#take a shot every time jane says something 3 times in a row in one of my fics

[mappingthesky]

not a prompt necessarily but I’m always down for planymphia angst 🙏🙏🙏

in response to multiple asks i’ve received for planymphia angst… here is this <3

i know baby, no attachment

None of this had been in the plan.

It was the first thing they’d talked about that first night in Jane’s apartment; Neither of them were looking for anything serious. They were both unavailable, incapable of making any promises. Not now. Not yet. It would be clean, simple, no strings attached. Just two people using each other. Innocently, admittedly using each other, but using each other nonetheless.

They’d been on the couch in Jane’s dimly lit apartment. Jane was an obvious sort of gorgeous. It was the first thing Nymphia had noticed about her, what drew her in on that first night they’d met: she’d been wearing something meant to lure you in, hypnotized by the clinging of her clothes to her body, the wave of her hair, her eyes tightlined and sharpened like knives. Jane was almost lethal to look at, all done up and primed to kill; the most magnetic friend-of-a-friend Nymphia had ever been introduced to. She was somehow even more gorgeous now, sitting on the couch in her casual clothes, her face aglow in the light of the television, her auburn hair pulled up into a messy top knot. She was painfully, effortlessly attractive, and, much to Nymphia’s surprise, only so much of a smooth talker. She came off suave at first, all punchlines and quick remarks, but after a while Nymphia could start to see her thinking. Jane would be in the middle of a sentence, flying through it, hurtling towards some revelation, and then she’d catch herself. She’d pause, freeze on a word and scoff at it, like she was considering whether whatever she was about to say would be worth the sentiment. And then she’d go a bit shy, averting her eyes and playing with the pilling on the upholstery, giving away just how carefully considered she was. And just when Nymphia was starting to think that Jane was completely nervous to her core, that Nymphia might actually have the upper hand in this situation, Jane would bring it back. She’d pick her head up and let the words go, say something so stunningly direct and devastating. It left Nymphia a little breathless, a little too endeared, a little too eager to kiss her.

They could have guessed at the chemistry, but it didn’t come close to the real thing.

What happened when Jane’s skin hit Nymphia was the sort of collision that produced suns and planets and supernovas, flinging particles off into space with enough pressure to form entire worlds. Nymphia could practically see the stars behind her eyes, fluttering shut when Jane was hovering above her, hand between her legs, finding some undiscovered place that Nymphia didn’t know had been there all along, waiting to be found. Jane turned Nymphia’s body into something more than it was before, transforming her irrevocably. Jane was a comet crashing through her atmosphere, and Nymphia was awe-struck, staring at the sky and watching the sparks shower. You can’t be prepared for such life-altering things, it's what makes them so devastating.

What neither of them could have predicted was the ease of what came after - the lying in bed, talking about it. The debrief. Nymphia was a bit too happily fucked, and unwilling to share the extent of her satisfaction. She was worried she would come off easy, inexperienced somehow. Jane, however, was endlessly attentive. She wanted Nymphia’s experience of the encounter, all the details - what she liked, what satisfied her the most, what she wanted more of. Her sheer desire to please was enough to pull the details out of Nymphia. She was rewarded when Jane allowed her to relive it, this time through Jane’s eyes. Jane’s gaze was far off with remembering, a smile playing at her lips as she recounted her experience of Nymphia in such erotic detail, every telling arch and shudder, and the whole thing was so overwhelmingly flattering that it sort of made Nymphia want to do it all over again.

Nymphia had known better than to pack an overnight bag. She thought she had, anyway.

Her eyes were closed and she was nearly asleep when she’d mumbled, ‘I should be going soon.”

Jane just chuckled. “You’re half asleep already.” Her fingers trailed up the curve of Nymphia’s thigh. “Just spend the night. If you want to.”

Nymphia's eyes were suddenly open, “Yeah?” Jane traced stars onto her hip.

“Mhm,” Jane hummed, eyes flickering up, then back to the curve of Nymphia’s waist.

Nymphia closed her eyes, savored in the feeling of Jane on her skin. A long moment passed.

“D’you cuddle? Or is that against the rules.”

Jane’s hum was an amused look at you asking so soon. She was already pulling Nymphia to her chest.

That first night turned into a three-day sleepover, because of course it did. Nymphia and Jane stretched themselves over the long arc of the weekend, sharing the sort of welcome, unexpected ease that you can’t put down, the kind that you’ll happily destroy your routine over and resign yourself to picking up the pieces after the fact. One weekend became another, and then occasional nights at Nymphia’s apartment with the door shut and her duvet crumpled at the end of the bed. And then they added the weekday rendezvous: Nymphia meeting Jane at her place after work on Thursday evenings, promising not to keep her up late and failing miserably, leaning her head on Jane’s shoulder in the morning as she locked the door on her way out. And then Nymphia was bleeding into Jane’s week, her Tuesdays and Wednesdays, her breakfasts and dinners, her late-night ice cream cravings and subsequent walks to 7-11. And then it was all too regular: Nymphia and Jane, Jane and Nymphia.

It's been a few months now, and there are so many things Nymphia loves about Jane.

She loves how Jane drives with one hand on her thigh, or with her fingers in her mouth. How she looks over to the passenger seat with that special look that's reserved just for Nymphia, and makes her feel like the only person she's ever wanted. She loves how she listens to her music loud, sings along when she’s drunk and tossing her hair, or when it's Sunday morning and she’s at the stove and there’s a record spinning in the living room. Nymphia loves how unabashed Jane is, how bold. How she never hesitates when it comes to the people in her life, how to be loved by Jane is to be fiercely defended by her. Nymphia loves how Jane kisses her in the middle of her sentences, especially when she's talking too much. She loves that Jane is so rough. How she can fuck her like she hates her. She loves how Jane can be so tender. How she can fuck her soft and slow, as reverent as religion. How Jane can make a mess of her, then put her back together again.

There are so many things Nymphia hates.

She hates that Jane is so impulsive, how she strikes so thoughtlessly, how she has to return to the wounds later to draw the venom out of them. How Jane is so stubborn, so set in her ways, so inflexible. How there’s two Janes - the one she’s with now, the one she is around her friends. The one who doesn’t kiss her, hardly touches her aside from a possessive arm around her shoulder or a tap on her knee. How the real Jane, Nymphia’s Jane, emerges as soon as they’re alone together, the one who will see her downturned gaze on the way home and coo what can I do, princess? Hmm? What can I do to see that pretty smile? Nymphia hates that she forgives Jane so easily, that she crumbles every time, that she loves Jane completely and entirely and beyond any measure of hurt that she could unknowingly inflict upon her.

She hates that she’s still sitting at this party, long after Jane promised they’d leave. She hates that Jane’s friends clearly like her; they laugh at Nymphia’s jokes, compliment her shoes, send knowing glances and winks across the room every time Jane so much as mentions her name. She hates how, when they ask what they are, Jane is all too quick to brush them off.

It's obvious that Nymphia’s upset by the way she pounds up the stairs, by the way she wordlessly digs through her purse for her keys, by the way the anger and the hurt and the disappointment emanate from her like poison.

“I just can’t believe they asked that,” Jane scoffs. Nymphia says nothing, gritting her teeth as she turns the key in the lock.

It should be obvious, but Jane is a bit too self-absorbed to notice.

“Like, we don’t even know what we are,” Jane says, and Nymphia feels sick, because she thought she did. “Why would she put me on the spot like that? In front of everyone?”

Nymphia pushes into the apartment, beelining for the kitchen.

“I mean, it was weird, right?” Jane continues, relentless. “Why do they need to know so bad?”

“Yeah,” Nymphia’s voice is hard, laced with venom. She chucks her keys onto the counter with a little too much force. “Why would they?”

“Right,” Jane doesn’t notice. “It would be nice if they could just let us-“

“I don’t know why they could possibly be so confused.” Nymphia interrupts, working off her thigh-highs.

Jane misses a beat. “Wait. Are you-“

“I can’t fucking imagine why they’d think that we’re together.” Nymphia lets her boots drop to the floor, one gut-wrenching smack after the other.

Jane blinks, brows knit together. Nymphia straightens up, fumbles with things on the counter that don’t need to be fumbled with. “Are you upset about this?”

“Why would I be upset?” Nymphia picks up a stray mug, sets it down again. “You just told all of your friends that we’re nothing serious. Why would I ever be upset about that, Jane?”

“I didn’t say that, Nymph,” Jane starts, already on the defense. “I said that we’re something.”

“Oh, right. My bad.” Nymphia scoffs. “We’re something. Let me know when you’re ready to illuminate me on whatever the fuck that means, Jane.”

Jane recoils at Nymphia’s profanity, unfamiliar with her frustration. She’s never seen her like this- so hurt, so ready to retaliate.

It's not funny. Jane shouldn’t laugh. She really shouldn’t, but she’s viscerally uncomfortable and horrifically unprepared for this situation, so she does anyways. “Are you really angry about this?”

The whole thing is white hot and embarrassing, and Nymphia has tears in her eyes when she turns and whips her purse to the floor.

Jane jumps. “What the fuck?” She’s wide-eyed, both hands held up in shock. “Nymphia. Are you serious right now?”

“I don’t know Jane,” Nymphia bites. “Are you serious?”

“What?”

“I kinda thought you might be,” Nymphia steps over her bag. “Y’know, because you cut me a key to your fucking apartment. I thought maybe that constituted we were more than,” she curls her fingers in the air, “something”.

Jane shakes her head, jaw tight and temple pulsing. When she speaks, it's in a lower voice, almost ashamed. “I don’t want to talk about this right now.”

“You never want to talk about it!” Nymphia’s voice cracks, a desperate wail. Jane’s mouth opens, already halfway towards defending herself until she looks at Nymphia and sees her bottom lip quivering, the spilling over of her tears. Jane looked back with a concerned, almost panicked expression, lips frozen and slightly parted.

“Do you love me, Jane? Do you even fucking like me?”

Nymphia surprises herself with the question. She’s so amped up, so high on adrenaline that she lets it all out- the culmination of weeks of words she’d bitten back, suddenly pouring forth from where they’d been collecting in a lump in her throat.

“No, seriously, do you? Because I can’t fucking tell. I think you do, because- because you say all these beautiful things, and you spend so much time with me, and you take such good fucking care of me. So you must fucking love me, right? But when your friends ask, I have to sit there and listen to you tell them that we’re something. Like it’s so fucking confusing to you. Like it's a goddamn secret. Do you know what that feels like?”

Nymphia is fully pacing now, walking the length of the kitchen over and over again. Jane follows her with wincing, pained eyes.

What Nymphia hates, more than anything, is that she doesn’t hate Jane at all. Not for any of it.

“I’m fucking in love with you, Jane, alright?” Nymphia whines, hands whipping through the air with frustration. “I’m so in love with you, and everybody fucking knows it. Your friends, my friends, my mom, everyone! But no one seems to have any goddamn clue if you love me too. And you know what? I’m not sure if I do, either.”

When she finally expels the last of the words from the hole in her heart, Nymphia looks up through her tears. She can barely stomach the sight of Jane, lips parted and wordless, unsure of what to do with the outpouring of Nymphia’s heart. She stares at her, eyes twisted in pain, then looks to the ground, like Nymphia’s words have slid off her and collected in a puddle at her feet. Nymphia just cries, a pained and exhausted whimper on her lips as she pushes past Jane and into the living room. She collapses on one end of the couch, pulling her knees to her chest and hiding her face behind one hand, hot tears sliding down her cheeks and into her mouth.

Jane stands in the center of the room with her back turned, still facing the phantom of Nymphia’s words that may very well haunt her kitchen forever. Her head is spinning, because how the fuck did this happen. Nymphia is openly sobbing behind her, and the sound is so gut-wrenching that Jane is nauseated.

Nymphia makes a horrible, shuddering gasp for air and Jane finally breaks, crossing the room and dropping to her knees on the floor where Nymphia sits. She doesn’t even look at her, just sobs, and Jane can physically feel her heart fucking breaking.

“Nymphia,” she says, placing her palm on Nymphia’s knee. “Nymph. Hey.”

Nymphia shakes her head, face contorted with tears. She flinches at Jane’s hand like it fucking hurts, and Jane winces as the guilt slices through her. She exhales a sharp puff of defeat and drops her head in hurt.

Nymphia just cries and cries, and the reality of the situation sinks in Jane’s stomach with every sob. She’s sick to her stomach with concern, worried that Nymphia might actually fucking hyperventilate, and then she’s gently begging the girl to breathe. She goes to reach for Nymphia again and pauses, scared to reach out, scared to hurt Nymphia, scared that she’ll recoil from her again. It’s then that Jane knows, for the first time in all of her life, what she wants. She knows, right as it threatens to slip out of her hands.

“I’ve never done this before.”

Jane hears her own voice. Her words hang in the air for a moment, floating like smoke between Nymphia’s shaky, shattered breaths. Jane looks up.

“This,” she says, a tentative hand on Nymphia’s knee. “What you and I have. I’ve never-”

The words are hard for Jane to stomach. They don’t pour out like Nymphia’s do. They catch in her throat, feel wrong in her mouth. She’s not sure they’ll be enough.

“I’ve never had this with anyone,” she says. “I’ve never wanted to. Not until now.”

Nymphia wipes at her eyes, shudders a bit as her breathing quiets.

“I, um,” Jane glances down, scared to look. “I don’t know how.”

Nymphia finally looks at Jane, so small and nervous and crumbling at her feet. She wants to take her hand, to show her, to be endlessly patient even if it kills her. The desire is so enormous, even now. She almost hates herself for it.

“I know I’m fucking it up,” Jane says to the floor, her voice tiny and wavering. “I’m sorry. You don’t deserve that.”

“I just need to know,” Nymphia whispers.

Nymphia swallows hard, and then Jane looks up and its so fucking harrowing, so moving, because Nymphia can see the guilt in her eyes, the desire, the glimmer of words she can’t figure out how to say. She watches as she considers, catches herself, lets it go.

“I do.” Jane says. Nymphia’s heart plummets, because she knows what she means.

“I don’t want to say it now,” Jane says. “I don’t want it to be an apology. I want you to know I mean it. Is that okay?”

Nymphia nods and Jane mutters over and over I do, I do, you know I do.

It's beautiful and tragic and overwhelming, and Nymphia wants to crash into Jane, to merge together and surpass the need for words entirely. It's too soon to know yet if it's for better or for worse, only that she does it - that she reaches out and takes Jane’s hand.

“I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it.” There’s a hint of a smile on her lips, a bit of Jane laughing at herself. “But I want to try.”

Nymphia just nods and feels more tears streaming down her cheeks, and Jane’s crying too, and then they’re crashing into each other. Nymphia is leaning down and throwing her arms around Jane, who is sitting forward and clinging to her like she’s scared to let her go. Like she caught a shooting star in her bare fucking hands.

It's a whisper against her hair, but Nymphia hears it. “Can I try again?”

Nymphia could hate herself for it for all of forever. She’s prepared to. Jane doesn’t know what she’s doing, and she doesn't either. Nymphia nods anyway.

It's a new world, one of their own making. It's unexplored, uncharted, and they’re venturing into it together, hand in shaking hand. It's dangerous. She’s doing it anyway. She might hate herself for it. It might be the bravest thing she’s ever done.

[m-y-fandoms]

[Aoi Asahina, Sonia Nevermind, Chiaki Nanami, Rantarou Amami, Ibuki Mioda] x reader imagine: comforting an insecure guitarist s/o after their band plays live

Request: Oh my god, are DR blogs coming back again?? This is the third new one I've found this month!! Really happy about that.  Great writing so far by the way! Could you maybe do Asahina, Sonia, Chiaki, Rantaro, and Ibuki (separate) comforting an insecure, guitarist S/O after they just performed a live show with their band? And like, the S/O is really worried that they sucked even though they did well? Oddly specific, I know. Would appreciate it though! Cheers!

OMG I NERDED OUT AND HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH CHIAKI’S, POINTS TO THE FANS WHO GET THE REFERENCE, though it’s an easy one Nishishi~

Thank you for this imagine request and being so specific about what you want while still giving me a lot of creative freedom! I immediately had some simple but cute ideas about this! - Mod Kokichi

Gender Neutral reader, a few brief lewd humorous lines, but SFW otherwise.

Aoi Asahina

- You were nervous, pre-show jitters shuddering through your body, but you couldn’t back out now.

- Not when your super hot, super excited, super supportive girlfriend had hyped you up just before the show.

- “Stage fright?! How’d you even get into a band in the first place with that mentality?!” Hina teased you backstage, mere moments before going on out to preform. She saw you chuckle nervously, not taking her joke as well as she’d hoped.

- She took your hand firmly. “Look, you know that face you love, the one I make when I’m thinking about pastries?” She continued.

- “The one that makes you look like a chipmunk?” You answered flatly.

- “I don’t agree, but yes! That one! When you’re scared up there, imagine me doing that face! Or better yet, I’ll be front row, in the V.I.P. standing section anyway. Just look for me there!” With a peck on your cheek, she gave you a determined look before pushing you toward the stage and disappearing.

- “H-hina!” You stuttered, but it couldn’t be helped, it was time.

- To your surprise, the nervousness went away as your band was about half way through the first song.

1. The attention is mainly on the lead singer.

2. You were focusing on playing too much to fully take in the screaming crowd.

3. You were actually enjoying yourself.

- As the first song ended, however, the music fading out and the crowd going wild, you felt that little pinch of panic settle back in. There was no music to focus on and protect you, just a hundred faces to look out upon.

- Your eyes darted back and forth over the audience, searching. Your breathing came out a little heavier, until your eyes landed on a lean, curvy, athletic figure, with tanned skin and a smile sweet like honey...no, like doughnuts

- She put her hands up near her face like paws, closing her eyes in an open-mouth smile. You smirked, nodding and strumming your strings once again.

- At the end of the show, fans flooded to the hallway that connected the venue’s main hall to the dressing rooms backstage, reaching out to try and grab band members, hoping to take how an autograph or lock of hair as a souvenir, and you rushed through, sweating and ultimately disappointed with the overall performance you put on that night.

- Hina was already waiting in your temporary dressing room for the night, standing and throwing her arms around your neck before praising you endlessly.

- “S/O, that was amazing! That third song, I felt like the bass shook the place! It was intense, like the final lap in a freestyle race, you know?! We gotta bring Sakura next time. I think she’d really get into the pull of the steady rhythm!” Her little dramatic expressions, her brow knitted together passionately as she spoke...she reminded you every day why you fell in love with her.

- “You...you really liked it? I thought I was kinda just going down further and further in quality as the show went on. I felt like shit by the end…”

- “Are you kidding me! It was fantastic. I think the whole audience was immersed. I know I was! Hey...you better not have all these groupies flocking you looking for a piece tonight!” She teased, hugging your arm!

Sonia Nevermind

- Sonia was extremely excited to go to a public concert. Anything that brought her closer to commoners, to feeling like she belonged around ordinary people was just swell to her.

- Even better that it was in a country foreign to her, where she could be immersed in the cultural norms and behaviors.

- Even better that she was watching the one she loved play.

- She was afraid that you’d judge her when she first admitted her love for the occult, horror, and all things gothic and metal.

- You thought that was pretty hot.

- So there she stood, in the front row of your concert, in a poofy green dress with expensive jewelry and accessories decorating her frame. She stuck out like a sore thumb, but Sonia, blissfully unaware, felt like one of the normal people.

- She jumped when the crowd did, her fist in the air, entranced by each note that came from your instrument.

- Sweaty metal-heads and ravers bumped into her endlessly in the tightly packed crowd, and she couldn’t care less.

- You looked amazing up on stage, and she felt like she was a part of some fan fiction she read once.

- You know the trope, where the reader is in the crowd at a famous band’s concert reluctantly, and her favorite member locks eyes with her and either pulls her on stage with them or takes her backstage after the show and ravished her!

- And she felt her love for you and your musical talent swell within her heart.

- After the concert, she met you outside the back door of the venue, and you were shocked silent at her appearance.

- “S-Sonia are you okay??” The tights under her dress were ripped, her bracelet missing some jewels, the bow tie falling out of her blonde locks, which by the way looked like a rat’s nest. Topping the look off were the pit stains under her arms and in the valley of her cleavage.

- “I’m sorry. I knew this would be a shitty experience. I shouldn’t have brought you. The music was bad anyway, huh? I shouldn’t practiced more.” You looked down in shame, before she nearly tackled you, her arms around your neck and kissing you everywhere, up and down your face and neck and chest.

- “D-do not say these things! Tonight was the b-best night of my life!!!” she sputtered, too excited to enunciate. “You looked like a hero in this J-Drama I watched years ago! Like the protagonist Sawayama Keito!! And I??? I was your romantic love interest, the plain Jane in the crowd, Ito Aiyaka!”

- “You really enjoyed it that much?” You could smell the body odor and adrenaline pouring off of her, very un-princess-like, but you couldn’t care less, grinning like a fool.

- “I love you, Sonia, you crazy kid.”

- “Play for me again tonight, in the dorm room…” she spoke desperately.

Chiaki Nanami

- Chiaki did not want to be in that crowd that night.

- A short, skinny, lazy, introverted girl at a live concert full of rabid fans and no seats? Standing room only?

- She briefly mentioned this to you days before the show, not wanting to hurt your feelings. It was something mentioned in passing, in her normal flat and tired tone.

- “I hope I don’t get stepped on...maybe I can bring my Gameboy and play when things get too wild?” She mused, leaning back on you as you prepared to start practicing on the edge of the bed next to her.

- You loved Chiaki, and you knew how to take her hints by now.

- “Chi, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I know crowds aren’t your thing.”

- “No, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she smiled that lazy, half-lidded smile. She loved you too, and she wasn’t about to be the only one on campus not there to support you. She yawned and took your guitar from your hands before falling asleep on your lap.

- You thought the gesture was cute, but inside you were a bit irritated. You’d told her many times prior to that night that you needed all the practice you could get, and that you were afraid of bombing. So why would she purposely stop you in the middle of practicing?

- Oh well. You leaned back, memorizing chords and lyrics in your head until you, too, passed out

- The night of the concert, Chiaki stood in the front row, her backpack strapped to her front, oddly snug on her chest and obviously on backwards, but it was easier to access her Gameboy and fidget toys in case she needed to retreat from the overwhelming noise.

- She told herself they were just for emergencies. She was there for you, and frowned thinking about how you’d feel if you looked down off the stage and saw her not paying attention.

- People piled in, and soon your band came on stage. The lead singer introducing you all.

- Chiaki was already feeling like the ceiling was lowering, like the people around her were far too close, and looked down, hoping seeing just the dark venue floor and her shoes would calm her, one hand on her backpack for security.

- “Oh!” She gasped, her little bangs flying up and her eyes widening like saucers as the lead singer sang the first notes. Three notes, that’s all it took.

- “Aha~aha ah ah...ha~uh huh huh…” the lead singer breathily voiced into the microphone, and Chiaki smiled wider than she had in months.

- You met her eyes on stage knowingly, smirking at first, then suddenly anxious that you might slip up or disappoint her. You strummed two loud, vibrating notes, stern and piercing through the air.

- Again the same two notes, before you joined the singer by the microphone, inhaling before singing in harmony:

- “In you~ and I, there’s a new land~ yeah~he heah!”

- She relaxed, tilting her head back as the sound waves overtook her.

- “Angels in flight~”

- “My sanctuary. My sanctuary, yeah~”

- You didn’t tell her you’d be doing covers that night. Video game covers, nonetheless. Her head shot up, looking at her phone quickly. She looked at the date.

- February 14th.

- Man, she spaced out often…but this…

- She blushed furiously, and her eyes locked with yours. You grew nervous, playing even harder. She swooned and let herself get lost in the bass.

- You played iconic video game themes all night, and by the end, Chiaki was more overwhelmed and exhausted then she’d ever been, but in a good way.

- When you walked into your dressing room back stage with flowers you had hidden earlier, she accepted them with a flush of her cheeks.

- “You didn’t need to do all that...s/o...this was…”

- “Y-you didn’t like it? I was nervous for a month planning this gig. I know I’ve still got a ways to go with playing live but-“

- “I loved it.”

- “What?” You weren’t convinced.

- “I loved it. Every second. I’m sorry I didn’t get you a gift, I didn’t even realize.”

- “Gifts don’t mean anything to me, Chi. You’re all I need.” you pulled her into your chest for a tight embrace. “You’re My Sanctuary.”

Rantarou Amami

- Rantarou was so excited about seeing your debut concert, snatching the tickets as soon as you presented them to him.

- “Can I bring along my sisters, too, S/O? They’ve been wanting to hear you play ever since I first mentioned that you were in a band.

- “Of course, but...I don’t know why they’d wanna all waste a Saturday night on my shitty band. We don’t even play that well ye-“

- “Silence!” He picked you up by your waist and squeezed you until you couldn’t breath, much less put yourself down with a self deprecating jab. He kissed your cheek playfully. “You’re sexy and the way you play guitar is sexy. I listened you practice all night the other day!”

- “Y-you did? I didn’t even see you!”

- “Huh...” he scoffed, “ maybe because you were lost in your passion, becasue news flash, you’re good at it, stinker!” He pinched your cheek, always knowing how to make you flustered. “Yeah, I heard every single note, and even peaked in once or twice, seeing you stroke those strings so tenderly…” He forced you against the wall, his hot breath against your ear “ I wish you’d stroke me like that.” You face ran hot and you roughly shoved him away, him giggling like a fool.

- “Okay, okay you win, Amami, bring whoever you want!” You stomped off with a huff.

- The day of the concert, the entire front row looked like a field of spring grass, the large family of green-haired siblings shouting before you even began your first song. You shook your head at Rantarou and his many sisters, half-embarrassed, half-flattered. You felt your hands stumble across the strings, Rantarou giving you a thumbs up and a wink.

- After the show, you couldn’t run off the stage any faster. You ran into the staff room backstage where refreshments and spare equipment were usually set out, and were greeted by a row of Amami’s swarming you and praising you, talking much too quickly and all at once. 

- Rantarou simply let his sisters flock you, asking you to teach them to play, to help them meet hot musicians you knew, to learn to read music. You felt your ego rise, flustered once again at the hand’s an an Amami.

Ibuki Mioda

- Ibuki shouted to the band backstage, tuning her guitar and hyping up the other members. She noticed you a little out of place, looking a quite queasy and apprehensive.

- “S/O! The hell are you doin’ over there! Hudddddddle up!” She pulled you by your shoulders.

- “I don’t know why I let you force me into joining the music club...I shouldn’t have mentioned my interest at all…” you grumbled.

- Months ago, Ibuki had heard you, her darling and adorable s/o mentioning that you played guitar in elementary school, and wanted to listen in on her band once practice one in awhile. Well, that was the end of that. She decided it was time to freshen up your skills and get you comfortable with the strings again. Now here you were, moments from your first live performance since you were 10 years old.

- “Whaaat! That’s like, a major no no, that low energy, ya dig?!” She held your hand, swinging it back and forth with a feral look on her face. “You’re bitchin’! And Ibuki is bitchin’! And tonight we’re gonna set the stage on fire!”

- The show went on as planned, you and Ibuki on guitar while she screamed into the front mic. Your drummer just barely cut through the vibrations of your combined sound waves, and you buckled down and reminded yourself that with Ibuki at your back, that stage was yours. That audience was yours.

- Plus...who was staring at you when Ibuki was up front, looking like that, acting like that. That passion, that intensity, it’s what drew you to her in the first place.

- The crowd roared viciously, opening up a mosh pit in front of your neon gothic goddess of a girlfriend, and you couldn’t have found her more attractive than you did right now, her arms swinging open, releasing the guitar and simply bellowing into the mic, commanding the hellish pit in front of her like one of the succubi from Gundham’s wild tall tales.

- You suddenly felt so unworthy of her in all her glory, simply providing the backup and harmonies.

- When the show ended, you and Ibuki equally carried each other back stage to the school’s stagehand room, leaning on each other’s sweaty bodies for support.

- “Sheesh, that was straight fire tonight, s/o, huh?! Immolation on the stage, in the fleeeesh!” She shredded an air guitar in front of her before collapsing on a folding chair. How did she still have any energy at all?! You scoffed incredulously. “ Ibuki was worried for a second there, but we pulled it off! I knew we’d be amazing!” Huh???

- “You were worried?” You quickly realized what she probably meant, “Oh...like nervous that I’d mess it up for us?” Her eyes widened, a shocked look on her face as her hands flew up to her hair.

-“What? No! Ibuki was worried about Ibuki~” She grimaced.

- “Why would you ever be nervous, you’re the best musician for miles around.” You drank from a water bottle before tossing it to her. She caught it in one hand, downing it.

- “Hey, Ibuki gets worried too~” She winked at you, a flirty glimmer in her eye as she held up a heart made from her connected hands. “But s/o is Ibuki’s rock! Partners in crime, yeah? No need to worry with you at my back tearing it up!”

[janeyseymour]

Anne Boleyn: Captain of the Chaos Squad- pt10

pt 1. pt 2. pt 3. pt 4. pt 5. pt 6. pt 7. pt 8. pt 9. 

Title: Chaos Can Lead To Good

Since video calling random fans of the show, one girl still stood out amongst them all to Anne: Layla. The girl had mentioned wishing she could see them live, and now that the theater community had announced that it was safe to go back to performing in the theater, Anne saw her chance to make the teen’s wish come true.

AnnieBoleyn: hi layla! Idk if u remember us video chatting, but i wanted to ask u sumn bout the talk we had

Andtonightwearelive: Hi! Of course I remember that! It was only the best day of my life! 

AnnieBoleyn: so im assumin u saw we’re goin back to live performances right

Andtonightwearelive: Yeah! I was so excited to see, and I’m wishing you all the best from afar!

AnnieBoleyn: what if it didnt have to be from afar? Like, what if u came to our opening? 

Andtonightwearelive: Well, that would be the dream, but I don’t think that’s possible for me unfortunately. I don’t really have the money 

AnnieBoleyn: what if I sent u and another guest tickets to come see us front row? We’d rly love it. 

Andtonightwearelive: you’re kidding me right? I can’t accept that! 

AnnieBoleyn: im serious when i tell u we would all rly like to meet u. weve called a buncha ppl n u rly stood out to me kat and janey

Andtonightwearelive: I mean... if you’re serious about this, I would love to! But I wouldn't want to impose

AnnieBoleyn: love, i contacted u bout this. u wouldnt be imposing at all

And so, on the night that their theater opened back up, Layla was there- front and center, just like the second queen had promised. Cathy had even taken her phone after the MegaSix, making sure to get every queen in the shot. 

After the show, Anne had made her way straight to the stagedoor, hoping and praying that her favorite fan was outside. Not seeing her immediately slightly disheartened the second queen, but she met with many fans before seeing the teen.

“Hey Layla! Hope you enjoyed the show!” 

“I absolutely did! Thank you so so much for-”

“Of course dear. If you stick around, I might be able to arrange something special for ya,” the second queen whispered. “Just like, walk away for a little bit. When the line clears out, I’ll bring you inside.” 

After about thirty minutes, the stagedoor had cleared, and only Layla was left. 

“Come on in.” She opened the stage door and gestured for the teen and her mother to go through.

“Are you sure?” When the green queen nodded, the two guests made their way in.

“I figured you might want to meet the others?” 

“I, uh, that would be wonderful!” The teen smiled. “As long as I’m not imposing on anything of course.” Anne led the two back to the dressing room she shared with Cleves and Howard, all of the other queens already changed into their street clothes and waiting for the special guests.

“Knock knock!” Anne yelled. “Is everyone clothed?” The other five chimed in with their responses, and the second queen opened the door. 

“Layla!” Jane smiled softly at the teen. “It’s so wonderful to meet you! And this is your mum?”

“Yes I am. Also Jane. Thank you so much for this. The show really was just splendid,” the older woman replied. 

“Thank you for coming!” Anna gestured to the couch in the room. “Take a seat, chat a bit if you want!” 

“Is there a bathroom around here actually?”

“Yeah! I can get the stage manager to take you if you’d like?” The mum nodded and was taken out of the room. Without her mother in the room, Layla took the time to say what she was too nervous to say in front of her mother.

“I, uh, oh my gosh,” the teen stumbled over her words. 

“It’s alright love. Take your time in what you want to say. We’ll listen,” Cathy encouraged. 

“I just, uhm, thank you. I don't think I ever would’ve been able to see the show if it weren’t for you guys reaching out. My family doesn’t exactly have the money to see shows often... well ever actually. Uhm, just thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me.” 

The eight stayed in the dressing room and talked well into the night. When Layla left, she was gifted with many things from each of the queens. Catherine had given her one of the studs from her outfit that had fallen off (“I’m sure the costume designer won’t mind”). Anne had made her a balloon crown and signed it (“I know it won’t stay inflated forever, but”). Jane had written her a small note (“Stay humble. Stay kind. You are enough!”). Anna had taken a dollar bill from their travels to New York and signed it (“Because I have more than enough money to go around,” she joked). Kat had gifted her a small drawing of a cat (“Because I’m Kat, and I like cats”). And Cathy had handed the teen a pen (“I’m pretty sure if I gave you anything else, it would be pretty off-brand of me”). 

Anne was beyond thrilled that her chaos was used for good. Even if it meant that helping just one person, it was all worth it. The other queens didn’t seem to mind either.

[politics-notmything]

If it’s true what they say

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)

Tw- Anne says fuck twice

For some reason, after around five years of this, Anne has not yet learned her lesson. Once again, she had woken up and instantly shot out of bed upon reading the face of the clock, which indicated it was ten minutes until the end of breakfast. Although, while she still hasn’t figured out how to wake up early, she has mastered the art of getting ready in a flash. After rolling out of bed, she had to quickly locate wherever the fuck her uniform was (usually on the floor) and throw it on. Oftentimes, she didn’t even bother to change out of her pyjamas and was just able to cover them with her long, black robes. Today was one of those days. It’s not like anyone would notice, anyway. She could always go back up to her dorm room later, during a free period or lunch, to properly change. Next came rapidly brushing her teeth and hair all while tugging on her socks, then shoes. Once that was done, she could run (more like fall) up the steps of the Slytherin common room and dash into the Great Hall. And that’s the step she was at now.

             Out of breath and panting heavily, ANNE reached the Great Hall with five minutes to spare. She quickly located Kitty sitting at their usual spot at the Hufflepuff table, and she flopped down next to her friend. Anne grabbed some toast and eggs, making a quick breakfast sandwich, and took a bite out of it. As she chewed, she took the two hair ties from around her wrist and quickly pulled her hair into her typical messy spacebuns.

Next to her, Katherine was finishing off the last of her orange juice while listening to another Jane Seymour describe the wild dream she had last night. Anne was only able to catch a few words of the story. Something about Henry VII and his SIX wives? It made absolutely no sense whatsoever, but Kitty seemed to be dying from laughter, so she supposed it’d be funnier if she’d actually heard the whole story. Speaking of, that reminded her, she still had to force Kat to watch High School Musical with her. For some reason, Katherine has not yet watched the iconic movie trilogy featuring the one and only Zac Efron and Anne made a quick mental note to make Kitty watch it with her once they were home for the holidays.

Once Jane had finished their tale, Kat turned towards Anne, tears of laughter still in her eyes.

“G’morning, Annie,” she chuckled, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “You missed the owls again. Your dad sent you a letter.” From her robes, she pulled a white envelope with “ANNE BOLEYN” written on the front in her dad’s messy scrawl. Ever since her first year, her father has sent her a letter each week, checking up on her and it almost always ended with him screaming at her. More often than not, Kat technically got the letter and then proceeded to pass it along to her.

Anne took the letter from Kat and opened it, accidentally ripping the envelope as always. Her eyes quickly scanned over the parchment paper as Kitty peered over her shoulder. Most of the letter contained the typical stuff, although her dad also asked how the Quidditch match had gone. Upon reading that, Anne let out an audible groan and jammed it back into the envelope, then into the pocket of her robes. Great. On the bright side, he was usually pretty forgiving about Anne’s antics as long as it wasn’t extremely out of line.

As the clock struck eight a.m., students began filing out of the Great Hall and heading towards their first classes. Hurriedly, Anne scooped the remnants of her sandwich in a napkin and ran to catch up with Kat who had already started walking away from the table.

================================

Twirling a stick between her gloved hands, Anne watched the flower before her intently, only half-listening to whatever Sprout was lecturing them about. She’d only caught the introduction to the class’s activity, caring for Fanged Geraniums or something like that, before she became more interested in the magical flower and zoned out. Currently, her assigned plant was attempting to snap at the stick with its rows of sharp teeth.

“Fuck,” she quietly cursed. Katherine had just elbowed her, drawing her attention fro just a moment away from the Geranium. It seized the opportunity and used the distraction as a chance to finally nip at her fingers. Thankfully, Anne was able to swiftly draw her hand back in time before she lost any vital body parts and glared at her friend. “What the hell?”

The younger girl said nothing and just tilted her head towards Sprout who was now pacing around the greenhouse as she talked, getting increasingly closer to the pair. Immediately, Anne dropped the stick, which the Fanged Geranium gladly gobbled up, and tried her best to look as if she’d been listening the whole time.

Professor Sprout looked at her with raised eyebrows but didn’t make a move to call her out about it. “Alright now, get to work, class.”

As soon as she said that, Anne turned to Kitty. “Okay, so, what the fuck are we supposed to do?”

“Annie, why do you never pay attention?” Kat asked, already starting to tend to her plant. It was clear from her tone that it was meant to be a rhetorical question. “You know this is going to be on the O.W.L.s, right?”

“I dunno,” Anne responded, watching Kat’s actions and attempting to replicate them with her own Geranium. Somehow, she must’ve gotten it right because the plant stopped snapping at her hands whenever they got close to it. “I just can’t, y'know?”

“Sure, Anne,” Kitty said, sarcastically, and looked up from what she was doing, turning her attention to the Slytherin. Her gaze shifted downward, to the now passive plant in front of Anne. “What the heck, how? You weren’t even listening.”

The Boleyn girl stared back at her friend with a somewhat smug expression on her face and looked back down at the Fanged Geranium, grinning.

===========================

Yawning, Boleyn drummed her fingers against the round Divination table as she did her best to follow Professor Trelawney’s ramblings. Quite frankly, though, she couldn’t care less about whatever the fuck her dreams meant. Half the time, she can’t even remember what happens in them. But, older students said Divination would be an easy class so here she was. They were mostly right. All the homework was just taking some shit she saw and then making it more dramatic. Thinking about candles? Write about how Hogwarts burned down in your dream journal. Simple.

Really, the hardest part about the subject was having to endure over an hour of Trelawney’s lessons every other day. She would always talk about weird, “prophetic” shit like reading tea leaves or seeing visions. Anne didn’t understand any of that crap, and quite frankly didn’t care, either. There were two kinds of people when it came to Trelawney. Most didn’t believe any of the bullshit she spewed, but there were a handful of students that hung on each and every word no matter how ridiculous.

Anne looked at Kat for a moment before grabbing a piece of parchment out of her bag and scribbling a note, then sliding it across the table to the Hufflepuff.

Would u rather-

Sit through 100 hours of Binns or 100 hours of this bullshit w T?

Kitty glanced at Anne with a slight smile tugging at her lips, then began to write a response. Depends on the day. Sometimes Trelawney lets us drink tea.

Anne grinned, shaking her head. Of course, Kitty could find the good in Trelawney’s dumb classes.

At least the ghost dude actually teaches us shit though.

Kat rolled her eyes slightly and leaned down to respond, but they both heard an annoyed huff come from behind them. It was Catherine Parr. Anne turned around and gave her a look that clearly said, “What the hell are you looking at, smartass?”

Cathy turned to her best friend who was sitting beside her, to borrow a quill and quickly wrote something neatly on a scrap of parchment, then proceeded to hand it to Anne with a condescending look.

Stop passing notes, it's really distracting.

Anne glared quickly before scribbling a response.

Hypocrite.

She dropped the paper in front of Cathy, then, without a second glance, turned back to Kat, who was finishing up the last word of her note.

But Trelawney knows stuff about divination, remember that one time she predicted that you would fall in love with a girl who’s name started with an ‘M’, then a few weeks later you started majorly crushing on this girl named Maggie?

Anne smiled slightly, the glitterball was, of course, right. She tended to be right at that sort of thing. Every now and then, Trelawney had a moment of clarity in which her predictions turned out to be correct. They never quite ended up the way you’d expect them to though. Instead of responding to Kitty’s last comment, Anne wrote, 

Catherine is pissing me off. She just gave me the fucking stink eye.

Kitty frowned, shaking her head. 

Which one?

Anne nodded in understanding as Catherine of Aragon and Catherine Parr both sat behind them.

The smart one... who’s also kinda hot.

She scribbled out the last part.

Anne was about to continue on, but a particular voice piped up from behind them. “Excuse me, Professor? Anne and Katherine Howard have been passing notes for the past fifteen minutes and it’s been very distracting to me and others sitting near them.”

Parr. Of fucking course, it was Cathy who would call them out. Anne felt a flash of anger and annoyance but held her tongue. After the whole “losing the first Quidditch match of the year” ordeal, Anne had been careful to avoid getting in too much trouble, and she knew that if she responded to the Ravenclaw, it would only get increasingly worse for her.

Professor Trelawney turned her head to face Boleyn, with a look of distaste on her face. Anne wasn’t very well-liked by many of the professors, except maybe Madame Hooch. She was particularly good at flying and Kitty’s talent with Charms meant that when they were learning Incendio, she was among one of the first to conjure up a stream of fire. 

“Ooooooh,” a handful of the other students called out.

Another one, in particular (it sounded like Anna of Cleves) shouted “Exposed!” Anne flushed red with embarrassment.

“Ah, oh. Um, five points from the both of you,” It was clear that Trelawney wasn’t going to make it a big deal; it wasn’t often that she doled out punishments to students. But, it was more than enough to fuel the anger inside of the gremlin.

Anne spun around to give Cathy a death glare, to which Cath returned with a fake smile and a shrug of her shoulders. She then rotated in her seat towards Kat, who had pointedly turned to face Trelawney, clearly not wanting to lose any more points. Rolling her eyes, Anne followed Kitty’s lead and tried to listen to whatever the hell the nutso professor was going on about.

[justlightthefirstspark]

United vs Chelsea - Conti Cup Semi Final - 29/01/2020

So the line up and bench for this one was interesting. Aimee Palmer was cup tied for this one, having already lined out for Sheffield United earlier in the season, Ella Toone is currently serving a 3 game suspension following a (questionable) red card vs Spurs, and both Kirsty Hanson and Leah Galton are out injured, which led to a very sparse bench, and pretty much the same XI as vs City. Lauren James started in place of Jane Ross, which was very clearly a good idea.

First half:

This game was a little cagey to start with, but ultimately a lot better than Saturday’s showing vs City. LJ had a decent shot around 6 mins, after some great build work from Groenen.

Abbie’s constant back passes to Earps returned, as did my anxiety. To be honest, Earps never looks completely comfortable to be on the receiving end of back passes so I don’t understand why the majority of that back 4 insist on playing that way so often?

Aside from those back passes, I though Abbie had a really good game. At least until she was forced off injured deep into the second half. She played an absolute stormer from the first whistle, and she was literally everywhere. Had a decent chance to get the first goal too around the 25 minute mark, very unfortunate to have that header go straight at Telford. She really, really redeemed herself after that performance vs City at the weekend.

‘27 - some Wales on Wales crime. Sophie Ingle booked for an almighty challenge on Hayley Ladd. Fair enough, the way Hayley fired herself into Ingle may have made it look more than it was. Entertaining tho. I’m also gonna take this opportunity to confess that I may be a little bit (a lot) in love with Hayley Ladd. I gotta be honest, I didn’t really know much about her before she signed in the summer, but she’s really, really great. I feel like she’s kinda underrated a little bit? Anyway, I genuinely don’t think this girl feels any pressure, like at all. A little bit like LJ I guess. She just gets her head down and does her job - calm and cool 100% of the time. I would very much like her to stay forever. I’m definitely gonna have to start watching more of this Wales team aren’t I?

‘34 - Earps with a cracking save. I feel like she’s more of a shot stopper than anything else, her distribution can be a little off sometimes, but she did really well to deny Chelsea there.

I think James and Arnot linked up quite well last night, especially around the 40 minute mark, unfortunately Lizzie was called just offside. She’s really impressed me (whenever she gets a shot) this season tbh, I hope she manages to get herself in the XI more often from now on.

‘42 - Jess Sigsworth pulling double shifts again. She’s constantly down around that back four, helping out and sometimes doing other people’s jobs for them and I’m kinda terrified that she’s gonna run herself into a brick wall at some stage? Like I think it’s fairly clear that we need to reinforce and add depth and quality defensively but I also think it’s pretty clear that Jess isn’t the answer to that particular problem, as impressive as her drive and her work rate is.

‘43 - United should have been clear and away on the counter there. There was an earlier challenge from Ladd (I’m pretty sure) that the ref took an age to make up her mind on, and by the time she decided to call it back, Groenen (again, I’d have to rewatch to be 100% certain) was up and over the halfway line on the break. Annoying af.

Halftime:

Tbh I thought United did really well to not have conceded and to still be in the game at the half. The first half as a whole was pretty decent, Chelsea ultimately had the better chances and were the slightly stronger team. I just wish we could have taken the few chances we had in the first half and made something from them, Telford isn’t the world’s best keeper and I feel like we could have tested her more and I was kinda disappointed we didn’t.

Second half:

‘47 - a fairly decent (surprisingly. It’s no secret we’re pretty piss poor at set pieces) from Zelem resulted in Amy heading just over, which hurt my soul. (I wanted her to score so bad youse have no idea)

‘52 - Arnot had a decent chance, and was 100% in cause Telford came about 82739 miles off her line, but unfortunately it was cleared away. (Sidenote: I HATE when keepers come off their line and out of their box like that, even opposition keepers. It just really shits me out. Anyway)

‘53 - a decent Chelsea opportunity goes wide. I saw somewhere (twitter probably) that it took a deflection, but I’d have to rewatch to be certain. FA Player get your shit together and upload the game so I can double check challenge 🙄

The game really started to come to life around the 50 minute mark. Both teams had decent chances within about a minute of each other, and United’s intensity really stepped up - they came out guns blazing in the second. Both teams pressing and passing really cleaned up around this time too.

‘61 - decent chance for Sigsworth. Angle was just too tight, but I think the build up was massively overworked. She passed it off the Zelem who held it for a little too long imo, before sending it back to Jess who lashed it into the side netting. Think Jess could have made something of it first time but hey, what’s done is done now.

Game started to get a little scrappy heading into the last 20 mins - back to the rushed and mismatched and intercepted passes of the first half.

‘70 - Chelsea free kick saved well by Earps.

‘71 - Goal - Chelsea. Really tight angle, just about squeezed home. Really good work from Mjelde in hindsight but I feel like Earps could have saved that one. I hate to blame her entirely but she really should have done better with closing that one down.

‘72 - almost an instant response from United. LJ had a fantastic chance to equalise but unfortunately scorched it over the bar. I’m not gonna lie, I expected a little better from her there, but I understand the urgency.

‘73 - pretty soft yellow for Sigsworth

‘74 - Ross 🔁 Arnot.

Seemed like all the wind was sucked out of United after that goal, approaching the 80 minute mark. Most of that intensity and urgency was still kinda there and evident in small bursts, but was mostly lacking.

‘80 - United forced into a change. Harris (don’t talk to me) 🔁 McManus. Abbie took a bit of a blow around 20 minutes in, committing a challenge she was ultimately booked for. Fair play to her, she played through it, but she was definitely struggling for a while there. Apparently she was on crutches after the game, so I hope it’s nothing too serious. Also interested to see what Casey does with that back 4 if she’s out for a while. Amy obviously goes back in and CB but it would appear Martha is higher than Ökvist in the pecking order, which is annoying. I get that Casey is more defensive minded and might not want to play two more attacking FB’s at once (Ökvist & Smith) but Martha... 🤐

‘84 - James had a great ball in that forced a corner that - you guessed it - nothing came of

‘85 - Earps had a great block to deny Chelsea a second (and really and truly kill me off)

‘88 - Harris decides to try her luck from a little way out. It was a decent shot to be fair, given the circumstances, just couldn’t get the dip it needed and never really troubled Telford on it’s way over the bar.

4 minutes at the end of the 90 but United couldn’t get anything to stick, which was massively unfortunate.

Two semi final defeats in a row is absolutely gut wrenching, and very hard to take, but last night taught me a lot about this team. I personally thought that this game was miles better and such an improvement on Arsenal away last season. They were much better all round, in every position than last weekend vs City. To come so close against the 3 best teams in the league 5 times now and walk away with nothing is hard, and I feel so bad for those girls. They give their all everytime they step out on that pitch, and they deserved more. This week in particular. Seeing them all in literal bits at the final whistle nearly broke me tbh.

But it’s becoming more glaringly apparent as the season goes on that we are in desperate need of a more clinical, stone blood killer up top. I’d also be open to giving Mikalen a run in goal to prove herself - I think Earps has been a bit off lately.

Galton and Hanson were massively missed last night, and I think we could have done with Toone as well, but oh well.

I had my issues with the ref as well last night, I have to say. I thought she handled the knocks and (most of) the bookings correctly, as well as the penalty shout (which was not a penalty, sorry Jess) but she missed a clear foul on Jackie (59 mins) as well as a clear tug on Arnot (64 mins) in the second half. I also thought LJ was very lucky to get away with just a yellow for her foul on Ingle at the end of the first half, looked a little more like a red to me 😬

Hopefully Galton will be back for Sunday - she absolutely tore Reading to shreds the last time out and I would very much like to see more of that 🔥, but I’m kinda worried about that midfield trio too. The last thing we need is three defeats on the bounce, but they must be dyinggg cause they literally never, ever stop.

I know this one is a little later than usual and the format is slightly different too, but I was watching the men (for some reason) as well, and it was kinda hard to keep track of two games at once lol. Plus I just wasn’t really in the mood to try and to this last night. Also - if anyone has critiques or corrections or questions about my opinions or anything else pls don’t hesitate to drop them in my ask and I’ll edit things and answer whatever as best as I can ✌🏽

[alphabees-writes]

Glee - S1 E1 (Pilot)

Is it a smart idea to rewatch glee again? No.

Am I going to do it anyway? You bet your sweet bippy I am!

Am I going to liveblog my garbage monkey brain thoughts along the way even though nobody asked for it? Hell yeah.

Here goes!

Wow. The first frame of this entire show is literally of a woman who looks like she’s about 10 years above the natural lifespan of a Cheerio. Then again, I’m sure Sue’s not above holding back her best recruits for multiple years because Ohio high schools are apparently just Like That™

I also never notice this opening song was a remix of Keep Me Hangin On, wow. That’s actually kind of interesting foreshadowing of sorts, like, kind of smart. I’m glad I’m watching the part of Glee that was kind of smart.

This scene also doesn’t feature any of the Unholy Trinity as far as I can see. Are they a JV squad? Am I putting too much thought into this?

Sign #1 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: Really, my guy? Driving around with your muffler dragging on the ground so bad it’s making sparks? That’s not very Road Safety of you. Fuck off. 

Sign #2 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: Wow, there’s going to be a lot of these, huh? Anyway, anybody with working eyes would clearly see how scared Kurt is right now. “Making some new friends Kurt?” Fuck off. 

KURT. FIRST SIGHTING OF THE BOY. What a delight. But also, not a delight, because he’s being bullied and he deserves better. Look at his outfit. Iconic from day fucking one. 

Finn, you’re a himbo. What’re you doing with these assholes?

Puck’s first line in the whole series is “It’s hammer time!” What a fucking dork? Who made this boy popular. 

DO MORE THAN TAKE HIS COAT, FINN. LET HIM GOOOOO!!!

I paused while they were tossing Kurt in the dumpster and, wow, got the most hilarious frame where the guy who isn’t Puck is getting a meticulously polished boot to the face. Netflix let me take screenshots, you coward.

The first shot of Quinn... My wlw bones are shaking.

Why would they use that photo for Lillian Adler...? WHO WAS BORN IN 1937, MIGHT I ADD. THAT’S NOT A REAL YEAR. 

It’s weird to see Mr Schue actually speaking competent Spanish. Why did they veto that later? The ONE likeable thing about him was his competence as a school teacher, and they really threw it out the window huh?

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO THE MEMBERS OF SANDY RYERSON’S GLEE CLUB??? This kid seems to really like singing. Also, welcome to the beginning of Ryerson being annoying as all hell.

Oh my gosh, the background choir stuff. This show really had style back in the day!!!

R A C H E L B E R R Y Y O U R M A K E U P ! ! !

Ken Tanaka walked so incels could run.

Jane Lynch you beauty. You absolutely impeccable beauty. 

“Since when are cheerleaders performers?” Uh... Emma...? I get that Sue’s going ham on her budget but, like, be nice to the students? They perform their butts off!

Sue really just BRAGGED about having an iPhone. I was 9 when this came out. Why do I feel old...

Sign #3 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: He hears his coworker, presumably of several years, just got fired and doesn’t even ask why. He just jumps on the glee club like a frog on hot asphalt. 

He really wants to Make The Glee Club Great Again, huh? 

MySpace was really a thing, huh? And why does this grown-ass male teacher know so much about the students having them?

I know nothing about actual American schools, but I do know that they sure as shit don’t work like this. Why does a club have to win EVERY competition to be considered an asset?

Mr Shoe really lying awake at night half-naked next to his wife thinking about the glee club already? Yeah sounds about right. Also, of course you’d think up Nude Erections for a name, you asshole. Put some clothes on.

R E S P E C T MERCEDES YES!!!

Brad the piano player was really here from day ONE... Icon.

Cellophane, Mr Cellophane... Yes Kurt bby you killed it. 

Chris Colfer looks so YOUNG here!!! 

The hair fix... I C O N I C !

Tina really wrote her stutter down, huh? And nobody ever saw through it? Amazing. 

The goth Tina look, too... Perfect... Never change...

Say what you want about Rachel Berry being generally insufferable, but I really fucking feel it when she sings On My Own. The monologue kind of kills The Drama of it, but they really solidly established her character by layering them. She really is a gold star right now.

The first-ever on-screen slushie!

The way she walks down that hall. My God you can just see how terrible she is to be around.

Never forget Rachel staring at photos of her with two men who turned out to not be her dads. Who are they? What are their stories? We’ll never know.

God, I love this stupid scene of Quinn, Santana, and a bunch of Cheerios cartoonishly typing hate comments on Rachel’s MySpace video and laughing like knock-off Disney villains. 

I like watching season 1 Artie because season 1 Artie was a good character. Mostly. And he KILLED Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat. Rachel wasn’t asking for a male lead who could keep up with her vocally, she was being straight up ableist and that’s a fact. I love Cory, but Kevin McHale was always a better singer.

Mercedes picking up and spinning Rachel for this little routine is something I never really appreciated before, it’s cute even though they don’t like each other yet!

I really don’t get why Rachel says they suck. Yeah, sure, she’s gunning for a solo, but the vocals were solid there. The choreo was just a little janky, possibly because it’s their first EVER rehearsal?

“There is NOTHING ironic about show choir!” Incredible.

How long did it take Mr Shoe to find Rachel out on the bleachers? Did he search the whole school first?

ARTIE! CAN! KEEP! UP! WITH! YOU! VOCALLY!

I never understood Rachel quitting so soon. How long was she in the old glee club for? Surely they were never popular either?

Ah, the first “My hands are tied” for the series. Mr Figgins is a garbage principal. 

Not going to advise the principal against referring to Artie as a cripple, William Shoestir? Alright. 

How did the Schuester marriage last as long as it has? Do Will and Terri’s insufferable personalities just cancel one another out?

Sandy Ryerson really just openly brags about cheating the system for medical marijuana and dealing it? 

Matt Morrison 100% has lip fillers. Nobody’s smile curls like that naturally.

“Terri and I are trying to get pregnant” What a weird way to phrase it. What is it, a race? Who’s going to get knocked up first!

A FIFTH OF BEETHOVEN, HOW I’VE MISSED YOU... The sound design of this show at this point is just... *Chef hand kiss*

“What you’re doing right now is called blurring the lines” Oh just wait until season 4, Sue... Just you wait.

WHY is Mr Schuester so ridiculously sweaty? I didn’t need to think about that?

EVERYONE on the football team is 30.

William Schuester you can’t just watCH TEENAGE STUDENTS SING IN THE SHOWER YOU ARE A TEACHER WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR LICENSE?! 

Hearing Cory sing this always makes me emotional. What a talent!

Sign #4 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: I don’t think I need to say why using the weed to blackmail Finn is a shitty thing to do, do I?

“I’ll pee in a cup! ...I’ll pee...” I love Cory’s delivery. 

PRIORITY #1: HELP THE KIDS Oh season 1... I love you so.

Mr Schue you WISH you were anything like Finn Hudson. You never will be.

Ah... Finn’s first monologue. He’s such a sweetheart. AND SO IS CAROLE. Carole is a queen I will stan forever. YOU THROW THAT MILK BB!!!

All Finn wants to do is make his mom proud. What a sweetheart. Mr Schue you do NOT deserve him.

These POV shots really enhance things, why the fuck did they stop using them?

Subtly having Kurt look at Finn in the same shot as Rachel was a nice touch indeed!

RACHEL WAS REALLY DOWN WITH ROLLING ARTIE RIGHT OFF THE STAGE HUH?

Terri’s a straight up hoarder, huh? Like a raccoon but instead of collecting edible garbage, it’s monogrammed garbage.

Surely you can’t just... BECOME an accountant, right? You need some serious qualifications for that right?

Also say what you want about how insufferable Terri is but her actress is ridiculously talented and absolutely steals every scene she’s in.

Now the background choir is doing Soul Bossa Nova and I am L I V I N G why didn’t they keep that motif!!! It was so ICONIC!

I don’t need my prostate removed. RIP Carole Hudson but I’m different :/

NO MEANS NO, KEN! TAKE THE L AND MOVE ON! Way to take out the fact that a girl won’t date you on everybody else around you! Toxic bastard. The absolute stench of melodrama on this bastard is noxious.

I was going to ask why Rachel didn’t know about Finn and Quinn if they’d already been together for 4 months, but then I remembered gossiping requires friends...

“Terri rides me. Hard. And I’ve always appreciated it!” Why don’t we talk about how this line sounds more. Why doesn’t Emma bat an eye at it oh my god

HERE COMES VOCAL ADRENALINE!!! And Jesse St. James is nowhere to be seen. How convenient. Also, they’re all 30. I’m sensing a pattern.

Sorry VA, all songs popularised my Amy Winehouse legally belong to Santana Lopez

Puck, if you were stupid enough to fall for the prostate excuse, that’s on you. Or maybe it’s on the education system...

You can do better that Mr Schue, kids. Don’t mourn him.

Ok, what the fuck is this scene where he’s filling out the job app to become an accountant? There’s a dude in the row in front off him just throwing crisps around? What is this place?? Why are you here sir??? 

“Accounting is sexy” shut up you horrible married man

The Cheerios sure did have straight ponytails for like, one episode, huh?

Finn is such a good boy. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is, and saving Artie from that portapotty is his first step to figuring it out.

This shot of Finn just wheeling Artie out of there... Ugh. My HEART.

KURT WHAT ARE THOSE LAYERS? SWEATER SHIRT SWEATER? HELLO???

Pee balloons. Nailing the lawn furniture to the roof. Finn, you’re better than that!!! Stop your dudebros. 

They really had Artie be a guitar player, and a pretty good one at that, but they never mentioned it again? Artie had such potential SMH. (Also, Netflix subtitles are telling me it’s Arty, but I categorically refuse to spell it that way.)

Whyyyyy didn’t he go to KURT for the costumes as well? Look at his outfit, Finn. He clearly wants in on that job. 

Will Schuester really is just desperately clinging to his glory days in high school. I’d feel bad for him if he wasn’t such a creep about it. 

Emma, meaningfully: Do you know who that is? That’s you, Will... [FRANTIC DISCO MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND]

I find it hilarious how the audio of Don’t Stop Believin’ just DOES NOT match the characters except for the solos... Also wow, autotune city. Am I awful for genuinely not liking this cover? 

I like watching them perform it though. Kurt’s adorable little shimmy... Rachel and Tina smiling at each other like that... Everybody having a blast... I’m here for it

LOOK AT MY BABIES TILTING THOSE MIC STANDS...

Ok the way Rachel and Finn look at each other here is making me FEEL

I know Puck’s about to join anyway but WHY is he there watching... Just to have a mysterious bad boy moment? Lol you dramatic bastard

Please let them win nationals without you, Will.

So, yeah! There’s that! Those are my thoughts and feelings, basic though they may be. Episode one is fantastic, the kids are fantastic, and William Schuester can suck a toe. 

[theonceoverthinker]

OUAT 4X06 - Family Business

After spending ten minutes trying to make a pun for this one, I don’t SNOW if I can do it!

...Well, there you go!

Review’s under the cut!

Main Takeaways

Past

I’m torn between disliking and liking the writing choice to have Anna doubt Ingrid so fiercely. On one level, I sort of get it. After being betrayed by Hans (And more recently, Rumple), Anna’s become a bit less trusting. That’s good character development. However, to have Anna be untrusting to this degree is just a little too far fetched for me. I think had Anna wanted to accept her and been more outright friendly, but was too curious to settle for Ingrid’s non answers, the story would’ve been a bit more palatable for me.

So, as far as Belle goes, I’m kind of inclined to treat this episode in a way as a precursor to Belle’s attitude later in life, kind of like“Best Laid Plans.” Just like how Snowing dedicated themselves to being the best people they could be after their horrible sin, Belle does the same thing through a combination of seeing Anna be taken and learning the truth behind her mother’s death. That also having been said, I feel like had they stated that the stone of memories was a one-off item, I wouldn’t be so frustrated with Belle because why not just get another stone after saving Anna?

That also having been said, I get that it didn’t matter. What mattered in this segment was that Belle’s selfishness fucked over someone and the point of this episode was to realize that and show that she’s grown from it. And that is the important part of the episode and it was delivered well. What I pointed out were smaller narrative crumbles that don’t amount to absolutely nothing, but are ultimately less important than the delivery of the theme.

Present

I can talk about a lot of aspects of this episode (And I will), but let’s be real here: The big part of this episode really comes down to a singular moment. While most of this episode is pretty clearly framed otherwise, so much so that I wonder just how much can write about, this moment’s where shit gets complicated and messy. That, of course, is Belle’s use of the “dagger” to make Rumple take her to the Snow Queen’s fortress.

Let’s break my thoughts on this down a bit.

It’s...a complicated situation. I’m sympathetic to Belle in the sense that she’s trying to stop The Snow Queen and making a hard choice like that is something she sees as just something that has to be done. Additionally, the mirror scene establishes that Belle might have doubts about the validity of the dagger, so there might have been a part of her doubting that it would work. I also get that this was Belle’s weakest moment and thus, it’s something she doesn’t want relayed.

That having been said, this episode frames Belle’s motivation as wanting to keep a secret. That’s the reason why she doesn’t relay her information to Emma and Elsa. And for a secret that is so relatively small in the grand scheme of not only the scope of the universe, but what villains have been forgiven for around in these parts, I find it rather weak and makes for a stark contrast to her attitude of just shutting up from the present scenes prior It’s brought on by a sad conversation with Elsa and Belle finds it more appropriate to use the dagger on her husband than just simply tell the truth, a moment that when finally comes to pass, isn’t given any gravitas, meaning that Belle keeping that secret wasn’t that big of a deal. It’d be one thing if Elsa was so mad that she froze Belle or shut her out or something like that, but she doesn’t, making the reason Belle wants to hold out telling the truth fall flat.

I also almost wish this moment had come earlier in the season, maybe before “The Apprentice” because that look of fear on Rumple’s face when he realized that his own wife is using the dagger to control him would’ve been a hella effective point in showing why Rumple feels like he needs to go to the extreme of putting people in a magic hat to ensure that he never has to be controlled again. That said, it does work here, albeit not as effectively.

I do think that the framing of this moment works. Ignoring the motivation behind it, Belle is shown as going too far by using the dagger, BUT the more complicated nature of the dagger being as real as a $3 bill isn’t ignored by the narrative either.

Okay, now that that’s done, let’s move on.

The mirror scene is a really chilling look into Belle’s psyche. Not only is there a great display of Belle’s insecurities on display in this scene, but it truly sets up the mirror as a genuine threat. Belle is one of the purest characters in the show, second to probably only Ariel at this point. And yet the mirror is able to pull at the weaknesses she doesn’t possess as easily as loose Jenga pieces. Within a minute, she feels helpless.

I also really like the way Rumple is presented here! He’s at once a villain and a victim in a way and the balancing of that was well done!

Stream of Consciousness

-I like the costume Belle has in the first bit of her flashback. It does a really good job of painting her youth and naivete.

-I love how literally every piece of Belle’s wardrobe and decorations in her room are Beauty and the Beast colors!!! Dude, if she wasn’t the actual Belle, I’d accuse her of being the biggest fangirl in the world! XD

-Really, Rumple? Belle doesn’t know about the hidden safe by this point?

-”Before we open.” So I guess that library scene really didn’t carry over in any capacity. That’s a shame.

-I absolutely LOVE the zoom out shot as everyone takes in the Snow Queen video tape! All eight of the mains are in the shot as well as Elsa! And everyone is so serious, even the woman in the blue sparkly dress! I know it’s been said 1,000 times, but it’s totally CSI Storybrooke up in this bitch! XD

-Belle, you are amazing at tracking! And you dig any chance to be a hero! Why the fuck are you willingly stepping down?! XD

-Why does everyone diss books?! And if you’re gonna diss the book, maybe take the book? Like, I don’t want Maurice to take the book, but if he’s gonna go to the trouble of being a douche nozzle, at least go all the way.

-I feel the need to ask if Ingrid has employees at “Any Given Sundae.” Does she just switch off between driving the truck and running the shop? Did she ever have an intern? XD

-”Was she afraid someone was gonna steal the rocky road?” You’re three episodes off, Emma.

-Ice powers are the world’s most dangerous mood rings! XD

-”Do you really think she would’ve discovered that if I didn’t want her to?” And what part did you have to play in Emma discovering that evidence? Like, every piece of evidence Emma has uncovered has been by total coincidence! The video, the truck? Both of those were spur of the moment decisions!

-I feel like mirror Belle is what would happen if Lacey had Belle’s memories.

-Ummm, if that was the real dagger, would that slash have killed Rumple or would it kind of be like what happened with Dark Hook where only the lethal cuts matter? But then again, that was close to the throat.

-Belle, where the hell did that gorgeous ass coat come from? Because holy hell, I LOVE it!

-Okay, am I the only one who feels like Maurice had some personal experience with Rumple prior to Belle’s summoning?

-”Spend a little more time in this town love, and you’ll realize that just about everyone’s related.” This is true and I LOVE it! XD

Favorite Dynamic

Regina and Robin. I really like Regina’s scene with Robin in the forest. Lana perfectly shows Regina’s frustration at having tried every possible approach to waking Marian and failing at it as well as this sense of resignation about what she has to tell him. It’s a fantastic moment in how it’s performed and written. Regina’s in her best form by being blunt, but not unsympathetic: If Robin wants to save Marian, he has to fall in love with her again, no if’s, and’s, or but’s. You can tell that this is the last thing she wants to say, but she knows it’s the truth. It’s a really good display of her growth as a character. Something very difficult for her to do and the truth isn’t pretty, but she’s delivering it anyway, even at her own expense. The added bits of snark additionally really help it too by giving the scene a bit of levity and gives the dialogue a bit of that Regina fierceness.

Writer

Kalinda Vazquez comes in for her second episode in a row, a first for a writer for this series outside of A&E! Alongside her is Andrew Chambliss. I gotta say, it’s nice not having a newbie this episode. While there are some character issues, I think the episode works more than it doesn’t due to the more complicated nature of the present segment’s story and the fact that the framing is spot on.

Rating

8/10. I think there are a fair amount of good elements to this episode. The delivery of the themes is solid and that is the ultimate make or break piece of an episode like this. Additionally, the framing of this story was hard, but successful.

-----

Hey! Sorry this wasn’t my best review. I don’t know what happened with this episode, but it just took me so long to figure out how I felt about it. I hope what I put out made sense.

Thank you for reading, if you did as well as to @watchingfairytales and @daensarah. Love you!!!!

Season 3 Total (42/230)

Writer Scores: Adam and Eddy: (9/60) Jane Espenson: (10/40) David Goodman and Jerome Schwartz: (10/50) Andrew Chambliss: (14/50) Dana Horgan: (6/30) Kalinda Vazquez: (14/40) Scott Nimerfro: (6/30)

*Links to the rest of my rewatch will no longer be provided. They take posts with links outside of searches and I spend way too much time on these reviews to not give them that kind of exposure. Sorry for the inconvenience, but they still can be found on my page under Operation Rewatch.

[lizzybeth1986]

Quick Thoughts on DD Book 1 Chapter 4

• Jesus, this book is expensive.

• Like I assumed Chapter 3's one accomplishment-one-or-two-LIs-or-a-family-member thing would be a one-off, just to introduce us into the system/ease us into the story, but no...they've (sort of) repeated it this chapter. I was hoping they would spread out the accomplishments at least, but perhaps they want us to have at least most of the accomplishments worked out before we leave for London.

• I really hope this doesn't become a regular thing because it will only cause players to lose interest in the books for lack of affordability, in the long run. As it is the book largely caters to a niche audience...alienating that audience by having them lose of on half the story won't bode well for the book.

• Title: Best Foot Forward. Man, this one is easy. Of course it refers to dancing. And quite a lot of dancing is done this chapter, that's for sure!

• Sooo...the Earl has decided to introduce us into society in Edgewater with a garden party. Lots of hobnobbing, some dancing, a few games and you meet at least one 'suitor'.

• Did You Know: According to writer and garderner Kim Wilson, who wrote a book titled In the Garden with Jane Austen, gardens were viewed as markers of social status. In an interview with The Scotsman, she says, "each family's garden reflected not only their needs but, if they had enough money, their social aspirations". The poor cottagers of the time were mostly concerned with growing food and having a place to keep their chickens whereas wealthier families would have had kitchen gardens, but also often extensive pleasure grounds, which were places to display their wealth and taste. (from an article about Jane Austen's love for gardens in The Scotsman).

• Last chapter had us learning (optionally) the art of the fan from our Lady Grandmother, so it makes sense that what happens in this chapter is this:

Lololol just kidding.

• So the chapter begins with the MC and Briar talking. Briar is excited about the fact that a Duke (who, she reminds us, is "one step below a Prince Regent"), and the MC can either choose to be excited or very confident. Interestingly, if you're excited, she reminds you to "not forget your roots", which I think is a recurring theme in this book. After all, that was the last thing the MC's mother told her on her deathbed.

• Dominique enters the room and both she and Briar present us with a pretty pink lace dress that is sure to improve both our social standing and catch everyone's eye at this introductory garden party.

• It looks quite pretty, actually. But that's because I love lace.

• We head downwards, finding Annabelle performing for herself in the foyer and having a thoroughly good time.

• I'm wondering if I should have a tally for the number of times she says "a thousand pardons" (and for the record, I think her way of saying "fiddlesticks" is adorable xD).

• Our third "accomplishment" (and our second paid one) is presented to us here: dancing. It's not like the MC doesn't know dancing - she does - it's that the country dances (this might be a reference to the English Country Dances that were popular among all classes) are different from the ones Annabelle has learned, and indeed the popular ones for the aristocracy that are coming in from other places, like France.

• Annabelle mentions a couple of dances that were popular for its time: the cotillion (originated from France), the Quadrille (also from France), and La Boulanger (also French). If we choose the shoes the Lady Grandmother got made for us, Annabelle wastes no time in teaching us the last one.

• Annabelle speaks to us about the Quadrille being new. She isn't lying. The Quadrille became fashionable in England around 1815.

• Again, the good thing about the accomplishment scenes is that they're meant only for learning the skill, and Annabelle can develop in her individual scenes independent of this. Though I'm not sure if cramming both her individual scenes and her accomplishment scenes in the same chapter, two chapters in a row is a very good idea.

• Another marker of how new the MC is, lies in her interaction with Mr Woods (who is perhaps the only member of the housing staff we see at the party. Briar disappears completely after she's done her work of getting the MC ready, and Luke doesn't appear either). Mr Woods is surprised the MC deigns to speak to him in public, and Henrietta uses her interaction with him to point out how little she fits in, what with talk of the MC's "roots".

• Lol the exchange with the Earl if you bought the scene with the Lady Grandmother is quite funny haha. He speaks about Dominique drilling him into learning the names of all the families and the MC - saucy little shit that she is 😄 - looks at her fan and says "oddly enough, I know exactly what you mean".

• Ernest Sincliare makes his appearance after two chapters, and there's some banter about compliments if you're wearing the pretty lace dress I think. She teases him about it and he retorts that since he passes compliments so rarely, you can be sure that when he does he means every word. I can see that logic in that, Sinclair, but must you look like a child who has accidentally sucked on a particularly sour lemon when you do? 😂

• Throughout the chapter, you get references to the Season in London, and each time the MC by default takes it for granted that she will not be going there. Sinclaire hosts parties in London, Annabelle Parsons will be going there for the Season. Up until the end of the chapter, the vibe given overall is that she won't be seeing the two for a while now that they will be leaving Edgewater, and she won't.

• Did You Know: The London Season was developed to coincide with the sitting of parliament. During the months when parliament was in session, members of both Houses needed to be in attendance in London and came to the capital bringing their families with them. The London season grew up in response to this influx of upper class people who needed to be entertained.

Amanda Foreman, in her biography on Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, stated: "the aristocratic "season" came into existence not only to further the marriage market but to entertain the upper classes while they carried out their political duties. The season followed the rhythm of Parliament: it began in late October with the opening of the new session, and ended in June with the summer recess.” of course, later on this period of time gradually began to shift.

There also seems to be something called the "little season", but that seems more a fixture of the Victorian age than the Regency one (as mentioned in the article on the London Season from the Regency History website).

• The Earl and Mr Sinclaire share a more than cordial relationship: the Earl treats him with considerable warmth and Sinclaire shows a genuine respect and regard for him. You have a choice of asking him whether it is the Earl - or you - he has respect for (and the second option leads to a romantic moment), but it is what he says about the Earl, and his later interaction with Duke Richards that intrigues me:

What happened to Ledford Park that the Sinclaires almost lost it? Why does his statement towards the Duke about Ledford sound so accusatory? Why is there such a strong undercurrent within the latter interaction? I want to know what the story behind Ledford Park is, and how the Earl helped save it.

• One of my favourite Sinclaire-related sequences is an additional scene featuring the fan, as taught to us by the Dowager Countess the previous chapter. I tried the last two with Florence, the MC who has no interest in Sinclaire:

(the first four screenshots are from the "friends" option, and the next four from the "go away u suck" option)

Meanwhile, Marianne just goes in for the kill, fam. Homegirl didn't learn all those thot moves from Grandma for nothing 😄

I do like that extra bit of sexual tension in this scene. I'm not very into Sinclaire yet, but I can see the appeal he'd have for someone who would want the Mr Darcy type of Regency male LI character. You also see a fair bit of it in the scene where the MC asks him if it is her he respects:

• Sinclaire, dude, what is it with you and Italics??

• We now interrupt our regular programme with a game of Skittles. I'm not sure how many of you assumed Regency-era aristocrats were going to start passing around fruit-flavoured candy but I sure did 😂

• So this is skittles, played with nine pins. Very much one of the precursors to present day bowling from what I've read. Playing this game, and beating a champion like Mr Sinclaire at it will not only allow you to spend time alone with him, but also increase your social standing.

• It's simple enough: hit the red pin in the centre, and if you want you can distract the hell out of Sinclaire after he's fired his first shot.

• Twice this chapter, you see our resident comic relief for the day: Miss Theresa Oh-My-Smelling-Salts Sutton, and Mr Edmund Do-I-Look-Like-I-Care Malcaster, and I've decided I like them both (I wanted to add screenshots, but tumblr mobile sucks and won't let me put up more than ten images 😒)

• So we meet the "handsome", "titled" eligible bachelor our Lady Grandmother wanted us so badly to marry and...

...um. lol. ok.

Handsome? Charming? When was the last time you looked in the mirror dude, 20 years ago?

• You have a choice of how to respond after Duke Richards insults Mr. Sinclaire. You can either choose the Manners option, or you can choose to outright sass the man. If you don't sass him? The Lady Grandmother will do it for you.

• With the Manners option we find out that the Duke is 51 years old.

• With the non-manners option we find out that the dude likes saucy little minxes.

• @ the last panel in Florence's playthrough, Grandma even you can't deal with this dude for two minutes without nodding off. Why are you dumping him on my head then? (don't tell me. I know the answer 😐). See, this is why Florence will eventually kiss her inheritance goodbye lol.

• Jesus can this man just...speak two words without touching me??

• FINALLY. Miss Parsons. We choose a hiding place to get away from the Duke and then she offers to show us a new part of the estate: the lakefront. The great thing about gardens, esp in the writing of the time, was that it provided privacy for people at the time and allowed them to interact in ways they couldn't in public.

• Did you know: Austen herself used gardens pretty extensively in her writing. Mr Knightley confesses his love to Emma close to a shrubbery. Elizabeth jokes to her aunt about deciding to marry Mr Darcy after seeing the grounds in Pemberley. Fanny Price of Mansfield Park remarks, “To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment.” Catherine Morland of Northanger Abbey falls in love with hyacinths, Marianne Dashwood of Sense and Sensibility has a passion for fallen leaves in an autumnal garden, while Anne Elliot of Persuasion is always inspired to think of poetry when enjoying the beauties of nature.

Susannah Fullerton in her essay "Jane Austen and her gardens" (for the website Garden Drum) says: "Many proposals [in Austen's novels] take place out of doors where lovers can find some privacy amongst the gravel walks and flower beds; garden improvements are planned by some of the characters; and her heroines all enjoy going into a garden to think". 

• Makes sense then that one of the special scenes of this largely "forbidden" relationship (if you choose for that to happen) would take place in greenery, close to a lake. If you notice, it's quite in keeping with the times that most of the romantic moments this chapter happen either in an isolated section of the gardens or while dancing, both of which allow for some measure of interaction between people interested in each other.

• Miss Parsons, the legendary hero of a Duck Prophecy xD

• I love her in this scene. Sure she gets shy when she receives attention she's not used to from us, and she's kind and educative and sweet, but she's also boisterous and passionate and not afraid to pull punches when she needs to (case in point: the shade she immediately throws Henrietta's way regarding her "tutelage"). This scene has her stealing cake from the party to feed the ducks, getting exhilarated from the race and her new friendship with the MC, and feeling extremely confused by her feelings if you speak to her romantically.

• The first half of this scene is pure fun, but the second inevitably shows the two women experiencing a sense of loss that their connection will be cut short - whether they are friends or whether this is a budding romance.

• What I do love about both the romance scenes are the extra touches added to both in the coding. In the skittles scene with Ernest, Marianne is spoken of by default as brushing her hand against his before giving him the ball, whereas Florence simply passes it to him.

• Even with Annabelle, if you acquire romance points with her, the ending of that scene is written quite differently:

I absolutely love this part of the scene. And given that very often the female LI is treated like just the default best friend with some stray romance options attached, it really does feel good to have that sexual tension acknowledged.

• Florence, babe, what is it with you and Italics??

• TIME TO PUT ON OUR DANCING SHOES GUYS (if we bought them).

• So we're doing a dance called La Boulanger...which kinda looks like this:

You dance in a circle, then keep switching partners.

• Did You Know: that the Boulanger was one of the very few dances mentioned by name in Jane Austen's novels? (Pride and Prejudice Chapter 3. I think the reel is mentioned in another).

• I have two left feet unless someone is heavily choreographing a flash mob and spends ages teaching me the steps lol so this looks pretty complicated to me 😂

• You have an option of choosing between Mr Sinclaire, Miss Parsons and Duke Richards. The first two are the usual you'd expect from romantic dance scenes if you choose either of the first two, impressing them with your dance moves and then catching their eye when you're dancing with Edmund, your stepbrother. With Miss Parsons there is an additional show of boldness in that there is a danger of making their affections public.

• The Duke Richards option, which I managed to see thanks to @i-dream-so-i-write ...seems pretty okay actually. He doesn't seem as handsy and creepy as he does in our first meeting (there is a moment where his "hands skim your waist" though, and he tells us we've been apart too long [a couple seconds, tops]), but he's also still talking our ears off. If anyone is interested in seeing it, I can attach the screenshots!

• This man is so freaking extra I can't even.

• The chapter ends with the Earl announcing that he is changing his will, and that the MC is heiress to Edgewater Estate now, which makes it essential for her, then, to make her debut at the London Season, and begin searching for prospective bridegrooms.

• There is a catch though. You get the inheritance if you marry someone of suitable rank. In short...at this point in the story, Marianne is doing alright, but Florence is well and truly screwed until there is a twist somewhere (and surely there will be at some point). Sorry Florence.

• Henrietta has something up her sleeve, and Edmund, who was expecting to inherit, is sad and tells the MC so. You get a relationship point with him if you tell him you understand how it must feel, but he reiterates that you probably won't. We have time, we can still get this dude (and his palpitating fiancée) on our side. Maybe.

• Looks like we'll be starting our journey to London straightaway, and making our debut in London at Mr Sinclaire's party by Chapter 6. Alsooo from the spoilery chapter descriptions it looks like Mr. Marlcaster will try tripping us up at least once, or more than once. Also looks like we have two more skills on our accomplishment board to learn. So far we've gotten needlework, music and dancing - we now need to see what the other two are. I THINK one of them is painting.

General Thoughts:

• Good chapter. It's a little slow which is fine, because I think all the action will actually happen during the London Season instead. We meet only two suitors, one of whom we have already met in the first chapter.

• I feel like the extra scenes that we'll get with the unlocked accomplishments will include other styles of the same art. We initially learn the piano, but I feel like unlocking it will lead to extra scenes with other instruments, and unlocking the dancing shoes will show us extra scenes of Annabelle teaching us other dances (the waltzes, the reel, etc). I'm not entirely sure about this, it's just a theory I have. I mean, once we're in London we'll need to learn waltzes and the minuet and stuff.

• Luke doesn't make an appearance this chapter, but then again nor does Briar as soon as the MC gets ready. I think we'll see more of him now that we will be traveling to London.

• Donna Hatch's (who writes a ton of historical romances, esp Regency) essay on the London Season lists the months active in each year for it, and in 1816 it was from February to July. In the story it's now the beginning of April. Usually it's best to go at the very start if you're looking for marriage prospects, but given the MC's particular circumstances this time of the season isn't too bad either I'd reckon.

• Remember how I told you guys last chapter about the inclusion of Mary Brunton's Self Control? And how she criticizes the popular "rake" figure in Regency fiction? I'm not sure Duke Richards adheres completely to how rakes were depicted at the time, but he definitely does seem to be channeling Colonel Hargrave a little here.

• I wonder what the Duke seems to be hiding. Besides of course the truth of his equation with Sinclaire. Why is he so focused on this new woman? I think there might be more to this. I also can't wait to see the other suitors, like the viscount and Mr Chambers.

• I do like how we learn more about Sinclaire and Annabelle here. Annabelle largely has the role that Hana had in TRR, and there are some similarities - but she also has a lot more wiggle-room and seems to be bolder and a little more outgoing. She has grown up with the limitations placed on women at the time, but unlike Hana, hasn't faced as many restrictions in her upbringing.

• As I've mentioned before, I love Annabelle and I love that they're trying to do a better job of her. But I'm not entirely sure if cramming two separate scenes of hers in single chapters of an already expensive book is a wise choice, or if it will harm her development in the long run because people find it too expensive to spend on her. IMO the accomplishment scenes should be a little further spread out in the books.

• Now that the MC is going to be a future Countess, what is in store for her? In her rightful home Edgewater, she has a limited audience and not as much expectation to live up to...what will become of her now that she will be participating in the Season in London? Guess we'll find out today, or in the coming weeks xD

• Tagging: @boneandfur @liamraines @thespiritpanda @alanakusumastan @ernestsinclairs @mrsthomashunt @private-investigator-nazario @bcdollplace @queenodysseia @mcbangle

If you'd like to be tagged in one of the QTs, please let me know!

[that-wimpy-cowboy-doll]

don’t you wanna save this dirty little damsel?

For the Steve Rogers 100th Birthday Celebration created by the lovely @mee2themoo :D

Pairing: Steve Rogers/Darcy Lewis

Overall Rating: Explicit

Chapter: 1 of 3

Summary:

It started with a simple question in Tony's lab.  And it ended up in a small town strip club, where nobody recognizes four Avengers in civilian clothes sitting in the back.  Needless to say, even when he was in the ice, Steve has never had a more uncomfortable birthday.But amidst the smoke, the lights, and the skintight red, white, and blue, one Darcy Lewis is out to start some literal and figurative fireworks.

For the Steve Rogers 100th Birthday Celebration :)Title comes from Natalia Kills's "Problem."  Prompts included: Fireworks, Baseball, Small Town, and Red, White, and Blue.

Find this fic on AO3 here :D

Chapter One: you know what they say about me

Captain America’s 100th birthday was a cause for excitement at the Avengers compound, especially because it was the first Fourth of July since the Avengers had been formed that there was no imminent threat to the American public, therefore they’d all be together to celebrate.

Steve, for his part, hadn’t wanted to do anything.  Maybe crack a few Asgardian cold ones with Thor, Bucky, and Sam, put on that Independence Day movie he’d been meaning to watch, go to bed early so he could take his run in the morning before the day got too hot.  He was a simple man, with simple wishes, so it was baffling to him as to why nobody wanted to go the simple route.

But then the lab conversation had happened, on a total whim, just days before and Steve had let more slip than he knew to intend.

“So, Cap,” Tony started out, flicking on the screens that he and Banner and Cho shared, his fingers sliding effortlessly across the holograms.  “Heard you’re hitting the big 1-Oh-Oh soon.  What’s the plan?  Vegas?  Yachts?  Every strip club in the greater East Coast?”  At that moment, Steve’s eyebrows probably knotted together, as they did when he was confused, and then that Tony’s smile lit up, joyful and mischievous at once.  “Cap...c’mon.  Tell me you had some big plans.”

“Strip club?” he repeated dumbly, filing a hand backward through his hair.  He’d been growing out his beard, much to Tony’s discomfort and Thor’s enjoyment.  The grin on Tony’s face widened.

“Holy shit.  You’ve never gone to a strip club.”  Steve was silent, chewing on his tongue to keep himself from saying anything that might get him into trouble.  In hindsight, it was most likely the silence that got him the most trouble.  “Christ, Rogers, you know what a strip club is?”

“Bail, Steve,” Bruce was mumbling, passing by him conveniently with a long metal utensil that looked disconcertingly like a barbecue fork.  “Bail immediately.”

“FRIDAY, I need you to get Barnes down here ASAP.”  Steve kept mum while Tony organized the interrogation, but Bruce was still shaking his head and looking deeply concerned.  After a while, Bucky had made his way down from the training room, sweat clinging to his muscle tee and dripping from his skin.  He must’ve been working with Romanoff.  “Barnes,” said Tony briskly, making the ‘come-hither’ motion with his finger, which elicited a rather confused look from Bucky.  “You ever been to a strip club?”

Bucky did the same as Steve had, repeated it in a dumb tone and kept looking confused.  Steve would’ve thought it impossible for Tony’s smile to widen, but at the awkward silence that fell after the sixth utterance of those unholy words “strip club,” his lips nearly wrapped around his head.

“Bruce, you got plans for Fourth of July?”

“Tony, no - ”

“Don’t worry, buddy, the big guy’ll be fine.  Pressure won’t be on you.  We gotta get these dinosaurs to the titty bar.”  As the final words left his mouth, it clicked.

He wasn’t exactly certain of how it came out, but he had a feeling that the next phrase to escape his lips sounded something like, “YouwantmeandBuckytogotoabrothelwithyou?”

Now, in spite of what Fury had wanted the public to think, Steve was not a damn saint.  But he wouldn’t have come within a hundred feet of a brothel back in the 40s and he absolutely wouldn’t’ve done it now.

“Strip clubs aren’t brothels, Rogers,” Tony corrected, shaking his head with a satisfied smirk.  “No, no, no.  Just trust me, alright?  This is gonna be the best 100th birthday celebration you’ve ever seen.”

That was how the mess had started.  And that was why now, in a small town in upstate New York where few people would likely know the difference between Steve Rogers in his civvie clothes and your average juiced up military man, Steve was sitting in the back row of the alleged strip club, flanked by the two scientists and his best friend, only one of whom appeared happy to be there.

“See anything you like out here, Birthday Cap?” Tony shouted over the thumping music, and Steve winced as the strobe lights began to flare, darkness covering most of the large room.

“Yeah, the exit sign.”

Tony waved him off and clapped appreciatively at the slim blonde who’d taken the stage, flinging her sleek ponytail over her shoulder before she did things to the pole that would’ve gotten her arrested back in Steve’s day.

See, it wasn’t so much the act of doing stuff to the poles that skeeved him out.  It wasn’t the flailing legs and the bouncing, or even the skin-tight bikinis and bodysuits that left barely anything to the imagination.  Shockingly, it wasn’t even the men who wolf-whistled and howled and waved dollar bills at these women like they didn’t have wives and children at home.

No, it was that they’d now watched three separate young women take the stage, and he could see it in each of their eyes.  First that flaming overconfidence, like they were acknowledging how tight and lithe their bodies looked, undulating up there for everyone, knowing that all eyes were on them.  Then realizing that all eyes were on them and that moment of self-consciousness, as though they wished they were doing this in someone else’s body, so they could leave the reality of it, if just for a moment.  And then that moment of resignation.  Like they were coming clean with themselves that no, this was real, and then trying to think of anything else: the bills at home, the homework they had to finish later tonight, the laundry they’d left in the dryer and needed to fold as soon as they got back.

Maybe he was wrong, though.  He was new to all this; who was he to judge?

“I think we need to get a Cap dance up in here,” Tony was announcing, trying to stand and bending at the waist like a rubbery doll from the sixth or seventh shot he’d just downed in the last hour and a half.  Bruce grabbed his arm, progressively looking more and more concerned about the situation pretty much since they’d left the Avengers compound, and Tony dropped back into his seat.

Bucky, surprisingly, was starting to look amused with the whole situation - probably because of how uncomfortable it was making Steve.

“Never thought I’d say this, but I think Stark’s right.  Lemme get a hold of one of the girls in charge here.”  He slipped past Steve, like he’d done this a million times before, and proceeded down towards the counter to converse with a tall, sturdy brunette woman with hoop earrings Steve could’ve fit his arm through.

“Mm, how do I know...that he’s gonna pick a good one, though?” Tony slurred, pounding his fist on the armrest of the seat in lieu of a tabletop, which would have much better suited his particular brand of dramatics.

Because he’s my best friend and he knows exactly what I like, Steve thought dully.  Bucky had pulled shit similar to this before, tucking dirty magazines into Steve’s backpack when they’d been in school (and cackling when he’d admitted that Sarah Rogers found them and took a wooden spoon to Steve, even though he was sixteen, and cursed in Gaelic as he yelped in pain), and he’d apparently took note of which models and which pages made the tips of Steve’s ears burn red hot.

He’d known Peggy, too.  And in the short time that he’d had to see the two of them together, he must have noticed the way Steve looked at her with the reverence that he did, because Peggy was...was everything he could’ve dreamed of and more.

This was not the environment to do any of that deep soul-searching, woeful regret stuff, though.  He was getting the feeling that, if he didn’t put on a somewhat joyful face for Tony, they’d be there all night.

“Tony, where’s Rhodes tonight?”

“Mrs. Barbara Rhodes caught wind of what the plan was and firmly put her foot down.”  Stark rolled his eyes, tucking his sunglasses onto the bridge of his nose to dim the strobes.  “I, on the other hand, have often found that asking for permission truly is less successful than asking forgiveness.”  Sam was caught up with an event at the veterans center in D.C., and Thor was getting his first Fourth experience with Jane at the observatory.  Not that this would’ve been less awkward had they been around, but Steve might have felt a little reassured with more friendly faces and less eyebrow raising from Tony.

“Mr. Grant, I’ve brought you a present…”  Bucky was grinning, led by the hand of a brunette woman.  A brunette woman who blew every other woman here out of the water.  It was only when noticing the way that the purple bodysuit clung perfectly to her plentiful chest and bloomed into a flowy bunch at her hips that Steve realized she was the only woman in the club not wearing red, white, or blue for the holiday.

“No fucking way,” she said as she locked eyes with him.  But it was with an amused half laugh that she settled into his lap, stringing her arms over his shoulders to grasp the back of his chair.  “Mr. Grant, my ass.”  Since leaving for their trip off the Avengers compound grounds, Steve had gone by Joseph Grant, after his father.  But as her twinkling eyes bored into his and as she smirked into her dance, he was certain that she knew.

“So what should I call you?” he asked stiffly.  The whole strip club thing hadn’t been particularly enticing, but he’d be a damn liar if the way she was moving her hips against his right now wasn’t drawing a reaction from him.

“If you want me calling you Grant, you can call me Athena.”  She twirled her arms over her head and spun round slowly, unfazed when Tony slipped a wad of singles into the leg opening of her bodysuit.  The curve of her ass brushed against Steve’s jeans, then planted itself a little more insistently into his lap.  “If I get to call you Steve, you can call me Darcy.”  She tilted her head backwards, sending the long, dark waves of her hair cascading down against his chest, close enough that he could smell the lavender in her shampoo.

“Darcy.”  She continued to dance, but as the song shifted from a slow, sultry lilt to an upbeat one that thumped the walls, so shifted her style.  Instead of the gentle unraveling of her hips in a circle against his groin, she started to bounce, turning around to face him, sliding his legs open so she could squeeze herself between them, and Steve watched, trying to keep as straight a face as he could, while she pulled his hands around her waist and to her ass.

“You got it, chief.  You fellas having a good evening so far?”  If she knew who he was, she’d certainly know who the rest of them were, but that didn’t appear to worry any of the others.  Tony was pretty drunk, still fixated on the edge between Darcy’s hip and leg, and had graduated from foisting ones on her to foisting twenties.  Bucky was preoccupied with the dame on stage, a leggy blonde whose golden skin contrasted perfectly with the lacy white number she had on.  Bruce, on the other hand, was furiously swiping at Candy Crush, his expression stone-still with all the madness going on around him.

When Darcy noticed Steve observing what was around him, she cradled his chin with her hand, pulling his gaze back around to her.

“Hey.”  She pouted, and at that moment a dark curl spiraled into her face, bouncing with her and with the music, and Steve had to fight the urge to brush it away from her cheek, to feel the way her skin would rub against his fingertips.  “Trying to hurt my feelings?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”  He caught her eyes then, and for a fraction of a second, he thought she was going to lean down and kiss him full on the mouth.  But then the lights in the club flashed wildly, and the girl on stage was filling a pouch with the dollar bills that had collected at her feet.  And Darcy was pushing away from his chair.  Her hand ghosted over his thigh as she made her way down the aisle.

“Athena to the stage, Athena to the stage,” boomed the DJ over the loudspeaker, and there she was at the stairs, smiling - or grimacing - at the blonde as she passed, pressing her fingers to the pole.  Steve didn’t know the song that Darcy had chosen to play while she danced, but it reverted to that slow and sultry kind.  The way she danced up there, curling her legs around the pole and taking her time to spin around it, drummed a beat in his chest that must’ve been louder than the music.

Judging by the way that cash rained down on the stage and the way that the men in the crowd were howling, Steve wasn’t the only one who’d taken notice.

Something pricked behind his ears.  Something hot and cold at once.  It wasn’t jealousy.  It was adrenaline.

Darcy was pacing down the stage, swinging her hips, around the same time that Steve noticed the gaggle of men pushing their buddy toward the front, a wad of dollar bills in his hand.  He brushed it against her, ran it down her front, and tried to shove it down the deep V of her bodysuit.  Darcy was trying to push his hand away, her lips twisting with disgust, and before Steve knew it, he was bounding down the aisle toward the stage.

Tony, sobered by the jolt of Steve’s body moving out of his chair, might have been shouting at him not to blow his cover, not to cause a scene, but whatever it was that left his mouth, Steve didn’t hear.

He had his hand on the back of the man’s collar just as his hearing miraculously returned, in time to hear Darcy scream over the music:

Dude, stop!

He caught himself.  She was holding a small black box between herself and the sleazy punk, a small black box that had two little wires at the top and that buzzed menacingly in the space between them.  The guy turned around, looking incredulously at Steve, then gave him a firm shove and marched off cursing.

“What the fuck’s the matter with you?”  She was glaring at him, but her head was tilted to the side, so it didn’t seem so much that she was angry as confused.  Well, she was angry, hence the little shock box being pointed at him now, but the look in her eyes considered him more than shut him out.  Like she was actually trying to figure out what the fuck the matter with him was.

“I’m sorry.”  He put his hands up in surrender, taking a few steps back.  Darcy scooped up the small pile of dollar bills that had gathered on stage in the short time she’d been dancing up there, tucked them in the little purple money pouch that she’d presumably taken her shock box from, put the shock box into the pouch as well, and hopped off, clattering after him in her silvery high heels.

“I can take care of myself,” she hissed, and swatted him with the pouch, drawing the confusion of the patrons around them, and from the DJ, who was still playing her song and peering over the top of the booth to see what had happened.

“I can see that.”  He dodged another swat with the pouch and took another cautious step back.  “Look - stop swinging that thing at me - can I take you to dinner?”  Finally, she stopped swinging at him, stopped advancing on him.  Steve sighed, glancing out of the corner of his eye to where Bucky was sitting delightedly, watching in on the action, and pinched the bridge of his nose.  “It’s my birthday, and I want to do something I like.”

“Does this mean that I’m something you like?”  Her expression had shifted, and the look in her eyes was no longer bordering hostile, but had started to dance toward mischievous.

Steve resisted the urge to roll his eyes, for Tony had started wolf-whistling at him, pumping his fist like a frat boy.

“If you’re game for celebrating my hundredth with me without giving me an ‘Over the Hill’ card or taking me to another one of these ridiculous places, I’ll consider it.”

[bowenandjohnson]

The Aftermath

Basically, Colin & Farrah own my heart. 

Short one-shot set after the season 1 finale of Youth & Consequences. Spoilers beware! Read under the cut!

If you had asked Farrah Cutney what she thought she’d be doing on her Winter Break off from Central Rochester this year, she once would have probably said something along the lines of either going skiing in Aspen with Hurley, Jayne, and Plain Jane, or attending the Winter Ball tonight with Will. Former Farrah wouldn’t believe that Current Farrah was willingly sitting across from Stacey Moorehead on her bedroom floor setting up a game of bridge.

Stacey Moorehead was the former best friend for a reason, but now she was one of the only people Farrah could talk to, without fear of a glare or a sneer aimed her way. The fact of the matter was, of course, that Stacey and Farrah were now both former somethings: Stacey was the former BFF, and Farrah was now the former It Girl of CRHS, currently fallen from grace.

She had expected backlash from revealing she was the anonymous blogger called “The Crotch” in September--at least one part of the blog. Colin and Dipankar were the other two parts of it, but they hadn’t come forward. Of course, she had been the one to fall on her own sword for Tripp, and for Colin. She didn’t give a shit about Dipankar, but at least, he hadn’t tried to take back control of the Crotch after she came forward to claim the title. Neither had Colin. The Crotch was effectively vanquished, at least for this year.

Her parents had been called into Principal Cowher’s office. Superintendent Moorehead sat on one couch with Colin’s mother, while Farrah had to sit sandwiched between her mom and dad on the sofa facing them. She had to pretend that she was intently listening, but to be honest, she was hyper focused on the fact that her father was growing increasingly tense beside her. 

They wanted to expel her, at least at the first meeting, but Moorehead’s tune had changed by a week later. Farrah figured her dad had a private conversation with the superintendent. Her mom was just disappointed. Farrah’s wreaking digital havoc on the school had taken everything out of her again, and she had to restart anew for the second time since the separation. No one wanted to be associated with a cyberbully’s mother.

Principal Cowher’s voice still rang in her head. “Well, considering the circumstances of your home life into account, Farrah, we are not going to press charges. We have talked this over with both your parents, and members of the community. We, however, still require a formal letter of apology for me, the school district, and Tripp, considering your actions got him into a car accident. We are also going to give you in-school suspension for three weeks, and mandatory community service and counseling for the time being.”

All Farrah could do in that moment was nod woodenly. She couldn’t fight the principal. Not now that she thought that Farrah had ridiculed her and her dead husband all over cyberspace.

The following Monday, Farrah arrived at 9 AM, after classes had started. Her spot was no longer reserved, and Hurley’s black car took up new residence where hers used to. She was forced to park in the last row, furthest from the school. Gabe met her at the doors, and led her into a room off of the administrative offices, colored a bland white, furnished with rows of desks. Principal Cowher was standing there, waiting for her. She was going to help tutor her, until they could find a good enough tutor to step in. Cowher had said something around the lines of “putting her Master’s degree to good use.”

Those late starts were almost like a reprieve from having to face everything and everyone she had hurt, but after the bell rang at 3 PM, she was forced to leave when everyone else did. The first day, she merely tried to blend in, sunglasses perched on her nose, but Grace Ho was right behind her. Hissing loudly so everyone could hear, she said, “Wow, Farrah. It’s so good to see you back. I’ll make sure to tell Will you say hey.” Plain Jane laughed in her ear. Stacey remained silent for a moment, before saying, “Grace. Enough.”

“Why not? She thought she could play around with everyone else. You’re lucky, Farrah. If you were a man, you’d be dead right now.” Ilo appeared in front of her suddenly, blocking the way. Farrah was forced to stop in her tracks.

“Kill me now, Ilo. Being sexist, really? I could take you.” Her retort was still biting, but it didn’t seem to phase anyone that much anymore. Everyone was closing in around her, looking like she used to, as predators circling their prey.

“Ilo. She’s not worth it. She’s just a glorified puppet master with no more strings to pull. Just walk away, please.” She hadn’t expected to hear his voice. Especially directed at Ilo in such a manner. Farrah turned, searching the crowd for one Colin Cowher. Their eyes locked for a moment that felt like a century, and then he finally looked away, clearing his throat. “My mom is going to have a field day with this, and I’m pretty sure Mountain View wouldn’t want to take you on for a second offense.” His voice was clear, even. Not at all quavery like the voice of her Colin.

“Just watch your back, Cutney. We’re all watching you now.” Ilo’s voice was angry and barely controlled. Brandon Swain, Hurley and Jayne appeared at his side. Hurley whispered to him gently, and Brandon tugged at his arm. They turned, not even tossing her a second glance. The rest of the student body was shock-still. He wasn’t lying. Every set of eyes was on her as she quickly made her way down to the hall, and into the safety of her car before starting to cry. The new Farrah Cutney cried a lot in that first week after the aftermath of Homecoming.

But she didn’t regret her decision. It was the right one, even if she missed her friends, Will, and Colin. Everyone else would move on eventually. So Farrah Cutney learned to square her shoulders, avert her eyes, and say nothing unless it was absolutely required to fight back.

Farrah passed Stacey a few more cards, but Stacey seemed more focused on trying to decipher her mood than play bridge. “So, are you finally ready to come clean? I know there’s more to the story, Farrah.”

She sighed. They had been over this multiple times since that night. “No. Stacey, I told you. I was the Crotch, and it was only me running the show.”

“Officially. I know Cowher was in on it too, unofficially.”

“Why are you still so focused on this, Stacey? So you can somehow create another scandal, and run off to tell your new BFF’s, the Gracies?” Her voice turned cruel, sharp as a knife. Stop, Stacey, just stop. Shut up now.

But this time, Stacey forged on. “So it is true. Why are you still keeping up your story, Farrah? It’s been three months of hell for you, and the whole thing almost got you kicked out of school. Why would you sacrifice so much for the principal’s son?”

Farrah paused to take a deep breath, staring down at her lap. Her voice slipped into a practiced tone of indifference. “Colin was nothing but a pawn, someone I could control. I was just pulling the strings of a puppet.” 

“You looked down at your lap before you said that. That’s your tell, Farrah. You’ve gotten sloppy without Hurley and Jayne to keep you on your toes. You care about him, don’t you?”

“It’s not like that. I had Will, Stace. You know, former star of the football team. Tall, sexy as all hell?”

“I never said you had feelings for him, Far. But I think you just admitted that you do.” Stacey’s face brightened, her mouth widening into a smile.

“Don’t laugh at me, Moorehead.” Farrah looked down at her lap, and then at the forgotten playing cards between them on the plush carpet. She felt her face heating up. The former Farrah Cutney didn’t blush. She didn’t get embarrassed. But everything had changed.

“I’m not. I’m happy for you, actually. Colin’s sweet.”

“Except now he hates my guts. And there’s nothing I can do about it.” Farrah leaned against the end of her bed and sighed deeply. “With Will, it was just easier, you know?”

Stacey merely nodded. “He was the ideal, the fantasy guy everyone wanted. Meanwhile, Cowher is smart, sweet, funny... and has major anxiety issues. And what did I do? I went and screwed myself over because I had to protect him. I had to make him hate me, so I used his anxiety and his feelings for me against him. Told him it was all a ploy.”

“Why don’t you just be honest with him then? Tell him how you really feel. I don’t think he exactly hates you. The boy still stares at you like you hung the moon.”

“Really?” Farrah’s eyes snapped wide open. “I have to talk to him.” She stood, almost drunkenly in her haste to find her boots, rushing down the stairs. Stacey followed close behind. 

“I’ll give you a ride. I have to get ready for the dance anyway. Jane and Grace are getting ready at my house.” 

“And you risked coming over here in the first place? Stacey, that’s social suicide.” Farrah turned to look at her.

“I thought you might need a friend.” 

Farrah merely nodded, and gave her hand a squeeze, quick. “Mom! Stacey’s dropping me off at my friend’s house!”

“Which friend? God knows you don’t have many of those anymore.” Kate Cutney’s voice was tinged with bitterness as she sat at the kitchen table. Farrah knew she deserved it. She just screwed over everyone, didn’t she?

She paused before saying, “I need to make some amends with my friend, Colin. I’ll be back soon. I love you.”

“Back by 10. I love you too.” Kate’s voice softened a bit, and Stacey merely gave a wave, as they headed out the door.

By the time they reached the Cowher house, Farrah’s heart was racing. The trailer was lit up, meaning he was home. Stacey wished her luck as she dropped her at the end of the driveway, and the car eased down the street. She was alone now, but somehow more alive than she had been for the past three months. She felt happier, giddy even. Most of all, she was ready to be honest with him.

She knew what she wanted to say to him, so Farrah didn’t have to think too hard. She hoped he was alone, Principal Cowher would probably be at the school already for the dance. One apology at a time, she thought. She stayed silent as she approached the trailer door, rapping on it in time with her uneven heart. And she heard it, “Come in, Mom!” Thank God. He hadn’t heard Stacey’s car.

Farrah reached for a screwdriver that was no longer there. With disbelief, she realized Colin had finally gotten the door fixed. A pang of nostalgia hit her as she eased open the door.

“Colin?” Her voice was raspy as she stepped uneasily into the trailer. “It’s me. Farrah.”

His head whipped up. “Why are you here?” He had that stupid, lovely guitar in his hands again.

She opened her mouth, and the words flew. “I wanted to tell you the truth, which I don’t think I’ve been telling lately. I’ve just been going through the motions, and the truth is that I hate it. I was talking to Stacey, and she helped me realize that I need my friends. I need you, Colin. You are the best person I know. I shouldn't have hurt you, even though you were so wrong about me. I did handpick you. I’m not lying about that, I’m not, and I hope you can forgive me. But the truth is that you are sweet, and caring, and funny, and really good at singing and playing the guitar. The truth is that I fucked up, and I like you. Like like-like you, and I understand if you hate me, and I don’t deserve anything from you after what I said. I will turn around and never talk to you again, if that’s what you want, Colin Cowher. But I just needed you to know that. That you are the best person I know.” Farrah stopped rambling then, and gauged his reaction. 

Colin’s eyes were wide as saucers, but he recovered fairly quickly, clearing his throat. “I thought you were never going to come back.” The words hit her like a brick wall.

“I thought you didn’t want me here.” She walked closer then, motioning a hand to sit on the couch.

He nods, and scooted over, making room for her. “I didn’t want you here at first. I hated you for a while. But then I realized what you did.”

“What I did?” Farrah glanced up at him, scanning his face.

“You’re talking to the king of defense mechanisms, remember? You thought you needed to push me away, to push everyone away, to really sell the whole Crotch thing. To make everyone hate you.”

“Well, you’re right. I just wanted to protect you.”

“By hurting me.” He said the words flatly, dragging them out.

“And I know that was wrong, and I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

“I know.” He put down the guitar, and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She can smell him, the faint tones of laundry soap and deodorant wafting off his shirt. She once teased him by telling he smelled. She was lying.

“How are you so sure? I wouldn’t trust an ice queen like me ever again.”

“You fell on your sword for me. The average person wouldn’t do that. You, Farrah Cutney, aren’t an ice queen. You are the white knight rushing into battle for anyone and everyone, even though you are scared shitless by anyone seeing you as kind or empathetic. You like being seen as someone to be feared, the queen bee. But that is not who you are. At least not to me.”

“I don’t know what to say.” She embraced him, breathing in. This trailer is where she felt the most at home.

 “Farrah?”

“Yeah?” Her voice was muffled by his shirt.

“I like-like you too. I always have.” He kissed her softly on the top of her head.

[glitterychaosprince]

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A/N: This was inspired by the song Time Machine by BOTDF, sleep deprivation, and half a liter of coca-cola. I hope you all enjoy this one-shot.

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Angela woke up with a smile on her face as she wondered what her loving boyfriend had planned for her. She chuckled as she grabbed her bath robe and wrapped it around her before heading downstairs to the kitchen. Her smile slipped from her face when she saw the letter neatly folded on the table. Picking it up, she read it. 'I'm sorry for leaving without telling you but me, Ever, Freed and Bickslow had a mission to go on. See you when I get home.'

Angela felt a tear run down her cheek which she quickly wiped away. 'I can't believe he forgot again,' she said with a depressed chuckle. For the third year in a row Laxus had forgotten her birthday. Had gone on a mission with them and told her through a letter.

And it wasn't just her birthday. Valentine'a Day, dates, anniversaries, all conveniently forgotten and traded for missions with the Thunder Legion. Angela had spent the past three years hoping that one day he would prove her wrong, but every time he ended up disappointing her. 'That's it. This time I'm gonna do it.'

~TIME SKIP 2 WEEKS~

Laxus walked into the guild with the Thunder Legion and smiled as he saw Angela sitting at the bar talking to Mirajane. He loved her more than the world itself and he had found the perfect thing to give her after the three years they've been together. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms protectively around her. When she didn't react at all he turned her chair around. 'Is something wrong Angel,' he asked caressing her cheek.

She gave him a weak smile before placing a light kiss to his cheek. 'No Laxus. I'm just tired. I think I'll head back home and take a nap.' He nodded and watched as she left.

He was about to go talk to his grandfather when he noticed the faint disappointed look on Mira's face. 'What?' he asked, slightly annoyed at her because of it. She just sighed and shook her head, going back to managing the bar and pouring drinks.

~TIME SKIP~

Laxus smiled as he entered his and Angela's shared house only to be met with an unnatural stillness to the air. Frowning he went to their bedroom and gently knocked on the door. 'Angel, you up?' he asked as he opened the door only to find the bed untouched with a note placed on his pillow.

Frowning, he picked the note up and read it. Then reread it to make sure that it truly said what he had read. 'Dear Laxus, I'm sorry but I can't do this anymore. For the past three year's you've not only forgotten Valentine's Day and our anniversary, you've also forgotten my birthday and dates we had planed weeks in advance. Everyday I woke up and saw another of your notes was a day my heart cracked. So I'm sorry, but I'm leaving. I already had master remove my guild mark and by now I'm long gone. Hopefully next time you find someone dumb enough to fall for you you'll treat her with more respect than you did me. I tried to be patient, but my patience with you has run out. I hope you have a nice life.'

Laxus crumpled the paper and sat on the edge of the bed, not even bothering to try and stop the tears that were falling. The room was silent aside from his sobs. He should've followed her earlier today. He should've asked gramps if he knew if something was wrong.

He pulled the small jewelry box from his pocket and opened it to reveal the sapphire ring that he had gotten for her. That night he had been planning on proposing to her, but now it's all over. If only he knew how to build a time machine. Then maybe he could prevent himself from being so stupid. Why couldn't he have, just once, remembered the things they had planned in advance. Remember her birthday without her having to remind me about it. Say no when Bickslow and Ever drag me on a mission.

There was a timid knock on the bedroom door and he looked up to see Freed standing there with a shocked look on his face. 'She left,' was all Laxus could manage to get out before he broke down again. Not to his surprise the green haired mage came over and tried to comfort him, but nothing would sooth the pain he felt deep within his chest.

~TIME SKIP 8 YEARS~

Laxus walked around Crocus as he waited for midnight to come. It had been eight years since Angel had left him and it still hurt to think about her. Of course it didn't help that seven of those years he had been sealed in time so it was technically only a year ago that it all happened.

As he was drifting off in his thoughts two small children ran into him. 'Sorry mister,' the black haired girl shouted before her blonde haired brother grabbed her wrist and started dragging her away. He couldn't tell why, but they looked so familiar to him.

He smiled as the boy gleefully dragged his sister off but it soon faded once he saw the lady they were heading to. 'Mommy, can we please go to Ryuzetsu Land?'

'Angela?' he breathed out but it was loud enough to distract her from what she was about to tell the boy.

She turned around and looked right at him before clearing her throat and putting on a straight face. 'I'm sorry but do I know you?' she said.

Laxus frowned. 'You were always terrible at lying,' he said with a chuckle as he approached her.

Angela steeled herself for what he would do. She expected his anger but when he hugged her she felt like crying. 'I've missed you so much,' he whispered into her ear. He then pulled away and looked down at her children. 'So what are their names?'

She smiled and rubbed Jane's head as she hugged her leg. 'Jane and Ash,' she said as she picked Ash up.

She was about to try and get away from him but before she could do anything he brought up the one question she didn't want to answer. 'Hey Ash,' she said to get his attention. With a fake smile she handed him some jewel. 'How about you take your sister into that toy store over there and buy something, okay.'

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Once they were gone Laxus asked again. 'So who's the father?' He didn't really want to know, but he also wanted to make sure they were being taken care of.

A sad look crossed her face as she stared into his eyes. Are free online slots fixed. 'When I figured out I was pregnant I was half-way across Fiore and by the time I got back to Magnolia, you had been kicked out and I couldn't find you. Eventually I came to Crocus and went into labor and have been here ever sense.'

Laxus felt like he had been punched in the gut (except lower) as what she was saying sunk in. 'They're mine,' he whispered as he looked to the ground in shame.

Angela nodded as she looked towards the toy store and laughed at what she saw. Jane and Ash were trying to capture Bickslow's babies as they flew around the big lug. 'You better not harm my children you idiot,' she shouted at him playfully.

He looked up and a big smile spread across his face, his tongue sticking out. 'Long time no see Angel. Where you working now?'

She let out a small chuckle. 'As a bar maid for the Sabertooth guild. The master's strict but it pays well and Jane and Ash love Frosche and Lector, so I'm not gonna complain too much.'

Angela checked her watch and gasped at the time. 'Jane, Ash, come here,' she called out as she worried about being late. 'I'm sorry to cut this reunion short but I have a dinner date with friends before the games start. See you later.'

With that she left, leaving Laxus to watch as her and their kids left. 'So who's the father?' Bickslow asked with his babies chanting 'father, father.'

'Me,' he said with a longing look on his face. 'Now I really wish I had a time machine or some way to go back and fix my mistakes before they happened.'

Laxus sighed before turning and going in the opposite direction that Angela had gone, thinking of everything that he had missed out on due to his own stupidity. He remembered one day Freed told him that over time he would feel better, but at this moment he couldn't have felt worse. He was completely aware of how his own stupidity had played a major role on her leaving him. Had caused him to miss out on the first seven years of his children's life.

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But he swore at that moment that he would find someway to capture Angela's heart again and convince her to rejoin Fairy Tail and become his wife.

He sighed as he came to a stop and removed the box from his pocket and opened it to look at the ring it contained. He would convince her to be his and then he would never let them go.

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Not until the day he was forced to leave them forever.

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[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY on PASSWORD ~ Part 2

1965-1966

[For “Password’s” backstory and Lucy’s previous appearances, click here.]

“Password” ~ January 7, 1965  

Allen Ludden (Host) Jack Clark (Announcer)

The program is sponsored by Clairol and Bufferin. Thee top prize is $500 and the consolation prize if $50.

THE PLAYERS

Lucille Ball is introduced as “the brilliant comedienne and fabulous star of motion pictures and television.” Lucy says that lately she's been playing golf for relaxation.

Lucy's first partner is James Memet from Thousand Oaks, California. He is a communications consultant for Pacific Telephone Company.

Lucy's second partner is Carole Cook. Lucy explained that Cook and Paul Kent had been students in an acting class she had taught at Desilu Workshop and their winnings will go to a new theater they were starting. [The Melrose Theatre in West Hollywood.]

Lucy's third partner is Donald Butler from Compton, California. He is a probation officer with Los Angeles County.

Lucy's fourth partner is David Boyle from Arcadia, California.

Gary Morton is introduced as a “talented nightclub comedian and television star.” Gary says his golf game is going well, too.  

Gary's first partner is Lois 'San' Nichol from Monteray Park, California. In her spare time she is learning to fly helicopters.

Gary's second partner is actor Paul Kent (above photo with Morton). He is playing to win money to start a new theatre troupe.

Gary's third partner is Jane Aubrey from Woodland Hills, California. She is the mother of three sons.

Gary's fourth partner is Sarah Mason from Claremont, California.

TRIVIA

In the first round, Lucy gives the clue to her partner while the announcer is still whispering it to viewers. She is gently reprimanded by Ludden. He backpedals by complimenting her eyes and hands. Lucy responds as seen in the above photo. 

During the third round, something happens to Gary's chair and Ludden fixes it without stopping the game.

After the fourth round is over and the show has gone to commercial, Gary tries to get Sarah Mason to guess the word “SHOW” which stumped her during the lightning round.

All the contestants are from California because the program was recorded at CBS Television City in Hollywood.  

Although not promoted on the show, the following Monday after this Thursday night “Password” “The Lucy Show” aired its first new episode of 1965: “Lucy and the Ceramic Cat” (TLS S3;E16).

THE RESULTS

Lucy and James Memet win the first game.

Gary and Paul Kent win the second game.

Lucy and Donald Butler win the third game.

Gary and Sarah Mason win the fourth game.

In closing, Ludden promotes next week's guests, Barbara Rush and (making his “Password” debut) Gene Kelly. Using the password “BETTER,” Ludden gives a pitch for better local schools.

“Password” ~ August 26, 1965

Allen Ludden (Host)

The program is sponsored by Tame hair care products. The top prize is $500 and the consolation prize is $50.

Lucille Ball is introduced as “one of your all-time favorite television stars.” She promotes that “The Lucy Show” will be back in the fall, but her character has moved out of Danfield and now lives in California. She references her first episode shot at Marineland.  

Gary Morton is introduced as “the hilarious comedy, nightclub, and radio star.” Gary promotes that this season “The Lucy Show” will be aired in color. Upcoming guest stars include Danny Thomas, Clint Walker, Milton Berle, Ann Sothern, and Joan Blondell.

Lucy's first partner is John McGovern from Redondo Beach, California. He says he is a contract specialist at an aerospace company “building a rocket to the moon.”

Gary's first partner is Caroline Stafford from Los Angeles, California. She has three children, specifying that she has one of her own, and two are her husbands. “It's one of those things” she says with a nervous laugh.

Lucy's second partner is her son, Desi Arnaz Jr. Desi says his band Dino Desi & Billy has been on tour with The Beach Boys. He made a record called “I'm A Fool” that Ludden says is selling well. Ludden mistakenly calls the band Dino Billy & Desi.

Gary's second partner is his step-daughter Lucie Arnaz. When Ludden asks her plans for the fall she says she's entering Immaculate Heart High School but, unlike her brother, has no plans to make a record.

Lucy's third partner is her daughter Lucie, while Desi Jr. plays with Gary

Lucy's fourth partner is her husband Gary. Lucie plays with Desi Jr. - the parents versus the kids.

TRIVIA

The opening shot of the studio audience reveals that Lucy's mother, Dede Ball is sitting in the front row, although she is not acknowledged.

This program was pre-recorded at CBS Television City in Hollywood.

In the first round, the password is “HAM” and Gary's clue is “ACTOR.” His partner gets it.

When the password is “PUTT,” Lucy's partner gives the clue “SHOT,” and Ludden tells him to look at his clue again. Lucy and Gary are both golf nuts.  

After winning the first round, Lucy turns to Ludden and says “You've changed. You haven't frightened me yet.” She is referring to previous appearances where Ludden's loud “YES!” would startle Lucy, who generally had her back to him at the time.

The Mortons are playing for National Easter Seals. Lucille Ball was their national representative for a time.

When the password is “SQUIRM” and Lucy's clue is “WRIGGLE,” her son inexplicably guesses “STARCH.”

When the password is “BREAKFAST” and Lucie's clue is “LUNCH,” Desi Jr. says “I've gotta decide, right?” knowing it could either be breakfast or dinner / supper.  A similar thing happened to him the last time he was on the show. He chose wrong both times!  

Lucy admits to cheating a little. Ludden says “Don't tell me if you cheated.”

When Gary acts out the password “YAWN” and Ludden allows him to get away with it, Lucy is noticeably annoyed. Desi Jr. gets it instantly and Ludden backpedals a bit by reminding them they are all playing for charity. Although she doesn't say anything, Lucy shoots her husband a quick disgusted look. When Gary cheats a second time, stroking his cheek and giving the clue “HAIR” to indicate “SIDEBURNS,” Ludden throws out the word and starts again. The substitute word is “SPURS,” which stumps Gary and gets a bit of applause from the studio audience for its level of difficulty.  

THE RESULTS

Lucy and John McGovern win the first game.

Gary and Lucie win the second game.

Gary and Desi Jr. win the third game.

Gary and Lucy are ahead in the fourth game when time runs out.  

Ludden promotes that Natalie Schaefer and Jim Backus of “Gilligan's Island” will be his guests on next week's program. Using the password “EXCITING,” Ludden promotes that the upcoming shows will feature stars of the new television season on CBS.

“Password” ~ Lucy & Friends Week #1

January 10 - 14, 1966

Allen Ludden (Host)

The show is sponsored by Pepsodent.

Lucille Ball is introduced as the “sensational television comedy star.” Ludden says that in the 15 years since “I Love Lucy” started, her shows have been in the top ten, and this year she is number 3. Lucy says she has an episode with Dean Martin coming up six to eight weeks after it is filmed. Lucy says she is also doing a Carol Burnett special [“Carol + 2”] and a Dean Martin special.

Lucy's first partner is Vase Hedrick from Fullerton, California. He likes to travel around Latin America and Mexico.  

In the second game, Lucy's partner is Kenda Hamm and Gary plays with Vase Hedrick – ladies against the gentlemen.  

Lucy's third partner is her son, Desi Arnaz Jr.  Desi says his band Dino Desi & Billy has a new record out.

Gary Morton is introduced as “the witty and humorous nightclub comedian and radio star.” Gary says he played quite well in the US Open. “I'm quite proud of Lucy's ratings. She's number three in the country and she's number one with me.”

Gary's first partner is Kenda Hamm from Van Nuys, California. She has two young girls.  

Gary's second partner is Vase Hedrick.

Gary's third partner is his step-daughter Lucie Arnaz. Lucie says she is in the ninth grade.

TRIVIA

This is one of the show's trips to Hollywood where they filmed at CBS Television City. This is the first week of their four-week stay. This was one of the series' daytime episodes.

Once again, Lucy's mother, Dede Ball, is seated in the first row of the studio audience, and gets on camera in the opening shot, although not acknowledged. 

Ludden reminds Lucy of the popping up clues so she won't be startled. Lucy corrects him, “This doesn't frighten me, you do.” In previous appearances Ludden's quick and loud “Yes!” when Lucy scores often made her jump. Despite saying that, Lucy is startled by the pop-up clue anyway.

When the password is “PARADISE” and Kenda Hamm's clue is “MILTON,” Lucy naturally guesses Berle, not the 1667 novel “Paradise Lost” by John Milton. Lucy later says that Hamm is “very erudite.” Ludden says he's trying to get Milton Berle to play “Password.”  

The Mortons play for Easter Seals.

In the third game, Desi Jr. accidentally gives the password “MISTAKE” as the clue. Gary takes this opportunity to do his imitation of Don Addams (“Get Smart”) although no one is paying much attention to him.

At 10:30am that morning (and every weekday morning), CBS aired a re-run of “I Love Lucy.” Later that evening on CBS, “Lucy and Art Linkletter” (TLS S4;E16) aired for the first time.

THE RESULTS

Lucy and Vase Hedrick win the first game (in 24 seconds).

Lucy and Kenda Hamm win the second game.

Time runs out before the third game can be completed.

“Password” ~ Lucy & Friends Week #2

September 19 - 23, 1966

Allen Ludden (host)

The first half of the program is sponsored by Rinso, the second half is sponsored by Sominex.

Lucille Ball is introduced as “the fabulous Lucy, one of television's greatest stars.” 

Lucy's first partner is her TV co-star, Gale Gordon, then playing Mr. Mooney on “The Lucy Show.” Later that night, he would be seen in “Lucy and the Submarine” (TLS S5;E2) in which, as usual, he got wet!

Lucy's third partner is Dick Patterson (above) had made an appearance in “Lucy Helps Danny Thomas” (TLS S4;E7) but would go on to make four appearances on “Here's Lucy.” Patterson says Lucy saw him in a play in 1960. He had previously been on “Password.”

Gary Morton is introduced as “the witty nightclub star and humorous television star.”

Gary's first partner is Mary Wickes introduced as having just closed a production of the musical High Spirits. Although Wickes played a regular character (Frances) on “The Lucy Show” during its first two seasons, after the show was re-set in California, Wickes was only used occasionally as various characters. In the show's 1966-67 season, she appeared once, in “Lucy the Babysitter” (TLS S5;E16). Wickes and Ball were personal friends, even going on vacations together.

In the second game, Gary partners with Gale Gordon while Lucy plays with Wickes.

Gary's third partner is Gita Patterson (above) was married to Dick Patterson from 1964 to 1972. They had one child. Gita was a former Miss Holland.  

TRIVIA

This week, the show is in Hollywood, pre-recorded at CBS Television City. The show is now in color. [Note: Only a black and white copy was available for preview.] In the opening, Ludden, Lucy and Gary draw attention to the colors they are wearing for the benefit of viewers still watching on a black and white television set. Although “The Lucy Show” had aired in color since September 1965, game shows and newscasts were last to be transferred to color. Even then, black and white kinescopes of the shows are often all that survive.

When Mary Wickes learns they are playing for money, she says “We have to give it to Lucy and Gary.” Lucy says “That's not true!”

When the password is “BAWL” Lucy's clue to Gale Gordon is “LUCILLE” and he gets it right. Gary says “I forgot her last name.”  

When the password is “ZIPPER” Ludden warns Lucy not to use gestures. The audience laughs just imagining what Lucy might pantomime. Gary tells Ludden that he hopes his clue will make it on the air (past censors): “FLY.” It does and Mary Wickes guesses the word and they win the game. Lucy admits she was afraid to use the clue herself. Later, Ludden points out that she's gotten braver when she uses the clue “KNOCKER” when the password is “GAVEL.”

When changing partners, Mary Wickes struts across the set in time to the theme music.  

After winning the lightning round in 28 seconds, Mary says she wanted to beat Peter Lawford's record. Although the time is not stated here, his record is five words in 12 seconds!

Ludden does a live Geritol commercial mid-show, with Lucille Ball chiming in with quips while he speaks.

Before the Pattersons are introduced, Gary bangs his knee under the desk and tells everyone about it.

Ludden ends by promoting “The Lucy Show” using the password “GREAT” because “Monday night is the night Lucy lights up our lives.”

THE RESULTS

Lucy and Gale Gordon win the first game.

Lucy and Mary Wickes win the second game (in 28 seconds).

Gary and Gita Patterson win the third game. There is no time to play the  lightning round, so it will be played on the following show.

In closing, Lucy promotes that others joining her and Gary this week include:

Richard Crenna played Arthur Morton, who had a crush on Lucy Ricardo in “The Young Fans” (ILL S1;E20) in 1952.

Carole Cook - Lucille Ball's student and protege at the Desilu Workshop. Like Mary Wickes, she had a regular character (Thelma Green) during “The Lucy Show's” first seasons, but when the show was re-set in California, she played various characters. She made two appearances during early 1967 (season five).  

Tom Troupe - married Carole Cook in March 1964. Although he sometimes appeared in Desilu-filmed shows, he never appeared on a “Lucy” sitcom. As of this writing, the pair are still married.

Cleo Smith – Lucy's first cousin, although they were raised as sisters. She was married to Cecil Smith at the time, and produced “Lucy in London” (1966).  

Maury Thompson – director of “The Lucy Show,” who started as a camera coordinator on “I Love Lucy.”

Tommy Thompson – producer of “The Lucy Show.”  [The two Thompsons are not related.]

Lucy forgets to promote Ruth Berle aka Mrs. Milton Berle, would play herself in “Lucy Meets the Berles” (TLS S6;E1). Her husband did a cameo in a November 1966 episode starring John Wayne.

Stay Tuned for Part 3!

[freudensteins-monster]

Winter’s Bite

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3

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Reminder: E Rating.

#DarcysWatched2ManyVampireMovies

Darcy threw off her blankets in a huff of irritation. She slipped out of bed and walked out onto the balcony, sighing as the winter air kissed her skin. She froze, feeling eyes on her, and gazed out over the gardens. There was a man, tall and dark, face half hidden behind his shoulder length hair, standing at the entrance to the hedge maze, his ice blue eyes fixed on her. Darcy gasped and the stranger turned, disappearing into the maze. There was no choice to be made: she had to follow him.

Darcy ran downstairs and through the gardens, her virginal white nightgown billowing silently behind her. She stepped into the maze, the grass cold and wet on her bare feet, and after losing her quarry in the twists and turns of the verdant labyrinth found herself in a graveyard shrouded in fog. It curled around her ankles, pulling her in.

She wandered alone and confused between the rows of headstones, trying to ignore the stern expressions of the marble sentries that loomed over her. She stopped before a sarcophagus, strangely free of any ornamentation. It was watched over by a stone angel, its expression twisted in agony as half its skin had been flayed from its body, the exposed bones glinting in the moonlight. There was a name carved into the heavy lid and Darcy knew it was her own. She moved to run her fingers over the familiar letters but the feeling of warm breath against the back of her neck stilled her hand. Fingers, one set infinitely colder than the other, ran down the length of her arms before settling around her waist and pulling against his firm chest. Darcy turned into his embrace and faced her death.

“Bucky,” she sighed as he laid her down atop the sarcophagus, her pulse quickening as he crawled over her, an animalistic growl building in his chest.

“Bucky,” she begged as he settled between her thighs, pushing her suddenly blood red nightgown until it pooled at her waist.

“Bucky,” she gasped as he pressed into her, moaning in desirous anguish as he pulled out completely before thrusting back into her, knocking the breath from her lungs as he kept her entombed between the hard planes of his body and the solid stone beneath her.

As Darcy felt her climax building her silent lover wrapped his metal hand around her throat, the weapon applying just the right amount of pressure to make Darcy see stars. And just as her orgasm threatened to break he turned her head, bared his teeth, and lunged.

“Bucky!” Darcy called out in the darkness of her room as her imaginary orgasm woke her. “Shit,” she groaned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

It had been two months since Bucky disappeared in the night, he and Steve relocating to the not-quite-finished upstate facility, leaving Darcy feeling even more guilty and confused than she already was. As far as Darcy was aware, prior to the compound being finished and filling with SHIELD agents and Stark techs, Bruce had been their only regular visitor, bringing with him Bucky’s latest don’t-kill-Darcy injection. He asked Darcy down to his labs every few days to draw more blood to use in his ever improving solution, and for now it was stopping Bucky from going ‘full Lestat’ as Tony liked to called it. Darcy wasn’t a huge fan of needles but she did it without complaint. Anything for Bucky, she’d think before quickly quashing the thought.

Darcy sighed and shifted in bed, trying and failing to forget about the wetness between her thighs. She guiltily rubbed one out to thoughts of Bucky fucking her in a crypt and then stared at the ceiling hating herself for a solid ten minutes. She reached out and swiped her phone off the bedside table to check the time - barely 5am - before opening her messages, her thumb hovering over the name she couldn’t stop crying out in her sleep.

It had taken her the better part of the week to ask JARVIS for Bucky’s number, and another day before she gathered the nerve to send him a message.

          DL: Hi, it’s Darcy. I hope you’re okay.  

It was an excruciatingly long hour before she got a reply.

          JBB: I’m fine. I’m really sorry about what happened.  

          DL: Nothing to forgive. ;) I’m glad that you’re doing okay.  

It was another two weeks before Darcy found a legitimate reason to contact him again.

          DL: Bruce said something went wrong with the last batch. Are you okay?

          JBB: I’m fine. Stop worrying about me.  

          DL: Shit. I’m making it worse, aren’t I? I’m sorry. I won’t bother you anymore.  

          JBB:  No. It’s not that, Darcy. It’s just been a real bad day.  

          JBB: You texting me isn’t making it worse. I just don’t understand why you’re doing it.  

          JBB: Smart girls like you should know to stay away from monsters like me.  

          DL: You’re not a monster. What happened wasn’t your fault.  

          JBB: Why do people keep saying that?  

          DL: Probably because it’s true.  

Darcy didn’t get a reply after that but a little past two the following morning he’d called her, still reeling from a brutal nightmare. He’d begged her, sobbing into the phone, to tell him she was okay, that she was alive, that he hadn’t really ripped her limb from limb like his nightmare had rather convincingly suggested. It damn near broke her heart.

Bucky was haunted by the terrible things he’d done in the past, and was terrified of the terrible things he was still capable of. He’d banished himself from the tower to protect her from his violent urges, urges coded into his DNA by HYDRA’s mad scientists, and Darcy, the real monster, couldn’t stop fantasising about it. Some nights he was all leather clad and broody, finding redemption in her vagina, other nights he was some ageless Romanian prince pledging his eternal love to her. And sometimes it was simply a rehash of the first night they met, his erection pressing against her stomach as he pinned her against her kitchen counter, his teeth biting into her neck.

Darcy threw her phone down in disgust and stormed into the bathroom to wash the sweat and shame from her body.

“You’re disgusting,” she sneered at her reflection, swiping angrily at the condensation on the mirror. She pushed all thoughts of Bucky from her mind and determinedly went about her morning routine. It was still early, and she’d much rather still be in bed – not thinking about Bucky, but she had a big day ahead of her. Jane had a day-long reservation at the Very Large Telescope in Chile, a reservation she’d made over a year ago, and she wasn’t going to let a pesky little thing like being off-world studying the wonders of the wider universe stop her from keeping it. So she sent Darcy.

Armed with her laptop and a notepad full of instructions in Jane’s chicken scratch, Darcy met up with her translator Antonella, a grad student from Universidad de Chile hoping to work with Jane one day, for breakfast before making the trip up the hill to the four very large telescopes via golf buggy.

They’d only been working for an hour, and only half way through the first page of Jane’s notes, when the sound of helicopters approaching ruined the quiet of the isolated observatory. It was soon followed by the sound of gunfire.

Darcy, Antonella, and the three technicians assisting them scrambled for the exit only to be herded back into the main room by men in black tactical gear wielding military grade weapons. They shoved the male technicians to the side, hitting one on the back of the head when he struggled, and focused on the three women, comparing their faces to the images on a tablet one of the goons was holding. The Head Goon dismissed the female technician, studied Antonella’s face for a few moments longer before dismissing her as well, and then he focused all of his attention on…

“Darcy Lewis.”

Darcy glared at him and fought to keep her trembling under control.

“Where is Jane Foster?”

“Doctor Foster,” Darcy instinctively corrected, regretting it the moment the Head Goon struck her in the stomach with the butt of his rifle.

“Where is Doctor Foster?” he asked with smirk in his voice.

“Not here. Obviously,” Darcy spat as Goon #2 pulled her to her feet.

“Where. Is. Doctor. Foster?” the Head Goon growled.

“She’s not here! She’s on Asgard, you idiot!” Darcy shouted back, earning a slap for her insolence.

“Asgard?” hissed Goon #3. “A year of planning and she’s not even fucking here?!”

Head Goon sighed, pulled out his sidearm, and shot Goon #3 without taking his eyes off Darcy.

“When did she go to Asgard?”

“About… about a month ago,” Darcy stammered, her eyes darting to the now lifeless body on the floor.

“When will she be back?”

“I don’t know. I swear I don’t,” she insisted when he tightened his grip on his gun.

“Do you have a way of communicating with her?”

“…no.” Darcy cursed her hesitation as the Head Goon raised his gun and aimed it in the general direction of the other hostages. Darcy blinked back tears, her voice wavering as she changed her answer. “Maybe.”

He placed his gun under her chin, tilting her head back until she was looking him in the eyes. “How?”

 ** *** **

Tony Stark was in the middle of reinventing his suit for the fourth time that week when JARVIS turned off his music.

“Sir, I have Miss Lewis on the line. She’s asking to speak with a Dr Edwards.”

“And who’s that?”

“That would be you, sir. It’s a security phrase that is part of Dr Foster’s safety protocols. It suggests that Miss Lewis is calling under duress”

“Our damsel’s in distress?”

“It would seem so, sir.”

“Put her through, trace the call, and pull up any video feeds from her location.”

“Right away, sir.”

“Edwards.”

“Hi Dr Edwards,” Darcy chirped as video footage of her being held hostage filled Tony’s workshop. “It’s Darcy. I need to get ahold of Jane. Can you help me out?”

“That might be a little difficult,” Tony drawled as he flicked through every available security feed counting bad guys. “She’s currently out of town.”

“I know, but it’s important. I’m at the VLT working through Jane’s instructions and, you know me, such a klutz, I spilt coffee on the last couple of pages. Jane’s going to be mega pissed if I don’t get all the readings she wanted so I’m going to need you to head down to her labs, switch on that doohickey she’s been working on and try and get a message to her. Just ask Thor to drop her off at the observatory for a bit. She’ll yell at me, she’ll geek out over the telescopes, and she’ll be back in the Realm Eternal before dinner.”

“Alright, Lewis. I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you so much, Dr Edwards. But please hurry. I’ve only got another hour here before they kick me out.”

“Understood. Stay close to your phone and keep an eye out for weird lights in the sky.”

“Will do.”

The call disconnected and Tony watched helplessly as Darcy was shoved to the ground and forced to huddle with the other civilians.

“JARVIS, find someone we can trust in local law enforcement and patch me through on a secure line. And brief Hill and Rogers on the situation. I want them in the air in five.”

My tag list is hilariously outdated, and I’m sure a lot of you are more interested in Loki fics, so please let me know if you want on or off. And I’m really sorry, I know one of you did ask to be taken off the list for this fic but it didn’t save and I no longer have your message in my inbox. Please send me another message and I’ll get it fixed up Nevermind I sent it to my queue instead of Drafts because I’m an idiot:

@storylover92 @marveil @dreamdancer19 @thefangirl33 @anonanonfrances @contains-cinnamon @jackiattacki  @sarabeth72 @hiddlestoncentral @annamegatron @angelus80 @dearmisterhiddles @writernotwaiting @ishoutmarcoandyoushout @hallotom @mrshiddelston  @lolomonster @bellafagoaga1812 @stormieandateacup @beautifullydamned16 @hardtopickausername @lorrmorr @antyc67  @ladyninasayers-ish @ladymirtilla @marvelousmissfit @yoursophiebelle   @xunconquerableheartx  @tinaferraldo @larouau12 @hiddles-is-a-fallen-angel @lokilockedcougar @pollution-brown-eyes @loveshiddles4everme @mrsmalcontent @just-call-me-your-darling @inkededucatednnerdy @vampire-marie @whenweareallalone @captain-biryani @larouau12 @sweetsigyn @scarlettsoldier @mypreciousmind1 @wonderinthewoods @thecrownedrose ohbvcks @echantedbytwh @omninocte @yw84fun

[themobileloveconnection]

12 Things Discovered from Starting Two 7-Figure Lifestyle Businesses

Steve Chou of “My Wife Quit Her Job” fame has made a list of 12 things he learned while starting not just one, but two different 7 figure lifestyle businesses from scratch.

He created the businesses so that his wife could quit her job to stay home with the children, and because he wanted to spend plenty of time with his family.

That tells you right there that Steve does not believe in working 80 hour weeks, but instead creates businesses that conform to the lifestyle he seeks.

First, he started an online store that made 100K in profit the first year and has been growing ever since, now generating 7 figures per year.

Next, he started a blog that became highly profitable in its third year, and now generates over a million dollars a year on its own.

Here’s what Steve learned on his journey of lifestyle success…

1: Find out what you’re good at, and focus on that

Be hyper focused on one thing and be the best at it. Steve focused his wedding linens store on handkerchiefs and became the largest seller of hankies on the internet.

Then with his blog, he positioned himself as an ecommerce entrepreneur because there were few blogs out there that wrote about running a real online shop.

He recommends finding the thing you have a shot at being the best at, to avoid blending with the rest of the crowd.

2: Work with People Who You Love and Who Challenge You

While Steve loves working with his wife, he’s also the first to admit that working with a spouse might not be right for everyone.

But if you can find someone with a complementary skill set who pushes you harder than you’ll push yourself, having this person will keep you motivated and moving forward.

3: Make Decisions and Execute

When you have no clue as to what to do, it’s really easy to sit on the sidelines until you choose a path. But the problem is you’ll never know which path is right until you pick something and go for it.

If you’re feeling indecisive, take action anyway. By getting off your butt, you begin to accumulate valuable data that you can use to make adjustments in what you do next.

When Steve decided to launch an online course, he did nothing for six months because he didn’t know where to start. Then one day he launched the course with ZERO content, preselling the class to 35 students at $299 each.

Now he was forced to take action and create the course content. This class has since generated millions of dollars in revenue.

4: Build and Own as Much as You Can

While many would-be entrepreneurs take shortcuts and rely on third party services to run their websites, this limits flexibility and puts your business potentially at the mercy of someone else.

He explains that building your own site may increase your time to market, but in the long run it’s worth it.

Good examples are Etsy and Ebay. By relying on a third party for their primary sales channel, sellers are at the mercy of these companies when they drastically increase prices or change ranking algorithms.

That’s why he recommends owning your own website, so you’re not at the mercy of someone else.

5: Understand the Underlying Principles of What You Are Outsourcing

Have you known someone who outsourced the creation of their WordPress website for a few thousand dollars? And then paid more money every time they needed to make a change or update to their site?

This is why it’s important that you have an understanding of what is involved in a job you outsource.

Yes, it’s absolutely terrific to hire others to do the work you don’t want to do. But you do need a basic understanding of what’s involved, so that you don’t get taken advantage of.

6: Establish a Routine and Stick with It

A great way to burn yourself out before you barely get started is to pull several all-nighters in a row. Instead, establish a set routine that allows you to gradually and steadily make progress over time.

Steve and his wife devoted Sunday mornings and various evenings to their first business. And their only objective each time was to accomplish one thing per day.

By creating a priority list and checking off goals, they made consistent progress and their shop was soon ready to launch.

7: Treat Your Customers Like Royalty

If you treat a customer well, they return the favor and tell their friends about your business.

But if you treat a customer poorly, you lose a lot more than just that single customer.

Did you know that the average business doesn’t hear from 96% of unhappy clients?

Or that every dissatisfied customer will, on average, tell at least 9 other people?

This means for every customer complaint you get, there could be 24 more customers who are unhappy but didn’t say anything.

And if those 24 customers tell 216 more people about their negative experience with your business, you’ve got a problem.

But on the flip side, up to 70% of customers will do business again if their complaint is resolved, and up to 95% will do business again if the problem is resolved quickly.

That’s why you want to treat your customers like royalty and never underestimate word of mouth and social media.

8: Get Some Exercise

When Steve and his wife were working to start their first business, Steve stopped exercising.

But then he noticed he felt listless from a lack of energy, and he’d lose focus easily.

Once he went back to lifting weights, running and playing sports, he was far more productive in his business.

9: Just Ship It

You can spend weeks (months or years) tweaking your website, perfecting your product, playing with your sales funnel… and the whole thing turns out to be crap anyway.

Or… you can get it DONE and ‘ship it.’ See what’s working, what’s not working, and make adjustments as you go.

As Steve says, if you are making too many minor tweaks, or if you’re second guessing yourself (for the 47th time) then you are likely stalling your business on purpose because you are afraid to launch.

Just. Ship. It.

10: Don’t be TOO Cheap

It’s good to be frugal… to a point.

But let’s say there’s a task you’re doing that takes you 20 minutes a day, or 2 ½ hours per week. There is a software that will do the task for you, but you’re frugal and don’t want to pay the $20 a month for the software.

Do you realize that when you factor the money saved versus the hours you spend on this task, you are basically ‘earning’ $2 an HOUR??

Is that all you’re worth? Or could you perhaps use those 10 hours a month to make a LOT more than 20 lousy bucks?

Think about this the next time you decide to ‘save’ money by doing a task manually that software can do for you.

In fact, think about this before you do anything. For example, let’s say you need some work done. To hire an outsourcer to do the work for you is going to cost $250. Ouch, right?

But this is something that you are NOT GOOD AT. You will need to LEARN how to do it, and then you’ll need to practice, and then you’ll need to work out the bugs or problems that you caused because you didn’t know what you were doing.

You spend perhaps 10 hours or 100 hours (depends on what it is and how bad you are at it) to get this task done.

Gee. Maybe the $300 is actually pretty darn cheap. Something to consider the next time a much-needed purchase is ‘too expensive.’

11: Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

You’re starting and running an internet business… not overthrowing a regime or blasting off to Mars.

Have fun. Take time out and enjoy the process. Marvel at how much you’re learning. Be thankful that you are doing something 90% of other people don’t even dare dream.

And when you have your first big success, or your hundredth big success, don’t let it go to your head. The moment you do, you’re headed for a fall, pun intended.

No one likes a smug, self-centered know-it-all, especially your customers. But everyone likes a regular “joe” or “jane” who doesn’t take him or herself too seriously.

And remember to poke fun at yourself every chance you get – your customers will love you for being real, rather than pretending to be something you’re not.

12: Be Inspired

Hang out with the right people to get inspired. Read stories of how other entrepreneurs built their businesses. Find like-minded people and start a mastermind, or a support group, or a combination of the two.

The best way to stay motivated is to be among those who inspire you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Because yes, you can!

The post 12 Things Discovered from Starting Two 7-Figure Lifestyle Businesses appeared first on Marketing with Troy.

from Marketing with Troy https://ift.tt/2KDkStM via IFTTT

[drippeddaily]

A discussion of hip hop's forgotten hits

A discussion of hip hop's forgotten hits

There are a lot of great artists out there who have amazing catalogues of work, yet the rest of their music gets overlooked because their smash single overshadows everything else. I have managed to find some tracks that prominent hip hop acts released to a muted reception, despite their undeniable excellence. Join me in a journey through the history of hip hop's forgotten hits.

Let's start off with Craig Mack. Known best for Flava In Ya Ear (and its legendary posse-cut remix), Craig has another song out there that is arguably even better. At least lyrically, anyway. Frustrated with the state of the hip hop industry, the Bad Boy rapper put out When God Comes, a scathing attack on the community that he felt had lost touch with its largely positive and Afrocentric roots. The opening bars set the scene for a four-minute assault on his colleagues, unleashing a critical sentiment that he maintains for the full length of the song.

"What da fuck's going on inside the biz?/Shit ain't raw no more/Fake is how it is/I hear brothers talking 'bout shooting and killing/Then going home and chilling/Frontin' like a villain"

This fragment of When God Comes' authoritative lyrics feels like it could have been the inspiration behind Andre 3000's verse on Return Of The "G"¹, released four years later.

Although evidence of their mutual animosity has largely been lost to the sands of time, there is some basis for the rumour that Craig Mack and Biggie really didn't get along.² Diddy managed to make a lot happen within the Bad Boy empire, but getting the two to stop publicly sending shots at each other was beyond even Brother Love's precocious influence.

Within the chaotic clutter that is my mother's house before Sunday dinner, you'll find her darting in and out of the kitchen. If you're lucky, you'll also catch a glimpse of her unashamedly singing along to the sounds of the 80s. One lazy Sunday, I heard her playing Try Love Again by The Natural Four, and couldn't believe my ears. That song, when sampled by Pete Rock in his inimitable style, and laced with CL Smooth's lyrical mastery, was reinvented to become It's A Love Thing.⁴ And, well, an excuse to listen to the hip hop version together.

I've always been inextricably linked to brass instruments; the first instrument I took formal lessons with was the trumpet. My younger brother followed my footsteps, and so did my little sister after that. It's rare that I agree with my parents about anything hip hop related, but They Reminisce Over You is one of the only exceptions - a saxophone-driven, commercially viable song that managed get the three of us moving on the dancefloor.³ Not only did TROY give me a track that I can enjoy with my family, it also gave us a bonding experience that I'll never forget.

"The question is can you top that homie/You can probably pull something close but stop that homie/Not even, could have that even if I stopped breathin'"

Even though he's likely talking about the John and Jane Does this verse is written for, it's hard to overlook how accurate those lines are when redressed to be a reference to CL Smooth's reign on the mic.

Did you know that Pete Rock is Heavy D's cousin?⁵ There must be something in the water.

If you've been to alive in the past twenty years, you've undoubtedly heard groups, from all backgrounds, singing along to Regulate by Nate Dogg & Warren G. This wasn't just a nice song, this was an era-defining record⁶ that found its way to every radio in the land, leaving a generation pining for a return to the golden years of g-funk. Not content with their success, the pairing kept pushing envelope with Nobody Does It Better - an overlooked triumph in their quest to build on the unique chemistry that made them famous.

"No one can do it better like this two man crew/They say we're one hitter quitters/Now what y'all gonna do?"

You're damned right, Warren.

You may have noticed how squeaky clean Regulate's lyrics are, especially when compared to the rest of the subgenre. That's not an accident; the version we know and love is actually not the original. Initially, it was conceived to be a lot more explicit. When it started creating a buzz, Chris Lighty asked them to go back and clean it up to ensure that it wouldn't spend half of the running time censored by radio DJs, stunting its projected commercial success. ⁷

This list wouldn't be complete without Smoothe Da Hustler. Since not everyone is familiar with the name, it's worth mentioning that his debut album stormed to the cusp of Billboard's coveted hip hop album top ten, peaking in the 11th place slot.⁸ The most successful track from his album Once Upon a Time in America, and his career in totality, was Broken Language with Trigga the Gambler. If you haven't listened to that yet, it's a great primer that will put his best work into context.

Make Or Take is my go-to song when someone asks for something good that they haven't heard before. Something fresh, yet old enough to not fit the status quo. While conceding that it's actually a Nine song with Smoothe Da Hustler rapping the hook, Make Or Take made the final cut by virtue of possibly being 1996's best underground song. Even the people getting ready to downvote this post after that last sentence are guaranteed to love this song. Before long, you'll have watched the video enough times in a row to able synchronise your blinking with the people on screen.

"There's six million ways to die but only one to live/I need enough money to spend enough money to give/Cause I love my peeps and my peeps love me/And I refuse to see them living in poverty"

What a beautiful expression of hood love.

Smoothe has rubbed shoulders with a lot of New York's hip hop royalty (Busta Rhymes, Onyx, and Public Enemy to name a few),⁹ but it's interesting to know that he got his start by opening for Biggie on the Ready To Die tour.¹⁰ This was before he'd even dropped his debut album and its hit single. Not a bad cosign.

As a child, there came a moment where I was overwhelmed by the urge to seek out black, British artists. I was yearning for proof that people from my background could fit into rap's burgeoning bourgeoisie. A colourful man by the name of Mark Morrison was enough to sate my young mind. Following in the path of Slick Rick the ruler, Mark is as flamboyant as he is talented. He rocked a fresh cut, flashy jewellery, and an unshakeably badass attitude to match. Return Of The Mack constantly finds itself near the very top of my perpetually shifting favourites list. One of those reliable songs that saves me whenever the aux cord falls into my lap.

While reflecting on his run-ins with law enforcement, the German-born singer recruited DMX to join him in speaking on the perceived injustices they were rising up against. Whether track title was accurate or not is a discussion for another time, but the trouble artists teamed up on Mark's sophomoric outing to make the case that they were each an Innocent Man persecuted by society. Although it's a Mark Morrison song, including a snippet of an embittered DMX's poignant performance should, hopefully, give more context to the duo's struggles.

"Did my time in a county jail/Just when things started going well/And I paid the price for the crimes I did/Wanna change my life/Wanna raise my kids"

"You say I'm rehabilitated, but I still can't vote/You say I paid my debt but I still can't vote/Gotta pay taxes but I still can't vote/Come on dawg y'all stay trying to keep a nigga broke"

Eleven years on, their dissatisfaction with America's legal system, and the way felons are routinely stripped of their basic human rights, is still a contentious point of discussion.¹¹ ¹² ¹³

Although his other charges were endlessly debated in the court of public opinion, Mark Morrison was conclusively found guilty of employing a body double to complete his court-ordered community service.¹⁴ Full points for creativity...

TL;DR: these underappreciated songs are really good. You won't regret checking them out, and they are probably bigger hits in a parallel universe.

Artist Signature Track Underrated Track Craig Mack Flava In Ya Ear When God Comes Nate Dogg & Warren G Regulate Nobody Does It Better Smoothe Da Hustler Broken Language Make Or Take Mark Morrison Return Of The Mack Innocent Man Pete Rock & CL Smooth They Reminisce Over You It's A Love Thing

Genius. OutKast – Return of the "G" Lyrics. https://genius.com/Outkast-return-of-the-g-lyrics#note-134976.

YouTube. Did Biggie smalls and Craig mack had beef before he died? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJcR9M4lbEM.

Rolling Stone. The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-50-greatest-hip-hop-songs-of-all-time-20121205/pete-rock-and-c-l-smooth-they-reminisce-over-you-t-r-o-y-19691231.

WhoSampled. Pete Rock feat. C.L. Smooth and Denosh's 'It's a Love Thing' sample of The Natural Four's 'Try Love Again'. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/80330/Pete-Rock-C.L.-Smooth-Denosh-It%27s-a-Love-Thing-The-Natural-Four-Try-Love-Again/.

Biography.com. Pete Rock Biography. https://www.biography.com/people/pete-rock-5112017.

Billboard. 'Regulate' At 20: Warren G & Michael McDonald Discuss the G-Funk Jam. https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6070114/regulate-at-20-warren-g-michael-mcdonald-discuss-the-g-funk-jam.

Rolling Stone. Warren G and Nate Dogg's 'Regulate': The Oral History of a Hip-Hop Classic. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/warren-g-and-nate-doggs-regulate-the-oral-history-of-a-hip-hop-classic-20141219

Billboard. Smoothe Da Hustler Once Upon A Time In America Chart History. https://www.billboard.com/music/smoothe-da-hustler/chart-history/r-b-hip-hop-albums/song/176271.

Ambrosia For Heads. Smoothe Da Hustler & Trigger Had An Unbreakable Lyrical Bond In Broken Language (Video). http://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/04/smoothe-da-hustler-trigger-had-an-unbreakable-lyrical-bond-in-broken-language-video/.

Wazzup Tonight. Smoothe Da Hustler | Legend Who's Worked Alongside THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G., ICE-T, KRS-ONE, PUBLIC ENEMY And More | Makes A Comeback. http://wazzuptonight.com/smoothe-da-hustler-comeback/

NAACP. Criminal Justice Fact Sheet. http://www.naacp.org/criminal-justice-fact-sheet/.

Washington Post. Give felons and prisoners the right to vote. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/let-felons-and-prisoners-vote/2016/07/26/f2da2d64-4947-11e6-acbc-4d4870a079da_story.html?utm_term=.d9ddf788ece6.

Human Rights Watch. Bail and Pretrial Detention of Low Income Nonfelony Defendants in New York City. https://www.hrw.org/report/2010/12/02/price-freedom/bail-and-pretrial-detention-low-income-nonfelony-defendants-new-york.

NME. GRIM MORRISON: THE MACK IN TROUBLE AGAIN. http://www.nme.com/news/music/mark-morrison-10-1392631.

There are a lot of great artists out there who have amazing catalogues of work, yet the rest of their music gets overlooked because their smash single overshadows everything else. I have managed to find some tracks that prominent hip hop acts released to a muted reception, despite their undeniable excellence. Join me in a journey through the history of hip hop's forgotten hits.Let's start off with Craig Mack. Known best for Flava In Ya Ear (and its legendary posse-cut remix), Craig has another song out there that is arguably even better. At least lyrically, anyway. Frustrated with the state of the hip hop industry, the Bad Boy rapper put out When God Comes, a scathing attack on the community that he felt had lost touch with its largely positive and Afrocentric roots. The opening bars set the scene for a four-minute assault on his colleagues, unleashing a critical sentiment that he maintains for the full length of the song."What da fuck's going on inside the biz?/Shit ain't raw no more/Fake is how it is/I hear brothers talking 'bout shooting and killing/Then going home and chilling/Frontin' like a villain"This fragment of When God Comes' authoritative lyrics feels like it could have been the inspiration behind Andre 3000's verse on Return Of The "G"1, released four years later.Although evidence of their mutual animosity has largely been lost to the sands of time, there is some basis for the rumour that Craig Mack and Biggie really didn't get along.2 Diddy managed to make a lot happen within the Bad Boy empire, but getting the two to stop publicly sending shots at each other was beyond even Brother Love's precocious influence.Within the chaotic clutter that is my mother's house before Sunday dinner, you'll find her darting in and out of the kitchen. If you're lucky, you'll also catch a glimpse of her unashamedly singing along to the sounds of the 80s. One lazy Sunday, I heard her playing Try Love Again by The Natural Four, and couldn't believe my ears. That song, when sampled by Pete Rock in his inimitable style, and laced with CL Smooth's lyrical mastery, was reinvented to become It's A Love Thing.4 And, well, an excuse to listen to the hip hop version together.I've always been inextricably linked to brass instruments; the first instrument I took formal lessons with was the trumpet. My younger brother followed my footsteps, and so did my little sister after that. It's rare that I agree with my parents about anything hip hop related, but They Reminisce Over You is one of the only exceptions - a saxophone-driven, commercially viable song that managed get the three of us moving on the dancefloor.3 Not only did TROY give me a track that I can enjoy with my family, it also gave us a bonding experience that I'll never forget."The question is can you top that homie/You can probably pull something close but stop that homie/Not even, could have that even if I stopped breathin'"Even though he's likely talking about the John and Jane Does this verse is written for, it's hard to overlook how accurate those lines are when redressed to be a reference to CL Smooth's reign on the mic.Did you know that Pete Rock is Heavy D's cousin?5 There must be something in the water.If you've been to alive in the past twenty years, you've undoubtedly heard groups, from all backgrounds, singing along to Regulate by Nate Dogg & Warren G. This wasn't just a nice song, this was an era-defining record6 that found its way to every radio in the land, leaving a generation pining for a return to the golden years of g-funk. Not content with their success, the pairing kept pushing envelope with Nobody Does It Better - an overlooked triumph in their quest to build on the unique chemistry that made them famous."No one can do it better like this two man crew/They say we're one hitter quitters/Now what y'all gonna do?"You're damned right, Warren.You may have noticed how squeaky clean Regulate's lyrics are, especially when compared to the rest of the subgenre. That's not an accident; the version we know and love is actually not the original. Initially, it was conceived to be a lot more explicit. When it started creating a buzz, Chris Lighty asked them to go back and clean it up to ensure that it wouldn't spend half of the running time censored by radio DJs, stunting its projected commercial success. 7This list wouldn't be complete without Smoothe Da Hustler. Since not everyone is familiar with the name, it's worth mentioning that his debut album stormed to the cusp of Billboard's coveted hip hop album top ten, peaking in the 11th place slot.8 The most successful track from his album Once Upon a Time in America, and his career in totality, was Broken Language with Trigga the Gambler. If you haven't listened to that yet, it's a great primer that will put his best work into context.Make Or Take is my go-to song when someone asks for something good that they haven't heard before. Something fresh, yet old enough to not fit the status quo. While conceding that it's actually a Nine song with Smoothe Da Hustler rapping the hook, Make Or Take made the final cut by virtue of possibly being 1996's best underground song. Even the people getting ready to downvote this post after that last sentence are guaranteed to love this song. Before long, you'll have watched the video enough times in a row to able synchronise your blinking with the people on screen."There's six million ways to die but only one to live/I need enough money to spend enough money to give/Cause I love my peeps and my peeps love me/And I refuse to see them living in poverty"What a beautiful expression of hood love.Smoothe has rubbed shoulders with a lot of New York's hip hop royalty (Busta Rhymes, Onyx, and Public Enemy to name a few),9 but it's interesting to know that he got his start by opening for Biggie on the Ready To Die tour.10 This was before he'd even dropped his debut album and its hit single. Not a bad cosign.As a child, there came a moment where I was overwhelmed by the urge to seek out black, British artists. I was yearning for proof that people from my background could fit into rap's burgeoning bourgeoisie. A colourful man by the name of Mark Morrison was enough to sate my young mind. Following in the path of Slick Rick the ruler, Mark is as flamboyant as he is talented. He rocked a fresh cut, flashy jewellery, and an unshakeably badass attitude to match. Return Of The Mack constantly finds itself near the very top of my perpetually shifting favourites list. One of those reliable songs that saves me whenever the aux cord falls into my lap.While reflecting on his run-ins with law enforcement, the German-born singer recruited DMX to join him in speaking on the perceived injustices they were rising up against. Whether track title was accurate or not is a discussion for another time, but the trouble artists teamed up on Mark's sophomoric outing to make the case that they were each an Innocent Man persecuted by society. Although it's a Mark Morrison song, including a snippet of an embittered DMX's poignant performance should, hopefully, give more context to the duo's struggles."Did my time in a county jail/Just when things started going well/And I paid the price for the crimes I did/Wanna change my life/Wanna raise my kids""You say I'm rehabilitated, but I still can't vote/You say I paid my debt but I still can't vote/Gotta pay taxes but I still can't vote/Come on dawg y'all stay trying to keep a nigga broke"Eleven years on, their dissatisfaction with America's legal system, and the way felons are routinely stripped of their basic human rights, is still a contentious point of discussion.11 12 13Although his other charges were endlessly debated in the court of public opinion, Mark Morrison was conclusively found guilty of employing a body double to complete his court-ordered community service.14 Full points for creativity...TL;DR: these underappreciated songs are really good. You won't regret checking them out, and they are probably bigger hits in a parallel universe.ArtistSignature TrackUnderrated TrackCraig MackFlava In Ya EarWhen God ComesNate Dogg & Warren GRegulateNobody Does It BetterSmoothe Da HustlerBroken LanguageMake Or TakeMark MorrisonReturn Of The MackInnocent ManPete Rock & CL SmoothThey Reminisce Over YouIt's A Love ThingGenius. OutKast – Return of the "G" Lyrics. https://genius.com/Outkast-return-of-the-g-lyrics#note-134976.YouTube. Did Biggie smalls and Craig mack had beef before he died? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJcR9M4lbEM.Rolling Stone. The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-50-greatest-hip-hop-songs-of-all-time-20121205/pete-rock-and-c-l-smooth-they-reminisce-over-you-t-r-o-y-19691231.WhoSampled. Pete Rock feat. C.L. Smooth and Denosh's 'It's a Love Thing' sample of The Natural Four's 'Try Love Again'. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/80330/Pete-Rock-C.L.-Smooth-Denosh-It%27s-a-Love-Thing-The-Natural-Four-Try-Love-Again/.Biography.com. Pete Rock Biography. https://www.biography.com/people/pete-rock-5112017.Billboard. 'Regulate' At 20: Warren G & Michael McDonald Discuss the G-Funk Jam. https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6070114/regulate-at-20-warren-g-michael-mcdonald-discuss-the-g-funk-jam.Rolling Stone. Warren G and Nate Dogg's 'Regulate': The Oral History of a Hip-Hop Classic. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/warren-g-and-nate-doggs-regulate-the-oral-history-of-a-hip-hop-classic-20141219Billboard. Smoothe Da Hustler Once Upon A Time In America Chart History. https://www.billboard.com/music/smoothe-da-hustler/chart-history/r-b-hip-hop-albums/song/176271.Ambrosia For Heads. Smoothe Da Hustler & Trigger Had An Unbreakable Lyrical Bond In Broken Language (Video). http://ambrosiaforheads.com/2016/04/smoothe-da-hustler-trigger-had-an-unbreakable-lyrical-bond-in-broken-language-video/.Wazzup Tonight. Smoothe Da Hustler | Legend Who's Worked Alongside THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G., ICE-T, KRS-ONE, PUBLIC ENEMY And More | Makes A Comeback. http://wazzuptonight.com/smoothe-da-hustler-comeback/NAACP. Criminal Justice Fact Sheet. http://www.naacp.org/criminal-justice-fact-sheet/.Washington Post. Give felons and prisoners the right to vote. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/let-felons-and-prisoners-vote/2016/07/26/f2da2d64-4947-11e6-acbc-4d4870a079da_story.html?utm_term=.d9ddf788ece6.Human Rights Watch. Bail and Pretrial Detention of Low Income Nonfelony Defendants in New York City. https://www.hrw.org/report/2010/12/02/price-freedom/bail-and-pretrial-detention-low-income-nonfelony-defendants-new-york.NME. GRIM MORRISON: THE MACK IN TROUBLE AGAIN. http://www.nme.com/news/music/mark-morrison-10-1392631.

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Best Crossfit Workout Routines

CrossFit has grown like wildfire over the past few years. What started as a small gym in Santa Cruz, California has now revolutionized fitness throughout the world. If youre curious about it, we have the 3 best CrossFit workouts to add to your fitness routine explained below.

It uses a combination of movements, rep schemes, and time domains to give the athlete a challenging, effective workout. Movements mostly fall into three categories: metabolic conditioning, gymnastics, and strength.

Metabolic Conditioning can include running, rowing, and double unders. Gymnastics movements include many bodyweight movements like push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, air squats, and dips, and can include more complex movements like handstand push-ups and muscle-ups. Strength often involves barbell work, including back squats, push presses, thrusters, cleans, snatches, and deadlifts.

Make sure to research all of the movements carefully and consult a coach or trainer to make sure youre doing them right. Safety is a top priority!

Whether you workout in your garage or at a local gym, here are the 3 best workouts to add to your fitness routine.

Workout 1

This workout is called Cindy in the CrossFit world. The only equipment youll need for this one is a pull-up bar. Set your timer for 20 minutes. In that time, youll repeat this rep scheme:

5 pull-ups

10 push-ups

15 air squats

as many times as possible in that 20 minutes. Keep track of how many rounds you complete. If youre a beginner, there are a few ways to scale this workout. If you cant do body weight pull-ups, try jumping pull-ups. Knee push-ups are a great way to scale regular push-ups. If 20 minutes is too long for you, set your timer to 10 minutes. Just keep moving!

Workout 2

In this workout, youll try to complete a certain amount of work as quickly as possible. If you dont have a box to jump on, try to find a bench or ledge (about 20 high) to jump on. If you dont have a kettlebell, a 35-pound dumbbell will work as well.

3 rounds for time:

15 box jumps

15 kettlebell swings

Run 400m

This workout will get your heart rate going and the kettlebell will add a strength component. You can scale by stepping up on the box instead of jumping, using a lighter kettlebell, or running a shorter distance. Give yourself a goal time to reach and try to beat it!

Workout 3

This workout will incorporate weightlifting into your routine, so have a barbell and weights handy. Youll also need a jump rope for this one. In this workout, youll try to do the work listed in the fastest amount of time.

5 deadlifts (155 for women, 205 for men)

10 power cleans (95 for women, 155 for men)

15 sit-ups

20 double unders (jump rope goes under the feet twice)

15 sit-ups

10 power cleans

5 deadlifts

If these weights are too heavy, scale back to your strength level. Take the weights on and off between the power cleans and deadlifts. If you cant complete double unders, do 60 single jump ropes instead. Chip away at this one!

The variety of movements and time domains make these workouts the 3 amazing workouts to incorporate into your regular fitness routine. Remember to always warm-up and stretch for 10-15 minutes before the workout to make sure your body is ready. Take some time to cool down after the workout as well. CrossFit is a great way to build strength and speed while having a great workout.

Find out more about best shoes for crossfit here:

Overtraining

Here are some ways to tell if you might be overtraining, followed by some advice on how to overcome it.

Your Injuries are More Frequent

Overtraining can lead to some serious injuries. If you keep training during these injuries, you may end up aggravating them further, leading to something more serious. Let’s say you start feeling a twinge in your lower back when you do explosive movements, like burpees. If you don’t take care of your back and keep lifting heavy, you may turn it into something more serious. I’ve done sets of front squats, keeping in mind my past PRs, and I’ve rounded my back on some of the later sets, leading to me taking a week off. Nurture the injuries you have instead of making them worse.

You Have Trouble Sleeping

If you’re working out all the time, say a few hours a day, you’d think that it would help you sleep better. But that’s not always the case. Overtraining can lead to us thinking about CrossFit all the time and planning out our next workout in our heads. If we’re working out too late in the evening, we may not give our bodies enough rest time to get quality, restful sleep. Remember, 7-9 hours of good, restful sleep can go a long way in recovery.

CrossFit Isn’t Fun Anymore

Above all else, it should be fun. But a lot of times when we have specific goals in mind, if we don’t reach those goals, it can become really frustrating. And if we’re spending so much time training and not hitting our goals, the frustration can spiral. Make sure to include workouts where the goal isn’t to PR. Think of it as working out and having a good time with your friends.

Plan Your Workouts and Stick to Your Plan

It’s tempting to do a new Hero WOD when they’re posted on Crossfit.com. But if it doesn’t fit into your scheduled workout, you’re not helping your workout goals. Make sure to be smart about your workouts and include a variety of strength, mobility, and met-cons to get the most out of your training. If you really want to try a new workout, schedule it in the upcoming weeks so you can look forward to it and stick to your workout plan.

Listen to Your Body

If your knee is nagging you, skip running and box jumps for the week. CrossFit workouts are made to modify. You don’t have to RX every workout. If your shoulders are overworked from too many pull-ups and push presses, give them a rest so they can recover. Knowing how to recover is part of being a successful athlete, so treat recovery like every other part of your workout.

WOD List

1.     Grace

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

Clean and Jerk 135 lbs

30 reps for time

2.     Cindy

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

5 pull-ups

Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes

10 push-ups

15 squats

3.     Angie

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

100 pull-ups

Done in order for time

100 push-ups

100 sit-ups

100 squats

4.     Annie

  EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

Double-unders

50/40/30/20/10 rep rounds, for time

Sit-ups

5.     Mary

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

5 Handstand push-ups

Complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes

10 Single-leg squats

15 pull-ups

6.     Elizabeth

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

Clean 135 lbs

25/15/9 reps, for time

Ring dips

7.     Helen

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

400 meter run

3 rounds for time

21 kettlebell swings, 1.5 pd

12 pull-ups

8.     Karen

  EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

150 wall ball shots

For time

9.     GI Jane

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

100 Burpee pull-ups

For time

10.  Nancy

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

500 meter run

5 rounds for time

15 overhead squats

11.  Isabel

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

Snatch 135 lbs

30 reps for time

12.  Kelly

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

400 meters run

5 rounds for time

30 box jumps, 24 inches

30 wall ball shots, 20 lbs

13.  Eva

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

800 meters run

5 rounds for time

30 kettlebell swings, 2 pd

30 pull-ups

14.  Jackie

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

400 meters run

5 rounds for time

30 box jumps, 24 inches

30 wall ball shots, 20 lbs

15.  Fran

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

Thrusters 95 lbs

25/15/9 reps, for time

Pull-ups

16.  Ryan

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

7 Muscle-ups

5 rounds for time

21 burpees

17.  Murph

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

1 mile run

For time

100 pull-ups

200 push-ups

300 squats

1 mile run

18.  Filthy Fifty

  EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

50 box jump, 24 inches

For time

50 jumping pull-ups

50 kettlebell swings, 1 pd

Walking Lunge, 50 steps

50 Knees to elbows

50 Push presses, 45 lbs

50 back extensions

50 Wall ball shots, 20 lbs

50 Burpees

50 Double-unders

  19.  Griff

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

800 meter run

For time

400 meter run backwards

800 meter run

400 meter run backwards

20.  Nasty Girls

EXERCISES

REPS/ROUNDS

50 squats

3 rounds for time

7 Muscle-ups

10 Hang Power-cleans, 135 lbs

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