#Birmingham looks so much like Manchester

[divinekangaroo]

Google Maps street view of Garrison Lane Birmingham showing a boarded-up trashed version of the Garrison

[trulyhblue]

Leah or lessi kid fic after they won the Conti cup!

Lilo’s Sparkle

Mum! Alessia Russo x Child! Reader

Warnings: fluff, mention of injury, very very short.

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You held your head up high, making sure your eyesight was level with the barricade of Alessia’s arms around you.

Your mummy was rocking you, holding you in a small confinement of blankets and an pink sweater. It was cold in Birmingham, but so was every other game your Mummy’s team played at. It was the same at Manchester, and London was no different. The only chance was the people. Auntie Ella only picked you up from your new preschool when she was down South, and you and Mummy would sometimes meet for orange juice at Auntie Ella’s favourite cafe when you were in Manchester.

But today you were in Birmingham, which was a often occurrence. London was your new home. You were accustomed to Manchester, and the weather in England was pretty standard across the country, so there wasn't much to adjust to.

“Do you want to go see Kyra with me, Lilo?”

You looked over at your Aunt Stina. She was perplexed, confronted with mixed emotions. You had teary eyes from the overstimulation, so you just wanted a cuddle.

“Is Stina okay, Mummy? Does she need a hug?”

There was cheering everywhere. Mummy had a very wide grin, and rosy cheeks similar to yours, except you were cold and she was exhausted. The 120-minute frenzy had left you feeling fatigued in your seat on the bench. It was a lot to ask a three-year-old to sit quietly without fuss without the company of her Mummy and her Aunties.

“How bout you ask to see if she wants one, sweets?”

You nodded.

With the comfort of Kyra in the first half, and Leah in the second, you were pretty much well-behaved. But after your favourite Auntie — though Stina Ballerina and Lee Lee never liked you saying that — Frida went down and stretched off the pitch, you instantly grew angsty and agitated. This was only exemplified with Mummy was subbed on in place of.

You ran over to Stina, yanking softly on the woman’s shorts.

“Do you need a cuddle, Auntie Stina?” You asked, fiddling with your zipper as you spoke. Your hood was up upon your Mummy’s discretion, the media attention on you the foremost of her worries.

“Oh, I always need a hug from you, Lilo, älskling.”

“Okay! Thank you!”

Stina knelt down at the feeling your body heat holding onto her calf, swiftly picking you up and cradling you in her grip. Vivi came up behind you, wearing a matching Arsenal jumper, fitting her medal over your neck.

“You scored the winner, Auntie.” You proclaimed, engulfing Stina’s jersey next to your cheek. “You are a superhero Stina. I think your a sparkle.”

Alessia’s giggles were heard not far from where you stood, the thought of you talking about people being a ‘sparkle’ endearing to her.

“Wow, Lilo darling, you think Stina did well?”

“Mummy, of course! She's a sparkle, remember?” You looked between Stina, Vivi, and Mummy. “Mummy and I were calling you a sparkle on the bus after you gave me a cookie, remember? Thank you, Auntie, you really are a star.”

It was considered your thing. To call someone a sparkle was your view of an utmost compliment. You are a star, superior in all ways, and for Stina, she hugged you a little tighter knowing you relished her hard work.

No amount of compliment could outshine a sparkle.

“You are too kind, Lilo,” Stina responded, her blush prominently painting across the bridge of her nose. “Thank you, but you are the biggest sparkle of all.”

You were now pressing your face against the woman’s cheeks, reaching out to play with Mummy’s collar. “Thank you!”

You eventually pushed away from all the celebratory chaos, waddling over to Lee Lee, and Kimmy, knowing they’d provide some serenity to your hyperness.

They were on their way to receiving the trophy, and when you found your way squelched between them, Lee picked you up, placing you inside the trophy with a plonk.

Everyone laughed and cheered as you were lifted into the air, celebrating flambountaly for their sparkle.

Not only as individuals, but as a club.

____________________

alessia

liked by stinablackstenius, fridamaanum, and 876,356 others

alessia — dressed in our sparkle attire 🩷🩷

tagged — stinablackstenius

Comments Are Limited:

Stinablackstenius — my absolute favourite compliment from my Äskling 💕

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[jaegeraether]

Sunsets and footballers (Part 21)

Lucy Bronze x Reader (21)

Masterlist (other parts here)

(*Mentions of mental health, suicide and domestic abuse. Take care with this chapter please x *)

Much to Lucy’s amusement, YFN was driving her car for the first time. YFN had first suggested that she drive to Birmingham to get used to the car and roads in the UK, and because Lucy had done all of the driving thus far. The first 20 minutes had been stressful, but eased with Lucy’s amused support.

“It’s just a car, little one. I don’t care what happens to it as long as you’re okay..” She’d said. That and how calm she was explaining the differences in the roads made YFN feel much, much more at ease.

When she was comfortable enough, Lucy insisted they ran through some of the information that was emailed through by Lumos, Lucy testing her knowledge.

“I only briefly skipped through that email, Luce.. it was our third date.” She groaned.

“Don’t think I don’t know you’ve been doing research since the girls first told you about this job..”

YFN looked guilty. “I like to be prepared.”

Lucy chuckled. “I know. It’s one of the things I love about you.. and you might as well use me while I’m here, right? We’ll start slow.”

YFN groaned. “Okay, I’ll try my best.”

“Okay, talk to me about the different tiers of women’s football in England.”

“Starting off slow, hey?” She pouted. Lucy was challenging her. “Okay… okay. There’s the top tier, Tier 1, the Barclay’s FA WSL. It has 12 teams, bottom team gets relegated to Tier 2 which is the FA Women’s Championship. Also 12 teams, the winners going into the WSL for the next season, while the bottom-placed team are relegated Tier 3, the FA Women’s Nation’s League. Then it gets a bit complicated because there’s the northern teams against each other and the southern teams against each other with the top northern and southern team in the final FA WNL Championship Play-Off, the winner moving up to Tier 2, FA Champions League.”

She looked over at Lucy who was grinning at her proudly. “I knew you’d been researching.”

YFN blushed under her gaze. “It’s important to you.. so it’s important to me. Regardless of the job.”

“God, you’re so cute.” She kissed her on her little cheek dimple, her face reddening further. “Try name the 12 teams in the WSL for me..”

“Okay… okay I can do it by location, might be easier. Around Manchester you have 2 teams, Man United and Man City. Around Liverpool there’s Liverpool and Everton. Around Birmingham there’s Aston Villa. Close to them there’s Leicester, in Leicester.. then there’s Bristol City by itself, and around London are the other 5 teams, Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea, West Ham United, Arsenal, and… Tottenham.”

“You’re so sexy when you’re talking football..” Lucy commented as she fed YFN a Malteser.

“Why do I feel like I’m being rewarded like a dog?”

“Who’s a good girl,” Lucy cooed and patted her head. YFN rolled her eyes. “Who are the current WSL Champions?”

“Chelsea, they beat Man United.”

“Do any WSL teams play for other titles?”

“Uh.. there’s the Continental Cup? Conti Cup.. it’s the Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams together, so WSL and The Championship.”

“And the current Conti Cup Champions?”

“Arsenal.. they beat Chelsea.”

“Any other titles?”

“The UEFA Women’s Champions League.. it’s basically the WSL of Europe. It’s where all the fun happens and there’s a chance for a team like Arsenal to go up against a team like Barcelona.” She turned to Lucy. “Is it your favourite?”

“My favourite is definitely playing for England… but when playing with Barca then yeah, I love playing against the UK teams.”

“Is it hard playing against friends?”

She shrugged. “It was at first.. but then I found it’s much easier if you just go at players like opposition and don’t look at who they are. Just do your thing. I always want to win so it’s easier for me, but I know some of the girls struggle with it.”

YFN nodded and stole another Malteser. “Barcelona are the current Champions, obviously because they have the best right-back in history… and it was against Wolfsburg. Aaaand I believe that was your… fourth Championship title? 3 with Lyon, 1 with Barca?”

Lucy looked impressed. “You really have been doing your research, you sneak. I’m really proud of that too. Almost missed the one with Barca though.. I had surgery on my knee about 5 weeks before the final.” She trailed off, getting a little into her own head.

YFN put her hand on her knee, stroking it to console her. She knew there wasn’t much to say about it. “I can’t wait to see you play for Barca.”

That worked. Lucy smiled. “Tell me again why you can’t live in Spain, if you already have a team for you to work with? And once you get a good schedule going, they’ll be going to the games for you.. There’s…” she took YFN’s phone to read the email. “…Samantha, Bridget and Emily, Ethan, Daniel, Ruby…” She trailed off as she kept reading. “Okay so they’ve hired 4 videographers and 4 photographers, then there’s your IT guy Noel who is an all-rounder..”

“Yes, love, but I need to make sure they’re all comfortable editing because a lot don’t have the experience. We also need a specific style to create so it helps to build our brand and keep it all homogenous almost.. and then what if someone is sick and can’t cover a game?”

“It’s only 2 hours from Barca to London.” She offered.

YFN let herself look at Lucy for a second. She needed to get her scepticism across. It worked. Lucy was intelligent, she knew that YFN would be busy in the UK for the next 6 months at the very least.

YFN patted the steering wheel. “I think we’re going to be doing a lot of driving! I should name him… any ideas.”

“Miles?”

“Ohhh.. like Miles Morales?”

She could tell from Lucy’s expression that she had no idea who that was. “Who?”

“Spiderman… never mind, I’ll add it to our movie list. Eminem? After Miles Morales? No… no I like Miles. Let’s keep it simple.”

“We have a movie list?” Lucy looked excited and longing, almost. “Miles it is. Also, Spiderman is Peter Parker.”

“How dare you.”

Lucy wiggled her eyebrows. “Well I still think when you get more comfortable and all fall into a good rhythm covering games.. you can maybe work from Spain…” She gave those big eyes of hers as she sat sideways in the seat, admiring her girlfriend.

“Well I am mainly working on my laptop. But it’s such a small company right now, so they’ll expand quickly with all of the coverage if we do it right. Plus, they have so much money. What they’re offering pay-wise and then expense-wise is ridiculous.” She stopped herself, realising she was getting excited about the job again, and eased Lucy’s worries. “I’m sorry.. I’ll let us live in a little happy bubble for now, hm? We don’t know what could happen.”

Lucy sighed and reached out, her hand finding YFN’s pocket. “Who knows, maybe I’ll end up back in the WSL.”

“Or maybe I’ll be fired on my first day.”

Lucy scoffed. “Not a chance. They’re lucky to have you.”

YFN could tell Lucy was struggling with her emotions a little. She assumed the dread for their goodbye tomorrow was creeping up on the footballer also. She saw her fall into that little Lucy space and she left her there for a few minutes before she spoke. “Tell me what you’re thinking. Right… there.” The took her hand off the steering wheel to poke her in the middle of the forehead. “I can see it sitting there.”

Lucy came back with a little smile. “I was trying to decide if I was a bad person or not by thinking that I’m partially hoping Martin can’t get that working Visa for you..”

YFN laughed. “You know he will have it approved by the end of the night. And also… no, it’s not a bad thing. It melts my heart because it makes me feel wanted and needed by you. So, thank you for the honesty. And I..” She stopped herself, eyes widening at the fact that three words almost rolled off of her tongue. Before Lucy could question it, YFN’s phone rang.

“It’s Ridley.” Lucy said, shaking the phone for her to see. Before YFN could say anything, Lucy answered on loudspeaker.

“Hey baby Blue, I miss you.” Ridley drawled, flirty as usual.

YFN looked over at Lucy, expecting her to be jealous and she wasn’t disappointed. She’d spoken to Lucy about Ridley before, but only the bare minimum, like she had with Jordan. Ridley was an enigma, and one of her favourite people on the planet. She knew it wouldn’t take long for Lucy to pick up her personality and understand.

“Hey Riddles, I miss you too. What’s happening?”

“Sitting in an airport, wishing it were a beach. Waiting for a man, as usual. I swear, you let men into your life, and you get this. Constant irritation. Must be so hard to drag your little dick around that you end up late for everything.”

Lucy chuckled beside her at that.

“I can guarantee you’re 15 minutes early. And by the sound of your irritation.. waiting for your coffee I’m assuming?”

“It tames my demons. And you are, as usual, correct on both counts.” She began speaking to who YFN assumed was the barista. “Thanks baby, I’ll definitely call you.”

YFN felt like she could hear the wink from across the phone. Lucy raised her eyebrows in question and YFN shrugged. This was normal.

“Okay I’m back. Fuuuck, that’s a good coffee.”

“Are you going to call her or were you just being polite again?”

“Did the ‘definitely’ give me away again?” She asked sheepishly. “She’s cute but very much the relationship type. You know I don’t do that.”

“Mmnhmn. Lucy’s here by the way, we’re just driving to Birmingham.”

“Ah, Lucia Roberta, we finally meet. Kind of. Hold up…” She switched to Facetime as she walked through the airport, coffee in hand. Ridley was drop-dead stunning. She was the only person who had more confidence than Lucy, and it was obvious with the way she spoke and carried herself. She liked to keep herself fit and tidy, besides the alcohol she always slammed when she was at a festival or picking up. Her jawline was godly, her hair was the perfect dark, dark brown shaggy bob, and she had a noticeable scar on her face that started on her cheek and rose to the bottom of her left eye. Typically, it made her even more attractive.

“Hey there, I’ve heard a lot about you.” Lucy said, trying to control her jealously that rose as she saw how fucking stunning she was.

“If any of it is good, then she was lying. She does that to be nice.” She chuckled and got a little closer to the camera. “But she wasn’t lying when she told me about you though. Fuck, you’re sexy.”

Lucy was caught off guard and looked at YFN. Yep, she understood now. Ridley was just… Ridley. Lucy grinned at the compliment and turned back to the camera, her cockiness coming out.

“What can I say… I’m built different.” Lucy quoted and Ridley got the reference, the two sharing a laugh and flexing biceps. YFN rolled her eyes. Of course they’d get along. She could only imagine what they’d be like in person together, egging each other on to do things.

“Little dick appears to be here and… lost.” She brought her fingers to her mouth, whistling loudly.

“Don’t scare the boys, Riddles.”

She grinned at her friend. “My therapist says I should do what makes me happy. Besides, I’ve already had two men tell me I’m intimidating today.. three for the hat-trick, right Bronze?”

Lucy chuckled. “I believe in you.”

“Anyways, I called to see when you’re coming to Spain.. I miss you.”

“I miss you more, and I’ll be there in 13 days. The day before Lucy’s Liga F match if that helps.”

Ridley liked specifics. “It does. Okay, Blue, I’ll see you then. Bronze, don’t be a stranger. Adiós!”

The call ended and there was silence for several seconds. YFN tried to hide her smile and looked at Lucy who was already looking at her.

“Well?”

“She seems fun. And…”

“…an aquired taste.”

“I like her. You weren’t lying about the flirting.”

“No, love. Luckily I’m already pretty obsessed with a woman anyways.”

“Did you two ever..?”

YFN knew it was coming. “No. Never. That was never us, our relationship is more like… shared trauma. I think she’s the best person, but we’ve both been through quite a bit.”

Lucy was silent and so she continued. “We were neighbours growing up. Her family was even more dysfunctional than mine, but instead of not having a mum, she didn’t have a dad. She grew up fast and took it upon herself to look after her mum, a bipolar, and her brother who was autistic who was always getting bullied… really badly. She took my brother and I under her wing also.” She choked, getting a little emotional, knowing what was coming. “One night after school her brother was… beaten to death. To be more specific, beaten and left for dead. He was supposed to be picked up by their mum who was ‘trying to get better’. She got drunk and forgot about him. Ridley found him and held him until the cops arrived. She begged them not to tell her mum, because she was so erratic when she wasn’t well, and especially worse when alcohol was mixed. They didn’t listen because she was only young, and they called her anyways. She’d killed herself by the time Ridley was dropped home. She’d expected it to be honest. I… Ridley and I used to sneak into each other’s rooms at night to hang out, play games, read books, talk. I snuck into her room and she wasn’t there. I found her in the bathroom with her mum.” YFN couldn’t help the tears streaming down her face as she remembered. “There was so much blood, Luce. And Riddles… it was almost like she didn’t feel the grief at all. She was so prepared for it. She was forced to grow up too young.”

She looked at Lucy who was also crying, eyes closed and shaking her head. She continued. “That scar on her face? From my dad. After what happened, her Aunt moved in and started taking care of her. They stayed in that house because they couldn’t afford to sell it with the debt they were left. She’d stay in my room as much as possible to avoid the memories in her own house. She’d usually already be in my room by the time I came up there. I told you my dad was abusive..”

“He didn’t… touch you, did he?” Her voice shook, nervous for the response.

“Not in the way you think. He hit us. He’d have good days and bad days. On one of his worst days, Ridley heard it from my room and came down. He was going at my brother with a knife and I was trying to stop him. Ridley saw red and jumped in to save us. We were only young and my dad was a lot stronger, so he’d managed to still cut her face as she fought him. She got it off of him eventually and knocked him on his ass. He left the next day and never came back. Nan looked after us from then on. She.. she probably saved our lives. He wanted to kill us. I could see it on his face.” She sniffed, wiping the tears away with the cuff of her shirt. “I remember holding her hand when she got her stitches.. so you see, she’s one of the most important people in my life, and she always will be. We grew into such different people after all of that. Both of us really haven’t dated much. Riddles has dated one person I think? And she sabotaged it. I let myself date a few but none of them have understood me or what I need.” She took a deep breath in. Might as well tell her everything, right? “One of the biggest changes we noticed as we grew up was sex. Riddles doesn’t have sex for love, she does it to hold some form of control. If she can control herself and somebody else, and especially their orgasm, then it satisfies her. She doesn’t let anyone close except me because I was there. We’ve had long conversations about this. Whereas me… I was so much of a passenger in my life, always scared of my dad that I just want to be loved. And protected. Supported. I want that unconditional fucking hopeless romantic, Heath Ledger love. And when it comes to sex… my body craves someone that I can put my absolute trust in. Someone who I can give all of my control, my thoughts, my opinions to. Someone who will literally hold me down and fuck me for both of our benefits. I don’t want a choice.” She was so far in, that her admission scared even her. “I’ve never had that before. Saying it out loud like that… scares me. I’ve never been so honest about it and I’ve definitely never let myself give up any of my trust until I met you.” She looked at Lucy who looked in awe. She reached a hand out as if to strangle her. “You, and your pretty fucking face. You, and your inability to pronounce ‘th’ in a sentence. You, and that fucking grin that lights up a room.”

Lucy pointed outside. “Pull over. Right there.”

YFN sighed as did as she was told, knowing that whatever came of her confession she’d accept. She pulled over and took her time, putting the car into park, handbrake on.

Lucy unclipped her seatbelt and leaned over the centre console, her hand finding YFN’s face as she pulled her towards her. Their lips met passionately. Then needily. Then desperately. Gasps for air and desperate breaths filling the air.

“Luce..” she whimpered against her lips in between the barrage of kisses she was receiving. Lucy took a little while to respond, distracting herself. “You’re mine. I will always keep you safe and make sure you’re loved. Do you understand?” She pulled YFN’s head to her collarbone and held her tight. Of course, the tears started up again. She can’t believe she’d told Lucy.

Lucy held her tightly, her hand stroking her hair, whispering sweet nothings, and reassuring her. Giving her everything she needed.

The emotions settled down eventually and YFN mumbled into Lucy’s shirt. “You know, I’m still really embarrassed about how forward I was when we started texting..”

Lucy vibrated under her, laughing softly. “Oh, I definitely encouraged that. It was perfect.”

YFN leaned back so she could see Lucy. She assumed her face reflected her girlfriends. Puffy red eyes and tear-stained cheeks. She cheekily tapped her cheek and Lucy took the hint, leaning in and kissing it with lingering lips. She kissed it a few more times and sat back in her seat. And then, they were off again.

They arrived at Jordan’s after dark, the little blonde bouncing up and down in the driveway as they pulled up. Jordan jumped on the closest person, Lucy, her legs wrapping around her waist. Lucy wrapped her in a tight hug.

“Alright, Jords?”

“I missed you two!”

“We missed you more, mate.” YFN said as she rounded the car. Jordan dropped off of Lucy and tried to do the same to YFN, though they were both a similar height and weight and ended up sprawled on the ground laughing.

The house was a cute little stand alone and inside was modern and fresh. It was a wide open space with its kitchen, dining and living area all sharing the same room which led out to the patio. It was a 2 by 2, with a bedroom either side of the large entertainment area. YFN found her bedroom, it was much larger than she imagined and had an ensuite. She turned and glared at Jordan. “You didn’t.”

“You have Lucy.. and my bathroom is perfect.” Just as she saw YFN about to argue she continued. “I originally picked that room, I promise! It doesn’t get the morning light, and I like being on that side.”

YFN pouted, wanting to argue but knowing it would be useless.

“Yay, shower sex.” Lucy said as she opened YFN’s suitcase on the bed. It was the most unhinged thing she’d ever heard Lucy say and her mouth dropped open. This was obviously the same for Jordan who was caught off guard. “Joking.. but not really. Go and have your little chat, I’ll unpack.” She insisted as she pushed them both out the door.

“I can’t believe she never said that to me…” Jordan whined. She was getting teary eyed as she looked at YFN. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

“I think she was scared... and torn… and trying to justify the unjustifiable. She knows she messed up.” She hugged Jordan a little tighter.

“She’s coming tonight.”

“What?!”

“I think tonight has gotten just a little bit out of hand..”

“How out of hand are we talking about?”

“Um.. I don’t know the exact number but I know the restaurant had to order more chairs.”

YFN’s eyed widened. “Wait… what?” Lucy walked out of the bedroom then and she directed her next question at her. “What am I walking into?”

Lucy tilted her head with an innocent look and shrugged. “The girls love a catch up, and as far as I know, no one has organised anything like this before so I think word spread around pretty quickly. I think between me, Jords, Katie and Caitlin, we managed to get quite a few different nationalities interested… we have no idea how many are coming though. Katie was organising that.”

“Oh, they’ll be here soon actually. We should get ready.” Jordan said, wiping her eyes.

“What are you going to do about Leah tonight..?” YFN asked gently.

Jordan shrugged. “As far as I’m concerned, this doesn’t change anything. She still hasn’t spoken to me. I need some time to process and maybe I’ll let her say what she needs to. I don’t want to talk to her tonight, though.”

"You know the safe word.."

[adriennefrombrooklyn]

There is a tidbit in a new book that Jim refused to sign Paul's publishing contract before Paul was 21 because it wasn't with a Liverpool publisher. Paul had to wait until he was 21 to sign it.

That's some crazy level of control over Paul.

Here is the full quote:

"But when it came to signing John Lennon and Paul McCartney publishing, to be called Northern Songs, Paul was under twenty-one. Jim McCartney, his father, objected to him being published by a London publisher. He said to Brian, “Why can’t he publish with a Liverpool publisher?” Brian said, “Well, for the simple reason that there aren’t any. You know that. And there aren’t any in Manchester, and there aren’t any in Birmingham. The publishers are all in London.” Jim dug his heels in and refused to sign. I remember John saying to Paul, “Come on, sign the bloody thing.” Brian said, “No, not, not until he’s twenty-one. That’s the way it’s done.” Paul asked, “Will you have patience? I’m twenty-one in June. And the day I’m twenty-one, I’ll sign the contract."

I’m not surprised and also adding that to my “wtf Jim” list. So Jim could have signed it for him but wouldn’t? Or were there other legal reasons Paul had to wait until he was twenty-one? Either way weird vibes from Jim. Like if it’s the former and he’s using that excuse for not signing for Paul I feel like that’s a flimsy cover for wanting to flex as much control as he can over Paul until he’s legally an adult. If it’s the latter situation it’s still not a good look, very much reading “I will find ways to be disappointed in this huge thing you’ve accomplished even if I have to find an extremely specific reason.”

(The whole cultural and class divide of Northern England vs London is a whole other thing that I am getting feelings about based on this info, but that’s another subject I’m not prepared to tackle.)

[worseforwords]

Manchester Meet-cute (Ona Batlle x Reader)

This is my first ever fic! I hope you like it :)

One January morning, in an unexpected turn of events, you found yourself wandering the streets of Manchester all by yourself. This was not how you had planned to spend your England-visit: just yesterday you met up with your friend Amy, who lived in Liverpool, to go on a small road trip to visit another friend in London, and to do some sightseeing in both Manchester and Birmingham on the way there. However, Amy had the infuriating ability to fall in love with a stranger in under a second, and that is exactly what she did a mere 3 hours before your arrival. At least she had the decency to take you on a small tour trough Liverpool and to drop you off in Manchester the next day, before hopping on a plane to Paris herself with some guy named Louis, or Luke or whatever.

So here you were, all by yourself in a new city in a foreign country. You weren’t used to traveling alone, but you actually didn’t mind some peace and quiet for once. You bought a map somewhere and spend majority of the morning sightseeing the city centre. For English standards, the weather had actually been quite nice, which of course was too good to be true. Around noon, it suddenly started pouring and you quickly made your way into a lovely little coffee shop. You went up to the coffee bar and ordered a large cappuccino. After some smalltalk with the barista you picked up your coffee to head to a free table by the window. Your small journey to the table was rudely interrupted however, when a rather hasty individual collided with your elbow connected to your coffee holding hand. You watched as if in slow motion as your cup flew up in the air and the entirety of its hot contents came raining down on you and soaked your favourite sweater. 

“AY DIOS MIO! I am so, so sorry. Why am I such an idiot?” A panicked voice cried out whilst you rapidly wiped as much of your large cappuccino of your face and sweater as you could. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it” you spoke, still wiping. “No, it’s not! Let me at least buy you a new coffee, please?” “You really don’t have to-” “I insist.” You finally looked up at the clumsy sweater ruining girl in front of you, only to be met with a pair of beautiful hazel eyes and a slightly worried smile. “Yeah, okay”

“Sorry about your sweater” She said, handing you a fresh cappuccino. “How much did it cost? I’ll give you some money for a new one.” “No, you don’t have to do that. It’s all good.” You answered, not willing to accept such a generous offer from a stranger. “Please, it’s a nice sweater, I have to make it up to you somehow.” She begged, still looking rather concerned. “You know what, you can tell me what I should do or see in Manchester on a Sunday. It’s my first time here.”

You sat down at a table together and she talked about her favourite places around Manchester for a while and you listened attentively whilst sipping your coffee. “I am Y/N by the way” you said after a while, realising you never properly introduced yourselves. “Hi Y/N” she smiled, having the same realisation “I am Ona”. “So, Ona, not to be blunt, but you are not from here either, are you?” “No I am not” she giggled, “I am from Spain, but I’ve lived here for a while now.”. “Ah, la bella españa” you tried your very best at the pronunciation. “¿Hablas español?” she asked, her eyes widening slightly. “No, no, un poco, pero no es bien” you stuttered shyly. Ona giggled again at your face growing redder by the second. “That wasn’t bad you know.” “Thanks” you said, certain that she was just being polite. 

“So erm,” you started, slowly getting red again “do you maybe feel like visiting any of those places you were talking about earlier, like now, with me?” Ona checked the time on her phone. “Oh shit, erm, I sort of have to go now, I have a football match later.” You suddenly realised how bold your question was and started to regret ever asking it when she quickly added: “But maybe we can meet up afterwards? I’ll show you around Manchester by night” She send you a small wink which made your cheeks flush yet again. “Yeah, sure that sounds amazing. So where is this football match?” You asked, taking the last sip of your coffee. “Old Trafford” Ona mumbled. You surely would’ve spat it out your coffee you hadn’t just swallowed it. “I’m sorry, did you just say Old Trafford? As in, the Manchester United stadium?” “Well look who did their homework” Ona smiled. You just stared at her, too stunned to speak. “What? Okay yes, I play for United, I am a professional footballer.” You continued your staring, this time with your mouth wide open. She rolled her eyes “It’s not a big deal, it’s just my job.” She smiled again “That is so cool” You finally spoke. “Are you any good?” “Well I do play for United, soo, I guess I’m all right.” She chuckled. “Right yeah, of course, sorry.” You said, mentally smacking yourself on the head for asking such a stupid question. “You know, Y/N, if you don’t have anything to do today you could come watch the game later, if you want to judge for yourself wether I am any good.” She offered. “Unless you don’t want to of course, I don’t even know if you like football, so no pressure, I won’t mind if you say no so-” “I would love that” You interrupted. “And I’m sure you’re great.” Now it was her turn to blush. “Okay, I do really have to go now, but I will send you all the info once I get you a seat.” Ona said whilst getting up and hastily putting on her coat. “Ona,” you spoke, and she stopped to look at you “exactly how will you send me the info?” “Text” she answered quickly whilst continuing to gather her things. “Oh, of course, idiota” she mumbled to herself “so, erm, can I get your number, Y/N?” “I thought you’d never ask” you chuckled.

After a shower and a change of clothes at the hotel you were staying at, you hopped on a bus towards Old Trafford. It was crowded with people in United jerseys and hoodies, talking about the upcoming game. You overheard people mentioning Ona’s name a few times, and started to realise she was a very important player. You lightly chuckled to yourself, amazed at how you got yourself into this situation.

Ona arranged for you to sit in the family and friends area, which felt a little strange, given you just met the girl a couple of hours ago, but you felt honoured nonetheless. United played against Liverpool. It was a though game, but they fought through. Ona was amazing. You didn’t know much about football, apart from what your dad used to scream at the TV, but it was very clear that she had a key role in the game and you pitied anyone who had to go head to head with her. 

After the final whistle blew you watched as the players walked around the field, waving at and thanking the fans. They ended up at the friends and family section, but you politely remained in your seat, not wanting to bother Ona and giving her some time with her friends. Ona, however, upon arriving at the section, looked rather disappointed, scanning the stands with her eyes. When she finally spotted you, a large smile appeared on her face as she waved at you to come over. 

“Thank you for coming, I hope you enjoyed it” she said. “Thank you for inviting me” you answered. “Soo, was I any good?” she asked, smirk on her face. “I guess you were all right” you joked. The two of you briefly chatted about the game before she got pulled away by some teammates. “Go have fun” you said, sending her a wink. “I’ll be quick, just a shower and then I’ll meet you out back?” She gave you a quick hug before heading towards the dressing rooms.

You sat in the lounge area for a bit and Ona texted you some details about where you could meet later. You felt a little guilty about taking her away from the team celebrations, so you texted back:

You: Hey, it’s okay if you want to go celebrate with your teammates, you don’t have to hang out with me you know…

Ona: No, I want to. I promised you Manchester by night!

Ona: Besides, you’re way more fun than these morons anyways ;)

You: Okay, see you there :)

You were leaning against the gate post whilst looking at the January sun already starting to set, when you were startled by a the sudden feeling of a hand on your shoulder. “I love watching the sun set and rise, always reminds me of the Lion King. I love the Lion King.” You turned around to see a familiar pair of hazel eyes looking at you expectantly. “Sorry for making you wait. I got you something though”. Ona handed you a paper bag with something bright red in it. “I still owed you a sweater, remember?” She smiled. You opened the bag further to find a hoodie with a big Manchester United logo on it. You turned it around to see the number 2 printed on the back. “That’s my number!” She said excitedly. “I know, I just saw you play in it, remember? Thank you, Ona. You really didn’t have to, but it’s really nice to have something to remember you by.” Both your cheeks flushed slightly at that comment. 

Ona quickly ordered a cab to get you two back to the city centre. She clearly had a plan in mind for the evening as she guided you through Manchester. She briefly stopped at certain sights to tell you some fun fact or story. “Are you hungry?” She asked after walking around for about two hours. “I could eat.” You answered. “Good, I know the perfect place.” She replied confidently. She took you to a small restaurant by the river. “You like Spanish food?” Ona asked. “¡Sí, me gusta la comida española!” You answered in your best Spanish accent, making Ona giggle.

You sat down at a table for two by the window. “Hola Ona, nice to see you again” the waiter spoke, handing you both your menus. “Are the other girls not coming today?” “Hola Mateo. No, just us.” “Claro” Mateo the waiter noticed you trying desperately to figure out the Spanish menu, looking rather confused and chuckled lightly. He turned back to Ona: “¿Es una cena romántica, o solo amigas?” Ona quickly glanced at you to check if you understood any of that, but you kept your eyes glued to the menu, wanting to hear her answer. “No lo sé todavía. Espero que sí.” You quickly looked at Ona to see a blush appear on her cheeks, but you moved your eyes back to your menu before she could catch you. “Claro,” he smiled. “buena suerte con esa, Ona” He now turned back to you “Would you like an English menu?” “Yes, please” He quickly handed you one from the bar before sending Ona a final wink and moving to another table.

“What was that about?” You asked Ona with a small grin on your face. “Nothing, just joking around.” It was now her turn to practically stick her head into the menu even though she knew it by heart, just to avoid eye contact. “Any recommendations?” You quickly changed the subject to slightly ease the tension. “Sí, do you like lobster?” 

You both ordered a dish called Arròs caldós amb llamàntol and some white wine to pair with it. It was a Catalan dish with creamy rice and lobster. Ona explained how it was one of her favourite things to eat back home, and how she often came to this restaurant to enjoy the familiarity and how it made her feel at peace. You couldn’t help but stare at the twinkle that appeared in her eyes as she spoke about her home. Even though you were quite full from the lobster, Ona insisted you’d try her favourite dessert, so you ended up sharing one Crema Catalana which, as the name suggested, was also a Catalan dish. After a bit of debate you convinced Ona to split the bill, as the lobster was quite expensive and she had already given you enough today.

You left the restaurant two hours later, very full and a little tipsy. Ona suggested to walk along the river for a bit, which you happily accepted. The conversation fell quiet as you looked up at the semi-clear night sky. There were some clouds here and there, and the many city lights caused some light pollution, but you could still see the stars fairly clearly. You almost walked into a fence as you were looking up, lost in thought. “Woah, careful there” Ona giggled. “I guess stargazing works better laying down on the ground” you replied. You proceeded the walk, now looking at your feet rather than at the sky, when Ona suddenly pulled you to the side. She guided you towards a patch of grass. “We can lay down here, if you want?” You just smiled as you lay yourself down on the cold grass, Ona following your lead as she plopped down next to you. 

“I don’t really know anything about stars, do you?” She admitted. “See that W right there?” You pointed upwards. When you got no reaction you scooted a little closer so you could point from her point of view. “Ah yes, I see it now.” She exclaimed. “That’s Cassiopeia, the vain queen. The greek mythology says she was placed in the sky by Poseidon as punishment for her vanity. Essentially he said she was to full of herself.” You chuckled. “I’m sorry, I must be boring you with this random information” You apologised. “No, no, please tell me more!” You felt her hand lightly brushing yours as you carried on telling her random facts about the stars and constellations. After a while you ran out of information and you fell silent. “Ona,” you spoke, taking a deep breath “mi español no es bueno. Pero entiendo un poco lo que dices.” You tried in your best Spanish, not knowing how to use the past tense yet. Ona suddenly shot up. “I KNEW IT” she yelled “you did understand! Why didn’t you say something” You sat up as well. “I was curious to hear your answer.” You smiled slyly. Ona playfully shoved your shoulder.  “Well I’m curious to hear your answer as well.” She boldly stated. You felt your stomach drop at the question but tried to remain cool on the outside. You swallowed and leaned in slightly. Your faces were now only a few inches apart. You looked at her lips but waited for her to respond first. Ona leaned in further, almost completely closing the space between the two of you when you suddenly heard a voice from behind you. “Go on then, kiss, ladies! I don’t mind seeing that at all. Hot!” You turned around to see a group of adult men making kissy faces at you from a distance. “Come on let’s go” you both got up quickly and you let out a relieved sigh when the men didn’t follow you.

“I’m sorry that just happened.” Ona spoke when you had returned to a busier, safer street. “Me too, I feel gross” “Yeah, I get it. It’s okay if you want to go back to your hotel or something if you feel safer there.” She asked carefully. “Maybe, but erm,” you started, not knowing how to not come on too strong in finishing your sentence “I might feel even safer if you join me?” You paused for a second. “I mean, we don’t have to do anything, we can just chill and watch a movie or something or - never mind forget it I’m sorry for even sug-” “Hey, hey,” she took a hold of your face to stop you from rambling “don’t worry, I would love that.”

It wasn’t common for you to stay in a hotel, given that you mostly preferred hostels or, if you were feeling fancy, the occasional airbnb. However, Amy, who lived a more decadent lifestyle, had insisted on booking a hotel for the two of you, stating she’d “rather sleep on the street than enter one of those bed bug infested hell holes you call a hostel”. So here you were, unlocking the door to your two person suite, paid for by Amy, with a girl on your arm who definitely was not Amy. Ona audibly gasped when you opened the door. “Woah, I didn’t take you for the luxurious type, Y/N. And here I was worrying about your sweater.” You chuckled at her reaction, before explaining the whole Amy situation.

“Terrible friend, if you ask me. Good thing you met me.” She winked. “Yeah, well, we got each other through so much. I will always forgive her.” You replied. “Still though, she shouldn’t have ditched you like that” “Yeah well, at least she’s still paying for the room” Ona’s expression suddenly changed. “Soo they have her credit card information, no?” She looked at the minibar, then back at you, then at the minibar again as a mischievous grin appeared on her face. You hesitated. “Oh come on, she deserves a little payback” You finally gave in and the two of you grabbed a few way overpriced beers and snacks. “Wanna watch a movie?”

You settled on the couch with your snacks and beers and without asking you turned on the Lion King. Ona’s eyes lit up at opening shot of the sunrise. She turned to face you. “You remembered” she whispered, a smile appearing on her face. “Of course I did, you told me just a few hours ago” you jokingly replied. Ona didn’t laugh, and when you looked at her you saw her eyes were still fixated on you. You stared into each others eyes for a bit when you noticed her eyes glancing down at your lips for just a second. You gathered as much courage as you could as you decided it was your turn to be bold. “I also remember something else that erm, you know, almost happened.” You leaned in slightly, very proud of your smoothness but also nervous as you weren’t sure she understood what you were hinting at. Ona moved closer to you and leaned in as well, gaze alternating between your eyes and lips, anxiously waiting for you to make the first move. Noticing this, you knew you could finally take away the mere inch that was left in between both your lips, which you did, very slowly. Your lips landed on hers as gently as humanly possible, and the world around you disappeared for a second. You slowly came back when you felt a hand on your cheek. Ona pulled herself closer to you, which encouraged you to deepen the kiss. Her hand had now moved to the back of your neck, rubbing your jaw with her thumb. The kiss soon turned into a rather heated make-out, which continued for a while. By the time you pulled away, circle of life had just ended in the background. “Sorry we missed the best song” you chuckled. Ona opened up her arms. You accepted the invite and cuddled up against her. 

You watched the movie in silence for a while, although you didn’t process much of what was happening on the screen, too distracted by what had just happened and by the hand lightly stroking your forearm the whole time. You held it together until halfway through Hakuna Matata, when Onas hand slowly moved to your inner thigh and the tension became too much. You turned your head towards her rather abruptly, accidentally startling her and she quickly pulled her hand away entirely. “I’m sorry, too much?” Her eyes widened, concern apparent in her face. “No, no, don’t worry, I like it. I just erm,” you paused, contemplating what to say next “I’m not really watching the movie anymore, you know?” You finally admitted. “Oh, we can watch something else if you want?” Ona replied quickly. You looked at her with a slightly raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to realise what you meant. “What? Oh. Ooooh” she really dragged out the o’s in that last one. “Well erm, is it a good distraction at least?” “Yes, definitely” you answered a little too quickly. “Want to get distracted some more? You could, you know, distract me back, if you want?” She said, with a slight smirk. She didn’t need to ask you that twice as you got up and pulled her towards your queen-sized hotel bed.

About 8 hours later, a soft thud woke you up from the coma you had been in, followed by what you could only assume was a series of Spanish swearwords. You slowly opened your eyes to find Ona wrapped up in a blanked, grabbing her toe with one hand whilst rummaging between the clothes scattered around the hotel floor with the other one. You realised she must be trying to sneak out without waking you, so you decided to turn around and pretend to still be asleep. This movement, however, did not go unnoticed as Ona suddenly stopped in her tracks. “Shit, did I wake you?” She whispered. You turned back around to face her. “Good morning, Ona. It’s okay if you want to sneak out you know, no hard feel-” “No, no, it’s not like that.” She interrupted “I just have training in a bit. And you were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to wake you.” She smiled. “Well in that case, don’t you need breakfast first?” You asked. “I was just going to get something on the way there actually, got any better ideas?” She replied “How about some roomservice, it’s on me! Well, actually it’s on Amy.” You winked. “Great plan!”

After filling up on the luxurious hotel breakfast, Ona put on her sneakers and coat and you walked her to the door as you started to feel a little sad about her leaving. Before she opened the door she turned around to look at you. “I had a really nice time, Y/N.” She said, smiling softly. “Me too, I’m glad I met you.” You replied. You stood there for a while, staring into each others eyes. “See you again, I hope.” She eventually said. “Yeah, me too” You said, and she turned around to open the door. You watched as she walked away down the hallway, finally closing the door when she turned a corner. 

You plopped down on the bed and let out a deep sigh. Many thoughts and feelings were coursing through you stomach and brain as you gazed at the ceiling. On the one hand there was excitement, about what had happened the day before. Meeting this amazing girl and having an amazing time with her. Then there was confidence, because for some reason this amazing girl seemed to take a liking to you. But then on the other hand there was this nervousness creeping up inside you, about the “What now?”, the uncertainty of it all. And to top it all off there was sadness, knowing you were only there for a couple more days before having to return home, to your stupid job. 

But for now you tried to focus on the positive parts. Thinking about the day (and especially the evening) before brought a smile to your face and, even though you didn’t want to admit it, butterflies to your stomach. “Damn Y/N, what have you gotten yourself into this time” You said to yourself as you smacked a pillow into your own head. You shot straight up as you realised it: you just pulled an Amy.

Part 2

[sl-newsie]

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 1: Stuck

Birmingham, England, 1919

Much like America, it is an empire of industry. Giant factories tower over the slums and shacks, with drunks, thieves, and whores alike all sulking in the shadows. Smoke and ash cloud the sky and block out what little sun there is, as well as fill everyone’s lungs with foul air. With sparks flying everywhere it’s a miracle nothing catches fire. The gloomy and dreadful atmosphere is enough to make anyone faint, vomit, or lose hope altogether.

But I’ve got something these folks do not. 

I am an American.

While that may not be astonishing to some, to me it means that I’m independent, as well as rambunctious and a bit of a rebel even for my culture. My family always says I’m too rash and stubborn, and that it will diminish any chance of me finding a husband and settling down for a proper life. But I’m in no mood to marry, so sue me for actually enjoying my life.

However, at the moment I seem to be in a bit of a pickle. You see, I don’t travel much. Yes there’s the occasional trip out of state, but never in a million years did I think I’d ever go to England. Of all places, my family chose to vacation in Manchester, England. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful country with gorgeous countryside views and polite accents… that is until you reach the deep city. Then it gets bustling and dangerous, which is how I came to be where I am now. We decided to travel by train, stopping in Birmingham on the way to London before we headed home. Lord knows why I decided to stray away and get a better look at the intriguing shops, but after an hour of desperately searching for my family it finally sunk in that I was, quite frankly, alone. Talk about a dumb-headed move on my part. I passed back and forth through the train station for hours as night fell, growing more and more worried about what kinds of danger Small Heath, Birmingham has hiding in the darkness. 

Right now, people are giving me mixed looks of pity, confusion, and judgment. I know I’m not much to look at, with my messy blonde hair stuffed under a simple hat and my slim figure dressed in a gray dress with black heels. I probably look much richer than I really am, which makes my fear of criminals spike even more.

“Might I help you, young lady?” A sinister voice calls out.

He's a drunk, I’m sure of it. A man in a ragged overcoat staggers over, and he’s reeking of alcohol.

“No, I’m waiting for someone. Please leave me alone.” 

“Oh, no. You’re all alone? Perfect…” He licks his lips and starts reaching his hand out-!

“Back off! She’s with me.”

I look over and see an older man wearing a trenchcoat and bowler hat. He’s got a simple mustache, is smoking a pipe, and carrying a briefcase. Is he a cop?

“Says who, old man?” The drunk slurs.

But instead of answering, the man slugs the drunk in the nose and ushers him off. When he turns back to me the bowler hat man extends a hand to shake.

“Excuse me, miss. I’m Inspector Chester Campbell. Who might you be?”

“I- I’m Verena, Verena Steenstra.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Verena. I’m here for private matters, sent by Churchill on account of a BSA munitions robbery. I am here to weed out prime suspects and possibly recover some stolen items that belong to the Crown. You wouldn’t happen to know an Arthur or Thomas Shelby, would you?”

I shake my head. “Sorry, can’t say I have. I’m new to these parts, just having arrived from America yesterday.”

He nods. “Well it’s best if you don’t, miss. They’re ruthless, the lot of them. Gangsters, bookmakers, racketeers. The gang they’re part of call themselves the Peaky Blinders. You best be getting indoors instead of wandering these dreadful streets at this hour.”

When Campbell sees my uneasy expression he frowns. “You do have a place to stay, right?”

“Actually sir, I was… left here by mistake. My family left hours ago and I’ve been here ever since.”

Campbell’s eyes soften a little. “I’m sorry to hear that, miss. If I knew the area I’d find you an inn or hotel, so the most I can do is guide you to the desk clerk in the train station.” He gestures for me to follow him and leads me over to the back desk, where a middle-aged lady is typing. “Hello, would you happen to know where this young lady might find any lodgings?”

The lady gives me a once-over and tilts her head. “Maybe ask Harry at the Garrison. That’s a local pub nearby. You can’t miss it. Just ask for Harry.”

We thank her and head back outside, where it’s starting to get dark.

“I’m sorry to leave you here, but I’ve got my own appointments to attend.” Campbell grips his briefcase and waves to signal a passing cab. “You’ll be alright?”

I try to give a convincing nod. “Yeah, as good as I can I guess. Good luck with your investigation.”

“Best of luck to you too, miss. You’ll need it if you want to survive this wicked city.”

And with that, the inspector climbs into the cab and is driven off. Leaving me, once again, alone. But at least this time I have an idea of where to go and what to do. I tightly grip my small suitcase and begin walking down the bustling streets, trying my best to ignore the… less than Christian crowd that hovers around. 

“God does not care if you live in a slum or in a mansion!”

A man’s voice draws my attention, and I look to find the source coming from down the street. He sounds Jamaican, and seems to be a minister of sorts. 

“God does not care if you are rich or you are poor!”

I approach slowly, not wanting to interrupt. “Excuse me, sir? Where would I go to find the Garrison?”

The man frowns at me, confused. “What’s a lass like you doing in this part of town? Don’t you know it’s dangerous?”

“I understand that. I’m looking to find a place to stay, so I’ll ask again. Where can I find the Garrison?”

The man looks at me as if I’ve signed my own death note, then points to the building down the street. “There. But God be with you if you want to persevere with what kind of men go in there.”

I thank him and walk towards the building. It’s definitely a pub, because there’s drunk men staggering out and vomiting everywhere. 

“Look out!” Someone shouts.

Without warning, a small person plows into me and sends us tumbling into the dust.

“Dear God, what on Earth…?” I gather myself up and get a look at the person, or should I say kid. He’s a young boy with a conservative haircut, wearing dark pants, a white shirt, and gray vest. One might say he dresses just as professional as any stockbroker. 

“I’m sorry!” He says in a worried manner and looks as if I’m about to slap him. “I didn’t mean to, I swear!”

I gotta say, seeing this boy speak in an English accent is downright cute!

I kneel down to seem less intimidating and hold out a hand. “Hey hey, it’s alright, kid. It was an accident. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

He nods and shakes my hand, now looking at me differently. “You sound different.”

“I’m American, from New York. Now what was it you were running from?”

“Oh, right!” He points to the alley he just ran from. “I’m playing hide-and-seek with my aunt.”

I frown. “And you’re out here, in the dark, at this time of night? It may not be my place to say, but you should probably go back inside. Where’s your aunt now?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well that’s not going to get us anywhere. You got a name?”

He smiles and nods eagerly. “I’m Finn, Finn Shelby. I’m 10 going on 11!”

“Wow, that’s old! So Finn, how about you head inside with me and we can find a way of contacting your aunt? That sound alright?”

“Finn! We were looking for you!” A man comes walking up, wearing dark clothes and a cap. When he sees me next to Finn, the man’s eyes darken. “Who are you?”

I ignore his question and look at Finn. “Do you know him?”

“Yeah, he’s my brother John.”

Now I know that I can trust this man. “I’m nobody. Just a lost tourist who’s looking out for Finn.”

The man looks confused. “Why? You don’t know him.”

“That doesn’t matter. I’d look out for him as if he was my own child because no kid should be wandering around at this time of night.”

He scoffs. “What are you, some nun or midwife? Doesn’t matter. Come on, Finn.” John takes the boy’s hand and starts walking away. 

“Nice to meet you!” Finn calls before they’re out of sight.

“Goodbye!”

Now to get back to the task at hand. While being as inconspicuous as possible, I sneak past the gruff men and enter the strangely quiet bar. I gotta say, it’s surprisingly clean. Compared to the filthy world outside you’d think the king himself would eat here. But I know better. I can tell this place has seen its fair share of violence, but I give credit to the barman for keeping it spiffy. Gruff and sketchy-looking Brits sit scattered all over the room. Murmured conversations ghost around the room, confirming that this is yet another place I shouldn’t be at. A few turn their heads, but seem uninterested… for now. I hold my suitcase close and discreetly make my way to where the barman is standing.

“You don’t know me, but the desk clerk at the train station said to ask for someone named Harry.”

The barman, just like everyone else, seems to think I’m a fish out of water. “I’m Harry. What do you want?”

“She said you could tell me where to find a place to stay. I’ll pay what I can, I swear. I just need somewhere to sleep until I can find a way to get back to America.”

His face changes. “America? You mean you’re stuck here?”

“For the time, yes.”

First Harry goes to say something but then seems to look over at someone behind me. This changes his demeanor and he gestures for me to sit.

“Can I get you anything?”

I shake my head. “I don’t drink.”

“I do,” a woman’s voice says behind me.

A dark-haired woman wearing a gray suit sits up next to me, her face being shielded by a hat.

Harry nods respectfully at the woman and pours a shot of whiskey. “On the house, Polly.”

She gladly takes the glass and downs it, looking at me with calculating eyes.

“Name’s Polly, love. Polly Gray.”

“You seem to be a woman who knows what she’s doing, and how to conduct authority,” I reply.

“And you seem to be a woman who has nowhere to go. Am I right, love?”

I look away and become more interested in staring at the table. “Yes, ma’am. I’m currently homeless, jobless, penniless, and on the verge of hopeless.” I look back up. “But I’ve got a song in my heart and a gleam in my eye, so that’s all I can do for now.”

Polly laughs and twirls the shot glass in her hand. “Well a song and dance isn’t going to take you far, love. It’s best if you come with me.” She stands back up and starts pulling her coat back on.

My thoughts freeze. Did I hear that right? This person, this complete stranger who has no inkling of who I am, wants me to go with them? Where? And what for? Inspector Campbell said to be careful.

“Wait- what? What do you mean?”

Polly walks to the door, unfazed by my questions. “I saw you interacting with Finn. You treat him as both a child and an adult, which is something I respect. You’re not too sour but still know when to show a firm grip. I’d like to hire you as his tutor. He needs help studying, as well as someone to make sure he doesn’t shoot his eye out.”

My jaw drops. “Shoot his… But how-?”

“Don’t ask. I have to deal with the most ridiculous idiots this side of England, you have no idea!” She scoffs as I follow her back into the inky night. “The fact is that I need a tutor, and you need a roof over your head. So, do you want the job or not?”

I try to form words but all that comes out is a babbling mess. My thoughts are fried! What reason do I have to even trust this Polly character?

“You’re conflicted,” Polly states plainly. “I can understand why.”

“Yes! Because- because I’m alone! I- I have no one to help, but everyone says I can’t trust anyone here, and then you happen to be passing by… I don’t know what to make of it!”

Polly puts a hand on my shoulder. “Love, one of the things I always go by is my faith. If fate had it so you would be here to help Finn and get my attention, then God has spoken. My trust is not so easily won over, so I suggest you consider this chance very seriously.”

She’s right. Everything’s led to this. Besides, she’s right. I need a job.

“Yes, I accept your kind offer.” I hold out a hand and we shake. “Thank you, Mrs. Gray.”

“I may be your employer but there’s no need for that formality. Polly’s fine, love. And yours?”

“Verena Nora Steenstra,” my name flies right off the tongue. 

“That’s Dutch, I’d imagine?”

I nod. “Yes, after my great grandmother. My father’s Dutch, my mother’s Irish.”

“Ah yes, you Americans and your mixed heritages.”

She doesn’t seem upset by it, and I’m glad she doesn’t inquire further. My family isn’t cruel, but we’re not exactly the most wanted people in New York. My uncle on my mother’s side is part of the Irish mob in Brooklyn, so our reputation is a bit strict.

Polly leads me through the dark streets and people seem to be aware not to test her. Crowds scatter away to let us pass, not even daring to meet her eye.

“You have authority here?”

“Of sorts. People know better not to start a quarrel. Here we are.”

The house itself is simple-looking on the outside, something I admire. Polly opens the door and shows me inside, which displays a traditional cross hung in the hallway. I follow her past a kitchen and into a small room near the back, one containing a simple bed and vanity as well as a single window.

“Bathtub’s down the hall. I’ll leave you here to settle in, I trust the lads will guide you through the house. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must attend a family meeting. Finn’s around here somewhere if you wish to chat.”

I set my suitcase on the bed and look at Polly with sincere gratitude. “Thank you so much. You really saved me from a tight pickle, and I promise I will do everything I can to repay you.”

Polly smiles and, to my uttermost surprise, comes over to give me a hug. “No problem, love. You seem like a decent girl, even if you are American.” She snickers and goes to walk out, then turns to say: “One more thing: when you meet Thomas, just know he’s a bit rough around the edges.”

I squint in bafflement. “Thomas? Who’s-?”

But she exits before I can finish. So just to be clear: Now I need to teach a boy from a family I just met and am expecting to meet someone who’s ‘rough around the edges.’ Yay?

[fernandoswarcrimes]

Sweet Nothing x Jack Grealish

“And the voices that implore, "You should be doing more"”

Taglist: @morgan108 @diary-of-jj @shea-theodore @pitchandgrid @wifemase @hal3ynicol3 @alicerubyfloyd @nicanicksnica @formulafootballfan @xoocourtneyxo @babybella337 @hobiismyhopeu @cha-hot @goldrushc @carlossainzwho @swiftiebitchhere @styles-sunflower @ru-kru @judespoision

Word count: 1.4K

To be added to the rest of the series click here -> 🌌

I spy with my little tired eye

Tiny as a firefly

A pebble that we picked up last July

Down deep inside your pocket

We almost forgot it

Does it ever miss Wicklow sometimes?

Jack glanced at what you had pulled out of your pocket, a questioning look on your face, as the two of you got ready to walk out the door. It was small, almost the size of a lightning bug. A small little pink pebble that you two had found last July whilst on summer break. It had slipped both of your minds, nearly forgetting about it until just now as you held it up with a smile before setting it in the dish by the door with the extra set of keys and oddities that you both had in your pockets that week. He wondered if the small rock ever missed Wicklow, the cozy seaside town. That something so small could hold such important memories. It was when he asked you to move in with him. At first he didn’t think you’d say yes, because it took you a few minutes to give him an answer, but that was because you were just in shock. He had been so upfront and honest about it you didn’t think a guy like him would want that. But you had been proven wrong as you realized this was Jack, your jack. The goofy brummie guy who had swept you clear off your feet with his horrendous jokes and down to earth personality. He was the personification of soft. He missed Wicklow, if the rock didn’t then he did, because it gave him you.

They said the end is coming

Everyone's up to something

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they're push and shoving

You're in the kitchen humming

All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

The Birmingham man was tired.

Tired of everyone saying that the end of City’s reign was coming, that they wouldn’t make it till the end. They wouldn’t get the treble. Everyone always had something to say, he more often than not, found himself quickly trying to quickly head out after any practice or game not wanting to be interviewed or stopped by anybody that would hold him up. All he wanted to do was run home to you and the calmness that surrounded you. As he walked out of training he could see people pushing and shoving at the gate as he got into his car, his teammates having no problem stopping to sign things or take pictures. But nonetheless, despite how tired he was, he pulled his car through the gates and stopped for a few people because he knew if he didn’t it would end up being the next big scrutinizing headline, which he didn’t need. He didn’t mind the fans really, he loved them, but on days like this when everything was weighing down on him he just wanted to come home to you. As he drove through Manchester he thought of how relaxing it’d be to just lay on the couch with you, he stopped and got you both some food on the way home knowing you’d enjoy the simple gesture, and when he did finally arrive home, he walked inside and heard you humming in the kitchen. You looked up when you heard him come in and smiled at him. “Aw you picked up maccies” he just smiled and sat the bag on the counter letting you pull him into a much needed hug which had him instantly relaxing into your arms. All you ever wanted from him was moments like this. Sweet nothings.

On the way home

I wrote a poem

You say, "What a mind"

This happens all the time

On the way home from a trip you and him took together, he had been quietly sitting in the passenger seat. You’d look over to him a few times wondering what he was doing, usually you couldn’t get him to stop talking and the quietness wasn’t bad per say, it just intrigued you. “I uh- wrote a poem I wanted to read to you.” Jack spoke up softly which caused a small smile to spread across your lips as you nodded for him to go ahead. You saw him sit up straighter out of the corner of your eye as he looked down at his phone. “I won’t ever find the words, you are everything always and even that is not enough.” Was it grammatically correct? No, but you appreciate the sentiment and the fact he wrote it. “What a mind you have, love. I like it.” You nodded while looking over at him briefly with a smile. Jack appreciated that you supported him and his little hobbies like this and not just football. It was something he realized happened all the time even if you didn’t make a big deal about it. He wanted to write poetry? You were right there encouraging him, wanting to try new fashion styles? You wanted him to give you a fashion show and show you what he bought and gave him pointers on what would look good and what wouldn’t. He had never felt more loved and appreciated besides when he was with his family. But that wasn’t to say he didn’t support you the same way because he did 110% in anything you wanted to do or try. It was a very open and co-op relationship. You both gave and helped when the other needed it.

Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors

And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other

And the voices that implore, "You should be doing more"

To you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it

It was no secret how some clubs were ran, Chelsea was a prime example of industry disruptors some hotshot millionaire coming in and buying the club ontop of the management fucking everything up. That didn’t mean City was squeaky clean either, they had their own allegations and rumors about them as well. Everyone was pushing for the same thing. Pushing to be the best. No matter what they did they always got told “you should be doing more” pitching it like they were trying to sell it to the players as if they didn’t want to be the best already. Everyone wanted to win the big three but you could only do that if you were being efficient and doing good. But to you, Jack could admit that sometimes he’s too soft for all of it. The pressure, the comments, the scrutiny. He had heard it ever since City signed him, he went from being the star boy at Aston Villa to being a ���waste of money” after being signed as the most expensive English footballer to date. Some days he didn’t think he wanted to do it anymore, he had been trying and trying to prove himself that he could do it, that he could be worth what they paid for him. He had to. Because he didn’t know what he would do if they let him go.

They said the end is coming

Everyone's up to something

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they're push and shoving

You're in the kitchen humming

All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

Despite all the talk of the end of the season and all the tough games they had to get through. There was the one constant that kept him going, and that was being able to run home to you when the day was over. The two of you and your constant little moments that some would consider boring nothingness, meant everything to him. No amount of cups or championship wins would compare to him coming home from an away game to find you dancing and humming around the kitchen or how you were always there for him, to pick him up after a bad game, in the stands for the good games, or just spending time with him and his family. His mother had asked him when he was going to get the courage to ask you the big question, she knew he already had the ring. He also knew you wouldn’t want a big public gesture, you’d want something small, just between the two of you and your little sweet nothing moments. Which is exactly how he did it, at three in the morning, when you both couldn’t sleep. Was the deliriousness from sleep getting to you both? Probably, but he knew that no time was better than right now. He dropped to one knee in the middle of the kitchen, illuminated by the refrigerator light as he looked up at you with the softest look ever and softly asked as he opened the velvet box that he had been hiding for the last six months. “Will you marry me?” He wanted nothing more than to have a million more moments like this with you.

[evita-shelby]

Tie your heart to mine

Chapter 4

Gif by @nofckingfighting

“What you did was very stupid, sweetheart.” Thomas Shelby cleaned his glasses with a cloth and acted as if Diane had taken extra sweets at dinner or snuck out with her friends.

They sat in his office with a locked door, and she could hear ten-year-old Florence pressing her ear behind it.

“Had I understood mancunian slang it would not have happened, daddy.” She smoothed her skirt and clasped her hands on her lap.

He lifts an eyebrow knowing she’s trying to minimize the damage; bit doesn’t care to yell at her…yet.

“They recognized you and they told their papers you were there with a known criminal.” He shows her the missive written in the Manchester Gorton’s MP.

Luckily the man was a member of the Labour Party and hated Mosely as much as they did for the disturbances he caused in his constituency.

She didn’t like how they called Tom and Lois wayward children with a pacifist father.

“Now, I know Douglas Bennett and I know he wouldn’t have raised his children to be criminals, but I’ve seen the boy’s record myself, sweetheart.” He placed the glasses back on and mirrored her stance. “Didn’t you learn anything from your fuck up with Jack Nelson’s boy?"

There it was.

He was angrier about her having another boyfriend than getting arrested.

Not that he raised his voice, just looked at her with disappointment.

Expecting better from her because Charlie and her younger siblings combined aren’t even close to matching her track record.

“There’s nothing for you to worry about, dad, things are over between me and Tom Bennett.” She said wanting to go to her mother for comfort instead of having her father punish her for wanting to be the fuck away from here.

He was not a bad father, she loved her family, but sometimes she just wanted to step away from Tommy Shelby’s long shadow and into the sunlight.

Which was why she loved being Diane no last name in Manchester.

Once it’s revealed her former boyfriend’s name is Tom, Florence is given away by her gasp.

“So, am I getting my things tomorrow myself, or are am I back in my tower?” Diane asks, knowing this is far from over but done for now.

Can’t handle Florence repeating his verdict to everyone who can hear her, especially Andy Roberts, her boyfriend these past four years.

“I am going with you.”

Douglas Bennett is surprised to see him there.

“Mr. Shelby, what can I do for you?” he calls him that as if he didn’t change beds so Tommy could be next to John who’d woken up to the news his wife had died.

They would leave with Douglas, only they would be made to come back once Martha Shelby, the second Mrs. Shelby with that name, was burned and the children told their mother was dead.

“You put up with us on the boat to Portsmouth and the train to Birmingham, Douglas, call me Tommy.” Tommy said hoping to make the man relax.

“This about your Diane and my Tom, I take it.” Douglas did not beat around the bush after letting him in.

The man had tact, but he knew when to get to the point.

Good man, shame Tommy isn’t here to renew their acquaintance.

“Yes, is your boy here?” he asked as the gangster turned politician made himself comfortable in the modest little house.

They could have lived like this if he hadn’t been ambitious.

Douglas only wanted enough to keep his wife and his children healthy and happy.

Thomas wanted everything. Nothing had ever been enough ever since he was little, it only took the war and Greta dying in his arms for him to stop hiding it.

“He will be, never misses a meal.” Douglas tried to make his son look less irresponsible than he was.

And sure enough, the boy comes in asking about the car outside.

Thomas knew in this moment, he would hate this man forever.

Too much like them at his age.

Only difference, he had a dad who loved him and raised him.

Arthur Shelby Sr only came when he wanted to give his mother another burden or drag them into his life of crime.

If only they had not taken to it like a fish to water.

Thomas Bennett is not what he wants for his daughter.

The lanky blond young man who steals what he can because he can’t commit to a job or have enough ambition to get out there is not the man he wants for his little witch.

“You can have it, if you want it.” Tommy begins, taking out the silver cigarette case with a sapphire to match the one he gave his wife and offering them a cigarette.

“Who the fuck are you?” the manc said eyeing him with suspicion.

With some work he might be a good addition to the company.

“Tom, have some respect.” Douglas chastised him, but the boy only rolled his eyes and stood there with crossed arms.

“Sorry, Tommy, he’s been wayward since his mother passed.” Douglas apologized for his son and Tommy knew this man had no idea what to do with his own children even before his wife died.

“I’ve been called worse; you wouldn’t believe the shit I put up with in London.” The MP dismissed his apology.

Besides, Douglas will be tossing him out in his arse after this.

“Thomas Shelby, Diane’s father.” Thomas said without stretching out a hand for the boy to shake.

Diane would be allowed to stay here.

If she worked on the factories like she promised and kept away from protest, she could stay here and carve out her own path for their company.

Lois had dropped by, and Diane apologized.

To her surprise, Lois Bennett forgave her.

And to Lois’ surprise, Diane had used her connections to get her the address of the family hosting Harry Chase in Poland.

Harry Chase had told her he loved her before she broke his heart right before he left and she hadn’t said it back.

Now that it was going on to four months with no letters from him, Lois was worried he had forgotten about her.

That, worse, he had moved on to some Polish girl who was everything she was not.

“Its been three months since I’ve gotten anything back from him. I don’t even know if he’s alive, Di.” Lois admitted while she wrote down her letter in stationary Diane took straight from her father’s desk this morning.

Anyone can ignore the letters of a lovesick girl from Longsight, but no one could ignore one from Sir Thomas Shelby, MP OBE and first Baronet Shelby.

“Which is why you need something no one can ignore.” The witch said hoping things can go as smoothly with Tom as it did with his sister. “If he hasn’t been getting your letters, he will know. If he can’t get any out, he will now.

No one refuses Mr. Shelby.”

“How much do you want?” Tommy said pulling out his checkbook ready to see how much it would cost him to be rid of this boy.

Diane deserved better, this was for her.

Besides if he took the money, he was never with her for the right reasons.

“Now I know why Diane lied about who she was.” The boy ---Thomas refused to see the twenty-two year old as anything else than a boy— said to hurt him.

Diane hated the spotlight as much Tommy did, had been relieved when she saw she lacked the height requirements for professional ballet like her mother.

Strange how Polly saw she would be an actress in Hollywood.

But even Elizabeth Pollyanna Gray could be wrong.

“I don’t want your money, I told her I never wanted her for her money either.” The boy refused and Douglas looked proud of his son.

There was hope for him yet.

But Thomas Shelby doesn’t give a shit about whether Bennett has something resembling morals or a brain.

Thomas Shelby just wants him out of his daughter’s life.

“So you say, and yet everyone has a price, boy.” Tommy looks him in the eye and the boy, to his credit, doesn’t back down.

“Shelby, I’m warning you.” Douglas said growing angry and borrowing the courage from the son who never sees eye to eye with him.

“I don’t need to you to defend me, dad, I can handle him myself.” Tom stops his father before the pacifist does something against his code.

“Not me, old man. You can give me everything you have, but I won’t take it. You can’t make me take your fucking money, Shelby.” The boy continued to refuse.

And then made it all worse.

“No wonder she hates being your daughter.” The boy spat and Tommy fought every urge he had in him to throttle him.

Polly laughs at him from the great beyond.

Was he like this before the war, when Mr. Jurossi did all he could to chase him away from Greta?

Did Eva’s family think of him as low as he did of Douglas’ boy when they found out they married less than four months after they met one December morning?

“I don’t give a fuck about your money, Mr. Shelby, I wouldn’t change my feelings for your daughter for all the money in the world either. I love her, and I know she loves me and you are just going to have to live with that.”

Tom Bennett looked damn proud of himself, just as Tommy did once upon a time.

“Fine, suit yourself, boy. Just know this, even if you managed to get your head out of your arse, you wouldn’t be worthy of my daughter.

I’ll see myself out, Douglas.”

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form:

I would like to build a world that has intentionally similar street, town/city names, basically think of all the confusing addresses the world already has but magnified significantly. Like when you think Paris? Well the world has a couple of towns named Paris in Canada, Indonesia, plenty in the US, and a few other countries. Reality? They are around the world. The most issue we'd get is probably the US if you mix up states. But then the addresses likely won't match/have the same street names. Also, they are tiny towns compared to the Paris in France. So what would happen to a city named 'Paris' in my world? It may be the capital city of 2 countries. There may be 50 cities (not town) of significant population in 15 other countries. Also, street names will also be highly repetitive. Why? Because there is a lot more globalization, and large empires renaming all the cities. What would happen to everywhere when an empire such as the equivalent of British in my world? You get large countries like India with 20 cities each named London, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Manchester etc. How about the streets then? Newly built roads will repeat the street names from ones in Britain, many more will get renamed. If it's not like this, then you get individual cities that trade between each other like 'sister cities' renaming their cities and streets so that they are similar.

Tex: Toponymy is a fascinating subject, and an exceptionally revealing perspective of how people view the world around them in what orders of importance. I believe two of the sub-topics you’re looking for is tautological place names and toponymic related concepts.

Wootzel: We’re not really sure what you’re asking us, but a couple thoughts for you: 

When it comes to cities having the same name, it’s pretty common historically for people coming from the great city of Tuftylump to start a new, small town and call it Tuftylump, and then for that small town to grow in size and repute until it’s also famous. This could happen several times in various places and be perfectly plausible. 

However, existing cities aren’t likely to undergo a name change unless forced to by an invading power, and even then it’s not likely to stick if the invaders get kicked out eventually. Place names come with history and identity, and while it might not seem like an arbitrary name change would matter, I think people would be extremely resistant. It would also be a bit of a nightmare to have to either change all historical records related to the place, or make it part of all public education that the city has an older name but it’s no longer in use. 

What cultural significance is making this phenomenon happen in your world? Is there some kind of widespread taboo against coming up with new names for things, ever? Is there an idea that sharing a name carries some kind of power? Does this phenomenon of repeated names occur in people too?

Miri: The big question I have is why are they making their lives more difficult like this? Wootzel has some suggestions above that may be factors. There’s entire industries out there dedicated to making things function smoother, and making things more likely to be confused flies in the face of our desire to make things functional and less prone to error when possible. Sending things to the wrong place can have disastrous financial and other consequences, and constantly clarifying which version of a city you mean gets tiresome, from personal experience. 

I have a friend who once decided she was going to write a story where all of the characters had very similar names because she intentionally wanted to confuse and irritate her audience. She quickly realized she was irritating herself just as much in writing it, and that people were more likely to just stop reading than put up with it.  

[walkingintheheartbreaksatellite]

Hii again! I'm the one who requested the prompt for his girl surprising him at the signing! Let me tell you, that put such a smile on my face! Okay I'll tell you what happened when I met him, I'll never get bored of telling the story! It's a long one so brace yourself! I'll start off by saying he's the SWEETEST person I've ever met. He looked at every single fan with so much love! He kept eye contact the whole time and he was just the kindest! I walked up to the table and he said "hello!" and I almost froze up but I pushed myself to speak. I said "I've been a fan for 13 years, I've never met you before, and I think you're just amazing" and the smile on his face melts my heart! He said thank you and asked if I'm going to any shows next year, I said yeah Birmingham and Manchester, he wrote a heart on my cd because I'm gonna get it for a tattoo and he personally asked everyone for their names and wrote them on the CDs, I told him he's amazing again, then as I was leaving the table I gave him a fist bump and he winked at me and said "see you next year!" I made it about 10 feet away from the table and I just broke down crying and shaking because it sunk in that I'd just met the man I've loved for so long, the man who saved me when he didn't even know it. I also wrote him a letter which I'm hoping he read! I can't begin to explain the love that was in his eyes for every single one of his fans! Again I wanna thank you so much for writing my prompt, it was so good! I'll definitely be requesting more as and when I think of them! I hope you have a beautiful day❤️

Awe!!!! That sounds like the absolute best experience!!! I completely understand bursting into tears! An experience like that is life changing!!! Thank you so much for trusting me to write that for you!!! I loved writing it and I think it might’ve helped with my writers block so thank you!!! And requests you send to me, I will for sure drop what I’m writing to do it for you!!! Thank you lovely!

[hedghost]

lessi head cannons coming right at ya!

so you (her gf) is a famous singer, and touring the world in a stadium tour, you’ve just gotten to your uk part of the tour and kicking the sold out shows off in birmingham so only about 2 hours from manchester, bevazuse of this Alessia and tooney decide to come and surprise you at the show however you have a like a gland in your throat that’s irritated probably swollen and your manager forced to cancel the next two shows that are coincidentally the last two before the two week break then you actually start touring the uk. because of the cancellation you’re heartbroken but less and tooney haven’t seen the post as less is driving and tooney is too busy manning the carpool karaoke for them and their mothers who insisted on coming. Once they arrive at the venue tooney situates her and hers and lessi’s mothers in a dressing room while less goes to find you. she walks on stage and finds you sitting down on the edge looking up at the empty stadium seats but you don’t hear her. you only notice it’s her when you hear her voice as she talks to your manager, she then sits down next to you wrapping you in her arms as you sob into her chest for having to postpone your shows, after you calm down a bit she takes you to see tooney and their mums as she explains your situation to them which makes you feel even worse as they’ve come down here to watch you perform. eventually after a lot more fluffy moments less decides to bring you back home with them and start off your two week break early making sure you’re well looked after (😉) and that she loves you dearly and will forever be your biggest fan.

aw this is so cute and in-depth anon i’m going to need you to write this

like she’d be so supportive and so sweet, and like so guilty that you’re upset but secretly so glad because it means she gets more time with you which she’s not mad about. and she just spends so much time and effort making you feel loved and supported and just being generally sweet all over.

her mum taking you home and looking after you like an extra child 🥺

[jaegeraether]

Sunsets and footballers (Part 14)

Lucy Bronze x Reader (14)

Masterlist (other parts here)

(**Been waiting a while to introduce this new character... **)

Lucy was gripping the bridge of her nose between her forefinger and thumb, her eyes closed, jaw twitching. Katie reached across the table to touch her but stopped at YFN shaking her head. “No,” she said gently. “Just… give her some time to process.”

Katie began looking around for the stalker.

“What are you going to do?” Jordan asked, her eyes also wandering. They all knew they were safe together.

“Well it says they want to see me within 48 hours.. so I’ll prepare tonight and go in tomorrow. I’ll give them all my information and explain. I have proof of them stalking me and I’ve done nothing wrong.. it’s not like I’m from a threatening country. Australia is part of the Commonwealth so everything should be okay..”

Lucy stood and left, scanning around for the stalkers as she waded through the crowded area, though always keeping YFN in sight.

“What time are you leaving?” YFN asked Jordan.

“Tomorrow morning. I’m giving myself a day for the drive and to settle back in before training starts again. When are you coming?”

YFN looked around to see Lucy talking to someone who looked like a Manager. “I’m not sure.. Luce is here for another week but I think she wants to see her family in Manchester.. so maybe we’ll be staying there for a few days and then with you for a few before she leaves?”

“Sounds right, I think Luce wants to get you settled in with me before she goes.” Jordan cringed as realised what she’d said and gave a sheepish look to YFN who rolled her eyes. Of course Lucy spoken to Jordan about staying with her in Birmingham. She looked over at Lucy who was heading back to them, her heart melting even more.

“If you’re still hanging around with your Visa thing, you should come watch us train,” Caitlin said.

“Plus, aren’t you a writer?” Katie asked. “They’re always lookin’ fer writers for sports columns but they can never find good ones. They’re always so borin’ and invasive so none of the players want ta open up to them. But we all already know you..”

Lucy sat back down as YFN mulled it over. “Sports column?” Lucy asked gruffly.

“Just an idea.” Katie shrugged. “It’d be great to do interviews where we know the person and know they aren’t going ta just make up a story. We always have to be so careful with the media trainin’ and such.”

“It’s… it’s a really good idea. I love it, actually. It would be great if it were across all of the leagues..” Her pinky reached out for Lucy, testing the waters, and Lucy hooked her pinky around it. Their little way of communicating.

“I think they’d want you to cover as much as possible." Caitlin said. “Especially if lots of players know you. I’ll send you the details of the company. They just can’t find anyone to cover one league let alone all of them. It’ll be a lot of work but if you’re keen..”

YFN nodded. “I’ll be interested but… maybe don’t send me anything yet. My Visa… I’m not allowed to work. And tomorrow I guarantee they’ll go through my phone and messages with a fine-toothed-comb so if it all goes well then I’ll ask them about the possibility of changing to a working visa… and also having to travel across Europe and what those entry requirements are.”

“Okay… we may already have chatted to the company…”

“What?!”

“It’s okay! It’s nothing official, we didn’t give them your name, we just told them about you and that you used to write a column and that you’re here now and have made a lot of friends with the players..”

“Wow, is it really that bad for you guys with media?”

They all nodded.

“The amount of media training we’ve been through is ridiculous.” Jordan said. “And then we stress about what parts they’re going to use and what they’re going to cut! So if we have someone we can trust then it takes all of that stress away.”

“Okay…. Okay.. I’ll think about it and see how tomorrow goes. If they barely agree to accept my current Visa though, I won’t ask them..”

“That’s fair enough, it was just an idea,” Jordan shrugged and YFN chuckled at that. “Wait.. you’ve all spoken about this?” She thought it was just Katie and Caitlin.

“Of course mate!” She slapped a hand to her shoulder. “We don’t want you going anywhere.”

YFN’s heart filled just a little more as she smiled at her friend. “Birmingham is going to be so much fun.”

“Ohhh yes.” She leant around YFN to look at Lucy. “Any news?”

Lucy shook her head. “No one saw them and they’re not here now. I want us to get out of here though.” She looked at YFN, her protective green eyes locking with hers from behind her clear framed glasses. “I want us to get you out of that hotel, and I don’t want us to be in public longer than we have to.”

“Yeah we’re goin’ ta leave ya’s to it. I’m feeling weird just waitin’ for someone to put a bag over my head.” Katie pushed her sunglasses back up her nose, looking around like she wanted a fight.

“I can help you pack if you need?” Jordan suggested.

“Oh yeah, Dory! You can come over if you want? I’d love to spend some time with you before you leave tomorrow..” YFN looked over her shoulder at Lucy who nodded at her friend, looking a little on edge. “It’s settled. Come with us.” YFN smiled and took Jordan’s hand.

They said their goodbyes and hugged. YFN again thanked Katie and Caitlin for last night, checking that Katie’s hand was okay after trying to break the window of the car. They had a good giggle at that. She promised to get back to them about the strangely vague position of interviewing players, and they both again showed their enthusiasm.

Lucy practically bodyguarded YFN the entire way to the car where YFN encouraged Jordan to sit in the front. She sat behind Lucy who had one of her arms behind her, fingers tangled with YFN’s. She liked needy Lucy. She liked all of the Lucy’s to be honest.

They went to YFN’s hotel and Lucy spoke to the staff to check her out early while Jordan and YFN packed. Somehow, Lucy was able to get her a refund for the nights she didn’t stay, and then they were in Lucy’s car and headed to her London home.

YFN felt strange unpacking. She was technically moving in with her partner… whom she hadn’t known for long.. who also lived in Spain. She felt a little like she was pushing herself onto Lucy too fast, but at the same time, all of it was at Lucy's request. Her insistence. And, it had been one of her three demands.

Jordan and YFN spent time together unpacking, researching and bantering while Lucy was on the phone, pacing. She was talking to lawyers, discussing Visa’s and restraining orders. She was frustrated but would pause past YFN often to touch her, give her a kiss wherever she could reach, or just wave from the patio. She didn’t like the idea that she was putting so much extra stress on Lucy when she should have been resting and recovering her knee, but she also knew that this was Lucy’s choice. She was so sexy the way she took care of things. YFN watched her pace the patio, talking on the phone with her AirPods and expressing so much with her hands, the artery in her neck becoming more prominent when she got more frustrated demanding things. The efforts that woman was going through just to keep her safe and in the country was more than anyone had ever done for her in her life.

She spoke to Jordan about Leah who’d dropped the drunk trio home last night, and who’d apparently dropped Jordan home last.

Jordan sighed. “Leah tried talking to me.. she asked how I was doing and how things are at Villa but I just wasn’t in a state to talk. I couldn’t get out of my head the idea of people following you and Luce…”

“So you pretty much blew her off..?”

“Yeah.. pretty much. I didn’t have the capacity to talk. She left me. She didn’t even give me a reason, she just said that she changed and I hadn’t and… and she left. I tried to talk to her, you know I tried, but in the end I left my club for her. The club I spent most of my career at.” She was getting teary eyed and YFN moved next to her and wrapped her arms around her. Jordan leaned into her and sobbed a little.

“You still love her,” YFN said softly. Jordan nodded against her. “Oh Dory..”

She leant over to get some tissues and blew into them. “I can’t just let her back into my life after that. She… she can’t just do that. I don’t even know if she misses me as a friend or as a girlfriend but she lost both.”

“I… I think it’s both.”

Jordan lifted her head to look at her. She continued. “The way she looked at you and spoke about you when you weren’t watching.. especially with that girl at the bar. And she thought we were together…”

She could see the thoughts running behind Jordan’s eyes before she shook her head. “No, she doesn’t get that from me anymore. She did this. She made this mess.”

“She did, she absolutely did. Let’s just bench it for now and take it as it comes, okay? I’m right here for whatever you need.”

“I’m so happy you’re coming to Birmingham,” Jordan said with a tremble in her voice.

“Me too, mate. Me too. We’re going to have so much fun!”

Jordan’s mood picked up as they changed topics and kept researching. They found a lot of good news and information that had them positive about the outcome the next day.

“Oh this looks promising,” Jordan said. “It’s talking about a character reference who’s known you for at least ten years? Not related to you though..”

YFN laughed. “Ohh I have just the person.” She took her phone out and scrolled through her contacts. “Ridley. We grew up together.”

“I thought you didn’t have a best, best friend?”

“She’s basically family and… an acquired taste.” She laughed again. “God, I love her. We go through periods of not talking for 6 months and then talking every day, but that’s just us. She’s the closest person I have from Australia besides my nan. She actually works in Spain, it was one of the reasons I was going to visit, to see her!”

She called her up and a drunk Ridley answered, music blasting in the background. “Hey baby Blue, what’s doing?”

“Hey Riddles, you busy?”

“Nah, never too busy for you. When are you coming to Greece?”

“Are you still partying?”

“You know it baby! Way too many hot Europeans here.” She started talking to someone near her. ‘In a minute, love, just get us some more drinks.’

YFN laughed. “I can call back…”

“Bullshit, they can wait. What’s up?” She changed to Facetime, and it was exactly what it sounded like. Some sort of party at night in Greece, people crowded around. She had a bottle in one hand and some colour sunglasses on which she look like she stole, covered in several beaded and glow in the dark necklaces.

“Having a good night?”

“You know me mate - always.” She said with a grin as someone bumped into her. ‘Watch it!’ She yelled at them.

 ‘Doesn’t cost anything to be kind!’

‘Costs me my fucking sanity, move your big ass feet away from me.’

She turned back to the phone and took the cap off the bottle with her teeth, spitting it and taking a swig. “I’m just about to throw hands, Blue, I swear.”

YFN and Jordan laughed. “Blue?” Jordan asked.

Before YFN could answer, Ridley noticed her and got closer to the screen with a smirk. “Oh, hey there Jordan Nobbs, you’re looking sexy tonight.”

YFN groaned. “She flirts with everyone, don't be surprised.”

Jordan laughed and answered politely. “Hey mate, nice to meet you! Where was our invite?”

“Oh baby, you’re free to join me aaanytime.”

Jordan’s mouth dropped and YFN groaned, knowing this would happen. “Anyways! Riddles, you know the stalker issue?”

“Oh yeah, you need me to come sort them out?”

“Oh, Lucy’s all over that. No, they put a complaint in about my Visa so I’m headed to the embassy tomorrow. I need a character reference who’s known me at least ten years-”

“-say no more, baby Blue, I’ve got you.” The girl reappeared and was grabbing at Ridley’s face, kissing her cheek. Ridley pulled away, her attention still on her close friend.

“…Yes… but will you be awake tomorrow around 10am your time?”

She hummed and then agreed to set her alarm. Anyone who didn’t know her would think she wasn’t reliable for this, but she knew Ridley and knew she could trust her with anything, anytime. She was incredibly loyal, and the distance between Spain and Australia had meant they’d spoken less which wasn’t what she’d ever wanted with their relationship. But regardless, they were always the type of friends who could call each other up after 6 months and everything was the exact same between them.

Ridley was still flirting with Jordan when the girl from earlier again tried to drag her off the call. Jordan was flirting back, enjoying the attention and YFN made sure to end the call before she saw the girl’s tongue down her throat.

“An acquired taste, I told you. She’s one of my favourite people though. She’s basically family to me.” She laughed.

YFN and Jordan made them dinner while Lucy was still off and on the phone. They ate and then Lucy took Jordan home with hugs and promises that they’d see each other soon in Birmingham. YFN ‘requested’ a shirt with Jordan’s name and number on it. She wanted to wear it to her first Villa game. Jordan was excited that she wanted to wear her shirt, and promised to sign it for her.

Lucy returned to the dishes done, and a squeaky clean YFN who was ready for bed. She looked tired and threw her AirPods and phone onto the couch before taking YFN in her arms. She was so warm and soft and felt like… home. Home had never been place to Lucy. It had always been either her family or wherever she made it with a club. She and YFN hadn’t known each other long but the best way to describe their relationship was that she’d always felt like home to Lucy. For the first time in her life, home felt like a person. The thought of Spain in the back of her mind was a dark thought that she tried to keep back there. She groaned and hugged her little Australian tighter.

“Luce?” She said softly. Lucy pulled back and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you for today. Thank you for looking after me… I know it’s been a lot to deal with.”

Lucy’s eyebrows furrowed. “This is all on me, all this happening has been because of me and I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have to deal with any of this. I just….” She paused as she tried to keep her emotions together. “… I really don’t want to lose you.” Her voice was husky as her emotions seeped through.

YFN took her face in her hands. “Luce, I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me, as long as you want me. I need you to know that.”

She was right, Lucy did need those words. A tear slipped out and YFN wiped it away from under her glasses.

“I still want our dates though, regardless of what happens. I’ve planned one for us tomorrow after the… you know. And then the next date-”

“-is all me.” Lucy cut off. “I’ll plan the third.”

“Okay.. but I need to talk to you about… amending one of the deals we made.”

Lucy’s head tilted in question.

“We’re not sure what’s going to happen. We’re not sure what tomorrow will bring. I want to spend every night with you like it’s our last because we deserve that. Regardless of if I’m sent away tomorrow, or in a week, or when you go to Spain…”

As if to prove her point, she pulled Lucy closer, walking backwards until her back was against the wall, Lucy pressed up against her. Lucy couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss her. It was soft and gentle, full of emotion. YFN’s hand found its way to the back of her head and tucked itself into the strands of dark brown hair, using that as leverage to be able to tilt her head and control the kiss a little. They let themselves enjoy it until they could feel each other getting excited, their bodies beginning to move like they wanted more. Lucy pulled back unwillingly, their mouths still close.

“Little one, are you asking me for sex?” She couldn’t help the soft chuckle building up in her throat.

YFN looked up at Lucy a little guilty, her lips pressed together, dimple on full display. “I want all of you. I don’t want to have to wait.”

“Are you… okay after last night?”

She nodded. “That’s part of it, I think. I feel like I lost control of myself at the bar, and I just need… I need to feel like I’m in control of my body again. This is my life, these are my choices, and no one can take them away. And I’ll always choose you..”

Her palms were flat on Lucy’s abs, her body shaking as she rocked, feeling the strap slide in and out with a silky wetness that only Lucy could make her body produce. Lucy’s hands were on her hips, guiding her as she fucked herself while Lucy looked up at her like she was Aphrodite herself. YFN leant forward over Lucy and started taking the strap that way, moaning at the different angle, the wet fucking sound changing notes. Lucy was caught by surprise at the new angle she took so deep and needily. Her rhythm was so ruthless and the new position felt so good on her clit that Lucy knew she’d orgasm soon. Her hands tightened on her hips, her own hips thrusting up to meet hers. Lucy’s back arched and her head bowed back.

“Oh…ffffuck. That’s th…the spot. Fuck. I can’t… I can’t keep.. God I’m going to come.”

This only encouraged YFN who’s pace increased slightly, her hands either side of her head, looking down at her whimpering Lucy. She took her right to the edge, knowing just how well the strap was riding her clit and just before she came, she sat back upright and changed her approach. Lucy came back to life, whimpering at the orgasm she was just denied.

“Little one… I… I was…”

“I know,” YFN panted, her hands again on Lucy’s abs as she rode her. “I know.. just let me get a little closer first and we can finish it together, Luce… argh… just…fuck…just give me a minute. It’ll feel so much better n…now that you’re frustrated.”

Lucy’s hands on her hips encouraged her some more, almost fully picking her up and slamming her back down again. Her hips eagerly thrusted upwards, as deep as she could go. Her little Australian was riding her so well and god, she was a sight. Hair down and well messed by Lucy’s hands during their sex, mouth still wet from the taste of Lucy, her lips swollen and bruised. Her tits were bouncing and excited, nipples out and well sucked. Lucy pulled herself up and grabbed a nipple in her mouth, eagerly sucking the sensitive bud. YFN whimpered and grabbed her hair, holding her head to her tit while she sucked. And god, she sucked. And licked. And nibbled. When she was finished with the first, she moved onto the second and when YFN couldn’t bare it any longer, she pulled Lucy’s head back, making her groan in annoyance as her lips were forced to part with her nipple with a wet popping sound. YFN’s mouth found Lucy’s jaw and with one hand in her hair, she pulled back to give her access to that sharp jawline and strong neck. She nibbled and kissed along those areas that took up so much of her daily thoughts all the while continuously riding her in desperation and need. She knew Lucy wasn’t used to being in a situation like this, but her Englishwoman was taking it so well. Her hands moved from her hips to slide up YFN’s back, pressing her close as she moaned at the feel of her mouth on her throat. Their panting and moaning and swearing were filling the room along with the humidity from their sweaty bodies sliding against each other.

It was taking YFN a little longer than usual being her fifth orgasm of the night, but god, she was getting there. Her rhythm increased to more of a bounce, encouraged by Lucy’s thrusts upwards meeting hers.

“Fuck, you’re doing so well. You look so good, my love.” YFN pulled her mouth away from her neck and looked down at Lucy with hooded eyes. It’s the first time Lucy had ever called her that. She pushed Lucy onto her back again and pressed her hands into her tense abs to help her slide up and down the strap with a depth that she just couldn’t get any other way. The sound of fucking resonated the room, drowned out by their gasps and moans and whimpers. She could feel her wet excitement dripping down the insides of her thighs and undoubtably coating Lucy also. As she was about to come, she leant forwards again to her previous position, hands either side of Lucy’s head and she rode her until Lucy was so wound up that she couldn’t breath.

“Fuck….fuck…fuck…little one…y…yes… oh God….” Lucy had never not been in control of her orgasm and she didn’t realise, but it just made it so much more intense.

YFN leant down and swallowed her moans with her mouth, their tongues meeting. “Come with me, Luce…. Come… come with me…”

They came so hard and tight that they could barely move. A cry ripped from Lucy’s throat and YFN could barely continue to ride the strap as she was so clenched around it. Lucy shoved her up and down on it, needing that bit of friction on her clit to drag out her orgasm, knowing that YFN needed the same. They rocked until they came down, their movements slowing and relaxing.

YFN wasn’t an athlete like Lucy, but she’d just put in a hell of a workout. Her body was tingly and drained from her fifth orgasm, and she just wanted Lucy to hold her and kiss her to sleep. She managed to lift herself up off the strap and Lucy unharnessed, throwing it to the floor and pulling YFN down onto her. YFN laid her full body weight on her, head in her neck.

“You did so good, little one. So, so good.”

“I… I really like you Luce. My body just wants you again and again and it scares me how much I want you. Not just sex… I want you. All of you. Grumpy, happy, protective... sleepy.” She admitted huskily with a yawn into Lucy’s neck, and Lucy wondered if she were sleep talking.

Lucy hummed happily, her fingers tracing up and down her spine, finding those little back dimples at the bottom. “However much you want me, just know, I want you more. I’ll always keep you safe. I’ll always be right here.”

She knew she was speaking to herself as YFN was already asleep, her breathing had changed and her body was fully relaxed onto her. She pressed a kiss to her forehead and was similarly out like a light.

[lsdunesarchive]

Frank Iero ‘knew’ L.S. Dunes had to tour in Britain: ‘There’s something about the UK that just gets it’

Words by Rachael O'Connor Photo by Mark Beemer November 10, 2022

US Rock band L.S. Dunes is preparing to release a new album and head out on a tour of the UK

Amid the uncertainty of the pandemic and all of its devastating restrictions, Frank Iero didn’t know if he’d ever play music to a live audience again.

The guitarist and vocalist is best known for being a member of rock band My Chemical Romance, who made a surprise return in 2019 six years after they announced their split.

But while that reunion tour proved long delayed, and live audiences as a whole seemed to be a thing of the past, Frank joined fellow musicians and friends Travis Stever, Tucker Rule, Tim Payne and Anthony Green, to keep making music.

They had to, he explains: it was a ‘lifeline’ to them, while everything else was so uncertain.

Now the music put together by these five friends has a name: L.S. Dunes, billed as an ’emo supergroup’ as it features members of MCR, Saosin, Thursday and Coheed and Cambria.

Frank isn’t too fond of that phrasing – more on that later – but speaking to him, it is abundantly clear how excited he is to tour upcoming album Past Lives with L.S. Dunes, particularly in the UKr.

Why? Because the UK gets it.

L.S. Dunes are bringing their energetic live performances to the UK next year (Picture: Mark Beemer)

‘As soon as I heard this record I was immediately like, “We need to go to the UK,”‘ he tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I don’t know if it’s the sensibilities but I’ve always felt like, whether it was My Chemical Romance, Death Spells, there’s something about the UK that just kind of gets it. And they tend to get it before anybody else.

‘There’s a certain sensibility around some of the stuff that I make. [The UK] feels like, some might say a second home but it feels like a first home for the art.’

After performing in arenas across the world with My Chemical Romance – with more to come in Australia and New Zealand next year – the New Jersey native is ready to take it back to more intimate venues with the L.S. Dunes tour.

Frank, Tucker, Anthony, Tim and Travis are doing a short but sweet trip across the UK, with shows in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London’s Electric Ballroom at the end of January.

With four shows in a row, it doesn’t give the band much of a chance to explore, but as Frank puts it, ‘I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to play a lot of those places a bunch of times in the past.’

Guitarist Frank says there’s something about the UK that he ‘knew’ the band had to tour there (Picture: Luke Dickey)

‘I don’t think I’ve ever had a negative show. Even the hard ones, they teach you something. But we picked four great cities to have in a row.’

With Past Lives set for release on November 11, the guitarist says performing the songs live is his ‘biggest Want of this year,’ stressing it in such a way that you can hear the capitalisation of the word.

‘I’ve listened to this record countless times and I haven’t gotten sick of it. That’s not something that I think easily happens.

‘You get a real sense of what the band is, where it came from, and what we’re trying to put across. It’s not a light record, there are some heavy moments, musically but also emotionally in the subject matter.

‘It’s something that needs to be digested a little bit, and I am looking forward to people hearing the record the way we made it and then experiencing it live.’

The musicians desperately missed performing during the pandemic, leading to jam sessions which eventually became the new ‘supergroup' (Picture: Mark Beemer)

This is L.S. Dunes’ future: albums, touring, the roar of a live crowd. But back when it all started, in the darkest days of the early pandemic, none of it seemed possible.

‘Collectively we (the future L.S. Dunes band members) all felt the same way. Nobody knew what was going to come of it. You’re watching people lose their lives, lose their livelihoods all around you,’ Frank recalls.

‘People were scared to go outside and scared of other people. [Making music] was our way to still connect – and we didn’t even need to be in the same room together.

‘It became this lifeline of creating art and playing together and making something out of this craziness and this fear that we all had.’

A few of the future members had jammed together for a Thursday live stream in 2020, but L.S. Dunes really started life with bassist Tim and drummer Tucker contacting Frank and Travis and asking if they wanted to create original music.

‘I was never going to say no to that,’ Frank says. ‘”You want to write music with some of your best friends that are some of the best musicians you know?” Like, I definitely want to do that!’

Frank describes his bandmate as some of his ‘best friends’ and ‘the best musicians’ (Picture: Zachary Spangler)

In the basements of family homes, Dunes tracks were being created bit by bit, with the members emailing each other something new to work on every day.

At this point in its life, the group didn’t have a vocalist, and Frank admits none of the members were interested in taking on the role.

They even dabbled in the idea of being a fully instrumental band, but eventually ‘the name on all of our tongues was Anthony’ – and as soon as they heard him sing, Frank realised: ‘Oh… this is a real band.’

But Anthony had no idea what he was auditioning for: he didn’t even know who the other members of L.S. Dunes were. He simply heard the instrumental track – sent over email – and got to work.

‘The fact he jumped on it and started to write lyrics and sending tracks back immediately, without even knowing who was in the band, was testament to how much of an artist he is and how fearless he is to jump into anything,’ Frank praises the band’s frontman.

‘And how good the songs were! They moved him, without knowing who it was. So that was a big excitement for us as well.’

The result being breathtaking debut album Past Lives, with each of the 11 tracks offering something unique and, often, devastating.

Take for example 2022, the opening track and one of the three singles released from Past Lives so far. For a band founded in the middle of the pandemic, it’s to be expected there’ll be some reflection on those dark days, and the album’s opener is a gut-punch with its raw emotion: ‘If I can’t make it ’til 2022/ at least we’ll see how much I can take.’

The song was so personal, so ‘haunting and beautiful’ that Frank admits he was wary to work on Anthony’s demo at all ‘until he assured us over and over again that that’s what he wanted.’

‘It’s hard to take a song with that much weight to it and put your spin on it. You have to keep checking in and be like “Is this the right direction, how do you feel about this?”‘

But they persevered, and the final product on Past Lives is actually, Frank reveals, the first time he ever played 2022 in full.

‘I heard the song, I listened to it, I listened to what Tucker was doing, and then my first complete run-through of the song is what’s on the record,’

‘I knew I’d be chasing that performance,’ he explains, describing the song as ‘a real special one.’

And so the band is born. They have songs. An album. A name. And then they had to keep it quiet for the bones of two years.

‘It was an amazing feeling [to finally announce it] – it felt like a weight had been lifted,’ Frank grins.

‘It’s hard to keep that secret, especially when it’s something you’re so proud of and so into. It’s been hard to hold these songs in for as long as we have!’

L.S. Dunes made their debut performance at Riotfest, when they had just one single out in the world, and were playing to a crowd who had not necessarily come to see them.

‘It was like “This could be terrible,”‘ Frank recalls. ‘But it was the best first show of any band I’ve ever been in. It was insane.’

L.S. Dunes made their debut at Riotfest this year when they had just one single out, but it was ‘the best first show’ of any band Frank’s been in (Picture: Mark Beemer)

But because of this, ‘it’s hard to see what the fanbase is at the moment.’

‘It does feel like it runs the gamut of all of our bands, but also individuals that maybe weren’t fans of previous stuff but are fans of this project. That’s also what we’re trying to get across with the idea of Past Lives: this is where we’ve been, it got us to where we are now, but that’s not what this band is.

‘This band needs to be able to stand on its own two feet. I think we accomplish that in the record and it’s up to the listener to give it its chance. I think people are smart enough to do that.’

With each of the members already having stellar careers, their original bands being massive names in the scene for years, L.S. Dunes has been labeled an ’emo supergroup’ – and Frank is not exactly a fan.

‘I don’t mean to call anybody out, but it just feels lazy,’ he sighs.

‘People are way into labels of things and they like to put things in boxes. I love little containers for things, but not people and art.

‘The supergroup thing, I get it. We’ve all been in other successful bands. But really … this is just the friend group that I have. We all live kinda close to each other, and when you tour enough you become friends with people that do what you do.

‘Supergroup, I don’t know – they’re like my friends from work.’

Frank is currently on tour in the US with My Chemical Romance, after an incredible UK and Europe leg earlier this year, before L.S. Dunes was announced.

Now preparing to take Dunes on tour for the first time, Frank is ready to finish up with MCR and ‘dedicate my full brain space to all the Dunes songs.’

‘It’s been a lot!’ he reveals. ‘With My Chem, we had basically a bank of around 50 songs… and then the 11 Dunes songs were in my head. I would be rehearsing the songs we were going to do that night for My Chem, and then jump over to the Dunes set for the Riotfest Aftershock shows, then go back and forth… so my practice schedule was almost as long as the show.

‘I’m looking forward to scaling it down a little bit. I’m surprised I’m not having nosebleeds!’

L.S. Dunes’ debut album, Past Lives, is out on November 11. The UK tour kicks off in January.

[renewingagain]

tuesday 27 august 2024 // 2pm

just went to manchester pride! got soo drunk pretty much 4 days in a row and did a significant amount of drugs lol. it was so fun though. went with james and tom and others tagged along. saw soo many people there and met such lovely new people too. met some cutie queer south asians which was amazing, i didnt know that manchester has such a big queer south asian scene but they were talking about how they have regular get togethers etc, it was so lovely to hear

im feeling a bit of anxiety heading back to brum now but i need to be kinder to myself - it is still ok to rest! its only been about two weeks (if that!) of being unemployed and moving home, i want at least two months before i have to do anything else :D i really need to let my mind and body rest now for a while

i said that manchester pride will be my last big blowout for a while now. i just want to look after my health for a bit and start getting fit again and prioritize my sleep. i ordered huel again so maybe this will help me slim down a bit and i can start running again etc etc. kish also left weights in the room at bibis house so maybe i can even start getting hench :p

FUNNILY enough i happened to bump into benjamin on the sunday of pride and it was heavyyyy. he was absolutely not happy to see me at first lol and he was very hostile in our first encounter and he ended it with saying something like ‘i think its best we dont really talk again’ it was weird and awkward and painful lmaooo so i wished him a happy pride and left

however he then ended up bumping in to me again at churchill later and apologised as he acknowledged he wasnt being very nice. i asked him if we could go outside and have a conversation so we chatted for a bit about us and albeit him being drunk he basically said he fell in love with me when we were dating.. if that really was the case then i can see why he was very very hurt by what had happened with us..

he didnt seem to think i was all that bothered about us ‘breaking up’ for lack of a better term but obviously i was! ive been thinking about him every day even still 🤣 and god i missed his smell.. the convo had to end after about 10 mins cus his friends were going to other clubs but we hugged goodbye and it was an ok ish conversation..

he messaged me the next day with a short stream of consciousness nnd said it was nice to see me and ive basically texted him again just to say sorry for everything etc … i am glad i got to see him again and hope we can find some closure from it

i think i regret us not continuing to speak and not trying to make it work but here we are - ive wrote before that i’ve met people before like lewie alex etc and i met him and i will meet other people! if life reconnects us then it does .. if it doesnt then it is what it is. a cliche but maybe he is the one that got away

im obvs feeling a bit weird anyway probably a slight comedown lol, but this next season and period for me is to just be kind to myself and to reconnect with friends and family here in birmingham. i am loved here

[flexible-student-accommodation]

Is Manchester better than other UK cities for international students?

Manchester, a lively metropolis in the heart of the northwest of England, has become an increasingly favored destination for students from all over the globe. Having said that, could it be considered the best city in the UK? Let us look at the reasons that impel Manchester to be the choice for students from around the world.

Academic Excellence

Manchester has what one may call the world's most prestigious universities, such as the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The University of Manchester, in particular, is the 27th in the Global QS World University Rankings 2024 and performs better than many institutions from other cities in the UK.

• 4 universities in Manchester

• About 100,000 students, with 40,000+ of them from other countries

• 25 Nobel Prize winners associated with the University of Manchester

Cultural Diversity

International students are integrated into society much easier in a multicultural city like Manchester, which is why it is one of the famous cultural centers at the international level too.

• More than 200 languages are spoken in the city

• Diverse ethnic groups, including the cultivation of cultural relations

• Annual cultural festivals and events reactivity on world cultures and holidays

Cost of Living

As opposed to London and some other of the leading UK cities, Manchester offers more affordable living costs but still with a focus on quality of life.

• The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is £758 (which is £1,752 in London)

• Monthly public transport pass: £68 (compared to £167 in London)

• The general cost of living is 35% lower than in London

Career Opportunities

With demand for job positions for local people and immigrants and media, digital, and creative industries in the city at an all-time high the city is a hub for a lot of international and UK-based companies. Considering these, we are setting up the Business Cluster and the Artificial Intelligence Center.

Manchester, with its abundant job market and the fact that it is a key hub for high achievements allows for a perfect stepping stone for higher viable walkability and urban transport connections provide the students with a friendly environment to get around by.

• Over 2,000 overseas companies have stationed themselves there.

• How is it fared by the visitors so far?

City Infra

The very simple and direct instructions will help the students find their way and they will take it. Manchester is an easy city for students to study in as it is a small city and it has a very good public transportation system that makes it easy for pupils to move around.

• Buses and trams cover the entire city.

• Manchester Airport: for as low as £ 20, you can get a direct flight to more than 200 destinations, both domestic and abroad.

• The downtown core is very close to a majority of shops and restaurants

Entertainment and Nightlife

The city offers a mix of excellence and fun by having the right blend of scholarly education and social activities for people of different backgrounds. The city is well equipped to cater to the varied needs of those who are attracted to different venues and instances, and the places in which they operate have been supplied with licenses.

• The city that has the entertainment license has more than 500 bars and other venues that are usually party spots.

• A cultural activity such as the museum-themed pub crawl can happen in Birmingham.

• The city site itself is a labyrinth of museums, galleries, and concert halls.

Green Spaces

Still, with the continent surrounded by plantations and the rural West Side once covered by gardens, the area guarantees opportunities for those who love nature. However, in the city, the outdoor space diversity is limited to impressive parks and the Peak District.

• 150 parks and green areas within the city.

• The city is located on the outskirts of a huge piece of land, it may be extended

Educational institutions, that is to say, are taking a proactive approach instigating various security measures targeted at safeguarding the lives of students from overseas.

Universities usually pay attention to the security issues that might be faced by international students with many colleges having 24/7 security patrols and support that is related to campus safety.

Support for International Students

Global students feel the care of the universities and social services are extended to them as well when they visit the university and local communities. Giving a detailed description of how international students are taken care of at the universities, Manchester is the best place you could choose. Universities in the city offer a complete and encompassing array of support services that have been designed specifically for the international student population.

There exists in each university a special office for the problems of international students such as accommodations, health, legal matters, etc as well as language proficiency help centers.

Research Opportunities

With the city's continuous upsurge in technology and scientific knowledge, students have fundamental and unsaturated scientific research facilities that Manchester gets from the city's innovation drive and marks it out for the many positive aspects. The expression "Golden Triangle" often heard in association with Manchester research, refers to one of the top places where research is conducted. The money was made use of for the establishment of research infrastructure facilities and this includes developing technology and implementing research related to several global industries.

City investment in technology and innovation is the key reason why the research prospects for students are unique in Manchester.

• Turnover ratio of 60-70%

• Feedback from students regarding their experience at LNTUC

Comparison with Other UK Cities

No doubt, all these cities have some features that attract individuals, however, the former one is blessed with all the best features.

On the one hand, London provides activities, travel possibilities, and education to students who have more than enough money to pay for the high living standards of London; on the other hand, they can undertake the same activities here in other U.K. cities, like the vibrant northern city of Manchester, for less money. A perfect blend of urban amenities and access to nature

Student Accommodation: Uninist

Uninist is simply one of the best housing providers in Manchester that are ideal for international students and are set up in a manner that allows them to live and study safely and comfortably. They assure the students that every apartment building they manage is of modern design with the best amenities and all are located within easy reach of the majority of universities. Uninist is near universities and is equipped with extensive amenities for the students to have fun. The intention is to make the journey of the students from home to Manchester and make the way they live in the city as good as possible. No matter the school, each property is a good part of the home.

[thegaminggladiator]

My Latest Warzone Gaming PC Activities

After spending countless hours in the peaceful realms of Minecraft, I recently found myself yearning for something more intense, something that would get my heart racing and my competitive spirit soaring. That's when I decided to jump back into Warzone—a game that, for me, offers the perfect combination of adrenaline-pumping action and tactical gameplay. There's just something about the fast-paced environment and the thrill of outsmarting opponents that I missed dearly. In this article, I'll take you through my latest Warzone gaming activities, why I returned to the game, and the top five things I love doing when I'm fully immersed in the world of Warzone.

But before we dive into the gameplay, I want to share a bit about the gaming PC that's been my trusty companion during these Warzone sessions. I've been using a Warzone gaming PC from 3B Systems, a company that offers affordable yet powerful gaming setups, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Back to Warzone

For a while, my gaming time was dominated by the blocky, creative world of Minecraft. It was a nice break—building, exploring, and surviving without the pressure of fierce competition. But after a while, I started to miss the rush that only a fast-paced FPS like Warzone could provide. There's something incredibly satisfying about outmanoeuvring opponents, landing that perfect shot, and feeling your pulse quicken as you’re the last player standing. So, I dusted off my Warzone skills and dove back into the battlefield. Here's how it’s been going.

Why I Missed Warzone's Competitive Edge

Minecraft is relaxing, no doubt about it. But Warzone offers a completely different experience. It's all about quick thinking, sharp reflexes, and a keen understanding of tactics. Every match is a test of skill and strategy, with the added bonus of that ever-present adrenaline boost that comes from knowing a single mistake could end your run. It's this mix of challenge and excitement that kept pulling me back. I craved the high-stakes nature of Warzone, where every decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

The Role of My 3B Systems Warzone Gaming PC

To make the most of my Warzone experience, I knew I needed a gaming PC that could keep up with the intense demands of the game. That’s where my PC from 3B Systems comes in. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed, especially considering the affordable price point. For as little as £1000, 3B Systems offers gaming PCs that are not only fast and reliable but also capable of running all your favourite games, from Minecraft and Fortnite to Baldur’s Gate and beyond. My Warzone sessions have been smooth and lag-free, with stunning graphics and quick load times, allowing me to focus entirely on my gameplay.

Customer Reviews of 3B Systems

To give you a better idea of what others think about 3B Systems, here are some customer reviews:

John from London: "I was sceptical at first, but 3B Systems exceeded my expectations. My PC runs all my favourite games without a hitch. Best £500 I’ve ever spent!"

Sarah from Manchester: "As a casual gamer, I didn’t want to spend too much. 3B Systems provided the perfect balance of performance and affordability. Highly recommended!"

Tom from Birmingham: "I’ve been using my 3B Systems PC for months now, and it’s been flawless. Warzone runs smoothly, and the graphics are top-notch."

Emily from Leeds: "Great customer service and a fantastic product. I’ve been able to play everything from Fortnite to Baldur’s Gate with no issues at all."

Chris from Glasgow: "If you’re looking for an affordable gaming PC, 3B Systems is the way to go. Mine has been running like a dream."

Alex from Bristol: "Fast, reliable, and affordable. What more could you ask for? My 3B Systems PC handles Warzone perfectly."

Five Things I Love Doing in Warzone

Now that you know why I returned to Warzone and the awesome gaming PC I’m using, let’s talk about what I actually do in the game. Warzone is packed with opportunities for excitement and strategy, and here are my top five favourite activities:

1. Dropping into Hot Zones

One of the most exhilarating parts of Warzone is the initial drop. I love choosing the hottest zones on the map—the places where I know the action will be intense from the get-go. There's nothing quite like the rush of landing amidst chaos, scrambling for weapons, and immediately engaging in combat. It’s a test of both skill and nerves, and it sets the tone for the rest of the match.

2. Mastering Loadouts and Strategies

Warzone isn’t just about quick reflexes; it’s also a game of strategy. I spend a lot of time fine-tuning my loadouts to make sure I have the right tools for every situation. Whether it’s a long-range sniper build for those tense standoffs or a close-quarters SMG setup for when the fight gets up close and personal, having the perfect loadout can make all the difference. I also enjoy experimenting with different strategies, like deciding when to engage and when to retreat, which routes to take, and how to best use the environment to my advantage.

3. Engaging in Epic Squad Battles

Warzone is fun solo, but it’s even better when you’re part of a well-coordinated squad. I love the teamwork aspect, where communication and strategy come together to outsmart the other teams. Whether we’re planning an ambush, providing covering fire, or reviving a downed teammate, the camaraderie and shared victories (or losses) make these battles some of the most memorable moments in the game.

4. Exploring Different Game Modes

One of the things that keeps Warzone fresh is the variety of game modes available. From the classic Battle Royale to Plunder, Resurgence, and more, each mode offers a different experience. I enjoy switching things up and trying out new modes, each requiring its own set of strategies and skills. It keeps the gameplay dynamic and prevents it from ever feeling stale.

5. Chasing the Victory Royale

Of course, the ultimate goal in Warzone is to come out on top. The thrill of being the last player or team standing is unmatched, and it’s what drives me to keep improving my skills. Every victory feels earned, a result of smart play, quick thinking, and a bit of luck. That moment when the screen flashes "Victory" is always a highlight and makes all the effort worth it.

3B Systems: Affordable and Reliable Gaming PCs

Before I wrap up, I want to give a special shoutout to 3B Systems. As I mentioned earlier, this company offers some of the best deals on gaming PCs, making high-performance gaming accessible to everyone. For just £500, you can get a PC that’s not only powerful enough to run games like Warzone, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Baldur’s Gate but also built to last. The systems are fast, reliable, and backed by excellent customer service, making them a fantastic choice for gamers on a budget.

The Thrill of Warzone on a Powerful Gaming PC

Getting back into Warzone has reminded me why I love competitive gaming so much. The excitement, the strategy, and the sheer joy of a hard-fought victory are experiences you just can’t get from more casual games. And with a reliable gaming PC from 3B Systems, I’ve been able to enjoy all of this without any technical hiccups. Whether you’re a seasoned Warzone player or someone looking to jump into the action, having the right setup makes all the difference.

And that's why I love playing Warzone. Stay tuned for more content!