#it can be incredibly overwhelming for new players

[oathofkaslana]

i cant talk for any other hyv game but i do think it’s interesting how hi3 and genshin’s story flaws/ideals are bc of the very specific medium they’re in.

[racke7]

Me vs FF14 part... 2?

It's taken me pretty much three full days of running from cutscene to cutscene. But I've finally reached Heavensward.

And like... on some level? I'm kind of offended?

Like, a part of me genuinely wants to replay the entire game from the start "as something else" (different main-class, different race, different starting-area, whichever), because the dungeon-queuing system is actually really fun when you start to Understand it.

As in, FF14 has somehow made an MMO that has almost eliminated the feeling that it is a level-grind? Partially? It's turned the whole thing into a surprisingly comfortable level of (limited, but genuine) social interaction.

To the point where even someone who isn't obsessively grind-focused like me, can genuinely enjoy themselves. Just queuing up for dungeons, Hunting some bounties, and-...

And then FF14 has so many fucking quests that it literally chokes the life out of the gameplay.

As an example, one of their biggest dungeon-draws (bcs high rewards) is a quest that almost everyone hates playing. Because doing that dungeon means watching literally eighteen minutes of unskippable cutscenes.

And that's with them having reduced the amount of cutscenes in that dungeon, because the players complained so much about them.

Like... I'd be perfectly happy replaying the game from the start with a different character, even knowing that leveling isn't some kind of pain-free thing. But the thought of having to restart the fucking Main-Quest? Of having to spend literal days just running back-and-forth to cutscenes?

I'm currently feeling a bit burned-out as a result of the binge I went on to get here, but I'm pretty damn sure that I wouldn't replay this fucking thing even if you paid me for it.

(And, of course, Heavensward also has a Main-Quest continuation that you have to follow. And now I'm not even allowed to fly everywhere to cut down on the "running back-and-forth"-part of my complaints. Not until they arbitrarily allow me to discover flight for the new areas, by going through even more of the Main-Quest.)

(Not to mention that now I have to go back and do even more Class-quests, with their own cutscenes, in order to unlock a bunch of skills.)

(I'm very fond of the "the church is evil because it doesn't let you fuck dragons"-meme, and I'm very much seeing it. But like... come the fuck on. Why is this MMO a feature-length movie-series? Why can't I just play the game and have fun?)

[ziracona]

Iirc Griffin did something similar in Amnesty, when Aubrey succeeded on a roll that should've saved another character's life, but it didn't work and I don't think they ever explained why

Yeah!! And in Amnesty, Ned used a point of LUCK. To get a 12. That in MOTW is a guaranteed success. You do not take harm in Protect Someone if you use luck. Also, a fucking shotgun does not DO 7 points of harm anyway. It’s 3. And he fucking KILLED him. Never forgiving Griffin for that one >.>

[santaeofficial]

Week One Kickstarter Recap: Fully Funded In 28minutes, SIX Stretch Goals Achieved, Official Dino-Pet Reveal, Newest Pet Name Reveal and A Huge Thank You to our Beautiful Community!

We are officially at our 1 week mark into our Kickstarter Journey, and what an incredible journey is has been so far. Our absolutely wonderful community never ceases to amaze us! Thanks to the outpouring of love and support, not only were we fully funded in 28 minutes, we have officially unlocked SIX of our stretch goalsand are closing in on the seventh! We can hardly believe the momentum, and we are beyond grateful to every single one of you for making this possible. Santae is truly coming to life in ways we never imagined possible this soon, all thanks to YOU ALL!

We’re also excited to announce that we’ve added another new stretch goal! At the $65k mark, we will be unlocking a Dynamic Animated Weather & Seasons Systemthat will transform the world of Santae. This feature will introduce animated weather changes as well as animated seasonal effects that directly influence gameplay and provide a stunning immersive experience. Imagine your adventures under sun, snow, or rain—each weather change will bring new events, bonuses, and challenges, making Santae feel even more alive! (We also, as with our current animations, will be adding the toggle feature to turn any animations off to only showcase the static images for any players with sensitivites.)

And now, for a formal reveal… the completed Velotra! You’ve all been eagerly awaiting this, and we are thrilled to present the completed pose and rendering of this dino pet species! The Velotra is officially Santae's first dinosaur-inspired pet, and we couldn’t be more excited to see it roam the world alongside your beloved companions. This is a huge milestone, made possible only by the continuous overwhelming support from this incredible community. We can’t wait to see which pets will join the Velotra next!

Speaking of new pets, the most recently unlocked pet species will be revealed soon, so stay tuned! We are excited to announce the Official Name of this newly unlocked pet species has been chosen: Zephera, which will become our 27th Pet Species to come to the ever growing world of Santae!We know you’re all eager to meet this latest addition, and we promise it will be worth the wait. Keep an eye out for updates as we get closer to the official reveal. 

As always, we are eternally grateful for every kind of support, from backing the campaign, being a part of our community to sharing Santae with friends and family. You all have made this journey something truly special, and we couldn’t have done any of this without you all. We are also excited to share that many more gifts will be coming your way, as well as an exciting adventure in our next upcoming newsletter from The Santae Team, so be sure to watch out for that!

Thank you once again for being the heart and soul of this project. With your endless love and support, we’re creating something truly magical together

With Love and Gratitude, ~The Santae Team

[sugrhigh]

BACKSTAGE - ( m.s )

REQUESTED**

summary- your best friend caught the eye of the bass player in a band local to boston, your hometown, so you’re invited to the second to last stop of their US tour. they can definitely put on a show, and all of them are very welcoming when you meet them backstage. then there’s the asshole grumpy drummer with the inflated ego, who can’t seem to stop staring.

warnings- cursing, smoking, drinking, ???

band au (triplets are in their mid 20s)

drummer!matt x fem!reader (this song ^^ inspired me and it’s good af so i’m including it)

a/n: this has been brewing for a while and i kinda forking love this concept, i hope i brought it to life well! hope u enjoy and as always my inbox is open for whateva #kisses ****part 2 to come

@fawnchives @55sturn @teapartyprincess4two @l9vesick @sturnlova @cupidsword @junnniiieee07 @mattnchrisworld @cherrypostsposts

“are you sure you want to do this?” you ask her as you two linger by the bar at the back of the venue.

people are clearing out, all happily chattering after an incredible concert. you have to admit that it was a great performance, and the sold out crowd helped.

they’re a pretty talented band. and the bass player really wants your best friend.

all it took to get him interested was a single comment on one of his recent posts. adelaide is undeniably gorgeous, and she’s also built a decent following through her recent modeling jobs.

she stands out in any comment section and in crowds like these, so it makes sense that he hit her up. that’s why you’re here anyways.

mister bass player had invited you guys to the first of two sold out shows in this place. it’s the last stop on the band’s US leg, in their hometown, which happens to be where you and adelaide live.

“yes dude, for the hundredth time, im sure. and he’s waiting on us, so stop stalling. i know you have more balls than that.” adelaide gives you a pointed look.

you can’t help but roll your eyes. “i promise you i don’t care enough about what these guys think to be scared.”

“now that sounds more like you.” she teases as she pulls her phone out of her back pocket.

the light from the screen illuminates her face, and you watch as she taps something out quickly.

“chris said someone is gonna come get us.”

“can’t wait.” you smile sarcastically as you respond.

addy doesn’t even get the chance to yell at you about your attitude before a big buff guy dressed in all black approaches the two of you, dark hair slicked against his skull. SECURITY is printed across his jacket in bold yellow letters.

“you ladies enjoy the show?” his voice is deep, which matches his huge stature perfectly.

“oh, it was amazing! i’m assuming you’re jason?” adelaide beams at him, pushing her dark curls out of her face.

he nods once. “that’s me. you guys ready to head backstage?”

“yup, just lead the way.”

the two of you follow jason back down toward the front of the stage, around the protective barricade to a door that almost blends right in with the venue’s dark walls.

he knocks on it three times. another tall man opens it for him and ushers the two of you inside before people start to pay too much attention.

“dressing rooms this way.” the new guy leads you through the backstage area, down a narrow hallway until he stops in front of one of the doors. there’s a little placard with their band name on it, which is cute.

this time nobody thinks to knock, because it’s already pretty loud. once the door swings open the sound is even more overwhelming.

you count seven people, all sitting around on the couches and vanity seats in the dim lighting. three of them are nearly identical, which surprises you. you thought there were only two brothers in the band.

several bottles of champagne crowd the coffee table already, and they’ve only been off the stage for ten minutes.

all of them are watching the two of you now, and it makes you want to crawl out of your skin.

“look who it is.” one of the twins (or apparently triplets) that’s sitting on the couch sets his glass down and gets up to greet you.

his brown hair is long, longer than the others, hidden slightly by a black boston hat. he’s dressed in a celtics jersey and baggy jeans, clearly happy to be representing his city tonight.

“good to see you, chris.” adelaide smiles into his chest as he pulls her into a tight embrace that lasts for a few seconds too long.

“i promise it’s better to see you.” he smirks as he finally pulls away, not even trying to hide his gaze as he admires the way her outfit hugs her body.

then he turns to you, and you suddenly feel like a spotlight is shining directly in your face.

“it’s nice to meet you too, y/n. addy tells me you’re even cooler than she is.” chris says, wrapping his arm around your friends shoulder lazily.

“can’t argue with that.” you shrug with a grin, impressed that he remembered your name without having to ask.

he looks around and clears his throat, and the others stop chatting. “everyone, this is adelaide and y/n. introduce yourselves.”

one of the clones that was sitting beside chris speaks up now. “shouldn’t they know who we are?”

he looks directly at you with an uninterested gaze that’s somehow still so intense you almost lose your breath. he’s in all black, fluffy hair styled a bit shorter than chris’s.

his harley davidson muscle tee is cut off right above his black pants, revealing just the smallest sliver of his stomach as he leans back against the cushions casually. so many tattoos, so many rings.

it’s annoying that you notice this, even despite how pissed off you are at his stupid question.

“i hate to burst your bubble, but i wouldn’t be able to guess your name even if someone put a gun to my head.” you bite back without thinking, and laughter erupts around you.

“that’s exactly what you deserve for a dickhead comment like that, matt.” another currently-unnamed guy says.

he’s on the other sofa with the last of the carbon-copy brothers, arm around the waist of the beautiful girl that’s perched on his lap. the couple smile at you and adelaide.

“feel free to ignore him. i’m nathan, lead guitar.” he introduces himself.

“i’m his girlfriend jen.” the dark-haired woman chimes in, offering you a friendly wave.

“im nick,” the triplet sitting next to them finally reveals his name, “i’m not in the band, i’m just their tour photographer. my brothers got the musical talent.”

“kids a genius with a camera though.” chris adds, still sidled up against adelaide.

“names sam. i’m the singer.” a blonde boy with hair cropped close to his skull says with a nod.

he’s sitting on one of the vanity chairs that’ve been set up in a half circle, tipping the rest of his champagne back after he speaks.

“and i’m just his older sister gabby.” the girl beside him sticks her hand out, and you take a step forward to shake it.

“dont say just. and i love your necklace.” you compliment the barbed wire chain around her throat, and she waves her free hand at you, flushing slightly.

“you’re sweet.”

“it’s nice to meet you all. the show was fantastic, we had a blast.” adelaide addresses everyone with that award-winning grin you know and love.

chris leads her over to the couch and they sit down, pressed against each other like they’re attached at the hip. you have to admit it’s a little cute. you take the open chair next to gabby, opting to avoid sitting next to matt just to be near your friend.

“are you both from boston too?” sam asks, reaching to refill his drink.

jen gets up from nate’s lap to grab two more glasses from one of the cabinets, which is a kind gesture that you weren’t really expecting.

“yeah. we met in college and ended up staying in the city together.” you answer as he moves to pour your champagne next.

“that makes you what, 22? i am about to serve you alcohol.”

you can’t help but laugh, so adelaide answers instead. “we’re 25, but i’ll take that as a compliment.”

he puts his hands up in apology as you grab your glass. “so not recent graduates then, my bad.”

you can still feel matt staring at you, and when you meet his gaze over the rim of your drink he doesn’t shy away. your own eyes narrow slightly, because you dont understand why he won’t fucking quit it.

“what do you do for work?” nathan questions, and you finally break out of your trance to look over.

“i was in publishing for a bit, but i mainly model now.” addy responds first.

chris’s hand goes to grip her thigh endearingly as she sips her champagne. “can’t you tell?”

“stop it.” she nudges him slightly, though you can see a faint blush appear beneath her bronzed skin.

nate rolls his eyes before looking your way. “and you?”

“i’m a media manager for a few different brands.”

“really? like who?”

it’s matt speaking, you know even before you turn your head to meet his cold eyes once more. he’s challenging you, inked arms crossed over his chest defensively as he waits for an answer.

“well for one, those pants you’re wearing? i work with that company.” you reply bluntly.

you’d recognize those cargos anywhere, the faded star patches are a dead giveaway. matt’s face drops in surprise, and nick snorts, giving you a nod of approval that doesn’t go unnoticed.

“i can’t believe you work for vamped. we all get like, half of our wardrobe from there.” he admits.

“raiding her closet is a real treat, trust me.” adelaide makes it sound like a joke, but she actually does love to come over and steal all your favorite pieces.

it would be annoying if you didn’t love her so much.

jen smiles, cuddled back up on her boyfriend’s knee as she looks between the two of you. “i like you girls already.”

“yeah, and i respect anyone who can humble matt that quickly.” sam nods along in agreement, and you recognize that he’s talking about you in particular.

“oh, so i take it he’s like this all the time then?” your question is directed at sam, but you’re looking at the subject himself as you ask it.

“pretty much.” chris nudges matt with a silly grin, and he scowls in return, though he’s still watching you.

you can’t decipher what he’s feeling, what he’s thinking, and you don’t like it one bit. to be fair, you don’t know him at all yet, but you know the type.

you’ve met enough high profile people through vamped to understand that this kid thinks he’s some kind of god, probably because his friends tell him so.

but you’re not his friend, and you don’t owe him any politeness if he can’t bother to reciprocate it. you keep your eyes on him as sam redirects the conversation away from the two of you, another challenge of your own, and he finally looks away a moment later.

you take it as a win.

a few rounds of drinks later you can feel the heat creeping up your cheeks, blissfully tipsy as you continue to swap stories about anything and everything with the rest of the group.

chris and adelaide are in their own little world, whispering shit back and forth to each other like school girls.

matt hasn’t said a single word to you since you name-dropped your highest paying client just to embarrass him. he watches the rest of you interact, though that burning gaze of his always seems to meet yours anyways.

its driving you crazy, and you’re itching for a quick pause from the socialization, as nice as (almost) everyone has been.

“i’m gonna go for a smoke.” you address the group, mainly adelaide, and you’re met with a couple nods.

“same.” matt replies gruffly, and your heart falters.

of fucking course.

he pushes himself to a standing position before you can protest, or say anything really. his shirt is even more cropped now that he’s stretched to his full height, and you’re staring straight at his exposed happy trail and v-line. you’re pretty sure you see the top of a small tattoo by his hip.

your mouth goes dry, and you busy yourself grabbing your little purse from the floor.

“hurry back, i wanna hear more about this PR box fiasco.” gabby points a finger at you as you get up next, and you smile even though you know it’s a weak attempt.

“i’ll be quick.” you promise her.

adelaide gives you a little wave goodbye, which doesn’t quell your nerves as you turn to follow matt, who doesn’t wait for you to catch up.

he just throws the dressing room door open carelessly, letting it swing back so you have to stop it with your hand before it hits you. you glare at the back of his head, though you follow him in silence because you don’t know the way outside.

another security guard stands in the hall, and matt greets him with a quick nod as he heads outside, once again neglecting to hold it for you.

you mutter a quick hello to the man before stepping onto the little back patio. it’s the end of summer, edging toward fall now, so there’s just a slight chill in the air.

he’s already leaned up against the brick wall, situated on one of the steps down to the gated parking lot. for the first time tonight, he’s actually not looking at you, and it’s somewhat of a relief.

you dig around in your bag to retrieve your crinkled carton of cigarettes, flipping the lid open to pull one out and stick it between your lips. you’re about to put them away when matt clears his throat.

“can i bum one?” he asks softly.

it’s the least aggressive he’s been all night, and it throws you so off guard you can’t find anything to say back so him. so you just nod slowly, grabbing another cigarette for him and passing it over.

“thanks.”

“you got a light? couldn’t bring mine in.” you mutter, though your words slur because of the cig that’s between your teeth.

matt nods, ruffling his hair with one hand as the other slips into his back pocket. he pulls out a red disposable lighter and ignites it in one swift motion.

he holds it up to your mouth, burning the end of the thin roll of tobacco. he’s staring at your lips, thinking about how soft they look wrapped around that filter paper.

matt doesn’t want to be wondering what it would be like to feel them against his own, because you embarrassed him. he hates being embarrassed, especially by someone who walked right into his dressing room like she owned it.

you’re unlike any girl he’s ever met, and he’s fucking entranced.

you inhale, glancing to meet his blue eyes as the smoke fill your lungs, completely unaware of his thoughts. it’s familiar, and it calms you down a little bit.

you pull it from your mouth to exhale, watching as he lights his own before slipping the plastic device back into his pocket. he slumps back up against the wall, kicking one leg up to steady himself.

it’s silent again for a moment while you both enjoy the brief hits of nicotine, letting the clouds swirl up into the night. you both go to ash at the same time, and he breaks the tension first.

“so, what did you think of the show, sweetheart? your friend spoke for you, but i’m sure you have your own opinion.” he says, one side of his mouth tilted up.

you weigh up his statement, rewinding to an hour ago. you guys were in the upper wing, right by the stage in the front row. the view was great, and the energy was definitely there.

you remember matt, sweaty and focused as he banged on those fucking drums like his life depended on it. your eyes were drawn to him for a lot of the performance, to the intensity he brought to the stage.

that was before you knew about his superiority complex, though you should have been expecting it. he is, after all, a rising rock star.

“it was good.” you reply bluntly, shrugging as you bring your cigarette back to your lips.

he fully smiles now, though it’s not a warm one. then he follows your lead and takes another drag as well, his tattoos shifting as his muscles flex and relax due to the movement.

“don’t fucking humor me.” matt finally says seriously, and you narrow your eyes.

“i wasn’t, but it doesn’t matter either way. you think you’re the shit regardless.” you snap back.

matt softens a bit at your tone, but he’s also backed into a corner. you confuse him, because you’re impossible to read. that’s never happened to him before, and it’s annoyingly enticing.

“you don’t know a damn thing about me.”

“i know your type.” you argue sourly, sucking in another mouthful of smoke.

he turns his full attention to you now, shifting so he can look you right in the eyes. you wish it didn’t intimidate you so much, but the way he’s been leering at you all night makes you sweat.

“and what type would that be, hm?” matt goads.

you nudge at the concrete with the toe of your sneaker, pausing briefly to compose your answer.

“you’re arrogant, which either comes from the fame or the praise, or most likely both. in fact, you’re so cocky that you probably can’t be around anyone without patronizing them. i bet they all tell you how talented and badass you are, but you wanna know what i think?” you ask him, taking a hit of your cigarette for dramatic effect.

and it works. matt is hanging onto every word, waiting for you to deliver the final punch as you take a step closer, blowing the vapor toward him.

“i think that the whole time, they’re just waiting for you to shut the fuck up.”

for a second the world is still, and neither of you move an inch. he’s just studying you, eyes skipping across your face like he’s trying to commit it to memory.

“you want to know what i think?” he questions you quietly, and you can’t help but watch his lips as they move.

so pretty and pink, and you know he would taste like tobacco and sweat. you want to give in, but you won’t. one thing about you is that you’re stubborn, and you refuse to make the first move for this asshole.

“i think you like it.” matt finishes, so close to your lips now that he’s practically whispering his words against them.

just as you think he’s about to kiss you, to give you the power you crave, he tosses his cigarette to the ground and snuffs it out before stepping around you.

the only reminder that the moment was real is the door slamming shut behind him.

[indie-ttrpg-of-the-week]

Flying Circus

No not the Monty Python variety Touchstones: Porco Rosso, WW1 media, Ghibli Movies (add a quarter to the jar)

Genre: Aviation game, Fantasy (kinda)

What is this game?: Flying Circus is a game of high octane plane action, where you play as messy mercenary pilots in a WW1 inspired post apocalyptic setting

How's the gameplay?: Flying Circus' narrative side runs on the standard PBTA 2d6 resolution and playbooks rules, but the main difference comes when the cast is on air, wherein the game takes a much more realistic approach to its design. Planes are complex beasts, and the game approaches this by having many mini systems that must be kept track of at all times, it's very overwhelming on paper, but in practice it's honestly quite bearable. The game also has a fairly simple economy to upkeep your planes, a simple relationship system, and a vice system similar to Blades in the Dark

What's the setting (If any) like?: Flying Circus' setting is honestly its strongest point, a post-apocalyptic society who just left a WW1 style war, with many fantasy elements such as witches, dragons with nuclear breath, friendly fishy cultists, and ancient wandering machines of war. It's one of the more "In-Depth" settings I've seen, helped along by having a few novels and stories by the developer set in the same universe.

What's the tone?: Hopeful and Gritty, the world's healing, the people are fighting against their past oppression, and things are getting better, but stuff's muddy and scummy for now. Another thing is that this game is pretty damn horny, nothing egregious but probably not a "read on the subway" Type deal

Session length: 3+ hours should be plenty of time 

Number of Players: 3-5 is ideal 

Malleability: Flying Circus' actual mechanics can usually be used for any plane heavy setting, though frankly the default setting is part of the reason why you'd be playing flying circus, in my opinion at least

Resources: Flying Circus has multiple expansions, adding new mechanics, new planes, and even a complete spin off in Chariots of Steel, focused more on tank battle

Flying Circus is a game that is incredibly impressive and clearly a labour of love, do yourself a favor and check this one out, even if its on the pricier side

[jennyfromthebes]

Hey! I wanna talk for a sec about the Live Music Archive. If you're a tMG fan who's on here you probably already at least know about it, but for anyone unfamiliar I want to do a quick post talking about what it is and how you can listen!

The Live Music Archive is a collection hosted by the Internet Archive for audio recordings of concerts. Specifically, the LMA hosts, with permission from the band, user-contributed recordings of concerts. Some fans will go to concerts with recording gear to take a full audio recording of the show and then upload it to the archive under the band's collection. As of writing this post there are almost 450 live tapes uploaded to the tMG LMA collection!

There's a few ways that you can listen to recordings on the Live Music Archive. The webpage works pretty well both on desktop and mobile browsers, and that's what I typically use. You can also listen on web without having to make an account on the Internet Archive, which is convenient for browsing. I also use the webpage to download mp3s of favorite tapes to my phone, so that I can listen to them in my local music player.

However, if you don't mind making a free account and prefer the convenience of something more like Spotify, you can also listen to anything on the LMA via the Taper's Section app for Android or the Live Music Archive app for iOS! (Obligatory disclaimer that I use an Android and can't personally vouch for the iOS app, but afaik they have similar features.) The apps have the same functionality as the webpage in a more streamlined mobile-friendly interface, plus things like notifications when there's a new tape added to a collection you follow and downloading in-app for offline listening. The Android app also has a tab for tapes from today's date, there's often at least one (there are FOUR for today!) and that's a really fun way to find tapes to listen to.

If you're looking at this going, wow, that sounds really cool but there's so many tapes that it's a little overwhelming to get into this, don't worry! I'll leave you with a couple recommendations. As mentioned above, I like to listen to shows from the current date. Another fun way to find shows is looking for a specific song - you can go on the wiki and it'll list every show at which the song has been played live, and then just search until you find one of them that has a tape on the archive. Lastly, a few specific favorite tapes of mine:

- 2014-06-15 has the entirety of Taboo VI: The Homecoming played live + one of my absolute favorite performances of both Woke Up New and The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton.

- 2015-06-01 is the only time Straight Six has ever been played live and it's interestingly pretty different from the EP version, plus a phenomenal back to back Spent Gladiator 1 & 2.

- 2021-08-06 was the first show after the band started playing concerts again post 2020, and it has a really incredible energy and a phenomenal setlist.

- 2024-03-01 is from the recent run of solo shows, this one was at Grace Cathedral and the ambience is truly truly incredible, it feels so ethereal.

Please feel free to add any additional notes or some of your own favorite tapes to the post as well! Happy listening!!

[leveloneandup]

Christen Press on returning to soccer following ACL tear, season three of The RE—CAP podcast

Christen Press, the all-time leading goal scorer in Stanford history, has starred for club and country since graduating in 2010. With the USWNT, she has won two World Cups and scored 64 international goals. Press has played overseas professionally, including a stint at Manchester United, as well as in the NWSL with the Chicago Red Stars, Utah Royals and currently with Angel City FC.

After tearing her ACL in June 2022, Press required four surgeries and an arduous recovery. She returned to her first training session on Tuesday, after which she spoke to SBJ about her rehab and the new season of her podcast. Along with Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe and Meghan Klingenberg, Press founded a media and lifestyle brand called RE—INC in 2019. She and Heath are the co-hosts of the RE—CAP podcast, which returns for its third season on Thursday. The first episode includes appearances by USWNT legend Abby Wambach and author and podcast host Glennon Doyle.

On returning to the pitch . . .

I am currently in the car driving home from my first training. I would say the road to recovery happens very slow, and then yet it happens all at once. I have been back in the team environment for almost four months. So it's been a long time that I've been integrated into the environment, and it took four months for me to get ready to be in a warmup and a passing pattern — really simple, basic stuff. And I felt very ready for it. I felt almost underwhelmed by how easy it was because I've done a lot more complicated things, and yet it was also entirely overwhelming and joyful to be so connected to my teammates and be celebrated in the way that I have been these last two days.

I'm very grateful for that. They say it's the hope that kills you, and as I drive home, I just have this big smile on my face because I can't help it. I can't help hoping. I can't help believing that I'm going to make it back, and it's going to be everything that I see in my head. I'm relentlessly optimistic, I'm naively positive, and I like that about myself, and I'm not I don't intend to change it. I think the way that it left me feeling was just like, yes, I can do this.

On monitoring her rehab . . .

I'm a person of devices, so I have quite a toolkit, I'd say, of ways that we're tracking and measuring. The truth is we're really still working through issues with my knee, and I have chronic scarring of the knee, so I can experience some discomfort and some swelling that could lead to more scarring, which is incredibly rare, because most people don't scar after a couple months after their surgery. I'm now over nine months for my surgery and still at risk of scarring. So it just means that I have to try very carefully with how much impact my knee can take.

We're being careful, but we're progressing. In terms of my overall fitness, what my GPS has said is that I've got to like 60% of a match load, which is all that I really need to get in terms of volume. And yet, in the warmup and the passing pattern today, it felt like I played a 90-minute game. I was so fatigued. There's training, and then there’s really training. There's no way to get fit for football, except for playing football. And I've done a ton of running, I've done a ton of lifting, and now it's time to play.

On how deep she gets into data . . .

My performance staff would laugh because they said they've never worked with a player that cares so much. So right now, I wear a Polar Watch that I was given in like 2015 from the national team. It's just old school. And I wear my Apple Watch, which is connected to my GPS so I can see all my data live, from heart rate to distance to speed to all that. And then I do sleep with an Oura ring — although I'm not endorsing any of these products, I'm not connected to any of these products — but I do sleep with an Oura ring and track my sleep and my stress levels.

On season three of the podcast . . .

Our show really is about authenticity, and it's about creating a more inclusive space for sports and including diversity of perspective. And so that means we have hard conversations, and we have honest conversations and we have vulnerable conversations, and we have a lot of fun — the same spirit and joy that you saw last year during the World Cup edition of the show. We're back, and we're bigger than ever.

On the origin of the creating the podcast . . .

I never thought I would be in media. I think that's even more true of Tobin. There's two typical paths for athletes after soccer, and it’s coaching and broadcast. ‘So Christen, do you want to be a coach?’ ‘No.’ ‘So Christen, then you must want to be a broadcaster? I was like, ‘No.’

That's an interesting part of the story, but first and foremost, we decided to launch this show as current and active players, and that's unique and different. It's not really a stepping-back-from-soccer thing. It's current players trading stories and having a little bit more space to dictate the narrative.

And then secondly, we really approach this as business leaders. This is our business, this is our company. We are a 3C company: content, community and commerce. The most amazing thing about women's sports is the community, and we're trying to build the coolest women's sports community in the world in our membership, and we're feeding that with amazing content.

And I think because we have such an authentic and vulnerable relationship with our audience that we've developed over the last five years that we've been building this business, it made sense for Tobin and I to be our first piece of content that was really more large scale and more widely accessible. But the plan will be to find like-minded people that sit at the intersection of sports, progress and equity, to continue to hear stories from an insider's perspective. It really disrupts the industry in that way.

On topics they plan to cover in season three . . .

We're going to be talking about women's health, particularly in sport, which is obviously a really hot topic, and representation in sport — how we make it more diverse and equitable for more people, be it across the gender spectrum, the orientation spectrum, across different races and classes. I think that's incredibly important. Soccer in America is an upper-middle class sport, and almost everywhere else in the world, it's a very accessible sport that's found on the street. That's really the spirit of football, so that's really important to us.

On the role of athletes as activists . . .

The interesting thing about the community that surrounds women's sports in particular is they care about a lot more than the sports, and the values transcend beyond the pitch. And that's about diversity, inclusion, progress. And I think that's just inherent because it is disruptive in itself to see women embodied, powerful, unapologetic and also very celebrated the way that you do in the professional sports world today. The people that it's drawing in are the same people that want to march, and they want to create change and they want to stand up for what they believe in.

It's so embodied in the Angel City culture. The professional team that I play for has just nailed it. And when you're in the stadium, it's electric, and win or lose, it's a different type of vibe than any other sports arena I've been in because there's a connection point for all of the audience. They care about more than the X's and O's. They care about what we represent to them, the progress and the opportunity that we as women athletes represent.

On the versatility of women athletes . . .

It's always been that way in women's sports, and it's just becoming more popularized. I think the expectation is that we would always be multifaceted as women and expected to do multiple jobs in multiple roles, if we were going to have careers. And so it really did take to me and my personality to be a player and also be a leader off the field, on the US women’s national team, going through the Equal Pay lawsuit, going through the reestablishment of our players association.

For me, it was such a balancing sense of purpose that I continue to create space in my life for that, and I think that's what we've done with our business, RE—INC. RE—INC is reimagined, incorporated. We set out, in 2019 when we started this company, to reimagine the status quo, to reimagine the way women are seen and experienced in sports. And it's a very bold and ambitious goal, and we do it in a multifaceted way. And I'm really, really proud of that.

[boobo13cambridge]

I’ll Take Care of You | Kylian Mbappé

Pairing: Kylian Mbappé x f.Reader

Warnings: none just angsty and some passionate kissing

Summary: Kylian is feeling stressed as the news that he will not be extending with PSG comes out. He seeks comfort in you. 

A/N: Hello, everyone! When I got this request I absolutely adored the idea and wanted to get right to it. As always, please leave me feedback and don’t forget to reblog. I would greatly appreciate it. Enjoy, lovelies ❣️

The sun had long set over the city of Paris, casting an ethereal glow upon the Eiffel Tower as its lights illuminated the darkened sky. In the midst of the bustling city, a heavy atmosphere hung over Kylian Mbappé's lavish apartment. The young football prodigy, renowned for his incredible talent on the field, now found himself at a crossroads that weighed heavily on his heart.

Kylian had spent years with Paris Saint-Germain, captivating fans and leaving a lasting mark on the club. Since his arrival in 2017, he had steered his team to five Ligue 1 titles, secured three French Cup titles, and clinched the coveted Player of the Season award on four occasions. Yet, beneath the surface of success, a storm of discontent brewed within him. He felt betrayed by the club. He wasn't happy with the Mercato, he wasn't happy with the coach, and he was even less happy about practically being threatened by the president of the club that he would never be able to leave.  The project that they tried to sell him was all a lie, leaving him consumed by frustration. 

Paris was his home, his people, and his beloved city, and he never desired to depart its embrace. But his relentless ambition gnawed at his conscience, whispering that remaining stagnant would be a betrayal to the dreams of the little boy from Bondy who yearned to conquer all. The time had come to draw a line in the sand; he had reached his breaking point. Enough was enough.

As he lay sprawled on the couch, his gaze fixed upon the sprawling Paris skyline, an overwhelming headache descended upon him. It felt as though the weight of the entire world rested squarely upon his shoulders. The relentless media scrutiny only exacerbated his turmoil, incessantly hurling names at him and peddling baseless stories about his character (as if they even knew him), and practically harassing him on social media. 

He was just so tired.

The young French captain longed for your presence by his side, but fate had conspired against him as you were working until 6 pm that day. Gazing at his iPhone, he saw that it was merely 5:30 pm, and a sense of dejection washed over him. With a heavy heart, he decided to text you, hoping that he could somehow persuade you to leave early.

Kylian: bébé can u leave early?

Kylian: tu me manques 🙁  (I miss you)

You: aww mon bébé 🙁  (aww my baby)

You: ouvre la porte je suis là 😘 (open the door, I'm here)

Surprised and filled with a glimmer of hope, he swiftly rose from the couch, his anticipation mirrored by the chime of the doorbell. A small smile spread on his fatigued face, as he felt a fraction of the weight burdening his shoulders dissipate. 

Opening the door, he felt a sense of relief surge through his body as he saw your smiling face. 

"Surprise, Kyky," you said, winking at him. Kylian didn't know what had come over him, but he felt his eyes welling up with tears as he pulled you inside, enveloping himself around you as he kicked the door closed. His heart weighed heavy, and he struggled to control his sobs, burying his face in your hair.

Surprised, you wrapped your arms around him, gently stroking the back of his head. "Mon bébé, what happened? Are you okay? Talk to me, mon cœur."

Hearing your voice only intensified his tears. He yearned to share his innermost thoughts, to unburden his soul, but he found himself unable to articulate the complexities of his emotions. The past few days had been gruelling for him. People knew him as a confident, self-assured individual, seemingly impervious to the world's judgments. He felt they took advantage of that side of him and perhaps his confidence enraged them. He felt that it was unfair that they used that to vilify him at every given opportunity. This time the footballer just couldn’t take it anymore, he had reached his breaking point.

You were filled with worry. Never before had you witnessed Kylian break down in such a way. Even after the heart-wrenching moments of missing a penalty at the Euro or losing the World Cup in Qatar, his composure had remained intact. However, the recent news of his decision not to renew with PSG had evidently struck a nerve far deeper than anticipated. You knew people wouldn’t take it kindly but you didn’t think it was going to be this bad. 

"Shh, allez mon amour. Ça va bien aller. I'm here for you," you attempted to console him. Gently pulling back, you held his face between your hands.

The sight that greeted you shattered your heart into a million pieces. Kylian's face was flushed, his cheeks stained with tears. Seeing him in such anguish brought tears to your own eyes. "Ky...," you started, softly wiping away his tears with your thumbs. Shaking his head, Kylian pressed his forehead against yours.

"I can't do this anymore, bébé. Je suis tanné, putain," he cried, gripping your hips tightly, seeking solace and grounding himself in your presence.

"Je sais, mon cœur, je sais," you consoled him, gently guiding him to the couch as he lay down, his head buried in your lap. You caressed his head, your other hand soothingly rubbing his back, placing tender kisses upon his head as you whispered words of comfort.

Gradually, Kylian's sobs subsided, and he lifted his head from your stomach, wiping away his tears as you used a tissue to dab at his runny nose. "Let me get you some water, Ky," you attempted to rise, but Kylian shook his head. "Non, stay please... I just want you to hold me."

"Okay, bébé. Anything you want," you said, placing a gentle kiss upon his forehead. "But please, talk to me, Ky."

Kylian was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, uncertain of where to begin. His emotions and feelings tangled within him, threatening to overwhelm him. It took him a few moments to gather his thoughts.

"I don't know what to do anymore," he whispered, his voice laced with vulnerability. "It feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. Everyone has a fuckin’ opinion about everything I do. If I stay at PSG, I'm a fuckin’ loser who's ruining his career by staying in a farmer's league. If I leave, I'm a traitor who doesn't care about the club, only about money. I can't catch a break, bébé. No matter what I do, I'm always the bad guy, always painted as the fuckin’ villain in whatever fairytale they cook up every week. I feel suffocated, and on top of it all, I feel like a complete piece of shit for dumping all my feelings on you. I've been a shitty fiancé."

“Mon amour, don't say that. You are not a shitty fiancée and I want you to know that I love you so much. Secondly, I want you to talk about your feelings with me because that's what I'm here for. We're in this together bébé. We're a team, and I’ll always be here for you whenever you need me. As for the media, those assholes are just jealous because you’re this confident young man who’s so incredibly talented. They could never hold a candle to you, mon amour. Besides,  most of them are just a bunch of racist fucks.”

“I feel like no matter what I chose, people will still make me out to be a bad guy.”

"Bébé, you can't control that. At the end of the day, you have to make the best decision for yourself, and I'll be right by your side through it all."

You gently caressed his cheek, trying to smooth the lines of worry etched upon his forehead.

"Are you sure, bébé? I just..."

"Kylian, mon amour, mon cœur, ma vie. You mean the world to me. Your dreams are my dreams, and your happiness is my happiness. Wherever you decide to go, I'll be right there beside you, every step of the way."

Gazing into your eyes, Kylian's heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These past few years, sharing his life with someone as extraordinary as you had transformed him into the luckiest man to walk the earth. With every beat of his heart, he recognized that you were not just a partner, but the missing piece that completed his very being—the woman he had always yearned for in his wildest dreams.

In an instant, he surrendered to the intensity of his emotions, his hand instinctively finding the curve of your neck. With a gentle yet possessive grip, he drew you closer, erasing the space between your bodies. Their warmth melded, and the world around them faded into insignificance as their lips collided in a moment of fiery passion.

Time seemed to stand still as their mouths moved in a fervent dance, their souls entwining amidst the raw fervor of their connection. It was a kiss that transcended words, conveying depths of love that mere language could never capture. In that single act, Kylian poured his heart and soul into the embrace, a testament to the profound love and desire he held for you.

The taste of his lips, the electric touch of his hands, and the fusion of their breaths ignited a blazing fire within both of them. Each kiss carried an unspoken promise—a vow of unwavering devotion, a pledge to traverse any obstacle that lay in their path. In that fleeting moment, the world existed solely for the two of them, bound by an unbreakable bond that defied all logic and reason.

As you broke apart, your noses nuzzled together. "But, you know, now that you've decided to leave once your contract ends, maybe choose a city with better weather, oui? I absolutely refuse to have our future babies be born in a cold, rainy place."

A soft chuckle escaped Kylian's lips, blending relief with joy. "I was only joking, bébé. I'm not actually going to Manchester United or Liverpool. Don't worry your pretty little head, princesse."

"You better have been joking because there's no way you're dragging me to a whole new country and knocking me up in the frigid cold.”

“Oh, please. You love it when I do you raw, princesse.”

“ Oh yeah? I'll fly right back and give birth to your child in Marseille,” you retorted, cheeks turning red.

"Take that back, bébé. You're not allowed to say that. No child of mine is going to be a Marseillais."

Laughter filled the air, a melody of hope and love. In that moment, you both knew that no matter the challenges ahead, your bond with Kylian was unbreakable. Together, you would face the uncertainties of life, drawing strength from the unwavering support and affection you shared.

As the night progressed, you held each other close, finding solace in the arms of the one who mattered most. And in that embrace, you both understood that regardless of where fate led the brilliant Kylian Mbappé, love would be your guiding light through the storm, ensuring that the journey ahead brimmed with hope, adventure, and an unyielding bond that would endure forever.

[shitsndgiggs]

Can we get something with Marc Guiu? Maybe where she is a long-time Chelsea fan and she was the one who enouraged him to move to them which was met with a lot of hostility towards her by his fans?

HATE FROM THE FANS - MARC GUIU

In which Marc’s fans are assholes

Marc Guiu x fem! reader

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿

The crisp London air felt invigorating as I made my way toward Stamford Bridge, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Today was a big day for me, and for Marc. We had spent countless evenings discussing his move from Barcelona to Chelsea, and I had been his biggest supporter throughout the process.

It was a dream come true for me to see him play for Chelsea, but the journey had been far from easy.

The move had been a huge decision for Marc, one that I had wholeheartedly encouraged.

I’d been a Chelsea fan for as long as I could remember, and seeing Marc join the team was a dream I had hoped for, not just for him but for me as well.

But the transition hadn’t been smooth. Many Barcelona fans had directed their anger at me, blaming me for Marc’s departure and calling me a traitor.

On social media, I had become a target for a wave of anger and resentment from some Barcelona fans.

The vitriol directed at me online had been overwhelming, but I had tried to ignore it, focusing on supporting Marc and celebrating his achievements.

As I settled into my seat, I glanced at my phone, where the notifications from social media were relentless. I opened one of the many apps, dreading what I might find.

I scrolled through the comments, each one a harsh reminder of the backlash I faced.

It was painful to see how my support for Marc had been twisted into something negative by those who didn’t understand the situation.

Despite the harsh words, I knew that the love and respect I had for Marc were genuine, and that’s what mattered most.

The match began, and I tried to push aside the negativity, focusing on the game. Marc’s performance was spectacular.

He played with a passion and skill that lit up the pitch, and when he scored a stunning goal, the stadium erupted in cheers.

I was overwhelmed with joy and pride, my earlier anxieties momentarily forgotten as I cheered him on.

As the final whistle blew and the crowd’s cheers echoed around the stadium, I couldn’t wait to congratulate Marc.

I hurriedly made my way to the player’s tunnel, eager to share in his joy.

When I reached the tunnel, my phone buzzed with a new notification. Glancing down, I saw a new flood of messages and comments from social media.

As Marc approached, his face was lit up with joy. He spotted me and grinned. “Did you see that goal?” he asked, his eyes shining.

“I did! You were incredible out there!” I exclaimed.

We hugged tightly, and as we pulled away, my phone buzzed again. I fumbled to silence it, but Marc noticed.

He raised an eyebrow and looked at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, just—” I started, but my words were interrupted by another notification. I quickly grabbed my phone, but Marc’s hand was faster. He gently took it from me before I could react.

“Let me see,” he said softly, his eyes scanning the screen.

His expression shifted from confusion to a subtle frown as he read through the comments. The hurt and anger from the online attacks were evident in his eyes, but he remained silent.

“I—” I began, but Marc cut me off gently.

“Let’s not let this ruin tonight,” he said, his voice firm but kind. “You don’t need to deal with this right now.”

I watched in confusion as he began deleting the social media apps from my phone.

“What are you doing?” I asked, feeling a mix of surprise and gratitude.

“You don’t need this right now,” Marc said, his tone gentle but resolute. “Focus on the positive. You’ve been a huge support for me, and that’s what matters.”

I felt a lump in my throat as I watched him work. The weight of the online hostility was heavy, but Marc’s gesture of deleting the apps was a small but powerful act of kindness.

It meant he was looking out for me, even when things were tough.

When he finished, he handed me my phone back with a reassuring smile. “Let’s just enjoy tonight.”

I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. “Thank you, Marc. I just didn’t want to burden you with this.”

He pulled me into another embrace, his warmth comforting. “You’re never a burden. We’re in this together.”

[taurasiluvr]

how you can help palestine

★ req: "HEY HI HEY ok i saw youre accepting requests and thought why not. how about something where reader plays for barca fem and when she first moved to barcelona pedri reached out to her online and offered to show her around and they just bonded REALLY well yk???? thank u ^_^ have a nice week!"

 ⠀ ── ⠀warnings ;; seriously nothing but fluff, flirting and some teasing !!

 ⠀ ── ⠀rylin's notes ;; my requests are open if you guys want to send in something! i write for barcelona + barça femení and some other premier league players, send some innnn!!!!!

 ⠀ ── ⠀word count ;; 1.5k

you first moved to barcelona to join barça femení, leaving behind your time with arsenal. it was your dream team and you had finally gotten a deal, and signed with little hesitation. leaving your teammates was the hardest part ─ however, they understood.

the city felt both exciting and overwhelming, a whirlwind of new experiences and challenges. adjusting to a new team, a different style of play, and a foreign culture pushed you out of your comfort zone, but you embraced it all. the vibrant streets, the passionate fans, and the warm climate quickly made barcelona feel like a warm welcome.

you were a bit nervous but after your first few weeks at training, you slowly adjusted. one of your teammates had invited you out to dinner one night with the team and you agreed, hoping to make some new friends.

after a great night with some friends, you got home with a full heart. barcelona felt like home, now too ─ you knew you'd made the right decision.

while you were scrolling on instagram, you felt your phone buzz. you instinctively glanced up to look at the notification, your eyebrows furrowing at the name.

pedri gonzález | hello! i saw you at the party tonight and wanted to say hello :)

your face flushed at the name, pedri gonzález? the young barça star? you couldn't believe it. you had noticed him at the party, but you'd never imagined he'd take the time to message you. taking a deep breath, you typed back a reply, trying to sound casual despite your excitement.

you | hey! thanks for reaching out. it was a great party, sorry i wasn't able to come say hi lol

you hit send and waited, your mind racing with thoughts of what this could mean. was he hitting on you, or just being polite? you shook your head, reminding yourself to stay grounded. after all, you'd just moved to barcelona and had plenty on your plate with your new team.

a few moments later, your phone buzzed again.

pedri gonzález | absolutely! it’s always fun when everyone gets together. by the way, i’ve seen a few of your matches. you’re an incredible player!

pedri gonzález | since you're new to barcelona i'd love to show you around sometime, maybe a smoothie after training. only if you are free 😁

your cheeks flushed as you read his message. was this really happening? it felt surreal. you took a moment to gather your thoughts before replying, trying to keep your cool.

you | that sounds great! i'd love to. a smoothie after training sounds perfect 😁

you hit send and exhaled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. the idea of spending time with pedri was thrilling, but you also didn't want to read too much into it just yet. maybe he was just being friendly and welcoming.

either way, you decided to enjoy the moment.

the next day at training, you couldn't help but feel a bit more energized. you pushed yourself harder, feeling a renewed sense of motivation. after the session, as you were packing up your things, you saw pedri waiting near the entrance, a friendly smile on his face.

"ready for that smoothie?" he asked, his accent thick as his lips curved into a smile.

you nodded, returning his smile. "absolutely. lead the way."

you and pedri both walked down the hallway, a silence creeping up in between you. however, before you could get too far ─ you heard some noise from the end of the hallway.

you made eye contact with gavi and joao, who were grinning mischievously as they approached.

"look who’s getting cozy," gavi teased, nudging pedri playfully.

joao joined in, chuckling. "taking our new star out already? smooth move."

pedri rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his blush. "come on, guys. just showing a friend around."

gavi smirked. "sure, sure. have fun, you two."

joao gave you a friendly wink. "not too much fun, though-"

"okay, shut up." pedri cut off before sending you nervous smile.

you laughed, feeling more at ease with their playful banter. pedri led you down the hallway, the laughter echoing behind you, you couldn't help but feel a little lighter. the camaraderie among the players was heartwarming and reassuring.

once outside, pedri led you to a cozy smoothie bar. the warm barcelona sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the city. you both ordered your smoothies and found a spot to sit, enjoying the warmth around you, a stark difference from england.

"so, how are you finding barça femení?" he asked as you both sipped on your smoothies, sitting at a cozy outdoor café.

"its been amazing, honestly. the team is fantastic, and the city is incredible. but you know, i'm still adjusting, but it's been a great experience so far," you replied, feeling at ease in his company.

"thats good to hear. i'm sure you'll do great here. and if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out," pedri said, his tone sincere.

"thank you, seriously. you didn't have to... you know, show me around." you smiled, a soft blush spreading on your cheeks.

"no, i know. i wanted to," he remarked, a teasing expression on his face. "you know, i don't show just anyone my favorite smoothie place."

"oh really?" you replied, a teasing edge to your tone. "so... you're saying i'm special?"

"very." he answered, not missing another moment. "very beautiful, too."

wow, he wasn't even being subtle anymore. you laughed, shaking your head at his antics. "wow, you really don't hold back, do you?" you said, laughing and shaking your head at his antics.

pedri grinned, leaning back in his chair. "why should i? life's too short for that."

you couldn't help but admire his confidence. It was refreshing, and it put you at ease. "fair enough."

"how'd you like arsenal?" pedri quippied as he glanced back at you. "you liked it?"

"yeah, of course. it was my first team and that kinda just sticks with you, right?" you answered honestly.

"absolutely," pedri nodded, his expression thoughtful. "your first team always has a special place in your heart. mine was a small club, but it means a lot to me."

you smiled, appreciating the shared sentiment. "yeah, it's where you grow and learn so much. arsenal was like that for me. the fans, the teammates, the whole atmosphere — it was something else."

pedri leaned forward, his interest evident. "what was your best memory from arsenal?"

you thought for a moment, a smile spreading across your face. "probably the day we won the FA cup. it was such an intense match, and the feeling of lifting that trophy with the team was unforgettable."

"that sounds amazing," pedri said, his eyes sparkling. "i've watched some of those matches, you were incredible."

"thank you," you replied, feeling a warmth in his praise. "what about you? what's your favorite memory from playing?"

"scoring my first goal for barça," pedri said without hesitation. "the roar of the camp nou, the feeling of the ball hitting the net... i'll never forget it."

"wow, i can't wait for that feeling." you replied, a small smile on your face. "first goals are always special for... you know, anyone."

he laughed at that, nodding as he leaned back. "very special, indeed. and you'll get it. who knows, i may be watching, too."

you felt a blush as he looked at you, a nervous laugh leaving your lips at his intense gaze. "yeah? you'll cheer for me?"

pedri laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "oh, obviously. i'll be your biggest fan. just make sure you celebrate big so i can spot you from the stands."

you giggled, feeling the warmth of his support. "i'll hold you to that. no pressure, right?"

"none at all," he teased, his smile genuine. "but seriously, i'm looking forward to seeing you make your mark here. you've got a bright future ahead, i can tell."

"thanks, pedri. that means a lot," you said, your blush deepening.

the conversation continued, light and easy. you talked about your favorite places to eat, your hobbies outside of football, and even shared a few funny stories from your respective teams. pedri's stories about his teammates had you in stitches, and you found yourself relaxing more with each passing minute.

before you knew it, hours had passed, and the sun had long set. the city lights twinkled around you, casting a magical glow over the evening.

"i should probably get you back," pedri said, glancing at his watch. "its getting late."

"yeah, you're right," you agreed, though you were reluctant to end the evening.

pedri walked you back to your place, the conversation continuing effortlessly. when you reached your door, you turned to him with a smile.

"thanks again, pedri. today was amazing," you said sincerely.

"anytime, y/n. i'm glad we got to hang out," he replied, his smile warm.

you hesitated for a moment before stepping closer and giving him a quick hug. "goodnight, pedri."

"goodnight, y/n," he said softly, his eyes lingering on yours for a moment longer.

as you watched him walk away, you couldn't help but feel excited about the future. barcelona was starting to feel like home, and with new friends like pedri, you knew you were in for an incredible journey.

if you enjoyed, any interaction is greatly appreciated!

with love, rylin 𝜗𝜚

[yuurei20]

Translation from Twisted Wonderland the 2nd novel: Leona and Jack (pt1/4)

"It was three years ago, when Jack was still in middle school.

He saw the Night Raven College Spelldrive tournament on television, and had been captivated."

With their flawless teamwork, Savanaclaw Dorm had secured an overwhelming victory. And there was one athlete, in particular, that Jack hadn't been able to take his eyes off of. His judgement, agility and skills were beyond compare, and the entire team had revolved around him.

A first year student who had only just enrolled: Leona Kingscholar.

'So this is the kind of amazing person that goes to Night Raven College.' Jack had recorded the match immediately, watching it over and over again.

If he had been on the opposing team, how would he have fought against Leona? If they had been on the same team, how would they have worked together? It was fun just to think about.

The following year, that Malleus Draconia had enrolled in the school. There had been a lot of talk leading up to the competition and, as expected, Malleus alone had dominated with his exceptional talent.

Jack watched Savanaclaw suffer a brutal defeat, but he had not been disappointed. Instead, he had felt a surge of passion. He had been deeply moved by the sight of Leona and his team fighting with all they had, and losing.

Admittedly, those who saw the tournament that day spoke of nothing but Malleus. Not a single other player on the field had been able to leave any sort of impression whatsoever.

But standing and fighting against such a formidable opponent and giving it their all--Savanaclaw had been awe-inspiring.

No matter how incredible Malleus’ power might be, from a team perspective, Savanaclaw—led by Leona, whom they had made into their boss—had excelled far beyond everyone else.

The roar of frustration that Leona released that day had stirred something alive inside of Jack.

Someday, I want to fight someone as strong as he is.

‘Back then, you were so amazing when you tried. That’s why I…!’

‘Don’t act like you already know all that’s going on, new kid!’ Leona’s reprimand echoes around them, putting everyone on edge.

There is no creature alive that will not cower before a lion’s roar.

Even Ruggie, who can be said to be Leona’s confidant, holds his breath.

‘You’re telling me to try? What a joke. And what will that change?’ Leona’s anger is most acute, intimidating to the point it is demoralizing.

Faced with such pressure from a man who is normally so unreadable, Jack feels sweat running down his back."

[glossyblue]

Move to madrid

glossyblue: hiii, a little part to welcome our new player🤍🤝🏻

Summary: you and kylian are going to live in spain, and you're a little stressed about it.

pairing: kylian mbappe × reader

⋆

You've been with Kylian for three years now, and you couldn't be happier. You've supported him through his entire career, and you're thrilled to see him start a new chapter with Real Madrid. But moving from France to Spain is a big change, and you can't help but feel a little stressed about it.

As you pack up your stuff , you can't help but think about all the memories you've made together. You remember the first time you met, at a club where Kylian was with his friends. You were immediately drawn to his talent on the field and his kind and supportive personality off the field. You struck up a conversation, and before you knew it, you were inseparable. Now, as you prepare to start this new adventure together, you can't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. You know that living in a new country will be a big adjustment, but you're confident that you and Kylian can handle anything that comes your way.

As you finish packing, Kylian comes in and wraps his arms around you. 'Hey, are you okay?' he asks, sensing your stress. 'Of course,' you reply, forcing a smile. 'I'm just a little overwhelmed with everything we have to do before the move.' Kylian takes your hand and leads you to the couch. 'Come on, let's take a break,' he says. 'I want to talk to you about something.' You sit down next to him, and he turns to face you. 'I know this move is going to be tough, but I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you,' he says, taking your hands in his. 'You are my everything, and I couldn't have done any of this without you.' Tears well up in your eyes as you listen to him. 'Thank you,' you say, your voice choked with emotion. 'I love you so much, and I'm so excited to start this new chapter with you.' Kylian leans in and kisses you, and you can feel the love and support between you. You know that the move to Spain will be a big change, but with Kylian by your side, you know you can handle anything. As you continue to pack and prepare for the move, you can't help but think about all the funny moments and memories you've shared with Kylian. You remember when he accidentally dyed his hair green before a big game, or when he tried to cook you dinner and ended up burning the pasta. You laugh at these memories and cherish them, knowing that they're just a small part of the incredible journey you're on together.

--------------------------------------- ᵍˡᵒˢˢʸᵇˡᵘᵉ ᵒⁿ ᵗᵘᵐᵇˡʳ💌

[cerastes]

As someone who hasn't touched it yet- how does IS4 stack up? How's first impressions been?

Ok, let me give my thoughts on IS4, now that it's been a week!

TL;DR -> This Rocks, I love it.

IS4 is far, far more polished than IS3. I feel a bit bad blasting and slamming IS3 so much, but the bottom line with it is that it's just very very flawed in ways that really make it hard to revisit it in the same way IS2 is always a fun romp.

If I had to point out flaws with IS4, it'd be that, on a personal level, I wish it had a few more Normal Arknights Maps. The vast majority of maps in IS4 are pranks and checks of some sort. This isn't necessarily a negative, but I do like playing some Tower Defense more frequently than what IS4 allows, since it's always got me worried about "oh god my team lacks X, Floor Y's Map Z checks X, if I get it, I'll D I E " so I try to go for my super tried and true team instead of daring to experiment all that much. This will eventually pass, but it's been a Thing for me.

Besides that, though? I just have a lot of good things to say about it. The systems feel like they were thought out this time: The Fordartals (sp?) system allows for a lot of player expression, agency, and just in general fun in a way the Light system of IS3 can simply never hope to compare to. About the only thing the Light system did right was the way it worked thematically: If you wish to confront The Corrupting Heart, you really, really gotta go in the dark, and for the best possible chance against, Izumik, Mizuki must find the Light again and be filled with hope. Yeah ok sure, thematically, these work, but the gameplay component sucks ass, because Light exists almost exclusively as a form of punishment and in basically no way as something you can use. It opens some roads, sure, but that Rogue Trader and Wish Fulfilled node are not worth having 9 out of you 11 Operators with Metastatic. Speaking of Metastatic, the single worst thing Arknights has done, even if you are maxed out on Collapse in IS4 and are packing four fully upgraded maluses, THAT STILL DOESN'T COMPARE to how bad Metastatic was. Let that sink in.

The endings are no longer RNG! Absolutely wonderful!

Eik is the first IS 2nd Boss I can say I think is good! Frozen Monstrosity was just annoying, Big Sad Lock is incredibly static, and The Last Knight, in my opinion, is the single worst and most boring boss in the entire game, not even just the game mode. Eik is like if The Last Knight didn't suck: Same principle, but done in a way that is actually not snooze-inducing. Mind you, the principle of the fight is still not something I enjoy, but unlike The Last Knight, that's wholly a me thing, as opposed to being an objectively awful and boring fight (like The Last Knight, the worst and most boring boss in Arknights).

Even though I said I'd like some more normal maps, the maps are good, to be honest! I can't think of any Fire and Water Unions or Out of Controls.

IS4 is the Smash of Arknights: (Almost) Everyone Is Here! Brush up on your gimmicks from various events, because they WILL appear.

The Midboss philosophy in IS4 is lovely, in my opinion: It's low HP bosses who can quickly fuck you up in their own way, be it stun, immense conditional damage, or simply supporting their team so well that you get overwhelmed. The Variant stages for the bosses are entire new maps, so that's also cool.

Collapsal enemies are congruent with the map design: Collapsals can be very quick, with a caveat: Normal Collapsal mobs speed up after they get hit, Casters speed up after not attacking for a bit, Aerials are fast but always have many loops and never directly go to the point until after a while. Shattered Champions are the exception, and they can either loop a while or just go straight for the jugular, making them apt Elite units for the faction.

There's much more I could say more concisely, but really, just try the game mode, get your ass kicked a bit, learn it, and then you'll see how coherent the design of IS4 is in terms of systems, maps, enemies, and features. Sorry, IS3, but you got your ass absolutely kicked like I did on my Waves 15 runs when you'd give my 2 main DPS units Metastatic on Floor 5.

[miaaluvspaige]

Beyond the Court

Parring : Breanna Stewart x reader

---

The steady hum of the city filled the air as you sat in a corner booth of a small café in Brooklyn, your fingers tracing the rim of your coffee cup. You’d been in New York for a few months now, slowly finding your way in this massive, vibrant city. You were a basketball fan, but nothing could have prepared you for what would happen after attending that Liberty game a few weeks ago.

It had been an intense match, one of those nail-biting, heart-pounding games that had the crowd on their feet for most of the night. Breanna Stewart had, of course, been the star. She was unstoppable on the court, leading the team with a mix of grace and pure athleticism. Watching her play was mesmerizing; she made it look easy.

After the game, your friends had convinced you to stick around and wait by the players' entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the team. You weren’t sure why you agreed—maybe it was curiosity, maybe it was the buzz of excitement still running through you. But you had waited, and to your surprise, Breanna had walked out, casual in her post-game clothes, with that same quiet confidence she had on the court.

What you didn’t expect was for her to notice you.

"Hey," she had said, her voice low but friendly as she stopped in front of you. "Enjoy the game?"

You’d been starstruck at first, barely managing to stammer out a reply. But something about the way she smiled at you, how genuine she seemed, had put you at ease. One thing led to another, and before you knew it, you’d exchanged numbers.

Now, just a few weeks later, you were meeting up with her again. She had invited you to this café, saying it was one of her favorite low-key spots in Brooklyn. You weren’t sure what this was—friends, something more—but you knew that every time you saw her, your heart beat just a little faster.

The bell above the door chimed, pulling you from your thoughts. You glanced up and immediately spotted her. Breanna walked in with the same presence she had on the court—tall, confident, but with a relaxed, easygoing vibe. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she was dressed in jeans and a simple sweatshirt, looking effortlessly cool.

"Hey," she greeted you with a warm smile as she slid into the seat across from you. "Sorry I’m late. Practice ran over."

"No worries," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "I was just enjoying the coffee."

She chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, it’s good here. Best spot in the neighborhood."

For a moment, you both just sat there, a comfortable silence settling between you. Being around Breanna was easy, despite how intimidating she could seem on the court. Off the court, she was warm, down-to-earth, and incredibly kind.

"So," she said, breaking the silence, "how’s life treating you? Settling into the city yet?"

You nodded, grateful for the change in topic. "It’s been good, just... a lot, you know? But I’m starting to get the hang of things."

"Yeah, New York can be overwhelming at first," she agreed, her eyes meeting yours. "But once you find your rhythm, it’s hard not to love it."

There was a pause, and then she leaned forward slightly, her expression softening. "I’ve been meaning to ask... How are you feeling about us? I know we’ve been hanging out a lot lately, and I don’t want to rush anything, but... I really like spending time with you."

Her words caught you off guard, your heart skipping a beat. You hadn’t expected her to be so direct, but it was one of the things you admired about her—her honesty, her ability to just say what she was thinking without hesitation.

"I like spending time with you too," you admitted, feeling a little shy under her gaze. "I just... wasn’t sure where we stood."

Breanna smiled, her eyes softening even more. "I wasn’t either at first, but... I feel like we’ve got something good here. I mean, if you’re okay with it, I’d like to see where this goes."

Your heart swelled at her words, the warmth in her voice and the sincerity in her eyes making you feel safe, like you could trust her with whatever came next.

"I’d like that too," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

The smile that spread across her face was enough to make your entire day. There was something so genuine, so real about the way she looked at you that it made you feel like you were the only person in the world.

After that, the conversation flowed easily, just like it always did. You talked about basketball, her life in New York, and your experiences adjusting to the city. She was funny, witty, and so much more open than you ever expected.

By the time you finished your coffee, it was dark outside, the city alive with lights and the hum of evening traffic. Breanna stood up and offered you her hand.

"Come on," she said with a playful grin. "I’ll walk you home."

You hesitated for a moment, then slipped your hand into hers, feeling a spark of warmth spread through you at the contact. The walk back to your apartment was quiet, the two of you strolling side by side, hands loosely intertwined. Every now and then, your shoulders would brush, and each time, you felt that same flutter in your chest.

When you finally reached your building, you paused by the front steps, turning to face her. The streetlight cast a soft glow over her face, highlighting the curve of her smile as she looked down at you.

"I had a really good time tonight," you said softly, feeling your heart race.

"Me too," Breanna replied, her voice just as soft. She took a step closer, her hand still holding yours. "Can I see you again?”

“Of course”

[karasuno-planet]

I Hate You- Oikawa Tooru

oikawa rivalry w/ fem!manager!reader

summary: you were flattered when you were chosen to do an interview about the sudden improvement of a once-flightless team, but that feeling quickly faded away when you got there and realized who was also being interviewed...

wc: 1.2k

a/n: wow, I live and breathe?? lol I am back from a big break hoping y'all are still around and hungry for a little Oikawa rivalry, lmk if you want a series. REQUESTS OPEN!

(gif not mine)

There were no words to describe your initial shock when you first got the call. They really wanted to do an interview with me? Despite the fact that you're a second-year, and only the manager of the Karasuno team, you were the one they chose for a story about current Japanese boys volleyball.

It seemed like a no-brainer to say yes, but as you got ready in a little dressing room by yourself, it started to feel way too real, way too scary. The reputation of the entire team was on your shoulders, and the way you conducted yourself in this interview had to be perfect. A little monitor was mounted on the wall of the dressing room, showing you the current broadcast. When the interviewer started to transition the show and introduce a volleyball player, your stomach dropped.

Am I up already? Shit- I'm not ready-

And then you saw him walk on screen, and felt your jaw drop.

A producer spoke to you through the door, "Hey, y/n, you're on in five!"

No way.. I'm going on with him??

This only worsened your growing anxiety- given your history with Oikawa. He had tried to talk to you after Karasuno's match with them in the fall, he even tried to get your number, and he did nothing but ignore him. From what you've heard from Kageyama, he's a total jerk. And ever since his initial rejection from you, you two had been less than friendly. You had made it pretty clear you wanted nothing to do with him, but there you were, finding yourself sweating in the wings, about to go on live TV with him.

You snapped back to reality when you heard the interviewer introducing you, "And to join Oikawa is a new face to volleyball, and she seems to be a vital part of the new success of Karasuno's boys volleyball club. Please welcome y/n l/n!"

You began to walk on, nearly shaking from nerves. The small live audience cheered loudly for you, which made it even more overwhelming. You took the only spot available, on a couch next to Oikawa. He looked at you with distain. You returned the glance.

The interviewer spoke again, "Hello, y/n!"

"Hi-"

You were immediately cut off, "I know you and Oikawa have met before..."

"We certainly have," Oikawa's familiar snarky tone stung your ears. He turned towards you, "You know, when I agreed to do this with a mystery guest, I had a feeling it might be you..."

You frowned slightly, trying to keep a good image for the cameras, "I guess I'm the only surprised one, then..."

"Yes, we thought it might make a fun dynamic to hear from two...conflicting... names in volleyball," The interviewer clarified.

Ahh, so this is a set-up, you thought, They want this to be tense, might as well give them what they're here for...

"Oh, rest assured Oikawa will always give you some drama," you said, clearly getting on his nerves.

"You know, y/n's not so bad at that herself," Oikawa quickly sends a jab back at you. The audience was highly reactive to you and Oikawa, gasping at your every word to each other.

The interviewer seemed content with your bickering, though she started to direct you to a more productive conversation, "So, y/n, what do you think about the quick rise in skill we've seen in Karasuno's team? Who's behind it all?"

You smile as you give the best answer you can, "Well, our returning players are incredibly skilled and have been demonstrating quite a bit of discipline in their training, as well as our new first-years that have come in with a lot of pre-existing talent. Not to mention our new coach."

Oikawa cuts in, "Honestly, Karasuno has only been getting attention from those new first-years, you know that right?"

"Our first-years have definitely been the subject of conversation for our team, sure-" you were cut off again.

"But do you think they're really remarkable, y/n-chan? Is it worth all that hype?" Oikawa eggs you on, mocking you with his tone.

"I think they're pretty great, yeah."

Oikawa mumbles after you, unsatisfied by your response, " 'pretty great...' "

The interviewer watched you two intently in a few seconds of silence, before butting in, "How about your #10 y/n? Is he the leader of your team's success?"

"Hinata is amazing, yeah, he's real driven, but I wouldn't say he's the team leader by any means, that would have to be our captain."

She nodded her head, "Your captain, hmm? Doesn't a lot of a team's leadership come from the setter position, too?" She looked towards Oikawa, who quickly weighed in.

"It certainly does.. but it would make total sense if Karasuno's leadership was dysfunctional- with their setter.." Oikawa scowled at his own mention of Kageyama, and you felt inclined to defend your teammate.

"Our regular setter is pretty phenomenal, actually, He definitely is in charge of the on-court communication, and he does that well."

"Really?" Oikawa scoffs, "The King of the Court? Doesn't Tobio-chan upset you sometimes?"

"Upset me? No, he's a great player and he knows what he's doing-" You pause, thinking of how to turn this on him, "What, Oikawa? Are you that intimidated by him?"

"Intimidated?" He forces a laugh, "No way. He's just selfish, that's all."

"You would know about that..." you jabbed back at him.

The interviewer seemed to be eating this up from her chair, as did the audience. She kept interrogating you two with questions to make you bicker with each other for an entire hour.

It felt like eternity, sitting next to that arrogant setter and staying on your best guard to return his banter, but weirdly enough, your conversation seemed to flow pretty naturally. Once the interview had concluded, you walked off into the wings next to him, and immediately sighed with relief upon getting out of view of the cameras.

Oikawa chuckled at you, "You were nervous, weren't you?"

"uh-" you were totally caught off guard by his question.

"You'll get used to it, I'm sure."

"What are you talking about?"

"C'mon, y/n-chan," he said, in a tone so forced he almost sounded whiny, "didn't you hear the audience in there? They're totally crazy for us. They'll want more."

"Huh?"

"You'd better hold onto this," he slipped a piece of paper into your hand with his phone number scribbled onto it, "I bet you'll want it when you start getting offers for us to make appearances together, I could make a lot of money off you..." He turned and began to walk away from you.

"Oikawa-" he suddenly turned back to you. "You're not going to hear from me, ever. I hate you. Get that through your head."

"Oh sure, I hate you even more, sweetheart. You can tell me more about it on the phone," He walks away completely dismissively, chuckling to himself as if he was the funniest guy in the world.

And there you were, completely speechless, feeling completely like an imposter in your own body. You slipped the piece of paper into your pocket and walked off in the other direction, hoping with all your might that everything Oikawa said was wrong.

thank you so much for reading, does anyone want a part 2? [masterlist]