#manchester from the airplane

[niallthebadboi]

[alley-cc]

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Plus size reader

Note: F!Reader, 18+ MDNI

After an unnecessarily long three months in the middle of fucking nowhere, Simon is just itching to get home. Back to his flat in Manchester. Back to solitude for five blissful weeks. But, before that he has to survive the trip home. Survive sitting in the airport with wailing children and disgruntled civilians. They're all in the same boat here. All tired, hungry and just want to get to their destination.

God, he needs a stiff drink.

People shuffle around him, finding their seats to wait in until the plane arrives. He's tempted to cash in a favour with Nik, it would probably get him home quicker.

He feels the eyes of a curious child two rows behind him burning into the back of his head. He hears the stressed voice of a mother fussing over her newborn baby seven seats across from him. He smells the pungent perfume that the elderly woman in front of him is wearing. To top it all off, the seat he'd found himself a home in would rival the rough terrain he had been sleeping on for the entirety of his mission.

Then you come along. A soft sweet-looking girl. Your hands clutching tightly onto the duffle bag strung across your shoulder. He watches your eyes dart around the waiting area, landing on the free seat beside him. Your teeth anxiously bite at your lip as you venture over to it. Shy thing, you are. Soft apologies fall from your lips whenever your body brushes against a fellow passenger.

You finally make eye contact with him. "Sorry, is this seat occupied?" you ask tentatively. Simon lets out a grunt in response causing your eyes to widen. "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't see a bag....I didn't mean to assume....I'll find another spot....I..." the words from your lips sounding as sweet as honey.

"Sit." He orders. Your mouth snaps shut and cheeks blush a bashful red. You place your bag down on the floor, your blouse dipping down with your body. It gives him a front-seat view of your tits which sit so prettily in the black lace bra that holds them.

If he were a lesser man, he'd have reached out and felt them. You'd like that, he tells himself. You'd like the way he'd sit you on his lap, hands trailing the curves and valleys of your beautiful body. Letting you grind down against him with your full weight. Desperate girl. His lips sucking on the sensitive skin of your neck. He'd mark you up so you'd remember him for far longer than it would take for those marks to fade.

You manage to seat yourself into the small pokey chair. Good girl. Obedient girl. Thighs that he'd kill to sink his hands into are flush against his own. You wrap your arms around your stomach in an attempt to make yourself smaller. The words take up all the space you need sweetheart bounce around in his head but never make it out. Your ankles cross to hold your legs together. He'll have to teach you to keep them apart for him.

You offer him a smile, another thing he'd kill for. "Headed home?" You ask. Simon grunts in response causing a small frown to tug on your lips as you shift into a more comfortable position. "I just moved to Manchester. I think it's pretty." You tell him. Not as pretty as you'd look under me, on top of me, on your knees for me.

Silence settles between the two of you, from his peripheral he notices the way your fingers fidget. "Where are you sitting on the plane?" you pipe up. "23B" Simon huffs. "Oh, we're neighbours," you note with a quiet laugh.

Just his luck.

He wonders if you've got all your essentials tucked away in that duffle bag of yours. Because when the plane lands, you won't be headed back to your new place. You'll be headed to his.

_________________________________________________________

Hi, hello, hey!

Brain went blank and spat this out. I've been seeing a few like sitting next to Price or Ghost on an airplane artworks and I love love love. I'm unapologetically down bad for those silly little video game characters. Anyway, Stay hydrated and stay slay. Mwah x

[lionesses-lover]

New Girl - A. Russo

The one where you are hopelessly in love with the new girl on the team but she doesn’t seem to notice you.

word count: 5.5k

Notes: First fic ever! Hope you enjoy :)

The obsession wasn’t something you had planned. It crept up on you so suddenly that you never had a chance to process it. The minute you realised it was there you were already overcome with the powerful emotion and it was too late. You were hooked on the sweet, slightly clumsy blonde. 

Eight Years Ago

The first and only time you met was at an international camp. Norway U17s were playing England U17s at St George’s Park and at the big age of 16 it was your first time away from home and the pressure of representing your country was weighing heavily on your shoulders. The evening before the match you had felt sick to your stomach with nerves and nothing - not even the kind words of your best friend Ingrid - was able to calm you down

On the morning of the match you were still trembling with fear but tried to pull yourself together and eat some breakfast to help stop your stomach from screaming at you, telling you to go home. You eventually managed to get ready and go out to the pitch for your warm up. Then, you saw her. Chasing around a smaller brunette girl shouting something about shin pads.

“Tooney! I need those shin pads please give them back or I’ll tell the coach!” She shouted

“No way Alessia,” her friend, Tooney, replied, “this is payback for hitting me in your sleep on the bus.”

Alessia. That was her name. It was perfect.

You were stuck in place when you saw her. The light from the sun hit her perfectly, making her blonde hair shimmer and her blue eyes glisten. She looked like an angel, and just as she was turning around to carry on chasing her friend, her eyes locked onto yours. Only for a split second, but to you it felt like hours. However, before you could go and talk to her you were dragged away by Ingrid and then the match started. It was a tough match as the teams were quite evenly balanced, but unfortunately for you it ended 3-2 to England, with the girl who was already beginning to consume your thoughts scoring the winning goal in the 87th minute. All you wanted to do was go and introduce yourself, but sadly you had a flight to catch back to Norway. But that didn’t stop you from rapidly searching Instagram and eventually finding her account. Alessia Russo. Her full name sounded even more perfect. After scrolling through her posts, smiling to yourself at how gorgeous she looked, you quickly hit the follow button and turned your phone onto airplane mode before settling into you seat ready for the flight.

Unfortunately for you, that was as far as the interactions between the two of you went. A one second glance on opposite ends of a football pitch. When you switched your phone back on after your plane back home had landed you went straight onto Instagram in the hope that she had followed you back.

She hadn’t.

Present Day

“Have you heard the news?” Keira said as she bounced up to you upon entering training that day.

“No what’s happened now? Who’s injured” You asked, slightly worried as the last time Keira said there was news she revealed that Lucy had needed a minor surgery on her knee, which wasn’t the news you were hoping for.

“No one is injured don’t worry,” she replied, laughing at the panic that had spread across your face, “we are getting a new teammate tomorrow.”

“And we think you will really like her” said Ingrid, smirking whilst watching your reaction.

“Who is it?” You said.

“Alessia Russo, the blonde ex-Manchester United player, mine and Lucy’s teammate with England” answered Keira, grinning from ear to ear and bouncing around the changing room excitedly.

“Oh my god” you whispered to yourself, sitting down in shock at the thought of the girl you’ve been madly in love with for eight years finally noticing you. You turned on your phone to see the announcement posted on the FC Barcelona Femeni Instagram. Then you saw another notification.

@alessiarusso99 has started following you.

You couldn’t believe it.

“Are you finally going to make a move now?” asked Ingrid as she came and shook you out of your daze, reminding you that you needed to leave the locker room and walk to the training pitch. “You’ve been following her on Instagram for ages now, never messaged her and I know you’ve been in love with her for years. I think now is the perfect opportunity!” She said hopefully.

“I barely know her and she’s only just discovered who I am and followed me back, I’m sure she won’t be interested,” you replied sadly, “but that’s not going to stop me giving her the best welcome to Barcelona ever.”

“Ingrid, Y/N” shouted Alexia, your captain, “you can give relationship advice later, it’s time to train!”

———

After a very tiring and busy training session, filled with lots of teasing from you teammates, Mapi and Lucy in particular, who all knew about your not so secret crush, you finally made it home to your apartment. However you were not empty handed as you had decided to stop at a grocery shop on your way home to pick up some gifts to give to Alessia to try and welcome her to the team nicely tomorrow morning. You had bought some of your favourite chocolates, some fresh fruit and a small bottle of champagne so she could celebrate her new contract properly.

You went to bed early that night and made sure to set your alarm to wake up an hour earlier the next day. You were determined to make an unforgettable first impression on Alessia and that required you to get into training early so you would have the chance to speak to her and give her your gifts.

As you started to drift off to sleep, all you could think about was that gorgeous blonde who stole your heart in one moment all those years ago.

———

Your alarm woke you up bright and early the next morning and you had to take a moment in bed to remind yourself that today wasn’t a dream. She was really coming to play with you. After eight years of wishful thinking about being with her, eight years of staring at her through social media, your dreams were coming true. You were finally going to meet her.

After a quick drive you arrived at the training centre with a full hour before training began. As you roamed the empty hallways on your way to the locker room your eyes searched for a glimpse of  beautiful blonde hair, hoping you could talk to her and introduce yourself before your teammates arrived.

Unfortunately it appeared that luck wasn’t on your side today as Alessia didn’t appear until the rest of the team had arrived, Ingrid and Keira smirking to each other when they saw you patiently sitting by your locker with a small package next to you.

But when she did finally enter the room you were blown away. She was even more beautiful than her social media showed. You hadn’t seen her in person since that match eight years ago, but you were well aware that she had changed from a young girl into a grown woman, and that she had grown even more into her beauty in that time. You were not aware that her social media didn’t do her enough justice, even though she looked amazing in her Instagram posts. She was spectacular in person. Her long, tanned legs and her sleek blonde hair which was tied into her signature ponytail. Her stunning blue eyes which were shining with pride having just signed a new contract with one of the best clubs in the world. All of her was perfect. 

She walked timidly around the room, being introduced to all the players by Keira and Lucy, who had taken it upon themselves to give their national teammate the best start to the team possible. Finally, after what seemed like years, they reached you. 

“Hi Alessia it’s so nice to meet you, I’m y/n” you said, standing up to shake her hand in introduction.

“Hey,” she replied, quickly releasing your hand before staring down at the floor uncomfortably.

“I think you two have played against each other before” interrupted Keira, grinning at you.

“Um, yeah quite a while ago, I think you actually scored the winner Alessia,” you chuckled softly, hoping she would feel more comfortable.

“Oh, that’s weird I don’t remember it,” she said.

Across the room your eyes met with Ingrid as she looked at you sympathetically. She knew how much it must hurt you that Alessia doesn’t remember the moment you have been replaying in your head for almost a decade.

“No worries, like I said it was ages ago,” you smiled at her, before turning around and picking up the package you had been anxiously waiting to give her, “I actually got you a small gift, sort of a ‘Welcome to Barcelona�� thing, I hope you don’t mind.”

You had hoped she would open it then and there but sadly she just took the package, murmured a few words of thanks and moved on, following Keira as she was introduced to Alexia. 

Despite the slight rejection of your gift, you carried on getting ready for training as usual, ignoring the pitying looks of some of your teammates. You remained optimistic as you knew exactly what type of training was happening today, because you had checked the schedule in the coach’s office this morning before everyone arrived.

Today, the Barcelona women’s team would be doing training in groups based in their position on the pitch. This meant that, as you were also a forward, you would be in the same group as Alessia, who you hoped would agree to be your partner.

However, the universe seemed to have decided to make life hard for you today. By the time you plucked up the courage to ask Alessia to partner with you for one of the drills you were met with rejection once again.

“Sorry, I told Mariona I would go with her”

“Oh,” you said, trying to hide your disappointment as she refused eye contact and once again looked uncomfortable in your presence, “no worries I hope your first training goes well.”

Once again, you only received a small murmur of thanks before she turned around and walked away.

“Don’t worry,” said your national teammate Caroline as you partnered up with her instead, “I’m sure she is just nervous about being here.”

“It’s just sad,” you replied quietly, “I was so excited to finally speak to her and now I don’t think she likes me. What did I do wrong?”

“I don’t think it’s just you, she doesn’t look very happy to be with any of us,” Caroline answered, subtly pointing over to the other side of the pitch where Alessia and Mariona were working together in silence, with Alessia awkwardly looking around at the rest of the team.

“Hopefully she warms up to us soon,” you said, “I’m not sure my 16 year old self would forgive me if I let the girl of my dreams go without making a move again”

———

A month later, Alessia had made her debut for Barcelona and attended every single training session, slowly adjusting to the style of play that was always seen at the club. However there was one major issue. Alessia had not gone to any team bonding nights or accepted any offers from teammates to hang out after training. No one on the team knew what she did with her time, not even Keira or Lucy despite their many attempts to get Alessia to socialise.

Throughout the last month you had continued to try to partner up with or chat to Alessia, eager to get to know her better. However every time you were met with the same reaction. Short answers rejecting you whilst she looked uncomfortable. Each time this happened, it felt like a small piece of your heart was shattered, and you were dangerously close to having no heart all together after being rejected daily by the woman you so desperately wanted to be loved by. 

The heartache you were experiencing eventually got so unbearable that you found yourself going home with Ingrid and Mapi one night, in tears after attempting to ask Alessia if she wanted to go out to celebrate the latest Barcelona victory with the team. 

“I just don’t understand,” you cried as you sat with Ingrid sobbing into the cushions on her sofa, “why doesn’t she like us? Why doesn’t she like me? What did I do wrong”

“You didn’t do anything. I’m not sure why she doesn’t like us but it’s nothing to do with you,” replied your best friend as she felt her heart ache for you. She knew how desperately you wanted Alessia to like you, and didn’t understand why the blonde was so adamant not to accept your attempts at friendship.

“I agree with Ingrid, y/n”, said Mapi, “I’m sure it’s nothing personal, maybe she’s just shy.”

After another few hours of crying your heart out to your best friend and her girlfriend you decided to go home and attempt to get some sleep before enjoying your day off tomorrow. But once again, the universe had other plans. You were driving through the dark streets of Barcelona when you passed the apartment block where Keira and Lucy lived. It was also the apartment block where Alessia lived, in the apartment next to her English teammates in an attempt to make the transition to Barcelona easier for her.

Angry, hurt and disappointed, you suddenly felt the urge to visit the blonde. You needed an answer as to why she rejected the team, why she rejected you. You needed to know whether there was a chance that you would ever be someone she loved. 

So, you parked your car, walked into the building, took the lift to the second floor and walked up to the door of Apartment 3. Taking a deep breath, you knocked on the door and waited. Thirty seconds later, the door opened and you were met with the blonde beauty you cared so deeply for. 

“y/n, what are you doing here?” she asked, slightly alarmed at your sudden presence at her door.

“I need to speak to you, can I come in?” you asked shyly, now fully aware of where you were and what you were doing.

“Um,” she hesitates, looking behind her into the apartment, before eventually sighing and opening the door, “sure, come in.”

As you step into Alessia’s apartment for the first time, you are hit with a shock. It’s empty. The only things in the main rooms are a table and chair in the kitchen and a sofa and television in the lounge. There are no photos, no trophies or medals, no personal belongings suggesting that someone actually lives there. You look to your left into the bedroom and you see a mattress on the floor. She doesn’t even have a bed. 

Alessia clears her throat, “What did you want to talk about?”

“Why is your apartment empty?” you interrupt.

“I haven’t got round to settling in properly,” she answered, looking down sadly, “I also don’t really know my way around the city. I don’t leave the apartment that much.”

“Why?”

“I’m on the phone a lot. I call my mum, dad and brothers once a day, and my best friend Ella every two days. I also call some more of my old teammates every week.”

“Do you miss them?” you asked softly.

“So much,” she replied, looking up so you could see the tears that were appearing in her eyes, “I haven’t been away from them since I went to UNC for college but this is different.”

“I understand,” you told her quietly, “when I moved from Norway to Barcelona I was terrified about being alone that I texted my mum every hour. It was stupid but I genuinely thought no one else would talk to me.”

She stayed quiet, sitting down on the sofa playing with her fingers. You could tell she was trying not to cry. Taking a deep breath, you sat down beside her.

“Is that why you haven’t been accepting anyone’s offers to hang out?” you asked, “because you miss your family so you want to speak to them?”

“Sort of,” she confessed, “ I guess it started off that way but now I’m scared none of the others will like me. Barcelona is a tough team to join - you guys are all so close that it’s a bit intimidating to try and make friends with.”

“But we have been trying to get you to hang out with us for almost a month, you’ve even turned down Keira and Lucy,” you said.

“I guess I was worried I had missed too much. I thought it would be awkward if I tried to get close to the team now after being quite antisocial for the first month,” she sighed, running a hand through her beautiful blonde hair. “I’ve also been so busy trying to get settled into my new home at the same time as trying to improve and develop my skills on the pitch.”

“But you are doing great! You have played in 3 matches so far and the team is winning all the time,” you argued.

“I haven’t scored,” she whispered, “I’m a striker and I haven’t scored. I’m letting the team down because I literally can’t do the only thing my job says I need to do.”

“That will come with time,” you reassured, slowly reaching a hand out and placing it on her back, rubbing circles in an attempt to comfort the crying blonde, “when you are properly settled in you will be able to relax and just enjoy playing the game you love. The first thing you need to do is sort this place out. You can’t live with no bed and no photos and personal items around.”

“I don’t know where to go,” she admitted shyly.

“Well, we have a free day tomorrow, why don’t I go home now, you promise to get some sleep, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning and take you shopping. I’ll even help you organise everything so you feel more at home,” you suggested, secretly hoping she’d say yes in order to give you a chance to spend time with the blonde you had been dreaming of for eight long years.

Taking a deep breath, Alessia looked up at you.

“Alright, pick me up at 10?” she suggested shyly.

“I’ll be here.” you smiled.

———

The next day, as promised, you were outside Alessia’s front door at 9:55, five minutes early, which gave you five minutes to calm yourself down and reassure yourself that it was all going to be okay. You had been given a golden opportunity to make the girl you loved like you a little bit and you were not going to ruin it. Slowly, you reached out and knocked on the door, just like you had done the night before.

“Hi,” said Alessia as she opened the door, “I wasn’t sure whether you were being serious last night.”

“Of course I was being serious,” you chuckled, before holding out your hand and offering her the bouquet of flowers you had picked out at a local florist in your way to her apartment, “I um, I got you these, I thought they would be the first step in getting you settled into Barcelona.”

“Thank you so much y/n” she said, taking the bouquet as a grin began to spread across her face, “ I’ll put them in the sink until we buy a vase.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, it didn’t cross my mind that you wouldn’t have one,” you said, suddenly feeling very nervous.

“It’s fine don’t worry about it,” she chuckled softly, stepping out of the apartment, “that’s why you’re here, we are going to get me properly moved in so I can finally score my first Barcelona goal!”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m here for,” you said quietly. Was that all she thought this was? Did she just think you were doing this as a favour? You wished you could tell her how you felt, how you have been in love with her since you were 16 and you saw her once at a match. But sadly she didn’t even remember that match.

Taking what seemed like your millionth deep breath of the morning, you eventually said, “Come on Lessi, let’s go.”

If you had paid more attention to Alessia instead of focussing on trying to stop your hands shaking with nerves as you closed her front door behind her, you would have noticed the small blush that covered her cheeks as she heard the nickname you had used without noticing.

———

“I can’t believe you’re that clumsy!” You laughed as the pair of you returned to Alessia’s apartment, arms full with boxes of household items.

“It’s not my fault I couldn’t see the step was there!” she argued, grinning widely at you, “carrying this massive box is hard!”

You chuckled at her before replying: “Well at least you can finally sleep on a proper bed instead of a mattress on the floor.”

“Only if you help me set it all up,” she said, hoping you didn’t plan on leaving yet.

“Of course I’ll help,” you answered, your heart flipping around in your chest at the thought of spending even more time with the blonde, who finally seemed to be feeling more comfortable around you.

———

Four hours later, as the sun began to set in Barcelona, you and Alessia flopped tiredly onto her sofa, before looking around at her apartment. It looked like a home. You had bought some nice decorations for the rooms, as well as convincing her to finally unpack the many boxes containing photographs, trophies and medals from over the years, convincing her to display them to make the home seem personalised.

“It looks lovely, I feel so much better thank you y/n”she said softly, turning to face you, “I’m so glad to have you as my friend.”

Friend. 

Your heart broke a bit more upon hearing her call you that. As you looked into those beautiful blue eyes you desperately wished you could find the courage to confess all the feelings you had been keeping secret for the entire day. But sadly, you couldn’t. You didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable. You didn’t want to pressure her into something when she was still settling into her new life. 

“You’re welcome,” you replied quietly, “I’m always here if you need me, um, I should probably go, it’s getting late and we have training tomorrow.”

“Oh, um, sure,” she said, getting up to walk you to the door, “See you tomorrow.”

“Bye Lessi,” you said as you stood in her doorway, before taking a deep breath and doing what you knew deep in your heart you had to do. 

You slowly leant forward and hugged her. Putting your arms around her waist and letting her arms fall round your shoulders. It wasn’t a long hug, but it was what you both needed. You needed some love given to you after being in love for so long, and Alessia needed some comfort and a sense of belonging from a kind person who had managed to force themselves into her heart within a few hours.

As you pulled apart, both of you wearing matching blushes on your faces, you couldn’t help but smile at the hope that something could finally happen between the two of you.

“Right, I really need to go now otherwise I’m going to be late going to sleep, which means I’m going to be late waking up and so might be late to training and then Alexia will kill me,” you said, suddenly getting very nervous standing in front of Alessia.

“Bye y/n, see you tomorrow”

———

Two weeks later

If you said the past two weeks had been great then you would be lying. They had been like a dream. 

Every morning you walked into training and were greeted by a grinning Alessia Russo, who had become a totally different person. Her blonde hair shimmered and her blue eyes shone brightly as she chatted to many of your teammates throughout the weeks, making up for the time that was lost as she was adapting to Barcelona life.

You had finally had the opportunity to partner up with her in a few training drills and it was wonderful. The bond between the two of you was slowly getting stronger and that was showing both on and off the pitch. The pair of you had began hanging out after training every day - watching movies, visiting coffee shops and going shopping to grow Alessia’s wardrobe after she had admitted to you that she left most of her clothes back in England.

However, the only thing that wasn’t perfect was your growing love for the English blonde. You tried to keep your feelings hidden but it was becoming increasingly difficult not to confess everything to her as you became closer. 

“I don’t understand you,” said Keira one afternoon at training, as she watched you watch Alessia run around, chasing after Aitana and Claudia.

“What do you mean?” you asked absentmindedly, trying to contain a smile as the sweet noise of Alessia’s infectious laugh reached your ears.

“You are obviously in love with her and she is obviously in love with you, why don’t you tell her how you feel?”

You turned round to face Keira, the smile on your face vanishing, “It’s not that easy, she doesn’t like me,” you said sadly, “she thinks of me as a friend. That’s it.”

“I think you’re being stupid,” sighed Keira, “at least tell her how you feel, please. I don’t like watching you obsess over her. It just makes you sad because you’ve convinced yourself you’ll never have her, which is a lie.”

“I just don’t want to get hurt,” you said, “I’d much rather be her friend than nothing in her life.”

Taking a deep breath, you turned away from Keira, trying to stop your tears appearing at the thought of Alessia rejecting you.

———

“y/n! y/n!” shouted Alessia, desperately trying to get your attention over the loud music at the club, “come and dance with me!”

You hesitated, not wanting to risk being at such a close proximity to Alessia without being able to hold her or kiss her.

As if she could sense your hesitation, she shouted once again, “Pretty please, think of it as my reward for getting my first Barcelona goal.”

You were hooked. The combination of her adorable puppy dog eyes and the memories of her gorgeous 57th minute strike (assisted by you) against Real Madrid earlier that day were more than enough to convince you to go and join her on the dance floor.

As you approached the beautiful blonde you had your first opportunity of the night to take in her outfit. She was wearing a gorgeous all-black suit paired with a black crop top. She looked flawless. You just wished you could tell her that she took your breath away.

However, it seemed that Alessia had also been having similar thoughts, as she shouted “you look so good tonight, I love your style, you look amazing,” before throwing you a lopsided grin.

“Thank you Lessi, you look beautiful,” you said, finding courage in the compliment you had just received.

You slowly placed your hands around her waist as she looped her arms around your neck - the pair of you slowly swaying to the music that was being played in the club.

“I’m so happy you helped me settle in to life here, it’s wonderful. I’m really grateful to have found a friend like you,” she said happily.

There it was again. Friend. The word that made your stomach turn and you heart crack. You wished she would see you as more than that - you would give her the world if she asked you - would a friend do that?

Once again, it was as if she could sense your hesitation as she softly asked, “what’s wrong y/n? Did I do something? You seem sad.”

You rapidly looked around, trying to think of an excuse to leave the conversation before you became dangerously close to exposing yourself. However, all you saw was Ingrid and Mapi, dancing a few metres away from you. They looked so happy and in love. Mapi looked at your best friend as if she was the only person in the room and Ingrid looked at her as if she had hung the moon and the stars. 

You wanted that. You wanted that with Alessia. It was all you had wanted since you first saw her on that football pitch all those years ago.

Suddenly, you were hit with the realisation that if you didn’t do anything about your feelings then you would never have the love you so desperately wanted. Slowly, you turned back to Alessia, smiling gently as your eyes met with her.

“No I’m not okay Lessi,” you said calmly, trying to take deep breaths and say what you needed to say, “I’ve been in love with you since I saw you on the football pitch at St George’s Park eight years ago and I know you don’t remember it but you stole my heart and you are all I’ve been thinking about ever since. I’m so sorry if you don’t feel the same way and I really don’t want to make things awkward between us but I needed to tell you before it breaks me. Because I can’t keep living my life too scared to admit that I love you.”

You quickly shut your eyes after your confession, not wanting to watch her reaction in fear of disgust and rejection taking over her face.

“y/n” she said slowly, “I need to tell you something too”

You looked up to face her, ready to hear that you were too late - she was in love with someone else.

“I remember the match. I didn’t at first, but when I was sorting out all my photos the other day I found a photo from the match. We won 3-2. I scored the winner.”

You nodded carefully.

“You’ve been so lovely to me over the past few weeks. You made an effort to try and get to know me even when I was too shy and homesick to accept your kindness. I was so excited when I joined Barcelona from Manchester United. Not only because I was going to play for the best club in the world but because I was going to finally meet the player that my friend Ona had been telling me about. The beautiful Barcelona player who her Spanish teammates played with. I found you on Instagram and I was hooked, you are gorgeous.”

“Lessi..” you began, still trying to absorb the new information about her feelings.

But before you could ask what she was trying to say, Alessia leant forward and captured your lips with hers, pulling you into her by the waist whilst giving you a bruising, passionate kiss in the middle of the dance floor. 

Previously, there had been many times where you had dreamed of kissing Alessia. But no dreams could ever compare to the real thing. Her lips locked onto yours so perfectly it felt as though she was made for you. As cliché as it sounds, everyone else in the busy club seemed to fade away. You could vaguely hear Keira and Lucy shouting in the background but you blocked them out, instead choosing to wrap your arms around the blonde, trying to savour every second of this moment.

Eventually, you both pulled away, breathing heavily and smiling giddily.

“So does this mean you feel the same?” you asked shyly, hoping to hear her confirm what you already knew.

“How could I not? I love you too y/n” she answered, pulling you into her again and pressing her lips against yours.

“Finally!” You heard Ingrid say, “she’s only been crushing on Alessia for eight years”

Finally, you thought, finally you had the girl of your dreams.

———

[wosowrites]

There's a Time for Everything (Ona Batlle x Reader)

warnings: ⚠️SMUT WARNING⚠️

a/n: most detailed smut I've written and a slow burn! and the person who requested this accidentally sent it not anonymously and asked me not to share the ask

prompt: Apart for a while, team drinks, a bathroom stall, what more was there to say?

An emergency flight back to the Netherlands due to your mother's health deteriorating had you on a break from WSL duties for two weeks. You spent some time by your mum's side in Leyde before flying back to Manchester once she was in the clear. But two weeks without Ona was hard. You had come to Manchester at the same time and clicked instantly. Both in a new country, both defenders, both looking to create a name for yourselves.

You started dating after three months of being friends. Things moved quickly with you two, but it never felt wrong.

So it was needless to say that when you got back to your shared apartment in downtown Manchester, you wanted nothing but Ona. You wanted to feel her, to kiss her, to smell her shampoo and to trace your fingers on her abs. It was a need at this point, and the thought alone… well it had you biting your lips so hard they bled.

But a last minute text from Mary had your plans all turned around. She had invited you all to go out for drinks as a team, as you had a rare two days in a row off this week due to having just played the FA cup semi final.

The second you saw the text in the taxi going from the airport to the apartment, you almost groaned before texting your girlfriend.

you: We don't have to go, right?

ona: come on now, si we do, its both of our last season with the girls, were gonna miss them and we need to hangout with them as a team.

you: I missed you more in this week than I could ever miss them in a lifetime.

ona: do not tell them that. plus, you only missed my abs.

you: your abs... and your lips. and your hair and your kisses and your smile and your eyes.

ona: I guess I missed you too mi amor ;)

You laughed at her text before putting your phone away as the cab driver pulled up to the apartment complex. You payed the driver and then walked up to the building. You could not wait. You couldn't wait to jump into her arms and kiss her... and then get ready to go out where you couldn't feel every inch of her.

"Great," you groaned as you scanned your key card and walked into the halls of the apartment.

But it was all gonna work out, you knew that the second you opened the door, finding Ona standing in front of it. You dropped your suitcase and opened your arms wide. The spaniard ran up to you and jumped into them, wrapping her legs around your waist and burrying her head into your neck. She was a little bit shorter than you, and your height difference made her a perfect fit in your arms. You were quick to hold her up, not so sneakily placing one of your hands on her ass and the other one on her back. But when she pulled her head away, you moved your hands to cup her face and kiss her. You had backed up against the door and were completely submerged in Ona's lips when she pulled away. "Sorry, mi amor. We need to leave in like... forty minutes," Ona said, tucking loose hair behind your ear. "Put me down now," she said, making you groan. "No." you pouted. "You’re where you belong, with me, in my arms," you said to her, placing your forehead against hers and then kissing the tip of it.

"Trust me. There’s nowhere more I want to be. But you need to get out of your airplane clothes… and you need a shower," she said, sniffing your hair. "Wow, thanks babe," you laughed, putting her down. "I’m being honest! It’s that plane stench," she said, pouring herself a glass of OJ. "If you’ll make me shower, at least join me…" you said, wrapping your arms around her waist and laying your chin on her shoulder blade.

"Nope. My makeup is done, my outfit is on and my hair is up. I love you but I look too good to have to start from zero," she said to you.

You rocked back and forth, keeping your hands around her waist. She did look good. She had white dress pants and a short sleeve white button up on with sunglasses hanging from the neck of the shirt. Her hair was up in her classic messy bun and you knew she would wear the grey jordan’s you bought her for her birthday. "You do look amazing, and I guess I should go fix myself up so I can try to look at least half as good as you," you told her, trailing teasing kisses down her neck. She tilted her head to the side, giving you more access to suck on a soft spot.

You took pleasure in marking her, gently passing your tongue over the hickey you had just left to sooth the area. Ona snapped out of her daze a few seconds later though, pushing you away. "Stop that! Enough. Go shower!" she said laughing and pointing at the washroom. "Yes ma’am," you said, raising your hands in the air in submission.

After showering quickly, you blow dried your hair and then walked into your bedroom. You opened the closet you shared with Ona and picked out a pair of blue jeans along with a white tee shirt. You weren’t big on the fancy outfits, choosing instead to make boring outfits more stylish with jewelry and shoes. You put on a gold locket, put on gold earrings in your helix and three lobe piercings. You then chose your own pair of sunglasses and put it on your head before slipping on orange air forces.

You walked out of the bedroom, finding Ona taking a mirror picture. You quickly walked up to her, snaking your hands around her waist again and kissing her cheek. "You look amazing, mi vida," she gently said, turning to look at you and then kissing your lips softly, taking time to suck on your bottom lip for a second. "Hey, no teasing," you groaned.

You left for the bars minutes later, only after Ona made a post to her story of you two.

Getting to the bar by car proved to be harder than expected. For whatever reason, the traffic was insane. So you parked the car about ten minutes from the bar at the first free spot you could find and then hopped out.

"Okay, google maps says that if we go straight for… 2 kilometres and then turn right for 1 the bar should be on our right," you said, looking at your phone and then putting it in your pocket. "Perfecto," she smiled, grabbing your hand and rubbing her thumb gently over the surface.

You walked the distance, catching up on life, talking about your mother and just enjoying Manchester at night. Once you got to the bar though, the fun really started. You met Ella and Alessia outside of the bar, giving them a hug each and telling them you missed them and were excited to get back to playing.

"Game against Liverpool, you gonna be ready for that?" Ella asked as you opened the door to the bar. "You bet. But no work talk. I’m here to be with my girls and only with my girls," you smiled.

You held the door open for the three women and then walked in yourself, the music taking over you. You showed your ID’s to the man standing there and then got in.

Finding the rest of the team wasn’t hard. Mary, Maya, Vilde and Lucia had already taken on the dance floor while Keets, Hannah, Katie, Leah and Jayde were sitting at the bar, having a drink. Clearly, Ella was quick to drag Lessi away to dance.

"Get us drinks!" she yelled back at you before joining Mary in throwing her hands up in the air and swinging her hips.

"Okay then. How about you then? Drinks or dancing?" you asked, knowing her answer. "Do you mind if I leave you to go dance?" she asked, looking at you with her sweet, warm eyes. "Of course not. Go!" you convinced her.

She left after giving you a kiss and then you walked up to the bar, slapping your hands down onto Leah’s shoulders, making her jump. "Y/n! It’s been so long we miss you at training!" she said, turning around when she saw you and giving you a quick hug. "I did too. Don’t worry i’m back next session," you said, taking a spare seat. "Good. Where’s the girlfriend?" she asked.

You looked behind you and pointed out Ona who was dancing with Ella.

"Can I get you anything?" the bartender asked, a tattooed feminine woman. "Uh, yeah. A gin and tonic and for the ladies over there can I get two rum and cokes," you said to the woman. "Of course," she said, sending you a flirty wink.

You ignored her and just turned your attention back to your girlfriend who was now dancing pretty sensually with Vilde. But you didn't mind, she was Spanish after all. In fact, it kind of just turned you on more, made you want to be at Vilde's spot. But preferably in private, and with less clothes on. You stayed fixed on her, watching her hips, her hands, her biceps and the way she laughed loudly at Vilde's hands stroking her hips. "Aren't you jealous?" Jayde asked, watching you watch Ona. "Not at all. She's mine and we all know that. They're just having fun and it doesn't mean anything," you said, smiling at Jayde. "Huh, I could never. If my boyfriend was dancing with another girl like that..." she started saying. "It's different between girls I guess. And its a personality thing as well. I'm just not a jealous person. Unless it was a complete stranger. She's just Spanish," you said.

A hand tapped your back and you turned around to see the bartender with the drinks in front of her. "Perfect, thank you," you said, making sure not to look at her too long as to not lead her on. "Watch my drink while I give these to Less and Ella?" you asked Jayde who nodded and put her hand over it.

You grabbed the rum and cokes and walked onto the dance floor, handing them over to Ella and Alessia. They both thanked you loudly and then started drinking. "Want anything?" you asked your girlfriend when the room got more quiet as it was in-between a song. "Beer?" she asked you. "On it," you answered.

"Could I get a beer for my girlfriend, please?" you asked the bartender. Her eyes narrowed and her mouth opened a little before she nodded. She opened the lid and handed it to you before you went over and gave it to Ona. "You sureeee you don't wanna dance, mi amor?" she asked you. "I'm sure. I look stupid when I dance."

She laughed and kissed your lips softly before going back to her next victim, Lucia.

You drank your gin and tonic but you were soon joined by Mary who despite being sweaty from dancing still looked and smelled amazing. "Mary!" you said happily, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. "Do shots with me?" you asked even though you were already feeling the buzz of the previous drink you had had. "Fuck yes!" she said happily.

The bartender had now changed and you asked a muscly, buff man for three shots each. "Are you guys doing shots?" Katie asked, laughing at you and Mary who were being poured the alcohol. "Hell yeah! Want in?" you asked her. "No, no but I'll film," she laughed, pulling out her phone.

You grabbed a shot of tequila and then linked arms with Mary. "Three, two, one-" you said at the same time before downing the alcohol. "Wooh!" Mary yelled, shaking her head. You then downed the two others in the same fashion, making the room spin and your feelings heightened. All feelings. The sight of Ona on the dance floor had you squeezing your things together when you weren't tipsy, but now, watching her beer in hand, seeing the way her hips moved and her mouth hung open...

You were on your feet quicker than you knew it. You pushed your way past people and found Ona. "Dance with me," you basically moaned into her ear.

Ona didn't have to be asked twice. Lucia was quickly forgotten and soon enough her hips were grinding onto yours, your bodies pressed against each other and your breaths tangled. "I couldn't help but notice..." you breathed gently into her ear, putting your hands flat against her collarbone and then trailing them down her curves, "...that the washrooms are single stalled," you said. Ona's breath hitched once your hands ended up cupping her core quickly, but enough for a heat to form in her stomach. "Vamos then," she breathed.

You gripped her hand tightly and led her through the crowd into the quieter washroom area. The hallway was empty except for a couple making out against a wall. There were four single stall washrooms and you chose the closest one to you. The washroom wasn't too small, there was a counter with a sink and a mirror as well as a toilet. However the sink wasn't centred, leaving enough room to sit on one side of the counter. She went in first and you closed the door behind you both, locking it hurriedly.

In the seconds you locked the door, the distance between your bodies could have killed you. Quicker than you thought humanly possible, you pushed Ona up against the wall, making a picture frame fall crooked. You trapped her between the cement and your own body, quickly attacking her lips, kissing them roughly and slipping your tongue into her mouth, fighting for dominance. Her hands were pushed against your abs while yours found rest on her hips. You wanted nothing more but to see her, to feel every inch of her, but what was a little teasing? You stopped kissing her to trail kisses down her neck, leaving another hickey you knew she didn't have the makeup to cover. As you sucked her neck, you wrapped your arms around her waist, appreciating her soft moans and the way she threw her head back. "Please, baby, I need you," she groaned as you sucked her collarbone. "Ask again, beg," you whispered, unbuttoning the first button of her shirt painfully slowly.

"I'm begging. Please. I need your fingers in me," she breathed out.

That was good enough for you. You picked her up and placed her on the counter, her back against the mirror. You gently looked into her eyes as you unbuttoned her shirt slowly, leaving her in her bra. You didn't need to take her shirt off, but seeing her abs and her tits made sex with her even better.

"You're so beautiful," you said to her as you unlatched her bra and threw it on the bathroom floor. You quickly started sucking on her nipple, placing your left hand flat on her breast and pressing against it, squeezing it, feeling it. "Are you wet, baby?" you said to her once her nipples were hard.

You unbuttoned her dress pants and slowly slipped them down to her ankles, not taking them off fully. She indeed was. Her panties were completely drenched, probably ruined, but it made you ecstatic. "All that for me? You're too much baby," you breathed.

Without warning, you pressed your palm harshly against her pussy. She would have screamed if it wasn't for the fact that you quickly slapped your hand against her mouth. "Shh. I want to hear you more than anything but we don't want to get kicked out do we? Well not until I've fucked you," you winked. She nodded quickly, looking into your eyes and giving you the okay to remove your hand.

You rubbed the pad of your thumb on her clit through her underwear, making her grind her hips up in the air, craving more pressure. "Eager, are we?" you said. "Please, no more teasing," she breathed out, looking at you with her big brown eyes.

You nodded and got down on your knees, looking up at her, admiring her tits, and the sharpness of her chin. You slipped off her underwear, exposing her wet folds and then spreading her legs open. You made quick work of passing your tongue through her pussy, soaking up her current wetness. You sucked gently on her clit, using your hands to control her grinding by pressing down on her hips. "Your fingers!" she basically yelled, making you chuckle into her core. "Patience," you said softly. You harshly slipped your tongue into her hole, using your teeth to graze every inch of her and making her hold in another yell of pleasure. She came for the first time with the concealed moan, letting you lick up her juices. Her thighs squeezed against each side of your head, but you knew she wasn't satisfied.

You didn't think you had ever seen her so wet, and without warning, you slipped in two fingers, making her back arch, her legs shake and her bare chest heave up and down.

Fingers pumping, mind foggy from how beautiful she was, you made sure to hit her spot with every pump. You knew you didn't have long before your teammates got suspicious, so you were adamant on making the most out of the short time you both had.

You girlfriend came about two minutes later with the help of your fingers in her, your nails on her abs and your words of affirmation.

By the time she did, you were beyond wet yourself, but you knew there wasn't any time. "What about you?" Ona said, catching her breath. "No time, at home?" you said to her. "If you can last till then," she winked. Her knuckles were white from holding onto the counter, and you thought that the sight of her naked self sitting there was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen. You grabber her bra off the floor as she kept on recovering from your fingers. Gently, you put your hands under her arms and brought her body to yours. You slipped the bra on and then gently put her head on your shoulder to have better access to clip it at the back. You helped her slip on her shirt and then clean her underwear with brown paper as for it to be a little dryer. You then lifted her off the counter and let her put her pants back on.

She took a step forward and stumbled a bit. "Can you walk?" you laughed, catching her and looking into her eyes. "I think so," she laughed as well. You smiled at her, putting your hands in her hair and undoing her bun. "To cover the hickeys," you winked. She fixed her hair as you washed your hands and fixed your own hair. Once she looked as though she hadn't just had the best sex of her life in that washroom, she opened the door for you and you both slipped out quickly.

"There you guys are! Where were you?" Maya asked rather innocently as the older players behind her giggled. "Uh... there was this guy who was pretty chatty," you said, pointing to a random innocent man in the bar. "Oh, well were thinking of going back to Mary's, you guys down?" She asked.

You exchanged a look with Ona and shrugged. "Sure," you said, putting your arm around your waist.

Mary came up to you guys as you left the bar, putting her head between you both. "You can come but don't fuck on my bed. Or in my washroom, or in the guest room," she whispered.

Ona had never looked more embarrassed.

[beardedmrbean]

An American Airlines flight made an emergency landing after an Oregon man reportedly exposed himself and urinated in the plane's aisle, New York authorities said.

The 25-year-old was arrested and charged with indecent exposure in connection to the July 3 incident midair, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York wrote in a press release.

American Airlines said flight 3921, operated by Envoy Air, was traveling from Chicago to Manchester, New Hampshire, when it made an emergency landing at Buffalo Niagara International Airport “due to a disruptive customer," according to a statement released by the airline to People.

According to prosecutors, the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority Police responded to Gate 2 at the Buffalo airport in New York for a report that a man "exposed himself and urinated in the aisle of the aircraft while the plane was in flight."

The plane was diverted to Buffalo, the release continues, and when the flight landed, an officer boarded the airplane and spoke to a flight attendant who said the man exposed himself and urinated on the flight.

The passenger, prosecutors said, was taken into custody and escorted off the plane.

After being arrested, that same day, the man made his first appearance in court and was released on his own recognizance, according to the release.

USA TODAY has reached out to American Airlines.

Prosecutors said the man faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine, if convicted.

[cherylstiredthoughts]

Lonely Thoughts of an International Student

In search of stability and belonging.

I doors ding open and I walk in, scanning for a seat. A window seat, by the corner, as I tend to like, was available. I sat down, pulled my phone out from my pocket and peeled off my coat. Every morning during my thirty minute commute to the campus, I listen to music and scroll through Instagram. It has only been three months since I last saw my family in Singapore but that feels like a lifetime away. I swipe through the endless Insta-stories of my family members, friends I have long lost contact with, and the many others in between. Every day, the same routine. Every day the longing to learn more about their lives beyond the glimpses of fifteen-second videos. 

Over the last five years living abroad, I have missed many births, dinners, laughs, movie nights, weddings, and concerts with the people I love. There is something very lonely about being an international student. In a constant state of transition and liminality, no personal connection or relationship ever feels concrete or permanent. I do have my lifelong friends, close family members, and my partner dear to my heart but the constant state of transition is something I find I don’t share, can’t share with many dear to me.

I swipe, and swipe, and swipe.  There, I saw the familiar silhouette of this girl I used to share a flat with in my first year living abroad. She’s dyed her hair and looks a little different, dressed a little differently, posed with her new boyfriend, sharing about their little vacation. I haven’t talked to her in years now. I think back to how close we used to feel to each other. Having most of our lunches, dinners, and party attendances together. Now she is nothing but a distant memory. I cannot tell you more than that she’s a lawyer and she has a new boyfriend. She looks happy though, and that’s nice to know. 

I continue swiping through more faces of people that have briefly encountered my life but permanently remained in the periphery of my mind, showing up every time I swipe through social media. 

A little video of my niece laughing and running down the mall’s corridor into her father’s arms shows up. The next video shows her having food and practicing using a fork. At least that’s what my cousin’s captions said. A wave of sadness and love comes over me. I have so much love for these people. Yet, they only exist in clips of videos. I have met her once. The last time I went back to Singapore at a family party. What even entitles me to say I love her? I miss my family. I hate that I watch them grow up online and learn about their likes and dislikes through captions curated by their parents. I have only ever seen them through the lens and perceptions of someone else as though I am looking at them through a piece of glass. Well, I mean, it’s not that far off.

A message notification pops up. It’s my partner telling me something about their day. 

They are flying over to Manchester to see me in a few days and I miss them all the time. I know they are proud of me but sometimes I wish they had told me to stay. To not pursue an academic career through a prestigious, well-funded doctoral program. But alas, they are a good partner and naturally they encouraged me to pursue what’s best for me and our future, even if it means we live apart for four years, shuttling between borders on cramped airplanes and excruciating lines at airport security. During the two years I lived in Vienna, I found a home in and with them. Even then, it felt temporal. Not the relationship. The feeling of stability in a locality. It constantly felt like I was in a state of movement. I found somewhere I felt comfortable to call home, with someone I called family, and again, I moved. We have talked about settling in together after I finish my doctorate programme, but a part of me cant shake the feeling of insecurity in not knowing where that meant and how long it might be before I have to move again.  Sure, I am very privileged that my constant state of liminality and transition is one of high prestige and comes with much economic and cultural capital benefit. But this sense of intense loneliness and disconnectedness I feel from the people I love can sometimes be very isolating. Sometimes, I fear making new friends, or deeper connections for the temporality of it all. Perhaps some might enjoy this temporality but in me, it induces deep feelings of loneliness. Some people see my life as ‘’glamourous’’ or ‘’admirable’’ but I don’t think I see it that way. At least not anymore. 

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 9.15 (before 1950)

994 – Major Fatimid victory over the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of the Orontes. 1440 – Gilles de Rais, one of the earliest known serial killers, is taken into custody upon an accusation brought against him by Jean de Malestroit, Bishop of Nantes. 1530 – Appearance of the miraculous portrait of Saint Dominic in Soriano in Soriano Calabro, Calabria, Italy; commemorated as a feast day by the Roman Catholic Church 1644–1912. 1556 – Departing from Vlissingen, ex-Holy Roman Emperor Charles V returns to Spain. 1762 – Seven Years' War: Battle of Signal Hill. 1776 – American Revolutionary War: British forces land at Kip's Bay during the New York Campaign. 1789 – The United States "Department of Foreign Affairs", established by law in July, is renamed the Department of State and given a variety of domestic duties. 1794 – French Revolutionary Wars: Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) sees his first combat at the Battle of Boxtel during the Flanders Campaign. 1795 – Britain seizes the Dutch Cape Colony in southern Africa to prevent its use by the Batavian Republic. 1812 – The Grande Armée under Napoleon reaches the Kremlin in Moscow during the failed French invasion of Russia. 1812 – War of 1812: A second supply train sent to relieve Fort Harrison is ambushed in the Attack at the Narrows. 1813 – Followers of the Eight Trigram Sect loyal to Lin Qing attack the Forbidden City in a failed attempt to oust the Jiaqing Emperor of the Qing dynasty. 1816 – HMS Whiting runs aground on the Doom Bar. 1820 – Constitutionalist revolution in Lisbon, Portugal. 1821 – The Captaincy General of Guatemala declares independence from Spain. 1830 – The Liverpool to Manchester railway line opens; British MP William Huskisson becomes the first widely reported railway passenger fatality when he is struck and killed by the locomotive Rocket. 1835 – HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin aboard, reaches the Galápagos Islands. The ship lands at Chatham or San Cristobal, the easternmost of the archipelago. 1862 – American Civil War: Confederate forces capture Harpers Ferry, Virginia. 1873 – Franco-Prussian War: The last Imperial German Army troops leave France upon completion of payment of indemnity. 1894 – First Sino-Japanese War: Japan defeats Qing dynasty China in the Battle of Pyongyang. 1915 – New Culture Movement: Chen Duxiu establishes the New Youth magazine in Shanghai. 1916 – World War I: Tanks are used for the first time in battle, at the Battle of the Somme. 1918 – World War I: Allied troops break through the Bulgarian defenses on the Macedonian front. 1935 – Nazi Germany adopts a new national flag bearing the swastika. 1940 – World War II: The climax of the Battle of Britain, when the Luftwaffe launches its largest and most concentrated attack of the entire campaign. 1942 – World War II: U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Wasp is sunk by Japanese torpedoes at Guadalcanal. 1944 – Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill meet in Quebec as part of the Octagon Conference to discuss strategy. 1944 – The Battle of Peleliu begins as the United States Marine Corps' 1st Marine Division and the United States Army's 81st Infantry Division hit White and Orange beaches under heavy fire from Japanese infantry and artillery. 1945 – A hurricane strikes southern Florida and the Bahamas, destroying 366 airplanes and 25 blimps at Naval Air Station Richmond. 1947 – Typhoon Kathleen hits the Kantō region, in Japan killing around 1,000-2,000 people. 1948 – The Indian Army captures the towns of Jalna, Latur, Mominabad, Surriapet and Narkatpalli as part of Operation Polo. 1948 – The F-86 Sabre sets the world aircraft speed record at 671 miles per hour (1,080 km/h).

[prettyhennytea]

✈️🚨💦 Scandal in the Skies: Man's Mid-Air Antics Spark Dramatic Diversion! 🌟

In a shocking turn of events high above the clouds, a flight bound for Manchester, New Hampshire, was thrown into chaos as a 25-year-old Oregon man allegedly engaged in unsavory behavior, causing a mid-flight diversion that left passengers and crew stunned. According to officials, the man not only exposed himself but also shamelessly urinated in the aisle of the airplane prompting swift action and legal repercussions. 👀👖🙈

Following a disturbing incident, the culprit was apprehended upon landing at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, where he faced charges of indecent exposure. Subsequently, after a brief appearance in federal court in Buffalo, he was granted release, setting tongues wagging and eyebrows raising at the audacity of his in-flight escapade as detailed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. 🛬🚔⚖️

In response to the bizarre turn of events, American Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the incident and commending their team members for their professionalism in handling the situation. The airline expressed gratitude to passengers for their patience and understanding during the unexpected detour. 💌✈️💼

The man’s explanation for his outrageous behavior painted a picture of pre-flight indulgence, citing multiple whiskey and cola concoctions consumed before and during the journey. Blaming his actions on a supposed medical urination condition, he attempted to excuse his behavior as he recounted his journey from Portland, Oregon, to Manchester via layovers in Chicago. 🥃🚽🚫

Amidst the turbulence of his mid-air misadventure, the man’s shocking saga serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected twists and turns that can unfold in the skies, leaving a trail of incredulous onlookers and authorities in its wake. Stay tuned for more updates as this scandalous sky-high saga continues to unfold. 🌟✨✈️🔍

[aidenleepingwei]

Aiden Lee Ping Wei's Vision: Transforming Industries with the Graphene Revolution

Are you ready to witness the future of materials science come to life? Graphene, hailed as the "magic material" of the 21st century, is at the forefront of this transformation, and Graphjet Technology is leading the charge. Graphene is the lightest, strongest, and most electrically conductive material ever discovered. According to Aiden Lee Ping Wei, the global graphene market is projected to reach $1.02 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 40.2% from 2019 to 2026. Let's explore how Graphjet Technology is reshaping industries with its groundbreaking vision.

Pioneering Green Graphene Production

Graphjet Technology is revolutionizing graphene production with eco-friendly methods. By utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste product from Malaysia's palm oil industry, they create high-quality graphene. This green production approach is crucial because traditional methods consume large amounts of energy and chemicals, causing environmental pollution. By contrast, Graphjet's method reduces pollution and optimizes resource use.

Furthermore, repurposing palm kernel shells helps manage waste effectively, transforming it into valuable graphene. This isn't just about producing an innovative material; it's about fostering a sustainable future. Graphjet demonstrates that advanced technology can coexist with environmental stewardship, creating remarkable products while caring for the planet.

Graphene Applications

Graphjet's superior graphene is driving innovation across various industries, enhancing performance and promoting sustainability.

Electronics: Graphene's exceptional conductivity and flexibility make electronics faster and more efficient.

Energy: Graphene improves battery life and efficiency, benefiting devices like smartphones and electric vehicles.

Healthcare: Safe for the body, graphene is used in medical devices and drug delivery systems.

Aerospace: Graphene reduces the weight of airplanes, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Automotive: Graphene strengthens car parts, making vehicles safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Graphjet thrives on collaboration with universities, organizations, and industry leaders, gaining access to cutting-edge research and resources. Partnering with local Malaysian universities and prestigious institutions like the University of Manchester and MIT, Graphjet leverages their expertise to advance graphene technology.

By working with organizations like the World Economic Forum (WEF), Graphjet aligns its goals with global efforts for positive change. Participation in MIT’s Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) enables Graphjet to maintain long-term relationships with multinational corporations (MNCs), staying abreast of new ideas and utilizing MIT's premier resources. Under the leadership of CEO Aiden Lee Ping Wei, Graphjet Technology is forging a promising future through these partnerships.

Awards and Recognition

Graphjet Technology's innovation and dedication have earned acclaim from prestigious organizations worldwide. Their accolades include:

Frost & Sullivan Award: Recognizes their outstanding work in graphene production and leadership in innovation and eco-friendly practices.

Global Graphite and Graphene Markets Report: Highlights their influence in shaping the global graphene market and industry growth.

Nano Verify-Graphene Verify Programme: Certifies Graphjet's commitment to high-quality graphene products and customer trust.

These awards underscore Graphjet's impact and leadership in the graphene industry, showcasing their commitment to excellence, sustainability, and global progress.

Graphjet’s Vision for Industry Transformation

Graphjet Technology envisions a future where sustainability and technology drive industry transformation. Their goals include:

Complete Industry Chain: Establishing a comprehensive industry chain for graphene production, including artificial graphite and related products.

Green Benchmarking: Setting standards for renewable, eco-friendly practices, benefiting all industry stakeholders.

Carbon-Based Materials: Promoting the importance of carbon-based materials and adopting a circular economy model to reduce pollution and ensure sustainable operations.

Value Addition: Enhancing the value of palm waste and reducing graphene production costs by creating palm-based artificial graphite.

Market Disruption: Surpassing current graphite quality standards and revolutionizing industry practices.

Closing Remarks

Graphjet Technology is at the forefront of the graphene revolution, transforming industries with its innovative approach to production and commitment to sustainability. As we look to the future, Aiden Lee Ping Wei invites stakeholders to join in this exciting journey towards a brighter, more sustainable world. Together, we can harness the power of graphene to unlock new possibilities, revolutionize industries, and make a positive impact globally.

[vapehk1]

Can I Take My Vape On A Plane? The Ultimate Guide to Vaping On Planes & Travelling

Navigating the rules around vaping and travel can be complex, especially when it involves air travel. With various regulations governing the carriage of electronic devices and liquids, it's crucial for vapers to understand what they can and cannot do when flying. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about traveling with your vape, from packing tips to understanding the legal landscape in different countries. 1. Can I Take My Vape on the Plane? Yes, you can bring your vape on a plane, but there are strict guidelines you must follow: - Carry-On Luggage Only: Vapes must be stored in your carry-on luggage. Due to the potential fire hazard of lithium batteries, airlines prohibit storing vapes in checked baggage. - Battery Safety: Ensure that any spare batteries are also carried in your hand luggage and are adequately protected to prevent short circuits. 2. Can I Vape on the Plane? The answer is an unequivocal no. Using a vape on an airplane is strictly forbidden under international aviation laws. Airlines have implemented sophisticated detectors, especially in bathrooms, to catch anyone violating this rule. Getting caught vaping on a plane can lead to significant legal penalties, including fines and bans from airlines. 3. Can I Use My Vape in the Airport? Vaping inside the airport is generally restricted: - Before Security: Some airports have designated smoking areas where you can vape before passing through security. - After Security: Most airports do not allow vaping beyond the security checkpoint. Always check the specific airport's policies before you travel. 4. Specific Airline Policies on Vaping Each airline has its own set of rules regarding the transport and use of vapes. Common policies include: - No Usage Onboard: All airlines prohibit the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes onboard the aircraft. - Battery Regulations: Most airlines require that batteries must not be placed in checked luggage and should be protected in carry-on bags. 5. Vaping at UK Airports Here's a brief overview of vaping policies at some major UK airports: - Heathrow and Gatwick: Vaping is allowed only in designated smoking areas outside the terminals. - Manchester and Birmingham: These airports provide designated smoking areas where vaping is permitted. 6. International Vaping Laws When traveling internationally, the legal landscape for vaping can vary dramatically. Some countries have strict bans, while others have more lenient regulations. It's crucial to research the laws of your destination country before you travel. For instance: - Singapore and Thailand: Strict bans with significant penalties for possession and use. - European Countries: Generally more lenient, but still vary by country. 7. Packing Tips for Vapers Proper packing is essential to ensure a smooth experience at the airport: - Liquids: Vape juices must be stored in a clear plastic bag as part of your liquids allowance, usually not exceeding 100ml per item. - Equipment: Carry your vape device, batteries, and any spare parts in your carry-on luggage, ideally in a dedicated vape case. 8. Alternatives to Vaping For long flights, consider nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gums or patches. These can help manage cravings when vaping is not an option. Conclusion Traveling with a vape requires careful planning and awareness of the rules. By adhering to airline and international regulations, and by preparing appropriately, you can ensure that your travel experience is as smooth as possible. Always check the latest guidelines from your airline and the local laws at your destination before you fly. For those looking to stay informed about vaping and traveling, subscribing to relevant online forums and websites can provide up-to-date information and tips from fellow vapers. Read the full article

[shamelessrabbithole]

she went to england (sure) . I didn't check if the pic HBD was 2021 :/ (Kinda confused Emily IG. I mean, she probably cares about it that she changes it all the time. But if want to make it look good Why doesn't she just block those comments? Because she knows they are still following her and waiting for comments.) (She likes to delete her story. Like when she uploaded a pic about a boat. And at that time Cam was still on the boat to Mexico. I know it's unrelated. But I'm still confused about her dropping him off on the ship. And after that the picture disappeared.😂 )and pictures of the cam I actually thought it was an old picture. But Cam is scheduled to go to London in December. Sooo not clear for this job or not.

To the best of my knowledge, Emily posted on October 13th, 14th, and 16th that she was in London. Cam would have been in Mexico at the time.

Then, Cam was in L.A. for the IASTE theater benefit. That was on October 18th. On October 20th, Emily posted an airplane wing because she was headed to Berlin. Her pics from the 20th, 21st, and 22nd are all from Berlin. There has not been anything posted by her to suggest she's back in London. Although she might be, but we don't know for sure.

Cameron's London picture appeared today, the 23rd. If he is in London now, which again, we don't know because the pic looks older, I doubt he will stay for more than a month. He'd miss Halloween and Thanksgiving (a.k.a Friendsgiving) just to be there in time for the For the Love of Scifi con in Manchester on December 2nd-3rd, although, with him, you never know.

I don't know why she deletes comments instead of blocks. Maybe for attention, it's possible. She does delete her stories very often. Maybe she's always done that, even before she began dating Cameron.

What do you mean by "her dropping him off on the ship"? That I don't understand.

[shiveringsoldier]

3, 13, 15, 19

Thank you!

3. What is a film you absolutely despise and why?

Manchester by the Sea is my nemesis. I hate Casey Affleck's character, and Lucas Hedges can't act, but more than that I hate how misogynistic the movie is. Every woman in the movie is either a nagging shrew or so hopelessly pathetic that the male characters can't even stand to look at her, and no matter which category they fall under their writing is also painfully one-dimensional. Bonus points to Michelle Williams' character for inexplicably going from the former to the latter. It's just so ugly

13. What is your comfort film?

I have a few; one of them is Everything Is Illuminated. I just enjoy the humor and the very sudden tonal shift from comedy to drama. And as someone whose Jewish ancestors left their shtetls in Ukraine to escape from antisemitism, the story resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I just enjoy the movie.

15. What is the funniest movie you've seen?

I think it's Airplane! I haven't watched it beginning to end very many times, although I've fairly frequently seen various clips from it, and it has made me laugh very hard every time. It's so stupid, I can't help but love it.

19. What part of filmmaking do you find most interesting (ie. sound design, costuming, set design, etc)?

If it counts, music, in particular composing a score. I love learning about the composer's influences/inspirations and seeing how everything came together. I love hearing leitmotifs and hearing how the composer manipulates those leitmotifs to reflect changes in the character or setting. I love when scores complement the sound design and are more about mood than melody. And as someone with perfect pitch and someone who's taken graduate-level music theory classes, it's just fun to recognize the key of a track or the use of a non-diatonic scale just by listening.

[le-ciel-estbleu]

don't read this lol

Do you still talk to the person you last madeout with? yes

Have you ever seen your best friend cry? yes

What kind of vitamins did you take as a kid? shaklee.

Did you get any compliments today? i don't think so

Have you ever gone to court? not for myself  

Are you friends with your neighbors? lol no... they probably hate me or are afraid of me, one of the two

Favorite color? blue  

What towns have you lived in? wellesley, sturbridge, manchester, goose creek, north charleston

When did you last hold hands with someone? we held hands the other day

Who could that have been? My husband

Have you ever thrown up from drinking? Yes. 

Have you ever smoked weed? yes

Done any illegal drugs? >:)

Have you ever played Spin the Bottle? no

Toilet papered someones house? no

Have you ever gone to a beach? who hasn't?

How good is your eyesight? soo bad

Would you ever want to swim with the sharks? hell no

What's the longest amount of time you've been on an airplane without changing flights? i don't remember its been a long time since i was on a plane

Have you ever been out of your country? yes

What's the best wedding you've been to? my cousins

Would your parents get mad if you got arrested for fighting? probably?

Ever been in love? yes

Who have you texted today? my sister, my mom, husband, friends

What time did you wake up this morning? before 6

What are you doing this weekend? going to see the new avatar!

Is your phone right next to you, or at least close by? yes

What windows are open on your computer right now? instagram, tumblr and facebook, go me with all the social medias...

Anything you would like to say to someone? nope i'm content

Last place you went besides your house? the store

Is your phone a touch screen? yes

Who is the last person to call you? my mom

What was the last movie you watched? contraband

What are you doing tomorrow? working

Are you in a good mood? sure

Do you think ex’s can remain friends? sometimes

Were you single on your last birthday? no

Are you starting to realize anything? i need a raise lol

Have you ever thought about giving up on someone, but couldn’t? yes

Do you follow rules or break them? both

Are you currently looking forward to anything? the ice castles, going to see avatar, and vacation in march

Could you go a day without eating? i'd rather not

How many bracelets do you have on your wrists right now? 1

What are you doing right now, besides this? watching a show

When you listen to a new song, do you usually play it over and over? yes >.>

Has anyone laid on your bed besides you? my husband and my cats

Do you ever want to get married? i am married

How was your Saturday night? it's low key, i got out of work and now im vegging out.

[tigerathleticmissionexperience]

The East Texas Baptist University Tiger Softball Team departed Texas for Australia, on Friday evening, as a part of the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME). This is the 14th trip as a part of the ETBU Athletic Department TAMEs initiative and second for Tiger Softball, after the Tigers traveled to Costa Rica in December 2016.

The group consisting of 41, including softball student—athletes, coaches and staff, left Houston on Friday, December 9 and arrived in Sydney, Australia on Monday afternoon (Sunday evening Texas time). After a snow storm in the U.K. routed their flight to Paris, France for fuel, the team arrived in Manchester, but had their connecting flight delayed until the next morning. The group spent about 10 hours in the Manchester airport before boarding just after midnight and flying 13 hours to Singapore. Once in Singapore, they had a two hour wait before the final leg of the flight, an eight hour flight to Sydney.

The team will head to the hotel for some much needed rest and showers, before having dinner tonight in Sydney. They will aboard another flight on Tuesday evening for a short two hour flight to Adelaide for the Softball Australia 23 and under tournament, which starts on Wednesday.

“After traveling and only spending time in the airport or an airplane for the past 48 plus hours, the team has been nothing short of impressive. All of the players have exhibited great attitudes and been in good spirits despite the travel delays and exhaustion,” Vice President for Student Engagement and Athletics Ryan Erwin said.

“Today is the day we made to Sydney, Australia! After all the traveling we’ve had these past few days, it is such a blessing to have made it with everyone and everything. After getting off the plane and getting onto the bus we made our way to our hotel for the night. During the bus ride it was hard not to look around and take in the sights of the new country. We had some amazing food from the hotel, which was enjoyed with jokes and conversations about our travels. The girls and I are so excited to see what this mission trip holds for us. I am most excited to experience everything the culture has to offer, serve others and spread the word of our Lord,” Senior Ashley Croft from Cypress said.

“I am excited to be able to watch the team compete and use their God-given talents and abilities to share their faith with the people of Australia this week. We appreciate everyone’s support that helped make this trip possible, both financially and with your prayers, and continue to provide daily updates,” Erwin added.

[unlikelydinosaurpolice]

How I Acquired Began With Dating

That is an previous membership, dating again to 1882. Do you recognize it? Hozier was born within the Irish metropolis of Bray on March 17, 1990. Andrew Hozier-Byrne is his start name, and he's 31 years previous. נערות ליווי באילת On November 28, 1987, the British Tv actress was born in Inverness, Scotland. Their finest Premiership result's finishing eighth in the league, and so they as soon as took third place in the Championship. Known as the Canaries Yellows, this group dates to 1902. They as soon as placed third in the Premiership, however haven't at all times been in the highest league. It won the League Cup in 1988, and the staff is thought as the Hatters. Burnley F.C. won a single FA Cup and has been a Premier League or 1st Division winner twice. They pulled off an incredible feat for one of many much less elite groups in the Premiership in 2016 by successful your complete league!

Leicester City has all the time been a excessive-ranked workforce within the sense of solely spending one 12 months beyond the Premiership and Championship. They made it into the Premiership twice since then, though they have been in the Championship most of the time. Lately, nonetheless, it plays in the Championship. Today, most groups sport a stylized version of their crest that is easier to draw, but they nonetheless have the essential picture on their stadium, uniform and elsewhere. They have additionally gained the Welsh Cup eleven times. They won the League Cup in 2002, defeating Tottenham Hotspur. Wolverhampton Wanders are identified as the Wolves and have been around since 1877. They've four FA Cups and gained the league 3 times. You won a visit to anywhere on this planet. The very best football on this planet is played within the larger European international locations, and nowhere is this extra accurate than in the United Kingdom.

They have a shocking five European Cups, three UEFA Cups, seven FA Cups and eight League Cups. Wigan Athletic is a relative newbie on our listing, because it only dates back to 1932. They have been within the decrease divisions in the late 1900s but made it into the Premiere League for eight years in this century. They're currently in the Premier League, as of the last few years, having moved again and forth between the top two divisions a couple of times. Taking just a few steps further, you'll find the better of herpes specialists. That they had a great run within the 1950s and 1960s, however they did profit from then-rival Manchester United dropping a few of its greatest players in a airplane crash. These girls are great at that. While every little thing was going great with "A Star Is Born," Gaga's love life was falling apart. It's enough to make you sequester your gal until your life collectively has progressed a little. Send your life in thrilling new directions… However, there isn't a level in roaming around in the outer world, when you'll be able to achieve the benefits within your limits solely.

This massive London behemoth is among the richest clubs on the earth, in preserving with its beginnings when it was founded in 1905 by Gus Mears, a richer kind of sort than many of the opposite groups' founders. Most of the main clubs are over 100 years outdated, and this means they had been based at a time when as a substitute of a fashionable emblem, a group would have a badge that looked extra like a household crest. Not likely. It means I wouldn't have to pay for a lot. Blackburn Rovers F.C. got its begin in 1875. They have six FA Cups and have been a formidable footballing power at times. They play at Bramall Lane and have since being founded in 1889. They've 4 FA Cups to their title, but the youngest of those dates to 1925, so it's a little less shiny than it may be!

[onekisstotakewithme]

Realizing I never came back and answered how I do this, so here goes:

I&I being at the start of the season breaks up the flow of the Reveal arc...

So if you go directly from Two Cathedrals to Manchester, and keep watching through to the end of 100,000 Airplanes....

You can watch Isaac & Ishmael between 100,000 airplanes and The Two Bartlets.

If you slot it in there, it does not interfere with either the Reveal Arc (which properly concludes with the State of the Union) or the kick-off to re-election proper with The Two Bartlets.

does anyone want to hear my foolproof way of slipping Isaac and Ishmael into a west wing watch that DOESN'T completely break continuity