#nabbed straight from my instagram

[riotmccann]

[romanreignseater]

Press Play Pt. 1

Roman Reigns x Black Female! OC! (Xena)

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut, sex tape, leaking of relations, angst, breaking up with Roman, and a cliffhanger 🙂.

“Being the girlfriend to a famous divorced father of 5 wasn’t your plan at 26 years old. You trusted him with your life, so you agreed to film a little something, but now you regret ever meeting him when your whole life is exposed.”

A/N: The first part to my three part series, the next two parts will be out on the next two Sundays!! I’M SO EXCITED, I’m showing substance 😆!!

GIF: @jeysuso

“Turn on the camera baby.”

“Arch your back.” Roman gave a swat to Xena’s ass as she failed to arch her back.

“I can’t, it’s too much…” She begged for him to show mercy, but he still wasn’t satisfied.

As Roman’s iPhone recorded the whole thing.

Wanting to spice up the relationship, Roman asked if it’ll be okay to film some personal tapes. In order to suffice the physical intimacy when they were away from one another.

Little did she know…

“I’m not gonna say it again, arch that FUCKIN BACK NOW!!” Following his orders and wanting to cum again so badly after being denied, Xena let her back arch and stretched her arms forward.

“That’s it baby, now look at the camera while I fuck the shit out of you.” Xena’s eyes glossy as she stared up at the 6.7” screen showcasing the vision of her Samoan beast, body clad in sweat dripping from his head to his toes.

He slowly stretched her cunt out with deep strokes, taking the breath out of her as she looked at his eyes through the screen. Xena fell underneath his spell once again, her eyes rolling to the back of her head, her g-spot being hit instantly.

Once his assistant, now his girlfriend of 3 years. After a messy divorce with his wife, Xena soon came into his life and the rumors began.

“New Assistant?! More Like Old Affair.”

“Young Woman Nabs An Almost 40 Year Old Professional Wrestler, Roman Reigns.”

“Roman Reigns’ New Slut Gold Digging Girlfriend.”

They were harsh, but Xena was tough.

It had been almost 7 years since she watched WWE, and she remembered Roman during his Shield days and the roaring boos of the Big Dog. But, he did a complete 360. Bigger build, bigger personality, and a different outlook of his career in general.

Xena had no intention of even starting a relationship with him, but everything fell into place.

“Right there, please.”

“Please what mama?! Tell the camera what you want.”

“I want your cum to fill me to the brim.”

“Ya wanna have my baby you little slut?!”

“Yes daddy please.”

His pace quicken, his dick gliding in and out of her pussy smoothly. Xena’s ass galloping against his toned thighs. Roman’s thumb lodged into her winking hole, beating her cunt into a pulp. Her head bowed down into the sheets, writhing at the immense pleasure. Soon to be lifted up, staring directly at the camera.

“Take this dick and say ‘I’m a little slut.’ Go ahead. Straight into the camera.” Saliva decorating the entirety of Xena’s chin as she babbled. “What was that baby they can’t hear you?!”

“I’m SUCH A LITTLE SLUT!!”

“Good girl.”

“FUCKKKKK!! I’m gonna cum, keep fucking me please!!”

Roman’s thrusts hit harder and harder and harder, so hard the Xena was almost sent flying into the camera. Her pussy began to convulse as it was obliterated by a giant Samoan cock.

Xena’s arch reversed as she reached her high. “Fuckkkk..” A guttural grunt came from the mouth of the Samoan as he spilled his seed inside of pulsing cunt. He pulled out as Xena laid slump on the bed.

“That’s a wrap folks.” Roman ended the video. Roman’s choice of recording was clips on Instagram. How smart… As he went to turn off his phone and get a rag for Xena, his finger slipped and he pressed “Add to Story.”

He grabbed a rag and cleaned her up. Putting his phone in charge, it was now set to self destruct.

The Next Morning.

Xena woke up to the sound of her buzzing and vibrating phone. She sees 20 missed calls from her best friend. High on alert she called back. “Taylor what happened? Is everything okay?!”

“Your sex tape is ALL OVER THE INTERNET!!”

Chuckling, “What are you talking about Taylor?! Tell me you’re joking…”

“I’m serious and it’s trending number one on Twitter.”

Checking social media, her getting the shit fuck out of her was sprawled number one all over the internet.

All the breath was sucked out of her as she felt the urge to cry, but then a surge of pure anger came over her.

She turned to a peacefully sleeping Roman and repeatedly slapped him across the chest. Jumping up from his sleep, using his arms to bar the attacks. “What the fuck are you doing?!”

“I HATE YOU, WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!”

“What are you talking about?!”

In a broken voice, “You released our tape last night?!”

“WHAT?!?!”

“IT’S ALL OVER… EVERYWHERE!!”

“I never released our tape.” Checking his phone, Roman realized what happened. He accidentally released their tape on his Instagram story. Even though it was 1 minute, that 1 minute went a long way through the internet.

“Baby it was an accident.”

“I can’t believe you did this to me, after everything the media already says about me?! You’d betray me like this…”

“Baby please my finger accidentally slipped last night when I was closing my phone. I promise on everything, it was a mistake.”

“You’re right. This whole thing was a mistake.”

Grabbing her belongings from the closet, she threw on her crocs and shorts, and stormed downstairs. “Baby stop.” Roman putting on his sweats while running down the stairs.

She placed her items in her car and slammed the door before Roman could reach her. He banged on the window begging for her forgiveness. Rolling down the window slightly, “We’re done.”

And with that she backed out of his driveway, with his mind spinning about when he would see her again.

He collapsed to the ground and cried.

“I’m sorry.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Will Xena hear him out or shut him out completely?! How will this breakup affect Roman’s career?!

Find out next week on “Press Play.” 😜.

THE END!!

That was a little rollercoaster, but I hoped you all enjoyed and I released this way too late, I’m so sorry ☹️.

MY TAG SQUAD: @cyberdejos2 @thesamoanqueen @cococodysleevelesshoodie @nayys-world @mzv11 @babybatlover @vogueyonce @harmshake @harlem11680 @seeingstarks @thewarlordsworld

[meova101]

Okay I have been Thinking lately, and especially now that all I have left is rechewing old crumbs... Sebchal has such character development, you know. It’s actually so different whether you see them now or in 2019 or 2021 and it’s so interesting to see it develop over time. We went from karting together as part of an FDA event to Charles being a nervous wreck to a tribute helmet and ended up at the easy camraderie we see now and there’s so many layers to this shit, man.

In honour of Sebchalday, I figured I’d make a little write-up of the character development I saw in real time. And with little I mean someone stop me this shit is almost 5k. Yes I also had to add in how I watched the public perception of them change because I might as well honestly, the dichotomy in their teammate years truly was something else. Anyway, without further ado, here’s Sebchal throughout the ages, as told by Meo.

2018 and earlier

This really is just a lot of what seems like hero worship from Charles and Seb being polite, a good guy and up for a laugh. In 2017, Charles occasionally starts going on track walks, there’s the iconic moment in Monaco of course, Charles is just a little starstruck. Why else would he make damn sure he’s got Seb in an Instagram post about the karting event. Or look like he’s in a straight-up romcom when Seb talks to him there.

Seb, on the other hand, seems generally aware of Charles (his F2 results, ofc the track walks, signing that picture of Charles from testing 2018, offering Charles a seat during a drivers parade), but he keeps his distance for the most part. Which is completely understandable, honestly. But this all sets up the scene, because who would have ever thought that this would turn into a rather unlikely friendship?

2019

Rivalry time! We kick this off with, uh, a very nervous Charles on the first team outing to the Dolomites, followed by a hug and a cheek cradle in the second race. Yeah idk either where this went off the rails.

Okay no that’s a lie, I know exactly where it went off the rails, and shit really hit the fan in Monza. The media was already pushing a rivalry and it makes sense - the story of the old veteran and the young hotshot, both equally talented (don’t fight me on this Barbara) and vying for the top spot in the iconic team. Charles was settling in well, quickly matching Seb in the first half of the season, something was clearly brewing. It’s brilliant. It’s a showstopper. It’s also not true, but imagine listening to the drivers themselves.

So Monza comes around and all hell breaks loose. No, legit, this streak of races is the main cause of the rivalry talk persisting. In Monza, Charles doesn’t give Seb a tow during qualifying, leaving Seb unable to even set a final time in Q3 (along with basically every other driver, this quali is so funny). Seb has a race to forget after that while Charles wins. He wins in Spa, he wins in Monza, it’s fucking insane. Il Predestinato for real.

Singapore is up next and Charles gets pole, Charles has a good start, but then. Ohhhhh, then. Seb pits, has a very good outlap, starts overtaking the as-of-yet-unpitted like they’re barely there (in fucking Singapore y’all), while Charles falls further behind. Exasperated, Charles gets on the radio and says he wants everything, but what d’you know, Seb wins. Charles does not look pleased on the podium. Seb does.

And then Sochi. Oh my god let me tell you about Sochi. Charles has pole, again. But you don’t want pole in Sochi, and Seb wastes no time in overtaking Charles, nabbing P1 in the process. And what happens next is the perfect example of what I like to call a bitch fight. You’re gonna want to see this to believe it. Here’s a link to the team radio. It’s funny as hell, it’s petty as hell, Seb DNFs and Charles barely hangs on to the podium in the end, ladies and gentlemen: a rivalry.

Brazil only fanned the flames, I’m just saying.

But even with all of this. Like, it seems very explosive, you know. Which makes it all the more interesting how they don’t actually... seem to explode? They’re still nice to each other? Sure, it’s still very careful, and the videos they do together have that awkwardness, but they’re nice. And if you dig, just a little, you find Seb and Charles... actually having fun together. You can see their dynamic here most clearly in the language videos, in my opinion. Charles is gushing over everything Seb is saying in French, while Seb is teaching and teasing a little in the German video.

Ferrari themselves somehow manages to hide all the cute stuff, too. Because they sure tried, but you have to know where to look to find their date road trip through the Italian countryside, the videos for Shell and Ferrari themselves, the utterly endearing UPS video where they are both very confused but having fun with it. This stuff is all there, it was uploaded in real time, but it just… got ignored or brushed off as PR.

I remember watching all of their videos at the tail end of 2019, and just gloating like… if only they’d known what would happen afterwards. They wouldn’t be so cordial to each other now if they’d known what lies ahead. Until I realized, and yes this took a hot minute, that if they were always nice to each other, even in the second half of the season, even after everything that had already happened… maybe they actually liked each other.

This was a revelation. Unheard of. These two hated each other, were vying for top spot and there could only be one winner, the other one was just collateral damage, of course they didn’t like each other!

The first half of 2020

Dear reader, turns out they like each other.

There were two camps developing at this time. One of them was still convinced these two hated each other, disliked each other at the very least. The other camp was watching Charles slowly lose his mind on Twitch.

I really can’t understate just how much the lockdown did for the perception of Sebchal, although the major turnaround would happen much later. There really are two factors at play here and I will get to the second one in a bit, but you cannot underestimate how much the Twitch era helped.

Because Charles – and you have to understand, Charles was still seen as a very arrogant, incredibly pretty, extremely talented guy (two of those three are true) which did not help – brought up Seb, a lot. He told us about how he’d been in touch with Seb, trying to get him to play games with him on stream. He wanted to be teammates with Seb so bad while playing F1 2019 that he accidentally picked Seb to play as. He watched F1 compilations that definitely had other drivers in it while exclaiming they were videos about him and Seb. Whether you ship them or not, it’s clear as day that from Charles’s side, there was no rivalry.

Seb, of course, was pretty quiet during this time, but there’s this one interview for Marlboro Mission Winnow that feels more like friends catching up than an actual interview, so there’s that.

The second factor in this is Netflix getting involved. We all know and love to hate Drive To Survive and for season 2, they finally got access to Ferrari and Mercedes. Of course they’d dive headfirst into the rivalry storyline, because believe it or not, once upon a time Drive To Survive actually pretended to base their plot on reality.

And this one backfired. What they thought they were showing were two guys who didn’t much like each other, trying to figure out a way to keep the media at bay. What they actually showed were two very much exasperated guys, teasing and joking with each other while trying to focus on their job. Netflix failed to account for the fact that people might actually look beyond the framing, and thanks to Ferrari trying their best at social media but being endearingly rough around the edges with it, we had plenty of material for that.

And while all of this was playing out, we heard that Seb’s contract at Ferrari wouldn’t be renewed.

Now that’s a whole mess I won’t get into further, because this is also the part where the rats get divided into two camps and I’m not here for that. What I am here for, though, is Charles’s reaction, because he posted a very heartfelt message about the news a bit after it dropped. Why did it take him a bit? Not because he had to run it past PR, I’m pretty sure, because I don’t believe for one second his messages would have gotten the green light. No, it was because not only did Charles take special care to pick out a few pictures of him and Seb together to add to the message, but also because he was driving back from France that day and also, he didn’t know.

I only know he was in the middle of a long drive that day because he’d mentioned it on his Twitch stream before. Also, while looking up this Tweet, I noticed the location tag so that helps. I’m sure I didn’t hallucinate it but since Charles didn’t feel like archiving his streams, I’m also pretty sure this is lost to the void by now. If you happen to have this clip, please let me know so I can stop doubting my memory.

But the second part, where he plain didn’t know? It never got confirmed, but I’m positive. Once again, so many people were convinced here that Charles had been pulling strings behind the scenes, that them working together was impossible after 2019 and especially Brazil, Ferrari had to make a choice and they picked Charles. Except Charles has gone on record multiple times, stating he’d like to keep Seb as his teammate. That he still had so much to learn from him. If it was up to him, Seb would be his teammate for years to come. If he’d known, why would he not have had the messages ready? Why would he have been hyping Seb up as his teammate? Why would anything else in 2020 have happened?

Because trust me, we’re only through the first half of the year now, and it’s only getting better.

The second half of 2020

As we know now, the 2020 Ferrari sucked. Which, in hindsight, was clear during testing, but we all thought Ferrari had just learned how to sandbag. It took until the season finally got underway in Austria that we realized just how deep in the shit our guys were. Charles got a podium in the first race while Seb barely got one point, undoubtedly helped out by the fact that almost half the drivers DNF’d.

In their second race… they crashed. Charles attempted a divebomb down the inside and instead humped Seb’s rear wing. I was crowing at the television at that point, ready for the will-they-won’t-they rivalry of the previous year to continue, yes they’re friendly off track but on track it’s spicy, this was bound to explode…

And nothing.

Because what had happened, especially with them both knowing this partnership would end after this season, was that they started backing each other up. This season was going to be a wash either way and Seb wasn’t going to be there to deal with the fall-out of it. There was no reason for them to remain cordial, to not throw each other under the bus when necessary, and especially in this case it seemed clear-cut, yet they didn’t.

The difference between what happened on track and what happened off track became even more stark. On track, Charles was outdriving Seb so incredibly hard. He qualified so well, while Seb started getting booted out of Q2 more and more often. Charles nabbed another podium in Silverstone, Seb fought for singular points most races. And yet they made sure that whenever the media brought up their results, or tried to poke into their partnership, they always backed each other up. They never once talked bad about each other, tried to make sure the media didn’t forget both of them are extremely talented, and presented themselves as a united front.

Not that anyone bought that, but whatever. 2020 was a weird time and we didn’t have Fernando back on the grid yet. They were aching for some drama.

Off-track, though, and once again you had to actually look for this, which is a common theme with Sebchal… man, this era makes me the most feral still. We not only get Charles saying Ich liebe dich at the end of Seb’s birthday video, and Seb making awkward jokes in Charles’s birthday video, but we get the hourglass challenges. Quite frankly, this is the best social media to ever come out of F1, hands down, nothing will ever beat this. Because you can see, in real time, how Seb and Charles grow closer and more comfortable with each other.

They constantly get paired up with other Ferrari team members, but that doesn’t matter, because when Seb and Charles start talking? They’re talking and no one can disturb them. Like when Seb tries to explain what a pocket watch is briefly, in the background of a video. Seb trying to teach Charles some more Ferrari history during Memory. The entire music challenge, which might as well not have anyone else there.

We get a true glimpse of their fun competitive vibe here, even though Charles gives Seb more chances to win when it looks like Seb might actually lose (you might claim that Seb let you win, Charles, but we have the proof in the darts video and the categories video). I’m pretty sure that if you’d let the two of them alone with a game, you could come back hours later and they’d still be racing tiny little racecars.

You can tell how much closer they got during this season, but as usual, you have to look and listen for it to click. There’s the moment during qualifying for Spa, when they both get knocked out in Q2 and we get a shot of them looking at each other and smiling in understanding. There’s Turkey, where Seb finally gets his podium because he can capitalize on a mistake from Charles, and Charles actually stops beating himself up over the radio for a moment to congratulate Seb on his podium.

The final few races are just a fever dream, really. You have to see the challenge videos to believe them, but they truly have found their dynamic there and they’re so comfortable around each other. And the Danke Seb helmet is still, to this day, probably my favourite moment. Charles made a fucking scrapbook on his helmet. And just to show how even at that point, people still wanted the rivalry to be real so bad: I vividly remember someone on commentary saying “what’s he thanking Seb for, leaving the team?”. It’s crazy. That’s how pervasive the rivalry narrative was, even when Seb and Charles did everything to prove it wasn’t true.

2021

So 2020 was a whirlwind of character development, of notable moments, and definitely lit a fire underneath the ship. Now, however, we enter uncharted territories. The rivalry talk is finally over, now that their time as teammates has ended. But this also means we don’t get to see them interact quite as often, since they’re no longer shoved together at every possible opportunity (lol, not like they were anyway, seeing as the shipbaiting only really starts kicking off around this time in F1 socmed), and we’re rats looking for crumbs now.

Luckily for us, we get a lot of crumbs, and once again it shows very well how their relationship evolves and how they actually work together.

Now, during the winter break and after testing, there were quite a lot of doubters. Which is fine! Everyone gets to have their own opinions! But because the whole rivalry thing was so incredibly pervasive and even without that, Seb and Charles just seem like very different people who only got shoved together because they drove for the same team… it’s entirely understandable to doubt whether they’d continue to interact. And let’s be real, testing did not necessarily give us any indication to think otherwise.

But once again, this is exactly what’s so nice about them, if you look a bit closer… they actually became friends somewhere along these years.

Charles stands next to Seb for the We Race As One ceremony. This might be planned out beforehand, I don’t know, but what certainly isn’t planned out, is them talking and sharing their customary fist bumps before and after these little bits. After races, they also catch up if they find each other either near the car in parc ferme or in the press pen. It’s never that obvious unless you look, and we sure looked.

But it became blindingly obvious during Monaco and Baku this year.

When the drivers were waiting around for the parade, we find Seb and Charles talking to each other, once again so invested in their conversation that Charles almost misses his cue for the bus. And then, once it becomes clear that Charles can’t participate in the race, plenty of drivers offer some words of comfort. But Seb’s the only one to hug him, really talk to him about it, and Charles even leans back into him when Seb’s let go. We don’t know what was said of course, but it’s clear as day now that if anyone’s still hanging onto the old narrative… they’re dead wrong.

And then Baku. Not only do they find each other on the grid again (a recurring theme, there’s so often just a small moment of them getting the other’s attention to say hi), but after the race, Charles obviously first congratulates Pierre on his podium, and then beelines to Seb, where Fernando stares at the display of affection in front of him like he’s watching two aliens land.

It’s the easy way they both grab onto each other there, no hesitation from either side. And yes, I know it seems like Charles is a very tactile guy, but it’s always other people grabbing him. There’s two people where Charles will take the initiative, and both of them have made it onto the podium for this race. Later on, Seb lets us know that he told Charles the previous night, through text, that he’d see him in his mirrors, which once again shows that quietly, they’re still in touch. They’re texting, still teasing each other, and we had no idea until that moment that they still kept in touch in that way, and once again, even if you take the shoggles off it’s still frankly unbelievable that they managed to build a friendship when literally everyone was pushing them towards a rivalry.

This is the moment the rivalry talk really fizzles out, insofar it still even existed. Yes, there’s still people hanging onto it, and it does make a good story, but it’s just that. A story. What we see now is two people who are seemingly very different, pushed together in circumstances that would make other people crack, and they’ve somehow built a connection.

And isn’t that the best story of all?

There’s no topping these crumbs, not even the moment in the Spa press-pen tops this, where we all figured out Charles was talking to Seb before even hearing or seeing him just based on his facial expression, but it does show where Sebchal is at in this year. They’re figuring out how to be friends now that there’s no obligation, because both of them want to be. Seb isn’t one for big gestures and Charles (surprisingly, I know) isn’t either, so we only get the one in Baku. Hell, even Monaco was more of a background thing, and I sure nearly broke my tablet when I spotted the two of them during the We Race As One ceremony as the camera was panning away.

But in the background, there they are, always somehow finding each other, and that’s what truly solidified my love for this ship, really. They don’t need flashy moments, they’re comfortable with each other and it shows.

2022

And then we get to 2022, where everyone finally seems to have figured out that the whole rivalry narrative was never actually a thing. I’m sure part of this is the fact that they haven’t been teammates in a year at this point, that they’re both still persisting in only ever talking nicely about the other when asked, and well, the Aston Martin isn’t actually good so there’s no chance of even having battles on track.

And what we do get, is more crumbs. Honestly, we get much more than in 2021, even without really big moments like Monaco and Baku.

The thing is, we see yet another development in their dynamic for this season. And that’s really one of the big things about Sebchal all this time, we get to see them develop as people, as friends, and this really feels like a culmination of sorts. It doesn’t get picked up much by the social media accounts (thank fuck) and both of them definitely have their people on the grid (Seb gravitates towards Mick, Charles gravitates towards Pierre), but they seem so comfortable in their interactions now.

Take, for instance, the times they get put into the same press conference. We’ve gone back to the bigger pressers now, five people in each session, so we already get more moments where they’re together in the room. And pretty much every time, there’s these quiet friendly moments that don’t necessarily get picked up by the media, but they’re endearing as hell.

Yes, we get the moments where Seb’s flirty on main (which is so fun to watch too, and I dare say it’s even more pronounced now than it even was in 2020). There’s the bus tour jokes in Monaco, where Charles offers to take Seb on one. There’s the presser in Monza, where Seb says he never had as many issues leaving the hotel as Charles does, probably because Charles is more handsome. This kind of open teasing is something new and definitely shows how far they’ve come already.

But there’s also the moments that are more brief, more subtle. Like when Charles motions at Seb about his moustache, or when Seb heads straight towards Charles when he’s late to give him a fistbump. Or when they’re sitting next to each other and end up deep in conversation again, while the presser’s still going on. I know I say the word comfortable a lot, but that’s what it is. They seem to enjoy each other’s company, they like talking to each other and seem to search it out, too, and it’s so organic when you’ve followed them for all these years but it’s a stark contrast to where they started and where the narrative started, too. It’s also a slap in the face to everyone who doubted they’d even acknowledge each other after Seb left the team, which I’m totally here for because I’m not bitter at all lol.

Besides these moments, where they’re already in front of a camera and don’t care that whatever they do is being recorded, there’s still more moments when they’re not. Like, this is just what they do, they don’t ham it up for the cameras at all. There’s plenty of times in the press pen, after a race usually, where they will find each other and catch up a little. To the point where Britta and Mia, both their PR people, just start talking among themselves as well. And it’s always so interesting to see how, even when Charles is looking down (like after Silverstone, or before Hungary for obvious reasons), Seb will always manage to coax a smile out of him.

Because we have more interactions to go off here and we have so much history by now, it’s easier to point out where it seems like they’ve figured out how the other one wants to be treated. As I pointed out in the 2021 section, Seb is one of the few people Charles will actually initiate physical contact with. And throughout the years, throughout this season, it’s not hard to figure out why that is. Most people will grab Charles when they want to touch him, not give him much of a choice. On the other hand, Seb does give him that choice, either touches him briefly and then lets go (like with the upper arm touches that are often used between them to get the other’s attention), or he hugs him from the side, leaving Charles an opening to get out of it if he wants.

On the other hand, Charles seems very aware that Seb is a private person and gives Seb the chance to maintain that privacy, too. During the Twitch streams in 2020 already, he would talk about Seb but never reveal much of what they were talking about together. Most of the times they interact are in the background and Charles is happy enough to let Seb initiate their contact when they are in front of a camera.

And while it seemed like Charles wasn’t very involved in Seb’s last race, I would argue he was and actually took a step back himself to let Seb do what he had to. Even when he felt ill, Charles was still there for the final track run, in the crowd. He did the donuts he promised, mimicked Seb’s finger when he was on the podium after the race. He was also one of the few, if not the only one, to temper expectations and tell people that when Seb’s made a decision, he’s sticking with it, and to not pin hopes on him returning (he’s very stubborn, after all, and his favourite colour’s blue). It might not seem like a lot, but there’s a very real respect and acknowledgement of who Seb is as a person there.

The narrative surrounding Sebchal has changed so much through the years – to the point where even Ferrari called it a very special bond in their social media posts about Seb’s last race – and their dynamic has evolved alongside it. The “rivalry” was very fun while it lasted, don’t get me wrong, but the guys have been telling us all along that it was fabricated and luckily, we now have the full picture. It’s been a fun journey to see it all develop right in front of my salad (I might have only joined after the 2019 summer break but all in all, missing out on half a season is excusable I think) and while I do miss seeing the two of them together on the grid, I will absolutely go down with this ship. No one does it like them and even without new crumbs, there’s still plenty to chew on and pick apart to keep me busy for a long time to come.

[suntoru]

i have so many prompt asks for todoroki

you can pick from any of these, i dont mind! i just thought they would fit his character the most

5, 9, 12, 13, 16, 18, 20, 26, 31, and 39

thank you and happy holidays! 🎄

a/n: hi my lovely darling, thank you so so much for making a request and taking the time to read the list! i was acc a bit sad that nobody was making one and u really cheered me up jaoqjskiwoa anyways i tried to squeeze as many prompts as i could, but some of the prompts didn’t fit well together, but feel free to ask again! love u n happy holidays too! 💗

warnings: fluff, a bit of swearing, gn reader but they wear a skirt, ooc shoto

back to prompt list

“aren’t you cold? here, let me give you my jacket.” shoto offers.

you hesitate. the skating arena’s frigid air is making your fingertips lose feeling, but you’re too stubborn to admit you were wrong and you should’ve brought a sweater, a hoodie, or anything. but no, you needed to have your perfect instagram moment, your own annoyance directed at you.

your attention flickers back to todoroki, who’s standing there confused, waiting for you to respond. “are you sure? won’t you be freezing then?” his eyes slightly widen in surprise. “i’ll be okay. my quirk regulates my body temperature so i don’t need it.” “i see… if you’re sure…” he hands you the jacket and you put it on.

almost immediately, you melt into it. it’s warm, cozy, and best of all, it smells like him. not in a pervy way or anything though, you note. it feels like a wattpad y/n moment coming to life, you think as you gleefully giggle to yourself.

you’ve been pining after shoto for the longest time, so when your friend group wanted to go skating together, you nabbed the chance up, even taking the time to make an entire plan. while the others were getting snacks, you would be alone putting on your skates with todoroki. then, you’d impress him with your amazing skating skills and you’d all go home for the class 1a christmas party.

there’s only one flaw with your plan: you don’t know how to skate. but… that’s okay right? you think to yourself. it’s probably one of those learn while doing it thing anyways, right? you hop up, managing to walk just fine on the soft felted ground. “c’mon, let’s go!” you smile, briefly linking your arm with his. he stands up and follows you, letting go as you get to the entrance of the arena.

setting both feet in, you try to gracefully glide over the ice, but your foot gets stuck behind the other, causing you to trip over yourself. the panic sets in. you’re going to embarrass yourself in front over everyone, including your crush.

shit, shit, shit! closing your eyes and bracing for the impact, you can already feel the bruises start to form. but strong, buff arms catch you instead, pressing you close to their chest. hmmmm. your saviour has a rock solid chest. you wouldn’t mind staying in there for a little longer. slowly, you peel your eyes open, only to reveal a familiar mop of heterochromatic hair.

“t-todoroki???” you manage to squeak out. you can feel the speed of your heartbeat echo faster and faster as you nervously look up at his face. oh my god. can he feel it too? you prepare for harsh words or a mean joke, but instead you’re blessed by his angelic voice. “be a little more careful. unless, this is what you planned?”

wait. what? your face ignites into flames, bright pink staining your cheeks. is this the same todoroki? the same stoic todoroki who didn’t cry while watching titanic? the same one who keeps a straight face from all shit that your classmates spew?

“are you okay?” he asks. “y-yeah, i think i-it’s just the cold messing with my brain.” you stutter, trying to find a reasonable excuse for your goofiness. you let go of your tight grip on him, instead clinging to the wall, fearing your life. todoroki sighs a little before catching you off guard once again. “c’mon, hold my hand, you’re going to fall if you keep on holding onto the ice rink wall.”

what the fuck is going on today? what happened to the quiet, reserved todoroki who would never offer to do something like this to anyone? it may not make sense, but you’re not going to miss the opportunity to hold hands with the hottest guy in 1a. grabbing his hand, he helps you keep you balanced.

you try and make it as casual as possible, but the reddish tinge on your ears makes it a dead giveaway as your friends wolf-whistle at you as they pass by, desperately trying to shut them up before shoto notices. thankfully, he doesn’t, but you still shoot a dirty glare to your friends before giggling slightly.

turning to todoroki, you try and make conversation. “is this your first time skating?” you ask him. “i went once with yaoyorozu. but other than that, no.” he replies.

your face turns from a blissed out expression to an ick. wow. he’s out here holding your hand and giving you his jacket when he went skating alone with someone else? ew. “oh… well… you’re really good for just the second time.” you bluntly state. he eyes you slightly as you sulk a bit. “…thanks?” he mumbles, confused whether you’re genuinely complimenting him or not.

sighing, you try being rational. why the fuck are you getting jealous over who your friend hangs out with? you’re being obsessive. ugh, whatever.

you try and untangle your hand from todoroki���s, no longer enjoying the warmth it provided. but to your surprise, his hand grips harder, adamant on not letting you go. you look up at him in shock, his eyes gazing somewhere else, a slight pinkness coating his cheeks. not knowing what to do, you just continue skating in quietness with the most confused look on your face.

you spend the rest of the afternoon in the rink with your classmates before you all decide to go back. “i don’t know about you, but i’m wiped.” ochako sighs. “same! i cant wait to go back to the dorms.” midoriya agrees.

everyone else is chatting and having a good time when mina suddenly turns to you. “oh, i almost forgot! i made something special for you back in my room,” she smiles. “what’s the occasion?” you look at her suspiciously. a devious giggle escapes from her lips. “it’s christmas time! have some cheer.” rolling your eyes, you wrap your arms around her and put her in a headlock. “sometimes i wonder why i’m friends with you.” you groan. “because i’m the best, prettiest, most slay bestie ever.” she teases.

dramatically feigning annoyance, you play around before you all climb into kirishima’s truck, the silent car trip back home luring you to sleep. you cuddle into your friends as your eyes finally close, unaware of the disaster that was awaiting you back at home.

“MINAAAA!” you screech, utterly turning red at the flimsy pieces of fabric she had given you. the bright red top had a plunging neckline with white fluff around the edges, the skirt was a mockery of actual clothing, and the platformed boots weren’t any better. you grip the little hat as mina comes running into the room. “what? did someone get hurt?” “what? no, what the fuck is this?” you screech. “i hand-made that for you! don’t you like it? it’s a sexy santa costume! i thought we could match!” she asks, eyes wide with hopefulness and anticipation.

shit. if you say no, you’re going to hurt her feelings. last time that happened, she burnt acid holes from her tears all over your carpet. “…isn’t it a little revealing for a class party?” you stutter. “whyyyy?” she whines. “you’re gorgeous babes, and our class is a safe space!” “but-” you try and complain. “if i make it less cropped, would you wear it? please? i spent weeks making it just for you,” mina pouts. she’s going to be the death of you. “…fine.”

so that’s how you’re here. all eyes on you as you walk down the halls where everyone else is gathered. it makes you uncomfortable, but as much as you hate to admit it, mina’s presence makes it better. everyone here is your friend and won’t judge you, right? well, maybe except bakugo. “wow, you guys look great!” hagakure cheers. “thanks…” you mumble, trying to use your arms to hide yourself. “y/n? you look cute.” midoriya smiles at you gently. “you look good too.” oh god. you don’t think you can do this.

you spot todoroki, who suddenly looks in the opposite direction when you make eye contact with him. hmmm. you walk over to him, waving. his face is flushed pink, but it is kind of hot in the lobby, so you choose to ignore it.

“y-y/n. you look good.” he stutters. “awww, thanks todoroki! your reindeer antlers are so cute!” you squeal. “which reindeer are you?” you inquire. “i don’t think i understand your question.” he replies, perplexed. “you know… rudolph? vixen? donner? blitzen? santa’s reindeer?” you reply, just as confused. “ah. this is my first christmas, so i don’t know the history.” aw, that’s kind of sad. “oh… i’m sorry, i didn’t realize.” you sheepishly rub the back of your head. “well, i’m glad you’re spending your first christmas with me.” you beam at him. you don’t catch anything over everyone talking, but he smiles to himself, “…me too.”

you have a great time with todoroki, forgetting about your nervousness, instead focusing on him. he listens to all your problems and stupid jokes, and gives you his full attention. you enjoy your little conversation, savouring it as you know that you’d be too scared to approach him the next day.

but suddenly, the christmas pop songs start to play as you jump up from your seat. “wanna-” “c’mon, let’s go dance!” you’re cut off by kaminari, who’s dragging you to where everyone else is, all gathered in a big circle. normally, you’d just stand there and watch everyone else have fun, but everybody else is so into it. what’s the harm of joining one dance? you think to yourself.

what started as small little dance moves turns into you jumping up and down, dancing and singing your heart out to mariah carey. todoroki’s there watching you as you bounce around the room with a grin on his face. but a wall seems to form around you two, pushing you on opposite sides as you lose sight of him. oh well. you don’t want to seem too desperate anyways.

you dance with all your classmates and have fun for what seems like hours, having small conversations and drinking the possibly toxic fruit punch together. you’re in your own little world until you bump backs with somebody. turning around to apologize, you spot a familiar face.

“hi!” you beam at shoto, clearly having the time of your life. “hi.” he smiles back at you. you’re about to say something before everyone starts to gasp, pointing at the two of you as they move back. “what?” you mouth at mina, who’s squealing but trying to contain it, pointing up at the ceiling. both of you look up, spotting a familiar bushel of green leaves and white berries.

shit. is he going to kiss you? or are you misreading the situation? you don’t know. with all the mixed signals he’s giving you, you decide the best thing to do is play dumb. shoto’s looking at you, unaware of what everyone was so excited about. you look at him equally as confused, pretending not to know what the leaves mean.

“is there something on my face?” he asks. “no, is there something in my hair?” you reply stupidly. “was i dancing weirdly?” “i don’t think so. maybe it’s because we both have toes.” “yeah but… wait, what?”

finally, someone gets annoyed from your antics and decides to cut to the chase. “y/n! todoroki! you’re under the mistletoe so just kiss already!” oh. you look at him expectantly and he hesitates. you feel your heart break as you make yourself smaller. he probably doesn’t want to kiss you and wants to spare your feelings. why did you think someone like him would ever like you? the only thing you’re going to get today was an ass-ton of embarrassment and a night full of tears.

but when you turn to leave, not wanting to be in the center of the party any longer, his lips crash onto yours, eyes widening in surprise. was that a pity peck? well, he wasn’t pulling away and neither were you. he put his hand on your waist, the other gently holding your cheek.

it felt like you were cinderella and he was the prince, and you were finally getting your happily ever after. you pull away to breathe, and everybody starts to clap, people whistling and some looking away in embarrassment. looking at shoto, you cheekily grin.

“so, how was your first christmas? was it everything you dreamed of?” you whisper. he kisses your hand. “i’d give up every christmas for a moment with you.”

bonus! “…thanks for pushing me back there…and for telling me what to say. i didn’t know if they liked me or not, so i didn’t tell them. without you, i wouldn’t be here.” “you’re welcome. and congrats!” todoroki smiles, turning to leave. but he doesn’t catch the falter in the other’s smile, tears falling from their eyes.

[amphtaminedreams]

The Women of Euphoria and Personal Style: Lookbook no.8

Hi to anyone reading,

I hope you’re well considering everything going on! It feels weird to want to talk about fashion or TV shows or red carpets or whatever when 90% of my Google searches are COVID-19 related but there you go. It’s all about trying to power through as normal (minus the social interaction) and pretend the world isn’t ending, right? Queue nervous laughter.

And as if things aren't shitty enough, production of season 2 of Euphoria has been postponed until further notice. 

Okay, in the grand scheme of things, having to wait a bit longer for a TV show isn’t catastrophic but it does just about sum up the transition from 2019 to 2020 thus far that after HBO redeemed itself by broadcasting Euphoria in the summer following an ending to Game of Thrones that has made the whole series unrewatchable, the glimmer of hope in me reignited by the prospect of series 2 this year has been quickly dashed. 2021, I’m rooting for you, because it doesn’t seem like things are getting better any time soon, and in all seriousness, I think everyone needs a break from the collective suffering of the last few months.

For me (and undoubtedly for many others if the hundreds of makeup looks and styling videos are anything to go by), Euphoria’s effect on the world of fashion and beauty is unprecedented. I really can’t recall a TV show in living memory that has had as much of an impact on the way young people dress. I mean, this might partially be because the style of the characters already kind of caters to and draws from the target audience but also, aside from Blair Waldorf did anybody really give THAT much of a fuck about what anybody in Gossip Girl wore?

The draw of the styling on Euphoria is that it has something for everyone. The style of each of the main girls, Rue, Kat, Maddy, Jules and Cassie, all of whom I’ve attempted (emphasis on attempted!) to base (emphasis on base!) outfits around, is varied and distinctive but still so current and realistic at the same time. It’s also consistent; even if you don’t own the specific pieces worn by any of them, similar shapes and details reoccur enough in different looks throughout the series that it’s not hard to create an outfit which matches your favourite character’s overall vibe without buying anything new. That’s kinda what I have attempted to do here and without further ado, I’m gonna get on with it! First up:

Jules (Played by Hunter Schafer)

When it comes to whose style is the most experimental, Jules is the obvious answer. A lot of her outfits are what I imagine a cartoonist in the near-distant future will envision their cool girl protagonist wearing. Whilst her ensembles are generally whimsical and girly for the most part, there’s usually a few slightly punk-ish finishing touches thrown in there too be it through chunky shoes or bold makeup or that incredible mesh trench coat she wears in the series finale with the trans symbol on the back which, honestly, deserves a moment of silence. 

There are definitely nods to current fashion trends sprinkled throughout her wardrobe too. I'm not going to lie, despite someone at work seemingly thinking it was an insult to tell me I look like someone who does (I still don’t know but this person has a Rick and Morty keyring so I don’t give it too much weight), I’ve never watched any anime. BUT, that being said, given the abundance of anime screenshots posted by all these aesthetic oriented Instagram and Tumblr moodboard accounts, I have a vague idea of what some of the more iconic characters look like and a lot of Jules’ looks seem to be very much modelled after or at least inspired by them. In a way, I see a lot of her looks as a blend between modern “e-girl”, Y2K skater chick (yes, I’m thinking early Avril Lavigne), and 2013 Tumblr “hipster” a la 2014 Joanna Kutcha and Charlie Barker, and though on paper that sounds like a nightmare combination, it works. I know-if that sentence were a Depop description I would’ve just gained 30 followers.

When it comes to my own interpretation of Jules’ style, it’s definitely something I like to channel when I’m putting together a proper OUTFIT outfit. Meaning an outfit I actually put effort into and thus will most likely want to get a good photo in, lol. The way her character dresses is almost quite Christopher Kane in that it’s fresh and unusual but still understated enough that I wouldn’t walk into a room wearing any of these feeling like I’m doing a Rick Owens runway.

I’m not TOO far out of my comfort zone but still at the same time, I’d be trying something new and maybe a little bit more zany than I'm used to. As for noting where any of these pieces are from, only a few have been bought in the last 6 months, but from left to right clockwise I have marked out those that have in case they’re still available (though be wary of the fact that it seems a lot of online clothes stores are still forcing warehouse employees to work in close confines at the moment and so perhaps aren’t operating the most ethically):

LOOK 1

Corset-Jaded London

Shoes-TK Maxx

LOOK 2

Dress-Motel Rocks

Boots-Koi Vegan Footwear

LOOK 3

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 4

Dress-Jaded London

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 5

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 6

Mesh Top-Depop

Hair Clips-Urban Outfitters

Kat (Played by Barbie Ferreira) 

Eurgh, Kat. 

I LOVE THIS BITCH.

If I had to choose my favourite character in the show, it would be a very close toss-up between her and Rue, and though I think Rue might just about nab the top spot for her relatability factor, Kat is the girl I want to be or wish that I had been when I was at school. I mean, there’s definitely an argument to be made in that a lot of what she’s doing with her cam work could be seen as a means of validation (Sam Levinson has basically said everyone on the show has some kind of an unhealthy coping mechanism and I would guess due to the circumstances in which her cam girl career was borne and the fact she’s underage, this would be hers) but I do think in other ways we really see Kat reclaim her power and recognise herself for the smart, capable, gorgeous woman that she is. Honestly, the definition of divine feminine energy, and I would completely let Barbie Ferreira/basically Kat if she was also actually 23 dominate me.

Plus! Her! Style! Is! The! Bomb! Definitely the easiest character to base looks around because if I’m totally honest Kat’s energy is pretty much just what I want to emulate in every day life. 

It’s either pieces that are typically feminine, cutesy, and even slightly preppy at times drenched in everything grunge OR vice versa where you have something semi-gothic and then add a colourful, more playful touch in there that harks back to the beginning of the series before Kat had began to explore her identity and sexuality and dressed slightly more Forever 21.

I’d say, not yet with my whole chest, that on a good day the outfits I put together when making an effort aren’t too far off something Kat would wear, minus the more overtly BDSM touches; if wearing a ring choker in London is enough to get me a creepy comment from a gross middle aged shopkeeper (because I apparently forfeited my right not to be perved on when I decided to buy a bottle of Oasis summer fruits), then you can only imagine the kind of looks wearing a full-on harness would get in my conservative OAP dominated hometown. Not the most doable right now, especially considering the only time I get out is to work and to go for a run. The chafing I could deal with but the horrified glares of pensioners whose M&S prawn mayo sandwiches I’ve ruined by simply being in their eyesight not so much.

LOOK 1-

Corset-Urban Outfitters

LOOK 2-

Bodysuit-Depop

Skirt-Zara

Harness-Ebay

LOOK 3-

Co-ord-Depop

Lace-up Corset-Missguided

LOOK 4-

Dress-Vintage

LOOK 5-

Belt-Ebay

LOOK 6-

Coat-Topshop

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 7-

Fishnet Top-Ebay

Skirt-Urban Outfitters

Maddy (Played by Alexa Demie)

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to do Maddy. I’m scared to be posting this, lol! Alexa Demie has played this character for a single season and she’s already one of the most iconic women to grace our screens in years. This is a huge undertaking and I don’t have the bank balance or the body confidence (lmao) to raid IAmGia. 

And this is where I want to stress: THESE ARE NOT OUTFIT RECREATIONS. THESE ARE INSPIRED BY. I HAVE ADDED ELEMENTS OF MY OWN STYLE INTO THEM. PLEASE DON’T DRAG ME. I KNOW, I’M NOT ALEXA DEMIE. I WOULD NEVER ASSUME TO BE ALEXA DEMIE. I’M NOT ABOUT TO TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN LIKE THAT. So now we’ve got that out the way (wipes bead of sweat off forehead), let’s continue. 

Everything about Maddy Perez is extra. She has very much been established as a centre of attention character, and her outfits are a key part of that. They’re daring, they’re hyper-feminine, and they are always glamorous. We’re told that she competed in beauty pageants when she was younger and it’s clear that level of excess and coordination and glitz and all-round-boujeeness wormed its way into her DNA during that time. Even the “depression” outfit she wears to school following Nate becoming violent at the fair is costume-like, a 2019 Bratz doll Off-White street style collaboration.

Do you know how HARD I had to try to be HOT!? For these photos. Alexa Demie is one of those blessed women who doesn’t have to try at all, and that translates into the character completely. At any given moment, Maddy could add or remove one item or clothing and be let straight into the VIP section of a club, and that, honestly, is inspiring to us all in these dark times. 

One thing I tried to keep in mind is that she always looks polished and coordinated, I.E the kind of look I would prepare for a night out is something Maddy would wear on an average day. Co-ords and delicate prints seem to be more subtle wardrobe staples along with mesh and PVC and glitter and feathers and fur and basically anything that toes the line between expensive looking and tacky. Yes, I am aware we may toe different sides of that line but please let me stay delusional and believe that’s not the case for 5 minutes. Much appreciated xoxo

LOOK 1-

Bodysuit-Jaded London

LOOK 2-

Bralette-Depop

LOOK 3-

Co-ord Suit-Boohoo

Bodysuit-Boohoo

LOOK 4-

Dress-Motel Rocks

Shoes-Schuh

LOOK 5-

Bodysuit-Zaful

Trousers-Depop

Coat-Topshop

LOOK 6-

Dress-Zaful

Belt-Zaful

LOOK 7-

Top-Jaded London

Hair Clips-H&M

Rue (Played by Zendaya Coleman)

I have a complicated relationship with Rue as a character. When I started season 1 of Euphoria, I was like “Oh my god, this girl is the worst. Jesus, she’s so negative and draining and willingly self-destructive and-”

Then, oh my god is this what it’s like to live with me!?

I will say, to my own credit, that I don’t think I've ever been quite as hard to deal with as Rue (a lot less smashing stuff up and a lot more moping), and to HER credit, by the end of the season we come to realise she’s been through a fucking lot and so it makes sense, but wow. I don’t think I have ever seen a teen show handle drug abuse and mental illness in such a brutal way. It’s quite a talent to be able to show a character cause so much pain to those closest to them and yet do so through a sympathetic lens. And issues aside, whether it’s her occasional social awkwardness or her relationship with her family or watching bloody Love Island (still quite surreal to see Zendaya Coleman witnessing the Amy/Curtis drama unfold), Rue is just my favourite character to follow. 

Her style, though. AH. The thing is, I can hardly drag it, because it’s pretty much what I wear when I’m moping about the house-or just any time I can get away with it to be honest-to a T. I want to stay true to character, but that being said, creating a “Seth Rogen”-esque outfit that’s worth posting on here is difficult. So, with the same kind of artistic license that had me wearing berets whilst cosplaying Maddy Perez, here is the best I could do:

I know, I know, it’s probably too much colour and jewellery for Rue but this is as toned down as I could do and I tried to stick with the key silhouettes we see from her throughout the season; I mean, I can’t see her wearing leopard print but the structure of the coat in outfit 1 is very similar to the one seen in Shook Ones pt.II. I think the bottom line when it comes to her character is keeping things effortless and not overly-feminine; you want to mix street style, athleisure and your dad’s wardrobe favourites like your life depends on it. Plus messy hair and smudged makeup, both of which I’ve already got down according to the completely inappropriate number of customers who’ve asked if I'm tired at work so thanks for that guys, and glitter tears. Lots and lots of glitter tears.

OUTFIT 1-

Dungarees-Vintage

OUTFIT 2-

Trousers-Depop

Cardigan-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 5-

Beanie-Depop

OUTFIT 6-

Shirt-Boohoo Man

Sports Bra-TK Maxx

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Shirt-Jaded London

Cassie (Played by Sydney Sweeney)

Style-wise, Cassie is a hard one. When putting outfits for her character together, I found myself gravitating towards a direction that’s probably a bit too bohemian for her character, under the guidance of loose terms like “girl-next-door”, “floaty”, “delicate”, you get the idea. She definitely feels the least fully-realised in terms of all the main girls and I think it’s fair to say she’s probably got a bit of self-discovery to do. Most of her storylines in the season are dictated by her relationships to other people: McKay, Maddy, Lexie, her parents and so on. 

Nevertheless, I tried to stick to the airier, more traditionally “pretty” pieces whilst still channelling the confidence and ease with which Cassie pulls them off. Sydney Sweeney has the most incredible figure and I feel like whilst the clothes the on-set stylists put her in flatter that and don’t hide anything, they’re still the focus. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything more inherently sexual about her character than any of the other main female characters despite the way the men within the narrative view her, and I think it’s a testament to the the wardrobe department that to me she still gives off big modern Disney princess energy and a certain innocence even whilst we hear her being continuously sexualised by her male peers. 

If anything, Cassie probably dresses the most like an actual teenage girl, and her style, whilst less distinctive than the other girls, still does a good job of capturing the youth and romanticism of her character. 

The colour palette of her wardrobe tends to be quite neutral, with a couple of pastels thrown in there, and if there are any details, they’re usually quite dainty. Similarly, Cassie is probably the least experimental when it comes to her makeup; we don’t really see her wearing the bold eyeshadows or liners or gems like the other girls at any point.

OUTFIT 1-

Bodysuit-Motel Rocks

Hair Clips-Bershka

OUTFIT 2-

Dress-Jaded London

OUTFIT 3-

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 4-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Hairband-H&M

`OUTFIT 5-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Jeans-Zaful

Headband-Primark

OUTFIT 6-

Top-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Dress-Urban Outfitters

Hair Clips-Boohoo

SO, I guess that’s it for my Euphoria lookbook! As always, let me know what you think (nicely pls, my ego is fragile lol) and I’d love to hear your opinions on the show too! I really haven’t got this excited over a new TV show in ages and I just think that it does everything so excellently-from the writing to the cinematography to the soundtrack, you can tell each element is so carefully and purposefully constructed. It immerses you into the dramatic highs and lows of being a teenager in a way I haven’t seen since UK Skins and I never thought I’d watch a show which held a candle to that. 

In terms of what I’m doing next, I’ve got a very delayed fashion week masterpost in the works as well as something to fill the Met Gala shaped hole in our lives, which I hope to get up over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you read to the end, THANK YOU! And I hope you’re staying safe and AT HOME where possible. I know this self-isolation feels never-ending and if I’m honest, it is having a hugely negative effect on my mental health, but NHS staff are doing their very best with the shitty recourses they have and whilst it seems that our government have thrown workers under the bus once again, we can all do our bit to combat that by slowing the spread of the virus. Also thank you to anybody who’s out working now in such a scary and uncertain time! I work at a grocery store and can say from experience that the best way to show this thanks is just through kindness and following employee’s instructions without giving them grief for it. Everyone’s scared right now and the best we can do is pull together and look out for each other, as difficult as that might seem at times.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, and like I said, stay safe! Thanks once again if you read til the end or even if you’re just here for the photos. Appreciate it more than you know either way!

Lauren x

[slothgiirl]

Shadowplay part 9

When you land, the sun's still out and bright. Just the way you imagine California to be. There's a small building hope of beaches and ice cream right out of the airport. 

Of course, you hadn't accounted for customs. And another round of security checks. And then having to wait around for a checked bag. It's been nine hours and neither you or Alex are willing to make much in the way of conversation. Trading an exhausted smile as he nabs the suitcases off the baggage carousel. 

You are tired. Legs all cramped up. Water has never sounded better. That's definitely why you let Alex intertwine his fingers against yours, holding your hand as he gets hold of an uber. You don't even protest the cost of an uber. Just add that to the perks of agreeing to this whole charade. 

Stretching out in the car as you sit in traffic, you can't help but snipe, "can't believe I came all this way for this lovely view. So worth it."

Alex laughs, rubbing the bridge of his noes before his gaze settles on you. Has heat making its way up your cheeks. "Let's just set these bags down and grab a car love," he says, a plotting gleam in his eyes as he smiles at you, "Can't let your first night in LA go to waste."

"Alex," you instantly start, "I was only joking," though you doubt he isn't aware. Or that any protest of yours will stop him now that he's got a plan. "You could buy my love with a good coffee right now." You rub the sleep from your eyes.  

"Coffee and a view," he promises. 

"Do you even have a car in LA?" He didn't in London. But then the old city was a terrible place to drive in. The tiny roads. The sheer amount of people. The tub was the way to go. 

Nothing like the vast  Californian highway. 

He grins, "and a motorcycle."

"Of course you do." You shouldn't be so surprised. You can't get enough of the sea as you drive up into the hills. The ocean as blue as the trees are green. The streets are more empty and soon enough you pull up on the side of a hill. It's by far not the largest house you've driven by. 

They're all over the place. Some trying hard for the Versailles aesthetic, while others wouldn't look out of place on a minimalist instagram. 

No. Alex's house is very him. The exterior resembles an English country house. A proper one not the ones poshos call houses but are really mansions. There's the american touches that make it much too neat to be charming. Larger than his home in england but then again it is the states. 

Alex unlocks the door, dragging the suitcases in by himself despite your attempts to help. 

"Can I," you ask him, gesturing at the blinds. 

"Make yourself at home," Alex responds easily, already kicking his boots off.  

You open the blinds, letting the light in. You try and take things in. The kitchen isn't as sparse as the one in london. But then again, he'd lived here with Arielle. So probably her influence. But that's where it ends. 

The movie posters, ranging from Jean Luc Goddard to Raging Bull and landing on Tarantino, hanging on the walls are all him. Alex has selected enough movies to watch on your couch for you to know as much. you had never let him forget how boring you found Jean Luc Goddard and Stanley Kubrick. 

A vintage record player sits by the TV. The couch a deep navy suede, and as rectangular as modernism allowed. It was hard to picture Arielle having met her. 

He'd either gotten rid of any touches she'd left behind in the past eight months. Or there had never been any. It must be hard to have broken a relationship off and before the years was up, your ex is getting married. 

There isn't even a thing layer of dust though he hasn't been here in months which means he hires someone to clean his home. A detail you're not surprised Alex, as meticulous as he is, didn't overlook.

"What do you 'fink," Alex asks, watching you from the hallway having changed into a white dress shirt and a navy blue blazer that was less saville row and more Saint Laurent. Always such a clothes horse. Which would've bothered you if you hadn't been the same. After all, you'd changed into a chloe dress before you'd landed.

"I think nothing beats a classic double breasted blazer," you tease him, sinking down into the couch, letting your words hang in the air as Alex scoffs, affronted. "And I don't think I'm moving from this couch ever again." 

Laying down felt better than sex after a nine hour airplane ride.

"Not even for coffee," he asks, walking over to met you, looking down as you lay in his couch, amusement clear in his wide eyes. 

"You'll have to bring it. Sorry not sorry at all actually."

Alex laughs, placing his knee by your legs as he hovers over you. From there, it's easy to reach your arms up, curling yours hands over his shoulders as you scoot over. He takes it for the invitation that it is, laying down next to you. 

While the couch is wide, it's not that wide. There's not a part of your body that isn't brushing against Alex. And yeah, never getting up again. 

You close you eyes, falling asleep with ease. Alex being there with you was so normal. So right. You shirt, your hands loosely around his neck. You don't miss when he shifts close to you, deliberately  Just as confused about the thinning boundaries between you both.Where did the lie end and begin. 

Alex rests his cheek against your hair. And you relax into his chest. It's too easy. 

And you can't. 

You can't confuse yourself more than you already are. Is he just this comfortable in your friendship? Or is it more? 

With a great reluctance, you sit up, pulling away from him. Your heart deflating as you do. "So about that coffee," you wiggle your brows. 

Alex smiles softly, looking up at you from hooded eyes, all the pomade in his hair keeping it intact through an airplane flight and laying down and all the times he goes to run his hand through it. "You only ever want me for me coffee."

You try and fail to keep a straight face as you utter, "I'm like a sugar baby but with coffee. A coffee baby." Alex drives a Pontiac down the LA streets. It fits the aesthetic he's carefully cultivated. Not that you stop from teasing him as all the modern cars lap him. "Oi," he complains, "leave me car alone and drink your coffee!"

"Never," you laugh, watching the city go by. You had no clue where you were headed, but were enjoying the ride. Drinking in the sunset as the city lights came on. Skyscrapers sit surrounded by highways. Dozens of cars flood the lanes, but no where near as slow as they had been earlier. 

You roll the window down. 

Alex skirts by the city, turning the volume up on an Zeppelin album. You would have guessed he'd head into the city. But the man was a hopeless. He loved nothing more than to do something lowkey and unexpected. It was often far more comfortable. From going with you to lunch in the park or finding a tiny out of the way pub out from the city center. 

"I love listening to lemon song while I work," you comment, cracking your knuckles. This was the longest you'd gone since high school without hand sewing. 

"No crooked stitches?"

"Never. I'm too pro for that son." I say using my best american accent. Which hello, you so were. Alexander McQueen himself got his start on Saville Row. Not just anyone worked there. 

Alex turns, looking over at you, with a laugh. Streetlights casting a halo over his features.  

"Eyes on the road Turner."

"I can do two things at once."

You roll your eyes. "Wear your sunglasses too while you're at it." 

"If you insist love," he grins, reaching for the pair tucked into the sun visor. You giggle, shaking your head. You sip at your cup of coffee, smiling as you do. This was all so easy. But- 

Taking a deep breathe you resolve to enjoy your time in Los Angeles together. To enjoy your trip up to Northern California without over thinking things. Especially right now that you two were alone. 

You'd already played the part with his other two friends. It had been easy once you got started. And it was Alex. 

You could-you are going to talk about this with him once you go back to London. Get your feelings out of the way and make sure Alex is on the same page. It's the tension you were getting tired of. 

Alex takes you out of your thoughts as he reaches over and takes your hand in his. 

You squeeze his hand right back, meeting his smile with one of your own. The drive up the side of a hill is dark. But it's worth it as you pull up to a building at the top. You recognize it vaguely from movies. Slate white with a manicured lawn and a view of the city. It's quiet this late. But not completely abandoned, and yeah that makes sense. Observatories seem like a nigh time activity.

You'd expect nothing less of Alex. 

"Well you delivered," you grin,jumping out the car as soon as it's parked and stretching your arms above you before tossing the empty coffee cup into the nearest trash. The building draws the eye. Who knows how much cleaned has to be done to keep it pristine. 

"Did you doubt me love," Alex asks, following behind you as you walk towards the overlook, excitement running through your veins. Or maybe it was just the coffee kicking in. 

You shrug, faking nonchalance before Alex catches up besides you on the path. His hair looks especially shinny in the light like an oil spill in water. You tell him as much. "-I do appreciate the commitment though," you admit. Even at night, the California air, though cool, was pleasant even clothed in a summer dress. 

"Leave me hair alone," Alex utters, looking at the ground bashfully. His back rested against the stone wall separating your from the cliffside. The city was breath taking. All the glittering lights like stars. And things were always prettier from far away as Monet had proven. 

"You're right," you smirk, as you take in the enormity of the city, "it's too easy. Got to challenge myself." Lights filled your eyes and it was your first night in London all over again. Nothing charmed the more wistful part of your heart than a new city. 

The highways filled with cars as usual. The hollywood sign looking as tiny as your pinky. The promise of tomorrow filling the night. 

You lean forward, hands gripping the stone tightly as you sigh contentedly. All the tension ran out of your limbs. This had been the right choice despite the mess Sam was convinced you were getting yourself into. Not that she'd tell you not to: too invested in the drama of it all.  

You glance over at Alex, about to make a witty remark about his deep romantic streak. The soul of a cheesy lover who would prefer About Time and 27 dresses above Kubrick if he just let himself. If he stopped trying so hard to be the artist the magazines claimed him to be. 

But he isn't looking at the city. 

Alex is drinking in the sight of you. Eyes brimming with emotion: the very same thoughts he could never translate into words, that had him turn to writing in order to make sense of himself. 

Your breath hitches and suddenly Los Angeles seems incredibly distant and unimportant as you turn with your entire being towards him. The fluttering in your pulse absent as you meet his dreamy gaze head on. There's a assured core of emotions in your heart that keeps your heart beating evenly. 

Its with resonant understanding that you look at this man who was all the more attractive for you knowing him. 

Knowing that he took his shoes off inside without prompt. Who always argued over who'd pay the check out of his own sense of companionship and not a misguided attempt at gender norms. Who folded the blankets back up in the morning as you rushed to work in the morning. 

It filled you up inside. 

Alex takes a deep breathe in, taking a step into you. Your breath mingling with his. 

His hand reaching up to cup your cheek. Grip solidifying as you acquiesce, relaxing into his hold. 

No matter what happens later on. You want him in your life. As a friend. As a lover. You cannot imagine losing this connection. A rarity you'd come to realize in adulthood. A resonance you'd developed with Sam since childhood. That you lacked with so many of your adulthood friends. 

Alex. 

Alex fucking Turner. 

He rests his forehead against yours, closing his eyes.

Letting out a sigh. 

[burning-up-ao3]

Edge of 17  ch 1/8   New Kid In Town

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22297483/chapters/53255092

“Crosby! Now!”

Sid peeled off out of the drill and skated to the bench. He pulled off his helmet and shook his head, hair gross, sweat soaked and sticking to his forehead.

“New kid, just transferred here.” Coach Sullivan jerked his thumb over his shoulder at the tall boy standing further down the boards, fiddling with his phone. “Introduce him around, help him make friends.”

Yes! With another good D-man or maybe a third line center they could easily take first in the division—

Sid turned to where Coach pointed, and his hopes fizzled. The kid was only skinny arms and spindly legs. One good blast of wind, and he’d be flat on his face. He looked like he didn’t have any muscles, hadn’t done any weight training. How could he be any good?? His only saving grace were his wide hands with thin fingers, more like a wide receiver or a shooting guard.

But Coach told him to welcome the new kid, so Sid shrugged and made his way over the floor, his footing as sure on two blades as if he’d been in bare feet. “Hey. I’m Sid. Glad you’re here—” He skipped his typical captain speech, instead starting with, “Don’t worry that it’s already December. All the important tournaments are—”

The kid looked at Sid, then back down at his phone. When Sid stopped talking, the kid shrugged and walked off, out the rink to the building’s lobby.

What a dick, Sid thought, but it was too late to bitch him out now. He had a half hour to shed his sweaty uniform, shower, and wrestle with the traffic and parking at school. If he were late again for first period, Mr. Lemieux would skin him alive. Or worse—force a Saturday detention, which meant no practice which meant no game. Lemieux didn’t give a shit if it messed with a game or not.

Sid cringed at the thought of missing a game. Anyway he’d worry about the new kid later. Right now, he had to get to school.

~*~

Sid’s hall locker door slammed shut, almost nabbing his fingers.

“What did Sully want?” Flower asked, grabbing Sid’s PowerBar breakfast from his hand and shoving half of it in his mouth. “Ut abo ‘ew ‘id.”

“Yeah. What about the new kid?” Tanger echoed.

With a huff, Sid grabbed his bar back as Flower was trying to pass it to Tanger. “I dunno anything except he’s my responsibility.” Sid hastily spun through his locker combination again and plucked his English notebook out of the locker before Tanger and Flower could shut it again. “I gotta go. Mr. Lemieux will kill me if I’m late one more time. See you at lunch.” With a wave behind him, Sid jogged off down the hall.

“Glad to see you’re on time, Captain,” Mr. Lemieux said, as Sid slid into his chair just after the bell’s clanging finally stopped. “In honor of this occasion, you can start us off. In his lifetime, Walt Whitman was considered shocking and inappropriate. Discuss.”

Sid opened his AP lit book to “Song of Myself,” but he didn’t really need to. He knew this poem inside and out.

“Whitman’s contemporaries thought he was super low class, like, almost a street poet. He didn’t write about rich people like other poets did. He wrote about people he saw every day. Kids having fun, guys working—”

The back of the room snickered, and someone coughed out fag.

The words crawled up Sid’s spine, leaving a trail of cold fear in its wake. He hated that fucking douche Wilson, who thought he could casually drop that word, not caring if Mr. Lemieux could hear him. He didn’t know if it had been directed at him or the poet, but it didn’t matter.

Sid knew what they said behind his back. That he spent too much time with his team. That he didn’t have a new girl hanging off him every other day. That he was gay. A Queer. A fucking fa—

Sid didn’t look, just tensed his shoulders in his tight shirt, and ground out, “Shut the fuck up, Wilson.”

Mr. Lemieux rolled his eyes. “Mr. Wilson. What he said. And don’t do it again. Mr. Crosby, concrete examples, please.”

Sid pulled the textbook closer, scanning the excerpts he’d underlined last night and praying his face didn’t betray his anger.

“Uh, in section 15, he lists workers like the carpenter, the duck-shooter, the deacon. What they do and how they do it. They’re not the rich people, but guys who do filthy work. But, like, the more controversial stuff is the way he talks about men, their bodies and, like, the way the sweat glistens on their chest .And because it was well known he was gay I think that also made people discount his work —”

Sid’s voice trailed off. He wished Lemieux had chosen someone else, anyone else. He could feel the burn of everyone’s eyes on his back, the nerd

“Why you always make it about gay shit?” Wilson scoffed, the aggressive edge in his voice setting Sid’s nerves on fire.

“Because, Mr. Wilson, sometimes things are literally gay,” Mr. Lemieux stepped in. “Good. Who else?”

Sid lost himself in the ebb and flow of the discussion around him—the teacher’s enthusiasm and his classmates’ stumbling responses.

No one knows. No one knows. Sid reminded himself. No one knew he was gay.

Always eyes down in the locker room. His phone history cleared every day. Tom Wilson was just a clown from the back of the classroom.

”Maybe they know,” whispered a tiny voice in his head.

He’d just spend more time with Flower and Tanger‘s girlfriends. They were easy to talk to and popular. And if they posted pictures on their Instagram or Snapchat, then he’d look straight-er. Right?

Because it was his choice what to tell and when to tell it. And no one had the right to force him.

[complicatedandstained]

The Other Day at Hot Topic: Kingdom of Isolation

Xion’s plan had been to get to the mall early. And not just the regular kind of early. The ridiculous, what-the-heck-was-I-even-thinking-?, now I have to go buy a coffee and scroll through my Instagram feed twelve times kind of early.

The plan had been to surprise Roxas. Roxas being her college roomie and favorite human bean and best friend since they split a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich in fifth grade.  

“Hey bestie, I got a job next door to you and now we can hang out on our breaks and Christmas shop together and gossip about your SEXY NEW GINGER CRUSH and give each other rides home and chit chat and stuff.”

Just, you know. Something along those lines, maybe.

Except Xion does not get to the mall early.

She was going to leave on time—really, she was—but then she started watching the second half of this Hallmark Christmas movie that she couldn’t remember if she had seen before or not. And then, it was time to leave, but the movie wasn’t quite over yet.

And Xion needed to know if the middle-aged, big city celebrity chef lady was going to stay with the smexy, small town cookie baker with the heart of gold that she used to date in high school, and thereby rediscover the magic of Christmas, or if she was going to go back to the gorgeous, but kind of boring, but definitely more financially secure, attorney she had been seeing back in NYC, who, footnote, plays the prince in a different Hallmark Christmas movie.

Also, Xion was all curled up on the couch of her parents’ condo, nested in pillows and blankets, and her chubby black cat, Pete, was sitting on her lap, and he looked so peaceful, she didn’t have it in her heart to disturb him.

Also, she hadn’t quite finished her mug of tea.

So, by the time that the celebrity chef lady and the small town cookie baker had their tasteful yet disgustingly romantic first kiss during the first snowfall of the season, just after they had won the town’s annual baking competition and donated the prize money to the local children’s hospital, and Pete the Cat had deigned to move on to another part of the loveseat, and her tea was gone, it was well past when Xion should have left if she wanted to be the regular kind of on-time.

The best part of running late is that, because Xion is literally running, she does not have to exert as much effort as she usually does to force herself not to go into Hot Topic and buy half of the inventory.

The worst part of running late is, of course, the actual running, which is making itself known as the air enters her lungs with an unusual sharpness, and sweat glues her long-sleeved white blouse to the small of her back and the inside of her elbows.

The second worst part of running late is that she does not get to surprise Roxas.

And the third worst part of running late is that when she skids to a halt in the entrance of Claire’s, her black combat boots squeaking like rubber ducks, and her breaths a bit heavy, nobody actually notices.  

Xion lifts her phone from one of the pockets of her black denim overall mini-dress by its pink bunny ear attachment and checks the time.

Five minutes early.

“Fuck,” Xion mumbles, and then slaps a hand over her mouth as a five-year-old trying to fit an entire candy cane in his mouth jostles her knee.

*

The new woman’s wearing sheer black hose with black combat boots, under a short black dress with overall straps and a long-sleeved white blouse. Looped around her arm is a black handbag shaped like the head of a cat, with three yellow eyes. Her own dark eye make-up makes her eyes enormous.

She’s nodding gently to a kiddo with half a candy cane in its mouth, who is animatedly explaining to her what kind of dinosaur it wants to be when it grows up.

Sizing the new young woman up as he, Larxene, and Marly approach, Axel can’t help but think Saïx will be a little disappointed Hot Topic didn’t nab her first. She’s so on-brand, it hurts a little. Axel’s half waiting for her to welcome him to Night Vale.

Then again, he sees why Marly called dibs.  

Aside from a short, choppy black bob that would have looked more at home in the flapper era, she is every inch Kairi 3.0.

She has, objectively speaking, the world’s softest smile. She’s short and slender, her face too thin and heart-shaped, her skin the kind of pale that doesn’t tan. Although, unlike Kairi’s 1 and 2, he can still see a smear of hastily applied sunscreen thumbed across one cheek.  

“I’d want to be an Apatosaurus,” the new employee replies in a soft voice to the kid without prompting. “Maybe we could be herbivore friends, is—” She pauses, eye catching on someone in the crowd. “Is that your mommy looking for you?”

The Claire’s newbie turns the child by the shoulder.

A relieved looking woman with another two kids hanging on either arm, alongside at least four shopping bags, hustles over to corral the third one, offering Newbie a grateful smile.

Think I just met your soulmate, Axel will text Naminé later that day. How’d you feel about a pastel goth? Naminé will send back seventeen question marks in response and not receive a reply.

*

“Over here.” 

Marly waves Newbie over to Axel and Larxene. They have paused near Axel’s piercing station, just beside the shop window, only a few feet away from the mouth of Claire’s, so that Marly can continue to monitor the traffic trickling in and out while they chat. 

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Larxene mutters to Axel as she catches sight of the approaching Newbie. Larxene’s obviously seeing what Axel saw because her eyes get bigger and her lips twitch—whether in disdain or amusement, he can’t tell. 

Axel nods his reluctant agreement. “Think you’re outdone yourself this time, Marly.”

“Her hair is completely different than Kairi’s…” Marly argues, scowling as Larxene playfully swats his arm. 

“That’s the only thing.” Larxene takes another long look at Newbie. “What are you and Vexen growing these things in a lab or something?”

The heavy electronic beat of the club overtakes the hum of Christmas music, and Axel’s nostrils fill with the sickening sweetness of e-cigarette smoke instead of vanilla bean. 

The gaunt face of the med student with his pin-straight, platinum blond hair materializes in Axel’s mind’s eye, his pale, narrow lips curling up as if at the tail end of yet another condescending remark.

Axel winces, hisses, “Larxene, really?” His gaze shifts to Marly, concerned. It’s difficult to imagine what’s whirling through his head. Axel’s not sure if Marly never told Larxene what happened between him and Vexen; if it slipped her mind; or if she’s just 100% that bitch.

Marly’s own smile has evaporated, but not his composure. His posture remains sure and confident as ever, though his arms cross with an air of impatience. “Now’s hardly the time for this conversation.”  

Axel makes yet another mental note to ask Marly when he last went out with somebody. Axel and Marly aren’t exactly best friends. In fact, he’s not sure Marly would bless him with basic human interaction at all if Marly and Saïx weren’t so close, and they are so close—a gardening club of two, high-end fashion snobs, closet The Bachelor addicts.  

Axel and Marly, not so much. So, ordinarily, Axel would mind his own, but under the circumstances, he might be the only man for the job.  

If Larxene doesn’t know what happened between Marly and Vexen, and Saïx definitely doesn’t know what happened… that just leaves him. He’s not exactly Mr. Matchmaker, but he supposes he could give it a whirl. 

Larxene doesn’t miss the tension that passes between her two favorite coworkers, and she rolls her eyes. “Axel needs to get over it already.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Axel counters, tone gone hard, cold, hoping she’ll drop it, if she realizes the wound is still fresh. Which it is—it’s just not him bleeding.

“Everybody knows, Axel.” Larxene plants her hands on her hips. She leans closer, in his face. “You and Saïx and Marly and Vexen went out and drank too much. You flirted with Marly’s date all night long and then got pissed when he made a pass at you. Saïx found out, so you blamed everything on Vexen, and now he’s fired. How’m I doing?” 

She reaches out to rap her knuckles against Axel’s chest. “Because if you’re not careful, you’re going to wind up doing the same damn thing to your new buddy boy.”

Axel grits his teeth, something burning in his chest. Months. It’s been months. He thought the worst of this was done with. Leave it to Larxene to dredge it up. 

No wonder she’d gotten in such a snit about Roxas.

“Well, you seem to know what you’re talking about.” Axel’s just as tempted to tell her everything as he is to tell her off. She’d feel like shit if she knew. She would understand. 

But it’s not his place. 

This isn’t the response she’d been expecting. Her confidence slips for a second. “Am I wrong?”

Marly steps between them. He places a hand on Larxene’s shoulder, “Shut,” a hand on Axel’s, “up.” 

Marly doesn’t look like he’s hurting, there’s no pout to his lip, no wild, injured animal wideness to his eyes, but the command in his voice is sharp and the grip on Axel’s arm is firm and insistent. Hurt doesn’t always look the same on everybody. 

The message is clear. Keep your mouth shut, Axel. You promised you would. 

Axel can’t help but glare at Marly, Marly stares back, wearily. Realizing how misdirected his anger is, Axel’s expression softens. He covers Marly’s hand with his own, and smirks at Larxene. “None of your business, babe.”

Ordinarily, this would make her absolutely explode, but with Marly grounding her shoulder and the approaching Newbie stopping just in front of her, Larxene becomes painfully aware that she’s standing in the middle of Claire’s in a goddamn flower crown. 

Larxene blinks at Axel, the kind of calm that’s too calm, the eye of a storm. “Fine. Sorry I brought it up.” 

Marly’s hand loosens on Axel’s shoulder. There’s something in his nod like gratitude. Axel wishes it made him feel better. Doing the right thing really sucks. 

They shift their attention to the new recruit whose wide blue eyes scream: SOS. What the fuck did I sign on to?

Which honestly sounds about right to Axel. God, forget Kairi. This is Roxas all over again. 

“I’m so sorry if I’m interrupting…!” Newbie exclaims too quickly in her quiet voice. Her lips halt in an apologetic pout and her hands clutch tightly at the strap of her alien cat head handbag. 

Axel and Larxene both sigh and ease out of their locked glares, but the air still feels a bit thick, almost staticky with tension. Frozen’s “Let It Go” seems to be playing six times as loud as it should be. 

“Not at all,” Marly says, but it doesn’t come out sincere enough for anybody’s taste.

 *

Xion had certain expectations about what her coworkers at Claire’s would be like: bubbly, chatty, smiley females, maybe a little shallow, maybe a little dumb. Maybe she had been stereotyping. Maybe she had watched one too many Christmas movies. Maybe she’s jumping to conclusions.  

Watching the trio in front of her, flower crowns settled in their vibrant hair, bickering in quiet tones dripping with sarcasm, almost launching into a full on, fist-clenched argument as Queen Elsa belts her heart out overhead, Xion is not sure whether she wants to laugh or cry.

But then the crazy tall one with his wild red mane and the well-dressed, The Rock level muscle-y one with the pink hair that had seemed so nice and pleasant when he interviewed her and talked to her earlier—Marluxia—seem to come to some kind of abruptly tender understanding. So, the angry blonde chick seems to reign in her temper. 

And that makes Xion feel just a smidge better about things. She’s a sucker for a happy ending.   

And at least they didn’t realize she was late. 

But then all three of them turn, these expressive, snide, emotionally-charged Claire’s people, and they are looking right at her, their neatly manicured brows raised in question.

Xion feels a little bit like she had day one, back in the middle school cafeteria, before Roxas had offered her a seat and a half of his grilled cheese sandwich, looking out at the strangers, wondering which sharks to throw herself to. The strangers looking back up at her, wondering what the hell the new kid who hadn’t said a word all day was going to do now.

Fuck. 

[temptsyourtaste]

Two Queens, One Camera with @_RobinSummers

Robin:

*Vegas. What can be said about it that hasn’t been said a million times. Greed and Sin is the formula that keeps the place alive. The former didn’t interest me but that latter, I was in the hunt for in more ways than one. At that moment it was food. I’d tried all the trendy places and got my fill of those, even the hole in the walls that no one knew about. I found a few gems but I was in a taco rut. It had been a while since I had anything good in my mouth. 

I don’t do a lot of Social Media which I know is weird for people my age, but I know it is the way of the world now, so I begrudgingly joined Instagram some years ago. I’ll admit it is a great way to get my photos and work seen and to network with other photographers and artists. I’ve even booked several jobs through the platform, but the social part? Not something that interested me ever. This is why I do what I do. It gives me the freedom to do what I want, set my hours, pick my jobs, but more importantly, be as social as I wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the energy and atmosphere of a great night out among others, but I valued my solitude. It grounded me.

I only recently started to follow local influencers to get the scoop on what most locals are doing and the hot spots only they knew about, in a city that was full of nothing but bright lights that attracted people from all over the world. One particular guy, Levi Jones, seemed to always be in the know of the best places. His posts were extremely entertaining to top it all off so he was one of my favorite follows. He is how I found the Taco Truck that led to my first mouthgasm since I landed in Vegas over 5 years ago. 

When I tell you that every bite of those tacos was hedonism in your mouth, it was an understatement. Never did I think I’d find anything better than the tacos I had in Texas growing up, but these rivaled them. From the tortillas to the Money Shot hot sauce that topped. The creativeness of the names of each item was the topping of it all. I found my new spot. 

The owner of the truck, Beau, was just as amazing as his food. He came out from behind the traveling kitchen and made sure to check on every one of his guests, including me. He peeped my camera on the table, which I carry with me everywhere, and we got to talking and laughing. We hit it off straight away. That is how I ended up here. My newest gig. When Beau offered me the opportunity to take pictures of him in his true element, I could not pass it up. We exchanged numbers to discuss details later. Never, not in a million years, did I think I would end up at The Red Doors. Beau didn’t know the history of me and how it intersected with this club, and I would never allow it to interfere with any paying job, so I agreed and here I am. Excited and ready.

Aph:

=As if my announcement were not enough, I couldn’t resist upping the atmosphere as I batted lashes and threw an air kiss to bait the attention of my guest, er…employee? Non. I had hired her, absolutely, but she didn't necessarily work for me. I eased into my strut, making my way to where the light pooled from overhead cans. Backstage felt industrial, and I liked the idea of the edgier backdrop. I was never one for anything expected or standard. Stand out or sit down was the rule under my reign. Even with promotionals, I had a vision in mind, especially since they’d only adorn the walls of The Red Doors. Discretion was everything within those walls. My hope was for advertisements that begged attention, without being blatant. Film noir, with an air of grit, old Hollywood tangled up in Nine Inch Nails.. Probably unattainable, but I had faith in the petite brunette I’d hired on the spot when I’d caught her behind the lens snapping the scenery before she’d nabbed herself some of my tacos.= 

I’m all yours. Now, where do you want me Miss Summers? I’ll act naturally. 

=I smirked, whispering behind my hand in her direction.= As natural as one can aim for in a full battle array. Shout out to Haired by Harris and Mac Cosmetics. =I fluffed my wig for effect and awaited direction.=

Robin:

*I was a little out of my element here. I’d never stepped foot in The Red Doors before much less for what I was about to witness.  Beau… or.. And Aph was gorgeous. I couldn’t help but stare at her now as she stood before me, The platinum hair, flawless makeup, and that body. I almost felt a bit of jealousy. Damn. But this was the final result of the beauty that was the transformation. 

“Please call me, Robin.* I couldn’t help a small laugh. No one called me Miss Summers, though I knew she was being respectful, after tonight I believe we were past any formalities. “Just do your thing, Aph. Move how you would on stage, Anything you want. I got the rest.* 

*I winked, grinning from ear to ear. I knew I was about to see some magic behind the lens, I was sure of it. Watching the metamorphosis from Beau to AphroditHe was a sight to behold all its own. I felt privileged to be able to witness something so personal. I knew they hired me to do promotional shots but I couldn’t help but put my eye behind the viewfinder and snap photos while they were getting ready.  I snapped more than a few at every stage of the process. There was a level of concentration and vulnerability while it happened and I couldn’t wait to see the final product. 

She was a natural in front of the camera. I should have known. She wouldn’t do what she did if she wasn’t comfortable in her own skin. I made a few adjustments and suggested a few poses, but the rest was all her. The backdrop and her outfit were perfect. The lighting and flashes against the body hugging metal seemed to punctuate every shot. I made sure to take pictures from every angle possible. I wanted to make sure I captured every moment.

Aph: 

=The nerves were shaking loose with every click of the lens. I liked the sound, it told me when to take a breath and hold it hostage. I'd once been told that if a photographer could catch that moment between inhale and exhale it gave the photo an aura of soul. I was aiming for nothing short of iconic. But not any foresister or Hollywood starlet. 

Not Marilyn. Not Devine. 

AphroditHE. 

Despite having only just met and despite having absolutely zero to go on other than gut, I knew when she handled Beau's hottest Money Shot hot sauce, Robin had the kind of spine that I was looking for. 

I made backstage my very own, using all manner of props to my benefit...not even the ladder was safe as I wrapped a leg around it, exposing thigh and pointing toe. 

I crossed my arms overhead against a railing, flashing the cuffs that hugged halfway up each arm.= 

Mind if I warm up the pipes while you do your thing? I promise not to rupture an eardrum. 

=I bent a knee to rest against a speaker, hand on hip as I cast a glance back over my shoulder.=

Robin:

*I was having entirely too much fun at this shoot. People were not my favorite subjects but after spending this time with AphroditHE I may reconsider taking on jobs with clients like her. Maybe if she liked my work, word of mouth to her friends will open up even more doors for me. All these these thoughts were flowing through my brain as we moved about the space. There was not a single square foot we did not cover. I didn't think it could get any better until she offered to sing* 

"Do you, boo. Give it all!* I smiled and got behind the camera once more. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but as soon as the first note left her lungs I was stunned. I had to take a few seconds to just enjoy the singing before I got back to it. I could feel every single note travel down my spine and I got chills. Wow. Pictures were not going to be enough. I made an adjustment to my Nikon and began to shoot some short videos. Certainly this is something she'd want to promote. I'd have to convince her if not. 

Once the musical sounds of one AphroditHe was over, I put the camera down, letting it hang from neck and made my way to her, a huge grin on my lips* I think I got everything I need here. More than I need. Thank you so much. That was fucking amazing and I can't wait to see how all of these come out." 

Aph:

=I was on the small side as a child.  This fact played in rather dramatically when I first opened up my little mouth and belted out Mariah’s Fantasy at five years old, almost on key and with a volume too big for my petite frame. My mother nearly keeled over on the spot before realizing exactly who she had birthed.

A week later I was at my first lesson with a vocal coach, who advised ma maman to find a talent agent and manager, tout suite. Bless her heart, she’d wisely decided to take no such advice, it was a choice she wouldn’t make for me.  I never resented her for this, and retrospectively, I was five hundred shades of relieved. I was able to come into my own and blaze my own path. Professionally, I couldn’t be happier. 

As Robin did her thing, I did mine, warming up my chords with a little Gaga, Born This Way. I could have sworn the click of the camera had stopped but it seemed that she was still panning around me. 

As I shut down the pipes and cleared my throat on a hum, things spun towards the conclusion of my time with Robin and hurled me straight towards center stage, where, had he shown, Levi would be getting introduced to Aph in the flesh, and in the grandest of fashion. 

Hello nerves, I’d wondered where you’d gone! 

I approached Robin with warmth in my smile. Fingers splayed over my neck as I demurred in response to her flattery.=

Don’t tell the masses, but I’m Beau’s best taco. =The declaration was followed by a cheeky wink as I easily slipped into rare form.=

Jest aside, thank you for inserting me into your schedule on the fly. I was overdue like a library book and you showed up like Miss Serendipity 2022.

=I eyed Robin’s ensemble and unwittingly gave a nod of “Yes Sis” approval. Her suit was slick, strong, and offered a daring cut, the exposure of side cleavage sure to draw that pique of interest many aimed for and failed to achieve. If she wandered the club, no doubt there would be eyes all over her, minds cranking over just what would get under her skin and rev her engine.=

If you’re not shy, stick around and do as much or as little exploring as you dare. They say there’s something for all tastes behind these Red Doors. 

=I bumped her shoulder with mine.=  If you need to tuck your goods, I’ve got an unused locker and I’ll happily bequeath you the key. 

Robin: 

“Serendipity is the perfect word for all of this.” I smiled and likely blushed at Aph’s reassuring gaze and nod of approval to my outfit.. Usually I shy away from showing a little too much but I knew what this club was about, and as much as I wanted to waltz in chucks and jeans for comfort, it had been a while since I showed this side of me and it was about time I did. 

“And thank you. I will call you when I have all the shots ready for you to take a look.” I chewed my bottom lip thinking about his offer. Do I want to explore? Yes I think I did, but I was also unsure of what or who I might cross paths with. Adrenaline was pumping from the excitement of the shoot but the nerves were starting to make my entire body buzz.. Fuck it. I am here. I might as well. “I think I will take you up on that.” 

I needed a place for my camera. I hated to leave it somewhere I wasn’t familiar with but it was locked away. I didn’t think the owner or any members wanted someone walking around that could possibly take pictures. I would never violate anyone’s privacy, but I didn’t want my first time here to also be my last. 

I took a look in one of the mirrors of the dressing room, checking my hair and make up and made sure my girls were nowhere near falling out after all the moving during the shoot. Once I was straight I smoothed my hands down the lapels of my jacket and made my way out. Let’s see what kind of good trouble I can get into.

[lordendsavior]

Nick Grimshaw: Radio 1 is still relevant, you can’t live or die by listening figures

BBC Radio 1 breakfast-show DJs have long been the medium’s favourite rebel.

Drinking, smoking and stumbling headlong into controversies, the unruly hosts of the early-morning programme have, in many ways, kept pirate radio’s flag flying long after the unlicensed stations were outlawed in August 1967.

The ban heralded the beginning of Radio 1, which was launched six weeks after the pirates were scuttled – 50 years ago today. (The BBC even nabbed some of their treasure: Tony Blackburn and John Peel started their careers on pirate radio stations Radio Caroline and Radio London respectively.)

Mischievous behaviour

In those 50 years, mischievous behaviour has been rife. Who can forget Chris Moyles (who presented the show from 2004-2012) offering to take Charlotte Church’s virginity once she’d reached the age of consent? Or Sara Cox (2000-2003) revealing to shocked listeners that she’d popped her cherry in a field full of sheep when she was 15? Cox and pal Zoë Ball (1997-2000) were the hard-partying poster girls of the 1990s, showing that radio’s women, too, knew how to have a good time. And then, there was Chris Evans (1995-1997) – known for his boozy binges and on-air rants – who didn’t turn up to work the morning after a Christmas party and quit the breakfast show when bosses refused to let him work a four-day week.

In that sense, current Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw is no different to his predecessors. The coiffed 33-year-old – who has hosted the show since 2012 – is regularly pictured wobbling bleary-eyed out of clubs mere hours before he’s due on the airwaves.

In February 2013, a dishevelled “Grimmy” rocked up to work with pop-star mate Harry Styles in tow, having come direct from the Brit Awards. The duo styled themselves the “straight-through crew” and the show, somehow, went on. (He maintains that he’s never once been late for work. Hungover at work, yes: “It’s usually quite funny.”)

Social media

In another sense, though, Grimshaw’s role is very different to that of the show’s former presenters. With Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music now vying for young people’s attention, the national “yoof” station has had to innovate, branching out on to other platforms in order to win over teenagers who are more likely to tune into WhatsApp than the wireless.

“You don’t just listen to the radio,” says Grimshaw, brusquely, when we meet to discuss Radio 1’s 50th anniversary, which takes place this weekend. And he’s right. The station – including Grimshaw’s show – regularly posts videos of celebrity interviews and stunts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat to entice tech-savvy teenagers.

Recent figures show that Radio 1 & 1Xtra have a combined 9.2 million-strong audience across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Radio 1’s Vevo channel on YouTube receives an average of 1.44 million views a day and has 4.7 million subscribers. And its iPlayer channel receives more than 1.2 million views a month. It’s a far cry from the days of old, when DJs relied solely on the airwaves to emit their content.

One wonders, then, how Tony Blackburn, the first voice ever heard on Radio 1, will fare when he unites with Grimshaw this morning for a special show as part of the anniversary celebrations.

The BBC is also launching Radio 1 Vintage on Saturday: a three-day digital station featuring 50 one-hour shows made from its archive material. “It’s a really good idea,” says Grimshaw, who lists John Peel, Sara Cox and Chris Evans as the DJs he remembers from his own youth. “We’re going to play everything from the past five decades, all of the songs that Radio 1 made famous.” (David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”; Elton John’s “Rocket Man”; The Smiths’ “This Charming Man”; and The Killers’ “Mr Brightside”, to name a few.)

But, with upcoming musicians now able to release and promote their music online, is Radio 1 still as relevant for new artists as it was 50 years ago? Grimshaw thinks so. “It’s harder than ever to cut through,” he says. “It’s easy to put your stuff out there, but there’s so much choice [as a listener], you still need Radio 1 to guide you. It’s good to have people you trust offering you a platter of food rather than just being like: ‘Here’s the supermarket, find it yourself’.”

No such thing as a face for radio

In the flesh, the DJ is as bouncy and puppy-like as he comes across on air. He is unable to keep still on the sofa and speaks theatrically, as though he has a microphone dangling in front of his face. Every now and again he breaks into a broad grin, revealing gleaming-white teeth that are surely wasted on the radio.

In fact, according to Grimshaw, there’s now no such thing as a “face for radio”. The DJ explains that his celebrity guests turn up at the studio with hair and make-up teams, so ready are they for the “new dawn” of Radio 1, which will see them snapped and filmed for the channel’s various social media platforms.

Selfie queen Kim Kardashian even brought her own lighting team. “A guy came in and sat in the chair and another went into the gallery and they messed around with the lighting to see how great she would look,” says Grimshaw, who grizzles that he always looks like a “competition winner” next to the A-listers.

“I say to all of our guests that the lighting, the camera, and the photo booth on the Breakfast Show are Kim Kardashian-approved. The vainest person in the world who made nearly a billion from selfies approves of our lighting and angles, so you can’t complain.”

Celebrity friends

Celebrities are Grimshaw’s thing. Kate Moss, Liam Payne, Cheryl, Harry Styles, Rita Ora – he knows them all. He’s sworn in the past that his bulging contacts book is not the reason he got his job on Radio 1 but it is, surely, a coup for the station’s executives to have so many celebs on speed-dial – particularly as Grimshaw has no qualms about roping mates into the show’s stunts.

A few weeks ago, the presenter wanted some celebrities to recreate Big Ben’s bongs for a feature on the silencing of the clock. “Imagine calling Kate Moss’s agent and saying: ‘Can Kate Moss do an impression of a clock?’,” laughs Grimshaw. “Sometimes you have to go straight to the source.”

He did just that, texting a number of famous friends, all of whom replied with a self-recorded “bong”. The stunt has racked up nearly 80,000 views on Grimshaw’s own Instagram profile.

Not that it’s all plain sailing. Justin Bieber, Grimshaw says, turned up to his interview hungover and only warmed up once the breakfast team had provided him with beers and a Nando’s. “He was like: ‘I’m tired!’ and I was like: ‘We’re all tired, darling!’,” says Grimshaw, rolling his eyes in jest. “He wasn’t even pretending that he wasn’t being grumpy.”

Grumpy celebs aside, though, Grimshaw says he loves his job. No one, he adds, is more surprised than he that he still enjoys getting up at 5am to go to work. How does he cope with the early starts? The job’s not actually that hard, he shrugs. “You’re just sat around talking about pop stars.”

There have been some real highlights, too. Like when Adele came into the studio to play “Hello” for the first time. “Those moments don’t really exist on the internet. She cried and it felt like the entire world was listening to the show.”

Fade away?

The problem, though, is that the entire world isn’t listening. In May, industry body Rajar revealed that Grimshaw’s show brought in just 5.14 million listeners a week – the show’s lowest figures since 1999, when Rajar first started tracking numbers. Although the latest figures, announced in August, showed a small increase to 5.5 million weekly listeners, it is paltry in comparison to years gone by – at his peak in 2010, Moyles was drawing in 7.9 million listeners a week.

If Grimshaw is concerned, he doesn’t show it. “You can’t live or die by the figures,” he says. “It’s such a small percentage of what Radio 1 does and how you consume it.” The only suggestion that he might be more uneasy than he’s letting on is when he talks about taking over from Moyles five years ago, saying: “It takes a lot of time for people to accept change.”

Speaking of which: is it time for a change? Grimshaw jokes that he plans to stay on the Breakfast Show for another 45 years. Given he was brought in to “chase away” older listeners, one might assume that, soon enough, Grimmy himself will be out of touch with his young listenership.

He thinks not. “There are people my age who act and feel and sound older than people like Annie Nightingale.” (According to Grimshaw, the 77-year-old, Radio 1’s first ever female DJ, is so au fait with popular culture that she always has the latest emojis downloaded on her phone.) “I don’t think it is an age thing,” he adds of the BBC’s decision to hire him, “I think it is a tone thing.”

Fair enough. But over the course of his tenure he’s been on the receiving end of some pretty sharp criticism. Does he ever doubt himself? “Certain days you’re like: ‘God, I’m rubbish at this!’ But the great thing is, you can do it again the next day.”

(iNews)

[erinelezabeth920]

#mtnbabes

Something bothered me this week, and I wanted to be able to talk about it. On Friday my friend and I went on a hike, down route 90 out of Seattle. We didn’t have graduate school class that day and it was a sunny day, the last before a long week of rain. I woke up early from my boyfriend’s house, threw on the layers I had in a little backpack, nabbed his rain jacket and first aid kit, because sometimes I’m not very prepared, and got in my car. I drove down the early streets of Seattle as the sun was rising over the eastern Cascades, listening to the country music station. A song came on which I had put on a birthday CD for a friend last summer, who I hadn’t heard from in a while. It made me sad. I sang along anyway. I pulled into my friend’s driveway, banged on her door and told her we had to get going to avoid traffic. She opened the door hurriedly, pulling on a hiking boot, and pointing me toward the fruit and a french press pot. I loaded the snowshoes and poles into her car, and she rushed out a second later, layers and jacket in hand. We were on the road about 7:15am.

Driving down rt. 90, the sun was starting to rise above the mountains. There was mist and some early morning Seattle city traffic commuter, straight faced, sad looking, holding their coffee in one hand, steering wheel in the other. I was so happy to be wearing hiking boots instead. The clouds hung low, but there were hints of blue sky above. The kind of day in February in the Northwest that makes you tingle with the longing of what long days used to be like, an aching in your wet and frozen bones like a reminder of a nice faded dream. I munched on a cliff bar and drank some of my friend’s coffee. We played a CD a guy had made her a while back, when he had come to visit Seattle before he left to travel to Ecuador; sappy sweet acoustic songs of love and leaving. I stuck up my middle finger to the dashboard. “Mountain men.” I scoffed, an angry band aid covering up my own handmade country CDs and heartbreak.

After a stop to a gas station, and up and over Snoqualmie Pass, we made it to exit 63, where the trail report said to park. Just a few other cars, and a line of porta potties shoved into a snow bank six feet high. A fog hung over the valley, but hopefully the sun would burn it off. We grabbed our snowshoes, packed our little packs, and prayed the car would go unnoticed without our parking permit. (I’m sorry Washington State Trails association. I’ll buy a pass soon, I promise.) Crossing the highway, we started up the trial, a series of groomed cross country ski tracks. After about half a mile we saw the sign and right turn off to Amabilis Mountain, a dirt forest access road that’s not maintained in the winter. Strapping on our snowshoes, we headed up.

As we walked, I was ecstatic. The pine trees were tall, draped in snow that was dripping in the warmer air. I had felt cooped up in the city for weeks; a combination of rain, sickness and graduate school exhaustion. This was exactly what I needed. I loved walking next to my friend too, the female energy and a sense of freedom. 

After coming to a fork in the road, and heading left as the trail report said, we ended up walking up a small side trail into the trees. According to the WTA website, there was a shortcut through the trees that would cut off about 2/3 of a mile, which seemed okay by me. We started walking, following some tracks. Eventually the tracks thinned to simply a few animal prints, squirrels and maybe a rabbit. The air was silent. Absolutely no wind. There was a steady drip, drip of snow from the trees, falling into the stillness. The sun was warm between the trees, and as the fog began to lift the valley spread, highway and lake far below. As we walked our awkward snowshoe legs up the so-called shortcut, the trees thinned until we came to a kind of wide ledge. Apparently this trail was supposed to connect to the main road at some point; however as we walked it became apparent that it did not, and we had simply gone down a false path. It was beautiful where we were however, completely untouched, smooth wide patches of snow and pine trees. We frolicked for a bit, our snowshoes crunching through the fresh powder. Stopping to take in the view, a wide lake under crisp snowy peaks, my friend looked at me, grinned and said, “You know what we should do? Topless photo.”

I laughed, a little unsure. But subsequently we did, posting the camera on a backpack. Stripping off my layers and finally, in a quick movement, my sports bra, I walked up to the edge. I felt so good. Amazing really. Happy. The sun on my bare skin was warm, in a way I hadn’t felt in months. It felt like years, forever. I felt connected to all the things around me, safe in my body and space. We laughed, as my friend tried to get her phone to stand up and I danced a little to the mountains, alone and free.

Later that day, 10 + sunny miles later, dead legs and exhausted, I looked through our photos in the car on the way back. The topless one was just beautiful; in my mind natural female bodies in the mountains, both strong and powerful. An accomplishment both of what women were capable of. After a while, I decided to post the photo on Instagram. I wanted to show off our accomplishments, and unabashedly share our moment, the ability to feel comfortable in our bodies and to climb mountains.

Soon after, later that night while out with friends, I received a comment on the post from an old co-worker and avid outdoorsman with the hashtag, #mtnbabes. I clicked on it. Soon my phone screen filled with a series of photos similar to ours; women in the outdoors naked or topless in similar forms. It was beautiful, the scenery and the bodies of the women, but immediately I was filled with annoyance, shame and a kind of burning feeling in my stomach. I almost wanted to take the picture down. It still makes me mad or embarrassed writing this, and the worst part is, I can’t entirely articulate why. Maybe it was the fact that it was a male that had posted this, even one who I knew well as a friend, and progressive minded outdoor person. We had even sat together in a staff training once having conversations over privilege and accessibility in the outdoors. So maybe then it was jealousy, seeing all these beautiful competent women, and feeling lesser than.

But I think it was something else. Talking it over with my friend out to dinner over Indian food in Seattle the other night, I was able to rant through my curry and verbally process enough until something kind of coherent came out. “It felt, objectifying, kind of Spring Break-ish” I said. “Like, you know, WOOO TOPLESS, type of short skirt background dancer of a music video, pretty girl by the side of the pool kind of feeling. Like the girls on this feed are doing this for attention from men.” That even as well intended though the audience might be, the fact that they’re spending their free time scrolling through half naked pictures of women leaves a bad taste in my mouth. 

And I know that’s not the whole story, of course. I’m sure most or really all of them are bad ass, competent women who want to promote the freedom of their bodies in the outdoors, and the absolute right of women to exist in those spaces, the same as men. That social media is a slim filter to show our whole selves. But it bothered me still, to be associated with that feeling of sexualized inferiority somehow, and that I couldn’t figure out in our world of social media how to portray this feeling of freedom, the sense of womanhood, empowerment and belonging in the mountains because the system was so ingrained in the way that women’s bodies have been objectified. So that’s a simple solution, right? Just don’t post the pictures.

And there is it, the strong part of me that feels as though this whole feeling is completely invalidated. That I’m incredibly wrong here, with no grounds to even stand on. It’s like there’s this voice in head, Erin If you don’t want to cause problems, why even post the picture in the first place? You’re not good enough to say these things, you don’t have the power to think like that. Why do I feel like that? That every time I get angry it’s not a valid thing; that I’m being silly? That it’s just, as my (incredibly wonderful supportive, feminist minded boyfriend), laughed after seeing the picture, calling it another ‘Girls Show Their Tits To The World’ photo. (He later apologized.)

I think it’s confusing moments like these when I listen to Lemonade, cry a lot and then resolve my steel. (Thank you Beyonce, always). And moments where a good friend takes me to an all ladies naked spa day the weekend after I had my IUD procedure, just to thank me for being brave. And moments on Orcas Island, in the clothing optional hot tubs, sitting with friends and laughing in the salty pine air, just like the majority of Europe where bodies are not sexualized in our staunch puritanical bullshit principles, but appreciated as unique, natural and beautiful. 

So I WANTED to post the picture. I wanted to try to accurately depict an incredible, powerful moment in the quiet of the mountains and the sheer beauty thereof. And of being women. And not following any man up the mountain, but hiking it ourselves. And how hard, how so fucking hard that is to maintain, promote and demand as equality in this society, simply to be recognized as equals, as equally entitled. I work for a rock climbing gym, and as part of staff training we had to write through safety scenarios. One of the scenarios was a woman following her boyfriend to the gym, and acting unsafe in the environment. It pissed me off so much, and I still haven’t been able to say anything about. That was months ago. Every half hour on shifts we have to tally up the total of men and women in the gym, simply for record keeping purposes. Every time the ratio is always in favor of the men, and every time it digs me, just a little. Yesterday was the first time I had ever seen the number equal. I actually wrote an exclamation point next to the tally. 

I was listening to the SheExplores podcast in the kitchen the other night, in which a woman told of a story of going hiking with her boyfriend. He was an ex-marine, and she always felt like she was slowing him down, feeling the need to overcompensate and prove herself. She told a story that one time, he told her that he didn’t want to hike the John Muir Trail with her, even though it was a long term dream of hers, because she would, quote, “slow him down.”

“DUMP HIS ASS” I yelled into the sink of dirty dishes I was washing, splashing water onto myself, knowing full well I had no right to dictate life choices to a woman from a podcast.

The thing that got to me though, was that that wasn’t even the point of the story. The point was her work as a product researcher for an outdoor company or something along those lines. The fact that she felt inferior to her boyfriend in the outdoors was just a small detail. What got to me was the way she spoke of it like it was almost normal, the following of men up mountains and on trails. And the feeling of disempowerment it brings. Like it’s just something that women just have to “deal with” in order to go outside. The podcast producer expressed similar sentiments, and the whole thing just got me so upset that I had to pour a glass of wine to keep listening.

Up on the climbing wall cork board is an article entitled, How to Fight Sexism in the Climbing World. Yesterday I saw a guy read it, scoff “interesting…” like it was a new and foreign concept to him. I stood there quietly, insides burning. So goddamnit, yes I will take my shirt off, and if you want to objectify me, then let’s remember, that mountains are shaped exactly like female tits. So who’s house is this really?

Here’s the photo. I captioned it “Views for days”. I kind of hate myself for it. It sounds objectifying and diminishing. 

Here’s what I really wanted to caption it, my favorite U2 quote, and one of my favorite song quotes of all time.

If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel. On your knees boy.

[thepennydarling]

Hello all!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe, & happy holiday!

Mine was crazy busy and packed but overall happy! And full! SUH much good food.

Today is my fave shopping day of the year: Cyber Monday

Ah, Cyber Monday, no long lines, no weird parking, no claustrophobic induced panic attacks, no running out of stock (or at least so quickly), and no pushing or getting trampled. I’m a fan of NOT doing that.

And since the online market has been crazy – they started Cyber Monday for online shopping deals – which are usually equal/similar to BF sales! So I want to share some of my fave stores & companies deals so you have a comprehensive list!

And blah, blah, blah, – check me out on Instagram here! I also started a Twitter account! Find that here! Follow Preston’s brand new fashion Instagram here! I also have a selling Instagram page where I sell some of my old clothes/styles so that I don’t drown in my own wardrobe. I just listed a few new things – so check that out!

Sections:

Plus Exclusive: Stores that only cater size 10 and up. Accessories: Purses, jewelry, scarves, glasses, etc. Mixed Clothes: Companies that carry both straight and plus sizes! Beauty Deals: lippies, palettes, hair care, etc. Misc.: Everything else! Candles, home goods, services, etc.

  Plus Exclusive:

Society+ – 40% – 50% off of everything! (they’re running low on Tutus!)

Torrid – 40% off for 4 items or more, 30% off everything, + free shipping

Kiyonna – up to 65% off sitewide (plus $25 mystery grab bag!)

Eloquii – 50% off entire site + free shipping + $100 toward your next purchase with code: CYBER (my velvet jumpsuiiiiiit!)

Gwynnie Bee Outlet – Outlet/GB shop marked down as low as $5!

Avenue: 50% off + free shipping with code: Cyber (wide calf boooots!)

Lane Bryant  – 40% off sitewide + free shipping over $50

Ashley Stewart – 50% off + free shipping

Premme – 40% special deals off + free shipping with code: HURRYBABE

  Get this red velvet jumpsuit for FIFTY PERCENT OFF from Eloquii!

Nab these boots, Extra Wide & Wide Calf FOR UNDER $50 from Avenue

  Nab this skirt from Gwynnie Bee in a special free trial month – just for PD readers (and shop their $5 & $10 section!)

Accessories:

Charming Charlie – 50% off of all markdowns + free shipping +

Kate Spade  – 30% off all regular priced + 40% off sale with code: MOREJOY

Harvey’s of California – up to 50% off for Cyber Week Sales

Ban.Do – 25% off site, 50% off special gift guide, free gifts when you spend over $50 with code: OHYEAHCM

Icing  – 50% off everything (well, nearly everything)

Zenni Optical (custom prescription glasses) – 20% off everything with code: CYBER

BaubleBar – 35% off everything!

  Nab styles like my amazing fox purse from Charming Charlie’s!

  (Kate Spade, Charming Charlie, & Ban.Do)

  Mixed Clothes (straight & plus sized)

Modcloth (XS-4x) – 30% off + free shipping

Old Navy (XS – 4x) – 50% off everything – no exclusions!

Lindy Bop (XS – 6XL) – up to 70% off with sitewide deal

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Forever 21 (XS – 3X)  – 21% off everything, up to 80% off special deals

Charlotte Russe (XS – 3X) – 40% off + free shipping (extra 20% off sale items!)

ASOS (XS – 4x) – 30% off errrrything with code: EPIC30

BooHoo (XS-3x) – 60% off everything sitewide

SimplyBe – (6-34) 52% off with code: CYBER52

Eshakti (custom sizes 0-32) 30% off everything sitewide

H&M (XS-4X) – 30% off everything!

  Grab this green velvet jumper (perfect for the holidays!) and this supes cute puppy shirt to match from Modcloth!

Beauty

Sephora – TONS of deals on new items, gift sets, giveaways, etc.

Caked – 40% off with code: THANKFUL (this is my must have lippie! High Key recommend the color: Low Key – it’s what I wear!)

Manna Kadar (my Paris Palette!) – 50% off with code: MANNA50

Not Your Mother’s  – Buy 3 Full Size Items + receive free gift!

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Urban Decay  – 50% off with code: LETSCYBER

ColourPop – 30% off sitewide (+tons of special items!)

  Misc.

Bath & Body Works – 40% off everything! (ya girl is stocking up on candles!) CODE: CYBERMON – plus free shipping over $40

UnderSummers – 35% off all black shortlettes – any style – with code BFCM

AncestryDNA Kit – 40% off of their most popular kit

Shutterfly – up to 50% off in savings + 25% extra off

    *This post may contain affiliate links & has the potential for commission. However, all thoughts & opinions are my own! Any product images are credited to the website, photographer, and publisher of said item. I do not own those photo*

SO HERE’S THE “END OF BLOG” SPIEL!

The next few weeks have some awesome stuff planned! I have a Curvy Girl Gift guide, the proposal story is coming on Friday, a neat lookbook for this week (and for the next several weeks!), hauls, mine & Preston’s Christmas cards!

If you are at all interested in doing a collab or working with me – please feel free to check out my new Contact Me! page!

I definitely want to do more His & Her fashion. Do you guys like seeing Preston more?

Follow me on Instagram: @thepennydarling

If you want to follow my darling, Preston – you can click here!

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Comment for topics you would like to see me cover! Like to help my self esteem! What do you think so far? More fashion? More lifestyle? Do you like the mix?

Thank you for all that you do. You are truly extraordinary.

Love all you wonderful ladies (and gents!) out there!

How Very,

Abby

Check out my sale list (plus & straight size), beauty, accessories, & more for Cyber Monday! Hello all! Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful, safe, & happy holiday! Mine was crazy busy and packed but overall happy!

[womenofcolor15]

EXCLUSIVE: Meet Your New Little Sis In Your Head, Rayven Symone Ferrell – Colorism Isn’t Stopping Her Hustle & Neither Is Somebody’s Ashy Son + ‘The Kamiyah Mobley Story’ Premiere Flicks!

TheYBF.com chopped it up with “The Kamiyah Mobley Story” star Rayven Symone Ferrell (not the Raven Symone you’re thinking) and the YBF chick is all about progressing in her acting career. And nothing is going to stop her. What she told us about colorism in the industry, dating in 2020, and more.

Rayven Symone Ferrell is a fresh face on the acting scene you DEF want to get familiar with.

No, she’s not “Cosby Show” alum Raven Symone. We’re sure that’s who came to mind when you first read the name. There’s actually a story behind her famous name. Rayven's mother named her after the Disney Channel actress because she knew her daughter was destined for greatness in the acting world. Did Rayven feel pressure having a celebrity name? Nope. She knew her capabilities and didn’t allow a name to add more pressure on her.

        View this post on Instagram

                  Told my mom if she rode this wave with me it’d be worth it...then just 3 years in we walked out on that red carpet #myrider Happy Muthas Day! @crystalirvin812

A post shared by Rayven Ferrell (@rayvenferrell) on May 13, 2018 at 7:53am PDT

The 24-year-old moved from Ohio to Atlanta in 2013 - when she was 18 - to attend Kennesaw State University. At the time, producing was more her passion and acting was more like a hobby. It didn't take long for that to change in her new environment. The acting bug crept back on her after behind exposed to how TV and film was created in ATL. That made her start pursuing acting as a career verses just a hobby.

Rayven began booking gigs in 2015, where she nabbed a short appearance in “Greenleaf,” and then got her first big break when she starred as late rapper Tupac’s younger sister, Sekyiwa Shakur in the feature film, All Eyez On Me. She then scored roles in TV and film, including Lee Daniel’s “STAR,” BET’s “The Bobby Story,” The Hate U Give, and “Chicago P.D.”

        View this post on Instagram

                  Make sure you check out @thehateugivemovie movie this weekend. Ya might catch ya girl do a little cameo to shake some shit up lol. #Denasia

A post shared by Rayven Ferrell (@rayvenferrell) on Oct 6, 2018 at 10:49am PDT

Eventually, she moved to L.A. after being bicoastal, and now, she’s ready to take over Hollywood.

She’s starring as Kamiyah Mobley in LIFETIME’s ripped from the headlines feature, Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, where she plays Kamiyah Mobley. The film is executive produced by “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts.

Rayven’s career is taking off and she’s for sure not letting anything stop her. Nope. Not even colorism, which is very present in this industry.

“I think in today’s society black is beautiful,” Rayven told TheYBF.com in an interview.

While colorism is prevalent in the industry, it hasn’t slowed her down one bit.

“It’s not like one of those things where it has prevented me to pursue my dreams,”Rayven said. “I do think that in today’s society everyone is kind of noticing how great we are and are really giving us a chance to create and make our own projects. You have to look at Issa Rae & Tyler Perry - people who create opportunities for us. We have a lot more voices. I just hope and pray that I become one of those people, so the next brown girl can look at me as that for her as well.”

        View this post on Instagram

                  Mood...tomorrow is Monday which means the team about to bless me with more opportunities for an opportunity.

A post shared by Rayven Ferrell (@rayvenferrell) on Oct 14, 2018 at 4:03pm PDT

  Rayven may be young, but chick has her head on straight. She’s all about working hard and pushing through even when things get hard. She even dropped some gems for other young, black actresses aspiring to get in the game.

“It gets better. It gets better,” she told TheYBF.com

People will look at her now and think she has it all together as she continues to grow as an artist, but, it hasn’t been easy. And she acknowledges that.

“It’s so easy to not to feel as confident. It’s so easy to give up. It’s so easy to feel like you’re not in the right spot, at the right age at the right time. It’s so easy to fall into the negative of it and not look forward to the outcome. So, to anyone pursuing… really anything - not just acting – just know that if you put in 100%, you’ll get something out of it. It does get better," she concluded.

A WORD.

Having tunnel vision to make it big (she aspires to work with her faves Regina King & Viola Davis), Rayven doesn’t have time for anyone’s ashy son!

“Right now, I’m really, really focused on my career, so I kind of limit my love life until I feel comfortable where I don’t have to go as hard. I don’t need any distractions right now,” she explained.

And we couldn’t agree more.

“One thing I’ve realized about relationships, it’s a job,” she shared. Once things take an unexpected turn, it can affect you career and focus and she just doesn’t have time for the foolishness right now.

Speak.On.That.Ish.

Recently, "The Kamiyah Mobley" cast - including lead star Rayven Symone, Niecy Nash (who plays the mother who abducted her character in the film), Ta'Rhonda Jones (who plays her character's biological mother) and executive producer Robin Roberts - reunited for the NYC premiere held at the The Paley Center recently. Peep the carpet flicks below:

Niecy always slays a red carpet. Sheesh!

OK, Robin with the see-thru! Get it!

Ta'Rhonda pulled up an edgy look that we're feeling.

          View this post on Instagram

                  One hell of a mood

A post shared by Rayven Ferrell (@rayvenferrell) on Jan 13, 2020 at 8:08pm PST

            View this post on Instagram

                  Last night was literally perfect. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support. I’ve been smiling all morning #stolenbymymother #kamiyahmobley

A post shared by Rayven Ferrell (@rayvenferrell) on Jan 14, 2020 at 8:23am PST

  Robin Roberts Presents: Stolen By My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story will premiere January 18th at 8/7c on LIFETIME. Set your DVRs!

Photos: Getty/Startraks

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/01/15/exclusive-fresh-face-rayven-symone-ferrell-%E2%80%93-colorism-isn%E2%80%99t-stopping-her-hustle-neither-i

[stilling11chung-blog]

Twitter Secrets.

The Best Kind Of Products To Market On Twitter. It is claimed that the very best sales individuals are those that are aggressive and also cutting-edge. I bear in mind taking the decision to develop a brand-new Twitter account only for my business, and needing to go back to square one. If you want your business to be valued, you have to have a prominent Facebook account. And you know, Instagram caps your development so there is actually no other way your accounts would grow that much reasonably. For example, inning accordance with the proprietor of, some clients as well as agencies spend more than $10,000 each month to buy Instagram followers as well as suches as. More than 90% of the brand names have Instagram Service Profile. Nonetheless, ought to you have obtained among our solutions as well as located that it does not fulfill your expectations your loan will be given back at your demand. All of our followers are actual people and also the interactions are human-made. Is purchasing Instagram fans unethical? A business that offers this service can bill anywhere from $5 each 1000 fans to $5 each 100 followers. Among the largest issues customers have with getting Instagram Fans is the possibility of losing them. check here , my point was, numbers on Instagram aren't a poor point if they're genuine followers that are likewise energetic on your blog posts. It will certainly be excellent to buy automatic Instagram likes on your photos as well as videos also. Rantic is the globes leading social media advertising and marketing business. You can be a public figure or brand after obtaining safe Instagram followers. Twitter permitted fake represent years before doing a huge sweep a few years ago which nearly dropped the amount of users by fifty percent! Tagging pictures bring additional sort and fans. When consumers do not feel pleased from our solutions, we provide money back guarantee on that situation. These might be accounts particularly developed for those that buy Instagram suches as if these profiles have marginal task. The more fans you have, genuine or phony, the more interaction you'll get. Fake fans do not buy products, and also they do not advertise your brand. When you will buy instagram likes then you will understand that we are offering you lots of instagram suches as in reality. Eventually, engagement is exactly what Instagram takes into consideration when they showcase your picture on the aspirational Explore page, which has been understood to assist some accounts and web content go viral. There is no doubt that followers on Instagram resemble gold to a prospector. Likes and also fans do not always imply that people get in touch with your brand name. Purchase Instagram Fans for Instagram suggests to get a huge variety of likes in a brief time period. No person intends to think that it happens yet the world of sort as well as fans has driven us so mad that we don't think twice about instantly wanting fans and not helping the honour of nabbing them. Choose the best Instagram fans plan for you and also go straight to the check out. is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, SoundCloud or Google. Individuals who have typically the exact same number of fans that I do who how do i buy followers on instagram I've constantly wondered, How do they obtain NUMEROUS thousands of sort each picture while I more than below super stoked if I also come up to 2,000 sort?" had so many robot suches as. When you order fans from Gramblast you can expect them within minutes, when it comes to our competitors, they could take hours or perhaps days. Many thanks to Instagrams algorithm, we are revealed what they've determined we'll find most interesting, that indicates a tiny percentage of your general followers will really see your posts at any provided time. I began getting a lot more genuine fans, real growth, genuine engagement, as well as a lot more, all from a $35 order. Yes, there are a number of applications that could assist you enhance the variety of likes on your images as well as 'Get Suches As On Instagram' is one of them. There are obvious reasons you shouldn't acquire Instagram followers, some even more deadly than others. Acquire IG followers, suches as, remarks, video clip sights and also more. Popular follower factory Rantic uses 100 "best quality" Instagram followers for 99 cents, yet the Russian vending equipment cannot compete with that on rate. For that reason, to get noticed in a brief amount of time, little- as well as medium-sized businesses and also startups take advantage of these services. The engagement factor is very important if you're acquiring buy instagram followers best site fans in order to get discovered by brands. It is highest possible among all social media sites networks like Twitter and facebook. . Due to the fact that the fans you sold them on are PHONY and the sort you are jumping on stated photos are FAKE.

[ethelbertpaul444-blog]

Viral Video Of Grown Man “Stealing” Foul Baseball From Young Boy Is Not What It Seems

In a macrocosm of media manipulations, it seems a viral floor can be made out of just about anything. It’s always best to find out all of the facts of the case before simply belief the first thing person says. Case in moment, this video from a Chicago Cubs game that recently travelled viral for all the wrong grounds : strong > em> Sports store Cut 4 firstly produced the video to Twitter, which appears to show a foul-smelling dance pilot into the stands and rolling under the seats of a young boy. A humanity behind the son then grasps it apart and hands it to his wife, leaving the son with nothing. Twitter users swiftly took to the internet to dishonor the ball-snatching boy, but the situation wasn’t fairly what it looked like. Had the video continues to play, viewers would have said the part place, which would reveal that the man was actually doing a good deed rather than a bad one. As it would turn out, “the mens” had been catching foul dances throughout the game and handing them off to young supporters in the stands around him. He had already given the boy in the video a lump earlier in video games and decided to give the ball in question to the young supporter standing right next to his wife who had yet to receive one. The man’s wife simply held onto the dance long enough to clicked a immediate photo of it before entrust it off to another girl. However, because the video appeared to show “the mens” stealing a pellet from the boy sitting in front of him, that son was actually gifted another chunk later in the game. That’s right, the young son in the video actually went home with two bullets the working day. What’s even more heartwarming is that the Chicago Cubs’s infielder, Javier Baez, actually autographed the second bullet for the little soul. How amazing is that? The boy was all smiles in photos shared to the Chicago Cubs official Twitter account with the caption,” A @javy2 3baez indicated projectile should take care of it. #EverybodyIn “. As news spread, the misunderstanding was also cleared up on Twitter with countless users clarifying that the man who appeared to be stealing a ball had actually been doing kind deeds. Credit needs to be given where credit is due, after all. One Twitter user who happened to witness the situation himself was Chuck Mycoff who took to the social media programme to position the legend straight-from-the-shoulder. He wrote:” I was sitting next to this guy. That clod was between my paws. The boy once had a ball the same person cured him get. He entrust it to his wife. She took a picture of it and they gave it to the kid next to them. This guy was huge. This storey is BAD .” Jeff Rose likewise announced to Twitter to explain the situation. The human who took the ball had been” get called every figure in the book” and he wanted to ensure everyone knew exactly what had happened, considering that the online bullying he was subjected to was absolutely uncalled for. He was said that the son had already been given a chunk two innings previously and that “the mens” was able to catch two other bullets for young supporters who had not yet received one. Despite the son perhaps being disappointed that he didn’t nab the ball in the video, I think that we can all agree that personally receiving an autographed lump by a Cubs team member is way cooler. But please retain, if you’re at a sports sport and a missile property near a young love, make them have it. The ball maybe wants a lot more to them than it ever would to you. If you happen to be the one who has caught it, then perhaps take a portrait for your Instagram account or Facebook profile, but then pass it on to a minor adjacent. It precisely might become one of their most prized possessions. So at the end of the day, there was no bad chap, simply some really great flaunts of good sportsmanship and inducement for a few youngsters who clearly desire video games of baseball. It just goes to show that there are always two sides to every storey. The truth is never one-sided. Perhaps it would be wise to learn that lesson from this history. So the next time you read or discover person stating something as the truth without actually stipulating all of the facts assume there is more to the story. However, it’s best to relate that kind of inquiry to all situations. There’s no need to villainize those who don’t deserves it or similarly be villainized by those who could be trying to pull the coat over your eyes. Luckily, this history turned out to be a good one with a lot of people evidencing real reference and nature. We require very best beings in countries around the world. Kudos to the man in the video who was just trying to offset those around him happy. Read more: http :// www.viralthread.com/ viral-video-of-grown-man-stealing-foul-baseball-from-young-boy-is-not-what-it-seems/? all http://dailybuzznetwork.com/index.php/2018/09/05/viral-video-of-grown-man-stealing-foul-baseball-from-young-boy-is-not-what-it-seems/

[fantasticbookdragon]

Earlier this week I wrote a post about some issues I had with this years YALC, which you can find here. Despite all that there was some great moments throughout the weekend, so this is my YALC post of all the highlights, including all the awesome books I picked up.

Friday:

The first thing I did when I arrived was to go straight to the Bloomsbury booth to sign up for the Sarah J Maas manicure. I then wandered around for a little while before meeting up with Laura.

Slay Your Demons with Kim Curran: After wandering around for a bit with Laura we stumbled across the Slay Your Demons activity. Kim taught us a little self defense, projecting and positive thinking.

    Signings: I was so happy when Gayle Foreman was announced as she rarely comes over for events. I made sure I queued early, she was so friendly and was kind enough to lose for a photo as well as sign my book. I then went straight over to see David Owen to get my remaining copies of The Fallen Children and Panther signed, you can never have too many copies of his books. His books are incredible and so underrated. After getting my Nails done I went to queue for Melissa Albert’s signing, it was a bit of a nightmare to find the end as a proof drop was happening in the same area, once I found it everything was good. I adored The Hazel Wood and was ridiculously excited to get to meet her. Melissa was so nice and friendly and signed my friends copy, too.

Manicure: Bloomsbury hired manicurists from Nails By Mets to come in and do Sarah J Maas themed nails, you could choose from any of the ACOTAR book covers. As a huge fan of Sarah’s books, I couldn’t miss out on the opportunity and I rarely get to have my Nails done so this was extra special. I chose ACOMAF with the Night Court insignia. They did a brilliant job, my nails have never looked so pretty and they still look nice a week on.

  Saturday:

Demon hunting: The awesome people at BKMRK hid demons around the YALC floor, if you found them all (I think there were five to find) you won a set of Summoner trading cards, they’re awesome. I started this on the Saturday but managed to find that elusive fifth demon on the Sunday, lurking under a table in Waterstones.

Body glitter art: After a Hot Key Books proof drop I went with Rachel to get some body glitter art done, courtesy of the lovely people from Hodderscape. I chose some stars as it reminded me of ACOTAR.

  Signings: Hot Key Books and Hashtag Reads brought M.A. Bennett and Amy McCullough in to sign at their booths/shared area. Being a huge fan of S.T.A.G.S. and Jinxed I had to pop along to them and knew organisation would be better as they were overseen by publicity. It was so nice to see them again and get copies of their new books signed. We were also given Jinxed goodie bags with a poster, pencil, bookmark and jelly beans inside.

Izzy and Tristan proof drop at BKMRK: I was lucky enough to nab a copy of Izzy and Tristan at their proof drop, this was one I was desperate to get my hands on and was thrilled when I just managed to get a copy. I can’t wait to start reading it.

  Penguin booth – Penguin went for a high school theme this year so I went for a nosey through the lockers in their booth, each one was dedicated to a different penguin book. My favourites were the Eve of Man, Miss Peregrine, The Hazel Wood and Catwoman lockers, some of them were stocked with free swag and I was allowed to keep one of the awesome Eve of Man Rubik cubes. I also picked up some Miss Peregrine and The Hazel Wood goodies too.

  Tom Fletcher: One of my YALC highlights was randomly bumping into Tom Fletcher by the Penguin booth with Rachel, he was kind enough to lose for a photo and it honestly made my day.

Sunday:

Grisha quiz at BKMRK: This was running throughout the weekend and if if you got all the questions correct you won a Grisha notebook. I did this while hanging out with Melissa.

Origami workshop: This was one of my favourite parts of the weekend, it was nice to just chill out and make #KindnessIsContagious origami which we left around the YALC floor for people to find.

  Mixology workshop: I went along to this with my friends Paige and Rachel. We had so much fun! Sara demonstrated how to make a mocktail, after making that one we got to create our own and write down the significance of the ingredients.

  Signings: I finally got to meet the lovely Anna Day and Hayley Barker, I adore their books and I’m so happy I had the chance to meet them and get my books signed. Both of them recognised me and Anna remembered my photos of The Fandom I took for my blog and Instagram which made my day. They’re some of the nicest people you could meet, I highly recommend their books too!

Swag and book haul:

I picked up some awesome swag and books over the weekend, here’s a brief run through of the books I picked up and some of the swag I particularly love!

Books I bought/proofs:

Are We All Lemmings & Snowflakes by Holly Bourne

The Sea Witch by Sarah Henning

Jinxed by Amy McCullough

Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson

Scarecrow by Danny Weston

Gabriel and the Swallows by Esther Dalseno

Box Shaped Heart by Rachel Lucas

Floored by Sara Barnard, Holly Bourne, Tanya Byrne, Non Pratt, Melinda Salisbury, Lisa Williamson, Eleanor Wood

Izzy & Tristan by Shannon Dunlap

Ascension by Victor Dixen

Almost Adulting by Arden Rose

    Some of my favourite swag includes the Eve of Man Rubik cube, Map of Days sampler, ACOTAR bookmarks, Kingdom of Ash print, Wunderkids bookmark, Philip Pullman Deamon cards, Floored pin badges, Show Stealer postcard and pin badges and of course my Skullduggery Pleasant and Children of Blood and Bone tote bags.

I adore these bookmarks made by the incredibly talented Jo Painter. As a huge Sarah J Maas fan I couldn’t leave them, especially as one has Lucien on (it’s no secret that he’s my favourite). I highly recommend checking out her Etsy store. I will definitely be buying more from her.

Were you at YALC? I’d love to hear about your experience, let me know in the comments!

YALC 2018: Highlights Earlier this week I wrote a post about some issues I had with this years YALC, which you can find…