#is ​one of my favorite moments of the whole show

[hoshifighting]

Hello, may request smut reaction from Seventeen watching their s/o(reader) wearing a sun dress??

Seventeen reaction to you using a sundress

a/n: aww so lovely, I loved this request <3

Seungcheol: you know, Seungcheol thinks summer is the absolute best time of the year, and it’s all because of your sundresses. the moment you step out in one, he can’t help but grin like a kid on Christmas morning. It’s like the sun gets a little brighter, and his energy just skyrockets. he’ll tell you, “you know, I’m pretty sure your sundresses make summer even better!” with a playful wink that makes you blush.

Jeonghan: when you wear a sundress around Jeonghan, he just can’t stay quiet. It’s like you’ve put on some magical pheromone perfume, and he’s drawn to you like a moth to a flame. he’ll sidle up to you, whispering, “you really know how to make it impossible for me to stay away, don’t you?” and you can feel the warmth of his breath on your ear, making your heart race.

Joshua: will spend the whole day showering you with compliments, loving how you get all shy with each one. “u look absolutely stunning in that dress,” he’ll say, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. he can’t get enough of seeing you blush, and you can’t help but smile at his sweet words.

Junhui: when you step out of the closet in your sundress, Junhui turns as red as a tomato. he can’t stop staring, completely mesmerized by how pretty you look. “you’re so beautiful,” he manages to say, and his blush is so contagious that you find yourself giggling and blushing along with him.

Hoshi: sees you in your sundress and immediately rushes to change his shirt. he wants to find something that matches perfectly with your outfit. “we’ve got to look good together, right?” he says with a big, goofy grin.

Wonwoo: Wonwoo wants to see every angle of your sundress. “Give me a twirl,” he says, his eyes lighting up as you spin around. “Absolutely gorgeous.” He’s not one for many words, but the way he looks at you says it all.

Woozi: Woozi’s mind races, thinking about how he could write a song about you and that sundress – just like ruby. the way the light hits you, the soft fabric, the summer vibe—it’s all so inspiring. “you look amazing,” he says, his eyes thoughtful. “I think I’ve got an idea for a new song…”

Minghao: Minghao appreciates every detail of your dress—the tone, the cloth, the pattern, and especially how it fits you so perfectly. “this dress was made for you,” he says, examining the way it moves. his appreciation for beauty is evident in his admiring gaze.

Mingyu: Mingyu grabs his camera the moment he sees you. “hold still,” he says, leading you to a spot with flowers and dappled sunlight. he takes countless photos, capturing your every smile and twirl. “you’re my muse,” he says, showing you the stunning shots.

Seokmin: Seokmin always treats you like a princess, but when you wear that sundress, he takes it up a notch. “don’t lift a finger,” he insists, carrying everything for you. his protectiveness is sweet, and he constantly checks to make sure you’re comfortable and happy.

Seungkwan: there’s something about that sundress that stirs something new in Seungkwan. “you look... incredible,” he says, his voice soft with awe. he compliments how the skirt flows and how the straps sit perfectly on your shoulders, his eyes filled with admiration.

Vernon: Vernon doesn’t say much at first, just a quiet “wow” under his breath. But later, maybe the next day, he mentions it casually. “that dress looked really good on you yesterday,” he says, his words simple but sincere. you know he means it from the way he says it.

Chan: Chan is so impressed by how you look in that sundress that he immediately starts searching online for more. “I’ve got to get you more of these,” he says, excited. “you look amazing.” It’s clear he’s found his new favorite look for you.

[kamaluhkhan]

hi there! i have a request for loser!luke where reader shows him where to put his hands on her and he's really eager to learn x

i completely understand if you don't write this since i'm sure there are many more requests, also could i be anon please!!

pairing: luke castellan x aphrodite!reader (afab) a/n: sorry this took forever but please enjoy !!  also - this request came in before i started participating in fics for gaza; please click here to find out more about this initiative and how to participate/contribute word count: 795

MDNI !

“ugh, i told drew to clean up her shit,” you scoff, tossing away your half-sister’s used makeup wipes. “looks like the athena cabin is winning this time. 8.5/10?” 

you look at luke for his input, but it’s no use. all luke has been good for this afternoon is whining, instead of helping you with this round of cabin inspections. 

“katie loves roses.” luke stops to smell the bouquet that one of your siblings had next to their bunk. 

“everyone loves roses,” you reply as you scribble down a score on your clipboard. 

“but roses were her favorite.” luke pouts. he drops down onto your perfectly made bed, rumpling the sheets underneath him. “i hear what everyone is saying around camp, you know: about how katie gardener realized she was too good for me so she finally dumped me.” 

you bite back a wince. you might have contributed to the gossip surrounding their breakup.

you sigh and take a seat next to luke, deciding it’s time to try and make him feel better. 

“okay, castellan — enough moping. tell me what happened.”

“no.”

“luke. stop being a baby, i’m here to help.”

“it’s embarrassing.”

“well, you’re kinda embarrassing yourself already, with the whole love sick puppy act,” you point out, poking his thigh. luke swats your hand away. 

“it’s really embarrassing, though.”

“oh, please; i’ve heard it all. you’d be surprised how many people confess to the head counselor of the aphrodite cabin; i mean, i am my mother’s favorite, but still —”

“katie broke up with me because i couldn’t get her off,” luke suddenly blurts. 

there’s a moment of silence, and then you can’t help it — you burst out laughing. 

“hey!” luke exclaims. “you said you were here to help. i knew it was embarrassing!” 

“sorry, sorry.” you swallow your smile. “it’s just — did you not realize that she was faking it?” 

“obviously not!” luke groans, his cheeks a vibrant red. “she was very convincing.”

you almost admire katie — knowing that she’s worth more than a guy she has to fake orgasms for — but you remind yourself that you’re here to comfort luke. 

luke falls back onto the bed, hands covering his face. 

“i wouldn’t be too hard on yourself — it’s actually really common for women to fake orgasms. mostly because men have no idea what to do.”

“because sex is impossible,” luke groans.

“it’s not, actually. think of it this way — how’d you get to be the best swordsman at camp?”

“...through training and lots of practice.”

you nod once. “exactly. sex is the same: you need to learn what your partner wants and what makes them feel good.”

“then i’ll be the best?”

you roll your eyes. “then you’ll be the best, and katie gardner will be sorry that she ever dumped you.” 

luke doesn’t say anything, so you figure it’s time to get back to your senior counselor duties. you collect your clipboard and start getting up.

“wait.” luke grabs your wrist before you can move any further. “would you be open to….training with me?”

you hesitate, but you can’t deny that you’re intrigued by the offer. “look, castellan, you’re fragile now from the breakup and clearly not in your right mind —”

“i want to learn,” luke insists. 

and that’s how you find yourself, legs spread wide with your back pressed against luke’s bare chest. you suck on two of his fingers as you guide his other hand to your breast, prompting him to pinch your nipple. 

his chin is hooked over your shoulder, watching intently as you now bring his spit-soaked fingers down and plunge them into your pussy.

“this is a good start,” you praise. your own fingers scrape through his curls as you encourage him to go faster, harder. “now, if you really wanna make someone cum....”

you move his thumb to your clit.

“like this?” luke asks, his voice low. you throw your head back in pleasure when he presses down and starts rubbing in tight circles. luke becomes more confident after that. he curls his fingers inside you, and brushes the spot that always makes you unravel. 

per your instructions, luke keeps plunging his fingers into you as you ride out your high. once you come down, he pulls out and sucks off your juices off.

“tastes real,” he hums; you nudge his side. “what! am i wrong?”

you shake your head, and luke responds with a triumphant grin. 

“i’d say that was a good first lesson.”

“you’re already my star student,” you praise. you turn around so you can straddle him properly, kiss him and lick up any remnants of you on his lips. he moans underneath you when you rub yourself on his hardened length. “but, you still have a lot to learn.”

[faithshouseofchaos]

Can I get an Oscar Piastri and Lydia moment? Will she be shy or stay sassy as she rules the whole paddock haha

This sat in my inbox for a few weeks 😭

Lydia Verstappen princess of the paddock part idk 😭😭

Word count 738

Fluff

Lydia was anything but shy. Her sassy demeanor often belied her young age, yet there were only three individuals who could bring out her bashful side, and one of them was Oscar Piastri. The reason for this reaction was a mystery to most, with many attributing it to Oscar's kind, soft, and gentle nature.To Lydia Oscar was like an older brother to her that is why she went shy around him.

Today Max and y/n agreed to let Lydia spend the day in the Mclaren Garage. This was pretty normal for Lydia going from garage to garage Spending time with the drivers who knew Lydia her whole 10 years of life.

Lydia was dressed in a cute orange and papaya colored outfit, her excitement about spending the day in the Mclaren garage evident in her wide eyes and beaming smile. As they approached the familiar entrance, she couldn't contain her excitement any longer.

"Can we go see Oscar now, daddy?" She asked, almost bouncing with anticipation.

Max chuckled and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Of course, sweetie. But promise me you'll be on your best behavior, okay?" he replied, knowing how Lydia could sometimes get a bit too excited when Oscar was around. Lydia nodded eagerly, her blue eyes sparkling with determination. "I promise, daddy! I'll be the best behaved kid ever!" She declared, a hint of mischief in her smile. Max just shook his head, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. He knew his daughter's spirited nature all too well.

They made their way through the bustling garage, the familiar hum of car engines and the chatter of crew members filling the air. As they turned a corner, Lydia's gaze immediately fixated on Oscar, his kind smile and soft demeanor drawing her in like a magnet.

Oscar looked up from his work, a warm smile spreading across his face as he spotted Lydia and Max. "Hey, there's my little friend!" he exclaimed, rising to his feet to meet them. "How's my favorite ten-year-old doing?" Lydia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shyly hid behind her father's leg for a moment before mustering up her courage to speak. "Hi, Oscar," she said timidly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I'm really happy to be here today."

Oscar's eyes twinkled with warmth as he crouched down to Lydia's eye level. "Well, we're happy you're here too," he replied genuinely, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Your dad mentioned you wanted to learn a bit more about race strategy today, is that right?"

Lydia's eyes widened with excitement, the shyness momentarily forgotten. "Yes, please! I want to know everything about race strategy!" She replied eagerly, her earlier bashfulness replaced by her usual inquisitiveness. Oscar chuckled softly, delighted by Lydia's enthusiasm. "Well, then let's get started," he said, standing up and motioning for Lydia and Max to follow him. As they walked, Oscar began explaining the ins and outs of race strategy, using terms that even a ten-year-old could understand. Lydia's eyes lit up with understanding, and she eagerly asked questions, absorbing every word like a sponge.

As Oscar patiently answered her questions and showed her diagrams illustrating different strategies, Lydia's earlier timidness melted away, replaced by her usual confidence and passion. She was absorbed in the information, her mind racing with excitement as she envisioned implementing these strategies on the racetrack.

Throughout the day, Max stood by, observing the interaction between Oscar and his daughter with a mixture of pride and contentment. He saw the evident connection between them, how Oscar brought out not only Lydia's curiosity but also her sweet and shy side. It was clear that Lydia looked up to him. As the hours passed, Lydia soaked up not only the information about race strategy but also the positive energy and kindness Oscar radiated. His gentleness and genuine interest in her questions and well-being made her feel valued and respected, something that made a deep impression on her.

Eventually, the day came to an end, and Lydia reluctantly bid farewell to Oscar, knowing they'd see each other soon during the next race. As she walked away, clutching her new notebook filled with race strategy notes, a shy smile played on her lips. She had learned a lot, but more importantly, she had formed a special connection with Oscar that she treasured.

After all, he was like an older brother to her.

Tagged — @ashy-kit @astraeaworld @67-angelofthelordme-67 @anedpev @amatswimming @a-casual-romantic @alwayzbeenale @bblouifford @bbtoni @barcelonaloverf1life @badassturtle13 @charlesf1leclerc @clowngirlsstuff @crashingwavesofeuphoria @entr4p3 @embrosegraves @eugene-emt-roe @dark-night-sky-99 @dudenhaaa27 @formulas-bitch @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 @formulaal @hangmandruigandmav @ironcowboycopnickel @jeffs77 @kimiracing07 @lightdragonrayne @lollypop90907 @laura-naruto-fan1998 @moss-on-tmblr @omgsuperstarg @oconswrld @otako5811 @purplephantomwolf @raikkxz @starkwlkr @strugglingyetvibing @sweate-r-weathe-r @swifth0lic @the-ghost-lovwr @tallrock35 @toasttt11 @llando4norris @uluvjay @vellicora @venusisnothere

[bitethedevil]

Okay, you know the idea of tieflings having the "fuck me tail"? Well, what if Raphael did that in front of Tav without realizing it at the time and someone like Korrilla and/or Haarlep alerts the cambion that he had essentially been sporting a boner during the whole conversation with his favorite misadventure (if Raphael is unsure if Tav is aware of what the lifted tail meant, then even better)?

(AN: I get a LOT of asks about bathing and Raphael's reaction to seeing Tav naked, so I added those things into this one as well. Tav is Raphael's warlock. Loved this prompt btw anon. Thank you <3)

Tails (Raphael x Warlock!Tav)

Slight NSFW

“Do you care to explain why you are bleeding on my expensive Halruaan carpet when all I asked of you were to speak to Lord Caldwell?” Raphael said with a sneer as he studied her bloodied body. “If you are this incompetent at following orders, you will go back to dealing with clients in the Lower City again.”

“I can explain,” she wheezed. “And I did get him to sign, by the way.”

She was barely standing. Her clothes were bloodied, and she was holding a hand over a rather large gash on her stomach.

She handed him the contract. There were a few bloodspots on it, but it had the signature of Lord Caldwell as he had requested. He looked it over and it seemed to calm some of his anger, though he still seemed annoyed that she had not followed his orders.

Raphael groaned and started walking. He beckoned her to follow.

He led her to the boudoir. Haarlep was lounging on some of the pillows that laid on the floor near the pool, smoking from a hookah. They looked up at her with a sinful smile and lazily waved at her.

Raphael tugged on Tav's shirt before passing her.

“Strip,” he commanded.

Haarlep’s eyes lit up and looked hungrily at her before adjusting themself amongst the pillows to enjoy the show. Raphael kicked Haarlep’s leg in passing and gestured towards the other end of the room where the bed was.

“Leave us,” he said to Haarlep.

“Oh, she doesn’t mind if I stay and watch,” Haarlep said and looked from Raphael to her with an exaggerated pout. “Do you, mouse?”

Tav looked at the both of them with a confused expression, as she clung to one of the pillars around the restoration pool to not fall over.

“I’m not taking off my clothes,” Tav said.

“Your clothes are in tatters, and you look as if you are on the verge of fainting,” Raphael said and gestured to the water of the pool. “You will get in or I will throw you in.”

“Can’t I just keep my clothes on?” Tav whined. “I don’t want to get naked in front of you.”

“Oh please,” he said with annoyance in his voice. “The novelty of seeing a naked body somewhat fades after you have been alive for thousands of years. I could not be less interested in what you keep under there. Get in.”

She sighed and started taking off her clothes. Haarlep was quiet and hoped that Raphael had forgotten about them. They devoured her with their eyes while she took off her clothes.

Tav slipped into the pool and the water's restorative powers quickly worked its magic on her. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the pools edge for a moment as all the pain finally left her body.

Haarlep discreetly let one of their legs drop into to the water and started slipping their harness off. Before they could even make the move to slip out of the little clothes they were wearing to join her in the pool, Raphael’s hand was around their neck. Haarlep made a slight choked yelp as they were lifted to their feet and given a push towards the other end of the room.

“I said leave,” Raphael growled at them before turning his attention back to Tav. “A report, if you would be so kind, mouse.”

Tav opened her eyes again and sat up more. She noticed that Haarlep had not left them, but had instead simply taken a seat behind Raphael where they were out of view from her annoyed patron.

“Right,” she said and began washing off all the dirt and blood off her naked body with a sponge.

She began explaining herself to him: How Lord Caldwell had gotten pissed at her after she had not reciprocated his flirtatious advances after he had signed, as he apparently must have thought that him signing meant that he was free to feel her up and do as he please. How Lord Caldwell had called on his guards after she had, accidentally, of course, punched him in the face. How she had barely escaped with her life.

She wasn’t looking at Raphael as she was explaining. She kept her eyes down and kept focusing on washing herself, avoiding the wrath that would no doubt be in her patron’s eyes as she told him how she had escalated the situation by using violence.

She had only dared to look up at him briefly every now and again. She saw that he was leaning up against a pillar close to the pool, watching her as she explained.

Surprisingly, he did not have much to say other than a few sounds of affirmation that he had heard what she was saying, which made her even more nervous.

Suddenly she heard an odd noise. A high-pitched muffled sound that made her look up for a moment. It came from Haarlep. It looked as if they were near pissing themselves with laughter as they kept a hand over their mouth to contain the sounds. It wasn’t directed at her though, but rather something going on behind Raphael it seemed.

“So yeah…that’s…that’s it,” she looked up at Raphael, fully expecting to see him pissed off.

He quickly averted his gaze from her body and back up to her eyes, as it looked like he had been staring. He cleared his throat and made a sharp turn with his body. She could have sworn she saw a bulge in his pants before he did so. When he turned, she noticed that his tail was in a weird, almost heart-shaped position as well, which made her raise an eyebrow.

“Good,” Raphael said quickly. “Dismissed.”

Raphael snapped his fingers once and she was out of the pool, fully dressed. Another snap and she was sent back to where she was before she was whisked away to his house.

Haarlep started audibly laughing now that she had left.

“The novelty of seeing a naked body somewhat fades after you have been alive for thousands of years,” Haarlep mocked in Raphael’s voice and with his mannerisms.

Raphael glared at Haarlep.

“Oh, what a gift,” Haarlep said with tears in their eyes. “She really is something, your little mouse. To make you wag with both tails like that.”

Haarlep burst out into another laughing fit. Raphael’s eyes widened at their words, and he instantly became hyperaware of the position of his tail.

No, Raphael thought with horror, and a frown fell over his face at the embarrassing realization. It was a loss of control, and it was completely unlike him to forget himself like that. What was he? A hormonal boy who had barely grown into their immortality?

His eyes narrowed at Haarlep who was still filling the room with their high-pitched laughter. He was still painfully hard despite their taunting, and he had just the thing for shutting them up.

“Yes, please Haarlep, laugh while you still have vocal cords and a tongue to do so,” he threatened and pointed on the floor in front of his feet before undoing his pants. “On your knees, now.”

[hellfirecvnt]

Subordinate (Part 1)

Summary: North Jackson has a new principal and your coworkers are not coping well. XOXO.

Warnings: Dastardly bisexual man in a loud suit getting absolutely babygirled. JK. This chapter has cheating, but it's not Y/N cheating on anyone and it's not Lee cheating on anyone. It's angsty. This is an angsty series, but it'll also be a little silly and super sexy.

Notes: Bitch, you already know what the fuck it is. Also, I usually try to work around the cheating bc I've seen a few people find it icky and I respect that, however me? I love a lil fake affair. Being chosen over his own wife? Absolutely. Do I have low self-esteem?... Anyways...

Bright and early Monday morning, Neal Gamby and Lee Russell are called to a meeting determining the new principal of North Jackson High School. The two men fire jabs back and forth at each other, cutting each other down and insisting they are the newly appointed principal.

"Thank you for joining us, gentlemen." Super Intendant Haas extends a hand to each of them, greeting them and welcoming them to the unoccupied principal's office for the meeting. "As you know, North Jackson High needs a principal." Haas's words kept both men at the edge of their seats, dying to know which of them was more qualified.

"Sir, it's been-" Gamby, prematurely starting an acceptance speech is promptly cut off.

"Mr. Gamby, Mr. Russell, this is Dr. Y/L/N." Super Intendant Haas introduces you as you round the corner to meet your two new underlings.

"A pleasure to meet you both!" You chime, shaking their hands, noticing the shock in their stunned faces. You're much younger than the usual principal select, and much younger than either of them.

"The Hell's the matter with you two?" Haas asks, sharply.

"Don't worry sir, I tend to have this effect on men. I leave 'em speechless." You wink. One certain glance grants them the knowledge that you already know what you're up against. What you don't know, is that each man is stunned silent for a different reason.

Gamby is blindsided by the results after being far too certain that the title was his. After all, he did tell his whole family he was the principal. Lee is just mesmerized. Neal excuses himself to have a nauseous panic attack in the restrooms while Lee and Haas show you around the school. As you reach each wing of the large building, Mr. Russell excitedly drones on about the history and lifestyle of the average North Jackson staff and students.

Lee's charming, if not just a bit of a try-hard, but you can appreciate that.

"Mr. Russell, Dr. Y/L/N," Haas bids you both farewell and heads out the door, leaving your new school in your hands.

"Well then, let's get to it, Mr. Russell." You beam before strutting off to your new office. Lee's attention lingers for a moment on your swaying hips as you pace away, but he quickly blinks the gaze away.

You spend the day getting to know each teacher and faculty member. Your favorite is Ms. Smith. She's awkward and nervous and you understand her somehow. She's seemingly always in tow as you make your rounds around the school today.

Gamby sequesters all the teachers into the lounge for a secret meeting. They all sit confused until Neal bursts out that Dr. Y/L/N has got to go. He offers a petition for everyone to sign to kick you to the curb, but no one will sign it.

"I don't want my name on that," says one teacher.

"Yeah, I like Dr. Y/L/N," says another.

Lee watches Neal's mutiny fizzle to nothing, laughing at him and stomping out his plan to overthrow. He derails Gamby's meeting and dismisses the teachers, seeming to have taken your side at this moment. Livid with no other options, Gamby takes his complaint to the school board. It's not until after that, that Lee comes to him and proposes they join forces to take a bitch like you down.

As the clock strikes 3:30 PM, dismissing the school for the busses, you sit back happily at your new desk. A new beginning for you and yours. It's been a long time coming.

The next day, it's as if you've fallen right into routine. You've never felt more at home in a community. Your coworkers are kind and attentive, it's all you could ever ask for. You happily make your rounds in your business casual pantsuit, strutting up and down the halls dominantly. The teachers appreciate how involved you are. Around every corner, just as you pass, a pair of hazel eyes track your every move for most of the morning.

Out in a wooded area past the field, Neal and Lee gather to conspire against you.

"God damn it, is it 7:45? Because my watch says 7:51 to me," Gamby stands from the rock he was perched on, waiting for Russell.

"Bitch needed a coffee," he lies. He was lingering behind to catch a few more glimpses of you. Of course you are their enemy, they have to be rid of you, but... Look at you. What's a man supposed to do? Neal further nags Lee about his tardiness and Lee pops off. After their little discourse, Russell reveals a binder stuffed to the brim with information about the new principal, you.

"Here take this, it's all the information I have on Dr. Y/L/N." He lists off the various kinds of documents he's ascertained.

"Did you make this yourself?" Gamby asks, a little disgusted, but also intrigued.

"Of fucking course I did. I have one on everyone in this school!"

"You better not have one on me," Neal grumbles, skimming the binder impossibly fast and passing it back to Lee. "Alright, I've memorized all the important information. Destroy it."

"What?" Lee looks fed up.

"I have a photographic memory."

"Yeah? Did you photographic memory the part where she fired every Vice Principal she's ever worked with?" Lee shifts his weight sassily to his right hip.

"Wait, where was that?" Gamby's face shifts to one of panic.

"Page one." The two men study the binder, learning more and more about you. You're an artist and you enjoy karaoke on the weekends. You smoke weed and you're known to partake in some social drinking every now and then. Then Lee's face flattens as he reads a fact about you that disappointed him the first time around too. You're married, and you have been for seven years.

"She's married?" Gamby arches a brow.

"Yeah, for a while, I guess. She uses her maiden name on her doctorate, though." Lee points to the paper.

"Average beta male, I'm guessing." Gamby shakes his head. "They'll never last."

"Gamby, they've been together for like seven or eight years." Lee rolls his eyes, frustrated by Neal's ignorance.

"So? Gale divorced me after 10 years. Christine left you after 20-"

"Okay, shut the fuck up, god damn it." He waves his hands in front of Gamby's face dismissively. "I don't wanna talk about that. This is what we need to be talking about." He points to the line containing the unfortunate demise of her past VP's employment agreement.

"You think she's gonna fire us?" Neal swallows the small lump in his throat.

"Why the fuck wouldn't she?" He taps his finger on the binder a few times before shoving it into Neal's chest. Sure, Lee may be taken by your beauty, but you're an obstacle for him first and foremost.

"Well, what do we do?" Mr. Gamby relaxes his shoulders.

"We need to get rid of the bitch. Pronto." Lee snatches his binder back, subconsciously a little protective of this Bible of you.

When the men return inside, Ms. Smith hastily scurries up to Mr. Gamby and advises him that you're waiting for him in your office. Lee and Neal look at each other, confused, before he makes his way to you. A gentle knock on the door announces his presence.

"Come in," you chirp, inviting your underling into your decorated office. You're really making it your own, decking the walls with photos of you and your husband with your pets. Gamby glances at the photos, noticing your big photographed smile next to your husband's blank face. He almost chuckles, having called it that your husband felt less than you. It's written all over his face. "Have a seat, Mr. Gamby."

Neal hesitantly takes a seat across from you, staring defiantly into your face. The room feels tense, but your eye contact is unwavering, and your smile remains soft and present despite your obvious disapproval of whatever you've called him in for.

"Mr. Gamby, someone's put in a complaint against me." You deliver this line like you're dishing to an old friend.

"That's... Strange. I wonder who would do that."

"Well, it says her 'Dr. Y/L/N is an unfit replacement for Mr. Wells. She is too young and inexperienced. Immediate termination is mandatory.'" You lie the small piece of paper containing the statement on the desk.

"That's, wow, that's something. Does it... Say who would send such a thing?" Neal's eyes glance everywhere, but at you.

"It does." He flinches as you say it. "Mr. Gamby, do you think my age stops me from running the school as well as you?"

"Well, it's just that the teachers-"

"What teachers? Names, Neal." You snap your fingers a few times. Rushing him only makes him trip over his words worse. He can't seem to piece together a lie. "Mr. Gamby, I'm not going anywhere. My age, my clothes, my car, none of it defines my ability to run this school. Now you can be on my team, or you can get your desk cleaned out. Your choice. Let's do better." You stand from your desk and gracefully make your way to the door where you hold it open, dismissing your subordinate.

Angry, one-upped, and tail tucked, Neal Gamby walks out of your office with a new understanding of his adversary. He schedules for Lee to meet him by the train tracks, another place the two come to meet off school grounds.

"I told your stupid ass not to send in that fucking complaint, let alone sign it," Lee sighs, utterly baffled by Neal's incompetence.

"Well, fuck!" Gamby tosses his arms up. "Now she knows I'm against her. She's gonna make my life a living hell."

"Oh, please. Give her some credit. She can't be that petty."

"You didn't hear her in there, Russell. I was almost just fired." Lee rolls his eyes at him, waiting for ages for him to stop bitching.

"Next period. She's got two back-to-back teacher meetings. That's a 72 minute window."

"A window for what?" Gamby's tone has calmed as curiosity overtakes anger.

"To get some dirt on this motherfucker."

Next period, just as Lee said, you're tied up with teacher meetings. The two men meet up in the parking lot and make their way to your home address, courtesy of Lee's information binder. When they arrive, they notice your husband's car in the driveway.

"That must be her fucking cuckold husband's car," Lee observes.

"God, don't tell me he's a stay-at-home wife."

"He's not. He's a pretty important figure at the law firm he works at... He shouldn't be here..." Lee narrows his eyes suspiciously. The two men very carefully park the car a few blocks away. Just as they're reaching for the handle to open the car doors, another car, a red sedan, pulls into your driveway. Lee and Neal duck down to hide, still watching the mystery car.

A beautiful, tan woman with long, thick black hair cascading down her back emerges from the car like a siren breaking past the surface of water. She's gorgeous. Even Neal finds himself at a loss for words. The lovely woman approaches the door to the home you share with your husband of almost 10 years and walks right inside. No knocking.

"I don't think her husband is the cuckold," Neal whispers. Lee's face is contorted into a devilish smile as he watches the perfect situation set up for him. He doesn't even need to get out of the car. Whipping out his phone, he dials the number to the school and does his best to disguise his voice. It works perfectly, and he advises that Ms. Swift alerts you right away that your house is on fire.

The two men return to the school, satisfied with the impending turmoil. Neal runs off to look busy, and Lee sits in the front office, waiting. He watches you receive the news, your face flushes white and your knees attempt to buckle before you bolt straight out the door. Mr. Russell wishes so badly he could be a fly on the wall when you catch your long-term husband in the hands of a beautiful, even younger woman. His secretary.

A few hours pass and you finally return to school. Your clothes are still perfectly styled and placed, and your hair is beautifully styled, but your make-up shows evidence of the flood of tears that has washed down your face. It's not easy to see, you'd have to be looking for the tear stains. And Lee was.

"Hey, there, darlin'. I saw you leaving in a hurry. Everything okay?" Lee catches you in conversation as you walk through the door.

"Everything's fine, Mr. Russell. False alarm. I guess I'm luckier than most," you smile warmly. So convincingly fine, he wonders if what he witnessed was even an affair at all.

"Well, are you sure? I-"

"Today is a beautiful day, isn't it?" You stare out the window into the sunny courtyard of the school.

"Uh, yeah. It's nice out."

"Let's just be thankful for that." You inhale and exhale with a big, peaceful smile before disappearing into your office. Lee's partially confused by your resolve, but he knows better than anyone how quickly that all fades away once reality sets in. The next few days, he's patiently awaiting your downfall.

To his dismay, every day you come in, you seem to be doing better and better. If he hadn't seen your husband stick his tongue down that woman's throat, he might even convince himself he dreamed the whole event. Lee's just about to give up on that scheme altogether until he stops by your office unannounced.

Without knocking, he swings the door open and steps inside.

"Hey, I got you your-" he stops in his tracks, two coffees in hand. You're sitting at your desk, sobbing in front of a photo of you and your husband at your wedding. Your shoulders shudder with every uneven breath from your heaving chest. All of a sudden, Lee no longer cares about the plan. He doesn't care if you go or stay. Guilt eats him alive as he listens to you try your hardest to keep quiet before you straighten up your appearance and make your rounds once again. He closes the door behind him and sets the drinks on your desk, only then do you notice his presence.

"Mr. Russell, I'm so sorry!" You startle, sitting up and quickly turning your chair away from him. You tap away at your wet face, but it's clearly a futile action. "Please excuse my hysterics. It's... been a weird week." You attempt to laugh the awkwardness away, but it lingers.

"I, um," Lee is shocked to find himself speechless. He always has something to say, especially when it comes to kicking an enemy while they're down. The perfect chance has just arisen, but when he sees the shine on your wide, watery eyes, he can't seem to force the venom out. "I brought you a coffee." You take the warm cup in your hands, reading the little logo from a locally owned coffee shop just a few miles down the road.

"Thank you, Mr. Russell." You smile weakly, appreciative of such kindness amid something so heartbreaking. For a moment, in your pitiful puddle of sadness, Lee can see himself. He's been through a divorce. In fact, it was his hellish schemes like his plan against you that ran his wife off. Guilt whittles away at him like a sharp knife against oak.

You're just about to take a sip from your gifted drink when Lee stops you, switching your cups.

"That one's mine, actually. Splenda." He smiles, nodding a silent goodbye to you and exiting your office. You watch as his hand reaches back inside, locks the door, and closes it for you, so you won't be disturbed again. It's been a while since it felt like someone did something kind of you just because, and not because you're the boss. This felt genuine, even for just a second.

"How is she?" Neal asks. Not in concern, but in reconnaissance.

"A fuckin' mess. I couldn't even fuck with her. It was like stepping on a puppy," Lee shakes his head as if he's disgusted, overwhelmed by the unexpected empathy he felt for you in that moment.

"Jesus fucking Christ, Russell. If you can't stick to the plan-"

"Don't even fuckin' start, motherfucker. You're the one comparing this shit to Christine." He waves a finger in Gamby's face. "It was a weird interaction. We're still going to break that bitch down, one way or another. I just need to separate myself from it." Gamby rolls his eyes at Lee's dramatics.

"Well, she needs to shape up. We've got a pep rally prep meeting in an hour." Neal and Lee head their separate ways and Lee finds himself lingering back around your office. That's when he hears the muffled sounds of your voice. You're on the phone. He puts his ear against the door shamelessly and tunes in.

"Mark, you can't fucking do this..." Your voice is low and calm at first. He can't hear Mark on the other end, but he gathers enough clues through what you're saying. "You don't get to do this, I get to do this. I'm the one who gets to leave... No, fuck you, Mark. You don't get to leave me! I'm leaving you! I caught you fucking your secretary, who, by the way, I feel terrible for! So I'm the one who gets to call this bullshit fucking marriage quits!... I will put you in the ground if you think you're taking my dog!" Lee hears the sound of you slamming the phone onto the receiver. Seconds later, you're opening the door, standing right in front of Lee. You're quite literally blind with rage, walking right past him and heading for one of the rear doors of the school.

"Dr. Y/L/N?" He trails behind you, quietly attempting to gain your attention, but you keep walking. He can nearly see the heat waves coming off of you. If physics allowed it, he just knows your head would be on fire right now. You get outside, but your feet don't stop there, and neither do his. You're deep in the woods, only 20 feet or so from Lee and Neal's meeting place. When you finally stop, you throw your head back and release the most guttural, angry wail he's ever heard. It only lasts a few seconds, and when you're done, it turns to a few short moments of shaky breaths before you finally feel like both of your feet are back on Earth.

"Mr. Russell, hello." You turn around, red from embarrassment having been seen like that.

"Dr. Y/L/N." He nods.

"Did you, uh, you followed me out here, huh? Saw some of... That?" You shift back and forth from the ball of your foot to the heel.

"Well," again, he can't make himself say the horrendous insults he had chambered, poised as harmless remarks. "I just got here," he says, and you know he's lying, but you appreciate it all the same.

"I don't usually react like that," you admit, taking a seat on a fallen tree. Lee glances behind him and then joins you where you sit. "I was doing a lot better."

"What do you mean?" Lee feigns a tone of genuine concern, though his curiosity is at the wheel as well.

"I have- used to have a little bit of a temper." Your shoulders drop as if a weight has been lifted off of them. Like you've been holding on to this. "I've been medicated for a while and I was in therapy a few years ago. I haven't really lost it in almost six years. Mark was such a big help, I guess this all just felt..."

"Like a punishment?"

"Yeah! Exactly!" You're shocked to see your eccentric coworker relating to you in this way.

"My wife left me last year," he confesses with a defeated smile. He looks at the ground, quickly reliving coming home to that empty house.

"I'm sorry to hear that..." A short silence lingers between the two of you as neither knows what to say to make it better, so Lee just changes subjects altogether.

"We uh, have a 'pep rally prep meeting' soon," he quotes Gamby.

"It seems we do," you sigh. "I'd appreciate it if we could keep this between us, Mr. Russell."

"'Course we can." He smiles a kind, fake smile and escorts you out of the woods. As you walk ahead of him, his facade drops and he silently scolds himself for yet again, dropping the ball. Not only did he not antagonize, he may have even helped just now. What the fuck?

At the meeting, you and Lee walk in together. Gamby eyes him suspiciously as you take your seat at the head of the room. The meeting is about trivial nonsense like themes, refreshments, and performances. The group comes up with several really good ideas, and you're left to be the deciding factor.

You settle on pizza and sweets, to treat the kids and get their energy high for the day of. As far as performances, you've reached out to a few local gymnast groups that could put on a feat of athletics. Fun! Theme is where you're stuck. Everyone's got sparkling ideas. Circus theme, underwater, Mardi Gras. But it's not enough for you. It doesn't scream "winners" to you.

"The theme is- wait, what's our mascot again?" You glance around the room. "All I ever see are feathers. Is this a Boston Reds situation?"

"Well... Yeah..." Ms. Snodgrass pipes up.

"We'll need to get that remedied." You give a 'yeesh' expression. "Top of the docket next meeting."

"Wait, we can't use the Indians?" Gamby asks, confused.

"Let's don't call them that. We're gonna put a pin in this conversation and turn it back to the theme." You mime putting a pin in a corkboard.

"But-"

"Mr. Gamby, if the next word out of your mouth isn't the best fucking theme idea I've ever heard, I will take you out back myself." Your threat works to silence him, but it also sends a wave of unease over the room. You squeeze your eyes shut for a moment, attempting to regain control of the room. You can hear the other teachers whispering and it finally dawns on you that you've forgotten to take your medicine. You've been so busy with Mark and meetings, you haven't taken the only thing that stops you from being the absolute menace that you are.

"I'm thinking, we play to our strengths," Lee stands, drawing every set of eyes off of you and onto him. "We're already warriors, let's just slap a different image on that. Knights in armor or something for the pep rally until you choose a new mascot."

"That's a great idea, Mr. Russell!" You beam, thankful for his introjection. You're starting to really trust him, which is exactly what he wants. Regardless of if he's able to hurt your feelings, he can still gather your sensitive information and use it against you. It's his specialty.

The meeting is adjourned and everyone returns to their duties. You scan the area and call Neal and Lee into your office.

"I really appreciate the friend and second in command you've been, Mr. Russell. And by default, you, Gamby." Your tone earns a sneer from Neal. "I am in for some real fucked up bullshit coming in the next few, I don't know, weeks? Months?" You toss your arms up. "I'm just really thankful to have you both here. I really hope the three of us can get closer and really solidify as an admin team."

The two men thank you for your words of praise and leave you to it in your office. As they walk away, Neal whispers harshly to Lee.

"What the fuck was all that? You're being a friend to her? I thought we were breaking her down?"

"We are breaking her down. You just don't understand how much worse words can hurt when they're coming from a friend. Probably because you don't have any."

"Fuck you, Russell," Gamby huffs.

[lovingeddiediaz]

9-1-1 rant. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this season and a lot of them aren’t good. Love this show, I’ve been watching live since season 3 but yikes that finale was a mess imo definitely one of my least favorites for sure. Very underwhelming. The whole season in general was wacky.

I’ve been feeling this way for at least 2 seasons now. I feel like 911 has been trying to fit these LARGE stories that they don’t have time for or are failing to make time for in these episodes. I get that this season was shortened, but if they can’t properly flush out a story in time, they should figure something else out instead of simplifying it and cutting out so many parts that it loses the build up and the emotion and captivation.

So much happens off screen that I feel like should be SHOWN. like we didn’t get to see Chris upset in the moment when he saw the Shannon lookalike, the scene cut out after he said mom. All we see is just him in his bed telling Eddie to go away later. We didn’t see the confrontation with Marisol and Eddie and her leaving, just an offhand comment of her not coming back later. We didn’t see the phone call that had Buck rushing over. We didnt get to see Eddie at his house alone after Chris leaves, just him leaving with his grandparents and boom, cut scene. We didn’t get to see hen or Chim at Bobby’s bedside.

We don’t get to see the aftermath of ANYTHING. The show keeps cutting the scenes just short and it has been pissing me off so much. They’re missing out on so much depth bc they’re doing too goddamn much at once and too quick.

All action, no build up or payoff. Just one thing after another. You don’t even have time to let your emotions settle and follow the characters bc it’s over so soon. You don’t get to worry and grieve alongside the characters. Bobby almost died and then boom he’s fine again like nothing happened. Like what am I supposed to be emotional over? He almost died in the desert just a couple episodes before that and then he was fine, no mention of it again.

Idk it seems like this show has been doing a lot of telling instead of showing when it comes to what are supposed to be emotionally charged scenes, like Buck saying how he was worried he was gonna lose Bobby but we didn’t really see that. All we got was a teary eye when Buck told Eddie he was in the hospital. Didn’t get to see the team actually save bathena in the beginning, so seeing them get the medals held no weight, like cool we’re told they saved them but we didn’t see shit. We didn’t get to see any of the madney wedding buildup like picking flower arrangements and a venue and dress/tuxedo shopping or anything like that, just assume off screen obviously XD

Buck’s sexuality arc being reduced to background noise also sucks. He kissed a man and then they said ok cool good enough moving on now. Not even bothering to deepen/develop his relationship with Tommy (are they even together or are they still going on dates?? No fuckin clue lmao), instead of a meaningful conversation between them in the finale it’s turned into a sexual joke like come ON, besides the first kiss and the second kiss that Buck initiates, their scenes are meaningless imo and that’s sad bc I was so excited for this storyline in the beginning but again, there’s nothing there. No substance.

And don’t even get me started on henren’s storyline. How many times are they gonna recycle the ‘person gets in the way of henren expanding their family’ bullshit before they finally get creative and think of something new? What is that, 3 times now? It’s just annoying at this point lmao I’m over it.

Why is Tim so against happy storylines? I know he said something along the lines of people wouldn’t watch if the characters were happy, but I think that’s bullshit. If you can’t captivate an audience with positive stories then I think you have a skill issue. Big drama and angst doesn’t equal good story telling and writing. Couldn’t even give madney a nice wedding like wtf.

Idk. I hope next season is thought out better.

[blurglesmurfklaine]

I saw TUTS Newsies last night and here are some little things I noticed and also thoughts and opinions because I have them!

The *second* the actor stepped on stage, @jlmjlmjlm leans over to me and says “He is SO Davey” and I 1000% agree. Costume, acting, the way he held himself? Perfection. THE Davey of all time

((Davey was the show stealer for me honestly. He was so fucking good. Put his whole Davussy into everything. Probably the best tenor in the show and also a great dancer))

PULITZER HAS A RUSSAIN/EUROPEAN ACCENT??

In the first circulation gate scene where Davey is introduced, Race sits on a stack of newspapers and continuously drums on them, kind of in his own little world, incredible ADHD coded

In the transition after the “That’s disgusting/that’s business” scene, Les spits on his hand and shoves it in Davey’s face. Davey moves out of the was but cracks the fuck up. It’s so siblings and so damn cute

Davey tries to follow Jack when he goes up to the box to speak with Katherine, but Jack stops him

The scene before TWWK shows Davey as MUCH more conflicted than livesies. He’s not standing with the newsies, he’s in the middle of the stage and keeps looking back between the circulation gate and them and finally goes with the newsies to strike and it’s SO GOOD

Honestly this whole scene Davey is SUCH A FUCKING LEADER and it’s amazing! Not only Jack, but the rest of the newsies keep looking for to him for guidance on the strike and it’s very funny but also so good. I think this might be my favorite Davey yet.

In the Seize the Day fight scene, one of the goons picks up Les and Davey and a few other newsies go to help him and then use him as a battering ram

“The woild is… *dramatic pause, looks off into distance* ya erster!” “Ya what?” 😒 “*redoes dramatic pause* Ya erster!”

No tap break for KONY :(

But Katherine and Davey are BESTIESSSSS! She stands on the table and says “Alright Davey!”

Davey also ate during this dance scene and left not a single crumb

“Is that a real place? Is that—”*Davey takes off his hat and holds it to his heart and looks up to the sky like he’s swooning* “Santa Fe?”

The way they hid Katherine from Jack in Pulitzer’s office was SO FUCKING FUNNY. Pulitzer tells her to sit before Jack comes in and she does, but as soon as the door opens she makes the shrek meme face and spins the chair around and slides her back down the chair to hide and it was SO GOOD that actress was so fantastic!

When Davey is speaking at the rally before Jack gets there, one of the newsies shouts “YOU TELL EM DAVEY!” And it’s very cute and funny, these newsies looooove Davey

Oh my god the POST RALLY TRANSITION??? Is fucking amazing. Jack takes the money off to the side and disappears. Spotlight on Davey and the Manhattan newsies all forming a line on the apron. They all start looking for Jack, calling for him and no one can find him so they all look to DAVEY and start crowding him like “what do we do?” And Davey has no idea what to do, gets overwhelmed and runs offstage, all of the newsies following him

Before Once And For All, Katherine and Davey have an off to the side moment and give each other little hi-fives

*thick Russian accent* “It’s a compromise we can all live with”

“What’s Santa Fe got that New York ain’t? Sandstorms?”

When Jack and Katherine kiss at the very end of the show, all the newsies lose their shit and Davey is the ONLY one who doesn’t clap for them akdhsjsj

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with and looooved how Davey-centric it was! One of my favorite Davey’s ever. He and Kath totally stole the show. Great experience and probably the best birthday present ever in the history 💞💞

[theflyindutchwoman]

Okay so now that the season is over and the dust has settled… and also to give us all something to do over the hiatus: what are your five favorite chenford scenes/moments from season 6?

Oooh, that's a really good question, thank you for this trip down memory lane ᡣ𐭩

. 05 - The Elevator Hug (6.09) Ngl, I hesitated between this moment, the wedding dance and the birthday card… But, ultimately, I have to go with this one (for tonight ha!). Maybe it's because I just love their hugs so much - and this one is so beautiful… It mirrors their hug at the hospice perfectly, which is one of my favourite scene of theirs. Maybe it's because of the context, making this one extra special. Or maybe it's because of all the lovely details, like Tim melting into her embrace, Lucy closing her eyes after he says "I'm okay now" and squeezing him a bit more… You can feel the love and caring amidst all the hurt and heartbreak. It doesn't fix anything, it is simply a short respite for the both of them… and for us.

. 04 - Letting Lucy sleep in (6.03) It's a small scene, but the gesture is incredibly sweet. And domestic with Tim getting dressed in front of her. Of course, Primm had to ruin it with his mind games and all, but I just love this little moment where we could see Tim taking care of Lucy and letting her rest because she needed it.

. 03 - Trophy (6.03) + Radio Gift (6.05) Technically, these are two different scenes… But the idea behind it is similar. In both cases, it's Tim taking the time to make silly - but meaningful - gifts to Lucy to show her the support she deserves and how proud he is of her. It's about acknowledging her in a season where it often felt like she was isolated and alone… if not unseen. And, of course, there is the wonderful "you could never disappoint me", something she desperately needed to hear.

. 02 - Battle Couple (6.10) My favourite trope and these two do it so well… even when they're no longer a couple and things are still awkward between them. The whole sequence was so good : Lucy speeding to get to Tim, coming up with a crazy plan and giving instructions to Angela who didn't even blink an eye… that jump… and when things finally slowed down, that look between Tim and Lucy… the man was shooketh.

. 01 - Hospital scene (6.04) Hands down, my favourite scene of the season. From the way Lucy was all alone, in clear distress over the events of the day but trying to hold it together, to Tim who rushed to her side, not even taking the time to change his clothes and yet had the presence of mind to take her bag with him… To him trying to make her laugh a little, touching her to ground her in the present and reassure her (and him for that matter) and engulfing her in a hug to comfort her… And what a hug! He was trying to shield her, cradling her, his hand on her head and her hand on his chest, close to his heart as if she needed to hear his beating heart… Such a great parallel to some of their other hugs. And of course : "let's go home".

[chirpingfromthebox]

All the bits from the Boston post-game press session after Finals Game 5

You can find the entire interview here! Be sure to go show them some love/views/likes/nice comments/etc for the work they put in making these available for everyone.

At the table were Jamie Lee Rattray, Hilary Knight, and coach Courtney Kessel.

We're at the end of the season here, my friends. My impulse (as always) is to be lazy and trim things down a little and save myself some effort, but it just feels wrong to trim anything off such a historic end. So I'll just suck it up and do these last few interviews in their entirety.

All the transcriptions under the break.

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REPORTER: [This reporter neglected to use a microphone, so the best I can make out is “Coach, why was it so _____?” In the comments for the video it was asked what the question was and the reporter who posts these videos said she wasn't sure, but basically it was a "What happened out there tonight?" type of thing.]

COURTNEY KESSEL: I thought we came out and actually had a good start, had some opportunities to put the puck in the back of the net. We didn’t. And then, to be honest, I think we just ran out of steam.

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REPORTER: Just for either of the players, I know you’re in that moment of disappointment right now, but are you able to just reflect on the journey of the season, getting this far, and what was established for women’s hockey?

HILARY KNIGHT: Absolutely. Obviously, it’s tough when you lose. Especially game 5, at home, in front of amazing fans. But, you know, we just came from the room, that’s kinda all we were doing, is reflecting on how proud of our group we are. How we continued to persevere regardless of any odds that were thrown in our direction. How we fought. You know, this year was a historic year. It was tough. It was something that no player was ever used to. We built it. And we’re extremely ecstatic about where it is right now year one, and where our group is; how we continue to battle and fight for one another. So I think, if anything, that reflection- point is something that we can celebrate and take away from tonight even though we did lose is our group. And how proud of one another we are in that room.

[Rattray looks at Hilary and nods]

[for the record you can really hear the emotion in Hilary's voice in this answer. If you only listen to two questions from this video I would recommend you listen to this one and the final one. They are my favorite two and you can really hear a lot of nuance in her voice in them.]

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REPORTER: Just want to ask all three of you, the job that Aerin [Frankel] did in goal tonight. 41 saves, I think it was 43 shots. Just seemed that she- that expression “standing on her head” maybe the right one here.

HILARY KNIGHT: Yeah. That game in the second could’ve opened up a lot greater than a 3-nothing deficit without Aerin between the pipes. She stood on her head all year. She showed up every single day. And so we couldn’t be more grateful and proud of her performance throughout the year. Hopefully we can help her a little bit more next year up front [laughs], relieve some of that pressure. But she’s the best goalie in the league. No doubt about it.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: The moment with the fans were chanting “Thank you Boston,” I dunno if you were able to hear that on the ice? [Hilary nods in the affirmative.] What did that mean to you all?

JAMIE LEE RATTRAY: Yeah, it was pretty emotional, I think. I mean, it’s pretty special what we had here. Obviously we wanted to win on home ice, but they still stuck with us through the whole game. They were loud, they showed up for us today. Unfortunately we couldn’t get it done. Super grateful for them. We couldn’t do it without them this year for sure.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: This crowd was the largest we’ve had all season. Standing room only, secondary market’s huge. Can you speak on what it meant to have the fans here like that tonight?

JAMIE LEE RATTRAY: I mean, it speaks for itself, right? We were super excited to get to the rink today. Just hearing the price of the tickets and stuff like that. I think we can be super proud of that, especially in our market here in Boston. I mean, it means the world to us. As players that’s all we want is to be able to fill the buildings and you’ll have a fanbase that really supports us. And they’ve been so great for us all year. Unfortunately we couldn’t get it done for them tonight, but I think we got a really special group here. Hopefully they keep coming and supporting us all next year too.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: I was just wondering if the two of you could answer about Aerin what you thought she did tonight for the team, to keep the team in it essentially?

JAMIE LEE RATTRAY: Yeah, she’s been our backbone. Like Hil said. I think she’s literally the best goalie in the world, right now. She literally stood on her head. She helped us through the first couple rounds of the playoffs and without her I don’t think we could get to where we are. Like Hil said, we’re gonna back her up a little more next year, hopefully. She’s phenomenal and such a great teammate too. Unfortunately we couldn’t get any in for her tonight, but she was phenomenal all year.

COURTNEY KESSEL: I would just say [she’s] super humble off the ice, and so quick, the way she tracks the puck. Just incredible. Her ability to see all those point shots and last second make those saves. We wouldn’t be where we are today without her. And unfortunately we fell a little short.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: Coach, do you have any updates on Taylor [Wenczkowski]? Was she okay? It looked like a knee injury.

COURTNEY KESSEL: Yeah, she’s alright.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: This offseason’s gonna be a shorter turnaround compared to the last couple years. How long do you guys take to wallow in this before you get ready for the next season?

HILARY KNIGHT: I think we all need a vacation. [everybody at the table laughs.]

You know, let us not forget that we had a six week training camp before the start of this year. We were in market, working with no games, a lot of scrimmages, showing up. You know this is the first year that players weren’t necessarily in control of their programming. So we expected a lot of ourselves to show up every single day. But yeah, I mean, it’s a short off season. I know there’s different national team camps and whatnot that are coming up pretty quickly in August and September, but it’s just a matter of people getting healthy and getting back to sort of that healthy standpoint before we start gearing up and training again. But it’s a long year. We said it from the get-go. And I think we definitely felt it towards the end of this run.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: Courtney, I just wanted to ask you, as someone who’s been in the game- on the game for as long as you have, what do you feel for the future? I know you just, literally just, finished the season [Kessel smiles], but it’s probably crossed your mind. Just like where this can go from here?

COURTNEY KESSEL: When you think back to September when this was kind of launched and we had the draft and we’re heading off to training camps. Who could’ve ever imagined that we’re filling the Bell Center, the ACC, or- [whispers a question to Jamie Lee]

JAMIE LEE RATTRAY: [laughing] Scotiabank.

CK: Scotiabank. You know we’re filling Tsongas, we’re playing in front of 13+ thousand in Minnesota and Detroit. I think this league took off and took off full throttle. More than we could ever have imagined as coaches, as players. I think we should all be so proud. And I think the media and the people surrounding this league, you know, the Walter family- like, we wouldn’t be here, right? I think we’re all thankful for that and grateful for this opportunity. But I know that the effort that every single player in league put forth, because it was a grind, it was something no one was used to. Just incredible for every single athlete involved in this group. I’m just so proud of our group and how we battled back all year. And here we were: one game short.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: Jamie and Hilary, did you expect the physical play as much as it was? And do you think that going forward it’s something you know you need to prepare a little bit more for next season?

JAMIE LEE RATTRAY: Yeah, I think our game’s always been physical, but [laughing] I think it got ramped up a little bit this year. And now we know how to play it. I think we will prepare differently right in the summers, and you had to adapt your game a little bit as the year went on and I think it was extra physical in the playoffs. I think you can use it to your advantage as well. It was definitely a different look as a player for sure as the year went on. But now that we know how it’s gonna be, I think it’s easier to prepare as next season comes along.

HILARY KNIGHT: Definitely. I’d like to see more consistency with what is body checking and what isn’t body checking, I think moving forward. And I know the league’s gonna work on that and we’re gonna do our part preparing to make sure we don’t put ourselves in vulnerable positions out on the ice. But it’s definitely a different type of game. You have to see the ice differently, you have to be able to absorb hits, read coverages, and put yourself in the center of the ice a little bit more than playing on the outskirts on the boards if you don’t wanna get banged up so much over the year. But, yeah, it’s gonna be an emphasis point with everybody training this summer.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: Congrats on the great season. And sorry for the loss tonight. I’m wondering if you all can reflect on how you’re thinking of setting the stage for professional women’s sports in Boston in general? As you all are the only fully professional league, and we’ve got pro soccer coming, but you all are really leading the way on this. Do you have thoughts on this? What your leadership means for pro women’s sports in Boston?

[Randomly, coach Kessel has a face during this question that you'll see a lot from her during these press sessions and it's my potentially my favorite one of hers. I can't explain why it's my favorite, but it is.]

HILARY KNIGHT: I think a rising tide lifts all ships. We benefit from many women that came before us to put us in a successful position this year. It seems like women’s sports is really breaking through and what a better timing than to invest now and be part of this journey. So we’re excited to be the first in market, but we’re really excited for that NWSL team to join us, among other teams. It’s just exciting to be in women’s sport right now and at this level.

[Boston's NWSL team is set to debut in 2026, for those interested.]

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: They’ve announced that nicknames will be coming this off season. Do you guys have any favorites or suggestions that you guys would like to see your team called?

[Hilary says something quietly to her tablemates here and they all laugh, but I’m not able to make out what exactly she says.]

JAMIE LEE RATTRAY: I dunno. We’ll see what they come up with, but I’m sure it will be a good one. There’s been some pretty good names in Boston with sports teams, so I’m sure we’ll fit right in on that. I dunno. I’m looking forward to having a logo and a team name and-

It was pretty cool though, I think the cool thing about this year is we represented our cities. And we always talk about it all the time, representing this city is something special. And to be a part of this sports market, you know, I’ve said it time and time again, it’s super special. You’ve seen the different teams and the different history behind sports, and now we get to be a part of it and it’s really, really cool. So I’m sure it’ll be a good team name. I can’t wait to get my first t-shirt.

-------------------- --------------------

REPORTER: From the player’s perspective, being inside the arena, hearing the amount of young women that you hear in the audience tonight and the other things that you’ve heard from, and the cheers, the electric energy. How does that motivate you to, yes of course there was a loss, keep on moving forward into the next season and play?

HILARY KNIGHT: Yeah, on one note, at the end of it you’re just a human showing up to play the sport that you love. And when you get out on the ice with a group, you see the young faces, you see faces from all over, you see signs, candy, bracelets, you hear it. And you realize how much you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. And I think, while this loss, we feel it in our room, it’s tough because we really wanted it, not only for the people in the room, but everyone who supported us along this journey. Because we understand what type of impact and the significance of what we’re doing through sport. To have a positive inspirational point and have that impact on someone’s life is a huge responsibility and one that I know no player takes lightly. And we get to do it doing the best job in the world.

-------------------- End of the Interview --------------------

[earlgrey24]

Top 5 favorite historical events 👀

Oo, good one! Thanks for the ask ✨

1. The Ides of March

Apart from being a beloved Tumblr holiday, I just find the whole event so interesting! Few times in history have had such a lasting cultural impact (hello, statue of Brutus at the National Convention!).

Plus it's so wonderfully morally grey, which you can see from the different perception of Brutus throughout history (burning in lowest circle of Dante's hell vs. being hailed as a hero by the French revolutionaries).

Was it the right thing to do? It was an act of extreme violence, and the republic was arguably beyond saving anyway, as became clear later. Does it mean it was the wrong thing to do though? I'm definitely not qualified to answer that. But it is an interesting question to think about, which makes this event one of my favourites.

(Plus the whole thing kind of reads like an ancient tragedy, since it could be read as Brutus (& co) killing someone who was essentially a father figure to him, but also was widely known to have slept with his mother. Hamlet who?)

2. Camille rallying the crowds at Palais Royal

I'm a sucker for a good epic moment, and this is certainly one of them. Camille leaping on the table and overcoming his stutter to address the crowd of dissatisfied Parisians, inspiring them to take action? Yes please!

(not to mention that any event that demonstrates the power that words can have is going to be automatically interesting in my book.)

3. The Servilia Letter Affair

Situated during the late Roman Republic after the Catiline conspiracy, it's another hilarious evidence of the fact that poor Cato the Younger simply couldn't catch a break.

For those uninitiated: as Cato and Caesar were arguing about what kind of punishment is appropriate for the conspirators wanting to overthrow the consul, a mysterious letter was delivered to Caesar, right in the senate. Cato suspected that there was something foul going on, something that could potentially link Caesar - Cato's oponent - to the conspiracy that was just being discussed. He therefore seized the letter from Caesar and insisted he will read its contents out loud, in front of everyone. Doesn't sound all that unreasonable, right? ...except the document in question just happened to be a steamy, in Plutarch's words "unchaste" love-letter to Caesar, written by none other than Cato's own half-sister, Servilia.* Yikes. Cato apparently proceeded to then throw the letter back to Caesar, saying: "Take it, thou sot." Iconic.

* who was also Brutus' mother. See, it's all connected!

4. Publishing of the Éncyclopedie

I just love studying the Age of Enlightenment as a whole, but I think the Éncyclopedie is perhaps the best embodiment of all of the things the era was about. I like learning about the Éncyclopedistes - their petty personal dramas are fun to read about, but I also like the fact that what fuelled the project was a (mostly) genuine desire to educate people and make human knowledge more readily available to the masses.

Also look what I came across while in Verona!! ->

5. Women's March on Versailles

A great reminder that women can be a strong political force and that their place in history should not be overlooked! Though it was not necessarily a women-only event, it clearly shows just how much of a significant role women (and working class people in general) played in the French Revolution.

[deeplyridiculouslyinlove]

Things Rand learns about Moiraine in the course of five minutes in 02 x 05:

She is from Cairhien.

Her family is RICH. Like marry the Queen rich.

She has a sister and a nephew.

That weird lady who told him the Hunt for the Horn isn’t real and how the rich people in Cairhien disdain the people in the Foregate is her sister.

(Maybe that she’s a Damodred, but I don’t think of Rand as a real history buff so idk if that will mean anything to him.)

She hasn’t seen her family in 20 years.

They don’t know Lan.

Things Rand knew about Moiraine before 02 x 05:

She once had trouble channeling when she was learning to be an Aes Sedai.

(Maybe that she is a lady from a fallen house - depends if he believed/remembered that comment she made to the whitecloaks.)

[666news-and-horoscopes]

Have a hell of a Valentine's Day!

[exactly103]

my fav moments from d&dads s2ep1

[ardentlytess]

ROOMMATES OF POONGDUCK 304 (2022), episode 7

[byunbaekhyunie]

Colde's blue room, Episode 2 Guest: BAEKHYUN

[and-im-dying-inside]

i’ve had this idea for months and i can finally share it!!!