#yes women players are getting more money and more visibility! that's great!
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trying to figure out how to say this delicately. i do think that the pwhl is going to make some progress, and already the support for the league is showing how much of a market there is for women's sports even from a few years ago. but it's kind of been irking me to see so many posts that act like there has never been any arena for women's pro hockey before. like do you understand how many people — how many leagues!! — came before this to even make the pwhl a possibility. do you know how many people have fought tooth and nail for women's pro hockey for DECADES. i'm not saying don't support the league, but don't act like it's the perfect solution to a brand new issue
#idk i'm just thinking#how quickly people forget the outrage and devastation of the entirety of the phf being blindsided by the acquisition/merger#contracts erased. careers ended. lives uprooted.#yes women players are getting more money and more visibility! that's great!#but i can't support it wholeheartedly#i will support it because they've ensured it's the only option there is but it still feels kind of bad man#saw a post earlier that was like 'starting today. young girls will realize there's a future for them in pro hockey'#that's great! but it's not starting today!#it started with all the groundwork that's been happening for years and years and years#hockey#pwhl#phf
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My favourite quotes/quotes I find interesting from 'Niki Lauda and the grand prix gladiators'
"What is it that impels men like Niki Lauda? Or that makes him and his fellow drivers, James Hunt, Jody Scheckter, Patrick Depailler, Emerson Fittipaldi and a host of others, put their lives on the line in the world's most dangerous sport? Niki Lauda's dedication to racing almost ended at the Nürburgring circuit in August 1976, but he has fought his way back against incredible odds to maintain his position at the peak of his career. Thus book tells his story, and opens up the glamorous world of Formula 1 racing. A world which, for champions like Niki Lauda, is an all-embracing way of life" - page 1
"One of the large Ferrari team spoke to Niki 'They are taking your photograph' Something which for reasons outside Niki's own feelings, the team man wanted stopped. Bad public relations to expose the face? Not an up-market image for Ferrari? Niki looked evenly at him. "So they are taking photographs. Let them." - page 9
"Marlene was fantastic. I mean she could have come in and gone completely hysterical. But she was strong and gave me strength. And now our love is even stronger." - page 13
"One day when the nurse went out and left the door unlocked a photographer came in and took my photograph, I could do nothing. I just lay there. But this is not right, to make money out of other people's misery." - page 14
"Niki Lauda, physically small, and to look at not a man of great physical strength, let's the car do the work for him. 'I am not strong, but I am strong enough.'" - page 32
"An interesting indication of different racing styles can be seen in the hands of Lauda and Hunt. Lauda's are small, light boned, precise and smooth. Hunt's are large, muscular and with the hard callouses of an old-time blacksmith." - page 32
"On a visibly dangerous circuit Niki went out and put in the fastest practise lap. His girlfriend at the time, Mariella, was furious: 'you risked your life foolishly,' she berated him publicly. A sheepish Niki agreed, but now after one world championship and Nürburgring, his priorities have altered." - page 38
"Hunt murmured 'to hell with safety, all I want to do is race' Niki: 'We have been friends but he broke the rules. If you break the rules you are out. No argument. After Brands James shouts at me. This is not right. He should respect me as a driver. We have a job to do, bad feelings only makes it more difficult. You see James is on the safety committee, I asked him to come to a meeting and he refused, this makes driving more difficult for everyone." - page 56-57
"This conversation took place in a restaurant which over-looked James Hunt's room. As I was about to ask him another question he interrupted me. 'Someone is trying to break into my room.' We both looked down at his room. A good-looking, long-legged blonde was trying to climb through the window. 'Ah well,' he said philosophically. The racer's life is just one dammed thing on top of another." - page 71
"Niki gets his will power and determination from his grandmother, she was the strong one." - page 72
"The women in my life have softened my character, made me less obstinate." - 73
"He is, unlike many sports people in the public eye, understandably reluctant to turn all of his life over to public domain. 'I do my job racing and then I want my private life.'" - page 74
"'Mr Lauda, could I ask you about your wife?'
'Yes'
'Mr Lauda, is it true that when she first met you she thought you were a champion tennis player?'
'No'
'But I know when she first met you she thought you were a tennis champion.'
'No'
'Tennis player then.'
'No'
'But I read this article which clearly stated that when your wife first met you she thought you were a tennis champion and came up to you and said...'
'It is not true'
'But this article was printed...'
'That does not make it true.'
He looked directly at the reporter and waited for the next question.
'Perhaps she thought you were a champion tennis player?'
'Then you will have to ask her'" - page 74
"He told me he was a racing driver and I did not know what it was all about. You see I saw him at a party and I thought he was nice so we spoke." - (Marlene on meeting Niki) page 75
"I had a girlfriend before I met Marlene. And I loved Marlene more than her, so everything was simple then' There is a lack of guilt here which is either lamentable or praiseworthy'" - page 75
"I have a more sensitive arse than other people." - page 80
"Niki is more likely to become a village dustman than talk about his sex life." - page 81
"We human beings have many resources of the spirit which we do not use. I try to use them." - page 86
"The pressure on Niki to win now must be quite extraordinary, which may be what led him to say, 'One day I may suddenly decide that it is all crazy, then I quit.'" - page 92
"Niki has an extremely good memory for every track he races on...his memory is percise, mathematical in its precision, and seems to unroll like the replay of some film in his mind." - page 95
"I treated him as a normal sensible person and he fucked me up. Niki treated him as a half-wit and the man respects him for it." - page 97
"So Niki waits and harasses his opponent." - page 100
"Comes the chequered flag, the obligatory champagne (which, it can be revealed now, Niki never drinks: he pretends)" - page 102
"At the same motel I tried to telephone Niki; the switch-board operator would not put me through.
'Mr Lauda is sleeping, he cannot be disturbed.'
He really does take his sleeping seriously." - page 110
"'One Hamburger, please.'
'You can't order hamburgers after five.'
James blinked in disbelief." - 116
"Niki travels and then gets into a mental routine some time before a race and, as mentioned, when the race comes nearer is not all that approchable. Marlene at this point melts into the background." - page 123
"I can't go out anywhere without people asking for an autograph. If I go our for coffee it is autographs. So I stay at home." - page 123
"Marlene views living with the iron-willed Niki as very easy. Because of her own strong will? I asked. 'Oh no I am not strong-willed.' Yet a little while later there was a brief argument in which not more than ten words were exchanged. It was perfectly obvious this was a clash of temperaments on an epic scale. Marlene walked out slightly red and controlling her anger. Niki continued talking about the car." - page 123
"Before I was married I had girls, yes. I always chose them. But now I am a good married man." - page 125
"Niki Lauda somewhat sourly: "Yes, someone looks after my house when I am not there. They use it more than I do." - page 125
"Niki: 'I do not know what a friend is. In motor racing you have a lot of friends when you win. You have no friends when you lose. The friends you have when you lose are only there because they think you will win again. What is a friend? A friend is someone who loves for you day and night and vise versa. I would not be able to do this so I have no friends, I am handicapped by my Job.'
And Marlene?
'That is different, she is my wife. I married her because I loved her and she loves me. She is strong like me. But this is love not friendship.'" - page 126
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”So, tell me how it went..!” Melissa asked, tucking her fit, bare legs underneath herself on the white leather couch in her new office, attentively turning to me as she sat up. She’d summoned me to her office to have our Friday coffee, and had made us each a cup. Dressed especially informal for our “casual Fridays” in a v-neck green tee and girlish black short-shorts, her figure was on particularly luscious display today and I’d already caught myself staring...twice. “I want to hear everything!”
She was, of course, talking about my long-overdue meeting with her friend Abby, a sales rep from Evolution, a local pharmaceutical company intent on getting my practice involved in a clinical trial of their new product. Melissa, since her start as our new Office Manager, had been unusually invested in setting up a meeting between the two of us; they’d been friends for years, I gathered, and this was a favor to Abby. Little did I know that this favor would quickly spiral into a whirlpool that would threaten to drag me under and drown not only me but...well, read on.
I took a look into my “World’s Best Boss” mug - a gift from her. Far too much milk, I saw...but I think I was starting to like it that way. “Okay, uh,” I began, taking my first sip, “yesterday afternoon…”
...
…I had just escorted Mr. Kowalczyk to the desk, pushing him along in his wheelchair, helping him start to check out, when Aubrey had given me the message.
“There’s a sales rep waiting for you in your office,” she told me, eyes sparkling. Aubrey - a slim, elegant brunette - had looked especially pretty yesterday, maybe done her hair differently. We were trying her out at her new position as front desk supervisor, and she already seemed to be taking to the job well.
“The one from...uh...Melissa’s friend?” I asked, a bit confused, “Abby?” Mr Kowalczyk, hearing the name, asked about Melissa - as he had three times earlier. “She’s off today, she’s not here,” I reminded him, now for the fourth time today, as his wife appeared alongside us. Melissa had this Thursday off, apparently for some doctors’ appointments of her own.
“Yes, Abby,” Aubrey answered, turning her attention, for the moment, to our patient’s wife, “Co-pay is ten dollars, Mrs Kawalski...”
“That’s Kowal-check,” the elderly woman corrected, narrowing her eyes and apparently none-too-pleased.
“That wasn’t supposed to be until tomorrow,” I commented, immediately annoyed but feeling my pulse start to quicken, “I was going to sit down with her on Friday…”. I signed Mr. Kowalczyk’s prescription.
“It got moved up,” Aubrey told me, taking a credit card from my patient’s wife, “she’s here now…”
Why was I so nervous?
“Thank you, Mrs. Kawasaki…”
...
“...yes, sorry, I should have told you myself,” Melissa apologized, biting her lower lip, after a sip of coffee, “but it was a last minute thing. And I was still at my appointment when I heard…”
“Well, yeah, it’s okay…” I replied, eyes dropping to her still-tan thighs as she brushed at them with well-manicured fingers, tips painted a mint green to match her top, “it was just a surprise, is al-“”
“Isn’t she so pretty..??” Melissa asked, and urged me to continue my story…
...
“Thank you sooooo much for meeting with me,” Abby had greeted, immediately standing up from the chair in front of my desk as I entered the room. She stepped to shake my hand, “I’m Abby, from Evolution Pharmaceuticals.”
“Sure, sure, no problem,” I replied, noticing the confidence in her grip and the dimples in her smile. I recognized her right away from a picture Melissa had sent, early on. Maybe in her early thirties, Abby was an attractive person; lots of sales reps are. My guard was up, as it always was in these sort of sales meetings, but something in the sparkle of her eyes struck me...and her figure was nothing to sneeze at, either. I found my attitude softening already. “Melissa’s friend, right?” She had medium-length, medium-brown hair, and a nice tan complexion. Nice hips.
I guess I could give her a few minutes.
“Yes!” she answered, as we both moved to take our seats. Abby was dressed smartly, in a grey pencil skirt and sharp white blouse. “She and I met at Evolution, at our clinic, earlier this year. She’s great, so fun...”
Wait what?
“I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you,” Abby continued, tucking her skirt beneath herself as she sat, pulling some slick promotional material from the fashionable leather bag beside her, “but I just want to introduce our product, go over some of the opportunities with you…”
What followed was both the typical sales presentation I’d seen a hundred times from different reps and at the same time one of the weirdest things I’d ever heard. From the emails and propaganda with which the company had flooded me over the past weeks, I’d read - or at least skimmed through - lots of it before. They claimed to have developed a novel general-health supplement for women; the science was still sort of hush-hush and what they could reveal was frankly a bit baffling. Normally I wouldn’t touch this sort of crap with a ten-foot pole, it all sounded so fishy at first. They were touting ambiguous improvements in mentation, endurance, strength, a whole host of other things. But I didn’t want to disappoint Melissa and, well, while I knew that the “Lean In” grants we were scheduled to receive - and frankly were going to be dependent on - were tied to us supporting female-led businesses, it soon became clear to me in talking with Abby that, um...we almost didn’t have a choice. I was starting to get the feeling that if we didn’t start working with Evolution, there’d be no money from Lean In. And so, becoming nervous, I was slowly forced to pay a bit more attention as we sat across my desk from one another, ten minutes or so into it. I was beginning to realize...we actually needed them.
But I still definitely had my doubts, my reservations, a whole load of concerns. How safe was this going to be? “And these patients,” I asked, “for the trial...the subjects. They would come from…?” It was a reasonable question. My practice was geriatric, and this was a product for younger women.
“We’d take care of that, we’d bring them in, we have a whole list of gir-...of women ready,” Abby assured me, her disarming smile doing its job, “We wouldn’t need to involve your current patients at all.” She watched me nodding, knowing she had made more than a bit of an inroad with me. “In fact, you wouldn’t even have to do much,” she continued, proceeding confidently, “we’d supply you with the new staff you’d need, we’d bring in all the supplies and equipment. We’d hook you up with our trial coordinator from corporate, she’ll organize everything. You’d just end up doing some video chats with her once in awhile.” At that Abby smiled strangely. “Her name's Brenda, you’ll like her.”
“It all sounds, uh, umm…”
Sitting there, at my desk, part of me couldn’t believe I was even considering this, still even talking to this woman. That part of me, though, wasn’t seeing what another small part of me was seeing - that the power dynamic in this conversation, between Abby and I, had gradually shifted. It was her, now, who held the upper hand. She represented the money, she was the big player. I was really the small fish here. The only thing that kept me from feeling like a nobody was knowing that my practice was somehow important to them, that they wanted me for some reason.
Why exactly was that?
“We’re a small company, but it’s not just money from Lean In that we come to the table with,” Abby continued, eyes sparkling, “we’d been bought a few years ago by a big, international group, so now we’re just ripe with resources. We can help you through tough times like you’ve been having, business down, income fading-.”
“Well, now,” I interjected, my pride rankled, “I wouldn’t say that…” I mean, I wouldn’t say it, but it was totally true. But how did she know all this?? Had she and Melissa been talking abou-
“Oh, shh, you don’t need to be embarrassed, it’s okay,” she said, “It’s nothing to be ashamed about, we understand. We know your practice is shrinking, but your needs are growing. And that’s why we’re growing too, so we can help nurture you, provide for you.”
This was humiliating as fuck but...why was I getting hard? Yes, Abby was attractive, blouse just a little too tight, chest just a little bigger than necessary. She was pretty, yes. No, actually...now with all the power in the room centered on her, with the strength she represented, she was downright hot. And the scenario she was laying out for me, this relationship I’d have with her big, female corporation? It felt positively...maternal. And, it was beginning to feel like a foregone conclusion, that I would be taken under their skirts. But again - why was I getting hard?
“Evolution will take good care of you,” Abby assured me, her voice growing subtly more tender, as if reading my thoughts, “and as we get bigger, and grow, we’ll carry you along with us. We can tuck you in to our...corporate structure. You’ll be safe, there, close to us.”
If I hadn’t noticed the outline of her bra beneath her blouse before, I was noticing it now.
“Would you like that?” she asked, probingly.
“Uhh…”
“We’d make sure you don’t get left behind, as the world changes,” she continued, “because the world is changing, Dr. J, and we think our product is going to help women succeed in it. Don’t you want to be there with us?”
“Uhhhh…”
Seeing my anxiety starting to get the better of me, Abby smiled disarmingly. “You probably need to talk to Melissa about it, before deciding on the trial,” she began again, “right?”
Oh my god I couldn’t believe it, how demeaning that was, but I knew it was my out - for now. ”yeah I guess I probably should…” I said, weakly…
“Of course you do…” Abby smiled.
…
“So…<nnngh>...” Melissa all but groaned, inching closer to me on the couch, “you wanted my approval, first?”
As I had recounted my story, described the meeting to her, Melissa had slowly, gradually, become visibly more excited, completely engaged. She’d asked me to repeat details, recount conversation, all the while gazing intently into my face and moving intimately closer to me on the soft leather couch in her office. Her curves, her larger body had me slowly retreating, backing up as best I could. An arm rested on the back of the couch behind me.
“w-well I, uh…” I stammered, eyes dropping again for a furtive glance at her thighs, hips, her tiny waist. I was, at this point, already overtaken by the scent of her perfume. “it’s uh-“
“It’s like you’re recognizing you need my help, isn’t it?” she asked, a strange huskiness in her voice, “Isn’t it?? That you have an easier time when I make the decisions for you??”
I couldn’t say anything, looking at her. I was tongue-tied realizing, in that moment, how assertive women now framed the borders of my life, affected my daily choices. And they were, if anything, all pushing me into the clutches of other powerful women. If I took this money, allowed this clinical trial to set root in my office, it would mean becoming dependent on both Evolution and Lean In. Lean In, I was learning, was a well-connected, obviously well-funded female empowerment organization, one that seemed determined to get women into places of influence and strengthen them while they’re there. And Evolution Pharmaceuticals was not just the rinky-dink pill pop-up that I’d assumed it was, but rather a small piece of some larger player...and maybe I’m just being paranoid, but probably also controlled by women. If I took this money, I felt like it would be sucking from the big collective teat of the country’s - and perhaps the world’s - most powerful alpha females.
“I, uh…” I began, forgetting where I was, “yeah…”
“Omigod I am SO happy with you right now..!!” she suddenly, finally gushed, sitting up taller, jumping towards me and abruptly throwing her arms around me. Strong hands behind my head now pulled my face to her chest. “You are such a good boss!”
“mmmrf!”
Embracing me to her bosom, she squealed, and hugged me tighter. Soft breast squashed into my face, my head plastered to Melissa's big left boob.
Oh my god what is she doing?!? I panicked, arms flailing helplessly as I heard her start to laugh. Despite my struggles, she held me firm - if anything, holding me even tighter still.
“M-m-m-Mulithhah!” I tried, voice muffled by the mushy mass mashed into my mouth.
“Shhhhh…!” she giggled, “I can’t help myself, I need to hug you!” Pressing herself into me, she moaned in delight. “Hug hug hug! I need to show you what a good boy you are!!”
The warmth, the softness of her breast was overwhelming, and as she held me firm I - despite myself - started to calm, give myself up to her massive tit. “mmmmf…” I tried again, this time my complaint sounding more like a little sigh.
She looked down at me, quietening down herself. When she spoke again, her voice had softened.
“That okay, sweetie?” she purred, cupping my head from behind with one palm as the other moved into my hair, “Can you breathe down there?”
I groaned something, something in assent and - god help me - rubbed my nose into her.
She giggled.
“There you go…” she cooed, now petting my head, “all good now, all good. Just breathe...”
I sighed again, every breath I took full of her perfume, the scent of her skin. I heard, through her chest, her cooing little praises.
“Good boy...good boy…” she lauded, enveloping me with affection. She was peering down at me, I knew, though my eyes had closed already. I felt her ready herself, and winced in shame even before she asked me the question that I knew was coming:
”So, with the trial…” she asked, “what have we decided?”
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Thanks so much to the incomparably amazing Dani Doreen for the image. We're so proud to have her onboard as our resident "from the neck down" Melissa and can't wait to work with her some more. She's so awesome and I'd recommend everyone check out her GTS/SM content:
Dani Doreen’s OnlyFans
https://onlyfans.com/danidoreen
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"The Champions League final is no longer a prize, it is a goal"
"The league is the main objective and we are on the right track; four years without winning it are many for a team like Barça, which has made this commitment to women's football, but I also think we have the squad to compete with any team for the Champions League "
Jennifer Hermoso (Madrid, May 9, 1990) decided to return to Barça last summer after two years away from the club: one as a PSG player; the other, from Atlético de Madrid, a team that won the league last year. For many, she is the best Spanish footballer of the moment. Top scorer in the first division, with 15 goals this season, she looks very ambitious in this interview. She says that winning the league is a must and she believes that Barça can compete with any team in the Champions League
It ends in 2019, the year of his return to Barça. How was this return?
The truth is that it has not been easy. Here I was very happy, so I decided to go back, but it was hard for me to adapt. I got injured during the preseason and that made everything slower than I expected. Now everything is fine.
Of course: with fifteen goals, you are the leading scorer in the league.
We have a very offensive team. Barça create a lot of opportunities in every game and I am fortunate to be where goals have to be. And they are helping to score points, which is the most important.
Why did you decide to return to Barça if you were at Atlético de Madrid, champions of the last three leagues?
Because it's the club I've been happiest with as a footballer. Here I spent some great years, which marked me as a person and as a footballer. I feel Barça very much mine, their football is very mine. Going back to where you were happy was a goal.
When you left you did so to play for France, a very competitive league, with PSG. What was the experience like?
Very difficult, really. I left my comfort zone because I wanted to have a league experience like the French one, but it was difficult. Paris is a very cold city. The French are very much his, and the French even more. The style of play was also very different. It helped me play it all, but I had a great time.
You were only in France for a year and then you signed for Atlético de Madrid, the club where you formed. Why?
I couldn't stay longer in France and it was great to spend a year in Madrid to meet up again with many things. I had lost a bit of the illusion of playing football and it was nice to be close to my family, who is from Madrid. We won the league. Atlético de Madrid is a powerful team that has won the last three leagues and could continue there, but in my head there was always Barça, so here again.
So bad was it in Paris that you lost the excitement about football?
Yes. Many days I woke up and did not feel like going to train. I had a really bad time. The life of a football player has its ups and downs and there I was in a bad mood. Football is my favorite thing. I have struggled for many years to dedicate myself to it, but there I did not feel like continuing. I had to change places, and in Madrid, with my family, I could charge batteries.
How do you see Barça's commitment to women's football? I guess the project is one of the things that made you come back.
When I was in the previous stage, I was already a professional. Barça have been committed to women's soccer for years and will continue to do so. Despite not having won the last leagues, reaching the Champions League final has a lot of merit. It is the reward for this bet. For me, this is the best place I can be so I can aspire to win a Champions League. There is still much to improve, but we are getting closer and closer to the big leagues and the big European teams.
Have you found many differences between the Barça left and the current one?
Yes, especially since there are more foreign players. Barca is getting higher every year, which makes many players from outside want to come, because they see that they can become the best team in the world. There is much more level now. The gameplay has also changed a bit. When you have so many good players, you have to adapt a bit to them.
Is the league the main objective of Barça after four seasons without winning it?
It is the main objective. Four years are many years without winning it for a team that has made such a strong bet on women’s football. We are on the right path and it cannot escape. Last year I won it with Atlético and this year I hope to win it with Barça.
What does it take to win a league like this, in which Barça and Atlético de Madrid lose few points?
I think you need a lot of concentration to keep up with certain games. Last year, with Atlético, a team with a lot of heart and courage, we had a lot of games resolved in the first minutes, and then we played well and had fun. You should not drop points against weaker rivals.
And what about the Champions League?
Reaching the Champions League final last season was a reward, but I think now it has to stop being a prize and become a goal. I honestly think we have a team to compete with anyone. Lyon is a great team, the champion, with experienced players who have been playing together for years, but I think we can compete.
So we will see Barça European champions some year.
For sure. And I hope it is before I leave.
There is a boom in women's football. Especially with the World Cup and after the World Cup. Do you think he has come to stay?
I hope yes. Admittedly, a lot of people got hooked on women's soccer at the World Cup. We in France were not aware of what was going on here, but our families explained that there were many people waiting for us. I think we have a problem this year, that is television. You can only watch a couple of games a week, and that hurts us. We need more visibility. We have come here and now we cannot lose everything we have achieved. There are still things to improve.
More and more girls are playing soccer.
Yes. But not only that they play. Also that they come to see our matches, they cheer you up, they call you, they know you ... Girls, like boys, had Messi as their idol. They still have him, but they have some of us too. When you see this, you realize everything we have gained.
And then there is the struggle for better working conditions, a salary, an agreement ... They had to go on strike.
We have advanced and we have a pre-agreement. The strike was necessary because we were tired of unsuccessful meetings. We do not ask for nonsense, nor to charge half of what the players charge, but basic things: that if you get pregnant, the club will continue to pay you; that if you get injured, you can keep charging ... Football was once an entertainment for many of us, but now we spend many hours there. It cannot be that after playing 20 years of football you have nothing left.
Barça have made a bet on professional women's football, but there must be many top-notch clubs where female players earn very little.
There are players who do not charge half of the hours they train and play. We do not ask for money. It seems surreal, but let's ask for a minimum, a normal thing. I would have asked for more. Some people have been playing for twenty years and only two have been listed. What should they do? This is a job like any other.
We said before that more and more girls are playing football. Why did Jennifer Hermoso start playing?
Because of my grandfather. He had the footballing genes. He was goalkeeper of Atlético de Madrid and he transmitted this hobby to me. No one else in the family was a football fan. At school I was already playing futsal, which I really like. One day a coach took me to the Atletico tests and saw that I wanted to dedicate myself to football.
Football has changed a lot, but I suppose in those years you had to play with boys.
Of course. First I changed myself and then they came in. But I was lucky enough to have colleagues who never made me ugly. In fact, many preferred me in their team. They made it very easy for me.
I think you played a lot on the street. Did it fare well?
I was always playing street football at Carabanchel. Street football teaches you. I remember my mother shaking her head out the window and throwing her sandwich and milk at me. I spent hours and hours in the park next door to my grandparents’ playing. The technique I can have now is because I played a lot on the street.
She is a big fan of tattoos.
A lot. The first thing I did was a star on my elbow, it was fashion. And I went on. The left arm is dedicated to my family: my grandparents' initials, my grandfather's radio, my grandmother's carnation, one for my mother, another for my niece ...
And the right?
They are more mine: a lion, a flamenco, a phrase from the movie Million dollar baby
...She is also fond of music, the team's DJ.
A lot. I always say that I am the resident DJ. I invite everyone to put on their music, but the first one I play is mine. And when there is too much reggaeton and I get tired, so do I.
#ayyy i love his interview#very good very complete#sorry if some of it doesn't make sense the interview is in catalan so i had to use google translate#jenni hermoso#fcb femeni#football
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FIC: Beneath an Aurora Sky (Ch. 5)
Summary: The South Pole Station is equipped for research and Edge has always made sure things run smoothly for the inhabitants. His charges are meant to follow his rules and regulations, and in turn, he makes sure they survive in the arctic temperatures. It takes plenty of hard work and determination and Edge, along with his crew, can handle both.
He wasn’t counting on one of the newest researchers. He wasn’t expecting Rus.
Tags: Spicyhoney, First Time, Arctic AU, Hurt/Comfort
Notes: So, @cheapbourbon came up with an amazing AU and did some lovely art for it: please look at it and love it.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Read Chapter Five on AO3
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Read it here!
~~*~~
By the time Edge got the Sno-Cat secured and signed back in, the others were already gathered in the mess hall. All the researchers were buried into their laptops and tablets, conversing softly with each other and the fact that no one had discreetly asked for the WiFi password was encouraging for their survivalist skills.
Red and Undyne were sitting at the end of the table, squabbling over a game of cards, which meant everyone was here.
Everyone that was, except Rus.
Edge could only shake his head in exasperation; this was not a trend he liked. In their corner, Undyne was laughing at something Red said, pounding the table hard enough to send most of their cards flying and the silverware dancing, but her grin faded, flipping into a scowl when she caught sight of Edge standing there alone.
“Where’s the fashion victim?” she demanded. “What the fuck, Boss, did you leave him out there to walk back? He couldn’t have been that bad!”
A dozen pairs of interested eyes rose from laptops and notebooks to look at him, awaiting his reply. As if perhaps the answer was yes, and that his body would soon join the others, so take heed.
It really was endearing the way she enabled trust between them and their wards.
“Of course not,” Edge growled. “I sent him inside close to ten minutes ago, hasn’t anyone—”
The door to the kitchen swinging open cut him off and Rus came out through it, which answered some questions only to create more.
He was laughing and carrying bowls, and Bonnie was at his heels with serving platters of her own. Her chuffs of laughter had all three permanent residents staring in disbelief. She was never one to laugh so readily in front of Humans and they’d never seen her allow anyone to help her with serving.
“good evening, everyone, i’ll be your waiter tonight,” Rus said, in perhaps the worst attempt at a snooty English accent possible. He set down his bowls, shaking out one of towels he used as a potholder and draping it primly over his arm. With a stiff bow, he looked down the little nodule over his nasal cavity at them. “everything is delicious, in case you’re wondering. i’ve taste-tested all of it personally, so none of you need to worry about poisonings or wily sabotage from wascally wabbits.”
Even the Humans looked amused. Undyne was laughing outright and Red was snickering with some reluctance, his eye lights hidden again behind his sunglasses while he picked up cards from the floor.
Bonnie returned with more bowls and hip-checked Rus out of her way. He stumbled back, laughing, “ah, it seems i am bowing to the expertise of our bonny chef! bunny chef? anyway, dig in, i’ll be right back, i almost have her talked into dessert!”
He slipped in front of Bonnie, his hands flashing as he signed while walking backwards towards the kitchen. It was almost too fast for Edge to follow but from his pleading expression and Bonnie’s of bemused indulgence, Rus was being true to his word and begging for dessert.
He suspected it was a battle already won.
They disappeared back into the kitchen and the rest of them dug into the serving bowls, conversations paused in pursuit of delicious nourishment.
“That shirt he’s wearing looks familiar,” Undyne murmured, depositing a generous dollop of roasted vegetables on her own plate, “did he pick it up off your floor?”
Edge chewed his own mouthful more thoroughly than necessary, then said with marked gentleness, “The more you talk, the more I look forward to kicking your ass tonight.”
“Oh, there’ll be some ass-kicking tonight.” She stretched and her shirt bulged visibly at the arms, seams straining. At least two of the Male humans and one of the Females were watching with great interest and Edge made a mental note to quietly inform them that Undyne was in a very committed relationship and likely would not take any invitations well.
“Nice trick,” Edge leaned back in his chair, “but some of us don’t need fancy muscles to fight.”
“or any muscles, really,” Red drawled. “dunno, boss, you might be out of practice. i got ten on undyne.”
Before Edge could berate him for that disloyalty, a shy voice spoke up, “I’d put ten on the Boss.”
It was one of the women he’d worked with earlier and her eyes behind her glasses were sparkling with amusement.
That was…different. Most of the researchers kept to themselves, particularly after their safety training, hardly speaking to them past verifying equipment requests or occasional rude personal questions. To have them willingly join simple friendly conversation was unusual.
Red’s grin widened and he tipped up his sunglasses. “oh, now we got some action going.” He scrabbled a pen and a grubby notebook out of his jacket pocket. “all right, who else wants in?”
Edge could only watch in disbelief as the other scientists began to call out bets, wondering when he’d lost control of this situation. It did not escape his notice that the ones who’d done their ride along with Undyne today were wagering on her. Maybe he should pay closer attention to the recording logs.
Even Undyne looked taken aback, but not for long. She watched as Red wrote gleefully in his notebook, the entire group of them bantering and arguing over bets. Too low for any of them to hear, she murmured, “Gonna lay down the law, Boss?”
“No,” he said slowly. It had been a long time since he’d seen Red honestly excited and there was no real harm in it. “Let them lose their money.”
Her grin widened viciously.
“He’s got you in a good mood, Boss, how did he end up in your shirt, exactly?” she crooned and ducked when he swiped at her. “Ah, ah, save it for the ring.”
The ring, yes. By the time Rus returned, grinning triumphantly, plopping into a seat and digging into the depleted serving bowls without complaint, the betting was over, but that was fine.
Edge did make sure to leave room for dessert.
~~*~~
Before the dishes could be scraped and cleared, Bonnie returned, both expected and unexpected, with a large tray of peach cobbler.
It was from canned peaches but still delicious, and she gave Rus the first portion before allowing anyone else to dig in.
He signed a flurry of thank you’s at her, only stopping when she cuffed him lightly on the back of the head. But she was smiling as she went back to the kitchen and the entire tray was scraped clean in minutes.
Undyne was the first by the door afterward, almost bouncing with eagerness. “C’mon, let’s go see the rec center! Bet you guys could use some relaxing after today. You’ll like the walkway, too, this way.”
There was a low murmur of agreement from most of them, although they were surely more eager to get their money’s worth on their bets than to try out the treadmills. Rus perked up as well, his face alive with interest, and he trailed a safe distance after Undyne, buffering potential noogies through several Human bodies.
Edge followed last, Red at his side, and he pointedly ignored his grinning fool of brother as he paged through his little notebook. It was harder to ignore the slim figure walking in front of him, dressed in his clothes, but he managed.
The main building and the Recreational Center were the only two connected with Alphys’s prototype umbilicus, thus far. It was short enough to force Edge and Undyne, and now Rus, to duck a little going through but it did allow them to traverse between buildings without have to completely gear up.
Her goal was to have all the buildings connected by next year, if this tested well in the cold and wind this season.
For now, it was holding up, as warm as the rest of the buildings and without the barrier of metal hardware blocking the view. Nothing but clear, glassy material and there were times in the past that Edge had discovered Undyne and Alphys sitting out here together, watching the darkened sky where the low outdoor temperature wouldn’t be unbearable for Alphys.
At least he hoped they’d only been sky watching; he’d never cared to investigate too closely.
The recreational facility was one of the larger buildings at the station. In one corner was exercise equipment including treadmills and weight benches. In another were a couple of comfortable sofas, and a video game machine that doubled as a blu-ray player. One wall was lined with plush recliners with full spectrum lights stationed above them, where their ‘guests’ could sit with their notes and laptops, working on their research while staving off the effects of living in minimal daylight.
And in the furthest corner were the sparring mats. It was one of the few things Edge insisted on in his contract. He and Undyne needed to blow off steam from time to time, and sparring together was the best way to accomplish that. Neither Red nor Alphys were interested or equipped for it, and that was fine. He and Undyne managed with each other.
After a brief tour, most of the others were milling around the room but their attention was not on the movie that was starting up. They were orbiting the mats, wandering close, then backing off, and the sense of anticipation was heavy in the air from all of them.
Except one.
Rus was with them, but his focus was on the movie, unaware of any stakes.
By the wall, Edge stripped off his outer layers and folded them, kicking off his shoes and socks and leaving only his tank top and pants. He ignored the interested eyes he could feel on him. Humans were endlessly curious about Monsters and scientists doubly so. If they were as smart as they were supposed to be, they would keep their questions to themselves, and if they weren’t, Edge was well familiar with giving a curt reminder of manners.
“I’ll try not to kick your ass too hard, Boss,” Undyne said cheerfully as she taped her hands. “You’ll need to be able to do some work tomorrow.”
Speaking of manners.
“You might want to watch your mouth,” Edge threw back. He stepped on the mat, bouncing lightly on his toes. “The less you speak, the less words you’ll have to eat later.”
Undyne cackled. It had been far too long since they’d had the opportunity to let loose and never with stakes. She slipped in her mouth guard as Edge did the same, both of them tightening their sparring gloves.
They circled each other slowly, familiar enough with the other to be wary.
Edge didn’t have to wait long.
Undyne lashed out viciously and Edge danced back. Her fist still passed close enough for Edge to feel the rush of air and he didn’t wait for her to try again.
He struck, catching her square in the face and her head snapped back. Redness glowed in her eyes, a thin trickle of purple blood trailing from her nose, but Undyne only licked it away, grinning savagely. "Come on, you can do better than that.”
“I can, but if I don’t leave you standing, I’ll have to take on your duty sheet tomorrow.”
They went around the mat and each other, trading blows and insults while the others crowded close to watch, and Red stood nearby taking last minute bets.
Undyne had a hell of a reach despite being shorter than him and she was damned strong on top of that. It was better to wear her out dodging than to keep blocking blows, and to stay out of arm’s length as much as possible.
It worked for a while, until the one time he was too slow. Undyne caught him by the arm, twisting him off-balance and flinging him viciously into the wall. It was only poor luck that he hit the seam of the wall mat, catching more drywall than cushion. He felt a rib cracking, bit back his shout of pain as he went down to his knees.
Distantly, he could hear a murmur of dismay from their watchers and Undyne was by him in an instant.
"Fuck, I'm sorry, Boss," Undyne said remorsefully. She started to kneel down, and Edge took that moment to nail her square in the gut, knocking her on her ass.
She whuffed out from the force of the blow, then wheezed a laugh, pounding on the padded floor with a fist. "By the queen’s tits! That was a low blow, you dick!"
"the rule is not hitting when your sparring partner is down,” Edge panted. He pressed a hand gingerly against his cracked rib, testing. “There's nothing that says the downed partner can't.”
He didn’t mean to look away from her, hardly more than a glance, but his gaze snagged on Rus, standing at the outer part of the crowd. He looked a little shocked, his skull oddly pale, and Edge climbed unsteadily to his feet.
"I'm fine,” he said, a little louder than he might normally.
He was, or would be by tomorrow. His injuries were nothing like what Red was recovering from and the bones would only be a little tender for a day or two. A quick treatment from Alphys and he’d be fine.
He tore his gaze away from Rus. He couldn’t allow any distractions or one of them was going to get really hurt.
But Undyne noticed Rus watching, pushing her sweaty hair out of her face. "Wanna get in here, Rus?” she called. Her grin bordered on feral. “Don't worry, he'll be gentle on you."
The others turned to look at him with varying expressions of interest, Red’s pen poised for changing odds.
Rus took an actual step back and something like fear crossed his face. To her credit, Undyne noticed her misstep immediately. "Aw, I'm just kiddin', fashion victim. Leave the fighting to us, we’re a good spectator sport.”
Rus grinned, that false smirk of his and having seen his real smile, Edge hated it instantly. It was a painful contrast to his posture, hunched in with his arms crossed over his chest, almost as if he were bracing himself.
"yeah, well, don’t kill him, undyne," Rus called back. "some of us need to borrow him yet tomorrow."
Laughter ran through the group of Humans, even Red chuckling along. Edge didn’t laugh, even as Rus met his gaze, that false smile of his faltering.
His eye lights were too narrow, shrunken to pinpricks and from the way Red was frowning, he noticed it, too. No one else would understand what it meant, but they did. Rus was upset and Edge wasn’t sure why.
There was nothing to say, not now. Undyne leaned in with a smirk and murmured, too low for anyone else to hear her. "Hope he washes you before he gives you back."
Edge scowled and shoved her roughly back while she laughed raucously. He tightening his hand guards and stepped back up, dropping into an aggressor’s stance. He didn't need to go see Alphys just yet and Undyne’s eyes took on a gleefully red cast at his silent challenge.
If she wanted to blow off steam, she was about to get her wish.
In the end, they called it a draw but there were no complaints from the viewing gallery, not with the variety of matching bruises they were both sporting. Undyne was nursing a bloody nose and Edge couldn’t see properly out of one socket. Tomorrow they’d both be aching and snarling about it, but tonight he wasn’t going to have any trouble falling asleep.
It was with disbelieving wonder that Edge watched Undyne and Red chatting with the researchers afterward, Undyne even going so far as to allow the young woman who’d given her a look at dinner a squeeze of her bicep. He didn’t know what Red was writing in his little notebook while talking in hushed tones to two of the others and perhaps that was for the best.
Edge was only interested in one of their charges, but Rus was already gone.
~~*~~
Read Chapter Six
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Human Cullen? Paul x Cullen!Reader
Fandom: Twilight
Pairing: Paul x Cullen!Reader
Word Count: 10,000 on the dot
Requested: No.
Warnings: Cussing, Mentions of attempted homicide, abuse. (It’s kind of dark in some places guys)
AN: Too all my loyal readers and followers. Thank you. Enjoy your present for hitting 211 followers!
Sitting on the porch, the rain falls through the trees around the house, inside my family is discussing the “Not-Quite-A-Request-But-Not-Quite-An-Order” they’ve gotten via Bella, about me from Sam. I managed to escape outside, because after asking if my opinion on the matter was a hand, I was told it was not, and Jasper noticed my anger faster, thanks to his ability, and managed to distract them so that I could make my escape. Tucking my blonde locks with blue tips behind my ear, I take a deep breath of the crisp Forks air, my blue eyes trailing over the line of the forest, before letting out a sigh, knowing that Alice and Edward would be able to stop me before I made one step of the wood of the porch. “’Ro?” Rosalie calls from behind me, I turn to see her sticking her head out the front door, hand on the handle, and I let out a sigh, seeing the perturbed look on her face.
“Coming.” I sigh, pressing off the banister to turn on my peep toe shoes, stalking back inside as gracefully as I can, though I know that compared to a family of vampires, I’m probably as graceful as a duck waddling across a broken bridge, or a duck trying to waddle in quicksand. Even in style, I can’t compare to them, even though Alice and Rosalie dress me, but compared to everyone in my family, it’s like I’m wearing a trashbag with a duct-tape belt, and shoes made of old mildew newspapers. Walking into the living room, I notice that the entire room is practically split it two, Carlisle, Esme, Alice, and Bella are on one side of the room, Edward, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie are on the other side of the room, causing me to stumble to a stop in surprise. It’s rare to see Edward and Bella openly opposing, let alone Alice and Jasper. “Okay, what is going on here?”
“They’re sending you to stay with those... mongrels.” Rosalie snarls.
“For a few days,” Carlisle is quick to explain when my head snaps over to look at him, aghast at the idea. “to keep the peace, Sam wants to make sure you’re truly human, and he wishes to see how living with us for most of your life has affected you.”
“Do I not get a say in this? I am almost 18 years old!” I shout in annoyance, causing Carlisle to sigh, and Esme steps up to set a gentle hand on my arm.
“Aurora, my little lily, listen... We are worried about your safety, that is why we must send you to them. If you care about us, your family, you will go.” Esme says carefully, her warm tawny orbs drawn to mine.
“I-” I bite my lip. “Yes mamma.” I finally relent.
“That’s my good figlia (daughter).” Esme grasps my chin lovingly, before pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Now, be a good ragazza (girl) and go pack, Bella will be dropping you off in twenty minutes.” I sigh as I tromp upstairs to my room, grabbing a random bag from my closest, and throwing a bunch of my usual clothes into it, along with a fancy dress or two, and two pairs of shoes with my change of sweat pants and tank top. Next, my laptop, then a few notebooks and pencils, my phone charge, computer charger, my wallet full of money and identification cards, before I finally zip the duffel bag up. Sticking my phone in my pocket, I grab my MP3 player and headphones, blasting my slipknot as I put on my headphones, I sling my bag over my shoulder, and stomp down stairs, giving quick good byes before, I climb into Bella’s rattling death trap. I glare out the window the entire way towards the Reservation, watching the green and brown of the trees pass me by, before very long, we’re pulling up outside an old house. It’s an all brown two story house with a porch and a screen door that leads directly into the kitchen, the smell of baked goods waft out as I slam the screeching door of Bella’s truck shut, and four of the seven boys, including Jacob Black, and two girls all come piling out of the house.
“Bella!” One woman, with scars along the right side of her face, greets my brother’s girlfriend with a warm hug, and a half smile half grimace, the skin around her scars tugs firm, making my nerves in my stomach tighten even more about this.
“Hey Emily.” Bella gives the woman, Emily, a hug in return, before they turn towards me. “This is Aurora Hale.”
“So,” Emily smiles at me. “You’re the Cullens’ special girl?”
“Something like that.” I answer with a shrug, my headphones hanging loose around my neck.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Emily says, holding out her hand for me, which I shake as the guys and other girl continue to observe me from the side.
“Hey brat.”
“Jake.” I answer shortly. “I’m older than you.”
“Still shorter.”
“Almost everyone is.” I answer, and he smiles at me, stepping forward to wrap me in a hug, surprising his packmates.
“So this is Quil and Embry, Seth and his sister Leah.” Jacob introduces, pointing to each one, and I offer my hand to them each, Leah only sneers, and smacks my hand away causing me to raise an eyebrow, setting my jaw as I glare at her, crossing my arms as I cock a hip.
“Pah-lease, hon, I grew up with three vampire women, I can throw shade better than any other person by now.” I state, causing her to gape at me a bit. Quil and Embry burst out laughing, shutting up only when Leah glares at them, then turns on her heels, stomping off through the woods, and Jake sighs.
“You’ll get used to that real quick.” He states, causing me to roll my eyes.
“Why don’t you come inside, and have a snack. Bella, staying?” Emily offers as starts up the steps to the door. “Sam, Jared, and Paul will be back soon.”
“Nah, I think I’ll head back. Gotta cook Charlie dinner, otherwise he’ll order a pizza again.” Bella answers.
“See ya, Bella.” The boys all call, running inside.
“Bye Bella, come back soon.” Emily calls, and Jacob walks over to her as I watch them for a second, before starting into the house. “So, Aurora-”
“Ro.” I interrupt, purely by habit.
“What?” Emily asks, tilting her head at me as she lifts some flour from the bag on the counter, and sprinkles it across the table.
“Ro. Aurora is such a girly name, everyone just calls me Ro.” I explain as she lifts some rising dough from the bowl on the counter, and slams it down onto the table where the flour was.
“Alright, so Ro, do you like chocolate or blueberry?” Emily asks.
“I beg your pardon?” I tilt my head at her, watching her start to pummel the dough on the table.
“Chocolate chip, or blueberry pancakes? For the morning.” Emily asks.
“Oh, uh... even though I love them, I’m allergic to blueberries.”
“Is that why it looks like you have a smurf blended up in your hair?” Some jerk demands from the door, causing me to turn in time to see a taller guy walking past the guy in the door, smacking him upside the head.
“Don’t be an ass, Paul.” The man walks over to Emily as a third guy comes in the door, smacking the guy, Paul, upside the head as well, and Paul turns to swing on him, then smirks like it’s a joke. “So,” I jump at the booming voice, turning back to the man who has his arms wrapped around Emily’s waist. “you’re a Cullen? I’m Sam.”
“Great, another leech lover.” I hear Paul groan.
“I’m a Hale, actually. Aurora, just call me Ro.” I explain.
“Cullen or Hale, you’re a leech lover, ain’t ya.” Paul demands.
“Ain’t is not a word, for one, and two I’m not a fan of my family being referred to as ‘Leeches’ because they are no more leeches than you all are, giant puppy dogs.” I retort just as sharply.
“Oh-ho.” Quil laughs from the living room as I turn to look at Paul, who is leaning against a counter now.
“Is that so, Princess? You’re still human, I’m amazed you’re so comfortable living with those blood sucking parasites, that you call “family”.” Paul states, simply observing the apple he’s picked up, before I snort.
“What would you know of family? Packs, aren’t “families” they’re just a bunch of people running together like a bunch of pigheaded jocks.” I state.
“Oh, because being family with monsters is so much better?” Paul demands, causing me to clench my face, my blood boiling as I drop my duffel-bag, crossing the floor in three strides as I rip my sleeve off my arm, and shove my wrist in his face.
“YOU WANT MONSTERS, TRY MEETING THE PEOPLE THAT GAVE BIRTH TO ME, THAT TRIED SLITTING MY WRISTS BECAUSE ADOPTION WAS JUST OUT OF THE QUESTION! ESME AND CARLISLE SAVED MY LIFE, SO IF YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT MONSTERS, I CAN SHOW YOU MONSTERS!”I scream at the top of my lungs, pulling away to cover the pale silver lines on my wrists as I pant for breath. “You know nothing about my family.” I cross the room, grabbing my bag as I realize that there is a stunned silence in the air. “What?!” I demand, causing Sam to clear his throat, and every hurriedly goes back to what they were doing.
“I still don’t trust you, Princess.” Paul spits.
“You know what?” I turn to glare at him, meet his eyes, and his eyes widen as I sneer at him. “Why don’t you go fuck yourself, you pansy ass, roided out, little mama’s boy!” I snarl, suddenly I notice that he’s shaking, anger rolling off him in visible waves, and I let out a snort. “Maybe you should go jump in a lake, and cool off, hothead.” With that, I look at Emily. “Where’s my room?”
“Uh...” She’s staring at Sam, who is watching Paul. “Upstairs, third door from the left.” She answers, causing me to nod as I start towards the stairs. Getting to the top step, all I hear is “Paul you better not shift in my kitchen!” before I smirk victoriously, and prance off to my bedroom as I hear the kitchen door slam shut. Walking over to my window, I pull back the curtains to see Sam, Jared, and Jacob are pushing Paul off the steps, he is shaking and shaking, and he looks up at my room, meeting my eyes once more, and suddenly his head snaps away as he doubles over, skin and shorts and shoes go flying as a giant Gray Wolf stands just where Paul was moments ago. His head is thrown back as he howls, my heart skips a beat at the beautiful sound, and as his wolf looks at me, a sad look in it’s eyes, I shut the drapes, falling onto my bed.
“Way to go, Ro. Managed to piss off someone you weren’t supposed to. Probably put the treaty in danger too. Greeeaat. Putz.”
The very next day, early in the morning, I quickly go for a jog, then come back, shower, and get dressed for the day, making my way downstairs before any else is up still. Sitting on the bay window bench, I tug the sleeves of my black turtleneck down past my wrists, watching the morning rain outside the window, my damp curls draped over one shoulder. Tugging my cat beanie further down on my head, I lean my head back on the wall my back is presses against, hugging my arms to my chest, and let out a deep sigh. “What the fuck is that on your head?” I jump, whirling around to nail Paul with a glare.
“It’s called a beanie, it keeps my head warm.”
“You so smear smurf in your hair, and pull a cat over your head?”
“Can’t you go five minutes without being a complete an utter asshole?”
“No, I can’t. It’s my nature. You’ll get used to it.” I let out a snort at that.
“No, I won’t.” I answer, turning back to look out the window. “Won’t be here that long.” I mutter to myself.
“What’s with the tragic trapped princess mojo?” Paul demands, dropping onto the couch with the remote in hand. “You didn’t have to come here.”
“For your information,” I start, turning my torso to look at him. “I like looking out at the window. It’s not a luxury I had the first 9 years of my life, and secondly of all, it’s your alpha’s fault that I’m here in the first place!”
“Oh please, cry me a river. Where else were you gonna be? In the Bahama's, getting a tan?” Paul snorts.
“No, smartass. I was going to use my spring break to help the refugees in Africa. I booked a plane ticket, I got vaccinated, and everything. It all got ruined because Bella opened her big mouth about me living with the Cullens, and you guys flipped!” Paul stares at me in surprise. “Now, I have to move my Africa trip to Fall Break, and my Fall Break plans to my Winter Break, and my Winter Break plans to Spring Break. You guys have ruined a year’s planning in the process!” I snarl, turning back to the window.
“What were you gonna do for your other breaks?” Paul asks carefully.
“What do you care?” I snarl.
“That’s a good question.” He answers, silence hangs over us for a few more minutes, he continues to flick through the channels, before I sigh, and rip my beanie off.
“Missionary work is Siberia was the plans for Fall Break. Summer, I have to go to summer school, because I have a job at the library, otherwise I’d go then. Winter, I was going to work in Haiti with the Hurricane victims, and Spring was going to be more Missionary work.” I explain carefully, looking at my interlocked fingers, picking at the purple paint on my pinky finger with my thumbnail.
“Holy fuck. Paul, your imprint’s a saint!” My head snaps up to look at the three boys standing in the door as Paul’s eyes widen, and his fists clench.
“His what?!” I demand.
“You didn’t tell her man?” Jacob demands, his hand falling from Quil’s mouth, letting me know that he’s the one who spoke first.
“In case you morons can’t tell, we don’t get along!” Paul snarls as he climbs to his feet.
“You... imprinted on me?!” I bellow, causing Paul’s head to snap over to me, eyes full of worry at the panic in my voice. “I signed up for... a few days! Hell, I didn’t even sign up for that, my parents did. Not... for the rest of my life! An imprint?!” I stand from the bench, my fingers gripping my roots as I take rapid short breathes, my world is swirling and colors are spinning and twining together. “I mean, I can’t hardly think for myself in terms of a relationship, because I’ve never been in one, and now suddenly I find that you,” I gesture blindly towards Paul and the other three boys. “are my soulmate?! I can’t- I can’t- I can’t breath!” I manage to force out, my knees finally give out, and there is a pair of warm arms catching me before my head collides with the floor.
“Deep breathes. In through your nose, out through your mouth.” Someone coaches, their voice is muffle by the fog in my ears, but I obey as best as I can, the combination of coaching my breathing and the warmth of their person holding me helps. “That’s it, in through your nose, out through your mouth, deep breathes Ro.” I realize that it’s Jacob.
“Call. Carlisle.” I wheeze out, causing him to nod, grabbing my cellphone from my pocket, and dial the number that says dad. “Tell him. My Panic Attacks. Are Back.” I manage to struggle the words out between breathes, and Jacob nods.
“Doctor Cullen, it’s Jacob Black.” Jacob pauses. “No, yeah, there’s a problem. Ro just had a panic attack.” Another pause. “Well, you see, Paul imprinted on her-”
“He did what?!”I can hear Edward from the other line, causing Jacob to flinch, gritting his teeth.
“Anyway, she found out, and she’s panicking.” Jacob pauses, then pats me on the back. “Yeah doc. Okay. Bye.” He hangs up, shifting as I take deep breathes, wheezing them out. “Quil get me some warm water in a glass, Jared grab me as soft a blanket as you can find. Ro, head between your knees, keep breathing.” He instructs, and I move with my head between my knees taking deep breathes. “That’s it, good job.” Jacob says, then I notice his body jostling with sharp movements, like his gesturing wildly.
“No.” Paul answers.
“Get you ass over here Paul. You’re presence alone will help, you don’t even have to touch her.” Jacob demands, causing Paul to sigh, and I feel a bigger, warmer hand encompass the small of my back as Jacob forces me to drink the warm water that Quil brings, and Paul wraps the soft blanket around me as I continue to try regulating my breathing. Before I realize it, my chest is rising and falling in sync with Paul’s, as though I’ve matched up our breathing unconsciously. My eyelids flutter weakly as I fall against his chest, my panic attack taking more out of me then I thought, but he stiffens under my head, causing me to jolt away once more.
“S-Sorry.” I stammer out, only for him to reach out, yanking my head back into place on his chest.
“Sleep, you’re up way to fucking early, and had too much shit going on.”
“I don’t wanna,” I let out a yawn. “sleep. Only rest.”
“Whatever, just go ahead.”
“See, I knew you weren’t always,” I let another yawn. “an asshole.” With that, my eyes flutter shut once again, and I fall asleep against his chest.
“You’re in so deep, and it’s just the first day.” I head someone say with a pathetic excuse for a whisper.
“Shut up, you’ll wake her up.” Paul answers.
“Face it. You’ve imprinted on a leech lover.” The woman retorts.
“A badass saint leech lover. She spends her breaks volunteering in place like Africa and Haiti.” Jared responds.
“Lie.”
“How would you know?”
“How would you?” Leah counters.
“Easy, check her scent. Underneath the bleach of leech.” Paul answers, causing the room to go silent, then there is a huff of defeat.
“So? She’s still a leech lover.” Leah answers.
“So will you be,” I let out a yawn, slowly sitting up. “one day.” I state causing everyone to go silent as I rub my eyes.
“Sleep well?” Paul asks, causing me to smile sleepily at him.
“Can I cuddle with your wolf form?” I answer, causing everyone to laugh, even Leah. “Cause if you’re this comfy as a human, I want a bed made of your pelts.” I answer with another sleepy smile, causing Paul to chuckle, sitting up.
“Sorry sweet cheeks, but the pelt’s off the table. Maybe I could get you Jacob’s.”
“Deal!” That draws more echoes of laughter, before Leah finally speaks up.
“What did you mean?”
“Hmm?”
“About me being a leech lover someday?”
“Oh! Nothing!” I sing, stretching my arms and fingers out to my toes, causing her to grunt as she realizes that is all she is going to get, and she stomps out of the room in anger, the boys all laughing after her.
“Are you really feeling better?” Paul asks, causing me to tilt my head at him, giving a firm nod.
“I’m fine. Thanks for the headrest.” I answer, clambering to my feet, and I start into the kitchen to get something to eat.
“Fucking Princess.” i hear Paul mutter from the living room, but I pretend I didn’t.
“Did you want something to eat, Pauly?” I call teasingly, his face blanches as the guys burst out laughing and cackling while I steal the last slice of pizza from the box on the table, chewing on the very end of it as Paul climbs to his feet, stumbling over the blanket as he cusses and curses, and as he stops before me, I sway from side to side, batting my eyelashes innocently. “I didn’t do anything, I just woke up.” i state, taking a large bite out of the very tip of the pizza, then drop the rest into his hand. “Enjoy.” With that, I disappear out the back door as the guys hoot and holler in laughter.
Stalking downstairs later that night, I’ve changed my clothes as I enter the kitchen, tugging my leather into place as Emily and Sam look up along with Paul, Jacob, and Embry, and I pull on my fingerless leather gloves. “Where are you goin?” Paul asks.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I called some friends, and we’re going to dinner and movies in Port Angeles.” I answer, there’s a honk outside, and the sound of shouting over rock music.
“Bitch, hurry up already, before I have to come in a get yooou!” Vanessa calls, causing Marylinn to laugh too.
“I’m coming slut.” I call out the door.
“Oh, they sound lovely.” Emily states.
“They’re my only friends, okay? Nobody else in this Podunk town talks to me, causing I’m one of the precious “Cullens.” Meh.” I shake my head.
“Hey, Ro, we’re gonna miss the movie!” Marylinn calls, honking again.
“I’m coming, Mary!” I answer. “Anyway, I know where the spare key is, Em showed me. Don’t wait up!” I throw up the rock on sign, and dash out the door, into the black BMW, and Marylinn backs out the clearing, start down the road as Vanessa and I sit on the top of the backseats, howling to the moon, before burst into laughter. It’s nearly midnight by the time I slide the key from the fern, and unlock the door to Sam and Emily’s house, sneaking inside so as not to wake them, turning I freeze when I see Sam, Paul, Seth, Jared, Jacob, Quil, and Embry all in the living room, wide awake, playing video games.
“Hey, how was your night out?” Sam calls from the couch.
“Fine? Why isn’t someone on patrol?” I ask.
“Leah wanted to solo, just left, Seth’s about to go too.” Sam answers, jerking the remote as I walk past towards the stares. “Freeze!” I freeze with one step nearly on the bottom step. “Backtrack over here.” I obey. “Breath.” I breath on him. “No alcohol... no cigarettes... good.”
“I’m not a moron. I don’t have vices.” I snap, and walk towards the stairs once more, there is a choir of good nights, which I wave off before I head upstairs, falling into bed.
Day four, I get up, go for a jog, shower, and get dressed for the day in one of my dresses, stepping down the stairs as I shrug my vest on, I swing into the kitchen, only to stop at the sight of Emily serving half asleep boys half cooked hashbrowns. “Am I the only one that got any sleep last night?” I ask, taking the pan and spatula from Emily, having her sit down as I scoop up the food from their plates and throw together a quick hash to cook down on the stove.
“Yeah, cause not all of us need extra beauty rest.” Paul answers sharply.
“When do you ever get beauty rest, Pauly?” Embry taunts.
“I’ll pummel you when I’ve have breakfast and coffee.” Paul answers.
“Hey, Embry, brutto è brutto in ogni lingua Tu, amico mio, sei brutto.” I state.
“What?” Embry shakes his head in confusion as I dish out the hash.
“Ugly is ugly in every language. You, my friend, are ugly.” I answer, causing the guys to manage a barely weak chuckle, causing me to frown. Emily slumps onto the table, face first. “What happened last night?” I finally ask.
“Rogue vamp. A red head, she was here when you and your family left, she’s been leading us on a chase ever since.” Sam answers, entering the room bright eyed and bushy-tailed.
“You drank the last of the coffee made, didn’t you?” I demand, glaring at him in playful accusation.
“Nope, just naturally this awake. Anyway, we chased her all the way to the Canadian border last night, not the first time we’ve done that.” Sam explains, I pull the coffee pot off the stove, pour the last of the inky black liquid into coffee mugs of various sizes and colors.
“Carry your wife to bed, there is no reason for her to be awake.” I order Sam, causing him to grin at me, shrugging as I set the mugs before the boys, saving Paul’s for last.
“Just pour mine in my ear.” Paul groans playfully.
“Aw, that’s not the spirit of coffee in the morning.” I set the coffee before him on the table, then drop into his lap with all of my weight, causing him to groan in discomfort alone. “You need all this energy and all this spirit, cause I agreed to go on a trial date with your today, remember? To try and make this imprint thing work.”
“Oh yeah.” He groans. “Can’t we wait until another day?”
“Canceling on our first date, for shame. I don’t think my father will approve of me dating you.” I shake my head with the most playfully fake pout and furrowed eyebrows are I can, crossing my arms over my chest. “Come on, Pauly!” I finally cry. “Where you’re sense of adventure? Your spontaneity? Wake up!” I shake him roughly as the other boys start to chuckle at or antics. He pretends to snore, his head falls against my chest, and I scoff, shoving his head away roughly as I stand up again. “So help me, dogboy, you’re not the only one with a mean streak, I will tickle you.” I threaten playfully.
“Oh no! Not the dreaded tickling! Whatever shall I do?” Paul gasps, before he jumps up, picking me up like a sack of potatoes, and spins me around as I squeal, beating on his bad.
“Pumme down! Pumme down! This isn’t funny, Paul!” I scream, the boys at burst out laughing. “You bunch of fakers!” I screech, causing more laughter as Sam and Emily join us in the kitchen.
“Please be careful of my cabinets!” Emily calls over the laughter and my screams of “Pumme down, or Imma puke!” because Paul knows I’m faking going to be sick.
“Pumme DOWN!” I scream yanking at his ear, causing him to flinch, dropping me on my feet as he glares with a pout. “Now maybe you’ll listen.” I state, brush the skirt of my dress off.
“Nice polka dot underwear, Ro. Could see em through your leggings.” Jacob states, causing me to squeak, my hands flying to my but as my face burns in embarrassment, and I turn on my heel, dashing back upstairs to change, hearing Paul snarl at Jacob on the way.
Rocking on my heels, I look around the movie theater in curiosity, and Paul chuckles as he reaches over, grabbing one of my swinging hands, and gently rubs circles across my palm. I smile at I look over at him, a cold chill causes me to shutter as the AC kicks on, and his brow furrows before he twirls me around, pulling me into his embrace as I laugh. Cuddling my head into his warmth, I practically purring, nuzzling him as he chuckles again, resting his chin on my head, he only lifts me off the ground as he shuffles into the theater as the doors open, a few people who are watching, laugh before he deposits me in the seat beside his, and sits down as he grabs my hand. After we finish Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, he takes me to a small diner a few blocks away, watching me as he and I order our various meals. “You’ve never been to Seattle?” Paul asks.
“No, Alice has this shopping thing where, if I want to get new clothes, even a simple pair of running shoes, she drags me to Paris, or Milan. She’s only even been lenient with Bella, but since I’ve been with them since I was ten, I’ve gotten used to it.”
“Thats eight years?”
“Yeah, we’ve always moved around after two years, so I never really got many friends, or ya know, boyfriends.” I let out a nervous laugh. “Moving around a lot kinda makes it hard to get close to people. Oh!” My head snaps up. “But, I’m not complaining- we’ve been here longer than anywhere else because of Bella, and I love it here. The weather is comfortable, and the people are nice, and I actually have friends.” I explain as Paul leans on his hand, watching me as I look down at my hands, a bit of a sad smile on my face. “I’ve enjoyed our time here so much, I was sad when we had to leave because Edward freaked out. I missed the small town, but then we came back!”
“Do you ever let anyone see the truth?” He asks, causing my head to snap up, and he frowns. “You’re lonely, it’s okay to say it. You wish that you’d be able to stay where you’ve been, but you haven’t been able to. You’re happy with your family, but you’re sad too.” He reaches out, placing his hand over my own.
“I-” The waitress comes over, setting our plates of food down, I notice her eyeing our hands, causing me to blush, drawing my hands away from his to tuck in my lap, and she smirks as she shoots Paul a wink, sauntering off with her hips swinging in exaggeration. “I’m not sad, and I’m not lonely.” I counter, causing him to sigh, shaking his head as he picks up his roll, biting into it. “I mean, so what if I was? It’s not about me, it’s about them- they’re my family. It’s about their protection, in turn they worry about my protection just as much.”
“So, you what? Fake being happy? That’s not healthy.” Paul states as I shrug, spearing a piece of steak that I cut, and popping it into my mouth.
“It’s not the same as being fake happy. I’m really happy most of the time, but sometimes I just...” I sigh, and drop my fork to my plate with a clatter, dropping my head into my hands. “It’s just that I want to be a kid again, when I know I’m not. Everything was so much simpler after Carlisle and Esme first adopted me.”
“Why don’t you tell me about it?”
“You want to hear about my tragic past?” I snort, causing him to shake his head.
“It’s a part of you. I want to know you.” He answers, causing me to shrug, and I take a deep breath. “I guess it was pretty scarring, what your parents did.” At his words I flinch, my hand goes to my scarred arms, the bangles around my wrists covering the pale silver lines. “Bad choice of words, I’m sorry.”
“N-No, it’s fine.” I stammer out the lie, I move the bangles up and down my wrist as he frowns. “I was little, almost 4 when they did them... It’s strange, I healed almost as quickly as they did it, so they kept doing it.”
“You healed?”
“Yeah, I mean, I’ve always been a fast healer- I never understood it. Carlisle said it’s possible that one of my ancestors was a supernatural being of some kind, which left a trace of magic in my blood, and that’s why I heal so quickly, but I don’t know.” I shrug, taking a bite of my mashed potatoes. “Well, after a while, they’d stopped trying to kill me, and just locked me in the basement, there was one small window that was really high up- I used to get fed through it by one of the neighbor kids. That’s how I stayed alive, food and water once a day from her, and my biological parents caught her one day, she finally told her parents, and they called the cops. Took three days for the police to get there, when they did, the had to break down this wall my parents built over the basement door, and by then I was suffering from serious dehydration and serious undernourishment.”
“My god.” Paul breaths.
“After I got out of the hospital, I was put in foster care, and hopped from home to home for almost a year. Nobody wanted a child as broken as I was, but then Carlisle had found me- he’d been reading the newspaper, and came across my story, and told Esme. They immediately came to get me.” I shrug, sawing at my steak with my knife. “It took me a long time to get used to them, I mean... i always expected them to send me back to the system, so I acted out. I skipped school, Rosalie would find me and skip with me. I’d break things, they’d just replace them. I’d have panic attacks, and I’d lock myself in my room, Carlisle prescribed anxiety pills and they’d simply try three times to talk to me, before leaving me be. Anything I did to pull away, they’d counter it with something to get closer. I was broken, and they fixed me.”
“My god, Ro...” Paul shakes his head, standing up he crosses the table, and before I can ask what he’s doing, he seals his lips over my own, causing my eyes to widen as I freeze. He coaxes me to kiss him back, his tongue tracing my bottom lip, my eyes flutter closed as I reach up, twisting my hand into his hair, and kiss him back as best as I can. He chuckles as he pulls back, smiling at me as he strokes my flaming hot cheek, his eyes are swirling with worry, with lust, with emotions that I have no names for as he squats down before me, stroking my cheek as I carefully extract my hand from his hair, covering his hand on my cheek with my own. “You’re amazing, you’re strong, you- I understand you so much better now.”
“Paul, I-”
“Excuse me?” We look up as our waitress hovers nearby. “We’ve had some complaints about you two, your public displays of affection are making some of our customers very uncomfortable.” She states, causing me to look around, seeing the area is practically deserted, save for two more couples, one of which is practically clinging to each other, the other is a man with a woman literally in his lap, and they’re kissing.
“Seriously?” I demand. “Is it in your policy to be a complete and utter bitch and liar, to try and break up couples?” I stand up as Paul watches me, the waitress cocks an eyebrow at me as she crosses her arms over her check. “You’re what, 40? Why don’t you find someone your own age, Betty off your rocker. He’s 19, and I’m 18, I have a better chance with him that you do with any man at this point. I’m sorry you don’t have enough self respect to try having a relationship with a man your own age, but you need to leave people be when you know they’re on a date.”
“Excuse me, is there a problem?” A balding man in a tweed suit comes over.
“Yeah, there is.” I answer. “Your waitress here is jealous over a relationship that my boyfriend and I have, so she’s treating us, or I should say me, like complete an utter shit. She’s a liar and a flirt, and I’m telling your right now, I’ve had three bites of food, and I’m not paying because of her.”
“But- I- Miss, I-” The man stammers.
“Listen here you little twit.” The waitress pokes my chest as hard as she can, I stumble back. “You think you can talk down to whoever you want,” She pokes me in the chest again. “you’re an immature little twat, a spoiled brat who needs a good spanking, huh Princess.” She snaps, poking me again, and I slap her hand way.
“Don’t touch me, Grandma, and don’t call me Princess. That’s his nickname for me.” I snarl at her.
“Liddy, please don’t make this worse.” The manager begs.
“No, I won’t let her talk to me that way, and you’re the boss, she needs to show a little respect.”
“You’re a moron if you think I’ll ever respect someone dumber than a lamppost.” I answer. “You’re going off about our public displays of affection, when that couple over there is practically humping each other in the booth, and the other couple as kissing every other minute. Excuse me for enjoy my first kiss with my boyfriend.” She flushes with anger.
“You are a little bitch.” She snaps, causing me to grit me teeth, and swing my arm back, landing a punch to her nose, she falls to the ground as I glare at her boss.
“Your service sucks, and you’re lucky I don’t report your ass for hiring whores.” I answer, turning on my heels to see Paul watching me in awe. “Paul, come on.” I start out the door, and he follows behind, once we’re outside he bursts out in astonished laughter.
“Baby, that was fucking amazing.” He says, causing me to blush, he wraps his arm around my waist, and pulls me against him. “You’re fucking amazing, I swear.” He says, causing me to smile as my cheeks burn even worse, and he leans down, capturing my lips in another gentle kiss.
“We should go back to Sam and Emily’s.” I state, causing him to grimace as he pulls back.
"Yeah, it’s getting late.” He answers, sorry for the crappy end to our date.
“Date’s not over until we’re back.” I answer, causing him to smile.
“Oh yeah, so I’m your boyfriend?” He asks.
“I was trying to make a point.” I lie, causing him to chuckle, leaning in for another kiss, which I lean into with a hum, and he chuckles, I realize why when I feel his hand on my ass. “Paul!”
“Ro!” He mocks with a teasing grin, causing me to shake my head, shoving him with all my strength, which just makes him stumble, and chuckle. “I’m sorry, I have a hand with a mind of it’s own.” He teases as I shake my head, smiling at him.
“Lets get going.” I state, causing him to chuckle as I start towards the car, he catches up in no time, wrapping an arm around my waist, and I lean into his warm touch.
“You’re so amazing, babe.”
“Thanks Paul. I know.” I tease, causing me to chuckle again, shaking his head as he opens the passenger door, allowing me to slide into the seat.
“You’re also impossibly difficult.” He states, leaning in to peck me on the lips, before closing the door, before he rounds to the driver’s side , climbing in, and starts back towards Forks, and the Rez, talking and laughing the entire way, his hand never leaving mine.
On day 9 of my stay on the Rez, I’ve fallen into a pattern of waking before the sun, going on a jog, coming back to shower, and get dressed. Tromping down the stairs, I enter the kitchen to get a quick meal of milk and a muffin left over form yesterday, before I enter the living room to fall onto the bay window bench, looking outside as I wait. It’s a total of five minutes, before the screen door in the kitchen slams shut, and I’m engulfed in a deep, burning hot hug, a chin lands on my shoulder. “Morning babe.” Paul whispers, pressing a gentle kiss to my neck, causing a shutter to slink down my back, and he chuckles.
“Morning Paul.” I answer, turning my head to kiss him on the lips. “Patrol run late?”
“Nope, I woke up early.” He answers as he joins me on the bench, pulling me into his lap as he sits with his back to the wall, him knees making a warm wall on either side of me, and his chest is against my back, our fingers intertwining. “How’d you sleep?”
“Fine, I was woke up by some howling though.” He chuckles, pressing his lips to the back of my head as we watch the sunrise. We stay like that, even after Sam and Emily wake up, after Emily starts making breakfast, and even after the rest of the pack come over. Paul’s chin is resting on my shoulder as we watch the rain come and go, the animals scattering around the area out front, and everything else that he’s never taken the time to enjoy before.
“You guys are awfully cuddly over there.” Jacob calls from the couch, I flip him off without even looking, causing the boys to all laugh. “Emily, Ro flipped me off!” Jacob whines like a little kid.
“You probably did something to deserve it.” Emily calls from the kitchen, causing Jacob to make an insulted sound, and all of the boys to start roaring with laughter.
“Hey,” I look up at Paul, who smiles down at me. “how about we get out of here?” He says, causing me fore blink.
“Where?”
“You’ll see.” He answers coyly, causing me to nod as we stand, and he grabs my hand, pulling me through the house to his truck before the boys can get up to follow. After I slide up into his passenger seat, and he’s in the driver’s seat, he pulls something from the glove box, causing me to observe the black bandanna in his hand. “Let me put this on you.” He says, causing me to swallow thickly, then nod as I turn around, he slips it into place over my eyes, before taking my hand, placing a kiss on the palm he links his fingers through mine, and starts the truck. It’s quiet as we drive, save for the rattle of the truck, or the occasional murmur of “It’s okay, I promise we’re almost there.”, and after what feels like an eternity of darkness and rattle, we stop. “Hold on.” Is all he says, before he long he opens the door, his hands on my waist as he lifts me from the truck, guiding me towards our destination as my hands are blindly outstretched before me.
“Paul?” I ask, causing him to chuckle as he takes off my blindfold, and I blink at the abrupt change in light, looking up at the house before me. “Wh-Why are we here?!” I squeak, looking at my boyfriend.
“I thought it was time.” He answers, causing me to swallow thickly, and nod, taking his hand as I open the front door.
“Mamma? Papà?” I call out, leading Paul up the stairs towards the living room.
“Aurora?” Carlisle enters the living room, Esme on his arm, they blink in surprise as I come to a stop before them, Paul’s hand clasped between my own.
“Ah, my little ragazza!” Esme chirps, stepping forward to hug me, she takes my face between her hands, and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Welcome home.” My stomach drops at that word for a second.
“I didn’t believe it, to be honest.” Edward says, entering the room from the office, his eyes on Paul, who is hovering barely a foot from me.
“Ah, mamma and Papà . Paul wanted to formally meet you both, as...” I clear my throat. “my boyfriend.” I state, causing Esme’s mouth to fall open in surprise, and Carlisle’s eyes widen.
“So quickly?” Carlisle asks.
“Edward and Bella were together in Edward’s mind three days after they met.” Rosalie answers, walking down the stairs, she crosses to my side in a flash, sweeping me into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.” I answer, hugging her back, before she steps back, looking at Paul’s face, her lip curls in distaste, before she clears her throat, and holds out her hand to him.
“A pleasure to meet you formally, Paul.” She says in a polite tone, he nods as he takes her hand.
“Likewise.” Rosalie yanks him close, glaring into his eyes.
“You hurt her, and I will hunt you down like the dog you are.” She growls.
“If I hurt her, I will willing throw myself to the ground at your feet.” He promises, causing my throat to constrict, Rosalie smiles brighter than I’ve ever seen, and they finally let go of each others hands.
“If... this is what you truly want, Aurora, we will accept him.” Carlisle says carefully, before holding his hand out to Paul, I notice Alice twirling in from the tree that branched from the forest, to the house. Jasper is slowly following after, and Emmett enters from the back, most likely just finished hunting. “Welcome to the family, Paul.”
“Whoa! What?!” Emmett booms, glaring at Paul as I shoot Edward and Carlisle an accusatory glare.
“Aurora is Paul’s imprint.” Edward explains to Emmett, only instead of the calm that had settled over everyone, suddenly my siblings implode, save for Edward.
“WHAT?!”
“Jesus Edward, tact much?” I snarl, causing him to smirk at everyone starts to yell, and protest, though Esme shakes her head in disbelief at my siblings, after fifteen minutes of being scolded for something I had no control over, and Paul sitting beside me with his hand on my back, taking the brunt of the attack, I clench my fist. “That is enough! Holy shit!” My family falls silent in shock, I never curse around them. “I am so sick of this fucking rivalry. So my mate, in vampire terms, is a wolf? So. Fucking. What? Edward’s is a human! What does it matter that I’ve been imprinted on? What happened to, “as long as it makes me happy?” huh? That’s all you guys ever say when I want to do something. When I dyed the tips of my hair blue. Or I pierced my ears. Or, hell, when I got a tattoo!”
“You have a tattoo?” Paul asks, causing me to shoot him a scowl. “Right, not the point.” He leans forward to whisper in my ear. “Tattoos are sexy.” I blush as I shove him, and my family watches us.
“Look, Paul is who. I. Want. If you guys can’t accept him, and that I want him in my life, then... I guess I’ll just have to move in with Sam and Emily.” Everyone gasps, and I cross my arms over my chest, raising an eyebrow. “I’m 18, I can legal move out. So, those are my terms. Accept Paul, or I leave this family.”
“You... feel that strongly about this?” Jasper asks in surprise.
“I can’t explain it. It’s like how he Imprinted on me, and how you have mates... I can’t stand the thought of never being with him, I love you guys, but...” I look at Paul, taking his hand. “I care for Paul like I could never have imagined.”
“You’ve... Marked.” I look over at Carlisle, confusion evident. “I was doing research into your biological lineage, your parent’s parent’s parents, they were Fae. Fae blood skips a few generations when families of human and Fae interbreed, you were third generation of half-human half-Fae, that’s why your parents were trying to kill you. You were born in a bundle of lights, they panicked, thinking you were a monster, that’s why they were trying to kill you. That’s why you healed no matter what they did, Fae are immortal, and because you’re half-human, you bleed and that’s it, eventually you’ll stop aging as well.”
“But... what is Marked?” Paul asks.
“Mated. Imprinted.” Carlisle answers. “Fae Mark when they find their soulmates, it’s rare for it to be human, but her parents and grandparents both marked humans. The fact that it’s a wolf is strange, because Fae are more commonly Marked by other Fae.”
“So... I’m Fae?” I ask.
“Yes, that’s why your hair is so light, and you are so pale, and why your eyes are so blue. Fae have always been people of light, eyes as blue are yours, are the sign. All Fae have blue eyes like yours.” Carlisle answers. “You’re wings will come in, on your 22nd birthday, and you will be able to withdraw and sheath them in your back, between the hollow of your spine.”
“I-Paul, catch.” I stammer out, before everything wobbles and I fall backwards, everything going black before I hit the ground.
<Paul POV>
“I-Paul,” I turn to see Ro’s face turn ashen. “catch.” She faints as soon as the words leave her mouth, as she goes down, I catch her as fast as I can, sweeping her into my arms as I look up, seeing her family all looking like they’re about the dash forward to catch her.
“I think that was an information overload with the wings.” I state, carrying her over to the couch, and carefully deposit her onto it, caressing her face as Carlisle steps forward.
“Paul,” I look up at him. “she’s in no danger, ever. As Fae, she’s in no danger from the Volturi, or any Vampire in general. That is why she was able to live her life with us. Her blood has no appeal to us.” He explains, and I look back at my light haired imprint passes out on the couch. “However, she will need protection if she wishes to do what she wants. There are hundreds of thousands of various other supernatural creatures out there, we can not protect her in the sun.” I realize why they were so willing to let her go to Sam and Emily’s now.
“You want her to give up on her dreams of helping people?” I demand, my fist clenching. “That’s all she ever wants, Carlisle. She wants to give others the chance you gave her, to save those that she can. You want to rip that away from her?”
“No,” Esme speaks, coming forward. “that’s never something we want to do. We love her, and we know you are in love with her, you could travel together, you could protect her.” She explains, causing me to relax, looking back at Aurora, then back to the vampires that raised her, her family.
“I’ll leave it up to her. I’ll never take away her choices.” I answer.
“That’s all we ask.” Esme answers.
“Ugh,” Aurora groans, shifting as she sits up, gripping her head. “my head. What were we talking about?” She murmurs, causing me to smile, kneeling down to reach out to stroke her cheek.
“You. Remember?” I ask.
<Aurora POV>
“You. Remember?” Paul asks, looking into my eyes, memories flash behind my eyes, and I swallow thickly as I nod.
“Yes, I remember.” I nod again, leaning into the touch of his hand, enjoying the warmth that engulfs my face from his touch. “So,” I look back at Carlisle and Esme, the rest of my family seems to have cleared the room once I fainted. “I’m a fairy... I guess all the best supernaturals sparkle.” I joke, causing Paul to chuckle. “Don’t worry, you’re still one of my favorite.” I say to him, causing him to smile.
“You’re one of my favorites too.” He answers, helping me to my feet, and he keeps his arm around me waist to keep me upright. “Why don’t we head back now?”
“Yeah, I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day.” I answer, Esme smiles as she carefully hugs me, then Carlisle walks up, placing a kiss on my forehead.
“We’ll see you after next week, alright?” Esme asks, causing me to nod.
“Alright, I’ll see you mamma and Papà.” I bid them as Paul escorts me to the door, and out the the truck. Once inside the truck, and on the road again, I look at him with a smile, and he raises an eyebrow at me. “Thank you, Paul... It means so much to me that you wanted to meet them formally. I know that it took a lot for you to do that, and I’m so sorry that the news of the imprint was received like that.”
“It’s alright. I’m glad you didn’t change your mannerisms around them, it’s really hot when you yell like that.” Paul answers cheekily, causing me to duck my head, my cheeks burning once again. “Besides, I need them to like me, considering we’re soulmates, and I love you.” I blink at the words he just said, gaping as he grins at me.
“I-I love you too.”
~9 years later~
Gasping on the hospital bed, Paul caresses my sweaty face with one hand, the other is crushed between my grip. “Almost there honey, I promise you’re almost done.” He murmurs, kissing my hand.
“I can’t push anymore.” I shale my head.
“One more push Ro,” Carlisle responds. “One more big push. I promise you’ll be able to rest.” I look at my dad, and nod, forcing myself to push. The world spots black and my ears fog, then the sound of a high pitch wail fills the room. “It’s girl!” Carlisle says.
“You hear that, honey?” I let out a sweet laugh. “W-We have a little girl.” Paul smiles at me while I watch Rosalie take the baby to get her cleaned.
“Alright, are you ready to continue?” Carlisle asks, causing me grip Paul’s hand, and nod.
“I’m ready.” I rasp out. Five minutes later, the second baby is born, another wail accompanying the first.
“A boy!” Carlisle cries, causing Paul to jolt, looking at his son in Carlisle’s arms. “You have a healthy baby boy.”
“A boy and a girl.” Paul breathes, causing me to smile at him as he looks at me in adoration. “You’re amazing.” He breathes, leaning in to kiss my lips.
“I hate you.” I joke weakly, causing him to smile as Carlisle swaddles the baby boy, and hands me him, while Rosalie swaddles the girl handing him to Paul, who looks at her with glassy eyes.
“What’re you naming them?” Rosalie asks, knowing that we’d managed to hide the names from everyone, even Edward.
“For the girl, we were thinking... Alisme Emily Rose Lahote.” I answer, looking up at her, venom fills eyes in place of the tears that will never be able to fall, a hand over her mouth. “For the boy, we were thinking... Samulisle Tobias Achak Lahote.”
“Truly unique names.” Carlisle answers, causing me to beam at him.
“They are unique children. Just as unique as Renesmee.” I answer, causing him to chuckle as I look over at Paul, who is cooing at our daughter.
“My perfect little Alisme.” He whispers, causing me to smile, looking at our son in my arms.
“Hello, Samulisle.” I murmur, rocking him in my arms as he stretches a bit, yawning as he flutters his blue eyes open at me, tears well in my eyes as I press my forehead to his. “My little cluster of lights, I love you so much.”
“Does he-?” Carlisle asks as I nod to him. “Amazing.”
“What?” Paul asks, standing with Alisme in his arms, he hands her to me, and takes our son, smiling at his blue eyes. “So you’re why we could see you guys.” He chuckles. “Hello my little Faewolf.” He smiles, rocking his son as I caress our daughters face.
“Hello Alisme.” I murmur. “I love you so much.” I press a kiss to her forehead, and Paul smiles as he hands me Samulisle, and climbs into the bed behind me, his warmth engulfing me.
“Can we coming yet? We’re dying out here!” Emmett booms, causing me to chuckle, nodding to Carlisle, who opens the door, and the pack of wolf and the coven of vampires all pile into the room, followed by a walking pile of stuffed animals and balloons, which are soon deposited onto the counter in the corner of the room, revealing Emmett.
“They are already spoiled.” Nahuel chuckles, Leah elbows her imprint in the side, and he chuckles as he presses a kiss to her hair.
“What’re their names?” Emily asks.
“This is Alisme Emily Rose, and Samulisle Tobias Achak.” Paul answers, causing Emily to burst into tears, Sam chuckles as he holds her, his hand on her swollen stomach.
“They’re beautiful names!” She sobs, causing me to smile sympathetically, knowing the hormones that are coursing through her body.
“They truly are.” Alice answers, standing beside Jasper in the corner of the room. “Samulisle is the Fae?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m honored to be a name sake.” Sam speaks up.
“As am I.” Esme chirps.
“I’m just sorry we couldn’t include everyone, but I think we’d need about five more kids to so that.” I say, laughing a bit before I yawn.
“Can I hold one?” Seth asks, causing me to smile at the lone wolf. I feel bad because, Seth and Embry were the last ones left without imprints, even Collin and Brady had imprinted, and up until last year, when Embry went away to College, he and Seth had a brother in binds thing going on, but now we’ve learned that Embry has imprinted on a girl, and is bringing her home when the graduate.
“Sure Sethy.” I answer, he steps forward as I hand him Alisme, since she’s wide away right now, and he smiles as he lifts her into his arms, I watch him distinctly freeze, a now familiar look crosses the 24 year old’s face, having seen it happen to so many of the wolves before. “Aw, Sethy imprinted!” I cry happily, causing everyone to freeze, Paul growls under his breath, causing me to reach up, kissing him on the lips, and that causes him to calm down once again. I watch as Alisme latches onto Seth’s finger, cooing happily up at the melted pup.
“I guess it was just a matter of time, Seth.” Leah says, smiling as she pets her brother’s head.
“Yeah, I guess so.” He answers, keeping his eyes on Alisme like he’s afraid she’ll vanish.
“Does someone want to hold Samulisle? I need to sleep.” I say with a soft yawn.
“Oh, me!” Alice answers, dancing forth to pluck my son from my arms before I can say anything, or anyone else can butt in. I smile as I watch my families, the ones that once hated each other, that grew close thanks to Paul and I, but grew closer when Renesmee and Jacob imprinted, thinking to myself ‘Isn’t it funny? How love can change things? How it can even bridge to biggest of gaps? How it can fill even the deepest of holes?’ I look back at Paul, who smiles down at me. ‘All it takes, is one little push.'
“You know, it’s funny, who would’ve ever thought it. That I’d fall in love with the Human Cullen?” Paul rumbles in my ear. “I guess all we needed to come together, was one little push.” I burst into laughter, leaning up to kiss him passionately, nipping his lip as I pull away.
“You, mister, need to stay out of my mind. Oh, I am serious too. Besides I am a proud Fae, who you calling Human Cullen?”
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Cancer in Love Relationship Sex And Affair Dedicated Lovers Cancer gives it all to a loving relationship with their partner. It may take Cancer a little time to find the right partner and a little longer to fall in love. Once Cancerians get what they want they will do their best to keep healthy. To get to know someone suitable for their own character, Cancer will have to use their charm to attract a possible future partner. Cancer character is locked in a shell, so they have to wait until they meet the right partner. Cancer isn’t an excellent first-time face to face talker. They'd struggle to speak out their feeling in just a few words. Usually, they make a mess when talking nonsense. But strangely it is fun to hear as they try to speak out their heart. Occasionally they are shy to the point where they can't make the first move. Usually, Cancer will hold back until the right moment comes. The Sense Of Self-Security One of the particular characteristics in love for the sign of Cancer is the sense of protection towards home, towards the concept of family and tradition. Cancer's insecurity leads them to be very selective and generally saves them from difficult situations. The influence of the Moon is very strong, and the emotions of Cancer vary depending on the alternation of the lunar phases. Once Cancer has withdrawn into their “shell,” in the secure heat of private life, they will show all their inclination towards earthly and sensual pleasures. As it’s usual for every sign of water, their mood can vary from calm that verge on apathy, until it reaches the fury of a stormy sea. Future Partner Once Cancer spots the right possible future partner, he/she will slowly open up. Cancer will display to their potential future partner the real magic hidden inside them. Cancer will put this magic into use only when they're about to fall in love. Their favorite partner will enjoy the fascinating world hiding inside every Cancer, just like the pearl hiding in a shell. Cancer’s expectation in love is to make it last forever. They tend to love sincerely and will go through anything to get where they want to be. They will take their time to show their future partner how they feel. Their possible future partner should understand this. They’ll have to wait for Cancer to make the next move of the proposal. Cancer will do everything possible to avoid rejection. If it happens, it will hurt them a lot and probably will take them a long time to heal. What Cancer Need From Their Partner? Cancer man wants from their partner some unusual demands. One of those demands is “babysitting” Cancer (more visible with the man). Cancer man just like Cancer women will demand to create a family as soon as possible. Both male and female have a natural mothering instinct, so there should be no problem having a healthy family. The Cancer female will ask her partner to take care of her just like a prince would do with her princes. She’ll demand a living place according to her likes. She will require a comfortable, clean, spacious, secure living place. The Cancer man, on the other hand, will demand security. Also, Cancer man will demand their partner’s attention to everything they have to say. This may affect their relationship since some other zodiac signs won’t cope well with Cancer’s demands. Sagittarius and Aquarian tend to have a free-living character and won’t accept compromises. Cancer and Jealousy Cancer assumes a provocative attitude with the intent to analyze the reaction of their partner. To Cancer, jealousy is compatible with love. After knowing the possessive nature and the almost insane need for affection for Cancer, it is evident that jealousy takes most of their thoughts. Jealousy arises from that kind of symbiosis that Cancer establishes with their own half. To detach jealousy from Cancer's character is equivalent to a small trauma. To Cancer, it seems reasonable to dominate the partner to continuous checks and tests or to claim all their movements, if not the thoughts. Sudden appearances at work or at home will settle within the standards of the sign. Cancer Man in Romance and Passion Cancer loves to entertain in the game of love, and also proves to be very skilled in this field. Cancer's approach, initially polite and delicate, soon reveals all the passionate side of this sign, and it will be tough to resist the charm of a person who is able to involve everyone in front of him emotionally. The romantic charge of Cancer man reveals itself entirely within the home, an environment in which he feels safe and where he can openly express his emotions. Physical and psychological well-being, these are the goals that he intends to achieve. Failing this he tends to withdraw his life into a protective shell, but with the help of a thoughtful and reliable partner, all this can be avoided. Once Cancer has achieved stability on a psychological and sentimental level, Cancer man will feel in seventh heaven and will prove to be a protective lover and always ready to satisfy his partner's requests. Cancer in Romance, Passion, and Jealousy Sexually Cancer needs many initial reassurances. Once the gear is provided, they will reveal the other side of the Moon in bed which they keep hidden. So Cancer could deny the first impression made, upsetting partner with her hidden passion. Cancer is a pleasantly creative and passionate lover with whom no one mustn't make the mistake of being too open, at least in the first few times. From a sexual point of view, Cancer will be very suspicious and will fill their head with questions asking about partner’s previous love experiences. Therefore becoming jealous of those who had attended before is normal. There is no sex without love and vice versa. For Cancer, the emotional attachment is an irresistible impulse that spices their life. Cancer is shy and impulsive. They’re tender sin lovers, ready to put everything at risk for true love. Love and Sex Life Love and sex can’t be separated from Cancer as both play an essential role in Cancer life. Such is love life in marriage which Cancer tend to think a lot. Cancer is simple in nature so they will prefer a pure love and sex life too. Any complication along the way may bring confusion and probably will bore them. Love and sex life must be perfect or nothing, this way Cancer will feel better. Through sex, Cancer wants to express love for the partner. Cancer reckons that this is a chance to tell their partner that they are the right one. While Cancer is demonstrating their secret trick, they want to make sure to be in control of the action. Taking control of the situation will make Cancer feel more expressive of emotions. Will be a devoted partner Will hold back from making the first move He or she will try to avoid rejection Expect partner to understand their hidden emotions Just like the crab will try to hold firmly in love Have a great heart Could be mysterious and weird sometimes Uses charm to get the right partner Wants love to last forever Prefer to have a partner with money to offer financial security Once they find their partner will start making future family plans Making future plans may shock the new partner Sometimes Sex Is Never Enough Born in one of the hottest seasons surely explains why Cancer is always demanding sex more often compared with the other zodiac signs. Yes, Cancer tends to live in the shell, but this doesn’t apply to the sex department. If they start the act of sex, there is nothing to hold them back until they or their partner are fully satisfied. Cancer, sex is not a single role-play but more like a team player. They will make sure to communicate with their partner first and somehow must understand their likes and dislike. Cancer wants to make sure they get connected with the partner while having sexual intercourse. Oh yes, Cancers know how to love. They love at their best, except for one weakness. Demanding more from their partner could really be annoying. A partner may not fully satisfy with so many constant demands. Cancer could trigger the end of their relationship. The End Of An Affair Cancer will love with all their heart and will give love a real meaning. On the other hand, they could be possessed with love and may cross boundaries. Either partner may not handle the pressure and possessive attitude. This may make they end the relationship. At this point, Cancer could become aggressive which is not what they should do at this point as this is not the way to bring back their lost cause. Cancer has excellent communication skills. Therefore communication should take place to settle new grounds. Breaking up with a partner isn’t on Cancers list. If Cancerians aren’t loved as expected, they’ll look for missing love somewhere else. Loving and talking about love or telling Cancer how lovely they are is the key to satisfy them. Otherwise, Cancer will feel the emptiness. Feeling ignored could make them break their relationship. Cancer with a partner will get along very well unless Cancer knows where to draw the line and not overreact negatively towards their partner. As well Cancer partner should understand that Cancer is obsessed with more and more love demand. Partner mustn’t underestimate this. Cancer tries very hard to keep love alive and healthy. If cancer partner accepts the fact that Cancer is always demanding for more love and sex than relationship or marriage will survive.
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Panem et circenses
Here is a thought if you don’t like the NFL or more specifically how some players are acting in the NFL. Don’t watch the NFL. I don’t really care much for the spectacle of professional sport or even for what we call “amateur” sport on TV. So, I don’t watch it not because of the protest because I think it is pointless. It isn’t any more a waste of time than any other TV, so I won’t point fingers. However, I do have to ask why does anyone expect to find great role models or morality or social guidance from an organization whose one and only function is to play a game to make money. Why are you so pissed off that some over paid ball players are protesting? Why? If you don’t like it turn off the TV. I get that we are in “Rome” and that professional sport is a large part of the “arena” there are other things you can be doing rather than getting pissed off at football players. Why are you angry though? They aren’t disrespecting anything by not standing. The flag of the United States is the flag of the nation. It is not the banner for our dead. It isn’t just for our men and women in military uniform past and present. It isn’t a banner for any one party over another. It is for all people who live here in this nation. If standing for our national anthem is the only time you acknowledge those who serve in our military, perhaps that effort might be better spent on a call to your representatives and say something about how poorly we treat our service men and women after they serve in combat. The flag is the banner which represents the collective ideas of a nation. One of the most important is the right to protest and speak out against the country and the government when it is failing some of the citizens, without fear of persecution for speaking out. You need not be in the oppressed group to say, “that thing there, happening to those people is not right, it is not just and it should not be that way”. If you are upset because some football players protest social ills in this country, you are missing the point of why this is a great nation or at least was once better than it is now. You are also free to say that you don’t like what they are doing. However, take a minute and ask why are they doing this? Is there a reason behind there action? Don’t see if the person protesting is impacted by why they are protesting really look at why they are protesting. We don’t have to look that far back in our history to see mobs of people screaming, kicking, punching people of color for sitting at lunch counters asking only to be served food as paying customers or students walking into school houses amid jeers, taunts and threats only for asking to obtain a fair education. We have come a long way since the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, however we are not finished, there are many social wrongs going on in our nation many inspired by hate, racism and intolerance. Yes, there are people of all walks of life who commit crimes, squander the advantages they are afforded by living in this country. Yet there are many who are still locked out of legitimate opportunity because of social injustice, racism, bigotry, sexism, hate and intolerance. The oppressed need champions, people who will stand up (or not stand) and say, what is going on is not right and it needs to change. Peaceful protest need not be performed by those who are most directly impacted by injustice, in many cases those who are the most impacted are not able to protest because it will be worse for them if they do speak up, stand up, or otherwise make themselves more visible to those who hate them. If you are pissed off because someone says, things in this nation are not right for many here, you are really missing the point. However, if you aren’t going to be sitting on your sofa watching football maybe help make your community a better place. Well, that’s all for now, other stuff to follow most likely Happy Birthday if it’s your birthday and a very merry un birthday if it isn’t your birthday Thank you for reading, please subscribe, Have a great day and play nice in the neighborhood. Ciao,Invisible DonPS 3 / PS4 Gamer Tag: invisible donInvisible Don PO Box 4425 Roanoke VA 24015 Send me Post Cards … I love Post Cards
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You’re Stronger than You Think
Fandom: The Bright Sessions
Characters: Chloe Turner and Sam Barnes
Summary: Just two friends talking about asexual representation and mental health over a couple of drinks
Triggers: Description of an anxiety attack
Word Count: 2265
The right sleeve of Chloe Turner’s purple hoddie brushed against the records she had already flicked past as she got to an Ella Fitzgerald album. Taking it off the shelf she carried it over to the record player and slid the vinyl out of the outer cover before placing it on the turntable and gently placing the needle onto the outmost groove. As the sound of the Queen of Jazz started to quietly come through the sound system Sam Barnes came through from her kitchen carrying two wine glasses.
“Good choice” Sam remarked as she sat the glasses down next to the waiting bottle of wine on the low table in front of the couch,
“Well you’ve got an impressive collection; it was so hard to pick as everything’s so great” Chloe replied.
Chloe sat down on the couch sliding her jean-clad legs underneath herself. She looked at Sam unscrewing the cap off the bottle of wine and admired the fit of the knee length green plaid dress with a white peter pan collar that her best friend was wearing. Sam handed one of the glasses to Chloe as she too sat down on the couch and took a sip of wine.
“I was thinking” Sam said “The college is doing a production of Rent, right? Well perhaps we could go and see it sometime next week?”
“Oh I would love to go” Chloe exclaimed. However the smile faded as she remembered how money was a bit tight that month “except I don’t think I’ll be able to afford it; I’m so much of a struggling artist that I can’t see a musical about struggling artists”
(I’ll treat her to it)
Hearing Sam think this Chloe wrapped her arms around her which nearly caused both women to spill their wine.
“You heard that, right”? Sam asked as Chloe resumed her original position
“Yeah, thanks so much” Chloe replied, blushing
“That’s okay” Sam said “Just to check you’ll be okay with the audience? I didn’t know if them thinking about the songs and the props and the costumes and the set would be overwhelming?
“It’ll be there, yes, but I’m sure it will be negated by my own thoughts about seeing one of my favourite musicals and one of my ace headcannons”
“Oh, that’s Mark Cohen, right? The narrator and filmmaker?”
“Yeah, seeing him completely content about dancing alone in the middle of all the couples in the movie version really helped me to accept my asexuality”
She stopped and sighed
“But it would be so good though not to have to headcannon characters as ace and instead have actual asexual characters in actual media”
“Because it would give you reassurance” Sam said
“Exactly. When you can’t see other queer people, either on the big screen or in real life, you question if you’re faking it or if you’re a freak”
(That’s what I felt like before finding out there were other a-typicals)
“Is this what it felt like also not seeing introverted characters?” asked Chloe
“I suppose, you hardly see anything but the extrovert ideal and yet some estimates put introverts as being half of the population. But I know the challenges quiet people face are different and not as serious as what gay people encounter”
(Damn it, should I have said LGBTQA people? Or queer people? But what if isn’t appropriate for me to use that term?)
“I wouldn’t say that” Chloe said “both queer people and introverts experience the world differently and seeing other people being successful because of not despite that different could be so empowering, I know it gives me hope”
Chloe paused, raised the glass up to her lips and took a sip of wine
“And it’s not just the ‘us’s’ who this can change but the ‘them’s’ as well.
“Is that like how people are more likely to support equal marriage if they know someone LGBTQA, so could it be someone like a celebrity, for example?” Sam asked but then after considering what she had just said she added “Although if you’re a problematic conservative type you’re not very likely to voluntarily watch something that contradicts everything you believe in, are you?”
“No” agreed Chloe
“But” continued Sam “the more LGBTQA people and realistic LGBTQA characters are visible in the mainstream the less they will be able stay in their own bubble ignoring the real world”
“Exactly” Chloe said and then leaned back on the couch and sighed
“What’s wrong?” Sam asked
“It’s just that you get it however people at college don’t” Chloe replied
“But it’s an art school” Sam exclaimed “I would have thought they of all people would be right behind this”
“Oh, they are and that the problem, they need representation to be perfect, they want characters, actors and content creators to be faultless and if they fail to match up to the extraordinarily high expectations they’ll disown them”
“That’s ridiculous, we all make mistakes or aren’t as socially aware as we could be. It makes you wonder how many script writers have avoided doing proper and accurate depictions because of this.”
“You’re absolutely right and I’ve tried to point that out but it get so tiring having to be that person” Chloe agreed “that person who has to put her head above the parapet, that person who has to ‘controversial’ and say oh, I don’t know, perhaps we should give people a break once in a while, perhaps we should give people a chance learn through from the things they get wrong instead of automatically assuming that they’re going to continue making mistakes, not that they think it’s a mistake at all; they think it’s a deliberate act of violence”
Chloe took another sip of wine
“And then there’s my ability” she continued “I say all this and they give the impression that their listening but I can hear what their thinking behind the smiles and nodding heads”
“Which is?” Sam tentatively asked
“That their only listening to be polite or that they think I’m boring or, and this is my personal favourite, that I’m too nice”
“Oh no they didn’t” Sam cried “there’s nothing like being too nice, in fact, the world could do with a few more too nice people at the moment.”
“That’s what I try and remember; whenever I begin to wonder what’s the point, when all I seem to hear is negativity, I think back to how my ability has helped others”
(See, that’s what I like about her: she always sees the upside)
Like when I met this girl in her first year at this exhibit on campus, which actually wasn’t that good, but anyway we got talking and I kept hearing all these thoughts of how she was thinking of quitting because her parents opposed her studying art instead of something ‘useful’ so I asked her why she had originally loved painting, that was her favourite type of art, well, she told me all these reasons and ended up being more enthusiastic than she had been in a long time. She recently got a prize for a piece she entered into the Winter Showcase. I saw what she did; it was amazing. I’m so glad she didn’t chuck that talent away”
“Wow” Sam looked impressed but then started to shake her head “You know, that attitude that art is somehow a waste of time really annoys me. Being able to maintain my mental health by colouring things in is as useful to me as keeping my heart healthy enough to pump 2000 litters of blood around my body a day”
Chloe threw a perplexed look at her friend
“Oh, sorry, a throwback to traveling to South Africa in the 1960’s and seeing the first heart transplant being discussed” Sam explained and then added as an afterthought “although I am glad I didn’t arrive in the Operating Room”
(and thanks for telling me about the adult colouring books)
“You’re welcome” Chloe responded
“For what?”
“Introducing you to art therapy”
“Was I thinking that? Not that I’m not grateful, of course I am”
(Great Sam, that didn’t sound obnoxious at all…Just hope you haven’t upset her, oh please let it be okay)
“Sam it didn’t…”Chloe started to say before stopping to ensure she picked her next words with the greatest care
(See what you’ve done now! She doesn’t want to talk you, you stupid girl, why didn’t you just shut up? This is why you don’t deserve friends)
Sam’s chest was raising and falling at decreasing intervals and her breaths were turning more and more shallow
“Hey, Sam, its okay” Chloe reassuringly said “take some deep breaths with me. Feel the air enter your nose and fill your lungs and then feel it pass over your lips as you breathe out”
(Breath in 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and breath out 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Breath in 1,2,3,4…)
Sam continued repeating this until the two friends were mirrored in their slow breathing patterns
“Sorry about that” Sam murmured
“Nothing to be sorry about” said Chloe
“I know…but…I’m so used to apologising that…”
Chloe reached across and laid her hand onto Sam’s shoulder
“Its okay” she said and then after a minute she asked “why don’t I make us a herbal tea or something?”
“That sounds good” Sam replied with a weak smile
Letting go of Sam Chloe got up from the couch and crossed the living room to the kitchen where she busied herself with switching on the kettle and finding a couple of mugs. As she put a bag of camomile into each of the cups Sam came into the kitchen and sat down on one of the stools by the breakfast bar.
“That thing you were going to say…it was my anxious thoughts wasn’t it?” she asked
“Yes it was” Chloe replied “I didn’t want to make you self-conscious or embarrassed so I didn’t want to mention it but I did anyway. I’m sorry”
“As you said nothing to be sorry about, I think I would have got like that no matter what…my mind would have latched onto something”
Chloe took the kettle which had just finished boiling over to the cups and poured the water into them. Then she brought the mugs over to where Sam sat and put them down onto the counter before drawing up a stool and sitting across from Sam.
“Thanks Chloe” Sam said as she reached for a mug and clasped it in her hands “It’s so annoying when I think that it’s never going to totally be gone. I think I’m making progress and taking a step forward but then it comes back. Every time”
“Recovery might not be absence of a feeling but getting better at dealing with it” suggested Chloe
“Hmm, that’s a good point” considered Sam. She then lifted her mug to her lips and took a sip of tea “Like when I get anxious I try to ignore how tense I get but recently I’ve been saying to myself ‘Sam, you’re anxious and that’s okay’ and you know what, the feeling of tension lessens considerably”
“That’s really good” Chloe said with an encouraging smile
(Wow, look at her, I’m so lucky to have her as my best friend)
Sam sat down her mug and sighed
“But every time I do get anxious I think all the progress is going to dissolve under my feet and I’ll be back to where I was a few short years ago; travelling so many times in a day that I lose count”
“And if it does me, Mark, Dr Bright, everybody will be there to support you” promised Chloe “But I don’t think you’ll need to because you’re stronger than you think, Sam”
Sam turned her head to the side and looked down at the floor, blinking to clear her eyes
“Gee, Chloe, thanks, that means a lot, it really does”
The two best friends drank their tea in companionable silence until Sam remembered the start of their evening.
“Say, we never discussed what we’re actually going to be doing next week with seeing Rent”
“Yeah that’s right” agreed Chloe “I was thinking perhaps either the Wednesday or the Friday showing…”
Later on after making plans and Chloe had washed up the mugs and wine glasses, despite Sam’s insistence that she was her guest and guests weren’t supposed to do that, the two friends stood in the hall. Chloe had just finished putting on her cream coloured Converse’s and was picking up her rucksack
“I’m really looking forward to next week”
“So am I” Sam said. Then she reached over and hugged Chloe “Thanks for your help with you know…”
“I meant what I said, you can do it, Sam, I believe in you”
The pair broke up. Sam then opened the door and Chloe passed over the threshold.
“Just to check: next Friday, meeting at yours at 6?” queried Sam
“Yeah, next Friday, meeting at mine at 6” Chloe concurred
“Message me when I get home” Sam said
“Will do” Chloe replied
She then walked across the driveway and opened the door to the waiting taxi and got in. As it started to reverse out of the drive way Sam waved her goodbye and Chloe returned the gesture. Sam watched the car make its way down to the end of the street and then disappear before closing the door. For the most part it had been an enjoyable day but all the same it had also been a long day and now her warm bed and a chapter of her book were calling out to her.
#the bright sessions#fan fiction#sam barnes#chloe turner#asexual#introvert#mental health#tw panic attack
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And I Fell In Love Instantly
Day 1: Meet Cute @charmerweek
Hello, Wellies!
Before we get started, the Samwell Governing Board asked me to make a short announcement: People are not allowed in the LAX frat. You might see LAX bros in the LAX frat. Do not approach them. Do not approach the LAX frat. Do not look at the LAX frat. It will not harm you.
Okay, now for some news.
Bitty, my teammate on the Samwell Men’s Hockey team – he’s ‘swawesome! – wanted me to let everyone know that he’s got plenty of pies, so stop by the Haus and try a slice. He’s been baking since this morning, and he’s running out of places to put them all. The porch is just covered! If he doesn’t already have your favorite kind made, he’ll whip one up for you while you wait. Bitty’s pies are ‘swawesome and I promise you, the five minute wait is totally worth it.
A new player for the Women’s Volleyball team came to Samwell today. She has perfect and beautiful eyebrows. I wonder if she likes hockey, specifically the Sharks? She’s so athletic. Well, many of us are, but she’s ‘swawesome! Anyway, she moved into the Women’s Volleyball house, the one next to Jerry’s.
Nobody does brunch like Jerry’s. Nobody.
An important safety reminder: the geese who live in River Quad are not to be approached. Or looked at. Or photographed. If you happen to make eye contact, run. Students and faculty are reminded to wear running shoes and protective head coverings if you plan to walk through River Quad.
This morning, hockey practice was disrupted by the mysterious appearance of an oversized puck. Seriously, it was the size of a Zamboni. It disappeared again after about ten seconds and nobody was hurt. It was probably the work of Yale Men’s Hockey. They’re always trying to throw us off our game. Not cool, Bulldogs. Not cool.
The new volleyball player – I just learned her name is Caitlin Farmer - announced an exhibition match. She has beautiful blue eyes and her eyebrows are perfect. Everything about her is just… perfect.
Bitty dropped by with some of his mini pies. They were apple pies, except he ran out of apples, and they are the most delicious apple-less apple pies I’ve ever tasted. Bitty is expecting a good harvest of apples though, from the orchard he planted behind Faber just last week, so expect those soon. Very soon.
I was piggyback racing with my teammates in the quad, as one does, when I stumbled into Caitlin Farmer. We fell into a leaf pile and I fell in love instantly.
I know what you’re thinking, but only the leaves from the trees in Lake Quad are used for love potions, which aren’t even a thing, according to Samwell Student Services. But we were in the Old Quad, you know, the one with the graveyard? And the trees there don’t even have leaves, so you see it was a miracle.
Great news from the Samwell Athletic Association. They’re going ahead with their planned outdoor ice rink on the Pond. I’ve seen the new facilities and they are fantastic. There is some concern that the Pond isn’t frozen over for the whole hockey-playing season, but we’ve still got Faber as backup! Anyway, we can share the facilities with Samwell’s swim team, if the Athletic Association ever figures out what to do about the sentient pondweed.
On a related note, Professor Atley’s cat has gone missing. He was last seen by the Pond. If you happen to find him, send word by carrier pigeon. She’s offering a reward of ‘the feeling you get when you do a good deed without expectation of reward’. That sounds ‘swawesome!
The SMH booster club – which is actually just my teammates Ransom and Holster, they’re ‘swawesome! – is selling bumper stickers to raise money during their fundraising week. I’ve got one right here in front of me and it’s one of the greatest bumper stickers I’ve ever seen. It’s Samwell crimson and it says in bold white letters: We are the ice and the ice is us. It’s ‘swawesome and I’m going to get two! Order yours now in the usual way. They’ll be delivered on the next full moon that’s on a Thursday.
Caitlin and the rest of the Women’s Volleyball team won their exhibition match when the other team failed to score any points due to being incorporeal.
“They were actually just us from another plane of existence,” explained Caitlin and her perfect eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, in their plane, they won the game. We’re pretty happy with our win. We’re also going to put this loss behind us and keep giving 110%. We’re looking forward to a rematch during the regular season.”
There have been sightings of Wellie the Dancing Well wandering around the campus. I know Wellie is a beloved Samwell icon, but whatever she says, do NOT drink deeply from her bucket. Do not.
Caitlin says volleyball practices are going well and the team loves the new volleyball court, which is scheduled to be built in about three years. Be sure to check it out at whatever point in time it happens to exist, everyone.
Class cancellations and other changes:
The Astronomy 210 class that was scheduled during tonight’s partial lunar eclipse has been pushed back to tomorrow night. While the eclipse won’t actually be visible at that time, students are free to use their imagination while viewing the moon. There will be a quiz on the eclipse next week, so take good notes!
All computer courses are cancelled indefinitely until the instructor can be removed from the computer program they wrote themself into. That’s too bad! See your advisor about replacement credit hours.
And now the latest piece from Samwell Men’s Hockey’s own team manager, Larissa “Lardo” Duan, available only on this program.
[1 minute of dead air]
Wow, that is ‘swawesome! What a great painting. Or maybe it’s a sculpture? I don’t always know what to say about abstract art, but this is really interesting. Don’t forget to let Lardo know what you think, guys! She’s taking comments by semaphore and telegram, so brush up on your Morse code!
According to Caitlin, the new volleyball court, which hasn’t been built yet, is back to being yet-to-be-built, and the Women’s Volleyball team is looking for a new place to practice. I think it would be great if they could share the ice with us, I mean the hockey team, until they find other accommodations. There really should be more cooperation between sports teams – except with the LAX bros – and also more ice sports, and I think ice volleyball could be the wave of the future. I would play ice volleyball.
Public service announcement:
Sharks: are they the best sea creatures ever? Yes. Also the best NHL team.
Jack Zimmermann, captain of the Samwell Men’s Hockey team – he’s ‘swawesome! – reports that there is a second ice rink under Faber. It is about one quarter of the size, as are the players who use it, and we can expect a friendly match against them any day now.
Caitlin, perfect and beautiful, came to visit the studios while looking for a new practice space, but she couldn’t stay for an interview. She says the studio, while large enough, is a little too unsteady due to the floating. She’s really passionate about playing volleyball, you guys, and I hope she’ll stop by again soon!
So that’s it for today, listeners. Tune in tomorrow for more general Samwell news, specific Samwell Men’s hockey news, including Dex and Nursey’s latest argument over who gets to control the body they’re temporarily sharing, and an update on Caitlin – I mean, the volleyball court situation, if anything changes.
Goodnight, Wellies. Goodnight.
#Charmer#omgcp#Chris Chow#Caitlin Farmer#Charmer Week#my fic#WtNV fusion/AU#I thought of the title first#and then decided to use it as inspiration for the actual fic#long post
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Remembering a Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend
Rock N Roll pioneer Chuck Berry performs live at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 1971 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
While there are very few instances where one person might be credited for spawning an entire genre of music, Chuck Berry and rock ‘n’ roll are about as close as these things ever get.
In that great big, unimaginable Rock ‘N’ Roll Family Tree that would be impossible for famed U.K. rock chronicler Pete Frame to draw without an infinite supply of pen, paper, and hands, you can just imagine Berry — who passed away Saturday at age 90 — at the very top, with downward tributaries leading to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys, among many others. And yes, those three bands would have their own enormous share of musical descendants beneath them, but always, inescapably, Chuck would be perched at the apex.
The history is well known. The Beatles covered Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven”; the Stones’ very first single was a version of Berry’s “Come On”; and the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” was Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” bearing brand-new, even more topical lyrics.
All of this came in one year, mind you — 1963. And an entire generation of budding rock ‘n’ rollers then danced, sang, and in many cases played their own instruments alongside those songs, those bands, and that irresistible, rhythmic beat. The clever words, the inimitable guitar chords and licks, and the unmistakable attitude that powered those songs came from Berry, and that’s never changed.
But it didn’t start from scratch. There was a wonderful continuity in what came before with Berry — the interaction of players and figures of another generation making it all happen. In the mid-‘50s, Chuck Berry spent his days as a beautician and his nights as a musician. He was looking for career advice, and in 1955, he got it from no less than blues titan Muddy Waters. Waters put Berry in contact with the legendary Leonard Chess, owner of Chess Records, who listened to Berry’s demo tape, heard the track “Ida Red,” and suggested he change its name to “Maybellene.” Berry did, Chess signed him, and… bang.
The songs that followed are almost laughably familiar — iconic expressions in our contemporary culture. Consider the following songs, all Berry’s, and tell me if every single one might not plausibly be a teen movie title: “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Too Much Monkey Business,” “You Can’t Catch Me,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Beautiful Delilah,” “Almost Grown,” “Back in the U.S.A.,” “No Particular Place to Go,” “You Never Can Tell,” “Promised Land,” and the absolute titular peak: “Let It Rock.” Staggering, actually.
And then there’s Chuck Berry the Guitar Player. He had a pioneering look when he played – do a web search for “duck walk” when you have a moment — but much more importantly, he had a sound. He is one of a handful of accomplished players/stylists that can recognized by a minimal series of simple notes, who is so integral to rock ‘n’ roll that the term “Chuck Berry riff” is understandable to generations of players around the world.
And if we’re talking about family trees and cultural impact, it would foolish to ignore that pivotal scene in 1985’s Back to the Future in which Michael J. Fox dazzles a roomful of 1955 teens with an advance peek of “Johnny B. Goode” and blows some minds well before their time. It was the highest-grossing film of 1985, and you (and everybody else) probably saw it.
Yet the grittiness of rock ‘n’ roll isn’t always evident in film performances by people like Michael J. Fox. Much of what makes for the most exciting parts of the music and the culture are those things that aren’t squeaky clean — that sometimes are maybe a little misdirected, a little wrong, or even a little (but not a lot) illegal. In the ‘60s or later, that might’ve meant the Rolling Stones being fined for public urination or Paul McCartney’s 1980 arrest for bringing marijuana into Japan. But in the ‘50s — particularly for a young black man — the law was the law, and it was always serious business.
Chuck Berry had a significant number of run-ins with the law throughout his life, included being sent to juvenile hall in 1944 for armed robbery, and more significantly, being convicted in 1959 of violating the Mann Act with a 14-year-old he’d transported across state lines. For that he was fined, he appealed, and appealed again, but ultimately spent a year and a half in prison. Twenty years later, he would spend 100 days in jail for tax evasion. And in 1990, he was sued by a number of women for allegedly illegally filming them via a video camera installed in the restroom of a Missouri restaurant he owned; eventually a class action settlement ended the matter, though Berry pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, was fined, and given a suspended jail sentence. And his career continued, as it always did. Because Chuck Berry was always visible. He was always… there.
You can see him in his prime in films like Rock, Rock, Rock (1956), Mister Rock and Roll (1957), Go, Johnny, Go (1959), and the classic jazz documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1960). He made an inspiring appearance in the highly regarded 1965 film The TAMI Show. He was a captivating physical presence, with a knowing smirk that was not only unprecedented, it telegraphed to a coming generation of rock ‘n’ rollers that all the really cool performers would want to show off knowing smirks whenever they could.
And of course, there was that 1987 career tribute, Taylor Hackford’s memorable Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll, a documentary which celebrated the man’s 60th birthday, was filled with behind-the-scenes gossip (paging Keith Richards), is still talked about, and very much spelled out what made Chuck Berry unlike any performer on this Earth.
There are those aspects of Chuck Berry that cannot help but linger: That he was money-centric, that he cared more about getting paid than putting on a good show, that he would come to your town, hire a local band to back him, and never tell them what song he intended to play next. That he was driven by devilish emotions that few saw, but those that did never forgot. But what will also linger is his fabulous music, which is miraculously preserved thanks to the perseverance of his various labels. You can hear his best stuff, on Chess, via a number of boxed sets, and even his later material on Mercury — including a fab psychedelic Fillmore set with the Steve Miller Blues Band — which still sounds great. And there’s also a new album, Chuck, his first since 1979, coming soon on Dualtone Records and undoubtedly worth a final, knowing listen.
It is mildly ironic that Chuck Berry’s greatest chart successes came via projects that were by no means essential: His dreary, extended “My Ding-a-Ling” of 1972 was his biggest single ever, and his only top 10 album was the same year’s The London Chuck Berry Sessions, which featured him with a second-string cast of Brit musicians and was mostly a snore. But charts don’t mean anything in the long run. Cultural impact does. There has never been anyone like him, and there never will be again.
Just say his name, and nothing else, and people will know what you mean.
Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com
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Hail! Hail! Chuck Berry: Remembering a Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend
Rock N Roll pioneer Chuck Berry performs live at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 1971 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
While there are very few instances where one person might be credited for spawning an entire genre of music, Chuck Berry and rock ‘n’ roll are about as close as these things ever get.
In that great big, unimaginable Rock ‘N’ Roll Family Tree that would be impossible for famed U.K. rock chronicler Pete Frame to draw without an infinite supply of pen, paper, and hands, you can just imagine Berry — who passed away Saturday at age 90 — at the very top, with downward tributaries leading to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys, among many others. And yes, those three bands would have their own enormous share of musical descendants beneath them, but always, inescapably, Chuck would be perched at the apex.
yahoo
Gallery: Chuck Berry’s Life in Photos
The history is well known. The Beatles covered Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven”; the Stones’ very first single was a version of Berry’s “Come On”; and the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” was Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” bearing brand-new, even more topical lyrics.
youtube
youtube
youtube
All of this came in one year, mind you — 1963. And an entire generation of budding rock ‘n’ rollers then danced, sang, and in many cases played their own instruments alongside those songs, those bands, and that irresistible, rhythmic beat. The clever words, the inimitable guitar chords and licks, and the unmistakable attitude that powered those songs came from Berry, and that’s never changed.
Related: Rolling Stones Pay Tribute to Chuck Berry: ‘Your Music Is Engraved Inside Us Forever’
But it didn’t start from scratch. There was a wonderful continuity in what came before with Berry — the interaction of players and figures of another generation making it all happen. In the mid-‘50s, Chuck Berry spent his days as a beautician and his nights as a musician. He was looking for career advice, and in 1955, he got it from no less than blues titan Muddy Waters. Waters put Berry in contact with the legendary Leonard Chess, owner of Chess Records, who listened to Berry’s demo tape, heard the track “Ida Red,” and suggested he change its name to “Maybellene.” Berry did, Chess signed him, and… bang.
youtube
The songs that followed are almost laughably familiar — iconic expressions in our contemporary culture. Consider the following songs, all Berry’s, and tell me if every single one might not plausibly be a teen movie title: “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Too Much Monkey Business,” “You Can’t Catch Me,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Beautiful Delilah,” “Almost Grown,” “Back in the U.S.A.,” “No Particular Place to Go,” “You Never Can Tell,” “Promised Land,” and the absolute titular peak: “Let It Rock.” Staggering, actually.
yahoo
Related: Celebrities Pay Tribute to Chuck Berry
And then there’s Chuck Berry the Guitar Player. He had a pioneering look when he played – do a web search for “duck walk” when you have a moment — but much more importantly, he had a sound. He is one of a handful of accomplished players/stylists that can recognized by a minimal series of simple notes, who is so integral to rock ‘n’ roll that the term “Chuck Berry riff” is understandable to generations of players around the world. If you want a laugh, check out guitarist Chris Spedding’s remarkable “Guitar Jamboree” from 1975, which concisely nails Berry’s unique approach, among others, and has yet to be topped by any other player for its deliberate, joyful guitar mimicry.
And if we’re talking about family trees and cultural impact, it would foolish to ignore that pivotal scene in 1985’s Back to the Future in which Michael J. Fox dazzles a roomful of 1955 teens with an advance peek of “Johnny B. Goode” and blows some minds well before their time. It was the highest-grossing film of 1985, and you (and everybody else) probably saw it.
youtube
Yet the grittiness of rock ‘n’ roll isn’t always evident in film performances by people like Michael J. Fox. Much of what makes for the most exciting parts of the music and the culture are those things that aren’t squeaky clean — that sometimes are maybe a little misdirected, a little wrong, or even a little (but not a lot) illegal. In the ‘60s or later, that might’ve meant the Rolling Stones being fined for public urination or Paul McCartney’s 1980 arrest for bringing marijuana into Japan. But in the ‘50s — particularly for a young black man — the law was the law, and it was always serious business.
Chuck Berry had a significant number of run-ins with the law throughout his life, included being sent to juvenile hall in 1944 for armed robbery, and more significantly, being convicted in 1959 of violating the Mann Act with a 14-year-old he’d transported across state lines. For that he was fined, he appealed, and appealed again, but ultimately spent a year and a half in prison. Twenty years later, he would spend 100 days in jail for tax evasion. And in 1990, he was sued by a number of women for allegedly illegally filming them via a video camera installed in the restroom of a Missouri restaurant he owned; eventually a class action settlement ended the matter, though Berry pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, was fined, and given a suspended jail sentence. And his career continued, as it always did. Because Chuck Berry was always visible. He was always… there.
You can see him in his prime in films like Rock, Rock, Rock (1956), Mister Rock and Roll (1957), Go, Johnny, Go (1959), and the classic jazz documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day (1960). He made an inspiring appearance in the highly regarded 1965 film The TAMI Show. He was a captivating physical presence, with a knowing smirk that was not only unprecedented, it telegraphed to a coming generation of rock ‘n’ rollers that all the really cool performers would want to show off knowing smirks whenever they could.
And of course, there was that 1987 career tribute, Taylor Hackford’s memorable Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll, a documentary which celebrated the man’s 60th birthday, was filled with behind-the-scenes gossip (paging Keith Richards), is still talked about, and very much spelled out what made Chuck Berry unlike any performer on this Earth.
yahoo
There are those aspects of Chuck Berry that cannot help but linger: That he was money-centric, that he cared more about getting paid than putting on a good show, that he would come to your town, hire a local band to back him, and never tell them what song he intended to play next. That he was driven by devilish emotions that few saw, but those that did never forgot. But what will also linger is his fabulous music, which is miraculously preserved thanks to the perseverance of his various labels. You can hear his best stuff, on Chess, via a number of boxed sets, and even his later material on Mercury — including a fab psychedelic Fillmore set with the Steve Miller Blues Band — which still sounds great. And there’s also a new album, Chuck, his first since 1979, coming soon on Dualtone Records and undoubtedly worth a final, knowing listen.
It is mildly ironic that Chuck Berry’s greatest chart successes came via projects that were by no means essential: His dreary, extended “My Ding-a-Ling” of 1972 was his biggest single ever, and his only top 10 album was the same year’s The London Chuck Berry Sessions, which featured him with a second-string cast of Brit musicians and was mostly a snore. But charts don’t mean anything in the long run. Cultural impact does. There has never been anyone like him, and there never will be again.
Just say his name, and nothing else, and people will know what you mean.
#chuck berry#_author:Dave DiMartino#_uuid:16d6213e-2811-38f0-ac23-84772d793244#_revsp:wp.yahoo.music.us#_lmsid:a0Vd000000AE7lXEAT
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Reminder...
With the resurgence of it coming back as Andromeda romances are revealed.
That the DA2 every romance and character is romanceable by any Hawke model was terrible and I never want to see it in a Bioware game (including Andromeda, who you all seem intent on getting this back for) again, unless it is a literal dating game and/or plot about a visibly bisexual crew with other visibly queer characters (who are not bisexual).
And yes, that sounds harsh, but if I have to go through another six years of hearing how bisexuals are playersexual and there for everyone to fuck and be merry. How making gay and lesbian characters is restricting or unfair.
Especially from cis, straight dudes who are lol-ing because their chosen LI is “straight if I want her to be.” How bisexuals are so convenient and “thank god I don’t have to be a man/woman to be with them.” from the straights™ (all the straights not just the dudes, looking at the pro bi dorian women).
I’m going to burn down the Bioware fandom from the inside out.
I still fucking hate the Bethesda discourse when it comes to Fallout 4, those characters aren’t made to be bisexual. They’re there so you can romance whoever you want and bring in more money for Bethesda, from both gamerbros and the gaymers without upsetting anyone.
I can empathize with fellow lgbt+ fans, it’s annoying and shitty when Bioware makes our characters, especially those who were/are supposed to lgbt+ (Morrigan, Jack, and Cullen) straight. It gets frustrating and yeah we should say something about it! But making everyone bisexual so we can have whoever is not a good way to go about it either or help with promotion and quality of representation.
Also before I get any call outs.
Yes DA2 crew is handled FAR Better than Bethesda’s characters, they ARE canonically bisexual for one. But they are still treated more like a mechanic than representation. Even Gaider said that DA2 is not how he ever wanted to do representation. They chose to write bisexual characters, because they did not want to force anyone into only one romance due to the time constraint.
“That was done so players of any preference had some options. I am okay with asking a player to play a different gender or sexuality if they are solely interested in romancing a specific character…but not with requiring them to do so just to have an equitable number of choices. DA2’s setup was a compromise, but not a great one as bisexuality itself is not a compromise. ” ~David Gaider
Bioware should NEVER use bisexuality for “your convenience again”.Maker and Shepard willing they NEVER will “compromise” again.
#fandom wank#me:a#bioware critical#fandom critical#read the entire thing before you come at me#i'm serious#i was going to reblog one of my other posts on this; but i couldn't find one that didn't require context of the conversation#so here you go#one will all context presented#sexuality
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Jennifer Hermoso (Madrid, May 9, 1990) decided to return to Barça last summer after two years away from the club: one as a PSG player; the other, from Atlético de Madrid, a team that won the league last year. For many, he is the best Spanish footballer of the moment. Leading top scorer in the division, with 15 goals this season, he looks very ambitious in this interview. He says winning the league is a must and he believes that Barça can compete with any team in the Champions League
It ends in 2019, the year of his return to Barça. How was this return?
The truth is that it has not been easy. Here I was very happy, so I decided to go back, but it was hard for me to adapt. I got injured during the preseason and that made everything slower than I expected. Now everything is fine.
Of course: with fifteen goals, you are the leading scorer in the league.
We have a very offensive team. Barça creates a lot of opportunities in every game and I am fortunate to be where to be to score goals. And they are helping to score points, which is the most important.
Why did you decide to return to Barça if you were at Atlético de Madrid, champions of the last three leagues?
Because it's the club I've been happiest with as a footballer. Here I spent some great years, which marked me as a person and as a footballer. I feel Barça very much mine, his football is very mine. Going back to where you were happy was a goal.
When he left he did so to play for France, a very competitive league, with PSG. How was the experience?
Very difficult, really. I left my comfort zone because I wanted to have a league experience like the French one, but it was difficult. Paris is a very cold city. The French are very much his, and the French even more. The style of play was also very different. It helped me play it all, but I had a great time.
He spent only one year in France and then signed for Atlético de Madrid, the club where he formed. Because?
I couldn't stay longer in France and it was great to spend a year in Madrid to meet up again with many things. I had lost a bit of the illusion of playing football and it was nice to be close to my family, who is from Madrid. We won the league. Atlético de Madrid is a powerful team that has won the last three leagues and could continue there, but in my head there was always Barça, so here again.
So bad was it in Paris that you lost the excitement about football?
Yes. Many days I woke up and did not feel like going to train. I had a really bad time. The life of a football player has its ups and downs and there I was in a bad mood. Football is my favorite thing. I have struggled for many years to dedicate myself to it, but there I did not feel like continuing. I had to change places, and in Madrid, with my family, I could charge batteries.
How do you see Barça's commitment to women's football? I suppose the project is one of the things that made him come back.
When I was in the previous stage, I was already a professional. Barça have been committed to women's soccer for years and will continue to do so. Despite not winning the last few leagues, reaching the Champions League final has a lot of merit. It is the reward for this bet. For me, this is the best place I can be so I can aspire to win a Champions League. There are still things to improve, but we are getting closer and closer to the big leagues and the big European teams.
Have you found many differences between the Barça left and the current one?
Yes, especially since there are more foreign players. Barca is getting higher every year, which makes many players from outside want to come, because they see that they can become the best team in the world. There is much more level now. The gameplay has also changed a bit. When you have so many good players, you have to adapt a bit to them.
Is the league the main objective of Barça after four seasons without winning it?
It is the main objective. Four years are many years without winning for a team that has made such a strong bet on women’s football. We are on the right track and we cannot escape. Last year I won it with Atlético and this year I hope to win it with Barça.
What does it take to win a league like this, in which Barça and Atlético de Madrid lose few points?
I think you need a lot of concentration to keep up with certain games. Last year, with Atlético, a team with a lot of heart and courage, we had a lot of games resolved in the first minutes, and then we played well and had fun. You should not score points against weaker rivals.
And what about the Champions League?
Making it to the Champions League final last season was a reward, but I think now it has to stop being a prize and become a goal. I honestly think we have a team to compete with anyone. Lyon is a great team, the champion, with many experienced players who have been playing together for years, but I think we can compete.
So we'll see Barça champion Europe sometime.
For sure. And I hope it is before I leave.
There is a boom in women's football. Especially with the World Cup and after the World Cup. Do you think he has come to stay?
I hope yes. Admittedly, a lot of people got hooked on women's soccer at the World Cup. We in France were not aware of what was going on here, but families explained that there were many people waiting for us. I think we have a problem this year, that is television. You can only watch a couple of games a week, and that hurts us. We need more visibility. We have come here and now we cannot lose everything we have achieved. There are still things to improve.
More and more girls are playing soccer.
Yes. But not only that they play. Also that they come to see our parties, they cheer you up, they call you, they know you ... Girls, like boys, had Messi as their leader. They still have him, but they have some of us too. When you see this, you realize everything we have gained.
And then there is the struggle for better working conditions, for a salary, for an agreement ... They had to go on strike already.
We have advanced and we have a pre-agreement. The strike was necessary because we were tired of unsuccessful meetings. We do not ask for nonsense, nor to charge half of what the players charge, but basic things: that if you become pregnant, the club will continue to pay you; that if you get injured, you can keep charging ... Football was once an entertainment for many of us, but now we spend many hours there. It may not be that after playing 20 years of football you have nothing left.
Barça have made a bet on professional women's football, but there must be a lot of top-notch clubs where players earn very little.
There are players who do not charge half the time they train and play. We do not ask for money. It seems surreal, but let's ask for a minimum, a normal thing. I would have asked for more. Some people have been playing for twenty years and only two have been listed. What should he do? This is a job like any other.
We said before that more and more girls are playing football. Why did Jennifer Hermoso start playing?
By my grandfather. He had the footballing genes. He was goalkeeper of Atlético de Madrid and he passed on this hobby to me. No one else in the family was a football fan. At school I was already playing futsal, which I really like. One day a coach took me to the Atletico tests and saw that I wanted to dedicate myself to football.
Football has changed a lot, but I suppose in those years you had to play with children.
Of course. First I changed myself and then they came in. But I was fortunate to have colleagues who never made me ugly. In fact, many preferred me to their team. They made it very easy for me.
I think he played a lot on the street. Did it fare well?
He was always playing street football at Carabanchel. Neighborhood football teaches you. I remember my mother shaking her head out the window and throwing her sandwich and milk at me. I spent hours and hours in the park next to my grandparents playing house. The technique I can have now is because I played a lot on the street.
She is a big fan of tattoos.
A lot. The first thing I did was a star on my elbow, it was fashion. And I went on. The left arm is dedicated to my family: my grandparents' initials, my grandfather's radio, my grandmother's carnation, one for my mother, another for my niece ...
And the right?
They are more mine: a lion, a flamenco, a phrase from the movie Million dollar baby ...
She is also fond of music, the team's DJ.
A lot. I always say that I am the resident. I invite everyone to put on their music, but the first one I play is me. And when there is too much reggaeton and I get tired, so do I.
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