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dontmeantobepoliticalbut · 4 years

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Chairman Graham, Ranking Member Feinstein, and Members of the Committee: I am honored and humbled to appear before you as a nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. I thank the President for entrusting me with this profound responsibility, as well as for the graciousness that he and the First Lady have shown my family throughout this process. I thank Senator Young for introducing me, as he did at my hearing to serve on the Seventh Circuit. I thank Senator Braun for his generous support. And I am especially grateful to former Dean Patty O'Hara of Notre Dame Law School. She hired me as a professor nearly 20 years ago and has been a mentor, colleague, and friend ever since. I thank the Members of this Committee—and your other colleagues in the Senate—who have taken the time to meet with me since my nomination. It has been a privilege to meet you.

As I said when I was nominated to serve as a Justice, I am used to being in a group of nine—my family. Nothing is more important to me, and I am so proud to have them behind me. My husband Jesse and I have been married for 21 years. He has been a selfless and wonderful partner at every step along the way. I once asked my sister, "Why do people say marriage is hard? I think it's easy." She said, "Maybe you should ask Jesse if he agrees." I decided not to take her advice. I know that I am far luckier in love than I deserve. Jesse and I are parents to seven wonderful children. Emma is a sophomore in college who just might follow her parents into a career in the law. Vivian came to us from Haiti. When she arrived, she was so weak that we were told she might never walk or talk normally. She now deadlifts as much as the male athletes at our gym, and I assure you that she has no trouble talking. Tess is 16, and while she shares her parents' love for the liberal arts, she also has a math gene that seems to have skipped her parents' generation. John Peter joined us shortly after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and Jesse, who brought him home, still describes the shock on JP's face when he got off the plane in wintertime Chicago. Once that shock wore off, JP assumed the happy-go-lucky attitude that is still his signature trait. Liam is smart, strong, and kind, and to our delight, he still loves watching movies with Mom and Dad. Ten-year-old Juliet is already pursuing her goal of becoming an author by writing multiple essays and short stories, including one she recently submitted for publication. And our youngest—Benjamin, who has Down Syndrome—is the unanimous favorite of the family. My own siblings are here, some in the hearing room and some nearby. Carrie, Megan, Eileen, Amanda, Vivian, and Michael are my oldest and dearest friends. We've seen each other through both the happy and hard parts of life, and I am so grateful that they are with me now. My parents, Mike and Linda Coney, are watching from their New Orleans home. My father was a lawyer and my mother was a teacher, which explains how I ended up as a law professor. More important, my parents modeled for me and my six siblings a life of service, principle, faith, and love. I remember preparing for a grade-school spelling bee against a boy in my class. To boost my confidence, Dad sang, "Anything boys can do, girls can do better." At least as I remember it, I spelled my way to victory.

I received similar encouragement from the devoted teachers at St. Mary's Dominican, my all-girls high school in New Orleans. When I went to college, it never occurred to me that anyone would consider girls to be less capable than boys. My freshman year, I took a literature class filled with upperclassmen English majors. When I did my first presentation—on Breakfast at Tiffany's—I feared I had failed. But my professor filled me with confidence, became a mentor, and—when I graduated with a degree in English—gave me Truman Capote's collected works. Although I considered graduate studies in English, I decided my passion for words was better suited to deciphering statutes than novels. I was fortunate to have wonderful legal mentors—in particular, the judges for whom I clerked. The legendary Judge Laurence Silberman of the D.C. Circuit gave me my first job in the law and continues to teach me today. He was by my side during my Seventh Circuit hearing and investiture, and he is cheering me on from his living room now.

I also clerked for Justice Scalia, and like many law students, I felt like I knew the justice before I ever met him, because I had read so many of his colorful, accessible opinions. More than the style of his writing, though, it was the content of Justice Scalia's reasoning that shaped me. His judicial philosophy was straightforward: A judge must apply the law as written, not as the judge wishes it were. Sometimes that approach meant reaching results that he did not like. But as he put it in one of his best known opinions, that is what it means to say we have a government of laws, not of men. Justice Scalia taught me more than just law. He was devoted to his family, resolute in his beliefs, and fearless of criticism. And as I embarked on my own legal career, I resolved to maintain that same perspective. There is a tendency in our profession to treat the practice of law as all-consuming, while losing sight of everything else. But that makes for a shallow and unfulfilling life. I worked hard as a lawyer and a professor; I owed that to my clients, my students, and myself. But I never let the law define my identity or crowd out the rest of my life.

A similar principle applies to the role of courts. Courts have a vital responsibility to enforce the rule of law, which is critical to a free society. But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life. The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the People. The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try. That is the approach I have strived to follow as a judge on the Seventh Circuit. In every case, I have carefully considered the arguments presented by the parties, discussed the issues with my colleagues on the court, and done my utmost to reach the result required by the law, whatever my own preferences might be. I try to remain mindful that, while my court decides thousands of cases a year, each case is the most important one to the parties involved. After all, cases are not like statutes, which are often named for their authors. Cases are named for the parties who stand to gain or lose in the real world, often through their liberty or livelihood. When I write an opinion resolving a case, I read every word from the perspective of the losing party. I ask myself how would I view the decision if one of my children was the party I was ruling against: Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law? That is the standard I set for myself in every case, and it is the standard I will follow as long as I am a judge on any court.

When the President offered this nomination, I was deeply honored. But it was not a position I had sought out, and I thought carefully before accepting. The confirmation process—and the work of serving on the Court if I am confirmed— requires sacrifices, particularly from my family. I chose to accept the nomination because I believe deeply in the rule of law and the place of the Supreme Court in our Nation. I believe Americans of all backgrounds deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written. And I believe I can serve my country by playing that role. I come before this Committee with humility about the responsibility I have been asked to undertake, and with appreciation for those who came before me. I was nine years old when Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to sit in this seat. She was a model of grace and dignity throughout her distinguished tenure on the Court. When I was 21 years old and just beginning my career, Ruth Bader Ginsburg sat in this seat. She told the Committee, "What has become of me could only happen in America." I have been nominated to fill Justice Ginsburg's seat, but no one will ever take her place. I will be forever grateful for the path she marked and the life she led. If confirmed, it would be the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside the Chief Justice and seven Associate Justices. I admire them all and would consider each a valued colleague. And I might bring a few new perspectives to the bench. As the President noted when he announced my nomination, I would be the first mother of school-age children to serve on the Court. I would be the first Justice to join the Court from the Seventh Circuit in 45 years. And I would be the only sitting Justice who didn't attend law school at Harvard or Yale. I am confident that Notre Dame will hold its own, and maybe I could even teach them a thing or two about football.

As a final note, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the many Americans from all walks of life who have reached out with messages of support over the course of my nomination. I believe in the power of prayer, and it has been uplifting to hear that so many people are praying for me. I look forward to answering the Committee's questions over the coming days. And if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I pledge to faithfully and impartially discharge my duties to the American people as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Thank you.

#politics #us politics #trump administration #us supreme court #us congress #us senate #amy coney barrett #news #npr #SCOTUS

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shimadatales · 6 years

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Heya! I was wondering if we could get more headcanons with Hanzo and a younger s/o (around 22). Like how would he be around her and how he would deal with the teasing from his brother and Jesse because his younger s/o calls him “Papa” because she thinks it cute and sexy at the same time. Happy to see the ask box open again!

Sure thing! I hope this is good enough for you :) Enjoy

- Thepoor man would not know what to do with himself, as you were so much youngerand more beautiful than he ever was. A pure soul, not something he would want to corrupt with his troublesomepast and even his antisocial problems in the present, to which he was stillworking on. Of course, you always brought a small smile to his face wheneveryou joined him, a little light that could chase his long and dark nights away.It was difficult in the beginning at first, to accept your love, as he oftenfelt conflicted with himself, a feeling he knows all too well. Not deservinglove after he had done was something, but with someone as youthful as you, wasanother. It was thanks to your gentle persuasions and mature outlook that thearcher couldn’t help but cave in to your kindness.

- Anyman would want a younger woman, that alone is a common fact, but unfortunately,many of those men were nothing more than perverts and did not always have theirbest interests at heart. Hanzo feared, that you, along with others, would thinkthe same of him if he were to court you. Of course, the archer would neverdisrespect you in such a way, he cared too much about you and people in generalwere to be respected no matter the situation. He was simply taken aback by yourbeauty and bright mind as well as your modesty and dignity. For a soul as youngas yours, it was quite rare to see and through his own awkward ways of socializing,Hanzo had grown to admire that. Your poised and friendly nature, graduallyluring him in until he could no longer retreat. It didn’t help that a certain cowboyand his own brother were in on it too, softly teasing him until he was forcedto put an end to it and ask you to be his.

- Hewas beyond relieved once you accepted and told him about your feelings as well,something the marksman would never have imagined even possible, for he sawhimself as an old man already, compared to your elegance, although he’d neveradmit it. With a subtle kiss to your hand he thanked you that day and offeredto take you to a fine restaurant, where the both of you would have your firstdate. Hanzo made sure to treat you well and being the gentleman that he is, therewasn’t a moment that evening in which you did not feel like royalty. You arethe dragon’s treasure and was being handled as such. No man your own age, wouldnever have been able to make you feel as comfortable and loved as Hanzo could.Another fact that once again proves that age should not be a priority inrelationships, unless you’re underage of course.

- Onceyour relationship progressed further though, the archer would come to discovera more playful side to you as well, after all, you were quite a few yearsyounger than him and he understood that you were not always in the mood to bedoing his more corporate activities or follow his serious behavior. It was onething he worried about, holding you back from things you enjoyed around yourage, although you often let him enjoy those as well with a newfound passion hegrew to adore and like. You sure made him feel younger again from time to time,without pushing his boundaries. However, after a few months’ time, Hanzolearned you were quite fond of nicknames and he did not object to the first oneyou gave him, as it was just a shorter version of his name and through someencouragement, he thought nothing more of it afterwards. It was more the newerones you introduced him to, that he had to contemplate on for a while.

- Youliked to call him ‘papa’, he heard that day over breakfast, a big red blush onyour face as well as your hands, as you tried to hide your embarrassment. Thearcher couldn’t help but frown at your confession, as he was your partner, notyour father and the man was not very familiar with more intimate nicknames inthe first place. He had to question you on that one for that matter, asking youwhy you thought of him in such a way and to make sure that the bond you sharedwasn’t misunderstood by him. You already prepared yourself for his confusionover the name, knowing Hanzo was such a serious and conservative man and triedto explain yourself as best as possible, making sure not to link it to himbeing a parent at all, but that it had a different meaning in relationships.

- Youthought it made him sound more powerful and handsome, as the head of the familyis often the father and most powerful one. You would be the mother,hypothetically of course and thought as two heads of the family this name wouldsuit him quite well. You also told him his age made it even more prominent andthat it was a good thing, not insulting him at all as you told him how much youadmired his experience in life. After you were done informing him about thisnew word of endearment, Hanzo was speechless for a while, his mind deep inthought over your words. He appreciated that you saw him in such a light,admiring his skill and strength as well as finding him cute to look at,although he would describe himself otherwise. He knew you never had any illintentions and would not humiliate him for it, so the elder Shimada acceptedand thanked you while muttering his own pet names inside your ear as heembraced you.

- Unfortunately,even though you never teased your dragon with his new name, it did fall uponother people’s curious ears, who were all too eager to ruffle up the archer’sfeathers. A bad mistake, you thought, but you could never be fast enough tostop the cyborg ninja from entering into the conversation with your love andmaking some provocative remarks towards his brother. You could only watch onhelplessly as Hanzo’s patience was diminishing little by little over the courseof Genji’s ramblings, his eyes glazing over with sheer annoyance. The youngerShimada didn’t care much for his siblings growing anger though, he never did.And you couldn’t help but feel slight guilt over the name you had just giventhe archer, not wanting his reputation to go down. By the time the cowboy cameby to add his own saying, Hanzo stormed off by taking your hand, leading youaway from the cackling pair who wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.

- Concerned,you had asked what was wrong, assuming it was because of what you had said tohim earlier, using that particular name. The archer assured you it wasn’t yourfault though, gently taking your hands in his, rubbing your knuckles with hisrough finger pads, his expression remaining serious and directed towards yourconjoined hands. You weren’t exactly sure what he was going to say or wanted tosay, as he remained silent for a while before explaining his sudden retreat. Itturned out, that your proud dragon archer, was in fact, getting overly jealousover the things that the two other men had said in front of you. He wasconvinced that a part of the teasing was especially directed towards you in away of flirting, particularly from that filthy cowman, as Hanzo often used torefer to him. You however, were sure the boys were just doing it to pick onhim, their teasing being rather harmless but it was often easy to fool thearcher in believing them. He often took everything way too literal after all.

- Hejust couldn’t stand it that they were telling you to use the name on theminstead, saying how well they’d pull it off for you, all just to ridicule himand disrespect you. The nerve. And before he could get riled up again, youlaughed joyfully at him, putting one of your hands on his cheek to get him tolook at you. Oh how wrong he was to think that you would ever agree with themor that they meant it in the first place. You almost felt pity for the archer,the way they always bullied him like that, it might do more to him than youinitially thought, at least when you were with him. Hanzo was often soprotective of you that you were worried about his safety, or the safety of othersif they dared trespass him through you. Through kind words and gentle gestures,you managed to reassure the uneasy man, telling him he had nothing to worryabout and that he in fact, was your one and only papa. You had to stifle agiggle at that last part, as Hanzo gave you a wide eyed expression, beforelaughing himself with you, a small smirk making its way onto his face. The bothof you kept yourself busy there for a while, just relishing in your heartfeltmoment with real smiles and chuckles of delight.

#hanzo x reader #hanzo shimada x reader #hanzo #hanzo shimada #overwatch hanzo #hanzo headcanons #hanzo imagine #overwatch x reader #overwatch #overwatch imagines #overwatch headcanons #anonymous

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theyearofthestar · 6 years

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[ duets ] rachel & jessi

WHO: Rachel Berry (@theyearofthestar) & Jessi St. James (@heavenlystjames)

WHERE: A Cup-pella

WHEN: Saturday, November 25

WHAT: Gobble Wobble Prompt: Karaoke Duel

rachel

While she knows that some Wobblers' aim for the day is receiving the annual shirt, Rachel doesn't much care for expanding her wardrobe. She mostly wants to hit up a couple of the bars, drink just enough to feel that tell-tale buzz, and end her day at ACup, most likely on the stage. So Rachel starts her day at The Library, wanting to support Hunter's efforts and snag a chocolate dream turkey before drinking and eating her way back to ACup. Sondheim stuck in her head, Rachel's nursing her second Turkey Lurkey and halfway through a butternut and carrot handpie when the free barstool beside her becomes occupied. Looking over the rim of her glass as she takes another sip, Rachel smirks. "I didn't realize that Warblers wobbled."

jessi

Honestly, the shirt one can win at the end of this whole thing isn´t exactly why Jessi´s out tonight. It´s a good way to hang out with friends, have some fun and dance the night away. Oh and the booze, yeah that´s definitely a plus too. Jessi isn´t one to get insanely drunk, and possibly do stupid things, but she enjoys a good drink here and there, especially if they have names as appealing “Turkey Lurkey.” She´s lost most of her friends after two hours and while Jessi doesn´t mind being by herself for a while she can´t really resist when she sees Rachel at the bar. They have a bit of a weird relationship these days, very competitive and always head on, but then there´s those times when they´re in the bathroom after the battle of the bands, unable to take their hands off each other. “Oh of course we do, it starts with the same letter after all,” She grins, putting her drink down at the bar. “Besides: I heard they´re doing a karaoke contest here in a few. I just HAD to come,”

rachel

If anyone is watching them across the room, Rachel figures they'll assume she and Jessi are bickering. It's their public persona after all, rivals on and off stage, and Rachel thinks that would likely be true if their respective professional goals aligned. But their dreams and aspirations fork off into different paths, which means Rachel truly does appreciate and respect Jessi's talent for what it is. Her voice is beautiful, stage presence perfected, and the confidence she exudes enviable. "You know April. Any excuse she has to get in front of the mic herself and she'll take it." Another sip of her drink. "Are you planning to participate as well?"

jessi

Jessi doesn´t really care what anyone thinks of them. They´ve kept up the rival personas so far, but mainly because the bickering comes so easy to them, but they never mean any harm. Deep down Jessi knows that Rachel can appreciate her talent, both on and off stage, and it´s the same for her. They´d be unstoppable if they teamed up, not just in the bathroom but also on stage. Which is mainly why she´s here at the bar, talking to Rachel. Jessi´s lips curve into a smile and she nods. “What do you think? That´s what I´m here though. It´s a duet contest and I figured we´d teach these amateurs a lesson. Besides: The price, next to eternal fame, is free coffee and food for a week here and I´m not saying no to that.”

rachel

"The Jessi St. James requesting her nemesis take the stage with her?" Rachel places her hand over her heart in mock shock, nothing but teasing in her expression and tone. "Has the underworld frozen over? Is bacon flying through the sky?" Rachel laughs then and drains the rest of her drink, a smile forming after she licks her lips. "I suppose I can set aside our vast differences if it's for such a worthy cause as free caffeine and sustenance. Plus I'm sure our harmonies will be outstandingly brilliant."

jessi

“I´m not sure about the bacon, I haven´t checked.” Jessi teases with a smile. “But the point of nemesis is that they work exceptionally well together if they have to, isn´t that so? And if I´m going to take the stage I want the best at my side. We´re going to win this thing and make everyone´s mouths hang open, gasping for more.” She added with another grin before downing the rest of her drink and placing the empty glass on the bar. “Any special requests as to what we should blow them away with today? I´m feeling generous today so I´m giving you the first vote,”

rachel

"First vote, but you have veto power I take it?" Rachel can work with that. Though April hosts karaoke at ACup three times a week, Rachel doesn't too often participate. Mondays are out due to PL rehearsals, and she's almost always working or gigging on Friday evenings. However, every now and then she finds her way into ACup on Wednesdays, and has become fairly familiar with the song catalogue April's amassed. "How do you feel about 'Alone' by Heart?" Rachel thinks the lyrics suit the post-performance past she and Jessi share, plus the melody allows for belting and notes that will surely garner the attention of the crowd and reward them with a win.

jessi

“Of course, but I trust your judgement,” Jessi replies with a small chuckle, though shes completely serious about her words. If anyone knows their way around music like she does then its Rachel, which is another reason why she’s picked the fellow brunette so sing with. Besides: with their talent and chemistry in stage they’ve got this in the bag! “See? I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me,” she grins as she gets up from the bar stool and reaches over the counter to get the sign up list. “Got one of your gold stars to add to this?”

rachel

Rachel has the decency to blush just the tiniest of amounts. Gold stars are kind of her thing, and yes she does keep a few sheets of stickers with the rest of her drum kit and music for various reasons, but, "No. No stickers on me at the moment, so my plain Jane signature will have to do." Rachel adds her name next to Jessi's on the sign-up sheet, and then turns back to her newly minted ally and smirks. "I'd suggest warming up in the bathroom due to its acoustics, but I'm afraid temptation may cause us to miss our slot."

jessi

She had meant just to tease Rachel a little bit, but in reality the whole told star thing made Jessi smiled. It was rare that someone had enough confidence to fall themselves a star, let alone carry stickers to of gold stars to their name, but Rachel had always been admirable in that department. At the other woman’s words Jessi let out a small chuckle. “Ah yes, we couldn’t risk that. Some quick warm ups before the performance will have to do,” She hen agreed. “But I’m sure we’ll nail it, as per usual. The bathroom will have to wait until after we leave everyone with their mouths hanging open,”

rachel

It doesn't take too long for April to kick off the festivities and start the contest, though she does perform solo. It's her cafe, her stage, and her rules, of course. When the other acts begin to perform, Rachel watches them with a critical gaze, commenting to Jesse here and there about areas for improvement, and ways they can make their own number shine bigger and brighter. As it nears their turn, Rachel slips off the stool at the bar and raises her eyebrows in Jessi's direction. She has no doubt that they could easily take the stage and belt out the song without the need to warm-up, but it would simply be silly to do so. Rachel wouldn't head out for a run or tackle a spin class without warming up her muscles first, and her voice, one of her many gifted instruments, is very much the same.

jessi

While they all do enjoy performing with April sometimes she´s more of a solo performer, so of course she´s the one kicking off the contest and Jessi and Rachel are watching, commenting and discussing how to make their own performance a great one. Once April is done and the first couple gets on stage Jessi follows Rachel to their warm up in one of the corners. It´s pretty basic, especially considering there´s other people performing, but it´s enough to get them warmed up properly. It helps that they both knows what they´re doing and have similar routines, so the warm up passes quickly. Once their names are called Jessi´s lips curve into a grin and she glances over at Rachel. “Ready to deliver, gold star?”

rachel

"Of course. We were born to perform, Jessi." Rachel offers Jessi a genuine smile and then leads the way to the stage. It's always a bit strange when stands directly in front of a mic and there's no instrument -- no drums, piano, or on the rarer occasion a guitar -- between her and the stand, and as always, it takes Rachel a moment to settle her hands when there's no sticks or keys before her. But she does eventually grip the mic as the music begins, and Rachel looks to Jessi to start the song. It was her idea after all, so Rachel supposes it's only right she takes the initial spotlight.

jessi

„Truest words ever spoken,“ Jessi replies with a smile. She had always know that she was born to perform and entertain and for Rachel it’s the same. Maybe that’s why they gravitate towards each other so easily. She smiles again as she grips the mic, swaying along to the music as she waits for the lyrics to show up on the screen. It’s not like she needs them, really, but they’re good for the timing. Jessi glances over at Rachel then, her smile softening.

“I hear the ticking of the clock. I'm lying here the room's pitch dark. I wonder where you are tonight. No answer on the telephone. And the night goes by so very slow. Oh, I hope that it won't end though... Alone.”

rachel

The melody crescendos into the chorus and Rachel's voice takes over as she belts. "Till now, I always got by on my own." She sucks in a another breath and nods at Jessi to join her for the next line, "I never really cared until I met you. And now it chills me to the bone... How do I get you alone? How do I get you alone?"

It really is a shame that they split their respective talents on two different teams because their voices harmonize beautifully, and Rachel can tell that those within the cafe agree as well. Patrons that had been lost in their own conversations, or busy eating food or tossing back drinks are now watching them move on stage as the second verse begins, and this time, Rachel takes lead. "You don't know how long I have wanted to touch your lips and hold you tight." Playing off their chemistry, Rachel steps into Jessi's space, singing directly to her. "You don't know how long I have waited, and I was going to tell you tonight." Turning back to their gathering audience, "But the secret is still my own, and my love for you is still unknown... Alone."

jessi

Jessi listens to Rachel´s voice, her eyes glued to the other woman as she sings and when she finally joins in for a line her lips are curved into a smile and she feels that familiar spark ignite between them. For once there was no rivalry between them, and as much as Jessi enjoys their bickering she finds this quite interesting as well. She finishes the chorus and lets Rachel take the lead for a while, keeping her eyes on the Brunette as she sings, grinning when the other woman steps into her space. Jessi stays where she is, tongue darting out to lick her lip before she draws in a breath and sings again. “Till now I always got by on my own. I never really cared until I met you. And now it chills me to the bone. How do I get you alone.” She sings to the audience and then turns to Rachel, now it´s HER turn to step into the other´s space, a smirk on her face. The audience is long under their spell and boy, they´d most definitely have this thing in the bag. “How do I get you alone?” Jessi belts out the last note then, grinning still. “Tell me Miss Berry,” She speaks into the mic, “How do I get you alone?”

rachel

As the crowd applauds, Rachel raises a knowing brow in Jessi's direction. She's feeling good, great even. There's just enough alcohol coursing through her veins that Rachel feels warm, relaxed, and giddy rather than tired, and the continued clapping of ACup's patrons only serves to feed her ego and level of satisfaction. Well, most of her satisfaction. Replacing the mic in its stand, Rachel does a short bow and points in Jessi's direction, and then once the clapping has died down, moves to exit the raised area of the cafe's stage. Once they're out of earshot of most of those mingling around, "I think you know exactly how to get me alone, Jessi. It's never been a problem after previous performances."

jessi

The whole question has been more for the show than anything else, because Rachel is right: Jessi knows exactly how to get her alone and she´s positive that tonight isn´t going to be any different than the usual ones. Apart from the fact that this time, she´s buzzing with excitement more than she is with adrenaline. Usually they sing in opposite bands, battle against each other, and while that´s exciting as well it´s an altogether different feeling to be singing together for once. She takes her own little bow, enjoying the applause as the small crowd goes wild. They definitely did tear the house down, there´s no denying that, and it´s extremely satisfying. “Mhm…true.” She grins as she moves back towards the bar. “There´s about 6 more couples ready to sing, that gives us approximately 15-20 minutes before we can collect our prize.” She then adds, giving Rachel a wink as she moves towards the bathrooms.

rachel

After watching Jessi walk toward the cafe's restrooms, Rachel decides she should linger by the bar for anothr handful of seconds. She doesn't think they've ever been obvious before, and doesn't want to risk drawing attention now. When a suitable time has passed, Rachel confidentaly follow's Jessi's path. She enters the bathroom without a word, strides taking her directly to the last stall. It's almost old hat by now, the routine of knowing that the door is closed but unlocked, that Jessi's waiting. Opening the door just enough to slip inside, Rachel promptly closes and locks the stall, and then turns toward her, in this instance only, partner rather than rival. "I for one believe we deserve a victory lap for that stellar performance."

jessi

It´s always like that, but Jessi has to admit that it hasn´t gotten old yet. Maybe it should have, and maybe that´s an alarming sign, but she really doesn´t mind. Not when she feels her stomach fluttering at the simple thought of Rachel joining her. She freshens up her lipstick, for good measure and because she likes the idea of smearing it all over Rachel´s own lips and maybe her neck too. The prospect of having sex in a bathroom, no matter how clean April keeps it, really shouldn´t get her this excited, but here she is, lips curving into a grin as she hears the bathroom door. “Oh I think we do,” She then replies, pushing Rachel back against the door, her own lips only inches apart from the other woman´s. “I think we did excellent. Blew them all away with one shot,”

rachel

Rachel grins. "Well saying it as such only has me wanting to hum some Hamilton," she teases at first, "but I believe there are better things we could be doing..." The with their mouths is implied, and though Jessi is already close, Rachel wraps her fingers in the front of her shirt and pulls her that much closer. Leaning forward, her lips ghost along Jessi's jaw, teasing and tempting Jessi to chase her lips.

jessi

“Oh you know, you humming a bit of Hamilton might just turn me on even more,” Jessi replies with a grin, her voice barely a whisper as she lets herself fall into the feeling of having Rachel close again. It feels like it´s been forever since they´ve done this, when in reality it hasn´t ( of course not ) and she smiles, taking in the familiar scent and frame as she chases the other´s lips for a moment before capturing them with her own. She feels her lipstick smearing onto Rachel´s lips and her smile gets a little bigger then, one hand gliding down to the other woman´s hips and beneath her dress.

rachel

If Rachel's eyes weren't already closed they'd be rolling as she feels Jessi's lipstick smear. They never mark each other since marks can lead to questions Rachel doesn't wish to answer, so it always seems like Jessi's lipstick is a loophole and her own way to leave but a brief reminder of the brief time they've shared. Breaking the kiss, Rachel's hand snaked into Jessi's hair directs her mouth to her neck. Rachel takes the moment to breathe and then comment, "You're not wasting any time, are you?"

jessi

So maybe Jessi´s found her own, unique way of marking Rachel as her own, even if it´s just for a couple of minutes. It´s nothing that make up wipes can´t solve, an item they both always carry in their purses, but for now she can pretend that Rachel is hers, even if it´s just for the duration of another duet going on outside. She smiles as Rachel directs her to her neck then, placing a few kisses there and leaving some more lipstick. “Mhm…I`m not throwing away my shot,” Jessi then can´t help herself, a small chuckle falling from her lips before he leans in closer again, teeth lightly scraping across the soft skin on Rachel´s neck.

rachel

A laugh from deep within leaves Rachel's parted lips, though the third chuckle is swallowed up by a gasp and then an accompanying moan. Rachel's neck has always been sensitive, and today is no exception as jolts of electricity buzz from her neck, down her spine, and to her toes. It causes her hands -- one still in Jessi's hair and the other at her hip -- to tighten just so, to silently show how the touch affects her, and ultimately to encourage Jessi to continue.

jessi

Jessi loves knowing that her touches affect Rachel, because being as good of an actress as the other woman is it sometimes gets lost in their everyday conversation and rivalry. But this? This is different, it´s just between the two of them and Jessi makes sure to file away every noise and movement Rachel makes. She bites down on the other´s neck again, a little more forceful this time, a small moan slipping from her lips as Rachel´s had tightens in her hair. Jessi lets her hand trail a little higher then, fingernails scraping over Rachel´s inner thigh.

rachel

With each kiss to her neck -- and now a bite! -- Jessi steals more of the air in Rachel's lungs. She's breathless by the time she manages to puff out her demand in regards to Jessi's hand that's taking its time to travel along her thigh. "Stop teasing. You and I both know we don't have much time."

jessi

“Mhm...” She grins as she slips her hand even higher, pushing up Rachel’s dress in the process. “But you and I both know how much I love teasing you,” they are both rather good at it, really, but Rachel is right, they only have a limited amount of time, so Jessi hooks her fingers into Rachel’s panties and pulls them down, hand slipping between her legs, lips finding her neck once more.

rachel

Teasing is something they do best, isn't it? It's part of their unconventional 'friendship' where they blur the lines between friends and rivals, parallel counterparts. There's always a give and go, see how far they can push one another in a direction before the other bites back. They've learned their respective limits and how to press each others buttons in the worst, and at present the best of ways. A soft, "Fuck, Jessi," fills the space around them, Rachel's answer to Jessi's continued attention at her neck and now between her legs. She'd maybe be embarrassed that she's as wet as she is, but Rachel's never shied away from the fact that performing and talent's a turn on.

jessi

At this state Jessi is quite glad that she knows how to push Rachel´s buttons, because there´s nothing hotter than her arch nemesis falling apart under her touch. ( And yes that might sound a little more dramatic than it really is, but the two of them have always been about the drama and why should that ever change? ). It´s a good thing that there´s singing going on outside, because Jessi would hate to tell Rachel to shut up. She enjoys the sounds the other woman is making and she really wouldn´t want to miss them. She bites down on Rachel´s neck, lips forming a smile as she pushes two fingers in easily, “Look at you…so ready for me…”

rachel

"Don't leave a--" But Rachel's chastisement is stolen as Jessi enters her. Grip tightening once again, Rachel uses the leverage to resituate her stance, not trusting her knees not to go weak, but also to give Jessi better access. Her hips pick up the rhythm of Jessi's strokes, and after she refinds her words, Rachel admonishes, "Don't let it go to that head of yours. If it inflates anymore you won't be able to exit this bathroom and claim the prize."

jessi

A small chuckle falls from Jessi’s lips and she stills her hand, pulling back to look at the other woman. “Want me to stop?” She hen teases, “Because my ego is getting too big?” She’s teasing again, of course, and maybe they cant help themselves with that. Jessi captures Rachel’s lips with hers then, in an attempt to take her breath away a little before moving her fingers again, thumb shifting to run over the other’s clit.

rachel

Oh, two can play that game. "If you stop, I'm never following you into a bathroom again, J." It's a teasing threat, and an empty one at that, because as long as they're both single and down for having a bit of post-performance fun, Rachel won't turn the attention away. Because really, that's a bit of what this boils down to. They both feed off talent as well as the associated attention. Jessi hits a particularly sensitive spot that makes Rachel's pulse pound in her ears, and she gasps, "There. Just like that. Don't you dare stop what you're doing, Jessi St. James."

jessi

Jessi smirks and if they had a bit more time she’d tease Rachel a little more, but she wants to get off too and besides: she wants to hear Rachel Mutter her name when she comes and possibly soon please. “What would you do if I ever left a hickey?” She muses as she keeps moving her hand again the other woman, picking up the pace slightly while her lips attach themselves to Rachel’s neck again.

rachel

"You wouldn't dare," Rachel starts, but then Jessi reattaches her lips to her neck. She's not sure if it's simply more teasing, or if Jessi is pushing and testing their set boundaries. Between each thrust of Jessi's hand that pushes her closer to the edge, and the sensitivity of her neck, it's all Rachel can do to choke out her next words. "If you do that, I swear I will walk right out of this stall and leave you without an ounce of relief."

jessi

She wouldn´t leave a hickey, not now anyways. Maybe if they weren´t about to walk back out there to claim their prize ( because Jessi simply knows they´ll win ), because she enjoys the thought of leaving a mark on the one and only Rachel Berry more than she lets on. For now she focuses on working her fingers into the Brunette though, lips curved into a smile. “Oh, so you´d be mean,” She teases as she moves her lips down to Rachel´s collarbone and presses her fingers in a little deeper, thumb still rubbing against the other woman´s clit. “Good thing I´m being nice and not naughty today…because I enjoy getting off WITH you more than I do alone…”

rachel

"I'm not me--" Rachel attempts to protest, but Jessi pressing deeper within her steals her words as she's forced to suck in a quick gasp of air. Rachel forgets all about her need to refute Jessi's comments, her focus now singularly on the spot Jessi's fingers nudge with each stroke. Colors begin to burst behind her now-closed eyes, and Rachel knows she's but a few well placed touches away from winning a different kind of prize. And since Jessi talents don't stop on stage, it's only a few more moments before Rachel's burying her face in Jessi's neck, muffling the soft cry of the girl's name.

jessi

The teasing is nice, and Jessi enjoys it to no end, but there´s nothing that beats the fact that she can make Rachel Berry fall apart. She knows Rachel probably feels the same way when Jessi´s a whimpering mess against her and that brings her some comfort. They´re both competitive, ambitious and very proud, but most of that disappears when they´re together. Though Jessi does take pride in what she can do with her fingers, and her mouth for that matter. She smiles then, keeping up the motions with her hands as he hold Rachel against the door and carries her through the orgasm, a shiver running down her spine at her own name falling from the other´s lips.

rachel

Rachel's thankful for the extra weight of Jessi's body, the press against her own that keeps her upright in the stall as she momentarily basks in the afterglow and uses Jessi's close proximity to tip her chin and chase her lips. Rachel deepens the kiss immediately, the embers of the fire still within her fueling her desire as she regains her footing and presses into Jessi.

jessi

Jessi supports Rachel´s weight, lips curving into a smile before her breath is taken away by the other woman´s kiss. She enjoys the kiss, letting herself get lost in it for a moment. They still have time before they´ll be announced as the winners and Jessi is going to enjoy every minute she gets to spend in here with Rachel. Surely, it´s not the most glamorous place to be, but it´s…exciting, it always has been, and it feels like it´s taken straight from a tv show and Jessi can´t deny the appeal of that.

rachel

With newfound strength and now leverage on her side, Rachel continues to surge forward and eventually flips their positions. There's a bit of a wicked, wolfish grin on her face when she has Jessi's back pressed against the stall door. She's essentially at her mercy now, and oh how Rachel wishes time was on her side as she'd like to return Jessi's previous teasing, but hearing the audience outside the door clap once again, Rachel knows that any extra time they do have is rapidly waning.

"You're lucky we're running short on time," Rachel begins, her lips ghosting along the ridge of Jessi's ear before her teeth capture the lobe in a gentle tug. Released with an audible pop, Rachel presses a kiss to the hollow behind her ear and then continues, "Because otherwise I'd plan to tease you until you were a shaking mess."

jessi

Jessi lets Rachel flip their positions, a grin on her face as she´s pressed up against the door. She likes this maybe a bit more than she´ll let on, but since no one´s ever going to know it doesn´t really matter. She doesn´t miss the wicked grin on Rachel´s face either and she feels a spark ignite between them once again. It´s always there, really, she can feel it when they argue or sing or whenever their personalities clash and sometimes it ignites a fire between them, like right now. “Mhm…what a pity.” She comments, though the grin on her face stays in its place, a small moan escaping her lips as she feels Rachel´s lips against her ear. “Maybe…next time?” Jessi then adds, hands coming to sneak around Rachel´s waist and up her back, fingers fisting into the fabric of the dress.

rachel

Next time? "We'll see." Rachel's grin remains, because while time might not be on her side, that doesn't mean she can't tease with words. And her mouth. Her lips follow the line of Jessi's jaw, tongue and teeth gently marking the path as she goes. One hand twists into the skirt of the Jessi's dress, freeing the fabric from the other path Rachel's tracing, the one along the inside of Jessi's thigh before pressing against the woman's damp underwear. It does something to Rachel to know she has this affect on Jessi, and she wastes no time brushing aside the fabric and slipping her fingers through wet folds.

jessi

“Sure.” Jessi laughs, a little breathless now that she can feel Rachel´s hand tracing up her thigh. She knows it´s coming, and the anticipation is almost as good as the actual feeling of the other woman´s fingers between her legs. Jessi moans and turns her head, pressing kisses to whatever part of Rachel´s face she can reach while her legs move apart a little more, giving the other woman more space. “Fuck…” She whispers, hands fisting deeper into the material of Rachel´s dress and Jessi briefly thinks that they need to smooth that out before going back on stage, but then that thought flies out the window and she focuses on Rachel again, specifically on her lips and hands.

rachel

Rachel's kiss against Jessi's neck transforms to a smile. She smirks against soft skin because Jessi, a woman of many words and precise diction is reduced to a single curse, an expletive at her touch. Oh, how Rachel enjoys that control, even if it's fleeting. Easing two fingers into Jessi, Rachel quickly finds a rhythm they can settle into. It's always easy, just like it was out on the stage. Musicality, of course, helps, but so does their chemistry.

jessi

It´s what Jessi likes about this so much, there´s no awkward fumbling or not knowing where to put hands or lips. They know each other inside out when it comes to this and it´s so easy to fall into a rhythm they can both enjoy. She moans again, bucking her hips up against Rachel´s hand, head falling back against the door. She can forget that it´s not the most glamorous spot to be doing this, and that they could probably be somewhere else having sex, like a bed for example, because what matters is the way Rachel makes her feel. “Yeah…like that…” She urges the other woman on, feeling the heat pooling in her stomach as she lifts her hands to Rachel´s face, pulling her up for a kiss.

rachel

Rachel (often literally) marches to the beat of her own drum, but she'll take Jessi's direction in this instance. If what she's doing is working for Jessi, Rachel's not about to change a thing. Not the pace of her hand's thrusts or the angle even as Jessi pulls her in for a kiss. And that connection is telling, too, another indicator besides the fluttering of Jessi's walls, as each stroke of Rachel's fingers drives her closer to the edge.

jessi

They do keep their rivalry up Heere, in between the walls of the bathroom, but it’s a different kind of rivalry, softer and more teasing. Jessi doesn’t mind, not when Rachel makes her shiver like that, her moans swallowed by the other woman’s mouth. „Fuck...yes...“ she whispers, the kiss becoming more forceful as she pushes back against Rachel, stars beginning to explode behind her closed eyelids as she tumbles over the edge.

rachel

Rachel assists Jessi with riding the wave of her pleasure, her fingers gently pumping until she's sure each tiny spasm, each after shock of the other woman's orgasm is complete. Still close and pressed up against Jessi, Rachel's mouth finds her ear once more. "We're very good at this whole duet thing, J," she teases and places a parting kiss to Jessi's cheek. Then, sure that she can stand on her own, Rachel takes a step back and helps to smooth out the wrinkles in Jessi's dress before turning her attention to her own outfit.

jessi

Jessi lets out a small laugh at the other woman´s words, nodding slowly once she´s come back to herself. "Mhm…our harmonies are hard to beat.” She then replied, glad to be able to stand on her own again. She has to admit that she misses Rachel being pressed up against her and chasing the other´s lips already, but puts it to the after glow. “And now we´re going to get a prize for it,” She adds with a grin as she smooths the rest of her dress down and picks up her bag, pulling out some make up wipes, handing them to Rachel. “You´ve got a bit…of lipstick on your neck,” Jessi smirks.

rachel

Of course she does. Of course Jessi left a mark in her own way. With the wipe in hand, Rachel reaches around Jessi to flip the lock on the stall. She squeezes past Jessi and then settles in front of a sink and mirror, eyeing the color blotched along her neck and smeared at the corners of her lips. Carefully Rachel dabs and blots, removing any trace of the dalliance shared.

jessi

Jessi smiles to herself as she lets Rachel pass, fixing the rest of her dress before slipping out of the bathroom stall herself. She moves up behind Rachel, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck, grin still on her face, before settling in next to her to check her own reflection in the mirror, fixing her hair. „So What are you going to do with the rest of this oh so wonderful night?“

rachel

Rachel's not sure if she's quite able to conceal the shiver that tingles along her spine at Jessi's brief closeness and parting kiss to her neck, but she does her best to look unaffected as she moves from checking her face to primping her hair and making sure each strand is curled and tucked in a way that doesn't scream bathroom stall quickie. Humming, Rachel considers her answer. She could swing by her mom's, find out what she's slated to bring for tomorrow's dinner, but even that would be a short visit. "I'll probably stick around here for one more drink," or maybe she'll take a pastry to go. "And then head back to Brooklyn." A beat. "You? Big plans tonight, Miss St. James?"

jessi

Jessi smiles still, because she’s well aware of the effect she has on Rachel, mainly because she would have reacted the exact same was had the roles been reversed. She doesn’t say anything about it though, because she’s still feeling the afterglow a little and there has been enough teasing for tonight. She finishes fixing her hair and make up before leaning against the sink, looking over at Rachel. „Not really, no.“ She then replies. „I’ll probably stick around for a drink too and to bask in the afterglow of our victory and then head home, maybe going to watch a classic to fall asleep too. I haven’t watched a good Barbra movie in a while,“

rachel

"Barbra?" Rachel grins into the mirror, catching Jessi's eyes in the reflection. "Is this your attempt at trying to entice me to come home with you for an encore?"

jessi

Jessi‘s lips curve into a smirk as Rachel catches her eyes in the mirror. „Maybe,“ she replies. „Or maybe I just really enjoy watching Barbra Streisand movies late at night,“

rachel

"Well if you were to invite me," Rachel returns Jessi's smirk, "it actually wouldn't be a movie and chill situation at all. Barbra is serious business in our family." They celebrate Barbra Day after all. "And I promise I do not get distracted when she's gracing a screen or stage with her presence." Another round of applause sounds from the other side of the door, and Rachel perks up. "I think that was perhaps the last performance on the list."

jessi

Jessi let out a laugh, „Oh trust me, I’m very aware of that.“ She then replied. „How about Audrey and chill then?“ She let her make up wipes slide back into her bag, zipping it up before pushing the strap over over shoulder. The applause interrupted their conversation and Jessi nodded, giving Rachel a smile. „Seems like it. And once again we’re right on time,“ she adds before pushing the door open, waiting for Rachel to come along.

rachel

Pausing just inside the door, Rachel catches Jessi's eyes and then nods. "Audrey and chill. It'll be a nice way to celebrate our deserved win."

jessi

„Good,“ Jessi replies with a nod, secretly glad that this wasn’t the end tonight. Usually they keep their endeavors confined to the bathroom, but she’s a little tipsy and enjoys Rachel’s company and skills way too much to just let it end here. At least for tonight. „Shall we then, Miss Berry?“ she asks, smirking as she gestures for Rachel to return to the stage so they could claim their price and eventually head to Jessi‘s place.

rachel

"Thank you, Miss St. James," Rachel winks as she passes by Jessi and heads back toward the bar knowing that this won't be the end of their dueting or winning for the night.

#jsj #para jsj #para5 #acup: event #acup: gobble wobble

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