#or due to the game;s 'coaching' through tips to anyone

[violet-dragongirl]

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[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

Trois:

Chapter One. 

The leading lady will be introduced eventually but I feel like with the way this is written I need to focus on Adonis and Erik first. 

Warnings: AU!Erik, AU!Adonis, smut, bisexual, mentions of blood, threesome.

The 2019 Comic Con at the Los Angeles Convention Center was populous to say the least. Adonis Johnson felt like he was elbow-to-elbow with the animated and roused crowd of event goers. Everyone is grouped like teenagers in those cheesy high school flicks. You have your Nerds—never worried about being challenged to prove their knowledge about the gaming character or superhero on the shirt they're wearing, yelling out quotes in a spirit of shared fandom. Then, you have your cos players—rehearsed smiles on their faces whenever they are stopped to have their picture taken, sort of deteriorating and looking less magnificent as the day goes on due to wig issues, broken weapons, or itchy and hot costumes. Then, there are those individuals like Adonis who endure the hectic universe. 

Adonis is wearing a faded orange muscle tee with a mixture of his favorite anime characters such as Saitama, Goku, Sasuke, L, Yusuke Urameshi, and Spike Spiegel. He styled the tee with a pair of Nike Dri-FIT Basketball shorts in black, black Jordan socks, and a pair of orange and black Air Jordan 1’s on his feet. He couldn’t forget his layered silver chains and finger rings to make it more stylish, or his charcoal black Coach backpack to carry his essentials like the sun screen he needed and some water from standing in that long ass line in the blazing afternoon sun. The cast of Zombieland: Double Tap will be there, and over 800 exhibitors. Adonis didn’t even know where to start or end and at first he figured the map in his hand that he grabbed at the entrance was a great idea but he tossed it in the closest receptacle. 

Adonis scratched at the steri-strip on the corner of his pouty bottom lip since the regular stitches were removed by his doctor almost 48 hours ago. Adonis earned that busted lip from a fight he triumphed in. He didn’t get that wound from the type of fights you see on paper view—he’s an Underground Boxer who participates in Street fighting. Yes, Adonis fights in ‘unlicensed’ matches. This means it operates outside the governing bodies of the sport and is susceptible to rules being broken and fights being fixed. It is illegal in many countries because it is dangerous and disruptive to daily life—running the possibility of being charged with several crimes especially. It’s Adonis’ personal fight club, a badge of honor for him. 

Adonis was introduced to the idea of a fight club by a childhood buddy of his that died five years ago. His name was Clark Wilson. Adonis and Clark used to be in Juvie together—two angry kids who used their fists because of the violence and hatred surrounding them. When Adonis’ father, famous Boxer named Apollo Creed’s wife Mary Anne came looking for Adonis while he was in Juvie, she took him in as her own son and started him out in therapy and anger management groups. For the most part, Adonis felt as if his anger was suppressed but he missed the way fighting made him feel——alive. First, Adonis had to understand the reasoning of a Fight Club. Fight Club is about releasing his anger and stress; about fighting his problems; about going against normalcy and the safe little bubble he has become accustomed to living in. 

Rules were put in place and Adonis found a private property hidden from the public eye so that the authorities can’t interfere. Adonis uses a basement of a record shop for his Fight Club location. If someone would die in Fight Club, there isn’t anything anyone could do. There has only been one case where someone died in Adonis’ Fight Club and he swore to make sure it didn’t become deadly. Brutal, yes, but no murder. Pinching the steri-strip on his lip to keep it in place, Adonis visits an exhibitor—Comic Madness. Pulling out his iPhone so he could use his Apple Pay, Adonis sifts through the comic books to find the ones he wanted. The price tag on them was a bit much but this was a once a year weekend event so he could break the bank. 

Entrepreneur of a fitness company called Elite Body Edge, Erik Stevens strolls through Comic Con after checking out the Hellboy cast members doing a Q&A. Stylish per usual, dangling gold cross earring in his right ear, yellow and black camouflage cargos on, all-white creaseless Nike Air Force 1s, and a lax graphic tee with The Lost Boys on it, Erik pans his Canon PowerShot G7X Mark lll Camera around him, Vlogging his Comic Con experience for his YouTuber’s. When he’s not recording fitness and nutrition videos, Erik is vlogging about his daily life or giving advice to the anonymous subscribers who send him emails. He wanted to edit the video to look like a VHS video for a different aesthetic. Erik strolls past a group of cos players dressed as The Avengers and stops to record them, smiling at the enthusiasm and flashing his gold canines. 

Erik sips from his souvenir cup, the straw making an annoying suctioning noise since it was nearly empty. Shaking the cup, ice chips clanking around, Erik stops to get some more footage. Just when he was about to end his vlogging, there was a rather sexy, good-looking dude with chestnut eyes, amber skin so smooth and velvety looking. The muscle tee he was sporting didn’t leave anything to the imagination. Clearly, he’s lean, and chiseled. Erik haltingly lowers his camera, his inky black eyes trailing over this mystery guys frame with enthrallment. Just when Erik thought he would be coming to Comic Con for some fanboy fun, he spotted a distraction with a nice ass. Erik is a bi-sexual man. Friends jokingly called Erik a hoe that got off on pussy or dick—a reckless hoe that played with fire. Married couples, closet homosexuals, threesomes with women, anything that caused mayhem and wreckage with relationships. Anything to get his thick dick wet. 

Erik’s Adam’s Apple bobbed in his neck and his lips parted. When the mystery guy turned around Erik grunted deeply. Lips so thick and plump. Oooh. His breath became ragged and he felt himself swelling. Why did this have to happen to him right now? Donnie must have felt Erik’s hard eyes burning into the back of his skull because he looked back over his shoulder at him with a raised brow and obvious annoyance. The corners of Adonis’ eyes crinkled with suspicion. Erik found it comical, giving Adonis a sly half smirk when their eyes connected. Adonis shook out his shoulders, focusing back on the stacks of comic books in front of him. Why is his heart skipping a beat and his stomach in knots? The back of his neck prickled and he glanced over at Erik again before he cocked his head to the side. The devilish smirk on Erik’s face sparked Adonis’ short temper. 

Thinking back to his anger management tips, Adonis tried to take a timeout by using “I” statements—to stay in control. Think before you speak, don’t make assumptions, calm yourself. As much as he wanted those methods to work, Erik’s smiling, smug face bothered Adonis. Who is this random ass nigga and why the fuck is he smiling like there’s a joke? Adonis started to feel more and more uneasy about Erik staring at him. Does he know about the Fight Club? That seemed to invigorate Adonis’ irritation because he began charging through a group of cos players and walked right up to Erik with his pectoral muscles puffed out and his hands in fists so tight he could feel the aftershocks from his fight almost two days ago. Erik stood his ground with a single brow raised, waiting for Adonis to cause a scene. As soon as Adonis crowded his personal space that was already so little with how many people surrounded them, Erik made it his business to allow his inky black eyes to drop to Adonis’ crotch and back up swiftly. 

“The fuck is your problem staring at me, nigga?” Adonis spoke with a harsh whisper that caused his jaw muscles to clench, “You know me or something?” Adonis paused before he nodded his head slowly, “Let me guess...you wanna fight me?”

“Fight you?” Erik’s eyes become slits, “Why would I want to fight somebody I don’t even know?”

“Well, then you must have heard about me…” Adonis says with a questioning tone. Erik licks his lips and with no regard allows his piercing eyes to memorize the shape of Adonis’ mouth. Adonis couldn’t fight the urge to do the same. He’s turned on. Just as the tension between the two of them reaches a fever pitch, Adonis steps away before he could even realize what he was doing. Adonis didn’t even know he had been holding his breath until he drew in a shaky tone. He’s noticeably quieter now, his aggression tampered. He knew his bewilderment was written across his face. Adonis squared his shoulders and shook out his limbs as if Erik had a bind on him. 

“You good, fighter?” Erik asks sarcastically, “You’re a boxer? I can tell by your reflexes. For a second I thought you were gonna try and knock me out,” Erik smiled. Adonis swallows a hefty amount of spit to calm the tingling sensation in his abdomen. 

“Yeah...I box...underground,” Adonis clarified, “Been doing it for seven years now.”

“Ahh, dirty boxing, I see,” Erik strokes his goatee, “how does one get into that shit anyway? I’m interested.” 

“You don’t choose it like you choose your next meal..you gotta be initiated in...they like to weed out the weak ones…” 

“That hardcore?” Erik took a few steps towards Adonis.

“Hell yeah,” Adonis stares at Erik’s feet as if he were overstepping, “I can tell you more about it if you’re serious.” 

“As long as it’s from the pro himself I’m all ears.” 

This foreign feeling that washed over Adonis’ body was something he felt before when he questioned whether or not he wanted a man to suck his dick. He looks back at Erik just as he smiles and Adonis rolled his eyes away slightly. What the fuck is happening right now? 

“I don’t even know your name, bro,” Adonis held out his hand to give Erik dabs, “I’m Adonis.”

“Erik,” He raised his hand to shake Adonis’. He didn’t want to linger too long but the feeling of his calloused palm teased his hand and it made him want to stroke it. When Erik let go, he allowed his fingertips to brush across the center of Adonis’ palm and that little touch caused Adonis’ biceps to flex. Good to see him react. 

“you gotta be serious...this shit is...it’s rough,” Adonis cleared his throat, “Ain’t the place to really discuss this—“

“Nah, I’m cool,” Erik says with a chuckle—a teasing grin on his face and his eyes now following the definition of Adonis’ arms. Adonis didn’t like Erik staring at him so openly. Maybe Erik got the wrong vibe from Adonis—believing him to be a possible fuck he could conquer after this crowded event, “I’ll stick to boxing in my gym. This underground shit sounds like some kind of deadly contract.” 

“It’s not for everybody,” Adonis says with a smirk, “But if you change your mind, how do I reach you? I usually don’t recruit fighters out in the open like this.”

“Here you go,” Erik pulls out his black leather wallet, retrieving a business card before handing it over to Adonis. It’s a black business card with a gold metallic painted edge for his fitness club Elite Body Edge. The business card is twice as thick as standard cards, since they are printed on 32 pt. uncoated cardstock, offering a superb heft and feel everyone will notice. Erik’s contact information is at the bottom of the card. 

“I’ve heard of this fitness club, all good things too, I’ll keep in touch if you’re ever interested.”

“I’d like to come and watch the fights at least...is that cool?” 

Adonis ponders for a bit, “We have people come and watch but it’s mainly members…”

Erik notices Adonis’ hesitation, backing away a little, “Listen, you hardly know me, I don’t want to intrude on your little secret society. However, you have my card, you can stop by the gym anytime. We have boxing equipment that you can use too.”

“Aight...cool...I’ll come and check it out,” Adonis pockets the card, “Nice to meet you, Erik, sorry for the way I came off at you earlier, my anger can be a bit out of control,” Adonis lets out a nervous chuckle. 

“A bit? I get this vibe that it’s more than just a bit,” Erik turns to leave, “Don’t hesitate to stop by and get a good work out in! Enjoy the rest of your time here at Comic Con.”

“Will do,” Adonis salutes Erik before turning away and disappearing into the sea of people.

________________________________________________________

Elite Body Edge is designed with the purpose of building strong foundations by balancing flexibility, mobility, strength, conditioning and nutrition as well as giving you the perfect sculpt to turn heads; because a strong and sculpted foundation makes a power house. With an arsenal of knowledge, from competition preparation to rehabilitation to strength and conditioning, Elite Body Edge can design a program for any body habitus to achieve any fitness goal. They offer one-on-one training, group sessions and accountability programs to best fit your needs. Why train with Elite Body Edge? No contracts with affordable month-to-month membership, a safe environment to learn proper technique from experienced trainers, a flexible schedule with a variety of group classes to fit your schedule, and an encouraging atmosphere to make working out fun.

Elite Body Edge is a high-end gym experience. Some of the club amenities include, locker rooms complete with sauna and massage chairs, rooftop deck, group fitness classes, premium strength and cardio equipment including LifeFitness, HammerStrength, Precor, and Star Trac, and an amazing aquatic area for swim-fitness. Some of the classes include Restorative Yoga, H.E.A.T Camp, TRX, Feel Fit Naked, Boxing, Self defense, Spin, H.I.I.T, Yogalates, Circuit Burn, and many more. It’s located at 8053 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA. It’s striking architecture was designed by National Design Award winner Ian Jackson of Studio Sofield. It’s 30-foot video wall for virtual-reality cycle classes is exceedingly popular, and it’s soaring 25-foot ceilings supported by illuminated linear columns and over 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment, Elite Body Edge is a modern-day escape straight out of a sci-fi film. 

Erik is no stranger to the gym. Over the years he has received multiple certifications in performance enhancement, TRX Suspension and is a EliteFirst Certified Level 1 trainer, which he has employed as a strength and conditioning coach for the nationally recognized Fremont High School Basketball Team which has produced multiple athletes in the NBA. He supports the youth and employs them to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle. The fitness mogul himself was wrapping up a TRX tactical training course. Most of the occupants are military trained or athletes and with Erik’s skills it can keep them performing at the highest level. Sweaty, heart rate spiked, muscles fueled, and a round of applause, Erik puts up one hand with a black training glove to settle the cheers from his hard working pupils. 

“Nah, y’all should be clapping for yourselves,” Erik wipes sweat from the tip of his nose, “You guys did an amazing job today. The shit is tough but I see improvement and progress. We’ll meet at the same time next Wednesday. Remember, get some rest, stay hydrated, and eat a well balanced diet.”

Everyone gathered their things and exited the class. Erik grabs some cleaning solution and a few disposable cloths to wipe down the equipment. Gym playlist on, you wouldn’t be able to keep Erik’s energy down for one second. He’s so amped up that he could go for another training session; work on his hamstrings and calves some more. Satisfied with his cleaning, Erik exits the classroom, the double glass doors closing behind him. The energetic, hip-hop music pumped up his clients to finish their workout sessions. The air circulating the gym masked the usual odor that comes with sweating and his gym staff are very vigilant on keeping the place tidy. His staff wears black workout gear from head to toe with the gym logo on the front. 

As Erik walks through his gym, checking things out, a familiar face catches his eye. Training on an Everlast Powercore Dual bag with a speed bag attachment is the eye-candy from Comic Con just a week prior. He’s shirtless with a blue Adidas face mask on and fingerless black MMA gloves. His gym shorts hung low on his hips and his feet danced back and forth in his Speed-Flex boxing shoes in time with his fierce punches. Erik wondered when he became a member. He didn’t expect for Adonis to even take up the offer on joining the gym. Smirking, Erik strolls over towards Adonis at the same time as one of Erik’s pilates trainers, Andrea does. Andrea is wearing a black sports bra with the gym logo and black biker shorts. Her sleek platinum blonde pixie cut made her glistening peanut skin pop. Her dark brown eyes held recognition as well as lust. 

“Donnie?” Andrea says with a sultry voice, “I knew that was you,” Andrea popped her hip out, staring Adonis up and down with a big white smile, “How are you?”

Adonis takes off his face mask, those thick lips extra moist from the perspiration on his skin, “Andrea, w’sup? I’m doing good…” Adonis seemed to be thrown off by her presence. From the way he looked at her with his chocolate eyes, they must have had an interesting relationship. Erik took note of the way Adonis sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and Andrea licked her lips and touched his arm with her fingertips. 

“Why don’t you come and see me anymore? We used to have a good ass time...what happened with that? Got tired of me?” Andrea says with a single brow raised.

“I’ve been busy,” Adonis looked away awkwardly, the fresh scar above his right brow catching Andrea’s attention. 

“Busy getting into a brawl? What’s that scar about?” 

“You know me…” Adonis turned away, “Can’t pass up a good fight.”

Andrea didn’t hide her sexual appetite for Adonis from the way her eyes swept over his body, silently telling him how his ripped physique turned her on. Just when she allowed her eyes to drop to Adonis’ crotch, Erik was there next to her, the form-fitting Under Armor short sleeve grey top he wore drenched and molding with his well-built curves straining against the fabric. Two sexy men with twin facial features that made her drool like a love-sick dog. 

“Didn’t think you would show up,” Erik held his hand out to shake Adonis’ hand, “How are you liking it so far?”

“It’s dope, I love the set up, I especially enjoy this boxing section...I mean, you have everything I need to help me train.” 

“Where were you training before?” Erik asked.

“Delphi Boxing Academy, but I need more free roam, too many new people to train.” Adonis replies. 

“...so, you know Andrea?” Erik looks over at her, her peanut colored skin immediately turning red and the top row of her teeth chewing on her pouty, pink bottom lip nervously. 

“Yeah, we got history,” Adonis cracks a smile, “Maybe I should catch one of your Pilates classes...watch you do that seated toe touch.” 

Erik arched a single thick brow at Adonis’ words. It wasn’t directed towards him but the seductive way he said that had a pool of desire filling the pit of his stomach. Erik knows exactly how that seated toe touch looked. Seated on the floor, knees drawn towards your chest, feet in the air and toes pointed to the sky, a complete view of a woman’s phat pussy or a man’s hefty bulge straining against the fabric of their stretchy leggings or shorts. Erik enjoys fucking a woman with a malleable body just as much as Adonis does it seems. He wouldn’t mind seeing how malleable Adonis can be.

“Let’s see if you can keep up,” Andrea gives Adonis one final look up and down before walking away, “my number is still the same.” 

Adonis watches Andrea walk away, “you got a good selection on your staff, bruh.”

“Yup,” Erik agrees, head tilted to the side, dreads shifting across his forehead before he grins, baring his teeth, “gotta have options, a pretty face brings guests, it’s all business.” 

“Well, I admire your business. The dedication and strive to pull something like this together is inspirational. I put my membership in a day ago and was trying to meet with you for a personal tour but your front desk staff said you were out for the day.” Adonis says. 

“Yeah, I’m also a Biological Science Lab Tech two days a week pulling twelve hour shifts.”

“Damn, how the hell do you function?” Adonis says with a shocked voice. 

“You gotta love what you do. You should know, with your own fight club and all, living a double life...working a regular 9-5 during the day I’m guessing?”  Erik says with curious eyes. 

“I’m a Senior Trading Analyst for Smith Boardley Financial Group so, yeah, it’s like living a double life. They don’t ask questions though, which is good.” Adonis’ face shows annoyance as if he didn’t want to talk about his job. Erik senses that maybe Adonis isn’t satisfied with his daytime life, that he feels more free at night and in the ring. He hardly even knew this guy and yet he wanted to know every little detail; ask him questions. He has so many layers to fold back, and besides his reasons behind fighting, Erik hopes to make Adonis admit to his attraction to him. Only thing is, Adonis has to believe it. He’s still uncertain and confused. 

“Why do you fight?”

Silence settles between them for a short while before Adonis finally speaks. 

“Freedom mainly. I want to stop controlling everything and just let go,” Adonis closes his eyes briefly, “if it’s not working out for me...I need to find something that doesn’t...something that doesn’t define me as this perfect dude with a perfect job, and all this fucking money. The things you own end up owning you. The people around you can drag you down. When I fight, I lose control. I’ve been taught at a very young age to bottle up my aggression but all I wanna do is use my hands and to experience some feeling in this numb world...this ‘cocooned society’.” 

“So it’s not about the violence for you? I can understand that. I guess working out is a release for me...that’s an interesting method that I support,” Erik’s eyes scan Adonis’ body, taking a step back so he can blatantly check him out, “I wanna know how this fight club operates...you think I can come watch?” 

Adonis lets go of a laugh, his dimples flashing, “Yeah, man, you can come watch. I’m gonna warn you now though, it can get pretty graphic.”

“Blood? Broken teeth? Nasty scars? That shit don’t phase me,” Erik smiles, allowing his eyes to drop over Adonis’ body. Adonis leans down to grab his water bottle, taking a sip of it and completely avoiding Erik’s unwavering eyes. Why were those eyes making Adonis’ nerves spike up with excitement. It disgruntled him and had Adonis frowning from the feeling. 

“Listen, just don’t be late,” Adonis spoke with finality, placing his face mask back on, “Can’t have people wandering in at the last minute. Come by tomorrow night around 10.” 

Adonis’ change in demeanor has Erik chuckling. He has a habit of wearing his emotions on his face. 

“Will do, bro. Catch you tomorrow...champ,” Erik jeers before leaving Adonis to his training. 

____________________________________________________________

Going Underground Records was Erik’s destination for the late evening. Founded in 2001, Bakersfield's Going Underground Records is Central California's largest and longest running vinyl record store and has recently expanded with a new brick-and-mortar location in Los Angeles. They buy, sell, and trade LPs, 45s, stereo equipment, local concert promotional items (posters, flyers, one-off recordings, etc.) and more. They purchase collections of all sizes, so whether you have a handful, or thousands of records to sell, call or stop by any day of the week. They buy daily and travel to you for large collections. It seems completely deserted from the front but Erik’s instructions from Adonis’ text was to go around back through a basement door. Parking his red Audi R8 across the street, Erik puts out his weed, leaving it in his car. Opening the door, Erik’s left foot hits the wet street. 

Fully out of his car, Erik closes the door, turning to walk across the street towards the record shop. Erik is wearing a camouflage pullover hoodie with black sweats and white Jordan 1’s with a low cut style. Bringing his hood up to cover his freshly twisted locs, Erik saunters down a narrow alleyway before making a left turn ending directly behind the record shop. As soon as he approached the red stainless steel cellar doors, Erik knocks twice, stepping away just in time as a tall, carob-skinned man with a bald head and a single gold hoop earring dressed in a black bomber jacket with a dark purple T-shirt and dark blue denim jeans opens the cellar doors. He looked at Erik in an angry or threatening way, his bug-eyes practically sizing Erik up like he wasn’t welcome. Erik was expressionless, no signs of fear towards this shaq looking man whatsoever, instead, Erik pockets his hands and clears his throat to speak. 

“I’m here for rebellion.” Erik says. He was told to say this at the door from Adonis’ text after the gym yesterday. Erik stopped him before Adonis took off in his matte black Chevy corvette. They exchanged numbers so that Adonis could text him the address and password for entry into the fight club. 

“Why do you seek rebellion?” The man spoke with a voice as hard as the blade of a shovel. 

“Because of this effeminized society that forces me to live a dull and meaningless life,” Erik says with an even tone. 

“Come in, quick,” The man says, “I’m Damion, the owner of this record shop.”

“Erik,” He shook hands with the man before entering the basement of the record shop through the cellar doors. There are metal shelves filled with boxes and janitorial items. Following Damion, Erik could hear hoots and hollers growing louder and louder within the basement. A black drape ahead separated Erik and Damion from the fight club. When the drape was pulled back, the badly lit room with a boxing ring and a crowd of at least thirty people awaited Erik. The shouts and roars are angry and free in Erik’s ears. It smelled like sweat, liquor, weed, and Vaseline mixed with coagulate. 

There, in the middle of the ring with his fists tightly clenched, black boxer shorts hanging low on his hips, and left nose bleeding is Adonis himself. What would be his excuse this time when he went to work the next day? Maybe that he tripped and fell face first, bloodying up his nose. He bares his teeth that are just as bloody as his nose, punching his opponent so hard that they fall to the floor of the ring, his head pinched between the floor of the ring and Adonis’ left knee. Adonis kept slamming his fist into the bridge of his opponents nose——a beefy looking white man with ginger hair and a large leprechaun tattoo on his broad back. He did it again and again in flat hard packing sounds you could hear over all the yelling until the ginger-haired man caught enough breath and sprayed blood to say, stop. Just as those words fell from his lips with difficulty, Adonis stands to his full height, fisting the air with triumph. 

“WHO WANTS NEXT? The night is just getting started!!” Adonis yells, voice like a rising storm, “THE RING IS FREE!”

“I’ll take him on!” A random black guy wearing a FedEx uniform says, pointing to a tall blonde-haired alternative-looking white guy with arm tattoos and nails painted black, “He’s been giving me a dirty look all night, let’s see what your hands are like. I had a long fucking day too,” The FedEx worker removed his hat revealing a clean faded haircut with waves, “Lets go!!! Don’t act scared now!!”

The ginger-haired white man was pulled from the ring, a bloody trail from his face following him. Adonis slid between the ropes and hopped out of the ring, walking through the crowded room until he reached a table with a series of water bottles and towels. Adonis grabs a bottle of water to drink, his grip crushing the plastic bottle before he tosses it away. Erik’s attention was brought back to the ring when the black guy kicked the air out of the alternative white guy then landed on him pounding him limp. The white guy clawed his neck for him to stop and that’s when he backed off with a viscous laugh. The blonde took this opportunity to give him a taste of his medicine. His left fist connected with the black guy's face, spit flying from between his full lips. 

Yeah! Yeah! Kick his ass! 

It was like a raging storm in that room. Erik walks further into the room, bumping shoulders accidentally with a wild amped up Al Pacino look alike with slicked back hair and what looked to be a waiter’s uniform on. These men came all the way here from their boring jobs to relieve some tension. Erik took his spot in a corner, his commanding yet piercing eyes scanning the room. He sought out Adonis again, finding him shouting into the ring. Erik was standing under one of only several lights in the after-midnight blackness of a basement full of men. In the ring two new guys are fighting. One of the men has his opponent's arms behind his head in a full nelson and rammed his face into the ring floor until his teeth bit down on the inside of his cheek. He kept going, even when the guy yelled stop. Adonis jumped into the ring, yanking the guy away and earning a right hook to his face. Erik hisses before grabbing his own jaw as if he could feel it. 

“WHAT ARE THE FUCKING RULES, HUH?!” Adonis head butts him, knocking the guy to the floor before looking down on him with vengeful eyes, “WHEN THEY YELL STOP! YOU FUCKING STOP! Get up,” Adonis throws up his fists, “I said get the fuck up!”

Yeah Adonis! Teach him a lesson!

Body glistening from sweat and muscles perfectly sculpted as if they were carved out of limestone, Adonis beats this man down with just his fists, no special combo move like he’s some wrestler. The guy had enough, throwing his hands up in surrender. Adonis smiles with his blood stained teeth. There’s grunting and noise at fight club like at the gym, but fight club isn’t about looking good. There’s hysterical shouting in tongues like at church, except this isn’t a holy sanctuary like your grandmother would drag you to every Sunday morning to praise and worship. Erik briefly wondered who is responsible for mopping up the blood and sweat from the ring floor after all of this is over. Just standing there watching has his adrenaline spiked. Adonis raises his head towards the ceiling before opening his eyes, the low light making the blood on his face glisten. 

His chocolate eyes scanned the room and when they landed on Erik he seemed to freeze with shock but then a knowing smile appeared on his face. Erik returned the same smile bobbing his head in greeting. Adonis left the ring and squeezed through the small crowd of men before finally coming face to face with Erik. Erik’s eyes sparked as they quickly swept Adonis’ drenched body. He had to suck in a quick breath to calm the pulse coming from his dick. All this charged up, aggressive energy is what Erik craves every time he fucks a man. That fighting back before surrendering to him when all his fat dick enters them. Adonis looked like the type to fight back, Erik really wanted to see that for himself. He hoped it would be sooner rather than later. 

“Looks like underground street fights are a new favorite of mines,” Erik chuckled. 

The corners of Adonis’ eyes crinkled as he smiled, “Didn’t think you would really show up.”

“I’m not all bark and no bite, bruh. When I say I’m gonna be somewhere, I make it happen. Anyway, I ain’t never seen shit like this so I wasn’t about to pass that up,” Erik’s lashes fluttered and his tongue glided across his bottom lip, his gold slugs twinkling in the low light like diamonds. Adonis’ brows knitted and his eyes fell to Erik’s lips. He caught himself staring and backed away, scratching the tip of his nose and taking a deep breath, his pectorals dancing one at a time. Erik’s eyes flickered with mischief and he crossed his arms over his chest. 

“I broke the code inviting you here, you know that?” Adonis looks around, “I’m surprised nobody called you out to fight them. When that happens, you have to fight. That’s the rules.” 

“I don’t abide by rules easily,” Erik’s eyes are ablaze but his voice is like melted honey, “And clearly neither do you. I do my own thing. Is there some contract you have to sign to be involved in this shit?”

“First thirty names on the list get in, if you get in, you set up your fight right away, if you want to fight. If not, there are guys that do so maybe you should stay home.” Adonis points to his left brow, “A couple of stitches fixed this, some of these guys leave here with injuries so bad they need a bed in the hospital...It ain’t for everybody.” 

“But yet here they are getting their asses handed to em’,” Erik shakes his head, “Looks like you need a drink.” 

“I do, I was actually headed to the bar around the corner after this,” Adonis lifted a single brow as his eyes peered into Erik’s, “You’re welcome to join me if you want...I can tell you more about the fight club...looks like you’re interested in joining.” 

“Maybe,” Erik surveyed Adonis’ face, “We could get to know each other a little? You know, I feel like you’re a cool dude, wouldn’t mind kickin’ it over drinks.” 

“I don’t see why not,” Adonis gives Erik a quizzical look before backing away, “Meet me at The Spare Room around the corner from here.” 

Erik chuckles as he watches Adonis back away, stroking the length of his beard while he takes in the vibe of Adonis’ body language, “Aight, I’ll be waiting for you at the bar.” 

_____________________________________________________________

“I ordered for you if that’s cool? Whiskey.” 

Adonis is sporting a black and grey Nike zip-up hoodie with matching track pants and black AirMax on his feet. He settles next to Erik at the bar before drumming his fingers nervously on the polished wood of the bar countertop. The bartender serves them two glass tumblers filled with whiskey and a black cocktail straw. Erik removes his straw and drinks straight from the rim of his glass. Adonis stirs the ice in his glass around before taking a hefty sip over the rim as well. 

“What are you going to tell your job tomorrow about that purple bruise under your eye and that bloody nose? You tripped and hit your face against a brick wall?” Erik cracks a smile.

“I’m off tomorrow,” Adonis touches the bruise under his eye, wincing a bit, “That punch was brutal.” 

“I felt that shit myself. Damn, he got your ass good.” 

“And I got his ass right back,” Adonis proclaimed. 

Erik finishes his drink before calling on the bartender for more.

“After a fight I usually get some pussy to calm me down but good pussy is hard to come by these days,” Adonis stretches his back, “I ain’t been in good pussy in a minute…”

Erik’s jaw clenched at the way Adonis said pussy. He glanced over at Adonis, watching him drink from his glass. 

“Shoot Andrea a text, maybe she’ll stop by and give you that pussy you’ve been craving,” Erik motions for 

Adonis to pick up his phone, “The night is still young, ain’t too late to get in that puss...ain’t never too late.”

Adonis arched a single brow at Erik, “...You fuck her?”

“She yours?” Erik twirled his glass while studying his drink.

“Nah, she’s not...but did you hit?”

Erik bites his bottom lip, “Once, around the time I first hired her. She got it.”

“I know, I been it before,” Adonis shakes his head, “You fuck all the women on your staff?” 

“Yeah, if they want this fat dick.” 

Adonis stirred in his seat, “Another round, homie.”

The bartender fills his glass, the liquid sloshing around the only sound between them until the bartender walks away. 

“You mad I dipped into Drea?” Erik asks casually.

“Can’t be mad at that. She’s not mine...remember?” 

“I got this feeling that if she was yours...you would use this bar top to crack my head open,” Erik flashes Adonis a dimpled smile, “That’s if you can though.” 

“You talk like you would want that,” Adonis squinted his eyes. 

“I like aggression,” Erik says with a hushed tone. Adonis looked away, pondering Erik’s words. He couldn’t explain it but the way he said that felt as if he were flirting with him. Adonis pulls his phone out of his pocket at that exact moment to find Andrea’s number. He shoots her a quick you up text before returning to his drink. 

“You from around here,” Adonis asked to clear the growing tension. It only worked a little. 

“South Central. You?” 

“Crenshaw up until the age of twelve, in and out of Juvie until my dad's wife found me…”

“Your mom wasn’t around?” Erik asked.

“She died when I was ten. Never knew my dad until his wife took me in...from there I moved to Tarzana to live in this mansion. My whole life changed. Found out who my pops was too. Apollo Creed.” 

“Shit...you serious?” Erik’s eyebrows disappeared behind his dreads, “Bro...that’s WILD...why didn’t you follow in your father's footsteps?”

“I didn’t want to be known as Apollo Creed’s son and expected to be the next Creed star. I wanted to do my own thing, you know? That pro boxer shit didn’t stroke my curiosity. All the fame, all the attention. Nah, underground street fighting is my thing.”

“I’m sure your old man would be proud either way though, you’re a hot head just like him.” 

Adonis smirks, “That’s what I’ve been told.” 

“I know mine would be proud of me...lost him to the streets back in 92’ when the riots were going on. He was an activist like my momma. He protected me from getting shot on my tricycle. It humbled me...Still got my momma. She moved back to New Orleans two years ago.”

“Those riots were crazy. I’m sorry about your father...shit is tough.” 

Erik sighs, “It is, but it just reminds me of how lucky I am to have him as a father. Made me the man I am today.” 

“Yeah...I got nothing but love for my dad even though I never met him. Took me a while to get here though, it wasn’t a walk in the park. Got siblings I didn’t connect with in the beginning but now we’re tight. Mary Anne...that’s my step-mom’s name, she didn’t have to raise me, could have left me in the system.”

“What was your real mom’s name?”

“Vivica. She was an aspiring model. My dad met her at some Hollywood party. They slept around for a while but then Mary Anne found out so he ended things. My mom got pregnant, kept the pregnancy a secret until she passed from a brain aneurysm. By then my pops was already gone. Mary Anne found out and raised me.”

“Man,” Erik dragged his hand down his face, “This whole conversation turned heavy so quick. Let’s fill up these glasses, we need more liquor.”

“I second that.”

The bartender gladly refilled their glasses. For a little while longer, Erik and Adonis talked, learning more about each other. They argued about their favorite Anime, the best clubs in LA, and other random shit that had them laughing. They had only met about six days ago and they talked like old friends catching up. Adonis asks for a bottle of water since he has to drive. The bartender brings him his bottle at the precise moment that his phone buzzes. Picking up his phone, Adonis unlocks it to find a text with an image attached from Andrea. Opening the text, Adonis’ eyes became stormy with lust and his bottom lip poked out with need. 

“Goddamn,” He muttered. Andrea always knew how to get him worked up. She’s on the floor naked with her legs spread wide in front of her floor mirror, peanut skin glistening from whatever body oil she used and that phat, creamy pussy with all her glistening pink spread open and freshly waxed for him to come play with. He remembers how sweet she tastes. Adonis’ tongue rolled around his teeth before forcing his eyes away, locking the phone and placing it within his pocket. He was about to be all up in that pussy. 

“Andrea?” Erik says with a sly smirk. 

“Yeah...she really miss me,” Adonis retrieves his wallet from his pocket, “I can cover the drinks—“

“It’s already on my tab, bruh. Don’t worry about it. Go ahead and handle your business.” 

“You ain’t have to do that, Erik,” Adonis stands from his stool.”

“Think of it as a victory drink for the champion of underground street fighting,” Erik held up his glass to Adonis before knocking back the rest of the contents. 

“I hope that’s your last drink, your eyes are so fucking low.” 

“It is, I gotta get home, I’m pretty tired,” Erik tells the bartender to close his tab before standing from his seat. He dabs Adonis, bringing him in for a brief bro hug, pulling away so that his cologne wouldn’t have his dick brushing up against his. He didn’t need that to happen so soon. 

“I’ll holla at you, Erik,” Adonis turns to leave the bar. 

Erik watches him exit before short, heated breaths escaped his mouth. Erik signs his receipt before leaving himself. While walking to the car, Erik pulls his phone from his hoodie pocket, scrolling through his messages, and finding the person he was looking for. 

Erik: Still on for tomorrow night with you and hubby?

Jodie: Absolutely💕 we’ll see you tomorrow night! Can’t wait 😘

______________________________________________________________

Andrea has an apartment at the Madison Toluca in North Hollywood, CA. It’s a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a black, red, and white color scheme. Adonis arrived shortly after 12:30 AM and knocked on her door. Her All black Yorkipoo—-a mixed breed of a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle, named Cookie was barking at the door when he knocked. Andrea could be heard yelling at Cookie before opening her door. Andrea beamed at Adonis with her big round eyes bewitching and her smile wide and pretty. She was wearing a teal blue Nike sports bra with a pair of black high crotch panties and bare feet. Her platinum blonde pixie cut is wet and slicked back from her shower and her peanut skin still glowed from the oil on her body. 

“I didn’t get a response from you so I didn’t think you would show up,” Andrea stepped to the side to allow Adonis entry, “What made you text me tonight to see if I was up?”

“You know how I get after a fight.”

 Adonis closed the space between them and grabbed the back of Andrea’s neck, tilting her head back enough to have her back bending before his thick tongue slithered up her neck and to her lips for a kiss. Adonis always itched for sex after a fight. His dick on swole and his hands unexcused Adonis cuffed Andrea’s ass, damn near pulling her from the ground. They continued to kiss, suck, and lick all over each other’s mouth to savor the taste. 

“Damn, got my dick heavy right now, girl,” Adonis squeezes Andrea’s ass, “come on, I want that pretty pussy.” 

“Donnie,” Andrea moaned, voice as pure and sweet as if from heaven, “I miss the way you used to fuck me.” 

“Uh-huh?” Adonis lifts Andrea off her feet, wrapping her legs around him, “How I used to fuck you?” 

“So good baby,” Andrea thumbed Adonis’ pouty bottom lip before peppering light kisses along them, “I miss your lips on my pussy too.” 

“I can’t wait to taste it again, is she still nice and creamy?”

“Always, daddy,” Andrea’s body shook with anticipation in his arms, “Damn...I’m shaking.” 

“It’s because you need this just as much as I do.” 

“I miss your big dick stuffing me,” Andrea dragged her kisses down Adonis’ neck. 

“You miss the way daddy used to give it to you?”

“Ooh, yes—“ 

“I’ma tear you up, Drea.” 

Adonis brought Andrea to her bedroom, flopping down with her straddling his lap. Andrea giggles like she always does while Adonis kisses along her neck and tongues her cleavage. Andrea’s breath is coming out shallow and fast. Adonis grabbed her face, making her look at him. 

“Breathe,” Adonis pecked her nose, “This dick ain’t going nowhere,” Adonis smirked, “It’s all for you, girl.”

“This my dick?” Andrea leans back so that she could grab for Adonis’ crotch, “It’s so goddamn thick goddamn baby.”

“I’m tryna make you cream all over it.”

Adonis was in an intense tongue-lock with Andrea while she stroked him through his track pants. She broke the kiss with a trail of spit before lifting from Adonis’ lap and dropping to her knees. A constant hiss escaped her mouth as she fumbled with his track pants. Discovering his waistband, Andrea pulls his pants and briefs down and around his ankles. That fat, long, swinging dick almost hit her in the face. Andrea grabs it before putting it right in her mouth where it belongs. While Andrea Gluck-Glucked Adonis removed his hoodie and the black T-shirt beneath it. 

“I just wanna fuck your face and eat your pussy until you can’t take it anymore,” Adonis tilted his head back, “Drea, fuck.” 

Adonis curses under his breath when Andrea gave his heavy balls some attention before bringing her lips back to that fat tip. Adonis dragged his fingers through her wet, short platinum blonde strands before palming the back of her neck and forcing more dick into her mouth. The loud slurping was something Adonis missed heavily. His hips were practically off of the bed now, lip between his teeth and eyebrows knitted together. 

“I miss this fucking mouth,” Adonis fucked Andrea’s mouth, “Shit, Drea, you still got it girl, this mouth is still a beast.” 

Andrea smirked before stroking his spit covered dick while sucking the tip. She really missed his dick from the way she was eating it up. Adonis wasn’t about to stop her, he simply widened his legs and laid back on his elbows. 

“You finna have a nigga bust,” Adonis’ abdomen flexed, “I needed this so fucking bad, make me bust, girl.” 

The eye contact she was giving him had Adonis balls so full with his tasty cum. 

“Just loving on me,” He says before chewing on his bottom lip, “Mmhmmm,” his eyes closed and his brows pressed together tightly. 

Andrea planted her hands on the bed and started bobbing her head up and down his dick while moving her head in a circular motion. 

“Slow down...yes, yes, like that,” Adonis’ lips parted. 

He could literally feel the corners of the inside of Andrea’s mouth and her tight pouty lips nice and steady on his dick. She manipulated that muscular organ in her mouth to flick back and forth on the base of his dick and his balls each time she went down. 

“Love on my dick, babygirl, Drea I’m about to bust, you ready?” Adonis’ eyes squeezed shut and he completely fell back against the bed, “good girl slurp all that shit up oh my fucking God,” Adonis exploded in Andrea’s mouth damn near making her choke. 

“Get up here,” He says, picking Andrea up and bringing her on the bed. Andrea was on her knees, shaking her slim thick booty in his face, her pussy wide with anticipation. Her cream made a mess of her pussy and it was begging to be licked up. Adonis smacks each ass cheek before giving both of them a nice, appreciative kiss. His lips tickled and they felt so moist against Andrea’s skin. She widened her thighs and arched her back more, practically pushing her pussy into Adonis’ face for him. 

“You shoving this beautiful pussy in my face?”

Andrea nods her head with a bite of her lip. Adonis turns around, laying his head between Andrea’s thighs before wrapping one arm around her waist with the other hand occupied with jerking his fat pole. Andrea sat on his face fully before grinding Adonis’ lips. He leans forward to place his lips on her pussy, serving her tongue with long trails of spit. The wiggle of his wet tongue had her lifting up on her hands, thighs shaking. Adonis takes both of his thumbs, peeling her open.

His damn tongue.

“Ooh, yes, Donnie.” 

Her entire body shivered.

Adonis’ tongue was dripping with spit and warm against her inner folds. He was in the middle of spelling out his name with the tip of his tongue all up and down her slit. With the D Andrea’s body shivered. With the O she started shuddering in breaths of gasping completion. With the two N’s Andrea clawed the bed. The letter I made a shape over her clit at the right angle. After the E He sucked her pussy into his mouth. 

“When you lick me you never miss a spot,” She said with a voice like the harmony of angles. Adonis lapped at her pussy some more in response to her words, “Donnie, please don’t stop, baby...I’m gonna cum, Donnie keep doing that to me.” 

Adonis gave her sloppy suction kisses down to her entrance and back up to her clit, keeping her lips apart so he could really get inside. He repeated and repeated, slurping and sucking and licking and kissing. He went faster and faster and she bucked her hips into his mouth, cries getting louder and louder.

“Mmmm, yes, do it like that,” Andrea said with a sensual voice. 

“How bad do you want to cum?” Adonis said before he slurped on her clit and her labia at the same time, moaning himself feeling his precum wet his fingers.

 “Really bad daddy...I wanna cum so fucking bad from your dirty mouth...make me scream.”

“Fuck. You may be a sweetheart but you a freak for sure.” 

Adonis concentrates on tonguing and sucking all the spots that have Andrea’s hips bucking and her pussy smothering him. 

“Daddy...guess what?” Andrea’s eyes watered and heat crept up her body. 

“Uh-huh, I got that pussy cumming?” Adonis’ words are muffled with the way his lips trailed all over Andrea’s pussy. 

With that Andrea’s body froze as her orgasm washed over her. Remembering how good Adonis ate her pussy wasn’t enough for her. Now she was experiencing it again while sitting on his face. He was going for round two from what it felt like. He kept saying over and over how much he needed her beautiful phat pussy and how he was going to dick her down just like that with her back arched. Andrea was ready to crawl off of him when her second orgasm hit her. She squealed so loud her throat went raw. Satisfied, Adonis resurfaced, his lips and freshly shaved chin glistening from her juicy folds. 

“Come taste how sweet you are.” 

Andrea turns, wrapping her arms around Adonis’ shoulders before licking his lips. She hummed with satisfaction while pulling him down on top of her body. 

“Pussy is gushy baby,” Adonis held all his body weight up on one hand while the other played with Andrea’s folds, “That pussy just needs me in it...I could tell from how your eyes lit up when you saw me… miss the way I bust this tight kitty open...I wanna stick my dick so deep in it.”

Adonis leans down on his elbow to kiss Andrea again while he rubbed her clit. His dick is like a swinging pendulum between his legs right now, desperate and hard for Andrea’s pussy. Adonis has enough of teasing Andrea with how fast his heart beats and how painfully hard he is. Grabbing his dick, mixing the wetness on his fingers from her pussy on his pre-cum laden dick, Adonis lined up with Andrea’s pussy before thrusting in slowly, widening her thighs at the same time. Adonis groaned when he was fully inside, making sure to watch her face so that he could see all of her expressions. 

“Ahhh, yes, that’s it.” 

Adonis’ muscular body was mesmerizing from that angle. He began to roll his hips, working all that girth and length in and out of Andrea. Adonis felt Andrea’s pussy squeeze his dick and it only made him go harder. Adonis pulls Andrea’s sports bra off, her perky breasts with dark brown nipples reminding him of Hershey kisses blessing his eyes. Adonis sucked on each titty while he strokes her pussy. The double sensation has Andrea creamy and the macaroni and cheese sound of her pussy grew louder and louder between them. 

“You taking this dick just like you used to,” Adonis pushes her thighs back, “Fuck all that moaning call me daddy while I’m in it.” 

“Daddy,” Andrea whispered. 

“Look at it Drea,” Adonis whispered back. 

Andrea’s eyes traveled down the length of Adonis’ magnificent body to his long, thick dick spreading her open. She couldn’t put into words how full she felt. 

“Pretty, ain’t it?” Adonis whispered, “This how Erik fucked this pussy?”

Andrea’s eyes flicked up to Adonis’ face quickly. She went red with embarrassment, ragged gasps leaving her mouth. 

“What? Answer the question,” Adonis pushed his dick all the way in. Andrea could feel it tickle her navel. 

“Yessssssss,” Andrea answered with an uneven breath. 

“He fuck this pussy in your bed, Drea?” Adonis’ hips were smacking into the back of her thighs, “What he do, girl?”

“He-he fu-fucked me in my b-bed,” Andrea stuttered. Adonis heard himself grunt at her response. Had he ever gotten off on another man fucking the same chick as him? No. Probably wouldn’t have cared in the past but for some reason, knowing that Erik hit Drea too has him harder than he was seconds ago.

“You call him daddy?” 

“Yes!!! Donnie, baby, it’s so much dick,” Andrea’s face frowned with ecstasy.

“And this pussy is good so you’re getting all this dick, baby,” Adonis reaches up to grab onto Andrea’s headboard and she knows what that means. Andrea held onto his waist with a death grip to prepare herself. Adonis started descending his dick all at once in Andrea’s pussy. No pause, no warning, just nothing but a fat dick with all its length sinking into her drenched pussy fluently. It felt like she wasn’t in control of her body anymore. 

“Donnie, please please please,” Her mouth opened, no words escaping. 

“Did he call you his nasty little girl?” Adonis says with a voice so gruff and guttural. He looked down at his dick working the hell out of Andrea’s pussy. The muscles in his back and arms burned in a good way. He was tearing Andrea up from this angle, “Got me going crazy in this pussy...I needed this pussy.” 

“Daddy, daddy I’m gonna squirt,” Andrea’s toes curled. Her body didn’t feel like it belonged to her anymore with the way Adonis was taking her pussy. Andrea trembled while her pussy leaked it’s sweet juices all over his dick. 

“Got that pussy cumming?!! You ain’t answer my question...he calls you his nasty little girl?” 

“No,” she spoke faintly, “He called me his nasty little bitch.” 

Adonis bit down on his lip hard. He pumped her fast a few more times before withdrawing from her tightness, flipping her over and arching her back deep. 

“Nasty little bitch? Huh? You like that name?” Adonis sounded harsh, “Keep that ass up Drea, come on baby...I got something for you.” 

“DADDY!!” Andrea wasn’t prepared for that big surprise just now. Adonis has both of his large hands on her waist while he plowed her. She never had this rough amount of treatment from him. 

“Daddy, shit,” her shoulders fell forward against the bed. High-pitched moans filled the room and her cheeks smacking and ricocheting off of Adonis’ rock hard hips was stinging her flesh. He was hostile and she loved the change. Sure, Adonis’ much gentle side was always just as good but to see him use her body the way he was it had her squirting and she never experienced squirting while having sex with him. She needed more of this. 

“Throw it back, Drea, keep going, baby,” Adonis watched her struggle. It didn’t matter to him, his big dick was nice and wet. 

“Nasty little girl, huh?” 

“Yes,” Her breath was rattled. 

“Come on and make this dick cum.” Adonis grabbed her hips, forcing her back to take all his length. Andrea screamed.

“That’s how you do it, so do it, girl, I’m not showing you again,” Adonis watched her do it right this time with a smirk, “That’s my nasty little girl… take this dick...keep taking this dick.”

“Daddy-“

“Why is this lil’ pussy so fat? Damn,” Adonis felt his nut sack jump, “Look at this beautiful, fat pussy, go ahead and cum Drea, go ahead baby.” 

“Yes, daddy, Unh!!!!!” 

Andrea slows down, Adonis taking over again, giving it to her and moaning the closer he got to cumming. 

“That pretty pussy, fuck, take this nut girl,” Adonis’ words were stuck in his throat the second he let off in her pussy with his thick cum. Thank God she was taking contraceptives because she would be pregnant with all his damn babies with how thick and heavy his load is. Adonis retracted his hips, dick sliding out and his cum dripping from Andrea’s gaping entrance. His dick left a serious imprint with how much wider her slick hole is. 

“Damn,” Andrea’s body turned over, “That was some kind of fucking,” she giggles, wiping sweat from her face, “What’s gotten into you, Donnie? baby, you were wild in this pussy tonight.” 

“Lack of pussy does that to you,” Adonis stood from the bed, stretching out his back muscles. Andrea tilted her head while staring at his dick. 

“Round two?” Andrea begged. 

Adonis sighed, “I need some water first.” 

“How do you know Erik anyway?” 

Adonis shrugged, “Comic Con. It was a random situation. He gave me his business card and that’s how I ended up at his gym.” 

Andrea gave Adonis a playful smile, “Are you mad that I fucked him? It was only once, Adonis.” 

“Nah, I’m not mad,” Adonis gave Andrea a once-over with his chocolate eyes, “But you liked that I brought it up...that pussy was choking my dick.” 

“I did. Maybe we should have a threesome. I would love it if you both fucked me.” 

Adonis felt his chest grow tight from her words. His face twisted up with confusion at the feeling. Was that...anticipation? Nervous excitement? 

“Maybe, you should get on all fours again so I can come back and get some more of that pussy,” Adonis responded before leaving her room to grab them both some water. 

_____________________________________________________________

Parked on a hill on Valley Ridge Ave. in View Park, CA,

Erik pulled out his phone to remind himself of the address. 4515. DVSN- Still Pray for You stopped playing when Erik turned his car off. Air Jordan 3 Retro’s, Khaki cargo pants, white T-shirt, a denim jacket, and layered gold chains was Erik’s outfit for the evening. His dreads are side swept, a few of them falling in his eyes. He slouched slightly in his gait, oozing confidence. The home is an iconic 1930 Spanish Revival with stunning city views, exceptional vintage details, custom modern updates, a large beautiful private yard with a tiered flat grassy area, patio, and an herb garden. Jogging up the steps, Erik knocked on the green door, stepping back before swatting away a moth that lingered near the porch light. 

The door unlocked, Jodie standing before Erik with a glass of red wine in her hand and a long charcoal grey T-shirt dress with a high slit, coffee brown eyes fringed with false lashes and copper skin looking soft and silky. Her lush lips are glossy and her blue-black hair is in a sleek low bun. Erik’s eyes traveled from her toes that are painted a fuchsia pink up her shapely legs, over her poked out hip and up to her heart-shaped face. Sweet notes of apple and apricot wafted from her skin the closer Erik got to her. He leaned down to kiss her glossy lips delicately, his tongue tasting the gloss. Jodie’s oval-shaped pink ombré nail skimmed Erik’s jawline with fascination. 

“Hi,” Jodie said with a pleasant voice. 

“Hey,” Erik whispered back, the suave way he said it causing Jodie to nibble on her lip. 

“Do you want some wine?” Jodie offered. 

“I’ll take some wine,” Erik closes Jodie’s front door, “Where is the party?”

“For now, in the living room.” 

Jodie pointed towards the area in question before walking away with a sway of her extremely thick hips towards the kitchen. Erik found the living room, Jodie’s husband, Vance, seated on the couch, smoking some weed, denim cut-off shorts on, an olive green linen short sleeve button-down shirt with a bandanna print open and revealing his athletic body. The deep brown complexion of his skin looked satiny beneath the living room lights. His chiseled face with sharp cheekbones made him look like a male model and Erik especially loved the nose ring on his broad nose. His full lips smirked at him before taking yet another puff of weed. That fresh fade with glossy waves and perfectly groomed beard has Erik lusting even more. 

Vance spoke with a husky voice, “Erik...glad you came.” 

“Me too...let me hit that.”

Vance shared his weed with Erik. 

“Training TRX on Wednesday next week?” Vance asked. 

“I am. I’m not here to talk about my gym though, you know that,” Erik said, savoring the weed, “I ain’t know you went both ways, Vance.” 

Vance cracked a smile, “Yeah, I’m bisexual. Me and Jodie. We’ve been trying to hook up a threesome with a man for a while and then Jodie said she saw you out a few weeks ago at the Avalon with some dude tonguing him down.”

“A date I met on Tinder, fucked him good that night too,” Erik’s head relaxed against the couch, licking his lips to the memory. 

“I bet you did,” Vance passed the weed, “He takes it well too?”

“He needed to be trained, but I’m good at that..have them coming back for more in no time.” 

“Mm,” Vance’s eyes glossed down to Erik’s crotch where his dick print was visible on his left thigh. Vance shook his head as his breath rushed out. Erik was a big boy. 

“You looking for something?” Erik spoke softly, the sensation of the weed sweeping deeper, “it’s right here,” Erik squeezed his dick, the cargo pants molding around the shape of it, “You want this dick?” Erik’s eyes looked at Vance’s big lips and he just knew those juicy lips would feel fucking fantastic sucking on him. 

“I do, I want that dick.” 

“Put that weed out and come get it, that’s why I’m here right? Get the fuck over here,” Erik takes off his denim jacket, widening his thighs, “That pretty ass mouth you got...I need my dick sucked now…do it slow too.” 

Vance’s hand gripped Erik’s dick through his pants. Erik made it jump against his hand. Vance let out a groan. 

“Come on, boy, my shit is thick right now.” 

Vance went to work on Erik’s pants, pulling them down and around his ankles. He couldn’t wait to satisfy the beautiful massive dick in front of his eyes. Slide that big dick in his hungry mouth and drain his balls. Speaking of balls...they are heavy and soft to the touch. Erik slouched, pulling his T-shirt up to reveal his taut abdomen, defined pectorals, and bulging biceps. His dick was standing up and the veins looked like a work of art on his chocolate pole. 

“From the way you’re looking at it I can tell you’ve been wondering just how big this dick is...right, nigga?”

“Yes…”

“Yeah...it’s here for you and your wife...where is wifey at anyway? Jodie!” Erik called for her.

“I’m here—Ooh,” Jodie sauntered over and placed Erik’s wine on the coffee table. She’s in her purple lace bra and panties set. Jodie dropped to her knees next to Vance. She stared at Erik’s dick in a trance. 

“Let me feel those soft ass lips, Vance,” Erik slapped Vance on the cheek, startling him, “Yeah, you taking too long, baby boy, all this fat dick in front of you. Show your wife how you suck some nut out of the dick.”

“Damn, Erik,” Jodie’s eyes are love-struck. 

Vance gripped Erik’s dick and pumped him nice and steady, making sure to squeeze a little just beneath the tip of his dick so he could watch his pre-cum spill from his slit. Spreading the pre-cum along the sides of Erik’s dick, Vance’s big lips engulfed half of Erik’s dick, bobbing his head while reaching down to gently squeeze his balls. Erik kept his gaze pointed downward, looking from his dick being sucked by Vance and Jodie watching with envious eyes. Jodie has to grab hold of something so she placed her hand over Vance’s erection, his visible erection pressed hard against his denim cut-offs. 

“Two big dicks just for me,” Jodie spoke with excitement. 

“Don’t worry, ma, you’ll have some of this dick in your mouth too, Fuckkkk...yeah, suck that shit...suck that fat dick...oooh, you really wanted this shit, hungry ass nigga...don’t get too greedy your wife need some of that too.”

“Yes I do,” Jodie has Vance’s jeans and briefs down with his dark chocolate dick in her hand, nice and warm. It’s more so long than girthy. She jerked him while watching Vance slurp up Erik. 

“Vance...baby...get that dick,” She whimpered. 

Erik will never get over how good Vance’s lips feel. He thrust his hips, forcing more girth and length into Vance’s greedy mouth. Damn, he can deep throat too. 

“Look at you deep throating this wood, boy. You miss big black dick in your mouth, yeah? Miss a nice pair of heavy balls too? I got a load waiting just for you...all you gotta do is be a good boy…”

Erik’s eyes went so low that his long lashes made them seem like they are closed. Jodie’s hand twisted Vance’s erection and each time Erik’s dick hit the back of Vance’s throat, his dick would jump in Jodie’s hand. She arched her back and brought her lips to Vance’s dick. Jodie wasted no time slurping along Vance’s dick. One look at Jodie’s ass in the air has Erik reaching down, his thick fingers clawing her lace panties and yanking them from her ass in pieces. That action made her lips tighten around Vance’s dick and Vance moaned. 

“How that dick taste Jodie?” Erik asked. 

“Delicious,” She said before slurping Vance up some more. 

“Got that phat ass in the air...I already know that pussy phat with the way it sits in your leggings at the gym…”

“Mmm,” Vance cast his eyes upwards watching as Erik’s toned abdomen is exposed, reaching up to run his hand along the deep ridges of the cut muscle, slurping along his dick. He worked more of Erik into his mouth until his nose touched his trimmed hairs, feeling his length curve down his throat as he took him all the way. 

Jodie was in the middle of gagging on Vance’s dick, her spit staining the carpet the more she tried to swallow him. She reached beneath her, hand finding her creamy pussy before spreading her folds to rub her clit in circles. Erik could hear Jodie’s pussy from his seat on the couch. He groans deep, mouth hanging open from the way Vance was sucking him. He tilts his head to watch Jodie while holding the back of Vance’s head to fuck his throat. 

“FUCK!” Erik let out the curse before gripping Vance’s throat, hips jerking from how purposefully tight Vance’s lips are as his mouth slipped off, “Let Jodie have some.” 

Jodie’s lips popped off of Vance’s dick. Erik gazed at Vance’s dark brown dick. All that dark chocolate. He’s long as fuck too. Ain’t nothing Erik can’t handle down his throat. Too bad tonight was his night to get all the work. Jodie moaned before gripping Erik’s spit covered dick. Her tongue flicked Erik’s dick before she locked eyes with him, batting her false lashes like she’s innocent with all that fat dick in her mouth. 

“Damn, girl, crazy with it,” Erik leaned forward to slap both of Jodie’s cheeks hard, “Got all this hard dick down your pretty little throat...got your Hubby taking off his clothes...you see your wife sucking my dick, Vance? She a dick hungry bitch.” 

Vance is completely naked now. He pumped his long dick while leaning over Erik’s lap to hope for Jodie’s lips to slip off so he could take over again. Jodie lets her throat get fucked, gagging only slightly before fighting it back down, eyes turned up to watch the pleasure on Erik’s face as she feels Erik’s dick stretching out her esophagus. Jodie moans around his length, reveling in the taste of Erik on her tongue.

“Jodie,” Vance calls to her while gently squeezing Erik’s balls, “put his dick in my mouth.”

“You want some more of his hard, thick dick? Here,” Jodie feeds Vance Erik’s dick, “Suck it baby…”

“Husband and wife working together...Jodie...let me see that pussy,” Erik showed her how wide his tongue is. 

Jodie climbed onto the couch, turning with her ass facing Erik before bending over on her knees. Her pussy lips are pushed between her thick thighs. Two slippery lips that he wanted to kiss. 

“Spread your cheeks so I can see all that pink pussy...mmmmm,” Erik hisses, “Pussy creamy as fuck,” Erik licks his fingers before resting them on Jodie’s protruding clit and labia. He loved how smooth and soft she is. It looked like chocolate and from the way she tasted on his fingers it was just as sweet too. 

“Come here,” Erik spoke firmly, slapping Jodie’s ass, “lay on your back and spread your thighs so I can finger fuck you.”

“Unh—“

“I wanna feel how tight this little pussy is.” 

Vance jerks Erik’s dick before slobbering on the tip of his dick, “It’s tight...she’ll grip you.” 

“That’s what I want, right Miss Jodie?” 

“Yes, daddy,” Jodie says with a lick of her lips. 

“There you go, baby boy, suck that fucking dick up, suck daddy’s dick up,” Erik demanded. He could feel his balls grow tight and he knew what that meant. He didn’t want to cum yet, not until he had his dick in Vance’s ass and Jodie’s pussy. 

“Erik,” Jodie called to him with a melodic voice. 

Erik watched her bring her knees to her chest, that pussy wide open and her slippery hole winking at him. Erik couldn’t hold back from rubbing Jodie’s clit back and forth before slapping it, causing her to whimper. Erik smoothed his fingers down her pussy before pushing two fingers inside, biting his lip at the way Jodie gasped. 

“Tight fucking puss,” Erik strokes with a curl of his fingers, “I’m digging baby?”

“Yess,” She cries.

“I hear that pussy,” Vance says with spit hanging from his mouth. 

“Come suck her clit,” Erik commanded. Vance and Erik got down on the floor between Jodie’s thighs. Vance spreads her pussy lips so wide that her labia stretched. Erik was astounded when he saw how much cream spilled from Jodie’s pussy. Vance’s tongue curved at the tip while he teased her big clit. 

“Clit big as fuck, Vance stop playing, suck that shit up. Clit nice and phat like that you better suck it.” 

When Vance’s lips wrapped around Jodie’s clit she moaned to the ceiling. Vance reached up to pull the cups of her bra down, her big, round breasts spilling over, creating a mouthful. Erik damn near drooled. He sucked one of her nipples into his mouth while his fingers played all in Jodie’s pussy. Vance was slurping loudly on her pussy and it had Erik slapping Vance’s firm ass. 

“Yeah, nigga,” Erik says, “Got the whole puss in your mouth, make this bitch cum...say, I’ma make this pretty pussy cum.” 

“I’ma make this pretty pussy cum,” Vance says before French kissing Jodie’s clit. 

“I’ma make it squirt,” Erik flicked his tongue on Jodie’s nipple before showing some attention to the other. Jodie gripped his dreads when he went back and forth with sucking her nipples. He had her thrusting her chest into his mouth. 

“Grip me like that again, go ahead, ima put my face in your pussy next,” Erik spoke roughly. 

“Eat my pussy up,” Jodie widened her legs, “There’s plenty...slurp me up daddy.” 

“Nasty bitch, I like you,” Erik was face to face with Vance, “Let me see how that clit fit in my mouth.” 

Vance chuckles before giving Erik some room to eat on Jodie. He helped him by keeping her pussy lips open. Erik was still working his fingers, practically stirring all in Jodie’s creamy cavern. Erik kisses Jodie’s clit, the pecks slowly turning into full blown French kisses that has him opening his mouth wide to wrap his lips around her. 

“Mhm,” Erik’s eyes rolled shut.

“Taste good, yeah?” Vance said while extending his neck to kiss Jodie’s lips, “That’s your pussy on my tongue.”

“Mmm, I taste lovely.” 

Erik spits on Jodie’s clit before working his tongue with so much gusto that Jodie and Vance watched with awe. 

“Ooooh, He’s stroking my pussy with those thick fingers...oooh, I’ma squirt…Vance, baby, he’s gonna make me squirt, baby,” Jodie grabbed for the back of the couch. She became spasmodic and Vance had to hold her down and kiss her lips to distract her so Erik can keep going. That bitch was leaking all in Erik’s mouth. He sucked her up again before tasting his fingers. Vance leaned over Jodie’s lap, getting some of Jodie’s pussy too. 

“Pussy is so goddamn good,” Erik gripped Jodie’s jaw, pressing his lips into hers, “I can’t wait to bust your shit wide open, let’s take this shit to the bed.”

Pulling his lips away, Vance stands with Erik, both of them picking Jodie up. She had her legs wrapped around Erik while Vance stood behind her cupping her titties. Erik bounced Jodie on him like he was fucking her standing. Vance kissed and sucked on her neck at the same time. All three of them took their fun to the bedroom. Jodie grabs some condoms from her dresser, begging to watch Erik fuck Vance first while she rode his face. Vance went to lay on the bed, his knees drawn to his chest. Erik was blessed with the sight of Vance’s tight asshole and heavy balls with his dick resting against his toned abdomen. Jodie climbed on top of Vance’s mouth, turning to give Erik the condom and lube. 

Erik spits on Vance’s asshole before sticking his finger inside. With his free hand, Erik jerks Vance’s long dick 

To keep him solid so he could have something beautiful and chocolate to look at while he banged his ass. Jodie was currently popping her pussy on Vance’s tongue, legs in a squat so her pussy could be nice and spread for him to suck up. It was a beautiful sight. Erik almost wanted to bust from that alone. Staring at Vance’s body now made him think about Adonis. He tilted his head back and stared at the ceiling. Adonis. Nice big lips, sexy rock-hard body, aggressive and competitive, sexy smile, chocolate eyes all intense at one minute then gentle the next, the way he fights…

“Erik I love the way your finger feels in my ass.” 

Vance’s words broke him out of his trance.

“Yeah? Ain’t shit compared to this dick, boy,” Erik removes his finger, grabbing up the magnum to place on his dick. Rolling it over his glans all the way down to the root, Erik applies a little bit of lube for some extra slip. Bending his knees, Erik forced Vance’s thighs back before slapping the weight of his dick against his ass, sinking inside of his warm, tight ass. 

“Damn boy...damn...ass tight as fuck,” Erik started grinding his hips, “Feel all that thick dick pumping?” 

Jodie looked over her sweaty shoulder and saw Erik’s fat condom covered dick thrusting in and out of Vance’s ass. She felt chills all over her flesh and the sexy moans against her pussy and groans from Erik made her cream even more. Jodie can see Erik and Vance’s muscles ripple and flex with their movement. Jodie turned around so that she could 69 with Vance, grabbing his long dick up and going straight at it with a bob of her head. Vance clapped her cheeks before eating both of her holes. 

“Fuck, that’s what I’m talking about Jodie, eat that dick up,” Erik pushes her head down further, “There you go, deep throat that shit.”

Vance was working his hips to take all of Erik’s dick, Erik caught that, rolling his hips to meet Vance half-way so that his dick could be all up in his ass. 

“Got this nigga working his hips to get all this wood,” Erik bites his lip, “ass is creaming already too.” 

“Mmm, I wanna see,” Jodie jerks Vance’s dick while admiring her husband's creamy asshole grip Erik’s dick, “Vance...baby...he got you creamy, mmmm, Vance.

Vance moaned into Jodie’s pussy with each suck. 

“That’s it baby, make this pussy cum...oooh I feel you tugging on that clit, make me nut baby,” Jodie’s eyes almost crossed, Oh God...Oh God...fuuuuuuckkkkkkk babyyyyyyyyyyy—“

“Face hella sexy when you bust, girl,” Erik wrapped his arms around Vance’s thighs and started ramming his dick deep, big balls slapping against his ass. Vance’s core tightened and it seemed to shoot straight to his dick because now he’s cumming in Jodie’s hand. Jodie licked as much away as she could but he kept on erupting. It was Erik’s pounding deep in that ass that had him making a big mess. 

“Oh shit, Erik, fuck,” Vance stared between Jodie’s thighs at Erik, “Dick is all up my ass——“

“I’m taking this ass?” 

“Yes, daddy.”

Jodie could not stop looking at Erik’s hard dick fucking Vance so good. Erik leaned over Vance, his naked chest and those gold chains hanging over Vance’s body. His dreads hung low and he bit down on his lip, working his hips fast and skillful. Jodie needed that dick in her pussy. 

“Ima nut again,” Vance’s handsome face crumbled, “Fuck, Erik, ima bust—-“

“Yeah, nigga, I’ma make that dick cum while I beat this ass up good.” 

Jodie cupped her pussy and rubbed it up and down to the sight of Vance shooting out yet another thick load. Erik pulled out and rocked back on his heels, watching the way Vance’s ass quivered. There is a creamy puddle beneath his ass. Erik removes the condom, walking to Jodie’s dresser to grab another. Rolling it over his still hard erection, Erik walks up to Jodie picking her up and wrapping her legs around him. Erik sits back on the bed, Jodie over him with his hands cradling her ass.

“It’s time to get in you now...nothing but dick deep in your guts…”

Vance stood up from the bed and jerked his dick watching Jodie grab Erik’s dick herself, squatting over his dick before lowering her hips, that thick dick nothing but a flesh covered pole for her to fuck. Jodie was up on her feet, upper body bending over so she could bounce her hips. Her ass cheeks clapped with each bounce while she fed her pussy some dick. Vance went to lay next to Erik so that he could have a better look at his wife handling Erik’s dick. 

“You see that sexy little pussy taking all this dick?” Erik says to Vance before his eyes zeroed in on Vance’s erection, “Dick long as fuck...tear some ass up with this.” 

Erik started Jerking Vance’s dick.

“Get that dick, ma, nasty ass bitch...got my dick all in that pussy...I bet that ass looks real juicy bouncing…”

“This big ass dick.”

Jodie’s cream coated the condom.

“Good dick…” She moaned, “mmmmm, some good fucking dick...so thick...Unh, so good.”

“She’s loving that,” Vance says before grunting from Erik’s thumb stroking his tip, “I love that fat dick too.”

“I know you do, baby boy,” Erik gives Vance a sexy smirk. 

Erik liked the feel of Vance’s dick in his hand but he couldn’t stop wondering how Adonis’ would feel against his palm. Is it thick with a little bit of curve? Does it have length to it for Erik to deep throat? Is it soft to the touch yet textured from his thick veins? He couldn’t shake it. He let go of Vance’s dick and grabbed Jodie’s ankles, picking his hips off the bed and serving her more dick. He didn’t let up on his strokes, knocking the wind out of her chest and making her shout. Vance took over with jerking his dick while his eyes focused on Erik’s powerful hips. 

“KEEP FUCKING ME!” 

“Make her cum, Erik...Make that pussy cum,” Vance said.

“Ahhhhhhhhh,” Erik gritted his teeth, “cum on this dick, bitch...get you some of this dick...she about her business look at her,” Erik and Vance watched Jodie work her hips on his dick, “bounce that shit.”

“Hell yeah, I love watching that big dick pound her pussy,” Vance leans over to tongue Erik’s neck. Erik gripped his chin and flicked tongues with Vance. He broke away from him to moan out. His balls contracted rhythmically with his dick and that was a sign that he was ready to pump his fat load all over their faces. 

“Get down on your knees, both of y’all, hurry up, fuck, I gotta bust!”

Vance and Jodie are on their knees and Erik stands before them, snatching his condom off before fisting his dick. All of that cum squeezed out from his heavy sack all over Vance and Jodie’s face, mouth, and wiggling tongue. 

“Clean this dick up,” Erik spoke with a gruff tone. Both of their tongues battled for a taste. The feeling of two sets of lips on his dick made more cum dribble. Vance took over and sucked him, Erik pulling his dick from his mouth to give Jodie some. He allowed his dick to swing back and forth for them to catch and suck. 

“Y’all gon’ have me fucking again,” Erik shook his head, “Damn...y’all love this dick.”

Watching them attack his dick had Erik satisfied but there was still part of him that needed more. 

Adonis was going to be trouble...if only he would accept his attraction for Erik so he could really show him how badly he needs him. Erik wasn’t going to wait too long either. 

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[chrmiing]

▍ What is R.O.A.R.

          Royal Order of Auradon Regimen eg. R.O.A.R for short is an agile based fencing sport curated in the last 20 years during the union of the kingdoms. The sports style draws from different kingdoms more interpretive fighting styles. If to be compared to a sport R.O.A.R is a more dynamic evolution of old time fencing, with the rapier (featuring a blue tip) being the sword of choice for the sport. Despite being an independent R.O.A.R is also overseen by the FDR (fédération d'escrime du royaume) as it is seen as a ‘continuation’ of fencing and is governed by the same board.

          R.O.A.R was first developed as a united military training but later became a sport after it took popularity to it’s appealing nature. Upon the union of the kingdoms, kingdom relations were pushed. Guards from other kingdoms started to spar together and quickly realised they all fought differently, instead of traditional sparring they started to ‘backyard’ it. With large groups meeting to showcasing their styles and how they fight creating hybrid dynamics and movements, learning from one another they started to sword fight each other in a controlled sparring environment and see what it would be like adopting different styles. It was when this style of  ‘training’ grew in popularity among guards that it started to show up in tutors and knight orders pushing through as a recreational activity. The Order of Fencing caught wind of this rising art and decided to study it for several years, creating rules and regulations it became an official sport of Auradon.

         Although similar to fencing in both protective equipment and that it can be a team sport R.O.A.R differs on many fronts. The major difference is the play style, although using the traditional sword on sword scene R.O.A.R is not played in a strip like modern fencing, instead is in a circular arena with blocks for height and different movement to simulate a more realistic fighting environment. Participants can take advantage of the blocks too; leap, jump and even flip over their opponent (if the competitive rules allow), for this reason most R.O.A.R players are both significantly skilled in the art of swordsmanship and parkour. Competitors are also allowed to touch the floor, it should be noted that acts such as sliding and cartwheel motions on the floor are also permitted.

          It should also be noted R.O.A.R has two separate styles, R.O.A.R PTW and R.O.A.R. The latter of the two is the most common play style within which an opponent must yield or be disarmed for the round to be won. R.O.A.R is played in three three minute rounds (if a participant wins the first two then it is won) each is concluded after a yielding has been stated or a clear disarming made. This was the original sport but has since also spun off a ‘lesser’ evolution often played by juniors, R.O.A.R PTW. R.O.A.R PTW which is played through the channels of ‘point to win’, it is here that landing hits upon an opponent gets points and the match is concluded either when the number of points are met (normally 15) or when the rounds are over. However, many athletes who partake in R.O.A.R frown down upon the adult inclusion of PTW hence its lack of popularity amongst the older members. R.O.A.R is a cross-kingdoms recognised ‘olympian’ sport, which was first included in the games 5 years before the barrier comes down and is a rising sport.

          In order to partake in R.O.A.R each individual must have a license in their name. Holding this license means they are able to join a club and compete at competitions, the license is differing depending in which kingdom it was allowed. Membership Licenses have to be renewed each year and act as insurance for the participants so if they are injured competing or at their club that are able to claim money. Their license also contains a record of the competitions they have participated in and their coaching levels if they have any. R.O.A.R is a nationally and interkingdoms ranked sport.

          Unlike many modern sports R.O.A.R PTW is not electronically based, meaning it relies on three judges to decide if the point is given or not.

          Note: R.O.A.R is a sport for both female and male participants however during school competitions is a gender separate sport. Auradon Prep did not feature a female team hence the issue that arose in D2.

▍ Equipment.

          R.O.A.R equipment is identical to that of fencing:                    ⎯ Jacket.                   ⎯ Plastron.                   ⎯ Glove.                   ⎯ Breeches/Knickers.                   ⎯ Socks.                   ⎯ Shoes.                   ⎯ Mask (Can be custom mesh). All the equipment must meet the standards and regulations set out by the FDR.

          Rapier grips can differ and be customised however all grips must be of the same weight to allow no competitive advantage. All blades are a consistent standard.

▍ Ages and Bands.

          Training for R.O.A.R can start from aged 7, the age at which an individual can hold a License despite this many clubs will not take anyone under the age of 9 due to the responsibility it takes. Most athletes hoping to play R.O.A.R start between the ages of 7-11 but there are a number of players that start when they are older. 

         R.O.A.R is broken down into several different age categories, in these different age bands there are different rules that apply when competing. It should be noted that although flips are not aloud competitively until aged 11-13 kids between the ages of 9-11 are allowed to practice in their club if so permitted by their coach under extreme supervision and should only be done so with extreme caution. Under 9′s are only allowed to compete under MPW style but are allowed to practice R.O.A.R style.

         The age groups following is how the sport is broken up.

⎯ Mini (AA Band) (7-9) - plastic blades are permitted, no flips, mpw style. ⎯ Juniors (A Band) (9-11) - plastic blade flips allowed. ⎯ Pre-cadet (B Band) (11-13) - metal blade no flips or plastic with flips. first to meet x. ⎯ Cadet (C Band) (13-15) - metal with flips. ⎯ Junior (16-18) ⎯ Senior (18+) ⎯ OAP (60+) - still developing sport however flips are not permitted.

         The age categories with a ‘band’ are those which are allowed to compete at the Inter-Kingdom Age Bands a competition specifically curated for juniors for fun. It is an unranked competition which provides no ‘license points’ for global events. 

▍ Competitions.

         Most competitions offer entry to both MPW and R.O.A.R styles but a competition may also just be for one of the other. It is traditional at competitions for the younger groups to compete in the morning with the older groups going further into the day however everyone must sign in by 9am to compete. Competitions are normally day long events with sometimes both team and solo events occurring in the same competition. Much similar to fencing R.O.A.R does not feature weight categories. Competitions for R.O.A.R are broken into five different categories:

⎯ Age Bands．are a ‘local’ or ‘inter-kingdom’ competition for juniors. these competitions are seen as ‘practice’ for juniors who go on to compete. all participants get a medal and it is engagement focused hoping to give confidence to fencers. ⎯ Regionals．are a small competition normally held by rival clubs or within cities in order for a more formal competition setting governed by the Fédération Auradon d'escrime (FAE). Regionals are much more competitive based than age bands and tend to have a category for each age band. They are frequent occurring competitions used for good sparring practice.  ⎯ National．are a kingdom competition that give points towards kingdom classification. a formal competition also governed by the FAE. Competing in a ‘national’ competition (in this sense a ‘nation’ is such as; Auroria, Cinderellasberg, Auradon) allows one to start national ranking. Winners are ‘Nationals’ are granted titles such as National Champion. ⎯ Kingdom．or union wide event’s are bigger than ‘nationals’ , this is where highest ranking ‘national’ fighters go on to represent their kingdom. Kingdoms are one of the biggest annual competitions there are. This competition does provide ‘license points’ and is governed by the FDR. Winners of ‘Kingdom’ competitions are then granted titles as ‘Kingdoms Champion’. ⎯ Interkingdoms / Global．a newer competition the global or Inter-Kingdoms event is the biggest R.O.A.R event there is where the best of the best come to compete. Members over the age of 11 who have gained the required amount of qualification license points are allowed to compete at Interkingdoms and is overseen by the FDR. People who compete here and win are known as ‘World Champions’.

        Note: In these categories participants can enter under a club name or as independents but must have a valid license. There may also be ‘non-pro tournaments’ this means that those who have competed in national or above capacity are unable to compete. *** Nationals, Kingdoms and Interkingdoms are held annually. These are open both to individuals and teams.

⎯ School Competitive League(s)． ⎯ Schools Challenge Cup(s)． ⎯ University League League(s)． ⎯ University Challenge Cup(s)．

         Within a ‘League’ Schools/Universities compete against one another for ‘points’ in matches set up across the season, the school with the most points at the end of the league wins the League. A MVP will be picked at the end of the Season based off of performance along with a ‘Team of the Season’ a Team comprised of what the board consider the best competitors of the season.

         The Challenge Cups are a knockout based competition in which ‘Regional’ (Such as United States of Auradon) Champions and Runners-Up compete against other regional champions at the end of the ROAR season for a cup. This competition is the ‘Best of the Schools’. 

        Solo Member school league competitions are based off monthly events which participants gather and compete. Members to compete in solo’s must be a member of a team. The Solo Players Challenge cup takes the players who have scored the most in their ‘Region’ and plays them off against each other takes place at the end of the season on the same day as the team event.

▍ Team and Solo.

        In R.O.A.R there’s two different events. Team and Solo. One can play either or both. I

        The way to win in a solo is either by winning the most rounds or winning the most points depending on the style, wheres in Team R.O.A.R it is a little more complicated. Each team member is assigned a number by a coach, this number is important when assigning matches. First’s fights firsts, seconds fight seconds. There are 8 rounds in a match where each member is matched against their respective opposite. When a team wins the majority of the rounds they ultimately win the match.

[theurbansquared]

Guide To Avoiding A Loser Brokerage

by James Hill | theurbansquared

Brokers can be bastards and some even get better at it while other brokers are legitimate life-changing business Sherpas

A broker is supposed to guide you through a career in real estate much like a coach or pimp - offering protection and how to understand a complicated system better and direct it to revenue  without getting your neck broke while playing the game. I created and ran the most well-reviewed, largest full-service brokerage in the fastest-growing city in America.  This gave me access to nearly ever broker and their broker's pay structure and innovations. I also got the agent's version of my same broker buddies brokerages when they eventually joined my brokerage; hovering anywhere from 20–60 agents. Trending insider chatter has blame going to real estate brokers of decades past (and current) and how they’ve managed their agents - - letting unsupervised  agents with no experience run wild on the streets practicing on the public wearing out Realtor love and making a need for all the Mountain Dew-made Zillow-y options that currently exist.

Brokers are out of touch more than ever with today’s current media load, having to understand and use social media platforms for their advertising (since the private Town & Country affair that real estate once was is forever over and the landscape is a bit more like a half Juggalo, half programmer flea market).

Let’s dive into some situations and tenets that most agents don’t consider when choosing a brokerage.

Sales Volume

This is a bit of negotiating psychology and due diligence. Simply ask how much sales they (the brokerage) did last year and how much they’re currently at. If they don’t know these numbers they’re goons. If they don’t give it, you guessed it - they’re hiding something; their lack of revenue. I’ve hired and fired hundreds of agents and in interviews so few ask this question but it’s one of the most important questions you can ask as an agent and you need the information. An agent that doesn’t ask this has already given a tell that they’re not a top producer since they’re not interested in the production capacity of the team they may join. No bueno. Creep the brokerage as well obvi -- reviews, FB & IG engagement and current running ads, and make sure the company Christmas Party isn’t catered by Chic-fil-a at a Burnet Road dive bar.

Office

40% of your learning and 350% of your work will be done at the office. Those numbers will make sense 90% of the time after a few years in real estate. The rest should be on the streets - your car, properties, driving 75 mph talking and sending out docs, gorging on breath mints. Office, home, tiny homes, motorhomes have all blended into one larger conversation where work/live ethos are all in re-definition.

But, when you do need a more savvy moment in any market when people talk about borrowing or selling something that’s over $100K they don’t want to hear some bullshit too loud pedantic conversation seated right next to them at Starbucks or the local kooky coffee shop. In real estate Murphy’s Law is always in effect. The super important listing sign off that has to go well and they want to hear you pitch again before deciding? There will be someone (at this super ‘caj’ coffee house meeting) there projectile vomiting, or throwing cats, or something else tiresome or bad that takes more calls.

Speech and body language are massive parts of sales so when the entire set is thrown because a barista is running through a whole Sublime album. You want the most inviting cool office you can ever pull off at any given moment in real estate . Was that ever a question? There's a balance  -- you can't afford that year one or three, but it’s called real estate for a reason. Sexy, exciting buildings is what the brochure said when I joined. Also, it’s about style not size.

If you haven’t lost business to coffee house back pressure you really haven’t failed at agency properly.

Social IQ

Social reach is the only conversation now. Many brokerages won’t make it as the lead generating aspects of the industry aren't powered by a private MLS anyone and the publicly-hated ‘Realtor’ designation have both brokers and agents guessing about tomorrow. Calendars, best practices and free shitty tips & templates are the du jour of the day for anyone trying to get an agent's eyes. You can Google and get all the ‘basic’ social media dance steps, but with everyone at the same happy hunting spot, you’re being covered up, which leaves all your new artistic efforts fruitless and also squandering winning time.

Traffic, leads and engagement are all separate areas that have to be fulfilled properly and even this is in flux with historic corporations and current start ups all on the same advertising playing field. Social reach and engagement is about going to the consumer direct and becoming their friend with soft bribes -- free food, gifts, prizes (trips, events tickets) or industry work tools. The great news is, real estate has always been mostly consumer direct - start up a convoy at the grocery store (bar, church, meetup) and you’re in the car that weekend looking for houses with a new client. While you, your brokerage and the world are figuring out their exact social media mix, you need to make sure a brokerage isn’t lost on social media since many won’t be able to stay in business in the next few short years. Your brokerage needs to have a plan and and at best some presence on social media. Plus, they should be running low-cost performative marketing ad campaigns to get a feel for what and if set user groups are responding to ads. Anyone can post on IG but people engage on IG when they become inspired. A brokerage should have some sort of inspiration and relationship tied in with the local allure of their city --  or heading that direction.

Mentoring

Much like a neurotic buyer chasing an interest rate for their home mortgage (and then never buying a house) agents too focused on commission may miss the essential career need for mentoring -- for their clients and career. I had a 5 deal minimum for my new agents before they were ever unsupervised and received more commission. I've had new agents with celeb clients in hand and celeb agents with no clients in hand. No one wants to do business with someone with absolutely has no, experience but they do it because they like you as a friend or fam. Your mentor is the person riding shotgun with you at the beginning of your career. On many levels you want to be this person since they embody the position and role. You're literally and figuratively are borrowing experience from them and they deserve to be paid for it. You always have to strengthen your brand outside of your brokerage but if you don’t have any experience your brand doesn’t have ‘strength’ you simply have a logo and a drag & drop website where you're possibly talking about yourself and love of unicorns or football shit but the big boat deals you dream about in bed aren’t gotten this way. Remember, no unicorn could ever throw a football good without a lot of practice and a good mentor.

Support

Support in a brokerage is really communication and solutions for small problems, and systems for managing bigger ones with people. Most of the annoying things in real estate happen outside of the deal - contracts, calls, emails, docs, signatures, more docs. You typically want a super admin, broker, or agent manager that you can call and they pick up the phone. It’s pretty simple. With a mentor, admin, or broker you’re going to have a n 8:30 PM question or deal that’s going down. You’ll need printer help. Real estate always happens now (this was one of the main mantras in my office). Printing, prequal, weekend support and constant post dinner shenanigans.

Training

Meet Frank Miller, David Mamet, the Sex Pistols, Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, Hendrix, Tom Hopkins, The World’s Greatest Detective and Conan The Barbarian. We had a lot of different inspirations for the style and ethos of our urban brokerage. The World’s Greatest Detective is Batman. It was a moniker that became popular in the seventies. We used this example about how important due diligence and proper Fact Finding techniques are for serving and closing deals for clients. (It’s almost essential to be inquisitive in real estate esp about property/development to have success). Training is largely your sales meeting(s). Although I don’t come from a car background I’ve mentored many car guys transferring to real estate (they typically are out of the industry within 2 years and are there only for boom markets). Car guys have meetings every morning 6 days a week and they’re not at 9 or 10 am. They’re already working.

free module: The Burger King Phenomena: Why Agents Do Less Working For Themselves Than If They Were Working At Burger King

Many brokerages have no training/meeting schedule (monthly doesn’t count -- that’s a meet and greet company pump and catch up meeting). If a brokerage doesn’t have training on a schedule then there is no training. You’ll possibly be thrown a 3-ring binder, or given some PDF’s, or links to old bizarre training videos or a soup sandwich of all three and sometimes even a bill for the training. An agent’s training/meetings and their attendance to them are the difference between an agent making it or not when you’re 24 months or less in the role as an agent especially in the fast turbulent waters of the current 2021 market where brokerage and agent purpose and pay are under attack. From my experience, new agents that hide die.

Media

Having a background as a creative director I’m aware with great detail of agency and brokerage media needs, the cost and time they extract, and the corresponding revenue they’re projected to bring back. Brokerages are looking for their purpose now as simply having a brokerage doesn’t bring in leads like it used to. This is fitting, since the digital dumbass brokers that that didn’t understand the importance of ‘the web’ rickshawed our MLS data and sold the agent/broker centric real estate system for their benefit while current agents are left with an empty greasy enough to-go box to curl up with. Brokerages were never media houses or ad agencies but now that consumer level graphic programs and website builders are ubiquitous and any agent after being licensed for 10 days can drag & drop a website up in 4 hours and make it look like a brokerage that’s been around for years. I know I’m going wide on the subject here but stay with me because this is the crux of where the industry and consumer are renegotiating roles.

A brokerage’s value proposition has changed drastically with the telecommute revolution that was only sped and strengthened by Covid. Also, generational knowledge base gaps in technology are more apparent than ever with technology as younger agents can often be more media savvy than their broker. The market is flooded with self appointed companies or gurus that are taking on the role of the classic ad agency (Mad Men) or media production house. Also beware of real estate coaches with little or no real estate experience offering to guide you in social media. Okay media can’t be used in apex situations (such as the luxury listings you’re after) and doesn’t draw apex listings. Beware of tapioca room temperature tips and general lists from companies that can appear informative but are really boilerplate low grade data to get your attention to ultimately upsell you on a paid service.

As an agent or a brokerage, consumer level graphic and website building programs can be a death ticket to your business as your competitors have the same tools and are cranking out the same type of style of messaging you are now. Now agents, principals, admins and in art class creating flyers. This has been done since the nineties as the valleys of dead agent careers is full of 2-day Microsoft Word (or any of their shitty office offerings) seshes to produce nasty flyers and presentations. These programs are fun and making bad flyers absolutely work related - the kind of work you don’t want’ related to your business because it’s adult crayon coloring. Activity does not equal production. Staying busy doing the wrong things doesn’t make money in real estate. Rather than spending agent winning time staying in the wrong lanes for way too long, get with a team or brokerage that are providing the most exceptional visual media you can find in your market. It used to be cool 2 years ago, now it’s the only thing that matters. Visual content.

free module: Better Agent Media, Less Agent Money (media tips and hacks).

Access

This is access to your broker. Brokers with families are typically less available. Your best bet as an agent is looking for a grinder broker who sleeps on the couch at their office. This person doesn’t have kids to build into so they’ll build into your career and you’ll get the most out of these brokers. Beware of cheesedick, apathetic, rich boy, bored brokers not around and more concerned with projects like a shitty vanity wine brand that their wife’s forced them to launch since she’s not living her best life anymore as an agent.

Style

What kind of style is your brokerage? Is there an opportunity to bring more style sophistication to the market -- standout in a smaller market? Or, are you in an ultra stylish market currently and butt hurt because you already have a little story about how you’re going to keep it real and be a Dockers wearing slob for eternity? The thing about style in agency is you always need to look like you can list a million dollar house. Oh, is it really that simple? Yes it is. You complicated it. Clients always care about their housing a little bit more than they care about your real estate career. They don’t have time to figure out why you’re wearing shoe styles from 7 years ago. Don’t make it hard for people to do business with you. If you’re ugly, even better. It can be a massive advantage. Everyone on the planet loves when someone who doesn’t fall into our general current ‘attractive’ spectrum doesn’t give af, looks great and puts themselves together in a stylish way that the viewer can understand (can I get away with Teen Wolf?). A great side benefit from this step in the right direction is it’s a great way to make someone who is conventionally attractive insecure.

You want to be in the same style as the people in your area but the secret is you need to lead that style pack if you can -- you always lead and dress apex. Years ago this was anecdotal but after over 100K hours in real estate a good suite (tailored) saved my ass and literally got me business. I listed the largest house in east Austin because of a suit (and got a front page story on the newspaper real estate section for free because the owner saw me walking into the next door neighbor’s house).

Offices, dress, logo, email signature are all elements of you and your brokerage’s style. Style in and of itself isn’t enough to be a top producer in real estate. I’ve had stylish and even celebrity agents that didn't do zilch, but style often is a fingerprint to something more.

Picking the right elements for your agent style is an art because you have to offer something from yourself that’s unique enough as well as something familiar (a bridge to your uniqueness). I have a background as a musician and also as a merchant sailor. Fortunately those are easy convo starters. You could be a philatelist and have some challenges, but regardless it absolutely will take a year or three to develop your own angle and style towards the market as you learn it and the agent role more.

Things that look attractive and familiar puts client’s psychologies at ease. So, if skinny jeans are in you better get in them (that’s like five years old now). You’re on stage. You don’t wear what the worker people behind the camera wear. If you want to wear boring shit get on the other side of the camera. If you want less leads saddle up to a forgettable brokerage. People have hard days. They want you to put an effort into your real estate agency role. Currently it’s a fried role so you’re dealing with that too. People love to be smiled at and sold and especially from someone who smells good. It doesn't ever get old. Don’t make them beg for your charm. Be a nice charming person with a shirt that fits good, it’s a powerful combo.

Get My Damn Paper

If you’ve never seen a werewolf in daylight mess with an agent’s commission after the deal’s done and funded. Admin? Who is the damn person who does the admin? (accounts payable is the icey pro word if you like). That person that you contact to get your commission check cut? If that person is a weirdo, or there’s an unfriendly or sketchy quality to the office or admin staff, do not go forward (don’t confuse this with new people or industry jitters). Grab some free coffee, leave the smarm and jet to the next brokerage blind date.

Software

CRM is an annoying conversation. Here’s the things with CRM’s - for all the work CRMs curtail, because of their complexity and existence and the work(time) they take to interact with you need to consider how much work you’re putting into operating the CRM software verses how much time it’s saving. Many times brokerages have expensive yearly subscriptions with per agent fees for their CRM which can make the brokerage have a zealot meth thing for the ‘team’ software and promise you can’t have a career without taking a bump too. To understand CRM better before it was a name, Client Relationship Management is what analog Proximity became. Let me explain -  being close to people in Church, bar, school, same building -- all give proximity. This becomes familiarity, then ease, then trust. People do business with people they trust & like. Once people disconnected physically and started using other means more contact attempts have to be made to work for or ‘prove’ worth.

Follow Up is a large component of most CRM’s and there are gobs of money for agents who follow up meticulously. Simply ask the broker what CRM they use and research it. Something to remember - unless you’re extremely busy with your career you don’t need a CRM. You can manage & database your clients & leads ‘by hand’ and strap it to the cloud with G-Suite/Google Sheets.

Brokerage Name

A small but important aside, if a brokerage have named themselves after a precious metal or a gem, or if it says elite in the name then it’s not elite. If it has the words prestige or worldwide or international it may not be any of those either. I know a handful of exceptions to this rule but this is a great dirty primer to use when choosing a brokerage that’s going to propel your career and have shrimp options at the Christmas Party.

[prorevenge]

She hated me and made me think I was an idiot.

LTRFTP

I don't know if this is pro, but it is certainly more than petty.

In high school (10+ years ago), I was quiet and attentive in class. Teachers liked me. I wasn't popular, but I had good friends. I say all this to explain that high school was relatively calm for me. I played sports, was on the student newspaper, and got decent grades. However, that all changed my second semester junior year.

I've always been a voracious reader. My freshman English teacher recommended I move up to the honors English track, so I did for freshman, sophomore, and the first half of junior year. Then I was put into Classical Literature my second semester junior year. I've always loved Greek and Roman stories, and had already read your typical high school classical reading list on my own. I didn't mind reading them again until I met Ms. Umbridge. She put on a sweet facade, but she was downright evil. She also decided she hated me. I still do not know why, or what transgression I committed, but she HATED me. I assume it was my habit of sometimes nodding off in classes. At the time, I had undiagnosed thyroid issues, and was getting up at 5 a.m. for swim practice. I say sometimes, because it happened maybe twice a month total between all eight classes. I don't remember nodding off in her class, but it could have happened.

Anyways, her class was 50% essays/written reports. The rest were random quizzes and a couple tests. I was on the student newspaper, and I was a decent writer. I wasn't worried about maintaining a B or up. We wrote our first paper, and I got a D. I was shocked. The only class I struggled in was Chemistry and still my lowest assignment grade was a C.

After class, I asked Ms. Umbridge what I did wrong, because her notes were minimal. She told me my assessment of the material was "uninspired." Okay....Can you direct me to an example of an inspired assessment? "Come back during study hall." Thinking she'd have some example materials for me to review, I got a pass to see her during study hall. Nope. She spent the full hour basically telling me I was an idiot. I remember leaving and crying, because she didn't tell me anything constructive. My friend (the eventual valedictorian) offered to help me on my next paper.

My friend and I spent hours on my next paper. She never got below an A- on anything. I got another D. My friend was furious. She took it to her AP English teacher and asked him to review it. She said she was entering a writing competition and wanted advice. He said it was great. Her typical A+ work. My friend, quicker on the uptake, asked me for a copy of my original assignment. She asked her AP English teacher to look it over too, and he said she should enter the first one. This one was still good. He'd probably give it an A-, but the other paper was better. My friend was convinced Ms. Umbridge was treating me unfairly for some reason, and she must not like me. My friend wanted me to tell my parents or my school counselor. A teacher didn't like me? That had never happened. Sure they didn't all love me, but none had actively disliked me. I decided I'd try one more time, but this time get Ms. Umbridge to help me.

Despite the previous horrors of spending study hall with Ms. Umbridge, I went to her office during study hall three times before the next paper was due. She reviewed the paper, and gave me tips on revising it each time. She did this in red pen. I took notes. By the time the next paper was due, I had three revised versions with her notes in red ink on each one. I got a D+. She smirked and congratulated me on my improvement. Bitch. I was done. My friend was right. This bitch had it out for me and was giving me shit grades on purpose.

I'm a laid-back person, but I was pissed. Never before been this pissed. I took my paper to my newspaper teacher. Sure he didn't teach English, but our student paper constantly won awards because of his work. I told him I was having trouble in English, and could he please look over my paper and give me advice. He was a little confused as to why I didn't ask my English teacher, but he did it. He also told me it was great, but gave me a few minor changes to make. I asked him if he thought it was a B or better. He said he'd give it an A, not 100%, but a solid A.

I went to my friend, and we brainstormed. I couldn't request a drop/add. This wasn't college. You just don't switch classes at my high school, unless the teacher recommends an honor placement. That's not true said my friend. The football and basketball guys get moved to easier classes all the time to keep their grades up, so they are eligible for games. The athletics director was a friend of my dad, so I requested a meeting with him and my swim coach after school one day. I told them I was in danger of losing my eligibility to swim, because I was pulling a D in a class. I wanted to move classes, but I knew I'd need approval from administration, which I wouldn't get without a good reason. They asked if I had requested help. I explained I had asked for help from multiple people, but my grade wasn't improving. I didn't know what to do. They asked to see my papers. I sat while they read them. They both looked at me confused. Neither of them could understand how those papers were worth only a D. The student VP was brought in. He asked who helped me. I explained my friend (he knew who she was, again future valedictorian), and she had even asked her AP English teacher to look it over for advice. I had also asked my newspaper teacher to help me. Student VP asked if I had ever actually asked my teacher for help. I smiled and handed him the three revised versions of paper number three with Ms. Umbridge's red ink all over them. He frowned. AP English teacher and my newspaper teacher were pulled into the meeting. They were each asked to grade the papers. All three papers got an A- or better.

While this was going on, my dad was called in by the athletics director. My dad was pissed. He demanded I be moved to another class, and that Ms. Umbridge be put under review. Clearly, she wasn't grading students on their work but on her own personal opinions. The school administration obviously bristled at the accusation that a teacher was treating students unfairly. A lot of arguing that I wasn't allowed to sit on occurred in the VP's office. I could hear plenty of yelling as six adult men argued over the appropriate next steps. It was decided that myself, my dad, VP, and athletics director would have a meeting with Ms. Umbridge.

The following morning before school we all met. Ms. Umbridge seemed to think she was going to get to tell everyone why I was so stupid. VP explained that if I maintained a D in her class, I would lose my extracurricular eligibility, and we were all meeting to discuss what to do. She smirked and said I should be moved to the non-honors English track, and I had no business being in honors English. I didn't have the aptitude to understand the complex classical literature they were studying, and I probably would need a tutor to even get through basic English. I've never seen my father so red, and I half expected to see steam come out of his ears. VP asked why she didn't try to help me improve. She said it was up to students to put in the initiative to get better. VP asked if that meant I had never asked her for help. She said I had not. VP then pulled out the three revised versions of paper number three and handed them to Ms. Umbridge. Now it was her turn to be red. She called me a liar and said those notes weren't hers. Things got heated, and I was asked to leave again. I sat outside the office. This time the secretary was there, and we both heard the shouting. School was set to start in 30 minutes, and they were all just shouting. Then AP English teacher and newspaper teacher were called in again. More shouting. About 5 minutes to the start of classes, the teachers left and I was called back in. If looks could kill, I'd have died then and there when Ms. Umbridge walked out of VP's office. I was being moved to basic English effective immediately. My current grade would not carry over. I would not need to make up any past assignments, and new teacher would be instructed to grade me only on the assignments going forward.

My new English teacher, Ms. Honey, ended up being the English department head. She was at least 65, and had been doing this for decades. After 2.5 years of honors English, this class was easier than PE. I barely had to try to get an A, but I refused to let Ms. Honey think Ms. Umbridge had been right. I tried harder in that class than any other class that semester. I finished projects so quickly that I was asked to tutor a girl struggling in the class. I spent half the class period just helping this girl understand the material. I helped her go from a C- to a B+. I got something like 104% in the class.

At the end of the semester, Ms. Honey called me into her office during study hall. She was recommending I return to honors English for senior year. I must have looked panicked, because she assured me Ms. Umbridge would not be my teacher. In fact, she would not be anyone's teacher. She was leaving at the end of the school year. Ms. Umbridge was only in her late 20's and unmarried. Too early to retire. And my high school was in one of the best paying school districts in the state. I knew what leaving meant, but Ms. Honey still explained that I was put in her class on purpose. The school administration trusted Ms. Honey to determine the truth of Ms. Umbridge's claim that I was basically a lying idiot. Ms. Honey stated I very clearly belonged in honors English. She apologized if her class had not been challenging enough for me. I cried. I mean full on ugly, snot cried. I didn't realize it, but part of me had actually believed Ms. Umbridge up until that moment. Ms. Honey hugged me and consoled me. I spent senior year in honors English and spent my study hall tutoring Ms. Honey's struggling students.

To this day, I think about that awful woman fairly regularly. My career is strongly writing based, and I still worry obsessively over my writing. I hope she never taught again, because she wrecked wreaked havoc on my self-confidence.

(source) (story by deleted)

[warminglewis50-blog]

Ravencoin Wallet

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Superior bitcoin built regarding assets Ravencoin is a new free open source podium designed for the distinct use situation of shifting possessions for example token-backed investments from one support to be able to another. While it may well appear that with this development of the truly great blockchains such as Bitcoin in addition to Ethereum, transferring assets among different parties is presently a solved issue, it is not precisely typically the case. Neither Bitcoin neither Ethereum were specifically suitable for facilitating title of further assets, do to often the fact that they just on target their attention around other functions. Ravencoin will be built on a derive of the Bitcoin code. It is often implemented with a small block reward connected with one min (the block reward could be the only means that brand new coins are usually created and this can be an incentive for miners to add hash electrical power to typically the network), plus the addition involving tool creation and meaning functionality. If you are a crypto-lover, and are guaranteed you are because you are really reading this right right now. You may agree that blockchain technology will indeed adjust world-wide economic paradigm since we know the idea at present. However being able to help send out wealth transactions within a matter of secs, internationally and with not any third parties concerned, will be just the tip involving the banquise that this particular new revolution represents. Around the same path connected with unstoppable evolution, Ravencoin will certainly implement the way resources proprietors operate with their own wells. It is going to allow all of them to handle successfully often the transfer of their possessions to another parties. To live our planet order innovation without getting rid of any keypoint: Problem Despite the achievement and wide-spread adoption associated with Bitcoin and Ethereum, nor of these blockchains have got been specially designed in order to help the ownership of additional investments on top rated of the tokens which are transacted throughout their particular networks. In Bitcoin, an original rules governing the blockchain and protocol must always be followed and so this kind of means that Bitcoin systems are not ready for you to register of which assets will be being embedded in as well. This means that with regard to every asset purchase designed on the Bitcoin network, there must be a enclosed bitcoin business deal charge, set up transaction is for you to merely mail the advantage. This has a direct result pointless transaction fees anytime possessions are transferred. Also, the other major disadvantage is always that assets can easily become �destroyed� if they happen to be sent for you to an exchange or budget. For Ethereum the particular network is not able for you to natively realize smart deal tokens and this can trigger some confusion due to several ERC20 tokens using identical names. The only distinguishing factor among contracts having identical names is this deal hash and this specific can befuddle users or even be used together with malicious intent to scam other folks. As Ravencoin will become working on a decentralized model together with independent miners to support the stability of the blockchain combined along with ASIS-resistance the coin are going to have a good chance associated with staying in the palms of individuals and certainly not centralized by one party or possibly a group of events that can collude to be able to shape the final result regarding an event, the have your say or even the price of the coin alone. Peer to Peer Electronic System for the Design plus Transfer of Property Enhanced for transferring resources Bridal party offer many advantages to help traditional shares or maybe some other participation systems: more rapidly exchange speeds, increased customer management, and censorship weight, as well as a decrease or removal with the need for some sort of trusted third party. Answer The solution to often the above problems is to be able to make a Bitcoin-like method that is completely property knowledgeable so that that realizes as soon as tokens include been recently specially designed as property. With a view to be able to remedy the problem, Ravencoin will bring to life typically the said: �Keep it simple stupid� by simply focusing in creating one thing, just one single specific thing� a good bitcoin-like system, totally mindful with regards to when tokens are created such as assets (Based upon PoW but with some sort of new mining protocol, x16r). This provides three strengths: Assets can be safeguarded through accidentally being ruined. As the protocol and the particular system is mindful of this assets?�?they can be continued the blockchain like some sort of passenger on the coach at some point getting them most safely on the location. People are able to issue, track, and transfer property with each various other while using ease of sending the message to each other. Now customers will get across on the full platform specifically designed to issue, track plus transfer assets between celebrations. It will provide appropriate security levels to typically the actual assets. To carry out that Ravencoin may rely on a wide supply, a strong mining area and market value in order to function. Main Features?�?Tech Overview Ok, now all of us realize the problem (the offered one, between the numerous present issues) that demands to be solved throughout current blockchain and all of us understand the solution that Ravencoin is committed to create in order to surpasse that limitation. So� things that are next?. We need to help go strong into their particular tech� it looks humdrum, but we will take care of that. Only in the fact that way we will really now have knowledge and footings to be able to take decisions about the project. Ravencoin bring us all the following functions: X16R Algorithm Before we all express what X16R is definitely we all will first provide details behind what other gold coins have implemented for their very own algorithms. In the search to help create and carry out methods that are ASIC immune (meaning that purpose built mining machines with high hash rates could definitely not be developed) which at turn reduces the likelihood of centralization via good sized mining facilities, projects need tried a range involving tactics to help hinder this particular centralization (such we discover with Bitcoin mining). The particular first approach was in order to embrace memory intensive codes want those used by way of both Scrypt and Equihash. This requirement for additional in memory computations reduces often the performance in the ASIC to help more onpar of the GPU based exploration having the same algorithm An additional approach that was done, had been Dash�s approach, which often was to adopt the X11 algorithm. Here is the use regarding 11 chained hashing methods (hence the name) within an work to slow down the creation of ASIC equipment. This did not reduce the design of a new special reason ASIC so once at this time there was the ASIC with regard to X11, other individuals added additional hashing codes to make additional codes which were called X13, X15 and X17. This makes it a great deal more challenging to create the ASIC but because typically the codes are in nearly the same order it has the complicated but not not possible to create the ASIC. What Ravecoin has been performing is normally called X16r and the fact that execution like the other individuals described previously use 16 algorithms to the hashing (see table below). The key element difference is they have extra algorithm reordering. Its this specific reordering based on typically the comes from the previous wedge that provides a lot more ASIC resistance than other hashing algorithms. Example: Previous Prevent Hash: 0000000000000000007e8a29f052ac2870045ae3970270f9?7da00919b8e86287 The closing 6 bytes: 0x7da00919b8e86287 can determine what next 16 hashes should be. Roadmap Phase 1?�?Complete Ravencoin (RVN) is the Proof of Get the job done gold coin built on the Bitcoin UTXO model. As having various other Bitcoin derivatives, RVN money are distributed for you to folks augmenting the Raven network by simply mining Raven. x1000 coin distribution (21 Thousand Total) 10x speedier obstructs (1 per minute) At app CPU exploration ~1. 4 Day difficulty realignment (2016 blocks) Tackles focus on R� for routine contact information, or r� intended for multisig Network Port: 8767 RPC Port: 8766 UTXO?�?UNSPENT DEAL OUTPUT DEFINITION The particular Unspent Transaction Output can be key to be able to bitcoin since this is how bitcoin keeps track of advices and components on this blockchain. First let�s appear from how a standard bank works. Assume Tom is to use Bank A and has a balance of $5, 000 plus assume that Alice who does all of her banking with Standard bank N has no balance. Dan wants to give $2, 000 dollars to Alice. To get this done Tom asks his lender to send $2, 000 to Bank W in Alice�s name. The particular real financial transaction has Tom�s balance reduced by $2, 000 coming from $5, 000 to $3, 000 plus Alice�s balance increases coming from $0 to be able to $2, 1000. Taking that to the particular Bitcoin blockchain: Jeff comes with received inputs in often the volume of 5 BTC. This specific is via 4 transactions (inputs) INPUTS Received only two BTC Got 1 BTC = 5 various BTC Acquired 1. your five BTC Gotten. 5 BTC In this specific example, Tom wants to send out Alice 2 BTC. Often the blockchain, unlike banking companies, is definitely not aware of account balances just as the example previously mentioned and so the transaction is recorded seeing that: OUTPUTS 2 BTC delivered to Alice 3 BTC repaid to Jeff ? this is actually the Unspent Transaction Output or even UTXO Phase 2?�?Assets (in progress)ASIC RESISTANCE ASIC Resistance?�?A published commitment to continuous attempts at ASIC weight. If Ravencoin Wallet are produced for x16r, next you will, at a distinct block number, modify 1 of the algorithms to incorporate Equihash, EthHash or identical efforts to increase the particular capacity ASIC miners for Raven. SPECIAL ASSET ASSIST Ravencoin will be a new hard fork of which expands Raven to include the ability to issue and transfer property. The expected release involving asset capabilities will be around seven months after the discharge of RVN. Raven are going to be extended to be able to allow issuing, reissuing, and even transfer of resources. Investments can be reissuable or maybe limited to some sort of specific present at the stage of issuance. The cost to create investments will be 500 RVN to create any kind of qty of a great asset. Each and every asset identity must be unique. Property names will be limited by A-Z and 0�9, �� and �. � in addition to must be at least three heroes long. The particular �. � and typically the �� cannot be the first, or the last design, or maybe be consecutive. Cases involving valid assets: THE_GAME A good. TOKEN 123 Examples connected with invalid assets: _TOKEN THEEND. A.. B (consecutive punctuation) AB 12 . FIRST Often the RVN used in order to issue resources will be sent to a burn up address, which will decrease the quantity of RVN available. Tool transactions require the ordinary RVN deal fees intended for transfer from a single address to another. METADATA Metadata concerning the token may be located in IPFS. Initially this particular cannot be changed. When there is a demand, the program can be current in order to allow updating the metadata by the token issuer. REWARDS Reward capabilities will certainly be extra to allow payment (in RVN) to be able to all stands of an asset. Repayments of RVN would be distributed to almost all asset owners pro mangante. This is great for paying dividends, dividing installments, or perhaps rewarding a group regarding token holders. Example: A good small software company problems a property GAMECO that signifies a new share of this project. GAMECO tokens can certainly be traded with others. Once the program firm profits, those profits might be distributed to all cases of GAMECO by mailing the profits (via RVN) in order to all holders of GAMECO. BLOCK DIMENSION Raven may increase the blocksize via 1 MB to X MEGABYTES to allow intended for a great deal more on-chain transactions. Cycle 3?�?Rewards The reward program enables the design regarding tokens that take a seat on the Raven blockchain. These kind of tokens can be created in addition to then sent to people as a good reward intended for doing something or so as to raise funds. The resources raised can then become used to mail almost any currency on the raven blockchain to another celebration. Phase 4?�?Unique Property When created, assets can be manufactured unique for the cost of five RVN. Only non-divisible investments can easily be made unique. Ravencoin Wallet moves an tool to some UTXO and associates a unique identifier with the txid. From this point the asset may be shifted from one address to a further in addition to can be followed rear to its foundation. Sole the issuer with the original asset can make an asset distinctive. The costs in order to make distinctive assets will certainly be sent to a new burn address. Some instances regarding unique assets: Visualize that a form of art dealer troubles the asset named FINE ART. The seller can and then make unique ARTWORK assets by attaching a good identify or a serialized quantity to each piece of art. These special bridal party can be transferred to the brand new owner coupled having the artwork as the proof of credibility. Typically the tokens ART: MonaLisa and ART: VenusDeMilo are certainly not fungible and represent distinct items of skill. A application developer will issue the asset with the name regarding their software ABCGAME, and even then assign each ABCGAME token a unique id or maybe license key. The game tokens could come to be moved as the license transfers. Each token ABCGAME: 398222 and ABCGAME: usually are one of a kind tokens. In video game assets. A game ZYX_GAME could create unique limited edition in-game assets that will be owned plus used by way of the game player. Example of this: ZYX_GAME: Sword005 in addition to ZYX_GAME: Purse RVN established one of a kind assets can be associated with real world property. Produce an asset known as GOLDVAULT. Each and every gold coin or gold club in a vault can be serialized in addition to audited. Connected unique property GOLDVAULT: 444322 and GOLDVAULT: 555994 can be created to legally represent the specific assets at the physical gold burial container. The public dynamics connected with the chain allows regarding total transparency. Phase 5?�?Messaging Messaging to token stands by means of authorized senders can be split on best of the Phase 3 unique assets. See KAAAWWW Protocol for additional data. Stage 6?�?Voting Voting can be achieved by building together with distributing parallel tokens in order to token holders. These tokens can be brought to RVN addresses to guide them with a vote on it. Team + Experts Named some sort of community gold coin. Anyone can contribute through adding to be able to the project. The quantity of designers involved is uncertain, however there ended up 430 Bitcoin developers who made around 14, 500 commits according to Github. Tron Black?�? Ravencoin Wallet offers been in Blockchain and cryptocurrencies as a Software Developer for 5+ years. Currently a Principal Computer software Developer for Medici some sort of VC investing in the blockchain space. His profession objective is to boost technology in order to resolve specific world problems. They was first the President/CEO at Blue Squirrel for 17+ several years. Blue Squirrel is a computer software development company his or her initial product was SQURL, it absolutely was the google associated with the online at typically the time. Designed Paten?�?System to be able to Verify Identification and Track record for a good Cryptocurrency Pocket Address: Patent dateFiled August 6, 2013 Patent issuer and numberus 61831802. Particular descriptionMethod and system for voluntary identification of a good company or individual identity for you to public crypto-currency address(es), and some sort of single digit status rating system attainable by way of API. Bruce Fenton?�?Advisor Bruce is a Blockchain Economic Consultant. He provides had 23+ many years of encounter in the Finance industry and combined with 3+ decades experience in often the blockchain and cryptocurrency living space. This individual features placed over $5 billion dollars in investments in investing finances throughout his career. Advised the Bill & Melinda Entrance Foundation?�?arranged, attended and well staffed very senior level appointments involving Bill Gates and organization and government management in Saudi Arabia, functioned with your head of Mid East for any foundation (please note, opinions on electronic money plus monetary troubles are not that of often the foundation). Published this Satoshi Roundtable private retire, a new gathering of seventy five involving the top leaders in blockchain technologies. Angel Entrepreneur in SpeechWorks (now publicly traded Tonalit� with $5bn market place cap). Angel Investor within Bitcoin companies such as ShapeShift. Advisor to Factom, BTCS and other companies. At the moment keep 3 tasks: Board Person in The Bitcoin Foundation (2+ years), which often is the largest in addition to oldest industry group regarding Bitcoin Technology. Founder with Satoshi Roundtable Private Blockchain Retreat (3+ years), a invite only VIP yearly event. Dealing with Director. CIO for atlantic Financial Inc. (23+)

[pixiealtaira]

Dragged Kicking and Screaming  ( 6/ 22)

Title: Dragged Kicking and Screaming  

Or How Burt Hummel Mashed the Hummels and Hudsons Into One Functioning Family.

Characters(s): Kurt, Burt, Carole, Finn, with short appearances by the New Directions guys and various ops who mostly take up space. Rating: PG13 Summary: Somehow the Hummel household and the Hudson household had to come together…

Chapter One  Chapter Two

Chapter three  Chapter Four Chapter Five

6.

What it all boiled down to though was that on Saturday, Kurt was working on about four hours of sleep when the guys that Carole and Finn had invited to the Third Annual Hudson Lights Party showed up at 7am, ready to be fed breakfast before starting to work. Kurt had been sleeping on the living room couch because Finn had locked the bedroom and Kurt at nearly 3am didn’t want to cause a huge fuss.  Finn wasn’t even awake yet to greet his friends, so Carole made Kurt act as host and make breakfast.  In the first twenty minutes, the boys had knocked a coffee onto one of Kurt’s bags (‘It was just the bag that holds my shower caddy and face scrubs and lotions and stuff like that, Dad.  It is dark and won’t show the stain and everything in there can be wiped down or replaced easily.  I even have an extra hairbrush and toothbrush here at the house anyway…I am sorry about the carpet though.  I think maybe steam cleaning it might work…’), tipped over the box that contained all Kurt’s desk belongings from Dalton and then didn’t pick it up so the pens and pencils ended up kicked from one end of the house to the other, and decided to go through Kurt’s suitcases and make fun of his choice in underwear and his uniforms and his pajamas and his regular clothing (and got upset when Burt finally got the laptop and the books from the box picked up while Kurt picked the papers that were spread all over like they’d actually been picked up and tossed and told them to stop with the teasing). Puck and Sam showing up at that point helped corral the worst of the lot and Kurt took off to take his stuff out of the living room (three trips putting it back out into his SUV, which he then locked), even though Carole was upset with him for leaving the boys and not being a good host.  He didn’t even stay outside, but came back in and got the guys all sitting down and engaged in the TV and watching cartoons before he even was able to get dressed in clean clothing and do any sort of morning activities, like brush his teeth and hair or use the toilet. Still, Breakfast was served at 8am and Finn decided to make his appearance finally.

Kurt didn’t lose his cool at breakfast. He didn’t respond in any way other than to move when one of Finn’s football buddies pushed him out of the chair he’d sat down in.  He didn’t do anything other than get himself a new plate when Football Nelson took his plate (football Nelson had already eaten a full plate of his own).  Kurt didn’t even answer in anyway other than calmly when Finn noticed him there and questioned his presence, while stuffing food Kurt had made into his mouth.  Even Burt was getting ready to lose it then. It didn’t help that Carole had decided to make herself champagne and Orange Juice to go with her pancakes and omelet.

(“Mom, what’s he doing here?” Finn whined, with his mouth full.

“Don’t speak with your mouth full, honestly! I live here, Finn.” Kurt replied, rolling his eyes.

“No, you don’t. You live at Dalton.”

“No, I boarded at Dalton, and I don’t anymore.  My vacation started yesterday. I don’t go back to school until the 10th of January. And even then, I’m driving back and forth next semester. I live here.” Kurt explained slowly, like he was talking to a small child.

“Mom! He can’t be here, he doesn’t live here! And if he doesn’t have to go to school, I don’t either.” Finn hollered.  Other people at the table looked at him trying to figure out what he was talking about.

“Finn, your school doesn’t start break until the 22nd, you have to go and if you don’t go you will not get any Christmas presents!” Burt told him.

“You can’t say that. Mom, tell Burt he can’t say that!”

“Finn, dear, Kurt will be working, won’t he Burt.” Carole said.  “I’m sure Kurt will be working every day you have to be at school, because it wouldn’t be really fair if Kurt had so much free time when you didn’t.”

“We’ll talk about it later, Carole.” Burt said. “However, it is not Kurt’s fault his school gets out for vacation earlier than Finn’s.”

Kurt shrugged.  “I guess I could finish up the other things that need to be done while at the shop. I don’t mind. But I won’t work if it will effect anyone else’s hours negatively or if my time will be a problem since I wasn’t scheduled in. I also have to finish the supplemental courses that I started in August, so it’s not like I’d be bored if I can’t work.  Not to mention the all rest of the things that need to be done for the holiday season.”

“You’ll work for free, of course.” Carole said.

“Can’t.  I’m a certified worker. And Union.  I have to be clocked in and out and the taxes have to be done properly.” Kurt said. “Dad has a bit of leeway, because it is a family business, but not much due to union issues. However me being certified was way better than me not being certified.”

They all ignored Carole’s glass slamming against the counter and her plate being pushed away as she exited the room, supposedly to get the boxes they would need.  The boxes had been sitting in the corner of the dining room for three days already.)

Kurt didn’t respond with anything more than a whined ‘Dad!’ when Finn said not only were they only using Hudson lights and decorations but Kurt wasn’t invited and couldn’t help after Kurt asked if he needed to get the boxes of lights and outdoor items from the shed. And Kurt didn’t lose it when Carole told him to wash all the dishes and then make sure the bathroom was clean enough for their company. Kurt did mutter about how the boys were used to using the restrooms and locker rooms at the high school, of course a bathroom without crap smeared on half the surfaces was clean enough, but he didn’t yell or scream or even refuse. He cleaned up and checked out everything, even doing a quick clean of the bathroom.

The dark circles under Kurt’s eyes and his stance, which was not his normal good posture but more an exhausted sag, had Burt sending Kurt up to the master bedroom to catch some more sleep as soon as he heard Finn telling a few boys who didn’t want to actually go outside to go to the bedroom downstairs and play video games on Finn’s TV. Carole got upset –she didn’t want Kurt in their bedroom snooping about- but Burt asked if she was going to have Kurt help with the lights after all and she backed down and went back to her doctored orange juice and watching TV on the small TV in the kitchen that had come to the house with the Hudsons. When Burt looked in on him at 9:30, less than ten minutes after he sent him up, his boy was sound asleep.

By 10am, only an hour after the start of ‘putting up the lights, Hudson style’, Burt should have questioned things.  In that hour six packing boxes, the square ones labeled books, stuffed full of strings of lights had been dumped out on the Hummel’s front lawn…in the snow. In little squares were piles of lights in a tangled mess.  Personally Burt couldn’t figure out why the lights were outside in the first place but it was apparently a Hudson thing. The boys were supposed to untangle them and see which worked and which didn’t.  No one was doing so; they were running around pushing each other on the ice and into the snow. It wasn’t until Carole came out and shouted about finding the power strips that anyone looked at the tangled masses of lights after they dumped them out.  She handed them off to one of the football players and Burt went over to look at what Puck and Artie were doing…which was laying out huge inflatables along the front of the yard.  Burt could only be glad Kurt wasn’t seeing those yet.  Burt turned around just in time to see the football player who’d been given the power strips kick snow at one of the other boys, right onto the power strips which were plugged into the socket that had been covered by duct tape so it couldn’t be used.  The socket directly hooked into the inside electric system.  Not one of the well-grounded sockets that were not covered by duct tape which were all on their own breakers and system, one designed for outside electric use and one which did not short out things in the house…of which the kid had ten options…one less than a foot away.  

The snow getting into the ‘not for outdoor use’ power strip popped the fuse and Burt watched the lights in the dining room all go out. He heard the alarms on the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector start up. He heard Carole yelling about how to make the noise stop.  He saw Kurt at the window glaring down at the boys in the yard who were still pushing each other around and kicking snow at each other for the most part.  Kurt left the window and a few moments later the noise stopped and the lights came back on.  Kurt then marched out of the house, no shoes on, and removed the power strip and then replaced the duct tape.

“Everybody look at me NOW!” Kurt shouted in a louder voice than Burt was aware his son owned. He sounded a bit like that batty cheerleading coach, which was probably where he learned how to do the voice.

All the boys looked his direction.

“Listen up, you imbeciles. You can plug things into outlets…the little holes that you put the end of the cord into…that have no tape over the covers. Tape….no pluggy. No tape…yes pluggy.  Oh, and remember electricity and water are not happy together…together they can make owies.” Kurt said with a smile…of a sort. Half the boys still looked confused.

“Dude.  There’s no water around here. It’s winter.” One of Finn’s football friends said.

“Snow is like water, Randy.” Puck yelled.

“No it isn’t.” Someone else yelled.  

The whole lot started screaming and yelling at each other about it…and Burt was terribly disappointed that Finn was on the snow wasn’t water, not really, side of the mess. Kurt just rubbed the bridge of his nose and went back into the house, shaking his head.

Puck and Mike, after watching the piles of lights nearly get stepped on twice and having close calls themselves in the shoving matches going on in the yard, took Artie to the living room where they got started untangling the lights that Puck had also fetched from the front yard.  It was not going well…and everything was damp because the lights had all been covered in snow.  Sam came and joined them, nursing a slightly black eye. Burt brought him an ice pack and told Puck that maybe if he plugged an end in he could at least see which lights went to that strand. They had only managed to free three strands of lights by the time 11:30 rolled around and Finn and the crowd came in demanding lunch. Nothing had really been accomplished outside that Burt could see. Burt watched as Carole put the sandwich supplies out and then got everyone mad at him when he kept the hoard from eating until Puck, Artie, Sam and Mike had got their food.  By the time the sandwich supplies had been devoured and nothing but empty plates were left, Puck and the other Glee club boys (minus Finn) had freed four more stands of lights that worked and three that did not work.  

[junker-town]

Trent Williams’ rift with Washington’s NFL team, explained

Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trent Williams says the only team he’s ever played for didn’t properly address a growth on his head that turned out to be cancer.

For most of 2019, it looked inevitable that Trent Williams would never play for Washington again.

After making it obvious for months that he didn’t want to be on the team, the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle made his frustrations with Washington explicitly clear at the end of October.

Williams, 31, blamed team doctors for misdiagnosing and downplaying a growth on his head, which turned out to be cancer. That was why he skipped offseason activities, training camp, preseason, and the first eight weeks of the 2019 season. He reported to the team just minutes after he wasn’t moved at the NFL’s trade deadline, but didn’t play a game. Williams ended the year on the reserve/non-football injury list.

A messy divorce between Williams and the team that selected him in the top five of the 2010 NFL Draft looked inevitable. Williams told reporters he has “no trust” in the organization.

That finally could be changing, though. New Washington coach Ron Rivera has done his best to mend the relationship with Williams and bring the offensive tackle back.

A potentially significant development for the #Redskins: Franchise LT Trent Williams & new coach Ron Rivera have touched base for what sounded like a positive conversation, I’m told. The next step would be for Williams to come in to visit, but the two sides are now communicating.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2020

That’d be great news for Washington, which could certainly use Williams’ help protecting 2019 first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins. It now stands to get back a leader who the Washington Post described as “the team’s most-revered player.”

What changed? Washington parted ways with everyone that frustrated Williams in the first place. He told reporters that he has a “ton of respect” for team owner Dan Snyder and that he “personally loved” recently fired coach Jay Gruden. His anger instead fell on the medical staff and team president Bruce Allen:

When asked if the relationship between him and Bruce Allen could be repaired, Trent Williams says, "Next question."

— John Keim (@john_keim) October 31, 2019

Washington fired Allen and the head trainer a day after the end of the regular season. With a reshaped front office and medical staff, the path was cleared for a reunion. Building a relationship with Rivera and his hires seems to be the only thing left before a Williams return.

That said, a reunion between the two sides may not work at all. Williams has finally been granted permission to seek out potential trade partners. That doesn’t mean he’s gone for sure, but it does imply that Washington knows their chances of retaining him aren’t 100 percent.

But before any of that potentially happens, let’s look at the long and complicated road that led to this point, and what’s next:

A timeline of Trent Williams’ conflict with Washington

The exact moment Williams first noticed he had a lump on his head is unknown. He told reporters that it was “roughly” six years ago and during Mike Shanahan’s final season with the team (2013) that he first noticed the growth.

Trent Williams said he almost lost his life. Was scary and still is. #redskins pic.twitter.com/M5fXH3ikGa

— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) October 31, 2019

“I was told it was something minor, so I didn’t really question them,” Williams said. “But, I mean, the lump continued to grow over the years. It was concerning, but there was no pain involved and if I’m being told by the very people I put my career in the hands of, people are telling me I’m fine, [then] I’m fine. That’s how I looked at it.”

That issue then became a major problem in 2019.

Jan. 24, 2019: Williams was supposed to be in the Pro Bowl, but pulled out due to an injury. Neither Washington nor Williams disclosed the nature or severity of the injury.

February 2019: Williams posted a video on Instagram that appeared to show him recovering from a procedure on his head.

Here’s the Instagram video Trent Williams posted in February that tipped me off to ask Gruden about the procedure. pic.twitter.com/9OLHtnn0dt

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 1, 2019

It wasn’t until a couple months later that Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Williams had a “very serious” health scare due to a growth on his head.

June 4, 2019: Williams didn’t show up for minicamp, although Rapoport said it was because the offensive tackle was on the hunt for a new contract. A day later, Rapoport said Williams’ discontent with the team’s handling of his health was also a factor that led to his absence from minicamp.

July 22, 2019: Reports first surfaced that Williams would sit out training camp as well, and they came with a warning that it could be a lengthy battle.

#Redskins LT Trent Williams is not expected to report to training camp with the rest of his teammates this week, sources tell me and @RapSheet. He didn't show for minicamp in June and it could be quite a while before he's back with the team.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 22, 2019

Those reports were confirmed a couple days later when camp opened and Williams wasn’t there; however, Gruden told reporters the team “expects him back soon.”

Aug. 22, 2019: NBC Sports Washington reported the Patriots offered a first-round pick for Williams, but the offer was rejected by Washington. Less than a week later, Allen said he believed Williams would play football in 2019 and “it’ll be with us.”

"I THINK TRENT'S GONNA PLAY FOOTBALL"#Redskins team president Bruce Allen goes 1-on-1 with @SherreeBurruss to talk about the latest with Trent Williams' holdout. Tomorrow, Allen talks about Jay Gruden's job security as well as his own, only on @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/B14C09rDdp

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) August 28, 2019

Oct. 29, 2019: Williams reported to the team, but NBC Sports Washington said the offensive tackle had “no intention of playing this season.” A day later, Williams passed every step of his physical except when it came time to put on a helmet. He reported discomfort, which gave Washington a couple weeks to find him a helmet that is comfortable.

Oct. 31, 2019: Williams revealed the growth removed from his head was a rare form of cancer called Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP). He told reporters that the tumor was close to spreading to his brain.

“We literally caught it within weeks of metastasizing through to my brain to my skull,” Williams said, via ESPN. “Extracting it was the only thing they could do. Doing radiology on it would have put a cap on my life. I think 15 years was the most I would have had after I started chemo. So I had to cut it out.”

According to Williams, the surgery required 350 stitches and 75 staples on his head and the diameter of the incision was about that of a softball. He said only his former teammate DeAngelo Hall, who retired after the 2017 season, visited him in the hospital.

Trent Williams said he was in the hospital in Chicago for two weeks and nobody from the Redskins visited him. DeAngelo Hall visited him though.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 31, 2019

Other reports say head athletic trainer Larry Hess spent time with Williams in Chicago.

Hours after Williams spoke to reporters, the team released a statement that asked a joint committee to review the medical care Williams received.

From the #Redskins on Trent Williams’ claims pic.twitter.com/9QQXjowquq

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 31, 2019

Nov. 1, 2019: The NFL confirmed an investigation into Williams’ claims will happen. The timing of the statement only drew criticism, though. Washington knew for months that Williams had a cancerous tumor removed that went unchecked for years, but a commission wasn’t requested until hours after Williams made his complaints public.

Nov. 3, 2019: The NFLPA tweeted a strong statement in support of Williams, accusing the NFL Network of spreading “misinformation.” But the statement also said that it will not cooperate with the investigation into Williams’ medical records out of respect for the offensive tackle’s wishes.

Former Washington GM, and current NFL Network analyst, Charley Casserly said that team doctors advised Williams to get his growth removed earlier and then hinted his contract was the real reason for his holdout. The players’ union said it would “consider potential action if a campaign against [Williams] continues.”

But as for the investigation, Williams would reportedly prefer that the entire situation be left in the past.

Nov. 7, 2019: Williams was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, guaranteeing his 2019 season was over without him playing a single game.

Nov. 8, 2019: After placing him on the NFI list, Washington elected not to pay Williams the remaining balance of his $5.1 million base salary for the 2019 season.

Dec. 30, 2019: Allen was dismissed by the team after a 3-13 season and head trainer Larry Hess was also fired.

Why did Williams report to the team?

If Williams hadn’t showed up for the entire season, he wouldn’t have accrued an NFL season and his contract would’ve tolled over.

Williams signed a five-year, $68 million contract extension with Washington that ends after the 2020 season. If he hadn’t reported, the contract would still have two seasons left and he wouldn’t be due to reach free agency until 2022. By showing up, he got credit for the 2019 season — regardless of the fact that his helmet issue wasn’t resolved — and is still set to hit free agency in 2021.

That was a win for Williams, who upped his potential at getting a new contract and his leverage to get out of Washington. It was a loss for Washington, which lost some of Williams’ trade value.

How will Williams’ helmet complaint be resolved?

It’s anyone’s guess how serious Williams’ discomfort was when he put on a helmet at the end of October. On the one hand, it seemed like an easy out for a player who probably doesn’t want to play. On the other hand, Williams’ head had 350 stitches and 75 staples in it. A helmet very well may be uncomfortable.

Either way, he landed on the NFI and Washington had to choice whether or not it wanted to pay Williams. He was due about $5.7 million in salary for the remainder of the season. Washington chose not to pay him.

Washington reportedly turned away teams calling about Williams and told them to check back in with offers during the 2020 offseason. Then the franchise changed course in a last-minute effort to trade Williams, but made unrealistic demands like asking the Browns for 2018 top-five pick Denzel Ward.

The feud between Williams and Washington is still in progress, but it finally seems that reconciliation could be in the cards.

[womenofcolor15]

#MAMBAFOREVER: Heartbreaking Last Messages, Emotional Players & Coaches At Today's Games – Everyone Pours Out Their Hearts

It's been hours since news of legend Kobe Bryant & his daughter Gianna Bryant's deaths rocked the entire world. And it's still impossible to comprehend. From his heartbreaking last message to his "nephew" Shareef O'Neal just hours before his death to how players are remembering him in today's games, everybody's pouring out their hearts.

  Kobe's former teammates, friends, and professional sports stars are all pouring out their hearts about one of the greatest Lakers of all time. After his last tweet was one for the player that idolized him - LeBron James - after he surpassed his all time record, Bron and the Laker team was spotted arriving back into L.A. this afternoon, understandably distraught.

LeBron is met with emotional hugs after landing in Los Angeles following the death of Kobe Bryant.

(via NBC4 Los Angeles) pic.twitter.com/Fx9jt2qZVi

— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020

The Lakers' team plane arrived back in LA hours after the death of franchise legend Kobe Bryant. Players could be seen embracing as they gathered and shared a tearful moment on the tarmac at LAX. https://t.co/Pe99QrkbmX pic.twitter.com/xP7zHN9ctW

— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) January 26, 2020

  Heartbreaking.

Shareef O'Neal, Shaquille O'Neal's son who has an uncle-bephew relationship with the late legend - posted that he missed his message this morning due to sleeping in, and shared their last exchange.  Kobe's helicopter crashed just before 10am PST.

        View this post on Instagram

                  This first picture were messages from THIS MORNING!!! .. I wish I didn’t sleep in so I could’ve talked to you .. I can’t even think straight right now.. I’m glad we got to bond over the years .. not only were you a great uncle you were a coach and a mentor to me too .. I love you man..thank you for everything you’ve done .. for this city , for the basketball world , and for me ... I won’t let you down .. you always counted on me and lifted me up. Love you unc

A post shared by Shareef O'Neal (@shareefoneal) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:21pm PST

        View this post on Instagram

                  I’m crying while reading these messages over ... even when I was at my worst you checked in on me so often .. I really appreciate you for that because I needed that so much.... i was so defeated sittin in that hospital everyday and I thought my basketball life was over .. you brought a smile to my face .. thank you . Love you

A post shared by Shareef O'Neal (@shareefoneal) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:52pm PST

    While the games at Kobe's Mamba Sports Acadmey were stopped today as soon as the news was delivered of his tragic death, the NBA games went on.  And players and coaches on the court and off struggled to keep it together.  Most fans demanded the NBA call all the games today to allow the players to recover, but that didn't happen. 

  Coach Doc Rivers completely broke down while speaking to the media, and Coach Pop and players tributedKobe in their own way - from holding the ball for 24 second violations to honor Kobe's Lakers number to wearing sneakers in his and Gianna's honor to moments of silence before the games began:

“He had that DNA that very few athletes can ever have.”

Doc Rivers on Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/kSS7sjKaI1

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 26, 2020

There was a 24 second moment of silence in honor of Kobe Bryant before the Celtics-Pelicans game tonight #RIPKobe (via ig:Chaser_Atkinson) pic.twitter.com/juJwk6JyOd

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 27, 2020

    Trae Young started the game wearing a No. 8 jersey to honor Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/VUoMswAQVi

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 26, 2020

"I just don't feel like broadcasting. I know a lot of the players don't feel like playing. It's just a sad, sad day."

—Mike Breen speaking emotionally about the death of Kobe Bryant at the Nets-Knicks game pic.twitter.com/TsNMebIU3O

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2020

Purple and Gold at MSG.

The Knicks have a moment of silence in remembrance of Kobe Bryant before their game against the Nets. pic.twitter.com/BiFKI0oUHE

— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020

Coach Pop on Kobe Bryant's legacy.

(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/oKGOIQatST

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 27, 2020

Tyson Chandler clearly heartbroken. Not sure how these players are able to focus on the game. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/QlO0ByjsEI

— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) January 26, 2020

P.J. Tucker wearing Kobe’s today with a written message pic.twitter.com/TkXJE2rDUG

— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) January 26, 2020

Outside Staples Center (and at the crash site), as celebs arrived for the Grammys, basketball fans flooded the area to pay tribute to their fallen ido:

Thousands of fans have made their way to LA Live outside the Staples Center to show their respects to #KobeBryant. https://t.co/777X3f2E3y pic.twitter.com/DgSavA4Ai7

— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) January 26, 2020

Phyllis Kelly is a fan of #KobeBryant. She is here gathered with fellow fans. She is reading from her bible and trying to spread hope and peace to those who are hurting @nbcla #nbcla pic.twitter.com/EDXONJgJ1M

— Kim Tobin (@KimTobinNBCLA) January 26, 2020

Touching moment outside Staples tonight. A fan releases a No. 8 balloon in remembrance of Kobe Bryant. You can hear the “MVP” chants in the background. https://t.co/zBEDxvKm4v #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/qAiGwN0rTC

— Whitney Ashton (@whit_ashton) January 27, 2020

Damn this is so surreal. pic.twitter.com/NP9Z9ZayMG

— JRock (@ThisisJRock) January 26, 2020

This was perfectly, authentically stated #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/na3RlDqAM0

— Jeff Pearlman (@jeffpearlman) January 26, 2020

Tonight, LAX’s pylons will be lit in purple and gold in memory of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and all those who were with them in today’s unthinkable accident. Kobe was in many ways a symbol of Los Angeles and we join his family, fans and city in mourning all who were lost today. pic.twitter.com/HGX5AaSDBG

— LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) January 27, 2020

A crowd of #Lakers fans has gathered outside Staples Center, some chanting, "Kobe! Kobe!" https://t.co/6fCRCQDiDI pic.twitter.com/APiowHby1k

— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) January 27, 2020

        View this post on Instagram

                  Merry Christmas

A post shared by Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) on Dec 25, 2019 at 11:20am PST

  Celebs everywhere - most of whom are personal friends or former teammates of Kobe - everywhere poured out their hearts, especially his "big brother" Shaq:

Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020

There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020

Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020

Official Statement from Michael Jordan on the passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/EEVmGLRHyj

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 26, 2020

Love is forever. pic.twitter.com/AtPuLwqtKf

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 26, 2020

        View this post on Instagram

                  This first photo is especially eery in light of how @kobebryant passed, but let me give you the back story: In 2014, Kobe made some comments about Trayvon Martin’s case that I considered to be tone deaf. I criticized him on air, back when I was doing His & Hers on ESPN2, and before that show even ended, Kobe sent me a DM on Twitter and told me to call him right away. I did and we talked for an hour. Great conversation. That led to this first photo. I asked Kobe if he would sit down with me for #BETGeniusTalks. He happily agreed. His only condition was that BET pay for his helicopter. We kept in touch here and there and when I moved on to SportsCenter, @themichaelsmith and I were told that the only two shows he wanted to do were NBA countdown and #TheSix. Kobe and I started from a place of disagreement and wound up fostering a cool relationship. I literally feel like we grew up together, even though I’m older than him. The last time I sat down with him I realized he had really grown into his voice. His words about @kaepernick7 were heartfelt and meaningful. I live in Los Angeles now and I can’t begin to describe how people here feel. This city is heartbroken. People did not always like Kobe, but he was universally respected. As a journalist, you’re supposed to remain objective but I just can’t about this. I will miss his genius, his authenticity and I am saddened because for as much as he accomplished, he was just barely scratching the surface. The loss of him and his daughter... this is truly a tragedy I can’t even put into perspective.

A post shared by Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:57pm PST

        View this post on Instagram

                  These picture are just the tip of the iceberg of our relationship. He taught me so many things in life that were necessary on and off the court. On the court he taught me how to carve out defenses and how to take my time. How to make winning my ultimate goal. Off the court he taught me to sign my own checks lol. Of course anyone who knows my story knows I’ve suffered a lot of loss but the only loss I can compare this to is when I lost my son. Even though our relationship wasn’t father/son, it was more like him being a teacher and me being his brother. I’m glad I got to be the ying to your yang as far as the locker room was concerned. It was my pleasure. I couldn’t even catch my breath today when I heard this news. I just knew if he was in a helicopter crash he would have been the one to survive. Somehow he would have jumped out and landed on his feet. I’m sitting here thinking about when we would be in practice scrimmaging and you would start the jump ball off with elbowing Sasha in the chest. Like dude it’s 10:30 in the morning lol. You think watching him play was crazy, you gotta think in practice if you scored like 8-9 buckets throughout the practice you had a great practice. I’ve seen him knock off 13-14 in a row in practice!!!! I’m still waiting for the media to come out and say wrong report. No way God took my brother this early. I know I been through my own stuff in life with using drugs and not being good to myself. When I went through that Coma situation if God would have came to me and said we would take me and spare Kobe I would have rather that happened. In honor of my brother I’m up at 4am tomorrow to get to the gym! Gigi gone give you buckets!!!! I love you brother @kobebryant

A post shared by Lamar Odom (@lamarodom) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:57pm PST

        View this post on Instagram

                      A post shared by Metta (@mettaworldpeace37) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:35pm PST

Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020

Wow! No words to really describe the news of hearing Kobe Bryant Thee Goat had passed away! One of my idols, role models, gave me hope that my life had light at the end of the tunnel and was far from over. A champion for life, he was most def one of a kind! May God have mercy

— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) January 27, 2020

Miami HEAT President Pat Riley Statement

“Kobe Bryant was a Godsend to this world; not just to the NBA, but to all those who hold dear and cherish family, friends and faith. Today I mourn the tremendous loss of Kobe, his daughter, Gianna, and the other passengers."

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 27, 2020

Mamba Forever. pic.twitter.com/wIchSUwFM2

— Nike (@Nike) January 26, 2020

        View this post on Instagram

                  Kobe " Bean " Bryant # MVP ! Last Game at Boston Garden 2015 ! Rare footage shot by @teashabivins ! @vanessabryant the #bivfam sends our Condolences to you and the Family for Strength and Understanding #gigibryant ! Bro I'll never forget you saying Yo Biv you and Tea come in and kept the hallway of Press outside! Purple & Gold... We Gon miss you Bro ! God Bless #MLB51

A post shared by Mike Bivins aka Sporty (@617mikebiv) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:55pm PST

Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on the passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/fkbkYYIFHp

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 26, 2020

  Kobe looked at his daughters, especially Gianna, as the humans who would carry out his legacy:

Kobe Bryant did not need a son to carry on his legacy. What he said on 'Jimmy Kimmel' about his daughter Gianna's WNBA aspirations. pic.twitter.com/hQpQOWCAeO

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) January 26, 2020

    And we remember him mostly as the ultimate father, coach and leader:

Kobe. Nipsey. Trayvon’s mom + dad. pic.twitter.com/FkiPqyW3rC

— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) January 26, 2020

Less than two weeks before his death in a helicopter crash, NBA legend Kobe Bryant spoke with CNN about the MLS, Leo Messi and how there are women who could play in the NBA "right now" https://t.co/kmv7KpbZtV pic.twitter.com/421aFaY3hU

— CNN (@CNN) January 27, 2020

One of our final images of Kobe Bryant wasn’t him slashing, scoring, or winning. It was teaching, coaching, and parenting. pic.twitter.com/V3VfChPLAJ

— Mitch Fick (@MCFick) January 26, 2020

We close out this post with a prayer from Devon Franklin:

        View this post on Instagram

                      A post shared by DeVon Franklin (@devonfranklin) on Jan 26, 2020 at 3:33pm PST

  Photo: Getty

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/01/26/mambaforever-heartbreaking-last-messages-emotional-players-coaches-at-todays-games-%E2%80%93-ever

[accimaginaryescapades]

ABCs of your OCs

(I'm doing one RNG answer per letter (ask follow ups if you want), answering for my brother characters Aurthur and Jonathan, two armataurs (think centaur with mammal feet and keratin plate armor)) a list of oc questions in alphabetical categories - i made each category based on the first word I could think of in alphabetical order, so enjoy! A: Aptitude 4. what things are they bad at? Arthur doesn't do well at other peoples feelings. He's gotten some coaching from his mom on how to do it, but needs more practice. He also only remembers to try sensitivity after he's already scolded someone. Jonathan is bad at athletics. Armotaurs are modified humans, and need corrective surgeries that he never got. His second torso is shriveled and bend upwards off the ground. B: Basics 1. what is their hair color? Both of them have brown keratin. Aurthur has a brown mane and Jonathan has brown spurs instead of hair (he'll grow a partial mane eventually, but not until he gets older) C: Comfort 2. in what position do they sleep? Both of them sleep on their sides more or less. Aurthur keeps his primary torso slightly elevated. Jonathan sleeps with his shriveled torso leaning against a wall or corner for support. D: Decoration 2. how would they decorate their child’s room? (rerolled because they’re nowhere near ready to think of kids yet) 3. how do they decorate their own room? Aurthur has bare necessities approach to decor. A bed, A lamp, a stand for the lamp, and a closet for blankets. The only thing decorative is his rug. Wicker circle with all the colors. Jonathan has a cozy retreat upstairs. His shriveled torso actually allows him to balance himself on a stairway, so the entire upper floor of the house belongs to him, essentially. He does not tidy his spaces. Blankets only half on the bed. Toys and games on the floor where he last left them. Shirts in the corner. The only thing put away are his books on his shelves. E: External Personality 4. are they up-to-date on the internet fads? Archport, where they live, has something like an internet but full of cybernetic beings. Aurthur doesn’t bother with that. Jonathan has heard of it, but has limited access due to the family’s low tech living conditions. F: Fun 2. what is their ideal party? Aurthur would have lots of games and sports like three legged races (six legged?), pinatas, roughhousing, ect + high fat chow. Jonathan would have more card games and a different selection of friends than he actually has. Maybe some cake but not too much. His tummy’s sensitive. G: Gorgeous 1. what is their most attractive external feature? Aurthur likes his hair. Jonathan likes his arms. Well, he doesn’t dislike his arms at least. H: Heat 2. do they prefer summer or winter? Both of them prefer summer as they live in a clay house with open windows. I: In-the-closet 1. what is their sexuality? Aurthur is straight. Jonathan is a child. J: Joy 2. who makes them happy? Aurthurs best friend is a girl his age named Violet who hangs out at his house sometimes and has a quest line she’s working through. She takes advice from him about adventuring, and can sometimes give him tip offs to brewing trouble where he can dungeon crawl. Jonathan loves when he gets to be the to focus of the family parents. K: Kill 1. have they ever thought about suicide? No. Aurthur is the father favorite and Jonathan is too young to think of that still. (I swear Jonathan doesn’t get the short end of the stick forever!) L: Lemons 3. are there any foods they hate? Their dad has a very ‘eat what’s in front of you’ attitude. That being said, if left alone Aurthur will hide any synthetic or processed vegetables he’s given. M: Maternal 1. would they want a daughter or a son? Son on both because they’re boys who only understand boys. Jonathan is still near the ‘cooties’ age. N: Never Have I Ever 1. what would they never do? Aurthur would never go against his father on anything. His dad pretty much has his whole life planned for him. Jonathan would never choose polygamy. He wants one wife, as he sees his father only really loves on of his wives O: Optimism 4. is there anyone in their life that throws optimism on them? Aurora Is an uninformed optimist who wants to keep everyone light hearted and happy. Jonathan also reads happy books sometimes. P: Personality 2. what is their worst personality trait? Aurthur is violent. He’s being raised to free his people via war, and so he’s never had his temper tantrums discouraged, only trained and directed. He has a double whammy of an aggressive temperament and a violent life trajectory. Jonathan is too indepedant. Since he’s physically unfit to fight, he’s left to himself too much and now can’t ask for help. He only understands group work in the abstract, like the fiction heroes forming a party. Or generals and their armies. Q: Questions 1. do they ask for help? Not so much on either. Aurthur still thinks it’s weakness unless someone’s specifically assigned by a grownup to assist him. Jonathan never had help so he never learned when to need it. If they hit a wall, they’re screwed. R: Rules 1. do they follow rules? Aurthur will follow the rules to your face, and his parents rule’s absolutely. Jonathan is a rebel.But quiet about it. S: Streets 5. are they cautious when out? Yes on both. Aurthur has been drilled on it. Jonathan is wiser and just listens to advice about being situationally aware. T: Truth 5. have they told truths that have been spread against their will? Nope U: Underdog 4. have they ever been doubted? Well Aurthur is developing doubts about himself sometimes, but otherwise no. People expect great things of Aurthur. Jonathan just doesn’t make claims. He just does stuff without telling anyone about it first. V: Vomit 4. what do they like as far as comfort goes? Aurthur is rarely sick, often injured. Dad taught him to be stoic about it. Don’t advertise infirmities. He never gets comfort. Jonathan wins out on getting comfort here, this time. Because he didn’t get corrective surgery for his digestive tract, and has to eat blandly or get nasty acid reflux, the moms comfort him a lot when he gets an upset tummy. No one told him to suck it up buttercup. He wants all the coddles. W: Water 3. do they like to swim? No. Armataurs sink like rocks. Like. Rocks. X: Xylophone 2. do they have a favorite song? Aurthur likes whatever the current hit is on emo rock radio. Jonathan has a favorite waltz Y: You 3. were they different when they were first created? Jonathan’s only been in one chapter, so his personality and interactions and style are still in flux. Aurthur is more violent than intended. This was supposed to be a kids comic. Z: Zebra 5. do they have any pets at the moment? Haha! Aurthur considers Aurora, the main character, a utility pet! “She’s like a little puppy, to me”. Jonathan considers his current friend group more like pets than people, too. The local Finfins (species) are not his kind of people, but he’s so desperate to socialize with anyone his own age that they’ll do.

[fanaste]

I Miss You

Intended fan fic for Feb 11th of PataterWeek = Cuddling/Snuggling.  But I missed the deadline.  So it’s here now and that’s just the way it’s gotta be.

Fandom: OMGCheckplease

Pairing: Alexei Mashkov/Kent Parson

Rating: PG-13

Word count: 2869

(Also on AO3)

The apartment is quiet when Alexei opens the door.  He listens out for signs of life but there's nothing save for the hum of the refrigerator followed shortly by a slight tinkling sound and then soft thudding across the hardwood.  Alexei crouches, folding his huge body nearly in half to greet the tiny animal who captured his boyfriends heart long before Alexei tried for it.  Kit mewls softly as she rubs her face along his extended hand, letting him pay her due attention before she winds her body through his long legs, brushing her side against his ankles.  When she's done she takes off for the kitchen pausing only long enough to send back a look that clearly says 'come along then'.  Not one to ignore the cat even though objectively he knows it's ridiculous to let an animal call the shots, he follows stopping with an amused smile when he sees Kit staring up at the cupboard where they keep her food. She's clever he'll give her that.  Genius even, because Alexei didn't think he was a cat person at all until he met Kit.  Alexei is pretty certain he's in Kent's heart but Kit is still making him work for it and seeing as he loves Kent as much as Kent loves his cat he takes the bowl out and fills it up.  She rewards him by dipping her face delicately into the bowl, eating a few pebbles and then sauntering away as if she didn't really want it. "You just like to see men dance." he whispers accusingly.  He swears he sees the cat shrug.

Coming back into the hallway he toes off his sneakers and strides to the living room.  Because of his size Alexei can't seem to walk anywhere quietly so when he reaches the warmest room in the house Kent's squinting up at him sleepy eyed and ruffled.  He has a pillow scar on his cheek and he looks so adorable Alexei has to take a breath. "Hey." Kent croaks. "Hi." he tips his head to the side, "Tired?" "Practice was tough." "You hurt?" A gentle bolt of concern pierces him. Kent makes a face, "No.  Just old." Hockey players are terrible at admitting when they're hurt.  Like any career athlete injury is the difference between sitting out a few games and ending their career.  Most of the time guys cover it up hoping that an ice bath, massage or rest will cure whatever phantom ache they've picked up.  They rub some dirt on it and carry on hoping no one is the wiser and if asked point blank about it they'll lie.  Their coaches and PR are just as bad.  The key to handling an injury is misdirection.  Which means that when Kent says he's fine Alexei doesn't believe him but he doesn't want to argue so instead he says, "Still a few years left in you."

"For hockey or for you?" Alexei grins, "Both." "Be nice to me." Kent groans. "I always nice to you.  Very nice." He gives Kent a hot look and the other man, too tried to check himself, blushes.  It's a good look on a man who frequently has more front than Brighton.  He nods towards the sofa, "Room for me?" Kent nods and Alexei shrugs out of his jacket and unbuckles his belt, pulling it mock seductively through the loops. "Take it off." Kent says in a funny voice looking more awake now. "Easy." Alexei breaths crawling over his boyfriends form and easing into the gap between the back of the sofa and Kent's sleep warm body.  Without prompt Kent lifts his head so Alexei can slide his arm under it, providing a nice bicep pillow.  His height makes him the perfect big spoon, a role he plays often and eagerly.  He loves it, the feel of Kent curled up against his hard muscles, pressed fully into every dent and ridge like the spaces were made just for him.  He inhales the smell of Kent's shampoo and nuzzles the soft skin at his nape pressing his lips there, tasting him. Sometimes they make love like this, their bodies so close they can't even really move, they just breathe together' Alexei savouring the feel of himself inside Kent's body and Kent savouring the feel of Alexei inside him, around him.  In those moments Alexei thinks their bodies must have been made for one another, there's no other explanation for how well they fit together.  It's a powerful feeling he’ll never get enough of. "You're cold." Kent bitches with no real feeling. Just to be a brat - usually Kent's job - he rubs his cold nose against Kent's skin.  "You're warm." He sighs. Kent grabs his hand pulling it over to rest on his firm sculpted belly.  Alexei spreads his fingers out letting the tips of them dip just slightly beneath the sweatband of the grey joggers that stretch deliciously over Kent's backside.  He doesn't make a move to tuck his hand in further or reach for Kent's dick, it's enough to tease, to just be this close and know that when they wake they'll still be together. "Missed you." Alexei rumbles. "It was only a few days." He freezes.  These are not Kent's words they're Alexei's and he said them with an exasperated sigh just before walking out of the apartment for four days to go to Dallas.  He doesn't know what Kent means by this, they both know that being together while their teams tour and train is difficult.  Hell it took them a year to get to this point, with Alexei essentially squatting at Kent's when he's near Vegas and Kent living out of a giant suitcase when he's near Providence.  During their long drawn out courtship there was a whole four months where they just missed each other coming in and out of states.  Kent would text Alexei that he'd be in town just as Alexei was watching it fade from view. Kent: Just arrived in Detroit. Alexei: Bus just cross state line.

He wasn't used to being the mopey one on the bus. "Kent." he tries not to sigh but he doesn't want to argue.  He's missed him too much to spend the time they have together arguing about something that neither of them can or even really wants to change.  Well, that's not strictly true.  Alexei does want to change the way it feels like they're always just snatching time together but in order to do so one or both of them would have to give up hockey and as much as they love each other they also love hockey.  It's who they are not just what they do.  It's what makes them great players. Kent's given up so much to get where he is now.  To give up hockey too would make all that sacrifice for nothing.  Alexei doesn't want either of them to give up what they love but it does kill him to know that every visit starts a countdown.  He loves Kent, he wants to move in with him or have Kent move in with him but they've both been putting it off because they're training grounds are in two different states meaning it's cheaper to keep two apartments rather than stay in hotels or wear out their friends sofa's. Even if they can afford to room hop at nice hotels Alexei hates hotels.  Everything is too small for his giant hands and as nice as it is to have your breakfast cooked for you he likes cooking his own breakfast thank you very much. It's just hard because they miss each other and rather than talk about it (because really, how many times can you argue about something that you can't ever change?) they find themselves sniping and snarling.  Maybe it's an effort to stave off the hurt of departure.  To prompt the pain before it can surprise attack you.  Stupidly they think that parting on a fight means they'll both be too mad to be sad about missing one another but it never works that way.  The anger just piggybacks onto the sadness making them feel worse. For Kent it's worse.  Alexei knows this because he knows him.  Kent is a stewer.  He lashes out over fights and arguments he doesn't really care about, hell he spends his fair share of time in the sin bin so he's not afraid to throw down and be seen to throw down but when it comes to arguing with the ones he loves an onlooker could be forgiven for thinking it never happens.  Alexei knows better.  He and Kent fight, they fight about being apart, they fight about their apartments and their future with the NHL and after it, but it's a quiet fight.  It's a resentful grumble beneath the breath.  It's a door slammed in one of their apartments.  It's a strained exchange before they turn in for bed, sleeping next to one another but on opposite sides as far as they can get without falling off.  They might exchange a few words about the actual problem and, yeah okay, they blow up at each other and shout but for the most part Kent will keep what bothers him about their situation to himself. With a breaking heart Alexei knows it's because Kent is afraid he won't care.  That one day he'll turn around and say something like, 'You are right.  I am sick of this fight.  I don't want to have it anymore because I am tired of you.'.   Alexei would never brush off Kent's fears like that because they are his own but Kent is very used to people turning from him.  Wound tightly together in bed after some particularly intense sex Kent had admitted, with his face buried in Alexei's chest, that he doesn't like to tell the ones he loves that he's upset with them or frustrated by something they do because they don't need him as much as he needs them so it would be easy for them to decide to up and walk away, to decide that they were tired of how needy he was.  Kent is very insecure about his place in other people's worlds.  Even the teams. Alexei still gets mad when he thinks about it and yes a little frustrated because he doesn't know how to tell or show Kent enough just how important he is to him, how loved he is by him.  It's not that Kent is constantly moving the goal it's that he doesn't even bother setting one up on his ice because he doesn't think anyone would wanna score. Alexei wants to score. He loves Kent so much it makes him breathless and he can't stand the knowledge that Kent will have spent four days festering about their last fight but not mention it because he's afraid Alexei will leave. "We should talk about before I left." Alexei feels Kent stiffen in his arms. "It's fine.  It was silly." he shrugs his broad shoulders to illustrate how not big of a deal it was. It wasn't a big deal, they didn't say things they would regret or be unable to come back from but it was deal enough that he thinks they should talk about it.  "You were upset." "I'm over it." "Are you?"  Kent doesn't say anything and that feels like progress because though he doesn't say anything he isn't lying either.  "I'm sorry I stormed out.  I know you were upset.  Me too." "I know." he whispers his breath fanning out over his forearm. "Away is difficult." "It's only going to get tougher." "Is okay." Kent turns in his arms and the forlorn look on his face makes Alexei's heart beat out of time.  "What if it's not?" He pauses a little scared.  Is Kent asking him or telling him? "What you mean?" Kent opens his mouth to answer and Alexei inhales subtly not because he's steeling himself (well maybe he is a little bit) because he doesn't want to spook Kent back into silence.  Except it doesn't work.  Kent closes his mouth then lies and says, "Don't worry about it." He can't help the growl of frustration that leaves him.  "Kenny.  I am here now." "I know babe and I'm loving it trust me." he throws a leg over his hip pushing their groins together trying to prompt the sort of reaction that guarantees no talking for...thirty minutes at least. Alexei stills him with a hand on his thigh fighting the urge to slide it up and over his firm bubble butt.  "Kenny stop." Kent blinks at him self-consciously.  He blushes, embarrassed not turned on.  "Okay." he tries to withdraw his leg but despite the theme of the situation Alexei quite likes it there so he holds on. "You were upset about my leaving.  I was upset too-" "I know." "You still upset?" At length he replies, "Yes.  I just-" he breaks off with a sigh and Alexei prompts him with a gentle but insistent look.  "It's hard to keep doing this.  Six months of not seeing each other for more than a few days.  Weeks apart while we play tournaments.  Staying in hotels...alone?" The implication is not subtle and Alexei bristles.  "I am alone." "I know, I know!" Kent presses his palms against Alexei's chest.  "But I'm just saying that if you wanted to, you know not be alone...I'd get how that happened."

"I never cheat on you.  I never ever cheat on you." he can't even believe Kent is saying this right now.  There is no one else Alexei wants.  He has what he wants right here and he's so Goddamn happy.  "Do you want? Other men?" The thought makes him sick.  Kent isn’t the only one who can make secrets of his feelings.  Alexei has a secret fear, the kind of fear you can visualise clearly when you realise how real it’s potential is, that Kent will break his heart.  He doesn’t know how he’ll do it, intentionally or unintentionally, reluctantly or eagerly but he knows he can.  Kent thinks he’s the only one with fears but he’s not. "No, God no."

"Then why say it?"  Kent shrugs but Alexei knows why.  "I love you." "I love you too."

"No, Kent." he whips out the use of his full and proper name.  "We are apart for long time.  A lot I know and I miss you, painfully.  But there is and can never be anyone else.  If you want others you tell me now but I want you only and I want you to want me only too." "I do.  I do want you only.  I get...scared." he says the word like he had to pry it from the iron vice of his throat.  "It's lonely on the road." "Are you lonely?" Kent nods and Alexei feels like he’s been hollowed out.  "But only for you.  I miss you."  The words don’t sound as nice as they did a moment ago.

"I am lonely too.  But I miss you.  I don't miss other men.  I miss you." He ducks to meet his boyfriend’s gaze hoping that it helps Kent to believe him. "Okay." Alexei really hopes it is okay because he doesn’t want to have this conversation again.  Long distance is hard but Kent is worth it.  What they have together is worth the late night face times, the fumbling skype sex and the quiet phone calls on the bus as they drive through the night.  When he’s on the phone he catches eyes with Jack who gives him a sympathetic smile.  He remembers these days.  The days when he and little B were stuck in separate time zones with the date of their reunions seeming so elusive even as they drew nearer.  It’s not even just about keeping the relationship a secret.  They’re not intentionally hiding the relationship from the public but their own expectations can be challenging enough without the expectations of perfect strangers leaping out at them through twitter or at their games.  Alexei has never once thought of cheating on Kent no matter how lonely he felt.  No matter how hard things seem Alexei knows that it’s all worth it for this man. "Okay?" Kent nods.  "Yes okay." "No cheating.  From me or you.  Promise me?" Kent looks him right in the eyes, the pale absorbing blue of them drawing him in looking happier than a minute ago.  More confident.  "I promise." He presses their lips together and they kiss slowly, deeply.  Alexei kisses him like he missed him.  Passionately.  When they break away they’re both panting.

"I missed you." Kent sighs dazedly. "Oh yeah?" Finally, finally! Alexei dips his hands into Kent's joggers giving him a teasing stroke through his briefs.  His dick twitches to life beneath his palm immediately.  "How much?" Kent bites his bottom lip.  "You can't tell?" Alexei can definitely tell yet still teases, "I not sure.  Could be morning wood."

"It's the evening." Kent smirks.

He works his hand beneath the boxers and curls his fist around the warm hardening, pulsing flesh.  With a wicked grin he decides, "Then we should go to bed.

[auburnfamilynews]

The mid point of the season is upon us and we’re still looking for answers to some very tough questions.

Have the schedules, games, teams and coaching staffs of the Southeastern Conference shown us the real quality and play of the league so far? We still have four teams in the top ten rankings, and two more among the top 25 ranked teams in the nation. A third of the top fifteen in college football belong to the Southeastern conference. No other conference in America has more than three teams in the top fifteen and at least one of those ‘Power Five’ conferences has just a single team represented.

But after that? There isn’t much to be said about the SEC. Over half the conference has already proven ‘beatable’ by outside opposition. No fewer than eight SEC teams are sporting an out-of-conference loss in their schedule so far, and we’re nowhere near bowl season. When this pans out, the highs and the lows of this 2019 season will likely show a severe drop-off in production after the top six teams are accounted for. So far, I have seen this in the numbers as the conference play has unfolded. There is a sharp and sizable gap forming between the top teams and the rest of the conference and it is widening, not shrinking.

My hope is that we’ve had some varying amounts of raw data against inferior opponents for the higher ranked teams and some underappreciated data from some out of conference opposition that has been overlooked due to their unranked status early on.  But that is only a hope. How that plays out as the conference schedule heats to boiling is still to be determined. 

I expect that some of these numbers will begin to normalize after this weekend and next weekends games are resolved. We should have a much better picture of how these teams are going to end up and how well they are playing.  Our search continues.

  The standard of champions 

It’s still a long road ahead, before our search is through.

SEC West Offense

With the Auburn-Florida game now in the rear view mirror, only two offenses remain in the West showing championship numbers. Both of those may show some different numbers come Saturday. Auburn’s offensive statistics took a dive after meeting the three ranked teams so far, as did many of the other teams in the division. LSU faces that same Florida defense that Auburn struggled with and Alabama visits Kyle Field.

This will likely be a sizable test for both teams. The more consistent play on Saturday will illustrate which of those two top teams has the better offense. 

SEC West Defense

Surprisingly, Auburn’s defensive numbers didn’t fall that much from last week. Except for the two long scoring plays, the Tigers did much the same they have done all year – stopped the run, limited 3rd downs and kept teams from scoring touchdowns in the Red Zone. LSU and Alabama both sport far superior numbers, but this is more a measure of their opponents so far in the season.

Watch this space after Saturday and into next weekend.  It will be interesting to note how the Aggie and Gator offenses impact those two this week. The rest of the division is still doing fairly well on defense, considering their records. They are being outscored, but still playing hard on third down.  Very interesting.

SEC East Offense

Take a good look at the difference between this week’s number for the Gator offense and last week’s numbers. There was a seven point efficiency drop across all categories. This is what facing a top ten defense does to those glitzy early season numbers as the conference play heats up. I expect Georgia to keep their numbers up until they hit the meat of their schedule in late October and into November. 

Again, watch out for the Missouri Tigers. They are slowly gaining ground on offense and confidence as the season progresses. I still say they have a very good shot at tipping the apple cart over for the two division leaders. No one in the media has evidently seen this as I haven’t heard a whisper about their chances. But I still say they are just one upset away from being in Atlanta with the division title in hand. 

SEC East Defense

Three good defenses, one average and three dismal defenses define the East division.  Kentucky, Tennessee and Vandy aren’t going to stop anyone from scoring. Florida, Georgia and Missouri are playing at tip-top performance levels and South Carolina is just doing the best they can. Trying to anticipate how this will play out for the next six games is going to be interesting.

Matched with their dismal offenses, the bottom three in the East are going to struggle to retain bowl eligibility. It is still deeply in doubt that any will crack .500 by season end. It’s looking like a very cold winter north of the Tennessee river. 

State of the Conference

There are still six team s up and eight teams down, but there is now a second distinct separation between the very top and the next set of challengers. There are still only two losses in the top six teams, and now twenty four losses among the bottom eight teams. Two of those top six teams meet head to head as the Gators travel to Baton Rouge. But three others will be tested against conference foes this week and the results should prove decisive in setting the tone for the remainder of the season. 

This is actually my favorite time of the year for writing this column. The numbers begin to adjust to their proper levels during October showing their most active corrections as the inter-conference play begins to normalize what has previously been skewed by non-conference opponents of variable quality.  The numbers will start to crystallize into measurable trends between teams within the divisions and inside the conference as a whole. 

Are we really down to just three good teams, three above average teams and then a mire of mediocrity? These next two or three weeks will likely answer that question with firm statistics that point out how this will all end. The search for the soul of the conference will begin to show promise.

It’s a good time to take a break, sharpen our skills and be ready for the final push.

The post Tiger-Eye Review – Searching for Answers Edition appeared first on Track 'Em Tigers, Auburn's oldest and most read independent blog.

from Track 'Em Tigers, Auburn's oldest and most read independent blog http://trackemtigers.com/tiger-eye-review-searching-for-answers-edition/

[junker-town]

Trent Williams’ rift with Washington’s NFL team, explained

Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trent Williams says the only team he’s ever played for didn’t properly address a growth on his head that turned out to be cancer.

For most of 2019, it looked inevitable that Trent Williams would never play for Washington again.

After making it obvious for months that he didn’t want to be on the team, the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle made his frustrations with Washington explicitly clear at the end of October.

Williams, 31, blamed team doctors for misdiagnosing and downplaying a growth on his head, which turned out to be cancer. That was why he skipped offseason activities, training camp, preseason, and the first eight weeks of the 2019 season. He reported to the team just minutes after he wasn’t moved at the NFL’s trade deadline, but didn’t play a game. Williams ended the year on the reserve/non-football injury list.

A messy divorce between Williams and the team that selected him in the top five of the 2010 NFL Draft looked inevitable. Williams told reporters he has “no trust” in the organization.

That finally could be changing, though. New Washington coach Ron Rivera has done his best to mend the relationship with Williams and bring the offensive tackle back.

A potentially significant development for the #Redskins: Franchise LT Trent Williams & new coach Ron Rivera have touched base for what sounded like a positive conversation, I’m told. The next step would be for Williams to come in to visit, but the two sides are now communicating.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2020

That’d be great news for Washington, which could certainly use Williams’ help protecting 2019 first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins. It now stands to get back a leader who the Washington Post described as “the team’s most-revered player.”

What changed? Washington parted ways with everyone that frustrated Williams in the first place. He told reporters that he has a “ton of respect” for team owner Dan Snyder and that he “personally loved” recently fired coach Jay Gruden. His anger instead fell on the medical staff and team president Bruce Allen:

When asked if the relationship between him and Bruce Allen could be repaired, Trent Williams says, "Next question."

— John Keim (@john_keim) October 31, 2019

Washington fired Allen and the head trainer a day after the end of the regular season. With a reshaped front office and medical staff, the path was cleared for a reunion. Building a relationship with Rivera and his hires seems to be the only thing left before a Williams return.

But before that potentially happens, let’s look at the long and complicated road that led to this point, and what’s next:

A timeline of Trent Williams’ conflict with Washington

The exact moment Williams first noticed he had a lump on his head is unknown. He told reporters that it was “roughly” six years ago and during Mike Shanahan’s final season with the team (2013) that he first noticed the growth.

Trent Williams said he almost lost his life. Was scary and still is. #redskins pic.twitter.com/M5fXH3ikGa

— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) October 31, 2019

“I was told it was something minor, so I didn’t really question them,” Williams said. “But, I mean, the lump continued to grow over the years. It was concerning, but there was no pain involved and if I’m being told by the very people I put my career in the hands of, people are telling me I’m fine, [then] I’m fine. That’s how I looked at it.”

That issue then became a major problem in 2019.

Jan. 24, 2019: Williams was supposed to be in the Pro Bowl, but pulled out due to an injury. Neither Washington nor Williams disclosed the nature or severity of the injury.

February 2019: Williams posted a video on Instagram that appeared to show him recovering from a procedure on his head.

Here’s the Instagram video Trent Williams posted in February that tipped me off to ask Gruden about the procedure. pic.twitter.com/9OLHtnn0dt

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 1, 2019

It wasn’t until a couple months later that Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Williams had a “very serious” health scare due to a growth on his head.

June 4, 2019: Williams didn’t show up for minicamp, although Rapoport said it was because the offensive tackle was on the hunt for a new contract. A day later, Rapoport said Williams’ discontent with the team’s handling of his health was also a factor that led to his absence from minicamp.

July 22, 2019: Reports first surfaced that Williams would sit out training camp as well, and they came with a warning that it could be a lengthy battle.

#Redskins LT Trent Williams is not expected to report to training camp with the rest of his teammates this week, sources tell me and @RapSheet. He didn't show for minicamp in June and it could be quite a while before he's back with the team.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 22, 2019

Those reports were confirmed a couple days later when camp opened and Williams wasn’t there; however, Gruden told reporters the team “expects him back soon.”

Aug. 22, 2019: NBC Sports Washington reported the Patriots offered a first-round pick for Williams, but the offer was rejected by Washington. Less than a week later, Allen said he believed Williams would play football in 2019 and “it’ll be with us.”

"I THINK TRENT'S GONNA PLAY FOOTBALL"#Redskins team president Bruce Allen goes 1-on-1 with @SherreeBurruss to talk about the latest with Trent Williams' holdout. Tomorrow, Allen talks about Jay Gruden's job security as well as his own, only on @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/B14C09rDdp

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) August 28, 2019

Oct. 29, 2019: Williams reported to the team, but NBC Sports Washington said the offensive tackle had “no intention of playing this season.” A day later, Williams passed every step of his physical except when it came time to put on a helmet. He reported discomfort, which gave Washington a couple weeks to find him a helmet that is comfortable.

Oct. 31, 2019: Williams revealed the growth removed from his head was a rare form of cancer called Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP). He told reporters that the tumor was close to spreading to his brain.

“We literally caught it within weeks of metastasizing through to my brain to my skull,” Williams said, via ESPN. “Extracting it was the only thing they could do. Doing radiology on it would have put a cap on my life. I think 15 years was the most I would have had after I started chemo. So I had to cut it out.”

According to Williams, the surgery required 350 stitches and 75 staples on his head and the diameter of the incision was about that of a softball. He said only his former teammate DeAngelo Hall, who retired after the 2017 season, visited him in the hospital.

Trent Williams said he was in the hospital in Chicago for two weeks and nobody from the Redskins visited him. DeAngelo Hall visited him though.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 31, 2019

Other reports say head athletic trainer Larry Hess spent time with Williams in Chicago.

Hours after Williams spoke to reporters, the team released a statement that asked a joint committee to review the medical care Williams received.

From the #Redskins on Trent Williams’ claims pic.twitter.com/9QQXjowquq

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 31, 2019

Nov. 1, 2019: The NFL confirmed an investigation into Williams’ claims will happen. The timing of the statement only drew criticism, though. Washington knew for months that Williams had a cancerous tumor removed that went unchecked for years, but a commission wasn’t requested until hours after Williams made his complaints public.

Nov. 3, 2019: The NFLPA tweeted a strong statement in support of Williams, accusing the NFL Network of spreading “misinformation.” But the statement also said that it will not cooperate with the investigation into Williams’ medical records out of respect for the offensive tackle’s wishes.

Former Washington GM, and current NFL Network analyst, Charley Casserly said that team doctors advised Williams to get his growth removed earlier and then hinted his contract was the real reason for his holdout. The players’ union said it would “consider potential action if a campaign against [Williams] continues.”

But as for the investigation, Williams would reportedly prefer that the entire situation be left in the past.

Nov. 7, 2019: Williams was placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, guaranteeing his 2019 season was over without him playing a single game.

Nov. 8, 2019: After placing him on the NFI list, Washington elected not to pay Williams the remaining balance of his $5.1 million base salary for the 2019 season.

Dec. 30, 2019: Allen was dismissed by the team after a 3-13 season and head trainer Larry Hess was also fired.

Why did Williams report to the team?

If Williams hadn’t showed up for the entire season, he wouldn’t have accrued an NFL season and his contract would’ve tolled over.

Williams signed a five-year, $68 million contract extension with Washington that ends after the 2020 season. If he hadn’t reported, the contract would still have two seasons left and he wouldn’t be due to reach free agency until 2022. By showing up, he git credit for the 2019 season — regardless of the fact that his helmet issue wasn’t resolved — and is still set to hit free agency in 2021.

That was a win for Williams, who upped his potential at getting a new contract and his leverage to get out of Washington. It was a loss for Washington, which lost some of Williams’ trade value.

How will Williams’ helmet complaint be resolved?

It’s anyone’s guess how serious Williams’ discomfort was when he put on a helmet at the end of October. On the one hand, it seemed like an easy out for a player who probably doesn’t want to play. On the other hand, Williams’ head had 350 stitches and 75 staples in it. A helmet very well may be uncomfortable.

Either way, he landed on the NFI and Washington had to choice whether or not it wanted to pay Williams. He was due about $5.7 million in salary for the remainder of the season. Washington chose not to pay him.

Washington reportedly turned away teams calling about Williams and told them to check back in with offers during the 2020 offseason. Then the franchise changed course in a last-minute effort to trade Williams, but made unrealistic demands like asking the Browns for 2018 top-five pick Denzel Ward.

The feud between Williams and Washington is still in progress, but it finally seems that reconciliation could be in the cards.