#bys fashion week

[ppop-rise]

o - o - o - o - o - o - o

#alamat #alamat ship #ppop ship #armas #ppop #ppop rise #philippines #bys fashion week #fashion

[skunkox]

Darlin's Jacket Headcanon

Been sitting on this for weeks , so just hear me out rq.

Dalrin's jacket was a gift from Asher. It was a present to cheer them up while they were on punishment when they were young. Possibly a birthday? Grades? Faught a kid? Embarrased their parents in front of the pack? Havent worked out the details.

It's a letterman jacket from a band they were really into. But the issue? It's a gooddam Unisex XXL, and the twerp of a Tank is like, barley 14 with not real muscle mass yet. My Tank at least is 13 when they make the move and join the pack in Dahlia while the main shaw pack kids are 14.

▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎

"Ash. Remind me again why you dragged us to Hot Topic." Milo asked, reluctantly following a brace faced Asher into the cramped, and dim lit store.

"Cause Half-pint, your comrad in short arms has been looking miserable. Or at least, more so than normal." Asher snickered, slowly getting more, and more side tracked as he wandered farther into the store. It wasn't long before David grabbed the boy by his collar and dragged him to the back of the store. Milo flashed him a cocky grin while Asher stumbled behind David.

"We got a problem. You said it was this one, right? It's too big." David released Asher to nealty pick up the jacket. "I mean, I know it's the thought that counts, but it's just not practical, Ash."

Asher was already looking through the piles. Wanting to be 100% sure they weren't missing anything. Starting to feel defeated. There was no way Asher was going to ask the clerk if there would be another shipment. Nor would he be willing to wait for a possible restock. Milo looked at his friend. He could tell those puppy dog eyes were gonna start bulging soon. A huff escaped his lips, and he stood straight with his hands on his hips. Trying to seem cool and a little bit taller.

"It's not like they're done growin'. And a jackets a jacket. If it's coverin', it's good." Milo couldn't stop the noogie barreling his way.

•●•●•●•

The handoff was swift. Just as the troublemaker was mounting their skateboard outside their middle school's gate, a familiar truck rolled up. From the truck's bed, Asher gave a quick "Heads up!" Before giving the equivalent of a basketball pass with a heavy black bag. A cackle could be heard, and the truck road off. Leaving them bamboozled.

It wasn't until Tank got home that they viewed the contents of the bag. The biggest, and goofiest smile spread across their face. They couldn't give two fucks about the size. It was from their favorite band. It was a gift. Someone cared enough to gift them something. Anything. But the fact that the few times they did speak, they were actually listened too. It nearly brought the runt to tears. It did. They won't admit it though. That's just embarrassing.

Really embarrassing. They were given a jacket by a boy. An upper classmen boy. A boy who was a part of their pack. Who they'd have to face on a regular basis. They did the jacket at the back of their closet. Still in it bag.

The disappointment in Asher's face really couldn't be hidden. Mostly for the fact that though the week of quick pass bys,they didn't wear the jacket. But he noticed at their next pack meeting, they'd give small waves now. Small smiles were attempted. This continued until Tank would inevitably start sitting near Asher during meetings. Or willingly go on group outing. This snowballed to the occasional video game or movie hangouts.

Still mostly lingering around Ash, or him leaning on them. When he did so, Tank would get flustered. But in true Tank fashion, would give his sides a punch or his legs a kick. Never hard enough to leave heavy bruises. What can I say? They play hard.

As oblivious to this Asher was, it was almost too embarrassing a site for the other second gen pack members. Cristian would poke his fun while Asher was away before Amanda could put him in check. Milo genuinely wanted to see how things would play out. David called them the "Disaster Duo" for a long while.

In true 2008 middle schooler cringe, Tank was convinced that the might have had the tiniest crush on Asher. But they denied it. Denied it so much that the others couldn't be convinced it wasn't true. There were lots of little arguments that summer. But Tank would immediately shut up when ever Asher came around.

•●•●•●•

Freshman year was something......

The teasing started to get out of hand. Asher would definitely hear the snickers and teasing. Especially now that it was directed towards him by his classmates. Asher would deny it during classes and lunches that they were just his "Lil Buddy." It's not like he really helped the situation. Hitting a growthspurt over the summer, it was easy to see him from down the hall. He'd wave and call Tank's name out into the crowd. His little buddy was drawing in a sea of students.

He'd elped them get to their classes by becoming a meat shield. Tank was just barely able to keep up. Asher once thought I'd be funny if he could heave them over his shoulder like a cheap, stringed gym bag. Tank was flustered but kicked and punched all the same.

The teasing one again grew when Tank finally decided to wear the damn jacket during school pictures. Not wanting to be remembered in the preppy outfit their parent picked out for then, they stowed the jacket away in their backpack.

The little smile on Asher's face couldn't have been bigger when he saw them in it. He was on his way to take pictures, and Tank was headed back to class. He pulled them off to the side of a couple half functioning vending machines.

"Sooooo? How're liking the jacket? I know it's too big but you said you like listening to the band. That, and I've never not seen it in your discman. I'm sorry I got it so big. It was t-." Asher's lip got stuck on a braces bracket, and he began to fumble his words. Quickly second-guessing if Tank even really liked the damn thing.

Giggling could be heard from a couple kids passing by. A light shove was made by another to Ash. A quick "Dork." was thrown his way. Heat rose in his face. In Tank's too. But out of frustration. Asher didn't do anything wrong. He was just trying to be a good friend.

And it clicked for the freshman. Why overthink and cause trouble for Asher if they could be a friend? That could be comfortable. They wouldn't have to avoid him like an unwanted puppy. He'd been their friend. Or at least trying to be. Shit didn't have to be weird.

"Hell yeah, bro! It really saved my ass today. My parents wanted me to look like some sort of outstanding citizen or some shit. Can't wait till I can bulk up some, though. I'll totally be able to take on David one on one." Tank beamed and jabbedAsher in the arm with quick fist. This was the loudest they had ever been as far as he knew. His goofy ass grin was back on his face. Before Asher could get out a word, Tank ran past him.

"Thanks dude!" They called out from the crowd, not looking back and focusing on making it through the herd of upper classmem.

•●•●•●•

The following years, Tank continued being bro-y with Asher. He laid off of a lot of physical contact in turn. But this was comfortable for them. Not real close like he was with the others but it was what Tank wanted. They seemed happier that way.

Tank absolutely wore the jacket every chance they got. Around their waist if need be. Ruined absolutely every single yearbook photo. Every pack meeting. Every fight. Even when they felt there was no one to run to for comfort. That jacket had been through hell and back. However, you can only stich fabric so many times.

It looks ratty, but there is no way they're giving it up any time soon. Even if hugs are always offered or dare I say mandatory.

Tank was now yelling at Asher for kicking their controller from their hands during their match of Mario Kart. Hands were thrown, but carefully so. The group of 8 were hanging out at David and Angel's after all. There was no way either of the two were willing to take beating from David. At the very least, another ban from the house. Laugher roared in the home from all sides. Of course, Sweetheart, being an opertunist, took first place of that round.

David and Sam had been in the kitchen, taking a break from the roundy bunch. He had asked Tank about the jacket on multiple occasions, but never gave a straight answer. He'd at least wanted to get it professionally fixed up. Tank had gotten used to all the stains and tears. Saying it was like "The scar that protected their scars." And was proud of it for always being there.

David was willing once again, shed a little light on the troublemaker. Sam let out a chuckle. The next round was starting, and he wanted to make sure he wouldn't be playing doctor that night. The two men returned. David taking his corner seat next to Angel. Same made his way to the recliner. His Darlin' not missing a beat, taking a seat on the beanbag they claimed earlier in the night between their mate's legs. All the while, raspberries were exchanges between them and Asher from across the room. His own mate laughing at their childsh antics.

This was all the comfort they could ask for.

▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎

Jacket really be a security blanket, tho. Sorry for the shit grammar. Caught some kind of cold, and my vision is absolute shit.

Bromance anyone?

#milo greer #redacted david #redacted sam #redacted tank #redacted darlin #david shaw #shaw pack #redacted milo #sam collins #redacted headcanons #redacted audio #redacted asmr #bromance #they're just friends

[soft-for-them]

Plant pot ashtrays - Billy Hargrove x plus size reader

Summary: You work part-time as a gardener, often weeding and watering the many plants around Hawkins. However, you have a problem with people, people like Billy Hargrove, using your plants as an ashtray.

Comments and reblogs are much appreciated and help more people read my works.

A/N: This was a request but I went a bit overboard... There will not be a part two to this, sorry. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

“Hey!” you shout as you look up from watering some plants.

The ‘hey!’ isn’t a hello kind of ‘hey!’, it isn’t the type of welcome that you do when you see a friend across the road and shout to get their attention, neither is it a small but happy ‘hey!’ that is a bit too loud because the person you’re greeting is right next you – no, you’re shouting it with annoyance in your voice, your normally calm voice bellowing down the street for all to hear.

“HEY!-“ you shout again as you hastily place your big green plastic watering can down, making sure to place it in between the standing flower boxes along the pavement that line the street so any passers-bys don’t trip over it, “- HARGROVE!”

Your sandals, not the fashionable or feminine type of sandals with golden ankle straps or little heels like the women’s magazines show but a dad kind of sandals that are khaki in colour with Velcro and grippy soles clip clap on the scorching hot pavement as you hurry up to the one and only Billy Hargrove.

Thankfully no one is walking on the pavement as you hurry up to him for you must look like a raging bull ready and angry at the curly haired man.

You wear baggy overalls are green like you thumb, covered in mud and water stains from pulling weeds and watering plants all morning. The thin fabric billows from how fast you speed walk over to the trouble maker (and fellow class mate) Billy Hargrove.

Billy, like he is most of the time, is leaning on his car no thoughts in his head as he pauses and looks over at you.

His tanned face looks slightly red in the shining sun though you’re not sure whether it’s a flush of anger appearing because he’s being shouted at by a lowly part time gardener or if he just forgot to put on the factor fifty this morning.

Billy leans there staring just about to stub out his second cigarette on your yet to be watered pot of Gerbera daisies but his fingers pause as he sees the pissed off look on your face.

He smirks with such mirth as you skid to a halt in front of him.

“Hey-“ he begins with a suave tone that makes the hairs on your arms stand on end from anger and something else you can’t quite pin point.

You cut him off immediately.

“Hey!” you say in a deep mocking voice much like a child would do in a petty playground fight, “Why don’t you and your fucking friends stop using my flowers as ashtrays and-and!”

You want to say ‘do something with your life’ because the popular kids like Billy are always just hanging around littering, shouting at you and generally being a nuisance.

You’ve already had to scoop out multiple handfuls of cigarette ash and candy wrappers from your plants this morning alone that and some random kid shouted at you some unsavoury words which hasn’t improved you mood.

Whilst not all of the trash and trash talk is from Billy and his little group of bullies, they are always the ones who burry their litter in your plant beds right in front of your eyes.

Sometimes you wonder if they know it’s you who spends their free time tending the town’s plants or if they just see a fat girl who they can tease and bother just for the fun of it.

Either way, they really don’t give two flying fucks.

Just last week a pretty blonde cheerleader who had allegedly fucked Hargrove behind the bleachers, the same bottled blonde who told to whole school about it despite Hargrove avoiding her like the plague, looked you right in the eyes and shoved a half-eaten hotdog into your bed of lavender.

There was a bin right next to her!

At least the middle schoolers try to be sneaky about burring their rubbish unlike Hargrove and co. who don’t give a fuck abut you or your plants.

Even so you know it would be too harsh even for you to say something like ‘get a life’ to Billy knowing who he lives with so instead you just grab Billy’s hand by the wrist so he can’t lower it further down towards your daises.

Taking the cigarette with your other hand you drop the burnt out but down a storm drain near rear tire of Billy’s car.

“It’s that simple Billy.” You say as you point to the drain, your other hand still holding onto his wrist without realising it, “Not in my daises please!”

You take a deep breath, your eyes closing and reopening as you squint up to him.

You really need to calm down.

“This is cute.” Billy smugly says as his hand trapped by your clutched hand fiddles with a small chain bracelet dangling around your wrist.

His long fingers toy with a little green cactus charm that has an overly cartoon spikes and an angry face embossed onto it.

His face smug and you feel like punching it.

“Nope, nope, nope.” You mutter as you rip your hand away from his, your dad sandals stopping you from tripping over as you rush back to your plants.

You feel a rage built up as you pick up your watering can, Billy shouting something back at you, something you block out with the sound of water trickling out the watering can.

Family life isn’t the best for you, there isn’t really a prospect of going to university not even a community one, even if there was a chance you could you can’t afford it so gardening is the next best thing for you.

Funny enough, you moved to Hawkins around the same time Billy and his family did so the odd thing you’ve got going on with Billy has been happening ever since you’ve met him.

Whilst he’s stuck with an abusive dad, passive step mum and cool little sister, you’re left in the hands of some distant cousin who isn’t a creep but can’t really afford to keep himself afloat let alone you as well.

With no parents around and the looming threat of paying rent to stay in the only town you feel somewhat safe in (despite the rumours of monsters lurking around) you cousin had begun carting you off after school with him to his work.

Somehow that led to him getting you a job as a gardener, the same job his dad got him when he was just a teen, and despite disliking having to work whilst still being at school you’ve grown to love pulling weeds and planting pretty flowers in your spare time.

Most weekends you’re working; whether it be mowing a rich person’s lawn or like you’re doing now, tending to the town’s plants.

You’ve come to realise you love the job. It’s not much in the grand scheme of things but you’ve found your calling. However, there’s always people like Hargrove and his friends who try to fuck up a good thing by hassling and disrupting your work.

It’s been half an hour since the cigarette incident and you’re still red hot with anger.

Ever since then Billy has been following you around like a bee attracted to a fake flower on a Hawaiian shirt or to a brightly coloured sun hat.

One moment you’re watering the flowers and he’s moved to the bench in between the Tulips, the next moment you’re pulling up rubbish from the hedge rows and then he’s just there near you leaning on the wall with another cigarette in his mouth.

Each and every step he’s been following you.

To think you bunked off helping your cousin tend to the garden of the Harrington’s because of a stupid crush only to have Billy follow you around instead.

“You want anything Billy?” you demand as you quickly turn around to the man trying to act natural as he watches you from under the shade of a shop front.

Your voice is filled with bother, the frustration dripping from you lips like the beads of sweat on your brow.

It’s really too hot today.

“Nothing.” He raises his hands in a mock surrender as ash falls from his cigarette to the pavement.

“Well!” you feel like you’re going to explode as you look on at Billy.

You many have a tiny thing for Steve Harington or that kid from the DnD club or Nancy from your maths class or- ok you find a lot of people to be hot and you’d happily date anyone of them but Billy Hargrove is something else.

He makes you mad but not in bad ‘I want to punch you in the face’ kind of way.

He maybe a bully, the leader of the bullies that roam the high school but he’s always tolerant of you, he’s never actually said a bad thing about you.

That combined with the smooth tanned skin and the tufts of curly beach blonde hair you just feel like an overheating car engine around him.

“All you and you friends do is stand around loitering and shouting, just go do something instead of bothering me!”

Your little rambling outburst whilst you kneel down and dig into a potted plant weeding out the weeds and picking off any unwanted slugs sounds harsh but your words are actually just tired and fed up sounding.

The heat is getting to you, the amount of work you have to do in the blazing hot sun is getting you worked up but most of all the tall tanned and handsome Billy is making you feel some kind of way.

Billy puffs a bloom of grey smoke out of his lips. He raises the but of the cigarette up showing it to you, and for a moment you think he’s going to stub it out into your plants but then he drops it to the ground and stomps it out with his foot.

You let out a breath of relief.

“If you’re going to hang around-” you begin as you begin to calm just a bit you voice quieter and more controlled, “- got water those Daises next to your car.”

You half expect Billy to laugh at you, maybe call out a sharp remark about how it’s ‘your job not mine’ but all he does is walk over to you and pick up the green watering can next to your le.

“Yes ma’am.” He says low and slow as he hovers near you.

He’s half bent down, the heavy watering can no hassle for him, his eyes looking straight into yours.

“Any time now.” You throw back, not wanting to deal with the fact that the hot angry feeling you have for Billy Hargrove might actually be a new crush forming.

#not proof read #billy hargrove x plus size reader #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove #stranger things x reader #stranger things x plus size reader #stranger things #plus size reader #x plus size reader

[mugunghwc]

unprompted ask / always accepting!

@endles​ said: Sunohara looked down at his phone, the navigation app being as confusing as always when used for pedestrian, direction wise. Go there, suddenly he was walking the opposite direction, one could only lose. Sighing, he would close his phone and put it back into his pocket, time to do it the old fashioned way. Even when he was in civil-clothing, casual in a coat, he had the feeling anyone around those type of areas could tell that it was nothing but a facade.

He was no fan to talk to those people (having spotted a possible host) as they usually thought, he wanted something different at first, but with his current destination, they were his best bet than any of the business men here, who could not await to experience something akin to love.  "Excuse me," he alerted the young man before stepping closer.  "Just a moment, but you wouldn't happen to know about a Club called Stardust?"

       smoke breaks are a common thing in stardust—or well, outside of it. it was a time in which hosts stepped outside & rather than breath fresh air, decided to smoke as a means to ease their minds & bodies. some nights, they didn’t even have the time to do that ;  too busy with their clientele to even think about it. however, things slowed down during week days. especially during tuesdays, despite their discounts of a few selected drinks. they took turns to not crowd the area too much ; some using that time to get something quick to eat while others, such as mako, stood nearby in the intersection, watching passer-bys of all kinds. between exhales, he would try to lure whatever pretty woman he spotted—sometimes succeeding, this time, not so much. he wasn’t the problem though... he never was. just a bunch of old hags who didn’t know what they were missing.

    his eyes narrowed to the side as he spotted a glimpse of blond hair also stepping outside of stardust ; arms stretched & yawning like there was no work at all. damn guy... didn’t do jackshit & still managed to be so popular. mako didn’t get the appeal. were they even aware that he wasn’t interested in their type? the host scoffed after letting the rest of his cigarette fall into the ground & crush it underneath his shoe. his hands were hidden inside of his pockets as he turned, just in time to catch sunny be approached by a strange man. another one? this guy surely has no shame...

   sunny at first, taken aback by the stranger, blinked a couple of times before he pointed a few steps behind him. his gaze intensely set on the man asking. “uh, it’s right there, but i’m afraid you won’t be able to enter.” he meekly replies before mako joins in too with a sly grin that couldn’t be described as anything but mischievous. “lookin’ for some guy to guy action?” mako asks, clearly with the intent to expose the blond before a glare was landed at him.

   “& who is looking, exactly?”

#endles #.ic / way too many people tryna take the crown — npc #.ask / never have any regrets after the game #verse 01. theory of beauty / main

[stellberryfarm]

📸 Andrea Ang

#sb19 #sb19 stell #sb19 pablo #sb19 ken #sb19 josh #sb19 justin #stellberry #stellvester ajero #vester ajero #sb19 junard 😅 #stell ajero

[starwinxie]

Subhood Connections (Sims 2 BACC Rules)

The Subhood Connections are the neighborhoods attached to your main hood that expand your sims' experiences, such as a Business District (Bluewater Village), Downtown, University, etc. For the BACC, these connections have to be paid for by the government before they can be added to your hood. Have your Mayor save up the tax money collected each week to unlock the subhoods!

DOWNTOWN - For me, the Downtown subhood is an expansion of your developing main neighborhood. Instead of using the business districts that came with Open for Business, I treat the Downtown subhood as the main neighborhood’s business district. This is a more bustling, busy, big city place where sims are looking to franchise their restaurants, open up a new store, shop til they drop, or party in a hot new night club. To unlock this connection, the Mayor must pay $500,000 and a Bus Stop must be built (this can be a small lot that sells magazines, coffee, etc., or you can use neighborhood decorations to pretend but you still have to pay the $500,000).

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT - If you have played The Sims 1, you might remember the iconic Superstar expansion that brought us Studio Town. This was a Hollywood-inspired city that sims had to travel to in order to increase their fame level. They could pursue acting, fashion, or music, and it was the number one place to be for those looking to have their name up in lights. Do you see where I’m going with this? Behold, the Entertainment District! I use a “business district” as a Hollywood-inspired town referred to as the Entertainment District, but you can name it whatever you please. Here is where sims go when they want a taste of the luxurious life of the rich and famous. There are theaters, ballrooms, beauty salons, acting studios, concert venues, designer clothing stores, country clubs, and everything your sims need to succeed on their road to fame! The Entertainment District will need to be unlocked in order for sims pursuing careers in Music, Show Business, Entertainment, Dance, etc. to progress to the top. To unlock this connection, the Mayor must pay $500,000 and a Train Station must be built.

MILITARY BASE - As described in Career Tracks, the Military career works differently from others as it acts as its own subhood connection (credit to Didily’s Sims for this idea!) and has its own set of rules, which are as follows: 

Sims in the Military career must move to the Military Base. Single Sims of each gender live together in the barracks. Married Sims move into on-base housing.

Spouses and children of Military Sims can have no jobs outside of the base when living on-base. They can be in the Military career, or work at the base if there are any shops or services there, but that’s it. 

Teen children may join the Military, but once they are adults, they must move out either into the barracks if they plan to continue with Military life, or out of the base entirely if they want to have a different career. They may also go to University if desired. If they want to join the Military career afterward, they must move into the barracks rather than back with the family. 

Access to the Military Base is very limited! Sims living there can only have one off-base visitor per household visit per day. The visitor must have family or friendship status with at least one Sim in the household. 

Walk-bys cannot be greeted; they’re not supposed to be in this restricted area. 

Sims that invite themselves in (even if they are friends or family) do not count for the one visitor per day, but must be asked to leave immediately. Military supervisors don’t want any security breaches! Off-base Sims can only visit between 7:00am–8:00pm. 

Military Sims are permitted to leave the base only on their days off. If they have the weekend off, they can go out Friday night as well. Work days are for training and skilling and relaxing at home, and their supervisors don’t want to see them losing their focus. 

The Military Base is allowed to have shops and entertainment venues on it for Military Sims to visit within the base so they don’t go completely stir crazy. Sims living in the Military Base cannot open businesses.

My ideal Military Base includes a barracks, on-base housing, a fitness center, a science lab, a medical clinic, a rec center, a post office, a grocery store, and parks. To unlock this connection, the Mayor must pay $250,000.

UNIVERSITY - A University subhood must be created in order for a sim in the Education career to proceed to Level 6 - University Guest Lecturer. A sim who wants to go to college must pay $1,000 per semester to the government (Mayor) unless they have a scholarship fund. If the sim has one or more scholarships, they will not need to pay, but they must keep their grades up in order to retain this perk. Dorm fees are worked into the tuition, so sims will not need to pay any extra fees in order to stay there. If a sim wants to move out and live in a rented space, they will of course need to pay rent. To unlock the ability to start up a Greek House, a sim must have at least 2 friends of the same sex. 

Building a whole campus from scratch may seem overwhelming, so if you’re not quite up to the challenge, you may download custom University lots and place them accordingly. My ideal University would include:

2 or 3 Dorms

Apartment rentals

Clothing store/thrift shop

Coffee shops

Farmer’s market

Gym

Student Center (a place to mingle)

Bowling/Arcade

Library

Science/Medical building (robotics, biotech station, surgical station, hydroponic garden, greenhouse)

Sports field (soccer, bleachers)

Salon and spa (meant to mimic cosmetology school)

Art/Dance studio (easels, pottery, sewing, toy making, ballet bars, flower arranging)

Diner restaurant

Karaoke club

Pub (pool tables, poker, darts)

Frat/Sorority Houses

Movie theater

Parks

To unlock this connection, the Mayor must pay $500,000.

VACATION DESTINATIONS - These subhoods are somewhat up in the air (no pun intended). I do love the idea of creating an entire custom vacation hood, but it also sounds like it could be sort of overwhelming. I’m not entirely sure what I will do once I get to that point - it’s likely going to be a LONG time before any of my sims can afford a vacation anyway. So if you want to just use the vacation hoods that came with Bon Voyage, that’s totally fine. Whatever will be more fun for you! To unlock the ability to go on vacation, the Mayor must pay $500,000 and an Airport must be built.

[minichedders]

lion and the lioness 0.2

mobster!tom holland x reader

Weeks after your fathers gala and toms face couldn't leave your vision. You were plagued by his beauty, all day and all night, you felt as if you would burst if you didnt see him again, but at the same time, anger raged up inside of you about his cocky attitude. What a fucking dick.

You had spent most of the week reading books, most of the romance variety, picturing yourself and Thomas in the protagonist's place. You also went shopping and found yourself buying clothes that you thought Tom would like, and decor that he would approve of. You thought you were going mad, but when you began ranting and gushing about Tom to one of your maids, she laughed with you and simply said that you were young and in love.

You just thought she was crazy.

You didnt know Tom, you didnt love him. You had never felt this way about anyone else, but you were certain it wasn't love, that didnt make any sense. From what you heard, Tom was unlovable, cold and hard like stone, but the image of his soft brown eyes graved themselves into your memory, and you melted every time. 

You knew that your father was working with the Hollands, organizing some sort of truce, to join families and grow business, becoming the top Mafia in London. Though you didnt care much, just as long as it meant that Tom was invited to more parties and dinners.

Which brought you to tonight, Sunday dinner. Noah had informed you earlier that Dominic and Tom were joining us. The butterflies that arose in your chest where flying high and the idea of sitting with Tom for an entire evening melted your heart, even though you knew his cocky attitude would piss you off before he walked through the door. You figured you liked the thought of him more than his actual being. But who could blame you?

Dinner time had arrived, and Dominic and Tom were already here, seated inside the grand dining room; toms leg was shaking, anxious to see you again. You were making a late and dramatic arrival, just to capture the attention of Tom, and frustrate him even further. You wore a black, wrap dress, patterns with pink flowers, wrapped tight around your chest and sinking the fabric into your waist, allowing the leg split to flow to its full potential, showing off your simple black heels. You were already certain that Tom loved dresses, and it wasn't like he had a bad sense of fashion either, he always looked respectful and smart.

You walked through the dining room doors, your hair falling behind your shoulders as you walked to your father, who sat in the high chair at the top of the table, with Dominic and Noah next to him, leaving you a space between Tom and Noah. Perfect. You greeted your father and placed a small kiss to his cheek, and the same with Noah as you sat down.

“Hope i didnt interrupt something too important, you bys always talk about boring business stuff,” You said, placing your elbows against the table, holding your chin by the back of your hand as you tried to look as innocent as possible.

“Of course not darling,” You father spoke, taking quick action before Dominic responded. he wanted to keep the truce away from you for as long as possible.

During dinner, you mostly listened to the boys talk nonsense, drinking whiskey and gobbling on the food. Yourself and Tom where quiet, sneaking glances at each other every so often. You felt ridiculous, you weren't a high school teenager.

“How are you, Thomas?” Yoaskeded, turning your attention to him as the other men where to focus talking about the other crime family territories. Your eyes locked together, and once again you were blown away by the softness of his brown eyes, although now they looked darker, more focused on you than he had been other times.

“Fine, darling. having you sitting next to me helps,” He smirked, that same old shit-eating grin slapped across his face as you rolled your eyes, but you found yourself smiling back.

“You're a damned flirt, Holland,”

“Can you blame me? You kill me in those dresses you know, your more dangerous than any bullet i could have lodged deep in my skin,” Tom spoke, his hands itching to touch you, even just to hold you for a brief second. Tom felt insane, crazed by the thought of you.

“Gee how romantic,” You snarkily replied. In your head, scenarios where playing out about dinner, how Toms wondering hand could easily touch you underneath the table without the acknowledgement of the other men, or how you felt the urge to climb into his arms, kiss his lips and beat your aggression out on him. But none of it happened, instead, you could only feel the awkward atmosphere that radiated the room, despite the loud chat, and you feel anxious that the awkward subject involved you

-

You sighed deeply, groaning to yourself, sitting on one of the lounge chairs across the balcony, reading a new book as the summer sun glowed against your exposed skin. Your mind was racing and too distracted to focus on the printed words, and instead, your eyes focused on the long driveway. Just like you had dreamed, a sleek black range over made its way through the entrance gates, driving slowly down the long gravelled driveway, You stood from your seat, resting your palms against the concrete railing, watching through your darkened, overall shades, you stood on your tip toes, leaning against the concrete to get the best view.

Tom was watching you as soon as he saw you through the gates, your body resting, relaxed and glowing, compared to the visible tenseness during your meeting at the Gala. You wore a light teal blue sundress, with a square neck and thin straps, backless and tight, your legs wrapped in a black pair of laced up heels, wrapping around your calves, making Tom think about his fingers curling around your legs also.

As soon as You saw Toms figure step out of the vehicle, you squealed and hide back into your room, having a debate with yourself whether you should go down or not. You fought against all rationale your brain was shouting at you and followed the aching pang in your heart to literally leap into his arms. You heal clicked against the white marble tiles, racing down the hallway as you reached the staircase; locking eyes with Tom straight away as you froze. You took your time to gracefully drag yourself down the steps, watching Tom watch you, study you, admire you, as you got closer with each tantalizing step. When you reached him, you forgot about his father who stood beside him, watching the two of you discreetly, it was just you and Tom.

"Holland," You spoke first, standing face to face with the man you had been dreaming of for the last week.

"Y/L/N," He replied, feeling much the same.

"Ahh, Dom there you are and Tom, so nice to see you again," You father walked in, shaking hands with Dom and Tom, breaking your eye contact, only to be analysed by your father.

"Now, Dom, let's go to the office together, Y/N you can give Tom a tour of the garden yes?" Your father said, and before either of you could protest, both of your fathers rushed of whispering to one another and laughing. Suddenly, you had lost all your confidence as you were left with Tom, alone.

"You look stunning," Tom said, watching you as your gaze fell to the floor. "Have you thought of a compliment for me yet, since I'm always showering you in them, darling," Tom asked, moving closer and taking your hand in his, bringing it up to his lips as he placed a gentle kiss to your soft skin. Your eyes fluttered at the contact, and your knees nearly buckled, not going unnoticed by Tom.

"Not any that wouldn't offend your ego," You snapped back, pulling your hand from his. You turned around and began walking to the garden, looking behind you and motioning him to follow.

The two of you wondered the garden in silence, your palms open and fingers wondering, hoping that Tom would catch on and hold your hand. When he was silent, you thought he was perfect, but when he opened his mouth and let slip some cocky, asshole comment, you literally shut down and your insides rolled. 

You reached the white concrete pavilion at the end of the garden, with two large couches, a fire pit and a bar, with green ivy and lights wrapped around the decor. You sat on one couch, facing Tom as he watched your body move, sitting gracefully on the white cushions. His body swayed as he sat beside you, both of you facing the other as you continued to stare intently into each other's eyes.

"You literally take my breath away Y/N," Tom whispered, his breath and body heat hitting you fiercely. You didnt respond, as usual, but instead moved closer, wondering your eyes down to his lips, your heart was crying out at you to just climb on him, but you felt like you were out of your body, not present and instead of enduring another daydream.

"You not so bad yourself Holland," You replied, ignoring the fact that you had complimented him, which only made him smile more, and lean into you, capturing your lips with his. You felt as if your stomach was enduring fireworks night, as your skin lit up and you ached for more, but before you could, his lips left yours, leaving you cold and sad.

"Tell me about what you do," You said, grabbing his hands and bringing them to your lap, your thumb rubbing over the rough, bruised skin of his knuckles, "please," You begged.

"I'm not proud of it you know, i have a ruthless reputation, ut i promise I am only like that with business, never would i ever treat you wrong. I would treasure you to the ends of the earth," Tom said, although you didnt get the answer you wanted, it wasn't half bad you thought.

"I don't need treasuring by you," You said, your words were harsh, but your tine was quiet, and you still latched your hands together as your eyes focused on the intricate veins of his hands.

"You are clueless aren't you?" Tom said, at first you felt offended, but when you looked into his eyes, you only saw sorrow and regret.

"What do you mean?" You dropped your hands, letting go of his in the meantime, now scooting back, afraid of not knowing what was going on.

"The truce, between our families. You don't know the terms do you?" Your brain was going fuzzy, neither your father or brother had mentioned anything to you, in fact, you had hardly spoken to them in the last week or so. You shook your head instead of replying, knowing that your voice was no doubt shaking as bad as your nerves.

"You are the truce Y/N. We're getting married."

-

taglist:

@autobotgirl15-blog @vnarniav @loxbbg

#tom holland #tom holland smut #tom holland x reader #tom holland one shot #tom holland imagine #mob!tom #mob!tom holland #mobster tom #mobster tom holland #peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker smut #peter parker fluff #marvel #marvel fanfiction #marvel one shots #marvel imagine #one shot #smutty one shot #smut one shot #fluffy one shot #mcu

[susan-gampre]

"To My Loyal Employees..."

The sunrise brought not only the change of pink to blue skies, but unexpected arrivals...

The Brothel had been stirred to wake with the excited hollers of day employees at the distant figures approaching from the end of the path. The familiarity of the big cats had stirred the establishment in hooray at the return of their Madam and Champion!

Until, with baited breath, the group came to pause in celebration as Anthrel and Ryker remained alone in their arrival, both tigers watching the workers thoughtfully and patiently.

It wasnt until Keisong, the beloved Matron of the whores (a long legged draenei with a passion for dangling jewels and draping silks, and a tall slender figure fit for such a feminine silhouette), noticed the letter carefully and delicately fastened to Anthrels bejeweled collar. With a flick of her wispy tail would the blue woman sigh in realization, disheartened though amused with Susan's inability to stay out of contact even for her vacation.

"Fret not," Keisong muses, peering about at the gathered crowd of employees as her nimble fingers defly open the envelope without ripping the delicate paper, pulling from its depths a single piece of parchment paper. After reading the beginning sentence of the letter would the draenei clear her throat whilst readjusting her grip on the paper, speaking up-- unconcerned if passer bys would listen in as she reads:

"To my loyal employees, the hours grow even longer as I anticipate the final end to this begrudging adventure. Though I have begun to notice Cedric grows restless in our loitering aswell, I anticipate we will set sail for the mainland once more in a months time, followed by a quick portal to the humble village we call home. I encourage you all to keep your spirits up and keep the Brothel running, we'll be home before long... And all business will resume unphased."

A murmur would pass among the employees as they whisper their thrill of the information presented.

Though as Keisong reads ahead she'd instantly flicker a concerned glance toward Anthrel, the tigress already staring back with increasing impatience -- such was visible in how her tail flicked about in a haughty fashion. Her mate nuzzling her jaw did little to console the tigress, yet Ryker remained calm and collected.

"P.S.," Keisong speaks up, her brow perked as she announces, "Find Anthrel a comfortable spot. She'll begin nesting soon, as she enters the last few weeks of her pregnancy--," concerned whispers wafted through the group as they hissed in surprise ("Shes with cubs again?", "I'm not feeding her again, she's terrifying when with cubs!"), "I trust I'll be home in time to aid in her delivery. Keep her happy and stress free for the next three weeks."

A collective groan moved throughout the employees, but they'd find courage in the gesture of how Keisong easily caresses and pats the glowering orange tiger with little incident-- besides a throaty growl. The draenei smiles as she finishes reading, "Love, Susan and Cedric. Be safe, my friends."

With a soft sigh the woman folds the letter once more, flicking her glowing gaze about to inspect the expressions of the crowd.

It was a mix of dread and excitement, though Keisong deduced the dread was due to their collective chore revolving around providing Anthrel a whole month of being stress free. Easier said than done.

"She's coming home," Keisong reminds them, instantly lifting the tension from their shoulders whilst she beckons the orange and white tigers to follow, "Let's ensure the Brothel is ready to receive it's Madam."

#unrevised #will fix later

[fightevilandthengetblownup]

HC: Background&Bullets II

- Jo: Dancing Through Life

It’s a secret part of Jo’s life and history - her love for dancing - and had started from Ellen’s plan to make her little, spiritful daughter’s weekends full while waiting for her daddy to get home. It was an old studio space above the sketchy real estate agent in town that a collection of little girls in pink leotards would line up and do plie upon pirouettes for the hours of the morning. There was no air-conditioning, and Jo would soak through the black t-shirt and stripey leggings she wore after Ellen misunderstood that no uniform requirement didn’t mean that there wasn’t a social uniform. By the time Ellen realized - staying for a few extra minutes rather than dropping Jo off at the door - it had already been three months and her little girl was past worrying about what she wore, and standing out from the crowd.

Jo actually kept up with the sport - and she would kick anyone who said otherwise for quite a while in the back of the knees - well into her teens and right until she left for college; though not quite as frequently as she once did. Not that Ellen or anyone else was aware of it. Paying for the classes with her pocket money and from cash slipped out of the register, Jo would run into town, complete a class, and run back home as a sort of chance to avoid or escape the stresses and fights back at the bar for a few hours. The only person who had any idea was Ash, and he’d cover for her regularly if asked what she was up to.

It wasn’t just the formalized styles like ballet Jo liked though. She would shimmy her way around the bar as the night wore on - lining up her favorite songs on the jukebox and swinging her hips as she cleared the tables off and wiped down surfaces. She would have her CD player set up and playing tunes all day when she’d hide away pretending to do school work. She would lay out on Ash’s bed as he had thrash screaming out of his own radio while he clicked away at some work and she would kick her feet in the air to whatever tune she could pick out of the noise. She would gently sway when Rick’s hands wrapped around her waist and he would laugh about her being such a girl. Jo would swing her way about the bar in Duluth when no one was watching, she would bop her head in time with the radio on her way driving back home, and she would sometimes find herself spinning in time to the swell of music between chores - so long as no one was watching.

- Jo & Ash: Brotherhood

It took a few months for them to really warm up to one another - too many broken relationships and too many lost relations and too many issues between the both of them to make bonding all that quick. But their relationship turned from two people living in the same house and who would play poker or pool and laugh with each other but barely knew much of either’s lives the night of Jo’s first-ever date.

Ash had been working behind the bar with Ellen, covering Jo’s shift after she’d rather quietly and embarrassedly said she had said ‘yes’ to going to see a movie with one of the guys from her automotive class. He’d had curly hair, that was all Jo had said about him, and Ellen had been ecstatic at Jo being open to doing something with anyone not connected to the hunting community. Ash had been ambivalent - being 22 and not interested in the actions of a 16-year-old and her romances after how much trouble Jo got into the previous year with the whole Gordon Thing. He regretted the ambivalence when he picked up the bar’s phone after it had chirped through two unanswered calls back-to-back while he and Ellen had been swamped. Jo’d stood in the lobby for thirty minutes, tickets in her hand and a Diet Coke waiting until the movie started and she spotted the guy and his friends walking in laughing, not once looking in her direction even as she waved.

The drive back from the cinema, he’d pulled off to the side of the road and then turned the car around and sped through to the other side of town after noticing Jo’s tears. That moment was when his view shifted from annoying teenager to his annoying teenage sister in his heart. Jo’s view shifted from the weird geeky guy renting out a room to her weird geeky guy as he’d taken a baseball bat from the back of his truck and proceeded to smash every window, mirror and chrome fenders before peeling back towards the roadhouse as Jo laughed so hard her tears changed from sad to happy.

After that, their entire friendship had changed, and Jo would spend half her time at home curled up at the end of the other’s bed as he worked, or sitting in the back of the tray of his truck, or going shooting out the back with beer cans each time Ash would finish one. He’d become quickly the first person Jo would go to about anything, to share anything, to confide in. And Jo became the number-one-person in the MIT-dropout’s life, his very best friend and his biggest supporter when anyone gave him crap for his mullet or his fashion sense, his choice in drinks or if it took a little longer than expected for him to get some information to them. Jo was his fierce protector in her world of hunters, and Ash was her fearless confidant and supporter in the world of civilians.

- Ash: Story of a Genius

Growing up a genius in a trailer park was his life. Ash never expected to achieve more than a low-paying job, a motor home of his own and a wife and three kids. Nights spent yelling at each other over whose fault it was they were still in the trailer and his own love slowly turning to resentment and simmering rage. A few police drive-bys over the noise, a DV record and his wife sneering at him as he was put in the back of a wagon when she’d hit him first. The story his father had played out before him was what he’d expected growing up, and it wasn’t until one teacher realized his potential that he started to expect anything more of himself. He ended up at a prestigious school that required uniforms and had a coat of arms stitched on his blazer, a school that gave him a full ride and he buzzed his hair short to avoid looking out of place. A school that pushed him and he soon found himself graduating two years early and in a place with another full-ride scholarship at MIT - working on computer programming and robotics for fun.

He finished his four-year degree by the time he was 20, and for a lack of anything else to do, a lack of ambition or idea or goal, Ash stayed on for a doctorate. He was halfway through his thesis when the realization that he hated what he was being turned into - the way he spoke had changed, the way he looked so different from his friends and family when he returned home in Summer break to see his father drinking away his life, the way he no longer connected or understood the world he’d grown up in and come from, how he hadn’t had an independent thought since he was 10 - and that was when he pawned his CD player, his array of computer gear and tech aside from his laptop, and his sedan. He packed a change of underwear, his laptop, and his wallet up in a backpack and bought the first bus ticket out of the city.

He hadn’t expected it when he ended up in the interchange in the midwest. He hadn’t expected the first guy to pull over as he walked down the side of the road to give him a lift even further into nowhere. And he definitely hadn’t expected to be kicked out of the car on an interstate surrounded by paddocks and nothing else as he’d pointed out a problem with the man's logic that there was something inherently weaker about women than men. He’d walked for several miles before a dusty car park and a worn Roadhouse appeared before him, and the moment the perky young blonde pulled out a chair across from him, he had found somewhere he could relearn who he was.

- Jo & Ash: Weekend Wastelands

The last two and a half years of Jo’s teenage years spent at the Roadhouse were pretty much the same over and over. On weekdays she had to go to school. A waste of time and a waste of energy and a waste of opportunities that she could be out on the road learning something or at the Roadhouse learning more and reading more. Nights were spent faking her way through homework for all of half an hour before either bussing tables, working behind the bar pulling beers and pouring spirits, deep frying onion rings and French fries, and flipping burgers while Ash would tug at the back of her apron or flick her with his own apron ties, dancing about the bar once the regulars had filtered out and she would occasionally be spun about with a laugh as the brother-from-another-life would catch her hands and twirl her between tables before they’d get shouted at to get back to work.

But on the weekend - Jo could kick back, relax, and run wild until the bar would open.

She would go for a run, she would practice her shooting, she would take her bow set out, she would even go rabbit hunting. She would lie under the clouds pointing out strange shapes as she’d pass a joint back to Ash. She would play Duck Hunter and beat his ass every time. She would learn how to throw a punch and how to get out of a hold, all with her trusty brother acting as the attacker and laughing every time her fist would hit his cheek all the while until she’d hold a pack of peas against his face. She would call Gordon from the phone line in Ash’s room while he would stare on disapprovingly, but never turn her in to her mother and would cover for her when she’d run out to see the other and always offer an ear for her to whine about how unfair it was she couldn’t be out on the road like the other - that was until he stopped calling after her seventeenth and she got the rude wake up that maybe her mother was right.

And after work, every single night of the week, Ash and Jo would sit out the back porch while the genius smoked a cigarette and the teen would lean her head against his shoulder, talking about anything and everything, before she’d finally be convinced to go to sleep with a promise to stay up later the next night.

- Ash: The Big Brother Chronicles

There was the time he smashed the jerkoff who left Jo waiting - that was the first time Ash had really felt like his old self, like the little troublemaker who grew up having to fight for scraps and respect, like a man who was supposed to protect his mother or his sister from trouble. That had been a wake-up for him, and Ash had started growing out his mullet that very day as he remembered one of the older boys who lived two trailers over that had always been the strongest and most protective brother in the park; wanting to emulate that spirit the moment he picked the usually stoic or cheerful girl in tears.

Then there was the time he saw that fucking hunter, that fucking old disgusting pervert, kiss Jo goodbye that one time. It was the first time Ash had realized there was more than idolization between the two of them, and partnered with the information Ellen shared before the man came around again, he knew there wasn’t anything else to do for it. Ash faked an email from Jo - when he knew she would be away on a college tour that weekend with Ellen right after her seventeenth birthday - and when the man arrived, Ash broke his nose, his knee and five bones in his hand. Ash got a broken rib for himself in return before the other hunters and regulars in the bar managed to separate them. Recovering with the remains of his current stash, the computer geek had reconfigured Jo’s emails so none of them would ever get through to the other hunter and none of the older man’s would get through to her.

Next had been a slew of other hunters - young guys (more appropriately aged than the other one) but still not nice guys, ones that thought his little sister wasn’t worth much more than a quick roll in the hay out back or in the backseat of their car - that never got past a few flirtatious comments here and there before they found themselves with a friendly arm around their shoulder and a hissed explanation of just what could happen to them if they dared try anything with the perky blonde that smiled so wide at everyone. Then the schoolboys started up, sneaking around the Roadhouse with fake IDs that they’d even paid him for thinking that they wouldn’t be turned around by Ellen and her wicked grins, Ash didn’t need to step in on those but he definitely made it clear when he would slide the fakes to each of them through the crack of his truck window that if they tried to touch his sister they’d be eating gravel in no time.

But the easiest job of his, the easiest support he ever gave to his chosen sister, was to don ill-fitting suit pants, a white shirt and slick his mullet back against his head and slide the pretty corsage of bluebells over her wrist as he was the calm and steady rock to support her throughout the night. They’d found out the morning of - after she’d been the one to buy the tickets and even dragged him shopping two weeks earlier to buy the periwinkle blue ball gown of tulle - that it had been a last prank by the boys in her year. The last joke to get back at her for being ‘frigid’ and a ‘prude’, for having her ‘big brother destroy Pete’s car’, for having the gall to be disinterested in them even without the interventions from Ellen and Ash to dissuade them making a first move. Ash had glowered something fierce, driven into town and bought the first suit that fit him, and returned to drag her out in that pretty blue dress with her dusty combat boots and his leather jacket swimming off her shoulders out to the event. They’d stuck their fingers up in their ‘couples’ photo, while Ash had spun her about the dance floor in a swirl of tulle and leather. They’d spiked the fruit punch, Jo had rested her head on his shoulder during a slow song, and they’d ditched out on the rest of the evening before it hit 9pm after Jo had kneed the boy who asked her on the dare so hard in the balls that the boy had crumpled to the floor. They spent the rest of the night in a paddock between the lights of town and the Roadhouse - the pick-up truck lights illuminating the grass where Jo span and span under the stars while the rock station played on the radio and Ash had smoked a joint and drank a beer on the bonnet.

- Jo & Ash: Farewells

He had been the only person Jo had told before she took off. She’d come in through the back door and went straight to the Doctor’s office, tears still burning at her eyes but refusing to be shed. Ash had been the only one who understood how she felt. Who got why she was mad, and exactly who she was mad at. He was the one who handed her a wad full of cash, the keys to his truck and five credit cards he promised he’d take care of for her. Ash had been the one to kiss her on the forehead, throw her bag in the back of the cabin and squeeze her goodbye.

He had been the one she called to, directly to him, when a case was looking hard to crack. The only one she trusted to know where she was, what she was doing, and to help her figure out what she was after. Ash had been her one connection home, and while she had sent her mom postcards from all over the country with no message, Ash was the one who got emails every other day, full of her thoughts and fears, her hopes and her concerns. Ash was the one who helped her through the worst scrapes; and he was the one that convinced her to go to Duluth to rest up and work the bar there for her aunt and uncle when she had broken her foot on the case before chasing down a werewolf.

Ash had been the reason she ever went back to the Roadhouse, the only reason she ever returned to Nebraska while she’d still been alive the first time. To see the burnt-out husk of the bar in the dusty car park, and to sit under the old oak tree out the back they had laid out under for years in the Summers to bury the one old flannel of his she’d taken with her. The only thing left of him she had to put away until she met up with her mom and inherited his watch instead.

#cc #headcanons for my jo #background for jo and ash #NOT REALLY FIC BUT ALSO NOT NOT FIC?

[dceshims-blog]

↳ damn, is that MOON DAESHIM ? the IM CHANGKYUN lookalike gotten quite the reputation around here. the 23 year old RAPPER / PRODUCER has been in london for ONE year now. people say they are only HEDONISTIC + SELF DESTRUCTIVE, but they’re actually CHARMING + ADVENTUROUS once you get to know them. don’t get too comfortable, though, no one knows HIS AGENCY / COMPANY PAID TO HAVE SOMETHING HE DID HIDDEN FROM THE WORLD.

 HIYA  HEY  HELLO,  i'm  gem,  i'm  21+,  i  go  by  she  her  pronouns  &  live  in  the  cst  !  i'm  also  a  hot  mess  who  likes  hurting  my  characters  ...  hence  the  reason  that  dae's  life  is  as  big  of  a  mess  as  it  is.  he's  a  new  character,  which  means  not  everything  is  fleshed  out  like  i  would  like  it  to  be  but  you  can  find  his  basic  information,  stats,  bullet  point  bio,  personality  &  a  few  wanted  connections  ideas  under  the  cut  !  

tw:  mentions  of  alcohol  abuse,  drug  abuse,  car  accidents,  hit  and  run  scenario,  death  &  injuries  !

                                         basic  information.

full  name:  moon  daeshim. nickname(s):  moon,  dae,  shimmy,  daedae.  (  the  last  one  is  use  by  his  mother  &  mother  ONLY  ) age:  twenty-three. date  of  birth:  tbd. birthplace:  daegu,  south  korea. gender:  cismale. pronouns:  he  /  him  /  his. orientation:  pansexual. occupation:  rapper,  producer,  composer. language(s)  spoken:  korean,  english,  japanese,  chinese,  thai,  french  &  spanish.

                                    physical  appearance.

faceclaim:  im  changkyun  (  i.m  )  of  monsta  x. hair  color:  changes  pretty  frequently,  currently  black. eye  color:  brown. height:  6  ’  0  ". weight:  175. build:  athletic. tattoos:  quite  a  few,  far  to  many  to  name  ...  mostly  black  &  grey. piercings:  7  in  his  left  ear,  8  in  his  right,  tongue  piercing,  eyebrow  piercing  on  his  left  brow  &  scars  from  old  snake  bites  under  his  bottom  lip.

                                                    health.

physical  ailments:  alcohol  abuse,  drug  abuse. neurological  conditions:  n/a. allergies:  seasonal  ailments. sleeping  habits:  3-4  hours,  restless,  tosses  &  turns. eating  habits:  lives  of  of  fast  food  &  take  out  usually,  sometimes  goes  to  'fancier'  places. exercise  habits:  has  personal  trainers  who  he  works  out  with  three  times  a  week. body  temperature:  hot  natured. addictions:  alcohol,  tobacco,  drugs,  sex. drug  use:  frequent. alcohol  use:  frequent.

                                       personality. (  pt  1.  )

label:  tbd.

positive  traits:  charming  &  adventurous. negative  traits:  hedonistic  &  self-destructive. fears:  tbd. hobbies:  cooking,  video  games,  shopping,  board  games,  swimming,  poker,  going  to  the  movies,  traveling,  exercising,  eating  out. habits:  jiggles  leg  up  &  down,  taps  feet  on  occasion,  runs  fingers  through  hair  often,  constantly  glances  at  his  watch,  rolls  his  eyes,  cracks  knuckles  /  bones,  shifts  in  his  seat  when  nervous  /  irritated,  clenches  jaw,  gestures  when  speaking,  props  feet  up  on  desks  /  tables,  constantly  checks  his  phone. quirks:  wears  a  lot  of  jewelry,  good  with  technology,  paces  back  &  forth  when  in  deep  thought  or  when  nervous,  mumbles  to  himself  on  occasion,  constantly  on  social  media,  bites  &  chews  on  lips,  night  owl,  addicted  to  texting,  can  play  musical  instruments,  dyes  his  hair  a  different  color  constantly,  addicted  to  caffeinated  drinks,  always  has  to  have  the  'best’  of  everything  he  owns,  has  to  have  a  fan  on  to  sleep,  chews  ice  cubes.

                                              favorites.

season:  fall,  winter. color(s):  matte  black,  chrome,  army  green,  gold  &  silver. music:  will  listen  to  anything  as  long  as  he  likes  it,  doesn’t  matter  what genre. movies:  watches  pretty  much  everything,  mostly  enjoys  suspense,  action  &  comedy. sport(s):  doesn’t  really  care  for  sports,  watches  it  if  it's  on  at  bars. beverage(s):  anything  and  everything,  other  than  sparkling  water. food:  anything  from  luxurious  5  star  meals  to  instant  ramen  cooked  at  home. animal:  dogs.

                                                  family.

father: tbd. mother: tbd. sibling(s):  n/a. children:  n/a. pet(s):  tbd. family’s  financial  status:  upper  class.

                                                  extras.

zodiac sign:  tbd. mbti:  entp-a.  (  the  debater.  ) enneagram:  type  eight. (  the  challenger.  ) temperament:  sanguine. hogwarts  house:  slytherin. moral  alignment:  tbd. primary  vice:  tbd. primary  virtue:  tbd. element:  fire.

                                             biography.

born  in  daegu,  south  korea  to  two  extremely  wealthy  parents.

his  father  was  a  very  well  known  idol,  his  mother  a  fashion  designer.

meaning  that  dae  was  in  the  spotlight  since  BIRTH,  he's  never  known  anything  other  than  fame  &  fortune.

that  of  course,  went  to  his  head  from  a  very,  very  young  age  &  it  caused  this  sort  of  god  complex  in  him.

his  nannies  HATED  having  to  work  for  his  parents  &  take  care  of  him  because  he  made  their  lives  a  living  hell  basically.  not  because  he  was  MEAN  or  something  like  that  but  because  he  was  just  picky  &  was  used  to  getting  what  he  wanted.

which  did  cause  him  to  be  bratty  &  he  did  have  the  tendency  to  throw  fits  when  he  didn't  get  what  he  wanted,  always  going  to  his  parents  whenever  the  nannies  wouldn't  give  dae  what  he  wanted  &  they'd  end  up  either  quitting  or  getting  fired.

things  didn't  really  change  through  the  years,  to  be  honest.  he  got  less  'whiny'  about  things,  but  was  still  use  to  just  asking  for  whatever  he  wanted  &  getting  it  as  soon  as  humanly  possible.

he  was  fourteen  when  he  first  started  showing  interest  in  music,  though  he  didn't  follow  in  his  father's  footsteps  by  becoming  a  trainee.  he  was  more  into  producing  &  composing  than  anything.

it  wasn't  until  a  few  years  later  that  he  started  rapping  to  the  music  he  was  composing  in  order  to  try  &  get  them  bought  by  companies.

people  thought  that  he  was  actually  wanting  to  be  a  rapper  instead  of  just  a  producer  /  composer,  so  when  the  companies  kept  asking  him  if  he  was  interested  in  being  a  rapper,  he  figured  why  not.

that  was  the  start  of  his  career,  his  first  mini-album  skyrocketed  his  name  further  into  fame,  quickly  becoming  the  most  talked  about  rookie  in  the  business.

things  only  got  better  from  there,  each  album  he  dropped  debuted  at  the  top  of  charts,  keeping  his  name  in  the  spotlight  CONSTANTLY.

after  years  of  that,  things  started  getting  to  him  ...  the  stress  of  always  having  to  drop  something  new  and  fresh  caused  daeshim  to  start  to  spiral,  drinking  &  doing  drugs  almost  every  night  as  a  way  to  get  away  from  all  of  it  even  if  it  was  just  for  a  few  hours.

this  started  the  rumor  mill  to  begin,  articles  of  his  partying  ways,  the  clubbing  &  everything  like  that  starting  to  pile  up  one  after  the  next.  as  well  as  the  rumors  and  scandals  of  his  nudes  being  leaked  &  him  taking  home  as  many  people  he  wanted  to  because  he  truly  just  didn't  care  about  his  image  or  anything  like  that.

it  was  his  twentith  birthday  that  would  change  EVERYTHING  for  dae.  he'd  decided  to  go  out,  celebrate  by  drinking  &  going  wild  for  the  night  ...  stupidly  driving  home  from  the  club  that  night.

mid-way  home  he  happened  to  get  into  a  crash,  car  getting  totaled  as  well  as  a clipping  a  few  passer-bys ...  causing  one  to  pass  away  &  the  other  to  get  severely  injured  as  well  as  dae  getting  a  laundry  list  of  injuries  as  well.

he  was  okay  enough  to  walk  away  from  the  incident,  though  not  without  some  problems  of  his  own...  walking  back  to  his  agent's  home  as  it  was  the  closest  thing  he  could  get  to.

he  wasn't  expecting  his  agent  to  instantly  try  and  cover  everything  up,  calling  doctors  to  come  visit  daeshim  at  his  home,  sending  people  out  to  clean  up  the  scene  of  the  accident  &  make  sure  that  the  people  who  were  witnesses  or  involved  were  paid  off  to  keep  their  mouth  shut.

that  guilt  weighed  on  him  pretty  instantly,  his  injuries  being  hidden  from  the  media  while  they  healed  and  the  other  people  involved  continued  to  be  paid  off  so  that  no  one  knew  what  had  happened.

he  dealt  with  all  of  that  for  a  few  years  but  after  a  while,  he  couldn't  do  it  anymore.  deciding  to  publicly  declare  he'd  be  taking  a  break  from  making  music,  producing  &  composing...  taking  time  out  for  himself  &  his  own  mental  health  &  wellbeing.

it  was  only  a  week  after  that  when  dae  found  himself  in  london,  hoping  to  be  able  to  start  over  the  best  as  he  could.

                                    personality. ( pt 2. )

literally  the  Worst.

is  a  rich  bitch  and  makes  sure  EVERYONE  knows  that  even  if  he  doesn’t  speak  it… comes  in  the  form  of  his  clothing,  sports  cars,  accessories… literally  everything.

has  kinda  made  a  name  for  himself  in  the  london  that  isn't  to  far  off  from  what  the  media  constantly  talked  about  and  that's  him  being  a  Party  Animal.  goes  to  clubs  /  bars  every  weekend  (  sometimes  more  frequently  depending  on  his  mood.  )  as  well  as  a  bit  of  a  'player’.

extremely  hedonistic  and  a  bit  of  a  shopaholic.  is  always  seen  with  the  latest  &  greatest  makes  and  models  of  things.  always  has  designer  clothes  on.  always  is  out  shopping  for  something  new  at  least  three  times  a  week,  sometimes  more.

can  be  pretty  cocky  at  times,  he  knows  how  he  looks,  he  knows  how  much  money  he  has  and  sometimes  he  lets  that  go  to  his  head  &  his  ego.  though  he  TRIES  not  to  be  like  that  just  because  he  honestly  can’t  stand  when  other  people  boast  about  their  wealth  or  looks  on  a  daily  basis.

is  actually  really  relaxed  when  it  comes  down  to  it,  as  much  as  he  loves  to  party…  there’s  a  part  of  him  that  just  loves  lounging  at  home  watching  movies  just  as  much.  but  usually  refuses  to  do  so  alone,  will  invite  someone  to  come  over  just  so  he  doesn’t  have  to  be  in  his  (  cough…. giant …  cough  )  house  alone.

tends  to  hate  being  told  what  to  do.  comes  from  having  to  conform  to  what  his  agent  /  company  wanted  him  to  do  &  say  for  as  many  years  as  he  did  so  now  he’d  rather  just  do  what  he  wants,  when  he  wants  to  do  it  and  because  of  that  he  can  be  a  little  bit  selfish  sometimes.

he  wants  to  be  able  to  LIVE  and  have  fun,  do  what  he  wants  on  his  own  terms  and  go  from  there.

genuinely  not  a  bad  person,  though  his  ego  &  cockiness  sometimes  tend  to  cover  that  side  of  him  up. as  well  as  the  grief  &  guilt  of  what  he’s  done  in  the  past  causing  him  to  be  extremely  guarded.

loves  to  SPOIL  the  people  he  knows,  if  he  goes  out  shopping,  he’s  probably  buying  something  for  his  friends  in  the  process.  

is  the  type  of  person  that  just  loves  to  give  people  shit  but  does  so  in  a  loving  &  caring  way.  aka  will  roast  you  but  then  offer  to  take  you  to  dinner  or  something  like  that.

he’s …  trying.  not  trying  his  BEST,  sure.  but  he  is  still  trying  and  ig  that  counts  for  something,  right  ?

                                                plot ideas.

flirtationship.  he  absolutely  LOVES  to  flirt  his  ass  off…  with  whoever  he  can  because why  the  hell  not  ?

enemies.  whatever  the  reason  might  be,  they  just  don’t  get  along.  maybe  they  just  bicker  back  and  forth  or  perhaps  they  actually  just  despise  each  other  in  general.

hate  sex.  lsn… i’m  a  sucker  for  this  and  there’s  a  lot  of  reasons  someone  could  dislike  or  hate  dae  &  well  he  also  like  sex  so  why  not  pair  the  two  things  ?

best  friends.  he’s  never  really  had  anyone  he  fully  thought  he  could  rely  on  or  lean  on,  so  someone  he  met  here  who  he  bonded  with  instantly  would  be  gREAT.

will  add  more  as  i  think  of  them  !

[ppop-rise]

©️nericbeltran + full vid here! (forgot the acc name sksksk)

#sb19 #ppop #ppop rise #philippines #bys fashion week #fashion

[beautyhdbyralph]

Be classy and fabulous because every woman's dream is an elegance of simplicity. ⭐️Offers HD Airbrush Makeup and Traditional Makeup ⭐️Works at Runway and Top Models -Phil. Fashion Week, FASHION WATCH, Style Origin, Salon Show and GALA ⭐️Official Makeup Artist BRIDAL SHOWS at Philtrade Currents 🏆 Babyliss Grand Champion Philippines Hair Competition Manila 2013 🏆 Finalist Babyliss Asian Competition in Hong Kong 2013 🏆 Grand Champion Australian Cosmetics BYS 2014 🏆 Top 10 Bridal Makeup Category HAIR ASIA 2013 🏆 Top 6 Evening Makeup Category HAIR ASIA 2015 🏆 Makeup Discovery of the year KUKURYO JAPAN 2015 🏆 Winner in Eyebrow Embroidery Competition Malaysia 2017 ⭐️ PROJECT DIRECTOR of PHIL BRIDAL hair and makeup competition (Philtrade Currents) ⭐ CHIEF MAKE-UP ARTIST at FDAP Federation of Designers Association of the Philippines ⭐ Chief Makeup Artist at FCDLP 📞 call or txt [phone] 👠 Viber at [phone] https://www.instagram.com/p/CL8chGuH01J/?igshid=13w9ljar8hdbs

[popofventi]

June Song 18: "From Paris With Love" by Melody Gardot

"In times of great difficulty, art will always break through. Created in isolation, made with love, this project is a reflection of the strength of the human spirit. My most heartfelt thanks to the vast array of musicians and people currently confined all around the world, who made this project possible. Together with Decca Records, all proceeds from the royalties of this song have been donated to a COVID charity organization to help healthcare workers during this time of unprecedented crisis."  -- Melody Gardot

“From Paris With Love” by Melody Gardot

“From Paris With Love” is a gorgeous new charitable track from American Jazz singer Melody Gardot. It’s exactly the kind of healing song we need right now with a message of unity, love and an appreciation for the simpler things. Gardot, like so many others, has been forced to put the recording of her newest studio album on hold, during the global pandemic. However, she was inspired to do something to help other artists who are in the same position. To complete ‘From Paris With Love’, Gardot hired a remote orchestra of string and wind musicians and then asked fans around the world to submit a “5-second video portrait” holding up a sign with the message “From (wherever you are) with love”. More of this please.

“From Paris With Love”

Lovers tucked into a quiet cafe Sat beneath a shade of red They fall in love like falling out of bed Half a silhouette of passer-bys Half a glass within my hand Drink to life as if there is no end Maybe one day I will see you Maybe one day I will see you soon With love, my love A kiss beneath the moon River waking to the morning light Lazy boats around the bend Shimmers once or twice to move this pen Beauty fades before the mirrors when Beauty knocks upon your door Life is leading us to something more Maybe one day I will see you Maybe one day I will see you soon With love, my love A kiss beneath the moon Maybe one day I will see you Maybe one day I will see you soon With love, my love A kiss beneath the moon With love, my love A kiss beneath the moon Lovers tucked into a quiet cafe Sat beneath a shade of red They fall in love like falling out of bed

-xxx-

MELODY GARDOT SPOTIFY BIO The story of vocalist, guitarist, and pianist Melody Gardot is remarkable; she's persevered against abject adversity throughout her life. Blessed with a beautiful alto voice and grand insight as a songwriter, Gardot overcame a life-threatening bicycle accident early in her career. As amazing as her story is, what is more evident is that she possesses a blue, jazz-oriented style and dusky persona that reflect not only her afflictions, but conversely the hope and joy of making personalized music that marks her as an original.

Born in New Jersey in 1985, she took up piano and played as a youngster on the nightclub scene of Philadelphia, influenced by jazz, folk, rock, and pop music. At age 19 she was a fashion student at the Community College of Philadelphia. But, on a fateful day, while riding her bicycle, the driver of a Jeep made an illegal turn, hurtling into Gardot and leaving her in the street for dead. As she lay hospitalized for months with multiple head injuries and pelvic fractures, her love for music was the best therapy she could receive. While in her hospital bed, she wrote and recorded songs that would become the EP Some Lessons.

Upon her eventual release from intensive care, Gardot found the strength and determination to further her career. Hypersensitive to light and noise, she wore dark glasses. On-stage she also required a special seating unit, and often wore a Transcutaneous Electro-Nerve Stimulator, a TENS device, to assist in alleviating her neuralgic muscle pain. Despite these hurdles, she recorded her debut full-length, Worrisome Heart, which was reissued in 2007 by the Verve label. Well-received, the album drew comparisons to Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, and Eva Cassidy.

In 2009, working with producer Larry Klein and arranger Vince Mendoza -- both known for their work with Joni Mitchell -- Gardot followed up her Verve debut with My One and Only Thrill. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard U.S. Jazz Albums chart. She returned in 2012 with her third studio album, The Absence, featuring production from guitarist/composer Heitor Pereira. The effort continued her upward trajectory, landing in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200 and reaching the top of the U.S. Jazz Albums chart.

Gardot altered her musical direction when she returned to the recording studio. She reteamed with Klein and focused on music strongly influenced by R&B, blues, and jazz in a set of original, socially conscious songs. Her first single/video, "Preacherman," was inspired by the death of Emmett Till. The second, "It Gonna Come," was released as a docu-video a week prior to the album. The full-length Currency of Man was released by Decca in June of 2015. In 2018, she delivered her first full-length concert album, Live in Europe. Recorded at a series of shows between 2012 and 2016, the album showcased Gardot backed by her adept touring ensemble. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi

Ventipop June 2020 Playlist

#Find New Music #Music Recommendations #New Indie Music #Melody Gardot

[fdmlovesfashion]

Kicking off a fashionable new decade 2020 behind the scenes in Paris.   Highlights from what’s to come this year, more behind the scenes including models, makeup and beauty.   Here’s a glimpse of Sankuaz fall winter 2020, shown during Paris mens fashion week.

Two models in Paris: In a new collaboration with Parisian Photographer Isabelle Grosse, we take a look at the mood and what goes on behind the scenes in black and white.  Following male models Alexandre le Guilloux and Thomas Kranz,  we check the vibes BYS from hair and makeup to runthrough and runway and all in between.

PARIS FASHION WEEK Menswear: models BTS 2020 commentary +faves #brigiteseguracurator

Fashion Editor :  Brigitte Segura  @fashiondailymag

photo credits: @isabelle_grosse for @fashiondailymag

A new collaboration with Parisian Photographer Isabelle Grosse.  #brigitteseguraxisabellegrosse.

FashionDailyMag zine + blogs:  fdmloves || FashionDailyMag | fdmLOVESmens | fdmlovesmusic.

credits: Designer : Sankuanz @sankuanz_official

photo: Isabelle Grosse for FashionDailyMag Model with fringe jacket : Alexandre le Guilloux @alexlebijou / mother agency Garçons by Gervais @garconbygervais / agency in Paris @mlleagency Model with Military Jacket : Thomas Kranz @lp.lemaigre / mother agency : Garçons by Gervais @garconbygervais / agency in Paris @premium_models

  PARIS FASHION WEEK Menswear: models BTS 2020 Kicking off a fashionable new decade 2020 behind the scenes in Paris.   Highlights from what's to come this year, more behind the scenes including models, makeup and beauty.  

#Alexandre le Guilloux #fashiondailymag #isabelle grosse #male models #MENSWEAR #Paris Fashion Week Mens #Sankuaz fall winter 2020 #up and coming models

[bharatiyamedia-blog]

The right way to Flip Distant Employee Pains Into Potentialities

http://tinyurl.com/yxscnyqf Despite the fact that Bob, the copy author, works from residence Fridays, you realize the face he makes when he isn’t given sufficient time to give you taglines for a venture. In the meantime, artwork director Helen job-shares, which suggests she solely will get face time each different week. Nonetheless, it’s clear that no person must handle her time; she’s by no means missed a deadline. However they aren’t true distant staff—that’s Troy, the graphics man who lives 4 states away. Throughout his cellphone interview, he sounded excited in regards to the job—like one of many 68% of millennials who said working remotely would sweeten the deal on a job supply. Now, the problem is attending to know Troy—and his work—in addition to Bob and Helen. At world job website Certainly.com, this hypothetical is turning into extra of a actuality. About 5% of the corporate’s workforce is is “really distant,” says Paul Wolfe, senior vp of world human sources. “Individuals need flexibility. Expertise affords us that flexibility,” he provides, noting that the need for flexibility just isn’t a generational factor. Working from house is “a future-looking technology,” Stanford Graduate College of Enterprise professor Nicholas Bloom informed the TEDxStanford viewers in 2017. “I feel it has huge potential.” In analysis Bloom did with a Shanghai-based company fo 20,000 staff, he discovered a 13% enchancment in efficiency by those that labored at residence. The components that led to the productiveness enhance included spending much less time commuting and extra time working, together with an enhanced skill to pay attention. There’s additionally this bonus perk: “Resignations on the firm dropped by 50% when staff had been allowed to do business from home,” famous Bloom. Communication is essential The important thing to creating the connection with distant staffers work? Communication. “There are such a lot of methods to speak immediately,” says Wolfe. However, he provides, one of the simplest ways to construct a strong basis for future communication is to get to know your staff. There’s no higher means to try this than with face-to-face interplay. But of the eight member of Wolfe’s workforce, seven work remotely. So Wolfe will get his workforce collectively twice a 12 months for in-person conferences, counting on team-building workout routines like volunteering to assist the workforce members get to know one another higher. In the end that helps workforce members perceive tone in messages, as an alternative of imagining what’s being left unsaid. For instance, workforce members will come to higher perceive that Emma goes quiet when she is confused or that Sven is at his greatest when he’s brainstorming with different workforce members. “Face-to-face and voice-to-voice is an important,” Wolfe says. “You may choose up physique language and intonation.” Wolfe admits that he’s liable to sending a fast message through Google’s chat program, leaving quite a bit to interpretation, however the in-person conferences assist maintain misinterpretation at bay. “We’re all human beings on the finish of the day,” he says. Staffing for fulfillment When searching for new distant workforce members, there are particular expertise hiring managers ought to search out, says Wolfe. For instance, search for motivated self-starters with good time administration expertise, in addition to the flexibility to suppose by means of tasks, set clear milestones, and meet deadlines. In addition they want good communication expertise however “that goes each methods,” he says. The easiest way to search out these staff is paying consideration through the interview course of, Wolfe provides. Ask questions, like how they suppose by means of suggestions earlier than passing it alongside and, positively, what types of communication they like. The boss can’t all the time be the driving force. Relationships are all the time about compromise, and that features bringing everyone’s communication fashion to the workforce. The suitable instrument for the job With so many alternative communications instruments, which is one of the best one to make use of? The reply largely is determined by the scenario. As an example, Wolfe recommends beginning each venture with a video assembly, the place milestones will be set. Then have a weekly e-mail or different set communication so everyone is aware of the place issues stand, and what must be completed. It’s additionally very important to ascertain house owners for duties and set up clear targets, he says. As for that video assembly (or every other type of expertise put into play), Wolfe suggests that each member of the workforce—even those that work collectively in the identical workplace—dial in individually. That helps keep away from the need to go on mute and have aspect conversations. “Everyone is on the identical degree enjoying subject,” says Wolfe. If particular person dial-ins aren’t potential, he recommends that the facilitator should make sure that to interact distant staff within the video name by asking them by identify if they’ve questions. No worker omitted It’s nearly a provided that water cooler conversations and desk drive-bys when staff are in an workplace collectively make it simple to share fast hits of inspiration or modifications to tasks. However don’t go away distant staff out within the chilly on the data that pops up in these impromptu talks. An Igloo Software survey exhibits that 56% of distant staff miss out on necessary data, and 54% say they don’t get invited to conferences or brainstorm periods. “You’ve bought to be extra conscious whenever you’re not in the identical workplace,” says Wolfe. However similar to for his or her in-office counterparts, distant staff want suggestions—however don’t essentially give it through e-mail or textual content, says Wolfe. Identical to with on-site staff, constructive suggestions is greatest completed in individual—so, if that’s not potential, by video. Source link

[clarenceomoore]

Millennial Optimism About Workplace Technology Ignores a Key Problem—Ourselves

The bright, shiny future of meetings in augmented reality, AI assistants, smart workspaces built on the internet of things, and other Jetsonian office technologies fast approaches—and American workers can’t wait for them to improve productivity. A year ago, Stowe Boyd presented research here on Gigaom that found significant optimism about the potential for technology to make work easier and more collaborative.(1) Unsurprisingly, the research found this positivity strongest among Millennials.(2)

However, that same research found that nearly half of Millennials believe the biggest time waster at work is glitchy or broken technology. Millennial frustration with current technology might explain their simultaneous wide-eyed excitement about cool, acronymed stuff like VR, AI, and IoT. This is at odds with the overall population, which perceives wasteful meetings and excessive email as the biggest enemy of efficiency.(3)

The problem is, both diagnoses are wrong. Research shows that the most significant barrier to productivity, by far, is the good, old-fashioned problem of getting distracted. It’s not that distractions exist—it’s that we succumb to them.

Put another way: poor tech and erupting inboxes don’t waste our time—we do. We have lost our ability to choose where we spend our attention.

In one survey, 87% of employees admitted to reading political social media posts at work.(4) Other research shows that 60% of online purchases occur between 9am and 5pm and that 70% of U.S. porn viewing also happens during working hours (“working” from home?).(5) And if none of that convinces you, perhaps this will: Facebook’s busiest hours are 1-3pm—right in the middle of the workday.

To be clear, this isn’t just a Millennial problem. The 2016 Nielson Social Media Report reveals that Gen Xers use social media 6 hours, 58 minutes per week—10% more than Millennials.(6) Overall media consumption tells the same story: Gen Xers clock in at 31 hours and 40 minutes per week, nearly 20% more than Millennials.

And if there weren’t enough, each instance of distraction comes at a significant cost. An experiment in Great Britain showed that people who tried to juggle work with e-mails and texts lost an average of 10 IQ points, the same loss as working after a sleepless night.(7) And this affects essentially every office worker, every day.

What’s to be done, then? Fortunately, if you’ve read this far, you’ve already done the most important thing: understand that the true problem doesn’t lie anywhere but in our own lack of focus.

Regaining focus—becoming focus-wise, as I like to call it—doesn’t require a rejection of technology, however. Becoming focus-wise only requires we reconfigure our tech usage habits.

For instance, instead of expecting ourselves (and our employees) to be 100% available throughout the day to emails, chats, and walk-bys, set time aside in “focus vaults” where you are completely unreachable to the outside world for a set period of time. When you emerge, you can have complete freedom to check emails and Facebook, batching those communications so you don’t lose IQ points switching to and from them during the actual work.

Another example is how we use the tech itself. For instance, if you know you can’t resist checking the screen when your phone dings—turn off the sound. Or disable your computer’s internet connection for a period of time. Even something as simple as making your application window full-screen encourages your brain to focus on the single task.

Normalizing simple, focus-wise habits like these throughout your enterprise can reap huge rewards in workplace productivity. As technology starts to fill our offices with artificially intelligent robots, virtual work spaces, and self-configuring environments, you can be confident that you will use the technology to accomplish your goals—rather than letting the technology use you.

About the Author

Curt Steinhorst is on a mission to rescue us from our distracted selves. Having spent years studying the impact of tech on human behavior, Curt founded Focuswise, a consultancy that equips organizations to overcome the distinct challenges of the constantly-connected workplace. He is a leading voice on strategic communication, speaking more than 75 times a year to everyone from global leadership associations and nonprofits to Fortune 100 companies.

Curt is the author of the book Can I Have Your Attention? Inspiring Better Work Habits, Focusing Your Team, and Getting Stuff Done in the Constantly Connected Workplace (John Wiley & Sons, October 2017).

References

1. Boyd, Stowe. “Millennials and the Workplace,” Gigaom.com. Oct 26, 2016. https://gigaom.com/2016/10/26/millennials-and-the-workplace-2/. 2. Dell & Intel Future-Ready Workforce Study U.S. Report. July 15, 2016. http://www.workforcetransformation.com/workforcestudy/us/. 3. Workfront 2016-2017 US State of Enterprise Work Report. Sept 9, 2016. https://resources.workfront.com/workfront-awareness/2016-state-of-enterprise-work-report-u-s-edition. 4. Kris Duggan, “Feeling Distracted by Politics? 29% of Employees Are Less Productive after U.S. Election,” BetterWorks, February 7, 2017, https://blog.betterworks.com/feeling-distracted-politics-29-employees-less-productive-u-s-election. 5. Juline E. Mills, Bo Hu, Srikanth Beldona, and Joan Clay, “Cyberslacking! A Wired-Workplace Liability Issue,” The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, 42, no. 5 (2001): 34–47, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010880401800562. 6. Sean Casey, “2016 Nielsen Social Media Report,” Nielsen, January 17, 2017, 6, http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/reports-downloads/2017-reports/2016-nielsen-social-media-report.pdf. 7. “Emails ‘Hurt More than Pot,’” CNN.com, April 22, 2005, http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe/04/22/text.iq