#southgate house

[lousyadult-vinyls]

Dearest, The Southgate House Revival 4/27/23

[thatbrightblueshine]

can the goalies arrive at st. george's park already

[ohhtobeagooner]

international break has me so desperate for footie I had to watch the England v Germany match and now I’m even more desperate for GOOD footie because what the actual fuck

[antifainternational]

January 13 - Global Day of Action for Palestine

Here is a list of protests in solidarity with Palestine for January 13th. If there's no protest on saturday near you, take a look at this site (where we got this list from) to see if there is one near you on another day.

It's a looong list so it's under the cut here:

AUSTRALIA

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Parliament House. Info: http://www.afopa.com.au/afopa-events/2024/1/13/global-day-of-action-for-palestine

ALTONA BEACH, VIC, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Altona Beach (Kites for Palestine). Info: https://bukjeh.org/etn/fly-a-kite-for-gaza/

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Garema Place. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1Tmi9jyT6x/

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm Nightcliff Foreshore. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13PZfQyx6P/

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Surfers Paradise Esplanade. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vvY_kpjkM/

HOBART/NIPALUNA, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Davey Street in front of Grand Chancellor. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/877061687400715/

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Civic Square. Info: https://friendsofpalestinetasmania.org/

MOSS VALE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13 (Weekly), 1 pm, Leighton Gardens, 127 Argyle St. Info: https://apan.org.au/event/weekly-moss-vale-vigil-for-peace-justice-in-palestine/

MPARTNWE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 9 am, Cars meet at Telegraph Station, 9:30 am Bikes meet at Snow Kenna Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10iKLbSjU-/

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Newcastle Museum. Info: https://facebook.com/events/s/protest-end-the-genocide-in-ga/351713430807807/

PORT MACQUARIE, AUSTRALIA – Sat Jan 13, 10 am, Oxley Beach (Kites for Gaza). Info: https://apan.org.au/event/port-macquarie-fly-a-kite-for-gaza/

AUSTRIA

GRAZ, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 4 pm, Grazer Hauptbahnhof. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xAHAstgtj/

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Alter Markt

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, 1070 Platz der Menschenrechte. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12dm9itpPv/

WIENER NEUSTADT, AUSTRIA – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Herzog Leopoldstr. 32 beim BORG.

BELGIUM

BRUGGE, BELGIUM – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Burg. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1413973119327402/

GHENT, BELGIUM – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Stadshal. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xNF3Drkr4/

BRAZIL

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, MASP. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uPIywL3Ch/

CANADA AND QUEBEC

COBOURG, ON (CANADA) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Victoria Hall (every Saturday). Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1050719572872023/

WINNIPEG, MB (CANADA) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Winnipeg City Hall. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12TvRUgZr5/

DENMARK

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Sundbyoster Plads to Amagerbro Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C141sIFsEyb/

ENGLAND

HALIFAX, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Savile Park (Kites for Gaza). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1rcDm1M-bN/

HALIFAX, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 1 pm, Wilkos on Southgate. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14Vb4wMgI_/

HEBDEN BRIDGE, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 3 pm, Roadside Rally, Holme St; 4 pm, Vigil, St. George’s Square. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14Vb4wMgI_/

LEEDS, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12:30 pm, Leeds Becket University to City Square. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1zmlUvMtUE/

LONDON, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Bank Junction. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uiCejM9U7/

NELSON, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 1:30 pm, Nelson Bazaars. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1745872575916888/

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, St Peter’s Church. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/895516721895213/

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – Sat Jan 13, 10:30 am, Ellesmere Green. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C131K5OqywW/

FINLAND

HELSINKI, FINLAND – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Central Railway Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1zWU7JtCWt/

FRANCE

LYON, FRANCE – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Place des Terreaux. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12BHiDoyBT/

PARIS, FRANCE – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Republique. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12Kx3hIFnC/

TOULOUSE, FRANCE – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Jean Jaures to Arnaud Bertrand. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wtkVPiTaC/

GERMANY

AACHEN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Hauptbahnhof

AUGSBURG, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Moritzplatz

BERLIN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Neptunbrunnen. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uWAoUMYgr/

BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Schlossplatz 1

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Hauptbahnhof

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 1:30 pm, Hauptwache. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xJbX7tDbH/

FREIBURG, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Konzerthaus. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wmG5TKy0H/

JENA, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Holzmarkt. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15Gvxyse7n/

KIEL, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Bootshafen

MAINZ, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Hauptbahnhof

MUNICH, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Odeonsplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1vDFzfsviF/

SAARBRUCKEN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Landwehrplatz

STUTTGART, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Schlossplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uhwaBs1OB/

TUBINGEN, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Holzmarkt. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1uiIwVooMj/

ULM, GERMANY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Marktplatz

IRELAND

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, The Bridge. Info: https://www.ipsc.ie/protest/emergency-protests-for-palestine-around-ireland

CORK, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Grand Parade

DERRY, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Derry Waterside Train Station. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/379355981136459/

DUBLIN, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Garden of Remembrance. Info: https://www.ipsc.ie/protest/emergency-protests-for-palestine-around-ireland

SKIBBEREEN, IRELAND – Sat Jan 13, 12:30 pm, Aldi Carpark. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/884577173028746/

ITALY

FIRENZE, ITALY – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Corteo da Piazza dei Ciompi.

NAPOLI, ITALY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Piazza Garibaldi. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C11jF13IMfk/

ROME, ITALY – Sat Jan 13, 3 pm, Via dei Fori Imperiali to Largo Corrado Ricci. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12TtZUNVDn/

KOREA

SEOUL, KOREA – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Zionist embassy. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1wWJ2WJvMn/

MEXICO

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – Sat Jan 13, 4 pm, Rambla Cataluna to Plaza de la Liberacion. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13FY23uHH_/

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Sat Jan 13, 4 pm, Angel to US Embassy to Zocalo. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C126FgtOh2y/

NEW ZEALAND

TIMARU, NEW ZEALAND – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Face of Peace, Caroline Bay. (Kites for Gaza). Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/351982744232340/

WHANGAREI, NEW ZEALAND – Sat Jan 13, 10 am, Town Basin. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1062868608192188/

NETHERLANDS

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Museumplein. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14bgz6skSe/

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Dam Square to Museumplein. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15I-anI-lc/

LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Leeuwarden Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1rgX_OoVe4/

ZWOLLE, NETHERLANDS – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Starbucks station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C11cUhjsyFd/

NORWAY

OSLO, NORWAY – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Youngstorget to Zionist Embassy. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/876776784142252/

PERU

LIMA, PERU – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Plaza 27 de noviembre, San Isidro – Parque Kennedy. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1r3BHZrSSM/

PORTUGAL

PORTO, PORTUGAL – Sat Jan 13, 3:30 pm, Praca da Batalha. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14UrYhs-hB/

PORTO, PORTUGAL – Sat Jan 13 (every night), 10 pm, Camara Municipal (Vigil). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1mWoJ0srwr/

ROMANIA

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Universitate to Victoriei. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C11qxxuIlKe/

CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA – Sat Jan 13, details TBA. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1tsmB2ojCq/

TIMISOARA, ROMANIA – Sat Jan 13, details TBA. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1tsmB2ojCq/

SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Foot of the Mound. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1od7QsNlCM/

INVERNESS, SCOTLAND – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, The Spectrum Centre. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15ggmFtNyg/

ORKNEY, SCOTLAND – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 1 pm, St Magnus Cathedral Steps. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/899757958430523/

SOUTH AFRICA

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Mandela Glasses, Sea Point Promenade. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14N2xlqjyK/

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, US Consulate, Sandton. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13qpzSNbYt/

KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA – Sat Jan 13, 9 am, N2 C/O Main Service Rd and Wagtail St, Sedgefield, Western Cape. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/910931826901335/

SPANISH STATE

A CORUNA, GALICIA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Praza de Lugo. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14lQvascZx/

BETERA, VALENCIA – Sat, Jan 13, 5 pm, Ayuntamiento de Betera. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1ISqjUN2ir/

COMPOSTELA, GALICIA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Praterias. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14lQvascZx/

MOLINA DE SEGURA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Plaza de Ayuntamiento. Info: https://twitter.com/LibreRegion/status/1743912944612540608

VIGO, GALICIA, SPAIN – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, Porta do Sol. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C14lQvascZx/

SWEDEN

KARLSKRONA, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Klaipedaplatsen. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/7004450806289059/

KRISTIANSTAD, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 2:30 pm, Stora Torget. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15GIWbNI_K/

MALMO, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, St Knuts Torg. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1348ATC6Uq/

VARBERG, SWEDEN – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Varbergs Torg. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1piXtgLGYj/

SWITZERLAND

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Theaterplatz. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1m6lOxLDI-/

UNITED STATES

EUGENE, OR (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Federal Courthouse, 405 E 8th Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1jOAiXiUJ0/

FORT COLLINS, CO (US) – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 3 pm, Old Town Square Stage. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1n9pmNOGFd/

FORT WAYNE, IN (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, MLK Bridge.

KALISPELL, MT (US) – Sat Jan 13, 12, Main and Center by Depot Park (Every Saturday). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1puNa1ucrm/

KANSAS CITY, KS (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Granada Park, Roeland Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10Y27LJ1EO/

LANGLEY, WA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Bayview Rd and Hwy 525. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/373235975254744/

MIAMI, FL (US) – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, University Metrorail Station. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C15V1BXLyc-/

NEW YORK, NY (US) – Sat Jan 13, 12 pm, NE Corner 5th Ave and 44th St, Brooklyn. (Vigil, every Saturday). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0KsY8PvCwp/

NEW YORK, NY (US) – Sat Jan 13, 5 pm, Bryant Park Library Steps. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C145mA_Jido/

OAKLAND, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 5 am, West Oakland BART, Port Shutdown for Palestine. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1qpwPaLsLY/

OLYMPIA, WA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Heritage Park, 5th Ave SW. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xUYlRPtRc/

PETALUMA, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13 (every Saturday), 12:30 pm, Petaluma Blvd and East Washington. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/362661229552435/

PORTLAND, OR (US) – Sat Jan 13, 6 pm, Protest Michael Rapoport, Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1nDhO7vNM4

SACRAMENTO, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1pm, State Capital, West Steps. Info: https://sac4palestine.org/january-3-2024-solidary-rally-with-national-march-on-washington/

SAN DIEGO, CA (US) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C13b08grRj2/

ST PAUL, MN (US) – Sat Jan 13, 2 pm, Western District Police Dept to MN State Capitol. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C12sMuQJHeh/

VIROQUA, WI (US) – Sat Jan 13, 11 am, Main St and Decker St, Weekly Vigil by Driftless Solidarity. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1fWWvKNJlI/

WASHINGTON, DC (US) – Sat Jan 13, 1 pm, Freedom Plaza, 1325 Pennsylvania Ave NW Info: https://march4gaza.org

BUSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY to this national march from CT, FL, IL, IN, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA and WI – get at the website

PRE-RALLY – WASHINGTON, DC – Sat Jan 13, 7 am, National Mall. Info: https://twitter.com/_FRFP_/status/1742706175114661946

HEALTH CARE WORKERS MARCH – Sat Jan 13, 10 am ,Dept of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Ave SW. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/C10DXDiADMK/

[foreverisntenough]

Don’t mind me, just imagining Teddy hyping up Trent for the match by telling him “go daddy!” Or “daddy is the best” or doing that thing where kids are unaware of what they say and telling him she’ll play with him to help him 🥺

🥺🥺🥺

Yeah... I had this silly scenario in my head brewing for a little where Teddy, Y/N, Marce are all sitting at home watching an England game. Maybe not one this big because they'd deffo be there but I don't know a friendly or whatever.

--------- My tiny one shot below for you 🤍

'Dada on TB' - 440 words

↳ Trent's daughter Teddy doesn't understand why he's not playing.

Other ForeverIsntEnough One Shots

---------

"Where dada?" Teddy cooed kicking her feet that were dangling over Marcel’s legs on the couch at your house. 

“He’s not on the pitch, baby. I’m sorry.” You looked at her with a pout not sure if she were to press how you’d be able to explain to her that daddy played every minute for his club and that the England manager was just being idiotic about his squad decisions. You were sure that your little girl wouldn’t care to hear your personal feelings about Southgate though.

“Why? Want my dada.” Teddy flung a question back at you then snapped her concerned expression back to Marcel pointing her arm towards the TV screen hung on the wall.

“Don’t know, Ted, I genuinely do not know, sweetheart.” Marcel cooed to her with a bit of a bite to her question and a shrug. His anger towards the England team selection radiating off him but muffled by his soft voice to her. 

“But dada best!” She rebutted and looked between you two confused. “Judey there... want my dada.” She pouted with big boba eyes welling with disappointment. Teddy didn't like that not only was Trent not on the field, the camera kept following a person she knew.

“I’m sorry, my Teddy bear. He’ll be home soon though.” You cooed, trying to console her. You walked to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead, brushing your hand over her curls. 

“No! Mama!! On TB! I want dada on TB!” She yelled not really caring about later, she wanted Trent on the TV or 'TB' as sh was referring to in your living room. Your bottom lip rolled a little seeing your little girl so upset. After the match you thought you’d cheer a still pouty Teddy and a likely frustrated and disappointed Trent up so you facetimed him. 

“Say Hi dada?” You cooed kissing Teddy’s temple pulling her onto your lap to see Trent answering and appearing on your screen.

“Dada, missed! My dada is best.” she explained to him grabbing your phone with both her tiny hands holding it unnecessarily close to her face in an effort to be closer to him. 

“Oh my baby bear, I miss you so much. Did you watch the match?” Trent asked her and she disgruntledly confirmed she did. You flashed Trent a knowing smile relaying silently that she was as upset as he was about him not playing. “You know what, Ted? I didn’t get to play much footie today, will you play with me when I get home?” Trent asked her and gave her a signature devastatingly handsome smile. Teddy’s eyes lit up immediately.

⇨ Read other ForeverIsntEnough work here!

[timefadesaway]

stop the far right – national day of protest today (august 10th)

here is the list of current demonstrations taking place today nationally

London - Reform UK HQ, 83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW – 2:30pm

Colchester - Colchester War Memorial, High Street 1pm

Taunton - Town Centre, Market House – 2.30pm

Southall - Unity Hall, Southall Town Hall UB1 3HA – 12pm

Nottingham - Brian Clough Statute, Nottingham city centre – 1pm

Southampton - Bargate - 12pm

Hull - Queen Victoria Square – 10am

Norwich - Gentleman’s Walk - 12pm

Chorley - Union Street, Chorley PR7 1AE - 1pm

Preston - Friargate Pedestrian Area – 2pm

Sheffield - Sheffield City Hall – 12pm

Hackney - St Augustines Tower, Narrow Way, Hackney Central E8 1HR – 12pm

Leicester - Meet outside HSBC Bank, Humberstone Gate - 12pm

Shrewsbury - The Square - 12.30pm

Weymouth - Meet outside The Range, New Bond Street – 11am

Lancaster - Town Hall steps – 12pm

Stratford - Stratford Bus Station (old shopping centre side), E20 1EH – 11am

Derby - Meet Council House, marching to The Spot – 11am

Liverpool - Pier Head - 12pm

Coventry - Millennium Place, CV1 1JD – 1pm

Brixton - Windrush Square SW2 1JQ – 1pm

Abergavenny - Opposite Waterstones – 11am

Dumfries & Galloway - Planestanes - 11am

Wakefield - Cedar Court Hotel, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF4 3QZ - 12pm

York - St Helen’s Square – 4pm

Cardiff - Nye Bevan statue - 1pm

Newcastle - Grey’s Monument – 9:30am

Calderdale - Outside Wilko’s, 2 Southgate, HX1 IDR - 12pm

Portsmouth - Guildhall Square - 1pm

Eastbourne - Outside Barclays Bank, Terminus Road - 1pm

Tower Hamlets - Altab Ali Park, Alder Street - 5pm

Islington & Haringey - Finsbury Park Mosque St Thomas’s Road N4 2QH – 2pm

Dundee - City Square, Dundee – 12:30pm

Hastings - Hastings Town Centre Robertson St, outside Owens - 12pm

Oxford - Bonn Square - 11am

Lincoln - Lincoln High Street, Speakers Corner - 2pm

Edinburgh - outside Scottish Parliament - 11am

Stoke - Hanley Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent - 12pm

Manchester - Piccadilly Gardens - 11am

Harlow - The Obelisk, Broadwalk - 1:30pm

Birmingham - Outside Waterstones, Birmingham City Centre - 12:30pm

more information here, not necessarily comprehensive, so explore local organisers and groups if your area doesn't have anything! list may expand so check the link for updates.

[ladymarycrawley]

Waiting for you - John Stones

Request: Cockwarming with john please!!

Warning: smut but a sweet one, giving John the welcome back home he deserves

Tag list: @masonxomount @prideofpd @johnstonesfc @stonesyy

(gif by @sendinthehuskies )

The hardest part of your boyfriend’s job was the the amount of time he was asked to stay away from his loved ones to play away games, both with England and with City.  This time he was calleed up by Southgate to represnt his country and you had to stay home looking after your newborn baby girl, Iris Lyla.

John told you he would supposedly be back home in the afternoon, making the the wait kind of unbearable, as it always felt as if he left a lot of time ago and you missed him every single minute of the day. You missed the sound of his loud laughter echoing through the house, the way he would make fun of you even for the smallest things, annoying you to death.

You missed his cuddles, the way he would hug you from behind while you were at the stove cooking something or him cradling your baby girl in his strong arms. She looked even more tiny in her dad's arms and that was your favourite sight in the world.

It was nearly 5 pm and you were trying to lull your baby to sleep when the sound of some keys turning in the lock resonated through the empty house. You winced a bitat the sound which meant he was finally home.

His tall figure popped behind the door frame of your bedroom, surprising you while you were busy with your mama duties. You waved your hands in each other's direction, careful not to disturb the baby or else she would have started crying, making all your efforts vain.

Is it necessary to say you were eager to go and jump on him? No, that was the only thing you had been waiting for so you hoped your girl would close her eyes as soon as possible.

She looked so peaceful as she slowly let sleep take over her. It was as if she felt her dad was back so nothing bad could happen as long as her hero was there with her. You put her in her cot and smiled, before giving a kiss on her forehead and turning on the baby monitor while you and John were busy with each other.

As you left her room, you walked towards your bedroom where John was waiting for you, sat on your big and comfy bed scrolling through his phone.

“Hello mama” He dropped the phone on his side, resting his weight on his hands that were placed behind his back.

You walked the little distance that kept you away from him to stand between his parted legs. The way he looked at you right into your eyes caused goosebumps to form all over your skin. 

A sincere smile appeared on your lips as you let your fingers find those perfect curls once again.

His hands, on his part, found his way under your thin cotton dress resting on your bum.

"Hello dada"

He was still looking at you, his chin tilted upwards to study your features. That nickname made his smile grow even wider as you ran your thumb over his lower lip.

You haven't been apart that long but the distance definitely affected you, wven more so now that you were a mother.

"I missed you so much"

He looked so perfect, even more than when he left you for the international break.

His stubble almost reached the perfect lenght so you could definitely say the man of your dreams was right in front of you.

"Stop being this sentimental" He grumbled with a smirk, knowing full well you weren’t the kind of person to admit her feelings so openly.

"That's true! I missed my favourite pain in the arse ever"

"That's my adorable girlfriend" He giggled, pressing his soft lips against yours. The feeling of his mouth gently moving over yours was an indescribable feeling, as if all stars were aligned.

You couldn’t have imagined a better welcome-back-home ceremony for him than to jump in his arms and kiss him until all your clothes fell to the floor and you made love to each other.

Since the birth of your daughter the moments of love you would share were too little, they became kind of rare and obviously you missed them.

Maybe you could have seized the moment as Iris was sound asleep now.

Maybe because of your pregnancy hormones still in your system, maybe because of how hot, much more than usual, your man looked adding to that all the time you’ve been spending apart the last few months mainly due both to your newborn plus your post pregnancy recovery and to John’s schedule, the only thing on your mind was to make him feel your love. Now you were together and that was the most relevant thing.

As you had the opportunity to notice during the games you followed on tv, your daughter’s dad looked even more handsome than when he left for St. George’s Park: the stubble a bit longer, gracing the outline of his face flawlessly, even more than you remembered of, was calling for your lips to kiss it and you didn't have to think it twice. There was like a magnet attracting your mouth to his jaw, starting to gently suck on it as well as leaving little kisses.

John hummed in content as he was clearly enjoying your unexpected attention.

The long sleeved white undershirt he wore during the game against Ukraine highlighted his upper body perfectly, as his six pack and his muscles were all in the right place.

The moment your mind went back to that view you saw on tv and your hands began running over his toned chest, under his sweatshirt, an uncontrollable whimper left your mouth and caused goosebumps to firm on John's skin.

"Did you miss me?" He whispered in a clear attempt to tease you.

"God yes" You sighed loudly "I need you"

The England midfielder squeezed your butt as your mouth was still busy kissing every inch of his skin and your fingers were gently tugging at his curls that were simply perfect.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes John, I can't go on another minute without having you all to me. I've been feeling kinda deprived this last period"

The slight hint of frustration in your voice made John chuckle, wrapping his arms around your waist.

“Like dick deprived?”

“Yes and there’s nothing to laugh about! A girl has her needs”

“Who am I to say no to my girl’s needs?” At his remark you blushed a little as John nuzzled his nose against your cheek.

“Didn’t you miss me?” You pouted, breathing his scent.

“Of course I missed you…I’ve been dreaming about you wearing some sexy lingerie all nights” The breathy voice he made his confession with caused that familiar knot at the pit of your stomach to form, an effect his voice combined with his touch would usually provoke. A little moan fell out of your lips hearing him telling you about his dream.

"I still feel a little bloated so wearing hot lingerie is off the table for now"

"You look amazing so shut that little mouth of yours" John cupped your face with his hand so he could kiss your lips without having to hear about your useless, in his opinion, complaints.

"Well, you'll have to help me shut it up"

"If you scream my name you'll be okay. That's the only thing you're allowed to say"

"I can't even scream about how good you are?" You purred in his ear, nipping at his lobe.

John hissed, letting you know how hard he was for you by pushing his erection against stomach, with his hands pinned at either side of your head to balance his weight over your body.

"Y/N"

"Yes?"

"I want you"

The control he had over you was among the things you have been missing the most. The way he would sensually whisper into your ear while you were putty in his hands. The best feeling ever.

You couldn’t help but whimper when you felt that tide of emotion overwhelming you like a tsunami.

As John kept on leaving kisses over your face and neck he slid into you in a gentle but firm manner, leaving you open mouthed, your head tilted back deep in the pillow.

"How does it feel? How are you feeling?" His questions, that were meant to be something caring, came out as something that turned you on even more thanks to his husky voice.

"Oh so good" You breathed with your eyes wide shut and your head arched back. John smiled mischievously, leaving a peck on your chin tilted upwards.

Your boyfriend started moving into you with his sweet moves, hitting all the right places thanks to the perfect movement of his pelvis.

"Don't stop" You didn’t know where to put your hands: between his soft hair or let them travel down his perfect, broad back? He was too much to take but he was all yours, nobody could have spoiled that moment nor taken him away from you.

"I love you" You moaned as his thrusts got deeper and faster, lust and passion being the dominant emotions now.

"I love you too" He groaned, pressing his face into your neck.

When you reached your climax, John followed soon after as his main purpose was to make you feel good and bring heaven to you. When his throaty moans filled the room together with your breathy ones you knew he reached his high too, giving you that long awaited feeling of love and pleasure you both had been missing.

His dashing body collpased over yours as he was trying to catch his breath. The warmth he was radiating and the feeling of his chest raising and falling made your heart burst with love, it could have exploded at any given moment. You tickled the nape of his neck with your fingertips while pressing little kisses over his shoulder.

"Welcome back home, Stones"

"Thanks" He giggled, leaving a kiss on your forehead.

John was still deep into you, enjoying the way your body wrapped around him so perfectly.

As much as you loved having sex with him, the aftercare always had a special place in your heart: it was something that made your bond even stronger as you loved cuddling him while basking in the warmth of his body.

His body weight wasn’t crashing you but it was applying a gentle pressure that made you feel all his love and closeness.

Neither of you wanted to break the spell your bodies have created so he stayed there, deep into you relaxing under your gentle touch and cuddles.

“How have you been doing?” Your boyfriend asked as his voice came out muffled, as a resulting from the position his head was in, against your pillow. His nose tickling the spot under your jaw together with his lips caused you to shiver a little.

“Good…but we missed daddy a lot”

“Who missed me more? Mummy or Iris?”

“Iris of course”

“Mhh well, mummy seemed kinda needy for daddy” He sniggered, biting his lower lip.

“Stop flattering yourself, it was just the hormones controlling me”

"You know I don't like it when you touch these things" You explained him, a bit bothered.

Out of instinct, you moved his hand away from your skin. He looked up at you with a questioning look, as if he was surprised with your gesture.

The England International rolled his eyes and, in order to distract you, connected his lips to your neck to start leaving a trail of kisses from there down to your collarbone, ending between your breasts.

“Yeah sure…” He chuckled, lifting your thigh to place it around his waist. "...I know what a little slut you are" Then, he brought his fingertips closer to the stretch marks adorning your inner thighs as well as part of your hips, where love handles were. Those signs on your skin weren't exactly something you were proud of, you even searched how to get rid of them, thinking about relying on surgery too so you didn't like when John touched them on purpose.

"Are you still using that stretch marks lotion?"

"Yes" You rolled your eyes as the hint of know-it-all attitude in his voice annoyed you a little. He just wanted to be thoughtful towards you and the delicate condition you were in and you knew that but you couldn’t hide the fact that his question felt like an intrusion, even though you shared almost everything with him.

"Don't roll your eyes at me" John scolded you playfully, trying to sound as serious as possible.

You jokingly pushed him off your body so you were now laying completely over him, your hair falling over his face as your lips were busy leaving multiple kisses over his plumpy ones, curved in a smirk.

"Or what?"

"Or I'll get out of this bed"

His hands were slowly running back and forth over your back. He knew how much you loved him moving his fingers that way, his touch feeling as light as a feather. The way his fingertips were dancing over your skin, tracing all sort of patterns, was the most relaxing thing ever to you.

“We haven’t shared a good cuddle in a while, huh?”

"That little lady is making us work like crazy" You muttered with a smile, the absorbed smile meaning you were getting lost into the perfection of his features. Your fingers were massaging the little creases on his face gently, counting the freckles and the moles dotting it one by one. When your thumb passed on to massage the spot between his eyebrows, to flatten the small wrinkles there, he relaxed a bit more, sighing.

"She's a little attention seeker just like her mum" He murmured back, moving his lips to try and kiss your hand.

"Oi!"

John smirked, his fingertips still running absentmindedly down your spine.

"I missed cuddling in bed naked with you"

He moved the two strands of hair cascading down your face and over his behind your ears.

"Let's say you just missed having me naked in bed with you, you can say that"

You giggled against his hot skin, leaving a playful bite over his shoulder.

"You have to be honest, you're staying with me only because of my body"

"Stop it"

"Well, I'm literally inside you so"

Shyness got the upper hand over you so you hid your now red face in the crook of his neck. In response he placed a kiss on the spot right behind the shell of your ear, giggling at your embarassed reaction.

"You're an idiot" You mouthed with a muffled voice against the pillow he was resting his head on. He slapped your bum playfully as you moaned as a sign of protest.

"Is she still sleeping?"

You glanced at the baby monitor once again before nodding to him.

"Good. So we still have some time" He muttered in between pecking your lips. Your smile didn't show any signs of disappearing as you were really, really happy. You couldn’t stop smiling as the love of your life was finally back into your arms, relaxing next to you or, better put, under you.

John lifted your right leg too so they were both wrapped around his middle.

The way his bright eyes were shining with happiness mixed with a couple of rebellious curls falling on his forehead and with his lips, was making you feel kind of high. He was having the same effect of a drug on you, that was crazy.

His eyes were looking right through your soul and sent a shiver down your spine that made you arch your back.

"You're so beautiful" He breathed out as he attached his lips to your right nipple.

A needy moan left your mouth, stimulating John's cock to get harder again. A deep Fuck left his mouth when he felt your walls clenching around him

He pushed your arms above your head so he could intertwine your fingers with his to start moving into you with deep, sensuous thrusts. At the moment he began moving into you a little cry could be heard coming from the baby monitor.

What a timing she has.

You tried to ignore her as John kept on moving.

As he filled you perfectly with his pushes, his upper body came in contact with your mouth so you thought it was a good idea to mark him as yours, sucking on his neck.

Iris' cry got louder but you were in heaven and the last thing you wanted was to interrupt all of that.

"Faster please, gotta go" You moaned, scratching his nape now that he set your hans free.

The City defender picked up the peace as a loud groan from him filled the room. What was meant to be another lovely, romantic sex session soon turned into a quickie so you could go and check on your daughter.

Following your instructions, John thrusted into you faster gripping at the headboard of the bed tighter as you did the same holding onto his back.

Once you were done and your second orgasms hit you again, he pulled out from you with an hiss, leaving his hot cum dripping out of your pussy.

"Fuck" You panted, making your man smirk, pleased with the result.

"Stay here, I'm going to take her" He left a quick peck on your forehead and swiftly got his boxers on to go and check on his baby.

Fuck, how much I did miss him fucking me this good.

He got back holding Iris in his arms that seemed to make her look even smaller than she actually was.

"Daddy's princess isn't happy at all" He pouted looking at her watery eyes.

"Aww baby what's wrong?" You cooed, imitating his pout and opening your arms to welcome her. "Have you seen who's back?"

She was clearly hungry by now and the clock on the bedside table striking 7pm confirmed that.

"Shit, she must be hungry"

You lowered the bed sheet wrapped around your chest to start feeding Iris.

"Your mother was about to make you starve only because she was thirsty for dad…" He ironically stated as he kept his sight on your baby eating.

"John!!" You raised your voice a little, clearly bothered with his line.

He giggled as he got the effect he wanted and pressed a kiss on your shoulder.

"Don't make me feel like I'm a bad mum" You whined, setting your look on your baby and caressing her chubby legs with the tip of your thumb.

"If you were, I wouldn't have said it like that. You managed to take care of a newborn for almost 2 weeks all by yourself, you aren't a bad mum at all"

Those words made you feel better, as if a little warm flame came alive to wrap your heart with the love you were surrounded by. You couldn’t be thankful enough for your little family.

You smiled contentedly and abandoned your head against John's shoulder, as you were sitting between his legs using his chest as a backrest.

"Will you cook dinner tonight, won't you?"

Your boyfriend groaned and glared at you "All of this to trick me into cooking, right?"

If the expression on his face was all about the annoyance of cooking, yours was the opposite, as it was quite happy and satisfied. The playful bickering between you two was among the endless list of things you had been missing during those days apart.

With one arm holding your baby girl, you bent the other backwards to brush your fingers against his cheek.

"I'm tired, I've been dealing with your princess for two weeks all by myself" You justified yourself, quoting his previous words.

He sighed and got up from the bed.

"Okay, you're playing the card of the tired and abandoned girlfriend now"

"Me?? How -"

John shut you up by pressing his lips against yours before leaving the room.

"Later we'll try those baby massages the doctor showed us!" You shouted at him from the other side of the house

He stopped in the middle of the stairs to let out a huff, with a half smile and scratching his neck. He was happy to be home but couldn’t his dad duties waiti a little more?

"Can I go back to training already?"

“You should have thought about it 9 months ago, darling!”

[chelseachilly]

king of my heart - pt 12

hold on to the memories they will hold on to you and i will hold on to you

pairing: reader x ben chilwell summary: it’s euro time baby!!! warnings: some smut at the end :)  word count: 4k

a/n: hi!! this chapter was so fun to write, maybe my favourite so far?? i hope you guys like it, please let me know what you think! there’s only one more left after this <3

-

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benchilwell

liked by masonmount, jackgrealish and others

benchilwell Back at it! Feeling fit and thrilled to be back in time for the end of the season 💙

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yourusername Looking fit, that’s for sure 😍😍😍

benchilwell Hahah thanks gorgeous 😏

chillyfan1 living for them flirting on insta

-

After a long and arduous journey, the day finally comes that Ben is able to step foot on the pitch at Stamford Bridge again.

It feels like a lifetime since you’ve seen him play, and you couldn’t be more excited. You’re seated in a box with Kai’s girlfriend Sophia, anxiously awaiting kickoff.

You know how hard Ben has trained for this moment and that he’s been cleared by a team of doctors and physios who are at the top of their field, but you can’t help but feel incredibly nervous as you see him emerge from the tunnel with the rest of the team.

“Hey, he’ll be fine,” Sophia says reassuringly, patting your arm. “I know it’s nerve-wracking the first time back, but he’s ready for this.”

You nod, forcing a smile despite the anxiety still lodged in your chest, which you suspect won’t go away until the final whistle is blown.

It’s a tough match against Arsenal today, and only the second last of the season. You know how crucial today’s game is for securing their spot in the top 4, and as a Chelsea fan, you’re incredibly nervous about the outcome.

It’s 1-1 at halftime, and continues to be until late in the second half.

Your fists are clenched tightly as you see the Arsenal striker on the breakaway, sprinting toward the goal. A few of the Chelsea players are trying to catch up to him, but Ben is the fastest, making a successful challenge and passing the ball back to a teammate as the crowd roars.

Your panic begins to dwindle as the game finishes up and Ben continues to play with the level of skill and talent that he possessed before his injury. He’s back - really, truly, finally back to playing the game he loves.

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-

The week that the England squad is set to be announced for the Euros, you can tell how nervous Ben is.

He’s proven himself to have made a spectacular recovery in the last two Premier League games of the season, but it remains to be seen whether that was soon enough for him to have caught Gareth Southgate’s attention.

You’re incredibly anxious, too, as you wait for any news. This is what he’s been working toward his whole career, his whole life. To play for England on that scale, to finally get the chance to show the world what he is capable of, is everything he’s ever wanted. It’s the reason he’s fought so hard this year, through all the pain and setbacks.

As a result, you’ve both found a fun, helpful way to distract yourselves - having sex in every corner of your house, as often as possible. It began with you “christening” the home after you first officially moved in, which you knew didn’t make a lot of sense as Ben’s lived there the whole time you’ve been dating and you’ve already pretty much had sex in every room.

Then, it became a useful tool when Ben was getting particularly anxious about the call-up, which was becoming more and more often as the day drew closer. You’re also enjoying his return to full fitness for numerous reasons, including the fact that he’s now able to carry you upstairs and have his way with you like he used to, displaying a level of athleticism you had sorely missed.

This particular morning, you were having a lazy cuddle on the sofa watching Sky Sports, which inevitably led to the pundits discussing the possible England lineup and Ben pulling you into his lap to take his mind off it.

You’ve helped each other strip most of your clothes off - you in only your knickers and the t-shirt of Ben’s that you slept in, him in only his boxers - when his phone starts to ring.

“Shit, I’d better-“

“Yes, get it!” you exclaim, tearing yourself off him.

Ben would never normally take a call while you’re in the middle of such activities, but it’s a different scenario when he’s waiting to hear from the manager of the national team.

He scrambles around frantically looking for his phone, eventually finding it between the couch cushions.

“It’s Southgate,” Ben exhales as he looks at the Caller ID, and your eyes go wide.

“Answer it!”

Ben nods and gulps quickly before taking the call.

“Hello?”

Your heart is racing with anticipation and you briefly wish you had asked him to put it on speaker as Ben paces back and forth across the room, saying nothing except the odd “yes, sir,” giving you absolutely nothing to go off.

After a minute or two, Ben ends the call with a “thank you, I won’t let you down,” and your breath hitches. The moment he hangs up, he turns back to look at you with a slightly dazed expression.

“Did you-“ you begin to ask, and he just nods as a massive smile takes over his face.

“I got the call up,” Ben confirms, nodding his head. “I’m in the squad!”

You squeal with delight as you run across the room to him, throwing your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist. He catches you and holds you just as close, burying his face in your neck.

“You did it, baby,” you sigh with relief, your fingers digging in slightly to his bare shoulders. “Your hard work paid off. I’m so proud of you.”

He pulls back just enough to crash his lips down on yours in one of the most passionate kisses you’ve ever shared, his soft lips parting to slide his tongue into your mouth.

“Good thing we’re already dressed to celebrate,” you murmur teasingly, tightening your legs around him so you press against his hardened cock, making him moan against your mouth.

Within seconds, he has you laid out on the couch, climbing over you and smothering you with kisses as his hands work to remove the remaining clothing you have on.

-

The time leading up to the Euros seems to drag on forever.

You’re so incredibly happy and proud that Ben made the squad, and you wouldn’t have it any other way, but you underestimated how much you would miss him while he’s away at the training camp.

You’d gotten used to him being home all the time while he was injured, so you can’t help but suffer from a bit of separation anxiety while he’s gone, and you find yourself texting and calling him more often than you’re proud to admit.

It gets to the point that when Ben picks up the phone, you hear a chorus of “hi, Y/N!” on the other line before he’s even greeted you. It’s one thing being teased by Mason or James or even Jack, who you consider close friends, but you do feel a bit embarrassed to think of national heroes like Harry Kane or Marcus Rashford knowing you as Ben’s needy girlfriend.

Mostly, though, you’re just so excited to finally get to see Ben play at such a massive level, achieving his childhood dreams.

You obviously can’t miss an entire month of work to relocate to Germany, but you make travel plans and take vacation days to ensure that you see as many as possible. Every time you show up to a game and get to see Ben play his heart out for England, it’s all worth it.

As the weeks go on, England continues to succeed and Ben gets more and more playing time. He’s obviously proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, having come back even stronger from his injury, and it makes your heart swell with pride each time you see him come on - whether you’re watching on TV or in person.

When England makes it to the semi-final against Italy, there’s not a chance in hell that you’re missing it. You make the necessary arrangements at work and book flights for you and Charlotte before letting Ben know that you’ll be there.

You only get to see him for a few minutes when you fly in the morning or the match, as he’s deep in training mode for what may very well be one of the most important games of his career.

“You’re going to be amazing,” you tell him earnestly, cupping his face. “Whether the gaffer subs you on in the 89th minute or you’re on the starting lineup - which you should be - I am so proud of you.”

“Thanks, baby, you have no idea how much it means to have you here,” Ben says quietly, squeezing your waist. “I’ll see you after the game.”

He leaves you in his hotel room as he returns to the training pitch for warmups. You know his hopes aren’t high for much playing time in such an important game, but you’re still optimistic. He’s been just as good or better than the other left-back on the team, and he’s already got two assists and some impressive defensive plays to show for it.

Above all, you know he wants his team to win, however that is achieved. You just - a bit selfishly, maybe - want Ben to play a role in that win.

An hour before kick-off, you and Charlotte change into your Chilwell and Mount England NT shirts, respectively, and head down to the Alilianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich.

It’s definitely one of the most massive and electric sporting events you’ve ever been to, including some impressive games hosted at Wembley. The crowd is full of fans from all across Europe, and both English and Italian flags line the stands.

“Oh my god, did you look at the lineup?” Charlotte asks, glancing at her phone as you take your seats with some of the other girls.

You shake your head and she shoves her phone in your hand. Your eyes immediately scan down the list until you see “CHILWELL” in big bold font.

“Oh my god!” you practically shriek. “Ben’s starting!”

“That’s amazing, babe!” Sasha exclaims from beside you, grabbing your arm.

As kick-off approaches, you see the teams make their way out of the tunnel. Seeing Ben stand on the pitch as the national anthem plays, dressed in his England kit, fills you with unimaginable pride.

The next 90-odd minutes are some of the most intense and exhilarating of your life. You’re on the edge of your seat the entire time, jumping up when anything happens.

Kane scores first, followed by an immediate equalizer from Italy. At the end of the first half, the Italian side gets one more past Pickford, which appears to be offside but is ultimately ruled a goal.

At halftime, the mood in the English supporter section is somewhat grim, but you know they can turn this around. They need two goals to win this, and they have an incredibly strong team here.

You send Ben a quick text as Charlotte and Lauren run to grab you some cocktails to take the edge off.

You - 3:52PM Amazing start, babe. You got this second half 💪💕

When the game resumes, the team appears to have been reinvigorated during the break.

England starts strong, retaining possession well and creating some solid chances. You know it’s only a matter of time before they score and level the game.

Then, the most remarkable thing happens.

Ben is running toward the net with the ball, Italy’s defense lagging behind as they attempt to catch up with him. He’s running faster than you’ve ever seen him, obviously looking for an open teammate, and his eyes find Jack from across the pitch. He passes to him with incredible precision, despite the speed he was running at, but Jack doesn’t have a clear shot on goal.

In a split second decision, Jack passes the ball right back to Ben, who volleys it without a second thought.

There’s a brief moment of hesitation as you wait for confirmation of the goal, and then the crowd erupts with cheers.

You jump up in your seat, screaming at the top of your lungs along with thousands of other supporters. You’re pretty sure your boyfriend is the most beloved man in England at the moment, but the moment he realizes it’s a goal, he turns to where he knows you’re sitting and points right at you.

“And it appears Ben Chilwell is dedicating this goal, his first in a major international tournament and his first since returning from injury, to someone special in the England supporter section!” the commentator declares, making you blush as you feel so many eyes on you.

The game continues, and you’re unable to take your eyes off Ben as he continues to dominate on the pitch, their defense like an unbreakable barrier for the Italians.

In the final minutes, Saka scores with an assist from Declan, and the crowd goes wild once more. The final whistle blows, and you all jump up and cheer as England takes the win, advancing them to the final.

You feel like you’re buzzing off much more than the couple of drinks you’ve had as the stadium erupts with cheers and chants from the English fans, the players celebrating enthusiastically on the pitch.

You and the girls rush down to meet them in the changing room, and there’s already music blaring and champagne being sprayed everywhere as you enter. They have a week until the final, so they can let loose a bit tonight.

“Y/N!” Reece exclaims, the first person you see when you walk into the room. “We did it!”

“You did it!” you shout back over the noise, pulling him into a tight hug. “Have you seen-“

“He’s over there,” Reece says with a knowing smile, gesturing to the other side of the room, where Ben is posing for photos with Bukayo and Mason.

The moment Ben sees you, his already wide grin grows impossibly bigger. He drops his arms that were around his teammates and holds them open for you.

You don’t think about the many people watching you, or the fact that they’re all currently recording on their phones, or anything other than running into Ben’s arms and hugging him as tightly as possible.

When you reach him, he catches you and spins you around in the centre of the room, making you laugh into his neck as you squeeze him tight.

“That was incredible!” you say, your voice muffled by his skin as you leave a few kisses there. “That goal, Ben, I-you took my breath away. You’re amazing.”

Ben pulls back and cups your face in both hands, kissing you firmly. Your kiss him back just as fervently, trying to convey every emotion of the past two hours into one touch of your lips.

“Thank you,” are the first words out of Ben’s mouth when he pulls back, staring at you as if you had gone out there and scored all three goals yourself. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, babe. Seriously.”

You meet his wide, slightly watery eyes, getting lost in them just like you do for hours on end when you lay in bed together, or for a brief moment each time you meet his gaze from across a crowded room.

There were so many times over the past year that you saw nothing but pain in those beautiful blue eyes of his, and all you wanted was to fast forward to this moment - this perfect, glorious moment - when he would be healed and back to achieving his biggest dreams.

Every time you woke up in the middle of the night to find him in pain, clutching his knee, making your heart shatter in a million pieces; every argument you had over what was best for him; every game that he had to watch from the sidelines.

Every setback, every gruelling physio session, every time he wanted to quit but didn’t.

It all led to this - him making a massive impact, securing his team’s place in the Euro final and giving them the chance to make history.

“Baby, why are you crying?” Ben asks softly, and you snap out of your train of thought to find him caressing your face and wiping away the tears that have started falling from your cheeks.

“I’m just so proud of you,” you choke out, smiling through your tears. “I knew you could do it.”

“Thank you for believing in me,” he says, pressing a kiss to your forehead, followed by a few more to your cheeks and lips. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” you breathe, pulling him into another tight hug - partly because you want to feel his warmth all around you again, and partly so you can hide your tears in his shoulder. You’ve had enough of being totally emotionally vulnerable in front of thirty other people for one night.

-

A couple of hours later, you’re still partying with everyone at a club near your hotel, celebrating the win while also ensuring the boys drink enough water and don’t get too out of control. You know Southgate will be thanking you for that tomorrow when they show up to training with hopefully not too much of a hangover.

Ben is definitely feeling a buzz after just a few drinks, though, especially after having not really drank at all since they’ve been in Germany. He’s even touchier than usual, constantly keeping an arm around you or his hand in yours as you walk around chatting with his teammates and their girlfriends.

Eventually, you two end up in the corner of a booth squished between Jack Grealish and James Maddison, watching with amusement as Mason and Declan attempt Wonderwall on karaoke.

Everyone is laughing and documenting it, but Ben is fairly focused on you in his lap, his thumb stroking the exposed skin between your shirt - with his name on the back, which is definitely getting him going - and your jeans.

He’s pressing kisses to your neck every once in a while, sending shivers up your spine and making you wonder how obvious it would be if you two disappeared to the bathroom for a few minutes.

“Oi, look who went viral,” Madders chuckles, sliding his phone over to you and Ben.

You’re not sure who posted it first, but the video of you leaping into Ben’s arms in the changing room seems to have gained millions of views already.

“Oh, god,” you groan, rolling your eyes. “Our families are gonna see me making out with you.”

“Worth it,” Ben laughs, kissing your shoulder. “It’s a cute video, to be fair.”

You giggle as Ben begins to trail his kisses up your neck, not hesitating to show you affection even amongst all his teammates. You love seeing him in this great of a mood, riding on the high of his performance today, which earned him his first Player of the Match award for England.

“Have I told you how proud I am of you?” you murmur in his ear, pressing your lips to his temple.

“Yeah, you’ve mentioned it,” Ben jokes, squeezing your thigh - you’ve probably told him about ten times since you left the stadium, not to mention the thousands of times you’ve repeated the words to him throughout his recovery.

“Well, then,” you smirk, shifting your weight on his lap so that you run against his crotch just enough to drive him crazy. “Want me to show you?”

Ben’s eyes darken as they look into yours, seeing just how serious you are. It’s almost comical how quickly he shoves Madders out of the way so the two of you can escape the booth.

“Going to celebrate the win, Chilly?” Jack asks teasingly, slinging his arm around Sasha as he sips his beer.

“Yes, we are,” you say smugly, taking Ben’s hand in yours. “We’ll see you all at breakfast. Maybe.”

The guys all laugh at your unusually brazen comments, but Ben just tugs on your hand like an impatient child, clearly ready to go back to your room.

“Night, boys,” Ben says, already looking toward the door, and you laugh as you’re dragged along with him.

Within fifteen minutes, you’re making out in the elevator on the way up to your room, and within twenty, all of your clothes are off and you’re riding him on the king-sized bed as he moans into your mouth.

“So good,” Ben groans, his fingers digging into your hips as they roll over his. “Fuck, baby, you’re so amazing.”

“You’re amazing,” you sigh, pushing down on his shoulders for leverage as you try to thrust him deeper inside you. “You’re so good, Ben. So strong. You feel so good inside me.”

He grips your hips even tighter and thrusts upward into you, making you cry out in pleasure as he increases the speed and intensity.

You knew it would be good, but this is one of the best times you’ve ever had - and you and Ben have had some great ones. Every touch feels like an electric shock to your system, every kiss is like a drug, and every pump inside you makes you feel like you’re ascending to another plane of existence.

“I love you,” Ben groans, and you can feel him getting close as you approach your own climax.

“I love y-oh!”

You cry out in pleasure as you crumple over him in your release, your body relaxing against his.

Ben holds you close for a moment, pressing soft kisses to your shoulder as you ride out the orgasm, still joined together.

“You good, love?” he asks in a breathy whisper.

He waits for your nod of consent before moving you onto your sides carefully and thrusting into you a few more times. He moans into the crook of your neck as he comes, finally collapsing against the mattress.

You lay there, both breathing heavily, for a moment before meeting each other’s eyes. A wide smile spreads across Ben’s face as he looks at you, sheer adoration in his eyes despite the fact that you’re sure you look like a mess right now, your hair tangled and your makeup smudged.

“That was the best thing that happened to me today, and the bar was really fucking high,” Ben laughs, wrapping his arms around you and tugging you closer.

You laugh into his chest, nuzzling your nose against his warm and slightly sweaty skin, pressing a kiss there.

“I need a shower,” you mumble into his skin - after a few hours in a crowded football stadium, then in a locker room full of sweaty men, followed by a night club, you’re definitely in need of one.

“Me too,” Ben smiles, although he showered after the match. “Let’s go.”

Eager for more already, you don’t argue when he follows you into the shower.

Regardless of what happens in the final, he’s your champion, and you’re going to treat him as such.

-

yourusername 📍 Germany

yourusername So proud of you @benchilwell 🥹❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 It’s been a dream come true watching you play for England after everything you’ve overcome in the past year. No matter what happens on Saturday, you’ve accomplished something incredible here. You inspire me every day with your strength and your determination. I love you ❤️❤️❤️ #itscominghome

view all comments

benchilwell Thanks baby ❤️ couldn’t have done any of this without you. I love you!!!

charlottewright Y’all are too adorable I can’t take it!!! 

kennedyalexa Fav couple 🥹

-

tagging: @xjval @majx00 @delicateearthquakellama @lunamelona @kenanlotus0 @madriiid​ @mountstars​ @ttzamara​​

a/n: please excuse my terrible attempts at photoshop at the end there 😭

next (and last!) chapter 💕

[truecrimecrystals]

Olga Valeryevna Ponomareva has been missing since April 27th, 2004. The then-22-year-old was last seen in Milkwaukie, Oregon. Olga left her home around 4:00 PM on the day she vanished and never returned. She has never been seen or heard from again. 

Olga lived with her mother in a residence on Southeast Fuller Road. When she left the house that day, she was reportedly headed towards a shopping plaza called the Ross Center on Southeast Causey and 82nd Avenue. The plaza is within walking distance from Olga's residence, and it is reportedly a busy part of the Southgate area. 

All of Olga's personal items were left at her residence, including her identification and cash. This indicates that Olga likely intended to return home when she left that afternoon. Olga's mother reported her missing the following day, on April 28th, 2004. 

Olga's Charley Project page states that Olga "may be in Colorado or elsewhere in Oregon." However, two decades have passed without any sign of the young woman. According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Olga has not had any known activity since 2004. 

There is otherwise very little information available about the investigation into Olga's disappearance. The news has not reported on Olga's case. Other online resources do not provide any information about Olga's family or other happenings in her life prior to her disappearance. 

Olga's case does have a thread on Websleuths. In 2020, a person in the thread posted they had requested the police report and other records related to Olga's disappearance. The Sheriff's Office reportedly rejected the request due to the case still being open. 

Olga remains missing today. If you have any information that could help solve Olga's case, please call the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office tip line at (503) 723-4949 or submit a tip online. 

[roesingape]

Live in the ballroom at the Southgate House in Newport Kentucky.

[lousyadult-vinyls]

11/11 & 11/12

[canirove]

The Princess & the Football Player | Chapter 26

Previous chapter | Next chapter

Masterlist

"I just can't believe the VAR saw that as a penalty. What did they want him to do, cut his arm?" Declan says as we walk into his house, throwing his bag on the floor. "And the yellow I got? I barely touched him!"

"But it was very risky and dangerous."

"Oh, c'mon Eleanor. Not you too."

"Declan, you are the only one who doesn't agree with it."

"Because it wasn't enough for a yellow card!"

"Ok, whatever."

"Yeah, whatever" he says, rolling his eyes.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"To bed."

"Already?"

"Yes, already. Is there any problem with that?"

"I thought we were going to have dinner together."

"That was before we were robbed, and my girlfriend basically told me I am a dangerous player."

"What? I haven't said that, Declan."

"Good night, Eleanor" he says, starting to walk up the stairs.

"Good... Urgh!" I groan before leaving and closing the door with the loudest bang I can. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━          

"What are you doing here? Weren't you going to have dinner with Declan?" Sophie asks.

"I was, but he was in one of his moods. Again" I sigh, sitting down next to her.

"How bad was it this time?"

"Let's just say it wasn't pleasant."

"I'm so sorry, Ellie."

"It's ok, don't worry. But don't tell anything to mum and dad. Especially to mum."

"She knows something is going on, tho. Lately you've been spending more time with us or alone than with Declan."

"I know. But I don't need her giving me the I told you look. Mainly because she isn't right. Declan and I will work things out, this is just a little bump in the road."

"Of course it is" Sophie says, giving my hand an encouraging squeeze. "I've never met anyone more in love than you two."

"Not even Roberta and Mason?" I chuckle.

"Those two are different."

"How?"

"I don't know, they just are. And you and Declan will fix things, I'm sure of it."

"Thank you, Sophie" I say, resting my head on her shoulder.

"Anything for you, big sis" she replies. 

I just hope we both are right, and that we will be able to fix things.

After the successful season Declan had last year, things aren't working out that well anymore. West Ham is in the relegation zone, losing most games due to stupid mistakes. And he hasn't been playing well, which makes things even worse. Most days he arrives back home angry, frustrated, and I'm the one who has to deal with it. Sometimes his family and Mason too. 

During Christmas it looked like things were improving after they won a couple of games, his mood changing completely. But they started losing again, and now, with the Euros around the corner and some friendly games happening in just a few days, he's afraid he may lose his spot with the national team.

"Southgate would only leave you home if you are sick or injured. Even if you aren’t playing at your best right now, you still are better than most out there" I said to him.

"We’ll see" he replied.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━          

"See? What did I tell you?" I say to Declan. "Southgate isn't that stupid!"

"Yeah" he chuckles, smiling for the first time in what feels like an eternity.

"Let's focus on this, ok? On these couple of games and spending time with the lads."

"The lads? Who are you and where is her Royal Highness?" he asks with a teasing smile, another one I had missed. 

"Oh, shut up, Declan Rice" I reply, rolling my eyes but also smiling.

"I'll try to focus on that. And on improving my mood. I know I've behaved like a jerk lately."

"You have, yes."

"I'm sorry, Eleanor."

"It's ok" I say, caressing his cheek.

"Do you want to cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie? I'll let you pick."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Oh, wow. I better take advantage of this, it only happens once in a decade."

"Ha ha ha. You are so funny" he says, rolling his eyes. "I still love you, tho."

"I love you too" I smile.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━          

"There he is, my man of the match!" I say when I meet Declan outside the changing rooms at Wembley.

"Thank you very much, your Royal Highness."

"I'm very proud of you" I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I needed this so much" he replies, resting his forehead on mine.

After not playing the first friendly game with England, he had his chance on the second one at home against Portugal, and he showed everyone why he is one if not the best midfielder out there. Bit biased? Maybe.

"I know. And I also know things will only get better and better from now on. This was the push you needed to keep going with West Ham and fight until the end."

"Things will get better."

"They will" I smile.

"I love you, Eleanor" he says, hugging me closer.

"I love you too" I reply before kissing him.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━          

"Declan, your phone is ringing."

"That's your phone, not mine" he says, covering his head with the duvet.

"No, that's... That's yours" I yawn.

"It's yours, Eleanor."

"Urgh" I say, looking for my phone on my bedside table. Someone was actually calling me. "Hello?"

"Where are you?"

"Good morning to you too, David" I yawn again.

"It's almost 1 p.m., Eleanor. Are you still in bed?"

"Yeah... Long night" I smile. With everything that had been going on lately, neither Declan nor I had been in the mood to do anything, but we made up for all the wasted time when we went back to my place after the game. "But you just called me by my name. What happened? What did I do?"

"You? Nothing. But..."

"But?"

"Why is that bloody phone ringing again?" Declan complains.

"That is your phone, I'm using mine."

"He's probably getting calls from his agent and everyone who knows him" David says.

"Why?" I ask.

"Because, Eleanor..."

"David, please say it. You are starting to scare me."

"Ok" he says, taking a deep breath. "You and Declan are on the cover of The Sun. Someone caught you kissing last night at Wembley."

[true--crime--archives]

My first true crime write up, please be kind.

Some photographs of 16 and 18 year old murder victims Emma Niederbrock and Melanie Wells. The murders would occur in Farmville, Virginia, in September 2009.

Emma Niederbrock loved music above, well, most things. Her favorite genres by far were metal and horrorcore rap. It was her love of horrorcore that would introduce her to her friend, an aspiring horrorcore rapper who went by the name "Syko Sam", in 2008 on MySpace.

Sam, who's real name is Richard Alden Samuel McCroskey III (what a mouthful.) was 20 years old and living in California, across the country from the two girls. To say he struggled in school would be an understatement. He was bullied for being overweight, having red hair, and generally not having the same interests as his peers. In addition, he dropped out of not one, but two high schools.

In a stark contrast to the kinds of music he would make and acts he would later commit, his sister Sarah McCroskey, described him as a very passive individual, rarely standing up for himself and being a bit of a door mat. When he and then 15-year-old Emma Niederbock met online in 2008, he showed her a much different side of himself. He was loud, pushy, overly-confident and very brash.

Emma and Sam spent a lot of time together chatting online, and over the phone. By September of 2009, they had known each other for over a year. Emma being 16, and Sam being 20. Sam thought of Emma romantically, though despite her sending him affectionate messages, it's unclear how she truly thought of him. Nevertheless, his involvement with her was inappropriate, given the age difference and experiences in life.

Emma and her best friend, 18 year old Melanie Wells, made plans to visit an all day, all ages horrorcore festival called Strictly for The Wicked on September 12, 2009 in Southgate, Michigan. You can see the festival ad poster here:

Emma and Melanie lived in Inwood, West Virginia, about 3.5 hours from Farmville and about 7 hours from the festival in Southgate, Michigan. Emma and Sam spoke about the festival, deciding it would be a great opportunity for the pair to meet in person for the first time. Emma's parents, (Debra Kelley and Mark Niederbock) however, were uncomfortable with their 16-year-old daughter meeting a 20-year-old man off the internet for the first time, without them present. However, they wanted their daughter to be happy. And despite their better judgement, they agreed to drive the trio to Michigan.

On September 6th, 6 days before the festival were to start, Sam left his home in California, traveling to Virginia. Emma posted on his MySpace wall, "Next time you check your myspace, YOULL BE AT MY HOUSE!" she continued, "I love you sooo SO much baby; forever and for always."

For some reason, this 20-year-old man was allowed to stay at Emma's mother's house (her mother and father were divorced by this time.) for SEVERAL days before the festival was due to begin. I found this odd as they had never met in person before, and back then, parents were a bit more wary and unsure about the internet and the predators on it than they are now. Nevertheless, nothing of note happened in this time period.

What is important to note, is that when he arrived at their home for the first time, Emma was far less than impressed with Sam's appearance. He was a bit of a catfish. He apparently went to great lengths to alter his appearance on MySpace, and Emma did not find him attractive in person. He looked far younger than 20, he was wearing baggy, oversized clothes, was fairly short and had greasy hair combed straight down over his forehead.

Combined with his unattractive looks, he had an unattractive personality. He came off as aloof and immature. Emma was cordial with him, but that was about all she was. Emma and her friend Melanie found him annoying and were uncomfortable around him. However, they still had a 7-hour car ride ahead of them.

Sam had hoped that Emma would change her new attitude towards him once they arrived and were enjoying their common interest together, however this would never happen. Emma reportedly paid little to no attention to him, was distant and acted like he wasn't there. This was compounded by the fact that she was apparently flirtatious with other men in person and over text at the event. Sam did not take this well.

Once 18-year-old Melanie Wells arrived back in Virginia, she posted a new status to her wall at 2:43 a.m, Sept 14th;

“SFTW was fuckin amazing, back in Virginia now, be back in West Virginia on Wednesday. I MISS EVERYONE!!!”

2:43 a.m on 9/14/2009 would be the last time Melanie would ever log into MySpace again. Her friends and family thought it was odd that she would go so quiet. After all, she was 18 and like most teenagers, updated her social media constantly. Monday rolled around. Then Tuesday came. Finally, Wednesday had come. No one had heard from her. Her parents, Thomas and Kathleen Wells tried repeatedly to get ahold of their daughter, to no avail. Thomas decided to drive some 200 miles to Farmville.

No one answered the door at Emma and Debra's home. He knocked and knocked, but no one would come. He decided it was best to sit in his car and wait, thinking maybe they had gone out and would come home soon. He waited for seven hours for them to return, but they never did. Reluctantly, he went back home, where Melanie's mother tried to call everyone she could think of that may have information on her daughter's whereabouts.

After Kathleen investigated a while, she came across the phone number of a man named Andres Shrim. Andres told her that he had seen both Melanie and Emma at the festival, but they had gone home with Emma's parents when it had ended. Kathleen called Emma's home phone number again, however this time someone answered.

The person who answered the phone was Sam. She asked where her daughter Melanie was, but he wouldn't give her a straight answer. Kathleen was frustrated and hung up on him. Morning of Thursday, September 17th, Kathleen contacted the Farmville police dept. and asked them to do a welfare check.

When the police arrived, they encountered Sam. When asked where the three women were, he stated they were out at the movies. They didn't know who Sam was, but they took him at his word. They left the home, and Kathleen informed Mark Niederbrock, Emma's father that she could not get in touch with all three women. Mark told Kathleen he would go check it out, and that he would call her at 5pm later that day.

Kathleen never heard from Mark, or any of them, ever again.

On the morning of September 18th, nearly a week after her daughter was supposed to come home, Kathleen contacted the police department once more. She managed to convince them to file a missing persons report for her daughter, despite their reluctance due to Melanie being 18. They arrived at the Kelley residence at approx. 3:20 p.m, and found the door unlocked. Sam was gone. But the smell wasn't.

The smell of death and decomp was so strong that they had probable cause to enter the home. A neighbor had even done an interview with the news stating that on the 17th, the day before, she was walking her dog past their home and she smelled something pungent, thinking it to be a dead animal.

Inside the residence, the police found three dead bodies in Emma's bedroom. The bodies were 53-year-old Debra Kelley, 16-year-old Emma Niederbrock, and 18-year-old Melanie Wells. Upstairs, they found a fourth body, 50-year-old Mark Niederbrock. The police have stated the scene was so disgusting, traumatizing and horrifying, that they wouldn't elaborate further than saying the victims had died of blunt force trauma.

It didn't take long for the police to discover that all of the victims were last seen by one individual who was no longer present, Richard Alden Samuel McCroskey III. After checking social media, the police realized he was the man they had spoken to the day prior. They felt a pit in their stomach. The only suspect, their perpetrator, had gotten away from them. He lived in the house with the bodies for nearly a week. He only left when the stench became too much to bear. A manhunt ensued. Luckily, it wouldn't take too long to locate Richard, a.k.a "Syko Sam".

On September 18th, the same day the bodies were located, a homeowner called the police to report a car that was stuck in a ditch near his home at 4 a.m. A tow truck arrived, and Sam was given a ticket for driving without a license. When asked whose vehicle it was, he stated it was his girlfriend's dad's car.

The tow truck driver named Elton Napier offered to give Sam a ride to a gas station, where Sam requested to go. Napier stated "I'd never smelt anything like it,"

"He stunk like the devil."

He had to hold his head out the window to avoid gagging from the putrid stench.

Sam caught a taxi to Richmond Intl. Airport, where he planned to stay overnight until his flight to California the next day. When the deputy realized he'd just given a ticket to the same man that was last seen at the home of four bodies, he quickly alerted other officers about his conversation with Sam, who had told him he had a flight to California the next day. Early on September 19th, Richard Alden Samuel McCroskey III was apprehended.

At the airport when being led away by police, Syko Sam told a reporter "Jesus made me do it." when asked why he had committed quadruple homicide.

Sam plead guilty to two counts of capital murder, and two counts of first degree murder. He chose to waive his right to an appeal. He was sentenced to 4 life sentences to run consecutively. He was smirking as he entered the police van to be taken to prison.

His motive was simple. He had expectations of a relationship with beautiful, but underage, Emma Niederbrock. When those expectations did not become reality, he retaliated by deciding the best course of action would be to murder the high school girl. He is truly one of the sickest and most selfish and disgusting murderers I've ever researched. The permanency and pain he inflicted because he didn't get what he wanted is truly disgusting. He had only wanted to kill Emma. But Debra, Mark, and Melanie simply got in the way.

He had been drinking and smoking marijuana. As he sat there, reflecting on the way Emma had treated him at the festival, he began to become more and more furious. First, he killed Melanie while she slept on the couch, with a hammer. Then, he went upstairs and murdered Debra while she slept in bed. Finally, Emma was killed last, sleeping in her bedroom. None of the women had defensive wounds, meaning that they had at least not woken up during the attacks.

Remember when I mentioned Mark had gone to his ex-wife's home to check on the women? He had been killed simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mark was beaten to death with an 8 pound wood splitting maul. Sam stated he killed Mark with the weapon because he thought "the weight of it meant he wouldn't suffer." I find it telling that the only person's suffering he seemed to care about was the only man he killed, not the women he had killed driven by selfish desire for the minor he so claimed to "love."

Sam fled the scene in the very early morning hours in Mark's car, after stealing the cash in his wallet. However, the idiot got the car stuck in a ditch, where the homeowner contacted the police.

In the end, four lives were lost, including 2 beautiful young women, and 2 parents who simply wanted their daughter to be happy. The four life sentences given to Richard would never be enough to restore the beauty and vivaciousness lost at the hands of a jealous, cold blooded, and severely mentally ill, immature man. The only thing Emma had ever done "wrong", was change her mind about Richard. For he decided that for this slight against his fragile ego, she and her loved ones would never get to open their eyes again.

Sources:

https://myspace.com/435850718/mixes/classic-emma-niederbrock-ragd0ll-669080/photo/368180238

Watch for a part 2 where I post their online profiles, and some more nuanced information.

[elfyourmother]

Haurchefant Week - Day 1 + 2  - Opportunity/Discovery

Still I remember the day my lord father granted me the stewardship of Dragonhead. Twas meant to be an honor, an expression of the unwavering faith he has always possessed, where I am concerned: that I could be the leader of men he always knew I could be, for he had molded me as such, as much as my trueborn brothers. 

But I knew it for a manner of exile. No matter that it was not so far from the Holy See—twas far enough from the storied Pillars, with its wagging tongues, and farther still from the ancient demense of House Fortemps, within whose walls I had been scarce more than an interloper since the day I was born. Twas an exile I accepted gladly, for such reasons. 

Seven years did I stand steadfast as Lord Commander. I had the utmost faith in dearest Emmanellain—more than most—for I knew the hidden depths within him, and had seen him grow much over the past moons. And I would gladly follow my beloved wheresoever she went, wheresoever she desired—pray do not mistake my recollection for regret, for the question scarce passed her delectable lips ere I fair leapt to answer in the affirmative. That she would want me, still, though my body be broken, and believe I had aught to give moved me beyond measure. 

Still, my enthusiasm for the endeavor she set before me availed me not that day we stood before the southgate, and the long road to Mor Dhona stretched out before me. Twas no mean thing to walk away from my men, from what I had built in such pride and determination for so long. 

Dragonhead was a fortress, of a surety—but I made it a home, not merely for myself, but for all who dwelled within those ancient and unyielding walls. The defense of my homeland was my pride, aye, but too the manner of hospitality I instilled in all who dwelled within those walls. A millennia of blood and sorrow have made my people hard in many ways, but I know the warmth within Ishgardian hearts, and ever did I strive to keep such a hearth as warm and merry as the Fury grant me strength—for my men, that their hearts be sustained in their duty, but too, for all who passed through those gates. No stranger would go hungry, no traveler be unsheltered. Tis the honor of the strong to protect the weak, so remarks the Enchiridion, after all. A knight lives to serve. The peace I knew not in mine own House flourished in abundance at Dragonhead, by mine own will. 

I am not ashamed to confess that a river of tears streamed forth from mine eyes, to leave that peace. And I for all lived vicariously through tales shared by sellswords and adventurers before the hearth and in scintillating pleasure’s wake, I had never set a foot beyond the borders of my homeland. But she steeled me, my Gisele, with a gentle hand, and eyes which shone as dazzling amethysts in eternal winter’s sun. Full glad was I to embark upon this journey with her, as a newfound Scion of the Seventh Dawn. 

And how remarkable a journey it would be! Little did I know my life would change so dramatically as a Scion, in so many ways. Such wonders have I seen, the places I have been! That I should know them at her side has been a greater blessing still, and the better part of it. Through her, and our comrades, have I learned much of myself and the world, achieving things even I could not fathom—but the truest measure of what it means to be a knight, have I learned from my sweet sorceress most of all, more than any other, even beyond soothing incantation or graceful step. One requires neither blade nor shield to serve; and betimes yet more is required. Even what seems a curse—mine aether, inexorably bent to the Light by the eldritch power of the Primal that shattered my body and near claimed my life—might be made a gift, channeled through the White Arts to heal, and made me a hunter of sin eaters such as Norvrandt had never seen. These lessons I cherish most of all. Gisele taught me I had as yet more to give than I believed in the darkest hours of mine own despair, no matter should my shield arm betray me, betimes.  

Never have I been so proud as to serve as her oathsworn champion in the name of the Fury—not when I won my spurs, not when I assumed command of the fortress. To be Knight to my Sorceress is the greatest honor on life. Who could have possibly conceived how my life should change so irrevocably, that day she stepped into my office for the first time, alongside Alphinaud and Master Garlond, bearing weary tears in her eyes and a plea for aid. Not I, nor anyone, I think. And my heart could not soar any higher for it.

[thesinglesjukebox]

MYLES SMITH - "STARGAZING"

"I just signed with my label [RCA Records], and I was like, 'I want to write something that’s really warm, fun and happy.'"

[4.15]

Jonathan Bradley: Three makes a trend, and it turns out the '10s are back, baby! Myles Smith is riding shotgun all the way to the folk-EDM festival and he... did I just hear a millennial whoop? [3]

Wayne Weizhen Zhang: "It's okay to feel x," reads Myles Smith's Spotify bio. What an exciting, original insight, reflective of the amount of utility one might glean from this generic thumper, which sounds like a Coldplay and Lewis Capaldi hybrid. [4]

Alfred Soto: I hear OneRepublic's "Apologize," hints of Chris Martin's oat-voiced yearning, and in the combination of piano + shows of vocal soul Sam Smith's creamy dance tracks from a decade ago. I'm less churlish in the face of Myles Smith's generic humility as I get older. Someone has to testify on the pop charts.  [6]

Taylor Alatorre: Wake Me Sister Up Top Counting Will Go By Gone Paradise World Let Ho House Soul the On Home Talks I of Hey Hey Gone Her Little Drive Wait Lego Riptide Stars Gone Home. (English translation: “Accept the truth of Eternal 2013 into your heart today.”) [7]

Katherine St. Asaph: I realize it's hypocritical to praise Shinedown's remarkable recreation of 2004 but criticize Myles Smith's remarkable recreation of 2014, but christ. [1]

Brad Shoup: It's fucking cryogenic, isn't it? [5]

Harlan Talib Ockey: Close enough. Welcome back, "Budapest" by George Ezra. [4]

TA Inskeep: Mewling post-Sheeran nothings -- of course it's big. [2]

Mark Sinker: Lovely voice, and the song does good work with that — but that’s all it does really; as melody and story it ends up at just one pleasantly unexciting level. [5]

Ian Mathers: It's for the best that this was a lyric video so that I could be immediately disabused of the notion that he sings of the two of them as "intertwining songs" (it's "souls" instead, much less distinct and lovely; oh well). Still, if we're going to continue to try to fill every single niche between the ballad and the dancefloor, this feels like a relatively productive mutation. [6]

Nortey Dowuona: Songwriter Peter Fenn, during a 2018 interview with Vogue LA, mentioned that he's scored commercials for "Dr. Seuss, Thumbtack, Red Cross, Baptist Health Care, and Dropbox" under the Sunny Productions banner. (The website no longer exists.) He also wrote this light, soft gem. Please take a chance on this guy -- he's very talented and capable of making soft cotton-candy guitar pop. Do not judge him by this. [5]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: Every part of this is rote; the verse melody recalls "Heart and Soul," the chorus Avicii. This is the music that remains when all creative choices have been removed from the songwriting process. I feel nostalgic for Benson Boone already. [2]

Scott Mildenhall: The song of a Southgate summer; a man who would pick this for Eurovision if he could. Once more, his pragmatism would prevail -- it would finish fifth, bewildering all who see only a barren display. All the stars have gone missing, and that in itself is remarkable. It's an achievement to write something so cosmically vapid, but this is what they train for. [4]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]