#Rank on Google fast
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dpapalivingaflipfloplife · 10 months ago
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Keyword Phoenix - SNATCH PAGE 1 RANKINGS USING ZERO BACKLINKS - Discover Hyper Targeted Keywords that RANK FAST
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pinescent-and-gingerbread · 3 months ago
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Am I crazy to the point of creating a whole logo and brand identity for Reader's coffee shop in my modern AU fic? Am I??
Yes.
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indianreporter · 2 months ago
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wisertech · 3 months ago
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Want to boost your website’s ranking on Google from the start? Learn how to build an SEO-friendly website with expert guidance. Whether you're launching a business site, blog, or online store – getting your SEO right from Day One is critical!
We offer a step-by-step guide to help you:
Understand your target audience and their search intent
Use the right long-tail keywords for better visibility
Set up a clean site structure and descriptive URLs
Write high-quality, keyword-rich content
Optimize for mobile devices and fast loading speed
Follow the best practices in technical SEO like HTTPS, sitemaps, and robots.txt
Improve your E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)
Create SEO titles and meta descriptions that drive clicks
Whether you're a beginner or planning a new project, our guide gives you the tools to succeed.
Need help with SEO setup? Contact us today!
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apnashowrooms · 3 months ago
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thedogsleg · 7 months ago
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I hate the rdr1 ambient challenges so fucking much. Do you know how many people ive disarmed and de-hatted in and out of dead eye and its not registered? And those damn hutter challenges. Its so... "put game has X hours of content" and its that ling bc its just frustrating and reloading and gahgahgahhrgehaghhhfgg
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marketingprofitmedia · 1 year ago
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How Can You Rank Your Brand-New Website on Google in a Few Days Quick Wins
To rank a brand-new website on Google quickly, focus on high-quality content and effective SEO strategies. Use targeted keywords and build backlinks.
Launching a new website is an exciting venture, but ranking it on Google can be challenging. Success hinges on implementing effective SEO strategies right from the start. High-quality, relevant content is crucial. Incorporate targeted keywords naturally throughout your site. Optimize meta tags, headers, and images to enhance visibility.
Building backlinks from reputable sources can significantly boost your site’s credibility. Engage in social media promotion to drive traffic. Regularly update your website with fresh content to keep users engaged. Lastly, ensure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly to improve user experience. With these steps, you can enhance your chances of achieving a high Google ranking.
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Introduction To Swift Seo Strategies
Launching a new website is exciting. But how do you get it to rank on Google quickly? Using swift SEO strategies is key. These methods can help your site appear on Google’s first page in just a few days.
The Race To Google’s First Page
Ranking on Google’s first page is like a race. Everyone wants to be there, but not everyone succeeds. By using effective SEO techniques, you can get ahead of your competitors.
Start by optimizing your website’s content. Use keywords that your target audience is searching for. Ensure your content is valuable and relevant. This will help Google recognize your site as an authority.
Another crucial factor is page speed. A fast-loading website improves user experience and ranks higher on Google. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve your site’s speed.
Realistic Timelines For Seo Results
SEO is not magic. It takes time to see results. For a brand-new website, you can expect to see improvements in 4 to 6 weeks. But with swift SEO strategies, you can speed up this process.
Follow a consistent SEO plan. Update your content regularly. Engage with your audience on social media. These actions signal to Google that your site is active and relevant.
SEO TaskExpected Time to See ResultsKeyword Optimization1–2 weeksContent Updates2–3 weeksLink Building3–4 weeksPage Speed ImprovementsImmediate to 1 week
Use relevant keywords in your content.
Improve your page speed for better user experience.
Engage with your audience on social media.
Update your content regularly to stay relevant.
By following these steps, you can rank your brand-new website on Google in a short time. Remember, consistency and quality are key.
Keyword Research For Immediate Impact
Launching a new website and ranking it on Google fast can seem daunting. But with the right keyword research, you can see results in just a few days. Keyword research is the cornerstone of SEO success. It identifies the terms your target audience is searching for. This section will show you how to do keyword research for immediate impact.
Identifying Low Competition Keywords
To quickly rank your website, you need to find keywords with low competition. These keywords are not heavily targeted by other websites. Here is a simple process to find them:
Use tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs.
Look for keywords with low difficulty scores.
Ensure the keywords have a decent search volume.
By targeting low competition keywords, you increase your chances of ranking faster. Focus on these keywords to gain quick visibility.
Leveraging Long-tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases. They usually have lower search volumes but higher conversion rates. Here’s how you can leverage them:
Think about specific queries your audience might have.
Use keyword research tools to find related long-tail keywords.
Incorporate these keywords naturally into your content.
Long-tail keywords are less competitive. They help you attract highly targeted traffic. This traffic is more likely to convert.
In summary, keyword research is vital for ranking a new website quickly. By identifying low competition keywords and leveraging long-tail keywords, you can achieve immediate impact. Use the right tools and strategies to find these keywords. Incorporate them into your content to see fast results.
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Content Creation With Seo In Mind
Creating content with SEO in mind is crucial for ranking your brand-new website on Google quickly. It involves crafting articles that are not only high-quality but also optimized for search engines. Let’s dive into some key strategies for achieving this.
Crafting High-quality, Relevant Articles
High-quality content is king. Write articles that provide value to your readers. Ensure the content is relevant to your target audience. Use simple words and short sentences for better readability.
Here’s a checklist for crafting high-quality articles:
Research your topic: Understand what your audience needs.
Use clear and concise language: Avoid jargon and complex words.
Include images and videos: Visuals make your content engaging.
Format your content: Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
Check for errors: Proofread to avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.
Optimizing Content For Featured Snippets
Featured snippets are the short answers Google shows at the top of search results. Optimizing for these can skyrocket your visibility. Focus on answering common questions related to your topic.
Here are some tips for optimizing content for featured snippets:
Identify common questions: Use tools like Answer the Public.
Provide concise answers: Keep answers short and to the point.
Use lists and tables: Google prefers content that’s easy to read.
Use proper HTML tags: Format your content correctly.
Example of a featured snippet format:
QuestionAnswerWhat is SEO?SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It involves optimizing a website to rank higher on search engines.
By following these strategies, you can create content that not only engages your audience but also ranks high on Google.
On-page Seo Essentials
On-page SEO is crucial for ranking your brand-new website on Google quickly. It involves optimizing various elements on your web pages. This helps search engines understand your content. Let’s dive into some key aspects of on-page SEO.
Title Tags And Meta Descriptions
Title tags are the first thing search engines and users see. Make sure they are descriptive and include your main keyword. Keep them under 60 characters.
Meta descriptions provide a brief summary of your page content. Aim for 150–160 characters. Use action words and include your main keyword. This can boost your click-through rate.
ElementBest PracticesTitle TagInclude main keyword, under 60 charactersMeta Description150–160 characters, include main keyword, use action words
Header Tags And Image Alt Attributes
Header tags (H1, H2, H3) structure your content. Use H1 for the main title, H2 for subheadings, and H3 for smaller sections. Include keywords in these headers.
Image alt attributes describe your images. Use them to include relevant keywords. This helps with image search ranking and accessibility.
H1 Tag: Main title, include main keyword
H2 Tag: Subheadings, include secondary keywords
H3 Tag: Smaller sections, include relevant keywords
Image Alt: Describe image, include keywords
By optimizing these elements, you improve your chances of ranking higher on Google. Implement these on-page SEO essentials to see quick results.
Technical Seo For Quick Wins
To rank your brand-new website quickly on Google, focus on Technical SEO. Proper technical setup ensures your site is easy for search engines to crawl and index. Here are key areas to focus on for quick wins.
Improving Site Speed
Site speed affects both user experience and search rankings. A fast website keeps visitors engaged and improves SEO. Here are some ways to boost your site speed:
Optimize Images: Compress images without losing quality.
Minify CSS and JavaScript: Remove unnecessary code.
Enable Browser Caching: Store static files locally to reduce load times.
Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Distribute content globally to speed up delivery.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site speed. Make necessary adjustments based on the recommendations.
Ensuring Mobile-friendliness
Most users access websites on mobile devices. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly to rank higher on Google. Follow these steps:
Responsive Design: Use a layout that adapts to any screen size.
Readable Text: Ensure fonts are legible without zooming.
Easy Navigation: Make buttons and links easy to click.
Avoid Flash: Use HTML5 for multimedia content.
Test your site’s mobile-friendliness using the Google Mobile-Friendly Test. Make improvements based on the results.
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Building Authority With Backlinks
Building authority with backlinks is crucial for ranking a brand-new website on Google. Backlinks act as votes of confidence from other websites. They signal to Google that your site provides valuable content. High-quality backlinks can boost your site’s visibility and credibility. Let’s explore some effective strategies to build backlinks.
Guest Posting On Relevant Blogs
Guest posting is a powerful way to earn backlinks. Write high-quality articles for reputable blogs in your niche. Ensure the content is valuable and relevant to their audience. Add a link back to your website within the content or author bio.
Follow these steps for successful guest posting:
Identify blogs that accept guest posts.
Analyze their content to understand their audience.
Pitch unique and engaging topics to the blog owner.
Write and submit the post according to their guidelines.
Guest posting not only provides backlinks but also exposes your brand to a wider audience.
Leveraging Social Media For Link Building
Social media platforms can be a goldmine for backlinks. Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Encourage your followers to share your posts. This increases the chances of getting backlinks from other websites.
Here are some tips for effective social media link building:
Create engaging and shareable content.
Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
Engage with influencers and ask them to share your content.
Join and participate in niche-specific groups and communities.
Social media can amplify your reach and bring in organic backlinks. Consistent engagement on these platforms builds a loyal audience and enhances your site’s authority.
StrategyAction StepsGuest PostingIdentify blogs, pitch topics, write articles, get backlinks.Social MediaShare content, use hashtags, engage with influencers, join groups.
Monitoring Progress And Adjusting Strategy
Monitoring your website’s progress and adjusting your strategy is crucial for achieving a high rank on Google quickly. This ensures you are on the right path and can make necessary changes to keep improving. Below, we delve into the essential aspects of monitoring and adapting your strategy for optimal performance.
Using Analytics To Track Performance
Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website’s performance. These tools offer insights into your site’s traffic, user behavior, and other vital metrics. Here are some key metrics to monitor:
Page Views: Check which pages get the most visits.
Bounce Rate: Monitor the percentage of visitors who leave your site quickly.
Average Session Duration: Track how long visitors stay on your site.
Conversion Rate: Measure how many visitors take the desired action.
Regularly reviewing these metrics helps identify what works and what needs improvement. This enables you to make informed decisions to enhance your site’s performance.
Adapting To Algorithm Updates
Google frequently updates its search algorithm, affecting website rankings. Staying updated with these changes is vital. Here’s how to adapt:
Follow SEO News: Keep an eye on SEO news websites and forums.
Update Content: Refresh your content to align with new guidelines.
Check Website Health: Use tools to ensure your site meets current SEO standards.
Optimize Mobile Experience: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, as mobile-first indexing is crucial.
Being proactive and adapting to changes swiftly helps maintain or improve your ranking. This ensures your website remains competitive in search results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For A New Website To Rank In Google?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months for a new website to rank on Google. Results may vary based on competition and SEO efforts. Consistent optimization and quality content are essential.
How To Rank A New Website Fast?
Optimize your website for SEO. Use relevant keywords, create quality content, and build backlinks. Improve site speed and mobile-friendliness. Engage on social media and monitor performance regularly.
How To Rank In Google With A New Website?
Optimize your website with relevant keywords. Create high-quality, engaging content. Build backlinks from reputable sites. Ensure fast loading speeds. Use mobile-friendly design.
Why Does It Take So Long To Rank On Google?
Ranking on Google takes time due to competition, quality content requirements, and algorithm updates. Patience and consistent SEO efforts are crucial.
How To Rank A New Website Fast?
Optimize on-page SEO, create quality content, and build backlinks. Use social media and submit your site to search engines.
Conclusion
Achieving a high Google ranking for your new website is possible with the right strategies. Focus on quality content, effective SEO techniques, and consistent updates. Patience and persistence are key. Implement these tips, and your site can quickly gain visibility and attract more visitors. Success is within your reach.
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Thanks for reading my article on “How Can You Rank Your Brand-New Website on Google in a Few Days Quick Wins”, hope it will help!
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Source : How Can You Rank Your Brand-New Website on Google in a Few Days Quick Wins
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ashishtiwari2003 · 2 years ago
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Unlock the secrets to rapid Google ranking with our in-depth case study: "How to Rank on Page 1 of Google FAST." Discover the precise steps taken to achieve first-page visibility in record time, from strategic keyword selection and content optimization to swift backlink acquisition. Learn how social signals and user engagement propelled our success, all backed by continuous monitoring and adaptation. This case study offers a concise roadmap for turbocharging your website's SEO performance and dominating search results swiftly.
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goldfades · 2 months ago
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𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐓 ꩜ juju watkins ¹² (part 3/4)
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free palestine carrd 🇵🇸 decolonize palestine site 🇵🇸 how you can help palestine | FREE PALESTINE!
MASTERLIST | PART ONE | PART TWO
ᝰ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 | 7k
ᝰ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 | she was born to be great—legacy inked in her blood, she was a taurasi. committing to usc was supposed to be her moment, her name, her story. but this is juju watkins' court. and kingdoms don’t like to be threatened.
ᝰ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | angst!!!!!!!!!!!!! hurt to comfort, ofc. could possibly be triggering?? lots of descriptions of performance anxiety, panic attack, blood/injury (nosebleed), self-doubt, intense internal monologue, comfort after breakdown, soft girl tenderness (tm), juju watkins being a little too good at seeing through you
ᝰ 𝒆𝒗'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 | yeah so i meant to post this like… three weeks ago. but life got lifey (as u probably know if u keep up with my blog LMAO) and also this chapter emotionally wrecked me while i was trying to write it so i kept stalling. but!!! we are back and we are spiraling. thank you for your patience while i sat in google docs whispering “she’s fine she’s fine she’s totally not fine” over and over like a spell.
juju continues to be dangerously perceptive and our girl continues to unravel in high definition. i’ll see you in part 4. maybe. if i emotionally recover. (i will not). also would like to thank my beta readers! yall helped me out sm, ily<3
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December in L.A. doesn’t feel like winter, not really.
It’s sixty-seven degrees and sunny outside. Palm trees still sway like it’s September, and girls walk around campus in shorts and crop tops like they haven’t checked a calendar. But inside the Galen Center, it feels like December - tight, tense, the kind of cold that doesn’t come from the weather, but from expectation.
Finals week is over. The dorms are thinning out. People are catching flights home, saying their see-you-next-years. But for you, there’s still one thing left.
Utah.
Your last game before winter break. And you have to win.
On paper, it’s just another conference game. But everyone knows it’s more than that.
Utah’s been electric this season - fast-paced, fluid, a team that knows how to move as one. They’re flashy, but they’re solid too, and fans have latched on. They’ve become the darling team of the year, the underdogs turned national darlings. ESPN’s been hyping the matchup for a week straight - undefeated USC vs. Utah’s run-and-gun machine. The comments are already spiraling. The forums too. “Can the Trojans stay perfect?” “Taurasi’s kid isn’t as clutch as her mom.” “Juju’s carrying again.”
You try not to read them. You really do. But they seep in. And lately, everything’s been seeping in.
Warmups feel off.
Your shots fall, but they don’t feel right. Too much wrist. Not enough arc. Your follow-through looks good, but it doesn’t settle you like it usually does. There’s this twitch in your legs, like you’ve had too much caffeine. Your heart’s pounding, even though you haven’t started running yet.
You glance over at Juju as you stretch. She’s bouncing on her toes, headphones in, nodding along to whatever she’s playing. She looks focused - but loose. The way she always is before big games. She thrives in this kind of spotlight. Loves it.
You used to. At least, you think you did. But lately it feels like the spotlight’s more heat than light. It blisters.
You’ve been here before. Big games. Big stakes. But this season has felt different from the start.
USC hasn’t lost once.
8–0. Ranked #3 in the country. Climbing.
The pressure started subtly - postgame interviews, features, “can they go all the way?” Then it ramped up. People you haven’t spoken to in months. Suddenly everyone wants to talk. Everyone wants a quote. Every game feels like proof. Every stat line is a headline.
And you - you’re the one with the last name that drips expectations. You’re the one they measure against a ghost who still plays like a myth.
--
THREE DAYS UNTIL UTAH
Practice had run long again. Not because Coach said it had to, but because that's just how it went when you were undefeated in December and still fighting to prove you belonged at the top. You were one of the last ones out of the gym, stretching alone in the corner with your earbuds in - though they weren’t playing anything. Sometimes silence helped quiet the noise better than music ever could.
Your phone buzzed once beside you. Then again. Then four more times in a row.
[Mom]: Landing soon [Mom]: Don’t freak [Mom]: Surprise! [Penny]: Don’t let your mom stress you out too much. We brought reinforcements [Derek]: BIG SISSSSSSS 😈😈😈 [Derek]: finally we get to see you play live!!
You froze mid-stretch.
No. No, no, no.
You blinked at the screen. The knot already forming in your stomach twisted tighter. For a second, your body didn’t move at all, like someone had hit pause.
They were here.
Diana. Penny. Derek. Gigi.
They were in Los Angeles. Three days before the Utah game. The last game before winter break. The game everyone on the team had circled and underlined. And they hadn’t warned you. Not really.
Your heart was racing, but it didn’t feel like excitement. It felt like pressure - familiar, cold, creeping pressure that settled on your shoulders and didn’t let go. Diana flying out to see a game wasn’t just about watching. It was about evaluating. Analyzing. Fixing.
You got up too fast, shoved your phone into your hoodie pocket, and left the gym without a word. This was classic Diana, showing up unannounced, like she owned the damn place. It was a tendency of hers, but you never really minded until it was like this - a high stakes game like this one.
They were waiting by the hotel when you arrived, standing on the curb as if they hadn’t just hijacked your entire mental space.
Penny was leaned against the back of the SUV with one arm lazily draped over the open trunk. Derek was bouncing on the balls of his feet like he was already in a full defensive stance. Gigi, tiny and grinning, sat cross-legged on top of a suitcase, wearing a hoodie that nearly swallowed her whole and sipping from a juice pouch like she’d never been happier.
And then there was Diana.
She stood a few feet away from the rest of them, hands in the pockets of her joggers, sunglasses pushed up on her head. She looked relaxed. Comfortable. Like retirement suited her in every possible way.
“Surprise,” she said simply, her voice even. But you knew her too well not to catch the anticipation behind it. The way her eyes scanned you from head to toe, subtle but focused.
You forced a smile. “Hey,” you said, and your voice cracked on the inhale.
Before you could say anything else, Gigi launched herself off the suitcase and straight into your arms, her tiny body colliding with yours like a rocket.
“You’re here!” she squealed.
You caught her, stumbling back half a step under her weight, and laughed a little. “Barely,” you said. “I’m like 40% real and 60% exhausted.”
“You look like Derek when he stayed up all night watching anime,” she said with a serious face, squishing your cheeks.
“I did that once,” Derek muttered. “And it was Naruto. It was important.”
You set Gigi down, and Penny came over to hug you next. She wrapped her arms around you slowly, gently, like she was trying to soften everything your mother inevitably brought with her.
“Hi, sweetheart,” Penny murmured. “You look... busy.”
“That’s one way to put it,” you said, stepping back with a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.
Then Diana stepped closer. She gave you a side hug as she just studied you, unreadable expression in place.
“Good to see you,” she said, and it landed somewhere between a compliment and a challenge.
“Yeah,” you replied. “You too.”
There was a brief silence, the kind that never felt comfortable with her.
“We want to take you to dinner,” Penny cut in, trying to ease the moment. “Nothing fancy, just something casual. The kids are starving, and we figured it would be nice. No pressure.”
“Sure,” you said, even though your head was already spinning.
Dinner ended up being a loud Italian place not far from campus. It was the kind of place that served garlic knots by the basket and played old Dean Martin songs a little too loud over the speakers. Gigi insisted on sitting next to you and Derek spent most of the meal showing you clips from his last middle school tournament, pausing every few seconds to point out some assist or block.
You loved them. God, you loved them. But it was hard not to notice how different everything felt.
Penny cut Gigi’s spaghetti for her without being asked. Diana let Derek talk without interrupting, even when he got a stat wrong or rambled for too long. They were patient. Warm. Effortlessly encouraging.
When you were eight, Diana had made you run suicides in the driveway because you missed too many layups in a rec league game. When you were twelve, she’d given you film to watch during winter break and quizzed you on your footwork mid-dinner. When you were their age, she didn’t coddle. She didn’t laugh at your jokes unless they were smart. She didn’t let you cry unless it was in the locker room and even then, only once.
So yeah, watching her now - soft and domestic and kind in ways you didn’t grow up with, it did something strange to you. It made your food taste blander, your chest feel tighter. Made your head buzz with memories you’d tried to file away under “character-building.”
“You’re quiet,” Penny said softly, midway through the meal. “Everything okay?”
You nodded quickly. Too quickly. “Yeah. Just tired. Practice went long.”
Diana didn’t say anything, but you could feel her watching you.
And then she said, “Heard Utah’s been hot this season. Ranked top ten in fan votes.”
The comment wasn’t loaded, not technically. But with her, it always felt like there was something underneath.
You shrugged. “We’ve been watching film. We’re ready.”
“I hope so,” she replied. “Big crowd. Big moment.”
You smiled tightly, swallowing back the urge to say, I know. You don’t have to remind me.
The rest of the dinner passed in a blur - laughter from the kids, Penny’s calm presence anchoring everything, Diana occasionally offering commentary about the league or asking a pointed question about your rotations. You went through the motions. Said the right things. Made Gigi giggle. Gave Derek a few high-fives.
But all you could think about was how this was supposed to be a good thing.
And yet it felt like the walls were closing in.
You loved your family. You really did. But loving them didn’t make it easy. Not when every moment felt like a test you couldn’t afford to fail.
--
TWO DAYS UNTIL UTAH
The gym felt colder than usual that morning. It might’ve been the AC or the way the windows didn’t let in as much light during December, but something about the air felt heavier - like it was pressing against your skin instead of surrounding you. You laced up your shoes slower than usual, your fingers fumbling more than once on the second knot, but you didn’t say anything. No one did.
Everyone was in their own rhythm. Some girls were already warming up on the far court, others stretching in quiet pairs. You ran through your dynamic warm-up like muscle memory, but your thoughts were scattered, caught in a loop that you couldn’t seem to cut through. Your feet moved, your arms swung, but your brain was replaying film, comments, dinner conversations, old memories from Phoenix, like your entire life before USC had decided to come watch this one game. One game. And it had to be perfect.
The pressure wasn’t new. You’d grown up with it, worn it like a second jersey since you were a kid. But lately, it had felt different. Sharper. Not just something to rise to, but something you were afraid might crush you if you weren’t careful.
Practice started the way it always did - shooting drills, a few conditioning bursts, then walkthroughs. You were focused, or at least trying to be, and no one said anything about how quiet you were. Maybe they were used to it by now. Maybe they just assumed it was part of your process. But you could feel it bubbling under your skin, that pressure, that buzzing nervous energy that had been following you around since last night. Since you saw your little brother’s excited face and Diana’s unreadable expression.
By the time scrimmage started, your jaw was already tight from clenching it. You took the court without saying much, nodded at Juju as you settled into your spot on the wing, and locked in, or at least, tried to.
The first few minutes were clean. Crisp ball movement, smart reads, a couple of nice buckets. You even hit a pull-up three that made Coach shout “nice shot!” from the sideline, but it barely registered. Because all you could think was, That won’t matter if we lose on Saturday. That won’t matter if I mess up in front of them.
And then, halfway through the scrimmage, it happened.
One of your teammates - a freshman guard - misread a switch on defense. It wasn’t catastrophic. A miscommunication at most. The kind of mistake that happened all the time in practice and usually led to a quick reset or a calm pointer from Coach. But in that moment, something snapped.
“Are you serious?” you barked, turning around sharply. “You have to see that switch. That’s a wide-open three because you weren’t paying attention.”
The gym went quiet for a beat, just the echo of the ball bouncing once before someone caught it. The freshman blinked, clearly startled, opening her mouth to explain but you didn’t give her the chance.
“You want to win a natty or what?” Your voice rose, sharp and clipped. “Because this game, this game against Utah - this is the one. You think we’re gonna walk into March and magically pull it together if we can’t even run a clean switch on a Wednesday? This is the kind of thing that costs you a season. One mistake. One possession.”
Your chest was heaving, your hands clenched into fists at your sides. The whole team was staring at you, no one saying anything. A couple girls looked down at their shoes. One of the seniors shifted uncomfortably. And in the silence, the weight of your outburst settled in like dust—too quiet, too much.
Coach finally spoke, voice even but laced with something cautious. “Alright. Take a second. Everybody reset.”
You didn’t move.
Coach looked at you. “You okay?”
You nodded too quickly. “I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
“I said I’m fine.” You reached for the ball and passed it to the nearest teammate, too forcefully.
Everyone got back into position, but the energy had shifted. Nobody was moving the same way. The pace was slower, tighter. Like everyone was suddenly aware of being watched. Like the trust had cracked and hadn’t fully sealed over yet.
Only Juju stayed near you.
She didn’t say anything at first, just stood by your side at the wing during the next possession, eyes flicking between you and the floor like she was working something out in her head. When the ball stopped again, she leaned in a little, keeping her voice low so only you could hear.
“Hey,” she said gently. “I know you’re trying to carry all of it, but you don’t have to.”
You didn’t look at her.
She tried again. “You’re not alone out here. You never were.”
You forced a smile. “I’m just locked in. That’s all.”
“You’re not locked in,” she said, still soft, still careful. “You’re spinning out.”
You exhaled sharply through your nose, trying to laugh it off. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I’m serious,” she said. “You’re not sleeping. You’re barely talking to anyone. And now you’re yelling at freshmen over one blown coverage?”
“I’m not yelling.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Alright.”
You shook your head, trying to make a joke out of it. “Maybe I’m just trying to be more like Coach Taurasi. Gotta keep the legacy alive.”
But Juju didn’t laugh.
She didn’t say anything else either, just kept looking at you like she was trying to see straight through you. And that somehow - this was worse. Because it felt like she could see through you, like all the walls and deflections weren’t enough to cover up how much pressure you were under, how badly you wanted this game to go right, how terrified you were of failing in front of your family. Especially Diana.
It was too much.
“Can you just...” you started, then stopped, then looked at her with more bite than you meant to. “Can you worry about yourself, Ju? I said I’m fine.”
She didn’t flinch. Didn’t snap back. Didn’t look hurt.
Just nodded once, eyes steady. “Okay.”
And that quiet, calm okay cut deeper than anything else could have. Because she believed you weren’t fine - but she was still giving you space. Still showing up, even when you pushed her away.
You turned back toward the scrimmage, swallowing the lump in your throat, the sting behind your eyes.
Because the truth was, you weren’t fine.
You were unraveling. And you weren’t sure how much longer you could pretend otherwise.
--
ONE DAY UNTIL THE UTAH GAME
Something feels off.
Not in a way you can name. Not in a way you can show. Your jumper still looks clean. You’re getting to your spots. You’re locked in during film. No one would guess anything’s wrong just by looking at you.
But you know.
It’s not nerves exactly. Not excitement either. It’s something heavier. Something slower. Like a low drumbeat under your skin that doesn’t stop. Like everything is a half-second behind even though you’re trying to stay ahead of it.
USC is undefeated. That should settle you. Should make you feel strong, confident. You’re part of something real heading into the last game before winter break. The Galen Center’s gonna be packed tonight. National attention. Ranked game. Everyone’s watching.
You don’t have room to miss tonight. Not after what you told her back in August - If I choose USC, I’ll give you 110%. Every damn game.
It wasn’t just a promise. It was a declaration. A challenge.
So no, you can’t lose. Not in front of her. Not when she’s watching like she used to - analyzing everything. Every decision. Every step. Every second you have the ball in your hands.
It’s not just a game anymore. It’s a test. And you're the one who wrote the syllabus.
You wipe your palms on your shorts, try to ignore the way your breath keeps catching in your throat like it's climbing over something just to get out. It’s not like you can talk about it. Not really.
Not to Coach. Not to the trainers. Not even to your teammates. Because everything on the outside looks fine. Better than fine. You’re averaging double figures. Your minutes are solid. Your defense has improved. You’re getting praise from analysts who used to call you overhyped.
But Penny called last night. Said Diana was watching film. Not just a game. Your game. Said she had notes.
And you knew what that meant.
She’s always done that. She rewatches your performances like they’re case studies. Breaks them down on the phone with military precision. No fluff. No sugar. Just cold, clean basketball logic.
You’ve learned to take it. Learned to breathe through it. But it still hits.
Because she doesn’t ask how you’re feeling. She asks why you missed the read on that backdoor cut. Why you pulled up into a double team. Why your closeout was slow by half a beat. She doesn’t mean it cruelly. That’s just how she loves you. She corrects.
And you love her for it. You do.
But tonight, you’re tired.
Not the kind of tired a nap will fix. The kind that settles in your bones and makes everything feel just a little too loud. The kind that makes your chest tighten when you think about her sitting there, watching with her arms crossed, judging whether or not her legacy was wasted on you.
Because nobody says it outright - but it’s always there.
She’s good. But is she Diana good?
You’ve spent your whole life hearing that question in one form or another. And tonight, you’re scared of the answer.
Juju catches your eye from across the gym. Just a look - subtle, knowing.
She sees you. And maybe that’s what makes your skin feel too tight.
Because Juju’s the type to smile through the chaos. To play free. To let the game come to her like it’s a gift. And you? You’re trying to outrun something invisible. Something that sounds like don’t mess this up. Something that feels like you have to be perfect or what was the point of choosing this?
You think about how Diana will be sitting courtside. You think about the promise you made. And you think about what happens if you come up short.
Juju tosses you a ball. “Wanna run through some sets?”
You nod. “Yeah.”
She doesn’t press. Doesn’t say what she’s probably thinking. But she doesn’t need to. You know she sees it. The stiffness in your shoulders. The way you’ve been chewing the inside of your cheek since this morning. The way your voice got quiet when Coach brought up the game plan for Utah’s zone press.
You’re here. You’re focused. You’re fine.
But she knows the difference between your game face and your real face. And right now, you’re wearing the wrong one.
Still, you run the sets. You make your reads. You talk through the actions. You do everything right.
But something in you is clenched. And you don’t know how to let go.
The sun’s starting to dip outside Galen by the time y’all finish running through sets again. The gym lights stay humming above, buzzing faintly like always. You can hear the faint bounce of a stray ball in the far corner, the shuffle of sneakers from some of the younger girls staying after, but mostly it’s just you and Juju now.
And she’s still watching you. Quietly. Like she’s waiting.
You wipe your face with the bottom of your shirt and grab your water bottle. It’s half-warm, the kind that’s been sitting on the sideline too long. You drink anyway.
“Hey,” Juju says eventually, walking over. Not loud. Just enough.
You glance at her, try to play it easy. “Hey.”
She studies you for a second. Her arms are crossed, one wrist lightly taped from something earlier this week. “You good?”
It’s simple, the way she says it. No edge. No accusation. Just a check-in. Not like you had a freak out yesterday.
You nod. “Yeah.”
She gives you a look that’s all eyebrow, skeptical and soft at once. “You sure?”
“Yeah.” You tack on a grin, crooked and automatic. “Why, you worried about me?”
That gets the smallest snort from her, but she doesn’t drop it. “Nah, I just know when someone’s about to play like they got cinderblocks on their shoes.”
You laugh lightly, trying to shove off the weight of that comment. “That your subtle way of saying I’ve been dragging ass?”
She steps a little closer. Not in a threatening way - Juju's never threatening. She’s just… grounded. Present. “No, it’s my way of saying I’ve been where you are. And it sucks when no one calls it out.”
You look down at your shoes. Scuffed just enough to prove you’ve been working. You press your lips together and shake your head like you're just shaking off sweat. “I’m good, Ju. I promise.”
Juju stays there. Doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink.
You know she’s not going anywhere. And something about that makes your skin feel too tight.
“I mean,” you add, trying again, this time with a little more bounce, “we’re undefeated. We’re at home. You’re about to drop twenty-five on Utah’s heads. My family’s here. What could I possibly be stressed about?”
“Stop,” Juju says, but it’s not harsh. It’s soft, almost like she’s telling you to breathe. “You don’t have to do that with me.”
“Do what?”
“That.” She gestures vaguely, hands loose at her sides. “The joking thing. The ‘I’m chill, everything’s fine, I got it’ act. You don’t gotta be Diana 2.0 with me.”
And there it is.
The one thing she wasn’t supposed to say out loud.
You freeze for a beat, something hot flashing in your chest before you even have the words. It’s not her fault. You know that. She doesn’t mean anything by it. But your whole body tenses anyway.
“I’m not doing an act,” you say.
Juju raises both palms. “Okay.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know.”
Your jaw tightens. You don't know why it lands like that. The pressure behind your ribs flares up, sharp and restless.
You pace a little, not even really realizing you are. “I just... look, it’s not that deep. I’ve had a long week. Everyone’s hyped about Utah and I get it, but like… I’m not falling apart or anything. It’s one game.”
Juju watches you closely. Calm. Collected. Still not buying a damn thing.
You sigh through your nose, trying to laugh again. “You really don’t let shit go, huh?”
“Not when I care about it.”
That line lands too hard. You feel it in your teeth.
You turn back to her. “Ju, I’m fine. Seriously.” And then, quieter: “You don’t need to worry about me.”
She tilts her head. “Too late.”
There’s this moment, just a beat of stillness, and it feels like something might break if either of you move.
You snap first.
“Just worry about yourself, Juju,” you say, voice sharp - sharper than you mean it, but you don’t stop it either. “I’m fine, alright? Just drop it.”
It echoes louder in the gym than it should.
A few heads turn from across the court, curious but not too interested. You immediately regret raising your voice, but you’re too far in now.
Juju just blinks once. Then nods. Not upset. Not hurt.
She takes it in like she expected it. Like she understands.
“Okay,” she says softly. “Okay.”
You exhale hard, like you’re trying to burn it off.
But it doesn’t leave you. It just simmers in your chest, guilt and heat tangled up like a knot. She doesn’t walk away. She just picks up her ball and starts dribbling slowly toward the sideline.
And you watch her, feeling every inch of your tension suddenly coil tighter instead of loosening.
Because the thing is - she wasn’t wrong.
You are off. You are feeling it more than you want to admit. And she was trying to help.
But the idea of letting someone help you right now? Of admitting out loud that you’re not okay, that all the weight in your chest is actually starting to mess with your game, that you’re scared of failing in front of the entire country, in front of your family?
It feels impossible.
You sit down at the end of the bench, elbows on your knees, trying to find a breath that feels deep enough. But they all feel shallow.
Juju bounces the ball behind her back. Shoots a lazy three. Swish.
She doesn’t look at you again. Not out of spite.
Just giving you the space you think you want.
And for some reason, that makes your throat burn worse than anything else.
--
The locker room smells like sweat and eucalyptus muscle rub, that familiar post-practice haze hanging thick in the air. You’re not there - you left early, a quick muttered excuse to Coach about needing to ice your knee, even though both of you knew that wasn’t the real reason. The tension had gotten too thick, your voice too thin, and something in you had started to splinter at the edges. So you left. Grabbed your bag and ducked out before anyone could stop you.
But the rest of the team stayed. Some hit the showers, others sprawled out across the benches, still in their socks and compression sleeves. The mood is lighter now, the way it always gets after the grind is over and endorphins start to do their job. Someone’s playing music low from a phone speaker. A couple girls are teasing each other about missed layups and tangled ponytails. Laughing. Loose.
Until the topic shifts.
“Yo, was she okay today?” Kennedy asks, only half-innocent, towel draped over her shoulder. “She looked like she was gonna pop a blood vessel when Coach brought up Utah’s press.”
“She did pop a blood vessel,” Bree snorts, unlacing her sneakers. “Swear I saw it happen. One second she’s normal, the next she’s barking like Coach took her scholarship or something.”
There’s laughter. Loud, harmless in tone, but sharp if you’re listening close enough.
And Juju is listening.
She’s sitting on the bench across from them, quiet, towel around her neck, earbuds looped around her collarbone but not in her ears. She hasn’t said anything yet. Not since practice ended. Not since you left.
“I mean, I get it,” Kennedy continues, like she’s just filling air. “Pressure’s getting to her or whatever. But damn. Girl’s unraveling like an cheap sweater.”
That one gets a laugh too. Juju doesn’t join in.
Instead, something flickers behind her eyes. Not anger - not yet. Just… awareness. A tension drawing up the line of her spine.
“She’s not unraveling,” she says finally, and it’s quiet, but not uncertain.
The room softens a little, like it knows that voice. Juju doesn’t raise it often, but when she does, people listen.
Bree blinks. “I mean, she kinda is.”
“She’s had a bad week,” Juju replies, evenly. “That doesn’t mean she’s falling apart.”
“Okay, but you gotta admit-”
“No,” Juju cuts in, sharper this time. “I don’t have to admit anything.”
Now there’s a shift. Bare legs go still. Water bottles pause mid-sip. Kennedy quirks a brow, not defensive yet, just surprised. Juju almost never pushes back like this.
“She didn’t yell because she’s some ticking time bomb,” Juju says, standing now, towel forgotten on the bench. “She yelled because she’s under pressure and no one’s really been checking on her for real. And yeah, it wasn’t cool. But it also wasn’t some unforgivable thing. Y’all are acting like she spit on the Trojan logo.”
There’s a beat of silence, awkward and heavy.
“I’m just saying,” Bree offers, slower now, “it’s not that deep. We’re just talking.”
Juju crosses her arms. “Then maybe talk like teammates, not commentators. This isn’t some Twitter thread. That girl shows up to every practice, every lift, every film session. She works her ass off. She’s not out here slacking or starting fights or acting like she’s better than anyone.”
“She yelled at you, though,” Naya points out, voice more tentative now. “Aren’t you, like… mad?”
Juju shakes her head, jaw tight. “No. Because I know it wasn’t really about me and because I’m not gonna sit here and clown someone who’s clearly struggling just because it’s easier than asking what’s wrong.”
That one lands. Hard.
A few girls drop their gazes, suddenly busy with shoelaces or their phones.
Kennedy tries to lighten it again, maybe to save face. “Damn, Ju. Didn’t know you were out here defending her honor like that.”
Bree smirks. “Lowkey romantic.”
“Shut up,” Juju mutters, but it’s too late.
The comments spiral just a little. All in good fun, or so they claim.
“Is this, like, a thing?” someone teases.
“She yours now?”
“Gotta admit, the tension was kinda sexy-”
Juju doesn’t respond.
Because in the space between those jokes, something cold and startling is creeping up her spine. A realization. One she’s tried to ignore all week. Maybe longer.
She’s not just mad at them for the way they talked about you. She’s mad because it made her want to protect you.
And not in the team captain, ride-or-die, squad-unity kind of way.
It’s… softer than that. And messier. The kind of thing she doesn’t let herself feel, especially not about you. You, with your sharp game face and the way you never ask for help. You, who sniped at her like she was the problem. You, who left the gym with your shoulders drawn tight like a bowstring.
You, who she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about.
Not since the second you looked at her like she’d seen too much.
She swallows hard, pushing that thought deep down into her chest like it doesn’t matter. Like it’s not new and terrifying.
“Nah,” she says finally, forcing a smirk as she grabs her slides. “Y’all are stupid. I’m just not cool with teammates talking shit, that’s all.”
“Mm-hm,” Bree hums, unconvinced but willing to let it go.
Juju heads toward the showers, but the air feels heavier now, like the room shifted in a way no one wants to acknowledge.
She keeps walking, jaw tight, heart pounding against her ribs like it’s begging her to admit something. Something she’s not ready for.
She’s not in love with you. She’s not.
She just cares. She just… sees you. That’s all.
But the echo of your voice, the way it cracked when you told her to drop it, the way you couldn’t look her in the eye, it sticks. And she knows.
If she keeps caring like this, she’s going to have to deal with what that means.
But not tonight.
Tonight, she lets the water run hot over her face until the locker room clears, and she doesn't let herself think about the way she wanted to reach for you and say something she’s never said out loud.
Not yet.
--
GAME DAY
You wake up on game day before your alarm even has a chance to buzz. It's not nerves, exactly. It’s something else, something heavier. You lie there for a while, staring up at the ceiling of your dorm, sheets kicked down past your ankles, that pressure sitting on your chest like it's been waiting all night to smother you.
It’s the Utah game. Big one. Eyes-on-it kind of big.
Your phone lights up with team messages. Graphics with your faces. Hype videos. “Let’s eat today.” “Showtime.” You double-tap a few, type a half-hearted Let’s gooo, and toss the phone to the side.
No one knows how close you are to losing it.
You’ve been spiraling all week. You know it. The outburst in practice, the early exits, the way you’ve been tiptoeing around Juju like something broke and neither of you knows how to fix it. But today isn’t about that.
Today is about pretending.
You pull on your uniform like armor. Tape your wrists tighter than usual, like it'll keep the insides from leaking out. You tell yourself you’ll be the version of you that everybody expects - the one on all the posters, with the clean stat lines and the smart passes. The leader. The jokester. The one who flips the switch and makes magic happen under pressure.
The cameras are already around by the time you walk into the arena. The lighting’s too bright. The buzz in the gym is loud, even with just warmups going. Your team trickles into the locker room, talking fast, energy vibrating off the walls.
You walk in with a grin pasted on.
“You ladies ready to go viral?” you crack, winking at one of the freshmen.
They laugh. It’s easy. Too easy.
Coach says a few words, gives the scouting recap, says Utah’s going to press early, play hard, try to get in our heads. No surprise. You nod along like you’re locked in. You can feel Juju watching you from the opposite bench. You haven’t really spoken to her since practice. Not about it, anyway.
But you feel her eyes like heat on your cheek. You don’t look.
When Coach asks if anyone has anything to say, everyone turns to you. Like they always do.
You stand. Blow out a breath. Clap your hands.
“Alight, listen up.” You shift your weight from one foot to the other, exaggerating your usual bravado. “They’ve been talking about this game all damn week. About how Utah’s supposed to have this ‘elite defense’ and how they’re gonna take us out at home. But they forgot one thing.”
You pause for dramatic effect, raising your brows. “We’re them.”
The girls laugh, a couple whistles. You keep going.
“Every single person in this room earned their spot. They don’t hand out these jerseys. They don’t give us cameras because we’re cute, they give us cameras cause we can hoop.”
More nods. More little hums of agreement. You’re working them now.
“So I don’t care who they got on that bench. I don’t care how loud their fans are. I don’t care if I gotta put my body on the line - if we all do this together, they’re not walking out of here with a win.”
You finish with a loud clap, a bark of “LET’S GO” that echoes off the walls.
It works. They erupt, bumping shoulders, hyping each other up. And when you sit back down, you smile like your heart isn’t pounding out of rhythm in your chest.
Juju’s still looking at you.
You give her a crooked grin and say, “Don’t worry. I got my head on straight.”
But that’s a lie.
Because the second the game tips off, you realize how off you feel.
Your legs feel heavy. Like running through sand. The timing’s just… wrong. You’re late on rotations. You’re rushing passes. You hesitate on open shots, second-guessing yourself when you usually play by instinct.
Juju gives you that look, that small, subtle “you good?” glance after a clumsy turnover in the second quarter. You nod too fast.
She doesn't believe you.
And the rhythm between you, the one that’s usually automatic, starts to crack. Passes come a second too late. Cuts are missed. On a backdoor play you’ve run together a hundred times, you pull up when she expects you to drive. The ball bounces out of bounds.
You hear the crowd murmur. The announcers probably already crafting the narrative.
You, unraveling. The second coming of Taurasi, unraveling under real pressure?
Utah plays rough. They’re built for that. Physical and fast and annoying as hell. You get bumped more than usual, slapped across the arm, tugged off balance. But you don’t complain. You play through it. Until you stop playing smart.
You go for a charge when you shouldn’t. Reach in when you’re already off-balance. You start playing angry, and that’s not your game. That’s never been your game.
Fourth quarter. Four minutes left. Tight score.
You're chasing a Utah guard on a drive - number twelve, the one who’s been talking shit all game. You try to body her up, but you’re off-angle. You go high when you should’ve gone low. Your elbow flies. There’s contact.
And then there’s the crack.
It’s not bone, not anything serious - at least, not in the way it should be. It’s the crunch of cartilage and pressure, the sudden burn in your nose, and then the warmth. That kind of warmth that only means one thing. It drips before you can process it. A fat, wet drop splashes onto your jersey, right over your number. Then another. And another.
You're bleeding.
“Ref,” someone yells. It might be Juju. It might be the Utah bench. You’re not sure because the ringing in your ears has started.
You blink. Blood trickles from your nose down your lip, catches on the corner of your mouth. You wipe it with the back of your hand, smear it across your face and onto your sleeve. You don’t even realize it until a teammate grabs you - Kiki, maybe and says something about a sub, about getting looked at, about, “You’re bleeding, you’re bleeding.”
You shake your head. You wave them off.
“I’m fine,” you say. Your voice is hoarse and too loud. “I’m fine.”
You're not.
You're dizzy. You can feel the heartbeat in your nose, like a drumbeat behind your eyes. The blood keeps coming. The official calls for a trainer. You try to brush it off, plead with the coach, but she’s already signaling to the bench. Juju’s up before you can say anything.
And then there’s chaos.
You're walking off, jaw clenched, still trying to convince yourself this isn’t a big deal - that it’s just a nosebleed, not the end of the world. But you see Juju stop mid-play, pivot toward number twelve and let her have it. You don’t hear every word, but her tone cuts through everything else - sharp, furious.
“That’s how you play? That’s who you are?” she snaps, and the ref gets between them before it escalates.
The crowd is roaring. The Utah player is yelling back. Juju is still barking. It’s loud and hot and frantic and suddenly you feel like you can’t breathe.
You slump down on the bench, and someone tosses you a towel. You press it hard against your face, not gently - rough, punishing, like maybe you can make it all go away if you press hard enough. You don’t want to cry. You won’t cry. But your vision is already blurry. Your throat is tight. You’re swallowing fast and hard, like that’ll keep everything inside.
The trainer says something, but you don't completely register it.
“You need stitches.”
“I said I’m fine.”
You’re watching Juju argue from the sidelines, watching her swing on defense and hustle for the ball and throw you these quick, panicked glances like she wants to come to you, but she won’t let herself. You want to meet her halfway. You want to be okay. But you’re not.
You’re spiraling.
The game presses on. You keep the towel pressed to your face. You nod at the coaches like you’re paying attention but you're not absorbing anything. Every time your eyes flick up to the scoreboard, your stomach drops. Two minutes. Then one. You're still on the bench. Blood on your shorts. Blood in your mouth.
The buzzer sounds.
Final score: Utah 84. You: 82.
You don't even remember the last play.
The crowd erupts for them. Cheers and celebration and Utah players rushing the court. Confetti falls. Cameras flash. You sit on the bench like a statue, still holding the blood-soaked towel to your nose, which has finally stopped bleeding but somehow still aches.
It hits you all at once.
You lost.
Because of you.
You should’ve played through it. You should’ve insisted harder. You should’ve been smarter - lower on defense, tighter with your arms, better with your body. You should’ve never let her get the drive. Never let her get in your head.
You start to tremble.
Your chest seizes. Your throat closes. Your vision blurs, not from blood this time but from the tears that you’ve been holding back for what feels like the entire game, the entire week, the entire season. Maybe your entire life. You don’t blink. If you blink, they’ll fall. If they fall, it’s over.
You stand. Your legs are wobbly, but you start walking away from the bench, away from your team, away from the noise and the lights and the confusion. You don’t know where you’re going, only that you need to move. If you stay, you’re going to lose it in front of everyone. And that can’t happen. Not again.
Down the tunnel.
Past the locker room.
Into the first empty hallway you can find.
You press your back to the cold cement wall and let yourself slide down it until you’re sitting, knees to your chest. You bury your face in your hands - still sticky with blood, you can smell it and that’s when it happens.
The unraveling.
It starts with the shaking. Your hands first, then your arms, then your whole body. You can’t stop it. Your breath comes in short, shallow gasps. You try to take a deep one, but it catches halfway, turns into a sob. You bite your fist. You try to muffle the sound. It’s no use.
Your heart is pounding like it’s trying to break through your chest. You’re sweating but freezing. Your ears ring, and your vision dims at the edges.
This is your fault.
You let a nosebleed ruin the game.
You let your team down.
You let yourself down.
You’re the reason they lost.
You’re the reason the cameras caught Juju yelling and Diana losing her mind and the entire game spinning out like a car on black ice.
You press your head to your knees and try to disappear. You want to crawl out of your skin. You want to rewind time. You want to vanish. You want to scream. All of it. Everything. All at once.
It’s not just about this game.
It’s about every game. Every practice. Every comment.
Every moment this week where you haven’t felt good enough. Haven’t felt like you. You’ve been pretending - acting like you're fine, like you're focused, like you belong. But the cracks are showing now. You're not holding it together anymore.
What if this was a mistake? What if everyone was right - you are just Diana 2.0, that’s all you are. That's all you’ll ever be. You should’ve just listened to Diana, went to UConn. Did you really think you’d ever be something outside of the Taurasi name?
You're spiraling.
You try to count your breaths.
One. Two. Three. Four.
It doesn’t help.
The floor feels like it’s spinning underneath you. The hallway is too quiet. You can hear the echo of your breath and the shaking in your limbs and the sob that rips out of your throat when you finally give up trying to hold it in.
You feel pathetic.
You feel like a failure.
You feel like if you sit here long enough, maybe no one will find you. Maybe they’ll forget you. Maybe that’s easier than facing what just happened.
But then, faintly, you hear footsteps.
Voices.
Someone’s calling your name.
You flinch.
You pull your hoodie over your head, press your back harder against the wall, as if it’ll swallow you whole. You’re not ready to be seen. You’re not ready for Juju or Diana or the coaches or anyone. You’re not ready for the sympathy or the disappointment or the “you did your best” lies.
You just want to be alone.
So you stay still.
You close your eyes.
You let the world keep spinning without you, heart still thudding in your ears, chest still caving in on itself, and for the first time in a long time - you let yourself fall apart completely, completely unravel.
The second Juju turns that corner and sees you - crumpled on the floor, hoodie over your head, body shaking like a leaf in the wind - something inside her breaks. This wasn’t the girl she knew back in October, in the beginning of the season.
She doesn’t think. She moves.
She drops to her knees beside you like gravity pulled her there, like the weight of how much she cares knocked her flat. And she doesn’t even hesitate - doesn’t ask, doesn’t pause, just reaches for you, arms open and steady.
“Hey,” she whispers, soft and warm and everything you need. “Hey, I got you. I got you, okay?”
At first, you flinch. Like you think you’re not allowed to be touched right now. Like you think you're not deserving of comfort. But Juju doesn’t pull back. She stays there, solid as ever even when you shake your head, even when you try to apologize through the tears that won’t stop.
“No,” she says, her voice firmer this time. “No, it’s not your fault.”
She says it again.
And again.
Until she feels your fists uncurl just a little.
Until your head drops against her shoulder.
Until your breath starts to hitch instead of sob.
“You didn’t lose that game,” she tells you, pressing her cheek to the side of your head. “A nosebleed didn’t lose that game. We win as a team, we lose as a team. That’s the deal. You don’t carry this alone.”
Your hands are clutching the front of her jersey like it’s the only thing tethering you to the world.
Juju tightens her arms around you. Keeps you there. Keeps talking, soft and steady, because she knows if she stops, you'll spiral again.
“Your mom doesn’t hate you,” she murmurs. “Diana is probably tearing the refs a new one right now, not thinking for a second that this was on you. She’s your mom. She loves you. She just... she gets intense. You know that. But you didn’t let her down. You didn’t let anyone down.”
You’re shaking again. She holds you closer.
“And USC doesn’t hate you,” she says, more fiercely now. “They love you. We love you. No one’s looking at you thinking, ‘wow, she blew it.’ We’re thinking you gave everything until your face bled and you still wanted to play. You never quit. That’s what we see. That’s what I see.”
Your breath stutters. Slows. Not normal yet, not easy but enough that Juju can feel your weight starting to shift, starting to relax into her.
And God - Juju doesn’t even realize how tightly her chest has been wound until this moment. Until you melt against her like you're finally letting go. Like all month you’ve been carrying this pressure, this legacy, this image you think you have to live up to, and now - finally, it slips a little. You let her take some of it. You let yourself be held.
And Juju’s heart? It soars.
She strokes your back, slow and rhythmic, grounding you with each pass of her hand.
Because you’re not just Diana Taurasi’s daughter, and you’re not just some phenom dropped into the starting lineup with too many expectations stitched into the seams of your jersey.
You’re you.
The girl who wears her headphones too loud and eats all the hot fries before anyone else can get to them. The one who texts Juju memes at 2 a.m. even when they’re rooming two doors down. The one who overanalyzes film and underestimates herself, despite the overconfident exterior she tries to uphold.
You’re not trying to take Juju’s spot.
You’re just trying to survive it all.
And for the first time - she sees it.
Not the image. Not the pressure. Not the competition.
You.
You, with your bleeding nose and your bloodshot eyes and your whole heart on your sleeve.
You, who are still so soft under all that armor.
You, who let yourself fall apart in front of her and maybe that’s the most honest thing you’ve done all month.
Juju holds you like she means it. Because she does.
She presses her forehead gently to yours and lets the silence stretch, warm and safe.
You’re not saying anything now. You’re too tired to think, too wrung out to speak. But you’re still here. You haven’t pulled away.
You’re not some perfect little legacy player sent to outshine her. And Juju - well, she wants to protect you.
Not because you’re weak. But because you're finally letting someone in. And because she knows what it’s like to try and be everything for everyone and still feel like it's never enough.
So she stays.
She holds you like the world isn’t spinning, like this hallway is the only place that matters.
And even when your breathing evens out and your body stops trembling and your death grip on her jersey loosens, she still doesn’t let go.
Because for the first time all month, you’re letting her carry some of it.
And Juju’s not going to drop you.
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↳ thank you for reading all the way through, as always ♡
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impish-baby · 5 months ago
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which of your familial yandere’s do you think would best handle a moody teenager? I’m definitely a fan of the fics where the reader is cute and obedient but I never see much for the older agere’s 😭
This ask is so cute- apologies if I made teen regressor! reader too stereotypical, I just found it funny
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Valerian: wants to be a cool parent so bad but they're old-
They do not care for most modern technology but they're sitting there with their reading glasses trying to google all the current lingo and what's hot with the kids these days, will definitely come up to you asking why your generation is into certain things (boomer but times 10,000, they've been alive centuries)
It's a good thing for you if you're into certain alternative fashions because Valerian's wardrobe is stocked full of choices for more goth or lolita looks! They never mind sharing, they're more than happy to have you giving their pieces another life (maybe will be a little miffed if you decide to use something for a DIY without asking first, but they get over it fairly quickly and immediately turn to fawning over your work)
Tentatively let's you go out to concerts and different things, with a chaperone of course! They will not hear any moaning over you being old enough to go by yourself, you're still their baby and need someone to make sure you're safe! (Don't think you'll make any friends though, for some reason everyone avoids you like the plague..)
Rowen: does not stop talking about when he was in a band in high school, you could like a totally different genre of music and he still chats about it because he's (admittedly poorly) trying to connect with you
He's dealt with two other kids before, so attitude problems are no stranger to him! He never takes anything personally, but will threaten to take your door if you keep slamming it (never actually does, he just finds it to be the most annoying part) I think he'd get you lots of journals and self help books just because he knows how difficult and large emotions can be at that age
Unfortunately, you're still not allowed to go anywhere unless you're willing to make it a family trip! None of his kids are allowed in town without him, and sneaking out isn't really an option when he (not to mention your siblings) can out pace you easily. You'll get locked up in the den for the effort though :p
Sylvia: She... does not do well with teen regressors (._.) She tries her best of course, but is very used to babies/toddlers
Her first thought when you're in a mood is that you're throwing a tantrum and she'll start to treat it as such, which does the opposite of helping because it just feels like she's making fun of you-
She messages her coven apologizing for her own teen years..
Eventually, figures out that things go smoother if she takes on more of a big sister role instead of a motherly one. Is very much into gossiping and watching TV together (still doesn't let you watch anything too 'inappropriate', she frowns anytime there's even a mild curse)
Thoren and Rune: *sniffles* they grow up so fast.. they're both sad about their fledgling deciding they're oh so mature and broody
Rune has a habit of mimicking you, annoyingly enough. The deep sighs, eye rolls, he finds it funny how much it bothers you (and despite your efforts, he can tell you also find it humorous sometimes, no feeling escapes the bond)
They mandate cuddling, not that they didn't before, it's just worse now that you act like you're too good for some snuggles from your sires! It doesn't matter how much you fuss about it, you're being dragged into the nest one way or another
My personal ranking for this group best to worst is: Rowen, Thoren and Rune, Valerian, and lastly Sylvia
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fxckn-sxck-fr · 7 months ago
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lowk FUCKED up, butttttttttttttt would any of the comic book yanderes lobotomize their darling? we always talkin about willingness and shit saur... ya know!! just a lil off the top if ykwim
𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐌𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐄𝐒…
!!! GN reader, take a wild guess (lobotomies), neurological terms used, basic delusional behaviors, unethical uses of superpowers, unethical practices in general, mentions of brain dead/vegetative/mentally handicapped reader, Hal’s part briefly describes actual lobotomy procedures, Joker jumpscare in Harvey’s, gaslighting, a small history lesson here and there, themes of forced drug abuse, Tim Drake being a good candidate for the Saw franchise.
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GRRRRAAAAAAAARRRRGGGHGHHHRRR. Anon, come over here so I can give you a lil forehead smooch. I’ve always wanted to write a yan lobotomy blurb, but… I didn’t really know what direction I wanted to go. Or who to write about. The idea is was legit, “hee hee, wouldn’t it be silly if there was a yandere lobotomy fic” and that’s about it. So I guess this is my chance to get some feelings out about that, yay!!
A few of these are a bit longer than usual cuz this type of shit is my jam. I also didn’t know if you wanted me to rank them on least to most likely, so shoot me a follow up ask if that’s what you wanted. Mwah!!
Bruce Wayne: Definitely not off the table. I’m willing to bet Thomas Wayne had at least one book on lobotomies; just an antique hardback that makes for an interesting read. I can see young Bruce sitting on his father’s lap in the study, tiny hands tracing over the book’s old diagrams as Thomas lovingly describes all of the morbid things they’d do to people (you know, classic father/son bonding activities). Who knew it would actually come in handy one day? Moral repercussions be damned, my man can pull off a sick lobotomy. There are of course factors he has no control over — such as your own brain plasticity and cognitive function — but that’s not exactly his fault, now is it? What your brain decides to do post-lobotomy has nothing to do with him (jokes aside, he’d be devastated if you were totally fucked up afterwards… though he’d easily adapt).
Bucky Barnes: I think he’s had enough mind-meddling of his own to give this a hard pass. It doesn’t matter how bad you are; he’s not doing anything to your brain. You’ll learn to behave on your own accord. And thank god, cuz bro would NOT make a good brain surgeon. He’d brick you so fast. Also, fun fact, the Soviets were actually the first to ban lobotomies (if memory serves correct; Google is backing me up, so… do with that what you will). I don’t know if this carries over to the KGB and their little secret evil organization side shenanigans, but yeah. Let it be known that the chances of lobotomized Bucky went down by… like… 3%.
Clark Kent: At first, I was about to say no, but then I remembered the Justice Lords from the JL cartoon, and… you know what? Maybe. It would be a very low chance, but if it’s gotten to the point where you’re a danger to yourself, Clark would have no other choice. What else can he do? Your safety always comes first and foremost. While the two dots singed into your forehead would raise a few brows, it’s not like he lets you out much anyway. He’d spend a long time trying to cope with the guilt. He did this to save you… he just had to save you from yourself. At least his heat vision is precise enough that he wouldn’t fuck it up. Now all that’s left to do is hope that you turn out okay. He’ll consider it a job well done if you can at least still smile at him.
Dick Grayson: He really isn’t that much different from Bruce, is he? Yeah, he’d do it. Maybe with a few more reservations, but he’d still do it. I think it’s in your best interest if you don’t let him spiral this far, because he’s not against the idea of you being in a completely vegetative state. Yeah, it would suck that you aren’t as active of a participant as he’d want you to be, but having complete control over your care is good enough for him. He’ll easily let his own delusions fill that void. Honestly, a part of him might even hope you turn out with a mental capacity of a toddler. It’s the best of both worlds; while you can still respond to your environment, you also rely heavily on his care. Perfectly pliable in his hands… a dream come true! Yay!
Hal Jordan: Nah. He’s good. Last he checked, he’s not the most qualified person in the world to quite literally poke around in someone’s brain. Hell, even the thought of it makes him sick. No drilling holes into skulls, no skewering needles through eye sockets, no thanks! He’ll leave that up to the people who can stomach the grosser shit. Now, is the thought of a quick operation that theoretically fixes your bratty behavior tempting? Sure. But Hal’s not an idiot; he knows the risks, and those risks just don’t seem worth it. There’s a reason lobotomies are unethical nowadays. Unless the topic comes up in some sort of show or movie, the thought wouldn’t even cross his mind.
Harvey Dent: Neither Harvey nor Two Face are all that keen on the idea. They might’ve done some fucked up shit to you (definitely Two Face more than Harvey), but a lobotomy? That’s just a new level of fucked up. A Joker level of fucked up, even (and the thought of being compared to that piece of shit makes both sides of Dent want to light up an entire room). Besides, there’s no one on the entire planet he’d trust to pull off a procedure like that on you. While he might know a guy or two who would totally do it in this day and age, he’d sooner put a bullet in their brain than let them fuck around with yours. That being said, don’t think you’re totally out of the woods. At the end of the day, it’s all up to the coin, remember?
Jaime Reyes: Would Jaime? No. Absolutely not. It’s unethical, it’s fucked, and it’s also just gross. Anything to do with surgery makes him feel extremely squeamish, and he might actually pass out if he thinks about it too hard. But would Khaji Da? Yeah. Probably. Though it would have to be an extreme scenario, where you’re just completely beyond controlling. Khaji Da knows the risks, and while he’ll execute the technical aspects flawlessly, the results are naturally unpredictable. It would be unfortunate if the scarab lost its host’s mate. Your poor little noggin is at the mercy of Jaime’s resolve. Is he in full control? Then don’t worry, his incoherent mutterings about severing connections in your prefrontal cortex are nothing but his weird intrusive thoughts. But… if he isn’t… uh-oh.
Peter Parker: Nope. No lobotomies here. He’s quite aware of the repercussions, both morally and practically. Honestly, he doesn’t even see most of your behaviors as something in need of correcting in the first place. Maybe if you were causing yourself any sort of harm, but other than that, he can put up with a lot of your bullshit. Talking back? Name calling? Hitting and kicking? Straight-up just being abusive? As long as you don’t leave him, he’ll work with it! Peter is the exact definition of a pushover yandere. You can get away with a lot, and that includes not getting lobotomy!
Reed Richards: I can see him pulling one off. Is it the most desirable outcome? Definitely not. But there’s only so much he can put up with before he finally puts his foot down. If you’re the insubordinate type, you’ve probably given him at least 17 heart attacks by now, and it’s only natural he’d come up with a way to curb those behaviors. See, me personally, if I were to get a lobotomy from any of these men, I’m calling up Reed. He’s no neurologist, but I’m sure he can whip up something to study your brain waves and accurately predict the outcome of a lobotomy. Plus, he’d probably have the safest environment and instruments for the operation. You won’t feel a thing, trust. Now let’s hope months of collecting data and trial runs on some less-than-willing test subjects pay off!
Remy LeBeau: Yeah, no… probably not. Thanks to Sinister, he knows first hand how invasive a lobotomy is. You’d have to be really unstable for him to even consider that idea. He definitely has the means to do it — all he has to do is put a finger up to your forehead and burn through your frontal lobe — but having the resolve to do it is a different story. While he might’ve turned out semi-okay post-lobotomy, there’s no telling what would happen after yours. Way too risky. Only something to consider as a totally nuclear option. So don’t make him do something he’d rather not, okay? It’d be better for you, better for him, better for everyone.
Scott Summers: Like Gambit, he’s a victim of Sinister’s fuckery but 10 times worse. I don’t think he’d be able to stomach the thought of doing anything surgical to you no matter how disobedient you are. But… maybe we can make this a little interesting. Scott’s attracted some hella weird attention over the years… who’s to say someone like Sinister wouldn’t get his hands on you and do a little fucking around? Maybe Goblin Queen? A particularly pissed off Phoenix? While Scott himself wouldn’t dare lobotomize you, I think there’s some people out there who would. Or, hear me out: mind controlled Cyclops almost crushing your skull with an optic blast. It would be more blunt force than an actual lobotomy, but I’m willing to bet it would fuck up your cognitive function all the same. Despite the immense horror and guilt he’d feel afterwards, a small part of him can see it as a blessing in disguise (depending on how you turn out, that is).
Steve Rogers: Honestly, Cap was frozen at the funniest point in history ever. The amount of lobotomies increased exponentially from the 40s to 50s (mind you, WWII ended in 1945), and then antipsychotics were introduced as a more ethical way to treat mental illness, which Steve wouldn’t know shit about. Unfortunately for all of my fellow sickos out there, lobotomies were probably never a thing Steve liked about the 40s, but allow me to offer an alternative. Steve thinks there’s clearly something wrong with your mental health; why else would you act like you hate him? Luckily for him, this is the 21st century, where people know much more about mental illnesses and disorders. He could easily pull some strings as Captain America and get you the help you so obviously need. So, I guess the question is, how many different prescriptions of antipsychotics can one take at once? Guess you’ll find out!
Tim Drake: So… uh… y’all better pray that he doesn’t get any intrusive thoughts about this shit. And if he does, PRAY that he snaps out of his weird fit before it’s too late. DO NOT LET BRO COOK. I don’t think he’d totally fuck it up or anything, but the chances of him spiraling and performing more than one are dangerously high. You might find the out hard way just how much poking and prodding a brain can take before it shuts down. Depending on how manic he is, he might actually lobotomize you while you’re conscious. No anesthesia, no painkillers, just him pouncing on you with a hammer and pick. You will be rawdogging this lobotomy like god intended. That’s when he’d fuck your shit up. Unless you want him to brick your brain, you better fight him off and wrestle those tools out of his hands. The post-manic episode clarity would be insane. “Uh… sorry I tried to give you a lobotomy.” Cool, man. Okay.
Wally West: Wally “if you need to give someone a lobotomy, that’s honestly a skill issue” West. Who needs that shit when you’re THE master manipulator? It would take some god-tier perception (or paranoia) to see through a fraction of his act, and even so, what good will any of that do when he’s got everyone else wrapped around his finger? Fighting against him is a dangerous game. If need be, he’ll play the loving caretaker while you’re the loony one. Poor Wally… he’s trying to help you through your issues, and this is the thanks he gets? Wow. Now, for the sake of a little exploration, I think it’s important to note that Wally could theoretically go through with it (by phasing his hand through your skull and solidifying at the right angle), but that sounds way too unstable to pull off. It would probably run the risk of turning your brain into a soup, and I’m pretty sure that kills people.
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signalcli · 3 days ago
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Security, Security… The SSL Story
“We have to get our trust center going IMMEDIATELY!” “YES SIR”, we replied. Pulling aside the IT director, we started discussing what that really meant. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, we found ourselves reminiscing over a few beers…
Rip-off of the 21st Century: How Google Boosted the SSL Industry
Let’s rewind a bit, back to 2010. Dinosaurs weren’t roaming, cars were everywhere — not perfect, sure, but good enough.
Website security was straightforward. Regular websites? Chill, nothing special needed. Websites with logins? SSL was sensible — encrypt usernames and passwords, simple logic. E-commerce sites? Checkout security was a no-brainer. Simpler times indeed — our IT director once casually received over 50,000 credit card details via email (password-protected, naturally!) during a site migration.
Google faced occasional ranking confusion — sites existed as HTTP, HTTPS, www, and non-www versions. A small mess, but manageable and amusing.
Then, suddenly, 2011 arrived. Rumors started swirling: “Google rewards fully HTTPS sites!” Interesting, right? No actual security improvement required, just better SEO rankings and more visitors.
Fast-forward another year: HTTPS became mandatory. Browsers like Chrome began labeling non-HTTPS websites “unsafe,” although security wasn’t the primary reason — more a convenience thing. And certainly not the user’s convenience.
More Encryption, More Resources, More Profits
Encryption — required to support secure communication — isn’t free; it demands additional resources. Additional resources translated into requirements for larger, more expensive servers. Encryption doesn’t merely happen on the server; someone has to decrypt it. While desktops hardly noticed the difference, smartphones certainly did — demanding noticeably more RAM and CPU power. Hardware upgrades surged. SSL certificates became lucrative businesses overnight. Suddenly, free certificates from “letsencrypt” weren’t “good enough.” Companies shelled out money for essentially identical commercial SSL certificates, boosting profits for hosting providers, certificate issuers, and smartphone manufacturers. But wait, there’s more…
New Standards, Same Old Devices
A few years later came newer TLS standards — 1.0 to 1.3. Were newer versions significantly more secure? Only marginally, closing theoretical and academic vulnerabilities never exploited. Yet enforcing standards like TLS 1.2 and 1.3 forced users with older hardware — devices unable to support these new standards — to upgrade unnecessarily, funneling even more profits into the tech industry without boosting real-world security.
Security scanners? Oh god, we absolutely loved those. Our IT director regularly received dozens of panicked emails: “OMG our site is not secure, please help us fix it!” Yet, examining the scan details typically revealed only one “vulnerability”: support for perfectly functioning TLS 1.0. Occasionally, scanners were ordered without proper heads-up, causing our automated security systems to block them immediately. Another flurry of emails followed: “Please unblock our security scanner — it’s unable to scan the website!” But wait — if security was the goal, wasn’t blocking unknown scanners a good thing? “WRONG,” said corporate bosses, demanding immediate unblocking. Logic had officially left the chat…
The Reality of Our Trust Center
This brings us back to our Trust Center dilemma. Our SignalCLI platform’s security rivals Fort Knox. Logging in? Like walking between skyscrapers on a tightrope during a hurricane — fingerprints, selfies, the whole nine yards. Getting information out? Not exactly possible.
Yet, after lengthy debates, we recognized the need for “paperwork security” — documentation and policies designed mainly to appease compliance folks. Welcome to 21st-century security: installing antivirus software on Linux systems — completely unnecessary but required on paper. Bureaucratic security, not practical security.
Now, we’re proud owners of our Trust Center, complete with extensive paperwork that few read but compliance teams adore.
It reminded our IT director of another story, which I’m sure he won’t mind me sharing. A couple of decades ago, he was working for an international company and, wanting to know who he was hiring, insisted on participating in interviews. A candidate walked in, applying for a senior developer position.
“How’s your English?” our IT director asked.
“I have an upper-intermediate level,” the candidate replied confidently, proudly handing over his certificate.
Our IT director (a multilingual guy — and yes, I’m jealous) switched to English: “So, can you continue the interview in English?”
Silence. The candidate couldn’t understand or respond in English. But he had a certificate — that’s the important part, right?
Final Thoughts
Real security matters. Bureaucracy? Not so much.
Still, quite the SSL story, isn’t it?
Be good out there!
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croquettish · 2 months ago
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Hi, thesis anon (for lack of a better name lol) back again. I wanted to pick your brain about Radzig and Henry's relationship (imo one of the most fascinating dynamics in the games) - specifically the question of legitimization. Do you think Radzig has any intention to even try and legitimize Henry post-kcd2? I understand with the king in Vienna, that wouldn't immediately be possible. But would he want to, do you think? Would the king grant his request if he did make it? And would Henry want to be legitimized?
How important is it that Radzig has no legitimate heirs? He honestly doesn't seem to care as much about it...is it because he is a minor lord? While Hans is being forced into marriage and heirs, nobody seems to care Radzig is a (legitimate) childless bachelor...why?
I also go back and forth on the legitimacy thing for Henry. Would it mean he'd have to continue the Kobyla line (would he take that name? I'm sorry for being ignorant about this), and thus get pushed into the same situation as Hans? In that case I am very sure he would not want the political responsibilities that come with legitimacy. As we see in the game, Henry seems to be pretty free to do his own thing in a way that Hans isn't. I don't think he'd want to give that up. Also there's his complicated feelings towards Martin as his pa, though he didn't have a last name as a commoner. Also, would Radzig force him into it, if he decided he wanted to legitimize Henry? Probably not, right?
Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts! ❤️
Thesis anon, hello!
So I went digging into Radzig's history a bit more which included sifting through a Czech text that I clumsily google translated (Tomáš Šimek's Hrady, zámky a tvrze v Čechách, na Moravě a ve Slezsku). According to that, he definitely had a wife (Anna of Úlibic) who was left widowed after he died in 1416. His wiki article mentioned that he had sons who were taken care of by Mikuláš Šraňek and Mikuláš of Úlibice, but I could not find any mention of that in the source it cites. Instead, it says that "The castle was then held by the widow Anna of Úlibice together with Mikuláš Šraňek and Mikuláš of Úlibice."
Again, that could be the limitations of auto-translation, but I don't think that's the case. I imagine that Warhorse took that lack of sons or lack of clarity and used it to their advantage, and just didn't give him sons in the game. I mean, callback to us talking about how they play fast and loose with history, as far as we know he doesn't have a wife in canon either even though we know that she seems to have existed by 1403.
The thing is, you say that he doesn't seem to care much, but I don't think that's entirely true. We haven't had enough time to talk to Radzig about where he stands on this matter. Henry only learns that Radzig is Dadzig at the end of KCD1 and next to no time passes between the two games. Even when they meet up in KCD2 it's always for very brief instances: on the road after the Maleshov rescue, where they split up again straight away, and then again at the very end of the game. They get the chance to speak up on the hill, join the feast, and then end up splitting up again. Talk of legitimacy or anything else hasn't really had the chance to come up at all. Henry even admits at one point that he barely knows Radzig:
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Which is honestly kind of heartbreaking in its own way. Meanwhile, Radzig doesn't hesitate at any point. He's been in Henry's life (even if it was on the periphery thereof) all his life and clearly watched him grow up. One of my favorite moments in KCD1 is when Henry steps away from where they were talking and Radzig sort of quietly calls him son. It's honestly quite touching and a bit sad how desperately he wants to embrace that father and son dynamic after having been denied it his whole life.
I also think it's notable (and relevant to Henry's potential legitimization) that Henry rises in the ranks fast. You'll recall how annoyed Hans was that Henry flagrantly breaks rules and is then rewarded for it. He's put in the city watch, Radzig takes him into his service, he gets constant commendations for the things he does (which do, of course, deserve commendation, but still). He also gets upgraded to Hans' squire, squires having been either nobles themselves, perhaps expecting to be knights one day, or at the very least important enough to be the lords of their own manors regardless of status.
All that in mind, I think the game is prepping things really nicely actually to suggest that Radzig might hope to legitimize Henry. Here's the issue: if Radzig dies without legitimate heirs, his line dies with him and his lands and assets would be redistributed. In other words, they go back to the king and thereby end up available for distribution to other nobles that said king might want to reward or bribe or what have you. Ergo, it's in the king's best interest not to legitimize anyone.
Here's where the tinfoil hat goes back on. Wouldn't it be FUN if KCD3 was about going to rescue Wenceslas from prison NOT ONLY because it means that Hans can get his land, but ALSO because it would mean that Wenceslas would owe them and would thus be compelled accordingly to reward Radzig by legitimizing Henry? Eh? Eh??? 👀
I will say that, off the top of my head, I don't think that Henry would want to be legitimized. Or would care all that much. His status is more or less secure at this point. He's going to be part of the landed gentry no matter what. Hans is already promising him a million noble estates, not to mention that Henry has a level of social mobility that is genuinely something to be envied for the time. And legitimization would restrict a lot of that freedom in a big way. He'd end up, as you said, with a lot of political responsibility, he would take Radzig's last name (though I don't think that would matter to him all that much, since it's not like it would overwrite another last name, it would just add one on that wasn't there before), and he would be expected to marry well and have heirs. At least that would be the hope for him.
Then again, even non-legitimized bastards sometimes were placed into beneficial marriages that would serve to further elevate their status, so he's not entirely free of that sort of fate. But I don't think Radzig would force him into such a marriage, nor do I think he'd force him to accept legitimization if he didn't want it. However.
I think if there was a concern regarding Radzig's line, if Henry caught wind of the fact that his father was losing sleep over the fact that his line might end and that his assets and land would go back to the crown... especially bearing in mind that this could possibly mean Sigismund, in which case someone like von Bergow would end up with the land? I think Henry would do the self-sacrificial, selfless thing he loves to do so very much and bite the bullet. And go rescue the king in Vienna for both him and Hans' sake.
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bcacstuff · 6 months ago
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Let’s face the truth: There is absolutely no strategy at work with SS. They’re flailing around, knocking glasses off tables left and right without achieving anything. I can just picture them all sitting in a bar, snapping photos of one cocktail after another (without actually drinking them😜). Ideas get thrown out, and everyone cheers.
“Let’s publish a cocktail book!”
“Yeah, cheers! 🥂”
“Let’s do fancy pop-up shops!”
“Great! What’s the target audience?”
“Who cares, as long as it’s as hip as we are!”
“Yeah, cheers! 🥂”
“Damn, we need more money. Let’s organise a signing session for Sam’s mommies and squeeze every last penny out of them!”
“Yes, yes, yes, cheers! 🥂”
Right now, SS is just Ash, her bar visits, and cocktail photos. Sassenach – what?
I could just suggest you to (re)read my post from half a year ago as I still stand behind every word I wrote and see no change.
Just some quotes from it :
And that is exactly where my reserve comes from. I do see no strategy. Influencers on IG are just a very small part of a marketing strategy. It all begins with the story, a website where you do not get redirected as fast as possible to the distributor website to buy. Why would i buy???? Tell me, that is what the customer is looking for. And with that, you can use Google Analytics, the most used and must have tool for marketing nowadays on the web. There is where you learn to adapt you strategy. Know the demography of your clients, study the search keywords and adapt your website text to improve your Google ranks. As most of your clients will come from Google, not via IG. IG is a next tool to use but you first have to have your basis. It is a science and brands who do not see it are at loss.
Mixing cocktails in bars and influencers on IG, and all the random videos out there on different accounts, where a number of them is not the correct place to advertise (I mean SH's followers in majority are there for his work, not his booze. The endlessly way of advertising his booze at nausea to people that are not interested in it has turned more and more people off and done him no good). You can all look away from that, and make your excuses for it, or call me a hater or a negative person. It doesn't change the facts we see. And finally about social media, it is one of the small tools of marketing, again Google Analytics, Google Adds, Search words are a much bigger part. But when you use IG professionally, don't show how you get piss drunk with friends when you're selling alcohol. I don't see that on Matt Neal's account as ambassador of Uncle Nearest, nor on Chiefmabooboo or Stefvillain just to name a few. I truly think you should be aware what you put on your professional account. If you want to show how piss drunk you got with your bestie, do it on a personal account, not on your professional one!
Wanna know my guilty pleasure? It's a game called 'Spot the Sassenach'. Just watch the IG accounts of all the bars they went advertising the booze.... and then watch if you can spot the SS bottle behind the bar.
Let's see
Soso's (1 week ago)
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Peachy's (1st pic 3 weeks ago, 2nd pic 5 days ago)
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Romeo's 1 week ago
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and 6 weeks ago
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Bartley Dunnes 3 months ago
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4 hours ago
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The Tyger 1 week ago
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How many did you spot?
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flarez · 7 months ago
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MCSR F1 AU - Teams/Drivers
thought i'd dump all the random info from my google docs into a tumblr post. this is all subject to change in the future because I have an inability to stay consistent.
this is for my mcsr f1 au for my fic in the fast lane (contains spoilers for it so be warned)
i'm just going to go by team. the majority of these pairings were quite random. I've got a lot of common pairings happening in past/future seasons, so this is just where everyone ended up :3
Reset - Couriway & Feinberg:
this team was originally mercedes before i changed names
this name comes from well. resetting. i also thought it was funny to put couriway on the team called reset when all he plays is no reset.
the colours i have for this team's "branding" are dark blue and silver. can't for the life of me remember why I chose those but they look pretty cool. probably smth to do with the loading screen being silver/white?
etho's the team principal because he's my favourite hermit so I wanted to write him lmao - all of the team principals are hermits because I just needed a large group to fill roles, since I wanted to keep other speedrunners for possible past or future grids (surely those happen)
fruit won his six championships with Reset and Reset has won eight constructors (even if I ignored it in itfl because I wasn't bothered to do maths). the timeline is some insanity because purpled and fruit exchange championships for 12 years straight (the world must have been so tired of them) until silver wins the year before in the fast lane is set. honestly. not completely inaccurate to real life f1 considering that the same person has won the last four then before that the same person won six, the streak only broken up by his teammate, then before that another person won four in a row. i reckon it's plausible.
fruit left reset to move to eye spy in the year itfl is set.
feinberg was a part of the reset junior team from f4 onwards
couri's race engineer is nerdi and feinberg's is oliver
their name colours on these types of tv graphics would be a dark blue. also its kinda funny that they'd just say: BigBigMongey or 7rowl but I also love it
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Beacon - Purpled and Fulham:
beacon was originally ferrari. i had a bit about monza that was written ages ago and got reworked into a different race I think? i believeee there's a brief mention how beacon needs to perform well there or smth like that (monza is the ferrari race. its their home race and everyone who goes is a ferrari fan, which doesn't happen anywhere else on the scale it does for ferrari)
purpled moved here from eye spy - FBM was dropped for him
his teammate is fulham - he was a rookie same year as couri, so itfl is his fourth season
the tp is grian because red and ferrari
colours are teal, white and black - like a beacon. main one for graphics/branding is teal. logo would probably be a diamond beacon?
Ranked - Silverr & Reign:
mclaren before name change
name based off of mcsr ranked
silverr won wdc year before itfl, ending the purpled/fruit dominance (everyone was very happy)
did not have a great year in itfl year tho :( came fourth in constructor's
their team principal is tangotek and colours are green, white and black - like the ranked logo.
there are concepts of a silverrreign fic set year before itfl but no promises on that one
Eye Spy Racing - Fruit & Doogile:
eye spy was originally red bull (red bull racing, eye spy racing)
fruit moved to eye spy after reset wasn't competitive for three years in a row, in hopes that eye spy would be. it was. but doogile beat him (sorry fruit maybe next year)
fruit's race engineer (the guy that talks to him throughout the race - like oliver is for fein in itfl) is hbomb!! i gotta get my blue bats rep in there.
doogile was moved up from into fire, replacing wallibear who moved to sodium
eye spy's colours are basically just ender eye colours, so like turquoise, green, blue etc
their logo is an ender eye :D
their team principal is falsesymmetry (more blue bats!!)
Into Fire - Mongey & Hax:
into fire was originally vcarb or visa cash app rb or racing bulls or alpha tauri or toro rosso or
they're the eye spy junior team, which allows eye spy to easily switch out drivers between eye spy and into fire, so like if doogile suddenly started performing terribly over the first half of the season, they could switch him out for hax. they would be unlikely to do that considering doogile wins a championship but hey. anything could happen.
hax joined it this year after spending a year as a reverse driver and winning f2. he replaced doogile who was moved up to the senior team, eye spy.
this is mongey's second year
i chose into fire because it's like a starting point sorta, so you're going into the fire? idk if that makes sense? and then eye spy is after the into fire advancement, so its the senior team. and I thought it sounded cool
Stronghold - Antfrost & Poundy:
their team principal is cubfan aka the goat and their colours are black, silver and green - like mossy stone brick in a stronghold
poundy is being kept on solely because the whole team thinks he's fucking hilarious and he brings sponsors or something like that. i haven't put too much thought into it. poundy just has a seat indefinitely
ant is one of the few non mcsr members, I ended up putting a few event players in because at the time I couldn't come up with more people I knew how to write I think. also gives me more options :D
into fire colours are orange and red - like blaze rods/fire/nether vibe
MC - Switch & FBM:
mc or just minecraft. idk maybe I ran out of creativity when making this name. i think it's based off of RB (red bull junior team) and it brings some variety to names I think :D
fbm was in. i thought beacon but I just came to the discovery that THREE different people had the beacon seat last year in my doc. how did that happen. how have switch, fbm and wolfeei all got the same seat.
okay fbm in beacon is what was written in itfl so fbm has the beacon seat sorry switch and wolfeei.
switch has been in f1 for two seasons, and itfl is his third. he's been performing well in the mc car so top teams have been paying attention.
colours for mc are dark green and white. like grass block green.
joel smallishbeans is the team principal
Blaze and Cave's - Rekrap & TalkingMime:
name inspired by the blaze and cave's mod. chose this name for this team because mime's on it and he's done a lot of bac related stuff.
kinda want rek to go to another series (not 100 on what that would be) and have lifestealers in that series.
geminitay is the team principal
the colours are red/orange and grey
Pace - Lowkey & 7rowl:
this team was called atum for the majority of writing. like the reset mod. but then I was like it doesn't really fit the other names, and I feel like most casual mcsr viewers wouldn't have heard about it? i know I hadn't so. it was changed.
unfortunately they did not cook this year sajj
rowl and lowkey are both rookies
team principal is pearlescentmoon and colours are purple and black
Sodium - Dylqn & Wallibear:
walli moved here from eye spy when purpled left - he was purpled's second driver
their team principal is doc
their colours are lime green and white, since that's the colours the mod sodium logo use
it's dylqn's seventh season
this team was originally sauber because of the sickening neon green colour, though sodium's is more toned down because I refuse to have anything resembling the kick sauber in my au
that almost everything i have for now!! if you have any questions feel free to drop an ask!
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hoe4sports · 1 year ago
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Discovering a new side (18++)
Caroline Graham Hansen x reader
A/N: This is a mature +18 imagine. Do not read if you are under 18, easily triggered or in an unsafe place. The Spanish is taken directly from google translate, so do not judge the Spanish. You get the point.
TRIGGER WARNING: Semi angry, strap on, light spanking, riding, domination, mommy. All the warnings basically.
(IMAGINE STARTS UNDER GIF)
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The referee blew the whistle signaling for the match to be over. The fans broke out it screams of Joy, and the home team was jumping together in a circle screaming about their victory. Your girlfriend had just played a game against low ranked Scotland, and lost tremendously leaving their chances of the next World Cup in the trash. You both played on the Norwegian national team; but you were currently not playing as your acl was causing you pain. Caroline would always take it very personally when Norway lost, and it didn’t help that she hadn’t been scoring goals with Barcelona lately either.
As the match was over some of the girls fell to the ground, Aurora Mikalsen, Norway’s goalkeeper kicked the goal and chucked the ball out of sight. Everyone was finding ways to release their dissatisfaction, disappointment and imagining the dreaded headlines. Caroline was different. She would go quiet until she had processed what was wrong, and usually within a few hours she would be okay.
“Baby, come here” you said as you walked towards her on the field. She walked straight into you, and wrapped her arms around you for comfort. You looked up at the tall winger and she looked like she was dissociating. Dissociating was always her escape in times like this.
You walked into the warderobe where some of the girls were sobbing while others were trying to be as fast as possible. Gemma Grainger was Norway’s newest coach after the last coach had mentally ruined multiple of our star players. Gemma was a good woman and she was handed a national team that was a mess. “Girls, listen. We are allowed to feel sad right now. It’s okay, we need to process. Tomorrow, we start fresh. Our ranking has climbed from 12th best to 7th best. That’s something to be proud of. I want all of you, playing or not, to remember that you are the reason as to why we have skyrocketed the rankings.” she finished as the spirit in the group slightly brightened up.
As you got to the hotel, Caroline was watching the game on her phone. In a closer inspection, she was watching her mistakes over and over. When she finished, she jumped to the next game, watching all of her mistakes again and again and again. “Baby” you mumbled as you leaned towards the disappointed woman sitting in the chair by the desk looking more like an analyst than a player. “Maybe it’s time to put the phone away?” You suggested as you kissed the back of her neck lightly. No response. “Caz, how about some food?” You suggested as you kissed her cheek. “Caroline, perha-“ you started as she cut you off by turning around. “No Y/N, I need to figure out why I am not working!! I need to find a solution to this problem or I will end up never playing again!” She screamed as her eyes moved over to the phone again. You sighted, Caroline wasn’t one to yell and you had probably only heard her yell 2-3 times within the time you had been together. Strangely enough, you always felt a burning sensation between your legs as she showed her more, let’s say dominant side. That side only came out when she was angry and would yell. You decided to push your luck, and tried again. “Baby.. Let’s try to decided what to-“ you started as you once again was cut off by her turning the chair around to face you. “I said no, I don’t want too. Stop being so fucking annoying before..” she growled, but stopped as her eyes got glued back to the screen to see herself appear in the picture. You wanted to test your luck. You wanted to have rough sex. To have her be dominant. Assertive. In charge. But she would always be careful and sweet, and you loved that. But sometimes..
“Baby, take it out on me please..” you whispered in her ear as you let out a quiet moan. She didn’t respond, but you could sense that she was tensing up. “Baby, use me, please.. I can take it, I can make you feel better..” you continued as you could see her focus become less and less sharp. “Will you please take it out on me, baby? I’ll be a good girl for you.. ” you whispered seductively while letting your hands slip her shoulders and under her shirt to massage her breasts. She broke contact as she turned around and looked up at you. It was almost like her eyes had shifted to something darker, like her lust was pouring out of her eyes. Her breathing was heavier and you could tell that she was looking at your breasts. She was definitely a booby girl rather than booty. Lucky for me, as my boobs were bigger than the standard football player’s chest. You could tell that she was considering letting go, and you needed to act quick.
“Amor, por favor desquitate conmigo. Usa mi cuerpo, puedo soportarlo. Por favor, úsame hasta que te sientas mejor.
Her eyes sharpened as she dropped her phone. “Como quieras princesa” she said as her voice sounded lower than before. She stood up from the desk chair, and with one motion; she picked you up and forced your legs around her waist with her hands resting on your ass.
“Seré muy bueno contigo, lo prometo.” You whispered in her ear as you scratched her back with you nails. She let out a small moan, and laid you with your back facing down on the bed. She crawled over you, so that she was practically on top of you. You sent her your best “fuck me” look and she sweared under her breath as her hands started exploring your waistline. She leaned down and kissed you softly before you grabbed her hair in a makeshift ponytail and tugged on it forcing a moan out of her lips.
“No princesa, ahora estoy a cargo” she said as she looked down on you forcing you to let go of her hair. You nodded, and she went back in for another kiss leaning herself on her toned tanned arms. She touched your lips with her tongue forcing it inside to dominate mine. You moaned softly into her mouth as you couldn’t simply get enough. This was all you had dreamed about for the last year, and finally she let her dominating nature out. You could feel her hand loosing the strings on your pants.
All of a sudden, she flipped you around on your belly and yanked the pants off of you. You gasped as your wet thong came into contact with the cold air. On my back, you had her name as you were still wearing her jersey from the game. She was massaging your ass violently as she moaned. “Fuck baby, my jersey.” She moaned as she tugged on the jersey. “Yes baby, I made sure to let everyone know that I belong to you” you said as you could feel her hand stroking the back of the jersey where her name was located.
“Eso es correcto. Todos ustedes me pertenecen, baby” she said in a low voice as she started kissing my neck from behind while pulling on my hair. “Are you gonna be good?” she asked as she grabbed one of your boobs from behind forcing you to moan. “Yes, I’m gonna be so good. So good.” You obeyed as she pulled your hair tighter. “Let’s test just how good you are then, princesa.” she growled as she let go of your hair and body to stand up. She pulled you up from the bed and carried me you to the desk, laying you with your ass over the desk.
Suddenly, her hand made contact with your ass. That itself was enough to send you over the edge. You moaned out loud as she grabbed your ass pulling it upwards towards her. “Be a good girl for me, and stay still.” She growled in your ear as she had me pulled back by my hair. Fuck, this was really going as you had hoped. You loved this new side of her leaving you wanting to obey everything she would request you to do.
You stayed still trying to move your hips in the hopes of your red lacy thong would relieve you of some pressure. Caroline was rumbling around the room and you wanted so bad to turn around to see what she was doing, but you wanted to be good for her. You had imagined this the day you purchased a double sided strap on. The one for the giver was shorter and upwards, while the one for the receiver was longer and wider. Let’s just agree that you had a clear vision in mind when you purchased it a few months back.
You were standing bent over the desk as you could feel Caroline coming back for you. She smacked your ass again, and you moaned louder than ever before. “Oh, fuck baby, I need you” you whimpered in hopes of her long fingers making their appearance. Instead, you were surprised by the strap on you had purchased going full force inside your pussy from behind instantly hitting the sweet spot. “AH, fuck baby, yes please” you screamed out in pleasure as you held on to the desk. No time to adjust. You knew from the treatment on your ass that you were already close. “Fuck babygirl, you are taking it so well.” Caroline moaned out as she stopped without any warning. She lifted one of your legs up on the chairs next to the desk. “My perfect girl, wearing red lacy underwear underneath my jersey for a whole day without letting me know” she whispered in your ear sending chills down your spine. Her hand was barely touching your folds through your panties making you desperate for her.
As you were about to whine, she went in with the strap at full force going even deeper than before. Her hips thrusting harder and deeper with every trust. You could feel the tension growing in your abdomen, and you instantly knew what was about to come. “Caz, I’m so close, I’m gonna cu-“ you started as you were cut of by tour own orgasm making an entrance. She pulled out immediately.
“Te dije que te corrieras princesa o eras una chica mala?” she growled as she turned me around and looked straight into your eyes. You couldn’t help but look at her soaked pussy with the double strap. “yo era una chica mala” you replied with attitude forcing her eyes to widen as she let out a quiet moan.
She picked you up again, and practically threw you on the bed. She ripped off your tiny panties and you moaned as the cold air make contact with your throbbing pussy. As you were enjoying the cold sensation with my your eyes closed, you hadn’t discovered that Caroline had positioned herself with her head between your legs. Your eyes opened up as she entered your sensitive pussy with her tongue licking your folds and nibbling on your clit. “Ah, Caroline, more please” you moaned as you gripped the sheets while she continued exploring your insides. Her tongue started throbbing in and out of your walls. “AH, more daddy, more!” You screamed out in pleasure as she continued not realising what you had just said. She responded with her thumb rubbing your clit while her soft tongue pushed in and out of you. “Ah, baby, I’m gonna have to cum” you moaned as you arched my back. “Beg babygirl” she responded as you noticed that you could barely able to talk. “I can’t hear you” she repeated, and you moaned again. “Please, I need to cum. I have to cum, please let me cum in your mouth daddy.” You cried out as I you grabbed her hair and tugged on it. “Do it for me baby” and with that you came hard, I you squirted on her face and buckled your hips upwards. She grabbed your hips, and forced them down again as she glared at you. “MINE” she growled as she started licking up all your squirt.
When she had gotten every last drop, she laid down beside you and propped you on top of her. This was new. She looked into your eyes and brushed your hair behind your ear. “¿Cuánto puedes tomar antes de venir princesa?” she whispered as you swallowed. “As much as you need me too.” You said as she kissed your head and dragged you out of bed. She put you on your knees as she stood with her strap levelled with your mouth. You looked up at her with the most seductive look that you could, and with that she took the strap and held it infront of your lips.
“Chupa la polla de daddy ahora, princesa. Muéstrame lo desesperada que estás por mí.” She growled as she touched your lips with the tip of her cock. You didn’t even realise that you had called her daddy, you just obeyed. You opened your mouth and she put it in, gagging you as she held your hair and pounded it in your mouth. You sucked her off as she was eyeing you.
“Fuck baby, I’m so close” she stunned as she threw her head backwards. And you stopped. Her head flashed towards you and her eyes were even more lustful. “You need to be punished.” she moaned as she pulled you up on your feet by pulling your hair. She then picked you up as she sat herself on the bed and laid back. Leaving you sitting on top of her.
She grabbed the cock forcing her to moan as the giver cock moved with the receiver part. She rubbed the cock along your folds before inserting it. “Ride me, babygirl. Show me how it’s done. Let me cum first.” and you? You obeyed as you started bouncing on her cock giving friction to the part inside of her. She moaned loudly as her breathing was becoming heavier. You picked up the pace, and your boobs were now bouncing ruthlessly. She looked at you, and forced you to lean forwards so she could reach your boobs with her mouth while still riding her. She put your nipple in her mouth and used her other hand to massage the other boob.
You could see her starting to shiver meaning that she was close as you kept riding her whole getting closer and closer to your own edge. “Ah, baby, yes, yes, don’t stop, be a good girl now, let daddy cum” she stunned as you continued. Her cries were stopped by herself moaning so loud that you got worried that the neighbours were gonna hear her. “Ah, fuck, yes!” You looked at her “I’m gonna cum, baby”. You said as you felt my insides tensing up again. “No, I’m gonna cum first. Keep going, baby.” She commanded and you swore you were about to have your eyes roll back into your head.
You were slowing the pace down as you were so close and so sensitive, but Caroline was in charge and she started bouncing her hips picking the pace up. “Oh my god!” You yelled as she thrusted deeper and deeper with ever move. She was working her hips in ways you had never imagined. “Say my name babygirl.” She commanded. “Ah, yes, yes , Caroline please, please let me come!” You screamed loudly as she moaned. “No” she growled, “the other name.” And then it clicked for me. “Yes, daddy, yes please let me cum!!” You screamed as she was shaking, trying to hold herself back from cuming. “Please,” you screamed “only you can make me cum like this! Fuck, Caroline!” You screamed on the top of your lungs as you were seconds away from cuming. “Cum for me princess” Caroline growled as you came all over her cock in sync with her orgasm. She slowly stopped thrusting by going slower and slower with every move until our synched orgasms were over. You passed out next to each other, and you couldn’t believe what had just happened.
You turned to face her, and noticed that she looked a little bit taken back by her newly discovered side. You were both pretty out of breath as you laid next to each other. You had talked about boundaries one time when she was drunk, and agreed on a colour system if we ever needed one. She was laying on her back, staring upwards. “Color?” You suggested. “Orange” she motioned back. You jumped up immediately, and helped her unbuckle. Orange was different to us then to others. We had traffic light systems for during and for after sex. Green was no aftercare needed, Orange was that aftercare was highly wanted and red was that aftercare was pretty much required. You kissed her forehead, and rushed to the bathroom as you turned on the water to the bathtub. You grabbed a cold water from the fridge and dragged her along with you to the bathroom. She sat down first in the tub, and you sat down behind her guiding her to drink from the waterbottle. She relaxed in your arms as you kissed her head. You kept repeating how much you loved her, how beautiful she was and that she was safe. After a few mins of cuddles, she got back to herself. “Hi baby” you said as you smiled while she looked up on me. She smiled back. “Thank you Skatt.” She muttered and you hugged her tight. You sat in the tub for a while until she was ready to go to bed. As you turned around to walk to the bedroom, she tossed her jersey at you. “I like you better with my name” she said as she smiled knowing that one day, you were gonna have her lastname.
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