#❝ here we go head first ❞ [ lennon starter ]

[etherexllxght-blog]

( open starter . f/nb . mutuals / non ) feat. lennon kelly. suggested connections:  one-night stand, lover, ex-girlfriend, any sort of romantic connection

‘Look, sweetheart, I’m sorry your feelings got hurt, but I never promised to fall in love with you. In fact, I actually warned you against it.’ Lennon said as he took a drag of his cigarette, looking at the woman.

[authorialarcanist]

Gracidea Blossom Chapter 3: Measuring Up Against Meditite

(Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, & Platinum x Little Busters!)

Mirror Links: AO3, Pokécommunity, Spacebattles

---

Previous - Next

---

A world of total darkness. No touch. No sound.

The only thing reminding him he exists is the pressure, like a vise clamping down on his head.

Even his thoughts stall as he falls through this endless void. He doesn’t dream.

He never dreams.

…

Time passes, and eventually the throbbing in his head begins to fade. The ability to think returns to him. He becomes aware of his senses again.

Touch, first. He can feel of his hands pressing into smooth sheets.

Then hearing. After that void, even the soft sound of breathing feels like a salvation.

His head still feels heavy, but he can move his fingers now. He’s regaining control of his body.

Riki opens his eyes.

He’s in the guest room of the Natsume residence. Rin is asleep in a nearby chair, her body curled in on itself as she slumbers. A glance at the clock tells Riki that it’s 9 in the evening, but after his narcoleptic spell, he doesn’t feel tired enough to sleep properly.

Quietly, so as to not disturb his friend, Riki slips out of bed and pads to the hall. When he reaches the living room, he finds Kyousuke sitting there.

“Ah, Riki. So you’re up.” Kyousuke turns in his seat. “Masato and Kengo have gone home for the day, but I have a list of what preparations are left. There were a couple of things we needed you for.”

“Oh. Um…” Riki doesn’t meet his eyes. “Are you… really sure that me going with you is going to be okay? I mean, I didn’t speak up before, but…”

“…But what if you fall asleep on the road?” Kyousuke finishes for him. “Don’t worry, Riki, I knew about this when I made the offer. When that happens, we can just make camp and wait for you. We don’t have so little time that we can’t afford to cut a day’s travel early here and there.”

“Oh. Well, if you’re sure… I do still want to stay with all of you,” Riki says.

For a moment, Riki thinks he sees a shadow pass over Kyousuke’s face. It’s gone so quickly, though, that he decides he must have imagined it.

“Right. Just think of it as another one of our adventures, and I’m sure you’ll have fun.” Kyousuke gets up from his seat, and shows Riki a list with most of the items crossed off. “If you don’t want to go back to sleep just yet, we can try and take care of the last preparations right now.”

Riki nods. “Yeah, I don’t feel tired. Oh, but you should probably get Rin to bed before we leave. That chair doesn’t look too comfortable.”

And so the night goes on…

——

The next morning, the friends gather by a fountain at the west end of town. Here, the bricks of Hearthome slowly give way to grass and pine trees, and a stone path leads the rest of the way out of the city. Most people leaving the city use one of two gate buildings: A small one to the east leads towards Solaceon Town, while the west end has a larger building with exits to the south and west.

The western gate is a three-story building, with a rest area on the second floor. Along with being a place for exhausted trainers to rest their legs, the second level also has souvenir shops and a food court. The top floor is a small hotel with fairly cheap rooms, for travelers who come in at night and don’t want to search for a place in the city.

The ground floor is somewhat more utilitarian, with a few stalls selling travel supplies. Stretches of empty wall are covered with large maps, some showing the travel routes of the Sinnoh region while others detail the layouts of Hearthome, Route 208, and Route 212. The maps are broken up by wall-mounted TV screens, turned to weather and news channels. Travel advisories scroll across the bottoms of the screens. ‘If traveling south, be sure to bring waterproof gear!’ ‘Never attempt to climb Mt. Coronet without a buddy!’

Riki and his friends pass by these sights, stopping to check the weather - apparently, there’s a northeasterly wind blowing in fog from Route 210 - and make sure their backpacks are secure.

When they reach the split between the way south and the way west, Riki speaks up. “So, um…” He scratches his head. “…Where are we going?”

Kyousuke stumbles, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. “D…didn’t I tell you?” He looks at Rin, who shrugs. “…Right… Well. Ahem. Our current destination is Jubilife City, to the west. Jubilife TV requested that the Champion appear for a talk show, and I already had plans to visit Lake Verity, so it’s on the way.”

“A talk show? Really?” Kengo gives Kyousuke a flat look.

“Hey, anything that pays! I won’t be able to coast on being Champion forever, I need to build a varied resumé!”

“…Right…”

The Little Busters pass through automatic doors into Route 208. Just west of Hearthome City is a small hilly area, with well-maintained grass and berry patches scattered through it. The area gets wilder the further you go from the city, but young aspiring Trainers can usually practice here without too much to worry about as long as they turn back rather than climbing when they hit the rocky base of Mt. Coronet. Normally the mountain is visible from the gatehouse, but today the route is already partially hidden by a light mist. The world feels smaller under the grey sky and close horizon, like it’s been cut into manageable pieces.

A shout stops the group. “Well, if it isn’t our young Champion and friends!” An old man with white hair waves them over to where he’s tending a patch of berry plants. There’s a wicker basket at his feet. “And where would you be off to this fine morning?”

“We’re heading to Jubilife,” Kyousuke replies.

“Ah, these two finally starting out to see the world?” The old man looks Riki and Rin over. “That’s good. Everybody should travel with Pokémon sooner or later. There’s nothing like a journey for figuring out what you really want to do with your life, even if that doesn’t turn out to be battling.”

“Ah… right.” Riki looks away, unsure how to tell him that he’s just following after Kyousuke.

“Kyousuke gave you starters, I presume?” The man glances at Riki and Rin’s waists, where each now wears a belt with two Pokéballs.

“That’s right,” says Kyousuke. “Show him.”

Lennon and Terra are sent out, and the two Pokémon nose at the berry plants before wandering back to their trainers’ legs. The old man looks on in approval.

“They look like a good choice. I can tell they like you already!” He leans down to offer Terra a berry, and after a moment of hesitation the Turtwig extends its neck to take the fruit from the old man’s hand. ���Now, then. You remember what I taught you, right, Riki?” At Riki’s nod, the man turns and procures something from his basket. “Well, if you’re setting off, I think you deserve a present. Here!” He hands Riki a pair of firm, speckled blue berries. “Those are Yacha berries. If you give one to your Turtwig, it should help her resist an Ice type attack. And for the young lady, Passho berries. I can’t say I recognize that cat’s species on first glance, but it looks like a Fire type, so a berry that helps protect against Water types can’t hurt!” He hands Rin a soft blue berry, dotted with air bubbles. After another moment of looking through his basket, he also gives them a paper bag of mulch. “That’s two berries each - one for your Pokémon, and try and plant the other one, okay? It never hurts to give nature a hand!”

“Thank you.” Riki stashes the berries and mulch in his bag, and bows slightly in gratitude. “I promise, I’ll find someplace nice to plant this.”

“Good, good! Well, I shouldn’t keep you for too long, but when you’re in the area, remember that the Berry Master’s door is always open!” The old man waves them off, and the group moves on, their Pokémon following behind. Occasionally a wild Pokémon seems like it might investigate them, but Kyousuke, Masato, or Kengo always calls out one of their own Pokémon to scare it away.

The terrain grows rougher as they head west, until they reach a rocky cliff with stairs carved into it. This is the base of Mt. Coronet, with rocky plateaus of various elevations stretching out for a short ways around the foot of the mountain before the ascent proper begins. A river has carved its way through this area of the foothills, running below the elevated paths and necessitating a series of wooden bridges between raised plateaus. As the morning stretches on, the mist grows heavier, wreathing the badlands in gray and obscuring Mt. Coronet above them. The group continues to walk towards the mountain, weaving between rocky outcroppings and crossing bridges, until they reach a wide plateau rising from an island right in the middle of the rapids. A short ways to the north, they can see a waterfall where the river drops from a higher elevation.

Kyousuke suddenly throws an arm out in front of Riki. “Wait. Look over there.”

Riki follows his gaze to a spire of rock in the middle of the plateau, and after a moment he registers a Pokémon levitating just above the tip of the spire. It’s vaguely human-shaped, with a short blue body and a white head shaped like the bulb of an onion aside from two large swirly ears. It also has a white segment connecting its torso with its legs. It’s hovering cross-legged with its arms out to either side. This is a Meditite, a somewhat common mountain Pokémon in the Hoenn and Sinnoh regions.

Riki glances at Kyousuke. “Are you going to scare it away?”

Kyousuke shakes his head. “No. It’s on its own, and this is a reasonably open area. Rin! Capture this Meditite!”

“What? Do it yourself!” Rin bristles.

“No. You need experience fighting wild Pokémon, and this is a safe opportunity to practice.”

“What about Riki, why aren’t you making him do it?”

“I will, but you’ve been in a trainer battle already. It’s on you to show him how it’s done.” Brooking no argument, Kyousuke gives his sister a light shove forward, pushing her towards the Pokémon. Its eyes snap open, and a moment later Lennon is standing in front of Rin, hissing at the Meditite. “Now, Mission Start!”

The Meditite leaps from its perch at the apparent challenge. Its eyes flash, and Lennon rolls on the ground, smacking into rocks as the mental attack disorients it.

“Lennon, use Ember!” Rin’s Pokémon shakes off the attack and spits weak flames at its opponent. Although the Meditite dodges around most of them, a few make contact and burn its legs. It redoubles its own attack in response, pelting Lennon with what Riki recognizes as Confusion attacks.

“Kyousuke, are you sure about making her do this?” Riki glances at Kyousuke, worried.

“It’ll be fine, Riki.” Kyousuke doesn’t take his eyes off of the battle. “The two of you need to learn how to handle things yourselves. Rin!” He suddenly shouts, and Riki’s head snaps back to the battle in time to see the Meditite stagger back as Lennon scratches it. “It looks weakened, this is the time to throw a Pokéball!”

With a wordless acknowledgment, Rin snatches an empty Pokéball from her bag and winds up to throw it. Riki marvels for a moment at her total concentration as she steps forward, brings her arm around for the throw, and…

…the ball slips from her fingers, soaring in a perpendicular angle from the battle until it slams into an outcropping and falls into the rapids below. The Meditite takes advantage of the opening as Rin scrambles for another Pokéball, and torments Lennon with a barrage of attacks.

“Okay, that’s enough. Scyther, use False Swipe!” Kengo’s voice rings out as a new Pokéball soars into the midst of battle, opening to release a large, bipedal mantis. The newcomer has a green head, thorax, abdomen, and pair of legs connected by smaller cream body segments. It has a pair of insect wings on its back, and a pair of scythes on the ends of its arms. Lennon finally collapses as the Scyther steps up in its place and harasses the Meditite with a series of light slashes, holding back from hurting it too badly. “Rin, you have no control at all. Watch my form, and maybe you’ll learn something.” With a series of deliberate, practiced movements, Kengo pulls a Pokéball from his own bag and tosses it overhand at the Meditite’s center mass. Still disoriented from the Scyther’s attacks, the Meditite doesn’t have a chance to dodge, and it gets sucked into the ball in a flash of red light. The ball shakes once, twice, three times, and then emits a click and lays still.

Kengo walks forward to pick up the Meditite’s Pokéball before turning back to the others. “Kyousuke, this is just a thought, but just maybe, it might work better if we teach them before you throw them into the deep end?”

Kyousuke sighs. “Fine. It’s nearly noon anyways, and this looks like a good place to stop and get some training in before we eat.” He looks at Rin, who is spraying Lennon with a potion bottle. “Rin, once you’re done with that, come with me. We’re going to work on your throwing technique. Masato, Kengo, can you two help Riki start training?”

Masato and Kengo look at each other.

After a moment, identical grins appear on their faces.

——

“I get that Kyousuke… asked you to help me train,” Riki pants, “But I don’t think… this is what he meant…”

With a gasp of effort, Riki pulls himself to the top of a large slab being held up by Masato’s Machamp. He reaches down to grab Terra by the shell and hoist it up after him before staggering back to his feet and jogging along the slab. Once he reaches the end of the path, he jumps down to a lower boulder, pauses to let Terra try and hop to his head - catching the Turtwig when it falls short halfway to him - and hopscotches across a series of rocks.

“A truly great trainer must train their body as well as their Pokémon,” Kengo says, pausing each time he makes a practice swing with his bamboo sword. His newly-caught Meditite is hovering beside him, watching his swings.

“Besides! Training alongside your Pokémon brings you closer together!” Masato lifts a boulder - smaller than Biceps’ slab, but still large for a human to be holding - as he speaks, muscles bulging.

Riki finally sways and topples over, Terra collapsing beside him.

Masato surveys the two, lying in almost identical positions. “See? You look closer already!”

“No… more…”

“Endurance is important, Riki. Even aside from keeping up with fast Pokémon, you have to travel on foot a lot.” Kengo hardly misses a beat as he continues his own training. “Still, if we want you to be able to walk any further today, that’s probably enough physical training.”

Riki lets out a sigh of relief.

“It’s time to work on strategy, instead. Let Terra rest, and send out your Bonsly.”

Riki pushes himself to his feet and switches Pokémon. “Now what?”

“Meditite, let’s battle.” Meditite snaps to attention. “Riki. Try to battle my Pokémon. And be careful; I’ve taught it some moves already.”

“Sly, use Flail!” Riki shouts, and the Bonsly waddles forward to try and get in range of Kengo’s Pokémon.

“Rock Smash!” Despite Kengo giving his command second, the Meditite easily outpaces Sly’s approach, hitting it with a measured strike designed to crack defenses. It knocks the Bonsly away, and leaps back before it can retaliate. Sly tries to chase the Meditite, but no matter what it does it can’t get a hit in. The Meditite runs in for another Rock Smash, and Kengo shouts “Stop! Match call! Riki, do you understand what went wrong?”

“Um…” Riki ponders for a moment. “…You had more experience than I did?”

“Not exactly.” Kengo shakes his head. “The trainer’s experience is important, but aside from my teaching Meditite a physical attack, this was a battle against a freshly-caught Pokémon. Riki, what are your Pokémon good at?”

“Well, they’re both good at taking hits, right?”

“That’s right. They’re both strong defenders, and solid attackers as well. However, as this battle showed, that doesn’t mean anything if you can’t land a hit. As your Pokémon’s trainer, it’s your job to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to come up with a plan to work around those weaknesses when they arise.” Kengo pats a nearby outcropping. “That can mean finding ways to turn your opponent’s strengths against them, ways to turn your weaknesses into strengths, or ways to use the battlefield to your advantage.”

“I see…” Riki considers the match. “…So… what should I have done in that battle?”

“Oh, you were doomed from the start.” Masato puts down the rock he was lifting to rejoin the conversation.

Kengo glances away. “…Well… Okay, yes, your Bonsly’s skillset will need to grow before you can really plan around him. But the demonstration stands!”

“In the end, some things just can’t stand against overwhelming force!”

“Oh? Shall we show Riki whether that’s really true, then?” Kengo pulls his Scyther’s Pokéball from his belt and spins it on one finger. “Two Pokémon each, first elimination?”

“Bring it on! Riki, just watch and learn!” Masato grabs Beenikku’s ball, and another battle begins.

[georgeharris0n]

Blisters On His Fingers - Chapter 2 - “First Date, If John Doesn’t Ruin it”

Rating: PG-13

Word Count: 4.3k

Chapters: 2/25

Pairing: George Harrison/Ringo Starr, Minor Paul McCartney/John Lennon

Plot Summery:  George can't help but watch Rory Storm and The Hurricanes play, but John and Paul know he just has his eyes for their drummer. Ringo has some problem with his hands, and George may just see his perfect opportunity to talk to the handsome drummer. (Hamburg Beatle Era)

Note: It’s herE! Here’s a litlle something, as a early Christmas gift! Multi Chapter Hamburg Starrison Fic? you bet! @cirilee​ and I worked very hard on research and planning for the fic and I’m so happy to finaLLY released the first continuation chapter (Thank you sOOO much Ciri! ily ::o::)

Read Chapter 1 Here

Inhaling the stale air in the Bambi Kino cinema was probably the worst thing to wake up to since arriving in Hamburg, but after last night, George barely even noticed. Peeking his eyes open, he adjusted to the artificial light in the damp cement block they called a room. He felt as light as air… George had kissed him. Ringo Starr, George Harrison kissed Ringo Starr.

It’s a wonder George had gotten any sleep at all after that. He remembers staring up at the pitch black ceiling for hours last night and just looking at his smile, the smoothness of his cheek and scruff of his jaw… reliving that moment when he just fucking went for it.

George let out a pleased sigh and stretched his arms above his head.

After a moment he turned over to the bed opposite his only to be faced with two snickering bastards staring back at him. Of-fucking-course, can’t have one single moment of peace can I?

“Sleep alright’ there princess?” John smirked taking a drag from his ciggy.

George groaned. No, not even John could ruin this morning for him.

“Shut up Lennon, and give me drag huh?” He reached toward the nightstand table for the cigarettes, but Paul swooped in all to quick before George could take a blow.

 “What the-”

 “You can have a ciggy after you tell us the details. So spill.” Paul smirked and scooted beside John, taking advantage of his leverage.

 “Details? I- what do you want to know? How do you know anything happened?” George stammered, he thought it would be easy to burst out and tell his best mates what happened, but his nerves seemed to get the best of him.

 Paul scoffed. “Well for starters, you woke up in this shithole with that dreamy smile on your face.”

George felt himself flush, gosh he was smiling pretty wide huh?

 “Yea, and not to mention you coming home at fucking 4 in the mornin’.” John quipped while tapping his ashes off onto the floor, which Paul detested, but couldn’t really argue with considering how nasty the room already was.

 “Well- I.. I’m sure you both enjoyed the alone time.” George teased, hoping to distract from himself a little longer. It held some truth, it was pretty hard living just the three in one room, even harder when he bunked with Pete. John and Paul rarely got to get cozy and the two of them were a committed item, which took awhile since John insisted he wasn’t “queer”. Course, he was over the moon for Paul the moment they met, which was pretty frustrating at first. George saw it, and he knows as soon as those two finally stopped being resisitent, they were all over each other.

 John leaned back lazily and chuckled. “I wish! Sadly, Paul wouldn’t put out. The only tossin’ and turnin’ all he’d do was worry about you getting home, real mood killer you are Georgie boy-” Paul smacked a pillow into John’s face before he kept running his mouth.

 “Piss off John! He’s distracting us! Come on’ George and tell us before John gets his teeth punched in will ya?”

George snickered at the display of Paul looking like an eager parent or older sibling, practically on the edge of his seat.

George fiddled a little with his hands, remembering how the night before he used these same ones to care for Ringo’s palms. How rough Ringo’s hands felt from years of drumming. George liked that much more than silky soft hands, it’s like every scar and callus could tell a story. He hoped Ringo would let him hold them again during their date- Ohfuck. THEIR DATE.

 “Shit! My date! He asked me on a date!” George was standing now, throwing off his blanket and immediately going into a panic.

 Ringostarraskedmeonadate! Howcould I forget thaT-

 The lad was already rummaging hopelessly for clean clothes to wear to no avail. While John and Paul were both now standing probably trying to catch up on the bomb he just dropped into the room.

 “You finally snagged a date with the Hurricane’s drummer?”

John was shocked like he couldn’t believe his ears.

 George looked up from his pile of clothes and he knew he was unfolding, it couldn't be stopped now. “I- well I kissed im’ first, then he asked to see me tomorrow, so… yes?”

 “Hold on! Wait- you’re telling me you kissed him and didn’t tell us? Just sat there like a smiling idiot knowing you kissed the lad we watched you pine over for months?” Paul was almost offended, all that waiting and George didn't tell him sooner?

 “Listen!” George didn’t have time for questions, the stakes were much higher now “Yes! Yes okay? I kissed him, and now we have a date,TODAY, and i have no fucking idea when he gets here so if one of you could get off your asses and HELP ME PLEASE!”

 George was losing his mind, he had no idea what to wear, how much time he had, what he was supposed to do- but of course, Paul did. “George, clean yourself up, and I’ll find you some clothes alright?”

 “Yeah, and calm down too, don’t want to spook him looking like you just left a crack house.”

 George looked over to the wall mirror, he did look frantic, definitely not first date with Ringo material. His eyes were wide, his hair was unruled, and he was nearly shaking. John had a point. This date was way too important, he can’t ruin it by being this nervous.

 George just needed to get ready and hope that he doesn’t make a fool of himself.

 Good luck with that.

 _______________

 Paul had George cleaned up real nice. Black drainies, and one of Paul’s clean white shirts tucked in made George cut a fine figure. Topped off with a large smooth pompadour. Very handsome and slim. Paul was very proud of the simple, yet refined appearance he made up for George’s date. He was a good looking lad all the same, and those fangs that pointed when he smiled had to be a deal breaker. Had he had more time (and spare cash), he almost wanted to go buy him a new fit to really shock Ringo. But- the look was still perfect in Paul’s opinion, but John was insistent he add his own little flare to the mix.

 “Make you look tougher, like on stage.”

 “He’s not going on stage John, he’s going on a date-”

 “Yes, and he’s going to wear the damn jacket!” John argued. Draping a leather jacket on George’s shoulders. He took a much larger role in the getting ready process then was expected. He and Paul fussed left and right over how George needed to look, what shirt, how to wear it, what to say, make his hair messy or clean. Boots or loafers. Smile or brood. The two just couldn’t agree.

 As per usual.

 “George needs this date to go off without a hitch! Who knows? If they go steady, we might get a new drummer.” John winked.

 Last week the lads had to get a replacement drummer to sit in after Pete hauled ass back to Liverpool for some kind of “family emergency”. John seems to think George’s date with Ringo could be an opportunity… Ringo was considered the best drummer as far as Liverpool was concerned, and despite George agreeing that Ringo was 20 times better than Pete, he didn’t like what John was implying. Paul seemed to catch onto it quicker than George was though.

“Oh no no NO, you’re not making George’s date about your little fued with Rory! That’s none of your business.” Paul chided, seeing through John’s casual tone. He knew that face and twinkle in his eyes. He was scheming, and John Lennon’s schemes never ended well.

 “I’m just saying, you can’t date between competing bands. If Geo plays his cards right-”

 George had heard enough, he wasn’t letting this crazy idea get to his head. He wanted to enjoy his date, not be John’s pon.

 He was about to speak up when suddenly a loud knock at the back door silenced the whole room.

 George looked at the door and felt his palms clam up. He shuffled his feet toward the handle. He thought he was going to pass out. This wasn’t even his first date, but it was his first with Ringo, and somehow that made it all the more important.

 Another, more faint knock, hit the door, making George jump back slightly. Is that him? Is he here? Gosh if it’s not him-

 “Don't just stand there! Open it.” Paul whispered, clearly waiting in anticipation.

 When George gathered up his non existent courage and opened the door up, his jaw nearly dropped to the floor…

 If he thought seeing Ringo up on stage, was in itself eye-catching, he was grossly unprepared for when he cleans up for a date.

 Ringo was standing at the door, looking a bit flustered, but non the less pleased to see George. That smile. George thought he might lose his footing had he not been gripping the door frame. He almost couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He wanted to drape an arm around Ringo’s shoulders and admire how handsome he looked. He was stunning, he was sporting nice fitted charcoal trousers, with a white and black checker striped shirt tucked in. He even topped it off with a black corduroy jacket.

 “Hmm... now that’s what I call boyfriend material.” Paul muttered behind George, who was also admiring Ringo’s attire.

 George barely registered what Paul said until Ringo finally spoke.

 “Gosh, I’m- speechless, you look real handsome George.” Ringo gaped while he shuffled his hands out of his pockets.

The two were both clearly nervous, and George just couldn’t even believe Ringo was really here. Last night had felt too much like a dream to be real, but… it was and he was here and-

 “Whoa there Ringo! You got on this fancy get up for our little Geo?”

 Fucking. Hell. John.

 Ringo let out a nervous laugh “Suppose’ so,  not too fancy I hope. Havn’t got too much money for a proper restaurant...” Ringo scratched the back of his neck. He seemed a little embarrassed, but George was pretty relieved. He wasn’t into fancy smacy places like that anyhow.

 But- he was into getting out of here with Ringo as soon as possible before John kept talking. Which was the perfect incentive to push his nerves away for a bit.

 “WELL- Guess will be going then! See ya fellas!” George was already walking down the steps and quickly leading Ringo away before those two ruined the date before it even starts.  

 “You better have him home at a respectable time young man!!!” John yelled out after them which made George cringe. Gosh those two I swear-

 George ran a hand up his hair. “Sorry about them, they’re a piece of work.”

 Ringo snickered, “Funny though, don’t worry, bet they pick on ya’ too much huh?”

 “You don’t know the half of it.”

 George and Ringo were walking down Grosse Freiheit, opposite corner from the KaiserKeller where they worked and typically spent their time. George hadn’t explored much of this side of town, but it seemed Ringo knew where they were going, so he didn’t mind it.

 It was nearly 3 in the afternoon, so most places had slow business. Once it neared about 5, that’s when most of the sailor, drunkards, and “fast women” slipped out for the nightlife. Despite the occasional peek of a prostitute in the day, most afternoons were strangely quiet considering this was a red light district.

 When George arrived in Hamburg, the idea of living in such loose city, with so much sex and alcohol seemed exciting, but other than the advantage of drinking, George wasn’t too into the easy sex. John and Paul tried to set him up once, but he ended up horrified, having not been with a women and being pretty certain he was gay at that point. That only solidified it. He ended up sending her away, she didn’t seem to bothered by it. Probably just looked like a spooked young boy.

 Paul stuck around to apologize about it. Make sure he was okay. If anything George was almost happy to know he didn’t fancy girls. John and Paul were always so defensive about it, but when George was having thoughts like that- it felt comforting to know his friends were the same way. That they could understand.

 George saw Ringo veering toward the right. They must be close. The walkway was definitely in more uncharted territory, but- a little more secluded. Ringo reached out his hand suddenly, and George hesitated. Sure there wasn’t anyone around, and the area didn’t persecute lads holding hands, but- it was still out in public, and George didn’t quite feel comfortable for that just yet.

 Ringo’s smile softened and he lowered his hand into his trouser pocket. “No worries Georgie, the place is right back here, follow me.”

 George walked with Ringo down a narrow alleyway leading to a wooden doorway on the side of the building. Already regretting not taking Ringo’s hand, but certainly thankful Richie wasn’t offended by his apprehension.

  A quick knock on the door, and it was soon opened up by another fellow. Clean looking boy with rosy cheeks and a slender chin, about Paul’s age or older maybe.

 “Afternoon Richard, back again so soon?” The boy smiled, clearly pleased to see Richard here. Where- wherever they were. George felt his arms tense, hoping he wasn’t already feeling jealousy on the date that’s barely started. “Where’s your tall friend?” He continued, while giving George a disappointed side glare.

 “Afternoon! Awe this isn’t much his scene really, he’s more interested in birds.” Ringo looked past the boy, and pointed over his shoulder to a booth past the bar-room.

 “Mind if we have a seat over that way?” Before the boy could give answer Ringo was already sliding through the doorway with George in tow.

 Now standing inside, George could really get a load of the place. It was definitely a bar, but why it was so hidden away was beyond him. It played great music out of some speakers, which seemed to be connected to the local radio. It was pretty full too, especially for this hour, but no one seemed to be very rowdy, mostly just dancing or a having a nice drink.

 One thing that did catch Georges eye was the clientele. Every person inside was a bloke. Not a single girl in sight. 

 “Ringo? Is- is this a gay bar?”

 Ringo stopped in front of the booth and looked back at George shyly.

 “I- yes, it’s pretty classy, but I wasn’t sure, you know? If you’d been to one before.” George tilted his head, in all honesty he had never seen one before now. It just seemed like they were myths considering how well hidden they were. Not to mention John, Paul, and George never played in gar bars, or expressed interest in one before. Though, Ringo’s logic made sense, why not go to a place that’s guaranteed to be safe for a first date. Not having to watch your back if he wanted to hold Ringo’s hand or maybe share a kiss.

 “I’m… I haven't, but I really like it here, seems like a perfect first date spot to me.” George smiled, sliding into the booth.

 The date started out really great. Ringo was even more adorable on dates. He ordered them both some drinks and they sipped away talking. It felt like they spoke for hours on end. Ringo was so fun to talk to, he was cute and much more cheeky than expected. He had the cutest little blush when George decided to move over to Ringo’s side and sit beside him in the booth. Letting his shoulder graze next to each other.

 The topic of how they ended up in Hamburg came up, and George talked about meeting John and Paul, and about how they let him join the band. The band that feels like his family, like he was always meant to be apart of them. He told Ringo stories and pranks they all pulled on each other, and about how he practically had to knock sense into them both about their feelings for each other.

 “They were fighting like mad all the time. Mostly John, pushing Paul away n’stuff.”

 Ringo listened attentively, “You could tell? That they were… pushing each other?”

 “Definitely, those two were inseparable, and the way John looked at Paul and the way Paul looked at John- you knew. I knew for sure. John had hurt Paul real bad one day, said he didn’t need him around anymore. Paul was devastated.  I had to talk with John and get it sorted out.”

 “How’d that go?”

 “Basically told him to get his shit together and tell Paul how he felt. Honestly, I’m surprised the bastard listened.” George laughed letting his little pointed teeth stick out a tad.

 “So… how long have you known… you um.. fancied...” Ringo paused, trying to find the right words for the question, but George had a feeling he knew.

 “A couple years now… I had a couple girlfriends back in Liverpool, but it never really took. I knew I fancied boys, but I didn’t know for sure if I fancied girls too or not. Nowadays, I know I’m gay, but I’ve-” George paused feeling embarrassment flush on his face. He almost wanted to end the conversation there, hoping Ringo wouldn't push him further, but the look in those blue eyes. The soft, sweet way Ringo listened and gazed back at George. Like he was savoring everything, every look and word George gave him.

George wasn’t afraid, no, not around Ringo.

 “I-um… I haven’t had a boyfriend before.”

 George felt his hand shake at his sides, feeling unsure… clearly Ringo had been around more often, he was older after all, and knew about gay bars, probably had a boyfriend once or twice too. George didn’t know this stuff, he’d only ever kissed a boy once and neither spoke about it after the fact. Would Ringo want some inexperienced lad who-

 George felt a sudden warmth interlock with his shaking fingertips. He moved his gaze back to Ringo. He was holding onto his hands, rubbing his thumb over each knuckle. Smoothing the tremor that left the joint until they were steady and calm. 

 I might faint.

 “Hey, neither have I okay? I’m still new to this too, but I know I like you George. A lot.”

 George blinked wildly. Ringo was new to this?

 Ringo could see George’s confusion considering their current place of establishment and chuckled. “I’ve known I am for awhile, me mum even had an idea about it when I was younger, she could just tell I never fancied girls, but finding fellas ain’t easy and not exactly safe. So no, I haven’t either. Did find this place with me mate Johnny though, but he’s just a best mate, doesn’t really swing that way.”

 Somehow knowing dates and boyfriends were a bit of new territory for Ringo brought George lots of comfort. He could feel his shoulders slack under his jacket. He wanted to loosen up, really just enjoy the date. Show Ringo a good time.

 Hurriedly, George stood up from the booth pulling Ringo up with him. The radio had several patrons out of their seats and swinging to a solid tune. A jazzy one, clearly hitting the backbeat like a rock n’ roller. George gave Ritchie a cocky grin and twisted his arm around giving Ringo a spin. George did little kicks and fancy moves with his feet, while Ringo showed off his funny little moves on the dance floor as well. Being honest, Ringo’s dances were outright ridiculous, but- in an endearing kind of way. He was silly and smiling so wide. Really enjoying himself when he danced with George and purposely tried to make him laugh with funky jumps and head shakes. George loved how funny Ringo was, the way he could just go along with things and make it 10 times better? The way his smile peeked out when those teddy boy curls bounced on his forehead, George was ready to spend the rest of the night like this. Giggling like school boys.

 As it got later, the dancing got a little too crowded for both the boys’ taste, and they decided to step out for the night. The walk was much longer going back, probably because the two weren’t quite ready for the date to be over just yet.

 “You really do look handsome this evening George.” Ringo remarked as they walked the chilly street back to the cinema.

 George grinned with his cheeky fangs and bumped Ringo with his arm. “How bout’ a kiss then? Paul worked real hard to get me all dressed up like this. Got to have a little credit where credits due.” George leaned into the lads shoulder, batting his eyelashes for dramatic effect.

 Ringo applauded the flirtation, clearly George was getting more comfortable. Very coy.

 “Sorry, I don’t kiss vamps on the first date.”He quipped, poking the side of George’s cheek playfully.

 Had this not been their first date George would have half a mind to marry Ringo on the spot. The way they bounced off each other so easily was unbelievable. The only fault was that the date was ending so soon. The streets here are just so complicated and… adult. Nothing simple, like burger joints or parks. George hated the idea of only being able to go out in the afternoons. Nightlife here was just so loud and indecent. “Gosh, maybe one of these days we can catch a bus out of here, go somewhere a little more normal.” George said gazing out ahead at countless street lights that dawned every corner.

 Ringo’s eyes widened. “You want to go out again then?”

 George felt his throat shrink. Oh fuck- You idiot. He was already daydreaming about the next date without even knowing if there was going to BE ONE.

 “If- you wanted. I thought- I mean. This one seemed to be going really well, but if your not interested I completely-” stop rambling please oh god please stop.

 “George!” George thanked Ringo internally for stopping him before he dug his grave even further.

 “I’d love to go on another date with you.’

 George thought he was going to say something, but his brain decided to go out of commission in that moment. Ringo didn’t seem to mind, the look on George’s face told him everything he needed to know. This was special. This thing between them, very special.

 It was quiet on the streets surprisingly. Not a prostitute or drunk in sight near the back of the cinema. It was nearly 9:30, which was hopefully “respectable” for John, but George wasn’t ready for it to be over, not just yet.

 George stopped before the steps to the door and turned to Ringo. His nerves that had been present throughout the evening had vanished, something about how he was feeling, the look in Ringo’s eyes. He felt like he was staring into the ocean. So welcoming, and vibrant. How could he stand here and not be utterly at peace?

 Ringo soon moved surprisingly close him. George wasn’t sure what it meant at first, but to be fair, there were lots of things that George didn’t know.

 He didn’t know his lovestruck crush would stand before him tonight and gingerly touch his cheek, or that he’d get so close they’d share a cold breath in a Hamburg alleyway. George would never have thought months ago, when he first met the boy, that he too would lean into the embrace. That George would get to wrap his arms around Ringo’s waist, slipping past his jacket and rest his palms on the small of the drummer’s back. He didn’t know that they’d glace down to those soft lips. Unconsciously waiting… for what? He wasn’t quite sure. Yes, he was.

 Ringo’s hand gilded behind his neck. Stroking his thumb gently under George’s jaw. George felt a shiver go up his spine. Feeling his heart pounding like crazy. He wanted this. He really did. All night he dreamt of the event that occurred that night, about the feeling of kissing Ringo, the way his lips felt on his. He was so close to that again, only this time, he wanted Ringo to kiss him. 

 The drummer hesitated. They had kissed before, but the fervor in the air that filled the non existent space between them was thick. Both of the boys breaths were seen in the cold air as they exchanged them. Ringo lids fluttered, and George let his own shut. Darkness allowing every touch and caress to feel all the more real. Abruptly, a hand tugged the collar of his leather jacket slightly, and he was pulled into those lips again. Both bodies immediately reacting as the two shared an earnest kiss. Ringo taking control with impelling affection.

 It was delightful but chaste, far too short for the guitarist’s liking. When they separated a moment, George barely gave Ringo time to catch his breath before pressing forward and allowing his tongue to slide past his lips. His fleeting impulse crashed into Ringo, and his hands clenched at the fabric of his striped shirt.  Ringo responded with matched eagerness and the two were soon both kissing with more passion than they’d ever felt before. George even let a soft moan slide past his lips as he felt Ringo tangle his fingers further into his hair.

 Neither wanted to stop, but George’s head was already getting dizzy and Ringo’s footing was starting to give way on the edge of the steps. They both reluctantly separated, and caught their breaths still not bearing any space between them, chests heaving with cold air against one another. George just wanted to stay here with Ringo in his arms, barely able to stand and looking just as dazed as George probably does.

 “Gee Ringo…” George’s lip twitch upward. “I thought you didn’t kiss vamps on the first date.”

Chapter 3 here!

[fatgirlsguidetodating]

Blog: Almost 40.

I’ve never been one for posting particularly introspective blog entries publicly. It’s not that I don’t contemplate things, or even write about them, but for the most part those meandering musings are confined only to my phone’s notes app- my most used app behind Facebook. And on those rare occasions that I *do* publicly blog about them I usually keep it on a relatively superficial level as I don’t necessarily like opening up my mind (and insecurities) to strangers.

But I’m turning 40 in less than a month and I think this is the catalyst that’s prompted a lot more thought about things than I’d ordinarily give them. I’d always considered 40 old but, as I approach it, I don’t *feel* old. And my family and friends would be rather quick to point out I don’t act it either. I always thought by 40 I would be much further along in life than I am. That I’d have a good job, a nice husband, a nice house, kids, that whole suburban dream. But... I haven’t.

And I started thinking if I’m a ball of mixed emotions about turning 40 maybe there’s other women- and men for that matter- who are feeling the exact same way so perhaps if I’m to break my self imposed cocoon of privacy around my innermost thoughts now might be the perfect time to give it a shot. So, with that being said, here goes nothing...

Here’s the thing: I remember my Mum’s 40th. I had just turned 10. I was sitting outside with my cousins, all of similar ages, and we were making fun of what we considered to be the appalling music taste our respective parents had. I even remember the leather pants Mum was wearing. She claims to have forgotten them but I think she’s faking that despite her bad memory. It didn’t even occur to me for a millisecond that my 40th wouldn’t be spent in a similar fashion. I just assumed life would follow the same path most women’s lives had followed for generations (with one caveat- I was planning to be the first one to go to uni): I’d find a job, I’d find a husband, we’d buy a house with a white picket fence, and we’d have 2.5 kids and a dog. And that all of that would be well and truly achieved by the time I turned 40. Just like it had been for my mum, and her mum before her, and hers before her. It was just the way things went, you know?

And then life happened. There’s a line in “Beautiful Boy” one of the John Lennon songs that I love that says “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” and it couldn’t be any truer in the 21st century than It was when it was written in 1980. (It’s a cruel twist of fate that it was written not long before he died and released after his death.)

For me “life” was all about my health, or lack thereof. I’ve mentioned the back issues before and the many hospital visits, and the 70 plus back ops. In essence this put things on hold: work, getting a home of my own, finding a guy (hard when you are always in and out of hospital and have problems losing weight) and having kids. So as I approach 40 without those things I’m not necessarily looking forward to it the way many do. (Plus if I get one “over the hill” card the person giving it to me shall be in a body bag.)

One thing I noticed when researching this blog post was Google searches about turning 40 seemed to concentrate on two things: what your health would be like post 40 and life as a Mum. Well what about those of us who are single and childless? Are we invisible? This didn’t particularly help with my mixed emotions about this supposed great milestone.

And it seems I’m not alone. Dr. Nancy Oreilly wrote about women’s aging anxiety that regardless of how you feel towards turning 40 you’ll still do what everyone does at this juncture and take stock of your life thus far. Things like “what have you done with your life? Are you the person you intended to be and are you living the life you want?” (1.)

In Lisa Bono’s interview with author Glynnis MacNicol about her book “No one tells you this” for the Sydney Morning Herald about life as a single 40 year old woman MacNicol admits she approached her 40th with “so much dread and shame" because she didn't have what she was "supposed" to have - a husband and a kid or two.... (because) we don't understand how to talk about women's lives as fulfilling unless we incorporate babies or weddings.” (2.)

Meredith Goldberg, in her article about age being just a number posed the question that if indeed age was just a number why was she feeling so apprehensive? Was it because she felt “like (she) had not accomplished enough in (her) 40 years on earth?” (3.) After all she hadn’t gotten married, hadn’t had kids, didn’t have another advanced degree.

Interestingly studies over the last decade or so have shown that the start of middle age (which, much to my chagrin given my belief I’m still like a much younger woman, is considered to be 40) often correlates with the time when people are the least happy, have the lowest levels of life satisfaction and highest levels of anxiety. A study at the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College attributed this to the facts that at this stage “adults are often faced with the pressures of raising children and looking after aging parents while simultaneously dealing with mounting financial and career pressures.“ (4)

Is it all too late for me- and other women turning 40 without a child- though? This is one of the most common thoughts going round and round in my head as I approach 40. I mean we all know about the whole ticking biological clock right? Even when I was doing my first postrgrad degree at 24, working part time, still single, still living at home, I still thought well there’s plenty of time. At 28 when I was finishing with postgrad, working full time but still single I *still* thought well there’s still a fair bit of time. At 33 it changed to well I guess there’s still time if I get a bit of a hurry on now. And now, at 39, single and childless, I think well maybe it’s too late now.

In her article about turning 40 whilst single and childless Bethany Jenkins wrote that it’s not only common but practically universal for a woman to expect and long for children, “to bring new life into the world; to put her hand on her belly as her baby grows; to wonder whether the newborn will have her or her beloved’s eyes; to hear “mom” not as a word uttered by her own voice to her own mother but as a call from her child’s voice for her.” (5) MacNicol in her book echoes that saying “as women, we’re taught to expect our stories to turn to marriage and children at a certain point in time (namely, before 40.)” (6)

Robin Deutsch, a psychologist and associate professor at William James College in Newton also points out that women reaching 40 tend to be more confident, have more wisdom and make better choices. (4) (Does she even know me?) But when you really think about it the whole “life begins at 40” theory has some merit. Julia Child didn’t publish her first cookbook until she was almost 50. Vera Wang didn’t start her fashion career until 40.

The fact that these women have the same feelings surrounding turning 40 whilst single and childless gives me some comfort. There’s a quote from Jung that I remember from philosophy at uni. He said that life begins at 40 and until then you’re just doing research. And maybe I’ve got to look at the positives in my current circumstances? One big upside I see is freedom. I plan to travel and return to uni to study something I’m passionate about and it’s doubtful I could do this had my life taken that path I was so sure it would.

So does this mean that the formula that my mum and all my ancestors followed, that unsaid life plan of when to get married, buy a home and have kids, is a thing of the past? We know women have children later these days. In fact the median age for a first kid these days is 30.6 as per the ABS reports

From the 1950s to mid 1970s, the fertility rates of women aged 20–24 and 25–29 were patently higher than that of all other age groups. Since then, the fertility rates for women in their 20s have been steadily declining whilst rates of those aged in their 30s have mostly increased since the early 1980s. Since 2000, the fertility rate of women in their early 30s has been higher than all other groups. It’s not just that women are having babies later but also the birth rate has declined. In 1950 the birth rate was 23.124. Its predicted 2020 will be at 12.561. (ABS yearly reports.)

We know women have children later these days, preferring to be settled and to have done the things they thought they’d not be able to do after before becoming a parent. Compared to our mothers, our grandmothers and so on we have more choices and not every woman’s first goal in life is having a child. (8)

The differences between say baby boomers and millennials are striking. It’s not just the fact that they settle down later but there are also other factors that mean by the time we turn 40 we may not have all the things our ancestors have but there are other priorities we have. For instance more women go to university now than they did when my Mum was turning 40. And after spending the time, work and money to get a degree it’s only natural that it follows that they want to get more out of their careers. Whilst baby boomers are more driven by loyalty, often staying at the same company for years, millennials are more interested in achieving more, whether that’s at the same company or not. (9) My father, for example, worked for the same company his entire life. He could have gone to many others with the knowledge he’d accumulated but he liked his job and he was happy there so it didn’t even really occur to him in more than a passing thought.

Then you look at things like buying a home. It’s ironic given that pay has increased that millennials are putting home ownership off longer than previous generations. Whilst people of my parents generation were content with a “starter home” these days more and more first home buyers want a bigger home, with bigger and better appliances, closer to the city than the suburbs etc. Research has found that rather than jump straight into a mortgage millennials look at travel, and spending their pay on things like Ubers and Lyfts, coffee, gadgets, clothes, and live entertainment and sports. (9)

Marriage is also something we do later. Consider the fact that whilst almost “50% of baby boomers were married between the ages of 18 to 32... a mere 26% of millennials are married in the same age range.” (9)

The fact that so many other women have the same feelings surrounding turning 40 whilst single and childless gives me some comfort. There’s a quote from Jung that I remember from philosophy at uni. He said that life begins at 40 and until then you’re just doing research. And maybe I’ve got to look at the positives in my current circumstances? One big upside I see is freedom. In the next 12 months I plan to travel and return to uni to study something I’m passionate about and it’s doubtful I could do this had my life taken that path I was so sure it would.

In an article published on mindbodygreen.com the writer spoke about how well-meaning friends had been asking her did she not want to have kids, did she not want to get married, etc, and she was quick to say that this can actually be the “most celebrated time of your life (and to) consider yourself blessed and enjoy the freedom.” (10) She listed some of the things to celebrate about turning 40 whilst single and childless. Like me travel was up there on her list as was the time to Perdue your passions. She also mentioned “(the) opportunity to nurture your friendships and relationships with family...(and that) the dating pool is large in your 40’s (given) a large majority of our population is divorced... there are so many

social media dating sites and social events in every major city... (and) you know what you're looking for.” (10)

So maybe instead of worrying about why I’m not where I wanted to be turning 40, worrying that it’s too late, worrying that my friends are further along than I am, I should be embracing it. The future is mine. I’ve just got to find a way to embrace it.

Fatgirl.

Sources:

1.) https://www.drnancyoreilly.com/40-2/

2.) https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/no-one-tells-you-life-as-a-40-year-old-single-woman-can-be-like-this-20180717-p4zs16.html

3.) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1140197/anxious-about-turning-40/amp/

4.) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2017/06/01/seriously-now-what-traumatic-about-turning/UVnbdmxVvLSzwoB8Yo4wGP/story.html%3foutputType=amp

5.) https://ifstudies.org/blog/reflections-on-turning-40-while-single-and-childless

6.) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/single-at-40-glynnis-macnicol-interview/amp/

7.) https://aifs.gov.au/facts-and-figures/births-in-australia

8.) https://www.mamamia.com.au/average-age-to-have-kids/

9.) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.businessinsider.com/difference-millennials-baby-boomers-2019-4%3famp

10.) https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.mindbodygreen.com/articles/so-im-single-40-and-childless-now-what--10631

[gingywritesimagines]

Mistakes and Decisions (Part 1)

Title: Mistakes and Decisions

Chapter: 1

Fandom: Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda/ Love, Simon

Pairing: Leah Burke x fem!reader

Description: After a series of realizations, you break out of certain sticky situations in search of a new start… and definitely some new friends

Warnings: toxic friendships, cursing, Martin Addison (evil fucker is a warning on his own. Fuck you Martin Addison, go die Martin Addison), heartbreak, further evidence that Simon Spier deserves to be loved

A/N: As promised, my Love, Simon fic series. This is how we’re wrapping up 20gayteen folks. This is pretty much as much anti-M*rtin *ddison propaganda as it is a Leah fanfic (I’m angry and self-projecting, sorry). Also, this has some Suraj appreciation stuff because we know next to nothing about him but he seems like a chill dude who unfortunately got stuck being friends with M*rtin of all people. Anyway, I’m thinking of breaking this into five parts (one for each of the remaining months of the year), let me know what you think

You knew being friends with Martin Addison was a mistake.

Of course, it wasn’t all terrible; being friends with him almost guaranteed you a role in the school play, and you were introduced to Suraj, who was kind, funny, and actually a pretty good friend.

However, despite being friends since elementary school, the bad vastly outweighed the good. After years upon years of “friendship”, judgement became clouded, shadowing the fact that he was often manipulative and somewhat controlling, and just a douchebag in general. This unfortunately meant that it took you forever to realize these truths. When you did find out, it was because of the little things: his “brutally honest critiques” that became much more frequent, little comments and suggestions that seemed more about keeping you a certain way than being honest or helpful, the way he blatantly cast you aside with a hint of a holier-than-thou attitude whenever Abby Suso was around, and the sketchy way he acted around Simon Spier that made you all kinds of uncomfortable. However, there were some not-so-little things that helped you realize the truth too.

For example, Bram’s Halloween party...

You had lunch to yourself that day, since Suraj was working with Ms. Albright on instrumentals for the play, and While looking for a place to sit, you saw Simon, Abby, Bram Greenfeld, Leah Burke, Nick Eisner and Garrett Laughlin sitting at a table talking. They were all clearly very engaged in the conversation, and you were contemplating joining them, when you saw Garrett stand up.

“All right, hey, guys, Halloween party Friday night!” he hollered at passers-by, “Friday night, Halloween party, okay? Bram’s house!”

You giggled as you watched him point out a random freshman who you were pretty sure had never met Garrett before in his life, “Hey, little guy!”

“Me?”

“Halloween party. Friday night. Bram’s house. Be there.”

You laughed some more at the look on the freshman’s face, prompting Garrett to turn around when he heard you, “(Y/n)! Party at Bram’s house, Friday night, you in?”

“Sure, I’m in.” You chuckled, “If I can come sit with you guys.”

An instant chorus of “of course” and “hell yeah, come sit down” flooded your ears as Garrett led you to a seat across from Leah and Simon. The rest of lunch was fun, filled with joking and laughter, and plans for the coming party.

A couple days later, you got a call after school. You answered reluctantly, seeing as hardly anyone called you, but you weren’t sure why you were surprised when the first thing you heard was a butchered German accent on the other end of the line.

“Why hello there, Fraulien.”

You sighed immediately, pinching the bridge of your nose, “Hi, Martin.”

“What’s with the sigh?”

“Well, for starters, your German accent needs serious work.”

You heard Martin scoff, and then the faint sound of shuffling, like he was digging around for something, “My German accent is fantastic, grumpy pants, and that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Then why are you calling, exactly?”

“I have been invited to a party this Friday-”

“Bram’s Halloween party?”

There was a pause, and a noticeable change in Martin’s voice at his next sentence, “You already know about the party?”

“Yeah.” You said slowly, “Garrett invited me right after Bram told him about it. I was thinking about asking Suraj if he can drive me.”

There was another pause, and for a moment you thought the line had gone dead, “Martin? You still there?”

“I have to go. I’ll see you later.”

His voice was strained as he ended the call, as though he was talking through gritted teeth. You were confused but ignored it, choosing instead to focus on picking a costume.

When the day arrived, Suraj picked you up at 8:30, decked out in a clearly home-made Waldo outfit. 

“Nice costume.” He commented, gesturing to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent outfit you’d thrown together.

“Thanks! And thanks again for driving me.”

“Of course. What are besties for?” Smiling, Suraj pulled out of your driveway and headed for Bram’s house.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to pay you? Not even for gas money?”

“(Y/N), the only reason I’d ever let you pay me is if you’re going to pay me in memes.”

You shook your head at that, laughing, “Of course. How ridiculous of me.” 

You spoke the last part in a German accent when you turned to see an unholy amount of props for the play in the back seat.

“Yeah, please don’t tell Ms. Albright I left those back there.” Your friend laughed, “Your accent is great though! Way better than Martin’s if I’m being honest.”

“Yeah, his needs work. What he doesn’t need is to know that I got that good from watching and re-watching the X-Men animated series over and over and over again until my accent was on par with Nightcrawler’s.”

“Nice!”

The two of you continued to laugh and joke until you made it to Bram’s street, parking a few houses away since you were certain there’d be no space any closer to the house. When you walked in, Garrett was wrapping up a karaoke performance of Megan Trainor’s No- jumping around to the beat in his Michael Phelps costume- and Simon was waving you into the kitchen with him. You bid farewell to Suraj and ran over to compliment Simon on his John Lennon outfit.

“Thank you, agent.” he smiled, “Bram was just about to pour us some drinks, do you want anything?”

“Not right now, thanks, I’m okay.” you turned to Bram, “Nice costume though! Tourist?”

“Um, excuse you, I’m post-presidency Barak Obama.” Bram corrected you, chuckling,

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Obama. I mean nothing but respect for my president.”

The boys laughed as you turned to Nick, “You didn’t dress up?”

Nick shook his head, turning around to show you the nametag taped across his shoulder blades, “I’m Cristiano Ronaldo, man.”

You cringed slightly, “Loving the effort you put in, Nick.”

“Shut up.” He grumbled, chuckling as Bram nudged him and handed the boys their drinks.

A large portion of the party went by in a blur. You spent some time chatting with the boys in the kitchen, then went to the backyard to find Leah and Abby (dressed as Yoko Ono and Wonder Woman, respectively) and dance with them for a while. Abby mostly just swayed, hiding from Martin who came up behind her, but Leah joked around with you as best she could.

“I can’t dance for the life of me, I’m warning you now.” She laughed.

“Come on.” You giggled, “I’m sure you’re fantastic.”

You gently took her hand, twirling her around and relishing in the small smile that etched across her face. You’d always liked Leah; she was kind and polite and undoubtedly pretty. She looked even prettier twirling, hand in hand with you, in the neon lights of the party and the glow of the illuminated swimming pool behind her-

Your moment was cut short as Abby was dragged away to play Beirut, and your stomach growling sent you inside for snacks. As you turned into the kitchen, you found Garrett there, poking his head into the fridge.

“Hey Garrett!” you greeted him cheerfully, but the second he heard your voice, he bolted.

“Garrett?” you called after him, confused as to why he was blatantly ignoring you, “Garrett! Stop!”

You grabbed his wrist, forcing him to turn and look at you, “What is going on? Why did you just run from me?”

He took a shaky breath, looking very reluctant to tell you anything, “Look, I’m sorry, (Y/N), I didn’t want to, but I had to.”

“You had to?”

“Look, Martin- he told me off. Yelled at me about inviting you here and gave some speech about how you’re off-limits to, like, everyone. I’m pretty sure he threatened me, and that’s not a big deal because there’s no way in hell I’m afraid of Martin, but I listened because I didn’t want anything to happen to you. You’re really nice and you’re super chill and we all love hanging out with you; I’d hate myself if something happened because of me-”

You saw Nick standing a little ways behind Garrett, looking between the two of you and nodding, as though confirming that Martin had told him the same thing.

“Wait, wait, wait.” You cut off Garrett’s rambling, practically seething with rage, “Martin did what?”

Garrett gulped, but before he could say anything, the devil himself turned the corner.

“Hey guys!” Martin greeted casually, throwing his arm across your shoulders and shooting daggers at Garrett in a not-so-subtle manner, “Garrett, what are you doin’, buddy?”

“Martin.” You began calmly, gripping his arm and quite literally throwing it back at him in anger and disgust, “Did you threaten Garrett to keep him away from me?”

The boy glared between you and Michael Phelps repeatedly, before feigning innocence with a scoff, “What? No, that’s ridiculous. Why would I do that?”

“Oh.” you turned to face him, “So you didn’t tell him off for inviting me to this party? And you didn’t tell everyone that I’m off limits?”

You saw his face change, but he slipped back into an innocent smile quickly, “No, no, of course not.”

Garrett looked between you and Martin with an expression that mixed both fear and curiosity, as you shook your head angrily.

“You lying son of a bitch!” You lunged at Martin, straining as Nick and Garrett held you back. Your anger grew as Martin’s face turned guilty and he ran for his life. You broke free from the boys’ grasp and chased after him, more than ready to give him a piece of your mind, when you saw him run into Simon. The poor kid looked annoyed too, but it got worse when Martin threw up all over him.

“Really?” You heard him cry, gesturing angrily to his shirt, “Really?”

Martin ran off again, and you went to follow him when a gentle hand held you back by your shoulder. You looked up to see Suraj gazing down at you, an almost regretful expression on his face, “Leave it. I’ll take him home.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” He nodded, “You just take care of yourself, okay?”

“Thank you, Suraj.” You hugged him one last time before he slipped out into the crowd. As he left, you turned your attention as far away from Martin as you could.

“Simon!” you called, racing up to him, “I’m so sorry, are you okay?”

He went to answer you, but froze momentarily, “Why are you sorry?”

“What?”

“Why are you sorry? (Y/N), you did nothing wrong.”

“Yeah, but Martin just threw up all over you and-”

“So?” Simon asked, a small look of concern evident in his eyes, “That was Martin, not you. (Y/N)…. how long have you been apologizing for Martin? I don’t think I’ve noticed before, but every time Martin screws up, you’re always right behind him with an apology. (Y/N), I’m sure you mean well, but how long can you keep doing that before it messes you up inside? How long before you realize that no matter how badly it messes you up, Martin probably isn’t going to apologize for that?”

You sighed, realizing that he had a very good point, but you still didn’t say anything. Simon opened his mouth to say something else, but a small voice behind you cut him off.

“(Y/N)?”

You turned to see Leah behind you, holding her hat in her hands. She fidgeted with the brim a little before speaking up again, “I heard what happened, with Martin and Garrett.”

Your face fell at that. You hated that this drama had flared up and that it happened at such a public place. Leah sighed and cleared her throat.

“Look, after the party, I’m going to sleepover at Simon’s.” She paused, looking over your head at Simon for consent before continuing, “Do you wanna come with us, (Y/N)?”

You sniffled, picking your head back up and smiling at her weakly, “I’d love to.”

After getting Simon a change of clothes from Bram (on old t-shirt and his mom’s white cardigan), the three of you marched back to Simon’s. Spier, being very drunk, was draped between you and Leah, stumbling and slurring and making you both laugh at his antics. He even started murmuring songs from the play, trying to do the choreography as he walked and almost knocking you and Leah over in the process. As you got closer, Simon suddenly yelled.

“Oh my god!”

“What? What?”

“My parents are still up.” He cried, running a stressed hand through his hair.

“Okay, okay, um.” Leah racked her brain for a quick solution, while you focused on keeping Simon upright, “Okay, you know what? Here, come on. I need you to think of something really sad like the documentary about how all the whales hate living at SeaWorld.”

“Too sad!” You and Simon protested in unison.

“God, okay.” Leah chuckled, exasperated, “Then just don’t say anything at all, and we’ll ditch the barf shirt until tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Simon nodded and you watched as Leah chucked the bag with Simon’s trashed clothes straight over the roof of his car.

When Simon started to topple over, both you and Leah grabbed him, “Si?”

“Yeah.”

“Just, as little as possible.” Leah reiterated, “Say as little as possible.”

You tried to all sneak in, but Mrs. Spier called out before you all made it upstairs, “Hey, guys!”

Leah cringed before leaning into the den, “Hey!”

“Come talk to us! How was the party?”

“Oh, it was really fun! Yeah!”

“Aces!” Simon added, trying really hard to not look as drunk as he was, “Hey, uh, you guys remember (Y/N), right?”

You waved to them both and watched as Mr. Spier squinted at you, clearly trying to remember you. Mrs. Spier recognized you instantly.

“Oh, yeah, (Y/N)! I remember you from the fifth grade science field trip! You told me I was pretty.”

You giggled, “You remember that?”

“Of course! Are you sleeping over too?”

“Oh yeah, my ride backed out on me last minute and your house is a much closer walk than mine, so Simon invited me. I hope that’s okay.”

“Oh, no, of course, sweetie! Of course, you’re always welcome here.”

“Are you saying that because she’s Simon’s friend or are you saying that because she called you pretty?” Mr. Spier joked, resulting in a playful slap to the shoulder from his wife.

Leah chuckled awkwardly, grabbing Simon, “Well, thanks for letting us stay over!” 

“Oh, Leah, of course!” Mrs. Spier cried, oblivious to Leah shoving you and Simon up the stairs as discreetly as possible, “You’ve been staying over for 10 years, you don’t have to thank us.”

“Oh.” Leah laughed, inching her way towards the stairs, “Yeah, thanks.”

You all made your way up the stairs, very cautious of Simon’s stumbling and the fact that his sister was still asleep. After Simon sobered up a little, you all got comfortable in his room, figuring out sleeping arrangements and such. Simon was on his bed, Leah was on a bonus pull-out mattress, and you were on a blow-up camping mattress on the floor.

“Do you ever feel weird?” Leah asked suddenly.

Her and Simon launched into a conversation as you zoned out. The night’s events played out in your head, and the more they played, the more they made you sick. It seemed like the only good thing that came out of tonight was this, Simon and Leah, taking care of you as only Leah and (drunk) Simon can- with kind words and a soft distraction.  

“Hey.” Leah spoke gently, placing her hand over yours and drawing you back to reality, “You okay?”

“Yeah.” You reassured her, shaking your head, “Yeah, it’s just this whole Martin thing has been exhausting. I think I’m gonna go to sleep.”

They both looked at you sadly, nodding in understanding and watching you slip further under the blankets- not once letting go of Leah’s hand.

“Goodnight guys.” You offered them a small smile.

Simon returned it, “Goodnight, (Y/N).”

“Goodnight.” Leah whispered as she squeezed your hand before letting it go.

You smiled again, brighter this time, and fell asleep gazing in the direction of the two kind souls ahead of you. No matter what the future held for you in terms of friends, you knew these two seemed like a pretty good start.

Taglist: @mcoomcoo @fandomsneverdie14 @berry-kitten-paws @tina20213

[geezeralert]

And in the end . . .

Some 45s from my collection, including the first three from the Beatles.

(Third of three parts)

Now this really IS for Beatles fans only.

Non-fans reading this, even if they managed to pay attention to the first two installments describing my little aural/intellectual immersion into the group’s musical output, will likely find my third discourse hard to take.

For here I will discuss what to outsiders would seem silly -- what it all means, or how does studying each of the tunes recorded by the Beatles make a person any different or change his or her place in the hierarchy of fandom.

For starters, we must clearly acknowledge (as we did at the start) this type of project is all about fun, like a hobby. And any written analysis likewise is done in the spirit of being an entertaining diversion from real life, meaningless in the overall scheme of things.

If you take pop group fandom — or any celebrity fandom — to a level more serious than that, then you are in a place beyond my grasp.

My effort was born of a curiosity about this legendary musical group that was important in my youth. In that regard, the project was an absolute success.

I satisfied my curiosity about Beatles songs big and small, loved and hated, popular and obscure. While I have not committed to memory many of the details, I know where to find answers to just about any questions I might have.

Beatles’ music came at me fast and furious in the 1960s. I rarely stopped to understand its origins, musicianship, meaning or other minutia beyond what was in album liner notes or news media coverage. It was just enjoyable and interesting.

The unique individuals involved also were worth understanding and following, for all their achievements and personal tales.

Now I’ve seen their production up close and personal. Good for me. Fascinating stuff. Totally worth the effort.

Do I want more? Yes, a little.

There are books that still sound interesting, like those I noted in part one (the Lewishon study, the Best or Epstein memoirs, books by Philip Norman and Barry Miles). The much-anticipated “Let It Be” movie reissue also will be fun to watch, after seeing a very rough video of a video of it that I bought off E-Bay (at least it gave me a general idea of what it looked like).

After taking a break from all-things-Beatles, I’ll tackle that stuff from time to time. (To stay sane and clear-headed, I did seek out lots of non-Beatles reading material throughout my project. Lately, I’ve discovered the crime novels of Elmore Leonard, whose works were the basis for some of my favorite movies.)

But I’m pretty sure I will never reach HUGE fan status for the Beatles (or any other celebrity, for that matter).

Those people, of which there are perhaps millions, do know all the details of the Beatles songs without looking them up in a book or the internet or Wikipedia. They own all of them in all of their forms. They also own all the music produced by the individual Beatles both before they formed and after their breakup (I pretty much stopped my purchases a few years into their solo careers, although I picked up John Lennon’s final one and the complete Traveling Willburys collection with George Harrison.)

They would spend the incredible amounts that are being charged for such major works as “Places I Remember. My Time with the Beatles,” by photographer Henry Grossman (going for $2,609); the “RTBBook. Recording the Beatles,” described on Amazon as: “A detailed look at every piece of studio gear used, full explanations of effects and recording processes, and an inside look at how specific songs were recorded,” by Kevin Ryan and Brian Kehew, going for $500 (originally $100); and “Kaleidoscope Eyes. A Day in the Life of Sgt. Pepper,” another compilation of Grossman photos going for $688.

(I also once saw a George Martin box set of materials going for over $2,000 but I can’t find it now.)

These super fans have been to Beatles concerts, either when they were together 50 years ago or as individuals in the years since.  I have not, nor do I want to, really.

As I was in the midst of my project, tickets went on sale for Paul McCartney’s concert this July at Dodger Stadium in LA. OK, I said to myself, that could be interesting. He is a legend, after all. And he travels with a tremendous band, I’ve read, even if his own 76-year-old chops have long since gone weak and raspy.

I set myself a limit of $100 a ticket for myself, my wife and my brother. If we could get close enough to really feel the music and see the star performer, that would be worth the price.

Within hours of the ticket pre-sale opportunity, the best seats in the house (ground level in front of the stage) were sold, some for a few thousand dollars, all for amounts well beyond my budget.

The best I could get for $100 was seats up in the stands by the baseball stadium’s press box. I may as well as sit at home and watch the concert on a laptop with headphones. Not much of an experience.

Those people who immediately ponied up the big bucks for such a geezer Beatle performance are the HUGE fans. They have probably been to more than one such concert and will keep going to them.

They would probably also spend serious dough to see Ringo Starr’s all-star band perform, something I would not consider (his songs and solo hits are not in my top 300 favorite Beatles songs, as a group or individuals).  

The closest I would have come to paying a major sum to see a former Beatles was if I had had a chance to see The Traveling Willburys, with Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Jeff Lynne. That was a super group with an outstanding sound.

Huge Beatles fans also travel to London to see the places that are part of the group’s lore, likely have memorabilia like guitars or sticks, have T-shirts or other clothing with Beatles pictures or logos, know every detail of their personal lives and go weak at the sound of their music.

Many probably have rooms decorated with Beatles stuff. They go to downtown LA for Starr’s annual peace and love declaration. They follow news about them every day on their website.

To me, that level of interest borders on obsessive. However, I cannot criticize such people without being somewhat of a hypocrite. I’ve gone to the edge of that pond, after all. I just won’t jump in, and a lot of what’s holding me back is simply the cost (of books, tickets, memorabilia, plane fare, etc.) not philosophy.

I wish nothing for the best for those who do find the time and money to devote to the subjects of their passion, stopping short of stalking or otherwise intruding in the subjects’ lives.

For now, I am happy being a Really Big Beatles Fan with an advanced degree in discography.

[auggie-hunter]

the allie diaries;

“i mean, i could think of a few things we could play for. your ball first, you choose.”

allie walked into today fully certain she would beat lennon in this one on one. and sure, she kind of didn’t want to squash her, especially with the whole… wanting to date her thing, but allison hunter is a competitive little shit.

however, lennon’s smirk gives her pause. for starters, she looks incredible, and allie finds herself so grateful she’s kept her sunglasses on throughout this, otherwise it would’ve given away her ogling. and second, she thinks she might be regretting this decision to let len choose with how confident she suddenly looks.

still, she’s already in it. regardless of the outcome. “just know i’m not licking concrete.”

“huh?”

allie shakes her head. “my sister’s an asshole.” lennon bites back her laugh and allie’s heart skips at least three beats. “okay, come on pick.”

“fine.” lennon dribbles the basketball twice, seeming to think about her answer. “if i win, you...” she dribbles a few more times looking allie right in the eye when she takes her shot. “come back to my place with me.” swish.

“I’ve been watching you for awhile”

“okay, stalker much?” allie sounds skeptical, her arms folded across her chest, the collared button up she wears bunching up in her stance.

lennon chuckles, both amused and slightly sheepish, though certainly more the former than the latter. “okay i realize how that sounds, but i swear i’m not a stalker.”

“that’s literally what a stalker would say!”

“so you are this easily riled up in real life. and here i thought it was just you being edgy for the podcast.”

“nope, it actually doesn’t take much.” allie raises a brow, only mildly insulted. “so you see why telling me you’ve been watching me is sending me spinning.”

“i meant tonight. you’ve been killing it! hello, it’s the white house correspondents dinner!”

“nerd prom,” allie corrects, but then she’s biting her lip, and… oh god, blushing.

lennon laughs. “yeah, nerd prom.” she smiles. “i just think you’re cute. kinda hot actually, is all i meant.”

Incorporate: a mistake

“no! no, no, no, no, no….” he was going to kill her. allison matilda hunter was certain her beloved twin brother auggie (okay beloved was a strong word) was going to disown her and murder her and bury her in a shallow grave…

too much?

but she’d made such a big deal out of this whole best man thing, and she looks damn good in a tux and stilettos, and her brother was getting married to the love of his life! she wanted to be right at his side, just like she wants him to be her best man at her wedding in whatever century that is. 

and then she went and lost the rings. the fucking rings, she had one singular job besides the bachelor party, and the speech she’s been writing since she was ten, AND SHE FUCKED IT.

her panic grew stronger when she looked around her hotel room and continued to come up empty.

she was doomed.

i’m a waiter at this wedding and you’re a drunk guest who will not stop hitting on me please i’m trying to work no i can’t dance with you omg let me find you some water

teddy and auggie are in the center of the dance floor, all slow dance-y and happy. the fact that they haven’t left for the night is suspicious, but allie wrinkles her nose when she remembers they both disappeared after the cake was cut, and she thinks the whipped cream on their table was missing during that time.

“they totally went at it, didn’t they?” she mutters to herself, her words slightly slurred. “that’s why they’re cool with not leaving yet.” because of course they would.

“yes,” the waitress startles her, and allie nearly jumps out of her skin. “twice in one of the business suites. in their defense i just went to pee and have a smoke, i did not intend to hear them”

“lennon! you’re back,” allie grins. “gosh, you really are just so pretty.”

“and so are you. and so is this water and this coffee i really, really need you to drink.” lennon sets them down in front of her and takes a seat beside her; she’d explain it to her boss later, she thinks, tossing her braids over her shoulder.

“thank you,” allie says, taking the glass of water. “but that’s gross though. the business suite thing?”

lennon shrugs. “i dunno it’s kinda cute. it’s their wedding day. they’re so happy they just wanna bang. it’s cute. and romantic. and a little slutty,” she giggles to herself.

“it is.” allie pouts. “i’m not even mad; look how stupid happy they are,” she rambles after a sip of water. “teddy looks like literal sunshine with that freaking flower crown on her head, and auggie’s holding her like she’s his absolute everything--which, she is. but like dude, they’re like our parents.”

“oh no, please don’t cry.”

“i won’t,” allie sniffles. “i won’t, i just. i really love my brother, y’know?”

Incorporate: a first time watching star wars

“wait, wait, really?” allie’s eyes are wide like saucers once her laughter subside and she realizes lennon isn’t laughing with her, though she still manages to look amused, in that way only she can.

lennon nods, the pile of curls above her head bouncing with each bob of her head. “yeah, really. i’ve never seen star wars.”

“len, how?” sitting up off the couch, allie’s already reaching for the remote.

“well, if you must know, i just never got around to it,” she chuckles when disney+ pops up on the screen. “i didn’t care enough?” lennon shrugs before holding a hand up when she sees allie’s jaw drop. “respectfully.”

“oh my god.”

“you’re gonna make me watch them, aren’t you?”

“i think i may combust if i don’t?”

lennon laughs, and with the look on allie’s face, she thinks she just might. she shakes her head, somehow finding herself falling more, and more for this ridiculous human, who she isn’t sure is entirely real.

“fine.”

-

“hey,” allie bites her lip. “um… it might be soon, but if i don’t say this, i think i’m gonna blurt it out in my sleep, and to be honest, i’d rather say it while i’m conscious and at least somewhat in control, and not when i’ve fallen asleep after smoking too much…” she trails off, and it isn’t until lennon is grabbing her hand and gently tugging her closer that she realizes she’s been pacing.

“allie,” lennon squeezes her hand. “allie, baby, hi, slow down,” she says, in her soft easy tone, reserved just for allie when she spins out. though she cringes when allie’s free hand rubs her forehead, and reaches up to draw her hand away from her face.

one day she’d get her girlfriend to care about her skin. one day.

“you’re good. you’re fine. talk to me.”

“oh fuck,” allie swears when her eyes well.

“allie?”

“i love you!” and she sounds more frustrated than happy in that moment, but she giggles, almost in disbelief.

lennon laughs with her, and cups her cheek to press her lips to hers. “i know.”

“oh my god, you just empire’d at me,” allie’s swooning, and lennon’s giggling against her mouth. god she loves this weirdo so much.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Mars enters Libra

October 22 - December 9, 2017

Not Mars’ favorite place to be, by a long shot; it’s in detriment in Libra. As Isabel Hickey wrote:

The power of Mars is lessened in Libra, for Libra is the halfway house between the sheep (Aries) and the goats (Capricorn). This deals with the positive and negative qualities; between those who follow blindly, either by tradition instinct, and those who climb freely where they choose, and are self-directed. This direction may follow selfish desire or spiritual aspiration, but they will use their minds to decide which it will be….

“Issie” got the sheep/goats metaphor from the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, and it’s a bit misapplied here. (The sheep, not the goats, are headed for Heaven.) What was she trying to get at? Remember that Mars is exalted in Capricorn - that is, it may function at its highest, most spiritual level in the sign of the goat. Capricorn is Saturn’s sign, and Saturn is exalted in Libra - the pure Martian energy, the “drive to be alive,” is now confronted with the concept of responsibility.

As Mars represents how we assert ourselves and project ourselves into the world, we can see right away how Libran dithering and indecision infuriate the God of War. Mars looks for the one right way; Libra says all the ways are equal. Mars is independent; Libra prefers teamwork. Mars wants to do something; Libra wants to think it over.

So how are we to survive the next eight weeks? How are we going to get anything done? The answer lies with Saturn: we need to grow up. We need to approach life’s challenges with maturity and intelligence, not relying solely on brute strength and determination to power our way through (or not). The situations facing us (as represented by the aspects Mars/Libra will make) are evenly balanced between “flowing” and “challenging” - how Libra! - although let me throw in the caveat that among the “challenges” are a couple of the most nasty types of Mars aspects. Wise up.

Celebrities with Mars in Libra: John Lennon, Robert Plant, Malala Yousefzai, Nicole Kidman, Elvis Presley, Bill Gates, Eminem, 14th Dalai Lama, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Nelson Mandela, J.K. Rowling, Nikola Tesla, Abraham Lincoln, Pope Francis, Maria Callas, Winston Churchill, Alfred Hitchcock, Edgar Allan Poe, Kim Basinger, Jimmy Fallon, Kirsten Dunst, Richard Branson, Buster Keaton, Sinead O’Connor

Wednesday, November 15, Ceres/Leo sextile Mars/Libra, 14:59

Mars will spend the entire first half of its trip through Libra making no major aspects, other than to the transiting Moon. Will we “feel” our way through this? Ceres is similar to the Moon, specifically the “nurturing” piece, and my feeling (hah) about this sextile is that it’s an opportunity to actively take up the role of “nurturer.” Becoming the parent, the adult, maybe in tandem with another but maybe not. Libra isn’t usually one to take up a solo role, but if it sees the necessity to balance out something, it’s more than up to the challenge. This is also a very fertile aspect, so if you aren’t ready to become a parent, abstain or take all precautions.

Planets/Points affected lie between 13:59 and 15:59 of the yang signs Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius.

Friday, November 17, Mercury/Sagittarius sextile Mars/Libra, 16:17

First of three, with the final one taking place in the signs Capricorn and Scorpio - both are Mars signs. This isn’t a giant, looming portent, as both planets move too quickly. What’s interesting is that both planets are in their detriment - we have the opportunity to grow up our brains a bit, or we can hide from responsibility and maturity behind ignorance and jingoism. For this first time, take notes!

Planets/Points affected lie between 15:17 and 17:17  of the yang signs Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius.

Sunday, November 19, Pluto/Capricorn square Mars/Libra, 17:30

Here is the first of the “dire” aspects. “Issie” wrote that this square can cause “anti-social feelings,” which in 2017 we’d probably call “sociopathy.” And in “The Mountain Astrologer,” Leah Whitehorse specifies, “Tensions are high throughout the day, with tempers simmering to a boiling point, unless we can resolve the power struggles in our relationships. If we’ve been bending over backwards to accommodate others, Pluto will force us to face the issues head-on, to reestablish balance.” Back to Issie: “Empathy and compassion are the antidote to Mars-Pluto afflictions.” Finally, this is the beginning of “Thanksgiving week” in the US, where I expect people to be particularly snappish.

Planets/Points affected lie between 16:30 and 18:30 of the cardinal signs Aries*, Cancer*, Libra*, and Capricorn*; and between 1:30 and 3:30 of the mutable signs Gemini*, Virgo*, Sagittarius*, and Pisces*.

Tuesday, November 21, North Node/Leo sextile Mars/Libra, 19:01; South Node/Aquarius trine Mars/Libra, 19:01

Our ongoing Personal Authenticity Projects get an energy boost from Mars/Libra. What kind of a boost? Well, what kind do you want? Working with the South Node/Aquarius to reach Leo, we may just fight for our right to be contrary to everyone else. Might be wiser, in the (very) longer run, to fight for others’ rights to freely and safely be themselves, too.

Planets/Points affected lie between 18:01 and 20:01 of the yang signs Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius.

Monday, November 27, Juno/Capricorn square Mars/Libra, 22:51; Eris Rx/Aries opposite Mars/Libra, 22:55

“Things” aren’t any better now that Thanksgiving is over, and we’ve arrived at the “official” start of pre-Christmas consumerism. Brace yourself for the usual “War on Christmas” malarkey, at especially strident levels. The “Other-ing” will be at an extreme, particularly (sigh) in the so-called battle of the sexes. So much of what transpires is the result of what happens when we do everything possible to dodge our own guilt and responsibility. We need to bring in more of the Cancerian qualities of sensitivity, sympathy, and protectiveness - and apply them to everybody but ourselves.

Planets/Points affected lie between 21:51 and 23:55 of the cardinal signs Aries*, Cancer*, Libra*, and Capricorn*; and between 6:51 and 8:55 of the mutable signs Gemini*, Virgo*, Sagittarius*, and Pisces*.

Friday, December 1, Uranus Rx/Aries opposite Mars/Libra, 25:00; Saturday, December 2, Sun/Sagittarius (10:57) semi-square Mars/Libra (25:57); Sunday, December 3, Pallas Rx/Aries opposite Mars/Libra, 26:10; Neptune/Pisces (11:30) sesquare Mars/Libra (26:30)

This just had to be complicated by including the Sun and Pallas in the proceedings. Grrr. Anyway, we have the impulsive violence of the oppositions to Mars from Pallas and Uranus, perhaps prompted by what Demetra George described as “feelings of sexual inadequacy” and/or “confusion over one’s masculine sexual identity.” Combine that with the need to be “spiritually” correct via Sun/Sag, and the overall confusion/delusion of Neptune/Pisces - hoo boy. I think if we’re at all uncomfortable with who/what we are (and not only sexually), this is going to be particularly resonant. Being accident-prone is certainly a part of this mess’ manifestation, too. On Sunday the 3rd, the Gemini Full Moon will give us some perspective on the problem, if we let it.

Planets/Points affected lie between 24:00 and 27:30 of the cardinal signs Aries*, Cancer*, Libra*, and Capricorn*; and between 9:00 and 12:30 of the mutable signs Gemini*, Virgo*, Sagittarius*, and Pisces*.

Wednesday, December 6, Mercury Rx/Sagittarius sextile Mars/Libra, 28:18; Saturn/Sagittarius sextile Mars/Libra, 28:26

Second/three for the Mercury sextile. Coming as this does, after three frankly nasty and vicious Mars “situations,” we have a breather during which we may reevaluate - well - everything. We have this opportunity to change our way of thinking, for starters; Mercury is about a week away from the Inferior Conjunction, signifying the start of a new cycle. And Saturn is two weeks away from its ingress into Capricorn, signifying an adjustment to where, how, and why we set boundaries. (Among many other things!) The type of sextile Mars makes to both, waning, is attuned to group activities - so here, at last, Libra can team up with others! We have our eyes on the long term.

Planets/Points affected lie between 27:18 and 29:26 of the yang signs Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius.

[365footballorg-blog]

World Cup: Predicting the 2022 USMNT roster | Armchair Analyst

July 18, 201812:10PM EDT

The World Cup is officially over! That means it’s time for a quadrennial tradition: I predict the USMNT roster for the subsequent World Cup, in this case Qatar 2022.

First a little context:

This is hard. I went 0-for-23 last time hahahaha ohgodIcan’tbelievewedidn’tmaketheWorldCup.

Seriously though, I had some wild misses from the 2014 version of this column. There just wasn’t enough top-tier young talent making a case for themselves.

The young guys who were supposed to evolve into USMNT regulars (Luis Gil, Joe Gyau, Josh Gatt, Junior Flores, Shane O’Neill, Emerson Hyndman) largely didn’t.

Even in a well-developed soccer nation, it’s difficult to predict who will rise. Four of England’s starters in 2018 had, in 2013-14, played in the Championship or below, and a fifth (Harry Kane) was a little-used sub.

The US have more talent coming through than at any other point. This is good (yay, talent!) but also makes my job difficult (which prospects will turn into players?).

Haven’t had time to double-check these numbers, but here’s a quick look:

• In the entire 2017 season, domestic teenagers played 9985 @MLS minutes

• in the ~50% complete 2018 season, domestic teenagers have played 10,538 @MLS minutes

— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) July 16, 2018

Younger players are getting more MLS minutes than ever before, and developmental curves have accelerated. This is an unvarnished good thing, as Homegrown players are, generally speaking, more polished at a younger age than their predecessors.

But yeah… I’m mostly throwing darts here.

Below is my list of 23 players for the 2022 USMNT that will head to Qatar, including each player’s age four years from today. Please enjoy this for what it is:

GOALKEEPER: Zack Steffen (27), Tim Melia (36), Jesse Gonzalez (27)

Steffen seems to have a leg up over the rest of his cohort – which includes Gonzalez, as well as Alex Bono, Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath – despite oopsies like this past weekend against NYCFC. His pure shot-stopping ability is unrivaled, and while his ball-playing ability remains a work in progress, by forcing him to work with his feet now, Gregg Berhalter’s doing Steffen a long-term solid.

Melia is currently the best all-around goalkeeper in the US pool, just edging Brad Guzan (who will be 37 in 2022, and very much in play to claim a spot here). 

The biggest disappointment is that Bill Hamid hasn’t made any sort of run at this job. He’s on the bench in Denmark these days, and was poor in his most recent US appearance.

LEFT BACK: Danilo Acosta (24), Antonee Robinson (24)

Acosta has fought through an early-season benching to lock down the permanent starting LB job for RSL, and adds value on both sides of the ball – which continues a trend he set last year both at the U-20 World Cup (the US made the quarterfinals) and with his club team late in the season.

He is easily the best passing LB prospect the US have had in the pipeline in recent years, which is probably a function of having spent a good part of his youth development at defensive midfield. His ability to hit line-breaking passes from the fullback slot can and often does change the shape of the game for the Claret-and-Cobalt, and he’s done very well in 1v1 defending against the likes of Alberth Elis and Michael Barrios.

Robinson, who got 30 games in the Championship and might be playing for Everton in the EPL this year, beat the hell out of a bad Bolivia team seven weeks ago:

If you thought Weston McKennie was the only standout from last night’s game, Antonee Robinson would like a word with you. pic.twitter.com/MUjCHZk7Oy

— Joseph Lowery (@joeInCleats) May 30, 2018

His speed and crossing ability are both weapons that need to be maximized, and can be in either a typical back four or any version of a 3-back or 5-back set-up.

If you want to focus on a young, up-and-comer: George Bello is your guy. But he’s just 16, and is probably two or three years from getting regular MLS minutes.

CENTER BACK: Matt Miazga (26), John Brooks (29), Tim Parker (29), Erik Palmer-Brown (25)

The first two pick themselves, and I’ll be surprised if they’re not the go-to CB pairing for the majority of the upcoming cycle. Something will have gone very wrong if they’re not.

Or perhaps something will have gone very right, because Palmer-Brown is one of three relatively young options (Justen Glad and Cameron Carter-Vickers being the other two) with a ton of experience and a ton of upside. I’m currently betting on EPB to outperform the other two because unlike Glad he doesn’t get ragdolled, and unlike CCV he can pass the ball.

But it’s still wide open.

Parker I have in there because he is a rugged and steady backline presence who is adequate or above at everything, and has the added bonuses of being 1) a superior athlete to just about everyone else in the CB pool, and 2) left-footed.

RIGHT BACK: Tyler Adams (23), DeAndre Yedlin (29)

I’ve said it a million times, but I won’t let that stop me from saying it again here: Adams has the talent to be a really, really good defensive midfielder. He has the talent to be a world class right back. I think he ends up there.

Yedlin is and has been an EPL starter for a while now, but it’s strange to me he’s still so often a liability in 1v1 defense, and I wonder if that will ever change. But even though there are a bunch of up-and-coming right backs – Reggie Cannon, Brooks Lennon, Shaq Moore, Jaylin Lindsey – it’s hard to imagine Yedlin falling out of the rotation while he’s in his prime.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD: Weston McKennie (23), Chris Durkin (22)

I hate the fact that Schalke keep using McKennie – who’s probably a No. 8 right now, but should be a No. 6 by this time next year – as a center back in fits and starts. It’s a bizarre decision considering the kid’s potential:

Digging through old GIFs and I am reminded that Weston McKennie can be a filthy man. pic.twitter.com/aCfX9yNore

— Scuffed (@zlebmada) July 13, 2018

Durkin outright won the starting d-mid job from an in-his-prime Venezuelan international already, and he is a game-controlling distributor who’s manning the toughest spot on the field as an 18-year-old. He’s not exceptional at digging the ball out of a scrum in 1v1 defensive situations, but he reads the game very well, has good strength, and generally makes things easier on his teammates.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Keaton Parks (24), Cristian Roldan (27), Paul Arriola (27)

Parks has maybe the softest feet in the pool, as well as the greatest passing range. His ability to receive the ball in traffic, spin away from pressure and then switch the field of play – and then get forward – is why he was winning minutes for one of Europe’s best clubs at age 20. He has a good shot at being a starter for Benfica this coming season.

I had to flip several coins between Roldan, Marky Delgado and Kellyn Acosta, but the short version is this: Even when his team has been bad, he has been consistently good, and he can play three or four different spots (depending upon how you feel about him as an off-the-ball attacking midfielder). The same goes true for Arriola, who has turned into an all-energy No. 8 over the past couple of months, but has also played as both a pure winger and a two-way, touchline-to-touchline wingback in his young and thus-far-pretty-impressive career.

This list can and will change a ton over the coming years, and there are a few younger guys who have, I think, greater potential than either. But Roldan and Arriola are my calls (for now).

ATTACKING MIDFIELD: Andrew Carleton (22), Sebastian Lletget (29)

Has he played only 29 total MLS minutes? Yes. Has he been inconsistent in USL? Yes. Does he have some of the best players in the league ahead of him? He sure does. But I’ve still got my money on Carleton, who’s looked good-to-great every time he’s gotten to play with the full Atlanta squad, be it in brief regular season cameos, or in the US Open Cup where he did this:

It looks like he’ll have to prove he can dominate in the USL, and then dominate with the US U-20s – the CONCACAF Championship is in November – before getting real minutes in MLS. So be it. I think he’ll get there.

Lletget’s been largely forgotten about because of his injuries over the past two seasons, but as an all-around attacking presence he’s been excellent when healthy, and long-term I hope he wins a spot in the hole underneath the Galaxy front line.

There aren’t a ton of 10s coming through the ranks, but you’d probably want to keep an eye on Gianluca Busio, Frankie Amaya and Richie Ledezma.

WINGER: Christian Pulisic (23), Tim Weah (22), Jonathan Lewis (25)

Pulisic’s the first name on the list. Weah wasn’t as good with the U-17s as Carleton, but he’s gotten minutes for PSG and hasn’t looked out of place, and he’s scored goals for the USMNT. I think most would consider it a stretch not to include him on this list.

Lewis has been a game-changer pretty much every time he’s gotten on the field for NYCFC, and I don’t see why that wouldn’t continue. In fact I expect it to continue – he plays with a purpose and clarity lots of young attackers lack, and punishes the hell out of backlines that aren’t precise when trying to play through him:

There are a few other young wingers who should be in the mix, like Bofo Saucedo, Chris Mueller, Jonathan Amon and Emmanuel Sabbi, while the even younger, USL-based cadre has too many prospects to list.

CENTER FORWARD: Josh Sargent (22), Jozy Altidore (32)

Sargent is, hands-down, the best forward prospect in the player pool, and my great hope is that we get to see him prove it this year in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen. He hasn’t been playing much with the first team in preseason, but he’s been scoring a bunch for the second team and that bodes well for his near-term and long-term future.

As for Jozy… he’s better than Bobby Wood, better than Jordan Morris, better than Gyasi Zardes, better than Andrija Novakovich (whose numbers in the Dutch second flight were not as good as Jozy’s in the Dutch top tier). Age 32 is long-in-the-tooth, but not precisely old, and I’ll just say it: I’m not super confident that any of the younger forwards I’ve seen (besides Sargent) will be able to displace Altidore this cycle.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Four years ago writing this column was cathartic. Writing it this time has been much different, a mixture of anxiety (which of these guys will actually live up to their potential?), worry (goodness, that’s a really young roster I just picked) and hope (goodness, that’s a really talented roster I just picked).

Whoever the next head coach is will have a ton of questions to answer, but a ton of raw material to work with. I’ve been following the USMNT for 35 years, and this is the blankest I can remember the slate being since the very beginning of that span. No fate but what we make.

Series: 

Topics: 

<!–

Stay connected: Get access to breaking news, videos, and analysis from North America’s best soccer reporters via “This Week in MLS” newsletter or using our FREE mobile app.

–>

Stay connected: The all-new, completely redesigned, FREE official MLS app is your best mobile source for scores, news, analysis and highlights. Download:  App Store  |  Google Play

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

World Cup: Predicting the 2022 USMNT roster | Armchair Analyst was originally published on 365 Football

[etherexllxght-blog]

snap ➝  👀

( open starter . f/nb . mutuals / non ) feat. lennon kelly . suggested connections: ex - girlfriend / ex - lover

lennon: being in clubs without you feels weird lennon: but eyy. time to move on i guess lennon: hope you’re happy tho

[etherexllxght-blog]

tags

[365footballorg-blog]

Armchair Analyst: Your complete guide to the Week 19 MLS slate

July 6, 20181:42PM EDT

A quick rundown of the midweek action:

The overall theme was “Boy, a bunch of these teams out there look out of gas.” The heat, the travel, the grind, injuries etc. all add up, and all take their toll. Every year in July we see lots of results like these – Team A controls the game for 75 minutes, empties their tank, and then Team B charges back for a result.

My guess is we’ll see a bit more of exactly that this weekend.

Let’s dive in:

Saturday Slate

Philadelphia Union vs. Atlanta United

7 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

Here’s what happened to Atlanta on Wednesday night:

Through 85 minutes, #ATLUTD were on track for three big points against FCD.

Then, a tactical shift changed everything… https://t.co/ZRB10SEPoG

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2018

Not sure what that will mean for them this weekend, other than “I bet Miles Robinson won’t start.”

The operative question in this game: Can Philly play through whatever defensive look the Five Stripes throw at them? And in doing so, can they avoid turnovers? If the answers to both questions are “yes,” then they’ve got a healthy shot at winning this one. If no, Andre Blake’s going to have a long night.

Montreal Impact vs. Colorado Rapids

7:30 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

Montreal have hit a little jag of form and this one, on paper, is a happy match-up for them. The Rapids are on short rest, playing their third game in a week, having traveled across half the continent after Wednesday’s loss. Beyond that, their defensive weakness (wingers who can get behind the wingback and isolate the wide center back) aligns almost perfectly with Montreal’s attacking strength (pretty much just Ignacio Piatti).

Be warned, though: This feels like one of those classic MLS games where it looks, on paper, like a ho-hum 2-0 win for the home side. That probably means the Rapids, who’ve been playing out of an ultra-defensive 5-4-1 in recent weeks, takes this one 5-4.

New England Revolution vs. Seattle Sounders

7:30 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

The Sounders got the three points they needed out of this week, and now go into this weekend’s game likely without Bruin, whose limped off after finishing off the Rapids.

Seattle have been better on the attack the last few weeks after a turgid, unwatchable start to the year. We dove in and took a look at the how and why:

Of course, it’s going to be a very different-looking Seattle team on Saturday. My guess is we see a lot of reserves.

For the Revs, who are unbeaten in six but have won just four of their last 12, that makes this game a should-win. It’s really a need-to-win if you look at their upcoming schedule: They’ve got this, then LA at home, then five-of-six on the road through the end of August, and then a brutal five games in September. Dropped points here would loom large come the end of summer.

Sporting KC vs. Toronto FC

8:30 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

Sporting fans got at me earlier in the year when I pointed out that their defense just doesn’t look anywhere near what it has been. And granted, they’ve figured out a bunch of it – they’re once again one of the better defensive teams in the league by most metrics, and Tim Melia’s still a hero, and they’re still second in the West.

They’re also still capable of getting torched on any given day because they’re a little gappier at the back and a lot slower to close down through midfield than they once were. That’s what happened on Wednesday when RSL’s committed, energetic kids cut them apart.

And SKC lost their heads a little bit. Daniel Salloi and Roger Espinoza were both sent off, and Ilie should have been. Add in Matt Besler’s injury, and you’ve got a team that will not look familiar.

But… against a Toronto FC team that’s this bad, will it matter?

The Reds have lost three straight, and won once in seven. Half their guys are hurt and the half that aren’t look completely demoralized. This now feels exactly like FC Dallas’ faceplant of 2017, and I’ll officially be shocked if they dig themselves out of it.

Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United

9 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

Houston were down 1-0 early and 2-0 late before that stoppage-time comeback. In between they strung together a lot of passes through midfield, showed themselves to be vulnerable on the break, and settled for far too many (34!!!!!) crosses for a team whose center forward, Mauro Manotas, can not head the ball.

It was a really, really weird performance, and I doubt we’ll see similar against the Loons.

Minnesota have switched to a 3-5-2 the past couple of games, and while they got a result against TFC, that was Quintero, not the formation. Houston, with all that speed they’ve got on the wings, are much better equipped to punish any 3-5-2 (but especially one with wingbacks who are asked to dive inside and vacate the flank, which is Miguel Ibarra’s job) than the Reds.

For what it’s worth, I still think the Dynamo will be a playoff team. If they don’t win this, it’ll be time for me to start re-thinking that.

Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas

10 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

It’s taken half a season but RSL have just about found their best lineup, right? Corey Baird (5g/2a in 1000 minutes) has beaten out Luis Silva and the exiled Alfredo Ortuño at center forward. Bofo Saucedo has beaten out Joao Plata at left wing. Danny Acosta is out of the doghouse at left back. Brooks Lennon’s learning curve at right back has been flatter than expected (he has All-Star potential at that spot).

Most importantly: Sunny’s a starter. That means one of Kyle Beckerman or Damir Kreilach isn’t, and the operative question with RSL every week is “What will Mike Petke decide in that central midfield?”

FCD have decisions of their own following the Mauro Diaz transfer.

pic.twitter.com/Jb9AE6IXeX

— Phil Luetchford  (@luetchy10) July 3, 2018

I miss him. They’ll miss him, and they showed why through most of Wednesday’s win, generally lacking ideas and only creating danger on the break. That was good enough to get them past Atlanta United at home and might be good enough to get them past RSL on the road, but long-term, it’s no surprise Fernando Clavijo is talking about bringing in a DP No. 10.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Chicago Fire

10:30 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

For Vancouver, this is their final home game before they head out on the road for four of five, and they are actually below the playoff line on PPG. The math says they really, really need three points here.

How do they get it against a Fire team that’s been both more dangerous (9 goals in their last 5 games) and resolute (only one loss in seven) lately? Same way they always go after it: Try to draw them upfield, absorb a bit of pressure, and then hit on the counter. Though to manage as much they’ll have to do a better job of forcing and transitioning off of midfield turnovers than they’ve managed the past couple of weeks.

The above’s not as easy a job against Chicago as it used to be. Their 4-3-3 isn’t exactly “humming,” but they’ve been using the ball well through midfield, which has meant they can take fewer risks pushing their fullbacks up. And that, in turn, has meant fewer big chances conceded. It’s a virtuous cycle.

LA Galaxy vs. Columbus Crew SC

10:30 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

It’s sort of slid under the radar, but the Galaxy are having something of an injury crisis. They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 against D.C. on Tuesday, with an XI that included Ashley Cole – yes, LB Ashley Cole – as a box-to-box midfielder. Winger Romain Alessandrini was the No. 10, just underneath Zlatan Ibrahimovic, for the first half hour, and then Baggio Husidic came on to play that spot after Alessandrini was moved out wide and Bradford Jamieson IV was subbed off.

LA got themselves a 2-0 lead. Zlatan scored yet another golazo, and Chris Pontius got a second. But then the whole team was turgid and unthreatening the rest of the night, they conceded D.C. a ton of space, possession and chances, and it largely came down to the central midfield’s inability to 1) control the game, and 2) turn what possession they did manage into actual chances.

Here’s the chalkboard for Perry Kitchen, Cole, Alessandrini and Husidic, the four central midfielders on the night:

Those four guys combined to complete a grand total of six passes in the attacking third against one of the worst backlines in the league. And just look at the overall lack of penetration – almost everything is side-to-side or backwards.

I’m not letting the defense off the hook here. LA started four center backs (???) and still managed to concede two goals, the equalizer coming late and after Michael Ciani ducked out of the way of Darren Mattocks’ shot. It was all ungood, and was a team effort in futility.

Will Columbus capitalize? That’s obviously unclear because nobody, at this point, knows if they’ll show up with their finishing boots. You know how they’ll play, and you know they’ll create chances, but nobody should be the farm that they’ll finish them.

LAFC vs. Orlando City

11 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

At this point, here’s the only functional, non-envirtonmental thing I worry about from an LAFC perspective:

And here’s what Ciman did in the dying stages of what turned out to be a 2-2 draw against @HoustonDynamo https://t.co/p5eHPoyL9L

— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) July 4, 2018

I worry about lots of stuff from a Purple Lions perspective. I’ll also admit I’m very excited to see them for the first time under new head coach James O’Connor. If they’re half as organized and entertaining as his Louisville City teams were, Orlando City fans will be happy.

Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes

11 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

My colleague Bobby Warshaw broke down how the Timbers evolved earlier in the season, and how they haven’t been forced to in the three months since then:

They crowd key zones defensively, and remain disciplined to ensure they are never vacated. Consequently, opponents find it hard to get good scoring opportunities. Through the first five games, Portland had conceded 12 goals, the most in the league through that point. In the 10 games since, they have conceded nine times.

It’s not a change of formation that’s mattered, but rather the commitment to a principle.

After Portland beat LAFC, 2-1, in mid-May, LAFC head coach Bob Bradley told reporters that, “[Portland’s] block of seven, their four defenders and then the way those three defenders are dropped in, they’re very compact. Your ability to get through their [defense] is challenged.”

Will the Quakes allow those counter opportunities? Probably! Things have been bad in San Jose, to the point that the front office sent out a letter to season ticket holders IN ALL CAPS. It’s actually a pretty good letter that seems to indicate they understand some of the underlying, structural reasons for what’s now been six seasons of playoff-less existence.

At the same time: The Quakes have real talent, and have invested a lot in it. They should not be as poor as they have been.

Sunday Showdown

NYCFC vs. New York Red Bulls

7 pm ET | Match Preview | TV & streaming info

NYCFC and the Red Bulls have built-in, structural advantages. Because they are part of larger, global soccer enterprises, they’re able to lose key players – or, you know, head coaches – midseason and replace them internally with a sort of “no muss, no fuss” tactical approach. There is a “Red Bulls Way” and there is a “City Football Group” way and that means Dome Torrent and Chris Armas can come in an make tweaks, not overhauls.

Torrent said as much when he replaced Patrick Vieira last month:

“I don’t change many, many things because Patrick did a fantastic job here. In fact, he plays more similar than us in Manchester City. It’s the perfect philosophy for me,” Torrent said. “But every week, we introduce a little bit of change because I like the way in general this team plays, but in life, in general, you can always improve.”

Armas hasn’t said anything yet after replacing Jesse Marsch on Friday morning, but this quote from the press release was, I thought, telling:

“On behalf of the entire organization, I’d like to thank Jesse for what he helped build here over the last few years,” said general manager Marc de Grandpre. “Chris has emerged as a leader in his own right, and embodies our core values on and off the field. We are excited for him to take this opportunity and know he will perfectly represent our club.”

Emphasis mine.

I understand “core values” is the type of PR-speak that most teams would put out in a similar situation, but RBNY play like RB Salzburg play like RB Leipzig, and you don’t rise through the ranks unless you’ve shown you understand that. Armas will not be in that locker room reinventing the wheel, or – like O’Connor in Orlando – trying to get a team of underperforming veterans to show they actually do realize they’re an actual factual team.

He’ll be there trying to get them to do the same thing they’ve been doing, and – like Torrent in NYCFC – trying to get them to improve around the edges.

Which is basically saying this: I don’t think a Torrent vs. Armas head coaching matchup will look any different, in terms of the fundamentals, than a Vieira vs. Marsch matchup. The operative factor will be Torrent’s stubbornness:

The Red Bulls have utterly dominated this derby, going 8-3-1 across all competitions with 30 goals scored and just 11 conceded. In large part it’s because Vieira just refused to budge off his “build with the ball at all costs” approach.

In the past that’s put them on the edge. In 2018 that’s put them in the blender, as RBNY have taken a pair of 4-0 wins so far (one in the regular season, the other in the U.S. Open Cup).

Torrent, on Sunday, gets his first chance to be more pragmatic.

One More Thing To Ponder

No way this goes badly.

Happy weekending, everybody.

Series: 

Topics: 

<!–

Stay connected: Get access to breaking news, videos, and analysis from North America’s best soccer reporters via “This Week in MLS” newsletter or using our FREE mobile app.

–>

Stay connected: The all-new, completely redesigned, FREE official MLS app is your best mobile source for scores, news, analysis and highlights. Download:  App Store  |  Google Play

#block-block-188 {padding:0;} #stay-connected {border-top:1px solid #ebebeb;margin:20px 0;} #stay-connected p {margin:0;color:#4d4d4d;line-height:1.5em;} @media screen and (max-width: 730px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 731px) and (max-width: 1120px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:100%;} } @media screen and (min-width: 1121px) { #stay-connected {padding:8px 6px 0 6px;width:708px;} }

MLSsoccer.com News

Armchair Analyst: Your complete guide to the Week 19 MLS slate was originally published on 365 Football