#also scoring a goal would be cool have u considered that

[mattymartin]

↳ MAT BARZAL AT INTERMISSION | NYI v. TOR | 12.31.24

[venenatd]

atsumu x reader; motion sickness - chapter three.

summary; atsumu wants to get to know reader better, and somehow convinces her to take him to the ice rink

content warnings; nsfw content, public sex, unprotected sex (nothing will come from it), dom/sub undertones

a/n; i hope u enjoy!! i think from here on out i get more into the swing of things and much prefer my writing so i hope u do too! reblogs/thoughts are v appreciated <3

ao3 | series masterlist | main masterlist | 18+ minors dni

Choosing to wake up alone means the bed is cool and spacious. You can roll over and feel nothing. Sheets fold against your body, swallowing you whole. No need to tug them away, they are all for you. You push the thoughts away too, the idea that there could have been a warmth to tuck into. All throughout your routine you ignore how someone else could fit into it. 

Breakfast alone stings a little more, the hotel full of families and teams. You’re more aware now at the buffet, of the many muscular men that stand around in groups. They pile plates high of the day's energy. Wildebeest at the watering hole, you note to yourself. If there was anyone to eye roll at, you would. You notice you don’t see a certain head of toned blond hair. Not that you’re looking for it, you remind yourself.

People watching is best done on your own however, and your eyes flit between young couples, children spilling honey down their chins, and people desperate for the relief of caffeine. 

Alone is safe and comforting. An observer, as Faiz would often call you. Watching and analysing and playing with the stories in your mind. You can live through the honeyed child, the tired parent. Give them a job, a goal, a life. It’s fun to enter their space, if for a moment. 

The moment ends as Faiz breaks into your thoughts, fragments of faux futures shatter around you. “I have a challenge for you today.” 

“Oh?” 

“I want you to trust me,” the cheeky glint in his eye makes you want to do anything but.

“You already know I do.” His overjoyed energy is infectious, and your morning of distraction in other people’s brains has been replaced. You can feed off him to feel full. “What are you planning?” 

“So, before you ask he’s down,” he begins, grinning at your raised brow, “but I think you should work with Makito today.” You chew on your toast for a minute, thinking through what Faiz is really asking. Or telling, as is more often when it comes to your coach. 

“It’s for p—”

“Passion, you dumbass.” 

“—ssion, isn’t it? Oi.” you go to flick his forehead, but he’s too quick and instead gets yours. “Ow, Faiz. Insulting and hurting me? Your favourite skater?” 

“My favourite skater you may be, but you also need to score well. And I’ve got a plan.” 

He drones on for a while, about how working with Makito is going to help create an environment where you’re performing for someone in particular. If you are embers, he will try and find someone or something to breathe the fire into you. You see how much he’s thought about this, and hey, you’re willing to give it a go if it might help. 

As you make your leave from the hotel restaurant, you bump into something. Firm and tall and moving in such an ecstatic manner that it’s almost difficult to believe it’s so early in the morning. The someone grabs your shoulders, almost picking you up to move you to his side. You fluster, and they lean down to you.

“Sorry, sorry! Apparently way too hungry for breakfast,” his voice is deep but keeps the same energy as his movements. “Wait, do I know you?” 

And then you see it. Another flashback to your night of heavy drinking. A shock of white and black hair, and bird-like features. “Barely, I think. I was drinking with your,” you’re not sure what term to settle on, “teammate, I think? Atsumu?”

“Yes, Tsum Tsum’s girl! Hey!” 

“I’m not—”

“She’s not—”

And there he is. Sun gold hair still damp from an early shower. He looks like the warmth you were missing that morning. You didn’t miss it, you correct your runaway thoughts. It’s just a feeling you were once used to. 

“Oh. Awkward. Well, breakfast calls!”

Like that the owl flees the nest. 

“I should get going,” you say, shuffling past him as an attempt to run from the atmosphere. You don’t need to talk about it, or what you did. Hookups are a lot easier when you’re not both staying at the same hotel. 

“I meant what I said, by the way,” he calls after you, waiting a second for you to turn. You shouldn’t turn around. Not if you don’t want to give him the chance to offer again. But it’s like his voice has a command over you, and you pause briefly. He rewards you with the easy curl of his lips and the way it shows in his cheeks. A small flash of hope in his eyes. “I’ll teach you a spike for a spin.” 

At least there’s someone for you to roll your eyes at now. 

“You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”

“Glad ya keepin’ up.”

Atsumu is quickly realising that you don’t quite speak your mind. It’s always you won’t take no, you don’t have to. It’s so far never been, I’m interested, I want that. There’s something about the way your brain is wired that makes him curious. Not that he would tell you about the other women that have flit through his life, but his type usually falls under demanding, high strung. Osamu would tease him that he dates reflections of himself. They could barely be considered dates, if he really looks into it. It’s always to bars and parties, his ‘date’ enjoying the expensive alcohol or his teammates. 

Maybe he does have a jealous streak. When he goes for those who throw themselves at him, he never quite expects them to do the same to his teammates in turn. It’s nice to be wanted though, if only as a stepping stone. 

If you are not demanding, it would only be natural to assume you are easy or effortless. But you are not that either. You need persuasion and nudging to agree to the course you want anyway. 

You are a curiosity, Atsumu thinks as you enter the rink together. His practice isn’t till late, your schedules are so perfectly mis-aligned. 

The not-boyfriend from the bar is here too, pushing off the seats to greet you. Atsumu stays back and lets you explain the situation, giving a polite nod when Faiz is introduced as your coach. He relaxes more when Faiz gives him a grin, one that spills with knowledge of late night escapades.

“So, you’re the guy?” 

“Am I the guy?” he questions you, and as your eyes once again move to roll, he speaks again, “y’know, your eyes might get stuck like that one day.” 

“I told her the same thing!” Faiz laughs, patting Atsumu’s back. “She’s always doing it too, as if I’m so below her.”

“Both of you should stop talking.” It’s cute, he thinks. Your little pout that you probably think looks oh so stern. Brows knitted and a finger to your temple. A kindergartner would laugh in your face. 

“Faiz, I hate to break it to you. But she didn’t deny it.” His hand squeezes Faiz’s shoulder, a look of woe playing on his face. The coach responds with a hand clasped to his chest, stepping back as if your words have shot him. 

He mutters your name under his breath, as if shocked by the revelation. “You’ve been using me all this time? And here I thought we were friends.” Faiz looks between you, lips trying so hard to fight a smile, and the beaming blonde next to him. “And him? You’re using him for se—”

Your eyes widen, and your hand immediately goes to slap your palm over Faiz’s mouth. “Okay! Okay, I get it! Very funny Faiz, very funny Atsumu. You’re both first class athletes and comedians.” 

There’s murmuring that comes from the fingers covering Faiz, and you open them just enough for Faiz to let you, “was it any good at least?” before you close them again. 

Atsumu goes to open his mouth, goes to prod more fun in your direction. But your hand goes from Faiz’s mouth, to his hand, and you’re pulling him and his words away. 

“Please not in the locker room,” Faiz calls in your general direction, to which you pull your signature middle finger back at him. 

“Are we gonna do it in the locker room?” Atsumu asks, praying the slight element of hope is hidden by the teasing. How easy it would be to guide your hand in his, move it towards your waistband.

“You wish.” He does.

“I like your coach.” Atsumu leans against the rows of lockers, watching you swap shoes for skates, “seems more fun than mine.”

“He knows me better than anyone. And he’s honest, doesn’t hide anything,” you speak as if it's routine. A question that has an automatic answer. “I already regret letting you two meet.”

“Oh c’mon, Golide,” he trails after you, admiring how on earth you can walk so comfortably on blades. “We both know you enjoy it.” 

“You need me to say it?” you question as you step on the ice, whisking away before he can respond. 

Maybe he doesn’t need you to say it, but he certainly wants you to. There’s elements of your attitude that Atsumu wants to learn. Why you very clearly have walls up, and how he can seep into the cracks. 

Faiz comes to stand next to him, both of them watching as you move across the ice. Now you do seem effortless. Atsumu is sure it takes huge effort for you to push yourself across the ice, but somehow it looks like you prefer it to walking. 

“So,” Faiz begins, and Atsumu knows the tone of the protective friend, “you like her?” 

As much as you can after hanging out with someone a couple of times. Atsumu knows he’s become curious. Is that liking you? It sounds like something a teenager would say. So far he knows he likes aspects of you. Your smile, first of all. The banter between you both is easy, it keeps him on his toes. Your moans and sarcasm are both equally sweet. 

“Something like that.”

Faiz hums thoughtfully and Atsumu thinks he’s not going to do it, and that he doesn’t need to make any promises. “Just be nice to her. She deserves that.” 

It’s a weird way to phrase don’t hurt her, but Atsumu nods nonetheless. Just like that the men are back to smooth and easy jokes and discussions of career. 

Eventually another man, the other not-boyfriend Atsumu recalls, joins them, and Faiz bids his goodbyes. They both go towards you on the rink, and so your new lesson begins.

Makito is almost giddy to work with you. His movements are too quick and too erratic for you to feel calm. Your head is usually clear in practice. Knowing where the exact places your skates should be, the extension of your hands. But it’s fogged doing it with someone else, as well as knowing two pairs of eyes are watching. 

You had begun by simply holding on to one another, doing the most basic of motions to make sure you were working together well, and that no one was going to trip over the other. Deeming it a success, Faiz had moved onto the next challenge. 

“Remember, this is all about feeling with Makito,” he instructs, putting both your hands on each other, “I want to see you responding to him. Acting the part.” Pretending to be in love is what he really means. 

You both move across the ice, you’re meant to be jumping into Makito’s lap and the two of you leaning back to balance the weight. The idea is to make it look sexy, alluring, erotic. All words that you think far from describe you. 

From the edge of the rink Atsumu wolf whistles, and he imagines the eye roll, although he’s not sure he likes the idea of that so much when you’re seated in someone else's lap. 

“Makito, how did that feel?” Faiz quizzes.

He winces, looking sheepishly towards you before he answers. “Like she thought she was going to fall.” 

“Did you think you were going to fall?” He directs the question your way, but you think he knows the answer. Curse him understanding you inside and out. 

“I- I don’t know. Trying so hard to look romantic I didn’t think about much else.” 

It goes on like that for long enough that you’re both sweating. The same song plays on repeat as you go through set movements again and again. It makes it feel like both so much and so little time is passing. Even Atsumu is just flicking through his phone now. Why did you say yes to him coming again? You know Faiz can feel your agitation, the way you bristle each time he instructs you to look a certain way. If trying your best was enough, you’d be done by now. 

“Go. Take a break,” Faiz instructs. He’ll give you some time to cool off as he always does, letting you work it out isolated. It’s what works best for your brain. A whole other routine, walking away and turning music up far too loud. Stewing in it all. Absorbing yourself in the negative feelings until you can push them away or find something to distract yourself from them. 

It feels like you should be alone this time. Too many wrong buttons pushed and you could snap at someone only to regret it. Too bad for you that you said yes to your newest irritant. 

“You looked awesome” Atsumu begins, looking up from whatever feed he’s swiping through. He can barely finish the sentence before your face causes him to falter. 

There are two pairs of steps echoing down the hallway, the creak of a rusty hinge swinging twice. Hopes of a lonesome sanctuary in the locker room are dashed.

“Hey, you okay?”

His face is full of concern, which puzzles you. Your fingers struggle to unlace your shoes. Must you struggle with everything when it comes to your profession? Maybe a distraction would be better. 

“Goldie?” 

The nickname bounces around in your mind, coupled with I’ve got you. Your shoes are off and next comes your sweater. Tugging it over your head and discarding it unceremoniously on the floor. 

“Do you need anything?”

Perspiration still clings to your body, coming down from your workout on the ice. He is standing there, so big, so broad. It’s like a magnet is drawing you closer. He is a distraction wrapped in an aggravatingly handsome face and strong body. 

“Yes, I do.”

His eyes flick down to your chest, heaving and covered in a sheen of sweat. Not the time, Atsumu. You’re looking up at him through your lashes, and his lips part, thinking about- not the time. He thought it was annoyance in your eyes, but the darkness seems to hold a different weight. Fists are balled by your side, and he’s not sure if you’re holding yourself back from punching a wall or something else. 

“Fuck me, Atsumu.” 

“What?” His brain is short circuiting, he thinks. ‘It’s not the time’ he repeats again and again. He’d promised to be nice to you and suddenly he’s not sure if that means talking you down or engaging with you in all the ways he wants to. 

“You wanted to, right? Just fuck me.”

All of your body language is screaming at him to grab you and pull you in. Your palm crosses against his pectorals, your fingers curling to tease your nails down past his naval. 

“You want me to beg Atsumu?” On tip toes you can push your body against his. Low and whispered against your voice is at the shell of his ear. “You want me to say please?”

The tensing of his muscles underneath his shirt makes you not want to pull away. You want Atsumu to want you. No, you want him to need you. To show you that you’re good for something. So you fall back on your feet, starting to turn away, heart dropping for a moment when he stays still. Maybe you’re the desperate one. 

But then his hand grips around your arm, pushing you firmly against the row of lockers. His mouth crushes yours before you can even think of teasing him. Gripping under your ass, he brings your legs around his waist. You smile into the kiss as you notice he’s already half hard. 

He almost growls into your sigh, realising that he does not have easy access to you like this. Slow ruts against you, easily bringing you against his crotch as Atsumu keeps you stuck between his body and the lockers. He needs convincing to let you away from him for even a second. “Say it again.” 

“Please Atsumu. Please fuck me.”

It tips him over, sends him into some sort of feral need for your cunt. Dropping and rotating you, pushing you back up against the cool metal. 

Fingers rip at your leggings and panties, rolling them just far enough down your ass. You think he may manage to leave you with bruises when he grabs your hips again. He is always on you, whether it’s his tongue on your neck, his hands pulling down your cami to cup your tits. 

Your hands scramble behind you, desperately trying to pull at his pants. He’s quick to entertain you, bringing them down and tugging his cock a few times. 

Foreplay be fucking damned. You think you’re wet enough, or at least the stretch and burn of Atsumu buried inside you will be enough to sedate your over active mind. “I need you inside me. I n- need you to fill me, ‘Tsumu.”

As much as Atsumu wants to treasure your body, give you all that you deserve, the pure desire that fills your voice drives him into a new space entirely. 

His head presses at that tight ring of muscle, letting himself be lathered in your slick. Gathering spit in his mouth, he pushes it between his teeth to let it slowly drop on his cock. You whine, begging more and more. Pushing yourself back on him as best you can with your waistband keeping your thighs pressed together. 

Atsumu’s thumb pushes his spit around your already stretched hole, then moving down to press against your clit. It’s enough for him to fully sheath himself, giving you the delicious burn you were hoping for. 

You’ve never been fucked like this. Never been needy enough to beg for it, and fuck, maybe it’s because Atsumu seemed so eager to make you feel good before. Maybe it’s that you know you don’t have to feel anything more than his length pushing against your satin walls again and again. You’ll go home, and all the deranged things your mind made you do can stay here. 

Words fall from your lips, you’ve been the one talking- begging so far. “Harder, please, please, please, fuck yes.” One large hand is holding your elbows together behind you, the other plucking at your nipples or passing over your clit. He can’t make his mind up, each one drawing a new sound from you until you're babbling under him. Going from nothing to having Atsumu smacking his hips against your ass, oversensitive everywhere as you’re grabbed and played with.

“Yeah? You can’t even beg for it anymore, huh?” 

Glazed over eyes look back at him, as if his cock has been a complete shock to your system. 

But you’re defiant. “P-Please,” he makes out through your gritted teeth. 

It makes him think of things you both could do. Things that need safe words and more trust than he feels you’re willing to give. 

He’s close, feeling his abdomen and thighs tingle and tighten. There’s some part of him that wants you to be open to ideas, open to the trust that they’d need. He would need it. 

Quick thrusts slow. Atsumu moves deep and slow, his hand letting your arms go and wrapping under your chest. He almost fully pulls out before driving back in, leaving you gulping for air in short gasps. His fingers massage your clit, and instead of mocking you he’s whispering encouragement. 

“You feel so good, so, hah, s’fuckin’ good. Wan— wanna make you feel it all, wanna make you feel good.” 

You don’t even realise your satin walls are fluttering around him, but Atsumu does. The tightness of your pussy around him makes him want to fill you up with his cum, and then he realises. No condom. Fuck. He looks at your fucked out face, eyebrows raising in bliss.

More whispered praise against your ear, and now you can feel it too. The coil in your stomach that’s making you tighten, making you open your eyes in surprise. He’s not saying it, but all you can think about is Atsumu saying “I’ve got you” because you’re so sure he does. Holding you up and close to his body, wanting you to also feel the pleasure you can see etched across his handsome features. 

Before you realise it’s happening you're falling, spasming around his cock. Repeating “‘Tsumu, ‘tsumu, ‘tsumu” in a rapturous melody. Moans echo around the locker room, and Atsumu’s pulling out from between your plush folds, leaving you to clench around nothing. His cum coats your ass, jerking himself off to completion, wishing so hard it was your cunt milking every drop from him. 

Slow and sweet kisses pepper your shoulder and neck, the cheek that isn’t pressed into the metal. “You feel good?” he says softly between pecks. 

“Yeah, I… I needed that.” His thumbs massage into your hips, as if he’s working out the bruises that will definitely be there tomorrow. It’s another show of care that leaves you unsettled. “Feel better without your cum on my ass.”

Atsumu lets out a low chuckle, and he steps back to admire his work. A pretty painting, if he says so himself. Tucking himself away, he has to leave you standing awkwardly to run and grab tissues. There’s sincerity in how he cleans you up too, not quick and hurried as he should be. His fingers smooth over the curve of your ass, leaving more kisses in his wake. 

Once you’re clean, he neatens your hair and pulls your leggings back up. You smooth out your smudged mascara and you both head back towards the rink. It’s too quiet for too long, but before you can interrupt the silence he does.

“You wanna talk about it?” 

“Hmm?” you hum.

“You said you needed it. Frustrated about something?” 

The cold hits you both as you push open the doors into the rink. Makito and Faiz nod at you both before going back to their conversation. Probably about how much you suck at anything close to passion, you think, the feelings you’d just managed to smother becoming too quick to resurface. 

“Uh, yeah, I guess.” His eyebrows deepen and his brown eyes are full of so much sincerity you can’t help but go on. “So, I did pairs skating for a while, like what you saw earlier.”

He lets out little hums as you talk, reassuring notes of interest. “But then I moved to singles, and lost the spark and, uh—”

“The passion.” Fuck Faiz and his fucking passion. Atsumu grins at him for a moment, and you’re waiting for the onslaught of teasing to begin, but it doesn’t. His eyes return to you, his smile stays, dropping from cheeky into something softer. 

“That. Passion, the desire, the,” you gesture wildly, “the stuff that turns it from spins and jumps into a performance.” 

“And that’s what you were doing with your friend?” Atsumu points at Makito. 

“The lift? Yeah, seeing if I’ve still got it in pairs.”

In a flash Atsumu is lifting you for the second time today, grabbing you by the waist despite your “hey!” Your legs instinctively wrap around his waist, the breath being pulled from you as he manhandles you easily. 

One large palm spreads across your back, and your body is running on it’s latest experience, curving back. Is he also thinking about what just happened, thinking about how he was going to take you like this? His face still holds onto something dark, his eyes lingering with lust. You pray your own doesn’t betray you, that you can feign it as surprise. 

“That’s it! That’s the look!” Atsumu and you both turn to your coach. 

His eyes wide and excited, both hands pointing at your face. Faiz is almost jumping up and down on the spot. “That’s what will make people notice! You did it!”

Your cheeks warm, watching Atsumu try to lean back also, replicating what he saw Makito do earlier. He’s strong and beautiful and everything you’re sure many women want. But with his eyebrows drawn in deep concentration, trying so hard to be elegant… He looks utterly ridiculous. Like that you’re giggling, hands having to loop around his neck to keep yourself from laughing your way to the floor. 

You sound so good when you laugh. The challenge of getting it out of you is what first caught Atsumu. A smile made his drunken self feel gooey. Now sober, the noise of you trying to even your breathing as you give him a full bodied laugh. It makes him want to cup your face, marvel at your eyes creasing, the way the corners of your lips curl. 

“And it’s gone again.” Faiz sighs, but it’s warm and full of so many emotions but not disappointment. 

Eyes full of sweet browns and honey catch you off guard. He’s looking too intently at you. Your smile fades, body going more rigid in his hands. Atsumu lets you drop, making sure you’re steady before his hands move from your waist. 

Practice starts back up, Atsumu watching from the sidelines. He can’t hear the discussion well enough between the trio on the ice, and soon his attention splits back between you and his phone.

His thumbs move quickly, typing out a ‘you’ll never believe what just happened’ to the MSBY group chat before he pauses, and presses against the backspace. To share what just happened feels wrong. It felt a little too personal. You needed him for a moment. If he was to tell the team, it’d be a fun anecdote. There’s the chance they could piece together it was with you, and if he can convince you to come to a game… 

Atsumu doesn’t want to mess it up. 

So instead his fingers take him to a different message, and start to type again.

Me // 11:21am

>> oi, i got a question for u

Samu🍙 // 11:24am

>> yes you need to wash everywhere. including there. 

Me // 11:24am

>> ok

>> guess i’ll ask someone else

>> scrub

Samu🍙 // 11:24am

>> don’t be a baby

>> what’s up

His quick typing stops for a moment, watching you jump into Makito’s lap once more, and then the three of you are grinning and high fiving. 

Me // 11:25am

>> have u ever liked someone 

>> like liked

Samu🍙// 11:25am

>> are you 12 years old 

>> i’ve had literal girlfriends

>> i’m trying to get ready for the lunch rush and you’re asking me about crushes?

Me // 11:25am

>> is a few days too soon to know

Samu🍙// 11:26am

>> depends i guess

>> you like someone?

Atsumu doesn’t know how to respond to that, so just hits the call button. 

“I told you I’m tryna be prepared,” Osamu immediately berates his older brother, talking about how there’s only so much time before he’s going to be swarmed. 

“Well, if ya shut it for a minute, I’d be able to talk.”

“Fine. So who’s my favorite twin crushin’ on?” he asks the question in a song, making Atsumu regret the call in the first place.

“I’m your only twin, dumbass,” he mutters, interrupting Osamu before they go off topic again. “I don’t know if I like her. We’ve hooked up a few times,” a gross comes from down the line, “but she’s just cool. I don’t know, dude. I just want to get to know her more.” 

“So what does it matter if you like her? Just get to know her.” Coming from Osamu it seems simpler. Sometimes his thoughts can run off, get muddled and confused and overwhelming. But Osamu’s always been the calmer, the one who can keep him on track and call him out when he needs it. If Atsumu is a boat in a storm, Osamu is the anchor. 

A few more words are spoken back and forth, general housekeeping to know what’s happening in each other's lives, before Osamu has to work, and Atsumu is left with his thoughts. There’s still that annoying doubt at the back of his mind. A little worm that’s dug so far down, even with someone else helping it’s hard to get out. 

What if you don’t like him?

You apologise for his cold rosy cheeks and how long he had to sit and watch. He reassures you that he had fun, the both of you headed back outside into the heat of the city. You fall into place easily next to one another, walking by the river rather than ordering a car back to the hotel. Atsumu had persuaded you, protesting that without the warmth of the sun, how could he ever regain feeling in his nose. 

“Next time you’ll have to get me on the ice.”

“You already impressed Faiz so much, are you sure you’re ready for the career change?” 

“I’m sure a publicist could work it,” he’s quick to respond, holding hands out wide in front of the both of you, “I can see it now. The great Miya Atsumu conquers the ice skating world. Is there anything he can’t get gold in?” 

“Real humble, Miya,” you say with an exasperated smile. 

“Miya?” he echoes, “and here I thought I was gonna get a nickname.”

You’re either looking up at him with a quizzical stare or the afternoon sun is in your eyes. Either way Atsumu notes that it’s a cute expression, one that brings out the flecks of colour in your irises. 

Pausing for a moment, people shuffle around you, going about their days in the city. Bringing his lips to your ear, you can feel the width of his smile on your cheek. “‘Tsumu, ‘Tsumu, please ‘Tsumu” he whispers the whines - your whines - much to your dismay. 

Pushing him away, you’re only reminded of the hard planes of his abs, and now there’s definitely heat rising in your face. “Shut it Miya,” you wish you said with more defiance. Your grumble let’s him know he’s won your embarrassment.

“Thought ya liked it when I talked,” he teases, twisting you around by the shoulder to keep walking. The way you try and avoid eye contact only makes him want it more, and deciding between poking fun and giving in is all too difficult. 

You come around quickly though, Atsumu using his seemingly effortless charisma to smooth over jokes, bring you back out of your shell. There’s a feeling that he can, innately, get people on his side. Despite his seeming arrogance and over-confidence, he takes the quips you throw at him on his shoulder. Letting deep chuckles spill off his tongue and reassuring touches whenever he responds in a similar jest. 

Atsumu tugs you left and right, pointing your way back to the hotel with ease. The walk proves longer than the twenty minutes Google Maps promised you, trusting Atsumu when he says he ‘knows these streets like the back of his hand’. He does know them pretty well, at least knows that right turns should in fact be left. But the banter and laughter you two are sharing is doing more to him than the sun. It’s still surface level, discussions about plans for the week, where your home is. There’s a segment featuring each of your favorite colours, foods and films. 

“Really? Rear Window?”

“What? It’s a classic!” 

“The fact that you’ve even seen it surprises me.”

He goes on to explain that yes, it was the only film available at the hotel, but that he admired the determination of the main character. You wouldn’t have pegged him for watching anything considered old, or classic, let alone admiring the story. “And Grace Kelly, right?”

“I mean,” he begins sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck “yeah but—” 

Your giggles quiet him. 

Eventually you’re back where it began, standing outside the hotel looking at one another. 

“So, are you goin’ give me your number or am I goin’ to have to beg you for it?”

“Oh, there’s a chance you’ll beg for it?” 

You don’t miss the glint in his eyes, flashing quickly before it passes. “Is that a no, Goldie?” 

It would be easier if it was a no. Your hands are acting on want, pulling your phone out and handing it to him with contact screen open before you can think too much about it. 

“You better text me.” 

“I’ll think about it.”

Atsumu hopes that you will. Maybe asking him to a meal or if you need him again, to your room. He settles that want next to another. No running before you can even walk. Like Osamu said, just getting to know one another.

Afternoon practice is long. Time spent sweating and running and jumping for hours away from his phone. He’s thinking about hyper active teammates, making sure he’s setting just right for them. Touching you right. All of his energy spent on the blue and yellow ball before him. Spending his energy on you. Then he’s on to letting his mind be consumed by proteins and carbs and what he can eat over the next week. Maybe just a film in, rather than dinner out. Thinking about Kiyoomi who’s acting all analytical, watching the group and remarking on Atsumu’s performance. 

“You seem distracted.” 

But he’s not, of course. He can laugh it off and joke around with Bokuto in the locker room. Purposefully not thinking about earlier in the day. His heart wouldn’t race when he finally can open up his phone. It wouldn’t thump in his chest when he checks his notifications.

 Unknown Number // 5:48pm

>> i can’t think of anything cool to say so

>> hi tsumu✨

[marystudies]

A LONG ASS LIST OF TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL: FRESHMAN TO SENIOR YEAR LETS GO

Disclaimer: This is just from my experience, so these might not all apply to you! 

Freshman Year

ok, ok, freshman year can be scary but don’t let that get to you

dont worry about upperclassmen being rude/teasing you 

it’ll most likely happen, but I’ve never seen an upperclassman tease a freshman with the intention to really hurt them

one day you’ll be them so dw

on the topic of upperclassmen, make some older friends!!! (through classes, sports, etc.) it’s so nice to have someone give you tips and help you through high school

dont expect your friend group to stay the same lol

BUT ITS A GOOD THING I PROMISE YOU

I was scared of changing my friend group, so even though I wasn’t being treated too well, it wasn’t until senior year when I really made a change and I wish I did it earlier

be open to meeting new people, everyone is scared just like you and looking for more friends

I don’t think its neccessary for freshman to become sUPER involved in clubs and all that but at least get a feel for whats out there

try out for a sport if you play one!

this goes for all of high school, not just freshman year, but I regret not being as involved as I could’ve been 

Go to school events like football games and dances! School spirit is considered weird in middle school but its cool in high school

take your classes seriously, your teachers are right - high school is much harder than middle school (but it’s not too bad if you stay organized!)

my freshman year GPA was my lowest like english really caught me off guard (properly formatted, 5 paragraph essays being 50% of your grade??? a concept.)

so my cumulative GPA was brought down

I think most freshman don’t have access to AP classes to boost your GPA or anything, but if you’re looking to push yourself take an honors class or 2! (if available)

Sophomore Year

wooohooo ur no longer a freshman

I’d take at least 1 AP class if you can

my sophomore year I took AP Human Geo - which I really loved, and it also wasn’t too hard

a lot of sophomores take AP World which is a BITCH of a class

BUT I wouldn’t recommend taking Honors World because you don’t get the GPA boost, you don’t get college credits (unless you take the AP Euro test or something), and it’s almost just as hard 

this is a bit random - but when you’re taking Algebra 2 (which was my sophomore year) PLS PAY ATTENTION math builds on itself don’t fuck yourself over

take the PSAT if you want (I honestly don’t remember if I took it freshman year too but eh), but seriously its not required

start thinking about college (I know it’s the last thing you want to do)

just little things like

when do I want to take the SAT/ACT?

would I like a small school or a big school?

What will I be able to put on my college applications?

like if you do community service through a club/church/etc then great!!! sports? YEs

can’t think of anything? Join a club! Try out for a sport (it’s not too late) Find something that interests you

you’re probably pretty situated socially now but never be afraid to get to know those classmates/”school friends” better! 

Junior Year

so junior year is commonly thought of as the hardest year of highschool

which is partially true (we’ll get there later)

but anyways, seriously buckle your seatbelt and get ready to work your ass off because THIS YEAR COUNTS, LADIES AND GENTS

Take AP classes if available

I took AP Psych (WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND) and Honors PreCalc (coming from regular Algebra 2)

Psych gave me college credit and a GPA boost

HPC gave me a GPA boost for UCs 

It was a bitCH of a class but it made AP calc a breeze 

If you haven’t started already, start prepping for SAT/ACT and then take them

tutoring is very helpful, but it can be expensive

I’ve seen studyblrs post about free prep through Kahn Academy and other stuff, so you might have to do a bit of digging but there are tons of resources out there

TAKE PRACTICE TESTS

take one of each first - then focus on the test you did better on 

one of my biggest regrets is taking SAT prep instead of ACT prep because my ACT (which I didn’t do specialized prep for) ended up equivalent to my SAT (which I did prep for)

the more you take em the better you get

Studyblr is gr8 for finding test taking tips

If you’re not happy with your score, just take it again! I only took each one once but most people improve their scores if they take it again

I recommend visiting a few universities when you’re on break! Get a feel for what you like and what you don’t like (size, location, public/private, etc) and what kind of school you could get accepted to

you don’t want to end up applying to a billion schools that you wouldn’t even want to go to

private schools like it when you express interest by visiting

so if you’re visiting, make sure you check in so you can be in their system 

END OF JUNIOR YEAR - ASK FOR LETTERS OF REC NOW! BY THE FIRST WEEK OF SENIOR YEAR A LOT OF TEACHERS ARE ALREADY TAKING ON TOO MANY LETTERS!

Senior Year (buckle up this section is the longest)

but YAY UR A SENIOR 

DO FUN SENIOR YEAR THINGS like my school has all kinds of events for seniors and it’s so great 

Remember when I said junior year is the hardest? Yeah well no... 1st semester senior year is SO MUCH WORSE ur in for a lot of fun

Ok seriously - don’t let senioritis get to you first semester

Still take challenging classes! Schools are looking for progression in difficulty

Those mid year transcripts REALLY DO MATTER! 

College apps, man

Make sure you’re communicating with your counselor to make sure you have everything ready and on track 

like file the FAFSA and CSS (used for lots of privates)

tbh I didn’t think it would help me a lot but it (the CSS) actually did so just do it even if you think you’ll get nothing

Ok so hopefully at this point you have a feel for what schools you are interested in

Things to consider: location, price, size, public/private, difficulty of the application, ranking, program/major you are applying to, campus, overall vibe

I didn’t do any interviews but maybe look into it

Don’t get too comfortable and set reasonable goals - apply to several safety schools, a few good options/could go either way schools, but also a few “reaches”

ESSAYS

I’m no college counselor, but don’t just wing your essays without having an adult/professional look over them

I got lucky - my mom is a professional writer so my family didn’t pay for a counselor

Do your research - you can find so much information about what schools are looking for in essays

If an essay is “optional” DO IT it’s really not optional lol

Keep in mind - these essays are nothing like what you’ve been taught. You don’t have to (and often SHOULDNT) write a 5 paragraph essay with topic sentences relating back to the thesis and evidence, etc. its much more free

think “What is the story I am going to tell?”

get creative - this is hard and takes some time

Think: How am I going to separate myself from thousands of applicants? What is a story that ONLY I can tell?

DO EARLY ACTION FOR AS MANY SCHOOLS AS POSSIBLE!!! 

such a relief to knowing you got in somewhere in like,,,, november

acceptance rates are higher for EA 

the order from highest to lowest is ED > EA > RD

Early Decision scares me (schools will say they give equal scholarship consideration but lol thats a lie) 

but if you have your heart set on a school go ahead

apply to other school just in case, you don’t want to get stuck starting all your apps when a lot of students have already turned them all in

Now that you’re done with applications (whew), the acceptances (and rejection) will start coming!! yay!

ok first for acceptances

those first acceptances are so cool like YAY YOU GOT INTO COLLEGE IM PROUD OF U

as soon as you get your first acceptances really start researching the school more and deciding if you’d REALLY want to go there or not

i know this is hard bc you haven't heard back from all your schools but it’ll make choosing a school so much easier

sadly, not all acceptances are happy tho

like I got accepted to my #1 school but they gave me no money so it was impossible to go

I was so emo for a couple days there

BUT! If you’re serious about it, try appealing for financial aid but keep your expectations low

ok now waitlists

these can be a bit nerve wracking

PLEASE apply for the waitlist right away

at some schools if you dont within a couple days, your application might get thrown out

aaaaand rejections

i dont have a lot to say about this but please dont be too hard on yourself

sometimes its just not meant to be and thats ok!

NOW PICKING A COLLEGE

def the most difficult and mentally draining part for me lol

make sure you really map out everything to consider

net cost (tuition, room & board, books, travel, personal expenses, etc.), size, location, etc.

I personally had this idea that I’d end up at a big school far from home but I’m going to a small school close to home and I’m still super excited!!! So make sure you give every school a second look 

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!

the essays aren’t usually too bad and sometimes you can just rework your college app essays

you can find them online, your school might have some (like PTA scholarships, band scholarships, etc.)

ok this is the time everyone really gets senioritis

i almost didn’t get senioritis at all lol just because slacking off stressed me out

but please be smart about it dont get rescinded 

and lastly have fun! high school really does fly by, it’ll be over before you know it

[itsjemmabitch]

THE TEN GIRLS YOU DATE BANG IN COLLEGE

~ *~ a list of wanted connections/exes for jemma sterling ~*~

an ooc note from leigh: this list of connections is just a list. there are some i thought would fit off the top of my head, there are some that i left open to interpretation, and there are some that i’ve discussed/plotted out. if you’re interested in one of these (or tbh, if you want your character added to the actual softball team that is jemma’s love life) then pls hit me up xoxo

THE PRINCESS: NICOLA DE ROCHA

These two were basically doomed from the start. Jemma’s never quite managed to get over the grip that Nicola held on her. The two became roommates after a series of incidents at NYU, and everything with Jemma and Nicola were great. They had plenty in common, they worked well together. Jemma even got along with the majority of Nicola’s friends, most of whom will also end up this list because oops. When Spencer Porter, another of Jemma and Nicola’s mutual friends, broke Nicola’s heart, Jemma swooped in to do what she does best: rebound and take advantage of someone with a broken heart to get her rocks off.

What wasn’t in the cards, though, was Jemma falling for Nicola-- and falling hard. To this day, Jemma doesn’t know why. What resulted was a fall out like none other-- in her pettiness, Jemma moved out. Things are still a little weird for them, but only a little.

THE ARTIST/MUSICIAN: open

TBD

THE JOCK: REGGIE CLIFTON

Know what’s fun? Hot girls with soccer bods. Know what’s even more fun? When they’re on the opposing team. Am I implying that Reggie and Jemma fucked after a soccer game? Never. Yes. Jemma and Reggie have been friends since they both got to New York, and considering they both love a ship with no strings attached, it was only too easy for them to fall into a pattern.

However, when things started getting complicated for both of them with other people, Jemma and Reggie stopped seeing each other in that way and were solely on the Path of Platonic for a solid six months. Now that both of their love lives are in shambles again, it’s only a matter of time before they fall back into old habits.

THE 2 COOL 4 U KID: open

TBD

THE GHOSTER: open

TBD. This person is someone who “dated” Jemma but then dropped off the face of the earth and left her ghosted. Know who doesn’t like it when she doesn’t get attention? Jemma. Know who’s going to be a total brat to this gal? Also Jemma.

THE STAGE FIVE CLINGER: SCOUT SOLANO

After Scout broke up with an ex-girlfriend, she was on the rebound. What did she do? Tinder. Enter Jemma, and we’ve got outselves a messy ship, folks. Once Jemma realized that Scout was in this for something other than casual sex, she noped the fuck out of there. Scout had a hard time getting the memo, and Jemma feels pretty bad about it to this day. They’re both still pretty cool with each other, and it’s not awkward. That’s implying that Jemma can feel awkward. She can’t.

THE DON GIOVANNA: BEATRICE SMITH

Considering Jemma and Bea are both ladies who’d consider themselves well versed in the ways of other ladies, it was only a matter of time before they fell into step with each other. Jemma really likes how Bea was the one who made the first bold move, and while their affair was short, they had a grand time with it. Jemma liked being the person who was sought after for once, and she holds Bea in very high regard because of it. Jemma’s fully aware that Bea is on her way to monogamyland by stalking picture of Bea and Sam on her instagram, but she’s going to try and not hold it against her. Time breaks up all couples.

THE HBIC: open

TBD. Sometimes, and only sometimes, Jemma likes it when someone’s mean to her. But she’d like it way more if this outwardly nasty person was a total softie when it comes to cute blondes who draw you with three boobs.

THE FREAK IN THE SHEETS: EVIE MILLER

Evie just screams “I’m cute, make me yours!!!” to someone like Jemma, which could go one of two ways. Both of these ways don’t end well, mind you, but let’s pretend for a second. Evie is adorable, she can talk comics with Jemma like the best of them. Their friendship started out as something totally sweet and pure and based on cosplaying. They went to conventions together, movie preimeres together, and nerded out together. It was a grand time.

Fast forward to recently, when things have been starting to get a little less platonic between the both of them, initiated by a kiss that Jemma gave her after she scored one of her many goals during the Showers indoor soccer season. Suddenly, Jemma’s looking at Evie in a whole new light, and she’s totally aware of all the kinky roleplaying they could do in the bedroom. It’s only a matter of time.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: ARIA ABRAMS

Stay tuned for agony.

[honeylikewords]

okay so now that we have a good understanding of who Benny is, do u got some of those good good hcs for him? let all those benny emotions out my frond

thank u for enabling me, i need enabling

for anyone curious, here is the post talking about and explaining who Benny is! also, here’s a link to the trailer for the movie he’s from! now, without further ado, let’s play a game called “K Gets Self-Indulgent And Cries A Lot About A VERY Unheard-Of Character From A Largely Unknown Body Of Work!”

hfjdkjf okay so here we go

Benny is actually really good at doing internal, rapid calculations. He learned to go quick calculations in his head while doing football in order to tally scores and to do the math on how many (and what kind) of goals his team would need to score, how far down the field they’d have to move, etc. He’s also got a bit of a natural gift for statistics and they come to him easily. However, he doesn’t consider himself very smart, so he never talks about it, and would HATE to be labelled as a number-crunching geek.

Benny can play guitar and enjoys it. He never studied, but learned from his dad and from trying to emulate records he’d play in his room. He had a band briefly during high school comprised of himself and a few of his friends. They were called the Rough Riders. They were terrible.

Benny gets skittish around cats but loves dogs. The only reason he didn’t have a dog with him on the streets is because he didn’t wanna subject a dog to his shitty lifestyle, and would prefer a dog be able to live in a comfortable home with regular food and a loving family rather than have to sleep on the streets with a smelly, weird loser. Growing up, he has a German Shepard named Yankee. Unfortunately, Yankee didn’t make it out of the house fire. Still, every time Benny sees a German Shepard, he thinks of Yankee, both with fondness and melancholy. If he were ever to get a dog again, he’d want to adopt a shelter dog or pound puppy, and if that dog just happened to be a Shepard-mix… all the better, he’d say.

Benny never has had an actual long-term girlfriend and doesn’t really know how relationships work. The only model he has for adult relationships were his parents (who were functional, kind, and loving), and what he sees on television, in movies, on billboards (although, truth be told, he doesn’t watch much TV anymore and he rarely goes to movies. He sneaks into some movies every now and then, but it’s not very often). As such, all he knows about relationships is a little warped. The only relationships he’s been remotely near as of late have been manipulative, exclusively sexual, and unfulfilling. He hasn’t really bothered to seek out a girlfriend, knowing he has nothing to provide. He’d be more of a burden than a romantic prospect, and he has severe self-hate problems that make is difficult for him to imagine himself as attractive. Plus, the layer of grime and stink doesn’t do him any favors…

Benny does not think of himself as handsome. He was very popular in high school, what with his quick wit, his handsome features, and his proficiency in sports. He’s got all the makings of a great, attractive man, but he just can’t see if for himself. The incident also severely impacted his ability to properly assess himself, and he’s now more confused than ever and full of more self-hate than before. But even in high school, he was hardly aware of his handsomeness. He always considered himself to have a messed up face and unattractive features, and to be rather unintelligent. 

Benny keeps up to date with sports, even on the streets. He would fish around in trash cans for newspapers, watch the TV is bars or in store windows, listen to the radio from outside doors or next to parked cars. Sometimes, if he was lucky, he could sneak into the stadiums and watch for himself. His favorite sport is, of course, football, but he also keeps up with baseball. His favorite team for baseball is the Yankees, and for football it’s the Giants.

Benny has harsh music taste and refuses to listen to “that new trash”. He likes rap (prefers old school), likes older, vintage rock and roll, and won’t hear anything electronic. He also likes country (Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, particularly). He likes to go to older, more low-key bars and watch young people play at open mics because it reminds him of when he used to play.

Benny often talks about how he needs to keep moving, but often fantasizes about getting out of New York and moving to a small town in the middle of nowhere where no one knows him and the cost of living is low. He’d buy a small house, get a dog, get a job. He’d prefer to work for himself, obviously, and is very independent, but he thinks it’d be nice. Before the fire, Benny’s biggest dream was to acquire enough money to set his parents and brother up comfortably, to go to school and graduate as a business major, and to own a sports team. Now that he’s aged and suffered, he’d be happy just to be on his own somewhere quiet, unbothered and allowed to have time to grow and heal.

Benny’s full name is Benjamin Alphonse Lambo. He’s half Italian and half Jewish. His father was an Italian Catholic and his mother was raised in the Jewish part of Brooklyn. He celebrated both religions and cultures; he is mostly religiously Catholic but culturally Jewish. He still celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah, even though both holidays remind him of his parents in a heart-aching way.

Benny’s favorite season is the transition between winter and spring, when things finally start to warm up. New York burns and sweats in the summer, and freezes in the winter. The falls can be bitter cold, but they’re usually bearable, but spring is best, even if it rains a lot. The seasons are harsh out there on the streets, but spring is often pleasant. The nights are cool and slightly damp, but in a refreshing way, and the days are sunny and warm without being overbearing. It’s the easiest season to endure, and also his favorite even aside from practicality; he likes the greenery of the trees and the blooming of the flowers. Everyone seems to be in a better mood with the return of the sun, and he feels more at ease. 

Benny has a terrible temper and is not patient at all. He will not sit through the trailers at the movies. He will not wait in lines. He always likes to try and find the fastest, most efficient way to do things. He has a bit of an instant-gratification problem, and hopefully can be balanced out by spending his time with someone who is patient and enduring instead of short-fused like him.

Benny used to want to be a father as good as his dad was, but now severely doubts his ability to be a good spouse or parent. He still, in the back of his mind, wishes he could be part of a family, but it’d take a very long time, a lot of therapy, and a lot of internal growth before he’d ever be ready to leap that hurdle.

Benny’s favorite foods are super simple, but he hasn’t had a good meal in years, so even the most basic meals are like haute cuisine for him. If he was ever able to eat a homecooked meal again, he might break down crying from joy. His old favorites used to be pizza, spaghetti, fried salmon, and anything grilled. His favorite fruits and vegetables are apples, peaches, strawberries, potatoes, peppers and carrots. He likes food that has a good, strong bite to it. He also is really fond of hard candies and likes to crunch them noisily.

Benny hates seeing kids homeless and will make a more concerted effort to get them to safety than he would ever make for himself. He knows he’s beyond saving, but he refuses to see young children or teenagers put into his situation. They deserve to go to school and have bright futures, safe futures, happy futures. He gets furious with the system that prevents them from getting what they need, and has been known to get off his ass and work to make sure they get processed properly. He will put up a huge stink to make sure of it.

Benny can’t draw and has terrible handwriting. His hands are kinda shaky and so he has trouble writing out clear and distinct characters. Semi-related, but he also has a strained gate and walk because of an injury he sustained to his leg several years ago. He limps and walks almost bow-leggedly now, and it’s quite the strut to behold.

Benny doesn’t read much “literature” but was really fond of comic books growing up, so he wants to see all the Marvel/DC movies. It’s kind of adorable to see how psyched he gets. Even if they’re not “good”, he doesn’t mind. His favorite heroes are Batman, Superman and Punisher and Iron Man. He also loves Spider-Man and Wolverine!

It’s been years since Benny ate ice cream, and he misses it sometimes. His favorite kind of ice cream was a Neapolitan sundae with hot fudge and a cherry on top, and he liked to eat them with his brother. It was kind of their thing to make sundaes and have competitions to see who could make a “better” sundae. He misses those days a lot.

I have a billion more but for now I will leave you with these because if I keep writing I won’t ever stop

[gabbylioness]

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct Game Review

The Walking Dead is one of the only T.V. shows that has managed to hold my attention for multiple seasons and have me on the edge of my seat waiting for new episodes every week. I’m a HUGE fan. That said, I had high hopes for Survival Instinct, which is developed by a company called Terminal Reality and published by Activision.

When I first heard that this game was going to be a first person shooter I was pretty stoked. I thought the genre would be very fitting considering all of the zombie killing that has happened in the show. Then I heard it was being published by Activision. As much as I love the Call of Duty series of games, Activision has a reputation for pushing out games just to make a quick buck. And that became painfully obvious once I put the The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct disc in my Xbox and logged a couple of hours on the game. http://www.thegamercollective.com/pink-bunny-gaming-chair/

I was really hoping this game would be phenomenal. I love the show, I love Daryl Dixon, but this game doesn’t do the show or the character any justice. Below you’ll find my detailed review of each aspect of The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct. This was reviewed on the Xbox 360 but please note that gameplay is identical across all platforms and, even on PC, the graphics are horrendous.

Platforms: Xbox 360, PC, Playstation 3, Wii U

Graphics

For a game that is being released in the first quarter of 2013, not long before next-gen consoles are supposedly being released, Survival Instinct looks like garbage. You’d think having a big name like TWD attached would mean there’d be a huge budget to make this game look fantastic but, sadly, it looks worse than some of the titles that were available at the launch of the 360.

The environments are bland, characters look like cheesy comic book personas, and even the weapons look like they belong in a poorly designed indie title. Overall, the look of the game is just tasteless and looks like it was thrown together in a day.

GFX Score – 3/10

Gameplay

Survival Instinct lacks any awesome gameplay. Most of the weapons, which primarily consist of blunt objects, blades, and various guns, feel really clunky. Using anything with a blade or blunt surface is just a matter of swinging repetitively at walkers to bash them in the head. Guns are even less satisfying. With the rifle, for example, there is no sway or recoil when firing, it’s a very dull point and click interface. What’s worse is the scope is, in most cases, useless. Most of the time zombies will be far too close to you to make use of a long range scope.

During most, if not all, parts of the game you won’t be running around. Because sound, movement, and even the smell of your sweat, attracts zombies you have to crouch walk around almost all the time. Doing so activates a sort of stealth that makes you less noticeable to walkers.

It also provides you with the ability to come up behind zombies and assassinate them with a knife thrust to the head. This is the move you’ll have to rely on to progress through most missions in the game. So get used to very slow, unsatisfying gameplay. It’s fun the first few times to stab a walker in the brain in a cool assassination animation but it gets tiresome and boring very quickly.

Here’s a video we recorded showing some the The Walking Dead Survival Instinct’s gameplay:

While I will say that most of this is on par with the show, it just doesn’t translate well into good gameplay. Yes, in reality you would have to sneak around and be careful. Yes, firing a gun would attract hordes of zombies (it does in the game). But, unfortunately, this makes for really slow, dull gameplay. Maybe it could be developed into something more interesting but this game just didn’t hit it well.

Gameplay Score – 4/10

Storyline

The show may at times go off on odd tangents and, sometimes, boring dialogue, but Survival Instinct takes the cake in that respect. The only real story is that the zombie apocalypse has begun and you (Daryl) and your brother (Merle) have to fight to survive. The dialogue is, at times, laughable. Daryl seems to be stuck on lame, one-line zingers that just don’t click as being a true adaptation of his T.V. persona. Other characters are voiced well but still provide little engagement or entertainment throughout the game. http://www.thegamercollective.com/are-secretlab-chairs-worth-it/

In most cases you’ll be presented with a short cutscene to learn what your general goal is for each area of the game. Then, as you find other survivors in those areas, you’ll have short dialogue episodes with them to find out what they want in exchange for items or help you may need. Almost every mission is the same… you need item A, survivor has it but wants item B, you have to locate item B, bring it back to survivor, get item A, acquire new survivor and head out.

As you gain more survivors you’ll earn more chances to scavenge items like fuel, food, ammo, and other supplies for each area you travel to. You get to decide where to travel and how to send your survivors out. This involves assigning tasks to each survivor and equipping them with weapons. Each area you travel to has a certain level of risk. This is an interesting concept which, if done correctly, could be pretty cool but, unfortunately, Survival Instinct made it a bit dull and repetitive, leaving much to the imagination.

The story isn’t terrible but it isn’t great, either. It’s definitely not on par with the creativity and entertaining elements found in The Walking Dead T.V. show.

Story Score – 4/10

Conclusion

Being a big fan of the show I really wanted this game to succeed. Unfortunately, there are just so many things that need to be improved upon. Maybe Terminal Reality will make a huge patch to fix the broken elements and create a huge DLC with more interesting content in the future, but I’m not sure. I don’t believe the game sold as well as they had hoped which means they probably won’t have the budget to make such corrections to the game.

Terminal Reality had a great concept idea with this game but missed the quality mark by a long shot. Sorry, but it’s true. This game had a lot of interesting ideas thrown in the mix but they were very poorly executed.

Norman Reedus, you are an amazing actor and have captured my favor in the TWD show but this game puts shame to the great name of Daryl.

Overall… NOT RECOMMENDED.

Final Score – 3.5/10

[fmlfpl]

Lineup Lamentations - GW25

Our Transfers, Captains, and Starting 11s for the week!

Friday My Life also just went up for Patreon subs. Get in.

—

WALSH

TRANSFERS:

OUT: N/A

IN: N/A

Generally speaking the team is in ok shape off the double.and having two frees during the break feels like a good place to be. I definitely have a Haller problem...who I will probably go straight to Ings after this weekend...but the fixtures certainly aren't lining up to do that now. Might have a Poinstram problem if he's dropped...we'll see. Definitely have a Schmike problem but when it comes to GK I'd rather not shoot myself in the foot and just let it ride.

GK:

Schmeichel (CHE)

Schmike kicking off the GW with a diabolical fixture and he's just been a complete and scenic disaster for me since I brought him in. I think he's had one clean for me since I bought him like twooooo months ago? Yeah cool. Hoping for a three pointer here fack.

DEF:

Alexander-Arnold & Gomez (SOU)

Trent and Joemez double goes again and will probably go for a while in my team. Soton certainly not a pushover but it also wouldn't surprise me if they don't lay a glove on Livp. Mark Ings out of the game and that should neuter them pretty much is my thinking. Anfield should help, too.

Lundstram (cry)

Pointstram is back into the fray here...although obviously concerned that he may have lost his place in which case he's going to be in for a one pointer most likely. I really don't rate Besic so just hoping Pointstram got a nice break over the last two weeks and is ready to go again. If he somehow plays zero I have baby will off the bench for him and he'll be out of my team come next GW.

MID:

Salah (SOU)

Mo fresh off the big return against Wet Spam he's such a good boy.

De Bruyne & Mahrez (tot)

Double City mid goes again with Kevin and Mahrez. At Spurs isn't a great fixture but also feels far from bad even though Mou's defensive underlyings have been somehow pretty okay lately. Feels like City always whip Spurs..idk. Seems fine.

Martial (WOL)

Tony M I'm still sticking by with the Portugease National Team rolling in to OT. I don't really know what I'm doing with this boy as I'm sensing I am in maybe some kind of denial that he is a bad pick? Not sure. Perhaps he's not long for my team but for now, he's still here. Wolves are contractually obliged to not clean so maybe Tony comes up with something this weekend but I'm not too hopeful.

FWD:

Maupay (whu) & Haller (BHA)

Neal versus Haller - battle of titans - disaster for me. Neal will surely find another way to break my heart, likely to the tune of leading the league in shots on his way for a two pointer...while Haller does similar heartbreaking in different fashion....likely to the tune of zero shots on his way to his two pointer. Thinking this fixture will be a goal fest because both teams are so bad is the worst possible logic I could think of but I'm clinging to it. More realistically they fucking shit on each other for 90 minutes and it's a 0-0...rip.

Agüero (tot)

Kun rounds out my team. Lovely Kun.

CAP:

Agüero (tot)

I'm rolling on Kun this weekend and straying off Mo.

Don't feel like it's that great of a fixture for Livp and not seeing them capable of a big goal explosion against Soton without Mane in the fold and also on short rest.

Kun literally been scoring for fun in the league so I'm going to check him out and see if I can spike something over there with the diff cap. I feel like there is a much better chance of a four goal showing from City than Livp this weekend even if the fixtures tell a different story. Always a risk going on Kun as he could just not start any given game but I'm still backing him to feature in any league game / real game of importance while he's fit and they don't have a pileup where he needs to be protected.

—

ALON ON WILDCARD

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Wildcard

IN: Wildcard

Yeah.

GK:

Henderson (cry)

I’m going with *the guy* even though I tried desperately to outsmart the field here in the end it’s the obvious pick for a reason. Sheff U have the fixtures and the defensive setup and the cleans and Hendo is great and makes saves and get bones yada yada yada you know everything about him and probably own him too.

DEF:

Alexander-Arnold & Gomez (SOU)

Keeping with the double Liverpool defense. Trent is the best and needs no explanation and Gomez is the best value imo and is nailed and fantastic. Simple.

Egan & Basham (cry)

Fuck the blank. Triple Sheff U defense is in and here we fucking go. I had to scrape the bottom of the barrel financially so unfortunately couldn’t go with Enda Stevens who I really wanted but hey, still got the triple going which is exciting. Every Sheff U clean will be maaaaaassssssiiiiivvveee for me so hopefully they come in en masse.

MID:

Salah (SOU)

Love ya Mo.

De Bruyne (tot)

Keeping Kev as my lone City representative. Feels silly only having one piece of the most explosive attack in the league but Pep’s wheel will be returning soon with the return of UCL so I duno. Kev is great is all ya needa know.

Son (MCI)

Shite fixture but no Laporte so City are still very liable to concede one or two.

Son is fantastic and as far as high upside brace+ potential in every fixture there are not that many guys in the league and I consider Son to be one of them.

FWD:

Aubameyang (bur)

Aubz has completely fucked me the last two times I’ve brought him in so I’m hoping that the third time is a charm. He was my gut guy in the very first tinker I made and I’m sticking with the boy. Hoping Arsenal keep getting better and blow some of these bad teams away that they have upcoming.

Go on Aubz, come on Aubz.

Jiménez (mun)

I gave in. Jim is fantastic and I’m not overthinking it anymore then that.

Ings (liv)

Ings also was in the first tinker for a reason. One bad fixture this week and then a sea of greens ahead of him... Although must be said this is the absolute best time to play Liverpool when they’re without Mané and off of two days of rest so would not be surprised at all if Ings finds the net this week.

BENCH:

Doing bench guys this week since I’m on WC I guess it’s relevant.

Hayden (NOR)

If you’re doing a bench and it doesn’t start with Isaac Hayden then I don’t even want to talk to you. He’s the cheapest nailed mid in the game and he has some attacking intent. Can’t beat it.

Williams (WOL)

Young Brando Williams cheapest starting defender too and you get the bonus of him being on a solid defense and a top 6 team. Easy one.

McCarthy (SHU)

The other cheapest nailed mid in the game... Macca will be last on my bench every week but hey ya never know when a two pointer off the bench will do a job.

CAP:

Aubameyang (bur)

Going for it. This is me going for it and this is the record of me going for it.

I feel pretty covered with owning Mo and I agree with Walsh I do not see Liverpool blowing the doors down against a probably top 4 team in the league Southampton so it’s a good week for a differential cap and Aubz is a massive differential with a good fixture.

Let’s fucking gooooo!!! COME ON!!!

[junker-town]

Kobe Bryant’s 32 most iconic basketball moments, ranked

There were so many memorable NBA moments in Kobe Bryant’s career.

Counting down the most memorable moments of Kobe Bryant’s NBA career

Kobe Bryant’s life was cut short at the age of 41 on Sunday, along with the lives of 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, six other passengers, and a pilot flying to the Mamba Academy on Kobe’s Sikorsky S-76B helicopter. This is a tragedy on multiple levels that goes far deeper than the loss of a famous basketball player.

For basketball fans, Bryant was a player that seared many of the sport’s most iconic moments in recent history. It’s impossible to remember them all, but in honor of his two jersey numbers (24 + 8), here are 32 that I’ll never forget.

32. The air-ball fest that started it all

It’s only fitting that we begin with his lowest on-court moment, which also happened to be his first significant one as a pro. Bryant averaged only 15.5 minutes per game as a rookie on the that 1996-97 Lakers team, but in that moment, they needed him out of necessity. Veteran shooting guard Byron Scott sat with a wrist injury, small forward Robert Horry was ejected in the third quarter for shoving Jeff Hornacek, and Shaquille O’Neal fouled out with 1:46 to play in regulation after foolishly biting on a Karl Malone pump fake. That left a teenage Bryant as their best hope to extend their season.

It took all of that to give him a formative professional experience that would drive the rest of his career.

31. A dozen threes in a game?

Fun fact: Kobe was shooting 28 percent from three-point range through the first 34 games of the 2002-03 season. My favorite part, via the Seattle Post-Intelligencer game story:

In fact, before the game, Los Angeles Times’ columnist T.J. Simers informed Bryant that his daughter — a state champion shooter — could beat Bryant in a three-point shooting contest. He asked Bryant to bet money on the contest, the proceeds going to charity.

30. The passes to himself off the backboard

Kobe wasn’t the first to pull off this move — that’d be Tracy McGrady, who did it in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. But it’s befitting of Kobe’s audacity that he did it in a playoff game in 2008 against the Jazz, then even more spectacularly in a postseason game against Houston the very next season.

29. Behind the back on the Nuggets

The current Lakers have a a set play where LeBron James launches a full-court pass to a posting-up Anthony Davis off an opponents’ free throw. Here’s how I described it a month and a half ago:

In those situations, the Lakers like to take Davis off the rebounding line and put him on the opposite block for early post-ups the other way. (They borrowed this tactic from Alvin Gentry, who used it during the Pelicans’ brief Davis-DeMarcus Cousins twin towers era). LA inbounds to LeBron, and he rushes the ball up to feed Davis as quickly as possible, giving him space to go one-on-one before help arrives.

As the year has progressed, LeBron has become more audacious with his post entry passes. He’ll sometimes eschew dribbling up the court and instead toss 60-foot bombs on a rope to Davis’ waiting arms.

I’d like to think Kobe’s 2003 dunk inspired them.

28. Sharing 2009 All-Star MVP honors with his nemesis

Kobe’s ongoing feud with Shaq was so multi-layered that it has its own seven-part Wikipedia page. It’s hard to know when it really started and when it really tapered down, because both men weren’t exactly the most reliable narrators. (Remember when Shaq told Stephen A. Smith that “it was all marketing?” Nice try, big fella). But their 2009 All-Star experience is considered a key de-escalator in the overall cannon. As Shaq told USA Today’s Sam Amick in 2016:

“Everything became cool (with Bryant) my last All-Star Game in Phoenix,” said O’Neal. “Me and him got the co-MVP (at All-Stars). It was a great time, (and) my son Shareef, who was like nine (years old) at the time (was there).

“I was just going to give the trophy to Kobe, and Kobe looks at my little man and says, ‘Here you go, Shareef.’ ... I was kind of surprised that he remembered his name. He was like, ‘Here you go, Shareef. Here’s the trophy.’ Then I knew everything that happened (during the Lakers days) was silly.”

27. Welcome to the NBA, Dwight Howard

This was the first time Kobe tormented Dwight. It wouldn’t be the last.

26. Welcome to the NBA, Yao Ming

This game took place late in Yao’s 2002-03 rookie season, and Yao actually held his own with 24 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out. But the Lakers still got the last laugh, winning without Shaq in double overtime thanks to Kobe’s 52 points. “I feel like I want to get to bed quickly,” Yao said through an interpreter, via the New York Times. “Once I am asleep, everything is in the past.”

Fun fact: the voice you hear on TNT’s color commentary is none other than Jeff Van Gundy. Four months later, the Rockets hired him to be their head coach.

25. Welcome to the NBA, Ben Wallace

Your eyes don’t deceive you: that is indeed UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center, future home of the indie-turned-mainstream NBA Summer League. At the time, it was the host of an otherwise forgettable 1997-98 preseason game between the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Lakers.

I’ll let Marcus Vanderberg of the now-defunct Ball Don’t Lie blog (miss u) take it from here:

With time winding down at the end of the first quarter, Bryant crossed over journeyman guard Jimmy Oliver and set his sights on the basket. Ben Wallace — either not knowing any better or proving that he didn’t give a damn even back in 1997 — stepped up in the paint and became the first person to find himself on a Kobe poster. Bryant took off from inside the free-throw line and demolished Wallace with a ferocious dunk that got Hall of Fame broadcaster Chick Hearn just a wee bit excited:

“Slaaaaaam dunk! Wooooo!”

24. Welcome to the NBA (Finals), Todd MacCulloch

Calling the 2002 NBA Finals anticlimactic is like saying snow is inconvenient for drivers. But in case there was any remaining suspense, this Kobe slam in the third quarter of Game 1 vanquished it. Eleven years later, ABC commemorated this dunk with one of the coolest Finals promos in recent memory.

23. Not yet, Kevin Durant

I’m a sucker for young buck vs. old head duels. This one wasn’t the most artful contest, nor was it the one that ended a playoff series. Kobe and KD both dropped more than 30 points, but they weren’t guarding each other. Both made big shot after big shot, but neither made a field goal in the final two minutes. It was ultimately Jeff Green’s missed three that ended things. Still, this game foreshadowed a passing of the torch and was a sign that the Thunder were going to be a damn problem for years to come. As Kobe told Durant and Russell Westbrook after Game 6, “Glad we’re done with you guys.”

22. Quiet, Denver fans

This was another epic Bryant performance against a younger peer (Carmelo Anthony) that has been lost to history. The scissor-kick three Kobe hit over J.R. Smith to give the Lakers a one-point lead with just over a minute left is still seared in my mind. So is that scowl, a Kobe specialty that peaked in that moment.

21. Speaking of sucking the energy out of the building

With 16 words, TNT’s Kevin Harlan simultaneously captured a single moment in Kobe’s career and the enduring quality that made him such a basketball villain to so many non-Lakers fans.

20. The buzzer beater on Dwyane Wade

Kobe had many regular-season buzzer beaters, but this one stands out because he redeemed himself for missing a game-winning attempt a few seconds prior.

19. Scoring 61 at Madison Square Garden

The Madison Square Garden mystique was cool, but I’ll most remember the spin move and jumper Kobe made on Wilson Chandler to cap the night off. Technical brilliance mixed with ingenious creativity.

18. Kobe Bryant 62, Dallas Mavericks 61

During the third quarter, Lakers TV analyst Stu Lantz delivered a prophetic line. “The only guy that can stop No. 8 tonight,” Lantz proclaimed, “is Phil Jackson.” It turns out Kobe was the one who declined Jackson’s invitation to re-enter the game in the fourth quarter, but the point still stands.

17. The infamous non-flinch

Like many Kobe moments, this one ended up being too good to be true. Still, I had to include it.

16. Vanquishing the “Kobe Stopper”

Ruben Patterson was once an end-of-the-bench Laker who, according to legend, nicknamed himself the “Kobe Stopper” for the way he defended Bryant in practice. (As with other Kobe stories, this one is more myth than reality). Patterson eventually left the team and established himself as a key defensive player for Seattle and then Portland.

That brings us to the 2003-04 season finale. The Blazers had just been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in 22 years, while the Lakers needed a win to clinch the Pacific Division. Still, Portland played hard, and would’ve stolen a victory had Bryant not hit two impossible long threes to end regulation and overtime. The first was with Patterson in his jersey, while the second was a moonball that fell into the hoop as Patterson and Theo Ratliff rushed to close out.

With the win, the Lakers rose to the No. 2 seed and dropped the Kings to No. 4. That made a big difference in their eventual NBA Finals run.

15. The Magic never had a chance

Another brilliant Kobe playoff performance that has been lost to time. It wasn’t his most prolific or most important, but it set the tone for a series that was only going to go one way. I most enjoyed Kobe performances that showcased his all-around game, and this one was a textbook example. Here’s an old Silver Screen and Roll breakdown that’s well worth your time.

14. The 50-point streak

The league’s current pace-and-space trajectory may render this streak less impressive with time, but it was absurd in the moment. Here’s a summary.

13. Take that, Alvin Gentry

It’s easy to forget how close the Lakers came to losing the 2010 Western Conference Finals. They dominated the first two games, only to be flummoxed by a daring Suns tactic to use a 2-3 zone to limit LA’s inside dominance. LA never really solved the Suns’ wrinkle, but maintained a 3-2 series advantage after Metta World Peace’s serendipitous buzzer-beating putback in Game 5.

That set the stage for Kobe to brutally shut the door in Game 6. After mostly deferring in the first half, he staved off a furious Suns comeback with a series of impossible shots. His second-to-last bucket was a spinning fadeaway 21-footer over Grant Hill and Channing Frye to push the Lakers’ lead back to five. His final hoop: a pump-fake, rise-up jumper over Hill from nearly the same spot as the shot clock expired. As it dropped through the net, Kobe gave Suns coach Alvin Gentry a gentle butt tap, as if to say, Nice try.

“There’s an intense game going on and you almost have to laugh at what he does,” was Gentry’s interpretation. “I mean, I thought we played great defense on him. He just made tough shot after tough shot.”

And Kobe’s?

“It looked like a much tougher shot than it was.”

12. See ya, Sacramento

My favorite Kobe playoff performance once you separate out the stakes. It had everything we’ve come to know about Kobe.

He flew back to Los Angeles during the one-day break after Game 3 because Vanessa was in the hospital. Once he felt confident she was OK, he returned to Sacramento late on the night before an afternoon Game 4.

He embarrassed nemesis Vlade Divac with a thunderous poster dunk early in the game.

During the second quarter, he told an enraged Chris Webber not to chuck the ball away after an offensive foul because he wanted to beat the Kings at full strength. NBC’s Jim Gray said this was “a real good show of sportsmanship.” That’s one way to put it.

When interviewed at halftime, Kobe told Gray he was happy the Lakers were losing because they needed a challenge.

Kobe bullied his way for 19 free throws and 16 rebounds.

His final bucket involved him splitting an attempted double-team for a layup to put the Lakers up four.

He told reporters that he viewed the game as “a life-or-death situation,” even though the Lakers already had a 3-0 series lead and had won their previous 14 games. (Not to mention Vanessa’s real-life health scare).

11. See ya, San Antonio

All of the above, distilled into one play.

10. The unofficial passing of the torch

We all figured this would be Michael Jordan’s last game against Kobe Bryant. The stars were aligned for something special. It still exceeded expectations.

It looked to be MJ’s night early on. He nailed his first four jumpers, then picked off a lazy Shaquille O’Neal pass and took it to the house. But then Kobe started shooting and scoring, and shooting and scoring, and shooting and scoring, and shooting and scoring. Twenty-five points in five minutes. Forty-two at halftime. Fifty-five in the end, mirroring the double nickel Jordan dropped against the Knicks in 1995.

“It came to a point where there was that curiosity factor: was he going to hit 80? I’m sure it went through his head,” said Phil Jackson, foreshadowing the future.

(There’s a story going around that Kobe wanted to get payback on Jordan for dissing him after an early-season Wizards win, but the timeline doesn’t quite add up).

9. That 6-24 game

Let’s keep it 100 for a second: Kobe was awful in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals and was ultimately saved by Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace. But the Lakers’ ultimate triumph was also a fitting tribute to Kobe’s determination in the face of failure.

8. The alley-oop to complete the Portland comeback

History remembers this play as a symbol of the Kobe-Shaq relationship before it got messy. The reality is more complex, yet also makes the moment even richer. From Roland Lazenby’s 2016 book Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant:

Witnesses could hardly believe what they were seeing — a bonding moment between the center and the guard — but the victory was proof. It was as if Bryant had refused to get discouraged, and that paid off by season’s end. ‘I think they came to respect each other,’ [longtime Phil Jackson assistant coach Tex] Winter said, although the coaches could never be sure what the players were merely doing as a public gesture and what they truly felt. Scoop Jackson, for example, saw O’Neal running around at game’s end, looking to celebrate with anyone but his foil.

Asked about O’Neal, Bryant shrugged. ‘We just do it our separate ways,’ he said. ‘That’s all we did all season long. It just depended on what we needed in certain situations. So even though we go our separate ways, it all linked up in the end.’

In 2009, blogger Jason Kottke noticed something funny on the unedited version of the clip, which has sadly been removed from YouTube: (That last part is a stretch, alas).

O’Neal throws it down and the camera follows him as he heads down the court yelling in celebration, totally blowing right past Kobe, who has his hand out to high-five Shaq. Kobe half-heartedly grabs at O’Neal’s forearm as he passes; Shaq doesn’t even notice. [...] The unedited clip of the play1 shows an awkward ending to this awkward moment. After celebrating with the Lakers bench, Shaq looks for Kobe and the two finally acknowledge the play together. But it’s a brief moment; they slap hands and go their separate ways, foreshadowing Shaq’s departure four years later.

Knowing this only deepens my appreciation of the moment. The beauty of basketball is that two people without much real-life chemistry can become simpatico in an instant when they step between the lines.

7. Saving the Redeem Team

Kobe’s most notable impact on Team USA was intangible. He was the last star to commit to playing in the 2008 Olympics, and his commitment signaled the importance of reclaiming basketball supremacy to a younger crew of stars that included the future Banana Boat crew. His leadership and work ethic rubbed off on those players, elevating them to levels they may not have reached otherwise.

But I’ll remember the way Kobe pushed them over the finish line in the fourth quarter of the gold medal game when Spain’s zone confused everyone else. Whenever Spain got close, Kobe had the answer. They couldn’t stop him.

Months later, he hung his gold medal in Pau Gasol’s locker during Lakers training camp in an attempt to motivate him. Ruthless, uncomfortably cruel, and ultimately successful: straight out of the Kobe playbook.

6. “Bryant, for the win. Baaaaaaang”

This was when Kobe’s individual supremacy peaked. A few reasons why:

It came at the end of Kobe’s best individual season, when he averaged 35 points a game in leading a decrepit Lakers roster to 45 wins and a postseason berth. Imagine Russell Westbrook’s MVP season, but even more individually overwhelming. That was Kobe’s 2005-06.

The Suns actually wanted to play the Lakers in the first round. According to Jack McCallum’s book :07 Seconds or Less: My Season on the Bench with the Runnin’ and Gunnin’ Phoenix Suns, the Suns believed they could easily exploit the Lakers’ transition defense and bait Kobe into selfish play. They even rested key players for a late-season ABC contest to help facilitate the matchup.

The final 12.6 seconds of regulation were wild. With the Suns up five, the much-maligned Smush Parker, who was 1-14 from downtown in the series to date, hit a standstill three to cut the lead to two. Steve Nash, of all people, turned it over on the ensuing inbound, and Kobe sidestepped around Raja Bell and hit the game-tying floater over Boris Diaw’s outstretched arms. Absurd shot. (D’Antoni then drew up a beautiful out of bounds lob play for James Jones that failed because the officials ignored Luke Walton’s blatant hold.)

The Suns still led by one in the closing seconds of overtime when Nash bizarrely dribbled to the sideline. He attempted to pivot away from Walton and Lamar Odom and signaled for a timeout. But instead of calling a foul or honoring Nash’s request, the officials called a jump ball, even though a still photo later revealed Walton’s foot was out of bounds as he tied Nash up. Walton tipped it to Kobe and you know the rest.

At the time, it felt like the Suns were cursed and Kobe was destined to find a way to win no matter the circumstances. Which, of course, made Phoenix’s rally from a 3-1 deficit to win the series even more improbable.

5. The free throws after tearing his Achilles

Longtime Lakers trainer Gary Viti once said that this was Kobe’s “gutsiest moment.” I don’t think Viti was referring to Kobe’s physical pain — a fully ruptured Achilles actually hurts less in the moment than many other serious injuries. Instead, I think he was noting Kobe’s strength to fight through his mental anguish at the thought of his body finally breaking down after years of feeling indestructible.

Watching Kobe’s postgame interview only drives home that point. He looks like a man finally coming to terms with his own athletic mortality.

4. A legend is born

Most remember Kobe’s first championship run for the Game 7 comeback against the Blazers, but the six-game NBA Finals series win over the Pacers was no walk in the park. Kobe badly injured his ankle in a Game 2 victory when Indiana’s Jalen Rose slid under him on a mid-range jumper. (Years later, Rose admitted he did it on purpose). Kobe missed Game 3, an easy Indiana victory, and was a doubt for Game 4. He refused to shoot layups during pregame warmups, telling NBC’s Ahmad Rashad that he was “saving it for the game.” The game went to overtime, and with 2:29 left, Shaquille O’Neal fouled out jumping for a rebound with Rik Smits.

Remember: the Lakers hadn’t won a title yet and were up against a vastly more experienced team on the road. Lose this game, and the series would be tied 2-2 with Indiana hosting Game 5. The MVP was on the bench, and his co-star was operating at less than full capacity. The series swung in the balance.

Kobe’s response:

A vicious crossover and pull-up jumper on Reggie Miller on the next play.

A rise-up shot from nearly the same spot over a flummoxed Mark Jackson.

A crucial block from behind on an Austin Croshere layup that would have cut the lead back to one.

A reverse tip-in after the Pacers successfully denied him the ball with 5.9 seconds left to shove the advantage back to three.

This was when his clutch legend was born.

3. A curtain call for the ages

A cartoonish mockery of the game of basketball for three quarters that turned into something magical by the end. That it upstaged the Warriors breaking the goddamn single-season wins record made it even more memorable.

What a perfect way for Kobe to go out.

2. 81

Kobe’s basketball reputation is built on the premise that he plays his best when the moment is biggest. It’s ironic, then, that his best individual performance came in one of the most anonymous settings of his career.

The game took place on Jan. 22, 2006, a Sunday that was cleared for the NFL’s two conference championship games. Regular Lakers announcer Joel Meyers was calling the NFC title game, leaving backup Bill MacDonald to fill in. Jack Nicholson didn’t show up. Several other regular celebrities begged off the game.

Early on, there was little indication that Kobe was about to have one of those nights. The Raptors came out in a 2-3 zone that cut off the rest of Kobe’s teammates. They took a double-digit lead and swelled it to 18 to start the third quarter. Kobe had 26 first-half points: noteworthy, but hardly unusual.

In fact, it was part of the plan. As Toronto point guard Jose Calderon told ESPN:

People always ask me, “How is it possible to let one guy score 81 points?” Because we were winning almost the whole game. He can keep scoring as long as we’re up. Yeah, he’s killing us, but the rest of the team is doing nothing, and we’re winning. We didn’t think he would keep scoring like he was.

Once Kobe started heating up the third quarter, Raptors players pleaded for a change in strategy. Instead, coach Sam Mitchell stayed the course. “It was the most frustrating thing,” guard Mike James told ESPN. “Maybe that should have been one of those times where we were rebellious and went against Coach’s will.”

To this day, Mitchell defends his decision. As he told CBS Sports’ James Herbert in 2017:

It’s always funny to me ‘cause I look at the other side, if we win the game. Because it’s not like we got beat by 30. We were winning the game. My thought process during that was one, how can we slow him down?, and two, we can still win the game. As great a game as he was having, I thought we had just as good a chance to win the game. We were winning. So, you know, you’re trying to stop him because if you can stop him, it increases your chance to win. But also, you’re saying even if we don’t stop him, we can still win this game.

He gives himself too much credit, but he also has a point. Whatever the Raptors were doing was working for a large stretch of the game. Then, out of nowhere, Kobe caught fire and directed the sports world’s attention to a game they otherwise would have ignored.

And yet, as magical as this night was, it won’t stick with me as much as ...

1. Kobe and Gigi, geeking out

... a father and a daughter — a teacher and a student, a mentor and mentee — gleefully sitting courtside while nerding out over a piece of basketball minutiae in a mundane regular-season game between two losing teams.

I’ve watched this sequence hundreds of times in the last 48 hours, and it still gets me. The world didn’t just lose a basketball star Sunday. It lost a past icon and a future legend. It lost a proud father and a happy daughter, sharing in a routine moment while doing what they both loved.

Rest in peace, Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

[desdemona-wren]

V.A.A{p}

1. What color is your character’s hair?

Naturally black, currently in the story line I believe it is Magenta or Amaranth. May also be a bright icy blue. She changes it rather often. 

2. What color are your character’s eyes?

Gray, but they can’t seem to make up their mind as to whether they want to look greenish or blueish. As is the case with light eyed people. 

3. What color is your character’s skin?

She’s part Thai and part Greek (and all American) so she’s fairly tan. 

4. What special aesthetic characteristics does your character have?

She’s got cool hair. 

5. Does your character have any piercings? Tattoos?

Septum. Ears pierced thrice on each side (standart lobe, double upper lobe). Daith piercing in left ear (with cute crescent moon shaped earring). industrial piercing in right ear (may or may not be an arrow. long live the goddess artemis u fools). You could TECHNICALLY call the buying/selling runes embedded in her wrists piercings since they’re permanent runes. She also has a navel piercing because how could she not? And a smiley piercing. Maybe even a few “down under”. Not that you could prove it. 

Forgot this also asked about tattoos. She doesn’t have anything too visible. She has the phases of the moon across her back (right shoulder to left shoulder) in an eerie metallic gold that’s 1 part magic, 2 parts irradiated fuckery. And one on her arm somewhere. Don’t know what its of. Her favorite animal probably. 

6. What’s the sexiest physical characteristic of your character?

Definitely her giant nose. 

7. What’s the ugliest physical characteristic of your character?

Uh. She has really bad breath in the morning. 

( I'M HER MOTHER. 

SHE'S PERFECT IN MY EYES.

EVEN IF HER BOOBS ARE LOPSIDED AND SHE HAS WEIRD QUESTIONABLE SCARS AND SHE HAS A HUGE NOSE

I LOVE HER THE WAY SHE IS)

BONUS: What element of their appearance is your character most insecure about?

Violet is really insecure about her height. She thinks she’s too short. 

8. What does your character wear?

She’s a goth so. Bright colors and idk rainbows. That’s what goths wear, right?

9. When your character smiles, what does their smile look like?

Probably a little terrifying. Or awkward. She’s not much of a smiler. 

10. What does your character’s laugh sound like?

Harsh and deep but feminine. Or when she’s nicer and isn’t being a bitch her laughter is kind of melodic and contagious. 

BONUS: What sort of things would make your character laugh?

Generally being mean to Jasmine or pulling a really good prank. Though she also laughs a lot when flirting. 

11. What is your character’s normal style of speech?

Her voice is slightly raspy, but light. Most of the time she sounds annoyed.

BONUS: What are some memorable things your character has said that showcase their unique voice?

“Female orgasm enhancement?” She asked, tapping her long black fingernail against the front of the bottle. She moved her gaze from the potion in her hand to take in the two officers before her.

“Your,” she cleared her throat, quirking an eyebrow at the male officer, “partner not pulling his weight?”

12. How does your character express/handle anger?

By blowing shit up and losing control. Or also being a petty bitch. There is no in-between. 

13. Does your character cry?

Everybody cries.

BONUS: What sorts of things would make them cry?

Idk man. Maybe breaking a nail or ripping her brand new tights or getting kidnapped and tortured for three years only to find out everything she’s ever known is a lie and her entire life is in shambles. 

14. How easy is it for other people to read your character’s emotions?

I mean. By nature her entire species has difficulty expressing and reading emotions so. I mean, I don’t think people can really read each other that well. 

15. Is your character religious?

She’s basically obsessed with sun gods and moon goddesses. Casters don’t have to be religious, but some of those who use witchcraft or “the old ways” find it comforting to believe in something. Violet is one of those people. 

16. How does your character view those of other faiths?

She doesn’t care about them. It doesn’t directly affect her, after all. 

17. What are your character’s core values?

I mean. First do no harm? She was training to be a medical caster so she wants to help people. She has a lot of good ideas on how to fix things in magical society, but she’s lost her way a little bit. 

18. How willing is your character to fight for those values?

She’s done a lot of things. Even sort of pimping herself out to better science.

19. What is your character’s favorite food?

She’s real into fruit. And maybe also too much into khao neow sang kaya. 

20. What is your character’s favorite color?

Gold.

21. What are your character’s sleeping preferences?

When she was in the medical corps she pushed herself until she passed out somewhere weird. Now that she works in a store she gets between 6 to 8 hours a night. Sometimes more. She’s a lot more well rested than she used to be. 

Habit wise she generally sleeps in her bed, hair up, shorts and a tanktop and completely diagonal across the whole thing. In med corps she was lucky if she found a nice hard floor to pass out on. 

BONUS: What position does your character typically sleep in?

Diagonally across her bed on her stomach or right side. 

22. What is your character’s sexual identity?

Cis female? If that’s what you’re asking. Fuck it I’m combining 22 and 23. Violet is canonically cis female and bisexual. 

23. What are your character’s sexual preferences?

BONUS: What sexual experiences or choices does your character feel especially good or bad about?

Violet hasn’t done a lot of the sex. She hasn’t had time with her medical career. They start training really young and everyone is really serious about it. So she doesn’t have much to feel good or bad about. She’s largely neutral to the whole thing. Dancing naked in the moonlight covered in blood and surrounded by a dozen of your peers before ominously chanting some weird song prior to a three day orgy is normal every day wixen shit, after all. 

24. What type of music does your character like?

Violet likes 80′s female power ballads and music without lyrics that she can work to. Movie scores are generally a favorite since most of those are instrumental. 

BONUS: Does your character have a song that is “their song”?

Uh. Fite me.

25. What is your character’s birthday?

She’s a Sagittarius. December 2nd. 

BONUS: Does their astrological sign seem to fit them?

Violet is a Sagittarius and she does have a thirst for knowledge and an impressive intellect. She’s curious and quick-witted and extroverted. So I’d say it fits her well, but that’s why I chose the sign for her in the first place. 

26. What family structure did your character have growing up?

She doesn’t remember much about her parents, they died in a fire when she was young. She grew up with her older sister in a boarding school. They were rather staunch and strict, but she had a cool lady named Hecate around to help her realize her true potential. 

27. How well did your character get along with their family?

Violet and her older sister, Persephone get along famously. Plus her mother figure, Hecate is constantly around being her best self. She has a pretty great family dynamic. 

28. What is the worst thing your character has ever done?

Probably left that sticky note for Jasmine. 

29. What is the best thing your character has ever done?

That remains to be seen. 

30. What is the most significant romantic encounter of your character’s past?

Uh. She stabbed Jasmine in the hand once. 

31. Has your character ever been in love?

Not that she knows of. So far. In this time line. 

32. Has your character ever been in lust?

Uhhh. Sure. All those orgies. 

33. What is your character’s level of sexual experience?

Pretty lacking. She’s only been to a few blood/moon orgies. 

34. What is your character’s most embarrassing moment?

Lol generally existing. But no really, probably accidentally stabbing a cop in the hand. 

35. What is your character’s biggest goal in life?

to SUCCEED AT THE THING SHE WANT TO SUCCEED AT CAUSE IT IS A THING TO DO AT ALL THE COSTS.

Also to change the cost of casting. She wants to erase the emotional disconnect it causes in wixen and magical beings of all types. It’s sort of a huge problem. Though for a long time she goes about that the wrong way. 

36. What does your character believe is their greatest virtue?

Probably being a healer.

37. What does your character believe is their greatest vice?

Probably not knowing when to stop a bad or toxic behavior due to being casted out. Overcasting is a huge bad habit she’s picked up recently. She’s never been able to cast recreationally before leaving the medical corps to help her sister with their new potions shop. So she’s gone overboard lately and it’s been sort of ruining her life. 

38. What motivates your character most?

A strong desire to find an easy way out of her past mistakes and hopefully make things better for future generations. 

39. Is your character objective-oriented?

I mean, probably? We’ve already discussed her interest in goals? I don’t understand why this question is even here.

40. Would your character rather be a great person or a good person?

Violet is offended by this question. It’s a fucking weird stupid ass question. 

41. Would your character rather be hated for being who they are or loved for pretending to be someone else?

Violet doesn’t give a fuck. If you don’t like her, that’s your problem, fam. 

42. Is your character an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?

Extroverted. 

43. Is your character creatively expressive?

I mean. Sure, if you consider potion making an surgery and art. I suppose. I mean, she makes potion making look fucking cool. 

44. What’s your character’s disorder?

Violet is a giant fucking nerd.

Who is cursed with a flair for the dramatic along with the crippling depression, lack of empathy or any sort of emotional understanding, and general shitty person disorder that comes along with magic and its use in modern society. Wixen are very off-putting to say the least. 

45. What is your character’s standard emotional state?

Stressed. Probably angry. Maybe a little confused. At least at first, until she goes through a brief apathetic phase. Then basically constant earth shattering rage. 

46. Is your character materialistic?

Sure. Violet likes pretty things. What 19 year old isn’t a little materialistic. 

BONUS: What are some of your character’s prized possessions?

Man her weird spiral rainbow wand that she doesn’t use because wands have been obsolete for centuries. But the ~~~aesthetic~~~ tho. 

47. What is your character’s major learning style?

Practical application. Putting herself in a situation or a simulation that would require her to use the knowledge she’s been provided with and has studied several times. She learns both by reading and by doing. 

48. What question isn’t on this questionnaire that your character is just burning to answer?

She likes girls more than dudes even though she’s bi. She also wants to have a pet red panda because they’re cute. Her favorite animal is probably a bear. Idk. 

49. I am a _________. How would your character complete that sentence?

“I am a medical professional and this is jackass.”

50. Life is an act of _________ing. What verb would your character use to complete that sentence?

Dude probably “fucking” what kind of a dumb ass sentence is this. Violet is fucking perturbed. 

[bfknj]

tags masterpost (?)

I was tagged in a few tag games over the past few days and instead of posting them all separately I decided to just put them all on one! If I tagged you feel free to do any or all of these (including people who tagged me!!) As always, don’t feel any pressure to do any, I just think these are fun and wanted to share :)

- - - - 11 questions tag - - - -

Rules: 1. Make sure to post the rules!! 2. Answer the questions given to you by the tagger. 3. Write 11 questions of your own. 4. Tag 11 people

these questions are from @moonmyun !! michaela you had me stRUGGLIN OKAY YOUR QUESTIONS WERE HARD but ily still bless you for the tag you angel :”)

1 who is your bias group? why?

BANGTAN SONYEONDAN AKA MEME SQUAD !!!!!!! honestly they just make me so beyond happy wow holly nobody ever says that about their favs ur original a LOOOT of music is centered around love these days and not to say bts doesn’t do that with a lot of their music but they also tackle a lot of societal issues and I really respect them for that. From 21st century girls w politics, spring day mv and the ferry sinking, suicide in the I need u mv and many other things I feel like they take risks for the sake of portraying what they hold true to their hearts/morals not necessarily what will sell best and I can’t name many other groups who do that as well :( also my boys cute af I love those dweebs IM SO WHIPPED HAH

2 which kpop video do you find the most aesthetically pleasing?

this is hard :(( idk my number one but I really like seventeen hip hop unit’s check in, red velvet’s one of these nights, ladies code’s galaxy, kim lip of loona’s eclipse and crush’s fall ! they don't all match my aesthetic but I feel like they match the songs really well!!! watch them okay 3/5 of them are hELLA UNDERRATED bye

3 if you could instantly learn one choreography, what would you pick?

something by either gfriend or bts?? love whisper or not today or blood sweat tears?? OOOH or red flavor by rv!! tbh though I’m really skinny so my limbs look weird af with a lot of dances rip

4 who do you look up to as a role model (in the kpop community or not)?

there’s no person in particular that really sticks out but I will say I’ve always admired jungkook, and really all trainees for that matter, who leave their families to start training really young because its a process thats hard physically, emotionally and mentally for late teen/early twenties trainees but there’s sO many kids who enter in their pre-teens and idk how they survive also I realized this doesn’t answer your question at all I'm sorry its 1:28 AM I’m just waiting for the DNA mv to drop

5 whose concert would you go to if you could and why?

DAY6 DAY6 DAY6 DAY6 !!!!! THEY INVENTED LIVE SHOWS DONT FIGHT ME ON THIS or shoot maybe dean or crush or heize?? I LOVE TOO MANY TALENTED PEOPLE also I would say bts but although there are countless amazing beautiful armys there are def some crazy scary ones that are known to be horrible at concerts so

6 if you could pick one idol to be best friends with, who would it be and why?

OK YALL IVE THOUGHT ABOUT THIS A LOT IN MY DAILY LIFE SO S/H TO MICHAELA FOR ASKING ILY either boo seungkwan or ahn heeyeon!! I feel like hani would be so fun to have girl time with bc I feel like we’re really similar in some ways ?? IDK I LOVE HER bUT overall I’d say boo seungkwan because istg we are 100000000% the same person only he has a weenie ok just trust me I am boo and boo is me

7 would you want to be a part of a kpop group if you had the opportunity to be?

I’d absolutely love to be in the entertainment industry and I think the staging, costuming, group dynamics and publicity (variety shows, fan service/interations) in the kpop industry are all really cool but I honestly don't think I have the mental strength to do it lmao idols go through so much and I don’t think I could handle it regardless of how much I enjoy singing/dancing/performing etc.

8 what languages do you speak, and which do you want to learn?

english and some spanish??? I understand a lot because quite a bit of my family speaks it but my conversational skills have gone downhill recently because I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to practice :( with that said, I’d like to be fluent in spanish and - BEFORE YOU COME FOR ME READ IT ALL OK - I’d like to learn korean BECAUSE!!!!! when I was little before I moved I would go to a farmers market by my house and a lot of the older ladies there spoke korean and little holly though it sounded so pretty and I always wanted to chat w them ok THATS WHY I’m not a creepy koreaboo this has been a thing since before I even knew what a kpop was ok bye 

9 what song cheers you up when you’re sad?

fire by bts bc I get hella turnt to that song its a pROBLEM also jackpot by block b, baby/puss in boots by astro, chained up by vixx, not today/bst by bts, knock knock by twice, i think I love you by sonamoo THE LIST GOES ON I HAVE A WHOLE PLAYLIST OK

10 what things do you associate with your bias?

dimples!! pretty hands, closing one eye in selcas, ootds, happiness so cheesy ik sORRY, ryan, studying, awkward dancing, open mouth laughs, second hand embarrassment, sentimental rants

11 what’s your favourite thing to do in your free time?

cry over namjoon tbh I’m one of those people who is constantly listening to music so I’m always doing that and singing along regardless of if its free time or not HAH then I really like reading and catching up on my youtube subscriptions

my questions!

what is your dream job?

favorite book of all time?

what is your current fashion like and what is your dream fashion?

if your best friend was cloned, how would you know which one of the two was your best friend?

what song got you into kpop?

which idol do you think is most similar to you?

favorite kpop lyrics?

if given the opportunity to collaborate with any group/soloist of your choice, who would you choose and why?

what is your favorite physical and character trait of your ult?

which underrated groups/soloists do you believe deserve more recognition? any song recs?

do you read fanfics? if so, what are your favorites?

- - - - song title game - - - -

I was tagged by @kihani, your song choices were 12/10 

rules: spell you your url with kpop songs and tag ten people! (all of these happen to by song recs too so listen nd be happy friends)

mysterious - hello venus

i think i love you? - sonamoo (a fav ok listen pls)

life in color - beenzino

knock - knk 

jelly - hotshot

only u - daze

out of sorts - vixx

night rather than day - exid

she’s a baby - zico

- - - - get to know me tag! - - - -

1ST RULE: Tag 10 people you want to get to know better.

2ND RULE: BOLD the statements that are true. tagged by @sleepysugarmoon, thank you friend!! APPEARANCE: I am 5'7" or taller I wear glasses (or contact lenses) I have at least one tattoo I have at least one piercing I have blonde hair I have brown eyes I have short hair My abs are at least somewhat defined I have or have had braces PERSONALITY: I love meeting new people  People tell me that I’m funny   Helping others with their problems is a big priority for me I enjoy physical challenges I enjoy mental challenges I’m playfully rude with people I know well I started saying something ironically and now I can’t stop saying it ABILITY: I can sing well I can play an instrument  I can do over 30 pushups without stopping I’m a fast runner I can draw well I have a good memory I’m good at doing math in my head I can hold my breath underwater for over a minute I have beaten at least 2 people in arm wrestling I know how to cook at least 3 meals from scratch I know how to throw a proper punch HOBBIES: I enjoy playing sports I’m on a sports team at my school or somewhere else I’m in an orchestra or choir at my school or somewhere else I have learned a new song in the past week I work out at least once a week I’ve gone for runs at least once a week in the warmer months I have drawn something in the past month Fandoms are my #1 passion  I do or have done martial arts EXPERIENCES: I have had my first kiss I have had alcohol I have scored the winning goal in a sports game I have watched an entire season of a TV show in one sitting I have been at an overnight event I have been in a taxi I have been in the hospital or ER in the past year I have beaten a video game in one day I have visited another country I have been to one of my favorite band’s concerts RELATIONSHIPS: I’m in a relationship I have a crush on a celebrity I have a crush on someone I know I have been in at least 3 relationships I have never been in a relationship I have asked someone out or admitted my feelings to them I get crushes easily I have had a crush on someone for over a year I have been in a relationship for at least a year I have had feelings for a friend MY LIFE: I have at least one person I consider a “best friend” I live close to my school My parents are still together I have at least one sibling I live in the United States There is snow right now where I live I have hung out with a friend in the past month I have a smartphone I have at least 15 CDs I share my room with someone RANDOM SHIT: I have breakdanced I have had a teacher with the last name that’s hard to pronounce I have dyed my hair I’m listening to one song on repeat right now I have punched someone in the past week I know someone who has gone to jail I have broken a bone I have eaten a waffle today I know what I want to do with my life I speak at least 2 languages I have made a new friend in the past year

tagging some mutuals bc ily and why do you even follow me I'm a wreck tbh OK i tag: @kihani, @21jd, @lapatronakim, @94seulqi, @gayoongi, @springdqy, @medina-kim, @15minss, @je0n, @cottontae, @taebaeul, @booty-baekery, @lalisl, @babekhyun, @voidpjm and anyone else who wants to try any or all of these!! 

[awesomebrazilianprincess]

It's Neymar's Time to Complete His Rise to Royalty

If Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi has anything in common with Crash Davis—if there’s any sort of cultural crossover between the archetypes of global sports glitz and minor league baseball grime—it’ll show itself when the tape recorder starts rolling. That’s when the icons in their posh private jets heed the wisdom Davis imparted on a bumpy bus, whether they’ve seen Bull Durham or not. “You’re gonna have to learn your clichés,” Crash says in the 1988 classic. “They’re your friends.”

The galácticos have little choice but to follow this advice. Combine the fanaticism surrounding global soccer with the minimal access afforded the media covering it, and you have an environment where every crumb becomes content, where innuendo is louder than insight, where the tiniest spark can become a bombshell. In short: The less said the better; be safe, not sorry. So it’s significant, then, that in the middle of what should be the most relaxing summer of his adult life, Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. is willing to let you in, share his concerns and maybe even make a headline. He can’t hide from who he is, nor from the momentous, legacy-defining season to come.

The quiet but charismatic 25-year-old Brazilian forward has never won a World Cup. He has never been named FIFA’s player of the year. And if he remains at FC Barcelona (which was up in the air as of Monday; if he’s not in Paris a week from now, it will be a surprise), he will have to wait a bit longer until he’s even considered his own team’s centerpiece. But he’s universally deemed soccer’s best player after Ronaldo and Messi, and he’s beloved in a way that neither of them ever will be. And a big reason for that is his indifference to the Book of Crash.

Neymar can’t fake it. He’s not packaged, and he’s not a ­product—and as a result, he sells lots of them: Nike, Gillette, Panasonic, Beats by Dre. In 2013 he was named the most marketable athlete in the world by SportsPro and Eurosport. In January he was ranked the most valuable player on the Euro­pean transfer market by Switzerland’s CIES Football Observatory. And in April he was the only footballer on TIME’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. (“I’ve always been struck by his humility,” David Beckham wrote for TIME. “He’s respectful and wants to learn...He lives to play the game, and I imagine he approaches it now the same way he did as a boy.”)

Neymar says he can’t explain his inclusion on that list—and then he tries to do just that: “Maybe because I’m an athlete or maybe because I do a lot of things on social media. But I don’t know. I don’t like to talk about myself. I try to be a good role model for my son, my family, my friends, and then I try to be a good role model for the rest of the people, too. ... I try to be myself without being anything different. I’m only one Neymar—for my family, for the public. I’m always the same person.”

When Neymar acknowledges that, yes, the next 12 months, climaxing with the World Cup in Russia, will probably be “the toughest season of my life,” he believes it. The world will read those words and discuss and dissect them, and then they’ll become even more true. The spotlight is about to get even brighter, and Neymar, who’s been soccer’s next big thing for nearly a decade, will have to confront his destiny.

This was Neymar’s first summer without a national-team commitment since 2010, when his exclusion from Brazil’s ill-fated World Cup squad caused an uproar at home. Brazil has already qualified for Russia, so he’s had the chance to indulge. He hit Oracle Arena for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, sitting courtside with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and posing afterward with Odell Beckham Jr. and Kevin Durant. Neymar wasn’t at all concerned about whether the Warriors’ megastar was a fan; this was no ego trip. “I don’t know if he’s seen me play,” Neymar told SI, “but I had the pleasure to meet him.”

In another photo the 5' 9" Brazilian stood on a chair and playfully lorded over 6' 7" Draymond Green. Neymar enjoys being around famous and accomplished people—he reunited with Green in Ibiza last month—not because of how it reflects on him but because he’s a fan, genuinely in awe of what they can do.

In the last year he performed a short, silly scene in which he juggles a napkin holder in Vin Diesel’s most recent Xander Cage movie—a role only for the athlete who doesn’t take himself too seriously—and kicked a ball across Hollywood Boulevard on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He’s joined musicians onstage, singing and dancing at concerts back home.

Neymar has a piano at his house in Spain—it was there when he moved in, he says, and he has been teaching himself to play with YouTube ­videos—but at an L.A. photo shoot for this story it takes some convincing to get the man watched by tens of millions every weekend to tap out even a simple a tune on a rented grand. He sits, gets up and wanders a bit before settling back in. Songs are suggested. How about Barcelona’s club anthem, “El Cant del Barça”? A Nike marketing rep asks that the studio’s ambient music be turned up, not down, so Neymar might feel a bit less scrutinized. He’s not an action figure to be played with. He’s human; he gets nervous. He says he felt it when he met Michael Jordan in Las Vegas and when he lined up to take what would be the winning penalty kick in the Olympic gold medal game last summer in Rio. Before the confidence bubbled up at the penalty spot, he admits, he endured the “worst sensation—all of the responsibility is on you.”

The Olympics play a distant second fiddle to the World Cup, but that U-23 tournament stubbornly remained the one international competition Brazil hadn’t won. And with the 2016 Games being contested on home soil two years after World Cup humiliation (also at home), Brazil named Neymar one of its three over-age players. He delivered, scoring four goals in six matches and converting that gilded penalty against Germany. Neymar was in tears almost immediately. For him, delivering the final piece of Brazil’s trophy puzzle was an immense achievement. For the public that adores him, however, it’s still not enough.

“It was like the Yankees finishing with the best record in the regular season: O.K., that’s kind of cool, but they measure everything around here by World Cup championships,” says Brian Winter, a Texan who co-wrote Pelé’s 2014 autobiography and who now runs Americas Quarterly, a political, business and cultural journal covering Latin America. As Reuters’ chief correspondent in Brazil for five years, he knows well how the nation’s sports, economics and politics intersect; he was living in São Paulo when Germany dismantled the hosts 7–1 in the ’14 Cup semifinals. That game in Belo Horizonte, he says, marked “the start of a long descent into hell for Brazil,” which has been reeling from financial and political crises since.

Neymar’s penalty and Olympic gold offered only temporary respite. “It was cool for, like, a day,” says Winter. “It created the sensation that hosting the Games hadn’t been a total waste. But once the lights went off, it was so clear that all of the promises linked to the ­Olympics—improved policing, infrastructure—had fallen short.” Brazilians, he says, are “desperately hoping for a reason to be happy in 2018. And so often—maybe too often—Brazilian soccer and politics mix.”

So the nation turns to Neymar. Four years after the misery of the so-called Mineirazodrubbing by ­Germany, which Neymar missed with a fractured vertebra suffered in a quarterfinal Thunderdome match against Colombia, Brazil has a viable shot at redemption in Russia. The 7–1 stain will never go away, but this World Cup will feature Neymar in his prime, shouldering the hopes of a country desperate for a reversal in fortune. This is the season in which it all could turn around. The season in which Neymar might finally fulfill his promise.

"Everybody wants that Neymar be the protagonist in the World Cup,” says Ricardo Kaká, the Orlando City midfielder who was part of Brazil’s 2002 title-winning team (and who, incredibly, is the last man other than Ronaldo or Messi to be crowned world player of the year—10 years ago). “This is unfair sometimes, but it’s also because of who he is as a player, for his potential, how he can decide a game, how he’s a protagonist in Barcelona. There is going to be pressure on him.”

Kaká is certainly familiar with scrutiny, but as good as he was, he never became the long-term, tactical focal point of the Seleção. Nevertheless, Neymar looks up to the former Brazil number 10, who’s 10 years his elder. Neymar admires Kaká’s piety, and Kaká appreciates Neymar’s willingness to listen and learn. They’re both part of a text-message group reserved for Brazilian national team veterans, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world: Kaká, Roberto Carlos, Denílson, Elano...–Neymar joined recently, and he employed the group’s advice during the Olympics.

Kaká explains: “The first games, Brazil didn’t play so good, everyone was criticizing Brazil—and he was the most important player. He tried speaking with the press, and then I said to him, ‘Now as a player we have a very good opportunity to answer without saying; we have the field to [show that] we care and that the situation is important to us.’ In the end he won the Olympics, and that was the best answer he could give.”

The members of the group, Kaká says, believe Neymar is “very smart to understand that these guys can give him something different, something that could help.”

Brazil needs Neymar because, increasingly, Brazil is Neymar. Though rocked by recessions and political scandals, the nation has seen massive gains made by the nascent middle class over the past couple of decades. For years, socioeconomic classes “often resembled castes,” Winter says. There were five—A through E—and it’s the C that’s been on the rise.

C is roughly where you would have found a young Neymar. The son of a journeyman pro player, he wasn’t impoverished growing up on the southern fringe of the São Paulo megalopolis, but his family didn’t have much either, and making ends meet was a chore. Now Neymar takes in some $37 million per year (more of it from endorsement deals than from Barcelona), according to Forbes. He’s living the modern Brazilian dream.

“Neymar has the deepest connection with the people of Brazil of any soccer player of this generation, particularly with the rising middle class,” Winter says. “The way he talks, his street-wise charm—he appeals to that segment. He’s the best pitchman in a generation.”

That appeal also dovetails with the millennial generation. Neymar is a master of social media. His image isn’t meticulously crafted or self-celebratory like Ronaldo’s; it’s not homey or reticent like Messi’s. That video of Neymar playing soccer in a backyard with Justin Bieber is more effective than anything a consultant might stage. It’s organic and honest, a window into Neymar’s effortless cool.

He’s fashionable. And he’s got a wonderfully wry sense of humor. “Social media tends to ferret out the phonies,” Winter says. “People love watching for their idols to show a glimpse of insincere behavior—but you really don’t see it from him.”

There’s a 2011 video of a 19-year-old Neymar in the locker room at his old Brazilian club, Santos, in which he dances and sings and thrusts along to Michel Teló’s cover of “Ai Se Eu Te Pego.” The more sighs and eye rolls Neymar gets from teammates in the video, the more committed he becomes.

He’s comfortable, unvarnished and fearless in the moment—the sort of person anyone with spunk or spirit would like to be around. The clip has more than 25 million views, and Neymar has 78 million followers on Instagram, making his account the 14th-most popular in the world, a hair above Messi’s.

Ronaldo has more, but Google “CR7 dancing” and among the first few hits are clips of the Portuguese star gyrating in a pink bathing suit in front of a crowd in Ibiza and another of him cavorting on a private plane. Search “Messi dancing” and you’ll find videos of the Argentine and his wife. There’s no better illustration of the differences among the three men.

Kaká certainly sees it. “Neymar just tries to be himself,” he says. “What’s in your character [takes] you where you want to go. Messi is a little bit shy, so he wants to be more out of the light. Cristiano wants to be not just a soccer player, but also a celebrity. There’s not a rightway, it’s just a choice. Neymar is the nice guy who wants to be everywhere, but he’s humble and simple. When he takes a picture with Kevin Durant, it’s: ‘This is the man, not me.’”

The soccer-loving world may worship now at the feet of Messi and Ronaldo, but that’s humanity’s appreciation for the divine and incomprehensible. Messi plays as if there are fireworks attached to his boots—the ball moves so quickly from one side of his foot to the other that it seems to occupy two places simultaneously. He’s all controlled chaos, staccato soccer. He is a savant, essentially, who doesn’t seem to be truly comfortable anywhere but on a field, and he’s been the driving force behind a three-time European champion that’s arguably the greatest side the sport has ever seen.

If Messi is from Mars, then Ronaldo hails from Mount Olympus. He’s like one of us but better, perfected. He plays like the physical specimen he is: with strength, power and panache. He’s more attractive than the statues of him. If Neymar markets to the C class, Ronaldo aims his CR7 brand, with its underwear and fragrances, at those in the A+. The guy has not only an airport but a galaxy named after him.

Yet for all their supernatural prowess, neither Messi nor Ronaldo is as adored in his homeland as Neymar is in Brazil. Argentines and Portuguese may look up to their respective icons, but Neymar prefers to look you in the eye.

Asked if he’s a little bit Ronaldo and a little bit Messi, Neymar says, “I think I’m like that. Sometimes I’m a little flamboyant, an extrovert. Sometimes I’m quiet.”

Whether he’s their peer is less important to the soccer world than whether he’s their successor. The Messi-Ronaldo duopoly has combined to win six FIFA Club World Cups, eight Champions League titles and a boatload of other honors. But Messi is 30, Ronaldo 32. Next summer’s World Cup will be the last for each man in his prime. At some point, it must be Neymar’s turn.

The Brazilian says that FIFA’s player of the year award is “very important” (Crash Davis wouldn’t like that answer), but he shrugs when asked if and when he’ll break through. “Everything happens in the right time,” he says. “The main focus is to keep playing well, keep winning games, and when the time is right, I’ll get mine.” (I’ll get mine—that wouldn’t pass the Crash test either.)

Back in June, when Ronaldo celebrated Real Madrid’s second consecutive Champions League crown with fans at the Plaza de Cibeles, he made his case for a second straight world player of the year award with a micro­phone and a chant. The thought of it—of using a team event to tout his case for an individual honor—makes Neymar squirm. “No, I wouldn’t do that,” he says.

He attracts attention in other ways. His play, like his demeanor, borrows a bit from both Messi and Ronaldo. But whereas Messi slices and Ronaldo surges, Neymar glides. He’s smoother and more efficient than either, outstanding with both feet and blessed with the creativity and vision of his great Brazilian predecessors. But his game, like his personality, is more accessible. Train long enough and hard enough, and maybe you, too, could play like Neymar. He’s human, mortal, and he speaks with a voice the next generation understands.

This is where Paris Saint-Germain enters the picture. The powerhouse French club was always going to feature in Neymar’s story, thanks to an astonishing Champions League round-of-16 series that will live forever in the lore of both PSG and FCB. Last season was a tough one by Barcelona’s standards, and its puzzling lack of ruthlessness was exposed in a 4–0 first-leg Valentine’s Day massacre at the Parc des Princes. Neymar says he was embarrassed by the performance, and he corroborates the story that he promised friends he’d net two goals in the March 8 decider at the Camp Nou—which he ultimately did, in the 88th and 91st minutes, before setting up Sergi Roberto’s clincher in a 6–1 thriller.

On a team as loaded as Barça, there aren’t many moments when a player can and must take command. But with his European season on the line Neymar was unstoppable, and for many it seemed like a turning point on his climb to soccer’s summit. In TIME, Beckham wrote that it would “be remembered as the moment he stepped up to take on the mantle of best player in the world. Neymar is ready to make his move.

But as July came to a close, it appeared more and more likely that move might take him away from Messi and back to Paris, where PSG was looking for a way to finance the payment of his record $261 million release clause. Yes, Neymar would have to wait for Barcelona to become his team—but if and when it did, then his team would be Barcelona. If he leaves for PSG, he will join a lesser league and a club that has the cash but not the chemistry to make a deep Champions League run. In NBA terms he’d be moving from the Warriors to the Clippers. And instead of Durant, whose desire to win trumped his need to be the man—as Neymar’s did when he left Santos for Barcelona in 2013—the Brazilian would be channeling Kyrie Irving, itching to get out from under LeBron James’s shadow.

Asked which of his two favorite NBA players he identifies with more—James, who was raised in the spotlight, or Steph Curry, who came up quietly at Davidson, mirroring Neymar’s lower-profile beginnings—­Neymar chooses LeBron. Let us not forget, then, James’s ultimate decision to break from the Big Three after winning superteam trophies in Miami. In order to be soccer’s biggest name, perhaps Neymar has to shine further away from Messi, Luis Suárez and Barcelona’s band of superstars.

If he ultimately stays in Spain, Neymar must launch his assault on Messi and Ronaldo while improving on his own 13-goal La Liga campaign and helping steer Barça back to the top under new coach Ernesto Valverde. Last season’s results and the upcoming World Cup apply pressure from both sides. But Messi and Suárez relieve it, at least on the club side. Neymar doesn’t have to be the best player every time he steps onto the Camp Nou field. He’ll have to be more impactful, but he can do so while remaining true to himself. He’ll have some leeway.

If he goes to PSG, he’ll be paid like a king and expected to inspire a desperate club that hasn’t advanced beyond the Champions League quarterfinals since 1995. He’ll have the headlines and the billboards to himself. When those are shared, knocking a ball around with Bieber endears you to fans. When they’re yours alone, a Bieber moment may raise questions of focus, maturity or leadership. There will be no outlets at PSG, no excuses. Either way, he’ll also have to prepare mentally and physically for the rigors of a must-win World Cup.

But it’s all manageable. It always has been—so believes the man with LIFE IS A JOKE tattooed across his left biceps. He was Brazil’s Olympic talisman, and he was thriving at the 2014 World Cup before getting hurt. “We only have one life, so we have to figure out a way to be happy,” Neymar says. “Don’t take it so seriously. That’s pretty much it. Enjoy your life.”

Neymar’s relationship with his homeland remains strong. Not even the court cases concerning his controversial 2013 transfer to Barcelona have dented his reputation. In July, he was cleared of tax evasion in Brazil; a Spanish investigation is ongoing. (“Tax evasion,” Winter points out, “is next to soccer as the national sport in Brazil.”) Neymar’s countrymen, meanwhile, remain grateful for the gold medal and for his staying with Santos as long as he did. His Q rating is unscathed.

The only thing that could hurt him at home is, of course, failure to win in Russia. After he was forced to watch the semifinal rout by Germany while recuperating, Neymar told his fellow Brazilians, “We are going to do all we can so that I can fulfill my dream. My dream is to be the champion of the world.”

Three years later he’s asking for help. “I want to win a World Cup,” he says, “but it’s not only me, you know? There are other factors. There are teammates. There are a lot of things going on.” He’s certainly right, if the Mineirazo was any indication. But then he concludes, “I think you can be a legend without winning a World Cup.”

Maybe, but not in Brazil. Sócrates and Zico, for example, were great players and remain well respected. Many pundits think their 1982 squad, which lost to eventual champion Italy in the second round, was better than the ’94 side, which won it all. But on a team with five stars on its jersey, the bar is so much higher. “If Neymar doesn’t win at least one World Cup, as much as people love him today, he will be forgotten,” says Winter. “Brazil isn’t short of epic personalities who’ve won World Cups.”

Neymar tries to make light of the pressure. “It’s very normal,” he says. “The thing is, if you win a World Cup, they’ll tell you that if you want to be the best, you have to win anotherWorld Cup! When you’re one of the top players, this is going to happen all the time.”

Perhaps it has all felt routine until now. But the next 12 months, whether he’s in Barcelona or Paris, will be anything but ordinary. A new chapter is beginning, and while the end is uncertain, it’s sure to be blessedly free of clichés.

[ramendobe]

Tag thing! And raised from the dead. I’ll be back tomorrow for u guys. IM COMINNGGG

Its 4:33 AM and I should probably just go the heckin to sleep but

Tagged by @maybeawriter6 , THANK U SM :D

1ST RULE: Tag 9 people you would like to know better

2ND RULE: BOLD the statements that are true

APPEARANCE: I am 5'7" or taller I wear glasses I have at least one tattoo I have at least one piercing I have blonde hair (At the moment) I have brown eyes I have short hair My abs are at least somewhat defined I have or have had braces

PERSONALITY: I love meeting new people (Online. Meeting new people out in the world GETS ME JUMPY. I dont dislike, but i wouldnt say that I LOVE it.) People tell me that I’m funny Helping others with their problems is a big priority for me I enjoy physical challenges I enjoy mental challenges I’m playfully rude with people I know well I started saying something ironically and now I can’t stop saying it There is something I would change about my personality

ABILITY: I can sing well I can play an instrument I can do over 30 pushups without stopping I’m a fast runner I can draw well  I have a good memory  I’m good at doing math in my head (LMAO this guy...) I can hold my breath underwater for over a minute I have beaten at least 2 people in arm wrestling I know how to cook at least 3 meals from scratch I know how to throw a proper punch

HOBBIES: I enjoy playing sports I’m on a sports team at my school or somewhere else I’m in an orchestra or choir at my school or somewhere else I have learned a new song in the past week I work out at least once a week  I’ve gone for runs at least once a week in the warmer months I have drawn something in the past month I enjoy writing (These damn fiction iDEAS AINT GONNA WRITE THEMSELVES. ALright but im like obsessed with megamind fanfic ideas even if nobody gives two shits about them) FANDOMS ARE MY #1 PASSION (!!!!!) I do or have done martial arts

EXPERIENCES: I have had my first kiss I have had alcohol (I dont really drink it, cause it tastes hella bad of all the drinks I’ve tried. But I wouldnt mind drinking if its something that tastes nice ayyyy) I have scored the winning goal in a sports game I have watched an entire season of a TV show in one sitting (The Flash.............dont ask.) I have been at an overnight event I have been in a taxi I have been in the hospital or ER in the past year I have beaten a video game in one day  I have visited another country (Poland out of all places. Had a field trip with my old school a couple of years ago) I have been to one of my favorite band’s concerts

RELATIONSHIPS: I’m in a relationship I have a crush on a celebrity  I have a crush on someone I know I have been in at least 3 relationships I have never been in a relationship I have asked someone out or admitted my feelings to them I get crushes easily  I have had a crush on someone for over a year I have been in a relationship for at least a year I have had feelings for a friend (My life in one sentence)

MY LIFE: I have at least one person I consider a “best friend” I live close to my school My parents are still together  I have at least one sibling  I live in the United States There is snow right now where I live I have hung out with a friend in the past month  I have a smartphone I have at least 15 CDs (15 CD’s of crap, BOOM) I share my room with someone

RANDOM SHIT: I have breakdanced (But it didnt look fucken pretty nor anything. I was a kid. I was rolling around the floor “HEY BRAH LOOK AT ME HAHALOLOL AY GON BE REAL SEXEYSMOOTH COOL) I know a person named Jamie I have had a teacher with a last name that’s hard to pronounce I have dyed my hair   I’m listening to one song on repeat right now  I have punched someone in the past week (me and my brother has some serious fighting going on. He ATE. MY BREAD. MY LAST PIECE OF BREAD, I WAS SAVING THAT LIL SHIT TIL THE END OF TIME AND HE JUST.....*sobs gently*) I know someone who has gone to jail I have broken a bone I have eaten a waffle today I know what I want to do with my life I speak at least 2 languages I have made a new friend in the past year

tag for: (DONT KNOW WHO’S BEEN TAGGED OR NOT BUT) @anakinkshamer , @thestarsaresilver , @margoteve , @followmetoyourdoom , @elf-kid2 , @ladyspock7 , @super-fensy .´Also gonna be a total creep and tag some of you guys that i dont really converse with but see you guys around everywhere CAUSE HELLO THERE FRIENDS @oceansgratitude , @owmygiantbluehead , @angrymarshmellow , @parrotfishteeth , @welcometomytwistedmegamind , @getoffmytoast ,ok I would tag more but this is getting....EYAH. Also, whoever wants to do this, feel free to get yourselves tagged by me, I wouldnt mind learning more about you, folks! :D

[fmlfpl]

Lineup Lamentations - GW8

Our Transfers, Captains, and Starting 11s for the week!

—

WALSH

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Haller & Cantwell

IN: Saka & Abraham

Welp - blowing my two frees to get Tammy in and join the cool kids club.

Time to wave the white flag and make the switch I was supposed to do for free before last gameweek. Missed some value and having to blow another transfer does not...how do they say...feel great...but it's okay guys. Right?

Bottom line is Haller just doesn't look like the same FPL asset that Tammy does. Still love Haller and still think he'll trickle in points but when there are others in his price region who look like exploding with points then it's an easy switch.

I am less enthused about welcoming an Emery rotational fuckstick into the team but realistically I needed to find .2m to get Tammy and had the eye of sauron focused on him. I imagine having Saka will become a problem very fast, but hey, a problem for another day. Or so I hope.

GK:

Pope (EVE)

Pope home Everton seems good for a clean these days so hopefully that works out. Not much to say about him other than he's just a steady hold at this point in my team. Still good underlying defensive metrics for Burnley.

DEF:

Robertson & Alexander-Arnold (LEI)

Robbo and Trent have a kind of tricky fixture against Leicester but I don't think a clean is that out of the question. Realistically other than City I feel like Liverpool have a good shot at cleaning any other team in the division at home and with Alisson possibly back let's fucking go here.

Leic will prob just jam the middle of the park and hope Vardy catches something off the counter. Good luck against Virg.

Otamendi (WOL)

Otamendi has home Wolves which is simply a laugh riot fixture after the orange cucks come back from Turkey on Thursday. Seems good.

Lundstram (wat)

With Kevin out I'll be also getting Lundstram in there.

I'm not reallyyyy feeling a clean in this one, but it's at least a good on paper fixture at Watford. Seems fine and he's always a candidate for an attacking return as we know and love.

MID:

Salah (LEI) & Sterling (WOL)

Mo and Raz couple good friends still in there getting the run out once again.

Mo off some points midweek and Raz off a rest both seem delightful in this moment.

Love seeing the momentum around people selling Mo still and long may it continue. Still the best player in the game on a team that looks unstoppable. Playing the long game and not really considering binning.

Mount (sou)

New boy from last week Masonry Mount with another nice fixture as their run of green continues. Seems great.

Saka (BOU)

Finally, new friend little boy Bakary Saka will get thrown straight into my fire.

I thinkkkkkkkk he'll start? Maybe?

He looks actually good so maybe he's going to be new little pet project for Emery.

As long as Laca is out and Ozil is not allowed near the pitch he seems like a reasonable guy. Maybe I get ridiculously lucky and he spikes something in a fantastic on paper fixture.

FWD:

Pukki (AVL)

Pukki has a good home game for the first time since GW2 so hopefully he comes in with some returns. Norwich been good at home for a while so long may that continue.

Abraham (sou)

Abraham straight in and there isn’t much to be said here.

At Soton is sort of a difficult place to go but the way Chelsea have been looking recently and with the potential of CHO incoming makes their engine even that much more enticing to me.

Feels good to get Tammy in and to not have been punished on the points front even though he led the league in xG last gameweek.

CAP:

Salah (LEI)

As discussed on the new Friday My Life pod I'm going with big diff cap in Mo.

Not the best, good, or even kinda good on paper fixture but it's still Liverpool at home and it's still Mo. I am sticking with my pod shout of not feeling great about capping Raz - cue Mendy starting and Raz is playing central forward but hey fuck me - while he's stationed on the sideline.

Mo off a brace...don't think he has Egypt duties...plus the Brodge reunion tour. I mean would anyone be stunned if this is a 4-0? I wouldn't be. As Alon pointed out on the Friday My Life pod edition...anytime Mo at home is a diff like this he should be considered.

—

ALON

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Agüero

IN: Aubameyang

Was very unsure of this move but talking about it with Walsh on the pod made me feel way better about it.

Kun, I never know if he will start, especially after a full run out in UCL, so meh yeah I don’t know. That risk sucks.

Add to that Aubz has the very long run of great fixtures and something I forgot to mention on pod is that I think Arsecast attack will continue to get way better once Bellerin and Tierney get in there so I’m looking forward to that too.

Aubz is an easy long term hold and shoudl be a great returner for me in that time. Come on let’s go.

GK:

Gunn (CHE)

Fucking hell what am I doing here? Funds from Kun to Aubz will fuel a Gunn out move for me.

I’d be pretty pleased with one point on Sunday.

DEF:

Tomori (sou)

I don’t really anticipate an away clean here and with Kante only 50/50 it’s made worse... But it’s possible! Also Tomo Arigato got a nice assist in UCL so maybe he can get himself another attacking return for me.

Lowton (EVE)

Another reasonable clean shout here.

Everton struggle for goals currently and Turf Moof must be the worst place to go to try and rectify that.

I’m hoping for a frustrating afternoon for the Blues and Burnley to do a Burnley on’em.

Lundstram (wat)

Fantastic fixture. I think anything less than 3 points would be disappointing for Wilder away to Watty. A clean is very possible too. Just no glaring huge howlers at the back boys, not this time please!

Kelly (whu)

I’m putting Kelly in here because he will almost definitely auto-sub in for Kevin (who is in my lineup currently).

Sakho is out so I expect Kelly to come back in, and he’s been solid all year.

Away to West Ham is a pretty bad fixture but also Palace tend to play way better away from home so this is by no means a nightmare. Clean points are still in play so I’m just hoping and praying for it.

MID:

Salah (LEI) & Sterling (WOL)

Two best players in the game remain the two best players in the game (maybe Kev overtakes Raz but meh)... Both are home and we all know these two teams cannot be touched in the league so I honestly expect points for both.

Cantwell (AVL)

Hoping Todd is fit enough to start and if he does this should be a good attacking fixture for Norwich. Come on Todd. Just need him to put in his oneish big chance that he’ll get.

FWD:

Aubameyang (BOU)

New lad after being rested in Europa league comes into my side with home Bournemouth on the cards. I’m salivating and he probably is too.

Abraham (sou)

Chelsea and Tammy look great.

Very impressive so far and Tammy has taken a big leap forward to just being a top striker this season. Let’s go.

Pukki (AVL)

Another Norwich dude. This is a huuuuuge fixture for the relegation battle but also just for our confidence in Pukki and Norwich to be keepers in fantasy.

We need a performance. Come on you Canaries.

CAP:

Aubameyang (BOU)

I mean, duh. This is as good an attacking fixture as you can get.

Bournemouth normally do not park and Eddie will think that with Arsenal’s defensive frailties they can get a result in this fixture... He might be right.

But anyway there should be plenty of room on the counter for the Gunners to slice and dice Bournemouth all day long. Serious hatty+ potential in this one for Aubz. Come on baby.

—

RANDOM SLACKER OF THE WEEK: ESPEN

The words of Random Slacker are not officially endorsed by this website nor any employees of FML FPL LLC.

TRANSFERS:

OUT: N/A

IN: N/A

Rolling a transfer this week. Two FTs after International Break is always good, or so they say. No obvious problems in my team except Kev so will do the sensible thing and save.

GK:

Pope (EVE)

Old friend Pope with a nice clean shout home to Everton. Burnley still has a nice run going forward so I’m spending zero energy on this spot atm.

DEF:

Otamendi (WOL)

Great job by me getting Ota in for his GW6 haul.

Bad as he is at football, City’s next four fixtures are very cleanable and he should be pretty nailed for the time being.

Besides, he’s a very exciting player to own being a constant red card shout and a fox in the box at the same time.

Robertson and van Dijk (LEI)

Still on double LIV defense and feeling ok with it.

Robbo the lovely lad, quietly returning in the last four and is going nowhere, but VVD might be on the chopping block with the upcoming fixtures.

Home Leicester will probably be a tough fixture but I’m feeling a 1-0/2-0 kind of game so crossing fingers for a double clean.

Lundstram (wat)

What a legend this guy is. I’ve had him all season and he’s been saving my ass auto-subbing on with two double digit hauls.

Playing him in a good fixture over Soy away to Liverpool seems like a no-brainer. Hoping Sheff U can do the same they did at Everton.

MID:

Sterling (WOL)

Feeling good about Raz in this moment.

With his benching “out of the way” I feel confident he’ll play 90 and hopefully this will be a game where he actually converts his chances. One can dream.

Salah (LEI)

Lots of chatter about removing Mo before their rather dire run of fixtures.

Must admit I’ve been thinking about dropping him, but a -4 to get Aubs or something like that just felt like a classic “come back to bite me in my ass” kind of move.

Sticking with him for now as I can easily see him score a couple vs Lei.

Cue Mane brace.

Mount (sou)

Really happy about having Mount in my team. Integral part of the Chelsea attack and their fixtures are just a sea of green. Not much to think about, just a good value pick.

FWD:

Pukki (AVL)

Norwich doing this whole Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde thing on the road vs at home.

Home against Villa should be a great chance to bring the mojo back, and I’m expecting goals again from the Finnish GOAT.

If he blanks I’ll probably start to look elsewhere for points.

Abraham (sou)

My transfer last week, which of course resulted in 3 big chances missed and a blank.

Oh well, we all knew his efficiency wasn’t sustainable.

He’s been good on the road and Soton can be scored on so expecting great things from young Tammy this week and in the time to come.

CAP:

Sterling (WOL)

Sixth GW in a row with Raz as my cap and this might be the one I’m most confident about.

That scares me, and will probably lead to sadness and existential doubt.

Wolves went full strength in Turkey this Thursday and should get absolutely fucked at the Ethiad... Hopefully a rested Raz will do most of the fucking.

Vice on Mo as per.

[chicagoredstars07]

Visible impact: Sofia Huerta could be more than just another player for USA

“My favorite thing about being Mexican-American is just having the culture in me.” It’s one of the first things Chicago Red Stars forward Sofia Huerta tells me when I ask what her favorite thing about being Mexican-American is.

When U.S. women’s national team head coach Jill Ellis announced the roster for the 2017 Tournament of Nations, it held all the familiar names of the senior national team. The press release listed several allocated players and a few NWSL standouts. It revealed facts about the team, and where and how to watch the upcoming Tournament of Nations.

In between all that was an interesting bit of news: Chicago Red Stars forward Sofia Huerta, 24, has been invited to train with the team for the duration of the tournament. U.S. Soccer is also filing a change of association with FIFA on Huerta’s behalf. Huerta played with Mexico in the 2012 U-20 World Cup, and some international friendlies as well, but is not cap-tied to Mexico. If approved, Huerta could have the opportunity to play for the United States.

In an interview this June, Huerta described herself as someone who is “open and emotional” and as someone who “views things very realistically.”

“It’s just a really competitive environment [breaking into the USWNT player pool],” she said. “And there’s this kind of grey area between being realistic and striving for your dreams. Like I’ve always had the dream to play for the U.S and I’m going to continue to try and control what I can control and hopefully maybe [I’ll] be in [conversations] of playing for them at one point. But at the same time, I do have to be realistic, and the reality is all I can do is continue playing as best I can with the Red Stars and that’s the only way I’m ever going to get to that level is if I perform and do well with Chicago.”

A lot can change in a month. And for Huerta, it did.

A different background

Her journey to fulfilling her dreams goes back much further than last month. It was a journey that began long ago when she was little girl with a dream of someday playing for the U.S. women’s national team. Like most of life’s journeys, they have twists and turns. Sometimes they have moments of joy and happiness. Other times there are moments of doubts and disappointment. Huerta’s road to the U.S. senior team might be different from others, but it is uniquely her own.

Huerta played soccer in her youth and on high school and club teams. She eventually made her way to Santa Clara, where she was presented with an opportunity: she was cut from the United States 2012 U-20 World Cup roster, and Mexico came calling. As a Mexican-American she was eligible to represent Mexico. Her father, Mauricio, is from Puebla, outside of Mexico City. “Puebla is a bit like you’re either really rich, or you’re really poor,” she said. “Like my dad grew up and had holes in his shoes and played soccer with a rolled-up ball of newspaper. So, in [coming to] America and being lucky and being so fortunate, my dad came here and made a name for himself. [He] became an engineer.”

She recounted her father’s story to me with pride; it isn’t an unfamiliar one in the diaspora that is growing up Mexican-AmericanHuerta doesn’t take that for granted as an adult. “Now that I’m older I understand,” she said, “But seeing [my dad] come to the U.S. and being the only one, and learning a different language and being in a different culture, and just doing that for his kids, is amazing. So, I always want to recognize that.”

Her parents settled down in Boise, Idaho, where she was born. According to 2010 census data, Boise is 89% White. While acknowledging the lack of diversity, Huerta admits growing up ‘different’ was something she appreciated. “Growing up in a bilingual household was so cool,” she said. “I mean, I’m from Idaho. So, it’s a low diverse area anyway, [and] being the only Mexican, or like one of the only Mexicans, in my opinion, was so cool.” Huerta smiled. “I understand Spanish, but only kind of speak it. I’ll eventually get there, I hope.” In the same sentence, she took the time to joke. “But I’ve always liked being different where I grew up. [Even now] I mean I am the only Mexican on the [Red Stars] team.”

Chasing dreams

Huerta’s dual eligibility allowed her to play for Mexico in the 2012 U-20 World Cup. Playing for Mexico was an opportunity to compete internationally, at the highest level, on one of the world’s biggest stages. At 19, the former Santa Clara Bronco did what most teenagers would do - she took the opportunity. She immediately impressed, scoring three goals in four matches. Huerta credits the international experiences with helping her game evolve. “From a young age, I always wanted to play for the U.S. and then in college I didn’t have the best freshman and sophomore year and then Mexico approached me,” she said. “And it was one of these things where it was like, ‘OK well I went to U-20 camp for the U.S. and got cut, and then I had an opportunity in front of me, and I’m 19 years old, why would I not travel around the world and play soccer?’ And so that’s a decision I made. I don’t regret that decision.”

She elaborated on the importance of taking that opportunity, that it showed her she had the talent to compete at that level. “Honestly that helped me because I did play internationally and I know that I can compete at that level. If I would have never played for [Mexico], I mean I really don’t know where I’d be at right now. If I didn’t play for them, honestly. I really don’t. Maybe I wouldn’t have played in the U-23’s, or maybe I wouldn’t have confidence in my international play. It’s all about the journey, and it was a good experience.”

In 2014, it was reported that Huerta declined further national team invitations from Mexico in a written letter. But Huerta set the record straight for me. “It’s not like I ever wrote a letter anyway by the way,” she said. “I’ve just had conversations, or phone calls. [Mexico] coaches spoke to my dad, and [we] explained my side of the story, which is that I chose to decline any invitation from Mexico [to play].” She further explained, “I just think in general as you get older your mind changes, the things you want change.”

If the request for a change in FIFA association gets approved, it will allow Huerta to perhaps eventually see playing time with the U.S. national team. It’s always been her dream. “I’m 24 now and my dream is still the same as it was when I was 5. I want to play for the U.S. team,” she said.

Visibility matters

When the news broke that Sofia Huerta received an invitation to train with the USWNT, it made an immediate impact, especially within the Latino community.

Latinas have not traditionally seen themselves represented that much among the ranks of WNT players. Should FIFA approve Huerta’s switch and should she eventually make her way to the pitch, she would be only the second Mexican-American player to represent the U.S. crest at the senior level in its nearly 32-year history. The first, Stephanie Cox (née Lopez), played for the team from 2005 through 2013 and won an Olympic gold medal with them in 2008.

Huerta’s hard work and persistence in pursuit of her goals have made her a role model. Her experiences have shaped the type of role model she hopes to be, and she takes the responsibility seriously. “Sadly enough, [in the community] it’s still kind of looked down upon to be athletic [and female],” she said. “I would like to be that role model. Like yes, I’m Mexican-American and I’m athletic and I like to play soccer. And that’s not a bad thing, that it’s a cool thing. That it’s something that I want people to look at and see.”

Huerta recognizes that all experiences are different, and that her story is just a part of a much bigger one. But her identity is what it is, and she has embraced it. “I just want to say that I think I’m still considered a Mexican-American. Like, whether or not I play for Mexico, I am. I’m half-Mexican and half-American and my lifestyle and the way I grew up might be different from other Mexican-Americans in the U.S. and their experiences. But if I didn’t play for Mexico I could still be a role model for Mexican-Americans.”

For a team that has always lived by the motto “Grow the Game” and now hosts an annual SheBelieves Cup, having a player like Huerta on the roster could have a significant impact much bigger than just on the pitch. In a supposed meritocracy like the USWNT, everyone should have the same opportunity, and part of that is getting to feel the same inspiration as other young players. It’s impossible to discount the effect of having role models that look like you, grew up like you, or have a similar last name as you. Sofia Huerta’s journey to the USWNT isn’t like a lot of other American players, and that’s why it could have a significant influence on the diverse, representative community American soccer hopes to be.

[sportsleague365]

We take a daily look at all the latest big Birmingham City transfer news and rumours. We also take a quick glance at the big headlines from the rest of the Championship. Birmingham City have been linked with a shock move for Stoke City’s Saido Berahino. The Potters forward, who came through the ranks at West Midlands neighbours West Bromwich Albion , is out of favour at the Bet365 Stadium after a highly public off-field issues. Costing Stoke £12m when they brought him from Albion in January 2017, Berahino has scored just three league goals in two-and-a-half years and they’re ready to cut their losses and moving him on. READ MORE The 25-year-old has returned from Egypt after representing his native Burundi in their first ever African Nations Cup campaign. According to the Sun , Blues will look to offer him a Wast Hills trial in pre-season to permit him the chance to earn a contract at St Andrew’s. Blues boss Pep Clotet is in the market for a new striker after losing Che Adams to Southampton. However, BirminghamLive has been told a move for the striker is unlikely. KEEPING KALVIN Blues’ Championship rivals Leeds United have opened contract talks with Kalvin Phillips in a bid to keep the midfielder amid interest from Aston Villa. Villa have been chasing Phillips this summer and still retain an interest as they mould Dean Smith’s squad ahead of the Premier League season. They have tested the water with an offer of around £14m but so far have been met with a determination from Leeds to hold onto the fan favourite. Che Adams and Kalvin Phillips battle at St Andrew’s (Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL) The Elland Road club are said to have placed an asking price of around double that fee on Phillips, who made 44 appearances for the beaten Championship play-off semi-finalists last season. Now, in an attempt to fight off transfer interest, talks have been opened with the academy graduate over a new deal according to Leeds writer Phil Hay. The deal on the table would place Phillips among the club’s top earners with his current contract set to expire in 2021. READ MORE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BLUES? NEAL FEE The Standard are reporting Sheffield United will have to pay more than the £15m Southampton paid Blues for Che Adams. The French striker is reportedly interesting Chris Wilder after an outstanding campaign in the Championship which saw him score 28 goals. Maupay’s agent has been to Sevilla with La Liga outfit claimed to be interested but the Blades are also in the running. Wilder has already broken the Bramall Lane club’s transfer record once this week bringing in Luke Freeman from QPR. Neal Maupay of Brentford The undisclosed deal eclipsed the £4m United paid for John Egan last summer from Brentford. Brentford are believed to be demanding well over £15m for the forward signed from St Etienne for £1.7m in July 2017, which they say has cooled rival interest from Aston Villa. Maupay has previously made overtures towards a reunion with his ex-Bees manager – and current Villa boss – Dean Smith saying last season. “I have a really, really good relationship with Dean. So obviously if one day he calls me and says ‘Neal, I need you in my team’ I would consider it….Obviously, I really liked working for him, so if one day he wants to bring me to Villa or wherever I would listen to him because he has done a lot of good things for me.” READ MORE BAGGIES MOVE Slaven Bilic has made his first signing as head coach of West Brom , after securing the transfer of Filip Krovinovic from Portuguese outfit Benfica. Midfielder Krovinovic, 23, has agreed a one-year loan deal at The Hawthorns and become compatriot Bilic’s first capture since replacing Darren Moore last month. The Croatian moved to Benfica from Rio Ave in 2017, but has struggled to find regular football at the Estadio da Luz; he only made a handful of appearances last term, albeit some of them in the Europa League, and manager Bruno Lage has agreed for Albion to borrow him for the forthcoming Championship campaign. Albion have sold Craig Dawson to Watford this summer, but besides the number of senior players who were released at the end of their contract – including James Morrison and Gareth Barry – business has been low key thus far. Bilic and technical director Luke Dowling are working on a number of targets; the Baggies have recently been linked with winger Opa Nguette, Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou and Chelsea midfielder Trevoh Chalobah. READ MORE PALM-ED OFF Kasey Palmer has travelled with the rest of the Chelsea first-team squad to Dublin, casting doubt over any potential return to Bristol City. Bristol Live understands the 22-year-old is part of the Blues’ touring party for Frank Lampard to run the rule over following his appointment at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. The Mirror reported on Wednesday night that Palmer is one of a number of young players Lampard is considering keeping hold of for the Premier League season due to the transfer embargo the Blues are under. It is believed that has come from sources close to the player, who made 17 appearances on loan for City last season, and there is no definite confirmation at this stage that he won’t be leaving Chelsea on loan or a permanent deal. However, the fact that Lampard wants to take a closer look at the attacking midfielder delays any potential for a loan return to Ashton Gate, should Lee Johnson be interested in such a move. Steve Cotterill was interested in bringing Palmer to St Andrew’s in January 2018. READ MORE ARNIE WINDFALL Stoke City are expected to receive about £500,000 from a sell-on clause as West Ham United prepare to get shot of Marko Arnautovic, say the Sentinel . Arnautovic is due to return for pre-season training on Monday in Switzerland, ironically where he submitted his transfer request to leave Stoke just two years ago. Leander Dendoncker of Wolverhampton Wanderers is challenged by Marko Arnautovic Arnautovic is close to a move to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG for £22.4m and the 30-year-old told the Hammers he wanted to quit London Stadium earlier this week when he learned of renewed interest from China. West Ham’s initial reaction was to tell the Austria international, who signed a new deal five months ago, to honour his contract. But an increased bid has been received which is now likely to be accepted. The Premier League club feel it is better to let Arnautovic leave than allow a potentially disruptive influence remain in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. This is your round up of all things Birmingham City; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at St Andrew’s and beyond. Transfers, injuries, match-days and managers, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be bringing the very latest on Blues throughout week and around the clock. Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up… MUST-READS * Pep’s message – READ * Che confirmed – READ * Exciting links – READ * Blues’ fixtures – READ FOR ALL YOUR LATEST BLUES NEWS, OPINION, ANALYSIS AND TRANSFER GOSSIP, CLICK HERE LONDON BOY Fulham fear Harvey Elliott will leave Craven Cottage this summer, according to The Standard. Elliott became the youngest ever Premier League player – aged 16 years and 30 days – in May but he has failed to agree a new contract and Fulham are powerless to prevent him leaving. That has alerted some of Europe’s biggest clubs with Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and RB Leipzig all claimed to be interested. Fulham could receive handsome compensation if he moves to another English club – but relatively little if he goes overseas. TalkSPORT have picked up on the fact Elliot follows the official Liverpool Instagram account, Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino and even recently started following Sepp van den Berg, who joined the Reds earlier this month to become their first summer signing. For all your latest Blues news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here Source link The post Birmingham City striker latest as West Brom make first move, Liverpool receive teenager boost and Leeds United battle Aston Villa interest – Championship rumours appeared first on 10z Soccer. #LeedsUnited #BirminghamCityFC #DarrenMoore