#gp: jeremy strong

[katiascraft]

"If nothing else gets you through. Then darling, i'll cry with you" | LN4

parings: Lando Norris x reader.

Summary: after the chaotic Brazilian GP, you know Lando is verygood at lying that he is alright and nothing can move him. But with you he can't pretend.

Now playing: "Cry with you" by Jeremy Zucker.

Word count: +1,2k.

Warnings: I think none. A few cursed words I guess and mentions of anxiety. Not a native English speaker so there could be (so many) errors. Not proofread.

Author's note: so today was the shittiest day at the office y’all! I still feel like shit but I needed to write something about this. Why is Lando so hated??? You need to check yourselves!! Don’t forget to like or reblog! And follow me so we can be friends :3 (and drink mate together!)

MASTERLIST

The Brazil GP it’s been the toughest so far. The Championship of drivers was also kind of defined. Of course Max was gonna win. He wasn't a three time world champion by luck. He is really one of the best drivers this sport has ever seen in history along with Senna, Prost, Lewis and Schumacher. But all of that indicated that your boyfriend was not gonna win the championship this year and that shuttered your heart.

You knew how hard Lando worked on that. All of the media attacked him. Social media twisting his words in a really cruel way. It was all too much noise and you perfectly knew how hard it was for him. How much anxiety he was handling and all of the pressure he was putting on himself. The pressure and illusion of the team to be back at the top after so many years decided it was gonna be Lando the one who did that. And that was a correct choice, lando was more than capable of winning the championship. But at some point it all happened so fast the pressure was descomunal.

You knew your boyfriend. You know how hard he’s worked all year. How much this all meant to him. You didn’t have holidays this year because he really wanted to fight. Train. And attack. Or at least that’s what he wanted to do.

You knew he was really good at pretending and playing it cool so people won’t ever know how much hurt his carrying. He could play the super hero indestructible for all the camaras. You won’t see him shattered right then and there. But you knew him too damn well to know he was broken. He hoped to be the winner. He dreamed about it his whole life. And this magical year was finally the one who gave him the chance to almost be it. This race was the hardest. It was luck and skills to the limit. A lot of crashes. The rain was irritating at one point. You almost didn't want to keep watching. When Lando got off track and went down to P6, you knew. He didn’t reply to any message through the radio. You cried, of course you did. You were on this as much as he was in it. You cried out of frustration. This year was a rollercoaster for you. You also dreamed of the day Lando won. You wanted that to happen even more than he wanted to. He deserved it. For how hard he works. How hard he is on himself when something out of his hands happens. Or when he made a mistake. How hard was all of that on his mental health. How obsessed he could get. And how that could send him into a spiral. You knew this was the best year at the same time it was the worst one.

When you watched him walk into the garage where you were. Your heart broke. Not because he was angry or even sad. He was playing it cool like it was not a big deal at all. So you knew how much pain he was handling.

Your eyes met after he talked to his engineers and mechanics. You were so sad this weekend. So good yet forgettable.

“Hey” he said walking to you and you just couldn’t help but dropped a few tears hugging him so tightly. You were squeezing him at some point. He let you do it. And rested his head on your neck. He fought the tears in his eyes so hard in that moment.

“I’m so proud of you. You are so strong Lando. So talented” you said now looking at him trying to repair something with your thoughts on him but knowing it won’t change anything. But you just wanted him to know he was all of that and the greatest person alive you knew. He kissed you gently.

“I love you y/n. Thank you for always supporting me” he said and gave you a kiss on the cheek giving you another hug. You didn’t say anything but hugged him tightly. After a few seconds another person joined and by the giggles he left out, you both knew it was Oscar. You two giggled a little. It was a family hug.

After that intimate little moment, the media had to be done so you had to say goodbye for a while.

(…)

After dinner with the papaya family you decided it was night in. Lando showered again because he said he had a headache. You haven’t talked about how he feels yet. You didn’t want to be invasive and more because this was a very sensitive topic to discuss. You knew he would eventually crack and talk to you. Like he always did.

You put on your pajamas and waited for him by just looking out the window at the city of São Paulo. After a few minutes la do was out. You turned to look at him. He was by his luggage wearing only a towel looking for a boxer and T-shirt. You could see his whole back. He took off the towel and put the clothes on. You looked to the bed and climbed in it waiting for him. You analyzed him one more time while he got cozy on the bed with you.

“Stop looking at me like that. I’m okay babe” he said, like reading your mind. You gave him a half smile.

“You sure? We can talk about it baby” you said softly and got closer to him so you could stroke his hair sweetly. He looked at you and nodded. But then his eyes were full of tears so he denied. Your heart sinks. “Come here my love” you said, bringing me to your chest and hugging him in a way for him to find comfort somehow. He hugged you and hid his face in your neck so you couldn’t see him. “It’s okay baby. I know it was q fucking shitty day at the office. I know how much you wanted it. And you deserve it still, baby. But life is sometimes a bitch you know? I mean the alpines got the podium” you said trying to make him feel better. He was still crying and all you could read was he tigherter his grip. “Sometimes life is a bitch to the people that don't deserve it. Amazing people who are good and so no harm but somehow get the harder life mode now and then. This makes you stronger, Lando. I know next years gonna be. You will do it. Because you can and because you want to. And that more than enough because talent you already have babe” he moved a little under your hug. You heard him giggle a little. That makes you smile a little too.

You stoked his curls gently and kissed his forehead.

“I love you and admire you so fucking much. You deserve the world and I know you will eventually get it” you told him now looking into his eyes holding his face between your hands. His face was wet and his eyes teary. Seeing him like this broke your heart in so Many pieces. But you knew he was gonna be okay. He was gonna be world champion one day.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you. I love you” he said with a shaky voice and you gave him a little kiss.

“You just did you landinho” you said sweetly making him smile and you gave him another million kisses.

——————————————————————————————-

Hope you liked it 💌 if you have any ideas my inbox is open so send your requests!

[senditcolton]

So Tragic and Rare

"It's Not Your Fault" (pt. 16)

a/n: hello! sorry for the slight delay but I will let you all know that this is another double drop day! there will be a few of these now (simply because i want to complete this series by December). so here is the next installment!

word count: 6.3k warnings: smut! [cocky possessive Andrei, oral (m + f receiving), unprotected penetration, thigh fucking] and angst, which i apologize for in advance previous part 🧡 next part masterlist

There was absolutely no physical reason for Andrei to be white-knuckling the steering wheel. He knew this.

The roads were decent: April had warmed enough to melt any lingering snow off the asphalt and the skies were a little overcast but the forecast stated only a small chance of precipitation. And although both the road he was on and the rental car he was driving were unfamiliar, it was nothing that he couldn’t handle.

There was no physical reason for him to be clinging onto the steering wheel like his life depended on it. But when the loud voice of the Massachusetts sports radio broadcaster filters through the speakers, Andrei is cruelly reminded why his body was wound so tight.

“With their win last night, the Boston Bruins are ready to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs. Brooks, how do you feel about their chances against the number one team in the East?”

“Listen, it’s been a tough road for the Bruins. But something should be said about them even making it to the playoffs as a wildcard team – no one expected that at the beginning of this year. But in order to hold their own against a team like Carolina, The Bruins are going to have to step up their game, particularly their defensive game, Cotton. The Hurricanes have been firing on all cylinders since the start of the season: multiple players with 60 points, strong forechecking, and a lethal powerplay. Boston needs to find a way to stunt their offensive momentum and give Jeremy Swayman some support.”

“Agree completely. Swayman has been strong between the pipes all season and I don’t see that faltering now. He’s got something to prove after that contract signing and last years playoffs. Plus, we might even see another level to his play when the first round comes to Boston for Game 3, considering that there has been a rumor that rockstar Keely Halloran will be in the audience.”

The mention of Keely being in TD Garden, watching him play, would normally make Andrei’s heart skip a beat. But now, it just makes his fingers tighten even more – especially since it was mentioned in the same breath of someone who was not him.

“Oh, yeah, he’ll definitely be looking to impress her,” the co-host laughs, his needling words soaked with innuendo pricking at Andrei’s ears.

With a sharp jab of his finger, he silences the radio and returns his focus to the road.

He knew this was just a side-effect of being with Keely. She was a high-caliber celebrity. Everyone wanted to know about her and her life, including her relationship status. And when that information wasn’t freely given, people started rumors.

He also knew it wasn’t Keely’s fault that the tabloids took a hold of the concept of her and the goaltender of her hometown hockey team and ran – and he did mean ran – with it. But the constant headlines, mentions, and even the Bruins media themselves using the rumor for their own gain, it started getting to him.

Andrei was the one with Keely’s number in his phone. Andrei was the one who had seen the inside of her New York recording studio. Andrei knew the address of her Beacon Hill brownstone. He was the one that chose to rent a car shortly after the conclusion of the Carolina v. Montreal afternoon game and was now driving down to Boston to see her.

Him – not Jeremy Swayman.

Highway 89 stretched out in front of him; a long dark trail leading him to Keely. Andrei tries to keep his mind clear, thinking only about the next turn, the correct exit, trying to let the voice of his GPS be the only voice in his head. But while he could silence the radio, there was no silencing the knowledge that no matter what happened, people would still talk. And there was next to nothing he could do about it.

Except…

Him and Keely could go public with their relationship.

They had been seeing each other for around three months – if you count the All-Star game. That was plenty of time, right? And imagine what news it would be if she showed up to the Boston playoff game in red and white instead of black and gold.

That was the solution. That would make all this noise stop.

Andrei smirks to himself, his energy shifted to a new goal. All he had to do was get Keely onboard. He’s sure she would be fine with it. It was clear that she liked him and he liked her back. What could go wrong?

They would show the world that she belonged to him.

Andrei drives the last few miles, taking the exit to Boston and weaving through the city’s myriad of one-way streets. He eventually turns down the alley behind Keely’s brownstone, parking the car and walking along the ivy-covered fence towards the entrance to her garden. He stops at the wooden door and fishes his phone out from his pocket.

[Andrei] Are you home? [Keely] Yeah. Why? [Andrei] Just couldn’t stop thinking about you. Had to see you. [Keely] What? [Andrei] Back gate.

That text message is the only explanation he gives before returning his phone to his pocket, his eyes moving to look up at the illuminated windows of her place. He sees a curtain move, a flash of her silhouette before its gone and Andrei waits, patiently, his ears trained for any sound.

Eventually, he hears her backdoor creak open, the soft yet quick padding of her footsteps over the cobblestones, before the sound of her unlocking the garden door hits his ears. He stands still, watching the door creak open before her eyes connect to his.

Andrei can’t stop the grin that tugs at his lips at the sight of her joyful bewilderment.

Keely doesn’t say anything, just huffs out a surprised laugh as she pushes the door open further, allowing Andrei to slip inside. He doesn’t wait an instant longer before cupping her face in his hands and pulling her lips to his in a passionate kiss. He can feel body go lax in his hold, enjoying the sensation of her smile against his lips.

Andrei doesn’t stop kissing her, tugging her body even closer to his, the kisses becoming desperate. Seeing her face during a video call, hearing her voice through his phone speakers was nothing compared to being in her presence. They had only been able to meet up a few times since New York and it was never enough for Andrei. He always wanted more of her.

His lips trail down to press along her jawline, following the slope of it down her neck. His hands tighten around her when he hears a soft moan leave her lips, her hands twisting in the fabric of his dress shirt.

“Wait, Andrei,” Keely says, her voice a breathless sigh. “I have to make sure the gate locked.”

With a soft groan and no shortage of willpower, Andrei manages to pull himself away from her skin, letting her leave the grasp of his arms as she darts behind him. He waits, listening to rattle of the wooden door on its hinges before she appears in front of him again, a grin on her face. Andrei says nothing, just holds out his hand to her which she happily takes, pulling him across her backyard and into her house.

As soon as they cross the threshold, the door firmly shut behind them, Andrei doesn’t hesitate before pulling her back into his arms, kissing her once again; a kiss that Keely returns tenfold.

“How are you here?” she asks, breaking away to stare up at him with those electric blue eyes. “Didn’t you have a game? Don’t you have to go back to Carolina?”

“It’s only a five-hour drive from Montreal. Plus, Coach gave us a day before playoffs,” Andrei explained. “I chose to see you. I’ll fly back tomorrow.”

“You drove from Canada after an early game for me?” Keely clarifies, her voice almost as bewildered as the expression painting her face.

“Like I said, I had to see you,” he whispers, leaning his face in closer as if to kiss her again. But he stops just centimeters from her lips, his breath fanning her cheekbones. “Had to see my girl.”

This time, it is Keely that moves the barest of millimeters to press their lips together, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. He willingly lets himself get pulled into her, breathing in the subtle scent of the perfume still lingering on her skin. Andrei walks forward, using his body to push Keely deeper into her house, desperate to get her horizontal on whatever surface was closest.

Their blind momentum is stopped by Keely’s back hitting the drywall, a huff of breath escaping them as they tear away. Andrei lifts his head, orienting himself to her brownstone. He had only managed visit here twice before but when he realizes they are on bottom floor, he relaxes. His eyes locate her bedroom door, still slightly ajar and through it, spies her patterned bedsheets, a grin appearing on his face.

Andrei turns his attention back to Keely who had clearly followed his gaze and looks up at him with a grin of her own, one eyebrow jumping in challenge.

He leans in to kiss her again, their tongues pressing together as his hands run down her body, coming to grip her thigh and pulling it up to wrap around his leg. With the adrenaline now running through his body, Andrei lifts her off the ground, Keely’s gasp of surprise is quickly swallowed as her other leg instinctively wraps around his hip, ankles locking together. Andrei’s hold on her body is firm, kissing her deeply once more before he tears his lips away, his eyes focusing back on his destination.

Keely doesn’t seem to mind the loss of his lips on her skin, content instead to pepper kisses against Andrei’s jawline, each press of her plush lips making his steps falter.

“Don’t you dare drop me, Svechnikov,” she mutters into the juncture of his neck, her breath warm against him.

Andrei refocuses, nudging her bedroom door open the rest of the way. He walks to the king-sized bed until his legs hit the soft plushness of the mattress. A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips and without hesitation, his hold falls from Keely, gravity taking over as her body falls from his. Andrei can hear the soft gasp that is forced from her as her back hits the bedsheets, her eyes wide in shock.

“Whoops,” he says, standing over her, the word emphasized by a shrug of his shoulders. He watches as Keely’s face turns to reflect the mischief clearly displayed on his own.

In an instant, Andrei is taken off-guard as Keely – using the strength of her legs still wrapped around his hips – pulls him down to hover over her, her hands tangling into his hair. It’s easy for Andrei to recover, moving to kiss her again. One of his hands holds his weight as to not crush Keely while the other traces down her body, gently pulling her legs away from him.

When he is free of her grasp, he stands up, his body towering over her, and takes in the sight before him.

She is beautiful. It was something that he thought frequently but there was nothing as beautiful as the sight of her laying against the rumpled bedsheets, wearing nothing but a black lace bralette and grey sweats, looking up at him with a dark desire in her eyes.

A desire that was directed to him – no one else.

Andrei’s hands move, fingers slowly unbuttoning the white dress shirt. Each unfastening exposes more of his skin, Keely’s hungry gaze still fixed on him. Eventually, every button is undone and Andrei pulls the fabric off his body. He can’t deny the jolt of cocky confidence that runs through him when Keely’s eyes shamelessly rake down his frame, knowing that those early morning and long hours at the gym were not only for his career but for her.

“Like what you see?” he asks, his voice lowering an octave as Keely gazes up at him.

“I always like what I see when it comes to you,” she replies, her tone matching his. But Andrei can feel his heart soften at her words. It wasn’t just a compliment on his body – it was a compliment towards him. The entirety of him.

He doesn’t reply – doesn’t even really know what to say to her to convey every emotion swirling around in his mind. Instead, his hands just drop to his slacks, unfastening the belt buckle around his hips. He can see the spark brighten Keely’s eyes and before he can blink, she is lifting her body to sit upright, her hands knocking his away.

Her blue irises glance up at him, soft lips pressing against the cut of his abs and the half sigh, half groan that runs through him at the sensation echoes around the bedroom. He can feel her smile against his skin, her lips trailing downwards as her hands make quick work of the clasp and zipper of his slacks. Keely’s hand slides down, gently palming him through the material, releasing another groan from the back of Andrei’s throat, his head falling back.

“I suppose,” she says, elongating the word, causing Andrei’s gaze to return to her. “Since you drove all the way from Montreal for me, I should do something for you in return.”

“Like what?”

“Do you really have to ask?” she teases, her body slowly sliding off the bed to kneel in front of him, her hand lifting to touch him again. “That strung out already, baby?”

The power she wields over him is dangerous. Some part of Andrei knows that – knows that he would do anything to be with her and that willingness to throw everything away could easily spell doom for him. But when Keely’s soft hands twist in the waistband of his pants and underwear, tugging them down his legs, her eyes alighting at the sight of his cock, tall and proud, those concerns disappear.

And when she presses her soft lips against his silken skin, his mind empties completely.

How he got this lucky, he’ll never know. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world back in that Toronto hotel room. He felt even luckier when he entered her New York studio. But he wouldn’t deny that this, right here – Keely’s eyes looking up at him as she takes him into the wet cavern of her mouth – this felt like the luckiest moment of his life.

Andrei’s body reverts to complete auto-pilot, his hand tangling into Keely’s hair as she lowers her mouth more onto his cock, her tongue moving against him. It feels sinful, sensual, the way she moves in a steady rhythm against him, tracing and tasting what feels like every inch of him. The choked groans and sharp breaths that fall from his chest are entirely unfiltered, wanting to let her know exactly how she’s making him feel. He can’t stop the buck of his hips, thrusting into her mouth sharply once before his eyes dart down, a flash of concern running through him. But when his eyes land on her, she looks at him through her eyelashes, her hand reaching up to grasp the back of his thigh and pull him into her again.

This woman.

His hands tighten in her hair, slowly thrusting, finding a steady rhythm. Keely lets him take her, her gaze trained on him, her hand still resting on his thigh as he sets a perfect pace. He relishes in the sound of her muffled moans, the feeling of him prodding the back of her throat, the sight of her blue eyes pricking with tears – all for him.

“You look so fucking pretty like this,” Andrei mutters, a hand coming to brush away the wetness from her cheekbones. Keely’s only response is a whine, the vibrations of the noise sending a shudder down his spine, his head falling back.

“Fuck, babe, I need you,” he groans, pulling away from her, a glistening string of saliva still connecting them. He can hear her sigh, her tongue darting out to lick her lips, her own eyes sparkling with that mischievous glint that he had come to know and love.

Keely opens her mouth, no doubt some snarky comment about to fall from her lips. But Andrei doesn’t let her get a word in before he is lifting her off the carpet, spinning and pushing her down so her chest is pressed against the sheets, one of his large hands splayed against the small of her back, pinning her in place.

Andrei wastes no time hooking his fingers underneath her sweatpants, tugging down the plush material, exposing her smooth legs to him. But his eyes are attached to the sight of her core, the cotton of her panties stretched over her center, the dark wet patch enticing him even further. His fingers trace over the curve of her ass before dipping in between, his calloused skin pressing against her, causing more of her arousal to flood the fabric.

“Get this wet from sucking dick, sweetheart?” he questions, his fingers sliding lower to press against her clit, releasing a moan from her.

“Andrei, please,” she whimpers, her hips bucking back to meet his touch.

“Not yet,” he replies, removing his hands from her and tugging her underwear down to meet her sweats. This time, it’s his turn to kneel, his breath fanning her glistening core, the sensation causing her hips to wriggle. “Need to taste you.”

His hands grip the muscle of her ass, pulling and holding her open, putting her on display for him. Andrei pauses, taking in the sight of her wet and desperate for him. As if she knew the power she held, Andrei watches with wide eyes as a drop of her arousal drips from her core, hanging down like a silver drop of honey. Any sense of restraint evaporates from him as his tongue extends, collecting that nectar on his tastebuds before following the strand up to her molten core.

Keely’s moan is loud, bouncing off the walls of her bedroom as Andrei’s tongue works against her, dipping into her folds before stretching down to press against her clit. All his senses are just flooded with Keely – the smell of her, the taste of her. She encourages him by grinding her hips back to meet him and Andrei does not stop devouring her, his tongue never ceasing its movement, not until he feels her legs tremble beneath his hands.

It takes all sense of restraint to pull away from her, the whine that she releases another temptation for him to dive back in. But he resists, one of his hands moving back to grip her hip, the other dipping between his own legs to grasp the base of his cock. He leans forward, running the head of him against her soaked folds, Keely’s hips chasing him. Andrei tightens his hold on her, stopping her momentum.

“Andrei,” she whines again, her voice high and tight in the back of her throat.

“Tell me you want it,” comes the demand, practically growled as Andrei repeats his movement against her core. “Tell me you want me.”

“Please, Andrei. Please. I want you. I need you, please.”

If Andrei thought the sound of her moans were the most beautiful music he had heard, the sound of her pleading was a siren song, drawing him in. He was helpless to resist it even if he wanted to. But why would he ever want to deny her?

His hips press forward, sinking into her heat and the mutual moan they both release tells him that he feels just as good inside her as she does around him. Andrei continues to move until his hips are flush against her. There is a brief pause, a moment where the two of them just take in the sensation of Andrei fully seated inside her, his chest rising in heavy breaths as he watches Keely writhe against the bedsheets, her hands twisting the fabric in a death-grip.

“Move.”

The soft demand that falls from her lips sets off a fire inside him and Andrei slowly pulls back until he is almost entirely removed from her core before he snaps his hips forward.

“This what you wanted darling?” he asks, setting an almost brutal pace.

Keely’s only reply is another moan, her back arching as he feels her hips move to meet his thrusts.

“That’s right, fuck yourself back on it,” Andrei groans, his eyes trailing down the cut of her spine to watch her ass ripple with the force of his thrusts. “God, you look so good. Look so good like this. All mine.”

One of his hands trails around her waist, dipping lower to press against her clit. Andrei watches as her head turns, muffling her cries of pleasure into the plush duvet as he rubs slow circles against the bundle of nerves, a beautiful contrast to the animalistic pace.

Andrei’s eyes remain fixed on her body, his free hand running over the curve of her hip, her waist, up her spine before his fingers tangle in the straps of the lace still wrapped around her chest. He fists the material, sharply tugging, forcing her body upright meet his own. The heat of her pressed against the entirety of him causes him to moan, the scent of her perfume filling his senses as he wraps his arm around her, holding her in place as continues to thrust within her. The new position causes a gasp to fall from Keely’s lips, followed by a moan as her hands reach back, tangling into the hair at the base of his neck.

“Fuck, right there. Andrei.”

“Right there?” he questions, his voice a somewhat cruel taunt as he moves again. “Tell me. Tell me exactly what you want.”

“Want… want you,” she moans, her sentence choppy with the most gorgeous whimpers and whines.

“Want me to make you feel good?”

“Mmhmm,” Keely whines and Andrei can’t help the confidence he feels, knowing that he managed to make all grasp of language escape his awarded songwriter.

“I need you to say it. Tell me how I make you feel.”

“Good. So fucking good.”

“Who makes you feel like this?”

“You. Only you Andrei.”

“That’s right, sweetheart. Only me,” he growls, his fingers returning to her clit and rubbing tight circles around it, his touch sliding with an ease thanks to her slickness. “You’re all mine, aren’t you?”  

“Andrei…”

“Say it. You’re mine. Say it.”

“I’m yours. All yours,” Keely moans and Andrei can feel her body trembling against him.

“Go on, darling. Show me. Show me that you’re all mine. Come for me.”

His quiet demand is all it takes for Keely to fall over that edge, her body stiffening as her cunt clenches around him, an almost silent moan falling from her mouth. Andrei groans in kind, loving the sensation of her fluttering around him as she comes down, a softer sigh running through her as her head lolls back onto his shoulder, her eyes closed in satisfaction. He moves gently, his length still hard within her and she whines, her eyebrows furrowing.

“Andrei,” she whimpers.

“I know,” comes his reply, pressing a soft kiss against her temple. “I know. Just stay still for me.”

Keely whines, her head gently nodding as Andrei holds her tight, her back still pressed against his chest, the sweat on their bodies slowly cooling. Andrei slips out of her core, a guttural groan emanating from his chest at the loss of her warmth around him.

“Press your legs together. Can you do that for me, sweetheart?” Andrei whispers in her ear, his voice low and thick with the need for his own release. Keely nods, her feet moving in closer so her thighs touch, her hand still playing with the hair on the nape of his neck while the other rests on the strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Andrei groans, pressing forward to slide his rigid cock between the seam of her thighs, the arousal coating his length and her skin offering no resistance. He groans, his head dipping down to press his lips against her shoulder as his hips move again. The tightness of her thighs is nowhere near as pleasurable as her pussy but Andrei can’t bring himself to care. Not when he is so desperately close.

“Andrei,” Keely whispers, her breath fanning the shell of his ear. “Please. I need it. Need you to come.”

His hips buck, gliding against her skin a few more times before his body stiffens, his cock twitching as he meets his orgasm, the stickiness of his own cum joining the slickness between her thighs. The two of them stand there, tired and spent, their chests rising in unison as they each breathe deeply.

Andrei thickly swallows, his mind coming back to the present moment, his head lifting. He meets her blue eyes already staring at him, her eyelids heavy and a soft smile on her face. Andrei can’t stop leaning in to kiss her, helpless in the gravity of her. She kisses him back, her hand still tangled in the hair at the base of his neck. The two of them stay like that until Andrei pulls away, pressing a playful kiss onto the tip of her nose. Keely giggles in response, her gaze dropping from him as a grimace appears on her face.

“Bath?” Andrei questions.

“Yes, please.”

Andrei slowly pulls himself away from her, but only to give himself enough space to scoop her up into his arms again, another giggle falling from her lips. He wanders into the adjoining bathroom, the lit candle providing enough light for him to locate the large bathtub. Andrei gently lowers Keely down into the porcelain, running to flip on the light before returning to her and starting the water. He waits until it is at a comfortable temperature before stopping the drain, letting the water rise around her.

“Join me?” Keely asks once he stops the faucet, her eyes glancing up at him and her hands extended. Andrei’s only response is a smile as he takes her hand in his. She scoots forward, allowing him the space to climb in behind her, sinking down before pulling her back against him.

Hands moving, they gently clean the sweat and slick off their skin, the intoxicating fresh smell of Keely’s bodywash filling Andrei’s nostrils. They stay there – bodies pressed together, the gentle rise and fall of her chest matching his – until the water cools. After helping Keely out of the tub, wrapping her one of her plush towels, she disappears into the bedroom as Andrei drains the bath.

When he re-enters her room, he finds her already sitting on top of her bedsheets, an oversized t-shirt on her body. Her eyes track his movements as he finds the pile of his clothes at the edge of the bed.

“What brought this on?” Keely muses, her voice soft as she watches him untangle his boxers from the rumpled dress pants on her carpet.

“What?”

“This – this whole ‘you’re mine’ possessive talk? Not that I’m complaining.”

 Andrei swallows thickly, the question he wanted to ask, the proposal he wanted to make, returning to his brain. He is unsure of what to say or at least, how to say it clearly so she understands. Instead, he pulls his boxers back up his legs, choosing to answer her question with one of his own.  

“Are you really gonna go to the playoff games here?”

His brown eyes find her, watching the way she collapses back onto her pillows, her shoulder moving in a non-committal shrug.

“Probably. It’ll be fun, seeing my favorite team and my favorite player,” she replies. Her gaze darts back to him, that sparkling tease shining in her pupils. 

“What’ll you wear?” he asks and he notices the way her eyebrows knit together at his continued questions.

“I’m not sure. Maybe my All-Star jersey. Why?”

“It’s yellow,” he dumbly states. Keely lightly laughs, a grin appearing on her face.

“Yes, Andrei, it is.”

“But…”

“What? Upset that I won’t be wearing red?” she questions, her tone still light.

“You’d look good in red,” he mutters, sitting down on the edge of the mattress, his eyes turning to stare at the carpet.

“I know,” Keely replies. There is a brief moment of silence before Andrei can feel her foot gently nudging at him, causing his gaze to return to her.

“What are you getting at, Andrei?”

Her stare is curious and earnest, the sight of it making him relax. He gently takes her foot, placing it in his lap, his hands absentmindedly trace patterns against her smooth skin as his gaze falls back to the carpet, trying to piece his thoughts together. 

“It’s just… I like you.”

“Obviously,” Keely interrupts with another lighthearted giggle. Andrei eyes dart back to her.

“Keely, please,” he says, his voice firm and he can see her register the seriousness in his tone. Her body lifts upright, the leg not placed in his lap folding underneath her.

“I’m sorry. Go ahead.”

Andrei sighs, letting his eyes return to the space in front of him and the thoughts return to his head.

“I like you. And I’m pretty sure you like me. We’ve been seeing each other for a few months now and… I was wondering… well, I guess – I guess I just want the world to know that.”

The declaration is less certain and succinct than he wanted it to be but he hopes the underlying question is clear enough. His brown eyes dart towards her, analyzing every micro-expression that crosses her face. It takes a minute but Andrei can see when his suggestion registers with her. And a flash of panic runs through him when he watches her body stiffen, the foot in his lap recoiling and curling back towards her. Keely’s legs move, knees coming up to her chest as her arms wrap around her shins.

“You… you want to go public?” she asks. Andrei can’t quite figure out the tone lacing her words so he presses on.

“Yeah. I figured that this would be a good time.”

“Before the playoffs would be a good time?” she clarifies, contextualizing his words as her eyebrows raise in question. The mention of the playoffs triggers the memories of the media surrounding him, the Bruins, and Keely, bringing the real focus of his ire to the forefront.

“I just want everyone to know that you��re with me and not with Jeremy Swayman.”

The last third of his sentence was more muttered under his breath than the rest. But Keely heard it all the same, her body unfolding as her spine straightens to stare him down.

“Is that what this is about? Tabloid rumors?”

This time Andrei can hear the sharpness painting the edges of her words and he realizes his reasoning was the cause.

“No!” he says, attempting to backtrack.

“Then why are we talking about Jeremy Swayman?”

“We’re not – ” he tries to explain but he can feel the anger radiating off of Keely and knows now that he said the wrong thing. But he also knows it was far too late to take back his words.

“Does it bother you? What people are writing?”

“God, yes. Yes Keely, it bothers me. I’m sick of constantly hearing about how you’re in love with someone who isn’t me. I hate it, I don’t want to hear it. We could stop it: let the world know that it’s me – in your bed, your phone, your heart.”

He can see and hear the heavy sigh that escapes Keely’s chest, her eyes wide as she stares at him, her head gently shaking in disbelief.

“They won’t stop, Andrei,” she says slowly, as if talking to a child. “You have to understand this, they never stop.”

“But they will,” he argues back, his own stubbornness blinding him. “Yeah, they’ll talk about us but, it’ll be – it’ll be the truth.”

“No, it won’t. Sure, yeah, some it maybe but they’ll never be entirely truthful. Breakup rumors every time I don’t attend a game. Engagement rumors the very next day. How I’m a distraction if your game falters, how I’m going to write a scathing song about you if you break my heart, how – considering our careers and the amount of time we can’t be together – how we’ll never be able to work.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I don’t?” she questions, her voice sharpening and Andrei realizes that he once again has said the wrong thing. “This has been my life for the past 10 years. No matter what we do, you’ll still have to hear rumors that you don’t want to hear. Are you ready for that?”

“I – I’m – ”

“If you’re this upset about the papers talking about me with someone else, how will you be able to handle it when the attention – both good and bad – is focused entirely on you?”

“I just… I just want you,” he confesses, the words truthful and earnest and he watches as Keely’s body deflates.

“You can’t want me and not be ready for that,” she tells him, her words wavering but her voice clear. “It’s a part of my life, Andrei. It sucks – trust me, I know better than most how much it fucking sucks. But if you want to be with me, it’s just something you have to accept. Can you do that, Andrei?”

The silence weighs over them, Keely’s question hanging in the air, demanding an answer. An answer that Andrei isn’t sure that he can give.

“I – I don’t know,” he says, the words falling through his mouth in the same time as his shoulders fall with a sigh, his eyes returning to stare at his feet resting against her plush carpet.

He can hear her matching sigh and a small part of him knows, intrinsically, that she understands where he is coming from, what he is feeling. But he also knows he can’t erase his previous words from her mind. He can no longer lie to her and pretend like the tabloids and publicity doesn’t bother him.

Keely sighs again, the sound drawing his attention back to her. Her eyes are also trained at a distant point in the room and he hates that he can feel the distance stretching between them, a distance that had been shrinking in the past months but now reverted back to that unmanageable ocean.

“I think…” she begins, her shoulders lifting in a deep breath. “I think it might be best if we take a break.”

The words hit Andrei like a shotgun bullet, piercing through his chest.

“Keely – ” he tries to say but Keely ignores his plead, continuing on.

“You’re clearly tired of the secrecy needed to be with me but you also clearly aren’t ready for everything that going public entails.”

“Wait, Keely, I – ”

“Andrei. Please.”

Her blue eyes dart back towards him and he falters under her stare. If her prior words wounded him, the cool indifference in her eyes would’ve been the kill-shot. But instead, it was the glimmer of pain hidden beneath that mask of apathy that truly cut through his heart.

“I can’t do this with you,” Keely says, her words not as practiced as her last, the pain and truth coming through. “I can’t – I can’t twist myself into something I’m not for someone else’s comfort. I won’t do that again.”

He wants to say that he’d never ask her to do that for him. That he loved her for exactly who she was. But he can’t. Because, while her words may have been harsh, she was right. He wasn’t ready. She wasn’t ready. Maybe this was for the best – some space to let them figure out if this is something they both truly wanted.

So, Andrei says nothing. He just hangs his head down, giving Keely a small nod in understanding. He feels her weight shift on the mattress, the firm boxspring sinking as she scoots closer to him. He doesn’t look up, not even when her arms wrap around him in an embrace that is laden with every heartbreaking emotion he can think of. His hand lifts to grasp her forearm, his thumb gently caressing her skin for a moment before she lets him go.

The weight of her disappears and Andrei listens to the sound of her walking out of the room, moments passing before a door down the hallway shuts.

He sighs, lifting himself up and slowly returning his gameday suit to his body. He checks to make sure his keys are still secure in his pockets before he leaves Keely’s bedroom. He is almost at the backdoor when the soft sound piano tapping out a melancholy tune catches his attention. His head turns, listening to the music wafting down the hallway.

The melody is unfamiliar but heartbreaking all the same. Andrei’s gaze returns to the glass door leading to the backyard, rain beading on the surface. He sighs before walking out into storm, feeling his shirt quickly becoming plastered to his skin, that haunting music still ringing in his ears. He pushes through the back gate, turning to make sure it securely locked behind him. It is only when he is back in the cold unfamiliar rental car does he allow his head to drop, letting his tears fall in time with the rain.

a/n deux: yes, it's a third act break-up. i apologize but listen, i did say dating a rockstar isn't easy. will this break be good for them or will it be permanent? guess you'll have to keep reading to find out!

taglist: @fallinallincurls @laureniray @comphy-and-cozy@smileysvech@pyotrkochetkov @thewintersoldierdisaster @svexhenthusiast

let me know if you want to be tagged in this story or if you want to add yourself to my general taglist, click here!!

[calacuspr]

Calacus Monthly Hit & Miss – KTM

Every month we look at the best or worst communicators in the sports world from the last few weeks.

KTM

It’s been a turbulent time for Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM.

It was revealed late last year that they were struggling as a business, with debts estimated to be as high as €3 billion.

The company has entered self-administration after cutting its board of directors from six to two members and has so far made 1800 employees redundant amid a 29% decrease in revenue from 2023, as well as cutting production by 26%.

One of the best-known names in the paddocks, Jeremy McWilliams, also had his contract terminated after 15 years of collaboration as a test driver and technical developer at the Austrian manufacturer.

Creditors had been putting pressure on the company to quit the championship to save costs, with a document previously released by a court in Austria stating that an exit was planned, without specifying a particular date.

KTM have implemented a 100-point restructuring plan to solve its financial problems, maintaining its commitment to MotoGP, while other manufacturers were reported to fear a potential departure from the championship could affect the prestige of the competition.

The manufacturer has stated that it “strives to maintain a policy of transparent, timely and comprehensive information and communication with the capital market participants and the general public.”

That’s a good position to take when the crisis is in the public domain. Too often, organisations want their owned channels to avoid mention of difficulties rather than give them the prevalence that they require.

A recent hearing in Austria revealed that 23 potential investors had expressed interest in KTM, with the company looking at a possible €900 million injection from various parties.

With an intention to compete in Moto GP in 2025, KTM have a responsibility to their fans, partners and the sport as a whole to continue business as usual, despite the financial storm clouds.

KTM has four bikes entered in MotoGP, having signed two high-profile riders in Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini alongside Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder, 

That’s why KTM deserve so much credit for running a comprehensive launch ahead of this year’s Moto GP campaign, including all four of its riders across its two teams, alongside senior staff and KTM motorsport CEO Pit Beirer for media interviews.

It’s perfectly reasonable that the media were made aware that the speakers would not be discussing KTM’s finances, with the focus primarily on the Moto GP launch.

Only Beirer spoke about the financial challenges, but his answers were full and thorough, not evasive and clipped. He said: “It has been a rough winter. Only on December 20 last year was it confirmed that racing would remain part of the company as we move forward.

“There have been many questions but we have been clear since the last day of the 2024 season: we are here to race and we are very serious about success in this fantastic championship that spreads motorcycling and motorcycle racing to many corners of the world. 2025 has started strongly for us with the important Dakar victory and also winning in AMA Supercross, now it is a real pleasure to present our MotoGP teams and see our bike ready to race for the ninth year in a row.”

There were reports that KTM plan to exit Moto GP in 2026, which Beirer was quick to deny.

He added: “I strongly believe there will be a positive outcome. I can guarantee you we have a super strong plan for the future of this company. And it’s not just about one or two years of racing. We want KTM here forever. That includes our race department. That is for sure.

“In MotoGP, you cannot participate just to be there. You need to give everything to stay in the hunt with these great manufacturers. If you stand still for a year, you miss the train by, let’s say, one second, and then you drop from fighting for a podium to last place.”

“We’ve done our homework, we have a plan, we spoke with our sponsors, partners, and the board. We saved money where we could, but we never stopped developing our motorcycle. And as a bike manufacturer, that is our life insurance—to develop and provide the best motorcycles in the world.

“We want to come out strong in MotoGP. And not just start strong—we want to finish strong as well.”

In 2024, KTM finished second in the manufacturers’ standings, a long way off the dominant Ducati but comfortably clear of third-placed Aprilia.

Rider Pedro Acosta batted away attempts to address the finances and commented: “It’s not something I have to think about. That’s for the guys at the factory, for Pit, for management. Our job is to be fast on track. That’s the biggest help we can give—winning races.

"For me it's super clear that by no means...there was no pause at all in our steps to try and get closer to the front and fight for a championship."

Ducati won 19 out of 20 Grand Prix last year, and while KTM had a chance to secure sprints, the challenge to beat the dominant team remains.

Acosta added: "At the end we are improving a lot...let's see what's going with less Ducatis on track, with the stronger line-up of KTM of all times, let's see what's going on.

"At the end it's maybe [not a question for now], even before the winter test; let's see what's going on in Malaysia and then we can talk about it."

The future of the Austrian manufacturer will be decided on 25 February, when creditors will put a final vote on its insolvency plan, but if they communicate with investors as well as they have with fans and media, they’ll no doubt attract the backing they require. 

[anothersebastianblog]

No studio has been announced, just that it will be produced. When there are announcements, they mention the studio behind the project. This time there was no such thing. So it wasn't purchased, it may not even be, or it may be seen after the elections.

No, most people don't know who Sebastian Stan is. They actors may be known to the industry because of the Emmy, but they are not famous for the big GP.

In my country, people don't know who Jeremy Strong is because streaming is expensive, my country has a poor majority, in other words, the majority don't even know what Succession is. /

your country is not the whole world there before its situation doesn't represent the majority

.

[ukrfeminism]

A Labour MP is taking time away from work after suffering from “a sustained campaign of misogynistic harassment and abuse”.

Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, posted a statement on Twitter on Wednesday night that said she attended hospital on June 12 and was subsequently signed off work by her GP.

She said: “For the duration of my time as a Member of Parliament, I have been subjected to a sustained campaign of misogynistic abuse and harassment.

“As a survivor of domestic abuse, it has been particularly painful and difficult. This abusive campaign has had a significant effect on my mental and physical health.

Ms Begum, who was part of the 2019 intake of MPs, added that her staff and office will still be open to help people in her east London constituency while she is off sick.

Her absence from work means that she will not be able to take any part in Labour’s trigger ballot process. This is when local party and affiliate branches decide if the sitting MP will contest the next general election or if there should be a new selection process.

Ms Begum added: “I am very concerned by the wider circumstances surrounding the trigger ballot process. This has included complaints of alleged rule-breaking and alleged misogynistic intimidation.”

She said it is important the Labour Party investigates these claims and warned that the intimidation she has faced “will be all too familiar to women, socialists, and those from ethnic backgrounds.”

The east London MP was supported by a number of her Laboour colleagues. Ian Bryne MP wrote on Twitter: “The bravery shown by Apsana over the last 3 years of relentless attacks is remarkable but sickening it’s continuing. 

“I hope the party realise they have a duty of care and act to protect my friend and colleague.”

And former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Apsana is a strong good woman. Appalling treatment. My full support.”

Ms Begum first spoke of being a victim of domestic violence after being cleared of fraud charges in July last year.

[eaglesnick]

101 Things You Should Know About The UK Tory Government

Thing 45

The NHS is in crisis – some say terminally ill.  This has not happened overnight. Twelve years of Tory austerity have brought a once flourishing health service to its knees.

The Cameron/Osborne government, in coalition with the Lib-Dems, formed the government between 2010 and 2015.

The Nuffield Trust had this to say in 2015.

“Between 1997 and 2009, health expenditure growth was strong, increasing at an average rate of around six per cent per year. However, since 2009, there have been no real-term increases. This coincides with the recent recession seen in the private economy, and the related period of public sector austerity”

After the Conservative electoral victory in 2015 the Tory policy of economic austerity continued.

Jeremy Hunt was the Tory Secretary of Health and Social Care between 2012 and 2018 and he was ruthless in applying austerity rules within the NHS. Under his leadership, 15,000 hospital beds were slashed, expenditure cuts of £22 billion were imposed, and closures were forced on hospital units, GP surgeries, mental health units and A&E departments.  (Leftfoot Forward: 10/01/2018)

Nothing has changed despite Tory claims to the contrary.

“NHS spending: Inflation and demand growth to wipe out almost all of £3.3bn extra funding announced by chancellor.”  (Skynews: 18/11/22)

So, the NHS will continue to be under-funded, the health and social care crisis will continue to deepen and at some stage the Tory Party will declare the only solution to the problem is a two-tier health system: one for the well-off, like Rishi Sunak who has guaranteed same-day health care insurance, and a second-class service for the rest of us.

[mariacallous]

Vladimir Putin has made strategic errors in his pursuit of the war in Ukraine partly because there are so few restraints on his leadership, the head of the British spy agency GCHQ will say in a speech on Tuesday.

Russia’s soldiers are running out of supplies and munitions and initial gains made by Moscow are being reversed, Jeremy Fleming is expected to add in a rare public address.

“Far from the inevitable Russian military victory that their propaganda machine spouted, it’s clear that Ukraine’s courageous action on the battlefield and in cyberspace is turning the tide,” Fleming will say.

Focusing on the Russian president directly, Fleming is expected to say that “with little effective internal challenge, his decision-making has proved flawed” and that he has engaged in “a high-stakes strategy that is leading to strategic errors in judgment”.

On Monday, Moscow launched a wave of missile strikes aimed at Kyiv and other major urban centres, killing at least 11 people, which Putin said was in response to the weekend bombing of the bridge connecting occupied Crimea to Russia.

Western intelligence has repeatedly emphasised how it believes that Putin has micromanaged the conduct of Russian forces in the seven-month-long war. Last month US officials said it was thought the president had rejected a request from his generals to retreat from the city of Kherson on the west of the Dnieper River.

But although intelligence officials believe there is increasing anxiety within the Kremlin at the progress of the war, Putin’s position is thought to remain strong. In the unlikely event he was to be suddenly replaced it is not certain it would result in a significant change in Russian strategy, either.

The GCHQ director will highlight the costs to Russia from the months of fighting, arguing that Moscow’s forces have become exhausted and its recent mobilisation of conscripts shows signs of desperation. “We know – and Russian commanders on the ground know – that their supplies and munitions are running out,” he will add.

Fleming is also expected to speak about the future threat posed by China, according to a pre-released extract of the remarks he will make in front of a specialist audience at the Rusi thinktank on Tuesday afternoon.

Beijing’s efforts to exploit the control and surveillance capabilities in emerging technologies represents “a threat to us all” that must be tackled by concerted western action, Fleming will say, reflecting a widely held intelligence view that it is China rather than Russia that is the long-term challenger to the west.

Characterising the situation as “a sliding doors moment in our history”, Fleming warned that in particular China was seeking to control or influence technologies such as satellite systems and digital currencies in line with its authoritarian politics and, where possible, spread them internationally.

Beijing has been seeking to launch a central bank digital currency in an attempt to boost the use of the yuan in international transactions. But Fleming said it could be used to allow China to “partially evade the sort of international sanctions currently being applied to Putin’s regime in Russia” if Beijing were to attempt to invade Taiwan.

The spy chief also highlighted China’s promotion of its own BeiDou satellite navigation system, an alternative to the US GPS and the EU’s Galileo.

“Many believe that China is building a powerful anti-satellite capability, with a doctrine of denying other nations access to space in the event of a conflict,” Fleming will say, adding: “There are fears the technology could be used to track individuals.”

[the-apocryphal-one]

I have a few questions about the Green Phoenix au. Firstly, does Richard exist in it? If he does, what is his role? Also, what is Professor Hertz's role in it?

Oooh, good questions anon!

- Richard would still exist and still have been asked by Hopper to help Aelita. Since finding the secret room set off his ‘alarm’ so to speak, he’d show up whenever the LW get around to searching the Hermitage. I can see that happening as early as the first season (since they’d be scouring everywhere for clues about Hopper), but realistically he wouldn’t show up until Season 2 or so (just to avoid over-clutter in the first season, under the excuse none of them found the room and Aelita/XANA thought they had).

- His role would be to bring the ‘diary’ of this AU–something of Hopper’s they have to crack, with the end-season revelation that it’s part of a weapon to destroy Lyoko and Carthage, thus stopping the Green Phoenix. Finding the rest of the weapon would be the plot of Season 3 (Aelita and XANA will have been materialized by then).

- After Richard brings the ‘diary’ and gets brought up to speed, he’ll probably have to leave–he has a life, not infinite vacation days (CDE only takes place over a couple of weeks, the GP AU would cover months or more). BUT he would stay in touch and keep his ear to the ground, and even visit once in a while. He wouldn’t be Jim-levels of recurring, more like Ulrich’s dad-levels.

- There would definitely be a happy Richard-Aelita reunion while XANA rolls his eyes in the background.

- There would also definitely be a “Wait, your Mr. X is a computer program? I was jealous of a computer?” “You were what?” moment.

- Hertz’s role is to provide intel on the Green Phoenix, since she’s been using her contacts to track them for years. Even XANA and Jeremie have trouble hacking their databases (XANA here is not as strong as CDE XANA, yet), so her help is really welcome.

- The kids are shocked when Hertz tears up upon seeing Aelita; she knew Hopper was captured by the GP, and assumed Aelita was dead. Hertz spent a decade thinking she failed her best friend’s entire family. But now, she knows that’s not true, and she takes Aelita under her wing.

- She and XANA actually do know each other, since she saw him at the factory now and again. It’d be more of a passing acquaintances thing rather than friendship, but it does give her a somewhat unique viewpoint. She’s not afraid to treat him like any other kid.

[notjustamaninahat]

Jeremy Northam: Oscar Good Luck Charm

Olivia Colman’s recent well deserved Best Actress Oscar got me thinking. Jeremy has worked with more than a few actresses who have gone on to win Oscars. Playing opposite him must bring some kind of Oscar magic with it. Maybe it’s in his smile? Or that sexy nose? Call it the JN Oscar Luck.

Olivia Colman looked a bit dazed holding her Oscar for The Favourite. She and Jeremy both played bewildered guests in a production of Hay Fever in 2012.

Sometimes the JN Oscar Luck takes longer to work than other times.

Gwyneth Paltrow only had to wait 3 years after playing opposite Jeremy’s perfect Mr Knightley in Emma before she won her Best Actress Oscar for Shakespeare in Love in 1999.

Yet it took 15 long years for the JN Luck to set in for Sandra Bullock. She and Jeremy worked together in 1995 in The Net, but her Best Actress Oscar for The Blind Side came in 2010.

Sometimes the magic is stronger than other times, too.

The JN Luck worked enough magic for Tilda Swinton to garner her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Michael Clayton in 2008, after chasing down war criminals with Jeremy in The Statement in 2003.

The JN magic must have been extra strong for Cate Blanchett. It worked twice for her. Six years after she and Jeremy played husband and wife in An Ideal Husband in 1999, Cate won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for The Aviator.

And then in 2014, JN’s Oscar Luck struck again for her when she won the Best Actress Oscar for Blue Jasmine.

The JN Luck even works when he’s part of an ensemble cast and has few scenes with the future award winner.

In 2001, Jeremy and Helen Mirren were both members of that phenomenal cast in Robert Altman’s Gosford Park. Six years later she took home the Best Actress Oscar for The Queen. (Perhaps the reason she didn’t win when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for GP was the fact that she didn’t have any scenes with Jeremy in that film. Perhaps?)

Also in 2001, Jeremy and Kate Winslet were part of a large cast in the WWII thriller Enigma. Although they had only a few scenes together, the JN Oscar Luck was working for her when she won Best Actress for The Reader in 2009.

Of course there are plenty of Jeremy’s costars who haven’t experienced the JN Oscar Luck. Yet. As we’ve seen, some times you have to be patient.

Kidding aside, though, each of the Oscar-winning actresses above didn’t really need any good luck from Jeremy Northam. They earned their awards all on their own. Their talent and hard work were the reasons they won. I was delighted to see each of these women get the recognition they heartily deserve. And I’d be willing to bet their former costar was delighted for them as well.

[peachymama7]

My first Ryan Haywood fan fiction story. Be gentle with me!

Ryan Haywood

Word Count- 1,350

Warning- Language

Turning in the direction the GPS said to go in, I pull into this big parking lot surrounded by studio buildings. I had no idea which building to head for, so i stop the vehicle to text Lindsay. She is the one who invited me out here for lunch.

“Where am I suppose to go? This place has like three big buildings,”

She quickly replies back to me within seconds.

“Head for Stage 5, Michael is at the door waiting for you,”

I maneuvered my car around and find a parking place relatively close to the entrance of the building of what I pursue is.

Turning off my vehicle, I open the door before locking it as I exit out and shut the door. I see Michael standing there on his phone as I approach him.

“So where is she?,”

“Interview for the website about RWBY. She told me to meet you out here and take you into the office. So how was your flight in?,” Michael asks as he opens the door before I head in before him.

“It was nice and sweet thankfully. Glad to visit my best friend,”

“Hey what about me?,”

I smile as I follow him.

“Friends,”

“That’s better. So don’t run away when we enter. We work with a bunch of idiots,”

That causes me to laugh as he shakes his head.

“They are nice but idiots,” Michael says as we stop at a door before he places in a code.

“I’ll see for myself,”

“Suit yourself,”

He opens the door to reveal a room with a bunch of desks and computers in it along with guys.

“Hey guys,” Michael says as everyone turns their head or lifts up there heads to look over to us.

“This is mine and Lindsay’s friend, Kimberly. She is visiting from Georgia. Kimberly that over there is Geoff and Jack. And these two are Jeremy and Gavin. See told you,”

They greet me and in vice versa.

“So you any good at video games?,” Geoff asks me.

“I’m good at them but I won’t brag about it,” I say.

“How would you like to play a game with us?,”

“Sure, I would love too,”

I wasn’t going to turn down an invitation to play a game.

“Go over and sit down in Ryan’s desk aka the empty spot,” Michael says as I make my way over and take a sit in the chair.

“You sure he will be okay with me using his stuff?,” I ask as Jack is setting up the computer to record from the TV or something like that.

“He will be fine with it,” Geoff says as Jack gets everything up and running.

We are playing GTA V and I’m playing under the gamer tag BMVagabond. That must be his gamer tag.

“So is everything running over there, Jack?,” Geoff asks.

“Everything but recording,” Jack says.

“Kimberly, would it be okay if we recorded you for a video?,” Geoff asks.

“Sure, will it be online?,” I ask.

“Yes but we will introduce you so everyone knows your playing instead of Ryan,”

“Sure let’s do it,”

I grab the black Xbox One remote as I take a look at this GTA character. It’s male, has face paint and long black hair. Has a black jacket with blue accents on it. It looks bad ass, if I do say so myself. Before clicking the invitation, I place on the headsets that were hanging off the mic.

I click on the invitation that was on the screen as I am taking to a lobby where the guys were at. I watched as Jack leans over and clicks on a button as I watch myself being recorded.

“Hey everyone!!! Here we are back in GTA but we have a special guest with us,” Geoff says.

“Hi everyone,” I say into the mic.

“That is Kimberly, she’s a friend of mine all the way from Georgia. She will be joining us for this Let’s Play. She’s replacing Ryan,” Michael says.

“She’s subbing for Ryan,” Geoff says.

“So what are we doing guys?,” I ask as I see we were going to do a transform race. Damn I hated these.

“We are doing some more transformer races, are you in Kimberly?,” Jack asks.

“Yep,” I say as we enter into the screen where we choice a start vehicle, which was a motorcycle.

I choice one before selecting that I am ready.

I tune out the guys as I get focused for the race, yes I sucked at these but I wasn’t going to tell them. I cleared my mind and told myself I can do this.

“Jack why make it 3 laps?,” Jeremy asks as we are on the starting grid.

“To make it interesting,” Jack replies as the green light comes out and I hit the A button before hauling ass. I start from dead last but ended up in first before finishing the race in record time.

“Looks like I won,” I say as I move my arms up and down in excitement.

“Damnit!!,”Michael exclaims.

“Well guys, we got our asses handed to us by a girl, it wasn’t my first time getting my ass beat by a girl. Your good Kimberly and more then welcome to play with us again,” Geoff says.

“Thank you,” I say as I look over to the door and see a man standing their clapping. That must be Ryan.

“Hey Ryan, you missed one hell of a race,” Jeremy says as he walk into the room, with a Diet Coke in hand.

“I’ve been standing here for most of the race. Y’all got your asses kicked by a girl,” Ryan says.

“Why don’t you race her, Ryan?,” Michael says as I watch him get up out of his seat.

“We need at least 4 of us to begin a race,” Ryan says.

“Me and Jeremy will join but won’t race. Let’s see who’s the best,” Jack says.

“Alright, I’ll do it. Let’s see how good you are Kimberly,” Ryan says before he sits down in Michael’s chair.

The game gets all set up before we get to select a car to start off with. Once we did that, I take a couple of deep breathes before the race began. I can hear the guys in the background as all my focus is on the race at hand. 3 laps go by as I cross the finish line second before Ryan does.

“Well looks like I beat Achievement Hunter,” I say as I set down the controller before standing up.

“Damnit, got beat by a girl,” Ryan says.

“We all got beat by her Ryan. I didn’t know you were this good Kim,” Michael says as I see Ryan getting up from the desk.

“I’m not that good,” I say as I make my way over to where Michael and Ryan were standing.

“Good race, Kim,” Ryan says as he extends his hand out to me.

“Good race, Ryan,” I say before taking his hand to shake it.

“Your good. To be honest I hate transformer games,”

“They aren’t my strong suite either. I was surprised I beat you and them,”

“We will have a rematch when you come back, if that’s okay?,”

“Sure thing, I would love too but as long as I get my gamer tag next time,”

“Deal, you won me some money on mine,”

“That’s why and for experience,”

Just then the door opens as you see Lindsay walking in.

“Hey, what did I miss?,” Lindsay asks.

“You missed two races, in which we al our our asses beat by Kimberly,” Michael says.

“That’s awesome!! Geoff you should offer her a job?,” Lindsay says as I just stand there in disbelief.

“I’ll have to talk it over with a few guys but If they say yes, we would love to have you,” Geoff says.

I can’t believe Lindsay said that. She knows I have a job and family back in Georgia but she also knows I’m looking for a better job too. Maybe this is what I’m looking for.

[mistervewor]

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[notebookfilledwithscrabbles]

Yuzuru Hanyu 4CC 2011 FS

Translation post 2

video

Original language: Japanese

Announcer: Chizuru Kobayashi

Commentator: Yutaka Higuchi

Chizuru: …Jeremy Abbott is currently in 1st place, and Takahiko Kozuka from Japan is in 2nd place. The skater on the ice is Yuzuru Hanyu from Japan. He is 16 years old and this is his first 4CC. He became World Junior Champion last year. This has been his first year in senior circuit and it has been full of inspiration. He participated in his GP events for a learning experience, but now he regards this competition as a field to show the fruits of his experience.

Yutaka: He’s very mature.

Chizuru: Exactly, and we really hope he will show it to us.

Yutaka: Yes we do.

Chizuru: He has also equipped himself with a big gun, a quad toe-loop which he will attempt at the beginning of the program. The music is Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate.

 Yutaka: He did it.

Chizuru: He did it.

Yutaka: Excellent! It was a well-controlled jump.

 Yutaka: Triple Axel.

 Yutaka: Triple Flip.

 Yutaka: One position spin. Well executed. He went into it from a back entrance, made 8 revolutions, and after changing foot made 8 revolutions again in difficult position, so this is a level 4 spin.

 Yutaka: Probably planned to do triple Lutz here, but it became single Lutz.

 Yutaka: Straight line step sequence.

 Yutaka: He is going to do another triple Axel, isn’t he?

Chizuru: Yes.

 Chizuru: Oh!

Yutaka: Triple Axel-triple toe combination. Excellent.

Chizuru: Yes. That was a jump in the second half of the program.

 Yutaka: It seems like he has some trouble with Lutz today.

Chizuru: It seems so…

Yutaka: The triple Lutz was fully rotated, but its axis was warped.

 Yutaka: Triple Loop. He couldn’t glide much as he forgot to pull back his free leg…

 Yutaka: Choreographic step sequence. …It might be a bit too simple, but he’s still young.

Chizuru: Yes indeed.

Yutaka: Must be difficult for him to execute all these of elements.

 Chizuru: This is his last jump.

Yutaka: Triple Salchow.

 Chizuru: 16-year-old from Japan, Yuzuru Hanyu. This was his 4CC debut. Well, he looked tired, but I think he did very well.

Yutaka: I agree. Yes, he did pretty well in such a big competition. He was 3rd in SP, so he must have felt some pressure too. Considering it, I think he did his best.

Chizuru: We’d like to give a big hand to him.

Yutaka: Lutz was his Nemesis today.

Chizuru: Yes it was…

Yutaka: I think I saw him popped it once in the 6-minute warm-up.

Chizuru: Oh really?

Yutaka: Yes, but except for Lutz, he executed everything quite well.

Chizuru: Yes.

Yutaka: All the spins must have gotten levels, I assume.

 Yuzuru: It was tough!

Nanami Abe: Well done for the jump! Good job!

 Chizuru: I think he really did a good job.

Yutaka: Yes he did.

 Yutaka: This is the first jump… one, two, three, four…revolutions…

Chizuru: Oops…

Yutaka: I think it’s rotated.

Chizuru: Uh-huh.

Yutaka: At least he completed 70 percent of the rotation

Chizuru: Yes, definitely.

 Yutaka: This is the triple Axel.

Chizuru: It was beautiful.

 Chizuru: It must be exhausting…

Yutaka: I think so.

 Yutaka: This is second triple Axel… and triple toe.

Chizuru: Yes, he added a triple jump.

Yutaka: Well done.

 Chizuru: He said his first year in senior circuit gives him a lot of inspirations. He appears to be full of motivation to learn.

Yutaka: He must be. He is very strong… mentally.

Chizuru: Yes indeed.

Chizuru: *giggles* He attempted a quad jump and successfully landed also in NHK Trophy, which was his senior debut, didn’t he?

Yutaka: Yes he did.

 Yuzuru Hanyu: Thank you very much!

 Chizuru: OK, his score will be announced. If his score is higher than 149.28, if he scores higher than 150, he’ll be in the first place. Oh yes, he did!

Yutaka: He made it.

Chizuru: His score is 151.58. It’s his season’s best. 78.20 (TES) and 73.38 (PCS).

Yutaka: Good score in five components too.

Chizuru: Yes, he marked high in five components score.

Yutaka: I think his speed and energy are highly appreciated.

Chizuru: His placement is also good. Yuzuru Hanyu is currently in first place. Jeremy Abbott is 2nd and Takahiko...

[anothersebastianblog]

do people know that one of the producers is the owner of a studio? 💀 also... "not famous actors" ok, tell that again to Emmy nominee Sebastian, Emmy winner Jeremy and os at nominee Maria... forever amazed at Seb stans believing he's still a nobody

No studio has been announced, just that it will be produced. When there are announcements, they mention the studio behind the project. This time there was no such thing. So it wasn't purchased, it may not even be, or it may be seen after the elections. No, most people don't know who Sebastian Stan is. They actors may be known to the industry because of the Emmy, but they are not famous for the big GP. In my country, people don't know who Jeremy Strong is because streaming is expensive, my country has a poor majority, in other words, the majority don't even know what Succession is.

Saying that they are not famous or that they are unknown it’s pretty wild to me

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning! I hope you slept well and feel rested? Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. Happy Hump Day!

An icy blast is on the way. The weather has definitely turned. Lovely sunshine and everything but it’s now becoming colder. When I arrived at Willesden Junction just before 8.00 p.m. last night, I walked quickly to stay warm. When I got home, I knew what my body needed: a double Wray & Nephew and Coke. That warmed me up and killed off any cold germs that were thinking of infecting my body! Wray is big and strong, and scares away illness! After dinner, I knew what my body needed, so I had dessert: lemon cake and hot custard. Do you know what your body needs? It’s absolutely essential you give that body what it needs! I’m not talking about always giving in to your cravings because, if you do, you’ll be eating too much ‘comfort’ food and then you’ll put on weight! Do you know what your body needs? Do you really? Right now, it’s vitally important you stay healthy. Fairly soon, being ill may not be an option!

The Health & Care Bill was passed in the Commons last night. Health? Care? Do me a favour! Jeremy Corbyn said that the Tories would sell off the NHS but no one believed him, but when the Daily Mail said that JC was an anti-Semite and a terrorist sympathiser, amazingly, everyone believed the right-wing media! You understand what this means, right? No more free NHS care. Everything will cost money. Every time you visit your GP, it will cost. Every little operation you want, it will cost. Every night you spend in a hospital bed will be charged like you’re in a hotel. Do you have the money to pay all your medical bills? If you don’t, the Tories won’t mind. They won’t mind if you’re in pain. If you die, the Tories won’t mind. Cold, heartless, godless people. I didn’t vote for them. Did you?

It might sound sad but, when it was warm and sunny and the days were long, I thought about winter. I thought to myself, “Enjoy these days, mate! Fairly soon, you’ll be getting up in the dark and coming home in the dark.” It really helped me to enjoy summer! I enjoyed those summer days to the max! And now, as I sit here, in the dark, looking forward to the first warm days of 2022, that vivid imagination is hard at work; I can feel that heat and see those smiles and taste that cold drink. I’m there already!

If you like what you read in my status, you will enjoy my novels (available via Amazon.) Have a wonderful and well-endowed Wednesday. I love you all. Yes, a crazy, bald man loves and cares about you.

[dontshootmespence]

Quiet Rolling Thunder

Chapter 7

Y/N looked down and noticed how her hands trembled. She didn’t even remember being this afraid at the time, probably because she was so hopped up on adrenaline in the moment that she didn’t have time to be scared. 

Dr. Santos glanced down at her hands and immediately tried to calm her. “You are not there anymore. You are here and you are safe.”

She took a few deeps breaths and sank back into the couch. 

“What happened after he brought you into the alley?” Dr. Santos. “Remember, he’s not here are you are safe.”

For a moment, she closed her eyes and brought herself back to that place. Emily could see a tear forming behind her eye, and Rossi could see her, beating herself up over something she couldn’t control. It seemed to be a BAU trait. You had to beat yourself up on the daily in order to take this job. 

Reaching over, he grabbed Emily’s hand and gave it a squeeze. Emily appreciated the fatherly gesture even if it didn’t make her feel all that much better. 

When Y/N opened her eyes, a tear fell, but her hands were steady, floating through the air. “He spun me around and pinned me to the wall. His right hand came around my throat.” Her own hand hung gently around her throat before she started again. “That’s when I noticed the tattoo he had. I know it was a Celtic tattoo and I know where it was, but I can’t see any details in the design. I’m sorry.”

Emily so desperately wanted to tell her it was okay, but she put her head in Rossi’s shoulder and allowed Dr. Santos to do her job. “That’s okay,” the doctor said. “Move on from the tattoo. What happened next?”

Swallowing hard, Y/N attempted to let go of her guilt for not remembering more about the tattoo. “Then he pulled out the knife,” she signed, her lip quivering in fear. “It had the etching of an eagle holding an anchor on it. He was lean, but not amazingly muscular, and slightly over 6 feet tall.”

“What else can you tell me about him?” Dr. Santos asked. Y/N was holding her own right now, so as long as she was willing and able to push herself, Dr. Santos was going to continue.

Her nose wrinkled and she grimaced. “He stunk of alcohol. But he didn’t seem out of control...you know what I mean? He was stumbling or anything. He had control of his movements.”

That made sense given the profile. Navy Seals were notoriously, driven, strong and composed. “Was there anything else noticeable about him? Could you see if he said anything to you?”

Y/N’s eyes widened as the scene continued to play out in her head. “He said something. I saw his lips move.”

“What was it? What did he say?” Dr. Santos asked, her movements more pointed and desperate.

“Jenny. It’s like he was calling me Jenny.”

Months after he’d been in DC the last time, he returned. Lockheed finally needed him back in DC. Now was his chance to find that woman. After his meeting, he’d go back to the building she’d come out of. He assumed she worked there. 

As the exited the airport and tried to find a cab toward the hotel the company had provided for him, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. “Jenny for fuck’s sake pick up the phone!” He growled into the phone as he once again got sent to voicemail. “Please talk to me. I wanna see my daughter. Let me talk to her. What I did was part of a mission! I didn’t have a choice. For fuck’s sake stop being a child and answer my damn calls.”

He hated what he’d had to do, but it was either that or the mission was blown, so he did what he had to do. After making the mistake of telling her (she’d hounded him to be more open with her), she left with Ariana and she’d been changing phone numbers ever since. “Call me back so we can talk. I won’t stop calling. You change your number again and I’ll find it again, so you might as well just talk to me.”

Angrily, he grumbled and stuffed his phone back in his pocket. Among the sea of people leaving the airport, he put his hand in the air and hailed a cab. “So what brings you to DC?” The driver asked as he slipped into the car.

“Business. I travel a lot for business.”

“You here from out of the country?”

He hated small talk. More than anything. But he also wanted to seem approachable and therefore above suspicion. “Yea, I grew up in Virginia. Came to DC for school. Served with the military as a Navy Seal for nearly 15 years and now I serve as an engineering consultant for Lockheed International. I live in Rome now.”

“I’ve always wanted to go there,” the driver said as he took his address and began the drive to the hotel. “I’ve heard it’s a beautiful place.”

“It is. I love it there. It’s where I always wanted to end up. Though I’m not who I expected to be with.”

The driver nodded, immediately understanding what he meant. “Relationship troubles.”

“Yea, man.”

Thankfully, the driver didn’t pry anymore. His bitch of an ex-wife was the last person he wanted to be talking about.

Once they got to the hotel, he handed the driver his fare and pulled out his phone to GPS the location of his meeting in relationship to his last target’s presumed job. About five minutes. Good. Time for him to get changed out of his meeting clothes and find her as she got out of work tomorrow.

After the cognitive interview, Emily took Y/N back to her apartment to sleep. She was emotionally exhausted. Tucking her in with a kiss, Emily left the apartment to go back to the Bureau and look up whether any of their 29 suspects had a relative or friend named Jenny.

With the new information from Y/N’s interview and nothing but paperwork in front of them, Emily told them to put it aside and refocus on Y/N’s case. They were getting closer. She could feel it.

“Garcia, I need you to run a check to see if any of these 29 names have a Jenny attached to them in any way.”

“Got it, Mamasita! Yours truly will be back when she has something!”

While Garcia was in her lair, the rest of the team combed through the files once again, all but throwing out an additional two suspects, leaving them with 27 suspects when Garcia returned nearly 2 hours later. “Ma’am, I have 4 of the 29 that have a relative or friend names Jenny.”

Emily’s eyes lit up as she called the rest of the team into the conference room. “Garcia has limited our list to 4.” She sent the files to everyone’s personal devices. “Now let’s narrow this down.”

“We have Jeremy Ledger for Navy Seal who travels all over the world as an artist now,” Spencer said. “Actually, his paintings are really good. He also only has one friend that’s in the military. I think our unsub is going to have a more personal connection with the military in regards to relatives.”

Matt chimed in. “Yea, although he was a Seal, he’s too far removed from the military now to be our guy. And his travels very, very rarely bring him to DC.”

“Okay, next,” Emily said.

The weeded out yet another possibility, a man by the name of Brent O’Connell.  He was another Navy Seal, but he was currently with them and although he’d been in the area for the first two victims, he was stationed overseas for the other two. 

“Last two,” JJ said. “Kyle Manalis and Derrin Samorodnitsky.”

Rossi’s eyes were already scanning both files and without hesitation, he pointed at one. “It’s Manalis.”

“What makes you so sure?” Tara asked. She hadn’t had a chance to read everything yet.

“Manalis is third generation Navy. His father and grandfather served. He’s also from the area, while the other is from Montana. Virginia and DC have more of a military tie in than Montana. Military is engrained in this unsub. Samorodnitsky, man that’s a mouthful, his brother is also military, but that’s the only military connection. Plus, his Jenny is his sister. Manalis’s ex-wife is Jenny. If she left him due to something he did while in the military, it would stand to reason that she set off his rage.”

“When did they get divorced?” Emily asked Garcia.

“A year ago, about a month before the first murder,” she replied shakily. “And he works as an engineering consultant for Lockheed International. The last time he was here was when Y/N was attacked.”

“Find out where he is now,” Emily commanded, giving her a sorry I’m so demanding look as Garcia walked out of the room.

While Garcia went to her office again to get tracking Manalis, Emily went back to her office. They were so close. If they were on the right track, which she was convinced them were, they had him. He just had to be in the states to have jurisdiction. 

Ten minutes later, Garcia texted:

PG: My fearless leader. Kyle Manalis is in the states for the next three days for a meeting with the Lockheed office here in DC. He’s at the Hilton hotel in DC now.

@sam-carter-in-training @coveofmemories @jamiemelyn @iammostdefinitelyonfire26 @unstoppableangel8 @reddie-for-mileven @marvelfanlife @criminal-navy-writings @trollitis @sexualemobitch @rmmalta @lukeassmanalvez @obsessed5sosfreak @sonhadoraativa @1enchantedfantasy1 @ace-and-rosey @ay-nako @twelveyearoldchildprodigy @entelechysymphony @pugs-cats-bb-8 @davidr0ssi @sarahkay-19 @remember-me-forever-silent-angel @pleasedftbaforever @veroinnumera @lookwhatyoumademequeue

[thepatriotsandwe]

Dream Draft: What’s Best for the Pats? (Round 1)

With a fair number of early round picks, the New England Patriots seem poised to make significant moves for the first time in years in the early stages of the NFL draft. It’s impossible to predict how the draft will shape up with the assured trades and off-the-wall picks that will occur on Thursday night, so this should be considered a fan’s wish list. Without factoring in New England trading their picks, these are the players that The Patriots And We would be most excited to see join the Foxborough team in round one.

Round 1 - Pick 23 (From the Los Angeles Rams)

Leighton Vander Esch - Inside Linebacker - Boise State 

Every year there seems to be a player that has shown the ability to be great but sample size or injuries prevent him from going as high as one would imagine. In a sense, this is what happened to Gronkowski who demonstrated huge upside in college, but injury concerns had him fall into the second round. Vander Esch is certainly no Rob Gronkowski in terms of raw impact, but his monster junior season has put him on the map. After an extremely quiet freshman and sophomore year campaign, Vander Esch exploded onto the scene and became one of the most dominant linebackers in the NCAA. Sample size, and lingering injury concerns, have dropped Leighton’s value compared to his productivity, but the Patriots need help at the linebacker position and he could be just the thing to get it going in the right direction.

In Vander Esch’s junior season he racked up 141 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. A phrase used on the NFL.com draft profile is that Vander Esch has a “GPS for the football” which is exactly what Belichick looks for in his linebacking group. He’s a strong choice at 23, but even a trade up to select him would be welcomed as Vander Esch immediately brings productivity to a group of players which struggled mightily after the injury to Dont’a Hightower last season. A linebacker core including Hightower, Vander Esch, and Van Noy is quite the talented group and could elevate the Patriots defense to the next level.

Rashaan Evans - Outside Linebacker - Alabama

If the Patriots don’t manage to land Vander Esch, they should be thrilled with the prospect of getting Rashaan Evans. Belichick loves his linebackers, and Evans brings a lot of extraordinary things to the table. First off, he performed in the SEC which offers the highest level of competition in the NCAA (sorry, Big Tenners) and, with the relationship between Nick Saban and Bill, Evans appears to be a match made in heaven.

In terms of raw talent on the field, Evans can do absolutely anything you ask of him. He’s quick while maintaining the height and weight you look for from the position, is a physical player capable of quickly moving up and making a play, and can be played in many positions around the field including edge rusher. Durability has been a concern with a groin injury last season, but the sheer versatility and explosive playmaking aptitude that Evans displays is extremely tempting. The linebacking group is typically what New England likes to base their entire defense around and adding someone like Evans would only improve the unit’s ability to take over a game.

Mason Rudolph - Quarterback - Oklahoma State

Personally speaking, the prospect of the Patriots using their top pick on a quarterback isn’t a terribly thrilling proposition due to the lack of impact it will leave until Brady decides to call it quits. It’s very possible that any quarterback selected by the Pats this year will not get an opportunity to truly show what he’s capable of until three years down the road and on a possibly expiring rookie contract. That being said, if Mason Rudolph were to fall into the Pats’ laps at pick 23, it’s hard to deny the talent he could bring to the table.

Lamar Jackson is a quarterback that has been generating a lot of buzz, and his time in a New England style offense while in college could make him a good match for the Foxborough faithful, but he’d likely be in territory in which the Pats would have to trade up to make a play for him. Rudolph is a bit more realistic of a selection and has demonstrated some Brady-like traits during his time at Oklahoma State. Rudolph has shown great improvement over time and seems apt to be able to take it to the next level in an NFL environment. He’s a pure pocket passer with great pocket awareness and has tremendous success reading defenses. While the changing of the guard from Brady will be a transformative time in New England regardless of who the backup is, having someone with a skill set like that of Brady’s could ease the offense into the new era. 

According to NFL.com’s draft profile, the majority of Rudolph’s weaknesses come from when plays go “off-schedule” or it begins to break down. He’s not a good thrower on the run, and is far more comfortable when able to stand in the pocket and make decisions. More so, quarterbacks that can be found in the later rounds (such as Kyle Lauletta and Mike White) may be a bit more raw than Rudolph or have more glaring weaknesses, but seeing as how whomever is picked will be sitting behind the GOAT potentially for a few years, a project player may be a better value selection. Regardless, if the Pats have a shot at the 6′5 quarterback at pick number 23, it could be a good decision to help secure the future.

Round 1 - Pick 31 

Connor Williams - Left Tackle - Texas

It’s no secret that the left tackle position is a critical one, especially with a 41 year old pure pocket passing quarterback. The departure of Nate Solder leaves the position in a state of flux, and if the Pats select a left tackle in the first round it may be quite telling of Belichick’s confidence in 2017′s third round pick Antonio Garcia’s ability to reliably block some of the most talented edge rushers in the league.

Williams isn’t a flashy pick by any metric, but he offers a solid choice at the critical position. His 2016 season put him on the map at Texas as one of the best tackles in the NCAA, but a bit of a regression in 2017 has his draft stock dropping in a year without many great offensive tackles. Even with 2017 season being the way it is, Williams has a ton of upside and could easily develop into the next long-term Patriots left tackle. His height and size appear to be concerns as he can be overpowered with his sub-average frame, but he makes up for it with shows of athleticism and excellent technique. Solder had mass to make up for some sloppier play, and Williams isn’t afforded such a luxury, but as a pure technician there may not be a better choice outside the top picks of the first round. 

Sony Michel - Running Back - Georgia

With the departure of Dion Lewis, New England is likely in a running back by committee situation like they were early in 2017. It’s possible for someone like Jeremy Hill or Mike Gillislee to command the majority of the snaps and become a feature back, but the hole left by Dion is something the Patriots may be interested in addressing and Sony Michel is quite the player to do it. He’s not the open field juking back that Dion is by any stretch, but what Michel brings to the table is a reliable, north-south running back who can take and deliver punishing hits while churning forward. What sets him apart from the typical power backs of the world is a second gear that allows him to turn up into the secondary after getting passed the initial blockers.

Michel doesn’t tick every box that Belichick tends to go for, according to NFL.com he’s an average pass catcher and can struggle with making “clean catches.” That all being said, Michel could bring stability to a Pats running back group which feels like the wild west right now and could be the next feature back for years to come. Also, his nickname practically writes itself, he’s the PlayStation.

Josh Jackson - Cornerback - Iowa

Again, this selection comes as a reaction to a major playing leaving. Malcolm Butler offered a few great years at the starting corner position, but now it’s up to Belichick to find another option to put opposite of Stephon Gilmore for the foreseeable future. Jason McCourty will likely be the number two corner come September, but Josh Jackson offers a tantalizing option in the years following.

First off, Butler’s primary issue was dealing with taller receivers. Jackson is much larger at 6′1 and could make for a fairly large starting secondary with Gilmore on the other side. His ball skills are off the charts as he, similar to Vander Esch, seems to have a GPS to the football’s location at all times. Again, Jackson’s draft stock has taken a hit due to a small sample size in which his latest season was by far his most dominant. While this can be indicitive of an evolving player, it’s also a bit concerning with production shown on such a small scale.

Another aspect brought up by NFL.com that could have the Patriots hesitant is that Jackson’s tackling is questionable at times and does need work at the NFL level. With Jason McCourty on a one year deal, that gives Jackson the time he needs to work on the fundamentals at the position while bringing his explosive play (27 passes defended and eight interceptions last season) to the NFL. 

These six players could potentially have huge impacts on the teams in which they land, and a Patriots selection of any of these would be personally met with optimism and anticipation. The first round of the draft begins Thursday night, but until then,

Go Pats.