#burnt out of positivity and optimism

[dreamerwriternstargazer]

“I promised myself going back to work I would do one thing. I would express when I was hurt or upset”

Oh…

And the way she takes it afterwards too….

She knows that it’s no longer her fault and she’ll just wait for her next chance…

*sighs*

[moyokeansimblr]

Moyo's Great Big Afterglow Default Project

HOORAH! 🥳Finally I can share with you guys! There's a lot to get through here so some notes beforehand.

There are way, way too many hairs to list and people to credit. See everything that's included and who all deserves credit in the spreadsheet I made for this project!

Not every hair is replaced! I don't know much about hidden clone hairs, for example. Some of them are replaced if the default I used as a base included them but most probably are not.

I chose to hide a bunch of the OFB hats and whatnot when I was starting to get burnt out of this project. See what hairs I've hidden on the hiders tab of the spreadsheet. Hiders are not included, but there's a link to them.

There's a few defaults I'm using from loosiap, rudhira and seabens. They are not included, see those in the defaults by others tab of the spreadsheet.

I use a bunch of no/random npc hair mods so not all npc hairs are replaced. See those in the no/random npc tab of the spreadsheet.

I use custom turn ons that change the one for hats so a lot of the hat hairs are replaced with non-hat hairs. I think most of the flags in simpe are changed to non-hat too but not positive - some might still be hat flagged.

Defaults where all I did was change the texture that didn't contain extra ages include them in a separate file because I didn't want to add them to the main file and mess anything up. Defaults done by me have them included in the main file.

Nearly every default has extra ages, but a few do not.

The Notes column of the spreadsheet mostly contains notes I wrote for myself regarding the custom versions of hairs I retextured (which will all be uploaded) but some of them do apply to the default too. I'm so brain fried though so I'm leaving it in the sheet. You can generally ignore - or read them if you want!

Defaults are in their own folders, and include a pic of the hair they're replacing and a pic of what they're replaced with...if the kind people on the default database are bored.

I'd never made a default replacement for hair before this so if any of these are not made in the best, most optimal way, apologies. I was learning as I went!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reach out if you notice any wonkiness. This was worked on over 3 of the most stressful months of my life so I'd not be surprised if I screwed anything up. Also if I forgot to mention anything in this post that you'd like to know, don't hesitate to ask that too!

👒Moyo's Afterglow Default Project download on Patreon (FREE) or on SimFileShare

I hope you enjoy! 😁

@the-afterglow-archive

[pianokantzart]

Do you think Mario's portrayal in the movie was a little too different from the games? I understand that they needed him to have a more well rounded personality, but I just can't help but wonder why they didn't make him more of a soul who is defined by having this sort of contagious positivity with a skip in every step. Think characters like Joy (Inside Out), Pinkie Pie (MLP), Steven Universe, Star Butterfly, Mabel Pines, Rapunzel (Tangled) and so on.

Mario of course still has a can-do determinator attitude about life, and he does still have his moments of excitement, but it's a lot more subdued. He spends a lot of the movie being rather irritable, somewhat impatient, and burnt out. Of course this can still happen to characters that are defined by being consistently upbeat and positive, but that's only when they hit very serious rock bottom moments.

Do you think the sequel should try and make Mario's personality a little more like his portrayal in the games or should they just stick with what they did for the first one?

I think a more happy-go-lucky Mario could work, hypothetically, but not with the backstory he was given in the movie, which leans pretty hard on him being an underdog in every sense.

The difference between Mario and all the characters you listed is Mario was neither sheltered, nor put in any position where he was encouraged to continually exhibit a bubbly, positive attitude.

Mario is a Brooklyn man who has just recently managed to work his way up from hard labor to blue collar, and has spent most of his life having his dreams and ambitions dismissed and put down.

He's by no means disillusioned with the world, but he's built up defenses to make sure everyone knows that neither he nor his brother are easy targets to be bullied or walked all over. He is optimistic, but he's swimming against the current, and it's worn him down. (Heck, judging by the concept art, it looks like there were plans to make him even more exhausted and despondent than he was in the final product.)

But now that Mario's in an environment that values his ambition and optimism, he's got room to develop into something closer to the Super Mario we're all familiar with. As much as I hope for some slight change in character between movies, I can't say I'd be too disappointed if he stays the same on account of how much I really really love Hothead Stressball McDaddyIssues Mario. But I'm banking on him being at least a good deal happier now that he's living in The Mushroom Kingdom.

It's a nice little mini-arc to give him in what was essentially Mario's origin story.

[stagefoureddiediaz]

Costume meta 8x01, 8x02 & 803

Life is incredibly busy for me at the moment, so I’m not able to spend as much time on things like writing Costume meta as I’d like, so, while I am planning on writing a meta for each episode, these are likely to be shorter and I will only be guaranteeing to do Buck and Eddies costumes. Any other character will be entirely dependent on my time and if there is anything interesting to point out! That being said, because I’ve combined the first three episodes into one meta (because they spent most of it in uniform!), it is on the longer side!

So, let’s get this season 8 costume meta show on the road!

Last season I pointed out the show was going heavy on the pink colour coding and suggested it was being employed to signal an overarching theme for the season - innocence and naiveté and the loss thereof. This proved to be correct  and we saw the show weave stories across the season about innocence and naiveté and we then watched characters experience the loss of those things.

So I was intrigued to see what colour they would be using this season and had been contemplating over hiatus what I thought they’d go with. I regret not making a post about it back then, because my thoughts had been focused on orange, and early indicators suggest orange is indeed the colour they’re using - along with a second colour - brown. 

I have spotted a lot of both colours in both episodes of the season so far, and very often they are using a sort of burnt/rusty orange/brown, that combines both colours I’ll be keeping my eye out for both colours in the upcoming episodes as well.

rest below the cut!

Examples of it in these opening two episodes that I’ve spotted are;

The light aircraft had orange and brown detailing on the tail. 

The truck has a brown logo, the driver who ran up to the car on the highway was wearing an orange check shirt, and his co-driver is wearing brown

Tori and her assistant Sheila are wearing orange and brown and Sheila is wearing brown trousers with and orange check when the bees attack. 

Hen’s jacket has a lot of orange and some brown in the plaid, and Denny’s shirt has a dark orange text on it.

Eddie and Buck are wearing brown shirts and Eddie is wearing an orange hat - the orange balloons and streamers are also fairly dominant in the party decorations.

Denis is wearing a light brown zip front hoodie (he also has his orange prison jumpsuit but I’m not including it as its standard prison uniform and would’ve been included regardless!)

Tia is wearing an orange/brown shirt under her white and coloured design jacket

Amy the manager of air traffic control is wearing both brown and orange

the toothbrush Dennis makes a shiv from is orange

several crew members on set are wearing brown

the workman who removes the blade fro the firetruck is wearing brown.

Orange means enthusiasm optimism and emotional strength. It’s also a colour of positivity and progressive thinking as well as creativity and success in endeavours! Orange can also be impatient and can also symbolise insincere personalities or intentions.

Brown meanwhile is stable and reliable, honest and supportive. It is also seen as protective and it is the foundation from which new things can grow. It also means honesty, wisdom and strength and it is a dependable colour. It can also have meanings such as loneness isolation and sadness, as well as being seen as boring or dull.

They are two colours that have intertwined meanings and to me this is suggesting an overarching theme for the season of positive stable progression. The idea of letting go of the past and moving forward. Everyones arc’s so far this season seem to be setting up the exploration of all our mains having to deal with aspects of their past (or connected to their past) be that something that happened to them or their behaviour, something they haven’t let go of that continues to impact them and that is preventing them from being able to progress further than they have. It feels very much like the show is setting itself up for making some changes to things for season 9 onwards (not saying people are leaving I want to make that clear - just that I think we might see some changes to what roles people fill within the show)

Check Theory

Check theory was out in force in these two episodes as well - and it has yet to fail me! The small aircraft pilot,

the truck driver,

the first passenger we see on the plane (whose shirt also happens to be that rusty orange/brown colour), one of the attorneys in LA, Sheila the PA, Amy the air traffic controller, all wearing check patterns along with Hen and Tommy. If you haven’t read my theory before - you can find it here, but basically check generally means the character will be the one in danger in some way (not always physical, it could be emotional) and in the case of the passenger on the plane - he is a signifier for the entire plane being in peril by virtue of being the first passenger we see.

Hen’s check came in a scene where we start to see the jealousy she feels towards Chim and Mara’s relationship (while Karen isn’t reacting to it at all - beyond seeming happy that Mara is happy) and is foreshadowing the upcoming issues with Hen and Chim’s relationship and their fight to get Mara back. the use of two different types of check is perhaps hinting at the fact Hen will be facing issues on two fronts - the Ortiz front and the Chimney/Maddie front. The raw edged denim also helps to play into the idea that Hen is reaching the end of her capacity to deal with things - she is feeling raw and frayed.

Tommy’s check is serving a similar purpose - we get a continuation of Tommys dismissive comments when Buck is telling him something about his life and it is clearly foreshadowing the issues and hurdles Buck and him are going to face. Interestingly the colour of the check is hard to figure out - I'm pretty sure its black, but it looks dark green in some moments and navy blue in others. The black and white colouring in a check pattern is giving us hints - telling us that in the case of Tommy things are very black and white - that there is little nuance to his character.

It's telling us what we see is what we get and that all of his behaviour up to this point can be read for what it is and t hat what it is isn't good because of the check. the other thing about black and white is that it suggests a lack of change - things being black and white in costume terms generally means that the character in that moment a a minimum can be read very plainly - they are how they are and how they have always been.

The fact Tommy is wearing it in a scene discussing Gerrard really is implying that things on that front are going to be black and white and that plays into the theory that it is his problematic past at the 118 (that the show deliberately chose not to address last season) is at least one of the issues that’s going to come up this season and that it is a black and white issue - as in not one with grey areas.

Tommy's blue party hat is also pretty interesting, and telling, blue is very much a Buck colour, its one he wears a lot of - far more than any other colour, this, along with the fact the black check on the shirt appears blue or green depending on the lighting and camera angle, fits with my theory that Tommy is meant to not only be similar to Eddie, but also and alt version of Buck. The fact he is wearing an open shirt over a henley also plays into this theory as they are items of clothing associated with Buck (open shirt) and Eddie (henley). 

Navy blue as a hat colour is an interesting choice to have Tommy wearing in this scene because it is a colour associated with several things, its supposed to be a symbol of peace, commitment and honesty, as well as authority. It also means fragility, depression, impersonality and coldness. 

We saw various shades of navy blue on Buck a lot during his relationship with Taylor - especially during the more fractious periods - moments such as the ily scene - seemingly a moment affirming commitment and honesty, but also revealing the fragility and coldness of their relationship.

So on Tommy it seems to be conveying a similar concept - the juxtaposition of the commitment of Buck and Tommys relationship and the idea that Buck is at peace with himself in relationship terms right now, but it is also revealing the fragility and coldness of the relationship - its supporting the textual clues we get in the scene and setting up Bucks arc for the season and the instability of his relationship with Tommy.

On to Eddie and Buck now we've dealt with the more general costume things!

I’ve already written above about the meaning of brown and how its meaning is stable and reliable, honest and supportive. It is also protective and it is the foundation from which new things can grow. It also means honesty, wisdom and strength. It is a dependable colour. It can also mean loneness isolation and sadness, as well as being seen as boring or dull.

The thing with brown is that it is made up of all of the colours and can therefore have different coloured undertones. In this scene, Bucks shirt is red toned and Eddies is yellow/orange toned and this means we should look to those colours for additional information about the potential meanings.

Eddie

The yellow and orange undertones for Eddie means his brown is connected to communication and enthusiasm as well as the meanings of brown I’ve described above. the meaning that particularly stands out to me in this scene is the idea of support - of being supportive. It’s a theme that plays out in different ways in this scene especially for Eddie and Buck. For Eddie specifically it is the idea of being supportive of what he thinks his son wants - what he i being told his son wants. 

Eddie is trying to communicate with Christopher but Chris is not communicating back - Helena is the one that communicates the information we get about Chris - that he is happy in El Paso and has lots of new friends and is visiting the pool a lot etc. Eddie tries to be supportive of what he is being told, despite it making sure his broken heart stays broken - because he thinks it’s what Chris wants because it is what he’s being told. 

We also have eddies orange party hat - picking up the orange undertones to the t-shirt, it emphasises the emotional strength Eddie has to employ to keep persevering with Chris - even when he is getting barriers thrown up at him. He’s being creative - throwing the party in LA even though he’s not with Chris - trying to make himself a part of things and show Chris that he’s trying to mend the bridge he broke. The orange is also playing the long game with Eddie as well - the lack of orange in the El Paso visuals is telling us that Eddie will be successful in his endeavours - he just needs to be patient and keep trying.

It's also worth noting a couple of things about Eddies clothing - firstly that Eddie is back to wearing slightly oversized tees again - calling back to season 5 and his breakdown and mental health struggles. and secondly the choice of putting him in olive drab cargo pants and his mom in jeans of the same-ish colour (its hard to tell exactly what shade of olive drab they are as the colouring through the computer screen is wildly different!) is an interesting choice - its hinting at where Eddies battles lie - an indication of both going into combat with one another!

Buck

For Buck his brown has reddish undertones (these are much less obvious than the yellows and oranges of Eddies undertones), and there his also the red party hat bringing the red aspect into focus. Red is a symbol of anger, danger, impulsiveness, aggression, passion, sacrifice, and courage. 

Again the concept of support comes into play with the brown - Buck supporting Eddie, being a source of strength and stability at his back, as is visually shown with him never leaving his spot behind Eddie (unlike Tommy who moves away and out of camera in both the video call and the way the scene is shot - its costume and directing working in tandem to relay information about Tommy to the audience). 

The reddish undertones play into the other aspect of the scene - the conversation (if yo can call it that) between Buck and Tommy - its foreshadowing Bucks anger towards Gerrard later in the episode, and also his impulsive and courageous actions to save Gerrard. I think the honesty and wisdom of brown is also important here as well. Buck may be questioning his motives and actions - if he intended to hurt Gerrard or save him, but the brown is giving him stability and suggests that ultimately he will figure things out in a positive direction.

I do want to quickly talk about the fit of Bucks shirt as well, because it is important in relation to what we've seen with Bucks costuming across the seasons and from the bts pictures we've had from Oliver showing a couple of Bucks costumes for upcoming episodes. The fit of this shirt is really really good on Buck and that is important.

I spoke quite a lot in my season 6 and season 7 meta's about the fit of Bucks clothing - in particular his trousers, but in his tops as well, how we've seen his clothing seemingly shrink and become to tight, right through to ill fitting and slightly oversized clothing.

The wardrobe department have been clearly showing Bucks character growth through the fit of his clothes - to tight and too short in the leg when he's uncomfortable and has outgrown his current situation - playing into the idea that Buck is trying to make himself smaller - make himself fit inside a skin that doesn't really represent or fit him any longer.

Then we've had the other extreme where his clothing is baggy and ill fitting - suggesting he doesn't fit in to the new him he's trying on - it is a perfect way to visually show that Buck is growing but not yet comfortable or at ease with this new version of himself.

His clothing settled into fairly well fitting through the latter half of season 7, and it was really interesting to see which scenes he was dressed slightly oversized or slightly too small in. Interestingly we tend to see clothes being slightly oversized now with Eddie and pushing towards too tight with in Tommy scenes, the ones where there is cross over (such as the greyish brown and light blue vertical stripes which we saw in scenes with both the fire fam and Tommy) we tend to get a good fit.

Right now we're in a period where Buck is the most content within himself that he as been and this brown shirt echoes that. It fits him well and it is a scene which features both Eddie and Tommy. WE know that we're going to see Buck wearing a range of fits of clothing, the up coming golf scene with Gerrard for example has a return of the fit being too tight and too short in the leg- emphasising Bucks discomfort. It will be really interesting to see which way things play out when it comes to costumes soley associated with Tommy, compared with costumes that are connected to Eddie or connected to the wider fire fam. I'm not quite prepared to pin my colours to the mast on this front just yet, but I do think we'll either see a slow shrinkage connected to Tommy and things being sightly oversized when it comes to Eddie - as a way of exploring his diminishing feelings for Tommy and expanding knowledge of his feelings for Eddie, or we'll see the reverse - oversized with Tommy as the relationship starts to run into problems (in much the same way we saw Eddies oversized clothing during his break down in s5 and now again in s8 connecting to Christopher's absence and his struggles with that) and to small with Eddie as a sign Buck no longer fits into the status of their relationship - that his feelings for Eddie don't fit the concept of friend any longer - that they are more than simply friendly.

So yeah - its going to be very interesting to see which way it plays out!

I'm finishing here as I'm already so much later posting this than I intended (thanks tumblr for being a pain and not letting me upload pictures into this post no matter how many times I recreated it - but I won the fight in the end!) hopefully 804's meta won't take so long or be such a technological pain!

I'm not tagging anyone this time as I didn't have time to ask if anyone wanted tagging in my costume metas - so this is your chance - if you'd like to be tagged in future costume metas for s8 - please drop me comment and I'll include you in the 804 meta!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed - its good to be back talking costumes! 💜💜💜

[artyandink]

amoralism | seventeen

SUMMARY: You and Dean Winchester are the top agents from Major Crimes. You’re also assigned as partners on the same case- a crime syndicate is running loose and buying out most of downtown New York. He hates you cause you hate him. You hate him cause you think he got in his position with his daddy’s influence. But this case is personal to one of you more than the other- and you may be getting too personal for comfort.

TW: Chuck. Short chapter.

Song Inspo: Feeling Good by Michael Bublé

SERIES MASTERLIST

egotism

Chuck Shurley liked to think of himself as a man of routine, a person of simple tastes despite the complicated world he occupied. Running a country wasn’t easy, but some things could be counted on to stay the same. Like breakfast. No one could mess with his breakfast.

He sat alone at the enormous dining table in his residence, wearing his favorite plaid bathrobe over a pair of faded pajama pants. A steaming mug of coffee sat beside his plate of toast, eggs, and bacon. Chuck always ate the same thing for breakfast. Not because he particularly loved it, but because it required no decision-making before the caffeine kicked in.

He reached for the toast, then paused to inspect the slight over-toasting of the edges. "Again with the burnt crusts," he muttered to himself, his eyebrows knitting together in mild disappointment. "I swear, they’re trying to ruin me one piece of toast at a time." He sighed and took a bite anyway, wincing slightly at the crunch. He'd have to have a word with the kitchen staff later. You’d think the President of the United States could get perfectly toasted bread, but no, that seemed to be asking for a miracle.

As he worked his way through the rest of his breakfast, Becky, his assistant, entered the room. Becky Rosen was efficient to a fault, carrying a clipboard like it was a weapon and wielding it with the precision of a fencing champion. She had a spark in her eyes that sometimes bordered on unsettling, but Chuck had learned to appreciate her, enthusiasm and all.

"Morning, Mr. President!" Becky said, almost too brightly, her smile like the sun peeking over the horizon. "Big day ahead! You ready to dive in?"

Chuck raised a single eyebrow at her cheerfulness, sipping his coffee. "Becky, it’s barely seven. How are you this chipper already? Did you have a breakfast of espresso beans and optimism again?"

She ignored his comment and plowed on, flipping through her clipboard with the kind of vigor reserved for game show hosts and emergency responders. "You’ve got a cabinet meeting at nine, then a briefing with the Joint Chiefs at ten-thirty. Lunch with the Belgian Prime Minister at noon—please don’t make any more jokes about waffles this time."

"Well, what else do they even do?" Chuck grumbled into his mug, muttering about syrup diplomacy. Becky gave him a look that managed to convey both exasperation and fondness.

"After that," she continued, "there’s the energy policy speech at two, then a fundraiser dinner at seven." She paused, her eyes flicking up from the clipboard to meet his. "And remember, sir, try to keep the jokes about solar panels to a minimum. Not everyone finds renewable energy as hilarious as you do."

Chuck leaned back in his chair, sighing dramatically. "It’s a crime against humanity that more people don’t appreciate my sense of humor. Do I have to wear a tie for all of this?"

"Absolutely," Becky said without missing a beat. "And don’t forget the photo op with the children’s charity this afternoon. You need to look like you care."

"Perfect," Chuck said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Kids. My favorite. Do they come pre-stickied, or do they just ooze jam on contact?"

Becky didn’t dignify that with a response, just handed him his schedule and turned on her heel, leaving Chuck to his now lukewarm coffee.

With breakfast done and his day outlined in painfully precise detail, Chuck made his way to his dressing room. The space was a cavernous expanse filled with suits that could have outfitted an entire department store. He stood there, hands on his hips, staring at the rows of ties like they were enemies that needed to be defeated in some twisted neckwear combat.

"Alright, which one of you will make me look like I’m competent today?" he muttered to himself. He finally settled on a navy suit and a maroon tie—classic, authoritative, but not too stuffy. As he buttoned up his crisp white shirt, he caught sight of his own reflection in the mirror. For a moment, he allowed a smirk to cross his face. "Looking good, Mr. President. Looking good."

Just as he was about to adjust his tie, his phone rang, the shrill sound cutting through the quiet of the room. Chuck’s brow furrowed as he reached for it. Very few people had this direct number, and even fewer had the gall to use it at this hour.

He glanced at the screen. The name simply read: Lucifer.

Chuck blinked, then rolled his eyes to the ceiling like he was looking for divine intervention. "Oh, great. Of course." He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for whatever chaos was about to unfold, then hit the answer button.

“Lucy!” Chuck said, trying to keep his voice light. “What a surprise. How’s the underworld these days? Still hot and full of despair?”

There was a pause on the other end, then a smooth voice, dripping with amused malice, responded. “Chuck, my old friend. Still trying to play the role of the charming statesman, I see. You know, you’re not fooling anyone with that tie. Maroon? Really?”

Chuck forced a laugh, tightening his grip on the phone. “What can I say? Red’s a power color, and it hides the bloodstains when things get messy. So, what can I do for you, Lucifer? It’s not every day the Prince of Darkness gives me a ring.”

Lucifer’s voice was as smooth as silk and twice as dangerous. “Oh, nothing too major. Just a little business proposition, let’s call it. Something I think you’ll find… tempting.”

Chuck’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone remained light. “Tempting? Lucifer, you know that’s your whole brand, right? I mean, if it didn’t come with a side of betrayal and eternal damnation, you might’ve made a great salesman.”

There was a low chuckle on the other end of the line. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Chuck. But this is strictly business. I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”

Chuck’s playful demeanor slipped for a moment, replaced by something sharper, more calculating. He knew that tone, knew it all too well. Whatever Lucifer was about to propose, it wasn’t going to be simple. And it certainly wasn’t going to be good.

“Well, Lucifer,” Chuck said, his voice losing its casual edge, “you’ve got my attention. What kind of deal are we talking about?”

And just like that, in the space of a breath, Chuck Shurley’s morning went from a mundane blend of burnt toast and tie dilemmas to a potential crisis involving the literal devil. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his tie half-knotted, and muttered under his breath, "Why can’t it ever just be about waffles?"

The line crackled with a hint of static, and Lucifer’s voice dripped through the receiver, smooth and menacing. “Oh, I think you’ll find this deal quite… devilishly delightful.”

Chuck rolled his eyes again, a half-sigh escaping his lips. “Oh, good. Puns. This is going to be one of those days, isn’t it?”

And with that, he braced himself for whatever nightmare Lucifer had in store, already lamenting the loss of his predictable, if slightly burnt, breakfast routine.

TAGLIST:

@goldngguk @sweetpeachbombshell @slut-for-stiles @staple-your-mouth @daddyscrimsstuff

@dob-4-life @marcis-mixtapez @nonoreas0n @gabrielasilva1510

@lucyholmes13 @pandadork-blog1 @nicolstancu @malusinhaaaa @dybalabandolero

@a-cup-of-nightshade @tomatoessoup @sh0rtcakee @fall-06 @mckaykay-fandoms

@b3th13

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@lyarr24 @ximm19 @deanbrainrotwritings

@a-girl-who-loves-disney @jeneelsworld @deans-spinster-witch @deanspinsterwitchs-readinglist @kayleighwinchester

@k-slla @muhahaha303 @suckitands33

@dean-winchester-is-a-warrior

@katherineeekai @freefallthoughts @angzls @deans-baby-momma @syrma-sensei

@cheynovak

[hroscek]

✎📃Dottore studying headcanons📚

Back again with more Dottore content. This is a bit of a mix between a modern au but still somehow compliant with Genshin? Idk I just wanted to write ab him studying and projecting finding inspiration in my own life without having to explain how he has access to YouTube in his akademiya days okay? Anyways enjoy and make sure to study if you happen to be procrastinating at the moment (I will know)!

⚜⚜⚜⚜���⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜⚜

Dottore study headcanons

Probably the type that ultra-focuses on the material in front of him leading to generally neglecting any and all other needs until he physically can't anymore (nearly burnt down his dorm via hair catching fire from a candle when he fell asleep at the desk)

Thinks he's above attending lectures so he'd definitely be that one student that never shows up but still ends up acing the exams.

Fully believes that he must achieve a state of total focus to optimize his brain. This starts as threatening the other students into leaving him alone as he studies, drawing the curtains and shutting out all other distractions. Probably spent too much on finding a good noise-cancelling headset.

After getting kicked out gracefully parting ways with the akademiya he devoted some time to trying to find ways to improve his focus even more. I'm talking full blown rounds of experimentation with different methods such as binaural beats (actually works tbh), sensory deprivation tanks etc. Sort of how greater lord rukkhadevata would shut herself away to meditate, but he would never admit how similar their methods are.

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the original Dottore is just floating in a state of meditation rn trying to achieve max brain power (legit a headcanon for me now lmao).

Seeing as he probably doesn't sleep much, especially when in the thick of experiments he tries his best to compensate in other ways. He drank an inhuman amount of coffee or energy drinks (or both at the same time tbh) until he grew a tolerance to all forms of caffeine and is now forced to actually sleep once in a while.

He is intimately familiar with is work area and instantly knows where everything is. To outsiders it looks like a mess of various documents, piles of paper, supplies and mechanical parts. Often he asks a new intern to fetch him a sheet or something and they'll spend hours looking for it in the raven's nest that man calls an office. Then he'll show up pissed as hell like "It was under the desk next to the 3rd used energy core. Are you really that stupid?".

When he's in the zone he's deathly silent, his eyes laser focused on whatever page or machine he's trying to figure out. An observer might be afraid he'll burn a hole trough the object with his eyes. This is probably the only time he doesn't wear his mask as he doesn't want anything to obstruct him. Archons couldn't help the unfortunate soul who dares to interrupt him in this state. Instant volunteer for his next experiment.

Pantalone once decided to gift him with an expensive stationery set in a desperate attempt to get him to organize his study. It included quills, ink, various highlighters and organizers all in pastels with cute motifs. "To bring some positivity to the gloomy atmosphere around you!". Dottore claimed to hate it but was seen months later using a kitten-themed notepad at one of his labs.

✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮✮

Another post, another slay (probs a flop). I'm currently taking a half-voluntary gap year because I decided to switch universities a little too late in the year oops. And honestly in this time I've realized how much I thrive in the academic environment and I miss studying so much! Idk might sound a bit too optimistic coming from someone who's currently not under any pressing deadlines or tests but I really do miss it. As much as I hated crunching the night before a test and stressed about the material I believe it's an environment I truly thrive in. I really do find such comfort in being able to take notes, discuss with classmates and professors. It's probably one of the many reasons I find Dottore relatable. We both share such a thirst for knowledge and focus way too much on our favorite subjects. I'm rambling, sorry. Thank you so much for reading and please don't be shy to send me asks or comments with ideas you'd like me to expand upon. I'm still pretty new to writing in fandom space so I'd really be grateful to get feedback and see what the community wants lol.

Have a good day! ❀

[gazsluckyhat]

Second Chances

Intro - Meet Nora. Cookie likes Nora.

Masterlist

I should be writing Sunday Worship and Phantom Pains but alas, my brain did other things. Also check the bottom for a little inspo for this story.

Johnny hates red. Seen to much of the color. Actually, maybe he doesn't? Maybe it's his favorite color.

or

The red string can tangle but it doesn't break.

Johnny watched the people in the room like a hawk. His fingers fiddling with the button on his jacket, Cookie laying at his feet. Simon had forced him to this. He'd tried to argue his way out of it but the fucker was smart and lied about going to the strip club. Johnny had almost punched him when they pulled up to the curb of the old church building.

"Not as bad as ya' think." Simon had kicked him out of the car with the promise of being back when it was over. Cookie had pulled him inside as he grumbled under his breath.

 There was a table filled with store bought cookies and pastries. Wasn't every AA meeting the same? He wondered. Still he grabbed a cup of the burnt coffee and took a seat. He made sure it was close to the door if he needed to make a escape. People continued to make their way in. none really grabbing his attention until people started taking their seats. All he saw was a red blur as the person stumbled their way in. They took the seat next to him, bag plopping down as who he assumed was the speaker glared at them.

"Do you always have to be late, Nora?" The girl beside him blushes as she pulls the beanie off her head, a red waterfall falling down her back. She slips the jacket off to reveal a plain t-shirt. Johnny watches as she snaps back.

"Do you always have to be such a prude, Rick?" The man chuckles before taking his own seat. He clapped his hands together as he spoke.

"Good afternoon everyone! I'm so glad to see you all here! I see a couple new faces, most recurring." He takes a second to look around before continuing. "I'm Rick. This is a support group for trauma survivors. Now that can be anything so we don't judge here. Let's start this off with introductions, Nora, why don’t you go first?" Johnny could see the girl stiffen beside him, caught her sending Rick a glare before standing up.

"Right, hi. Uh.. I'm Nora." She waved her hand awkwardly and Johnny caught sight of a tremor in her muscles. "I'm twenty-six, crazy, and am only here so my dad doesn’t get disappointed at me." The smile she gave was fake and she plopped back into her seat. Rick ran a hand down his face before forcing a grin and pointing at someone else. Johnny snuck a couple glances as people rattled off their names. She was short, maybe came to his chest. She had brown eyes, they seemed distant, and her skin was pale. Like she'd been ill. She was still beautiful. He wasn't paying attention, missed Rick talking to him. Until she put her eyes on him and snickered. Cookie nudged his leg, his head swinging to her. Cheeks red.

"'M sorry?" Rick was still smiling, no judgment in his gaze.

"It's okay, care to tell us a little about you?" Johnny could feel everyone's eyes on him. His heart rate started to rise and he could feel the fear start creeping into his veins. Cookie stood and nudge him again before whining lowly. He couldn't speak, mouth wouldn’t move.

"Why don't you just get on with the thing? Really wanna get back to rotting in my bed." Johnny could kiss her. He wondered if she'd caught on to his panic and dragged the attention off him on purpose. Or if she really just wanted to leave.

"Thank you Nora for you're optimism." Rick turns back to the group and begins talking. Nora catches Johnny's eye and just smiles before offering him a dog treat. He freezes and stares at the treat. For Cookie. Who nipped it from his fingers and returned to her position. Nora chuckled and turned back to Rick.

Johnny sat through the whole meeting. Cookie had switched to sit between Nora and him, using her head to try and get pets from the girl. Nora did her best to ignore the nudges, knowing not to pet a working dog, but Cookie was a persistent one. Johnny lent closer and mumbled, "She won't stop until you pet 'er." Nora looked at him then turned her attention to the dog. Within seconds Cookie had her melting. Cookie was strict, had him on a routine within a week of being placed with him. Not once had she ever tried to get pets while working. Never. The boys had tried countless times and she refused. Would stare at them and snort. But here she was, head in Nora's hands. The girl rubbed her head, her hands steady. Johnny noticed some faint scarring on her fingers, the nails bitten and broke.

"She's a good girl, very good girl." She said sending him a smile. Cookie ate it up, licking a stripe up her hand. Johnny couldn't help stare at the girl. There was something about her that seemed to drawl him in. Something that seemed to settle the ringing in his ears that he'd been left with after getting shot. The constant panic that flowed through his veins seemed to dissipate in her presence. 

"'Er names Cookie." At her name the dog tilted her head to look at him, eyes checking to make sure he was okay. Nora giggled and scratched behind the dogs ears.

"You do look like cookie crumbles." She whispered as she petted her.

"My nephew named 'er." He didn't know what to say but wanted to lengthen his time talking to her.

"Fits her. I'm Nora." She smiled at him.

"Johnny." Her phone dinged, she pulled it out and sent a reply before pocketing it again.

"Sorry Cookie, rides here." She sent another smile at Johnny and stood up, his own phone vibrating to show a text from Simon.

"So is ours." He took hold of Cookie's leash and followed Nora out the door. Two cars were pulled to the side of the curb. Simon watched him as he walked out. Nora stopped as they got closer.

"This is me. Hoped to see you next time. We can hate together." She winked at him and slipped into the front car, the man inside fussing as he pulled away.

"Made a friend?" Simon asked as he slipped inside, Cookie taking her place on the backseat. Johnny blushed. "Pretty." His phone dinged, a friend request from one Nora Blankenship.

                                                                                                                                   The Red Thread of Fate, also referred to as the Red Thread of Marriage, and other variants, is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese mythology. It is commonly thought of as an invisible red cord around the finger of those that are destined to meet one another in a certain situation as they are "their one true love". According to Chinese legend, the deity in charge of "the red thread" is believed to be Yuè Xià Lǎorén , often abbreviated to Yuè Lǎo , the old lunar matchmaker god, who is in charge of marriages. In the original Chinese myth, the thread is tied around both parties' ankles, while in Japanese culture it is bound from a male's thumb to a female's little finger. Although in modern times it is common across both these cultures to depict the thread being tied around the fingers, often the little finger. The color red in Chinese culture symbolizes happiness and it is also prominently featured during Chinese weddings.

The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. This myth is similar to the Western concept of twin flame or a destined partner.

[kiwiana-writes]

Hi MJ, it truly makes my day when I happen to open the Tumblr app, and you’re playing the AU fun facts ask game. The folks sending you ideas are brilliant, and in equal measure, so are your responses. It’s all just so much fun, thanks for bringing that energy to my Tumblr dashboard! 💕

If it’s not too late to participate in the game, I had an AU idea come to me early this morning—

Medical/Arthur Lives AU - perhaps a universe where Alex is somehow involved in Arthur’s treatment/recovery, trying very hard (yet failing lol) not to be distracted by his patient's annoyingly handsome son. 👀

This is such a lovely, lovely thing to say, my friend, thank you. I genuinely wasn't expecting people to get quite so into this one but I've had a BLAST churning through these for the last day and a half, so your beautiful message seems like the perfect one to end on.

ONE: Alex spent three years working in hospice before he burnt out—not because of all the death. It was hard, of course, getting attached to patients and then losing them, but making their final weeks more comfortable was a privilege Alex didn't take lightly. What he burned out on was the way some families would spend those last precious few days sniping and dragging up old hurts and yelling at each other over their loved one's literal deathbed.

TWO: Naively, he thought cancer recovery would mean no more bad feelings—that people would be relieved about their second chance and would face their recovery plan with the optimism of reprieve. He's soon disabused of this; almost all his patients have a mix of positive and negative feelings, and some spent so long preparing themselves for their treatment to fail that it throws them off-course when it's successful.

THREE: Arthur Fox is not one of those people. He has, according to his notes, gone through a gruelling chemo/radiation regimen with the unbridled confidence of an upper-class white man who's never been denied anything he wants in his life (okay, that part might not be in his notes; Alex is annotating a little). He simply decided, no matter the prognosis, that he wasn't going to die, and so he didn't. Alex is honestly kind of obsessed with him.

FOUR: He meets Catherine early on, but doesn't get a chance to meet Arthur's children until three and a half weeks into their treatment plan, and Alex is sure he's not imagining the way Arthur spends so much more time introducing Henry to Alex than any of his other kids.

FIVE: Alex has always had a vested interest in his patients getting well and not needing him anymore, but every time he sees Henry during one of his visits to Arthur's home—chatting with him about the novel he's writing, lavishing attention on his dog—Alex has another reason to count down the days until Arthur is free and clear so that Alex can give Henry his number in a decidedly non-professional context.

[Send me a potential AU and I’ll tell you five fun facts that would happen in a story.]

[franz-writes]

My Office Crush [BWWM, office romance]

-----------------------------------------------------------

CW: Sex, interracial, BWWM, power dynamics.

The office air always feel stale, the harsh fluorescent light giving everything a sterile sheen, I was getting burnt out, my eyes barely focused on the screen as I waited for my break.

I was the head of dev in a Cyber Security company, a position that I detested, I started the company and yet ended up heading up development instead of staying on the business side. I guess when your business partners are total morons you have to take on some of the responsibility.

I watched the clock on my laptop hit noon, I shot up from my desk causing my chair to roll back and hit the glass wall with a hollow thud—I was already at the door.

The air-conditioned air of the office floor felt crisp against my skin as I rolled my sleeves, the fabric tight against my forearms as I made my way to the coffee room­­—maybe she’ll be there again.

My optimism was quickly shot down as I opened the door to an empty break room. A drab kitchenette with a dated sofa in the corner. I felt a pang of embarrassment at my earlier giddiness. What would I even do if she was here?

Standing over the coffee maker I was lost in my thoughts again; She started here a few months ago, Esi. She was hired by one of my business partners, apparently a great addition to the team. When she arrived I saw right through it, she was a pretty, a mess of black locks framing her face, a glistening sheen of nervousness on her dark, brown skin. He eyes were fierce but her face was gentle—she was a pleasure to look at.

The clinking of my spoon stirring my coffee snapped me back momentarily, reminding me to breathe as I continued contemplating this infatuation.

At first, I rolled my eyes, being as cynical as I was. Thinking my dumb partners thought they had a chance with her, the sleaze of these business types is unmatched. Yet, as soon as she spoke I was proven wrong, humbled for my own presumptuousness. She was scarily intelligent, a meticulous dev who has been a constant source of success for our team. Yet, I find myself slightly saddened by how she’s overshadowed by louder voices, she’s not a shark like some of these boys—and I’d be disappointed if she was.

I realised I’d been stirring the coffee for long enough to leave scratches on the inside of the mug. I smiled to myself, rubbing the stubble on my face and running my hands through my hair, steadying myself. Perhaps I was burnt out, and perhaps thinking about her was an escape. The days at the office were monotonous, a never ending cycle of staring code and meeting deadline. Not what I imagined when I founded this place. The money was nice, I could live however I wanted, yet, maintaining this place was all I ever seemed to do. Either way, I needed to remain professional, I wasn’t going to do or say anything dumb just because I felt tension creeping in, catching up.

As I turned toward the sofa, my heart began pounding as if I were caught red-handed, as if she could read my thoughts all the way from that couch.

She sat there, scrolling on her phone, legs crossed and lost in her moment  of reprieve from the mindless onslaught of office life. She looked up at me, brushing some stray hairs from her eyes.

“Oh. Hi Lucas,” She smiled warmly, the dimples on her cheeks conveying her genuine enthusiasm, “I didn’t want to disturb you, you seemed out to lunch there,” she giggled, “Like... figuratively, I mean.” Another embarrassed giggle, “I know it’s your actual lunch break... you know what I mean!” She laughed at her own word salad covering her mouth with a tinge of embarrassment.

“Yea, sorry, been a rough few days.” I tried to put her at ease, keeping my inner turmoil to myself, not letting it spill out.

I leaned back on the counter, directly across from where she sat on the sofa, I could feel the tension, the tug I fought against by keeping my distance. Our eyes fixed on each other for a moment too long, her gaze faltered, dropping down to her lap briefly.

She looked back up, breaking the silence between us, “Rough few day, huh?” She scanned me up and down with a smile, “Could have fooled me, you’ve got that effortless suave thing going on.”

I lifted off the counter, taking a step forward, was that a compliment?

“Effortless?” I chuckled, “You should see me before my morning coffee.” I playfully added, watching for her response. I trying to keep it together, but I couldn't help the knot in my stomach every time we spoke.

“Hah! Everyone knows to avoid you in the mornings.” A teasing smile playing on her lips, each movement of her face drawing me closer.

“Am I that much of a monster in the mornings?” I was leaning on the edge of the kitchenette now, close enough to see her shirt move as she breathed, watching her breath quicken slightly the closer I got.

“Less so around lunchtime.” She winked sending a spark of confidence surging through my body.

“Are you afraid too?” I smirked, leaning forward, my tone slightly teasing.

“I’m not afraid of monsters,” her fingers brushing the edge of her phone as she shifted slightly on the sofa, a teasing lilt in her voice, “And besides, I know you have a soft spot for me.”

Her lips parted slightly again, caught between a smile and a response, and for a second, the tension between us thickened, stretched taut like a rubber band. She recovered quickly, though, her smile turning shy, “Sorry, I didn’t mean...”

I cut her off, “No...” I looked around the empty break-room once more, the suffocating, stale atmosphere being our only companion, “It’s true.” My heart pounded, all my professionalism melting under her soft-spoken confessions.

My mind raced, but I was in too deep, my own body made up my mind before I did and I spoke without thinking, “Speaking to you is the best part of my morning.”

We both blushed, looking away from each other briefly as the tension turned in a torrent of escalating confessions. I looked back toward her, her body moulded to the sofa, facing me. She was fidgeting with the hem of her skirt, as if holding something back.

I was resolute, I pulled up a chair in front of her,  Taking a nervous sip of my coffee I tried to speak but we interrupted each other, laughing nervously.

“Sorry, go ahead.” I rubbed the back of neck with embarrassment.

“Did you mean that?” She asked timidly, with a hint of a smile playing on her lips, “about liking to talk to me?” Her eyes locked with mine, anxious for an answer, they shined like crystalline pools of honey, searching for a signal.

“I do...” I answered, steadying my eyes on hers, “It’s hard to keep it professional.” I added before she shot back.

“Then don’t.” Her retort was sharp and direct, making my eyes widen with the implication.

“Everyone in this office is so formal and proper. It’s suffocating” She added, her look pleading, her sable skin glistening with an unspoken anticipation which tugged on us both.

“Oh yea? Then why don’t you tell me something unprofessional then?” I smiled, feeling how close our legs were, sensing the heat radiating off her exposed skin. Each subtle movement moving us closer to the edge of proper office decorum.

“Well,” She leaned in, her perfume sending a jolt through my senses, “I hear the Ruby and Matt have been sneaking into the janitors closet when they think nobody is looking.” Her tone low and conspiratorial.

“Wow,” I blushed, trying to hide my nerves at the sudden shift in the conversation, “I guess that’s one way to make this job more interesting...”

She covered her face as she laughed at the absurdity of sharing such an inappropriate secret with me. I couldn’t help but to find it adorable. The way her legs lifted off the ground as she rolled back into the sofa. She was so comfortable yet always holding back—some part of herself just out of reach. Seeing her open up like that made me feel elated, almost fuzzy. She was the single streak of colour in my otherwise grey tapestry of life.

“Okay, okay, your turn.” She moved closer, we were close enough that I could see the beads of nervousness on her chest, her quick breaths, her dilated pupils. My nerves were frayed, trying to find the right thing to say.

“Hmmm, that’s dangerous, this kind of talk can get me in trouble.” I smiled with a playful wink, watching her breath hitch as she responded.

“What’s wrong?” Her tone turning lower, undercut with a sultry teasing, “Afraid to be wrapped around my finger if I find out too much?”

Her words were like a hot knife cutting through my defences.

“There are worse places to be.” I shot back quickly, closing more of the distance between us. Esi’s legs parted slightly as my leg moved between them breaking a barrier between us. I’ve never been this close to her.

“I like you Esi, more than I think is appropriate.” I spoke with a new found confidence, moving my face closer and her making no effort to pull back. Her mouth hung open, her breath mixing with mine.

“You... do?” Her voice turned timid again. I could see her uncertainty, unsure of where our boundaries had moved. Her eyes scanned up to messy blond hair, then my chest, watching my muscles tensing under my shirt as my heavy breaths betrayed my true feelings.

“I... I don’t think we can keep it professional anymore.” She admitted softly, her hand brushing her thigh nervously.

I could feel the pull, the gravity between us, but was this really happening? Would she stop me? Did I even want her to?

Her lips were so close I could feel their heat on mine, a crescendo of repressed emotions swelling. My chest was tight with everything I wanted to say, but words felt unnecessary, I just wanted to finally taste her lips, I wanted the electricity of that first contact. My head moved, my forearm muscles straining against my tight, formal shirt as I lifted my body forward. A soft gasp escaped her lips in anticipation, a stuttering breath. I opened my eyes, and her piercing gaze cut through me—waiting, daring me to break that final boundary.

Just then, a creak of the door broke our intense moment, we both pulled back with racing hearts as a co-worker mindlessly entered the break-room. We both watched, wide-eyed as she lazily walked over to the counter pouring a cup of coffee, completely unaware of how close she came to catching us red-handed.

I shot up from my chair, Esi followed, her body dwarfed by my stature as I looked down at her nervously. We both waited for something, neither of us sure what.

I quickly pulled out my phone, my nervous fingers tapping on the screen, causing Esi’s phone to buzz on the sofa. She looked over to see a message flash on teams app.

My office. Now.

I watched her face as I reluctantly left our spoiled sanctuary, her expression spelled a mix of longing and frustration at the intrusion. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her pout, arms crossing as she sank back into the old sofa. There was such a brightness in her I could even see it shine now.

My step was quick and light as I hurried back to my office. I closed my blinds and sat down at my desk, slumping down and trying to calm my nerves. My hands trembled slightly, this was the most intense surge of emotions I felt in weeks—a sad, but sobering thought.

My breath was steadying as I reached for my bottom drawer, pulling out a half empty bottle of aged Whiskey—I haven’t touched this since we started the company.

As I poured some of the fragrant brown liquid into my coffee mug, I couldn’t help but think of the purpose of this bottle. First used to celebrate a new start as I built something new with my friends, and now drinking it again in the face of a new momentous shift in my life. Was I overthinking it?

“You going to pour me some too?” Her voice was like silk as she snapped me out of my own mind again—I can never hear her coming, she’s like a cat that always appears when I least expect it but need its comfort the most.

I hurried to my feet, pacing past her, locking eyes with her as I locked the door. Her breath was hot on my neck as I leaned over her to turn the key. Her closeness sent a feral shiver down my spine as I stood up in front of her, watching her lips once more before leaning down, this time she moved too, standing up on her toes to reciprocate.

Our lips locked together, my muscles straining against my shirt as I lost balance, pushing her against the wooden door with a soft thud. Her arms grabbing at my shirt, yanking it taut around my body as she gasped into my mouth.

Her lips felt like fire, a searing kiss that made me dizzy, only focusing on her taste. My hands wrapped around her waist, holding her steady as she deepened our connection.

her tongue tangling with mine in a dance of lust and longing. The taste of her was so intoxicating from this angle, the scent of her perfume and natural femininity clawing at my senses as I broke the fevered kiss.

We looked at each other with panting breaths, her shirt rode up, my pale hand splayed over the dark silk of her skin—a contrast so intoxicating it made my pulse hammer in my throat.

“You’re so beautiful.” I whispered, feeling her hand trace a path from my jawline down to my heaving chest, she was admiring the intensity of my heart and how it beat for her.

She sucked in a breath, as if my words had struck something vulnerable in her. “You...” She hesitated, glancing away, before locking eyes with me again. The warmth in her skin was undeniable, a fever that burned through every inch of contact.

“I mean it, Esi.” I pecked at her lips, biting and pulling her closer into my embrace, “You’re perfect.” I struggled to articulate the height of my attraction to her. Feeling her melt into me, heat against heat, stripped me of all reason—I could only cling to her, desperate to drink in every inch of her fire.

Her hands gripped my waist tightly, her nails digging possessively into my skin, clawing at my muscles, it was a raw and desperate feeling that I shared. The pent up passion so strong it was frustrating. The need was unbearable, every second of restraint an agony I could no longer endure.

I clenched my jaw so tight it ached, every muscle in my body coiled like a spring ready to snap. My hand cupped her jaw, dragging her toward me, needing her as much as the breath in my lungs. Her brown skin was so soft in my hand, spilling between my fingers as I pulled her heat back towards me, my lips brushing hers as we staggered backwards toward my desk.

“Why...” Her words coming in raspy in between fevered gasps, “Why did you wait this long?”

I felt her push me against the desk, knocking my laptop over, clearing space as I sat back.

“I’ve been asking myself that every day since you arrived.” I confessed as her hands explored the contours of my torso, her eyes fixated on the body I’ve been hiding under proper office attire.

I needed to feel more of her, I wanted her skin to give under my touch, to feel her weight. I leaned forward, eliciting a soft whimper from her lips as my hands cupped her ass, my fingers kneading the soft flesh as I pulled her up onto the desk with me, her legs instinctively parting to straddle my hips.

Her lips parted, breath damp and heavy against my skin as she sank onto me, her warmth seeping through my clothes, her heat, her weight, it was intoxicating.

“Wait...” She protested weakly, making no effort to move, instead pushing up on my chest and looking at my wide, desperate eyes, “What if someone hears?” Palpable worry in her eyes, yet her hips moving on their own accord, settling comfortably in position.

“Then I guess we better keep really quiet.” I whispered into her lips, my nose brushing against hers as our lips brushed together so softly I felt my entire body shiver.

Her eyes gleamed with desire, mirroring the urgency I could feel building between us. I winced slightly as I felt her hips beginning to move, throwing my head back as my hands locked around her hips, helping guide her movements.

She stifled silent moans, wrapping her arms around my neck as I pulled her back onto my lips. I could feel my own arousal building, each roll of her hips making it noticeable as I swelled between her legs.

She groaned into my mouth like a purring cat, breaking the kiss briefly, "God..." she bit down on her lip, trying to stifle the whimper clawing up her throat. "I...fuck. I can’t... Stay quiet " She whispered her warning in my ear as her rolling hips began moving in tight circles around my the bulge straining through my trousers.

My grip on her hips tightened, holding her in place as I moved my hips underneath her, a firm pull against her most sensitive spot, making her gasp, “Just... just keep your lips on mine. I’ll keep you quiet.” I felt drunk, disinhibition spreading through my body like a delicious poison as I watched her writhe on top of me like a serpent, her shirt untucked, stray buttons undone, her dark skin visible under her white office shirt. I wanted to rip it open, to feel nothing but her skin against mine, to lose myself completely in her heat.

My hands moved as if possessed, grabbing her shirt just under neck, her soft skin heating my clenched fists as I began pulling down with a deliberate firmness, each button snapping off with force until she was exposed to me­—bare.

“Fuck...” She moaned, sucking sharply through her teeth as I pulled her shirt off her sleeves, her breasts barely covered by her bra. I could feel her hands, still on my chest, they gripped the white fabric and pulled it apart, shedding any barrier between us.

She sat on top, griding down on my hardness hard as she watched my body, my pale skin, the contours of my muscles, her gaze drifted downward to where we were connected. But, I couldn’t wait any longer. I pulled her body into mine, my arms locking around her, keeping her heat on my body as I felt the electric connection melting us into each other. Writhing together, sharing our heat, our sweat, as we panted shuddering breaths into each other’s mouths. Pushing against each other’s resistance like we couldn’t get close enough.

In the fray of our lust my fingers wrapped around the waistband of her skirt, finding the zipper on the back. She arched her back as I slowly pulled down, her hands caressing my chest as she slipped down, making quick work of my belt. The Frantic clinking of the buckle and hurried breaths creating a heated atmosphere that was almost stifling.

I pulled her skirt up around her belly, My heart pounded like a drum as I saw her white panties through her black tights. Her gaze shifted to me, frenzied and pleading as I tore a hole, ripping through the delicate fabric right were I needed access.

“God, Lucas... Fuck... slow down.” Her hips twisted as my fingers grazed her inner thigh. Yet, despite her words, I watched her hands disappear into my boxers.

I groaned loudly, my forearms flexing, popping a button on my rolled up sleeve as I felt her touch the hot shaft of my cock. Her finger wrapped around it pulling it free. As it slipped out, rising steadily with each pulse, her eyes widened.

“It’s... it’s big.” She whispered, her eyes locked on the length of my pale cock nestled between the black skin of her thighs, the tip slickened and twitching with anticipation of our impending coupling.

“I want it all inside you.” I hissed as her warm thighs closed around it, holding it in place as her hand returned to stroke it slowly, “Please, I can’t wait any longer, Esi.” My coherence was slipping at her touch. My hands reaching up to cup her breasts, feeling them spill into my palm as I rubbed her hardening nipples through the padded fabric.

I watched her rise to her knees, permission painting her face as I reached out to pull aside the white lace of her panties—it was soaked, ruined.

I forgot to breathe as I revealed the slick folds of her pussy, the glistening inviting flesh that begged to be claimed. I pulled her closer by the hips, the tip dragging between her lips with a wet squelch as she positioned herself right over my twitching manhood.

“Go slow, please.” I watched her gentle face, her lips flushed, full and begging to be kissed.

 “I want to feel all of it...slowly.” She put her hands on my shoulders, holding on for balance as I pulled her hips down impaling her slowly, watching her skin ripple with pleasure.

I was mesmerised by the beautiful contrast of our skin, every movement so distinct and clear as I disappeared into her velvety depths. I could feel the need in her movements, he muscles straining to give me access deeper inside as I slowly filled her, inch by inch, both our bodies tensing in unison as I lost myself in the feeling of her inner warmth, the slick darg of my cock against her insides as she gripped me tightly, never wanting to release me. Her nails raked down my back, and I felt her shudder—her whole body trembling as if she was trying to hold on, trying not to shatter too soon.

Her skin was becoming slick with sweat under my grip, her head shooting back, eyes shut tightly as we finally connected. A wet slap echoing through the office as her hips connected with mine. I looked down, seeing her belly, black skin deliciously slick with her warmth. I pulled her to me, licking her chest as we began moving. Her feminine taste, the smell of her lust it was animalistic.

Her thighs shook and muscles strained with each thrust, slapping down against me. I matched her rhythm pushing up into her with each movement. A perfect synchronicity punctuated by the symphony of wet slaps, fevered moans and the creak of the wooden desk. She was ruining me. Every roll of her hips had me unravelling, coming apart at the seams.

The way she moved was deliberate and precise, making sure each pass of her hips pulled out just enough to leave a wanting void inside her belly that she could immediately fill by slamming down against me.

I was nearing my limit, “Esi... I’m so... so close.” I couldn’t hold on any longer, my heart pounded at my impending release, my cock growing harder and hotter inside her as it glided in and out effortlessly. I wrapped my arms around the small of her back possessively. Pulling her body flush with mine. I was gone. My brain, my restraint—nothing existed beyond this heat, this need.

“Fuck, Lucas... yes.” She didn’t resist, melting into my grip, her voice wavering as I started thrusting up into her, hard and fast, my balls slapping against her pussy, sticking to it with each movement.

 “Just fucking fill me!” She caught herself almost shouting, pressing her face firmly into my neck, biting me as she held on, demanding everything I had left to give. I was shaking. My muscles, my breath, my control—everything slipping. I held her tighter, grounding myself in the only thing that mattered: Her.

I could feel her climax approaching too, the rhythmic grip on my cock, clenching and pulling me deeper. I was at my limit, with a final shuddering thrust I pushed all the way inside, emptying myself deep inside Esi. Feeling the heavy, aching pumps fill her with my essence, feeling how her body responded to the warmth spreading through her belly with each throb and pulse.

“Fuck, fuck, FUCK, I’m cumming.” She gasped into my skin, her hips rolling on my spent cock, chasing every last shuddering wave of pleasure with renewed fervour. The overstimulation was blinding as her ass tensed with each shuddering movement.

She sat up, riding me as I winced and groaned with the agonising pleasure. The way she gasped—high and breathy, like she was on the verge of tears—told me she was far too deep to stop now.

 Her breath coming in fast and ragged, staring deep into my soul as she pushed back down onto me with a final desperate movement, her mouth agape but only a breathless whimper escaping. Her body convulsed, sharp and breathless, her thighs tightening, her back arching as the last overwhelming spasm hit—She was completely undone.

We stayed like that for eternity, coupled, connected at the hips, neither of us wanting to break the bond we just created. My cum trickled between her thighs, cool against the heat of her skin, and I let my gaze drop to where we were still connected—the stark contrast of her dark skin against my flushed, pale torso. A masterpiece in contrast. A moment I wasn’t ready to let go of.

“You are fucking incredible, Esi.” I spoke up first, my voice ragged and spent. She looked down at me softly, her hand delicately tracing the line on my jaw.

“I… You… I didn’t know it could feel this good…” She stumbled over her words, her mouth dry, her eyes glassy and unfocused, lost in the aftermath.

I couldn’t help but admire her—sitting there, still on top of me, her body like some divine sculpture, and her face, flushed and radiant, almost too beautiful to look at. The way she shyly covered her face only made her more endearing.

 “God was feeling inspired when he created you, Esi.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, but the blush that spread across her cheeks made it worth it. She was perfect in ways I couldn’t even begin to describe.

But as I laid there, the hard wood of the desk digging painfully into my back, something inside me shifted. The desire that had overwhelmed me for so long was still there, sure—but it was no longer the only thing I felt. I wanted more than just this—I wanted to be with her, to hear her voice in the quiet of a night, to hold her close without the pressure of fleeting moments.

This wasn’t just lust anymore. It was deeper—an ache I couldn’t ignore. And for the first time, I didn’t want to.

[jahayla-parker]

Hey! Could you do Tom Holland x reader one with #3 from the Autumn prompts list plz 💙 The setting could be that the reader came over to Tom's house when it's pouring rain outside.

Warmth : Tom Holland x Reader

Description: 41.k wc fluff fic for the prompt "let’s get you out of these wet clothes". Y/n’s boyfriend cheats on her and her best friend Tom is there to help her through it.

Warnings: mentions of reader’s boyfriend cheating, angst, breakups, confessions, kissing, pining, a few curse words I think.

As y/n walked through the damp streets of Kingston upon Thames, the rain blended with the tears flowing from her puffy eyes.

The streets were sparsely populated, cold, wet, and all around grim at this time of night.

Yet, she continued her lonely journey through them.

She was desperate for solace.

She longed for the consolation only her best friend Tom could provide.

Y/n had been walking for over an hour already tonight.

Her clothing was beyond drenched thanks to the insistent downpour the universe cruelly deemed necessary.

To say the universe was against her might seem dramatic.

However, after the events of today, y/n would beg to differ.

Her day had started out rough but salvageable.

It didn’t stay salvageable though.

First, she overslept.

Then came the burnt bagel and expired cream cheese of breakfast.

On her way out the door, she’d forgotten her phone.

She’d locked her keys in her car accidentally when they had fallen unbeknownst to her during a desperate attempt to rush back inside for her phone.

She wanted to merely crawl back into bed and call in sick.

But she let her optimism get the best of her and decided to stick it out.

Unfortunately, her day didn’t improve.

In fact, things only managed to get worse.

Although she’d made it to work after only a short delay, she got a speeding ticket on her way.

She then had to skip her lunch break to make up for her late arrival.

The one thing she’d held on to was knowing her boyfriend was going to be cooking dinner for them tonight.

She looked forward to the change, usually being the only one cooking or doing any housework.

He’d moved in a few months earlier but quickly took advantage of her already established routines she’d see for herself.

She hadn’t noticed at first that he’d let her do all the work, since she’d been so used to it already.

However, a few weeks ago after her best friend Tom asked her about it, she realized her oversight.

As such, she calmly requested that her boyfriend begin contributing.

Tonight was scheduled to be the first night he came through on that arrangement; having had multiple excuses arise before.

Yet, her night chose to match the rest of her day.

Upon arriving home she discovered there was food made.

Seeing this, she felt small glimmer of glee

That glee quickly turned sour when she noticed the two sets of dishes had both been eaten off of.

As her eyes turned to the bottle of wine and the two wine glasses on her dining room table, she felt the rest of her optimism extinguish.

One of the wine glasses had lipstick on it; and not y/n’s typical shade.

Left with no other choice but to face the inevitable, she dropped her bags and entered her house further in search of her boyfriend and the mystery woman.

Lo and behold, she found them red handed; in an extremely compromising position in y/n’s bedroom.

The argument that followed suit wasn’t much fun either.

But, she felt a twinge of pride upon promptly terminating the relationship and kicking him out of her house then and there.

That pride diminished as shame and dejection soon took over.

She didn’t want to be alone.

Nor did she want to be in this house right not.

While it was her house, it was tainted with the all too fresh sense of betrayal.

She knew there was only one person who she felt safe enough confessing her ex-boyfriend’s indiscretions to.

Her best friend Tom.

So, she’d quickly located her keys and made her way to her car.

However, evidently the universe wasn’t done with her yet.

As, it now just so happened that her car wouldn’t start.

When her keys were locked inside earlier, the lights were running.

But she didn’t worry about the battery as it started up enough to get to and from work.

Yet, that’s seemingly all it has left in it.

And without her ex boyfriend’s car here, she couldn’t jump start it.

So she decided to call Tom and see if he could pick her up.

Only, her phone was dead.

She wanted to scream and give up.

But she couldn’t get herself to go back inside.

Nor could she ignore the strong desire to see Tom.

So, she decided to walk to his house instead.

Even if it was an hour and forty five minute quest.

Hence why she was out on these desolate roads this late at night in pouring rain.

Most people would’ve turned around or not have begun the journey at all.

But Y/n needed to.

She needed Tom.

So, despite her Converse having been soaked through within minutes, she stubbornly didn’t let up.

While she was understandably shivering and would likely be sick, she knew it was worth it.

Only a few more minutes and she’d be at the door of her best friend’s house.

Only a few more blocks and she’d be able to be in Tom’s embrace.

——

Y/n bit her lip and began to wring out her sweater as she waited for Tom to come to the door after she knocked.

“Y/n?! Love, what’s going on?!” He gasped instantly, his eyes sorrowful and concerned.

Y/n’s lip trembled as she attempted to answer, but Tom just shook his head and tenderly pulled her inside.

“Shhh, I’ve got you” He promised, shutting the door behind them.

“Are you hurt?” Tom asked as he held her shoulders and looked her over.

She shrugged, “not physically”.

Tom’s body released some tension momentarily before it snapped back to its alert state.

“Emotionally?” He pressed quietly.

She gave him a weak half smile and looked down at her soppy shoes.

Tom sighed to himself before rubbing her arms, “we’ll fix that. But first, let’s get you out of these wet clothes”.

Y/n looked up and into his sympathetic eyes, “Yeah, sorry… I should-”.

He placed his left pointer finger over her lips, “shh, none of that. I’m glad you’re here”.

She sniffled and that was when Tom truly noticed the red puffiness of her eyes,m; clearly caused by tears and not the rain he hoped accounted for all the wetness on her cheeks.

“I’ve got that jumper you love, the purple one?” Tom said hoping to cheer her up, “let’s get you into that instead?”

She nodded and grabbed his hand as he led her down the hallway.

While he slipped away to get her some new clothes, she stood before the mirror in his bathroom.

When he came back in, he saw the look in her eyes and knew she’d been scrutinizing herself and appearance.

“What did he do?” Tom asked, standing next to her.

“What?” She questioned, not looking at him.

“I’ve never seen you look at yourself that way before Y/n. I’m assuming y/ex/n did or said something idiotic”

She sighed, “Yeah. But I’m just trying to understand why, and maybe -“

Tom cut her off as she stared at her reflection harshly, “mmm mmmm no, we’re not doing that. Whatever he did or said, it’s got nothing to do with you or your looks love”

She turned to him and gave him a soft smile, “Thank you Tommy”.

He nodded, setting the dry clothing down for her.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of trousers you wanted so I bright a few options. I’ll be on the sofa when you’re done” he told her, squeezing her hands.

“Oh,” he stopped in the doorway of bathroom, “icecream?”

She giggled faintly, bringing a smile to Tom’s face, “yes please”

“You’ve got it love” He nodded.

Y/n combed through her damp hair, drying it with the towel Tom left on the counter for her.

She quickly changed into the clothing he’d left her, opting for her favorite hoodie of his and a pair of his drawstring gray sweats.

Fortunately, the thickness of the sweater and jeans she had on earlier were enough to keep her undergarments from being soaked.

They were cold to the touch and perhaps faintly wet but barely noticeable.

She dabbed at the smeared makeup on her face before groaning when it didn’t budge and only smeared more.

Recalling the last time she’d spent the night at Tom’s, she knew she had some makeup wipes in one of his bathroom drawers.

She let out her first sigh of relief as she looked at herself in the mirror

She still looked down but not as pathetic as she did when she first entered the bathroom.

“Thank you Tom, this is so much better” she mumbled, stepping into the hallway.

Tom looked up from the living room at the end of the hallway and smiled at her, standing up as he began to walk to her.

“Are you warm?” He asked, his eyes scanning her again as he neared.

She nodded with a soft appreciative smile and slightly forced laugh, “much warmer, and less of a hideous mess”.

Tom’s eyebrow’s furrowed as he reached her, a pout on his lips, his arms now crossed over his chest.

“Did y/ex/n say that?” He asked, voice dripping with protective venom.

She shook her head, “no, I just saw my reflection”.

She laughed softly as he sent her a slightly irritated glare, “but also, can we not say his name?”

Tom’s gaze softened as he nodded and closed the distance, pulling her in for a warm hug.

She immediately melted into his embrace, her arms wrapped tightly around him to keep him close.

Tom held her back and cradled her head as he rubbed her neck.

She sniffled into his chest, making him wince and frown more.

“I’ve got you love, come on” he whispered, guiding her to the living room slowly.

Tom felt his heart clench as she walked awkwardly with him, refusing to let go of him for even a few seconds.

As he made it to the sofa, he aided her in sitting down beside him.

He still had his arms around her as she sat down and curled into his side.

——

After holding her in silence for several minutes, he gave her cheek a tender squeeze as the doorbell rang, “that’s the ice cream, I’ll be right back”.

“Please don’t let me go” she whispered, Tom’s breath catching as he saw the embarrassed look she gave him over her request.

Tom leaned back into the sofa, moving to cup her face in his hands, “never”.

She sniffled and her gaze silently scanned his face before settling on his eyes, “promise?”

Tom’s left thumb trailed her cheekbone, “I promise y/n. Love, you’re stuck with me, always”.

She curled her lips up softly at him, “thank you. I-I just really need you”.

He nodded, smiling tenderly at her, “you have me y/n/n, you’ve always had me. Just tell me what to do”.

Wiping her eyes she sniffled, “this is enough. This is everything, Tommy. There’s no where else I’d rather be or anyone is rather be with right now, thank you for letting me in”

Tom hummed, pulling her back to his chest, “I’ll always let you in y/n, you never need to question that love”.

“I wouldn’t have blamed you. I showed up unannounced, at an ungodly hour, looking like a drowned sewer rat” she giggled, tracing shapes on his chest beside where she was resting her face.

Tom rolled his eyes, rubbing her back, “you looked just fine love. You’re always beautiful y/n”.

She snuggled closer into him, “see, this is why I needed you, you always make me feel better”.

He smiled to himself proudly, “it’s my job, and I accepted that job with honor and deep responsibility”.

She giggled, still absentmindedly drawing imaginary shapes on his torso, “well, thank you”.

Tom hummed, “love, I have to ask…”

She nodded against him, signaling he could ask whatever was on his mind.

“You’ve made several negative comments about your appearance tonight, that’s not like you” he frowned, “why is that?”.

Y/n sighed, “I’m just questioning a lot about myself tonight”.

Tom paused, looking down and analyzing the way she was clinging to him.

“Love, I know you don’t want me to say his name… but is… your boyfriend… is he the reason?” He asked hesitantly.

She leaned back, looking shyly into his eyes, “he’s not my boyfriend anymore”.

Tom’s eyes widened, “the arsehole wasn’t truly daft enough to end it! Was he?”

Y/n shook her head, making Tom’s eyebrows raise in confusion but he kept his gaze soft.

“So… then, you ended things with the tosser?” Tom asked.

Y/n bit back the desire to giggle at the way Tom’s British vernacular and accent always shown through more when he was emotionally impacted.

Instead, she merely kept eye contact and nodded, waiting to see his reaction.

Tom visibly relaxed, but stroked her cheek as he asked his follow-up inquiry, “can’t say I’m disappointed. You know I’ve always said he didn’t deserve you, I’m glad you see that now. But, what happened?”

She bit her lip and broke eye contact, now nervous to admit what transpired.

She hadn’t had time to process or determine why it had happened.

So now she was worried how it would make her look if she couldn’t keep a boyfriend happy.

It didn’t help that y/n had long ago developed an unrequited crush on Tom.

She elected to push those unspoken feelings aside in the interest of their friendship and tried to move on.

But she didn’t care for the idea that he might understand why y/ex/n seemingly grew bored with her.

Tom watched y/n tenderly as he waited for her to answer.

He could see the hesitation in her eyes as she seemingly debated whether or not to answer.

“‘ey love, why I don’t I get the ice cream and then we can watch y/f/m?” He offered, changing the topic for her comfort.

She nodded, hesitantly sliding out of his arms.

“I’ll be right back ‘ere in a sec’ love” he promised, bending to kiss the top of her head as he stood up.

Y/n bit her lip at the familiar feeling she’d missed.

He would always kiss the top of her head when she wasn’t feeling well.

That is, unless she had a boyfriend; as he didn’t want to overstep or risk her partner suggesting y/n and Tom needed space.

However, she missed the behavior every time she needed comforting.

Feeling it again now only reminded her of that.

It also reminded her that her choosing to give y/ex/n a chance had been the reason she’d gone without the loving action.

Y/n frowned to herself as she regretted her decision to try and move on even more upon realizing that.

She knew it was likely platonic, but it still meant the world to her and made her feel bubbly inside.

Even if it was platonic, she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to give it up again.

Yet, she didn’t know what to do about that since she couldn’t just never date anyone only to be able to have him kiss her head when she wasn’t well.

——

“Woah, sweetheart, what’s with the increased sadness?” Tom frowned, suddenly before her again.

She blinked as she came back to the moment, realizing she was nearly in tears again.

Y/n rubbed her arms in embarrassment and shook her head.

Tom sighed but nodded softly, “okay, come ‘ere though”

Y/n complied and cuddled back into his arms as he held the ice cream tub behind her.

She shivered slightly from the cold of the dessert and Tom promptly draped the blanket from the back of the couch between her body and the ice cream.

“Open” Tom hummed softly, bringing a spooonful of ice cream to her lips.

She looked at the spoon and smiled widely, making Tom’s heart soar, “is that y/f/f?!”

Tom huffed, “‘course love, what else?”

She giggled and cupped his cheek before pulling his face to her shoulder, “thank you Tommy”.

As she released him, he lifted the spoon to her lips, smiling as she accepted the offering with excitement.

——

Tom stared as y/n rested on his chest while they watched y/f/m.

He sensed something, likely whatever happened with y/ex/n, was still bothering her.

But he could tell she was feeling much better than she was earlier tonight.

As he shifted his arms around her, she glanced up and smiled softly at him.

He smiled back before she turned around to watch the movie.

——

“Darling, are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” Tom questioned, pouting as she glared at her phone.

Y/ex/n had called several times, resulting in her blocking his number and feeling dejected again.

“I… I…. He… he-“ she sighed, peaking up at him with sad eyes.

Tom pulled her to his chest, pressing his lips against her hair as she snuggled into him.

It took her a few moments of silence before she confessed what happened with y/e/n.

“Y/ex/n.. he cheated on me” she admitted, her voice so soft Tom barely heard it.

Yet, he felt his body go rigid with anger at her words.

Tom took a few shallow breaths as he tried to keep his anger at bay so he could focus on comforting her as he knew she needed him.

“Tom?” She questioned faintly, slowly leaning back to look at him.

He saw the look of not only sadness, but… worry in her eyes.

Why was she worried?

“Darling, I-“ he sighed loudly, “I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry y/n-“.

She shook her head, “it’s okay”.

“No, it’s not” Tom grumbled, “you deserved better. You deserve someone who returns your love, not some wanker who acts like that”.

Y/n hummed softly, “I didn’t love him”.

“What?” Tom asked in shock.

She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes as she repeated herself, “I didn’t love y/ex/n”.

“You didn’t?” He questioned.

“No. I don’t know how he felt, he never said he loved me” she shrugged, “but I didn’t love him”.

Tom nodded slowly, still a bit shocked.

“I tried to. I just didn’t feel for him in that way” she admitted.

“It’s not something you can force or control y/n, that’s not your fault” Tom assured her.

She nodded, “but I.. I thought I might be able to at some point. And I though I was enough for him… but-“

Tom shook his head, hoping her face “you are enough. You are more than enough”.

She bit her lip and blinked shyly, “if I was, he wouldn’t have cheated Tom”.

Tom closed his eyes tightly and sighed, “he didn’t cheat because you weren’t enough. He cheated because he was an arsemonger who evidently couldn’t appreciate your value”.

Y/n hummed quietly, Tom’s eyes opening as he watched her, “my value?”

Tom nodded, his breath hitching before he elaborated, “Darling, any bloke should be honored to be chosen by you. You are by far worthy of more than you seem to realize. I know one day you’ll find someone who sees that and wouldn’t ever hurt you”.

Y/n smiled and blinked away some tears as she gazed up at him.

“No, I’m sorry” Tom gasped, wiping her tears.

She shook her head, “they’re happy tears Tommy”.

He sighed in relief and pulled her back to him, his lips lingering on her head as she focused back on the tv.

——

Tom was frozen as he watched y/n suddenly pull away from him and face him with her eyes full of love.

Before he could ask what was on her mind, her lips were on his, her hand on his cheek.

Tom tensed momentarily in shock but quickly relaxed into the kiss, having wanted a moment like this with her for years.

But, as he felt her still damp hair, he recalled the situation they were in.

Her boyfriend ex boyfriend, just cheated on her.

She was far too emotionally vulnerable and confused to be cognizant and intentional on her actions.

He reluctantly pulled away, hand on her shoulder to distance himself.

She opened her eyes and he saw fear, regret, and despair swimming in her irises

As he opened his mouth to explain why he pulled away she covered her face with her hands.

“Oh my god” she gasped, “I’m so sorry Tom. I… I… I shouldn’t have kiss you like that”

Tom tried to embrace her as she tucked her face to her chest, hands still hiding her face from him.

“I can’t believe I did that,” she sighed, hand tugging on her hair, “fuck I’m an idiot. I’m s-sorry”

Tom ignored the pain in his chest over her feeling stupid and regretting the kiss so deeply.

“Y/n” Tom began softly, reaching for one of her hands.

She shook her head, “I-I didn’t-“

He sighed tenderly, “I know you didn’t mean anything by it. You’re dealing with a lot right now. Don’t worry about it y/n/n, we can pretend it didn’t happen”.

She rubbed her hands aggressively down her face before finally lowering them and looking at him for the first time since the kiss.

“I…that’s not… am I not… was it bad?” she whispered.

Tom shook his head, “no, love. I’ve always known the man who wins your heart would be so bloody lucky, that only added more reasons “.

She felt her cheeks warm but sniffled as she stared at him, “then…. Why..? Why did-“

Tom sighed, grabbing her hand in his, “Why did I pull away?”

She nodded, but held up a hand to stop him before he could answer.

“Do you… was it always platonic?” She sighed, feeling embarrassed for having misread the situation.

Tom’s cheeks flushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, “no”.

Y/n wiped her face, stopping as Tom moved his free hand up to take over the action himself.

“But it is by now?” She asked shyly.

“Y/n, I don’t know that you’re in the right place to have this discussion righ now darling” he warned tenderly.

She took a deep breath, “I think now the perfect time because, if I didn’t do it now… I might not have taken the jump”.

Tom sucked in a breath, “what?”

“I’ve tried Tom. Truly, I have. I tried to not feel this way, I mean we’re friends. Best friends. And I love that” she said her voice shaking.

Tom squeezed her hand and stroked her cheek as he listened to her.

“I don’t think I can be just friends with you. Even if you don’t feel the same way anymore. I… I will always see you differently and want to be more” she whispered, closing her eyes.

Tom felt his lips grow into a wide grin and bit his bottom lip to control it.

“Y/n/n,” he began softly.

“I’m not saying we can’t be friends. I don’t want to lose you Tom. I can’t lose you. But, I don’t think I’ll ever not see you as something else, something…”

“More?” He asked for her.

She nodded, opening her eyes to gauge his reaction.

He smiled softly at her and took a deep breath.

“Love, I’m honored to hear you say all of that. But-“ he began.

“But” she sighed, shaking her head and looking away from him in disappointment.

Tom tugged her hand, his other hand tilting her face back to look at him, “please. Please just listen to me”.

She nodded and blinked slowly at him in silence.

“You are everything. Everything. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you” he confessed, stroking her cheekbone.

“I mean, bloody hell love, it hurts me just how much I ache for you. And to watch someone else be with you, especially someone who is idiotic enough to risk losing you, it kills me” Tom admitted, voice wavering .

“I’m so very in love with you y/n. But right now, you need time. Time to heal and move on from what he did. I’ll be here the whole time. And I’ll be here after” he said.

She sniffles, a small smile on her lips, “so, you’re not mad I kissed you?”

Tom chuckled and shook his head, “if I were your boyfriend, I’d pepper you with kisses”.

Y/n bit her lip, “but you don’t want to be my boyfriend..?”

Tom lifted her hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles, “you’re not hearing me love. I want to focus on consoling you right now. If you still feel this way about me after… We can talk about us later, okay?”

She smiled, pressing her lips together to keep them from displaying an embarrassingly large grin, “us… I like the sound of that”.

Tom grinned, “as do I darling. But for now, movies and cuddles?”

Y/n nodded, “movies and cuddles”.

He pulled her back to his lap, wrapping his arms around her tightly as she cuddled against his chest.

As Tom began the next movie, Y/n hummed softly, enjoying the warmth Tom instilled in her heart.

TOM HOLLAND MASTERLIST/NAVIGATION (INCLUDING CHARACTERS)

MY MAIN MASTERLIST/NAVIGATION (ALL MY WORKS)

Tom Holland Tag List (to be added please comment here): @galaxyholland @bigbirdstwins @mcushvft @fishingirl12 @raajali3 @justapurrcat @natswifeysblog15 @directioner5life @ell0ra-br3kk3r @laylasbunbunny

[greenbubblefactory]

Matchup trade for @ithseem

Congratulations! You have a match with..

Kalim Al-Asim !

★From the very first meeting, Kalim would be captivated by Saima’s energy and warmth. Her cheerful and upbeat demeanor would draw him in immediately, and her ability to maintain her positivity even through challenges would inspire him deeply. Kalim has an innate talent for finding joy in life’s smallest moments, and he would see that same light in Saima. It wouldn’t take long for him to become her biggest supporter, always ready with a bright smile and words of encouragement to lift her spirits.

★One of the most striking things about Saima is how deeply she values her family and friends, and this is a quality Kalim would adore about her. His love for his own family is boundless, and he would instantly connect with her protective, loyal nature. The way Saima speaks about her older sister and the importance of her loved ones would resonate with Kalim, who would eagerly listen to her stories and share his own in return.

★Saima’s quirks would only endear her to Kalim more. Her animated hand gestures would bring a delighted smile to his face every time she spoke, and her habit of throwing out puns or bizarre facts as petty revenge would absolutely charm him. Rather than finding it odd, Kalim would join in enthusiastically, likely offering his own playful contributions. He’d be endlessly amused by her creativity and sense of humor, and he would make sure she knows just how much he loves these unique aspects of her personality.

★Saima’s perfectionist tendencies and occasional scatterbrained moments would never bother Kalim. If anything, they’d make her even more lovable in his eyes. Kalim is the type to embrace imperfections with open arms, always quick to reassure her with his signature optimism. “Who cares if the eggs are a little burnt? That just means they’ve got extra flavor!” he’d say, laughing as he eagerly eats whatever she’s made. At the same time, he would admire her determination to improve herself and grow. Her efforts to become more organized and balanced would inspire him, even if he might be a little too chaotic to follow suit.

★Desserts would undoubtedly become a love language for them both. With Saima’s sweet tooth and Kalim’s love of treats, the two would find endless joy in sharing caramel pudding or sampling new confections. Kalim would often surprise Saima with her favorite desserts, simply because he loves to see her face light up with happiness. Food, for them, would become not just a shared interest but a way to express care and affection.

★Saima’s love of unabridged fairytales would fascinate Kalim. He’d be eager to listen to her talk about her favorite stories, asking questions and hanging on to every word. Kalim’s adventurous and romantic nature would inspire him to bring those stories to life for her in his own way,whether it’s through playful reenactments or spontaneous gestures that feel like they’re straight out of a tale themselves.

★Perhaps what makes Kalim such a perfect match for Saima is the way they’d balance one another. Saima’s steadiness and quiet thoughtfulness would ground Kalim, while his boundless enthusiasm and carefree nature would help her let go of the need to always be perfect. Kalim would encourage her to embrace her quirks and imperfections, while Saima would gently guide him when his exuberance starts to spill over. Together, they’d bring out the best in each other, creating a partnership that feels both joyful and deeply supportive.

★Kalim would remind Saima to prioritize her own well-being, offering her a safe space to rest and recharge. Whether that means planning a lighthearted adventure to distract her, sitting with her in comfortable silence, or simply holding her hand as a gesture of reassurance, Kalim would always find a way to remind her that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone.

★In the end, their relationship would be filled with laughter, warmth, and an unmistakable sense of joy. Kalim would shower Saima with compliments, thoughtful surprises, and acts of love, while Saima would offer him her quiet strength, steady support, and a love that matches his own in depth and sincerity. Together, they’d create a story as magical as any fairytale,one built on mutual respect, understanding, and the simple yet profound happiness of being fully seen and loved.

English is not my first language so I'm sorry if there are any spelling mistakes!

[cray-cray-anime]

Who to submit and vote for pluralsswagbracket?

RISE MIKEY

What makes him plural?

Well ofc his alters! And he has not 1, not 2

BUT FOUR OFFICIAL ALTERS/PERSONAS

And they all swag with the best scene of them

Dr feelings

Donnie: Uh, what is happening?

Mikey: Good Morning. I'm Dr Feelings. Welcome to my seminar, "Hug it out"!

Donnie: Dr Feelings? I thought you were Dr Delicate Touch.

Mikey: (evilly) Dr Delicate Touch feels nothing.(back to normal) Lesson one: Because I said so is not an answer. You need to learn a healthy way to express your feelings to your family.

Donnie: Yes, feelings. Hot, cold, sleepy, hungry - -

Mikey: (intterupts donnie by wacking donnie with his pointing stick)

Mikey: No. Feelings like anger. Remind you of anyone? (Shows a picture of donnie yelling at SHELLDON)

Donnie: Nope!

(Ominous music plays as Mikey gives him a suspicious look as he changes the channel to Splinter yells at Donnie, then he starts changing them all over as donnie slowly realises in horror)

Dr delicate touch:

Mikey: Bullhop, we're friends. So this will be easy to say. YOU'VE GOT TO GO! HIT THE BRICKS SLOPPY!

Bullhop:What? You’re kicking me out?

Mikey:That’s right! You have been working a nerve hozer!

Honestly just have the whole compliations

Dr positive

Draxum:Baron Draxum needs the help of no one!

Mikey:Oh really? When I found you, were you or were you not living on the street?

Draxum: Maybe.

Mikey:Powerless because your soul got sucked out by the dark armor, wanted for crimes in the Hidden City and who set you up in style?

Draxum:(sighs) Dr. Positive.

Miley:That’s right. Dr. Positive. The one who’s gonna turn you from bad guy to glad guy. From sad heep to happy sheep. From devil to A level baby.

Dr rude (IT WASN'T EVEN AIRED YET WE LOVE IT so just watch the whole thing (def not cos I'm too lazy to type the transcript)

A couple even made fics on him having DID disorder

This is my favourite which even mentions one not said in the show of "ninja mode"

and this one mentions mikey's DID

Why would he have DID

"There are a variety of triggers that can cause switching between alters, or identities, in people with dissociative identity disorder. These can include stress, memories, strong emotions, senses, alcohol and substance use, special events, or specific situations"

Which MIKEY DOES (quote from rottmnt wiki)

"To deliver a harsh truth in his "Doctor Delicate Touch" method, Mikey often starts off being sweet, but quickly becomes angry and frank ("Man VS. Sewer").

Doctor Feelings uses his emotional intelligence to advise others ("Breaking Purple"),

and Mikey faces issues with determined optimism as Doctor Positive ("Repairin' the Baron").

And well dr rude wasn't aired and was only when he was pretending to be a villain

BUT myyyy personal hc is that mikey gets burnt out from his alters trying to keep the dysfunctional family together and try to stop the distancing and fighting, as well as, the villains.

So to cope, another alter slowly comes out as dr rude

But hey why would he have DID, isn't it usually from trauma?

Ya telling me

a family raised in the sewers

who hasn't seen anyone like them in several years

with a traumatised dad that's not emotionally available

and villains trying to kill you and your brothers regularly

not traumatising?!

As for the swag, honestly he speaks for them self (or selves). LIKE LITERALLY NOT EVEN THERE THAT LONG AND WE ALREADY LOVE THEM

So y'all submit for mikey TO GET HIM IN FOR THE VOTES

@pluralswagbracket

Edit: MIKEY GOT IN

This is gonna be pinned till the whole thing over

Edit 2: IF MIKEY AT LEAST WINS AGAINST YOU KNOW WHO THAT BEAT OUR AUTISTIC TURTLE I WILL PUT MY DRAWING OF MIKEY ON MY SIDEBLOG @cray-who-nah-im-just-crazy-a-wip

[phatmoto]

A Motorized Bicycle Parts Explained - Anatomy Of A Motor For A Bicycle

The components of a motorbike work together to create a bicycle capable of providing efficient transportation over short to medium distances. This article's goal is to educate readers who are unfamiliar with a motorized bicycle about each component's function. Motor for a bicycle is a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with an engine that provides propulsion. Let's explore its anatomy in more detail.

Frame: The frame forms the backbone of the motor for bicycle, providing structural support and housing for other components. It is typically made of steel or aluminum and is designed to withstand the forces and vibrations generated during operation.

Engine: The engine is the heart of the motor bike, generating power to propel the vehicle. It can be either a two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engine. Two-stroke engines are simpler and lighter but require a mixture of fuel and oil. Four-stroke engines are more complex but offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Fuel Tank: The fuel tank stores the gasoline or fuel mixture required to power the engine. It is usually located in the front or center of the frame, and its capacity can vary depending on the design of the motorized bicycle.

Carburetor: The carburetor is responsible for mixing the fuel and air in the correct ratio before it enters the engine for combustion. It regulates the fuel flow based on the throttle position, ensuring optimal engine performance.

Exhaust System: The exhaust system consists of a series of pipes and a muffler that expels the burnt gases produced during the combustion process. It helps reduce engine noise and directs the exhaust gases away from the rider.

Transmission: Motor for a bicycle typically uses a chain or belt drive system to transmit power from the engine to the rear wheel. The transmission may include a gearbox with multiple gears to provide different speed options.

Clutch: The clutch allows for smooth engagement and disengagement of power between the engine and the transmission. When the clutch lever is pulled, it disengages the engine from the transmission, enabling the rider to change gears or come to a stop without stalling the engine.

Throttle: The throttle is a control mechanism that regulates the engine speed and power output. By twisting the throttle grip, the rider can increase or decrease the amount of fuel and air entering the engine, thus controlling the vehicle's acceleration.

Brakes: These are equipped with brakes to slow down or stop the vehicle. The most common types of brakes used are drum brakes or disc brakes. Drum brakes consist of a brake shoe that presses against the inside of a drum attached to the wheel, while disc brakes use a caliper and brake pads to clamp down on a disc attached to the wheel.

Wheels and Tires: Motorized bicycles typically have two wheels, each equipped with a tire for traction and shock absorption. The wheels can be made of steel or aluminum, and the tires vary depending on the intended use of the motor for a bicycle, with options for on-road or off-road riding.

Suspension: Suspension systems are used to absorb shocks and provide a more comfortable ride. These often feature suspension forks in the front and either spring-based or hydraulic shocks in the rear. These components help to smooth out bumps and uneven terrain.

Lighting: To ensure visibility and safety, motor bikes are equipped with lighting systems. This includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals. These lights can be powered by the electrical system of the motorized bicycle or, in some cases, by a small battery.

Controls and Instruments: These have various controls and instruments to provide essential information to the rider. This includes handlebar-mounted controls for the throttle, clutch, brakes, and lights. Instruments such as a speedometer, odometer, and fuel gauge may also be present to keep the rider informed about the vehicle's performance and status.

Display: These days, almost all bike kits and complete bikes come with a rather complex display computer that serves as a dashboard for monitoring operations. From the early days of e-bikes, when the majority of systems only had a few LEDs to display the battery level, this is a wonderful improvement. 

Kickstand: A kickstand is a small mechanism attached to the frame that allows the motor for a bicycle to be parked and supported in an upright position when not in use. It provides convenience and stability when the rider needs to park the vehicle.

These are the primary components that make up the anatomy of a motorized bicycle. By combining these elements, motor for bicycle provide an efficient and convenient mode of transportation for short to medium distances, offering riders the benefits of both a bicycle and a motorized vehicle.   

[purepaintingcontractors]

Colour Trends of 2024: A Vibrant Evolution in Design

The “Colour Trends of 2024” bring a fresh and vibrant perspective to fashion, interior design, and creative industries. This year’s palette reflects a collective desire for harmony, sustainability, and individuality, as colors take on new meanings in an ever-changing world. Designers and consumers alike are embracing hues that inspire joy, encourage serenity, and make bold statements.

A Year of Optimism and Connection

The Colour Trends of 2024 prioritize emotional connections. As we navigate a post-pandemic world, individuals crave colors that feel optimistic and nurturing. Soft pastels such as serene blues and blush pinks evoke calmness and hope, offering a counterbalance to the turbulence of recent years. These shades work seamlessly in home decor and fashion, bringing a gentle yet uplifting aura to any setting.

On the other hand, vibrant, energetic colors like electric yellow and fiery orange symbolize positivity and confidence. These tones dominate contemporary art, branding, and fashion, creating moments of excitement and boldness. Together, the contrasting palettes embody a spectrum of moods, making them adaptable to diverse tastes and contexts.

Nature-Inspired Tones

Sustainability continues to influence creative decisions, and this is evident in the Colour Trends of 2024. Earth-inspired shades such as mossy greens, terracotta browns, and sandy beiges bring the outdoors into daily life. These natural hues encourage mindfulness and reflect an ongoing commitment to eco-conscious living.

Designers are leaning into green tones more than ever, with deep forest green and olive emerging as favorites. These colors are grounding and versatile, pairing beautifully with other earth tones or vibrant accents. Meanwhile, muted terracotta is making its way into home interiors, offering a warm, rustic feel that exudes timelessness.

The Revival of Retro Hues

Another prominent aspect of the Colour Trends of 2024 is the resurgence of retro-inspired hues. Nostalgia-driven design is making a powerful comeback, with colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and teal reclaiming their place in both interiors and wardrobes. These shades resonate deeply with those who appreciate mid-century modern aesthetics while adding a contemporary twist.

Designers are blending retro hues with modern neutrals, creating unique combinations that feel fresh yet familiar. This trend reflects a yearning for the comforting vibes of the past while staying forward-thinking.

Digital Influence and Futuristic Colors

The digital age continues to shape the Colour Trends of 2024, as technology and the metaverse influence our visual preferences. Neon shades like electric blue, cyber purple, and vivid magenta dominate digital platforms and futuristic designs. These bold, high-energy colors symbolize innovation and creativity, capturing the dynamic essence of a tech-driven world.

In addition to neon, iridescent and metallic finishes are gaining traction. Reflective surfaces in hues like rose gold, silver, and holographic tones create a sense of luxury and modernity. Whether in fashion or product design, these futuristic colors are all about standing out and pushing boundaries.

Monochromatic Looks for Minimalists

While bold colors take center stage, minimalism continues to thrive with the Colour Trends of 2024 embracing monochromatic palettes. Subtle variations of beige, greige, and soft whites dominate this space, offering a refined and understated look. These colors create a soothing atmosphere and allow textures and shapes to shine, making them a favorite for interior design.

Monochromatic styles are also extending to fashion, with tailored suits and accessories in singular tones becoming a major trend. The simplicity of these palettes creates an effortlessly chic appearance, appealing to those who value elegance without excess.

Accent Colors That Pop

Another exciting element of the Colour Trends of 2024 is the strategic use of accent colors. Vibrant reds, cobalt blue, and lemon yellow are being used as statement hues to draw attention and create focal points. Whether through a bold piece of furniture, a vibrant handbag, or a striking wall color, these shades bring energy to any setting.

The combination of neutral bases with bright accents highlights the versatility of this trend, allowing designers to experiment without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. It’s an approach that emphasizes balance while making room for playful expression.

Incorporating the Colour Trends of 2024 into Everyday Life

The beauty of the Colour Trends of 2024 lies in their adaptability. From small decor changes to wardrobe upgrades, incorporating these colors is accessible to everyone. Start by introducing nature-inspired tones into your home, such as adding green plants or swapping out throw pillows for earthy hues. In fashion, experiment with retro shades or neon accents to refresh your wardrobe and make a statement.

For those who prefer subtlety, opt for monochromatic schemes or metallic touches in accessories and decor. The key is to find colors that resonate with your personality and align with your vision.

The Impact of Colour Trends on Creativity

The Colour Trends of 2024 remind us of the transformative power of color. They shape our environments, influence our moods, and inspire creativity in every aspect of life. As we explore this year’s palette, we’re encouraged to celebrate individuality, embrace sustainability, and connect with the world around us.

This vibrant mix of hues offers something for everyone, from bold statements to calming retreats. As these trends unfold, they reflect the collective spirit of the times, showcasing our ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive.

[signaturecellars]

10 Essential Features to Include in Your Wine Room Construction Plan

Constructing a wine room is always an interesting if not fun project. Its main functions are to save your collection and make your home more classy. Otherwise, if you leave things to chance, they will not turn out as well as if planned to perfection. The following are ten features that one shouldn’t miss during stunning wine room construction.

1. Proper Insulation

Temperature is important and insulation helps you regulate it Existing edifice Use of mortar and rubble stones impedes the flow of air Existent edifice One of the ways that can be used to build or construct an existent edifice is by using mortar and rubble stones reduce airflow. Select high-quality material for the walls, floor and ceiling in the building. The main role is to protect wines from the various adverse changes in weather.

2. Temperature Control

Wine requires stability such as temperature stability, they do not handle sudden changes in its environment well. Equip the establishment with a sound cooling system that ranges 50-59°F (10-15°C). This is because the wine you have will not age too fast and have some effect of being stored in a cold place.

3. Humidity Control

The right humidity prevents corks from shrinking and drying out. Keep it between 50-70%. If you do not own a cooling-only unit then a separate humidifier or a cooling unit that comes with humidity control will suffice.

4. Efficient Lighting

There is an optimal range of light for your wine room: soft and minimally bright. Do not let your skin get exposed to the sun, or any light source that emits heat. LED stands for light-emitting diode and is safe to use and also conserve energy.

5. Durable Flooring

Wine rooms can easily be humid, therefore selecting flooring that is immune to moisture is crucial. Stone, tile or sealed concrete: these are some of the best choices you could make. Do not use carpets since they absorb dampness and give off unpleasant smells.

6. Strong Wine Racks

Spend more money on durable, heavy-duty wine racks. They should keep bottles stabilised in a good position with adequate ventilation at the same time. When used wooden racks offer a warmer tone than metallic racks that offer a more contemporary feel.

7. Glass Doors with UV protection.

Whereas glass doors gave the wine room a beautiful look. Choose an insulating type, particularly the double glazing with ultraviolet protection. This helps protect your wine from detrimental sunrays and also keeps the particular room nicely insulated.

8. Sealing the Room

Make sure all crevices are sealed to keep temperature and humidity or lack of it within the room controlled. On doors, one can use weather stripping while on the walls or ceiling, there could be openings that should be sealed.

9. A Tasting Area

If this is feasible, then a tasting must be seen. A small table and chairs turn into an ideal place for wine with friends and colleagues. This also makes your wine room slightly more functional and less cold and clinical.

10. Safety Features

Comprise of smoke alarms and a security system. It shields your rare assets or personal collections from being burnt or stolen. This feature will help you in keeping your collection safe and sound.

Final Words

All these play a central role in the essentials of wine room construction. Emphasis on insulation control and design of the house as a home. Correct plans make it possible to create a wine room that has the best functionality and appearance. The design of an ideal wine cellar should begin right now.

Also Read: Pointers To Identify And Avoid Common Wine Faults

[starseedfxofficial]

NZD/JPY Meets Risk Parity: Master the Perfect Pair NZD/JPY and Risk Parity: Unlocking Profitable Strategies Trading the Forex market can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—it’s equal parts thrilling and treacherous. But when it comes to the NZD/JPY pair and mastering risk parity, you’re not just juggling swords—you’re crafting a masterful circus act that draws applause from the crowd (a.k.a. your trading account). Let’s dive into the nuances, strategies, and hidden secrets behind this unique combo. What Makes NZD/JPY Unique? The NZD/JPY currency pair is the lovechild of two distinct economies: New Zealand, driven by commodities, and Japan, the powerhouse of low interest rates. This pair often reflects broader market risk sentiment, making it an exciting playground for Forex traders. Key traits of NZD/JPY: - Risk Correlation: NZD/JPY thrives when global risk appetite is high and retreats when fear dominates. - Volatility Factor: It’s more volatile than major pairs, offering traders substantial opportunities (and challenges). - Interest Rate Differential: With New Zealand’s traditionally higher rates and Japan’s ultra-low rates, carry trades can come into play. What Is Risk Parity, and Why Does It Matter? Imagine a world where your trading portfolio is a perfectly balanced meal. Risk parity is like ensuring every plate has just the right mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables. In Forex, it means balancing risk across all positions rather than focusing on nominal amounts. Why use risk parity? - Better Diversification: Ensures no single position dominates your risk profile. - Enhanced Stability: Reduces the likelihood of catastrophic losses. - Improved Performance: Helps identify opportunities where risk-adjusted returns are optimal. Combining NZD/JPY with Risk Parity Marrying NZD/JPY trading with a risk parity approach creates a synergy that can take your Forex game to the next level. - Assess Risk Sentiment: Use global indicators like the VIX or S&P 500 futures to gauge risk appetite. - Allocate Smartly: Apply risk parity principles by balancing your exposure to NZD/JPY with other assets inversely correlated to risk sentiment. - Monitor Correlations: Track how NZD/JPY interacts with commodity prices and equity markets for more informed decisions. Advanced Insights: Cracking the Code - Time Frames Matter: Use higher timeframes (daily or weekly) for broader trends and shorter ones (4-hour) for precision entries. - Combine with Indicators: Pair your analysis with RSI or Bollinger Bands to time entries and exits effectively. - Hedging Opportunities: Hedge NZD/JPY with complementary positions in safe-haven assets like gold or the Swiss franc. Avoiding Common Pitfalls - Overleveraging: The volatility of NZD/JPY can wipe out overleveraged positions faster than you can say “margin call.” - Ignoring Fundamentals: Keep an eye on key economic data like New Zealand’s commodity exports and Japan’s monetary policy. - Neglecting Correlations: NZD/JPY doesn’t move in a vacuum. Pay attention to global risk-on/risk-off dynamics. Real-World Example: A Winning Strategy Let’s illustrate a risk parity approach using NZD/JPY: - Scenario: Global risk sentiment is improving, and commodities are rallying. - Setup: Go long NZD/JPY, ensuring your position size aligns with risk parity principles. - Execution: Monitor risk indicators like the VIX and adjust your position as sentiment evolves. By balancing your exposure and setting proper stop-loss levels, you turn a volatile opportunity into a calculated risk. Injecting Humor: The Trader’s Parity Punchline Trading without a risk parity plan is like cooking without a recipe: you might create a masterpiece, but you’re just as likely to end up with a burnt mess. And remember, just because NZD/JPY looks appealing doesn’t mean it’s always right—kind of like that pair of shoes you bought but never wore. Master the Market with Ninja Tactics - Leverage Alerts: Automate your workflow with price alerts to avoid staring at charts all day. - Track Sentiment: Use tools like the Fear & Greed Index to gauge broader market mood. - Refine Entries: Wait for confirmation signals before entering trades to avoid false breakouts. By combining NZD/JPY trading with a risk parity approach, you’re not just trading—you’re mastering the art of balance. With the right strategies, tools, and mindset, you can unlock consistent profits and navigate the Forex market like a true pro. Now, go forth and conquer the charts with confidence and style! —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article