#american money! arc 2. post misery

[wynterlanding]

closed starter continuation -|- american money arc 2 @xwildheart

Sometimes it’s darker in his head than he realizes. Darker than the worst time in his life, which originally had been consumed in the foreboding manipulations of famed actress Emeline Entwistle. Family always claimed to be in some relation to the infamous Peg, taking her final swan dive top of the H of the Hollywood sign. Gross fabrication in his view as was Em’s entire existence. Fabrication. Delusional. Abusive. A cesspool of dirt beneath an oil magnate giving darling daughter her fast breaks BUT oh that’s hardly his darkest.

Sitting half slumped over in a chair, wrists sore from bindings, bruises marring in a cattle brand to his entrapment, Landon’s feeling oh so dark. Swallowed hole in a barrel of insanity in the shape of another blonde; he slowly lifted his head, eyes heavy but able to peer at her. Coming closer with that sick grin on her lips it’s nightmare fuel. Forget all his terrifying visions on film. She IS terror. Wrapped up in a faux soft spoken girl, she is the metaphor for rich shiny red apple. Surface value says its tasty, sweet but inside its core is rotten.

“I want you to know,” Marigold insisted, dragging fingers back through his hair. Gripping to yank his head back, she hovered, lips curved in a smile. “That I’m going to keep you… forever. AND EVER.” Forever and hell can be better. Hell is better. Hell is empty because all those unfathomable devils are here inside this demented diva. She keeps touching him. Grabbing onto his face, stroking along his beard, pulling her unwanted fingers through his hair; Landon struggles to move away. Unable to make his body do what it needs he’s frozen. Not even his voice works. Begging her to fucking stop touching him! Somehow she does hear it even when his lips are sealed closed. Oh and she hates that because she can see right through him.

“Do you see her?” Marigold taunts, pulling hands off to slam them down onto the table beside a dish. “Do you see her here, Landon? DO YOU SEE HER? I cut off her pretty little head just for you. On a silver platter!” She pulled the dome off the dish, giggling as she unveiled her best table spread. Alice all dead!

“St-STOP!” Landon’s voice strangles out, gaining volume in a sweaty rouse. His forehead glistens under a glow of the outside lights crossing into his bedroom. No windows open to allow any sort of breeze so it’s all stifling. Suffocating in his home, closed away battered and disabled. Leg is throbbing in his movement sitting up in a jolt. His breathing hastens in his horrifying disorientation. One might think he’s having a heart attack the way he’s currently clutching at his chest. Beating so hard against his ribs, dreams are dangerous in his state. They keep coming. Every one seems to be worse than the last but here he is. Awake and here with –

“Alice?” he murmured, shifting to an empty side in his bed. His hand dropped from his pounding heart onto the space. Sheets crumpled where she once had been. Where she’s now gone and suddenly the director’s nightmare brain confuses it for reality. “Alice?!”

[americanmxney]

Misery Loves Company (A.K.A American Money)

Arc 1 The Beginning - Landon & Alice first meet. Director and leading lady grow close. Secret love affair takes over production. Misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Threads: First Meeting, First Script read through, The Catalyst

Arc 2 The Disappearance - Landon abducted. Alice falsely accused of involvement & potential murder. Crazed fan Marigold Sinclaire's finest hour.

Threads: Here

Arc 3 Post Misery Events - Landon & Alice renew their relationship once returned. PTSD recovery period. Trial of the century.

Threads: One Month Later ,

Arc 3.1 Post Misery Events: The Revamp Period - Landon changes his appearance. A resurgence in horror film making. Alice & Landon get engaged.

Threads: to be linked

Arc 4 Hollywood It Couple - Landon returns to his former aesthetic. Alice becomes pregnant. In laws from hell & beyond.

Threads: to be linked

[bloodhxney]

Misery Loves Company (A.K.A American Money)

Arc 1 The Beginning - Landon & Alice first meet. Director and leading lady grow close. Secret love affair takes over production. Misunderstandings and miscommunication.

Threads: to be linked

Arc 2 The Disappearance - Landon abducted. Alice falsely accused of involvement & potential murder. Crazed fan Marigold Sinclaire's finest hour.

Threads: to be linked

Arc 3 Post Misery Events - Landon & Alice renew their relationship once returned. PTSD recovery period. Trial of the century.

Threads: to be linked

Arc 3.1 Post Misery Events: The Revamp Period - Landon changes his appearance. A resurgence in horror film making. Alice & Landon get engaged.

Threads: to be linked

Arc 4 Hollywood It Couple - Landon returns to his former aesthetic. Alice becomes pregnant. In laws from hell & beyond.

Threads: to be linked

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Questions for HSM III (Part X)

Caption: “Blah, blah, blah, musical, promises made, blah, blah, blah, not listening!”

Is it possible to look more disinterested and disinvested than Gabriella looks in the above picture? This is a very similar picture to the one of them in the truck that I posted in “Questions for HSM III (Part IV)”: Troy looking interested in her, and trying to get her attention; Gabriella looking put upon, condescending and her attention held elsewhere.

On The Most Absurd of Absurdities: Mad Dash to California

1- Gabriella looks awfully happy for someone who has just broken up with her boyfriend over the phone, claiming that she had taken a while to get used to his absence, claiming that she loved him, putting on a great deal of waterworks to back up her point, doesn’t she? Man, this must be the quickest recovery time I’ve ever seen!

2- And now we arrive at the most absurd of absurdities in this movie, the very deepest part of the abyss... Add any other poetic metaphor you can think of. Just think about this, people. The deficiencies of the script are almost as much to blame as the complete destruction of any remaining self-esteem or common sense that Troy possessed up until now. Did Troy (or Chad) tell anyone else that Gabriella wasn’t coming to prom? If not, he would have put a damper on the occasion when neither of them showed up. Are we to believe that nobody asked questions? Hell, the Wildcats have been acting as though Troy doesn’t exist, so it wouldn’t surprise me. But surely people like Taylor, Jason, Zeke, Kelsi and Ryan would have wanted to know, right? If some people knew, why didn’t anyone try to dissuade him from his egregiously foolish upcoming decision? 

More importantly, did he tell at least Chad where he was going? I mention Chad in particular, since the latter encouraged him to attend prom anyway, Gabriella or no Gabriella. Did he tell any of his friends where he was going? And if so, why not? (Because they’d tell him this idea was wholly ridiculous?)

3- Are we seriously to believe that Troy’s parents would allow their son to drive 1053 miles ALONE in a completely unreliable truck, which, as I said earlier, struggled to make it from A to B within Albuquerque? I’m not American, so I’ve had to rely on Google Maps to see what kind of journey Troy would need to make here. Correct me if wrong, but the quickest route to Stanford, California (which is apparently a census-designated place as well as university) would involve driving west, through Arizona and then straight into California, which would lead him to LA, and then straight north to Stanford. I’ve never been to any of these places, but I imagine that driving miles along the interstate in the SWELTERING HEAT (Arizona gets insanely hot, according to people I know there) must be incredibly lonely, not to mention difficult. If Troy broke down, he would be screwed. And then, following the main driving road, he would arrive in LA and have to deal with city traffic there, which I think would be a complete nightmare, before heading out again on the interstate. We know from his later text to Jimmy that driving back took most of the night, so can any American fan let me know roughly how long it would take to drive there? Arizona in particular is hot, dry and mostly barren. Which begs the question of where did Troy sleep? More importantly, when did he sleep? It is extremely dangerous to drive for hours on end without sleeping, particularly on the interstate. And it’s not like he could just park off the road with the cactuses and snakes for company! And he turns up at Stanford, not looking at all exhausted thanks to plot-related needs, although he would have been extremely fatigued in real life, in his prom suit. Did he bring a change of clothes, or did he drive the entire way in sweltering heat in a prom suit? I’m digging deep into this, but I need to demonstrate, if only to myself, how utterly foolish, ridiculous and reckless this idea was. 

And the script never showed us what Troy’s parents had to say about this? Surely they would have objected vociferously, either leaving Troy with no choice but to take Chad’s advice, or to attempt the trip without their knowledge? Remember, Troy gave Gabriella her corsage. But Mrs Bolton ordered that corsage, and HADN’T yet given it to Troy around the time when Gabriella bailed on him. So this means that Troy had to have retrieved it AFTER he was presumably forced to tell her that Gabriella wasn’t coming. Right? The script never tells us this, but surely the truth would have come out. I mean, Troy’s drastic change in mood would have spoken volumes! So did Troy ask his mother for the corsage, or just take it? Did his mother notice? This is their son, who has only just recently received his first vehicle, meaning he has only just recently learned to drive. This is their son, who could get lost, injured, stuck, arrested, attacked, break down, ill, hungry, sleep-deprived during the course of this stunt. Furthermore, we are not told how Troy gets hold of a map, or whether he has ever been to California in the first place. It is thoroughly absurd that we see no input from Troy’s parents about this, no input from his friends about this, but just a cutaway shot to Troy’s truck sitting outside Stanford as though the whole journey went off without a hitch. I’m sorry, but that’s impossible. The truck is dead-beat. Even after trying to fix his fuel pump with parts from a JUNKYARD (so am I right in assuming he hasn’t yet bought said pump?), it broke down outside Gabriella’s house and presumably required towing back to his house. But 1053 miles of interstate roads without a hint of civilization in sight? 

Oh fine, yeah. Go for it. 

4- What were Troy’s fuel bills? (You guys say gasoline, I know). Sorry, but I have to ask. At the beginning of this movie, Troy said he was saving for a new fuel pump. Needless to say, fuel pumps are expensive. We are not told what Troy’s source of funds are, or whether he has another source of employment. He would have continued to earn/save good money from his summer job at Lava Springs had his friends not made his life a misery for doing so; as a consequence, he gave it all up, including the excellent salary of $500 a week to return to washing plates and scrubbing tables. The money for the fuel pump would take up a significant amount of his income. Furthermore, his parents are (presumably still) saving up pennies for his further education. (Again, this would have been ameliorated had he not given up said scholarship opportunity over the summer, which begs the question of why we never see Mr. Bolton’s reaction to that, given he can’t afford Troy’s tuition fees). So he is not rolling in cash. I’m having to assume he actually didn’t buy said fuel pump when at the junkyard, but was trying to fix the existing one, which had “deceased”. On top of this, the truck requires constant maintenance, which costs money. My brother is in love with his motorbike and has spent a fortune in spare parts: I imagine Troy must be doing the same for his TRUCK. He said “I’m working on my truck EVERYDAY after school” earlier. I presume he had been doing so for most of the Spring Semester, if not longer. Furthermore, American law requires all vehicles to be insured-- let’s assume Troy is paying insurance and probably road taxes as well if you guys have those. On top of that, consider all the money he spends on meals, gifts, dates and trips to the movie theatre for Gabriella on a REGULAR basis. On top of that, he has just forked out for an expensive suit for said prom. On top of THAT, he chooses to drive 1053 miles with what money? What was the fuel bill? 

If his fuel pump was either deceased or regularly unreliable, why was he testing its limits by making such a long trip? If he had any money left not dedicated to day to day living expenses, why didn’t he just buy a plane ticket himself? Would have cost him less in the long-run, would have been far safer, would have taken a significantly shorter amount of time and would have left him with enough energy to do the musical! 

Folks, I have to go into these details, because I’m at a loss here. Scriptwriting-wise, this is cinematically criminal stuff. This breaks several rules on plot consistency, not to mention character arc. It’s absurd through and through. 

Meanwhile, all Gabriella had to do just to save this abysmal plot line was to CATCH A PLANE BACK TO ALBUQUERQUE, which she could WELL afford to do! Can you see how much Troy is sacrificing here for someone who has means and plenty of opportunity for herself? And yet the script wants us to believe that Troy can afford to do all of the above without a hitch... 

Because romance. 

*stuttering*

On An Unauthorized Person Waltzing Around a Tree on Public Property

1- Notice that there is no warmth or delighted surprise when Gabriella sees Troy’s truck parked outside the university. If you put a thought bubble above her head that said “What The Fuck?”, you would be pretty close as to how she truly feels. Again, when her attention is caught by Troy in the tree, she is only amused at the very most. Not delighted. Not rushing over to hug or kiss him because she’s missed him as much as she claimed. People, this total lack of affection is marketed as a love story and a touching relationship and yet the screenwriters insist upon writing scenes that demonstrate the exact opposite. Who are they fooling? Are they actually pranking us this entire time?

2- Please people: universities have security measures. I’m sure of this. You need to present some ID to get access to campus. Surely? Surely? HOW did Troy manage to not only park outside, but get ONTO campus, thus bypassing ID checks, and climb into a fricking tree in plain view of other students riding their bikes or walking home, and NO ONE saw him or questioned this? How long was he there? He said he figured she’d be the last one out. So maybe it wasn’t too long. But that doesn’t answer the question of how he got onto campus in the first place, or why he was allowed to just chill in a random tree. How is this viable or believable?

3- “I took a wrong turn on the way to prom. So did you.”

An absurd statement. 

4- “You are SO crazy, Wildcat!”

Can you feel the love? Did Troy feel disappointed that she didn’t ask about him, or his trip, or whether he was alright, or offer to take him back to her dorm/apartment, or offer him something to eat/drink, or ask him to even come down from the tree? Can we assume that he was expecting a more warm welcome, given his efforts?

“And what is it with you and trees?”

Again, this was probably intended as innocent teasing, but just comes off as judgemental and condescending. 

5- “Well, I guess I see things more clearly from up here.”

 Troy... Walk us through that statement. Please explain to us what has been “clear” to you after sacrificing fuel, energy, sleep, time, money and your well-being for someone who doesn’t even look happy to see you, thinks you’re crazy and had no intention of taking a flight back to you for prom. What have you seen clearly? Let us know. 

6- “My prom is wherever you are. If I’m gonna have a last dance at East High... it’s gonna be with you.”

*shudder* I usually skip through this nonsensical number again. Obviously Troy rehearsed this risible speech (he likes rehearsing his speeches, as he did in HSM I when coming to apologize to Gabriella after the webcam stunt). What he has basically said is a declaration of total emotional dependency upon Gabriella for his own existence. He has lost faith in himself, his friends, his school, his life, his future, his ambitions and everything in between and now become a vassal designed to serve Gabriella’s own needs, no matter how many times she shows a lack of concern for his well-being. Not satisfied with having declared his allegiance to mental slavery, Troy decides to seal the deal with dance and song, thus making a mockery out of his own demise. 

The only tolerable moment in this catastrophe is seeing Taylor apparently warming up to Troy again during the imaginary dance sequence. 

So they dance around a tree, everyone conveniently fails to notice, they have ANOTHER awkward kiss (yeuch!), Troy smiles because he is back in Gabriella’s good books and they go for a meander on public property after hours. 

I don’t think I need to discuss how terrible it is that Troy needs to PERSUADE Gabriella to return (see the above picture), or that he is so far gone in self-denial that he attributes all HIS achievements to her. But I will go into more detail on that tomorrow. 

TO BE CONTINUED

[yahoo-the-dagger-blog]

Bracket Lames: Kentucky to have backers feeling blue

Traverse the aisles of any store and you’re immediately drawn to it – the colors, the packaging, the lettering … the brand.

Familiarity is what enhances product popularity. They’re often synonymous with quality, consistency and delectability. Even though knockoffs and generics may offer similar experiences, it’s the high regard that explains why we consume over and over again.

[Fill out your NCAA tournament bracket here | Printable version]

In the e-commerce world of brackets, Kentucky is that trademark. This year, similar to seasons past, it’s marketed as a top-shelf contender, a true threat to not only dance in the desert, but also cut down the nets.

Due to multiple concerns, Malik Monk and Co. could be shown the door early in the NCAA tournament. (AP)

After all, history paints a rosy picture. Alongside Duke, North Carolina, UCLA and Kansas, Kentucky owns a corner in the game’s Pantheon. Iconic coaches – Adolph Rupp, Rick Pitino and John Calipari – and All-Americans – Dan Issel, Tony Delk, Jamaal Mashburn, DeMarcus Cousins, Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Davis – walked the hallowed halls of campus landmarks Memorial Coliseum and Rupp Arena. It’s why the basketball institution boasts 55 NCAA tournament appearances – the most of any school – 120 wins, 17 Final Fours and eight national titles.

Smart money, however, encourages you to resist the narrative.

Kentucky will be the biggest NCAA tournament bust this year.

Apologies Ashley Judd.

Here are five reasons why Big Blue Nation won’t measure up to its lofty expectations:

Late-season scoring woes. Kentucky lives and dies with Malik Monk. The future NBA lottery pick is an outstanding, multidimensional scorer who, when on, can drop 30 on a team with ease. Those occurrences, though, were sporadic at best over February and early March. Yes, the freshman buried Florida and Vanderbilt in home bouts, but droughts logged against inferior Missouri, Georgia and Texas A&M nearly caused humiliating losses. De’Aaron Fox, the school’s star point guard, missed the game against the Bulldogs, but efforts in other contests, with Fox on the floor, mystified. If Monk doesn’t exceed 20 points in a given night, it places enormous pressure on Cal’s less explosive and more unreliable complementary options. The ‘Cats need his takeover abilities to shine in order to survive and advance.

Three-point troubles. Outside Monk, Kentucky isn’t a team that routinely rains down on opponents from beyond the arc. Yes, Derek Willis and Mychal Mulder are effective, at times, but they only sporadically cash in. Collectively, the ‘Cats shoot 35.3 percent from distance, 162nd-best in the category nationally. In fact, less than one-quarter of their points come from threes. Zone-heavy teams that can pack the paint are a major matchup problem. Even against strong man defenses they’ve struggled. Scoring in variable ways is fundamental to tournament success. Kentucky, though tremendous around the basket, simply doesn’t possess enough arrows in the arsenal to compete in the later rounds.

Average interior D. Coach Cal, one of the most brutally honest, and refreshingly so, voices in the game today would probably admit his team often looks disinterested on defense. It was apparent when his club was schooled by Florida in Gainesville Feb. 5, a lopsided defeat Calipari described as “rock bottom.” Worked on the boards 54-to-29, UK surrendered an almost unfathomable number of second-chance points and, unsurprisingly, 1.14 points per possession. It tightened up a bit down the stretch defensively, but in SEC play it conceded the fifth-worst two-point percentage. Edrice Adebayo, Willis and Wenyen Gabriel are willing paint defenders, but foes with size and athleticism to match present challenges. The Louisville, UCLA and Kansas losses earlier this season serve as reminders.

Sloppy handles. On several occasions this season, the Wildcats pulled a Plaxico (or Talib) shooting themselves in the foot with costly turnovers. Witnessed in close shaves against Mississippi St., Missouri and, to a lesser extent, in their rematch versus Florida, they coughed it up at an alarming rate, Isaiah Briscoe in particular. Down the stretch, Fox, too, came unhinged. Over his final seven games he tallied an unappealing 21:21 assist-to-turnover split. Cinching up the belt on offense is vital for Kentucky to prevent an early exit.

The mediocre SEC. If you believe the SEC is even in shouting distance of behemoths the ACC, Big 12 or Big East, yours truly could defeat a wolf one-on-one with bare knuckles. By most analytics, the SEC checked in at either No. 5 or No. 6 in overall strength. Similar to the Big Ten, it was a mishmash of mediocrity from top-to-bottom. It’s why only five teams (Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas and Vanderbilt the others) earned bids. The Gators are a legitimate deep-run threat, but the other conference reps won’t likely survive the first weekend. Critics slung mud at Gonzaga for playing in a wimpy league. Based on the SEC’s performance, a similar sentiment should apply to Kentucky. Did the regular season truly prepare the Wildcats? Only time will tell.

To be fair, Kentucky is a balanced team on paper, one of three teams that rank inside the top-15 in adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. Still, despite its NBA-level talent in Monk and Fox, it has glaring limitations. Bounced from the Big Dance by Indiana in the Round of 32 last year, it could suffer an all too familiar fate.

Don’t be seduced by the brand name.

BRACKET LAMES Here are four additional letdowns (No. 4 seeds or higher) from that could bloody your bracket. 

Oregon Ducks (29-5, No. 3 seed, Midwest region) – When Chris Boucher suffered a torn ACL in the Pac-12 tournament a dark cloud draped Eugene. Oregon’s Final Four promise, likely and terribly, ceased with the setback. Pre-injury, Boucher was arguably the nation’s best shot-blocker. His dual paint presence and ability to step out and drain wing threes provided Dana Altman with a multidimensional matchup nightmare. That dream, though, is dashed. Kavell Bigby-Williams is the tourniquet. His defense is on point, but his limitations on offense are apparent. Unless the import from England suddenly excels, the burden will fall on Tyler Dorsey, Dylan Ennis, Jordan Bell and, most especially, Dillon Brooks. The electrifying combo forward is a steely Swiss Army Knife who lights the world on fire offensively. He’s terrific off the dribble, drains triples, owns sick handles and defends. However with the added pressure, he may need to average 25 points per game for Oregon to overachieve. Statistically, the Ducks quack. They rank inside the top-25 in offensive and defensive efficiency, share the rock beautifully and are experienced, but Boucher’s absence thins an already svelte roster. For fellow Midwesterners, Rhode Island, Michigan and Louisville, foie gras is on the menu.

Baylor Bears (25-7, No. 3 seed, East region) – College Basketball’s Care Bears won’t be all rainbows and Funshine. Throughout February and early March they struggled in several facets. They finished 5-6, surrendered an uncharacteristic 1.04 points per possession and turned the ball over at an obscene rate. When humming along, Baylor is a nasty bunch. It features a premier post player in Jonathan Motley, shot disrupter in Jo Lual-Acuil and quality floor general in Manu Lecmote. Additionally, it ranks No. 3 in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage and, from a cursory view, offer balance on both ends. Again, though, it’s fallen hard. The Bears should coast through out-matched and untested New Mexico St. in opening round action, but a potential Round 2 throw down against SMU looms. The Mustangs, loaded with long, athletic and versatile assets who score the ball inside and out and defend stoutly would exploit Baylor’s weaknesses. Even if it were fortunate enough to survive to the Sweet Sixteen, Duke, unquestionably, would put Scott Drew’s club out of its misery. With it sputtering at the wrong time, let someone else believe in the “Belly Magic.”

Kansas Jayhawks (28-4, No. 1 seed, Midwest region) – Put down the silly sauce, Evans. That’s going to be a common statement uttered by citizens from Lawrence to Los Angeles to Lancaster who see the Big 12 giant on this list. Look, the Jayhawks are darn good, but they’re far from invincible. They are the ninth-most efficient offensive team in the country, showcase Wooden Award frontrunner Frank Mason III, dropped only four games the entire year and have displayed a never-say-die attitude when pushed into high-leverage situations. By most “expert” accounts, Kansas will run roughshod through the Midwest and hang its 15th Final Four banner in Phog Allen’s rafters. This loudmouth, however, disagrees with that perspective. The Jayhawks are immeasurably tough and boast tournament experience, but they have visible fleas. Too often down the stretch they played with fire by falling behind late in games. If not for furious rallies, they would have another blemish or three on the resume. More concerning, this is the worst defensive team in the Bill Self era. They only sporadically force turnovers, get pummeled often on the defensive glass and stretch to the perimeter poorly. Toss in its limited depth, particularly in the frontcourt, and Kansas’ shine dulls. Josh Jackson’s off-the-court issues are also an ongoing distraction. With a number of potential barriers to hurdle in its region (e.g. Iowa St., Louisville and Michigan), it is the most vulnerable top seed.

West Virginia Mountaineers (26-8, No. 4 seed, West region) – Enigmatic and unpredictable best describe this year’s Mountaineers. Sound familiar? Recall last season WVU, a highly thought of No. 3 seed, was ousted by Cinderella Stephen F. Austin in Round 1. That scenario could play out again. The Mountaineers are relentless on defense, like a horde of flesh-hungry zombies they continuously attack. That’s why they rank No. 1 in turnover percentage defense and top-five in points per possession allowed. No pushovers on offense, they often track down errant shots and turn defense into offense converting on a number of high-percentage shots. Still, if you can slow WVU down and contain it in a half-court setting, it’s beatable. It’s below average from distance and generally anemic at the charity stripe. The toughness and tenacity of Jevon Carter and Co. cannot be overestimated, but as witnessed in losses against Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Iowa State and Kansas, protect the basketball and break the press and you’ll be richly rewarded. Escape the clutches of Bucknell in Round 1 and West Virginia will be awarded the “pleasure” of playing Notre Dame, a team that commits the fewest turnovers in the country. In other words, avoid.

TOURNEY TIDBITS Fun facts/trends about the Big Dance:

• Since 2006, 60 percent of teams seeded No. 11-15 that advanced beyond Round 1 ranked inside the top-75 in offensive efficiency. Defense may win championships, but offense springs Cinderella.

• Excluding 2009, at least one No. 2 seed has been eliminated by Round 2 every year since 1997. Last year, Michigan St. and Xavier fell victim.

• Sixteen 8/9 seeds have upended a No. 1 since 1985. North Carolina St. was the last to accomplish the feat knocking off Villanova in 2015.

• No. 5 seeds have lost 35.9 percent of their first-round matchups since ’85.

• No. 3 and No. 6 seeds beware. Eight No. 11 seeds have reached the Sweet Sixteen since 2010. Gonzaga reached the regional semifinals last year.

Follow Bracket Brad on Twitter @YahooNoise

More on Yahoo Sports: • March Madness: Yahoo experts pick NCAA tourney winners • NBA bust Milicic: ‘I thought I was sent by God’ • Why the Patriots are already winning the offseason • Ranking the 68 best players in the 2017 NCAA tournament

[wynterlanding]

“Temptation is my middle name, Miss Lee.” A breathy declaration only satisfied by reeling in the blonde towards him. She is literal forbidden fruit. Ripe and juicy when he takes a bite his lips captured hers. She tastes just like champagne. “Mm,” he hummed, grabbing onto her hand and pulling her into the bathroom. It’s deserted with everyone occupied elsewhere. Not exactly a place to get romantic but who said they were a hundred percent innocent in anything they do? “At least it’s fancy,” a snort laced under his breath, chuckling while backing towards one of the stalls. “Fuck the Academy, sweetheart. I want you right now.” @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

Does she even know how much he’s loved her? No, he couldn’t say it the way he should have before. If he could go back to that night they met over a meeting that turned to a lunch date he’d be more obvious. He can only go so far without someone. The one is hard to find. “I searched a long time,” he whispered into her blonde locks. Pressing his cheek closer made him feel grounded. Whole in his struggle as his body isn’t fully mended. “Nothing ever went right. Nobody ever felt right. Then there was you.” Soft spoken as he eased his mind, relaxed in Alice’s desperate clutch. If he could melt into his other half like two palettes of color, swirling in a brand new hue it’d be the greatest thing he ever created. No film. No screenplay. Just them and nobody else to come between.

Landon would never be able to explain how a simple cuddle like this is saving his life. To be needed is better than the idea of wanting. “I’m not going anywhere either. I promise.” Hope in fixing his mistake is laced in a vow. As tired as he is he HAD to get it off his chest. She’s there resting against him skin to skin and somehow that’s all he needs for a peaceful night of sleep.

The morning is a strain on him for other reasons. He can’t get out of bed on his own. A ritual of being helped into a wheelchair and everything else people do daily. Frustrations he woke with every single time. Alice made it better. She always did. Even if she thought she couldn’t do everything. That’s not why. He wouldn’t ask that of her or anyone. A simple touch is motivation. Lying with her all the rest of the night kept him from falling back to those nightmares. He shifted only to stretch slightly. Blinded by sunlight Landon tilted his head. Awake long enough to watch the sun stream across Alice’s face. She’s golden. The content expression gave him something to smile about for once. A momentary lapse in the reality of shit lately as moving too much froze him in place. Seething through teeth at the dull ache in his shin, Landon’s reminded of the medication he needs to take. “… fuck me.” @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

Existing without his personal lifeline made things difficult. Every important contact remained on this. He wasn’t giving it up any time soon. There’s nothing wrong with it as far as missing it went. Of course they went through it all. All his messages which he realized were multiple. Texts and voice messages but he didn’t pay attention to that. His eyes strayed to this officer he recognized from the hospital. Same one who had given Alice looks before. Landon seemed stuck on the image of her asking the man to talk to her…

“Mr Wynter?” Jackson tired to get him to focus. Clearly taking a gander where the director’s gaze shifted, he realized Frank had gone to speak with Miss Lee.

“What?” Landon’s tone came out harsher than anticipated. He sighed, clearing his throat. “Look I’m – grateful for finally getting my phone back. But I’m not in the mood to answer questions. Or go over anything for court.” The director’s leaned back in his chair. A torture device is a better word. Stuck there while she went off with that cop soured his mood; he should have never motioned to open the door.

Landon’s unpleasant mood did not go unnoticed by Frank even if they were out of sight. “Can try to give them a push out of here if that will help him.” Can only do so much but he’s guaranteeing Hunter won’t disagree. They saw a lot of media on the way over here. "How are you holding up?” @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

“No… no I’m alright.” Waving off her worry comes with a quick change of subject. Never wanting to focus too much on the obvious busted leg that’s continuing to heal, Landon’s truly not someone who wants to burden others. Probably is one of his worst nightmares to rely on someone else when he wants to do it. “Alice, wait – I’m fine I just moved around too much.” With her touch gone it felt colder. All night he felt well rested. Following a nightmare it helped him destress. This morning he wants to do as much as he can himself. Whether she agrees is another story. There’s a ritual to this now. Landon’s mood dips every day with it but he tends to keep it quiet. Alice is a saint. Helping to get ready doing normal mundane things which ultimately put him back in that chair; he wished he escaped his first attempt. He might have saved his leg.

Once he’s downstairs fully fresh and dressed, Landon’s whole ordeal begins. Another day stuck unable to leave his house without making a scene. Different in the world of Hollywood where people gawk, photograph the weak. The director wants to go back to work but he can’t. Instead he’s staring down at his hands. Shifting fingers over his wrist is a memory of bruises embedded from shackles. Whenever he gets in his head that’s where he goes. Right back to his personal horror movie. “Thank you,” a low murmur of gratitude for Alice. The one who nearly got away but she’s here. She’s not going anywhere. He has to make sure he proves it’s worth staying with him. “Not my idea of a morning with you. I’d rather be up making you breakfast.” What he would have done that night if he wasn’t an idiot. No sense dwelling. Dwelling is a monster that drags him down further into his head. Buried in water almost he doesn’t want to suffocate. When Alice is with him he wants to make sure he gets better. “Guess I can deal with ordering out again. I’m actually in the mood to eat breakfast today.” No mood for visitors though. Raising an eyebrow at the doorbell chiming, beginning to wheel himself in that direction out of habit. @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

To have and have not is their written world isn’t it? They had each other but then again they didn’t. When he didn’t open his mouth to say his feelings did it mean he wanted? Yes. Yes, he wanted it more than fleeting moments between takes. Beyond little half clothed moments of passion in dressing rooms, up against walls and secret kisses stolen so no one would notice. Because if they did it’ll be in publicity. They’ll come up with their own theories. Talk badly about her because she’s wrapped up with the director and he never wanted that for her. He only wanted Alice to shine in lights on merit, talent. She has it in spades. She is his leading lady on screen and god for life if she will. It’s why he doesn’t even realize or question when she’s pulling at his t-shirt.

Landon’s breath is steady against her lips. Pulling him to her, wanting him the way she had wanted him before all this shit happened; he moves hands down where she tugs. Gripping at the hem, he freed himself of the fabric. Curls of hair are already a mess from his nightmare, messier with static when he reaches up to cup her face. “I’ll hold you forever,” an endearing promise he needs Alice to believe. “I promise sweetheart.” Tenderly he pressed lips to hers to accompany his word. An oath one might say. Part of a bigger set of vows most spill on the most important day of their life. Why can’t this be their moment? Can he see himself with anybody else? Not in a million years. Even through his current state Landon knows this is the woman he wants to spend his life with.

Engulfing her in a warm embrace is tense at first. Uncertain in how she feels about him these days but her skin is a lifeline. Ages since they were like this together. Skin contact, leaning back with a huff as his leg screamed at him over all this excitement. Too much anxiety from a messed up dream more like but he exhaled, shifting enough to rest his head closer to hers. Closing his eyes as he wrapped himself around her as best as he could, Landon hummed thoughtfully for once. “Alice…you will always feel ten times better than anything in the world. I love you.” @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

If he wasn’t so broken why does it feel like she’s distant? He can’t help but think back to how he reacted. After they slept together he took cold feet to another level. Is this hesitance because he was an idiot? Or is it simply because she has no idea how to act around him? Either way what matters is she does what she has to for her own sanity. He isn’t supposed to be watching news or reading media. His mother told him to ignore everything. Hard to do when he’s mainly stuck here or in a goddamn chair. Another reminder of the death trap on wheels his kidnapper had him in. “The only thing that’d hurt me is not having you. Allie, please…”

Pathetic, Wynter. What kind of man are you? Pitiful to beg her to be with you when you’re fucked up!

Darkness is an old friend coming over him again. Once upon a time he suffered at the hands of Emeline, holed up in the hospital. An accident in the eyes of everyone but in reality? Hell. Torture. No worse than all of this though is it? What more can he deal with? “Don’t be sorry,” he swallowed his words, arms snug around the blonde with her leaning in. It’s the closest they’ve been. Somehow it doesn’t seem real. None of it is but then if he could feel her in the night things wouldn’t be so lost.

“Just want to have you against me. I want you in my arms. It’s been a month. Not gonna fall apart.” The director forced a laugh. A grim chuckle dancing around the loose threads holding him together; his mind might be worse off than his body at this point. But he eased his breathing, pressing lips against soft platinum hair. “Know it’s not the best. Being here when I’m keeping you up at night. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like I’m home. But right now? I feel it. Cause I can touch you. You’re absolutely real and not some figment of my imagination.” Alice Lee is everything he ever wanted and he wants her to realize this. How she holds his head above. Grounds him, makes him feel alive because in those dreary hours trapped without time on his side, Landon felt removed from the land of the living. He was dead. @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

“You love me, Alice.” Refuting her claim she can only do so much is simple. With everything he ever experienced he never had this. Never had someone love him the way she loved him. She’s too good. Putting up with his bullshit, sticking around when he’s hardly the man she deserves? Bad brain thoughts, isn’t that what Dr. Graves said? His brain can shift into specific truths that are due to how he feels. Which is fucking terrible most days. “You love me,” the director repeated so it made sense. “That’s more than enough. Because I love you too. Hell I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone as much as I love you.” Landon poured all his feelings into their moment.

A nightly exchange like this can wait until morning. If it wasn’t so important sure but he has to tell her. Even when she reminds him how well he’s supposedly doing. Can’t fault Alice for wanting him to be positive but he feels anything but good. No that’s wrong. He feels good with her. “Allie,” he huffed at the lack of her touch, shifting back towards her. If he could he’d be all over the blonde. Fucking leg! He hates being so stuck! The man swallowed hard, placing hands against her cheeks. Getting her to look him in the eye, Landon knows everything isn’t as peachy as she makes out. “Listen, I’ll – try. I’m trying to be positive. But don’t worry about the dreaming. My head is just a bit unscrewed. Last thing I want is to not have you here. So I’ll be blunt… I want you to touch me.” Partially romantic it’s holding more in a simple gesture of running fingers through his hair; Landon slowly drug fingertips against her skin. Cherishing how smooth, vibrant she is even through hell. She’s been treated so goddamn unfairly in all this. And YES he blames himself for that. “I’m not broke, Alice. I want you on me. I want this closeness.”

First time for everything isn’t it? Being so open about what he wants. The one thing that’ll make him better knows she’s there. Even if she’s treating like some poorly constructed tower that’s going to topple over any minute, he isn’t completely hopeless. “If I didn’t have you I wouldn’t do any of this. But I am. And this injury to my leg won’t stop me.” Best thing he’s said all month at least where his mind’s concerned. Believing his own words is the issue. He’d never lie. He’d not lie to her or his mother. He’s trying but it’s all fucked up in the end. He’s never going to be the same is he? That’s a harder pill to swallow than any pain medication he needs in this recovery process. “I want to touch you too. I just need –” Landon exhaled, placing her hands to his chest. @xwildheart // prev

[wynterlanding]

Demons have horrible ways of embedding themselves. Deep in the back of his head he’s sure he’s got a ton. Before and after this nightmare he knows how much more fucked up he is. The kind of lost cause that doesn’t deserve to Alice anywhere near; Landon exhaled, shifting closer. Of course she’s right there. She exists through all his dark foreboding hallucinations. She’s in one piece. There’s no harm that’s come to her. He’s here at home. It should be enough. His mind says otherwise and it truly makes him feel disgusted. With himself most of all, unable to wash that taint off no matter how hard he tries. Can’t even fucking move properly. Leg is so messed up he isn’t sure it’s getting better. People tell him otherwise. All those experts even this psychiatrist he’s meant to start seeing regularly but Landon hates it. He despises all of this shit. Why can’t people just leave him the fuck alone?! Why can’t that crazy bitch stay out of his head?

“…Allie, I-I’m sorry,” swallowing against the apology left his throat dry. “Thought you were gone.” Ironic isn’t it? When she woke up and he was gone it must have felt terrible. Uncaring to what transpired between them, leaving right after they had sex. Yeah he’s sure that went over so well. No wonder she hated him at the time. Maybe in a way she still thinks he’s a bastard. It might make him feel better if she does. “Just don’t like where my head is at sometimes. Even when I try to sleep it’s a mess. I’m a mess. And it’s not on you to deal with me.” Nobody should deal with him in this state. Not her. Not his mother. Not any of his friends. Landon isn’t used to this. What she gives him by just being here, staying with him and it’s probably one thing right in his life. The only thing that feels right is Alice. Reaching out to touch the blonde’s face, he leaned his head into her shoulder. Wrapping arms entirely around to hold on in case she disappeared from his life. “Don’t need anything but this. I’m alright.” Waking up in a drip of sweat, screaming out into the night sure doesn’t equate to ‘okay’ but he’ll lie through is teeth if it means she doesn’t worry.

Goddamn mess. How the hell is he gonna do this? With press hounding, police at him as preliminaries are beginning for a trial, he wonders if he can even look at Marigold. Will it send him into a spiral? Fuck he already feels stuck. Not unfamiliar as he once had been stuck for a near month. Home a near month now it hasn’t gone away. At least bruising, cuts and other physical marks healed. Everything bar his leg which will take so fucking long he’s going insane. “I wish I could take a night drive,” a quiet murmur while he gradually pulled away to look her in the face. “But I can’t. I can’t even walk down my stairs, Alice. I have to use that fucking wheelchair lift they put on them.” His mother’s idea and thank god for her BUT HE HATED IT. Seeing that thing there made him feel feeble, damaged. Crippled beyond repair, he nearly laughed it sounds so sad. @xwildheart // prev