Next Chapter Masterlist

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Warnings: Iwaizumi is smooth, like one minor suggestive joke

As the three of you walked away from your apartment, you moved your hand into Kenma's, contently swinging your interlaced hands back and forth while Kuroo spoke to Kenma. You didn't tune in to all of it, instead just looking around. It looked dangerously close to raining and after glancing at your friends, you quickly realized that none of you were dressed for the rain.

Kuroo was surprisingly casual today, a white shirt with some dark print against it, a cross-body shoulder bag, and a pair of black skinny jeans that most certainly did him justice. Kenma, for once, had pulled something that wasn't his signature black hoodie out of his closet. Wearing a long sleeve black shirt that hung off of his form, along with some black joggers. You had gone with a crewneck for your own comfort. Kenma's merch, as usual for you.

You couldn't explain what it was about wearing Kenma's merch, but for whatever reason, it brought you a great deal of comfort, which was the main reason that Kenma made sure you got at least one of everything he sold, no matter how 'exclusive' it was supposed to be, you had one. Not to mention, he liked to have his name, even if it was the one he used online, displayed on you.

But you didn't have to know that part.

"Like I said, Lev is already on top of it. If you two want to take a serious break and not even have to deal with Twitter or streaming, just say the word." Kuroo reassures, patting his smaller friend on the back, "You know, I really don't understand why you two, who hate social interaction, chose a career that depends solely on it."

Looking over, you're quick to respond, "What can we say? We like staying at home. Plus, it's not exactly a lot of work. It's just hard work and it's draining, y'know?"

Both boys give you a peculiar look, Kenma being the first of them to speak. "You know, I think you need a nap when we get home." He squeezes your hand with his own before looking forward again. "Hard work and a lot of work are... Rather close to being the same thing. Don't undermine your profession, just because other people do."

Kuroo raises an eyebrow, though he doesn't say anything as he faces forwards as well. "There he is, in the flesh," he notes as he gestures in the direction of a man leaning against a car.

Your eyes widened a bit as you took a good look at the man. He looked... Where there even words for it? Muscular arms and what you could only guess was a muscular chest was barely contained by a black shirt. Unluckily for you, blocking your view was what you assumed to be a compression sleeve, covering one of his arms from his wrist, up past his sleeve. He also wore the same black joggers that Kenma did, though through them, you could see muscular thighs and calves.

"Tetsuro, I thought you said we were going to meet a colleague, not someone who I would let do horrible, vile things to my -." Your words are cut off by an abrupt cough from Kuroo. "Come on, you both know I'm kidding!.. More or less..."

Kuroo and Kenma couldn't help but exchange pained looks - you really were going for a reverse harem, at this point, weren't you? You'd think they'd both be used to your fawning over 'pretty' and 'respectful-looking' men. Though, Hajime wasn't the worst person you could pick, at the very least.

After shaking his head in amusement, Kuroo raises an arm over his head to wave towards the other man. "Hajime!" Kuroo's deep voice cuts through the air, catching the Athletic Trainer's attention.

Looking up from his phone, the black-haired male gives a light wave, adjusting his posture to stand up straight. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he shifts his weight, his biceps flexing more than they should be allowed to, in your opinion. He might be an athletic trainer, but no one should be allowed to look that good, in just a t-shirt. Looking at the way the material stretched over his muscular arms, you wondered if it was about to tear... It certainly looked like it was close to it.

Iwaizumi allows the three of you to catch up to him as he reaches the entrance of the restaurant. He gives you and Kenma a nod, because he turns to Kuroo and begins to speak to him, though you tuned out pretty quickly when you heard him speaking to Kuroo about the previous Captain's job. What could you say? It was boring.

Crossing your arms, you spare Kenma a glance, "He could have at least said 'hi.'" You complain, not quite expecting the two in front of you to hear you.

You can hear Iwaizumi let out a quiet laugh, before he turns to face you, voice dripping in dry amusement. "I'm so very sorry, your highness." He shifts so his face is directly in front of yours. "Hi, I'm Iwaizumi Hajime, Athletic Trainer of the volleyball team. I can't wait to start our work together."

You narrow your eyes a bit, brows furrowing at how close he was to you. Heat rises to your face and you attempt to take a step back, only to find that Kenma was conveniently preventing that. You find a reason to finally look away from him as he takes your hand from Kenma's to shake it, amusement pooling in his features. Underneath the surface, though, Iwaizumi was silently thanking Oikawa for the years he'd spent with the other male, learning how to shock him enough to shut him up.

Kenma bites back his smirk, raising a hand to cover his mouth before he let out the laugh of amusement that threatened to escape him. He raises an eyebrow, nudging you, "You could at least respond, now that he has said hi."

Your two friends found far too much amusement in the interaction, in your opinion.

"Well, it's a pleasure, Iwaizumi Hajime, Olympic Trainer." You recover from your previously stunned state, a slight huff of air escaping you. "So kind of you to finally acknowledge our presence."

Kuroo sighs deeply, "Kuroo Tetsuro, table for four," he nods to the hostess, who looked amused by the interaction.

"Right this way."

Iwaizumi withdraws his hand so that he can begin following the other two, towards your normal booth in the corner. Kenma liked to have his back against the wall, always saying how it helped him stay calm. Neither you nor Kuroo had any qualms, especially if it made him feel more comfortable with you all going out in public. Though rather than moving to sit across from you both so that you could sit next to Kenma, as per usual, Kuroo slips into the seat beside Kenma, ensuring that you'd be seated next to Iwaizumi.

Puffing out your cheeks, you open your mouth to protest, only to stop and glance at Iwaizumi when you hear him speak. "Any day now, your highness."

You slide into your seat with palpable reluctance, you hostess giving you a sympathetic smile, before nodding. "Your waiter will be with you shortly."

Sinking further down into your seat, you cross your arms, "You know, I - Woah, buddy!" Jumping back up straight in your seat, you point an accusing finger at Iwaizumi, "You better watch where you're putting that leg of yours, buddy! There shouldn't be any premarital under-the-table knee touching."

Kenma lets out a breath, "You think they'll give us the check, yet?"

You and Kenma hold hands a lot in public. More than anything else, you both use it as a way to silently let one another know when you're uncomfortable. One squeeze for reassurance, two for an 'are you okay,' three for 'get me away from this conversation/person,' and four for 'home. now.'

Kuroo isn't sure how well Kenma is going to take it, when you truly start spending time with good-looking athletes, every day.

Kenma doesn't know that Suna and Atsumu are on the Olympic team and will probably kick Kuroo's ass, when he finds out. You were hurt badly, after everything. Worse than anyone but Kenma saw.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day. It is spring break and I, for one, have lost all concept of time. But still, I hope you guys are enjoying the story and having a good break. As usual, don't forget to eat and sleep, okay? And drink some water, I know you probably haven't, today.

General Taglist:

@kookie-doughs @halesandy @ermahgerd-larry-and-ziam @its-the-aerieljeane @onlyonew @kac-chowsballs @saltylettuce @thathoneybee3 @daninaninani @akkeyomi @vintagexparker

The Next Chapter Taglist:

@bnha-meme-sanctuary @nachotrash @haijkk @maadaaaa @prettyinblack231 @sakusasimpbot @kellesvt @bebetiny @ash-levi @calumsfringe @z3ld4 @erinoikawa @bandaged-despair @chaseyui @atria-avior @just-that-bi-girl @magical-fandoms @one-simp-more

[magicmanias]

The Wanderer

Episode 2 of Polaris

[per - uh - jee] (n). Astronomy. the point in the orbit of a heavenly body at which it is nearest to the earth

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Summary: A fugitive out of time + interdimensional space travel + a love story. Always on the run, and while Loki might be able to escape the TVA, he always gravitates towards you. Not even bending the fabric of space and time itself can cut his heartstrings.

Occurs after the events of Endgame. Replaces Loki mini-series timeline.

Warnings: You know it’s gonna be angst. You just know. Come on now.

Word Count: 3.0k

A/N: Sorry this took so long! I have exams coming up, so I’ve been having to study for those a lot. Once exams are over at the end of May, you know I’ll be writing like a maniac. Also, the word count will definitely increase as the chapters go along. It's been a bit short, but right now, we're just building traction! And yes… You will come across a part that is vague and opens up more questions about the reader who I have named Goddess Divine.

<- Previous | Next -> (Coming soon)

“Thank you.” Loki rubs his wrists as the chains fall to the ground. “Where did you learn to do that?”

“You—My husband taught me,” you said. Loki nodded but offered nothing in response. “We need to leave here. I know a way.”

“Hey, hold on.” Loki reached out to grab her wrist, but lowered his hand once he got her attention instead. “We don’t have the Tesseract.”

“There are other ways to leave this planet.”

Loki scoffed. “I don’t think you understand how powerful that thing is.”

You turned fully to face him, craning your neck to meet his eyes. “I know more than you. Trust me. It’s better if you forget about it.”

The children are constantly at the forefront of your thoughts even as you searched for an escape in the caverns under Asgard. Memories of posies in hand and your old, favorite pink dress drew all your attention from the damp halls illuminated by enchanted flame. This place… this time that you’re in was all-too-well ingrained in the core of everything you remembered of your home.

Your calves started to strain and it took you some time until you realized that you’ve been trying to sync your steps with Loki’s, an unconscious effort you would always put in walking alongside your husband. The difference was that his doppleganger didn’t take care to shorten his strides to allow for you to keep up.

“We’ve fallen into a past timeline of yours.” Loki glanced at you over his shoulder. “Those children were you and… your husband.”

“Yes.” You give up on trying to keep up and let him take the lead. “I remember why we were up there. Today was the Perigee.”

Loki was curious. He’d never heard of such a thing. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.”

You made a confused look on your face, but then immediately understood. “I suppose you don’t observe that in your world.”

“No, I can’t say that we do. Is it a celestial celebration? We only commemorate the coming of the seasons.”

At the end of the hall, you finally arrived at the center of the caverns, a chamber of nine interconnected murals telling the story of creation. You and Loki used to play under these paintings, waiting until Thor would find you at last.

“The Perigee is not of Asgard. It exists on Midgard, the mortal planet, when the moon is at its closest point in orbit to the earth. It happens so often there, but we hold the festival when Asgard, too, is at its closest point with Midgard.”

“That seems a bit arbitrary,” he commented, now gazing at the murals of his father above him. Odin was painted in a beautiful light as he constructed the world. Ymir simply seemed to disappear from the artwork, but the muralist failed to convey that Odin slew the giant and used his body to form the cosmos.

“There is a story behind it, like all great Norse holidays have. It tells the story of Gaea and Máni. A tale of forbidden love. Lofn loves to tell the story for all the children at each festival. She claims that without her, they would never have ended up together,” you laughed, “I remember pulling Loki from his books so we could make it on time.” You giggled at the memory.

“Máni? I haven’t ever heard of him retiring from pulling the moon. And Gaea has been sleeping for eons.”

“Our history is different, perhaps. I do not exist in your Asgard, yes?” You continued to walk, choosing the fourth passage from the left that led to the waterfall beneath the palace.

“No. No, I’m afraid not.” Loki paused in thought as he contemplated your assumption. Surely you must have existed somewhere in his world. “So what was so forbidden of their love?”

“Where I come from, Gaea was truly the first realm to exist, made of the blood and dust from a time even beyond her. In an empty universe, she was lonely, though she was a goddess of life itself. So she collected more dust in the reaches of space and breathed life into Máni. He was born, bright like the stars and light in his heart. He was grateful for life, and in return, he gave her his love… and her children. The mortals. But when they came close to embrace one another, he came too close and scorched the earth, burning her children. Gaea mourned, crying until Midgard flooded with her tears. From the water, the plants regrew and the animals emerged, but still, she missed her children. Máni couldn’t bear to see his love so saddened, so he sacrificed almost all of his power to breathe new life in the mortals. He grew dim and small, no longer so mighty without Gaea’s magic. Now in a realm of eternal darkness, Sol had finally caught up to Máni. She was born with the duty to bring light to the mortals, but Odin also tasked her with the job to separate Gaea and Máni when they became too close. Every day, she shines her light on the earth, but when she goes to rest, Máni returns to see Gaea before Sol wakes up once again to warn Máni. Yet sometimes, Máni can’t help but to come a little bit closer to Gaea—the rising tides his only warning. We call it the Perigee.”

“And what of Lofn? How did she contribute her skills in this forbidden love?”

“Oh yes. Lofn told us that she was the only being to give her consent to their love. The rest of Aesir vehemently rejected the bond. She used to try and match all the children up in the village and she would host all the play weddings. We must have been married by her hundreds of times. She could never resist the idea of the God of Mischief with a maiden Vanir.”

The sound of water crashing down into the abyss grew louder and louder as natural light started to creep into the passage.

“What is your role?”

“My role?”

“Yes, what do you do? What do you reign over?”

“Oh, I’m really no one. I don’t even think the Midgardians are aware of me. My role is quite insignificant compared to the likes of your brother or even the infamous trickster.”

“What is your role, Goddess?” he pushed once more.

“Seidr,” you shrugged, racing your finger along the stone wall.

“I would hardly call that insignificant. The power of prophecy is a force to be reckoned with.”

“I was born with a divine title, but I can’t even perform a healing spell,” you admitted.

“Your husband never taught you?” Loki smirked, the tease hanging loose from his lips.

You frowned. “No, he couldn’t.”

A rumble of footsteps approached and neither you nor Loki hesitated to make a final run towards the end of the tunnel. As you started to gain some speed, you suddenly froze, completely still as a hazy orange light encased you. Loki’s hand glowed green, battling against the force that trapped you, but just as quickly as he tried to free you, he was captured.

The TVA launched you through the exact same process as the first time. Long lines, an infinite number of signatures on documents you didn’t understand, and a maze of doorways. You didn’t see Loki again for a long time. It felt like days, but in a place as distorted as this, you couldn’t keep track of the hours.

Another agent guided you into a holding cell. It looked strange—more like an inn room more than a jail. There was a bed, a tiny washroom, and a square box that showed what looked like a play for children. The characters chattered silently while their simple dialogue was scrawled in the glass. The door opened.

“It appears we’re roommates this time.” Loki strolled into the room and the agent closed the door behind him, the lock clicking in place.

The box flashed and the program changed to the man you had just become acquainted with before your escape. “Well that was fun, wasn’t it? Unfortunately, we will have to keep you here since you didn’t seem to enjoy the more open kind of hospitality we offered you last time. Just until everything is processed. You know how bureaucracy is. I’ll see you in a few.” Mobius winks and the moving picture contraption clicks off with a warm hum.

“Tell me about myself.” You looked up from the book provided by your captors. Loki leaned back in the desk chair with his legs on the table. He fiddled with a glass cup, tossing it in the air and catching it.

You dropped the book in your lap, still open. “I’m sorry?”

“Well you were married to an alternate version of me. He’s lived more life than me. Surely you must have something to tell me that would be of use.” He shrugged, not bothering to drag any more of his attention away from the glass.

You were sure you looked surprised as he followed his answer with, “Am I so different from him? Come on now, he must have been at least half as charming.”

“Oh… He was charming.” You closed the book and placed it on the table next to the bed. The edge of the sheet rubbed between your fingers while you considered what to tell him. “He was my best friend in childhood.”

“Tell me about the children. The younger versions of yourselves on that day. What were you doing?” Loki placed the cup on the desk and crossed one leg over the other.

It was so easy to answer. In all the years, you never forgot that particular celebration. “It was my idea to climb the hill. To pick flowers before we watched the Perigee. Lofn had paired us up for her little wedding ceremony to host in front of the children and I wanted a bouquet… for the morning gift. I didn’t know what they were at the time, but I figured it could be anything.”

“Aren’t morning gifts usually given to the bride? And… in the morning?”

You tossed your head back in calm, tired laughter. “Yes, but that wouldn’t have stopped me anyway. I think I gave them to you after we said ‘I do.’ We were… eight at the time.”

“Goddess Divine…” He kissed her hands. The red skyline fades into purple as the water at the dock darkens below. “Never doubt my love for you. Will you miss me?” said he.

“As much as there are stars in the sky.”

“Always the poet’s tongue,” said he.

“Well, I had some inspiration,” said she.

He looks wearily past the Goddess, but smiles warmly once more. “I’m afraid our time has come to an end, Goddess. I love you.”

“No resurrections this time...” No. It was supposed to happen like this. Thanos. He wasn’t supposed to be here. It’s happening all over again.

“LOKI—”

Warm water tickled your cheeks and then you were enveloped in a pool of water. Your husband’s arms wrapped around your waist as the water climbed the walls of the tub. No, this wasn’t him… It wasn’t him. It wouldn’t ever be him. “Goddess…”

“Let me go! Let me go… I want to go.” You grasp desperately at the edge of the tub, wringing yourself from Loki’s grasp. You fell onto the tile floor of the washroom, your wet clothes heavy on your back.

“Wait, just—” Loki cuts himself short when you stumble into the bathroom doorway and pull the knob to the bedroom.

“Shit—Loki…”

“You need—”

“Don’t tell me what I need! You don’t kn—know.” Your body felt weak. The walls felt like they were closing in on you. No matter how hard you tried, it seemed like you could never get enough air.

“I know being alive is certainly better than suffocating in space.”

“Is it!? I can’t even grieve for him! Be-Be… Be—cause I… Becau—se I ke-keep…” You choked, breaking out into a violent sob. Your legs buckle underneath you, but you managed to catch the ground under your hand. Tears stained the fabric covering your lap as you struggled to breathe in between your bawling, forcing you to hiccup only further fueling your frustration. “Why am I here?”

Loki knelt down and watched as you pulled your knees up to your chest and buried your head in the space between. “Heartbreak is… a sorrow that I am all too familiar with. The feeling of your chest burning and freezing and being crushed all at once. But I didn’t give you a moment to simply… catch your breath after I, admittedly, forced you to escape with me. And I will never understand what it’s like to have to look at the face of your husband every minute of every day, but I do know this…” Loki let out a steady breath. “I will never leave you behind. Ever. Until I am able to fix this mess that I have brought upon you.” Loki lowered himself onto his knees. “That is my vow to you, goddess.”

He placed a hand over yours. It was a small gesture, leaving you wanting more. You tugged on his hand, manually tucking his arm underneath yours. He leaned into your motion, sitting on the floor behind you and pulling you close between his legs. Your eyes pierced him like venom, toxic but more addictive than the sweetest wine. A Goddess Divine.

Loki grew older in recent years, but his eyes had never changed. A sea of chaos and calm. He was there, your husband. Right in front of you, holding you.

“I always liked your eyes,” you murmured. You dragged your finger across the top of his cheek, tracing a line under his eye.

And I, yours.

You slid your finger up and cupped his face in your palm. Your husband. “I love you.”

Your lips swept gently along his; hesitant, yet your hand dragged through his hair, pulling him closer. Loki held still, but made no move to stop you. Your breaths grew harder as you grew more persistent. Even though you knew you would never be able to utter a word about this after, the need for him overcame you. In the sickest of ways, he was your only chance at truly saying goodbye to your husband.

Never doubt my love for you.

Your lips were soft. As irrational as the better part of him knew it was, he couldn’t help but think this felt almost habitual. He knew he should have pushed you away or reminded you of who he was. But when your fingers glided through his hair, Loki lost all sense of what was proper. He leaned into your touch, letting you relax in his lap as you continued to kiss him… eyes clenched shut. Loki wished he could look at your eyes and pretend he was the man you were pretending he was.

“Thank you.”

The agents dragged Loki to a door labeled “INTERROGATION ROOM #603521.”

An agent walked into the room, reviewing several documents attached to a clipboard.. “Do you know why you’re here, Mr. Laufeyson?” She didn’t bother to look up from the papers as she sat down in the seat on the other side of the table.

“Where is she?”

“I’m afraid your questions will have to be saved for the end of this, Mr. Laufeyson. Please comply.”

Loki lifted his head lazily, shifting his legs wide in the metal chair. A grin curled at his lips. He didn’t know how they were going to escape this hell. Running from an infinitely powerful force existing beyond time. It would never end… Was he ready to drag you through eternal hell with him?

Yes.

He would rot in hell for all he cared, but the TVA was no more than a joke—a circus of clowns playing their parts… and he would find you.

“I’m going to burn this place to the ground.”

“Never teleport me again. This is worse than the Bifrost.” You placed a clenched hand to your forehead and winced. The pounding in your head was ceaseless, though you were too cold to be completely tortured by it. The TVA was left in shambles, subjected to Loki’s wrath after he found you freezing in the depths of space. He hadn’t said a word to you since he discovered you, nearly lifeless. The ice burned your skin and your vision was useless for the time being. You could hear the crackles of flame and stone beneath your feet. “Where are we?”

“I don’t know, but we need to heal these burns before they scar.” Loki carefully lifted your hand, examining your wounds. “Are you in pain?”

“I can’t feel anything. Just cold.” You inched your feet closer to the heat of the fire. It wasn’t as painful as you had expected it to be. Dying in space wasn’t such a bad way to go… You only wished Loki had anything else less painful.

He hummed in response. The burns begin to warm. A peculiar feeling tickles your skin and makes its way down your torso.

“Seidr?”

“My mother taught me. I can teach you.”

“What?” Loki placed more wood on the fire. Perhaps Thor’s boyish interests were good for something…

“You need to learn how to use your powers. A seidr goddess is no goddess without seidr.”

“I told you. I don’t have it. I’ve tried. You’ve tried.” Loki didn’t answer, but footsteps fell away from you.

Loki watched the asteroids floating in the foggy atmosphere. Odin once told him stories of how he acquired all his wisdom. Life itself is knowledge, he would say. War, politics, distant planets. They all have something to offer, but there is a place where wisdom flows like water in the roots of the Tree of Life. “The Allfather once traveled to the roots of Yggdrasil to attain knowledge and guide his reign. Perhaps we can go there.”

[moonxjoon]

How Can I Help You? | chapter 2

one | two

Pairing: HueningKai x barista!Reader

Rating: PG

Word Count: 2k

Synopsis: Working at the local cafe in town is normally a tiresome day job, until you meet a particularly fascinating young guy who frequents your shop more and more often than usual.

A/N: Isolation got me motivated to so some more writing, quite unfortunate this took so long :/ REQUESTS OPEN!

Your hectic and bustling day continued as per usual, and your captivation with the boy eventually migrated from your mind until it was closing time. You locked up and brought your interest back home to linger in a deep slumber. 

Just as you shut your eyes to let the dark blanket of night whisk you away to sleep, you were roused to your senses when an ear-piercing alarming jerked you awake. Immediately after you lifted your head from your pillow, your hand flew to your face to rub away the remnants of sleep from your eyes. It traveled to the back of your head and neck, which were now sore from shifting around too much whilst unconscious. 

You blinked a few times to adjust to the minimal amount of light that covered your room in a grey mist. Looking out your window, you saw the sky was clouded and a hazy overcast indicated it was beginning to snow. You groggily lifted yourself from the bed and as soon as your feet hit the frigid floorboards, the thought of skipping work and going back to bed seemed like the best idea in the world. 

Better judgement took over and you forced yourself to make your way to the bathroom. The steam that filled the small room once you started the shower made you feel a little better; a hot shower would relieve your tense muscles and hopefully make your day go by a tad smoother. 

Just as you stepped out of the tub to wrap a towel around yourself, you were further awakened by a loud knocking at the door.

“Y/N! Did you fall asleep in there or something?? I have to get ready too, y’know!” Your roommate, Lia, shouted from the other side of the door.

Nearly slipping on the unsecured floor mat, you moaned and swung the door open, letting a gust of steam spill out into the hall before you. You looked at her in exasperation, your lips unconsciously twisting into a scowl. For the life of you, you could never pinpoint how your roommate always seemed to get up every morning looking like a Disney princess. Not a single hair was out of place, no sign of smudged makeup from the day before, not even a hint of morning breath. She looked bright-eyed and bushy-tailed without even trying most days. 

Catching your unpleasant grimace, she pursed her lips at you in confusion. “You don’t look too happy, sunshine. Rough day yesterday, huh?”

You gazed at her with unyielding tired and swollen eyes, answering her question. 

“Gotcha. It’s sleeting out there, so be careful, yeah?” You let out another guttural groan and shut your eyes as your head hit the side of the doorframe. “I noticed. I’ll be sure to wear my boots, in that case.” You assured.

“Good. I’ll be in class til’ six, so if you slip and bust your ass, I won’t be around to come to your rescue.” She beamed with pearly whites. She didn’t even brush her teeth yet! 

“Now move it, I have to pee really bad.” You shimmied out of her way so she could replace your spot in the bathroom and made your way back to your room to get ready. 

“Oh! And don’t forget to dry your hair well! It’ll freeze right to your scalp if you don’t! Can’t be catching a cold right before finals.” She called out before you shut your own door. 

“Thanks, Lia.” She definitely couldn’t hear you over the sound of her relieving her bladder. 

“Damnitdamnitdamnit!” 

Today was one of those days that solidified your reputation of not being a morning person. As soon as you returned from your shower, you took a quick second (you swore that’s how long it was) to rest after getting dressed. You were doomed the moment you let yourself shut your eyes. Your brief downtime turned into a half-hour snooze, and you awoke instantly realizing and regretting your decision. 

You were supposed to leave fifteen minutes ago to open up shop. You hastily threw on the closest pair of shoes in your reach and swung on your coat, rushing out the door without even checking if you locked it behind you. As you sped down the stairs of your complex and out to the unwelcoming chilly street, you pulled out your phone to check the time.

6:35. I am so screwed.

The shop was only a ten minute walk away, seven if you ran there. You braced yourself for the early morning sprint and only then did you realize Lia was right, your damp hair sent chills down your spine. You didn’t even think about grabbing a hat before you left. 

You disregarded the hat, knowing your hair would dry in time. Your legs pumped down and throughout the streets of your town, the routine to work embedded in your head forever, probably.

Five minutes later your breaths were shallow and your calves were burning. The flurries were coming down harder now, obscuring your vision and forcing prickling tears from the corners of your eyes. As pedestrian after pedestrian was dodged from your mad dash down the steep hill leading down to the valleyed intersection, you heard someone call out a few words. Not knowing if they were directed to you or not, you ignored them and continued down the drop off until you forced your eyes wide open to see the crosswalk you needed to get across before you were finally on your cafe’s street. 

You hated this intersection. The two streets, Crown Drive and Summer Boulevard bisected to form what the city dubbed “Cat & Dog Junction”, on account of the recently heavy traffic of pet owners bringing their furry friends out for a stroll around the city before and after work. 

Likewise, this intersection led to the busiest boutiques and most popular businesses that got an abundance of attention from city dwellers. You were one of the lucky employees that had your job nestled comfortably right at the bend of this street, where there was never a dull moment (or for that matter, a moment to breathe). 

The fingers that were clenched at the lapels of your coat were pure white, and your exposed skin on your face burned dully now. The crossway was a few yards away...you just had to cross the street and you’ll get to work less than five minutes late, better than not showing up at all, at least. 

Two more minutes. Be there in two- woAH!

Suddenly your steady running was interrupted by an uneven lip in the pavement of the sidewalk. You felt your entire body start flying forward on the weight of one foot. Your eyes were now pried wide open as your arms began to flail at your sides- grasping at nothing but air. You tried to halt your ungraceful sidewalk skiing by planting both feet to the ground, but to no avail. The pavement below you was slick and icy, preventing you from gaining any sort of traction as you slid down the hill. Your head spun and in a moment of clarity you registered the pedestrians' words from earlier, shouting at you to “be careful!” 

It was more apparent than ever that you probably should have grabbed those snow shoes. 

Red light. Red light. RED LIGHT-

You thought to yourself once you saw that there was nothing in front of you stopping yourself from skating directly into oncoming traffic. Your legs jerked and stumbled under you, like a newborn deer trying to stand on its legs for the first time. Your chest clenches and in a desperate last attempt to impede this disaster, you shut your eyes tight and brace for impact- praying to god your body will let you fall and land on your ass or even on your face instead of getting hit by a car. 

You finally make contact with something, but not the ground, nor what you expected a car speeding toward you would feel like. Your face slammed harshly into something hard, yet plush. And instead of falling straight to the ground after impact, you were suspended in a firm grasp to prevent you from slipping. Your noodle-like appendages now had something to cling to, and you frantically grappled at the thing that thankfully caught your fall. 

The wind was literally knocked out of your lungs as your body met the unidentified savior, who reciprocated a huff of air as your bodies collided. 

“Woah...that’s one way to start your morning off with a kick!”

Your fawn-like legs finally steadied themselves on the ground and your fingers were now shaking in apprehension, embarrassed knowing you almost absolutely “ate it” as Lia would say. You lifted your head from the formers’ chest about to profusely apologize, but paused when you heard the very familiar voice that belonged to your rescuer. That damned boy from yesterday.

“Are you alright? That could’ve ended a whole hell of a lot worse.” 

Kai was currently blocking your view from the crosswalk leading to the cafe. His towering body had stepped around the corner just in time to prevent you from speeding into the road. You gazed up him in utter shock, shaking because of your near crash, but that was old news. Now you were shaking because he was holding onto where your hips and waist met in order to stabilize you better on your own feet.

After a few pants of relief, you calmed your hands and forced yourself to loosen your grip on his jacket that you still clung to, probably leaving nail marks in the refined material. 

“God, yeah no, I-I’m g-good, I’m really sorry I’m late for work and forgot my snowshoes and had to sprint here and didn’t realize there was black ice and I slid all the way down from the top of the hill and again I’m sorry I didn't mean to crash into like that- b-but thanks for stopping me from running straight into oncoming traffic hah-” 

You inhaled several breaths of air from that one sentence and felt like you were gonna pass out until he stopped you. “Hey, no need to apologize. Just a Good Samaritan preventing a lovely lady from nearly dying. All in a days’ work.” He instinctively pulled you towards the inner corner buildings and away from the busy street. 

Stop, your fingers are shaking again. Calm down.

Your heaving breaths slowed down and you looked up at him, noticing the same exact smile plastered on his lips that brought his eyes into thin crescent shapes. His chocolate locks spilled out from underneath a black trapper hat which shielded his ears from the chilly weather. 

More of his noteworthy features were glossed over when his touch was felt through your clothes- his hands were still clutched to your waist firmly as if you would fall right over if he let go. Moreover, your own hands still held securely to the fabric covering his chest, keeping the two of you stiffly locked in place.

It started getting warmer when the two of you had still not broken eye contact. It felt like he was studying your face in earnest detail, inching closer and closer to inspect every aspect.

You pried yourself off him suddenly when your cheeks threatened to turn deep scarlet. His lithe fingers let go when you resisted him, instantly shoving them back into his pockets. 

He cleared his throat and asked “You sure you’re okay? You seem a little shaken up still.” He offered another smile, kind and sympathetic.

You quickly nodded and brushed yourself off. “I’m good, don’t worry about me. Again, thank you so much, Kai.” 

His head perked up and his grin became wider. 

Hey! You remembered my name?” you cocked an eyebrow at him. “Well why wouldn’t I remember-” You shut your mouth quickly. 

Exactly, why would you remember his name, weirdo?

“Uhm, yeah, I remember your...suit? The tie was familiar, and I remembered you wore the same one yesterday.” You bluffed and motioned to the dark blue tie barely poking through his suit jacket and outer coat. 

He glanced down to his outfit and back to you with a questioning smirk. “My tie was memorable, huh? Interesting. Thought this was the most basic one I owned.” 

You blushed hard and bit the inside of your cheek, forcing out a chuckle. “Guess it’s pretty eye-catching.” You thanked god when he changed the topic.

“Funny, I figured I’d run into you again, but not this literally, Y/N.” You took in the way his entire body seemed to bounce up and down when he giggled or even just let out a brief chuckle. The high points of his face donned a coral glow, dotting his nose and cheeks daintily. He was the very definition of a pretty boy. 

Wait, he actually expected to meet again? You suddenly felt even more dizzy than before. 

“You remembered my name too, I see.” You commended him. 

“Of course, that drink you made for me the other day was delicious. I was actually heading to the cafe right now to get another before class.” The personal bubble the two of you had made while talking to each other suddenly burst when you realized you were still running late. You seriously got caught up in his conversation, completely disregarding your job. You peered over his broad shoulders to see the walk now signal brighten up across the street. 

“Crap, I forgot I’m gonna be clocked in late! Uhm, if you’re still in for a coffee, I’ll be glad to make it for you once I get situated?” You sped to the crosswalk and looking both ways this time, diligently making your way to the adjacent street with Kai in close pursuit. He seemed to keep up just fine, though, since his strides were a whole lot longer than yours.

“Think I’ll take you up on the offer.” You contentedly walked alongside each other until you reached the little coffeehouse. He rushed in front of you and pulled the door open for you to enter, earning him a coy smile and ‘thanks’. A wave of relief washed over you when you saw the shop was not as packed as yesterday, save for a few customers sitting by the window bar enjoying breakfast. 

The relief vanished when a hostile voice erupted from behind the counter. 

“Y/N! All hands on deck, sweetheart! We haven’t got all day to wait on you.” Your manager shouted at you from across the counter.

With a thinly pressed mouth, you hastily tried to pull off your coat to hang up on the coat rack. “I’m coming, Jen. Got caught up in some traffic, cut me some slack?” You called back as you fumbled around attempting to take your arms out of your heavy coat. “Your paycheck doesn’t wait up for traffic. I have three orders waiting here for you! And you don’t even own a car!” 

She yelled in front of the customers as she expertly poured another piping cup of joe. You rolled your eyes, trying to hide your embarrassment with indifference. She really has no problem making a scene like that right in front of everyone. 

Your arms continued to wiggle free of the jacket, until you were aided by another set of arms carefully pulling it off for you. 

“Here, lemme help you out.” Kai said whilst holding your sleeves, allowing you to easily slip it off. 

“Oh, thanks…” You mumbled and watched as he placed it on the rack before you. He gave you a nod and smiled before slipping off his own coat and trailing behind you once more. 

You shimmied your way around the line of customers and behind the counter to grab your apron. As you tied it around your waist, you spotted the empty cups lined up at the brew station with stickers specifying the type of drink and whatever extra elaborate instructions the customer ordered. 

You picked up the first empty cup hesitantly before glancing behind you when you heard someone situating themselves at a barstool. 

Kai had sat down at the bar where patrons typically waited for their orders or relaxed with their morning joe before work. You met eyes and peered at your manager, who had her back turned, still tapping away at the register. 

Cup still in hand, you turned back to Kai and shifted over to him. His coat was draped behind his seat, yet he still adorned his winter cap. “Aren’t you gonna order something? The line is getting long.” You said quietly, still glancing over your shoulder at Jennie. 

His fingers fiddled with each other as he looked at the aforementioned queue stretching across the shop. “It looks like you’re backed up, I was just going to ask for a cream cheese pastry from the display case. I’ll pay with cash.” 

You questioned his choice to only get a snack, but you complied regardless. Multitasking between making beverages and taking orders, you took a few seconds to grab the pastry from the case and plate it nicely on a small saucer. Before you handed it to Kai, you grabbed a small mug from the cupboard and swiftly poured another drink whilst maneuvering around an already irritated Jennie. 

“Here you go. Enjoy.” You placed the plate and cup in front of him, wiping off excess whip on your apron. He eyed the treat and then the whipped cream topped cup with a confused look. 

“I don't remember ordering a coffee along with it?” He asked. He was now sitting on his hands, warming them from the chilly outdoors. He had looked like a little kid excitedly waiting for his treat. 

“I know, I just finished the first round of drinks. I wanted to try my hand at a new one; this one’s called the ‘Harry Potter’. It’s butter rum and english toffee, taste it! On the house.” 

He took the piping mug to his lips and gingerly sipped at it, in the process coating his upper lip with a fluffy white mustache. He licked it away and nodded his head in approval. “Not bad, I couldn’t imagine your coffee yesterday could top anything, but this beats it out by a second.” 

His smile made you reciprocate, clapping your hands together in glee. “Awesome! I thought it’d be too sweet at first, but if you liked the last one I was sure you’d enjoy this one. Take it as a thank you for saving me down the street earlier.”

He took a big bite out of his pastry, nearly finishing it off in one swift gulp. “Well I couldn’t just let you get hit by a car. I should be thanking you, silly.” 

“Please don’t mention it. It was kind of embarrassing looking like a clumsy penguin.” You talked to him while facing the brewing station, prepping the next order. 

“Aw, but penguins are cute! Plus, every animal is clumsy on ice, you’re no exception and neither are penguins. You made it look cuter, though.” He quipped and took another sip of his drink.

You couldn’t help but at him fondly, smiling at his compliment about you being cute compared to a penguin. He seemed so innocent, yet so confident at the same time. He was almost too endearing. You thanked him for his sweet words, but disagreed at the fact that not a lot of things were cuter than a baby penguin. 

You chatted with each other about menial things, like what schools you went to, how the weather was acting up, and how the township should really salt the sidewalks more often. You found out he went to the academic academy for arts students, known as the Theatrical Experience Training School, or as the students apparently called it, TXT. That explained the pretty embroidered patch on his suit; he was an artsy kid. 

“That’s really cool, what’s your area of expertise?” You asked as you wiped down the counter he sat at, as the early morning rush of people died down leaving you a hot second to breathe. 

“I play a few instruments here and there, but I mostly sing. I was lucky enough to start uni a year early- I’m part of a band with some classmates, we all got scholarships to go there and learn about the ins and outs of becoming performers. We’ve actually written a few songs together, but they’re nothing too special. We’re hoping we can make it big one day, you know?”

You were intrigued by his description of the school, his aspirations, and talents. You were not as musically inclined in the slightest. Hell, you were still undecided about what your major should be, but you admired his dream and determination. 

“Don’t downplay that like its no big deal, that’s so cool! If you and your boys are willing to put in that much effort to become artists, I’m sure you’ll be able to get to your goal. Hey, in return for the pastry and coffee, you should let me see one of your shows before you get crazy famous.” 

He had finished his drink and pastry and was now tapping the side of the mug, staring into the empty cup. You could tell he was blushing at your compliment, a smile creeping over his lips. 

“We’ll see how things turn out. I appreciate it, though, more than you think. It’s not easy to make a career out of music, but we really love doing it. I can’t see myself anywhere else that doesn’t involve music, honestly.” Before you could respond, his head turned to the clock behind you and he scrambled to his feet, grabbing his coat. 

“Speaking of, morning vocal warm-ups start soon, I gotta go!” He pulled on his coat and adjusted his hat and straps of his backpack. “I don’t want to pull a Y/N and be late. Thank you again for the coffee. See you later!” 

You were about to chide him for making fun of you, but all you had time for was a quick ‘bye’, and a friendly wave. 

Just as he turned towards the door, he froze for a second before spinning back around to face you. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He hastily dug into his coat pocket, fishing out a dollar bill. 

“For a hat. Your hair looks like it's frozen to your head, you know. Dry your hair a little next time.” He shoved the dollar into the tip jar placed at the front of the counter and spun back around on his heel. 

“Thank you, uh, come again-!” You called out. 

You watched him leave again, past the shop windows and around the corner. Looking at the clock yourself, you were surprised to find that only ten minutes had passed since you arrived at work. 

“Weird…” You muttered. It legitimately felt like you’ve been working and talking to Kai for nearly an hour. Time seemed to slip right by, you guess. Day two went on without a hitch, aside from a few remarks from Jen telling you to “stop daydreaming and get back to work” and one spilled iced latte at one of the booths in the corner. 

You couldn’t shake the feeling that your brief encounters with Kai had lasted longer than it actually had. Time flew past much quicker than yesterday you noted. You walked past the silvery machinery while making your next drink, catching your reflection hand brushing down a few flyaways you noticed at the top of your head. 

It was still cold and damp from this morning. 

[meganshinsou-tm]

Vermilion. (m)

↳ chapter twenty: the moon on a chain

❧ genre:  pro-hero’s bakugou/kirishima, poly, happy ending

❧ chapter warnings: 

[multi-chap masterlist] [previous chapter - next chapter]

You walked around the city, boots clicking against the pavement as you clasped your trench coat tighter around your body trying to hide from the windy and chilly air. The colder seasons were your favorite more multiple reasons, the weather in general, holidays, and the colors. You were just a brighter and happier person in those months. As you patrolled the city today though, you were cursing how impractical your hero costume became on these cold days. Today was actually only your second day back on patrolling duty, the past 2 weeks you were stuck on desk duty just like when you first started at the agency. But at your latest doctors appointment, the man cleared you as 100% recovered despite your scars and that meant you could get back in the action, but under one condition.

Working with Katsuki or Kirishima only.

“Freezing your tits off princess?”

A teasing and brash voice spoke into your ear as you felt arms wrapping around your waist, causing you to now walk awkwardly as Bakugou held on.

“Shut up Baka-gou! The thought of being outdoors in freezing weather may have slipped my mind. Now get off, we’re on the job right now! Someone might see and start going nuts,” you replied elbowing him.

“And you think I give a fuck? I wish those fucking leeches would catch us together! Then shit would really hit the fan huh?” He snickered and tickled your sides, referring to an article that was published a week ago of you and Kirishima.

You couldn’t help but giggle. Once you were showing improvements in your recovery the boys got more comfortable with taking you back out into the world. The week before, you and Kirishima went grocery shopping and an off-duty worker for the towns hero magazine happened to catch the two of you being all giddy and in love while on the train. Kirishima was all about PDA, he’d litter your face with kisses, never let go of your hand, held you tight and close to him. The paparazzi worker took advantage of this rare sight and snapped a few pictures, soon news of ‘Red Riot Under Bruja's Spell’ spread across Japan like a plague. Everyone at the agency always poked fun, wondering when someone would catch you and Bakugou together and how much of a shit show that would be.

“You’re such a fucking chick Suki, you just live for drama!”

Rolling your eyes you managed to push the hero off but were soon pulled back and into an alley. Your back was slammed against a wall and Bakugou’s massive arm gauntlets trapped your head. His crimson hues burned into you and a smirk played on his face that was nipped by the cold and pink.

“Is it wrong that I want the world to know that you belong to me as well?” Bakugou cooed before biting down on your cheek roughly.

“Hmm,” you teased, taking longer than he wanted to answer back, causing the male to bite down harder and place a knee between your legs and press it hard against your core. Your fingers dug into the brick behind you and a purr left your lips.

“I’m fucking teasing Suki! Of course it's not wrong, I want the world to know that as well! I see all the girls that drool over you on the street, they still think you’re free real-estate.”

The blonde completely released you, letting his arms fall to his sides and kissed your forehead. He pulled out his phone and looked at the time, a smirk on his face.

“Good answer, I guess we’ll let you have your gifts after all. Now come on, it’s time to head back. We got a birthday to celebrate princess!”

Back at home the three of you took turns with showers and getting ready. You and Kirishima always took the longest when it came to your hair, so Katsuki opted to shower alone and fast while you and Kirishima showered together. The red head washed your (h/c) locks for you, always adding way more shampoo than needed but you never complained. He’d just barely harden his fingers and massage your scalp each time, be playful and try to spike up your hair. Showers with the red-head were always fun and sweet. As he put conditioner on your ends you made small talk.

“I told you guys, I didn’t want to make a big deal about today, but you didn't listen! You even got the entire agency to go out for me with a party!”

“Well when do we ever listen to you mama? This is a day we get to celebrate and spoil you!”

“And how is it any different from every other day with you two,” you chuckled and hummed as Kirishima finished running the product through your hair and wrapped you in his arms, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“Alright, you got me there. I know you don’t like birthdays, but this is your first one with us and we’re really excited about it, please just let us do this and if it happens to not be to your liking, then we'll listen next year, okay?”

Kiri’s voice was soft and soothing, and you nodded.

It was true, birthdays weren’t your thing. You didn’t like to think about getting old and to you it was just another day but both of the men had been having this glow about them all day long so they obviously had something exciting planned and who were you to dull that happiness.

“Alright Kiri, I’ll give it a shot!”

After a few more minutes the two of you were out, a towel wrapped around your body and one wrapped around Kiri’s hips. You bent over to wrap a towel around your hair and the man playfully smacked your ass almost making you fall over, always forgetting his strength and apologizing as he grabbed your hips before you could tumble to the ground. Standing up straight again and turning to face him you smiled and put your hands on your hips.

“So, anything special I need to wear?”

Half an hour later downstairs, the two men were fully dressed and impatiently waiting.

“I’m about to go up there, that stupid old hag probably fucked up on the measurements I gave her,” Bakugou growled and shot up from the couch.

“Whoa there, chill man, I’m sure she’s almost done!”

Kirishima laughed catching his friend by the back of his blazer.

Katsuki clicked his tongue, swatting the hand that held him back away and stood at the end of the stairs looking up and leaned against the wall. Bakugou was a mess, all day he played it cool as if he was collected but underneath the date they had in mind for you gnawed at him. The man was a sort of perfectionist, especially when it came to you. He called the place they would be taking you to multiple times, making sure that it was indeed reserved and closed to the public for the night. He made sure that Kirishima in fact brought their gifts there and set them up correctly.

“Bakugou, everything will be perfect, stop stressing man. Remember where we took her for the first date? A goddamn bowling alley! Trust me, she’ll be over the moon for this!”

“I know that idiot! I just don’t want anyone or anything to fuck up her night.”

Kirishima went to reply until he heard a door upstairs opening, both men looked, hearing the sound of heels clicking against the hardwood floors. Both their hearts seemed to beat faster than humanly possible the closer the footsteps got. It felt like the first time they took you out all over again. They both straightened their clothes. Their outfits matched besides their tie colors, both wore black slacks with a black button up shirt underneath black jackets. Kirishima donned a yellow tie while Suki, after 15 minutes of begging from his friend wore a red one. Both of them stood, shoulder to shoulder with their hands in their pockets as they waited for you to descend down the stairs.

“If I’m the only one looking this fucking fancy, I will kill you both!”

Kirishima and Katsuki chuckled with each other and watched as red heeled feet made their first step down. As your ankles started to merge into your calves, black tulle could be seen bouncing with the steps you took. More and more, your body started to come into view and both pairs of vermilion eyes widened and sparkled, jaws were dropped. Looking down to watch your step underneath the amount of tulle, your fingers also held back your bangs from falling into your eyes. A black bandeau type halter wrapped and encased your chest, revealing a more than decent amount of cleavage and exposed shoulders and arms. The men could see your soft mounds bounce as you walked, making Bakugou rethink ever asking his mother to design you an outfit ever again.

A high-waisted black tulle skirt sat perfectly at your hips and hit you mid-calf. Per the men’s request you wore zero jewelry, an odd request at that. It made you feel even more naked in the chest area since your hair was in a top knot. Your eyes finally looked up to the men standing before you and a smile crossed your red lips.

“Aww, don’t I have the two best looking boyfriends in the world!”

Both of your lovers smiled and kissed your cheek as you stood before them, their eyes wondering over every inch of your body. They exchanged compliments with you themselves, making your cheeks blush violently. Apparently Katsuki’s mom had made the dress specially for you and this night. You found it odd that the blonde took your measurements a few weeks earlier, when you asked what he was getting them for he did say that his mother was designing you a dress but it was supposed to be for some hero banquet that was held every winter.

“So, I guess that excuse about a hero banquet was bullshit huh?”

The blonde smirked and shook his head, “No that was true, but we also wanted you to have something special to wear for tonight that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Fucking Mitsuki is getting an ear full tomorrow about this!”

Kirishima took your hand in his, twirling you around and whistling until you spun into his chest, your back flushed into him and his arms wrapped around you tight as he nuzzled your neck, complimenting how well of a job Mitsuki did on your dress. The blonde smirked and took a long step closer to the two of you, placing himself before you. His red eyes dark and gleaming. You felt teeth at your shoulder making you gasp as Bakugou lifted your chin with his finger. The mood in the room quickly changed from light-hearted to sexual in a matter of seconds. It wasn’t fair sometimes having two boyfriends at a time like this, trapped with no way out, not like you wanted a way out though but you did enjoy this outfit and wanted to at least spend a few hours in it before it was torn to shreds and Mitsuki's hard work would be all for naught.

“That old hag did too good of a job, how are we supposed to take you out in this?” Bakugou growled through gritted teeth, his finger now scraping down your breasts as they were pushed together, tracing the curve of the soft and supple mounds.

Kirishima’s sharp teeth dragged down your skin and one of his hands turned your face so he could plant a hot kiss to your lips. Once he broke it, another hand was on your chin, gripping and making you look forward again as Bakugou’s own lips crashed into yours with another hot kiss. You were powerless to them, already melting and feeling arousal pool between your legs.

“Damn this skirt, it’s too long and the waist is too tight for me to slip my hand into. I bet you’re already soaking wet, huh cutie?”

A quiet ‘yes’ left your lips and the two men chuckled as they both left pecks along your neck and shoulders. You were slowly getting sucked into their spells until you realized what this night was about in the first place.

“S - fuck, goddammit! Stop it! You two can wait a few more hours for this, I’m hungry and I want my presents!”

Kirishima laughed, quickly changing his sloppy kisses to sweet ones, Bakugou rolled his eyes and bit your cheek, releasing you with a smirk.

“When we get back home, we get to unwrap a present of our own!”

Before leaving the house you were blindfolded by Katsuki, you growled thinking it was another sexual advance but he assured it was just until they got you to your destination, but that the garment would definitely be used later. They each took one of your hands and walked you outside to a vehicle, both agreeing that you looked way too good for other people to see and refused bringing you on a train.

The whole ride over to wherever the fuck it was you were going was full of you guessing. You guessed DisneyLand, the beach, a few restaurants, the bowling alley that you were banned from, and all kinds of other places only to be met with harsh ‘no’s’. You also had to blindly swat away the men's wandering hands as they both tried to slip them under your skirt or into your top. It was a fun game to them since you lost your sight and would jump each time one of them whispered in your ear or squeezed you.

“We’re gonna have so much fucking fun with you tonight princess. It’ll be like it’s our birthday instead!”

You heard a clap as both Katsuki and Kirishima high-fived each other behind your head, making your eyes roll underneath the black blindfold.

“I’m dating teenagers!”

Only a few minutes later you felt the vehicle slowing down and finally coming to a stop. Your hands flew to the barrier around your eyes but were quickly stopped. Sharp teeth bit at your cheek then were at your earlobe.

“If you so much as touch these without our permission, your cute little ass is going to get it later, understood baby girl?”

Your bottom lip retreated between your teeth as your thighs rubbed together from Kirishima’s words. Another set of teeth were at the opposite lobe, warm breath now fanning both sides. On each thigh a hand was placed and squeezed simultaneously.

“Answer him princess, you know how not using your words only riles us up even more!”

Bakugou’s voice now burned on your skin and you grit your teeth, feeling the heat rising from your core and into your chest as you swallowed harshly.

“Yah! I understand! Now let off!”

Your own hands pushed away their hands and you motioned for them to get out, not sure if you were even motioning in the right direction. Your ears could hear the door opening, cool air rushing in and making you shiver. A warm hand took yours and Katsuki coached you to the edge of the seat, your feet hanging out the door before he grabbed your waist and helped you out. Something wrapped around your shoulders and Kirishima was heard chuckling behind you as you jumped.

“Calm down mama, it’s just my jacket! Take our hands and we’ll get going.”

You did as instructed, holding out your palms to have them taken immediately by a man on each side of you, kisses were planted on your cheeks and they started to walk. When you’d come to steps, the two would instructed you like a child. So far just the journey was fun to you. The three of you soon stopped and a door could be heard opening and you continued to walk again. The air wasn’t as cold and the ground turned from concrete to what felt like flat carpet. You couldn’t exactly place a finger on the smell, it's almost as if there wasn't one.

“Guys, how much further?” You whined.

“Oi, only a few more steps brat! When we say ‘now’, you can take off your blind fold.”

Sighing, you wanted to just start running but knowing your luck, you’d face plant into the ground. Once again you were at a stop as your boyfriends hands left your own and you could feel them leaving. You wanted to take the mask off but remembered their warning and let your hands fall to your sides, grabbing at the tool of your skirt as you whined out their names.

Both men looked on at you, standing in the middle of the massive room clutching your fabric and trying to contain your excitement. They both looked at each other and nodded and announced together.

“Okay, now!"

Your jaw dropped as you took in the surroundings. Miscellaneous types of fish swam around the massive tanks that made up the walls of the room you were standing in the middle of. The only light filling the room was dim, making it feel like you were indeed on the ocean floor. Quickly you walked over and pressed your face and hands to the glass, awing at the gorgeous coral reefs and plant life, the colorful fishes. Until, something dark loomed overhead making you furrow your brows and look up.

“Holy. Shit.”

Above you, gracefully floating along was a massive whale shark. How you didn’t see it in the first place blew your mind. Whale sharks were your favorite ocean animal. You only ever dreamed about seeing one in real life and going into the oceans to swim with one of the gentle giants. They were so beautiful, the underside of their bellies white against the contrasting dark color with white spots on top. Your eyes watched as the shark floated and started to descend lower and even closer into view, your heeled feet quickly walked over to it. Your fingers brushing the cool glass as if you could touch it through the thick barrier.

“That’s a pretty big fish huh?” Kirishima’s voice spoke next to you.

You looked at him with sparkling eyes and he gave one of his famous sharp toothed grins. Touching your cheek, he leaned down to place a soft kiss to your lips.

“This is … I – I don’t have any words. It’s beautiful and it’s perfect!”

“Are you happy?”

Bakugou’s voice rang in your other ear, as he leaned an arm against the glass and looked into the tank, a hand in his pocket. You smiled and lunged to hug him, almost knocking the breath from his chest. He grunted but hugged you back, patting your hair and placing a kiss to the top of your head.

“Of course I’m happy Suki, I’m elated, ecstatic, over the moon, bliss –“

Bakugou placed a hand over your mouth with a chuckle, it was quickly removed and he kissed you just as softly as Kirishima had done, lingering for longer though. His red eyes were open and he saw his friend give him a nod. Katsuki broke the kiss, placing his hands on your hips and slowly turning you around, pulling you into his chest as he hugged you from behind, hooking his chin over your shoulder. You chuckled and looked before you to see Kirishima standing there with his hands behind his back. Quirking a brow you looked from him and to Bakugou, unsure of what exactly they were plotting.

“Ready for your first gift princess?” Katsuki asked, smiling against your skin.

Your eyes lit up and you nodded eagerly, making the two men laugh. Kirishima walked closer until he stood before you pulling out a small flat black box from behind his back. You looked at it closely, it was obviously some sort of jewelry box.

“We know how badly you wish to have the moon and you know if we could it would be yours in a heartbeat, right?”

You nodded in reply and Bakugou's grip around you tightened. Kirishima smiled and his fingers gripped the edge of the box, slowly opening it.

“Well, hopefully this satisfies you for now while we figure out how to get you a real one.”

You grinned and looked to see the red-head completely open the jewelry box, revealing a white-gold crescent shaped pendant with diamonds lining the curve of it. It seemed to sparkle and shine even without being moved.

“Oh w-wow, it’s so pretty. Is it mine?”

Bakugou laughed and released you from his hold as his hands reached out to remove the necklace from the box. Holding it closer his cleared his throat, making you get the hint that he was trying to put it on you. The chain wasn’t loose or tight, almost like a choker and the pendant rested perfectly between your collarbone.

Katsuki moved from behind you and stood by Kirishima, both of them looking over you and grinning.

“Well how does it look?”

“Perfect!” They both blurted out in unison.

You smiled and hugged them both, placing a kiss to each of their lips.

“I love you Katsuki, and I love you Eijirou, these gifts are way more than I deserve and this is really the best birthday I’ve had so far. Thank you so much!”

“Don’t thank us yet mama, you still have one more left from each of us. Let’s go sit down and eat, then you can open those!”

After eating the food that the guys had brought over, you were extremely full and miserable. Your face lay flat on the table as you groaned, rubbing your stomach. It was all Bakugou’s fault, he tried saying that you couldn’t possibly finish the entire steak and sides on your plate and of course not being one to back down from him you emerged victorious while also wanting to die.

“How about some cake?” Kirishima’s voice sang out.

“No! No more, I'm gonna puke!”

Bakugou laughed and pet your head, quietly mentioning something about more presents. Your head perked back up and you smiled. Both boyfriends smirked and sat two small bags on the table.

“These aren't really anything special or as extravagant as the necklace but we couldn’t resist. Open mine first mama!" Kiri so eagerly pleaded.

You smiled and grabbed the red bag, quickly ripping the tissue paper from it. You squealed when your eyes landed on two different Funko Pop boxes. Removing them you couldn’t help but smile. It was a Beast Boy and Raven. To others the small toys may have meant nothing but the guys knew you were a collector of the figures and it was even better because of the pet name the hero called you by.

“Kiri, this is so sweet and perfect! I’m going to put them on their own little shelf.”

Bakugou subtly pushed his green gift bag towards you with a smirk. You smiled and took it, doing the same as before. Your eyes went soft and you placed a hand over your heart. You pulled out yet another Funko and held it to your cheek, smiling wide at the blonde. It was a Gizmo from Gremlins. These two were really pulling out all the big guns with your gifts, making you fear for how Christmas would turn out.

“Suki, I love him! God - thank you guys so much. I’m so lucky to have you, really.”

Kirishima and Bakugou proudly smiled and leaned over to places kisses on each cheek. For the rest of the night, you spent your time marveling at the fish and whale shark again, and talking between your two boyfriends until the two decided it was finally time to end the night and get you home. There was no objection, you honestly were pleased to hear the words. Once in the backseat of the vehicle you were lured into before, you stretched out between the two heroes. Your head rested in Kiri’s lap and your legs in Bakugou’s. Hands massaged your scalp and calves, and quickly you were fast asleep.

Once home neither of the men bothered to try waking you, Kirishima gently gathered your body into his arms and exited the vehicle. Bakugou followed behind and paid the driver. Once at the front door Bakugou fished out the keys and opened it for his friend, they both sighed as they walked through the front door. It had been a big day not only for you but also for them, with having to set up everything on top of work they were pretty worn out themselves.

A soft and high pitched sigh came from your lips as you nuzzled more into Kiri’s chest. Both men looked at you, Katsuki smirked and walked over, his hand petting your hair before he placed a kiss to your cheek. His fingers moved to trace the pendant that laid on your collarbone, even in the dim light it still sparkled.

“I was honestly nervous as fuck that she wouldn’t like this thing,” he softly said as to not wake you.

“Bakugou, I think we could’ve gotten her a macaroni necklace and she would’ve been happy. She’s just that type of person.”

“Tch, we would’ve saved a shit ton of money if we took that route, huh?”

The two stared at you, smiles on their faces as you slept peacefully, Kirishima leaned down to kiss your forehead and shrugged his shoulders.

“She’s worth every single penny though.”

“Damn right she is. Come on, let’s get her to bed, I feel like it’s gonna be a two man job to get that tight ass skirt off of her hips!”

You were carried up the stairs and gently laid down on your bed. Katsuki and Kiri both removed their coats, the red-head took them, placing the garments on the chair in the corner of your room. They both started to work on dressing you down, each took one of your small feet in their hands and removed the red heels. You flinched as Katsuki’s fingers grazed the inner arch of your foot, he chuckled and started to lightly flick the skin with his fingers tickling you more. Your face started to twitch and groans came from your mouth.

They both snickered and snorted, until your leg kicked, almost nailing the blonde right between the legs. Kirishima couldn’t help but let out a laugh as he took the heels and sat them on the ground.

“Little shit, nearly clipped me!”

“Well don’t tickle me asshole,” your sleepy voice suddenly blurted.

The men looked to see you slowly sitting up on your palms and rubbing your eyes. You yawned and rubbed the back of your neck looking at them with a quirked brow.

“Were you just going to let me sleep?”

“Well yeah, why wouldn’t we?” Bakugou asked.

“You two seemed very determined earlier to get into my panties, what happened?”

They looked at each other, Kirishima shrugged his shoulders.

“Uh – I guess we just figured you were tired mama.”

You smiled and moved to sit on your knees, inching towards the end of the bed and looking between both men. Without their coats, both of them had pushed up the sleeves of their dress shirts, showing off their muscular forearms. Their entire torsos looked amazing in the snugly fit shirts along with the pants. Just the sight of them had you quickly brimming with lust, the little dream you had during your power nap also didn't help with the situation.

“I’m far from tired Red. In fact I’m all ready to go, wanna feel?”

You bit your lip, hands running up your thighs and pushing the black tulle back as one of your hands went to disappear underneath it.

“You little fucking minx!” Bakugou smirked as he started to loosen his tie even more.

“Get your cute little ass over here, now!” The red-head gleamed, licking his sharp teeth and holding out a hand for you.

Smiling, you took it as he helped you off the bed. Bakugou was quick to pull your back into his chest and attacked your shoulders with harsh kisses, his canine teeth scraping against your skin. His hands gripped your hips and pulled them back into his own, a sweet groan leaving his mouth. Your hands got to work on un-doing the yellow tie from Kirishima’s neck, his finger hooked under your chin making you look up to him so he could place a rough kiss on your lips. You moaned into his mouth as the man behind you reached his hands around and aggressively groped your breasts and bit down with sheer force on the crook of your neck and started to suck.

Your fingers curled into the button-up shirt and tugged. To undo the obstacles you reluctantly broke the hungry kiss with Kiri, making him resort to kissing your jaw and neck. His tongue darted across your now flaming skin, making you giggle while your fingers quickly undid the buttons of his shirt and pushed the fabric down and off his shoulders. You marveled at the hard and flawless chest underneath, hands running over his pecs and mouth kissing his collarbone. Your hands traveled down and undid his belt in record time and removed it to work on the button of his pants. His own hands were on your shoulders, turning you around to face Bakugou.

“Sorry mama, that’s all you get for now,” Kiri growled into your ear as he and the blonde switched roles. His own razor sharp teeth biting down the back of your neck.

You lips were soon met with Katsuki’s, you could feel the smirk and bit down on his lip harshly, payback for the bite he gave to your neck. He growled out a usual insult but shut up once your hand groped his hardening member over his slacks. Your free hand tugged on the tie around his neck, pulling him closer. Kirishima’s hands lifted and bundled up the tool of your skirt, cool air hit your exposed thighs and his hands were able to find your ass and squeeze roughly. Hardening the tips of his fingers, you could feel them digging into your plump flesh. Your hands worked on removing Bakugou’s shirt the same you did with Kiri’s but you left his tie on.

“You two still have that blindfold?”

“It’s in my pocket cutie, don’t worry we haven’t forgotten about it. We’re just being generous right now, letting you take in the sight of us. We know how badly you wanted to strip us first.”

Your head turned around to kiss Kirishima with a smile.

“You’re so thoughtful Red, use this on me too,” you tugged on Bakugou’s tie making him growl and bite your cheek with a devious grin.

Both men smiled at each other and nodded.

“It’s still your birthday princess, so your wish is our command.”

[buckyownsmyheart]

Worth Fighting For [one-shot]

⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 5.6k (I can’t help it I’m sorry)

Summary: As a new recruit trying to pass the enrolment tests, you need to prove to everyone that you deserve to be a part of the team. To do this, you push yourself to your limits, and get some help from an onlooker.

Warnings: A bit angsty, swearing as per, I was feeling some emotions when writing this

A/N: This is for @yslbuckyx ‘s writing challenge! Congrats on 1k! My prompt was “I’m sorry, I got a little too carried away” 

⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎⁎

You ran purely on spite. You were tired of people telling you that you couldn’t, so you did. You joined S.H.I.E.L.D. 4 weeks ago, to spite your father who said you couldn’t, and had just passed the tactical and mental challenges. These had always been your strengths, learning and memorising new information was something that you enjoyed doing. It sounds nerdy, but frankly you had gotten over being called that since way back in high school. People were always going to talk, so you might as well do what the fuck you want, and for you, that was absorbing knowledge. Since high school, you had learnt Spanish, Japanese, Russian and were in the process of learning Cantonese. Your ability to pick up new things had meant that you were finishing top 5 after 4 weeks in the selection process. At the beginning, there were 60 new recruits, but by the end of the next 4 weeks there would be 10. It was a brutal process, on the first day they lined everyone up and split them in half, and then sent half home, saying that they don’t recruit unlucky people. From those 30, 10 would be removed after the intellect test, and 10 after the next step, the physical test, which was the part that you were most worried about.

 You had never been strong or particularly sporty. You often ran, enjoying the hours of solitude that it gave you, allowing your brain to sort through anything that it might be pondering or struggling with. There was nothing like the feeling of fresh air on your face, or the relief when you stop, and your calves relax and stretch out. But this wasn’t going to get you through the push-ups or sit-ups or whatever else they made you do, so you had to be smart about this if you wanted to make it through to the final 10. You had started trying to build up your strength, but so far you felt you hadn’t made any progress and it was infuriating, but your time was up, and you were absolutely shitting yourself.

 For the next 5 months, you would be put through hell. Testing your physical strength, your resilience and your adaptability to environments. For each month that passed, the 2 people at the bottom of the rankings would be sent home, and you weren’t sure you could face your father if you were sent home, you knew what he would say. “I told you so sweetheart, you’re just not cut out for that sort of thing, why don’t you try something a little more for you? A little more gentle.” You were going to make it through these challenges.

The 20 recruits stood in two lines of ten, some were turning to their neighbour and chatting, but you didn’t feel much like small talk, so you hid yourself in the backrow at the end, trying to avert all attention away from you. Maybe if they thought you were no one from the beginning, and let them have low expectations, then you might be able to surpass those expectations with what little strength you have. Everyone snapped to attention when Captain America and Black Widow walked into the large space you were all standing in, eyeing each and every one of you. You tried to stand tall and not shy away from their gaze, knowing that this was probably just a scare tactic, trying to spot the weak ones straight away. Luckily, from years of practice at school, you had become adept at blending in and becoming invisible, not too proud, not too shy, somewhere in the middle.

 “Recruits,” Captain America addressed the lines, “Today we’re going to start with some basic fighting, I’m sure you’ve all got some experience, so we’re going to pair you up and test your skills, let’s start with a warm-up.” Shit. You had close to no fighting experience, unless you count that one time in your debate class where a boy named Jimmy had tried to hit you, so you kneed him in the balls. That was when you were 12. Why hadn’t you thought about this. You assumed that they would teach you all the basics once you got in, and that this was just to gauge your fitness levels, not to put you up against each other and judge from that. You turned to the girl next to you, her beady eyes located a little too close together on her rather square-looking head. Her biceps looked like they could strangle you by giving you a glance. You looked wildly around but saw that everyone else had already paired off. You gave her a small smile, and Cap started the warm-up. Luckily, at this point there was no actual fighting, and you actually just seemed to be warming up your muscles. You copied your partner’s every move and looked around the room to see how other people were doing it. There were practice punches being thrown, body twists to focus on technique and some more cardiovascular exercises to get your heartrate up. You were glad about your runs, because although sweat was running down your forehead, your breathing was still pretty steady.

 “Alright everyone,” Black Widow’s voice carried across the room, causing instant silence. “We’re pairing you off against each other, this is a no-rule fighting situation. Nothing dirty, but all styles welcome. You two, up first.”

 You realised she was gesturing to you and your terrifying partner, there was no way you were escaping out of this alive. Your legs seemed to move of their own accord, jumping up onto the mat and dropping into a fighting position.

You gulped, took a large breath in and released it, trying to calm your heart thumping in your chest. It might give the opposition a confidence boost to see your chest shaking with how hard your heart was beating, and you couldn’t be giving them any more advantages than they already had. The two of you padded around each other, your fists were raised in a protective stance, and your opponent looked like she was ready to pounce at any moment, and then she did. You dodged the first attack, jumping around her arm and bouncing on your feet. After a few more circles of each other, she lunged again, her fist narrowly missing your torso, but as you were on the back foot, she delivered a kick to your knee, which immediately brought you down to the mat. You leaped back up, bouncing on your aching knee to try and get the pain to go away, and ran over to the other side of the mat.

 “Stop dancing!” A voice shouted from the side, and you shook some hair out of your face to try and focus. People around you were murmuring.

 “There’s no way she can do this.”

 “Look how weak she is!”

 “Hasn’t thrown a single punch.”

 Anger bubbled up inside you, this wasn’t your fault. It was unfair. But you wanted to show them that you could do this. Prove them wrong. And so, you dove back into the fight, trying to put as much weight behind your punches as possible and tightening your core. You got a few hits in, but your opponent was too quick and too strong. She blocked your hits after the initial surprise and fought back. Hard. A volley of punches hit you all over and kept coming as you stumbled back. They merged into one as the floor beneath you spun, and your vision became blurry. When the punching stopped, you realised you were on the floor. Everything hurt, your vision was still cloudy and there were still leers behind you. Determined, you got up, and raised your fists once more, trying to get the world to stop spinning. You focused on the woman in front of you and willed your legs to move. On shaky legs, you moved forward, before a hand was on your chest. You looked up to see Black Widow looking down on you.

 “Alright, show’s over. That’s enough for today. 0530, tomorrow, sharp.” As people left the room, you were still trying to make your legs obey you. You couldn’t appear any weaker in front of the one person you needed to impress, but her hand was still on your chest, holding you back. “Are you in the right place? Do you even want to be here?” Her voice was harsh and scathing, and it felt like a ton of bricks on your chest. Of course she didn’t believe in you either, you had made a fool out of yourself in front of everyone. You’d be surprised if they allowed you to stay to the end of the month, maybe you should have stuck with an intelligence desk job. But that voice in your head that doubted you also reminded you of all the other people that doubted you, and you’d be damned if you let them win. You raised yourself up and looked her dead in the eye.

“This is where I’m meant to be, and I’ll prove it to you. I’ll be in the top 5 by the end of the selection.”

Her voice softened, “You’ve got fire in your belly. Use it.” And with that, she left you, where you remained alone, wondering what you had just gotten yourself into.

 ⁎⁎⁎

Bucky was sitting down on the sofa, watching an episode of Brooklyn 99, his new favourite show, when Nat came in and slumped down beside him.

 “You know, for a world-class assassin, you have very little finesse.”

 “Says the guy who tripped over the very flat floor yesterday.” She sighed, “There’s a new recruit, she’s weak and can’t fight for shit. I don’t know if she’s ever fought before, but she’s so determined, and it breaks my heart that she won’t make it to the end of the week, because she’s exactly the type of person we want here. Someone with defiance and will do anything to break the odds, but the stupid recruitment team don’t think traits like that are valuable. They want meatheads, the intelligence tests they have to do are just making sure they can do high-school maths, and still half of them fail. Apparently, she was top after that, knows something like 3 languages, but they’re already trying to kick her out and move her to intelligence.”

“Wouldn’t intelligence be better suited for her if she can’t fight?” Bucky replied, looking up at Nat confused.

 “But we need strategists, leaders, not people that will follow every word we say, because we’re not going to be around for ever, and if the next generation only follow our orders, who’s will they follow next? She’s different, she thinks for herself, but Fury’s already on my ass about picking favourites, so I’m just going to have to let her go.”

 Bucky nodded, not sure what else to say, and they both watched the rest of the episode in silence. He did think about the new recruit though, he wondered who they must be to have made such an impression on Natasha, she wasn’t often one to care about people she didn’t know, but by the next morning, all was forgotten as Bucky headed down to the gym.

⁎⁎⁎

After visiting the medical bay, 5 stitches and lots of codeine later, you collapsed onto your bed. You had each been given a dorm along a single corridor, with shared bathrooms at either end. Now you had expectations to live up to and a top 5 to be in, you needed a better plan. One that was going to get you there, but first, you needed to learn how to throw a punch. Tonight, YouTube was going to be your best friend. You watched videos of fighting styles, how to perfect your technique, how to maximise your strength, how to read your opponent. There were tips and tricks on everything from making people make mistakes to building up muscle quickly (naturally of course, you didn’t think anabolic steroids were the answer here). By the time you had gone through these, standing up to practice and do slow run throughs of the moves, it was past midnight. You set your alarm for 4:00, if you were going to do this, it was best to start how you mean to go on.

Your alarm blared as you sat up, feeling like you had only had a few minutes of sleep. You rubbed the tiredness out of your eyes and threw on your gym kit. Before your brain could wake up and tell you what a terrible idea this was, you found yourself in the gym, starting the warm-up that the Cap had shown you all yesterday, and then building on it from the things you had learnt. For an hour you practiced, sweated, and improved. By the time the rest of the recruits had got down, you had had a shower and changed into some fresh gear, ready for the day. The day of training continued, and you found yourself doing exercises, punching bags and using a range of the different fighting techniques. The assessors moved around, taking notes and judging styles.

The days continued like this, but the end of the first week was rapidly approaching, and there was no way that you were not in the bottom two. Although you had improved massively, everyone else had such a big head start, that you were still being beaten in every fight you were put in. You struggled to meet Romanoff’s eye. It had become rapidly known if they called her Black Widow she would kick them out of the programme immediately. On the Sunday, you trudged down to the gym before the others, and saw that the list had already been published. Your heart stopped beating, and then thudded against your chest. Trying to breathe evenly, you looked at the list of names and the rankings. You were 18th. Somehow, you had made it through to the next week. Two names at the end that you didn’t recognise, but then again, you hadn’t really bonded with the rest of the recruits, were in red. Disbelief filled you, how could you still be in? Was the tiredness finally kicking in, and you had reduced your brain to hallucinating? Shaking your head, you looked at the words again, but you were definitely not being kicked out. You were sure others would be sad about losing two members, but you were glad they were gone because it wasn’t you. That’s the thing about running on spite, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for love in your head. You went over to the punching bag and started your routine. What you didn’t know, was that someone had accidentally stumbled onto your morning escapades and was impressed.

 Bucky looked onto the new recruit, smiling. He had first seen her the morning after their initiation into the compound, where he had gone down to the gym early to try and burn off a nightmare, to find someone already there. This must have been the recruit that Nat had been talking about, the one that had had her ass handed to her, but still found the strength to challenge Nat. He knew that although she would never admit it, Nat saw herself in that recruit, and wanted to get her through this process. As Nat was in charge of the selection process, she couldn’t pick favourites and help only them. Bucky, however, wasn’t related to the selection process at all, and so he did as much as he could to help you get through. That week, it was just telling Nat that you had been down here, sweating every morning, watching videos and trying to get your technique up. She had visually seen the improvements and had decided to keep you on. Bucky knew though, that this next week was more fight orientated, and that you needed more than the internet to get you through it. So, he took a deep breath, and approached you for the first time in a week.

 “You want to engage your core a little more, try not to throw your shoulders into the punch so much, rotate your entire body.” Okay, Bucky, you could have started with something a little less harsh, the whole getting people to like you thing Sam was talking about.

“I’m sorry, you are?” There was a hardness to your voice, but your face was soft and open. Seeing you up close, he could appreciate the finer details of your face and the subtle movements of the muscles as different emotions intertwined themselves within your features.

“Sorry, Bucky Barnes,” he stuck his hand out to shake, which you hesitantly took after removing a glove, “I want to help you get through to the next round.”

 “Why?” You asked, still looking unsure at Bucky’s face, and then around as if you were looking for other people around him.

 “Let’s say I’m helping a friend out. I’ve seen you here before everyone, and staying after they’ve all left, and I’m impressed. If you want my help, I’m happy to give it to you.”

 You narrowed your eyes at him, and Bucky thought you might turn down his offer, “Isn’t that cheating?”

 He couldn’t help himself but laugh a little, “Darl, this is life, there’s no cheating, only people who find ways to cope and people who don’t.”

 You didn’t respond, and Bucky could see the conflict in your brain as cogs turned. You considered him, and then shrugged, “Okay, engage my core, what else?”

And that was that, your training together started.

⁎⁎⁎

You were beyond sceptical of Bucky and his help. He coached you for an hour, and all the pointers made sense, but you couldn’t help but feel something was off. Why was he being so nice? His excuse didn’t really make any sense, and you didn’t trust someone without motive, because people always had motive and if you didn’t know it, then it’s most likely to be against you. Until you could figure him out, you decided to take all the advice you could get and try and stay in a little longer.

 When you came back from your shower after parting with Bucky, the group of other recruits had gathered early to see the list. There was an uproar and shouting, people mouthing off the system, and you. “She cheated, there’s no way she’s still in.”

“They need to take likeability into these tests.”

 “Diane and Charlie shouldn’t have been the ones to leave.”

 “I saw her with the Winter Soldier just now, trust her to sleep her way to the top.”

 With the last one, you froze, your blood turning cold. This explained Bucky’s motivations, he was not only trying to get you kicked out, but he was going to make your so-called teammates hate you along the way. Maybe he thought if he spread enough rumours about you, you would leave all by yourself. You weren’t going to let that happen. With 15 minutes to go until Romanoff arrived to start that days training session, you backed away from the murmuring people, trying not to let their words get to you, and trying to use the anger that was bubbling up inside of you to build your motivation. It wasn’t until you got into the changing rooms that the anger faded into irrevocable sadness that often lingered behind the emotions that surfaced. Trying to cough out the lump in your throat and looking determinedly at the ceiling, you focused on the good. You were here, you were through, you were improving day-to-day, and you had already proven people wrong. This was your dream, and you were going to get there eventually. Placing the palms of your hands in your eyes, you tried not to think about the deep loneliness that had etched its way into your bones, chilling you from the inside out. You tried not to think about the last time you had been touched that wasn’t violent or pitying. Repeating to yourself like a mantra, you affirmed, “You can sleep when you’re dead, and you can love when you’re finished.”

 “That seems an awfully lonely way of thinking, sweetheart.”

 Bucky’s voice startled you out of your trance, and you got to your feet, only seeing red. This was the man who was trying to sabotage you, spreading lies into the wind to break you down, and you were going to show him exactly what you thought about it.

“How dare you come in here, pretending like you’re not trying to sabotage my career, my life, by telling the world that I was sleeping my way to the top, and you have the audacity to call me sweetheart? Get out of my face, I never want to see you again.”

 “Woah, woah, woah, where has this come from?” You went to storm past him, rolling your eyes to hide the tears that were building again, but he stepped back, gently placing his arm in front of you. “Look, I don’t know where you’ve got all this from, but I promise I would never tell anyone anything that wasn’t true. I haven’t told a soul that I’m going to help you, and I would never make up something as obscene as you were repaying me with sex? I swear on my ma’s grave that whatever you heard; it wasn’t from me.”

 You looked at him calculatingly, trying to read his expression and find any tell-tale tics that he was lying, but his face was relaxed, his eyes open and almost pleading that you believed him. You had no idea why he cared so much, he had known you for all of two hours, and no he was pretending like you had some sort of trust between you? As if reading your mind, he spoke again.

 “Look, I know we don’t know each other but I’ve read your file, I know about you, about your life. You’re smart, and the sort of person we need as an agent here, Nat said so herself. I know she sees herself in you, but she can’t do anything about it so I’m here to help you. I want to help, I promise I would never do something to hurt you, and I will kick the asses of all of the other recruits for spreading shit about you.”

You couldn’t help but give a small smile at this, sniffing away some stray tears that you didn't realise had fallen. He did seem genuine, and everyone knows that there’s always a leap of faith at some point in everyone’s story, maybe yours was with Bucky.

“Is that a smile?” He asked, “I know this is a new age, but damn, it seems like pigs might be flying!” An unwanted laugh escaped your lips, unable to keep it at bay. How on earth had someone been able to cut through your mask so quickly? You blamed the lack of sleep and ignored any other point your brain might come up with. “You should get back to the other recruits, this week is strength and fitness, and if you don’t beat at least 3 people up that climbing wall then I’m making you get up an hour earlier each day this week.”

 He turned to walk out of the door, and as he opened it, he turned back to you, giving an award-winning smile. Were there butterflies in your stomach? Yes. Were you going to ignore them for all eternity? Also yes. Bucky had been in your life all of two hours, he wasn’t going to be the reason you failed, all because you were touch-starved and lonely. Shaking those unwanted feelings out of your head, you braced yourself for the onslaught of accusations that would be thrown at you, but somehow the prospect of facing them seemed a little lighter than they had before.

⁎⁎⁎

Over the course of the week, you and Bucky had spent over 25 and a half hours working together, not that you were counting. An hour and a half of that was on Wednesday, when there had been an unfortunate incident where you broke down and accidentally spilled your guts to Bucky, telling him everything that had ever got to you. You told him about your father never accepting who you were and pushing you into some mould by sending you off to some faraway school. You talked about how you weren’t even sure if this was right for you, and that you chose what to do next by seeing what people said you couldn’t do. Your hopes and fears spilled out, accompanied by too much snot and a slightly bewildered Bucky. To his credit, he comforted you, remaining silent until you had calmed yourself down. Before you had a chance to apologise, Bucky spoke in a collected but soft voice. He opened up too, telling you about his nightmares, about how after Steve left, he felt the pressure to become the hero that everyone expected him to be. You could still hear his voice crack as he laid himself out on the table, just as you had done.

 “After all I did as the Winter Soldier, I struggled with the idea that I could be a hero like everyone else. I felt I didn’t belong, and I pushed away anyone that tried to reach out. Then I realised that you accept the treatment you think you deserve, and you belong where you allow yourself to belong.”

 Through sleep deprivation, pushing yourself through limits and emotional sharing, you two had become closer than you had with anyone before. The butterflies in your stomach turned into smiles when he walked into the room. At night, you found yourself preoccupied with thoughts of him. Of stupid jokes he’d make throughout the sessions, featherlight touches that stayed hot for minutes after he moved and ways in which you could ease his night-time turmoil’s. He had been kind to you when no one else had, and you let him in where no one else could be. He was your light in darkness and the warmth within your veins, and you had a feeling that you were also his.

Although Bucky had eased your self-deprecating thoughts, they still surfaced every now and again. Frustration often triggered them when you struggled to see progress. You knew it had been such a short period of time, but you knew Bucky must be getting frustrated at you too, and you couldn’t deal with his disappointment among everyone else’s. Although he didn’t know, he had become the thing in your life that held you together, and if he left, you were certain you would fall apart.

 This was all whirling around your mind on Saturday afternoon, until Bucky’s voice cut through your thoughts.

 “No!” Bucky shouted at you, “You’re leaving your side exposed, someone can come in here.” He jabbed you and you let out a growl. You had been training for hours, Bucky putting you through your paces after making you get up earlier than usual, and then stay later afterwards. Today seemed to be one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did. You couldn’t seem to get anything right and were getting more irritated by the second.

 “Can’t you see I’m trying!” You yelled back at him, repositioning yourself to try again. As you lunged at him, he stepped you easily.

 “Too obvious, again.”

You rolled your neck to release some tension in your shoulders and tried again. You jumped to the other side, but Bucky pushed one of your shoulders, “Keep balanced!” You ignored him and went in for another punch. “Legs!” He shouted, sweeping at your ankles, making you stumble back into the wall as his arm crossed over your chest, pinning you down. You felt tears brim in your eyes, the overwhelming emotion from the past few months coming to the surface again. You couldn’t breathe past the lump that was stuck in your throat, and looked Bucky defiantly in the eye, daring him to say something else, because he was just like everyone else. He would leave when he realised that you weren’t going anywhere, and you would be left alone again. It was your fault for getting your hopes up. Instead, his face fell, concern lacing his features.

 “I’m so sorry (Y/n), Oh god,” He said softly, releasing you from against the wall, “I’m sorry, I got a little too carried away. Did I hurt you? Are you okay?” He looked up at you, searching your face and brushing some sweaty hair off of your forehead, “I just really want you to get through, I want you to be in this team. Let’s stop for today, yeah? That was too much.”

You looked up at him confused, watching his shaking hands as they moved away from your face with curiosity. His words were a stark contrast to all the other voices of people that had told you that you were too weak, not made for this sort of world, that you couldn’t do it, but those voices rang louder in the back of your head. Before, they had spurred you on, but now you felt like maybe they were right, and you were stupid to try and prove them wrong. Bucky’s intentions resurfaced in your mind again, and you began doubting the friendship you had formed, wondering what he was doing helping you. You shoved him back, trying to fight back the tears that threatened to pour out of your eyes. “Why are you helping me? Is this some joke to you and Romanoff? See how far I go before I break? See how much I believe I have a friend, before realising you were making it up?” Every doubt you had about him was threading itself into your words, trying to hide your feelings deep under insecurities, and hiding those insecurities under anger and spite.

 He looked at you, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open slightly in a small ‘o’ shape. Then his eyebrows furrowed, and he took another step back. He pointed his finger accusatorily at you, “What have I got to do to show you that I mean it? That I care about your outcome? I’ve known you for less than three weeks and you already occupy every space in my brain. I can’t stop thinking about you (Y/n)! And all you can say is that I’m not sincere? Not genuine enough for you? Shock horror, not everyone hates you, some love you, open your goddamn eyes.”

 Bucky’s voice was filled with a mix of passion and anger, his words shaking and his hands falling limp by his side as he finished. His chest was moving up and down heavily and realisation hit you. This wasn’t a one-way street. You had been so caught up in yourself that you failed to see the obvious. The way that Bucky was also getting up at ungodly hours, making training plans, preparing sports drinks and high energy snacks. He had shown you love in a way that you had failed to recognise because you had never been taught to look for it, and now he was pouring his heart out to you and all you could do was stare back at him. You had no idea what to say, what could you reply to that? How could you tell him that you couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him behind, so you tried to kid yourself that it was all nothing? That he was the only thing keeping you going through this? That he was the person to replace your motivations of spite, to motivations of love?

“Kiss me.” Your voice said, sounding small, but Bucky didn’t need telling twice. He pinned you back against the wall and crashed his lips to yours. Your bodies moulded together, and your lips moved against one another. You both trying to express the repressed feelings, you your gratitude, and him his pure intentions. And whilst no fireworks went off, you felt a sigh of relief exit your body as he kissed you. The tension releasing from your shoulders, and the threat of tears subsiding from your eyes. When you finally broke apart, you looked at him, a small smile appeared on his face.

 “Now that, was worth fighting for.”

 “Bucky, I’m sorry,” you tried to say, but he cut you off.

“I know, I am too, I didn’t mean to raise my voice, I’m sorry if I scared you.”

 “No, you shouldn’t apologise, I’m sorry for not appreciating you, you gave me everything I wanted, and I gave attitude back. I never could be scared of you. The only thing I was scared about is that I might fall in love with you, because that’s a terrifying ordeal.”

 He gave you a soft kiss on your forehead. “You showed me you appreciated me in your own way, you talked me through my nightmares, brought two towels because you know I always forget mine and laugh at my jokes no matter how stupid. You embolden the light inside me by encouraging me to be me. Maybe we both need to work on our communication a little more, but we also speak in a language that the other understands, so it’s okay.” You rested your head on his chest, finding solace in the steady beating of his heart and his hands stroking your hair. You could feel his lips moving against your hairline as he spoke again, “Come on, let’s get some food, too much shouting makes me hungry.”

 You couldn’t help but laugh, “Barnes, breathing makes you hungry, you’re an ogre.”

“A sexy ogre that’s going to take you on a date and ask for Nat for special treatment to pass you through the stages, because I am done with early mornings. I will train you in weapons myself at a reasonable hour.”

“That’s definitely cheating.”

“Maybe so, but it’s more fun.”

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