#jimmy too?? from 3rd to 13th??

[witchwhaat]

so wtf happened when i was asleep 👁👄👁

[stormblessed95]

I sent a timeline into the op, I’ve removed the speculations, so hope this helps some

2023

JM dior show Paris 20th  jan 23 with Hobi 

JM album face promo Feb/march 23

JK visits him at dance practice BB probably Feb time 

1/2 jk goes live bam there 

This is the live where Tae makes him do a instagram live 

3/2 JM live from company late evening 

Same night Jk goes live and JM in comments Jk invites him for fried chicken

Same live where he says Jimins name and bam reacts and runs to the door 

10/2 JM live talks about jk, sings euphoria and talks about acting in photo shoots, 

11/2 jk live at boxing JM comments 

18/2 JM joins Hobi on his bday live at company 

Hobi had said he sees Jimin a lot at company and they play cards 

28/2 jk live talks about going to work and JM is in comments 

4/3 jk goes live gets tipsy 

6/3 JM live at company 

9/3 Yoongi bday, JM records himself watching the live, jk comment on Weverse about marry me thing 

13/3 JM flies to nyc 

Films day with vogue and practice for fallon

And fallon 

14/3 jk. X3 part live on white day- JM abroad but comments- leaves spoiler for smfp2 video teaser at midnight 

19/3 Jimin arrives in Korea 

24/3 Face is released 

24/3 JM on jimmy fallon show not live 

Jk goes love cooking 

27/3 JM goes on suchwita 

28/3 JM live jk spams comments- promos for face are done says to jk that it’s finished, jk says time flies 

28/3 writes I miss you on Weverse , jk replies me too, 

After jk goes live and watches Jimin content including suchwita 

Around early hours- JM replies see you soon the live is cute

29/3- Jimin Weverse live for face 

Late march- all member meal 

31/3- JM on music bank 

2/4 JM on ingagayo 

4th April- JM bb hot 100 live- jk is sleeping comment

8/4 Hobi and Tae go to JKs house and go on Weverse live 

8/4 jk flies to USA 

11/4- JM and Yoongi in weird YouTube show

16/4 jk at cochella 

17/4 Jk arrives home 

19th April - Hobi’s enlistment - epic hug moment 

They were together the night before 

Astro member died 19/4 pm

25/4 JM flies to nyc 

25/4 Jk and Tae attend dream premiere jk comes live straight after it late 

25/4 jk live seems sad and tired and says he is both,,cooks on live

JM had flown to NYC that day 

28/4 Jimin at Tiffany event nyc 

29/4 Jimin at d day concert usa

Jk at lv event in Seoul with Mingyu 

30/4 JM live with Yoongi 

During this time recording Who…

6/5 JM arrives in Korea 

23/5 JM goes to London and HP world

24/5 JK went live , sang angel

27/5 JM arrives home -

5th June Jk live talks about rainy day fight 

Watched Jimin on lee mijun show (sings along to like crazy ) 

12/6 jk falls asleep on live 

13/6 JM letter live for festa 

14/6 jk flying to la

15/6 JM live talks about rainy day fight 

Recording Muse that day too 

22/6 jk arrived home 

Late june- yoongis dday tour attendance Seoul 25th JM and jk 

29/6 jk live working out

1/7 JKs brother posts a pic of family game night ft JMs hand

4/7 jk 4am live with Mingyu 

July seven release 

JK flies to NYC -12/13?

JM flies out next day 13th

14/7 seven is released 

Go missing in NY state for 4 days - Ays filming

18/7 JM flies home 

24/7 jk arrived home from London 

25/7 JM posts about jk bb hot 100

27/7 jk goes live sings letter by Jimin at end 

28/7 - July when they come back from NYC- JKs epic in bed begging JM live 

30/7 jk inkagayo music show v visits him 

Celebrate hot 100  

August - jeju island trip ? Spotted by fans 

12th august- JK in Tokyo with Eunwoo??

3rd august JM d day concert 

3/8 jk goes live 

4th august jk d day concert 

5th august Weverse live JK

23rd and 24th august jk spotted in Busan with Eunwoo and Mingyu eating out 

September - 1/9- JM shirtless pic for JKs birthday 

Jk attends Tiffany even in Seoul. Comes live afterwards….. wearing watch set to JKs. Birthday time.

jK must have prepared 3D content in September 

He must have filmed suchwita on 3/9 ish 

5/9 jk flies to la 

9/9 jk arrived home from la 

12/9 jk flies to nyc

15/9 JM supported v at music show 

16/9 jk arrived home 

Jikook meal with Yoongi at some point ? Spotted but Jimin kind of confirmed this in mmm

21/9 jk flies to nyc 

25/9 jk arrived home 

28/9 chusseouk - JM posts pic on Instagram of whale cloud drawing saying jk did it 

29/9 jk releases 3d 

JM posts single cover 😅 with this emoji

4/10 jk live talked about Jeon Jimin 

Played like crazy x2 and smfp2 and other members songs

Had hung out with 97 friends that day

6/10 jk flies to la 

10/10 jk arrived home 

13 October- JM birthday live days Jk busy makes sad face and such concern 

13/10 jk music bank 

Around here JM Weverse interview said he has been spending time alone which if Jk was gone to 3D he would be 

14/10 jk flies to Budapest 

Oct- Tae posts pics of him and Jikook in jeju from?? 

20/10 jk arrived home 

23/10 jk at ck event Japan 

29/10- JMs production diary live- JK comes on for a minute 

Jm has golden hair…

They found out days before this about the enlistment 

Late October- 30/10 JM fan even

Mini moni music filming he has blonde hair 

3/11 jk live talking about Golden

Tae and JM live outside JKs house

November 4th- golden release 

&& Release party we only know bc JM posts photos 

5/11 jk flies to nyc

11/11 jk arrived home 

15/11- mini moni p2 filming 

16/11 JM flies to Budapest to film who mv 

17/11 ish JM stuck with you this is Jimin dance cover 

19/11 JM arrives home 

20/11 golden live in Seoul 

JM commented that hate you is his fave song

Rm attended 

Around here JM was spotted filming at a hot springs which we now know isn’t one and was a location for his jimmy fallon appearance 22/7/24

22/11- JM records sgmb track video 

Possibly fallon performance too given spotting date posts 

23/11 - they go to Japan together for about a week 

28/11 they arrive home from Japan 

29/11 jk flies to la 

2/11 jk arrived home 

5/12 - jk,JM,v,rm last live before enlistment very touchy feely 

JM said he’d been sick after Japan 

12/12- both at v and rms enlistment 

13/12- they enlisted  together in the buddy system

Very watered down, but I *think* (can't be 100% sure without going and looking everything up right now, but it looks good) totally accurate timeline of Jikook activities through 2023

[tentacledsnakelover]

Wild Kratts Episode Ideas

We made it another year. 2024, specifically, January 3rd, 2024, marks the 13th anniversary of Wild Kratts, which first aired in 2011 with Mom of a Croc. I remember first watching the bros as a toddler with Zoboomafoo, and I have grown up with Wild Kratts, from kindergarten to college. I owe the bros for opening my eyes to how amazing the creature world is. To celebrate, I wanted to share some episode ideas I came up with:

Fish Hacking 101: Chris and Martin desire to master the hunting techniques of the mysterious tentacled snake. But to Gourmand, the obscure serpent is just another ingredient for his latest dish.

Yetis and Leopards: To keep the bros away while they plan a surprise party, Aviva sends the bros looking for snow leopards. However, they find the mysterious cats much quicker than expected, forcing Aviva to keep the bros away from the Tortuga by baiting them with a Yeti robot she built, but snow leopards are great hunters.

Upriver With a Paddlefish: During Tortuga maintenance day, Koki goes kayaking, when she is hit by a jumping sturgeon. Injured and with her creature pod busted, the brothers find an unlikely hope in another strange looking fish.

Inferno the Fire Hawk: While visiting Australia, the crew observe a black kite intentionally setting fires. Paisley learns of this too, and hires Zach to mind control the birds into obeying her.

Dot and Stripe's Big Day: The crew have successfully rehabilitated a pair of orphaned Malayan tapir twins. But the spots the crew have chosen to release the siblings in have each been claimed by older, tougher tapirs. Aviva gives the bros Tapir powers so they can traverse the jungle and find new, suitable territory for the twins.

Ice Day for Salamanders: In the most ambitious experiment yet, the brothers freeze themselves alive in Siberian Salamander Powers for a day. However, Paisley abducts the brothers, intending to auction them off to the other villains to finance her schemes.

The Perfect Mudskipper Name: Martin's attempt to ride a mudskipper lead to him loosing his suit, and a mudskipper merging with it, like Seven did. The now humanoid fish kicks the gang out of the Tortuga, and all efforts to get him out of the ship and the suit fail. The brothers must learn to fight like a mudskipper to win their ship back, and get the fish back to normal.

Parrotfish Beach: While at the beach, Martin chances across a parrotfish. Not having seen one of the vibrant fish since they saved some from Zach and Donita, the team get to work to make a new suit. Meanwhile, Paisley has decided to create her newest road right through the reef, using a monstrosity of a machine she calls, "The Colossus of Roads".

Nudibranch Bingo: After finding a Blue Dragon Sea Slug, the brothers head to the Philippines in a game to see who can find the most species of sea slugs. Unbeknownst to them, Donita has hacked their cameras, so she can find and collect the colorful invertebrates to use in her newest designs, having grown bored of regular gems and jewels.

Hagfish Day: After finding out hagfish have a day dedicated to them, yet barely anybody knows about them, the brothers take the Pulponaut to the bottom of the sea to look for the elusive slime eels.

Jimmy and the Silverback: While his friends go off with a Gorilla troop, Jimmy laments his fear getting in the way of his desire to explore. Fortunately for him, another troop comes to the Tortuga. Unfortunately, the bros, Aviva, Koki, and the first troop, get in trouble, and Jimmy must step up to save his friends, and the gorilla.s

What Big Teeth You Have: While diving, the brothers chance upon a den of Wolf Eels and their eggs. Soon though, the bros must take up the duty to defend the nest after the parents are injured. While their friends take care of the expecting parents, Chris and Martin must keep the eggs safe. But competition is fierce. Octopus and other Wolf Eels want the den, and the brothers must keep them away.

Do the Velvet Worm: The brothers are on a long overdue adventure to find the rare and mysterious velvet worm, who thrive in wet and warm environments. But Paisley's newest scheme threatens to destroy the home of the worms, and all the other creatures there.

Keeping up with the Hornbills: Chris and Martin seal themselves in with an expecting mother Hornbill so that they can document the process, but when Donita teams up with Paisley to collect animals from the forest she is destroying, the tree the bros are in gets tossed into the river.

Condor Crash Course: A malfunction of the Tortuga's new autopilot system causes the ship to crash at the end of the Andes Mountains, and the crew are stuck at the other end. Martin thinks they could traverse the mountains with condor powers, but the trick is to find the birds first.

Quetzals of Then and Now: Aviva tells her friends the story of how her grandmother obtained the feathers of the Corcovado family birdie in a massive creature adventure.

Four Kratts and Some Saigas: The brothers' sisters come to visit, but creature adventuring doesn't stop for family reunions. The crew get a call of a herd of Saiga suffering from a bacteria infection.

Vampire Deer: The brothers learn about Chinese Water Deer, which have fangs in lieu of antlers. But the investigation into these weird deer is interrupted by Donita, who wants to use the deer as material for her new line of formal wear: Donita's Deer-est.

24 Hours in Lake Baikal: From freshwater seals to special sponges, and even weird natural formations, the record-holding Lake Baikal has caught the brothers' interest. It has also caught the interest of Gourmand and Paisley, who team up to make sure the brothers don't interfere.

Queen of the Meerkats: Struck by how fierce meerkats are, Zach captures the head female and several others to use in his new line of "Zach-Tion Figure" toys. Chris and Martin must save the meerkats while their friends keep what's rest of the fragile hierarchy from falling apart.

Olm's World: The brothers realized they never got around to making Olm powers. They return to Europe to find the mysterious "human-fish", so they can figure out the secrets of the unique salamander, such as how it can live for so long despite being blind.

Jamming With Moths: While building more bat boxes for their friend Bite-Size, Chris realizes the Little-Brown Bat, and all the other bats, are struggling to catch moths. The team is spurred by curiosity to determine whether the echolocation of a bat is truly a fool proof adaptation.

Be the Bee Eater: Bee Eaters are disappearing, and Zach is behind it. He plans to mind control the birds and sell them around the world as insect catchers.

Jumping Spider Jubilee: The crew split up to find the most unique species of jumping spiders. They will meet hunters, dancers, and even one little spider who lives up very high.

Night with a Not-Lizard: Impatient to study tuataras, a miniaturized Chris injures his leg, and he must use his skills, and the powers of the Tuatara, to avoid rats and other hungry predators to get back to the Tortuga.

[parkminijiminie]

I’ve got a rough timeline of 2023……

JM dior show Paris 20th  jan 23 with Hobi 

JM album face promo Feb/march 23

JK visits him at dance practice BB probably Feb time 

1/2 jk goes live bam there 

This is the live where Tae makes him do a instagram live 

3/2 JM live from company late evening 

Same night Jk goes live and JM in comments Jk invites him for fried chicken

Same live where he says Jimins name and bam reacts and runs to the door 

10/2 JM live talks about jk, sings euphoria and talks about acting in photo shoots, 

11/2 jk live at boxing JM comments 

18/2 JM joins Hobi on his bday live at company 

Hobi had said he sees Jimin a lot at company and they play cards 

28/2 jk live talks about going to work and JM is in comments 

4/3 jk goes live gets tipsy 

6/3 JM live at company 

9/3 Yoongi bday, JM records himself watching the live, jk comment on Weverse about marry me thing 

13/3 JM flies to nyc 

Films day with vogue and practice for fallon

And fallon 

14/3 jk. X3 part live on white day- JM abroad but comments- leaves spoiler for smfp2 video teaser at midnight 

19/3 Jimin arrives in Korea 

24/3 Face is released 

24/3 JM on jimmy fallon show not live 

Jk goes love cooking 

27/3 JM goes on suchwita 

28/3 JM live jk spams comments- promos for face are done says to jk that it’s finished, jk says time flies 

28/3 writes I miss you on Weverse , jk replies me too, 

After jk goes live and watches Jimin content including suchwita 

Around early hours- JM replies see you soon the live is cute

29/3- Jimin Weverse live for face 

Late march- all member meal 

31/3- JM on music bank 

2/4 JM on ingagayo 

4th April- JM bb hot 100 live- kiss sound at start

8/4 Hobi and Tae go to JKs house and go on Weverse live 

8/4 jk flies to USA 

11/4- JM and Yoongi in weird YouTube show

16/4 jk at cochella 

17/4 Jk arrives home 

19th April - Hobi’s enlistment - epic hug moment 

They were together the night before 

Astro member died 19/4 pm

25/4 JM flies to nyc 

25/4 Jk and Tae attend dream premiere jk comes live straight after it late 

25/4 jk live seems sad and tired and says he is both,,cooks on live

JM had flown to NYC that day 

He did get out the car on the other side which people surmise that’s bc jk is in the car and he was wearing a Ck tee 

28/4 Jimin at Tiffany event nyc 

29/4 Jimin at d day concert usa

Jk at lv event in Seoul with Mingyu 

30/4 JM live with Yoongi 

During this time recording Who…

6/5 JM arrives in Korea 

23/5 JM goes to London and HP world gets out of car the other side 

24/5 JK went live and mentioned that JM had changed the air con settings sings angel part1 

27/5 JM arrives home - jk in car to pick him up? Took ages for them to let him in car 

5th June Jk live talks about rainy day fight 

Watched Jimin on lee mijun show (sings alone to like crazy ) 

12/6 jk falls asleep on live 

13/6 JM letter live for festa 

14/6 jk flying to la

15/6 JM live talks about rainy day fight 

Recording Muse that day too 

22/6 jk arrived home 

Late june- yoongis dday tour attendance Seoul 25th JM and jk 

29/6 jk live working out can hear door chime go off in background 

1/7 JKs brother posts a pic of family game night ft JMs hand

4/7 jk 4am live with Mingyu 

July seven release 

JK flies to NYC -12th

JM flies out next day 13th

Silver day date 

14/7 seven is released 

Go missing in NY state for 4/5 days 

18/7 JM flies home 

24/7 jk arrived home from London 

25/7 JM posts about jk bb hot 100

27/7 jk goes live sings letter by Jimin at end 

28/7 - July when they come back from NYC- JKs epic baker in bed begging JM live 

30/7 jk inkagayo music show v visits him 

Celebrate hot 100 can hear JM laugh in background? 

August - jeju island trip ? Spotted by fans 

12th august- JK with E in Tokyo but suspiciously looks like JM hmm 

3rd august JM d day concert 

3/8 jk goes live 

4th august jk d day concert 

5th august Weverse live JK

23rd and 24th august jk spotted in Busan with Eunwoo and Mingyu eating out 

September - 1/9- JM shirtless pic for JKs birthday 

Jk attends Tiffany even in Seoul. Comes live afterwards….. wearing watch set to JKs. Birthday time. Feet is all I’m saying 

jK must have prepared 3D content in September 

He must have filmed suchwita on 3/9 ish 

5/9 jk flies to la 

9/9 jk arrived home from la 

12/9 jk flies to nyc

15/9 JM supported v at music show 

16/9 jk arrived home 

Jikook meal with Yoongi at some point ? Spotted 

Jimin confirmed this in mmm

21/9 jk flies to nyc 

25/9 jk arrived home 

28/9 chusseouk - JM posts pic on Instagram of whale cloud drawing saying jk did it 

29/9 jk releases 3d 

JM posts single cover 😅 with this emoji

4/10 jk live talked about Jeon Jimin 

Played like crazy x2 and smfp2 and other members songs

Had hung out with 97 friends that day

6/10 jk flies to la 

10/10 jk arrived home 

13 October- JM birthday live days Jk busy makes sad face and such concern 

13/10 jk music bank 

Around here JM Weverse interview said he has been spending time alone which if Jk was gone to 3D he would be 

14/10 jk flies to Budapest 

Oct- Tae posts pics of him and Jikook in jeju from?? 

20/10 jk arrived home 

23/10 jk at ck event Japan 

29/10- JMs production diary live- JK comes on for a minute 

Jm has golden hair…

They found out days before this about the enlistment 

Late October- 30/10 JM fan event- some filming looks suspiciously like JKs handiwork with the zooming in habit 

Mini moni music filming he has blonde hair 

3/11 jk live talking about Golden

Tae and JM live outside his house but Tae says your house to JM.. KA translated it 

November 4th- golden release 

&& Release party we only know bc JM posts photos 

5/11 jk flies to nyc

11/11 jk arrived home 

15/11- mini moni p2 filming 

16/11 JM flies to Budapest to film who mv 

17/11 ish JM stuck with you this is Jimin dance cover 

19/11 JM arrives home 

20/11 golden live in Seoul - JM commented that hate you is his fave song. Rm attended 

Around here JM was spotted filming at a hot springs which we now know isn’t one and was a location for his jimmy fallon appearance 22/7/24

22/11- JM records sgmb track video 

Possibly fallon performance too given spotting date posts 

23/11 - they go to Japan together for about a week 

28/11 they arrive home from Japan 

29/11 jk flies to la 

2/11 jk arrived home 

5/12 - jk,JM,v,rm last live before enlistment very touchy feely 

JM said he’d been sick after Japan 

12/12- both at v and rms enlistment 

13/12- they enlisted  together in the buddy system

THANK YOU !!!

[a-sky-of-diamonds]

Highlights this MCC (personal):

- My two teams (Orange and Yellow) getting third and fourth overall

- My two teams getting first and second in Build Mart (with Yellow far in the lead, as expected)

- Illumina, my POV, getting first individual (from 18th, no less), with a 100% first score in MCC Pride

- Also, him getting first in all three laps of Ace Race, and *breaking the record* for the fastest lap on Clouds – we love watching history happen :)

- wheeeeeee

- Snifferish finishing 26th in Ace Race, when last time they finished 39th I believe

- And Elaina not getting last on that either

- AND Elaina getting 29th overall, when her goal was to get top 30!

- And her getting three kills in the 21v21 dodgebolt and lasting near the end

- Also, Shubble being the last one standing on the ‘red’ team and almost winning the 21v21

- The start of Grid Runners with Orange, they adapted to the new rooms very well and figured out what they had to do in the harder ones very quickly (ie the piston pushing ‘gather the items’ thing)

- Illumina and Martyn winning round three of Hole in the Wall together, with Illumina coming third, third and first, with first individual in that game too

- While we’re at it, Grian winning round two of Hole in the Wall (and probably going crazy, I haven’t watched his VOD yet but I plan to very soon), and getting top five in that game

- And Martyn getting third in it I believe?

- Especially with all those zombies

- Also Illumina CRUSHING TGTTOS as always

- And round one of TGTTOS, with Illumina, Martyn and Elaina all coming top three

- Me Actually Enjoying Battle Box, part two (part one being Lime Llamas, Scott Jimmy Pearl and Quig, in MCC 22, which in a way was even better because nobody expected them to do that well, but they did), with Orange coming third (I think, it may have been second though), and Illumina coming second, with a back to back ace (albeit against Blue and Green, but still a double ace), and almost a third one too (against yellow, BUT Scott got an ace instead so I’m still happy)

- Oh and Snifferish being REALLY good with a bow in Battle Box, getting three kills with no backup just from sniping at the start

- Also all the Ace/Bi jokes in Orange’s POV after Illumina’s aces (”no, I’m bi”)

- and that one ‘biaced’ in Elaina’s chat

- Martyn coming 11th individual, too? And Grian coming 13th?

- And Scott coming in ninth, with SECOND in Ace Race

- (Edit, apparently that was Totally Scott and Totally Not Owen, so rip I guess – especially with Orange’s reactions to Scott coming second-)

- And Gem in 17th I think, and Shubble in 23rd – GG to Yellow basically

- Illumina with 3rd on the petting leaderboard

- Also that one wall of Illumina ace race records 

(with Quig there at the end)

- I didn’t watch Red (well Orange turned to Red in the 21v21 dodge bolt but ya know), but FoolishGamers getting an ace in one of the dodge bolt round was pretty cool, as well as all the could-have-been GizzyGazza 1v3s, with crazy dodging

- But also, NOBODY (at least in Orange) paying attention to the first round of Dodgebolt because everyone was so focused on getting the Mega Bolt reward

- And again, I don’t watch him, but Antfrost coming 2nd was pretty cool too

- And Gizzy getting a really impressive score as well, and in general, Aqua rising to second place as a team nobody saw coming

- That one fountain session in Survival Games

- RIP Martyn suffocating in the border though-

- Orange just slowly creeping up a place each game starting from Battle Box, getting from 6th/7th to 3rd overall

- With Yellow one place behind them, doing the exact same thing

- The last three games all being movement, which to be honest I would have hated from a different POV but luckily I decided to watch Illumina so it was all fine

- WEIRD choice of games for a finale though

- And finally, THE SIMMERS NOT COMING LAST

- But overall, that was an amazing event :) I loved Orange’s dynamic, and Yellow seems awesome too, I’ll be sure to watch Grian’s VOD very soon. 

- so GG guys, and I hoped you enjoyed watching this MCC too, whatever perspective it was from!

(Have a screenshot :D)

(And let’s just not talk about Survival Games and be happy it was third, because Yellow were absolutely crushed and Orange did... not do to good, either. Also Illumina attaching the Simmers and killing Zeus >:[ oh well, karma)

[boldlyvoid]

Hypothetically | Chapter 21-24

Summary: Reader and Spencer were friends in kindergarten, she watched him grow up and explore the world while she was still trying to catch up to him. now that they work together, they fall in love incredibly fast. friends to lovers, case of the week style story.

Warnings 18+: Murderers, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Blood, Guns, mentions of autopsy, Fluff, Falling In Love, Friends to Lovers, bed-sharing, Riding, Unprotected Sex, Virgin Reader, Case of the Week, original crimes, Food mention, Smut, Oral Sex, Light BDSM, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Talk, obgyn appointments and info, Home Invasion, Past Rape/Non-con, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Emotional Manipulation, Grooming, Pedophilia mention, non-con oral (male receiving), Pregnant Sex, Daddy Kink, Breeding Kink, Homophobia, conversion therapy

A/N; thee case in c21 is personal to me, like fictional revenge.

word count so far: 70K (chapter 1-25)

chapter 21

Having Spencer all to herself for 3 weeks straight was an experience she’ll never forget. They had the whole month of January off together, painting and re-decorating their home till it was exactly how they wanted it. It felt like home, it was theirs for real now.

Painting the bedroom green was the best idea she’s ever had. When the sun finally woke them up every morning, it wasn’t as blinding. It was paradise. The golden beams of light cast a beautiful glow around the room, it was like she was in a magic forest at the start of every day.

Spencer was laying on his back, his hair scattered on the pillow. He looked so peaceful, sleeping with his mouth wide open. Y/N was leaning on her elbow, looking down at the beautiful man she had the pleasure of spending the rest of her life with.

She brushed the hair off his face, watching his nose scrunch up as he felt her fingertips on his cheek. The sun on his face made him glow, he looked like a gift from god laying before her.

“Good morning baby,” she whispered softly. Dragging her finger along his jaw and down his neck, “we get to go to work today.”

Spencer stretched as he woke up, slipping an arm under her and pulling her into his chest. She held on tight, kissing his neck as she settled in. “Morning,” he replied. Raspy as ever.

“Wanna go get breakfast?” She asked softly.

He laughed against her skin, “gotta feed the baby.”

“And the wiiiife,” she teased.

“Not for another 11 weeks and 2 days,” he corrected her. “But yes, we should go get breakfast,” he whispered after a moment.

“Come on get up,” she replied with a big smile. He patted her ass as she peeled out of his grasp. Sitting up and stretching, taking a look down at the basketball protruding from her stomach. “Damn.”

“What?” Spencer asked.

She stood up beside the bed and pulled her shirt up, showing Spencer how big her stomach was. Turning sideways so he really got a good look at it. Spencer leaned over and kissed her right on her belly button that was beginning to pop.

“I know your ears are on in there, I love you, Matthew,” Spencer whispered against her skin.

She couldn’t stop smiling, taking a moment to rub her hands over the bump in amazement. “Hi Mr. Matty MaGoo, mommy also loves you.”

“Mr. Matty MaGoo?” Spencer laughed, looking at her with the biggest smile.

“Yes,” She laughed. “It just came to me, and it's going to stick.”

“Derek’s been calling him Mini G,” Spencer added.

“We should tell him it's Matthew, then he can be little Matty G,” Y/N swooned. “Seriously let’s go I miss everyone.”

“Okay, okay go get ready then,” he insisted, getting out of bed and dragging her to the bathroom.

—

Spencer drove, giving her a chance to look over her work emails before the day started. She was still CC’d on a bunch of VICAP things, being able to snoop on what was coming in and inspecting it.

Sometimes Mindy would CC her in just for an opinion.

Subject: Found Something. From; Mindy Patel To; SSA Y/N Y/L/N, Unit Chief SSA Aaron Hotchner, SSA-CL Jennifer Jareau

There’s been a child abduction in Arizona, I’ve pieced together some thing’s I’ve been working on in the background that might help the case if you are called in to assist. Even if you are not I believe you should take a look at this.

Mindy Patel, VICAP.

Attachment

Year: 1998 Victim 1: Emily Lawrence - 13. Kept till 16. Taken: August 3rd, 1998. Williams, AZ Found: June 10th, 2001. Camp Verde, AZ ME: decay has he placed at 48 hours postmortem when she was found - strangled, sexually assaulted long term, extensive throat damage. Never been pregnant. - COD: asphyxiation Info: good student, innocent shy girl. Followed the rules. Taken when walking home from school. Held for 3 years, assaulted and chained. Dumped without care.

Year: 2001 Victim 2: Olivia Tomms - 13. Kept till 16 Taken: August 3rd, 2001. Payson, AZ Found: June 23rd, 2004. Florence, AZ ME: decay has her at about 2 weeks postmortem. - strangled, sexually assaulted long term, extensive throat damage. Never been pregnant. - COD: asphyxiation Info: good student, innocent shy girl. Followed the rules. Taken when walking home from school. Held for 3 years, assaulted and chained. Dumped without care.

Year: 2004 Victim 3: Shelby Summers - 13. Kept till 16. Taken: August 3rd, 2004. Peach Springs, AZ Found: July 16th, 2007. Keams, AZ ME: decay has her at over a month postmortem. - strangled, sexually assaulted long term, extensive throat damage. Never been pregnant. - COD: asphyxiation Info: good student, innocent shy girl. Followed the rules. Taken when walking home from school. Held for 3 years, assaulted and chained. Dumped without care.

Year: 2007 Victim 4: Beth Green - 11. Kept till 13 Taken: August 3rd, 2007. Saint John, AZ Found: January 13th, 2010. @ flagstaff hospital. ME: COD complications from a miscarriage. Massive blood loss. - well taken care of. Throat damage. Signs of being detained long term. Info:good student, innocent shy girl. Followed the rules. Taken when walking home from school. Held for 3 years, assaulted and chained. Dumped with remorse like he didn’t want her to die, and he felt sorry because he loved her.

Newest abduction: Name: Sally Irvine - 12 Taken: February 3rd, 3pm. Middle School pick-up (missing 13 hours now) Witness Report: Italian/greek man. Early 30’s. Claimed to be her parents assistant. Sally was used to going home with random people from her parents' work. Handsome man, very charming and convincing. He wore a suit and drove a Silver Honda Civic. Rust at the back, partial plate HC8.

“Fuck,” Y/N cried silently as she scrolled through all the information, even in a compact form.

“What’s wrong?” Spencer asked, looking over at her with concern.

“Um,” she didn’t really know why she was reacting like this at first. Then it hit her. “Mindy sent me a case and it’s hitting a little too close to home.”

“Would you like to explain it yet? It’s okay if you want to process it alone,” Spencer comforted her easily like it was his second nature.

She let out a deep breath. “There’s a serial killer in Arizona that is kidnapping girls between 11 and 13, only keeping them 3 years. Every ME report says they have extensive internal throat damage, and 3 of the 4 found were never pregnant. This unsub is forcing them into oral for 3 years straight.”

“Fuck,” Spencer agreed. “I think we should take this one, if you can’t I would fully understand.”

“I think the unsub is my rapist.”

Spencer pulled over onto the side of the road. Putting the car in park and flashing the 4-ways. He turned to her softly and looked at her with a blank face.

“Walk me through it.”

“What?”

“If I’m going to go in there with you and tell Hotch that this is the same guy who hurt you, then you’re going to need to explain it to him and the team,” Spencer explained softly. “You’ve never even told me the full story, I don’t know anything about that summer other than the fact something happened. The first time you repeat this in front of me is going to be hard, and I don’t want you to have to do that in front of all of them.”

She couldn’t help herself from letting out a small sob, “okay.”

She took a few minutes to collect her thoughts, and calm down enough to get full words out of her mouth.

“When I was 12,” she started. “My mom went back to work, and she didn’t trust me to watch my brothers because they were rowdy and never listened to me. Like you said, they were more like my older brothers.

“My dad’s best friend, Jimmy, his wife had MS so she was home all the time. They had 3 older children and a few foster boys, she was used to lots of kids being there. And she had a pool to keep us occupied,” she bit her lip before she explained anymore.

“My mom’s birthday is June 8th. That’s when victim 1 was murdered,” was the first fact she explained that related to the case. She handed Spencer her phone so he could read and follow along.

“My dad is a Mason with the Masonic Lodge in Los Vegas, and he was becoming the master of his division on my mom's birthday that year, so we rented a hall and had a big party. Jimmy’s foster son was there, you remember Christopher Torsey? He was a freshman and I was in grade 6, about to enter grade 7, that was when the grooming started. He took me into the back room and asked if anyone had ever kissed me, I said no. He leaned in and kissed me in the dark and I was a giggly mess.

“My parents and his were really friends and he would come over all the time, our dads would drink in the backyard with our mothers till 1 in the morning most weekends. So I spent long periods of time with this boy for a few years, trusting him like a friend before he started anything. That summer he would always find a way to wander off with me, at first it was just kissing in different places where we could be alone together. Then he would touch my boobs, and he had me take my shirt off a few times.”

Spencer looked calm, but the redness in his face and the pulse in his neck told a different story. Her breathing got heavier as she had to recall it all, and she didn’t want him to be so upset.

“We worked at a local church camp together that July, we’d do crafts and sing songs and after all the kids left and we had to clean up, he’d find a way to take me to the room where they held the nativity scene out of season. He’d start kissing and touching me like normal, and then Kendra walked in once and saw and suddenly he went from obsessed with me, to disgusted, saying I came on to him and that it was all me. He was disgusted by me when we were in public, but he loved me apparently behind closed doors.”

“On August 3rd,” a tear slipped down her cheek. “The day the girls go missing. That was the first time he took me back to the shed and said ‘when two people are in love, they do things, and I love you. So you have to,’ He took his, you know, and I’d never seen one before. It was scary and I didn’t want to, I wanted to leave, but he pushed me against the wall and down to my knees.” She had to stop to take a breath, Spencer was crying silently as he watched her explain it all.

“He kept me trapped there while he did it,” she explained. “The worst part is that his parents were hosting a wedding that night, so no one could hear me basically screaming no over the music. He knew that. And so, when I complained about the sore throat the next day, my parents thought it was from all the singing.”

Spencer let out a shaky breath, he looked at her with so much love and sadness, she knew he loved her. She reached across the centre console and wiped the tears off his face, pecking his lips softly before sitting back to continue.

“The dates match up, he was Italian, they’re all 11-13 with throat damage,” she ran it down. “It’s him.”

Spencer licked his lips, wiping the tears off his face before taking a deep breath. “Okay, let’s go tell Hotch.”

Aaron stood up from his desk after Y/N explained the situation, walking up close to her with a sad smile on his face, “this was a very hard thing to come forward with. How would you like to participate in the investigation?” He was soft with her for the first time, it was surreal.

“Um, I’d like to come with you to Arizona,” she said softly. “when Garcia finds him, I’d like to be the one to interview him.”

“Do you think that is a wise idea?” He asked softly.

“When I was 16, years after everything happened. I went to Jimmy’s house for an event, and Christopher was there, and I went to his room. I was so desperate for the bullying to stop. For the lies, he had told about me to go away, that I went in there and apologized to him,” her voice almost disappeared as she got to the end of the sentence. Crying in disbelief. “2 years later he started abducting. I apologized to my rapist and he started kidnapping girls. I need to look him in the eyes and find out why he did it.”

“Okay, let’s tell the team.”

Y/N and Garcia spent an hour building the case files and compiling all the data they had on Christopher Torsey. Joining the team in the briefing room, where Spencer had already relayed the events to the team. Y/N didn’t need to describe it all 3 times in 2 hours.

She passed all the folders out, trying to avoid the looks the team gave her. They were sorry, they respected her, they wanted revenge for her. She knew it all came from a place of love, however, she hated being perceived by others.

It was a trauma thing. For so long people had the wrong idea about her, she was bullied and put down, and hated for no reason. She hates any form of attention, the glances and staring, the whispers of rumours being told as fact. It was stressful.

“Before we start,” she started softly. “Thank you in advance for your concerns, but I’ve been in therapy for 10 years. I’m very happy, this is gonna fuckin’ suck, but at the end of the day I’m coming home to a man who loves me, a baby on the way, and the best friends I can ask for. He’s going to prison. I win.”

Derek smiled at her, “that’s my girl. What did you find?”

“Christopher Torsey was born in November of 1979. His father was extremely abusive, he was in the ER a lot by the time he was 11. His mother killed herself in front of him when he was 12, he also watched his father rape his mother according to his child therapist,” Garcia started. Not knowing how to say the next part without Y/N crying.

“He uh, he said that his dad would tell his mom to be quiet. That-uh, I’m sorry, shouldn’t you say this?”

Y/N stepped in without a second thought. “He said that his father would hold the fact that he loved her over her head to force her into having sex with him. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

“He’s our guy for sure. Do we have an address?” Prentiss asked.

“Yeah, he lives in a double-wide trailer in Cottonwood. Near the back with his own access to the main road,” Y/N explained. “I knew he moved to Arizona when Jimmy finally kicked him out. I haven’t heard from him in years.”

“Y/N is coming with us, wheels up in 20.”

—

Cottonwood PD waited for them to arrive before apprehending him. They were concerned that he would run, with his access to the woods and a four-wheeler in his possession, it was a matter of boxing him in quietly with a backup plan in place and men on the ground.

“Can I suggest something?” Y/N cut into the Police Chief and Hotch’s conversation.

“Sure.”

“Um, what if I walk up in our civilian clothes, and just pretend that we’re there to rub it in his face that I'm happy and in love,” Y/N suggested. “I can wear a wire, you can be in a surveillance van listening in. You’ll be right there if we see Sally or sense something’s up.”

“Are you sure you can do that?” Hotch asked her.

“I am,” she turned to Spencer, “if you can control your temper you can come. If not, I’ll show up with Derek and still rub it in his face that someone loves me now.”

Spencer sighed deeply as he contemplated it. “I’ll kill him,” he admitted. “Take Derek.”

“Let’s get suited up,” Derek patted Spencer’s shoulder. “I won’t let him hurt her again. Don’t worry.”

“I know.” Spencer looked disappointed.

Everyone left the room, leaving Spencer and Y/N alone. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug resting her face against his chest. He softly held her in return, rubbing his hands along her back with his cheek on her head.

“I love you, forever and always,” She reminded him. “And I know how much you love me, believe me. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I didn’t truly believe Chris was wrong.”

She pulled back when she felt a tear on her head. She wiped it softly with her thumb as he leaned his cheek into her palm. “I am loveable, and you love me. I win.”

He laughed softly, “I won too.”

She pulled him into a soft kiss, “I’ll be back in your arms soon.”

“I’ll be in the van watching the whole time, I love you so much,” he added for good measure.

She smiled as she walked away, throwing a fist in the air like the end of the breakfast club. Knowing full well he’d never get the reference. JJ on the other hand, laughed as she followed with Spencer.

They changed into regular clothes, getting in a car from the impound lot and following the surveillance van. Morgan was quiet, Y/N knew he wanted to talk to her, to go over the plan, but he didn’t know how to. The wire wouldn’t be on till they walked out, giving Y/N and Derek their privacy if he ever chose to speak.

“Did you ever confront your guy?” Y/N asked.

He nodded, “Carl Buford. I got to show him who I am now, that I put men like him behind bars. That I’ll always win.”

“Is it a good feeling?”

Derek set his hand palm up on the centre console, looking at her softly as if to ask her to take it. She interlocked their fingers, he rubbed his thumb against her skin.

“You’re right, it fucking sucks. The original pain never goes away, but there is a content feeling knowing he won’t get to hurt another person, that he might get his ass kicked in prison,” he smiled that beautiful Derek smile. “I’ll always be here for when you need someone who gets it.”

“Thank you,” she smiled.

They pulled into the trailer park slowly, separating from the team as they approached Christopher’s trailer. “Just pretend you’re Spencer, treat me the way he would. I know Spencer tells you everything, go off of memory of what he’s said about me.”

“You know he tells me everything?” Derek asked softly, laughing a little to himself.

“Because he also tells me everything,” she smirked. “When he’s tired and he rambles, he tells me about his whole day and that includes when he asks you for advice.”

“You two are gross,” he smiled. “I hope I can replicate it.”

“Come on,” she laughed, getting out of the car and waiting for Derek at the hood.

She took his hand before walking up to the door, a hand on her belly to make it look bigger. Really wanting to show off that she was in a better place than he was.

She knocked, 3 times, stepping back so he could open the door. She didn’t feel scared, she felt anxious in excitement to watch Derek take him to the floor.

“Y/N?” She heard his voice for the first time in 13 years. “What are you doing here?”

“My therapist suggested that I come here and show you someone actually did end up loving me, regardless of what you said,” she explained.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he panicked, flashing his eyes back and forth between her and Derek.

“I can come in and explain it for you if you’d like?” Y/N smiled. “You’ve got nothing to hide I assume? I’m just wildly obsessed with you and a liar right? That’s what you told everyone so I wouldn’t be able to say you forced my head on your dick with the promise that you loved me.”

“I- I uh,” he stuttered. Starting to shake lightly.

“That’s what you do to all the girls, isn’t it, Chris?” Derek cut in, pulling the screen door open and watching as Christopher ran to the back of the house. “We got a runner!!” He announced to the wire.

Y/N didn’t run after him, she knew the team had him. She walked through the house to watch from the back door. Only to find Spencer stiff-arming him.

Christopher flipped over Spencer’s arm, hitting the ground before Spencer was on top of him. Spencer punched him in the face, once, twice, three times before he stopped. Sitting over the unconscious man as he caught his breath. Everyone just watched him. He rolled Christopher over, cuffed him and walked away into the woods.

Y/N carefully jogged into the yard, passing the bleeding and groaning asshole she used to know as she ran after Spencer. He was walking too fast, and he didn’t look like he was going to stop.

“Spencer Walter Reid!” She yelled at him as if she was his mother. “Stop.”

He stopped abruptly, huffing as he did so. He only turned around to face her when she finally caught up to him. “Don’t touch me yet,” he instructed her.

“Okay,” she stopped a foot in front of him. “Look at me, breathe. In and out.” She used her hands as she motioned a breath in, and a release out. She repeated it 4 times, watching him do the same.

“Can I hug you now?” She asked softly.

He nodded, stepping into her space and wrapping himself around her. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“It was actually really appreciated,” she laughed. “I was debating if having a baby at 22 weeks was worth punching him in the face a few times.”

Spencer laughed softly into her shoulder. Squeezing her in his grasp as he breathed her in. “I love you.”

“I love you, more,” she smiled against his neck before pressing a soft kiss to his ever-beating pulse. “Let’s go see the team, come on.”

Y/N was adamant about searching the trailer with the team. Going to the surveillance van for a vest and gloves while Christopher was taken to the police station, and Spencer had his hand wrapped up.

It still smelled like him in there. The smell of his detergent mixed with smoke from the fireplace. It never changed. She noticed his PlayStation was on, he was still interested in games. He still slept with the brown comforter that was on his bed when she was 12. It was worn down, holes gathered at the bottom as it was almost see-through now.

She opened the closet to see a very large metal safe in its place. She took a deep breath, looking at the keypad to see what numbers had been worn down the most, guessing his password.

0803

It popped open, it made her feel sick to her stomach. As she opened it, she heard the muffled screams behind duck tape. Sally Irvine was tied up, hunched over in a tiny metal box while he played GTA.

She wanted to kill him.

“Hey, hey it’s okay,” she shushed the girl. “Sally, my name is Y/N. We’re here to take you home, you're safe now.”

Y/N took the tape off Sally’s mouth softly, the girl sobbed immediately. Not able to say a single thing as Y/N untied her and held Sally in her arms. Sally hugged her back as tight as she could, sobbing into her shirt as Y/N rocked her back and forth. Crying along with her.

“He did it to me when I was 12 too,” Y/N whispered.

Sally pulled back and looked at her with puffy eyes, “really?” She asked. Her voice low and scratchy.

“JJ can you get some water?” She called behind her. “Yes. I was his first.”

“Y/N,” the girl repeated. “That’s what he called me?”

She couldn’t stop the sick feeling in her gut, “let’s get you out of here.” She changed the topic, helping the little girl to her feet and to an ambulance.

Y/N smiled at her as she dropped her off with the EMTs, walking off into the woods as quickly as she could. She leaned over, holding her own hair back as she threw up on the ground.

She swatted away at the hand rubbing her back suddenly, continuing to hurl in the bushes as she heard them behind her, shushing her. She wiped her hand on her mouth before she calmed herself down.

She sighed and turned around to see Morgan. His arms were open for her to hug him, she buried her face in his chest as she cried. Not able to fully process all the information she just heard.

“Let’s get you home,” Derek whispered. Escorting her back to the car, she was done for the day.

chapter 22

Valentine’s day had come and gone by the time they finished their most recent case. Landing in Quantico very late on the 16th of February. Everyone departed the plane slowly, half asleep after the 3-hour flight.

“Did you guys miss any plans?” Y/N asked JJ and Emily as they walked together.

“Yeah,” Emily sighed, “I uh, I’ve been seeing someone.”

“Since when?” JJ asked, both her and Y/N suddenly not tired at all. They stopped on the tarmac and stared at her.

“Um, a few months now,” She blushed.

“Was this the sin to win weekend?” Y/N asked softly.

Emily nodded, “what’s sin to win?” JJ asked just as quietly.

“It’s a weekend for gay people in Atlantic City,” Emily replied. “It’s an easy way to mingle in a safe space.”

“Oh,” JJ was shocked. “Oh, so you’re, and you too?” She pointed at both of them as the information was processed.

Y/N and Emily smiled at her and laughed. “Bi? Yes,” Y/N replied.

“I’m still not sure,” Emily added. She sighed deeply, shaking her head as she tried to speak again. “I’ve never really enjoyed male company? It feels more like a performance than a relationship.”

“I mean good for you for noticing that now, if it wasn’t for Spencer I’d be in the same boat,” Y/N smirked at her. “He’s more than just a pretty face.”

“Wow,” JJ was shocked. “I would’ve never known.”

Emily placed her hand on JJ’s back, leading her towards the charter back to headquarters, “oh you poor, poor, heterosexual woman.”

“She has a cat, she cuts her bangs when she’s stressed and she bites her fingernails,” Y/N explained to JJ as they picked their seats. “She likes pussy, JJ.”

Emily smacked her arm lightly, all of them laughing hysterically. The boys walked onto the bus to their cackling, desperately wanting to know what was so funny.

“I was just telling them, I met someone and I’d like for you to all meet her soon,” Emily explained to the rest of the team. “I think you’ll really like her.”

“No way,” Derek smiled, high-fiving her. “Congrats dude, welcome to the dark side.”

“You too?” JJ was shocked. “Okay, put your hand up if you’re a straight person,” she stretched her arm into the air. Hotch and Rossi joined her.

“Really?” Spencer and Y/N looked at each other with excitement.

“What the fuck?” JJ was dumbfounded. “How did I not know this?”

“It just never came up before,” Derek shrugged. “Tell us more about this girlfriend of yours, Prentiss.”

“Or,” Y/N cut in. “you could bring her to Vegas in April.”

“Why?” Emily smirked at her.

“If you’re all free on April 23rd,” She teased them along. “Spencer and I would like you to come to our wedding at my parent’s house.”

“Oh!” JJ and Emily freaked, “holy shit!”

“So, you guys are in?” She laughed.

“Yeah!”

For 2 in the morning, the bus was the most excited they had ever been. And Penelope didn’t even join them on this trip. Normally it was her making this kind of excitement, Y/N basked in the happiness that filled the bus.

They discussed little details on the way to their cars, standing in the garage for a good 15 minutes as they planned the dates they’d need to arrange to have off. Hotch knew he could pull some strings to use everyone’s vacation time for a few days.

They exchanged hugs before breaking apart for the night. Planning to return around noon that same day. Giving them a sweet 9 hours of peace and quiet.

“We still need to invite Penelope,” Spencer whispered when they were halfway home. Interrupting the silence that Y/N was enjoying.

Y/N laughed softly, watching him drive with a smile on his face. “I only told the rest of them because Penelope somehow hacked into my calendar app, to plan a baby shower around my schedule, and saw the plans.”

“Of course,” he nodded along.

“So yeah,” she smiled. “She’s told me that she wants to throw me a baby shower/bachelorette party now.”

“That would be nice,” Spencer agreed, squeezing her thigh where his hand was always glued to her.

“If we even get more time off before the wedding, I’m crossing every appendage on my body in the hopes all the psychos take the day off!” She laughed, twisting her arms and legs in a demonstration.

He laughed, leaning against the wheel as he tried to keep his focus on the road. “I love you.”

“You better!” She teased him.

It went quiet again. She could hear the tires on the sandy slush. The grinding of pressure as the snow compressed into the tire tread. Small rocks being flicked up from the wheels, smacking the underbelly of the car as they approached their house.

She sighed as she saw the place, the beautiful green door illuminated by the porch light. Screaming ‘welcome home!’ As they pulled into the parking spot.

Sleep surprisingly came easier to her the more pregnant she got. She was used to laying on her left side now, she actually preferred it, because it means that every morning when she woke up, the sun came in just perfectly to make Spencer glow.

The alarm on Spencer’s table started to beep letting them know it was 10:30. She softly watched him roll over and smacked the machine before turning back to her and closing his eyes once more.

“No.”

She huffed in a silent laugh, getting closer to kiss the tip of his nose. “Time to wake up,” she whispered between kisses spread across his face.

He was trying his best not to smile as she peppered his skin with kisses. Pushing him onto his back so she had more skin to cover. It had been a while since they did anything together.

Between the cases and the baby, and everything Spencer learned about her past trauma. He’s been a little distant, and it was starting to make her worry. Dr. Korrapati promised that this sudden burst of anxiety was normal at this stage of pregnancy. It was what contributed the most to the nesting phase, but it still scared her.

She wanted to kiss him, to run her hand down his chest and palm over his boxers until she couldn’t take it anymore. So she did, just a little more seductively.

She moaned softly as she kissed the patch of skin under his ear and down his neck softly. She dragged her fingers over his skin, looping around his nipple as she sucked on his neck. She lifted her leg lightly over his, trying to get some friction between her legs as she kissed him.

“We should probably just go to work,” Spencer softly interjected.

She sighed, dropping her forehead against his shoulder and letting her shoulders slouch.

“I’m not broken!” She sat straight up as she yelled at him. “Can I please just fuck my boyfriend? I have been horny for Weeks,” she wasn’t sure where the sudden burst of emotion came from.

“Oh,” he sat up too, resting his hand on her back softly. “I didn’t realize you wanted to after everything, and the baby? You’ve had a rough few months.”

She laughed lightly, “Spence, of course I do?”

She looked at him softly, cupping his jaw in her hand. “I’ve had to process my trauma before. Yes, it’s still bothering me, and yes I have new trauma that I need to address with my therapist. But,” she emphasized. “I am a woman with needs, and one of those needs is getting railed before work by Doctor Reid.”

“You’re one hundred percent sure?” Spencer asked again.

She smiled and nodded, pushing him back down against the pillows. She resumed her last position, putting her leg between his so they could grind lightly and make out. “If it gets to be too much, I’ll ask you to stop.”

“Okay,” Spencer looked up at her, brushing her hair behind her ear as she hovered over him. “I love you.”

“Prove it,” she teased him, leaning in and kissing his neck again.

He reached behind her to grab her ass, she had noticed his hands gravitating there more as she gained pregnancy weight. She wasn’t complaining either, the way his hands felt on her skin was glorious.

He was putty in her hands, tilting his head to the side so she could kiss, lick and suck wherever she so pleased. She reached her free hand into his hair while he other kept her steady, in the perfect spot to grind against his boney hip.

He was all gasps and heavy breaths underneath her, she raised her leg lightly dragging it over his hardening erection before putting herself back in place. Just wanting to see how far along he was.

She rolled onto her back then, laying flat, waiting for him. He pushed his underwear to his ankles as he flipped on top of her. She was nothing but giggles as Her Spencer came out to play.

Opening her legs, she greeted him back into her grasp as he hovered over her. Both hands planted against the pillow as he looked down at her. His hair falling into his eyes, she pushed his hair back behind his ears.

“You might need a haircut soon,” she teased him, biting her lip softly.

“Shhh,” he whispered.

She took his right hand from beside her head, gripping him by the wrist and guiding him towards her mouth. Taking his middle and ring finger in, sucking on the digits softly. Making him release a sound she’s never heard before.

She looped her tongue around his fingers, spreading them lightly as she licked a stripe through them. Feeling his skin against her teeth, which only seemed to excite him more.

She pulled off with a pop, he looked mesmerized by the trail of spit that connected her bottom lip to his wet fingers. “Fuck,” he gasped as his breathing hitched.

“You know where to put them,” she whispered up at him, staring into his eyes as she bit her lip.

He kissed her quickly, pulling her forward so he could get the t-shirt she was still wearing off her body, throwing it off the bed as he kissed her neck, sucking a mark into the skin as he pushed his hand into her panties.

“Jesus,” he whispered against her neck as he felt how wet she was. “You weren’t kidding.”

Making her twitch slightly as he used the two fingers that were just in her mouth, to drag up and down on her clit. Rubbing it back and forth between the two knuckles.

“Fuck,” she breathed out as she gripped his hair. Palming his scalp while he kept kissing her neck.

She could feel him grinding against the bed as he kissed her, moaning against the space under her ear as he quickened his finger movements.

“I need you to fuck me, like yesterday,” she panted against his mouth, licking his bottom lip after.

He pulled away from her then, lifting her hips to drag her panties down. Keeping them on one of her ankles as he gripped the base of his cock and sat on his knees.

The sight between her legs was phenomenal. The glow of the sun on the lake through the windows as Spencer stroked himself in front of her.

Suddenly, he took both of her knees in his hands. Pushing them to her chest slightly before flipping her over. Extending her hips as he held her ass up. Kissing each cheek softly before straightening his posture.

“Ready?” He asked, she wasn’t expecting it.

Her face pressed into the pillow as she tried to find the best position to support herself. Pushing her hips back in a silent yes. He understood her body language, lining himself up with her and slowly pushing in.

She pushed back against him as well, moaning as she took all of him. “Finally,” she sighed, wiggling against his hips.

He gripped her hips, pushing her off abruptly before slamming back in. She was shocked, letting out a gasped moan as he fucked into her. Taking the instructions too literally, railing her.

She had never been that loud before in her life. Concerned Rossi would be able to hear them from across the lake, but it didn’t stop her. Only enticing him to keep it up.

She pressed her face into the pillow more as she attempted to reach her clit. She couldn’t, “fuck, Spence?”

“Yeah?” He slowed.

She took his hand off her hip, “can’t reach.” Her breath was erratic as she tried to explain.

“Aw poor bunny,” he teased her, slowing to a grind as his fingers ghosted over her clit. “Can’t get yourself off anymore?”

“Please daddy?” She let it slip, feeling his cock twitch inside of her as she did.

He leaned forward, kissing her shoulder softly. “Tell daddy what you want, use your big girl words.”

She pushed back against him, raising herself from the pillow to look over her shoulder at him. “I was going to say breed me, daddy.” She teased, watching his entire personality change. “But it looks like you already did.”

He licked his lips, pushing his hair out of his face as he shook his head at her. “You’re going to regret that.”

She pressed her face back into the pillow and perched her ass back more, ever the invitation. He ran his hand softly over her asscheek, slapping it before he started to fuck her again, reaching around to rub her clit, like she asked, ever so nicely.

They found their rhythm then, pushing against each other in just the right way. Between her deep breathing and the moans she released, the only other thing she could only hear was the sound of their skin slapping together as Spencer fucked her harder than ever before.

“Fuck, sweet Jesus I love your cock,” she praised him, punching into the pillow as she pushed herself back into him, on all 4’s now.

Using his free hand, he spread his fingers through her hair. Gripping her at the roots and pulling her head back as he slammed into her.

“Yes, daddy,” Y/N panted as she felt herself get closer to the edge. “Right there.”

“Cum for me bunny,” he instructed her, “let me fill your perfect little cunt.”

She came with a shout, pushing back against him as his words pushed her over the edge. Not being able to ever say no to that man, feeling his hips shake as he tried to fuck her through his own orgasm.

He pulled out, flipping her limp body back over so she could lay on her back, releasing the pressure on her stomach. Legs still spread as he observed his handiwork, scooping it up with his fingers and pushing it back inside of her. Making her clench up at the feeling.

“Spence-“

“Too much?” He smirked down at her.

She nodded, catching her breath as he just sat there. Still, on his knees, cock now soft and resting against his leg. She preached herself up on her forearms, shaking her head at him as she bit her lip.

“Where the fuck did that come from?” She asked him.

“I have no idea,” he laughed. “But hypothetically,” he bit his lip and raised his eyebrow. “I wouldn’t mind revisiting that on a later date.”

She laughed, dropping back against the sheets. “Me either.”

—

She waddled from the car to the elevator. A mixture of pregnancy and over-extending her hips, exercising with Spencer. Lamaze class more specifically, if anyone asked.

“I should really start calling you ducky,” Spencer whispered in the elevator.

“I hate you,” she bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.

“Really?” He teased her, “because if I recall 27 minutes and 15 seconds ago when you were saying ‘fuck, sweet Jesus, I love your cock,’” he whispered into her ear.

The elevator doors opened as her jaw dropped, “notice how I specified which part, Doctor Reid?” She answered abruptly, walking out towards her coworkers.

“So that’s how it’s going to be?” He said as he followed her. Making everyone turn around to see them.

“What’s going on?” Morgan noticed it first.

“Nothing,” Y/N rolled her eyes. “Just correcting the genius.”

“On?” Prentiss pried.

“Well this morning she said and I quote-“

“I will cut your balls off and hang them from the mirror in my car,” she snapped, glaring at him as she pointed her finger in his direction.

“Mama’s got claws,” Morgan laughed at them. “Damn.”

Spencer wrapped his arms around her, kissing her cheek in front of everyone. She turned pink, pretending to be pissed while a smile crept onto her face.

“She loves me,” Spencer smiled, pressing their cheeks together.

“One part, it’s nice to me and doesn’t talk back,” she replied, making everyone laugh as Spencer shook his head.

“Okay, you win,” he put his hands up in surrender as he backed away. Opening the door to the bullpen and disappearing behind his desk.

chapter 23

St. Patrick’s Day was never a holiday that Y/N or Spencer really cared for. Yes, they wore green to work, but other than that they didn’t really see the hype. They were Halloween people.

Will and JJ, on the other hand, went all out.

It was something to do with Will’s love for beer and his frat-boy attitude. Explaining to them that morning in the bullpen that the best parties on his college campus were around St. Patrick’s day and Mardi Gras, making February and March party central in his life.

They walked in with little Henry, decked out in green from head to toe. Green beads around his neck, gold chocolate coins in a basket, and the cutest little shamrock light-up head bopper.

“Look at you!!” Y/N called out to Henry as she walked into the room. Opening her arms up and leaning down to pick him up as he ran into her arms.

“Any Y/N!” Henry called her, not being able to say his T’s yet.

She pressed his tiny cheek against her face as she picked him up and snuggled him against her chest. It was getting harder to pick him up now that she was pregnant but she wasn’t going to miss a Henry snuggle.

“Since when did the FBI consult with leprechauns?” She asked him, booping her nose against him.

“Nooo,” Henry leaned back in her arms, “I’m not a leopard-con,” he tried his best to say the word. Making the team all laugh.

“Well, either way, why’s my favourite little guy here today?”

“Hey?” Spencer complained.

She leaned her elbow into him, “hi unca Spence,” Henry smiled at him. Spencer ran his fingers through Henry’s hair, messing it up under the headband.

“He wanted his godparents to see his outfit before the party at daycare today!” JJ explained with excitement.

Y/N placed him back on his feet, “go on the, show it off!”

He walked around the room, doing a fake model strut as he shook his diapered butt, walking towards the stairs before running back. “Woooow!” Everyone clapped and cheered.

Y/N looked up from Henry’s gaze, seeing Emily in Hotch’s office with a blond woman she didn’t recognize, “what’s going on in there?” She pointed.

“They’ve been in there all morning,” Rossi explained. “I think that’s the girlfriend.”

“How so?” Spencer asked, moving across the room to get a better view through the blinds.

“The way Emily leans against her, hand on her arm like that as she speaks. That’s the same way you and lady boy-wonder act when you’re in there together,” Rossi raised an eyebrow at them.

“Ahh,” Y/N smirked. “I wonder what happened, no one talks to Hotch with the door closed unless they need us to look into something.”

“I’ve gotta go,” Will cut in, scooping Henry up from the carpet with a tight-lipped smile.

“Bye buddy,” Y/N scrunched her nose at him, getting in close to press their noses together. “Have a good day today.”

“Bye, love you,” JJ kissed both her boys and watched them leave the room.

“they’re the best,” Y/N said as she wrapped an arm around JJ.

“Anyone want to go sit and have coffee while we wait for them?” Derek asked prior to a long yawn.

Rossi patted Derek on the back, leading him up the stairs and towards the briefing room. The remaining team members following their lead, discovering fresh donuts and flowers waiting for them.

“A gift for helping in advance, -Noelle” Read the small card on the table.

“Emily’s girlfriend?” JJ pondered, holding the card up and waving it slightly.

“I like her already,” Derek said, kicking his feet back and taking a donut.

Hotch walked in with Emily and Mindy 45 minutes later. Following them was a beautiful blond woman, probably 6’1 even in her flat running shoes. She was wearing cuffed blue skinny jeans and a big Barbie Pink petticoat.

She smiled lightly as she walked in, glueing herself to Emily’s side. “This is Noelle, my partner, Noelle these are my co-workers.”

“Hi!” She waved, “let me guess. Chocolate thunder, Derek Morgan.” She pointed to the nearest person to her.

“Correct,” Derek nodded in her direction.

“You would have to be Penelope Garcia,” she guessed right once again. “Emily was right, your aura is very bright.”

“Oh,” Penelope blushed.

“Y/N and Spencer, she said you’d be basically sitting on top of each other,” making everyone on the team laugh. “JJ, she said you’re like wonder woman, you look more like you could be cast as Super Girl if you ask me.”

JJ blushed, “thank you, Henry would agree.”

“Rossi, I already knew you. I love your books,” she fangirled a little. Something Rossi was incredibly used to.

“Signing hours are from 6-8,” he teased her.

Noelle laughed, her smile wide and toothy. “It’s lovely to meet you all.”

“Noelle has come in today with concerns that local gay men in her circle of friends are going missing. Over the last few holidays, 3 of her friends have disappeared. Dropping all contact after a trip to the bar,” Hotch explained.

“I’m a firefighter,” Noelle explained. “I have a Facebook group of friends who are gay and in the forces in any capacity. Just to let each other know where they’re going, to be safe.”

“Smart system,” Rossi complimented. “But also incredibly easy for someone to pose as trustful to gain access and track them.”

“That’s what I was thinking,” Emily’s pressed lip smile portraying just how uncomfortable she was with the situation. “I’ve met our supposed victim number 3. Officer Perry is a great man and we haven’t heard from him since Friday.”

“Where was he going?” Y/N asked.

“He was at the bar with us on Friday for a little, we got a few beers and then he said he was meeting with a guy he met online, he was never big into online dating or even dating in general. He didn’t know how to be an officer and gay at the same time,” Noelle explained the situation fully. “He is one of my best friends, I excused it Saturday when he didn’t call cause I guessed he was having a good time. But when he missed Sunday dinner I knew something was wrong. I begged Emily to let me pitch this to you.”

“I believe you,” Hotch added. “Which is why I’ve asked Mindy Patel from VICAP to join us today.”

Mindy waved, she dressed more like a techie than an agent. Beanie, headphones on her neck and a big black sweater.

“Strauss and I agreed it would be beneficial to have a member of the team solely responsible for going through VICAP coincidences and letting us know. We stumble across too many rare cases thanks to Y/N and Mindy,” Hotch explained. “Mindy Patel is now officially VICAP Liaison. Her office will be across from Garcia’s from now on, she’s going to be our eyes and ears in the missing person world for the time being.”

“I took into account the fact that your friends were all masc for masc, on the police force in some capacity and male obviously,” Mindy explained. “And I found the two men from Valentines Day and New Years, and then more going back every major holiday for the last 2 years as of this St. Patrick’s day.”

“We’ve compiled the data and sent it to Garcia, it’ll be on your tablets shortly,” Hotch confirmed. “I’d like everyone to split up into teams and take an apartment of the most recent 3 victims. Prentiss and Rossi, you get New Years’.”

“Yes sir,” Emily agreed. “Noelle can stay here with Penelope for insight.”

“Yes. Reid, Y/N and Morgan, you’ll take officer Perry’s apartment. It’s the freshest so I need the best eyes.”

“Absolutely,” they replied in unison.

“Myself and JJ are going to the Valentines Day abduction,” check in with Garcia when you need to, fill me in on everything. Good luck.”

—

“Yeah a cop lives here,” Y/N laughed as she searched through the carefully organized home. Combing the place over for the slightest abnormality.

“He definitely wasn’t taken,” Morgan agreed. “He went willingly and never made it home.”

Dust was starting to settle on his possessions. Photos on the wall looked blurry as the sun shined through the windows. It smelled stale, no one had opened the windows in a while and the man who lived here worked out.

His clothing was organized by category. His laundry had 3 separate baskets for darks, lights and colours. Inside his bedside drawers, all his condoms were lined up by type. He was definitely anal about something.

“Guys?” Spencer called from the office.

Morgan and Y/N followed the sound of his voice, seeing him hunched over an iMac. “I moved the mouse and it’s open and unlocked.”

“But you don’t know what to do?” She teased him.

“Yeah,” he blushed. Watching Y/N sit in the desk chair and start looking through his things.

“His Facebook is pretty basic, he checked in at the bar with a photo here of him with Emily and Noelle, and then he went offline. He doesn’t have Twitter or Tumblr logged in, so I’m guessing he doesn’t have that,” Y/N explains as she stalked his activity. “In his history, your male basics. Case research, pornhub, Facebook, Hotmail… hold on.”

She read through all the subjects, all looking pretty normal. “What would a gay man hiding his sex life from his co-workers disguise his emails as?”

“Work-out appointments,” Morgan answered almost too quickly.

‘Workout’ she typed into the search bar. Seeing 15 messages from another man named domworkouts@hotmail.com. “got him, call Garcia.”

“Hey baby girl,” Derek spoke softly as she answered. “We got Jensen Perry’s computer open, his email shows he’s been working out with a domworkouts@hotmail.com.”

“Already working my finger magic,” she teased him. Hanging up before he could say anything back.

“That woman will be the death of me,” he sighed.

“I don’t think we’ll find anything else here, our best bet is with Garcia,” Y/N admitted as she closed all the windows. “Wait,” she pulled up the search and typed in ‘find my iPhone,’ “if he has a Mac he has an iPhone, not many people blend their tech.”

Last ping: 2256 Sheerly Lane, Friday at 23:56.

“I’ll call Hotch while you drive,” Y/N said, pulling out her phone and following the men out the door.

Morgan followed the GPS 15 minutes down the street to an apartment complex. It was worn down and looked as if no one had taken care of it in the last 25 years. “I’m calling Garcia before you go in, I don’t feel good about this.”

“Hey doll,” Garcia’s cheery voice was a nice refresher.

“Hey, do you have any info on who owns and occupies 2256, Sheerly Lane?” Y/N asked softly. “Also send backup to this location, it’s where Perry’s iPhone is apparently and it looks sketchy as hell.”

She heard the clicking of the keys before she heard Garcia’s reply. “Yep, we have 1 occupant. Amy Romano, 46, left the building after her mother died. She’s been living there in room 333 for years, not renting any rooms out at all in the last 3 years.”

“A woman?” Morgan was shocked.

“Must be why we’ve never found the bodies, female serial killers are 90% less likely to ever be caught,” Reid added his fun fact, one she’s heard from him a handful of times before.

“Exactly,” Y/N agreed. “What do we know about her?”

“She’s an interesting one,” Garcia’s tone changed. “Her father was a minister, big bible freak. Her mother was the maid here at the hotel before being given the deed from the original owner’s family. She died in 1988.”

“How much of the religious upbringing rubbed off on her?”

“Enough to make her have multiple psychotic breaks, being diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 15,” Garcia gained more insight. “Claimed to have been visited by God, and was told sinners are punished by word of god. That one day she would be the one to follow his word for the righteous man.”

“What if she’s doing her own form of conversion therapy?” Y/N gasped. “She’s not killing them. She’s following god’s word and freeing them from their sins. This is the perfect place to keep them. Locking them in rooms away from each other, secluding them and only subjecting them to a female for long periods of time.”

“Garcia, we need back up right now,” Morgan stressed.

“they’re 4 minutes out, good luck in there my babies.”

“See you soon, baby girl.”

Being left out of raids was weird to her, watching Spencer put on a bullet-proof vest and load his gun without her cover made her anxious. Luckily, she got to stand with JJ outside. Watching the building as they listened over their radiofrequency.

“Clear,” Morgan spoke over the system.

“Clear here as well,” Hotch said. “Meet me at the stairwell.”

“I hate this,” Y/N whispered.

JJ ran her hand along Y/N’s back softly, “me too.”

“Floor 3, room 33,” Hotch explained. “I’ll kick in the door, Morgan, you enter first. Spencer and Prentiss, follow our lead.”

Not having a visual was the worst part. There was no way to know where they were or who was there. They worked on sounds, if and when the team decided to speak.

“1, 2, 3,” Morgan whispered before they heard the door smash in. “FBI!”

Then it was silent again, too quiet for anyone’s liking, staring up at the third floor trying to hear everything in the neighbourhood.

“Amy Romano put the gun down!”

“No!” They heard before 4 shots were fired.

Y/N’s heart was in her throat; she couldn’t hear anything going on inside. The officers asked over the radio for updates, hearing nothing in return. Y/N couldn’t stop herself from running towards the apartment buildings before anyone could catch her. Up 3 flights of stairs, drawing her gun and walking towards the room.

Morgan was shot in the arm, down. Prentiss, hiding behind a table with Morgan and Spencer as she tried to stop the bleeding. Hotch in the unsub’s grasp, fighting for a gun.

Hotch noticed Y/N in the doorway. Kicking the unsub down. Y/N wrapped her arm around the unsub’s neck, putting her in a headlock as Hotch attempted to cuff her. She struggled like a wet fish against them, slipping out of her grasp and falling to the floor.

“If God wants to tell me to stop, he’ll tell me himself!” She screamed.

Y/N presses her gun to her head, “he just did.”

“Amy Romano you’re under arrest for the kidnapping of 24 men, attempted murder of a federal agent and resisting arrest,” Hotch explained as he cuffed her.

“Y/N!” Spencer stood up, looking at her like she was the crazy person. “We agreed, 3rd trimester, no fieldwork.”

“You didn’t reply on the radio and suddenly I was here,” Y/N explained, “I’m sorry.”

“We need EMTs, Morgan’s been shot in the arm. The bleeding is under control, just hurry.” Prentiss ordered over the radio.

“Y/L/N is going to need to get checked as well,” Spencer added.

“Why?”

“You ran up three flights of stairs, wrestled an unsub and got elbowed in the side,” Spencer explained, taking her hand and leading her out of the room.

“I’m sorry, I get it now I really do,” Y/N stopped him in the hallway, holding him in her arms. “I don’t like when I can’t see that you’re safe.”

Spencer kissed the top of her head, “I love you.”

“The baby’s kicking,” she replied softly, “that’s good right? 4 movements in 30 minutes after activity is a good thing.”

Spencer laughed, pulling back to feel her belly. “I’m sure he’s all hopped up on adrenaline now, come on let’s get him looked at quickly.”

—

They found 16 of the 24 men alive and in critical condition inside the apartment building. SCSI was canvassing the scene with local cops, taping up the building and surrounding property while the city discussed demolishing the building altogether.

Y/N was able to witness Noelle running into Jensen Perry’s arms, hugging him as they cried in his hospital bed. Y/N could imagine the trauma he was going through, the terror and the fear of something you really don’t want, happening anyway.

“Why do people do terrible things in the name of God?” Y/N whispered towards Spencer, looking up at him with soft eyes. Truly curious.

“The religious system runs similarly to cults, they believe the words are to be followed and thus they will gain entrance to heaven. If there’s one thing humans are afraid of more than dying, it’s internal damnation. Holding the fact that they will suffer in death over their head is a way to get them to do anything.” Spencer explained softly. “With the right person, the wrong message can actually sound like a pretty good thing.”

Y/N let out a deep sigh, “how do you raise a good child in a fucked up world?”

“Matthew, 18; 1 through 5, At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Spencer repeated the bible verse softly. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.”

Y/N smiled, “I like that.”

“He was always supposed to be good, he has you as his mother.”

chapter 24

April rolled around out of nowhere. Suddenly the snow had all melted, the birds were returning, and the trees were starting to bud thanks to the week of thunderstorms.

Love was in the air, both in the wild and in Y/N’s life.

The wedding’s in 2 weeks and she’s growing daily. She wanted to wait till the last possible moment to get her dress. Wanting it to actually fit over her stomach on the big day without any struggle.

Being placed on office duty for the rest of her pregnancy made it easier, not being allowed to leave Mindy and Penelope's side, under direct order from Aaron Hotchner. She was starting to notice that the more pregnant she got, the more the men of the team wanted to protect her as well.

JJ said it was the same for her the first time, all the alpha personalities came out around the third trimester. It was like they didn’t quite register that a woman on the team was pregnant till it was abundantly clear.

The girls had all agreed to go to the dress store with Y/N when they had a free afternoon, but that didn’t seem to be happening any time soon. Y/N ended up going by herself between cases while Spencer was on a flight, trying on 6 different dresses before she found one that made her happy.

The sales associate was being extra nice to her, knowing she had both a big budget and no time. It was an easy sale, but this wasn’t an easy decision.

She tried a sleeveless, skin-tight number on first. Not being able to even move once she got in it, not even bothering to look in the mirror. It wasn’t right, that was for sure.

Eventually, by #5 they had an idea of what she wanted. Long sleeves to hide her stretch marks, it had to be flowy but still show off the bump. And she wanted lace, embroidery even. Something that made it different, something that was more like her. Always growing, changing, adapting.

She was wandering the racks when she saw it.

It was so long, the train had to be at least 6 feet. It was light, made with sheer fabric so it would twist and flow with whatever direction she ran or danced. She could imagine walking through the grass with the train flowing behind her with purpose.

The most wonderful aspect was the long sleeves and the neckline. Cupping her chest perfectly with a nice ribbon right above her bump. The entire dress reminded her of something, the floral embroidery sending her back to a dress she remembers from her childhood, not able to place it but knowing it in her heart.

She looked in the mirror at herself, she felt beautiful. She shook her head lightly as a tear fell down her cheek. “It’s perfect,” she whispered.

The sales associate shook a big bell then, causing everyone to look at her and cheer. “Are you saying yes?” She asked, as cheesy as it was, she loved it.

“Yes!” She cheered back, feeling the love from everyone in the store.

The dress was huge, she laid the bag against her passenger seat and stared at it for a while. It felt a little crazy that she was getting married in a few days, even crazier that she was having a baby in 2 months.

Her phone rang as she started to leave. “Hewwo?” She answered softly, knowing it was Spencer.

“I just got home, where are you?”

“Oh,” she smiled. “Penelope said you guys wouldn’t be back until 9, I went and picked out a dress.”

“Alone?” He sounded sad.

“It was better this way, I picked it for me and no one else,” she reassured him. “I’m on my way home now though baby, I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay, drive safe. I love you,” Spencer replied, his voice nothing more than a whisper.

“Love you too,” she hung up.

She sighed, turning on the stereo and driving home to her favourite albums. Driving alone was different for her now, she used to love just escaping into the Virginia wilderness, picking a road and an album and just going somewhere.

Driving with Spencer meant silence, hand-holding, humming and ha-ing as he discovered new facts that intrigued him. She loved it, the ambiance of Doctor Spencer Reid was not something you could replicate, it was special and calming and wonderful.

She couldn’t wait to get home to him.

He was waiting on the front porch as she rolled into the driveway. Joining her at the car, wanting to help her carry her things inside. “Hi,” she smiled at him as she stepped out.

He pulled her into a hug, kissing her cheek softly. “Want some help?”

“If you don’t mind carrying in my dress, I need to pee so bad!” She said, almost about to run inside when he stopped her.

“Like how bad?” He asked.

“Excuse me?”

“If you were to get surprised would you pee your pants?” He tried not to laugh as he asked.

“Spence?”

“Just go in,” he said softly.

She sighed, knowing what this meant. Walking up the stairs slowly, turning the doorknob just as slow. Not ready to have her eardrums blown out.

“Surprise!!”

Sure enough, there were balloons and flowers and her friends gathered all inside her front hall. “Oh my god?”

Penelope wrapped her in a hug first, “your first baby shower has to be special!”

“You guys really didn’t have to do this?” She was so shocked to be getting attention that she felt a little embarrassed.

“We wanted to,” JJ hugged her next, their bumps too big to hug normally, opting for more of a side snuggle. “I got you something to change into before we get started.”

Y/N took the small blue bag from her, kicking her shoes off before they went upstairs. Spencer joining with her wedding dress, hanging it in the closet and slipping back downstairs, unnoticed.

Y/N opened the gift bag on her bed, JJ looked around the room for the first time ever. Looking at the photos of their first day of kindergarten on the wall, the artwork they chose. How Spencer wrote notes to her on the mirror with whiteboard markers.

“You guys are really cute,” she smiled.

“Thanks,” she smiled.

Finally taking the dress out of the bag, it was just something simple. Blue with pink flowers. Something she’d definitely pick out on her own. “This is so beautiful!”

“I got it when I was pregnant with Henry and never had a chance to wear it,” She smiled, “thought that you’d like it more.”

Y/N hugged her, “seriously this is the best thing you guys could’ve done for me!”

“I’m also going to need a pink dress,” JJ said softly in her grasp.

“No?” Y/N was shocked. “Really a mini JJ?”

“Yeah,” she smiled softly. “Hurry up we have more surprises for you downstairs!”

—

It took her longer than she hoped to get changed. The baby was just big enough to make her winded all the time now. Having to stop and take a breather just from taking her pants off. Not to mention the struggle of standing up after peeing.

When she finally made it back down the stairs on her swollen feet, she heard a familiar giggle that she loved very much. “You didn’t?”

JJ smiled, “it was Rossi and Will, they flew them all in and got them here.”

Her parents, brothers and wives were all in the kitchen waiting for her. Then she saw Diana, who was pressed up close to Spencer having a conversation in their own little world.

She walked in and cried, hugging her parents for the first time in 5 months. Showing off her big baby bump and chunky face for the first time too.

“You look amazing!” Her mom complimented her, taking her hand and making her spin slowly.

“Thank you, I feel huge,” she smiled. “I can’t believe you guys are here, I’m literally coming home in 2 weeks!”

“When David Rossi calls you and says he has a jet picking us up, you don’t just say no,” her father laughed, wrapping his arm around Rossi. They were going to be something else together.

She gave Diana a big hug when she could, watching her rub her belly and talk to the baby through her stomach for a good 10 minutes. It was so cute, everyone in the room watched and swooned. Secretly always hoping Spencer’s family got a moment like this.

After dealing with the Riley Jenkins case, and Gideon leaving, they worried for him. They never expected him to just show up one day with a girl and start the rest of his life the way he did. But it just made sense. He sped through school and early adulthood well before Y/N, now they’re moving fast, just together.

They had pizza for dinner, spreading 6 different kinds across the counter and telling everyone to dig in. Y/N took a slice and walked around, mingling with everyone to ensure she thanked them for coming.

“Henry!” She finally found him with Chloe and Lizzie. He ran into her arms, giving her a big hug. “Did you meet my niece?”

“You’re my any?” He questioned her right back.

“Come here Clo,” she called her over, huddling them both in close to her. “You both get to call me aunty Y/N, isn’t that so cool? You’re new friends and you share an aunty!”

Chloe gave her a big hug, she was getting bigger and bigger every day, about to turn 4 in a few months. It felt a little crazy, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“How are you?” She asked her softly.

“I’m good,” she whispered at her, smiling before hiding her face in her dress.

“Are you having fun here? Did you meet buddy yet?”

“No!” Chloe’s face lit up.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” She gasped at them both, getting back up to her feet and walking with them to where Buddy hid in the laundry room.

He was curled into a ball in a basket of towels, peaceful in the quietest room in the house.

Chloe and Henry took turns petting Buddy, kissing his head and playing with his tail, it was good for him to get a little used to grabby kid's hands. She was a little worried about how he’d handle a baby, but he was a chill cat he never really cared about attention as long as he was fed.

Eventually, JJ and Lizzie found them, peeling them away from the cat with the promise of cake while Y/N opened her gifts from everyone.

Everyone was watching her as she sat down in the living room, feeling a little anxious like she had to perform for them or something. Spencer finally joined her on the couch then, wrapping his arm around her in a soothing motion.

“So,” Garcia started. “I took it upon myself to organize the party but I didn’t just stop there, I also emailed everyone a link to a chart where they could pick the category of gift they got you so that we avoided repeats and got everything you would need.”

“This is all so much,” she turned bright pink. “You guys really didn’t have to I feel like I haven’t bought anything for myself since I met Spencer.”

“Nonsense!” Penelope hushed her. “Here, pick whatever one grabs your fancy.”

Y/N’s eyes raked over the pile of gifts, “um that big one over there, why not.”

It was a big blue bag, stuffed to the brim with tissue paper. The card on the handle was signed, she opened it to find 'from; Erin Strauss' on it. “Oh?”

“She couldn’t come but she passed that along on behalf of the section,” Hotch explained.

Y/N didn’t waste any time opening it. Finding brand named everything that she would need for breastfeeding, losing her mind at the never-ending bag.

Almost every gift was the same, all themed and absolutely filled. She was never going to have to buy anything for Matthew, she got it all today.

Hotch and Haley got her a babies bath essentials set. Her parents equipped her with every form of linen she would ever need for a baby, as well as a quilt made just for Matthew.

Penelope bought easily $400 in clothes for him over the past 7 months, with the promise of not stopping any time soon. Derek and Emily got together to buy them an all-terrain stroller, for the walks they expect them to take down the back roads. Emily’s girlfriend even brought a mom after-care set for her.

Diana’s gift made her cry the most, opening the box to find old copies of childhood books. “Those were all Spencers when he was a child,” she explained softly. “His love for the world started with those stories, I would like for Matthew to know them too.”

“Absolutely,” Y/N wiped the tears off her face, leaning over to hug her. “If Matty ends up being even half as wonderful as Spencer I’ll be grateful.”

“Spencer, did you get her anything?” Diana asked him softly as she was still mid embrace with Y/N.

“It’s in the garage,” Spencer smiled.

She looked at him with excitement, “you didn’t!”

“I might have,” he smiled.

“What?” Rossi asked, hating suspense more than anyone on the team.

“I was joking about wanting to get an SUV and become a soccer mom,” Y/N’s whole face lit up. “Did you get me a soccer mom mobile?”

He smiled back at her, “here.”

She held the key in her hand, her car was old as hell. She has had it since she moved to Virginia and even then it was a 2004 model. She had never had a new car, with the fresh car smell and clean everything!

“I am so overwhelmed,” she announced, bouncing a little in her seat as she shook her hands. Stimming just a small amount in front of everyone in all the excitement.

“We’re all done celebrating you now, I think we can start getting out of your hair, right guys?” JJ stood and pressured everyone that wasn’t relying on their house for the night, out the door.

Penelope helped Debbie and Diana clean everything up around the house. Peeling Henry and Chloe away from each other was the most difficult part of the night, becoming fast friends and wanting to look at books all night together in uncle Spencers library.

Rossi offered to let her brother Levi and his wife stay at his place while Diana and Y/N’s parents took the guest room in her home. Harrison and Faith driving back to Fort Meade to their own house.

—

Y/N and Spencer sat up in their bed, leaning against the headboard as they listened to the quiet of their house. Their co-workers were gone, their parents were settled in the guest rooms and most likely still awake from the time difference. The day had been so crazy that she barely had time to wrap her head around it.

“So…” Y/N cut the awkward silence. “Wanna make out?”

He laughed at her, shaking his head. “Remember the last time you asked me to do that?”

“Yeah, I lost my virginity,” she whispered back at him. A little scared that everyone could hear them talking.

“We can't,” Spencer looked at her with wide eyes. “It's bad enough my mother knows I’ve had sex once let alone possibly hearing us.”

He nudged him a little, crawling into his lap and sitting there softly. Her belly pressed against him, filling the space between them as she held his face in her hands.

“They’re on the other side of the house,” she pouted. “Just make out with me?”

He kissed her quickly once, “why are you so needy tonight?”

“All day I’ve had everyone's attention but yours,” she explained softly. “I missed you and I want my Spencer time.”

He couldn’t say no to that, because he felt the exact same way. He ran his hands up her thighs, over her hips and finally resting them on her back. She ran her thumbs over Spencer's cheeks, looking at him softly as she tilted her head to really admire him.

His lips were perfect, his nose was adorable. The way his stubble grew in and darkened his jaw was amazing. His bone structure, his eye colour, the way his hair just fell flawlessly into place with 0 effort. She sighed as she looked at him.

“I love you,” she whispered, biting back a smile as she waited for his response.

“I love you,” he giggled as he looked right back at her. It almost felt more intimate than sex, just staring into each other's eyes in a dimly lit bedroom, in the middle of the night.

She ran her hands up into his hair, combing her fingers through it. He tilted his head back every time, closing his eyes and enjoying the feeling. She was about to smile when she got a sharp shooting pain in her hips.

“Oh, my, god,” she breathed out. “Ouch?” She scrunched her face with the pain as the sharpness dulled into the bone, just feeling uncomfortable as she tensed up in his lap. She didn’t even realize she was tugging on his hair in response to the pain.

“What?” Spencer asked, concerned as all hell.

“I think that was Braxton hicks? It was like everything down there just lit up in pain,” she explained with a horrified look on her face.

He ran his hands softly over her hips, soothing the skin in an attempt to help. “Are they bad?”

“It just feels like a pinched nerve at first and then a dull ache, it’s not the worst. I don’t enjoy it that's for sure,” she laughed a little louder. “God, I hope he’s kind to me on the way out.”

“I was doing research into the best drugs and techniques for birth for mothers that don’t want any drugs either because they’re sober or they don’t want to be removed from the moment,” Spencer explained softly. “There are a lot of options if you want to look into them with me this week?”

“Of course you did,” she smiled at him once again, feeling a bit better. “We also have to pack the baby’s go-bag.”

Spencer laughed at the way she phrased it. “Isn’t it just a hospital bag and a diaper bag?”

“No, it’s a mission to have a baby. It’s a go-bag.”

They kept giggling with each other over the dumbest things, staring at smiling as they laughed. Spencer’s hands roamed her back while she poked his face. Happily just talking in each other's space about the most random shit.

It was what she loved the most about him, that they could equally ramble about what they found interesting and the other felt just as excited about learning something new. They had mutual respect for each other's interests and feelings that ran deeper than most, truly loving every word that left their partner's mouth.

By the time they settled against the pillows and attempted to sleep it was half 1 in the morning. They turned all the lights out and still just stared at each other.

She booped his nose softly with her own, watching him scrunch his face as a result before giggling again.

“Do you have any idea what the case tomorrow will be?” She was only asking because she wanted more time with him, needing to find every topic to bring up so that the night never ended.

“Mindy’s pitching something to us tomorrow again,” he whispered. “You’ll be good at this one.”

“Oh I’m excited now okay, goodnight,” she closed her eyes and pretended to snore, making him snuggle in and wrap her arms around him, pulling her in close the way they liked it.

“I love you, bunny,” he said one last time for the night.

She sighed as she settled into him, “I love you more Spence.”

[eveningspirit]

in my joys, in my sorrows, in my choices, in my tears [a 911 LoneStar fic]

June 19th, 1998

TK was the proudest five-years-old at the kindergarden on the Father’s Day. Oh, maybe Jimmy said that his Dad also saved people, because he was a Doctor, but TK knew that Jimmy played with the fire truck all the time. And Katie said her Dad was even better, because he was away, defending the America from Bad People, but then she cried a little. And when TK’s Dad came over, and let her try on his big helmet she grinned so wide, you could see plugs in her teeth. So whose Dad was the best?

TK’s Dad, that’s who.

September 11th, 2001

TK was seven when the planes hit The Towers. He was at school. They weren’t told until after second period and he wasn’t allowed to call Dad, or even Mom. He didn’t know anything until Mom came to pick him up in the afternoon, crying. She didn’t know anything either. It was the scariest day of TK’s life.

September 20th, 2001

TK had to be quiet around the house all the time, because Dad’s all friends had died and he couldn’t sleep and his leg was burned and it hurt so bad, he had to take pills that made him talk strange things. So TK was quiet. He would do anything to make his Dad better. Because his Dad was alive, while so many other Dads and Moms weren’t.

February 2nd, 2002

TK was always proud of his Dad, but maybe never as proud as he was when his Firehouse reopened. Dad talked to every Chief and every Captain and every Superintendent – that was a difficult word, but TK learned it – in New York and made them hire new people and let Dad work back at his old Firehouse. TK believed that once Dad got his old work back, he would start taking TK back there again, like he used to. Or to Central Park on his off days. Or they would get back to building that railway in the garage. But he knew not to push, not yet. Mom told him not to.

May 13th, 2002

Mom and Dad had never argued so bad before 9/11 and TK couldn’t understand why Mom was so mean to Dad now. She’d always told him to be quiet around Dad, to not upset him, because Dad had some bad memories and triggers, like the guns had. Like, if you pulled them – or said the wrong word, or screamed too loud – he would blow up, like a gun. He might hit you, or yell at you, or not remember that you were you. Mom explained everything to TK, so why couldn’t she understand that and be quiet around Dad, so as not to upset him?

And, worse, she argued with Dad about TK. She told TK not to pester Dad about unnecessary games or that stupid railway, or going back to the Firehouse, but now she yelled at him that TK missed him and just wanted to spend time together. He didn’t! He told her that in secret! Dad didn’t need to be pestered about it!

January 29th, 2003

TK wasn’t sure what woke him up, but then Dad was right there, next to his bed.

“Wake up.” He shook his arm. “Wake up, son, we gotta go.”

“Why, what’s going on?”

“No time. You know the drill? No explaining during an emergency.” TK knew. But he wasn’t sure there was an emergency, not really. It had happened too many times already, that Dad woke him up in the middle of the night, because he’d had a nightmare about a fire or a collapsing building.

“Dad, wait.”

But Dad was stronger than TK and determined. He picked him up with ease, just in his pj’s, and ran through the house, bent low and shielding TK from invisible danger.

Outside, it was five feet of snow and not more than three degrees Fahrenheit and crazy wind.

“Dad, it’s cold,” TK whined. “Let me go back home.”

“Don’t worry, they’ll be here soon, stay put.”

Firemen came alright. Dad got a reprimand. TK got pneumonia.

August 3rd, 2003

Mom filed for a divorce. TK wanted to stay with Dad, but Mom said Dad needed to get therapy, before she’d let him anywhere near TK. After he and Mom moved out, he only met with Dad when Mom, or Uncle Benny were around, for almost a year. But Dad got therapy and he got better. And even then, Mom didn’t let TK live with Dad.

November 8th, 2009

TK moved out from Mom’s the day after his sixteenth birthday. Dad was more than happy to welcome him in his Manhattan apartment.

#

Drugs were just there. Dad had them for some old injury, not even a 9/11 one, that sometimes acted up. TK couldn’t explain why he took them, but one day he came back from school and he woke up at the hospital, having overdosed. Just like that.

He spoke to the nice lady Doctor. She asked if he was bullied at school, because he was gay. He said he was, even though it wasn’t the truth. But it was what she expected to hear. She asked if it was a call for attention and he said that it probably was. But he knew how to pull himself together and a few months later she smiled at him and said she was proud of his progress and that he didn’t need to come see her anymore.

Mom pestered him to move back in with her all that time, but TK wanted to stay with Dad.

July 4th, 2011

Mom was pissed. Dad was... Well he was both proud and a little reluctant about TK’s choice of career. But, he said, he’d always known TK would follow into his footsteps. He just hated that he would have to worry now.

“No need to, Dad. I’m awesome, just like you,” TK assured him. “Nothing bad will ever happen to me.”

[doomedandstoned]

Mos Generator  Takes Us On A Rousing Romp Through The ‘Shadowlands’

~By Tom Hanno~

Album Art by Adam Burke

The prolific Port Orchard, Washington trio MOS GENERATOR has been cooking up another feisty full-length rocker for us. The eight songs of 'Shadowlands' (2018), out May 18th, make up one incredible release and I’m very happy to be reviewing it for you guys. I know this band is a big one for a lot of people out there and this, full disclosure, is my first proper initiation into a Mos Generator album, as I’ve previously only listened to a song or two here and there. I am happy to report that this is an excellent album full of powerful riffs and influences that range from Led Zeppelin to Lynyrd Skynyrd, not to mention some fantastic vocal work.

The title track introduces the album and is one of the more rocking tunes on the album (not that they all don’t rock). The opening riff is southern-flavored, with a heaping helping of Zeppelin swagger. As it leads into the first verse, it gets heavier and then lightens for the verse itself. This surprised me, but generated some genuine excitement to hear how this song would play out. I love the verse riffs, especially, and Tony’s vocals are suitably matched with them. "Shadowlands" is a killer song any way you slice it and a great way to open up the album.

Photo by Chris Schanz

The album closes in grand fashion, too, with "The Wild and the Gentle Dogs." The acoustic guitar that ushers us into the opening moments the track is beautifully written. Sean Booth's bass work is deliciously well-played. Vocally, this sounds like Dave Brockie has returned from the grave to add his truculent style to this wicked number, only in the visage of Tony Reed. The midsection of the song is an ominously toned riff. Listen on for a lead that Jimmy Page would be proud to call his own. This is just a seriously badass song from start to finish.

"Drowning in Your Loving Cup" is awesome, too. I really like the lyrical content, which is well suited to the thematic power and catchy rhythm of the music. There are once again spots where Tony has that Dave Brockie tone to his voice. I love that, as I sorely miss Dave Brockie’s musical escapades.

My top pick here, though, is "The Destroyer." It's easy to get into Tony's driving guitar play, which works perfectly with the Jon Garrett's steady-on drumming. The breakout leads and guitar licks bear a distinct Jimmy Page influence, an element of Mos Generator that I feel never gets old. The chorus is enormous and as catchy as anything on the album. Every aspect of this track speaks to me in a phenomenal way.

Shadowlands is a fantastic listen, brilliantly conceived and executed, an LP that fans old and new alike will be able to really sink their teeth into. Mos Generator has stacked the deck with everything a good album ought to have: killer riffs, strong songwriting, great vocal work, and the ability to wear one's influences on the sleeve, while carving out a distinct sound. May 18th is the street date for this Listenable Records spin. I think you'd be well advised to grab this great album and give it a prime place in your collection.

Mos Generator on Tour

(with Fu Manchu)

May 1st - Rebel Lounge – Phoenix, AZ

May 3rd - Curtain Club – Dallas, TX

May 4th - Barracuda – Austin, TX

May 4th - White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX

May 7th - Vinyl – Atlanta, GA

May 8th - Kings – Raleigh, NC

May 9th - Rock & Roll Hotel – Washington, DC

May 10th - Brillobox – Pittsburgh, PA *

May 11th - Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA

May 12th - Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

May 13th - Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA

May 14th - Mohawk Place – Buffalo, NY *

May 15th - Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH

May 16th - Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH

May 17th - El Club – Detroit, MI

May 18th - The Baby G – Toronto, ON *

May 19th - Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL

May 20th - Total Drag Records – Sioux Falls, SD *

May 22nd - Streets of London Pub – Denver, CO

May 23rd - Streets of London Pub – Denver, CO

May 25th - Substation – Seattle, WA*

May 26th - The Manette – Bremerton, WA *

* Mos Generator only

Follow The Band.

Get Their Music.

[mdwatchestv]

Everything I’m Going to Watch in April (April Premieres Bring May...Other Premieres)

God I can't believe it's April, our lives are just draining away down the slop sink of 2018. I did a medium okay job of watching things in March, and really that's all we can ask for in this life.

Atlanta - I was extremely dragged by the acoustic Paper Boi cover, and rightly so.

Academy Awards - I would have done better in my bracket (and in life) had I not made some choices out of spite.

Hard Sun - Not a bad series per say, but on a whole couldn't deliver on the promise of the first episode. If you want to watch a truly whacked-out, hyper-violent show about the end of the world, may I once again recommend Utopia.

Jessica Jones - Even though my love for the character of Jessica Jones is undying, pure, and forever, this season was admittedly a disappointment. Without the direction and focus given by Kilgrave, the plot suffered from the meandering that plagues the rest of the Marvel Netflix Universe.

Collateral - Haven't gotten to it yet, which is shameful because it's only four episodes.

Drag Race - After a somewhat unfulfilling All Stars season, this new group of queens is extremely promising in both talent and dramz.

Requiem - Also not yet!

Santa Clarita Diet - Oh f, I forgot this premiered, I still intend to watch it.

Silicon Valley - Zach Woods is honestly the most underrated person on television, god bless and keep his precious spirit.

Barry - I have not watched this yet, nor have I heard any rumblings about it....suspicious.

Call the Midwife- New midwife alert!!!!

Trust - A bit odd and meandering, but electric in the way that all of Danny Boyle's projects are. I love Anna Chancellor.

The Terror - Have not watched but I WILL FRIENDS, I WILL.

A Series of Unfortunate Events - In my defense this only went up on Friday and I was extremely dedicated to spending my entire three day weekend lying down in a dark room.

I actually did much better with my tv watching then I thought, things only took a poor turn near the end of the month as fatigue set in. Thankfully, there is a ton of new stuff to pile on the tire fire of my tv watching schedule.

Tuesday April 3rd

Legion Season 2 (10pm on FX)

Legion season two!!! I loved the first season of this show SO MUCH I wrote a little essay about it, which you can read here. Legion is the superhero content that feels the most 'free' in it's delivery. Out of the box is an understatement. With exquisite aesthetic, high stakes mutant action sequences, and intermittent dance breaks, Legion is easily my most anticipated show of April.

The Last OG (10:30pm on TBS)

While TNT's recent dramas have been a hot underdeveloped mess, the TBS comedy slate has been filled with stand outs. That's why, despite the extreme delays in release, I am cautiously optimistic about Tracy Morgan's return to television. Also it co-stars Tiffany Haddish!!! The only way I could love her more is if she would just tell us who bit Beyonce, or at least confirm it was Sanaa Lathan (Editor’s note: It has been confirmed).

Sunday April 8th

Killing Eve (8pm on BBC America)

Okay, Legion is still my number one most excited show, but Killing Eve is a close second. "What's this Martha, I've seen very little marketing for it," you (the reader) fairly question. IT IS THE NEW SHOW FROM PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE BOW DOWN AND RECEIVE IT AND BE GRATEFUL. If you don't know who Ms. Waller-Bridge is (and if you don't never tell me), she was the creator of Fleabag, Crashing (UK one, NOT Apatow one), and is the light of my life. The fact that show is about a lady psychopath and the lady FBI agent that hunts her is mere icing on the cake. Honestly this show could be about anything, Phoebe wrote and thusly I have arrived for it.

Howard's End (8pm on Starz)

This adaptation of the scandalous EM Forster novel already aired on the BBC, but Starz is giving us scrub Americans the chance to watch it too. Brace yourself for suppression, drama, and Haley Atwell in period dress.

Friday April 13th- Rellik (10pm on Cinemax)

This could either be brilliant in a Memento sort of way, or horrible in a hot mess sort of way. Yet another serial killer drama, but the hook is the story is told in reverse (the title is 'killer' backwards. Do you get? Do you?) A strike against it for me is that I don't like knowing who the killer is up front (hence my inability to watch The Fall), but I also appreciate shows that take risks in storytelling so who knows! Maybe they'll kill it (get it?)

Sunday April 22nd - Westworld (9pm on HBO)

Wow this show totally snuck up on me, I know it's been a long time since season 1, but at the same time I don't feel ready for season 2. The first outing of this show had some highs (Jimmi Simpson forever) and some lows (weird convoluted mysteries that weren't as clever as they thought they were). But I'm optimistic that enough time has passed for HBO to iron out the kinks, and there was enough interest in season 1 for me to come back for more. Also the promise of Samurai World.

Wednesday April 25th -The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)

I am not one of those people who's a stickler for book adaptations to be unyieldingly loyal to the source material. In fact, I prefer an adaptation that is able to run with the theme a bit, or explore the original work in a way only achievable via visual medium. That being said since season one of this show ran out of book to cover, I can't help feeling a bit tentative about season two. Don't get me wrong there was a lot I LOVED about the first season, Reed Morano's first three episodes were beautifully executed, and Elisabeth Moss turned in one of the best performances I have ever seen on television. But there were a few missteps that deviated from the intention of the book that had me a bit worried, and coupled with a very troubling q and a I attended with the white male show runner... I just don't want to get my hopes up too too high. Hopefully though, this will be just as amazing as I want it to be!

And that's it! Not as jam-packed as March, but there is a LOT of high quality programming here. I will admit usually these lists are more aspirational for me than strictly achievable, but I can assure you I absolutely WILL be tuning into ever show here (except if Rellik turns out to be as dumb as it's name). I know it seems like I should be able to get through a lot more TV every month, but what you don't see listed here is that I'm still loyally watching Riverdale and America's Next Top Model and also taking a lot of in between naps.

April Forever,

MD

[jrsechelon]

Power Rankings

Week 1 Power Rankings 1 - 16

1. (1/0/0) Black Hole Son ↑ Black Hole Son jumps into the top of the Power Rankings this week as the defacto Super Bowl Champions and the number of points they scored on PURPLEHAZE. Week 1 they unveiled their Super Bowl Banner in their brand new Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and did not disappoint. PURPLEHAZE had no answer for Black Hole Son who looks to once again be a difficult team this year in 2020. Josh Jacobs carried the rock and this team to victory, they seem likely to lean heavily on the running game this year and with Jacobs, in the backfield, it should be a no brainer going forward.

2. (1/0/0) LilShupeScoresBIGPoints ↑ LilShupeScoresBIGPoints did it through the air in Week 1. Taking a commanding lead over Division rival, VanillaGorillas - Josh Allen showed the strides and development he has taken staying in the same system two years in a row. As Super Bowl XIII losers, LilShupeScoresBIGPoints takes the number 2 spot, jumping from 9th via Computer Draft Grade to 2nd in our EFL Power Rankings. Looks like once again LilShupeScoresBIGPoints is going to be a thorn in the side of many. Some things never change.

3. (1/0/0) Hyrule Empire ↑ Hyrule Empire shoots up from the 14th spot after the Computer Draft Grades we went over in the Podcast last week, all the way to 3rd. The performance on Sunday showed they have finally taken the next step with Russell Wilson at the helm to develop into a true contender. It is early in the year but the victory showed resilience, leadership, and poise. They didn't waiver when falling behind this time and was able to put together a complete win.

4. (1/0/0) Ultimate Savages ↓ Ultimate Savages didn't hold back in their debut game in the Elite Fantasy League. Although they have dropped three spots from their Draft Grade results they shouldn't feel bad about where they're sitting at after Week 1. 4th place in the Power Rankings after a dominating debut shows why they were so hyped after their Draft. Ultimate Savages was the only team in their Division to win last week and being one of the only teams to score triple digits. Trust me when I say that will go a long way down the road if they can continue their dominating gameplay.

5. (1/0/0) The Canadian Cripplers ↑ The Canadian Cripplers have had a crazy Offseason. Being the only team who plays in another Country for their Home games, they've had to find a new Home due to COVID-19 this Season. As mentioned on the podcast last week, The Canadian Crippler sought to play their Home games in Charlotte, North Carolina where they originally were from but wasn't welcomed, then Buffalo, New York but the city had no room due to the Toronto Blue Jays securing the city before The Cripplers. The Canadian Cripplers found their home in Tampa Bay though. Questions loomed over this team and how they'd perform with such elderly-state players and in the Florida heat of all places where we know Tom Brady struggles. Well, though we have yet to see them play at Home (this week we will); The Canadian Cripplers came into Week 1 with motivation to upset Yuba City Sultans on the road. Surprisingly they led early and never looked back. This springboards them from the 15th spot of the league rankings to 5th place. Can they continue their strong play?

6. (1/0/0) Buds Bums ↑ Much like The Canadian Cripplers, Buds Bums was expected to lose Week 1. They almost did late in the game on Monday Night against Division rival, Straight Edge Society. Buds Bums was able to put together a well-oiled offense. Lamar Jackson took further steps to continue his repeat at league MVP while bringing the running game involved with a two-headed monster backfield in Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley, who both looked rejuvenated in a Season which had many question marks surrounding both players. Buds Bums has a strong core on the offensive side of the ball this year and if they can continue consistent play, expect them to continue to climb up the Power Rankings. Jumping from 16th to 6th is a huge accomplishment but they'll have to continue winning to show the analysts they mean business.

7. (1/0/0) The Busy Killers ↓ The Busy Killers narrowly held onto the victory against Evolution. It was a back and forth game late in the 4th Quarter but with the help of their defense, they were able to close the door on a late-game comeback for Evolution and hold onto a BIG Division victory. The Busy Killers dropped two spots from the Draft Grades due to The Canadian Cripplers (who they play this week) and Buds Bums complete victories. The Busy Killers look to have the Moxy though to close out games this year, something they struggled with last year.

8. (1/0/0) Thunderbuddy4Life ↓ Thunderbuddy4Life falls from their 2nd place Draft Grade ranking to 8th place after Week 1 in the EFL Power Rankings. Thunderbuddy4Life fell so many spots because they weren't as strong-looking as the teams in front of them. They got the victory but they didn't look as dominating as we thought they would come out of the gate. The highlight and surprise of this team is their defense who held their own and gave them the victory. Thunderbuddy4Life took care of business against long time rival Rainelo Hawks moving their overall head-to-head record against them to 6/4/0. For Thunderbuddy4Life to show the analysts that they are back to their Super Bowl-winning ways they have to secure a more dominant and complete game on all phases of the game and all sides of the ball. Hosting Yuba City Sultans Week 2, an early Season Super Bowl favorite may help their cause.

9. (0/1/0) Straight Edge Society ↓ Falling from 4th in the Draft Grades to 9th in the Power Rankings can be looked at as a learning curve. Straight Edge Society had their game won late but they couldn't stop Buds Bums running attack. Straight Edge Society had a good outing on offense, minus Hurst, their Tight End. The important thing to take into account if you're Straight Edge Society or a fan of this team is to make sure you play better defense. This team used to be known for winning those tight games, it's up to their Coaching Staff to find a way to finish. At the 9th spot after Week 1, they shouldn't fret too much. It's only Week 1 and they showed flashes of brilliance - it's just going to take time to get that system down. Let's see how quickly they can turn it around in a tough Week 2 match-up against LilShupeScoresBIGPoints, in back-to-back Divisional Games.

10. (0/1/0) Balls Deep — Staying at the 10th spot from their Draft Grade to the Week 1 Power Rankings isn't a bad spot to be in after a Week 1 loss. Balls Deep looked good and they had competed hard against Hyrule Empire in a game they very well could have won. Question marks for Kittle and Landry for Week 2 may hurt this team if they don't suit up. Jimmy Garoppolo looked a bit anxious on the field on Sunday, he has to not try to do too much but manage the game. He has the players in place to not have to force things. If Balls Deep can get Jimmy G balling and managing things in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage, they'll be moving up in the Power Rankings and in their Division in the coming weeks.

11. (0/1/0) Evolution ↓ Evolution falls from 7th to 11th. Evolution decided to roll with Big Ben instead of Aaron Rodgers, it was a surprise move but they felt Ben gave them the best chance to get the W. Losing James Connor against The Busy Killers is not good either, they gambled Drafting Connor after last years injuries and it looks like it isn't going to pay off. Adversity has already hit this team and even though they were in their Week 1 game until the final snap, they didn't look as dominant as Seasons past and couldn't find a way to close out the victory. Evolution should be able to bounce back fairly soon and the Coach has already named Aaron Rodgers the starter for Week 2 and the foreseeable future. We'll see what they can do at Home against the 1/0/0 Buds Bums who they've lost three straight to.

12. (0/1/0) Rainelo Hawks ↓ Rainelo Hawks looked inept and flat most of the game. They kept it pretty close even with the poor performance on both sides of the ball. After a Draft Grade that placed them at the 6th spot, they fall six places to 12th place after Week 1. It was a poor game all around for them. Goff didn't do enough to muster them any form of strong offense and their defense didn't look like their head was in the game late in the 4th Quarter. Rumblings of Kyler Murray starting are taking place and if you're the Hawks you got the new Seattle franchise, Ultimate Savages already laying claim to the Pacific Northwest. Week 2 is a must-win for this team. I believe they can bounce back if they play the right personnel and fit the system for the players.

13. (0/1/0) VanillaGorillas ↓ Much like Rainelo Hawks, VanillaGorillas fell several spots. Finishing at 8th in the Draft Grades and falling to 13th is a tough pill to swallow. They had a difficult match-up against Division and long-time rival LilShupeScoresBIGPoints. History doesn't favorite VanillaGorillas in those match-ups and having such a young team it's going to be a learning curve as the Season goes on for this group. They'll look to continue to build on the positives and correct the mistakes on Sunday on the road in Minnesota.

14. (0/1/0) Yuba City Sultans ↓ Going from 12th to 14th isn't too bad for this team and is honestly too low of a ranking, to begin with. This Coaching Staff is a veteran and knows the ins and outs of Football. They are experts at the X's and O's but they fell on their face against The Canadian Cripplers. Was it they weren't taking the old-timers as seriously as they should have? Unknown but falling 0/1/0 in the league and their Division is not an ideal way to start their season. Expecting they can correct their mistakes and play a more complete game in Week 2 they should find themselves moving up in the Powe Rankings. They need to get Derek Henry going early and going often. He's the workhorse on this team and he will determine whether they win or lose on how he performs. The Offensive Line must open up holes for King Henry for them to have success against Thunderbuddy4Life.

15. (0/1/0) BroncosTillDeath ↓ Going from 11th to 15th for a team that Drafted well is upsetting. They looked uninspired on Sunday. They couldn't put anything together and Barkley looks to not be an every-down back. Concerns are already looming over this team who was labeled a 'Darkhorse' - Kenyan Drake and their Defense led by Joey Bosa were the bright spots but they still weren't a match for the Ultimate Savages. BroncosTillDeath hasn't had a good start to the year, they stumbled last year at the end of the year and it looks like the poor play has continued into the 2020 Season. We hope to see this team move up on the Power Rankings and start playing the way we know they're capable of playing, cause let's face it, the league is better when BroncosTillDeath is better.

16. (0/1/0) PURPLEHAZE ↓ PURPLEHAZE falls from 13th to dead last, 16th. PURPLEHAZE couldn't do anything in Sin City. They bet it all and lost it all early. The bookies in Vegas must've been rolling their eyes at how poor PURPLEHAZE looked. They were a slight underdog coming into their Week 1 Game but didn't look anything like the team we saw last year who was one win away from Super Bowl XIII. PURPLEHAZE lost Le'Veon Bell and Damien Harris, ouch! Kirk Cousins didn't look like an elite Quarterback and their Defense was lackluster at best. PURPLEHAZE will play their first Home game of the Season Week 2 against VanillaGorillas. They MUST play better to show us they are still a contender. This team has been so up and down the last several years it's hard to tell which team we'll get week in and week out. I believed they were still a top team but after last week's performance, I'm wondering if they are back to the mediocre PURPLEHAZE team we're used to.

CLICK TO VOTE

[sportsloungeblog]

Grading The NBA Draft

The 2019 NBA Draft is this Thursday, June 20, from the Barclays Center. Later the next day or even later that night, I’m sure you’ll see “experts” give out their grades to each team and who they think WON and LOST the draft before anyone ever steps on the court. Of course, this is a ridiculous exercise to try and predict how the Class of 2019 will do before they play. Like most things in sports media today (TV, radio, podcast, websites, etc.) the idea of predicting how anyone is going to perform is a waste of time and energy. There are too many variables and the team’s themselves don’t have the slightest clue how anyone will turn out; All-Star or bust. It’s no fun to wait five years, at least, until we have some sort of idea how these guys developed. We need immediate reaction. A+ to this team and a D to this team for picking players that we don’t know how they will end up. We can though look back at past drafts and see which players were the best, who were busts and what late round gems ended up as Hall of Famers. It doesn’t take much explaining why Chris Paul was the best player taken in the 2005 draft, followed by Deron Williams, David Lee and Andrew Bogut. For this exercise, we’ll use Basketball-Reference Win Shares. Similar to WAR in baseball, Win Shares is an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player. It attempts to divide up credit for team success to the individuals on the team. It gives you a pretty solid indication of who was a bust or who excelled among their draft class. For reference; Kareem is the all-time Win Shares leader at 273. LeBron is fourth at 226. Jordan is fifth at 214. Chris Paul is at 171, 19th all-time

2000 1. Hedo Turkoglu - 16th overall to Sacramento - 63 WS 2. Mike Miller - 5th overall to Orlando - 60 WS 3. Jamal Crawford - 8th overall to Cleveland - 60 WS 4. Michael Redd - 43rd overall to Milwaukee - 55 WS 5. Kenyon Martin - 1st overall to New Jersey - 48 WS Not a Hall of Famer here in the weak 2000 NBA Draft. Other notables are Morris Peterson and Quinten Richardson, who had some success. The top of this draft did not live up to expectations, even though two of the five best players in the draft were top five picks in Miller and Martin. Stromile Swift (#2 to the Grizzlies), Darius Miles (#3 to the Clippers), and Marcus Fizer (#4 to the Bulls) were all busts, averaging between 8-10 points per game and just under five rebounds. 2001 1. Pau Gasol - 3rd overall to Atlanta - 144 WS - 30th best ever 2. Tony Parker - 28th to San Antonio - 111 WS - 61st best ever 3. Tyson Chandler - 2nd overall to Chicago - 101 WS - 83rd best ever 4. Richard Jefferson - 13th overall to Houston - 83 WS 5. Joe Johnson - 10th overall to Boston - 82 WS Gasol and Parker are likely Hall of Famers that were important pieces to championship teams. Tyson Chandler was still active last season. Chandler turned his career around after a tough start for the Bulls coming straight out of high school. This past season was the first without Joe Johnson and Zach Randolph, multiple time All-Stars. Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, Gerald Wallace and Shane Battier all had their moments too.  A solid class with longevity as it had six players play 17+ seasons, Kwame Brown notwithstanding.  2002 1. Amar’e Stoudemire - 9th overall to Phoenix - 92 WS 2. Carlos Boozer - 35th overall to Cleveland - 80 WS 3. Nene Hilario - 7th overall to New York - 73 WS 4. Yao Ming - 1st overall to Houston - 65 WS 5. Tayshaun Prince - 23rd overall to Detroit - 63 WS Without injuries, Yao Ming is the best player in this class and the rare case of the first overall pick actually being the best player. Yao was induced into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and is likely the only HOF of the Class of 2002. Mike Dunleavy and Caron Butler were top 10 picks that finished with good careers. 

2003 1. LeBron James - 1st overall to Cleveland - 226 WS - 4th best ever 2. Dwyane Wade - 5th overall to Miami - 120 WS - 49th all-time 3. Chris Bosh - 4th overall to Toronto - 106 WS - 74th all-time 4. Carmelo Anthony - 3rd overall to Denver- 101 WS 5. David West - 18th overall to New Orleans - 85 WS One of the best draft classes of all-time. The three best players made up the two title teams for Miami and Carmelo may get into the HOF. One of the great “What If’s” in NBA history is what Detroit could have done if they didn’t pick Darko Milicic with the second overall pick when the Pistons were already an NBA Finals caliber team. Kyle Korver, Mo Williams, Kirk Hinrich and Boris Diaw all had their moments. 

2004 1. Dwight Howard - 1st overall to Orlando - 128 WS - 41st best ever 2. Andre Iguodala - 9th overall to Philadelphia - 96 WS 3. Luol Deng - 7th overall to Phoenix - 74 WS 4. Al Jefferson - 15th overall to Boston - 71 WS 5. Kevin Martin - 26th overall to Sacramento - 61 WS Back-to-back drafts where the best player was the #1 overall pick. Other than Dwight Howard, you have Iguodala and Deng, who combined for three All-Star games. Some may argue for Iguodala in the HOF with a Finals MVP for Golden State and his importance on the defensive end, but he has averaged under 7 ppg, 4 rpg and 3 apg in his five years over his early to mid 30′s with the Warriors. I think Howard should get in the HOF when the time comes. Other than him, there are not a ton of multi-time All-Stars coming from the ‘04 draft. Trevor Ariza, Devin Harris, Josh Smith, Jameer Nelson, J.R. Smith, Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon were all starters that you’d be happy to have on your team.

2005 1. Chris Paul - 4th overall to New Orleans - 171 WS - 19th best ever 2. Deron Williams - 3rd overall to Utah - 77 WS 3. David Lee - 30th overall to New York - 76 WS 4. Marvin Williams - 2nd overall to Atlanta - 62 WS 5. Marcin Gortat - 57th overall to Phoenix - 61 WS One Hall of Fame point guard, an five time All-Star in Deron Williams, two- time All-Star in David Lee and that’s about it for difference makers in the 2005 Draft. The 1st overall pick was Andrew Bogut who had some good years with Milwaukee. I wouldn’t call him a bust, but he was a disappointment considering where he was selected. The ‘05 Draft does have a solid grouping of rotation guys including Lou Williams, Danny Granger, Monta Ellis, Raymond Felton, Channing Frye, Andrew Bynum, Jarrett Jack, Nate Robinson and Charlie Villanueva.

2006 1. LaMarcus Aldridge - 2nd overall to Chicago - 107 WS - 70th best ever 2. Paul Millsap - 47th overall to Utah - 88 WS 3.. Kyle Lowry - 24th overall to Memphis - 86 WS 4. J.J. Redick - 11th overall to Orlando - 58 WS 5. Rajon Rondo - 21st overall to Boston - 58 WS I don’t see any Hall of Fame players from the 2006 Draft. There really wasn’t much talent in ‘06 once you get outside of the 10 best players. The #1 overall pick, Andrea Bargnani of Toronto, was in the not bust, but disappointing category as a string of injuries prevented him from reaching his potential. The top 5-10 in this draft is littered with busts from Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Randy Foye, Sheldon Williams and the what could have been career of Brandon Roy if not for a bum knee.

2007 1. Kevin Durant - 2nd overall to Seattle - 141 WS - 32nd best ever 2. Al Horford - 3rd overall to Atlanta - 85 WS 3. Marc Gasol - 48th overall to the Lakers - 79 WS 4. Mike Conley - 4th overall to Memphis - 71 WS 5. Joakim Noah - 9th overall to Chicago - 61 WS A good draft where three of the four best players were all selected in the top four. Not much depth as it was a very top heavy draft. Greg Oden will join the long list of injury riddled top picks that will never know how good he could have been. Portland took a gamble on another big man and it didn’t pay off. 105 career games.

2008 1. Russell Westbrook - 4th overall to Oklahoma City - 96 WS 2. DeAndre Jordan - 35th overall to the Clippers - 83 WS 3. Kevin Love - 5th overall to Memphis - 78 WS 4. Serge Ibaka - 24th overall to Oklahoma City - 63 WS 5. Brook Lopez - 10th overall to New Jersey - 60 WS One Hall of Famer, a few All-Stars and a bunch of guys after that. It seems that there might be one HOF level player every year or so in the draft, followed by a couple of guys that will make a handful of All-Star teams, followed by about 5-10 guys that will be a starter. Derrick Rose would be in the top five if not for injuries.  2009 1. James Harden - 3rd overall to Oklahoma City - 121 WS - 46th best ever 2. Steph Curry - 7th overall to Golden State - 102 WS 3. Blake Griffin - 1st overall to the Clippers - 75 WS 4. DeMar DeRozan - 9th overall to Toronto - 60 WS 5. Darren Collison - 21st overall to New Orleans - 49 Now we enter the drafts from 10 years ago or less where guys are right in the prime of their careers. An exceptional top of this draft with two guaranteed Hall of Famers in Harden and Curry. Meanwhile, I would say Blake Griffin has lived up to the hype of a #1 overall pick. The #2 pick in this draft, Hasheem Thabeet, would not. 2010 1. Paul George - 10th overall to Indiana - 65 WS 2. Greg Monroe - 7th overall to Detroit - 49 WS 3. Derrick Favors - 3rd overall to New Jersey - 49 WS 4. Gordon Hayward - 9th overall to Utah - 47 WS 5. John Wall - 1st overall to Washington - 44 WS Rankings can still change here since most of these guys still have some prime years left and may play another 6-8 seasons, so the Win Shares will be fewer than previous drafts. You could also see someone like DeMarcus Cousins, who would rank sixth, end up in the top five at the end of his career. 2010 was a solid draft with most of the top tier talent coming from the top 10 picks, which you like to see. 2011 1. Jimmy Butler - 30th overall to Chicago - 66 WS 2. Kawhi Leonard - 15th overall to Indiana - 65 WS 3. Kyrie Irving - 1st overall to Cleveland - 58 WS 4. Kemba Walker - 9th overall to Charlotte - 48 WS 5. Klay Thompson - 11th overall to Golden State - 46 WS There’s really not any debate to the rankings when it comes to Win Shares until now. I think most would say Kawhi is the best player in this draft and that Klay is better than Kemba. There’s not a ton of stars after the top five, but this is as strong of a top five as any as we have seen. All are high level All-Stars and with a few HOF mixed in. Lots of misses in the top 10, including Derrick Williams, Jan Vesely, Bismack Biyombo and Jimmer Fredette. The final pick in this draft, Isaiah Thomas, has been better than most of the top 10. 2012 1. Anthony Davis - 1st overall to New Orleans - 72 WS 2. Damian Lillard - 6th overall to Portland - 70 WS 3. Andre Drummond - 9th overall to Detroit - 56 WS 4. Draymond Green - 35th overall to Golden State - 43 WS 5. Bradley Beal - 3rd overall to Washington - 36 WS Davis joins LeBron and Dwight Howard as the only #1 overall picks to be the best player in their respective drafts. Draymond Green also joins a short list of second round picks to be among the top five in their draft class. Looking back seven years ago now, this just wasn’t a very good draft. #2 overall Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the ninth best players in this draft and he has not had a good career with Charlotte. Most drafts end up with at least 10-15 quality players, but not 2012. 2013 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo - 15th overall to Milwaukee - 53 WS 2. Rudy Gobert - 27th overall to Denver - 52 WS 3. Steven Adams - 12th overall to Oklahoma City - 38 WS 4. Mason Plumlee - 22nd overall to Brooklyn - 31 WS 5. Otto Porter - 3rd overall to Washington - 29 WS It says a lot that only one top 10 pick is among the five best players of the 2013 Draft class. 2006 is the only other year we have looked at where there were not at least two top 10 picks among the five best players. I think Victor Oladipo and C.J, McCollum will end up higher than Porter and Plumlee on this list. 2013 is a contender for having the worst top 10 in history. Oladipo has been very good at times and has shown improvement the last two years. Otto Porter has been ok and McCollum has been a good number two option in Portland. The rest of the top 10 has been terrible. Anthony Bennett, the worst #1 pick in history, followed by Cody Zeller, Alex Len, Nerlens Noel, Ben McLemore, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Trey Burke. None of those top 10 are starter level players. 2014 1. Nikola Jokic - 41st overall to Denver - 38 WS 2. Clint Capela - 25th overall to Houston - 31 WS 3. Dwight Powell - 45th overall to Charlotte - 22 WS 4. Jerami Grant - 39th overall to Philadelphia - 18 WS 5. Aaron Gordon - 4th overall to Orlando - 18 WS This should probably be the last draft class that we can look at because even thought it has been five years, a lot can and will change with this top five. Joel Embiid is ranked seventh due to injury, although he has been the best player from this draft. Zach Lavine has had a torn ACL and is much better than his 22nd Win Shares ranking among the Class of 2014. Andrew Wiggins has been a disappointment as the #1 overall pick,  It might be surprising that you have to wait at least five years, if not six in my opinion, to have an accurate determination of who ended up as a draft bust or steal or who won the draft. Of the 15 years (2000-2014), 12 of those ended up with at least two of the top 10 players selected in the top five of best players in that draft. 2014, 2013, 2006 being the exceptions. 2013 is one of the worst top 10′s ever, while 2011 gives the 2003 Draft a good run for best of the past 20 years. Just know that as you watch the 2019 NBA Draft, the “experts” and GM’s don’t have any more clue than you watching at home who is actually going to make it and who isn’t. If they did, then Anthony Bennett wouldn’t have been a #1 pick and Giannis wouldn’t have lasted until the 15th pick in the same 2013 Draft..

[neoraven]

One Year Later: Upfronts Report Card, FOX Edition

Hi. Still finishing these up. NBC still to come, and then of course, the lineup for all the 2017-18 shows that are starting sooner than later...

24 LEGACY

CAST: Corey Hawkins, Miranda Otto, Anna Diop, Teddy Sears, Jimmy Smits, Dan Bucatinsky, Coral Pena, Charlie Hofheimer Interest: 7 2nd Season: 7

Despite the cast, I bailed on this about halfway into the premiere. I don't think I'm gonna mess with this, even if it comes back after hiatus.

2nd Season? Probably (UPDATE: Nope) Rank: 26th of 28.

APB LOGLINE: An enigmatic tech billionaire purchases a troubled police precinct in the wake of a loved one’s murder. Can this eccentric and enigmatic figure’s cutting edge approach fix the broken ways of these blue-blooded veterans? CAST: Justin Kirk, Natalie Martinez, Caitlin Stasey, Taylor Handley, Eric Winter Interest: 5 2nd Season: 4

After a little bit, I watched the first two episodes, but it kind of stunk in that middle area between so-bad-it's-good and something I want to see.

Interest: 5 2nd Season? No Rank: 22nd

THE EXORCIST CAST: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Geena Davis, Brianne Howey, Hannah Kasulka, Kurt Egyiawan Interest: 7 2nd Season: 2

I watched the first two episodes and they were very intimidating and sufficiently horror and soaked in blood. Then way back in October of 2016 I was going to save up some episodes of this to watch on Halloween. But I screwed up pretty badly and just never saw another episode and nearly forgot the show existed. Then it got a surprise 2nd season! I'm going to finish the first season at some point.

2nd Season? Yes, actually Interest: 8 Rank: 18th

LETHAL WEAPON CAST: Clayne Crawford, Damon Wayans Sr., Keesha Sharp, Jordana Brewster, Kevin Rahm, Chandler Kinney, Johnathan Fernandez Interest: 8 2nd Season: 4

Never would have guessed this would be as legit great as it was. I thought the ceiling was gonna be mediocre, fun but forgettable. But it was damn near the best new show of the year. Also a big hit! So it's great to see that it'll be back next season.

2nd Season? Yes Interest: 10 Rank: 2nd

PITCH LOGLINE: Story follows a young female pitcher who defies the odds when she becomes the first woman to play in the major leagues. CAST: Kylie Bunbury, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Sarah Wayne Callies, Mo McRae, Meagan Holder, Tim Jo, Ali Larter, Dan Lauria Interest: 8 2nd Season: 4

I loved this show, but got really surly about its fate when the ratings writing was on the wall, and never watched the last couple episodes.

2nd Season? No Rank: 15th

SHOTS FIRED LOGLINE: Series examines the dangerous aftermath of racially charged shootings in a small town in Tennessee. CAST: Sanaa Lathan, Stephan James, Helen Hunt, Stephen Moyer, Richard Dreyfuss, DeWanda Wise, Conor Leslie, Tristan Wilds, Aisha Hinds, Will Patton, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Angel Bonanni Interest: 5 2nd Season: 2

STAR LOGLINE: Set in Atlanta, it revolves around three girls who come together to form a band and their rise to the top. It will chronicle the choices with which these artists are faced along the way, while showcasing the allure and heartache of the cutthroat music scene and exploring cultural themes from a new perspective. CAST: Queen Latifah, Benjamin Bratt, Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny, Brittany O’Grady, Nicholas Gonzalez Interest: 3 2nd Season: 7

Star got a second season, while Shots Fired did not. I never watched either.

MAKING HISTORY LOGLINE: Three friends find a way to travel through time for truth, justice and riches, which complicates their lives in 2016. They visit some of the greatest moments of the past as they try to resolve their personal problems, while history and pop culture comically collide. CAST: Adam Pally, Leighton Meester, Yassir Lester Interest: 7 2nd Season: 6

This was one of the better new shows, but I can't say I'm surprised or disappointed that it got axed after a weird and uneven first 9 episodes.

Rank: 13th

THE MICK LOGLINE: With a fish-out-of-water theme, it centers on a hard-living, foul-mouthed woman who moves to affluent Greenwich, CT, to raise the spoiled kids of her wealthy sister who has fled the country to avoid a federal indictment. She quickly learns what the rest of us already know: Other people’s children are awful. CAST: Kaitlin Olson, Sofia Black D’Elia, Carla Jimenez, Thomas Barbusca, Jack Stanton Interest: 6 2nd Season: 2

I'm very slowly watching this. Pleasantly surprised that Kaitlin Olson is gonna get another season of being a weird angry jerkoff.

2nd Season? Yes Interest: 7 Rank: 12th

SON OF ZORN LOGLINE: Upon arriving home on Earth for the first time in 10 years, Zorn, a fully animated, legendary warrior, finds that reconnecting with his live-action son and ex-wife while suffering through a mundane office job and the banality of suburban life is harder than waging actual war in his distant, mystical homeland of Zephyria. CAST: Jason Sudeikis, Johnny Pemberton, Cheryl Hines, Tim Meadows Interest: 9 2nd Season: 5

I knew this was too weird to live, but I still gave it a fighting chance like an idiot. I loved this show about as much as I expected. Tim Meadows was a delight. I hope it will make a lot of people laugh as a hidden gem on some streaming service for years to come.

2nd Season? Fuck no!

Rank: 3rd

[figureskatingfanblog]

US Nationals - Day 9  - Men’s Free Live

(Okay, got out of work a bit early so I am going to be live blogging! First two groups have already skated. 

The standings so far:

1 - Sean Rabbitt (154.61) 228.02 2 - Max Aaron (155.26) 227.80 3 - Kevin Shum (133.92) 205.69 4 - Scott Dyer (129.57) 199.47 5 - Tomoki Hiwatashi (124.30) 196.09 6 - Daniel Kulenkamp (128.66) 193.74 7 - Shotaro Omori (132.72) 191.53 8 - Oleksiy Melnyk (124.45) 184.31 9 - Dennis Phan (120.36) 181.14 10 - Jimmy Ma (110.66) 181.07 11 - Sebastien Payannet (113.49) 170.56

Warm-up Group 3

12 - Emmanuel Savary, University of Delaware 10th - 73.75   13 - Alexander Johnson, Braemar-City of Lakes FSC 9th - 75.19   14 - Jordan Moeller, Northern Ice SC 8th - 76.24   15 - Timothy Dolensky, Atlanta FSC 6th - 78.86   16 - Andrew Torgashev, Panthers FSC 7th - 77.82     They did not show the warm-up group.

Emmanuel Savary- Step-out on that Quad Sal. Fall on the Triple Axel. Nice Quad Sal combo. Step out on that next jump. Popped that jump. That jump was nice. That combo was nice. That wasn’t great, but not bad for him. He needs to work on his artistry, though. Score: 126.98 Total: 200.73

Alexander Johnson - First jump was nice. Double Axel not a Triple. Nice combo. Nice skater, I like the way he moves. Nice jump. Great jump there, too. Another wonderful jump, but he doesn’t have a Quad, though. Nice program, though he really does need a Quad. Score: 158.20 Total: 233.39

Jordan Moeller - Nice Triple Axel combo. Nice jump there. I don’t know if I like the talking in this program. Love Leo Dicaprio, but let’s have singing not talking, please? Nice Triple Axel there, too! This is had been pretty on so far. Ooh, step out on that jump right after I say that... Nice jump sequence there. This change in music suits him better. Nice jump. Great program for him. Not perfect, but pretty good for him. Score: 149.61 Total: 225.85

Timothy Dolensky - Popped that Triple Axel, and wild on the landing. Step out on that Triple Axel. A bit forward on that jump. He’s got a nice way of moving. Good foundation. Shame on the first two Triple Axels. Nice Triple Axel combo. That combo was nice. Wonderful sequence there. Nice jump. Another nice jump. Shame on the opening jumping passes or that would have been a really nice program. Score: 149.90 Total: 228.76 Andrew Torgashev - Mesy landing on that Triple Axel. Nice Quad Toe! Nice combo. I like him. Great up and coming skater. Watch out for him. Popped out on that jump. Nice combo. Nice jump there. That wasn’t a bad program, but it was a bit too messy. Pretty good attempt for him, though. Score: 147.53 Total: 225.53 Standings so far:

1 - Alexander Johnson (158.20) 233.39 2 - Timothy Dolensky (149.90) 228.76 3 - Sean Rabbitt (154.61) 228.02 4 - Max Aaron (155.26) 227.80 5 - Jordan Moeller (149.61) 225.85 6 - Andrew Torgashev (147.53) 225.35 7 - Kevin Shum (133.92) 205.69 8 - Emmanuel Savary (126.98) 200.73 9 - Scott Dyer (129.57) 199.47 10 - Tomoki Hiwatashi (124.30) 196.09 11 - Daniel Kulenkamp (128.66) 193.74 12 - Shotaro Omori (132.72) 191.53 13 - Oleksiy Melnyk (124.45) 184.31 14 - Dennis Phan (120.36) 181.14 15 - Jimmy Ma (110.66) 181.07 16 - Sebastien Payannet (113.49) 170.56

Warm up Group 4:

17 Jason Brown, Skokie Valley SC 4th - 79.23   18 Grant Hochstein, SC of New York 5th - 79.10   19 Ross Miner, SC of Boston 2nd - 88.67   20 Nathan Chen, Salt Lake Figure Skating 1st - 106.39   21 Vincent Zhou, SC of San Francisco 3rd - 87.85

Notes from Warm-up Group: Everyone looks good. Nathan does Quads all over. Vincent just did a beautiful Quad Lutz, and has two possibly three Quads planned for his program. Jason Brown looks alright, but I wonder about that injury. 

Jason Brown - Artistically, he is gorgeous, but he needs to be perfect to have any shot at the podium due his lower technical content. First two jumping passes were beautiful. He’s doing very well so far. Wonderful Triple Flip combo. Wonderful jumps, he is on tonight! Go Jason! Another nice jump. Step-out of that Triple Lutz combo, ugh such a shame. Beautiful, but I don’t know if that last mistake is going to cost him. He needed to be perfect, but it was pretty damn near close. Score: 175.00 Total: 254.23

Are you freaking serious? They cut off Hochstein’s program for a Breaking News thing. Come on... *headdesk*

Grant Hochstein - Okay, finally... halfway through it, though.Touch-down on the Triple Axel. Wonderful jump sequence. Another lovely jump. And another. Nice Triple Lutz. I love his artistry, though. He’s really performing today, too, good for him. Nice program from what I saw, but not perfect. Apparently, he tried two Quads, too. (Damn, I probably missed that.) Score: 169.21 Total: 248.31

Ross Miner - Beautiful Quad Sal! Go Ross! He needed that to have any chance of beating Jason... Totally missed the takeoff on the Triple Axel. Damn... Nice jump combo. He’s such a lovely skater, shame about that missed Triple Axel. That is going to cost him. Fell on that Triple Axel. Nice jump. Doubled the jumps in that combo. That jump was nice. Nice Triple Axel. Would have been wonderful if he’d been clean. Shame about those missed jumps. Score: 151.67 Total: 240.34

Jason Brown guaranteed a spot on the podium.

Nathan Chen - Quad Lutz-Triple Toe and it was beautiful. Nice Quad Flip. Nice Quad Toe sequence. Nice Quad Toe. Just wow... He is so freaking amazing. Triple Lutz, a bit forward. And another Quad! Holy Crap! Another nice jump. That was freaking amazing. So good. So ridiculously hard. Just like wow, I don’t even know what to say. Score: 212.08 Total: 318.47 (HOLY CRAP OMFG HE COULD WIN AT WORLDS WITH THAT)

Vincent Zhou - Tripled out on his Quad Lutz. Nice Quad Sal-Triple Toe. Nice combo there. Great Quad Sal. Good decision to add in another Quad. Another nice jump, but looked a bit two footed maybe. Nice jump there. Wonderful jump sequence there. That’s podium material right there. He’s on the podium, I’m sure of that, but can he beat Jason for silver? Higher technically and he had a lead. It’ll be close. Score: 175.18 Total: 263.03 (SILVER WELL DESERVED YES THANK YOU JUDGES - SEND HIM TO WORLDS)

Final Standings

GOLD Nathan Chen (212.08) 318.47 SILVER Vincent Zhou (175.18) 263.03 BRONZE Jason Brown (175.00) 254.23 PEWTER Grant Hochstein (169.21) 248.31 5th - Ross Miner (151.67) 240.34 6th - Alexander Johnson (158.20) 233.39 7th - Timothy Dolensky (149.90) 228.76 8th - Sean Rabbitt (154.61) 228.02 9th - Max Aaron (155.26) 227.80 10th - Jordan Moeller (149.61) 225.85 11th - Andrew Torgashev (147.53) 225.35 12th - Kevin Shum (133.92) 205.69 13th - Emmanuel Savary (126.98) 200.73 14th - Scott Dyer (129.57) 199.47 15th - Tomoki Hiwatashi (124.30) 196.09 16th - Daniel Kulenkamp (128.66) 193.74 17th - Shotaro Omori (132.72) 191.53 18th - Oleksiy Melnyk (124.45) 184.31 19th - Dennis Phan (120.36) 181.14 20th - Jimmy Ma (110.66) 181.07 21st - Sebastien Payannet (113.49) 170.56 Awesome competition and I think it would be a mistake to not send Vincent to Worlds. We have guys with Quads. Now let the World see it. (Sorry Jason, I love you, but...) 

[coopdigitalnewsletter]

5 May 2017: comparison shopping us, looking at you

Hello, this is the CoopDigital newsletter. Send us feedback at CoopDigitalNewsletter@co-operative.coop.

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[Image: Nanex]

Algorithmic price war: they are comparison shopping us

The internet evened up the pricing information gap that favoured retailers by making it easier for consumers to compare prices. They could “showroom” a product on the high street and then comparison shop it online. Later, the online retailers started to reinstate that information asymmetry: they collected information on our browsing behaviour to determine for example whether we were particularly price (in)sensitive, and feeding that into their price algorithms. Secondly, retailer algorithms began to respond to each others’ moves. The result was ecommerce pricing systems that have no list price and something completely dynamic. A price for each shopper at each moment (“they are comparison shopping *us*”). These consequences may help explain why, once around 20-25% of sales for a product category have moved online, clicks-and-bricks retailers “feel compelled to compete purely on price”. And bankruptcies increase.

There are no doubt startups popping up to give consumers new tools - a kind of “shopper’s edge” that manages or manufactures web profiles so that you are more likely to be offered better deals. And are there ways of providing a Google or Facebook-level of consumer behaviour tracking to local shops? Is this desirable, if the obvious privacy concerns could be addressed?

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Amazon Echo Looking at you

A new version of Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant has a camera and depth sensor  - it can tell you whether that outfit looks good. Amazon continues to work hard at crossing the threshold into your home. More worryingly, the privacy considerations seem significant. The algorithmic gaze, collecting your data, judging you. Related: Facebook says it can identify when teenagers feel “insecure”, “worthless” and “need a confidence boost”.

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Brave browser: privacy and payments

Brave is an open-source browser based on the Chromium project, which also provides the guts of Google’s Chrome browser. Users can “choose whether to block ads, see ads that respect your privacy or contribute to sites directly”. By blocking ads and other malicious guff, Brave promises faster, safer browsing. It tracks which sites are visited by its users (hmm), and if they elect to receive adverts it shares revenue with them in a bitcoin wallet. The payments part of Brave is the most interesting: users can also fund the bitcoin wallet, and payments can be made to a publisher to compensate them for loss of advertising revenue. Which seems like a good thing because 10 to 25% of adult users block ads on web pages, making ad-funded publishing models ever harder. It looks like a micro-payment model which could actually work, though inevitably publishers are very nervous.

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Self-driving car stories and speculations

“Remembering this was a Connected Car, we realised there must be an app to unlock it [...] Just as I think this might save my marriage, the app sends a message to the car to authenticate us. We can see this appear through a small frost-free patch in the window.” - Connected cars need to care. When products evaporate into multiple services, who cares about making the whole experience work well and with empathy?

“Gradually, through blind variation, the cars hivemind discovered that the faster the formation drove, the more it could satisfy the overriding instructions to clear things.” - from Cory Doctorow’s Car Wars.

“Capatcha street furniture, itself autonomous and reconfigurable, introduced by residents looking to filter out autonomous vehicles from passing through their neighbourhoods” - from Jan Chipchase’s 15 more concepts in autonomous mobility.

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Quoted

“Deliveroo is the most extreme example of precarious employment and poverty pay within the gig economy” - activist group helping Deliveroo riders query employment practices.

“North Face and Patagonia… are selling stuff in part by looking like they’re not trying too hard to sell stuff, which helps them sell more stuff – and fills the world with more and more stuff. You might call this the authenticity problem.”

“Bank of Mum and Dad is 9th largest mortgage lender with £6.5bn loans”.

“Humans do not have general purpose minds, and neither will AIs”.

“What we learn from this is that AI can’t really tell a good story yet” - the CoopDigital newsletterbot is a bit sad to learn this.

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In brief

More detail on Google’s plans to combat fake news (0.25% of its 6 billion daily searches are “problematic searches”) and an interesting take on the risks of being the gatekeeper of truth. More detail on Jimmy Wales’s WikiTribune project - professional and citizen journalists working together.

Nasty “phishing” attack which asks users for Google Docs logins. “Fewer than 0.1% of users affected” means around 1 million.

Interesting presentation with lots of numbers about energy generation and markets [pdf] - notable how quickly the price of renewable electricity generation is coming down. That’s good news, but “we are now entering the years where in order to avoid catastrophe, we’ll need wrenchingly rapid action”.

Ethical wholefood wholesaler Suma won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. It says its success is down to co-operative organisation, flexible working and multi-skilling.

Allianz is investing in charity-supporting insurtech startup Lemonade.

Twitter blocks UK government from using 3rd party monitoring tools to monitor terrorism keywords, over surveillance fears.

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CoopDigital news

Dave Johnson: an update on Co-op engineering and our AGM, which is on 20 May.

Getting aligned with a Membership service map - a “single source of truth“ about how membership works.

Changes in our Colleague Communications team.

CoopDigital show and tells

Food Leading the Way - Tue 9 May 11am at Federation House 6th floor.

Digital Product Research - Tue 9 May 1pm at Federation House 6th floor.

Funeralcare - Tue 9 May 2.30pm at Angel Square 12th floor breakout.

Food Leading the Way - Tue 16 May 11am at Federation House 6th floor.

Location services - Wed 17 May 10.15am at Federation House 6th floor.

Membership - Thu 18 May 9.45am at 1 Angel Square 13th floor blue.

Funeralcare - Thu 18 May 4pm at Federation House 6th floor.

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Thanks for reading. If you want to find out more about CoopDigital, follow us @CoopDigital on Twitter and read the CoopDigital Blog.

[gonebethebirds]

Weeks in Quarantine

Week 1 (March 16-22): MSK’s first full-time WFH for all employees. Carina was also working from home full time. This was the week where most people started their quarantine, seeing as how Trump declared it a national emergency on Friday, March 13th (the same day Carina left for her bachelorette and Jesse & I went to Sequoia - not knowing how bad the situation was or that it would become a national crisis). Unemployment started running rampant pretty much immediately. At work we redesigned the blog and launched a whole new initiative to get more client alerts out - alerts which would bring readers back to the  new & imblog. This was also the first week with our new TV set up in the living room (wires hidden, new media cabinet on the wall). So that project was done just in time. I had started growing my “beard” a couple weeks before all this, so this week it started to get more noticeable.

Week 2 (March 23-29): I don’t think anything too noteworthy happened here. Carina and I were watching Tiger King on Netflix. We laid out on the balcony on the chaise padding. I started doing weekly Zoom calls with Giana, Jimmy, Lauren, Jessie, Sherry, and Janelly. 

Week 3 (March 30-April 5): Ghirardelli Oreo snacks. More Tiger King. More Zoom calls. Our first time wiping down groceries in the house. Mom was having a bit of a meltdown. She later got into a car accident but was okay, thank god. (Car was totaled though). Carina and I took Simba in for four nights which was actually really sweet and really nice, even if the logistics of the first night were stressful. And biggest of all: Westin arrived on Friday, April 3rd!! And less important but memorable, Carina gave me a haircut (her first time) on Sunday. She did an awesome job. It came out great.

Week 4 (April 6-12): Zoom calls with Giana & the gang continue. Laguna starts policing the trails and areas like Moulton Meadows, so no more trail walks. I made maple syrup bacon on Sunday morning.

Week 5 (April 13-19): I started making eggs for breakfast quite a bit. Zoom calls with the crew continue. More baking muffins, which has started one week or two prior. Fun night of jenga and drinking games at home just the two of us (and Caiba).

Week 6 (April 20-26): Stressful and busy work week. Fiona and Clifton came over on Tuesday night. I got my face mask from Ironhead Studio. Extraction on Netflix! Crazy fog bank in Laguna. Long hikes with Caiba (we did the loop and walked down to Victoria!). OC apparently gives up on social distancing at the beaches, as they were packed.

Week 7 (April 27-May 3): I saw a big, dead rattlesnake on my morning walk with Caiba. Gave me a heart attack before I realize it was dead. I started making (or continued making?) spicy quesadillas at home. On Friday night Carina and I celebrated 4 years together and 2 years in Laguna together by getting insanely delicious burgers from the drive through system at Mozambique - where they serve alcohol to you in your car, which blew my mind. We played a very fun few rounds of beer pong back at the house in the dining room. It legit felt like a party. Protests started happening across the country to open back up. Idiots. Backyard cleanup on Sunday, and Carina took pressurized water from the sprinkler like a champ. Also: the return of Cheez-Its, which I hadn’t had in two months.

Week 8 (May 4-10): Very average work week. Carina and I continued to get better and better at our homemade meals (lots of taking pictures of our dinners). Red tide!! Carina and I went down to see the bio-luminescence  on Tuesday night. I made the butternut squash dish we normally make, myself, but with Carina’s close supervision. On Saturday we finally cut down the tree in our front planter. Ended the week with Mother’s Day at my mom’s apartment. Got to see her and the Wintertons, and finally meet Westin after a month. Kinsley was a total crackup.

Week 9 (May 11-17): Not much this week. Froy came on Monday to remove the stumps. Thursday was a very busy day. It was the day Carina and I planned to go to two nurseries in Costa Mesa/Santa Ana, which we did, but that was also the day MSK decided a new big initiative. So I was running around a lot that day. We didn’t pick the tree we wanted, but it helped us narrow down our options. On Sat, May 16th my mom brought the Xbox here, so starting this week I had access to video games for the first time in years. And it was nice to have Mom over for a walk and backyard social distancing visit. We also went for a walk on Victoria Beach with Mark and June, and went and [safely] got Tippy’s after, which felt long overdue.

Week 10 (May 18-24): Really busy work week but nothing too notable there. More quesadillas. Carina made delicious bouchons, using the Thomas Keller recipe. To die for. On Wednesday I finally finished the backyard cleanup that we started. We started doing fires outside at night which was nice. I got another face mask, this time one that had the Avengers on it, made by a local business owner in Laguna. Carina made burrata salad which was also to die for.

Week 11 (May 25-31): I feel like a lot happened this week but maybe it’s just because it’s recent memory. Baby goats up at Moulton Meadows! And as I wrote about previously, the George Floyd murder happened on Monday (more on that in a moment). We had a snake in our backyard on Wednesday as I wrote about previously. On Wednesday I Zoomed with Giana and Calvin for the first time in a few weeks which was really nice. On Thursday I finally finished the organization project of cleaning up and organizing the nook cabinet. So satisfying! Stephen and Jacki came over on Saturday for a backyard visit and a walk which was a lot of fun. Carina killed it. She made so much homemade food and it was all amazing. On Sunday Mark and June came by for the same exact thing, for a couple hours, and that was nice too. (Though I got quite sunburned). Coronavirus numbers nearly doubled over the course of May, but no one really talked about it.

Thursday (May 28th) is sadly when the riots started getting really, really bad. This is now four days later and they continue. The people in power really need to do something and arrest the 3 other officers who held him down. Plenty of cities and local areas are declaring state of emergency. People are being attacked and hurt. Jenn was forced to leave Target this morning as they were basically evacuating due to it not being safe. She had her children with her.

We need justice now. As we demand it, we also need to not harm more innocent people in the process. The harm of innocent people is why protests are happening in the first place.

I pray and speak and act for Black Americans, and for all people who have good in their heart and who are trying to do good.

Hoping the best for this country and the good people all across the world. Feeling very grateful for what I have, concerned about what is happening, and nervous but hopeful for the future.

[flauntpage]

An Evaluation of the Sixers at the All-Star Break

I’m not gonna recap the Knicks game, because nobody cares. The Knicks are 10-47 and the worst team in the NBA. The Sixers were supposed to win last night, and they did.

Your squad is 37-21 and currently sitting in 5th place in the east, 6.5 games out of first place and lagging behind the Bucks, Raptors, Pacers, and Celtics. If the playoffs began today, the Sixers would travel to Boston for game one of the opening round, which is not ideal.

So it’s some good and some bad. The record is fine, and the Sixers went 7-5 over the toughest part of their schedule, which coincidentally leads us into the All-Star break. The disappointment is a 1-7 combined record against Boston, Milwaukee, and Toronto, and the one win came on a night when the Raptors were playing without Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka, and Jonas Valanciunas.

The reality is that Brett Brown is coaching his third different team this season, a squad that now features five players who have been here for a total of seven days. That’s 33% of his roster that overturned in the past week. But this is also the most talented group of players he’s ever coached, and he has 24 games to get this squad over the hump and into a position to host a first round playoff series, because anything less than fourth place in the East is a massive disappointment, at least in my mind.

Here’s the remaining slate, which only features 10 games against teams currently in playoff position:

It’s not murderer’s row.

You’ve got the Houston and OKC road trips, plus Golden State at home, but there’s a lot of dreck on the back-end of the schedule following the final Boston matchup. The Celtics, for comparison, still have to play at Toronto and at Milwaukee while going on a similar four-game west coast road trip that the Sixers just completed. The Raptors play most of their toughest games at home while Indiana still has to play at Philly, at Golden State, at Denver, at Portland, at Boston, and at Oklahoma City.

So it’s there for the taking, and the Sixers will have plenty of cupcakes to slap around down the stretch, but they need to win one of these big games, either at OKC or at Houston or at Milwaukee, something that gives you a real boost and lets people know that you’re actually a team that can do some damage in the playoffs.

Takeaways from the first two-thirds of the season, and some looking ahead, after the jump:

Best win

Sixers 113, Warriors 104 at Oracle Arena

No Klay Thompson, sure, but the Warriors still had Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Boogie Cousins, and Draymond Green on the floor. The Sixers were up for this game and played solid basketball throughout.

Next best win

Sixers 120, Pacers 96, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Pre-Victor Oladipo injury.

The Sixers played really well on both trips to Indiana, beating the Pacers by 24 a few weeks back and also beating them way back in November to claim their first road win of the season.

Worst loss

Cavaliers 121, Sixers 112, at Wells Fargo Center

This was the Black Friday game, a night when the Sixers came out sleepwalking and/or gorged on Turkey. Cleveland guards combined for 71 points in the nine-point win and Brett Brown gave the most terse post-game answers I’ve ever heard from him.

Next worst loss

Nets 127, Sixers 124, at Wells Fargo Center

I guess we didn’t know, at the time, that the Nets would turn out to be a decent team this year. Still, the Sixers again got cooked by guards, allowing 39 bench points to Spencer Dinwiddie as he, Allen Crabbe, and D’Angelo Russell all shot better than 50% from the floor.

The Hawks loss was also pretty bad, but with Embiid not playing in that game, it stays off the list.

Best individual performance

Probably Joel Embiid vs. Charlotte:

42 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. He shot 11-18 from the floor, 1-2 from three, and hit 19 of 22 free throws.

Ben Simmons’ 21/10/15 performance against San Antonio could also be a choice here, along with Jimmy Butler’s 34 and 12, plus a buzzer beater, to take out the Nets in Brooklyn.

Statistics worth talking about

Here are some of the league-wide numbers the Sixers are posting, beginning with stuff at the positive end of the spectrum:

115.3 points per game – 3rd in the league behind Bucks and Warriors

47.5 field goal percentage – 6th overall

36.1 three-point percentage – 8th

77.5 free-throw percentage – 13th

10.4 offensive rebounds per game – 14th

27.4 assists per game – 3rd

5.5 blocks per game – 10th

7.7 steals per game – 15th

22.8 fouls drawn per game – 3rd

11.8 offensive rating – 11th

108.4 defensive rating – 11th

54 effective field goal percentage – 3rd

58.2 true shooting percentage – 3rd

13.8 second chance points per game – 9th

15.8 fast break points per game – 8th

12.4 opponent second chance points – 9th

13.4 opponent fast break points – 13th

There’s a lot of good when you look down that list. They shoot the ball well, they don’t give up a lot of cheap stuff on the glass or in transition, and while steal and block numbers aren’t sky-high, their defensive rating is sound. You’d like that free throw percentage to come up, considering the frequency with which they get to the line.

The bad:

15.5 turnovers per game – 27th

21.9 fouls per game – 22nd

24.6 opponent free throw attempts per game – 25th

17.8 opponent points per game off turnovers – 24th

Turnovers are still an issue, but they’re actually down from last year’s number of 16.5, so that’s improvement of one unit per game.

It’s still an issue, along with the fouling, and it results in 91.3 opponent field goals per game, which is 5th-worst in the league.

Some of that, of course, can be attributed to the pace at which the Sixers play, which results in more possessions for both teams, but ultimately the turnovers, if not negated with decent shooting and/or offensive rebounding, turn into scenarios where the Sixers are giving too many extra possessions to opponents. It’s absolutely killed them in earlier games against the Celtics and Raptors, and if they don’t limit that number, they’re gonna lose again in the second round.

Biggest positives

The Sixers starting five of Tobias Harris, Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and JJ Redick is probably the best starting unit in the Eastern Conference. Add in some wing depth in James Ennis and Jonathon Simmons, and theoretically some of the issues with switching and defending on the perimeter should be alleviated.

You can’t say that Elton Brand is to blame for whatever disappointments might be on the horizon.

Biggest concerns

T.J. McConnell has defensive weaknesses as a backup point guard. JJ Redick is still being hunted by teams like Boston. Boban Marjanovic is a good backup big but might not be a great matchup against athletic and stretchy teams like Boston and Toronto. I don’t think the Sixers can afford to leave Jonah Bolden on the bench.

More than any of that, the Sixers have just looked inexplicably tight against some of the better squads in the east. They only had a couple of spurts in the Boston loss where they looked their free-flowing, basketball-sharing selves. They need to mentally get over the hump and play their best basketball against the NBA’s best teams. We saw it happen in Oakland, so we know it’s possible.

Rest

Yeah, the Knicks win didn’t mean much, but the Sixers don’t play well in back-to-back games, which is the theme for most squads. They improved to just 3-6 on zero days rest with last night’s win, with the other B2B wins coming against Charlotte and Phoenix. They went 0-6 on the second night of back-to-backs against Milwaukee, San Antonio, Toronto, Brooklyn, Memphis, and Washington.

For what it’s worth, there are only four more back-to-backs this season, but unfortunately Boston and Milwaukee show up on the second night in half of those scenarios.

On one day of rest, the Sixers are 25-8, so it’s a pretty big performance gap when they get that extra day vs. having to do a quick turnaround.

Random clip from my archives

I really liked this defensive series to close out the home game against the Spurs. Watch the defensive switching and communication here:

Corey Brewer and Wilson Chandler were in on that one. They are gone, but not forgotten.

But seriously, if they lock in defensively and figure it out down the stretch, they have the talent to beat anybody.

Storyline that we definitely don’t have to deal with anymore

Markelle Fultz.

Thankfully that’s over.

Markelle told us back in November that he was fine, when apparently he was not:

Are you 100% healthy or close to it? 

“For sure. I mean, nobody is ever 100% healthy in this game. You play five games in seven days and you get bumps and bruises. That’s life in the NBA. It’s the stuff you signed up for when you get here. But I’m working every day to get better.”

If only it had been that simple.

Storyline that we hopefully don’t have to deal with anymore

Jimmy Butler’s fit in the offense.

The Sixers are running more pick and roll as Jimmy finds his spots. He’s been deferential at times, sure, but we’re weeks removed from the “Butler vs. Brett Brown in the film session” thing and he’s playing pretty well while getting to the foul line, engaging on defense, and trying to settle into the system.

Plus, with the addition of Harris and Boban, it’s kind of taken the spotlight off of Butler and turned attention elsewhere. I think that’s helped put a damper on the “is he a good fit?” talking point, which has allowed him to just sort of go about his business and play his game.

Brett Brown

He’s a hands-off coach who would prefer to let his team get into a rhythm and a tempo, and that’s fine in theory, but he’s just got to help his guys to the finish line. He did a really nice job of that in the Golden State win by dialing up a combination of pick and roll, horns, and a couple of isolation sets to guide his team to a nine-point win.

Looking specifically to Boston and Toronto, he just needs to be super attentive to micro-level details, such as his second-half rotations and defensive vulnerabilities. How can he and Billy Lange help JJ Redick defensively? How many minutes can T.J. play in the postseason? Are Simmons and Ennis going to be switchable guys who solve your Celtics problem?

He’s got a lot on his plate moving forward, and the pressure is going to be immense, but the talent is definitely there for a run at the finals.

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