#endurance and coach are so strong!

[theastrohub]

2024 Paris Olympics: the astrology of a gold medalist and star athlete.

disclaimer: I am not glorifying struggle or pain in any way shape or form. these are @astrobaeza's personal opinions and observations.

✦ mars in first house / mars dominant / capricorn mars : a first house mars or being mars dominant makes for someone who is openly energetic, driven, passionate, and physically vital. mars is exalted in capricorn, making for someone who naturally has a lot of drive and energy and physical strength.

✦ mars in fire sign + mars in fire house (1st, 5th, 9th) : (1st covered above) Mars in the 5th house gives someone a lot of energy and passion related to hobbies and fun, including something like sports. similar to mars in first or aries, it makes for someone who has a lot of energy. the fire houses give drive and energy, as they are good houses for your mars: mars in the 1st adds aries qualities, mars in the 5th adds Leo qualities, and mars in the 9th adds Sagittarius qualities.

✦ mutable placements, especially sun and rising (gemini, pisces, sagittarius) : makes for adaptability, agility, resilience, ease in things like training for improvement. can perform well in a variety of sports. there is an ease of embracing new techniques, training methods, and other strategies for performance enhancement. fast learning and integration of teachings. strong communication skills that builds interpersonal relationships prevalent in athletics like athlete to coach, athlete to athlete, referee to athlete and so forth. for example, both Suni Lee and Simone Biles are Pisces suns and gemini moons.

✦ 12h placements : 12th house placements makes for someone with ease in the foundational things of being an athlete like recovery and healing, mental resilience, strong intuition and decision-making skills and focus. this also makes for someone that has a spiritual drive to succeed, seeing athletics as their calling in life. for example, muhammad ali, the pro-boxer, was known for his spiritual teachings and dedication towards the islamic faith. this is why you will see a lot of very spiritual and religious athletes, athletes that openly renounce "their God" when they win.

✦ mars pluto positive aspects : almost like having a scorpio mars, this makes for someone with a powerful drive to compete and win. can translate to having stores of energy ready for use at any given moment, strong intuition for quick decision-making, and a strong desire for improvement and transformation. this also makes for an athlete that can positively impact others / be a role-model through their own hard work.

✦ personal planets in aquarius and the 11th house : makes for a good team-mate and someone with a strong understanding of how groups work. someone who's well-liked by the public, could make for a strong "team captain", pointguard, QB, etc. the 11th house also indicates long-term goals and gains, and being a professional athlete takes pretty much a lifetime of dedication and practice. this could also make for someone who can be ahead of trends in the athletics-adjacent matters like team image and bonding routines.

✦ positive 6th house placements : the sixth house pertains to daily routines, work and physical health. a well-placed and aspected personal planet(s) makes for someone who excels in activities that require discipline and routine like athletics.

✦ cardinal t-squares : the integration of "tension" or "difficulties" in the natal chart through planetary aspects can make for someone with a unique skill set appropriate for athleticism: determination, ability to overcome obstacles, diligence, endurance, mental fortitude, and emotional strength.

:჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻:჻჻:჻:჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻:჻჻:

[ credits @astrobaeza ₊ PAIDSERVICES ₊ masterlist ₊ tips ₊ gif by @buffyann23 ]

[cassieoz]

Addiction

Addison couldn't believe she had signed up for another extreme birthing procedure. She always said that she would stop but birthing enormous babies was so addictive! She loved being pregnant and helping childless couples become parents. Addison was a strong woman with wide birthing hips that supported large babies. She loved every single aspect of the pregnancy. Addison also laboured well but when she started the second stage of pushing, the pain was always HORRIFIC.

"Why am I doing this again? Oh, here comes another contraction. It hurts. It hurts so much!"

Addison leant forward and pushed with one long deafening scream. It was too much! The parents always wanted bigger and larger babies. The mothers wanted to witness an intense birth. The couples paid well for a hard delivery. This delivery had required Addison to be impregnated with a 14 pound baby with a GIGANTIC head.

"Never! This is the last time! I can't! I don't want this anymore!"

Addison kept bearing down, trying to endure her ordeal but the agony send her completely mad.

"Please keep pushing! You are amazing birther. I love hearing you push. You are so incredible at it!" The future mother loved hearing the powerful grunts, growls and straining efforts as the baby pounded through the surrogate for two agonising hours.

As the third hour ticked over, Addison began to roar with each push. The birthing contractions had commenced. She clutched the side bars and lost all control of her composure. The primal instinctive to deliver took over her laboring core. The violent urge to expel the baby exploded in her lower body. Addison cried out and bore down in tremendously long efforts. The pulsing sensations in her lower nether region became raw, intense and primitive.

Convulsing wildly, she opened up wider around the massive crown. Trembling with each push, Addison gave the parents the birth they had paid to witness. Sweating, she quivered frantically as she entered the final round of contractions.

"Thats it, Addison. Give into the pressure and push the baby out HARD. One more huge push! Let's deliver this mega baby for this couple!"

"I can't.....stop pushing! Its coming! Its coming RIGHT NOW! I am about to give birth. I need to push it out! I NEED TO PUSH! I NEED TO BIRTH!"

Addison reached for the mother to be and begged her to coach her. The birther sobbed her to tell her how much she needed to see her PUSH.

"Oh Addison, I need you to give the biggest, loudest push ever! I need you to push until it's out. I want to hear you do this for me! PUSH NOW! GIVE BIRTH!"

Addison panted frantically as she listened to the mother to be before she leant forward and released the most intense primal roaring push!

She erupted into a million pieces! Her body went into overdrive and experienced the incredible orgasmic climax of birth. Agony turned to climatic bliss as she exploded wide and delivered the head, rapidly followed by the rest of the perfectly healthy infant.

The mother cried openly and thanked Addison over and over as her gorgeous, gigantic daughter was wrapped and passed to her. She begged Addison to do it again and give the couple a son the following year.

Addison weakly smiled and agreed. After all, the birthing release of delivery was just too addictive to ever stop now.

"Birthing huge babies does release the best pheromones for the birther. It just gets better as the babies getting bigger and larger!" The doctor and the nurse agreed as Addison delivered the afterbirth and fell into a deep, rewarding slumber

[yuwuta]

PLS PLS PLSSSSS keep talking about kids with olympic athletes! gojo and nanami pls pls pls i have to Know. everything u wrote about yuuta was already so so cute

(prev olympics au here)

the gojo twins are hilarious because your baby boy looks exactly like satoru, but has very little of his personality—it seems like the only things he inherited was satoru’s love for sweets and love for you. still, even though he’s a strong swimmer, he much prefers to relax in his floaties alongside you if you’re also in the pool, or chill by your side on a lounge chair, glasses too big for his face keeping the sun out of his eyes as he shares his smoothie with you, and asks to borrow your phone to take pictures of his sister and daddy in the pool. 

your baby girl on the other hand… she might have your face but she’s got satoru’s everything else—his competitive streak, his confidence, and definitely his mischievous nature. she’s the one who tiptoes into your bedroom at five in the morning, tapping at her daddy’s shoulders, and putting her little finger over his lip to shush him before he can wake you up; she’s always the one to convince satoru to take her swimming the backyard at the crack of dawn, and why by the time you and your baby boy wake up, she and satoru are already past warm up laps and swimming lessons and onto who can make the splashiest canonball competitions (she always wins because while her tiny body can endure a belly flop, satoru’s years of training physically doesn’t allow him to do it… and maybe because he’s not so competitive when it comes to his baby girl, he’ll always let her win). 

kento’s professional judo career honestly doesn’t last very long. after his first olympic games, you two start dating and he proposes just after he wins gold the second time he’s in the olympics; he does maybe two more years of national competitions while you’re pregnant, and decides that the intense training for the next two years in preparation of a third olympic competition isn’t worth missing time he could spend with you or your baby girl—plus, with all the money he’s made from competitions, winning gold medals, brand ambassadorships, commercials, and collaborations, he had enough money to provide for all of your for the rest of your lives. so, that’s what he does (his dream has always been to be a househusband, anyway...) his previous salaryman career comes in handy when deciding how to invest his money, how to buy a house, how to take care of his friends, how to set up a fund for your daughter, and an extra account or two… just incase more babies come along… 

by the time your baby girl is four, she’s already kento’s biggest fan. she loudly and proudly proclaims to everybody that her daddy was basically superman and won all the shiny trophies and medals in the house from when he was being a superhero. if anyone recognizes kento when they’re out together, she always confirms their suspicions, proudly boasting, “yeah kento is my daddy! he’s a winner!” it always makes kento’s heart swell to hear her praise. he doesn’t compete professionally anymore, but he does train from time to time, and has taken on a few mentees, and your daughter LOVES to watch him coach/train. she’s got her own uniform that she always puts on whenever they go to the gym together, and gets so excited when kento or ino or yuuji pretend to spar with her. 

she’s honestly kento’s mini figure. she’s respectful and reserved, but strong and knows when to fight and how to use her voice. there’s a time when he gets a call from her school saying that she got in a fight, the principal frames it as your daughter needlessly pushing around an older kid, but your daughter is certain in her words when she tells her dad that it was because the kid was being mean to the younger kids, and to her. kento doesn’t say a word to the teachers—doesn’t even fight them sending her home early for the day, because he’s happy to scoop her up and take her out for ice cream and tell her that he’s proud of her.

[soloroomies]

lifemate (Chapter 1/ Sakusa x f!reader)

summary: how did it all start? word count. 1.9k cw. marriage pact au, potential mature content a/n. this is my first time writing fic! hope you all enjoy this story! (♡ n pls let me know if you do enjoy them ♡) Masterlist

Every month, Motoya Komori, Sakusa Kiyoomi, and you meet up to catch up and enjoy each other's company. Surprisingly, despite the passage of time and the changes in your lives, you have managed to maintain your friendship well since high school. Your bond remains strong, bolstered by frequent chats in your group chat, where you exchange life updates.

Now you’re all in your late 20s, with you and Sakusa the same age, 27 years old, and Motoya a year older. Each of you is navigating your own unique path in life. Motoya Komori, always the cheerful one, shares his latest thoughts and plans. "Nothing much," he says with a grin, "just thinking about coaching some kids in my block." Then, he adds, "Mia thinks that’s a good idea too," his eyes light up when he talks about his wife, his smile widening. It's been a year since their wedding, and he’s never been happier. He met his wife during an open trip to Europe in his early 20s, a serendipitous encounter that changed his life forever.

Sakusa, on the other hand, often brings up his ongoing struggle with his fame. "I keep trying to decline gifts from fans," he admits, a hint of frustration in his voice. Despite his attempts to maintain some semblance of normalcy, his popularity often complicates things. 

It’s no wonder you think that Kiyoomi is popular among women. A single, talented man who looks dedicated to his career is bound to attract attention. People on the internet often compliment his looks too. Standing at 6’4” with a lean build, his black wavy hair adds to his appeal. You can imagine his struggle a bit—balancing his demanding career with the expectations and attention from fans and potential romantic interests alike.

As for you, you share your own challenges of juggling your main job with multiple side jobs. It’s a constant balancing act, trying to manage everything without letting anything fall through the cracks. Yet, despite the hectic schedule, you find solace in these monthly meet-ups, a reminder of the enduring friendship that has weathered the storms of life.

“Why do you have to do several jobs?” Komori asks, a hint of worry in his voice.

You chuckle lightly and start explaining the reality of life outside the athletic world. “Well, life actually works a bit differently for non-athletes,” you say with a smile, trying to lighten the mood. You go on to explain that you're still early in your career, and your current job is only a mid-paying one. “I need some more money to cover my living costs and to send some to my retiring parents,” you add, your tone growing more serious.

Komori listens intently, nodding in understanding. He realizes that while his career path as a professional athlete offers certain financial stability and perks, your situation requires juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet and support your family.

Komori agrees with your statement about the high living costs, even for him. You continue, “Well, now that I think about it, in this economy, for average people, I think marriage helps a lot in a financial way. I mean, by having two incomes in the household. If we didn’t put children into the equation, though, maybe.”

Komori agrees, “Well, maybe that’s true. But I don’t know much about that since my wife stays at home. But financials aside, having someone to come home to… I don’t know how to put it. But it’s less lonely and, y’know? Feels like someone always has my back no matter what.”

Sakusa interjects, “But you don’t have to get married, you know? You can just move in with your girlfriend.”

Komori shakes his head, “I don’t know, man. It’s a different sense of security.”

You chime in, “Ooh, I get it. Maybe it’s kinda like… all these paperwork you sign? So, it feels verrrry official?” You raise your eyebrow, prompting Komori to laugh.

“Maybe? I don’t know. I’m just happy and secure. That’s all I feel,” he says with a contented smile.

You sigh and slam your hand on the table, “Man, I don’t even think about that. I just think it’s nice to split rent and chores with someone.”

Komori hums at your statement, then turns to Sakusa. “What do you think, Omi?”

Sakusa shrugs, “I just think being married makes it more convenient for me to politely decline some of the persistent and creepy fans.”

You chuckle, “Ha. Ha. Okayyy starboy. Totally not relatable.”

Komori adds thoughtfully, “Hey, in a sense, that applies to you as well in terms of being more secure when walking at night. Ward off some creepy men, y’know?”

You nod, a wry smile on your face, “Hey! That’s so fucking true. Pfft, I hate the world that we live in.” You sip on your drink, finding a moment of solidarity in the shared laughter and understanding.

“Okay. Now this conversation made me want to get married. But I can’t even afford a relationship right now. Trying to start a relationship is too urgh,” you say, scrunching your nose. “Too many steps to deal with. And don’t even talk about the emotional roller coaster! It’s just too tiring!”

You used to be a hopeless romantic at heart, dreaming of the day you would meet that one person, your prince charming. Falling in love so hard that your head feels dizzy, experiencing all those cute butterflies in your stomach, and seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses due to the happiness of love.

However, the idea seems more and more impossible as you grow older. Reality has hit you hard. Maybe it’s just bad luck, but you’ve never been lucky in your romantic life. It’s not like no one wants you; there are men who approach you. But the ones who do either don’t meet your standards or turn out to be douchebags when you try to get to know them better and pursue more, leading to frustrating situationships. It’s exhausting to be attached to them and constantly ride an emotional roller coaster.

Moreover, you can’t think of anyone or any way to meet someone new at the moment. You’re not keen on the idea of dating apps either, as you feel like you’re not that fun in chat, and it just feels too unnatural to meet someone new that way. Especially a potential lover. Damn all these standards you’ve set for yourself!

Sakusa speaks up, “I get that, and I don’t understand what girls want either.” Sakusa doesn’t usually talk much during your discussions, but he enjoys listening to you and Komori's thoughts. Right now, he finds himself agreeing with you on the topic. Everyone knows that Sakusa isn’t the most socially adept person. He doesn’t easily make new friends, despite knowing many people from all the training, practices, and matches he has been involved in. However, he can't exactly call them friends. That's why he treasures this friend group, even though one of its members is literally his cousin. It’s something he can describe as “cousins by blood but friends by choice.”

Given this, it’s not hard to understand why it’s not easy for him to have a romantic relationship either. He can be attracted to someone—he experienced it several times during his school days, having little “relationships” that lasted only a few months. But these days, it’s getting harder to form meaningful connections. Lots of girls try to approach him, fans and acquaintances alike. Some have piqued his interest, but nothing has gone beyond a few dates. So, he truly gets it when you say it’s tiring.

“What?! So you don’t understand me?” you exclaim.

Sakusa rolls his eyes. “No, I understand you. It’s different. We’ve known each other since high school.”

“Ha. Right,” you reply with a hint of sarcasm.

Komori is silent, looking at both of you intently. He clears his throat, “Hey, you know, right? There’s something called platonic marriage?”

Sakusa stares blankly. “What’s that?”

“I know!” you chime in. “It’s like you’re married, but you’re not actually involved romantically.”

“Oh. I’ve heard of them. Interesting, I guess,” Sakusa responds.

“Yeah. It’s like you can get the marriage benefits without having to deal with all the emotional roller coasters that relationships give you,” you explain.

“True. But it’s too creepy and risky, right? To marry some random strangers?” Komori folds his arms and laughs.

You give a distasteful expression and respond quickly, “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of it. If I ever wanted to do a platonic marriage, it would be with someone that I know quite well.”

The three of you suddenly become silent. Komori smirks at you and Sakusa.

“What are you even implying?!” you demand.

“Hey! It’s not crazy, though! You mentioned it yourself.” He makes quotation marks with his fingers. “It would be with someone that I know quite well.”

You widen your eyes. He’s right, you think. But still, it’s borderline crazy and something that never crossed your mind. Sakusa? And you?! Sure, you think he looks good. But then again, you’ve never considered any of your friends ugly! Moreover, you’ve always seen him as your friend since the beginning. Which… is actually the definition of platonic. It’s perfect! Shit… But Sakusa would never agree with this kind of thing… right?

You steal glances at him. Fuck. He actually looks like he’s thinking about it. It’s not the usual indifferent face he’s making. He’s thinking. Wow. Years of friendship really do give you the ability to differentiate his micro-expressions.

“Look. It’s just… an idea. A good idea, can I say?” Komori wiggles his eyebrows and smiles proudly. “Given you guys’ predicaments. It’s like the stars aligned, y’know? I’ll definitely support you guys. There. You guys have my blessing,” he laughs.

You and Sakusa exchange quick glances. He shows a lack of repulsiveness. Now that you think about it, this thing actually fits him. But does he really think it is a good idea?

“Some friends do make marriage pacts or whatever it’s called,” Komori adds.

Oh, right. You definitely have heard about that. Something like if we’re not married by the age of… we should marry each other.

“Yeah, I think I’ve heard something like that. But isn’t it complicated?” you ask.

“What would be complicated? It’s all for convenience, right?” Komori replies.

“That’s just insane, though…” you mutter.

You all go silent for a bit but then you try to change the topic and continue to talk about other trivial life updates. Other things that aren’t awkward and, again, crazy to think about. Your mind isn’t ready to handle the full visualization, especially with Sakusa right in front of you.

After another hour, you and the other two decide to head home. You still have to work tomorrow, after all. Urgh, the work thoughts on Sunday are the worst. These meet-ups with Sakusa and Komori always prove to be very recharging to your mental battery. You’re so glad to have this monthly meet-up with your two precious friends.

On your way home, you replay the conversation you had earlier about the platonic marriage and can’t help but think of how good of an idea it is. The words “financial” and “someone to come home to” ring in your head. Shit. You do often feel lonely in your apartment nowadays.

If you ever agree to do something like a platonic marriage, the idea of being married to Omi doesn’t sound bad at all. Your very dear friend since high school. Someone you’ve known for more than 10 years. Someone who knows your antics and vice versa. He can be a pain in the ass a lot of times, insensitive at times. But the good thing is that you can be blunt with him. He might be an ass, but he does always listen whenever you scold him for anything insensitive he does.

But anyway, it’s just an idea. It will be forgotten, right?

Spoiler: No, it’s not.

[houserautha]

I desperately need to know how Feyd handles his wife going into labor, and how he is during it! I feel like he would be so out of his realm, and in aw of his strong wife but also very distraught

I need to bear this man’s children

Same

I think you’re exactly right! In my head, at first, he’s totally cool about it. Like if his wife’s water breaks or contractions start, he’s holding her hand and coaching her through it.

But then labor really kicks in.

Honestly I think Feyd would feel so fucking helpless and that would frustrate him to no end. There is no enemy for him to vanquish. He can’t solve his wife’s problems with his blade or with his wealth or through intimidation. He just has to endure this with her as she’s doubled over in pain and crying out and cursing his name. And her labor seems to go on and on and on.

And as a result he would snap and bark at anyone who came near her. On a normal day everyone is afraid of Feyd, but now they’re absolutely terrified. It makes it hard for his wife to receive treatment because he glowers at the physician and the servants who bring his wife ice chips. Eventually his wife has to send him out on a walk or an errand or something — anything for him to relieve his molten-hot anger.

And, of course, he would be a good little soldier and obey. Feyd would stew the whole time and probably reflect about his wife’s pregnancy and his upcoming role as a father. And right as he’s wondering what the hell he just got himself into, a servant fetches him to let him know that his wife has started pushing and the baby will arrive sooner rather than later.

Harkonnens know well that labor is just as taxing as battle, so the physicians allow Feyd’s wife to labor however she pleases. His anger would transform into absolute awe and admiration, watching as his wife works through each contraction, body shuddering, covered in sweat and reddened in the face. And he would think that his wife has never looked more beautiful, that all of his victories pale in comparison to the slick thud of his child sliding into the physician’s hands, his wife’s resulting cry of exultation.

Feyd has never felt so many things all at once, or so deeply. It crashes into him like a fucking sucker punch. He uses a ceremonial blade to sever the umbilical cord, the tether between his wife and his son — who sucks in his first breath and releases it with tumultuous fury, bloodied and bruised from his own battle.

And then the physician is handing his wife the infant and Feyd’s entire world shifts. There is nothing more magnificent as his wife, smiling despite her prior agony, holding the babe to her chest as he squirms and writhes and wails. Feyd realizes with dizzying certainty how his family had failed him, had looked at him as a helpless babe and still wreaked havoc upon his life — and how he would never allow the same fate to befall his son. No, Feyd would do anything for his new family and, as far as he was concerned, his only family.

[pulisicsgirl]

breathe, you're okay - mason mount

summary: when the mounting pressure of a Women's UCL run is falling on Y/N's shoulders, she isn't handling it by herself as well as she would like everyone to believe she is

pairing: Mason Mount x footballer!reader

word count: 2.9k

warnings/tags: hurt/comfort, no established relationship, !!descriptions of a panic attack!!, discussions about mental heath, supportive Mase

requested: no

notes: surprise!! I'm sorry I haven't posted in months-- my life kind of went up in flames over the summer and I haven't had the time to write that I was hoping to. I have a few WIPs in my drafts, and I am still working on all of your requests! Please let me know what you think of this!

The hot afternoon sun beat down on you, and you felt the drops of sweat sliding down the side of your head and tickling the hairs on the back of your neck. Your heartbeat pounded in your ears as you ran up and down the field, weaving between cones, carrying the ball at your feet, running through a series of consecutive drills that were designed to refine your skills and test your endurance.

You did your best to recall the instructions that your coach had carefully laid out before the team began the drill, but with the heat and the fatigue that was seeping all the way into your bones, it seemed impossible to remember. You wound up relying on the teammate in front of you to recall what you needed to do next.

You let out a heavy sigh of relief when you heard the sound of the whistle—two short chirps, signaling for you to halt your movements. You draped your arms over your head, drawing in deep, heaving breaths as you attempted to get your heart rate under control.

You joined the rest of your teammates as they gathered around the coach, preparing for his parting words before everyone was dismissed.

“Good session today, ladies,” he clapped his hands in front of him, looking around the circle. “I’m seeing a lot of good things. A lot of improvement in our touches and finishing. You all are looking really good.”

A couple of the girls clapped at his words, the rest too exhausted to do anything but listen.

“We have the day off tomorrow, so use it well. Rest, recover, and come back Monday ready to go. We’ve got some heavy prep next week before the second leg on Friday,” he continued, and a couple others whooped, getting excited for the upcoming big game.

“They’re gonna be a really tough opponent, I’ll be honest. We know that their back line is really strong, tough to break through.” Your coach’s eyes fell on you, and you knew what was coming next before he even began to speak, your stomach sinking slightly. “But that’s what we have Miss Y/N, for, right?”

Several of the girls cheered for you. The girls near you slapped you on the back, trying to get you hyped up. And the weight that had settled in the pit of your stomach grew heavier.

The Manchester United women were on an impressive UEFA Women’s Champions League run, overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to make it to the semifinal. And according to the media (and now your own teammates and coaches), it was all thanks to you.

In the group stage, a decisive game in which your team had gone down 2-0 in the first half had seemed hopeless until you had scored two goals in the second, assisting on the third to put your team through to the knockout games. Another three goal contributions in the quarter-final matches had put you in the spotlight of all of the team’s media coverage, thrusting a wave of attention upon you that you had never asked for.

You had gone down 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final, and now you were playing from behind. And it seemed that everyone expected you to be the one to pull them out of it.

So now, you were left feeling the pressure as the second leg was fast approaching.

“Alright, ladies. Have a good rest of the day and a great day off tomorrow.” He clapped his hands, dismissing you all. The circle of girls dispersed, chatting among themselves.

“Am I still leaving the cones out for you?” the coach raising his eyebrows at you. You only nodded in return. “Okay, don’t work yourself to death.”

You laughed humorlessly as you fiddled with the ball at your feet, not meeting his eyes.

“Hey,” he said, resting a hand on your shoulder to try to draw your attention to him. “Get some rest tomorrow, okay? We all see how hard you’re working. Give yourself a break.”

Another nod is all that you can muster, and you don’t miss the short sigh that he lets out as he drops his hand from your shoulder and walks to join the rest of the group moving indoors.

You repositioned a few of the cones to set up your own drill and got right into it.

Across the field, on another training pitch near yours, Mason watched as you carried the ball with you up and down the field, weaving between cones, practicing a few skills that he had seen you implement in games, and taking a shot on the goal at each pass.

He was supposed to be doing a bit of extra work with a few of the boys. The men’s team had finished their training session about an hour before, but a few of them still felt like they wanted to get a bit more done before calling it a day. So here they were, running a few small three-a-side games to utilize the last of their energy that day.

But he couldn’t help but notice how you never stopped.

During the team training, you were always one of the hardest-working ones out there. When he had returned to the pitch from lunch, you were taking shots on the goal with the rest of your team nowhere in sight. He wasn’t even sure he had seen you eating lunch inside when he thought about it.

And now here you were, sprinting across the length of the field, over and over, after the rest of your team had hit the showers.

He felt a twinge of worry for you but brushed it off as one of his teammates called his name to pull his attention back to the game they were playing.

Your head was spinning as you pushed yourself to keep moving. Your entire body was drenched in sweat. Every muscle ached from overexertion as you gritted your teeth, forcing them to keep moving. The sun was dizzyingly bright as the evening set in. You could feel the heat practically radiating off of your skin. Your lungs were burning with your heaving breaths and your mouth quickly grew dry.

“That’s what we have Miss Y/N for, right?” Your coach’s words echoed through your head as you carried the ball down the field.

“Y/L/N carries the Man U Women through to the semifinal!” You recalled the title of the article as you weaved between the cones.

“I really believe Y/N Y/L/N could be the one to lead Manchester United to their first Women’s Champion’s League trophy!” You heard the words of the pundit clear as day as you planted your foot, striking the ball cleanly. It soared through the air, curving toward the goal, and struck the crossbar. The ball flew away from the goal, bouncing pathetically on the ground in the penalty area.

You took a pause, the words and expectations crashing around your mind leaving an unsettling feeling in your chest. As you stood there, you couldn’t seem to get your panting breaths to grow steadier.

Your shirt suddenly felt too tight on your neck. You grasped the fabric, pulling it away from your body in an attempt to allow yourself to breathe easier, but nothing seemed to be helping.

Your head was spinning. You felt your stomach sink, a feeling like when you plummeted down the tall hill of a rollercoaster, a sick feeling settling in your abdomen. Your skin began to crawl, and you just couldn’t stop hyperventilating.

You began to panic. Eyes searching frantically for relief. You weren’t sure what you were looking for—something, anything.

You suddenly felt like you were too out in the open, needing to seclude yourself away from the sight of prying eyes. You set into a sprint, off of the field and around the corner of the nearest part of the building to you, trying to find some shade from the hot sun and hide yourself from anyone who might see your pathetic state.

But it was too late. Mason had seen the whole thing.

They had just paused their game for a short water break. He had seen you take the shot, instead hitting the crossbar. It only took him a few seconds once you paused to realize that something wasn’t right.

He watched the way your chest rose and fell rapidly in quick, short breaths. When you began attempting to pull your shirt away from your body, he instantly knew what was taking place. He’d recognize that feeling anywhere.

You were having a panic attack, whether you realized it or not.

As soon as he saw you take off for the side of the building, he was running after you without so much as a word of explanation to his teammates.

Once in the shade of the wall you hid behind, you began pacing, unable to keep still. Every inch of your body felt jittery, and you felt unsteady on your legs. You couldn’t manage more than rapid, shallow breaths. Your throat felt tight, your breaths sounding more like wheezes, and it was starting to make your head spin. Your hands flew to your head, scratching at your scalp in an attempt to somehow rid yourself of the feeling.

You were startled by Mason swiftly rounding the corner, concern written all over his face as he stopped in front of you.

“Hey, hey, hey, you’re okay,” he spoke calmly and evenly. He quickly reached up, taking your wrists in his hands so he could gently but firmly pull your hands out of your hair to keep you from hurting yourself.

“I can’t, Mason. I can’t,” you panted, shaking your head ‘no’ frantically and still trying to weakly pull your hand from his grip.

“You’re okay, Y/N. Try to slow down your breathing,” Mason’s calm voice directly contrasted your frantic behavior, speaking in short sentences so as to not overwhelm you more. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

A short sob fell from your lips, and you felt the tears spilling over and down your cheeks.

“We’re gonna lose,” you sobbed, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion. “The semifinal, we’re gonna lose it, and it’s gonna be all my fault.”

In that moment, everything clicked into place for Mason-- the UWCL run, your success in the games leading up to the semi-final leg, the pressure from the fans and the team, the countless extra hours you had been putting in.

A loud noise in the distance, coming from the direction of the parking lot, startled you, snatching your attention and you whipped your head to the side, eyes searching frantically for the source. He released your wrists from his hand, testing the waters as he turned your head back to look at him with a hand on your cheek.

He cradled your face with a hand on either side, keeping your focus on him. His thumbs wiped the tears away that had slipped down your cheeks.

“Hey, look at me. You’re gonna be okay. I’ve got you,” he repeated the affirmations he had already been telling you.

As he stroked his thumbs softly over the skin of your cheek, he felt that your breathing was already growing a bit slower. You had reached up, holding onto his wrists with both of your hands to steady yourself, feeling too unsteady on your feet. His hands were gentle and soft on your skin.

Mason watched your expression, taking long deep breaths for you to emulate. Your eyes were still wide, darting frantically around his face, but you were trying your best to follow his breathing. He continued whispering short reassurances.

“You’re safe.”

“It’s gonna be okay.”

“I’ve got you.”

You were beginning to calm down, but your eyes darted to something behind Mason, pulled away from the calm atmosphere he had tried to create for you.

“Hey, hey, stay with me,” he spoke gently, pressing his forehead to yours so you would only focus on him. You were shocked at how little the intrusion on your personal space bothered you. In fact, to your surprise, the closeness seemed to settle you a little more.

You continued focusing on your breathing, gripping tightly to his wrists as if you thought he’d disappear if you let go. Your eyes were clamped closed, listening to Mason’s soft and slow breathing. You felt your pounding heart being to slow its pace.

The panic you had been feeling subsided, leaving behind a wave of extreme fatigue. You felt completely and utterly drained.

Mason must have noticed the way that your body slumped over, and he guided you to sit down on the grass, leaning back against the brick wall of the building. He sat down next to you, leaving space so he didn’t make you more nervous. But in the haze you felt in your mind, you felt a need to still be close to him, leaning over so you could place your head on his shoulder. A short pang of guilt washed over you as you noticed the crescent-shaped indents you had left on his wrists, your nails digging into the skin as you had held onto him.

The two of you sat in silence for a few minutes, your eyes slipping closed as you continued focusing on breathing slowly. A gentle breeze blew through, cooling your clammy skin and brushing through the blades of grass.

“I used to get them sometimes, too, you know?” Mason broke the silence, speaking softly.

You responded with a quiet, “hmm?” unsure of what he meant.

“Panic attacks,” he explained. “At the end of last season, before I left Chelsea. There was a lot of pressure. Any time I played, everyone had something to say about it. Even when I didn’t play, some would find a reason to be upset. It all just got to be too much.”

A deep sadness filled you while you listened to his words. “How did you get through it?”

“Ben found me having one in my car after training one day.” He was quiet for a moment. “I tried to power through it—like you. Skipping lunch and staying late to train a bit extra on the field or put in an extra session in the gym. But once Ben realized what was going on, he made sure that I was taking care of myself properly and wasn’t dealing with it on my own anymore.”

You sat up so you could look at Mason’s face, and you saw a hint of sadness there. “So I’ll tell you what he told me. There are 10 other people with you on that field at all times. If you fall down, there are 10 pairs of hands ready to help you back to your feet. If you succeed, there are 10 others to celebrate with you. But it’s not all on you.”

Your eyes were misty, welling up with tears at his words. He slipped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you into a secure hug as the tears began to stream down your cheeks.

“No matter the outcome of the game next week, you’re an incredible player, Y/N.” He placed a soft kiss to the top of your head. “You’ve already done so much so early in your career. The media and the fans will say what they want—don’t let them get to you. And your coaches may get carried away with their expectations for you, but it’s just because they’re so excited to see you succeed. Just be the player you know how to be, and your achievements will speak for themselves.”

“Thank you, Mason,” you whispered after pondering his words for a moment. No words could express the gratitude you felt for the relief he had brought you just by letting you know that he was there and he understood. But as he squeezed your shoulders lightly in response, you hoped he knew just how thankful you were.

Eventually, Mason helped you to your feet, guiding you back toward the fields. You were still feeling a bit weak and unsteady, so he made sure you remained upright with a gentle hold on your arm as you walked. Deciding it was time for you to call it a day, he insisted on collecting the cones that you had been training with, not allowing you to help him by picking up even one of them.

It took some convincing but you told him you would be fine to drive yourself home—his only condition was that you texted to let him know you made it there safely.

“Alright, then. Rest on your day off tomorrow. Give yourself a break, okay?” he spoke as he put the last of the cones away. “I’ll check in with you on Monday, if that’s okay.” He didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. The two of you had been friendly before today, but you wouldn’t have considered yourselves close friends. He just wanted to be sure that you knew you had people in your corner.

“Yeah, I’d like that a lot,” you nodded, smiling at him. With a final hug, he sent you on your way as he turned to rejoin his (undoubtedly confused) teammates where he had left them.

“Remember: rest!” he shouted back at you as you parted ways, and you couldn’t stop the blushing smile that worked its way onto your face.

tag list: @landoslover @chelseagirl98 @thoseboysinblue @lovelynikol16 @swimmingismywholelife @masonsrem @bracedes @neverinadream @lizzypotter14 @notsoattractivearenti

[spikesbunny]

MOON ANON RETURNS MWUAHAHAH anyways haiii I hope you're doing well :33

i return with requests....... soft n sweet gf like before (i know it's repetitive don't @ me) but. Soft n sweet gf that wants to be tough like those around her but just kinda isn't-- she asks s/o's to train her and gets upset that she isn't as strong as they are but they reassure her and tell her it's OK, her strengths lie elsewhere

Im thinking...... this with Spike but also also. Arlecchino. I have a big fat crush on them both I know it's multifandom but aaaa 😭😭

-🌙

+ wc: 0.3k

+ ft: spike spiegel & arlecchino (separate!)

+ note: WELCOME BACK 🌙ANON!! i'm doing pretty good actually, and i hope you are too 🫶 also omg do not worry about bein repetitive, i loveee soft n' sweet gf as much as you do <33

spike is the type to try and coach you physically. he'll invite you to train with him, starting slowly, before building up time and endurance.

he knows you wish you could contribute more, and be more helpful on missions than simply babysit ed and ein, and he wants to help you out.

he'll show you how to shoot, how to punch and kick, and even self defense methods. but he knows it's hard for you, trying to learn such physical and draining skills quickly.

so he paces you, building each skill brick by brick, piece by piece.

and he knows you get overwhelmed and upset if you aren't as successful as him, or learn as quickly as you wish. so he's gentle with you. a small reassuring kiss her, a soothing back rub to let you know that it's fine, it'll take some time. he even offers to massage your sore and achy muscles.

arlecchino, on the other hand, is more on mental toughness. working with the fauti isn't just physically draining, it's mentally exhausting. the constant bickering, the petty arguments, and the bullshit each member gives.

she'll teach you her methods to push them out of her brain, to dull their voices. give you tips on concentrating more on you than them. she'll provide you different ways to calm yourself down after getting into a dispute with them, knowing you start to blame yourself.

and she knows, she knows how you wish you could be as mentally strong as her. and she promises to help you.

and even if her techniques don't click right away, you try your best. and she knows you do, and she's always there during the conferences, reassuringly rubbing your thigh or squeezing your hand under the table.

she may not seem like a big one on physical affection, but for you, she didn't mind showing some hidden displays.

and even though her words weren't as sugar coated as most would, you knew she genuinely cared behind each riddling compliment and praise.

©2024 spikesbunny - please do not repost or translate my works on other media sites ♡

[bonezone44]

but pervy roller derby coach joel and seasoned derby girl fucking in joels truck after a bout when ezra finds them with the windows all fogged up… ofc he joins in

You fucking know it!

Roller Derby Coach!Joel Miller x F!Reader x Boyfriend!Ezra

tags: unprotected p-in-v, double creampie, Ezra and Joel being spiteful towards one another. praise, degredation, use of the word "whore" but in a sexy way

--

He wanted to offer you a personal congratulations after helping your Jammer get point after point, resulting in your team's win. 157 to 163. It was a close one and your offense is what made the difference. Joel lost count of how many times you knocked the opposing Jammer off the track, running them back and killing their spirit. He's surprised you still have any energy left after all that work.

But here you are in his truck with him, bouncing on his cock like it's nothing. You got nothing on but your sports bra and youre soaked in sweat with your gear airing out in his flat bed.

Then Ezra’s wandering around the parking lot outside the rink, wondering where the hell you are because there's an after party to go to. And he already smoked a couple joints with the referees, and you still hadn't appeared. Then he sees the foggy window, the way the truck is bouncing, and he can't help but creep closer. His whole body floods with heat when he sees your gear. He looks around, sees if anybody has eyes on him before opening up the passenger door.

"Shit!" Joel curses.

You both stop in a panic. Your hands gripping his biceps to stabilize yourself.

Ezra's all smiles. "You don't think she's done enough work tonight, Coach?" He chuckles at your silent, shocked faces. He climbs inside and shuts the door behind him. "Our superstar here requires appreciation. Not more strain on her supremely effective musculature." He crawls closer.

"How 'boutchu--" Joel begins.

Ezra wraps his hand around the back of your neck, pulling you in for a kiss.

Joel’s hands are still tight on your hips. Watching Ezra's tongue meet yours makes his cock twitch and pisses him off at the same time. He grunts.

Ezra's hazy eyes slide over to Joel's after he pulls away from you. "How 'bout I what, Joel?"

Joel snarls and shoves Ezra back with a broad palm to his chest. "How 'boutchu see with your eyes and not with your hands?" He turns back to you. "She's mine right now, and I ain't gonna let you touch her 'til I'm done with her."

Ezra chuckles and undoes his pants, pulling his hardening cock out. "Go ahead and fill her up good, then." He smirks and begins to stroke himself. "Patience is a virtue, and although I am far from a virtuous man, I have been known to wander briefly on the path of the principled." He breaths deeply through his nose, taking in the smell of sweat and sex. "A path more easily endured when enticed by heavenly rewards."

Joel rolls his eyes. "Does he ever shut the fuck up?"

Ezra chuckles again. "You best make haste, old man, before that little blue pill wears off and you go softer than an ice cream cone in the Fourth of July sunshine."

Joel smirks at Ezra and shakes his head. He turns back to you, his hands slide up your sides, grip your breasts through your bra. "You ever seen me take a pill?"

"No," you shake your head. You're so overwhelmed by the situation, you're surprised you were able to say anything at all. And Joel's strong fingers are working your chest, working the muscles in your hips and thighs.

"I don't need no pill," he says with a haughty grin, thrusting up into you. "I don't need her to ride me, neither," he adds for good measure. "I can make her come with my cock alone." He holds you still and you angle your hips slightly as his own hips jump in the seat. "Come on, baby. Show 'im how good this cock is. Come on, now."

You wrap your arms around his shoulders and dig your face into his neck, moaning and keening with every strong thrust. You hear Ezra moaning, too. You turn your head to the side and see him panting, biting his lips. He goes from jerking himself off to squeezing his cock at the base and shaking it, staving off his orgasm with a desperate look on his face. It's all so much, you're sent over the edge--your orgasm barely noticable amidst Joel's relentless assault. How can you come down when everything around you is still building and escalating?

"Gonna fill this pussy up, now," Joel groans. His meaty claws close and spread your asscheeks as he begins to grind into you.

You try to remind yourself to breathe as you squeeze him tighter, whimpering and panting.

"Gonna give you all this come," he groans again and you feel a rush of warmth inside of you.

"Come here, baby," you hear Ezra speak up. "Lemme feel that." And before you know it, you're in Ezra's lap. His cock slides readily into yours and he pants and moans pathetically. "Oh fuck, oh shit, oh shit, baby. That's so good." His hips are barely moving as he holds you close against him, but the squelch of your messy pussy is loud. "Mmmm-that's so good. that's that good shit right there. Oh fuck, baby. Gonna fill you up, too. Mmhmm--gonna give you that sloppy cunt, huh? You like that, baby?" His eyes go wide and you're locked in, nodding and agreeing to whatever he says. "You like bein naughty? You like being filthy?"

At this point, it doesn't matter what either of them say. You'll agree to just about anything that comes out of their mouths--and their cocks.

"Fuckin filthy," he mutters with a snarl and brings his hand down to your ass with a harsh, solid slap. "Fuckin filthy whore. Nnnngg---" He comes inside of you.

You feel dizzy. Spent. Tired. Dazed. You should probably hydrate soon. And you wonder if anyone else on the team is looking for the three of you. You hope Joel has some napkins somewhere in his car, but you're not too worried because you have a pack of wet wipes in your gear bag. You never thought you'd use them for something like this, but... so it goes.

No one suspects a single thing at the after party. You throw back a few shots with your teammates and leg wrestle on the bar floor. You dance to the salsa music someone is playing on the juke box. You consider doing those pelvic floor exercises you saw on youtube once.

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

a/n: I love life and I love being alive.

[zoyazenik]

emily’s endless list of ocs ✨ ↳ ana martinez, eat your young 🫀 ↳ ( in•sp )

Ana Martinez does not survive in the end. 

She does not live to see her mother again, to play another game of soccer, or win another debate competition. She does not grow old, she doesn’t get married, she doesn’t see her older brother find peace. All she does is wither and rot, as all things do. 

But Ana Martinez is not all dead, not fully. She lives on in the memories of the survivors, of those that got to see the plane that saved them. She haunts them, they see her in their periphery, in the gentle laugh of a girl, the breeze in autumn, the biting chill of a winter’s night. Because Ana Martinez is dead, but she is the reason they all survived.

Seventeen, almost eighteen, Ana was almost out of New Jersey, and she was going to go out with a Bang! She’d been the team’s Left-Winger since she’d graduated from JV when she was freshly fifteen, and despite being the Coach’s daughter, nobody could deny her being one of the strongest players on the team. She was a shoo-in for a full-ride scholarship to the University of North Carolina, she was going to be a star player and get a business degree while doing it. But first they had to win at Nationals.

Ana liked to believe that what happened next was the consequence of three things.

1. Taissa Turner breaking Ally’s leg, tearing it apart, right down to the bone.

Ana knew it was a bad idea, she’d argued against it, when Tai had proposed the idea to the small group of players. She’d stood strong beside her fellow Winger, Natalie Scatorccio, pleaded for them to see sense. But Tai was headstrong, and she wanted to win, and that wasn’t going to happen if Ally was on the field with them.

Ana figured she didn’t fight enough.

2. The Yellowjackets being prideful, arrogant, and sometimes, downright mean.

It wasn’t their fault, any of them. Ana and the rest of the team, they were just kids - teenage girls, most of which hadn’t even hit eighteen yet. Teenage girls are mean, they tear at your throat with words of poison, and teeth filed to sharp points – they pick you apart piece by piece, they consume your very being until they spit you back up, a perfect mold of themselves.

Each of the Yellowjackets had a vice, something that made them imperfect, something that made them wrong. 

Ana wasn’t sure if it was the fact that she liked girls or the fact that she liked to throw eggs at the houses of kids who pissed her off that made her wrong. 

She just knew that she was.

3. Ana Martinez telling her father she hated him.

Sure, Mr. Martinez wasn’t perfect, he wasn’t a particularly good father, he was harsh and stern and cared all too much about soccer than he did about his children, but he was still her father. He worked harder than anyone she’d ever known, he made sure that she had whatever she needed, and when she was hurt – emotionally, physically, whatever it may be – he made sure to pat her on the head and slip a plate of sopapillas under her bedroom door.

And the truth was that Ana loved her father, more than anything else in the world – even if he hadn’t told her he loved her in two years, even if he frowned more than he smiled. But he had upset her, in the way that only he could. Instead of congratulating her for their big win, for saying how excited he was for them to go to nationals, for telling her he was proud of her, he had critiqued her. 

Ana had never been good at receiving critique from her father, but this time, when she’d been coming down from such a high, she simply couldn’t handle it, which is why she’d yelled.

So, this was why Ana believed they’d crashed, why they had to do what they had to do, endure what they endured. Ana believed that the reason she died was because no matter how hard she worked to help everyone, to make sure the team stayed together and stayed alive, it didn’t matter, because at her core, Ana Martinez was a girl, and she was twisted, wrong. 

This is why she didn’t make it.

taglist 🦋: @dragonsbone, @kiara-carrera, @fleetwoodmcs, @dio-nysvs @purpleyearning, @villanele, @daisyjohvson, @arrthurpendragon, @aaudace, @julianblackthcrns, @richitozier, @megdonnellys, @anotherunreadblog, @prosemoireia, @luucypevensie, @chlobenet, @eddysocs, @phoebestarks, @stareyedplanet, @waterloou, @raith-way, @jvstjewels, @eddiemunscns, @impales, @darkwolf76, @fakedatings, @daughter-of-melpomene

[want to be added or removed?]

[thekrows-nest]

I’m curious about the casts physical capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. It would be funny if under her elegant clothes Gabby is secretly really buff. But she also seems like the type to mainly rely on her wits. Maybe she’s just always a few steps ahead of a situation, carries mace and is very quick to run. The most likely Final Girl or likely to avoid a situation completely. Unless…

I know Krow is strong and has stamina for days, probably has quick reflexes. But I feel like he might not run as fast? Fast but not speedy. More like long distance.

I have some weird notion that Luke played football when younger and quit due to injury? Did I make that up? (But it doesn’t matter much as he’s always staying safe at home eating icecream. Do not the Luke.)

Eliyah is probably weakish but can put on a short burst sprint from casual jogging.

Mary… I really don’t know. I think Mary follows a safe routine like Gabby and she and Camilla stick together. Camilla also carries mace. If it came to it and Mary was caught in a bad situation alone, she would either freeze completely or surprise us.

Naila and LT - while benevolent they’re the ones to be running from.

You basically nailed it lmao. But I like rambling.

So there's a couple of AU's with her counterpart, Gabe, who IS physically quite strong (I played him in a TTRPG once where he was even known as "The Muscle") but anyway. Gabby mainly is the type to rely on wits and intelligence, with also a bit of dexterity. She's not real strong, fast or with a lot of stamina or constitution, but mentally is quick, observant as as you say, prime Final Girl material. Probably would sound like a bitch with some of the solutions she'd come up with in a typical horror situation but make the most sense AND would keep not just her alive but others (think Ripley standing firm on keeping Kane, as well as Dallas and Lambert in quarantine, that would have saved the crew for sure).

And that is correct on Krow. He's quite strong, has great stamina and quick reflexes, but he's not speedy, like you say. But he is very much more of an endurance, persistent person. I've said many times before, you'll tire out FAR before he will. I've said that for like, hurr hurr naughty situations, but it also applies to like... the horror in trying to get away from him.

No you didn't make that up! I said before that Luke played football in his younger years but had to quit due to an injury. He was every coach's dream back in his prime. Strong, fast, just kept on trucking along. Those days are over, but by no means is he helpless. Don't try to start something with Jazzy, be the last thing you do.

Eliyah is definitely the weakest of the bunch lmao. He's not totally pathetic, I'd say more that his physical skills are all... pretty average. He'd be stronger than Gabby, but no way would she let herself be in a situation to get grabbed by him ha ha.

Mary pretty much sticks with Camilla. Before they had met, Mary was probably the weakest of the bunch. Where she came from, how she grew up, it wasn't really... emphasized for her to be physical or know how to protect herself. Camilla has been helping her in building up confidence as well as doing physical stuff together, like jogging and all. Camilla is also trying to see about a self defense course that Mary likes (they've tried a couple but they haven't stuck, but Camilla isn't giving up!) I think what Mary would do if caught in a bad situation alone depends on how far she is in learning how to defend herself. She would, as said, either freeze, or surprise her opponent... and herself lol.

Yeah Naila and LT are your uhh... "game over man, game over" if you manage to piss either one off enough. They're the "if you're caught by this foe in a horror game, you are insta-dead."

[silverthehedgehoganalysis]

Here is a list of traits Silver has shown in the games, Sonic Channel and other Sonic Team made content:

Righteous, has a strong sense of justice and is driven to make things right

Kind-hearted, puts other people’s happiness before his own and will drop his mission to help others, is motivated by his desire to protect smiles, wants to use his powers not for himself, but to help others.

Extremely Determined

Optimistic and Hopeful, believes there’s always a chance as long as you don’t give up, inspires hope in the people he works with in Forces, the final story of Sonic 06 and when he helps Elise through her performance anxiety

Pure, has a “sincere, unpretentious and kind” demeanor and wears his heart on his sleeve, this genuineness and purity gives him an “enduring charm” that is one of the biggest things his friends, particularly Blaze, enjoy about him and makes others want to support him

Forthright, is very direct and frank with people and has a straight to the point mentality, is straightforward in his actions and thinking

Earnest and blunt to the point of naivety, expects people to believe and cooperate with him when he says he’s from the future, hides very little and is so honest that he announces himself when attacking Sonic

Not trusting post 06, doesn’t give Sonic a Chaos Emerald until he proves he’s real in Sonic Generations and is the most suspicious of Dodon Pa

Snide and Sarcastic, sneers at Eggman’s theme park in Sonic Colors and has a snotty attitude towards anyone he can one up, remarks “What am I doing?” when going with Amy

Brash, has rude/informal mannerisms and can be abrasive, particularly to people who are not his allies

Juvenile, described as young and immature by his creator Shun Nakamura, this immaturity ties into many aspects of his character as well as his purity but is also the source of his snotty attitude and rude behavior, supposedly he doesn’t like green peppers which is the Japanese equivalent of children not liking broccoli 

Focused, proactive and practical mindset, seen particularly throughout Sonic Forces

Focused on his goals, Does not care what the plan is called in Forces, only that it works and when asked about his favorite race item he says that he likes Jade Ghost because “It lets him disappear and focus on the race”

Inquisitive and proactive, questioned others about how the world was destroyed in the Iblis future his whole life, fought Iblis to try and clear the sky himself, spent most of Team Sonic Racing cracking down on Dodon Pa and Eggman, reads into “Ancient Wisdom” in the good future

Sharp and intuitive, Figures out how to revive Sonic in 06, sees through Eggman Nega's disguises by noticing small details, does successful detective work in Sonic 06 and Team Sonic Racing, intuits Blaze trying to control great powers when seeing them for the first time, has solved various puzzles and mysteries by himself, “knows a lot” according to Sonic in Silver’s Sonic Channel introduction story

Skilled and Crafty, skillfully accomplishes various tasks during his Town Missions in Sonic 06, turns his fight with Sonic into a race to collect Chao in Sonic Rivals 2, Vector refers to him and Blaze as professionals in the Team Vector Nintendo Dream interview, has had jobs as a delivery boy, a figure skater, a “genius” skating coach and a butler

Trains off-screen and makes steady efforts to improve his abilities, seems to be self-taught in his skills 

Sometimes takes everything on himself

Warrior with a warrior mentality, described as a warrior, enjoys fighting and will fight his friends for fun, fought and struggled for half his life in the Iblis future, values bravery and facing things head on, dislikes cowardice and indirect tactics, can endure “pain beyond description” and is undeterred by injuries (Shadow’s infamous kick to the head only made him mad)

Competitive and proud/confident in his abilities, has a smug attitude about his abilities and can get competitive over something as simple as handling Orbot and Cubot, clashes with Blaze the first time(s) they meet because of this

Headstrong and Confrontational, confronts Infinite alone because of this, gets offended when Blaze she calls him “weak” and treats him like an amateur 

Very Emotional, tends to rush in and deal with things too head-on because of the strength of his feelings and start confrontations because he gets heated, his passion drives him forward but this same passion can cause him to be rash as his actions are dominated by his feelings

Hot Tempered and impatient, can be easily angered and gets frustrated or indignant when things don’t go his way, can get annoyed at things that get in the way or impatient with things that aren’t to the point, his sense of justice causes righteous indignation at great injustices, his temper can be quite similar to Blaze’s

Has Aggressive energy in both his demeanor and body language, generally has confident or determined expressions, often makes fists, punches things when he's frustrated and gets up by punching the ground

Can be Ruthless, has resorted to playing possum, sneaking past Soleanna guards, robbing people and killing to accomplish his goals

Courageous to the point of being Reckless, puts other’s safety before his own, instantly reacts to protect those around him when attacked in Sonic Comic, Instantly battle ready when surprised in Generations, fought against Iblis and its monsters from a very young age growing up in an extremely hazardous devastated future, both values bravery and dislikes cowardice, recklessly went off to face Infinite on his own and is noted to not back down even in the face of his mighty power, will sacrifice himself without a second thought if necessary

His way of life inspires others and makes them want to cheer him on, this even extends to real life as the illustration at the top this post inspired everyone in the office to give him a high five that day

Cannot lie but can change the subject

Doesn’t know how to explain/express himself at times

Scratches his head with his index finger when processing his thoughts

Feels joy and anger loudly but is quiet in sadness and contemplation

Gets rowdy, riled up and puts his all into things he’s feeling but is very low and quiet when something is on his mind or he’s feeling down(He’s totally autistic, this is autistic volume)

Has a mischievous side

Like apples, ate apple flavored rations in the Iblis future

Deeply appreciates peace, prosperity and people‘s smiles, beautiful vistas and people living peacefully leave him breathless

His desire for peace is seemingly driven by strong empathy for both the people and environment around him, blue skies make him feel at peace, natural beauty and people living prosperously takes his breath away, desolate or destroyed areas sadden and upset him, he can’t help but smile when he makes others smile and can’t stand to see the suffering in his destroyed futures

Has a very quiet, introspective and empathetic side (he deeply and quietly reflects on the morality of his mission throughout 06 and quietly takes in everything about Elise’s past)

AB blood type meaning that he's dual natured and adaptable based on the situation

Is a Taurus

[ohmeadows]

RobinJade+9

robin/jade, a kiss in public.

//

Robin knows the instant she steps on stage if Jade is up in the box seats without even looking, the weight of Jade's gaze an ache in her chest.

She's been finding time to attend concerts in her busy schedule, the promise of "keeping an eye on her investment" hanging heavy in Robin's mind. Yet she never comes around backstage, and she never stays through the encore. Alone in the dressing room, Robin knows she could pick out any eager fan and have adoration welling over, but she doesn't want that. It'd be hollow compared to who she truly wants.

And tonight, there Jade is again, her gaze carrying a different weight when it falls on Robin's skin, goosebumps prickling across her shoulders.

It comes to her, bright and perfect, and halfway through her current chart-topping song, Robin lets her voice control slip intentionally.

Not enough to destroy the concert, but enough that a ripple passes through the audience, smiles frozen, grimaces fluttering past. The horror of it is electrifying. She could ruin everything about herself in this moment, rip apart her entire future — she dangles it in her hands, eyes locked on Jade. Do you care about your investment? Do you care about this future of mine? Will you stop me if I try to set it ablaze?

By the time she gets to the encore, Jade is still there, her severe gaze sending a thrill through Robin's core. She strains her voice in the encore, feeling the crack shattering in her throat, and smiles in a daze at the audience.

After she steps off the stage, she's whisked away to the VIP lounge. It's the part of her nights she likes the least, but her vocal coach did not miss the strain and shoves a cup of warm tea in her hands, strictly forbidding her from any champagne tonight.

"Your performance tonight was lacking," Jade's familiar voice whispers in her ear, brushing back a strand of hair behind her wings.

"My mind wandered," Robin says airily. She keeps her voice low, and as she sips the honeyed tea she feels a shivering thread of excitement strung between her ribs, making it harder to breathe in deep. It's the first time she has intentionally provoked Jade and she's eager to see what it yields.

"To what, I wonder."

"Investments," Robin replies, jutting her chin out defiantly even as she keeps her tone sweet. "I cannot help but worry that some of them have been neglected."

"Is that so?" Jade's lips curl up in amusement. "And what is it they want?"

"Attention." Robin's voice is crystal clear and strong. Jade notices, of course. She never lets anything slip past.

Grabbing her by the elbow, Jade holds her close, leaning down to whisper in Robin's ear. "Greedy, miss Robin. Perhaps I will have to make sure you have some training to sing without losing focus. We are staying at the same hotel, after all."

Robin's breath catches, and before she has time to quip anything back Jade has slid her hand down to her wrist, bringing Robin's hand up to her mouth and giving her a kiss on the back of her hand. The look in her eyes is as indecipherable as it is rife with promise.

"I look forward to resolving your problems," Jade says, smiling at her as she takes a step back, letting Robin return to enduring the dreary mingling.

For the rest of the night, she keeps gently touching the spot with her fingertips, feeling the heated imprint on her skin, a shiver running through her each time.

[thommi-tomate]

Interview with Jupp Heynckes about Thomas Müller

By: Kicker

Mr. Heynckes, Thomas Müller scored for FC Bayern for the 499th time in an official match in the recent Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg. He has 235 goals and 264 assists. You knew this player as a coach in Munich from April 28 to June 30, 2009 and in the two seasons 2011/12 and 2012/13. Why does Müller stand out?

To judge this player and appreciate his record, you have to see the full picture of Thomas Müller. Thomas is a traveler between worlds on the football field, which means that he is neither a striker nor a defensive midfielder, but an attacking midfielder endowed with a special goal-scoring instinct and a gift that is granted to very few players: he has a fundamental endurance and exceptional speed. This combination has always distinguished him physically. Moreover, he is an absolute team player who always and without exception puts himself at the service of the team.

Does this also characterize Müller as a person?

Yes, he is authentic, sympathetic, empathetic, funny, original with his sayings, optimistic, positive and able to lead. Thomas doesn't duck away in awkward moments, he always faces up and has a clear, decided opinion on football and the circumstances in a team. That's why I've always spoken highly of Thomas Müller, because he's an exceptional player, not only because of his footballing qualities, but also because of his personality. I like to compare him with my former teammate Hacki Wimmer, who was just as strong a midfielder as Thomas at Borussia Mönchengladbach and also gave everything for the team. He was self-sacrificing on the defensive end, moving forward, but not as goal-threatening as Thomas. Today, Thomas is a mature professional who knows for himself when he has played well and not so well, when he needs to be critical or hold back publicly. He is now in the late autumn of his career, which is quite normal when you have 300,000 kilometers in your legs and are 34 years old.

Thomas Müller describes himself as an Raumdeuter. Does he have this particular feel for a promising goal situation?

Yes, he intuitively recognizes situations in the game that could be dangerous for a goal. A strong runner and hard worker, he also goes where he thinks he needs to be present and finishes. With his now very good eye, he has great peripheral vision, plus calmness on the ball, so he plays precise passes and hits very good crosses. Thomas doesn't stand out as a footballing giant, but his overall image could be of a great painter like the Italian Rafael.

What was Thomas Müller like in personal interactions?

He was always accessible in communication, ready to talk and receptive. He understands football as a game, recognizes currents in a team and sees through the mechanisms outside. With Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm, he mediated within the team and forced self-cleaning processes before the coach had to take action. It's a gift when you have players like that as a coach.

In the Bundesliga, Müller, who made his debut in a 2-2 draw with Hamburger SV on August 15, 2008, has recorded 200 assists and 144 goals in 448 matches and 33,089 minutes, he needs 96 minutes for a scoring point, so he manages to score or set up a goal in almost every league match. How is this consistency possible?

First, he was very rarely injured, so he had continuity in his career. Then he has the ability to anticipate, he foresees developments on the pitch. When Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben used to go off on the wings or Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry or Leroy Sané do it today, Thomas sprints off from deep or instinctively adapts his position to requirements when he's already in the penalty area, he goes into the five-meter area or pulls back from there toward the penalty spot. He also likes to orient himself towards the second post. He has this behavior down pat and has also perfected it. Thomas has it all in his blood.

Under you as coach, Müller scored 47 goals in 135 appearances over 9754 minutes, plus 53 assists, making exactly 100 scorer points. Where did you see his ideal position?

Thomas is a highly intelligent player whom I used mainly as a forward midfielder or second striker. He could also play on the right side and accepted this role without grumbling. He got to grips with this task and then came through there as well. The optimal place for him was behind the striker.

Müller set up by far the most goals for Robert Lewandowski: 64, including 48 in the Bundesliga. Why did Müller and Lewandowski harmonize so well?

It worked so well with Thomas and Robert Lewandowski because Lewy recognized and sensed exactly when he needed to break away from his opponent - at the precise moment when the ball had left Thomas' foot, and never before. This interplay was based on the intuition of the two, it was blind understanding. Thomas hit the crosses exactly the way Lewy needed them: the striker had to go forward, run or sprint into the crosses or put-ins, often with prior backward body deception.

Were Müller and Lewandowski the most effective striker duo in Bundesliga history?

Every time is different. Of course, they were a great pair, but Thomas played just as efficiently with Mario Gomez or Mario Mandzukic. However, Lewy has already benefited a lot from Thomas.

Under Pep Guardiola, Müller collected at least 40 scorer points in every game, and in 2015/16 his best mark was 45. Does Müller need more space for his game or does it help him more when things are tight up front?

When Thomas has space, that's an advantage for him because he's also very fast. But since he is a very skilled player, he knows how to adjust to all conditions. In general, he moves very well thanks to his immense running strength and is always playable. When he comes under pressure there, he doesn't take the ball but just lets it clatter. His passes have the right sharpness and precision, they also get onto the right foot of the teammate - many professionals lack this gift. Thomas plays simple football, not fancy.

87 scorer points are the best score for a German player in the Champions League. FC Barcelona is the foreign club against which Müller scored the most points. In nine duels, he scored eight goals and served to two goals. In the semifinal before winning the title in 2013, Müller scored the 1-0 and 4-0 at home, and he set up the 3-0 by Mario Gomez. In the second leg, he scored the 3:0. What does this data say about Müller's international class?

For Thomas, the games in the Champions League were always highlights, and he saw the duels with Real Madrid or FC Barcelona as a major challenge. His special motivation was there to be felt. He knew how to adapt to his opponents, and he knew exactly when he needed to be even more focused. That's why this international top score comes as no surprise to me.

Was he nervous at any point?

No. Rather highly concentrated and well prepared, tense. Anyone who has been German champion twelve times like Thomas is no longer nervous.

Did you see Müller more as the final provider or the enforcer?

I have always seen the whole football player Thomas Müller, both elements for the offense distinguish. In addition, he was always driven by an immense will to perform, the utmost professionalism. Even if he exudes a certain lightness on the outside, in truth he is totally focused. That's why I always had such a high opinion of him.

Müller scored 149 of his 235 goals with his right foot, and he also scored with his chest - against Bochum in 2009/10 - or with his left upper arm against Hannover in the 2013/14 Cup. Is Müller underestimated because of his sometimes seemingly clumsy movements?

What I said before about him as a footballer makes any answer to this question superfluous.

Müller didn't have it easy with every coach. Did you also have doubts about him at times?

I never had any doubts about Thomas Müller. I got to know him in 2009. Back then, we still managed to reach the Champions League in the six weeks we worked together at the end of the season. After the season, we played six friendly matches, six days in a row. Thomas played every one of those games. It was amazing. After that, I transferred to Bayer Leverkusen and called Hermann Gerland in Munich and said, "Hermann, I want Thomas." Hermann replied, "You're crazy. I've already talked to Louis van Gaal and told him that Thomas is a good kid we have to promote." I then dropped the courting of Thomas.

Müller was never Footballer of the Year. Is his value not appreciated accordingly?

Has he really never been Germany's football player of the year?

Never.

That is an oversight on the part of the jury. I would like to join this group (laughs), my vote would go to Thomas. He would have deserved this award 100 percent. For me, he is exceptional and one of the best players in the history of FC Bayern, which is rich in great players and to which he has been loyal throughout his career. It is a gift for any club to have such a player. I have always held him in immense esteem, Thomas Müller is unique. What he has achieved in football so far is a magnificent, admirable lifetime achievement. And once he steps off the big football stage, I will miss him. When he plays, Thomas is always an eye-catcher. There will never be another player like him: Just as there will be no more Franz Beckenbauer or Gerd Müller, there will be no more Thomas Müller.

[growingstories]

Part 2: Jack, star of the field, the making of (NEW PICTURES)

Once a successful 40-year-old football coach, Johnson found himself divorced and seeking a new purpose in life. His passion for the game burned strong, but it was his desire to nurture and shape young talent that led him down an unexpected path.

One day, news broke about a promising young football player named Jack, who possessed immense potential but struggled with gaining weight and building strength. Johnson saw this as an opportunity to not only help Jack fulfill his dreams but also reign to his own coaching career.

Coach Johnson approached Jack's parents and proposed an unorthodox plan. He would take Jack into his own home, dedicating his time and effort to guide the young athlete towards success. Without persuasion, Jack's parents agreed, recognizing the dedication and expertise Coach Johnson carried.

The first few weeks were rigorous for both Johnson and Jack. They followed the same fitness routines, pushing their limits to improve strength and endurance. Coach Johnson was with Jack every step of the way, providing guidance and motivation. But lost track on his own fitness and food intake.

However, as time went by, Coach Johnson found himself overwhelmed with coaching responsibilities. Balancing his professional duties with personal goals became increasingly challenging. Recognizing the importance of Jack's development, Coach Johnson refused to back down and kept pushing Jack by leading by example.

Determined to help Jack reach his full potential, Coach Johnson immersed himself in research, seeking alternative methods to support Jack's weight gain. He discovered that nutrition played a vital role in building muscle. Thus, he decided to take matters into his own hands and adopt a new approach.

Coach Johnson started cooking larger and more nutritious meals both for himself and Jack. He dove headfirst into understanding meal plans, caloric intake, and macutronrient ratios. With every meal, he aimed to provide Jack with the right nutrients to support his growth and with Jack’s also his own…

The consequences of Coach Johnson's new focus on food started to manifest in his own body. As a 40-year-old, his metabolism had slowed, making it more difficult to shed extra pounds. With his attention primarily on Jack's progress, Coach Johnson gains were very noticeable, especially as he was used to parade his chiseled upperbody shirtless on the trainingfield. The gains were so fast that he was still blind for it himself. Eventhough he started to be out of breath fast which he blamed on the heath.

Over time, Jack football's career flourished, thanks to Coach Johnson's dedication and their shared efforts. From being a scrawny athlete struggling to gain weight, Jack transformed into a professional player determined to leave his mark on the sport.

But as Jack celebrated his accomplishments Coach, Johnson faced a different reality. He had gained 50 pounds during their journey, inadvertently sacrificing his own fitness and health for the sake of Jack's growth.

Jack, now aware of the toll it had taken on his mentor, expressed his gratitude and shared his intentions of taking care of Coach Johnson. Inspired by his own transformation, Jack took it upon himself to help Coach Johnson regain his health.

Together, they developed a new fitness routine for Coach Johnson, focusing on weight loss and overall well-being. Jack's understanding of fitness and nutrition, honed through his own journey, gave him the tools to support Coach Johnson's reclamation of himself.

Months passed, and with Jack's guidance and unwavering support, Coach Johnson gradually shed the weight excess he had gained. As he found himself reclaiming his physical and mental strength, Coach Johnson realized how intertwined their journeys had been. But no matter how hard he tried, he never lost the last few pounds…

[butterfrogmantis]

// Couple of suggestive pick up lines on doodle 5 djdk

Tuffy Foley was born along the coastal area of the Long Island section of NY, in a slightly run down neighbourhood. Once rumoured to have been a famous smugglers area for pirates, the summers were often overcrowded with tourists and the winter’s barren of much company. Tuffy was raised by his aunt and uncle, due to his biological parents having lost custody of him as a toddler. His aunt and uncle were kind folk and Tuffy trusted them whole heartedly – the same could not be said for the kids his age around the area. Tuffy was much younger, and much smaller than most of them, so he quickly became an easy target to their constant taunts and physical jabs.

Tuffy endured the black eyes and taste of gravel for far too long before someone stepped up to them. But someone did – Hefty Ortiz, a slightly older and braver kid than Tuffy, who’d had enough of the peers his age picking on the ‘poor guy’ and told them to back off. Hefty was not a kid to be messed with either, he was strong enough to easily hold his ground and the bullies knew he didn’t bluff. For Tuffy, he had found a new idol that day, and was forever in his debt.

Tuffy meet’s Hefty’s mom’s. X and Y Ortiz, a lesbian couple who had been raising their son into a compassionate and strong minded young man. X worked as the local sports coach, whilst Y was a social worker, so it was easy to see where Hefty’s strength and empathy came from. This was also Tuffy’s first positive representation of homosexuality – Tuffy had likely endured bigoted slurs from the bullies, despite being too young to know what the future had in store for him, and being around the Ortiz family has likely saved him from years of further denial.

Teenage Hefty discovered girls, Teenage Tuffy discovered Hefty. I mean, kid Tuffy looked up to Hefty but teenage Tuffy worshipped the very ground he walked on. It was an almost unhealthy obsession, and unfortunely this did start to strain his relationship with Hefty who found him to be broaching into slightly unhealthy co-dependency and imitation behaviour.

Hefty travels to Belgium. Tuffy, still lost in a fantasy parasocial relationship with him, follows. Ultimately, despite their adventures, his affections are never returned and it becomes obvious to Tuffy they never will.

A heartbroken but bitter Tuffy turns to … more unwarranted approaches and with his new found self-appointed freedom at no longer pursuing Hefty exclusively, Tuffy moves on … to his best friend, Handy Turner. When that doesn’t work, Tuffy decided to try a new outlook and attempts to attract the attention of a much older man, Wooly Sherman. That also does not work. Tuffy sulks and decides to give up for now. 

A few years later, Marco Spaziale is back in the village. His first trip away since the ‘incident’ in fact and what he’d really like now is a quiet night in the pub and a pint to relax. What he GETS is a sulking Tuffy who’s pissed about another failed rizz attempt. Marco is … bemused but annoyed. They exchange some banter and Marco tells some bone-chilling sea stories. Well, that gets Tuffy’s attention. Actually now that he thinks about it this Marco fella is sort of handsome in a very ruggish and badass way – Just Tuffy’s type. Those scars are pretty cool. Tuffy’s into it. He’s found a new object of his affections.

Marco suspects there may be a distant link between Tuffy and the weird skeleton dude walking around. Tuffy has concerns of his own.

It took some time but Marco warms back to Tuffy. He kind of originally viewed him as a sad little puppy, but like sad little puppies they have a way of warming your heart. Unlike his friend Dreamy who Marco tends to perceive as something akin to a little brother relationship with him, Marco’s never really had anything to do with Tuffy before and romantic feelings are eventually reciprocated. Marco is a bit older and more experienced about life in general whereas Tuffy has followed Hefty his whole life and is younger and a bit sheltered. Marco shows him some of the world. Tuffy discovers he has seasickness.

Tuffy and baby Vitriolic. Aww. He’s a good dad despite Vitty having er. Her own social issues djdjk

Tuffy, Hefty, Smurfette, Handy, Marina, Wooly, and Marco (c) The Smurfs

Hefty's moms, Skelly and Vitriolic are mine

[leonsliga]

Bri, thank you for your thoughts on Leon and his relationship with the team.

I also noticed that Leon didn't thank the fans. I think he was completely crushed, so he didn't come out to the fans, although he usually always does. To be honest, it was painful to look at him after the game. Really, how many more punches does he have to take? How many failures can Leon endure? I've always admired his mentality, but it seems like it's too much for him right now. His team lost in the semifinals, and he didn't even have a chance to help. It's not just about one match. 2 weeks ago, Leon said in an interview that he is in the best shape of his life and will continue to please with his good performances. Leon wants to be one of the leaders, it seemed that he succeeded, that he became the leader of the midfield. But at the crucial moment, he plays bad. The result is zero minutes in the semi-finals of the CL. It was also the last match when Leon could show Nagelsmann that he deserves to play for NT, because on May 16, the coach will announce the squad for EM. Leon will not be there, he understands this himself, and his disappointment after the game is also connected with this. But it's not about Leon, it's about the other players. It just wouldn't be fair if the coach didn't invite Brandt or Can, who plays in every game and helps his team get to the finals. It would also be unfair to leave Pavlovich at home, who was great yesterday. Leon played some good matches, but others players were just better. I think Leon was angry at himself yesterday, not at the coach. Because he was really in good shape, but he couldn't show himself at the most important moment and ruined everything himself. I hope he can handle it, so the last 2 seasons have been terrible, he's been criticized all the time, and I think he's just tired of it all.

Aww anytime 🥺❤️ I’m glad I’m not the only one who felt that he was devastated—perhaps even in shock to some extent—after Bayern’s defeat. He’s usually really good at engaging with the fans after matches, and for him to distance himself to the extent that he did is a testament to how broken-hearted he must’ve felt. At least that’s how I view it.

You put it perfectly: how many more punches does he have to take? He’s been through so much this season. At times, he’s been essentially the fans’ punching bag—an easy scapegoat when there were bigger problems at play. Combine that with his uncertain future at Bayern and in the national team, and it’s hard not to come away feeling overwhelmed, even if you’ve got as strong a mentality as we know Leon does. It’s only human for that much pressure to start to weigh on you at some point.

Selfishly, I wish Tuchel had given him a chance last night. But honestly, I think it would’ve been good for the time as well. Leon’s said in the past that he plays best when he’s under pressure, and after he performed somewhat poorly in the first leg, he would’ve been desperate to prove that he’s better than he initially showed. And we know he is.

Like you mentioned, Leon said he’s in the form of his life recently, and he showed us exactly that in recent weeks. Getting rejected by the national team seemed to light a fire in him. His performances were better to the extent that even his biggest critics took notice. The tricky thing about football is that fans’ (and managers’ for that matter) perceptions of a player are often diluted down to big matches and whether they deliver in those. It doesn’t matter how involved they were in the buildup to those big moments. And we all know Leon can deliver in big matches. He just didn’t in the first leg vs. RMA and he didn’t get the chance to in the second.

I’m definitely being delulu here, but I’m still hoping that now that national team rosters have been expanded to allow managers to call up 26 players, maybe Leon will make it. But the more rational side of me has my doubts 😵 like you pointed out, there’s some fantastic German players out there like Jule, Emre, and Aleks, who’ve been nothing short of phenomenal lately and deserve a place in the national team. The competition has never been stiffer, and unfortunately, we have to wait until the 16th to find out who actually made it in time for the EM. Waiting sucks.

You’ve drawn a really interesting connection between Leon’s post-match disappointment and his disappointment about his standing in the national team (or potentially, lack thereof 😣) here. Even if Nagelsmann’s decision isn’t necessarily set in stone, I’d imagine it’s hard for Leon not to wonder if he’s already made up his mind. I imagine it’s harder still for Leon to stomach the fact that now that Bayern’s season is officially over, he won’t get another chance to prove himself. Leon’s performance against Real in that first leg will be fresh in Nagelsmann’s mind, and I can only imagine how hard that is for him to accept. And that’s without discussing yesterday’s match, where Leon could do nothing more than watch helplessly from the bench.

I think you’re exactly right that Leon was most upset with himself yesterday. Leon strikes me as the kind of footballer who will blame at himself before blaming his teammates or his coach. To go from a steady stream of top performances to a disappointing one in the UCL semifinals must’ve been completely devastating for him, and as someone who also tends to self-isolate when I’m angry or hurting, I completely relate to how he reacted yesterday.

Like you, I hope he can handle it, even if it won’t be easy. He’s shown us his resilience these past 2 seasons; even when it seems like every fan is against him, he rises from the ashes and proves them all wrong. I believe he can do the same again, but I wouldn’t blame him at all if he was exhausted. He’s spent far too long as the scapegoat for disgruntled (but often well-intentioned) Bayern fans and the German media (looking at you sport bild). I hope that if nothing else, this summer provides him with a well-needed respite from all that noise. He’s been through a lot this season, and he deserves a safe place to rest and recover.