#best spin bike for the money

[thrivefittribe]

Best Spin Bikes under $500: Affordable Options for Home Workouts

Introduction

When it comes to men’s or women’s fitness, spin bikes have become a popular choice for cardio workouts and lower body toning. However, with the average cost of a spin bike being well over $500, many are hesitant to invest in this equipment. Luckily, there are affordable spin bike options available for under $500 that provide an effective and efficient workout experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top spin bikes under $500, along with the important features to consider when selecting a spin bike for home use. We’ll also discuss the benefits of home workouts with spin bikes and provide tips for staying engaged and motivated during your workout sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced spinner, this article will help you find the best spin bike under $500 to fit your needs and budget.

Criteria for Choosing Spin Bikes under $500

When looking for a spin bike under $500, it’s important to consider certain criteria to ensure you get a quality piece of equipment that meets your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a spin bike in this price range:

Resistance Levels: Look for a spin bike that offers multiple resistance levels, as this will allow you to increase the intensity of your workouts over time.

Flywheel Weight: The flywheel is part of the bike that creates resistance and momentum as you pedal. A heavier flywheel provides a smoother and more realistic riding experience.

Adjustability: The spin bike should be adjustable to accommodate your height and body type. Look for a bike with adjustable handlebars and seat, as well as the ability to move the seat forward and backward.

Durability: The spin bike should be made with sturdy materials and be able to withstand regular use. Look for a bike with a steel frame and a weight capacity of at least 250 pounds.

Console Features: While not essential, a console with basic features such as time, distance, and speed can help track your progress.

Top Spin Bikes under $500

Now that we’ve covered the essential criteria for choosing a spin bike under $500, let’s take a look at the top options available on the market:

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike – This spin bike is a popular choice for its durable construction, adjustable resistance levels, and smooth belt-drive system. It has a 49-pound flywheel and can accommodate riders up to 265 pounds. The bike also features adjustable handlebars and a seat for a customized fit.

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JOROTO X1S Indoor Cycling Bike – This spin bike is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly bike that still delivers a quality workout experience. It has a 35-pound flywheel, adjustable resistance levels, and a comfortable seat. The bike can accommodate riders up to 300 pounds and has a sturdy steel frame.

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YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary – This spin bike is a popular choice for its quiet operation and smooth ride. It has a 40-pound flywheel and adjustable resistance levels, as well as a padded seat and adjustable handlebars. The bike can support riders up to 350 pounds and has a steel frame for durability.

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Cyclace Exercise Bike Stationary – This spin bike is a newer option on the market, but has quickly gained popularity for its solid construction and affordable price point. It has a 36-pound flywheel and adjustable resistance levels, as well as a comfortable seat and adjustable handlebars. The bike can support riders up to 330 pounds and has a steel frame.

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pooboo Indoor Cycling Bike – This spin bike is a budget-friendly option with a sturdy steel frame and adjustable resistance levels. It has a 35-pound flywheel and can support riders up to 350 pounds. The bike also features adjustable handlebars and a seat for a customized fit.

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Benefits of Home Workouts with Spin Bikes

There are numerous benefits to incorporating spin bikes into your home workout routine. Here are some of the key advantages:

Convenience: With a spin bike at home, you can exercise whenever you want without leaving the house.

Cost-Effective: As we’ve discussed, there are affordable spin bike options available for under $500. This is a one-time investment that will provide a long-term fitness solution, as opposed to costly gym memberships.

Cardiovascular Health: Spinning is a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that can help improve your heart health and overall fitness level.

Low Impact: Spinning is a low-impact exercise, meaning it puts less stress on your joints than high-impact activities like running.

Customizable: With adjustable resistance levels and seat and handlebar positions, spin bikes can be customized to fit your individual fitness level and body type.

Motivation: Having a spin bike at home can help you stay motivated to exercise regularly.

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Conclusion

Overall, spin bikes are an excellent investment for individuals looking to improve their fitness at home. With affordable options available for under $500, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-intensity cardiovascular workout without having to leave the house. Spin bikes are customizable to fit your individual fitness level and body type, and offer a low-impact alternative to high-impact exercises like running. By incorporating a spin bike into your home workout routine, you can improve your cardiovascular health, burn calories, and stay motivated to exercise regularly. So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and convenient way to improve your fitness level, consider investing in a spin bike for under $500 today!

[luveline]

𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐳, 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐝 | 𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧

Eddie has a staring problem that you barely notice, though you share an aching, awful crush. One of you has to bend first, and it’s not who you’d expect. fem, 5k 

ditzy-ish reader, pining eddie, mutual pining, confessions, first kisses, fluff and hugging, idiots in love, mild states of undress

˚‧꒰ა ✮ ໒꒱‧˚

It’s a day fit for a funeral in Hawkins. Rain hammers his bedroom window like hailstones, plinking against the frame, condensation running down the panes in thick rivulets he soaks up with an old t-shirt. 

It’s supposed to be spring time. Green grass, flowers, a gentle humming sun to warm the back of his neck while he sits out on the couch on the porch, a hand-rolled cigarette between his fingers, the tip shimmering with heat. 

But the rain pours. He’s cleaned his room for the first time in a month, at least, and his back aches in the best way as he lays down amongst fresh sheets. His room feels strange when it’s organised, but he doesn’t mind. He pictures the state of it through a second pair of eyes. This is a boy who cares about things, who takes care of them, who could take care of me, too. 

Rain again rackets on the metal roof above. He and Wayne keep a couple hundred bucks stashed for the day the roof flies straight off —they take turns hiding it, because cars break down and groceries get more expensive every year, but god will they need it, and so they safeguard it well. 

He syphoned a little of the money recently with Wayne’s support. It was for a good cause. 

“Jesus,” Eddie murmurs to himself, not tired but feeling dull as the clouds outside eat the remaining sun. 

It’s depressing to be poor, and to lose a day trying to hide the evidence of an entire life in a small room. He could sleep a hundred years. 

He’s just finished pulling the sheets over his shoulder when somebody knocks on the front door. Wayne opens it three rooms away, the sound of the rain doubled. 

He gives a startling shout, “Ed! Your girl!” 

Eddie topples out of bed. Doesn’t mean to, foot caught in the bottom of the sheets and stuck as he scrambles to slide out of the mess. He’s begged Wayne not to call you that when you’re within earshot, but Wayne’s a mean (kind) old bastard (middle aged dad) who wants Eddie dead (happy, and in love). 

“Come on in, girl. You’re soaking.” 

“It’s raining.” 

“It’s pouring down. Did you walk here?” 

“Took my bike. Thought I’d get struck by lightning in the car.” 

“How’d you figure?” 

Eddie goes to grab the door handle and spins on his heel, staggering onto his bed and up against the wall, where a mirrored tray once used by Dio himself for rolling hangs from the wall. He checks his face in the polished surface, his warped mouth and nose, too small eyes, and swears to himself that one day he’ll get a real mirror with a fully-functioning reflective surface. 

Then he hops down off of the bed, causing a reverberation he knows traverses the entirety of the trailer floor. Eddie snatches a rare clean towel from his laundry chair and speeds down the hall. 

“Hello,” he says, more casual than he feels to find you unexpectedly in his house. “You’re soaked.” 

You give a sweet smile. “It’s raining out, did you not know?” 

Your hair is dripping, water racing down the curves of your face to collect at your chin. Eddie can see the smudges of your makeup where it’s washing off as he wraps a towel around you, kohl on your cheeks, eyelashes turned to half-diamonds and sticky-looking. You grin at being covered, taking the towel from his fingers before he can dab you dry. 

“Why didn’t you just call me?”’

“I can never remember if your phone number ends in three or four.” 

“Seven. I wrote it down for you a hundred times.” 

You rub your eyes and spread all manner of glitter and shadow over your skin. You wipe your neck and the glitter spreads like an alien rash. 

When you talk next, you shiver, “I lost it a hundred times, sorry. Is it okay that I'm here?” 

Wayne, who’s been watching with a distinct sense of amusement from the couch, lets out a chesty laugh. “Honey, it’s always okay that you’re here on my account. And it’s my house.” 

“It’s fine.” Eddie turns your shoulder so he can mouth over it without being caught. Asshole. 

Another laugh follows. Eddie would cut each of his fingers from his hand and then his hand from his wrist if it were something Wayne needed him to do, but that doesn’t make him any less of an opportunistic asshole. If there’s a way to fuck with Eddie, he tends to try it. He loves Eddie with all the tenacity of a father who loves his son, but Wayne got infected with little bitch disease or something and Eddie can’t cure it. 

“Can I please wash my face? I didn’t expect to get soaked.” 

“Didn’t you?” He regrets his flippancy quickly, leading you down the hall. “You could take a shower. What do you think?” 

You’ve never showered here, but Eddie’s trying to, you know, date you. Romance you, get to cherish you, however anyone wants to say it. And it’s not a war of attrition, just a natural escalation of sharing, or a minimising of boundaries. 

No, that’s pervy, isn’t it? 

“I mean–” He starts to correct himself. 

You interrupt with your answer, “Yes, please, do you think I could? But I don’t have anything to wear.”

“I have your purple hoodie in my room, and there’s gotta be a pair of sweatpants here that fit you,” he says. 

They’ve got a whole bunch of clothes here that floated in from somewhere else, Eddie’s other friends or stuff they’ve bought by mistake. He’s sure he can find something.

“You have my hoodie?” you ask, black kohl spreading across the towel as you wipe your cheek. 

Eddie only smelled it one time. When he’d realised you left it in his van he brought it in and folded it, waiting for the next time he’d see you to give it back, but that night he’d been getting out of the shower wondering if he could call you or if that was too soon, and your hoodie had been right there. So he stood there in his pyjama pants with his wet hair and he didn’t think about picking your hoodie up, he just did, and when he pressed it to his face it still smelled of your perfume. 

He put it back and felt like a loser for days.

“It’s in my closet, you left it in the van Monday,” he explains quickly, nudging you through the doorway of the bathroom. 

The Munson bathroom is teeny tiny but not unnavigable. There’s a shower pressed to the far wall that could squeeze in two people, their toilet to the right, a sink basin opposite that with a medicine cabinet and just enough room for a dirty laundry box that’s always, always full. 

Eddie opens the shower and turns it on. “It takes a while to get really hot but then it’s not hot for long, sorry. There’s my shampoo if you want it, and soap, and body wash. Sorry, none of it is super girly.” 

“Sorry sorry,” you say, pretending to hit him in the stomach. “What’s with all the sorries, handsome? I can’t wait to smell like a boy.” 

The way you say it. Eddie doesn’t know what it is, but it’s why he’s crazy about you. 

Probably shouldn’t tell you that as you're taking off your jacket, though. 

“I’ll be right back,” he says. 

Eddie heads out of the bathroom to their skinny linen cabinet hidden in the hallway. He grabs the last two towels from the middle shelf and takes pause, fabric starchy in his hands. Just be normal, he thinks, a pep talk from Eddie to Eddie. She hangs out with you all the time for a reason. She held your hand at the movies. 

Eddie’s in better spirits when he remembers that. Your hand in his, your ring pushing his ring further down his finger, your cheek touching his shoulder as you’d leaned in and asked if he wanted some of your popcorn. 

He opens the door without thinking, shower pattering against the perspex wall, your legs crossing tightly as he enters, turning yourself away from him.

“Woah!” you say, laughing.

“Holy crap.” The image of your red underwear immediately stamps itself into his mind as he pulls the door shut between you. They were really cute, red and white gingham, showcasing just the slightest curve of your– “I told you I was coming back!” 

“I thought you’d knock!” you laugh. “Sorry I flashed you. At least I had my shirt on.” 

At least, he thinks wryly, shoving his arm through the gap in the door, heavy towels pulling at his fingers. His head’s about to snap off, it's turned so far away from the door’s opening. “Here.” 

“If you wanna see me naked so bad you can just ask,” you tease. 

“Take the towels, loser.” 

You take the towels and he closes the door, preventing any more accidental creeping, and giving himself a reprieve. Gingham underwear. Wavy lettuce edgings kissing your skin. 

Holy fuck. Being a person is so lame, Eddie thinks. He wants to have a crush on you purely, and yet seeing the way you’d crossed your legs to hide from him, smiling, he can’t not think about kissing you —touching you. If he doesn’t get you laid out in his bed soon for some slow kissing he’s not gonna make it.

Eddie opens the strip vent above his window and prays it doesn’t flood his whole room. Clean, it doesn’t look half bad, he could bring you in here respectfully, you could stay the night without fearing for your life. 

You take a quick shower. He’s barely gotten over his nerves when you’re walking into his room, a towel around you, not a hint of shyness about you. 

“You didn’t bring me anything to wear,” you explain. 

Eddie just stares at you. 

“Eddie?” You wrap the towel tighter. “Come on, you’re staring at me.”

“Sorry.” His mouth is bone dry. 

“You have my hoodie, right? Just need some pants.” You cross your arm tightly across your chest. “I don’t usually notice when people are staring at me.”

“You aren’t usually naked in my room,” he says, genuinely and embarrassingly apologetic. 

“I’m not naked. Come on, please? Do I have to wait outside the door?” you ask with a laugh. 

Eddie stands up. Shakes his head hard, almost trips over himself trying to get to his dresser. He decides honesty will be best at this point, lest you think he has only one thing on his mind, “Listen, I’m sorry. I’m just in my head about something and I wasn’t expecting you to come out like that. It’s not right. You’re just… you’re really pretty.” 

“Thank you.” He can’t see you, sorting quickly through his middle drawer and all his miscellaneous pants for a pair he’s sure would fit, if he could just remember where it was. “What are you in your head about?” 

“What?” 

“Eddie, are you okay?” 

“No, no,” he moans, rubbing his face with his hand, ring scratching the bridge of his nose, “I’m not okay, princess, I’m overheating or something, Jesus Christ.” He finally lays eyes on the sweatpants he’d been thinking of, grabs your hoodie from the top shelf and drops them both at the end of the bed. “I’ll give you some privacy.” 

“I don’t have any underwear.” 

“And that’s something I can’t fix,” he says, leaving the room in a hurry. 

Eddie gets to the living room and keels over. His hair falls in his face, his shirt slides down his back. What the fuck is wrong with him? 

Wayne, sliding his shoes on in the recliner, gives a start. “What’s wrong?”

Eddie lifts his head, yanking hair from his face, the skin of his under eyes pulled down harshly. “Oh my god.”

Wayne wrinkles his nose. 

“No ones ever been such a pathetic excuse for a man before,” Eddie says. 

“Your dad’s in jail,” Wayne points out. “And not for the impressive stuff.”

“I’m pathetic.” 

“You’re fine. You’re not supposed to be not pathetic, you’re twenty.” 

“I’m twenty one.” 

“The extra year doesn’t mean much. I know you think you’re all grown up, but you’re still an idiot.” 

Wayne stands and shrugs on the jacket laying over the armrest. 

“Wait, where are you going?” 

“I thought you were definitely gonna ask her?” Wayne asks knowingly. That’s what Eddie told him, after all. “Next time I see her, Wayne, I’m asking her to go steady.” 

Eddie shakes his head. “You can’t leave.” 

“Eddie.” Wayne gestures for Eddie to stop slouching like some fiend from a bad horror. “Listen. I get that you’ve always been sort of… behind everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. She likes you. She biked here in a hurricane.”

“What if she says no?” he asks. 

Truthfully, Eddie’s more scared of you saying yes. 

Wayne shrugs. “Girl like that’ll still be your friend after. It’ll be fine, okay? Do you need a hug before I go?” 

“No.” Eddie rubs his eyes some more, sore now from being touched. “Maybe.” 

Wayne crosses the room to give his shoulder a squeeze. “It will be fine. You’re great with rejection, Eds, but I have a good feeling about this one.” 

Eddie felt better about it, before he embarrassed himself staring at you. But Wayne’s right, even if Eddie’s read things wrong between you, he’s sure you’ll still want to be his friend. You and Eddie are the same kind of weird, though he’s more angry where you’re carefree. If everything goes wrong, you’ll probably just give an unnecessary apology and offer to braid his hair. Which will be torture, but Eddie’ll still say yes.

Wayne calls goodbye, and you shout, “Bye, Mr. Munson!” to which Wayne wiggles his eyebrows. 

“Get lost,” Eddie says. 

“Go make her a drink. I’ll see you later.” 

That’s not a bad idea. Eddie makes you a mix of orange and grapefruit juice with a couple of ice cubes and a plastic straw, your reaction predicted and then proved. 

“It’s a cocktail,” you say, pleased, sitting on the side of his bed. 

“It’s not a cocktail, just juice.” 

“Can I have some socks, please, Eddie?” 

Eddie passes you your drink, fingertips brushing. “Yeah. Anything else?” He pretends to be exhausted as he trudges back over to his dresser. 

You laugh and sip your drink. “No, I think you’re treating me quite well.” 

Eddie grabs a random pair and finally gets to sit down beside you, the dresser drawer left out, a spare sock fallen to the floor. You shuffle back into his pillows, propping your juice on his side table, and holding your hands out for the socks. Again, your fingertips touch his as he passes them to you. You seem to enjoy it, a smile lighting your face as you pull your knees up to put the socks on. 

“Thank you for waiting on me,” you say quietly. Not shyly, just quiet. 

“You’re welcome. Came all this way to see me, didn’t you?” He gives you a shove. You shuffle back further. “In the pouring rain.” 

“It felt important at the time.” 

“Yeah?” 

You get the socks on and don’t care about them once they're past your heels. Eddie does the honour of smoothing out the bands so that the elastic won’t dig into your skin, and when he’s done he can feel you looking at him heavily. You’re not one for continued eye contact, but you smile like you were waiting for it all day, like it’s a relief to see him. 

“Bad weather,” you say, slouching down. “I think I’m still wet on the inside.” 

“Gross,” Eddie says, pushing you over bodily to sit beside you. This isn’t new, he doesn’t need any nerves, and he’s grateful when they don’t come. “Here, I’ll pull the blanket over you.” 

“Can’t move,” you say, leaning back against the pillows.

Eddie stretches his legs out. You keep yours up, but you turn to his side, and before he can really make any sense of you, you’re dropping your face into his shoulder. 

“Are you still cold?” he asks, searching for the truth in your strange comment. 

You nod into his shoulder. “I’m freezing. The shower didn’t get very hot.” 

“Sorry,” he says, letting his cheek rest on your head. 

You lift your chin as he does it, his lashes pressed to your forehead, the two of you stuck together like two warped jigsaw pieces. You probably weren’t made to be together, but you make a nice picture, and you fit snugly now. That’s what Eddie thinks. 

This is the sort of moment that makes Eddie wanna ask you out. Maybe you’re just the best friend he’s ever had, but something about this closeness feels different. You wrap your arm around his stomach in a hug and he knows this is different. 

“It’s okay,” you say finally, sighing as you shift downward into his side, getting comfortable. 

“Please don’t bike here in the rain. It’s, like, torrential. You could actually get sick.” 

You feel warm where your body presses against his, but Eddie doubts that’ll make a difference if the cold already made you sick. The bike ride from your place to his isn't short. He covers your arm with his and tries to be your space heater, cheek sliding over your forehead. 

“Eddie…” You hug him with tenderness. Eddie’s reluctant to say cuddle, but it’s close. “This might be a surprise to you, but I think it’s worth the rain and the cold to see you. Especially when you do this.” 

“What am I doing?” 

“You’re rubbing my arm.” 

He hadn’t noticed his hand caressing up and down your arm where it rests on his stomach. 

“You make me feel amazing,” you say, dropping your face into his chest. 

That’s his last straw. Eddie gets both arms around you and cuddles you (it’s a cuddle, okay! he’s a loser!) to him, arms tight but not cruel. All this fuss and you’re finally laying on top of him. He decides he won’t ask you after all. He’s not that brave, and he doesn’t want this to end. 

Your legs fall onto him. You relax completely. Even after you shower he can smell your perfume. 

“You smell nice,” he murmurs. 

“It’s on my hoodie,” you murmur back. 

Right. Eddie should remember. 

“You make everything smell like you.” Even his van keeps your scent most days. 

“Too much?” 

“The right amount,” he says firmly. 

You lay on his chest for a while, just breathing. Eddie rubs your back, tells himself he will ask, actually, because he can’t imagine not getting to do this again. You might even stay over. He could live hours of this. He didn’t know having you lay on him could make him feel like this. 

He can’t believe you’ve never done it before. 

Rain pounds the window. Condensation drips down onto the sill. You let your legs stretch out flat and then manoeuvre to be laying half atop him, hoodie riding up your back. 

“Any warmer now?” he asks.

“Yeah, you’re warming me up.” You lavish in his arms for a moment, and then lift your face. “Oh, this is a bad angle.” 

“For me or you?” 

“For me, duh.” 

Eddie doesn’t think you could have a bad angle. He rubs at your upper arm as you start to shift. “You know, your bike has just as big a chance of getting hit by lightning as your car does. More, probably.” 

“You think so?” 

“It’s physics. So, please don’t do it again.” 

You hum. “Hm, should I risk getting struck by lightning, or spend the evening without you?” you murmur, your arm moving, moving slowly, your hand resting gently on the column of his neck. There’s something ironic in your voice, wry, but your eyes are warm. He’s paralysed. No one has ever spoken to him like you. “I think I’d rather get struck by lightning.” 

You stare at one another. He laughs. You join in, your thumb a pressure at his neck, and when you move up his chest to lean in, he isn’t expecting it. 

“We’re very close together,” you whisper. 

“Super close,” he whispers back. 

“…Eddie, can I ask you something?” Your eyes slip shut, your lips so close that something in him aches, just enough wit about him to cup your shoulders in his forearm. 

“Yeah.” 

He doesn’t sound half as calm as you do. 

“Would you… Do you think we could be official? Would you want that?” You tilt your head to the side. “Is that stupid?” 

“Official?” he asks, panicked, his eyes squeezed shut hard enough for a moment that they ache.

“Like, you’d be my boyfriend. I’d be your girlfriend. We’d be close like this all the time.” 

Eddie panics so hard he just says the first thing that comes into his head, “Like, we’d kiss?” 

“I hope so,” you say, your nose pressing against his, the tip to the side of his, and then against his nostril. The heat of your breath is hard to ignore. “What do you think?” 

What does Eddie think about it? 

He catches your lips in a slow kiss. Achingly slow, not even sure it’s a kiss until you reciprocate, and your fingers dig behind his neck to tease his hair. Your lips part against his, the heat of your tongue sudden and undeniable —Eddie didn’t know you had it in you. He squeezes you to him, attempting to crane his neck downward, reliant on your enthusiasm as you move up, as you use his neck to pull yourself closer. 

Your noses crush together, and it actually hurts. “Sorry,” he says, easing you back, “you okay?” 

“‘Nother kiss,” you say hopefully, distractedly. 

He can’t not give it to you. 

Your hand spreads flat against his chest and you kiss, you kiss, long and slow movements against him before turning your head to take it again. Eddie doesn’t always know what to do with himself, but he knows kissing, no matter what anybody might think about him, and he takes the lead. 

His hand screws into a fist against your hoodie, the slip of your back further exposed as you shiver into his mouth, a sound you shouldn’t make sweet on his tongue. 

You pull away, breath on his lips. “Wanted you to kiss me for so long,” you murmur. 

Eddie knows you’re not saying it to flirt, and that makes it worse. 

“I should’ve kissed you a long time ago,” he says roughly. 

“You wanted to?” 

“Yeah. Yeah, so much, I’m a loser about you–”

“I’m always a loser,” you interrupt, “but especially about you.” 

You scratch your fingers through his hair, encouraging his head down for another kiss. This one rougher but not rough, his arm slips finally behind your head where he’d needed it to be, hooking you in his elbow to keep you in one place. To kiss you soundly, without interruption. Your almost feverish ebbing inward is a dream, your nose rubbing up against his is a fantasy. 

His heart hammers and hammers at his ribs. 

You pull away to let him breathe. “You’re very excited,” you tease lightly. 

Eddie kisses you, breathless. He kisses you so much he’s surprised you allow it, but your thumb rubs his cheek, and he knows he’d been right all along. You want him like he wants you, with startling, mildly pathetic urgency. 

He feels like a fucking prince. Girl of his dreams in his lap, everything he wants, and he didn’t even have to ask. 

—

Eddie spends a week in bliss. You’re suddenly everywhere, all the time, attached to his hip or some other part of him, and he forgets for seven whole days that he bought you a ring. 

The rain dries up, the Munson emergency fund lives to die another day, and he remembers the ring only minutes before you’re knocking at his door. 

He trips over himself trying to answer it before Wayne, who’s taken to being as painfully embarrassing as is possible for one human being, can get it for him. 

“One day you’re gonna eat shit and break your nose,” Wayne says. 

Eddie yanks open the door. “Yeah, thanks. Hey, beautiful, what’s with the sunglasses?” 

You slide them down your nose. You’re a vision on his front step, not that you’d ever notice your own intrigue. “The sunglasses?” you ask, tucking them away. “What do you think they’re for? Three guesses.” 

He grabs your waist, leaning down out of the doorway so as to save Wayne the agony. “That’s smart,” he says, kissing you quickly in hello. “You’re funny. Need anything before we go?” 

“No, I’m okay. Hi, Mr. Munson!” you add.

“Hey, honey! How are you?” Wayne calls.

You look up into Eddie’s face with an obvious delight. “I’ve never been better.” 

Eddie grins back. 

He waves a quick goodbye to Wayne and then he’s out the door. You grab his wrist and practically dance him to the car, where you offer your keys, and he deigns to drive. From there it’s smooth sailing, familiarity with a better twist, Eddie driving with the windows down and your hands twined on your thigh. Things haven’t changed much since you asked him to go steady, there’s just a whole lot more of this. Touching, kissing, no weird guilt about staring. 

As it turns out, you’re as eager to be laid out in his bed as he is to lay you out. He’s never wanted to kiss you more, and now he’s allowed. 

“Eyes on the road.” 

He leans over to kiss your cheek. The sun has warmed your skin, and his kiss makes you smile. You look pretty no matter the weather. 

“Before we get there, I have something to give you.” He takes his hand from yours to slide the box from his pocket. He holds it up. “But you can only have it if you swear you’ll call me tonight before bed. No excuses. You know exactly what number to call.” 

��Ends with a three,” you say, nodding. 

He sighs. “No, it does not.” 

“I’m kidding! Two one nine seven, I have now committed it to memory.” 

Eddie pays attention to the road, though it’s clear and long heading out of the trailer park and into town. “That deserves a gift.” 

You’re back in your glitters today, a skirt to enjoy the fine weather, a button shirt with a cute triangle collar, you’re lovely as ever, if a tad much for some. Not Eddie. He loves the dark clothes, the tinkling bracelets, the fun way you smile like everything he says is a secret between him and you. People stare wherever you and Eddie go, but as long your arm is sewn through his he couldn’t care less. 

“A gift,” you say, smiling in your way, and taking the box politely. “I don’t think I deserve it for just remembering your number.” 

“You deserved it for less. It’s not much. You can pay me back in three or four amazing kisses. Right here.” He points to the tight juncture beneath his jaw. 

You attempt to lean over and kiss him immediately. He pushes you back, laughing, worsened by your own breathless laughter as you steal one exactly where he’d tapped. 

You settle back down, Eddie’s hand dropping kindly to your knee. “I wonder what it is,” you say. 

“Then open it.” 

“I am!” You pop the box open, it’s springing hinge snapping into place. “Oh, woah. Woah. Where did you get this?” 

It’s a slim ring, with a weirdly shaped band of quality metal around some cheaper but not totally worthless gemstones, of which there are three different colours: a topaz orange, a lime green, and a pinky-red ruby colour centre stage. They have nice cuts. It’s strange as you are, and he knew when he saw it you’d have to have it. 

“If I put it on my marriage finger, are we engaged?” you tease. 

“That one would be way heavier,” he says, giving you a squeeze. 

You slide it onto your middle finger and hold your hand up in the sunshine. It fits in with your other ring nicely, though it is, to Eddie’s pride, far prettier. 

He has half a mind to pull over and kiss each knuckle, but he’s trying to be less dramatic about you. It’s not working. 

“Thank you, Eddie. I love it.” 

“Best boyfriend ever?” he asks hopefully. 

To his mild fear but better pleasure, you climb up onto the console to press three quick kisses to his cheek and jaw, your hand under his ear holding him in tender place. “Best boyfriend ever. Even if you stare too much.” 

“How am I supposed to not?” he asks, with more weight than he’s intended. 

You speak matter of factly for the first time in your life. “I am going to cause an accident,” you promise, attempting to kiss his nose. “A bad one.” 

“Sit down, please.” He lets you kiss his nose, and then jabs you in the side. “Sit down, oh my god! That’s not funny, you’re so pretty I will total your car.” 

“Now who’s not funny?” 

You both laugh at the same time, the unfiltered, un-cute cackling of two idiots with the same sense of humour, and the same wealth of ridiculous honeymoon love. 

˚‧꒰ა ✮ ໒꒱‧˚

thank you so much for reading!! I hope you enjoyed. if you did, please consider reblogging or commenting!! thanks very much <3

[cherryberry-sugarandspice]

Magneto As A Loving Husband

Erik Magnus Lehnsherr would be the world's best husband. He's dedicated, loving, and his family is his entire world. Before he discovered his magnetic powers, I've seen how Magda and Anya meant so much to him. So, these are just my head canons of him as a loving husband and father <3

The moment Erik laid his eyes on you, he forgot how to breathe. He couldn't believe someone so beautiful exists. He didn't think it was possible, except it was, because you exist. He was immediately smitten and after a couple years of dating, you two were married.

Erik is a bit of a old school man. He prefers for you to stay at home while he works and brings home the money. He'd want you to spend the money he made, because he works hard for his wife to live comfortably and he wants to spoil you.

Date nights almost every night (before having kids). He'll take you out for a nightly stroll, his arm wrapped around your waist and you two will have to take breaks so he could drown you in kisses and compliments. He'll save up his money to take you out to an expensive restaurant and buy you your favorite jewelry and a beautiful new dress for you to wear. Seeing your beauty makes him fall in love all over again.

Erik found you beautiful no matter what. Whether you're snoring loudly, drool trickling down your chin, one eye lid half open or dressed up for him- you're a sight to behold. He could stare at you for hours and never get enough. He fears of forgetting how beautiful you are.

Erik is the type of man to surprise you with breakfast in bed. He'll make you your favorite breakfast, a fresh cup of brewed coffee, and carry the tray to the bedroom to surprise you. He'll brush his knuckles along your cheek, whispering how beautiful you are. He loves you so much.

He'll write you poems declaring his undying love. Paint your image on a canvas to hang up on the wall. Surprise you with gifts and flowers and chocolates. His heart is yours and yours alone.

The moment he returns from work Erik is in search of you. He wraps his arms around your waist and sways you from side to side, face buried in the crook of your neck. He murmurs how much he's missed you and hates that he has to be away from you, his loving wife that he adores so much and wouldn't change a thing about you.

You fall pregnant? Oh, he's the happiest man on the world! He'll pick you up and spin you around, tears in his eyes as he exclaims how happy he is. Erik is attacking you with his lips, kissing you all over your face and neck and than dropping down to his knees to kiss you all over your stomach. He wraps his arms around your waist and refuses to let go, his smile never wavering.

During your nine months of pregnancy, he's the most supportive husband. Wakes up at 2am to retrieve whatever foods you're craving. Massage your swollen ankles. Attend every doctor appointment. Build the crib and dressers. Help paint the walls and decorate the nursery. Builds you the most comfortable rocking chair for you to sit on.

He never leaves your side during labor. He didn't care how long it took. You needed him and he was there. Erik cried when your first child was born and he couldn't stop praising and thanking you. You demanded the world's greasiest burger (since you couldn't eat while in labor) and he got you whatever you wanted.

Erik is the best father to all of your children. He's attentive, he tries to make it to school events straight after work or tries to work around his schedule. Teaches the children how to ride a bike. Plays catch. He listens to them ramble on about school and what games they played at recess. Helps them with their homework. He has a bad habit of spoiling his children and giving in to whatever they demand. They already have so many toys and he knows he shouldn't buy them anymore, but he can't bring himself to tell them no. They're his babies and it's his duty as a father to spoil his babies.

Every day before leaving for work, he'll help you get the kids ready for school and give them hugs before he leaves. Erik will hug you and hold you in his arms for a moment, cheek pressed against your forehead as he mumbles how much he loves and adores you and thanking you for making him a father. He wouldn't know what to do without his family.

His family means the world to him. He'll die for his family. He loves going out on family outings. Vacations. Family photos to print and frame on the walls. Everything he does, everything he sacrifices, it's for them. To ensure his wife and children live happy and comfortably.

[leveloneandup]

U.S. Soccer World Champion Tobin Heath on Her Love of Cycling

What happens when a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time FIFA World Cup Champion, and U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team member decides to take up cycling? For one thing, the spandex really throw her off at first.

But that didn’t stop Tobin Heath from falling in love with life on two wheels, first at the spin studio rehabbing an injury, then on the roads around Los Angeles, and finally, riding around with the Canyon//SRAM team as they did a reconnaissance ride of stage two of the Tour de France Femmes. She even hosted interviews with pros like Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma with Strava during the Tour.

We wanted to hear how Heath found herself fully committed to the bike life, what she learned from the pros, and how she believes that the more we watch women's bike racing, the better on the bike we can become. Here are her top tips when it comes to getting started with cycling.

Ride With Others

“Until I did the ride with Canyon//SRAM, I had done most of my riding alone,” Heath says. “I realized on that ride that it’s amazing to just feel like part of a team. I play a team sport, obviously, so I’m used to putting on the uniform and getting into that team setting, so even putting on the team kit felt really natural for me. I do think it helps you become a better rider when you can ride with other people—and they don’t have to be pros.”

Try Before You Buy

Buying your first bike can be incredibly intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what kind of riding you really want to do. Road? Gravel? Mountain bike? Basic commuting around town? It may be helpful to borrow a bike from a similar-sized friend, hit up demo days at local bike shops, or even spend the money to rent a couple of different bikes to test out what type of biking feels fun to you.

That’s what Heath did: When she decided to try riding outside, she asked a friend if she could borrow her gravel bike to test out in the mountains around Santa Monica, California.

A few rides later, and she was hooked—but she was happy she tested the bike before committing. “It’s an expensive sport and the gear is really intense when you first get started!” she says. “I was thankful that I was able to test it out before I fully bought in.”

Find Your Local Community

“That’s one of the most special parts about cycling: the community,” Heath says. “It’s such a community-focused sport. In Los Angeles, there are so many clubs and groups and rides that you can jump into and meet new people if you don’t already know other cyclists, and even if you don’t always want to ride with a group, it’s a great way to get started since you can find out about the best spots to ride and ask tons of questions.”

While she’s not sticking to any specific training plan or considering turning pro on the bike anytime soon, Heath now rides a few times a week, mixing indoor and outdoor rides, as well as solo and group rides depending on her hectic travel schedule.

Ride Outside

While Heath started riding indoors as a way to rehab a soccer injury, she fell in love with cycling when she got outside. “Getting outdoors that just was the game changer,” she says. “I remember the first time I came home from a three-hour ride in the mountains, and my partner was just like, ‘I haven’t seen you look that happy in a long time.’ That feeling of freedom was just something that I couldn’t get from riding inside.”

Buy a Chamois

New cyclists may feel a little sheepish donning a full spandex kit, but Heath is here to tell you that it is a game-changer. “It’s so funny, I remember looking at other people wearing cycling kits and thinking it was really silly to wear that if you’re not a pro. I just assumed it wasn’t necessary. And then I got a cycling kit and I understood,” Heath laughs. “Wearing the kit obviously is super functional when you’re riding, so you can put stuff in your jersey pockets and the saddle is much more comfortable with the padded shorts—you wouldn’t survive a long ride without it—but it also changed the way I saw myself as a cyclist. It makes you feel fast.”

Share Your Progress

Your journey matters more than you think. Heath has become a big fan of Strava in recent months—it serves as an online version of a community, allows you to track your own progress on the bike, and lets you see how people similar to you (or the top pros) are training.

“When I started riding, I was so inspired by seeing what other riders were doing,” she says. “I find that if you see it, you want to do it. And I love seeing all different levels of riders sharing what they’re doing, because I think that helps motivate even more people. A lot of people, especially women, will see what the pros are doing and feel like it’s not achievable, because they can’t visualize themselves training like that. But if they can see someone who looks like them posting rides, they see that it’s possible.”

Watch Women’s Cycling to Get Better

While watching a race like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is simply fun and entertaining, you can also watch it for some valuable tips, says Heath. Look closely at how the riders set themselves up to take a corner smoothly, or how close they’re drafting each other. Check out how they’re positioning their bodies to maximize power output on the climbs.

While you may not be as vast as Vollering or Niewiadoma, you can still learn a lot from them. “Not only is it going to inspire you to go out and ride, you’re going to learn a lot about cycling just by being a fan of the sport,” Heath says.

Seriously, Ride With Friends

“When I first started, the women I knew who rode were serious riders,” says Heath. “They kept inviting me out to ride, and I would say, ‘No, I’m not ready yet.’ But I was ready and they absolutely would have made space for me even if I wasn’t as fast. Cycling is super inclusive if you want to be part of a community. And if the worst case is that you’re left behind on a hill, who cares? Even if you start a ride with friends and split up part way through, it’s much more fun and you really do get better when you have those other women around you.”

[s0fter-sin]

soap and ghost work out together and the second they enter the gym, ghost knows his sergeant’s in a mood. he’s got a comment for everything; poking at ghost’s form and his entire routine, shamelessly checking him out in the mirrors and practically ignoring his own work out until he gets to the weight bench.

soap plops himself on ghost’s hips with a paper-thin excuse of playing his spotter and chats shit about how much he’s lifting for his entire set. “that the best you got?”, “thought you were here for a workout, lt.”, “careful, lookin’ a lil’ shaky there, sir,” until ghost finally sets the bar back on the rack and orders him to switch places.

soap settles under the bar, ghost sitting heavy and imposing on his hips as he looks down at him. he doesn’t look taunting or irritated, he’s blanker than ever and soap just smirks back and lifts the bar.

and fuck is it heavy, more than he ever lifts, but soap’s always put his money where his mouth is and he refuses to put it back up until he gets at least ten reps in. he’s pushing to hide the shake in his arms as the set crawls by, huffing out harsh breaths with every rep, face steadily turning red.

ghost doesn’t say a word, doesn’t even blink as he gets to seven, to eight, to nine-

until the final rep where he crosses his arms over the bar and holds it down.

soap’s eyes widen as he rushes to adjust to the new weight, hands almost slipping as he scrambles to find the new balance point. “christ, lt., what the fuck?” he grunts, the shake in his arms growing worse by the second.

“finish the set, sergeant,” ghost orders, expectant apathy in his voice as he leans heavier on the bar.

he locks his elbows as they attempt to buckle but he can’t move it any higher. “’m fuckin’ tryin’,” he grits out.

he just shakes his head. “i don’t want you to try,” he dismisses. “i want you to lift it.”

sweat pours down soap’s face, panting as he fights against the weight. “ghost-”

ghost stands, pushing down harder as he towers over the bar to get into soap’s face. “lift the fucking bar, sergeant,” he growls.

soap screams as he shoves against ghost’s weight with everything he has until the bar finally slips over the edges of the rack, the entire bench rocking with the force of it settling into place.

his arms flop uselessly back down, hanging either side of the bench completely numb as he pants, too breathless to think as his head spins and his cock throbs.

ghost just pats his reddened cheek as he slings his leg off him and heads over to the exercise bikes; not even sparing a glance at him as he throws out, “‘atta boy, johnny.”

[themonotonysyndrome]

Shaw Pack headcanons, except it's actually involved the rest of the Wolves

Because they deserve the love & spotlight too and I'm tired of seeing headcanons just about the cash cows 😤

-

Brooker

Surname: Montrose

Freestyle with acoustic guitars like a pro, though he only feels comfortable playing either in private or around those closest to him.

Always get confused by outsiders with Brooks. He took it in stride.

Nearly choked on golden mushrooms once and was saved by Christian and Linda. They never let him forget it.

After the Inversion, he continues working with Shaw Security to keep an eye on Miguel and ensure he's ok.)

Is romantically seeing a Misery Demon after his grief attracted him. At first, they made a deal: He allowed the Demon to feed from him and in return, the Demon taught him a healthy coping mechanism and introduced him to several therapists. They got closer after that.

Once it's official, he brings his new boyfriend over during Thanksgiving and introduces him to Christian and a few others, although not the entire Pack.

He's one of the wolves that bullied Milo and thinks that Asher is unsuited to be Beta. But after seeing Asher gift Christian the watch and them slowly mending bridges and how the Inversion went down, he became the second one to step forward, apologised to Milo, and accept Asher as Beta.

Has no idea what Darlin's issues are. He tried reaching out to Darlin' when they were teenagers, only to be rebuffed constantly. Getting the message, he left them well alone. He still does so after learning about the whole Quinn thing, not wanting to be involved in their dangerous drama.

Leshaun

Surname: Vance

Has a raspy, sexy growly voice whenever he speaks or sings! (Think Steven Rodriguez) If Brooker plays the guitar, expect him to sing on the fly.

Linda wants him and Brooker to perform during her wedding.

Aro-Ace, though, gives the best love advice.

Always consult with Christian first about anything that might involve the Pack before going to David because he sees him more as an Alpha first than a friend.

Instead of dipping hot French fries into his vanilla sundae, he dumps them all into the bowl of ice cream and eats them with a fork.

A damn good cook that can give David a run for his money.

Loves off-road dirt biking. He'll race with a shifted Linda, Arden and Kelsey sometimes.

As a teenager, he had a crush on William Solaire, and whenever his soccer practice ended late in the evening, he'd make a stop at a cafe, hoping to see him again. He grew out of it eventually.

After the Inversion, he quit working for David and took some time to heal before working with the Department.

His favourite sparring partner was Amanda, and he helped her move her stuff to South Dakota in Christian's stead.

Understand Gen Z lingo from scrolling through TikTok. Fear him.

Very much into retail therapy and tend to buy basketball shoes.

Linda

Surname: Matvienko

Her father is Ukrainian, while her mother is American. She can curse you out in both languages until your head is spinning.

Her family joined the Pack when she was a toddler.

The best tracker in the Pack, as her nose is sensitive even in human form.

Wears a small diamond bracelet that she has saved up for years. The only jewellery she has.

Has a collection of Ukrainian books that she loans to Brooks.

As a wolf, her coat is lighter in colour, and that makes it hard for her to hide and blend it. Amanda, Kelsey and Arden like to ambush her.

After the Inversion, David told Angel that she had told him she was undecided about remaining working for Shaw Security, but he suspected that she actually had; she just didn't know how to tell him.

Her confidence shakes after the Inversion until she meets someone - a visiting Old Blood who came to Dahlia for the Summit.

They met and hit it off right away.

He helped her regain her lost confidence, and she helped him recover the simple joys in life.

They eventually got engaged, and that's why she decided to leave the security gig.

She announced it in the Pack's group chat, but it was quickly drowned by Darlin's text, stating that they were bringing Sam over for the Solstice party, and then Asher and Angel started teasing them.

It's alright, though. Christian, Arden, and the other wolves close to her threw a celebration and got to know the new Vampire House.

Although she's being treated as the queen she is, she now works as a security consultant for her fiance's clan.

Their wedding would be a small one at the beach at night, attended by a few wolves and Vampires.

David only realises she's married when William makes an offhanded comment that an Old Blood constantly returns to Dahlia with a wolf spouse.

Miguel

Surname: Romero Iglesias

His family came from Argentina, and he joined the Shaw Pack when he was a pre-teen.

Can't stand the cold, so he very rarely attends the Pack's Winter Solstice party and instead treats himself to a little vacation somewhere warm. Christian keeps him informed, though.

A good marksman since he enjoys spending time at the shooting range. Has an impressive collection of guns in his locked basement. He's thinking of creating a Youtube channel about it.

Always has to recharge his social battery before attending a Pack event because he gets uncomfortable among large, noisy crowds and Asher. The Inversion was utter hell for him.

After the Inversion, David mentioned that while he's still working for Shaw Security, he's more active in the administrative field, which suits him just fine.

He and Christian were classmates together and was the first one to know that he and Amanda were sleeping together. He had hoped that they would be mates because she made him happy.

Speaking of Christian, he understands that he's painfully awkward when conveying emotions and would check him if he's becoming too much of an asshole. He feels guilty that he couldn't stop him from bullying Milo. He apologises to him, nonetheless.

Can't seem to hold a romantic relationship for more than 2 months so he has FWB outside of the Pack instead.

A homebody so his friends would hang out at his place whenever he takes leaves from work. They would watch movies and just drink beer and crash for the night.

A smooth talker when drunk.

Doesn't hate Sam but thinks he's standoffish. He would nod and greet him, but that's about it.

Brooks

Surname: Solace

He is a natural heartbreaker among men and women, though he never cheats on any of the relationships he's been with.

He has the highest body count in the Pack, lol.

Milo likes to think that he's the best-dressed wolf in the Pack, not knowing that Brooks is way ahead of the game. He just lets Milo keep the title because...

"Have you seen Milo? He's pretty proud of wearing that combo today - silver tie with red blazer. He keeps telling Asher that it's the rage among men's fashion this month. Does he know 'cause you wore it for Vogue magazine?"

"Probably not but hey, he looks adorable strutting for that Stealth. Anyway, you're coming to Paris with your Vamp this weekend, Lins?"

After the Inversion, he quit the security gig and got snapped up by an unempowered modeling agency. He's enjoying it so far.

Because of the nature of his job, he constantly travels in and out of Dahlia and often skips Pack events.

Also, he's one of the wolves that bullied Milo and thinks that Asher is unsuited to be Beta. But after seeing Asher gift Christian the watch and them slowly mending bridges and how the Inversion went down, he became the first to step forward, apologised to Milo, and accept Asher as Beta.

While he's not as close to the trio, he would often be seen with Leshaun, Brooker, Christian, and the rest whenever he's around. Always keep in touch with them and send them VIP tickets during fashion week.

A bit of a polygot as he has a habit of learning the languages of the places he visits.

Hates how Leshaun eats his fries and ice-creams and always steals them away from him whenever his back is turned.

He has the loudest howl in the Pack.

The only social media he uses is Instagram; even then, he only posts pictures of scenery.

Amanda

Surname: Remington

Enjoys watching mukbang videos whenever she eats. It helps her unwind.

Has a type and it's jerks with a heart of gold.

Parents divorced when she was 12, but before that, she always hung out at Christian & Arden's house to escape her bickering parents.

Realises that she had feelings for him after they slept together for the first time but only confesses to him after the Inversion.

Road rage whenever she drives. Do not get stuck in traffic with her.

A damn good fighter, both in human and wolf form.

Shifted during late puberty. Was very anxious about it.

Her wolf form is on the bigger side, though.

The only mobile game she plays is Tetris. She likes the repetitiveness of it.

Keeps every present that the Pack gave her. Even when the perfume bottle is empty.

After the Inversion, she stays with Christian, Arden and Kelsey as she can't stand being alone.

Her guilty pleasures are Turkish soap operas.

Once she settled in South Dakota, she entered the Unempowered workforce.

Although she attends the same school as David, Asher, and Milo, she has her own clique.

Always want to do ballroom dancing and wear pretty dresses.

Quick to anger but also quick to forgive.

After Christian tentatively tells her he's seeing Alexis, she's more worried than jealous.

Whenever she visits Dahlia, she first visits Arden, followed by Christian and then the rest of the Pack.

Kelsey

Surname: Lennox

Doesn't play video games but watches playthroughs, but only the complete playthroughs.

Her favourite Youtuber is Ironmouse.

Loves riling people up on social media. She's a bit of a troll.

One of the fastest wolves in the Pack.

Listen to metal bands and would annoyed Christian by blasting a song outside of his door before making her dramatic entrance.

Is currently seeing someone but she's not telling.

Used to do ballet but stopped after she graduated from high school.

Can't stand spicy food. Like, even the mildest of spice would have her crying.

Hardcore fan of Epic the Musical. She always dragged her friends to her place for a karaoke party. Her favourite song is 'Ruthlessness.'

After the Inversion, she did her best to care for her cousins and Amanda, burning herself out. Christian and Arden took care of her in return.

In a fight, she's the one who rushes headlong first, giving everything she has so that the worst is dealt with.

Always dressed as a popular slasher during Halloween.

She's the one you want to go clubbing with, as whenever she's on the dancefloor, everyone wants to dance with her.

Whenever Brooks steals Leshaun's fries & ice cream abomination, she buys him a new one.

First crush is Starscream from the old Transformers cartoon.

Arden

Surname: Novak

Has an insane amount of good luck. Gatcha players in the Pack always ask her to pull for them.

Has a pet tarantula for years. It used to freak Christian out until he got used to it and helped her take care of it.

First crush is Jessica Rabbit.

Had an Emo phase and will absolutely smother Christian with a pillow if he brings out the picture.

Has been in a poly relationship for 2 years now. The only people who knew about it were Christian, Amanda, Kelsey and a few Pack members.

Loves to gossip and share the tea.

Although she doesn't outwardly defend Christian, she instead trashes their belongings, and no one ever suspects a thing. Asher may or may not lost a couple of items growing up. Hey, it's her duty as the older sibling to defend her baby brother, even if he's a jerk.

However, she was severely disappointed that he had bullied Milo.

It took her a long while to warm up to the idea that Christian and Alexis were secretly dating.

Good in oil painting and takes commissions. She likes painting for her loved ones.

She always puts on performances when she does deep cleaning around the apartment with noise-cancelling headphones on.

Serial maladaptive dreamer. Expect her to walk around the apartment listening to TikTok edit songs.

A vicious and pragmatic fighter. The kind that aims straight for the jugular at the first opportunity against enemies. It's why she has the second Shades count beside David.

Can't stand wasabi and will prank Christian whenever he swaps her favourite mint ice cream with it.

She also tried befriending Darlin' when they first joined the pack but was disheartened when they ditched her for the troublemaker group at school.

Likes binge-watching classic animes like Perfect Blue and Ghost in the Shell.

Christian

Surname: Novak

Secretly a fan of K/DA. For a while, his phone's home screen has been Evelyn.

Has a sweet tooth and always has a homemade jug of Thai milk tea in his fridge.

Kelsey dared him to get a tattoo when they were in high school. He got a tiny one of a wolf's jaw but then actually liked it. Currently, his entire back is tattooed. It's one of his proudest investments.

Met Alexis 3 months after Amanda moved away. They met at a wine store, fighting for the last bottle of their favourite brand. They had a push-pull relationship but nowhere near as bad as Darlin' and Quinn despite Alexis being... Alexis. As of currently, neither of them confessed, but they're often going on sexcapades outside of Dahlia. Only the ones closest to him know about it.

After nearly losing a leg during the Inversion, he struggles with physiotherapy. Often despises using the cane to help him walk. During his treatment, he hates leaving his apartment. It's the help of Arden, Kelsey, and a few others that got him to use it.

Doesn't realise that most of the older wolves (like, a year or two) look at him and how he interacts with David, Asher and Milo and follow suit. It's why most of them started questioning too when he blatantly questioned Asher becoming a Beta.

Speaking of which, like Leshaun, they would talk to him first for advice and stuff before going to either David or Asher, as they're closer to him than the two.

Good with kids, but he pretends to grumble and complain about it. The younger cubs think it hilarious, while the teenagers count on him to get the heat off their backs and keep them away from Asher and David if they do something they aren't supposed to.

Amanda was supposed to be his proper romantic relationship, but it's turning out to be Alexis.

He and Alexis enjoy arguing, but they care about each other, too, in their own awkward way. He calms her down while she gives him a good fight whenever he's spoiling for one.

After the secret's out, Darlin' confronts him about how much Alexis hurt Sam. Christian had to hurry and drag Alexis away because she couldn't stop laughing at how pissed off they looked.

A switch in bed.

Hates horror movies with a passion and always blames Arden for traumatising him with the first Hellraiser movie when she forced him to watch it with her when they were 12.

Took a long time apologising to Milo because of his ego, pride, awkwardness and shame.

-

This was fun! Here's a google doc that I compiled what I can find about the side characters. Feel free to fact check them if I missed anything. AND THANK YOU @thegoldenlittlerose FOR HELPING ME COMPILED THE INFO AND YOU TOO @moonandstarlightsposts FOR HELPING ME FLESHED OUT THE THE CHARACTERS!

[cwritesforfun]

Logan Huntzberger x Fem!Reader: Eras Tour

You’re a huge Swiftie and Logan is your boyfriend of 2 years. He surprised you with floor tickets to her show at MetLife Stadium. He even told you that he thought about suite tickets, but he knew you would want to be closer to the stage.

Idea from TikTok lol -- hiiiiiii Swifties hehe

I have drafts of Finn imagines if anyone wants them ... lol

Taylor Swift lyrics are in bold and Italics ... I also do not own those.

** I do not own the Gilmore Girls characters **

Y/N’s POV

“Today actually might be the best day of my life,” you say to your boyfriend, Logan. Logan kisses you on the cheek and says, “Actually, I think the best day is anywhere we’re together.” You laugh, spin in his arms to face you, and kiss him before saying, “I genuinely love you so much for the tickets to the Eras Tour and for dressing up with me.” He replies, “Of course baby. I’ll forever be the Heartbreak Prince to your Miss Americana although I will never break your heart.”

Cue your heart swooning at this man <3

You smile and say, “We’re going to look so good. Part of the whole reason I chose this outfit is because you are hot in suits.” He kisses you on the cheek saying, “Baby baby my ego is going through the roof. You are making me feel on top of the world right now and we’re not even married.”

He’s always mentioning marriage?!

You reply, “Fine… today is the best day of my life so far.” He kisses me on the cheek and asks, “Are you ready to go over?” You nod and watch as he pats his coat pockets three times before you head out of the hotel. Guess he didn't want to forget his wallet? lol, you can pay too...

Logan pays for one of those pedi cabs (bikes with carriages) to take you to the stadium. You still have to walk a lot to get to the line where you wait for the doors to open. You really don't mind walking, but sometimes Logan just likes to spend his money and treat you both to nice things. You and Logan just talk until you get to go in.

You meet people in line and as you make your way into the stadium. People compliment you and Logan’s outfits. You even trade friendship bracelets with people. You’re on top of the world. Truly nothing could make this day better.

You both get in line for merch where Logan tells you to buy anything and everything you want. You try not to go too crazy, but Taylor Swift is your favorite artist. It’s hard not to want to buy everything there. Haha!!! Logan even buys a shirt for himself.

You then go grab food and drinks to enjoy during the openers/before the openers even start.

Gayle opens and is amazing. You scream “abcefu” so loud!!!!

Phoebe Bridgers is up next and you nearly cry seeing her. She is stunning live.

Logan runs to the bathroom and you wait for it to start. He returns and you take some more photos together.

The countdown begins and you scream your heart out!!!!!!!!! This is the dream!!!!! THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE!!!!1

Taylor Swift comes out in a new Lover outfit and she's stunning.

YOU SCREAM THE LYRICS ALL LOVER SET!!!!!!!!! Logan sings along to Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, obviously. But, he also knows Cruel Summer and Lover.

Fearless era starts and you notice Logan looking at you nervously. You lean over to him and ask, "Are you okay?" He nods and kisses your cheek.

You sing You Belong With Me to Logan and he keeps kissing your hand.

Love Story starts... Logan wraps his arms around your shoulders and whispers in your ear, "You're my favorite love story that I will ever have. I love you so much." You say back, "And you're my favorite love story too." When Taylor sings... He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring And said, Marry me, Juliet ... You feel your hand being pulled and you see Logan on his knees in front of you with a ring in his hand.

Logan asks, "Will you marry me?" You answer, "Yes!" He slides the ring on your finger before kissing you. You hear cheers around you and you feel amazing. This day truly keeps getting better and better. You cannot believe it.

evermore starts... Taylor shows up in another new outfit causing you to freak out for the millionth time of the day. Logan screams champagne problems as he should because his ex, Rory, was so rude. I hate her. Marjorie makes you start crying because you remember the loss of your grandmother so vividly and it hurts. Logan hugs you during the song and you even both sit down for the rest of the song.

Reputation is amazing live ... Taylor Swift can do no wrong. Logan asks if he can have a private performance of Dress later because Taylor didn't perform it causing you to blush.

Enchanted is beautiful and you nearly cry.

Red slays... period Queen Taylor Swift Phoebe Bridgers walks out for Nothing New, which is one of your favorite vault tracks. If it's not one of yours, you're clearly not the oldest daughter... I said what I said.

folklore is beautiful... The graphics on the screen behind her and the cabin are so amazing!!!! my tears ricochet nearly makes you cry again.

1989 starts... Logan is living for it. He screams every song. He once told you that it was one of his favorite eras from Taylor Swift.

TIME FOR SURPRISE SONGS!!!

Taylor premieres the Karma music video with Ice Spice live causing you to freak out. It's stunning. Taylor Swift is so pretty in it.

Getaway Car is the first one and you love it so much. You belt your heart out as does Logan. He has told you about a time with a getaway car before... not one of his proudest moments ... so he says...

Maroon is the next surprise song and you love it so much. This one means a lot to you and was one of your first favorite songs off of Midnights.

(Adding a Taylor Swift gif because duh)

Midnights begins ... you love this era!!! You're so happy that Taylor released more pop music. You're a pop girlie through and through. Logan asks for a reenactment of Vigilante Sh** later... oh...

Ice Spice walks out ... you scream!!! It's amazing!!!

Everyone is continuing to trade bracelets as you leave the stadium and you make Logan walk back with you to the hotel. You stop at a pizza place near the hotel on the way back and bring food back to the hotel room.

As you eat in the hotel room, it dawns on you that you saw Taylor Swift live at the Eras Tour and ... you got engaged... holy sh** !!!

You ask, "Wanna know something crazy, baby?" Logan answers, "What?" You answer, "We're engaged." He smiles, kisses you on the cheek, and says, "Yeah we are. You're okay that I did it there, right?" You answer, "Of course. You made a great day even better." He smiles and says, "Good, I didn't want to ruin the Eras Tour for you or make you uncomfortable. I was also worried you wouldn't say yes." You reply, "I'm not your ex, babe. I love you and want to be with you forever and ever. You're my my my my LOVER." He replies, "I love you so much, babe. I have a whole speech written out that I wanted to read to you. I know the concert wasn't the place for it, but I figured we could go out to the country club this weekend and we can take pictures where I can say it." You reply, "I love that idea. I can't wait for it. Thank you for being the best fiancé in the entire world." He kisses you on the cheek and says, "You're welcome. Thanks for being the best future wife in the entire world. How does Y/N Huntzberger sound to you?" You smile and answer, "I love it a lot." He smirks and asks, "Wanna show me how much?" You playfully slap him and ... yeah you know ...

teehee sorry, most of this was just the Eras Tour... but also sorry not sorry lol ...

[uswnt5]

https://www.bicycling.com/culture/a62265997/tobin-heath-soccer-to-cycling/?taid=66fc394ac67ef00001b3ed67&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

U.S. Soccer World Champion Tobin Heath on Her Love of Cycling

Molly Hurford

What happens when a two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time FIFA World Cup Champion, and U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team member decides to take up cycling? For one thing, the spandex really throw her off at first.

But that didn’t stop Tobin Heath from falling in love with life on two wheels, first at the spin studio rehabbing an injury, then on the roads around Los Angeles, and finally, riding around with the Canyon//SRAM team as they did a reconnaissance ride of stage two of the Tour de France Femmes. She even hosted interviews with pros like Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma with Strava during the Tour.

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We wanted to hear how Heath found herself fully committed to the bike life, what she learned from the pros, and how she believes that the more we watch women's bike racing, the better on the bike we can become. Here are her top tips when it comes to getting started with cycling.

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Ride With Others

“Until I did the ride with Canyon//SRAM, I had done most of my riding alone,” Heath says. “I realized on that ride that it’s amazing to just feel like part of a team. I play a team sport, obviously, so I’m used to putting on the uniform and getting into that team setting, so even putting on the team kit felt really natural for me. I do think it helps you become a better rider when you can ride with other people—and they don’t have to be pros.”

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Try Before You Buy

Buying your first bike can be incredibly intimidating, especially if you’re not sure what kind of riding you really want to do. Road? Gravel? Mountain bike? Basic commuting around town? It may be helpful to borrow a bike from a similar-sized friend, hit up demo days at local bike shops, or even spend the money to rent a couple of different bikes to test out what type of biking feels fun to you.

That’s what Heath did: When she decided to try riding outside, she asked a friend if she could borrow her gravel bike to test out in the mountains around Santa Monica, California.

A few rides later, and she was hooked—but she was happy she tested the bike before committing. “It’s an expensive sport and the gear is really intense when you first get started!” she says. “I was thankful that I was able to test it out before I fully bought in.”

Find Your Local Community

“That’s one of the most special parts about cycling: the community,” Heath says. “It’s such a community-focused sport. In Los Angeles, there are so many clubs and groups and rides that you can jump into and meet new people if you don’t already know other cyclists, and even if you don’t always want to ride with a group, it’s a great way to get started since you can find out about the best spots to ride and ask tons of questions.”

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While she’s not sticking to any specific training plan or considering turning pro on the bike anytime soon, Heath now rides a few times a week, mixing indoor and outdoor rides, as well as solo and group rides depending on her hectic travel schedule.

Ride Outside

While Heath started riding indoors as a way to rehab a soccer injury, she fell in love with cycling when she got outside. “Getting outdoors that just was the game changer,” she says. “I remember the first time I came home from a three-hour ride in the mountains, and my partner was just like, ‘I haven’t seen you look that happy in a long time.’ That feeling of freedom was just something that I couldn’t get from riding inside.”

Buy a Chamois

New cyclists may feel a little sheepish donning a full spandex kit, but Heath is here to tell you that it is a game-changer. “It’s so funny, I remember looking at other people wearing cycling kits and thinking it was really silly to wear that if you’re not a pro. I just assumed it wasn’t necessary. And then I got a cycling kit and I understood,” Heath laughs. “Wearing the kit obviously is super functional when you’re riding, so you can put stuff in your jersey pockets and the saddle is much more comfortable with the padded shorts—you wouldn’t survive a long ride without it—but it also changed the way I saw myself as a cyclist. It makes you feel fast.”

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Share Your Progress

Your journey matters more than you think. Heath has become a big fan of Strava in recent months—it serves as an online version of a community, allows you to track your own progress on the bike, and lets you see how people similar to you (or the top pros) are training.

“When I started riding, I was so inspired by seeing what other riders were doing,” she says. “I find that if you see it, you want to do it. And I love seeing all different levels of riders sharing what they’re doing, because I think that helps motivate even more people. A lot of people, especially women, will see what the pros are doing and feel like it’s not achievable, because they can’t visualize themselves training like that. But if they can see someone who looks like them posting rides, they see that it’s possible.”

Watch Women’s Cycling to Get Better

While watching a race like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is simply fun and entertaining, you can also watch it for some valuable tips, says Heath. Look closely at how the riders set themselves up to take a corner smoothly, or how close they’re drafting each other. Check out how they’re positioning their bodies to maximize power output on the climbs.

While you may not be as vast as Vollering or Niewiadoma, you can still learn a lot from them. “Not only is it going to inspire you to go out and ride, you’re going to learn a lot about cycling just by being a fan of the sport,” Heath says.

Seriously, Ride With Friends

“When I first started, the women I knew who rode were serious riders,” says Heath. “They kept inviting me out to ride, and I would say, ‘No, I’m not ready yet.’ But I was ready and they absolutely would have made space for me even if I wasn’t as fast. Cycling is super inclusive if you want to be part of a community. And if the worst case is that you’re left behind on a hill, who cares? Even if you start a ride with friends and split up part way through, it’s much more fun and you really do get better when you have those other women around you.”

this is a hilarious copy and paste!

[supermaks]

1. Brazil. 1992. By Ercole Colombo. 2. Giovanna Amati and Niki Lauda watch as a Ferrari passes in Circuito Estoril, Portugal. 1992. By Ercole Colombo.

Giovanna Amati bought her first motorbike in 1975. A 500cc Honda, powerful, loud, clearly too big for a 15-year-old Italian kid without a driver’s license.

Her parents never found out, not how she got the money, not where she found the bike, not even the identity of the salesperson desperate enough to accept a child’s money. A bike like that, to a kid like her. But not just any kid. Giovanna’s father owned movie theaters; her mother acted in said movies. All Giovanna wanted to do was play the role of racing driver. For two years, Giovanna kept her Honda hidden behind her friends’ garage, and only took it out for little spins during the late hours of the night, when Roma pretended to sleep and the sleek, narrow streets grew even more austere. Monsters in silk shirts mumbled low in the shadows, watched the kid ride over stone and grime, turn into dark gardens and across the Tevere river, far beyond the reach of the misty moonlight. Up and down, left and right, zigzagging past the Vespas and the yellow bicycles left unattended in the piazzas. A curt glimpse towards the Vatican, a recognition of Spirit, a nod of respect. Total darkness. Giovanna rode through the night like a black horse. Hair like broken hay sticking out of her helmet; sunken eyes the color of whiskey peering through a red visor. Straight, thin lips sucking on rolling paper and blowing out smoke too strong to be tobacco. This was Giovanna Amati in the dark. La principessa veloce de Roma.

3 years later, in 1978, Giovanna Amati was kidnapped in broad daylight. Caught between the considerable wealth of her surname and the diabolical politics of the time, the girl never really stood a chance. She was sitting in her car, parked in front of the Amati villa, perhaps waiting for someone to come join her, perhaps only taking a moment to breathe, listening to some music. We’ll never know. 3 masked men broke through the windshield like hammers and dragged her kicking and screaming into a van nearby. Giovanna was then taken to an apartment just a few blocks away, where she was undressed, assaulted, humiliated, broken and tortured, wrapped in a thick plastic sheet and shoved inside a wooden box. For 74 days, she was kept inside that box. The box only opened for food, for water, for hands, for mouths, for pain, for horrors. 2 months later, the box opened one last time. Against explicit court orders from the Italian government, Giovanni Amati and Anna Maria Pancanni paid for their daughter’s ransom using leftover box-office receipts from George Lucas’ ‘Star Wars’, old family jewelry and some of their servants’ life-savings.

The full cost hit 800 million-lira (almost 3 million US dollars). Soon after her release, Giovanna started receiving flowers and love letters from one her captors, Jean Daniel Nieto, which prompted some to speculate about the nature of their relationship. Giovanna was kept in a box for two months. ‘The box made me stronger.’ She’d tell the BBC, years later. After a few days of radio silence and even more flowers, she phoned Jean Daniel Nieto, and informed him she could no longer live without him, and they should run away together. Jean Daniel Nieto was ecstatic. He showed up to the meeting point right on time, in his best two-piece suit. Giovanna showed up on the back of her Honda. She did not stop for Jean Daniel Nieto. The police cars who’d been following close behind, however, did.

Giovanna Amati began racing cars professionally at the age of 21. Despite successful campaigns in Formula Abarth, Italian F3 and Formula 3000, Giovanna had close to no open-wheel experience, no real backing, no sponsors, and no hopes of a successful F1 stint. Still. She wanted to ride F1 cars the way she rode her bike alone in the streets of Rome. She wanted to play the role. She was an Amati, after all. Her final option was still in the box. Money. A doomed team wobbling on its last leg let her pay for its ’92 seat, and so, with no actual pump and uncomfortable circumstance, Giovanna Amati became the last woman on earth to ever drive for the F1 world championship, and the first and only woman to do so 14 years after being kidnapped. She attempted to qualify for Brabham 3 times: Brazil, Mexico, South Africa. All failed. Brabham kicked her out, obviously, and in came male savior Damon Hill, who then, phew, failed to qualify five times.

In my dreams, la principessa veloce de Roma still rides her Honda at night. Her eyes are red behind the visor, and she doesn’t stop at the Vatican. They’ll never catch her again.

Text by supermaks

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

3. South Africa. By Ercole Colombo.

4. Gangster-story all��italiana. Source unknown.

[sunburstboy]

Mother - Fiona Gallagher

Fiona is not a mother.

Well, she never had a human being inside her for 9 months, actually when she was about to get it, she decided to not have the baby.

Fiona is not a mother.

Her mom knew that the time she looked at Fiona with a sad side smile and landed her second child in her older daughter's arms. And Monica knew that when she did it with the third child, fourth, fifth and sixth.

After the second child she held, Fiona didn't even bother to ask when Monica would come back. It didn't matter. The same thing would happen again and again. And it did, like she knew it would.

Fiona is not a mother.

Her dad knew that when he went to the bar to have fun and didn't even remember he had a phone. Or kids. Making a 10 year old Fiona walk alone by the dark and scary streets in the South zone of Chicago, searching for a drugary store or someone that could help. That night, when Frank came back home, stumbling in his own foot and his head spinning, Fiona had already laid a 5 year old Philip on his bed and made him sleep, not the proper way, with medicines, like everyone would, but with some weed that a stranger gave to her, saying that would help with her brother ache, and without other option, she took it.

When Ian turned 11 and had a fight at school, they didn't call Frank or Monica. They  called Fiona, a 17 year old teenager, who at the moment was using her afternoon to work, so she could buy food for her siblings. She went running to the school, and when she asked why they called her and not her parents, The principal said she was the first name Ian said when he asked who they should call.

At Debbie’s 10th birthday, Fiona knew they couldn't do something big, her parents wouldn’t attend since her mother was nowhere to be found, and their dad… Well, probably at a bar wasting all his money in alcohol, again. She collected some of her money together with Lip’s, Ian’s, her best friend that offered to help Veronica and her boyfriend Kevin, to see if they could do at least something cool to the kid. They collected 150 dollars. It wasn't much. But Fiona wouldn’t let Debbie’s 10th birthday pass through, not like her parents let her pass. So she went to the closest market, bought popcorn, soda, Debbie’s favorite candy, some simple decorations and a little cake. Debbie, Lip, Ian, Carl, Veronica and Kevin enjoyed the party. It was simple, but the smile Debbie gave when she returned from the school and saw the little surprise, didn't have a price for Fiona.

Carl was always a troubled kid, this made him always come home with some new type of bruise. Once he broke a leg when he stole some kid’s bike, went too fast with it and went down a ramp, he had a really bad fall. They didn’t have the money to pay any hospital, not even the South zone ones. So she acted fast, Fiona called Veronica, who took a course of nursing, and together they treated Carl's leg the best way they could. When Frank came home, just to sleep, he saw Carl looking at the TV with his leg leaning on the coffee table. The old man laughed and gave two slaps on the improvised plaster, making Carl howl in pain. Fiona, who was making the dinner, went to Frank with her onion dirty knife still in hands and took him off of the couch. She yelled at him and made him get out of the house. When he did, FIona went to the drawer, taking a painkiller and handing it with water for Carl. It will be always incredible for Fiona how Frank simply doesn't care.

Liam had the luck to be the last of the Gallagher siblings, but he was still a Gallagher. So when Frank made the achievement of losing Liam to a group of criminals, she made Frank talk where they were, so Her, Philip, Ian, Debby and Carl went with just a baseball bat, their anger and courage, and knocked at the door. A tall strong man opened, aiming his gun at them. They raised her arms, but didn’t flick any second. Looking into the eyes of the aimed guy, Fiona just entered the house. The 5 siblings gave all the money they could for Liam, and Fiona just took Liam in her arms, protecting him from all this, and led him home.

Fiona is not a mother

Actually;

She wasn't a mother.

Because the first time Monica handed her Philip in one arm and his pacifier in the other, Fiona didn't knew, but she was turning into a mother.

Nowadays, she feels proud to say that Philip, Ian, Debbie, Carl and Liam aren’t Frank’s or Monica’s children, they are hers.They always were, and always will be.

Fiona is a mother

A mother of five.

Despite the fact that she didn't carry any of them inside her, or didn’t feel the pain of giving birth, she was the one that changed all of they’re diapers, and took care of them when they were sick. That had to take out lice from their heads. She was the only one there when Debbie got her first period. Fiona was forced to be a mother, and even though this gave so much work, she doesn't regret any second. She’s proud of every single one of the 5 kids she raised.

Fiona Gallagher is a mother.

And she did a fucking great job.

[pappydaddy]

it's one night, what could happen? (j.m.)

tv show/movie: outer banks | pairing: jj maybank x fem!reader

requested by a lovely anon as part of my 800 follower celebration

synopsis: y/n thinks her and her boyfriend need one night of mindless fun after last summer. after all, it's just one night, what could happen?

taglist: @luvhann | @thelakespoets  | @lonely-simp | @smarie7543 | @tenaciousperfectionunknown | @k-k0129 | @maybankslover | @taurusvic | @moralina | @verystarfishflower | @4dr1ana | @adr1an4 | @instabull | @poppet05 | @rottenstyx | @boxofsilentwords | @popeheywardssecretgf | @lexi-2004 | @i-always-come-back-xoxo | @rootbeerfaygo *line through your user means i could not tag you lovelies!

warnings: dangerous situation, punching, an officer is mentioned, being grabbed suddenly.

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- not my gif -

 When the hunt for the Merchant first enticed the group, they thought it would be a fun little treasure hunt where they would find some gold bars. They thought they might gain fame for being the rag-tag team of misfit teens who managed to find an illusive treasure that managed to stump grown adults who dedicated their lives to this treasure. Y/N thought it would be a chance to have fun with her oldest friends, to rub it in the Kook’s faces that Pogues of all people found the treasure and gained their own money and fame. That was not what happened at all. At least, once Ward Cameron got involved with it.

  They weren’t supposed to have been held at gunpoint as someone searched for the little gold nugget they had found. JJ wasn’t supposed to become reckless in his loss of control over the situation - but Y/N was there and he needed to protect her. Maybe, he was too reckless with stealing Barry’s money from his trailer, but he needed to feel like he had control over something. And perhaps he shouldn’t have forgotten about stealing the money and spending it on his restitution and an extravagant hot tub. But in his defence, he was a bit consumed by the loss of his best friend. 

  That’s why he let his guard down when Y/N (his girlfriend for a little over a year now) wanted him to take her to the school’s Halloween Movie night. Y/N could see how much JJ was struggling. Not knowing when Barry would come for his revenge and feeling utterly useless as the world kept spinning out of his control. “Come on, J,” Y/N pleaded, trying to pull him off his bike. She had lured him out by telling him she forgot something in her locker, but once he remembered what night it was, he refused to get off the bike. “What is the worst that could happen? You need a night of mindless fun where we sit cuddled under a blanket watching a movie on a giant screen!” She gestured to the giant screen hanging from the rusted Football uprights.

  “Why would you want to go to a school function? They are boring.” JJ made his own point. Y/N nodded, giving him that, but she wanted her boyfriend back. He had been paranoid, compulsive, and drunk lately. And she knew he just needed that little push to get out of his funk. 

  “Please, J. If you do this for me I will do whatever you want this weekend. Even if that means drinking and smoking weed in the hammock freezing my ass off.” She pressed again, shaking his arm as he watched her, eyes softening. They had been doing nothing but going to the parties he wanted and doing what he wanted to do. He could see how unfair it was now that he looked back at it. 

  “But-“

  “One night, JJ. We can have one night of fun. Since that whole treasure hunt, we haven’t just had a calm night. It’s just been paranoia and getting drunk. One night of cuddling and not paying attention to the movie can’t hurt.” She cut him off, tugging on his arm again. Sighing, he stopped resisting her, rising from the bike and pulling his leg over to stand in front of her. 

  “One tiny sign of danger, and we’re out.” JJ was serious, his blue eyes staring into hers as she started to bounce excitedly. 

  “But don’t be too paranoid. Just one night, what could happen?” She held her pinky out to him. It stayed extended, hooked slightly as she waited for him to hook his with it. Instead, his hands reached out, unclipping the helmet she still wore. Pulling it off her head, he leaned in to press a kiss to her lips. 

  She hummed, leaning into him, fingers fiddling with the hoodie strings before she let them slip around his back, slipping under his tan carhartt jacket - a present she had saved up for just because she thought he deserved it. And he did. He just doesn’t see how he deserves anything good - he barely was able to convince himself he deserved Y/N, but she wouldn’t let him say that. “Just one night.” He mumbled against her lips as they pulled apart, the helmet still in JJ’s hands. 

  Humming again, she loosened her arms and shifted to be tucked into his side, still clinging to his torso. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, he opened the seat of his bike, putting the helmet in before closing it. “It’s gonna be fine, J. Just enjoy the night, we deserve it. You deserve it.” She poked his abs as he started to walk them towards the football field, his arm that was wrapped around her shoulders pushing her closer to him. 

____

 The movie playing loudly on the big screen was long forgotten as JJ and Y/N laid there together. The blanket under them was plush, so soft that Y/N was almost ready to fall asleep. And the soothing feeling of JJ’s finger drawing circles absentmindedly on her hip was not helping. Her eyelids were heavy, but she wanted to keep looking at JJ. Nestled into his side, clinging to him, her head was resting on his shoulder as he watched the movie, his head propped up with his bag, creating a comfortable incline. 

  The colours of the protector near them lit him up, almost as if it was a spotlight and Y/N knew she wasn’t planning on taking her eyes off him anytime soon. Well, she hoped. But the slight discomfort in her lower stomach was begging for her to relieve it. Maybe she shouldn’t have finished off that second bottle of water and then had that can of soda (but it was free, was she going to turn down a free drink?). 

  Shifting, she poked JJ’s side just enough to get his attention. Humming, JJ’s eyes quickly flicked from the screen to her face, brows furrowed and blue eyes dancing with concern. “I have to go to the bathroom, come with me?” She asked, her eyes widening and her bottom lip jutting out. She knew he would go with her even if she didn’t ask, but she needed to keep her puppy face practised for when she wants something he would be more reluctant to do. Like going to another movie night. 

  “Of course, Sweets.” He nodded, starting to push himself up as she also started to stand. His hand found hers instantly, even before they were steady on their feet and before he snatched his bag from the ground. The last thing he wanted was someone digging through his bookbag and stealing shit - starting a fight. With Y/N, he actually needed to start thinking about his future for her. 

  “Are you having fun?” She asked, shivering. Without the warmth of JJ’s arm around her and herself being pressed against him, the cold air was seeping into her skin, making the dire need to use the bathroom worse. 

  JJ felt the violent shivers against his arm, making him let go of her hand to wrap around her shoulders, pulling her into him. Even with her long sleeved shirt and thick hoodie, the fall air was still getting her. He made a mental note to give her his jacket after she used the bathroom. “If I say yes, will you hold it over my head?” He jokingly asked, smiling down at her as they neared the school. 

  “I don’t know, will you admit I was right?” She hummed, making it seem like she was contemplating. 

  “Right about which part?” JJ questioned, opening the door labelled as unlocked so people can use the bathroom, letting go of her, but letting his hand fall to the small of her back as he guided her into the door. It remained there as they turned the corner to come out of the little intent that holds the doors. 

  “I’ll tell you once I get out of the bathroom, I think it’s gonna be a long list.” She rolled onto the balls of her feet as she pressed a kiss to his lips before running into the bathroom quickly. Sighing, JJ looked around the empty hall as he sauntered over to the wall across from the bathroom Y/N just went into. Shrugging his bag off, he sat it on the ground beside his feet as he leaned against the brick wall.   

  Pulling out his phone, he opened some snaps from the other Pogues, sending back a quick picture of his forehead and hair except adding the word ‘nerd’ to the one going to Pope since he had sent a picture of the pile of homework he was working on. ‘hows the movie night’ a text from Pope was sitting unread in his messages. ‘bored out of your mind yet’ another dark bubble asked under the first one. 

  Quickly moving his thumbs against the screen, he typed back a response. ‘shut up man’ He replied. ‘my girl wanted a movie night, shes getting a movie night.’ He added afterwards. The sound of the door opening made him pocket his phone and look up, seeing Y/N coming out as she dried her hands on the cheap ass paper towel the school supplies. “Ready to head back out?” He asked, pushing himself off of the wall, hands coming up to grab his jacket, ready to pull it off and drape it over Y/N’s shoulders. 

  But he was stopped by a new voice joining their group. “Not so fast, Maybank,” From the darkened indent leading to the doors, Barry stepped out to reveal himself. Y/N’s nervous gulp was audible in the silent hallway, the only other sounds being Barry’s slow steps towards the pair. JJ’s blood stilled in his body, his heart stopping as his body froze. “Before you run back to your little movie, you took something from me and I want to take something in return.” 

  As Barry stepped closer, the distance between them decreasing rapidly, JJ’s heart kick started again, making him jump into action. He stepped forward, stopping Barry’s advancement and making sure he gets to JJ first before he gets to Y/N. Squaring his shoulders, JJ pulled to his full height, raising an inch or two over Barry’s short statute - nearly reaching six feet. “What do you want, Barry? I don’t have your money.” JJ’s voice dropped threateningly. 

  “If you don’t have my shit, then I leave here with something of yours,” Barry shrugged. “Tit-for-tat and all that crap,” He waved his hand carelessly. JJ’s nostrils flared, a warning sign for Barry to not get any closer as he did just that. Eight feet stood between the pair and the threat now. “Luckily, I will give you a choice because I am feeling so giving tonight,” He continued, not heeding the warnings JJ was giving out. “Either you give me your nice little bag and that spiffy coat or you give me the girl.” Barry nodded at Y/N who was slightly hidden behind JJ’s broad shoulders. 

  Her mouth dropped open as those words left his mouth, her skin crawling in disgust as she felt bile swirl within her stomach, threatening to come up. JJ let out a protective noise. “Fuck off, Barry. Go sell overpriced drugs to the freshman outside like you came here to do.” JJ’s voice was dark and threatening, a warning alarm giving Barry a chance to leave. 

  “I would, but now I have another reason to be here,” Barry smirked, eyes shifting between JJ and Y/N. “You have about ten seconds to choose what I leave here with before I choose for you, Maybank.” He threatened. 

  “JJ-” Y/N’s voice shook as she went to grab his arm, searching for the sense of safety he brought her, but it all happened so fast. JJ taking his eyes off Barry to look down at her, giving Barry the window to strike. In a blink of an eye, Barry’s grimy hands wrapped around her wrist. With a sharp pull, she let out a pained yelp at the tug of her shoulder. But just as quick as that happened, JJ’s fist flew through the air, connecting with Barry’s face with a sickening sound. As Barry’s grip loosened on Y/N’s wrist, JJ shoved his shoulders sending him backwards onto his ass. 

  “Get behind me. Now.” JJ’s voice was stern as he ordered her back. With a shaking body, she slipped behind him, moving back as he walked backwards. Eyes staying on Barry, he tried to put as much distance between them and him as he could. His arms reached around, caging her behind him as her hands came up to grip the back of his jacket, still shaking as if she was standing in sub-zero temperatures.

  Barry, with his hand cradling his face, stood up. His eyes were dark in anger and locked on JJ, but the blonde boy didn’t seem scared. Actually, Y/N knew he wasn’t scared. Maybe seconds before this he was, but now he was mad. Just as Barry stepped forward, the school’s police officer stepped around the corner. “Maybank! What the hell are you up to now?” 

  “Nothin’, Officer Davids,” JJ spoke the words with a slight undertone of warning, eyes staring Barry down, “Barry just startled us and got hurt in the process. We were just leaving.” 

  “Hopefully you plan on leaving school property, Barry. You’re no longer a student and are not allowed on the grounds during school events after your last incident.” Officer Davids spoke, hands gripping the straps of his vest, gesturing towards the doors leading to the outside. With one last warning look towards the couple, Barry followed the officer’s warnings. 

  JJ watched, tense, as Officer Davids walked Barry out the door. It wasn’t until the door slammed behind the two that JJ took his focus off the darkened area. Whirling around, he startled Y/N slightly only for her to calm down once his hands cupped her cheeks, inspecting her face frantically. “Are you okay,” JJ’s voice was a broken whisper, eyes fearful and threatening to fill with tears. Y/N blinked up into his tearful blue eyes, taking the second to steady her breathing and heartbeat. “Please tell me you’re okay.” He pleaded, resting his forehead against hers when she took a second too long to respond. It was only two seconds since he asked the question.

  “I’m okay, J,” She reassured, hands slipping under his coat to grip the back of his hoodie. “Startled and shaken, but okay,” She whispered back, almost as if they spoke any louder, they would startle themselves. “Can we just go home? I’m not in the mood to watch the movie now.” She sniffed a little as she wiggled her face free of JJ’s loose grip, instantly nuzzling herself into his chest. 

  “Of course, Sweets. Let’s get you to my bike and I’ll go get our blanket-”

  “No,” She whimpered, squeezing him against her tighter when he tried to pull them apart so they could move. “I don’t want to be alone.” She clarified, her voice muffled. 

  JJ’s hands rubbed along her back soothingly as she shook from fear. “Okay, but we need to get your blanket, it’s your favourite and you’ll be upset if we lose it, Sweets.” He spoke softly, knowing she was overwhelmed and everything that just happened was just now registering in her head. 

  She slowly pulled back from where she was clinging to him, allowing them both to move. Stepping back, her hands slid to his sides. “We can go get the blanket, but I’m going with you.” She informed him, her hands leaving him. Before her hand could nab his arm, he quickly shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, guiding her arms into it. 

  “You’re shaking like a leaf, Sweets,” He cleared her confusion up. “Let’s get the blanket and get you home so we can crawl into bed and watch whatever show you want,” He told her, holding his arm out for her to wrap her arms around, clinging to him again as he started walking them to the door. “Is it gonna be New Girl or Greys Anatomy?” He asked.    “I don’t know, I’ve been on a Greys binge lately, but New Girl always makes me laugh-” Her tension and fear melted slightly as they stepped into the cold fall air. Their voices were low as they talked about which show they should watch tonight, but JJ’s mind was on high alert. They couldn’t even have one night.

[ghost-proofbaby]

One is horny and one is tomfoolery you say? Hour 19 has been plaguing my mind and it’s not even out yet. I just know it’s the horny one. Let me have at it, please, just a lil snippet, I’ve been listening to deftones all night

ah, well, if you've been listening to deftones all night... i'm legally required to provide the snippet, right? that's how that works, i think.

“So that’s all? You just want to get out of here?” he isn’t looking at you as he reaches for a bottle of shampoo, blinking water out of his eyes. 

This conversation is going surprisingly well. 

“Not here specifically,” you clarify. Your chest aches at the thought of just leaving behind all the friends you’d made, the life you had started in this city. The thought of already beginning to preemptively tear it down was enough to dampen your mood worse than the steam of the shower was doing to your hair, “I don’t know. Who cares about the future? What are you doing with your money?” 

He’s about to squirt some of the shampoo into the palm of his hand when you suddenly snatch it from him, holding up a finger and twirling it in a demanding manner. He’s shocked, but he turns for you regardless, even bending his knees as he gets the message. 

He doesn’t question the fact that you’re about to wash his hair. No protests towards something so domestic between previously sworn enemies. 

“I wasn’t lying earlier,” he starts just as you have lathered up your palms and set aside the shampoo on the shower ledge, fingertips digging right into his scalp. Even with the slight bend in his posture, your arms have to stretch to reach the crown of his head, “A new bike or guitar would be nice but– Oh,” a particular scratch of your nails has him faltering in his words, throwing his head back a bit more and humming. The throb, the ache, the burn returns. “Oh, that’s nice.” 

“Keep talking, pretty boy,” you murmur as he hums even louder. 

“Well, I… It’s not a lot of money, y’know? I mean, it is. But it also isn’t. Am I making any sense? Fuck, that feels good,” he stumbles across his point as your fingers continue small circles, and you already know without looking that his eyes have flutter shut. 

The pit of your stomach can only rally, twisting and tumbling at his satisfaction. Something so domestic and something you had started with sweet intentions was quickly derailing, but you couldn’t be bothered to care. 

You have him. But you don’t have him. The same type of conundrum he faces with the amount of money promised to the both of you if you were to survive these hours. 

“You’re making sense,” you promise with a shy grin you know he can’t see, “Like, I know the money won’t pay off all my debts or college tuition, but it’s a good start. Anyways, as you were saying?” 

Both of you struggle to focus as he continues on, melting even further into your touch, “I dunno. Maybe if I have anything leftover, I’ll send it to my uncle.” 

His voice is strained, and you know it’s a throwaway sentence, but the small detail of his life you’ve been rewarded doesn’t go unnoticed.

Uncle? Why uncle? 

“You in debt to your uncle over a bad night of gambling or somethin’?” you try to joke as you finally release your fingertips from his scalp. Your palms come down on his shoulders as you spin him slowly, encouraging him to keep his head tipped back as he lets the water wash away the suds produced. 

Surprisingly, his shampoo doesn’t smell like boy. It’s akin to green apples, maybe something smoother beneath it all like coconut. Something sweet and something innocent. 

Maybe that’s what has him being so open to you as he explains, “I’ll always be in debt to him, but not for gambling. He raised me. My folks�� weren’t the best. I owe everything to that man.”

[yourbestpalpercy]

Alright, first things first. I’m only writing this because I just got a great idea. High Tide and Low Tide. DeadZone is often depicted in my head with either yellow or red eyes. So, depending on what color her eyes are, that’s the tide. Also, depending on the tide, those are the kinds of attacks she can do. The important thing is the tide gimmick, I only added everything else because I was bored.

Another thing, DeadZone hates fighting and will actually use her ability to control water to throw your toon out of battle 3 times. If you’re persistent though, DeadZone will let you fight her (4th time reentering the battle). Now onto me making a Wiki style post about DeadZone.

The DeadZone is a Cashbot Manager Boss who will be introduced fully eventually in one of my stories. She can be fought at the Daffodil Gardens Lake after completing the task “Pollution Problem”.

DeadZone is a 6’7 tall cog dressed in an older diving outfit with the large helmet being replaced with a clear fish bowl. Inside this fish bowl are a few aquarium plants and black aquarium rocks. A foggy, black void that is DeadZone’s head floats inside in this fish bowl. Her deep green, seaweed like hair rests on her shoulders. Underneath the helmet, around where her neck would be, is a speaker of sorts that’s used to translate her underwater gurgles into a voice that’s understandable. Her deep red diver’s suit has gnashes around the knees and elbows. These gnashes look like they’ve been repaired multiple times.

Department: Cashbot

Position: Regional Manager

HP: 2700

Defense: 27

Level: 19.mgr

Lowest Damage: 10

Highest damage: 23

Real name: Ariel Cove

Honorifics: Ms./Mx.

Employee ID: 192017

Likes: Fish, swimming, playing with the water, bike horns, Rainmaker, Deep Diver, Gatekeeper, Duck Shuffler

Dislikes: Firestarter, Prethinker, math, drop gags, Brian, some toon named Mac, Witchhunter

Attacks (Low Tide)

Liquidate: 12 damage, 50% accuracy, 25 frequency

Guilt Trip: 10 damage, 30% accuracy, 25 frequency

Attacks (High Tide)

Evil Eye: 23 damage, 90% accuracy, 78 frequency

Flash Flood: 19 damage, 80% accuracy, 47 frequency

Special Attacks (Low Tide)

Algal Bloom: 17 damage, 30% accuracy, 20 frequency

Brackish Water: 15 damage, 40% accuracy, 35 frequency

Special Attacks (High Tide)

Whirlpool: 36 damage, 99% accuracy, 60 frequency

Backwash: 30 damage, 90% accuracy, 40 frequency

Cheats

Cog Capacity: DeadZone will only have Cogs helping her during High Tide. The max amount of Cogs she can have is 2 (making a total of 3 attackers). Typically, the Cogs she summons are Loan Sharks, Bean Counters and Money Bags.

Lure Resistance: DeadZone has a Lure Resistance of 2 rounds during Low Tide and has a Lure Immunity during High Tide (If you attempt to lure her during High Tide, a tendril of water will not only take the lure from your Toon but also deal 2 damage upon it exiting. Idk, I thought that would be funny to add.

Tides: Low Tide is the best time to attack as Gags have a guarantee to hit DeadZone no matter what. DeadZone’s eyes will be a calm yellow during this. The Low Tide also makes her attacks much weaker. Low Tide lasts for 3 turns.

High Tide is the best time to use Toon-Ups and heals in general because Gags have a much lower chance of hitting DeadZone (A small animation plays if your gag misses where a tendril of water will grab the gag and render it useless). Zap gags have a higher chance of hitting though. DeadZone’s eyes are glaring red during high tide. Her attacks are much, much more powerful. High Tide lasts for 5 turns.

Special Attacks (Low Tide)

Algal Bloom: DeadZone makes a rising motion and throws a clump of green “slime” at the most dangerous cog, giving them a lower accuracy.

Brackish Water: DeadZone makes a waving motion with her hands, causing a small wave of brown water to appear under a toon and deal damage.

Special Attacks (High Tide)

Whirlpool: DeadZone makes a spinning motion with her finger. A spiral of water engulfs a random toon and spins them roughly before the water sinks back under water.

Backwash: DeadZone makes a pushing motion. A large wave forms behind her and washes over the toons, dealing them all damage. There’s also a 1% chance of flooding a Toon out of the fight.

Strategy:

I wondered if I should actually put this in for a bit but decided to do so. I have WAY too many ideas. Why not make this as real as possible?

When fighting DeadZone, it’s best to attack depending on the tide. During Low Tide, attack DeadZone straight on, do not use Toon-Ups or non damaging Gags unless you have to because Low Tide only lasts for 3 turns and is the best time to lower her HP. During High Tide, use Toon-Ups and use it as an attempt to set up Lures (Not on DeadZone, do that during Low Tide). Also try to take out the Cogs fighting with her during High Tide as they will not have the ability to dodge or block the Gags like DeadZone can.

Loot:

DeadZone Sticker

Fish Bowl hat (Or Seaweed Hair hat)

In DeadZone’s sticker, she’s looking at a leaf with a saddened expression. Alt idea: DeadZone with a deadpan or concerned expression.

The Fish Bowl hat comes with yellow eyes sketched outside of the bowl.

20 gumballs

34 jelly beans

920 Toon Experience

Dialogue and Cutscenes

Opening Cutscene 1:

Toons approach DeadZone as the shoreline before her parts and allows her to grab a small fish to eat. One of them looks a little sick upon seeing it and fakes a gag, catching DeadZone’s attention. DeadZone turns to face them, her red eyes softening to yellow.

“...What? It’s my lunch break.”

“Normally, I’d cook the fish but I’m banned from using the microwaves. Last time I used them, I made the whole HQ reek of fish!”

The 2 Toons in front get angry while one in the back comforts the other. This leaves DeadZone looking a little concerned.

“...Not here for small talk or jokes, got it.”

DeadZone points a weak finger at the Toons

“You guys aren’t seriously here to fight, right? I really don’t like fighting.”

One of the front toons step forward, leaving DeadZone a little bit panicked now.

“I really, really don’t like fighting!”

A pillar of water begins to rise up behind DeadZone as the other front toon steps forward and gets angry too.

“I really, really, really don’t like fighting!!”

DeadZone makes a pushing motion. The water washes the entire group out of the area.

Opening Cutscene 2 (Return to the area and reenter the fight)

DeadZone is now turned towards the Toons, slightly uncomfortable.

“I really don’t want to fight you guys.”

“I mean, you guys are adorable!”

“Maybe we can just sit down and…talk? I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m not polluting the water or…anything. At least I don’t think so.”

The Toons get angry again, causing DeadZone to sigh, make a pushing motion again and flood them out. Again.

Opening Cutscene 3 (Enter the fight again)

“You guys are really persistent. I’m almost concerned.”

DeadZone just looks saddened by this and floods the Toons out again.

Opening Cutscene 4 (Enter the fight again)

The Toons get angry again causing DeadZone to spin back towards the water, slouching now.

DeadZone puts her hands together, takes a deep breath before spinning back towards the Toons.

“Okay, fine! But I really didn’t want to do this to y’all.”

Ending Cutscene:

“THAT’S IT! STOP!!”

DeadZone waves her arms and even makes a T with her hands.

“I-If I could have a few words right quick- please?”

One of the Toons stops the rest with a shushing motion.

“I really, really don’t know who’s polluting the water supply. I swear it’s not me. I live in the lake! I try to keep it clean! I live underwater!”

DeadZone turns away slightly, her eyes turning red with an annoyed expression as the tide begins to come in again

“No idea why you guys would attack me without evidence but oh well.”

DeadZone turns back to the Toons, her eyes still red

“I swear I just want to be a friend to the Toons. I’m not here to harm at all. I’m still a neutral.”

DeadZone’s eyes fade back to yellow as she slowly stands up and holds out a water damaged journal

“I found this journal. I figured it was neat and kept it around just in case. The few words I could read mentioned the Toons so I figured you guys must know about it. I tried to give it to any Toons I saw but they only tried to attack me…”

One of the Toons grab it and the scene cuts to the name of the journal which only has ‘L’ written on it with the rest of the name faded out from water damage.

DeadZone stares at the Toons a little longer and mentions,

“I liked their drawings from what I could see. Please tell them they have a lovely art style.”

DeadZone jumps into the water, disappearing.

The fight ends with you getting a new quest, “The Mysterious Journal”.

Special Attack Dialogue

Algal Bloom

“Green is a nice color when you’re not associating it with money.”

“What’s a lake without algae?”

“‘You’re getting into deep waters, Toon’. No, this ain’t the right attack for that…”

Brackish Water

“The water’s not polluted, it’s just a little dirty.”

“Hope you don’t mind getting soaked!”

“‘Water, water, everywhere!’ I should talk to her again.”

Whirlpool

“‘Thpin, thpin, thpin!’ Ha, a friend of mine used to say that often.”

“‘You’re thpinnin’ out of control!’ Sound familiar?”

“Y’know, whirlpools are my favorite!”

Backwash

“Don’t worry, it’s not the stuff in your mouth.”

“Why not surf a little? I hear the water’s great!”

“Thou shall be washedth awayth by mine wavesth! That’s not how the old language works…”

Misc. Dialogue

Face-off Taunts:

DeadZone sticks her tongue out and presses a finger to her helmet with a ‘bleh’ noise. “Huh? That doesn’t count as a taunt? Hmfp!”

“I’ve got my eyes on you!”

“Woah! I can do that?”

“Why not take a little dip? The water’s warm, I promise!”

“What do you mean you guys don’t recognize me?”

“Can we hurry this up? I just remembered I have a DnD game with Holly soon.”

“Listening to Prethinker tell me I’m the worst would be better than this…”

Death Taunts:

“Suits you right for randomly attacking me!”

“And pleathe don’t come back! …Pleathe…PLEASE! Oh my gosh, this is why I don’t do impressions!”

“Lifeguard! We need a lifeguard!”

“So many people have thalassophobia nowadays…”

Surrender Taunts:

“What? You need a breather?”

“Forgot to take your swimmer’s test, I see!”

“Need to grab your life jacket right quick?”

“Maybe this time you won’t come back…”

Friend Request Accepts:

“You seem fun, why not?”

“Keep this between you and I please.”

“I’m going to get in so much trouble for this…”

Friend Request Denials:

“You just kicked my butt for no reason! Heck no!”

“Go take an ip dip dip in the tides of changes and then we’ll see.”

“Go drink salt water!”

Attempt to Sue:

“Don’t you try to sue me! I’m barely hanging onto this job, you piece of ****!”

Attempt to Fire:

“You’re not my boss. Who’re you to try to fire me?”

Trivia:

A good chunk of DeadZone’s dialogue references other Cogs like Duck Shuffler and Rainmaker. In total, DeadZone references Duck Shuffler, Rainmaker, Prethinker, Deep Diver, and Gatekeeper. Almost sounds familiar to someone else we know.

I made DeadZone because of the lake you can see on the map in Daffodil Gardens (Or, if you’re looking at the TTR map, Daisy Gardens) and I thought ‘I can make something with that’.

DeadZone was partially inspired by the song Drown by AViVA.

DeadZone’s real name is Ariel which, naturally, comes from The Little Mermaid, Ariel. As for the Cove part? *Shrug* DeadZone needed a last name.

The dead zone, also known as the abyssal zone is a place underwater where there’s little to no life. It’s often completely dark and it’s right in between the midnight zone and the hadal zone.

DeadZone’s Employee ID (192017) is a date and it’s a reference to a terrible flood that happened in the US (If I remember correctly).

[auspexsims]

Fall of 1909 alights on Brindleton. Beau bikes home to his family, acceptance letter and full ride to Foxbury Institute in hand. His father didn't have the money for an education, but always instilled in his children how education was paramount - education buoys men into their best possible selves, and lifts their family with them. He decides to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue medicine. Olivia daydreams of her future on the eve of becoming a young lady, imagining all the possibilities a new decade can bring. Her parents have been giving her many serious talks about her unlimited options in her future, and her mind fills with possibilities that spin like fairy floss at a fair.

[crimsonblackrose]

.

Oh right, the Carmen dream.

Small callback to TKK1 with the sink being broken and needing the maintenance guy's help....this time Johnny.

Call back to Johnny's own dream, instead of Carmen pushing her way into Johnny's house and kissing him, she grabs his shirt and pulls him into her own apartment and they have the spinning with the lights and kissing.

no sleeves. Miguel and Johnny are playing volleyball, which I think is another Top Gun reference like the flight suit. Okay watched a very quick clip of just the volleyball scene. Starts the same with the spinning volleyball, same song is even playing. The only difference is Carmen's favorite is Tom Cruise's character and Johnny likes Iceman, and she has Johnny more dressed like Tom Cruise's character with the sunglasses. (Though he was shirtless) and I think Miguel is even wearing the same shirt as Rooster (If that's the nickname to the other guy)

The bike is a Kawasaki GPz750, which is wild that Carmen is dreaming of Johnny driving that while carrying the baby. yes it's similar-ish to the movie, but still. Neither baby nor Johnny is wearing a helmet.

I will say her domestic dream is kinda cute.

Aw, she wakes up and tells Johnny she had the best dream and he looks at her blearily like he also just woke up and says 'yeah? Tell me all about it"

Daniel's at home checking his security cameras at the dealerships trying to keep an eye out for Silver attacks. Chozen's the one holding the computer. Has he not told Amanda or his staff? I feel like you gotta warn people.

Amanda's red dress for the charity auction is so cute. It's got a nice red bow at the back.

Daniel: You're perfectly dressed for a day off. (Whispers) keep an eye on the house and the dealership and be ready for anything.

So...you've told Amanda nothing and Chozen is just your what? Security system? Guard dog? I dunno if that's fair to put all of that on him without any backup.

Johnny getting scammed, not realizing that a lot of the jobs posted on signs and telephone poles now are scams.

Her maiden name was brown. See part of me thinks that that was Johnny stealing Bobby's information to use as his own because of his bad credit.

Shannon's been trying to call for 3 hours. But Johnny's been doing job interviews. I dunno Johnny maybe show her that not as a 'she's going to compete with you for the same jobs' but she can tell you that's a scam.

Shannon is getting Robby's stuff so he can stay with his grandparents cabin on Bainbridge island. I guess this means that since the all-vally Robby's been living with Johnny?

So last season and the first time I saw last season I thought Shannon running to Johnny to be like scary rich man alert was maybe a clue she also comes from wealth. And uh...so I googled Bainbridge island and it's in Washington and apparently the cost of living there isn't just higher than the rest of the state (which is already expensive) but higher than the average for the rest of the country too)

It's beaches, hiking, three meals a day. Robby's going to have a great time.

Aw Johnny did research for the lighthouse photo, it's a photo of a lighthouse built in 1856 and is in Narragansett (Rhode Island)

"That's your overwhelmed face"

Shannon reads him really well.

The other clue, other than it smelling nice, his overwhelmed face and taking down the babes was that he was neatly folding laundry.

"The last time I looked for a job no one wanted me."

After high school he...tried...prostitution? I...is that what they mean? Make real money, not a scam, no suit and tie?

The job hunting isn't just because of the baby on the way but because Carmen's dream included a house with a yard.

Shannon sets up Johnny with the 'dork to door service' Aka demetri

The teens are at Splasharama water adventure

Anthony I guess likes Yasmine a little. Yasmine wants to torture him and tell him she asked if he's been working out. Sam says no way.

Sam is reading Wild: a journey from lost to found by Cheryl Strayed which essentially is a memoir travel book about the Pacific Crest Trail, a trail where you hike from Mexico to Canada. Which might be a clue about Sam trying to find herself and ways to do so.

Moon asks how the eat pray love journey is going.

These sweet dorks being so awkward.

I guess Robby told Tory where he was going, so he meets her at the splasharama, the guys around her (Cobra Kai dudes, but the og ones that were originally Johnny's) leave to catch her later. She asks if Robby and Johnny hit the beach and Robby says not that type of trip but they worked through some issues.

Robby asks Tory if she's willing to consider taking a break from Cobra Kai. "You heard what Kreese did and he's not even half as bad as Silver" which I wonder if that's from observing Silver from beside the mat.

Tory tells him not to tell her what to do. She's happy Robby and Johnny got through some of their stuff but she's not leaving the dojo. Instead she wants to do the typhoon, it's got a 5 story drop.

Kyler says Robby's not coming back. Kenny says but he was just on a trip. Kyler thinks he's the new in line for king cobra, but really every time some thinks that they learn they're replaceable.

Anthony I guess likes Yasmine a little. Yasmine wants to torture him and tell him she asked if he's been working out. Sam says no way.

Sam is reading Wild: a journey from lost to found by Cheryl Strayed which essentially is a memoir travel book about the Pacific Crest Trail, a trail where you hike from Mexico to Canada. Which might be a clue about Sam trying to find herself and ways to do so.

Moon asks how the eat pray love journey is going.

These sweet dorks being so awkward.

I guess Robby told Tory where he was going, so he meets her at the splasharama, the guys around her (Cobra Kai dudes, but the og ones that were originally Johnny's) leave to catch her later. She asks if Robby and Johnny hit the beach and Robby says not that type of trip but they worked through some issues.

Robby asks Tory if she's willing to consider taking a break from Cobra Kai. "You heard what Kreese did and he's not even half as bad as Silver" which I wonder if that's from observing Silver from beside the mat.

Tory tells him not to tell her what to do. She's happy Robby and Johnny got through some of their stuff but she's not leaving the dojo. Instead she wants to do the typhoon, it's got a 5 story drop.

Kyler says Robby's not coming back. Kenny says but he was just on a trip. Kyler thinks he's the new in line for king cobra, but really every time some thinks that they learn they're replaceable.

lol at the name of this inflatable Anthony is on

a fun boy. Anthony you're not going to be having fun for long.

The founder is Eva Garcia, her organization helps underprivileged teens.

Daniel recognizes the address, it's where he dropped Chozen off, it's Silver's home.

I really do love that bow

Eva says one of their donors offered his place, and is angling a spot on the board. Which is also what Amanda is trying for. And that is something that's super interesting. Chozen didn't know that this is what Amanda and Daniel were doing. But Terry does say he's got a lot of friends, so maybe he told someone to let him know about LaRusso's signing onto any guest lists? But again how would he know Amanda wants to be on the board or that this means so much to her?

Daniel's clue that this is Terry's home is the red Ferrari with the QuickSilver license plate. Which it's funny that both he and Johnny share that.

That look Amanda gives Daniel and the way she moves her lips and puts her hand on Daniel's elbow.

Terry: I have no intention of ruining her day. Let's just hope something else doesn't.

Terry knows how Daniel's mind works, knows just by being there Daniel will destroy it for him.

Like. Daniel. If you had some chill, Terry wouldn't be able to mess with you, but mongoose brain starts up and it's fight! Have words! Make a scene! He needs, more then ever Mr. Miyagi's calming breathing exercises. But I think because it's Silver he just doesn't do it. He's too on high alert and the trauma just traps him into this !!!! mode.

This is the fake job Robby had when we were introduced to him. And it's the job Demetri got when Daniel closed the dojo.

This company is maybe my favorite Cobra Kai creation. door to door sale dorks/nerds. Who when you tell them what you need show up with like a roll of phones. All unpackaged, like what on earth is that? It's like a guy on the street whose jackets full of watches.

I do like the premise of this company though. You need a new phone but don't know what kind? Your grandpa needs help with a new computer? Call your local nerd and they'll come and do it all. And bring a rolling hanger full of open phones or laptops. I mean if it's laptops would it come in a suitcase then? Of like 50? I'm surprised Robby's friends didn't just hold up all the red shirted Tech nerds they say to steal whatever they were carrying.

I guess Demetri hasn't realized how low on funds Johnny is. He can afford under 50 bucks.

Johnny do you have a nutribullet? You making smoothies? When did you get that?

Miguel you could easily get this job, you've already done all of this for Johnny multiple times lol.

Demetri looks like he's questioning all of his life choices.

Don't cut yourself on the glass. I totally did that, the screen protectors are sometimes also glass and I didn't realize that and went wtf?

A fellow gig-iolo omg demetri.

I love how this goes.

Demetri: Here's a less than 50 broken phone that technically works, (hands to Johnny) Johnny: Does this have rideshare apps? I need to make money Demetri: Spiel about how great it is doing gigs. Johnny: DO that to my phone, hands phone back. Demetri: Okay.

Literally playing phone hot potato.

Johnny: Thanks for being a dork, or geek, or whatever you identify as.

I can't tell if this is actually dangerous or not.

Okay yeah the way he nearly hit his head against the other side and goes head down and doesn't come up, yeah...dangerous.

Kenny: You're only the champ because Diaz got hurt, Robby won as many fights as you did.

Eli seeing a kid and realized he's been recognized as a champ who calls out to him and immediately backs down because he's now a role model. Is kind of a cool growth moment for him.

IS NO ONE GOING TO CHECK ON ANTHONY WHO WAS FLOATING FACE DOWN IN THE LAZY RIVER?! OMG.

They literally don't show us Anthony again in this scene. No one checks on him. I guess, RIP Anthony. Character death: 1

Silver giving Amanda (whose rightfully suspicious) a glass of 2013 Aubert, from his private collection.

They way she drinks, looks at him then looks a way and begrudgingly says 'it's very nice' She is such a team player. She's being polite but also knows at least the basics that this dude is not to be trusted, though not why.

He thinks you tricked him here so you can enact whatever the next phase of your karate super plan is.

Daniel, this is why you keep your partner in the loop. Because this has become a pattern and Amanda is going to stop believing you. Like Daniel literally did this not telling Amanda before enacting plans with Johnny and then found out later only to learn how bad all of it was. With Kreese you two worked together, but now for Amanda it sounds like you reverted back to what you were doing with Johnny, even though "sent his man to rough up my potential hires" is baloney. But because of what you did with Johnny she totally believes Silver. Yes Chozen roughed up Silver's potential hires, but that was after Silver offered them triple to take him down and after luring him into a trap.

Ah yes the terrible gig thing. He's trying to multi-task. Picked up girls trying to get to a party, while also trying to pick up Jimmy Johns.

Cars full of coors

Misunderstands Billy Eilish for billy Idol

Johnny still has the little dog he picked up from Mexico on his dash.

Are yasmine, sam, moon, eli and Miguel not going to actually swim? What's the point at being at the water park then?

Omg. Again? Kids. I'm tired of this. Tory and Robby are literally trying to stop the fight. But Eli misread it.

MVP: lifeguard who tells them they fight they're kicked out.

Also would like to point out we haven't seen Anthony again. He might truly be dead the rest of this episode until they need his character again.

Eli vs Tory on the slides

The charity is called Dreams for Teens

The LaRusso's are number 29

These poor bonsai. RIP

Human character death for episode: 1 Plant character death: 3

Silver is #21

Ah, there we go. He's literally doing this to wind Daniel up. Which I'd like to point out is what Daniel did to Johnny I think back is season 1 or 2, offering free karate classes.

The difference though is Silver and Daniel don't worry about this financially. For Daniel the concern here is that's more people Silver can get his cobra 'fangs' into.

Amanda looking at Daniel. Knowing how this is probably going to mess with him.

"They do sound like a lot of work. I might just use them for mulch."

Terry totally has people to take care of his gardening for him.

Lyle: "Well well well you finally brought me something i actually want"

"Here, take a taquito, it'll make you feel better."

I think this is Lyle's third location, it looks bigger than the other two.

Lyle has three kids, says Johnny will never meet them. i hope this means we do anyway. I want them to like Johnny and for that to drive Lyle up the wall.

Lyle giving Johnny good advice. "Most people hate their job, but once you figure out what's most important, all that other stuff gets a little bit easier because you know you're doing it for them."

He doesn't want to work at pawn shop, let alone own three.

"Maybe your not such an asshole after all." Lyle hand to his chest: "Awww. You're still getting 1 star for touching my food." "Join the club man."

There was a hole in Eli's tube. Kenny handed them out. (Kenny also did not appreciate Robby trying to warn him to get out of Cobra Kai)

Poor Tory. She didn't want to cheat, she doesn't want to be a cheater, people just keep deciding that for her.

Kenny and Eli fight, but Eli for the most part avoids Kenny's attacks and catches his leg and takes an elbow to it only for Robby to push him in the pool.

Miguel rushes up and the life guard gets there.

Does this life guard literally kick ever single person out of the park? Or just the teens???

He's alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terry is messing with Daniel. He says he told Eva about his wife: "I told her she's a phony, a psychopathic liar, who should never be trusted."

And he points at Daniel who shoves his hand away, and then Silver A+ actor, falls into the bonsai.

Daniel: I did not push him that hard.

Dude you don't say that. You ask him if he's okay, you play up that it was an accident. Hell ask if he had too much to drink. Don't own up to touching him. Let alone push him. Oh, poor Amanda. Her face.

You say, oh sorry, these things happen, I'll fix these bonsai up for you.

Well...Johnny bonsai death count: 2 Daniel bonsai death count: 3

Awww Shannon finally got one of the "I learned something" speeches. "I want Robby to stay with me over the summer. I quit too many jobs because I didn't like them, not thinking about what was best for us. I'm sorry I sucked Shannon."

Robby breaking up with Tory because she's going to stay in Cobra Kai. Then Miguel immediately chasing him down to tell him he's not a good guy and that essentially Mexico doesn't fix anything. Aw, cue Johnny.

Johnny goes to pick up Robby and ends up stopping both Miguel and Robby from fighting but then they both leave him there in the parking lot alone.

Chozen enjoying his day off with Bugles and two yoohoos and emotionally invested in 90 day fiance. Nearly in tears saying "never give up"

Someone turn this into a meme where you change out the show to whatever your 'guilty I'm caught watching my secret favorite show' meme

You couldn't for 1 day put this stupid rivalry aside. I'm afraid were not going to every have normalcy again.

Okay, Amanda, Daniel hasn't clued you in. Silver isn't a rival. He's a guy who pretended to be Daniel's friend, and his teacher, then pushed him in his training to hurt himself, and others, stalked him, and messed with his head. Rival isn't the right word. This is waayyyyy more then a bully. This is like a guy trying to destroy you in every way.

And again, Chozen thinking it's about the furniture store and say 'fight at furniture store, not his fault. My fault. Please blame me'. Not even about that Chozen dear. But Daniel you seriously gotta loop Amanda in. Hell, loop everyone in.

Courtney did so well. She's so mad and upset she's nearly in tears. Like she asked Daniel to keep his promise and Daniel himself even says "You don't know what he's capable of" Like, Daniel, you can't keep all this trapped inside without ever telling anyone, it eats away at you and then causes this awful ripple affect. You gotta take care of some of your trauma. Talk to Amanda about it. Clue her in. She's stood by your side through so much.

this fight makes me sad. Because he's never healed from TKK3. And he hasn't told her about it. And because he started off with fighting with Johnny and saying Johnny was awful and had to be kept away from kids and evil and Amanda realized that Johnny isn't, but then there was Kreese who was, it probably feels like she's got another Johnny around. Because Silver was nice to her face, said nice things about her, and she didn't hear all the stuff he said to Daniel and doesn't know all the stuff he's done. to her the true evil, Kreese, is gone.

She just needs space and she's taking the kids with her.

Which makes sense. And is probably good for them. Sam and Anthony need out of the Valley. No one is okay.

[rohawkins]

WHEN: November 18th, 2022 WHERE: Street Racing WHO: @fenriksblade​

“Look big guy, we’ve done this whole song and dance before.” Ro had her hands on each hip, striking a pose that was decidedly not welcoming or generous. She had come to race tonight. More than happy to take her bike out for a spin. To feel the musty, chilly breeze in her hair once more before the weather could take a change for the worse. Bikes didn’t perform well in ice and snow. They were more susceptible than other vehicles in that regard, which put her at a distinct disadvantage. What she wouldn’t have given for Alexander’s fancy car now.

She raised her chin. “One race. Double or nothing. I need the money, you need the fun. Seems like the right sort of thing for both of us.” Ro had seen him around before enough to know his name. Fenrik. And she knew something else about him, too. That he was a tough fucker who was best not prodded at too much. She had enough enemies as it stood.