#we're going for the big shop at big tesco

[icallhimjoey]

so apparently there are some rumers, that joe is dating a girl called kate and that they revealed their realiationship at bfi. I mean I dont care who he is dating, as long he is happy, so am I. But where do those rumers come from?? There is literly no information, just those people saying that they are dating and sending hate mails to kate…

okay, FINE, im going to get into this, tell you all i know, and then that can be it for the questions i keep getting about this, because it really is neverending (and insanely annoying to me) so, lets go

kate is a writer/director who works with/for 'film hub north/bfi network/rianne pictures' as stated in her instagram bio, lives up north near newcastle and is gorgeous

at the london film festival this year she has gone to see hoard

she posted a pic to her insta stories of the Q&A after hoard from her seat in the cinema (like so many other fans did too) and said some nice words about luna and she tagged some people

one of the producers reposted the story into their stories which i think is how people "found" her

kate had a pic taken on one of the bfi red carpets (by herself) AND had a pic taken in a large group, one of who was lorn (lauren quinn - no relation - this is not about her, but people draw conclusions about this too)

NOW

just a couple weeks before, joe made a playlist on his spotify account called "Kate's" with two songs in

so, some girls went 1 + 1 = this is a relationship

kate has red hair and is literally stunning, so they're saying "she's his type, must be true"

kate got messages/insta comments asking about it, she posted a story to her insta that said something along the lines of "this is silly please stop this is my professional account i should be able to post what i want without being harassed i have body dysmorphia pls leave me alone"

went private and then public again shortly after

when i say that there's been 0 actual proof that these two people even know each other, i truly mean that there's 0 proof that these two people know each other at all

if we're just looking at the facts: she's a fan

the end

every time people have been trying to link them up, joe's been pictured/filmed to be by himself

couple weeks ago, kate posted stories to her instagram of her being in malta and, presumably, people started asking questions, because she very quickly went private and deleted the insta stories

she went public again shortly after, and the day that joe was pictured doing a lil food shop in his local tesco's, kate posted a mirror selfie in a lift and behind her, there's an arm in the frame - now, imo, not even close enough to touch her bum, but people went BLACK COAT, THAT'S JOE AND HE'S TOUCHING HER ASS

big sigh

so

what kate is NOT doing is coming out and denying anything, which is a choice

she doesnt have to do shit, she doesnt owe anyone anything, but to hit the snooze button and ignore everything is definitely a choice

in turn, some girls are taking the no-denying as proof of it being real and have made twitter and tiktok accounts and KEEP FUCKING SENDING ME QUESTIONS THAT KEEP PUSHING THIS TO BE THE TRUTH (they are not nice about it either)

i have yet to see any truth to any of these rumours - to me it feels like a lot of stories being pulled from thin air that some girls find extremely entertaining

i do not

i have no interest in this

don't get me wrong - joe'd be lucky to date someone as pretty as kate, she seems lovely, but i am going to need some actual proof before i just go with whatever some people are trying to sell to me as the truth

please do not reach out to me on anon about this

if you have anything you want to discuss with me, please find me in the tumblr chat messages

thanks <3

[thessalian]

Thess vs Good News/Bad News

It's payday - aka The Best Day!

...Well, not really, but it's a pretty good day. Just a busy one, too. Because payday is "Big Grocery Shop Day", and since the delivery of the big grocery shop is generally the day after payday, it's also a good "Clean Out The Fridge Day".

It also tends to be "Go Out And Grab Some Essentials To Tide Me Over Until The Big Grocery Shop Arrives Day". Not entirely looking forward to that, but hey, these things are sent to try us.

There's definitely a Good News/Bad News vibe about things at the moment. Well, okay, not if I start thinking about the wider state of things, because that's when I start despairing and I can't afford to do that. But the "my life being more or less together" things. There's the above, and then there's work. The bad news on the work front is ... we're having to have staff meetings. Which is a pain in the arse, particularly for poor Scruffman, because he has to have me and Goblin in one Teams meeting and then a second in-person meeting with the rest of the team. Also it means Goblin gets a look into my house. Okay, it's a tiny look, but she's a judgemental sort sometimes and I dislike thinking about what she thinks when my camera goes on and she sees a plushie goblin wizard staring at her.

Good news, though, is that in our first staff meeting, one of the items on the agenda is ... THEY'RE HIRING ANOTHER SECRETARY! THANK THE GODS!

So I'm going to focus on that, and I'm going to ride that minor high as far as the big Tesco's, which still has a pharmacy counter for my mallet meds, and I am going to pick up Edible Things. Also coffee. I only very slightly miscalculated the amount of coffee I was going to want / need ... but I did miscalculate and if I don't do the shop, I will be without coffee tomorrow morning, or at least with very substandard coffee because the stuff sold at my corner shop is kind of blegh. So off I go. It's grey and dark and kinda cold but ... hey. Mallet meds and coffee and whatever I want for dinner.

...fuck, I have no idea what I want for dinner.

Well, perusing the aisles will inspire me, I'm sure.

[fanficfish]

This is the only time I'll break my "no politics" rule. This is also my own opinoin, if you don't like it please just move on with your life and don't get into pointless arguments over a silly gacha gamer's hot take.

I saw some posts today pop about a strike and one thing it says is boycotting the economy except for essentials.

I personally think this is a bit of a mixed bag idea. If you boycott small businesses (who might support your cause-), you hurt people who probably aren't involved in what's going on.

If you boycott big chain stores, it's only effective if EVERYONE does it. Also, it doesn't work as well if we're talking worldwide, since so many of them exist and they're different in every country- for example, we don't really have Tesco in the US. Most bulk stores probably won't care you didn't buy a loaf of bread from them for the day.

(For example, when Reddit blacked out-it certainly got attention. A lot of big subs were involved. But in the end not too much happened besides a lot of people realized that Reddit was a bigger part of their lives then they realized, after they couldn't access certain posts or subs to ask questions and look for info or lost the sense of community they had. It doesn't work unless EVERYONE does it, and not everyone did, for example subs run by corporations who for probably obvious reasons couldn't just up and close their subs for an undetermined period of time)

that's my take on it. If you still want to boycott the economy, go ahead-in the end it's a personal choice (I did it to Jack in the Box for ten years after I was given a spicy burger instead of a normal one at age 6). But don't hurt that small family-owned coffee shop that's been struggling since the pandemic to stay open. Don't hurt the college student making cool art for tuition money because "we need to hurt the economy".

Boycott the big brands that don't support your cause, and instead support the people who do. That's a much better way in my opinion to protest and show your support. No one wants to join with people who hurt them, but people flock to the ones that showed they care.

And now, back to my regularly-scheduled shitpost headcanons.

[shadow-pixelle]

9 People You Would Like to Get to Know Better.

Was tagged by @shootingstarpilot, ta very much.

Three ships: I'll go with one for each of my current main fandoms, so Jocasta Nu/Plo Koon for Star Wars (I am still here thriving on my pool floaty for that one), Dick Grayson/Wally West for DC, and Danny Fenton/Jason Todd for DCxDanny Phantom (yes that is still DC, no I do not care, there's enough crossover fics that it practically counts as it's own fandom ok.)

First ever ship: Uuuuh. Uuuuh. Y'know. I cannot remember for the life of me? Genuinely it might've been NaruMitsu, aka Miles Edgeworth/Phoenix Wright, from my original re-dive into fandom hell outside of just playing games.

Everything about that is a weird thought. I consider myself to have been in fandom stuff since like 2015, I didn't get into Ace Attorney until like 2018 or so because a friend was streaming their playthrough of it? And it was like another year or two later before I found that first fic (Saturation by TiedyedTrickster on AO3, lovely fic, genuinely wonderful). But I really can't remember anything else I actually actively shipped earlier than that? Like maybe there were a few things but I seem to remember that a lot of that kinda stuff was very much me glancing at a fic and going 'oh hey that chemistry's neat' but not really caring about it outside of that fic. Huh. Anyway.

Last song: Immortalized, Hidden Citizens.

Last movie: soft error sounds so I don't watch movies because my attention span is dogshit. I think the last thing that I actually full-force sat down and watched all the way through without my brain wandering off entirely was Moana, and that was over a year ago?

Man I need to watch more movies. I'm pretty sure I've got a watchlist somewhere.

Currently reading: I'm kinda sorta on a book break at the moment in that there are a lot of books I could be reading, my shelf is super full, but my brain is not currently capable of reading new things and so they're all sitting there glaring at me from a distance. If we're willing to talk fics though I'm rereading Commander by Drich with is a Planetary Annihilation Self Insert and also fucking incredible like everything else they write.

Currently consuming: I have my big jug of water (it's a 1L mason jar that I repurposed for drinking from because it means I actually remember to drink things) and am contemplating having a mooch through my snack box for chocolate.

Currently craving: the inari nigiri and little mochi balls that they have at the Yo! sushi bar thing in my local Tesco. I had to go shopping earlier for some bits and thought about getting some for lunch but didn't cause I have food at home. Jokes on me, I guess, now I really want it but it's currently tipping it down with rain and I'm not going out in that to go get food when I've already eaten.

No pressure tags for @kalicofox, @greentrickster since I mentioned your fic, and @clockwayswrites, and also anyone else who spots this out in the wild and decides they'd like to!

[backgroundnoisewithaview]

Okay i totally get this. I understand completely that we are reinventing the wheel and it has a lot of fundamental safety issues. I am also all for trains. I love them!

However.

I would like a self driving car, that is completely in control of itself and completely safe, in a universe where that can be achieved, because I'm chronically ill with physical issues. I can not drive, and trains don't get me door to door on bad days and neither do buses.

Taxis are door to door, which is what I need but they're increasingly expensive and lately, regularly unreliable. Theres also a separate, more expensive company that has WAVs - wheelchair accessible vehicles. The person who needs them is totally reliant on the driver to let them on board, deploy the ramp, use the right straps in the right places and not do all of these things with a belligerent attitude.

My friends have been left on the side of the road by taxis refusing to take them. Drivers regularly day they don't have a ramp. I know someone whose powerchair was broken twice by two different taxi drivers using the wrong straps in the wrong place. One guy broke something off, and another guy cracked the battery and motor outer cases with one strap. If you've ever seen Short Circuit 2.... You'll understand why that's not good.

I've been left waiting 3 hours after hospital appointments because I've not been able to walk home from the bus stop, but it's contract hours - the hours of the day taxis do school jobs or home returns - so there's no taxis available.

With self driving cars that were totally reliable and safe and not something by your Musks or Zuckerbegs, a disabled or chronically ill person has more independence and safety.

I mean I would love to be able to shop late at night in the big tesco, and with a self driving car totally safe, that didn't depend on me knowing how to drive as a back up, I could do that! I can't right now cos I can't drive, the bus doesn't get me to the big tesco, merseyrail trains are great but still there's walking involved either side, and taxis are expensive.

Imagine being able to go on holiday where I leave from my own door. I don't have to get up especially for a train journey, I don't have to lug a suitcase around the train station or rush last minute when a train has changed platforms. I don't have to transfer half way through the journey and I don't have to worry about getting a taxi to my hotel once I'm off the train. I could stop somewhere for a break. I could change destination and find somewhere to stay mid journey if I became too unwell to continue. And I don't have to adhere to return train tickets if I liked the destination so much I wanted to stay an extra day or two.

It's a dream!

But one we're never going to get if the argument about current self driving cars is "We don't need them!! Look how unsafe they are!!" instead of "Hey they need to be safer before they're rolled out widespread!"

please god above can someone explain to me why we're still working on self driving cars when trains exist

[survey--s]

638.

Do you have the right time set on your microwave?: Our microwave doesn't have a clock on it.

Do you have any old newspaper articles? Why?: Just one my dad sent me to read yesterday but I haven't got round to it yet - it's about cats.

Do you have a flat screen tv or just a regular box?: Ours are all flat screens. We have three in total.

Do you have a radar detector for your car?: Mike does but I don't have one in mine.

Have you ever been arrested? For what?: Nope.

Do you know how to change the oil in your car?: Yes, I had to learn as part of my driving test.

Have you taken your shower yet?: Yeah, I had a shower before I went to work this morning.

Do you like Tootsie Rolls?: We don't have those here.

Do you have a printer? What kind?: We do have one - I don't remember what make it is though as it barely ever gets used anymore.

Are you seeing anybody currently?: No. We're married, lol.

Do you or have you ever smoked cigarettes?: I have in the past.

Do you like it when it snows?: Only if it's proper snow.

Are your ears pierced?: They are indeed.

Where do you do most of your shopping?: Like, for groceries? Tesco.

Who do you live with?: My husband, a dog, two cats and a kitten.

What is your most expensive bill?: Our mortgage, but even that isn't huge. We live in a super cheap area so we haven't really been hit by the cost of living crisis.

Do you have a big yard?: It's not huge but it's surprisingly large for a terraced house.

Do you live in the country or the city?: Country.

Do you sleep alone or with someone every night?: With my husband and the dog.

Did you have a treehouse as a child?: I had a clubhouse/shed type thing.

At what age did you obtain your driver license?: 28.

Do you look in the newspaper for coupons?: No.

Did you get a big tax refund from last year?: No. I think I got about £14 back, lol.

Do you like Slim Jim’s?: I mean, I like the UK equivalent, sure.

Is there someone you would love to punch right now?: No.

Did you grow up fast?: No, not really. I had a pretty safe and secure childhood and I never really worried about anything.

What are you favorite kind of chips?: Salt and vinegar, cheese or paprika flavoured.

Have you taken any medicine recently? For what?: Yeah, a paracetamol for a headache this morning.

What have you eaten today?: Peanut butter and banana on toast, some leftover crisps and some olives and feta.

Did you or are you going to wash your hair today?: I did this morning when I took a shower.

Does the water in your shower take a long time to get warm?: No, it takes less than ten seconds.

Where did you go today?: Tesco and then to feed the cats I'm currently looking after.

Are you sleepy right now?: I wouldn't say sleepy, but I am feeling really relaxed.

What color is your mousepad?: My trackpad is silver.

Should you be doing something else at the moment?: No. I do need to give Simba his probiotics after this, though.

Do you like your neighbors?: They're nice enough, sure.

Do you have bedroom shoes?: No.

Do you get your eyebrows waxed?: No.

Has anyone given you flowers recently?: Nope.

Do you work Monday thru Friday?: Yeah, as a general rule. I sometimes have cat/horse visits at weekends but generally I try and keep them as free as possible.

Is there anything you are looking forward to tomorrow?: I'm just glad tomorrow is Sunday.

How many miles does your car have on it?: Uh, just under 50k I think.

Is your alarm clock set to radio or beep?: My phone is just set to play a tune.

Do you like to go fishing?: No. Mike loves it but I really don't see the appeal.

Has anyone you know been arrested recently?: One of our neighbours was arrested last week. The police blocked the road as he was resisting arrest so I got to watch the whole thing from my car, hahah.

Do you have more than 1 email address?: Yes.

Do you think you will have the same job 2 years from now?: Yeah, I suspect so. I have no plans to change career, anyway.

Do you have central heating and air?: We have central heating, yeah. Air conditioning isn't really a thing in UK homes.

Do you speed while driving?: Yeah, I think everyone does around here.

Is there someplace you would rather be right now?: No.

Did you build the computer you are using?: Hah, no.

Do you have good computer speakers?: No, they're pretty rubbish but I never really use my computer for anything noisy anyway.

Are you waiting on anything at the moment?: No.

Where is your favorite person?: Upstairs in bed.

Do you keep track of your debit purchases?: My banking app does that for me.

Do you ever shop at Harris Teeter? I’ve never even heard of that before.

Do you like to burn incense?: No, it gives me a headache. I love scented candles/wax melts though and always have one of those going if I'm at home.

Are there any plants in your house?: No.

How long does it take you to get to work?: My furthest job is a 15 minute drive, but the vast majority are five minutes or less from my house..

[strawberryybird]

i ran out of earl grey tea yesterday & am Very cranky that i can’t have my little 11am routine of my favourite tea & daydreaming intensely about edeleth 

[hazbbyhaz]

sleepless || harry styles

six

pairing: Harry Styles x OC

synopsis: getting back into everyday life

disclaimer: slander of ones self, child abuse

I want to be with you, it is as simple and as complicated as that.

- charles bukowski

After finishing her tea, Avery told Harry that she was tired and made her exit. The way home had been cold and rainy, upon arriving back to her flat she realized that it wasn't much better. She walked into the kitchen in search of more tea. Coming up empty-handed, she decided to brew a pot of coffee. That would keep her awake, at least.

In the corner of her living room sat an old piano, she had bought it a couple of years prior at a flea market. The thing worn and very out of tune, but adorned with a wonderful message written in metallic silver sharpie. “Girls just wanna have fun.” she wandered over to it, taking a seat on the small bench, letting her fingers wander over the unfamiliar keys. She understood them just as much as she would a foreign language.

Her long, fragile fingers pressed down on the white stripes, the atrocious sound it makes sends a shiver down her spine. Closing the lid of the piano and setting her mug on top, she contemplated what else to do. The main goal was to stay awake, as it always was. Everything that she did from the moment she came home to the moment she went back to work was focused on just that. Anything she could do to take her mind off of that would happily suffice.

So, for the next half an hour she read a book, made another pot of coffee, sat down to compile a list for the grocery, started a bad french movie, drew several small doodles on her grocery list, and eventually made her way out to he balcony to see if her neighbor's cat was in sight.

At 1:30 am she went back inside due to the cold air. Once settled, she was greeted by a deafening silence. It isn't unfamiliar. All her nights went like this. She wasn't living her life, just waiting for the time to pass. Sometimes she would stand inside of her tiny bathroom, look into the mirror for a good while and take in her appearance. The bags under her eyes, the sunken face, and the slumped shoulders,

On rare occasions, she would fall asleep. This was almost always met with her waking up in a panic. Nonstop tears and shakes. Always alone. Always.

Tonight Avery was again standing in the bathroom. She thought about the party while she brushed her teeth. You were dumb. You were acting stupid and weird and everyone must have thought you were crazy. Everyone.

She opened her bedroom door, crawled underneath the sheets of her bed, and fell asleep with a racing heart.

“Mummy! I painted you something!” I exclaimed, running into the kitchen. The piece of paper in my wand-waving around like a flag. Mummy was standing there, her eyebrows knit together, and a stern expression on her face. That look alone made me stop in my tracks.

“What did I tell you, Avery? Huh?! What did I tell you!” She yells, looking down at me. I lower my gaze, hiding my paining behind my back.

“Not to run in the house.'' I whisper apologetically, looking anywhere but her. Mommy's hand connects with my cheek and I fall backward, the painting falling to the floor. Tears fill my eyes as she slaps me for a second time. “I’m sorry, Mommy… I didn't mean to make you mad”

She kneels in front of me, making sure that we are on a small level. I think that she might even want to hug me. Say that she is sorry and that she didn't mean to hit me, and ask if I am okay. As I step forward with outstretched arms she grabs my hair, pulling me closer. “You know what you are? An ungrateful brat. And that's all you will ever be.”

Avery shakes the whipped cream container for the second time, the disapproving gaze of the customer in front of her beyond prominent. At last, a bit of whipped cream topped the caramel frappuccino with cinnamon, almond milk, and sprinkles.

“That will make 3 pounds, please.”

The girl placed 3 pounds on the counter, took her coffee, and left without saying another word. She joined her boyfriend who was waiting patiently outside for her. As soon as the door closes, Avery lifts the curtain that leads to the back of the shop. “Tom! I think we're out of whipped cream!”

An annoyed grunt is the only answer she receives before Tom makes his way to the front of the shop. “Again? Maybe we should stop selling those damn frappuccinos.”

“Any new job offers?’” Avery asks, wiping her hands on one of the nearby dish towels. A look at the clock reminded her that her break would start in just a couple of minutes.

‘Not really,” Top sights, leaning against the counter, his gaze fixed on the big window, overlooking the street. “Maybe I should make the salary a bit higher, but I don't have that kind of money. It's hard enough for me to even pay you, but we really could use the extra help around here. I'm telling you, the very next person who puts in an application will get the job. You will get a bit of a break around here too. Do you think you could run out and get some more whipped cream? The next delivery doesn't come till Friday.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out five pounds.

“Sure,” Avery is already on her way out of the shop. “I got it covered.” Tom gives her a thankful smile, putting the money back into his pocket.

“You're a real one, Avery.”

Avery was never very fond of receiving compliments. They always made her feel very uncomfortable and she never knew how to react to them. Genuine smiles or a grateful glance meant a lot more to her. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy. Words were too easy. Everyone could say something without meaning it.

She scurried across the street to the nearest Tesco to get three more containers of whipped cream. After paying and a highly uncomfortable small talk with the cashier, she made her way to her favorite bagel place. While making her way there, she decided that four things made her life bearable. Tea, the neighbor’s cat, genuine smiles, and bagels. There wasn't much more to it.

She went with her usual bagel order accompanied by a black tea, finding a nice spot towards the back of the shop to sit, the three containers of whipped cream sat close beside her. Her eyes ran over the pages of the book she had brought with her, but she just couldn't seem to concentrate. Her eyes simply just float past each word, not truly reading. The nightmare from last night was still at the forefront of her mind, weighing her down today. She regretted going to bed at all. It always bought this with it. You couldn't have one without the other.

“What's got you looking so miserable?” A voice suddenly asked. Avery jumped back, nearly losing her grip on the book. Harry stood looking down at her. His silhouette blocked the sunlight flowing in from a nearby window, so she couldn't quite make out his features. “I’m sorry, I didn't want to scare you.”

“It's okay,” She breathed out. “Hi, Harry.”

He smiled at her before placing the coffee in his hands, of which she hadn't noticed before, down on the table, taking a seat across from her. “You look tired.”

She always looked tired. He must have noticed. Everyone noticed. “You're very charming, you know that?”

“I get that quite a lot.” They sat in silence for a while, Harry sipping his coffee, occasionally settling his gaze on Avery. She completely gave up on trying to read her book and focused her attention on her bagel and tea. The afternoon sun lit up the shop, every table in front of them being illuminated in a warm glow.

Avery enjoyed the silence and Harry didn't seem to mind it either. She still didn't understand the stranger she had met and kept on meeting, but it was nice. It was different having a person around, like having a friend. “Do you wanna go out tonight?”

“What?”

“My friends and I are going out tonight and I thought you might want to accompany us,” Harry explained, his eyes not leaving her. He was worried. About what? She had no clue, but he wasn't very good at hiding it. Not at all.

“Wouldn't that make me even more tired?” Avery questioned, referring to his statement from earlier.

“I'll give you some energy.”

“How does that even work?”

“You will have to come to find out.” He smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Avery agreed to go out with him and his friends, also agreeing to meet him at her flat. Avery left first, leaving Harry to sit a bit longer at the table. As she walked away, the warm glow of the sun hitting her face in the perfect way, Harry wasn't sure he had ever met someone more lonely.

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[wolftown]

The Post Covid World: An Optimistic Outlook

There is no doubt that the Coronavirus epidemic is going to do lasting damage to our towns and cities - particularly our small towns. I've vowed somewhat not to cover anything negative in this blog, but Covid is something that's not going to hide away.

However, I firmly believe that Wolverhampton, and quite possibly only Wolverhampton, is poised to reap benefits from the crisis.

Please note, I do not in any way intend to downplay the ongoing pandemic, it's effect on people, lives and livelihoods. This is a very cherrypicked and glass-half-full post.

My reasoning?

The damage was already done and recovered from.

I'll try and explain my position.

Cinema

We had already lost the last multiplex cinema. Indeed the only screen in Wolverhampton is the Lighthouse arts centre - which while great, is a different kind of proposal to the other cinemas the city once had. When people flock back to cinema - and they will, even if it is a few years down the line out of nostalgia like the Vinyl boom - there are several proposals ready to go.

There have actually been three proposals for cinemas in recent years - the above at the Wulfrun Centre, Westside Odeon multiplex, and Network House (which is now going to be housing). This shows the appetite in the city.

So we haven't lost any cinemas - but we are well set up to gain some in the impending building boom, government funded recovery or otherwise.

Bars and Restaurants

Wolverhampton doesn't have any chain restaurants - except for Nando's and pubs. Therefore when they all collapsed we did not lose out like a lot of City centres that are now fighting to retain the few they've got.

As these chains bite the dust, I believe a power vacuum is going to be created amongst hospitality, and some big new chains will set up. We saw this with the loss of Berni Inn, Wimpy, Little Chef, and so on.

We actually have some big schemes that can come in the future to provide for the flavours the city is lacking - big risers such as "street food", Mexican, Japanese and asian fusion. Several big American chains are expanding, and Canadian chain Tim Horton's have just set up their national headquarters in Wednesfield!

Wednesfield has lost out - Bella Italia collapsed and Chiqhuito closed down - but Pizza Hut which similarly closed was swiftly taken up by the aforementioned Tim Horton's. This shows their faith in Wednesfield. There are many chains that could open up in Wednesfield once we're all back to normal.

Retail

We're on a theme here - the damage has already been done and Wolverhampton has either already recovered from it or is in the process of doing so.

Look at the big chains we've just seen collapse:

- Debenhams: already closed before the announcement, and has been filled

- Arcadia: already closed their last store, which has been filled

- Next: had already planned to close, and have already finished building the large replacement store at St John's across the Ring Road

- BHS: unlike many cities ours has been taken on

- Waitrose: our store has already been taken by a new tennant (Tesco)

- Paperchase: our stores had already closed

A huge amount of chains such as Victoria Secret, Quiz, Monsoon, Oasis, Warehouse, Laura Ashley, Hawkin's, Mothercare, and so many more, were not present in the City Centre. We have dodged a bullet that may well kill off a lot of local centres.

We can focus on consolidating and refurbishing what we've already got, as well as, like with hospitality, welcoming the chains that open up in the national power vacuum - we have some ideal locations.

Music

Our figurehead music venue was already closed for redevelopment. The hit our economy took as a result is only the same as that experienced by our neighbours, so despite having a world class venue off the back of this extensive refurbishment, we have not lost out in the long run.

How do we move onwards?

The solution that a majority of towns and cities our size have taken is to buy up old shopping centres and redevelop them. There are countless schemes - Ashford, Basildon, Gravesend, Maidenhead, Oxford, etc, that have replaced retail with living space and mixed uses.

In Stockton-on-Tees, the centre is actually being replaced with an enormous central park. I am strongly leaning towards a mix of the two. Demolish the entire Wulfrun Centre, consolidating the few shops remaining into Dudley Street, Victoria Street and the Mander Centre. In its place, a classy row of Georgian style townhouses or flats, masking the revealed edge of the Bell Street side of the Mander Centre. In front, a large, rectangular central park.

Stockton-on-Tees, where a 60s shopping mall is to be replaced with a central park

I suppose, in a rather grim way, my analysis is that Wolverhampton has been so catastrophically devastated over the past decade that Corona Virus has barely touched the viability of the City Centre - and that we are therefore well poised to reap the benefits of the economic recovery to follow.

[punkscowardschampions]

Ali & Carly

Ali: I have THE most shockingly incredible news Carly: ? Ali: Someone you know Ali: someone very geographically close to you Ali: is leading a double-life Carly: I know my ma's fucking the bloke who works in the kebab place Ali: Hmm Ali: fair play Ali: a man who knows his way around a giant sword of meat is undoubtedly a plus Ali: but this is not about kebabs or adultery Ali: yet Carly: thats what i said after i told her what pegging is Carly: but k is it about 💊s? Ali: bless Ali: from the mouth of a babe Ali: nope, but think one of your other great loves Carly: aw its about you Carly: tell me tell me Ali: okay, okay Ali: but only 'cos you're the sweetest Ali: and I am 😻 Ali: cat lady has an antique shop! Ali: idk how I've not found it 'til now but it's so cool and you've got to come Carly: o thats so cute! Carly: all the 🐈s just on the shelves like 👀 Carly: she must have so many breakages tho 💔😿 Carly: u there now? Ali: RIGHT?! Ali: I nearly gave her a heart attack when I realised it was her Ali: like seeing a 🐅 in its natural habitat Ali: [imagine a hilarious selfie with a slightly bewildered old lady 'cos she's #buzzin] Ali: won't blame her beloved moggies but it is a bit of a mess Ali: party still tho, so come thru Carly: 😍😍😍 Carly: wtf @ her working there still shes like 400 Carly: not looking it from that angle tho 😘 Carly: where am i goin? Ali: she's the big boss lady Ali: 🤑🤑🤑 Ali: 'cept not, obvs Ali: it's a complete hidden 💎 Ali: hidden the operative, so just get to the main drag of the high street and I'll meet you 💚 Carly: yea?! aw love that for her & us Carly: scavenger hunts r so fun bye ma👋 Carly: ill bring mr darcy he's been trying to get in the hot tub all morning 😼 didnt have the 💜 to tell him hes not meant to like water Ali: exactly Ali: knew you'd get it Ali: won't blindfold you or nothing but maybe later Ali: awh, double date moment Ali: he's just tryna live up to his name is all Carly: 🔮 finds u baby or u find it Carly: ha ill make that maybe into a yea thats my 🔮 Carly: 💙🐅 & 💜🐈 aw cute Carly: thats why he's 😾 but 😽 yea? thats the 1 right? Ali: got it all in one, baby Ali: so smart Carly: my outfit choice gotta b some kind of 🔮 too 🌟 Carly: fate found me overalls like get ready bitch Carly: 🐇 Ali: ready to work and werk Ali: that's my girl Carly: ha Carly: can't have u looking like that & me Carly: idk but not 👼 level Ali: psh Ali: impossible Carly: ur a 🍑 Carly: but we're still honeymooning Ali: life's a honeymoon with you and me, doll Ali: neverending summer, yeah Carly: u kno Carly: any hot customers that come through the door better only have 👀 for the other 🐈 Ali: 🐈 gets 'em in the door, they gotta stay, and more importantly pay, for the bargains Ali: that's my business plan anyway Ali: not sure how she's rolling, only that she ain't rocking Carly: & no more breakages thats mine ha Carly: dont have the shakes today its k but will be weak at the knees when i see u 💙 sorry colleen Carly: make sure u catch me yea 👼 Ali: 'course Ali: you're far too pure to ever be a 😈 Ali: the universe and I will never let that happen Carly: ur too nice Ali: nah Ali: just what you deserve Ali: well, I try Carly: ur the real 💎 Carly: & im happy we found each other Ali: me too Ali: never gonna lose each other again Ali: trust Carly: the universe & i will never let that happen Ali: 💚 Ali: forever means forever Ali: do you want anything, I'm just killing time Carly: im goin nowhere baby unless its w you 💫 Carly: idk water maybe Carly: not v rock & roll but i reckon maybe youll like me anyway Ali: adventures only club 🌌 Ali: I know I'll love you dope Ali: water it is Ali: strictly straight-laced plain ole h2o, no hint of party Carly: 💙forever i kno Carly: ha wot r u planning to spike it w? 👀 u Ali: WISH I'd found some really retro pharmaceuticals in all those old bottles Ali: wonder how coke ages like Ali: fancy Carly: if we find any i'll be your lab 🐇 Carly: but not today im 😵 Carly: 💔😢 Ali: 😢 now I'm thinking about animal testing Ali: no cages either Ali: we got work to do Ali: but you can take it easy babe, sweet-talk like only you can Carly: omg no 😭 we have to free every 1 🐇🐀🐁 no cages ever! 😠 Ali: that's a job for tomorrow Ali: we'll need posterpaint and balaclavas Carly: cute Carly: i kno lads who've got some we can borrow Carly: & 💪 if we need it too Carly: or 🏎 for the getaway ha Ali: they've got their uses Ali: that's for sure Ali: can we convince 'em to dress up like 🦍s for the cause Ali: obvs 😘 Carly: i can Carly: u could but id b 💔😢 like Ali: but what about my 💔? 😏 Carly: ur protected by the 🔮💫 Ali: yeah Ali: and I protect you Carly: yea u do Carly: we dont need the lads Carly: ur a🐅 Ali: 😊 Ali: what's going on at the zoo tonight tho Ali: any parties we need to be a part of Carly: johnnos home thats always good til the garda wanna welcome him back too ha Ali: party poopers Ali: we'll be gone before then Carly: gone 🏃 or gone 🚀💊 Ali: little from column a little from column b Ali: don't wanna share you for that long Ali: and I'm defs not sharing our spoils, either Carly: k Carly: i kno u said this place was hard to find but maybe im outside? Carly: idk it 👀s right Ali: omg 🗺📌 Ali: I'm still in the tescos getting us some lunch Ali: called Calico Jacks Ali: which is SO perfect Carly: !!! Carly: i knew this was the place 🐈👑🏰 Ali: the universe WANTED us both to find it today Carly: omg its so cute in here Carly: idc that im sneezing Carly: i love it Ali: right? Ali: she has some amazing stuff Ali: it just needs sorting out so people can 👀 it all for what it could be, not necessarily what it is rn Ali: once we've bagsied the best bits for ourselves, naturally Carly: i'll tell her its the comedown so she wont feel bad Carly: omg i just found the cutest 🐻😍😍 hes joining us for tea Ali: totally making this a picnic moment Ali: you've gotta name him/her Carly: yay Carly: kettles on baby 💙 r u nearly here? Carly: mayb ill have thought of a name by then Carly: cant rush if he has to go by it forever Ali: faster than you can sneeze boo Ali: exactly, names are very important Ali: so 🍀 he gets to pick his own Carly: aw lucky is a good name Ali: perfect Ali: I wonder if we can find him a suitable tea time outfit Carly: 😊😊

[issysindieblog]

INTERVIEW - SPINN

SPINN are quickly winning over a fan-base across the UK from locals in their hometowns in Liverpool where they grew up to now adoring teen girls and this comes as no surprise to anybody. They have the cheek yet optimism of a new band despite completing their final lineup only last year and will no doubt continue to roar through the UK music scene and gain an army of avid supporters in years to come. This month, the boys are embarking on a tour of the UK, playing a series of gigs up and down the country from Glasgow to Bristol. They finish the tour off on the 28th September back in their home-city of Liverpool (O2 Academy 2 Liverpool). They've impressively already managed to sell out three of their six dates and have recently announced that they have been signed to American label, anti fragile music. The thing that the band are chuffed about though? The fact that one of their songs, It's Not Getting Better, was played on Made in Chelsea earlier on this week.

SPINN have released eight songs so far, including a self-titled EP which was released in April of this year. Singles of their's include catchy 'It's Not Getting Better' which is a song that stays in your head for days after first hearing it's memorable lyrics ( "you know it's killing me being here, killing me, being here.”) and groovy guitar lines which resemble that of early work from Blossoms.

Pictured below, SPINN.

So, (currently) 180,000 monthly Spotify listeners, a UK tour this month with half of the dates sold out and a growing army of supporters, I had questions for Johnny from SPINN and these were his answers... Maybe I'm slightly biased, but I think that these are the best answers to an interview that I've ever read.

1. Was there a particular moment that you realised that SPINN were becoming popular?

I was once getting a meal deal in Tesco and I saw somebody walk in the shop wearing a SPINN teeshirt. I was absolutely buzzing that somebody was wearing some of our merch and later on they messaged our Instagram page and said they'd seen me but had been too scared to come up and say hello. The same thing happened to me when I saw Ex-Everton Winger Steven Pienaar in a different Tesco. That made me realise we were doing something right, I still think we've got a while to go before we can say we're properly popular though. Just got to keep working innit x

2. Away from making music and gigging, what are your favourite things to do together?

Honestly just knocking about with each other like we always have, is what we like to do. Usually it can be anything from just walking around the shops together to going on nights out and staying up till 8AM. Last week Louis had to stay at my flat and we spent the time going to Tesco and prank calling Sean.

This has been a very Tesco centric interview I'll try and steer away from that for the rest of it. Right that's besides the point, as long as we're still knocking about together and taking the piss out of each other, we'll enjoy it x

3. You're going on tour soon, do you each have an essential item you will take with you?

I try to bring a book of some sort for the drive currently, it's Nine Stories by J.D Salinger

Andy ALWAYS brings a hairdryer and various hair products, rocking a bowl when you're on the road ain't no easy fete!

Sean usually just brings himself, that leather jacket he's always got on. A spare bass guitar wouldn't go a miss either, though. Once he left his on the side of the motorway when we were on the way back from Derby, good times.

Louis brings his Aston Villa blanket and 20 Litres of Vape liquid, the little fiend.

4. What/who are your major influences?

Collectively: The Drums, The Smiths, The La's, The Cure, Orange Juice, Ride, My Bloody Valentine.

Individually: Too many to list xoxo

5. Let’s fast forward five years from now, what do you see SPINN doing?

Ideally I'd like to get to the level of Wolf Alice or The 1975 are at now, that would be the dream. If we keep on working then I can see no reason why we can't get there, if we don't then that's fair enough, but we have to at least try! Anyway that's the dream, as long as we can make a living off the band and keep writing music that develops and matures with us then I'll be happy.

6. Do you have any pre-gig rituals?

I always have to go on stage last, I don't know why. At particularly big gigs we listen to 'I Am A God' by Kanye West before we go on, because it's such a good tune for getting hyped to. Other than that, apart from the odd bout of stage fright it's usually just a beer with the boiz before going on.  

7. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

I think our songwriting has definitely improved. When we listen to our new stuff compared to our older songs, it's just in a different league, that only comes with experience though. I think that us touring has definitely helped us realise what is what in terms of song structures and live performances. So to answer the question properly, yeah we've got a lot better (even though we thought we were boss before when we weren't lol).

8. Can you describe each member of the band in under ten words?

Andy - A man who loves his haircut more than life itself.

Sean - Donned in a tight leather jacket he's often quite hungover.

Louis - A small man, usually asleep in his Aston Villa blanket.

Me (Johnny) - Taller than the other four, basically the god of dancing xoxo

9. How long have you been playing together? 

Louis joined about a year ago, but we've been a band for about 2 and a bit years. Saying that, I don't think we would be SPINN without Louis so therefore I'm gonna say a year.

10. What has been your favourite and least favourite venue to play so far?

My favourite was The Magnet in Liverpool. There's so many boss memories there but now it's been turned into one of those chain comedy clubs which is something that chips away at my soul every time I walk past.

My least favourite was The Sitwell Tavern in Derby. Everybody who came to see us was lovely and so were the other bands and the promoters Dominic (just wanted to make sure if they read this they know I had a boss time at the gig and in the chippy afterwards ;) ).

But, and it's a big but, the pub had fuck off massive "The S*n" flags up all over the gaff which frankly isn't something we like to see anywhere, as we think that that rag is scum, sorry not sorry.

SPINN set out on their debut headline tour this month at the following locations:

21st September - Surf Cafe, Tynemouth

22nd September - Broadcast, Glasgow

25th September - Record Junkee, Sheffield

26th September - Hy Brasil Music Club, Bristol 

27th September - Thousand Island (formerly Upstairs at The Grage), London

28th September - O2 Academy 2 Liverpool

Tickets are available to buy now at https://www.musicglue.com/spinn-band/ and all of SPINN's music is available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

[punkscowardschampions]

Ali & Carly

Ali: this is why i don't wear shoes Ali: i have lost one??? Ali: rescue it if you see it Carly: what do they look like Ali: just a kinda tan sandal thing Ali: just a penneys special so not the end of the world, should chuck the other one so someone can have the pair Carly: come & bring me food & then youll be here to reunite them Carly: but yea k will lean out my door & see if its there Ali: love the enthusiasm, babe 😜 Ali: can feel your come down from here Carly: dont barely remember the come up Carly: wtf happened last night Ali: not in a much better position myself but uhm Ali: mayhem, that's for sure Ali: i think you might've gone home with the wrong cousin Carly: shit Carly: my bad Carly: better read my txts Carly: who did you go w ? Ali: didn't go that far with anyone Ali: 💍 remember and such a 😇 Ali: ronan was in a mard though and i weren't up for listening to that so 🤷 Carly: aw Carly: sorry baby i'll calm him down Ali: it's chill 😂 bless him Ali: no need on my account tho i'm sure he'd be down, despite protests otherwise Carly: my inbox is Carly: cba w this rn Ali: oh baby, want a bacon sarnie and a secretary? Carly: yea Carly: gonna throw my phone w your shoe Ali: i woke up to a mystery dickpic on my phone Ali: is it rude to ask which one it belongs to because lads, sorry, not that memorable that i'm picking it out of a line-up Ali: you'll know, been more recent, i'll come over with food and lucozade for real and ruin your day with that lovely image and the actually rather creative sexts that went with it Ali: 10/10 for effort, sir Carly: cant put it on the cv or school report but my memory for 'em is good Carly: if ive seen it i'll id it Carly: ill laff if its the large ginge cousin whose name i never got Carly: sounded like a cough Ali: that's a talent and if the man can't see that, fuck him Ali: and his job in tescos, like Ali: i mean, shouldn't have a preference but i hope not 😂 Ali: soz honey but Carly: thanks baby Carly: I hope its that token english Carly: he was fit Ali: can reply if you like Ali: worse ways to waste a sunday morning than messing with boys Ali: sounding like a priest Ali: oops Carly: ha Carly: i found some fucking funny vids of us so maybe the phone shouldnt go out window before youve had a look Ali: yes, i need to see that Carly: [sends her fave of the vids] Ali: aww Ali: we're fun drunks Ali: love that for us Carly: yea Carly: im a messy bitch tho Carly: no wonder i went w the hero cousin Ali: meh, things happen at parties, everyone knows that Ali: not like you're proper attached is it Ali: though he's gonna be annoying now probs but day in the life when you're irresistible, yeah? Carly: youd know babe Carly: he wont be on site long never is Carly: so idc Carly: saved me for a nite boy youre welcome Ali: duh Ali: hottest couple in town Ali: one for the wank bank anyway Carly: yea & he is fit Carly: give him that Carly: esp when i dont understand what hes saying Ali: the best kind Ali: a boy you don't have to speak to 😜 Ali: if that's all it takes like, whip out the Gaeilge Carly: youve got the giggles but yea Carly: true Carly: but on site id just have all the oldies chatting at me if i could Carly: not trying to make them go weak Ali: they ain't daddies? boo 😥 Carly: some got many kids but thats it Carly: say something to me then Ali: [sends voice memo, probably has dirty words she'd recognise from site life and lots of loling] Carly: k Carly: so hot Carly: if your gf is mad at me for stealing you last nite you can smooth things over w her like that Ali: might have to Ali: though it ain't you she's 😤 with Ali: poor ronan, shoulda done more than snog him if she comes for him, not even worth it for that Carly: ill protect him when he lets me back near Carly: cant stay mad at this Carly: sure your girls the same Ali: She's mad 24/7 babe, just gotta hold on, like 😂 Ali: we want different things now but that's not a convo for this morning like jesus Carly: whos got the energy Carly: cba w angry Carly: yea you want a sarnie Ali: exactly, and i wanted to have fun last night but may as well have said i want his dick in or around my mouth k bye babe Carly: ha Carly: that would be fun tho Ali: tell that to past you, dashing his threesome dreams like 🤷💔 Carly: still time Ali: not me you need to promise baby Carly: yea but id rather talk to you Ali: 💚 Ali: you cute Carly: all you Carly: how you look so good coming from band? wtf Ali: psh please Ali: it was all about you 🙇 Carly: if that was true why is every memory i got from last nite just you Carly: facts Ali: had to get you away from that mirror somehow, like 😉 Ali: it was fun Carly: ha Carly: cuz your talents got me like Carly: yea it was Ali: helps when the canvas already beautiful babe Carly: aw Carly: youre sweet Ali: 🍓 Carly: gonna make me cry Ali: don't cry lil one Ali: the bacon is coming Ali: got roped into doing a shady kid swap, where is my ma, take this demon child Carly: you can bring him if you want Carly: ill put clothes on before Ali: cockblocked again 😉 Ali: nah, he needs to go get shoes Ali: ironically and unlucky, twat Carly: what size is he Carly: i can ask around when i look for yours Carly: lads flog everything and anything here on sundays Ali: his feet are big man Ali: he's only little but he's lanky af, unlike me Ali: that's fun tho Ali: imma go shopping Carly: aw Carly: yea wish i was taller Carly: ffs ma and da Ali: literally Ali: least neither of my sisters are model tall or i'd be more raging Ali: we make it work, babe Carly: & i dont have any sisters Carly: well done on that one tho ma & da Ali: speak for yourself Ali: i'm gutted Carly: oww Carly: trying to replace me like the vows were no thing Ali: you know you're my one and only Ali: but a woman got needs Carly: thats what your gf is for Carly: no Ali: yeah but i'm allowed wishful thinking too Ali: damn Carly: ive given you the mental image of me naked Carly: what more you need Ali: are you jealous of your hypothetical sister? Carly: yea if you like her more Ali: aw baby, 'course not Ali: she's a ride, yeah, but bit of a bitch too, like Carly: ha Carly: takes after our ma like Ali: sadly, straighter than you Ali: 👎 Carly: like theres a ranking Carly: just straight or not yea Ali: I mean, it is a scale but I'm not gonna try and bond with your Ma giving her the test for it, like Ali: could we tie her down for a sec, obvs Carly: hit her when shes washing up Carly: takes long Ali: okay, i'll dry 😉 Ali: what an offer Carly: trying to make me vom now Carly: take crying or blushing over Ali: soz babe Carly: her & my da dont fuck but still dont reckon youre her type Ali: don't know what's worse, that, or knowing they do Carly: im good w them not Carly: sound carries Carly: no secrets in the caravan Ali: sure there's a toilet block they could go to Ali: keeping it sexy Carly: sure my da's there doing his cry wank Carly: while my ma checks the talent Carly: we got that to look forward to in our marriage in a few years Ali: who's scouting who's cranking Ali: because frankly, i refuse either Carly: im the biggest slag so probs me Carly: sorry Ali: and I'm not Ali: igloo sisters how many times now?! 😂 Carly: ha Carly: but youre loyal Carly: me and my ma dont kno the meaning like Ali: am i Ali: you miss the part when i got on ronan Carly: o yea Carly: i forgot Ali: idk what i'm gonna do about that Ali: instant gameover but its literally so irrelevant Carly: hes a ride Carly: you should be excused for it Ali: she's a 6 on that scale, yeah, massive gay Ali: so she ain't seeing that, never mind the other shit Carly: shit yea Carly: dont tell her Ali: does that make me the worst? Ali: i should hm Carly: hes not gonna speak to her Carly: and if he brags you can call it that Ali: Yeah Ali: I don't know Carly: its that or tell her Carly: & say youre sorry Carly: we were all wasted Carly: not like you have feelings for him Ali: You're right, obviously Ali: like that's the truth but yeah Ali: might leave it unless I need to go there Ali: soz God, swing by confession later Carly: tell her youre a bi cliche Carly: she'd love it Carly: use the scale Ali: she would tho Ali: validate everything she's ever sneaky or not so thought about me Ali: soz, i need a constant stream of p n v or i die Carly: a girl has needs Carly: what am i a 1? Ali: its like dis Ali: 1- all straight 2- mostly straight but lil gay 3- equal/bi 4- mostly gay but still lil into opposite 5- total gay Ali: but not gonna resist the urge to tell you you a 10 Carly: 🥇 Carly: i like that you're 3 tho. 3's a lucky number Ali: and a magic one 🔮 Carly: yea cuz youre magical Ali: believe it baby Carly: i do Ali: right, finally leaving, be like 10 Ali: doing the opposite to a walk of shame rn, strutting back in like what's good Carly: you gotta Carly: own it baby Carly: havent found your shoe tho sorry Carly: maybe ronan took it cuz he loves you so bad Ali: 😂 oh my god Ali: like a horny puppy Carly: yea Carly: building a shrine to you rn probs Ali: or he wanna play cinderella Ali: such a ridiculous fairytale, as far as they go Carly: how wasted was the prince that he cant remember what she looks like Carly: k been there but not trying to wife anyone Ali: right?! also, sure plenty of bitches a size 5, like??? Ali: was it a magic shoe Ali: no explanation, frankly Carly: yea like me and you have the same size Carly: ill take your prince for a ride bitch Ali: 😂 Ali: he cool with that Ali: that's the tea Ali: boy gives no fucks, long as it ain't a man in drag Carly: he hasnt met your brother tho Carly: boy looks good Ali: eww Ali: stop that thought right there Carly: dont get jealous Carly: not gonna go there Ali: not jealous, but repulsed 😷 Carly: k babe Carly: if you say so Ali: trust, you wanna see jealous you'll see it soon enough if you go there Ali: 😂 bea don't fuck about Carly: have to go for one of your other hot brothers Ali: trying be my sister in law and wife Ali: kickin it country Carly: you kno Carly: been on site too long Ali: forreal, not gotta hang with the traveller lads that hard baby Carly: after last nite not gonna be hanging w them for a while Ali: let 'em fight it out amongst themselves Ali: defs for the best Carly: yea Carly: hide w me babe Carly: gonna be so bored Ali: gonna Ali: i'll peep their wares another day Ali: not a euphemism Carly: sounds dirty tho Ali: yeah, regretted it as i said it but hey Ali: love me a sale and a gypsy boy Carly: no regrets boo Carly: they love you too Carly: esp whoever send the dick pic Ali: the real mystery Ali: soz everyone else with your drama but we gotta know Carly: i do need to be knowing Carly: thats my wife lads Ali: awh you gonna defend my honour n delicate sensibilities Carly: yea Carly: youre an angel Ali: you're so cute Carly: its you Carly: my parents came back Carly: gonna have to run Ali: oh no i am en route Ali: where you going boo Carly: i'll catch you and we can find somewhere theyre not Carly: ha church Carly: can you eat there cuz im not looking to die for jesus Ali: yeah for sure, not in the pews like its the cinema, like Ali: can go park if you wanna Ali: or up the mountain if you can hack it, like Carly: youre so smart Carly: like your mouth Carly: but yea Carly: date time Ali: awh yeah Ali: this picnic ain't goals i'm so sorry babe Ali: least the weather's looking up Carly: idc Carly: get to be w my boo Ali: 😍 Carly: i look crazy Carly: havent got dressed faster w out getting fucked before since idc Carly: idk Ali: i like crazy Ali: and beside me you'll probs look totally normal 😉 Carly: you look hot every day baby Carly: facts Ali: all these compliments got me feeling 🔥 obvs Carly: thats how i want it Ali: gonna have you flying high too Ali: top of the world, baby Carly: aw Carly: whats in the food like Ali: 😂 Ali: just faith n trust n pixiedust, of course Carly: you can snort pixiedust yea? Carly: k Ali: you gon' be mad when i've got nothing but sandwiches and half a donut Carly: nah Carly: cant be mad at you Carly: too cute Ali: and donuts are life Carly: true

[punkscowardschampions]

Rio & Buster

Rio: Just got off the phone with Junior Buster: Yeah? Rio: Yep Rio: That was Rio: Unexpected Buster: I was on my way back home. Do you want me to turn around the other way? Buster: I get that it wasn't my place to speak for you Rio: No Rio: He convinced me you didn't convince him of this Rio: and with all he had to say, I believe him Buster: Good Buster: I'm not sorry Rio: As much as it would be easier to believe he's just got new Dad nerves about this Rio: it was a lot harder to tell Demi all he had to so Rio: that's not the easy way out, like Rio: not that there is one, in this situation Buster: Yeah Buster: Been there, had them. It obviously wasn't that Buster: Did he tell you about how it went between them? He hadn't spoken to Demi when we did Buster: I can guess but Rio: Your guess would probably cover it Rio: Not well at all Buster: I'm not sorry for that either. Better it happened now than down the line Rio: No, I agree Rio: Reckons he's at least convinced him that he can't just leave with her Rio: so that's something Buster: I'd kill him if he tried Rio: Buster Rio: Can't blame him Rio: or say you haven't thought the same thing before Buster: Yeah I can Buster: He shouldn't know what Junior was feeling, I knew yours Rio: Not everyone is us Rio: but yeah, its shit, really shit Buster: Well they should get on our level, babe Buster: I'm sorry I left you with nobody but the dog for company Rio: I've really brought our average down, haven't I Rio: Its alright, Messi's a great shoulder to cry on, used to all sorts the poor sod Buster: True Buster: Least I kicked myself out into the night and not him Buster: Can't have Jay mad at me as well as you Rio: She'd never forgive you, like Rio: but you know I'm not mad at you, idiot Buster: Yeah? Buster: You can be, if you need Rio: I ain't Rio: You've not done anything wrong here Buster: That's a lie but I don't wanna fight again Rio: Do you want me to go? Rio: Give me 10 to pack a bag Buster: No Buster: I want you to stay Buster: Both of you Rio: Are you sure? Really think about it Rio: Because you didn't sign up for this either Rio: You don't have to Buster: I've had plenty of time to think about it while you were pretending anything but this would happen Buster: Trust me Rio: Yeah Rio: Such a know-it-all, like Buster: Don't be mad I've taken your crown once Rio: You know you'd rather that than all the self-loathing Buster: 'Course Buster: I'm at Tesco raiding the newborn aisle so we don't have to take the piss by stealing Demi's essentials as well as the baby Buster: Need anything? Rio: Don't Rio: I feel so awful for him, I can't even be lighthearted about it Rio: Some pads, the big ones Rio: Sexy Buster: Don't. Be happy for yourself Buster: He'll still get to play daddy Buster: You still are. Original MILF, remember? Rio: I can't Rio: It doesn't feel real Rio: It might not be yet Rio: How are you being so calm? Buster: Let's go get your daughter Buster: It will then Buster: You can't get more real than a screaming baby, like Buster: You think I'm calm? You really have handed over your know-it-all crown, babe Rio: Can we Buster: We can Buster: As soon as I pay for my armfuls of baby bullshit Buster: Don't worry, there's nothing exciting, we can shop together for that Rio: are we allowed? Rio: are you sure? Buster: I promise Rio: I think I'm in shock Rio: have we really done this? Buster: I know Buster: But it's happening Buster: You can have everything you want Rio: That can't be true Rio: That doesn't happen Buster: It can Buster: Look at me, got it all, ain't I? Rio: Yeah Rio: Born for it like, posh boy Buster: I got you out of the 24 Buster: Can't say nothing Rio: Alright, no need to make me sound like I've come from the bargain bin, thanks very much Buster: I'm just saying we're forever on the up babe, nothing's changed on that score Rio: You promise nothing's changed? Rio: You said there was nothing left Buster: 'Cause you were lying Buster: I couldn't live that lie with, or for you Buster: I love you too much Rio: but Rio: what if he takes us to court and wins and we can't keep her Rio: will you still leave Buster: I'll never leave you again Rio: I need you, okay Buster: I need you just as much Buster: I'm not going anywhere Rio: I'm sorry it came to this Buster: I know Buster: But it's all going to be alright Rio: Yeah Rio: Its got to be, I've got to be Rio: if we're really doing this Buster: I know it's scary but I also know you can do this Rio: Poor Venus Rio: what if she won't bond with me Rio: she shouldn't have been away from me for this long so soon Buster: Yeah, I wish she hadn't been, but we'll figure it out Buster: At least it's happening now instead of weeks or months or years late Rio: I suppose so Rio: What are you going to tell the girls? Buster: The truth Buster: I don't see any way around it Buster: I'll just tell them that you're keeping her and she's part of the family now Buster: They'll be more excited than anything else I reckon Rio: I can give you time to have that conversation though Rio: so you don't have to do it right now Buster: It's fine Buster: We can do it together Buster: We've handled worse questions from Jay about her mum and everything Rio: Poor baby Rio: why can't anything ever be simple? Buster: Some things money can't buy, but you never heard me say that, yeah? Buster: This is good news, anyway, she loves being a big sister Rio: I'll never tell Rio: Who doesn't love having underlings to do their bidding? Rio: Gutted it ain't a boy, though Buster: Never gonna get one at this rate Rio: Unlucky Rio: Even Henry got one on his third attempt Buster: Well, technically I've only had two so far, babe so Buster: Not bested like Rio: Umm doesn't mean you get a free pass Rio: 'scuse me Buster: Yeah yeah Buster: You'll be too busy mothering to keep tabs on me Buster: Unlucky Rio: Fuck you Rio: I'm in a fragile state, at least lie to me that you're gonna be faithful Buster: No more lies, babe Rio: Yeah Rio: didn't exactly go to plan Buster: Just as well we've got a new plan Buster: And it's time to put it into action 'cause I'm done here Buster: Get yourself ready I'll be back soon Rio: Thanks Rio: For everything Buster: No need to thank me Rio: That ain't true Rio: You didn't give up Rio: on either of us Buster: I never will Buster: I love you Rio: I love you, Buster Buster: Venus is lucky to have you, don't forget that, yeah? Buster: You're a good mum, Rio Rio: I try Rio: and I'm going to keep trying Rio: that's all we can do, yeah? Buster: Even when it was killing you, you were trying to do the best thing for her, which you reckoned was being with those two Buster: That's not just trying Buster: That's giving it all Rio: We'd all do the same Rio: Regardless of how it hurts us, its what you do Buster: Not me, well selfish, like Rio: You're not Rio: You know you aren't Buster: Keep that to yourself, babe Buster: I've got a rep Rio: Do my best but Rio: building quite another rep all by yourself Rio: Junie and Mum were well impressed Rio: if you gonna show yourself up, I can't save you, like Buster: Yeah, well Buster: I'd do anything for you Rio: Stop Rio: You're too good for me Buster: No Rio: Are too Rio: but its alright, know you thrive on the stress so Rio: Welcome Buster: Cheers Buster: On that note, I'm pulling in Buster: Time to do this Rio: I'll come help you unpack Rio: Though you're probably being so dramatic about how much you got, as per Buster: Me? Never Buster: No clue how you got that idea