#this was like one of my two biggest wishes for those championships

[heiavikings]

henrik’s both gold championship medals, gs from are 2019 and now the slalom one from courchevel, were so fucking epic! like, sometimes your fave wins gold and it’s great and you’re happy for them but it’s just race. but with henrik there’s always something more than just race.

I will forever remember his 2nd run charge from are, it’s forever seared into my brain, that was absolute gs masterclass! and he was 3rd after the first run but then neither marcel hirscher nor alexis could beat his insane time! and what made it so super special was that the world cup season before those championships wasn’t going really great for him, he had a few podiums but no wins, he was really struggling to get on that highest level... and then he just put it all together on the most important race of the season! and finally beat marcel! something he was unable to do whole fucking season! and he did it in a race for the gs gold! hsdgfkjsdhgjfks it was so beautiful!!!

and in courchevel he won that slalom gold with another insane 2nd run! after almost all hope was lost because he was 16th! in a super difficult and turny slalom and what he did on those last 10 gates from finish was mad, he was accelerating in every fucking turn! and then he waited and waited and 15 skiers went down and nobody could beat him oh my god hfgkjsdhgjfs and with every skier my hopes for medal and then gold just grew and grew and he finally got it! he deserved it so much! he’s one of the best slalom skiers but he had to wait for so many championships to finally get it! and if all of that wasn’t enough to make it absolutely epic he also did that on the skis made by his ex greatest rival marcel hirscher! in the first fucking season he’s skiing on them!!!!

so like, henrik is unable to win gold in a normal way, he always does it with an insane 2nd run and marcel hirscher is always involved in it in some way xD

[leahsripley]

LATINA HEAT: RHEA RIPLEY

chapter two: the new Judgment Day "Distract her."

"Here is your winner of the 2024 women's elimination chamber match, Liv.. Morgannnn!" The referee lifted Liv's hand, who collapsed to her knees.

The biggest smile on her face as she mocked a disoriented Becky on the mat. Making fake tears towards her.

"I told yall eLIVination chamber!" She laughed at the camera, "Oh and Rhea.." She smirks. "I'm coming for you.. Watch me!"

She flips her hair and turns to the crowd but we barely get to see her when the TV suddenly turns to a black screen.

I chew on catering's brownies and slowly turn my head towards Rhea. She turns towards me.

We stare at eachother. I clear my throat and speak first.

"I told you to take that revenge tour seriously."

Rhea scoffs. "It's not that serious."

I frown. "Rhea, baby, you injured that girl. Anybody in her shoes would want revenge." Rhea chuckles.

"I get it! But take everything that I love?" She laughs and holds onto her championship. "She'll learn the hard way, just like Nia tonight, that nobody can take this from me."

I raise an eyebrow and suddenly realize something. "But why does she keep saying everything you love? Why not just the title.."

Rhea shrugs. "Dunno. Of course she's obsessed with titles after I took out Raquel and cost her the tag ones."

I hiss. "That was out of pocket." Rhea sighs. I place a hand on her shoulder. "Oh, make that face.. you know I understand why you did it."

She smiles. I grab the remote from Rhea's lap. "Maybe we should turn the TV back on.." I lean towards her.

"It's Damian and Finn's match. Now we can't miss them kicking asses." Rhea smirks.

"Yeah! The night is gonna belong to us.." She bites her bottom lip, tilting her head.

I smile at her words. "I'm still so pissed that you couldn't make it to the chambers." I huff and cross my arms.

"Yeah.. Stupid Becky." I mumble.

"Taking me out on my qualifying match was real smart of her, until she realizes that i'm gonna bash her fucking head in soon."

Rhea giggles. "And they say i'm unhinged."

I shrug. "We both are honey. I honestly can't wait for you to beat Nia later and make all of Australia proud."

I pull Rhea in for a big hug— wrapping my arms around her shoulders tight. She lets out a slightly shaky chuckle.

"Y-Yeah." She mumbles. I feel something is wrong when I pull back, but shrug it off.

I turn the TV on. "Aw man we missed their entrances." Damian and Finn and New Catch Republic were already in the ring.

Dominik trashtalking the fans booing him..

I look towards Rhea who seems in her own world, fingers fidgeting in her lap. When she catches me staring, she blinks.

We make eye-contact for a good thirty seconds. Rhea was the first one to look away.

But I wish she never shifted those blue eyes away from my emeralds.

I smile and look back at the screen.

—

"I still can't believe the Judgment Day is.. gone." Rhea whispers breathlessly, leaning against the blank gym wall infront of me.

Ain't no better way to get over a breakup, than by going to the gym.

I drop my last set of dumbbells, panting and grab my bottle of water. "It's not like we didn't hear about their plans for us."

She shrugs. "Yeah but looking back on it.. What if Dominik and Finn actually pitched the idea and planned this from day on-"

I stop her rant by nearly spitting out my damn water.

I cough. "Rhea-" I place down my bottle next to our bags. "Now, now let's not rewrite history. Finn probably has nothing to do with Dominik."

 I place my hands on my hips. "Dom was just a little.." I  too obsessed with the idea of becoming this generation's Eddie Guerrero."

Rhea doesn't laugh and rubs over her forearm.

I clear my throat. "Well he looks more like a cheap wannabe but whatever Liv finds in him." Rhea snaps her head up.

"And you." I lift my hands up in defense, ready to mumble the next part to myself. "Even though i'll never understand you girls."

I walk over to Rhea and lean a hand against the wall, tilting my head. "But what makes you say that?" She pouts.

"The idea of splitting us up, I don't know.. It just came out of nowhere." She crosses her arms. "Like.." She turns her head. "We were doing good as a faction. Atleast that's what I- we, me and Damian, thought."

I chew on my bottom lip. "Maybe that's where it went wrong." Rhea lowers her head, scratching the back with her nails.

"Maybe Finn personally felt like he wasn't doing good enough with you two.. Since he stayed with the other bozos." 

Rhea cracks a laugh and I smile, completing the mission. "But I thought we agreed on no mention about The Judgment Day while we are at the gym?"

"I know.. But my breakup is still fresh-" I press a finger against her lips, shushing her.

"Shh. One more mention of Dom and i'm tracking him down to give him a piece of my mind."

She blinks. "So you never liked him." She mumbles in a tone that confirms the thoughts she's had for a while.

—

"So she is apart of The Judgment Day now?" Dominik scoffs as Rayna falls on the couch. In the most dramatic way.

I chuckle then pat Dom's cheek. "Atleast put a smile on this beautiful face of yours."

I grab his chin to twist his face towards me, which usually would bring a smile to his features, but this time his eyes were somewhere else.

Glaring at his fellow Hispanic comfortably sprawled on the soft cushion covering the couch. With the less care in the world for Dominik.

Atleast they shared the same hatred, I thought.

"I know that you don't get along with her.." I stare at Rayna longer, then back to Dom. "Okay, you don't like her."

He pouts. "But all i'm asking is that you respect her. You have no idea how fucking excited I am to work with my idol!"

I bounce on my feet and grab his shoulders which he cracks a smile and sighs. "Fine.. Just know that I will only respect her because of you."

Dominik gives one last glare towards Rayna. One of pure disgust.

Then he grabs my hips and swings me forward— pressing a kiss to my forehead. One that lasted longer than usual.

Like he was proving something. Making a point.. I wasn't sure why though-

He pulled away and snickered. "I need to go to the bathroom. Be right back, Mami." He whispers before walking past me.

Towards the door, and finally leaving. I smile in the most ridiculous way and look back towards Rayna.

Absolutely glaring the hell outta that door.

I guess she has beef with the furniture now too..

—

"Rhea, c'mon let's be fair. Your man never liked me and I still don't know why to this day." I run my fingers through my hair.

"Anyway I think he's a pussy so.." Rhea bumps my shoulder.

I hiss. "What?" I defend myself. "I ain't never met a man who's had his balls so shoved up his ass that he can't even get them out just once to defend himself."

Rhea groans and I walk over to my bag, zipping it close. I take one last sip of my water bottle. "You don't think so?"

"What?" Rhea looks at me confused. I roll my eyes, grabbing her gym bag and tossing it at her. She catches it in time.

"That he's a pussy." She doesn't answer me and even walks past, to grab her phone. "These days, it's not just a thought. It's a fact."

While checking her phone, she mumbles to herself and I can only hear the last part clearly enough. "I'm not answering that."

I frown. "Why do you keep defending Dominik? Seriously nobody is holding you at gun point."

Her eyes lift up from her screen and she puts on a fake smile. "Haha. Very funny." She tucks her phone in her pocket.

"Damian is coming to get me. I'll see you on RAW then.. Y'know, when i'll have to face the new 'It Couple of WWE'."

The nickname rolls off her tongue with such difficulty I thought she was gonna gag while saying it.

The amount of disgust that tone had towards LivDom was nearly concerning.

Besides who even called them that? They only recently catched feelings for eachother.

Geez..

I swallow awkwardly the lump of saliva in my mouth and nod. "See you on.." Rhea leaves before I can even finish.

"Monday then. Nos vemos.." I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. See you..

I also nearly forgot to get my phone before leaving, but thankfully it warned my with two new notifications.

One from Liv..

Liv: Feelin' good rn😝

What the fuck..

Livvy😇

Rayna: LMAOO!! how'd you find that shirt??

Liv: Want the link? 😜

Liv: Fanmade.. Sum of them are quick y'know.

Rayna: Figured and yeah. lol.

Liv: I could've! But Daddy Dom rlly liked this one sooo.. Ofc I had to buy it!😇

Who the fuck asked his opinion?

Rayna: Ha.. Cool.

Rayna: Oh! How was the bar btw?

Liv: OMG! It was AMAZING. The boys are so fun to hang out with too.

Liv: Rlly you should've come, it was so fun!

Rayna: Ik but next time!

I was about to end the discussion there when..

Liv: Drunk Daddy Dom is such a turn on too.. 😉

I never wanted to slam my phone so hard against the floor more than right now.

Now what-

Incoming call from Roman.

Ok now I nearly dropped it on the floor this time.

I declined the call and texted him instead.

Roman🔞

Rayna: What do you want now?

Roman: Isn't it obvious?

Rayna: Then no.

Roman: I ain't seen you in weeks Ray.

Rayna: Exactly. Thankfully too.

Roman: We gonna pretend you ain't moaning my name everytime I see you?

Rayna: Yes. We really should.

Rayna: Btw i'm not free for the next few weeks.

Roman: Sure. Keep pretending that you ain't kept those feelings for me.

Roman: It'll just be better when I see you again.

Rayna: Haha. Bye.

I closed his contact, not in the mood lately for him.

To of course being spammed with yet another message from Liv.. But it particularly caught my attention.

Liv: Oh.. We should also prob discuss for this next monday's plans. We need you to distract Rhea.

Distract Rhea?

—

"We all will." The crew came into view, surrounding Finn. I roll my eyes and lean against the wall. Away from the screens.

The TV switches to show Damian's reaction, obviously fuming. Finn goes on and on about how he's gonna continue targeting him..

But my focus is entirely on LivDom- Oh my fucking god why is he massaging her ass RIGHT NOW?!

They finally turn around all laughing goofily and the first thing that happens is me making eye-contact with Dom.

That kid fucking annoys me.. No it's not because that he dated AND also broke the heart of my current crush.

Of course not..

Both of them are already getting on my nerves. I regret even putting these two together.

What the fuck was I thinking?

Dominik smirks while maintaining contact. I respond by giving him a mocking smile, cursing in Spanish.

Most of the 2024 year i've spent it with The Judgment Day, meaning that I have enough insults in my head about Dominik to cut promos about him for months straight!

I mean it's easy to hate the guy, ain't that right?

"Good job guys." Finn speaks up first, wrapping his arm around JD's shoulders.

Then he looks towards me.

"Ay. Why didn't you wanna do the promo with us?" I chew the inside of my cheek to let the question sink in.

I couldn't say the truth directly in their faces or i'd be kicked out but then again.. "You apart of the family now."

I smile the best I can to make it look real. "Yeah.. So cool." I tap my foot against the floor.

I already miss Rhea.

Priest.

It ain't even been a full night together and i'm already bored.

"We are already establishing ourselves as an even bigger faction.. With you Rayna as the Queen of the Ring and Liv as the women's world champion."

I frown. "..You mean just like before?" I blink, eyes pointing at me. "I-I don't understand where you're coming from with this. It doesn't matter if it's Liv or Rhea as champion..?"

I uncross my arms.

"We were already established as a strong faction."

Liv scoffs. "Rayna, you can't be serious right now. Sure Rhea was champion but she wasn't half as good as I am right now.. Admit it!"

Admit what, I ask myself.

I chuckle. Maybe not the best timing.. "You're still friends with Rhea even after everything she did to me.."

She grabs Dominik's chin, doing that weird shit to his nose instead of kissing him. "To Daddy Dom-"

"Oh my god just call him Dominik."

Yuck.

"Ain't nobody here interested in hearing what y'all call eachother during sex." I tilt my head towards Carlito.

"Except for him." I point at Carlito who drops his apple while trying to do a trick.

Liv goes to snarl something else but Finn places a hand infront of her. "Ay now, don't be mad at her for still being friends with those.. traitors."

Watch what the fuck you're gonna say about them. I clench my fists tight, turning my knuckles white.

He must not have noticed, continuing on. "I get it Rayna." He takes a step forward. "But listen here lass this friendship cannot interfere with Judgment Day business."

"You are a Judgment Day member now." He smirks. "Not Rhea's side bitch.." I close my eyes. "Not labeled as Rhea Ripley's friend.."

I huff. "You're the Queen of the Ring."

I nearly go into defensive mode when JD spawns next to me, holding my precious crown that I snatch away from his hands.

Mine.

I earned it.

I look down at it, rubbing off the dust. "I ain't no side bitch.. Ain't no side kick either." I mutter to myself.

Finn chuckles. "Just like the Prince ain't one either. I understand you Rayna.." He places a hand over my forearm.

Sliding his finger up and down. "But you have to let them go- Unless.."

Oh no..

His face lights up with something malicious in it.

His eyes darken and he takes a step back. "No, actually guys this is better this way."

The guys and Liv look at eachother confused.

I stay focused on my crown. My precious baby..

Liv snorts. "You think this is good? Rayna, she can't be friends with the same bitch who nearly cost me a year of my career!"

She stomps her foot on the ground like an angry child. "She doesn't deserve to be around Rhea."

Finn shakes his head. "You don't understand Liv, this is perfect!"

"She can use, distract and play Rhea like a symphony however she wants.. To our advantage!"

I snap my head up. "What?"

My face turns to one of horror. Everybody else's is full of curiosity and growing smirks at Finn's words.

"Isn't she also friends with half the roster?" JD chirms in. My eyes dart everywhere.

I start growing suspicious. "So you guys want to use my friendships against me?"

"No, of course not.. But when it comes to Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest." Finn's voice lowers.

He looks at everybody behind him. "We just want the best for you."

I look behind his shoulder. Liv nods at me. Dominik.. Pass. JD smirks. Carlito looks at me in typical Carlito fashion.

I sigh. "So what do we do now.."

"We are planning an attack on Damian. I guess you know where i'm going with this.."

"Distract Rhea."

[purplephantomwolf]

Love in Motion

Chapter Three

Synopsis: Lydia gets a wrong number text from Lando Norris.

Note: This is not an accurate portrayal of how the real people in this act. I do not know them personally, so I will not be portraying them accurately.

Warnings for this chapter: None

Previous Chapters: Chapter One, Chapter Two

Next Chapter: Chapter Four

Masterlist

April 5, 2022

6:30 pm

     My phone vibrates, pulling my attention away from the lab report I’m currently working on. I smile as Luke’s name flashes up on the screen. 

Luke: Good morning, Lydia

Me: Good morning, Luke

Luke: Did you sleep well and have a good day? 

Me: I did! Did you sleep well and have a good day as well? What did you do during the day?

Luke: I did too! I spent the day putting some finishing touches on an event for this weekend. Did you watch any more F1 during class today?

Me: No, I was a good student today. But I’ve got a Monza quali on as I work on my lab report. 

Luke: Ahh, that was an exciting weekend for McLaren. 

Me: Shhhh! Don’t say anything! I don’t know the results!

Luke: Sorry! My lips are sealed. 

Me: I know that Max obviously wins the championship, but that’s literally all I know about the season. I’ve managed to not see any of the results. 

Luke: How have you managed that? 

Me: I know literally no one who watches F1, so no one to spoil it for me. 

Luke: Well, now you have a friend to talk to about it. 

Me: I do! You’re going to get a bunch of texts on Saturdays and Sundays about it. 

Luke: That sounds good to me. I won’t be able to respond to them because those are my busy days. 

Me: Sounds good. I’ll try to not overwhelm you with texts then. 

Luke: Alright. Do you want to continue our game of 20 questions? 

Me: Sure, it was your turn to ask a question!

Luke: Okay, going to go deep here. What’s your biggest fear?

Me: Damn, that is deep. But I think it’s not being able to find someone. I fear that I’m going to end up alone, with no friends, no significant other. My turn to go deep. What do you do to cope when things get hard? 

Luke: I go to my family and friends. I talk to them about what’s going on and what I’m struggling with. What’s your favourite thing about yourself, physically and not physically?

Me: Physically, my eyes. Not physically, probably my ability to get along with everyone. What’s your biggest pet peeve about social media?

Luke: The hate that everyone dishes out because they’re behind a screen. It’s awful to see the things people comment on posts of the drivers and their friends, just because they’re behind a screen. 

Me: I’m sure. I personally dislike social media, so I’m not really on it. I’m only on TikTok and Discord. 

Luke: No Instagram? No Twitter? 

Me: Not even Facebook. 

Luke: Damn, I wish I could do that. I have to do it for my job. 

Me: Yeah, it’s nice not having to worry about putting up a facade for my fellow college students to hate on. 

Luke: Yeah, that’s nice. So, photography. Your photos are excellent. How did you get so good?

Me: Well, my grandpa was a photographer for a while. I used to spend a lot of time in his studio, so I kind of picked things up from him. Then I took some classes in high school. I’ve luckily managed to find time each week to take photos in college, so I haven’t lost my skills. 

Luke: That’s awesome. You mentioned that your parents won’t let you do photography. Why don’t you find a job in it and then move out? 

Me: I’ve thought about it. But there’s no jobs that I’ve seen that I would be interested in. 

Luke: That sucks, I’m sorry. 

Me: It’s okay! I’ve been keeping an eye out though. 

Luke: Okay, so what got you interested in Formula 1? 

Me: I saw a TikTok of one of the drivers one time and was like “He’s kinda cute and funny, wonder what he does.” Which led me down a rabbit hole that ended in an obsession with learning everything I can about the sport.

Luke: Interesting. Which driver was it?

Me: It was Charles, but then I was watching some old McLaren content of Carlos and Lando the same day, and Lando became my favorite. 

Luke: So Lando has always been your favourite?

Me: I’d say that yeah. What got you into the F1 world?

Luke: I had a friend that was in karting when I was a kid. He got me interested in the industry, and I thought it would be fun to plan the events for the drivers and fans. 

Me: That’s fun! As much as I’d love to continue this conversation, I should go be a good student and work on my homework. 

Luke: Oh! Sorry for distracting you!

Me: It’s okay! I’ll talk to you once I’m done with my assignment?

Luke: Yeah! Sounds good to me!

Me: Perfect! Talk to you later!

Luke: Bye Lydia!

     I put my phone down and focus back on my assignment. I groan seeing that I still have five questions left. I hunker down and start making my way through the questions. 

************************************************************************

9 pm

Me: I am back. I have completed the god awful homework. 

Luke: That’s a win. So, tell me a little about yourself. 

Me: Well, what do you want to know?

Luke: Anything you want to tell me. 

Me: Well, I’m a 20 year old chemistry college student. My birthday is May 17. My favorite color is purple. I love watching YouTube, specifically Smii7y. I absolutely love music, I’m always listening to it. I like art and creative activities. Tell me a little about yourself now. 

Luke: Well, I’m a 21 year old event manager for McLaren F1 racing team. My birthday is November 13. I love traveling the world and taking photos, too. I love hanging out with my friends and family.

    I yawn as I read Luke’s message. I rub my eyes, trying to stay awake to continue the conversation. 

Me: I am currently fighting sleep so hard. 

Luke: Go to sleep, Lydia. We can talk tomorrow. 

Me: Okay, sounds good. Good night, Luke. Talk to you tomorrow. 

Luke: Good night, Lydia. Talk to you tomorrow.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taglist: @dilemmaontwolegs @copper-boom @ironmaiden1313 @ophcelia

[dorizardthewizard]

HSM (2006) rewatch

Part 2: Happy Wildcats New Year!

SDFHKSD EVERYONE WAS LITERALLY JUST STANDING THERE WAITING FOR TROY

Also the way Chad just grabs him like I’M HIS BIGGEST HYPEMAN OUTTA THE WAY PEOPLE

Chad: Because in two weeks, we’re going to the championships, with you leading us to infinity and beyond!

OK Buzz Lightyear

This is so jarring to me because it’s January, right? But everyone is dressed for mild weather, no coats in sight and it’s so green around them? Is it that warm in New Mexico? ...So I googled it and for Albuquerque, they apparently still get pretty chilly winters and can even have snow. It’s funny they filmed at this time but still went for the New Year timeline, they could have easily just had it be at the start of the school year and troyella could meet at some other party. Why am I so focused on this do you ask? idk I live in the UK – if I see a lot of sunshine in a movie, it fascinates me.

Everyone is too happy to be back in school

Idk who started the Wildcats chant but it means Chad didn’t start the very first one in the series!

I saw a post about how Troy actually wears blue and green more than red, and yeah it looks really obvious here in this sea of red. There’s some symbolism there with Chad in red handing Troy the basketball as he talks about him leading them to a championship win, Troy looks a little uncomfortable with all the attention and hands the ball over to someone else.

Sharpay’s iconic strut <3

Chad’s background music is a sitcom laughtrack, apparently

Jason: Do you remember the night before? Troy: No. Not at all. All I remember is, like, pink jelly.

Troy what the hell happened at that party? Unless he just doesn't want to talk about the karaoke

Genuinely curious does a typical school in the US really have an American flag in every classroom?

WHY DOES CHAD HAVE SO MANY WATCHES. I thought it was just for the Charlie’s Angels scene but nope, that’s just his style apparently. Are they all synced to different timezones?

Aw Chad checking up on Troy like, the SECOND he starts to act funny

They really did Monique dirty with her fits and that headband. I wish they styled her hair in a way more suited to her hair type but yeah…

Ms Darbus acts and dresses like the spirit of all drama teachers I love it, her look reminds me a bit of my art teacher in school

Troy why would you try to call her? To see if it’s her? Why not just wait until you leave the class? Why did Sharpay and Ryan pick up their phones? Do all three of them have the same ringtone? So many questions.

Bit mean of Darbus to give Gabriella detention within the first 2 minutes, maybe she didn’t know about your cell phone rule! And why didn’t she introduce Gabriella to the class?

Ms Barbus: Mr Bolton, I see your phone is involved, so we will see you in detention as well! Chad: No, no. That's not even a possibility, Ms Darbus, your honour, see? 'Cause we have basketball practice, and Troy...

Chad calls Darbus “Your Honour” pffffft nice try buddy. Anyway get you a bestie who tries to get you out of detention <3 But also Chad’s reasoning about them having basketball practice shows their jock status in the school and how he thinks they should get let off for that. And like it’s true, some kids are more favoured than others in school for those kinds of things. Doesn't fly for Darbus, though.

Jason 😂😭 I know he is probably genuinely asking and cannot read a room, but there was always that one kid that managed to make the teacher ramble about their life for like half the lesson so we didn’t have to do any work.

[theburgessobserver]

ROTG Newspaper Issue 2!

Local News:

BEN OF THE SOUTH!

One of our town residents has completed some IT and Astrology test after which he will be a technician on an Antarctic research facility.He is known for completing the statewide championship in the Chess and being a beloved neighbor.We wish you luck Ben!In that freezing wasteland of Antarctica!

As Ben says:"It was my childhood dream to go see the pole and see those large penguin colonies".

Page 1-3

MISSING LINK IS MISSING AGAIN!!!

Yes folks it's true!The link has gone missing again!He was gone when scientist went through there collections.There were some reports of a mysterious creature being spotted by the beach and it was thought that it was the link and that he had somehow freed himself!HOWEVER!It was clarified by Capt.Warren R. from a special branch of the military that the link did not unfreeze and escape and go on rampage, it was just a some jokers and some swamp gas.Even so the creatures current whereabouts are unknown but Capt.Warren says he couldn't have unfrozen so he's most likely still in ice somewhere....or is he???

Page:4-6

Special to New York Central Railroad staff for transferring information.

TROUBLE IN NEW YORK!

Last night several animals broke out of the Central Park Zoo and went loose on the city...somehow however they all got together in one place,The Grand Central Terminal Station where they were sedated.The Animals in question were one Lion,one Zebra,one Hippo,two chimpanzees and four penguins

The Zoo under pressure from Anti-Captivity Activists has decided to ship the animals in question to a wild-life preserve in Kenya via ship.

Page:7-9

LOCAL DOG CHASES LOCAL CAT OVER LOCAL FENCE

Page:10-20 Extended Edition!

Genetically engineered tomato with chemically altered ranch salad dressing experiment damadges 6 city blocks!

Page:21-24

Weather Forecast:

It will be sunny with a clear blue sky.

Advertorial

Lionel Trains

"They make Boys feel like Men and Men as Boys"

Check out Joey's Small World for the brand new models of the Alco Fa's!

Now playing in our Cinema

"A story about our feathered friends, the birds"!

As Hitchock describes his film:The Birds!

Its coming at 7:30 PM!

Tv:

6:00-8:00 PM

Fireball XL5

A Day in the Life of a Space General

Lieutenant Ninety has a nightmare in which he is promoted to the rank of Space General, but his inexperience gets the better of him and his command ends in disaster and an inferno.

The Day the Earth Froze

Icemen from the planet Zavia deflect the Sun's rays, plunging Earth into a deep freeze.

Space Magnet

An alien race called the Solars steal the Earth's moon.

8:00 PM

Star Trek:The Trouble with the Tribbles

Also remeber that a comment will make the author much happier,and make the world a slightly better place. And Commenting,Following and favoriting me and my works will inspire me to do more!And i will always listen to your questions and suggestion

MARCH 27TH!!!ALERT!!!THE GUARDIANS COME TOGETHER TO FIGHT THERE BIGGEST THREAT!!!(MORE DANGEROUS AND POWERFULL THAN PITCH!!!!)

AND THEY WONT BE ALONE!!!!

ON MARCH 27TH!!!!(PROLOGUE 26TH)

EARTHS GREATEST SECRETS WILL BE REVEALED!

[earnestly-endlessly]

Hi! I'm wondering if you can make a list of fics where Erik's jewish heritage isn't ignored? I just came across the fact that a lot of authors don't explore this part of him for some reason and i found it kinda upsetting so i'm wondering if you have any recs! I liked "As They Kiss, Consume" and "Who Shall be King Hereafter" by sherwoodfox, in case anyone who's reading this ask is interested in the same topic.

Hi Anon. I'm sorry for taking so long with this list but your request sent me on a wide search for fics that fit with your request. I tried to find a variety of fics where Erik's Jewish heritage is addressed. Some of them aren't necessarily cherik, but most of them are. I hope you enjoy this list.

Mistletoe, Latkes, and Long-Term Revenge Strategies – pocky_slash

Summary: Charles knows that Erik hates working at a department store in the best of times. Being Jewish in a department store during the holiday season is far from the best of times. He does what he can to help.

A Nice Boy (the Family Matters Edition) – pocky_slash

Summary: Erik's not sure whether the problem is that he doesn't want his parents to meet Charles or that he doesn't want Charles to meet his parents. Either way, he never invites Charles to brunch. Why should he? It's not like they're dating.

A Road Trip to Pennsylvania – Aainiouu

Summary: For a year Charles has nurtured the biggest and most embarrassing crush known to man towards Erik. They are friends and roommates and when Erik asks Charles to accompany him to home on Thanksgiving of course Charles goes.

In the Bleak Midwinter – keire_ke

Summary: It is not easy to find out, well into the second decade of the twenty-first century, that your mother arranged a marriage for you. It is even less easy to convince her that you have no interest in the very fertile Magda, she of the wide hips and lustrous auburn hair. Fortunately, with a good friend at his side over the holiday weekend, Erik is sure he will prevail.

Speech Making – phalangine

Summary: Modern Emma AU- Charles Xavier, accomplished matchmaker and headmaster of North America’s preeminent school for mutants, intends to add another notch to his belt: setting up his friend Moira. His oldest friend, Erik, has doubts about this plan.

Charles doesn’t share them.

This is life (and everything’s all right) – pocky_slash

Summary: Edie Lehnsherr came into Charles' life long before he ever heard Erik Lehnsherr's name, and her death left a gaping hole in the lives of everyone in Charles' family. As the first Purim without her approaches, he begins to get creative in his efforts to bring everyone out of their grief. Kitchen creativity, however, is not quite his strength....

Bashert – AvengingAngel

Summary: Erik and Charles meet and fall in love. I wanted to write a story where Erik had a huge family. Pretty fluffy (for me anyways). I suck at summaries.

Note: The summary doesn’t reveal much but if you’re looking for a fic where Erik is jewish and has a large family with a heavy dose of cherik fluff and angst then this one is for you.

Math Reasons – pearl_o,  pocky_slash

Summary: "Mom says Erik always knows what he wants, it just sometimes takes him a little while to actually realize it," Ruth said.

Charles fell in love with Erik the first night they met, the first week of freshman year. Two years of friendship, adventures, arguments, hijinks, secrets, and summer visits later, Erik is starting to catch up.

Ser

It’s kind of our whole things – pearl_o, pocky_slash

Summary: After two years of best friendship, Charles and Erik thought they knew everything there was to know about each other. They're surprised, then, when their first summer as a couple reveals that they have a lot to learn about each other and themselves.

Sequel to Math Reasons

A Winter in New York – nextraordinaire

Summary: Charles and Erik have been childhood friends for as long as they can remember – Erik, living with his mother in Queens, and Charles in the big mansion in Westchester. For all, expect themselves, it was just natural progression that they'd end up together.

A series of ficlets from the same universe – can be read as separate and are out of chronological order.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – heyjupiter

Summary: "It's just, this is my first Chanukah away from my parents. And it's--it's like 90 degrees out."

Erik Lehnsherr and Kitty Pryde celebrate a Genoshan Chanukah. It's a little different from the way it used to be in New York, but some unexpected visitors help them embrace the spirit of the holiday season.

Hold Back the Rain (front!strict mashup) – euphorbic

Summary: Charles Xavier: society darling, powerful political activist, well-known professor, and Dominant.

Erik Lehnsherr: anti-social, international motorcycle racer, and defiant submissive.

Erik is at Sepang in Malaysia for the fourteenth leg of the International World Championship. After doing poorly in qualifying, he's furious to find he has to take another VIP around the track instead of meeting Charles at the KL airport.

The Swan – waitfornight

Summary: In 1939 Erik and his sister Ruth are sent to Devonshire, England, during the Kindertransport refugee program to live with Kurt and Sharon Marko as foster children just before the start of World War II. Angry and wishing he could return home on the night of his seventeenth birthday, Erik meets a boy alone in the forest who is cursed to transform each day into a swan, only taking his true form by night.

Swan Lake AU.

The boy with the heart on his sleeve – euphorbic

Summary: Charles loses a high-stakes bet to Raven and is required to get a tattoo. However, when he makes a disparaging remark about the art form, Raven's acerbic mentor, Erik, steps in.

Or, the one where Erik and Raven are tattoo artists.

The Wurst Case Scenario – sareyen

Summary:If anyone asked why Charles, come rain, wind or shine, made the significant trek during his dismal lunch hour to dine at "Edie's Kosher Delicatessen", he would stubbornly say that it was because their pastrami on rye and potato knishes were absolutely to die for. He wasn't completely lying, because the deli's namesake, Edie Lehnsherr, made the best matzah ball soup Charles has ever had in his life. Still, Charles would rather shave his full head of hair off than admit that the real reason he would willingly walk through hail and fire to get to the corner deli was because of Erik, the insanely attractive man working the counter.

Sure, Erik has barely spoken two words to Charles other than "Hello, what can I get you?" or, after the third day in a row that Charles came to the deli, "Welcome back, what can I get you?", but Charles was more than happy to just ogle at the man from afar while devouring the juicy wurst Erik had put together with his (large and very capable) hands.

But, little does Charles know, Erik doesn't usually work the front counter. He only does it when he knows the cute blue-eyed man will be dining in.

This is life (and everything’s all right) – pocky_slash

Summary: Edie Lehnsherr came into Charles' life long before he ever heard Erik Lehnsherr's name, and her death left a gaping hole in the lives of everyone in Charles' family. As the first Purim without her approaches, he begins to get creative in his efforts to bring everyone out of their grief. Kitchen creativity, however, is not quite his strength....

c'est regarder ensemble dans la même direction – melonbutterfly

Summary: Since that day on the beach, Charles and Erik have learned to agree to disagree for the sake of living and working together. Then, for Christmas, and Charles gives Erik Hanukkah back a second time, and their relationship shifts a little further.

Terrible Hanukkah Sweaters and Other Life Challenges – professor

Summary: “Why am I here again?” Erik groans.

“I need you to lift things and glower at people over my shoulder when I tell people that it’s not ‘politically correct’ or a ‘war on Christmas’ to have a non-denominational winter holiday festival,” says Theresa Pryde.

Well, at least those are two things he’s good at.

Shrapnel – librata

Summary: It's late 1940, and tensions between the Axis and the Allies are tightening. Displaced and alone, 16-year-old German Jew Erik Lehnsherr finds himself employed as a servant by some snobby, terrible family in England whose house is far too big and whose money never seems to end. The worst part is, he isn't just mucking stables or cleaning plates–-he's tasked with tending to the whiny, disabled son named Charles, who might just drive Erik into absolute madness.

Or, the World War II fic in which Erik and Charles experience a changing world and a lot of teen angst.

Defying Expectations – Baamon5evr

Summary: Charles and Erik meet each other’s family. Neither of them gets what they expect.

table for three – pocky_slash

Summary: Erik should have known to call ahead to the Chinese restaurant--it's Christmas Eve and he lives in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, after all. But before he can go home to mourn the loss of another one of his mother's yearly traditions, he's accosted by a teenage girl with a strange proposition--that he should stay and have dinner with her and her mother, instead.

different from all other nights – metonymy

Summary: "This year we are slaves; next year we will be free." Kitty and Erik host a seder for Passover at the Xavier School.

Libertad – ariadnes_string

Summary: Erik knew the look, had seen it his whole life, even before the war.  ”You, with your height and blue eyes and straight nose, you can pass. You can be free of us. You are not marked with your difference.” If you only knew, he’d thought then. He thought the same thing now. And it was that thought, as much as anything, that made him move towards the gate.

Wash Away – sebastian2017

Summary: One quiet, lonely morning, before Yom Kippur, Erik makes his way to the sea in search of forgiveness.

After? There is No ‘After’ – Unrepentant_Marvelist

Summary: Erik knows what he is for. He has known his responsibilities as a survivor since the moment he woke under a scratchy, lice-infested blanket in the Red Army hospital. His world is painted in lucid blacks and whites (so often splashed in red) and there is no room for uncertainty or indecision... until a certain sunburned Englishman throws himself into his world.

The Children of an Idle Brain – Margo_Kim

Summary: Sometimes, when he’s lucky, Schmidt can’t hurt him. It’s like there’s a room inside of Erik’s head that’s he’s usually locked out of, that won’t open no matter if he beats himself bloody against it. On those days, he endures. But sometimes—and Erik doesn’t know why, whether it’s that the stars align or some higher power takes pity or Erik screams loud enough to earn his reward—the door opens. Erik can duck inside and slam it behind him and watches himself through the windows as Schmidt slowly, methodically tortures him to strength.

These days, this past week, there’s a boy in the room with him and he tells Erik, “That’s horrible,” like that means something.

Somehow, across the world, Erik's and Charles' minds touch when they need each other most. They can't be sure that the other boy is real. They suspect that he is not. But that doesn't mean they aren't each other's lifeline until they lose each other and then for a while longer.

Tehillim – kvikindi

Summary: Erik, in Israel, afterwards: another life he could have had. If.

I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) – childishinquiry

Summary: Erik has worn long sleeves his whole life, even before they had to wear yellow stars. Marching along his arm, in neat, black, English letters, are the words "My name's Charles Xavier."

Precious Few Years – sherwoodfox

Summary: Erik and Charles (known only to each other by the letters inscribed on their wrists) are meant to be together, soulmates, destined for the most powerful kind of love and connection a human being can experience.

But they are separated in almost every possible way- by distance, by circumstance, by language, by war. Their chances of success- of finding one another in the labyrinth of the world- are very slim. There is a reason why most people never find their soulmates.

But of course, Charles and Erik aren't ordinary children-

They have their gifts.

[ishibishie]

i said i would maybe do this two weeks ago but i'm on a steven loving high and i saw a stupid post that was basically brainless bashing and hate in his tag so i'm here to fix this with steven love and ramble about the baby boy with a........

27 RANDOM STEVEN HEADCANONS POST!

uh cw for mentioning dead parents ig. there's a lot of dead parent stuff here sorry

- steven is asexual and aromantic. he discovered this a bit "late" when he was about 20 years old. despite his high profile in hoenn, he isn't very open about his sexuality and has only come out to a handful of close friends, the first being wallace. it was also wallace who gave him the black ring he wears.

- steven is half galarian on his mother's side. he would often visit the region with her before she died, and steven has very fond memories of watching gym matches: those battles are what inspired him to become a pokemon trainer along with his mother having been one herself in galar before she moved to hoenn. his favorite place in galar is wyndon city and he loves finding any excuse to hop aboard the trains scattered throughout the region to see all the unique scenery pass by and collect rare new stones for his collection.

- he adores space and astronomy! when he can't sleep he'll go outside and look at the stars until he eventually dozes off. this also led him to look into the mythology behind the constellations he sees, and he's had a few passionate conversations with cynthia about pokemon mythology.

- when nervous, steven tends to bite his nails. this has led to many scoldings and impromptu manicure sessions from wallace!

- his biggest fear is ghost type pokemon as he hates thinking about the concept of death. he also dislikes very strong thunderstorms, and being left alone for long amounts of time.

- as a result of his pampered childhood, steven is a bit of an attention seeker. he tends to get fussy and impatient when nobody acknowledges or listens to him. there was an isolated incident of steven throwing a pebble he had in his pocket at someone to make them pay attention when he was at his limit.

- likewise, he absolutely hates getting dirty when he's not caving. a single blemish of dirt on his nice clothes will drive him mad. he hates being disorganized and is a bit of a clean freak.

- he's a big contest fanboy! if a day off and a contest line up on the same day, expect to see steven somewhere in the audience cheering the coordinators on.

- steven and his father have a rocky relationship ever since his mother died. steven always wanted to become a pokemon trainer like his mother, but his father wanted him to take over the devon corporation one day. this unwanted pressure from his father ultimately led to steven running away from home to pursue his dreams when he was 14. now, they're still on speaking terms, but that's not to say steven looks forward to and enjoys their conversations. things only got worse when steven came out to his father and was brushed off as "going through a phase". despite everything, steven one day wishes to reconcile with his father and hopes that they can be as close as they were before his mother died.

- the one thing steven regrets most is never saying goodbye to his mother. the last thing he told her was "see you tomorrow!" before she died the very next day

- he met wallace during the time he ran away from home. the two met in lilycove city, where wallace was practicing for a contest and steven happened to be in the city. steven was intrigued by wallace's skills and ability to charm him with his pokemon. the first thing steven said to wallace was a compliment about his pokemon and the two decided to spend the day hanging out. they've been best friends ever since, and steven tends to see wallace as the big brother he never had and his main source of advice.

- he loves to write, whether it's journalling or taking notes about the rare stones he finds. however, he uses the same notebook for everything so his journal entries are often bordered by crammed-in notes about rocks. good luck reading anything, though: he has very small and cursive handwriting.

- steven is a disaster in the kitchen. the only thing he can make without any risk of burning his house down is a cup of tea.

- he's a big nature lover! in contrast to his sheltered life as the son of the ceo of a big business, he enjoys looking at flower gardens and finds any chance he can to lay down on a grassy hill and let the world move by without a care.

- he enjoys classical music and can play the flute!

- due to how he grew up without many real friends as a kid, steven tends to act a bit childish in personal social situations. he'll simply say whatever's on his mind without thinking twice and randomly cut in whenever someone else is speaking. not to mention he's terrible at holding eye contact. more "professional" conversations are where he shines as his parents taught him everything about etiquette.

- steven is polite to a fault: he usually has trouble telling people no and doesn't like to intrude on other people's conversations even if he was invited to such a conversation. it can make normal small talk awkward for both parties.

- his favorite place in hoenn is sootopolis city. he adores being surrounded by history while chatting with wallace at a local cafe, not to mention taking in the beautiful scenery at night.

- clear, sunny days are his favorites. when he travels to a colder region and gets caught in a sudden snowfall, he likes to watch it snow as it's an extreme rarity in hoenn.

- he loves to read and often wears a pair of reading glasses when he finds the time to open a book.

- steven carries a few special items with him wherever he goes: these include his key stone, the first gym badge he ever earned, an old pocket knife that belonged to his mother, and his mother's galar gym challenge league card.

- he's great at various card games. it's best to cut your losses if you make a bet with steven and he pulls out a deck of cards!

- it's easy to tell if steven is lying: he'll always rock back on his heels and bite his lower lip when doing so. using this knowledge is limited however, as steven doesn't tend to lie very often.

- his favorite food is galarian curry, especially the kind his mother used to make. he also enjoys sampling the cuisine from other regions, especially kalos. when it's time for dessert, he'll never pass up: he's got a bit of a sweet tooth!

- steven is a very laid-back person and hardly anything can really upset him. he tends to laugh off any embarrassing blunders he makes and will sometimes make small quips and jokes at his own expense. however, saying anything bad about the devon corporation will cause him to go on a profane offense, a bit ironic considering his odd and shaky relationship with the company.

- steven wears his jacket everywhere he goes. he's always complaining about being cold and it baffles everyone how he can keep wearing his blazer even in the dead heat of hoenn's summers. since he's always freezing, you can often find him at home wrapped in the fluffiest blanket he owns near the fire.

- even though he's champion of hoenn, steven still feels like he's working towards his initial dream of making his mother proud. he really only sees his championship title as one of many steps he still wants to take to live the life and dreams his mother hoped he would achieve!

(i copy pasted this from my phone notes so if the format is screwy, sorry!)

EDIT 8-30-21: yes i lowkey made this post to combat the people who are bashing on steven for getting a mega evolving rayquaza and posting this hate on his tag. it's fine to not like steven or how zinnia didn't get the mega rayray but for the love of god DON'T post hate in steven's tag! the people checking his tag are people who like him and we really don't appreciate you mindlessly calling our baby boy a racist bitch because you're salty. i'm sure you wouldn't like it if i went into zinnia's tag and posted "haha suck it side character" so. don't be a bitch. be considerate, okay?

[twobrothersfuckingeachother]

J2 fic rec

Missing the boys together? Want some J2?

I picked some fics from my bookmarks that are a bit on the longer side. I hope everyone finds something they can enjoy and/or don’t know yet

Pharmakon by cherie_morte

Words: 35305

Jared is a farm hand, the sole breadwinner of a poor and growing family. When his brother steals an herb from a witch to save his sick wife, she curses the entire family, turning them into swans.

Jared returns home to find his family missing. The witch makes a deal with him: if he can knit six shirts out of poisonous nettles in three years and put one on each of his cursed relatives, it will break the spell. But Jared must also promise not to speak…which seemed like a pretty easy thing to do, until a beautiful prince stumbles upon him and takes him in. Basically, a J2 retelling of The Six Swans fairytale.

Never by saucyminx 

Words: 44335

Jensen Ackles is thirty years old and he’s never been with a man before. When he finally works up the nerve to try it out, he thinks picking up a hooker from the street will keep things from getting too complicated. No part of him is ready for the slightly broken Jared and the boy’s wishes for a life he could never have.

Happy Plastic People by anyothergirl415

Words: 48414

In the wake of his family’s hatred, Jared is left to deal with the pieces of himself. Being friends with a perfect Christian boy like Jensen is downright terrifying but Jared can’t seem to stay away.

Call Me Freedom by bad_peppermint

Words: 59225

Jensen spends all year looking forward to summer, his own version of heaven: Two months of nothing but soccer, Jared, and soccer. The South Coast Summer Soccer Championships are his best chance to be recruited professionally once he graduates from high school, but this time, real life encroaches on his sanctuary. In the picture perfect confines of John Hart Academy, during the hottest summer in Texan history, Jensen tries to come to terms with his fellow players, his new position as captain of his team, and his confused sexuality. And then Jared kisses him. Struggling to make things work with his best friend turned boyfriend and his unaccepting teammates, Jensen is beginning to think that winning the Championships might turn out to be impossible.

Lazarus Rising by cherie_morte

Words: 61265

Jared’s had a rough year. His boyfriend dumped him and he's out of work, saddled with a pile of student loan debt after dropping out of school to care for a sick relative. Hoping to cheer him up, his sister enters him into a contest for an unusual prize: ten days alone with world famous rock star Jensen Ackles, Jared's childhood hero. No cameras, no entourage, just a chance to get to know one of the biggest names in music one-on-one.

Jared wins, but it's not the dream come true it should be. It's been a long time since Jensen's glory days, and he's fallen on hard times himself. Fresh out of his fourth stint in rehab, Jensen is now better known for his bad attitude and party lifestyle than his music. When he arrives, Jensen turns out to be even worse than the tabloids say. Jared can hardly stand him and the feeling seems to be mutual, but Jensen's label is offering a generous per diem and Jared needs the money almost as much as Jensen needs the good press.

As the days pass and Jared begins to see through Jensen’s bad boy act, he discovers a heart that beats to the same broken rhythm as his own. But ten days go quickly, and it's hard to imagine a future outside of the quiet world they've shared in Jared's home.

A Dime If You Tell Me That You Love Me by cherie_morte 

Words: 66488

Jared wastes his days idly riding buses in quiet rebellion of his family's extravagant lifestyle and suffocating demands. One day, he sees a man from the bus window who is everything he isn't allowed to have. After talking to the stranger, Jared learns that he can have Jensen after all—as long as he's willing to pay.

Screw You, We're From Texas by makeit_takeit 

Words: 74894

This is what could have happened if fate twisted differently, if they never got those big Hollywood breaks and instead ended up living the lives they grew up expecting to lead. More or less.

Beware of the Jade God by sparklingice 

Words: 97786

When clumsy exolinguist Jared's ship crashes on a planet classified as uninhabitable, he is prepared to find his death there. But what he discovers in Saxet-d's vast jungle gives him a new take on life instead.

"Jared can’t believe what his life has narrowed down to. Stranded on an alien planet while possibly carnivorous creatures fight over who gets to chomp on his bleeding wounds. And to make matters worse, the dotted one won't stop staring with those neon green eyes of wild fascination."

Bonus J3: 

A Very Neighbourly Christmas by soy_em

Words: 10151

When Jensen and Jared meet Jeff, their new neighbour, they are definitely interested in getting to know him better…

Three Halves Make a Whole by whisperedstory 

Words: 20762

Jared resigned himself to the fact that he doesn't have a soulmate years ago. He never felt the bond that is supposed to form as teenagers, guiding two people together. He has tried to find happiness elsewhere instead, focusing on his job and friends.

And then, one day, Jensen walks into his bookstore and the bond snaps right into place. Jared knows they're soulmates instantly; Jensen's the person he's been hoping to find all his life.

The only problem is that Jensen already has a soulmate.

[alexbkrieger13]

Seger chimes in on the critique SBG has on the choices of arenas for the Euro but aims the focus towards Uefa. fotbollskanalen(.)se/sverige/seger-delar-em-kritiken-skickar-kanga-till-uefa-far-tanka-om-och-gora-ratt/ When the Euro arenas was announced in Sep last year, Svt Sport asked Uefa to explain the choices. svt(.)se/sport/fotboll/uefa-svarar-darfor-har-vi-valt-de-em-arenorna Not keen on giving Uefa the benefit of the doubt. It sounds more like they forgot foreign fans would be interested...

This continues my theory that the FA are just spearheading this tournament for England to win

This summer, the European Championships will be held in England. A championship that is expected to be the biggest event in women's football. The final will be played at Wembley and the 90,000 tickets that were sold out in one hour. In addition, all of England's group stage matches have sold out.

In addition, two of Iceland's matches have sold out - they will be played in an arena that receives 7,000 spectators, something that caused the Icelandic star, Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir to collapse in the podcast Their Pitch.

- It is shocking, embarrassing and disrespectful to women's football, she said, among other things. Sweden's team captain Caroline Seger agrees with the European Championship criticism but focuses on Uefa.

- Should we now fully invest in a championship and give women's football the space needed - and where it has actually been shown that tickets sell out fairly quickly, then we must also get those arenas. It is our dear friends from Uefa who have that job, and they have to rethink and do the right thing. But it must be a lesson for them, says Seger to Fotbollskanalen.

Women's football has time and again shown that you can sell out of tickets. Among other things, Barcelona's ladies have sold out Camp Nou twice during the Champions League play-offs - and the previously mentioned European Championship final at Wembley is also sold out.

And during the World Cup qualifiers earlier in April, Kosovar Asllani was clear that she thinks she thinks the national team is starting to get too big for Gamla Ullevi and that the matches should be moved to Friends arena. 

- Now we play at Gamla Ullevi but I look forward to being able to open Friends arena for us even more often. I think we're getting too big for this arena. Although we love to play here we want to play even more matches on Friends, she said then.

Last month, Uefa reported that 140,000 match tickets have already been sold for next summer's major championship. Figures that are unparalleled, according to the organization.

Despite this, they have chosen arenas with less grandstand capacity than previous championships. Uefa explains how it has reasoned in the choice of venues.

"In January 2018, the English Football Association, in collaboration with UK Sport, conducted an open selection process for the cities and arenas wishing to be part of Uefa Women's Euro 2022. A final selection was approved by Uefa based on the arenas and cities that complied with the requirements. ", Writes UEFA's press department in an email to SVT.

Best suited

The European Football Association also presses for the selection of those arenas and cities as they are considered to be best suited for creating memorable events, and offers a wide range of supporters. At the same time, the travel time between the venues has been reviewed.

"All selected arenas are very committed to hosting the matches throughout the tournament and will help create an atmosphere for what will be an excellent event for supporters and players."

"The right mix"

"The two largest football arenas in England, four more arenas with a capacity of over 30,000, two arenas over 10,000 and two arenas under 10,000, are the right mix of arenas to give the tournament a platform to fulfill the potential and ensure a fantastic atmosphere. for the players, ticket holders and viewers ”.

Uefa are convinced that many matches will be sold out and look forward to more than doubling the numbers from the last European Championship

[jennibeultimate]

Personal recap Worlds 2021 - Ladies FS

And of course I am doing one for the ladies. I am just fuming with anger right now. So this might get harsh and salty. Just a warning. I go down from place 1.

I like Anna's skating and musicality and I am actually glad that even if this was neither her best performance nor a performance that touched me it was still the best of those Russians on the podium. If Trusova would have won with her skates I would be even more mad. So congrats little fairy you did it. ❤️ She is a sweet person and she deserves the world. The scoring is not in the skaters hands, but her scoring was...a choice but still a lot more reasonable than Trusova's....

Liza's story is amazing. Just from this point of view it's an amazing achievement. A rolemodel for all figure skaters that they have a chance after their puberty. Her tears when she found out she won over Trusova touched me. So congratulations from the bottom of my heart. 🎉 BUT this was not a silver medal winners performance. Too many mistakes, too little program. One 3A was fantastic but the rest was so and so. I am glad she got ahead of Trusova but it's not a performance I would remember and 69 PCS is questionable at best, compared to Loena, Kaori and Karen it's not right.

Alexandra Trusova...where to start? It would be called a major downmelt if she wouldn't jump quads. Her TES shoot her up high and looking at the protocol technically calls look ok, I would have lowered some GOEs but the TES are hardly my problem. The PCS are atrocious. There was no choreography, no interpretation, nothing left of what seemed to be improvements in the SP in the season. The PCS were way too high. 10 points should go down at least. 56 was what Eva Lotta got and sorry this was worse than her by a lot. And I am sure without quads and without being from Russia, she wouldn't have gotten those PCS. And that's my big fat problem. This was rigged and corrupted PCS scoring at its best. And this program won the free skate??? Wtf. If that's the future I won't watch skating any longer...nothing against Trusova herself but judges are setting the wrong example here. And no I cannot say congrats from my heart because I would have not put her on the podium. It's clear she also benefitted from a lot of the last group skaters not doing well and her high PCS from the SP. I mean everyone trains hard, so not deserved would be wrong to say but just I am not good with this. So still...

Congratulations to the medalists! You fought hard!

Karen Chen is probably the most underestimated of this competition. She came through with two beautiful programs and showed everyone that she was the right choice for this team. I can only applaud👏👏👏 She was imo robbed of the Bronze here. Her PCS are too low compared to Trusova and Liza and others. 4th place is still a very good result for her and saves USA 3 spots for teh Olympics. (wouldn't it be the biggest joke if ladies have 3 spots but the men don't? Not that I wish for it but that's a still a possibility) Her spirals are just A+! 😍 One of the only programs of today worth rewatching.

Loena Hendricks just did that!!! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥The underdog of this comp just did that! She was the best today. World champion material. Ofc others may have stronger technical content but the cleaness and presentation was the best of everyone today imo. Even if I am not even a big fan of the program but so well suited to her. Really happy for her. 😊

Kaori Sakamoto is the loser of the day. I am still fuming on Kaori's behalf. Yes there was a mistake and yes she has a Flutz but again if everyone gets a pass on edge calls so should Kaori. Edge calls seem only to exist for Kaori. 🙄 She was lowballed in PCS. An almost clean program and 1 point more PCS than the 2 falls skate of Trusova? Sure...🤮 I probably wouldn't fume so much about Trusova's PCS if others like Kaori and Loena would have scored in the 70s but no...admittedly I don't think this was the best version of Matrix...anyway Kaori deserved better. Love you Kaori! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Rika was extremely hard to watch. Heartbroken for her. 💔💔💔She seems to still deal with her ligament injury, still looking at the trainings I thought she would do well. I think not competing and being in such a good position to win this made it mentally tough on her here. I like this lovely program a lot but for today's program 69 PCS was friendly but not when I look at Trusova though...this were just a couple too much mistakes sadly. I hope she can rest well. She will come back stronger! ❤️

I am including Satoko here because she is the other heartbreak for me. 💔 Nothing worked. She was totally out of everything. She is such a magical skater. 63 PCS are just horrid for a skater of her caliber. Puh...I am sad...love you Satoko and happy birthday 🎂 ❤️

I am so heartbroken for Team Japan in general💔😭😭😭😭

Olga Mikutina was my surprise of this competition. When I watched her live at Euros 2020 she fell all over the place, this was such an improvement. Impressive! 👏👏👏Lovely! You got yourself a fan. 😍

Bradie Tennell - I read that her skates broke prior to the SP so that hindered her here. Still I think Bradie did fairly well but too many little errors that lowered TES and PCS are a big joke anyway. Normally I would say those PCS were fair but then we have Trusova and that's where the sense stops for me...

Haein Lee - she is a lovely skater. She is young but a very committed skater to presentation etc. I like her a lot. Not a bad result for a first World Championship. Ofc they were hoping for a 3rd spot but this wasn't a given from the start.

Yelim Kim - my other fairy just dropped a whole lot. 😭 Not much worked like usual. I am so sorry. Such a perfect SP and now this free skate to drop her even behind her teammate. Maybe she wanted too much starting in the last group? The pressure is huge. Haein Lee and Yelim Kim just have the best dresses of this competition! Korean ladies costumes are always A+++❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Lastly I just mention those I liked in the earlier groups:

Josefin Taljegard 🔥 🔥 🔥 She was on fire. Interpretation A+++ her skating and technical content in general are too low to be competitive but I would rather rewatch her a 1000 times than watch Trusova or some of today's other performances ever again. Also I would rather gladly take 24 programs with less technical content and performances like hers than this diaster free in general from today. In other words stan Josefin! ❤️

Eva Lotta Kiibus - her program is well made. Her technical content is good. Her costume is a dream. She can show more of her personality during the program but the basics are great. Love her. 😍

Lindsay Van Zundert - delivered again a wonderful clean program. Very positively surprised with this young lady. 😊

Overall this event was a disappointment. Scoring wise it should not have surprised me. Performance wise it was disappointing as well.

No not a competition worth rewatching. If this is the ladies figure skating of the future then I quit watching ladies. I hate the uneven apply of rules and the playing favorites of the Russians. And also JSF should finally start backing their skaters or Japan will drown in the end.

Sorry for the on going ranting about Trusova's PCS but this is the main problem for me why nothing of everyone else makes sense. And just a clarification, it's not against Trusova, it's the judging and the way this kind of skating gets more reward than ppl with actual programs. It must be disheartening for a lot of skaters.

Bye.

Praying for a better men free skate. 🙏

[storydays]

Season 1, Episode 1, p2

You dodged an Earth disc from the opposing team's earthbender's steady hand and used two water blast toward the earthbender and the firebender, sending them into the sink below. The crowd cheered as Mako and Bolin then sent the remaining benders into the sink. "And what an amazing triple play by the Fire Ferrets! If they can win the expedition match, the rookie sensations will be moving into the championship!" You grinned at your long time friends, brothers Mako and Bolin. Bolin was a rather loud, excitable earthbender and happy go luck person in general. Mako, however was a angst filled firebender, very serious, and could be a bit of an unintentional ass. 

You stumbled across them about 8 years back, while trying to track down your father with your Auntie Kya, who had been on a break from their busy lives. 

*Flashback*

Your Uncle Tenzin was searching with your Aunt Lin, while Aunt Pema and Gran-Gran were staying back with a newborn Ikki and a two year old Jinora. You felt so grown up, helping the adults. Your Auntie was rambling about how her brother's were idiots, and a few not so children friendly cuss words, when you felt a pair of eyes watching you. You stopped, catching her attention. "(Y/N), what's wrong, honey?" She knelt in front of you, waiting. 

You would tell her when you were ready. She knew you were listening, for something. 

Your (e/c) eyes looked down the alley, before whispering into the older waterbender's ear. Kya smiled, before standing up and followed you to the alley. There you found a pair of kids, one wearing a red scarf around his neck, the other with thick eyebrows. The one with scarf, you knew was a firebender, held sadness, and protection for his brother. The other was an earthbender, and he oozed fear for his brother, and he also held sadness, but could be a different reasons. You put on a gentle smile, before holding your hand out. 

"We've been looking for someone, and we found you two. We've been wondering around for hours, and I'm hungry. Do you guys want to join us,at the Rosemary Cafe?" The older brother eyes you and Kya for a moment before looking at his brother, and nodded, trusting your (e/c) eyes. Together, the four of you spent time  in Republic City, until your Aunt Kya ran into the pro-bender gym owner. They were old classmates/associates and knowing how hard it was to survive, the older man, adopted the boys, and they became family. 

After waving goodbye to them, you and Kya found your father making a fool of himself at a local bar. Your aunt whacked her brother upside her head, grinning as you try to stifle your giggles. That was a day, you would never forget, because it made your Aunt Kya proud at your big heart.

*Flashback end*

You grinned, after taking a sip of water as you listen to Bolin chat happily to his brother who replied bluntly. Other than your family, they were the only ones who knew you were an airbending master, and it was the biggest secret Bolin has ever held which, and it made your proud and special that he could help protect you. You finished changing, fixing your hair, so it hid your arrows again, before answering your radio that you kept on your person while off Air Temple Island. "Yes, Uncle?" You questioned, waving goodbye to your friends. "Yes, I'll meet you there, soon." You hung up, and then whistled for your other pet/friend, a polar bear dog, like Naga, but they were sister and brother. "Neo, here boy." You cooed as he sat in front of you, nudging you and looking at you fondly. "Let's go see Auntie Lin, boy." 

He barked happily, and quickly ran to the police station where your Uncle was waiting. Waving down a nearby guard, you asked him to take Neo to the animal section of the station, before Tenzin began walking. "So, why are we here?" You asked putting your arms behind your head, acting nonchalantly. "We're here because of Korra, it appears she ran away, and came here to start trouble." He grumbled, leading you into an interrogation room, where Korra was flinching under the Chief's stern voice. "Let's see, multiple counts of destruction of private and city property. Not to mention, evading arrest." She slammed the file in front of the girl, before leaning in close. 

"You're in a whole mess of trouble, young lady." "But there were some thugs threatening a helpless shopkeeper and I--" Korra tried to explain. "Can it." Lin growled, walking away. "You should have called the police, and stayed out of the way." "But I couldn't just sit by, and do nothing. It's my duty to help people." She pouted, before giving the Chief an awkward smile, "See, I'm the Avatar." 

You snicker, seeing the unimpressed look on your aunt's face. "Oh, I'm well aware of who you are, and your avatar tittle might impress some people, but not me." Korra looked a little shocked before relenting. "All right, fine. Then I want to talk to whoever's in charge." Unfazed by her tactics, Lin sat down across from her. "You're talking to her. I'm Chief Beifong." 'And in 3,2,1..' you counted down in your head before realization struck Korra. "Wait, Beifong? Lin Beifong? You're Toph's daughter!" She exclaimed. "What of it?" Lin huffed. "Well, then, why are you treating me like a criminal? Avatar Aang and your mother were friends! They saved the world together.." Korra trailed off. 

"That's ancient history. And it's got nothing to do with the mess you're in right now. You can't just waltz in here, and dole out vigilante justice like you own the place!" Your Uncle then ushered you to follow him. "All right, let's go get Korra before Lin kills her." He muttered, making you grin. "Chief, Councilman Tenzin is here." A guard called into the room. "Let him in." Lin sighed before standing up, and folding her arms behind her back. Tenzin walked in with a frown on his face, and you hung in the doorway, leaning against it and crossing your arm with an mischievous grin. "Tenzin, (Y/N), sorry. Got a little sidetracked on my way to see you guys." She shuffled nervously in her seat.

Tenzin inhaled softly, before sparing a grin at Lin. "Lin, you are looking radiant as usual." Your shoulders shake as you tried not to laugh. "Cut the garbage, Tenzin. Why is the Avatar in Republic City?" She growled at the man. "I thought you were supposed to be moving down to the South Pole to train her." "My relocation has been delayed. The Avatar on the other hand, will be heading back to the South Pole immediately, where she will stay put." "But--" Korra tried to cut in, but Tenzin continued as if she hadn't spoken a word, "If you would be so kind, as to drop the charges against Korra," He paused to glare at the shrinking girl's figure. "I will take full responsibility for today's regrettable events and cover all the damages." Lin looked back at the crestfallen teenager, looked at you who smiled cheerfully back, before sighing in resignation. 

She waved her hand, unlocking Korra from her cuffs, before crossing her arms. "Fine, get her out of my city." "Always a pleasure, Lin." Tenzin complimented, before turning sternly to the Avatar. "Let's go, Korra. You as well, (Y/N)." "Wait, I need to talk to (Y/N). He'll catch up with you in a second." Lin stated, fighting a grin as the two made their way out. Korra rubbing her wrists, cast a look behind her, only to see Lin shoot her the famous, 'I'm watching you.' look before Korra replied with the same look, only mushing up and mocking the woman. Lin threw her hand up and scrunched her face in confusion before turning to a laughing you. "So, tell me what happened today!" Lin grinned, no one knew it but you, but she loved watching your matches, and tried her best to catch them when she could, or at the very least, listened to the matches on her private radio. 

You grin quickly explaining everything to her, and she smiled seeing you hyped up. It wasn't often she saw you this excited and it was a breeze of fresh air, and she was happy to see a spark in your (e/c) eyes. "But yeah, and if we win the expedition match, we go to the finals and we could be the champions!" You cheered. "That's great, (Y/N)! I'll be sure to catch those two matches for sure." She smiled before hugging you and sending you on your way. "See ya tonight for dinner, Aunt Lin."

You quickly grabbed Neo, and followed your Uncle to the harbor where he was trying to get a boat for Korra to leave immediately. "Tenzin, please don't send me back home." "You blatantly disobeyed my wishes and the orders of the White Lotus." Tenzin stated.  "It was actually (Y/N)'s idea!" Korra defended. You grumble, ignoring your uncle's withering stare. "It was your idea to have her come here?" He demanded. "Technically, I told her to look for the pro-bending gym, or I'd assumed she would've gone straight to Air Temple Island." Your Uncle then began lecturing you before you blurted out, "I had a vision!" They both looked at you with looks, varying between shock, awe, and surprise. "Why didn't you tell me, (Y/N)?" Tenzin asked calmly, knowing you responded better that way.

"Because I only just figured it out, what that vision meant, and I knew I had to act quickly, to try and speed things along." You fidget in place, Neo whining and gently nudging you in an attempt to comfort you. Seeing you were uncomfortable, Korra spoke up. "Katara agreed with me that I should come. She said my destiny is in Republic City." She felt successful when Tenzin turned his attention to her, face turning redder than his clothing, and you sent a grateful smile to the waterbender. "Don't bring my mother into this!" he snapped, ignoring your laugh. "You look like a tomato, Uncle."

"Look, I can't wait any longer, to finish my training. Being cooped up and hidden away from the world, isn't helping me become a better Avatar. I saw a lot of the city today, and it's totally out of whack. I understand why you and (Y/N) need to stay, Republic City does need you both, but it needs me too." Korra finished her speech, leaving Tenzin to stammer before sighing as a police officer brought Naga to the group. "Is this your polar bear-dog, miss?" He asked tiredly. You laugh before gently taking Naga to see her brother Neo who howled with glee seeing her big brother. 

Korra sighed seeing the boat come closer to the port. Tenzin was really making her leave. You stood next to your Uncle as he studied Korra. "You know she's right. It'd be helpful and beneficial for everyone involved, if she stayed. It's going to happen anyways, so it'd be better if she was here under good tenses, instead of her constantly sneaking off." Your conversation was cut short, as the 3 Airbender kids landed in front of your group. Meelo hopping off of Jinora's back, and the kids hugging her legs and waist. "Korra!" They cried happily. "Are you coming to live on the island with us?" Ikki asked, as Korra knelt in front of them. "No, I'm sorry, Ikki. I have to go home now." She felt her heart break at the kids disappointed cries. 

"Aw." Tenzin watched the scene with sad eyes. Ikki then hopped on your back, and snuggled into your back. "I don't want Korra to leave." She murmured, sadly. "I know, she doesn't want to leave either." You said, clearly, before sharply elbowing your uncle. He looked into your (e/c) eyes, and then looked at the sad faces of his kids, before sighing in defeat. "Wait." He walked forward to a surprised Korra. "I have done my best to guide Republic City towards the dream my father had for it. But you are right, it has fallen out of balance since he passed. I thought I should put off your training in order to uphold his legacy. But you are his legacy." He put his hand on Korra's shoulder, and smiled softly at the girl.

"You may stay here and train airbending with me." Korra gasped excitedly as Tenzin continued. "Republic City needs its Avatar once again." "Yes! Thank you! You're the best!" Korra cheered as the Airbending kids cheered with her. She grabbed the airbenders in her arms, giving a giant group hug, and making Tenzin groan at the girl's strength. You laugh as Naga snuggled Korra's back, happy that her girl was happy. You smiled softly from atop of Neo, as Nevermore found you and curled in your lap. "Hey girl, didja miss me?" You coo, running your fingers along her scales, before looking into the stars, smiling. 'Things are going to get crazy, aren't they, Mom?' 

--The Next Day--

You stood behind your Aunt Lin's stern figure as Korra was at a press conference. The Avatar didn't know where to look with all the flashing lights, but a quick glance to you, made her get her confidence back, she cleared her throat, before speaking. "Hello, I'm Korra, your new Avatar." "Does this mean you moved to Republic City?" An older reporter called out. "Were you trying to send a message to the  Triads yesterday?" A green eyed woman asked."Will you be fighting crime, the anti-bending revolution, or both?" Another cried. "Will you be working with Chief Beifong and the police?" A final question rang out. "Uh, yes, I am definitely here to stay, but honestly, I don't have a plan yet. See I'm still in training, but all I know is Avatar Aang meant for this city to be the center of peace and balance in the world, and I believe we can make his dream a reality, and I look forward to serving you! I'm very happy to be here! Thank you, Republic City!" Korra then walked off with Tenzin, as you stood by Lin's side. "That's all, no more questions." Lin demanded, before tugging you along with her. 

You grin finding Neo and Naga playfully wrestling, before sitting next to Korra while Tenzin and Lin were talking quietly. "Good job, Avatar. I know things will start to get better now that you're here. Just promise me one thing." You refused to meet her eyes, but you knew she was listening. Turning toward her, you raised your pinky to her, "Promise me, we'll do this together." You beg as she studied you. Korra sent you a gleaming smile before hooking hers around yours. 

"I promise."

[the-regal-warrior]

Making Mat: Part One

Welcome to my new Elorcan AU!! Yes, this definitely stemmed from the fact that I’ve watched Cheer like a million times, but I tried to write it so it would make sense if you haven’t seen the show. I’m so excited to share this little mini-series with you - it’ll be three parts in total!

Summary: It’s an Elorcan meets Cheer AU, because why not? Elide Lochan: member of the champion Terrasen University cheer team. Lorcan Salvaterre: serving his country in the army and Elide’s loving boyfriend. Watch their love unfold as their friends try to get him home to see her.

Warnings: Just some language, I think!

.

It was a very big day - probably the biggest day of the entire season. Well, aside from Banjali. 

Elide could practically feel the entire squad buzzing with energy as she walked into the gym. She was a member of the cheer team at Terrasen University, which just so happened to be the reigning champion collegiate cheer squad - and the most decorated. They’d won more than any other team, and just making the squad was a huge honor.

But today was the day they could be granted the greatest honor of all - being chosen for mat. Even though there were forty members, only twenty of them could actually compete at the Collegiate Championship Competition in Banjali, Eyllwe. They worked hard all season - basically competing amongst themselves - to prove themselves to be deserving of one of those coveted spots. 

Tossing her bag onto the bench, she was just turning to go stretch with some of the others on the mat when she was lifted into a hug from behind and spun around. She squealed in surprise, her fingers gripping the muscular arms around her waist - arms she thought belonged to her boyfriend’s best friend in the entire world. A glance down proved her suspicions were right - a mountain range was inked across his left forearm in greyscale, a perfect match to the one on Lorcan’s arm.

“Vaughan,” she giggled, “put me down.” Expecting to find her feet on the ground, she shrieked when she was tossed into the air. Reaching down to brace her hands on his shoulders, he caught her just before she hit the ground, pulling her into a tight hug as he set her down. “You’re such a pain in my ass, Osten.”

“If that’s your polite way of saying that I’m your best friend,” Vaughan started, tickling her sides and chuckling when she giggled, “then I humbly accept.”

She huffed, but nodded anyway. “Mmm, I mean, I’m basically stuck with you because of Lorcan.” He rolled his eyes, so Elide leaned up to press her lips to his cheek in a quick kiss. “I’m just kidding, love. You know I’m glad of your friendship.”

“I’m glad of yours, too.” Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Vaughan began steering her in the direction of the mat. “Besides, as his best friend, it’s basically my duty to look after his girl while he’s gone.” Lorcan Salvaterre, Elide’s boyfriend and Vaughan’s best friend, was serving in the army, and he’d been deployed to Adarlan’s base in Melisande for almost nine months. She missed him terribly, but she was glad that she and Vaughan had become close. It was a way for the two of them to bear the weight of missing someone they both loved so much.

She giggled, coming to the stop at the edge of the mat. “And he’d kill you if anything happened to me while he was gone, right?”

“Erm, yeah, more or less.” Vaughan scratched the back of his neck and offered her a small smile. “But that’s not the only reason I’m your friend - I hope you know that.”

Taking his hand as she turned to look at the two people taking turns tumbling across the open space in front of them, she murmured, “of course I know that - but thank you.” 

He squeezed her hand in a silent thank you, and then they both immediately started laughing when they realized that the two people tumbling like beasts across the floor were Fenrys and Asterin. They were the two best tumblers on the team, and it was fairly common to see them trying to out-tumble one another.

The fact that they had been dating for almost three years only seemed to make them more competitive. As Elide folded her legs and sank down onto the mat, Asterin flipped her golden ponytail over her shoulder and arched her brow at her boyfriend. 

Taking the silent dare, Fenrys winked at his girlfriend and took off across the surface, his body twisting and turning through the air so quickly that Elide almost struggled to keep up. He stuck the landing with a massive smile on his face and stepped back, gesturing for Asterin to take her turn.

She did so, with all of her usual swagger in place, even going so far to blow Fenrys a kiss before she sprang into action. If his pass had been difficult to follow, then hers could only be defined as practically impossible. Elide had always considered herself to be a decent tumbler, but Asterin made her look like she had no clue what she was doing. 

Slowly easing herself into a split and feeling her muscles starting to stretch, Elide watched as Asterin rounded on her boyfriend, giggling happily when he bowed his head and held his arms out to her. She launched herself at him, squealing when he caught her and spun her around.

Though she was happy for her friends, watching them be so happy together sent a pang of sadness right through her heart. Though she knew Lorcan was doing something he loved, something he was proud to do, Elide couldn’t help but wish that he was home with her. 

Her mind was consumed with thoughts of him as she continued stretching, though her mood improved significantly when she remembered that he, according to his last email, was supposed to be calling her later that night. She was just thinking that she’d have to ask her coach if she could break the no phones rule when the woman stepped up to the edge of the mat and called them all to attention. 

“Alright, everyone,” Evalin Ashryver Galathynius started, “I know you all know what today is - it’s Mat day. So, I won’t hold you in suspense. I have the list right here, so I’ll go through who’s actually on first, and then we’ll talk about who’s doing what.” Everyone shuffled off to the sides, leaving the center clear for those who had been chosen. “And remember,” she added, “just because you weren’t chosen doesn’t mean you’re not a valuable member of this team, okay?”

She waited for everyone to nod their agreement before reaching for the notebook on the chair behind her. Elide felt her nerves settle into the pit of her stomach, and she reached for the dark blue scrunchie flecked with little white stars on her wrist. Lorcan had given it to her - well, technically, he’d given it back, since he’d stolen it from the pack before she’d even had time to open it - before he’d left for his last deployment, and she only took it off when she absolutely had to. It was a source of comfort for her, a way for her to keep him close whenever he was gone, and it helped take the edge off her nerves. 

Evalin cleared her throat. “Okay, then: boys first. The eleven of you chosen are Sam, Ilias, Enda, Ress, Galan, Luca, Dorian, Nox, Aedion, Vaughan, and Fenrys.”

Elide could see each of the boys let out a sigh of relief when they were chosen, and she realized that the moment of truth was all but upon her.

“And now, the girls.” Her coach looked up at all of them for just a moment, offering them a small smile before she read the names. “Kaya, Briar, Edda, Vesta, Lysandra, Nehemia, Aelin, Asterin, and Elide.”

Feeling the smile pulling at her lips, Elide joined her teammates in the center of the mat, hugging Fenrys quickly before Vaughan was tucking her into his side with a happy little grin on his face. 

Evalin offered all of them a very happy smile as everyone else shuffled over to the back half of the gym to keep stretching. “So, I have a feeling you all know why you’ve been selected, but I’ll just go over it quickly. The stunt groups will be as follows: Elide, Fenrys, and Vaughan; Aelin, Aedion, and Nox; Vesta, Ilias, and Enda; Lysandra, Ress, and Galan; and Nehemia, Dorian, and Sam. Baskets will be all but Lysandra’s stunt group, with Lys joining Elide’s, Galan joining Aelin’s, Ress joining Nehemia’s, and Edda joining Vesta’s. Elide, Aelin, and Vesta will be the top girls in the pyramid, with Lys, Nehemia, Edda, and Briar as the other fliers. Luca, Asterin, and Kaya will be our main tumblers, though Fenrys will also be doing quite a lot as well.”

She’d been listening with rapt attention as her coach rattled off their spots, and she felt some of her nerves settle back in. Stunts, baskets, and pyramid, plus the necessary tumbling, was a lot to ask of one person, but Elide knew that she could handle it. She’d spent years training for this exact moment, and she was never one to back down from a challenge.

“Now that everything is all sorted,” Evalin began, “let’s get started on the pyramid. Take five more minutes to stretch and then we’re going to run this.”

Realizing that she’d better talk to her coach before practice really got underway, Elide jogged up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.

Turning, the older woman offered her a smile. “Elide. What can I do for you?”

“Well,” Elide said, tossing her ponytail over her shoulder. “I sort of have a favor to ask you.” 

She arched an eyebrow questioningly, and Elide idly realized that was where her daughter must have picked up on the habit - Aelin had perfected the single-eyebrow-arch before they were teenagers. “What’s up, dear?”

“Okay, so I know you have the no phones rule, but Lorcan told me he’d be able to call tonight, and I was really hoping you’d be willing to bend it a little, just for tonight.” The words rushed out of her mouth in a single breath, and Evalin blinked at her, a slight smile on her face. “I was just really hoping you could keep an eye on my phone so I don’t miss his call?”

“Elide,” Evalin finally said, interjecting before she could keep rambling. “Of course I’ll watch for him to call - I know how important this is, and I’d never want you to miss it.”

Elide grinned, a happy little hum slipping through her lips as she hugged the other woman. “Thanks, Aunt Evalin!” Though they weren’t related by blood, Evalin and Elide’s mother, Marion, were as close as sisters, and the two families spent as much time together as they did apart.

“Of course, love.” She returned the hug before nudging Elide in the direction of the rest of the team. “Now, get yourself over there, miss. I’ve got a winning routine to perfect, and you’ve got a pyramid to run through.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She handed her phone over and jogged back to the mat, taking her place between Ress and Galan for the pyramid. Both of them offered her small smiles. Though she usually stunted with Fenrys and Vaughan, her starting spot took her away from the two of them. Not that it mattered - she trusted every member of this team with her life. 

“Alright, let’s do this!” Evalin yelled, clapping her hands twice and starting the music. 

Waiting for her cue, Elide took a deep breath and braced her hands on the boys’ shoulders. She nodded once, held still for two counts, and then she was moving. 

Being one of the top girls meant that she was constantly moving, constantly twisting and turning and flipping, being passed from one set of bases to the next to being braced on someone’s thigh or shoulders. She was rarely still, only hitting a pose for a matter of seconds before she was being tossed around again. Even though Vesta was the center top girl, the one who would be the focal point of the actual pyramid, Elide and Aelin were both given parts that were just as difficult. 

She lost count of everything that was going on in the gym around her, only focusing on the pyramid and her role in it, making sure that she was doing what she needed to be doing when she was meant to be doing it. 

It wasn’t until she’d been put safely back on the ground after their fifth - or was it the sixth? - run-through of the pyramid, Nehemia slinging an arm around her shoulders as they both tried to breathe, that she noticed Evalin was holding her phone in her hand. She gestured for whoever was FaceTiming her to wait for a moment before turning to face the team. “Okay, y’all, let’s take a break. Elide, someone’s on the phone for you.”

There was a loud chorus of “oooo” and “aww” echoing around her - everyone knew that she was waiting for him to call, but Elide hardly noticed. She was ducking around her teammates, all but sprinting for her coach. “Thank you, she managed to breathe before her phone was in her hands and her eyes met her boyfriend’s. “Lorcan!” she squealed, tears springing into her eyes.

“Hey beautiful,” he greeted, his normally stoic face splitting into the widest grin. “Are you crying, love?”

She sniffed, sinking to the ground and wiping the few tears that had slipped down her cheeks. “I just missed you, baby.”

He gave her a soft smile, and she noticed that there were unshed tears lining his eyes. “I miss you too, Elide.” They just stared at one another for a few moments, grateful for this time to catch up when they were apart, but eventually Lorcan broke the silence. “So, first things first - did you make mat?”

“I did! And I’ll be doing stunts, baskets, tumbling, and pyramid!”

She could see the pride filling his eyes. “I knew you would, El. I’m so proud of you, baby. Tell me everything.”

~*^*~

Vaughan watched Elide slowly sink to the ground, and the smile that spread across her face was as happy as he’d ever seen her. As he watched her keep talking, an idea was slowly forming in his head. 

Grabbing Aedion’s wrist where he was leaning against the wall next to him, he dragged him over to where Fenrys, Asterin, and Aelin had flopped down on the floor. “Please tell me I’m not the only one who sees how happy Elide is right now?”

“Aww, I know,” Asterin sighed, the others nodding along with her. “She really loves him.”

“They both love each other so much,” Fenrys added.

Aedion heaved a sigh. “I wish he could be here to see her - he’d be beyond proud of how talented she is.”

Vaughan nodded, a small smirk spreading over his face. Aelin noticed, and she raised an eyebrow at him. “What are you thinking over there, Vaughan?”

“What if we found a way to bring Lorcan home to see her - and us - cheer?”

The others were all telling him that they thought it was a wonderful idea when Elide’s voice reached them “Fenrys, Vaughan!” she yelled, waving them over. “Get your asses over here - Lor wants to talk to you!”

Agreeing to table the discussion for the moment, the two of them jogged toward Elide, though Vaughan knew that the gears were still turning in Fenrys’s head, just like they were still turning in his.

Whatever it took, he would find a way to bring his best friend home to see his girl.

.

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @snelbz @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @photofeesh @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @belamoonbeam @mis-lil-red @julemmaes @thesirenwashere @tswaney17 @b00kworm @over300books @maastrash @empress-ofbloodshed @ladywitchling

As always, if you want to be added to or removed from my tags, please let me know! I can’t wait to know what you thought!

[youtuberswithalex]

PRVL, Vol. 3, Ch. 5: Never Miss A Beat

Summary: As the tournament picks up speed, our heroes get a chance to relax and connect with their loved ones.

Word Count: 3,567

Warnings: Family argument, a bit of implied self-hatred

(Sorry for the short chapter, but future chapters will make up for this! Promise!!)

Masterpost – Volume 1 – Previous

------

BEEEEEEP!

Roman leapt out of his seat, screaming at the top of his lungs. “Yes!!! Yes, Yang!! I knew she was gonna beat them, I knew it!!”

“Wow,” Riad said. “I did not think she would be able to put up a fight against Flynt’s trumpet. That thing packs a punch.”

“That’s Yang for you! Always the biggest, strongest blondie you could ever lay eyes on!” He flopped back down, letting out an energetic groan. As soon as he was settled, he hooked onto Riad’s arm and cuddled in. “I’m absolutely ecstatic that she’s going to the finals! I can’t think of a single person left that’s deserving of the championship!”

“Not even Penny Polendina?”

Roman looked to his other side, where Thomas was shooting him an amused look. “No way!” he exclaimed. “I don’t care if she’s got those psychic swords or whatever they are; Yang could beat her no problem!”

Joan leaned forward raised an eyebrow. “What about Pyrrha?”

“Not even a chance.”

Riad chuckled. “Didn’t you say Pyrrha beat her in a match in Glynda’s last semester?”

“Shhh…” Roman reached up and put a finger to his lips, silencing him. “We don’t have to talk about that. Yang cannot be bested.”

“Uh, excuse me, did you forget that your sister is still in the fight?” Trix huffed, leaning down from the row behind to press her cheek to Roman’s.

He paused for a moment as his face heated.

“…I can think of one person who could maybe best Yang.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Next to her, Abeba nudged her with their elbow. “Come on, let him root for who he wants. Besides, you haven’t even had your match yet; we don’t know if you’ll be in the finals or not.”

Trix raised an eyebrow. “Very bold of you to assume Eve and I wouldn’t be able to take down a couple of first-years.”

“Yeah, and did you see their match against NDGO? It was a complete luck of the draw that they managed to win!” Keahi added from Trix’s other side. “STER’s going to wipe the floor with them, no question.”

Abeba leaned forward to look at her, narrowing their eyes. “Aren’t you from the same school as Team SSSN?” they asked. “How come you haven’t given them any pointers on their strategies and stuff? Help them prepare, you know?”

Keahi scoffed. “Come on, you think I actually pay attention to other people in fighting classes? I don’t know jack about them.”

Trix and Abeba immediately deflated and slumped against each other.

“Well, it was worth a shot,” Trix sighed.

“I tried.”

As the next teams filed onstage, Roman dropped his cheek against Riad’s bicep and let out a breath. Riad stared at him for a beat before taking one of his hands with his free one. When Roman looked up, he offered a soft smile and pressed their foreheads together.

“Hey,” he whispered.

Roman smiled back, but despite the red dusting his cheeks, there was pain behind his eyes. “Hey.”

“You’ve been awfully clingy these last couple of days,” he pointed out. “Is there something going on?”

He hummed and buried his face back into his arm. His eyes flicked around, and his lips pressed together; one could almost see the gears turning in his head as he thought about the words he wanted to say next.

“Are you… worried, at all, about this?” Roman softly asked.

Riad raised an eyebrow. “About what?”

“Us,” he replied. “Like… Do you worry that things are going to end soon? Badly?”

The soft smile fell from Riad’s face; he frowned, shaking his head.

“No, not at all,” he said, leaning to try to catch Roman’s eyes. “I wouldn’t be dating you if I thought that. What’s this about, babe? Where’d this come from?”

Roman gave him the quickest of glances before looking back at the battlefield. There was a moment of quiet between them; Riad didn’t rush him, despite the nerves beginning to build up inside.

Finally, he let out a soft sigh. “Anole really doesn’t like us being together.”

Riad felt his heart drop into his stomach. He opened his mouth to reply, but Roman pushed on before he could get a word out.

“We were talking yesterday morning, and he… he really thinks we’re going to hurt each other,” he continued, “As if we’re doing this just to mess with him. And, Riad, I…” He shifted to look into his eyes. “I need you to know that that is not why I said yes when you asked me to be your boyfriend; I really, truly do adore you and Anole has absolutely nothing to do with it!”

“I know,” Riad answered, having to force his words through a thick wall of emotion. “I never worried about that for a moment. I do feel the same way about you; please don’t worry that that’s why I asked.”

“I wasn’t,” Roman replied, despite the way his shoulders fell.

Riad paused for a moment, pretending he was watching the start of the next fight as he sorted through his thoughts. “…Anole really said that?”

Roman nodded. “And he implied that we dove into this without thinking… That I was being reckless.”

“You are,” Riad said. “That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s something I really like about you.”

Scoffing, Roman rolled his eyes. “Tell him that.”

“I don’t need to. You’re the only one who needs to worry about how I feel about you,” he firmly replied. “And that’s something Anole needs to learn. Not you.”

Roman slowly nodded in understanding and leaned back in his seat. “I just wish he would leave us alone,” he quietly admitted.

Riad wrapped an arm around his boyfriend’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to his temple.

“I’ll talk to him.”

 -------

Logan didn’t know how long he sat at the ocean docks after his parents left.

It was certainly more than a few minutes, if the ebbing stinging of his eyes was anything to go by. He could very faintly hear the announcers and buzzers from Amity Colosseum far, far in the air above; at least a couple of matches had come and gone, but he wasn’t paying much attention. Not when he could watch their boat disappear over the horizon.

While he felt no obligation to see them off after they set sail, he found that he wasn’t quite ready to head back to the dorm, or the arena, or… anywhere, really. At least not anywhere that he would have to interact with people. A weariness settled in his chest just at the thought.

He knew his parents needed to go. Vacuo and its citizens needed the two of them more than he did, and the ever-persistent Grimm weren’t going to let up during a worldwide tournament that just so happened to include their son. The fact that they were even gone for a couple of days was worrying; who knows what might have happened to the people they were protecting while they were away?

Logan knew this, and yet… he couldn’t stop himself from being sad to see them go.

So here he sat, in the midst of the stench of fish and tourists bustling around, watching a boat sail away as if it could grant him a few more minutes with his family before the long wait until they could see each other again.

Someone sat next to him on the bench, and he nearly leapt out of his skin; a coffee cup was offered as if nothing happened. Logan blinked and looked up to see Thamir softly smiling at him.

“Thamir,” he dumbly stated. “What are you doing here?”

“I saw you when I came by earlier on my way to my family’s house. Didn’t think you’d still be here on my way back,” he laughed. He pushed the cup towards Logan again as he took a sip of his own. “Figured I’d get you some coffee, since it didn’t seem like you’d be leaving any time soon.”

Logan glanced at it, and then back to him. “I… thought I was the one who owed you coffee after Team AMBR’s match?”

He shrugged. “Consider it a freebie,” he said.

Logan felt the corners of his lips tug up, and he finally accepted with a word of thanks before taking a sip. It was pleasantly warm, but not scorching hot, and just barely sweet and creamy— exactly how he liked it.

“So… Did your parents head out?” Thamir asked.

Eyes flicking to the boat, Logan nodded. “They weren’t able to stay away for long. Really, they probably shouldn’t have come in the first place,” he admitted, “But… I do have to say, I am… very glad they were here, even if they did have to see our loss. Perhaps even more so for the same reason.”

“They seem cool. It was really nice to meet them,” he said. “It must be intense, having a full family of Huntsmen.”

He sighed and looked down at his cup, where his fingers idly played with the rim of the lid. “It is rather extraordinary; I’ll give it that. I’m sure Roman and Calanthe could attest to my saying that it can get a bit overwhelming at times. There’s always training and jobs to be done, and hardly any time to rest.”

Thamir nodded. “I can imagine.”

“And that’s not even mentioning the impacts of being separated for long stretches of time,” he continued. “I was fortunate in that my parents could afford to stay home and take on few jobs while raising me; my mother originally insisted upon it, and Father wanted to keep that after she was gone. It was one of the most important things to him when he and Esther began to see each other. Very few children of Huntsmen are able to have that, unless they find a stable job in one place, such as the Reptilias.”

“Calanthe’s told me about that,” Thamir informed. “Her older sister had to take care of her when their parents were on missions, and then she was on her own after she left for Haven. She said it got pretty lonely.”

“Well… I suppose it’s just another part of the job,” he quietly replied. “Another sacrifice we make for the safety of humanity and faunus.”

Thamir fell into silence for a moment, staring over the ocean. He took a deep, weary breath.

“It’s not just a sacrifice for Huntsmen.” He turned to Logan. “It’s a sacrifice for the kids, too. I know time with your family isn’t the same as a life, but… It’s alright if you grieve it. You’re allowed to, even if you know it’s worth it.”

Just like that, the stinging in Logan’s eyes was back. He pressed his lips together and tightened his grip on his coffee, trying to keep his breathing steady. A lump formed in his throat, and it was harder to swallow it away than it should have been.

The echoing of a buzzer and a roaring crowd bounced around the buildings behind them, giving him just enough of a distraction to ground himself. He took a calming breath as music began to play.

Thamir bumped his shoulder against his. “You know… I remember you making a pretty hefty sacrifice a few weeks ago,” he said.

Logan frowned and raised an eyebrow at him. “You do?”

“Well, it wasn’t as big as leaving your family behind or anything, but it was still something you gave up to be ready for anything.”

“What was it?”

He pointed his thumb at the streets behind them. “The Vytal Festival Ball,” he stated, giving Logan a half-smile.

Logan scoffed and rolled his eyes. “That was not a hard decision to make,” he huffed. “Our missions were far more important.”

“Would you have gone if it was a different night?”

He blinked and looked at Thamir, who simply watched him with a soft curiosity on his face. Logan took a moment to consider the question before opening his mouth.

“I… do not know,” he admitted. “The chances would have increased, of course, seeing as the date was the main reason I chose not to attend, but, well… I still would not have had any preparations as to what to expect. I still don’t know how loud or crowded it would have been, nor how overwhelmed I would become.” Huffing out a weak laugh, he added, “I don’t even know how to dance, to be completely honest with you. For all I know, it would have been a disaster.”

Thamir hummed. “So… What you’re saying is, in two years, when we have the next Vytal Festival…?”

“I would not be able to tell you if I would go or not,” Logan finished.

Thamir nodded, and then he set his coffee to the side, getting to his feet. He turned and held a hand out to Logan.

“Well,” he said, “I can help you with one of those worries, at least.”

He furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s dance.”

If he’d had any coffee in his mouth, Logan was sure he would have choked. “W-What?”

“Yeah!” he laughed. “C’mon, I’ll teach you how. We can start small.”

Logan stared at him, frozen in place; after a moment, he let out a breath and took his hand.

“Well… Alright.”

He set his drink aside as Thamir pulled him up, taking both of his hands and holding them an arm’s length away. They started to sway to the music echoing through the area.

Though I can’t find what to say, I know that you’ll hear me If you’re in this game I play, I can tell you when I need you more…

Logan couldn’t help but chuckle as Thamir started getting more and more invested in the song; his shoulders moved, and his head bobbed back and forth. Thamir caught him watching and laughed, yanking Logan’s arms forward and back to the beat.

“The more you get into it, the more fun it is!” he exclaimed. “Try it!”

He rolled his eyes, but the smile didn’t leave his face as he attempted to copy Thamir’s movements. When he beamed, he couldn’t help but notice his face warming.

“I feel ridiculous,” he said.

“A step in the right direction, then,” he replied.

Thamir took a step and began to lead them into an achingly slow rotation around each other. Logan stumbled a bit at the first step, but was quick to follow. When they made it around a full circle, Thamir pulled one hand away and lifted their connected hands, taking Logan through a careful twirl.

Taking both of his hands again, he smiled. “You’re getting the hang of this pretty quick.”

Logan grinned.

 --------

Virgil threw his fist in the air and let out a cheer, nearly throwing his scroll out of his hands. “I think that’s the best score I’ve ever gotten!”

“There’s platinum?! I thought gold was the highest one!” Patton yelped.

“Nah, not even close. There’s a diamond tier, but you can only get it when you play a level on Multi-Extreme mode,” Virgil replied. He turned to Patton and reached across the space between their beds, holding his scroll out. “You sure you don’t want to give it a try? It’s pretty easy to get the hang of, even if you don’t know the music.”

Patton shook his head and waved him off. “It’s okay, really. I’m having more fun watching you!”

Virgil shrugged before looking back to his desk, where a rented gaming console projected his score. “Alright. Just don’t think you’re going to make it through break without playing a round with us. Ever since I showed him the game, Dad won’t let a person into our house without making them compete."

“Your dad plays Rhythm Hell?” Patton asked with a laugh.

He scoffed, rolling his eyes as he looked through the game’s available songs. “Dude, you have no idea. He dedicates a solid two hours every Saturday to touch up his skills.” A grin formed on his lips. “Any time we have a family event, he brings it along, and there’s a whole competition— he and Papi’s mom are, like, mortal enemies because of it. It gets intense.”

Patton grimaced. “Oh… Is she… Not a great person?”

“Huh?” Virgil frowned and looked at him, brow furrowed; when he realized what he was asking, he sucked in a sharp breath and waved a hand at him. “Oh, no, no! Not like that! Abuela’s really cool, she’s really chill usually! She just gets competitive like Dad does when it comes to video games. But it never gets aggressive, don’t worry.”

A sigh of relief tumbled out of him. “Good. Okay.”

Virgil offered a soft smile before turning back to the game. “Yeah, you won’t have to worry about anything like that when we’re on break,” he said. “We do have plans to head to Argus for a reunion, but no one is gonna be anything bad. Everyone’ll be excited to meet you.”

Finally settling on a level, the two settled into a relaxed silence. Heavy guitar and drums played through the speakers, just loud enough to hear, but quiet enough to not disturb the others in their hall. Patton watched as Virgil’s face dissolved into concentration; when the artist began to sing, he shifted and lay on his stomach, resting his chin on his arms.

“I am weak; can’t save myself, from my own flaws…”

“Can’t you see, I can hurt you…?”

An grin started to form on his face as he listened to Virgil’s soft singing. He buried his face in his arms to hide his huff of laughter.

Apparently, it wasn’t quiet enough.

“Are you making fun of me?” Virgil asked, no bite to the accusation.

Patton giggled. “No! It’s cute!”

A scoff rang out. “I’m not cute! I’m edgy.”

He bit his tongue to keep his argument back, not wanting to ruin whatever score he had at the moment.

There were a few more seconds of silence before Virgil’s humming resumed. Patton beamed and pulled his face up, turning to look at the screen, but sunlight glinted off of a picture frame behind it and dragged his attention away.

The photo showed a much younger version of Virgil nestled in the middle of their four-person family at a professional photo shoot. He was dressed in an outfit that Patton couldn’t dream of Virgil ever agreeing to today; a gray button-up, black dress pants, and a soft, purple sweater vest. His hair was short and spiked up, and his grin wide and front-toothless, but there was no mistaking it was him.

His younger sister sat next to him in a lavender blouse with puffy sleeves and light blue tights. Her hair looked like it might have been styled into a nice set of low pigtails at some point, before being ruffled and tumbled around. She and Virgil held each other’s hands tight.

On either side of them were their dads, looking exhausted but proud. Their matching white dress shirts were a bit wrinkled. They each lay a hand on one of their children’s shoulders, and a close look to their Papi’s arm revealed he was seemingly holding Crina in place.

Despite the frame of the photo looking relatively modern and clean, the actual photograph was worn and faded at the edges. A couple of creases circled what had once been their family. It was the only crooked one of three hanging on the wall, between one of Virgil and Chao at a graduation and another of their team in the cafeteria, taken early in their first semester.

Patton’s eyes drifted over to his own bare walls above his desk, looming over the clutter and mess below. His scroll sat on the corner of a stack of textbooks; it blinked with a silent unread message notification. He made no move to get up and check it.

On the shelf above, a picture frame lay face-down.

“Let it latch to the hope that I’m controlled…”

He glanced at the scorched handprint stained to the door frame. Guilt and shame built up in his stomach before he could tear his eyes away. He gripped his forearms tight until a dull ache began to make its way through the muscle.

“I’VE GOT A MONSTER IN ME; IT’S TEARING THROUGH MY HEART!”

Patton just about jumped out of his skin as Virgil began to scream-sing along to the music, leaping up onto all fours and staring at him with wide eyes. Virgil either didn’t notice or didn’t care, as he only continued and started to dance along.

“It won’t stop ‘til it breaks free, so make it stop before it starts!”

Forcing himself to release his breath, Patton lowered himself back into a sitting position and watched. Virgil’s score began to go down as the beats flew by unnoticed. His eyes squeezed shut, and a grim formed on his face around the lyrics. He lifted his hands into fists and bounced them to the rhythm of the drums that were practically shaking the speakers of the gaming console.

Patton huffed out a little laugh before glancing back at his scroll.

The light wouldn’t stop blinking.

I fear the monster in my soul, I fear the monster in my soul, I fear the monster in my soul, I fear the monster…

[kelyon]

Golden Rings 17: A Name

The Storybrooke sequel to Golden Cuffs

Mrs. Gold revisits her past

Read on AO3

Mrs. Gold looked on in mute horror as Hunter Duke dumped more hot sauce on his triple bacon hamburger. He’d asked Ruby to give him three meat patties with no bun and steamed broccoli instead of fries. When Mrs. Gold had questioned that lunch choice, he had explained his new diet to her.

At length.

Hunter had always been the kind of boy who thought meat and spicy food were substitutes for a personality. He’d been the star athlete at Storybrooke High, taking home championships in football and wrestling. He’d been popular with everyone--except for the one girl he’d arbitrarily decided was the hottest girl in school. That girl, the valedictorian, hadn’t given the quarterback the time of day. Not until she lost her scholarship and suddenly dating the son of a lawyer sounded like the way to the best future she would ever get.

“They do the burgers way too overdone here,” Hunter said with his mouth full. “You don’t get enough protein if it isn’t bloody.”

Mrs. Gold shrugged and took a bite of her own burger. It needed more pickles, but it was still amazing. Toasted bun, crisp lettuce, a patty that was juicy but not messy. She hadn’t had a Granny’s burger in forever. When she was a kid, her parents had taken her out for burgers every Friday night after their shop closed. Mom would bring her own supply of extra-zesty mustard and Dad…

She set her bun on her plate. On those idyllic, bygone Friday nights, her father would spend the whole meal grumbling about money and expenses and couldn’t they have eaten at home? Mom had always told him to stop worrying and enjoy the moment. It was the end of another week and they were together, happy and healthy. She’d calmed him down and kept him focused, every time there was a crisis.

Until they faced the biggest crisis of their lives.

Mrs. Gold blinked out of her thoughts. For some reason, Hunter was still talking. Maybe it looked like she was listening. She’d gotten good at that when they had dated. Now that she was listening for real, she tried to catch up.

“I keep telling my dad he needs to just change the sign. ‘Duke & Duke & Duke’ has a great ring to it, right? Or he could for ‘Duke & Sons.’ I don’t mind sharing the spotlight with Steven. Or he could leave the sign as it is and retire! ‘Duke & Duke’ is classic, everyone knows we’re the best bankruptcy lawyers in town. Just let my brother be the first Duke and I’ll be second Duke and we’ll take this firm into the future! But Dad keeps brushing me off for some reason.”

Mrs. Gold took a sip of iced tea and desperately wished it was something stronger. “Did you… go to law school?”

She had the oddest feeling that she couldn’t remember how long they had been out of high school. All she knew for sure was that Hunter had enrolled at Storybrooke Community College--and she hadn’t. It was possible that he had gotten his bachelor’s. As Hunter was fond of saying, “Cs get degrees.” But SCC didn’t have a graduate program. Had he taken more classes on the internet? Or correspondence courses? It boggled her mind to think of Hunter of all people had gotten a law degree during the years she’d been Mr. Gold’s stupid slut.

“Well actually,” he explained, “you don’t need to go to law school to take the bar exam. I’ve got a bachelor’s in poli-sci and I’ve been around lawyers all my life. My dad knows everyone at the state bar. He’ll pull some strings and I’ll be all set.”

Mrs. Gold stabbed her straw at the ice cubes in her glass. It was so fucking unfair. Hunter was an idiot child who had never worked for anything in his life. His father--Richard “Big Dick” Duke--had bought him a Humvee when he turned sixteen, a speedboat when he graduated high school, and a college education just because no son of his wasn’t going to go to college. Now he would give his son the bar exam and a ready job and everything he would need for a future, without Hunter ever having to grow up past the maturity level of a toddler.

She’d lost her virginity to this boy. One summer night after senior year, in the back seat of that gas-guzzling monstrosity. They’d been dating for a while and Hunter had been perfectly content with her amateurish attempts at blowing him. But for her, the novelty had begun to wear off. So she’d suggested that he “put it in” instead. It was mostly a way for him to get his rocks off while she could just lie back and think of something more interesting.

Her memories of that night were dark and cramped and disappointing. She kept her shoes and her bra on the whole time. When Hunter was done, she had been more confused than anything else. This is what people made such a big deal about? Wasn’t sex supposed to be better than that?

It wasn’t until later, with Mr. Gold, that she had understood what people were talking about in romance novels.

But now that things were so strained with her husband, she found herself thinking back to the only other sexual partner she’d ever had. Looking at Hunter now, she had to remind herself of how bad things had been that summer, when he had been a welcome distraction. Hunter hadn’t wanted to talk about doctors’ appointments or shop inventory or arguing with financial aid departments--every fight a losing battle. All he wanted to do was drink, screw around, and have fun, and he welcomed her along for the ride.

I thought he would help us. I was wrong. He wasn’t what I needed.

Mrs. Gold shook the thought out of her head. The thought was true, but she recognized it as not being her own, so she talked over it.

“Have you been hanging out with any of the old gang? Sean or Jesse or anyone?”

It had been exciting to be included with the rich kids, to feel like she belonged in the world of the young and the reckless--people who didn’t have to worry about things because their parents would always be around to bail them out. They could do whatever they wanted because the world belonged to them.

Hunter shrugged. “Jesse’s an idiot, so no change there. But Sean’s been such a pussy ever since Ashley had her baby.”

Ashely Boyd had been in that group with her. Rich boys liked running around with poor girls because they were easier to impress than the rich girls. New Town young ladies also had parents who bought them cars for their sixteenth birthdays. They didn’t need to rely on spoiled boys to pay their way every time they went out, so they didn’t have to go along with whatever stupidity the boys came up with. Mrs. Gold had taken a lot of risks just so Hunter would keep thinking she was interesting.

But Ashley had loved Sean for more than his money and toys. All she ever wanted was for him to love her back and stay with her. Once, Mrs. Gold had thought Ashley was stupid for pining so hard after a boy who would never commit. But now she had a little more sympathy.

“What happened with Sean?”

“Mr. Herman kicked him out, cut him off. Now he’s living at Ashley’s place, working his ass off at the fish factory.”

“The cannery,” Mrs. Gold corrected quietly. Fish King Canned Foods was always hiring. It was always looking for people who could stand waist-deep in ice and fish guts for twelve hour shifts, operating machinery that could cut through a human hand as easily as it did a whole herring. Her cousin Andrew had gotten a job right out of high school. Her Uncle Peter had worked there for twenty years before he died.

“Like I said, he’s a total pussy now. All he does is work and hang out with Ashley, work and take care of the baby, work and sleep. You know he asked her to marry him a couple days ago? Utterly whipped.”

“Wow,” she said.

She had never respected Sean Herman, so it was weird to think of him actually growing up. People didn’t usually change around Storybrooke. But now the spoiled party boy was taking responsibility for his child and the woman who loved him. He had given up his own wealth and family status because he loved a penniless girl from Old Town.

It was impressive.

She finished her burger while Hunter started another monologue, this time about all the fat, lazy, poor people who came to his father’s office to declare bankruptcy. Forget being a lawyer, he should go into talk radio.

“I did ask you to lunch for a reason.” She grabbed her chance to talk while he was taking a breath.

“Oh yeah?” Hunter wiped hot sauce off his face with the back of his hand. “What’s up?”

“You know a lot of people,” Mrs. Gold said. “I was wondering if you might know somebody that I don’t.”

He slurped up the dregs of his diet soda. “Yeah? Who?”

Mrs. Gold gripped the edge of the table and desperately hoped he wouldn’t notice how hard it was for her to say this. The gold of her wedding ring was dull on this cloudy afternoon. “I… just have a name right now. I think it’s a woman named Belle.”

She could see the wheels in his head turning as he thought. “Belle? Hmm. I don’t know.”

“She’s probably young. Maybe our age. Maybe younger. Or older? Maybe she’s one of your mom’s friends or something?”

A woman as old as Karen Duke would still be younger than Mr. Gold. Maybe he was looking for more maturity now. In the days since she found out about Belle, Mrs. Gold had been racking her brain to try to imagine what kind of person she was. She was only moderately sure that Belle even was a woman. If Mr. Gold wanted this Belle person more than he wanted his own wife, she was probably the opposite of her in some crucial way.

Hunter made a face and scratched the back of his head. “Nah, I got nothing. Sorry.”

“Yeah,” Mrs. Gold looked down at her empty plate. “I’m not surprised.”

Seeing that they were both done with their food, Ruby came up to the table. “Now is this gonna be one check or two?”

It was almost funny how quickly Hunter looked to Mrs. Gold. He panicked at the thought of paying for his own lunch. Daddy must not be giving him an allowance anymore.

“You invited me,” he said, almost chiding her with the reminder of how things worked.

“Yeah, that was my first mistake.” Mrs. Gold took the check from Ruby and pulled out her purse.

A fifty would be enough to pay for two hamburgers and Ruby’s discretion. Not that Mrs. Gold was being particularly sneaky, arranging lunch with her ex-boyfriend at the most popular restaurant in town. But that didn’t matter either. She could take Hunter to the pawn shop and bang him in front of the cash register and Mr. Gold wouldn’t give a fuck.

And neither would she.

****

Wandering listlessly up and down Main Street, Mrs. Gold tried to keep warm. The clouds were dark and heavy with more snow. The sidewalks were shoveled, but there was always a residue of dirty slush. It was the time of year when trash kept showing up in the streets, no matter how many anti-littering signs Mayor Mills put up.

Mrs. Gold’s suede boots were more fashionable than sturdy. The same could be said for her coat, scarf, and hat. The cold seeped through her flimsy layers, until she was nothing but numb and damp, until it was hard to breathe, until she was so desperate to be warm again she resolved to go into the next open store, no matter which one it was.

Sugar’n’Spice was always warm and it always smelled good. Mara Trudine burned a different scented candle every day the shop was open. Today the candle was cinnamon and cloves. The whole place smelled like cider.

Mrs. Gold entered as quietly as she could. She hadn’t been in the store since before Christmas. And she had never walked through that door without strutting proudly, loudly announcing her intentions to buy whatever lingerie it would take to drive Mr. Gold wild.

Was Mr. Gold even capable of going wild for her anymore? Or did the sight of her just turn his stomach? He thought she was trash, she disgusted him, he didn’t want her and he never would again.

Ducking behind a rack of silky robes, Mrs. Gold took a breath to calm herself down. It was a bad habit she’d developed lately, thinking of the worst-case scenario just to make herself feel something. Her mind kept poking and prodding at her pain, pulling out her darkest fears and putting them front and center. She could push it away if she concentrated. If she tried to act normal, she could almost feel normal. Sometimes.

“Oh hey.” Mara had spotted her from the sales counter in the back of the shop. “Mrs. Gold, I didn’t see you come in.”

Steeling herself, Mrs. Gold walked out from behind the robes. “That’s me.�� She tried to smile.

Mara stayed where she was. Bits of fabric were spread out over the counter. It looked like she was sewing something.

Mrs. Gold’s heart skipped a beat. The fabric was a shiny yellow-gold. Sometimes, when Mr. Gold was really pleased with her, he liked her to wear that color. Without thinking about what she was doing, she began to walk towards the counter.

“What are you working on?”

Mara looked up from her needle. Even after all these years, she had the same face she’d had as a kid--sharp brown eyes, adorably crooked smile, freckles all over her round cheeks. She looked so innocent. You’d never think she made a living off of unmentionables.

“Custom order,” she said proudly. “I’ve been trying to get tailor-made lingerie off the ground for as long as I can remember. Got my first order in October and more have been coming in.” She held up the fabric and Mrs. Gold saw a pair of panties that would go up to a person’s rib cage.

“Somebody wants that?”

Mara’s excitement dimmed in the face of Mrs. Gold’s skepticism, but she did her best to explain. “It’s shapewear,” she said. “See the reinforced panels? The idea is to smooth out tummy rolls and make a more flattering silhouette.”

Mrs. Gold looked over at the rack of Spanx. “Don’t you already sell that?”

“Yeah, but the stuff I make is sturdier than the mass-produced product. Better for people with non-standard bodies. And prettier too. Nothing over there comes in straw yellow.”

It was true. Most of the stuff in that section was nude or black. Mrs. Gold knew a thing or two about wearing corsets, but she had never actually needed one. She had thought Mr. Gold liked her to be skinny.

“That is a pretty color,” she said. “Who’s it for?”

Mara looked at her dubiously. “I can’t talk about a client, it’s confidential.”

“How are you planning on getting more orders without word of mouth?”

“Well, normally word of mouth comes from customers talking about the product, not a creator talking about their customers.”

Falling into old habits, Mrs. Gold tilted her head back as her voice went up an octave. “I know, but it’s just such a pretty shade of gold, I was wondering if someone special might have ordered it...?”

She let the question hang. Mara just frowned and shook her head.

“Come on, you’re smarter than that.” She held up the garment again. “This is for a plus-sized woman. Two of you could fit in here without straining the elastic. Mr. Gold didn’t order this for you.”

Without thinking, she leaned over the counter and got in her friend’s face. “Did he order it for someone else?”

Mara’s eyes went wide. Her mouth transformed into a tiny little O of surprise. Mrs. Gold pulled away and kept her eyes on the ground.

“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Gold said. “That was out of line.”

“Wow,” Mara said softly. “I, uh, I’d heard that something had happened. But I didn’t know it was that bad. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, me too.” She turned around, pretended to look at something lacy until the urge to scream had passed. When she glanced at Mara, her brown eyes were trained on her.

“It’s not from him,” she said simply. “I’ll even tell you that my client paid with a credit card, so it was definitely her own money.”

Or maybe Mr. Gold was just covering his tracks. But at least he hadn’t called in the order himself. At least he wasn’t flaunting his disregard for her.

“Does he… Have you ever heard from him? Is he buying anybody lingerie?”

Mara shook her head. “I only see him on Rent Day.”

With nothing left to lose, she asked her old friend the same question she’d asked her ex-boyfriend. “Do you know anybody named Belle?”

Mara blinked. “I don’t… think so. The name sounds familiar, but I’m probably thinking of a character from a book or a movie. It’s not the sort of name you hear around Storybrooke.”

“No,” Mrs. Gold agreed.

“But I’ll keep my ears open, if you want.”

Mrs. Gold raised her eyebrows. “What about client confidentiality?”

“Well, whoever Belle is, she’s definitely not a client. And until Mr. Gold pays me himself, neither is he.”

You’re a good friend.

This time, Mrs. Gold didn’t swat at the thought that intruded into her head. She let it rest over her brain like a blanket. She let the thought warm her up.

She leaned against the counter and watched Mara work. The shapewear was fully constructed, and she was embroidering stalks of straw in a pattern along the sides. It was really pretty. The sort of thing that would give a girl a boost in confidence and excitement about her own body, her own clothes. Mrs. Gold remembered how fancy she’d felt the first time she wore something as simple as a bra and panties that were the same color. That sort of energy could get people through interviews or contract negotiations, any time you needed to feel powerful. Mara was helping people here, she was good at it, and it seemed to make her happy.

“So, business is good?”

“Yeah, it’s picking up. Valentine’s Day was a madhouse, but you know how that goes.”

Mrs. Gold nodded. Lingerie could be as popular as flowers when it came to last-minute gifts that men always thought would be cheaper than they were.

“Did you spend the day with anyone?”

Mara scrunched her nose. “I’m working too hard for that. Besides, I don’t meet a lot of single men in this business.”

She was able to snicker at the joke, and she was able to mean it. “Yeah, I guess not.”

They were quiet together for a minute, then Mrs. Gold asked a more personal question: “How’s your mom?”

Mara looked up from her embroidery for a second, but then went back to work. “She’s fine. I think she’s bored, now that the preschool is only open for half-days. She keeps asking me to move in with her.”

“I take it you don’t want to?”

A halfhearted shrug. “I don’t have a good reason not to. It would make sense, we could split the bills and keep each other company. But there is also something really nice about living by yourself. Even if it’s just a one bedroom apartment on top of your store.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Mrs. Gold drummed her fingers against the counter. She had gone from living with her father to living with Mr. Gold. The night after their anniversary had been the first time she had slept in any building by herself.

But she understood what Mara meant. When you lived with your parents, it was hard to feel like an adult. To make matters worse, Irma Trudine--Mara’s mother--had been a preschool teacher for as long as anyone could remember. She tended to treat everyone she talked to like they were a four-year-old whining for more juice and crackers.

Mama’s closest friend.

Now the voice was annoying her again. It was true that Irma and Mom had been good friends. That was why she had grown up with Mara as much as she had grown up with her cousin Janine. The three girls were inseparable, just like their mothers had been.

Until…

Mrs. Gold sighed. She was warmer now. She should probably buy something before she moved along.

“Do you have anything comfy around here?”

“What, like no underwire?”

“No, like pajamas, I guess. Or loungewear? I think I need to get a pair of sweatpants.”

Mara grinned. “The last time I saw you wear sweatpants, they had dinosaurs on them.”

“And they were fucking awesome.”

She had gotten those pants for her eighth birthday and worn them until the knees gave out. Even after that, Mom had cut them up for shorts and she’d worn them for another six months. If she could find sweatpants that had dinosaurs on them now, she wouldn’t think the mere act of wearing sweatpants was a sign of the end of her life.

But Sugar’n’Spice only had pajama sets with flowers on them--or hearts, but Mrs. Gold couldn’t bring herself to buy anything that looked like love. It was enough to buy comfort, something that would make it a little easier to be in her own skin.

Mara rang her up and gracefully accepted the extra fifty Mrs. Gold handed her.

“How about I call this a down payment on a custom order for you?”

Taking her bag, Mrs. Gold shrugged. “I don’t think Mr. Gold will want me in lingerie for a long time.”

“I didn’t say it was for Mr. Gold, I said it was for you.” Mara looked her steadily in the eye. “Come back some time and we can talk about what you need. Okay?”

She opened her mouth, and then closed it. “Yeah,” she said at last. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

“Good.”

****

The day wasn’t over. Mr. Gold was still in his shop. She could go there for a few hours of awkward silence. Or she could go back to the house, for a few hours of lonely silence. Then he would come home and make dinner. They would eat together and make stilted small talk. And then she would go to her bedroom, and he would go to his.

That was their life now.

He said he wanted her to stay. He said he wanted to take care of her. He said he loved somebody else.

It didn’t make sense. It was wrong. They were supposed to be together. Being near him, but not being with him, trying to act like everything was fine, trying to act like he didn’t matter to her as much as she obviously didn’t matter to him…

It was tearing her apart.

So she walked. Like a circling shark, she kept moving so she wouldn’t drown. She was trapped. Storybrooke was a small town, there were only so many places you could go in one day. And she had lots of days ahead of her. Mrs. Gold had the image of the rest of her life, stretching out to the horizon. She would have to keep walking, she would never be able to rest. She would never have a home again.

She was in Old Town now. The flower shop was behind her. Aunt Teri’s yellow and purple house was on this street. How many times had she walked the route between those two places? Her whole childhood, her whole life until she married Mr. Gold and moved into his house. She used to belong in this neighborhood.

Was there a way she could belong here again?

Turning at the plastic sign that said Hair Today! she went to the side door of the yellow house and knocked. Then she stepped away from the door and waited for an answer. She held herself against the cold.

Janine came up from the basement salon. Her mouth opened when she saw Mrs. Gold.

“Oh hi,” she said. “Mrs. Gold, you don’t… usually knock.”

“Yeah, I’m usually a bitch to you and I’m sorry.” She hadn’t meant to start that way, but she couldn’t avoid the truth anymore.

Janine’s eyebrows raised and her sky-blue eyes--a family trait--went wide. “O...kay,” she said slowly. Stepping outside, she shut the door behind her. The cold made her keep her arms crossed over her chest. “What’s going on?”

“I…” She didn’t know what to say. She had started, but what was the next step? “Things suck, right now, for me. And I kind of suck too. And I realized…”

What had she realized? That no one in her family would help her in an emergency? That she had built her whole identity around one relationship and without that she had nothing? That she had spent years intentionally, maliciously, pushing away all the people that had loved her in exchange for a man who only paid her? That all of those things were really fucking shitty? None of that was a realization. Mrs. Gold had always known what her life was. But she was just now starting to care.

“I realized I’m sorry,” she said. “For as long as I’ve been with Mr. Gold, I’ve been so caught up in him and it made me a worse person. And I want to be better.” She looked at Janine. “You deserve a better cousin.”

Janine sighed, her breath visible in the twilight. “So the honeymoon is finally over, huh? Are you tired of him or is he tired of you?”

Mrs. Gold pressed her lips together. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy. At the same time, she didn’t begrudge her cousin the snark.

“He’s tired of me,” she admitted softly. “And I’m kind of tired of me too.”

Now Janine looked more sympathetic. “What happened?”

“You didn’t hear? I thought everyone in Storybrooke knew by now.”

“Yeah, no, I’ve heard a lot of rumors. But I’m asking you what happened. What’s the truth?”

“He loves someone else.” The words slipped from her mouth like a burden off her shoulders. “Some Belle person. And like, like he loves her, Janine. More than he ever loved me.”

“Oof,” Janine let out a long breath. “Oh honey, that’s terrible. I’m sorry.”

Until now, Janine had been standing in the doorway, and Mrs. Gold had been in the driveway, with about five feet between them. Janine stepped out first, one arm open in invitation. The two cousins met in the middle. They didn’t hug, exactly, but they huddled together for warmth and comfort.

“Do you need to stay with us?” Janine asked. “We never did anything with Andrew’s room after--”

“No,” she shook her head. Mr. Gold asked her to stay with him, and even that had to be better than sleeping in her dead cousin’s bedroom. “I’m fine, I… He’s taking care of me.”

“What, like alimony?”

“No, we’re not… I’m not leaving him.”

Janine pulled away. “But you said he loved someone else.”

She nodded. “He does, but he doesn’t want the marriage to be over.”

There was a moment of silence while Janine’s face twisted in anger and disbelief. Then she burst out: “Oh screw him! Does he really get to decide that? That man is cheating on you and you don’t even get the satisfaction of walking away? Come on!”

Mrs. Gold couldn’t look her in the face. “It’s not as simple as that,” she said. “I--I married him, I need him, I…” The next words were small and soft: “I don’t want the marriage to be over either.”

Closing her eyes, Janine pressed the heel of her palm to her forehead. “I don’t know what to say,” she said. “I mean, the sanctity of marriage is great and all, but Mr. Gold has been nothing but bad to you for so long. And now you have a reason to get out, but you’re not taking it? Why?”

“Because this is different,” she said the words before she knew what they meant. “He’s different than he was when we got married. There’s something… good about him now. Something kind and gentle. Something that wasn’t there before.”

Janine rolled her eyes. “So now you have feelings for the monster?”

“He’s not a monster now. Maybe he was before--I can see that more clearly now. But now the only thing he’s doing wrong is… not wanting me. And it hurts, but it’s not an evil thing.”

He’s my husband and I love him. Can you understand that?

Shifting her weight back and forth, Janine kept her arms over her chest. “And he’s not… hurting you anymore?”

She shook her head. “Not even in a way I like.”

“Gross,” Janine said, matter-of-factly. “I mean, good for you that it used to be something you liked, but it is very gross for me to think about. Too much information is a very real thing.”

Both of them snickered at that. The years of lingering tension eased a little more.

“Can you at least stay for dinner? We’re having Spaghetti-Os a la Chloe.”

“Chloe’s cooking?” How old was she now?

“It was her idea. Under careful supervision, she is going to dump a can of Spaghetti-Os into a pot and warm it up. Mom might even let her into the spice cabinet for some basil.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun.” She shuffled her feet. “But I should get going. I still eat with Mr. Gold. It’s… weird.”

“I bet.” Janine put her hands in the pockets of her work smock. “Listen, I… I’m sorry. All this time… I could have been a better cousin too. We--I think the general idea was that… we were waiting for you to meet us halfway.”

“I get that,” she said. “And I never came close to halfway. Not with anybody.”

“Well, you did today. And I’m glad. We missed you.”

Nodding, she tried to keep the tears out of her eyes. All this time, she could have had her family. If she had just eased up on being Mrs. Gold, she could have been the same girl everyone had loved.

“I’m trying to make things better now, you know?”

Janine nodded. “I know.” They were quiet for a minute, then she asked. “Have you talked to your dad lately?”

“Not yet,” she shook her head. “Not him or Uncle Manny. I… I kinda thought I’d start easy.”

Janine half-smiled, half-winced. “Manny will be happy to see you. You’re the only niece he’s got.”

She snorted. “I’m the only daughter my dad has and that didn’t make anything any easier.”

“He loves you, Lacey,” Janine said. It was the first time Mrs. Gold had heard her first name in as long as she could remember. “We all do.”

[omgjasminesimone]

Cheer

Logan x MC

Follow up to this AU

Word Count: ~3,000

Logan rips the bandage with his teeth, tenderly looping it around Ellie’s knee multiple times. He makes sure it’s tight enough to provide ample support, but not so tight it’s cutting off her circulation. “There, how does that feel?” He asks, placing a gentle kiss to Ellie’s knee before looking up at her from where he’s kneeling on the gym floor.

Ellie tests it out, bending her knee a little. “That feels good, thank  you Logan.” She’s about to turn to head back to practice when Logan grips her hand.

“Hey, take it easy out there, alright? You don’t have to go full out every practice.” Logan suggests.

Ellie smiles, looping her arms around his neck. “Aww, are you worried about me?”

Logan’s hands go to her waist, hugging her to him. “Obviously. It’s pretty nerve wracking to watch my girlfriend get thrown around like a rag doll.”

Ellie smirks, absentmindedly playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. “Well, us real athletes have to do some pretty dangerous stuff. Not all sports are as easy as basketball.” She teases.

Logan frowns and pulls away from her a little, but he’s not doing a very good job of looking believably upset. “Well damn, way to make me feel bad about myself. And so soon after Canyon Crest not making it to the State Championships too. You can be so cruel. Good thing you’re so pretty.” He teases right back.

Ellie would have continued with their flirty banter, but the star crossed couple is interrupted. “Logan! If you keep distracting one of my most important flyers, I’m banning you from coming to practice. We’re trying to win a national title here!” Ellie’s cheer coach yells.

“Yes ma’am! Sorry about that, won’t happen again!” Logan yells back apologetically, getting to his feet. “You got me in trouble.” He quietly, and playfully, complains to Ellie.

She smiles at him. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

Logan grins, pulling her to him for a quick kiss. “I’m holding you to that troublemaker.”

“Ellie!” Her coach yells again.

“Coming!” She quickly replies, scurrying back over to the squad to keep working on the pyramid.

...

A week later in Orlando, Ellie is still distracted at a Logan free practice session. “Come on, stick it!” The coach yells as Ellie is tossed up onto the bases’ hands. Ellie wobbles, tightening her core to try to save it, but ultimately crumbles down to the ground.

“Oh my god, I told you not to replace Gia with Ellie.” Ingrid complains. “She’s about to cost us Nationals!”

Ellie never expected to make mat for the biggest cheerleading event of the year, and she certainly wasn’t expecting to be made a flyer, one of the most challenging and revered roles. But when Gia broke her leg after over flipping on a basket toss, it just made sense to give the spot to Ellie. Ellie is tiny and easy to lift, she works hard, and her technical skills are unbelievable for someone who’s been cheering less than a year.

But now, with only 2 days before the competition, the pressure is starting to get to her. Ellie doesn’t want to let anyone down. The squad has been working for months, for this two and a half minute performance that has to be perfect.

“Where is your head at Ellie?! You never drop this much. I took a big chance on you, because I believed in you. And right now, I’m starting to question my judgement.” Their coach critiques. Ellie fights back tears, nodding to show she’s listening. The coach turns her attention to the group. “Take 5. I want better attitudes from everyone when you come back in here.”

Ellie practically runs out of the gym, heading straight for her phone in the locker room. She sniffles as she dials Logan’s number from memory, leaning against the locker.

“Hey troublemaker, how’s Orlando?” He asks, sounding happy to hear from her.

“Logan.” Ellie replies, voice already breaking.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Logan immediately switches to comfort mode.

Ellie starts to cry as she explains that she’s not hitting any of her stunts. That she’s barely throwing her full. That she doesn’t think she can do it.

“Ellie.” Logan interjects when she finally lets him get a word in. “Everyone knows that you can do it besides you. You have to believe in yourself. That’s all it is babe.” He sighs. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”

More tears well in her eyes as she tries to take in his sweet words. “I miss you.” She mumbles, rubbing at her eyes to try to keep her tears at bay.

“I miss you too. And I love you. You can definitely do this Ellie, so go back to practice and kill it.”

“I love you too, and I’ll try.” Ellie promises.

Practice goes a lot better after her Logan pep talk. Ellie is always amazed at how effectively he can instill confidence in her, even from over 2,000 miles away.

She’s feeling a lot better by the time she heads back to the room she’s sharing with Riya. And Ellie’s mood brightens considerably when she opens the door, and finds Logan sitting on the bed.

“Surprise trouble- humph.” He’s cut off when she tackles him onto the bed, kissing him soundly.

It’s several long moments before she can tear herself away. “What are you doing here?!” She questions.

Logan smiles, his hands coming up to rest just under her cheerleading skirt, squeezing her thighs. “Like I’d miss your big competition.”

“But what about school?” The cheerleaders all have permission to miss a couple of days for the competition. She doubts Logan has any such agreement over at Canyon Crest.

“Troublemaker, we’ve got like 3 more weeks until we graduate. I doubt they’re going to rescind my Langston offer for missing a couple of classes where we’re most likely just watching movies.”

“You never know though. You worked so hard to get your grades up to qualify for that Langston basketball scholarship. I’d hate to see all that go to waste.” Ellie insists.

Before Ellie, Logan didn’t really care about school. He probably would have dropped out if not for basketball. But now, he just wants to be wherever she is. So when he found out Langston was her plan, it became his plan too.

He needed straight As in all his Fall semester classes to raise his GPA enough to meet the Langston athlete minimum. It was hard work, but Logan was motivated. He might not have been serious about school, but he’s sure as hell serious about Ellie Wheeler. It also helped that his beautiful girlfriend is a great tutor.

He’s really looking forward to being at Langston together starting in the Fall. It will be nice to have Ellie cheering for his team, for once.

“If it makes you feel better, I’ll get the assignments from a friend, okay?” He offers.

“Okay.” Ellie readily agrees, resting her head on his chest. She yawns, settling in for a nap. “Wait, are you trying to stay in here? What about Riya?”

Logan gently massages her back, lulling her to sleep. “She’s planning to stay in the room me and Darius are technically splitting.” He reveals.

“Perfect.” Ellie mumbles, almost asleep now. She doubts the Mar Vista Prep athletics program would sanction opposite gender room sharing, so they’ll have to be sneaky. Luckily, the couple has gotten pretty good at sneaking around due to Ellie’s dad forbidding her from dating Logan in the first place. Detective Wheeler has a strict ‘no athletes’ rule Ellie has chosen to ignore.

...

“....are you running through the routine in your head again?” Logan asks, playfully splashing her with salty Atlantic Ocean water.

“Am I that obvious?” Ellie returns, attempting to splash him back, but he weaves. Damn those quick basketball reflexes.

“Yep. I can practically hear you running the counts.” Logan quips, pulling her to him for a kiss.

With only one day left before the competition, their coach has instructed the cheerleaders to take the day off. It’s not worth risking injury when the routine is probably as good as it’s going to get at this point.

They do have a final early morning practice before the competition tomorrow though. And Ellie is determined to have a better showing than at their last practice.

“I’m just a little nervous, so I feel like I can’t relax. Sorry, this probably isn’t the Orlando vacation you wanted.” Ellie apologizes.

“I came to see you. I wanted to cheer on my favorite cheerleader. And to keep you from psyching yourself out because I know how you get.” He concludes with a small smile.

Ellie pouts up at him as he absentmindedly plays with the ties of her bikini bottom. “I’m trying not to get in my head.” Ellie knows how she gets too.

“Would it make you feel better to get some more practice in? I can be your base.” Logan proposes.

Ellie quirks a brow. “You?”

“What? I’ve seen how cheerleading works. I know how to do it.” Logan insists. He turns her around, placing his hands on her hips. He pulls her back a few steps into slightly deeper water, she assumes to break her fall when he no doubt drops her. “Let’s do that one where you go from the ground into Ingrid’s and Riya’s hands.”

“A hand toss cupie.” Ellie corrects.

“Yeah, that. Ready?” Logan replies.

“Ready as I’m gonna be.”

Ellie is expecting a countdown, but Logan throws her high in the air without one. She instinctively tightens up and Logan manages to grip her heel above his head, but that provides basically zero support so she crashes back into the water.

Ellie surfaces, sputtering a little. “Sorry troublemaker. But that wasn’t bad for a first try, huh?”

“Yeah, not bad. I’m actually kind of impressed. You put way too much power in that throw though. It’s supposed to be more of a gentle toss.”

“Noted. I’ll try to tone down my athletic prowess. But if you think about it, this is good practice for college cheer. Those male Langston cheerleaders will probably toss little old you like.....10 feet. Hey, you think I have what it takes to make the Langston cheer squad if the whole basketball thing doesn’t work out?” Logan teases, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist as he walks them deeper into the ocean.

“Honestly? I think I have a better chance of making the basketball team.” Ellie retorts with a smirk.

Logan laughs, gently running his thumb in circles on her thigh. “Teach a girl to shoot free throws and suddenly she thinks she runs the world. You’re gonna have to learn to dribble before you make the team babe. Also, your defense could use some work, tiny.”

“Hmm...maybe it would be easier to get you on the cheer squad then.” Ellie continues to play along.

“That’s the spirit! Want to try the cupie again?”

“No, I think I want to make out with my super athletic boyfriend instead.” Ellie buries her hands into the long wet strands of his dark hair.

Logan grins, leaning in close. “That can definitely be arranged.” He murmurs just before capturing her lips.

...

Ellie shakes Logan awake, causing him to groan and try to roll away from her. “Logan, you’ve gotta get up. Riya is coming to do my hair and makeup.” Ellie informs her sleepy boyfriend.

“You want me to leave?” He murmurs, stretching his arms out and yawning.

“No, but you have to put clothes on.” Ellie replies. She’s already dressed in her cheerleading uniform, ready for that early morning practice.

“I can do that.” Logan agrees, reaching down to the floor for his duffel bag. He pulls out some clean clothes, throwing them on.

Ellie quirks a brow when he pulls a Mar Vista Prep t-shirt over his broad shoulders. “Wouldn’t you never be able to live it down if you were photographed in that?”

“I definitely wouldn’t be able to show my face at graduation, but I love you more than I hate Mar Vista.” Logan quips, pulling her back into bed to get his kisses in before he has to worry about ruining her cheer makeup.

Riya arrives much too soon for Logan’s liking, using her key card to enter the room. “Alright, break it up you two. We can’t afford for Ellie to be sore before our big performance.” She insinuates with a grin.

...

Ellie stretches her quads as Mar Vista waits in the wings as Riverview High performs their routine. Ellie is unbelievably nervous. She can’t help but wish she started cheer earlier. Maybe she’d be feeling more confident if this wasn’t her first ever High School Nationals. 

She shakes out her arms, and tries to simultaneously shake out her nerves. Things went fairly well during practice, but now, staring out at the large crowd and watching other teams complete their routines flawlessly has Ellie a little bit in her head. 

She searches the crowd for Logan. Before she left for practice, he promised her he would be in the front row cheering her on. It takes her a few moments to spot him, standing with Darius in the front row on the left side. He laughs at something Darius says, and Ellie feels herself automatically calm down a little at the familiar sight of his bright smile. 

“Okay, Mar Vista, bring it in!” Ingrid yells, bringing Ellie’s attention back to the task at hand. All the cheerleaders put their hands into the circle. “Let’s bring it home, Mar Vista on three. One, two, three!”

“Mar Vista!” The squad choruses, lifting their arms. 

Ellie lets out a deep, calming breath. She’s got this. 

“And now coming out of Los Angeles, California, Mar Vista Prep!” The announcer introduces. The team walks out to polite applause from the audience, and fervent applause from the Mar Vista alternates, family members in attendance, and Logan and Darius. 

Ellie gets into her starting position, taking another deep breath before pasting on her cheer smile. She automatically looks to Logan, who smiles and winks at her. ‘You’ve got this.’ He mouths at her. Ellie’s smile becomes a little more authentic. 

Their routine starts with the cheer chants, the easiest required element for the competition. They shout loudly, and in sync, using their poms and signs as they cheer on the Mar Vista Bulldogs as if they’re at a game. 

The fast paced dynamic cheer music comes on as they transition to the dance and tumbling section. Ellie takes off across the stage, performing a round off into two back hand springs for momentum before throwing her full. She can feel her rotation is perfect in the air, and she lets out a quick sigh of relief when she lands on her feet and snaps upright, going right into the synchronized jump section. 

Ellie can see out of the corner of her eye that everyone’s toe touches and pikes look great. So far, so good. But now, it’s the part everyone is most worried about. The stunts and their big finale pyramid. 

Ellie cheer jogs over to her stunt group, placing her hands on Ingrid’s and Riya’s shoulders as they bend to brace her feet when she jumps. She crouches as they rotate so she’s facing the audience, and then back flips when they toss her in the air. 

She’s caught, and placed back to the floor. They immediately go into their next stunt, Ellie launching back into the air for a scorpion. Out of the corner of her eye, Ellie sees another stunt group’s bases having to take a couple of small steps to keep their stunt in the air, but she’s relieved to see them recover. 

Ellie spins, falling back into Riya’s and Ingrid’s arms. The squad tightens their formation for the final pyramid, and Ellie is placed back on the ground. Ingrid and Riya launch her back into the air for her next trick, and when she’s caught and lifted back up, Ingrid’s grip is absolutely terrible, but Ellie refuses to go down, over correcting in time for another cheerleader to fly overhead and for Ellie to catch her left foot like she’s supposed to. 

She releases her teammate’s foot, crouching as Riya and Ingrid carry her further back. “One, two, and up!” Riya counts out, and the bases launch Ellie over the middle of the pyramid. Ellie makes sure to smile brightly into the audience before she flips and is caught by another stunt group. 

Ellie winces when the catch is a little off, probably bruising her rib. But there’s no time to worry about that now. There’s just one more stunt standing between her and a perfect Nationals routine. 

She’s placed back down so she can jog back to Riya and Ingrid. “Whoo, let’s go Mar Vista!” Ingrid encourages. Everyone knows that if they can pull off this last move, the championship is all their’s due to their increased skill difficulty level.

 Ellie launches up into a bow and arrow, drops back into her bases’ hands as they scurry to the pyramid, gets into pyramid position, lifting her foot from Riya’s strong grip to perch on another airborne teammates thigh, and finally another flyer lands on her outstretched leg, Ellie gripping her firmly so she doesn’t fall. 

“Bulldogs!” They shout when the pyramid is complete. Ellie is finally able to breathe. Ellie looks out at Logan, who’s whooping and whistling loudly. And in that moment, everything is perfect. 

...

Mar Vista knew they won the moment that pyramid hit, but it’s still nice to hear it officially and be awarded a huge golden trophy, as well as individual gold medals. 

Ellie hops off the stage into Logan’s waiting arms, giggling when he spins her around. “You’re incredible.” Logan praises, capturing her lips and completely ruining the lipstick Riya had applied so painstakingly. 

“How does it feel to be dating a National Champion?” Ellie quips when they finally break apart for air. 

“Hmm...kind of indescribable troublemaker. Maybe next year you’ll get to find out.” He kisses her again, burying a hand into her hair so when he pulls away her bow is all askew. “So, what do you want to do next, champion?” He asks. 

Ellie smiles. “I’m going to Disney World!” 

...

A/N: Things I regret, attempting to write out that cheer routine, and then being too stubborn to cut it after all the googling I had to do. A mess. haha. 

taglist:  @choicesarehard @brightpinkpeppercorn @regina-and-happiness @drakexnadira @flyawayboo @fairydustandsarcasm @alesana45 @maxwellsquidsuit @god-save-the-keen @mrsmckenziesworld @paisleylovergirl @iplaydrake @sinclaire-made-me-sin @choicesgremlin @lovehugsandcandy @desireepow-1986 @blades-of-light-and-shadow @justdani14 @emceesynonymroll @emichelle @badchoicesposts @client-327 @riverrune @liamzigmichael4ever @princessstellaris​ @mskaneko​ @anxious-arliah @zaffrenotes​ @iam-ankita​ @ohsnapitzlovehacker​ @n-whas

[silverineontherun]

A list of some of my VLD fics

Heya! I’ve seen some new people following me here and I thought it’d be good to greet you all first! So, hi! I’m Mila, AKA Silverine on AO3, and I love writing for VLD, klance being the owners of my heart. I decided to rec some of my own klance fics for those who may be interested, since I haven’t updated my fic masterpost in a looong while 😅 here we go!

fake, not fate || One-shot, post s5, T rated || Canonverse, Soulmates AU, Fake dating, Fake marriage, Marry or die, Mind reading (a lot, I know)

Lance messes up during a mission and crashes into a sacred place. As if that wasn't bad enough, he can't leave unless his soulmate comes and marries him in a... questionable ceremony. Well, he just has to fake a relationship with any of his friends and get over with it... right?

it’s the little things || One-shot, s6, T rated || Quantum Abyss, Keith and Krolia bonding, pining Keith

Keith and Krolia share a moment in the Quantum Abyss, discussing Keith's feelings for Lance.

a gold for a gold || One-shot, Modern AU, T rated || Divers!klance, Proposal fic

At the World Championship, the Kogane-McClain team is about to participate in the high diving competition, but one of the team members is more anxious than he should. The gold medal is not the only gold at stakes here...

5 reasons to stay || Incomplete 4/6, post s6, T rated || Kinda fix it, canonverse, road trip shenanigans, feelings realization.

After their scarring battle against Lotor, Lance gets sick and he confesses to Keith he just wants to go home. But now that Keith has found his own peace, he will try to convince Lance during the long road back to not quit by showing him a few reasons to stay around. Five curious, bizarre reasons, to be exact.

that’s you in the mirror || Complete, 7/7, post s7, T rated || Body Swap, canonverse, Garrison, mutual pining, mentions of allurance (no real romance as in canon)

While trying to understand the mystery of the fallen Altean, Lance and Keith suffer a magical accident and end up swapping bodies. It’s definitely not the best moment for any of them-- not while they’re coming to terms with the confusing feelings they have developed for each other.

you’re always welcome here || Complete, 3/3, post canon, M rated || PTSD depictions, mild smut, Farmer Lance (gets better), family bonding, team bonding, Near-death experiences, feelings realization, Pining Keith, Healing Lance (altean marks and canon compliant, I’m sorry if it’s not your jam).

An unexpected tragedy that occurs during his work hits Keith harder than expected, and his fellow Blades decide it’s time for their leader to go back home. But... what is “home” exactly? Is it a what, or is it a who?

I’m particularly proud of the last one, just so you know lol. I’d also like to recommend these two for other ships:

Because summer will come || Shatt, one-shot, Modern AU || Writer!Shiro x Editor!Matt.

Matthew Holt is a young and enthusiastic editor for Altea Publishing House, a renowned editorial company. Being assigned to his favorite writer ever, Matt is delighted to finally meet the idol he imagines as an old, kind gentleman… but Mr. Kuron, A.K.A. Takashi Shirogane, is not what he expected at all, and his wish to make him write a bestseller at any cost could be the biggest challenge of his career... and also his personal life.

Two of Cups (Say You’ll Be Back) || Romellura, one-shot, Modern AU || Psychic!Allura x Normal Pining Lesbian! Romelle (lol)

Romelle had a friend at school who had a very special ability: she could see the future and warn people about future events. However, their friendship ended abruptly when Allura suddenly disappeared from her life, giving her her first heartbreak. But a decade later, a certain tarotist appears in town, and Romelle’s life may take a strange turn...

If you check any of these, I really hope you enjoy them! I still write for klance so if you have prompts there’s a chance I’ll take it if I have enough time :D