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ectora · 3 years

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So, because there has been so much debate in the charmed fandom about screen time and focus and everything, I decided to go down on facts and write down the actual screen time each main character have (by actual I mean approximative cause yes I’m very bored but I’m not a psycho so if a character was taking part of the scene I would write down the time of the scene and not only when it was on said character. The only exception is when the character was barely participating or was like, laying on the ground unconscious (happens more than you’d think)). It’s probably not right to the second but it’s close enough lmao. I saw someone do that with Supergirl in the past so I was like why not ?

Screen time for season 2

Macy : 5h35m57s (19/19)

Mel : 5h27m20s (19/19)

Maggie : 6h11m33s (19/19)

Harry : 4h32m15s + 21m10s as Jimmy (19/19)

Abigael : 2h19m46s (13/19)

Jordan : 1h38m49s (15/19)

Now as you can see, the screen time that both Abigael and Jordan get is barely half what Harry gets (for Abby) and not even close to half for Jordan (to be honest Jordan could get a little more). The sisters clear have more screen times than anyone else (rightfully, as it should). What they do with that screentime though is a different story because Jimmy for example doesn’t get a lot of screentime but was the center of others’ story. Same with Harry being a lot of Macy’s story, or even Abigael’s. The show definitely failed in using that screen time to develop their characters properly at times, but in terms of number only, there is no question the focused is definitely on the sisters, followed by Harry/Jimmy and further behind Abby and Jordan.

But my crazy ass didn’t stop there (yes I have issues I know leave me alone), so I also have graphs or their individual screen times through the season and as a comparative graph of their screentime for each episode.

Note: for Harry I included Jimmy in his screen time but Jimmy only appears in 7 episodes. His screen time (opposed to his place in the story) is rather small though except for one episode where his screen time is a bit above 10mins. More details coming.

And one graph with screen time comparisons by episode for each character.

Detailed screentime

And no. It still doesn’t stop here (someone should stop me though). I also put down with who each character spend their time with when on screen for each episode. Yes I know, something is wrong with me, let’s just ignore it and move along. Anyway. Screen shots of the graphs/tables are easier than writing everything because it’s long. I don’t know if anyone cares but I was like if I do it I’ll do it well

Note: group (2+) means any variantes of three people or more who are part of the main cast. So Macy, Mag and Abigael for example. Or Macy, Harry, Maggi and Abigael. Any group who doesn’t involve all three sisters at the same time.

So basically all of this, I think, resumes pretty well the construction of the episodes. The sisters are definitely the front and center with a screen time far superior to anyone else. So I truly don’t think the issue here is about screen time (I beg, can people stop acting like the screen time is the issue). It’s normal to have a couple of episodes where other characters will be a bit more put ahead, it happens in literally every show ever and it’s also not an issue as long as it’s only occasionally (which was the case for Jordan or even Abby. (For Harry during season 2 it was a bit of a bigger issue which seem to be going a little be better in s3). Honestly in terms of screen time, I’d say (purely on the numbers here) give a bit less to Harry and a bit more to Jordan (Jimmy is also gone so there is that screen time to add) and I think it could be a good balance for now as both Abby and Jordan are still separated from the main storyline so they won’t as involved until they more linked to it ;in S3).

I know season 3 already started but again, based on these numbers only, I hope Jordan will be a bit more involved in other characters than just Maggie. Abby had some time with Harry but thankfully they dropped that story so I hope they’ll reduce that screen time a bit and will give more Abby interacting with Mel and Jordan, as well as Maggie, they can be funny. I also hope the sisters will have more bonding moments, as a trio and in pairs. TCO is the biggest screen time but it feels like it’s mostly trying to kill monsters or in crisis, and we need more sisterly scenes, bonding time, so we can really get more attached to their bond.

SHIPS

There is another thing that I noticed while doing this, even thought it was not the point, is the difference of screen time between pairings.

Macy/Harry - 44 minutes 30 secondes

Maggie/Jordan - 52 minutes 49 secondes

Mel/Ruby - 10 minutes 48 secondes

Mel/Abigael - 13 minutes 22 secondes

I included abimel just cause there are chances they actually go there and it does count into the ground they built all of this on. I know Ruby is not a main so she will obviously not have the same screentime than others (which is why I’m not a big fan of this ship tbh) but even with that they still deserve more imo especially when you compare it to the heterosexual relationships of the show. It’s a strong unbalance the show needs to fix and that is clearly still going in season 3. I will probably talk more about it in the potential season 3 post but I do think attention needs to be brought on the issue. If they do go with Abimel, I also understand they won’t spent too much time on a ship that isn’t meant to last (which, story wise, seems to be the case) but it is still not a great look to have Mel in a relationship by name only and have others have these long development through the entire season. And same if they do end up making Abimel an actual couple. But that’s more of an upcoming because though they did hint at stuff during S2 it also wasn’t the focus.

Anyway, i don’t think anyone really cares but well. I also probably will do season 3 too. But that’s the end of this very long text and doing all this took me so much more time than I’ll admit 😪 gonna blame the lockdown on this one. I don’t think anyone cares but I did it anyway 😂 and I’m also blaming that one person who did it for other shows for giving me the idea. if you have read all of that (you’re dedicated), thanks for reading and if not it’s ok I understand.

#I don’t know why I did this #don’t judge me #charmed #charmed cw #charmed 2018 #charmed reboot #macy vaughn #macy vera #mel vera #maggie vera #harry greenwood #abigael caine #abigael jameson caine #jordan chase #hacy #Abimel #joggie #Melby #screen time analysis

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ilguna · 4 years

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Tacenda - Chapter Four (f.o)

Summary: you’ll never truly be free from the Capitol.

Word Count; 4.3k

Warnings; swearing, DEATH MENTION

NOTES: i give reader a last name to fit the world.

–

It took a little longer to get out of bed this morning, like it had on the train. Finnick sat next to you the entire time while you explained over the nausea. You told him your theory that it’s because you’re stuffing yourself, because it’s logical. All he did was continue to brush your hair out of your face and suggested not to eat as much.

Which was the thing. You ate a light breakfast, stayed hydrated throughout the day. Then you ate healthy snacks while you were getting ready for the parade. And then once again, when you got into the apartment, you ate slowly and tried not to shovel it in too quickly.

Normally you eat as quickly as possible because you won’t fill up as quickly. If you’re taking your time, then of course you’re going to be full faster. And you didn’t even eat that much last night either. You thought it would give you a stomach ache right after eating, but there you were, the morning after.

When you had gotten up, you then noticed a pain in your achilles on your feet.

There’s blisters lining the back of your feet because of the heels that you were forced to wear during the tribute parade. Laurel knew what she was doing when she gave those massive shoes to you, and you have to give her props. Her revenge was silent, but lasting. You’ll have these for a little while.

Unfortunately for her, you know a couple of ways to keep them from getting worse. The first thing you did at brunch–since you and Finnick had gotten up a little later than expected–was complain to Elysia and Mags until they told you to shut up. Elysia told you she would find some healing cream for you to use. But in the meantime, you would just have to deal with it.

To not make them worse, you’ve decided against shoes today. You’ll still be wearing the training outfits that are provided. You had a choice when it came to a top, a sports bra, a tank top and a full-sleeved shirt. You decided for the sports bra, since it wasn’t as uncomfortable as you thought. Plus, the leggings they’ve provided are high-waisted on you. You’re not showing as much skin as you thought you would.

Finnick didn’t really have a chance when it came to what to wear. He slid on his sleeveless tank top and the leggings that he was provided. It was either sleeveless or full-sleeved. Leave it to your husband to show off all the muscle.

After you guys were dressed–opting for a shower after training–you and him said your goodbyes to Elysia and Mags. You two will see them at dinner, but not in-between. They’re sponsor hunting, they’re going to start tying down people.

As you and Finnick head down the hallway, hand-in-hand, he starts to head for the elevator. He knows the plan for today, this is just to throw off anyone that might be watching.

“Let’s take the stairs today,” you tell him, letting go of his hand as you bounce around in the hallway giddily, it’s all an act, “As a warm-up. We can’t just go in there without stretching first.”

“We’re going down the stairs, not up,” he says, but there’s a smile hinting at his face.

“All the same to me!” You smile at him.

You go to grab the door first, but Finnick isn’t having it. He practically pushes you out of the way so he can get there first. All so he can open the door for you, what a dork.

“Thank you.” you chirp, skipping into the stairwell, he follows you in, and even makes a point to pull the door shut entirely.

At the bottom of the staircase is Haymitch, staring up at you guys. You motion for him to go up the couple of steps to where you are. This is mainly to get away from the door, there’s two peacekeepers out there. If they hear anything, they are going to report it. The smart thing to do is get away from the door, and stay quiet.

“I came down the stairs.” he tells you two, “They don’t know I’m in here.”

“Same as us.” Finnick nods.

You lean up against the wall, fanning your face since the humidity in the stairwell isn’t the best. It’s making you feel like you’re overheating, like heat stroke, which you’ve had before in the summertime from being on the boats for too long. The only problem is, you haven’t gone outside since yesterday during the parade. These next few days, you’re going to be inside.

Almost as if Finnick knows that something is up, he wraps an arm around your waist. If you fall, he’ll keep you from collapsing against the cement. Although, being pressed up against his body is making all of this worse. You don’t complain though, you’d rather have his arm around you than not. It’s a safety net.

“Katniss is stand-offish.” Haymitch begins, and you can’t help but snort. Neither of you interrupt him though, “She’s difficult to work with at first, but the more you talk to her, the easier she’ll be.”

“But why?” you ask, “We don’t mind being in an alliance with her, but what’s your motive of making one for her?”

He lowers his voice considerably, “A rebellion.”

You and Finnick share a look, and just right there is enough communication. He gives you a look of ‘this is happening’ and you tell him ‘our time is now’. Just in that one little look, an understanding has passed through you two.

“We’re in.” Finnick says for the both of you, shocking Haymitch, “What will it take?”

Haymitch is shocked, “That’s… it?”

You tilt your head, “The districts are going nuts right now. Just at the mention of it, four goes wild. Now’s the time to do it. What do we have to do to help?”

And just like that, Haymitch launches into his explanation. Starting from the beginning, and how the berries had angered Snow. Katniss and Peeta’s families were on the line, and so they were trying to do everything they could to quiet down the districts. Including a marriage to appease the Capitol to prove that the action was done out of love, rather than resistance.

Haymitch tells you that there’s talk about it everywhere, and people are looking at her. He believes that she can be the face of it. She can get people moving behind her, but a few things need to happen first.

She needs to stay alive. An alliance acts in her best interest, but since she’s stubborn, she won’t be making it by herself. She might suggest a few people that she might like, but other than that, it’s one thing or nothing. The worst thing about it, is that Katniss can’t know that any of this is going on.

Haymitch is supposed to be ‘saving’ Peeta, and not her. Since she was ‘saved’ the first time around, she wants it to be Peeta’s turn. But Peeta doesn’t like that, and he’s already acting with Haymitch to make it look like they’re working in Katniss’s favor. It’s unnecessarily complicated, and you’re not too interested in that.

To boil it down, you and Finnick will spread the word a little bit, bring in people that might find this to be a good idea. Keep it from the careers because they can be difficult. They love the Capitol because they spoil them. So, telling them would result in the destruction of the plan.

Katniss can’t know that any of this is happening. You have to pretend that none of this is happening. Haymitch will give Finnick a bracelet as solidarity with you guys, since you’re going to be the main part of the protection. You’ll show it to Katniss inside of the arena, and just like that, hopefully she’ll put the puzzle pieces together and allow you to help her.

The last part of the plan is keep her alive long enough for them to take her out and take them to District Thirteen. You called Haymitch a lunatic, because everyone knows what happened to thirteen for being rebellious. If they’re still thriving, then you guys would have seen them by now. But all he had to do was tell you that they have a gamemaker in on it already.

That was convincing enough. If a gamemaker is in on this, the plan will be much easier. They have more insight than you guys do. Haymitch can be unreliable, but you asked if he’s sure that Plutarch is trustable, and he told you yes.

After that, you split. Haymitch went back upstairs to get his tributes, and you and Finnick left the stairwell together, hand in hand. You made a comment while passing the peacekeepers about being tired, telling Finnick that you didn’t sleep well last night, and you hope that you’ll wake up more as time goes on.

It wasn’t until you entered the actual building, when you started to feel better. The entire building has AC like you wouldn’t believe. It was only a couple of minutes before you completely forgot about it entirely.

You and Finnick spend a moment, finding people and choosing wisely. Unsurprisingly, he wants to have a chat with Johanna, and you decide that you might as well see Cecelia again. Her and Woof are sticking together it seems, they’re sitting around the bug station.

That’s a good thing to touch up on. The dangers that might be hiding around inside of the arena. There’s so many possibilities and dangers that the arena holds, that it just makes you overwhelmed.

First, it’s fish, and the type that live in the fresh water, or salt water. Next are the types of leaves, is it ivy or not. The trees, do they burn smoke easily? The berries and the chance that they’re poisonous. And this is all to be paired with not having the food, or the iodine to make the water safe. Not being able to skin rabbits and cook it properly so you don’t get sick.

Finnick taught you CPR one of the times on the train while you were teaching tributes before all of this–of course. That goes right along with first aid. You’ve gone as far as to recreate the creams to show the tributes which ones mean which. What’s healing, what’s supposed to be used on your weapon, and so on. You teach them how to stitch, and create stents and the list goes on.

It’s so simple to overlook something like bugs. When you’re so worried about literally everything else.

Cecelia offers you a big smile when you sit beside her. Watching as she and Woof easily identify the types of bugs. You keep the conversation light, and then you begin to enter in the keywords.

“How would you feel about an alliance?” you ask, she looks up, “This can go for you and Woof.”

Woof smiles, but Cecelia looks a little confused, probably wondering what’s bringing this all on. You almost can’t believe that she thinks that you wouldn’t invite her into an alliance with you and Finnick. She’s practically your best friend, for her not to be in it would be stupid.

“Sure, is Finnick fine with this?” she asks, going back to the bug game.

“Actually, a few of us are okay with this.” it’s a hint that there’s more than one of you, “it’s sort of a protection plan.”

Cecelia nods, thinking about this. You hope that she’s smart enough to get this. She’s raised three kids that have spoken in cryptic ways when they’re toddlers. It can’t be that hard to decipher the double meaning in words. You had to go through this all with Alyssum.

“Behalf?” she asks subtly.

“Katniss.” you tell her, “Girl on fire, it’s quite a brand isn’t it? It’s almost like she’s trying to set the Capitol ablaze.”

Her eyes flicker to yours the same time that Woof does, “Is that so?”

“You don’t think so?” you’re hoping that isn’t a no.

You watch as Cecelia’s face slowly holds a smile, “I do think so. Count me in.”

“Me too.” Woof tells you.

“More info to come.” you mouth quietly, and they nod slightly, “Nice seeing you guys again.”

Deciding that visiting two people is enough, you go ahead and head over to one of the knife throwing stations. As you get closer, you can see that they have projections now, it’s not just dummies anymore. They move, and get closer, and throw virtual weapons.

“Perfect.” you laugh, stepping up to one of the stations.

At the programming, you go ahead and make it the hardest possible. You select your weapon, keeping it at knives. It’ll be easier to throw than spears. Spears, you have to get your hands right on the hilt before throwing it. As for knives, you’re literally picking them up and throwing them.

You go ahead and pick up a few, feeling them in your hand. As a test run, the program automatically gives you one to start with. You have to find your footing first. You’re not in shoes, you’re barefoot. It’ll be easier for you to slip, since your feet aren’t gripped like the bottom of a shoe is.

However, you’ve been training for months for this exact moment. It might have been in shoes, but you haven’t fallen in a long ass time. You’ve always caught yourself, gradually becoming less clumsy as time goes along.

You throw the knife, being careful as to watch how it flies through the air. It hits the hologram in the middle of the chest, and then the blocks crumble. Just like that, the game has started, and they’re coming at you. For a moment, you’re overwhelmed, because you need to find a pattern for it.

Then, it all comes to you. They come in twos to three’s. You can hit them the first time if you aim for the chest and above. You’re typically hitting them in the head, getting them down the first time around. But on the off chance of missing it the first time, you always have an extra fourth knife in your hand.

You take them on at one at a time. The closest one is always the easiest, you get them out almost immediately. The second one is a little harder, you lean forward a bit more for this one. And the final one, is the one you’re needing the fourth knife for. They’re farther back on purpose, and they don’t come any closer past the half-way mark.

You throw with more force, allowing your body to move forward with the momentum that you build. The knives rest between your left hand’s fingers. You’ll grab the handle, flip for the blade, and then chuck.

The game is over before you realize it. There’s no more people coming at you, it’s just the playing field in front of you.

This is when you’re able to see that you’ve successfully hit the wall, that’s over twenty-five feet away from you, hard enough to get the entire knife into the wall. The ones that weren’t tough enough to make it through, dented.

“Damn.” Finnick’s voice is smooth, he whistles slightly, “That was good.”

You turn slowly, almost like you’re revealing yourself. And then it’s all at once and you’re doing jazz hands.

“This–” you jab your thumb at the station, “–is fucking awesome. I could do this all fucking day.”

“Well, go ahead,” he motions, “Do it again.”

You bounce slightly, heading back to the programming thing for the station. You go through the settings of it, curious on what it holds. These things are brand new, and they have endless possibilities on things you can do.

“It can be for two people!” you tell Finnick, looking over your shoulder, wiggling your eyebrows a little bit, “Wanna fight with me?”

Finnick laughs, coming up the steps to join you, “Don’t have to ask me twice.”

“Good.” you set it up, “I was afraid I might have to force you. It’s set to knives, and the hardest it can be.”

“Nothing we can’t handle.” Finnick is proud.

You start it, picking up on your technique. You don’t let Finnick know what the pattern is, letting him figure it out on his own. He takes a different approach with it, throwing the knives one at a time, rather than gathering them into his hands. It’s almost like he’ll be overwhelmed if he did it that way.

Eventually, you two have caught up with the system, even if there’s double the amount of holograms running at you. You and him turn it into a competition to see who can get them the fastest. Finnick is ahead, getting the most, moving faster than you are, but the ‘one at a time’ technique eventually fails on him.

You can only hold so many knives in your hand at once, but it works. You can get four or five of them down, leaving one for Finnick because you’re throwing yours so quickly. Eventually, he begins to give up, allowing you to take on the challenge that’s supposed to be for two people.

The last one that comes at you is a little quicker. You take your time with ending the game. Letting him get as close as possible before throwing the knife dead at his chest.

You’re pouring sweat. You can feel it almost everywhere on your body.

“I need a rag, holy fuck.” you wipe your forehead, and the back of your hand literally looks like it’s had water dumped on it.

Finnick grabs one for you, and then one for himself. You sit on the steps as you dry up your skin. Your forehead, the back of your neck, Finnick does his best to pat your back dry.

Your body feels like it’s vibrating from the exercise. It’s a good feeling, you haven’t felt this alive in such a long time. If the hunger games were targeted just for fighting rather than killing people, you might have volunteered sooner. The whole arena, and weapons and testing your survival is a good way to keep your skills in check.

Except, it’s a punishment, so there’s no way that this will ever be just an event for fun. It’s not fun, hundreds of kids have died because of it.

“How are you feeling?” Finnick asks.

“So good.” you tell him, “I need water, and then some time before I do that again.”

“Wanan fuck around with knots?”

“Sure, I could teach you how to tie a noose.”

You get off of where you were sitting, stretching slightly, and then you toss the towel wherever. It doesn’t matter, you won’t be the one cleaning it up, and you could care less about manners. They’re sending you into the games, who cares about one measly little towel?

Someone will come after you and pick it up. Finnick follows the same thing you did, and you skip your way over to the knot tying station. Fortunately, this is the same time that the doors to the training center open.

Finnick looks over, “Girl on fire approaching.”

The guy from nine suddenly pukes, and you cover your mouth, laughing to yourself. Finnick can’t help but to laugh too.

“First impressions always stick,” you snort, stopping in front of the ropes, “Oh shit! Look, they’ve got different types.”

Finnick joins you. He messes around with the rope, creating several different loops, and then he’ll pull it apart. You on the other hand, tie the constrictors knot, and even pull the entire rope off of the display.

“You think you could hang me from the ceiling?” you ask, looking up to see how far away it is, “It would be kinda impressive to get down from there.”

“Don’t test your luck,” he shakes his head at you.

“I think I might!”

You untie the knot that you had made, and instead make one of the ends of the rope heavy. You swing it around a couple of times to make sure that it won’t fall apart, and when it’s sturdy, you toss it straight for the beams. You miss the first time around, but the next, it goes over.

“Oh, this is gonna be fun!” you laugh, “Watch–I can make a swing out of it.’

Finnick does watch as you make a couple of knots to sit and stand on, evenly spaced out. Then, you get on the end with the knots, and use the other side of the rope to pull yourself up.

“This is not real life,” Finnick laughs, “How?”

“Push me,” you laugh, and he complies, “Okay listen, there was a tree that we had in our backyard that was fucking huge. Not as high as these beams, but it was pretty big.”

“Let me guess, you made a tire swing or something dumb like that?”

“Exactly. We used to use old rope that we got from the square, so naturally they snapped easily. This is where I got a ton of practice with getting the rope over a tree branch.” you smile a little bit, “I would always have to climb the tree to tie the rope down, even if it wouldn’t last very long.”

“Which is how you were able to climb that tree so easily.”

“Ding ding!” you laugh, slowly letting yourself down from where you were in the air, “If only Reed were able to see me now. Instead of training, I’m swinging on a rope just for nostalgia’s sake.”

“I see nothing wrong with that.” Finnick tells you, “It’s my turn.”

You laugh, and he gets fixed onto the knots how he wants. You both pull the rope to get him up a little higher, and then you push him so he starts swinging too. You can see some of the other tributes stopping to stare at you guys. Acting like you’re a bunch of nutcases.

Eventually, Johanna jumps down from where she was practicing and heads over to you two.

“Really?”

“Don’t act like you don’t want to try.” you smirk, “Wanna go up next?”

“I think I’ll pass,” she goes over to grab a bottle of water.

“Johanna Mason, the girl who never had fun.” Finnick laughs, letting himself down too, “God, that hurts the thighs.”

Johanna rolls her eyes, “I know how to have fun, thank you.”

She then squirts water at you two, smiling slightly as she heads back to where she was practicing. Unbothered, you turn back to the rope swing.

“I should definitely hang upside down.”

“That is where I draw the line.” Finnick tells you, beginning to pull the rope down, “You’re not doing that.”

“Oh, why not?” you pout slightly, but there’s a smile on your face.

“You know why.” he tells you, gathering up the rope and then tossing it back into the display it came from, “What’s next?”

“Fish hook making?” you suggest, offering your hand for him to take.

He does take it, and squeezes your hand tightly, “Mine are going to look so much better than yours.”

“Another competition?” you ask, “Are you sure you can handle it?”

“Honey, we both know who’s the better fisher here.”

And only five minutes later, Finnick is eating his words.

“All the fish have fallen asleep again.” you tell him, “Or they’re leaving the area from how long you’re taking.”

He looks a little frustrated, and then motions to your hook, “Not like that could catch anything, anyway.”

“Just because it looks nice, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.” you argue, looking up when you hear someone coming, “Ah look, we have a judge!”

Katniss doesn’t look too thrilled at her new title.

“Tell us, who’s looking better?” you motion to what you have.

“I’m not done yet–” FInnick tries to protest.

“You can’t fix the unfixable.”

Finnick glares at you, “Honestly, fuck you.”

Katniss cracks a smile, coming closer as she looks over what you guys have made. She seems hesitant, uncomfortable. She’s obviously trying to make allies, but she doesn’t want to. You guys need to make a lasting impression on her. Especially since she’s seen you fuck around with a rope swing and argue over fish hooks so far.

“(Y/n)’s is better.” she decides.

“Smart girl!” you flip off Finnick for a moment, and then you turn to Katniss, “Alright, protege, I could teach you a few things.”

“Like you know anything.” Finnick jokes.

“We come from the exact same district,” you shake your head at him.

Katniss accepts your offer. As soon as she does, the bickering between you and Finnick calms down a lot since you’re in teaching mode. Every now and then Finnick will chime in with some good advice on how to get a fish to bite quicker, or make a hook that’s flimsy but it works.

Eventually, she offers to teach you specifically, how to shoot a bow and arrow. You turn it down, telling her you have better ways to deal with long-range enemies, but you and Finnick definitely follow her over to see what she can do. Sure, you saw her in the arena last year, but these holograms are something else.

She’s quick on her feet. She turns quickly, her eyes are always searching around. She doesn’t get surprised easily, and she almost dances around.

“She doesn’t want to make too much noise,” you point out to Finnick, pressing your finger against the glass, “Look at how she moves her feet.”

“Definitely a hunter, I’ll give her that.” Finnick nods, “I wonder what else she knows.”

By the time she’s done shooting, she’s gathered a whole crowd. The careers, Wiress and Beetee, Johanna, Peeta, Cecelia and Woof and a few of the others. Wiress erupts into clapping when Katniss is finished, and you can’t help but to smile.

“This is going to work perfectly.”

#ilguna #finnick odair #finnick odair imagine #finnick odair oneshot #finnick odair x reader #finnick odair fanfic #finnick odair tacenda #tacenda

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suchalilyofthevalley · 4 years

Note

I think you raised a lot of good points with how they're going to market both S and C moving forward...I have my own opinion on this "relationship" but regardless I've been surprised they've been promoted as a duo so much? i actually felt sorry for C that her album promo wasn't about her album. and i'm interested to see what shawn's major interview will be like. if it's a fluffy relationship piece i think it will do more harm than good. (part 1)

Also I think his foundation should have launched with an interview not necessarily for his fanbase but to attract corporate partnerships? Would like your thoughts on that and the foundation in general. I just feel like he was on an upward trajectory and that it may have stalled because of the current positioning, but I don't have any figures to back it up, it's just my impression. I do think some new advisors on his team could elevate him though.(part 2)

::cracks knuckles::

First off THANK YOU SO MUCH for an ask like this. It’s very well thought out/well written and it lets me go into what I LOVE about my job/PR - the build and strategy/positioning in regards to media.

Before I do - the part about the next big interview for him: fan hat off, PR hat on. It NEEDS to be about him, about music, about what’s next. All fandom and mass pop has seen since last summer has been the THEM of it all. Most folks that know him or support him, are there for him and his music. not his relationship. These are the folks that are going to buy albums, concert tickets, merch, stream, tune into interviews, etc. They’re the ones that keep the engines fueled and the lights on. It sometimes feels like that’s forgotten about in the mix of everything.

The massive Billboard article that dropped about the success of Shawn Mendes: The Tour at the end of January didn’t even get the love and push it should have. This was massive news and it like didn’t even get acknowledged in any way, even industry facing.

This has to/needs to be a legit interview. Not a 5 question curated thing that shows up in like PopSugar or InStyle or online video only with like BuzzFeed. And honestly, after the success of SM3/SMTT - it should be something that elevates his profile. He’s done some of the big ones in Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone. Which all awesome. But time to build and keep moving forward and upward.

This next big moment - it NEEDS to go next level to hit wider, more mature more male and female mass pop. My thoughts? Depending on what they’ve actually got to talk about - Vanity Fair or Vogue are both a bit a reach but that would be EPIC goals - especially if there’s something of substance to talk about and he’s willing to be open. More realistic? GQ, Esquire, Interview Mag, even Hollywood Reporter but that skews a little more industry. I don’t trust EW to have enough of a deft hand to handle what really needs to be done, it would be too floof and veering tabloidy for that next meaty piece.

Total aside - the fact the team hasn’t pitched him for like Men’s Health/Men’s Journal yet BOGGLES considering some of the other folks that have been able to snag covers. To me? No BRAINER to have pitched that at album release or before the tour to talk and dive into his regiment and how he gets into shape to take on a tour/shows.

For the foundation - there was absolutely Z E R O marketing/pr thought or strategy put out on it or towards it. This launched in the lead up to what was the biggest moment of the tour, his hometown stadium show in Toronto. They basically launched it and was like yeah it’s a thing here’s a sizzle video and some pretty graphics ok donate to us byeeeeee.

No friends. No.

You needed to LAUNCH this thing, really and truly. Not only for the general awareness, but like you said dear anon, for the corporate philanthropy of it. Your partners are tour folks who probably got looped in on the tour deal. So what’s happening now? Who else is backing this? How much have you ponied in to start this? What else have you been doing for it? What are your fundraising drivers other than soliciting to fan base and having a donate button on your website? What’s your ethos and mission statement?

They’re under the umbrella of the Social Impact Fund for the States and Internationally to manage the financials/donation platform website, who also manages the charities/foundations from wii.i.am and Bradley Cooper. Which yay good legit and folks. So that means they’re using THAT team to do a lot of the heavy lifting on the back end with distribution, their charitable status, etc. I know I’ve heard noise/chatter on here before that folks think this is a sham, it’s a tax break/shelter, it’s not legit. The fund they’re using is a fully registered 501(c)(3) here in the States which means they’ve got folks they’ll need to answer to with legit breakdowns of how funding is being used, etc. Folks being the IRS. It looks like they’re under the Sick Kids Foundation/Sick Kids Charitable Fund with donating in Canada. So what this all means is that they’ve got the framework of the foundation without having to do the lift and say have an Exec Director on their staff managing everything.

However, they’re slow to the kick on everything the fan base says is important OR that he’s said is important/has backed before. It took a good beat to answer on the Australia wildfires and we’ve seen more recently with the COVID-19 response. There needs to be true thoughts and efforts put in, against and behind this. The fact that “our impact” on the website is literally links to Instagram posts? It would be a good idea to flesh that out a little bit more. Same with the partners they support - say what programs of theirs you’re giving to, what it’s going towards/for.

Given this kicked off in Canada around this show, like Macleans would have been a good interview, CBC/CTV or given it’s his hometown show was coming up, the Toronto Star or even go national with the Globe & Mail. It would have been a no brainer to do something with a Billboard for this, loop it in with talking about the show. Even better if you want to go after the double whammy of mass pop and corporate that would span across borders? Forbes. I know the music guys there and that would have been AMAZING. There was so much that could have been done and there just...wasn’t. Which is sad. This could be something and it’s just like a thing that’s there.

Coming off the album drop, the positive reviews, the blast through of shows/ticket sales followed by the actual tour success? Major positive forward motion and it feels like it’s stalled or backslid. I am all for him taking a beat to breathe and a break, but he shouldn’t do it at the detriment or demolition of everything he’s worked to build. He’s at a serious turning point. It’s also not out of the ordinary for artists to outgrow their teams or change teams. I know I’ve mentioned it before. It’s going to be interesting to see what he and the team, this one now or otherwise, do next all around.

#getting on my PR soapbox #cause publicists don't stop working #anon #Anonymous

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ubernoxa · 4 years

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THE DARE

A Guns N’ Roses FanFic

Chapter 5: The Avice I Wish I Was Given

Chapter 5?

“What’s up Mags? I thought you and Del went shopping,” Steven stared at his younger sister who leaned against the doorframe. Something was up.

“We gotta talk.” Her face was stern. It had been a while since his sister was like this.

“About what..” He dragged the words out as his sister sat down on the floor next to his bed. He adjusted himself on the mattress he bought off of the neighbor downstairs and waited for his sister to talk. He knew she was mad, but beyond that he couldn’t tell what was on her mind. Mags was always and will always be hard to read.

“Del isn’t a groupie for YOUR band to fuck around with for a couple weeks and then toss aside like yesterday’s trash,” Mag’s harsh whispers filled the room as she spoke. She reminded herself to keep her voice low. The loft was small with paper thin walls.

“WHOAH WHOAH,” Steven placed his hands on Mag’s shoulders trying to calm her down.

“Sorry its just...” Mags began to tear up as she jumped on her brother to hug him. For the second time today, he had no idea how to react.

“It’s okay Mags, just breathe,” He whispered into her ear as he patter her back.

“I just really like her okay? I know that sounds crazy because I barely know her, but I really like her. We had breakfast this morning at a cafe and it just felt so easy to talk to her. For the first time since Tif, I felt like I had a real friend. I felt like I could tell her anything!” Steven watched a smile grow across Mag’s face as she spoke about Del. To say that Tiff and Mags left on not so good terms was an understatement.

“That’s sounds amazing Mags,” He whispered back.

“I guess what I am trying to say is that I worry about her. She is new to the strip and I don’t want her to get hurt,” Mags smiled at her older brother who appeared to be hanging onto every word that came out of her mouth. The tears were still in her eyes, but she wiped them away to the best of her ability.

“I will try my best. When we go out drinking tonight, I can watch her too. I will cock block Duff and keep Axl away from her,” Mags stood up from her brother’s lap and sat back down on the floor. She shook her head and leaned back against the wall.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Silence filled the air for a couple seconds until Mags let out a small laugh.

“What?” Steven asked intrigued as to what his sister was laughing at.

“You were right, I am such a MOM,” Mags erupted in laughter as the words left her mouth.

“In all seriousness though, that’s a good thing. How about this, you be the Mom and I’ll be the Dad?” Steven joked leaning back into the wall, mimicking his sister’s posture.

“I can see you as like one of those hip cool dads who buys their kids rock music and teaches them how to play guitar.”

“Hell yeah! I can picture it now!” Steven cheered as he threw his arms in the air.

“Just don’t get any chicks pregnant yet. You already have four kids in the other room,” Mags shook her head and bid farewell to her brother as she walked back to the couch room. Mags silently prayed that her brother wouldn’t get a chick pregnant. Steven could barely care for itself, let alone a kid.

Steven sighed once his sister left his room. He couldn’t believed that he just agreed to cock blocking Duff all night long. Duff and Del looked cute together, and he had noticed a certain bassist have a little more hop in his step since Del came around. Ever since Mags was a little girl, she wasn’t a huge fan of sharing, but Del wasn’t a toy or booze. Del was Del.

Music filled the loft as Duff was teaching her what culture, as he called it, truly was. The entire band rolled their eyes as Duff continued to talk on and on about rock music. They were only interrupted by Axl, Slash and Izzy letting out muffled laughs as they escaped to the kitchen.

“God they should get a damn room,” Izzy groaned as he grabbed another beer. It was obvious that Duff was flirting with her, but he was horribly failing. The three of them almost, ALMOST, felt bad for their bassist as his pickup lines were either ignored or met with a confused look.

“Do you think she knows that he is flirting with her? I haven’t seen something this bad since the time Steven tried to pick up that stripper with the pink/yellow bra,” Slash replied sitting on the table earning a couple of laughs.

“She’s a church girl, she probably doesn’t understand that he keeps hinting at sexual shit,” Axl quickly added joining Slash at the table.

“She’s gotta be a virgin right?” Slash’s comment was met with Izzy and Axl nodding in agreement.

“Probably never been kissed,” Izzy added taking another swig of his beer. He nearly spat out his beer at the expression that flashed across Axl’s face.

“When and how the fuck did you kiss her last night without Mags noticing?” Izzy asked in a hush tone. If Mags had found out that Axl had made out with Del, then there would have been both a bitch fest and a lack of egg pie for breakfast.

“Wasn’t me,” Axl’s cocky grinned grew as he tried to muffle his laugh.

“That sly bastard, I knew Duff wasn’t showing her the stage or whatever bull shit excuse he came up with,” Slash knew something was up when the two of them left the room last night.

“Do you think Popcorn and Mags believe his bullshit lie?” Izzy knew Steven could be a tad of an optimist at time and chose to be naive about certain things, but he saw how he looked at Del.

“The better question is if Mags has cornered Popcorn and told him to cock block Duff,” Slash added.

“Weird how a couple of minutes ago the couch room had five people in it instead of seven. Interesting how Mags and Steven weren’t there for what was it five songs of Duff flirting with Del,” Axl added taking another swig from his beer as Izzy and Slash joined him in smirking.

The moment Duff entered the kitchen to grab another beer for him and Del, Axl opened his mouth.

“Can you fuck her already?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Axl rolled his eyes at Duff’s defensive tone.

“Dude, I’m going to be honest with you. It is painful to watch you crash and burn out there,” Izzy said just loud enough for Duff and the other guys to hear.

“Shut up”

“Just get a room already,” Slash added receiving a glare from Duff.

“Thanks to you guys I actually had one for a couple of minutes before Mags showed up just now,” Duff almost let out a groan earlier when Mags came walking into the room. He hated the lack of privacy of the apartment more than he hated Mags.

“Just a heads up, Mags cornered Popcorn in his room earlier when we were all in the couch room. They probably just finished talking. I give Steven like two hours before he gives all of us a talk on how Del is off limits or some bullshit like that,” Axl warned his bandmate and watched as a frown form on his face.

“He probably got the talk too,” Izzy added earning a laugh from the guys. They all saw the way he was watching Del.

“Last person to get the talk chooses where we go drinking tomorrow night?” Slash asked deciding to make a game out of the situation.

“Deal,” the all responded in unison.

Steven walked by the kitchen as he headed back to his closet. He debated on confronting all of the guys at once, but he didn’t like the odds of four versus one.

Mags sat on the couch listening to whatever record Duff had put on before he left the room.

“Are you enjoying the music?” Mag’s question was immediately met with a smiling and nodding Del. This was definitely better than the day she originally had planned.

“Do you got a sec to talk about something?” Delilah was thrown off by Mag’s concerned tone. Was everything alright?

“Yeah is everything okay?” Delilah leaned forward and held Mag’s hands as she joined her on the couch.

“Yeah, of course!” Delilah pretended to believe Mag’s lie. It was obvious that whatever caused the tears was no concern of hers.

“Can you promise me something?” Mags sheepishly asked the girl in front of her. Delilah’s eyes never left Mag’s as she spoke.

“Oh yes, of course. Anything,” Delilah eagerly replied as she squeezed Mag’s hands.

Mags took a deep breath and sighed as she adverted her gaze from Delilah’s. Delilah wasn’t going to like what she was about to say. She hoped that Delilah wasn’t going to hate her for what she was about to say. She convinced herself that Delilah needed to hear what she was about to tell her.

“I don’t know how to say this, but please let me finish my entire thought before you interrupt me or say anything,” Mags whispered as she spoke earning a slow, cautious nod from Delilah.

“Don’t get me wrong, the Strip is an amazing place. The strip has given me some of the best memories I will ever have, but...ahh how do I say this..you are a beautiful girl and some people will take advantage of that,” Mags paused and looked at the very confused expression on Delilah’s face, but like Delilah promised she remained silent and waited for Mags to finish her thought.

“Okay let me start over,” Mags said earning a giggle from Delilah. God why was this so hard?

“I guess what I am trying to say is wait until you know who you are before you get into a relationship or do anything you will regret. It’s a different world here. I promise you that I am not saying this, poorly saying if I may add, out of spite or hatred or jealousy. I wish someone told me to wait to define myself before someone else decided to define me,” Mags looked up to see a confused look still on Delilah’s face.

After a few moment’s of silence Delilah replied, “Thank you for the advice.”

#gunsandroses #guns and roses #guns n roses #axl #saul hudson #duff mckagan / oc #duff fanfiction #duff #duffy #the dare #the dare fanfic

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ana-wolferstan-gunslinger · 4 years

Text

MAG Untitled Fic part 1.

“Case #0042717. Statement of Kellian Magnus. Statement recorded directly from subject 27th of April 2017. Archivist Jonathan Simms recording. Statement begins”

“So you want me to give you a statement? What if I told you I had no statement to give?”

“I wouldn’t believe you. You are the granddaughter of the founder of this archive. I am sure you have experienced something.”

“I will admit I have run into my fair share of things that go bump in the night. When I was growing up Gertrude was the archivist. I spent time down here with her and sometimes would be a gopher for her fetching statements or things that she needed. I know you have heard some of her tapes. I didn’t make many friends growing up in this place but I got to know Elias quite well.”

“You know Elias?”

“Oh yeah, we were quite close, We’d get together and share his weed. I know you’re surprised, Elias as a stoner. Seeing him now it is hard to believe. He’s changed a great deal. Still handsome and smooth-talking though. The first experience I dismissed at the time figured my high was just taking longer than normal to fade. I had decided to go hiking since the day was nice. It was a Sunday, I remember that because I was wanting to clear my head before going back into the Archives. About 12:30 I made my way into the wood along the trails before deciding to explore a bit on my own the trails quite busy. I had gone off for maybe half an hour I had last track of time before turning around wanting to be heading home about 2. I swear that I walked directly back the way I came but I walked on and on and on but I did not find the trail. I kept going for what felt like hours my legs began to ache and throb. I finally stat on a log and pulled out my phone to call for help but it was dead. The screen was black and no matter what I did it wouldn’t turn on. I thought this was odd because I knew I had had basically a full battery when I started down the trail. I didn’t know what to do I started to yell for help from someone anyone hoping I was near enough to the trail to be found. But my screams were met only with silence, and not the normal woodland silence that is filled with the sound of insects or small creatures rustling in the leaves. It was completely silent and the realization sunk into my mind that I was alone... The woods I was in were vast and I was alone. I got up once more and decided to continue walking, what harm could it do I was already lost. I walked for quite a long time before I started to enter a part of the woods that was completely covered in cobwebs. Now, Spiders are the one thing out of everything I have come across that I cannot stand. All those eyes and the way they move… so seeing a lot of very thick dense layers of webs I turned around and started walking away rather quickly. I was too focused on moving away from the webs that I almost didn’t notice that I was on the trail once more. People pushed past me as I stood there. I stopped one gentleman asking him what time it was. He looked at his watch before telling me that it was 1:45. I thanked him then slowly started back to my car. It didn’t make sense. I had been walking for hours. My legs still had that jelly feeling they get when you’ve been walking for too long. I made it back in my car and sat in it pulling out my phone. The screen was on and my battery said 89 percent. I sat there in my car just watching the people filter in and out of the woods convinced I needed to finish letting my high fade before I drove back.”

“Had your highs ever lasted that long prior to this event?”

“No. It had been over 12 hours from when I had smoked that I arrived at the park and I had slept, ate and done some other chores with no residual effects. “

“Why not give your statement to Gertrude?”

“As I said, at the time I was wholly convinced that it was just a bad drug trip and I didn’t want to tell Gertrude that I had been sharing weed with Elias. She was not exactly a fan of us being in cahoots. She wanted me to advance through the archive but I didn’t want to I wanted a life that wasn’t archive and work controlled.”

“When did you leave?”

“Right before you started to work here. I had heard Elias speaking of getting someone else to work in the research department and I told him it was good timing because I wouldn’t be helping out anymore. Though meeting you now I feel like that was a shame you seem like a fun person to work with. “

“Really?”

“Wow, Elias was right you are thick. That was sarcasm, Jon. We would but heads like none other.”

“I agree. Did you know Michael? “

“Yes, I did. He was nice. I do not know what happened to him though, well that was probably a good thing. Gertrude wouldn’t tell me which I’m guessing means he did not meet a pleasant end.”

“I would agree with that assumption.” he sighed “I am sure you need to get back to Elias and the tour of the archives... Would you be willing to come by and give another statement?”

“Mm, the archivist wants to see you again?” A voice came from the door, Elias. “Should I be concerned with you distracting my Archivist Kellian?”

“Well Elias, He is truly My archivist since I own this place and I am simply giving my statements. I am giving him more work. More content to… digest.”

“Very well Kellian. Are you ready to continue our walk around?”

“Yes, Elias.”

Jonathan sighed “Statement Ends”

“Supplemental. Miss Magnus is an interesting woman, to say the least, Her first statement mentioned multiple of the reoccurring themes I have seen throughout other statements. Her statement is nearly impossible to confirm but she knows what this place does, I have a feeling that she would not lie about what she experienced. I will be interested to hear her next statement and see if it has the same… unique qualities. I am also curious about why she has shown up now? Sentimental connection to Gertrude? Did Ellias ask her to be more involved? I will be watching her closely since her appearance is… untimely. Recording Ends”

#magnus archives #fanfic #first of many #jonathan simms

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brownskinsugarplum76 · 5 years

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Eye of the Storm, Ch 3

Here is the next part of the story. Here's the link to the master post for the first two chapters.

This chapter continues to look into Robert and Maggie's feelings and their past, and where things might go between them in the future. No smut, but there is innuendo, verbal and physical. 😉😎

Thank you so much to @firethatgrewsolow for the sanity check and advice. ❤️❤️❤️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maggie parked and found herself staring at a small building with windows for walk-up orders. Lines of people were patiently waiting their turn. Anyone driving by would have known in an instant that it was an ice cream shop, by the large statue on top of the building. It was an ice cream cone with cartoon eyes, a Cheshire grin, and gangly arms and legs, a frozen confection caricature that was frozen in a dancing pose.

“I first noticed this place on a ride back from LA, and I made Benji stop,” said Robert, while he and Maggie continued to sit in the car.

“I can picture you, dying to be first in line and racing to the window,” Maggie teased.

“You know me, I always go hard for what I want,” he said with a maddeningly sly smile. “But alas, my ankle was uncooperative, and Benji wasn't a good sport about getting to the front. So your cherished Golden God queued up like everyone else.”

“Referring to yourself in third person, are you now? Maybe your pain meds need to be reduced?”

“Where's the fun in that?” The sly smile returned. “No, I'm basically off of those. I'm running on my standard chemical enhancements. And my favorite natural high, of course.”

“Well, it's official, folks: Mr. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll is back to normal.”

“As normal as I can ever truly be,” he quipped with self-deprecation. “But yes, I'm mobile, I've got time to burn, and I'll be on vacation, as far as I'm concerned. I'm looking forward to shacking up, as it were, with you, during this last bit of down time.”

“It really has been too long,” Maggie agreed.

“And I'd really love to keep this thing going after the music hoopla kicks in. Having a girl who can understand the highs and the lows of being an artist--having that person be you--would mean the world to me. And I'd love to be there for you, too, if you'd let me.”

He stared intently at Maggie and sighed. “You know, I missed a big opportunity when I moved here… I should've reached out to you then. I wasted a lot of time.”

“I'm glad you brought that up. Why didn't you call? You always did before. It was disappointing to have to read about it in Rolling Stone.” Maggie looked expectantly at Robert.

“All I wanted to do when I got here was to forget everything. We had to cancel the final leg of what was an exciting tour, which was most disappointing. But Cole damn near had to pick roaches off me in the hospital and bribe our way out of Greece.”

He brushed his hair out of his eyes and turned toward the window. “And then I could barely say goodbye to my friends and my parents before the taxman would've grasped me by my collar and waylaid me with highway robbery. All of Great Britain's greatest musicians are in America now, you know, and not by choice,” he said, turning back to Maggie with a pained expression on his face.

“I read about that… Either stay away, or lose a fortune.”

“Exactly. Tough choice, that, convalesce among my loved ones and be left with fuck all in my bank account, or retain the spoils of conquering the world, but be left without most of my favorite people around… I knew where my head was at, and I feared you wouldn't have wanted to be around me.”

“I can understand your concern. It's very rare that you're not giving off a sunny disposition. But you wouldn't have scared me off that easily.” She placed a reassuring hand on Robert's thigh.

“I really thought I was making the right choice. But sometimes… I mean, Jimmy was camped a stone's throw away in his place, and Cole and Benji kept my time occupied with all the revelry I could handle, but it was lonely for me, even though I was never alone, you know?”

He searched Maggie's eyes before continuing, looking more weary than she'd ever remembered seeing him before.

“And don't get me started on damn physical therapy. I'm grateful to them, for sure, but bloody hell, they were absolute sadists! It got pretty dark for me, for a lot of reasons. I even wondered if all these crazy coincidences meant I was cursed, or something...”

“I'm sorry to hear things got so heavy for you. What a lot of feelings and physical challenges to deal with…” Maggie was still, processing Robert's words and fighting the burning sensation of tears in her eyes.

“Simply put, I was wrong. Seeing you has always been the highlight of my time on the West Coast. You're a hell of a woman, love. You're sweet, and a creative dreamer, but you never compromise on what you want. You put up with me, and my silly, spoiled rock star ways. You always put a smile on my face when we talk. And then, the delights of your beautiful, curvy body…” He looked at her with a gaze that cycled through a number of emotions: love, regret, joy, lust.

Maggie smiled and blushed at his words of devotion but also felt an insistent flutter in her core as carnal memories flashed through her mind.

“I let my mood and my nerves get the best of me,” Robert continued. “But no more. I want to make up for lost time. Let's play house, shall we? Let's wake up together, have fun excursions, let the sun warm us head to toe on the beach, enjoy night caps, and more, in the Jacuzzi…”

He smiled softly and caressed her cheek. “And then we can live through what comes after that, just us, together or apart on tour, for as long as it works. What do you say, señorita?”

“I'd really like that,” Maggie said, grasping and squeezing Robert's hand. “And I would love for ‘this thing,’ as you call it, to keep going for as long as we can.”

“My sweet Mags.” He couldn't contain his smile as he leaned in for a kiss.

She savored his words, warm as the sun that hovered in the afternoon sky without the shroud of a single cloud around it. It was what she had longed to hear from him over their years of off-and-on connection, a desire for something more solid, defined. She wanted to stay enveloped in the fantasy of the picture he painted with his words. She had to believe that she wouldn't be burned by his promises later.

“So, what do you recommend here?” she asked, shutting the car door behind her as she stood. She was trying her hardest to stay in the present and not get swept away by guesses about what their future might hold. She also, reluctantly, realized she needed to curtail the indecent thoughts of Robert that just as forcefully battled for prominence in her mind. It had been way too long since his touch ignited electric sparks of lust through her body. It was maddening to be so close to him but so far from the ensnarement of his thighs, the pressure of his body on top of hers, the fullness of him inside--

“--All of the flavors are delicious,” Robert said, peering over the car at her and interrupting her thoughts, “but if I had to choose? I like the classics: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry.”

“All at once, I'm sure. Some things never change...”

“Hey!” Robert protested. “While I'm on the mend, dairy is even more important for my bones, innit?”

“You've won your case, Mr. Plant.” She couldn't help but laugh. “OK, let's get a little closer, so I can check out the menu.”

They joined a line. Maggie had her eyes on the menu, but most everyone else had their eyes on Robert or were whispering to someone about him.

It didn't take long for the more courageous admirers to descend upon him, expressing their love of him and his band. Pens were produced, and napkins, bus schedules, anything the fans could get their hands on for him to sign. A few raced to their cars to procure eight-tracks, cassette cases, and cameras.

Robert was all smiles and thank-yous among his people. He confirmed for the crowd that the next Led Zeppelin album “would be out in a little more than a fortnight,” but that touring would likely come much later. “I'm still getting my sea legs back after my accident,” he explained. The crowd was sated, for the time being, by the interaction with their idol and the promise of a comeback album.

Maggie had lived this experience before, of fans wanting to share their favorite Led Zeppelin concert memories with Robert, or living a few seconds of fantasy by taking any conceivable opportunity to touch him. But now, she fantasized about this excitement someday being the reality for her band. She hoped they could achieve even a tiny fraction of the success that Led Zeppelin had.

She and Robert made their way to the front of the line. Others came and interacted with him. “I'll have a mint chocolate chip cone, please,” Maggie said to the girl behind the counter. “And for him--”

“--Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry scoops. On the house for both of you, with all this business he's bringing in!” The girl smiled and stared longingly at Robert. “How's his ankle doing? Poor baby.”

Maggie considered the teenage girl, who was surrounded by an invisible cloud of Love's Baby Soft and swathed in a pink velour sweatsuit under her uniform smock. She wore a hair net over her ash-blonde mane, and Maggie would bet anything that a feathered hairdo would emerge from its workplace moorings after closing.

“Much better. We just came from a soccer game, and he was standing the whole time.”

“Lucky you! I've only seen him with the leg brace before. You're new… He has come here a lot, but there's always a different girl…”

Maggie blinked and considered the even expression on the girl's face. Was it an absent-minded observation, or did the girl intend to hurt her? Maggie mulled it over. Either way, she wasn't going to let it get to her.

“Well, if we're back out this way, you just might see me again. I'm Maggie.” She smiled sweetly before taking both cones and walking away. The girl's words caught Maggie off guard. Although Robert would never be free of admirers, all signals from him indicated that he wanted to put Maggie first. But she knew he had not been alone all this time. She had to be realistic.

She had enjoyed the shooting star path he blazed across her life on tour visits, leaving her to reconnect with reality alone when the time was over. She couldn't help but wonder if his feelings this time would shift like an impermanent mountain of sand once he was back in the thick of tour life, or if she would be tossed indefinitely between his romantic desires and her professional dreams, his tinge of melancholy and her giddy anticipation. Only time would tell.

“OK, Golden God, here's your dessert,” she said, snapping out of her spiraling thoughts and handing Robert his cone.

“This lady says that's all for me today, I'm afraid.” He shrugged his shoulders and smiled apologetically to the crowd before walking back to the car with Maggie, holding the ice cream with one hand and lightly grasping her waist with the other.

“Never mind the bollocks from those bloody punk bands, our fans are still solidly in place,” Robert concluded with the flashiest of smiles.

“How lovely to be so wanted still! And your turn is coming next, Mags. We'll have some press interviews coming up, and I'll be sure to mention the new sensation coming out of San Diego as a personal favorite!”

“Robert, I appreciate that, but you don't have to--”

“--No, I insist, dear! I love your music, and it's the least I can do for you. Oh, by the way, do you have any shows around here anytime soon?” He turned his attention to his ice cream, and not a moment too soon. It had started to melt a little while he was talking.

“Next Friday,” said Maggie.

“I must come to your rehearsal! It's been so long since I've seen my sexy songbird on a proper stage.”

“I'd like that a lot. And, you know what else I would love?”

“What's that?” Robert asked.

“I'd love for you to help me pull together some stage outfits.”

“I know just the place. But let me donate some of my jewelry to the cause, too.”

“Really? Thanks!” She nuzzled into his embrace of her.

“It's not entirely altruistic,” he responded from above, still hugging her close. “I might make you model them for me, so I can see what looks best against your skin. Sans clothes, bien sûr,” he added, his voice softened to his trademark hypnotic murmur. “No distractions…”

“Por supuesto, of course.” Maggie wasn't sure what made her feel weaker: Robert's French, which was less heavily chained to his British accent than before, or his sexy fashion show idea. Either way, she was burning to be alone with him.

“So, next, it's back to yours, grab your things, and drive off into the sunset to my place.”

“That's right. And you'll see my brother Victor again. We live together.”

“How's he doing these days?” Robert asked, switching his attention back to the ice cream.

“Fine. He's just as excited as I am to have this opportunity. He's also driving the neighbors crazy, practicing his drumming all times of the day and night.”

“Shades of young John Henry Bonham,” Robert said, reflecting on his youth with a smile.

Maggie was busy with her ice cream cone. “I see why you go out of your way to come here,” she said, back at the car. “It's not for the cashier; it's this sinfully delicious ice cream.” She sighed after taking another lick of the irresistible cone. She also couldn't resist probing Robert's thoughts about his enthusiastic fan.

“Totally the ice cream, love. Young Gwen over there, she's just a friend who indulges my sweet tooth from time to time.” He waved and smiled at Gwen, who still had her eyes on him. “With dessert,” he quickly added. “I'm sure she turns into an LA queen at night, but I'm not her king… Enough about her. I'd like you, talented woman, to show me how much you really enjoy this ice cream cone.”

“Sure. I am feeling pretty hungry and impatient, so I'm going to bite a big chunk out of it like this…”

He grimaced. “Whoa, not at all what I had in mind, love!”

She smirked at his reaction to her teasing. “But now I'll take my time…” she closed her eyes and slowly licked up one side of the cone, and then all around. She continued traversing the scoop of ice cream while Robert watched and licked his cone when he wasn't too busy smiling wickedly at the sight before him and the memories of her busy tongue on his sensitive skin. “Mmmmm… I miss getting the special treatment from you...”

“Your wait will be over soon. And mine,” she said with a wink. In a few hours they would be entangled, mind, body, and soul again, at his beachfront hideaway, and Maggie could hardly wait.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of my stories are here, or search for the hashtag #brownskinsugarplumlibrary.

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fandomfindings · 6 years

Text

Join Us, Join Me

Pairing : (Reader x Finnick Odair)

Word Count : 1.7K

Warnings : None

Summary : You volunteer to be the female tribute from District 4 to protect Annie and Mags. During this time Finnick approaches you and asks you to join in the up-rise against the Capital.

-----

You could not believe you were back. Your name was back in the reaping, you are back in the Capital, and you were about to be back in the games. You thought you had escaped this life besides the constant nightmares from the last time you entered the arena.You had won your previous games but at what cost?

Once you found out about the special terms of the third quarter quell you knew you would be back. If your name was not picked you would have volunteered regardless. Mags, the woman you saw as a grandmother was too old, you wanted her life to end in peace, not in some gruesome fight to the death. Annie could not go either, her mental state is not healthy enough to be back in the arena, leaving you as the female tribute for District 4.During the reaping they did call Annie’s name but you volunteered . Annie was a friend to you, a friend you did not want to see die like you predicted she would during these games.

You were currently in the training facility working on your skills and weaknesses along with the rest of the tributes when suddenly you feel a hand on your lower back. You had no doubt in your mind that it was Finnick. Finnick was the only person who dared touch you in such a manner , and also the only person you trusted to do so. You and Finnick had an interesting relationship to say the least. The attraction was obviously there and everyone knew it , including the people of the capital. Before Katniss and Peeta came along you and Finnick were considered the star-crossed lovers.You two are not official to the public only because it could affect your status in the capital.Together you would no doubt have a large fan base.However separately, as two of the most popular victors, you both felt would have the most benefits.

“ To what do I owe the pleasure Mr.Odair? ” You asked not taking your attention away from the target in front of you. At your voice Finnick smiled and wrapped his arms around your waist. He ducked his head down to place between your neck and shoulder making him smile even more at your scent. You felt his smile on your neck and tried your best to keep it from distracting you.

“Can I not check up on my beloved? “ He questioned, smile growing you thought impossibly bigger.

“You may but I thought we agreed not in these settings.” You mentioned as you looked around to your fellow tributes. During your observation you noticed that Finnick’s actions had caught the attention of some of the individuals watching from the protected box, including the gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee.

“You’re right . Here let me help you with your form.” Finnick stated and moved around to your front so that you two were face to face . He began to move your arm and point at the target you were facing as if teaching you how to do something, all the while moving his mouth but not actually saying anything. At his antics you finally cracked and begin to laugh into Finnick’s shoulder to conceal said laugher. Finnick smiled at your laughter, for it made himself the slightest bit happier every time he heard it. Finnick let the moment pass knowing that the reason he was truly there would soon wipe the smile off of your face. Once you regained yourself you looked to Finnick and realized he was no longer smiling. You looked into his eyes and he knew you were asking him what was wrong with your eyes alone.

“ We need to talk.” He said quietly, looking in his peripheral vision to make sure no one was near.

“ What’s wrong?” You responded this time out loud instead of with your eyes. His sudden change in attitude began to worry you. This type of change was not uncommon for him but it was uncommon for it to happen around you.

“ Not here, later ok.” He stated seriously, letting you know he meant business. You only nodded not sure on what to say. Finnick stayed there a bit longer to ‘ help with your form’ so that it did not seem suspicious that he left so suddenly after the serious atmosphere around you two. Finnick soon left you with a kiss on the cheek and a confused mindset.

After training you both head up to your quarters to shower and change out of your sweaty attire. When you were done you found a note from Finnick saying he would be back soon. In the meantime you decided to go to the roof of the building to watch the night life in the capital. Since the ocean was now unavailable to you this view would have to do.You were out there for God knows how long before you hear the footsteps of someone approaching you.

“ I thought I might find you out here.” Finnick said pulling you into his warm and strong arms.

“ Oh and what had you thinking that? “ You questioned pecking his cheek lightly.

“ This is where you were before your first time in the arena.”. At Finnick’s words realization hit you, he was right. The night before your first games you had spent all night on the roof , trying to take in what you could before your death that never came. Even though you still had scoring and the final interviews to do this time around this place calmed you for some reason.The fact that he remembered you telling him this made you smile and kiss him fully on the lips. The kiss turned into a long kiss and the long kiss turned into a full blown make-out session. After long though you had to part , for you could no longer survive on the minimum amount of oxygen in your lungs.

“ Where were you ? “ You asked tugging on his lip lightly with your teeth. Your actions made him groan and his mind slightly hazy until he realized what you had asked him.

“ I had to go talk to someone. “ He vaguely stated kissing your neck sweetly and not as lustful as before.

“ Would this someone have to do with why you wanted to talk earlier? “ You asked finally with full breath now that the kissing was to a minimum and only on the cheek or neck.

“ Actually yeah. “ He said once again changing the atmosphere much like earlier. This was something obviously very important and this only made you that much more nervous. Finnick pulled away to hold your arms and look into your eyes honestly scared about your future reaction . He was taking a huge risk by letting you into the rebellion plans but it was a risk he needed to take to keep you safe.

“ I went to talk to Haymitch.”. This confused you , when had they ever really talked outside of capital planned events? Finnick saw the confusion on your face and decided it was now or never, no more beating around the bush . He needed to keep you safe.

“ We’re planning a rebellion .” He declared with nothing but seriousness in his voice. You at first took it as a joke and had a smile on your face but it quickly disappeared once he did not return said smile.

“ Are you out of your mind ? You’re planning a rebellion, with Haymitch of all people ? You do realize he’s not even in the games right? “ You asked quietly so no one could hear. You fired questions at him like your life depended on it. He had never mentioned anything like this to you. The only thing he would say was how he was tired of being the capital’s sex puppet, you never thought he would take it this far.

“ I know but that is why we need him, he’s our person on the outside.” He explained to ease your curiosity but once he said ‘we’ your curiosity only grew.

“ We? Who else is involved with this? “ You asked stepping away from him slightly to take in his whole appearance.

“ Haymitch,myself,Johanna,Plutarch Heavensbee,and a few others who are on the fence about the whole thing.” He mentioned calmly as he moved closer to you.

“ You got the gamemaker involved ! Are you seriously out of your mind? He could have you killed as soon as you enter that arena! “ You exclaimed pointing off to some random direction , your mix of confusion and frustration getting the better of you.

“ Hey hey hey calm down ok ,he approached us not the other way around.”

“ That doesn’t make any of this better Finnick ! For all you know he could be just trying to trap you ! “ You shouted as tears made their way from your eyes in fear of your accusations possibly being true.

“ It’s not a trap (Y/N) I swear . If I thought there was even a one percent chance this was a trap I wouldn’t be trying to get you involved.”. At his words you calmed slightly but your tears continued to flow. The fear of the unknown with this rebellion scared you, possibly even more than going back into the arena. If these plans were ever found out there is no doubt that Finnick would be executed as an example on what happens to those who go against the capital.

“ I can not lose you Finnick.You are all I have left. If you die I won’t be able to continue on.” You stated in a weak voice,a voice barely loud enough for him to hear.

“ I know... that’s why I am asking you to join us , to join me .” He said rubbing your arms while in your fragile state. After a while you think it over silently to yourself , the thought of everything that could go wrong never leaving your mind. You looked up to Finnick , tears still leaving streaks on your face in much less numbers however. He wiped your tears without a second thought making you smile slightly. Once he was done you nodded your head, giving him the knowledge that you would be joining him in the rebellion against the Capital.

A/N : This is my first ever imagine! Feel free to leave me some feedback on how you think I did .There will hopefully be more of these in the future , maybe even a part two to this one (: .

#finnick odair #hunger games #finnick x reader #finnick odair x reader #finnick oddair one-shot #finnick odair fanfiction #the hunger games #thg #finnick odair imagine #the hunger games imagine #hunger games finnick

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5hfanfiction · 5 years

Text

Why Did I Get Married? (Camren)

Part Twenty Six: Back To Reality

“I’m here with, Camila Jauregui, and we’re talking about her newest album….‘The Hurting, The Healing, The Loving’,” James Corden; a renown talk show host said as he introduced the pop star. “We’re all dying to know, when is this highly anticipated album dropping?”

Camila smiled. She was way too excited for the release of this album, as it was as she dubbed 'her baby’. “Well, James, my baby will be dropping….drumroll please,” the audience laughed once they heard the drumroll. “September 21st! I’m so excited to share this with everyone, not just my fans but anyone who listens to my music. I hope it resonates with the broken, and I hope they know that their healing is coming. It may not be right now, but it’s coming.”

James grinned. “You heard it here first, folks. Camila Jauregui’s third studio album is dropping in two months! I don’t know about you all, but I am honestly super excited for this album!” The crowd murmured in agreement. All of Camila’s fans had been awaiting this album since before she even announced it was in the works, and it was finally going to be released and bless their ears. “Okay, so question, what’s your favourite song that you have on the record?”

Camila groaned. “Everyone keeps asking me this, but truth is, all these songs are my babies, they’re pieces of me. It’s like when your kids come and ask you which one of them is your favourite.”

James snorted. “Oh, trust me, I know the feeling.” The crowd laughed along with him.

“But, if I had to choose, I feel like my favourite song would be 'Like I’m Going To Lose You’.” This had been a part of Camila’s 'The Loving’, and a featured artist she had on it was John Legend. “And I know, you’re going to ask why, but I think it’s my favourite because it revolves around a situation between my wife and I.” Camila ran a hand through her hair. “I think…um…when we love someone, something that we forget is that at any given moment the person can be gone; be it death, divorce or whatever it is. And I feel like we don’t truly cherish someone until they’re gone. So I wrote that song after coming to the realisation that my wife won’t be here forever, so I plan on loving her like I’m going to lose her. Unconditionally, because we aren’t promised tomorrow.”

You might think that you don’t matter in this world, but because of you someone has a favourite mug that they drink their coffee out of every morning.

Someone has a favourite song, that whenever it comes on the radio, they can’t help but belt the lyrics out, not giving a shit whether they sound good or not.

Someone reads a book or watches a movie that you recommended and they get so lost in the little details, and they can’t help but wait to talk to you about it.

Don’t ever think you don’t have an impact in someone’s life. Your fingerprints can’t simply be wiped away from the little acts of kindness, from the way you love someone, it can’t go away just like that.

“Aw that’s literally the cutest thing I’ve heard all day!” James gushed. “Do you think she’s watching your interview right now? Do you have something you’ll like to tell the woman that stole your heart?”

Camila laughed. She didn’t think her wife had been watching the interview because she had to be at work at an insanely early hour. Nicholas Dos Santos was going to need her to photograph some of his models and that was going to take a few hours.

“I don’t think she’s watching right now, but even if she isn’t, I just want you all to know that this woman has my entire heart,” Camila placed her left hand over her heart and smiled. “I love her with everything in me. I know that no matter what…she’ll be mine. She’s my home.”

***

“Lauren!”

“Mrs Jauregui - Cabello!”

“Ma'am!”

It had been an extremely long day of running back and forth in her photography studio. Lauren was accustomed to all of this but today, she wanted everything to be perfect. Working with Nicholas was her childhood dream and she needed to impress this man, even though he had expressed on more than one occasion how much he fancied Lauren and Natasha’s work.

Lauren slid into her car, slamming the door shut, she rested her head against the steering wheel and shut her eyes for a bit. She just needed a moment of calm before heading home.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Her phone rang, groaning as she picked up the phone, once the voice rang through the speaker, she knew it was her sister.

“Heyyy, sissy!” Maggie greeted her sister. “Where are you?”

Lauren groaned. “I’m heading home. I’m so tired. I’m just going to dive into my bed and…die.”

“Very cryptic, hermana,” Maggie yelled at someone in the background, telling them to put something back. “But no can do, you’re coming to Val’s restaurant. You know where that is right?”

The older Jauregui mumbled an incoherent answer.

“Listen here, you dumb bitch, how many times do I have to tell you to stop eating the fucking food! She isn’t here yet!” Maggie yelled.

The person yelled back; the culprit being Dinah Jane, Camila and Lauren’s mutual friend. “Listen here, Jauregui, I would end your shit. Do not talk to me like that!”

Lauren snickered. “Mags, Dinah, the both of y'all need to behave.”

“Ugh!” Maggie let out frustratedly. “Just be here in twenty minutes before I murder this whore.”

Lauren laughed loudly. “Okay, fine. I’ll be there soon. And in case Dinah kills you, just letting you know that I love you.”

“Love you too! Now bye,” they both hung up. Lauren hadn’t the slightest clue as to why her sister wanted her to come to Valetina’s restaurant, she just assumed that they were having a get together that Camila had planned last minute.

However, what Lauren had completely forgotten was that her 27th birthday was today. With all the work she was doing building up to today, it had slipped her mind. Of course, people wished her on her social medias, but she didn’t have the chance to check it, nor did she like social media to begin with.

Me, on the other hand, Twitter and Snapchat are my faves. I’m always lurking, scrolling…judging.

Anyway, it hadn’t been the first time Lauren had forgotten her birthday, in fact maybe it was the fourth or fifth. Unknowingly to her, Camila had planned an intimate get together with their families and close friends. She knew Lauren wasn’t too keen on extravagance, so the smaller, the better.

It was a twenty minute drive to Valentina’s restaurant. A pretty high end restaurant, might I add. Lauren parked her car and got out. She wasn’t greeted to people jumping out of nowhere, screaming 'Happy Birthday’, but rather Camila, Dinah and Maggie bickering about some birthday decorations.

Lauren cleared her throat loudly, the trio stopped and turned towards the noise, only to be greeted with their guest of honour.

“Laur!” Camila pouted. “You’re not supposed to be here yet.”

Lauren laughed. Izzy came charging at her mother, almost tripping in the process. She scoped the child up in her arms. “Feliz cumpleaños, mama!” Izzy wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck.

“Happy Birthday!!” Everyone else yelled out because it made no sense anymore as they weren’t prepared for Lauren’s entrance. Upon surveying the room, Lauren saw her parents, Sinu, Valentina, Becky, Dinah, Normani, Ally along with their families. Then there was Natasha who was chatting with Hailee; who recently ended things with her newest boyfriend, then there was Maggie and Ariana.

Lauren smiled. “I can honestly say that I’m surprised. I had completely forgotten about my birthday with everything that was going on.” She wrapped an arm around her wife pulling her close. “Thank you all for coming.”

“I don’t know how you can forget your birthday, babe,” Camila placed a kiss on her wife’s lips. “It’s the day the earth was blessed with such an amazing woman like you.”

Dinah cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled. “Smoothhhh.”

Camila smirked and sent a wink at her friend, “It’s the Cabello genes, baby.”

“Hear, hear!” Becky raised a glass of juice as her mother wasn’t going to allow her to drink anything alcoholic.

Maggie approached her sister and engulfed her in a hug. “Twenty seven has literally never looked any better,” she winked at her sister. “But! Let’s get you out of that hideous work attire,” the model linked arms with her sister, not before telling everyone to let the party begin.

Maggie popped open her trunk, and began rummaging through clothing bags.

Lauren laughed. “You have cocktail dresses in your trunk? Really, Mags?”

The younger Jauregui rolled her eyes. “Of course I do. I’m not an animal, Lauren.” She pulled out a jeans, and paired it with a shirt. It wasn’t something Maggie would wear because she goes all out, but her sister wasn’t extravagant; only when it comes to cars anyway. “Throw this on and go enjoy your party.”

Lauren took the outfit, but as her sister went to walk away, she pulled her back. “Hey, Mags?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you,” Lauren gestured to the party. “I really appreciate it.”

Maggie smiled. “You’re welcome, but I only did the heavy lifting. Your wife is the one who planned everything. You should be thanking her.”

Which was true. Camila had been the one who was planning Lauren’s birthday party. She didn’t want to do something over the top, but rather a small get together with Lauren’s loved ones.

“Although,” Maggie smirked. “I think you’re doing a pretty good job thanking her almost every other night.”

“O-okay,” Lauren blushed. “I think I should change and head back inside. You know, can’t keep my guests waiting!” She sprinted inside to change into her outfit, leaving her sister behind who was laughing uncontrollably.

***

After opening up a few gifts from her friends, and interacting with everyone, Lauren needed some time to herself. She grabbed a plate of food and headed out on the veranda to look at the cars that were passing by. Surprisingly, Camila was already there sitting on a bench, lost in her own thoughts.

Have you ever looked at the love of your life, when they’re doing absolutely nothing and find yourself falling more and more in love with them?

One day, you’re gonna meet this great girl or guy in life. And from the moment your eyes lock with theirs, you’ll know that they’re trouble. They’re going to have a weird sense of humour, they’re going to have an attitude, they’re going to drive you crazy. They’re going to make you do things you never thought you would’ve done. They’re going to make you see the world in a different light.

But, most importantly, they’re going to make you feel things you’ve never felt before.

You’re going to love them against reason, so no matter what, don’t get tired of them.

Don’t give up on her.

Because you knew from the moment your eyes locked with hers, the moment she took your breath away, you knew that she was….worth it.

“You’re staring, Jauregui.”

Lauren snapped out of her thoughts and she smiled to herself. “How can I not? You’re absolutely stunning. Especially in that dress.”

“Flattery would only get you everywhere,” Camila turned her head, and sent a wink to her wife.

Lauren approached the woman, taking a seat next to her. “But as beautiful as you look in that dress, I’ll love to see you out of it,” she whispered into Camila’s ears, causing her to shiver at the thought.

The brunette hummed. “I’ll keep that in mind when we get home, if you aren’t too exhausted.” She took the birthday girl’s hand in hers, pulling it onto her lap. “Listen, Laur, I know it’s your birthday but I need to tell you something.”

“LAUREN! CAMILA!” Ariana burst out onto the veranda where the couple were. “What are you two doing out here? The party is in there.”

“Why are you yelling?”

Ariana paused for a moment contemplating why she was yelling in the first place, but she shrugged. “I don’t know,” she giggled. “Oh by the way, Milz. I didn’t get the chance to tell you, but I’m really excited to be joining you on tour! Just us girls taking on the world!!”

The moment the word 'tour’ left Ariana’s lips, Camila could practically feel Lauren’s eyes glaring into the side of her head. When Camila didn’t say anything, and Ariana had saw the look on Lauren’s face, she knew she had messed up.

“WHAT’S THAT MAGS?!” Ariana pretended as though her girlfriend was calling her, as she tried to escape this very awkward situation. “COMING, BABE!” The pop star ran away, because she was sure some shit was about to go down. And she didn’t want to be a part of that.

“So,” Lauren began. “Tour, huh?”

Camila cringed. “Mi amor, please let me explain.” She turned to look at her wife, who was surprisingly calm, but she was pretty sure Lauren was about to murder her.

“Oh, go right ahead, amor,” Lauren smiled. “Tell me all about your tour.”

“It’s not…it’s not set in stone as yet,” Camila began. “I mean, maybe it is, but if you don’t…if you don’t want me to go, we can cancel it and I um..” She tried to find the right words, but she was so afraid of messing up the progress that they had made over the past few months. Camila wanted to tell Lauren about the tour, but every time she was about to, something interrupted them, and honestly? She was just too scared of her wife’s reaction.

Lauren sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Camz… I love you, I really do, but why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I was scared…”

“Scared of what?”

Camila turned away from her wife. “We we’re finally happy again. You, me, Izzy…then…then I have to leave again. And after everything we’d lose all the progress we made, and you’ll hate me and Izzy would hate me.”

Lauren took Camila’s hands in hers in an attempt to comfort her. “I could never hate you, amor. I’m mad and definitely sad, yeah. But hate you? I can’t ever do that.”

Camila sighed but she didn’t say anything.

“I just wish that you would talk to me about these things you, know? You can’t keep hiding your career choices from me, especially when I’m obviously going to find out.”

“I just…I just didn’t want us to go back to the way we used to be,” Camila frowned. “But I know me not saying anything wasn’t a good decision on my part.”

Lauren blew out heavily threw her mouth and stood. She lent against one of the pillars of the building, not saying anything. “I don’t want to fight with you, Camz.” She turned and looked at her wife. Sadness evident in Camila’s brown eyes. “But it just hurts when you have to leave, you know? I know it’s your career and I’m not asking you to choose between your family and your career. I just want us to be able to discuss these things. I just…want to have a say, you know?”

Camila nodded slowly. “I know, and I completely understand. It’s just even after therapy, it’s still a process, and it’s still hard, but…I want us to figure this out together.” The brunette stood and walked towards her wife, taking one of her hands and intertwining their fingers. “Do you want me to go on tour?”

“I do,” Lauren didn’t miss a beat. “I know how much this means to you and I know how much you love your fans, and how much they love you. I don’t want to come between that, I just want us to be with you, as a family.”

“Do you think we should move?”

The photographer kinked an eyebrow. “Move? What do you mean?”

“Like…I don’t know? To New York” Camila suggested. “Most of your clients are there, then I’m there most of the time because of work…it I don’t know, it makes sense.” When she saw the confused expression etched on her wife’s face, she began to mumble incoherent things. “Never mind, I’m just being silly.”

Lauren shook her head 'no’. “It’s not that. It’s just…everyone is here. My family, yours…and Izzy. All Izzy’s friends are here.”

“Izzy doesn’t really like her friends besides, Elijah, Moana, Destiny, Imani and Elena,” Camila pointed out, but then she sighed. “It was stupid anyway.”

“What was stupid?” Dinah asked as she stepped outside, Ally and Normani trailing behind. “This is literally your twenty seventh birthday, Ralph Lauren, what on earth are you doing outside here?”

Normani took a sip of her drink. “We should be doing body shots! I call dibs on, Camila.” She playfully winked at her friend’s wife, who blushed red in embarrassment.

“I just followed these two out here to ensure that they weren’t going to do anything stupid,” Ally said, throwing her friends under the bus. “You both look glum, what’s going on?”

Camila sighed heavily, and passed her hand over her face. “I’m going on tour.”

“Oh.”

“Damn.”

“Welp.”

Lauren rolled her eyes. “Really, guys?”

“I mean, we’re just saying, things don’t usually end well for the both of y'all when Mila tours,” Dinah pointed out. “What are you both gonna do?”

“Camila, suggested we move.”

“Oh, damn. To NYC?” Ally asked, causing Camila to nod. “That actually doesn’t sound like a terrible idea. She’s always there cause of her music, then sometimes she’s in LA, but I mean it’s not a bad idea.”

Which is true. Most of the time Camila was in New York recording her songs, doing interviews, then she would be back and forth between Miami and New York. Occasionally she would have to go to LA, but that wasn’t as often as New York.

“But then there’s Izzy,” Normani added. “Uprooting a child from a stable environment can hamper their friendships and relationships with other people. These effects are most problematic for kids who are introverted and those whose personalities tend toward anxiety and inflexibility.”

Dinah snorted. “Did you read that off some magazine or something?”

“Actually, yes I did,” Normani retorted. “I like to be well informed for my clients.”

“BUT!” Ally interrupted the two before they started bickering. “Maybe you should include, Izzy in your discussion. Not right now though, she’s playing with Dante, Maggie and the kids.”

Lauren sighed and looked at her wife. “Camz…I love you. I really do. Home isn’t four walls to me, it’s two eyes and a heartbeat.” She trailed her hand down Camila’s arm. “Home is wherever you are, and if moving is what seems best, then we can do it. But we need to include Izzy in this.”

Camila smiled softly and nodded.

“And obviously, we’re going to constantly be in NYC now!” Dinah said excitedly. “Can’t miss out on baby Camren’s precious years.”

Camila laughed. “Of course not, DJ. Mi casa es vuestra casa.” She then looked at wife. “What about me being gone for tour? What happens then?”

Lauren paused and thought for a moment. “I mean, I can always let Hailee manage my company. She’s very capable of doing that. And I can become a freelance photographer. Travel around with you, whichever country your career takes you, and do jobs for people.”

“And Izzy?”

“We can home school her,” Camila thought out loud. “Hire someone, with a child at least who can travel with us and can teach Izzy for the time that I’m away.”

It may seem a bit too drastic. Having your family on the road with you, but it seemed like the only logically idea, especially if you don’t want your partner to give up on her dreams.

If you didn’t want her to stop doing what she loved.

And if we were being honest, Lauren never truly liked sitting behind a desk. She always wanted to travel the world, be adventurous and do what she loved. But when the time came, she chose something practical over her dreams and just went with it.

Minor details would have to be worked out, but this was something that the Jauregui - Cabello family had to talk about together and then go ahead with. Well, only if it was beneficial to all of them, especially young Isabella as she was just a child.

***

“Hey, princesa,” Lauren took a seat next to her daughter who was staring at a slice of cake. The child seemed as though she was deep in thought, until her mother startled her. “Whatcha doing?”

“I’m thinking,” Izzy said. She had her tongue caught between her teeth, eyes not leaving the slice of cake.

Lauren smiled fondly at her child. She ran her hand through the child’s ponytail. “What about?”

Her daughter didn’t say anything for a moment.

“Mama?” Izzy looked at her mother randomly. “What’s your birthday wish?”

“I wished for us, as a family to be happy always. No matter what happens, that we’ll come back to each other.” Lauren picked up a fork and cut a piece of the cake to feed her daughter.

Izzy smiled once she tasted the cake. “Because we’re family and that’s what family do!”

“Exactly, princesa.” She tougher Izzy’s face tenderly, smiling fondly at her. “Why aren’t you with your friends?”

Izzy shrugged. “They annoy me when I play with them too much.” Lauren laughed. “I like Elena more, but she couldn’t come to your party.” She pouted.

“Maybe next time you can invite her home for a sleepover. Does that sound better?”

Izzy nodded furiously. “Yes! I can’t wait.”

“Hey,” Camila approached her wife and daughter. “Are the two of you bonding without me?” She fake pouted, looking adorable as hell.

Lauren patted her lap so that the woman could take a seat. “C'mere, let’s bond.”

Izzy grinned happily. The child was always overly excited when she saw her parents’ interacting with one another. She didn’t know what truly went down between the two, but she knew they weren’t happy then, but now seeing all the strides her parents were making, the child couldn’t have been any happier.

“How’s your birthday going, babe?” Camila asked her wife. “Got everything you wanted?”

Lauren buried her face in the crook of Camila’s neck, inhaling her scent. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more, if I’m being honest.” She looked up and smiled at their daughter. “Being here with the both of you, with my friends and family? What more could I want?”

“Probably some birthday cake, if you know what I mean,” Natasha butted in. She pulled up a chair and took a seat amongst the family. “Am I right, or am I right?!”

Izzy handed her plate of cake to Lauren. “You can have some of my cake if you want, mama.”

Natasha laughed loudly. “She’s so innocent like you, Camzii.” The woman patted Camila’s hand.

Lauren rolled her eyes playfully. “It’s okay, princesa. You enjoy your cake. Natasha is being an idiota.”

Izzy shrugged and continued to eat her cake, ignoring the adults around her.

“So,” Natasha began. “How’s my best friend in the whole wide world doing?”

Camila and Lauren exchanged a look. “What do you want, Tasha?”

The Dominican giggled and rolled her eyes. “I don’t want anything,” she said but the couple wasn’t buying it. “I’m serious! Oh my god, when I try to be nice, you don’t want my niceness?” Lauren kinked an eyebrow at her. “Okay, fine. I was wondering if Hailee is like…I don’t know… single?”

“I mean, from what I know she recently broke up with her boyfriend,” Lauren said. She ran her fingers through her wife’s hair mindlessly. “Why do you wanna know?”

Natasha shrugged. “Oh, no reason. I was just wondering.” The table fell silent, until Camila grew bored and decided on dragging her wife up on stage with her so that they can perform.

“Anyway,” Camila stood and pulled Lauren up along with her. “Let’s sing!”

“Camz…” Lauren whined. “I don’t want to!”

It wasn’t that Lauren was a terrible singer, she just didn’t really like to do it. It was always Camila’s thing, the same way Camila didn’t like photography or having her photo taken, but due to her career, she had no choice but to grow accustomed to it.

The reason why Camila and Lauren had worked so well was that they both respected each other’s wishes. They didn’t force each other to do something they didn’t like or didn’t want to. But even if the other was uncomfortable with something and they knew their partner wanted to do it, they always pushed away their fear or dislike of something.

Especially Lauren, she was always the shyer, more reserved one amongst the two.

When Lauren is with Camila, she’s different. In a good way of course. She smiles and laughs more. She doesn’t have to pretend that everything is okay, when it’s really not. She can let her guard down. She can allow her walls to crumble without the fear of being hurt.

Camila doesn’t feel hurt and alone when she’s with Lauren. Instead, she feels safe and loved. She’s easy to talk to, and Lauren listens. She doesn’t have to worry about holding anything back because Lauren doesn’t judge her. She doesn’t ever feel insecure or sad, because she knows that she’s the only one that Lauren wants.

When you’re with someone, they’ll show you that they really do care, and they’re not just pretending.

When you’re with them, you’re different.

You’re happy.

Camila and Lauren sang effortlessly.

Whenever they’re together, whenever they do something together, it just flows so naturally. That’s when you know that they’re your person.

That’s when you know they’re the one.

Lauren took Camila’s hand in hers and pulled her close, the microphone in the other as she held it close to her lips.

“Everybody’s talking about heaven like they just can’t wait to go, Saying how it’s gonna be so good, so beautiful,” she trailed her hand down Camila’s arm, gazing lovingly into her wife’s beautiful brown eyes.

“Lying next to you, in this bed with you, I ain’t convinced, 'Cause, I don’t know how, I don’t know how heaven, heaven…” Camila brought Lauren’s hand to her lips and kissed her palm. “I love you,” she mouthed as she stared into Lauren’s eyes.

“Could be better than this (heaven) Could be better than this (heaven, heaven),” They sang together, as the music slowly faded in the background.

Once the song was over, Lauren dropped her microphone on the floor, and cupped Camila’s cheeks. “I am so in love with you, Camila Jauregui. So irrevocably in love with you.”

She kissed Camila with every ounce of passion that she had burning inside of her. Every ounce of love and need that she had for this woman. That she had for her wife. She kissed her like it was going to be their last kiss.

Don’t ever take the one you love for granted because you never know when you’ll run out of time. The thing about some relationships is that they just end. You can compare it to a star. They burn bright and brilliant for quite some time, and then for no particular reason, they just reach their end. Nothing goes wrong.

In a sense, I guess, they just burn out.

So embrace the time you have with someone. Love them like you’re going to lose them. Give them your all, only if they’re deserving of it.

Love with no regrets.

***

Wattpad: Commander_Camren

#UPDATE #series #g!p #camren #angst drama #family #humour #romance fluff #submission #Why Did I Get Married

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jim-reid · 6 years

Text

Kings Of The Wild Frontier

Kevin Westenberg / Melody Maker 23.07.1994

The Jesus And Mary Chain were causing riots and generating angry editorials in the tabloids while you were probably in junior school. The Stud Brothers talk to the band described as The Sex Pistols of the Eighties about their team-up with Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star, their great new album, 'Stoned And Dethroned', and their ten years of delinquency and debauchery on the proverbial rock'n'roll edge. Stoned to say the least: Kevin Westenberg. "Does it seem like 10 years?" William Reid ponders this. "Well, it has been 10 years. First gig was June '84, first single 'Upside Down', was October '84. And I still really love that record." "Funny thing about a record," continues his brother Jim, "is it really is like a photograph of some sort. The further you get away from it, the more you've changed, and you look back at it and think, 'God, was that really me, was that really us, was that really what we were about then?'" Like all the best bands, the best fighters, the best lovers, the best drugs, the Jesus and Mary Chain went nuclear immediately. In their first 15 minutes of fame they were beaten up, banged up, accused of blasphemy, they blasphemed, caused riots and became the greatest thing a band can become - a cause cèlébre. As importantly, perhaps more importantly, they released "Psychocandy", an album that redefined the sound of British rock. It's been 10 years and six albums - the seventh, "Stoned And Dethroned", is out on August 15th. Ten years since the anarchy that saw them instantly dubbed The New Sex Pistols, nine since "Psychocandy", and, like all enfants terrible, they've had to live with and live up to their terrible infancy. It haunts them in the very absolute way only a very public past can. Every rock-literate 18-year-old kid will remember the notorious North London Poly gig when the Mary Chain stumbled onstage, hours late and pissed out of their minds, to be chased from the building 20 minutes later by a crowd who'd caused £7,000 worth of damage. They'll also remember the earlier, equally brutal and catastrophic appearance at London's ICA. And yet at the time, these 18-year-olds were probably too young to have bought a record, let alone going to a gig. Even those less well-versed in rock history are dimly aware of the vicious aura that surrounds the band. The Mary Chain were an instant myth. The astonishing thing is not merely that they've survived the myth, but that the myth has survived them. In the normal course of events, groups have either had to split or rock stars have had to end up six feet under for the legend to prevail. If they don't split and don't die, you can almost guarantee they'll serve a fashionable six-month sentence at the Betty Ford clinic, look like shit and mostly be seen poncing about in tuxedos at the MTV Awards, and the legend will be, if not dead, then certainly just a bittter memory. The Mary Chain were well aware of this when they described Bowie as a "f***ing scumbag who should've been shot in 1972", Iggy Pop, who they supported in Australia, as "a sad old pathetic shite", John Lydon as "a sad comedian" while "the best thing that could've happened to the Stones was if they'd met Charles Manson in '69 and he'd hacked their heads off with a f***ing chainsaw." Only last week, in an interview with the Maker's News Editor, Carol Clerk, William Reid showed scant regard for Linda McCartney's feelings when he said "John Lennon was a genius, and so was Paul. Unfortunately Paul never got murdered before he wrote 'Mull of Kintyre'." It's not that Jim and William were being malicious, it's just that they really care about cool, they really care about music and they hate to see it demeaned. The Jesus and Mary Chain began plotting their ascent, or rather dreaming of it (since most of their notority was gained more by accident than design), as dole boys in East Kilbride, a staunchly working-class suburb of Glasgow. They wrote some songs, sent out tapes, failed to get gigs. Eventually, a friend of a friend, Bobby Gillespie (who'd soon replace Murray Dalgliesh as the Mary Chain's drummer) advised them to send a tape to Creation's Alan McGee. A month later they played McGee's living room, then came the first single, "Upside Down", a bone-shattering blood-and-bubblegum rocker that cost £172 to make and sold 35,000 copies. Then came the ICA. There'd been trouble before, most notably a few months earlier at the Ambulance station, but for a riot to break out at London's Institute of Contemporary Art, just a a bottle-throw from Buckingham Palace, really did look like the storming of the Bastille. Or rather the storming of Buckingham Palace. "The so-called riots," remembers Jim. "I think, looking back on them, that it wasn't deliberate but it was our fault more than anybody else's. At the time we were stunned by it all, we would not believe what was going on. We were drinking an awful lot and we'd never been in a band before, we knew nothing about this shitty old business and you really have got to follow the rules to a certain extent. You really can't get shit-faced drunk, go onstage two and a half hours late, play for two minutes then fall over and expect anything other than a lot of f***ing trouble. Really it's amazing there wasn't more. Sometimes we did wanna play for longer but the bouncers would just drag us offstage and beat us up. Either that or we'd be forced to make a speedy exit." "We did undoubtedly benefit from the controversy," says William, "but only for a couple of months. Ever since then we've had to live up to that. Even now. Like, when we released 'Darklands' (J&MC's second album) people said, 'What the f*** is that?' because we were this group that caused riots. So it was like, 'What the f** are they up to? They're supposed to be ripping our faces off and here they are doing little ole country songs.'." "The problem was," continues Jim, "we began by playing to the gallery, you know. It does work, it does get your name in the paper. What we began to realise, though, was that wasn't really why we wanted to be in the band. We wanted, boring as it sounds, to be appreciated for the music we make. But people didn't want to do that. It got beyond a joke." After the ICA came the North London Poly. And then the Electric Ballroom. "North London Poly was quite satisfying," William later told the Melody Maker, "because it was what we intended to do that night. By the time we did the Electric Ballroom it was all expected. It was pathetic. It was like, 'One, two, three, let's riot!'. In those days the whole group was taken out of our hands. It's the only time in our career we've ever lost control, the only time we were truly frustrated." "I think," says Jim, "that subversion in music is the easiest kind of subversion there is. It's someone saying boo to a goose and it always makes headline news. It's so f***ing easy to cause a stir. You get so many groups who come along and do exactly what every other subversive band has done before and it still creates headlines. That stuff that went on with us at the beginning, there were probably people around then who were thinking, 'This is pathetic'. It's too easy to do it stupidly and get away with it." Some may have thought it pathetic, some were pleasantly outraged, others so repulsed that shortly after the Electric Ballroom show, Jim was hospitalised after a gang of thugs beat him to a pulp at a Nick Cave gig. Others took less direct action. The Sun bellowed indignantly about malicious damage, and pressing-plant workers refused to touch the band's track "Jesus Suck" (originally "Jesus F***") on the grounds that it was "blasphemous, obscene and controversial". By 1987, the Mary Chain had been arrested in Germany, charged with possession of amphetamine sulphate in Britain, banned from Radio 1 for advocating the use of drugs ("Some Candy Talking") again accused of blasphemy (for the crucifixion scene on the sleeve of "April Skies", tastefully released in Easter Week) and Jim had been jailed in Toronto for assaulting two fans. Somehow, inbetween, they'd found time to released two magnificent albums. The first, "Psychocandy", appearing at at time when pop either cared (Live Aid) or consumed (Madonna, Pet Shop Boys) was a cooly nihilistic Dionysian blitz. It felt like the purest, most terrible seduction. The second, "Darklands", though sonically more restrained, managed lyrically and in its soporific, smacked-out tone to blur the the distinction between love and drugs, between girls and drugs. Drugs, in their early days, were something the Mary Chain talked about a lot. "I don't want to get into that drug thing," says Jim, wincing when we reminds him of an interview in the Italian rock mag Rockerilla where he and his brother waxed lyrical about the joys of acid and speed. "Yeah, we were doing a lot of drugs in those early days. I don't wanna speak about it. I can name f***ing dozens of bands who people don't even associate with drugs who do an awful lot more drugs than we have ever done. "At the time we thought it was quite cool to talk about drugs, especially acid and speed. I mean, people werent't talking about speed in interviews, so we thought , 'Let's say it.' I don't apologise for it. People should say what they feel. However, it kinda saddens me that people might be doing drugs because we talked about them. I mean, I've never done drugs because I read an interview with a band, but stupid poeple do read these interviews and do drugs. And I don't even want to influence stupid people, I don't want to influence anybody to do anything for the wrong reason. All I say is, 'Do whatever you wanna do, but only because you wanna do it'." "The only thing I wanna say about this," says William, "is that when you get drunk or stoned or do speed, the stupidest ideas make you feel like a genius. I've written songs in that state that I've thought were f***ing brilliant. Then I've woken up the following day and realised what shite they are. So we never write songs when we're out of it." What all the Mary Chain's songs from "Psychocandy" and "Darklands" through 1989's "Automatic" and 1992's "Honey's Dead", have in common, other than vicious hooks and some seriously insidious melodies, is a profoundly romantic notion of escape. Most of the reviews, however, concentrated on insouciant cool and swaggering amorality that, while evident in the sound, is not particularily evident in the Mary Chain's lyrics. For Jim and William, though they'd never admit it (they rarely, if ever, talk about individual songs), men are renegade wastrels, born outsiders spurred on to glory or, more often, led to destruction by the irresistable allure of impossibly brilliant, impossibly beautiful women. Lyrically, and only lyrically, the Mary Chain are like Bruce Springsteen meets Quentin Tarantino - true romance, in fact. Pick any couplet from any album. We'll pick one from "Stoned and Dethroned". On "Bullet Lovers" Jim sings, "Look out world, here she comes / sucking on her painted thumb". It's uncannily similar to the opening line of the 1985 single "Just Like Honey" - "Look out for that girl, as she takes on half the world." In 10 years the Mary Chain have not mellowed. The opening track of "Stoned And Dethroned", "Dirty Water", is a gorgeously barbed pop song that, were it ever released as a single, would surely be destined for the Top 10...if it weren't for a chorus that exclaims with a melancholy ecstacy, "F*** with me and I'll f*** with you / Isn't that what we're supposed to do". The new album took, on and off, two years to write and contains some of their best material to date, notably the heavily analgesic "Wish I Could", "Save Me", a twisted lullaby, and the self-flagellating hymn "God Save Me" (the latter sung, suitably enough, by a surprisingly restrained Shane MacGowan). Musically, it's perhaps most easily comparable to "Darklands", though its confidence and f***-you attitude will have many dubbing it "Psychocandy II" (according to William, that was the working title). In fact, the only letdown is, ironically, the single, "Sometimes Alwyas", wherein Jim duets with Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval, (with whom, by the way, William is now romantically entwined - although the publicity-shy chanteuse declines our invitation to speak today). It's marred by a lyric that is, by the band's standards, trite, and a melody that never soars in the way Mary Chain melodies ought. Nonetheless, "Stoned And Dethroned" once again confirms the Mary Chain as a maverick presence. "I think it's kind of nerve-wracking coming back after all this time," says William. "But it used to be more nerve-wracking, to be honest. I think we always felt more connected to what was going on than we do now. Now I kind of realise we've always been disconnected from everything. So if we go away for two years, two and a half years, and there's five new fashions in that time, I feel like it doesn't matter to us." It's this distance that's allowed the Mary Chain to survive with their dignity, their myth intact. Despite their early guerilla tactics, imitated by everyone from the Manics to Oasis, despite their casually aggressive indifference to their live audience that would eventually give rise to a thousand insipidly ethereal shoegazers, despite their contempt for indiedom (from Day One they said they wanted to be superstars) - an attitude taken up by the Stone Roses and, again, the Manics), the Jesus and Mary Chain have never belonged to a scene. Despite their enormous influence, they never even spearheaded one. Very few others in the present pop scene can claim such longstanding influence and reverence. Mayeb the Cure, maybe Siouxie Snd The Banshees. Perhaps only Nick Cave. "I don't think we have much in common with Cave musically," says William, "but we do share his attitude. He just makes music and keeps a healthy distance between himself and the business. He's doing that, we've always done that." "I think that's what's really kept us going this long," adds Jim. "We have an ability to keep our distance from the business itself. If you don't do that you're liable to be chewed up and spat out. To begin with, we've got our own studio, we can mosey down and make a record whenever we feel like it. We choose the sleeves, everything to do with the Jesus and Mary Chain we oversee. We're just ourselves. "All the controversy is difficult to belive now, but I kind of think it was more to do with the music that riots or anything. The music scene was so incredibly lame when we appeared. We came along and upset things, shook things up for about 15 minutes. Since then we seem to have spent the last 10 years confusing the shit out of people." So, can you imagine another 10 years? "I don't know, who knows?" says Jim. "Once you get a taste of this you become frighteningly aware that it might not last. Ever since 'Psychocandy'came out I've always felt, 'This is it, this is the last year', that I'll be looking for a job soon, that someone will say, 'Look at that minicab driver, isn't that they guy who used to be in the Mary Chain?' I've spent so long feeling the whole thing is just temporary." "Do you remember," William asks his brother, "when you, me and Douglas (Hart, ex-J&MC-bassist and now videomaker) were in the dole office and in walked Lance Percival (camp comedian and Sixties/Seventies TV personality)? And when he left the whole dole office was going, 'That's Lance Percival, that's Lance Percival'? Well, that's kind of how I feel. Pop music is such a f***ing fickle thing. I've seen so many great groups just get forgotten. I don't want that to happen to us." On their toes. And, 10 years on, neither stoned nor dethroned.

#interview

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ambivertaf · 5 years

Text

the boy with saintly names

Here’s another unfinished, short story (God, I’m so fucking lazy), and I’ll hide this person’s identity with the name Mister. So creative, right? I know, thanks. Get ready for one of the biggest cringefests you’ve ever read.

Things didn’t work with this person because we didn’t have the same attitude and philosophy towards this relationship, and just, relationships in general. I think if a person were to know how things ended from his perspective, people would almost always assume that I was completely at fault. I wasn’t the best at expressing myself and I know that, but I had my reasons (that I know I should’ve been more clear about as well). I tried becoming more of what I wasn’t for this relationship, but I just couldn’t keep up. Nevertheless, any of his friends can come ask me for my side of the story. I am an honest person and those who really know me can attest to this. Well, I hope you’re happy and have found what’s truly for you, Mister.

So here goes nothing.

I took summer classes last year and got into the Nursing students' section for my English class. I met him there, but we never talked--well I never talked to anyone except when it was debate or roleplay time and I only knew one person in the class. At the time, he was really a no-one to me. He only catches my attention when he finally comes to class. He seemed like a class-clown type of person. Outgoing. The partyboy type. Sufficiently wealthy and drives either a Mobilio or a Santa Fe--whichever his father wasn't using for the day.

Summer classes went about for 2 months. Yes, nothing happened. Until a few weeks after summer classes concluded. I don't exactly remember why, but I followed a bunch of the Nursing students on Twitter and Instagram because my friend did the same albeit rather more aggressive. I was selective, and of course, it included him. Snapchat was also fairly popular in their class so I got in there too.

Side story:

This, I thought, would be a way to stalk my crush: a nursing guy whom I was having constant eye-contacts with since the day I saw him play basketball at the inter-college games. We eyeballed for a month, then I gave in. I messaged that guy when I was drunk. It was a fairly long confession and I asked if he liked me too, but I was left inboxed, then got blocked the next day. No biggie, I'd be freaked out too if someone whom I personally don't know drunk-messaged me. Anyway, this story is not about that guy. But I still kinda like him though. He's tall and very handsome (subjective, I know). Even the way he walks is handsome. His perfume smells yummy too. Yes, yummy. You know, that smell when you just want to push that person to bed and fuck your brains out. Okay, I'll stop. But seriously, I was intensely attracted to this guy. I wrote quite a lot of entries about him here. Even dreamt about him once. And fantasized the fuck out of him. I imagined we'd fuck everyday if we became an item. Okay, now I'll really stop.

Now back to the main story!

I posted a photo of Tim-Tams on my Instagram story and Mister replied, asking where I bought them. I answered him, and he said thank you. And that was it. It was obvious to me that he was making a move. Tim-Tams are everywhere, man.

A few weeks past, our student org was having an event at this place called Gather. It was a night of live music and social interaction (gross). After a few drinks and one or two fake laughs with some acquaintances, I then got a Snapchat notification. It was a snap of a french bulldog from Mister. I was kinda confused why he'd sent me that, but I replied anyway.

"Cute ng pug!!"

He responded with "Righttt? French bulldog siya actually."

I only had "Ay, hahaha okay!" to say back. Bobo eh, bilang lang ang alam kong breeds. Sorry. Little did I know, he sent that snap to everyone, and he was just trying to start a snapstreak with me. I didn't have to reply. I just had to send him a snap back. Bobo talaga.

He replied to one of my snaps a little later, saying that he knew one of the singers. Turned out to be his batchmate from highschool. He said he'll try to come to the event, but of course, as all "Try ko"s, he didn't come. Meh, didn't matter.

A few weeks of occasional online small talks later, we were finally going to meet up and talk personally. I told him that his singer highschool batchmate was going to have a gig at a place near the school, and that I was going with a friend. He said he'd be there too. And he actually came this time. He and a friend of his took a bit of time to talk to their other friends before coming to me and my friend's table but it was alright. We glanced at each other and said our hellos. That was it. I know, that's so stupid, but I don't know. I'm the worst at meeting new-ish(?) people. Basta. I continued chatting with my friend, and he continued to chat with his. It was a big table anyway. Soon enough, his friend suggested that they go to a bar in Aguirre after the gig. Me and my friend were invited and so we tagged along. *Insert alternating shots of crazy dancing and alcoholic shots here.* I got drunk as fuck but managed to prevent puking. My head felt like it was going to blow up.

I had to go home at around 1 AM and so did everybody else. So we did. Everyone went their own ways but I was offered to be accompanied home by Mister. So we hopped on to his Mobilio. My amats had reduced at this point. We were both just "semi-buzzed". He can hold his alcohol quite well though. He's a partyboy afterall.

He was talkative while driving and as an introvert, I liked that he always had something to say. I've always found it a challenge to start conversations, let alone keep them going.

"Ok ka lang ba mag-drive ng medyo lasing?" I said. "Oo naman, di naman ganon karami yung nainom ko. Medyo buzzed, but I'm fine." "Lakas naman! Hahaha." "May turks ako dito, you want?" "No thanks. Not fond of sweet shawarma eh, hahaha." Sorry not sorry, Turks fans. "Sarap kaya! Hahaha."

He had a lot of stories to tell and I only had a few, short ones. He couldn't stop talking. He shared that he usually has friends accompany him either at home or at his condo until he's 100% sober, and he'd just drop them off the next day. His tone sounded like he wanted me to do just that. If I was really attracted to him at that point, I probably would've agreed to go, but I wasn't yet so I said that I really had to go home soon, or else no one would open the door for me.

"Thank you Mister, nice to meet you haha. See you." "Okay, see you din!"

So I was home. I thanked him again on Messenger. I'm not sure if his reply was "Anytime!" or "No problem!". Whatever. Small talk commenced once he got home as well. We said our goodnights, and he sent me a selfie. I was kinda WTF, but it's fine. I turned off my lights, took a picture and sent that to him. LOL. I'm not one to send selfies, sorry. I know I'm ugly and I cringe at the sight of my unsightly face on the front camera. So, no.

Our conversations escalated from occasional, to every day.

Annabelle: Creation came out and we, along with 2 other Nursing friends, decided to watch it. And of course, as fate would have it, the other 2 couldn't make it. I forgot their reasons why.

It's a date then. So cliche.

It was raining and I was coming from a spontaneous mini celebration of my lola's birthday in Container Turf. I struggled hailing a tricycle through the rain, trying to make it in time for the movie. I got drizzled a bit, but the show a.k.a. the landi must go on. I needed this la niña on my 2-year el niño.

I ran to the cinemas. He was standing there, holding his popcorn. Waiting for me.

It was a good movie with a shitload of jumpscares. I'm not easily scared though, and so I flinched a grand total of 0 times. Strong ako eh. Joke. I like horror movies because I don't get scared. He was a different story though.

He'd cover his eyes at times. "Uy, sayang lang ticket mo hahaha." I'd laugh at him. Sometimes his mouth. I'd laugh again. Even grabbed my arm once. *Pfft. Moves.* There, I flinched.

#love story #college

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spotlightsaga · 7 years

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Kevin Cage of @spotlightsaga reviews... Drag Race (S09E07) 9021-HO Airdate: May 5, 2017 Ratings: 0.694 Million :: 0.3 18-49 Demo Share Score: 9/10 **********SPOILERS BELOW********** Ever had a really terrible day where your whole world is ripped apart? That was my day yesterday... And even though I've already watched '9021H0' & 'Ru Paul's Roast' (and purposefully have avoided writing reviews), I thought it was Friday... Or was wishing it was... As was like Please, GOD, get me home so I can watch these Drag Race bitches so they can lift me up, because lorrrrrd... I'm falling apart. I'm a struggling writer with two degrees taking whatever work I can get freelance writing, working at well known South Florida Bar on the weekends (and that job along with the 5 hour total commute a day through the dredges of Miami is killing me)... But Spotlight Saga is my baby, every dollar I make in everything goes to making this existential media online mag dream come true, and it is not cheap. I hate to turn this all about, 'ME ME ME ME MEEEEE' as Valentina would croon, but I gotta have my Alexis Michelle moments too and I really need my place where I can just let everything out and connect with you all... Avid fans of the show, readers of everything Spotlight Saga, and all the people at 'World of Wonder' and the contestants of the show that will see what I will say next. For almost two weeks, I have everyone in Miami saying, 'I'M ON SPEED TOO!', 96% have no idea what they're referencing but lawd, Trinity girl... And really all the contestants who made this episode such a success really have gotten me through a tough time through dealing with 3 deaths in the past week... And a sudden realization that my fight for Nina's treatment on the show was a reflection was something I was feeling at work and in life. I identify with you, Nina, because just like you, I'm talented, deal with with depression, and am a little bit crazy, girl. All your struggles that we see stripped down to the bone, especially on WOW's 'Untucked' don't go unnoticed. And I'm always here with open arms if you need me. You are beautiful, you are talented, and are going to get you some acting classes! Again, Drag Race & Untucked is my last living connection to the 'Gay World', and even though some of you shits send me death threats after I critique this show, it really is one of the only positive experiences in Gay Culture I have left. I love that we start out '9021HO' with the girls going back to the workroom, Alexis finally celebrating a well deserved win, Nina admitting her issues with getting in the way of her success, Shea Couleé delivering the 'I'ma lift you up in church and put you on the cross and crucify your ass if you don't do you and stop this mental block you throw up that keeps you from succeeding (Not only does Nina need to hear that, so do I - You are a perfection Shea), and Trinity 'The Tuck' Taylor giving us that true Floridian 'Another one down, now the real bitch can prove it's her town' Florida 'Suit of Armor' bit. Start your engine, mother fuckers... Ru enters the workroom and announces that Jenny Garth & Tori Spelling will be the guest judges for the upcoming challenge... And that the contestants will be transporting back to 1993 putting on their version of '9021HO'... Notable, because Farrah Moan announces that was the year he was born... Alex's face is priceless, 'You were born in 93?' That was my reaction to finding out that the barback at my weekend job telling me he was born in 2000! Do you know the debauchery I was knee deep 'In the yeaaaaaar 2000000000!' Ru takes Alex's reaction up an even larger notch (cuz shhh, Ru is much older - not that Ru ages) 'Im gonna fucking fuck you up!' Peppermint won the lip sync, I'm sorry... BURNED THAT LIP SYNC DOWN TO THE MOTHER FUCKING GROUND, so Ru gives her the honor of leading the group an assigning the roles... An honor that's both a curse and a blessing. Peppermint takes the high ground and asks the contestants what roles they feel the most right for, and really tries to give everyone the role they not only want, but feel the comfortable in. Cant please everybody, especially when there's pressure to perform at your highest ability, Aja has a meltdown from hell after being cast as Grandrea... But Peppermint isn't having it. Bitch we love you, but if you don't know want the role and are going to bring that kind of attitude to the production, Shea will gladly take the role she doesn't really want and make it one of the best in the show... That's kind of what she does. And I know that Aja was regretting this one later. Those cameras are on you almost 24/7, so if you have a meltdown like that, not only are they going to feature it prominently on the show, they are going to throw it up in your face when it comes time to face the music. I have it paused on Aja's 'reaction face'... Baby, if we are to be wed, this isn't the face you should ever make again. Alex is quick to click, 'You're going to have to grow up and accept the challenge.' Queens, going forward, if Shea gladly accepts the role you don't want, worry, she will take it, make it, and easy fucking bake it... And you don't want that coming up on the runway. Garth & Spelling introduce themselves and get to work... Its a bit like Snatch Games some contestants are automatically killing it (Trinity Taylor, Valentina, Shea Coulee), some need a bit of direction but are able to take it like pros and turn it in to magic (Alexis Michelle takes notes and follows the lead of Garth & Spelling, and for the most part Farrah - she just takes a bit longer than others, but hey, that's part of her charm, and Sasha Velour who didn't do bad, but didn't do great either), and then there are the those that bombed (Aja, Nina, Peppermint).... And there's nothing worse than watching these Queens on Drag Race bomb. Despite the criticisms I get for reviewing this portion of the show (God, get me to Untucked), I grow attached to all these contestants and want everyone to succeed, sometimes despite themselves. We all get in our way sometimes, and rather than seeing everyone bomb I want to Ru Paul to be put in a position where she doesn't know who to put in the top, the bottom, or even make safe... I want to everyone to shine. Everything is taped, the editing begins, and the queens prepare for a sick runway... You know what that means... Your VH1 mandated Drag Race workroom therapy sessions (I'm sure WOW is like, can we just do things our way, PLEASE... Are the ratings really that much different from Logo's, especially on a Friday Night.) The Queens talk prom, Alex has a pic of he and his date at prom in full drag... Alexis Michelle haters, can you please give this bitch some credit... That's an act of a true pioneer, that takes balls, and if you don't have balls, it takes gumption. Valentine was prom king... Perfection isn't surprising with this one. Now I am already a huge Trinity Taylor fan, this is a Florida bitch... Its hot down here and we have to put up with craziest people in the world, and if they're not born here they migrate from literally all over the world to bring their crazy to one huge hodgepodge of sweltering, alligator 'rasslin, porta-potty lighting on fire and tippin' insanity. It takes a special kind of crazy to survive the Everglades, bitch. Hearing Trinity's story about quitting the last two years of high school to take care of his grandmother touched me, especially since my partner of 11+ years had to do the same after his mother died at age 7 and his 5 sisters abandoned him to live with and take care of his father who turned into a scared and lonely, verbally and emotionally abusive man who eventually was taken by cancer in his final hours as my partner was robbed of his high school experience. If there was one thing I could change in this world, it isn't to take that experience that ultimately made him stronger in life and one of the most loyal and amazing men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing... Not to mention a loving, dedicated caretaker and lover who sticks by me through all my bullshit, self-destructive behavior, depression, and dependence issues over the years... But to go back and just sit next to him while he has to endure it, just so that someone else was there. Trinity, the next time you are in Miami, we would like to offer you the full Prom experience. I'm not sure Ginger Cubs are your thing, but my partner is certainly not that... So you get the best of both worlds, and my offer is real. I live on Collins in Miami Beach so 'The Prom' experience is something we can definitely give you in full, the 305 'White Boys in a Cuban World' version anyway... Followed by a senior trip and the whole nine. And I totally agree with Alex, I also truly believe those we've lost are there, watching, carrying us, picking us up when we need to get the fuck up off the floor... Even if we can't see them, 'cause god knows we can feel them. Runway Time!!! Ru is ready with 90's pastel, looking mighty, like a Queen who owned the 90s... Oh she was? And the 80s? And the 00's and the 10's too... Oh, that's right! This outfit reminded me of that, silly me! The makeup is a bit, uhm, off... But we're going to act like the makeup and the wig are flawless... oh we're not? Ok. Category is... Big Hair, Everywhere! Valentina... What were you guys expecting? Anything less than perfection? Diana Ross was her inspiration and it reads, but I wanted some early, EARLY 90's touch to this runway, and this is reading 70's. Farrah Moan, Crushed it. When Farrah doesn't stand out in challenges, she's there on the runway making grown men weep. Trinity Taylor, I love her everything, she can do no wrong, and if there is wrong, I'm sure it was someone else. This look is sick, and Trinity's voiceovers just make every step on the runway that much more entertaining. Top 3 at the end or bust. Sasha Velour... Big hair is inspiring a life of 70's/80's looks and yes 'Sid ate Nancy' is perfect. Fuck it, this look is sick, no complaints and anyway punk is forever Brooklyn. Peppermint... Again with the 70's, but hey... No one said '90's twist' so I guess I should stfu. Peppermint looks ready for Studio 54, and she's jumping the line, baby. Nina... YASSSSSSS, see this is what I'm talking about. Even if Nina bombed the challenge look at this early 90's Club Kid inspired runway with a Banana Fana Fo'Fina twist, that paint, RAWR. Shea Couleé... OK. Did someone say milkshake earlier? This is one of my favorite looks. Alexis Michelle... Big Hair, Floating in the water... Oh my! Not only does Alexis give us Disney Villain realness, she also ties it in to the mirror character she played. This is a winning look. Period. Aja... I like it... This is one of her better looks and there is definitely a progression throughout the show in terms of growth in the runway. It's just hard to follow Alexis Michelle... But it's hard to deny that Aja didn't do exactly what the judges asked of her here and more. 9021-HO... Living for this intro. Nina & Peppermint open, neither one dazzle, but this is not Nina's challenge. They immediately introduce them to Shea's 'Grandrea' and it's lights out. The divide is widening, and I'm not talking about Michelle Visage 🙃. Valentina & Farrah rock, the edits are surprisingly strong for Farrah, but Valentina could outshine the sun. Sasha Velour looks like Alaska Thunderfuck & Sharon Needles had a baby and left it home by itself. If Sasha had turned the volume up, she could've been in the top, what stopped her from taking this to the next level?! Trinity, my God, this performance has gotten me through the roughest two weeks in my life as of late... And if you pause the show at any point in the prom, there is not a frame that doesn't include Trinity Taylor that won't have you on your knees, laughing until you cry. The lip sync... A classic. Let's be honest, CeCe Peniston's 'Finally' had a much larger reach than the gay community... It was an electronic music classic, it was gay club classic, and even remixed to perfection for rave and club scenes throughout the 90's and early 00's. YES, Aja has made incredible strides and growth throughout the season, but Nina took that lip sync down to the river. It is what it is. Cheers to one of the best episodes of Drag Race to originally air on VH1. Now, excuse me while I catch the fuck up!

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ugdigital · 7 years

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[Exclusive] @ActorSirBrodie: Survivor’s Remorse

We’re thrilled to bring you get another great exclusive right here at UGD! This time, we’ve connected with Sir Brodie, who has become one of the more prominent faces on the Starz hit series Survivor’s Remorse. In just five years, Brodie has built a significant name for himself, having made appearances in a number of popular shows. It’s with Survivor’s Remorse that he’s beginning to make his biggest impact, as the world is beginning to see how amazing an actor he truly is. Take a read below as we chat about the show and all else he’s got popping off these days.

Survivor’s Remorse premieres its fourth season tonight!

U.G. Digital Mag: In coming together for Survivor’s Remorse, I’m embarrassed to say I really just caught all three seasons of the show man. It’s really good work. I know you come along in season three, but it’s really good. Talk about your character?

Sir Brodie: My character is one of Julius’ friends. He was the uncle to Cam. Julius was Mike Epps’ character, and I was one of his friends from Boston. I came in during the funeral, as you know his character was killed in an accident at the close of Season two. Pookie is more the level-headed friend. He’s the one that all the rest of the boys trust. When you see him in season three, he’s more concerned about sending off their friend with respect and dignity. Another friend in the scene by the name Cakebread is more the “fuck-up”. He’s the comic relief [laughing]. At the end of the season, you see M-Chuck coming to Pookie to find out who her father was.

U.G. Digital Mag: Right. She had been asking for a while. So many viewers have ideas, and of course, you’re seen throughout the new season. You’ve got to give us some intel about the show man [laughing]. What can we expect for the new season?

Sir Brodie: Man, I think you’ll expect a lot more comedy. Tichina is hilarious. The cast is hilarious.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s funny that she [Tichina] hasn’t been in a role like this before. She has such longevity and we’ve seen her in so much, but this is perfect because she’s taken it and run with it.

Sir Brodie: I know. With Survivor’s Remorse, the writing staff actually gives the lead characters a lot of room and opportunity to come in the writer’s room and discuss their characters. They have a lot to do with how it all unfolds. They allowed me this past fall to come into the writer’s room and discuss Pookie’s character.

U.G. Digital Mag: That’s amazing because it doesn’t solidify anything in stone necessarily, but it gives the idea that you’ll be there for some time.

Sir Brodie: Man, we’re praying for that [laughing].

U.G. Digital Mag: I know man. I say let’s put it out there. It’s really good, but even outside of the show, you’ve done really good work. I see you’re also a part of an upcoming episode of The Haves and the Have Nots, which is one of my favorite shows. Actually, we just connected with Jon Chaffin this morning, who plays Warlock on the show. Talk a little about your spot there?

Sir Brodie: My role is that of a police officer. We actually shot that, man, it’s probably been a year or more ago. I can barely remember what was going on. I know we were investigating something in the hotel. I don’t even want to give that away [laughing]. Somebody’s been killed.

U.G. Digital Mag: They’re going to kill me man, because I’ve been digging for info. I’ve connected with a few people from the show over the past few weeks.

Sir Brodie: Yea, but I know we’re investigating. Honestly, I never know who it is based on the script I had, so I don’t know. I’m playing a police officer, basically when the cop shows up on the scene. It’s a small role, but a major blessing to do it with Tyler Perry. All of us actors in the game, especially here in Atlanta, are dying to work for Tyler Perry.

U.G. Digital Mag: Man, the actors here in Cleveland want to work with Tyler, so I know it’s a huge blessing [laughing]. I think it’s amazing for you. What I think is that it speaks volumes to you as an actor because you’re getting these parts in prominent productions. Blue Bloods, MacGyver, and more. Sleepy Hollow. I think it’s great, and the opportunities are flooding in for black actors in general. As I watched these three seasons, I started pinpointing who I wanted to connect with, and you were right at the top of the list. I thought it would be great to hear the experiences you’ve had with the show, and how it’s helping your career. I look from the outside obviously, and feel like it’s doing tremendous things for you. The growth is exponential. The show is huge.

Sir Brodie: It’s the biggest booking of my career. The experience of those great actors, and being around them is great. RonReaco is amazing. I couldn’t believe he didn’t get any awards last year. Starz is a subscription channel, so a lot of people don’t get to see it like they can see Empire on network television. But once they see it, they continue to watch. We don’t lose fans. I enjoy the show because it’s real. They keep it on the real and hold no punches. It’s funny and dramatic. You have all the elements.

U.G. Digital Mag: I can tell they give you free reign and allow you to develop the character into something believable. This is stuff that is really happening.

Sir Brodie: Yea, but you’ll like Pookie. He’s the OG from the neighborhood.

U.G. Digital Mag: It was weird when you first came in because I thought from that point, you’d be there the entire season. Of course, you came back eight episodes later for the “Father’s Day” episode. But this is real stuff. When RonReaco came in contact with his dad, people live that everyday. What are some of the other things going on that are coming up?

Sir Brodie: We have an independent movie in Atlanta, The Products of the American Ghetto, and it’s based on a book written by Tierre Ford. It talks about the Atlanta landscape when crack cocaine came on the scene, and the drug war between the Atlanta dealers and Miami dealers. It touches on the Miami police when they implemented the red dogs, which was a task force designed to clean the streets of drugs. They were given free reign in Atlanta.

U.G. Digital Mag: There’s a lot of powerful people in here, like Robin Givens, and Darrin Dewitt Henson.

Sir Brodie: Right, there’s a lot of good names here. They’re actually premiering it here in Atlanta on the 23rd of this month. Next Wednesday. That movie will do well in our community here. I play an OG character in that movie as well. I seem to get them roles, and I channel my father. That’s coming. I just finished shooting an untitled project. It’s an Al Pacino film based on Joe Paterno. That’s all I can really say on it.

U.G. Digital Mag: That’s cool man. I saw that project coming, as well as The Products of The American Ghetto, and saw the caliber of people involved. I imagine it will do well.

Sir Brodie: Then we’re just out here grinding, and auditioning. It’s a lot of projects shooting here in Atlanta now, so the actors here have a chance to be involved in a lot more. Before, we would all go to LA, but now you don’t have to leave. if you want to be a working actor, you can do it here in Atlanta.

U.G. Digital Mag: You’re right. Honestly, I’m seeing that in a lot more cities now. You can do what you want there, and it’s amazing how much Atlanta has grown. It’s ironic because I’ve considered relocating there. It’s amazing how many more opportunities are there. A lot of that is because people there are doing so much, including Tyler Perry, to make those opportunities available.

Sir Brodie: Definitely.

U.G. Digital Mag: What things are you looking forward to doing in the future?

Sir Brodie: Eventually, I want to do some of my own projects. When you create your own, you have a lot more creative control. I have that desire. I started acting five years ago, and it’s been a learning process. It’s definitely been a fast learning process. Most people say it takes ten to fifteen years to really make it, so I’m still in my grinding mode, and feeling the business of acting out. Hopefully, I can do a few projects on my own. I have a few ideas. I guess if I can put a wish out there, I want to play in a remake of Shaft and actually be Shaft.

U.G. Digital Mag: I can see that happening, and it would be a good thing. I say put it on the table and it will come.

Sir Brodie: Absolutely.

U.G. Digital Mag: Obviously, many people look to get into this amazing field of acting. What advice do you offer? I ask that because things are moving great for you. It often does take fifteen years or more. Things are really happening for you at a rapid rate, and it’s great. Surely, you’re working hard, but you’re following your dreams. What advice do you offer?

Sir Brodie: It’s the same advice I give for anyone looking to do something with their life. You first have to desire it and have it in your heart, and be willing to put in the effort it takes to see that come to pass, coupled with a lot of prayer. Whatever you want to do, you have to learn it. I had to learn the craft of acting. I took an acting class every week for three years because I wanted to do this. I said it when I started, that some people have natural talent. That’s good, but It takes more than that though. You have to make the commitment to train and educate yourself. Be willing to work for free and understand that. I was in projects for three years and wasn’t getting paid. It was free stuff, but I got that advice from Greg Allen Williams. I was a background performer on Necessary Roughness, and he told me that if I wanted to do it, don’t worry about the pay. Don’t worry about if the project is great or not great. You need to learn every aspect of it so you can recognize a good project, a good director, and a good DP, so you have to do it all. Young directors and filmmakers are the future, and many of them don’t have money to pay you to work with them. You have to establish those relationships. I went to class and started networking. People were calling because they knew I would say yes [laughing]. You have to work hard and network. Whatever role you book is for you. We’re not really competing because what’s for you is for you. You have to be out there though.

U.G. Digital Mag: I love the fact you said work for free. That’s goes for any profession. I take that back to my own personal experiences in Journalism. In the beginning, I was willing to do it for free. My thing was I have a job, and I have money coming in, so I can do this for free, and I wasn’t scared to say it. The experience and knowledge trumps. If that means I need to intern or work for free, I’ll do it. Many times, that’s your only way in. Especially with Journalism, you need two to three years of experience for the entry level stuff. It resonates for sure. I tell people that, and many frown, but it’s essential.

Sir Brodie: If you have a passion for it you’ll make it. I can act all day long. I love to do it. The grind and struggle works at building you and building your character. When the success comes, then you won’t squander it. I enjoy the present moment. Tomorrow is not promised. Enjoy the moment now and hope for tomorrow.

U.G. Digital Mag: I love it. Where can people keep up with you online?

Sir Brodie: All my info is @actorsirbrodie, on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter…

U.G. Digital Mag: I can’t even lie man, I don’t know how you do the Snapchat thing, I can’t keep up with that one..

Sir Brodie: Yea, you do so many things. I film on one, and then have to figure out how to get it to the other one. Its a part of the business now. Production looks at it though. They want to know your social media following.

U.G. Digital Mag: Right. Again man, thank you so much for today. It’s surely an honor.

Sir Brodie: Thank you!

#survivorsremorse #Survivor’s Remorse #Season 4 #Sir Brodie #Premiere #Actors #Starz

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ugdigital · 7 years

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[FEATURE] NASHIEM MYRICK [ @TheProducerNash ]: LIFE AFTER DEATH [THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. TRIBUTE]

For as much as we felt we already knew about The Notorious B.I.G. and the classic double LP, Life After Death, the process of completing the various features we have has been quite eye opening. It’s been an opportunity to look deeper into the lyrics that he truly lived, and the words that have lived posthumously for 20 years now.

In this particular feature, we connect with Nashiem Myrick, who was an intricate part of Bad Boy’s Hitmen, the in-house production team that ultimately crafted a majority of the songs we all knew an loved, not just from Biggie, but from many other artists on the booming roster. Myrick has been lauded for his work through the year, especially the personal touch he added to Life After Death. Having developed a relationship with B.I.G. that began during the “Ready to Die” days, it wasn’t difficult for him to know exactly what the King wanted. Myrick definitely delivered with four of the album’s most revered tracks: “Somebody’s Gotta Die”, “Niggas Bleed”, “My Downfall”, and “What’s Beef”. We talk to Myrick not only about these powerful tracks, but also the legacy that has lived now for two decades, and continues to grow with each passing day. He also gives us a glimpse into what he has going on right now, and what we can be on the lookout for.

U.G. Digital Mag: I’m immensely grateful to you for your time man. As someone who religiously read album credits, I've wanted to connect with you definitely this entire 20 years. This is really awesome to talk so someone I feel was majorly vital for the overall creativity in this project. Clearly we're honoring the legacy of Biggie in Life After Death, but you're responsible for a bulk of the album in terms of production. What was that like at the time, knowing you would contribute, and then what's it like now, looking at how inspirational it's been to so many people?

Nashiem Myrick: Well, you know, it was the hitmen, and we got a chance to do a bulk of the album. Me and B.I.G. were in tune, and we had a connection when it came to music. He liked the stuff that I liked. With Somebody’s Gotta Die, I got that to him well before the album started. We were still working Ready to Die, and I have him the track. It pretty much started the direction of the new album. Not to say that it was the maiden fact for the album, which it is on the album, it’s the first track, but he got into that new vibe at that time when he started to wrote to that song. If you listen to Life After Death, and then you go back to the first album, you can tell his rhyme style changed a little.

U.G. Digital Magazine: Oh it changed a whole lot.

Nashiem Myrick: Right. It got way more intricate and sophisticated. I got a head start before everyone else. I had an opportunity to do way more tracks for him.

U.G. Digital Mag: I felt like there was something in I’m that, while not trying to be like anyone else or prove anything, it’s like he was saying “look, I can roll with the best of ‘em, no matter who It is”. Coming from Cleveland, People here really looked out for Notorious Thugs featuring Bone Thugs, and he clearly switched his entire flow. He did stuff many were scared to do.

Nashiem Myrick: Right, and it’s like, if you wasn’t from the midwest, you wasn’t doing that Bone Thugs n Harmony record. At that time, he surprised everybody, but we knew he had it in him. Him and Jay were just on another level at that time. I can’t explain it, and no one can, but they was just on another level when it came to the rhymes, it was like out of this world.

U.G. Digital Mag: My own interpretation with Life After Death was that you had the most introspective tracks on the album. Not really any of the uptempos, but the more gritty cuts. Was that a conscious move? How would it be determined what you worked on versus what everyone else in the hitmen worked on?

Nashiem Myrick: We all had different styles, and that was the beauty of it. It was never a case of us having to preplan anything. I had linked up with a guy names Carlos Broady a little before the album started. He and I collaborated on those songs, and we had the same ear, and the same style. When it came to the rest of the hitmen, D-Dot, Stevie, Ron Lawrence, you know, we were just different. Even though Ron Lawrence and D-Dot were a team, basically everybody had their own style. When it came to making the album, B.I.G. and Puff pretty much knew what each element; the elements being Me, Carlos, and Stevie, they knew what each one of us individually would bring. That would make a more broader album as far as music was concerned. You gotta understand; we was new at the time. I had a track record from Who Shot Ya, and a couple other joints floating out there like Queen Bitch.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s crazy because a lot of people really don’t know, and I look at how big some names have gotten in production. There’s so many songs you’ve done out there, from Queen Bitch, and Who Shot Ya, and you’ve worked with Mary, Jay-Z, Scarface, and a lot of people don’t recognize. You brought something to the table with B.I.G. that so many people fell in love with. Even looking at the samples you used, You figure the Isley brothers, Al Green, Richard Evans, The Dramatics, Run DMC, you introduced a lot of people to music before that time. Today, many artists don’t know about the predecessors, let alone even having respect for the predecessors. I talked to DMC last week about “My Downfall”, and we talked about the fact that musicians today don’t know those before them.

Nashiem Myrick: I know, and that behooves me because I grew up on music since I was so little, and I was always interested in the credits, even before I was really making music, I always understood it was a process to make these songs. I was reading the sleeves at such an early age that I knew this guys also played in Funkadelic, and Bootsy Collins, or they derived from James Brown’s era. I always put it all together. My father was a big music fan, and he was also a DJ, and had a record collection that would blow your mind. That’s all I did was gain knowledge, and he was into every type of music. If it had soul, he introduced it to me. I don’t understand these kids. You’re not going to last if you don’t know your past. Period! Everything on earth relied on the elements that came before.

U.G. Digital Mag: I appreciate hearing that from you because I was somebody that read the liner notes to see who was involved, where the sample came from, and everything. You speak of Carlos, and that was my introduction to him; reading the liner notes for the album. I remember listening to “Anotha”, and learning ti came from Barbara Mason. Before reading that, I had no clue. It’s good to hear this from you. Also, the people you sample, my son picks it up, even at 10. He knows “Stay With Me” by El Debarge was sampled for One More Chance; He knows Al Green, and so on.

Nashiem Myrick: I had an advantage that these young kids don’t have today. I was born in 1970, so I was born when hip-hop was created. I lived through it, so I don’t really have to go back in time. I didn’t have to do too much history because it was right there for me, and since we as a culture, our music comes from what we have around us. We’re not band players. We actually developed through technology, so we relied on old records that were already done. You have to know your history. I was a guy who always knew the break beats. I collected break beats. Since I grew up around music, I always knew the samples as people were coming out with them. I always knew it, and if I didn’t, I went back into my record collection, or I would read the notes. I used to know, down to the drum loop, what songs were used. Even if they used a snare and a kick, I could name the snare kick when I was young, and it was crazy. I was a buff, and people would be amazed. That’s one thing Puff loved about me when we met. I met Puff when we was at Howard. He was DJ’ing and hosting parties. When he got his job at Uptown, he would call me over for studio setups. I would sit with him and go through break beats all night.

U.G. Digital Mag: It had to be a good feeling in your heart to be involved from the very beginning of Uptown with him.

Nashiem Myrick: Yea, when he got the job interning, I can remember he was still going to Howard. I knew like, I know this guy so somehow we’ll connect. Plus, I was in the group with one of his friends, one of my beats friends, Harve Pierre, and our friend Davie, we had the connection, and he was trying to get into the music business. We already had the record deal. He was promoting parties, and we was always in cahoots with each other.

U.G. Digital Mag: How did you end up being production them?

Nashiem Myrick: Well, the record deal that me, Harve, and Dave had, Sticks and Stones was the name of our group, they dropped us. We was on Pay Day Records, and was managed by Empire management. That’s Group Home and Gangstarr, they was down with them also. They dropped us on my birthday and I’ll never forget. I got the call on my birthday, so from there, Puff had gotten fired from Uptown, and started shopping Bad Boy. He had already asked me to work for him when he was at Uptown, but it was more clerical stuff. I knew that could open doors for me, but I didn’t know nothing about clerical work. When he got his deal at Bad Boy, Mark Pitts was working for him. He invited Harve up there, and Harve was working for him. He didn’t really have a staff at the time. He had a studio in the crib, and needed an intern. I was interning under Poke of the Trackmasters. They were taking care of the studio and I worked under them, but two weeks later, I guess they had a break-up over something, and Puff wanted me to take a bigger part in this. He wanted me to step up, and I said let’s do it. He already knew I wanted to be a producer, and I knew the street essence of the hip-hop game as far as music was concerned. I was already heavy into the samples, and he already knew that from me being a DJ. Gradually it formed.

U.G. Digital Mag: Of all the songs you worked with, you had “Somebody’s Gotta Die”, “What’s Beef”, “Niggas Bleed”, and “My Downfall”. What did those songs specifically do for the album to lend it the credibility it has maintained for 20 years now?

Nashiem Myrick: I think they were the glue for certain moments in the album. You could tell a couple of them were storytelling joints, which B.I.G. was incredible out.

U.G. Digital Mag: Exactly.

Nashiem Myrick: He had to display that. They were the glue. It’s like, you make a dish and you need something to keep the certain ingredients together. Those tracks gave it that grit. That’s where I came in at. It was to hold the album together. having an album with just video joints, there’s no depth involved. You need something to take with you. You need legs to an album to where it keeps with you for a while. If you have all radio joints, it gets exploited on the radio and in the club, and then you’re through with the album. This is so you can have something to take you into the future. They keep the album together and make it do beautiful.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s funny, though, how you speak of the radio tracks. You have “Hypnotize”, ‘Going Back to Cali”, “Mo Money, Mo Problems”, and by far, they took the album to the next level, but when you look at even “My Downfall” specifically, it has carried the album for this time. You had the more introspective joints where you could listen to what he was saying and relate it to your own life. Theycarried the album.

Nashiem Myrick: Yea, and that’s the basis of a classic album. You gotta have a joint that’s not going to be exploited on the radio. it’s just for the album. You have to buy the album to get certain cuts. A lot of times, it can be worthy of a single, but let’s keep it on the album. That’s a trick I guess they learned long ago.

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s definitely dope though. When you look at hip-hop today, how has this album aided the evolution of hip-hop?

Nashiem Myrick: Wow, first of all the production on that album is fucking ridiculous. People wasn’t taking the time and effort to put into the production what we were doing, you know, we were taking sample based records but making them so orchestra-like, and bigger than they could be. You go back to like Dre would do it. He would get people to come in and play the parts of the sample and take it into a live form. What we were doing was the same, keeping the sample there, and creating on top of that. We added new material, new tracks, and new instrumentation on top of that sample, making it extraordinary. That’s where it took a shift, as far as I’m concerned as a producer. Hip-Hop took a shift, and if they didn’t learn from Dre that you had to do more with the music, and make it more extraordinary, they saw it with the Hitmen and how we did it on that album, and the Mary album prior to that.

U.G. Digital Mag: I agree. I know for a fact that people were sampled who only cleared the samples because of who you were and what they knew your track record to be.

Nashiem Myrick: Right.

U.G. Digital Mag: I look at “Rise” from Here Alpert, and I know so many artists were trying to clear that, and nobody could, but he immediately cleared it for the Hitmen and for B.I.G., which was amazing.

Nashiem Myrick: We thought we wasn’t gonna clear it too.

U.G. Digital Mag: Angela Winbush, the joint with her was absolutely amazing.

Nashiem Myrick: And we had her come in and sing.

U.G. Digital Mag: I know. That’s just what I mean. It’s a sample, but she sang on top of it, and killed it. Til’ this day, it’s one of the dopest.

Nashiem Myrick: Took her song, and wrote a version just for that sample.

U.G. Digital Mag: You won’t get that with anyone else man.

Nashiem Myrick: No! Especially not anyone with her credibility.

U.G. Digital Mag: So yea, there’s a lot of people who appreciate that. Where does the legacy go in the years to come? People are still buying?

Nashiem Myrick: It’s going to be there forever because of the untimely death of my man. That’s just going to grow the legacy more because it’s the last offering he had. He didn’t even get to hear the album. He didn’t get to hear “Somebody’s Gotta Die” in it’s latest form. 60% of that song was produced after he had passed.

U.G. Digital Mag: Wow.

Nashiem Myrick: It’s a lot of songs on there like that.

U.G. Digital Mag: I would have thought he had finished it all before, seeing as how it released two weeks after he passed. It speaks volumes in terms of the connection everyone had. Now, going back a little, everybody knows you were behind “Who Shot Ya”. The song made people think so much. Was there ever any though just of any drama that could come from what people thought?

Nashiem Myrick: Not at all. We never thought that. I mean, emcees were going at each other unknown, subliminally, but he wasn’t. I was there during the session as it came out. It was never that. it was all fantasy-based. You never thought about drama. His lyrical skills were so amazing that it would make you believe that. But that never entered our minds. We just thought we had a dope record.

U.G. Digital Mag: I really want people to know the many things you’ve done production-wise. Mary J, Scarface, Nas, Lil’ Kim, Jay-Z, Push T, Mariah Carey, and the list goes on.

Nashiem Myrick: I worked with Mobb Deep. It’s a blessing. it was one point where people didn’t know my name. Then one record, and everybody wanted to work with me. That was cool. I wanted to produce for as many of these great artists as I could. I went from being an in-house producer to being one of the hottest producers in the industry.

U.G. Digital Mag: What is there for everyone to see and follow right now?

Nashiem Myrick: I’m trying to put together a Hitmen album. I have a few artists I’m recording now who I will be putting out. it may take a couple years to get it out there, but I’m still working with artists. You just have to look out for it. I will be promoting it. I’ll be out there.

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