#chip mayer

[lifes-commotion]

Greer Garson

[graphicpolicy]

Mini Reviews: The Domain, X-Men, and Kid Cudi Presents: Moon Man

Mini Reviews: The Domain, X-Men, and Kid Cudi Presents: Moon Man. Dive in for some quick reviews! #comics #comicbooks

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations. Logan The Domain #1 (Image) – So this is the actual in-universe comic being put out by Syd…

[daresplaining]

Daredevil vol. 6 #24 by Chip Zdarsky, Mike Hawthorne, Mattia Iacono, JP Mayer, and Clayton Cowles

I've had a lot of fun with the "I ain't gonna seduce my brother's ex again"/"Again?" panel (possibly my favorite panel in this run outside of the 2020 Annual), but I've been meaning to dig into the rest of this scene because I find it really impactful, and because it adds a new layer to Mike's relationship to Matt's life and to the Daredevil continuity as a whole.

To start, for the record, I don't think Mike is being entirely honest here about not intending to seduce Kirsten, because he was definitely flirting with her, at least to some extent, in the previous scene. Just sayin'. You're not that slick, Mike.

Mike has been entwined in Matt's dating life for a very long time; after all, one of the main uses Matt initially found for the Mike persona was hitting on Karen Page. Against all odds, Karen and Mike grew quite close, to the point where she considered dating him instead of Matt, but also to the degree that they would banter together in a way that was, frankly, much more casual and comfortable than their interactions with anyone else. Karen and Mike were buddies, and she was a key reason why Matt kept his "twin" around for so long. It was then very touching when Mike's close ties to her were carried over into his new life as a real person via this heartbreaking moment in Daredevil volume 5 #608:

Daredevil vol. 5 #608 by Charles Soule, Phil Noto, and Clayton Cowles

(This scene was then, of course, followed up a few issues later by Matt having a vivid dream of Mike murdering Bullseye to avenge Karen.)

When Mike returned in the following run, Chip Zdarsky mentioned in an interview that in the new reality Mike had created with the Norn Stone, he wasn't around for those classic Karen interactions--it was still Matt in a funny hat, now impersonating his actual twin brother-- and then vaguely semi-confirmed it on-panel in Daredevil volume 7 #1. I'm not entirely convinced one way or the other, and Mike's Karen connection still means a lot to me. But instead, we have the scene at the top of this post, which possibly replaces it by tying Mike more broadly to Matt's past partners.

We as fans can continue to speculate about which ex(es) Mike "seduced", and what kind of relationship he had with any or all of them in this new version of the timeline. But his startling, fierce anger in this scene suggests a genuine connection and a deep loss. Regardless of what his intentions toward Kirsten may be, he seems affronted by Daredevil's suggestion that he would be a danger to her when Matt is the one who has caused so much harm, and he seems moved by what he knows of Kirsten's pain in a way that suggests he has directly witnessed at least one of the other tragic chapters in Matt's love life. Maybe he did still know Karen in this new reality. Or maybe he spent time with Glori. I'm personally drawn to the idea that he was close with Heather. Whatever the details, we have ended up with a Mike who is carrying real grief and resentment regarding Matt's body-strewn dating history, who is quick to speak up against Matt and in defense of Kirsten, and I could never have predicted that but I love it dearly, not least because of the added terrible poetry of Mike also dying due to proximity to Matt-- tying Mike, in a way, even more closely to that legacy of Matt's dead girlfriends.

There's an extra layer to this scene that I find curious, which is that Mike is yelling at Daredevil. While Matt's civilian identity was linked to some of his exes' suffering (his abuse of Heather, Elektra dying in his arms while he was in civvies, his laundry list of bad behavior after Milla's hospitalization), more of their deaths were caused by Daredevil's enemies. Yet Mike doesn't acknowledge this; he places the blame firmly on his "dear brother in rehab", and acts as though he thinks Daredevil might not be aware of Matt's bloody dating history. This might provide some clues about which of Matt's exes Mike knew (Did he only know one of the women whose death was Matt-centered rather than Daredevil-centered?). We're also prompted, again, to ask the question of Matt's secret identity in regards to Mike, both now and prior to the Purple Children's mind-wipe (which, thanks to the Norn Stone re-write, Mike was now around for). I have been haunted for years now by a specific bit of wording from the mind-wipe. The Purple Children told the world in volume 5 #20: "Daredevil does good things. Forget anything else." It was one hell of a thing for them to say, and its consequences have never really been addressed. Is there a chance that Mike's mind no longer connects those deaths to Daredevil because they were not "good things"? Food for thought...

[gurugirl]

how is mean king harry coming along bestie? x

I'm chipping away at it!! I'll be honest... I'm trying to keep the story period appropriate (I'm imagining this being like 1800s??) but it's difficult - the language, the common items, plus all the stuff that goes into what royalty deals with... So it might take me some time because I've been researching things for it, but I've got a chunk of it written up!

Here's a tiny bit of what I have (unedited totally so please bear with me) to get a feel for what the story is going to look like (at least the first part). This takes place before he meets Y/n.

. . .

“Your Majesty, we apologize for the intrusion, but it is time to get to the order of official business.”

“You wouldn’t have to apologize if you weren’t intruding, now would you?” Harry’s groggy voice spoke as he remained sprawled on his back in his warm velvet bed with three naked women lying draped over his limbs still fast asleep and unaware of the two men standing at the King’s chambers door.

“May it please Your Majesty if we return in one half-hours’ time? Our Lord Mayer and the Orders of Council are awaiting you in the Great Hall. This is a very important meeting, Sir.”

Harry knew he had a meeting set up. He knew it was important to keep it and he understood the levity of it all. But he couldn’t resist when he took three lovely young things with him to his chambers and they each let him do as he pleased. He’d just been crowned King for Christ’s sake! He deserved to sew his wild oats before things got heavy and real and it was time to get down to the nitty gritty of his new stifling responsibilities.

“I will find myself in the Great Hall in one half-hours’ time. No need to return.”

“Yes, Sir. And what should we tell our Lord Mayer of your tardiness?”

“Fuck’s sake! I don’t care! Tell them I’ve got my privy member sallying forth and I’m in the sack with three concubines if you like! Our Lord Mayer can wait a half hour. Give him a thumb of brandy. Tha’ should keep him with a smile.”

It was this very attitude that had the folk of Thornekeep nervous. Harry’s proclivity for saying what he pleased with little regard for the people he was saying it to.

[pappydaddy]

how you get the girl (j.m.)

a/n: i got a little carried away with this one lovelies! but i hope you enjoy it💛!

tv show/movie: outer banks

pairing: jj maybank x fem!kook!reader

not requested

style | i wish you would | how you get the girl - you're here

synopsis: after an increase in reckless behaviour, jj's friends confront him, giving him an ultimatum. jj enlists the help of sarah and kie on how to win y/n back.

taglist: @rottenstyx | @boxofsilentwords | @popeheywardssecretgf | @lexi-2004 | @i-always-come-back-xoxo | @rootbeerfaygo | @luvhanns | @thelakespoets | @lonely-simplicity | @tenaciousperfectionunknown | @k-k0129 | @maybankslover | @smarie7543

*line through your user means i could not tag you lovely!

au where there was no treasure but sarah and kie mended their friendship and brought everyone together

warnings: angst, heartbreak, mentions of an unsafe party, drinking, drug use, voyeurism/exhibitionism, mentions of witnessing public sex, inappropriate relationships mentioned, john mayer referenced, being hit on during a vulnerable state, older women (40) hitting on drunk jj, spicy content (not smut).

masterlist | taglist | wips | navigation

-not my gif - my header-

“Six months. It has been six months of this and I am tired,” Pope exclaimed as they all gathered in the Twinkie. “We are basically acting as his parents and I can barely take care of myself!” He continued as John B drove down the road. 2 AM, just like clockwork. 

  “Tell me about it. I think I’m getting grey hairs. I need to go to the hairdressers sometime,” Sarah muttered, picking up her blonde hair, intersecting it before flipping down the visor, looking at the roots. “Seriously, we need to do something about this. I cannot be going grey at eighteen, John B.” She looked to her boyfriend, flicking the visor back up. 

  “Look, I don’t know what you guys want me to do. JJ’s gone off the deep end, there is no talking to him when he is like this. The harder we push, the further he pulls away from us,” John B sighed. “Look, the best thing for him is for us to give him space, he will come around when he’s ready. If we push him too hard, he won’t have us to protect him anymore.” 

  Kie hummed, agreeing with him, but Pope and Sarah shared a look. “Well, he’s off the deep end about his break-up with Y/N so, why don’t we use that to reel him back in? At least stop making us go get him at 2 AM.” Pope suggested, looking between Sarah and Kie, trying to gauge if it was a good idea. 

  “How did you know about JJ and Y/N?” Kie asked, sitting up straight, fearful. Pope blinked at her, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. 

  “It was obvious-” 

  “Painfully,” John B chipped in, turning into a random driveway. “This is the address he texted. Let’s go find him. And I’m not hating the idea Pope had about using Y/N.” He remarked, eyebrows raised suggestively. 

  They all climbed out of the van, approaching the house with the obvious party going on. It was as if they wanted the cops to bust it. The stench of weed and alcohol. It was enough to make anyone who wasn’t drunk or high run away from it. And if that was obvious, there was sure to be an abundance of drugs being used. It would probably be a drug dog’s worst nightmare. “I do like it, but how would we use her? It’s not like she’ll be up to talking to him. The ball is in his court. It is up to him to tell her how he feels.” Kie stressed, earning a hum of agreement from Sarah. 

  “Yeah, she laid down the conditions, he was the one who refused to answer. She should not be responsible for his actions and she should not be responsible for making this right. Besides, she’s really torn up about this.” Sarah explained further as they opened the door, the noise hitting them like a brick wall. 

  “We give him an ultimatum. He either stops this behaviour or next time we’re calling Y/N and telling her about everything he’s doing. We no longer protect him from her finding out all of this,” Pope gestured around to the party full of people tripping on some sort of drug or so horribly drunk he is amazed they are still alive. “Is happening. I mean like, there are at least two couples having sex right there.” 

  “Oh my god, there is,” Sarah gasped. “John B, all of these people are way older. Like John Mayer old and creepy. This is so much worse than the other parties he’s been to.” She pointed out. 

  “Yeah, I’m catching the drift that this might be a tipping point for JJ’s behaviour. This is not safe for any of us to be here.” John B noted as they moved around the house some more, the thumping music and random yelling overwhelming them. 

  From between the noise, they could hear a familiar voice. “You know, I would love to do that with you, but I have someone already.” JJ. He sat on the floor, back pressed against the wall as an older woman dragged her hand up and down his leg, lips pressing kisses all over his face. 

  “JJ, man,” John B quickly rushed over to him, swatting the completely drunk woman away from his best friend. “Get away, you’re old enough to be our mother.” He shooed her off. With a huff, she stumbled off, her heels scuffing against the hardwood. 

  “John B! My man! My buddy, have you seen this party? It’s full of cougars! I’ve been hit on so much, it’s insane.” He was beyond drunk, his speech slurred and his eyes half-lidded. 

  “Yeah, we saw that Buddy, but you don’t want these people to hit on you, they’re too old and don’t have good intentions.” John B coached him. A sober JJ knows this. He might get an ego boost, but he knew not to accept any advances. Drunk JJ, John B wasn’t too sure. 

  John B wrapped JJ’s arm around his shoulder, Pope taking the other one and doing the same. Together, they hoisted JJ up to stand. “But, I couldn’t accept any of them because all I can think about is Y/N. She’s ruined sex for me.” He slumped, not being able to keep his body weight up. John B and Pope stumbled, but kept themselves standing. 

  “Why are you even at this party, JJ? How did you get yourself into this situation, Dude?” Pope asked, looking around. He wasn’t even sure how JJ knew this was happening. It’s not like he runs in any social circles with forty-year-old women who think sleeping with a barely legal teenager is okay. 

  “I heard about this from my cousin. He was supplying some of the weed,” JJ slurred, his eyes closing as his feet dragging as they neared the door. “Last party I was at, I saw Y/N. She was with Topper. Not only did she ruin sex for me, how can I go to another party where she might show up looking so amazing with Topper on her arm,” He rambled, opening his eyes as he felt the cold night air hitting him. “So, I thought that Y/N would never come to a party like this and if she did, I would drag her back out of the party because it would be so unsafe for her to be in there. She would get John Mayered! So, I went to the party.” 

  “You went to the party you deemed unsafe?” 

  “Well, yeah. What if she did come to this party? Who was going to protect her? Topper? Yeah right. He would be too busy snorting cocaine up his nose to realise she was in trouble.” He reasoned as they unceremoniously shoved him into the back of the Twinkie. 

  Turning to the group, John B said sternly. “We’re talking to JJ tomorrow about the ultimatum.” 

____   

  “JJ, we need to talk.” JJ looked up from John B’s coffee table where he was carefully rolling a blunt - his second one since noon. The voice came from John B himself, Kie, Pope, and even Sarah in tow. They had been out together all day, since even before JJ got up.  

  “Okay, then talk away dude, I’m not bothering you.” He shrugged, packing the loose weed in the paper carefully, eyes trained on it. His friends all settled into spots, Pope and John B sitting on either side of him. It raised a red flag within JJ’s mind, but he didn’t care too much about it - he knew they would never hurt him.  

  “Talk with you, Buddy.” John B clarified, gently reaching in front of JJ when he stilled for a second. Pope did the same, grabbing the baggie of weed and handing it to Kiara who quickly moved it away from the living area. John B gently pulled the blunt in progress away from JJ, both to avoid a fight and to make sure none of the weed spilled onto his floor (it’s like catnip of JJ). 

  “Don’t see what we need to talk about, but okay,” JJ shrugged, seeming to be playing obliviously. He knew what they were wanting to talk about. He’ll just pretend he doesn’t. “Talk away, my friend.” He leaned back on the couch as the four of them shared nervous glances. 

  “Well, okay,” John B cleared his throat, looking at his friends in a silent way that said he would start the conversation. “We wanted to talk to you about your behaviour lately. You’ve resorted back to reckless JJ. It was first getting into week long fits of rage-” 

  “Particularly when you see Topper-” Pope added in.

  “Especially when you see Topper and Y/N together,” Kie piped up, sitting on the now clear coffee table across from JJ, Sarah sitting beside her. They were ready to jump up at any time, knowing JJ doesn’t like to feel cornered. “Then you get all mopey when you see Y/N and then all of a sudden, you’re angry again.” Kie explained as gently as she could. 

  “Now, it's the endless partying, but last night with that dangerous party you went to, it’s too much. It’s much worse than what you’ve done in the past. You surpassed your own level of recklessness last night.” John B told him. 

  “So? I won’t go to any more of those parties. I realise now that it was dangerous. Happy?” JJ asked, moving to stand up but John B and Pope simply put their hands on his shoulders, pushing him back down.   

  “It’s been going on for six months, JJ. Which also is about the time you and Y/N stopped talking suddenly. After that phone call you had that night.” Sarah observed. 

  JJ shifted, elbows resting on his knees as he shrugged. “I don’t see it. And I don’t know why you guys are bringing Y/N into this. She has nothing to do with anything, she’s innocent in this.” He denied, blue eyes avoiding everyone.

  “She told us about you a couple of weeks ago, Sarah and I,” Kie informed him, his blue eyes widening, snapping up to look into Kie’s calming brown ones, trying to see if she was bluffing or not. Didn’t matter if she was or not now, she for sure knew from his reaction. “We already knew about you two, but she told us what happened.”

  “We haven’t told her about your behaviour. We figured you wouldn’t want her knowing about some of the things you’ve done.” John B informed him.

  “We have been working double time trying to keep her from getting any information. Your drunken adventures, the attempted hook-ups, the drug use, last night’s party. We have made sure none of it has reached her,” Pope explained. JJ’s blue eyes shifted from each person, a sense of gratitude within them. “But, we have reached the breaking point with your behaviour, especially after last night, JJ.” 

  “So, we’ve decided to give you an ultimatum. You work with us to figure out how to help you fix this or the next time you call us after doing something stupid. We call Y/N and tell her everything.” John B ripped the metaphorical band-aid off. And surprisingly, JJ didn’t flip the table or his lid. 

  They all watched him as he let the words sink in. They could see his blue eyes moving from side to side as if the answer was written on the floor. “I want to get her back. But she’s with Topper now-”

  “You think she’s with Topper? She hates Topper- well, hated Topper,” Sarah spoke up. “Her and Topper were set up on a date by their parents. She called him out on his shit and they became friends. He’s basically just standing in for us while we’re here babysitting you. Once you’re back in her life, I am sure both of them will be more than happy to go their separate ways.” 

  “Okay, that takes care of that, but I don’t even know the first step to getting her back. She is the first girl I actually like, let alone love and this is all uncharted territory for me.” 

  “That’s where we come in.” Kie smiled, pointing between her and Sarah. JJ slid back in his seat, a bit unnerved with their smiles and the gleams in their eyes. 

  “They are going to use this opportunity to enact their revenge, aren’t they?” JJ questioned.

  “Possibly.” Pope agreed. He hoped they did.  

____ 

  Gruelling.That was the word JJ would use Sarah and Kie’s seven day program designed to help JJ get Y/N’s back. They sugar coated it, of course, saying that it was all necessary, but he hardly thought it was necessary for him to run all around The Cut getting them things while they sat at John B’s. They wouldn’t even let him use his bike. “If I get a cold, I am coming for your heads.” JJ painted. It was fifty degrees go and they had him outside running since the early hours of the morning. 

  Sarah and Kie shared a look as they dug through the bag JJ just brought them. “Oh, I didn’t realise you didn’t want our help to get Y/N back,” Kie hummed, pulling all the candy out of the bag. “Well, Sarah, I guess we can just leave since JJ doesn’t-” 

  “No, wait,” JJ exclaimed, hands shooting out in front of him in case they tried to leave. “I need your help, I do. But I don’t see why I need to be out running in fifty degree weather. Getting a cold isn’t going to help get Y/N back.” 

  Kie rolled her eyes at his overdramatics. “You’re not going to catch a cold-”

  “Wait, he might have a point,” Sarah remarked, hands stilling as she shifted through the snacks herself. Kie threw her a questioning look. “Risking a cold,” Sarah spoke again as if that was to make it all make sense. “He’s risking his health to show her how much he loves her! It’s the ultimate romantic gesture!” 

  JJ slumped down in one of the free chairs littering the living room. He really thought Sarah was going to stop this madness. “Should we still do flowers and candy then? Or should he just show up at her doorstep in the middle of the storm we’re getting tomorrow night?” JJ’s mouth fell open to protest, but Kie and Sarah already launched into re-evaluating the plan. 

  “I’m definitely getting sick after this.” He groaned, hand falling over his eyes as his skin felt like a million needles were sticking into it - his skin unthawing from being out in the cold all day. 

  “Oh, hush. This means you don’t have to run anywhere anymore,” Sarah scolded him. JJ let his hand drop, somewhat relieved. “By the way, do you even understand what happened between you two?”

  JJ looked at her, eyes wide as he questioned her sanity. “You mean the thing you explain to me everyday even though I showed a full understanding of how I screwed everything up from the start of these past seven days,” Sarah and Kie nodded. “Oh, well than yes, but I am sure you’ll torture me by revisiting it.”

  “Maybe you should have thought about this before you broke Y/N’s heart.”  

____

  “Wow, they were not kidding when they said it would be a storm.” Y/N muttered to herself as she pulled the curtains covering her bedroom window back, looking at the downpour. She could see it in the yellow gleam from the streetlight, if she didn’t know better, she would assume they were having a hurricane in February. She never understood the expression raining cats and dogs until now. In an odd way, it was beautiful. Especially when she closed her eyes and listened to it hitting her house. She could be lulled asleep standing right there if she allowed herself. 

  Stepping away from the window, the curtain danced back into place. She never used to have curtains, but following the imposition of her relationship with JJ, every time she saw headlights shine through her window, she thought of him. In an effort to squash any hint of regret, she begged her parents to buy her curtains - which they did with little to no fight. Since then, they remained closed, plunging her in darkness that she found suited her recent mood for the past six months. 

  With a sigh, she picked up the pizza take-out menu she had found. It was her and JJ’s favourite place to order pizza from. Topper had innocently fetched it for her in case she lost power and couldn’t look up websites to order pizza from. He claimed that she should save her phone data for texting and emergencies. She thought he was insane. 

  “I could go for a pizza,” She hummed, opening the menu as if she didn’t know what she already wanted. Picking up her phone, she dialled the number she knew by heart. After a few rings, the girl’s voice spoke through the speaker, obviously chewing gum in the obnoxious way. “Hi, I would like to place an order for delivery. My info should be in the system already, it’s under L/N. I just want what I usually get.” 

  She pinched the phone between her ear and her shoulder as she stood up, gathering some blankets that were carelessly thrown on her floor. “Large pizza with extra sauce and extra cheese with pepperoni?” The girl questioned after a few seconds of typing and clicking. 

  “That’s the one. Could I also get two orders of breadsticks with that?” She paused the gathering of blankets, blinking as she listened to the typing on the other side of the phone. 

  “Okay, anything else tonight?” 

  “No, that will be all. Thank you.” 

  “Should be delivered in about twenty minutes. Any later than thirty and the order is free.” She drawled before hanging up the phone. Y/N smiled, looking forward to the greasy food as she slipped her phone into the pocket of her (JJ’s) hoodie. Shifting the mass of blankets, she started to make her way down the stairs to set up in the living room. Her parents were away in Cuba, celebrating their wedding anniversary meaning Y/N was alone in the house. Humming, she set the blankets down on the couch, hands hitting her legging covered thighs as she looked around, seeing if anything else needed to be changed. 

  The sudden sound of a rough knock startled her. Her gate was closed and nearly impossible to scale so it had to be someone she trusted enough to give the gate code to. This eased her nerves slightly, actually making her feet move towards the door. “Oh my god, what if it’s the cops. Did I do anything wrong? Did they get evidence that I was drinking at that party Topper dragged me to like a week ago,” She whispered to herself, her mind spiralling. “I can’t go to jail. They’ll take one look at me and know I cannot offer anything but tutoring sessions which are useless in prison.” She panicked, but another knock pulled her from her mind. 

  Grabbing the door handle and yanking it open, she didn’t give herself anymore time to think. “JJ? Are you insane? You’re shaking like a ghost!” She exclaimed, worry taking over so much she couldn’t even think about questioning why he was here after six months. He stood there, his figure vibrating from the freezing rain. She wanted to take him and pull him into he warm house, but something stopped her.  

  “It’s been a long six months, Y/N,” JJ started, making her furrow her brows in confusion. She was well aware of how long the six months have been. She’s still moping around. “I was too afraid to tell you what I wanted that night and for every night for five months.” He confessed, his face red but she wasn’t sure if it was the bitter cold, him catching something, or him blushing. His blue eyes stayed on her despite his teeth chattering. 

  “So what changed, JJ. Why are you here right now,” She paused, gesturing to him. “You’re going to catch a cold.” She sighed, her still burning love for him outweighing her judgement as she grabbed his arm, pulling him into the house. 

  “In the last month, specifically the last week and some days, I wasn’t afraid to admit it anymore. I want you, Y/N,” JJ was still chattering as she wordlessly led him to the couch, wrapping a blanket around him. “And not in a secret hook-up situation. Like I actually want you for worse or for better. To be in an actual relationship with you and I will wait forever and ever until you can trust me again because I broke your heart and I knew that from the second you hung up the phone, but I was too hurt to do anything about it.” 

  He panted slightly, still shivering like a chihuahua. Y/N sighed, grabbing his freezing hand and pulling him up the stairs. He let out a low, unsure noise as she did so. “Look, I am still hurt and heartbroken, but I am willing to listen to you because that’s what you do when you are mature and ready for a relationship,” She informed him as she pulled him into her room. “I still have some of your clothes so sit on the bed while I get them.” She instructed, pulling open a drawer in her dresser. 

  “I just want you to know that if you give me another chance, I will do my best to fix your heart, to put it back together,” JJ spoke up after a few beats of silence. He could tell she was still listening as she rooted through the drawers. He looked at the dresser, seeing many photos in frames that were all too familiar. “You kept them up.” He whispered. 

  She stood up, looking back at him in confusion before following his eyes, spotting the pictures. “Oh, yeah,” She hummed, looking back down in her drawer. “I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of them. They reminded me of the good times. Reminded me of how it used to be between us before I pushed you too hard.” She muttered, throwing a shirt and a pair of sweatpants at him.

  He put them on the bed beside him, standing up, his eyes locked on her as she wrapped her arms around herself, nearly curling into herself in a way to protect her heart (surely). The blanket fell from his shoulders as he strides towards her. Her bedside lamp was on, casting a dim light around the room, making her look magnificent, but he wasn’t too focused on her looks - she always looked magnificent to him. 

  “I lost my mind, Y/N-” He spoke, startling her as she thought he was changing. Whirling around, she was once again startled by how close he was to her. Surely, she would have heard him moving. It’s not like he was a light guy. With all his muscle tone and his usual work boots on his feet. 

  “What do you mean?” She asked, eyes searching his face in confusion, noting how he looked in the dim lighting himself.

  “I lost my mind. When I refused to label it. I knew I didn’t want to lose you, but yet I did because I was stupid and I lost my mind. Then, I actually did lose my mind and I didn’t find it until a week ago,” His voice was scratchy from the raw emotion as she looked down at her. “I left you because I was scared and I don’t have an actual reason for being scared, but I lost my mind. You didn’t push me too hard. This was all my fault.” 

  “JJ, it’s both of our faults. I shouldn’t have sprung that conversation on you. I should have approached it another way-” He cut her off with a shake of his head.

 “No, you aren’t getting it. It is my fault. I love you and I was too chicken to say it while you were so ready and I couldn’t see it,” He let his hands grab her biceps in the most gentle way possible. Despite the fact that his skin was freezing, Y/N found warmth filling her from the contact. “I was a mess for the past six months. Like a literal mess. I was drinking, going to dangerous parties, and putting myself in dangerous situations because without you, I am nothing, Y/N. I have nothing without you-”

  “That is not true-” She tried to protest but he cut her off again. 

  “But it is true. I couldn’t even perform after you-” 

  “Oh,” She looked shocked at this, eyes drifting down to his lap before looking back up at him. “Really? You couldn’t,” She glanced down again before looking back into his eyes. “Because I left you?” 

  JJ nodded. “I mean, I got it up, but only when I was picturing you. But it was in the dead of night. But it was like that when we were dating,” He used that word for lack of a better term. “It was always you. From the very second Sarah introduced us all till this moment.” 

  The doorbell sound of the buzzer on the gate went before a voice echoed through the house, someone speaking into the microphone. “That’s my pizza,” She told him, voice soft as if not to break the delicate energy in the room. “I should go pay-”

  “Let me, I’m already soaked. I don’t want you to get a cold.” He patted her arms before taking out his wallet and making his way down the stairs. She followed him, her heart suddenly light for the first time in six months. Sure, his words were slowly mending her heavy heart, but this act of kindness, for whatever reason, just fixed one of the biggest cracks. 

  She stepped outside on the covered porch, wrapping her arms around herself to fend off the bitter wind, as she watched him run down the paved driveway the best he could without slipping. Even in the dark, blinded by the gleam of the delivery car’s headlights, she saw him paying for her pizza and breadstick with his own, hard earned money including a tip (but it was a minute over thirty minutes so he pocketed everything except the tip again). JJ didn’t seem to notice her standing out in the cold and she didn’t realise she had walked off the porch into the pouring rain until JJ spoke up. “I thought I told you I was getting it. Now look at you, you’re completely drenched and-”

  “Kiss me.” She spoke in such a sure tone with such authority in her voice it shocked JJ. Not just because she, the girl who he thought I would have to beg to take him back, was telling him to kiss her, but the way she said it. 

  “What?” He asked, breathless. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. 

  “Kiss me.” She repeated, stepping closer to him. Her clothes were soaked and sticking to her uncomfortably. Her hair was sticking to her face. But none of that was noticed by her nor him. She shook from the cold, but so was JJ so he couldn’t scold her for being out here. 

 “Y/N, are you sure-” JJ started but she cut him off as she took another step closer to him. The two pizza boxes were soggy and nearly hitting her from how close she was but JJ was too stunned to move them. Instead, he was staring into her eyes, searching for any sign of unease.   

  “I am completely and irrevocably sure, JJ,” She whispered, the sound would have been drowned out by the sound of rain hitting the pavement around them if they were not so close together and JJ wasn’t hanging off of every word she was saying. “Kiss me.” She urged, a small smile playing on her lips. 

  “But,” He looked at the pizza boxes in his hands. “The pizza-” She simply shoved the boxes out of his hand, sending the already ruined food and boxes to the ground. Pizza slices and bread sticks flew into the grass of the yard, the cardboard of the boxes breaking and ripping upon impact. 

  “It was free anyway. Kiss me.” This time, he listened. His hands slid along her jaw, angling her face up towards him as he stepped the rest of the way, his lips pressing against hers in such vigour it nearly knocked the two of them over. Eyes instantly closing, awareness slipping from their minds. Her hands instantly gripped his side, fisting the material of his jacket. His lips tasted the same, but this time she noticed a hint of unflavoured chapstick. Kie and Sarah were the masterminds behind this, Kie only ever had unflavoured chapstick. 

  Quickly, any form of thought was stripped from her mind as the kiss deepened. Both of their lips were desperate for one another. Their bodies pressed against each other as they stood there. Rain falling down on top of them, cold droplets hitting their faces, making their muscles jolt, but the kiss never broke. 

  “I had a whole speech planned-” JJ muttered against her lips, eyes opening, pulling back slightly, but she wasn’t having that. Her lips instantly fitted against his before he could say anything else, making him hum against her, his eyes closing again.  

  She could feel him pulling away to speak again, her eyes remaining shut as she spoke. “Shut up and take me inside, Maybank. You’ve said enough. Now show me.” She ordered, re-attaching their lips. 

  “Message received.” He mumbled, hands leaving her jaw as hers let go of his side. Just feeling his fingers dance over the tops of her thighs, she jumped, wrapping her legs around his waist as if no time had passed. His hands stationed on her butt, he blindly carried her into the house, mouths attached, tongues exploring the all too familiar areas of each other’s mouths, and eyes closed. 

____

  Y/N groaned, pulling her lips away from JJ’s as his phone rang for what felt like the hundredth time within the hour. “JJ, could you just answer it or put it on silent?” She asked, nails dragging up and down his bare back. She was under him, her legs straddling him. The sheets were a mess, tangled around JJ’s legs while they were pulled over the pair. 

  JJ sighed, letting go of some of his weight as he let his head fall into the crook of her neck. She giggled as he placed open-mouthed kisses along her shoulder. “I think I have more important things to take care of,” He muttered as her fingers trailed up into his hair. She giggled at his ticklish kisses. The sound of the phone stopped. “See, now we can go for another round-” 

  The shrill ring started again. JJ was conscious not to put all his weight on her as he slumped more. “JJ, just answer it and get whatever it is over. Maybe it’s important.” She urged him, pulling his face from her neck. 

  “Oh, I know who it is. They are still trying to torture me, I am sure,” He groaned, lifting himself up enough so he could grab his phone, holding himself up by one arm. Y/N let her hold on his hair drop, one hand rubbing up and down the arm he kept her caged in. He plopped the phone on the bed next to them, resuming their position. She could see Kie’s name on the phone, a picture of her she took once when she stole his phone as her contact. He hit answer before clicking the speaker phone button, settling against her body once again. “What?” He asked as Y/N went back to dragging her nails up and down his muscular back. 

  “What do you mean ‘what’, Maybank,” Kie’s angry voice sounded through the phone. JJ huffed, rolling his eyes as Y/N silently giggled. “You were supposed to call us two hours ago to tell us what happened and how it went.” She scolded him. 

  “Well, we were busy.” JJ snapped, looking down at Y/N, winking. 

  “Busy for two hours? What on earth-” Sarah cut her rant off, presumably because someone gave her a hint. “Well that’s good, right? That means you guys made up?” She spoke hopefully. JJ and Y/N looked at each other, ridiculous smiles on each of their faces. 

  “It is good.” Y/N agreed, eyes consumed by JJ. 

  “So, are you dating? Are you guys feeling it out? Tell us!” Sarah pressed, sounding like a kid on christmas morning. 

  “We’re dating. Officially and not secretly.” JJ informed them. Hoping this call will end soon. Y/N found herself wishing the same thing which made her start to press kisses along his chest, looking up at him through her eyelashes. He groaned, leaning his head down to lightly bite her shoulder - trying to stay quiet. But that only egged Y/N on. 

  “Say,” Pope’s voice popped up over the phone, pausing for a second. “You two aren’t in bed naked by any chance, are you?” He posed the question, most likely knowing the answer to it already. 

  “I think you already know the answer to that, Buddy.” John B spoke for JJ and Y/N.

  “What JB said.” JJ pulled his mouth away from Y/N’s shoulder. A chorus of disgusted noises and complaints left their friends.

  “How are you not grossed out by this, John B?” Kie questioned, her nose turned up. 

  “I told you not to call him! I told you they would be busy!” He defended himself as JJ hit the end call button, smacking his phone off the bed carelessly.

  “Another round?”

  “Another round.” He answered, lips crashing against hers as he settled his weight on her just enough to earn a hum from her.                

[we-are-inevitable]

from the burdened prompt list: “i know it’s selfish.  but i wish someone would just take care of me.”

davey struggling, having to work longer hours bc his family needs more money this month and jack finds him and davey accidentally lets this hidden “selfish” desire slip out

respectfully y’all are SO jacphobic if you don’t leave a comment on ao3 for this one (im joking (a little))

i hope you guys like this one !!

————

For the Jacobs boys, nights at the lodging house are a rare treat.

They always start the same. One of the boys at the lodge would tell Les about a game they were playing, or an event that everyone was chipping in on. A birthday, most often; birthdays at the lodge were apparently a big deal, since it was the one joy some of these kids might have. The boys who could afford to would offer up a few pennies to buy something nice. A dime novel, maybe, for the boys who liked to read, but usually the gift would be as much candy as a few quarters could buy.

Les, ever the social butterfly, loves being a part of these nights, and always tells their parents at the dinner table. Esther usually allows him to donate a penny or two, especially if this birthday was for one of the littles or a boy around his age. It wasn’t always like this, of course; the first time Les asked to stay the night, it took a long discussion before Esther and Mayer agreed, and they only agreed if David would stay, too. It was a little easier to convince them the second time, and again for the third, and fourth, and fifth, and now the boys don’t even have to ask: if they have a free night with no work at home to be done, they can go, but only if Esther and Mayer know ahead of time.

Once Mayer is cleared to go back to work, though, nights like those are few and far between.

As promised, as soon as their father finds a new job that will be easier on his health, Les and David are back in the classroom, learning literature and arithmetic as though their summer hadn’t been taken over by the strike. David had considered it a miracle, and Les had dreaded it since the start, but school was in session and David finally had structure back in his life.

That was what was missing, right? Structure. A clear plan. No roadblocks, no mishaps— a guidebook to the rest of his life, one he had made up when he was far too young to worry about such things. To David, school is structure. School leads to college, and college leads to a career, and a career means that David can provide for his parents, and his eventual family, and he will never have to worry about not doing enough or not being good enough because he will be enough and things will work out in his favor.

School is structure, and structure is uninterrupted, until it is.

When Esther pulls David aside one morning before he’s supposed to walk to school, David feels his stomach drop. “David,” she starts, her voice ever soft, calm, “Dear, your father and I have been thinking.”

“About?”

“Your schooling. We know how important education is to you, but, darling… You’re a smart young man, so I’m going to be honest with you. With your father’s new job, we’re still struggling to make ends meet. It doesn’t pay as much as his old job, and—“

“Do you need me to stop going to school? So I can work?”

“Oh, dear, we would never ask that of you,” She assures him, gently cupping his cheeks. “You have a brilliant mind, son. You are going to do amazing things one day, I’m sure… I want you to understand that we- your father and I- hate asking this, but,” She pauses, and David can see her frown pinch like she’s in pain, like asking this is hurting her. David hates seeing this expression on his mother. She closes her eyes for a moment, then meets his gaze with a sad smile. “Would it be possible for you to go to school, then sell the evening edition? Just until we can get back on our feet?”

Against his better judgement, David says yes without even thinking it over.

His family needs him. He can manage this. He’ll still be in school, and he’ll be making money, and it doesn’t matter that he already comes home from school dead on his feet because he’s so tired, because this time he’s helping his family and doing something for himself to make something of himself, and isn’t that the point of all of this?

Besides, it works.

It works for three weeks, at least. For three weeks, Does it, no problem. He goes to school and rushes through work so there’s less to do at home, and he’s still getting good marks on most of his assignments. Once school is done, he walks Les to the halfway point between the tenement house and the lodging house, tells him to take his bookbag and put it next to the door, and to give Ima and Aba a big hug for him. He watches Les walk for about a minute or so, just to make sure he’s okay, and when Les rounds the corner of the block, David takes off like a shot to get to the lodge in time.

That’s his every-day for three weeks. He doesn’t make much money only selling one edition, but he’s helping- he can see that he is. His parents aren’t as stressed anymore, and he’s still getting an education and holding down a job, and surely that means something, even if he comes home from work late and misses dinner with his family often and rarely ever talks anymore because he heads right to bed after eating.

Three weeks, and Esther finally sits him down one Friday morning before school.

“David,” she says softly. “Why don’t you stay at the lodge tonight?”

David it’s his head, brows pinching together. “You’re sure?”

Esther nods, and squeezes his hand, something she’s done since he was a child. “I don’t want you having to worry about walking home so late, darling. Besides, you don’t have any school tomorrow, and you haven’t stayed over in a long time— I insist, really. Have some fun with your friends.”

“…Okay,” David says after a moment, nodding. “Okay, I can do that. I won’t have to get up so early for the morning paper tomorrow.”

“Skip it,” Esther say, and runs a hand through David’s hair. “Take a weekend off, baby. Please?”

“But—“

“But nothing,” She interrupts. She has that look on her face: a mother’s look of concern, one that says she knows he’s overworking himself, but it’s not like he can just stop now. “You’ve been such a big help, dear, but you’re still a kid. Have fun, and be with your friends. Don’t worry about work.”

And David knows she’s right. She almost took it back, saying that David could work and go to school, after the first week— David was the one who said that he was fine, that he’d keep it up until winter and see where they were financially. If they were well off, he would stop working after the winter holidays. If not, he would continue. Mayer had said it was a good idea. Good work ethic, his boy; that’s what Mayer brags about to coworkers, and that’s the praise that David keeps square in his chest. Good work ethic.

Good work ethic.

That being said, David is appreciative of being given the weekend to be a teenager again. Everyone has been asking when he’s going to stay over again, and he hasn’t had an answer for them, but now he’ll be able to have a good night again.

The evening headline is a good one, too. Something about some bigshot in Brooklyn being killed. David knows that Spot Conlon and her girls are going to have a field day with this one, that’s for sure, but David is just happy that it was a big enough of a deal to make Manhattan’s news too. The papes sell fast, and David gets to the lodge even faster. Walking through the doors, he’s immediately met with the familiar chaos, and it brings a smile to his face.

“Dave!”

The voice comes from his left, and before he’s able to turn, he’s wrapped in a hug by Racetrack. It only lasts a few seconds, but David laughs and rolls his eyes as Race shoves him almost immediately after.

“Where’ve you been?” Race says with a grin, raising a brow. “You ain’t been here in ages.”

“I just spoke to you an hour ago,” David reminds him. He had seen Race walking back to the lodging house while he was selling. From the looks of it, Race had been walking back from Brooklyn, so odds are that he had been selling across the bridge all day. “I’ve been busy with school, but I’m stayin’ here over the weekend.”

Race nods his head, that signature mischievous smirk reappearing on his face. “Ya don’t say,” He says, teasingly. “Y’know, Dave, Jack’s been throwin’ fits without you bein’ around here so often. You should go talk to him. Does he know you’re stayin’?”

“Not yet,” David replies, shaking his head. “Is he okay? Have I missed something?”

“Oh, no, he’s fine,” Race says quickly. He pulls his cigar out of his shirt pocket, then the lighter from his pants pocket; he offers them up to David, but David shakes his head again and Race nods to himself. “He’s just been missin’ you, I think. He ain’t ever gonna admit it, but…” He trails off, giving David a knowing look, and, yeah, okay.

Okay, maybe Jack and David have a thing going on. There’s nothing really there, not yet, but the chemistry is undeniable; David had at first assumed he was making it all up— he’s never really understood this romance thing— but then Race pointed it out one day, and since then, David has gone to him for every burning Jack Kelly issue his mind could think up. How he wants to kiss him, but he’s never kissed anyone, but Jack has kissed a lot of people so what if David isn’t anything special? Or how it’s unfair that Jack can look so good in nice, tailored clothes, since he has that big job at the World now, you know, so he has to look nice and it kind of drives David mad, and how—…

And how David hasn’t really been here in weeks. And how David has only been selling, then heading home immediately after selling his last paper. And how he can’t remember the last time he had a good conversation with Jack, who should probably hate him by now.

David takes a deep breath. “Where is he?”

Not even five minutes later, his hands land on the last rung of the ladder to the rooftop, and Jack Kelly is there in all his glory: laying on his back, basking in the August sun. Once David has both feet solidly on the roof, he sees Jack’s eyebrow quirk up, though his eyes never open. “Crutch? You good?”

David clears his throat. “Uh— Yeah, but I’m not Crutchie.”

Instantly, Jack sits up, eyes flying open. His look is nothing short of delighted, and he grunts as he pushes himself up to his feet. “Davey! What’re you doin’ here?”

An oddly chipper reaction, considering they haven’t actually talked in a while. Back over the summer, David and Jack were fast friends, and even faster… whatever they are now. They sold together nearly every day, played cards between editions, sat next to each other during every meal, talked for hours and hours on end without ever tiring. They were a package deal.

“I’m staying the night,” David says with a nervous smile, pushing down the thought of this is ruined and he hates me. “It’s been a while, so I figured I could come back for a bit, if that’s okay? I have enough to pay for a bunk, I just—“

“You’re kiddin’ me, right?” Jack asks, walking closer. “Dave, this might be one of the last nights we get on the rooftop ‘fore it gets too cold. You’re stayin’ up here, with me,” He says, and that smile— god, that smile— shines full force. “C’mon, sit down. How’s school been?”

David follows Jack’s lead, eventually sitting next to him on a pile of blankets near the outward corner of the roof. “It’s been alright,” David answers, leaning back and bracing himself on his palms. “I’m still no better in math, but grammar is kind of fun. My teacher thinks I’m ahead, though, whatever that means.”

“That’s good, though, right?” Jack nudges David gently with his elbow. “Means you can take it easy.”

“I guess,” David nods, and lets out a soft sigh. Taking the easy road, it’s never been David’s strong suit. He supposes Jack is right; he can take it a little easier in school and not push himself so hard, that way he can pace himself while selling. Maybe he wouldn’t be as tired then, but… “I don’t think so, though. I’d rather just get school over with so I can focus on working.”

Jack is quiet for a moment. David stares straight ahead, resting along the ledge behind him, until he feels Jack’s hand on his shoulder. “Dave,” He stares, tilting his head. “What’s goin’ on? I thought you loved school.”

“I mean, I do,” David says quickly, though he doesn’t meet Jack’s eyes. “I want to continue my education so I can be a- a doctor, or a business man, or something, but right now… My family needs me right now. If I go faster with school, then I can help them, and—“

“Is that really fair to you, though?”

The question stops David in his tracks. Is it? Not really, no, but then again, what is? If life was fair, his father wouldn’t have gotten hurt. If life was fair, his father wouldn’t even have been working in that damned place anyway, and instead he’d be rich and successful like he had always been working towards. If life as fair, David would be able to focus on school, and wouldn’t be mocked and ridiculed all day for working a job. David knows he’s better off than the rest of the newsies, but at school, it doesn’t feel like it. Most of David’s friends don’t even have to work a job. They get new shoes every year, too, instead of waiting until the old pair gets too small or falls apart. If they rip their clothing, they can mend it and make it look seamless, not patchy, or they just buy new clothing all together. David doesn’t have that luxury. Life isn’t that fair.

He takes a deep breath, then says: “No. It’s not.”

Jack nods. The silence between them is uncomfortable, but only until Jack gently slings his strong arm around David’s waist, pulling him closer. David sinks into his touch, letting himself relax, letting himself lose the rigid tension running along his spine.

“I wish I could help,” Jack says softly, and shifts, allowing David to lie back with his head against Jack’s chest. “But, hey… soon, you’ll be outta school, and you ain’t gonna have to worry about that anymore. Right?”

“Until I decide to go to university,” David amends, “but at this point, I don’t- I don’t know if I can afford to go. My teacher is telling me I should, but it’s going to cost $150… I don’t have that kind of money. None of us do. And- And maybe I could save it up, but not when all of my money is putting food on the table— I can’t just… focus on myself right now. I have a family to feed.”

Jack rubs circles against David’s hip with his thumb, and sighs. “You deserve the chance to focus on you, Davey…”

What breaks David’s heart is that he knows. He knows he does. But it’s not in the cards, not now. David stays silent for a long while, and Jack does too; they listen to the sounds of the city bustling beneath them, the boys’ laughter filtering out from an open window, music playing in the distance.

Neither of them say a word, until David sniffs, and wipes his eyes. “I- I know it’s selfish,” He starts, his voice barely above a whisper, “but I… I wish someone would just take care of me. I know that’s not- it doesn’t work like that. I know. I’m supposed to take care of everyone else, but it’s so fu-fucking hard to just… push myself to the side.” As he speaks, his voice catches, and the next thing he knows, he’s wrapped in both of Jack’s arms. Jack’s hand rubs his back, and David finally allows himself to let go. Not a sudden outburst, no; this is a gradual accumulation of tears until David’s shoulders shake, but he’s silent, because outbursts are unappealing and sadness should be polite.

Still, David finds Jack’s voice grounding him.

“I know, I know… Let it all out, Dave, you don’t gotta be strong right now. I’ve got you, I’ll take care of you… You’re safe to let it out.” And how Jack always knows exactly what to say, David will never know.

David will never know how Jack knows just how to hold him, just how to run his hands through his hair and just barely tug on the strands to reign him in. He’ll never know how Jack knows to kiss his temple, his forehead, his cheeks, all while squeezing his hand or wiping away his tears. He’ll never know how Jack knows that humming calms him down, whether it’s his mother’s Hebrew lullabies or the melody of one of Medda’s songs from the last show she put on.

What David does know, though, is that he’s safe, and he doesn’t have to shoulder the weight of the world. Not around Jack.

When David calms down, he’s still resting against Jack’s chest, letting out a few heaving sighs. “Thank you,” he whispers, tilting his head up to look Jack in the eyes. “I— I didn’t mean to cry, but… thank you.”

“You don’t gotta hide from me, Davey,” Jack murmurs back, tucking a strand of David’s hair behind his ears. “You don’t gotta explain yourself, either… When you’re here, my job is to take care of you, okay?”

“Jack, no—“

“I’m serious,” Jack cuts him off, raising a brow. “You got so much on your plate, and you know that. Right? … So let me help, wherever I can. I want to.”

David takes this in for a moment, before sighing softly and nodding. “Okay. I… I appreciate it.”

Jack smiles gently down at him. For a moment, they stare into each other’s eyes, and as soon as Jack cups David’s cheek, it’s all over. David leans up and Jack closes the gap, and the kiss is short, but sweet, and good, and right.

The weight of the world isn’t so heavy after that.

[tilly-tilly-2827]

Leave it by Degrees #5

The unhinged love story loosely based on Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost that I can't get out of my head.

Synopsis: "Have we ever met?"

AO3 post from here!

Previous Chapter from Here!

So, so, odd. He thought to himself as he seated himself in the corner. After spending five hours staring into the white canvas, he had dragged himself into the bar. With Anthony’s oath in the head, he sipped on sparkling water as he took out the sketchbook on the table. It was getting late, at 11:00 in the night, and the bar was mostly elderly couples enjoying a nighttime drink, everyone dressed in tropical-colored shirts and dresses. Benedict smiled softly seeing an elderly couple slowly dancing to John Mayer's Gravity. It was a jazz version cover of the song, the piano softly following the melancholic tune. Benedict's hands worked expertly, sketching the old couple, but just in the corner of his eye, Benedict saw an odd figure, a woman wearing a navy suit, contemplating with a glass of whiskey in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. Her soft brown curls cast over her eyes, she looked more like a tired corporate official, not a young woman on holiday. Everything about her was out of place, the suit, the whiskey, the cigarette, everything looked so off-putting. Yet, he could not take her eyes off her, his hands unconsciously working on the paper, trying to capture her in his sketchbook. First, her back, then her hands…

But just as Benedict raised his eyes to observe her again, he noticed that she was no longer alone, a man sliding into her side. The bulky guy in a purple open-collar shirt seemed to be flirting with her, yet the girl didn’t seem interested, not dropping the cigarette or the glass from her fingers. Way out of his league. Benedict thought quietly to himself, catching her green almond eyes and long eyelashes under her fringes. He continued to sketch away, keeping a distance from the two, but he knew he had to intervene when he saw the man chip something into her glass. He quickly stumbled himself from the chair, but he couldn’t quite stop the girl from taking another sip. 

“Hey, stop right there, mate.”

“Bridgerton!”

“...Cavender?”

Damn, he cursed under his breath. Phillip Cavender. He had been a schoolmate from Eaton, notorious for his wild parties outside the campus, and he was quite ashamed to have attended some of his parties. The brat put his arms around his neck, almost as if nothing had happened. 

“It’s been ages, lad! How have you been? Heard you became an artist…”

“What did you put in her drink?” 

“…Nothing.”

“And suddenly she’s dozing off?”

Her shoulders hunched into a curve, the girl was slowly nodding off, Benedict quickly took the cigarette from her hand, disposing of it on the ashtray.

“Come on, Bridgerton,” Cavender gave him a nasty grin, lowering his voice in a hushed tone, eyeing the girl now snoring softly in her arms, “She’s pretty enough. How about we have some fun, you and I?”

“I don’t consider rape an entertainment, Cavender,” Benedict said coolly, removing his arm around his shoulder, he quickly eyed the Bartender, explaining to her the situation. “There’s a CV right there, there should be footage.”

Cavender was swiftly escorted from the bar, (“Don’t ever expect an invitation to my parties!” Cavender cursed but Benedict only rolled his eyes,) He gently tapped the girl on the shoulder, wanting to wake her up but he began to realize the effect of the drug that she had choked down. 

“Ms? Are you all right?”

“Mmmmmmmmm.”

“Let me take you to your room. Which room are you…”

“Five minutes, please? I just need to sleep a bit more…”

“Apparently some scumbag had given you some kind of medication…”

“Hi.”

Benedict jerked, seeing the girl suddenly pop up her head from her arms, staring at him with her evergreen eyes. 

“Hi?”

“...Benedict Bridgerton?”

“You know me?”

“How would I not know you?”

She broke out in a lazy grin, a childish smile that was so different from the women he had seen smoking and drinking a few minutes ago, and he somehow knew that that was the smile he wanted to see on her face. Her almond eyes, her light, singalong voice, it was so familiar, but he just couldn’t put a finger to it. 

“You’re much more attractive than I saw you in the pictures.”

“I would very much like to know the name to whom I’m receiving such compliments.”

“Five minutes.” she purred, nuzzling her head onto the counter. “Let me sleep for five minutes and I’ll tell you my name.” 

And for the next hour, Benedict decided to stay by her side, as she snored happily on the bar stools. To protect her, he justified himself, but he took the chance to sketch her, just catching the delicate eyelashes and her beautifully shaped eyebrows. But as the clock struck midnight, he knew that they had to start leaving soon. 

“Ms, can you tell me your room number?” Benedict tried again, but his attempts were quite useless. Just when Benedict was about to call the staff, he was suddenly caught by the wrist, her delicate fingers wrapped around his wrist.

“Don’t leave me here.”

“Pardon?”

“Take me to your room.”

“What?”

“...Take me to your room?”

“Aren’t we moving too fast?”

“I rather think it’s an appropriate pace.”

“But, we’ve just met.”

“Do you honestly care?”

“Well…” he gulped. “Perhaps not.”

“…I need you right now.” Her burning eyes met his, and Benedict hitched his breath. Her voice was dripping with sweetness, a breathless whisper. “I need you right now, right here.”

Millions of thoughts went through his head in three seconds. His first instinct was to kiss her hard and take her down right there, but god they were in a public place. Taking advantage of the intoxicated was out of the question, but the almond eyes and rosy cheeks, well developed in the places…she was the sort of girl he would like to bed with. And he was given a chance right now.

He took a deep breath. Think Rationally, Benedict. 

“I’ll take you to my room.”

“How are you going to take me?” She smiled cheekily, and Benedict almost laughed out loud, knowing that the drugs were working too effectively on her. 

“I’m going to take you to bed, and tuck you in.” Benedict gently put his arms behind her knees and her neck, gently carrying her in his arms. She was fearfully light, almost like a feather.. 

“You’re not coming with me?”

“I’d love to,” Benedict chuckled softly, as he walked out of the bar, feeling the night air. “But I don’t think you can handle me tonight.” 

��Why so? I’m perfectly capable.” She tutted, pouting her lips slightly.   

“I’m sure you are.” Benedict laughed, “But I like to start with introductions.” 

----------------------------------------------

“I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU BROKE THE OATH! IT’S ONLY BEEN A WEEK BENEDICT!”

Sophie woke up to the sound of an angry roar. Instant panic rose inside her, seeing that she was not on her bed, not her Villa, and the voices she heard over the door were not of Posy nor Kate. Although she was relieved that she was still in her navy suit, she quickly stripped herself away from the sheets. Taking a deep breath, she slowly cracked open the door, and her stomach flipped seeing Benedict Bridgerton and Anthony Bridgerton screaming at each other, the elder dressed in running gear and the younger just in a pair of gray sweatpants. Completely bare on the top. She suddenly felt heated, Sophie quickly averted her gaze, seeing his muscular arms strangling his brother's neck. 

“BROTHER I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TELL YOU THAT”

“TRYING TO TELL ME WHY THERE IS A GIRL IN THE BED? BENEDICT YOU ARE A COMPLETE MORON…”

“Um, good morning?”

The two brothers quickly broke off, Anthony giving an angry huff and sitting back on the couch with his arms crossed, while Benedict gave her a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with glee. Sophie’s heart skipped a beat. Keep it together, Sophia. 

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

The girl looked radiant as ever. Without a drink or a cigarette in her hand, she was almost angelic, little and petite, her brown curls flying everywhere. Her blond curls almost looked blond in the morning light, and he quickly moved to her side, leaning against the side of the door.  

“Did you sleep well?”

“Um, yes.”

“Benedict, Benedict Bridgerton. Nice to meet you.” Taking his hand out, he shook her hand, again feeling a peculiar feeling of familiarity. 

“Sophia. Sophie. Sophie Beckett.”

She did feel a rush of relief; knowing that he had not noticed her. She had expected that part, but she still couldn’t understand why she was in his Villa. Did I sleep with him again? Sophie could feel herself becoming smaller and smaller as Benedict gave her a knowing grin, a teasing spark in his ocean-blue eyes. 

“YOU DIDN’T EVEN NO EACH OTHER NAMES? THIS IS THE EXACT BEHAVIOR I WAS TALKING ABOUT…”

“Brother, Ms. Beckett was drugged in the bar by Phillip Cavender, and was almost sexually assaulted by that very man.”

“Oh.”

“I happened to stop him just before she was taken into his room, and I was going to take her back to her room, but she was too befuddled to talk, so I took her here. For her safely.”

“I see.” Sophie could almost see Anthony’s broad body shrinking into a pebble. “I hope you are all right, Ms. Beckett.”

“I’m all right.” Sophie softly nodded, “I owe much thanks to your brother. Please do not blame him. I can promise that he has kept his celibacy, He broke your oath only to save me…” 

“How do you know about Mr. Bridgertons Oath?”

The three jumped at the sharp voice behind them, but it was only Hugh Woodson at the door, with a laptop in his arms. “I, I’m sorry to interrupt your conversion, Mr. Bridgerton. I was waiting in the lobby for the morning briefing..”

“No worries, Woodson.” Anthony gave a soft nod to Woodson, but the gaze he returned to Sophie was quite sharp. “Ms. Beckett, might I ask how you knew of My brother’s celibacy?”   

“There was a post in the Lady Whistledown…”

The two brothers groaned. “How does she know about everything?” Benedict rolled his eyes, sinking into the white sofa. “I’ve told nobody about this anyone except you and Colin!”

“Must have been caught in the bar.” Anthony sighed, taking off his running shoes, “That woman has ears on every wall of London.”

“But you also knew my name, last night.” Benedict’s eyebrows raised ever so slightly, a look of confusion on his face. “I understand you would know my brother, but how did you recognize me?” 

Here we go. Sophie softly ran her hands in her hair and soothed out the scratches in her navy suit with her hands. Finding her bag on the floor, she took her card, handing it over to Benedict with two hands. 

“Mr. Bridgerton. I haven’t introduced myself yet, I’m from the Gunningworth Foundation…”

As Benedict's mouth hung open in shock, Anthony tried to hide his smirk. Yes, he was angry that his brother had tried to break the oath, it was amusing to see it backfire on him splendidly. Running away from the contact, only to catch the contractor in his arms. Ironic. 

“I’m here to negotiate the deal, on behalf of Araminta Gunningworth….”

“No, no, no, no, no.” Benedict jumped up from the sofa, tripping at least three feet away from Sophie. “I’ve already said no!”

“Yes, but I believe we can reach an agreement...”

“I’m not interested in your offer.”

“But Mr. Bridgerton…”

“Ms. Beckett.” Woodson’s voice was rather quiet, but Sophie noticed his dangerous tone. “This is a private space, Ms. Beckett. Do you not understand that you are invading their privacy?”

“I’m aware of that, Mr. Woodson.”

“May I show you the way out?”

In complete silence, Sophie followed Woodson’s lead, taking her bag and her jacket in her hands. At the last moment, she stopped, turning her head and looking straight into Benedict’s eyes. Benedict suddenly stopped breathing, her moss green gaze somehow grasping his throat from three feet away.  

“May I invite you to dinner at Out of the Blue tonight, Mr. Bridgeton?”

“A dinner?”

“Yes.” Sophie quietly continued. “To show my gratitude. It was a very heroic thing you did last night.”

Benedict could only grunt. 

“It would be lovely if I could have an opportunity to show my thanks. This is not about the foundation or the deal.”

“So, you are personally asking me to go to dinner with you?”

“Yes.”

“All right then.”

Anthony could hear Woodson growl in the back of his throat, he quickly put one hand on his shoulder. Woodson was incredibly protective of the two, he was almost about to bite Sophie Beckett in the arms. “Would it be trouble if I joined you, Ms. Beckett? And also Woodson?”

“I see no problem Mr. Bridgerton. Would 19:00 be convenient for you?”

The three nodded in agreement, and Sophie slightly curled her lips in satisfaction. Bring him on the table, and the job is half done. 

As Sophie quietly left the room, Woodson’s deep sigh filled the room. 

“You could have rejected her offer, Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Well, yes, but.”

“I thought it peculiar as well, dear brother,” Anthony chipped in, opening up a newspaper on the table, “She’s not exactly your type is she? Normally you would go for slightly older…”

“Oi!”

Anthony chuckled seeing his brother turn slightly red.

“Did you invite yourself to the table so I won’t fall into her honey trap?”

“I invited myself to make sure you won’t break the oath.”

“Very compassionate, brother.” 

“Well, thank me later, dear Brother.”

------------------------------------

“Walk of shame, walk of shame.” As Sophie sneaked back into her Villa, she was welcomed by Kate, grinning ear to ear in her Adidas running shorts and shoes. “I knew you were going to get shagged.”

“I’m sorry to betray your expectations, but I haven’t had a single kiss,” 

“Then why are you wearing the same clothes as yesterday?”

“Apparently I was drugged in the bar and passed out.”

“WHAT?” The color drained from Kate, “Sophie, are you all right?”

“I’m all right. A guy happened to catch the scene of the crime, and he called the staff just in time.”

Kate’s eyes were cast down, her right hand rubbing the other arm.  

“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have left you in the bar last night…”

“No, don’t apologize. I was the one who was being careless.”

“Oh, Sophs,” Kate took Sophie in her arms, embracing her in a hug. “I’m so sorry you had to experience this,”

“Katie,”

“Mmm?”

“Do you know who came to help me?”

“Who?”

“...Benedict Bridgerton.”

“Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.”

As Kate’s mouth hung open in shock and surprise, Sophie told her the whole story, including the dinner she had planned. She was hoping Kate would attend the dinner as well, to make the meeting more casual, and Kate happily had agreed to go with her. 

“Want to go to the spa with me this morning? I booked a session at 9:30.” 

“I’d love to, but I just want to review my material for tonight.”

“All right then.” Kate gave a long stretch, “Break a leg, Sophs.”

“I’m going to,” Sophie grinned back, “By the way, how was the morning run?”

“Oh, it was absolutely beautiful. The gardens? Magnificent. But you won’t believe the man I met on the course, he was absolutely aggravating, Sophs…”

[darkmaga-retard]

Shares of American chipmaker Intel are marginally higher in premarket trading following a Friday evening Bloomberg report indicating the company could secure up to $3.5 billion in federal grants to manufacture chips for US military and intelligence applications.

The report was based on sources familiar with the chipmaker’s binding agreement with US officials. They said the secretive Pentagon program, ‘Secure Enclave,’ that awarded Intel $3.5 billion, is a move by the military to produce chips domestically, more especially in several states, including a facility in Arizona.

Here’s more from Bloomberg:

The funding could be announced as soon as next week, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. It would add to a possible $8.5 billion in grants and $11 billion in loans that Intel was awarded in March under the Chips and Science Act, a law that President Joe Biden signed in 2022 to revitalize US semiconductor manufacturing and reduce reliance on Asia. Intel is still negotiating the terms of that broader incentive package, which is intended to support facilities in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico and Oregon. Like other Chips Act winners, Intel hasn’t received any money yet, and its award is considered preliminary. The funding for Secure Enclave also comes from the Chips Act grant program administered by the Commerce Department — following a dispute earlier this year over which agency would be responsible — but was handled outside of the standard application process.

The agreement on Secure Enclave comes amid the dumpster fire at Intel under the direction of CEO Pat Gelsinger, who is doing his best to replace Marissa Mayer as the most overpaid and useless ‘turnaround’ CEO in tech history.

Last month, the struggling chipmaker reported a devastating earnings report and revenue forecast that sent shares plunging. On the year, Intel has tumbled nearly 61% (as of Friday’s close). Shares are up around 2% in premarket trading in New York.

[aresmarked]

war what are your thoughts on Silence (alter), everything teased about Rhine Lab in the PV, etc.????? I'm so hyped slflfslfslfskl

insert the 'its been eighty four years' gif but the eighty is blacked out

as you can imagine. i'm very excited. if we go over everything that's running through my mind we'll be here A While, so i'm just focusing on one thing: the presentation of Silence in the 3D PV.

if we look at the Rhine Lab faction in Rhodes overall, we have some incredibly unique histories. Ptilopsis has a chip that allows her to process some of the information in originium! Ifrit has the remnant of a powerful ancient Sarkaz embedded in her! Mayer is a one-woman many-robot walking workshop! Magallan is one of explorers we know has been allowed into Sami! And Saria is versed not only in several fields within Terra's biological sciences, but fighting too.

It certainly says something that no Rhine Lab Operator thus far has been lower than a 5 star.

Among these powerhouses, Silence is the closest to the 'spirit' of 4 stars medics, IMO. Where she is most like us, and we could be doctors/scientists/paramedics like her and the 4 star medics. She is the most 'regular' of researchers amongst the Rhine Operators. She has her drone, yes. but her strength as a researcher and medic does not come from that alone.

So it's immensely, immensely satisfying to see her positioned as equal to the likes of Muelsyse and Ho'olheyak in the PV. I'm excited to see how she's changed, how she's grown, and, fundamentally, how she's stayed the same.

[pastelthoughts]

a list of all my safe foods:

LaCroix = 0 cals

Monster zero = 0 cals

Diet Coke = 0 cals

Ice water = 0 cals

Pickles = 0 cals

Cucumbers = 35 cals per cucumber

Progresso light chicken noodle soup = 130 cals

pacific foods low sodium chicken broth = 10 cals per cup

Tomatos = 35 cals or 5 cals per slice

cherry tomatoes = 3 cals per 1 tomato

grape tomatoes = 5 cals per 1 tomato

Eggs = 18 cals per 1 egg (white)

Watermelon = 87 cals for a giant wedge

Tea = 0 cals

Sweet n low sugar = 0 cals

daily crave veggie straws = 130 cals per 70 sticks

del monte fruit cups = range from 25-35 cals per cup depending on fruit

gum = 5 cals

low cal mints

suckers = 50 cals per 1 sucker

low cal mini flavor packets for water = 5 cals

zero sugar jello = 10 cals per 1 cup

seaweed chips = 15 cals per 1 tray

rice cakes = 50 cals per 1 cake

baby food snacks

low cal ice cream

raw salmon = 230 cals for entire sashimi tray

miso soup = 70 cals

tuna = 100 cals per 1 can

oscar mayer deli turkey - 50 cals 6 slices

imitation crab = 80 cals per 3 pieces

nasoya pasta zero spaghetti = 45 cals for entire bag

miracle noodles = 10 cals for entire bag

chicken pho = 800 cals for entire bowl (i know this one is a highball but it’s super light and a giant portion, i can really only eat about half of the bowl and feet insanely full)

low calorie hot cocoa = 40 cals per packet

vitamin water = 0 cals

lint dark chocolate = 53 cals for one square (super great for my sweet tooth and it raises your metabolism! great for weight loss in general

[theallenshorefangirl]

@voidwritesstuff @screechinginthevoid

After the Tapes Chapter 6 (Sorry if it's bad, it's been written since March and April) plz forgive me. I forgot how to write.

As the fresh March rain hit the cabin,it was about 7:00 am.The cabin was quite.The calendar date was the 25th of March.The only room in the cabin that was active with noise,was the kitchen where Desmond,Laz,Jerico,Lucas and Allen were busy like bees in there.”Alright this needs to be perfect for her.” Jerico kept them on their toes while cooking.”Allen stop eating the buttercream frosting!? And Desmond stop playing around with the pancake batter.Lucas you know better stop putting a bunch of sprinkles on the cake!?” Dios mio!? Laz, can you help me keep the children at bay.”

Laz chuckled and nodded. Lucas,Desmond and Allen all slowly turned to Jerico and frowned. ”yeah that's right I called you children cause you're all acting like one.” They all get back to the task at hand.Allen peered in the doorway to his and his sisters room.Laying in a burrito blanket on her own bed was Z.She found a way to keep herself asleep and from the sleep paralysis demon. ”Z wake up time to get up.” Allen knocked on the wood of the bed.Half awake Z sits up. ”Huh?” “Come on rise and shine,take a shower and come to the kitchen.” Allen kept poking her with a random stick he snagged from the tree next to the window “Alright,alright I'll get up.” Z was really annoyed but she got up eventually and took her morning shower.

Once she was done as soon as she stepped into the kitchen she was bombarded with confetti and streamers.”Happy birthday Z!” They all called out.Z stood there embarrassed.Allen escorted Z to a chair where homemade chocolate chip pancakes were on a plate and a chocolate buttercream frosted sprinkle cake sat in the middle of the table.”We made you breakfast and a cake!” Jerico laughed as they sat down to eat. “Wow, it looks great!” Z spoke with joy and a hint of sadness to her voice.

*Timeskip to Town* The town was abandoned and Mayer security was nowhere to be seen.Desmond wanted to grab a few things from his apartment and office area to try and liven up the cabin that Lucas put add-ons to the house for more room for everyone.While Jerico,Lazarus,Desmond and Lucas were busy with collecting stuff from the apartment and to get food at Homa Mart.Allen and Z headed back to the one place that made them feel like themselves again.Icarus Point Lighthouse.

Allen thought Z needed to take in a breath of air from being cooped up in the cabin.He made sure no Mayer Security was roaming about the place and took Z inside.They both reached the top of the lighthouse.Z looked out amongst the ocean and started crying.Allen,worried like he always was, and walked to Z's side.”What's wrong your the birthday girl is everything alright?”

Z's face was red and her eyes started to turn red from how much she cried.”Allen that's the thing I don't feel like a girl I feel like I'm nothing.I don't feel girly…I feel like a void ripped my thoughts straight from my head.Like a singular moon different from the rest of the stars and suns and moons.” Z trembled, losing her balance and fell to her knees sobbing and hyperventilating intensely like an anxiety attack was happening.Allen pulls her close.``Shhh it's alright I think I read it in a book your not female nor male but you don't fall under those categories.I think it's called Non-Binary or enby if I'm not mistaken.” Allen has read multiple books from Desmond’s mini library in the cabin and tries to understand what they were like: books on bird species,cute cats and cuddly dogs,how to comfort a love one,ect.Anything Desmond had he kinda had it.Allen pulls Z close to himself and hugs her.”Do you want me to use Non-Binary pronouns with you?” Allen rubs her back letting the tears stain his canary yellow turtleneck.``With you,you're only allowed to call me by your sister. I don't mind,but I want the others to use enby pronouns.” She sniffled and wiped the tears on her pale violet sweater.``It's ok,we can tell the others when we are back to the cabin…ok?” Allen rubs little circles around their back.

*Timeskip to dinner* They all,got back safe in the cabin.Desmond had his chaise lounge and his chair back,along with a working computer and a few other items like patient files,records and tapes.Lucas was making some grilled lemon salmon and some side dishes to go with it.Everyone sat down to eat.Allen stood up,and the room went quiet.”Guys,Z wants me to tell you all they want to use Non-Binary pronouns from now on.” He sat back down.Z was sinking in her chair,the ringing in her ears were loud and felt like liquid fire was pouring down her eyes.”Z,you're ok with us no matter what you are.” Jerico piped up.”We would even still love you like family if you were a worm!” Allen nudged Z's shoulder.”No matter what kiddo,you're ok in my book.” Lucas gave a warm smile.”If you need anything,let us know.” Laz nodded.Z sat there crying for a good while.Desmond and the others gave them a hug and rubbing their back.After a while they ate the delicious lemon salmon and finished the rest of the birthday cake.

It was now 11pm and they all sat atop the radio tower.Lucas gifted a good sized telescope that could see pretty far away.The cool spring air was fresh and crisp.The stars twinkled like glitter.Afew of the constellations glimmers familiar colors like red,purplish pink,light blue and pink.They all admired the beautiful display as they headed back to bed.Allen and Z both looked out the window as the rain started to pour in.”I'm so proud of you. You know that.I would give you the best sibling ever award if that existed.” Allen laughs.Z smiles and yawns,leaning onto Allen.”Same to you, Al. I mean, without you, it would be boring.” Allen's smile widened.”I forgot to tell you, but I loaded everyone's pillows with confetti.” Once Desmond,Laz,Jer, and Lucas laid down a cloud of confetti poured out of their pillows.The heard groans of disappointment.They both laugh hysterically.”Nice bro.” Z nods in approval.”Hey perfect opportunity, and I took it.” Allen gleamed with joy.They both headed to their beds and went to sleep.

[kwebtv]

The Stranger - ABC (Aus) - April 26, 1964 - July 25, 1965

Science Fiction (12 episodes)

Running Time: 30 minutes

Stars:

Ron Haddrick as Adam Suisse / "The Stranger"

Janice Dinnen as Jean Walsh

Bill Levis as Bernard Walsh

Michael Thomas as Peter Cannon

John Faassen as Mr. Walsh

Jessica Noad as Mrs. Walsh

Owen Weingott as Professor Mayer

Reg Livermore as Varossa

Supporting cast

Mary Mackay as the female Soshun

Ben Gabriel as the male Soshun

Grant Taylor as Detective Inspector Chisolm

Jeffrey Hodgson as Detective Howell

Ivor Bromley as Colonel Nash

Ronne Arnold as Dr. Kamutsa

Bernie Baia as Dr. Matoula

Alex Cann as Rudolph Lindenberger

Dennis Carroll as Edward Mayer

Chips Rafferty as the Prime Minister

Reg Livermore as Varossa

Henry Gilbert as Hutchins

[daresplaining]

Foggy: "I mean, I love [Matt] like a brother and it's like he's part of my family, but...but my family's pretty messed up!" Daredevil vol. 1 #354 by Karl Kesel, Cary Nord, Christie Scheele, Matt Ryan, Ul Higgins, and Jim Novak

Matt: "Foggy, I love you like a brother...but I'm starting to love you like my brother, the wild #$@%-up who ruins everything he touches!" Daredevil vol. 6 #24 by Chip Zdarsky, Mike Hawthorne, J.P. Mayer, Mattia Iacono, and Clayton Cowles

I'm obsessed with this parallel.

[theanticool]

I would have been happy with whoever won the fights this past Saturday as long as the fights were good, but I am especially happy that Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner both won. 1, because I root for black women by default cause they deserve nice things but primarily because holy crap they earned big moments.

Like, I’m not a fan of everything Claressa Shields says or does. In fact, of lot of what she’s said has bordered between stupid and hateful. She comes off as abrasive or distasteful quite often. BUT, I kind of get it. If there is anyone in pro boxing who deserves to walk around with a chip on their shoulder like the world owes them something, it is Claressa Shields. The only US boxer to win two Olympic gold medals (and by the age of 21) - 0 big promotional offers. While boxers like Marlen Esparza and Mikaela Mayer got deals with big time promotions like Golden Boy and top rank respectively. Hell, Floyd Mayweather signed Savannah Marshall to TMT, not Shields. She’s had multiple big important boxing people tell her to stop, tell her no, tell her to give up and she has managed to create a lane for herself despite it.

As for Baumgardner, she didn’t even have all that. She had no Olympic pedigree. She was fighting in bingo halls in Harrisburg, PA. She had no promoter to speak of. When she finally manages to get a shot at a world title the “best commission” in boxing, the state of Nevada, says that she isn’t good enough to fight Mikaela Mayer. She’s forced to go overseas, into the backyard of Terri Harper to be a walkover opponent until Eddie Hearn can get her a unification fight with Choi and Mayer. And, as the huge underdog, Baumgardner knocks Harper out in front of her home crowd. She finally does get the fight with Mayer, someone who thanks to her Top Rank connections, has had televised fights for years at this point. And then after a series of trash talking, Baumgardner goes out there and takes the titles off her.

It was great to see these two rewarded for building their own paths with some a big stage.

[thespit]

In the spirit John Mayer's quote "One for you, one for me", that is something I have started to consider a bit more as time goes on. I feel as though the outcomes of handling publishing art online this way while not batting entirely for myself 100% of the time AND not forgetting what I like to do and just catering to whatever's trendy... maybe it's been working out. This is Tira, a real other character planned to show up right soon as in the next chapter or the one after. I have a feeling this new publishing schedule could work out, i'm putting in my emotional investment chips because sad as it sounds it's all I got. In either case, the bad news is that the schedule makes the publishing about 13 pages a month. Pretty paltry. The public won't lay eyes on those big tity honkers until literally next year. But the Patrons... o they will be eatin good...

[paperhound]

As habitual visitors to the 'Hound are likely already aware, this winter we had the great privilege of purchasing the working library of writer-scholars Peter and Meredith Quartermain. This collection is like a clock that strikes the big hours of twentieth-century English language poetry: Yeats! Pound! Stein! Zukofsky! WCW! Olson! Creeley! Duncan! but also chimes for the quarter-hours and minutes - Basil Bunting! Susan Howe! Lyn Hejinian! bp Nichol! Bernadette Mayer! Jonathan Williams! Practically anyone ever published by Burning Deck or Sun & Moon or Carcanet or Auerhahn Press! It's terribly impressive in quality and scope, and will take many months to unpack and catalogue, but we are chipping away at it every day and delighting in what emerges from the boxes. (We had delighted in packing them up in the first place, so it is actually a familiar echo of that first pleasure buoyed by the anticipation of knowing that great things lurk in the many, many bankers boxes waiting to be opened. It's honestly quite Christmassy.)

The Quartermains have also been prolific publishers and letterpress printers, producing chapbooks and broadsides under the imprints of Slug Press, Keefer Street Press and Nomados for more than four decades. An especial treat as we process their library is discovering these fabulous Slug Press and Keefer Street Press bookmarks tucked in the occasional book. A few of our favourites are pictured here. Enjoy!