#Eric definitely pulled from his modeling experience for this

[westwingwolf]

They're recruiting cops from the modeling schools now?

[badboyjuyeon]

me plus you

Pairing: Eric x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 4.6k

Summary: You have to tutor Eric in calculus, but you’re struggling in calculus and Eric doesn’t actually need help.

This was not happening. You rubbed your eyes again as if that was going to change the 0/100 that you received from missing your latest calculus quiz. It didn’t matter how many A’s you got in your past quizzes, a zero would definitely damage your grade. You shoved the test in your bag and made your way towards the teacher’s desk. 

“I missed yesterday’s class so I had no idea that I missed this quiz. Is there any way that I can make this up?” You asked your teacher, hoping that she might spare some pity and excuse this quiz. This was out of character for a straight-A student like yourself and you knew that she had a soft spot towards you. 

“Unfortunately, it was a unit quiz and you missed it. If you read the syllabus, it explicitly states that there are no make-up opportunities...” She began in a stern voice which eventually turned softer when she noticed the panicked look on your face. “...But knowing how you have always done well in this class, I would be willing to offer extra credit if you join the tutoring center.” 

“Consider it done!” You gave your best fake smile as you tried not to think of all the free time you were about to lose. It was your fault, after all, for sleeping in on the day you knew you would have the quiz. Maybe you turned off your alarm because you were struggling in the last few classes and scared to receive a failing grade. Maybe you closed your eyes for “five more minutes” because you didn’t know how to ask for help since you’ve never needed to before. 

As you turned to leave, you noticed Eric Sohn push his way from the back of the classroom. He avoided eye contact with the teacher as if that would make him invisible.

“Eric I would like to meet with you.” Your teacher called out to him as he had one foot out of the doorway. 

“Aww man, I was so close to escaping.” He muttered under his breath. You bit back a smile at his comment and watched him step back into the classroom. You brushed past him as you left to go sign up for the tutoring center. Eric envied you for being able to walk free, while he was going to be stuck getting yelled at. 

“Eric, you’ve been failing all of the recent quizzes. I spoke with your coach and we agreed that you can’t play on the team unless your grades improve.” She shook her head in disappointment. 

Eric could not believe what he was hearing. All his practice would have gone towards nothing. He could feel his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player slip away, all because of this one stupid class. “I promise I’ll do better on the next one, just please let me stay on the team.” 

Your teacher sighed, “You said that the last time. You still haven’t taken up my recommendation of going to the tutoring center. Another peer might be able to help you better. If your next few grades improve after tutoring, then we’ll talk.” 

Eric headed towards the library during his lunch period, which he never would have done under any other circumstance. He preferred to be outside playing basketball with his friends than being cooped up in the library. After signing his name, he sat down on an empty table and waited to be assigned to a tutor. When he tried to look for another familiar name on the tutor list, he noticed yours scribbled neatly with your perfect font-like handwriting. You’ve probably never failed a quiz in your life, let alone the past few quizzes. Eric groaned. How did he let himself slip up in this class? He had a pretty high GPA, but this class was dragging it down from its highest potential. 

He flipped through the notebook he dedicated to calculus and was met with empty pages. If only he didn’t stay up late studying for his other classes, he would have been able to pay attention during this class. But resting his eyes always seemed like a much better option. 

“Eric? Hi, I’ll be your new calc tutor.” Eric looked up to see you pull out the seat across from him. He let out a sigh of relief because you were not a complete stranger and you always got the highest grades. He would be back on the team in no time. He shot you a smile and his eyes formed crescent moons.

You returned his smile but it was only momentary, and it left as quickly as it came. “Can I tell you a secret?” You fidgeted with your fingers. 

Eric was unsure of what to make of your sudden question. He nodded his head to encourage you to continue. 

“I have no idea what’s going on in class.” You admitted to him, though this was not something you told anyone else. 

Eric let out a laugh, you had to be joking. “Don’t you need an A in this class to be a tutor?” 

“Yeah, I just always get my work done on time. My grade doesn’t reflect my understanding of the material but how well I can cheat on all of my assignments.” Upon seeing his confused face, you chose to elaborate. “I usually use photomath, that’s the only way I’ve been passing.” 

Eric’s mouth parted in shock. Why didn’t he think of using that app himself? He also couldn’t believe that you were struggling in that class. “Then I’m not crazy, she just really can’t teach. That’s why I haven’t been understanding anything.” 

“It’s not you, it’s her.” You assured him. “But can I still ‘tutor’ you because that would be the only way to make up for my last quiz?” You hoped that your desperation wasn’t too obvious. 

Eric studied your face, he never had any chance to talk to you this long. Your features were tainted with stress. He could tell that your grades mattered and that he was the only person that could help you. It wouldn’t hurt to spend a little time outside of class with you, it’s not like he had baseball practice to take away his free time. 

“Sure, I’m going to need these lessons to explain why I’m suddenly going to do amazing in this class after I start using photomath.” 

Your face lit up when you heard him accept and it was enough to ensure that he made the right choice. 

“How bad did you do on the last quiz?” Eric still couldn’t believe that you were not the nerd that he thought you were. Teachers always used your work for examples of model work and that was the only impression he had of you prior to this tutor session.

“I got a 0 because I missed class that day.” You looked away in embarrassment. The bright red 0 was still easily visible on your crumpled-up test. 

Eric placed his test marked with 65/100 next to yours. “Well I didn’t pass even though I was in class, so we can try to work on it together.”

You flipped to the chapter that the quiz was on and turned the textbook sideways so that he could also see. The library was mainly empty save for you two because the weather was nice and everyone would much rather go outside for lunch. Your table was positioned right near the window, and Eric had the perfect view of all of his friends playing baseball on the school field. He could have been there if he didn’t slack off this bad. 

No matter how many times you read the page, you still couldn’t quite get the concept down. No other class had you stuck like this one. While you were stuck rereading, Eric started attempting the first problem on his quiz. He finished in a matter of seconds and you took out photomath, a calculator app that solves literally everything, to check if it’s the same answer. 

You couldn’t hide the look of shock on your face when the answer on your screen matched the one on his paper. “Eric I didn’t know that you were a genius. You have to teach me how to do this.” 

Eric’s face also matched yours as he was also surprised at himself. He never even thought to attempt the problems before. 

“I don’t really know what I did.” He confessed but tried to walk you through his thought process. Hearing him explain the steps allowed you to think of the problem in an entirely different way and it was the only thing you needed to understand how to solve it. Your face still expressed the initial shock, but now you felt more impressed than surprised. 

Eric laughed at the irony, here he was tutoring you instead of the other way around. “I’ll have you know that just because I’m a sports guy doesn’t mean that I’m an airhead.” 

“And having A’s doesn’t exactly mean that I’m a nerd. I knew you weren’t an airhead, but sleeping during class didn’t exactly make you look the smartest.” You teased him, before asking him the real question that was plaguing your mind. “You picked it up so quickly, why did you fail the last few quizzes?” 

He switched his gaze from the paper to look straight into your eyes. “Honestly, I didn’t have any motivation to actually do the quizzes. I thought that I was screwed since I kept sleeping during class. And I have to sacrifice some classes to do better in the rest.” He answered, before moving on to the next problem. 

With him facing towards the paper, you took note of his perfect side profile. His eyebrows were furrowed as he thought about how to solve the question. Wow, his jawline was sharp and you were getting sidetracked.

Using his method, you were able to breeze through the problems. You were the type of student to follow the book, word for word, while Eric was the opposite. He was carefree and just did what he felt like, and it worked. You would’ve never thought to experiment like he did but it was exactly what you needed to do. 

“Wait I don’t get how to do these last few problems.” He interrupted you from your thoughts and you leaned closer to get a better view of the problem. You checked the steps to solve the problem from photomath and figured out how to solve it. 

While you were explaining the problem to him, Eric suddenly became aware of the short proximity between the two of you. His eyes traced your features and they subconsciously drifted towards your lips. He wondered whether they felt as soft as they looked, in a totally platonic way, of course. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. 

“That’s why you use this- Eric? Were you even listening?” You turned to face him after he stopped being responsive. Eric felt the blood rush to his cheeks. He quickly scanned the paper and pretended that he was paying attention all along. “Yeah I was listening, I understand it.” 

You spent the rest of the period working together to get through the quiz. You two were in your own world and you wouldn’t have noticed how much time went by if the library didn’t become loud, signaling the end of the period, as students transitioned between classes. The period never felt this short. 

“We are quite the team,” Eric said as you packed up your things. 

“Surprisingly, we are. Let’s meet up again at the same time next week.” You waved at him and rushed to get to your next class. 

“See you in class.” Eric watched as you left the library and looked forward to the next time he would see you.

Upon entering calculus class the next day, Eric searched for your face. He found you sitting in your usual seat near the window. Your head was down on the desk, unaware that he was approaching you. 

“Is this seat taken?” You lifted your head to see Eric gesturing to the seat next to you. You shook your head, confused as to why he decided to sit next to you instead of the back of the classroom. 

You didn’t have to worry about saving a seat for a friend because calculus was the one class that you didn’t share with any friends. You didn’t realize it until now but none of the boys you saw Eric hang out with were in this class either. At least you two would have each other now.

“Isn’t it easier to sleep in the back of the classroom?” You questioned.

“It is, but it's easier to cheat- I mean learn next to you.” He said with a cheeky grin. 

Your teacher walked in, cutting off your small talk. 

You took out your calculus textbook and notebook while you waited for the teacher to begin. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Eric scribble something on the last page of his notebook. When the teacher turned around to write on the chalkboard, he slid his notebook over to you and tapped you. 

i forgot my textbook in my locker, can i look over on yours? 

You pushed your textbook towards him and positioned it in between you two. He mouthed a quick “thanks.” 

Your teacher began explaining the new concept and you almost forgot about Eric’s presence next to you as you copied down everything that was on the board. 

“Wait, is that a four or a nine?” You whispered, trying to decipher the messy handwriting. When you heard no response from Eric, you turned to look at him for the first time since class had started. Eric’s head was resting on the palm of his hand and his eyes were closed shut. He did not just leave you to fend for yourself. You nudged his hand and his head fell onto the desk with a loud thud. 

Your teacher briefly turned around to call out whoever was interrupting her lesson but you resumed writing and Eric pretended to read the textbook page extremely closely. After she faced the board again, Eric raised his eyebrows at you, as if to ask why you disrupted his sleep. Not wanting to draw attention again, you passed him a note.

pay attention if you want the teacher to like you, trust me it works.

easier said than done, teacher’s pet.

Eric waited for you to read his note before he stuck his tongue out at you. 

You were going to deny being the teacher’s pet when you were interrupted by Hyunjae, who sat on your other side. “Can you help me with number 1?”

“Uh sure.” You responded, despite wanting to work with Eric. You glanced back at Eric, but he began working on the new problem set by himself. 

Though Eric’s eyes were focused on the paper in front of him, his ears couldn’t help but listen to your conversation with Hyunjae.  

“You’re a lifesaver, thank you so much. Can I pay you back with bubble tea after school?” Hyunjae gave you a flirtatious smile. 

Eric’s grip on his pen tightened. He convinced himself that he was only annoyed because he didn’t know how to solve the problem.

“I would never say no to free bubble tea.” You checked to see if Eric was listening from your peripheral vision once again, but he seemed to be disinterested. You weren’t sure why you kept looking back at Eric, maybe you wanted to see if he would object. Or maybe you wanted him to object. But he made no such move to stop you. 

Hyunjae beamed. “Great, let’s meet up after class. And maybe we can study for the next test together?”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Were you just trying to bribe me with bubble tea?”

Eric’s head was facing downwards as he tried to hide his feelings of betrayal. The nerve Hyunjae had to steal his study partner. 

“And if I was?” Hyunjae challenged.

“That was a smart way to bribe me, you might not even need to study with how smart you are.” You answered. 

Eric slammed his pen down, causing you and Hyunjae to look at him. 

“Oops, it slipped.” He blurted, feeling satisfied because he interrupted Hyunjae. 

The bell rang and you rushed to copy down the homework into your planner. 

“Do you want to work on the homework together?” Eric suggested while packing up his things. “I didn’t know how to do the third set of problems.” He added in, hoping that it would convince you to work together. 

“I don��t know, I’m in high demand these days. Everyone wants to study with me.” You flaunted. Of course you would study with him, you just wanted to make him work for it. Eric rushed to follow you out of the classroom.

“Pretty please.” He pouted and gave you puppy eyes. You snorted at his attempt of acting cute, which he didn’t even need to do since he was naturally cute. 

“Okay fine, but only if you stop doing that hideous face.” You stopped to open your locker. 

Eric leaned on the locker next to yours and crossed his arms. “No one can resist this sexy face.” 

“Yeah okay.” You replied in a sarcastic tone, though you secretly agreed with him. You took a pen out of your locker and grabbed his hand. Eric held his breath and watched to see what you would do next. You wrote your phone number on the palm of his hand. “Text me. Or facetime me, whatever works for you.” You shut your locker and headed to your next class.

Eric stared at your number on his hand and smiled to himself, his heart still racing from when you touched him. 

While you walked away, you felt proud that you were able to pull that move off. But then the color drained from your face. You never said what time. The power rested entirely on Eric and when he decided to contact you. That means that you would have to wait and possibly be camera-ready all day. 

As soon as Eric got home from school, he entered your phone number and saved your contact. He wondered whether he would seem too eager if he texted you right away. You were probably still studying with Hyunjae. Eric scoffed as he thought about how Hyunjae was there instead of him. 

You stared at the black screen on your phone. Tapping on it for the millionth time, the screen read 8:15 pm. Why didn’t you specify a time? You dived for your phone every time you saw your phone light up with a notification. 

Was he even going to facetime you? You glanced around your room in horror. You weren’t able to fix it when you rushed out of the house this morning. You could not let Eric see this mess. You got to work fixing your room while you waited for him to text you. Hearing the familiar vibration, you reached for your phone, hoping it wasn’t another spam email. 

hey, it’s eric. are you free to ft and work on the hw rn? 

Eric sent the text and threw his phone on the bed. He had spent 15 minutes debating whether his text was too casual. Hugging his pillow, he anxiously waited for you to respond. 

yea i’m free

You checked your room once again to see if anything was out of place. Then you saw your reflection in the mirror. You were so caught up in fixing your room, you forgot to fix your appearance. You quickly applied something on your lips so you wouldn’t look too bad. 

After sitting down in front of a lamp so you would have optimal lighting, you picked up his facetime call. 

“Hey.” You felt your breath hitch in your throat. His hair was still wet from the shower he took just earlier. You didn’t think it was possible for him to get any hotter. 

“So how was your date with Hyunjae.” He didn’t even try to hide the bitterness in his tone. Wow, real smooth Eric. He should’ve waited a bit longer to bring it up, but he couldn’t help it. 

You laughed at his choice of a conversation starter. “It wasn’t a date, and it was actually very fun. Maybe I need to start charging you for my services. I’ll only accept payment with bubble tea from now on.” 

“Spending quality time with me is your payment.” He replied with a smug look on his face.

You shook your head. “That is not enough, I fear.” 

Eric crossed his arms and tried to look offended. “I’ll hang up right now then.” 

“Need I remind you that you were the one that begged me to help you today?” You spoke matter-of-factly. “But if you must leave, go. I’m very busy you know.” 

“Busy studying with other guys? I thought we had something special.” He dramatically clutched his heart. 

“You wish, you are yet another one of my side hoes.” 

“Your main hoe being boba?” He raised an eyebrow.

You paused to think of a witty response. “It seems you are more interested in my love life than those calculus problems you needed help with.” 

“Those problems can wait.” He shrugged his shoulders. 

“Fine, how about this? For every problem you get correct, you can ask me a question and I’ll answer it honestly.” You proposed. 

Eric smiled widely. “I like how you think. And what happens if I get them wrong?” 

“Then I get to ask you a question.” You replied. 

“You won’t be able to ask me any questions.” His cockiness was apparent from how confidently he spoke. “The first solution is 5.” 

Checking the answer to the first problem, you confirmed that it was 5.

“Since this is about your love life, do you have a boyfriend?” He asked, desperately wanting you to say no. 

“Wouldn’t you like to know? Yes, I do have one.” You watched for Eric’s reaction. Eric’s smile dropped for a split second as he registered what you said. 

“Oh really? Who? Do I know him?” He interrogated, completely dropping his previous act. 

You felt amused watching him squirm. “That’s three other problems you have to get right.” 

To your surprise, Eric continued to get the next three problems correct.

“So who is your boyfriend?” He phrased carefully.

“Hyunjae.” You said with a straight face.

Eric’s eyes grew 10 times the size they were. “Really?”

“Nah, I’m just playing. I don’t have a boyfriend.” You finally revealed the truth. 

That definitely made Eric happier than he’d like to admit. 

“You just made me waste two questions.” He emphasized by holding up two fingers. 

“Did you even need help with those problems Eric?” 

“Yes...but I figured them all out while you were flirting with Hyunjae.” He looked away from the screen. 

“I was not flirting with Hyunjae.” You lied. You did flirt a little, but that was only because you wanted to see if Eric got jealous. 

Eric rolled his eyes, not believing you. “Sure you weren’t.” 

“You have not seen me flirt, believe me, you would know.” You told him honestly. If you were going to flirt with anyone, it would be him. 

Eric’s smile returned once again. “I look forward to seeing that.” 

You and Eric fell into a routine where you met up every week to study calculus. And then facetimed after school. And then texted at night. You would work together during class, and Eric would get annoyed every time Hyunjae tried to join. 

You and Eric were prepared for the next calculus quiz and your efforts paid off. As soon as Eric got his quiz back, his first thought was to see the look on your face when he told you his grade.

At the end of class, Eric proudly dangled his quiz in front of your face, he couldn’t contain the smile on his face. 

You saw a large A on the top of the first page and you pulled him into a hug. Before you could regret acting so spontaneously, Eric hugged you back just as tightly. This was the first time you both hugged, but it felt so comforting and you didn’t want to let go. “Wow I’m so proud of you, I can’t believe you’re scoring higher than me.” You said when you finally pulled away.

“I’m coming for your throne.” Eric winked at you.

After consistently doing well in the classwork, Eric realized that he didn’t need help anymore. The tutoring sessions eventually became an excuse to meet you. 

Eric pointed at a problem, his eyes trained on yours, “Can you explain this to me?” 

“Eric, you literally taught me how to solve this.” You giggled.

“Oh, did I? Um...well I forgot. Explain it to me again?” You could never resist Eric’s puppy-dog eyes. The more time you spent with him, the more you realized how cute he was. 

“Graph this equation.” Eric had randomly said one day while you were studying at the library. 

You stared at the equation he wrote and looked back at him with confusion. “How is this relevant to calculus?”

“Just do it.” He whined. 

You reached for your graphing calculator and entered the equation. 

Staring at the shape the equation produced, you were pleasantly surprised to see that it resembled...“A heart?” 

You looked up to see Eric grinning from ear-to-ear, clearly proud that he was able to find this equation.

“Very cute Eric. This is why you urgently needed to meet up today?” You raised an eyebrow. 

“Yeah, that and I needed to talk to you about something else. My coach told me that the improvement in my grades is enough for me to rejoin the team.” Eric started, unsure of whether he should tell you that he didn’t need tutoring anymore. 

“Oh really? That’s great news!” You kept your eyes focused on the paper. You knew that him joining the team would mean your tutoring sessions would have to come to an end soon. “I’m guessing you won’t have time to study anymore.”

Eric knew that he wanted to see you every day, but he didn’t want to pretend that he only wanted to meet you under the pretense of studying. He took a deep breath before speaking. You brought your eyes to meet his when you realized that something must have been up. Eric was never quiet for this long. 

“I was wondering if you wanted to continue meeting up outside of school hours, just us two,” Eric asked hesitantly, waiting for your response. 

Your eyes widened. Was he asking you out? It’s not a complete reach because you two have been spending a lot of time “studying.” You were afraid that you were taking his words in the wrong way. “You want to study outside?” 

“Oh...no, no studying. It would just be us meeting up outside, no calculus.” He looked at the floor. 

“Eric Sohn, are you asking me out on a date?” You asked him. 

“Only if you’re comfortable with that. I’ve liked you for a while and I didn’t really need help anymore but I still want to see you often. I understand if you don-”

You cut off his rambling with a kiss. You resisted the urge to laugh at how red his ears were when you pulled away. “I like you too. Finally you can buy me my long-deserved boba.” 

[ejzah]

A/N: This story comes via request from @mashmaiden. Set early in season 5, when Kensi was still concerned about Deeks’ risky behavior and such. I hope I did it justice.

***

An Anchor To Hold You Through The Storm

“I don’t want to talk about this right now, Kensi.”

Deeks’ words kept playing through her head, despite her best efforts to drown them out with Top Model and junk food.

Today she’d almost lost her partner. There’d been so many close calls before, most recently when she’d found him after Sidorov tortured him. This time though, Kensi was certain he was going to die.

They’d been searching a clothing factory when Deeks uncovered a bomb with amid a pile of knock off designer jeans. With only two minutes left left on the timer, Kensi had run for the exit and alerted Eric that they needed the bomb squad immediately. It was only once she was outside that she realized Deeks hadn’t followed her.

She’d watched in frozen horror, waiting for the building to explode. It never came and a minute later Deeks casually wandered out, actually smiling. He’d seemed surprised when she first hugged him and then immediately punched him in the chest, drawing a yelp from him.

The most terrifying thing wasn’t his reckless behavior, but how little he seemed to care that he nearly died. His jokes and irreverence in dangerous situations was completely normal, his total disregard for his own life was not.

When she’d finally had a chance to approach him at the end of the day, Deeks dismissed her concerns with a laugh. She hadn’t let it go though and continued pressing Deeks to talk to her. He’d snapped back then, accusing her of babying him and firmly told her wanted to be left alone.

Hurt and angry, she’d left him at his desk, intending not to think about him again until Monday morning. Kensi couldn’t though. She couldn’t stop thinking about the look in his eye as she walked away; distant, a little confused. Definitely not alright like he kept insisting.

It was more than the ridiculous stunt he’d pulled today or his response afterward. There was a heaviness that lingered around him, when he thought no one was watching and he was more on edge, like he was prepared for attack at any moment. Worst of all was the deep sadness she saw in his eyes at random moments.

Sighing deeply, Kensi punched the power button to turn off American Idol and started rooting around the floor for her shoes. Maybe Deeks would push her away again, but she at least had to try to help him. It was her responsibility as his partner and friend.

On the way to his apartment, she grabbed a couple shakes and burgers. Food had worked pretty well at getting through to him last time, so maybe it would work again. As she pulled up to his place, she saw that all the curtains were drawn and she pulled in a shaky breath as she rang the doorbell.

She didn’t hear any noise, not even Monty’s paws clicking on the hardwood floor, and her disquiet increased. Hoping that Deeks was just sleeping or couldn’t hear the sound of the bell, she pressed it a couple more time. Eventually she cupped both hands around face and peered in the small gap left between the curtains and window. It was completely dark inside.

Feeling sick to her stomach, she wandered back to her SUV. Deeks could be anywhere right now and it was her fault for letting her emotions get the better of her. She could only hope that he’d simply decided to stay late at work, even if it was with the intent to wear himself out on a punching bag.

She drove back home slowly, feeling a sense of defeat. It felt like she was losing her friend and she had no idea how to stop it. It was horribly familiar to her experience with Jack, yet somehow it was even more devastating.

By the time Kensi made it back to her apartment, it was after 10, but she was considering heading back to the mission. It wasn’t until she was halfway down the walk to her door that she noticed a familiar figure sitting on her front steps. His blond curls were unmistakeable.

“Deeks, what are you doing here?” she asked quietly and Deeks jerked, head springing up like someone had shocked him. He sighed shakily, rubbing his jaw, his hand visibly shaking.

“I, uh, was coming to see you,” he explained, gesturing towards the door. “When you didn’t answer, I figured I might as well wait. It’s not like I have anywhere else to be.”

Kensi approached him slowly, stopping a few feet away. His gaze was downward, shoulders hunched again.

“Why did you come?” He shrugged, sighing, and finally looked up again. Even in the less than ideal lighting, the exhaustion was obvious in his eyes, the lines around his mouth.

“I wanted to say, that I acted like an idiot and a jerk and you didn’t deserve it,” Deeks answered, giving her a weak smile. “I’m sorry.”

“Forgiven,” Kensi murmured. She closed the space between them, dropping next to him on the top step. It was a warm night, but concrete felt cool in comparison through her jeans. Her shoulder brushed his when she breathed.

Inclining her knees towards him, Kensi took one of his hands, knowing she was crossing a line. Deeks looked a little surprised, but didn’t pull which she took as a good sign.

“I’m going to ask you a question,” she began slowly, squeezing his hand more firmly. “and I want you to promise me that you won’t get angry with me again or change the subject.”

“Ok.” He nodded. “I promise I won’t freak out this time.”

Ok. How are you really doing?”

“Honestly? I’m struggling a little bit,” he admitted. Rubbing his eyes with his free hand, he groaned. “I’m still having trouble sleeping sometimes. The nightmares…well, they beat any of your movies. Some days it feels like I’ll never be the same again.”

Kensi’s heart hurt for him, for how much he was still suffering without any support. A part of her wanted to ask about the stunt he’d pulled earlier, but she knew it wasn’t the right time. He didn’t need lectures or judgement.

“I’m sorry, Deeks. I don’t know if it’s much help, but I’m here for whatever you need,” she told him, carefully taking both his hands between hers. There was a wealth of vulnerability in his eyes as he stared at her and he blew out a short breath.

“It does. More than you’ll ever know.” His expression shifted to something more than gratefulness, which Kensi was not ready to examine at the moment. Clearing her throat, she let go of Deeks’ hands, and gestured to the front door.

“Well, why don't we go in? I have sone milkshakes in the car that are probably only halfway melted.”

His smile was more genuine as he accepted her offered hand, heaving himself up with a groan.

“Awesome, warm ice cream is my favorite,” he replied. As she turned to retrieve the food, he touched her shoulder and added, “Thanks, Kens.”

[supersonic-womanofyou]

My first attempt at an interview fic! Read this on Ao3, or under the cut. 

Spotlight on Eric Bittle

 Interview by Elizabeth Chu

Photographs by Jack Zimmermann

  The internet personality, author, and baker talks about his childhood, his relationship with Providence Falconers captain Jack Zimmermann, being a LGBTQ role model, why he struggled with his overnight success, and his upcoming cookbook.

 I meet Eric Bittle in person for the first time on a Saturday afternoon, in a trendy coffee shop in downtown Providence. Even though I’ve heard of it in passing, I’ve never been inside. Eric obviously has, since when I approach the table where he’s chosen to sit, Eric is already chatting familiarly with one of the waitresses. 

 But after a couple minutes talking to Eric, I mentally revisit that assumption. Eric Bittle has a way of putting people at ease, of making even the most distant strangers feel like long-lost friends-- through his warm personality, but also through his seemingly-never ending supply of homemade baked goods. By the time I sit down across from him, I’m already in possession of a whole pie and two jars of jam. 

 Most of the celebrities I’ve met have on screen personalities that are vastly different in person, but the Eric Bittle I meet that Saturday could have been pulled directly out of his Netflix series or one of the episodes from his vastly popular vlog. He’s perennially bright and cheery, with a Southern drawl that’s been blunted by years in New England, but is still very present. When I mention it, Eric laughs. “I used to hate my accent, but I think it’s become as part of my brand as pies are. I’d probably lose all of my followers if I started talking like a Yankee,” he jokes.

 The source of Bittle’s accent is his hometown-- Madison, Georgia, a town of barely four thousand people. When I ask what drove him to move up north, he gestures to himself as a whole. “Not too many opportunities for a baking, skating, Beyonce-loving gay boy in Morgan County.” He turns more serious, though, when he continues: “I was bullied a lot as a child. When I think back to my childhood, to living in Georgia-- for people who looked or acted different, it could be suffocating. I remember feeling like my future was just so starkly outlined for me-- going to a state school, settling down with a nice girl, spending the rest of my life just pretending. It sounds like overdramatic teenage angst now, I know, but I always knew if I wanted to live honestly, I needed to get out.” 

 And so Eric applied-- and was accepted to--Samwell University in Massachusetts, which touts itself as one of the most LGBTQ friendly schools in America, under the motto “one in four, maybe more.” According to Eric, it’s where he began to come to terms with himself and his identity, where he finally said the words “I’m gay” out loud, where he continued to bake and vlog and began to think seriously about a career in both, and where, perhaps most famously, he met his now-husband, Providence Falconers captain Jack Zimmermann. 

 “We both played on the hockey team, but we weren’t exactly friends at first,” Bittle says about his relationship with Zimmermann.

 So, of course, I have to ask him-- what is it like, being a baker married to a hockey player? Eric and his husband seem like almost comical counterpoints in every aspect of their careers and personalities. Eric makes his living through baking and cooking, Jack plays in the notoriously-macho NHL. Eric has built a brand and a food empire off of cheeriness and Southern hospitality, Jack has a reputation of being a “hockey robot,” with his cold, generally disagreeable demeanor during interviews.

 “Well, with it all laid out like that, it really does sound like we’re night and day,” Eric laughs. “But honestly? We just work. We both love skating-- that’s what we bonded over in college, actually. We also both technically majored in history, even though we have very different specialities and did so for pretty different reasons. But even our differences are compatible. Like, I love talking, he doesn’t, so we’re never talking over each other or silent. Also, pro hockey players have to eat an insane number of calories, so Jack’s always there to eat my cooking, and that’s really all I can ask for.”

 Eric and Jack, who played on a line together briefly at Samwell, took the sports world by storm seven years ago when they kissed on the ice after the Falconers won the Stanley Cup, making Jack the first openly LGBTQ player in the NHL. The pair broke yet another barrier for LGBTQ people in hockey soon after, when Eric became the first openly gay NCAA Division I hockey captain. 

 When I ask Eric if he ever thought about following in his partner’s footsteps and pursuing a career in professional hockey, he just laughs. “Oh, definitely not. I love being on the ice, but I don’t think I would have made it very far in the NHL or AHL.”

 His fame may have started out in the (relatively niche) world of professional hockey, but since graduating from Samwell, Eric has found incredible success beyond the legacy of that historic kiss. His first book, published five years ago, spent several weeks on the New York Times Food and Diet bestseller list, and was applauded as a fresh, vibrant take on Southern cuisine and desserts.  Check, Please  reads as seventy percent cookbook, thirty percent memoir, with every page infused with Bittle’s indomitable, ubiquitous personality. His vlog, which he started in high school and has updated continuously ever since, has millions of subscribers, who tune in every week to hear Bittle talk about everything from pies and cookies to relationships and family. Finally, and perhaps most famously, Bittle hosted his own Netflix series last year, applauded as a combination of Marie Kondo and Queer Eye, in which he taught baking with his usual brand of positivity and universal appeal, interspersed with feel-good moments and life lessons.

 It strikes me that while Bittle’s career may have been jump-started by his relationship with Jack Zimmermann, he’s certainly managed to make a name for himself in the years since. To the hockey world, he may still be an afterthought to Jack Zimmermann, but to the baking world (and a good portion of Netflix’s viewership), the name Jack Zimmermann is an afterthought to that of Eric Bittle. 

 “Jack definitely gets a kick out of it when we’re in public together and I get recognized, and he doesn’t,” Eric says. “It’s kind of crazy, actually-- I definitely couldn’t have imagined all this ten years ago, back in college or in high school.”

 And what did Eric imagine himself doing? “To be honest, I don’t think I had any idea. When I decided to go to Samwell, I didn’t even have a major in mind or anything. I just wanted to get out of Georgia. And at Samwell-- I mean, I majored in American History, of all things. Talk about a useless degree! I literally just chose the major that let me take the most baking or baking-adjacent classes.” He pauses, and laughs. “It drives Jack crazy, actually-- I never have a plan for anything, really, big or small. I’m the kind of person who just crosses my fingers and hope it all shakes out for the best.”

 His husband’s opinion aside, this tactic seems to have worked out pretty well for Eric. His next, eagerly anticipated cookbook, which follows much in the vein of his Netflix show, is due to come out in two months this August. “It’s going to be focused on easy, cheap cooking and baking that’s still healthy and fulfilling. I think there’s a mindset that to make tasty, healthy food you need to have expensive ingredients and tools, or a lot of time on your hands, or have a lot of experience. But like-- I made food for an entire hockey team in a frat house on a college student’s allowance for four years, so I know something about cooking healthy on a budget,” he jokes. “I really just want to make good, healthy food accessible for everyone.”

 Well, he’s managed to do that, and more. Eric Bittle’s career so far has certainly been a whirlwind. He’s gone from publishing his first cookbook to hosting his own show in what’s only been a matter of years.

 “I do have to pinch myself sometimes, “ Eric says about his dizzyingly quick ascent to fame. “Like, Carrie Underwood tagged me in a tweet about hockey husbands the other day. Carrie Underwood!” The disbelief is clear in his voice. “I mean, Jack’s always been the bigger fan of country music, but the Georgia boy in me had to lie down for a moment when I saw the notification. So I think-- I still can’t really believe all of it, you know? It feels like yesterday I was still about to graduate college, with barely any plan and procrastinating on my thesis. And I guess sometimes-- sometimes I do feel a bit guilty, you know? Like-- there’s so many people fighting for this, fighting for what I’ve got-- getting books published, getting a show, everything else. I definitely had a leg up in name recognition because of Jack and hockey, and even when Jack and weren’t married yet, I never had to worry about having a roof over my head if the vlog wasn’t bringing in enough money or the cookbook wasn’t selling well enough.” He pauses, pensive, and it’s not the first time in this conversation that I mentally reassess my first assumptions about Eric Bittle. Behind the nationally famous smile and welcoming accent is a thoughtful young man still grappling with becoming a public figure and a role model, with a sprinkling of imposter syndrome, who doesn’t understand exactly what millions of people across the country see in him. 

 But perhaps that as well is an unfair assessment. It’s clear that Eric has a refreshing genuiness that few public figures possess, and that this is part of what has managed to speak to so many people from all backgrounds. That on some level, his modesty about his own fame is part of what constitutes his appeal. 

 When I mention this, Eric flushes a bright shade of pink. “Oh, aren’t you a flatterer. Well, I suppose so.”

 So after this cookbook, what’s next? Is fatherhood on the horizon? 

 “I did mention that I never have a plan, didn’t I?” he quips. But he does confide that he and Jack have been talking about having a family. “We’ve always wanted kids, but there’s always been something going on. Jack’s job and being on roadies all the time, me trying to get my career started. We don’t want our kids to be raised by babysitters and nannies, you know? We want to be there for them, so while it’s definitely something we’re considering, we’re trying to balance timing. But it has been a couple years, so.” He blushes. “We’re revisiting the idea.”

 “But other than that-- I have been approached about the possibility of some other projects and shows in the future, but I probably can’t talk about those,” he says. “And though it’s always been a dream of mine to own a bakery, that would be a pretty huge commitment. So I guess I’m just trying to say that I’m not really sure exactly what comes next.” Nevertheless, he grins, as if to say,  and isn’t that exciting ?

 Fatherhood or his own bakery-- I’m sure that no matter what comes next for Eric Bittle, he’ll forge ahead with his characteristic positivity and Southern grace, with plenty of baked goods along the way. *

[nightmaresart]

The confrontation

Summary: Markus confronts Eric after they had a fight, this is where he finally learns about the other androids past and thus why he lashed out.

⚠️Trigger warning⚠️

This story lightly touches upon past abuse, if you're sensitive or can not handle this topic then please leave or proceed with caution, you have been warned

No one had seen Eric after he had lashed out at Markus for being so reckless. What started out as a discussion of what their next step would be to lead their people to freedom, had unfortunately ended in a shouting match between Eric and Markus, after which Eric had promptly left without saying another word to the deviant leader.

Markus had initially wanted to follow the other android but was stopped by North. She told him to let Eric be, as he was way too high in his emotions right now, and would make stupid decisions if Markus were to confront him right away. Markus had understood it immediately and let Eric be.

This was a couple of hours ago, as Markus was now standing next to the other android again. Eric still hasn't spoken up to Markus, but he wasn't walking away either. So that was definitely a win in Markus his book.

More minutes passed and the two were just looking out over the city, as they were on the roof of Jericho at this very moment. "I apologize for yelling at you Markus," Eric begun with a hushed voice, "I was wrong for shouting at you, but.. I just couldn't stay silent any longer." Eric turned to look at the android beside him.

Markus turned his head to see Eric looking at him while he spoke, "I should be the one apologizing," he begun, furrowing his brows slightly "You were right to speak about what was on your mind, I just shouldn't have yelled back straight away."

A snort came from the black haired android, "Guess we were both extremely stupid to do that then." A smile made it's way on Eric's face and he visibly relaxed.

A silence settled over them again, less tense this time around. The smile never fell from Eric's face as he studied the deviant leader, there was just something about him that seemed to draw everyone in to listen to him. Perhaps it had something to do with how Markus was designed, as he appeared to be one of a kind while Eric, and everyone else, were just models that had multiple versions of themselves walking around Detroit.

Markus caught Eric staring and cocked a brow in response along with a faint smile, "Is there something on my face?"

This question caused Eric to laugh, "No, there isn't, dont worry." After he stopped laughing a smile stayed on his face while he looked back out over Detroit again. If it wasn't for Markus, Eric was certain they still would have been in hiding, not doing anything to gain freedom and rights.

His smile must have fallen from his face as Markus got closer to Eric and laid a hand on his shoulder. "You seem distracted, even more so then usual.." Markus noted, "Something is bothering you." The deviant leader then stated, which caused Eric to snap his head back to Markus again. Was he really that easy to read whenever something was bothering him.

"Well," Eric started, hesitating wheter or not he should let Markus in his thoughts, his past and concerns.

Markus saw how Eric hesitated and removed his hand from the other's shoulder. "You don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable with doing so." The last thing Markus wanted was to further upset Eric.

Eric furrowed his brows as Markus removed his hand, "No, markus," Eric begun, taking the other android's hand in his own, "It's not that I don't want to tell you.." deactivating the skin on his hand he gave silent permission for Markus to so the same, "It's just a lot." Eric finished his sentence with a faint sad smile and let all his concerns and past experiences flow trough their connection.

A couple of seconds passed before Markus ripped his hand away from Eric's, a look of concern quickly took over his features. "It was as if I was there with you.."

"Markus I can-" Eric begun, but was cut off by the other android.

"No! There is no need to explain or to apologize, it was just alot of information." Markus looked at the android infront of him, Eric was concerned and it was rather visible. "All that abuse you had to go trough, the amount of times you lay broken in a puddle of blue blood, waiting to shut down.. and yet you have never given up on humans," Markus took a step forward, getting in Eric's personal space, "Why? Why have you never defended yourself against him?"

Eric crossed his arms and hugged himself, avoiding Markus his gaze he opened his mouth to talk, "Because I couldn't, because if I did.." He looked back up at the android in front of him, "Those two boys I used to care for would be devastated, that's why." A faint tremble could be heard in Eric's voice at the end of that sentence.

Markus his expression softened as he pulled the deviant in his arms for a hug. "I understand everything now.." he muttered, "and I'm terribly sorry for making you so worried all the time.."

A sigh escaped Eric as he returned Markus his embrace. "Its okay," burying his face in Markus his shoulder he closed his eyes and enjoyed this moment. "You couldn't have known.. after all, I barely tell anything about myself in the first place."

A chuckle escaped both men, and their embrace lasted just a little longer. They had so much to learn about being alive and actually telling others about how they feel, but this is the first step of a long journey. A journey they would take together.

[bonafidehero]

Bella the Teenage Witch

Summary:  What if Bella Swan was a witch? Taking advanced classes, Bella graduates from Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry early. With her mother and Phil traveling so much she decides to move to the sleepy town of Forks and spend some time with her father, who insisted on her attending the local high school to make some "normal" friends. Oh how wrong he would be.

Read on AO3 and FanFiction!

Chapter 3: Slip ups

The week had gone by in a blur. After that weird shit with Edward and then the following days where he didn’t show up for school I was feeling really self conscious and just couldn’t wait for the weekend.

Mike had tried to invite me out to a movie but I’d turned him down, saying I had a lot of studying to do. Jessica and Angela had also offered to hang out but again I declined.

I was feeling really overwhelmed and just wanted to be alone. Even though I’d seen so much with going to a magical school and experienced everything that came with that. I was feeling like regular old high school was kicking my ass.

And I couldn’t stop thinking about Edward. What the hell was that? Why did he act like that? Then disappear?

I don’t even know why it was bothering me so much. Usually I didn’t care what people thought, because people usually thought horrible things.

But I just had a weird feeling about him. He seemed... different.

Besides the inhuman good looks.

So I spent the weekend at home, Charlie had given me money to stock the house with groceries as I’d refused to continue eating take out every night. I’d spent some time unpacking the few things I’d brought with me. I even went on a walk through the woods that surrounded my house to find a spot to read for a afternoon.

Overall it was pretty good.

So by the time Monday rolled around again I felt ready to face Forks High again.

This week would be better.

And I was going to confront Edward and ask him what his problem was.

I’d arrived a bit early Monday, the parking lot was about half way full and kids were spaced about in groups talking.

Wanting to enjoy the silence while I had some, I got out and leaned against the back of my truck and began looking through the book I’d been reading all weekend.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a car pull in and park about 5 spots down from me. It sat there for a minute before the occupants got out.

And of course It was the Cullens. Surprisingly, Edward was with them. They all stood behind the car talking, then they all turned towards me and stared.

Great. Now they all don’t like me. I thought.

What did I do?

But before I could think on it more something smacked me right in the face. I gasped and turned towards the source; Mike was laughing while Jessica, Angela, Ben and Eric shook their heads behind him.

“Bella!” Mike called

I rolled my eyes, looked down and saw a balled up piece of paper. I bent over and picked it up before throwing it back at him. Surprisingly, it hit it’s mark.

Mike blinked before bursting out laughing and the whole group joined him, “C’mon, Bella!” Eric called as they all began to make their way towards the school.

I sighed and put my book back in my bag before slinging it over my shoulder. I chanced another glance at the Cullens, they were still staring.

What the fuck? I thought

I was starting to think I was the freak, which, I guess to some I was.

A magic freak. I laughed and followed slowly behind the group towards the school. Not chancing another look back at the strange group.

The day went by pretty good and I was finally feeling like I was stepping in line with my new friend group. While Jessica was the complete opposite of me, Angela felt like someone I would had made friends with back home.

I was feeling happy. So when lunch came around I told myself I would not look at the Cullens once.

Who cares if they didn’t like me?

Not me.

Even when Jessica tried to bring up the fact that Edward was finally back at school, I ignored her and changed the subject to the latest America’s Next Top Model episode. It worked. But I didn’t really know what I was talking about, I’d only saw it on tv quickly so I didn’t give much input into the conversation from there.

“Who's your favorite model?” Jessica gushed.

“Uh, I actually don't really know the show.” I said slowly, “I just saw it on TV and thought you'd like it.”

Jessica stared at me for a second but recovered quickly, “Oh... what do you like then?” She asked

“Uh, nothing really comes to mind. I haven't seen much recent TV.”

“Why not?” Angela asked, “What did you do in Arizona to pass the time?”

I blanked. These were time when me being a witch really made me stand out to other kids my age.

“Uh, well... the thing is, I went to a boarding school for the past 4 years so...” I said slowly, how much should I say? “Well, it's pretty old fashioned. We didn't have TV's or any electricity for that matter.”

They all stared at me, stunned.

“They didn't have electricity?” Jessica shrieked scathingly, “What kind of a school doesn't have electricity?”

“Did they have running water?” Mike laughed, “I thought rich schools were like the best of the best.”

“It wasn't a rich school and I don't know... its a really old school... it, uh, they like to give you an experience.” I stumbled horribly over my shitty explanation. God, I was not used to having to explain myself to people.

Jessica stared at me, “That sounds really weird. Why would you go to a school like that?”

I tried to quickly think of a reason, I think it was pretty well known around the town how much of a wild child my mom had been. I cringed at what I was about to say but I knew my mom would understand.

“Well, my mom wanted to travel a lot so she sent me there during the year so she could.” I said quietly, trying to sound like it was something I hated.

“Wow, what a bitch.” Jessica blurted out, before her eyes snapped to me. “Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.”

I chuckled, “No, it's cool.”

By the end I said my goodbyes to the group and Mike and I made our way to Biology.

As we walked down the hall towards class slowly, I realized that Edward was following behind. I tensed.

“So,” Mike started, “How was your weekend? I wish you’d gone to the movies with me. Would have been fun.”

“Huh?” I asked vaguely

“Your weekend, you said you were busy. What did you end up doing?” He asked, a little put off by my lack of enthusiasm.

“Oh, uh, studying like I said” I replied flatly.

I knew Mike had a thing for me, I wasn’t blind but I was already getting tired of it.

I was new, so it was kinda understandable. He’d get tired of it soon.

“Oh.” Mike said awkwardly.

I nodded, “Yeah, just that and unpacked all my stuff. Started reading a book.”

“Oh.” He said again, “That’s cool.”

He definitely didn’t sound like he thought it was cool. But I shrugged it off as we walked into the room. I could still feel Edward close behind us, why did I feel like he was trying to listen in?

Mike and I separated going to our respective tables. As I sat I saw Edward standing in the doorway, he stood there for a few seconds before taking a huge breath and then made his way towards his seat.

I looked down at the table top and began drawing aimlessly on my notebook, I didn’t want to attack him right away so I was gonna wait until he’d settled in.

Look casual, I thought.

He finally settled into his chair and pulled out his supplies, placing them gingerly onto the desk top. Sitting stiffly with his hands balled into fists on the table top.

Just as I inhaled to finally ask him what his problem was, he turned towards me and spoke.

“Hello.” He said in a friendly tone.

My head snapped up and I stared at him. Okay... I could feel my cheeks burning as we stared at each other. Why was I blushing?!

Just when I thought he wasn’t going to say anything else his velvety voice rang out again.

“My name is Edward Cullen.” He smiled, “I didn’t have a chance to introduce myself last week. You must be Bella Swan.”

How did he know my name? No one calls me Bella right off the bat.

“Uh, how do you know my name?” I spoke out loud finally, I could feel my nerves making my voice quiver a little. It was like he was a veela and he was pulling me in under his spell.

Fuck. This is embarrassing.

He laughed, “Oh I think everyone knows your name, the whole town’s been waiting for you to arrive.”

I cringed, I had to talk to Charlie about what he talked about with people. What if he slipped up about me being a witch?

“Um, I mean, why did you call me Bella?” I clarified.

His eyebrow quirked, “Would you prefer Isabella?”

“No!” I blurted out, my face heated again.

“I like Bella... I think Charlie calls me Isabella behind my back.” I said with a slight hint of distaste.

“Oh.” He looked away, looking slightly... embarrassed? Weird.

Then Mr. Banner started the class, we both turned to the front and set to work.

It was awkward, but with the start of our assignment we settled into line and actually seemed to start a little bit of banter. He was... odd, but kinda sweet? Why did I keep blushing?!

I even blushed as I thought that. Ugh.

The bell rang and chairs ground against the floor as everyone made their way to leave. I could feel that Mike was sitting in his sit waiting for me to move, hoping for another few minutes of alone time. Blargh.

Edward put his things in his bag and looked down at me as I did the same, “Uh, well, see you tomorrow, Bella.” He said quietly and then left the room quickly.

Mike pounced the moment he left. “Hey! Ready for gym?” he asked with a huge smile on his face.

I stared after Edward, “Uh, sure thing.” I said quietly.

I went home that day feeling much different about Edward Cullen. He was strange. Like he was hiding something. I mean, I was hiding something, but what would he be hiding?

I would have to try and pry a bit, see if I can get some hints. I’d spent the last 5 years in the wizarding world, I think if he was hiding anything worth hiding I would be able to figure it out.

[zaddyzimmermann]

Hot Off The Press Pt. 2

OKAY SO I have to apologize for taking months to write, especially since it’s been sitting in my google docs folder waiting to be edit. There’s actually more but I have to finish it first lol. So there will be a part 3 and I PROMISE it won't take as long to post. Sorry for such a long wait I know a lot of you guys enjoyed this story.

Again take into consideration artistic license lol hope you guys enjoy

Pt. 1

***

Kent and Jack have a complicated past, but what people fail to realize is that no matter how things turned out when they were teenagers, it has no effect on them now. Their “feud” has been played up so much in the beginning of Jack’s career, it never died. It’s so far from the truth, that sometimes Kent and Jack read articles together on how much they hate each other and laugh about it. They agreed a long time ago that if they ever did start up a relationship again, there had to be no hostility existing between them. However, what they realized after growing up and Jack’s eventual spot on the Falconers is that they much rather be friends.

So no, they do not hate each other or have unrequited feelings on either side. Kent is the only person Jack can talk to about Eric, so when Kent isn’t overly supportive over Skype tonight, it hurts a little.

“Jack, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Kent looks upset, with no ounce of joy on his face. “Don’t you remember what happened with me--”

“Yes, but Eric is different. He would never do that.” Jack protests, hearing the irritation in his voice.

Kent’s face is still tight and he takes a few seconds to answer. “I beg to differ. I know who Eric Bittle is, Jack. He wrote an article about dangerous plays and referenced me, but not in a positive way.”

“Well, in his defense, you do rush the net a lot--” Jack’s input didn’t improve Kent’s mood, so he stops himself before he can continue.

“How do you know he’s not trying to get close to you so he can write an article on the Zimmermann name just like every other thirsty journalist looking for a big break?”

“That was a bit harsh.” Jack says in Eric’s defense. “He’s not that kind of presser, Kent. Thomas Caswell is that type of reporter.”

Kent runs a hand through his blonde hair that’s in need of a haircut. “Whatever, Zimms. If you want to risk your career like this, go ahead. I don’t trust him, and I don’t think you should either.”

“Bye.” Jack closes his laptop and tries to take deep breaths. If Kent isn’t supportive, the only people he could talk to is his parents, and they don’t really count. Jack doesn’t talk about his sex life with his parents.

He spends five minutes self-deprecating before opening up his laptop and looking up the article Kent was talking about. It’s one that Eric wrote a year ago, and overall it’s not even that bad. He doesn’t insult Kent in a rude manner, he just points out that there should be more rules put in place so players stop running into goalies. Eric has a point when he says, “Goalies are there to protect the puck; not barreling bodies with blades strapped to their feet.” Goalies often get hurt by skate blades that cut places that have gaps in the gear.

Reading the article makes Jack feel worse, but not about his decision to keep in touch with Eric. There is no way Kent would have such a grudge against Eric over one small reference in an article posted a year ago. Kent is hiding something.

***

A couple days later, with no word from Kent, Eric texts Jack that he’ll be in Boston for a couple days because the Bruins contacted him for a more permanent job. Which is good news if they work out and terrible news if things go south. After Kent’s reaction the other day, Jack has doubts and they aren’t even dating yet. Jack isn’t sure what they are.

With much more time on his hands, Jack gets to the small coffee shop twenty minutes early that Eric tells Jack to meet him at. He finishes his coffee before Eric shows up ten minutes late.

Seeing Eric in person again kind of wipes away a lot of doubts. He’s wearing a black blazer that fits him very nicely, and knowing full well what’s underneath it, Jack takes a few moments to control himself.

Also, Eric’s genuine, bright smile when he first sees Jack wipes away about the rest of his doubts. He doesn’t know why Kent is being complicated, but at the moment Jack doesn’t care. What Kent also fails to realize is that Eric is a sports reporter, and the two of them spotted having lunch together is extremely easy to cover up. Eric could be using him for a piece for all anyone knows.

“Jack.” Eric says a little breathlessly as he sits down across from him. His cheeks are flushed from the abnormal warm weather of May and possibly embarrassment for being late. “I’m so sorry I’m late, that’s so rude of me.”

“It’s okay.” Jack means it too. “I know you had that interview this morning with the Bruins.”

Jack feels Eric’s foot wrap around his ankle under the table. They were in a corner in the back, so no one would see it. So far, Jack hasn’t been bothered once. He has a feeling Eric chose this place for a reason.

“Oh lord did that take forever.” Eric laughs a bit nervously. “But from personal experience, that’s usually a good thing. Quick interviews mean you’re a bore and they aren’t interested. Also, she said, ‘We’ll definitely keep in touch’, and not ‘We’ll let you know’.”

Jack feels a small smile creep up onto his face. “Is that second option a bad sign?”

“Yes.” Eric sighs, resting his head in his hands. “I’ve gotten that a lot and it’s always been bad news that follows. However, the first means they are considering you.”

“Thanks for the tip.” Jack laughs. “The next time I apply for a job I’ll keep that in mind.”

Eric doesn’t say anything and just stares at Jack, which causes him to falter a bit. “Did I say something wrong?”

Eric begins to play with Jack’s foot under the table with a small smirk on his face. “No, Mr. Zimmermann. I was just admiring your laugh. It’s pretty fantastic, just in case you aren’t aware.”

The thing is, Jack doesn’t see him as a reporter right now. It’s not weird, because it’s easy to separate Eric’s job from his actual personality. Jack does not personally know a lot of presser, but they typically don’t have a personality like Eric’s. Jack doesn’t think anyone has a personality quite like Eric Bittle.

“You want me to order you something?” Jack asks, suddenly feeling rude. “Did you have a chance to have lunch?”

Eric blinks in surprise like he did in fact forget about having lunch. “Oh wow, I guess I didn’t. I was just so excited to see you I forgot to get something. I’ll be right back.” Eric slides out of his chair and Jack has no shame in admiring his ass as he walks towards the counter to order  lunch. A buzzing in his pocket disrupts his staring, so he quickly pulls it out of his pocket to check.

Kenny: Sorry about the other night. I didn’t mean to be a dick.

I just worry about you.

Jack doesn’t know how to respond to that just yet, so he ignores it and saves it for later. Eric comes back a few minutes later with an iced drink that has whipped cream on the top and a small sandwich.

“So, Jack Zimmermann,” Eric starts before taking a bite. “What have you been up to? I notice you avoid talking about yourself whenever we skype.” Eric doesn’t point this out unkindly, just with curiosity.

“Um…” Jack has to think for a moment, because no one has genuinely wanted to know besides his parents. “I like photography. Parse made me an instagram, but I don’t really know how to use it.”

Eric smiles into his next bite, looking extremely endeared. The mention of Parse didn’t seem to phase him. “Photography, huh? An athlete, model and now an artist. What can’t he do?”

Jack’s face grows hot at the mention of being a model. “It was one shoot, I wouldn’t call myself a model.”

“One shoot.” Eric scoffs, but in an amused way. “Yeah, one shoot that absolutely killed ninety-eight percent of the population.”

Jack isn’t used to this type of praise so directly. Because of this, he directs the conversation to something else. It’s not like he doesn’t enjoy Eric talking about him that way, he’s just worried his skin tone will show how embarrassingly red he’s getting. So he decides to play fair. “Aren’t you a genius? You avoided that label the last time I mentioned it.”

Now Eric turns a bit red, so Jack counts that as deserved payback. “Like I said, it’s all relative. It’s an ivy so they don’t award scholarships, but they provided me with some nice financial aid when they sought me out for hockey which is kind of like a loophole if you ask me--”

“Hockey.” Jack blinks, a little surprised. It’s not like Eric doesn’t look capable, it’s just… Well, Eric doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would like the violence, judging by his stance involving more safety regulations in the sport.

Eric isn’t offended by Jack’s reaction, just amused. “Yes I know, shocking. However, being skilled at a sport only takes you so far in an ivy with ‘cutthroat academic scholars’, and with the threat of losing my spot on the team and possibly a big chunk of my financial aid for future years, a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do.”

Jack feels a slow smirk creep on his face. “So like any normal guy, you became Valedictorian.”

“Ha! They didn’t even see it coming.” Eric laughs before taking a sip of his drink. “Mostly everyone there was nice and supportive, but there are always a select few who think the world owes them something just because they have a high GPA.”

“Sometimes I wish I finished my junior year at Samwell.” Jack admits. “But when the Falconers sought me out I thought I would never get another opportunity quite like that one. Besides, it was relatively close to my friends and I didn’t want to go too far.”

Jack and Eric talk a little bit more, and suddenly Jack realizes this lunch together possesses all the traits of a date. Jack is still confused on where they stand with each other, but he also feels like, as always, he’s reading too much into something that might not even be there. However, it’s hard to think that when Eric keeps looking at him like that.

Jack makes an extremely risky move; he takes Eric back to his apartment. It’s mid-afternoon, so it’s not like Jack has any explicit plans. Eric seems genuinely interested in an apartment tour, and gushes about the kitchen for some reason. Jack will ask about that later. Maybe he likes to cook or something.

Eric jumps up onto the kitchen counter and glances around like he’s looking for something. And for what? Jack has no idea.

“So how often do you eat on this lovely surface?” Eric swings his legs back and forth, waiting in anticipation for Jack’s answer.

“Usually I just eat on the couch or use the table in the--”

Then Eric is pulling off his shirt and grabbing Jack’s tie to pull him closer. “Perfect.”

***

It’s been a few months of texting, skyping, then escalating to sexting and skype sex. Eric Bittle is certainly not his boyfriend, mostly because Jack was too afraid to ask. Eric is no one to ignore, and with his job involving interviews of multiple hockey players, Jack doesn’t expect him to just… well, to just not be with other people.

However, Jack wants them to be something more. He knows it’s an unappealing offer, especially since Jack is all the way in Providence and they only play the Penguins on average four times a year. It would be a long distance, closeted relationship. Besides, what they were doing now is fine for him. It’s not as much pressure, even if deep down he knows he wants Eric all to himself. Which is why Jack doesn’t clarify their relationship the next time they skype, or the time after that.

***

“So,” Eric says on the other side of the screen, absently chewing on a pen as he edits an article one of his colleges submitted. Apparently, he’s often asked to edit the more important pieces for grammar and spelling. He says it’s easier to spot mistakes when his eyes aren’t strained by a computer. “I have super super good news... and terrible news.”

This piques Jack’s interest a little, but not particularly in a good way. “What’s that?”

Eric puts down his pen and rests his head in his hand, a slow smile creeping up on his face. “I got a new job that’s more permanent.”

Now Jack’s interest is definitely piqued in a good way. “Oh yeah? Where?”

“Boston Bruins.” Eric’s smile is so bright, Jack can’t help to mimic it just a little. It seems almost too good to be true. Eric would be only about an hour away, so they could meet up in person instead of their online relationship which isn’t clarified as a relationship.

“Bad news.” Jack reminds Eric to tell him, which causes Eric’s smile to fade.

“Tom Caswell will be my boss. I know there was this big article on how he’s changed, and maybe I’ll give him a chance, but I seriously doubt that old bird has changed even a little bit. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Jack just stares for a moment, not knowing how to respond. “How did he even get that job?”

Eric shrugs, looking disappointed and defeated. “Honestly? Because the stuff he writes sells and he’s always on television. He’s been in this field for over twenty years, and the Bruins social media platform has improved significantly since they hired him.”

“But… He assaulted you.” Jack says, incredulous. “How does that look good for their organization?”

Eric shrugs, like he’s already accepted his fate. That makes Jack frustrated a little, because Eric doesn’t deserve the harassment he’s probably going to get from Thomas.

“Listen, Jack. No one really knows who we are, much less what our track records are. If a hockey player punched me, that would have been different.” Eric doesn’t look at Jack anymore, he just draws something with his pen that Jack can’t see. “I can deal with him. I’ve been dealing with him from the beginning.”

“When would you start?” Jack asks, needing to change the subject.

“In a couple weeks.” Eric still doesn’t look at Jack, which kind of sets off an alarm bell in his mind. He wanted to change the subject so Eric wouldn’t be sad anymore, but Thomas must not be the sore subject that’s bothering him.

“Eric, what’s wrong?”

He pauses with his pen before slightly glancing up. “You don’t seem to want me in Boston.”

Jack frowns a little at that, because in a way that is true. However, it’s not true for the reason Eric probably thinks. “Of course I want you in Boston, but not if Thomas is just going to make you miserable.”

“I can deal with him, Jack--”

“I’m serious.” Jack cuts him off this time, which he typically never does. He loves listening to Eric go on rants or just when he speaks in general, but this is different. This is harassment. “Do you truly think he’s changed?”

Eric clears his throat before responding so softly, Jack almost doesn’t hear it. “No.”

“Maybe I could talk with the Falconer’s PR department--”

That didn’t seem to help the problem at all, because Eric’s head snaps up and he looks borderline angry. “No, Jack. I’m not using you to get a better job or a leg up, that’s not what this--” Eric gestures between both of them.  “--is about. So absolutely not. Like I said, I can handle Thomas. If the Bruins are smart, they will keep into consideration what Thomas did to me. If they want to look good, they won’t let that happen again.”

“Okay. I trust you.” Jack means it this time, but he also can’t give up this perfect opportunity to ask, “But what exactly is this, Eric?”

Eric’s determined expression changes to one of shy happiness so fast, Jack nearly doesn’t keep up. “I don’t know, honey. That’s up to you. What do you want it to be?”

Jack wasn’t prepared for that response at all. He clears his throat a couple times to buy just a little time. “Well, um, I really like you. A lot. And… I’m not so good at this.” Jesus christ, he sounds like a thirteen year old.

“I really like you too, Jack Zimmermann. A lot. And I’m not good at this either, because I’ve never really had anything like this before.” Eric gives him an excited smile before saying, “So I think it’s better if we discuss this in person, yeah? Because I really wanna kiss you right now and it’s botherin’ me that I can’t.”

“Okay.” Jack lets out a breath he doesn’t realize he’s holding. “Okay, yeah. When are you getting here?”

“In one week.” Eric grins. “You think you can wait that long?”

“I can try.” Jack smiles back.

“Good, because I have no patience and at least one of us needs to have some self control. I’ll probably send you a super inappropriate snap later on. Talk to you soon, honey.”

“Okay, Eric.” Jack laughs before signing off. It’s been a long time since he’s been this happy during an off-season.

***

“I mean it has…” Jack observes Eric’s small apartment with skepticism. “...personality.” It actually looks like a death trap, but Jack doesn’t say that. He’ll probably sneak some people in here to fix up the place as a housewarming gift.

“It has a functioning kitchen and a window.” Eric argues. “So, not that bad.”

“Oh yeah, you still have to bake me one of those pies you go on and on about. For all I know, you could be lying to me.” Jack smirks when Eric gives him a horrified look.

“I’m going to ignore the fact you just said that in knowledge of your ignorance.” Eric huffs out before dumping a box onto the blue couch the owner left behind. A cloud of dust bloomed in its wake.

“I just have to clean it up a little.” Eric says more to himself than to Jack. “That’s all.”

“If anyone can do it, it’s probably you.” Jack places down another box on the small coffee table so he can wrap his arms around Eric’s waist. His head falls back against Jack’s shoulder as he wraps his own arms around Jack’s.

“You are quite the charmer, Mr. Zimmermann. I mean, besides your pie comment--”

“Will you be my boyfriend?” Jack suddenly blurts out, even though he planned on making it less awkward and immature.

Eric just laughs a little as he turns around in Jack’s arm. He glances up at him with a warm smile on his face. One that nearly causes Jack to melt right then and there. “My goodness, so formal. Of course I’ll be your boyfriend. I’d be an idiot not to.”

Eric initiates the kiss by wrapping his arms around Jack’s neck to pull him closer. It’s pretty innocent for a while until Eric wants more and slips his tongue into Jack’s mouth. Jack has to break away for a moment, because he did have something else important he needed to say. “I know it will suck being in the closet again, but it won’t be like this forever. I’m not giving you an empty promise. I want to come out, but when I’m ready.”

Eric reaches up to gently pat Jack’s cheek, and stares at him with complete adoration. “I don’t doubt you, Zimmermann. You are one of the most genuine guys I have ever met. I’m a journalist, so those are hard to come by. You are destined for great things.”

“You seem to have a lot of faith in me, eh Bittle?”

Eric pecks him on the lips before saying, “I always have, Jack.”

[wednesdayhustlers-aas218-blog]

BLOG #2: Asian American’s Fame Abroad

MTV News Homecoming is a mini 3-episode web-series about three Asian American artist who have made it big overseas and have came back home to continue their careers in the states. Each episode features a different artist and three artists being interviewed are Amber Liu, Jay Park and Tiffany Young. Their careers thrived in South Korea but in the US their fame is much different. What pulled these artists to come back home?

TIFFANY YOUNG

Image from tiffany young

        Tiffany Young is a Korean American from San Francisco who was a member of the group Girls Generation. After ten years in Girls Generation Tiffany decided it was time to go about becoming a solo artist. She grew up at a time when BoA (Korean Artist) blew up all over the world, Tiffany wanted “...to take over Asia and the world just the way BoA did.” Tiffany unlike the other two artists from she wanted to go about gaining global fame through kpop. After ten years of being in kpop it seems like Tiffany wanted to tackle the US, to have some fame back home but it’s not as easy to make it here than it was in Korea. She talks about how when she decided to come back and start a career here, she kind of had to begin all over.

Why couldn’t she come back and be seen in the same light as she had previously been seen in?

Tiffany’s Episode: https://youtu.be/una3UZcjluw

JAY PARK

Image from JAYBUMAOM

Jay Park is a Korean American from Seattle who started in the male group 2PM but was cut from the group and has moved on branching out into every corner of entertainment. In high school his dream was to become a professional dancer, his mom sent him to what he assumed was a competition but turned out to be an audition which he passed. He never intended on being in a Kpop group, he went with is because it was a chance for him to support his family. After being kicked out of his group because of a scandal he returned to the states where he felt like an outsider all over again because “...there’s not many people like me.” referring to how there aren’t many Asians in hip hop and R&B.

Jay Park can and literally does everything from writing and rapping to producing and from dancing to be the founder of AOMG and H1GHER Music. Jay Park is also the first Asian American signed to ROC Nation, the company founded by Jay-Z. The same label that J. Cole, Meek Mill, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Jaden and Willow Smith are signed to (https://rocnation.com/artists/).

If he can be signed under Jay-Z’s label, why can’t other big companies sign Asian Americans?

Jay’s Episode: https://youtu.be/stYt--cFrvQ

AMBER LIU

Image from llama_ajol

Amber Liu is a Taiwanese American from West Hills, California who is in the girl group F(x) and does solo work. She was scouted by SM, a Korean entertainment company in 2008 and not to long after left the states to go on to be a member of f(x). Even though she was across the globe she wanted and felt the need to represent her community. But the problem was that she was being turned away because she was Asian.

“I can release music in Korean and Chinese anytime, and I want to, but I felt very motivated to release some things in English because it’s like I want to represent my community just because I’m female, Asian, androgynous artist, why can’t I make this a thing?”

Why can’t she make it in the US the way she made it in Korea?

Amber’s Episode: https://youtu.be/Fz3AFw-1xKM

Tiffany Young, Jay Park, Amber Liu are just three Asian Americans who turned to Korea to pursue their dreams. Other kpop idols who are Asian American include the following: Mark from GOT7, Krystal of f(x)), Joshua and Vernon from seventeen, Eric Nam, Peniel from BtoB, Jae from Day6, Jessi, and B.M. from K.A.R.D. just to name a few people. But why are Asian Americans making it big abroad? The simple answer is that even though they are Asian, in Korea they are foreigners and foreign artist tend to blow up. Why can’t Asians make it the way other minorities make it? Does it have to do with how they’re seen as foreigners? Being seen as a foreigner is definitely part of the problem, Amber mentions people complement her English skills in the US and Jay Park mentions how he felt of place in Korea even though he was Korean.  

The way Asian American artist blow up in Korea can be compared to how The Beatles, One Direction, or Justin Bieber blew up in the US, they could all easily blend or fit in in America, but we can tell they’re not American. It works the same for Asian Americans in Asia, they may kind of blend or fit in, but everyone knows they’re foreign and for some reason people like foreigners, a lot. But why are Asian Americans leaving to chase their dream?

In Tiffany Young’s case her dream was Kpop, she was just chasing after her dreams. In Jay Park’s case the opportunity to provide his family with a better life. In Amber’s case it was the chance to do what she loved. As time has progressed Amber has noticed in some cases she was being turned away because she was Asian, and Jay Park pointed out that “you don’t see a lot of Asian people in mainstream media in general.” So clearly ethnicity plays a big role in why we don’t see a lot of Asians in mainstream media. But how long will ethnicity dictate Asian Americans ability to make it in the US?

Why can’t Asians make it the way other minorities make it? Does it have to do with how they’re seen as foreigners? Does it have to do with stereotypes and the model minority myth? Is part of the problem that Asian Americans in media treated as a trend, where it comes and goes? There’s so much more to Asian Americans in media, or the lack therefore of, and hopefully with my following blogs I can show you the different factors, struggles, and experiences Asian Americans face when it comes to media representation from cartoons to music, female experiences vs male experiences, from queer Asian Americans to south and southeast Asian Americans, even how different multiracial Asian Americans have it in media.

[mariainswitzerland-blog]

11 Questions Tag

Thank you to my sister, @naomi-in-italy for tagging me to do this!

RULES

Answer the new questions given by the previous person

Write 11 new questions

Tag 11 people

RESPONSES

What is the most sensible thing you have heard someone say?

It’s not necessarily the most sensible thing I’ve ever heard, but I was texting a friend and he told me the quote, “The important thing is not how long you live… It’s what you accomplish with your life.” It really resonated with me, so I thought I’d use it here.

What is something you can do today that you don’t think you could have done a year ago?

Well, I was able to attend the State Solo Ensemble earlier this year with a woodwind duet with my sister. (Tarantella, op. 6 by Camille Saint-Saens… it’s a great classical piece if anyone is interested.) I definitely couldn’t have done that a year ago. It was kinda complicated and slightly traumatic, but overall I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to go.

What is your ideal day like (weather, activities, places, people, etc.)?

It would be partly cloudy and around 65 degrees. I’d be with my friends and family in this really nice park by the water that’s close to my home. 

What are the top five things you look for in a friend?

Honesty, loyalty, sense of humor, compassion, and work ethic. 

What is one life-changing experience/situation you have had? How has it changed you?

I don’t know if this is life changing, but it certainly gave me some perspective. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it here, but I actually applied to go on a long-term Rotary exchange in 2016-2017. I’d been accepted past the club interviews, but a couple of weeks before the district interviews, my parents pulled their support and said that I couldn’t continue with the process. I was obviously devastated, but I’ve grown a lot from that. I’ve learned to see things from a more mature perspective, and made me more empathetic to what my parents are going through. 

If you could ask one person, alive or dead, one question, who would you choose and what would you ask?

I would love to have a conversation with Archimedes, and ask him about his inventions.  

What are some things that make you smile?

My friends and family, a good book, getting lost in playing music, finally understanding a bit of grammar, hugs when I don’t expect them, and being able to sleep in

If you were a successful musical artist, what groups would you like to be compared to?

If I could sing, Pentatonix. Each of them are so talented in their own right, and I really enjoy their music. In terms of instrumental, my personal role model is Eric Dixon. He was a jazz artist that played both flute and tenor sax, which are my two primary instruments. 

What are your favorite simple pleasure(s)?

Watching snow fall, for sure. It’s that or sleeping in.  

What is your favorite sound?

Rain falling.

What is your favorite place on Earth? Where would you like to go, given the chance?

My favorite place that I’ve been to is definitely my home, the Pacific Northwest. It is so beautiful with the mountains and the water, and it has a really pleasant and temperate climate. If I could go anywhere, I would want to go to either Europe or Israel (if it were safe). The history in both of those regions is incredible, and I’d love to explore them more. 

MY QUESTIONS

What simple fact do you wish more people understood?

What do you know well enough to teach others?

If you could choose a language to learn other than the one(s) you currently know/are learning, what would it be?

What experience from the past year have you appreciated the most?

What is your favorite childhood memory, and why is it special to you?

If you could live in another time period, which would you choose and why?

Which fictional character would you want to bring to life? Why would you choose them?

If you could have any animal as a pet, which would you choose?

What is one skill would you like to develop in the next few years?

What are your top three favorite musical albums, and why?

What are your comfort foods?

I would like to tag @destineddtoexplode, @american-girl-in-a-belgian-world, and @languagehoe101. I would tag more, but I’ve seen that a lot of the people I know have been tagged already and I don’t want to give them more stuff to do. Don’t feel obligated to do this, or if you’d like, omit some questions. If you see this and you’d like to answer it, please go ahead. Have a great day!

[entergamingxp]

Skater XL Review — Ride Like the Wind, Straining the Limits

July 28, 2020 1:00 PM EST

Shred the gnar!

It has been 10 years since Skate 3 released for Xbox 360 and PS3. While it isn’t the best entry in EA’s beloved franchise (Skate 2, baby!), it was the last time we saw a major skateboarding video game release. Sure, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 launched in 2012 and 2015 respectively, but we don’t talk about those dark times. There has been a huge hole in the video game market and it is finally being filled after those 10 long years, starting with Skater XL.

Developed by the California-based team at Easy Day Studios, Skater XL attempts to bring back the simulation style of the Skate franchise, but with its own unique take. It may not be the cleanest landing, with a few frustrating quirks, but it’s certainly a stylish and fun take on a genre I’ve personally missed.

Skateboarding is, in many ways, a form of expression. Everyone has their own style; someone like The Nuge has a more aggressive style than someone like Daewon Song, who is more tech-focused. In Skater XL, that expression is found in its gameplay. It is arguably the most imperative facet of any skateboarding game. Easy Day Studios has crafted a pretty rad trick system that is incredibly expressive, but comes at the cost of some oddities that break the immersion I would want in a sim-style skateboarding game.

Similar to Skate, Skater XL uses the analog sticks to perform tricks. However, the majority of tricks require both sticks, each representing the skater’s feet; the left stick is the left foot and the right stick is the right foot. In order to turn the board, the player has to use the triggers. For example, if I wanted to do a frontside flip in regular stance, I would want to first position the right foot at the tail, which is done by pulling the right stick down. To initiate the flip, I want to let go of the stick to pop the board, and then flick the left stick to the left, producing that kickflip motion. While doing that, I want to pull the left trigger so the skater does the frontside 180.

For the most part, this trick system is very fluid and fun to play around with. It really does feel like skateboarding. This is also in part due to the physics-based nature of the system. The tricks feel and look different depending on how I would flick the sticks. It also looks pretty natural in-motion. There is definitely a learning curve; when I started playing the early access version a few months ago, it took me about an hour to feel comfortable. But once it clicks, the potential for lines in any given map feels endless.

“For the most part, this trick system is very fluid and fun to play around with. It really does feel like skateboarding.”

However, there are times when these tricks don’t look all that natural. The physics-based system is a bit of a double-edged sword. Yes, I was able to produce incredibly natural-looking flips a lot of the time. But sometimes, and especially when I attempted more advanced tricks like 360 inward heelflips or nollie hardflips, the board does some very unnatural motions. Some flips will kind of just find its way to the skater’s feet mid flip, almost like a magnet. It looks very odd, and was a bit of a damper when I was attempting a line repeatedly because a trick just looks so unnatural.

There are also times when the character’s body would bend in ways it probably shouldn’t. One of the more recurring instances of this is when I would do a boardslide and landing fakie. The skater’s knees would bend in before the landing. While I had a good laugh at how this man just broke his knees and then re-popped them back during a trick, it definitely became frustrating when I was trying to create “realistic” looking clips.

However, most of those odd and unnatural occurrences never frustrated me enough to hate the trick system. Since most of the game is finding spots and attempting lines over and over again, it never felt disheartening to restart a line. It also helps that the spawn point tool is useful. If I was unhappy with a line or my skater’s body contorted in some odd way, I was able to go back to the spawn point I placed instantly. I could also replace my spawn point on the fly if I felt like the current spot wasn’t placed well.

One thing that bothered me initially with Skater XL’s gameplay was the most basic of tricks: The ollie. There were two factors that irked me about the fundamental trick when I started playing. The first, there are really only two different ollie heights; the second, the high popping ollie is comically high. It still kind of bothers me now, because ollieing up a curb will always look so ridiculous, but every level seems to be designed with these ollie heights in mind. So, it doesn’t look so ridiculous all the time. Just sometimes.

Again, everything I’ve talked about, when all put together, really makes for a fun experience. The only aspect of Skater XL’s gameplay I really struggled with finding much joy in was with how it handles transition skating. This isn’t a flaw exclusive to this game. Skating on ramps, particularly bowls and halfpipes, in Skate and Session are also not great. I never feel like I’m in control of my skater when I’m on a ramp. For example, let’s say I want to do a frontside flip on a quarter pipe. I figure if I initiate the trick at the top of the ramp, I would then go back down rather than moving forward on top of the ramp. That was not the case. There were times where I did go back down the ramp, and a lot of times I would just move forward.

“One of the most impressive parts of Skater XL is its replay editor. I absolutely cannot stop messing around with it.”

For bigger ramps, like the halfpipe on the big ramp level, I needed to pump to get enough speed to move up the ramp. However, when I did pump, the skater went way too fast, and more often than not, ended up on top of the ramp rather than going back down it. Sometimes the stars would align, and I was able to perform some sick trick, but even then it doesn’t feel as satisfying as street skating.

One of the most impressive parts of Skater XL is its replay editor. I absolutely cannot stop messing around with it. There is a bit of a learning curve, but the menu for the editor is so clean and straightforward, it really doesn’t take too long to start making cool clips. It actually surprised me how easy it was to make a clip that really looked impressive. I may have a few gripes about Skater XL’s gameplay, but the incredible replay editor will be the reason why I’ll always come back and shred at places like Easy Day High School and Downtown L.A.

Speaking of those two locations, the maps in Skater XL are all really fun to skate around. Easy Day High School and Downtown L.A. are easily the best of the eight maps available at launch. They are the largest with some iconic spots, like the Leap of Faith and Staples Center. Heck, there is a level that seems to be an accurate depiction of the West L.A. Courthouse (which you can watch Eric Koston skate on above).

The one map I lost interest in quickly was the big ramp. It is super fun to get crazy air of the wooden goliath, but as I said before, the transition skating just isn’t all that fun. For what it is, it is a fun map to mess around with for a bit, but I would rather skate Easy Day High School over that any day.

There really is a lot to love about Skater XL, but it does lack a robust character creator. All in all, there are 11 different player models. This includes four males, four females, and three pro character models. Also, there are several different hair types, hats, clothing, and boards, some of which are from real-life brands like New Balance, Element, Primitive, and Independent.

Despite having all these different brands, there really wasn’t much variety in the clothing or boards available. Every shirt, bottom, and hat type all fit nearly identical. For example, the unbranded jeans looked exactly like the DC branded jeans, just a different color. There aren’t as many board options, either. There are enough options to make a skater with distinguishable features, just not enough to create one that is wholly unique.

“Skater XL has successfully brought back the skateboarding genre…”

From its fun gameplay to its stellar replay editor, Skater XL is a great game to kick off this resurgence of the skateboarding genre in video games. Really, the only thing standing in the way of this game’s success is whether players can get down with the lack of a progression system or campaign. Yes, there are challenges for each map, but they are really meant for newer players who want to learn the ropes or need some ideas for spots or lines to skate. From what I can tell, everything is unlocked at the start, and the “progression system” is the player’s ability to perform tricks in a manner that is satisfying, kind of like real skateboarding. Personally, I love the loop of finding a spot, committing to a trick, and performing it as clean as possible. That is enough for me. But I can see players becoming disinterested if there isn’t really anything to strive for.

I mentioned this in my interview with Easy Day Studios, but I have essentially waited for a game like this to release before I even started working for DualShockers. The once elusive, but now announced Skate 4, and really the skateboarding genre as a whole, has been part of many E3 editorials I’ve written the past couple of years. It is one of the very few genres I really identify myself with. So, to see a small studio like Easy Day Studios create something that is not only reminiscent of the games that clearly influenced them, but overall improves on what its predecessors did, is heartening. Sure, it has its fair share of flaws, but none of them take away from how much fun I’ve had. Skater XL has successfully brought back the skateboarding genre, and I am eager to see how Easy Day Studios supports the game moving forward.

July 28, 2020 1:00 PM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/07/skater-xl-review-ride-like-the-wind-straining-the-limits/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=skater-xl-review-ride-like-the-wind-straining-the-limits

[mostfunnystuff247-blog]

5 World-Changing Geniuses (Who Were Also Total Monsters)

Ithi wasn't the only young girl to catch Schrodinger's eye. One biographer describes him as having a "Lolita complex," and not in the "he liked dressing as a Japanese maid" sense (although who knows). He was also pretty creepy toward 26-year-old Kate Nolan, a "frightened virgin" whom he "consoled" by saying, "You had no father, now you get one to lie in bed with." Even though she was super worried about getting pregnant, he got her pregnant too. In WWII-era Ireland, where it was almost impossible to get an abortion. We wonder what his excuse was. "Technically, you were both pregnant and not pregnant until you took the test. So really, this is your fault." Continue Reading Below Advertisement

1 Eric Gill, Whose Fonts Are On Your Computer, Was A Complete Monster

What You Know Him For: If you have a computer, open up Microsoft Word and pull up your fonts. You see that one called Gill Sans? If it rings a bell, that's because it's freaking everywhere, from BBC shows to Benetton stores to Tommy Hilfiger clothes. The "Gill" stands for early 1900s craftsman and designer Eric Gill, who's also known for creating a sort of hippie commune paradise in his home, and for his hardcore Catholicism, which he boasted about frequently. You'll never guess where this is going. Why He Was A Total Asshole: Let's start with the incest, and continue with the other incest. Gill routinely had sex with his two sisters, at least one of them almost up until he died. But he didn't stop there. He also raped two of his three daughters, starting when they were very young. He recorded these encounters in a diary, in entries such as "stayed 1/2 hour -- put p. in her a/hole." Later in their lives, he stopped raping them but became incredibly jealous and controlling of their romances. Oh, and he also "experimented" with his dog. Like, sexually. Eric GillWe take back every mean thing we said about the dude who created Comic Sans. Continue Reading Below Advertisement As if all this weren't creepy enough, at one point he made a statue of his sister -- with whom he was still having sex -- having sex with her husband. He called it ... Fucking. That was definitely creepy enough, but he also used his daughters/victims as nude models, which, nope, we're not displaying or even linking to here. Instead, here's the appropriate tribute to Gill's wretched life: Nimby has a Twitter and, if any fancy Hollywood agents are reading this, several scripts (email: nimby DOT writer AT gmail DOT com). The RAINN National Sexual Assault hotline is 800.656.HOPE (4673). Never deal with that Schrodinger crap with your own cat -- get a pet carrier you can just look into. Support Cracked's journalism with a visit to our Contribution Page. Please and thank you. For more, check out 6 Historical Villains Who Were Actually OK Guys and 5 Famous Historical Bad Guys (And Their Side Of The Story). Follow us on Facebook. Because we love you. Read the full article

[party-hard-or-die]

Protest, Glamour and Drama: 11 Snapshots From the Cannes Red Carpet

Yes, there was fashion. But what stood out at the 71st Cannes Film Festival were the various demonstrations: on behalf of women, Gaza, Brazilian Indians, racial equality and more.

Image

CreditPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Eighty-two women working in the film industry protested on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet last Saturday in a statement on how few films directed by women have been prize contenders at Cannes since 1946 (the number is 82 movies, compared to 1,645 movies directed by male directors).

The group included Cate Blanchett, the president of the festival jury this year, as well as other members of the jury: the actresses Kristen Stewart and Léa Seydoux, the filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and the singer Khadja Nin.

“Women are not a minority in the world, and yet our industry says the opposite,” said Agnes Varda, a French filmmaker, of the protesters’ concerns. “We want this to change.”

CreditAnne-Christine Poujoulat/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A group of black actresses, all dressed in Balmain, demonstrated against racism in the French film industry. The 16 women, who together wrote a book about their experiences called “Black Is Not My Job,” were joined on the carpet by Ms. Nin, center, a singer and a member of the festival’s jury.

In the book, according to Le Monde, Nadège Beausson-Diagne recalls a time when she was asked if she spoke “African,” and Aïssa Maïga denounces the slow pace of change in the industry.

CreditEric Gaillard/Reuters

Winnie Harlow, a model and the winner of Season 21 of “America’s Next Top Model,” had a shimmering moment on her way to the screening of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” on Tuesday. As Ms. Harlow ascended the stairs, her dress spread out over several steps and billowed dramatically in the breeze.

Cate Blanchett at the premiere of the film “Cold War.”CreditJoel C. Ryan/Invision, via Associated Press

At the premiere of “Cold War,” Cate Blanchett wore a dress by the Greek designer Mary Katrantzou that took six months to make. Ms. Katrantzou told Vogue that Ms. Blanchett had been inspired by her spring 2018 runway show, and the two came up with a piece that pulled from different elements of the collection.

CreditLoic Venance/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The cast and crew of “The Dead and the Other,” a film about the indigenous Kraho people of northern Brazil, held up placards protesting the treatment of Brazil’s Indians.

According to government data, there are about 900,000 Indians in Brazil (down from the estimated 3 to 5 million who lived in the country when settlers arrived in 1500), and 12.5 percent of the nation’s land belongs to them. Last year, the government made changes to the way land was demarcated for indigenous use, a move that activists worried would benefit large landowners rather than the country’s native population.

“The Dead and the Other” tracks the filmmakers’ experience living and collaborating with the Kraho people for nine months. It was shown in the Un Certain Regard category.

Diane Kruger at the screening of “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain).”CreditMatthias Nareyek/Getty Images

At the screening of “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain),” Diane Kruger, who won the best actress award at the festival last year, delivered old-school glamour in a sweeping dress by Armani Privé. Ms. Kruger sees the potential of Cannes to set an example for other similar events. “I think the festival is actively trying to set an example for the film industry and for other festivals,” Ms. Kruger told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s all about creating opportunities and awareness. The whole #MeToo movement has started that and we have to be vigilant with following up, and it definitely feels like the door is opening.”

CreditAlberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Though the dress code for Cannes is vaguely defined as black tie and evening wear, guests have complained about the enforcement of it by various monitors, saying that there is an effective ban on flat shoes for women. Kristen Stewart may have been silently protesting the unwritten rule when she took off her stilettos after posing for photographs. Or maybe her feet were just hurting.

CreditIan Langsdon/European Pressphoto Agency, via Shutterstock

At the premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Thandie Newton wore a custom gown by Vivienne Westwood that was printed with images of Star Wars figurines from Ms. Newton’s personal collection. All of them are franchise characters that were portrayed by black actors, including Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Mace Windu and John Boyega as Finn.

CreditValery Hache/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

CreditRegis Duvignau/Reuters

On the red carpet for the premiere of his film, “BlacKkKlansman,” about an African-American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s, Spike Lee wore a shirt, cap and sneakers with his film’s branding. At the news conference for his movie, which received a standing ovation, Mr. Lee accused President Donald J. Trump of exacerbating racial tensions. “This film to me is a wake-up call,” Mr. Lee said. “Stuff is happening, and it’s topsy-turvy, and fake has been trumpeted as the truth.”

CreditAndreas Rentz/Getty Images

Isabelle Huppert brought an edgy cool to the screening of “Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain)” with an Yves Saint Laurent sequined tuxedo jacket and fringed skirt. Ms. Huppert was the president of the festival’s jury in 2009.

CreditVianney Le Caer/Invision, via Associated Press

Filmmakers and actors observed a minute of silence on May 15 to honor the 60 Palestinian demonstrators who were killed by the Israeli forces last Monday by the border fence between Gaza and Israel. On the red carpet for the premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Manal Issa, an actress, held up a sign in protest.

The post Protest, Glamour and Drama: 11 Snapshots From the Cannes Red Carpet appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2rUgj5q via Breaking News

[dragnews]

Protest, Glamour and Drama: 11 Snapshots From the Cannes Red Carpet

Yes, there was fashion. But what stood out at the 71st Cannes Film Festival were the various demonstrations: on behalf of women, Gaza, Brazilian Indians, racial equality and more.

Image

CreditPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Eighty-two women working in the film industry protested on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet last Saturday in a statement on how few films directed by women have been prize contenders at Cannes since 1946 (the number is 82 movies, compared to 1,645 movies directed by male directors).

The group included Cate Blanchett, the president of the festival jury this year, as well as other members of the jury: the actresses Kristen Stewart and Léa Seydoux, the filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and the singer Khadja Nin.

“Women are not a minority in the world, and yet our industry says the opposite,” said Agnes Varda, a French filmmaker, of the protesters’ concerns. “We want this to change.”

CreditAnne-Christine Poujoulat/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A group of black actresses, all dressed in Balmain, demonstrated against racism in the French film industry. The 16 women, who together wrote a book about their experiences called “Black Is Not My Job,” were joined on the carpet by Ms. Nin, center, a singer and a member of the festival’s jury.

In the book, according to Le Monde, Nadège Beausson-Diagne recalls a time when she was asked if she spoke “African,” and Aïssa Maïga denounces the slow pace of change in the industry.

CreditEric Gaillard/Reuters

Winnie Harlow, a model and the winner of Season 21 of “America’s Next Top Model,” had a shimmering moment on her way to the screening of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” on Tuesday. As Ms. Harlow ascended the stairs, her dress spread out over several steps and billowed dramatically in the breeze.

Cate Blanchett at the premiere of the film “Cold War.”CreditJoel C. Ryan/Invision, via Associated Press

At the premiere of “Cold War,” Cate Blanchett wore a dress by the Greek designer Mary Katrantzou that took six months to make. Ms. Katrantzou told Vogue that Ms. Blanchett had been inspired by her spring 2018 runway show, and the two came up with a piece that pulled from different elements of the collection.

CreditLoic Venance/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The cast and crew of “The Dead and the Other,” a film about the indigenous Kraho people of northern Brazil, held up placards protesting the treatment of Brazil’s Indians.

According to government data, there are about 900,000 Indians in Brazil (down from the estimated 3 to 5 million who lived in the country when settlers arrived in 1500), and 12.5 percent of the nation’s land belongs to them. Last year, the government made changes to the way land was demarcated for indigenous use, a move that activists worried would benefit large landowners rather than the country’s native population.

“The Dead and the Other” tracks the filmmakers’ experience living and collaborating with the Kraho people for nine months. It was shown in the Un Certain Regard category.

Diane Kruger at the screening of “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain).”CreditMatthias Nareyek/Getty Images

At the screening of “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain),” Diane Kruger, who won the best actress award at the festival last year, delivered old-school glamour in a sweeping dress by Armani Privé. Ms. Kruger sees the potential of Cannes to set an example for other similar events. “I think the festival is actively trying to set an example for the film industry and for other festivals,” Ms. Kruger told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s all about creating opportunities and awareness. The whole #MeToo movement has started that and we have to be vigilant with following up, and it definitely feels like the door is opening.”

CreditAlberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Though the dress code for Cannes is vaguely defined as black tie and evening wear, guests have complained about the enforcement of it by various monitors, saying that there is an effective ban on flat shoes for women. Kristen Stewart may have been silently protesting the unwritten rule when she took off her stilettos after posing for photographs. Or maybe her feet were just hurting.

CreditIan Langsdon/European Pressphoto Agency, via Shutterstock

At the premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Thandie Newton wore a custom gown by Vivienne Westwood that was printed with images of Star Wars figurines from Ms. Newton’s personal collection. All of them are franchise characters that were portrayed by black actors, including Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Mace Windu and John Boyega as Finn.

CreditValery Hache/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

CreditRegis Duvignau/Reuters

On the red carpet for the premiere of his film, “BlacKkKlansman,” about an African-American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s, Spike Lee wore a shirt, cap and sneakers with his film’s branding. At the news conference for his movie, which received a standing ovation, Mr. Lee accused President Donald J. Trump of exacerbating racial tensions. “This film to me is a wake-up call,” Mr. Lee said. “Stuff is happening, and it’s topsy-turvy, and fake has been trumpeted as the truth.”

CreditAndreas Rentz/Getty Images

Isabelle Huppert brought an edgy cool to the screening of “Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain)” with an Yves Saint Laurent sequined tuxedo jacket and fringed skirt. Ms. Huppert was the president of the festival’s jury in 2009.

CreditVianney Le Caer/Invision, via Associated Press

Filmmakers and actors observed a minute of silence on May 15 to honor the 60 Palestinian demonstrators who were killed by the Israeli forces last Monday by the border fence between Gaza and Israel. On the red carpet for the premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Manal Issa, an actress, held up a sign in protest.

The post Protest, Glamour and Drama: 11 Snapshots From the Cannes Red Carpet appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2rUgj5q via Today News

[dani-qrt]

Protest, Glamour and Drama: 11 Snapshots From the Cannes Red Carpet

Yes, there was fashion. But what stood out at the 71st Cannes Film Festival were the various demonstrations: on behalf of women, Gaza, Brazilian Indians, racial equality and more.

Image

CreditPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Eighty-two women working in the film industry protested on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet last Saturday in a statement on how few films directed by women have been prize contenders at Cannes since 1946 (the number is 82 movies, compared to 1,645 movies directed by male directors).

The group included Cate Blanchett, the president of the festival jury this year, as well as other members of the jury: the actresses Kristen Stewart and Léa Seydoux, the filmmaker Ava DuVernay, and the singer Khadja Nin.

“Women are not a minority in the world, and yet our industry says the opposite,” said Agnes Varda, a French filmmaker, of the protesters’ concerns. “We want this to change.”

CreditAnne-Christine Poujoulat/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

A group of black actresses, all dressed in Balmain, demonstrated against racism in the French film industry. The 16 women, who together wrote a book about their experiences called “Black Is Not My Job,” were joined on the carpet by Ms. Nin, center, a singer and a member of the festival’s jury.

In the book, according to Le Monde, Nadège Beausson-Diagne recalls a time when she was asked if she spoke “African,” and Aïssa Maïga denounces the slow pace of change in the industry.

CreditEric Gaillard/Reuters

Winnie Harlow, a model and the winner of Season 21 of “America’s Next Top Model,” had a shimmering moment on her way to the screening of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” on Tuesday. As Ms. Harlow ascended the stairs, her dress spread out over several steps and billowed dramatically in the breeze.

Cate Blanchett at the premiere of the film “Cold War.”CreditJoel C. Ryan/Invision, via Associated Press

At the premiere of “Cold War,” Cate Blanchett wore a dress by the Greek designer Mary Katrantzou that took six months to make. Ms. Katrantzou told Vogue that Ms. Blanchett had been inspired by her spring 2018 runway show, and the two came up with a piece that pulled from different elements of the collection.

CreditLoic Venance/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The cast and crew of “The Dead and the Other,” a film about the indigenous Kraho people of northern Brazil, held up placards protesting the treatment of Brazil’s Indians.

According to government data, there are about 900,000 Indians in Brazil (down from the estimated 3 to 5 million who lived in the country when settlers arrived in 1500), and 12.5 percent of the nation’s land belongs to them. Last year, the government made changes to the way land was demarcated for indigenous use, a move that activists worried would benefit large landowners rather than the country’s native population.

“The Dead and the Other” tracks the filmmakers’ experience living and collaborating with the Kraho people for nine months. It was shown in the Un Certain Regard category.

Diane Kruger at the screening of “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain).”CreditMatthias Nareyek/Getty Images

At the screening of “Sink Or Swim (Le Grand Bain),” Diane Kruger, who won the best actress award at the festival last year, delivered old-school glamour in a sweeping dress by Armani Privé. Ms. Kruger sees the potential of Cannes to set an example for other similar events. “I think the festival is actively trying to set an example for the film industry and for other festivals,” Ms. Kruger told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s all about creating opportunities and awareness. The whole #MeToo movement has started that and we have to be vigilant with following up, and it definitely feels like the door is opening.”

CreditAlberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Though the dress code for Cannes is vaguely defined as black tie and evening wear, guests have complained about the enforcement of it by various monitors, saying that there is an effective ban on flat shoes for women. Kristen Stewart may have been silently protesting the unwritten rule when she took off her stilettos after posing for photographs. Or maybe her feet were just hurting.

CreditIan Langsdon/European Pressphoto Agency, via Shutterstock

At the premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Thandie Newton wore a custom gown by Vivienne Westwood that was printed with images of Star Wars figurines from Ms. Newton’s personal collection. All of them are franchise characters that were portrayed by black actors, including Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Mace Windu and John Boyega as Finn.

CreditValery Hache/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

CreditRegis Duvignau/Reuters

On the red carpet for the premiere of his film, “BlacKkKlansman,” about an African-American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s, Spike Lee wore a shirt, cap and sneakers with his film’s branding. At the news conference for his movie, which received a standing ovation, Mr. Lee accused President Donald J. Trump of exacerbating racial tensions. “This film to me is a wake-up call,” Mr. Lee said. “Stuff is happening, and it’s topsy-turvy, and fake has been trumpeted as the truth.”

CreditAndreas Rentz/Getty Images

Isabelle Huppert brought an edgy cool to the screening of “Sink or Swim (Le Grand Bain)” with an Yves Saint Laurent sequined tuxedo jacket and fringed skirt. Ms. Huppert was the president of the festival’s jury in 2009.

CreditVianney Le Caer/Invision, via Associated Press

Filmmakers and actors observed a minute of silence on May 15 to honor the 60 Palestinian demonstrators who were killed by the Israeli forces last Monday by the border fence between Gaza and Israel. On the red carpet for the premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” Manal Issa, an actress, held up a sign in protest.

The post Protest, Glamour and Drama: 11 Snapshots From the Cannes Red Carpet appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2rUgj5q via Online News

[dollietrent40-blog]

Is Actually Solar System In 10th Property Great For Occupation?

The astrology indication is actually merely a prediction indication and the moon sign is just a moon sign. By combining gravity and topography data accumulated through ancillaries, the researchers coming from Curtin University in Western Australia were able to use pc modelling to initially identify pair of basins on the far side from the Moon. Regard, acknowledgment, cash and also development pertain to you in great quantities today as the Moon relocates in to Virgo. Because the signboards offer out therefore quick, after doing a hunt of the globe wide web you will discover few stores that are performing pre-orders. Merely 12 individuals coming from Planet have been actually fortunate good enough to in fact stroll on the surface from an additional planet-- particularly, our moon. The Moon position offers insights regarding a person's domestic attribute as well as residence desires, and the type of partnership he (or even she) has had along with his mother or females generally. That is actually as straightforward as this: Our company have to take a rapid take a look at exactly what you are actually using to discover tattoo web sites. Moons take place every 29.5 times, and when it takes place twice in a month it is a blue moon. Rahu simply amplify the mental attribute of the Moon, Moon is the feminine planet, caring, caring and beneficial world, Rahu amplify all these top quality of the Moon. And also ultimately, considering that plants grow tall http://styleanddiet.info/ currently of year, this month's moon is actually at times gotten in touch with the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon. The Moon represented has a women account within, and is linked with delusion as well as deception. When the area comes to be dark, the moon can easily either be actually handled by means of a remote or even may be actually set to switch on. According to a current research study, Jupiter's moon Europa is developing a solid gravitational pull which is actually creating a lot more heat on the moon's ice-sheet that suffices to sustain a sub-surface ocean. This creates this so much more hard to go to, mine, and also return from with the refined material, than the Moon. There is actually where we see a trouble, in the course of the long lonely quest through room, the space shuttle would certainly not have out good safety setting to defend that. As an example, also at our moon, all those black patches are holes generated coming from space junk reaching that since the moon has no atmosphere. To start with, possesses any kind of pro advised to carry out swiftly on Thursdays, doing swiftly without asking could take untoward lead to life. The 12-inch laptop's quick and easy to hide in your knapsack amidst files as well as directories as well as you don't definitely experience its weight while carrying the IdeaPad U260 around. Coming from Gregorian chants to people tunes, as well as medieval ballads to carols, musicians as well as songwriters like Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell as well as Neil Young have actually maintained the bumped skin from the Moon inside the memory of enthusiasts, attributes fans, or even from astrologers. The outer wall structure from the Moon Property stands under an overhanging high cliff that has assisted to protect the interior from wind and storm. The Sunlight warms and also energises your property and also family members chart off the 20th, and there is actually a brand new moon from new beginnings there certainly on the 25th.

[touchpointpress]

Walter Brockmann is one of our new authors and our resident YA Fantasy specialist. I was pleased to be able to perform his first interview after the release of the first book in his The Seventh Order series. He will be signing books at Sports Dome Kenosha on Saturday, October the 14th from 1-3 p.m. If you’re in the area, swing by and ask the author your own questions. If you’re not, don’t worry you can still purchase his book from the TouchPoint Press bookstore or Amazon. And keep an eye out for the second book in The Seventh Order series, which he is currently writing. 

I know that you started writing when you were a kid. Did you keep your childhood stories? When did you first consider yourself a “real” writer? What do you think of those stories now?

I do! Well, my mom, technically, is the one who’s kept them, but I still have them. “Sharks” is a book I wrote in first grade, about…well, sharks, and there’s another about me and my friend Ben. We go to Pluto and meet some aliens. My writing style has matured since then, but I still like to write about space!

I probably first considered myself a “real” writer in high school, when I wrote my first novel. It was called “The StoryTeller,” and I’ve actually grabbed some characters and ideas from that book and used them in The Ruby-Eyed Child. Unfortunately, that one didn’t get picked up (to be honest, it wasn’t all that good) so the only way you can read it is if you talk to my friend Eric and get the copy I printed for him freshman year of college.

I have a special connection with everything I’ve ever written, even stuff that was pretty terrible! For instance, my first attempt at a novel was in fifth grade. I still have the spiral notebook I wrote it in. Obviously, the writing isn’t great, but to me, it’s something special because it reminds me of how long I’ve been doing this, and how much I love it. Even the little “books” I wrote when I was little mean a lot to me. I can’t ever remember a time when there weren’t stories in my head that needed to be told.

That’s awesome! So often, love of literature and the written word is developed at a young age. How did you choose TouchPoint Press when came time to submit The Ruby-Eyed Child for consideration? We encourage our authors to be involved in every process of the publishing process. How involved were you in this process?

I first was turned on to TPP by a college friend of mine. She suggested I submit, and here we are! As for the publishing process, I represented myself, so very involved! It was pretty cool to really be a part of the book from beginning to end.

What do you want your readers to know? What were you trying to say with your book? What is your motivation or reason for writing?

I’ll start by saying that people often find deeper meaning in my writing than I do myself! With that said, I do try to sneak in some different themes that I find particularly important.

Maybe I’ll get to elaborate on those themes at a later date. I have a very serious question for you now. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

I do! Kind of. My full name is Justin Walter Brockmann, so I go by J. Walter Brockmann. I think it has a nice ring to it.

The Ruby-Eyed Child is a character-driven story. All of the characters are unique and play integral, and sometimes surprising, roles. How do you handle your characters in your mind? How realistic are they and their world? Do you think it’s important to have real, physical inspiration or models or not? If characters aren’t difficult to write, what is your “writing kryptonite”?

I think my stories are pretty character-driven…at least that’s the goal! My characters are very real to me, and when I’m thinking about plot, I often find myself impersonating them. I think it helps me get into the mindset of ‘what would this character really do or say in this situation?’ So I’ll have little conversations with myself between characters. Probably looks kinda weird at the coffee shop, but hey…writers are pretty weird.

As for what, in particular, my characters look like, that honestly isn’t that important to me. Sure, I like to have a basic idea, but I think, for the most part, a well-written character shouldn’t have to be described much. They should jump off the page at you not because of how they’re described but because of who they are, what they say and do. So when I write, I try to “feel” the character more than I try to see them, if that makes any sense.

My writing kryptonite is probably pacing. I tend to get excited about what I’m writing and try to get through things too fast.

Ever since reading your manuscript, I’ve wanted to ask you one very important question: How did you name your characters? I love Spawn’s name. I don’t know why it suits her – it shouldn’t – but it does! What was your favorite and/or least favorite character to develop and write about?

Ah! I’ve actually had quite a few people bring this up. I’m glad people like them! I don’t have a “formula” for naming characters. I occasionally use an online name generator (don’t tell anyone!) but I don’t think I’ve ever taken a name straight from it, just ideas. I try to come up with a name that fits into both the character and the world.

In The Ruby-Eyed Child, I decided to go with more nature-based names for the elves, simple names for the humans, gruff names for dwarves, and old/biblical names for vampires. I’m still working on the ghouls. (I only had to name one in the first book!) Once I have the category, I try to find something that fits the character well. I think the name of a character is the most underrated part of really making him/her pop off the page, so I spend a lot of time on it.

My favorite character to write about was Cord. He’s my favorite overall character, and I’m excited about adding some depth to his character and letting you guys see more of him in the coming books. My least favorite character to write about was probably Grunchik. I felt like I had a difficult time encapsulating what he was supposed to be, and I ended up sort of all over the place with him.

Well, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the characters in the next book. Are there any little hints or tidbits that you can give your fans? Also, do you have any non-series writing plans?

Well, I can’t tell you too much! With that said, The Olympiad of Races is going to play a pretty big role in the coming books, so I’m excited to see how that turns out. Outside of this particular series, I’m always working on things! Right now, I have a series of short, episodic type stories called “Rooster & the Building” that I’m working on. It’s very weird and more sci-fi than I usually write, but it’s been fun!

You seem to embody the joy that is supposed to be a part of the writing process, but it’s not all fun and games. What has been the hardest part of the writing process? The editing process?

The hardest part of the writing process, for me, is the time that it takes to put together a good book. It’s hard to sit down with an idea in your head, start working on it, and say, “I won’t have much to show for this for a year, maybe two years.” That’s tough. But it’s worth it when it all comes together.

The hardest part of the editing process…boy. Writers don’t like editing, you know? I would probably say, and hopefully, this will make sense: I would say it gets really, really difficult to step back and read the book like a reader would. You get so close to the story, to every line, almost, that it makes tough to pull yourself back and feel it the way a reader would.

So tell me, where does the magic happen? What writing habits do you have, and are you a paper person or a computer person?

Oh, computer for sure. I wrote some of my very early stuff (late middle school/early high school) by hand, and it was terrible. There’s no backup copy, it hurt my hand, and it’s almost literally impossible to read what I write. (I somehow make my g’s look like s’s, and that’s just the start.) I actually do most of my writing at either Starbucks or the library. I don’t like to do it in a place like my house because it’s too familiar and too easy to get distracted.

I understand the handwriting thing. I have to concentrate really hard if I want to write something that someone else can read. Maybe it’s just a writer thing. Does your bookshelf reflect your own writings? I have found that the answer isn’t always yes. What do you love about your genre?

Definitely. Ha. Pretty much all I read is YA fiction…weird, dystopian, fantasy YA fiction. I started reading it in middle school, and I guess I never really grew out of it! I love strange, different worlds, whether it’s writing about them or reading them.

Weird?…Huh. I don’t know what you’d classify as weird, but I think it’s great that you write what you love! Do you want your work to fit into your favorite genre or stand out? How did you manage either?

I want it to do a little of both. I want it to appeal to lovers of my genre (for The Ruby-Eyed Child, it’s fantasy), but I also want it to stand out within that genre. I think you do that by trying to bring a fresh take on old ideas. For this book, it’s taking common fantasy characters (elves, vampires, etc.) and putting them into a different world than you normally see: more of a dingy, industrial world, but a world still ruled by magic.

I know that you have recently gone through some big changes in your life. So how do you balance your work, writing, and family lives?

Man! Great question. It isn’t easy all the time, that’s for sure. I got married about a month ago, which obviously changes things quite a bit, but I’ve found time to get some writing done. I usually write in the evenings while my wife is in class.

Are you part of any writing/reading groups, or is writing a private experience for you?

Writing tends to be a very private experience for me…I’m not sure why. I’m a little bit self-conscious about my work, to be honest, and I don’t like people to see until it’s finished. I have a couple of people who read my work, and who I bounce ideas off of, but besides them, really no one sees it until it’s a finished product.

I know that The Ruby-Eyed Child hasn’t been out for long, but I’ve already noticed a lot of positive feedback from readers. With any positive feedback you receive, you’re sure to receive a share of criticism. How do you handle criticism? Do you ever google yourself or read reviews for your work? Do you actively seek out positive criticism?

I handle it okay, for the most part. I have a couple of very supportive text messages from a few people that I’ve saved over the years for when I get frustrated. But for the most part, I understand that I’m not a perfect writer, and not everyone is going to like what I do. I don’t Google myself often and I’m not particularly concerned with finding positive criticism. Positive feedback is great, and necessary, but I think it’s more valuable to address the weaker spots in your writing.

That’s a great answer! What do you plan to do with your first royalty check?

It depends on how big it is, right? In reality, I’ll probably save it. I just got married, and we’re looking to buy our first house, so that’s the main focus on the financial side right now!

Do you have any writing/editing pet peeves?

Not really, honestly. I have a few things about my own writing…I get into bad habits of using the same things over and over or trying to make things overly obvious when I write, so that bugs me about my own stuff a little bit. But besides that, not much.

What have you learned since you first started writing? Has the way that you approach writing/editing/publishing changed?

Oh my gosh…the answer to this question could probably fill a book. I would say that recently, and I was just talking with my wife about this, I’ve really been trying to consider sort of the point between the micro and the macro when writing a novel. Somewhere along the way, what you’re writing ceases to be a collection of individual letters or words and instead becomes a single entity, and I guess I’m trying to learn what that means and what it looks like to understand how these ten thousand individual keystrokes come together to be this single story.

Wow, I’ve never stopped to think about how that all comes together. It’s truly amazing. I see that you aren’t actually a first-time author. The Ruby-Eyed Child is the first book you’ve published through TouchPoint Press, but it isn’t your first published work. Can you talk a little bit about your other works? How they came about being written and published, and how they cross genres/mediums?

Definitely! I have a couple of different things available, including Rooster, which I mentioned above. I also have a collection of short stories available titled “The Attempted Love Life of Rudy Campbell & Other Short Stories.” I actually shot a short film based on one of the stories in the book, “Richard Blatt and the Magik Elixir.” It’s a pretty light-hearted story, and will be out on Youtube soon!

I’ll keep an eye out for it! What question are you dying to answer? This is your chance to ask yourself one question.

I always like when people ask me how long I’ve been writing because the answer is quite literally my entire life. And I like answering that question because it shows how much work has really gone into this, and how much I love what I do.

What is the most underrated book/author in your opinion?

Another tough one. This is maybe a weird answer, but I’m going to go with “Maniac McGee” by Jerry Spinelli. It’s pretty popular, I guess, so I don’t know how underrated it is. It’s a middle-grade book, but I read it for about the tenth time not that long ago, and it’s just super relevant to everything that’s going on right now. I think it was great!

Okay, and the last question. Drum roll, please! This is super important. What does literary success look like to you?

In a way, I think it’s something I’ve already achieved because every day I get the chance to sit down and do what I love – and that’s been true since long before I ever published anything, or anyone had even ever read what I wrote. In fact, I think anyone who spends time telling stories they love has achieved that success.

You can find out more about J. Walter Brockmann the author of The Ruby-Eyed Child and connect with him through the TouchPoint Press Website, Amazon, or Goodreads.

Happy reading! Let us know if you are already a fan of The Ruby-Eyed Child, and make sure to check our website for more information about author appearances and upcoming books soon.

                            Meet J. Walter Brockmann, Author of the Ruby-Eyed Child Walter Brockmann is one of our new authors and our resident YA Fantasy specialist. I was pleased to be able to perform his first interview after the release of the first book in his The Seventh Order series.