#same goes for conor ryan

[madwickedawesome]

just a collection of pictures from tveit chandelier performances i like

+ the elephant w tveit and olivoooo <3333333

[denimbex1986]

'“This is a love story”, says Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s protagonist in the opening lines of Fleabag’s (2016-2019) second season, before all-but-breaking the Internet with the introduction of Andrew Scott’s Hot Priest in the episodes that follow. She utters these words to us, her eager audience, the blood that she’d been wordlessly cleaning up from her nose still drying, no context given. Scott’s Hot Priest, as the Internet has since baptised him, is heard as a disembodied voice from afar. His character’s place in our hearts comes as unexpectedly as the place he subsequently gains in Fleabag’s. This, too, is a love story. A love story between Scott and his many faces, between Scott as one of the most celebrated actors today, and us, his loyal following.

The Meet Cute

Andrew Scott has been set to mend hearts since day one. Born in 1976 in Dublin, he was brought up by an art teacher mother and a father who worked at a youth employment agency. He describes his Irishness in the form of a good measure of Catholic guilt as well as a strong and specific Irish sense of humour and eagerness to talk to people. With the support of his mother, he began attending acting classes in an effort to get rid of his childhood lisp. Despite being a shy kid, he took to the medium almost immediately, acting in TV commercials, portraying the most tragic of Shakespearian heroes in youth theatre productions, and even playing the Tin Man, who he aptly describes as ‘the guy with the heart’, in The Wizard of Oz at age 10.

Fast forward a few years, he is 17, forced to make a decision which will come to define his life and career. On the same day, he receives both a scholarship to study painting at art school and an offer to star in the independent Irish war film Korea (1995). After wrapping up on the film, he attempts studying once more, this time beginning an academic Drama course at Trinity College Dublin, the alma mater of his future co-star Paul Mescal. He shortly drops out, drawn to dreams of taking on the stage over learning about its theory in lecture halls.

So, our meet cute with Scott happens in the theatre, the affinity with which he has maintained to present-day. He describes stage acting using wonderfully-fitting cardiac imagery: ‘It goes directly into your veins. It’s pure. You start at the beginning of the story and you go through to the end.’ Most of Scott’s early career pans out on the stage. After dropping out of university, he joins Dublin’s Abbey Theatre for six months before moving to London at 22, where he graces the UK’s theatrical nucleus with roles in Conor McPherson’s Dublin Carol and Joe Hill-Gibbins’ A Girl in a Car with a Man at the Royal Court Theatre.

He gathers momentum as a theatre actor, working with acclaimed director Sam Mendes on The Vertical Hour and, most recently, taking on lead roles on the West End’s most famous stages in Hamlet, Present Laughter, and a one-man adaptation of the Chekhov tragedy Vanya. Scott has spoken about the exhilaration of creating a microcosm in which anything is possible for a few hours, explaining the theatre as ‘an art form that is ephemeral’. He feels this excitement through his actor’s eyes as well as his viewers who become enraptured with his every move.

His screen debut as the lead of Cathal Black’s Korea (which Scott maintains no one has ever seen so it doesn’t really count) marks the beginning of his relationship to the world of the screen. His first few screen roles are all in war films, from his one-line-long moment of fame in Spielberg’s 1998 Saving Private Ryan (he is credited as ‘Soldier on the Beach’ no less) to Band of Brothers (2001) and 1917 (2019). But surrounding himself with weapons and violence did not come naturally to the actor; ‘I’m a lover, not a fighter’, he jokes. So, he remains a heart-mender at his core.

Did you Miss Me?

It was the hearts of the masses that Scott won on the 8th of August 2010, following the release of Steven Moffat’s and Mark Gatiss’ TV phenomenon Sherlock’s first season finale. Whilst this was well over a decade ago, the world has still not recovered from Scott’s debut as sexy, playful, devilish baddie Jim Moriarty. Sherlock became, for its loyal fanbase of ‘Cumberbitches’ including my own teenage self, a religion in its own right. I endlessly rewatched the sparse selection of movie-long episodes, committing all iconic lines to memory for future quoting to my middle-school friendship group. The show’s force was undoubtedly fed by Scott’s unforgettable performance as Moriarty, who would become one of the most recognisable TV villains of the century. Scott’s face became synonymous with catchphrases like ‘IOU’ and ‘did you miss me?’. He describes the almost overnight change where he went from peacefully riding the tube and walking around London to having his photo secretly taken by fans in public and being given CDs of fan-made videos shipping Moriarty and Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) as initially freaky, even odd, but also says that it doesn’t bother him now.

I Love You. It’ll Pass.

Perhaps the Sherlock fanbase was good practice for the still larger, more explosive Internet phenomenon that Scott was about to become the centre of. Hot Priest could never have existed without Scott. Literally, because Phoebe Waller-Bridge, whom Scott calls ‘one of my main homies’, wrote the character specially for him. The pair’s bond spans a good 15 years of friendship. Waller-Bridge has nothing but praise for her old friend, describing him at once as ‘an absolute pixie of mischief’ and someone who ‘can stop time with his honesty’.

What made us fall in love with Hot Priest was less the Catholic guilt that haunts so many of us (though apparently Scott’s performance led directly to an increase in searches of religious porn by a whopping 162 percent) and more the sheer honesty that emanated from his performance. At its core, the love story between Fleabag and Hot Priest is one that ends with no ‘happily ever after’ in spite of all the love that is left lingering. Beneath the endlessly-memefied closing sequence at the bus stop by night (you remember the one) lies such a raw yet universal experience of love which we can all connect to. We can’t always be with the person we love, whether that is because the world doesn’t accept our love, or because the practical rhythms of adult life get in the way. ‘Not all love stories end the same way’, Scott reminds us.

Scott has stated countless times that his most recent roles have all been punctuated by a certain humanity. Though the name Andrew Scott has become synonymous with the image of the screen villain – think Jim Moriarty, the Bond franchise’s C, Tom Ripley in Steven Zaillian’s adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel, and O’Brien in the 75th-anniversary audiobook of Orwell’s 1984 – Scott vehemently opposes labels such as ‘troubled’, ‘psychopath’ and ‘villain’ when describing his darker roles. His true mastery of the roles comes from the humanity he extends to such outsider characters. For what emerges from his darkest performances is a fervent empathy, an extended arm, an understanding that life beyond the margins is lonely, difficult to survive, and that we all deserve to be loved. Scott seeks to understand his characters’ natures before their actions, to see the three-dimensional life in them. As he so wonderfully puts it in relation to his latest venture into darkness, ‘there’s Tom Ripley in all of us’.

You Are Always on My Mind

Such an understanding of the outsider shines through Scott’s latest cinematic masterpiece as the lead of Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers (2023). Scott plays so subtly with the transcendental loneliness that emanates from the film. He describes feeling the importance of the film as both his first substantial lead role and simultaneously a queer role, revealing that he wore some of his own clothes in the film and often phoned his parents and siblings to ask about details of his own childhood in the 80s. Whilst he tapped into his own experiences growing up as a queer person – homosexuality wasn’t decriminalised in Ireland until 1993 – in a profoundly-personal way, Scott nonetheless maintains that his process as an actor in the film was founded on an exploration which transcends his queer identity.

Scott has expressed his ambivalence at being pigeonholed into the ‘gay actor’ category in the past. Sure, he has provided our community with some of the most sensitive performances in queer cinema this century, from Welshman and owner of the Gay’s The Word bookshop Gethin Roberts in Matthew Warchus’s Pride (2014) to All of Us Strangers and now Ripley. But there is another not-so-positive side to this labelling. The BBC recently faced backlash following a BAFTA red carpet interview with Scott in which the reporter implied that Scott had seen Barry Keoghan’s genitalia and knew how big it was. Speaking about the slew of questions he incessantly faces about his sexuality in the press, Scott argues that ‘the problem is it becomes your schtick. Frankly, I feel like I’ve got just a bit more to offer than that.’

In fact, a running theme of many of Scott’s forays with the press is this sense of profound sincerity. Rather than sprinting through the Q&A format, Scott often asks back as many questions as he answers, and we can imagine the glint in his eye and half-smirk forming on his lips as he does so, feeling like he is breaking the rules of conventional stardom. He has maintained a certain boy-next-door energy; he even describes his dress sense as that of an ‘11-year-old’: scuffed trainers, colourful T-shirt, hoodie, and all. He has often expressed a desire to talk to his fans rather than be the object to their secret photos of him on the tube and in Tesco’s. Even though we must steer clear of the parasocial relationships that often plague such iconic figures as Scott, there is nonetheless an undeniable feeling that he lets us know him, just a little, and that little has become all-too-rare in the age of untouchable stardom and TikTok fame. Yes, he was GQ’s Man of the Year in 2023, and yes, he is an absolute fanboy of Taylor Swift. The two can coexist, he shows.

Scott is a lover of art in whatever form. Despite turning down the art school offer, he frequently draws strangers in the tube and attends life-drawing classes. He is also interested in philosophy, gushing about his experience attending an Alain de Botton talk on loneliness and the importance of Esther Perel’s writing about relationships in his approach to acting and life itself. Discussing in an interview the eerie atmosphere of his Ripley shoot, which occurred between Italy and America during the pandemic, he veers into a conversation on the importance of art in the midst of loneliness, grief, and love. His words dig to the core of our own love affair with him and his plethora of relatable, human performances. ‘As human beings, we tell stories’, he says. ‘Expert storytellers are really vital. No, it’s not brain surgery. But, “Hearts starve as well as bodies. Give us bread, but give us roses.” I love that quote.’ It is through his storytelling that Andrew Scott has won our hearts. Our love story with him may have been a slow burn, but it’s only just beginning.'

[stuckasmain]

Rewatch notes Act 1-

I like to do this whenever I rewatch something I seriously enjoy, I take notes of all the little things. I couldn’t when I saw the tour but can now.

Anyways, I’ve been given a vid of Conor Ryan’s Christian and most of the old/og(?) tour cast. A few members have changed when I went to see but I believe satine and Santiago are the same. Connor has got to be one of my favorites now. It’s a serious tie between him and John.

Christian is a absolute delight. He looks like a child in a candy store. Wide eyed, mystified, he’s in a place he’s only dreamed of until now and he can’t stop smiling . Toulouse has to drag him around like a toddler

Satine is introduced and he mouths/says her name alongside Zidler I AM UNWELL. This transition to his narration every time is seamless, it’s someone telling a personal story and getting caught up with the emotions they had felt and it’s my heart—

Christian instantly takes to bohemian life and even slips his coat off his shoulder (Santiago looses his mind at this) I love how hard he tries to blend in while also effortlessly impressing everyone he comes across

WHY DOES NO ONE TALK ABOUT THEIR HANDSHAKE? Christian, Toulouse and Santiago have a secret little handshake and they do it all the time

Santiago swipes a bottle off a random table and gives it to Christian to calm him down, he chugs and makes a face. Santi takes it back and chugs - only to finally read the label. He hides it in his vest whenever a server walks past. This moment is a small thing in the background but it’s so good.

“She’s a little out of my league, pal!”

“Your genius has no league! Now go fourth and triumph!”

Satine mocks Christian’s American accent “LiMa oHiO”

Christian holds the bottle while Santiago makes his shot at Nini. It does not go well. There’s implications they’re all drinking from it just Santi the most

I love Zidler and Satines dynamic. They knew each other for a long time and it’s nearly paternal - except the Zidler here gets a bit more worked up then others I’ve seen.

Courtney’s facial expressions are top tier the entire show but particularly during the mixup in the elephant.

“My entire future may depend on it”

“…Oh, I hope not!”

You can see the gears in her head turn. She goes to her table completely distraught because- oh no this dork is everything. She fell just as hard for him and I like how it’s especially visible here.

SHE GRABS A FIST FULL OF HIS HAIR WHEN THEY MAKE OUT. MA’AM?!

Santiago might have a thing for the duke. He holds his thigh, leans into his shoulder and makes some glances during the pitch. He also plays with one of satines stuffed tours

“And death!” Santiago pretends to hang and sticks out his tounge moving from side to side. The duke just stares at him for a solid minute. (I hope he knows how fucking funny he is)

Toulouse insists on the lover being a vantrilocist and during a brief portion he and Christian pose as such

Toulouse said “Pocket glitter!!” And he’s so valid

Satine being tired/annoyed in her “come in” she even huffs. Girls not even trying to hide it

Satines Sleepwear/nightwear going from black and rinestones to soft pinks/reds when she meets with the Duke v with Christian.

“I want every moment I can have with you, stolen or not!” Ahghhhhhhhhh!

[unfortunate-arrow]

The Vaulties | Day 3: OCs who Owned Me

William John Devlin — Look if I had to pick a favorite out of my legacy/Victorian kiddos, it’s this boy. I love him so much. William is a bastard, in the illegitimate sense and he’s got a lot of issues tied to that. He’s an artist, but doesn’t see himself as one until he’s in his 30s. He rarely lets anyone see how the world has beaten him down and isn’t always kind to himself.

Sara Ailis O’Donnell — As one of the OGs, Sara has a special place in my heart. The third quadruplet, Sara is also the most compassionate. She’s always got a piece of kindness for nearly everybody. She’s soft and kind and possibly their personification of the cinnamon roll character. She’s been in love with Barnaby since her sixth year and there’s never been anyone else, which she knows is so rare.

Conor Lorcan O’Donnell — As another one of the OGs, Conor also has a very special place in my heart. The fourth quadruplet, Conor is the quietest. He’s got so much going on in his head but a combination of a reserved nature and a stutter make it hard for him to share. He’s also the first kid in the HPHM crew to master non-verbal magic… much to a lot of people’s surprise. Conor is used to being underestimated because so many in the wizarding world assume that his stutter means that his intelligence is low. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Conor is extremely intelligent and goes on to become an architect, studying under muggle guidance.

Camila Ines Valdez Santiago — She’s been on my mind a lot recently. A Slytherin in the same year as Harry Potter himself, Camila is ready to fight about half of the people in her year… mostly Malfoy. She cannot stand his smug little face and attitude. But as the astronomy professor during the magic awakened era, Camila is quite a fair professor, extending gratitude to all pretty much all of her students.

Luke Percival Battersea — The newest kid on the list, Luke has a lot of stuff going on and a fascinating story. The sole survivor of a dark wizard attack, Luke’s determined to figure why exactly his family was targeted. He’s also halfway in love with Sophie Pembroke by the end of their fifth year. Star Wars nerd. Sports fan. Seeker.

Declan Ryan O’Donnell-Lee — Sara’s eldest son with her husband, Barnaby, Declan is such a great edition. He’s under the impression that because his life is so good, he’s not allowed to struggle. He often pushes aside his own issues because he doesn’t think they’re worthy of feeling because other people have it worse, because he doesn’t think his issues are legitimate. The only place he feels fully comfortable is the quidditch pitch, but even then his issues with feeling valued flare up.

Honorable Mentions: The other Lynch-O’Donnells (Tadhg, Cillian, Aisling, Ryan, Cara, & Orla), Max Pembroke, Nate MacKade, Edmund Kennedy, Colm O’Shea, Rory O’Neill

→ Hosted by @hphmmatthewluther

[dailynailee-blog]

Hailee & Niall Timeline

Timeline provided for the events/occurrence between Hailee Steinfeld and Niall Horan. 

May 17, 2015: Hailee and Niall attend the BBMAs and Taylor Swift’s afterparty (unsure of whether they met).

November 22, 2015: Hailee and Niall attend the AMAs and later both attend the AMAs Purpose afterparty with Selena Gomez. 

December 4, 2015: Hailee and Niall perform at KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball.

October 1, 2016: Hailee tweets about This Town and Niall replies.

October 3, 2016: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet to her.

October 9, 2016: Hailee (indirectly) chooses to snog Niall in a game of Snog, Marry, or Kill? 

December 1, 2016: Niall and Hailee perform at the WiLD 94.9 Jingle Ball in Santa Clara and are seen hugging and talking backstage.

December 9, 2016: Niall and Hailee perform at Z100 Jingle Ball in New York and were scheduled to sing together but didn’t have time to rehearse, so Niall ends up introducing Hailee instead. 

"There’s been a couple of times where we’ve talked about it and then you turn up on the day and you see everyone has the soundcheck and then you don’t get a lot of time to practice about things on stage.. like, sometimes meself and Shawn have talked about doing something before and meself and Hailee Steinfeld have talked about getting up and playing and hopefully this time.. now that we know that that’s the problem, we can resolve that and maybe do something. It’s just so cool, it’s rare that you get all of us artists in the same room, in the same building and so.. you know, people are waiting, having won competitions and stuff like that.. you kinda wanna give them a little bit more than just our songs. So, it’d be nice to get up and do something." -Niall

“Alright well, I’ve been given the job to tell you who’s coming next and it’s a very very special girl and a very good friend of mine and I’m glad that I get to do this. Ladies and gentlemen, Hailee Steinfeld! HAILEE STEINFELD!”

December 12, 2016: Niall starts following Hailee on Twitter.

December 14, 2016: Niall and Hailee perform at KISS Jingle Ball in Chicago and Hailee posts stories of their “fight”.

April 1, 2017: Hailee likes a post about Niall on Instagram.

May 4, 2017: Hailee likes a post about Niall on Instagram.

May 6, 2017: Niall likes Hailee’s tweet.

May 7, 2017: Hailee tweets Niall and Niall replies.

May 10, 2017: Hailee follows Niall back on Twitter.

May 12, 2017: Niall and Hailee perform at 93.3 Summer Kickoff concert in San Diego and Niall posts a video of Hailee. (Gifs credit)

May 13, 2017: Niall and Hailee perform at Wango Tango and Hailee posts stories of Niall’s soundcheck. Niall gets spotted by fans watching Hailee’s performance.

May 15, 2017: Niall talks about Hailee in an interview with Zach Sang.

May 19, 2017: Hailee posts a snapchat of her listening to Slow Hands.

May 20, 2017: Niall and Hailee perform at SPF 2017 in Vegas.

June 10, 2017: Niall and Hailee perform at Capital Summertime Ball in London. Hailee talks about Niall on the red carpet.

“Niall is a great friend and I’m very excited to see him, as well.”

June 12, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet.

June 24, 2017: Niall and Hailee perform at B96 Summer Bash and Hailee uploads multiple stories of her watching Niall’s performance.

June 27, 2017: Niall starts following Hailee on Instagram.

September 8, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet.

September 13, 2017: Hailee wishes Niall a happy birthday on Twitter.

September 13, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet.

September 15, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s Instagram post.

September 17, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s post on Instagram.

September 23, 2017: Hailee likes posts about Niall on Instagram.

September 24, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet.

October 27, 2017: Niall cites Hailee as his favorite female artist.

"Hailee Steinfeld's a good friend of mine – banging out the new tunes.” -Niall

November 2, 2017: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram. 

November 4, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s post on Instagram.

November 9, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s post on Instagram.

November 18, 2017: Niall rehearses for the AMAs and Niall mentions Hailee as one of the performers he’s excited for.  "My good friend Hailee Steinfeld, looking forward. I know she's nervous, she was telling me she's nervous, and rightfully so, it’s a big night.” -Niall

November 19, 2017: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet.

November 19, 2017: Hailee and Niall perform at the AMAs and attend the same afterparty.

November 20, 2017: Niall leaves a comment on one of Hailee’s Instagram post and likes the other. Hailee likes his comment and Niall likes a tweet about him and Hailee.

November 28, 2017: Niall and Hailee perform at 106.1 KISS Jingle Ball. Hailee takes over iHeartRadio’s snapchat and documents Niall’s full performance. After Niall’s performance, Hailee and Niall go watch The Chainsmokers’ performance.

November 28, 2017: Hailee likes a tweet about watching Niall’s performance.

November 29, 2017: Niall and Hailee fly to San Francisco together.

November 29, 2017: Niall gets spotted at Christmas in the Park and Hailee posts a story from it. Both of their teams upload stories at Christmas in the Park at the same time.

November 30, 2017: Hailee and Niall perform at WiLD 94.9′s Jingle Ball in San Jose. Niall gets spotted watching Hailee’s performance. Most of Niall’s team starts following Hailee on Instagram.

December 1, 2017: Hailee likes a post about Niall on Instagram.

December 4, 2017: Hailee shares a screenshot of her listening to “Lost on You” by Lewis Capaldi, Niall’s favorite song, in her Instagram story after the Jingle Balls.

December 7, 2017: Hailee gets asked about seeing Niall during PP3 promo in London. 

“And you’re in London, British talent, you’ve told me you’re friends with Niall. He’s doing so well!” “He is!” “Do you get to see much of the brits these days?” “I always find that when I’m here, none of them are, which is currently the case. So hopefully, I need to come back when I can just hang, when I’m not working and see all of them for sure.”

December 8, 2017: Louis Tomlinson starts following Hailee on Instagram.

December 11, 2017: Niall wishes Hailee a happy birthday on Instagram. Hailee likes and comments on the post.

December 15, 2017: The PP3 cast visits a USO base and Niall seems to be a popular topic.

January 1, 2018: Deo Devine (Niall’s cousin) starts following Hailee on Instagram.

January 2, 2018: Hailee and Niall go see Hamilton in London. 

January 5, 2018: Hailee leaves London and tweets about Millie Bobby Brown.

January 8, 2018: Niall tweets about finishing Stranger Things.

January 11, 2018: Hailee has a press day for Lip Sync Battle and Rob (her stylist) starts following Niall.

January 13, 2018: Niall joins the Steinfeld’s and friends for Griffin’s (Hailee’s brother) birthday. Hailee wears Niall’s coat.

January 18, 2018: Hailee responds to the rumors of her and Niall dating. “I feel so lucky that [my fans] care enough about me to know what I’m doing every second of every day, but I think that sometimes it’s hard for people in general to realize that there are boundaries to a person’s life and personal life. I am a very private person, I do love that I have the opportunity to share with them what I’m comfortable with and they’re there to listen and support me.”

January 19, 2018: Niall wears the coat Hailee was wearing at Griffin’s birthday party. 

January 27, 2018: Hailee’s cousin’s step-daughter tweets about Hailee and Niall.

(for reference, that it’s about Hailee) 

January 28, 2018: Hailee’s dad likes a comment about Hailee and Niall on Instagram.

January 29, 2018: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram.

February 4, 2018: Hailee uploads a story of her watching PP2 on Niall’s TV.

February 5, 2018: Hailee and Niall are seen shopping for music and movies in LA.

February 9, 2018: Niall films the On The Loose music video and Conor McDonnell (photographer on set) starts following Hailee on Instagram. 

February 10, 2018: Hailee and Niall are seen together outside of LA.

February 17, 2018: Hailee and Niall attend a BSB concert and XS Nightclub in Vegas.

“A source confirms to E! News that after the concert the duo hit up at XS Nightclub where they sat together at a stage table with a few friends, sipping on Absolut Elyx cocktails and taking in a DJ set by Diplo.”

February 19, 2018: People talks to a “source” and publishes an article about Hailee and Niall.

“She’s not actively pursuing anything, Niall is really into her but she’s unsure if she wants to get into something new right away. They’ve been friends for a long, long time and are very comfortable with each other, but it’s nothing serious right now.”

February 23, 2018: Hailee picks up on some Irish lingo.

February 24, 2018: On Air With Ryan Seacrest talks about Hailee and Niall rumors and Tanya Rad (one of Hailee’s best friends and OAWRS host) doesn’t comment and RSVP Live publishes an article about a “source” confirming Niall and Hailee’s relationship.

“Niall and Hailee have been getting very close. They’re very cute together. They’re like best friends.”

March 8, 2018: Hailee gets asked about Niall in an interview.

CD: And you are one of those people who are close with lots of musicians. Just say, you and Julia Michaels are best friends. Niall Horan is also included in your list (as best friends). How do you stay communicated with them with your busy schedules?

Hailee: One thing that’s fun is, accidentally our paths cross when we are on tour, and we won’t always be in the same place at the same time. But, when it happens, we always try as much as possible to see each other. 

March 12, 2018: Hailee likes Niall’s post on Instagram.

March 17, 2018: Hailee goes to Glasgow to spend St. Patrick’s Day with Niall. (Gif credit)

March 17-19, 2018: More of Niall’s team and opening act (Lewis Capaldi) starts following Hailee on Instagram. 

March 19, 2018: Hailee uploads a story backstage and is seen watching Niall backstage.

March 22, 2018: Hailee misses her mom’s birthday to perform with Julia Michaels at Flicker World Tour London. Hailee watches Niall perform and sings along to every song, according to fans. (Tweet about her singing along has since been deleted).

March 27, 2018: A “source” confirms Niall and Hailee are dating to E News.

“It's true that Hailee and Niall are dating, but at this point it's still pretty casual”

March 28, 2018: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram.

March 28, 2018: Niall’s cousin comments on a post about Hailee and Niall.

April 2, 2018: Niall adds Capital Letters to his “Niall Horan’s Tunes” Spotify playlist.

April 7, 2018: Hailee joins Niall in Augusta, GA for The Masters.

April 8, 2018: Hailee and Niall attend The Masters.

April 8, 2018: Hailee joins Niall on his annual trip to the Bahamas with Justin Rose.

April 10, 2018: Hailee and Niall are seen in The Bahamas.

April 13, 2018: Julia Michaels talks about Niall and Hailee watching her soundcheck.  “He watches every soundcheck that I do. And I had Hailee come out to perform with me in London so they were both watching my soundcheck and then Niall all of a sudden takes off his shirt and starts running down the aisles like a crazy person just to get me to laugh.”

April 25, 2018: Niall blacklists Hailee as a topic in interviews.

April 26, 2018: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram.

April 28, 2018 - May 2, 2018: Niall posts an Instagram story saying “ssshhteamin!” and a couple days later Hailee posts an Instagram story saying “Shmood.” 

April 29, 2018: Interviewer asks Hailee to choose between 5 Seconds of Summer or One Direction.

“Oh my goodness gracious, 5 sec- OH NO, that’s gonna get me in trouble. I can’t choose, I love them both.” -Hailee

May 15, 2018: Hailee and Niall meet fans at Pink Taco in LA.

May 19, 2018: Hailee and Niall get spotted at Saddle Ranch in LA.

May 21, 2018: Hailee and Niall are spotted holding hands at E.P. & L.P. in LA.

May 22, 2018: Nick Grimshaw talks about teasing Niall about Hailee. Anitta likes a post about Hailee and Niall on Instagram.

May 27, 2018: Niall and Hailee perform at BBC’s Biggest Weekend in Swansea and Niall watches Hailee perform from side of stage. x/x/x “Niall Horan is currently watching Hailee Steinfeld side of stage, and earlier was spotted having a kiss and cuddle with her.“ - Scott Mills

BBC reveal Hailee and Niall have each other blacklisted as topics for interviews.

Hailee talks about the BSB concert she attended with Niall: “It was so great, I grew up hearing their music and it was amazing to be there. Any show in Vegas is incredible to see, no matter who it is. It was hit after hit and I actually knew way more songs than I thought I did.”

May 27, 2018: Hailee and Niall hang out with Niall’s friends in London.

May 28, 2018: Deo Devine (Niall’s cousin) posts a picture of Hailee, Niall, and friends on his story.

June 8, 2018: Cheri Steinfeld (Hailee’s mom) likes Niall’s post on Instagram.

June 15, 2018: Christian Tierney (Hailee’s current photographer and Niall’s former photographer) likes two comments about Hailee and Niall on Instagram.

June 17, 2018: Terry George uploads a photo with Niall at the Ed Sheeran concert and follows Hailee and Niall’s cousins that attended it with him.

June 18, 2018: Hailee introduces Starving by saying “This is a song I like to sing when I’m in love.”

June 23, 2018: Hailee is listed as a VIP Guest at Niall’s “Horan & Rose” charity event, but doesn’t make it. Niall gets asked about Hailee.

Olly Murs, TV’s Kirsty Gallacher and cricketer Kevin Pietersen were among guests, but Niall’s rumoured girlfriend Hailee Steinfield couldn’t make it. 

Asked if they are together, he said: “Private life, I’ll keep that one to myself.”

June 25, 2018: Niall travels to Newcastle to see Hailee perform on Witness: The Tour. Hailee and Niall stay to watch Katy perform.

June 26, 2018: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram.

June 26, 2018: Hailee joins in on Lewis Capaldi’s joke that Niall has constantly taken part of.

June 30, 2018: Niall travels to Portugal to support Hailee at Rock in Rio Lisboa.

July 4, 2018: Hailee’s backup dancer likes and comments on Niall’s Instagram posts.

July 10, 2018: Hailee wears one of Niall’s shirts.

July 11, 2018: Hailee introduces her new song, “Used to This”, by saying:

“I’m a pretty independent woman, I like to do things by myself, for myself… Uhm and it can be small things, like from taking the day off or eating alone, right?… Sprawl out on a couch that can fit around 12 people, I’m taking up all the space and that goes for like a lot of different things. It wasn’t until, I fell in love that I realized some of those things about yourself sort of start to change. You become a little less selfish and you scoot over and make room for the other person, because you love them.” 

July 11, 2018: Hailee makes a playlist of some of her and Niall’s favorite songs.

Lewis Capaldi – Lost On You

Wonderwall – Oasis

The Chain – Fleetwood Mac

New Kids In Town – Eagles

July 13, 2018: Hailee watches a live periscope of Niall’s concert in Mexico.

July 16, 2018: Niall travels to New York City to see Hailee perform on The Voicenotes Tour.

“Niall flew to New York City to hang out with Hailee during his three-day break from tour,” the insider says. “He had a show in Mexico on Saturday and another one in Houston on Wednesday.”Horan, 24, is using this trip as an opportunity to spend quality time with Steinfeld, 21, without prying eyes. “He’s in New York alone — no staff, crew, friends, etc.,” the source adds. “They’ve been staying at a hotel together in New York.”

The couple were spotted leaving their hotel in great spirits on Monday, July 16. “They left the hotel, holding hands, smiling and looking very happy,” the source explains. “They then went to Saks Fifth Avenue and went shopping.” –Us Weekly

July 16, 2018: Hailee’s hairstylist starts following Niall on Instagram.

July 24, 2018: Hailee adds more details to her “Used To This” speech.

“Let’s cut to the chase on this one, I fell in love for the first time. And umm, for the longest time, a part of me was like, ‘This is not love. It’s fun and it’s great, but it’s definitely not love. I’m fine, I’m fine. This person could leave tomorrow, and I’d be fine!’ And then I realized no I wouldn’t, this is love. This is love. And then I sorta started to learn that when you fall in love with someone, things about yourself sorta start to change. You become a little less selfish. I found that I, like, scoot over on the couch, leave some room for them, and I share my ice cream and stuff like that.”

July 25, 2018: Conor McDonnell likes a comment about Niall and Hailee on Instagram.

July 29, 2018: Hailee and Niall are spotted together by two fans in Chicago during their day off from tour.

July 31, 2018: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram.

August 1, 2018: Hailee likes a tweet that includes a fan wearing Niall merchandise.

August 1, 2018: Justin Rose starts following Hailee on Instagram.

August 6, 2018: Niall likes Hailee’s post on Instagram.

August 7, 2018: Hailee likes Niall’s tweet.

August 8, 2018: Hailee’s close friends and co-writers, Justin Tranter and Brandon Colbein, attend Niall’s concert in LA. Brandon starts following Niall on Instagram.

August 10, 2018: Niall and Hailee are mentioned in Lewis Capaldi’s newsletter.

August 13, 2018: Hailee and Niall are seen at Disneyland.

August 14, 2018: Niall attends The Voicenotes Tour.

August 15, 2018: Hailee and Niall are spotted at Target and on the way to Hailee’s show in Irvine.

August 16, 2018: Julia Michaels likes a tweet about Hailee and Niall.

August 17, 2018: Kay Cannon: screenwriter of the Pitch Perfect films, co-producer of Pitch Perfect 2 & 3 (starring Hailee Steinfeld), and director of Blockers (featuring This Town & Love Myself) tweets about Hailee and Niall.

August 18, 2018: Hailee likes Sean Mulholland (Niall’s best friend and housemate)’s post featuring Niall on Instagram.

August 19, 2018: Trey Baxter (Hailee’s co-star in the Capital Letters music video) talks abut filming with her boyfriend on set.

August 20, 2018: Niall liked Hailee’s post on Instagram.

August 20, 2018: Shawn Mendes talks about Hailee and Niall.

“Niall and Hailee? They’re two of my favorite people in the whole world. Niall is one of my greatest friends and I was one of the first people she [Hailee] worked with in music. I thought that this was common knowledge, I guess it was common knowledge for me because I’m close friends with them both.”

September 2, 2018: Hailee attends the Flicker World Tour in Allentown and is seen backstage with Niall.

September 5, 2018: A video of Hailee’s phone background is posted, in which it looks like a photo of her and Niall.

September 6, 2018: Niall liked Hailee’s post on Instagram.

September 7, 2018: Niall is given socks to give to Hailee by a fan and Hailee is spotted by fans at Flicker World Tour in Darien Lake.

September 8, 2018: Hailee is spotted by fans at Flicker World Tour in Mansfield.

September 9, 2018: Hailee and Niall are spotted in Portsmouth, NH.

September 10, 2018: Niall confronts a “fan” on Twitter about mean tweets about Hailee.

September 12, 2018: Hailee attends Flicker World Tour in Jones Beach, NY. Niall talks about Hailee with a fan during M&G.

September 14, 2018: Hailee gets spotted by fans in the background of Niall’s Instagram live and backstage at Flicker World Tour in Hartford.

[andrewuttaro]

New Look Sabres: GM 36 - WSH - Frustration in Washington

Perhaps the strangest thing about this Buffalo Sabres season isn’t how high the club sits in the standings entering the Christmas holiday. Maybe it’s the upside down way the team is inconsistent with some matchups versus others. We have plenty of time to celebrate, especially during this holiday season, and we’ll continue to do that. The strange thing is playing neck and neck, shot for shot, taking the defending Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals to a shootout while that team is on an unreal point streak and three nights later losing to the worst team in the Atlantic Division. While the Sabres continue to bank points this way some may say don’t get too high or low: as strange as the way they’re playing is now you always got to look at the big picture in those standings. I am a big picture kind of guy and trust me, I look at those standings religiously, but the roller coaster ride that we’re on right now: I am screaming up every incline, down every hill and through every loop. I took a bet naming this blog “New Look Sabres” hoping they wouldn’t have another trash season or worse. That bet having paid off with a top ten team in this league only made me commit to this crazy train harder. This ain’t the blog for reasoned postgame as it sometimes charades around being: this blog is the roller coaster SabreWagon! Some ask: are you in? I ask: Are you holding on? Real roller coasters don’t have rest stops! So get ready because tonight the ride goes through America’s Capital!

The first period was about as much a roller coaster ride as a scoreless period could be. On one hand the Sabres turned in defensive effort that I found very Sabs-like. It certainly isn’t easy containing the offense of the Capitals and a top line of Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie but by the sounds of it Carter Hutton was left out to dry a little bit too much. Each team got their powerplay opportunity but didn’t cash in yatta yatta yatta. On the other hand, the Sabres had their chances in period Washington did not score. Conor Sheary had at least two gorgeous opportunities. Tage Thompson made his presence known and you know that top line fired on all cylinders including a Jack Eichel shot that went off the post. Braden Holtby was in net this time so the Sabres didn’t have the benefit of facing a goalie who hasn’t won a Veznia Trophy. I was wrapping up some Christmas stuff, quite literally at one point, during this game so I listened to most of it. I count my lucky stars about that because apparently Washington DC is one of their markets where they have their own NBC Sports affiliate therefore the NBCSN national broadcasts are done by the homers. That was annoying when I did get to it. The first period ended 0-0 and you may have thought the Sabres deserved a goal after that period. Seeing the replays it’s pretty hard to disagree with that thought.

The Second period was more or less the same story only this time the frustration got a shorthanded goal by the opposition injected into its veins! Chandler Stephenson got sprung by the Caps defenders onto a breakaway and Rasmus Ristolainen just couldn’t quite get him as he wired it around Hutton. That goal may have been a little suspect for those with refined tastes as you can see Hutton is somewhat out of position moving to his right as Stephenson fires the puck left. Nonetheless the visiting Sabres looked to make up for his lack of stop and the shots from both sides continued until 11:50 of the middle frame when a Caps shot leaked in on Hutton and well… it crossed the line, let’s all just be honest here. There are plenty of freeze frames we can see that one fully crossed the line but even after further review the referees in this game called in no goal. The period went on and Kuznetsov got a chance along with a couple of Russian rockets from Ovechkin that miraculously did not go. As the period neared its end Rasmus Ristolainen got in past the Capitals defenders and his breakaway was only broken up by a Brendan Holtby sliding that puck off his stick. Holtby must have come out almost all the way to the blue line to kill this play. The home crowd loved it but I always get a kick in a more humorous way watching those heavily padded goalies wade around on ice like newborn doe. This period ends with the Caps up 1-0.

The final period of this game is where the rollercoaster finally got thrilling high up in the air instead of several loops and spins on the ground. After his line crashed the Caps net like you’d think this team is going to get an award for, Johan Larsson pulled off another goal where he was in the right place at the right time, not even looking at Holtby redirecting the Thompson shot up high on Holtby and in for the equalizer. Still listening to the radio at this point I smashed my dashboard and gave my wife a little Yuletide fright. I thought it was the beginning of a little comeback. Turns out when your only goal scorer is Johan Larsson, in spite of however many shots better players take, your score sheet is going to make you feel a little sad. So the rollercoaster goes back down, with 7 minutes left in regulation Tom Wilson of all people capitalizes on Hutton overplaying the puck behind his own net and puts the Caps up 2-1 where it would remain until the horn blew giving the Sabres their second straight regulation loss. There was a late Sabres powerplay that of course did nothing and a little squabble in front of the Caps net which got Dahlin’s helmet pulled off. That was fun as I finally reached a screen to watch this. But yea, if you blamed the first goal on Hutton then there is no way you’re not blaming the second on him. I struggle to not blame the first on him but hey, when your goal scorers don’t score you’re probably going to lose, no matter how much you think you deserve it. There is a surplus of frustration in Washington DC right now so evidently we were given some to take with us. Still holding on?

The Anaheim Ducks are performing better and as you read this today it’s probably no comfort knowing they have been sitting in Buffalo for a few days as the Sabres got out to Washington for this game. Do you think they sat around and watched this game as team? I got to imagine that interferes with team dinnertime. The Sabres put down the Ducks in their last matchup and in spite of how the Ducks have leaned on a great goalie all the way to third in the Pacific Division since then I wouldn’t think he’s an unsolvable wall. Ryan Miller is out injured unfortunately so we won’t be enjoying that reunion again today. The other goalie not named the impenetrable John Gibson is another former Sabre Chad Johnson who Buffalonians miss the same way one misses taxes or the doctor’s office. They’re on a two game losing streak as well coming into tonight’s game. So who’s going to be dealt their third regulation loss in a row? Let’s hop on that rollercoaster and hope it’s the Ducks!

I will be posting a piece called something like “Midseason Thoughts” at some point before the Sabres’ 41st game on January 3rd. If you read this far I have to imagine you read this far somewhat normally so leave a comment. I want to have that post have some kind of self-reflection not entirely rooted in my own tire-pumping, if you don’t want to be identified that’s fine too, just let me know. Drop a like and share this blog as you travel to your Christmas destinations this weekend. This next game tonight is Buffalo’s last game before the very Merry Holiday and I would love a win to think back on for Christmas!

Thanks for reading.

P.S. I don’t know why I described each Ducks goalie there. It’s worth noting the beloved former Sabres goalie Ryan Miller is one win away from becoming the winningest American-born goalie ever. Wow, I feel multiple different levels of pride at that stat.  

[meaningofmotorsport]

My thoughts on the IndyCar Silly Season!

Dominoes are beginning to fall, as teams start to think about who they want to field for the 2022 season, so before it gets even crazier, I have decided to give my opinion on where teams and drivers could go!

The driver transfers have all begun at Meyer Shank Racing, with the unsurprising signing of Castroneves for the entire 2022 season! To be honest, I don’t see Helio doing that well outside of the Speedway, he will probably just be a solid midfield driver for them! The announcement that was shocking, was that Harvey would be leaving the team which was effectively built around him! At first it was assumed he was pushed out, although it could instead be that he was seeking greener pastures, yet the grass always looks greener on the other side!

The reason this decision is so surprising, is that I can’t really see Jack going anywhere better than where he was! Only Penske or Ganassi would serve as a gain for him, but I don’t see either of them wanting him. Rahal Letterman Lanagan Racing sounds as though it could be his resting place, which would only be a sidestep, or maybe even a worse team than the one he left, given their form this year! McLaren may be a slight improvement if he went there, however, I just couldn’t see that happening!

If Harvey does go to RLL, Sato would likely be out at that team, and whilst many people think he could go elsewhere, my gut feeling is that his career has run its course. He may be a 2 time Indy 500 winner, but his performances everywhere else aren’t exactly amazing, and there are tonnes of young talent who could go far in that seat! Going back to Meyer Shank Racing, Jack could be replaced by Askew, or one of the Andretti Juniors, depending on what occurs at the main team!

Talking of the main Andretti Autosport team, the 28 and 29 seats are the ones under scrutiny, as RHR and Hinchcliffe are out of contract! If DHL goes, or doesn’t want Ryan anymore, he will likely be gone, as the team needs funding for the seat, and he isn’t performing as well currently! Hinchcliffe has done even less this year, in what has been a dismal season to be honest for him. He apparently has backing to keep the seat; it is just whether Michael Andretti wants to keep him in the team!

If one or two of them are out, Kirkwood and Grosjean look to be favourites to join the team, and the star power and sponsors for Romain, may make him a priority over Kyle! I can’t see Sato returning to the team, as he was dumped rather unceremoniously by the team after only the 2017 season! My guess is that Hinch will stay, with Grosjean in the 28, Kirkwood in at Meyer Shank, and RHR will come back just for Indy!

The biggest seat up for grabs on the grid, may be the 22 at Penske, as they have not signed Pagenaud yet! Whilst he has done well recently, he is the weakest link in the team, so if the team want a change after 5 years of the same line up, he could well be the one to go! It is hard to say who would replace him if he left, they could go after Grosjean, but there is also talk of Rossi being unhappy at Andretti, and Roger Penske does like Alex, so who knows what could happen!

McLaren are the team of harsh driver changes, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rosenqvist go at the end of the year. Pagenaud, if he leaves the 22, would be an obvious candidate, although my money is on Magnussen, as McLaren want him, and Kevin enjoyed his try in an IndyCar! The team is also interested in expanding to a 3rd car, so a driver with a budget, like Grosjean, could feasibly slot in there, another option could be Ferrucci or even Daly!

Dale Coyne looks as though they are at a crisis point, as if they lose Romain and Vasser Sullivan, it could really damage the team going forwards! Rick Ware could help to inject some money into the team; however, it just doesn’t look promising for them! Ed Carpenter Racing has very little reason to change much going forward, Veekay is doing brilliantly for the team and will likely only get stronger, Ed still seems happy to do the ovals, and Conor Daly is improving with the team too!

As for AJ Foyt Racing, this year has shown some signs of improvements, especially with Bourdais. His knowledge is allowing the team to push forward and get some results under their belt! Kellett has  not really shown any signs of pace in these past two seasons, and will likely be gone before next year! His most likely replacement could be Calderon, who showed very strong pace in the test at Mid-Ohio! Having a woman in the team could help to boost the team’s profile and attract new sponsors too, as well as being good for the industry in general!

Finally, Chip Ganassi’s line up is pretty much sorted, however there is the question of whether Johnson will do the entire season next year. The fact that he hasn’t opted to do the Gateway race like Grosjean has, suggests that it may be less likely for 2022. If he gets an oval test later this year, I would not be shocked if he does the whole season, but it may be that he waits a year, maybe does some more tests early next year, then does Gateway or another short oval before a full season in 2023!

-M

Thank you very much for reading this article! To keep up to date with when they go out, and to see my reactions to races and other news, follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/MeaningofMotor1

Also, if you want to support me, I have a Patreon Page at: https://www.patreon.com/meaningofmotorsport

[fan-of-mulligan]

FOM BLOG: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM

My Thoughts On Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Gillingham 2020 / 2021……..

When Gillingham won 4-1 against Rochdale on The 19th Of December, Not only were we pleased with the result, but we were also pleased with the performance that Gillingham put in at Spotlands (A Ground where we have seen Gillingham get thumped 3-0, 4-1 and 3-0 in three of the previous four season's prior to The 2020 / 2021 Season) And Gillingham went into a mini season break off the back of that 4-1 win against Rochdale, and with the home game against Peterborough United postponed combined with Gillingham having the likes of Jordan Graham and Dominic Samuel unavailable because of injury, and Vadaine Oliver and Trae Coyle were not 100% for The Rochdale Game so they didn't play, then this mini season break came at the right time for The Gills and the players can then re-charge there batteries for the next two league matches against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle.

But the back to back league games against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle have seen Gillingham pick up zero points, losing 3-1 and 1-0 respectively, and the back to back defeats against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle have seen both clubs pull themselves away or outside of the relegation zone, whilst at the same-time, dragging Gillingham closer into The League One Relegation Battle, for now, Gillingham are seven points clear of The League One Relegation Zone with a decent goal difference, but another run of four defeats in five and Gillingham will be looking over there shoulder at The Relegation Zone, Gillingham winning four of the next five matches would put Gillingham on Thirty Eight Points From Twenty Four Matches, which would pull Gillingham clear of the teams in the bottom four, even with a impressive run of form like four wins from five matches, I am not looking at The League One Playoff Position’s, it is going to take a incredible run of form over the next twenty six league games for Gillingham to finish 6th or higher in League One, And Gillingham would probably need fifty points from our remaining matches to secure themselves a playoff spot, And I cannot see Gillingham achieving two points a game on average for the rest of The 2020 / 2021 Season.

Gillingham Lined Up As Follows Against Plymouth Argyle,,,,, Jack Bonham, Ryan Jackson, Declan Drysdale, Connor Ogilvie, Tom O’Connor, Josh Eccles, Scott Robertson, Robbie McKenzie, Jordan Graham, Kyle Dempsey, Vadaine Oliver, SUBS: Christian Maghoma, Jack Tucker, Matty Willock, Alex MacDonald, Trae Coyle and John Akinde - Now we knew that Joe Walsh was going to be unavailable for selection, so the question being asked is why wasn’t Charlie Walker promoted from the youth team to provide Goalkeeper Cover on the bench for the first team ??? - It also makes you wonder if Gillingham are looking to sign a goalkeeper with experience to provide cover for Jack Bonham and Joe Walsh, also, Jack Tucker being dropped to the bench for Declan Drysdale was a surprise even if Jack Tucker is out of form at the moment, But the good news has to be Jordan Graham returning to the starting line up after returning from injury.

And looking at Plymouth Argyle’s Starting Line Up, It Appears that Plymouth Argyle are lining up with three at the back with wing backs, and Danny Mayor is a player to watch out for, Danny Mayor showed his quality during his time at Bury and he is someone who can produce moments of genuine quality, But this match should be about what Gillingham do and how we approach this match, and can we respond from the disappointing 3-1 defeat against Northampton Town At Sixfields by picking up all three points against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, I mentioned to a few Gillingham Supporters that nine points from nine from the three matches against Northampton Town, Plymouth Argyle and Burton Albion will be a great way for The Gills to move in the right direction, and it would be a great way to respond after going into a mini season break as well - as for the conditions, the rain is chucking it down as both teams line up on the pitch, So not only does watching the match on I Follow mean avoiding the long trip to Plymouth, But we are also spared the wet and windy conditions in The South West as well.

FIRST HALF:

Four Minutes Into The Match, And Tom O’Connor is penalised for his challenge on Lewis MacLeod and Plymouth Argyle have been awarded a free kick down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - In Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Free Kick, Lewis MacLeod passes the ball forwards quickly towards Ryan Hardie, And Ryan Hardie gets the ball under control before seeing his cross charged down by Kyle Dempsey at the expense of conceding a corner kick - And Gillingham had just completely switched off from that quickly taken free kick - and from the resulting corner kick, Plymouth Argyle should have taken the lead, Lewis MacLeod whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Niall Canavan’s header is goal-bound and the ball ricochets against Vadaine Oliver and Will Aimson’s diving header at the far post goes just wide and that was the chance for Plymouth Argyle to open the scoring - WHAT ARE YOU DOING GILLINGHAM!!!! - Was my response, Because Gillingham switched off from the quickly taken free kick, and our defending from the resulting corner kick was less than satisfactory.

Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Ryan Hardie’s shot towards goal from the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area goes over Gillingham’s Crossbar, but it has to be said that the defending from Declan Drysdale and Connor Ogilvie prior to Ryan Hardie getting a shot off on goal was not convincing at all, And In The Eighth Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle manage to win themselves another corner kick as Panutche Camará almost manages to pick out Lewis MacLeod with a dangerous low cross towards the far post and Ryan Jackson takes no chances and kicks the ball out of play for a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Lewis MacLeod whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Kelland Watts is penalised for his challenge on Robbie McKenzie, And Gillingham have been awarded a defensive free kick which relieves the pressure building on to our own goal.

Twelve Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle create another decent goal-scoring opportunity, Danny Mayor has possession of the ball in a central position on the pitch, And Danny Mayor passes the ball out-wide to Conor Grant, who takes a touch to control the ball before threading a return through-pass through to Danny Mayor down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Danny Mayor is through down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Danny Mayor is being closely marked by Josh Eccles, And Danny Mayor manages to skip past Josh Eccles attempted challenge very easily before working his way inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area by the byline, And Danny Mayor manages to pull the ball back towards Ryan Hardie who is level with the penalty spot, And Ryan Hardie manages to tee up Kelland Watts, who drags his first time effort wide of the far right post, and that was the chance for Plymouth Argyle to open the scoring, But I have got to mention that Danny Mayor managed to get past Josh Eccles far too easily for that goal-scoring opportunity, But also, the main reason as to why Josh Eccles was in that position at right back is because Ryan Jackson was out of position and much higher up the pitch for The Gills.

Fourteen Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham finally create a decent goal-scoring opportunity, Kyle Dempsey manages to win a throw on for Gillingham down the left side of the pitch in Plymouth Argyle’s Half Of The Pitch, And From The Resulting Throw On, Connor Ogilvie throws the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, who passes the ball back to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie passes the ball square to Ryan Jackson in a right / central area of the pitch, And Ryan Jackson takes a touch to control the ball before clipping a diagonal cross-field cross and Vadaine Oliver manages to win the aerial challenge to header the ball on towards Kyle Dempsey, who manages to keep the ball in play, And Kyle Dempsey is waiting for some support before turning back on himself and playing a short pass back towards Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor whips in a first time cross towards the near post and Vadaine Oliver headers the ball over Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar from close range - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO OPEN THE SCORING!!!!!! - Now if Vadaine Oliver got the faintest of touches and just directed his header on target then Vadaine Oliver would have opened the scoring for Gillingham, Because Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper was in no mans land and he got no-where near that cross from Tom O’Connor, Perhaps Gillingham can test Michael Cooper with some dangerous crosses because Michael Cooper looked less than convincing on that pattern of play.

And after that headed chance from Vadaine Oliver, Gillingham had the chance to take the lead In The Fifteenth Minute Of The Match, And this chance came from a less than convincing clearance from Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper, who has kicked the ball straight towards Robbie McKenzie, who takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide towards Scott Robertson, who gets the ball under control before dropping the ball short to Kyle Dempsey just on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey manages to pass the ball out-wide to Scott Robertson, down the left side of the pitch, And Scott Robertson lays the ball off to Tom O’Connor, who takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has punched the ball up into the air and as the ball has come back down again inside Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, Jordan Graham’s first time volley towards goal is routinely saved by Michael Cooper, And The Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper knows that he is very fortuitous to see Jordan Graham’s volleyed effort towards goal go straight towards him, either side and with more power, then Gillingham would have taken the lead.

And having almost opened the scoring at one end of the pitch with that chance from Jordan Graham, Plymouth Argyle could have taken the lead themselves in the next passage of play, Panutche Camará passes the ball out-wide to Joe Edwards down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Joe Edwards just about manages to keep the ball in play before passing the ball inside to Panutche Camará, who takes a touch to control the ball before playing a short pass back to Danny Mayor on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Danny Mayor manages to skilfully avoid the attempted challenges from Josh Eccles and Scott Robertson before attempting a ambitious chip which clips the roof of Gillingham’s Net - And although I am sure that Jack Bonham had that effort on goal covered, that effort on goal from Danny Mayor is a reminder of the quality that The Plymouth Argyle Midfielder has got when he has got possession of the ball.

Nineteen Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to open the scoring, Josh Eccles manages to time his challenge to perfection on Kelland Watts on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Robbie McKenzie passes the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, who manages to retain possession of the ball before passing the ball back to Declan Drysdale, And Declan Drysdale plays a first time pass forwards towards Jordan Graham just inside Gillingham’s Half Of The Pitch down the right side, and Jordan Graham takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball centrally to Scott Robertson, who runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor down the left side of the pitch, And Tom O’Connor gets the ball under control before passing the ball back to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie see’s his attempted long ball down the line charged down by Luke Jephcott, and the ball loops up into the air and this meant that Lewis MacLeod was able to header the ball forwards and Panutche Camará, was unable to get the ball under control and this meant that Tom O’Connor could nip in there to intercept the ball and Josh Eccles was able to pass the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson down the right side of the pitch, And Ryan Jackson runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham use his pace and skill to take on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham has whipped in a fantastic cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper was able to gather the ball and make a excellent catch in The Plymouth Argyle Goal - A Decent Catch From Michael Cooper, especially when you take the conditions into consideration.

Twenty Minutes Into The Match, And Will Aimson tries to pick out Ryan Hardie with a long pass which is well over-hit and the ball runs through to Jack Bonham In The Gillingham Goal, And In The Twenty Second Minute Of The Match, Connor Ogilvie manages to get to the loose ball by the byline ahead of Ryan Hardie and Connor Ogilvie kicks the ball long down-field and the ball runs all the way through to Michael Cooper in The Plymouth Argyle Goal - But Connor Ogilvie’s long ball down-field was more of a clearance rather then a long pass towards one of Vadaine Oliver or Jordan Graham.

But In The Twenty Fourth Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle should have opened the scoring, Ryan Jackson clears the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver tries to flick the ball on towards Robbie McKenzie, But Niall Canavan boots the ball clear and Declan Drysdale passes the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor see’s his pass down the line towards Kyle Dempsey cut out by Will Aimson, And Will Aimson plays a short pass forwards towards Panutche Camará on the halfway line, And Panutche Camará passes the ball square to Danny Mayor on the halfway line, And Danny Mayor takes a few touches in possession of the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Conor Grant down the left side of the pitch, And Conor Grant runs forwards in possession of the ball before whipping in a low cross towards Ryan Hardie on the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Ryan Hardie skilfully evades the sliding challenge from Declan Drysdale and Ryan Hardie turns back on himself before threading a pass through to Luke Jephcott, AND CONNOR OGILVIE TIMES HIS SLIDING CHALLENGE TO PERFECTION, And Ryan Jackson has possession of the ball for The Gills, And Ryan Jackson passes the ball short to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham is looking around for passing options before passing the ball back towards Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson kicks the ball long down the line and Vadaine Oliver chests the ball back to Josh Eccles, who retains possession of the ball and passes the ball square to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie runs down the left flank up towards the halfway line in possession of the ball, And Connor Ogilvie passes the ball forwards towards Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor goes down to the deck very easily and Lewis MacLeod now has possession of the ball for Plymouth Argyle, And Lewis MacLeod lays the ball off to Joe Edwards, who’s attempted long ball down-field is cut out by Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey manages to pass the ball back to Connor Ogilvie, who plays a short pass forwards towards Scott Robertson, And Scott Robertson plays a give and go with Vadaine Oliver before seeing his pass through to Jordan Graham cut out, and the ball ricochets towards Danny Mayor, who runs forwards in possession of the ball for Plymouth Argyle, And Danny Mayor losses possession of the ball to Josh Eccles and Ryan Jackson passes the ball forwards towards Scott Robertson, and this time, Scott Robertson was able to pick out Jordan Graham with a pass down the right side of the pitch, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control before taking on Joe Edwards, And Jordan Graham has fired a low cross across the face of goal and Vadaine Oliver almost makes a telling connection on to the ball to give Gillingham the lead - Both teams have created decent goal-scoring opportunities to try and take the lead in the past two minutes of play, And Plymouth Argyle perhaps created the better of the two goal-scoring chances there as well.

Twenty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle really should have opened the scoring, Will Aimson runs forwards in possession of the ball up until the halfway line before passing the ball back towards Lewis MacLeod, And Lewis MacLeod passes the ball square to Kelland Watts, And Kelland Watts passes the ball down the line towards Conor Grant down the left side of the pitch, And Conor Grant plays a short pass back inside to Kelland Watts, who takes a few touches in possession of the ball before laying the ball off to Lewis MacLeod, And Lewis MacLeod passes the ball square to Will Aimson, who takes a touch to control the ball before threading a pass down the line down the right side of the pitch towards Joe Edwards, And Joe Edwards runs inside into a more central position before passing the ball towards Luke Jephcott, inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Luke Jephcott back-heals the ball back to Joe Edwards who fires a first time low effort just wide of Gillingham’s Far Left Post, And Plymouth Argyle really should have opened the scoring in that passage of play.

Twenty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Danny Mayor’s cross towards the far post is headed out of play by Tom O’Connor For A Plymouth Argyle Corner Kick, And Danny Mayor was twisting and turning past Josh Eccles far too easily there and it is almost like at times like Ryan Jackson is playing on the right wing with Josh Eccles filling in at right back, and that’s twice now where Josh Eccles has been beaten by a piece of technical skill, and we are asking a lot from Josh Eccles as a young player to play out of position and fill in at right back on occasions, Danny Mayor opts to go for a short corner kick routine and Conor Grant manages to win Plymouth Argyle a second corner by kicking the ball against Josh Eccles, and from the second corner kick, Lewis MacLeod whips in a cross towards the near post and Kelland Watts goal-bound header is headed clear by Kyle Dempsey and Gillingham eventually clear there lines and relieve some of the pressure building on to Gillingham’s Goal.

Thirty One Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to open the scoring, Kelland Watts pass through to central midfield is cut out by Declan Drysdale, And Declan Drysdale passes the ball forwards towards Robbie McKenzie, who passes the ball back to Josh Eccles, And Josh Eccles gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Ryan Jackson, And Ryan Jackson eventually passes the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes a touch to control the ball and Jordan Graham is twisting and turning and Jordan Graham eventually manages to whip in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post, and Niall Canavan manages to header the ball away from Vadaine Oliver and Kyle Dempsey lays the ball off to Scott Robertson, And Scott Robertson passes the ball back to Josh Eccles, And Josh Eccles passes the ball out-wide to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey cuts inside and evades the attempted challenges from Joe Edwards and Luke Jephcott, And Kyle Dempsey has fired his effort right on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area clear of the crossbar - and that was the chance for Gillingham to open the scoring.

And failure to take that opportunity proved to be costly, because the next passage of play see’s Plymouth Argyle take the lead, Joe Edwards has possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch In Plymouth’s Half, And Joe Edwards goes on a driving run forwards and continue’s his run centrally into Gillingham’s Half, And Joe Edwards eventually manages to pass the ball out-wide to Conor Grant down the left side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And Conor Grant takes one touch to control the ball and another touch to whip in a dangerous low in-swinging cross and there was Luke Jephcott to accurately place the ball into the far right corner of the net and Jack Bonham had dived at full stretch, But Jack Bonham was unable to prevent Luke Jephcott from opening the scoring for Plymouth Argyle after thirty two minutes, a very poor goal for Gillingham to concede, Because Connor Ogilvie and Tom O’Connor have both failed to track the run from Luke Jephcott, However, Why didn’t Ryan Jackson stop the cross, If Ryan Jackson blocks the cross from Conor Grant then Luke Jephcott doesn’t score for Plymouth Argyle and there have been a few occasions where Ryan Jackson has been more on the right wing then at right back throughout this first half (Is this a tactical decision from Steve Evans ???) But Ryan Jackson has to do more to stop the cross from Conor Grant - PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM.

Thirty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle are forced to make there first substitution of the match because Alex MacLeod has to be substituted because Alex MacLeod has picked up an injury, and Tyrese Fornah has come on in his place, and also, It appears that Panutche Camará was getting some treatment whilst that substitution was on-going, Plymouth Argyle will be grateful that teams can make five substitutes in a match, If Panutche Camará had to be substituted as well, then if we had the traditional three substitutes rule, then Plymouth Argyle will only have one sub left for the rest of this match.

And In The Forty Second Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle had the chance to double there advantage, Plymouth Argyle were awarded a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Ryan Hardie throws the ball to Will Aimson, who takes a touch to control the ball, and Will Aimson lays the ball off to Panutche Camará, and Panutche Camará passes the ball square to Tyrese Fornah, who has come on as a substitute for Plymouth Argyle, And Tyrese Fornah passes the ball out-wide to Conor Grant, who runs inside into a more central position on the pitch, And Conor Grant plays a one / two with Danny Mayor before evading the attempted challenge from Jordan Graham, And Conor Grant’s fiercely driven effort towards goal is saved and gathered at the second attempt by Jack Bonham.

And from here, Gillingham had the chance to level the scores up at 1-1 before half time, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Will Aimson wins the aerial challenge up against Vadaine Oliver and Danny Mayor has inadvertently passed the ball straight into Jordan Graham’s Path, And Jordan Graham cuts inside before cutting back outside to evade the challenge from Kelland Watts, And Jordan Graham’s shot towards goal is saved by Michael Cooper and Michael Cooper has parried the ball wide and away from goal - Decent Effort On Goal From Jordan Graham - and we can really have done with Gillingham scoring an equaliser before half time as well.

And as we approach stoppage time at the end of the first half, Kelland Watts has kicked the ball long down the line and Declan Drysdale was trying to shield the ball out of play for a throw on, And Declan Drysdale passes the ball back to Jack Bonham, who was being charged down by Ryan Hardie, So Jack Bonham had no choice but to kick the ball into touch for A Plymouth Argyle Throw On, And the final noteworthy moment of the first half see’s Conor Grant whip in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Tom O’Connor headers the ball clear and away from goal and Joe Edwards is on to the loose ball for Plymouth Argyle, And Joe Edwards whips in a low dangerous cross, and somehow, no-one made a telling connection on to the ball and Ryan Jackson passes the ball down the line to Jordan Graham, And Referee Sam Allison blows his whistle for half time.

HALF TIME: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM

SECOND HALF:

And right at the start of the second half, Plymouth Argyle had the chance to double there lead for 2-0, Jordan Graham gets the ball clear and away from goal and Scott Robertson wins the initial aerial challenge and the second ball falls kindly to Tyrese Fornah, who plays a first time pass forwards towards Ryan Hardie, And Ryan Hardie lays the ball off to Panutche Camará, And Panutche Camará passes the ball out-wide to Joe Edwards down the right side of the pitch - Gillingham’s Left - And Joe Edwards takes a touch to control the ball before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross and the ball deflects off Declan Drysdale straight into Luke Jephcott’s path, And Luke Jephcott see’s his fiercely driven effort towards goal blocked by Declan Drysdale and the ball ricochets straight into Jack Bonham’s Grasp - BUT THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR PLYMOUTH ARGYLE TO GO 2-0 UP!!!!!!!!!!

Forty Six Minutes Into The Match, And Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has picked up Niall Canavan’s back-pass and somehow the official’s have not awarded Gillingham A In-Direct Free Kick, And I was not pleased with that decision at all, That was a back-pass and Gillingham should have been awarded a in-direct free kick, And In The Forty Eighth Minute Of The Match, Plymouth Argyle had the chance to double there lead, Tyrese Fornah has possession of the ball in Plymouth Argyle’s Half Of The Pitch, And Tyrese Fornah threads through a through-ball through to Ryan Hardie, And Ryan Hardie passes the ball inside to Danny Mayor, And Danny Mayor tries to pick out Panutche Camará with a threaded through-pass inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, But Connor Ogilvie on the stretch managed to deflect the ball out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Conor Grant passes the ball short to Danny Mayor, who passes the ball out-wide to Conor Grant, And Conor Grant works his way towards the byline before standing up a high and hanging cross inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area and Will Aimson wins the initial aerial challenge and Luke Jephcott doesn’t get the cleanest of connections with his effort on goal and Jack Bonham makes a comfortable save in goal for Gillingham.

And In The Fiftieth Minute Of The Match, And Plymouth Argyle almost capitalised on a defensive error from Gillingham, Kelland Watts has kicked the ball long down-field for Plymouth Argyle and Declan Drysdale has passed the ball back to Jack Bonham, And Jack Bonham has kicked the ball straight into Luke Jephcott and the ball ricochets towards Declan Drysdale, And Ryan Hardie gets to the ball first and Declan Drysdale is late with his sliding challenge and Plymouth Argyle have been awarded a free kick in a very promising position on the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Conor Grant whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Niall Canavan’s glancing header goes just wide of the far right post with Jack Bonham beaten, And had Niall Canavan’s header been on target then Plymouth Argyle would have doubled there lead to 2-0.

And after that goal-scoring opportunity from Niall Canavan, Gillingham make a double substitution with Alex MacDonald and John Akinde coming on for Scott Robertson and Josh Eccles, John Akinde will partner Vadaine Oliver in attack, and one of Alex MacDonald or Kyle Dempsey will partner Robbie McKenzie in central midfield, Gillingham had to make a change now because Plymouth Argyle look more likely to score for 2-0, rather then Gillingham get themselves back on to level terms for 1-1.

Fifty Three Minutes Into The Match, And Conor Grant is penalised for his foul on Jordan Graham down the right side of the pitch, And Gillingham have been awarded a free kick in a very promising position on the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Gillingham should have equalised, Tom O’Connor has whipped in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Connor Ogilvie’s header towards goal clears Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO EQUALISE!!!!! - Connor Ogilvie had pealed away from his marker, got on the end of Tom O’Connor’s dangerous in-swinging cross, and had Connor Ogilvie headed the ball on target, then Gillingham would have levelled the game up at 1-1.

Much better from Gillingham, and with Alex MacDonald and John Akinde coming on, and that headed chance from Connor Ogilvie, we are starting to see more from Gillingham in the second half, and had Gillingham levelled the game up with that header from Connor Ogilvie, then Gillingham would have just under forty minutes to try and turn this 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win, And that goal-scoring opportunity really did kick The Gills into life, Because Gillingham had chances to get themselves back on to level terms after that header from Connor Ogilvie, And In The Fifty Fifth Minute Of The Match, Ryan Hardie is penalised for his challenge on Ryan Jackson down the right side of the pitch, and from the resulting free kick, Tom O’Connor passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham looks to take on Ryan Hardie, And Jordan Graham kicks the ball against Ryan Hardie, and the ball ricochets off The Plymouth Argyle Striker and hits Jordan Graham and the ball goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick, And From The Resulting Goal-Kick, Michael Cooper passes the ball forwards short to Niall Canavan, who passes the ball square to Will Aimson, And Will Aimson takes a touch to control the ball before kicking the ball long down-field and Connor Ogilvie wins the aerial challenge to header the ball forwards towards Vadaine Oliver, and although Will Aimson gets to the loose ball first, Will Aimson cannot get the ball under control and John Akinde manages to nip in there to intercept the ball before passing the ball square to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes a touch to control the ball before taking on Kelland Watts, And Jordan Graham has whipped in a cross / shot across the face of goal and Jordan Graham doesn’t pick out Vadaine Oliver at the far post, or, pick out the bottom left corner of the net, and that was another goal-scoring opportunity for The Gills.

Fifty Eight Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had the chance to get themselves back on to level terms, Jack Bonham has possession of the ball for Gillingham, And Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde wins the aerial challenge to header the ball down towards Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control, and works his way out-wide to the byline, and Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross, and although John Akinde wins the initial aerial challenge, Vadaine Oliver cannot keep the ball in play at the far post and the ball goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick - John Akinde could not direct his header goal-wards, and Vadaine Oliver had to try and keep the ball in play on the stretch, which is easier said then done.

Sixty Minutes Into The Match, And Joe Edwards whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Declan Drysdale has to header the ball out of play for a corner kick because Ryan Hardie was there at the back-stick trying to get on the end of Joe Edwards cross, and despite the chances created by Gillingham in the second half, It’s Plymouth Argyle who are looking to score that all important second goal to put the hosts in a commanding position to pick up all three points, and from the resulting corner kick, Conor Grant whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and there appeared to be a clash of heads between Niall Canavan, Kelland Watts and Connor Ogilvie, and you can hear Steve Evans appealing for a defensive free kick, however, Connor Ogilvie got the last touch on the ball and headed the ball out of play for another Plymouth Argyle Corner Kick, And From The Second Corner Kick, Conor Grant whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Vadaine Oliver wins the aerial challenge to header the ball away from goal and John Akinde goes on a driving run forwards in possession of the ball, And John Akinde manages to win the fifty / fifty challenge up against Tyrese Fornah and Joe Edwards has smashed the ball into touch at the expense of conceding a throw on - fantastic run from John Akinde There - And From The Resulting Throw On, Tom O’Connor throws the ball back to Jack Bonham, who takes a touch to control the ball, And Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and John Akinde wins the aerial challenge to header the ball on towards Vadaine Oliver and Niall Canavan manages to shield the ball out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick.

Sixty Two Minutes Into The Match, And Jordan Graham wins Gillingham A Corner Kick by kicking the ball against Conor Grant, and from the resulting corner kick, Gillingham almost equalised, Tom O’Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper completely misses the ball and the ball hits Kelland Watts and goes narrowly wide of the far left post and out of play for A Gillingham Corner Kick - AND THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR GILLINGHAM TO EQUALISE!!!!! - And you just wonder if this is going to be Plymouth Argyle’s Day, Because if the ball hits Kelland Watts and is on target then Gillingham are back on level terms, and from the resulting corner kick, Jordan Graham whips in a low cross towards the near post and Tyrese Fornah manages to clear the ball out of play for A Gillingham Throw On, But there were protests from John Akinde and Connor Ogilvie that the ball had gone out of play for another Gillingham Corner before Tyrese Fornah had cleared the ball out for a throw on.

Sixty Five Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham are looking to get back on level terms, Kyle Dempsey passes the ball short out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham whips in another fantastic cross towards the far post and Vadaine Oliver cannot get on the end of that cross and Vadaine Oliver cannot keep the ball in play and the ball goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Throw On - But Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde have got to move quicker and anticipate some of these crosses, because Jordan Graham has whipped in some sensational crosses throughout the second half, and with Jordan Graham coming back from injury, you just wonder if Jordan Graham is going to have to be substituted at some point just to make sure that Jordan Graham is available for selection for The Burton Albion League Game At Priestfield Stadium ???

Sixty Six Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham are looking to find the equaliser, Kyle Dempsey runs forwards in possession of the ball down the right side of the pitch, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball short out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control, takes on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross which is just too high for Vadaine Oliver to get any contact on the ball, but the ball does fall kindly into Alex MacDonald’s Path, And Alex MacDonald takes one touch to control the ball and another touch to hook the ball back across the face of goal and Vadaine Oliver’s looping header was on target and easy for Michael Cooper to save in The Plymouth Argyle Goal.

Sixty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Ryan Jackson is penalised and booked for his challenge on Danny Mayor on the halfway line and Plymouth Argyle have been awarded a free kick, But In The Sixty Ninth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham almost equalised in fortuitous circumstances, Danny Mayor has managed to pick out Conor Grant with a pass down the left side of the pitch, And Conor Grant is challenged by Ryan Jackson and Ryan Jackson turns and runs forwards in possession of the ball before passing the ball forwards to Jordan Graham down the right side of the pitch on the halfway line, And Jordan Graham runs forwards in possession of the ball and Jordan Graham continue’s his run down the right side of the pitch in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third, And Jordan Graham takes on Conor Grant and Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross which hits the crossbar and the ball then ricochets off Will Aimson and the ball deflects out of play for A Gillingham Corner Kick, And From The Resulting Corner Kick, Jordan Graham passes the ball short to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball towards Tom O’Connor on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Tom O’Connor takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball square to Kyle Dempsey, And Kyle Dempsey is looking around for passing options before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham gets the ball under control before whipping in a dangerous in-swinging cross towards the far post and Vadaine Oliver cannot jump higher enough to either header the ball on target or header the ball back across the face of goal and the ball has gone out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick.

Plymouth Argyle have also made a substitution with Jerome Opoku coming on too replace Conor Grant, And Jordan Graham has given Conor Grant a lot of problems defensively throughout the entire match, however, It is Conor Grant’s cross which lead to Luke Jephcott opening the scoring for Plymouth Argyle, and it is Luke Jephcott’s goal which separates both sides so far in this match, But speaking of substitutions, I am surprised that Trae Coyle isn’t at least warming up, just to provide Gillingham with a alternative attacking option down the left side of the pitch.

Seventy Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle could have gone 2-0 up, Ryan Hardie has hit a low driven effort towards goal from twenty five yards out which is saved and gathered at the second attempt by Jack Bonham, and that effort on goal from Ryan Hardie is a reminder that Plymouth Argyle can cause Gillingham problems defensively, even if it has been Gillingham on the offence for the vast majority of the second half, And In The Seventy Second Minute Of The Match, Gillingham had the chance to equalise, Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has kicked the ball long down-field and Declan Drysdale wins the initial aerial challenge and Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham - who is down the left side of the pitch - And Jordan Graham runs down the left side of the pitch in possession of the ball and Jordan Graham stands the ball up towards the far post and Vadaine Oliver’s header is on target and straight at Michael Cooper, who makes a comfortable save in goal - either side of The Plymouth Argyle Goalkeeper, And Gillingham would have equalised.

Seventy Five Minutes Into The Match, And Ryan Hardie tries to pick out Panutche Camará with a attempted pull back towards the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Tom O’Connor was able to intercept that pass, all be it, at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Tyrese Fornah’s in-swinging cross towards the back-stick has swung out of play and Plymouth Argyle have completed wasted that set piece, and before play can resume, Plymouth Argyle make a double substitution as Frank Nouble and Dominic Telford come on to replace Ryan Hardie and Luke Jephcott - So Plymouth Argyle have decided to replace both of there strikers to try and freshen up there attack for the remaining minutes left in this match.

Seventy Six Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham were looking to cause Plymouth Argyle problems defensively, Jordan Graham manages to thread a pass through to Ryan Jackson on the over-lap, And Ryan Jackson runs through towards the byline in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third, And Tyrese Fornah has come across and managed to shield the ball out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick, And In The Seventy Ninth Minute Of The Match, Gillingham make there third substitution of the game as Matty Willock comes on to replace Robbie McKenzie, As Steve Evans will be hoping that Matty Willock can provide Gillingham with something different in the final third which can be a difference maker and The Gills can pick up a point at least, I am also still surprised that Trae Coyle isn’t coming on to boost Gillingham’s Attacking Options as we are losing 1-0 heading into the final ten minutes of the match, and Trae Coyle is a player who has got himself on the score-sheet on quite a few occasions for Gillingham This Season As Well.

And after Matty Willock’s substitution, Kyle Dempsey wins Gillingham A Corner Kick In The Eightieth Minute Of The Match When Kyle Dempsey plays a neat give and go with Tom O’Connor down the left side of the pitch, And Tom O’Connor’s return pass plays the ball through to Kyle Dempsey inside Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey’s low cross is blocked by Dominic Telford at the expense of conceding a corner kick, and from the resulting corner kick, Gillingham had the chance to equalise, Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper can only punch the ball towards the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area And Tom O’Connor chests the ball under control before volleying his effort towards goal well over Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar by some considerable distance - Tom O’Connor had to take that shot on quickly because he was being charged down, And perhaps Tom O’Connor isn’t the player you want to see take the shot on from the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area.

Eighty Four Minutes Into The Match, And Plymouth Argyle had a throw on down the right side of the pitch in Gillingham’s Final Third, And From The Resulting Throw On, Jerome Opoku throws the ball down the line towards Franck Nouble, And Franck Nouble gets the ball under control before playing a short pass out-wide to Jerome Opoku, And Jerome Opoku manages to whip in a low cross towards the near post which is blocked by Declan Drysdale, And Declan Drysdale slips inside Gillingham’s Penalty Area, And Danny Mayor gets the loose ball and plays a short layoff to Dominic Telford, And Dominic Telford see’s his low shot towards goal blocked by Connor Ogilvie, and that block from Connor Ogilvie keeps Gillingham in this match at 1-0 down, And Connor Ogilvie was also in the right place at the right time to block Panutche Camará’s driven effort towards goal from the edge of Gillingham’s Penalty Area.

Eighty Seven Minutes Into The Match, And Gillingham had a half chance to try and find that equaliser, Matty Willock manages to pick out Jordan Graham in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third Down The Right Side Of The Pitch, And Jordan Graham is twisting and turning and unfortunately, Jordan Graham’s cross goes out of play for A Plymouth Argyle Goal-Kick when Vadaine Oliver was unmarked at the far post, And In The Ninetieth Minute Of The Match, Ryan Jackson tries to pick out John Akinde with a long pass down-field and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper was able to gather the ball inside his penalty area to relieve the pressure building on to his own goal - BUT THE FOURTH OFFICIAL HAS SHOWN FIVE ADDITIONAL MINUTES OF ADDED TIME, SO THERE IS STILL TIME FOR GILLINGHAM TO SCORE A EQUALISER!!!!!!!!!!!

And the next passage of play almost see’s Gillingham find that equaliser, Declan Drysdale has possession of the ball in Plymouth Argyle’s Half Of The Pitch, And Declan Drysdale passes the ball square to Connor Ogilvie, And Connor Ogilvie takes a touch to control the ball before passing the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor is running away from goal, turns back and evades the attempted challenge from Panutche Camará, And Tom O’Connor runs forwards in possession of the ball and Tom O’Connor tries his luck from twenty five yards out, But Tom O’Connor’s shot towards goal clears Plymouth Argyle’s Crossbar and Michael Cooper wasn’t required to make a save - This was a much better effort on goal from Tom O’Connor, But both attempts on goal from The Gillingham Left Back have failed to hit the target.

Danny Mayor is then penalised for his challenge on Jordan Graham down the right side of the pitch in Plymouth Argyle’s Final Third, And Gillingham have been awarded a free kick in a very promising position on the pitch, Jack Bonham has also come forward as it is now or never for The Gills, and from the resulting free kick, Gillingham should have equalised, Tom O’Connor whips in a sensational in-swinging cross and Goalkeeper Michael Cooper has completely missed the ball and Matty Willock has missed a sitter on the goal-line and Matty Willock has headed the ball over the crossbar when really Matty Willock should have scored the equaliser - HOW HAS MATTY WILLOCK FAILED TO SCORE FROM JUST ONE YARD OUT I HAVE NO IDEA!!!!! - Also, I think if Matty Willock wasn’t there, then potentially Tom O’Connor could have scored directly from the free kick and levelled the game up at 1-1.

And the final noteworthy moment of the match see’s Gillingham try and find the equaliser with the last kick of the game, Jack Bonham kicks the ball long down-field and Vadaine Oliver wins the initial aerial challenge and Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham passes the ball back to Kyle Dempsey, who runs forwards in possession of the ball, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball square to Tom O’Connor, who lays the ball off to Alex MacDonald, And Alex MacDonald takes a touch to control the ball before threading a through-ball through to Kyle Dempsey on the edge of Plymouth Argyle’s Penalty Area, And Kyle Dempsey passes the ball out-wide to Tom O’Connor, And Tom O’Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross first time and Tyrese Fornah headers the ball partially clear and away from danger, But Kyle Dempsey is on to the loose ball, And Kyle Dempsey gets the ball under control before passing the ball out-wide to Jordan Graham, And Jordan Graham takes on Jerome Opoku by the byline and Jordan Graham stands the ball up towards the far post and John Akinde wins the initial aerial challenge to header the ball back across the face of goal, And Vadaine Oliver’s sliced volley goes over the crossbar, and after over five minutes of stoppage time, Referee Sam Allison blows his full time whistle and it’s Plymouth Argyle who pick up three valuable points at Home Park.

FULL TIME: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM

I posted the following on Social Media,,,,, FULL TIME: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE 1-0 GILLINGHAM - Luke Jephcott’s goal was the difference and Plymouth Argyle pick up three valuable points, but how on earth did Gillingham fail to hit the back of the net with the chances created in the second half, Because Gills deserved a point. Tom O'Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross from a free kick and Connor Ogilvie has headed the ball over the crossbar from close range, Jordan Graham's cross / shot goes wide of the far left post. Jordan Graham whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross and John Akinde wins the header, But Vadaine Oliver cannot keep the ball in play. O'Connor whips in a dangerous in-swinging cross from a corner, Goalkeeper Cooper misses the ball and Kelland Watts almost scores an OG for Plymouth, Jordan Graham's cross clips the crossbar, And Oliver's header was on target and straight towards Cooper, Tom O'Connor tries his luck with a effort from goal from distance which clears Plymouth Argyle's Crossbar, O'Connor also saw a snap-shot effort towards goal clear the crossbar, But how did Matty Willock missed that chance deep into second half injury time ??? - Gillingham deserved a point from the game, but at the same-time, only four shots on target and have Gillingham seriously tested Cooper in The Plymouth Argyle Goal Today ???

I also mentioned the following regarding the high turnover of players at Gillingham Football Club over the past eighteen months,,,, A huge turnover of players is also going to happen for Gillingham in January, with 2-3 players likely to make way for 5-6 new additions to strengthen the squad for the squad half of the season. Tucker Ogilvie and Woods are the only three players at the club from The 18/19 Season, 18 signings last season and 16 signings this season, A total of 34 signings since the start of The 2019 / 2020 Season, 33 signings because Jordan Graham counts on this list twice and Joe Lumley was signed on a emergency loan goalkeeper when Bonham was injured earlier on this season. - I think a separate blog looking at all the incomings and outgoings at Gillingham Football Club under Steve Evans reign would be something that needs to be written about in another blog.

The last time Gillingham traveled to Plymouth Argyle, Gillingham lost 3-1 and the fan-belt broke on the coach, which meant that we didn’t leave Plymouth until 11.30PM and I didn’t get back home until 5.30AM On A Wednesday Morning, So we at least avoided the long trip to Plymouth Argyle this time round (because supporters cannot go to matches) But the defeat to Plymouth Argyle means back to back league defeats for Gillingham against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle, I am sure most Gillingham Supporters would be looking at four points from these two matches, or, even all six as Gillingham look to move up The League One Table.

Last Season, The Defence was the backbone to Gillingham’s Success, Only Coventry City, Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers had a better defensive record in League One during The 2019 / 2020 season and in our final eight league games before the season was brought to a halt, Gillingham kept four clean sheets in eight matches against Lincoln City, Southend United, Shrewsbury Town and Burton Albion, picking up eight points from those four, Gillingham have conceded twenty six goals already this season compared to The thirty four Gillingham conceded through-out The 2019 / 2020 Season - even though the season was cut short - the defensive record was much better last season.

I also saw a few comments from supporters mentioning there lack of enthusiasm for this season, and I replied with the following,,,, Not being able to watch Gillingham play live either inside Priestfield Stadium, or, at a away game has contributed to this lack of enthusiasm, at least if we were watching the game live, your watching with friends, family and fellow supporters, Cheering Gills on to get a result. - Watching Gillingham On I Follow is a decent substitute for not being there, but celebrating a last gasp winner on I Follow is not the same as celebrating a last gasp winner inside a football stadium.

And Gillingham’s last six results in all competitions do not make for good reading……

Cambridge United 2-0 Gillingham

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Gillingham

Gillingham 0-2 Accrington Stanley

Rochdale 1-4 Gillingham

Northampton Town 3-1 Gillingham

Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Gillingham

Five defeats in six is concerning form, And it’s not just five defeats in six which is concerning, Gillingham have only scored six goals in these six matches, four of these goals were scored in Gillingham’s 4-1 away win against Rochdale, Yes, Gillingham created a lot of chances against Plymouth Argyle in the second half, but how many saves did Michael Cooper have to make in The Plymouth Argyle Goal, and of course, we will be talking about the two chances that Connor Ogilvie and Matty Willock should have scored, if both headers go in, then Gillingham would have won 2-1 against Plymouth Argyle.

I think a lot of questions are being asked regarding the high turnover of players under Steve Evans reign as Gillingham Manager, the style of play is being discussed at length, why didn’t Trae Coyle and one of Jack Tucker or Christian Maghoma come on, even if one of the centre back’s came on and played up-front to try and salvage a point from the game, with five substitutes allowed, Gillingham had the options to make changes, and even if Christian Maghoma and Jack Tucker don’t make an appearance, then Trae Coyle should have come on for The Gills surely for fifteen to twenty minutes.

There are also questions regarding Steve Evans future as Gillingham Manager and whether we should back Steve Evans in the transfer market, or, stick with Steve Evans until the end of the season and evaluate our situation from there, But if Gillingham were to lose two of the next three league games and Gillingham are dragged into a relegation battle, then we may not see a managerial change at the end of the season, we could see a managerial change happen instantly, and then Gillingham are in the process of looking to appoint a manager who is available and affordable mid-season with no match-day income coming into the football club, and it is perhaps for these reasons why a managerial change might not happen in the middle of The 2020 / 2021 Season for The Gills, a very disappointing defeat for Gillingham against Plymouth Argyle, and back to back league defeats against Northampton Town and Plymouth Argyle have dragged Gillingham back into the relegation battle, so therefore, it is vital that Gillingham put in a run of consistent results against Burton Albion, Accrington Stanley, Lincoln City, Rochdale, Crewe Alexandra and Sunderland for the rest of January, there are fixtures coming up where Gillingham can pick up a lot of points and move in the right direction in The League One Table.

[regularbeans]

Best Collaborations of 2017

This list is actually growing every year. Last year I only had 15, before that 10 and 10 in 2014 as well. I love it, yes. Give me more collabs! (And remember, I have a bit of a rulebend where stuff released the previous year’s December still counts.)

20 All Time Low: Ground Control (feat. Tegan and Sara) 

If I’m absolutely honest I don’t really know/like Tegan and Sara but I do know they come from around the same neck of the pop punk woods All Time Low does and I can appreciate a bit of out of nowhere collab. 

19 ONE OK ROCK: Take What You Want (feat. 5 Seconds of Summer)

I honest to god know nothing about One Ok Rock but I do love those 5SOS boys and miss them quite a lot so I’m happy for this track.

18 Halsey: Strangers (feat. Lauren Jauregui)

Another confession: I don’t think this song is as much the tits as everybody says it is but my bi heart hungers for any sort of representation so I’ll take it thank you very much.

17 Stargate: Waterfall (feat. P!nk & Sia)

This is for a movie, right? Who the heck cares, Pink and Sia are definitely two of the strongest female vocalists out there and hearing them side-by-side is every bit as brilliant as I thought it would be.

16 Clean Bandit: I Miss You (feat. Julia Michaels)

Artists like Clean Bandit, Robin Schulz, Kygo or The Chainsmokers (all of which actually have a place or two on this list) are good cause they’re giving me a constant supply of collabs to love. I don’t even know Julia Michaels and I fell in love with her voice as soon as I heard this song.

15 Robin Schulz: OK (feat. James Blunt)

Not as good as Sugar but good regardless, James Blunt is the last person I thought would be collaborating with Robin Schulz but surprisingly it works.

14 Linkin Park: Heavy (feat. Kiiara)

This song was the first on my list back when it came out and even though I understood the concerns about such a different track being the lead single, I could not side with the criticism saying it’s bad. It’s an emotional, painful song about inner turmoils sung beautifully by Kiiara and Chester Bennington.

13 Kygo: Stargazing (feat. Justin Jesso)

Kygo, buddy, you always have my back when it comes to collabs. I love my dance pop full of samples and this gives me just that.

12 The Chainsmokers: Something Just Like This (feat. Coldplay)

Alright, sue me, I love catchy songs. So what? In this world where pop music has become electronic pop producers like The Chainsmokers have an easy job I’d say and some of the old pop royalty are left to catch up or get left behind. This results in many bands that started out or became famous worldwide in the last decade prioritising the electro pop sound over their old set-up (two examples are Coldplay and the upcoming OneRepublic, by the way). For some it doesn’t work out that great but for Coldplay here it sounds comfortable, showing another side of themselves.

11 Kygo: Stranger Things (feat. OneRepublic)

 I think I’ve said all I could about this track in the previous two summaries but let me just add that when Ryan Tedder came out with that announcement about not doing another album anytime soon but rather releasing singles whenever they felt comfortable with it because he felt way too under pressure I became worried. I love OneRepublic despite thinking their music have kind of gone downhill since the good old days of the last decade (see?) and would never want them to force themselves into doing shit they don’t want. With a few amazing collaborations under their belt I’m glad they found their way to this song which fits their repertoire quite well.

...remember the beginning of this post when I didn’t write whole novels for every entry? I miss those times. Click through for the first ten songs.

10 San Holo: I Still See Your Face (GOSLO Remix)

Alright, not a classic collaboration but you know what I mean. San Holo’s always been a weird one for me because I barely listen to his vanilla stuff, I always seem to fancy the remixes only. This one is strangely addictive and once you’ve heard it slowed down like that you don’t really want to go back to the original. Sorry(?)

09 Khalid & Imagine Dragons: Thunder/Young Dumb & Broke

I don’t know how this collab came to be but I like to think that the Imagine Dragons boys and Khalid both separately heard each other’s songs and realised the instrumentals might as well be swapped cause they just fit each other so well. I also recommend the live version which is awesome. I’m so on board with Dan Reynolds wandering into the realms of R&B, it really suits him.

08 Logic: 1-800-273-8255 (feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid)

Mental illness has been getting tons of attention in the mainstream media recently, I think starting around the suicide of Robin Williams (could be sooner but that’s when I became aware of the attention) and that’s not a bad thing but I feel like most artists are still just dancing around the notion of saying things as they are. It’s not a bad thing, I’d rather people are careful rather than misrepresenting or spreading false information and thus enforcing the stigma around mental illness, but then someone like Logic comes out of nowhere with a song whose title is literally the US suicide prevention hotline with several hard hitting lines that tell it like it is. The fact that the music video is about a young black gay boy growing up to be happy is just cherry on top. I’m glad Alessia Cara and Khalid, two people from two different genres came together to collaborate on it.

07 Nothing But Thieves: Hell Yeah (feat. Jonathan Higgs)

Fear not, I will always find a way to cram these assholes onto any list I can get my filthy fingers on. I don’t even know which concert this was and I had no idea these guys even knew each other but it was such a random impromptu collab that I can’t help but love it. The harmonies sounded amazing and I love the idea of any old singer from an otherwise unrelated band just randomly wandering on stage to sing a duet with Conor.

06 dodie: Impossible Year (feat. Jack Howard)

Here’s one of our outliers but one that actually fits our current situation. Panic! forever cemented this song as a must-listen at the end of every year and dodie and Jack Howard did an amazing job covering the song. It works even better as a duet somehow, and I just love their voices together.

05 Lin-Manuel Miranda: Almost Like Praying (feat. Artists for Puerto Rico)

Lin is one of those people who just radiates good energy wherever he goes. You just can’t help but feel positive when he’s around. I imagine it’s a blessing and a burden but when he uses that power to gather around a group of musical legends and contemporary artists to promote a good cause it’s definitely a blessing.

04 Clean Bandit: Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson)

It might just be because this song is the theme song of my OTP but I love it. It’s even weirder because I listened to it a lot this year when I had a bit of a breakdown and yet this song doesn’t remind me of that phase, thankfully. It reminds me that Clean Bandit are master songwriters and Zara Larsson’s voice is too good for the music she does on her own.

03 Machine Gun Kelly: Home (feat. X Ambassadors & Bebe Rexha) 

Do I like Machine Gun Kelly? Not really. Do I like Bebe Rexha? Not in particular. Have I seen Bright? Hell no. I do love X Ambassadors to bits, however, and will lay down my life for a good hook any day. It’s a nostalgic sort of bittersweet song about belonging and missing home, and it carries even more meaning when you realise Machine Gun Kelly wrote his verse after he found out about Chester Bennington’s death. I love this song regardless of the background info but it just fits so well together this way. Also Bebe Rexha’s voice is also too good for the music she does on her own. She’s got a beast in that throat of hers, goddamn.

02 Grizfolk: In My Arms (feat. Jamie N Commons)

Two artists that crept up on me without any warning, indie pop Grizfolk and what the hell is Jamie N Commons even doing when he’s not singing for other people? I should probably check out. But until then enjoy this song between two of the strongest vocals you probably never heard of.

01 Cold War Kids: So Tied Up (feat. Bishop Briggs) 

You’d think I knew this song would be first on the list for a long time but no sir, I did not. Eventually the deciding factor was that the live version they released before the album came out (link in the title) was so good that when the studio version came out people were outraged that Bishop Briggs was barely featured. It wasn’t even the false advertisement that hurt, it was just that the studio version absolutely wasted Bishop’s talents which as we know are plenty. Luckily Cold War Kids realised their mistake and released a “moreBishop” version which is 1) as it should’ve been from the very beginning and 2) fucking hilarious. The music video (linked here) also features “moreBishop”, thank goodness x)

The list also contained Not Easy by Alex Da Kid and featuring X Ambassadors, Elle King, and Whiz Khalifa but unfortunately it’s from 2016 October as it turns out so :[ (Listen to the song anyway cause it’s really good)

[muzzmurray]

WIP MEME

List all the things you’re currently working on in as much or little detail as you’d like, then tag some friends to see what they’re working on. This can be writing, art, vids, gifsets, whatever.

I was tagged by @vidrianawrites and @frecklebombfic. Thanks guys! Here’s a list of some things I have in progress.

1. Matt Murray/Conor Sheary, groundhog day AU, where Conor keeps reliving the day they won the cup last season over and over

2. PK Subban/Ryan Johansen, kneeling verse. This is mostly to explore PK building strong relationships with the Preds squad, but sort of with the added element of controlled d/s. I’ve seen some fics that have done this without necessarily forcing dynamics onto everyone, and I really liked the idea. And, PK and Joey are really achingly cute together.

3. Zdeno Chara/Brendon Carlo - oh boy. Okay, I have most of the idea for this written, because I yelled about it at @mjanmarks before, but it deals with the question of age difference, and trying to even it out? Like, trying to make the dynamic non-exploitative in both directions.

4. Zdeno Chara, knitting verse - Zdeno knits, is basically the whole plot of this. It’s like, a 5+1 thing, 5 times Z knitted for someone and one time someone knitted for him, and it was supposed to just be an exploration of my Z feels and my Bruins feels. I just like writing Zdeno a whole lot.

5. Auston/Mitch/Zach for my pod_together project with @frecklebombfic

6. Johnny Gaudreau/Sean Monahan, collage AU, where Johnny is neurodivergent and Sean is his dorm roommate, and they play college hockey. Written with @rosecityriveters

7. I still lowkey want to write the AU where Johnny is a kindergarten teacher and Sean plays for the Flames with Matty?

8. Nicklas Backstrom/Alexander Ovechkin - retirement fic where they’ve sort of been out of contact for a while, but Nicky finds this disposable camera with pics from his rookie year on it

9. CRACK - Ovi/Neymar, which I started writing right as I started getting into hockey, because I thought it was great how much of a Barca fanboy Ovi was, and also, because size difference?? Basically, the two of them meet, Ney is like ‘come visit me in Brazil some time’ and then Ovi being Ovi, actually goes

10. more football crossovers! - Claude Giroux/Olivier Giroud, where they get stuck in the same hotel suite because someone misinterprets the spelling of their names

11. A is for Asexual - this is a series that imagines that every A in the NHL is actually somewhere on the ace spectrum. It’s an ongoing project. Basically whenever I’m made to feel shitty about my sexuality I go there and I write something. So far we’ve got Mo, Nate and Geno, but I want to do as many as I can.

12. Phil Kessel/Carl Hagelin - getting together fic, where they have cute breakfasts in a diner and everyone knows something is going on except for them. I have like 3k done for this, but it’s not even close to finished and I haven’t worked on it in ages :/

I think that’s it? Like, there are ships I want to write for, like Horny/Hags, and Davo/Leon, and Nicky/Sid, and Jake/Mo, but haven’t thought up concrete ideas of yet. 

I’m tagging @tjoshov, @rjohansens, @seguins, @bonafake, @mjanmarks and @marnz. I don’t know how many of you are comfy with talking about RPF writing on your mains, but you’re all some of my fave people and I’d love to know what you’re working on.

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: Island of Tech

>Griffin Rock, Maine, United States. We were on a ferry headed there to help find out how we can change Skull back from Overflow, one of the new Ben 10 aliens. We gathered a list of the best to help us. Apart from the Phantom Thieves, we also had Bruce Sato, Miles Morales, Dr. Curt Connors, Ryan Choi aka The Atom, and Conor Jackson in Team Science and John Constantine, Zatanna, Robin Sena, and Faragonda the Headmistress of Alfea College for Fairies in Team Sorcery. Also with us is Mirta, her friend, Lucy, and, at the advice of Mitsuru Kirijo, Fuuka Yamagishi. We also have our two new members, whose code names are now Slice and Dice. Dr. Strange said he would meet us later.

Wow! So this is Griffin Rock. I’ve heard so much about it, but to see it in real life? I’m totally speechless.

The greatest of the world’s wonders are often the most hidden.

I think I understand. Griffin Rock isn’t often seen by the public to protect its technology. Only a handful of tourists come here everyday.

Either way or what he just said. I’m just so hyped to know I’m working with the Pha-

>I quickly cover Conor’s mouth.

SHUSH! I don’t think anyone on here can hear us.

Conor: (surprised) Oops. Sorry. We have to keep it quiet. Right, Chim-Chim?

(mimes zipping his mouth shut)

It’s okay, Conor. You still get kudos for the robot monkey.

Conor: (happy) Thanks, Miles.

Looks like you blokes are getting along.

Yeah, it’s like having two Miles.

(laughs a bit) That’s a good one. Like we just got more distance.

(also laughing) That’s true!

But it is good to know those young men have found kindred spirits in each other.

Conor: I know, right?

Miles: (whisper) Just hope Pete doesn’t get jealous.

Glad to see all of you getting along.

Constantine: Not all of us.

Bruce: I wonder where Dr. Choi is.

Ren: He and Dr. Connors are with Ryuji in the van. The others are just spread out or want to get a better view of the island.

Zatanna: You should probably let them know we’re almost there.

>I nod. And I leave them for now. I go to the van where inside, Dr. Connors was examining Ryuji and Dr. Choi was sitting nervously. Constantine used his magic to extend the inside of the van so we can all fit in.

Well, what’s the verdict, Doc?

It’s too soon to say. I’m so sorry this had to happen to you. This is no different when I became that... Well, when I went to a dark place.

Ryuji: It’s not your fault, Doc. Jin did this to me and you just fell for the words of a sadistic asshole.

Dr. Connors: (sighs) I guess you’re right.

Ren: I’m glad to hear it.

Ryuji: Oh, hey, Ren. Are we almost there?

Ren: Yes. I’m going to let everyone know so we can meet.

Dr. Connors: You best do that. And while you’re at it, you may wish to check on Dr. Choi. He keeps staring anxiously at the sea.

>After I sent the message, I go over to Dr. Choi.

Ren: Is something the matter, Choi Hakasei? Are you sea sick?

Hakasei = Professor, doctor, scientist

It’s... It’s nothing.

Ren: Are you sure?

>Dr. Choi was still look out at the sea, worried.

Oh, I see. You think he’s going to come out of there, huh?

Dr. Choi: ... Maybe a little... Okay, a lot. I just don’t want him to come and make things hard for me. It especially got worse when Nanako Dojima broke up with his son.

Ren: Don’t worry. His queen is doing everything in her power to keep her king from bothering us.

Dr. Choi: ... I hope you’re right. I know I decided to become a hero again, but I still can’t help but feel like he’s going to show up to bother me... Is this how Dexter feels when Dee Dee comes into his lab?

Ren: Just relax. We’ll be fine.

And if he does show up, he’ll have to answer to me.

Dr. Choi: (smiling a bit) I guess you could. Thank you.

Anytime.

>Then, the others arrived.

Captain Shaw’s voice: Attention! Now arriving to port. Please gather in your vehicles if you came in one or take your seats. I repeat...

Well, this is it. Is everyone ready?

(putting his ID Mask on) If it means my mom will have her son back, we are.

This will also be a good opportunity to study technology to one of its fullest.

Miles: Not to mention I get to meet Doc Greene. Everyone at Horizon says he’s a legend. Max even told me I could invite him to speak at this summer seminar at the school.

Zatanna: And I’ve always wanted to meet the Rescue Team... Especially Dani Burns.

Just try not to forget why we’re here.

To find a way to turn Ryuji back to normal...

Well, as normal as he can be.

Ryuji: (not happy with that remark) Hey!

>The ferry arrives at the docks. We drive off into town.

I know this is an island of technology, but it reminds me of... Small town nostalgia.

I must capture this in my art when I have the chance.

Yes. It does have that effect.

>Suddenly, something flew passed us.

>Then, the man with the helicopter backpack crashed into some nearby bushes. He came out a little beaten.

Helicopter local: I’m okay!

But then that happens and your remember where you are.

>The man gets back up and tries to restart his machine. But as he does, the propeller springs off and flies right into a pizza restaurant. The people, including the chef run out as the place explodes. Flames come out.

Whoa! That was big!

I know I needed a new pizza cutter. But this is ridiculous!

Don’t worry, I already called the Rescue Team. They should be here soon.

>Suddenly, Miles looked like he sensed something.

Miles: I don’t think they alone are gonna help.

Your Spider Sense on alert?

Miles: It’s off the charts.

Dr. Connors: Off the charts? ... Never mind, I don’t want to know.

Conor: Me neither.

Same here.

But you’ve gotta admit, things are about to get interesting around here.

>Dr. Connors, Coner, Chim-Chim, and the Deucey Twins leave the van quickly.

Dr. Choi: If you’re going to do what I think you’re going to do... At least let me help.

Zatanna: Me, too.

Mirta: And me.

Robin: I want to do my part, too.

Miles: Okay. I could use the help.

I love it when a team comes together.

Mirta: Magic Winx! Charmix!

>Mirta goes into her Fairy Form.

Mirta, Fairy of Illusions! I bet your science can’t do a transformation sequence like that.

Dr. Choi: ... We’ll see.

Mirta: Okay, that is a little impressive.

Atom: Ant-Man’s got nothing on me.

Miles: Speaking of costume changes, do you think you guys can give me some privacy? I’m a little shy and the only person I’ve ever changed in front of is Peter.

Constantine: I can help with that.

>He snaps his fingers and in a poof, Miles was now in his Spider Kid costume.

Thanks.

Mirta: Okay, that’s a transformation sequence.

Spider Kid: I know, right? Now I need a way out of this van without being seen.

Atom: Ever shrunk down to a subatomic level?

Spider Kid: (worried) I’m not going to like this, aren’t I?

Ryuji: Wait... I wanna help, too.

Ren: Are you sure?

Ryuji: (taking off the ID Mask) Just in case we fail to change me back, might as well make it useful.

Atom: Then we’re set. Everyone, hold on.

>Ryuji, Zatanna, Mirta, Robin, Spider Kid, and Ryuji take the Atom’s hands and they shrink. We quickly look out the window to see the Rescue Team arrived.

Alright, everyone, back away! This places is for baking pizza, not people.

I have scanned the building. It looks like the propeller from Mr. Harrison’s heli-pack has hit a gas tank. There is another one next to it. If the fire is not extinguished soon, the other gas tank will explode and destroy this side of the block.

Chief Burns: Then there’s not a moment to lose. Kade?

I’m on it, Dad. Heatwave, let’s hose it down!

It’s a gas fire. I think extinguishers would be better.

Kade: Same deference.

Chief Burns: Graham, try barricading the area. Don’t want any civilians getting too close.

I’m way ahead of you, Dad. Boulder, how does this design look?

This should work just fine. Dani, Blades, try to scout the size of the area.

>Up in the air.

Looks like a good distance. You’re clear to build.

It looks like a stretch, but I’d say it’s some of Graham’s best designs.

>Back on the ground.

Graham: Thanks.

>They built the barricade quickly as Kade Burns and Heatwave try to put out the fire.

Kade: Man, this is hard! What kind of propane are you using, Mr. Marcello?

Mr. Marcello: It’s a new invention of mine. A propane that burns fire that goes out on its own. So I won’t have to worry about it accidentally blowing out... In retrospect, that may not have been a good idea.

Kade: (amused) You think?

Chief Burns: No choice. We have to take the tank out.

Heatwave: How are we going to do that? The flames come back faster than we can put them out.

>Suddenly, the flames blocking the entrance opens... They saw Robin inside.

Robin: Will this help?

>After getting over the shock of seeing a real witch in Griffin Rock, Robin guided Kade inside. They get to the gas tank. The Atom, Spider Kid, and Ryuji unshrink.

Kade: (even more surprised) What is this!? Invasion of the Superheroes?

Spider Kid: You wish.

>Spider Kid shoots his webbing on the unexploded tank.

Spider Kid: Grab hold.

Atom: I’ll shrink the tank a bit to make it easier.

Kade: Couldn’t you just shrink it really small?

Atom: If I did that and it explodes, it could cause a chain reaction that can cause every atom to explode as well and could destroy all life as we know it.

Kade: (shocked) Never mind, shrink it however you like.

Ryuji: And if any flames come at us, I’ll blow ‘em away.

Robin: And I’ll push it aside.

Kade: Good. (on the com-link) Dad, we’re coming out. Tell Heatwave to be ready.

Chief Burns’s voice: I will? Heatwave?

Heatwave: I hear you loud and clear.

>With all their strength, Kade, Atom, Spider Kid, and Ryuji all pull the gas tank out of the restaurant. Suddenly, as they got out, the tank begins vibrating.

Heatwave: What’s happening?

Mr. Marcello: The gas tank! It’s been exposed to the heat so much, it’s going to explode anyway.

Chief Burns: We have to get it out of here!

Zatanna: (appearing with Mirta) Mirta, think you can find someplace where it can explode without hurting anyone?

Mirta: I’ll see.

>Mirta flies up into the sky until she was right next to Blades and Dani. They searched until Dani spotted a place.

Dani: Found it! The rock shoreline behind the airport.

Mirta: I’ll mark a path to make it easier.

>Mirta creates an illusion of an arrow showing where they must go.

Boulder: I could carry it or throw it, but I don’t want to take a chance that I might drop it or it misses.

Chief Burns: We’ll have to drive it out.

Chase: I am ready and able. But I think we might need a little more help. Training Center, this is Chase. We are going to need more wheels here.

Voice on com-link: Alright. Me and Blurr are on the way.

>Carefully, Boulder loaded the tank in a wagon and strapped it in.

Boulder: I don’t know, Chief. Judging by the weight, even with Heatwave, Chase, Quickshadow, and Blurr, we’re going to need two more vehicles to move it.

Makoto: (coming up in the van) I can help as well.

Chief Burns: I appreciate the offer, young ma’am, but I don’t think we should allow civilians to help in dangerous operations like this.

Would it help if I gave you one more car to help?

Jared: (coming out of the van with Jesse) That’s our cue!

Jesse: Zatanna?

Zatanna: Gnirb Deraj dna Essej rieht rac os yeht nac pleh.

>The cars are hitched up to the wagon, the gas tank still shaking. Then, two new cars show up... And transform.

Did someone call for extra wheels?

That’s right! Don’t worry, we’ve got-

>Blurr suddenly stopped... at the sight of Ryuji. He could feel Blurr’s gaze as well and look up at him... They suddenly sensed something between them.

Qucikshadow: I also think it would be best to have some of these new heroes ride with us.

Heatwave: That’s probably a good idea.

Atom: I’ll handle the spy car... Try not to get to too jealous, fire truck. (begins smirking)

>Heatwave just glared.

Heatwave: Anyway, Blurr, you and the magic girl-

Blurr: I choose the Cascan.

Heatwave: What?

Ryuji: (surprised) Me!?

Blurr: Because... We might need his water power, you know?

Ryuji: That’s... That’s right. You never know when you need H2O.

Heatwave: Not a good idea for a gas fire... But I’ll allow it.

Zatanna: And don’t worry about magic girl. Ekat em pu ot eht eno I tnaw ot teem eht tsom.

>In a flash, Zatanna was gone... And reappears in the passenger seat of Blades next to Dani.

Zatanna: Shall we?

Dani: (smiling a bit) I’m gamed if you are.

>And we were off. We drive quickly and carefully through town until we make it to the airstrip. Then, Boulder and Heatwave carefully take the gas tank out of the wagon and take it to the rocky shore. They carefully put it on the ground as the began to shake even more violently.

Heatwave: It’s getting ready to blow! TAKE COVER!

>Heatwave and Boulder run as fast as they can from the tank. We all take cover behind the Rescue Bots. And then...

BOOM!

>The tank exploded. Luckily, the flames hardly made it to the trees in the forest. After some minuets, the flames finally burned out.

Kade: (looking disappointed) Well, looks like we’ll have to make do without pizza for awhile. But at least we did a good job.

Mirta: (flying down and resuming civilian form) We all did.

Chief Burns: Which begs the question. What brings a bunch of superheroes, fairies, aliens, and witches to Griffin Rock?

Kind of a funny story, actually.

Ryuji: We’re here because of me.

>Suddenly, something flew in. It was a young man on a hover board.

I just had to see this for myself. What is it you want from here, Overflow?

Ryuji: Yeah, about that... I’m not who you think I am.

Cody: What do you mean?

Constantine: Brace yourself, lads and ladies, but Red here isn’t an alien... He’s a young Japanese man trapped in an alien’s body.

Entire Rescue Team: WHAT!?

Ryuji: ... Yo.

Headmistress Faragonda: I think we should explain this more someplace else.

Chief Burns: That’s probably a good idea.

Heatwave: Rescue Bots, roll out!

Blurr: You can ride in me again if you like.

Ryuji: I would like that. Thanks.

Blurr: (winking) No problem.

>The laboratory of Dr. Ezra Greene. On the way there, we told the Rescue Team everything about what happened with Ryuji. (We left out the fact that we’re the Phantom Thieves and that Miles is Spider Kid. He said he would meet us later after he changes.)

Intriguing. I never thought such a thing could happen.

Ryuji: (nervous) Isn’t that a little too close.

>Doc Greene was examining Ryuji real close.

Doc Greene: Forgive me. I still find it hard to believe that you’re actually a human. Up until now, I thought only Ben Tennyson was capable of this.

I know. It is rather unusual.

Cody: It’s just a shame Frankie and CeCe aren’t here to see this. They’re with Mrs. Neederlander and they won’t be back until later.

Professor Baranova: They’re already on their way home now. They’ll be here soon.

Doc Greene: We’re also glad to have two fellow scientists with us as well.

Dr. Connors: I am glad to meet you, too.

Dr. Choi: Likewise.

Doc Greene: I’m sure with the help of four scientists, we might help this young man with his problem.

Lucy: Don’t forget, this transformation was done with magic as well. Be grateful you have experts on that as well.

Mirta: You didn’t have to say it like that.

Lucy: Just pointing out the obvious.

Conor: (disappointed) And what do you mean four? Believe it or not, I count as well. And so does Miles as soon as he gets here.

Doc Greene: Forgive me. I guess I should have noticed because of the robot monkey.

>Chim-Chim crosses his arms and nods.

Headmistress Faragonda: Either way, with all of us here, we might be able to change Ryuji Sakamoto back to his human self... Before that self is gone for good.

Ryuji: (whispering sadly) Along with Harry.

Constantine: Stiff upper lip, lad. We’ll get through this.

Diego: (whispering to himself) I hope no one forgets the Phantom Thieves are here as well.

Makoto: So, you think you can help us?

Doc Greene: We’ll do so to the best of our abilities.

??????: That’s good to hear.

>We turn to see Miles coming in with two girls who we can only assume are the Greene girls.

Haru: Miles kun, you made it.

Diego: What took you so long?

Miles: I got lost. It’s a good thing I ran into Frankie and CeCe here.

Frankie: We were on our way home when we met.

CeCe: (gurgles)

Frankie: And it’s not just him. We ran into someone else on the way here. But he asked that he surprise us with his arrival.

Professor Baranova: Someone else?

>Suddenly, the sound of a phone rang... It’s was Dr. Choi’s. He answers it.

Dr. Choi: Hello?

???????: Guess who?

Not you. Anyone but you.

Ahoy there, Professor!

>We were all shocked by this new face.

Dr. Choi: What are you doing here!? I thought Mera was keeping you busy.

And miss a chance to go on such an adventure? No, sir! It wasn’t easy to convince my dear queen though.

Yusuke: But how did you even find us?

Aquaman: ... I’ll keep that one to myself, thank you.

>We just stood silent. In defeat, we help Aquaman catch up on what’s going on.

Aquaman: Outrageous! Turning an innocent high schooler into an alien and depriving him of a future. Shame on the culprit. Shame on him.

Can you shame someone who’s been dead for nine years?

Makoto: At any rate, we have our team. Now we can find a way to change Ryuji back.

Dr. Connors: Not all of us are here... Where’s Stephen?

Ren: He’ll be meeting with us soon. Right now, we’ve had a long day. I think we should begin our finding in the morning.

Chief Burns: Probably a good idea. We should give you some dinner to thank you for helping us.

Kade: Just don’t order us any pizza... Tonight, anyway.

Ryuji: I actually heard 'bout the New England Clam Chowder, if you have any.

Doc Greene: What a coincidence, that’s what we’re having for tonight. Do you like it?

Ryuji: I don’t think I have much a choice. In this form, I can’t even enjoy those sweet and juicy beef bowls or even Ren’s famous curry.

Ren: That reminds me. To thank you for helping us with Ryuji, I should make something for you as well.

Chief Burns: You don’t really have to do that. You are our guests.

Still, you have to let us thank you somehow.

Chief Burns: Well, I guess that would be okay.

Miles: Actually if you don’t mind, Doc Greene, Max Modell wanted me to ask you to be a guest speaker at Horizon High. We want to get our newest students antiquated.

Doc Greene: Well, my scheduled is pretty worked up... But I’ll see what I can do.

Miles: Thank you.

>With that, we leave. Then, I get something on my phone. It’s from Admin.

Ren: You guys go on ahead. I’ll catch up.

>They leave and I check my phone.

Hey, Amamiya kun, I heard you and the other P Thieves are in Griffin Rock. Well, I was looking through the Phan Site and this is what I found.

Do you think you can do this? It would really help the sender.

I guess we can do it while we’re here. Any chance, we’ll take it.

That’s great! We’re counting on you guys. And tell Sakamoto kun that I hope he gets well soon.

We’ll do.

>I end the text and leave to join for dinner... And tell the others about the request.

>And so, our adventures with the Transformers begins.

[unfortunate-arrow]

KC + O'Donnell sisters: Friendship Headcanons

-KC would probably meet the sisters because their brother, Conor, is in Ravenclaw with her. (Conor's a sweetheart, who's very reserved and has a stutter.)

-KC's mother and the O'Donnell sisters' uncle were probably aware of each other.

-KC and Cara have definitely play quidditch against each other, as Cara is a Slytherin chaser. (Actually, three of the four O'Donnell sibs play quidditch. Ryan's a Gryffindor chaser & Conor's Ravenclaw's seeker.)

-They have a bit of a friendly quidditch rivalry.

-KC and Cara have been mistaken for sisters before, as Cara'a also a red head with blue eyes and they're almost the same height.

-KC probably asks Cara to create some artistic renditions for the brochures and marketing of her quidditch camp.

-KC and Sara don't hit it off right away. Sara has little interest in quidditch (beyond cheering for her siblings, which often leaves her as confused to which house she should be rooting for).

-They were definitely be some Barnaby issues, given that Sara has basically been gone on him since they first met. Which also, could result in KC's mother bemoaning that Barnaby married a "damn blood traitor when he could have married you!"

-Sara and Barnaby's eldest son, Jem, has definitely attended KC's summer quidditch camp. After all, he eventually goes on to play seeker for the Ballycastle Bats.

-Sara had probably had to heal one of KC's injuries at some point.

[@kc-needs-coffee]

[readwithjoy]

Ok... gender swap the cast list with the caveat that the early show is only cast currently working and the late show is only cast that has left. You should also staff the bar and manderladies following the same convention.

So—this was pretty specific.  (Just to inform the reading public, this Anon sent an additional message that the bar staff shouldn’t be gender swapped, but I thought I’d try–so the Manderladies are male and the bartenders are female, which doesn’t quite work, but oh well.) Here goes…

Also—just a quick note—these lists are not really a list of my favorites. It’s more a thought experiment on what would be fun to see. For instance, on this one I’ve love to see the combination of Ava Lee Scott as Duncan and Jeffrey Docimo as Danvers. I’m not saying that there wouldn’t be some other excellent people who could play that combo—just that this one would be fun.  That goes for every one else as well.  There have been so many excellent performers in this show over the years, and I’ve left several of my favorites off of all of these lists for various reasons. (And—I can’t put Jesse Kovarsky in every role, so there is that as well…) :-)

Early (Current Cast):

MacBeth: Stephanie CrousillatLady Macbeth: Erik Abbott-MainMacduff: Marissa MaislenLady Macduff: Parker MurphyBanquo: Mallory GraceninDuncan: Ava Lee ScottMalcolm: Emily OldakBald Witch: Tim HeckBoy Witch: Ryan VonCompernolleSexy Witch: Gino GrenekHecate: John William WatkinsPorter: Virginia LoganAgnes: Tyler PhillipsDanvers: Jeffrey DocimoSpeakeasy: Ginger KearnsTaxi: Ida SakiFulton: Chelsey NgMatron: Sam Asa PrattNurse: Ernesto BretonMan in Bar: Karen Marie RichardsonWoman in Bar: Nick DillenburgGypsy: Louis Butelli

(I’m using the character names of the bar staff, since their real names are often not public.)

Bartender: BirdieBartender: CharlieManderlady: ElliotManderlady: London

Late (Former Cast)

MacBeth: Kelly BartnikLady Macbeth: Jesse KovarskyMacduff: Kenna TuskiLady Macduff: Oliver Hornsby-SayerBanquo: Emily TurndrupDuncan: Elizabeth RomanskiMalcolm: Chelsea BonoskyBald Witch: William PoppBoy Witch: Lily OckwellSexy Witch: Will SeefriedHecate: James GraberPorter: Hope DavisAgnes: Conor DoyleDanvers: Luke MurphySpeakeasy: Tara FranklinTaxi: Careena MeliaFulton: Zhauna FranksMatron: Ed StanleyNurse: Edward RiceMan in Bar: Ashley RobicheauxWoman in Bar: Taylor MyersGypsy: Zach Martens

Bartender: LuluBartender: DarknessManderlady: ValentineManderlady: the ProfessorManderlady: Benedict

And that’s all she wrote…  (I’m going to give these lists a break for now! Anon, if you message me more, I’ll probably save them up and answer later, so please don’t be offended if it looks like I’m ignoring the message.)

[mitchbeck]

CANTLON'S CORNER: PLAYERS ARE ON THE MOVE

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings  HARTFORD, CT - The revolving door to the Hartford Wolf Pack locker room keeps on turning. Forward Drew Melanson, who scored his first AHL goal against the Springfield Thunderbirds last Saturday was sent back to the Maine Mariners after nine games. Goalie Chris Nell who started his hockey year there was also sent to the team's ECHL affiliate. Returning is another player with ex-Hartford Whaler bloodlines coming to Hartford. Greg Chase is the nephew of Kelly Chase. He posted 34 points in 34 games in Maine - his third ECHL team of the year. Chase started the season in Wichita, before moving on to Allen, TX and finally landing in Portland, ME and has put up 97 points in 117 career ECHL games. Chase is in his fourth professional season and he has seen much of North America. He was drafted by his hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers, in the 7th round, 188th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, but he's not the pugilist his uncle was. He has 97 AHL games to his credit with Oklahoma City, Bakersfield, and with Springfield last year. Chase has primarily played in the ECHL with games with Norfolk, two stops in Wichita, Allen, and now Maine. His junior career saw him spend five years in the WHL, primarily with the Calgary Hitmen and the Victoria Royals for a half season. He totaled 221 points in 265 games through his fourth year. In his strongest junior season, he totaled 35 goals and 85 points in 70 games. Uncle Kelly is the radio color commentator with former Springfield Falcon announcer, Chris Kerber. Together, they call the games for the St. Louis Blues which can be heard at night on KMOX-AM (1120). Previously, Chase held jobs in coaching and management with the St. Louis Jr. Blues at several different levels. IN OTHER NEWS... Adam Huska’s deal with the Rangers is a two-year, two-way deal paying $900K/$925K-NHL/$70K-AHL. More ex-Whaler children on the move. Alexander Nylander, his father is Mikael (also an ex-New York Ranger) was recalled from Rochester by Buffalo. Brady Shaw, the son of Brad Shaw, signs an AHL deal with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) from the Ft. Wayne Komets (ECHL) and started the year in Orlando (ECHL) with the Solar Bears. His father, Brad Shaw, is an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Logan Brown, the son of Jeff Brown, was returned from Ottawa to Belleville (AHL). Dad coaches the youngest brown, Caden, as the head coach of the St. Louis AAA Blues U-16 (TIEHL). Trevor Yates, the son of Ross Yates, was recalled from the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) by the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins, his fourth pro team this year.  The other two were the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and the Toledo Walleye (ECHL). The college signing season has begun. Huska was the first to sign among four players who are leaving school early. The others are Quinn Hughes from Michigan (Big 10). He signs with the Vancouver Canuks, and his younger brother Jack Hughes could well be the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft this summer. Cooper Zech, after his freshmen season, leaves Ferris State (NCHC) and signs with the Providence Bruins. The last is the nation’s leading scorer Taro Hirose of Michigan St. (Big 10) who hooks up with the rebuilding Detroit Red Wings. Max Verroneau, an Ottawa native, and a highly sought after college free agent has signed with his hometown NHL team, the Ottawa Senators. Verroneau spent the last four years at Princeton (ECACHL). His sister Sophie plays varsity hockey with the Yale University team Derek Barach (Salisbury Prep) of Mercyhurst (AHA) signs with the Cleveland Monsters. Charles Michalowski pf Dartmouth College (ECACHL) signs with the Worcester Railers (ECHL). Two players from Holy Cross, Spencer Trapp, and Tommy Nixon get to stay in the same city as they signed with Worcester (ECHL) as well. Two other of Zech teammates at Ferris St., Craig Pelfrey, and Cory Mackin have both signed with the Reading Royals (ECHL). Justin Baudry of Bemidji St. (WCHA) signs with Ontario (AHL). Ryan Kuffner of Princeton (ECACHL) hooks up with Detroit, His teammate, Josh Teves, signs with Vancouver. Zach Osburn of Michigan St. signs with the Milwaukee Admirals, while Conor O’Neil of Vermont (HE) signs with Wheeling (ECHL). Kurt Gosselin considers University Alabama-Huntsville (WCHA) but signs with Cincinnati (ECHL). Five players from Division III hockey have signed pro deals. Three of them come from Adrian College (NCHA). They are Trevor Boyd who goes to Kalamazoo (ECHL). Braden Hellums signs with Indy (ECHL) while Cory Dunn heads to Newfound (St. John’s) (ECHL). Alex Rodriguez of Augsburg College (MIAC) signs with Norfolk (ECHL). The fifth is a piece of hockey history. Charl Pretorius, a goalie from Elmira College (UCHC) becomes the first South African born (Pretoria, RSA) and trained player, to play minor pro hockey in North America with Elmira (FHL). Several college-commits this week. Jamie Armstrong (Avon Old Farms), who split this year with Central Illinois (USHL) and Boston (NCDC), commits to Boston University (HE) for next year. The brand new Division 3 program at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven picked up a pretty good Canadian recruit in Carson Welke from Camrose (AJHL). The team will be coached by former Quinnipiac University, UCONN, and Yale University assistant coach at all three schools,  Kyle Wallack, is a West Hartford native and he signs too. Brendan Conway (Monroe/CT Roughriders - EHL) commits to St. Olaf College (MIAC). A teammate, Connor Boyce, is heading to Lake Forest College (NCHA). Gabriel Couture, (CT Chiefs - EHL) is heading to an independent Division-III school in Bryn Athyn (PA) College. In international hockey, Mongolia won their second consecutive IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia with a 6-3 over the Philippines. The Mongolia squad was paced by a hat trick from Beyersaikhan Targalsaikhan as they built a 3-0 lead, saw it shrink, devolve into a tied game at two before an early third-period goal by the Philippines helped them pull away to capture the gold. The host country, Malaysia, captured the bronze medal shutting out Singapore 4-0. Read the full article

[jafreitag]

The Death of the Auteur

Amanda Petrusich is a rockstar. Figuratively. She’s not a musician. She’s a writer.

Her wiki says that she’s “an American music journalist and the author of three books” – 2007’s Pink Moon (a 33 1/3 series dissection of Nick Drake’s ’72 classic), 2008’s It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music (a sorta travelogue in search of what matters about roots-y bands), and 2014’s Do Not Sell At Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World’s Rarest 78rpm Records (descriptive title). She’s a Guggenheim Fellow, a former staffer at Pitchfork, and a current staffer at The New Yorker. She’s a member of a rock scribes guild that includes Robert Christgau, Michael Azerrad, Anthony DeCurtis, Greg Kot, Jim DeRogatis, and the ghost of Lester Bangs. (All dudes.) Along with her contemporaries and cohorts Jesse Jarnow, Sasha Frere-Jones, Hua Hsu, and a very few others in that field, she’s good at her job. Fwiw, she’s the best.

What makes her the best? She understands that, pace comedian Martin Mull, “writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” So she straps on her tap shoes and just goes. Her stuff is always well-phrased, sure, but also well-structured. Her pieces typically feature something professional, and big – historical perspective, like she’s researched and listened. They also typically feature something personal, and small – individual perspective, like she’s lived and breathed a life informed and enriched by music. A jab here, a digression there, and then a deeper digression here and there. Grace, above all, everywhere. She makes me want to write – to write better, smarter, tauter and looser at the same time. She probably had/has good editors, but the craft and art is hers.

This post isn’t entirely about Amanda Petrusich. It’s also about Roland Barthes. I’ll get there, promise. (I’m assuming the tl;dr crowd checked out way before now. If you’re still with me, cinch up and hunker down.)

Last week, LN banned Ryan Adams for his indefensible treatment of women. I liked alot of Adams’ songs (tbh, who didn’t dig “New York, New York” post-9/11?), as well as his prolific output (another new album, I guess I’ll check that out). The things that kept me from loving him were his work-like approach to songwriting, and his generally douche-y look and demeanor.

The Pitchfork review of his 2008 record (with his occasional band, The Cardinals), Cardinology called it “melodically sound, remarkably insular and largely unaffecting.” That gets to my former point re: songwriting. I feel like there’s another review of another album on Pitchfork that riffs on how Adams’ music is simply finger exercises in mopey, alt-country. There’s nothing of him in his songs, just distant musings on relationship tropes that use rural, everyperson scenery, as well as vaguely twangy delivery and dated Nashville/Muscle Shoals instrumentation/arrangements, to provide cred. I scoured P4k (wow, they hate and love him in almost equal measure), but couldn’t find what I remembered. Trust me that that review exists. Or don’t, and just buy what I’m trying to say. Dude is “good” at his job. And it’s just a job. To borrow from P4k again – its take on 2005’s Jacksonville City Nights: “Nearly a dozen albums in, counting Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams’ shtick is that it’s all shtick.”

And then it wasn’t. He married and divorced Mandy Moore, decided to devote an entire album to the demise of that relationship – 2017’s Prisoner. Here’s his comment about it to the Japan Times:

“I started writing this record while I was going through a very public divorce, which is a humiliating and just a f—-ing horrible thing to go through no matter who you are. To be me and to go through that the way that I did was destructive on a level that I can’t explain. So a lot of extra work went into keeping my chin up and remembering what I did and what I loved about who I was.”

That hints at my latter point, and feeds the former. “To be me” is the weird part. Like he needs the interviewer knows that he’s a sensitive, press-shy guy, so any details of what that process entailed – the pains, the doubts, the regrets, the gotdam details of who gets the kids/pets and when (full disclo, I’m divorced, too) – was off-limits because of, well, him. But it was all good because of, well, him. He told the JT that he wrote “quite literally 80 songs, probably more” (OMF, that’s such a Trump quote) for Prisoner, discovering that he could “write out the bulls—- so I could get back to myself and say, ‘Cool. This is what is real.’ ”

That record is ok, but there’s nothing real about it. Again, P4k, from it’s review (after quoting some lyrics):

“[L]ines that feel like placeholders for universal truths or even personalized expressions of pain that rarely emerge. While it’s impossible to evaluate the album’s sincerity, inspiration is a more tangible quality, and Adams comes off like an A student uncharacteristically frozen by an essay prompt, filling the margins with the hopes that his reputation can get him out of this jam, this one time.”

Reputation, ok. That definitely goes to the latter point. Adams has a difficult one. The Ringer says, “Adams’s reputation has long preceded him, by design, like a human shield.” Basically, he’s difficult, and revels being so because he thinks he’s some sort of rock genius auteur – the attitude, like the disheveled hair and the frumpy clothes, serves the grander brand. Per Spin, he has used his influence to get websites to remove negative content about him – namely, a 2017 Consequence of Sound profile about Phoebe Bridgers, a singer-songwriter, a member of boy genius (whose s/t ep was my fave record of last year), a co-founder of Better Oblivion Community Center (with Conor Oberst), and, least of all, a former parter of Adams. What was so bad? In the profile, Bridgers observed that Adams “wigs out at people on Twitter all the time,” but added, “Do I ever text him and say, ‘Stop?’ Never. I think I’d wind up on the wrong end of a Twitter rant.” Wow.

Adams has also flexed on critics who have given his music less than glowing reviews. That includes Amanda Petrusich. She has previous with him. For P4k, she savaged his 2003 album, Rock N Roll, which then prompted him to summon her (via people) for an interview. It starts with AP saying that he talks fast, and then Adams hearsaying his “writer” friend informing that the website is “not very cool at all.” Ugh. He tells her that P4k is a “good resource,” which has a nice vibe because it supports indie material. To relate, I guess, he adds, “Today I got the first Pussy Galore record for $50,” (I doubt that), which he had been “looking for for so fucking long”  because he gets “cool records.” But. if I wasn’t him, he’d pass on Jon Spencer and Neil Hagerty, and “be like, ‘Dude, you have to check out this record, Gold, it kicks ass.’ ” (Aside: In the history of the world, there has never been a human being who has gone into a record store to buy Dial M for Motherfucker and settled for Gold, not even Mad Ego’s Ryan Fucking Adams.)

And then AP prods him, and mentions his comment that rock journalism is just exhibitionism. She says that she’s not cool and listens to the Grateful Dead (so do we at LN!!). His response:

“I fucking love the Dead! Jesse Malin got me a coupon for a Steal Your Face tattoo for my birthday. ‘Cause, you know, I want to be badass. [Laughs] There are a lot of things expected and not expected. I mean, back in the day, Jim Morrison fucking going crazy in Florida and maybe or maybe not pulling his penis out, or attacking a police officer– all this unbelievably decadent shit. That was news. Now it’s ‘singer/songwriter can be slightly hotheaded.’ I’m not trying to hurt anybody.”

Or maybe he was. Last week’s ban post linked the New York Times article about Adams’ abuse of women. I don’t need to revisit that, but here’s his preemptive tweet (since deleted, typos are his) before the article was out:

“Happy Vanentines day @nytimes. I know you got lawyers. But do you have the truth on your side. No. I do. And you have run out of friends. My folks are NOT your friends. Run your smear piece. But the legal eagles see you. Rats. I’m f—ing taking you down. Let’s learn I bait.”

Last week, The New Yorker published Amanda Petrusich’s “Ryan Adams and the Perils of the Rock-Genius Myth.” There, she mentions that Adams is now under investigation by the F.B.I. for communications with a then-14 year-old fan, which may have crossed legal lines. (Adams’ attorney denies any wrongdoing by his client. And, as I said in the ban post, the presumption of innocence is constitutionally important.) AP also mentions comments by Bridgers on social media, where she described Adams as stifling, domineering, and frightening. Bridgers thanked her friends, band, and mom for support, then called out Adams’ “network,” none of which, she says, “held him accountable,” but rather “told him, by what they said or what they didn’t, that what he was doing was okay.” AP says:

“What Bridgers is emphasizing—that most people who have been subject to this sort of behavior can just as clearly recall the dude in the room who refused to meet their gaze, who was visibly uncomfortable but nonetheless remained silent—feels more important than ever to remember. It’s not simply the alpha abusers at fault for poisoning the music industry but also the whole odious web of enablers that surrounds them.”

AP continues (and this is a long quote, but it’s so finely rendered, and provides such great insight into her experience as a serious journalist who happens to be female, that you should read the whole damn thing):

“It almost feels silly, in our present era, to point out that sexism is pervasive in the music business, from the major labels on down—it’s now so ingrained in the system as to simply be presumed. Nearly every woman I know who works in music has a bottomless grab bag of stomach-turning stories about being harassed at shows, demeaned during interviews, inappropriately and aggressively propositioned, objectified, insulted, or treated as a joke. For most of us, it goes on until these sorts of incidents become normalized—a job hazard that you don’t think about because you’ve never known another way of working. ‘The concept of male genius insulates against all manner of sin,’ the critic Laura Snapes recently wrote in the Guardian. For men, childish or cruel behavior is often not just excused, but lauded—held as evidence of passion, vision, verve. A man behaving hysterically can be reconfigured as brilliant, whereas a woman doing the same thing will, in all likelihood, be dismissed as a maniac. I think often about a conversation I had with the musician Chan Marshall, who records as Cat Power, in Miami, in 2014. Marshall has been subject to several decades of name-calling for her occasionally erratic behavior, which has included walking offstage mid-show—something dozens of male rock stars have done before her. ‘I’m not crazy,’ I recall her telling me.

When I first started working as a music critic, in my early twenties, the industry was still almost exclusively male. My first real writing job was for the music-reviews site Pitchfork, where at times I was one of just two, maybe three, women on staff. My early editors and colleagues were supportive and encouraging—I was fortunate—but music criticism itself has problematic roots. The practice was largely founded and developed by male writers, who understood hedonism as a display of authenticity (maybe as the only display of authenticity), and its language still hinges around vaguely mystical ideas about art-making as a kind of bloodletting. For decades, that language has been used to protect and enshroud troubled men, and to dismiss and humiliate women working in the same register. I learned the vocabulary of the trade as a young critic, and the process of un-learning it has been slow, deliberate, and difficult.

Part of the problem is that music thrills and bewilders us in a way that can feel at odds with natural laws, so we instinctively codify and exalt its creation. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and writing about what happens to a person when they hear a song that they love, and what sense, if any, can be made of that strange, glorious melting. When I look at my own record collection, I see a desperate monument to my desire for that feeling—for some fleeting brush with the sublime. There are neurobiological processes to point to, and loads of social and cultural cues that help explain and unpack fandom, but the experience itself is such a hard thing to hold on the page. Never being able to fully explain it in a concise or useful way is a big part of why I first began writing about music, and why the work remains interesting to me. There’s a little bit of God in it.

But mystifying the creative process also allows for the genius myth to expand and endure. When nobody can say for sure why a certain melody is so satisfying, or so evocative, or so pleasurable—and this is criticism’s grandest prerogative, to somehow get close—we inevitably begin to imbue its creator with supernatural strengths. Ergo, people get away with things, for horrifyingly long stretches of time. It seems essential that critics remain vigilant about who is being granted leniency, and for what. But I also wonder if there’s a way for critical discourse to make more room for the receiver—to give more credit to our own consciousness, and the magic it makes of sound. That communion, after all—between player and listener, in which both parties create something extraordinary together—is just as sacred. Perhaps we can start to look for the genius in there instead.”

Yeah. There is a way, and it harkens back to the heady days of late-60s French deconstructionism. In 1967, Roland Barthes published an essay called “The Death of the Author.” I’ve referenced it a bunch through various iterations of this blog. (OM is fake sick of it, but he’s a pomo fiction geek, and a student of lit-crit, so whatever.) The wiki is actually p fly, but I’ll dig into the original text for pith.

Barthes writes that

“the image of literature to be found in contemporary culture is tyrannically centered on the author, his person, his history, his tastes, his passions; … the explanation of the work is always sought in the man who has produced it, as if, through the more or less transparent allegory of fiction, it was always finally the voice of one and the same person, the author, which delivered his ‘confidence.’ “

Man, not woman. Hmph.

Barthes’ essay is about literature, so it’s tricky to extrapolate it for a more performative (less interpretative) art form, like music. It’s also baseline difficult to decipher, and I’m not as smart as I used to be. (As I reread it, I tried to remember why I underlined certain passages when I was a grad student twenty-five years ago, and oof.) Essentially, Barthes wants to kill the Author by ending authority, by establishing that “utterance in its entirety is a void process, which functions perfectly without requiring to be filled by the person of the interlocutors: linguistically, the author is never anything more than the man who writes, just as I is no more than the man who says I: language knows a ‘subject,’ not a ‘person.’ ”

There’s a passage in the essay that suggests a de-personed hand (“his hand, detached from any voice, borne by pure gesture of inscription (and not of expression), traces a field without origin”) that goes a bit too far for me, but the idea is incontrovertible: “[T]he true locus of writing is reading.” And the true locus of songwriting is listening. I could riff on this, but I’ll get back to AP and her query.

The meaning/significance of any song or album belongs to us, not to the person who hummed it, demoed it, recorded it, and released it. If there’s wonder, it’s built into what we already do. And we can choose to direct that – that communion, that magic – toward artists who deserve it. The Auteur is dead. Long live rock.

More soon.

JF

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[suggxmaynard]

Conor Maynard Imagine - Practicing (SMUT)

You had thought that, when that day came, you would be on seventh heaven. When you first told your parents that you wanted to pursue the acting career in London, they had tried to convince you to do otherwise. Trying to make a living out of acting in such a talented city like London was a long shot. But you were determined.

And in fact, after a little less than a year of failed auditions and poorly-paid advertisement roles, your all time longed dream finally knocked at your door.

You thought that getting the leading role in a film that would be translated into too many languages for you to remember was going to have you balling on cloud nine, and to make you happy. But you weren’t so sure about the last part.

“Y/N, calm down little one, it’s gonna be alright” Conor assured you as he stood up in the middle of your living room, watching you pace back and forth “You’re an actress, you know what you’re doing, you can do this”

You sighed “The truth is, Conor, that I really don’t fucking know”

You had met Conor on set a few months after moving to London. You had just finished filming some crappy, awkward TV advert, when you accidentally invaded his dressing room. He saw your disgusted face, and your relationship started from there.

At first, it had just been faint attraction. You met up a couple of times after that day, and he turned out to be quite the funny, nice lad you had always doubted you would meet in such an intimidating city. You saw nothing special about him, nothing hot, nothing to fall for.

Until that one day. Conor was one of your very few friends at that time, your only guy friend for that matter. All your other friends were far too pretty and love-successful for you to go and wine about your last failed Tinder date. And so you magically appeared on Conor’s doorstep one night, asking for a friend you could vent to. He happily let you in, held you for the rest of the night, and made sure your heart recovered.

Little did he know that your heart had recovered because it started beating again. But this time it was for him.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never hooked up with anybody” he said, making you stop on your tracks. This was definetly a conversation you didn’t want to have with him.

You gave him a look, and no more words were needed “I didn’t know you were…” he started, visibly too embarrassed to finish.

“Shrug it off” you said “It’s not really a big deal for me. It’s just that I didn’t want my first time to be with someone I don’t know, let alone him” you complained.

It turned out that your first big movie role happened to involve sexual intercourse. You weren’t sure if acting out the scene really meant doing it, or just faking it. But you had signed up a contract. The director had insisted many times, and you constanly told him that you were okay with doing whatever was needed for the scene. It was your very first oportunity to be someone out there, and you weren’t going to waste it because of a 2 minute scene in bed.

Conor raised an eyebrow “What’s the matter with him?”

“I’ve been doing some reseach on this co-star of mine and…” you sighed again, running a hand through your hair “Let’s say he’s quite big headed”

Conor nodded “I get it” he said, getting closer to you as he opened his arms for you to give him a hug. And so you did, burrying your face on the crook of his neck, inhaling his strong yet mangneting scent “Is there anything I can do?” he asked softly.

You shook your head gently. You had to face the music, and there was no going back. You had gotten yourself into that situation. At least you hoped it would turn out to be worthy.

“I have an idea” Conor suddenly spoke “I’ve got a friend, Ryan, who used to be an actor here in London” you popped your head up to look at him, an eyebrow raised. Where was he going with this? “I once accompained him to shoot some scenes, and one of them happened to be a sex scene, right?” you nodded, not really sure what he was implying.

“I know how they’re filmed, and I know what each person does because I heard the director giving instructions and tips” he said, and it instantly clicked on your mind “I don’t think it’ll be much different from what you have to do. So, only if you want, we can practice a little”

Your heart suddenly started racing. Practicing a sex scene? With Conor? Was this one of your all time wet dreams or something?

You gulped “You don’t have to do this” you said, scared to even look at him in the eye.

You felt his hands on your upper waist, feeling firmer each second that passed. Were you going mad? “Hey, I want to” he said, looking you in the eye in a way you had never seen before. He looked much more…mysterious. 

“Okay, fine” you gave in as your right hand went to rub your eye “We can do it now if you want to”

You led him to your bedroom, a place where he had been too many times, but not like that. It felt weird and exciting at the same time. Once you opened the bed, Conor started taking his shirt off. You didn’t realize you had been staring. 

“I think we should keep our underwear, though” he laughed as he unbuckled his pants. You gave him a small smile as you started unbottoning your shirt, not really sure what in the world you were doing.

Once you both had stripped down to your underwear, you got inside the covers as Conor sat slowly next to you. You could tell he was flustered “Did…did the script say what position you were in?” he asked, visibly uncomfortable. You didn’t blame him. 

“Yeah…um…the guy would be on top” you said awkwardly “It’s an average looking sex scene, nothing too luxurious”

Conor let out a small chuckle “Right” he said as he slowly got under the covers beisdes you “You sure you want to do this?” he asked once again “I’m not going to hurt you, if you want me to stop just say it”

You nodded, unexpectidly feeling more relaxed. The thought of Conor being on top of you was too irresistible for your mind to handle. But you should act normally. He only saw you as a friend, he had no interest in you at all. And your role for the day was to pretend you didn’t feel the slightlest tingle when he touched you, either.

He slowly positioned himself on top you, resting his body weight on his hands, which were pressed down on the bed right at your sides. You felt so exposed, so vulnerable to have him right above you, both of you half naked.

“You alright?” he asked you as he sensed the tension.

“Yeah, I just…feel quite weird in this…situation” you lauged nervously. Conor smiled softly at you as one of his hands went to your cheek. You froze. What-what was he doing?

“Relax, it’s just me” he said softly, looking at you in the kindest way you had ever seen him “Okay, tell me how the scene goes”

You nodded, trying to mentally go back to the script “Right so, we enter the room making out heavily and stuff, and he pulls me down the bed…in this position, more or less” he nodded, so you continued “Um…then we keep kissing and he starts undressing me and I start undressing him”

“We’ve already reached that part” he laughed.

You smiled up at him “After that he whispers something in my ear - I don’t really remember what - and he starts kissing my neck slowly until…well, you know what comes next” you laughed nervously again.

“Seems quite easy” he said “What exactly are you most nervous about?”

“I guess I just don’t feel comfortable enough with the idea of someone I don’t know kissing me and touching me in those ways” you said, and suddenly Conor’s mind flooded with images of you being touched by another man, and he started boiling. What the hell was wrong with him? Since when did he get so protective of anyone? “Plus, I’ve never slept with anyone, so I wouldn’t know what to do”

“And you think you would be more comfortable if you knew how it felt beforehand” he stated. You nodded. That was exactly what you needed “Okay, let’s do it then”

He adjusted himself again, and so did you “Remember to stop me whenever you want”

“Okay” you whispered as you felt Conor’s breath on your neck already.

He rubbed his nose against your skin for a few seconds, and you immediately closed your eyes. He was so gentle, your back was already almost arched. Then, he slowly started to plant a few kissed behind your ear, as one of his hands steadily held your waist.

Your hand instinctively went to the back of his neck, massaging swiftly the hair on his lower head. His lips suddenly parted aways, and he wasn’t giving you small kisses anymore. Slowly, he started making out with your neck in such a passionate way that you felt a sudden ache between your legs. What was going on with you?

Your other hand found Conor’s arm gripping at your waist, and you held it for support. His make-out session eventually stopped, and he lifted himself up again a little to look at you “Did you like that?” he asked, and you nodded. It wasn’t weird anymore. Now, you just wanted more.

He then planted a sweet, unexpected kiss on your lips before leaning in again, repeating his past actions on your mouth. You felt so damn good. You didn’t even suspect he was such a good kisser, the way his lips moved on yours making you hungry for more. 

You tangled both of your arms around his neck as he placed his hands at the back of your now arched back, making sure he wouldn’t crush you. His tongue slipped in inside your mouth, exploring every inch slowly. You felt his hands on your lower waist, and his impressive bulge on your stomach, and you couldn’t supress a low moan. 

It wasn’t until that little cry left your mouth than you realized you weren’t practicing anymore. You wanted him, all of him, and you didn’t want that moment to end. Your body had never felt so damn good, and it was all because of him. 

Suddenly, you felt his hand reach the hook of your bra, and you instinctively held your breath. He noticed, stopping abruptly “Shit, I’m...” he mumbled, the hot, passionate bubble that you had created now being long gone “I don’t know what to say” he said, visibly embarrassed. 

But you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him “Con” you whispered softly, your hand suddenly travelling to his cheek. You caressed it caringly as he leaned in into your touch.

He looked at you again, the same loving smile than before plastered on his face. You guided his head lower until your lips met again, more sweetly this time. He held you again as you felt smaller and smaller under his touch, so protected and loved.

“Are you sure you want this, Y/N?” he whispered, his lips barely leaving yours.

You nodded softly, drawing his lips back to yours again. His hand then went again to your back and slowly unclasped your bra. He trailed a few kisses down your neck, removing your bra slowly as he cupped your breast on his mouth. Your hands went to the back of his head, pulling him closer.

“Conor” you breathed out steamily “What...what am I to you?” you managed to ask, not sure at all what you were after that moment. 

He kept on sucking at your nipples for a few seconds before he released his lips from your skin. He kissed you “I...I like you a lot, Y/N” he said, and you could tell he was flustered “I care a lot about you, you...you are my little one”

You smiled up at him, recalling how cute he looked when he called you by your nickname. You felt so special, so loved, so close to him “I like you a lot too” you chuckled slightly. 

He kissed you, smiling as he did so. Your hands slowly travelled to the waistband of his boxers, eager to finally pull them down. You were scared, but at the same time, it was Conor the one taking care of you. You knew you were going to be alright, safe.

He helped you out, pulling his underwear down as he watched your face turn more and more scared. He almost felt bad, but he knew he’d take good care of you. Not long afterwards, your panties also flew to the other side of the room. You were completely naked. 

“Are you on the pill?” he asked you softly.

You nodded as you felt the time coming. You felt so wet already, a burning pain tingling between your legs. He kissed you one last time before you felt the tip of his member teasing you at your entrance. You unconsciously opened your legs wider.

He locked your lips with his as he slowly entered you, making you flinch at the sudden sensation. His hand went to your face as he whispered calming things into your ear “It’s fine, Y/N” he breathed out “You’re fine”

When he was finally inside you, you found it hard to breath normally. He was huge, and you were so tight, little moans repeatedly escaped your mouth “Conor...” you whimpered.

He started moving up and down slowly in such swift moves, you immediately felt the pain stopping. Instead, it was replaced by a weird sensation. It was pleasing, it was filling you in but not completely, and you suddenly felt the urge to reach the top. 

He moved faster every time, and before you knew it, you were a moaning mess. He kept groaning into your neck as he rapidly slid in and out of you, holding you tight as he did so. You had never felt so good, and it was driving you crazy.

“Oh god, Conor” you whimpered, digging your fingernails on his back “I feel so close...” 

“Fuck, Y/N” he groaned, and you thought it was the sexiest thing you had ever  heard from him. Just a few moments later, you screamed in pleasure as he filled you in, riding you out of climax, as you dug your nails on his back even deeper. 

Eventually, he moaned loudly just like you had done ealier, and you couldn’t believe that you, of all the people, had made him feel such things. Maybe it was time you stopped understimating yourself.

He pulled out of you, leaving an empty sensation. He lied down next to you, still holding you at your waist, as he planted a few kisses on your forehead “That was amazing, Y/N” he said, and you felt yourself blushing.

You kissed his forehead “Stop being so cute” you said as you felt his thumb rubbing your side softly. 

He planted a small kiss on your jaw “Thanks for caring for me so much” you mumbled softly, almost without thinking.

He kissed you again as he cupped your cheek with his big hand, and you felt like you would get used to it. Used to waking up next to him everyday, taking care of him forever “Thank you for being the best thing I’ve ever had, little one”