#g collins & sons.

[world-of-wales]

CATHERINE'S STYLE FILES - 2018

23 JANUARY 2018 || The Duchess of Cambridge visited Roe Green Junior School in London to launch the new Mentally Healthy Schools website.

[charlotte-of-wales]

An endless list of my favorite outfits worn by the Princess of Wales (67/∞)

Attending a Service of Commemoration to mark 13 years of UK military operations in Afghanistan at St.Paul's Cathedral, on March 13th 2015, wearing:

Beulah London ‘Chiara‘ coat in navy blue

Alexander McQueen blue suede heels

Stuart Weitzman “Muse” clutch

Andy Shiels x Dents Glovers x The Worshipful Company of Glovers in London bespoke gloves

G. Collins & Sons jewellery set

[aprincesadegales]

Catálogo de Looks da Princesa de Gales

Casaco: Goat Bolsa: Aspinal of London x Beulah Sapatos: Stuart Weitzman Brincos: G. Collins & Sons Inauguração do centro de reabilitação da Action on Addiction “Clouds in the Community”, na cidade de Wickford, Essex | 07.02.2018 [Fontes: katescloset.com.au | catherine-middleton.com]

[angrycommielez]

Mr Everdeen's name theories

Ok so I listed all the options I had in mind for Mr Everdeen’s name, including the theories about him being related or close to the Covey. ✨Feel free to add more✨.

Ballad names : 

Although I love the ballads of Joe Hill, Tom Joad, Michael Collins and James Larkin etc I don’t think this is what she has chosen (cause yes she has decided his name and she better gives it to us sorry that sounds like a threat) because it’s not really related to his story. 

Annarchie from Annarchie Gordon : I saw someone on Tumblr or Reddit talking about this scottish ballad and how they could see Mr Everdeen being named after this song for it’s about a women, Jeannie, who “is to be married off to the wealthy Lord Saltoun, but she is in love with Annachie”. Contrary to Katniss’ parents who end up together, Jeannie marries the Lord. So she, and Annarchie, both die of a broken heart. Similar to Mrs Everdeen falling into depression when Mr Everdeen literally dies. 

Also, if he’s named Annarchie, wouldn't it be funny if Mrs Everdeen’s name was Peggy (because of the ballad of Peggy Gordon). 

Jack from Black Jack Davey : When I heard this song and its differents versions like “G**** Davey”, “The G**** Laddie” or “The G**** Rover”, I thought of Mr and Mrs Everdeen. I mean, look at the lyrics : 

He whistled and he sang 'til the green woods rang And he won the heart of a lady

It is also a ballad about a girl from a wealthy family falling in love with a man she’s not supposed to marry. There are multiple versions and in some, while she left her husband (and sometimes baby) behind her to go with her lover, this man leaves her. But in most of the versions I listened to they live happily together. Plus, in this ballad, the man sings and he’s a traveler, like the Covey. 

And in “Black Jack Davey” well, there’s also a color, so…….

Robin from Robin Hood : Many people have said this was one of their guesses, due to the obvious connection with the woods and the use of bow and arrows, but also because Robin is kind of a rebel. Just like Mr Everdeen. It’s also a name connected to nature since Robin is a type of bird. And god do I love birds images in THG. 

Ira from Ira Hayes : He was indigenous (an Akimel O'odham American) and was a marine who fought during the Pacific War. He suffered from PTSD and alcoholism. It’s not in relation to what happened to Mr Everdeen who wasn’t even born during the Rebellion and died in a mine accident, but Ira is also a common name in the South and it’s my hc that the Everdeens are part native. 

Covey name : ballad + color 

If Mr Everdeen not only has a ballad name but also a color, maybe Black for “Black Jack” as stated before. But others could be : 

Ash (for Gray as in Lucy Gray but also for the fire symbolism).

Russet (color of fall “often associated with sorrow or grave seriousness”).

Cornsilk (if he is Maude Ivory’s son or grandson, it could make sense to have another shade of an off-white color. Specially in contrast to Snow’s obsession for his white roses). 

Crimson (deep red, similar to Carmine so perhaps a link with Clerk Carmine Clade. And numerous birds have that name although not in America).

Copper (reddish brown, there's a venomous snake named “the eastern copperhead” in eastern North America that can be found in Appalachia). 

Or types of green like Erin (also an irish name), Myrtle (a dark green + Myrtus is a kind of flower). And obviously, Evergreen. I remember thinking it was a funny coincidence that Katniss’ favorite color was green when her family name was so close to Evergreen. Then TBOSAS came out and I thought maybe the Everdeens are descendants of the Covey but they have changed their names or were forced to. 

There’s Canary and Olive but too obvious imo. Maybe Beaver (color + animal so linked to nature and hunt), Chestnut (named after the nut of chestnut tree so nature and food), Fallow (a pale brown associated with fallow deer) or Fawn. 

I saw Claret (color of red wine) and the word has a nice ring so it stuck with me, even though I don’t see why specifically that could be a covey name for him. 

Traditional / nature names : 

I'd like to believe that naming Katniss and Prim after plants was a personnal thing for Mr and Mrs Everdeen, in relation to how they met. But since others in 12, especially in the Seam, have nature names perhaps Mr Everdeen has one too.

Ira / Hayes : traditional names in the South, also a link to Ira Hayes. 

Fawn : traditional appalachian name (and linked to the animal). 

Lafe : traditional name in the South, means “heir, descendant ; faith” (could refer to Lucy Gray and the Covey’s legacy, that Mr Everdeen passed down to Katniss).

Merle : traditional southern name and also a bird. 

Earl : traditional southern name which means "nobleman” or “warrior.”

Tanner : traditional southern name which comes from the profession of tanner as someone who made leather from animal hides. The name “is often associated with hard work and practicality, reflecting the practical and hands-on nature”. 

Chayton : originates from the Lakota word čhetáŋ, meaning “falcon” or “hawk.” 

Willow : traditional appalachian name and also linked to nature (now imagine toast babies named after him)

Harper : traditional appalachian name and a link to the musical instrument. 

Yarrow : traditional appalachian name, meaning “rough stream” but also associated with a wild herb and flowering plant.

Hunter / Archer / Forest (but let’s hope it’s not hahahahah)

Knowing that if it's a traditional name, she probably changed it a bit.

[klaus-littlestwolf]

Chase request...

NSFW A-Z

Chase Collins NSFW A-Z

(I love knowing I’m not the only one who remembers and loves this little cutie! There aren’t many but I’m not totally alone😅)

This will be written as Y/n and Chase still being in school however everyone involved is of legal age

This is a NSFW Alphabet, there may be triggering content such as abuse, severe possessive behavior or murder

A stands for AFFECTION: how would they show affection?

•Chase is big into affection, hugging you, kissing you, cuddling you always

•He always wants his hands on you, his lips touching some part of you constantly and whispering how beautiful you are

•He also tries to show you his affection by anticipating your needs, always somehow knowing what you’re in the mood for and getting it for you, even if it’s just covering you with a blanket before you even notice that you’re cold

B stands for BLOODY: how bloody are they willing to get for their object of obsession?

•Chase enjoys killing and so blood isn’t really a problem for him

•If it comes to defending you in some way he loves to end up covered in their blood, knowing that he protected you gives him almost as good a high as using his Power does and watching you clean it off of him let’s him know you know exactly what he did, what he would always do for you

C stands for CRUELTY: would they ever hurt their object of obsession?

•No, Chase does not like seeing you in pain in any way and he would never want to be the one to cause it

•He enjoys causing others pain but you are a different story, and if he did cause you pain he would be taking care of you instantly

•You are the only person ever exempt from Chase Collins cruelty

D stands for DARLING: would they cross their object of obsession’s limits?

•If he needed to in order to keep you safe or keep you with him, then yes he would

•You hate him using his Power in order to trick you or manipulate people for you, he often crosses this line when you have problems with your science teacher (who you hate and seems to hate you right back)-creating extensive illusions to make you think everything is fine while he’s threatening or even assaulting the man or other teachers for whatever they’ve done that he perceives as “wrong”

E stands for EXPOSED: how much do they expose their own feelings to their object of obsession?

•Chase tells you constantly how much he loves you and you are the only person he will share his feelings with

•You know about his parents and how he killed them, as well as his real dad and how he got his Power when the man died, finding out about the other Sons and what had really happened to his ancestor

•His honesty causes problems on occasion like admitting to his plan to steal the others Power for himself to keep himself from dying and punish them for what their families did to his-It ended up with him spelling you into silence which he hated doing but had to until you understood his reasons

F stands for FIGHT: how would they react to their object of obsession fighting back?

•Chase would spell you into silence about certain subjects or if needed or he would lock you away in his home and make everyone think you left

•It was an absolute last resort and Chase knew you were his good little girl who would never betray him or try to get away

G stands for GAME: do they think this is just a game?

•Chase loves to play games with you but his life with you and your relationship was not a game to him

•Chase has never really had anything that was his until he became a witch, and even then he was all alone. When he falls in love with you, you become his entire world and he will die before letting someone take you away

H stands for HELL: what would be their object of obsession’s worst experience with them?

•The worst experience was when you argued with him about killing the other Sons

•Caleb had always been good to you, and while Reid, Tyler and often Pouge were assholes you didn’t want to see them dead, and so you told him you couldn’t tolerate this

•You argued passionately with each other, ending in Chase yelling quite loudly and his Power exploding out of him in a moment of passion, throwing you across the room and into the full length mirror you had in your dorm

•He instantly moved to check on you, healing you as much as he could and taking you to his own room to care for you, apologizing for the next 2 hours straight-Chase never wants to hurt you but his Power is addictive and when it gets out of hand it happens in an instant

I stands for IDEAL: what are their plans for their object of obsession?

•He plans to marry you

•Chase truly believes that his plans to steal Caleb’s Power will work and he can be immortal before making you immortal too so that you can live together for the rest of eternity

J stands for JEALOUSY: how they react when jealous? Do they get jealous?

•Chase’s jealousy is notorious around the campus and most guys have learned to just avoid you as much as they can

•He needs people to know that you are his, every single man that lays his eyes on you needs to know that you will never be theirs. Typically he is content with an arm around your waist while you lean into him just to prevent anyone from thinking you’re available to begin with but if he sees someone eyeing you he will pull you close and kiss you every time

•If that still isn’t enough he can sometimes get a bit rough, clutching you tightly, hands trailing up your back to show his hands on your skin as the kiss becomes much more dominant, his tongue ravaging your mouth-usually that will end with him grabbing your ass and glaring at whatever man had the audacity to even look at you in the first place not that the man will be alive for long but he will always take the chance to show his possession of you

K stands for KINDNESS: how they act around their object of obsession?

•Chase is a doting, loving boyfriend

•He buys you whatever you want, even if you don’t tell him-he just knows. He constantly tries to feed you and ensure you’ve had enough to drink as well as insisting you sleep and take care of yourself

•You also need to remember however that he is a psychopath, he doesn’t hide his possessive nature from you or his murderous impulses

L stands for LOVE LETTER: how would they approach their object of obsession?

•Chase approaches you in the pub where everyone hangs out right off campus while you’re picking up dinner and he doesn’t waste any time

•He asks you on a date and is quite honest about how beautiful he finds you

M stands for MASK: how different are their public persona from their true selves?

•Not all that different honestly

•Chase is a confident, sweet guy in public, only showing his true nature to the people he plans to kill, it is 2 sides to the same coin

N stands for NAUGHTY: how would they punish their object of obsession?

•If he needed to punish you he would probably ground you

•He would lock you in your dorm and keep you from doing anything but going to school and being with him until you apologized or your attitude had disappeared

•The only other “punishment” that he had given you was when you were still talking to Pouge who was in Y/FEC with you, (your favorite and only extra curricular as Chase wanted all non-school time to belong to him) even after he had explained why he wanted them all dead. You awoke the next morning with spiders all over your bed causing you to shriek in terror. It was less a punishment and more torture and Chase had to swear on his life that he would never do anything like it again after you had spent 3 days completely ignoring him

O stands for OPPRESSION: how many rights would they take from their object of obsession?

•You still have most of your rights, you do everything you normally do but now you do it with him

•The right to be alone is the only one he really takes, your only alone time is in the bathroom and even then you have a feeling he watches you in the shower…

P stands for PATIENCE: how patient are they with their object of obsession?

•Chase is very patient with you, which is shocking because he has patience for absolutely no one and nothing else in the world

•He gives you time to get used to him, his plan, and your new life, of course he doesn’t leave your side, but he is much more understanding with you than you would expect considering his murderous impulses and overall psychopathy

Q stands for QUIT: if their object of obsession died or escaped, would they ever be able to move on?

•Died: This would mean that one of the Sons killed you and Chase would absolutely lose his mind. He would exterminate them like roaches and then try and find a magical spell to bring you back because he cannot let you go

•Escaped: Chase will not believe that you wanted to run from him but that you were put up to it. Therefore he will come and find you to bring you home to safety, ensuring that no one can ever put scary thought in his Princess’ head again

R stands for REGRET: would they ever regret harming their object of obsession? Would they ever let them go?

•Chase never means to hurt you

•Letting you go however…no. Just a big no, he has his soulmate by his side after a lifetime of loneliness and pain, he will never let you go

S stands for STIGMA: what made their yandere tendencies bloom?

•Chase is obsessed from the moment he first sees you at the bonfire as he met the other Sons however Reid stopped him from talking to you

•Reid tells him how you don’t date and that you’ve turned him down a dozen times, rants about how many times he’s tried getting into your pants and even tells him what kind of panties you wear as he had “coincidentally” seen your skirt flip up one day in the library

•That is what set Chase off, Reid’s obsessive attempts to make you his were an instant trigger and it set him on the path of asking you out that very next day, as well as being a sweet, shy guy when he did as he knew to be the opposite of his asshole “friend”

T stands for TEARS: how would they react to their object of obsession crying/breaking?

•He would immediately jump to assume someone has hurt you and demand you tell him who it was so that he can skin them alive, bathe them in lemon juice and then set them on fire

•Once he realizes you’ve just had a bad day he will try his best to comfort you, he’s not the best at it but he tries and you think it’s quite adorable most of the time when he tries to cook, ruins it, and has to use his Power to fix it

U stands for UNIQUE: something different they would do compared to others yanderes.

•There is no one else on the planet that he so much as tolerates, it is only you

•You can’t introduce him to friends because he’ll find a reason to hate them, Chase would be happy if everyone on the planet was dead and it was just you two, happy until the end

V stands for VICE: what weakness their object of obsession could use against them?

•All you have to do is cry and Chase will do just about anything you want

•He even goes to school functions such as dances just because it will keep you from tearing up-he hates seeing you sad so much, he would rather you be angry at him in all honesty

W stands for WIT’S END: would they hurt their object of obsession?

•Never on purpose

•The only time you get hurt is when you push him too hard and he gets too angry to control his Power-and even then you have the best nurse ever

X stands for XOANON: would they worship their object of obsession?

•Practically

•You are his perfect Princess and if you would like him to bow, he will kneel at your alter though be prepared for his face to end up between your legs once he’s down there

Y stands for YEARN: how long would they pine after their object of obsession before they snap?

•A day

•He couldn’t last a full day before needing to ask you out and stake his claim on you, you’re his girlfriend after the first date

Z stands for ZENITH: would they ever break their object of obsession?

•He does not want to break you, he wants to own you and make you all his

•If he broke you he would desperately need to find a way to fix you again because his baby cannot be hurt, he won’t allow it

Misc. Masterlist

[europesroyalsjewels]

G Collins & Sons Diamond Set Infinity Earrings ♕ The Duchess of Edinburgh

[taradactyls]

Dear Lady Catherine

Submission for @janeuary-month 2025 Day 16: Gossip

Following the Netherfield Ball, Mr Collins happily gossips in a letter to Lady Catherine that her that her nephew may be on the verge of matrimony… to Miss Bingley. He overheard his cousins talking of the lady’s attentions and quite misconstrued everything. Lady Catherine, as incensed as she could ever be, goes to confront her nephew in London… and arrives in the middle of the ‘Why You Should Not Marry Jane Bennet’ intervention.

Yelling ensues. And maybe more than one instance of self-reflection.

OR

In which Mr Collins has the sacred duty of sharing gossip he wasn’t supposed to know; Lady Catherine is of infinite use, which ought to make her happy, for she loves to be of use; Miss Bingley learns what all her attempts to secure Mr Darcy’s affections have amounted to; and Mr Darcy himself is full of pride and confronted with his hypocrisy.

Rated G, 4.2k words, Elizabeth Bennet/Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Bennet/Charles Bingley

Tags: Canon divergence, Lady Catherine is in peak form, and facing someone who's allowed to argue back, Character development, Speedrunning Darcy's realisations, Arguing, Self-reflection

Read a preview below or the entire work on Ao3

Dear Lady Catherine

“Netherfield Park, Nov. 27.

“Lady Catherine,

“This letter is to inform you that I am departing Netherfield unexpectedly, and to address all correspondence henceforward to –– Berkley Square. I shall be in residence there before this message reaches your hands. Have no fear over my hasty departure: it is merely to follow Mr Bingley, whose name you may recall as the friend whom I have been staying with in Hertfordshire, to town. I travel with his sisters and the husband of the elder. We expect no issues on the road. You shall hear from me again at my regular writing time.

“With affectionate respect, your nephew,

“FITZWILLIAM DARCY”

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

“Longbourn, near Meryton, Hertfordshire, 27th November.

“Dear Lady Catherine,

“The most esteemed and venerated patroness,

“Before beginning, I must reiterate my thanks again for your most benevolent actions in condescending to allow me to be from my parish for duration of this journey to visit my family. They are all so grateful to you for granting me this liberty, and awed by your magnanimity. I could not have wished for a happier welcome! Though I must suppose I should not be surprised, seeing as I come bearing the honour of your good regard, and shall, in all likelihood, one day be the master of this fine estate. I hope Mr Bennet might look on me as something akin to a son, which, as you well know, is a desire I intended to make true and I am more convinced of the merit of than ever, as I found his elder daughters as pretty and charming as reported. I am sure the economy and amiable qualities of one in particular will make me happy man indeed, and she is a true gentlewoman, just as you requested.

“But I find I am not the only gentleman whom I hazard to say might soon find matrimonial bliss! I was fortunate enough to meet your nephew, Mr Darcy, only last night. He is staying at Netherfield, very close to Meryton, which is the house his friend, Mr Bingley, has taken. Though unknown to either, my relation to the young ladies (whom they are intimate with, as my cousins are one of the few distinguished families in the vicinity) and residence at Longbourn was enough to secure my invitation to a ball hosted by Mr Bingley! It was a most splendid affair, and the lady of the house, Miss Bingley, was an elegant hostess. I accidentally overheard from some of my cousins (I would never intentionally eavesdrop, naturally) that Miss Bingley must be dreaming of hosting at Pemberley – your nephew’s very own seat!

“I understand from the young ladies that Miss Bingley’s attentions to your nephew have been very marked, and from my own notice, he appears to receive them with dignity. A man in his position must never allow his composure to lapse, but as he danced (most skilfully, a compliment I am sure you will appreciate hearing) with the lady, she is the sister of his dearest friend, and I understand they have spent many weeks under the same roof and were in company very often before that, we may imagine where his preference lies. Moreover, she is a very rich and fine young lady, well-educated and accomplished in all the necessary skills a husband must find desirable in an elegant female of her position.

“I imagine your nephew shall divulge all to you, and seek your blessing, and I hope he does not begrudge me the honour of hinting at the match to you if I have beaten him to the post. I know little else of the lady, other than that she is a close friend of Miss Bennet, and cared for her most dutifully when my cousin fell sick at her house. Such evidence of a kind heart is indeed to be cherished in a prospective niece! Her family is from the north of England, and I believe highly respectable. Her father was in trade but parted with his business so his son and two daughters (who are all very excellent models of good breeding and gentility) might be raised as true gentlemen and ladies. You shall particularly appreciate how skilled Miss Bingley – though she may no longer bear that name when you meet – is upon the pianoforte; I am not sure I have ever heard playing so fine!

“I shall be certain to announce to you any further developments my cousins learn. They were anxious that I do not spread their words further, but of course an exception must be made for yourself. I remain your humble and gracious pastor,

“William Collins”

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

Unaware of the storm approaching in an ornate carriage, a crumpled letter in the occupant’s hand, Mr Darcy felt his present situation could not grow any more unfortunate. Detaching Mr Bingley from Miss Bennet was the purpose which had driven the Netherfield set to join their host directly in London, and saving his friend from the certain evils of such a choice was an office Mr Darcy readily engaged in. But that could not make his friend’s emotions any easier to bear. He was relieved Georgiana was out with Mrs Annesley. He would not have her overhear anything passing in the drawing room.

Despite Mr Darcy, Miss Bingley, and Mrs Hurst describing and enforcing the dangers of the match earnestly, Mr Bingley was not receptive. “I cannot believe you all!” exclaimed he. “To think, those closest to me comprehend me so little as to feel Miss Bennet’s wealth or connections would erase all my affection for her!”

“Charles, an uncle who is a country attorney is bad enough, but her other uncle is in trade and lives by cheapside!” cried Mrs Hurst. “Our father did not rise us so high only so that you might sink yourself again!”

Mr Bingley looked at his sister incredulously. “Miss Bennet’s connections might emphasise our family’s origins, but it shall not harm me in any material way. I would not lose anyone’s good opinion which was worth having. I shall still possess the education and wealth of a gentleman, and have the means to purchase an estate should I desire to.” He made the effort to release any annoyance from his expression. “And I shall be more likely to purchase if I have a wife,” said he. If he hoped to mollify his sisters’ by dangling the fulfilment of their great hope before them, he was mistaken.

“But you need not suffer any degradation with the right marriage,” said Miss Bingley. “If you marry someone of fortune you and your children shall be richer, and not tainted by such low connections. Think if you should have a large family! How dearly you shall then wish your wife had brought twenty thousand pounds, or more, into the marriage. Dear Jane is sweet, yes, but she will drag you down in the eyes of society and has so little fortune that she will cost you money to maintain.”

Anticipating his friend’s response, Mr Darcy said “I know remonstrances on the matters of wealth and the situation of her connections alone will not sway you. But there are other causes of repugnance: think of the embarrassment of being so closely connected to Miss Bennet’s nearest relations. The situation of her mother’s family is nothing in comparison to that total want of propriety so frequently, so almost uniformly betrayed by Mrs Bennet, the three younger sisters, and occasionally even by Mr Bennet.”

Mr Bingley turned his face away; he could not argue against that.

“Your sisters are not wrong to remind you that your reputation and standing in society is tenuous as the first gentleman of your family,” continued Mr Darcy. “On matters of wealth and standing, you might indeed feel you suffer little. But to have the largest share of your wife’s family be embarrassing and vulgar to anyone of sense can only harm you and any children you might have.” With careful emphasis, he said, “You should ensure that you marry a woman whose connections always act with gentility, with becoming manners and no hint of rudeness or impropriety –”

He got no further before a disturbance in the entry hall drew all their attention and a footman burst through the door. The evident shock of that servant at this turn of events, as he managed to make a hasty bow and quickly announce Lady Catherine barely half a second before she entered the room, was no less than that of the room’s occupants.

“Nephew, I must speak with you,” said Lady Catherine without preamble. Upon noticing the others she scowled, dwelling most intently on the ladies.

Shocked at her abruptness, and attempting to soften it before his friends, Mr Darcy bowed. “Lady Catherine, I was not expecting –”

“Is that,” interrupted Lady Catherine, looking at Miss Bingley, after discerning the wedding ring and cap Mrs Hurst wore, “the upstart young woman with pretensions towards yourself? Who desires you to sully your reputation through forming an alliance with herself?”

 “I know not what you speak of,” Mr Darcy sharply replied, as Miss Bingley blanched.

That did not hinder Lady Catherine’s ire. “Do not imagine me ignorant to the report of a most alarming nature that this woman intends to be your wife. It is my duty to intervene, in the place of your late mother.”

“Madam,” Mr Darcy said firmly, “let us discuss any concerns of yours in the library.”

“Dismiss them from your presence immediately.”

“I cannot countenance behaving that way towards my guests.” Saying so, Mr Darcy moved to stand between his friends and his aunt, in hopes of steering her out the door.

Lady Catherine sucked in a shocked breath and looked to Mr Darcy. “It is her, is it not? This Miss Bingley mine own rector spoke of as your future wife. How can you defend her so over my superior right to be in this house? Only look at her – nothing in her features to mark distinction. Who are her family? No one. You see in her face the descent of shepherds.”

“Outside, madam,” repeated Mr Darcy.

Continue reading here

[the-jewel-catalogue]

Which, if any, retail/non-custom pieces of jewelry do you think might be worn by multiple generations of the family?

(My guesses: Kate's pearl Cassandra Goad studs, Kate's G. Collins & Sons tanzanite necklace & earrings, and Kate and Camilla's Alhambra pieces.)

I definitely agree with the G. Collins & Sons tanzanite set and the Alhambra pieces. I would probably add Kate’s Cartier watch and her citrine ring.

I do think all of Kate's Kiki jewels may go to Charlotte as starter pieces

[peacenessbringshappiness]

INTRODUCTION:

Darren Miller

Norrisville High Popular Student and the Band's Drummer of The Norrisville Five.

Darren grew up in a loving household; his parents were not always around due to work, but they still loved him and his three older siblings. Darren loves to play the drums his older brother taught him when he was only three years old. At a young age, Darren used to hang out with Rhymes and Timmy; those three were always causing trouble anywhere they went, that is, until Darren met Harry in middle school. Darren started focusing more in school. Darren and Harry both decided to start a band together until one of their band members started making a scene, which caused him and Harry to quit the band. Years later, now in high school, Harry told Darren about starting a band again with new members. Darren first declines until Harry persuades him to join the band as his drummer. 

HIS FRIENDSHIP WITH THE BAND:

Harry, Harry would always be his best bro ever since they met in middle school. Darren sees Harry as his brother; he's glad to have a best friend who always tries to keep you out of trouble. 

Elena, Darren knows about Harry's crush on Elena. Darren is always his wingman, but other than that, Darren likes Elena; she's basically his other best friend. 

Skylar, Skylar and Darren are pretty chill with each other; those two love causing trouble whenever they're together, so Elena and Harry are always keeping those two out of trouble.

Bucky, Darren treats Bucky like a son; he's extremely protective of him whenever someone is messing with him. 

FACTS:

He's a senior.

He may be a troublemaker, but he's still one of the smartest kids in the school. 

Has three older siblings, two sisters, and one brother.

Can also play the bass guitar.

He's still friends with Rhymes and Timmy; he sometimes gets them to collaborate with the band. 

The only one in the group that has a car.

Him and Skylar always team up to beat up Bash and his group of friends for messing around with Bucky. 

He can also sing.

Darren is actually the baby of his family.

HERE'S THE FULL PICTURE:

The artist that drew this beautiful masterpiece:

https://www.instagram.com/karisaurus98?igsh=MW56eDZqaWt0Zno0dw==

Harry Story:

Elena Story:

Skylar Story:

Bucky Story:

[themculibrary]

BAMF!Pepper Potts Masterlist

All Is Fair In Love And War (ao3) - Winterturtle pepper/tony T, 8k

Summary: Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. An engaged couple running one of the biggest companies in the world, living a normal life. Well, as normal as it can get. Both honest in their relationship except for one small detail - their secret identities as top assassins.

No questions asked. They's how they operate.

When they find each other as their next target, their quest to kill each other gets interrupted by Peter arriving for the weekend. Neither Tony nor Pepper let that stop them; they just take a more subtle approach to leave Peter out of it.

The problem? Peter thinks there's someone after both of them and keeps foiling their attempts.

~~~

Two assassins. One vigilante. Three secret identities meet.

A Long and Winding Road (ao3) - LadyDeBrief pepper/tony M, 4k

Summary: It was, much like he'd told Bruce, a terrible privilege, this power Pepper had over him. That she was aware of that and gave it the due seriousness was one of the reasons he so easily trusted her with it.

Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it (ao3) - Savana_Marlark pepper/tony T, 169k (WIP)

Summary: A snap.

A gauntlet.

A dying man's regret.

It is a dangerous thing to wish with infinity stones on your fist.

Sent back to the sands of Afghanistan, Tony Stark has a world to fix, and a Titan to stop, but he won't be doing it alone.

Can't Go On Without You (ao3) - hopecanbeyoursword pepper/tony G, 3k

Summary: They need all the help they can get to undo Thanos' actions. So Pepper Potts goes into space to bring back Tony and Nebula.

Guardian Angel (ao3) - flyingorfalling pepper/tony G, 3k

Summary: Pepper Potts is assigned to protect Tony Collins, Howard Stark's illegitimate son. Tony has become the target of Amon Stark, his older half brother, who allegedly murdered his father to get millions in inheritance.

His Other Mom (ao3) - betheflame pepper/tony G, 2k

Summary: “Peter, she’s called four times. You can’t avoid this,” May said gently to Peter the day after he got back from London.

“I know,” Peter said. “I’m just…”

“Peter,” May replied. “We talked about this. She’s your last link to Tony and you shouldn’t waste that. She knew him better than anyone, even Happy, so if you have questions, she might just have answers.”

Peter rubbed his hand over his face, jet lag was a bitch even with super powers, and nodded. He went into his room and made the call.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Basically, on the second viewing of FFH, I wondered why no one gave the Owner of SI a heads up that her tech was being used by a stranger.

If You Hurt Him... (ao3) - jordieey natasha/tony N/R, 2k

Summary: It's time Pepper had a talk with one Agent Romanoff.

Like Glitter and Gold (I'll Rise Up) (ao3) - wigglyink pepper/tony G, 1k

Summary: How THAT scene should have ended. Includes Pepper Potts being awesome. Tony doesn't die because i said so.

Living with Eyes Wide Open (ao3) - paxere eventual steve/tony G, 4k

Summary: Steve is trying to get used to the 21st century. The Avengers are trying to become a team. Neither of these things are going well. Pepper has some ideas.

No Superhero (ao3) - anxiousgeek pepper/natasha, past pepper/tony T, 2k

Summary: She’s not a superhero.

But then the tower is on fire and Thor is also on fire and for once Pepper is not on fire.

Project New Hope (ao3) - goingsparebutwithprecision pepper/tony N/R, 4k

Summary: In which Pepper Potts has the worst period pains known to humankind, and deals with them via movie marathons, superheroes, and unnecessary code-names. Only some of these things are Tony's fault.

Search and Rescue (ao3) - SailorChibi pepper/tony T, 4k

Summary: There is no way Pepper Potts is going to let her fiancé die alone in space.

Secret Identities and Super-dads (ao3) - Khentkawes pepper/tony T, 6k

Summary: When armed men attack an elementary school in upstate New York, attempting to kidnap eight-year-old Morgan Stark, no one expects that “Roger the chauffeur” will be the one to take out the bad guys—with some backup from Morgan Stark herself and a very pissed off Pepper Potts.

The public have believed Tony was dead for the past four years, and Tony never expected his big secret would get out like this. He didn’t mean to blow his cover as “Roger the chauffeur.” But when people try to mess with his family, they get what’s coming to them.

Sobriety Chips and Salsa (ao3) - betheflame steve/tony, bucky/natasha M, 7k

Summary: Sure, they all knew Tony was an alcoholic, but he had it basically under control, right?

Right?

Or, the story where he absolutely didn't, but eventually does, and both he and Steve remember the meaning of their vows.

Teach Me (ao3) - RobinsonsWereHere pepper/tony G, 1k

Summary: Pepper Stark has had enough of mourning. Mourning only makes it more difficult to raise a daughter or head a company or be a superhero, or any combination of the three. Ready to put Tony's last gift to her to good use, she turns to a capable friend for help.

The Other Side (ao3) - romeoandjulietyouwish pepper/tony T, 4k

Summary: Thanos snaps his fingers, but Peter Parker doesn't disappear. Tony Stark does.

vigilante shit (ao3) - graveltotempo T, 5k

Summary: People tend to underestimate Virginia 'Pepper' Potts.

Watch the Queen Conquer (ao3) - sirladyknight pepper/tony G, 1k

Summary: (Tony may have been the careless Prince but Pepper was always the Queen.)

Blatant worshipping of the strawberry-blonde CEO that is our glorious Pepper Potts. Or Pepper solves a problem like a boss and is trying to make friends that don't fight evil aliens for a living. Oh, she and Jarvis are BFFs.

with resolution and without remorse (ao3) - LadyCrimsonAndBlack T, 4k

Summary: Pepper Potts is a powerful woman. People just don't really know how much.

(Or, the one in which Pepper is Hela and she does not allow her family to get hurt.)

your wild heart (ao3) - closingdoors pepper/tony G, 804

Summary: A missing scene during the big battle in Endgame. Tony finds a moment to greet Rescue!Pepper.

[cantsayidont]

November 1988. WHO'S WHO UPDATE '88 #4 included this entry for Amanda Waller, summarizing her early history. This was probably written by Robert Greenberger and/or Peter Sanderson, but it's based primarily on "The Secret Origin of the Suicide Squad" in SECRET ORIGINS #14 (May 1987). The text reads:

PERSONAL DATA Full Name: Amanda Blake Waller Occupation: Director, Task Force X Marital Status: Widowed Known Relatives: Joseph (husband, deceased), Joseph, Jr, (son, deceased), Damita (daughter, deceased), Martin (son), Jessie (sister), Coretta (daughter), Sareetha (daughter), Bubba (son-in-law) Group Affiliation: Suicide Squad, Checkmate Base of Operations: Belle Reve Prison, Louisiana First Appearance: LEGENDS #2 Height: 5'9" Weight: 213 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown

HISTORY Amanda Blake was a young, struggling teen living In Chicago's notorious Cabrini-Green district. She met, fell in love with and married Joseph Waller when she was eighteen. Over the next few years, the Wallers built up a stable family of six children all struggling to stay out of trouble. Joe, Jr. had a promising career ahead of him in basketball, but street toughs shot him when Joe refused to give up a dollar. Six months later, Damita was raped and murdered. This trouble drove Joseph over the edge and he grabbed a gun, went out into the street and tried to extract a measure of revenge. Joe stalked a man he suspected of the rape and the two exchanged gunfire in a local bar. Both men died, and Amanda was left alone to carry on. Amanda turned to a local Community Health Clinic and there she met Simon LaGrieve, then a young psychiatrist. LaGrieve helped Amanda work through the pain and the guilt and gave her the strength to carry on. Over the years, she saw to it that her other children finished college and then she went on to get her own degree. Looking for some meaningful work, Waller went to work for Marvin Collins, who was looking to be elected to Congress. Collins and Waller proved to be a formidable team and they won the election and once in Washington began hammering on the administration’s domestic policies and programs. While searching for some documents, Waller unearthed files detailing the 40-year existence of Task Force X—its original divisions of “Suicide Squad" and "Argent" and how the Squad was used when needed. Given the then-current sentiment against heroes created by G. Gordon Godfrey (see Glorious Godfrey). Waller pushed through a reactivation of the Suicide Squad. With Federal support, the team was greenlighted and funds were provided to open up a major base. Belle Reve Prison in Louisiana (see Suicide Squad revised, Belle Reve). Waller headed up all of Task Force X but her heart remained with the Squad. When staffing Belle Reve, she hired her old counselor, LaGrieve, and relies on him for spot checks of her performance. To most, she is The Wall, a hardnosed, uncompromising woman who sets very rigid and tough standards for all who work for her. When a division placed under Task Force X failed, Waller saw to it that it was salvaged and turned Into what has been named Checkmate (see Checkmate). Today, Task Force X is run by Waller and both sides have performed admirably. Currently, Walter is being besieged by threats to her authority by Squad Mission Leader Rick Flag and blackmail through Task Force X's former National Security Council liaison Derek Tolliver. Waller has resolved that she will not go down but will fight and claw her way back into control. No one doubts that she has the willpower to accomplish her goal. While Amanda Waller has no superpowers, she wields considerable Influence and authority throughout the American intelligence community. She also has strong budgetary ties to Congress and has managed to secure major funding for both divisions of Task Force X. Given her years on Capitol Hill, Waller is one of the slickest operators in American government. Waller has trained herself in the use of various firearms but chooses to use her sharp tongue and imperious personality to get most jobs done. On occasion, she has demonstrated a powerful right cross.

[tiaramania]

Royal Warrants

Royal Warrant Holders or Purveyors to the Court are companies or individuals who provide a good or service to the royal court. Not all companies the royal buy items from are issued royal warrants and just because a company has one doesn't mean that they are the exclusive supplier of that product. The companies chosen are usually older and have a history of working with the royal family. Each country has a slightly different set of rules but in most of them the warrants have to be renewed on a regular basis and can be revoked at any time.

I only included countries that I could find a list for like I know Spain issues royal warrants but I can't find a list of them. Some abolished monarchies like Romania still issue royal warrants and some countries like Japan and Norway don't issue them anymore despite still being monarchies.

Belgium - Fournisseur breveté de la Cour - 114 total

Ciel mes bijoux

Cosyns Joaillier - since 2018

Maison De Greef - since 1998

Leysen Frères - since 1982

Wolfers

Denmark - Kongelig Hofleverandør - 108 total

A. Dragsted - since 1898 - also crown jeweler

Georg Jensen - since 1924

Ole Lynggaard - since 2008

A. Michelsen - since 1848

Luxembourg - Fournisseur de la Cour - 56 total

Schroeder Joailliers - since 1914

Molitor Joaillerie - since 1967

Bijouterie Goedert - since 2020

Netherlands - Hofleverancier - 502 total - These are a little different because they don't have to actually be a supplier to the court to hold a royal warrant.

Steltman Juwelier

Fabery de Jonge Juweliersbedrijf

Hofland Juweliers

Henri Camps Juwelier

Kamerbeek Juwelier

Kiestra Juweliersbedrijf

Rikkoert Juweliersbedrijven In't Silverhuijs

Sellink Horlogemaker Goudsmid Juwelier

Vaessen Juweliers

Van Zijp Juweliers

Veerman Juwelen

Sweden - Kunglig Hovleverantör - 130 total

Bolin - also crown jeweler since 1916

Gaudy

United Kingdom - Royal Warrant Holders - Over 800 - In the UK, royal warrants are issued from individuals not by the court as a whole. In the past the monarch, consort, and heir have been able to grant them and some companies may have a warrant from multiple people at once. They are good for two years after the grantor passes away so at the moment there are some from Queen Elizabeth II (686 total) and the Duke of Edinburgh (38 total) that are up in the air. I expect King Charles (159 already) will issue new warrants to replace some given by his parents but not all of them. The only jeweler that does not already have one from him is G. Collins & Sons who were QEII's personal jewelers.

King Charles

Asprey - they have it on their website but they are not listed on the Royal Warrant Holders Association website

Bentley & Skinner

Cartier

Fiona Rae

Garrard - was crown jeweler from 1843 to 2007

Mappin & Webb - the crown jeweler has worked for them since 2012

Wartski

Queen Elizabeth II

Bentley & Skinner

G. Collins & Sons - was crown jeweler from 2007 to 2012

Mappin & Webb

Wartski

[thequeenofthedisneyverse]

Ain't no love in the heart of the city - prologue

TW: mentions of g*n violence, character death, tween's getting injured.

IF YOU ARE ABOVE 16 YEARS OLD DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS POST

Manny - Masc y/n

Femmiya - femme y/n

Nebbi - Nonbinary y/n

(you don't have to take the names seriously, just as a heads-up Miles G will be in a poly relationship with Manny, Femmiya, and Nebbi)

In the ruthless streets of New York, love was a pretty hard thing to find. Tch, a true friend is hard to find, let alone a lover. New York was only for criminals and  fugitives. The world around New York is surprised that normal people still live there. 

It wasn’t always this bad, when Jefferson Morales it was semi peaceful.Yeah criminals still existed but he made things a little better. He was a true man of kindness and peace, he sometimes got young gangsters and drug addicts off the streets with just his words. He was really a god sent, his wife and brother couldn’t be more thankful for him. And that was more emphasized when it came to his son Miles. Miles was such a bright, happy, and smart kid always being funny in one way or another.  

Miles looked up to his father so much, when he was young he would often play cops & robbers with his friends or with his dad & uncle. But everyone knew being a cop wasn’t Miles’ passion, his passion was to be a physics scientist or an engineer. So Jefferson and Rio tried to put him in the best programs so he could pursue this passion the best he can. 

When he wasn’t being smarty pants and had time to play, he would play with his friends. These friends were Manny Jones, Femmiya Collins, and Nebbi Wilson. There was no way you could ever separate them once they were together. It would be like trying to separate a crocodile from meat, not happening. 

They were all so adorable when they met up, they would always do a group hug once they saw each other. Always melted the heart of their parents. Whenever there was a playdate, some parent had to take pictures and share them once the playdate was over. 

The shining four would always play something crazy that would get either all or one of them hurt. Nebby got a chipped tooth because they thought it was a good idea to jump off the patio railing. 

“We were playing superhero” nebby pouted…with a broken  tooth as they were being raced to the hospital. But it was all good fun, and they never cared when they got an injury. They just kept playing until a parent noticed someone was bleeding. 

The parents would also notice something about the shining four, the little friend group would always get blushy around each other. Nebbi would get blushy around femmiya, femmiya would get blushy around Menson, and Menson would get blushy around Miles and vice versa. Though they were all young at the time, they couldn’t have had a crush on each other right? 

As they got into their tween years they mellowed a little, just a little. If there were times when no one was hurt, everything would be peaceful. Birthday parties and just parties in general would always be a blast. 

The shining four all had big families so whoever had a birthday their entire friends’ family would be invited over and mingle. Same for cookouts, EVERYBODY is invited as long as they contribute something. Which everyone always did whether it be food, handing out needed plates, or cleaning duty. 

Today was just like that, everybody was around just enjoying their time. The park was a perfect place for a family function, why wouldn’t it be? Everyone gathered around on this special day and just hung out. Rio was making jokes, Jefferson was playing cards. Kemani and Lyla (femmiya’s parents) were dancing together, Dwayne and Shana(Nebbi’s parents) were at the card table with jefferson. Menson’s mom was dancing as well. Manny’s father, Demetrius,  however looked worried and paranoid. 

All he did was hang in the corner and watched as everyone was happy, sweat falling down both sides of his face as he kept looking at his watch. Jefferson noticed and called him over for a game of cards, the man accepted and sat down next to him. 

“You ok man, you're sweating like a sinner in church” Jefferson said, chuckling at his own words. 

“I’m aight man, just hot out here” demetrius said, wiping the sweat off his face. 

3

It was not hot at all, it was 78 degrees outside. Perfect summer weather, but Jefferson didn’t press further. He wasn’t that kind of man. So they continued playing cards, demetrius never smiled or laughed at any joke that was said though, Jeff caught on but…not in time. 

2

The music was just kicking up, everybody was making it to the dance floor with their partner or just by themselves.All the kids were there, showing off some moves their parents may have shown them or something they learned from watching MTV. 

1

*BANG* 

Three gunshots, it took 10 gunshots to disrupt a family function. It took one gunshot to hit Manny who was only dancing, it took a 2nd gunshot to hit femmiya who was getting a cup of juice. It took a third gunshot to hit Nebbi, who was going to find Miles. It took a 4th gunshot to hit Demitrius…it took a 5th gunshot to kill Jefferson Morales. 

Jefferson died a hero, he instantly tried to save Demitrius who got hit by the bullet. Jefferson died trying to save the life of his best friend. Jefferson died without saying goodbye to his wife,  brother…and his son. 

It was chaos, people were screaming. Kids were screaming, everybody was scrambling or just froze from the sudden shock. Parents were looking for their kids, some parents were rushing their child to the hospital. 

All of it went by so fast, Rio didn’t know what was going on. She couldn’t find her son and she couldn’t find her husband. The people around were making that oh so difficult, she was panicking more by the second. 

She found Miles, he was hiding under the table and crying his eyes out with his arms wrapped around his head. Rio pulled him from under the table and ran to the parking lot where they hid on the side of some cars. Life was different after this day…

-

Miles didn’t know what was going on. One second his family was smiling and happy, no sadness in sight. The next thing he knew half of his family members, some related or not related,  and friends were clinging to life in the hospital…and his father was dead. He didn’t want to believe, He couldn’t believe it, he would not believe it. 

Once he came to terms with..the incident he changed, and not for the better. He would lash out, yell, cry, and just be numb. It was an ongoing cycle for a long time until he had no more emotions to really give out. 

Rio did try to be there for him as for his uncle and lovers. They always sat through his rages or his tears and tried to help the best they could. But they knew they couldn’t mend that heart that was growing bitter and hateful toward the world by the hour. 

Miles didn’t go to the funeral, he just couldn’t. 

 Manny , Femmiya, Nebbi, and Miles started dating at 13. The incident did cause them to put a semi hold on the relationship but they did try to comfort him like lovers were supposed to. No matter how much he tossed hurtful words at them, they knew he didn’t mean it and he would apologize soon after so it wasn’t a problem. 

 Manny , Femmiya, and Nebbi changed too, and not for the better. They were basically going through the same thing as Miles, they viewed Jeff as their second or only father or a Tio. They would often call him pa and rio ma because they were so close. 

They also became oh so bitter and cold toward anyone who wasn’t a relative or friend. They would be nice but only to people who didn’t seem like they had a problem or needed help. 

They often helped Rio when they could, whether it be with groceries, looking after miles, or helping with cleaning the house. No money needed. 

The world around them began to get worse as the months went on. Crime spiked up and just over all terrible things kept happening to people. New York was no oasis, but it was at least liveable in certain areas. 

It’s not like that anymore, if you don’t live in a gated community and can hire someone to do basic things for you. You might as well carry a knife, taser, gun, and machete with you at times. Things are neutral in the daytime but that doesn’t mean you're safe, there are still sh!tty people around. 

The prowler and his friends did make things semi better, they would “take care of” a lot of evil people. Yeah sometimes innocent people got hurt in the process but at least they were making a small difference.  

Oh yeah, the shining four are the prowler’s of New York. Well, Miles is THE prowler. You could say his lovers are variants of him, all three of them have different styles and colors. It was a tough job but it paid well. It kept their families financially stable and were able to pay for things themselves if there was some money left. 

The relationship between the shining four has blossomed into love, even though they already loved each other since they were kids. They kind of find their relationship Ironic, especially when it comes to a certain lyric

“Ain't no love in the heart of the city” 

There was no love in this place, only heartless savage people. But somehow the four of you found love in a heartless city. Because of this love, you four try to stick together the best you can. For better or for worse. 

Come along and join the shining four as they navigate through a heartless city while trying to maintain love.

@weirdo09 @clearskiiiess@ @purplemauves

[cronicasvampiricas-rpg]

La Hermandad de Sacmis tiene origen en Alejandría, Egipto, aproximadamente en el 78 A.C. Su fundadora fue una bastet de nombre ANAT (del egipcio, mujer del dios Seth y esposa del dios Ra; diosa de la guerra y de la fertilidad), que trató de poner fin a las continuas peleas de poder entre brujos y licántropos de la zona. Su objetivo siempre fue mantener el equilibrio y la paz, aunque fuese con sangre.

Durante muchos siglos, sólo se permitió formar parte de la Hermandad a bastets. Los buscaban, los entrenaban y les enseñaban las normas de la hermandad. Actuando siempre en las sombras para buscar el equilibrio entre razas y lo que en el Gran Código de Sacmis se denominaba la paz total.

Solía buscarse y captarse a bastets sin rumbo, pero progresivamente se instauró el ritual de buscar nogitsunes y "contaminarse" para poder transmitir el don a otras generaciones. Usualmente solo los bastets más mayores a punto de retirarse son quienes enfrentan a los nogitsunes y seleccionan a la nueva generación. Muchas veces es bajo previo acuerdo, pero algunos bastets han sido convertidos a traición. EN LA ACTUALIDAD, no obstante, se ha permitido la entrada a la Hermandad de otro tipo de razas, siempre que todos respeten los principios básicos y el credo de los Sacmis.

Cuando los primeros vampiros comenzaron a surgir, la Hermandad estuvo a punto de desaparecer ante la nueva amenaza que se extendía. Fuertes y letales, parecían atentar contra todo. Fue cuando se asentaron las BASES de la Hermandad y aparecieron las jerarquías de poder tratando de mantener el orden.

Consolidada como la organización enemiga de los VAMPIROS STRIX, la Hermandad se enfrenta actualmente a una crisis sin precedentes, manteniendo como Rafiq de Nueva Orleans a @G. ELOISE COLLINS, y habiéndose revelado la identidad de la próxima Gran Maestre: @SHARON C. HARGROVE.

Cabe destacar que la Hermandad de Sacmis goza de una importante ventaja frente a sus enemigos, y es que disponen de un arma con la capacidad de transformar a humanos en bastets, sin un nogitsune como intermediario. Se trata del CETRO DE HATHOR, instrumento que se utilizará para transformar a humanos en futuros novicios de la organización.

[ahjdaily]

INTERVIEW: Une discussion avec Albert Hammond Jr. sur la vie, les Strokes et le sentiment d’être incompris (Les Inrockuptibles)

François Moreau | 07/07/2023 à 15h47

This interview is solely in French. For an English-translated version of the website: click here Please note, the translation may not be not entirely accurate.

For archival purposes, full text is stored below.

Le guitariste des Strokes vient de sortir “Melodies on Hiatus”, son cinquième album solo. L’occasion d’évoquer avec lui la vie en marge du groupe, le besoin incessant de composer et l’éternel sentiment stroksien d’être incompris et insatisfait.

On appelle Albert Hammond Jr. aux aurores à l’occasion de la sortie de Melodies on Hiatus, son cinquième album solo paru en juin. Le guitariste hirsute des Strokes décroche le combiné depuis le jardin de sa maison dissimulée dans les collines de Hollywood, à Los Angeles, Californie. Après notre entretien, il ira à la salle de sport. La routine angelina.

Comme beaucoup de musiciens de la côte est des États-Unis, à l’instar de Julian Casablancas depuis belle lurette, Albert a lui aussi migré à l’ouest en quête de soleil et de nouvelles opportunités. S’il prétend composer et enregistrer quotidiennement sous le ciel bleu californien quand il n’est pas en tournée, il passe aussi des castings pour le cinéma : vous l’avez peut-être vu jouer un type cocaïné dans Babylon (2022), de Damien Chazelle, le temps d’une brève apparition. En 2018, il confiait même avoir auditionné pour la série Stranger Things, avec un essai à la clef, mais l’aventure n’est pas allée plus loin.

La musique reste donc le cœur d’activité de ce bon vieil Albert. Quand on lui passe ce coup de fil, il rentre tout juste lessivé d’une mini tournée américaine avec les Strokes, bouclée le 25 mai sur la scène du Minute Maid Park de Houston, Texas, avec escales à Minneapolis (MN), Syracuse (NY), Phoenix (AZ) et San Antonio (TX). Les New-Yorkais partageaient la scène avec Red Hot Chili Peppers, preuve, s’il en fallait une, que The Strokes a désormais un stadium status, comme on dit outre-Atlantique, même si une telle affiche au début des années 2000 aurait interpellé. Après tout, la première fois qu’on a vu Pixies sur scène, c’était en première partie de la bande à Flea. Les digues séparant l’indie du rock’n’roll circus hollywoodien, si tant est qu’elles aient un jour existé ailleurs que dans l’étroitesse de nos jeans slim, ont cédé dans les grandes largeurs.

“Mais je fais partie des Strokes ! Je suis dans le groupe ! Il y a toujours eu une alchimie dans ce groupe, quelque chose d’unique. Ça a été là dès qu’on a commencé à traîner ensemble. Même quand on se déplaçait dans la rue en bande, tu pouvais le sentir”

Mais la question ne se pose certainement pas en ces termes en Amérique, ni même dans l’esprit d’Albert, qui ne s’embarrasse de telles considérations et reste lucide sur le parcours de son groupe : “Le paysage d’aujourd’hui n’est pas celui de nos débuts et, musicalement, le meilleur est devant nous”, tranche-t-il. Plus de vingt ans après la sortie de Is This It (2001) de la cave et après le Grammy du meilleur album rock de l’année pour The New Abnormal (2020) remporté en 2021, le quintet est bon pour le Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. Le club des cinq sera d’ailleurs pour la première fois à Rock en Seine cette année, le 27 août, en clôture du festival francilien, après une poignée de dates en Asie, aux États-Unis (encore) et à Londres. 

Carrière solo

Notre dernière rencontre avec le guitariste remonte au 18 février 2020, dans les coulisses de l’Olympia. “Je m’en souviens bien, on avait fait cette séance photo dans le parking deux minutes avant de monter sur scène”, nous glisse-t-il. À l’époque, nous n’étions qu’une poignée de chanceux·euses à avoir pu écouter The New Abnormal, le dernier album des Strokes au titre prophétique sorti en avril 2020, et le groupe accordait aux Inrocks une interview exclusive. Comme prévu, Julian Casablancas avait été expéditif, gêné comme d’habitude aux entournures par l’exercice. Albert, quant à lui, ouvrait les vannes, tenant le crachoir une heure durant dans sa loge, oubliant qu’Alex Turner, Hedi Slimane ou encore un représentant de Phoenix étaient en train de s’envoyer des coupes de champagne dans la pièce à côté. “Tu me demandes ce que ça fait de jouer avec les Strokes ? Mais j’en sais rien, je suis membre des Strokes, je ne peux pas avoir ce recul”, nous avait-il confié après le show.

Aujourd’hui, il tient le même discours : “Dans le fond, je n’avais jamais eu véritablement l’intention de faire des disques en solo. Faire partie d’un groupe comme les Strokes, qui a du succès, me suffit. Aussi loin que je me souvienne, j’ai toujours voulu ça. Quand j’ai sorti le premier album, les gens disaient que certains morceaux ressemblaient aux Strokes. Mais je fais partie des Strokes ! Je suis dans le groupe ! Il y a toujours eu une alchimie dans ce groupe, quelque chose d’unique. Ça a été là dès qu’on a commencé à traîner ensemble. Même quand on se déplaçait dans la rue en bande, tu pouvais le sentir”. 

Pour un type qui ne rêvait pas de carrière solo, Albert Hammond Jr. est le membre du groupe qui possède la discographie la plus étoffée, avec cinq albums et un EP, AHJ (2013) sorti chez Cult Records, le label du pote Julian. A l’époque de Yours to Keep (2006), il est même le premier à s’échapper des Strokes, alors que les New-Yorkais entrent à peine dans une période de hiatus de six ans et que, par médias interposés, Casablancas se plaint d’être celui sur les épaules duquel repose l’existence du band. 

L’idée derrière Yours to Keep n’était effectivement pas tant de sortir un disque à tout prix, mais d’arriver au bout d’un processus, qui semble pourtant encore inachevé aujourd’hui, si l’on en croit Albert : “Je n’ai jamais vraiment eu l’occasion de réfléchir à quel musicien je voulais être, parce que j’ai toujours fait partie d’un groupe. Si j’y avais pensé plus tôt, j’aurais peut-être fait certaines choses différemment. Je n’aurais pas pris autant de drogues pour ¿Cómo Te Llama?, mon deuxième album. Je vivais dans une réalité, disons, qui n’était pas un modèle de vie durable. Avec le recul, je crois que l’idée, c’était de faire les choses et d’avancer avec le groupe quoiqu’il arrive. Je sais que je n’ai jamais été capable de faire de la musique tout seul, j’ai besoin d’un tuteur pour me montrer comment plonger. Si je passe un mois entier à bosser sur des morceaux et qu’il n’en ressort rien de bon, j‘ai du mal à me sortir de la tête l’idée que j’ai perdu mon temps. C’est sûrement faux, mais c’est la façon dont fonctionne mon cerveau.” 

New York années 2000

Albert revêt une allure de survivant encore un peu ébranlé par la frénésie des choses. La dope, le New York junkie et grisant des années 2000, celui dont on peut lire les exploits dans l’essentiel ouvrage de la journaliste Lizzy Goodman Meet Me In the Bathroom – New York 2001-2011 : une épopée rock, fraîchement traduit en français aux éditions Rue Fromentin ; le musicien se contente de l’évoquer quand on lui en parle, mais tient à désamorcer toute forme de nostalgie mal placée qui dit généralement plus de l’intervieweur que de l’interviewé : “C’est ma jeunesse, tu sais. C’est difficile de ne pas romantiser cette période de ta vie. Parfois je regarde en arrière pour réaliser que les choses sont belles aujourd’hui. Dans les moments les plus sombres, je me dis que j’aurais dû profiter davantage de tel ou tel moment.”

“Si je passe un mois entier à bosser sur des morceaux et qu’il n’en ressort rien de bon, j‘ai du mal à me sortir de la tête l’idée que j’ai perdu mon temps. C’est sûrement faux, mais c’est la façon dont fonctionne mon cerveau”

Au sujet de la dope, justement, Albert – sobre depuis longtemps – ne cache rien en interview, mais disqualifie, une fois encore, les biais de romantisation, notamment lorsqu’il s’agit d’évoquer le temps de la création musicale : “J’imagine que si tu es sous influence, que tes perceptions changent pour t’amener à voir les choses sous un autre angle et que tu travailles vraiment dur en suivant cette ligne, tu peux accomplir certaines choses. Mais cette discipline est presque impossible à atteindre. Même si un trip t’amène à voir des choses extraordinaires, une fois retombé, il te reste à tout rassembler ensuite. Et c’est une tâche sans fin.

J’aime bien la philosophie de George Carlin (comédien et humoriste américain, ndlr), qui dit qu’il faut que tu écrives encore et encore, et te mettre stone à la fin pour voir ton travail d’un autre point de vue. Mais tu dois bosser d’abord. Quand tu crées, tu dois composer avec ta part d’ombre. Ça peut prendre plus de temps d’arriver là tu veux aller, mais au moins c’est réel et profond. Je trouve ça bizarre de penser que c’est la substance qui crée. C’est toujours la personne et ce qu’elle met dans son œuvre ! La substance te permet juste de faire taire cette petite voix intérieure qui peut parfois se transformer en monstre quand tu es en plein processus de création. Si j’avais pu m’imposer cette discipline plus tôt, il aurait été intéressant de voir où ça m’aurait mené. Heureusement, je ne me suis pas grillé, mon cerveau est toujours là.” 

Dur labeur

Pour Melodies on Hiatus, un double-album de dix-neuf titres, Albert s’est ainsi entouré d’un producteur, Gus Oberg, vieux collaborateur des Strokes, et d’une parolière, la Canadienne Simon Wilcox, appelée à la rescousse quand il a fallu mettre des mots sur la somme de démos enregistrées. Au générique de ce disque, une poignée de musiciens : Goldlink, Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys), Steve Stevens (guitariste de Billy Idol), la chanteuse Rainsford. L’idée d’être le type qui rassemble autour de lui, tel un esthète, le branche-t-il ? “Je n’irais pas si loin. Disons que, parfois, j’ai l’impression de comprendre que certaines personnes vont bien avec d’autres. Mais je connais mes points faibles, j’aime m’entourer de gens qui savent faire ce que je ne sais pas faire. C’est fun d’assembler les pièces du puzzle.”

Comme il le répétera tout au long de notre conversation, Albert n’avait pas spécialement en tête de faire un disque aussi pléthorique. Contrairement à Francis Trouble (2018), son précédent album enregistré de façon assez classique, avec un groupe venu en studio pour mettre en boîte des démos travaillées au préalable par Albert, Melodies on Hiatus s’est fait sur le temps long aux côtés du pote Oberg, avec peu de gens autour dans un premier temps : “Je voulais déconstruire l’idée du groupe en studio. L’idée, c’était d’avoir Gus avec moi, quelques drum machines, un ordinateur, des potes de passage pour jouer quelques instruments. On se disait ‘essayons ceci, essayons cela’, et finalement les morceaux sont sortis assez naturellement. Très vite, je me suis retrouvé avec une vingtaine de chansons et je me suis senti dépassé.” 

“J’aime bien la philosophie de George Carlin (comédien et humoriste américain, ndlr), qui dit qu’il faut que tu écrives encore et encore, et te mettre stone à la fin pour voir ton travail d’un autre point de vue. Mais tu dois bosser d’abord”

Dépassé, parce que le songwriting n’est pas le fort d’Albert Hammond Jr. qui, même s’il a grandi avec son auteur/compositeur de père, ne vit pas la musique de cette manière. “Les paroles, en musique, c’est vraiment la dernière chose à laquelle je me raccroche”, confie-t-il, avant d’évoquer sa collaboration avec Simon Wilcox, qui a coécrit toutes les paroles alors que les deux n’avaient alors échangé que par téléphone.

De longues conversations téléphoniques en forme de déversement de flux de conscience : “Je peux chanter avec du faux texte, parfois même, comme sur le morceau Old Man, quelques lignes surgissent, mais il me fallait quelqu’un. Je me suis dit que j’allais demander à des potes d’autres groupes de m’écrire quelques morceaux, et puis on m’a présenté Simon. On s’est tout de suite bien entendu. On a eu des conversations profondes, des choses très personnelles, et elle a su capturer toutes ces choses. D’une certaine manière, on peut dire que ça ressemble à une thérapie. C’est toujours plus simple pour moi de laisser couler le flot de la conversation que de déterminer à l’avance un sujet pour un morceau. Ça sonne faux pour moi.

De ce point de vue, la création peut donc être perçue comme une thérapie, oui. Parce que, créer, c’est faire surgir une partie de toi qui ne s’autorise pas toujours à exister. Mais ça reste beaucoup de travail. Bien sûr, il y a des moments suspendus, ça arrive, mais tu ne peux pas attendre ces moments éternellement. La plupart du temps, ça se résume à bosser énormément et à assembler les pièces d’un puzzle. Être capable de tout détruire et de reconstruire, sans trop t’attacher aux choses. Si un morceau ne marche pas, tu dois comprendre pourquoi. En d’autres termes, tu dois constamment te battre contre toi-même”. 

Incompris

Obnubilé par la personnalité accidentée de Julian Casablancas, on oublierait presque les quatre autres membres des Strokes, leur histoire en marge du groupe, le chemin parcouru pour se frayer une voie en dehors des perceptions parfois limitées que le succès du band a probablement dû exacerber ces vingt dernières années. Qui se rappelle de l’album de Nikolai Fraiture, bassiste discret, sorti en 2009 sous le sobriquet de Nickel Eye ? Il faudra s’en rappeler quand il s’agira de répondre à la question : que se tramait-il dans la tête d’un jeune New-Yorkais vingtenaire ayant grandi dans le Manhattan des années 2000 ?

À mesure que le temps passe, les fantasmes se cristallisent, quitte à nous fourvoyer. “’Ive been all around this town / Everybody’s singin’ the same song for ten years”, chantait Julian en 2011 sur Under Cover of Darkness. Albert semble avoir tracé sa route et ne regarde derrière que quand quelqu’un lui demande de regarder derrière, comme si on voulait encore et toujours rejouer l’histoire, comprendre l’incompréhensible, raviver une flamme éteinte depuis belle lurette. 

“C’est bizarre aussi de se dire que certains pensent que parce que je sors des choses de mon côté, je ralentis le groupe. Il n’y a rien de plus au monde que je voulais sinon faire partie de ce groupe. J’imagine que les gens se figurent que c’est bizarre de faire de la musique en solo alors que le groupe est toujours actif”

“Le truc, c’est que même 20 ans après, et c’est une constante chez moi, j’ai le sentiment d’être incompris, nous rencarde Albert. Je n’ai jamais l’impression de faire face à des gens qui me comprennent, et notamment quand je suis face à des fans. C’est un peu frustrant, et une sensation étrange. À chaque fois que j’entends quelqu’un parler d’un de mes morceaux, c’est si éloigné de ma propre perception des choses ! On me parle de chose que je n’essayais ni de près ni de loin de faire, de reproduire ou de copier. C’est bizarre aussi de se dire que certains pensent que parce que je sors des choses de mon côté, je ralentis le groupe. Il n’y a rien de plus au monde que je voulais sinon faire partie de ce groupe. J’imagine que les gens se figurent que c’est bizarre de faire de la musique en solo alors que le groupe est toujours actif. C’est toujours intense pour moi de sortir un disque, ça ressemble à un matin qui n’existe jamais vraiment.” 

Tout porte à croire que des groupes comme les Strokes ou Arctic Monkeys sont essentialisés jusqu’à la moelle (il n’y a qu’à voir ce que se mange en pleine poire Alex Turner quand il fait son Scott Walker, au lieu de donner dans le riff adolescent), au point de leur faire porter le poids des élans nostalgiques de trentenaires qui les verraient bien au Panthéon. Albert : “J’ai plutôt l’impression de ne pas avoir accompli certaines choses, plutôt que l’inverse. Je ne vais pas m’asseoir et énumérer avec toi tous nos succès. Les gens doivent comprendre que si ce qu’on a pu faire toutes ces années leur paraît énorme, c’est difficile de notre côté d’éprouver ce genre de sentiment.”

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