#the bachelor michelle

[70ssmut4]

[rookie-critic]

Fear (2023, dir. Deon Taylor) - review by Rookie-Critic

Sometimes you see a trailer for something, and you know that, most likely, it's not gonna be good. I hate to say it, and I try not to judge any particular book by its cover, but we all do it, we can't help it. It's almost impossible not to put a perception on something. I know I shouldn't, because it's happened so many times just in the past couple years where I was anticipating something being bad or just ok, and it ended up blowing my socks off. It's almost gotten to a point where I'm more inclined to go see something if I have a negative knee-jerk reaction to it. Still, sometimes that inclination is right, and it most definitely was in the case of Fear.

This film, that clearly only got a theatrical release because its only release competition was Brandon Cronenberg's Infinity Pool, a very niche psychological thriller, and the star-studded, but massively undermarketed rom-com Maybe I Do. I could talk about how the film is edited in way that seems like they ran out of production time/budget and didn't have enough footage to make a cohesive plot, I could talk about the rushed digital effects that look like they were made in just shy of two weeks by college freshman in Adobe After Effects, I could talk about the ADR that was clearly added in with complete disregard for whether or not a character that is supposed to be speaking on screen's mouth is even moving, or the absurd amount of re-used dialogue. I could talk about a million different little technical things I noticed while watching this movie, but really I think the most crushing thing for Fear is that it is a horror movie, one that desperately wants to be taken seriously, that just flat out isn't scary. The premise, that your deepest fears manifest themselves in reality at the lodge where the film take place, and that's what eventually kills you, while interesting from a baseline perspective, seems to be of mostly tangential interest to the filmmakers. [MILD SPOILERS AHEAD] They have a sliver of a unique idea in giving some of the ensemble more abstract fears (stuff like "my friends not being able to trust me" or "not being in control"), but its almost like they just get bored after taking those concepts three-quarters of the way to their conclusions and just kill those characters off through some half-hearted, supernatural other thing than actually having their fears kill them. Even the character whose fear is literally just blood has a completely unrelated death. He doesn't drown in blood (his significant other in the film's biggest fear was drowning, they could have easily knocked out two birds with one stone there), he doesn't even bleed out (even though he does get stabbed and one of the hallucinations he has is his stab wound bleeding profusely), none of that vastly more on-theme stuff happens. His neck gets snapped. That's it.

It's just unbelievably underwhelming on almost every front. It's a horror movie with no horror, a slasher film with unoriginal, uninteresting death scenes, it packs no punch, offers no lasting impact, and the acting isn't even bad enough to be funny. In fact, a couple of the performances borderline on good (Andrew Bachelor, a.k.a. King Bach, whose production company helped make this film, actually delivers a decent performance, and TI has at least one decently funny moment). I think the only thing I've seen recently that was worse was Jeepers Creepers: Reborn, but I can barely even call that a film, so that was a pretty low bar to pass. Please, if you were thinking about seeing this, don't. Save your money and your time, it's not worth it.

Score: 2/10

Only in theaters.

[belladonnaprice]

.

[hollywoodhandle]

‘Float’ Review: A Half-Baked Romance Makes Small-Town Living Seem Idyllic

I have never wanted to move to a small town more than I did after watching this film – but there’s a reason why I’m still a city girl. Lionsgate’s latest movie, Float, has a very interesting origin story, as it happens to be an adaptation of a Wattpad novel written by Kate Marchant. For those who don’t know, Wattpad is a notorious platform used by preteens and young adults to write and indulge…

[lesbianlenas]

i had set this for a week so that i could have time to think abt it & i was going to be so embarrassed abt my choice but when i clicked on it it wasn’t the one that has 0% so i dont feel so bad now omg 😭 it’s funny too bc the one w 0% was prob the one i would have picked at 15 out of these three lmao…..

ok i want to present u all w a very daunting and terrifying choice to make

[wylldebee]

Okay but Derry Girls in the Bridgerton world, tho. The chaos that could happen people. The chaos. James has big ol' crush on Benedict because why not? Actually, I totally think James would have a crush on all the older Bridgerton lads because of how cool he thinks they all are. Even in another world Michelle still can't get laid. She tries but they all want marriage in the end. Who the fuck wants marriage? Also she may or may not have accidentally started a whee fire with a tray of alcohol once. Orla is the most sought after marriage candidate. The Diamond of the Season. Everybody was surprised. All the bachelors are smitten with her, pulled in by her Orla-ness. She just doesn't notice or even care. Erin sees Lady Whistledown as her personal rival. Tries to start her own papers. Almost gets arrested. Claire and Penelope are constantly told they look alike. Neither one can see it. Claire is the only person Lady Whistledown doesn't put in her papers. Sister Michael is still Sister Michael. She's still the most intimidating person to exist. Even Eloise is intimidated by her.

[muzaktomyears]

Paul came across in 1963 as a fun-loving, footloose bachelor who turned on his charm to devastating effect when he wanted to manipulate rivals, colleagues or women he fancied. (...) He had enormous powers of persuasion within The Beatles. He would get his own way by subtlety and suaveness where John resorted to shouting and bullying. John may have been the loudest Beatle but Paul was the shrewdest. I watched him twist the others round to his point of view in all sorts of contentious situations, some trivial, some more significant, some administrative, some creative. George told me that when he joined Paul and John in the line-up of The Quarry Men in 1958, Paul was already acting as though he was the decision-maker in the group. According to George: "I knew perfectly well that this was John's band and John was my hero, my idol, but from the way Paul talked he gave every indication that he was the real leader, the one who dictated what The Quarry Men would do and where they should be going as a group." This made sense to me because, from what I saw for myself in 1963 and later, Paul's opinions and ideas tended to prevail with The Beatles, particularly on matters of musical policy such as whether a new number was worth recording or whether the running order for the group's stage show needed altering slightly. I didn't see any of the others resist him. They seemed to welcome Paul getting his way by winning arguments with John. When Paul wanted something badly enough from Brian Epstein he would speak softly, wooing the man rather than intimidating him. Epstein's defences would melt away as Paul looked him straight in the eye. In terms of song lyrics, Paul's idea of romantic was 'Michelle', John's was 'Norwegian Wood'.

John, Paul, George, Ringo & Me: The Real Beatles Story, Tony Barrow (2005)

[cwahsohnt]

I don't want to talk about a certain English player. I don't want to hear excuses or explanations. I obviously don't want that player to receive any abuse, only justifiable criticism. I want to talk about someone else, someone I was just introduced to in the England v. Nigeria game.

This is American-born Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie. She's a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents. She played for Yale and Tennessee in college. She's now a player with the NWSL's Houston Dash.

Oh, Michelle Alozie also has a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Yale and when she's not playing professional football, she does cancer research at Texas Children's Hospital.

When Michelle Alozie was shoved into the ground and stomped on by an opposing player at the Women's World Cup, she didn't react with anger. She didn't jump up and confront the opposing player. She looked to the match officials and allowed them to carry out the process of justice.

And do you know what Michelle Alozie said after the game?

"I was a little bit surprised by her reaction to the tackle. I don’t think it was really needed. I’m fine, my butt is fine from her stepping on it! I was kind of confused initially. I didn’t understand what was going on at first. There’s no hard feelings, it’s just a game."

And do you know what Michelle Alozie tweeted?

The WWC and larger world of WoSo needs players like Michelle Alozie. Let's talk about her.

[imagines-to-quench-thirst]

5 Times, He Knew

A new series when your man just knew that you were the one for him

yay, I came out of my den and finally wrote something. sorry guys but it was a very hectic 6 months for me a lot of things happened and I found myself not writing at all but I will try to be more active. apologize and sending you kisses MAIN MASTERLIST.

1. Coffee order

Coffee was Clark's lifeline, ever since adapting to the new city, moving from FarmVille to Metropolis. Coffee, freshly roasted coffee, was his ticket to calmness. When he met you in a coffee shop, he enjoyed the way you considered your coffee important in the day as much as he did.

Bit by bit, coffee by coffee, you two grew close. Relationship close. Small dates turned into night-long discussions about the anime Perfect Blue, lunches that were way longer than the prescribed 45-minute break from work, and drinks in the night, which ensued a little sneaky session in Clark's truck.

Remembering all the small details about you, your routine, your memberships that drain your card, some of which he reminds you to unsubscribe since you don't use them, places you go to calm and relax. Even when he is patrolling, flying through the clouds, he likes to ensure you are safe. Most of the time, listen in on your conversations with your friends while you say components about your man.

But one of the things that makes him a winner in your books is… you remember his coffee order.

white decaf mocha with one pump of caramel syrup and whipped cream on top with chocolate sprinkles

Once, when you came to him after work home, you brought coffee for the two of you. You knew about Clark, you knew about Superman, and you knew about Kal-El, and all of them liked coffee. When you offered the coffee to Clark, reciting the coffee order without hesitation, he swore he fell in love all over again.

'But that's not all. I have something else.' 'What?' 'A pupicino for Krypto!"

Scratch that; Clark was already in his mind buying you a ring.

2. Bachelor watch time

Clark is a romantic person; he is cheesy... so cheesy it borderlines into date-time reality shows, ei The Bachelor. A man/woman who has a harem of people fighting over their hearts and while some drama and unforgettable moments ensue, sign him up. He enjoys watching Bachelorette and Bachelor and especially enjoys watching re-runs with you. He enjoys the way he can talk to you about it, tell you his theories about the contestants, and say his thoughts about the outfits.

Clark enjoys talking about the show after, slicing his ideas for dates on the show more so going far to write a draft for a new episode. Clark loves to spill his thoughts when the roses are given. He loves the way he can talk about it to you with no shame. It is a guilty pleasure; he knows it is. But it feels so good. Clark speaks about it like it is fine art---

'Have you seen the way Rachel looked at Ashley? The stare was so intense. I've got goosebumps, literal goosebumps.'

"The way Micheal gave the rose to Michele and said the wrong name! Such an idiot. I would never forget your name."

'He is talking to like 20 ladies. Name swaps are bound to happen.' 'Tomato potato.' 'That's not how the saying goes, Clark.' "I lived on a farm."

But what Clark enjoys when you talk to him about it. That interaction about it, a safe space for him to talk about it when sometimes you match his energy about it.

3. Dog Walks

They say "People who your dog doesn't like, don't be around them"- a very smart person (me)

But that wasn't your case. Krypto adored you, and you adored Krypto. More so than Clark, but don't tell him that. Krypto enjoyed your company and loved the dog walks with you leading him.

Clark loved you, so when he was ready, he had you met his trusted family member…

"Darling, I want to warn you beforehand. Krypto is a great boy, but he might growl a bit. So when he does that, go behind me." "Okay." with an anxious door opening, Krypto sat in front of the door wagging his tail at Clark's chosen partner walking with few steps, licking the inviting hand. And after that first contact, it was pure love and compassion.

Clark knew that Krypto was a great judge of character, but sometimes Clark felt a bit jealous.

Even now, when he cruised along Metropolis, checking if any daytime crimes were happening around the Metrolois central park. No crimes, just you and Krypto walking side by side in the park. A sight that called a smile upon his face. Lowering himself behind a tree, he wanted to see it better, even with his perfect vision. Seeing Krpyto enjoy the ball being thrown for him as he ran to catch it while you laughed and called him sweetly into your arms. Clark didn't have a big family, he had his lovable parents back in Smallville but no one else in the Metropolis. So, having you and Krypto, he thanked his lucky stars each night, knowing that having a small and meaningful family was all he needed.

Sure, he knew that Krypto loved you more than the caped superhero, but no one could blame him for that.

Clark was also crazy for you too.

4. Moving In

After deciding that you two would live together, Clark was the ever-helpful mover packing each box and happily carrying it into your shared apartment, feeling excited about the new chapter in his life.

Making a big step like this was everything Clark wanted, normal steps suited for his story. Placing down the boxes, Clark felt a sweet relief in the empty apartment that was bare and empty with only Clark, Krypto, and you.

Clark didn't care that the apartment was empty and that there was no bed but only an air mattress. All he wanted was you and him, and Krypto. He was a lovesick fool.

"What's with the grin?" "Nothing… I just love you…" "And I love you too… now the fun part begins…. Ikea furniture set up…" "oh no……"

5. First Dance

Clark was no dancer; the big guy had two left feet. He was constantly bullied and never picked for the Smallville Corn Night dance.

When moving to Metropolis, he never gave it much thought, leaving them to collect dust in his brain. So when he met you, he was a bit confused about why you were dancing in the kitchen while making pasta. Okay… it was more so hips swaying and bit of humming, but for our non-dancing boy, that was full-on dance-breaking.

"Why are you dancing in the kitchen?" "Dancing? What do- oh you mean this?" "Yes." "Well…while I wait for the pasta to cook I like to dance a little. You don't dance?" "…." "Then dance with me. I will show you."

Taking his hand, you lead Clark a bit, his steps mixing a bit as you guided him while soft Spanish music plays in the background. Feeling a bit out of his element, Clark looked into your eyes, seeing the way they sparkled and your signature smile that he loved to the ends of the universe. Feeling him move in a circle slowly and gently with you, he didn't mind as much now that he was dancing in the kitchen.

In that moment, he felt understood, not made fun off, but rather being shown something new that he can enjoy with you. Enjoy it with you.

[mydaddywiki]

Mike Elko

Physique: Husky Build Height: 6'

Michael Elko (born July 28, 1977) is an American college football coach who is the head football coach at Texas A&M University. He was previously the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M from 2018 until his hiring by Duke on December 10, 2021, and subsequent departure from Duke and hiring by Texas A&M on November 26, 2023.

Ruggedly handsome and possibly ferociously hairy. This is the kind of man I could spend hours with. Look at him, he is crying out for a good ass-pounding. Well, he would probably disagree but you have to admit, it's a crying shame that his cock is not being milk until he was a dried up husk.

A native of South Brunswick, New Jersey, Elko graduated from Penn with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1999. As a safety, he helped the Quakers to the 1998 Ivy League championship. Prior to head coach, Elko served as defensive coordinator at Stony Brook University, University of Pennsylvania, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Fordham University, the University of Richmond, Hofstra University, Bowling Green State University, Wake Forest University, and the University of Notre Dame.

Elko is married to the former Michelle Madison and they are the parents of three children: Michael, Andrew and Kaitlyn.

Head Coaching Record Overall 17–10 Bowls 1–0

Accomplishments, Honors and Awards ACC Coach of the Year (2022)

[sparklypinkflightsuit]

Stars Align: Part 2

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader

Warnings: Angst, Eventual Smut, Fluff, Mentions of Abuse, Violence, Angry Bradley, Alcohol Misuse.

-- Part 1 Here --

_______________________

18+ Only

_______________________

Present:

Bradley stood looking at you in awe and shock. He couldn't believe his eyes. In front of him stood a gorgeous woman, breathtakingly beautiful, and surprisingly confident having just nearly fallen. The woman in front of him was a stark contrast to the shy girl he'd known years ago, yet she was exactly the same somehow.

"Birdy is that really you?" He blinked as his strong beefy hands held you in place.

You chuckled, your mouth curling into a grin as you looked into the familiar brown eyes that kept you sane throughout high school.

"It sure is, but I'm having a hard time believing it's you, Brad." You took in his enormous stature, tanned muscles bulging under his tight shirt sleeves, sweat glistening off of his exposed chest under the colourful lights. He now had a strong moustache, a chiselled jawline replaced his chubby cheeks, and his mop of dark hair now neat blond-chestnut curls, complimenting his sun kissed skin.

You and Bradley stared at one another for what felt like forever, before he huffed a laugh of disbelief, shook his head, and pulled you in for a hug, the familiar feeling catching you off guard and you sucked in a deep breath. He still smelled the same, like tobacco and cedar wood, just without the sweaty teen boy odour.

You gingerly wrapped your arms around him and squeezed, you forgot how much you'd missed him.

You must have been holding one another for a long time, because Gabby suddenly cleared her throat and pulled you from your bubble. You pulled away and looked at her awkwardly as she raised an eyebrow at you.

"Been here literally 2 minutes and you've already pulled." She scoffed jokingly.

You laughed, "Uhm, Gabs this is Bradley, my old best friend I was telling you about."

"Hi." Bradley smiled and stuck out a hand. She shook his hand and mouthed a not so secret 'wow' at you. You rolled your eyes and turned to Bradley.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh, it's my friends bachelor party tonight, he's around here somewhere." Bradley scanned the room but came up short. "What about you...two?"

"I just moved here, Gabby's showing me around, I guess you could say." You chuckled awkwardly.

"I'll... let you two catch up. I need the bathroom anyway." She winked at you as she handed you her drink to watch.

"So, you're not in New York for long then I'd imagine?" You asked.

"Nah, just until after the wedding. I'm out of here Monday." He explained as you walked a little way out of the crowd to a quiet corner. You nodded.

"That's a pity, would be nice to catch up. Look Brad, I'm sorry I stopped responding to your texts, I-"

"Hey, say no more. Life gets busy, I get it." He gave you a reassuring smile. Bradley had no idea just how busy and crazy life had gotten after you moved. "While you're here, do you wanna go for a drink?"

"What you mean, like, now?" You asked. "Aren't you here with your friends? Plus I'm with Gabby, I shouldn't..."

"Okay, how about after?"

You thought for a moment, and nodded. "Yeah, okay. I'll have a few drinks with Gabs, and you can come grab me when you're finished?"

Bradley nodded and bit his lip to stop a grin, "Good. We've got a lot of catching up to do, Birdy. I've missed you." and like the old days, Bradley ruffled your hair and left. You huffed and fixed your hair just as Gabby came back from the bathroom, and you struggled to keep your focus on her for the rest of the evening.

_____________________

Past:

You'd just finished getting ready, your baby pink prom dress looked super cute and your mom had loosely French Braided your unruly waves. She'd skilfully applied makeup so that your skin looked flawless and your eyes popped. You'd never felt more beautiful, and suddenly you felt less nervous. Maybe Bradley would see you and forget all about Michelle.

The doorbell rang and your dad went to answer it, you could hear him and Bradley talking about the latest football game.

"You ready?" Your mom grinned, "You look beautiful, pumpkin."

You nodded with a grin and you walked to the front door. Bradley turned as he saw you and his jaw dropped.

"Jeez, Birdy, you look pretty." He breathed.

"Oh shut up." You blushed, "You look nice too. But what's with the red tie, you look like a rooster." You teased. Bradley scoffed with mock offense.

"Right, Birdy and Rooster, get out of my house." Your dad laughed. "Have a good time, but make sure she's home by 11, son."

"Yes sir, have a good night!" Bradley waved goodbye to your parents and you shot them awkward looks, telling them to close the door and go inside.

You mom pulled your dad inside and shut the door.

Bradley helped you into his truck, carefully lifting your dress so it wouldn't rub against the dirty sides, and even went so far as to buckle you in. Your faces were inches apart, and you scanned the face you'd gotten so used to for the millionth time, only he seemed different now.

As he climbed into the front seat, he stopped to look at you for a while.

"What?" You asked, feeling self conscious suddenly.

"Nothing, you just really do look pretty. Didn't realise you could clean up so good." He grinned as he started the truck and pulled away.

You scoffed, "Speak for yourself, Bradshaw. Other than the tie you look like a real man."

"I am a real man, thank you. If only you could see what's under these pants, you'd be-"

"Ew, shut up." You smacked him playfully on the arm and Bradley laughed.

You pulled up to Michelle's house and you waited in the car as Bradley walked up the long drive to her front door. He knocked and Michelle walked out, looking stunning in a figure hugging red dress, her boobs almost spilling over the top.

You sighed as you watched Bradleys eyes light up as they walked down to the car. Michelle stopped in front of your door, looking at you expectantly. Bradley moved around her to open the back door for her to get in, but she didn't budge.

You looked at her and rolled down the window.

"Hi Michelle."

"Hello, aren't you gonna... you know?" Her voice was steely and bored.

"You want me to move?" You asked in disbelief.

"Well yeah, I am his date. What are people gonna think when they see me climbing out of the back of this thing?" she scoffed.

"Okay." You mumbled, unbuckling your seat belt.

"No, Birdy. Michelle, she's already sitting there, it's not a big deal, can't you just climb in the back? It's less than 2 minutes to the hall." Bradley argued, and you stopped in your tracks.

Michelle raised her eyebrows at him, and immediately you sensed the energy shift.

"No, it's fine." You opened the door and hopped out, Michelle immediately taking your place.

"What are you doing? That's always your spot." Bradley whispered to you as you climbed into the back.

"Keeping the peace." you whispered back.

Bradley huffed out a sigh and shook his head, crossing over to the front and climbing in.

The drive to the school hall was silent and awkward, and you noticed Bradleys eyes flitting to you in the back seat through the rear view mirror every so often.

When the car stopped, you hopped out, and Michelle waited for Bradley to cross to her end and help her out of the truck.

The three of you walked towards the school, and as more people came into view, Michelle's energy shifted again. She was all smiles as she hung on to Bradleys arm, you awkwardly falling behind.

"Smile for the camera Brad." She forced through her grin, and planted a kiss on his cheek as the school reported snapped a picture.

This would be a long evening and you knew it.

_________________________

Present:

The night moved quickly, and the drinks were flowing as you and Gabby took to the dance floor. You lost yourself in the music until you were out of breath and beckoned for Gabby to join you outside, but she gestured to the guy she was dancing with. You nodded and went out to the balcony.

The night air was beginning to cool and you welcomed the goosebumps that covered your too hot skin. Your feet were killing you, so you leaned against the balcony railing to take some of the weight off of them.

As you watched the people on the street below, you gradually regained your breath. You stood up to go back inside, but you felt a body bump up against you.

"Oh sorry." you apologised for them, as you stepped away, giving the drunk man a polite nod.

"Wait, baby, where are you going? I was hoping to get to know you, been watching you all night. You dance real good." The man slurred, grabbing your wrist.

You pulled out of his grip, "Sorry I have to get back to my friend." You turned to walk inside, but he suddenly wrapped a hand around your waist and pulled his hand against your stomach until you were pressed up against him.

You writhed against him, but his grip was too strong.

"Let go." You demanded, "Get off of me." You tried to pry his hands away, but even in his drunken state he was too strong for you.

"Come on, lady, I just wanna buy you a drink, stop being such a fuckin' prude." He struggled against you, his hot breath gliding across your cheek.

"I said get OFF!" You elbowed the man in the chest and he loosened his grip as he gasped, and you went flying away from him.

For the second time that evening, you collided into someone else, and looked up to see concerned, familiar eyes. Bradley scanned your face for a second, and once he was sure you were ok, he turned his attention to the man.

An angry scowl you had only seen once before appeared on his face as she crossed the balcony and lifted the man by his shirt.

As the man dangled a couple feet off of the ground, he whimpered. Your jaw dropped at the sheer strength Bradley possessed. You guessed those muscles weren't just for show.

"If I don't see you leave in the next 2 minutes, I swear to god I'm gonna ruin that pretty boy face of yours. You touch my girl again, or any other girl while I'm around, that's end game for you, buddy. Got it?" He growled.

The man nodded, "I'm sorry, I- I didn't know she was spoken for, honest." He whimpered, and Bradley threw him to the ground.

"Get out."

The man hurried to his feet and passed you. Sure enough after a couple minutes he exited the building quickly and you watched as he ran down the street below, before turning your attention back to Bradley.

"That was incredible." You mumbled.

"Are you okay?" Bradley asked, crossing the balcony to inspect you fully. His hands smoother over your bare arms and then his hands cupped your face.

"I'm ok, Brad, he literally just grabbed me, I'm fine." You pushed his hands away.

Bradley nodded, and let out a breath of relief as his big hands ran through his curls.

"You ready to go get that drink?"

_____________________________________

Past:

"Oh my god, Y/N! You look so pretty!" Sophie from your English class commented.

"Thanks Soph, so do you!" You turned and made pleasant conversation with Sophie and another girl, while Bradley did his rounds with Michelle and her friends. It was all fake smiles and posing for pictures, and Bradley found himself growing bored quickly.

"Hey, I'm gonna go grab some soda, you want one?" Bradley offered, and Michelle nodded, turning back to her friends.

"You look hot, girl, and so does Mr Bradshaw over there, did he get... bigger, over the summer?" Jessica asked Michelle, their whole group giggling.

Michelle rolled her eyes, "Ugh, maybe, I don't know. I'm having the worst time. His little friend is tagging along as a pity invite. It's like having his little sister along for the ride."

"Who?" Jessica asked.

"Y/N Y/L/N." she pointed to you in the corner of the room. "I doubt I'm gonna get my V card swiped tonight, wanna ditch?"

Bradley hadn't noticed when Michelle and her friends slipped out. Jessica had a fake licence, and they'd decided to buy some drinks and hit a house party instead.

When he turned around, she was gone, and he scanned the room for her. When he saw you, he immediately crossed over to you and handed you your soda.

"Thanks, 'Rooster'." You said playfully, as you opened the can.

"Have you seen Michelle anywhere?" He asked, distracted.

You shook your head, "Last place I saw her was over by the DJ booth talking to her friends. Maybe ask the DJ?"

Bradley nodded and walked over as you stood against the wall and watched your school mates dancing and chatting away.

A few minutes later, Bradley stormed over to you.

"Did you find her?" You asked over the music, Bradleys eyes were dark and his eyebrows were creased, he was pissed.

"What did you say to her?" He demanded. You straigtened.

"What do you mean?"

"What did you say to Michelle? The DJ says she was talking about you and then wanted to leave." his face was red now, and his chest was heaving.

"I didn't say anything to her, I've literally just been standing here the-"

"You must have done something. God, that's just like you, Y/N. Just because you didn't get asked to Prom you thought it would be better to scare her away so I'd be all yours instead, didn't you? Didn't you?" He demanded, and you were too shocked to say anything. Bradley took this as confirmation.

He scoffed and his hands fell to his hips as he nodded.

"Yeah, of course you did. Thanks a lot, you ruined my fucking night."

You watched as Bradley stormed out of the hall, and hot tears rolled down your face, ruining your perfect makeup.

"Y/N, are you okay?" Sophie asked, having witnessed the whole thing, gently taking your arm and pulling you to a table to sit. You wiped your eyes and nodded, your eyes trained on the door, hoping Bradley would come back in for you.

After a few minutes, Sophie having done her best to console you, you excused yourself and walked outside. You looked around for Bradley, but he wasn't among the few students and teachers outside, so you crossed the lawn and made your way down the sidewalk to where Bradley had parked the truck.

Your lip quivered as you realised, dread suddenly washing over you. Bradley had left you behind.

________________________________

-- Part 3 Here --

[preet-01]

Maxiel Political AU

Word Count: 1026

Summary: Max Verstappen only had one goal - to be President. It's all he's wanted since he was just seven years old and all that he's worked towards. But bachelors don't get elected as Presidents, for the most part. Enter Daniel Ricciardo. Daniel's the ideal candidate for the country's most prominent and stressful unpaid job: the President's loving partner, a pretty bauble for the country to fall in love with and look towards. In secret meetings, contracts are signed and a marriage is arranged. Max and Daniel must convince the American people that they are a loving couple and perfect for the White House.

||| Next >>

Chapter One

When you’re about seven years old, the American schooling system likes to ask one question. One question that’s asked to every kid in the country regardless of where they live. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

There are the sensible answers, of course. Then there are the impractical ones. And finally the impossible answers. 

Daniel Ricciardo at the young age of seven had answered by saying that he wanted to be just like his daddy. With a powerful name and an even more powerful family to back him, no one had thought his answer to be impractical or impossible. Daniel Ricciardo had the money and privilege to be anything he wanted, and most importantly he had a family that’d move heaven and earth for him. 

Across the country and a few years later, Max Verstappen had answered that he wanted to be President and it was far from the sensible answer. Little boys from poor families and no political connections don’t make it to the White House, he’d been told. Those hadn’t been the exact words, but as Max got older he understood that was the gist of what his teacher had said back then. 

When they ask you that question at seven, it’s not very serious. It’s just a question that you can change the answer to a hundred times if you want to. But just 10 years later when it’s asked again in a slightly different form, the question dictates everything else about your future. 

What do you want to major in? 

Daniel had been 16 when he answered that question — the woes of a birthday in what he liked to call no-man’s land. His July birthday was late enough that he was always the youngest in his class, but early enough that his school enrollment hadn’t been deferred by a year. 

At 16 years old, Daniel Ricciardo chose political science while deciding to do a pre-law program. He still wanted to be just like his father and go into government. And just like his father, his eyes were set on the White House. So he majors in political science and picks Yale University — not that the university was much of a choice when generations of Ricciardos went to Yale. 

Two years later, his dreams of being like his father and the White House are shattered in the white, clinical walls of the doctor’s office. 

A few nights later, they get trampled on. 

“You’ll just have to marry the President,” his grandfather says when they tell the family, “or pray that your cousin has the makings of a strong President.” And at that dinner, Daniel understands why Michelle kept minimal contact with their grandfather. 

Daniel doesn’t say anything, just nods his head and clenches his fists. No one contradicts what his grandfather says, not Daniel, not Michelle, not his mother, not his father. 

It simply is not done. So Daniel pivots despite his father’s desire to change the whole damn system so Daniel can be anything he wants. Daniel pivots and finds new things he enjoys now that holding office is a far-fetched dream. He pivots and applies to Georgetown’s Law School on a whim instead of the law schools at Yale or Harvard that everyone else expected him to apply to. 

The life he begins to build isn’t one he’d envisioned all those years ago when he sat in a counselor’s office and chose political science as his major. But at 30 years old and a respected lawyer who gets to argue for a living, Daniel is… content. 

Max is 17 when they ask him what he wants to major in and expect him to decide what his life will be like for the next 40+ years. 

He doesn’t have to think too hard about the answer because it really isn’t a question at all. Max had known since he was seven years old how he wanted his life to play out. His father knew. His mother knew. And by this point, even his little sister was well aware of what Max wanted to become one day. 

At 17 years old, Max picks his major to be public policy and administration with a minor in political communication and campaigning. While his classmates apply to schools like NYU, Columbia, Princeton, Rutgers, Harvard, MIT, and other major schools, Max applies to CUNY – Baruch College specifically. 

Max doesn’t have the luxury of not working while going through college. On weekdays, he works at his local representative’s office answering constituent phone calls and filing papers. On weekends, he works at the old, somewhat rundown arcade. And in between all of that, Max does his schoolwork. 

Piece by piece things fall into place for Max’s goals. While working with one of the New York Senators in DC, Max finishes his graduate program and he returns to New York for his own campaign for state office. He spends a few years there, making his name known in the community that will eventually elect him for higher offices.

Then he runs for the US House of Representatives – already a well known figure in his local community and known for having people’s best interest in mind, he wins in a landslide. The House of Representatives is dramatic and chaotic and not where Max wants to spend the rest of his career. 

So he runs for a Senate position when the previous Senator decides to retire. It’s the next rung in the career ladder, or at least it is in his opinion as many of his colleagues in the House are quite happy with their positions there. 

His position in the House had been great for introducing him to the national stage of politics, but it is in the Senate where Max makes him name known and puts himself in contention for the highest office in the US political system. 

Max’s sight is set on a position higher than a US Senator. No, Max Verstappen wants to be President of the United States. He wants to be the leader of the free world. He wants and wants until he’s standing at the top of the US political hierarchy. 

________

Posting the first chapter felt very needed after quali last night

The title is from a quote that is attributed to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

[radiantcircle-if]

Profile: Arseau

A talented water sorcerer, Arseau is well loved within the Night Circle's upper echelons, but he'd never brag about either. He has been away from home for over a decade, raising ranks within the circle alongside his best friend. He coordinates his visit home with yours during the holidays so he can see his favorite younger sibling (never mind that he has only one sibling—you).

Family name: Nassiet

Circle: Night Circle

Magic: water

Birth month: October

Birth place: Seattle, USA

Education: bachelor's

Occupation: High Justicar

Favorite place: the snow-covered mountains or the beach

Favorite drink: beer or cold brew

Favorite color: blue-green

Most prized possession: his friendship bracelet with you

Handwriting: almost a calligraphic print, always looks like he took his time to write every letter

Always in bag: no bag, just pockets; carries only a thin wallet in his back pocket and keeps his keys on a ring attached to a belt loop

Family: your dads Michel and Théodore Nassiet love him; he is very close with you as your protective older sibling—he'd do anything to take care of you, even at personal cost

Friends: César is his best friend, and he considers César's younger brother Rafa a close friend as well; otherwise, he maintains a large variety of acquaintances around the world thanks to his kind nature

Appearance: blue eyes, shoulder-length light brown hair (often tied up, with an undercut), always clean-shaven, warm undertone, tall (188cm/6'2"), slim, beauty mark below his lips, usually dresses in a casual style (flannels on flannels on flannels, and he's always got one ready for you to borrow if you're cold), favorite accessory is a bracelet

You’ve always looked up to Arseau for his unwavering strength and kindhearted nature. His calm and steady presence provides you with a sense of security that's impossible to find with anyone else. He is the caregiver among his peers. His card in the Major Arcana is the Empress.

〉 Sections: Profiles, Editorials, Articles, Ask Me, Answers, Quotes

[choclodox]

⁣⁣ Here she is: Dr. Michelle Yin, the only xenoveterinarian in the avatar program.⁣

⁣⁣

She’s definitely a smart cookie, both book-wise and real-world wise. She was in a program that let her finish her bachelor’s degree early and then went to Pandora to pay off that student debt (which is BRUTAL if you go to vet school). ⁣⁣

⁣⁣

I will establish that she was 12 years younger than Maria, but she was 31 and Maria was 43 when they met. There was NO mind mind gap: Michelle already knew what it was like to pay bills, rent, taxes, debt, and how relationships work. And when you work with animals in the vet world, you learn real quick that you can’t be afford to be uncertain about important decisions in life.⁣⁣

⁣⁣

That and you have to have a certain personality to want to work up-close and personal with Pandora’s animals—even the ones that want to rip your face off. The Na’vi have a close relationship with animals, so Grace figured that Dr. Yin could be a great way to help build a bridge between the humans and the Na’vi. But then the school shooting happened.⁣⁣

⁣⁣

And since I’m partial to the animal science world (since for the longest time I wanted to be a vet), I figured I should give the Vet Med world some representation. They really don’t get enough recognition for the hard work and strife that their industry goes through (that’s why I named her after Dr. Sophia Yin).⁣⁣

⁣⁣

Seriously, when I tell you that I am DISGUSTED with how few veterinarian characters I’ve ever seen in fictional stories…⁣

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

All the talk today about a man having the luxury of dating younger while getting older to delay growing up (marriage, kids, etc.) reminds me of George Clooney. He had a short marriage when he was in his late 20s/early 30s (before his career blew up) and then was known as the most eligible bachelor and even made bets with people like Nicole Kidman and Michelle Pfieffer that he'd never get married again. He dated many women, some of which were even older than him, but the majority were not. He became engaged when he was 53 and his future wife 36. On paper, it seems like she's "old" but he is 17 years older than her. He became a first-time father at the ripe old age of 56. He could do this because he is a man. Who did not have to worry about aging like a woman. Or having children in his 50s.

Hollywood (and the world in general) is full of stories like that. Men have the luxury of time that women don’t in that situation. They have the luxury of getting their shit together (or not) on their own timeline. It’s sad and unfair but also true, and I have seen this happen in my real life with friends.

I feel a whole rant, or at least stream of consciousness, brewing about the ways in which people of childbearing age who wish to experience that are in just such a no-win situation, especially in the public eye. Voice that you want it and you may get labelled desperate or traditional or whatever. Voice that you don’t and you’re attacked as a threat to society or immature. It makes it so hard to have discussions (eg in relation to TTPD or Taylor’s discography at large) because it’s so fraught and involves all kinds of sociological constructs. And again: it’s something that isn’t given a second thought for men.

[graceandfamily]

Edward Quinn meets Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco

I was lucky to have been there when they first met.

During the Cannes Film Festival in 1955, an editorial director of Paris Match, Gaston Bonheur, suggested that a meeting between the Hollywood star Grace Kelly and the bachelor Prince Rainier of Monaco could make a nice story.

When he was asked, Prince Rainier agreed and an appointment was arranged. As I already knew and had photographed Prince Rainier and also Grace Kelly, I was asked by Match to go with their team. There was Pierre Galante, then married to actress Olivia de Havilland, Jean-Paul Olivier and Michel Simon. Grace kept us late, so the American car that was to bring her had to speed off. Just as we got to the main road, the driver, Monsieur Lapinière, a Metro Goldwyn representative, suddenly braked. As I was driving very close, so as not to be left behind, I could not stop and crashed into the back of Grace’s car. Fortunately, there was no great damage and we were able to go on.

As there had been no time for lunch, Grace said she wouldn’t mind having a sandwich, so we went to the bar of the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.

Grace Kelly at the bar of Hotel de Paris.

We got to the palace just after three o’clock, the time set for the rendezvous with the prince. Colonel Severac, the commander of the Palace, came to greet us and explained that Prince Rainier was delayed, but he had telephoned to say that Miss Kelly’s visit to the palace could begin without him. One of Prince Rainier’s personal servants, Michel Demorizi, guided us around some of the great number of rooms in the palace.

In the “Salle du Throne”, Monsieur Demorizi explained that all the reigning princes of the Grimaldi family had been enthroned in this room. We moved through the York Chambers, the “Salle des Glaces” and into the Napoleonic museum, where Grace was obviously impressed when she was shown a lock of Napoleon’s hair. The only one amongst us who did not seem to enjoy the visit was Monsieur Lapinière. It was now nearly four o’clock, and he said that Grace had to leave at once if she was to be ready in time for the official American reception for the festival.

After a while, we all got worried and began to think that Prince Rainier might not come. By now even Grace showed some signs of nervousness, but perhaps not for the same reason. She looked around for a mirror to make sure her makeup was alright. While we all waited, Grace questioned us: How does one address a prince? Could Prince Rainier speak English? How old is he?

Finally, the prince arrived and Grace Kelly, who had rehearsed her royal curtsy several times, hardly bent her knee when she was face to face with Prince Rainier. With a reassuring smile and a simple “Hello, pleased to meet you”, the prince seemed to put Grace at ease.

Grace Kelly meets Prince Rainier. The moment of the first formal handshake.

It was amazing, however, that these two famous persons seemed shy and intimidated. Grace looked at Rainier and seemed at loss for words.

Sensing this tension, I thought it might be an appropriate moment to suggest that I would like to take some photos in the palace gardens. This broke the ice. Prince Rainier was relieved and agreed at once. Naturally my main reason for asking them to go outside was just a photographer’s reaction. The light was better outside and of course the garden would make a better setting. Prince Rainier took Grace over to a spot where he could show her the view over his principality. They were both relaxed now. Their conversation became easier and they seemed to be getting on well.

Prince Rainier took Grace down to his exotic gardens and then to his lions’ cage. Grace seemed astonished and quite frightened when Rainier put his arm into the cage and stroked one of the lions. We were all quite happy to prolong this enjoyable visit, but the merciless Monsieur Lapinière seemed on the verge of a nervous fit and kept pointing to his watch. Grace had to take the hint and explained to Prince Rainier that she must go back to Cannes as soon as possible.

Probably not even Prince Rainier realized, while he was doing the honour of showing his palace to Grace Kelly, that she was to be the future sovereign. Grace was quite silent as she was driven back to Cannes. Her only remark was: “He is charming, charming.”

The pictures of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier appeared in Paris Match, but the story was quickly forgotten by most people, except by Prince Rainier and perhaps by Grace Kelly. Prince Rainier arranged for showings of all of Grace Kelly’s films in his private screening room at the palace. According to his friends, the prince was intrigued and fascinated by the cool enigmatic star from Hollywood.

When Prince Rainier visited the U.S. a few months later, there were a few discreet meetings with Grace Kelly, thanks to the kindly American priest who was Prince Rainier’s palace chaplain, Father Tucker.

Prince Rainier asked Grace Kelly to marry him during a private party in New York. The unofficial news of their engagement travelled very fast and on January 4th, 1956, I was awakened in the middle of the night by a telephone call from New York. At that time long distance calls were still an event. It was Charles Eisnitz of the famous Globe Photo Agency, who called to inform me about Prince Rainier’s engagement and asked me to send all the photos I had of the couple.

The end of the story is well known. After the marriage of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, it became more and more difficult to get exclusive pictures. I decided to concentrate my work on the artists, and especially on Pablo Picasso.

Edward Quinn