#jordan baker all american imagine

[echoalyssa]

Can you do a fanfic of female reader x Jordan who is beat friends with JJ and Jordan gets jealous??

I love your work.

Jealous Baker | Jordan Baker

He knows that they've been best friends since birth essentially. He's been telling himself this for multiple times a day recently. He shouldn't be this upset because it had always been like this.

He's in the weight room with the rest of the team and his girlfriend. Except his girlfriend isn't with him, she's across the room with JJ Parker.

Jordan loved JJ, thought of him as one of his closest friends even though JJ drove him batshit crazy a majority of the time. He also loved his girlfriend, who currently, was driving him batshit crazy.

She's working into JJ's set and laughing at something he says. He shows her something on his phone and she slaps at his head. It's completely platonic. Jordan knows that.

Jordan's heart flips in his chest and he forces his gaze away. His headphones are at max volume and he lies back on the bench to finish his reps.

He spots them in the mirror though and suddenly the jealousy is overwhelming. The barbell is getting closer and closer to his face and he grunts.

He benched 315 for reps, there was no way that he was failing at 225 pounds.

Of course it's JJ who notices. He jumps over the equipment lying on the floor, jumping to Jordan's rescue.

"What happened, man? That's lightweight baby!"

Jordan scowls at him.

Y/N rushes over, grabbing his bicep. "Are you okay J?"

His demeanor softens towards her, but he still can't shake that crawling feeling of jealousy.

He doesn't mean to shake her off, but he does. He heads straight for the locker rooms, chucking his towel at the wall with a frustrated growl.

"Jordan!" JJ calls after him.

He hears the door open and he hopes it isn't either of them.

It's his girlfriend, her face lined with worry.

Jordan plops down on the bench and lets his head drop into his hands.

"What's wrong? You've been acting so strange lately."

He struggles to find the words to explain his irrational jealousy.

She touches his shoulder and then slides onto his lap, balancing on one of his knees. She takes his face into her hands and rests their foreheads together.

"You know you can tell me anything right?"

He nods and sighs.

"I'm just so jealous."

This shocks her and she's silent for awhile.

"You're jealous of what?"

He hesitates, knowing it may comes across as controlling. "You and JJ."

" JJ and I?"

He nods dejectedly.

"Jordan! I know we're close and it might come across weird. We'd talked about this though?"

"I know, I know. I don't even know why it's bugging me so much."

"Do you want me to put some distance in between us?"

"No, no! That's okay. This is something that I have to get over. I trust you."

She smiles, relieved. She presses her lips to his forehead.

"Plus no one gets to kiss you like this."

Jordan rearranges his girlfriend so that she's straddling him now. He presses his lips against hers and pulls her close.

Jordan would work on his jealousy, this was his issue not hers.

[slut4cbermen]

Love and Closure

This is my first time posting smut, so leave me alone :P

Word Count: #3032

Theme: Angry Sex with Jordan Baker 

Jordan Baker X Black reader 

Warnings: Angst, Toxic Relationship, Gaslighting, and Smut

"Then what the fuck was the point of this"

“I just feel like you don’t really pay attention to me anymore,” I said. I listened intently as those words escaped my lips, finally acknowledging the growing void that had been silently spreading between us.

I could feel the weight of the situation pressing on me as Jordan and I sat down for what was supposed to be a heartfelt conversation. However, amidst the intensity of the moment, something inside me started to shift. In the midst of vulnerability, a darker impulse began to creep in, whispering thoughts of manipulation and exploitation.

“Why would you even say that to me, with all the shit I do for you?” Jordan exclaimed angrily. Jordan's angry outburst caught me off guard, and I realized that my comment had struck a nerve, unintentionally dismissing their efforts and contributions to our relationship.

“Oh fuck you Jordan, don’t fucking start with this shit, you know what the fuck I meant” I said as attempted to diffuse the tension

“No the fuck I don’t, please go on, enlighten me, please I would love to heard what you need to say”, as Jordan's anger intensified, their challenging tone urged me to gather my thoughts and respond.

“The time that you forget my birthday because you had fucking football practice” I stated feeling all my emotion coming out all at once.

“That one time where you didn’t call me for one week because you wanted to train for football tryout, when you dad is the fucking football coach and your already QB1” 

“Ok, baby, I'm sorry ok!, just stop” Jordan pleaded for me to stop. 

“Stop, why Jordan, you wanted me to tell you all this shit, you fucking started it” I said as my heart sank as Jordan attempted to stop me from speaking my truth. 

“Why do you want to keep going, is it because you like that shit”, “You like that were arguing”, Jordan's accusation took me by surprise, their words reflecting a sense of frustration and confusion. 

“Now your just gaslighting me and changing the subject, You’re such a fucking narcissist” I told him. 

“Then why are you with me, huh” Jordan smirked. 

Caught off guard by the intensity by what he said, I stayed silent, I couldn’t really answer this question. 

“Why so silent now” he said he come closer to me, approaching me with a mix of frustration and seduction in his eyes. 

“No, don’t try to fuck your way out of this conversation”, I said, prompting me to gather my thoughts and find the courage to speak my truth.

“Why not, you love the way I fuck you” he said taking a deep breath, I met Jordan's gaze.

“No I don’t, your mediocre” I said, making sure to make eye contact with him.

“Say that again, I dare you”, Jordan's challenging tone and daring request hung in the air, tempting me to respond impulsively.

“Why, cause you like that shit??” I smirked, knowing I had used his words against him. 

This is how it was for Jordan and I, we’d circle around each other and fight like kids until one of us stopped  and we’d end up fucking like two wild animals.

"You think you're so fucking funny huh? I'm not doing this with you” Suddenly Jordan’s  hand wrapped around my throat pulling me into a rough kiss, his lips pressed against mine as his tongue exploring my mouth.

I moaned into his mouth as he forced me back, my back hitting the vanity in my room. 

"You're a little whore you know that?" He grabbed your thighs lifting you up causing some things on the vanity to fall on the floor.

“No! Fuck, stop this Jordan”, he scoffed, shoving your skirt above your waist.

"No fucking panties? God I should've known. You’re such a fucking dirty little slut." His fingers slid through your wet folds and he smirked, rubbing my clit with his thumb.   

“Fuck, Jordan” I moan as he contuined to rub my clit.

“What happened, where the girl that was talking a bunch of shit to me, I loved her”, I shrugged as he tightened his hand around my throat causing me to moan

“Come on now, Talk to me” he said as he pushed his fingers inside me.

I remain silent and just allow myself to be overwhelmed by him. He pulls out his fingers; which makes me wince, and starts to pull off my shirt slowly, running his fingers up and down my arms as he slides them off my body one by one until only I am left in my bra and soaked panties. 

“Tell me Ruby! Am I mediocre to you now?” He says as he ripped off my panties and uses it to tie my hands together.

“Jordan, please stop this, just fuck me please” I begged him. I know what I said in the beginning and I hate how I let him take over me. 

“No, you’re a fucking slut and you should know this and be treated like it” he said, as he brought his face closer to mine nipping on my bottom lip.

“Tell me” 

“No you’re not mediocre, I’m sorry Ok. Just fuck me please, I need you so fucking bad” I begged him once more.

He starts to take off his pants, unties my hands from my panties, and brings my hand to touch his bulge through his boxers. I stroke him gently through my boxers and his eyes light up in delight at the sight of my hand on his cock.

“Fuck, I’m gonna fuck you so hard”  he says in between breaths. 

He pulls his boxers down and lets his cock spring free. I'm in awe at the sight before me, it's just so big. He smacks my hand away and wraps it around his cock again.

"Wrap your hands around it, babe" he moans, I do what he says and begin to pump it slowly. 

"Faster" he says, grabbing my ass, I speed up and his cock seems to grow larger with each stroke. I feel his cock swell in my hand and I can't help but let out a loud moan as he comes all over my hand. He lifts me up and sits me on top of my vanity. 

He grabs my hips and brings them closer to the edge. He leans me back so that my legs are dangling off the side of the vanity and takes his index finger and runs it through my folds causing me to squirm.

"You're fucking soaked" he says, inserting two of his fingers inside me.

I nod my head as I bite my bottom lip.

"I fucking asked you a question, use your words"

I open my eyes and look at him. "Yes" I moaned, he pulls his fingers out and licks his fingers. 

"What was that?" I look at him and I know exactly what he wants.

"Yes I am wet for you" I say, running my hands through his hair.

He looks up at me with a smirk on his face and runs his tongue through my folds. He licks my pussy slowly, starting at the bottom and going up to my clit. He begins sucking on my clit as he inserts his fingers inside me.

I buck my hips into his face as I grab a fistful of his hair. He sticks his tongue out and runs it across my clit.

"Your so fucking wet for me baby", I throw my head back, moaning and biting my bottom lip, I can feel my walls tighten as he continues to suck on my clit.

"Your such a fucking whore, you know that?" He says as he wipes the sides of his mouth.

"But you love it" I say, licking my lips.

"You bet your little ass I do" he smirks, "You ready for more?"

I nod my head as I watch him pull out a condom from his pocket. I know what comes next and I'm nervous.

"Just relax babe" He says, pulling me up from the vanity. 

He sits down on the chair, taking off his shirt. I take off my bra, but I keep my shirt on.

He kisses my neck as he rips open the condom wrapper. He places the condom on the table and brings his face back to mine.

"Fuck yourself on my cock" he says as he rips off my shirt, making me expose my breasts to him. He takes off his shirt and tosses it across the room.

I reach over and grab his cock, aligning it with my pussy. I slowly lower myself on his cock and let out a moan when it enters me.

I lower myself on his cock until I can feel his balls on my ass. I begin to ride his cock as I throw my head back. I move my hips, using my knees to push me up, and then bring myself back down. 

"Fuck Jordan" I say as I speed up, moving my hips faster.

He grabs onto my ass and begins thrusting his hips up, causing me to go deeper. He sucks on my breasts and I wrap my hands around his hair as he moves his tongue across them.

"I want you to get on top," I moaned.

He gets up and picks me up by the waist. He walks over to the bed and places me on top of it. He climbs on the bed, kneeling in front of me and then places himself at the entrance. 

He slowly slides back inside me and I let out a loud moan. He begins to thrust his hips, pushing himself inside me. He leans down and starts to kiss me, our tongues moving in sync. I grab onto his shoulders as he begins to move faster.

"Fuck Jordan, harder" I moaned. He moved his hips faster and harder. I started to moan louder as he thrusts himself inside me. I brought my legs up to his waist as he continued to fuck me.

"I should choke you, Fuck, I should choke you till you pass out" he says, stilling thrusting inside me. 

I moan and nod my head. I grab onto his arms as he moves his hands up my thighs and to my neck. I tighten my legs around his waist as he begins to choke me.

"You love this shit, don't you?" He says as he continues to thrust inside me.

"Yes Jordan, yes I do" I m

"Fuck Jordan, your gonna make me cum" He removes his hand from my neck and moves them down to my clit. He starts rubbing it and I start to squirm.

"I want you to fucking cum all over my cock" he moans. He picks up his pace and I can't take it anymore.

"I'm gonna cum" I scream as I let out a loud moan.

"Beg", he says as he continues to choke me harder. I squeeze my legs around him, keeping him inside me as I begin to moan louder.

"Please, please Jordan I want you to make me cum" I say as I bring my hands up to my neck.

"Again" he moans in my ear, squeezing my neck harder.

"Please Jordan, I need it so bad" I moan as I move my hips.

He lets go of my neck and begins to rub my clit again.

"Fucking cum" he screams as he comes to rub my clit faster.

I can feel my pussy tighten around his cock. He goes deeper inside me as he starts to rub my clit faster.

"Oh my god, I'm cumming Jordan" I moan as he begins to fuck me faster, moving his hips into me as he keeps rubbing my clit.

"Fuck Jordan" I scream as I cum all over his cock.

He pulls out of me and takes off the condom, throwing it across the room.  

"Get down on your knees and make me cum, you fucking slut" he said as he got up from the bed. I move myself down and kneel on the floor.

I place my hands on his thighs and move my face closer to his cock. I lick the sides of his cock slowly and he lets out a moan.

"Be a fucking whore and just take it all" he says as he grabs my hair. I put his cock in my mouth and start to bob my head up and down.

I nod my head, taking his cock out of my mouth and placing it back inside. I move my tongue around his cock. I bring my hands up to his balls and start rubbing them as I begin to suck harder.

"Fucking suck my cock whore" he said as he grabbed my head, forcing it down farther. I gag and spit starts to come out of my mouth. He pulls out and I start to lick his cock again.

"Fuck, open you mouth wide" He said as he pull his cock out of mouth.

I do what he says and stick my tongue out, waiting for him to cum in my mouth. He grabs my face and moves his cock to the side of my mouth, rubbing the tip of his cock on my lips. 

I look up at him, grabbing onto his thighs and trying to keep my mouth open. He moves his cock down and rubs the tip of his cock against my lips. I move my tongue out, sticking it out and trying to lick his cock.

"Fuck that's hot" he said, pushing the head of his cock inside my mouth.

I moan as I feel him hit the back of my throat. I tighten my legs together as I feel myself about to cum again.

"Fuck that feels good, Fuck" he said as he began to fuck my face.

"I want you to fucking suck this cock, don't you fucking dare let me cum" he said as he grabs my hair again.

I nod my head and start sucking his cock faster. He grabs my head and begins to fuck my mouth.

"That's it baby, Fuck" he says as he thrust his cock into my mouth. I grab onto his thighs as he begins to thrust harder and deeper.

"Fuck baby, I'm gonna fucking cum" he moaned as he took his cock out of my mouth.

"Cum all over my face Jordan" I said. He put his cock back inside my mouth and began to fuck it faster. I kept sucking his cock and he began to moan louder.

"Fuck" he said as he came in my mouth.

I began to swallow it all and then pulled his cock out of my mouth.

“You swallowed it all for me babe, you fucking slut" he said as he got down on his knees.

He brought his face closer to mine and began to kiss me. I moved my tongue across his lips and then he started to kiss my neck.

"You were so good for me baby, I fucking loved it" he said as he lifted me up from the ground.

He lied me down on the bed and got in between my legs.

"No, stop, just wasn't supposed to happen", I said as I pushed me off of me. 

"You sure?" He asked.

"Positive" I said.

He stopped and moved to lie next to me. We both lied there in silence for a while. He pulled me into his chest and wrapped his hands around my waist.  

"Jordan, I said no" I said as I pushed him off me again. 

"Why?"

"because I said so" I said

"Just tell me, please" he said as he brought his face closer to me.

I rolled my eyes and rolled over so that my back was facing him.

"You're my girlfriend and I love you" I cut him off and started to laugh.

"What the fuck is so funny Ruby?" he said.

I didn't answer him and kept my head facing the opposite direction.

"You say all this but don't actually mean any of this” I say as I continue to laugh.

"Oh shut the fuck up Ruby" he said as he moved closer to me.

"You say this but then suck my dick like a the little slut that you are" he said

"I'm done, I can't do this with you anymore" I said as I got up from the bed.

"What do you mean by that?" he said with a confused look on his face.

I looked down at the ground. Feeling angry at myself so letting this happen. 

"I'm done with you Jordan, I can't keep doing this" Jordan's face fell as the weight of my words settled between us, marking the end of our tumultuous relationship.  He sat there and didn't say anything.

"What? You got nothing to say" I said, I clenched my fists, determined to learn from my mistake and turn things around. 

"What do you want from me?" He said with no emotions on his face.

"You don't know what you want from me maybe stop fucking around with people and just be my fucking girlfriend" The air grew heavy with unspoken emotions as we stood there, each grappling with our own frustrations and desires for closure.

"Fine" he said.

"Fine? That's it?" I asked

"Yes" he said, His response hung in the air, leaving behind a lingering sense of unresolved tension and unanswered questions.

"Then what the fuck was the point of this" I questioned him, feeling a mix of disappointment and confusion wash over me.

“I don’t know” he said.

"Just fuck off Jordan, I don’t want to see your face" I said as I moved back to my bed. 

He grabbed my hand and made me turn around.

"What the fuck do you want from me Jordan?"

"I love you", he stammered, his words hanging awkwardly in the air. 

"You need to leave now" I said. My voice trembled as I tried to assert myself, realizing that allowing him to stay would only further complicate the already tangled web of emotions entwined within me. 

"No, not until you tell me you love me too"

PART 2??

[kingstonjeremy]

ALL AMERICAN UNIVERSE APPRECIATION WEEK Day 4: Favorite Romantic Ship → JORDAN BAKER & SIMONE HICKS

[codychristiantreasures]

Cody Christian Autocomplete interview ft. Michael Evans Behling

Thought this was a fun idea

Warnings: mention of pregnancy?

I wish they did one of these interviews for real

Not proof read. Don’t come for me.

“Hi! I’m Cody Christian” “and I’m Michael Evans Behling and this our Autocomplete interview with WIRED.”

*cuts to Cody and Michael with their boards*

“It took us 4 tries to say that line correctly” Michael says while laughing. “This is why we’re always on set for so long. We’re always laughing and messing up our lines.” Cody says while looking at Michael then to the camera “lets get started!”

“Is Michael Evans Behling” Michael says while slowly pulling off the paper with an intense stare into the camera “single?” “Yes, I’m single.”

“I knew that question would come up at some point for you” Cody says while laughing. “Ok. Is Cody Christian actually good at football?” “He’s actually a great player!” Michael chimes up before Cody can answer. “I put a lot of hours into training and practicing to be the best I could be. I wanted to bring that character alive and have everyone watching really believe the whole ‘I’ve been playing football all my life and it’s all I have’ thing that Asher has going on. So I hope it all payed off and I’m good at football” Cody answers with a smile.

“How tall Is Michael Evans Behling?” “I am just under 6’2”

“Can Cody Christian drive?” “Yes, as soon as I could get my license, I did. I love driving. The LA traffic isn’t my favourite thing but I’ll always opt to drive if I can”

“Is Michael Evans Behling friends with Cody Christian?” Michael starts laughing “No, we hate each other. We only talk because we have to” Cody starts chuckling “jokes aside, yes, Cody and I are great friends. One of the funniest and kindest guys I know.” “Thanks bro” Cody says while dabbing Michael.

“Is Cody Christian married” Cody looks at the camera wide-eyed while Michael is covering his face with his board, trying to hide his laugh.

“Well…Yes. I have been married for a year. I have always worn rings so no one really questioned when I started wearing a ring on my wedding finger. My wife and I were engaged for a year and a half because I wanted to be able to help with all the planning and organizing so we would do what we could between filming.” “I did not expect that to come up” Michael says to Cody while grinning. “Now that the cats out of the bag, when are the mini-me’s coming along?” Cody lets out a laugh “she already has you to take care of because you’re at our house an average of 4/7 days” Cody jokingly says to Michael.

“Well that was fun! We hope you enjoyed it as much as us! Let’s hope Cody is still alive tomorrow after spilling the tea.” Michael says to the camera, ending the interview.

Cody turns to Michael “She is pregnant by the way.” Michael looks at him stunned; then Cody answers a call from you while waving bye to Michael and leaving the set.

[featherquillpen]

The Ten Best Books I Read This Year

In order of when I read them, not how much I liked them.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

A novel about a white author who uses yellowface to achieve literary success. I don't usually read realistic fiction, but I loved Kuang's fantasy novel Babel so I gave this one a try. It is difficult to read, but unputdownable. It's like watching a trainwreck because you just have to see how bad it gets. A takedown of the publishing industry in all its ugliness.

2. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

This is exactly the kind of sci-fi I most desire. It's a deradicalization story told from the point of view of a far-right zealot slowly deradicalizing herself. I really enjoyed the insights into exactly what it takes for a dangerously radicalized teenager to change her mind.

3. The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera

A novel about a Chosen One who walks away from his destined mission and joins group therapy for failed messiahs. Unquestionably the best book on this list. Mind-blowingly excellent. It's as funny as the premise makes it sound, but also deeply profound, politically astute, and the best new spec fic of the COVID-19 era. Big plague CWs here.

4. El Nunca Más de las locas by Matías Máximo

A non-fiction book about the experiences of LGBTQ people in Argentina in the 1970s and 80s. Only available in Spanish, sorry gringues. The book is not only a great work of scholarship, but way more poetically written than I'm used to from history books. Please more historians write with this level of prose, it really adds something.

5. True Biz by Sara Nović

Again, I don't usually read realistic fiction, but this novel by a Deaf author about a year in the life of a Deaf school really grabbed me. It made me cry a whole bunch, and it took me on a compelling tour of Deaf culture, from former cochlear implant users to CODAs to multigenerational Deaf families.

6. Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

A novel about making it big in the golden age of Hollywood when you're Chinese-American and all the studio execs are fae monsters. I've read novellas by Nghi Vo and loved them so I wanted to graduate to her full novels. Oh my god. She really is such a good writer it makes me foam at the mouth. Magic and fae bargains are such good metaphors for Hollywood.

7. Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt

Trans horror that endeavors to explain why the UK is LIke That. And boy, does it ever succeed. This book calls for basically every imaginable content warning, but it's so worth it. The audiobook deserves a special shout-out; huge props to Nicky Endres for the spine-chilling and sometimes hilarious performance.

8. The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

After Siren Queen I needed more Nghi Vo as soon as possible, so I got this magical AU of The Great Gatsby told from Jordan Baker's point of view. The magic does add something to Gatsby's parties, but the book is at its best when it delves into the parts that Fitzgerald never touched: Jordan Baker's inner life and her history with Daisy.

9. The Sapling Cage by Margaret Killjoy

Trans anarchist witches? Trans anarchist witches with leftist infighting??? Margaret Killjoy once again I thank you for my life. I love how this book shows you very directly how anarchist societies work on a day to day basis, as well as the problems they face.

10. Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains by Bethany Brookshire

An amazing non-fiction book about the animals we love to hate. The book's take on controversial issues like white-tailed deer management is very nuanced and takes into account important dynamics of settler colonialism and how it affects all of our relationships with the animals close to us.

[the-lean-buddha]

My thoughts on the news about The Long Walk's film adaption

I have very little faith that The Long Walk will be a good adaption but maybe I'll be wrong! I can dream, and I've been wrong before. Here are my thoughts on the casting announcements and set pictures.

Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson are the leads, according to Deadline, which means they're presumably Garraty and McVries. Jonsson seems like a good actor but an awful fit for either character, and with Hoffman (presumably Garraty) it comes down to how good an actor he is, I guess, because I can see it working if I squint but I haven't seen anything from Hoffman to suggest he can do Garraty. And I reaaaaally doubt he could do McVries. McVries has a bite to him.

Joshua Odjick is Native American so he's presumably Joe or Mike (not to say that a different character couldn't theoretically be Native American in the adaption, but it's key to Joe and Mike that none of the other Walkers understand their culture at all, and only Baker defends their parents). It's odd that either of those two would have a prominent enough role to be cast already, so I wonder if either one of their roles is beefed up, or if Mike and Scramm will be a composite character and Joe won't feature at all. Alternatively, Odjick isn't playing a Native American character (or he is but Mike and Joe are adapted out), in which case I'd guess Parker.

Roman Griffin Davis is someone I've only ever seen in Jojo Rabbit so I don't know how much range he has. I think he'd fit best as Barkovitch but I wouldn't be surprised if he's been cast as Baker or Olson.

Charlie Plummer is Stebbins. I say this almost entirely because he's a long-haired blonde. If McVries is black then book descriptions (and characterizations, let's be honest, you can't make McVries a black kid in the 70s and keep his character the same) are thrown out the door already, but google Charlie Plummer and tell me he's not been cast as Stebbins. Also, take a look at this.

Ben Wang is Asian American and there are no explicitly Asian American characters, so we've gotta guess this one purely on Vibes (Olson and Barkovitch could both be canonically Asian American, but Barkovitch is openly racist, so). From Wang's YouTube channel and some clips of Chinese Born American I found, he's a nice and playful guy (hmu Ben let's get a lemonade, also tell me who you're playing), so I'd assume Baker or Olson or Abraham because they fit that the closest, I guess? But this is unfortunately a flawed way of guessing because actors playing lunatics are sometimes normal people in real life, walking among us, going almost undetected.

Tut Nyuot's a young, sweet-looking kid. I'd assume Percy? Again, weird to cast Percy already because he doesn't even have any lines in the book, but I can't imagine Nyuout playing a character who's supposed to be the same age as Charlie Plummer's character. Maybe he's unexpectedly good at playing deranged assholes like Barkovitch? We'll see.

For Garrett Wareing I'd say Olson, looking through clips and interviews.

Jordan Gonzalez gives me no strong impression. Sorry, Jordan. Feel free to give me a stronger one over lemonade (and tell me who you're playing). If I'm held at gunpoint then I'll say Abraham.

Mark Hamill is presumably playing the Major. He's absolutely not who I would have picked because he overflows with character and I always pictured the Major as a stoic, empty Big Brother type figure, whose moments of charisma and friendliness were obviously just an act. And I guess Hamill could play that, but I think the Major will more likely have a lot more personality and vim and vigor in the movie, if Hamill was cast - he's easily the biggest draw in the cast. Not necessarily a bad way to portray the Major, but easier to mess up. We'll wait and see.

Judy Greer as presumably Mrs. Garraty will presumably be fine.

Set photos look promising, aesthetically. No half-track, though. And there's a tank. Why is there a tank?

There's a Deadline article suggesting that there are only 50 kids and the pace limit is 3mph. But there's also an article suggesting it's still 100 kids so it might be a mistake? If it's 50 kids then that's presumably done for practicality but it's a bad change, the number will either get too low too fast or it'll drop too slowly (and also no 47 and 61 which would be weird but that's not significant). 3mph isn't necessarily bad, it's more feasible, but it does mean the "first into Massachusetts in seventeen years" can't happen. Maybe they'll make New Hampshire the record instead.

i want lemonade

Reblog with your thoughts! We've got news, people, and I'm sure someone somewhere is more excited about that than I am. Let's get some discussion going on in here.

[lawyeronabike]

Book Talk #2: The Mind of Jay Gatsby

A traditional reading of The Great Gatsby focuses on what the novel teaches us about class, bigotry, and the American Dream. It's an important reading, but one that is already well worn. I'm going to assume you are already familiar with it and/or can research it when you feel like it. But this post is not about that reading.

I want to talk about the characters of The Great Gatsby, not as devices to advance theme or plot, but as whole, fleshed out people who are still compelling a near century after being written. So I ask...

What makes Gatsby tick? Why is he the way he is? He has a perfectly normal problem: he wants this girl. He has an absolutely puzzling solution. Throw massive parties. Let’s investigate.

Some people think it’s just the premise of the book, and must be accepted. Some people take Nick Carraway’s view, that Gatsby’s gift for hope is to be romanticized, admired, and protected. I don’t. I think that Jay Gastsby is neither some tragic hero or a plot premise to remain unquestioned. Upon my most recent reading of The Great Gatsby, I discovered a new headcanon that better explains his behavior than any I’ve heard before.

Jay Gatsby is autistic.

Yes I’m playing armchair psychologist. No I’m not qualified. It’s fine, because this a fictional character. Also, it’s a good conversation starter. I’m not the first to think of this (shoutout to tumblr users @thegreatgatsbyglitters & @confirmedpsycho, and @thegreatsandwich on aO3) but it’s not often discussed. It gets far less discussion than the “Nick is gay” reading (which I also buy). So let’s see if we can remedy this.

So the CDC lists the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism. It seems as good as any place to start.

The three main requirements are as such:

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):

Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.

Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.

Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.

And compare them against the evidence in the book

1. If throwing giant parties to attract the attention of your beloved isn’t “abnormal approach,” I don’t know what it. Furthermore, when Gatsby decides to escalate attempts, he decides to ask Jordan Baker to ask Nick if he will have Daisy over for tea so Gatsby can drop in.

Pictured Above: A perfectly straightforward and reasonable way to get a girl's attention

2. This is most prominently seen in chapter six. Tom and his two riding friends, the Sloanes, arrive at Gatsby’s house on horseback unannounced. Gatsby invites them inside, which is declined. Mrs. Sloane then invites Nick and Gatsby to a dinner party.

Gatsby looked at me questioningly. He wanted to go and he didn’t see that Mr Sloane had determined he shouldn’t.‘I’m afraid I won’t be able to,’ I said. ‘Well, you come,’ she urged, concentrating on Gatsby.

Here, Nick is flat out telling us that the invitation was only extended to be polite, and that Gatsby didn’t realize this. He heard the words, and failed to notice all the other social cues that were saying he shouldn’t accept. He accepts the invitation.

3. Difficulties in adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts. Gatsby has a hard time interacting in a friendly, social setting, and treats a lot of his encounters like business deals. Here’s a clear example.

Nick has just agreed to host Daisy for dinner, just as Gatsby requested. Gatsby then proceeds to offer Nick the chance to make some money. Gatsby sees this as repaying the debt he owes to Nick, and has a hard time comprehending that Nick is doing a favor for a friend.

‘Well, this would interest you. It wouldn’t take up much of your time and you might pick up a nice bit of money. It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing.’

I realize now that under different circumstances that conversation might have been one of the crises of my life. But, because the offer was obviously and tactlessly for a service to be rendered, I had no choice except to cut him off there.

A diagnoses also requires two of the following four:

1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypes, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).

2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat same food every day).

3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).

4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g. apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement).

Gatsby fits all four.

The strongest evidence I saw for this is that Gatsby says “Old Sport” a lot.

2. We find evidence for this right at the end of the book. Gatsby’s dad shows a schedule Jay made for himself as a teenager. It plots out his time from 6AM to 9PM.

3. This should prove to be the most controversial subclaim in this post. Some people with autism fixate on trains. Some fixate on dinosaurs. Many autistic people have a singular, overriding interest. I argue that Gatsby’s autistic fixation is Daisy, or rather, the idea of her.

4. Hypersensitivity to sounds. Gatsby spends a remarkably little amount of time at his own parties. He usually is happy to leave the raucous festivities to others. He just hosts. One way to interpret this is an aversion to loud noises, often common for people on the autism spectrum.

One other thing, Gatsby is a bad liar. Holes in in backstory emerge throughout the book as he tells it to Tom or Nick. Furthermore, he can’t even convincingly tell Nick that he was the one driving the car that killed Myrtle. Nick figures out pretty quickly that it was Daisy. This supports a reading of autistic Jay Gatsby because many autistic people don’t realize all the nonverbal signs that give away liars, so they can’t fix them in their own performance when they try to lie.

Why does it matter?

First off, representation matters, but it also affects the themes of the story. His pining over Daisy becomes much less romanticized and much more pitiable. In chapter one, Nick describes Gatsby -

It was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again.

More objectively, it could be described as the curse of hope, haunted by a nostalgia for things that never were, and a future that can never be. It is a ceaseless need for the unattainable, a self inflicted torture that can end only varying degrees of sorrow. In this way, The Great Gatsby becomes not just a story of themes and ideas, but of realistic people.

It explains why Gatsby refuses to accept that the past cannot be repeated, that Daisy has a new life and is oblivious to the fact that Nick is in love with him (like I said earlier, this interpretation makes a lot of sense to me).

The first time I read this book, it was a story about the American Dream, about prejudice, and about love. It still is all that, but now, I also see a story about flawed human beings, and about how we all, for better or worse, run amok, changing the course of each other's lives. Seeing all this on a subsequent reading encourages me to read more carefully in the future, to distrust narrators (don't implicitly accept their point of view), and be more quick to notice what kind of people are involved in the story. There are queer and neurodivergent characters in places you might not expect, including the foremost novel of the jazz age.

And if you still don’t believe this theory, I encourage you to mindfully read the book again. It’s not long. You will probably even find evidence I overlooked. Besides, you’re probably overdue to reread it anyway.

[ramrodd]

How does Ex Machina further develop ideas in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein?

COMMENTARY: 

Frankenstein reflects the electric effect the American Revolution, generally, and Benjamin Franklin, in particular, had on the collective imagination of Britain and the Continent especially within the context of the intellectual displacement caused by Newton, Kant and Hegel. The title, “Frankenstein” is a homage to Franklin and his lightening rod which served to launch the challenge to Deus Ex Machina that rises to its apogee with Darwin and Nietzsche's “God Is Dead!” triumph of Heroic Romantic Narcissism.

Newtown, Kant and Hegel created a crack in the Cartesian Cosmos that has come down to the existential struggle between Liz Cheney’s version of January 6 and Tucker Carlson’s version of January 6. The woke voters are going for Liz Cheney’s version in 2024 and the white supremacists/KKK voters are going with Tucker.

As a woman, Mary Shelley was challenging the misogamy of Moses, Peter and Calvin as the voice of Mary Magdalene. William F. Buckley identified with Lord Byron and Percy Shelley Heroic Romanticism and the David and goliath battle of the American Revolution. If you are a female woke voter, yon need to listen to the Gospel of Mary Magdalene and read a little bit of Mary Eddy Baker’s Christian Science

St. Peter had a very proprietary attitude to Jesus. like Tom Parker with Elvis. He had bet the ranch (they all had) on Jesus and the coming of His Kingdom on Earth. Jesus sold them something of a pig in the poke, which is why Peter is so outraged at the idea that Jesus might end up crucified. Jesus was a means to an end to everyone around Him except Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene. Ever Mary, Co-Redemptrix, considered Him part of the family wedding catering business. Changing water into wine is a clever business model. Mary, Co-Redemptrix, gave a family friend of John Mark’s mother, Mary of Jerusalem, 120 gallons of primo Mogan David as a wedding gift. Mary Co-Redemptrix, was comfortably Bourgeoise by the time Jesus begins His ministry. It is useful to see Jesus and His 12 Disciples as a Green Beret A Team from the perspective of Cornelius, the centurion featured in Acts X. And, from the Jewish point of view, Gideon and 12 of his 300 preparing an ambush for the Hittites that the Zealots reprise against a Roman legion in 66 to launch the Jewish Wars. Joseph and Mary, mother of Jesus, received as substantial dowry with the gold, frankincense and myrrh. The post-modern historical deconstruction of the dialectical Marxism of the 60s cultural wars that Jesus was a poor peripatetic preacher is not accurate. It is important to remember that the prayer of all the Jewish men, especially Peter, first thing in the morning was “Thank you, Lord, that I was born not a Gentile, nor a slave, nor a woman:: It probably sounds better Hebrew.

Mary Shelley was dealing with this legacy of the ten Commandments. woman as property. The idea of a woman writing serious literature should remind English Majors everywhere of the anecdote of Dr. Johnson, being asked by a fellow spectator, if the dog sidnlt dance well on its two hind legs, replied “The question isn’t how well he dances, but why!”

The Pro-Life Evangelical solo scriptura interpretation of the Gospel of Mark is an engine of Fascist disinformation organic to the white supremacist agenda of the core cadre of the January 6 insurgency. Campus Crusade for Christ is a major generator of this Pro-Life dialectical Marxist Calvinism. The Pro-Life Chaplains in the miliary are preaching this shit and, as a consequence, creating the culture sexual assault in the military community and a major driver of the suicide rate among combat veterans and white males who identify with Kurt Cobain.

So, what Mary Shelley was in the middle of was pretty much the same culture the MAGA nation is trying to preserve by electing Trump and all the white supremacists they elect with Gym Jordan and James Comer and Lindsey Graham and Cancun Ted Cruz and teh 118 January 6 Republicans who are tryin g to hold the debt ceiling hostage to get their way, including overturning the 2020 election.

The issue isn’t that Kant’s Categorical Imperative represents a schematic of the cognitive organization of the psyche but that it is a schematic of the cognitive organization of the male and female ego in an “all men are created equal” kind of way. Frankenstein is an allegory that explores the significance of Jesus’s affirmation that women should become as men.

Mary Shelley represents everything the January 6 Republicans are trying to prevent, going back to William F. Buckley and his on-campus Brown Shirts, the Young Americans for Freedom. Deus Ex Machina ceased to be an issue with the English Civil War. It should have ceased to be an issue with Jean d”Arc, but, then Sam Alito still hasn’t read the memo about the 19th Amendment.

[of-a-chaotic-mind]

Home Part 2

Summary: Asher lands in the hospital but he’ll have plenty of support.

TW/CW: Steroids, a few swear words, angst/sadness, Jordan Baker x Adams!Reader

Word Count: 1,387

A/N: So I actually had to do some research to figure this out and obviously this is still an AU thing bc I haven’t made it past episode 10 yet to find out what actually happens. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy! Requests and Asks open.

Your POV

    I roll over and stretch my back before getting up from my recliner. Making my way to the kitchen, I’m careful to not wake Liv and Leila who are both asleep on opposite ends of the couch. They both stayed over last night after our girl’s night in. It’s good to finally be back with my best friends but it still feels like something is missing. Rather, I should say someone is missing. A couple someones to be fair.

    I’ve now been back a week. However, that also means that it’s been almost a week since I saw Asher. The guys say he’s still shown up for practice but he won’t talk to any of them unless necessary for football. Jordan and I have started hanging out more. We’ve talked a lot about us and what happened but we still haven’t quite worked through everything.  

    I check my phone and find several texts and missed calls from Jordan. I read through the texts quickly before calling him. He picks up almost instantly, “(Y/n), you need to come down to the hospital asap!”

    Already racing to my room to change, I ask, “What? Why? What happened?”

    “It’s Asher. He started breathing really heavy during practice so dad benched him but moments later Asher he was having trouble breathing and said his heart was hurting. We’re here with him now but we can’t get back to see him yet, we’re not family and he’d kill me if I called your Mom or Dad,” he answers and I can hear the concern and worry heavy in his voice.

    “I’ll be right there,” I say before hanging up and changing into some jeans and a sweatshirt. I race back down stairs and grab my keys. Liv and Leila are awake now and confused by my rush.  

    I write a note for Mom and leave it on the counter but Liv stops me before I make it out the door, “(Y/n/n), what’s going on?”

   “Asher is at the hospital,” I say and step around her, “Just lock up before you guys leave please.”

   I finally make it to the car and make my way to the hospital. After a long nerve wrecking drive, I finally make it and find Jordan and Coach Baker waiting for me in the lounge. They both join me at the reception desk as I hurriedly ask her where I can find my brother. Convinced I am his sister like I say I am, she tells me where he is but informs me that he’s asleep. I make my way to the room, and find he is in fact asleep but I take a seat beside his bed to catch my breath.

    “Asher what did you do?” I mumble as I drop my head into my hands.

    “I just wanted to be good enough,” I hear him whisper and I look up at him quickly.

    I reach out and take his hand in mine, “Asher what makes you think you aren’t good enough?”

    He turns his head to look at me, “Mom left, you left, dad hardly ever speaks to me, and no matter how hard I try I can’t ever get to where I want to be in football. I’m a disappointment and a failure.”

    The tears in his eyes grips my heart and tears of my own begin to fall, “Asher, you are the best little brother anyone could ever have. I know I shouldn’t have left. It was selfish of me, just like it was selfish of Mom and Dad to treat you like they did. Football, though, you were and still are one of the best receivers that Beverly has ever seen. Sure, Spencer might have taken some of the spotlight but communication goes a lot further than sabotage and cheating. I know you both need the scholarship offers but they don’t have to come to just one of you. There’s plenty of schools out there and two of you. I know it’s hard feeling like you always live in the shadows but getting into the light takes work. Shortcuts only come back around to bite you in the ass.”

   He squeezes my hand, “You’re right. I’m sorry I fucked up so royally. I need help...” He trails off as a doctor walks in the room.  

   “Miss Adams will your parents be joining us?” he asks.

   I glance at Asher and find the answer on his face before shaking my head at the doctor, “No Sir, they’re both pretty busy right now.”

   He nods before explaining to me the results of the various tests and a summary of any damage. Thankfully it isn’t too bad and he will still be able to play football. He finishes his findings and asks me to step out into the hallway with him. I look to Asher and silently ask if it’s okay for me to leave, but he immediately nods, “I’m okay, I need to sleep anyway.” So, I let his hand go and step out into the hall.

    The doctor looks at me seriously and seems to examine me before speaking, “Miss Adams, I understand that not all parents do the best job but it may be beneficial to call them. Did you know your brother has been using Steroids?” I say nothing and only nod. He continues cautiously, “He will need to be committed to a recovery program before he can have a chance to play football again.”

    I nod, “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll be sure to discuss it with him and decide on a program.” He nods in understanding before walking away. I poke my head back in the room but find Asher asleep so I decide to rejoin the others in the waiting room. As I round the corner, it sounds like there are more people than before so I change paths and head for the cafeteria instead. I have too many thoughts bouncing around my head right now to be surrounded by noise. I grab a drink out of the coolers and a candy bar before approaching the register. The attendant rings up the items and patiently waits as I dig around in my purse for my wallet.

    Before, I can find it, however, someone else hands over some money. I look up to find it’s Jordan and then grab my things and find a seat in a booth. Jordan slides in across from but doesn’t say anything. I quietly eat my candy bar and stare out the window. He reaches out and takes my hand in his but still says nothing.

    Deciding it’s time to get some of the information off my chest, I speak up, “Thank you for paying for my stuff. I think I left my wallet at home.”

    Out of the corner of my eye I notice him shake his head, “Don’t worry about it.”

    I take a deep breath, “The Doctor said the effects and damage are minor. There’re small amounts of damage to his kidneys and his blood pressure is up but after a recovery program and some ass kissing, he should be good to play football again. They said his heart looks okay but to keep an eye on it. He’ll have to be careful.”

    “That’s good. Dad says he’ll be benched for a handful of games when he returns but he’ll get his position back after that,” he says, trying to bring some good news.

    “Who all came?” I ask, changing the subject.

    Jordan laughs, “Everyone. Liv and Leila showed up not long after you went back and the guys came in not long before you got back. We’re all worried about him and Spencer insists that we show him the same support that we gave him when he was in here, like our friends and family wouldn’t.”

   Finishing my candy bar, I smile and get up from my seat, “I suppose I should probably give them an update.”

    He joins me as I throw my trash away before heading back for the waiting room. Halfway there he stops me and wraps his arms around me. I hug him back as he kisses the top of my head, “You know we’re here for you, too right? I know it’s not really worth much right now but I'm right here if you need me.”

    "It’s worth more than you think,” I mumble into his shirt before we pull apart and continue towards the waiting room.

Masterlists

[nocturnalwildflower]

i would love a jordan baker blurb where y/n is his girlfriend and attends a booster party with him and he’s like stunned by her beauty and by seeing her all dressed up (as he should be) and then gets jealous when someone starts hitting on her at the party? ok im done ily 😚

jealousy; jordan baker

warnings: cursing

wc: 0.7

a/n: I changed the request a little bit but I just let the creative juices flow! feels so good to be back to writing again! 🥰

masterlist ♡ prompt list

when jordan asked you to accompany him to a booster event, you knew you couldn’t say no. seeing him play on the field was one thing but seeing him being the center of attention at a booster event was a different story. it was also the perfect opportunity for you to spend time with olivia – finals had been kicking your asses and you hardly had time to spend together, so getting ready seemed like the perfect idea. after 2 long hours, the two of you were finally ready – you settled on a gold sparkly dress that hugged your body in all the right places with gold makeup to match, your hair in a tight topknot bun. you and olivia headed down the staircase, jordan and spencer not being able to take their eyes off the two of you. jordan’s mouth was slightly open, his eyes not leaving your body. when you reached the bottom of the stairs, he slid his hand into yours as laura began snapping pictures of the four of you. after 200 pictures, billy told everyone it was time to go.

-

when you arrived at the booster event, cameras were flashing left and right, trying to get a picture of the future all american’s and their gorgeous dates to the event. once you entered the hall, jordan had left you to talk to one of the UCLA boosters and you stood at a table alone, until someone approached you.

“so what’s a pretty lady like yourself doing at a party like this all by yourself?” the guy, mason, questioned in a flirtatious tone and you smiled lightly.

“I’m here with my boyfriend actually,” you replied kindly in an attempt to soften his puffed-up ego. he scoffed, lightly running his fingers down your arm as his lips formed a smirk and his eyes looked you up and down.

“jordan baker? head quarterback at beverly hills high school? yeah, I know him,” he replied in a cocky tone. you rolled your eyes, knowing exactly what was going through his head. you jerked back, distancing yourself from him. mason took a step closer to you, leaning against the table before licking his lips.

“yeah so I’m sure there’s plenty other girls you can hit on that aren’t taken,” you replied, a hint of annoyance in your voice. you knew he clearly wasn’t getting the hint, but you didn’t want to cause a scene at this booster event. you could see jordan staring at you from across the room, a concerned look on his face as he wanted to make sure you didn’t need saving.

“well he doesn’t have to know if you slip me a little hand job in the bathroom, considering my dad is one of the coaches at UCLA. wouldn’t want to fuck up jordan’s chances of getting in now do you? I have a lot of power over who gets in and who gets those football scholarships,” mason said, a smirk tugging on his lips. you returned the smirk, finishing your virgin strawberry daiquiri before replying.

“your dad isn’t a coach at UCLA because my mom has been the coach of the UCLA gymnastics team for almost 10 years now and can vouch that neither of the football coaches have kids. besides, you’re a pig so there is no way in hell I would ever touch you, even with a 10-foot pole,” you replied with confidence, your eyes scanning his body up and down. mason’s face became flushed as his eyes fell to his shoes. he was stuttering in embarrassment, attempting to come up with a lame excuse as to why he lied.

“listen i just-”

“dude, I would suggest you quit while you’re ahead. just take your lies to someone else. adios my fucking amigos,” you quipped. mason gulped before bolting in the opposite direction as jordan appeared behind you, wrapping an arm around your waist.

“that was truly amazing to watch holy shit,” jordan said as spencer and asher joined you. you flipped your hair back, giving them a smile and letting out a small laugh.

“see baby, no need to worry about me when you get into UCLA. I can protect myself from cocky football boys who very clearly don’t know how to treat a woman,” you replied, laughter erupting from the group. jordan intertwined your fingers and lightly tugged you towards his dad, keeping his eyes on you the whole time and realizing he sure was lucky to have a girlfriend like you.

taglist: @aprilfire18 @hello1276 @c0reybryant

[echoalyssa]

Jordan with an s/o who also plays football. Imagine he takes the team to meet his gf at a game and the teams asking him which one of the cheerleaders is his gf and he says your number and you take off your helmet and there all shocked, oh and along with the team can you add Olivia and Layla??

Authors Note: I fucking love this request. Thank you for submitting it! I actually played boys football for a sec and I did a similar imagine with Brett Talbot from Teen wolf!!

The lights of the stadium are almost blinding, the noise and rumbling of the spectators is calming to him. He'd grown up around this, it was all he knew. He can feel it radiating through him, giving him that buzz that only football does. It's different watching in comparison to playing though.

It was the bye week for Beverly Hills which meant that tonight was the night. Jordan spots his friends in the stands where he'd previously left them so that they would have the best spots. Spencer nudging Olivia's side and pointing at cheerleaders.

It's like a big guessing game to them because Jordan was normally an open book but not about her. They didn't even know her hair color.

Layla is tapping on her phone muttering something about 'finding her on instagram.'

JJ loops an arm around his neck, whooping loudly and probably a couple shots in.

"So where is she?" Asher calls to him.

Jordan smiles, finding her easily in the sea of practicing bodies on the field. She moves different to the rest of them, more graceful. She slips between the bodies like she's dancing.

"I know! I know!" Yells Layla, pointing to a pretty blonde stretching on the sidewalk. She holds up her phone which displays the girl's instagram.

Jordan chuckles, thoroughly enjoying the mystery. He had nothing against the cheerleaders, band kids, or the color guard, but none of them compared to you.

If his friends just looked harder, they would see her.

Layla shows him a few more before he finally takes pity on her.

"Alright alright. It's number seven."

He sticks two fingers into his mouth, whistling a sharp whistle.

Spencer, Layla, Olivia, and Asher crane to look, confused as to how a cheerleader could have a number.

She turns to the noise immediately, knowing his signal to her was unique.

Jordan's friends are all still peering around curiously, somehow still missing the football player making a beeline towards them.

She slinks up beside him, tugging off her helmet and shaking a mess of hair out of the way. Jordan loops an arm around her waist, pulling her into him.

Layla screams behind him, somebody is smacking the bench and he can hear someone's ringer snapping a picture.

He lets her go, knowing that his friends will want to meet her. She greets them all with her usual magical smile.

"Guys! This is Y/N!"

His twin sister sweeps towards his girlfriend, wrapping her up in a hug and telling her they she's going to be the best sister in law ever.

Spencer is still staring in shock. Jordan's girlfriend is one of the top running backs in California.

Asher chuckles, "I fucking knew it man."

Asher had asked ONCE if Jordan had thought Y/N was hot.

Jordan continues to laugh, holding her helmet while she gives all of his friends hugs. Introducing herself even though they already know her.

"I can't believe you chose my brother!" Olivia calls to her and Jordan reaches over to smack her.

Y/N would fit in great.

[athing4actors]

All Falls Down|Jordan Baker

Jordan was at yet another cookout in Crenshaw except this time with Olivia.

Instead of sitting alone he sat at the table with everyone, he was sat next to Patience.

They were talking about music again until Coop spoke up.

“Y’all know what this cookout missing?”

“Yeah, sweet potato pie” Patience groaned angrily at the fact Jordan, Spencer, and Chris ate it all

“Yes and no, what I meant was Alexis” Coop said in a duh tone “Who’s Alexis?” Olivia asked “She’s our friend but she barely goes out” Chris responded

“Sounds like Olivia” Jordan muttered “Oh, so she’s cool?” The girl rolled her eyes at her brother “That’s a negative” Jordan gave sarcastic smile

JORDAN POV

“Looks like she’s here” Spencer said making us all turn our heads to the girl opening the gate.

“She’s a little self conscious so watch what you say babyface” Coop said to me

Alexis was absolutely stunning.

She was dark skin kinda the same color as Ms. Grace, the easiest way to saw this is she looks like Keke Palmer and China Anne McClain’s love child.

She looked about the same height as Olivia and she wasn’t wearing any makeup besides brown lip gloss from what I could tell.

She came can sat down in the empty seat next to me.

I tried not to stare but her voice was attractive and the sound of her laugh was just as attractive.

“Hey, J, come get some food with me” My sister called “I ate already” I said “Eat again, your like a garbage disposer” Olivia pulled me out my seat

“Fine, your lucky Ms. Grace just brought out more dressing” I groaned which made Alexis chuckle “Aye Lex you hungry too?” Spencer asked her “Yeah I guess I could eat” She got up

Olivia and I were already fixing our plates.

“You’re staring at her like she has a giant pimple on her forehead” Olivia whispered “But guess what, she doesn’t because she’s perfect” I whispered back whilst putting cornbread dressing on my plate

“You’ve barely known her ten minutes and you’re already trying to bone her” Olivia rubbed her temples “I’m not trying to bone her, I wanna get to know her first” I blew raspberries at my sister

“You act like a baby” She rolled her eyes

By time Olivia walked away Alexis was by me and I didn’t notice so I ended up bumping into her.

“Sorry, um, Alexis right?” I smiled most likely dripping sweat

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀

“Yeah, and you?” She asked for my name “Huh? Oh my name, Jordan, Jordan Baker” I panicked “That’s a nice name” She smiled showing her perfect white teeth as her hair flipped to the side, well, the hair she had

She wasn’t bald but she had short curly hair and god was it attractive. It was kind of like Kehlani’s hair when she cut it.

𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳𝗳

“What’re you looking at? Oh, my hair, it used to be really long then I cut it” She explained “You look beautiful with the short hair” I put more dressing on my plate

“You think I’m pretty?” She said shocked “Yeah, I’m sure a lot of people do” I directed my attention towards her “Not really” Some her hair strands had gotten blown in her face “Well I do” I smirked

“So, where do you live?” She asked whilst eating from her plate as we stood up “Ph, Beverly Hills” I shrugged “The Hills?! Like Beverly Hills where Louis Vuitton is the nearest corner store” She gasped from excitement

“Yeah” I chuckled “That’s so cool, do you play any sports or any activity, I play basketball” She asked “Yeah I play football, I’m QB1” I answered hoping to impress her “Ou, QB1, y’know I’ve always had a thing for football players” She gave a cheesy smile “Well just your luck we have a game tomorrow night at 10” I smiled

“Give me your number, I’ll be there” She smiled before walking inside the house “Sp-Spencer has it!” I shouted after her with a stutter as I was a nervous wreck

I walked back to the table and began eating, I’d earned started from everyone.

“Lex?” Coop’s eyes widened “Man if you break her heart we’ll have to break you” Spencer said as he shuffled a deck of cards “Don’t worry, the only thing he’s breaking is her back” Coop chuckled

“Leave him alone, at least he goes after what he wants” Patience defended me which resulted in our high five.

[cloveroctobers]

in which you used to date / with my favs

I’m taking a aim at writing for my other men, please go easy on me lol! Inspired by those intriguing YouTube channel’s like “The Cut” for this one. So yes this is interviewer style I guess! Also written with WOC or POC in mind but not really specified until certain excerpts that is…!

FEZ

“Why did we break up?” You read the question as you sat across from your ex.

You and Fez dated for almost two years until he was the one to break things off. That happened the summer before you went off to college. You graduated with a associates and moved on from the heaviness that was your home back in California. Of course you learned to move on from Fez and occasionally Ash would hit you up on Instagram, checking in on you? When it really should have been the other way around but nonetheless you appreciated the sentiment and how important you’ve became in Ash’s life and his in yours.

Fez didn’t give a shit about the socials, none of that was important. What mattered was what happened in the now rather than what someone else thought onlookers would want to see. And he was right about that, at first you hated that he hated social media because a part of you wanted to know what he had been up to. You were too stubborn to ask Ash how he’s been—even out of politeness you wouldn’t ask. Life went on and here you were a couple of years later sitting across from each other for this little social experiment?

The both of you had Ash to blame for that.

Fez looked disinterested, slouched backwards in his chair messing with his fingers trying to look anywhere else but at you—especially at this question. It felt like hours before he drawled out a answer.

“It’s ‘cuz you always thought promiscuous was the best song choice to sing when you were drunk off yo ass.”

It took you a second to respond with a snort of laughter. That response seemed to ease a little tension between the two of you, your bodies relaxing just a tad. “It was actually say it right but—

Fez held his hands out silently asking if that was supposed to mean something to him. He gained some points for remembering the song name at least? Right?

“…so…are you going to let the question slide and take a drink or are you going to let the people know?” You kept your eyes trained on the sea-colored ones across from you.

Mentioning the others in the room seemed to make Fez fold into his shell a little bit more. Which you silently kicked yourself for but he shifted, pressing his elbows into the table in front of you. He then rubbed at the thickness of his copper beard and thought about it.

“I’ma be honest.” Fez slowly replied, “You know I’m not coo with the liquor and you deserve a answer after all these years. I owe you that.”

You held your breath, knowing that this was about to get real. You were finally about to get some answers. Some closure that you needed. That many of your friends said you needed.

Fez licked at his bottom lip, glancing downwards before leaning on his elbows again, “i never felt like I was good enough for you…you knew that. Yet you still stayed around especially when things got real outta control and that was a real ass revelation for me you know? I couldn’t continue potentially fucking up your life anymore so I pushed you to go and you finally did.”

You huffed, feeling so many things and kicking yourself for not fighting harder. You loved Fez with all you had and you let him get into your head, you let him push you away so that you could do what you wanted to do in life. He’s never once stopped you from figuring out what you wanted to do, he was never the type. He did his shit, you stayed by him, and was always yourself. You never judged him for doing what he had to do to take care of himself, Ash, and his grandma. However the both of you knew that all that shit would catch up to him, it was only a matter of time.

You were glad that he was still here. You wanted Fez to still be here, to still be in your life. It hurt to finally hear the truth that he’s been holding onto all this time. And you felt your eyes burning as you got up from your seat a bit to whack at Fez’s chest.

“So we choosing violence?” Fez held his clavicle.

You nodded, “hell yeah because that’s all you had to say!”

“I’ve told you that before.”

“Yeah but this time was different…this was all after you—

You were sure the editors would bleep that out.

“It wouldn’t have made a difference tho,” Fez shrugged his shoulders, “you still went.” And with that he sat back, his eyes now burning into yours.

And that you did. That was what you had to accept. And get over being more angry with yourself first for leaving than with Fez pushing you to.

JORDAN BAKER

Jordan pinched at the bridge of his nose, smiling at the question you just asked him. Jordan was probably one of the only exes that you had that you were still cool with.

“Out of all my exes…why you?” Jordan paraphrased, laughing a bit again.

It really wasn’t all that funny but thinking back on Jordan’s track record? It evoked a little chuckle. Just a little.

“So I wouldn’t dare ask the others to have this moment with me because…it might sound a little harsh to say this but I wouldn’t consider them really my exes.” Jordan winced.

You glanced to your right in the direction of the camera crew, “they’re more his flings/lovers. Wasn’t ever serious, there was one before me. Her names Ripley.”

“And she really hates my ass now that I’m married.” Jordan chuckled.

Okay so the two of you might be a little bit tipsy right now but jordan was always the lightweight.

“That part.” You pointed.

Jordan sighed resting his cheek into the palm of his hand, “and Simone doesn’t have to tolerate you, I think she actually likes you.”

“I don’t know about all that.” You laughed, “I just made it clear that I won’t ever intervene with your relationship or ever dive back into those teen feelings for you.”

Jordan turned his eyes into slits, “what’s that saying? Never say never?”

“Okay, Brandy.” You snapped your fingers.

Jordan shrugged his shoulders, “I was thinking more Bieber and Jaden but alright.”

“Of course you were,” You rolled your eyes while Jordan furrowed his thick brows as if to question what that meant, “Don’t you always say Simone is your soulmate, boy if you don’t tone that ego down!” You sassed.

Jordan raced his hands in defense, “you’re right, you’re right. I’m just joking you guys, I’m happily in love with my wife.”

“Absolutely and I’m happy that you’re happy,” You held up the shot glass in which Jordan took a inhale through his teeth but raised his own nonetheless, “so don’t start nothing in the comments. Cheers!”

“Why are we taking another shot if we answered the question?” Jordan frowned.

Clinking your glasses together you tossed your head back and let the liquor burn the back of your throat while Jordan sipped at it. You booed at him until he scoffed and tossed his own head back to fully take it then reached forward to snatch a lime.

“He can’t hang with me, y’all.”

“I can hang,” Jordan winced as he felt some hair grow on his chest, “I see why GW always encouraged dad and I to take some whiskey when we catch a cold. Jesus!” He shudders while you held your hands out to prove your point, “Alright, I just can’t hang like I use to. You win.”

“Always do.” You winked at him leaning your cheek into your palm as you smiled sweetly at Jordan who huffed with a shake of his head.

ANGEL REYES

“What do you think is the hardest part of what I do for a living?” You asked, placing the card down and peering over at your ex-husband.

Angel Reyes breathed out a laugh, “Thank god that wasn’t my question to you.”

You also laughed.

“Right, I would have laid all your business out in a heartbeat.” You held your arms out.

Angel tapped his unlit cigarette against the wooden table with a smirk, “yeah and you might be getting a call from bishop later tonight.”

You raised a brow at the mention of the man but said nothing else. That man was in charge of Angel, not you. You were separate but you weren’t going to take it there, not unless it needed to go there.

“Y/N’s a doctor. Real smart like my idiot brother. Always in a lab coat, glasses and shit. They can diagnose and provide the best treatment plans for people.” Angel summarized as a little background for those watching.

“So a pathologist.” One of the camera men stated.

Angel glanced over at the man who shrunk back behind the others, “yea thanks, that’s what I said fuckin’ jimmy neutron.”

You went to slap Angel’s wrist to gain his attention back on you. He gave you a look before continuing, “to answer the question I think any job is hard enough if you’re the one dealing with it. Obviously right? But I know it ain’t easy to tell people that you got something that you don’t ever want. I know you don’t always directly tell them that you almost always relate the message to their doctors but you got a big heart so I know every diagnosis gets to you even if you don’t know that person. Me on the other hand? If they were a shit person then that’s what you get. That’s your own karma. But that’s not Y/N, they’re gonna feel for you regardless.”

“It’s the cancer in me.”

Angel’s face went completely blank, “what…why didn’t you tell me?!”

“Angel, You know when my birthday is right?”

Angel was still confused, “June 29th…said you were born at 6 in the morning or something.”

“Then that makes me a cancer.”

You could see the wheels turning in Angel’s head before he sat back in his chair with a grunt, “you talkin’ about that zodiac shit again? About to give me a damn heart attack, I immediately thought about the other thing.”

“Aw you still care about me,” You walked your hand over to lace your hands together while Angel rolled his eyes as if it wasn’t obvious, “Angel’s a Scorpio sun, Sag moon, and Aries rising for those who are curious.”

A few ‘ah’s’ sounded around the room making Angel frown at that before glancing back at you who was clearly trying to hide their laughter. He hated when you did that shit, talk about things he didn’t know about. You did it quite a bit with EZ and it irked him until you would finally let him in on it. He’s heard you talk about this astrology shit quite a bit in your marriage. Even read a few of your books and went to some astrology reading appointments you had but when he told you that lady gave him the, “heebie jeebies” along with watching conspiracy videos on the zodiac killer he was not down with the astrology shit. No way. Keep that Bruja shit to yourself, thanks.

“I feel like you just put my whole business out there and I don’t like that.” Angel muttered as he stared down at your conjoined hands, liking how your hand still fit right in his.

You squeezed his hand, “not really. There’s a good percentage of people in the world just like you that don’t believe in the stars so…don’t take it so personal.”

“I believe in a lot though.” Angel argued, pushing forward again.

You nodded your head, knowing this.

“Like we might not be destined to be married but we could still be something.” Angel flirted making you groan and snatch your hand back but he held on tight bringing your hand to his lips.

You playfully gagged as he pressed a kiss there trying to snatch your hand back. “Please someone cut the cameras and get me a restraining order stat.”

“They ain’t getting rid of me regardless if we’re divorced or not. You stuck with me, I been told you that since the day we met.” Angel let you have your hand back which you rested back on your lap.

You reached for a shot knowing that this would always be in fact true. Sure your marriage was short lived but your friendship would probably be forever. You’ve been through too much to just up and leave each other for good. Marriage was hard sure but friendship was even harder…and yet here you two were still in each other’s lives going strong for who knows how long. This was just the way the two of you worked and no one else could change that.

EZ REYES

You and EZ were currently in a staring contest due to what the question he read requested the two of you to do. You and EZ had a playful relationship before and after you two got together and it still felt the same afterwards. This was mainly a ex segment that the two of you got wrapped up into (the cash reward was a nice bonus as well!) but in your mind you still didn’t consider each other exes whereas EZ would proudly say that you were. He had no issue claiming you whereas you had commitment issues and just downplayed what the two of you were.

In a sense this was like a therapy session that needed to be had but with a little fun on the side when it got too deep. You had a feeling it would get deep quicker than the fun lasts.

You studied Ez’s face, trying your hardest to not blink while in the mist. He still looked the same, still felt the same, and was still same ‘ol Ezekiel Reyes. He smiled wide at you, not blinking, which was insane! And would have been creepy if he didn’t look the way that he did. His eyes crinkled at the sides as he kept his trained on your face as well. It was you who blinked once he ran the tip of his tongue over his bottom lip.

“You’re such a bastard! Out here cheating.” You folded your arms while EZ chuckled to himself.

“How did I cheat exactly?” Ez picked the card back up, flipping the edges against his fingers.

You fanned your hand at his face, “you know what you did! You sitting there in all your handsome glory. I don’t know who you think you are.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought we knew each other quite well, allow me to introduce myself, I’m Ezekiel but I go by EZ.” He held his hand out smirking at you but you smacked his hand away before folding your arms back together.

You mocked his charming ways as he cracked up in front of you. “Y/N is a sore loser, if you didn’t catch that.”

“And EZ is a cheater and plays dirty.”

“It’s not my fault you think I’m so handsome.” He cooed.

“I never said that.”

Ez looked at the crew and held his finger up, “let’s rewind the footage back, I was called handsome was I not?”

“I said handsome glory, not so handsome.”

“Same shit.” He shrugged, stupid smile still shining.

“I can’t stand this ni-.”

After a moment of you gathering yourself Ez repeated what was asked of you two, “Since you blinked first, Y/N. You must reveal a personal problem and ask your partner, me, for advice on how they might handle it. So do spill.”

One thing about EZ Reyes, he was always good at giving you advice and being there for you when you needed it. This was not a big thing but there was one thing on your mind that was bugging you but you just weren’t sure if this was something you should bring to the table, especially with the guy that you sorta kinda still had feelings for.

“Okay so there’s this Irish dude that lives next door to me, his cat keeps getting into my apartment because of my stupid window…you know the situation with that.”

Ez smirked to himself which you chose to ignore.

“And he’s always coming around at weird times of the night looking for his cat and I genuinely think he’s doing this on purpose. I don’t know why he’s up at these times but you know I’m always morning shift so you mess with my sleep it automatically means you’re asking for me to commit homicide.” You told your story which Ez listened to patiently as you blabbed on almost getting to the point.

“I think he’s an engineer or something cause there’s always this buzzing and he’s always carrying this equipment. Anyways, on top of that! he’s always parking in my parking spot because he apparently has money and has two cars and feels like it’s okay to park in my second spot.”

“Why do you need two parking spots, you only drive a beetle? You won’t let me get you a bike, and you only care about that toy looking car and your rollerblades.” Ez asked.

You paused, “becaaause when I signed the lease I was assigned two parking spaces. Most apartments get one or two, it all depends. The person that lived there before me had two big ass cars so I was also given the choice of two.”

Ez dipped his head, “okay…but you don’t need the second spot so that’s not something to be really annoyed about right?”

You felt your eye twitch, “we both know that you don’t like when someone takes something that belongs to you.” That came out automatically making Ez exhale before you continued, “Sure I don’t need it but it’s mine and I’ve told him about this twice but he keeps on doing it. And now his cat is missing, I know what you’re thinking, he hasn’t been in my place since I’m in the process of getting the window fixed—

“Wait, who’s fixing the window?”

“Coco.”

“Why didn’t you ask me to fix it? I was the one who broke it.”

“You’re busy lately, Coco isn’t.” You tried to move on from that but Ez wasn’t letting that go.

Ez inhaled, “but I said when you wanted it to be fixed let me know and I’ll fix it for you.”

“Ez, it’s just a window. It wasn’t that serious.”

‘To you.’ Ez thought to himself.

You waited to see if he was going to say anything else but when he didn’t you carried on, “Now he thinks I did something to his cat and there’s scratches on my car and one of his friend’s asked me out, he was drunk but he clearly didn’t like that either that his friend and I are actually carry conversations while the both of us keep it cute and short when we see each other before his cat went missing.” 

Ez blinked hard trying not to roll his eyes, “my advice is to tell him you’re willing to help him look for his cat or put up posters or whatever as long as he respects your parking space and that he needs to request another spot that isn’t yours.”

You silently agreed, you were going to do that anyways…

“And what about his friend that keeps asking me out?” It just flew off your tongue.

Ez stared at you then with something in his eyes that you’ve seen before, that sent shivers down your spine if you were being honest, “if you’re open to see where that goes then go for it. You seem to always know what to do when you want to do it. Also get coco to check out the scratches on your car too.”

He said this but you weren’t sure he meant it.

“Excuse me, can I take a five real quick?” Ez politely asked before getting up from the table with you doing the same.

You called out to him but Ez kept on walking and out of sight. You had no idea what crawled up his ass, and sat back down to unlock your phone.

COCO CRUZ

“Do you think the image you have of yourself matches the image people see you as?” It was like pulling teeth trying to get Coco here, which shouldn’t have been surprising in the first place since it was the same way being with him.

You didn’t think he’d show but he proved you wrong when he plopped down in the chair opposite of you. The way the two of you greeted each other was short but cordial and the interviewers knew just the basis, you were exes and it was a bitter end to it. As to be expected since it was a—sorry have to say it, toxic relationship.

He had a cigarette lit, which he knew you hated the smell of, it actually triggered you since your grandfather used to smoke them heavily and would get the ashes in your hair as you sat by his knees while he watched his boring western films. He even burned you a couple of times, a few times by accident…the rest on purpose. Coco knew about the childhood abuse you endured and yet things turned physical between the two of you. It was a cycle along with his own childhood trauma. It was probably inevitable that the two of you wouldn’t last as a couple but it seemed as if you two really wanted to make it work…you were more vocal about it but Coco could be so cold majority of the time it always felt like he didn’t care enough.

So you were the one to call it quits but he wasn’t having it. It was always push, pull, touch and go with the two of you. However the last straw was when he got drugs involved. You hoped he wasn’t still into that shit, he looked better than the last time you saw him—still rough around the edges but at least he had some weight to him.

Coco took a long drag from his stick and angled his sharp jaw in a different direction to exhale the smoke. He raised his shoulders in response, “I don’t give a fuck about what people see when they look at me. Who are they to me? Nothing.”

Typical Coco Cruz answer.

“Think deeper about the question.” You added just as a interviewer also tossed in, knowing that the temperament of this guy was pretty high.

“We all put out images of ourselves simply by just being, sometimes unintentionally sometimes intentionally. Take your ex, y/n for a example, whatever you think about yourself do you think they also think the same of you?” The interviewer tried to be a mediator.

You silently thanked the person for their help, having a detailed conversation with them earlier before you were all hooked up to wires and went live.

Coco glanced away thinking about it before he settled his eyes back on you. His stare was always so intense, like he was seeing right through you and it was scary because he said you did the same thing to him. He was always the one to challenge you with his stare and then his voice and words. Coco was very skilled that way, knew his advantages and how to use them to get his way or to make someone hurt.

“Pretty sure it does,” He started, “My bitch of a mother—

The way he described the woman made a lot of people in the room gasp while you inhaled. You even heard a, “misogynistic!” Get tossed around, which you expected. You knew the history, they did not. Sure it still doesn’t make it right but you knew the why.

“Never gave a shit about me and definitely not my kids.” Coco voiced, his hands forming into fists as he thought about the horrible woman, “She put into my head since I was five years old that I would never be nothing and anybody that came from me would also be nothing. So yeah once I was in my teens and felt strong enough to find my voice I was able to push back. I was able to get into my own head and say that she didn’t know shit and I could be something. I always felt that I could but by then? constantly hearing that…I was already fucked up. Didn’t believe, didn’t know that I could be something until I went to the army but that shit ain’t help my mental either.”

You met Coco through your mutual friend, Angel. They had a apartment together in Santo Padre and were looking for a roommate. You moved around a lot and was currently leaving from Arizona to California and felt drawn to the city…that’s how it usually went for you when you moved every couple of years. Angel was down for having you move in especially after seeing you, but Coco was more calculated. As he always was. He was cold compared to Angel’s bold, open, and flirtatious ways but it wasn’t anything you haven’t experienced before.

You were from Baltimore.

He was doing his own thing with computers when you met him. Fixing them up, selling them, building them, and even hacking. Amongst other things…So you were sure he did some digging to get the info on you, which should have creeped you out but you needed a place and didn’t have the energy to keep looking. Plus you’ve dealt with much weirder roommates before.

Once you were in, that also meant you built something with both Coco and Angel. However your relationship was much different with Johnny Coco Cruz. You took the time to get to know him, it was magnetic at first, he was still his cold self and Angel told you not to worry about it, that that was just the way he was and that you’d get used to it. But you broke him out of it the longer you decided to stay with them. He didn’t like that but he allowed it. There was something about you that made him he want to be better but he fought with himself because of his pride, he wanted to make himself better. He didn’t want it to be at the cost of someone else.

It was about the sex for him at the start and you weren’t fully aware of that? Until you learned that he and Angel liked to bring other guests home. It wasn’t until you actually started to care that you shifted your dynamic and that left Coco confused. Angel figured it out pretty fucking quick and encouraged you to say what you needed to say, there was never much sugarcoating in the townhouse on 071C Manzanita Drive. And he told Coco that he was being a idiot with the way he was treating the one person that could be good for him.

That still stood. However as you spend years together you learned that Johnny wasn’t the only one that had toxic traits in the relationship. It was something the both of you had to be willing to work on. And here you were, he might be here for the cash but that wasn’t the only reason you were here. A part of you missed him and hoped he missed you too. You don’t just get rid of the love you have for someone so easily.

You may out of anger tell Coco that he wasn’t shit to get a rise out of him, the both of you knew how to push each other’s buttons. Knew what to say to make the other really hurt but you also knew behind that frustration that there was once the potential to be something really great. However two hurt people have to heal separately before they could ever heal together.

“There may have been a time when I truly felt that way about you, which was the last time I saw you. When I broke things off. But that was the only time I agreed with your insecurities because I didn’t want to see you prove your mother right. I was the one to say what you couldn’t admit to yourself, Johnny.” You informed Coco who clenched his jaw at the mention of his mother.

You, Letty, and his kids were the only one’s that mattered to him. Not that woman in a ditch somewhere. He knew he royally fucked up, which he’s done plenty of times in his life but the moment you walked out of his life was the biggest fuck up. He’ll always regret that.

“I’m better you know? Clean.” He told you which he got a genuine smile from in return.

“Glad to hear it.” You said, your body language showing that you were looking forward to hearing more, which made Coco give a ghost of a smile, knowing that you still loved him too.

GAEL MARTINEZ

Gael Martinez was someone you met on a weekend trip for your job at Scarlet Magazine in Manhattan. Your friends: Jane, Sutton, and Kat are all pretty persuasive almost all of the time and contribute to almost all of your bad decisions in life? You argued—which was only a half hearted joke! Of course. You had your own mind, always did. They pushed you to approach the dark curly haired cutie with brown eyes that kept eyeing you at the bar with his own friends.

With some liquid courage you went over to him from your booth and introduced yourself. His hands were that of an artist which he told you he was but was working more in the graphic design area for right now but you could tell that wasn’t where he truly needed or wanted to be. You got all the basics out the way before pulling him to the dance floor and then to the front to have a karaoke duet filled with jams from the 90s. Then from there you all went to the rural side to this lake house, you couldn’t remember who it belonged to but you remembered skinny dipping with the guy.

It was a unforgettable night.

“You should have screwed him, I totally would have screwed him.” Sutton sighed as she held onto your arm the next morning when the three of you waited outside to catch a Uber back to your shared hotel.

“Jane, were you aware that Sutton and Y/N are actually the same person.” Kat yawned from beside their shortest friend.

Jane stretched, “no I had no idea, kat. That explains so much.”

Sutton laughed.

“I do not remember making any plans to have a one night stand. All I wanted was to have fun and I did with my girls and some strangers, one really attractive stranger, what more can I ask for here my first time in Los Angeles?” You leaned against Sutton’s shoulder, sighing with complete content.

Kat muttered, “I don’t know, getting dicked down might have put the cherry on top, if you have a food kink that is.”

Jane tossed her head back in laughter while you chose to ignore that. You girls knew everything about each other and sure it might have been awhile since your last significant other but you weren’t really looking for a relationship and stood by that. You were dedicated to your work and sure Jane, Sutton, and Kat said they respected it but they felt like you deserved some fun not only provided to yourself but from someone else. Which is why they wanted you to have the most fun here in LA. Even if it was only for a weekend.

When a voice cleared, the four of you jumped turning to Gael who gave you all a grin. Just as your Uber pulled up.

“We’ll hold them for you.” Sutton whispered, letting go of your arm as the three of them piled into the car leaving the door open for you when you were ready.

Wringing your hands out you turned back to the taller guy and slowly made your way over to him. You pointed behind, “I’ll give you $2 and some nerds from my bag if you pretend you didn’t hear what my friends said.”

Gael rubbed at the back of his neck laughing, “what? About you getting dicked down with a cherry on top?”

You groaned which Gael chuckled in response, “don’t worry about it. What are friends for if they’re not here to put your business on blast, right? Mine are the same way.”

“Whew,” you wiped the fake sweat off your forehead, “I had a great time meeting you, Gael.”

“And it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance and to give you my sweater.” He pointed out which you peered down at to see covered in some splats of paint.

You immediately went to take the beige cardigan off but he held his hands out to halt your movements, “keep it, it’s still keeping you warm when I can’t. It also gives me another reason to see you again…someday.”

“I leave Monday morning back to New York, we should grab brunch or something on Sunday if you’re free?” You slowly started backing away as he followed you.

“I’d like that.”

You climbed into the car as he shut the door behind you. “See you then. Drive safe. Ladies, you all have a good one.”

“Aw, you too.” Sutton said in awe of this man.

Jane waved, “Bye!”

“Catch ya later, Gael.” Kat gave him a fist bump before turning her attention back to her phone as she sat in the passenger side.

And with that you drove off from the lake house.

“Wait! Do you have his number since you’re ditching us to have brunch tomorrow?” Jane called out.

You slapped your hand against your forehead, completely forgetting that part.

“Don’t worry, I could find his socials for you.” Kat informed, “just give me like a hour tops.”

You couldn’t believe part of you was already getting attached to this complete stranger. Yet here you were.

“He’s already in my contacts.” You announced with a smile.

Sutton made an explosion noise with her lips and a motion with her hands, “gotta love a guy that’s steps ahead of you.”

“You’re just saying that because you want to live through y/n right now.” Jane laughed as she crossed her legs sitting in the middle of the backseat.

“If I wasn’t with Richard, maybe.” Sutton declared, resting her head against the car window.

“Ah yes, can’t believe I forgot about him.” Kat snapped her fingers at the mention of Sutton’s new and older boyfriend.

“Hey!” Sutton lifted her head in offense.

And that was just the beginning of your speedy but heartfelt relationship with Gael Martinez.

To be sitting here with him here in your new home of Manhattan felt like the world did yet another 360 for you. Yes you’ve been back to LA multiple times since the both of you broke up since your family lived there and for more business trips with Richard and the team at Scarlet, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread for the place when you did visit. And sadly it was because of one person. Imagine having one person hold that much power of someplace and you for that mattered.

You hated to be that person. But everything holds a connection to it somehow. This was your closure maybe, at least that’s what you kept trying to tell yourself.

Gael swallowed before he read the question for you this time, “what part of your life works? What part of your life hurts?”

And so you thought about it. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what you were going to say, Gael had a pretty good idea about what you were going to say. And your voice confirmed it.

“I love not being here in California anymore. Ever since I went away to college, I’ve been my most free away from a place I spent eighteen years of my life at. It’s been a struggle but I’m glad I can say I’ve made it through, relocated and did something and made something out of myself. Like I always set my mind to. I’ve been living my best life in New York at twenty-five and I never thought I’d like New York when the idea crossed my mind with possibilities of where I’d go to school. But turns out, it works for me.” You told, which Gael gave a smile and nod to.

He hadn’t been there to experience your life in New York but he could see it through social media. Yes he was one of those who keeps up with his exes on the socials…as long as they didn’t block him. You knew how to be mature when it came to certain situations but a part of hoped that he still kept up with you. Hoped that he realized what he missed out on. It’s been two-three years since you’ve broken up so you should be over it but you can’t just forget it even if you forgave him.

“…w-what part of your life hurts?” Gael cautiously met your eyes as he repeated the last question.

You inhaled looking upwards at the ceiling, hoping you wouldn’t let out any tears. You already gave too many of those in your life.

“When it comes to you or just in general?” You countered, letting out a breathy laugh.

You tapped your chin, “I guess not knowing when love runs out. ‘Cause it does and it’s scary and I always felt like if I ever do get married that I’ll always need that reassurance. It’ll probably annoy the hell outta my partner but it’ll make me have some peace of mind. I love myself way too much to bury my worth but I can’t lie and say that I don’t want someone else to share that love. To love me as much as I love them.”

Gael listened, humming as you were open with him. You could always have these conversations late at night when the both of you couldn’t sleep. You did the long distance and the temporary with you living in LA for Scarlet for two months but it was never enough for the two of you. That played a part. Plus you always knew what you wanted and Gael was always indecisive…(Libra!) which played a huge part in your downfall in the relationship.

It was different with each other. The two of you always said this. You did lengthy relationships while Gael had intense relationships that never went anywhere. It was what he was used to. You had one major relationship growing up and you swore there wouldn’t be anyone else that you could love like that. He broke your heart and did some wild shit and tried to come back like everything was okay. But it wasn’t. Never would be. Yes you engaged in a few talking stages and make outs in college but never claimed anyone like they tried to claim you. It was all in good fun as it should be in college. Or you could find your college sweetheart like your mom’s did and your brother Brandon did…but you didn’t.

It was fast with Gael. Always limited but you knew that you should be together and love possessed you. Made you blind into thinking that he would want to marry you. You’ve only been dating for six months when you felt like the both of you were ready. You used to laugh at celebrities that jumped into that and here you were doing the same thing they did. When Gael rejected you on the marriage proposal, you began to second guess everything in that relationship. All your talks about the possible future meant nothing anymore.

“It also hurts to know that you feel like you’re in love with my sister and keep dwelling on that when you’re not even sure if there’s anything else deeper than the intimacy. I also hear you’re having a baby, congratulations.” You reached for a shot of tequila, downing it without a wince.

Gael struggled with what to say. Of course you know about the baby, partly he wondered if Callie told you that or if you were monitoring his socials too, you seemed fine—great even but with the way you were looking at him let him know that he was part of your pain. And of course you were still hurting over his dilemma with Callie. You were only human. He would always be sorry for the way things played out and he wished he could have been more for you.

JAY KULINA

“If you have, when was the moment you realized you weren’t invincible?” You asked your blue-eyed ex-fiancé.

The man across from you was a fighter, always had been, always would be, it was always in his blood. Just like you. You had the honor of growing up beside Jason “Jay” Kulina and all his chaos and all your mess combined. Your father’s were best friends and of course fighters, traveling over the world and having to bring their kids along while they went from motels to hotels and fancy cars and restaurants with each fight that they won. You knew all about the martial arts life and had no choice but to be thrown in it.

When your father was killed in the ring, that changed the way you saw the martial arts world. You were training by sixteen to begin his legacy and was damn good at what you could do already; your mom hated the idea of fighting. She came from a strict religious background and was disowned when she not only married someone from a rough background and profession, but also someone who didn’t share the same ethnicity as themselves. You often bumped heads with your mom finding it humorous how judgmental she could be when she took a leap to be with your father.

She already didn’t like your father fighting for money and no longer came to his shows, it was too much for her to witness but to now hear that her child also wanted to follow in his footsteps caused more anxiety that she didn’t need. Your mother had a history of nervous breakdowns and of course you tried to be sympathetic and understanding but you just wished you could get the same treatment when it came to fighting. You were nineteen years old when you witnessed your father take his last breath in the ring. It only took you six months after you buried him that you also stepped down, no longer wanting to participate.

The only one’s that understood that were Jay, Nate, Lisa, and your mother. Everyone else? Fans? Most from navy st. And of course Alvey and Ryan gave you shit about it and you gave it right the fuck back. It was your decision at the end of the day, people could say whatever they wanted but you knew your dad. And you knew he would have respected your choice regardless from above, you were his kid, and he always told you to do what you felt was best for you because you gotta live with your choices at the end of the day when you lie awake at night—not anybody else. So that’s what you did.

“You and I…we’ve been fighters for as long as we’ve known each other. You with your mouth along with your hands and myself with my heart and hands.” Jay responded, “When we step into the ring we’re completely different people, all that outside shit never matters because of our fight instinct. We are programmed to think that no one can touch us, they can try but one of us will win and it has to be us. We are always number one inside the ring and out, We have to win and it’ll be a helluva show!”

You smiled listening to him. It was nostalgic remembering the first moment you stepped into the ring at sixteen with your dad, then alvey, and then Jay. It all came back to you in the moment as Jay spoke and how that same feeling stayed in your veins as you aged and did underground fights.

“To answer the lovely question I’d say, yes I have had moments where I knew I wasn’t invincible. Yes us MMA fighters walk around with these egos but that’s all part of the persona we have to put on.”

“Plus you’re only like that in the ring. I promise Jay isn’t that much of an asshole, everybody. He’s an ass but not a asshole. He’s actually a nice-well rounded guy.” You spoke up for the man who appreciated your kind words, which he knew you meant.

“In more ways than one,” He sent some finger-guns at whichever camera was focused on his face, “gotta have glute days and I’m not afraid to admit that. Why would I be? Who wants to have a flabby ass when you look this good, am I right?”

You laughed, “alright, we don’t want to talk about your ass for the next fifteen minutes, Jay bay.” You found yourself using the old nickname which made Jay grin over at you.

“Who’s complaining?” He asked, hearing a few people say they weren’t which surprised you, “You used to love this ass.” He kissed his lips at you which made you smack your lips.

You shook your head, “unfortunately, I still do love your ass.”

“Yeah, I know.” He clasped his hands together trying to look professional yet again, “so let me have my moment, buttercup.”

“You have a lot of moments.” You muttered to yourself.

Jay fixed the shades sliding down from his hair and went on, “Outside of that, I’m a pretty emotional guy. I’m in touch with my feelings, again not too many guy’s can say that. I might not always handle things right based on those emotions but I’m not some robot or cold person like my dad. If you read about me from a certain ex, not this gorgeous person in front of me, but another ex from years back you might see some things that may or may not be true. That’s up to you. But I think I was at my weakest when I lost my baby brother, Nate Kulina.”

It was instinct to reach out and hold Jay’s hand’s as he squeezed them tightly. He was getting choked up as his eyes shined with tears and you hated this. Hated that he faced another level of pain that you couldn’t take away from him.

“I’ve lost a lot in life. I’ve got abandonment issues because of it, with my mom, my fucking dad, losing you, and my wife and actual child. But there was no other pain like losing Nate, all because of a hate crime. I’ve struggled so hard these past four years with him not being here and living his life the way that he should. I am a ally more than ever because of Nathaniel Kulina.” Jay was honest, something he always was.

You remembered getting the call from Lisa who told you everything that happened. You were angry with Alvey but your heart immediately hurt for Jay. Nate was basically Jay’s kid, when Alvey was off living his life in the lights who was there taking care of Nate? Jay. He raised Nate like he was his own because he had to and soon learned that he wanted to. It was part of Jay’s purpose. He would tell you this often as you grew up and you knew the connection between the brother’s was unbreakable. They were all they had and you admired that.

You’ve witnessed many moments of Jay in pain but you’ve never seen him so broken when you arrived back to Venice two days before the funeral to see him. That was where you met his wife, who he was separated from, and his daughter, maya. You couldn’t focus too much on that or allowed yourself to because this was about Nate. He became your little brother too and now he was gone. Just like that.

In a month would mark four years since you’ve lost him but you knew this was something Jay lived with constantly. He always said that if there was one thing he couldn’t live without and that was Nate. He said it often and that was one of the main reasons why you made sure someone was there with Jay until you got there. You knew he wasn’t fucking around and that meant that. Nate was his whole world and you loved him enough to be aware of that.

With you now wiping his tears with the pads of your fingers and pressing a kiss to his cheek you cuddled him to your chest as he had his much needed moment remembering his brother. He gripped onto your waist tight taking deep breaths in your arms.

You hoped Jay Kulina kept fighting because you knew he’d give it all that he’s got. He always did. You pressed a kiss to the top of his head and he squeezed you tighter in comfort.

RIO

The two of you were reaching the end of your segment and there were definite moments where you wanted to choke your ex that sat across from you all smug. However you felt like you made progress? Rhea, his first baby mama threw this idea on the both of you and you didn’t have much time to discuss this with Rio. He just decided he would be there and assumed you would be too. He didn’t give you the chance to think about it or really have a say in it. However you still said what you needed to say because you can’t ever hold back with a man like Rio. That was something he always appreciated in his partners.

The two of you were no longer together but you were carrying his baby. His second child and he still treated you with the much needed respect as the mother of his child. He had Mick pick you up to take you this thing Rhea wanted the two of you to do.

“Why can’t you go? I can find something much better to do.” You huffed, taking a huge bite out of the steak quesadilla Rhea prepared for lunch.

Rhea laughed as she glanced over at you from her stove, “like what? Watching reruns of Martin?”

“That was last week, this week it’s a living single.” You declared watching Rhea raise her hands in mock surrender.

It was still crazy to your mother that you could be cool with your ex’s ex. Your mother never had a good relationship with your half brother’s father’s girlfriends but you were two different people. You knew how to move forward plus Rhea never did nothing to do or came out of her neck sideways at you. She was always cool when you came into Rio’s life, and got married and now you struggled to decide if you wanted to go through with the divorce. Right now you were still legally married but living in two different houses. Christopher didn’t enjoy that much but he did whatever you wanted for right now to keep you stress free.

You could use this pregnancy to your advantage for this man to leave you the fuck alone and it was working when you wanted it to. However you were seven months pregnant and approaching birth soon and you had to get some help. You had to figure out what the two of you wanted to do but you got so exhausted with Christopher’s bullshit so this was the time where you didn’t want to talk to him. Didn’t want to be near him or anything like that. He just needed to keep his distance and he did most of the time until he was popping up whenever he felt like it to check on you and the house.

“You’re still my wife, mama.”

“Yeah, that’s what the papers say but I thought your scrawny ass forgot.” You sarcastically replied.

Rio folded his hands in front of himself, “see you and that lip always gets you into trouble.”

“And that’s why you’re still here, dealing with it.” You loved going back and forth with Rio, watching any signs in his face to let you know you were getting on his nerves as much as he was on yours.

It was always subtle and almost hard to miss. Usually he always kept his cool but if he was having a hard time with business and came back to check on you just to hear you running your mouth, he was gonna let you know one way or another. So perhaps living away while you were pregnant was good for the both of you, but now your little one would be here soon so you had to get your shit together as a couple or not.

It was clear that Rio didn’t want to end this marriage. He didn’t get the chance to legally marry Rhea but that wasn’t something she wanted in the first place so she thanked god that he never did ask her to sign anything but he wanted this to work. He was sure about you despite the issues with his business getting in the mix but he wanted you by his side as his wife and mother of his child. He even proposed therapy but you shot that down, not wanting someone random getting in your marriage.

“So it’s fine if Rhea sends us to this questionnaire bullshit for money instead of going to actual professionals?” Rio eyed the crew that hooked him up to wires before glancing down at you.

You gave him the hand, “let me see how this goes and then we’ll talk. Don’t make my blood pressure go up.”

Rio chuckled to himself, knowing you probably wanted to live out some reality tv fantasy but knew what would be said was anything but scripted. He wasn’t holding back a single thing and that he did not.

“If you could prescribe me one thing to do for the rest of this month, what would it be and why?” Rio read to you, sitting up straight.

Sighing you said, “anything that requires you to be home with your family. Just relax.”

“I do that already mama, I make time. I did that for months when Elizabeth shot me.” He addressed making you widen your eyes and cover them.

He laughed as he said this so causal and the fact that you were shocked that he said this like it was nothing. He didn’t care if they edited this out or not but this was just a normal conversation between the two of you, it wouldn’t be any different in therapy if you agreed to go.

“Yeah but I don’t want you to relax based on consequence.” You redirected, “you should make it part of your routine like you do tennis and golfing and not when you just need a break. It’ll be better for you and gives you more time to spend with Marcus.”

“And you and the baby.” He summarized.

You dipped your head.

Rio thought about it and decided, “yeah I could do that mama. I am a business man and you’re my business so I’ll do it for your sake.”

[em-responds-to-things]

dare or dare // j.b

pairing: jordan baker x reader

requested: no

summary: olivia warned you to stay away from the dare chips, maybe they’re not all bad

gif not mine

Asher Adams’ parties were infamous. Everyone would talk about it for weeks after it happened. Everyone also played big when it came to the poker games, whether that was money, cars, or dare chips. Olivia always told you to stay away from the dare chips and now you were wishing you had listened. It wasn’t that you hated Jordan, in fact you had the biggest crush on him which everyone but him seems to know about. That’s why the two of you were standing, watching as the hot tub was bubbling waiting for you both to get in.

You crossed your arms, suddenly feeling very exposed. Layla’s words paired with her smile still hanging in the air. You knew what she was doing. She wanted the longing stares to stop and for you to finally admit your feelings for Jordan. That’s why she suggested you to join Jordan in the hot tub.

“We, err- we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.” He said, breaking the silence between you. He seemed just as nervous as you were, rubbing the back of his neck.

“If this is the dare, I’d hate to think what the forfeit is.” You giggled. That was one sound Jordan could hear again and again and never get tired of it. “I’ll go first?” It was a question to make sure Jordan wanted to do this too, to which he nodded. “Okay, turn around and no peeking.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He said, turning around with his hand covering his eyes for good measure. Sure enough, he kept his promise and didn’t peek as you undressed. Not even when he heard the water splash when you got in. He waited until you told him it was safe.

His breath hitched when he turned around, taking note of how beautiful you looked. “Okay, my turn.” Jordan cleared his throat. “Turn around and no peeking.” He grinned, copying what you instructed.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” You smiled, covering your eyes with your hand.

It was a minute or two before Jordan joined you, telling you that it was safe to take your hand away. He sat opposite you, his arms resting on the side of the hot tub. You’ve seen him on the field, after practice, in formal wear, and in casual, and each time you see him your stomach does flips, just like its doing now. At least you could blame the hot tub for the heat rising to your cheeks.

“Is it safe to say that this is totally staged by our friends?” Jordan said out of nowhere making your eyes widen. How did he know, you thought. He noticed your panicked look and tried again. “Can I tell you something?” You nodded, nervous because you had no idea what the boy in front of you was going to admit. “I’ve got the biggest crush on you and all my friends know so that’s why I think it’s a set up. They wanted me to admit my feelings to you, assuring me that you felt the same. All I could think though was there was no way Y/N would like me. They’re amazing and I’m just- well I’m just me.”

“I- I do like you.” You admitted quietly, after a moment of processing everything.

A sigh of relief left Jordan’s lips. “Can I take you out on a date?”

“I’d like that.”

“Fucking finally!” You both heard Asher shout making you both laugh at your friend.

tag list: @mayaslifeinabox @princess-of-the-fandoms @les-bio-lie @ivvitm1109 @seninjakitey @dontdowhatisayandnobodygetshurt

[marjorie189]

Stop Doubting Yourself - A Jordan Baker Imagine

Sum: Y/N, Jordan’s girlfriend, comforts and assures Jordan throughout all of his doubts and over analyzations on his QB1 position. 

Imagine: 

Jordan is an amazing person and I love him for that. He always looks out for me, he's caring, sweet, and a good-hearted person. He always looks out for others, which can sometimes be a curse in disguise.

Jordan is so selfless that he forgets to take care of himself.

I know in my heart that he’s an angel but he doesn’t see that.

I know deep inside he doubts himself and questions his worth, especially when it comes to football.

Jordan’s insecurities started coming to light when Spencer came to Beverly. The shift of Billy’s attention towards Spencer affected Jordan, more than anyone knew.

Billy was focused on getting Beverly High’s football team to its best potential but not being completely aware that his family needed him more than ever.

It all came crashing down when the Beverly squad was having a pool party at the Bakers.

Jordan and I were laying down on the pool lounge chairs. The tension between the boys was evident. The presence of Spencer ticked the boys off big time.

“You good babe?” I ask Jordan as I acknowledge Jordan evilly having his eyes on the Crenshaw boy.

Jordan’s eyes diverted to me as he was just eyeing Layla leaving the sleeping Asher to the beaming Spencer at the pool.

“Yeah. It's just this Spencer guy comes out of nowhere, destroying everything that I’ve built and now he’s flirting with Layla. It just seems like he’s not here with good intentions. Something just isn’t right about him,” Jordan rants to me as his eyes were glued to Spencer and the now smiling Layla. I reach over to intertwine my hand with Jordan’s big one.

His eyes leave the two by the pool and meet mine, staying this time. A smile forming on his face at the touch, but quickly faltering once again.

“First it was my dad, my home, and now it’s Layla. Like what is he going to take next?” Jordan huffs as he lays back down on the lounge chair.

I smile at him foolishly.

“Well, you don’t gotta worry about him taking me,” I cheekily smile, leaning over him. My face on top of his, inches away from his laying one.

An ear-to-ear toothy smile appears on his face followed by his adorable laughter.

His arm makes it to the end of my back, loosely placing it on my lower back.

l chuckle and lean into his lips giving him a quick peck.

He smiles and looks at me longingly with loving eyes.

I feel my cheeks flushing as his eyes stay put on my physique. I nervously break eye contact and he chuckles.

“You’re so beautiful,” He compliments as he places his hand on the side of my face, reconnecting our lips.

“You never fail to make me nervous. It’s like I’m meeting you all over again,” I mumble as my eyes deeply look into his deep brown ones.

He smiles and continues with his longing looks, not breaking eye contact.

“And you never fail to make me feel better. Like who’s Spencer?” Jordan jokes.

I playfully roll my eyes with a smile and lay back down on the lounge chair.

Jordan scoots closer to me and lays his head on my shoulder. As he does, I put my arm behind his neck, wrapping it around him and running my fingers through his soft hair.

Asher was still fast asleep, tanning in the sun. JJ was up to playing pool games with a couple other teammates. Spencer and Layla were chatting it up by the pool and a few others were swimming.

“I’m going to grab a couple waters, I’m quite thirsty. Do you want one?” Jordan asks as he lifts from his previous position.

“Yeah. Please,” I smile with a nod.

He smiles brightly at me and jogs off into his house.

I take in his adorableness as he walks into his house with a playful eye roll, he could be such a kid sometimes.

A couple minutes later he comes back outside with bottles of water in hand and a furious but hurt look on his face.

I instantly frown at the miserable look on his face.

I stand up and meet him midway through his walk towards our spot.

“What's wrong?” I ask with a worried expression.

I look up at him, having a perfect sight of his clenched jaw and furious facial expression.

Jordan’s eyes were everywhere but on mine. “Hey?” I try and console.

He subsequently looks down at me, having a displeased and angry look on his face.

“Talk to me,” I urge at him.

He lets out a huge sigh and looks down into my worried eyes.

“Come on. Let’s go inside,” I suggest as I start walking with him towards the back entrance of his home.

“No,” He says immediately as he stops us on our tracks. “My dad’s in there and I don’t want to see him right now,”

“Okay then let’s go to your room,” I beckoned.

He stays quiet, which I take as an opportunity to take him inside. I’m holding his hand, leading him to the room. We walk past his occupied parents and up the stairs, into his room.

I close the bedroom door behind him as we both stand in his room.

He puts the freshwater bottles down, puts his hand to his face, and starts pacing walking around the room.

“Come on. Let it out. What happened now?” I say as I break the silence.

“Guess what he said? Just guess what he said?” He angrily says, looking over at me as he paces around the room.

He didn't even give me a chance to respond as he was already speaking again.

“He said ‘I would not have recruited him if anybody on the squad had half of his potential’. That’s what he said Y/N.” Jordan says as his voice goes from angry and exploding to hurt and feeling betrayed.

He looked like he was about to cry.

My eyes soften to his change of voice and clear look of hurt.

I walked over to him, seeing how broken he was.

“Jordan,” I let out softly once I was face to face with him, placing my hand on the side of his face. “You know that’s not true,”

His eyes fall to the ground, not looking at me, breaking our eye contact.

My heart breaks at the sight of my boyfriend doubting himself.

“Come on Jordan,” I whisper slightly to him, lifting his face to meet me.

His eyes were like glass. They were glossy and filled with tears threatening to spill.

I immediately pulled him into a tight hug at the sight of him.

“It’s okay babe,” I console, holding him in my arms.

The sounds of his sniffling tore me apart.

I turn my face a bit and place my lips on his tear stained cheek.

“Come on,” I say as I pull away from our embrace. I go to wipe the tears off his face.

“You’re an amazing player Jordan! Don’t ever think otherwise! I don’t know what your dad meant by that but everyone at Beverly knows who our QB is and that's you! Don’t ever doubt your potential because you’re a great quarterback, on and off that field,” I boast.

“But y/n… what if it’s true? I heard it coming from his mouth. What if I’m just the quarterback because I’m the coach’s son? I’m not going to lie and say that it hasn’t come across my mind,” Jordan says in distress.

“Come on, Jordan. Okay let’s say that’s true, maybe you do have an advantage because you’re the coach’s son but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a good ass player. Coach Baker knows that you can handle the responsibility and pressure of having that number one jersey. He’s not just going to give that to anyone. It’s you, Jordan. No one else,” I affirm to him in hopes that he’ll get it in his head.

“Okay,” He says with a look of belief, sending me a nod.

I smile at him knowing that he’s feeling a little better.

“You’re one helluva player, Jordan! You better see that because everybody else does. Anyone can say that you got the position because you’re the coach’s son but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a great quarterback, J! Don’t let those thoughts get the best of you! Sure, Spencer got brought to the team but he doesn’t have an influence or interference with your ability and potential as a player. I hope you see that,” I say with a frown at the end.

Jordan’s eyes meet the floor once again, staying quiet in his thoughts.

He looks back up at me after a while with a nod.

“I’ll work on it, alright? I promise,” Jordan determinedly says to me.

A wide smile grows on my face. “Good! Because you deserve it! Be proud of yourself, J! Prove everyone wrong!” I encourage with a huge smile.

He reciprocates the smile, looking handsome as ever.

“Thank you for this, y/n! I appreciate it. I love you,” He blissfully says, sending me a kiss.

Jordan came to realize that what his girlfriend was telling him was true but it was still hard for him to accept. He still had that little voice of doubt and uncertainty within himself. But, every time he doubted himself, he recalled his girlfriend's kind and inspiring words. If someone as amazing as her believed it, then it must be true.

But even after this conversation that was had with Jordan, his place as quarterback was tested multiple times.

One of those times being at the College Recruit Event; District Combine.

Players from all around Los Angeles were being tested by their height, weight, strength, and speed. They were tried and measured, seen closely by the college scouts.

Jordan came in hot, he knew what he was bringing to the table, he was confident. As he should.

But was tested with extremity.

The tests were competitive and there was so much pressure in hopes of landing on a school’s scholarship list.

Those thoughts were coming back in causing Jordan to fall back. He started focusing on all the other players and not himself. But it was a rigorous event and it got Jordan overthinking and becoming nervous. It wasn’t helping that a Crenshaw player was coming at Jordan, tearing down Jordan’s wall.

He felt like he blew it and it was messing with his head.

After the event, he went with the one person he could count on to be there for him.

“I’m sure you did amazing Jordan. Don’t overthink it! If you did even just as half as I know what you could do then you already did more than most of those guys. Because you work extremely hard! It doesn’t matter what Chris and that other Crenshaw boy said. Who’s the one that got an invite? You!” I praise.

“Yeah I know but Chris outplayed me today! He didn’t even miss a catch. What he said about me, it just gets me thinking. What if it’s true? What if I just got the invite because my dad was in the NFL?” Jordan worriedly wonders.

I let out a sigh.

“Be confident in yourself! Know what you’re worth because you’re worth a lot. It doesn’t matter if your dad was in the NFL or if your dad is your coach. You’re you Jordan! I know it must be hard to believe but trust me. Trust yourself!” I beg. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you, the way your dad sees you, the way your team sees you, and the way those recruiters saw you today!”

Jordan looks over at me taking in all my words.

A little smile peeking through his face.

“Gosh!” Jordan lets out. “You always to know what to say,”

“I only say the truth,” I smile as I get closer to him, opening my arms.

Jordan chuckles as I welcome him into my arms.

“You’re amazing Jordan! Never forget that!” I say into our hug.

“Okay.” He mumbles into my hair.

When Jordan found out that he and JJ had to fight for the QB spot, Jordan’s heart shattered.

How could Coach Montes take his position away?

Y/N, Billy, and Laura were all seated on the kitchen counter seats. Jordan came zooming into the kitchen with a stressful look on his face.

“How was your first day?” Laura asks her son.

“Fine,” Jordan replies as he goes to grab a drink from their fridge.

“What’s up with all these panicked texts I got about your new coach trying to take away your spot?” Billy inquires.

Jordan deeply lets out a sigh before he speaks.

“Montes has me and JJ going up against each other for the QB1 spot,” Jordan devastatingly states.

“JJ, who got his hand stuck in the vending machine JJ?” Billy surprisingly says.

Laura and I let out chuckles.

“It seems like you have nothing to worry about J. No offense to JJ but that spot is meant for you. You just got to prove it to her,” I say like it’s nothing.

“Exactly!” Billy says, patting my shoulder in thanks. “Come on. You know JJ’s a beast on the field. And he was a really good quarterback in junior high!” Jordan protests.

“Junior High,” Billy mocks, immediately letting out his laughs, not even trying to hide them.

“And you’re a really great quarterback who led his team to a championship,” Laura defends.

“Look, if JJ was better then, I would’ve started him,” Billy says, getting serious.

Jordan lightly scoffs and rolls his eyes.

“Oh, right. The fact that I’m your son had nothing to do with me starting,” Jordan sarcastically states.

Laura shakes her head with a smile on her face.

Billy looks at him like he’s insane.

“Do you think if Butler was my son, he’d be starting QB?” Billy asks, looking straight at his son. “You need to have a little bit more faith in yourself, son! You are Beverly’s quarterback. Everybody knows it! All you gotta do now is convince Montes!” Billy encouragingly says.

“Exactly what I’ve been telling him for years!” I exclaim.

“Okay. Okay.” Jordan smiles, getting the push he needed from his loved ones. “I will!”

“Well y/n and I have to catch up on homework. So we’ll see you two later,” Jordan boasts as he grabs onto my arms and starts tugging.

“Oh?!” I let out realizing Jordan’s plan. “Right.” “Homework already? It’s the first day of classes!” Laura interjects.

“Oh, you know… we’re seniors now so we’re getting loads of work now,” Jordan lies.

I shake my head at him and giggle.

“Alright well since you’re sneaking off to do homework I’ll be expecting all A’s from you!” Billy yells out at Jordan.

Jordan gives him a not so convincing nod before dragging us up the stairs.

My laugh echoes through Jordan’s room and we make it onto his bed.

“What? My homework is cuddling you,” Jordan slyly comments with a grin as he pulls me into his arms.

He lays my head on his chest and starts to roam his long fingers through my hair.

“See! I told you!” I sassily say to Jordan as I look up at him.

He playfully rolls his eyes at me.

“I know! Now that my dad’s coaching at Crenshaw, I’m seeing that. Thank you for believing me since sophomore year,” Jordan softly says to me.

I let out a chuckle.

“Of course. I always knew it. It’s time you finally see it too!” I smile standing up from his chest and leaning into him, crashing my lips into his.

He smiles through our interlocked lips.

“Well thanks again.” Jordan gracefully says.

I nod, sending him a couple of other pecks on his lips, chuckling.

“Anytime, babe,” I say, closing my eyes, pressing our lips with one another again.

“Okay, we can get back to kissing now!” He laughs showing his deep dimples.

“Kissing should be part of your homework too!” I tease in between our kisses.

“Yeah?” He mumbles deeply. “What else?”

I smile cheekily.

“I think you know, Baker.” I flirt with a smirk.

“Hmm?” Jordan says with a furrow of eyebrows. “I don’t think so... “ He says, teasingly, tracing his fingers down my neck and chest.

“Well then let's find out!” I reckon as I fall back into the bed with a top Jordan.

[hiatuswhore]

Duality and Dichotomy

REQUESTED by @theshyprincess​

Duality and Dichotomy.  The struggles in your life even before you knew what they were.  Code switching not only with friends but family.  In Beverly trying to appease the expectations of your black mother and in Crenshaw avoiding the judgement of privilege from the family of your white father.   You had not seen the two amicably exist in the same room ever in your life.  This only added to the knots forming in your forehead as the double lines stared back at you.  This can’t be real.

Asher’s footsteps throughout the house being your secondary focus.  The cool floor being a comfort as you placed the stick at your side.  You glanced down hoping you had seen wrong, still the answer you did not want remained.

“Hey you okay in there?” The sudden tapping on the door took your attention as the locks halted your husband from coming in.   Calling out you were okay, you picked at the floor.  You waited to hear his footsteps but he did not move from the front of the door.  “Can I come in?”

Looking at the door you frowned, not worried of a bad reaction more of what came next.  This should be exciting. Not saying a word you considered hiding the test, wanting to deal with anything but this at the time.  Slipping into your sleeve you rose to your feet placing a smile onto your face.  As you opened the door Asher was leaning onto the door frame.  

“What are we doing for dinner tonight?” Crossing his arms he eyed you carefully, arms wrapped your self you did not falter.  Shifting on the balls of your feet you sighed before turning off the bathroom light.  Moving past him you halted as he grabbed your arm,  the feeling of the test pushing further into your arm. 

“What’s that?” He asked, pulling your arm away you walked toward your bedroom with adrenaline rushing through your veins.  A warm rush of blood spread out among your light brown complexion.  Asher followed not letting up, “(Y/n) talk to me.”

“I can’t do this right now Asher,” Running your hands over your hair you ignored the feeling of your nail getting caught in a curl.  Asher watched as you paced back and forth, his eyes focused on what you were hiding in your sleeve. We’re not ready.  He stepped forward with caution, touching the arm without the test.  You stared down at the floor as he begged you to look at him.

“Just talk to me—please,” Looking up at him your arm with the test hung down, your wrist curved to keep the stick from falling to the floor.  Asher assured you whatever it was you would face it together.  

“I—Asher,” You sighed, pressing the stick into his hand as you both locked eyes.  A dreaded pause delayed the reveal of what you were hiding.  He was the first to break you stare,  looking at it he stepped back from you.  The loss of his touch burning on your skin, bringing your hands together to stop them from shaking his expression was indiscernible.  

“How long have you known?” He asked, muttering you had suspected it for most of the week but you just confirmed it.  Bringing his hand to your stomach he held a hard stare.  The silence near suffocating as the life growing in your stomach now felt like a virus hijacking your life.  One sharp inhale later you found the courage to speak

“Please say something,”  Your hand on his as you both held your stomach he finally looked you in the eyes.  The glossiness in them bringing your nerves relief as your body was unsure if you wanted cry or shutdown entirely.

“I don’t deserve you.  I don’t deserve this but know I’m gonna try,” Kissing your forehead you frowned as he crouched down.  His eyes on your stomach he held your sides gently, “You are the best thing I have ever done.”

When he rose back to his feet he wrapped his arms around you promising you that he would be there for every step of the way.   You said nothing as that had not been your worry since you found out.  Him sticking around would not change the fact that you would be this baby’s well-off black mother and he would be their white father.  Oh how history loved to repeat itself.   If that child was born with a complexion like yours they would already be doomed.  Doomed to struggle between duality and dichotomy.