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misssolitudesmusicblog · 2 years

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My Music for June 2022

Dear Tumblr,

Welcome back to my monthly music blog. I hope everyone’s June went well. I wish I could tell you guys that I am doing well and that I feel better but I am not. There is still grief involved with letting a certain person go. I’m ready for new experiences that I don’t need to heal from. Here’s to hoping that my July will be a better month for me.

Anyways you can make someone love you but you can’t make them choose you. So remember to choose yourself.

Here is the link to my June music playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Gii3kIYcY1W2fFySAW0j0?si=64f46558cd16463a

Okay let’s dive into it without further adieu coming in at number…

#41

“But my only enemy is in my heart

Losing friends as fast as I've been losing sleep

It's overcast and I'm always six feet deep inside my mind

So this is goodbye

Goodbye”

#40

“(you're nice and blue, you're nice and blue)

I missed what I was supposed to learn

As all I learned about was missing you.”

#39

“See I've already waited too long

And all my hope is gone

You shut your mouth

How can you say

I go about things the wrong way?

I am human and I need to be loved

Just like everybody else does”

#38

“Or maybe I'm a selfish lover, huh

And you'll never love no other

Or maybe you're a selfish lover, huh?

The last heart I'll uncover”

#37

“And I know that you do

In the dark

I know that you do

And I know that you know

That you got the protector to pick me up

And I want you to use it

Blast the music

Bang it, bite it, bruise it

Whenever you want to begin, begin

We don't have to go back to where we been

I am the woman who wants you to win

And I've been waiting

Waiting for

You

To love me

You”

#36

“And if we knew each other

Maybe we would love each other

Or maybe we should wanna run far away

To find a place the other could never discover”

#35

“So many people that I know, they just tryna touch ya

Kiss up, and rub up, and feel up

Kiss up, and rub up, and feel up on ya

Give you some time to prove that I can trust you again

I'm gonna kiss up, and rub up, and feel up

Kiss up, and rub up, and feel up on ya”

#34

“Lately I have desperately pondered

Spent my nights awake and I wonder

What I could have done in another way

To make you stay

Reason will not lead to solution

I will end up lost in confusion

I don't care if you really care

As long as you don't go

So I cry, I pray, and I beg

Love me, love me

Say that you love me

Fool me, fool me

Go on and fool me

Love me, love me

Pretend that you love me

Leave me, leave me

Just say that you need me”

#33

“Yo tenía una esperanza

En el fondo de mi alma

Que un día te quedaras, tú conmigo

Y aún guardaba una ilusión

Que alimentaba el corazón

Mi corazón que hoy tiene que verte como solo amigo

Y aunque vivía enamorada

Y totalmente equivocada, no me importa

Porque esto si fue amor

Por mi parte, lo más lindo, el más grande amor

Y aunque siempre lo renuncies, para mí

Fue lo más bello”

#32

“Nunca es suficiente para mí

Porque siempre quiero más de ti

Yo quisiera hacerte más feliz

Hoy, mañana, siempre, hasta el fin

Mi corazón estalla por tu amor

¿Y tú que crees que esto es muy normal?

Acostumbrado estás tanto al amor

¿Qué no lo ves? Yo nunca he estado así

Si, de casualidad, me ves llorando un poco es porque yo te quiero a ti

Y tú te vas jugando a enamorar

Todas las ilusiones vagabundas que se dejan alcanzar

Y no verás que lo que yo te ofrezco es algo incondicional

Y tú te vas jugando a enamorar

Te enredas por las noches entre historias que nunca tienen final

Te perderás dentro de mis recuerdos por haberme hecho llorar”

#31

“Solo fue un colapso

Al rato volverá a brillar

Aunque tal vez ya no para ti

Lo importante es que sea feliz

¿Y qué hay de mí?

Yo sigo aquí

Yo también quiero ser feliz

Mira, mi amor

Yo sigo aquí

Yo sigo estando para ti

Hoy sigo estando para ti

Hoy sigo estando para ti”

#30

“And I long to know you're real

And I long for you to be part of me”

#29

#28

“Catch a wave and take in the sweetness

Think about it, the darkness, the deepness

All the things that make me who I am

And who I am is a big-time believer

That people can change, but you don't have to leave her

When everyone's talking, you can make a stand

'Cause even in the dark, I feel your resistance

You can see my heart burning in the distance

Baby, baby, baby, I'm your man (yeah”

#27

“I miss u all the time

I wonder why we couldnt be around

Anymore anymore

I wanna be somebody

Just before get close

I wanna be somebody

And then just get close

I wanna be somebody

Just before get close

I wanna be somebody

And then just get close

I wanna”

#26

“You're always on my mind

I want you all the time

The pain of tenderness is

A wound of love

I can't control it

What I'm trying to say

I wanna be the one you want

I've gotta be your lover

I've gotta be the only one you crave

I'm gonna be the one

Devastated by lust

I'm gotta be your lover

I've gotta be the only one you crave

My heart is heavy

We're never ready

If you're the sacred script

I am the Hierophant

You're never ready”

#25

“I walk from the bitches, I walk from the friendship

I walk from some digits, 'cause lately, my nigga, I'm feelin' indifferent (Uh)

I wish all the best, and believe that, I meant it (Huh?)”

#24

“'Cause you've been running through my mind

Oh baby, they say we're no good for each other

And I can't really tell, what is this spell you put me under

Your love's not too kind to me

I hate the pain these days of rain

You're playing games of hide and seek, my love

And I'm still trying to find you

I'm looking for you babe

And I'm still trying to find you

Through sunshine or rain”

#23

“I know now, I get the point, I hear you loud and clear

All this time, I've been playin' your side

I could've done better shit with my life to waste no time on you

Got to move on 'cause you got me fucked up

I am confused, from this point on, trust nobody, yeah

Out of my body, blowin' my fuse out

Devil, please cut me loose, yeah

Please, cut me loose, oh”

#22

“Well I'm just one poor baby

Cause well I believe them all

I wish I could buy back

The woman you stole”

#21

“Now she's having fun (now she's having fun)

Now she's living life (now she's living life)”

#20

“I'm healing myself

Yeah

We need to heal ourselves!

I'm healing my mind

Yeah!

We need to heal our minds!

Heal our soul

We need tu heal our world

Heal our souls

Yes, we need to heal our world”

#19

“He's interested, he's holding me back

If I could be more like you, I would

But I can't, and I'm glad about that

What if someone had asked Picasso not to be sad?

Never known who he was or the man he'd become

There would be no blue period

Let me run with the wolves, let me do what I do

Let me show you how sadness can turn into happiness

I can turn blue into something

Beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful like you

Beautiful, beautiful

Beautiful like you”

#18

“Ever since I fell out of love with you, I fell back in love with the streets

And God, does it feel sweet, like a summer breeze

Ever since I fell out of love with you, I break dance to the back beat

And God, does it sound sweet, like it's playin' just for me”

#17

#16

“And you never get close

And you never see it all

Until you close your eyes”

#15

“Go row the boat to safer grounds

But don't you know we're stronger now

My heart still beats and my skin still feels

My lungs still breathe, my mind still fears

But we're running out of time

Oh, all the echoes in my mind cry

There's blood on your lies

The sky's open wide

There is nowhere for you to hide

The hunter's moon is shining

I'm running with the wolves tonight

I'm running with the wolves

I'm running with the wolves tonight

I'm running with the wolves”

#14

“S.O.S. she's in disguise

S.O.S. she's in disguise

There's a she wolf in disguise

Coming out, coming out, coming out”

#13

“Tell me it can't be done, I'ma run it

Ain't no mistake, I keep it coming

I'll just keep doing my thing, I'm making my ways how I can

If they paved the way

I'ma make a way, I'ma make a way

I feel like Beyonce, I feel like Shakira

Lemonade, I'm juicy, hips don't lie, Selena

Britney, Christina, rest in peace Aaliyah

I feel like a goddess, I feel like a diva”

#12

“Don't you tell another lie

Don't you tell another truth

My heart, it isn't bulletproof

From visions of you

Don't you know the way I feel

Can't you read my mind

Don't you read between the lines

For what's real

Forget'em, get'em, get'em

I used to rule the streets

I was young enough to know that

There was something to believe in

I'm tired of the lies they tell

I'm trying to disguise myself

The perfect crime that I'll commit

Is loving you despite all of it”

#11

“Ah, now I don't hardly know her

But I think I could love her

Crimson and clover”

#10

“I get lost with you

I dogwalk with you around the block

I get by with you

I get high with you best I can

I'd do anything to make you feel

To make you feel

I'd do anything to make you feel

To make you feel

I wanna cry with you

I wanna die with you once or twice

I wanna lie with you

Until the pain is through for a while

I'd do anything to make you feel

To make you feel

I'd do anything to make you feel

To make you feel”

“One step closer, come on back to me

One step closer, come on back to me

When we were young we would laugh so carefree

The pain would circle over me

Heavy metal, buried deep in my heart

Heavy metal

Could this be a life without love, without loss

With the one you took away from me

When you met me, buried deep in my heart

Heavy metal”

“I'm addicted to

Getting on your level

Never wanted to

Make it all blue

I just wanted

To get into bed

I'm walking through

The sweet, sweet memories

I keep for nights

When I can't sleep

I remember all

The times we loved

I remember all

The places we could only go

Just you and I

Lovers by night

But when the day came

We were back to the same”

“You know I'd always come back home

We can't pretend

That this is the end

Baby

All I do is dream about you

I can't seem to shake you

Baby

I swear tomorrow that I'll give you up

Save the sorrow for when we wake up

But for tonight it seems I'm tangled up

In you

Tangled up in you

I can't seem to shake you

Baby

I can't seem to shake you

Baby”

“Quiero saber cómo llegar

A rozarte el alma y ya

Quiero aprender poder a amar

Y después subir

Ay amor, detrás de los cerros estás tú, amor

Oculta entre la niebla estás tú, corazón

Vigilando el curso de dolor, amor

Detrás de los cerros estás tú”

“We started living in an old house

My ma gave birth and we were checking it out

It was a baby boy

So we bought him a toy

It was a ray gun

And it was 1981

We named him 'Baby'

He had a toothache

He started crying

It sounded like an earthquake

It didn't last long

Because I stopped it

I grabbed a rag doll

And stuck some little pins in it

Now we're a family

And we're alright now

We got money and a little place

To fight now

We don't know you

And we don't owe you

But if you see us around

I got something else to show you”

“Slowly we sink, good as a weight

Hand it over softly, before somebody else gets hurt

Light my hands on fire, my sweet angel

Take my oxygen, my bone marrow

Whatever you do, don't stop till you're through

It'll be alright, it'll be alright

Take my oxygen, my sweet angel”

“Tonight the music seems so loud

I wish that we could lose this crowd

Maybe it's better this way

We'd hurt each other with the things we'd want to say

We could have been so good together

We could have lived this dance forever

But now, who's gonna dance with me?

Please stay

And I'm never gonna dance again

Guilty feet have got no rhythm

Though it's easy to pretend

I know you're not a fool”

“It doesn't hurt me

You want to feel how it feels?

You want to know that it didn't hurt me?

You want to hear about the deal that I'm making?

Oh, you, it's you and me

It's you and me, won't be unhappy

And if I only could

I'd make a deal with God

And I'd get him to swap our places

Be running up that road

Be running up that hill

Be running up that building

You don't want to hurt me

But see how deep the bullet lies

Unaware I'm tearing you asunder

There is thunder in our hearts

Is there so much hate for the ones we love?

Tell me, we both matter, don't we?

You, it's you and me

It's you and me, won't be unhappy

And if I only could

I'd make a deal with God”

“Cowards, here's th-the sun

So bow your heads

In the absence of bombs

Draw your breath

Dark, dark places shall be none

She's melting houses of gold

We're spitting off the edge of the world (out in the night)

Never had no chance (nowhere to hide)

Spitting off the edge of the world (out comes the sun)

Never had no chance (nowhere to run)”

Well that concludes my top music for June 2022. Thanks for stopping by Tumblr. See you next month.

#Spotify #music #music playlist #june 2022

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camencanto · 2 years

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do you have any camilo headcanons?? <3

DO I

anon, i give u:

super ticklish feet

HATES slow dancing

he just hates it it’s like an irrational hatred of his that he just utterly despises the thought of for literally no reason

sleeps with dolores when he’s anxious

has a hard time fitting in with kids his own age because of his reputation

this can go like,,,either way. they either don’t approach him because they’re intimidated by where he comes from or they make fun of him there’s no in between

winter is his least favourite season bc it reminds him of when he first saw snow after bruno left and pepa wouldn’t get out of bed for days

he’s really, really creative

also super independent for a 15 yo. u could leave that kid in a cabin alone for a week and he’d survive just by happily amusing himself as time went by

antonio is like. his ride or die. u mess with his homeboy and it’s legit game over for u. camilo would hands down kill for that kid he goes on x-games mode fr

i know they barely interacted in the movie but i like to think him and mirabel are properly best friends. like, in a they fight like siblings but tell each other everything kinda way

his default stress-reaction is just crying. he actually cries really easily and tries to cover it up but never really does

does his fucking best to make his mami smile when she’s upset—he’ll go all the lengths and do whatever it takes to get those tears dry

him and felix have a handshake

loves people playing with his hair

has the WORST handwriting you could ever see it legit has to be translated by like a fuckinf linguist because it’s that hard to read

swears like a sailor. he’s actually the worst out of all the grandkids and has gotten beat up so many times by alma bc of his mouth

he reads a lot!

out of all of the madrigals he fights with isabela the most

and it’s usually because she doesn’t have the time for his antics and he knows exactly which buttons to push to piss her off

luisa bench presses him sometimes if he needs cheering up

you know that animation concept of him waving his ruana around like a magician while he shifts? yeah i feel like he does that a LOT

he’s all about the dramatic flair

i know it’s literally canon that he eats a Lot bc he needs it but i sort of hc him to be a really fussy eater as well ?? like he’ll eat so much but rotates between the exact same 4 meals and refuses to try anything else

hogs the bathroom Every Single Morning and enrages pretty much every single madrigal grandkid

he steps out of his bedroom and makes eye contact with mirabel opposite him and they both freeze before fucking sprinting to the bathroom

he’s fast! he loves soccer, loves running around, he’s FULL of energy

he likes to play with antonio a lot, and most weekends you’ll see the two of them around the village having the time of their lives

he’s really good at card games! knows every trick in the book, wins every round, always ends up with his pockets full because he starts betting once the adults have a few glasses of wine in them

he’s got really nimble fingers but he’s still such a clumsy fuck

he can be Horrendously insecure

he can also be very, very moody

sleeps on his tummy

he’s a big hugger and not afraid to show it at All

loves to cook with julieta. he really cherishes their little bake-offs together because it’s such a nice hobby for him

sometimes he has to pull stage curtains over the mirrors in his room when all the reflections get too much for him

he’s had a stuffed chameleon since he was like 4 and still sleeps with it every night

blushes with his ears. they go BRUTALLY red

someone called him annoying once and he still thinks about it sometimes

he’s really bad at math. like, counts on his fingers and cries over algebra homework bad

he can play the piano & accordion really well

loves building forts. will force anyone and everyone to make a blanket fort out of the kitchen furniture. would legit get casita to make a fort with him

he has a collection of little things belonging to everyone he’s ever shifted into hidden in his drawers

bottles up his emotions to the point that he lets every big thing slide until it builds up and something small just makes him explode

he can be really sensitive and goes really quiet if someone’s either intentionally/accidentally hurt his feelings

he’s a little spoon. except for antonio

one of his favourite things to do to wind down is to lie on the couch with his head in pepas lap whilst she untangles every single curl on his head

and that is all for now !! i hope u enjoyed anon & thank u for the ask!

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marcopolorules · 3 years

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“Me veo preso en mis propias redes, víctima de mí mismo. (...) pierdo la estima hacia mí, descubro un aspecto de mi persona que me desagrada y creo en mi alma una lucha: Pedro Salinas versus Pedro Salinas, cuyos efectos son desastrosos, porque yo pierdo siempre, sea quien sea el que venza”.⠀ ⠀ “I see myself imprisoned in my own networks, a victim of myself. (...) I lose esteem for myself, I discover an aspect of myself that I dislike and I create a struggle in my soul: Pedro Salinas versus Pedro Salinas, whose effects are disastrous, because I always lose, whoever wins."⠀ ⠀ Pedro Salinas⠀ & Fran Rodríguez @lacabezaenlasnubes (artist)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #surrealportrait #surreal #popsurrealism #popsurreal #popsurrealist #retroart #newcontemporary #collageart #collage_art #collageartist #collageartwork #collagework #collagecollectiveco #c_expo #collagemaker #collage_expo #surrealcollage #contemporarycollage #collage_guild #collagetash #collagelife #digitalcollage #digitalcollageart #collagedigital #collagecollective #collages #marcopolorules #vagabondwho #jesuislesurrealisme #franrodriguez https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7uGSOnmoX/?igshid=tdp5dp6aiabq

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d-criss-news · 5 years

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ANN ARBOR, MI - While his acting career has earned him most of his praise and recognition,Darren Criss spends most of his time on other pursuits.

Balancing musical side projects like Computer Games with organizing the Broadway outdoor music festival Elsie Fest, and cooking up a 10th anniversary celebration for his StarKid theater company, Criss says there are numerous “spinning plates” he’s constantly working to balance in the grand scheme of his career.

“I spend probably the vast minority of my time as an actor,” said Criss, a 2009 graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. “If you look at the pie chart of what I do on a daily basis, it really is in the minority.”

Criss, who hails from San Francisco, will return to Ann Arbor with music on his mind, when he and his brother, Chuck, headline the inaugural TREEVERB Music Festival on June 1 in downtown Ann Arbor.

The former “Glee” star took some time to speak with The Ann Arbor News about his rising career as an actor and his various musical outlets, including his love for Ann Arbor-born funk band Vulfpeck.

(Some answers have been shortened for brevity and clarity.)

Coming back to town

AAN: You’ve been pretty open about your love for your alma mater and Ann Arbor, in general. What keeps you coming back?

CRISS: I go back once a year, usually in tandem with some sporting event of some kind, or some event that I’m involved with. I jump at any opportunity to go back to Ann Arbor.

It’s the roots of a lot of important and dear things in my life. It just has an energy that, anyone who is lucky enough to feel it, wants to check in with that energy every now and then. Ann Arbor is a really special town for me that holds a lot of special memories.

Preparing for Computer Games

AAN: For those not familiar with your band Computer Games, what can they expect on June 1?

CRISS: I’ve played music with my brother my whole life. One of the first records we ever made together was made in Ann Arbor. Chuck wanted to record some songs with me one summer and there was a new, at the time, studio at the Duderstadt Center, that was one of the most professional work stations we could have asked for at that point in our lives.

We were always saying to ourselves ‘We’ve really got to get back to the songs we had when we were teenagers. I think two years ago, we had an open window of time so we decided to put some of our old songs together and kind of form this new group called Computer Games.

It sort of hearkens back to what we did as kids, which was play a lot of computer games. The music is heavily electronic and is very playful. It doesn’t take itself very seriously at all. We kind of wanted to give it a name that fit the tone of what we were doing. When we were kids, the games we were playing were actual computer games, but as we got older, they turned into digital music production software like FruityLoops and Logic and Pro Tools and those became our (new) computer games.

Meteoric Rise

AAN: While you remain committed to a lot of different aspects of entertaining, your acting career has really taken off over the past couple of years, earning Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Are you at all surprised that you’ve received these types of accolades so early in your career?

CRISS: It’s a difficult question to answer, because if you say “No, I’m not surprised,’ you sound full of yourself that you expect these things, which I obviously don’t. I will say I’m thrilled and honored that things from the outside have come my way and bestowed me with things that are incredibly validating and very humbling, but that’s not the end game.

I know very well it doesn’t necessarily last forever, and it doesn’t come around all of the time. Much like playing in a band, having a sustainable acting career is a lot like a team sport. Between my manager and publicist, we really work hard on the collective career of this thing that is much bigger than itself. It’s a team sport getting all of these pieces together.

Reflecting Vulfpeck’s rise

AAN: You obviously had a lot of experience playing live music during your time at UM and since in Ann Arbor, including a number of occasions with the guys from Vulfpeck. Is it gratifying to see their careers blossom to the point that they are playing places like Madison Square Garden at a time when yours is doing the same?

CRISS: I’ll never forget, I was in the basement of some frat house playing music. My friend was nice enough to let me play drums, which at a house party, is kind of a gamble. When you have kids partying, ‘Yo can I play your instrument?’ can go in many different directions. It’s common protocol to just not let the guy at the party play your instrument, but he trusted me to play and I was having a great time playing with this bass player. That was how I met Theo Katzman. I’ll never forget seeing Theo around town playing a lot of the same open mics, going to a lot of the same parties and had similar friends.

I would meet guys like Theo or Tyler Duncan and all of these people I would meet, I was so wildly intimidated by. They were my friends, but it was so frustrating, because I would think ‘Is this what it’s like everywhere? This must be what it’s like to go to a music school, because you meet all of these people who are so talented, and I think they are so good.’

You see these guys and think, ‘I think you’re awesome, but I know my tastes are pretty insular and I don’t know if there’s an accessibility for the rest of the world outside of my nerdy appreciation for my brilliant friends. Cut to however many years later, and things are coalescing for Vulfpeck, it’s such a heartening feeling to think 'Thank God, I’m not crazy. These guys are amazing, and this is cool. There is something special and unique here that people really like, outside of my head.’ That is so encouraging to me and the really special part about it is it’s more or less the same group that is more or less doing the same thing they did in college.

I get so excited talking about Vulfpeck because they’re like like my biggest bragging right that I don’t deserve, because I have nothing to do with their genius. I drop their name constantly to look cooler around people who are cooler than me.

#darren criss #mlive.com #uofmichigan #vulfpeck #press #april 2019 #emmys 2018

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thekrazykeke · 6 years

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This is so much fun, I swear before Jesus! As a big family person myself, writing about the reader’s family is cathartic. Mainly because families spill the tea in my stories more than the main character ever will 😙🤣

Boop.

It’s easy to get caught up with Erik, to be swept up in his energy. Although you’d tried to maintain a ‘slow and steady wins the race’ mentality when you’d agreed to be his girl, somehow, someway, the two of y’all just dived headfirst into a relationship.

More often than not, you ended up staying the night over at his crib and you didn’t always use the excuse of wanting to play video games to go see him. He surprised you by how affectionate and touchy-feely he is, though you tried to get used to it and reciprocate in kind, you had been on your own for a good stretch and some habits are hard to break. It didn’t irritate him (so much) anymore and he even took it with good grace, seeming to make it his mission to wrap an arm around your waist that more often, kiss the back of your neck, or pull you into his lap, etc.

Nadia noticed the change in y’all dynamic and while she said that she approved, there was the feeling that she was distancing herself from you, which hurt, if you were being honest, since the two of y’all had hit it off instantly and been flatmates for over two years.

However, you weren’t the type to beg anyone to be friends with you if they didn’t want to.

The independent streak that your mother had nurtured in you your whole life wasn’t disappearing anytime soon, if at all, and occasionally, it clashed with Erik’s habit of spoiling you with too much of, well, just about everything: clothes, shoes, hair, nails, etc. Hell, he had paid off your portion of the rent for six months (you’d managed to talk him out of paying off the entire year just barely). While you would like to say that you were happy, and most of the time you truly are, you couldn’t quite shake the feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Girl, you stupid.” Breanna, your older cousin, stated bluntly. “This nigga is payin’ bills, showering you with gifts, and, wait, is the dick good?”

You swirled the spoon in the bowl of ice cream, unable to meet her eyes. “So good.”

“Did you hit ya head or somethin’? I should walk out of this cafe right now. You called me alllllll the way out here with a SOS text message and I’m thinkin’ it’s a serious situation.” Giving you the stink eye, she stabbed her slice of pie viciously. “Bitch, you is living the dream.”

“It is a serious situation.” Ignoring her ‘girl, stop it!’ look, you purse your lips, “Like, I don’t know where he works, what he does for a living. He told me a little bit about his childhood, but...”

“Y/N, baby cousin, I love you like a sister, and because I care about you so much, I’m going to say something that might hurt your feelings.” Breanna comments, putting down her fork.

“Oh, damn. Lay it on me then, cuz.”

“Your current boo is not your stank ass ex, Mitchell. Girl, you need to celebrate, apparently yo pussy so good, you got a hotep willing to be a househusband. I mean, damn. Give me lessons!” Expressively, she gesticulated as her voice gained an octave. Customers glanced in y’all direction and you laughed nervously before glaring at her. “Sorry, sorry.” Breanna apologized, tone lowering again. “Does he know about Mitchell?”

“Can we change the subject from that whack ass nigga?” You complain.

Mitchell Sanders had been your high school sweetheart and the two of y’all had dated a year and a half through college. During the final year of your relationship, he had been increasingly short tempered and critical of everything about you. While you were young, dumb and in love, you weren’t too sprung that you didn’t love your melanin skin and his passive-aggressive, caustic comments about ‘if you were a little lighter...’ only frustrated and depressed you enough to eventually dump his ass. Not even two months later, he started dating Cassandra Wynters, a preppy white soccer player. Last you’d heard about the happy couple, they’d been racing for the nearest courthouse as she was pregnant.

“No, because that nigga got yo silly-dilly ass thinkin’ that yo future baby daddy is a no good asshole wit a white girlfriend on the side.”

“Oh God. You know what? I’ma head on out of here.” You try to flag down the waiter, only Breanna kicks you in the shin. “Ow, bitch! Mercy!” You hiss through your teeth. “The hell?”

"You such a baby.” She rolled her eyes. “Sit wit me for a few extra minutes before I gotta go back home.” Breanna instructed sternly, in the way that only family members really could command somebody to do anything. “This the only time I get some personal time away from Miguel and Tiana.”

“Oooh, how are your kids?” You pick up your spoon, the melted sweet dripping off the end and back into the bowl.

Snorting, her tone is fond as she says, “Bad as hell as usual. Dre’s watching them right now so it’s all good. They always behave for they daddy.” Mushy expression changing quickly, she pointed a finger at you accusingly, “Girl, don’t even try and change the subject, though! You need to communicate with ya man so that he can address these issues early in the relationship. I will not stand by and let you sabotage yourself because you scared that you feelin’ this dude a little too much.”

“Whatever, Bre. I’m done talkin’ about this for today.”

Even though you said that, it lingered at the back of your mind the rest of the day. Work was routine so you didn’t mess up due to inattentiveness, thank goodness, and you couldn’t talk to Nadia since right now the two of y’all were in some strange type of friendship/flatmate limbo.

"Wassup?” That’s the greeting Erik gave you before giving you a peck on the lips. “...Ay, you good?” He asked, pulling back a little to scrutinize you carefully.

‘Fuck, he’s figured it out!’ Reaching a hand up, you place it against the nape of his neck, leaning in for another quick kiss. “Mm, better now. I mean, heh, why wouldn’t I be?”

Score one for being overcompensating.

Eyebrows raising, for a heart stopping moment you thought he’d call you out on your bullshit, but Erik just shook his head. “...Okay. Good day at work then. I can work wit that. I’m sayin’ though, you wanted to check out that restaurant on McMillan and 4th West Ave? I made a reservation if you still wanna go...?”

“The restaurant with the skyline view of the city and that famous seafood chef that cooks his food fresh every day?” Eyes lighting up, you launch yourself into his arms and he gripped the back of your thighs, lifting you. “Yes, yes, yes! Please!” Hands framing his face, you kissed him again, this time more intently, feeling his fingers squeezing your thighs. “And afterwards we can come back here. You let me say thank you again, properly?I might even get on my knees.”

Erik set you down on your feet. Bodies brushing up against each other, there’s no mistaking the feeling of him being half hard. “Don’t start that shit. Teasing a nigga before we go out in public.” Popping you on the ass, he snorted at the squeal you let out. “Hurry up. That reservation at seven thirty.”

You gaped at him momentarily, turning to leave, “Why didn’t you say that at first?!”

“I’m tellin’ you now!”

Last minute as it was, the two of y’all showed up literally dressed to slay. All eyes were on the both of you. The question in all of those pale faces were ‘How can these negroes afford to eat here?’, if not phrased exactly like that, the point still stood.

Yet you couldn’t bring yourself to care for once.

It didn’t matter how Erik knew the chef personally and that they shook hands as if old friends, or how the table he’d booked was strategically placed right near the area where the chef worked and you wouldn’t miss a thing while he cooked.

For tonight, you had decided to let those fears and anxieties go. To enjoy this date with ya man.

Then the weirdest thing happened.

“Y/N?” A nasally, high pitched voice called. "Oh my God, Y/N! Hey, hi!” Waving excitedly is a slightly plump, but cute waitress. Handing off a tray of drinks to another waiter, she hurried over to the table. “It’s been so long.”

“Uhh, baby?” Erik is understandably confused and so are you.

“I’m sorry. Do I...know you?”

“Oh! Oh, duh!” Slapping her forehead, she went through a quick demonstration of your alma mater’s hand sign. “It’s me! Cassandra!” She added, when it became clear that you were still drawing a blank.

“O-Ooooh, Cas. Wooooow, girl. Hey.” Your greeting lacked enthusiasm and Erik raised an eyebrow at you. You valiantly ignored this as you grasped for something nice to say. “Lookin’ good, girl. Shoot, I ain’t even recognize you.”

“It’s okay.” Heavily, she dropped into a seat next to Erik and yourself after grabbing a chair from another table. “I know I put on a few pounds since college and I cut my hair.”

“Nooo!” Waving your hands frantically, you shake your head, “It’s not that. It’s just...I thought you’d be on TV, living your dream as a soccer player and everything.” Erik ‘coughed’ into his fist. “Sorry! Cassandra, this is my man, Erik. Baby, this is Cassandra Wynters.”

He ignored her outstretched hand. “And we on a date. So...maybe get back to your job?”

As if you’d only just recognized her uniform, you gasped, hoping it’s believable. “Oh damn! I didn’t mean to take up all your time with my chit-chatting. I don’t want you to get in trouble, and we are on a date, so... Rain check. I’ll have the, um, maitre d’ give you my contact info.”

Cheeks flushed, she raised slowly from her position, “Right. So sorry, that was rude and inappropriate, my just running over here.” Laughing awkwardly, a little piggish snort escaped and you sipped at your drink to avoid laughing in her face. “I’ll catch you later then.”

“Yep. Ta-ta!” Dismissing her, you turn your full attention onto Erik once again, relaxing only when she walked away.

“That musta felt good, huh?” Erik is excellent at reading your body language and cues. You grin evilly and he snorted. “I can’t believe she just ran her ass over here like y’all was in a crowded subway station or something.”

Your shake your head and thank the waiter who refills the glasses while another takes the extra chair away again. “Some people have no home training!” You state in your best posh voice.

Placing a hand over his chest, he played along, effecting a ‘shocked’ tone, “Why would you say something so controversial yet so brave?”

It was very likely that y’all made all those white folks big mad with how y’all were laughing and carrying on. Enjoying the food and each other’s company. And when it came time to leave, Erik’s hand on your waist is a warm comfort as you catch sight of Cassandra being scolded by the maitre d’, or her boss, or whoever, at the corner of your eye. For a brief moment, the two of you stare at each other and you’re the first to look away, tilting your head up to kiss at Erik’s jaw, an action that caused him to startle briefly before he captured your lips in a kiss that toed the line between being indecent and sweet.

Maybe its God, or karma, or something else telling you to stop questioning every single thing about the mystery surrounding this man, that when it was time to know, he would tell you. To enjoy being the central focus of someone’s attention and who actually, truly, wants to be with you and only you. That everything would work out. Whatever the lesson to be learned here, the thought, ‘I am so blessed.’ Kept reverberating through your brain on a loop. And yeah, you gave that dimple cheeked fool some road head while on the way back to his crib.

Can you really be blamed?

#mcu #erik killmonger #mcu imagine #erik killmonger imagine #marvel #black reader #marvel imagine #black panther #erik killmonger x reader #black panther imagine #thekrazykeke

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therainroguefanfiction · 4 years

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🔥 ℝise Ⱥbove I̾t ◈ Chapter 009 [LordXplosionMurder]

📑 Table of Contents | ◂Backward

Word Count: 1,554 ☁

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

〈“It never goes the way that you planned. Success is a door that always slams. I’m trying to break it.” The Score, “Miracle”〉

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

I rubbed my eyes, trying to keep myself awake. The last of the students were leaving the school after the exam, but Toshi made me wait for him while the staff held a meeting. Rin had offered to wait with me, but I told him I was fine. A part of me hoped he got accepted into the school, he was a good kid. The same for Fumi and Shadow. And what about Toshi’s successor? What was his name again? Mido something, I think.

More importantly, would I get accepted?

I tilted my head back, watching fluffy clouds slowly floating across the azure sky. I managed to take down that stupid ass robot but I nearly lost control again in the process. What if I had killed a student this time? The thought made me shudder. Guess I still have a long way to go.

“Young Jen,”

I glanced over, meeting Toshi’s blue eyes. Aizawa was standing next to him, glaring at me. I cleared my throat and stood up, deciding to keep my distance. “So~ how was the meeting?”

The scarf around Aizawa’s neck shot out at me like fucking homing missiles, wrapping tight around my body. I did not enjoy having my arms pinned to my side like this, but I honestly don’t even have the energy to try and fight back. Not like I could escape this stupid fucking indestructible piece of cloth. It lifted me off the ground and pulled me close, just inches away from him.

“I told you not to use that move!”

I looked away. “Where’s that cat at? Did you return it to the kid you stole it from? Shame, I wanted to -”

The scarf suddenly disappeared from my body and I fell hard to the ground. “Stop playing around, Jen.”

“What’s the big deal?” I muttered, rubbing my sore ass. “It worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

“You lost control,” he stated simply, cutting me off before I could reply. “Don’t try and tell me you didn’t! What would you have done if you had killed someone else?”

I flinched, but I wasn’t sure if it was because of his harsh tone or the words he spoke. I scowled, pulling myself to my feet. “As if I haven’t thought about that! I got it, I fucked up again. Fuck,” I started toward the gate, shoving my hands angrily into my pockets.

If I hadn’t felt such a strong need to prove myself, I wouldn’t have lost control. God, what is wrong with me?

A warm hand rested on my head. “What’s done is done. Learn from this experience, young Jen.”

I sighed deeply, unconsciously leaning toward the warmth that he offered. “I’m sorry, Tosh. That was pretty stupid of me…”

He ruffled my hair before removing his hand. “You’re quite strong, which is all the more reason not to push yourself so hard. The two of you have that in common, but at least you didn’t break any bones…”

I raised a brow in question but he just shook his head and smiled.

“Let’s go get some tacos,”

“Fuck yes!”

それ以上に上昇 ☆ One Week Later

I sat on the couch, eyes focused on the racing game I was playing. It was an online lobby and I had been duking it out with this same guy for the past three hours. He’d lose the race then demand a re-match via the in-game texting feature. I’d lose and then do the same. Neither of us could get two wins in a row and we refused to give up until one of us did. Toshi had left early this morning, just as he had been for the past week. I haven’t talked with Aizawa, either… I bet he’s still pissed off at me.

“Shit!” I zoned out and crashed at the finish line. That makes two wins for him. Damn, he left the fucking lobby before I could challenge him again. Fucks sake.

I glanced at the clock; it was just after eleven so the mail should have been delivered already. The door creaked as I pulled it open, lifting the lid of the rusted mailbox that had been nailed to the wall beside the door. Let’s see… light bill, phone bill, pyramid scheme, coupons, more coupons. Oh fuck those are taco coupons, I’ll just keep those. Wait, what’s this? It had my name on it and felt like… a metal drink coaster? Curious, I headed back inside and plopped down onto the couch.

It’s from U.A…. shit, are these my results? I broke the wax seal on the back of the envelope and pulled out a metal disc, nearly dropping it when it sprung to life, producing a square hologram like a TV screen. Damn, technology is pretty advanced in this world.

Toshi’s grinning face greeted me. “Booyah! I am here… as a projection! Young Jen, you have passed the written exam with eighty-five out of one hundred, congratulations! However, you only earned fifteen combat points in the practical exam.”

“Goddamn it,” I cursed, kicking the table. It screeched backward as it scraped the wooden floor.

“Fortunately, there were other factors! But before we get to that, let’s watch a video!” The camera panned to a wall-mounted TV behind him. The video started to play, showing the monstrous zero-point robot destroying the mock city.

Why is he showing me this shit? I was fucking there, I know what it looked like and the damage it caused. I kicked the table harder and it slid toward the wall. Seconds later, there was a banging on the floor from the batty old woman that lived in the apartment below ours. “Che,”

The video panned toward the treads of the robot, where a giant pile of rubble had fallen from the building it was smashing its way through. My eyes widened as a large piece of rubble was throw off the top of the pile. Wait… that’s Rin! His upper body was covered in green scales and he looked unharmed, but when he tried to climb out of the pile, he couldn’t un-wedge his leg. The camera pulled back to show the robot quickly approaching. He was gonna be crushed…

And then a blur passed by the screen. It was… me?

“You see, young Jen, the practical exam was not graded on combat alone! How could a hero course not recognize someone who is committed to saving others no matter the consequences to herself? After all, that is what makes a hero! And that is what my alma mater is all about – training those that would risk their lives for the greater good. So, we have rescue points! A panel of judges watches and they reward points for heroic acts beyond just fighting villains. Jen Winchester, fifty-five rescue points!”

The scoreboard flashed on the screen, with my name in fourth place with seventy points total. My eyes widened and I nearly dropped the disk. I didn’t even… why is he looking at me with so much pride?

“Your hard work has paid off, young Jen! I am so proud of you! You have come a long way since -”

I heard someone whispering loudly off camera as they waved their hand impatiently. “Yes, yes, I will wrap it up! Now, I know what you’re thinking.” He clicked the remote in his hand and a second video showed on the screen, showing my body as it fell from the sky. A flash of green followed by a cloud of dust. “Hiryuu Rin, forty-five rescue points! He passed the exam, as well! Welcome, Jen.” He held his arms out on either side of him, a proud look on his face as he smiled brightly. “You’re now part of the hero academia!”

I let my hand fall as the hologram disappeared, a shaky breath leaving my lips. I kinda feel… like a total fucking fraud. I didn’t even know Rin was there. I wasn’t trying to save him, I just wanted to test my damn power. But he saved me without hesitation. “Goddamn it…”

My phone dinged. It was a notification from the gaming system app I have installed on my phone. I had a new friend request from LordXplosionMurder. Attached to the request was a simple message, ‘Loser’.

My eye twitched in annoyance and I accepted so I could message his ass back, ‘The fuck are u callin a loser?! With that name, u must be a fuckin 5 yo. Explosion is spelled wrong too, u tryin to be edgy?’

He responded quickly, ‘BITCH UR NAME IS TACOQUEEN R U 3?! THERE WAS A 19 CHARACTER LIMIT FUCK U’

‘AND? WHATS UR FUCKIN POINT’

‘UR NAME IS STUPID!!’

“Argh!” I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, sliding off the couch and flopping onto the floor with a thud. There was a knock right by my face and I scowled, bringing my fist down onto the floor. My phone buzzed again, this time baring a message from Toshi.

✉ ‘Congratulations! I am so proud of you, Jen :)’

I frowned. Why the fuck did I feel so guilty about this shit? Rin deserves those points a hell of a lot more than I do. I wonder if I should ask Toshi if I could give them to him instead, but… I can’t bring myself to send that message.

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

▸Forward

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dpinoycosmonaut · 5 years

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UAAP 82 BASKETBALL PRE-SEASON POWER RANKINGS: AN ATENEO-UP REMATCH?

by Pocholo D. Hermoso / 12 September 2019

(Photo courtesy of Rappler)

With the UAAP season now with us, our collective excitement – and maybe stress? – is greatly aggravated. But along with these sentiments come expectations for the teams we’re rooting for. Which teams will make the postseason? Which teams won’t? What award will this player win? And the biggest question of them all, who will win all the marbles? With seniors graduating, fresh blood entering the league, and summer league stints, here’s how I think all eight UAAP teams are going to fare.

1. UE Red Warriors

After losing super-superstar Alvin Pasaol, the University of the East is undoubtedly in full rebuild mode. In fact, a day or so before the season opened, coach Joe Silva stepped down as team mentor, and was replaced by Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League coach Lawrence Chongson of the Tanduay Rhum Masters, who led the Red Warriors to the finals in 2009. This team is definitely not expected to win games this season; its main goal is to expose its players to the rigors of a UAAP season and develop them for the future. Being a rebuilding team, the Red Warriors have done a tremendous step one of the rebuilding process: recruiting a cache of young talent. After the team’s final roster cut, 12 out of the 16 players are either rookies or sophomores. If taught and nurtured right, the Red Warriors are poised to become one of the best teams in the league in 2-3 years’ time. They may not be contenders now, but they absolutely will not give up on games — they will try to score an upset in all 14 games. As the UE faithful proudly roar, “Go Fight! UE! Iwakadima!” expect team veterans Philip Manalang and Nick Abanto, along with a bevy of rookies, to keep their alma mater proud – watch out for potential backcourt star Rey Suerte among these.

2. NU Bulldogs

With a failed season 81 for the National University Bulldogs, expectations have lowered for them this season. After winning only four games last season, a playoff berth is still a dream for this team. In a team filled with role players, NU would be best served running the offense exclusively through the younger Ildefonso, Dave. The sophomore averaged a team-high in points per game with 15.2 to go along with 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Dave Ildefonso is expected to take a leap towards being a superstar in this league, together with a developing supporting cast of Senegalese Issa Gaye, streaky scorer John Lloyd Clemente, elder brother and skipper Shaun Ildefonso, and the only two blue-chip recruits of the Bulldogs, Miguel Oczon and Robert Minerv, both from NU Bullpups. NU has become popular in its recruitment and development of players, particularly from its juniors squad. NU must emphasize developing star players from the young core, along with continued recruitment from its uber-talented Bullpups squad.

3. FEU Tamaraws

After making the playoffs in dramatic fashion, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws lost the man that made it all happen. While FEU’s offense doesn’t revolve around a star, losing your best scorer will always hurt the team. That star, Arvin Tolentino, is now graduated, so FEU’s focus should shift towards grooming their next best scorer. The Tamaraws are also generally young so their search for a new star may take long, but once they do get to do it, FEU should be back in the postseason in no time. With the team now built around veteran combo guard Wendell Comboy, expect a faster-paced Tamaraw squad on both ends of the floor. Together with him in the backcourt is point guard LJ Gonzalez, who is a shifty ballhandler and can score if he needs to. Other vets like forwards Kenneth Tuffin and Barkley Eboña should help beef up the Tamaraw frontline and ably back up rookie center Patrick Tchuente of Cameroon in the post. For sure, celebrated Blue Eagle and now-FEU mentor Olsen Racela and his assistants – former PBA legends Johnny Abarrientos (who also starred for the Tamaraws in college) and Jojo Lastimosa (himself a former Blue Eagle), as well as retired PBA slotman Gilbert Lao – will have their hands full pushing their wards to vie for a playoff spot.

4. DLSU Green Archers

If you are a diehard De La Salle University alumni or fan under the impression that your Green Archers will win the championship, let alone make the playoffs, then this is a season to forget. The three imports that the Green Archers recruited last year were one-and-done this season, and one wonders how this will help in securing their team’s long-term prospects. In addition to having no reliable recruits yet, the team lost former team captain Kib Montalbo and Santi Santilian. With two key cogs gone, La Salle is due for an elevated performance from sharpshooter Aljun Melecio and Mythical Five selection Justine Baltazar. La Salle isn’t picked to make the playoffs this year, but with the team’s rich history and championship DNA, it may be too early to count the Archers out. Let’s see what type of noise they can make.

5. UST Growling Tigers

The University of Sto. Tomas is a sexy pick to make its postseason return this year. As CJ Cansino resumes rehabilitation of his torn ACL (he is expected to play in the season opener against UE), the team’s roster represents a predominantly young team, with majority being rookies. While many of these Growling Tigers may be rookies, their potential is off the charts and they have the mentality and talent to make it to the playoffs. These new and fresh faces include Beninese big man Soulémane Chabi Yo, former La Salle swingman Brent Paraiso, the long and athletic small forward from Pangasinan, Rhenz Abando, and Mark Nonoy, a UAAP “seniors-ready rookie” from the juniors program of UST. Spearheaded by this army of newcomers, the Growling Tigers are ready to make some noise this season 82 under highly-regarded coach Aldin Ayo.

6. Adamson Soaring Falcons

After having fallen short season after season after season, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons’ window of opportunity is closing; this year may be their last chance to win a UAAP championship. Definitely, they will have to rely on sweet shooter Jerrick Ahanmisi to deliver the goods for them, as for the first time in his collegiate career, he is the alpha dog of this team. Bolstered by a more-than-solid supporting cast, the Soaring Falcons are once again a contending team this year. This season, they aren’t generally picked to end up with the twice-to-beat advantage they had last season. This puts them in familiar position. From Seasons 79-80, the San Marcelino-based squad was challenged with having to beat the then-Ben Mbala-led Green Archers. Despite losing to those Archers in both seasons, an upset victory in a playoff series with any team should heal the wounds of all the Falcons’ past playoff shortcomings.

7. UP Fighting Maroons

To be the champions, you gotta beat the champions. The Fighting Maroons of the University of the Philippines are primed to win it all this season 82. After coming out of nowhere to reach the finals last year, everyone now knows what to expect from this team. This is because despite losing star skipper and leader of the “Atin ‘to” movement, Paul Desiderio, the Maroons have reinforced their squad with former La Salle star Ricci Rivero and the ever-popular Kobe Paras. After years of winless seasons and playoff absences, this is the deepest team the Fighting Maroons have ever had since their last championship team back in ’86, when Kobe’s dad, Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano starred for the Maroons. With the two new stars combining with the uber-talented Gomez de Liaño brothers and floor general Jun Manzo, Bo Perasol’s army is in the running for becoming eventual UAAP champions. The only team in their way...

8. Ateneo Blue Eagles

Fresh from a back-to-back championship victory last season, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have the proverbial target on their backs. In a general interview by ABS-CBN, Ateneo is the consensus team to beat. Despite losing two games in the regular season last year, the Blue Eagles elevated their game onto extraordinary levels that they looked practically unbeatable. However, season 82 will be completely different from last season. Many teams have bolstered their rosters. Moreover, they are playing this season without Raffy Verano, Jolo Mendoza and the graduated Anton Asistio. Most importantly, their biggest threat, the UP Fighting Maroons, may even be more star-studded than themselves — this season would definitely be no walk in the park for the Blue Eagles. But despite being a team full of star power as well, coach Tab Baldwin’s men do not rely on a superstar (even someone of Thirdy Ravena’s caliber); they have a system, a system so successful it has led them to three finals appearances, along with two chips. But considering all circumstances surrounding the team, Ateneo should get ready to be able to defend its crown and continue its dynasty.

#UAAP82 ADMU UPFight ADU DLSU UST UE NU FEU

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esuemmanuel · 4 years

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Qué cansado es amar a lo que no sabe quedarse, a lo que sube y baja con el afán de precipitarse al abismo de la inconformidad, a lo que llora por lo que no tiene y ríe por lo que nunca tendrá. Qué frustrante es arrancar del alma la flor más bella creyendo que se entrega al cielo cuando lo que la recibe es el infierno de la inexistencia. Qué hartazgo es desear abrazar al amor y obtener de los sueños la insatisfacción de no tenerlo. ¿Y no quiero estar triste? ¡Por dios! ¿Quién podría ser feliz con esto? No sabes quedarte, mujer... te hundes en tus avernos jurando querer abandonarlos mientras le das un beso al ardiente falo de la ingratitud. Desconoces la satisfacción de entregarte porque jamás has sido valiente para olvidarte de lo que te acusa la mente, de todas esas barbaridades que te obliga a pensar y creer. ¿Y así quieres que te amen, mujer? Ojalá abrieras, no sólo las piernas, sino el alma a reconocerte, a entenderte, a procurarte, pues sólo haciéndolo podrás comprender la gratitud de lo que es amarte. Y la tristeza se irá, ¡claro que se irá! Y no sólo de mí sino de ti, porque esto que siento es el reflejo de lo que tú sientes por mí. ¿Crees que no lo veo, que no lo sé? Si, por desgracia, tengo la habilidad de ver más allá de la piel y la distancia. Nada se pierde de mi vista, absolutamente nada. Es por eso que me empapo de tristeza, además de decepción, porque jures lo que jures, digas lo que digas, siempre ganará tu maldita insatisfacción. ¿Y quienes pierden por eso? ¡Tú y yo!

— Esu Emmanuel©️, How tired it is to love what does not know how to stay, what rises and falls with the desire to plunge into the abyss of nonconformity, what cries for what it does not have and laughs for what it will never have. How frustrating it is to pluck the most beautiful flower from the soul, believing that it gives itself to heaven when what receives it is the hell of nonexistence. How tiresome it is to want to embrace love and to obtain from dreams the dissatisfaction of not having it. And I don't want to be sad? Oh my God! Who could be happy with this? You don't know how to stay, woman... you sink into your underworld swearing to want to leave it while you kiss the burning phallus of ingratitude. You do not know the satisfaction of giving yourself because you have never been brave to forget what your mind accuses you, of all those barbarities that force you to think and believe. And so you want to be loved, woman? I wish you opened, not only your legs, but the soul to recognize you, to understand you, to seek you, because only by doing so you will be able to understand the gratitude of what it is to love you. And sadness will go, of course it will go! And not only from me but from you, because what I feel is a reflection of what you feel for me. Do you think I don't see it, that I don't know? Yes, unfortunately, I have the ability to see beyond the skin and the distance. Nothing is lost from my sight, absolutely nothing. That is why I am soaked with sadness, as well as disappointment, because you swear what you swear, whatever you say, your damn dissatisfaction will always win. And who loses because of it? You and I!

#escribiendo en soledad #el hombre de la soledad #escritores en tumblr #pensamientos #writers on tumblr #writing in solitude #the man of solitude #poetas en tumblr #2020 #juramentos vacuos #promesas vacías #tristeza #decepción #la realidad de las cosas #sadness #deception #the reality of things #hartazgo #proyecto azul

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whotullis-blog · 6 years

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oceans.

Oceans.

A short film written by Justin Tullis

INT. APARTMENT KITCHEN – NIGHT

The spread of the apartment is romantic. There are candles lit, Frank Ocean is playing in the background. Nostalgia, Ultra, not Blond surprisingly. The energy in the room does not match that though.

XAVIER

I don’t know what I said, tell me what I said that got you so mad.

Alma is in the kitchen putting a few dishes away, tidying up, in an aggressive way. She looks at him right after this comment and throws the rag she was using on the counter.

ALMA

Are you serious right now?

XAVIER

Yes! I’m dead serious, I don’t know why you’re fuming like this right now.

ALMA

What kind of answer is (Mockingly) “Uhhhhhhhh I don’t know”. And that pause on top of everything? I can’t believe y-

XAVIER

Pause? What pause?

ALMA

You know what, how about this, I will ask you the question again and just answer me this time okay?

XAVIER

Okay.

ALMA

How would you feel about getting married?

There is a very brief pause.

XAVIER

Oh that question-

ALMA

That, that right there you just did it!

XAVIER

Okay that isn’t even fair right there, you didn’t even let me answer to begin with. Besides I was taken back by the phrasing of the question. Do you mean like getting married tomorrow or like far down the road?

The two individuals are the same age at this point. They are both the ripe age of about 23.

ALMA

See that shouldn’t matter either way you should know the answer by now.

XAVIER

No, see- No, it doesn’t work like that because whatever answer I give you in this context there is pressure. Especially with you, I know you, there is no winning.

ALMA

You are not doing this Xavier, I am not letting you just change the subject like that. Why don’t you want to marry me?

XAVIER

I never said that.

ALMA

Then you do?

XAVIER

I never said that either.

ALMA

I think you need to leave.

She starts making her way to the door and unlocks the multiple convoluted apparatuses required to open it. She keeps messing up due to frustration. Xavier walks over to her and holds her.

XAVIER

Baby stop, c’mon now you know I love you-

Alma pushes him away and proceeds to sit down on the couch. Frank Ocean is still playing in the background. Normally by this time the two would already be doing the mo betta.

ALMA

But not enough to marry me? Is that it? You love me when it’s convenient but not enough to commit huh?

XAVIER

Don’t put words in my mouth like that.

ALMA

I’m not. I love you Xavier but sometimes you’re so vague it feels like I don’t even know who I am talking to.

XAVIER

Fine. Okay. You’re right. I am cryptic. I don’t know how I feel about getting married in general. The idea seems flawed, but even that aside I don’t know about the longevity of our situation sometimes.

Xavier graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University on a full ride academic scholarship, captain of his debate team in high school, once participated in the math Olympics. Xavier once found a 20 dollar bill outside of a Safeway, searched for the owner of the money and when he failed to find it, he ended up giving it to customer service. Never was really the type to make trouble. He was the dependable designated driver in college. The guy who actually waited until 21 to start drinking.

ALMA

What exactly is “our” situation Xavier?

XAVIER

Look, I know you well, and I know you well enough to know that you don’t really think about the future that much. Baby when was the last time you worked on your 5 year plan?

ALMA

We’re only 23 Xavier.

XAVIER

What about finishing school, you keep saying you’re going to go back but you still haven’t.

ALMA

Stop that.

XAVIER

You wanted me to be honest!

ALMA

Okay Mr. Overthinker over here wants to be honest.

XAVIER

Overthink-

ALMA

Yes overthinker. Xavier, you think too much. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even have you in the same room with me because you’re too busy in a room 10 years down the road. All you do is worry about things that haven’t even happened yet.

Alma grew up raised by a single mother. She always lived in the moment. She lost her dad to a drug overdose when she was 3. It often seemed that because of this, she finds comfort in vices in a similar fashion. Those vices normally were the things that inhibited her from success. She was going to graduate high school with an athletic scholarship in track, but lost it when she overslept due to a hangover through the SATs. However it was qualities like her aloof nature and adventurous spirit that balanced him out. It’s the quality he hated and loved about her the most.

XAVIER

I just like to calculate my choices.

ALMA

You don’t enjoy any of them though. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to have kids with you, and it worries me that after all this time you still don’t know. For me, “I don’t know” is not good enough. If you’re not in it for the long haul, why are we together right now? We’re just wasting time aren’t we?

There is a silence. Can’t think of the right answer. Thoughts race in XAVIER’s head as he tries to come up with something. Nothing comes.

ALMA

I think you should go.

Alma opens the door. Xavier makes his way to the door solemnly even somewhat angrily because he couldn’t come up with an answer.

XAVIER

I’ll call you okay?

ALMA

Goodbye X.

She slams the door.

XAVIER

Happy four year anniversary I guess!

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Xavier is outside and it starts to drizzle. He tries to hail a cab but doesn’t succeed until after a few tries because although he is lightskin it doesn’t really change the fact hailing a cab is one of the most difficult things ever if you’re a black man. He eventually gives up and calls an uber. The uber arrives and he gives him the address to his apartment about 20 minutes away. He constantly checks his phone, wondering if it is the end of the relationship or not.

CUT TO:

EXT. MUSIC FESTIVAL – DAY

Xavier is with a really tight friend of his, Tiberius, waiting on Kari Faux to get off stage so they can see the headliner. It’s a hot day. People are everywhere, and there are vendors selling overpriced food and drinks. It’s summer. At this point Xavier is 19.

XAVIER

Dude I’m still going to be tweeting when I’m 60 and it’s going to be tight.

TIBERIUS

Nobody wants to still be getting your soundcloud links on their feed at 60 years old.

XAVIER

That’s the beauty of it, it’ll age like fine wine so when I promo that it’ll be like “damn, grandpa got bars”.

TIBERIUS

Do you start the day inflating your ego or do you end it that way?

XAVIER

Depends on the day honestly.

TIBERIUS

You’re unbelievable.

XAVIER

Thanks man I really appreciate that.

TIBERIUS

That wasn’t a compliment dude.

XAVIER

It’s okay bruh I know where your heart resides.

Both of them stop their banter only to notice that Kari Faux has proceeded to start another song in her set.

XAVIER

When is homegirl getting off the stage? I feel like the dude from the shelter heckling Eminem.

TIBERIUS

The guy that says, “He’s choking,” or the guy that says, “Where the fuck y’all find this nigga at?”

Before he can answers he sees someone. Xavier is enamored by this girl from a distance. Long hair. Green eyes. Skinny waist. Perfect body. She’s with some friends, they all look the same, but she stands out. He has this overwhelming feeling like he’s seen her and knows her but he has never actually seen her before. He feels like he knows her.

XAVIER

Hold up man let me do something really quick.

TIBERIUS

Yo, please tell me you’re not about to go spit game right now.

XAVIER

I am, but all that means is that you get to holla at her friends too.

TIBERIUS

Bet.

The two of them head over to the group of girls.

XAVIER

Hi, I’m Xavier and this is my boy Tiberius-

BASIC WHITE HOE #4

Boy? Like he’s your boyfriend?

XAVIER

As tempting as that is sometimes because I love me some Tiberius, I’m actually not with him, I’m more interested in your friend. What’s your name?

GIRL

My name is Alma. I think I actually recognize you.

XAVIER

Do you?

ALMA

Yeah… Did you play Thirdspace a couple months ago?

XAVIER

I did actually.

ALMA

*in a flirtatious tone* You didn’t suck.

XAVIER

[FIGHTS THE URGE TO SAY “I WISH YOU WOULD”] Thank you. I didn’t see you there though, I would have remembered seeing you.

ALMA

I left like right after your set.

This whole time Tiberius is spitting game at her friends. They aren’t very amused, they’re faded off of some vodka they snuck into the festival with water bottles. It emanates from their pores. Sweating vodka.

BASIC WHITE HOE #2

Can we go? I want to get up in the front so that G-Eazy notices me when he goes on.

XAVIER

I’ll let you guys go, I just wanted to say hi.

ALMA

*waves* Well “hi”.

XAVIER

Listen, I really would love to keep in touch with you. Can I get your number?

ALMA

Yeah for sure. I’d really like that. Its-

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET CORNER- NIGHT

The Uber finally pulls up to pick up Xavier. He’s driving a red Chrysler. Don’t know what year. Xavier gets in. They drive for some time in silence then the driver says something.

UBER DRIVER

Rough night?

XAVIER

What?

UBER DRIVER

Seems like you have a lot on your mind. Most of the time when people call me up to drive them around this time they’re with a bunch of other people and drunk, or high. Or both.

XAVIER

I would venture to say that I am too sober for this evening’s events.

UBER DRIVER

I’m not taking you to a bar though.

XAVIER

Nah, you’re not.

UBER DRIVER

Well whatever it is you’re doing, be safe man.

XAVIER

I have a question for you.

UBER DRIVER

Go ahead brother.

XAVIER

Are you married?

UBER DRIVER

Yes sir. Been married for about 18 years now.

XAVIER

Are you happy?

UBER DRIVER

Some days are better than others but overall, yeah. I would say so.

XAVIER

How did you know you were with “the one”?

UBER DRIVER

Ah she probably hit you with the “are we getting married or not speech” huh?

XAVIER

Yeah.

UBER DRIVER

Time is one of the most precious things we have. If you steal a watch from a man you can replace it, you could buy another one. If you tell a lie, in a sense you’re stealing their passage to truth but you can still make that right by telling the truth. If you steal someone’s time though… that is something you never can get back.

XAVIER

So I should just settle even if I don’t know?

UBER DRIVER

I never said that now. Some people know very early on in life and some people spend their whole life trying to find it.

XAVIER

How do you know when you’ve found it then?

UBER DRIVER

My wife inspires me. I was going nowhere with my life when I first met her. She helps me become the version of myself I always wanted to be. We fight. Everyone fights. But getting in the same bed as her is still better than anywhere else.

XAVIER

I get all that. It all makes sense. It just seems like my girl and I are in two alternate universes.

UBER DRIVER

Love is not a calculation kid.

L o v e is not a c a l c u l a t i o n.

There is an ongoing silence covering the ride. A certain solemnity to the Seattle-like night. They pull up to an apartment complex. Xavier says thanks to the dude that drove him there and he makes his way to apartment number 297. He knocks on the door. A girl answers.

XAVIER

Hi.

SELENA

Hi.

XAVIER

I was in the neighborhood.

SELENA

You know what’s funny is that dudes that say that are never in the neighborhood.

XAVIER

Maybe you got me on that one.

SELENA

I’m done teasing you, come inside.

They go inside and she’s watching Martin in some sweats and a T-shirt. The ambience is relaxed. Xavier sits down on the couch.

SELENA

Do you want a drink?

XAVIER

Nah, I’m alright I’ll take some water though.

SELENA

Why are you such a square? You’re not even driving tonight.

XAVIER

How you know that?

SELENA

I know what your car looks like stupid and you didn’t park it here.

XAVIER

You know what? You right. I guess I don’t like to drink like that. Never called my attention. Besides I can’t stay here, isn’t your dude here?

SELENA

Woooooooow you and I haven’t talked in a while. He moved out.

XAVIER

Damn. I’m really sorry I didn’t even-

SELENA

Don’t even worry about it, I’m not stressing about it. I’m here chilling with a glass of wine and watching Martin so I’m good.

XAVIER

Handling it quite well.

SELENA

X I know you so why are you pulling up at my apartment at this time.

XAVIER

I don’t know. I guess it is because you know me.

SELENA

What happened with Alma?

XAVIER

You ever feel like you’re so far away from someone even when you’re sitting right next to them?

SELENA

Classic Xavier.

XAVIER

What?

SELENA

You always do just that. That right there. Some things are not as complex as you make them out to be you know. You did the same thing when we went out, you would do it all the time.

XAVIER

Not that much.

SELENA

No kid, actually all the time.

XAVIER

I wasn’t that bad when you and I went out was I?

SELENA

No, you weren’t. Xavier you are the smartest dumb guy I know. I was so into you. Do you remember what you said to me when you broke it off with me?

XAVIER

It was a long time ago.

SELENA

You said that I could find someone better, that I could do better. Said all of this stuff about how you can’t give me what I need even though I was content with you. You just got in your own head.

XAVIER

Well you did end up okay. We were like 17 at the time I didn’t know what to do.

SELENA

You’re missing the point X. Here we are years later and you come to my door late night overthinking some situation.

XAVIER

Maybe I didn’t change as much as I thought I would.

SELENA

I guess I didn’t really either, because here I am answering the door knowing damn well how you make me feel.

XAVIER

What?

She moves closer to Xavier on the couch, closing in the distance between their faces. Martin is still playing in the background. Selena really does look nice. Enticing. Memories flood Xavier’s mind of the adolescent years. Times of simplicity and that one time they went to that wack Will Smith movie After Earth. Something interrupts the moment right before they kiss.

[WHY YOU GOTTA FIGHT WITH ME AT CHEESECAKE YOU KNOW I LOVE TO GO THERE]

The ringer on Xavier’s phone goes off and it’s a text from “babe”: Can we please talk? Let me know when you get this.

XAVIER

I’m sorry. I can’t do this with you.

SELENA

Just go Xavier.

XAVIER

I’m sor-

SELENA

Please go.

Xavier walks out and he walks down the stairs and he can hear some footsteps walking up the stairs. He hears knocking on that same door he just walked out of. It’s Selena’s ex dude.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

ALMA

I really don’t like fighting with you Xavier.

XAVIER

I’m not fond of it myself either.

ALMA

We’ve been together for a long time. I know you. I love you. I don’t feel like I truly have you though, and I feel I don’t know where that piece of you is.

XAVIER

I love you a lot. I know that I do. I don’t know how to truly love you though. I don’t know when it is completely necessary to give myself to you or to give myself to other things. I feel constant pressure. My whole life I’ve felt the pressure to do things. School, career, relationships. I just didn’t want that same pressure to be brought here.

ALMA

You think I do? All I want is to be able to show you love the way that we’re supposed to. You don’t let me love you in all the ways I like.

XAVIER

We don’t actually see eye to eye on everything. I simply question the longevity of our situation.

[PHONE VIBRATES IN XAVIER’S POCKET]

XAVIER

Hold on, let me check that really quick.

It’s Melody. The first love that Xavier ever had. She still loves him. He loves her deeply as well. The love he has for her at times conflicts with other aspects of his life. His other relationships. Melody was around for a lot. Very difficult times that Xavier had with his family, she was there. In the moments of celebration, she was there even if it was from a distance. When he’s depressed she’s someone he runs to.

TEXT FROM MELODY THAT READS: I miss you. I’m thinking about you. I know you’re thinking about me too.

ALMA

I already know who it is.

XAVIER

Do you?

ALMA

I do. I know she’s been texting you.

XAVIER

Is this women’s intuition or is it you looking through my phone? Or is it like insider information from some gossip?

ALMA

Xavier it doesn’t matter how I know. This is why I’ve been asking you if you really want to be with me forever. It just seems like your heart is somewhere else.

XAVIER

*clinches jaw*

ALMA

Do you love me?

XAVIER

Yes.

ALMA

Do you love her?

XAVIER

Yes.

ALMA

Xavier I don’t want to share you.

XAVIER

Maybe it’s time we made a decision.

ALMA

Xavier, no more platitudes, what do you want?

CUT TO:

EXT. PARK – SUNSET

[flashback]

MELODY

Why do you like the sunset so much?

XAVIER

When I was a kid, like 6th grade I think, my parents threw me this party for my birthday. It was the last day of school and my birthday happened to fall on that exact half day. So everyone went from school back to my house and all of us played halo and talked about how hype we were to leave the 6th grade. Eventually we went to the neighborhood pool and I mean it was dudes and chicks. My pops grabbed a football we had from the garage and we all played this pickup game of football. I caught the game winning pass. I did this dumb celebration where I got on my knees and looked up at the sky with my arms out like I saw it on tv. I just remember how pink and blue and orange the sky was. Like a giant cup of trix yogurt. Brought me happiness. That is what a sunset is. Happiness. Just like you. You, are… happiness.

MELODY

I am your happiness?

XAVIER

I think so.

There is a long silence. Melody readjusts her body to look at Xavier. She doesn’t look very happy.

XAVIER

What’s wrong?

MELODY

I don’t think I feel the same way.

XAVIER

What do you mean?

MELODY

I just feel pressure now. To love you the same way you love me. To desire you the way you desire me.

XAVIER

I didn’t know that was such a bad thing, I didn’t mean to put you in that position.

MELODY

Xavier, I do care about you, but what if I never get the same feelings for you that you have for me? I don’t want you to waste your time. Besides, I know you. I know you’re going to leave anyway. So I’d rather leave first.

XAVIER

I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time. I just feel like when we’re together that things are okay.

MELODY

I’m sorry Xavier, I just don’t feel the same way. I don’t know if I ever will.

XAVIER

So what does this mean now?

MELODY

I won’t ever belong to you X. I don’t think I can do this anymore-

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

ALMA

Xavier.

Xavier is staring off. He is spacing out.

ALMA

Xavier please say something.

There is still silence

ALMA

Xavier!

XAVIER

I’m sorry.

ALMA

Please tell me you have more to say than that.

XAVIER

Alma, I love you. I don’t want to be with anyone else. This is just something that gnaws at me I don’t know.

Alma holds Xavier’s face gently in her hands.

ALMA

Baby I can tell, but I want all of you. Not just the parts that are convenient to give.

XAVIER

I know. You deserve that much. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin tonight alright? I love you.

ALMA

I love you, too. It wasn’t all you, I know I backed you in a corner tonight and that wasn’t totally fair of me.

They kiss one time.

ALMA

I think you should go see her.

XAVIER

What?

ALMA

I think you need closure.

XAVIER

You’re serious?

ALMA

Yeah. I mean, don’t go right now, but you need to end this chapter in your life.

XAVIER

You’re right.

ALMA

And I trust you, so I trust that you’ll come back to me.

XAVIER

Of course. Then we can have that conversation that got everything like Mayweather/Pacquiao in here.

ALMA

Dope. Now can we actually celebrate now?

XAVIER

*waka flocka voice* OHLEHDOOIT

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT – DAY

Xavier is at Tiberious’s place. The homie Pab is also there. He has a nice little bachelor’s pad to himself. The guitar from guitar hero is laying out in the open, there are a couple dishes in the sink, he isn’t the cleanest person but he isn’t filthy either. His space simply says, “there’s a male living here”.

TIBERIOUS

She told you to go see her?

XAVIER

On god.

PAB

*rolling a joint with intense precision* Dude you can’t possibly think that’s a good idea.

XAIVER

I do need closure on this.

PAB

What is there to close? You wanted to be with her, she wasn’t what you thought she was, and then she left you on your ass.

TIBERIOUS

True.

XAVIER

She was more afraid that I was going to leave- I came over here for support and you out here trying to scare me out of this.

TIBERIOUS

We aren’t scaring you out of anything, these is just the facts my son.

XAVIER

All I know is that I can’t move on without fixing this first. I almost lost Alma over this.

PAB

Okay well why don’t you just *claps hands together* with Alma and move on without talking to Melody.

TIBERIOUS

This is also an option.

XAVIER

I need to know. Not think, know.

TIBERIOUS

What do you think is going to happen? Because you KNOW that she is going to try to get physical with you.

XAVIER

But I’m not even gonna-

TIBERIOUS & PAB

*mockingly* I’m not even gonna touch her.

XAVIER

I hate you guys.

PAB

How many times did you used to say that before and then you end up touching said person you said you weren’t going to touch?

TIBERIOUS

True.

XAVIER

Okay I can do without the ad libs dude. You know that was before Alma, and besides I really am past this. I just need to confront this. I’m going to go in there all business, regardless of what she’s trying to do and I’m just going to have this last conversation with her.

TIBERIOUS

And when she tries something? Not if, when.

XAVIER

She knows I am with Alma.

PAB

Bitch. That’s never stopped any of the women trying you before.

TIBERIOUS

You in some shit dude, it don’t look good.

XAVIER

So you saying I shouldn’t go?

PAB

No you should, because this is going to be a good meme.

Pab finally finishes rolling and extends an invitation to the two of them.

XAVIER

Whatever dude, let’s just advance past this and watch 8 Mile or something.

TIBERIOUS

Bet.

A montage of them smoking and being weird passes. They tell weird jokes and laugh at dumb things. The movie 8 mile plays in the background. They eat a whole bunch of goldfish crackers. They roast each other. It is just good energy. Good vibes. The calm before the storm.

XAVIER

Love is death dude.

PAB

Huh.

TIBERIOUS

It can be cool sometimes though.

XAVIER

How do you know if you’re making the right choice?

PAB

What are you so afraid of man? Why don’t you just allow yourself to feel? Just like be here for once.

XAVIER

Everyone says to be here but I don’t think I should be. I don’t think I am worth loving. Maybe I should bail.

TIBERIOUS

On what? On Melody?

XAVIER

On both. I can’t do this. Not with anyone. I’m not made for anyone.

TIBERIOUS

No. No. That isn’t where this thought is going to go, you’re doing that thing you always do when you’re high and you’re overthinking. You gotta stop my dude.

XAVIER

I don’t know what to do.

PAB

Okay, you already said that you were going to see Melody to talk to her, maybe that closure is a good idea after all. Alma was right. Dude, you know you’re loved right?

XAVIER

I do.

PAB

So you know that regardless of what happens with you and whoever, we are going to love you and support you. You aren’t going to be alone.

XAVIER

Okay. You’re right. I’m just going to go talk to her.

TIBERIOUS

Maybe sober up a bit my dude.

XAVIER

If I’m being honest, if I’m high it is a guarantee that she won’t touch me. Remember that one time that girl got me so high I was cooking with a wet noodle?

PAB

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah, that was a good time, that was a good meme.

TIBERIOUS

I am also high right now, so I can’t debate this logic at the moment, but it do sound decent right now.

PAB

Wait should one of us go with you?

XAVIER

No. I have to do this alone.

TIBERIOUS

Godspeed my son, text the code if you need us.

Xavier texts Melody to tell her that he is on his way. He takes a deep breath, daps up the homies, and makes his way to his car. He gets a text from Alma asking if he is okay while he sits in his car overthinking.

[TEXT CONVERSATION]

ALMA: Babe are you good?

XAVIER: Yeah, I just left T’s place I’m heading over to talk to Melody. *TEETH CLINCHED EMOJI*

ALMA: Are you going to be alright?

XAVIER: You know ya mans stay dipped in butter ma.

ALMA: Hold on, are you high right now?

XAVIER: Do you ever get nervous?

ALMA: Stop quoting drake, are you good?

XAVIER: Yeah, I’m coming down, I was just overthinking. I’m glad you hit me up though. I love you.

ALMA: Please be safe and be smart. I love you too, come over after okay?

XAVIER: Yuh. *EGGPLANT EMOJI*

ALMA: I hate you.

He starts the car and proceeds to Melody’s house. He doesn’t know what to expect. The night is calm. Relaxing. He looks at the lights passing by like good memories through his mind. Not a lot of traffic out. Not a lot happening. Just him, his thoughts, and the drive. He eventually arrives, turns off his car and takes a moment to gather himself. He approaches the door but he hesitates once before he knocks on it. MELODY opens the door. She looks beautiful, like a temptation, a test you don’t think you can pass.

MELODY

I had a feeling you would come. Come in, have a seat.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT – NIGHT

XAVIER enters the living room of the apartment, he makes sure to sit on one end of the room, leaving MELODY on the other.

XAVIER

I did come, but not for the reason you think.

MELODY

That’s cute that you thought you could stay away from me.

XAVIER

You texted me.

MELODY

(smug)

And yet you still came.

XAVIER

Why did you reach out to me?

MELODY

I wanted to see you, spend some time with you.

XAVIER

You know I’m with Alma.

MELODY

I do, and yet again, here we are.

XAVIER

This was a bad idea, I should go.

MELODY

There goes Xavier, running away like he always does. What’s wrong, you don’t love me anymore?

MELODY makes her way toward XAVIER.

XAVIER

Me loving you was never our problem, the problem was wanting to be with someone that would never love me back. On top of that, you’re the one that left me.

MELODY

Because I knew you would come back.

XAVIER

This isn’t me “coming back”, this is me telling you that I’m moving on.

MELODY

Xavier, you’re a monster. One day your girl will see it. Your friends will see it. Everyone will eventually find out, and you’ll be right back here, because no one knows you the way I know you.

XAVIER

That’s not true.

MELODY

At night I know you think of me. When we’re apart I know you wish I was there. I’ve always accepted you for who you are.

XAVIER

That doesn’t mean you’ve ever loved me. You left me hung out to dry that day.

MELODY

I just left first, because I knew that you would eventually do the same to me. You’re just mad because you’re not used to being the one who is left in the dirt.

XAVIER

You don’t know that.

MELODY

I know what you are, X.

XAVIER

I’ll tell you what I am. I am done. You have pieces of me I can’t give anywhere else. That much is true. And I don’t regret any of the time that you and I spent together, but I will never have all of you. What’s even crazier is that I have someone who wants all of me, and they’re waiting on me. So I’m going to go. Goodbye, Melody.

MELODY

I know what you are, Xavier. You can’t run from it forever.

At this point, XAVIER makes his way to his car and leaves.

6 MONTHS LATER

CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT – AFTERNOON

XAVIER

No, I don’t hate hydroflasks, I just can’t stand how loud they are when people drop them, and people drop them A LOT. The other thing is that cats that have those things always have to brag about it, like being vegan, or working out. Like we get it dude, you’re a god amongst peasants or whatever that’s about.

(a pause)

What was the question again?

ALMA

You are such a dork, dude.

XAVIER

(smiling)

But that’s why you love me though, right?

ALMA

(sarcastically)

Unfortunately yes, I do.

They both laugh and share a very brief moment of silence. Just looking at each other. Happy.

XAVIER

You want some more to drink?

ALMA

Yeah babe that’d be nice. Can you get me a straw too?

XAVIER

I got you, cuz.

ALMA

Please don’t do that thing where you take off the tip of the straw wrapper and shoot it at me, I hate that.

XAVIER

(while walking towards the drinks)

Am I that predictable?

XAVIER refills the drink and gets the straw. He makes his way back to the table and right before he sits back down he feels a vibration in his pocket.

[TEXT MESSAGE FROM MELODY THAT READS: If you’re done running, meet me where the sun sets.]

ALMA

Who’s that?

XAVIER looks up from his phone and faces ALMA.

CUT TO:

BLACK

0 notes

placetobenation · 6 years

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“The revolutionary force for over 50 years in sports entertainment” was a clever tag line used in the mid 90s before every WWF show. For most United States wrestling fans that are still alive, it is a way of life. Greater by the day is the lack of variance in the answer of what wrestling an individual grew up on. For better or worse, WWE has been the standard bearer. Throughout that rich history, performers ranging from Nature Boys to Undertakers have graced the squared circle. Foreign legends have had extended runs and some of the most iconic figures in pro wrestling history have been aces of the promotion reaching unequivocal mainstream pop culture heights in the world of wrestling.

With such a large history to play with, discovering the beauty of Bob Backlund’s charisma or the connection of Bruno Sammartino to the MSG crowd was a new development throughout this project similar to rewatching The Godfather and On the Waterfront to rediscover the genius of Marlon Brando. WWE may not have always been YOUR promotion but for the better part of 50 years, it was THE promotion in the United States and transformed the pro wrestling landscape. This project serves to praise the individuals that best helped shape the vision of Vince McMahon Sr. and Jr. Place to be Nation is proud to present to you a ranking of the Greatest WWE Wrestlers Ever.

– Chad Campbell

Note: Results of this list are based on 118 ballots received between May and December 2017. Voters were asked to submit their list of the 100 Greatest WWE Wrestlers of all time and consider only their WWWF/WWF/WWE career. Ties were broken based on 1) number of ballots a wrestler appeared on and 2) high vote.

Every wrestler who received at least one vote will be recognized in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned to Place to Be Nation as we reveal all of the honorable mentions right through the cream of the crop. Read the other installments, both written and audio, of this project here.

224. Waldo Von Erich Total Points: 118 Total Ballots: 4 Average Rank: 71.5 High Vote: 51 Low Vote: 93 High Voter: Steve Gennarelli

Key Matches & Moments: The kayfabe brother of Fritz Von Erich battled Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF title in the 1960s and 1970s; Held the U.S. Tag Team Championship with Gene Kiniski

Staff Thoughts: Challenged Bruno Sammartino eight times and wrestled him 144 times, according to voter comments on the Facebook page.

From the Voters: “If you can find the May, June or October MSGs from 1975 (which aired on HBO) there are Waldo Von Erich matches on there, including two I believe vs Bruno. And if anyone has them, please link (the Putski vs Valiant match from 6/75 is out there, so the Von Erich match must be)” – Lee Wes, September 19, 2017 (link to the June match is included and also in Facebook comments)

223. Mabel Total Points: 118 Total Ballots: 9 Average Rank: 87.9 High Vote: 54 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: El Groino

Key Matches & Moments: Danced his way into our hearts as one half of Men on a Mission; Turned heel and became the most purple King Of The Ring in company history; Battled Diesel for the WWF Title at SummerSlam 1995 and then feuded with Undertaker; Was the first human sacrifice in Royal Rumble history; Broke Lilian Garcia’s heart; Had fun squash matches in WWECW as Big Daddy V

Staff Thoughts: Mabel was as physically imposing as a giant grape could be. He was probably the worst choice for King Of The Ring in 1995 but you can’t say he didn’t give it his all out there. Also far and away the best wrestler named after intestines. His continuous re-invention was solid, however his outfit as Big Daddy V needs to be stricken from the record immediately.

From the Voters: “I have to admit, I ordered Summer Slam ’95 for one reason, to see Diesel jackknife Mabel. I was so convinced as a youngin that would be the ending of that match. It would be bigger than Hulk slamming Andre. Yeah, I never had much use for Mabel. Who would have predicted how long he would be with the company?” – Michael DeDamos, July 12, 2017

“He received a top 100 push, that’s for sure. I think his peak was probably as Big Vis, that was the most over he ever caught. But Mabel, Viscera or Big Daddy V, he never really showed me much.” – Ben Morse, June 1, 2017

222. Johnny Valiant Total Points: 120 Total Ballots: 4 Average Rank: 71 High Vote: 54 Low Vote: 82 High Voter: Timothy Drake

Key Matches & Moments: With Jimmy Valiant won both the WWWF and WWWF International Tag Team Titles; Worked some six man matches with The Dream Team against The British Bulldogs and Captain Lou Albano; Never recovered from the “Nightmare at the Rosemont Horizon”

Staff Thoughts: A solid tag team wrestler and champion who would go on to greater success as a manager in the 1980s. Not to harp on this but his LJN figure was awesome, leading me to questions like, “Why isn’t this guy on TV more?’ and “how many times can Hulk Hogan piledrive this guy into oblivion before my third ring this year breaks.”

From the Voters: “I’ll third Johnny Valiant to push him through” – Kelly Nelson, December 2, 2017

221. Bad News Brown Total Points: 120 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 83.9 High Vote: 56 Low Vote: 93 High Voter: Taylor Keahey

Key Matches & Moments: Won the biggest trophy ever created at WrestleMania IV; Fought Hulk Hogan on an episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event; Some were CONVINCED he was going to win the World Title from Randy Savage when the match was announced; Successfully walked out on every Survivor Series team he was ever on; Countered a snake with a rat

Staff Thoughts: The scariest motherfucker of the 80s. Did the constant yelling and grunting hurt his persona in any way? Nope! Still terrifying. In the end Stone Cold Brown was probably about ten years ahead of his time. He was a great brawler with an attitude that would have won him fans in the… ahem… Attitude Era. Sadly was rarely given much time in matches to show what he could do. Should probably be put in the Hall of Fame for tolerating Roddy Piper’s “antics” at WrestleMania VI.

From the Voters: “He was stuck on a team with a crooked CO and a guy named Honky. It was doomed from the start” – Steve Williams, May 28, 2017

“I am a huge Bad News Brown fan till this very day I love how he never finished a tag match. Great heel who is borderline for me” – Matt Rotella, May 29, 2017

220. Scott Steiner Total Points: 123 Total Ballots: 6 Average Rank: 80.5 High Vote: 69 Low Vote: 96 High Voter: JF Vallee

Key Matches & Moments: Two-time WWF Tag Team Champion with his brother Rick in the early 1990s, feuding with Money, Inc.; Had a really good match with the Heavenly Bodies at SummerSlam 1993; Nearly murdered various competitors with Frankenstiners and Screwdrivers; Lost titles to the Quebecers under “Province of Quebec Rules” match; Returned as his Big Poppa Pump persona in late 2002 and received a massive pop, leading to him being programmed in the main event of Royal Rumble and No Way Out 2003 against Triple H in dreadful matches; Mastur(de)baiter Steiner is, he debated the Iraq War with Harvard grad Chris Nowinski before eventually forming a tag team with Test that was managed by Stacey Kiebler

Staff Thoughts: A tale of his two stints, as the Steiner Brothers tag team had good matches with any capable tag teams they faced and the Heavenly Bodies match from SummerSlam is really good. Their match against the Headshrinkers at WrestleMania IX was also a rare highlight on that card. But… HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME… Big Poppa Pump sucked. His matches with Triple H are legendarily bad (and I think Steiner just threw another suplex after receiving oxygen.) The tag team with Test was more in-line with his “talents” at the time, but mostly forgettable.

From the Voters: “Him and Rick have some of the best squash matches ever. There’s a list of enhancement talent guys who almost died from Scott working stiff. His 2002-03 run was a tall glass of hot diarrhea. No dice for Scott on this list.” – Jason Greenhouse, June 20, 2017

219. Tony Atlas Total Points: 124 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 83.3 High Vote: 51 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Scott Herrin

Key Matches & Moments: Teamed with Rocky Johnson to win the WWWF Tag Team Titles from the Wild Samoans becoming the first African-American to hold the belts; Painting lovely portraits on TNT; Went crazy cheering for his partner’s son Rocky Maivia at WrestleMania 13 and yet refused to help when three men started kicking the crap out of him; Returned to manage Mark Henry and won us all over with his laugh

Staff Thoughts: Mr. USA was a staple of the WWWF mid-card and tag ranks for all of the late 70s and early 80’s. He had a fun outing in the WrestleMania 2 battle royale and many humiliating outings as Saba Simba. His laugh makes me uncomfortable.

From the Voters: “That’s TONY ATLAS!” – Roddy Piper, September 15, 1990.

“His singles glory came mostly in other territories, his tag run isn’t enough to carry him through.” – Ben Morse, June 5, 2017

218. Drew McIntyre Total Points: 125 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 83.1 High Vote: 54 Low Vote: 98 High Voter: Stacey O’Loughlin

Key Matches & Moments: Defeated John Morrison for the IC Title at TLC 2009; Excellent match with Christian in mid 2010 on Smackdown; Was GREAT in the 2011 Elimination Chamber match for Edge’s World Heavyweight title; Workhorse of the illustrious 3MB stable; Upon return won the NXT title from Bobby Roode; Followed up with an excellent match with Andrade Almas at NXT Takeover War Games; In mid-2010 got his entrance down to under two and a half minutes.

Staff Thoughts: Has there ever been a guy who’s release helped more than Drew McIntyre? While always a consistent and solid performer he left the company and reinvented himself into a major player on the wrestling scene. He is a STAR on NXT and you’ve got to believe that before he got injured the plan was to move him to the main roster and possibly let him flounder on Smackdown. Great look, fantastic presence and an even stronger worker now than when he was wished the best in his future endeavors. When treated as a credible threat his potential is sky high, however now that Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater are free…

You can hear Stacey and Elliot talk more about McIntyre here

From the Voters: “I love Drew Mac. Great wrestler, who pretty much from the get-go was one of the best guys in the company. Great matches with Christian, Hardy, Finlay, Masters, the jaw-droppingly great Elimination Chamer 2011 performance, interlocking feuds with Kofi, Hardy and Teddy Long, all of which were over. Then his wife screwed up, and he never recovered. Still don’t really get how that all went down. Punishment didn’t seem to fit the crime at all. Short run of greatness + me being personally invested in him, means he has a chance.” – Adam Russell, July 9, 2017

“Honestly, he fails the J test hard. His jump up factor felt more like a thud to me.” – Ronnie Vod, May 29, 2017

217. Hornswoggle Total Points: 130 Total Ballots: 3 Average Rank: 57.7 High Vote: 35 Low Vote: 87 High Voter: Glenn Butler

Key Matches & Moments: Was used repeatedly as a weapon by a much larger, sadder Irishman; Was falsely revealed to be the illegitimate son of Vince McMahon only to be revealed as the illegitimate son of Finlay (what a month!); Was granted a voice by Santa Claus; Revealed as the anonymous Raw General Manager; Incredible WeeLC match with El Torito

Staff Thoughts: Look I’m sure plenty will hate on him for the John Cena comedy hour during the 2011 Royal Rumble, but instead let’s celebrate the fact that he was the absolute best part of the DX revival. He probably peaked when he was being used as a battering ram by Finlay but despite any deficiencies that you could list is potentially the best little person wrestler they ever had. Is it shameful he was the final cruiserweight champion? Not when Chavo Guerrero is part of that lineage.

From the Voters: “Despicable creature who represents the worst of WWE comedy.” – Adam Russell, July 9, 2017

“No, he was alright at times early on but i got burned out on him by the end of his run.” – Jay Hinchey, May 30, 2017

216. Dino Bravo Total Points: 130 Total Ballots: 5 Average Rank: 75 High Vote: 17 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Andrew Lacelle

Key Matches & Moments: Won the WWF Tag Team Titles with Dominic DeNucci in 1978; Returned to the company in 1986 more jacked and with blond hair and joined forces with “Luscious” Johnny Valiant and the Dream Team, eventually taking Beefcake’s spot when he was turfed at WrestleMania III; Bench pressed 715, as witnessed by Jesse Ventura to take the mantle of “The World’s Strongest Man”; Had a revolving door of managers going from Valiant to Frenchy Martin to Jimmy Hart; Had feuds with Don Muraco, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Ron Garvin and Ken Patera as the Canadian Strongman

Staff Thoughts: Maybe that tag run in the late 1970s produced some good matches, but his run in the late 1980s and early 1990s sure sucked. He was involved in some big angles, forming the new Dream Team. “New” teams always suck and this one was a downgrade from Brutus Beefcake. His subsequent feuds with the likes of Don Muraco were hard to watch, but I guess he had that “World’s Strongest Man” gig until Mark Henry took it over.

From the Voters: “Most people only remember Bravo as a big lumbering heel from his late 80s/early 90s run. Most fail to realize that he was a tag team champion in the late-70s, much less bulk and a much better worker.” – Sean Fluharty, July 27, 2017

“He was killed 10 minutes from my house!” – Aaron George, Far too many times to count

215. Jimmy Valiant Total Points: 131 Total Ballots: 4 Average Rank: 68.3 High Vote: 53 Low Vote: 80 High Voter: Timothy Drake

Key Matches & Moments: Take it away Lee Wes: “Former World Tag champ, and 1996 class of the WWE Hall of Fame. Showed up as a face but turned heel on Strongbow. Faced Pedro Morales for the WWWF title in Philly and other secondary cities. Headlined MSG with Johnny defending the tag belts against Bruno Sammartino & Strongbow.”

Staff Thoughts: Solid tag team performer with partner Johnny Valiant but sadly is lacking Johnny’s “stellar” managerial pedigree. Has an amazing career, only most of it is outside the WWE for the Handsome one.

From the Voters: “Can this please be the last Valiant guy I have to write an entry for?” – Aaron George, January 10, 2017

214. Johnny Gargano Total Points: 132 Total Ballots: 5 Average Rank: 74.6 High Vote: 39 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Henry Rivers

Key Matches & Moments: Had an excellent showing in the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic; With partner Tommaso Ciampa had two of the best tag team matches in company history versus the Revival at Takeover Brooklyn 2 and Takeover Toronto

Staff Thoughts: If Johnny Gargano were a foot taller we’d be complaining that Vince McMahon was shoving him down our throats. A wonderful worker whose best feud unfortunately was cut short by that no good Tomasso Ciampa’s injury. He floundered a bit since then but is turning the corner and make no mistake, he is one of the best workers in the company today. A fantastic underdog face who has incredible potential if they have the courage to go with a smaller guy.

From the Voters: “He’s been in too much high end stuff this year and last as part of #DIY, his match in the cwc, and his singles NXT stuff that I couldn’t keep him off” – Sam Symonds, December 8, 2017

“He’s still a possibility for my final ten spots. The best true babyface the company has today. Has had himself an excellent 2017” – Brian Cullinane, December 29, 2017

213. Bobby Lashley Total Points: 142 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 80.7 High Vote: 65 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Nate Milton

Key Matches & Moments: Was competent in the WrestleMania 22 MITB ladder match; Won the WWE US Title from JBL; Much to the chagrin of Paul Heyman won the ECW Heavyweight Title in the main event of December to Dismember; Was Donald Trump’s surrogate during his feud with Vince McMahon, a feud that at the time drew the biggest WrestleMania buyrate of all time; Excelled in a match with John Cena at the 2007 Great American Bash

Staff Thoughts: Bobby Lashley seemed destined for greatness before being injured by Ken Kennedy of all people. He sat six months on the shelf before ultimately being released. Had he remained on the roster chances are we’d be speaking of multiple time WWE champion Robert Lashley. Or Bobby Lindsey. He had the size and the intensity of a champion. Was his voice a little too high? Sure. Could he have been the body double for the Michelin Man? Absolutely. If Bobby Lindsey were to come back today would he job to Roman Reigns? You betcha.

From the Voters: “Hard no. Apparently he has improved recently (better late than never I guess) but during his WWE run he was abysmal and really horrifically disappointing given his physical tools. The GAB match is Cena’s greatest carryjob.” – Stacey O’Loughlin, May 31, 2017

“I might be the high man here for Bobby Lashley. He was solid throughout his run. He has a few very big moments (Wrestlemainia 23, winning the Chamber, and him becoming Mr. Brightside on top of Umaga). He has also been a part of some very good/very fun matches as well (Vengeance Night of Champion Scramble, Money in The Bank Wrestlemainia 22, The One Night Stand 2007 3 on 1 match, and The Great American Bash 2007 match with John Cena). What I would say are the biggest detractions for Bobby Lashley is he basically was the same throughout his run, a lack memorable promos, and how his short his run was. I imagine I am probably going to rank Lashley in the lower quarter of my .” – Henry Rivers, October 2, 2017

212. Zack Ryder Total Points: 142 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 80.7 High Vote: 47 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Ash

Key Matches & Moments: Along with Curt Hawkins played lackeys to both Edge and Chavo Guerrero and won a WWE Tag Team Championship; Reinvented himself on ECW with the one-legged tights, headbands and catchprases challenging Christian for the ECW title and “retiring” Tommy Dreamer; Well-known for his Z! True Long Island Story YouTube show declaring himself Internet Champion; Defeated Dolph Ziggler for the United States championship before losing it to Jack Swagger, being killed by Kane and cuckolded by John Cena in short order; Teamed with Santino Marella as Team Co-Bro and later with Mojo Rawley as the Hype Bros; Won the Intercontinental Title in the ladder match at WrestleMania 32 in a feel good moment, but lost it to Miz the next night on Raw

Staff Thoughts: Woo-woo-woo! You know it! The epitome of a guy who got himself over and WWE either didn’t know what to do with him or actively punished him for getting over when he wasn’t supposed to because… reasons. Always knew how to connect with fans and was one of the most over faces in the company despite rarely appearing on TV. Not a ton of memorable matches but the IC title win at WrestleMania 32 was a nice moment. For almost a day, but still.

From the Voters: “Longevity. Solid worker. Few memorable moments. Got HIMSELF over in spite of the company never really giving him a shot. He makes my list.” – Jason Sherman, June 3, 2017

“He outshot his talent level, but is not a serious contender for my list.” – Michael Waldrop, June 3, 2017

211. Buddy Rose Total Points: 142 Total Ballots: 8 Average Rank: 83.3 High Vote: 71 Low Vote: 94 High Voter: Michael Schoen

Key Matches & Moments: An excellent feud with Bob Backlund that Good Ol’ Will from Texas may have mentioned once on “For Your Consideration”; Went after Tito Santana’s LEG at WrestleMania; Pioneered the Blow Away diet which swept the nation, only injuring eight people

Staff Thoughts: What a shame that Shark Tank wasn’t around when Rose was pimping that diet, he’d be a bajillionaire! The feud with Bob Backlund is probably what gets him on most people’s lists as the bulk of his excellent career was elsewhere. Rose was a wonderful heel and a tremendous bumper when he had his working boots on. Which is always. Until they were blown away.

From the Voters: “251 matches with WWF per cagematch – unfortunately most are jobbing to Paul Roma, but still – that is way more than I had first thought.” – Brad Warren, May 28, 2017

“He had more of a chance of losing weight from blow away than he does of making my list” – Matt Rotella, May 29, 2017

210. Raymond Rougeau Total Points: 153 Total Ballots: 5 Average Rank: 70.4 High Vote: 53 Low Vote: 100 High Voter: Andrew Lacelle

Key Matches & Moments: Teamed with brother Jacques as the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers losing to the Dream Team at WrestleMania III; Defeated the Hart Foundation in Montreal, appearing to win the Tag Team Titles though the victory was overturned and not recognized; Turned heel, aligned with Jimmy Hart and became “All American Boys” and feuded with the Killer Bees, Hart Foundation, Bushwhackers and Rockers

Staff Thoughts: Wonderful theme song in “All American Boys” and (tiny) flag waving act. Superb mustache. Rougeaus were bland as babyfaces and perfectly serviceable as a heel team.

From the Voters: “His brother had the charisma, he just had a great mustache.”- Ben Morse, June 10, 2017

209. Bill Watts Total Points: 159 Total Ballots: 4 Average Rank: 61.3 High Vote: 39 Low Vote: 79 High Voter: Scott Herrin

Key Matches & Moments: Let’s hear from Kelly Nelson for this shall we: “He came in as a babyface in 1964 and was pretty over in the territory. He turned on Bruno during a tag match on TV, basically the prototype of the champion being betrayed by partner/friend angle that would be used for decades after. Bruno vs Watts was a huge success at the box office, one of the biggest draws in Vince Sr’s time as a promoter, and made Watts a national name. Unfortunately only very minimal footage of his time in the WWWF exists.”

Staff Thoughts: From his time in the office with WCW, I know he would NOT come off the top rope during his time in WWWF, even in the feud against Bruno Sammartino. There’s little footage available from his time in the company, but Kelly shared one match on the Facebook group.

From the Voters: “His run in WWWF was very successful. Will be in my 90-100.” – Alexis Beaudit, May 31, 2017

208. R-Truth Total Points: 163 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 77.7 High Vote: 32 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: TheBestThereNeverWillBe

Key Matches & Moments: Rapped to the ring and teamed with Road Dogg as K-Kwik and was a two-time Hardcore Champion; Teamed with John Morrison to challenge ShowMiz at WrestleMania XXVI; Won the United States Championship defeating The Miz for the vacant belt before losing it to Miz; Part of team WWE that defeated Nexxus at SummerSlam 2010; Sang a song about Little Jimmy while wearing a Confederate soldier uniform; Faced John Cena for the WWE Championship at Capitol Punishment; Teamed with The Miz as Awesome Truth; Won the WWE Championship with Kofi Kingston and lost them to Team Hell No; Brought ladder into 2016 Royal Rumble; Teamed with Goldust as Golden Truth

Staff Thoughts: He’s getting Rowdy! Also asks one of life’s eternal questions What’s Up? Known for doing goofy things like talking about Little Johnny and bringing a ladder into the Royal Rumble. The next great R-Truth match we see will be the first great R-Truth match we’ve seen. But the 2011 heel turn is fondly remembered by some.

From the Voters: “The 2011 heel turn was legendarily awesome in terms of promos, character work, and interaction with the crowd. He was THE reason to watch Raw (before the pipebomb). Sadly he didn’t put it all together that well before or since, and the wrestling aspect of it never quite lived up. Still, the summer of 2011 will always live in my heart and he’ll get a look for a sentimental placing in the upper range.” – Glenn Butler, June 2, 2017

207. Hercules Total Points: 176 Total Ballots: 14 Average Rank: 88.4 High Vote: 37 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Bret Hart

Key Matches & Moments: Lost to Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania 2; Challenged Hulk Hogan on a November 1986 Saturday Night’s Main Event; Feuded with Billy Jack (or Jerk) Haynes culminating in a match at WrestleMania III resulting in a double-countout; Faced Ultimate Warrior in a dreadful match at WrestleMania IV; Bobby Heenan sold his contract to The Million Dollar Man leading to Hercules proclaiming he was a man not a slave and winning his freedom from Virgil in a Saturday Night’s Main Event in 1988; Defeated Haku at WrestleMania V; Teamed with Paul Roma to form the super fun Power & Glory

Staff Thoughts: He’s not a slave, he’s a man. But he was simply just a passable wrestler. Most of his high-profile matches were disappointing and ended in defeat, but he was a key part of the mid-card in a hot time for the company and was part of the Heenan Family. He also has some fun house show matches where he carried some lesser workers (ahem, Billy Jerk). Power & Glory had a cool finisher in the PowerPlex.

From the Voters: “Thoroughly unspectacular. He never really stood out from the midcard. Should have been much more over as a face with the great turn on Heenan and DiBiase, but didn’t have the charisma to carry the ball and sunk like a stone.” – Ben Morse, May 29, 2017

206. Victoria Total Points: 182 Total Ballots: 6 Average Rank: 70.5 High Vote: 49 Low Vote: 96 High Voter: Ash

Key Matches & Moments: Debuted as one of the Godfather’s Hos before being powerbombed through a table by The Goodfather after he joined the RTC; Played a psychotic heel who believed Trish Stratus betrayed her when both were fitness models; Won the Women’s Championship from Trish in a hardcore match at Survivor Series 2002; Steven Richards served as her valet/manager; Lost the Women’s Championship to Trish at Wrestlemania XIX in a three-way match also involving Jazz; Faced Lita in the first women’s cage match in WWE history; Defeated Molly Holly in a hair vs. title match at WrestleMania XX, Two-time Women’s Champion

Staff Thoughts: Known for her entrance music by TaTu, her pshychotic character and Widow’s Peak finisher. Was involved in some significant women’s matches like hardcore and cage matches and shaving Molly’s head. Read Stacey’s Making the Case for more lovingly crafted details on Victoria’s career.

From the Voters: “One of my all-time favorites! Really solid in-ring performer, great character work, but unfortunately she got stuck in that “rebuilding” era of WWE women’s wrestling. She came in during the rebirth of the division, but a lot of her later time was spent in the Diva era propping up people like Christi Hemme, Torrie Wilson, & a young Michelle McCool. So unfortunately she doesn’t join Sherri, Trish, & Chyna on my list. If we were going 150-200, she’d definitely be in though!” – Nate Milton, August 27, 2017

205. Rocky Johnson Total Points: 186 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 74.4 High Vote: 51 Low Vote: 98 High Voter: Lou Spadone

Key Matches & Moments: Was one half of the first black tag team to win the Tag Team Titles with Tony Atlas, defeating the Wild Samoans; Challenged both Greg Valentine and Don Muraco for the IC title; Won numerous house show battle royals; Is the father of one of the most celebrated and famous wrestlers and entertainers of all time: The Rock; Was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008.

Staff Thoughts: Rocky Johnson had a lot of charisma and speed in the ring and a body that set the template for what a wrestler should look like in the 80s, but he wasn’t a tremendous wrestler. Rocky will be best known as The Rock’s father, and a tag team champion, but he could also be known as someone who was just a little bit before his time. The pop he receives on March 5th, 1983 when the crowd thinks he has won the IC title from Don Muraco is one of biggest you’ll ever hear. The WWF should have tried it out.

From the Voters: “It’s not objectively fair, but I won’t be ranking him since he was an asshole to my wife at a comic con a few years back.” – Stephen Brogee, September 30, 2017

204. Bull Nakano Total Points: 186 Total Ballots: 7 Average Rank: 74.4 High Vote: 32 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Bret Hart

Key Matches & Moments: First taste of WWF action came on MSG shows in 1986; Arrived back in the WWF in 1994 to feud with Alundra Blayze on behalf of Luna Vachon; Though the two fought all across the country on house show tours, Bull was only featured on television a whopping four times during this run; Her match with Blayze at Summerslam 1994 was one of the better women’s matches of the 90s, and though she didn’t win the title, she did later at the Tokyo Big Egg Universe show in November

Staff Thoughts: Bull Nakano is legitimately one of the best wrestlers in the history of the business, but we didn’t get a ton of her in WWF. One of the best looks ever and someone who could have really boosted and carried the women’s division in the 90s. Seek out her six televised matches and then realize she has dozens and dozens more great ones over in Japan.

From the Voters: “So damn good, but literally for only a few matches.” – Jeremy Ray, May 28, 2017

“I think if she had a longer career she would definitely be in.” – Matt Rotella, May 29, 2017

203. Tama Total Points: 188 Total Ballots: 6 Average Rank: 69.7 High Vote: 54 Low Vote: 82 High Voter: Dean Coles

Key Matches & Moments: Debuted as the Tonga Kid and joined in the red hot Jimmy Snuka/Roddy Piper feud in 1984 before changing his name to Tama and teaming up with Haku as The Islanders; Gained traction when they turned heel on the Can-Am Connection and joined forces with Bobby Heenan; Had really good singles match with Rick Martel as part of the feud with Can-Ams after Tom Zenk left; Transitioned to a feud with Strike Force featuring strong matches; Kidnapped Matilda as part of feud with the British Bulldogs, leading to the suspension of the Islanders; Along with Heenan defeated the British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware at WrestleMania IV; Defeated the Killer Bees on Saturday Night’s Main Event in 1987

Staff Thoughts: Once the Islanders turned heel they were off to the races. Tom Zenk leaving derailed the Can-Am feud, which was off to a strong start. Transitioning the feud to Strike Force led to some great matches between the two teams. Rewatching the Islanders for this project was a nice revelation as they were awesome in everything, better than you may remember. Too bad their run was so short. JT and Scott recently reviewed a singles match Tama had with Martel on a MSG house show on one of the recent podcasts.

From the Voters: “His heel work as part of the Islanders was very underrated. Too bad he couldn’t handle the pressure of his first run with Snuka in 1984. He could have been a major star, IMO. Probably not on my list.” – Brian Cullinane, June 3, 2017

202. Evan Bourne Total Points: 188 Total Ballots: 9 Average Rank: 80.1 High Vote: 49 Low Vote: 99 High Voter: Jesse

Key Matches & Moments: “Air” Bourne debuted on the ECW and was well known for his shooting-star press finisher; Participated in Money in Bank matches at WrestleMania XXVI and Money in the Bank 2010; Defeated Chris Jericho at Fatal 4-Way in 2010 in a match praised on this FYC podcast; Teamed with Kofi Kingston as Air Boom where the won the WWE Tag Team titles; Took a memorable RKO counter to his shooting star press

Staff Thoughts: That sweet-ass shooting star press was a thing of beauty. Evan Bourne had really good matches across the board and filled the role of someone who could fill time with high quality TV matches. Always came across as something different and crowds loved his aerial offense and selling. Too bad injuries and wellness violations derailed him. He’s got a ton of great matches but most of them are outside the WWE.

From the Voters: “He was going to be one of the best ever… but then he got hiiiiigh.” – Steve Williams, May 29, 2017

“Kind of a test of my personal biases and rules for projects like this. I thought he was the best wrestler in the company in 2008 and I typically want to include anyone who was the best worker in the company in a given year. But I don’t think Bourne really deserves to make a top 100 for any reason other than that informal rule I have.” – Dylan Hales, July 6, 2017

201. Paul London Total Points: 188 Total Ballots: 10 Average Rank: 82.2 High Vote: 66 Low Vote: 98 High Voter: El Groino

Key Matches & Moments: Teamed with Brian Kendrick on Velocity upon his debut in 2003; Moved on to a team with Billy Kidman that won the WWE Tag Team titles before Kidman turned on London causing them to lose to super-team Rene Dupree and Kenzo Suzuki; Feuded with Kidman including a match at No Mercy ending when Kidman gave London multiple shooting star presses; Won Cruiserweight title from Chavo Guerrrero, Jr.; Had a well regarded Velocity run in 2005, including a good feud with Akio; Teamed with returning Kendrick and won the WWE Tag Team championship from MNM; Retained title in four-way ladder match known for Joey Mercury suffering face explosion; Held the belts for 331 days before losing to juggernaut team Deuce and Domino (I see a pattern); That run stood as a record for the WWE Tag Team belts until New Day surpassed it; Drafted to Raw where he and Kendrick won the World Tag Team Championships from Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch before losing it back to the same team

Staff Thoughts: Paul London’s work in both cruiserweight singles and especially the team with Brian Kendrick were both really great. They definitely had some great matches when they were in there with capable teams, but that was rare for such a lengthy run (seriously Deuce & Domino, Dupree & Suzuki and Cade & Murdoch?) London had great stuff but certainly could’ve been a much bigger deal and looked like a much bigger star elsewhere.

From the Voters: “Remember when everyone thought he blew up Vince’s limo? They really should have ran with that but I understand why they didn’t. They really missed the boat on this guy in a period of time when they needed someone who could have great matches with anyone.” – Michael DeDamos, July 8, 2017

#IFTTT #Place to Be Nation

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