#Alex posing like on the strokes is this it cover

[nicoscheer]

Me too Miles me too 🤣🤣

Tlsp used to be my girl @ øyafestival 2016

Nothing has really changed between 2005 and 2016 🫶🏽🥹❤️(Miles watching Alex in 2005 when the little flames were the monkeys support act vs Miles watching Alex in 2016 when they are co frontmen of their own supergroup)

Osheaga Festival

Coachella; Alex’s little twirl 🥺 and the absolute fondness in Miles’ eyes he’s like yup that’s my idiot and I love him very much

[yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy]

Magic and Miracles and BEYOND Chapter 14

Ya'll, when I say, that the writer's block for this story practically parked it's 18 wheeler sized ass in front of me, like a boulder on a mountain road AND THERE WAS NO WAY AROUND IT, to the point that I didn't know if I ever would get to write it again and I had to take a break for...way too fucking long. Also- for the record, all of this still happens in my head in 2018, you know, when I started writing this story, because BY GOD, all these characters should have had their weddings and a small piece of happily ever after BEFORE COVID comes to fuck everyone over. But Hazel's dress, that's still 2022 Pnina Tornay, it's a fantasy story, I'm fudging the timeline, a little. Also Hazel's engagement ring? Chocolate diamond. She's a foodie. It made sense.

Also, Yes, I do realize that I am face casting Alex Pettyfer twice. The first was as modern Ravus Nox Flueret, and then...as Dash Parr in my modern Incredibles AU Why So Jaded. Look, I just adore the guy ok? He's...incredibly good looking and talented, and HOT. They don't happen in the same alternate universe, it's fine, it's fine.

Anyway, so back to the road block, sorry, detour, anyway, so then, tragedy struck in my personal life, ok several tragedies kind of piled up all at once it felt like and shook me to my core, and suddenly those earthquakes, knocked that boulder off the road and opened up the creative roadway to this story again, then I wrote something truly horrific for this particular story. AND IT'S AWESOME, like it's brutal, will reach inside and grab your heart, put it into a blender before handing it back to you as you cry and say thank you, kind of awesome, so angsty.

But, I couldn't just...post it and not keep wrapping up other character's story lines because this was still "everyone needs to find their happily ever after" foundations laid. So. What that did, was give me a "if you want this- angsty thing to happen, how do you get the story from here to there, now that you don't have this fucking boulder in the way." and my brain finally went "I got it! TREDD IS AN ASSHOLE" and boom, problem solved. See I had- most of the components to this particular chapter, already written and mentally mapped out and planned out but the "go juice" to write it was empty.

But Tredd, lovable, asshole Tredd, gave me what I needed. I don't even know if I should tag who I used to tag...however long ago I used to post chapters to this story or if they have all changed their usernames and stuff or if any of them are still interested. But you know what? I'm gonna post it anyway. So enjoy.

Also, @the-immortal-marshal, thanks for sticking with me and hanging in there, THE PAIN IS COMMING NEXT CHAP. ENJOY the last moment of "peace and happiness where everything is perfect and nothing hurts" while it lasts.

Magic and Miracles and BEYOND

Chapter 14

“Hello Behbehs!” Selena cooed when she came home from school to her dogs and Duchess who eagerly greeted her before she got all the packages from the little stylish boxes she built out of pallets to create a little place for packages to be stored on her front porch before she and Ravus could get home and get them in their apartment.

“Ah thank goodness.” Selena breathed in relief when a couple of them were those pre prepared meal kits. Because with both her and Ravus being in school and both of them working too, they rarely had a chance to go grocery shopping anymore and the meal kits were a healthy alternative to fast food and surprisingly less expensive than take out and right now they were still in their “try everything once to find our favorites” stage. But Selena barely had them all unpacked and put away by the time her phone chimed.

‘Hope you had a good day today Darling’ Ravus texted when his phone chimed that she had made it home.

‘It’s been fine, busy, how about yours?’ Selena texted back.

‘Not great, I’ll be happy to call it a day soon.’ Ravus texted back as Selena frowned at her phone before she got an idea and raced up the stairs to get dressed in more business formal attire that was clearly flirtatious that covered up some ridiculously sexy lingerie and some really good ‘fuck me’ heels and put on some makeup and put her hair up in a quick bun then quickly left their apartment to go to Miracles Hospital where she parked next to Ravus’ car and purposefully strutted into the offices, using the badge keycard Sylva had made for her to get in before she made a B-Line for Ravus’ temperoary office while his was under construction before she checked in with Kathryn to make sure he was alone in his office before she opened his office door and struck a pose in his door frame with a smoldering look and a mischevious smirk on her lips that had Ravus’ jaw dropping to the floor at the vision she was.

“Hey. What are you doing here? Is there a problem with…?” Ravus began to ask as she closed the door, locked it then sauntered up to him and straddled his lap before she kissed him passionately as he eagerly held her and pulled her to himself as he kissed her back with equal passion that had Ravus thanking God that he put such an amazing, wonderful and sexy as hell woman in his life that could give him the one thing he wanted that he knew money could never buy- her love, priceless and perfect as it was. And with her love came devotion, loyalty, honesty, faithfulness and right now- desire and it was his life’s goal to make himself as desirable to her as he could possibly be because being the object of her affection was all he could ever want and he wanted her to feel as lucky that she had him for a partner- that he felt about her.

“How’s your day now?” Selena purred when they broke for air.

“Ah-amazing, I can’t, can’t complain.” Ravus answered truthfully, his mind desperate in it’s grasping for coherent thought as he was completely blown away and delighted by her little surprise visit as his hands traveled down her body, appreciating every nuance and curve she had.

“Good, now do you want to fuck me here or in the sleep studies wing, in the car or at home?” Selena asked and watched as he swallowed thickly as his own eyes grew a dark stormy gray with lust.

“Is there an ‘all of them’ option?” Ravus returned which made Selena smile brighter as he quickly hiked up her skirt the rest of the way to reveal that she had not been wearing underwear but was wearing thigh highs attached to a matching green silk garter belt ,which were his favorite kind of stockings as his cock tried to break through his pants trying to get into her as he gasped and ‘oohed’ in surprise and delight as she made quick work of his pants and underwear before she managed to seat herself onto him as he let his chair lean back and rest on a filing cabinet so they wouldn’t crash backwards and also so that Selena could ride him as hard as she wanted to without hurting anything as she opened up his silk dress shirt so that his chest and neck were bared to her before he yanked down her shirt and undid her bra so that her breasts, which had been pushed up to show her amazing cleavage before- were now bared to him in turn as he suckled as his hands went to her hips to guide her over him and when his other hand reached down to stroke her clit with practiced ease as he whispered some absolutely filthy things to her in French which he had discovered could get Selena all riled up and to hear and see and feel that was like a drug to him.

Selena could feel her orgasm approaching as her body and mind were in absolute bliss and to hear Ravus whisper, moan and growl in her ear in between kissing and licking and playfully biting every inch of skin he could reach as he drove up into her as hard as he could and rub her clit just right. Not too hard, not too fast, but as if he was delicately conjuring her soul through her pussy was the greatest pleasure she had ever known and she didn’t care what he was saying to her in French, but the way he said it, the way it rolled off of his very gifted tongue and the way he could enrapture her mind, body and soul so easily, as easy as he breathed and leave her so desperate for him, desperate for more. Just one more touch, one more kiss, one more thrust, one more profession of love, of promise, of adoration, everything. How she was his everything and how he was going to love her and cherish her for as long as he lived and she had the utmost faith in every word. And she knew that she was going to love him for the rest of hers. She didn’t care if he lost his fortune or the hospital or anything. She would keep him and he would keep her. And that would be all that mattered.

In rapid succession Selena came, her shuddering cry of bliss was the most perfect sound in Ravus’ ears as he smiled victoriously that he was able to give her the greatest pleasure possible before Ravus’ own face scrunched up as he came himself, a grunting, hissing moan. His cock throbbing but since his injections, there were no loads, other than an extra load of precum before they both collapsed in the chair as they held each other as Selena let her head rest on his shoulder as they recovered.

Selena traced random designs on his skin around his chest hair that was starting to fill in nicely along with more muscle mass that had started to build just in the last few months since he graduated highschool and gotten back from the most epic summer vacation. It was as if he was a late bloomer. All the bulky muscle he had always wanted was finally filling in the way he wanted it to and he was having to buy new suits and shirts because his old ones no longer fit him the way he wanted them to, but thankfully that glorious cock of his stayed the same, much to Selena’s utter and complete delight.

The only thing that hadn’t grown was thankfully his feet so that meant the man didn’t need to buy new shoes. Which was his own guilty pleasure and obsession, especially dress shoes. While they had gone cross country all summer, he and Luche would hit up all the thrift stores and speciality shops looking for old shoes to restore and when they had been in L.A. They had hit the mother load. All these places that had all the shoes from the old stars of hollywood, whether they became famous or infamous or never even made it on the map. But their very expensive and very good quality shoes were left behind. One shop in particular was run by a couple of older gentlemen that were so happy to see some younger guys were into this kind of thing that they gave them the deals of a lifetime and even Tredd and of course Ignis came along and between Ravus and Ignis, Luche and Tredd got quite the crash course education on shoes, in particular old dress shoes as the four of them practically bought the store out and had to ship out most of them back home because they wouldn't fit with their former travel plans. Ravus and Ignis were the way about shoes the same way some women were about fashion and purses.

Of course that wasn't the only "obsession" Ravus and Ignis had shared with Luche and Tredd, Ravus' mother and of course his grandparents were avid fountain pen collectors and when Sylva's parents had passed, they went over her parent's very, very extensive fountain pen collection that was in the thousands of pens large, Ravus insisted that about two dozen of them go directly to Selena so she could "impress" her more "financially affluent" clients she was starting to get as Sylva happily let those precious few go to Selena, then the rest were picked through by Sylva, Lunafreya who was also an avid fountain pen enthusiast as well as Ravus and Ignis who then coached Luche and Tredd of all people who showed an interest in what he called "rich people shit", just like jewels, yahts, jets, shoes and the like, which amused Sylva who humored him enough to go through what made a good fountain pen and what made different pens valuable and what the more "famous" or well known "name brands" were and what inks were best for which pens and corralating inks to the pens themselves as Luna did the same thing with Selena so that Ravus could coach Luche through the same thing too as the rest were divided evenly and "put away" so that they could become an "inheritance" for the next generation.

Meanwhile Ravus wasn’t the only one who had gone through some changes over the course of the summer and now fall, Selena too seemed to fill in quite nicely, she had gained some weight over the summer, her hips had filled out and her derriere had plumped out and her breasts had grown, filled in and rounded out and while she had gone up a few dress sizes, Ravus couldn’t be happier about the developments. Like she had transformed from lithe teen to full blown woman and he was all too happy to replace every piece of clothing in her wardrobe so that she was comfortable and could embrace her current body.

And with Selena landing what in her opinion was the dream job at Fosters as a junior designer and was currently designing all her friend’s houses as Oak Creek Estates under the supervision of a woman named Samantha Leeds, who had taken Selena under her wing and was showing her the ropes and helping get all the classes at the local college. Selena had had the hardest time understanding CAD but when she finally figured it out. She quickly excelled.

“So what’s going on?” Selena asked after they seemed to recover but were in no need to change their positions or state of partial undress.

“Something stupid in office politics.” Ravus huffed.

“Ok…” Selena urged.

“Some of the board members are getting greedy, in particular Mr. Greed, they look at how much Project Recovery is making them and they’re seeing dollar signs at the other pharma we produce.” Ravus revealed.

“But I thought your mom had a pretty good stance that when it came to life saving drugs like insulin and other medications like it- that you put a cap on all those so they’re affordable to everyone.” Selena frowned.

“She did, but the other board members see Luche and I coming onto the board and think they can get to us and pit us against mother or pit us against each other- thinking their greed is going to be contagious or something or that we’re too young to know what we’re talking about and too inexperienced to have valid opinions.” Ravus grumped before he kissed her forehead sweetly, grateful he could bare his heart and soul like this to her so freely.

“Well that’s not going to work right?” Selena said as she raised her head to fix him with a look.

"No, it's just frustrating to deal with until they retire, although I can’t imagine dealing with Roman or Ainsley is going to get any better, all I hear is ‘chip off the old block’ when Rob talks about them." Ravus shook his head.

"Is there any way we can get Mr. Greed to retire early? Get some peace before Roman and Ainsley come on board or is it not just Mr. Greed that’s giving you all the headaches?" Selena hoped.

"I wish it was just him. But it’s not. It just...comes with the territory. Besides if there was a way to make Mr. Greed and the others to retire early, I'm pretty sure my mother would have done it already. They've been thorns in her sides most of her life and they’re proving to be thorns in ours as well." Ravus mused as Selena frowned deeper.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s not your problem to fix, but thank you for listening.” Ravus thanked her gratefully as he held her comfortably in his arms. “And thank you for this, this was the best surprise.” He smiled appreciatively as he nuzzled her face with his.

“You’re welcome.” Selena smiled happily.

“Hey you wanna go out to dinner?” Ravus asked hopefully. “We could see if Lu and Ada wanted to join us?” He asked.

“Sure,” Selena nodded as she and Ravus worked on getting straightened up as Selena pulled her dress down a bit more so it was a bit more modest and pinned the top up to a much more modest height and by the time they got squared away and unlocked the door they saw Ada coming out of Luche’s office dressed similarly to Selena and Luche himself had the same love drunk smile Ravus was wearing.

“Hey,” Selena greeted as both Selena and Ada blushed before they looked pointedly at each other’s shoes then back up to each other before they both tried to stifle their giggles because they both knew exactly why the other was wearing those heels as they beamed knowingly at each other.

“Dinner?” Ravus asked as he self consciously smoothed his hair as Luche did the same as Luche gave Ada a questioning look and smiled when she eagerly nodded her head.

“Oh yeah.” Luche agreed before they all hopped into Ravus’ new Land Rover and drove to the restaurant that piqued their interest and hunger.

“So how’s the wedding planning going?” Ravus asked Luche while they looked at the menus.

“Good, still deciding on invitations, although we've narrowed it down to three different choices.” Luche answered.

“We did agree to use the same venue Sylva used when she got married.” Ada revealed.

“Yeah, that’s the same venue we decided on too.” Selena smiled happily.

“Do you have any ideas what dress you’d want?” Selena asked.

“Actually yeah.” Ada nodded as she scooted closer to Selena in the booth to show her the dresses she had found on Pintrist.

“Oooh, I like that one.” Selena agreed.

“It’s just going to be a challenge to find one that doesn’t drown me out. Because I’m so short and petite, but I don’t want to walk down the aisle in like 7 inch heels just to not trip over the dress.” Ada confessed as Ravus nearly lost it Luche’s grin as he had that ‘I wouldn’t mind’ kind of expression.

“Are you excited to go back to Kleinfelds?” Selena asked.

“Very much so, I’m already packed.” Ada confessed.

That weekend, the whole crew went back to Klinefelds for Ada to do her dress shopping. As Sylva made sure that Ada’s parents and Luche’s parents were in the middle couch while the boys made sure to keep Luche preoccupied while all the girls happily rallied around Ada as they all had their own ideas of what Ada should wear while Morgan got Sylva’s picks and other dresses into the room.

“Ok, this is Crowe’s pick.” Morgan said as she brought Ada out in the first dress.

“Aww,” they all awwed.

“You’re drowning in it though Love.” Ada’s mother noted as others kind of grimaced and nodded in agreement.

“So what do you love about this dress?”

“I love the bling, I love the tiered layers, it’s just a little too poofy.” Ada offered Morgan.

“Ok, so let’s try again, we’ll be right back.” Morgan offered the crew.

“Ok, so this is a mermaid, fit and flare,” Morgan announced as she brought Ada back out.

“It looks amazing, I just can’t really move because it’s so restrictive.” Ada realized as the rest of her family put in their 2 cents about it before she was back and tried even more, trying on her mom’s picks, Linda’s picks then finally getting to Sylva’s picks but Sylva made sure that Morgan didn’t tell Ada that they were her pick’s and instead urged Morgan to introduce them as her picks before sneaking one into Morgan’s hands that was brand new that had not been there when they had been there last.

Ada softly gasped when she saw it, it was perfect, it had the tiered layers but it also had lace and glitter and just a little bit of everything. It was perfect and when she put it on, she couldn’t help but cry. It was a soft, blushed ivory. It complemented her red hair and her skin tone gorgeously. She felt like a proper bride in this and she could see in her mind- so clearly- how Luche would probably cry tears of happiness if he saw her in this. This was it, this was the one.

“There’s that smile.” Morgan grinned victoriously as she looked at Ada in the mirror after she cinched the corset back closed and got it looking like Ada was born into this dress.

“This is it, even if all of them hate it, this is it.” Ada insisted.

“Well then let’s show them.” Morgan insisted.

Everyone could tell that Ada’s smile practically came from her toes, she was practically glowing with happiness as Sylva got choked up which caused Linda and Ada’s mom Amelia to start crying as all the girls started gasping and cooing before Morgan happily snagged an appropriate veil and put it on her and that’s when they were all practically sobbing.

“It’s perfect Love, absolutely perfect. It has those tiers that you love and the lace is so romantic.” Amelia cried as she squeezed her husband- Richard’s hand who was also getting choked up as they passed a box of tissues down the line.

“You look stunning Ada, really, just perfectly beautiful.” Linda praised as she had already made her peace with Ada being a daughter in law.

“And it still has enough sparkle and glitter to it, that even in low light, you’ll glitter like the jewel you are.” Sylva added.

“So, are you saying yes to the dress?” Morgan asked.

“Yes, I’m saying yes to this dress.” Ada confirmed happily before Amelia got up off the couch and hugged her daughter tightly before her dad hugged her tightly too along with her brother who had also been flown in for the event with his fiance.

A week later, Hazel and Sylva returned to Klinefelds as Sylva had flown out Hazel’s sister Mei and her mother Huan and her dad Tommy along with Titus' mother Helen and Titus’ sister Jenny in for the appointment. Helen and the rest of her family had been all too happy to welcome Hazel into the fold. Once Titus was thirty and then almost 40, Helen gave up on the idea that Titus would ever get married and settle down, especially when the rest of her children were giving her grandchildren at this point but it seemed she was too hasty when Titus finally met Hazel and seemed to get with the program and settle down “properly”.

Meanwhile Huan and Tommy were also over the moon that Hazel was finally settling down and even though Billy wasn’t wild about the age difference at first, the more he and Titus got to know each other, the better they got along, Tommy was happy that Titus made Hazel happy in addition to Titus’ character and stability and profession and Huan was so happy to learn that Titus was a good man, who had a house and was planning on building another with Hazel and when Titus and Hazel adopted Brutus who was Kona, Kahlua and Sasha’s sibling, while Tredd and Stella adopted Brutus’ brother King. To Huan- a grand-dog was close enough to a grandchild, for now. While she was always proud of Hazel for earning her own way though the world and earning enough to take care of them in their retirement, she had been on Hazel since she was in her twenties to have someone take care of her. And it seems Titus had finally come along and to do just that.

“So what are you looking for?” Meredith asked Hazel after everyone had been introduced.

“I’m looking for a very simple, not too many embellishments, comfortable, light weight wedding dress. Titus and I are getting married at the beach next May, right after school lets out, because he is highschool football coach. It’s going to be a very small, intimate wedding with just family and really close friends.” Hazel answered.

“Aww, that’s awesome, is there a price point we’re comfortable with?”

“Ten thousand.” Hazel answered.

“Ooh, more than enough to work with, well let’s go.” Meredith urged as she brought Hazel back into a dressing room to get changed before she went hunting for the perfect dress.

“Simple, light, comfortable.” Meredith echoed over and over again as she combed through the back room, her almost encyclopedic knowledge of the backroom to her aid as she went through all the dresses before she found several that would fit those criteria.

Charlotte came into the bridal shop, a giddy grin on her face as she came and “snuck up” on her family as Sylva turned her head and smiled at the newcomer.

“Surprise!” Charlotte announced to her family.

“Charlie?!” Tommy smiled happily as he got up and gathered up his daughter into his large arms. She may have been a wanted criminal and fugitive, but he was always happy to see her and to him, she would always be his "little Charlie".

“I thought you were overseas?” Tommy asked.

“And miss this? Nah, it’s Hazel’s first big day before the big big day, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Charlotte happily murmured into her dad’s chest before Tommy put his arm around his daughter’s shoulders and introduced her to Titus’ family who were completely oblivious as to Charlotte’s true identity as Charlotte sat next to Sylva.

“It’s nice to see you again. Different kind of exciting this time,” Sylva offered with a mischievous grin that Charlotte mirrored.

“I take it you didn’t get any kind of trouble from the last time we were in each other’s company.” Charlotte offered.

“Nope, not a peep, thank you.” Sylva reassured her.

“You’re welcome, this was wonderful, thanks for letting me know, when you get to know their wedding arrangements, forward them to this number, I doubt the groom would be comfortable with Gil and I coming but I want to send them a proper wedding gift that won't be on any kind of gift registry, at least domestically.” Charlotte nodded as she handed Sylva a slip of paper written in Mandarin as Sylva read it quickly, nodded and put it into her billfold just as Hazel came out in her first dress and stopped when she saw Charlotte.

“Charlie?” Hazel gasped in excitement as she saw her sister.

“Hey you, don’t you look beautiful.” Charlie greeted as she set her large, heavy purse on the seat and came over and embraced her sister.

“I didn’t think I would see you again.” Hazel admitted as she hugged her sister tight.

“Sylva invited me, hope you don’t mind.” Charlotte explained.

“Nope, not at all.” Hazel readily assured her sister.

“Is Gil here too?” Hazel asked.

“He’s doing business, as usual, plus I don’t think Dad would be cool and I know your fiance wouldn't be cool if Gil and I showed up to the wedding itself, so this is the best I can do and this is exposed enough without making things difficult or uncomfortable or "unsafe".” Charlotte excused.

“I get it, I'm still really happy to see you and that you're here. It means a lot, especially to Mom and Dad, and of course me as well.” Hazel nodded as Charlotte nodded in unison.

“So is this your dress?” Charlotte asked, changing the subject.

“This is just the first one, you came just in time.” Hazel answered.

“Well then let’s get to it.” Charlotte insisted as she returned to her seat.

“So this is dress number one. What do we think?” Meredith asked.

“It’s nice, I’m not in love with it, but it’s nice.” Hazel answered honestly.

“It makes you look like you’re wearing a tent.” Huan criticized as Helen and Jenny nearly choked on their spit and looked at Huan in alarm as Charlotte akept her snickering quiet enough to pass it off as a cough as Mei just rolled her eyes and complained to her mom in Mandarin that she was being too harsh.

“You don’t look like you’re wearing a tent, but the cut isn’t quite right. You need a more flattering shape to the fabric.” Charlotte offered.

“Agreed.” Sylva nodded.

“Well, that’s what first dresses are all about, finding what elements can work and what elements won’t.” Meredith explained before they tried on a few different picks as Charlotte looked around as did Sylva at the other dresses on display at the other dresses in the store.

“That one,” Charlotte and Sylva said at the same time once they both locked eyes on it and pointed to it.

“Well go get it then, bring it to her, it will mean more to her if you do.” Sylva encouraged before Charlotte got up and strutted across the floor to get the dress in question before she asked to see which room her sister was in before she came to the appropriate dressing room, a security guard shadowing her.

“Try this one.” Charlotte suggested as she handed the dress over to her sister as Hazel gasped softly when she saw it before Charlotte saw her way out and went back to the group and waived the security guard back a little farther so his presence was not felt by everyone else.

“And?” Sylva prodded.

“She had the gasp and the smile.” Charlotte answered as she checked her phone.

“Please let this be the one, I’m running out of time.” Charlotte whispered as she looked at the time on her phone and read the messages her henchmen were sending her as they stood guard a short distance away as her driver himself was scanning the police channels as Gil’s other men were monitoring the area.

Hazel came out a short time later, wearing a smile that shamed the sun, moon and stars as everyone else gasped and oohed and awed.

“Now that’s the dress, you look exquisite Hazel.” Huan finally complimented as Charlotte and Sylva gave each other a meaningful smile as Hazel nearly burst into tears as Jenny and Helen were already crying too.

“It’s perfect, but still incomplete.” Hazel began as she stood up and pulled a special box from her bag and took out a set of jade jewelry and put it on Hazel as Huan and Mei cooed and practically giggled as they put it on her as Charlotte gave Hazel a special sachet as well before Charlotte’s phone chimed.

“Do you have to go?” Hazel asked as Charlotte’s eyes watered as she tried to put on a brave, happy smile but nodded yes.

“Thank you for coming and for all of this. Thank you for being my sister. I love you so much.” Hazel thanked her as the two hugged before Charlotte got to hug every member of her family as Sylva got to get a quick picture of them all together, both with Charlotte’s phone as well as other members of her family so that each one would have a picture of this moment to treasure forever before the Henchmen came over and cleared their throats to get Charlotte’s attention as Charlotte hugged her parents, specifically her dad one last time.

“I have to go, I love you.” Charlotte bid her family before she used her handkerchief to dry her eyes and left with the henchmen as her driver was already anxiously out front, waiting to take his Empress back to a safer, less ‘exposed’ space.

“How come she couldn’t stay?” Helen asked.

“She’s a very busy woman. She lives half a world away and she probably had to fly back pretty soon, and security at the airports is a nightmare.” Sylva delicately excused as she waived it off.

“But now that we found the dress and the veil and obviously the jewelry. Let’s get settled up and get dinner shall we?” Sylva encouraged with a bright happy smile.

When Sylva came back home from flying and taking care of all the other guests, she came home to see all of her kids and their fiances and their friends as they had made a really nice dinner for everyone as Pelna and Yasmine, Gladio and Pashmina, Prompto and Cindy, Luche and Ada, Libertus and Crowe and Craig and Iris were on their way as well as Luche’s family and Ada’s family.

“Hey! So how did it go?” Luna asked as she gave her mom a big hug.

“Good, Charlotte came and surprised Hazel and the family.” Sylva revealed which caused everyone to freeze and look at each other worriedly.

“Charlotte Stevens?” Luna asked, taken aback by the news.

“Oh don’t look so surprised, when Charlotte and Gil used the jet they left a single phone number for the pilot to give to me and said I get to use it once. And I knew Charlotte wouldn’t want to miss the milestone in Hazel’s life because Charlotte knows she probably won't be welcome at the wedding since Cor is one of Titus' groomsmen, so I used it and told Charlotte the plan and she was very grateful for the invitation since no one else in her family knew how to get a hold of her to tell her. Besides, Titus’ family was blissfully ignorant of who she really was and Hazel’s family got to have a nice little reunion within the realitive safety confine of a public space and Charlotte got to see Hazel in her wedding dress as a good sister should. It was fine, I mean she had to be carrying four guns on her and who knows how many knives on her person, she had to have two guns in her outfit and at least another two in her purse and her four henchmen were armed to the teeth as well and she could only stay for about an hour but Hazel found the dress and everyone gave it their stamp of approval and Charlotte gifted Hazel some really pretty jade jewelry which is customary for a Chinese bride to receive which honored that part of her heritage and traditions, which was really nice, it was a lovely time.” Sylva waived off as she got the picture and showed everyone the family picture she took.

“She has got to have the biggest balls in the world.” Tredd noted, impressed when he saw the picture.

“She’s got you beat, that’s for sure.” Stella teased.

“She’s got everyone beat.” Sylva laughed.

“So is this everyone or are more coming?” Sylva asked.

“More are coming.” Luna reported.

“How many more?” Sylva asked before her doorbell rang and slowly then all at once, everyone came as everyone started pulling all the components at the table, setting it up for a large extended friends and family meal before Luche and Ada came in last, both of them having anxious smiles on their faces.

“Is everything ok?” Sylva asked Luche as she tried to keep her knowing smile to a minimum.

“Yeah, yeah, everythings great.” Luche reassured her.

“You sure?” Sylva asked as she looked from Luche to Ada who had the same anxious smile on her face.

“Ok, so we have some news and we wanted everyone to be around to make the announcement and we don’t exactly know how it’s going to be received.” Luche hinted.

“If it’s what I think it is, I will do my best to lead the way in accepting the announcement with all the happiness and joy that such an announcement garners. But I also want to be the first to offer my congratulations.” Sylva reassured them both.

“Thank you.” Luche and Ada breathed in relief.

“Come on, dinner is getting cold.” Sylva encouraged them before they all came into the kitchen where everyone was getting something to drink with their dinner.

“So Luche and I chose wedding invitations!” Ada happily announced as she handed every couple an invitation as well as one to her parents and one to Luche’s parents as well.

“Wait, I thought we agreed on May 18th, this is in December..only three months, it’s the weekend before Nyx and Luna’s wedding?” Linda pointed out.

“Well that brings us to announcement number two. We’re pregnant, or rather Ada is.” Luche announced as there was just a hint of nervousness to his excitement as Sylva was the first to squeal, almost an excited scream in delight, only half a second before Crowe did which got everyone else to cheer joyfully as Sylva came over and hugged them both and offered her first “official” congratulations which got Linda and Ada’s mother Amelia and Linda to get over their initial shock and plaster on happy smiles and congratulate them before Ada was swarmed by the girls with hugs and congrats as the first ultrasound pictures were passed around that she had gotten the day before.

“So how far along are you?” Sylva asked.

“Ten weeks.” Ada announced as Tredd, Nyx and Ravus shared a rather knowing smile, but no money was passed between the three because Tredd and Ravus had “seen it” when Sylva had as well. Crowe especially was super happy because she wasn’t the only one pregnant anymore as her own little baby bump had seemed to pop out since her own wedding.

“Baby bump!” Crowe happily cheered as she gently bumped her little baby bump into Ada’s belly which got Ada to giggle as the two hugged tightly and couldn’t stop laughing.

“Congratulations man!” Libertus congratulated Luche as he hugged him super tightly.

“Thanks.” Luche laughed into the hug before he got more congratulations from everyone else as even Tredd was, for once, gracious.

“So what are you hoping for?” Tredd asked.

“A healthy baby and a non complicated delivery.” Luche answered honestly.

“Good. Ok, everyone listen up! Taking bets on due dates and gender, where’s a white board?” Tredd suddenly turned, raising his voice to shout over everyone as he received a mixture of laughter and groans from some of the adults as Sylva laughed the hardest as Tredd took the whiteboard off the fridge and the little marker and erased all the important reminders after taking a pic of what was on it so none of it would be lost.

“Ok so that technically puts Crowe five months ahead of Ada so if gestation is 40 weeks, that’s basically ten months and Ada is already ten of those 38-40 weeks in- that puts us at...holy shit you’re due on your original wedding date- May 18th. OK, So, taking bets on three day spreads May 18th, 19th and 20th? Any takers?” Tredd continued undeterred.

“You asshole, I announce my fiance is pregnant and you immediately turn it into a bet?” Luche laughed, not surprised by his friend’s behavior, but was hoping he would have at least five minutes before Tredd turned into “The Lovable Douche Asshole”, the lovable part was questionable though most of the time.

“May 12th through the 15th, and a boy and the winner gets bragging rights but all the money and proceeds go to Luche and Ada.” Sylva said as she fished several hundred dollar bills out of her wallet and handed them to Ada before discretely handing Tredd another one too.

“Sweet, first better, Sylva Caelum, May 12th through the 15th and a boy.” Tredd repeated as he wrote that down and put a note in his phone.

“Oh what the hell. Twenty quid on the 16th-19th and I want a granddaughter so I’m betting on a girl.” Amelia offered as she handed Luche and Ada the money with a laugh of her own.

“May 9th-12th, a boy.” Ignis said as he handed Luche a few hundred dollars as well.

“May 19 through the 21st and a boy as well.” Luna giggled as she handed the couple a few hundred dollars too.

“May 14th through the 17th, boy as well.” Ravus added as he gave Luche most of the money in his wallet.

“Amelia it looks like if it is a girl, you’re getting amazing odds, five to one, that’s pretty awesome.” Tredd grinned at Amelia.

“Oh hell, I say May 21st through the 24th, also a girl.” Linda added as she gave Luche and Ada some money too as soon Luche and Ada were holding wads of cash and laughing as their friends were giving them money as Tredd was taking “bets” from everyone as everyone joined in on this impromptu gamble.

“Ok, so this isn’t so bad.” Ada had to confess to Luche as they tried to organize their “winnings” into a “gift bag” that Sylva had on hand before they all sat down to eat dinner as Luche nodded his agreement to that. That had gone way better than he was fearing as Selena, Stella and Luna all looked at their fiances with thinly veiled suspicion as they were looking at each other knowingly as they also noticed that Sylva also seemed particularly smug as they all happily enjoyed a very nice friends and family dinner as they discussed baby shower ideas as well as when to plan all the bridal showers and such and made a new, accelerated timeline.

[theramseyloft]

4/11/21 Loft Notes

Some one help, I am the grounds of a never ending peep parade!

There are peeps playing king of the mountain on me, Nobu alternately asking for nursies and trying to pull my phone down to preen icons, Nettle and Komodore trying to alternately play fight and preen me, Patch and Rogue taking turns posing on my knee, Lucy and Dio trying to run every one else off with pretty much no success...

Chiffon, Tandy, Leela, Cookie, Farthing, Thistle, Angel, Satin, and Sprinks vying for their turn.

Dio and Couture DEMAND I not just support, but full on cradle them with one hand and stroke with the other.

Sprinks, relieved from nest duty by Satin, danced wildly exuberant circles on my head.

The attempts to tread Luxie do not seem to have taken.

Farthing's attempt just now drew Alex, Leonard, Leela, and his own daughter to tread him.

Leonard is now circling Farthing like a horny little shark.

Aaand tread him.

Luxie off in the corner like "Really...?"

Aww.

He tried to come tread her and Alex is like "Heey~ that ass for me?~"

Holy shit, he finally tread  her!

Then he crouched, and Leonard tread him again.

Legs... Asleep!

So many lap birds!

Finally got up!

I'm so proud of Cherub!

He fled his first clutch Liang-style and used to be terrified of my hand reaching to check peeps.

He has not fled this peep once, before or after it hatched.

And on only day two, his defensive boxing is drastically reduced.

It has been a long day.

Got into a minor wreck running errands.

I'm fine. No one was hurt.

Car still drivable.

The other car barely scratched.

Went as well as such a thing can go.

We earned $0.50 back from Paypal.

Betty's family sent $100.75 to cover his postage.

Brining our PayPal Balance to: $191.99

[florencewritez]

Euphoric

AN: have a good day <3

WC: 6431  words

WARNINGS: consumption of alcohol, cursing "Mia, babe I genuinely don't know what I'd do without you," I told her as she carefully applied another white dot above my eyebrow to the row she'd already done. Mia only smiled, squeezing my cheeks a little more and telling me to keep my eyes closed or she'd poke them out. Begrudgingly, I did as she asked, tearing my eyes away from the stunning red look she'd given herself earlier. When the Glastonbury Festival started approaching quicker and quicker and me and Mia still had nothing planned, it had been Will who suggested who went as a pair. Angel and devil. Of course, we had to jump on the idea, we'd never pass that photo opportunity. That had been around four weeks ago. Now, it was only around an hour before our group would leave for Glastonbury and I finally felt the festival excitement bubbling in my stomach. Clearly, it bubbled out too, making me squirm a little, as Mia scolded me for moving and again repeated her empty threat of poking my eye. I only giggled. Mia was the least likely person to poke someone's eyes out, let alone mine. She knew it too because when I peeked my eye open, I saw her soft smile, eyes crinkling and making a single star she'd stuck on fall off. By the time we arrived, I was sure they'd all be gone."All done! You can look now."

"Finally." She playfully smacked my arm and handed me a hand mirror. The girl looking back at me felt like a different person. Roségold shimmery eyelids with a small line of white streaking through the glitter. Pretty highlight covering my cheeks and nose, like I'd captured the very essence of a rainbow on my face, complete with two white strokes at the top of my nose. And to top it all off, the white dots above my eyebrow, complete with little jewels in between each dot. Somehow, I actually did feel angelic, more than I had when I'd actually put the wings on that were supposed to be the trademark angel piece. Mia truly had worked wonders. "I can't believe this is really me, you're makeup skills are underrated," she snorted and sat down beside me, tilting the mirror to check her hair, hand tucking a spare curl behind her ear, lips turning up into a smile. "It's payback for styling my hair, don't undersell yourself either y/n." Will's voice echoed down the hall, telling us we were leaving to catch the bus soon and I smiled at the dark-haired girl beside me. I could already feel the music pounding through my veins, the adrenaline pumping through me after the fairground. I'd been attending festivals with Will and our friends since we'd moved to London together, having grown up together as neighbours and decided to pursue YouTube together. Some of my best memories in recent years were spent in a random field usually used for dairy farming, screaming lyrics to a song I didn't know I knew, clinging to someone's wrists as we jumped up and down to the beat. The inevitable headaches were always worth the feel of the moment, not to mention the pictures dotting my wall of the before and after that always made me smile when I woke up. George, Will, Becky, James, Aria, even a few random strangers always greeted me, either pissed out of their mind or suffering a severe hangover. However, whilst Mia's face did make an appearance in several non-festival pictures on my wall, this would be the first time we attended a festival together. She'd only started dating Will a little over a year ago and at the time, she hadn't quite been welcomed to the group enough to join us for festival season. Now though, after nights spent together with our group at clubs or nights out and a lot of sleepovers with just me, her and Aria, it'd be a sin to not bring her. I turned to face her, excitement flashing in my eyes and took her hand in mine. Mia smiled back at me, squeezing my hand. "I can't believe this is the first festival we'll spend together Mia, it feels long overdue." "The first of many right?" I saw a flicker of anxiety pass through her eyes and knew she sometimes felt she didn't fit in our group, even now. I understood where she was coming from, it was always hard to find your footing in such a tight-knit group of people who'd known each other for ages, but truly, everyone loved her just as much as the others. Especially me. "Of course. You're one of us now." She wrapped her arms around my shoulders in a short tight squeeze, our perfumes mixing together for just a second. It was a sweet moment, my best friend hugging me close, but I couldn't help but tease her. After all, it was Will she was dating. "Though if I have to watch you and Will make out I will puke, that's too much for me. May I remind you I knew him when he was a square little lad in a diaper." Mia rolled her eyes, pulling me to my feet. I was reminded of the silver heels I was wearing on then when I stumbled forwards, grateful for her being there to make sure she caught me. "Oh please, it's not me and Will anyone is worried about. Can we talk about you and Alex?" She winked. I flushed pink, (which probably looked rotten combined with the highlight) and Mia grinned, her tongue peeking through the gap in her teeth. Alex. At first, when Will started blowing up, dragging me along from almost being featured in his videos, he started making a lot of new friends that I had never met before for the first time in our lives. Before that, we'd always had the same friend group, even through the awkward high school years where friend groups were extremely messy. One day, he'd managed to drag me to a bar with his new friends, despite my complaining, and that's where I'd met Alex. Or rather, where we met each other. Stupid swooped hair with eyes that rewrote my definition of blue eyes the very first time my eyes met his. It had been Alex who managed to integrate me into Wills new group and Alex who remained the closest person in our group to me even to this day. Alex who, along with George, my favourite mask-wearing bloke, I moved in with once Wills place got a bit cramped. And of course, Alex who all my friends liked to tease me about dating. Of course, they did the same to him, probably worse considering the boys were usually a bit dirtier mouthed with each than with the girls, but I was the only one who turned red all the time. Probably because they were right mostly. When Mia prodded about the way I looked at him, my efforts to say there was nothing to prod at were all lies. When James would wink at me when Alex would pull me in closer on nights out, always downing whatever drink was in front of him before I could glare. When Will sat me down one day, patting my knee, and asked if I liked him, he saw past my eye rolls and dramatic head shakes. Most of all it was George who brought it up, always finding a way to shove at least five comments a day about our relationship and giving me the look when I'd mumble a comment back. Because yes, of course, I liked him. I had a stupid school girl crush at the same age I got blackout drunk and could legally do drugs in some countries. Alex was the nicest person I'd ever met, always treating me with such kindness and respect. Some nights I'd pass out by my desk when editing, exhausted from the hectic schedule I forced myself to follow. When I'd wake up, my video editing would be finished and there'd be a sticky note by my head, something that would make my heart beat a little faster, with his signature and a small heart. Not to mention the blanket thrown over my shoulders that smelled faintly of him. That was just one of the many things Alex did for me regularly without ever asking for anything. Yet, something deep inside me screamed to not do anything about it, screamed it was purely platonic on his side. Alex would constantly chatter about what a great friend I was, how much he loved me as a friend. For some reason, him friend-zoning me accidentally hurt a lot more than if he hated me. At least then there was a chance he'd see me as something more than a best friend, even if it was a mortal enemy. Mia cleared her throat and I snapped back to reality, laughing awkwardly. "There's nothing to talk about Mia. We're just friends." If Will hadn't called again, I would have been in for a lot of questions and yet another speech begging me to just tell him. Instead, she just sighed and rugged on my arm. "We'd best be going before his head explodes." "That'd be a sight to see. He doesn't deal well with stress you know," I told her, walking out of my room with our arms interlocked. "Did you know during our GCSEs, I found him out my back in the wet dirt, mumbling algebraic formulas?" "Ay, y/n are you telling that bloody GSCE story again?" Will called, peeking his head out from around the corner. His festival sunglasses were perched in his hair and I couldn't help but giggle.  "I'm sorry Will, it's just so fucking hilarious." "To be fair Will," Mia said, holding back a laugh, "it's pretty funny." Neither of us could hold back our laughter and finally cracked when his glasses slid down his face. Will groaned and told the boys waiting on the couch behind him we were bullying him again. I heard James say he probably deserved it, followed by Georges laughter and Alex's giggle. "Are they ready yet?" Aria called, having arrived with James already ready way before me or Mia had even started. Mia let go of my arm and walked ahead to the living room, posing at the doorway. Aria gasped and said she'd looked gorgeous and Will said the same, snaking a hand around her waist. Gross. Still, no matter how gross I called Mia and Will sometimes or how much I insisted nothing was going on between me and Alex, it didn't stop me from smiling like an idiot when he stopped giggling, calling me pretty. Schoolgirl crush. That was all that was. We'd finally piled onto the coach awhile after before pictures already filling my camera roll and only two videos on my Instagram story. One of me recording when Mia was doing my makeup and the other just our group leaving me, George and Alex's apartment to get the coach simply titled 'it begins'. Once on the coach I came to the startling revelation everyone expected me to sit with Alex, the couples all pairing up and Becky insisting she absolutely had to sit with George. My eyes stared out the window, surprising heavy despite not doing anything yet. "You alright?" Alex asked, poking me in the ribs as the coach finally started, several cheers erupting around us. I couldn't help but smile back, nodding my head. His eyes didn't stop looking worried so I opened my mouth. "I'm fine, don't worry Al. I'm just tired for some reason." "To be fair, you and Mia were up half the night talking about today. I warned you to sleep you know, don't blame me." I giggled remembering how he'd come into my room several times to warn me and Mia to get some sleep. Back then we'd only waved him off, saying we were having girl talk. Now, I wished I'd listened as a yawn escaped my throat. "See?" "Fine, you win. I should have slept earlier last night. I'll be fine when we get there, the pure adrenaline will be enough to keep me up for the entire festival." He didn't look convinced. "It takes around an hour and a half to get there you know." "I'm aware." "Go to sleep, I'll wake you when we arrive. Promise." At first, I was going to deny and say I'd be fine, ask his opinion on the latest Star Wars movie so I could listen to him ramble again. However, as another yawn escaped me, I smiled and nodded, telling him he'd better wake me up when we arrived. "Of course I will, I need someone to go on rides with me. We both know the others are pussies." I smiled, eyes closing without me telling them to. "Of course they are. We're the only brave ones on this bus. We'll ride all night." Alex raised his eyebrow but I was too tired to care, leaning my head on the bus window. The loud rattling actually helped ease me into sleep and the last thing I remembered before waking up was hearing a snippet of James and Arias conversation behind me, laughing about some joke I didn't understand. Gross couples. "N/n, mate, everyone else is waiting outside. Can you please wake up." It was dark for a bit, my dream ending before it really begun because of Alex's voice cutting through the cloudy landscape I'd arrived in. Whatever I was lying on was warm and I nuzzled in more, sleepily asking for five more minutes. Alex chuckled and poked my cheek. "We've arrived you know. The first festival of the year? The one you're usually most excited for?" I had no idea what he was talking about till the wings I had on ached against my back. Shit. The fucking festival. I jumped up quickly, too excited to be embarrassed about the fact I'd somehow ended up sleeping on Alex's instead of the window and smiled. "Everyone else is outside yeah? Do I look okay?" It was then I noticed the pink on Alex's shoulder, sticking out a lot against the light blue denim. Crap, my lipgloss. I opened my fanny pack, white to match my outfit of course, and searched for that stupid tube of lipgloss I'd brought to retouch it later. Of course, I hadn't planned to wipe it off completely on my friends' fucking jacket before I even got off the bloody coach but hey, at least I was prepared. Finally, I found the blasted thing, under my purse, phone, portable and a small bottle of vodka, of course at the very bottom and pulled it out, holding it like a sacred Egyptian jewel.Then there was another problem. "Crap, I didn't bring a mirror. How am I supposed to apply it now? Wheres my blasted phone?" Again, I started to scramble through my bag. Alex gently grabbed my wrist, stopping me from shoving my hand around. "I can do it for you, it can't be that hard. I've watched you do it to yourself like a million times."I paused. For some reason, that sounded like the worst best idea ever. I sucked my teeth for a moment before nodding. "Go on then, it's a challenge." I tossed the tube onto his lap and turned my face towards him, urging him to do something before I did. He unscrewed the tube, a focus in his eyes I'd only ever seen when he was working a video before and then gently placed his hand on my cheek, leaning in. I parted my lips as he carefully did his best to apply an even layer of sheer pink, so close I could feel his breath on my face. I gulped, moving closer to him subconsciously, hand gripping his thigh. "I think I'm done," he whispered, pulling the lipgloss down but still not moving back. In fact, I felt his hand tighten into my hair, tugging it slightly. My eyes darted from his eyes to his lips. "Thanks," my voice was barely a whisper, more of a gasp honestly, and still neither of us leaned back. I wondered if his eyelashes were always this dark or he'd changed overnight. "Oi lads, I'm going to have to start driving to pick up the 2 o clocks now. Are you okay back there?" The bus driver suddenly called, peeking his head out of his seating area. I snapped back into my seat, zipping my bag closed as Alex cleared his throat, standing up. He told the bus driver we were fine, that I'd lost a contact and then we scrambled off the bus, pulling oh hands back at even the slightest contact. The moment my feet touched the grass, I was swooped away by Mia and Aria, both smirking at me, eyes wide. "What?" I asked, my voice a lot more bashful than I meant it to. "What was that?" Aria asked, Mia nodding behind her. Arias's hand was resting on my shoulder, Mia grasping at Arias in a small human centipede. "What was what?" Completely inconspicuous, they'll never know. "Dude, James told us he'd seen you and Alex nearly kiss Alex on the bus," my eyes widened and I was quick to ask how he'd possibly seen that, bus windows weren't the easiest to see through. "He went back on to tell you and Alex to hurry up and instead found you knee-deep in a shift session," Mia exclaimed, a giggle in her tone. "Nothing happened. I just asked him to put my lipgloss on because I didn't bring my mirror." Both of them raised their eyebrows and slowly nodded. "Nothing happened," I repeated slower, making sure to make eye contact with both of them. They seemed to let it go, at least for now, and Becky's voice cut through the air and her arms were thrown over Aria and Mia's shoulders. I laughed at their surprised faces smiling at Becky who already seemed to have cracked up the drink she'd brought in her fanny pack. "Come on girls, let's go in before the boys yeah? The real show doesn't start till tomorrow when performers come so I say first stop the pier yeah? I want some candy floss." Becky looked at me, hoping I'd take her side so she'd get her damn candy floss and I complied, laughing and throwing my head back as I threw my arm over Mia's other side. "I'm down for some 1pm candy floss. Feel like we're going to have a lot of that this weekend ay?" Becky whooped again as Mia and Aria agreed and we all started to walk towards the entrance, Mia yelling for the boys to hurry up and follow before they got lost. Still, even as I laughed at another joke Becky told, posing for a video Mia was taking as we entered, I couldn't help but let my mind linger to that bus seat, to my wet lips of floss, to crystal blue eyes, to what could have happened. I tossed my head over my shoulder, hoping to see Will or George or James or even the fucking busman to distract myself but of course, instead, I met the same stupid blue eyes. He stopped talking and looked at me, I took a deep breath and then James nudged his side and Mia squeezed my ribs and the moment was over. God, this stupid tension had to arrive now, didn't it? Couldn't have waited till after festival season? Still, nothing a bit of alcohol couldn't help drown out, right? Right? "Are we going to go on the rides today lads or are we waiting for that madness till tomorrow?" George yelled over music playing, the night being relatively old at that point. Aria and James said they were heading to their tent now so they'd pass for now, as did Mia and Will after Mia persisted a little. Becky tucked her arm into mine and asked if I wanted to go to our tent yet since we were sharing and I thought it over, biting my cheek. The air still smelled like candy floss, as did Becky's breath and probably mine, though there was a slight sting that I put down to the few shots I'd downed so far, not enough to be pissed just yet. That was for Saturday night. I thought it over for another second before shaking my head, pulling back for Becky's grasp. "Actually Beck, you go ahead. I'm going to stay back with Alex," I turned and gave him a small smile, finally meeting his eyes for the first time since the incident and he smiled back. "He owes me a few hundred rides to live up to his earlier words, right Al?" "That's right. You can go back too if you want George, you keep yawning on me." "Yeah, I think I'll pass on watching whatever the fuck that's going to be you're right, I'll make sure Becky gets back to her tent fine. I'll wait with her till you decide what you're doing yeah?" I didn't ponder on what George meant and only let out a whoop, promising Becky I'd get back fine. She smiled, her nose scrunching and she pressed a kiss to my cheek before nodding at George to go. I watched her go with him, a few close encounters with people already puking on the ground from a really bad-or good-night depending on your perspective. I jumped when I felt someone take my hand until I realized it was Alex, his voice close to my ear, making me shrink away. "So Will and that are already boning huh? Think they could have waited till tomorrow to settle in at least." I snorted and pushed him away, gagging at that thought. "Jesus Alex please refrain from giving me that image. Will is still twelve years old to me. Not to mention little Aria with my man James." "Your man James? I'm offended I thought I was your man." There he goes again, that stupid your man joke. Still, it did make me smile genuinely, even if I rolled my eyes to hide how my face was so bright. I took his hand and let it rest over my shoulder, pressing a soft kiss to it as we walked towards the flashiest ride. "Of course you're my man. My favourite man. But you currently aren't riding anything so I think you're a man backing out of his promise," I carefully evaded a man pissing, his poor girlfriend looking disgusted beside him, still keeping my eyes on Alex beside me. "Then let me prove it to you, three rides on this bastard. Unless you're too scared?" I chuckled, stopping to take his other hand and lean up, glaring me eyes threateningly. "Alex Elmslie, you're fucking on. The first to chicken out this weekend has to do what the other says." He thought about it for a moment before nodding, returning the glared eyes. "Okay, then y/n l/n. First challenge is this. Oh, and by the way, I'm not going to lose." Oh, it was definitely on. The last day arrived quicker than anyone wanted to and before I knew it, my suitcase was packed again, ready for the coach that would pick us up tomorrow. Still, there was one more night to enjoy and especially one last performance. Becky put her phone down, sighing as she tucked her hair behind her ear again. "Babe, we have to go soon. Billies performance will definitely be packed and I don't know about you, but I want to be as close as possible." I smile back, finally satisfied with my last day look. A simple soft pink makeup look complete with a light pink dress and flats. Flats made it a lot easier to hop around. "I'm ready Beck, just waiting for the others to show up at this point. You definitely told James and Aria to meet us here right?" Becky nodded, checking her phone again but her eyes rolling at the lack of new messages. I considered just going to save a spot for our group with just Becky until there was a yell outside asking if they could come in. A few moments later, James Marriotts face peeked through the now unzipped hole of our tent, a smile on his face. After another second, Arias's face appeared on top, face covered in pretty blue glitter. "You ready to be going then? Mia will kill me if we don't get a good spot." James tilted his head, a serious tone to his not really a joke-joke. "Oh I know," I edged towards the tent door, smiling. "She's been raving about this performance for weeks now. If she doesn't get to see more than a bean from a distance, she'll have all of our heads." Aria laughed and they both stood back, letting me step into the warm air. Ah, England's summers, surprisingly warm most of the time for such a known shit weather country. "Alex wouldn't shut up about it last night either to be fair though I suspect at least half of that was due to the drink." Becky followed me out and shared a glance with the couple. Aria licked her lips and looked away. Becky seemed to stifle a laugh, disguising it as a slight cough. I narrowed my eyes at James, hoping he'd crack and eventually he did, sighing. "Y/n, we were wondering if that stupid competition thing was still going on." I raised my eyebrows, falling into step with the trio as we headed for the stage she was performing at in an hour. "Yeah, we decided to keep it going till the festival was over. Why, would you like to join?" I teased, receiving unimpressed grunts from the whole group. Aria piped up next, seeming to take a long time in what she said next. For some reason, I felt like I wasn't going to like what she had to say. "It just feels like it's delaying the inevitable or something, that's all." "What's the inevitable?" "You and Alex getting married and having six children, three dogs and a cat." Becky chirped up, giggling. Aria and James laughed along with her. I could tell that I'd turned red and unfortunately, no makeup could cover that mess, which made everyone laugh a little harder. "I don't like Alex, we're just friends." "N/n, we were all there that night last year. Plus, there's behind such a weird vibe with you two lately, not to mention the way you look at each other all the time. Like bloody puppies or something." Aria tells me and this time, my face pales. That night a few months ago. It had been just another late night out at the club, some music playing in the distance as we all had a chat and chugging back as much as we could consume without dying. I decided to be brave and asked Alex to dance, tugging him to the floor before he could refuse. At first, we'd just been messing, twirling and more so stumbling around the place, clinging to each other for support as the world seemed to spin. It'd been just as I fell forwards the DJ announced they were starting romance hour, the music switching from stupid random beats to the soft vocals of Billie Eilish, singing about ocean eyes and falling from a height. Neither of us moved, my arms remaining wrapped around his neck as they had to stop me from falling, Alex's softly placed on my waist. "I like this song," I told him, leaning up to his ear on my tippy toes so he could hear me. "Me too, Billie's proper class." I snorted, falling back onto my heels. "It reminds me of you actually, this song," Alex tilted his head, pulling me in a little closer. "Because your eyes are blue are so pretty. You know, the first time we met the first thing I noticed was how pretty they were, even before I thought anything about how soft your hair looked. Will had to nudge me back to reality. Felt like everything just suddenly made sense." My words were slurred, heavily influenced by tequila and the heaviness starting to fall over my eyes. Still, I felt his lips press against mine, felt how it was better than any drink or drug. Perfectly moulded together, as though it was meant to be. I pulled him closer, fingers curling into his hair and he gripped desperately at my dress, his fingers able to be felt through the stupid fabric.When we'd pulled back, the song changed and I suggested we headed back to our friends, didn't look him in the eye. He agreed and we never spoke of it again. I had assumed our friends hadn't seen, that we'd been swallowed into the crowd as just another couple making out to a song. The look on my friends face at that moment told me otherwise."I just thought none of yous had seen that," I stammered, eyes looking to the ground so I didn't have to meet their eyes. "Of course we did, you were only a few feet away. Honestly, after that, we'd all just assumed you were dating in secret until this challenge thing." James explained, pointing to the girls to back him up. Both of them nodded, Aria looking slightly guilty and Becky just grinning.Great, everyone thought I was shagging my stupid crush. "Well we aren't, that was just a drunk mistake. Me and Alex are just friends, I promise." None of them looked convinced and I decided to pretend nothing had happened, saying we should hurry before all the good spots were taken. They didn't mention how I'd just moved on and agreed, breaking into a conversation about how excited they were instead. Even though I joined in, laughing when James told a joke or agreeing with Becky when she'd waffle, nothing could erase the strange feeling in my stomach. I couldn't quite decipher what it was, nervousness, guilt for lying about not liking Alex maybe, perhaps just pure excitement from seeing Billie. Whatever it was, it settled deep in my stomach and didn't go away, even as the others joined us at the spot we'd found. In fact, it only worsened when Alex landed beside me, whispering that the next challenge was to sing louder than the other, his hand resting ever so slightly on my shoulder. This would be a long night. My throat ached, begging for the relief I refused to give it as my voice croaked out the lyrics to bellyache like I'd be shot if I didn't. Alex gripped tightly at my wrists, both of us jumping up and down like idiots. I could hear Mia behind me, most likely on Will's shoulder and somewhere in front of me, George was laughing at Becky and James' awful slightly drunk dance moves, Aria most definitely recording to laugh at when they had sobered up. The rest of the world didn't matter at that moment and I pulled my wrists away from Alex's wrist to hold his face, laughing at his expression when I squeezed it. The song came to an end, turning into only loud cheering and instrumental as I croaked out that he looked extremely stupid. He pouted more and I laughed more, a slight snort coming out. The vibe of the audience changed when Billie sat down, announcing she'd be singing an oldie. Everyone got even more excited and couples linked together like magnets, arms around necks and eyes on eyes. I rolled my eyes at the gross displays of affection, letting my hands drop to rest on his shoulders. The first chord of the song played and I felt both of our bodies freeze, my throat becoming suddenly sore. Oh. It was that song. Of course, it was. Everyone else was too occupied to notice how we both stopped singing, how I opened and closed my mouth a few times before deciding to keep it shut. Except, of course, Alex and his stupidly perfect blue eyes, squarely focused on my own. "Al, we need to talk." No, we didn't, why did I say that. Shut up. "Okay." Great, no going back now. That'd make it worse. I cleared my throat. "You don't remember this but I can't pretend it didn't happen anymore. There was one night awhile ago, we were both very drunk. We had a moment and kissed. Everyone actually thought we were dating for ages." "Wait you remember that?" I nodded, swallowing harshly. If anyone had asked why my throat was suddenly dry and closing in, I'd have blamed hayfever. That would have been a lie. "N/n, I've been waiting for you to talk about it for ages. I thought you'd forgotten." My heart stopped, mind still doing cartwheels to try process the pure idiocy that was currently radiating off of both of us. Billie hit the chorus at the same time Alex leaned down ever so slightly, lips just grazing against mine for a moment as if testing the waters. I didn't hesitate to press my lips back against his, more full of emotion and present, saying everything my lack of worlds could never. I could hear the crowd cheering and clapping, the song ending, our friends whooping, but all I focused on was my heartbeat pounding out of my chest, his heartbeat against mine. When I finally pulled back, my eyes remaining closed for an extra beat to process what just happened, I saw him smile. Some people liked to say blue eyes were overrated and I used to find myself agreeing with them. Why so many love songs about boring old blue eyes, the most common eye colour, and not the mysterious browns and mesmerizing green? But at that moment, I understood. It felt like I'd seen him again for the first time but also met eyes with someone I'd known forever at the same time. A mixture of nostalgic warmth and crazed excitement wrapped into a crystalline package. Ocean eyes. And I understood. Mia threw her arm around my neck and yelled that this was our song, swinging me around. I chuckled, pulling her in closer by the waist and allowing her to tug me away. Alex didn't mind, turning around to talk, or rather shout, at Will, cheeks slightly tinted and a certain buzz in the way he laughed that wasn't there ever before. Pretty. "So," he said, arm around my shoulder and Ferris wheel slowly reaching the top. "What do you think about telling our friends we actually are dating this time?" I shrugged, nuzzling closer to the soft fabric of the hoodie he'd thrown on, probably leaving flecks of glitter that would never go away. He wouldn't care. He never cared about stuff like that. In fact, I think he had the right face for makeup. Maybe he'd let me do his makeup if I asked for a video, a festival look and q+a wrapped into one. The smell of cotton candy wafted up from above and somewhere below, I could just about hear Becky screaming on some ride. "They can figure it out themselves. Probably already have knowing our friends. Same with the fans honestly. Alex didn't answer, rubbing circles on my arm with his thumb instead. My body let out a shaky happy sigh. "Look, we're at the top now. Stopped for just a moment too." I peeked one eye open and smiled at the pretty sight before us, the lights of the rides mixing with phone flashlights and distant concert stages, smells of food stands, drink, weed, the sound of faint music, screams, laughter, happy yelling. Of course, the prettiest sight to me was the shimmering stars high above us, our interlocked hands resting on his chest. As I heard Becky let out another shriek, I was reminded of something from earlier that weekend and smile cheekily, sitting up to properly look at my boyfriend. God that felt to think without it being imaginary. "You know, technically you stopped singing before me which means you lost our game." "That sounds fair to me. So, whats my challenge then?" I pretended to think, finger tapping my chin as if I didn't already know exactly what I was going to say. "You have to be the one to tell Becky shes staying with George tonight because you're staying with me." He raised his eyebrow and turned a bright shade of red. I only smiled wider. "You lost the game, Al, those were the rules." "I haven't lost anything actually, I'd say I won a lot today," he held our interlocked hands up. And, if I wasn't so very in love with him, I would have puked. Because I was, I just rolled my eyes and made him promise to not back out. He insisted he wouldn't and walked straight over to Becky the second we were off the ride. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a bit more embarrassed than him suddenly when Becky gasped and grabbed my arm, giving it a slight shake and congratulating me on moving from big fat crush to a big fat relationship. The next Sunday, new pictures dotted my bedroom wall and my Instagram feed. There was a few that overlapped, a group shot by the pier, picture of me and the girls all on a ride, Becky laughing so hard alcohol shot out of her nose, me and Will recreating the same photo we did every year, but most were only on my wall. Me and George taking a shot at the same time, arms interlocked, James watching on with pride. Aria and a random stranger who happened to be wearing the same shoe hugging. Me and Mia in our outfits, laughing so hard we cried or spilling drinks on ourselves. A lot of Will and me simply existing together, whether it be dancing or screaming on a ride. Strangers I found interesting. But most were of Alex. A shot someone snapped when we were on the Ferris wheel. Selfies from just about every location at the festival. And of course, my personal favourite, the one James took on the bus on our way home, when this time when he applied my lipstick, I immediately ruined it with a kiss that told our friends everything they needed to know. When I sat down by the edge of my bed to admire my handiwork, years of photos mixing and telling a story, Alex grunted slightly and woke up from his sleep. He sleepily asked if I'd like to make brownies in a bit before pressing a kiss to my cheek, resting his head on my shoulder. His shampoo filled my nose and the soft material of his jumper pressed against my skin. God, I was ever so glad I understood why there were so many songs about blue eyes.

[365days365movies]

January 15, 2021: Casino Royale (2006) (Part 1)

So...we meet again, Bond. What’ve you been doing for the past few years?

...What. Not who, James, WHAT. Jeez.

Whatever. BrosBond had 3 movies after GoldenEye, and they were...not great, from what I’ve heard. Remember, I wasn’t as big of a fan of GoldenEye as many critics and fans were; so, I can’t imagine what I’d think of the latter three. Maybe one day, but not today!

Today, I’m focusing my sights on the revitalization of the brand. See, in 2002, Die Another Day came out, and that movie was apparently crazy. TOO crazy. So crazy, in fact, that audiences and critics accused it of losing the plot, and the production studio in charge (Eon Productions) had a yearning to change direction. And their inspiration came from...a surprising place.

See, Joel Schumacher’s campy, over-the-top Batman films were basically wiped out by Christopher Nolan’s 2005 reinvention of the character in Batman Begins. Which is, in my opinion, a highly underrated classic, Seriously. And in 2005, this film was absolutely a smash-hit. Batman was cool again, which a lot of people never thought would happen in film. Eon saw this, and thought...how can we apply that to Bond?

Out with Brosnan...in with Craig.

The first of the new, darker, reinvented Bond films is planned for release in 2006, starring Daniel Craig as the suave, sophisticated spy. And the director of the film was selected to be...Martin Campbell? From GoldenEye? The guy who kinda sorta started the modern over-the-top Bond? Really? I mean, OK. The writers this time are different...except for one. I didn’t talk about the writers last time because I don’t like putting people on blast if I don’t gotta. This time...maybe. We’ll see.

If this Casino Royale is basically Bond Begins, I’m definitely interested. Maybe this’ll revitalize that Bond-love from the Connery days. Let’s find out! We’re also gonna look at the Bond checklist again!

Gadgets: better have more cool gadgets than GoldenEye, I swear...

Bond Girl: GoldenEye’s Natalya wasn’t bad, to be honest; let’s see who his Inevitable Love Interest is this time.

Villain: Alec Trevelyan had so much potential. I need my dastardly villain, let’s do this. Oh, and let’s throw the henchman in here, too. Xenia Onatopp was...a lot...but she was a memorable henchman, at least.

Music: Of course. GoldenEye’s theme was good, and we’ll see how 2006 does.

OK, movie time. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap

We start at an office building in Prague, where a man makes his way up to his office. Waiting there for him is, of course, James Bond (Daniel Craig). The man is Dryden, section chief at the British Embassy in Prague, whom M has accused of selling secrets, a big no-no. But Bond...isn’t a double-0 agent. Huh. You got me interested.

Apparently, agents get the two zeroes once they’ve killed two people on file. James hadn’t killed anyone...until recently. Which is when we get this.

OH SHIT

This is an absolutely BRUTAL fight. It’s not choreographed flashily, it’s not pretty...it’s rough. It’s intense. And it’s...oh my God, wow. Made me feel it. And what’s astonishing is that it’s SO short.

On learning this, Dryden tells him not to worry, the second one is...

...YOU GOT ME. I’M IN FOR THE FUCKIN’ RIDE

HOW??? How is it that in 3 minutes of screentime, I’m already more satisfied by Craig’s Bond than I was for the ENTIRETY of GoldenEye? That is masterfully done, right off the bat. WOW. We even get a smooth-as-silk segue into the classic bullet turret sequence, and that takes us right into the song and opening credits. And...wow.

Here’s the thing about Bond openings, as I mentioned last time: they were all directed by one guy up until GoldenEye, and were basically all silhouetted women with themes and scenes from the movie projected around them. The Brosnan movies followed suit, always having silhouetted women in one way or another. Die Another Day used CGI women and...a really bad Madonna song. It was...it is NOT GOOD, guys. Look it up, it’s the most 2002 thing I’ve ever heard.

But here’s the fin bit about Casino Royale. This is the first Bond movie opening with no women in it. Yeah. It’s the first one. And the song is Chris Cornell’s You Know My Name, and it’s good! Not sure it’s going in my soundtrack, though.

Finally, the opening credits sequence itself: it’s once again Daniel Kleinman doing it, and it’s actually inspired by the first James Bond book Casino Royale, which had already had a TV special and unofficial Bond movie made from it! The cover had a playing card motif, and the opening carries over that motif creatively. I really dig it, if I’m honest! Definitely a welcome break from the 44 years of Bond films preceding it.

Uganda! And we meet the villain of this film: Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). And GODDAMN if that isn’t a Bond villain! He’s a banker, making a deal with a rebel leader, Steven Obanno (Isaach de Bankole), via their liason Mr. White (Jesper Christiensen). Setting up an attack by supplying Obanno with money, he sells his stocks of a company called Skyfleet, knowing that they’re about to fail.

Meanwhile, a ferret’s fighting an Asian species of cobra. In Madagascar. My zoology senses are EXPLODING, OH my God. So much wrong there. Anyway, there’s a bombmaker in the crowd watching the fight. He’s being tailed by Bond and another agent, Carter, who tips off the guy by being a bad spy. Bond chases him to a construction yard. What now, James?

Awesome. Why is this awesome when I said that the tank was dumb? Because at least it makes sense for a bulldozer to go haywire in a construction yard, just sayin’. Plus, this dude clearly isn’t the best, as he fires on construction workers and cops.

Eventually, this chase sequence brings us to the top of a crane, where this exchange happens.

I, uh...I love this movie already. That’s goddamn great.

The chase scene as a whole is also fantastic, as it continues off the bridge and into an abandoned building, then escalates into the streets, brings in law enforcement, and eventually ends with Bond at an embassy, facing down both the military and the bomb maker. He kills the guy, shoots some gas tanks, grabs the bomb, and then gets the hell out of there.

...Y’know what, that was fucking amazing, but he also almost certainly caused an international incident there. And I should be annoyed about that, but guess what! It makes sense! This is an inexperienced Bond, one who’s JUST been promoted to 00 status as 007, as the prologue explained. So, y’know what? I’m into it!

Cut to a yacht, like you do in a Martin Campbell Bond film. There, we have our villain, Le Chiffre, playing a card game. Also, he weeps blood. Yeah. HE WEEPS BLOOD.

OK, if that isn’t some Bond villain shit, I don’t know WHAT is. He’s also asthmatic, because I love it. I love it so much. He’s a mathematically-brilliant asthmatic that weeps blood. More, please. 

He’s also a person aware of what Bond did at the embassy, as it’s already become an international incident! Thank you for showing consequences, movie! Damn! I love it! This has two additional consequences. One, Le Chiffre notes that the code “Ellipsis” used by the bomber may be soon to expire, indicating a connection between the two. And the second consequence? M’s pissed.

M! DAME JUDI DENCH! One of my favorite things about GoldenEye was bringing in Judi Dench as M, and she made it through the reboot! And she’s still as entertaining as she was before, calling Bond out for his stupidity, and explaining that she misses the Cold War.

In her apartment, M does her normal exposition schtick, and her interactions with Bond are fantastic here. She’s understandably angry at him, and gives him what for, but she’s also clearly impressed that he FIGURED OUT WHERE SHE LIVES, as well as her REAL NAME. Shows her opinion of Bond and aspects of Bond’s character in a single, masterful stroke. 

Well. Goddamn. Done.

The Bahamas! Bond’s here to find Alex Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian), a Greek businessman who’s believed to have a connection with Le Chiffre himself. And, as James Bond is wont to do, he finds him at a party, playing cards. And here’s where the reinvention of Bond comes full circle.

See, Bond’s doing all the typical Bond things, yeah. But there are some differences present here, as well as some neat nuances. Bond isn’t wearing the suit, first of all. He actually hasn’t worn a suit the whole movie, which makes perfect sense for a spy. Suits aren’t exactly the least conspicuous thing in the world; bound to get you noticed if you don’t want to be.

And then, there’s the girl. This is Solange Dimitrios (Catherina Murino), the wife of Alex who was treated BADLY by him at the party. That gives her a reason to take Bond’s offer for a ride to his place, outside of just his raw animalistic charm that he seems to have in some of these movies. Look at that, already more chemistry than he had with Natalya in GoldenEye.

And yes, this results in her cheating on Alex. Is her cheating justified from a moral standpoint? No, of course it isn’t. And of course, this leads to the typical Bond-handsome-sex-GOOD sequence, but again, some nuance here! First of all, he doesn’t win her over with corny clever lines, like what we saw in GoldenEye multiple ties. Second, this is actually all an attempt to get some infomation from her about her husband. Bond might be enjoying it, but his womanizing here actually has a purpose. And that’s rare!

That’s further punctuated by the fact that he STRAIGHT UP LEAVES BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENS. Yeah, she tells him that Alex just made his way to Miami, and he leaves! Dick move, yeah, but it makes sense! James isn’t here for pleasure, he’s here for work!

He follows Alex to a Bodies at Work exhibit (you know, the preserved and skinned cadavers put into poses that used to tour around the USA? I saw it in Times Square at the end of its popularity. A little ghoulish, maybe, but I think it’s pretty cool), where the two of them get in a very tense close-up knife fight in public.

Alex is dead, but not before passing off a package to someone else at the exhibition. Bond tails the guy to Miami International Airport, where the largest airplane in the world is set to be unveiled. Using the code sent to the bombers, Bond gets into the back, and goes to intercept the disguised bomber who’s set to blow up the SkyChonk (I mean it, that giant airplane is THICCC).

Time for another cool chase sequence! Some luggage is destroyed, along with a bus, the cops join in on the chase, an airplane is prevented from landing (making someone on that plane probably very upset), and Bond somehow manages to prevent the plane from blowing up. And it’s by the SKIN of his teeth, lemme tell you. Also, he blows up a dude with his own flashlight bomb.

Nice. Somehow, Bond isn’t arrested, and makes his way back to the Bahamas. And it looks like Solange isn’t the Bond girl after all. Because she was thought to be the information leak (which she was, to an extent), she was tortured to death. Whoof.

M’s in the Bahamas now, and the exposition continues. She’s done with Bond’s bullshit, and she plants a tracker under his skin. She explains that with the big boi plane destroyed, somebody stood a lot to gain financially from the stock crash to come. Except that the plane wasn’t destroyed, and that person lost $100 million by “betting the wrong way.”

That person, of course, was Le Chiffre, a manthematical genius and chess prodigy, who plays poker for fun, and plays the stock market with his clients’ money. Bond’s the best poker player in MI6 (a good addition that we already saw foreshadowed earlier! See what I mean?), and she’s sending him to a high stakes poker game that Le Chiffre’s looking to regain his money from. 

Bond FINALLY dons his suit, and gets on a train in Montenegro, where he meets...

Vesper Lynd (Eva Green). THERE’S our Bond girl! Although, there’s a reference to Miss Moneypenny in their introduction, which is interesting. But Vesper is an agent for the British Treasury, supplying the money for the buy-in for the tournament. And their conversation on the train...wow. Now THIS is chemistry, seriously.

Vesper’s a great character, and she gives Bond NO quarter. She reads his character, and calls him out very accurately. They also explain why both Bond and Vesper are good at poker: it’s all about reading people. I’m genuinely impressed by how this movie is put together, and how well-thought out Bond is as a character. And this is the dimension I love to see in a Bond girl as well!

GODDAMN, I am in love with this movie. More coming in Part 2!

[bettyannbutterworth]

Asleep - Chapter 5 (After the rain)

Tom finishes preparing two tea mugs of strong, milky tea and joins her at the table.  He smells like he had a shower as well, and he wears a very nice grey jumper with fresh dark jeans, not a tear or hole in sight.  The top could be cashmere, it looks very soft and warm. So does he.

[...]

“Yes, that was the goal.  To tire Toby out.  Let me put your things in the dryer.”

Alex holds her trousers, shirt, and smaller wet items to her chest.

“Just tell me where it is?”

She ignores his amused smile and follows the directions to the appliance, 30 minutes should do.

Returning to the living room she can hear soft music in the background, it sounds dramatic but pleasingly so.

“What’s that playing?”

“The score to a movie called Conquest of Paradise.”

“It’s nice.  I rarely go to the cinema and I don’t own a TV.  Does it bother you that I’m clueless to your… prominence?”

She is honestly curious.

Tom chuckles, “No, not at all.  Believe it or not, I like it…I’m enjoying it.  All too often, when I meet new people, the conversations center around my job, the perks, that kind of stuff.  I like that I can talk with you about anything but that.”

Alex sips her sweet tea and considers.

“My circle, which admittedly is not as exciting as yours must be, might be also rarified.  There are so few of us who specialize successfully, that one might consider me a celebrity of sorts.  Being the daughter of a world-renowned scholar, having extensively researched and published myself…” She laughs, “though to most people, it probably wouldn’t compare.  But I like that you share my passion about my field of interest and at the same time it’s refreshing to talk about other things, do other things.  Maybe even learn new things.” She looks over to the snoring Toby.

Both start to say something at the same time, Alex gestures for Tom to go ahead.

Tom pauses for a moment but Alex insists. She isn’t sure if she should really voice what’s in her head, the mood that has been created in the last hour and now by the homely setting, almost an intimacy, is unfamiliar to her, making her feel soft and vulnerable.

“Well, I was still wondering about the things you told me while we were walking.”

Tom waits, watches to see if she understands that he is not trying to pry, that it’s up to her whether to continue or stop.

“Yes?”

“After the loss of your mother, how long did you stay in France?”

“A little over a year. Grand-mère was 80 already at the time and her health was deteriorating and the doctors wanted her back at her home in London.  She said, ‘there is only so much that France can heal, some things simply need time and the love of a father’.’  And she was right.  Even though I was terribly sad to leave Severine, I missed my dad and home, so we returned.”

Tom would like to keep asking, to dig deeper, remembers that he had interrupted her.

“What did you want to say before?”

Alex is debating what to do but finally gives in to the urge to be candid with him. Also, she has the weird feeling Severine is standing behind her, nudging her on, giving her a thumbs up.

“I just thought. Well. We had mentioned our… occupation and the things that might come with it. I meant to add that I have to admit, it threw me a bit when I looked you up online.  Obviously, there’s the fact of your success, your,” Alex can’t think of a better phrase and makes a face, settling for “fame.  But what really surprised me, was how different you do look in person to me from some of those pictures. I know actors, the good ones anyways, are like chameleons, but honestly, even if I had seen you in a movie before you walked into the shop, I’m not sure I’d have recognized you.”

Tom snorts and shrugs his shoulders, “The short version is, I’m a lazy bastard.  Contact lenses dry my eyes, shaving is a hassle and to be honest it irritates my skin, so I only do it if I really have to. Make up obviously helps… does the hair bother you?” He jokingly strokes an imaginary Gandalf beard. “I’ll take it off immediately, just say the word!”

Alex laughs, “No, I quite like it, actually.”

She doesn’t add that it helps her to not get too distracted by his intelligent eyes, but it’s a close thing.

“Is that right?” Tom asks, as if hearing her thoughts and although she is aware that she might be crossing the line from innocent teasing, she feels compelled to speak about what's been on her mind since Wednesday, when the search engine had corrected her spelling of his last name and offered  ‘Results for Tom Hiddleston’.

“You must have thought me naïve, for not knowing who you are.  And I felt naïve, if not embarrassed later because I did what a person that loves reading as much as I do, should know better than to do – I judged the book by its cover.“

“You took one look at my hairy self and drew the conclusion I was a tortured, suffering artist? A poor scholar?” Tom raises his eyebrows jokingly.

“No. I mean, maybe, yes, a little. And just for the record I was fine, with you being any of these things. But I’m referring to later on, the moment I saw pictures of your... actor persona, the man in a £4000 suit. The award winner. Posing.” She presses her lips together for a moment. “I judged. And assumed.”

She tries to say it without bias, even smiling, and Tom interjects that not all the suits are that expensive and posing in them is, well, required, but she can see he understands that she is serious. She continues with a small voice and Tom has to lean in to hear her properly.

“You are obviously an attractive man, inside and out, but these pictures…Beauty, or what is perceived as beauty, can be a distraction.  It can be used as a cloak to hide behind and I admit, I was once deceived by it.  And hurt.  I take responsibility for my actions then; I wanted to believe that inner ugliness could not be hidden under outer elegance, that outer beauty must be a reflection of what is inside.”

Alex stares into her cup, apprehensive to look up at a silent Tom. She finishes her tea and her line of thought, “However, I learned, that it’s mostly a mask, a superficial disguise to hide something, and to tell you the truth, I thought, when I looked you up and found this other facet of you…that I had discovered yours.”

Tom remains still and when she finally gazes up at him, he gives her a tiny wistful smile.

“I’m afraid you have, Alex.  I am an actor and I have perfected so many disguises that I sometimes don’t know any more who the real me is.  People do judge books by their covers, and people in turn by their looks.  I would be lying if I didn’t admit to doing the same at times.  I too have my experiences with confusing perception versus reality.  Sometimes, Alex, I even encourage it, preferring to wear a mask – however, when I do, it’s not to hide what’s inside, but rather, to protect it.“

He takes a deep breath, “Your, as you call it, naivety is actually a superpower.  It made you immune to my deception, and I have to say I am grateful for the moment when you looked up at me with unclouded eyes and ordered me to leave my damn cup at the shelf.  You gave me the chance to be myself, and you have no idea what a joy that is.  As is finding out,” he smiles, “I like who I am when I’m with you.”

[xxkellsvixen19xx]

Forget Me Not Jim Mason x Reader 50 First Dates AU Pt 9

@michael-langdon-appreciation

There was this itchy sensation at the back of her brain screaming it was past time for this to be over. Not only the baby's arrival, but all of it. Her family had taken control of the waiting room down the hall, but they still managed to hover. Between the anxious glances and the well-meant but annoying suggestions to make her feel better, she was ready to kick their collective oversized asses out of the hospital.

She was having a baby, damn it, not on her deathbed. There was too much going on now that labor had started. Too much, and yet not enough to distract her from thinking about what she wanted.

Or more specifically who she wanted.

"I can’t do this anymore." Y/N eased her way down the hall, holding tightly to Medina’s arm.

"I don't think you can cancel at this point, hon." Medina paced slowly, her head dipping closer as her volume went even lower. "Although, if you want me to encourage anyone to leave, tell me, okay? Anyone," she said pointedly as one of Y/N's brothers stepped toward them.

Here they went again. Y/N eased a hand over her rock-solid belly as she paused to deal with another contraction. "Oh damn, this hurts."

Her brother Alex wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You're doing great."

She couldn’t answer for a moment. It was nice to know they cared, but really? Her brothers and her dad? Y/N blew out the final moment of pain and straightened to look into Alex's concerned eyes. "Thanks for the encouragement, but please. Go home, and we’ll let you know when the kid arrives."

"Take the other guys with you too," Medina suggested. "Because, dude, none of you are going anywhere near the delivery room when the actual event is happening."

"Ick, that is so true."

Y/N squeezed her brother's hand. "I'm glad you want to be there for me, but this is going a little too far, if you know what I mean."

Only, Alex wasn’t watching her, he was watching the nurses' station. "I don't mind hanging out for a while."

Jeez, good to know his reasons for being here weren’t all about wrapping her in cotton. "Go home, Alex. Or at least pretend to go so I don’t have to look at you. We'll call when there’s news." Y/N  stepped away and ignored him, easing through the next few contractions.

It wasn't her family she wanted around. She wanted Jim. She'd allowed him to be sent way, and she'd thought it was the right thing to do, but now that the moment had come she wasn't so sure.

Medina led her down the corridors in an endless loop. Her brothers had at least obeyed the part about getting out of sight, although knowing them, they’d probably only hit the coffee shop on the second floor and were tormenting people there.

Between contractions and pacing, she paused to look out the window. Spring had already passed, easing into full-on summer, and it was time for all kinds of new things.

Maybe a new chance as well.

Medina leaned on the wall beside her, arms crossed over her chest. "You want to call him?"

Was she that transparent? "Jim?"

Her best friend shrugged. "Honey, you love the guy. I think he loves you, and I doubt at this point anyone here at the hospital is going to call the cops if he shows up, restraining order or not." She made a rude noise. "I think we'd all lie our asses off for you two right now."

"I can’t...” Y/N thought really hard about what she wanted to say to finish that sentence.

She couldn't what?

I can't do this without him.

She lifted her eyes to her friend's. "Do you think he wants to be here? Even if it might get him arrested?"

Medina held out her cell phone, Jim's number already up on the screen. "I bet he'd go through hell itself to be here if you asked."

It really wasn’t that hard, hitting the button to make the call.

“Medina?" Jim sounded breathless. "Is she okay? Is the baby there? Tell me they're both fine."

His obvious concern had Y/N's throat closing tight, and she had to force out the words. "Jim, it's me. I'm doing good, but ..."

“Y/N? Thank God. You had the baby?"

"Not yet." She paused, wondering if it was right to even offer him the temptation. It wasn’t her who could end up in jail. But he'd told her once she should reach out and take what she wanted, and damn if she wasn't going to do exactly that. At least to offer him the option and let him decide if the risks were worth it. "This could get you in trouble, but do you want to be here? I mean, be with me when the baby arrives?"

"Oh, yeah." Loud clattering rang in the background, something like a door slamming. "Are you asking me to come to the hospital?"

"It might be a terrible idea, but yes, I want you here-oh, shit..." Another contraction hit, and she had to bend over and concentrate on breathing.

Jim's anxious voice blared from the phone as she held it against her thigh, his frantic questions getting louder and louder.

Medina somehow helped support her and at the same time grabbed the phone. "Stop shouting. She's busy for a minute." A pause, then Medina snorted. "Well, I don't know, sweetheart. Hold on to your knickers and I'll ask her." Her friend held the phone against her chest to cover the speaker. "What should I tell him?"

Y/N blew out a long breath as she found her feet, reaching for the phone. "Jim, me again. Sorry about that. I want you with me, if you still want to be here."

"You know I do."

Y/N twisted to the right in surprise. His answer had come not from the phone, but from the man himself who stood only two feet away. He was breathing heavily as if he’d been running stairs.

Y/N was breathing pretty hard herself. "Seven fucking hells, how did you do that?"

"If he's got a transporter and he hasn’t shared until now, I'm going to be pissed off." Medina held out her hand and gave Jim a quick handshake. "Now that you’re here for backup, I'm going to do a little distracting of the nursing staff and warn the people who will help us. I'll return in a moment to be an awesome baby catcher. I suggest you two hide out in the birthing room."

"Good idea."

They paused as Medina backed away, briefly flashing them two thumbs-up before she twirled and disappeared around a corner. Jim let Y/N guide him quickly into the private room she'd been given.

Only once the door was shut did he answer Y/N's question. "I was in the parking lot, waiting in my truck. Hoping that you'd call." He was there, the bruises on his face fading, his dark eyes taking her in from head to toe, and he reached out... And stopped. His hand fell to his side. His big strong body trembling as if he were afraid. “Y/N, I'm here for you. For you and the baby." His eyes-God, his eyes. Full of pain, and yet hope. "I promise with everything in me that’s true."

She was going to be bawling in a minute, which wasn't going to work great with the whole labor thing still happening. "I know."

Y/N caught him by the hand and tugged them together. She had to twist sideways to make room for her belly as she stepped into the warmth of his body, but he had his arms around her and that was all she needed right then. The solid assurance that he was there. That he was hers.

Jim stroked her hair as he held her. "I hate that we’ve had to be apart."

She nodded. "If you see the PVPD coming, hide in the bathroom.”

A reluctant laugh escaped him. "No more hiding. This is too important an event for me to spend it in the parking lot waiting for news."

"Were you really just going to sit there?" Y/N didn't want to let go of him, his touch soothing her more than any breathing techniques.

Jim stroked her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. "I was planning on sneaking in, but this is so much better than hiding behind a mask and staring through the door. And if I do get in trouble, it'll be worth it."

They had to pause each time a contraction hit, but the distraction of their conversation helped make the pain fade a little.

He rubbed her back before she even asked him to, touching her gently, supporting her. His strong hands that were capable of inflicting pain giving such tender care. And when he cupped her face in his hands and leaned in to kiss her tenderly, she lost it.

"It was bad enough that I had to lose memories, now I've lost these last weeks with you." She held his hand against her cheek. "Damn Rick to hell."

"Forget Rick, Angel Eyes. He doesn't matter, or he won't in a few days. What does matter is I love you."

She gasped out a laugh past the tears. "I love you too, Jim."

"Forever," he added, stroking her cheek and wiping away her tears. "I'm going to love you forever. And that's not going to change, and if I have to spend the next sixty years reminding you again and again, it'll be worth it."

"It'll be worth it," she repeated. There were still questions they had to answer, but right now, he was there and the kid in her belly was posing the most demanding request. "Ahh, Jim? I think it's time."

"Time for what?"

She wanted to laugh, but the pressure was building too fast. "The baby?" she reminded him.

His eyes widened. "Now?"

"Now."

[melodypond-thewomanwhomarriedme]

Mattex Prompt: is there a reason you're naked on my bed?

Alex unlocks the door to her house, feeling weary and exhausted. The play she’s been working on has just finished its month long run, and after waiting with fans outside for a few hours, the cast had insisted that they got some drinks together to celebrate the end of a immensely successful run - and, of course, her birthday. 

At the stroke of midnight, she’ll be turning another year older. She honestly doesn’t think much about it. Her age hasn’t bothered her in a long time. She thinks it’s because she’s very satisfied with her life - with her a job and her daughter and friends - and of course, Matt.

Dear Matt. He’s been so loving and gentle, patiently waiting for her. It’s almost been five years of ups and downs with him. He’s one of the things she loves most in her life - second only to her daughter - and every night she lies in bed with him she counts her lucky stars that he’s by her side.

She can’t wait to just get under the covers and snuggle close to him. He always feels so warm, his arms wrapped around her. She loves listening to his heartbeat when she hugs him close - the sound so comforting and soothing, providing a nice lullaby for her to fall asleep to.

She drops her bags onto the couch and kicks off her shoes lazily, too tired to pick up after herself. She pulls her dress over her head and walks to the room in nothing but her underwear and her jewellry, taking the latter off easily as she opens the door.

And she stands, utterly shocked, not a sound leaving her as she stares.

Matt is standing proudly on the bed, hands on his hips, a beaming smile upon his face. His pose almost looks like a superhero, which would’ve been only mildly hilarious if he hadn’t been stark naked. 

“Surprise!” He shouts.

Alex’s jaw drops and her eyes widens, but still she manages, “Is there a reason you’re naked on my bed?”

“On our bed, Kingston.” He corrects, jumping down onto the hardwood floor. He straightens up again and smiles up at her. “Since I’ve officially finished unpacking all my boxes.”

It’s still a new arrangement - one they came up with together. They’d been taking things very, very slow, but when they decided that they were serious about each other, Matt had moved in part-time with Alex while she was in the UK. He still kept his old flat in London, and he still slept there whenever Alex would go back to the States.

But now she’s here full-time, and they’d decided that it was time for him to move in, for good. So he sold his flat the first chance he got and packed all his stuff, moving to Alex’s the same day. That had been two weeks ago.

“You’re naked.” She says again, and this time her eyes flicker to the windows. “And the curtains aren’t drawn!”

“Relax!” Matt says soothingly, placing a hand on each of her shoulders. “No one is going to see us here.” 

“What is this, Matt.” She gestures vaguely to his state of undress, and he smiles that charming smile down at her again.

He turns around and walks over to the drawers, talking as he does, “I know you said you didn’t want to make a big deal out of your birthday. And I know you’re tired because you’ve been working very hard on that play.” He bends down to retrieve something and Alex leans back to admire the curve of his bum. “But I figured I can still treat you to something, at no cost whatsoever.”

He walks back to her and holds his hands out, willing her to take something. She frowns as she looks down at it, turning it over in her hands. 

“It’s a ribbon.” She states, looking up at him in confusion.

“Yes,” Matt nods, taking it from her again. “And it goes right…. here.”

He ties it around his cock and poses for her. She laughs out loud, tilting her head back.

“You are absolutely ridiculous,” she says, shaking her head in amusement. 

He grins back at her, obviously pleased with himself for making her laugh. 

“So, are you my present?” She asks, tilting his head at him. 

He nods. “I’m here to do as you wish, madam.” He bows to her.

“Oooh, madam.” Alex repeats. “I like the sound of that.”

“I thought you might.” He grins back. He takes her hand and leads her to the bed, sitting her down on the edge of it. “So I’ve got massage oil, some normal games, some masks if you want to try them - the lady in the store said they were very good ones and I trust her. Dirty games, more dirty games - only if you’re in the mood for it, of course - and, yes - a jumbo pack of condoms.”

He holds the pack in his hand hopefully and she laughs again, leaning back on the bed. 

“I’m sorry, darling, but I think I’m too tired for that tonight.” She says apologetically, but he doesn’t look dejected or disappointed. He just shrugs and tosses it aside.

“Alright then, what do you want me to do for you?” He asks eagerly, sitting down on the bed beside her. 

“A massage would be heaven right now, darling, thank you.” She says to him.

“Alright, one massage, coming right up.” He says, grabbing the massage oil.

She lays her front down on the bed and unhooks her bra, tossing it to the side of the room. He goes up behind her and starts smoothing the oil into her skin, making her moan as his knuckles press against her sore muscles.

“Your hands are heaven, darling.” She moans, sighing in content.

“I know.” He says softly to her, and something about his voice awakens desire in her - his tone has changed from before. It’s low and suggestive and suddenly she feels fire in the pit of her stomach. 

“You know,” she says softly to him, looking back over her shoulder. His eyes are dark when they meet hers. “Maybe we can try a few of those dirty games after this and see where that leads us.”

[poemsandpeaches]

The Black Swan Rebellion Au

Warning: mentions of death and sex. this is just a warm up since I haven't written in like 3 days.

"You're an idiot" Alex glared. "What the fuck could've possessed your brain to make you do that?"

"Commander-" Maria said, taking a step forward. "If you would just listen-"

"There's nothing to listen to, Maria. I trusted you to lead them into battle, not lead them straight to their deaths. I specifically told you not to go into the trench and what did you do?"

The brown-haired girl sighed and looked down at the stone cold floor. "I led them into the trenches."

"You're lucky I don't remove your rank as co-commander right now" The dark-haired man said, walking down the line as his tiny army of soldiers stood in line. He could tell Jefferson was holding his tongue not to put his two cents in. He loved arguing, especially with Alex. If they didn't need him so bad, Alex would've kicked him out of the group long ago.

But someone had to fight against King George and his men. Someone had to rebel and they needed all the help they could get. So he stayed.

"Madison" Alex said, taking a step towards James. You could almost see the shorter man trembling as he tried to keep his calm, collected pose that mirrored everyone else's.

"Yessir?" He asked, voice not wavering once. But Alex could read tones and faces surprisingly well as head commander. It was taking this man anything and everything not to cower down on his knees and hide his face.

"You almost got fucking killed out there. Why was that?"

"Leave him alone, Hamilton" Thomas finally cut in. Everyone knew him and James had a thing since the first recruit. They started out as partners for...sexual tension but soon the two caught feelings and were in a relationship. They acted like it was some big secret and tried to hide it, but everyone knew and played along to humor them.

Alex just sent a glare over to Jefferson. "Why did you almost get killed?" He asked again, looking back at James.

"Cause I wouldn't shoot my enemies" he whispered, looking down in embarrassment.

"That's right. That's a move that gets you killed. Being a Black Swan means no fear. If Eliza hadn't jumped in and saved your ass, you'd be-"

"Enough!" John roared, stepping out of line and running in front of James defensively, which wasn't much help since they were about the same size. "He knows what he did wrong, he cried for half an hour afterwards. Just stop!"

Everyone stared in shock, mouths agape. John never spoke out of turn, especially not this harsh. Everyone also knew that he and Alex were lovers, but they'd never let that get between their duties and stations. The Black Swan Rebellion was too important to ignore. Through John's tone, it was clear that something else was upsetting him, but Alex wouldn't press.

"I'm sorry, but who's in charge here?" Alexander asked, stepping towards John. Some of John's hair looked like it was singed off with fire. It wasn't much, only the tips. But that stressed Alex out a lot more than it should've.

"Doesn't matter" John growled. "Leave my friend alone."

Alexander grabbed his arm, not roughly, but not gently either. "Some things are more important than friendships, Laurens. You know that. If someone doesn't teach James what he did wrong, he's gonna end up just like Washington. Dead. He left in in charge for a reason. All you are is a private and you're lucky you're even that."

"Last time I checked, we're the ones winning!" John screamed. "Do you hear me? We kicked ass in that trench today! Sure, it was dangerous, but so is this whole little organization. I killed 5 men, Hamilton. Five men. I took five souls off of this planet while you sat here on your ass and watched us through a camera and planned your next little attack. Fuck off."

"You think 5 is a lot?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow. "Try over 300. Take that tone with me again and I'll throw you out on the streets to fend for yourself. And I don't 'sit on my ass', thank you. I was actually at Seabury headquarters."

With that, he rolled up his sleeve to show a bandaged arm with a bloodstain covering it. "SIG Sauer P226" He said, staring down at the wound. "Saw it coming a mile away but it was too late. So don't discredit me for my work. I'll kick any of you smartasses out."

"You won't" John whispered bravely. "You need us. You need every single one of us. That's why you won't de-rank Maria. You need us right where we are."

There was a silence. There was a pause. The room seemed to freeze over in time as the two locked eyes and stared each other down. Everyone, including John, thought he was done for. That Hamilton was gonna kick him out for sure.

Instead, Alex just sighed, took a step forward and kissed Lauren's forehead. "You're washing dishes for the next month."

"You're tense" John said, walking into Alex's bedroom as he sat on the stolen red couch. "You're stressed."

"How could you tell?" Alex sighed, resting his wounded arm on one of the arm chairs. "It's bad enough we already lost 20 of our men in Georgia. We cant afford to lose anyone else."

John set the cups of tea on the small coffee table, actually bought a long time ago from an old traveling saleswoman who sold almost everything she owned for gas money to visit her son. "Drink" He whispered. "It relieves stress and makes you think more clearly."

"Thinking clearly is the last thing I need right now" Alex whispered, closing his eyes.

John just sat in silence until Alex reached out to touch his hair. "Why are you fighting this war?"

"W-what?" The freckled man asked in surprise. "What do you mean? I told you why."

Alex nodded. "You're avenging your dead parents. But why are you fighting instead of painting or singing? Why are you expressing your pain through war?"

"Because painting someone on a canvas doesn't hurt them." John said darkly. "I'm not stopping until I catch the killer and hold their heart in my gloved hand."

"Fair enough" Alex said, stroking his hair. "What happened here?"

John raised an eyebrow.

"Your hair. It's burned at the edges. What happened?"

"Oh yeah. It's kinda funny. I knew I smelled smoke but it wasn't until Maria woke me up when I realize our tent was on fire. My hair suffered in the process. I've been meaning to cut it but-"

"Let me" Alex whispered softly.

"Huh?"

"Let me cut your hair?"

"With one arm? No way. Do you even know how?"

"You only need one arm to cut with" Alexander smiled, grabbing a rusty pair of scissors from his drawer. "My Mama used to cut my hair all the time. She was a beautician after all. I've got this."

And so John succumbed and allowed Alex to cut his hair.

(It cuts off here, go to my oneshot book for the rest)

[lightsandlostbells]

Druck episode 7 reaction

I fell behind with Druck because the release of the clips from this episode threw me off, lol, but I’m catching up now! 

Some of these comments are outdated as I wrote them before seeing the clips that came out after this episode. 

Episode 7

Clip 1 - Leonardo DiCaprio sweetie...

Sam’s hair!!! Love it.

Unfortunately I do not love that Sam is somewhat encouraging Kiki in her Alexander-related delusions. 

Tbh, I wonder how Sam copes being a friend of Kiki since Kiki is racist, but then again racist people can be selective. They’ll have bigoted beliefs about one marginalized group, but they’re OK with another group.

Kiki referencing Titanic and being like the film is based on a true story!!! And Amira being like, uh, just the iceberg and sinking part. Well, Titanic is applicable to real life, in that Kiki and Alexander are the sinking ship. But also, Jack died at the end of Titanic, so maybe Kiki should pick something with a happier ending, anyway.

Mia has incorporated the famous red lipstick into her style.

Amira asking about the party and Sam saying Mia twerked, good for her.

I adore Amira messing with the girls and saying costume parties are haram. Even Mia, the self-designated progressive feminist of the group, falls for it. But I love that Amira can joke with them and tease their expectations and it’s casual and friendly. Pay attention, Kiki.

Awww, even the Hanna/Jonas guilt making out is too cute! I’m going to savor it while it lasts.

Clip 2 - Hanna confesses to Matteo

Matteo settled on a different hairstyle, I see.

So I guess Hanna did end up joining the refugee tutoring program, and Matteo did too. Despite the less-than-enlightened attitudes we saw from the group representatives in the first episode, I’m glad to see Hanna is involved in another activity, at least. Since she’s very insecure, volunteering and participating in activities can give you some sense of purpose and direction. And Matteo - I don’t think we ever saw Isak really involved in anything at school? Just kosegruppa, which he was blackmailed into. Which is fine, I just like seeing Matteo doing something productive. Also, I enjoy seeing something that Hanna and Matteo do together, whether that was intentional or not on their parts.

After seeing a few versions of this scene, I prefer it when the Isak character needles the Eva a bit into confessing what’s up rather than Eva just spilling her secret unprompted. It makes sense in that Hanna/Eva might need a push and also gives a subtle hint about Matteo’s/Isak’s investment in their relationship status.

I laughed out loud at Hanna being like “I made out with Sam” and Matteo being like “Well yeah, girl Sam is hot.” I mean, she is a babe, but Sam is the one girl Chris character who does not flirt with the Isak character (from what I remember), and it turns out to be the one time that the Isak says that the girl Chris is hot. Even though I don’t think it’ll matter much, lmao.

Also Matteo being like whyyyy are you telling me this right now … in front of a bunch of students within earshot. True!

LMAO AND FATIMA AGREES WITH MATTEO, HOLY SHIT? I hope that this poor girl isn’t going to be like … a red herring as to who spilled the beans.

Clip 3 - Kiki gets a much-needed pep talk

Kiki just cuts straight through the bullshit and figures Hanna has a thing for Samuel.

Well, now we get the “I’m not a lesbian” comments from Kiki. I wish they would go there with her. Honestly, after Skam Austin, this is the version of Skam I would most expect an f/f storyline (other than Skam France which has girl Alex as bi but it’s not much more than Word of God and a couple offhand comments.)

Kiki asks Mia if she’s a lesbian and Mia says she doesn’t think in categories like that … which does not rule out the possibility of her being into girls … I am just saying …

“Just because I’m pretty does it mean I need to have a penis inside me?” Well damn Mia, when you put it like that.

Alexander repeats the same bullshit lines on different girls. I bet he compliments them on their stomachs because so many girls are self-conscious about having rolls or belly fat.

Kiki is near tears, and she gets Vilde’s line about everyone saying it’s not her fault, but it is her fault … because that’s how she feels. I’m glad they kept in that line, and it does make you think about how “of course it’s me” would feel in light of S2. I mean apparently Vilde didn’t care that it was Noora who ended up with William, but if you think about it, William apparently was willing to settle on a girl. It just had to be Noora. And IDK, to me that would kind of sting regardless of my ultimate feelings for this dude - because apparently I wasn’t enough to make him stop acting like an asshole, but for another girl he could act like something resembling a decent person (in certain opinions).

The girls making a Hanna and Mia sandwich with Kiki inside is so sweet.

Clip 4 - Mia tells off Alexander

“You’re a proud, confident pussy!” Aw, that’s a lovely line in context.

Mia is, out of all the Nooras, the one who most feels like a feminist or at least someone who is heavily guided by feminist principles and has done the required reading.

I was going to say it was a bummer that Sam went against Kiki’s idea to stand up to Alexander, but the way the actress played it, plus the line “That’s how I always do it” made it feel like there was more going on with her than just not wanting the party invitations to stop. Like the pressure to be chill and not take anything too seriously, especially relationships, was something that weighs down on her. If she’s like girl Chris, perhaps she feels the need to be the fun party one, too. (Heh, I actually thought of the infamous Gone Girl “cool girl” speech, believe it or not. A lot of these insensitive teenage boys don’t want a girl who’s going to have feelings and inconvenient stuff like that, they just want a girl who’s cool to do whatever. And I think there is some pressure on girls to not be like “those other girls” who cause drama by speaking up for themselves and not taking crap from boys.)

And I like Amira’s point of view, which was the same as Sana’s, but which was explicitly compassionate and trying to help Kiki keep her dignity.

Also Hanna is just like “No idea” which is in-character for the whole not-having-her-own-opinions, going-along-with-what-everyone-else-does theme.

Alexander wasn’t as bad of an actor as I expected, though he needs to work on his dead eyes. Maybe he meant it but it’s going to be hard to deal with that in the long run.

His version of this put-down is one of the cruelest in a way, though. It doesn’t even feel like he winds her up as much, he’s just callous. And he had the temerity to tell her to stop crying. Because crying is inconvenient for him.

He mimics Mia’s smirk back at her when she steps up which was a nice touch.

I’m glad that Kiki stuck around in this version so she got to hear someone stick up for her. It is sad that her moment becomes Mia’s moment but it’s nice to see the girls immediately defending her, Amira stroking her arm.

I’m not sure Mia had quite the fire to pull off that scene; however I am liking her more and more in general because as I mentioned above, I think she’s convincing as a baby feminist character and she’s good with supporting the other girls.

I loooooooove Sam giving him the finger as she walks off. itswhathedeserves.gif 

Clip 5 - Hanna and Jonas in bed

They’re easily the best Eva/Jonas outside of the original. They just have great chemistry.

“By the way, I found out there are studies that prove the danger of cell phone radiation.” Wow, I didn’t know Jonas was channeling my 72-year-old auntie.

So cute with him talking about getting down and asking for her hand!

“Society made me do it, a boy from the streets like me, what can I do?” Jonas is definitely the most endearing drug dealer in the Skam extended universe. Ahem.

That description makes him seem like Aladdin.

Oh god they’re so cute. I don’t have much to say except they’re fabulous together. 

don’t break them up

Clip 6 - Fight!

NO NOT THE SCARF. Wrapping her scarf around his neck! I know what happens next for them, you assholes!!!

The girls are ridiculously cute when they pose for a photo. Mia giving Hanna a kiss!

Also they love Mia so much for her smackdown. And Amira stroking Kiki’s arm <3

Brawl time!

Lol, this is the least convincing Iben.

DON’T TOUCH SAM’S BEAUTIFUL BLUE HAIR YOU JERK

I love that all of them got involved in the fight. Amira seemed like she was trying to stop the fight at first but then it looked like she was trying to put that girl in a headlock. Kiki went all in, too, jumping on that girl’s back and holding on with her thighs.

Lol, a teacher actually yelling at them to knock it off and them breaking it off on their own? How novel.

Clip 7 - Hanna and a reptile

Hanna actually has a bruise from the fight so that’s a good detail.

That line from Matteo about Carlo being friends with Jonas and not with Hanna ... buddy … you’re going to want to consider that line more closely, considering I can think of someone who’s friends with both Jonas AND Hanna who’s also screwed her over.

Jonas asking her to stop calling when her phone background is all pics of her and Jonas being affectionate :( :( :(  You know, just to rub it in.

Matteo were you fucking SMIRKING after you gave Hanna a hug? Is that an actual smirk or is that just his face? Duuuuude, I do not approve.

Clip 8 - Leonie dropping hints

Lmao, it’s not really funny but those are some A+ celebrity sunglasses that Hanna is wearing to presumably cover up her bruise and hide from the world.

Love how shook and upset Hanna gets from just spotting Jonas through the window.

Kiki is probably the biggest asshole of any of the Vildes but not gonna lie, I still kinda like her? She is a jerk but she feels like a very specific, realistic type of jerk, like she feels very believable as a character.

Also, something I’ve never thought much about is how Vilde/Kiki fixates on Eva/Hanna being considered a “slut” to the whole school, and obviously some of that for Vilde has to do with the impact it’ll have on their bus group. But this is also happening right after Vilde lost her virginity to the most popular guy in school, wore his hoodie that marked her as a trophy, and was treated like trash by him afterwards. So for Vilde/Kiki/the equivalent characters, is it possible that there’s some projection going on here? I don’t know if I’d say for certain because she seems so eager to have sex, but the aftermath also messes with her self-worth, and that’s mostly indicated by her eating disorder but I think it’s possible she may have internalized some ideas about slut-shaming that could apply to herself.

Mia loves Hanna so much. I don’t get the mega-flirty vibes between them I got from Eva/Noora or Eva/Eleonora, but Mia just cares for her a whole lot. I’ve had some doubts about Mia’s performance but the writing for her has made me love her quite a bit.

Oh, I love that Hanna kinda snapped at Leonie and that Mia took a bit more of the caring, leave-her-alone approach at first but then got all forceful and told her to go away.

Mia either thinks Kiki needs to shut the fuck up or she’s noticing that something’s up with her attitude.

Clip 9 - Hanna and her dad

Is that plant symbolic of something? “There’s a lot going on and I just forgot to water it”? Or you know, sometimes a plant is just a plant.

The dad! I love him being all concerned by his daughter’s banged-up face.

And he’s being so sweet and supportive when he sees Hanna is having a hard time! Gosh, Druck is really like the sweet and soft remake. The baby lamb version of Skam.

Hanna also freely confesses to him that Jonas broke up with her instead of it slipping out in a fit of frustration like with Eva. The dad is sympathetic and wants to help and tries to reassure her that it can happen to anyone, but Hanna is just too upset and stressed for it to have any effect.

General Comments:

I have no idea what’s up with the production on this one. I’ll be so bummed if it doesn’t get another season. Honestly, this is still my favorite of the remakes - it’s the one where I have the most fondness for the characters. I enjoy almost everyone by this point.

This is also easily the version where I would want a S3 and S4 the most (other than a Shay-focused season of Skam Austin), as I think Matteo and Amira could potentially pull them off; they both have conveyed plenty of youthful vulnerability. Mia/Alexander is the least convincing Noorhelm yet but Mia has grown on me a lot. And I think girl Sam and Jonas are fantastic and would love to see more from them.

Just to say it again: girl Sam is wonderful and I would looooove just a full season of her.

I guess the Druck team posted a little message on IG about Kiki’s eating disorder and a link to a hotline? That’s really great, I’m glad they did that.

Not to compare remakes but when Meg and Marlon from Skam Austin make out: 😒 😒 😒 When Hanna and Jonas make out: 😄 😄 😄

I don’t speak German so if I miss some context, feel free to correct me.

If you got this far, thank you for reading!

[tabloidtoc]

In Touch, March 29

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Jennifer Lopez humiliated by Alex Rodriguez

Page 1: Contents

Page 2: Who Wore It Better? Catt Sadler vs. Brooke Burke in BFFs & Babes, Li Bingbing vs. Jennifer Lopez in Georges Hobeika, Kacey Musgraves vs. Sydney Sweeney in David Koma

Page 4: Revenge of the Week -- Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain said he didn't believe a word of Meghan Markle's claims of severe mental distress during her time as a working royal and the next day he stormed off the set after a colleague suggested he was trashing Meghan because she cut him off -- hours later, amid more than 41,000 complaints about his comments, including one from Meghan herself in which she reportedly accused him of degrading the seriousness of mental health issues, Piers refused to apologize and chose instead to quit -- Sharon Osbourne and Bethenny Frankel got burned too

Page 5: Rebel of the Week -- Melissa McCarthy said she has never been flipped off or told to f--k off as much as fellow celebs' reactions to her wearing a tracksuit and sneakers to the Oscars afterparty in 2019, Practical Joker of the Week -- Eve Hewson prank-called Justin Timberlake after stealing her dad Bono's address book, Number of the Week -- 14 pounds Gwyneth Paltrow says she gained over the past year mostly from eating pasta and biscuits and cheese, Man Candy of the Week -- Mike Manning

Page 6: Crib of the Week -- Jimmy Fallon's quirky triplex in NYC, Winners of the Week -- Alias fans -- Jennifer Garner says sign her up when asked if she'd do a reboot of her spy series, Loser of the Week -- Kim Kardashian rails that she's not a meteorologist after fans point out she confused a recent California hailstorm with snow

Page 8: Up Close -- Prince Harry and pregnant Meghan Markle holding son Archie in a black-and-white photo taken by photographer Misan Harriman

Page 9: Kaley Cuoco gets ready for a photo shoot wearing the suit of her dreams from Dolce & Gabbana, Justin Bieber and his dog Oscar, Jennifer Lopez doing her best Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary impression in the tub

Page 10: Lady Gaga and onscreen husband Adam Driver in Milan for House of Gucci

Page 12: Will Smith in a pool in Dubai, Kylie Jenner posing in front of vending machines, Mariah Carey holding her dog

Page 14: Jennifer Aniston films evening scenes for The Morning Show with co-stars Hannah Leder and Mark Duplass in L.A., Halle Berry, Selena Gomez and Martin Short sashay on the set of their new comedy Only Murders in the Building

Page 18: Grammy Awards -- Beyonce, Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin

Page 19: Lizzo blurted Bitch I'm Back, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift chatted during a commercial break, Noah Cyrus

Page 20: Grammys' Standout Stars -- Taylor Swift, Maren Morris, Megan Thee Stallion

Page 21: Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Lizzo

Page 22: Heather Locklear, who stepped out in LA looking curvier than usual, has had an epiphany: she isn't going to put herself through the wringer by crash-dieting just to be pencil thin and she loves herself just the way she is -- she recently broke her engagement to high school sweetheart Chris Heisser, with whom she had a volatile on-off relationship for years and she's taking it easy on herself because she's been through a lot -- she's also sober and one of the sayings you might hear in rehab is Never HALT, which means don't ever get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired so if Heather is hungry, she's going to eat and the last thing she wants to do now is focus on dieting when she should be putting all her energy into staying sober

Page 23: Blake Shelton is seeing red over his ex Miranda Lambert's decision to open a bar and grill on the same block in Nashville as his Ole Red tavern because he put his heart and soul into it, and now she's opening a Tex-Mex joint called Casa Rosa this summer -- Miranda loves to stick it to her ex who blindsided her with divorce papers in 2015 amid accusations she cheated, which she's denied -- she's telling everyone her food will be way better than the slop he's serving -- it's amazing that after all these years these two, who have both moved on and are in love with other people, are still fighting

* Demi Lovato has a surprising take on her battle with drugs: they saved her life -- she says there were times she dealt with suicidal ideations, and had she gone forward with that in that moment instead of turning to another destructive coping mechanism, she wouldn't be here to tell her story -- of course, her coping mechanism almost ended up killing her: she suffered three strokes and a heart attack in 2018 after overdosing

* Star Sightings -- Alex Rodriguez and friends joined the 54-day fitness phenomenon in Miami, Justin Long opened up to Survivor-Net in LA about his mother's battle with ovarian cancer, Erin Ziering hit SUR Beach House in Cabo, Mexico

Page 24: Cover Story -- Jennifer Lopez gets dumped -- the wedding is off and so is the relationship -- Jennifer and Alex Rodriguez's nasty split -- they claim they're working through things, but they're done, and it's only a matter of time until she has to admit it publicly

Page 28: Queen Elizabeth's tears: what has happened to my family? As she weathers the most devastating crises in her 70 year reign, Elizabeth is desperate to keep The Firm united

Page 30: Property Brothers show sued for shoddy work -- Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott's hit show and reputations come under attack

Page 32: Chip and Joanna Gaines -- how our faith saved us -- Chip and Jo reinforced their foundation before returning to TV

Page 34: The Big Interview -- Bryan Abasolo and Rachel Lindsay -- three years after the final rose, this Bachelorette duo is taking on the franchise

Page 42: Animal Overload -- my dog looks like Kate Hudson

Page 45: Double Take -- Star Wars: The Last Jedi star Kelly Marie Tran guests on The Late Late Show With James Corden in L.A.

Page 46: Horoscope -- Aries Jessica Chastain turned 44 on March 24

Page 48: Last Laughs

[teamkaiforever]

NO TOUCHING                - Part II

Kai Parker x Reader word count : 4 043 warning : smut (smuttiest one i’ve written , unless we count the next part🙈🔥😈) summary : continues the story from part I… *not my gif keep reading after the cut😉 ___________________________

MONDAY

Y/N knew what she was getting into , or at least she thought she knew. The first day he had taken things easy. Sort of. Y/N had barely gotten a few hours of sleep before she had to get up and get ready for classes. Kai was sleeping soundly on her bed , looking like an angel and Y/N couldn’t help but smile. Quietly she sneaked into the bathroom taking a quick shower before getting dressed and heading into the kitchen to make her coffee and pack lunch for later. All of the sudden she felt someone’s eyes on her and a moment later Kai’s hands snaked around her stomach down her waist while his body pressed against hers from behind. “You took a shower without me ? Shame. We could’ve gone for round 3 …” he whispered, his lips nearly touching her skin as he spoke. Kai placed soft kisses on her neck while his hand pushed down her jeans , his fingers playing with her clit. Y/N tilted her head a little giving him better access. She tried sliding her hand around her back to touch him but he swatted it away. “No , no princess. You will be late for classes.” “I don’t care.” Kai spun her around with a devilish smile on his face. “Surprisingly , I do. I’ll drive you. C'mon.” The car ride had her so disconcentrated - thoughts about all the things that happened during the night swirling in her mind. There was no way for her to focus on anything besides Kai today. He kept glancing at her the entire way , talking dirty to her while driving. By the time they got to the college’ parking lot , her skin felt like it was on fire and instinctively she reached her hand towards the slight bulge in his pants only to have her hand slapped away. “Oh .. you … ugh …” she groaned in frustration and to add more to it an invisible finger entered her making her grab onto the seat. Kai was using his magic on her again , getting her to completely lose any chance of getting focused later in the day. “What did you think sweetheart ? That I’d let you touch me after what you did last night ?” he said innocently. “You drove me wild , now it’s my turn … For the rest of the week - you are not allowed to touch.” Y/N stared at him in disbelief. Should’ve seen that one coming. she thought. “Not unless I say so.” he added. “OH this week is going to be so much fun !” he said grinning , excitement and something else she couldn’t put her finger on sparkling in his eyes. “I’m going to be late.” she said clearning her throat and starting to get out of the car. Kai grabbed her wrist pulling her roughly back into the car , his lips smashing against hers taking her breath away and officially sending her mind to places it shouldn’t go considering there are 8hrs until they see each other again. “Have fun.” he said smiling.

* * *

TUESDAY

Y/N was in art class , her gaze focused on the skull her graphic’s teacher had propped up on the podium a few meters from her and her classmates. The graffit in her hands swiftly moving on the page. Every few seconds she’d glance at the podium and back at the page getting the details right. The class was going fine until wind whooshed through the window near by and the classroom door opened and shut on its own. Next time she glanced up at the podium her eyes widened and the graffit draw a straight line across the page until it fell off her hands. On the podium stood Kai shirtless , posing for her to draw. He grinned at her and gestured towards his crotch with a smug smirk on his face. “You OK ?” asked her friend Alex from the seat next to her. “Yeah , yeah … I’m fine.” replied Y/N clearing her throat , seeing Kai making his way towards her swiftly moving across the rest of the students. Her eyes were following him across the room while also trying to focus back on what she was drawing. Kai got to her , his fingertips grazing up her arm to her shoulder and across her back until he leaned in to whisper in her ear on the other side. “Get up , meet me outside in 5.” he whispered , his lips almost touching her earlobe as he spoke. Y/N shook her head. “Oh sweetheart , you don’t really have a choice here.” Kai got behind her , his hands cupping her breasts through her shirt , making her close her eyes for a second , swallowing air. Damn it. she thought , getting up quickly and gathering her things. Her friend looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face mouthing ‘Where are you going ?’ except Y/N didn’t give him answer. Y/N should’ve known Kai would show up at her college , she hadn’t been able to help herself this morning leaving that note in his jeans pocket. She quickly got out of the classroom , only to be pinned down to the wall near the door right after. Kai’s lips roughly kissing hers. He pushed her body further into the wall , making her drop her things onto the floor. “Kai -” He didn’t let her say a word , his lips attacking hers and taking her breath away completely. “Did you really think I’d skip on visiting you here after that note ? No , no. I want you Y/N. Here … now.” he whispered , resting his forehead on hers. “Invisique.” he muttered , his hands sliding under her denim skirt teasing her folds through her panties. “No , no. Don’t close those beautiful eyes of yours. Keep them on me.” demanded Kai , pushing her panties to the side and rolling her swollen clit between his thumb and index finger. Y/N bit her lower lip trying hard not to close her eyes but it was getting harder with every passing moment. “I want to touch you.” “I know you do , sweetheart but no.” said Kai , pushing two fingers inside her covering her mouth with his hand to stop her from moaning out. Her eyes fluttered closed for a few seconds and Kai pushed his fingers roughly inside her waking her up. “Eyes open.” He was getting her closer and closer to her release , her eyes catching a glimpse at the clock on the wall to the right. 17 minutes until the bell rings. Y/N’s hands ignored Kai’s words and pushed down his pants , palming him through his briefs. “Please ..” she begged again , fearing at any moment he might push her hand away. Kai growled , his lips smashing against hers , tugging at her lower lip at the end of the kiss. 15 minutes. Y/N reached between their bodies , unbuttoning / unzipping his jeans and pushing them down quickly , her fingers wrapping around his thick shaft giving him a few strokes , her thumb rolling on the tip of his hard length. He moaned into her mouth , pushing himself off her a snap of his fingers later her panties were off her and her skirt was pushed up. “Jump.” Y/N jumped up , her hands hooking around his neck while her legs hitched around his waist. Kai’s lips found hers , drowning her scream into a kiss as he pushed hard and deep inside her. He shoved her against the wall again , his thick shaft pumping in and out of her faster and faster. “Fuckk Kai …” she gasped , trying to keep her eyes on his without closing them. His hot breath on her face was intoxicating her , completely deleting from her memory the fact they were in her college hallway. Her nails dug into his flesh drawing blood as he got her closer and closer to her release. 11 minutes. Kai felt her walls contracting around his shaft more frequently , realising she is close he pressed his lips against hers drowning out the moan that followed as her body shook. She tugged at his lower lip after the kiss , her eyes fluttering closed for a split second. 7 minutes. Kai’s thrusts were getting sloppier tho never losing their depth and roughness. Y/N felt his hard length twitch inside her and a couple of thrusts later he came in hot spurts inside her , making her throw her head back against the wall. “Fuckk ” he groaned , buring his face in the crook of her neck. Kai’s teeth nibbled on her skin as her fingers buried in his hair , massaging his scalp and tugging on it. He kept pumping in and out of her until he was finished , gently letting her feet on the ground. Y/N could barely breath , let alone stand. Kai tucked a strand of hair behind her ear , his fingers gently brushing against her cheek right after. “I’ll come pick you up after classes ..” he winked at her , his hands cupping her breasts through her shirt for a few seconds before the bell rang and he disappeared into the crowd of students flooding the halls.

* * *

WEDNESDAY

Y/N woke up sore all over. After Kai’s surprise visit at her college , he had picked her up afterwards and had his way with her in the back of his car , and then over the stairs… “I know you are awake..” said Kai , his fingers ‘walking’ on her arm until she opened her eyes coming face to face with him. He gave her a small smile. “Aren’t you going to school today ?” “No-pe.” she said wincing a little as she moved closer to him , her lips pressing against his. Kai seemed to notice something was up and a flash of worry crossed his face. “I am staying home today … with you.” Y/N tapped his nose and Kai gripped her wrist. “Not that I am objecting or complaining , but why ?” he asked with concern in his eyes. “I … I am a little sore that’s all.” she smiled back at him. “Human , remember ?” Kai smiled pressing his lips onto hers drowning her in a deep kiss. He rolled on top of her , his lips never leaving hers. Maybe he had gone a little over board yesterday but he hadn’t been able to help himself. The more he had of her , the more he wanted. Y/N moaned into the kiss and Kai pulled away with a grin on his face. “I am making you breakfast. What do you want ? Pancakes ? Waffles ? One of those giant omeletes you like ?” he said , his eyes glowinig. “Anything you want ..” Y/N covered her face with her hands , taking a peek through her fingers. She might be sore but she still wanted to have him for breakfast. The way he always kissed her - even the short brief kisses somehow made her want him and only him above all else. Kai removed her hands from her face finding a wide smile under them. “Whatever you want , as long as there is coffee…” she replied , pushing him off her and starting to get out of the bed. Kai was faster , he scooped her up bridal style and carried her downstairs letting her sit in one of the chairs. “You don’t have to baby me. I can walk on my own..” “Shhh…” he shushed her , pressing his lips onto hers. Y/N brought one of her knees up to her chest , wrapping her arms around it while the other stayed on the ground. She was still wearing his t-shirt from the night before. Her hands reached for one of the apples on the table while her eyes were fixed on Kai. He was wearing only his boxers and all she could think about was him - his lips on hers , his hands roaming her body… Kai glanced over to her noticing her longing look first before he saw the way she was sitting. “Y/N could you um .. not sit like that ? It’s distracting.” “OH ?” she said innocently , leaving the apple on the table not taking her eyes off him as her hand slid between her legs. Her fingers teased her folds ,a low moan tumblng off her lips as she pushed them against her entrance through the fabric. “You mean this is distracting ?” Kai blinked a few times , clearing his throat. “Yes … this is very distracting.” he said. “I am trying to make you breakfast and you … keep distracting me.” “Okay , I’ll stop.” she said , putting her hands on the table. “T-thank you.” He returned his attention to the pancakes and everything was fine until a few minutes later he heard her moan his name. Kai turned around towards her nearly knocking over the pan with the pancakes. “Whoops.” she said laughing under her breath. “Careful , you might start a fire.” Kai moved the pan away from the stolve and took a step towards her in slow motion. His eyes were fixed on what she was doing ,watching her fingers skillfully play with her folds before dipping inside them. Y/N moaned again , her eyes falling on the bulge in his pants. “It won’t be me starting the fire sweetheart.” said Kai scooping her up and tossing her onto the table. “I was going to take it easy today because you said you are sore … but now - there is no way you’d stop me.” “Who said I want to stop you?” she said reaching for his neck , trying to pull him into a kiss. Kai grabbed her wrists pinning them over her head. “No touching sweetheart.” he chuckled. Kai traced her jawline , his fingers slowly finding their way to her heat dipping inside her folds. He teased her , pushing and pulling his fingers in and out of her curling them around making her go crazy. “Please let me touch you.” she moaned out. “No.” He let go of her wrists only to have them pinned up with magic. Kai licked his fingers clean and returned to the stolve to finish making breakfast while using his magic to tease her. The invisible fingers slowly pushed inside her curling around before pulling out and pushing roughly in again. “Blueberry or chocolate chip ?” he asked turning towards her innocently. “Nah-uh , don’t close those eyes.” “K-Kai … f-fuck me.” she moaned out , arching her back from the table. “I will , sweetheart , not before breakfast though.” he said smiling at her. “I may not need it but you do. Ahhh , today is going to be so much fun ! I’ll even let you chose between me bending you over the table or the counter … ” he looked at her , seeing her back arch from the table again. “Actually no. It’s my week , my choice.” he said suddenly serious. “So blueberry or chocolate chip , sweetheart? You have to pick fast …” “Ch-chocolate chi-p..” she moaned , trying hard not to close her eyes. Every time his invisible fingers curled inside her she fought the urge to close them. Y/N’s stomach felt like it was anchored down to the table , the burning feeling between her legs building up slowly. She gasped feeling another invisible finger enter her , making it a total of three fingers playing with her , driving her wild. “OH and try not to cum sweetheart.” added Kai with a devilish smirk on his face as he flipped a pancake onto a plate , licking his fingers clean from the melted chocolate. “Today you cum only when I am inside you.”

His words sent a thousand butterflies flapping their wings in her stomach. Y/N whimpered and moaned feeling her orgasm approaching but just as she was about to get there , the magic fingers always vanished for a few minutes. Kai kept flipping pancake after pancake , listening to Y/N moan and beg for him to come over. When the last pancake was ready , he split them in two plates and headed for the table. Listening to her moan his name and beg for him had made him so hard , he was barely able to hold himself from skipping breakfast. “Breakfast is ready.” he said sitting one of the chairs closer to her head. He cut a pancake and started feeding her. “N-no.” she said turning her head away , her face red as a tomato. Y/N’s back arched off the table feeling the invisible finger curl inside her again. “Oh right. Sorry.” he smiled innocently and in the next moment the magic fingers disappeared. Kai helped her up , letting her sit on the table. He innocently swiped his fingers between her legs and a smug smirk showed on his face feeling how wet she was. Y/N moaned at his touch, brushing her palm against his cheek. He didn’t move or swat her hand away. Her eyes were burning with desire and he could see her other hand shaking , trying hard not to reach for the buldge in his boxers. “Kiss me.” she whispered , her eyes darting between his lips and his eyes. Kai’s eyes were a dark shade of blue , almost black. For a long moment none of them moved and then Kai’s lips crashed against hers , pulling her into his arms and closer to the edge of the table. Her hands moved from his cheeks to his hair , massaging his scalp and pulling his face closer towards hers. Y/N moaned into the kiss , lightly biting his lower lip. In response Kai pushed his crotch against her hard , knocking nearly all the air from her lungs. His lips left kisses down her jawline towards her neck , making her throw her head back as he sucked on a spot on her collarbone marking her as his. Y/N reached between their bodies , her hand snaking down his chest towards his stomach until her fingers slid under his boxers. Kai pulled away with a pouty face. “No, no … You might hurt yourself , sweetheart.” he whispered to her as his hand gripped her wrist. “Maybe I want to.” she whispered back , her lips nearly touching his as she spoke. Purple / black veins flashed under his eyes at her words but instead of getting her to back off , it made her want him more. Kai had her head spinning since the day they had met. His perfect blue eyes , nose , chizzled jaw.. Just listening to his voice was enough to make her wet. After they had gotten together things only got magnified. The past few days however had her completely out of control. She never knew it was possible to feel this way - the more she had , the more she wanted. Y/N wrapped her hands around him , pulling him towards her. Their eyes met and she bit her lower lip. “Please let me touch you.. just once.” He brushed his fingers through her hair , gazing intensely into her eyes. There it was again - she looked so innocent while wanting for him to take her right then and there. “No. We both know ‘just once’ won’t be enough for you.” he tapped her nose. “Come on. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” he said unwrapping her legs from around him. Y/N didn’t move an inch , instead she hooked her hands around his neck , playing the his scruff. “You know , I love how you started to grow a beard. Makes you even hotter.” she said brushing her nose against his. Y/N kissed his jaw line , leaving kisses all the way to his neck. Her tongue licked a stripe across it all the way to his ear. “I love how it feels when eat me out and it rubs across my clit - “Screw breakfast , I want you.” sighed Kai grabbing her hands and letting her push his boxers down. She gave his hard length a few strokes before in vampire speed he bend her over the table and without any warning pushed hard and deep inside her , making her grab the edges of the table as a small scream tumbled off her lips. Kai’s hands held onto her waist pulling her hips towards him at the same time his pushed towards her. “Look at this … It’s my week and you still get to have control over things.” Y/N was making him crazier every single day they were together. Until he had met her , Kai hadn’t know it was possible to feel like this about someone , to want someone so much. He loved watching her whimper and squirm under him , loved how even though she challenged him for dominance she’d still submit to him no questions asked. He could never get enough of her. “So tight … ” he grunted as his thick shaft pumped in an out of her , making her body jolt forward with every thrust. Y/N’s walls contracted around his shaft , making him twitch. “K-Kai , I’m clos-e..” she moaned out louder. Kai grunted , one of his hands placed on her shoulder the other reaching for her clit , his fingers drawing rough eights matching with every thurst. Her knuckles hard turned white from her grip on the table. “Fuckk” she moaned out , feeling herself right on the edge. “Pl-ease , let me c-cum.” He kept pumping in and out of her , his thrusts getting rougher hitting her spot every time. Kai knew she wouldn’t last long. His hand fisted her hair making her look at him. Earlier he had told her she could cum only when he is inside her and she still asked for permission , a sideways smile showed on his face. “It’s up to you sweetheart.” he grunted feeling her walls clench around him. “Let go.” Her body stilled for a moment before an intense wave of orgasm washed over her. Y/N came screaming his name , his fingers slowing down their work on her clit. He rode out her orgasm , the only sounds in the house coming from their moans , gasps and the sound of flesh on flesh every few seconds. Y/N was out of breath but Kai wasn’t finished. He helped her up , his lips pressing against hers for a long moment before he pushed her on her knees while he leaned his back against the table. Her fingers wrapped around his thick shaft , pumping him slowly while her other hand massaged his balls. Kai groaned feeling her tongue draw circles on the tip of his shaft , going straight through the middle while stroking him. She was sucking on his tip , never taking her eyes off his. Kai’s fingers tangled in her hair , grabbing a fistfull of it before pushing her mouth onto his shaft making her take him inside her mouth all the way at once. “Y/N … this feels so good.” he groaned , feeling her hands massaging his balls. He bopped her head up and down his length. Y/N felt herself getting wet all over again just because of his dominance. It was always like this. She bopped her head around him , gagging a little but not caring at all about it or the lack of air. A tear rolled down her cheek and Kai released his grip on her hair allowing her to take a breath and work on her own. His thick shaft twitched inside her mouth as she kept sucking on it. “Fuck Y/N ..” Kai couldn’t decide what he wanted most - to have her swallow his cum or have it splashed all over her face. Y/N bopped her head faster , moaning as she went. Just as he was about to cum , he pulled out letting his cum spurt on her face and drip down her chin. Kai grinned at the mess he had made - not only the one on her face but the mess her hair was. Y/N was out of breath , her heart racing as she met his eyes.Kai helped her up , grabbing a towel from the under the counter. He cleaned her face carefully before drowning her in a kiss. “I love how this day started.” he beamed up at her. Y/N smiled back at him. “Me too , though … It looks like I need to shower before …” she glanced at the clock. “Lunch. Care to join me?” “Like you have to ask.” he said grinning at the playful glow in her eyes as she took his hand and led him to the bathroom down the hall.

MASTERLIST March / April 2017 MASTERLIST MAY 2017 MASTERLIST JUNE 2017

[velvetxtrager]

Gimme - Smut

Request: Tig is fresh out of prison. His lady welcomes him home with some hot sex.

Requested by: @come-join-themurder. Hope you like it!

Song Inspiration: Gimme by She Keeps Bees

Word Count: 1423

None of these gifs/pictures belong to me. All credit goes to original owners.

14 months is a long time to be away from someone you love. Learning to live without someone is challenging in more ways than one. You were very independent before meeting Tig, so adjusting to life without him by your side wasn’t a challenge. You were able to go see him, and it got you through.

There was one thing you couldn’t adjust to. It was the lack of mind blowing sex. Tig changed your life in a sexual sense. He was the first partner that you were in love with, which brought everything to a whole new level. The fact that he was huge didn’t hurt either.

Today was the day that he was coming home, so you had prepared a special evening for him. You curled your (H/L), (H/C) just the way that he liked it. You put on bright red lipstick and you lined your eyes with the blackest pencil you could find, just the way Tig liked it. You wanted his home coming to be picture perfect.

You slipped some black stockings on and clipped them to a black, lacy garter belt. After adjusting a matching bra, you slipped on a dress. It was Tig’s favorite. It hugged every curve on your body and made your cleavage pop. You slipped on some tall, black stilettos and ran into the kitchen to check on dinner. You were grilling steaks, once again, Tig’s favorite. You knew that he would be home shortly, and excitement filled your chest. You were already dripping wet at the thought of tonight’s festivities.

The sound of his bike pulling into the driveway made your heart pound. The love of your life was home. 14 months was far too long without him. Hearing the key turn in the lock made you want to explode with joy. The door was pushed open and you bounded into the entryway. Before Tig could even speak, you had jumped into his arms.

“Baby, I missed you so much!” He picked you up and spun you around, both of you were on the verge of tears. You pulled away and looked into his striking blue eyes. “(Y/N) I missed you so much! You look so beautiful!” You smiled and bit your lip. “I wanted tonight to be perfect for you. “Any night I spend with you is perfect, (Y/N).”

xxx

Dinner had gone well. Tig was so excited to not be eating shitty prison food anymore. It was about 9:30 when the two of you finished talking and catching up. Tig decided to take a shower while you were picking up the kitchen, and you knew that it was your chance to spring into action.

You rushed into the bedroom that you and Tig shared and lit some candles before turning off the lights. You stripped out of your dress, leaving you in your heels and lingerie. After briefly fussing with your hair, you plugged your phone into the speakers. After finding your “Sex” playlist, you selected a song called Gimme by She Keeps Bees. Perfect timing, you thought as you heard the water turn off. You posed seductively on the bed while waiting for Tig. You were so wet you could hardly stand it.

The door opened and Tig’s jaw dropped. He had a towel wrapped around his waist and you could see his erection growing at the sight of you. “Oh fuck, Baby.” You smirked and bit your lip. “I missed you, Daddy.” Tig crawled onto the bed and positioned himself in between your legs. He gripped your hips and you winked at him.

“What do you want, Daddy?” Tig took a deep breath. He could barely contain himself. “I want you, (Y/N). I want every part of you.” You smirked up at him. “Then take me, Alex.” Tig crashed his lips to yours in a passionate kiss. You tangled your hands in his damp hair. Tig thrusted his hips down onto yours, earning a moan from your lips. You wanted nothing more than for him to fuck you, but you wanted to take your time.

That’s what Tig wanted too. He pulled away from your lips and began to kiss down your neck, biting here and there. You let out a loud moan as he started to suck, surely leaving a love bruise. Normally, you would scold him, but tonight you couldn’t care less. “You like that, Baby?” You couldn’t even form words to respond. Your body was aching for his touch.

Tig slid his hand down to your soaked pussy. He pulled your thong to the side and began to gently rub you. You moaned and so did Tig when he felt how wet you were. “Fuck, (Y/N), you still get soaked.” You moaned. “Only for you, Alex.” Tig growled and slipped a finger inside of you. “I love it when you say my name.”

You moaned as he fingered you, you were sure your juices were dripping down his hand. You unclasped your bra and Tig lowered his head and began to suck on your sensitive nipples. It felt so good. He soon pulled away and you groaned in frustration. Frustration was soon overridden with excitement as he kissed down your stomach. “Thank you for waiting, (Y/N).” Before you could even answer, he buried his face in your soaked pussy.

You tossed your head back in ecstasy, not even trying to contain your moans. Tig licked and sucked, bringing you right to the edge. Your moans were getting more and more desperate and you twisted your hands into his mess of curls. Right before you could cum, Tig pulled away and stood up, pulling the towel from his waist.

Before he could get back on top of you, you perched yourself on the edge of the bed, taking him into your mouth. Tig grabbed a fistful of your (H/C) curls and tossed his head back. “Fuck, Baby. You give such slutty head.” You looked up at him with nothing but love in your eyes. He began to guide your movements, forcing you to deep throat him.

Tig was moaning and you knew that he was getting close. So did he. He pulled away from you and pushed you down on the bed. “I’m fucking you. Now.” You could only whine in response. Alex pulled your panties to the side once again. Tig looked at you, a combination of love and lust filling his eyes. You placed your hand on the back of his neck and pulled him down into a kiss as he slid into you.

Every part of your body lit up as he filled you. You had no idea how you were able to live so long without him. You twisted your hands into his mess of curls and you wrapped your legs around his waist, allowing him to go deeper and deeper. “Fuck baby!” Tig was moaning and you knew this wasn’t going to last very long. You didn’t expect it to. You knew that he was without pussy, specifically your pussy, for 14 months.

“God, Baby, I missed you!” You moaned as Tig bit down on your neck. “I missed you too, Alex!” The combination of him sucking and biting on your neck and fucking you just right was about to push you over the edge. “Alex, Baby, I’m about to cum!” Tig grunted and began to give it his all, pounding you into the mattress. This was too much for you, and you tossed your head back as you experienced a mind blowing orgasm.

Tig moaned as he felt your pussy contract around his member. He was nearing his peak as well. He couldn’t express how much he missed fucking you. And how much he missed you in general. The two of you were covered in sweat and the room smelled of sex. You pulled Tig’s mouth down and kissed him again. He continued to hit your sweet spot, making you drag your nails down his back. You pulled away and looked into his eyes. “I love you, Alex.” “I love you too, (Y/N).”

The declaration of love was all it took to push him over the edge. He pulled out and came all over your stomach, moaning out your name. His cock twitched as you gently stroked it. Tig flopped over onto his back and pulled you into him. You curled up to him and held on for dear life. “Alex, please don’t ever leave me again.” “Never, Baby. I promise.”

[blue-cat-art]

Asagao Academy: Battle of the Bands

Summary: Hana is finally an official member of the Normal Boots Club! With the guys and Mai as her friends, she’s ready for a great rest of the year. When a new student barges into their life and Paul decides to enter Asagao Academy into the regional Battle of the Bands for the first time in three years, Hana realizes that the ride may never stop, but she’s not too sure if she wants to get off.

First Chapter Prev. Chapter

Prologue Part 6: New People, Old Regrets

It was at lunch when Hana broke the news to Mai, as the first two people at the Normal Boots table. Mai stared at Hana, mouth ajar. Luckily for Hana, Mai had swallowed her food, so she didn’t need to be graced with the sight of chewed up food. “No way.”

Hana giggled. “Uuh, yes?”

“No, WAY!” Mai squealed and tackled Hana into a big hug.

“Oh, but Paul said-”

“Yeah yeah, no fangirling, I got it,I got it. I’ll be super mature during the meeting.” Pulling away from Hana, she crossed her heart, “Scouts honor!” She turned her attention back to her grilled cheese, though slower with the fantasies of meeting Intoxiblox.

Hana suddenly heard a loud commotion at the entrance of the cafeteria. She turned and saw a gaggle of girls giggling gregariously grouped around a certain hair flipping boot.

“Isn’t that Jared over there?” Hana asked Mai.

Mai choked on a particularly big chunk of grilled cheese. After she pounded on her chest to let the food pass, she look at the group. “Yeah, I think so? I wonder what’s gotten them so riled up?”

With a rising level of fear for Hana, the group of girls started migrating towards the Normal Boots table. Soon Hana was able to hear what they were saying.

“Jared, Jared! Are you going to be doing Battle of the Band?”

“OMG what if you dress up like a boy band, I’m like literally swooning!”

“I’m totally going to audition with my friends, will you cheer us on?”

“Oh my gosh same, look for us we’re the ones with cat ears!”

“Wow, they are really riled up about this,” Mai commented.

At least Jared looked pretty calm in the maelstrom of maids. Carrying his lunch, he was just laughing and replying with the same ease he always had.

“I, unfortunately, will not be planning to be in a band for it,” he paused to let the sad cries die down before continuing. “I’ll be helping my friends for their entry, so please support them when you can, ladies,” he winked and you could hear the implosion of happiness happening in every girl in that group.

As he finally sat at the table, the girls slowly dispersed until it was just the three of them. It took a minute, but Jared finally relaxed from his pretty boy look.

“Wow, a lot of people were excited about the battle, aren’t they?” Hana asked.

“Well, this is one of the first events that’s ever happened here like this, as far as I can remember,” Jared shrugged, “It’s pretty game changing.”

“Why aren’t you going to go in it yourself, anyways?” Hana asked, “I’m sure you can get a group together and audition.”

“No no,” Jared waved his hand at her. “I’m a model. I don’t sing.” He posed dramatically. “I DANCE.”

“Can you sing?” Mai asked. Hana could already see plans of hiding recorders dancing in Mai’s eyes.

“Ahah, now there’s a secret that I’ll take to my grave,” Jared smiled, “but you can assume it’s as perfect as you can imagine.”

Hana was pretty sure Mai just died on the inside at the mental image (sound?).

The boys started to trickle in and soon everyone was chattering amongst themselves, Mai arguing with PBG about proper athletic bandaging usage, Shane and Jared starting to discuss proper model etiquette for art class and so on.

“Hey guys!” Nate plopped down next to Hana, lunch in one hand, confused boy in the other. Wait...

“Nate, why did you drag me here? I was in the middle of a battle with Kellz!” The boy protested.

“Sorry, Al, but remember when I brought up the battle of the bands with you earlier today?” The boy nodded. “Well, I wanted to introduce you to the everyone now before you lose your nerve about it.”

“Yeah, ok, that makes things one hundred percent better,” the boy huffed but sat down regardless.

“Uuh, Nate...?” Hana asked, meekly. All of the people at the table was now staring at Nate and the boy.

“Oh yeah, guys, this is Alex! He’s a great singer and he said he’d be game with helping the band out!” Nate said, cheerfully.

“Ooh, Alex, hey!” Jirard said, cheerfully.

Alex relaxed. “Hey, Jirard!”

Nate gaped at the two of them. “You two know each other?”

They both stroked their beards at the same time. “Yeah, we’re totally beard bros!” Jirard beamed. “You remember when I told you about the club right?”

“Yeah, I remember.” He pointed at Jon."The actor.” “The model.” Jared shrugged as if to say, true true. “The bookish one.” Satch raised an eyebrow before smiling and waving. “The british one.” Shane sputtered in his drink before regaining his composure. “The clique.” While Paul was carefully watching Alex, Josh and Nick just burst out laughing. “The jock.” PBG looked down at the soccer ball he was carrying and shrugged. “And the hot one,” Alex broke out a grin and high-fived Jirard.

Nate looked stunned for a second, but shook out of it. “Yeah, so Alex can sing really well! You want to show them?”

Alex turned incredulously to Nate. “Here? In the cafeteria?”

Paul got up and leaned over the table towards Alex. “Please, do so! We really need singers!”

Nate patted him on the back. “Come on, I’ll duet with you if you want!”

Alex stared at him before sighing. “Fine, but can we at least do this outside?”

“I’ll come with!” Jirard volunteered.

Nate, Paul, Alex and Jirard got up and left the cafeteria. Hana was burning with curiosity, but she wouldn’t intrude on something that one of them were uncomfor-

“Hana, let's go listen!” Mai tugged at Hana’s sleeve.

Dang it.

Hana let Mai drag her to the entrance of the cafeteria, despite her misgivings about it, just because she was so curious. They could hear Paul talking to Alex from just the other side of the doors.

“OK, just go whenever you’re ready.”

Alex let out a deep breath. “OK, ok, I got this.”

“Do you think he’s good?” Josh whispered in her ear.

Hana yelped before realizing that the literal entire club had followed her and Mai to the entrance. Satch was standing a little far behind shaking his head in disappointment. She didn’t know what else to do but raise a finger to her lips and shh him. He was taken aback and put his hand on his chest in mock-upsetness, but quieted down.

It was quiet on the other side, but then some music started to play and Alex started to sing. Nate joined in and they harmonized as they sang. Looking around, Hana could see that everyone else was enjoying it just as much as she was. She was surprised to see that Satch had joined the crowd. He was muttering under his breath, but Hana had a sneaking suspicion that he was actually singing along, though quietly.

The singing was interrupted by furious clapping. they could hear Paul loudly yelling about how good Alex was. Everyone on the other side exchanged glances and suddenly raced back to the seats, colliding and spilling from left and right.

Paul, Jirard, Alex, and Nate walked back through the entrance.

“-like dude, you never told me how good you...were...” The four of them stopped. In front of them was a pathway of slight destruction. There were people groaning in pain, people lamenting fallen food, and it all lead to the Normal Boots table, where everyone was trying so hard to look natural.

“Well.” Nate said. The four of them reunited with the rest of the table.

“Gentlemen and ladies, may I introduce the third member of the band, Alex...” Paul looked at Alex.

“...Faciane.”

“Faciane!” Everyone clapped for Alex.

“There you are, Alex!” A girl appeared behind Alex. “What the hey, we had a battle!” She turned her attention to Nate. “And you, we’ll talk about how you just kidnapped him for something later!”

“Oh, Kellz! Sorry, I’ll come with you now,” Alex laughed. She huffed, but was smiling. She and Alex walked away together. Hana could catch the girl saying “for all the nerve, after a whole year, too!” A year?

Paul started to talk with the others regarding the battle, but Satch caught her eye. He looked almost sad. His book was in his hand, but his mind was somewhere else.

She was about to talk to Satch before Paul asked her a question that pulled her into the conversation.

--

The day went on as normal, but as soon as class was over, Hana ran up to the fourth floor. Her eyes scanned over all of the people in the hallway until she spotted a familiar bespectacled student. “Satch!” Pushing past the people, she waved at him to catch his attention.

He turned to her. “Oh, Hana! What’s up?”

She stopped in front of him. “I wanted to talk to you about something. Could we talk in the classroom?”

“Sure thing, Hana,” he smiled warmly.

Once inside, she decided to go straight to the point. “Satch, back at the dorms a couple nights ago, with Nate...”

Satch’s eyes widened and his face darken to a rosy red. He let his head fall onto his chest and he covered it with his hands. “Oh no, don’t remind me...”

“Sorry!” Hana quickly said, “It’s just...you were really good before...in the bit I heard at least, and I wanted to know if you were interested in joining the group for the battle of the bands?” The sentence ended in a quiet uptilt.

He sighed and looked away, his face darkening from a rosy red to a burgundy. “I-I don’t think I’m that good. It’s...not something I like to show.”

“But Satch, you’re really good!”

“I’m not, really. Anyways, it’ll feel weird with that other guy...”

Right, Nate. That’d be awkward. “I talked to Nate, and he’s really regretting what happened. If he talks to you about what happened that time, would you be ok with trying the battle of the bands with the others?”

Satch sighed. “Sorry, Hana. I could forgive him about what happened, but performing really makes me freeze up. I wouldn’t want to mess the other guys’ chance because I got a bad case of stage fright.”

Hana looked down at her feet. Of course, she never thought that a guy like Satch would be scared like that. He just seemed so sure of himself, especially after the tournament, but maybe that was different. He wasn’t the focus, it was his invention that people focused on. “I understand, but I’ll ask Nate to talk to you and you two can talk it out?”

He looked at her and smiled. “Sure, I’d like to have it cleared up between the two of us too.”

There was a knock on the door. Paul peeked in. “Yo, Hana, thought I saw you come in here. Meeting’s happening in like five minutes at the cafeteria.”

Hana looked at the clock. “Oh no, I forgot about that! I’ll go there now! Thanks for taking the time to talk to me Satch!” She started to leave, but noticed that Paul wasn’t following. “Paul?”

Paul waved his hand. “I’ll meet you  there, I have to talk to Satch about something real quick.”

Hana raised her eyebrow, but quickly turned and ran out. If Paul wasn’t going to be there first, she better be there to meet everyone.

--

By the time she arrived she was breathing heavily and her bow was askew. The cafeteria was mostly deserted, a teacher probably cleared it out for them. She scanned the cafeteria until her eyes landed on two people sitting at a farther table and no normal boots jackets in sight. She rushed over there and bowed for them. “I’m sorry for being so late! Thank you for taking time out of your schedule for this meeting!”

One of them raised a hand up. He had a yellow streak in his hair and was wearing an orange sweater, not unlike the jacket she was wearing complete with its own patch.“Whoa, no need to worry, we were just chatting and catching up on stuff.”

“Yeah, no problems, we were already told that you were going to be a little late, but now that you’re here, we can start. Paul, right?” The other raised his hand, waiting for a handshake. Unlike the other, he was wearing a somewhat old fashioned school uniform. She noticed that he had really vibrant red hair and she vaguely wondered if the color was real. Why she’s paying so much attention to their hair she has no idea.

Hana could only stare at the hand. “Oh,n-no, I’m not Paul, I’m just helping him out. He wanted to quickly talk to someone before coming, so that’s why I’m here,” she quickly said.

The one with his hand out kept his hand out. “Well, what’s your name so that we know what to call you?”

She tentatively held his hand and shook it. “My name is Hana Mizuno.”

“Call me Mark. That charming bastard over there is Arin.”

The other waved his hand. “Yo.”

They seemed like affable folks. “So are you two the managers of the two bands? You seem pretty young.”

The two of them suddenly had a dumbfounded looking face on them. They looked at each other in confusion and Hana realized that she may have gotten it wrong.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, you two must be assistants like me!”

Their dumbfounded faces only got dumber.

“...friends?” She squeaked out at last.

Mark put on a charming grin. He slung his arm around Arin’s shoulder. “Arin, can you believe it. She doesn’t recognize me. ME.” He started to flex. “I.” Flex. “Cannot.” Flex. “Believe.” Flex. “This.” Flex.

Hana had no idea how to feel about this, but she knows that she feels mildly threatened by this. She was almost tempted to flex back.

“We’re from the bands, the ones that everyone else voted to be leader so that they wouldn’t have to deal with this kind of stuff,” Arin finally explained.

Hana flushed red. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize!”

Mark finally stopped his flexing. “No problemo, how could you ever expect two hunks like us to be in something so small as a boy band.” He managed to fit in one last flex before Arin bopped him on the head.

Hana felt her phone vibrate and she took it out.

Done with thing, heading back now.

“Paul says that he’s done and coming this way now.”

Arin stretched. “Cool. Any questions you wanted to ask us before he gets here?”

“Off the record of course,” Mark waggled his eyebrows.

Hana thought for a second, then turned to Mark. “Is your voice real?”

--

By the time Paul had arrived, Hana was sitting comfortably at a table with Arin and Mark, chatting.

“And then I just yelled MARK ZUCKERBURG and - oh hey dude.”

“Hey,” Paul waved and joined the three. “I see the three of you are enjoying your time together.”

“Oh yeah,” Mark said enthusiastically, “Hana’s been such a good sport in listening to the two of us babbling on.”

Hana turned to Paul, a slight dead look on her face. Her face said cool, but her eyes said save me.

Paul snickered a bit, but hid it behind his hand. “Well, anyways, let's get to talking, then?”

He joined the three of them and they started to talk about the Battle of the Bands. Both Hana and Paul bombarded Arin and Mark with questions concerning the event and Mark and Arin in turn answered with ease.

“Yeah, it’s a long process, going for like a month, but it was such a life-enriching one,” Mark assured them, “When I was in mine, sure we all went slightly stir crazy but, in the end, we wouldn’t have traded it for anything else.”

Hana was grateful for the chance to ask questions, but one question stuck in her mind. “Sorry, but the two of you were winners from past battles, right?” Arin nodded as well as Mark. “Which one of you is from Ajisai?”

Mark raised his hand. “Guilty as charged,” he grinned.

Hana drew in a shaky breath. “Last weekend, I had a...less than pleasant encounter with a girl from that school who claimed that we were going to just use money to have Asagao win and I heard that other students agreed with that. So I was just wondering...do you...?”

Mark frowned and leaned back. “Hmm...”

Oh no, did she just offend him? He was so nice, if somewhat odd, in the short time she knew him, oh no oh no-

“Sorry, but that was a mostly new development. Intoxiblox won the first one after Asagao wasn’t included and then we took a break from school for a year to perform. All of that was new for me too.” Mark shrugged and looked at Arin.

“Uh, yeah, sorry, can’t give you much insight here either,” Arin quickly added. Paul raised an eyebrow, but didn’t respond.

“Well, anyways, I gotta go back to the boys,” Mark said, getting up.

“Same, got some tables to flip, you know what I’m saying,” Arin grinned, getting up as well, “Oh, Paul, I have some papers that potential managers need to sign, can I drop them off at your clubroom?”

“Sure thing,” Paul said, then paused, “Oh wait, shoot, what time is it?”

Hana looked at the clock. “Half past four?”

Paul slapped himself in the face. “Oh geeze I needed to meet Nick and Josh at the station in like 5 minutes!”

“You go on, then. I can take Arin to the clubroom,” Hana volunteered. Paul thanked her like a million times before running off.

The two of them headed off towards the clubroom.

“Uh, Arin?”

“Yeah, Hana?” Arin looked at her.

“I was just curious... that jacket....” Hana gestured at the jacket he wore. Looking at it closer, it looked more like a cardigan, made of a sort of soft orange wool fabric. It had a blue patch on the right side of the front. All together it looked very similar to the Normal Boots and Hidden Block jacket.

“Oh, it’s my club jacket. The majority of clubs back at Ayame use jackets like these to show their affiliation. I think Ajisai do the same, but it’s like badges for specialties for them?” Arin held the patch in his hand. “This means I’m the Game Grumps club!”

“Oh, that’s pretty neat,” Hana said, “We have something like that, but only two clubs have jackets like this as far as I know, Normal Boots which is what I’m in,” she showed her own patch, “And Hidden Block, who I’m sure you’ll see sometime.”

A little far behind, a girl in a dark blue and grey jacket with a green patch sneezed and looked around confusedly, before shrugging and going on plotting a flashmob with purple striped jumpsuits and saxophones.

“Interesting. It’s like a branch off from a family tree, huh?” Arin said, sagely.

Hana stared at him, a giant question mark on her face.

“You know? Similar descendants? Missing link? Ah never mind.”

They finally reached the club room. Hana entered in first, intending to quickly at least shove any easily fixed messes to the side before Arin came in and judged the club, but was surprised to see Jon inside, reading what appears to be a script. “Oh, Jon!”

“Hana?” Jon raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing here? There’s no meeting today?”

“Oh, someone needed to drop off some papers at the office, so I showed him here!” Hana said as she quickly pushed some Itty Bitty Kitties to the side.

“Hana, it’s ok, I’m sure our club room back in Ayame is way worse,” Arin popped his way in. He was about to shoulder his bag off when he made eye contact with Jon, who definitely had enough real estate in his eyes to warrant eye contact.

Hana suddenly thought, you know what, Paul could have been late by a couple minutes why did he agree to do this she did not deserve this suffering.

“Oh...Jon, hey,” Arin rubbed the back of his neck.

“Hi, Arin...” Jon said, carefully.

A long uneasy silence settled between the two.

“So... Normal Boots, huh?”

“Yeah...” Jon averted his gaze and stared at his book.

“Well... That’s good.”

More long uneasy silences.

“So... How’s Jacque?”

Jon’s head popped up and Hana could almost swear that she could feel the aura of anger or upset radiating from his eyes. Arin froze a bit and made no more comment.

Another long uneasy silence. Hana was this close to just yelling for them to finish when Arin quickly pulled out the papers from his bag and placed them on the table.

“Sorry for bothering you all, I better get going,” Arin mumbled and walked right out.

Hana and Jon stared at the papers. “Well... I guess, I’ll just clean this up-”

Jon’s hand slammed onto the papers. Hana squeaked in fear and jumped back. He pulled the papers to him. “These are forms for signing up as managers for a specific band.” He stated plainly.

Hana recalled that Arin was talking about that in the meeting. People who wanted to manage a band had to attend a separate mandatory audition. It wasn’t required for bands to have that, but bands with managers usually had a better chance of going through the rounds of the battle of the bands.

“Yes? They are?”

Jon dug around under the table and came out with a pen. He signed it and shoved it to Hana. “Ok Hana, I’m trusting you, don’t let me take that back ok. I’ve left the band name blank so you guys can write it in whenever, but do not let me get out of this, I need this ok?”

Jon got up with his book and left the room, leaving an extremely confused Hana in the clubroom. She looked down at the paper. Jon Jafari was written in the top slot. She carefully folded it up and slipped it in her pocket.

--

“HANAAAA~” Mai was suspended from the top bunk and all Hana could see was her suffering face, arms, and curtain of hair from her bunk.

Hana winced. “I’m so sorry, Mai, I really did want you to come, but I forgot about the meeting and all just became a blur...”

Mai huffed and started swaying side to side. “Next time, Hana, you have to promise me!”

“I promise, Mai.”

Mai lifted up a pinkie finger. “Pinkie promise?”

Hana laughed and hooked pinkies. “Pinkie promise.”

--

AO3 Link

[jakehglover]

FDA Restricts Sale of Flavored E-Cigs to Discourage Smoking Among Youth

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.,1 and health authorities warn that while traditional (combustible) cigarette use has declined,2 the number of teens using e-cigs, also known as vaping, has steadily risen in recent years.

Between 2011 and 2015, vaping among high school students rose by an astounding 900 percent.3 According to the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey,4 3.6 million teens are now vaping.5 A high schooler quoted in The New Yorker expresses a common view when he says that while smoking is "gross … Juuling is really what's up."6 FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gotttlieb commented on the findings, saying:7

"These data shock my conscience: From 2017 to 2018, there was a 78 percent increase in current e-cigarette use among high school students and a 48 percent increase among middle school students.

The total number of middle and high school students currently using e-cigarettes rose to 3.6 million — that's 1.5 million more students using these products than the previous year.

Additionally, more than a quarter (27.7 percent) of high school current e-cigarette users are using the product regularly (on 20 or more days in the past month). More than two-thirds (67.8 percent) are using flavored e-cigarettes. Both these numbers have risen significantly since 2017."

Unfortunately, the general perception is that e-cigs are safer than traditional cigarettes. Research does not bear this out, however. It's really important to realize there are no safe tobacco products, be they smokeless or combustible.

Underage Vaping Prompts New Restrictions

In an undercover investigation conducted over the summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warnings and fines to more than 1,300 stores for the illegal sale of vaping products to minors.8

To rein in the use of e-cigs among children and teens, the agency recently announced it will restrict sale of sweet-flavored vaping products in convenience stores and gas stations.9,10 Stores selling child-friendly e-cig flavors must keep the products in an age-restricted section and must have age verification measures in place to prevent underage sale.

While e-cig makers insist they're not targeting youth, their marketing tells a different story. The marketing of child-friendly flavors alone is evidence of this. As noted by Meghan Morean, a psychology professor at Oberlin College who has studied the appeal of flavors, "We're not reinventing anything here, we've already lived this … It's the exact reason that flavored cigarettes were banned."11 Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar echoed this sentiment in a statement, saying:12

"Flavors are a major reason they use these products in the first place. Flavors increase the likelihood of kids progressing from experimentation to regular use, and a portion of them will go on to use combustible tobacco products, with the huge added dangers of tobacco-related disease."

The policy will also cover flavored cigar products introduced between 2007 and 2016, and menthol cigarettes. If the manufacturer wants to continue selling these products, they must apply for FDA approval.

The FDA urges manufacturers to voluntarily remove their products from locations where children and teens can access them within the next 90 days, although it may take several months before the restrictions officially go into effect. The FDA is also proposing tighter rules on the use of cartoons and naming of products that might appeal to youth.

E-Cig Makers Announce Plans to Cut Back Marketing and Sales to Teens

Juul — which has cornered three-quarters of the e-cig market — has announced its plan to remove child-friendly fruit- and dessert-flavored nicotine pods from retail stores.

The company is also suspending its Facebook and Instagram promotion, and says it will prevent underage users from purchasing the products online by cross-checking the purchaser’s date of birth and last four digits of their Social Security number against public records.

While this is good news, it seems the company is only reacting to overwhelming pressure and bad press. As reported by The New York Times:13

"'Our intent was never to have youth use Juul,' said Kevin Burns, chief executive of Juul Labs in a statement emailed to reporters. 'But intent is not enough. The numbers are what matter and the numbers tell us underage use of e-cigarettes is a problem.'

But critics and public health advocates said the company had no choice, especially after the FDA raided its headquarters last month seeking documents related to marketing and came under by some states investigating whether its tactics were directly aimed at minors.

Caroline Renzulli, a spokeswoman for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called Juul's announcement too little too late. 'Juul's social media marketing fueled its popularity with kids … Now that it has captured 75 percent of the e-cigarette market, Juul no longer needs to do social media marketing because its young customers are doing it for them.'"

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., the maker of Vuse vaping devices, has submitted a similar plan to the FDA, promising to suspend marketing through social media influencers; require age-verification for access to its online store; enforce penalties for retailers selling the products to youths; and to check for compliance through a mystery shopping program. The manufacturer of Blu e-cigs, Fontem Ventures, says it will raise the minimum age to buy e-pods online to 21.

How Juul Brought Smoking Back

Juul — represented as the "most genuine alternative to smoking cigarettes"14 — is now so popular, its use has become a verb; it's not "smoking" anymore, it's "Juuling."

And, while the company claims its primary aim is to help smokers quit the habit, not to introduce smoking to a whole new generation, company statements seem to encourage a switch to vapor and not quitting completely when they say, "adult smokers interested in switching from cigarettes should be offered high-quality alternatives that satisfy them because satisfaction is a key component to supporting their switch to vapor."

These goals resulted in the production of patented JuulSalts delivering a nicotine hit much more like smoking a cigarette than any other e-cigarette product.15 The breakthrough occurred when Juul began using benzoic acid to freebase nicotine salts for rapid nicotine delivery.

Since the 1960s, cigarette companies have freebased nicotine using ammonia, which can be very irritating to the chest and lungs. However freebased nicotine from JuulSalts is not as irritating and is readily absorbed into the lungs and brain.

As a result, Juul has one of the highest nicotine content of any e-cigarette sold in the U.S.16 JuulPod e-liquid cartridges can contain up to twice the amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, and they're just as easy to inhale.17,18 For these reasons, Juul, more so than any other e-cig, poses a significant threat to youngsters.

E-Cigs Cause Nicotine Addiction Just Like Traditional Cigarettes

Vapers who've tried Juuls agree they have a much stronger nicotine hit than other e-cigs. One ex-smoker found that once he started on Juuls, the vaping habit became "remarkably difficult to kick."19 Indeed, as noted by one addiction expert,20 "The modern cigarette does to nicotine what crack does to cocaine."

Further facilitating use, the Juul's built-in battery is charged via a magnetic USB adapter, takes an hour to charge and lasts for 200 puffs (one full day of regular use), and the fruity flavored pods contain 50 milligrams of nicotine while emitting such a mild fragrance, they've been mistaken for a light perfume. While research into the long-term health effects of vaping is still limited, we already know that:21

• Nicotine is more addictive than alcohol and barbiturates.22

• Nicotine affects cognitive development, decision making, emotional control and impulse regulation in children and teens.23

• Brain changes from nicotine also increase sensitivity to other drugs.24

• If addicted to nicotine at a younger age, young people are more susceptible to other addictions later on in life,25 including alcohol.26 According to the researchers, exposure altered the neurological circuitry in the brain's reward pathway.

Administration of nicotine during adulthood did not produce the same alteration in function of the inhibitory midbrain circuitry as did exposure during adolescence. A PLOS One study27 also suggests there's a two to seven times greater possibility that vaping teens will move on to combustible cigarettes.

• When addicted at a younger age, it's harder to quit nicotine, whether it's vaped or a smoking product. One study28 shows that 85 percent of those who try to stop either smoking or vaping end up relapsing.

E-Cigs Are Just as Harmful as Cigarettes

Mounting research also shows e-cigs are just as hazardous to your health as traditional cigarettes. For example, studies have found:

• The liquid used to flavor e-cigarettes may induce early signs of cardiovascular disease leading to heart attack, stroke and even death.29 The scientists found changes appeared almost immediately on the cellular level. One of the key factors in this study was the direct testing of the effect of just flavoring at levels likely to be reached inside the body.

According to lead author Jessica Fetterman, Ph.D., the measures evaluated during data collection were some of the first changes seen in the development of heart disease.30 At the highest level of exposure the chemicals triggered outright cell death. At a lower level, researchers noted impaired nitric oxide production and increased inflammation.

• Vaping devices produce and emit significant levels of toxic lead, nickel, chromium and manganese31 — Nearly 50 percent of the vapor samples contained lead levels higher than limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).32 Concentrations of the other three metals either approached or exceeded safety limits set by the EPA.

• The nicotine-containing aerosol produced by the devices contains fine particulate matter easily absorbed through inhalation by bystanders, including highly reactive free radicals.33 Secondhand vapor may contain at least 10 chemicals identified on California's Proposition 65 list of reproductive toxins and carcinogens.34

And, despite the lower levels of nicotine pollution e-cigs produce, researchers found people exposed to e-cigarette air pollution have a similar level of cotinine — a measure of the amount of nicotine taken into the body — as those exposed to traditional secondhand cigarette smoke.35 The reason for this discrepancy remains unclear.

• E-cig vapor also contains acetaldehyde36 and formaldehyde,37 both known carcinogens.38 At least one brand tested had 10 times more than found in traditional cigarettes. The FDA has also detected antifreeze chemicals in e-cigarettes — another known carcinogen.39

• Vaping damages your lungs, increasing your risk for lung disease — The vapor from e-cigs boosts production of inflammatory chemicals and impairs the activity of macrophages, leading researchers to conclude it may damage vital immune system cells.40,41 Many of the effects were similar to those seen in people who regularly smoke and those with chronic lung disease.

How to Make Quitting Smoking Easier

I believe the "secret" to quitting smoking is to get healthy first, which will make quitting mentally and physically easier. Exercising is an important part of this plan, as research shows people who engage in regular strength training double their success rate at quitting smoking compared to those who don't exercise.42

Healthy eating is another crucial factor to improving your health and strengthening your ability to quit. In short, if you want to quit, here are three basic tips to get started:

• Read through my comprehensive free nutrition plan to get started eating right.

• Develop a well-rounded exercise regimen. This is your ally to fighting disease and to quitting smoking. Ideally, incorporate strength training, high-intensity interval exercises, core-strengthening exercises, stretching and regular nonexercise movement like walking and cutting back on sitting.

• Find a healthy emotional outlet. Many use exercise, meditation or relaxation techniques for this, and these are all great. I also recommend incorporating Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

This can help clear out emotional blockages from your system (some of which you might not even realize are there), thus restoring your mind and body's balance and helping you break the addiction and avoid cravings.

Once you are regularly doing these three things, then you can begin to think about quitting smoking. At this point, many are ready to try quitting "cold turkey." If you need a distraction, these six things to do instead of smoking may help. Finally, if you're a parent, talk with your children about the risks of smoking, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes. The easiest pathway to not smoking is to avoid starting in the first place.

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/28/age-restriction-for-vape.aspx

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Behind The Beat: Robert Hagg Is Making Shayne Gostisbehere Better, and A Defense of Andrew MacDonald

Each week, Anthony will take you inside the locker room, press box or wherever else he finds himself, with anecdotes, observations, quotes and maybe the occasional barb that he sees or hears while covering the Flyers. I guess you could say, Anthony’s In The Room.

A hockey locker room is always a Petri dish of activity. Different personalities, different routines, and different conversations all collide in one confined space.

It was no different after Flyers practice Monday.

There was Jake Voracek, stroking his Yukon Cornelius beard while cracking up the pool of reporters and cameramen who surrounded his stall.

There was Dale Weiss and Claude Giroux, trying to answer a trivia question posed by Vice President of Public Relations, Zack Hill, about the only teenage hockey players to post 100-point seasons.

(The answer was five by the way – Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux are the obvious ones, then there’s Sidney Crosby, Dale Hawerchuk and Jimmy Carson.)

There was Scott Laughton and Michael Raffl, with their traditional post-practice pow-wow in the far corner of the room, with Raffl proudly donning his Cleveland Indians baseball hat as he has every day since the beginning of training camp, even though they were eliminated from the playoffs a week ago.

And then there was Robert Hagg. Quiet. Unassuming. Slowly removing his equipment, occasionally looking up to take in the activity around him, but otherwise keeping to himself.

Just a moment earlier, his defensive partner, Shayne Gostisbehere, was holding court with the media. It started off as a conversation with Flyers radio play-by-play guy Tim Saunders and me, but soon he was surrounded by every microphone or camera in the room and being asked about his renewed confidence that has led to an eight-assist start to this season in just five games.

And although he did credit his partner (and we’ll get to that in a bit), no one seemed interested in talking to Hagg.

So I decided to stop him for a chat before he disappeared into the Skate Zone inner sanctum completely unnoticed.

What I found was a young athlete who is as relaxed and comfortable in his own skin off the ice as he is on it.

“It doesn’t really matter who you are on the ice,” Hagg said. “You want to be the same guy when you step off it. I want to be the same guy I was five years ago. It shouldn’t change just because you make it to the NHL. You have to be the same person. You can’t let this affect you.

“If you ask any of my friends, they’ll tell you I’m trying not to change at all and that I’m going to continue to be myself, no matter what.”

You may ask, what the hell does this have to do with hockey? I’m sure there are a lot of good guys who were never successful in the NHL.

And that point is quite valid. However, this is a guy with all of six career NHL games under his belt who is playing as sound a defensive game as you will see.

There’s nothing flashy about Hagg. Nothing that screams “Look at me.” And yet, he is quickly becoming one of the Flyers’ more reliable defensemen – and it’s this even-keeled approach to who he is as a person – not a hockey player – that has made the progression into the NHL so smooth for him.

“I guess that is part of it,” he said. “I never thought of it like that, but now that you ask, maybe that is. I just try to stay humble and treat every person the same way I would want them to treat me and I think you can go a long way with that approach.”

Off the ice, it makes him one of the good guys. On the ice, it garners respect. Sometimes, that’s a lost art in a sport like hockey. The game is so fast and so violent at times that players don’t take the time to work on the things that earn respect in the league.

Sure, superior talent alone can garner respect in-game – take Crosby for instance. He became such a hated figure in cities like Philadelphia partly because he is the best player in the sport and plays for the Flyers’ arch rival, but also in part because when he came into the league, he earned his respect through his talent, and not necessarily his personality.

Crosby was perceived as a whiner, a flopper, and, in turn, a dirty player.

There was one point in his rookie season where he and Flyers Center Peter Forsberg had a pretty big run in. Forsberg accused Crosby of diving. Crosby got mouthy. Forsberg told him to respect the game.

The way he plays the game now has certainly changed since he was a rookie in 2005, but that early career reputation followed him. A savvy veteran and a fierce competitor as the game’s best player, it’s hard for Crosby to not step on the ice in Philly, or Washington, or New York without hearing the catcalls.

It’s all because of how he approached the game as a rookie.

Now, Hagg is no Crosby. Not even close. But the difference in which they are viewed as rookies is also quite noticeable.

Hagg is even-keeled. Level-headed. He’s not chirping at officials. He’s not whining at players on the other team. He’s just here to play hockey, play it fairly and competitively, and then he’s going to go back being the same guy he’s always been.

And that guy is bringing out the best in Gostisbehere.

Sure, they’ve only played together for five games, but in those five games they are getting a lot of ice time – more than 20 minutes a game – and they are producing on both ends of the ice.

“He’s made my job a little easier,” Gostisbehere said. “He’s wiped my butt out there a couple times. He’s not a hard guy to play with. He’s so smooth and he’s sneaky strong down low.

“I’m definitely a risk taker out there sometimes and it’s nice to know that you’ve got a guy back there who will always help you if you get into trouble. He’s always calm, cool and collected. He’s a great partner.”

Again, it’s just five games, but this pairing is having an impact. It’s allowing Gostisbehere to play the way he did when he burst onto the scene two seasons ago.

And that bodes well for the Flyers.

In other news:

I got into it on Twitter with some fans the last two days about Andrew MacDonald. No, I don’t think he’s an All-Star. No, I’m, not clouded by his “good guy” status in the locker room. I have no agenda. I’m not covering the team to make friends.

But what I am doing is trying to correct a falsely-penned narrative – and that is that MacDonald is some hideous defenseman who is only playing because the Flyers want to justify his absurd contract.

A couple of things here:

The contract is ridiculous and he is overpaid. That’s not his fault. Imagine being offered an obscene raise to do your job. You’d take it, right? Whether you are worth it or not, you’d take it. Don’t blame him, blame the team for giving it to him.

He is not a hideous defenseman.

It’s that second point where the masses and I differ.

MacDonald is an NHL-quality defenseman. Hands down. He may not be a top pair guy – and he’s receiving top pair minutes with partner Ivan Provorov (who is healthy by the way, the limp scare from Saturday was quelled Monday), but again, is that his fault? Should that put him under the microscope more?

MacDonald is going out there and playing decent hockey. He has had a nice start to the season. That can’t be argued.

And yet, he is crucified for every negative thing that happens if he’s on the ice. Abused for it even. So much so he was booed by the hometown fans during introductions at the home opener.

It’s a ridiculous and uninformed fan obsession.

I know, I know, his advanced statistical numbers are not good – so let’s use that as a reason to crucify him.

Please.

It is that mentality that I pushed back against Saturday.

I tried to explain in No. 5 of my takeaways from the home opener that despite the massive Twitter criticism of MacDonald on the Capitals’ first goal, he wasn’t at fault and that either Giroux or Voracek should have been covering his spot as part of a rotational play since MacDonald was marking Alex Ovechkin.

I was in turn chided with tweets like this:

Terrible writers defending our worst player to death but ripping Giroux who has been phenomenal to start. Tells you alot. https://t.co/cSCfsUiK3Y

— Not Famous Jason (@JasonAAV) October 16, 2017

I read 1 flyers writer and it's charlie, the others are awful and I'm glad the industry is dying

— Not Famous Jason (@JasonAAV) October 16, 2017

So that aforementioned writer that Jason only reads, Charlie O’Connor, who covers the team for The Athletic Philly and does a really nice job breaking down games with advanced statistics, followed up with coach Dave Hakstol after practice Monday. Here’s how it went:

O’Connor: Question regarding the first goal by Washington on Saturday – there’s a turnover along the boards, Ovechkin gets the puck, Mac challenges him up high. Does he have the green light to challenge him up high and a forward has to cycle back down to prevent a 2-on-1 down low, or should the defenseman stay further down and not challenge directly Ovechkin in that case?

Hakstol: Both of our defensemen did exactly what they should do on that play, we missed the coverage with the low forward.

So, let’s see, MacDonald does exactly what he’s supposed to do, a forward doesn’t do his job (as I pointed out Saturday – it was either Voracek or Giroux as they were both on that side), the Capitals score, and in turn MacDonald’s advanced statistics take a hit.

So – he must be terrible, right?

#Capitals tie it. Vrana with the tally. http://pic.twitter.com/tWG87XepDR

— Chris Jastrzembski (@CFJastrzembski) October 14, 2017

This isn’t an argument about the eye test vs. advanced statistics. This isn’t some witch hunt to make the Flyers’ best players look bad like others suggest.

All this is on my part, is providing an understanding of hockey systems and how they work and affect everyone on the ice. I used to have coaches take me into their office and sit me down and show video and explain to me how the systems work and what I should be looking for when covering the game so as to report it properly.

I did this with Ken Hitchcock, John Stevens and Craig Berube. I haven’t done it with Hakstol, and I don’t know if I ever will. Having not been on the beat with any regularity since the guy’s been coach until now, I haven’t had that opportunity to get to know him well enough, but I’ll try.

The point is, I’m never going to try to pass off information as part of an agenda. I’m going to give it to you straight and fairly and with an educated view – in other words, using my access for your benefit, not my own.

Analytics in hockey are a useful tool. But some people read them as gospel, and that’s just wrong. They definitely serve a purpose. They finally bring an ability to quantify actions in hockey that have been taking place since the dawn of the sport.

I’ll take you back to that first video session with Hitchcock.

I sat in his office for an hour watching tape with him. At one point, he said, “Anth, Here’s what you need to understand. The game is the puck. You can’t win unless you have the puck in your possession. The more you possess the puck, the more chances you have, the better your odds are of winning the game.”

This, friends, was in 2003.  Sure sounds a hell of a lot like Corsi, doesn’t it?

We may not have had the statistical measurement of it yet, but it was definitely how coaches viewed the sport and coached it with puck possession in mind.

All that said, yes, MacDonald will make mistakes – and when he does, I’ll point them out. But, I’m just as quickly going to point them out if its Giroux, Voracek, Provorov, Sanheim, Hakstol – I’m an equal opportunity analyst!

I just want to offer you perspective – and although I’ll never connect with everyone, I hope it’s illuminating for at least some of you.

Behind The Beat: Robert Hagg Is Making Shayne Gostisbehere Better, and A Defense of Andrew MacDonald published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv