#this part is just the silly goofy exposition but i figured i might as well post it cause at least that part is finished LMAO | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

letangelliottblaneyfan91258 · 3 years

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A/N: Links to Chapter 1-3 posted at bottom of page!

Chapter 4

It had been a few days since Eden left Sids after they raped her. She called out sick from work she couldn't face them. The team was headed out to California and Eden asked if she could fly out and meet the team there. They said that was fine. Eden went out a day early and did some sight seeing. It was nice. The team arrived later that day. She had just gotten finished eating when there was a knock at the door. Eden goes and sees it was Sid.

"Eden please open the door." Sid says.

He had carnations her favorite in his hands and a stuffed Panda bear too. Eden figured she might as well hear him out. She opens the door.

"What Sid?" Eden says.

"I am sorry for what I did to you the other day." Sid says.

"Oh you mean raping me when I said no." Eden replies snarky.

"Yes I am sorry baby. It will never happen again. Kris is sorry too these are from us." Sid says.

"Look let's just let by gones be bygones. I won't say anything about what happened. I won't tell your secret." Eden says.

"Please baby. Think about it. We really do love you." Sid says.

"Okay I will think about it okay." Eden says.

"Good baby. We love you and don't want to loose you." Sid says.

"I will think about it okay. Now I just want to go lie down. I am not feeling well." Eden says.

"Okay feel better." Sid says kissing her softly on the lips.

"Thanks Sid. Goodnight I will see you at practice tomorrow." Eden replies.

"Okay baby." Sid says kissing her head.

Eden took the flowers and Panda and shut the door behind him. She wasn't thinking about anything she was walking out of this and going to be with Chase.

That was when her phone went off. It was Chase.

"Meet me down in the lobby." Chase texts.

"Wait you're here!" Eden texts back.

"Yup got a race here in Cali and then racing Phoenix and Vegas." Chase says.

"Let me change and I'll be right down." Eden says.

She throws on a pair of jeans and a black be brave shirt. She then heads down to the lobby.

Chase was standing there waiting for her. She runs to him.

"Chase." Eden exclaims practically jumping on him.

"Hey princess." Chase says kissing her.

Eden kisses back not caring who was watching.

"I'm so happy you are here." Eden says.

"I am happy too I get too see my girl. Now let's go I have a special date planned just the two of us." Chase says.

They link hands and head out to them rental car. They both get in. Chase takes off towards San Diego.

"Where are we going?" Eden asks.

"You will see." Chase says smiling at her.

45 minutes later they arrive at the zoo.

"The San Diego Zoo!" Eden says excitedly.

'Well I know how much you love animals especially pandas so I figured I needed to bring you." Chase says.

They park. They then head to the entrance. Chase pays for them them. They find out there was a bus called the Kangaroo Bus that would drop them off at various parts of the park. They get on the bus and it takes them to the first part of the zoo. The Australian Outback. Inside there they see the Australian Wander which was full of plants that come from down under, along with Camels, Koalas. Laughing Kookabura's, Tasmanian Devils and Wombats.

It was fun. They got to hold a koala, play with a kangaroo and ride a camel together.

Eden was taking all kinds of pictures.

From there they head into the Lost Forest exhibit,. There they see Bog Garden, Bonabo's , Fern Canyon, Flamingos, Ginger Garden, harpy eagels, Hawaiian pants, Hippo's, Mandrills, Monkey's, Okapi's, orangutans, Otter's and pygmy Hippos pygmy marmosets, Tapirs, terrace lagoon, and Tigers.

"I want a hippo for Christmas is one of my favorite Xmas songs so I love hippos." Eden says.

"They are intriguing animals." Chase says.

They continue on. They were holding hands and acting like a real couple and Eden was loving it. They then get on the Kangaroo bus and head to the nest spot for them. They then do the Panda Canyon, where they see Amur Leopard's, Giant Panda's red pandas and Takins.

"Pandas are my absolute favorite animal in the whole wide world." Eden says.

"I know now come with me." Chase says.

They head behind the habitat where they met a zookeeper. Chase paid extra for them to be able to play with one of the panda's. It was one of the Cubs born not that long ago. Also Eden was adopting it and could name it. Eden was having the time of her life. Chase had them take picture and a video. She ended up naming the bear Chase. Finally they leave.

"Thank you for doing that for me. I love it." Eden says.

"I am glad baby." Chase says.

That was when Eden ran to the trash can and threw up. Chase held her hair back. He also got her ginger Ale.

"Do you want to go home?" Chase asks.

"Nope I'm okay now." Eden says.

They then head to the Africa Rocks where they got to see and play with the penguins.

They head around the zoo seeing more different animals. They saved the best for last where Eden got to see the polar bears another one of her favorites. It was neat to see them out playing. Eden took more pictures. Finally they headed to the gift shop and Eden got a few things. Chase got her a few things as well and they left.

"Thank you Clyde for a much needed fun day." Eden says.

"You are welcome Princes." Chase says.

"Our first official date." Eden says.

"And it's not over yet." Chase says.

They hop in the car and head back towards Los Angeles. Chase heads to Disneyland and parks.

"Disneyland baby?" Eden asks.

"But of course. Have to take my Princess to the happiest place on earth." Chase replies.

"I love you." Eden says.

"I love you more princess." Chase replies kissing her hand.

He then gets out of the car and gets her door. Eden gets out and they head to Disneyland hand in hand. They head inside and stop first at Sleeping Beauty's castle and have someone take a picture of them in front.

They got a few different ones including of one of them kissing. After that they head to start riding rides. They get on Alice and Wonderland, Astro Orbiter, Autopia, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Chip and Dale's tree house, the Disney Gallery, Disney Railroad, The Disneyland Story presenting Great moments with Mr. Lincoln, Donald's Boat, Enchanted Tiki Room, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Frontierland Shootin' Exposition, Gadget's Go Coaster, Goofy's playhouse, Indiana Jones adventure, It's a small world, Jungle Cruise, King Arthur's Carrousel, Mad Tea Party, Main Street Cinema, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mark Twain Riverboat, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mickey's house and meet Mickey, Minnie's house, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, Pincchio's Darin Journey, Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyers Island, Pirates of the Caribbean, Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin, Snow Whites Scary adventure, Space Mountain, Star Tours The Adventure continues, Star wars Launch Bay, Star Wars Path of the Jedi, Storybook land canal boats, Tarzan's treehouse, Dumbo the flying elephant, Haunted Mansion, Main street vehicles, Splash Mountain, Davey Crockett's Explorer canoes, and Sailing Ship Colombia.

"I am hungry." Eden says after they finished riding the rides.

"Me too." Chase replies.

"Let's eat and then we can continue on." Eden says.

"Sounds good.:" Chase says.

They decide to eat at the Carnation Café. They both get burgers and fries and milkshakes. After they eat they head and do a few shows. They do a Star Wars Character Experience and then they do Jedi Training. That was fun they then meet fairy friends at Pixie Hallow and meet the Disney princess at Royal Hall. Chase took a few pictures of Eden. He got a her few things. He figured for Halloween she could be a princess and he would be a race car driver.

They continue on and get on Animation Academy, Fliks Flyers, Francis Ladybug Boggie, Golden Zephyr, Goofy's sky school, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Heimlich's chew chew train, it's tough to be a bug, Jumpin Jellyfish, King Triton's carousel, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's undersea adventure, Luigi's Rollickin Roadsters, Maters Junkyard Jamboree, Monsters Inc. Mike and Sully to the rescue, Princess Dot Puddle Park, Radiator Springs racers, Red car trolley, Silly Symphony Swings, Soarin around the world, Sorcerers workshop, Toy Story Midway Mania, Tuck and Rolls Drive em buggies, Turtle Talk with Crush, The Bakery Tour, California Screamin, Games of the Boardwalk, Grizzly River run, Mickey's Fun Wheel, Redwood Creek Challenge trail, Frozen at Disneyland resort, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters after dark.

They then head and see Ana and Elsa's Royal Welcome, Frozen Live at Hyperion, Meet Olaf, and Meet the Residents of Radiator Springs in Cars land.

Finally, they head back to the car and head to Universal Studios. They go inside and get on rides. They ride on Harry Potter and the Forbidden journey, The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, Flight of the Hippogrif, Fast and the Furious Supercharged, King Kong 360, The Walking Dead attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Park the ride, Transformers The ride, The Simpson Ride, Revenge of the Mummy Ride, Super Silly Fun Land, Sill Swirly Fun Ride, Special Effects show, Water World, Universal's animal actors, and Charter sightings.

They finish everything they wanted to do at the park before heading back to the car.

They then head back to the car and back to the track. Chase had something special planned for them. He had it set up and ready to go.

"What's this?" Eden says seeing a table set up for two.

"Dinner for two baby." Chase says.

"Awww Clyde." Eden says kissing him.

Chase kisses back. He then helps her sit down.

He goes and heats up their food. He had made chicken parmigiana and noodles along with a salad. When it was done he sits it in the table and then takes his seat. They each take a piece of chicken and some noodles. They then add a little bit more sauce to each before sprinkling it with parmesan cheese. They put some salad in their salad bowls and add the dressing. Chase pours them each a glass of wine.

Eden takes a bite of the food and then says

"Oh my god it tastes as good as it smells."

"Thanks. The sauce is my mothers homemade recipe." Chase says.

"Well it's good." Eden says.

They eat and enjoy each others company. Once they finished Eden helped Chase clean up and put the leftovers away and load the dishwasher.

"The flowers are for you." Chase says to her.

"Thank you Clyde. Carnations are my favorite flower and pink is my favorite color." Eden says.

"I know baby." Chase says.

"So wha are we going to watch?" Eden asks.

"Since I know how much you love scary movies I have the Conjuring universe movies ready to go." Chase replies.

"Lead the way." Eden says.

Chase lead her to the game room. They both sit on the couch as Chase turns on the Nun. The movie starts. Not even five minutes into it Chase jumps at a scary part.

"Damn." Chase says.

"You really hate scary movies don't you?" Eden asks.

"Yes I do. But I will watch them because I know you like them." Chase says.

"Well I will keep you safe Clyde." Eden says.

"I know." Chase says as another scary part happens.

They movie went on. Eden felt him get a little tense and knew he was scared so she leaned in a little closer trying to comfort him. Chase puts his arm around her pulling her closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

It got to the part where the priest was buried A alive. Chase started to shake. That was one of his phobias being trapped someplace not being able to get out. He was claustrophobic.

"Oh Chase." Eden says leaning in placing a soft kiss on his lips.

She would do anything at that moment to make him feel better. She never experienced a man so vulnerable.

Chase kisses back putting his hands on each side of her cheeks. Eden parts her lips slightly. Chase deepens the kiss exploring her mouth with his tongue.

"Mmm." Chase moans deep in his throat.

"Mmm." Eden moans too.

"God Princess ." Chase says once they both come up for air.

"You are a good kisser Clyde." Eden says.

"So are you Princess." Chase replies.

She looks deep into his eyes and sees a bunch of emotion swirling in them.

Chase leans in kissing her again pulling her all but into his lap. His hands roam up the back of her shirt setting her skin on fire.

"God Clyde take me to bed." Eden moans when he let her up for air again.

"God baby are you sure?" Chase asks.

"God yes." Eden says she wanted him so bad.

Chase picks her up carrying her into his bedroom. He sits her on her feet closing the door. Once the door was closed Eden pushes him up against it.

"Eden." Chase moans.

"I want you and I am going to take you." Eden says.

"I want you too." Chade says.

She starts to lift his shirt up placing soft kisses along his chest as she does.

"Fuck." Chase moans.

Once she gets the shirt up and and over his she throws it to the floor.

"You have the most amazing body Clyde." Eden says running her nails lightly down his chest to the band of his jeans.

"Thanks Princess oh god." Chase moans as she pops open the button and pulls the zipper down running her finger up his happy trail.

She works the jeans down his hips kissing his stomach with light fluttery kisses as she does. Chase just moans.

She then works his boxer briefs down as well freeing his rock hard cock. Eden licks her lips. She places soft kisses on his stomach again before running her tongue down his happy trail. She places soft kisses on each thigh before slowly taking his cock into her mouth.

"Fuck Eden." Chase moans running his fingers through her hair.

She sucks him in nice and slow running her tongue along the underside of his shaft. She looks up locking eyes with him. She keeps sucking him in and out of her mouth slowly.

"Fuck Eden that's it suck my dick baby." Chase moans gently pulling her hair as he starts to thrust.

Eden kept going slowly torturing him bringing him to the verge of cumming.

"God baby I am going to cum." Chase moans he didn't know what she wanted.

Eden gently starts to play with his balls never taking her eyes off him.

"Princess oh god." Chase moans as he cums hard down her throat.

Eden swallows every drop before slowly licking him clean. She then slowly works her way back up his body pulling him in for a kiss. She explores every inch of his mouth with her tongue letting him taste himself on her lips and tongue. Chase slowly backs her towards the bed. He breaks the kiss long enough to pull her shirt over her head tossing it.

"Jesus Eden that bra." Chase moans seeing it.

He pulls one strap down kissing her shoulder as he does. Then kisses the other as he pulls that strap down. He sucks and licks the tops of each breast peaking out from the cup. He pulls the cups down taking one in his mouth running a circle around her nipple with his tongue before sucking on it gently nibbling on it bringing it to a peak.

"Clyde." Eden moans running her fingers in his hair.

Chase moves to the other breast doing the same thing. He slowly unclasps the bra pulling it off tossing it aside as well. He then kisses softly down her stomach to the band of her jeans.

He uses his teeth to pop open the button lightly nibbling on her belly as he slowly inches them down her hips and legs. Eden steps out of them kicking off her shoes.

"God baby those panties. God so wet." Chase moans running his mouth over her pussy smelling her juices.

He then slowly works them down over her hips and down her legs. Eden kicks them off. He then slowly kisses his way up her legs placing a kiss on each thigh. He blows cool breath across her mound as she slowly spreads her legs. He runs his tongue up and down her slit before pushing inside starting to fuck her with his tongue.

Not long after he started Eden gently pulls his hair pulling him away from her.

"Fuck me Clyde." Eden says all but begging him.

"God okay baby." Chase says kissing his way up her body. He picks her up kissing her letting her taste her on his lips and tongue and gently lays her down on the bed.

"God please Clyde I need you inside me now." Eden moans.

"God baby." Chase moans as he gently pushes inside her.

"God yes." Eden moans as he starts to thrust gently at first.

He wanted to go slow letting her adjust to his size. She was so tight and wet.

"Jesus Eden you feel so good. Like a glove." Chase moans.

"God fuck me Clyde hard and fast." Eden moans digging her nails into his back.

Chase moves a little harder and faster. Eden wraps her legs around his waist letting him go deeper inside her.

"Eden oh god." Chase moans going even harder.

"Clyde god that's it." Eden moans as he stretched her even further.

She throws her head back arching into him. It felt so good.

"God baby I am not going to last." Chase moans

"Cum baby let me feel it." Eden monas.

"Eden sweet Eden." Chase moans looking deep into her eyes as he cums hard deep inside her.

"Clyde oh god." Eden moans shuttering as her orgasm rushes through her.

She cums with him feeling him coat her insides. She just moans as her body shutters from the pleasure.

Chase kisses her gently on the lips and then the jaw and neck as they ride it out.

"God Clyde again I need you again." Eden moans.

She just wanted to feel that good again and not think about anything.

"Okay Eden but this time it will be nice and slow." Chase says.

"Please." Eden begs.

Chase starts to move again inside her taking it nice and slow.

"Eden god." Chase moans loving being inside her.

"Clyde god." Eden moans as he slowly builds her up.

"So close." Eden moans.

"Cum baby." Chase moans.

"Clyde." Eden moans as she cums.

"That's it baby milk my release." Chase moans as he cums again inside her.

They make love a few more times before Eden's eyelashes started to flutter. Chase gets up.

"Where are you going?" Eden asks sleepily.

"Shhh baby I will be back." Chase says kissing her softly on the lips.

He goes into the bathroom grabbing a wash cloth wetting it with warm water. He then comes over and gently wipes her down cleaning her.

He goes and tosses the rag in the hamper and then climbs into bed beside her. She curls up to him laying her head on his chest. Chase pulls the blanket up over them kissing her head as they both fall asleep.

**************************

The next morning Eden and Chase woke up when the alarm went off.

"Good morning baby:" Chase says.

"Good morning, oh god." Eden says getting up and running to the bathroom.

She made it just in time to empty her stomach in the toilet. Chase was right behind her. She got her everything up. Chase then picks her up gently and carries her back to bed.

"Sorry baby." Eden says.

"For what?" Chase asks.

"Getting sick." Eden replies.

"It's okay." Chase replies.

"I need to go back. I have to change before I head to practice." Eden replies.

"Yeah I know. I am glad I was able to see you." Chase says.

"Me too I will try and make the race on Sunday." Eden adds.

Chase smiles. He gives her a few shirts from his collection. They then head to the car and head back to Eden's hotel.

"I will see you later princess. I love you." Chase says.

"I will see you later Clyde. I love you too." Eden replies.

They share a few more kisses not wanting to part ways. But finally Eden heads inside and up to her room. She showered and got dressed and then heads down to the bus. Once everyone was on they head to the arena. Eden goes and gets the exam room set up in case they would need it for anything. That was when she felt arms snake around her waist.

"Hey baby, I missed you last night." Sid says.

"Hi Sid. Sorry I was so tired. Still getting used to the time change." Eden replies lying.

She didn't know what he would do if he knew she was with Chase. She was scared of him. It sucked cus she had a contract and had to work with the Penguins until the end of the 2021 season. Even though she wanted to quit.

"I know it can take effect on you but you will get used to it." Sid says.

"I know. Don't you have practice?" Eden asks.

" I do but I wanted to know if you were doing anything after?" Sid asks.

"No I don't. Sunday I am going to the NASCAR race before the game that night. But nothing today." Eden replies.

"Okay maybe I can come to your room, we can order room service and watch movies." Sid says.

"Okay." Eden says.

"Good see you then." Sid replies.

"Is Kris coming too?" Eden asks.

"Nope just me this time." Sid says.

"Okay." Eden replies.

Sid kisses her and leaves to attend practice. Eden grabs a little something from the snack bar and goes and watches practice. Halfway through Kris took a high stick to the face and there was blood.

"I got it." Eden says.

Kris comes down the runway and into the exam room. Eden follows him in. Kris was sitting on the table.

"Damn that hurt like a son of a bitch." Kris says.

"Sorry Kris." Eden says dabbing the blood away with a towel.

"It's okay. Is it bad?" Kris asks.

"Yes going to need stitches but shouldn't keep you out of the game tomorrow." Eden says.

"Good." Kris says.

Eden stitches him up. Kris puts his hand over hers.

"Thank you. Sorry for the other day Eden. Are you okay?" Kris asks.

"Yeah I'm okay. And your welcome it's my job." Eden says.

"I know. Im still thankful for you." Kris says.

"I know. I don't know what's going to happen between us but I promise I won't tell anyone about you and Sid. I just don't think I can do this. It took me to moving away and being away from him to realize how much I love Chase." Eden says.

"I know I can tell. Look if you want out that is fine. I know you won't tell anyone about me and Sid but I don't know if Sid will let you go." Kris says.

"I know." Eden says.

"Did you ever love us?" Kris asks.

"I loved you Kris you never hurt me. Sid in the other hand." Eden says looking down.

"I'm sorry he hurt you Eden." Kris says lifting her head up.

He leans in and kisses her. Eden kisses back.

"God." Eden moans as she pulls away.

"Go lock the door." Kris says.

Eden goes and locks the door. She comes back over and climbs into his lap.

"God." Eden moans as he shreds her panties.

"I like skirts." Kris says.

"God." Eden moans as Kris pushes up into her.

"Ride me pretty girl. You know you want to." Kris says.

"God Kris." Eden moans as she starts to move up and down.

"That's it pretty girl." Kris says grabbing her hips.

They needed to be faster. Kris took control of their movements. Eden bit her arm throwing her head back to keep from screaming out. Kris nips and sucks her neck as they move.

"Eden fuck." Kris calls out as he cums hard deep inside of her.

"Kris. "Eden moans out as she cums with him.

They ride it out and Kris picks her up off of him. He stands up and fixes himself.

Kris then kisses her head before walking out the door. Eden collected herself. She then cleans up the exam room and prepared it from the game tomorrow. She then heads out and gets on the bus.

Once all the boys were on board they all head back to the hotel. Eden goes up to her room. She changes into her new Chase Elliott shirt and a pair of lounge pants. She wasn't feeling the greatest. She was laying down when there was a knock at her door. She gets up and opens it. Sid was there with room service and flowers.

"Come in." Eden says letting him in.

"Thanks." Sid says kissing her cheek.

Eden shuts the door.

"What did you bring?" Eden asks.

"Chicken noodle soup and ginger ale. Because I know you said you weren't feeling good." Sid says.

"I am not." Eden replies.

"I am sorry. Well let's eat and then we can relax and watch something on Netflix or something." Sid says.

Eden nods her head yes. So far it was going okay and she wasn't afraid. This was the Sid she started dating. They ate the soup and Eden nibbled the saltines. She sipped the ginger ale. Finally they laid in bed and Eden turned on Netflix. She turned on Sweet Home Alabama one of her favorite movies. She started to think about Chase. This movie was the story of their lives. Sid started to kiss her. Eden kisses back closing her eyes. As they were making out Sid runs his hands down her body. He runs them down her pants and under wear rubbing her pussy before sticking a finger in.

"Hmm nice and wet for me pretty girl." Sid says.

"Yes." Eden moans. She was pretending it was Chase.

"Want me to fuck you pretty girl?" Sid asks.

"Please." Eden begs.

Sid slides her pants and panties off followed by his jeans and boxer briefs. He then hovers over her running his tip along her entrance.

"Soaking for daddy." Sid moans.

"God don't tease." Eden begs.

Sid pushes into her and starts to move thrusting hard and fast.

"Fuck baby." Sid moans as she moves with him.

She wrapped her legs around his waist letting him go deeper.

"God." Eden moans digging her nails into his back.

She still had her eyes closed pretending it was Chase fucking her.

"That's it pretty girl milk my cock baby get ready to take my cum." Sid moans.

"GOd." Eden moans she was almost there.

"Fuck Eden god." Sid moans as he cums hard pumping her pussy full of his cum.

"Clyde oh god Clyde." Eden calls out as she cums too.

"What the fuck did you just call me?" Sid shouts slapping her.

Eden's eyes flashed open and she realized that by her fantasizing about Chase she called out his name.

"Umm." Eden says.

"Did you call me Clyde? Were you thinking about another man while I was fucking you." Sid screams at her.

Eden was so scared she didn't know what to say.

"Answer me you ungrateful ass whore." Sid screams.

"Yes I am so disgusted by you and how you treat me that in order for me to even attempt to have sex I have to think about Chase so I can get off." Eden screams out pushing him off of her.

She gets up off the bed. She was going to hide in the bathroom or something. She had her cell phone.

"You fucking whore. Don't you ever push me again or I will rip your hair out and choke you with it." Sid yells grabbing her hair pulling her back to him.

"Ow you are hurting me." Eden says.

"You think I fucking care. I hope it hurts. Remeber I am the only guy besides Kris who can cum in your sweet pussy. We are the only ones who can fuck you." Sid says.

"Fuck off Sid. I want out of this. I can't stand you. I fucking hate you. Get out." Eden screams turning around wailing out on him.

"You want to hit me bitch. I am going to show you." Sid says.

He picks her up throwing her back into the mirror glass shattering. He bashes her head against it not caring that it busted her head open. He then throws her down onto the floor throwing the mirror down on top of her covering her in glass.

"I will kill you before I ever let you leave." Sid says.

"Please I need help." Eden cries out.

"Fuck that bleed for all I care. If I can't have you no one will." Sid says as he kicks her hard.

Eden whimpers. Sid then leaves the room door slamming behind him. Eden still had her cell phone. It took everything in her to dial his number.

"Hey Princess." Chase says answering on the first ring.

"Chase help. I am hurt." Eden says.

"Eden? Where are you?" Chase asks panicked.

"Hotel Chase. Hurry." Eden says before she blacked out.

"Hang tight princess. I am coming to get you." Chase says.

You ever love somebody so much

You can barely breathe, when you're with them, you meet

And neither one of you, even know what hit 'em

Got that warm fuzzy feeling, yeah them chills, used to get 'em

Now you're getting fucking sick, of looking at 'em

You swore you've never hit 'em, never do nothing to hurt 'em

Now you're in each other's face,

Spewing venom in your words, when you spit 'em

You push, pull each other's hair, scratch, claw, bit 'em

Throw 'em down, pin 'em, so lost in the moments, when you're in 'em

It's the rage that took over it controls you both

So they say it's best, to go your separate ways

Guess that they don't know ya 'cause today, that was yesterday

Yesterday is over, it's a different day

Sound like broken records, playin' over, but you promised her

Next time you'll show restraint

You don't get another chance

Life is no Nintendo game, but you lied again

Now you get to watch her leave

Out the window, guess that's why they call it window pane

Just gonna stand there and watch me burn

But that's alright, because I like the way it hurts

Just gonna stand there and hear me cry

But that's alright, because I love the way you lie

I love the way you lie

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jessethorn · 5 years

Text

Some Interviewing Thoughts

My friend is working on a book about how to podcast. He sent me these questions about interviewing and since who knows how much of my answers will actually end up on the pages of said book (which I will plug when it is time, I bet it will be great), I figured I’d just post them here, in case they’re useful to anyone.

If you are not familiar with me or my work, I am the host of the NPR interview show Bullseye with Jesse Thorn (I am the Jesse Thorn of it). I also did a podcast called The Turnaround where I interviewed interviewers about interviewing.

Can you tell us something about your process?

I'm usually at least somewhat familiar with the guest's work - that's why we've booked them. Not always, but usually. So I have that advantage going in to the prep process.

I try to take a full day to prepare. If there's a book, I usually read it over the preceding week or so. If there's a movie or a show, I see it when I can. The rest I cram in before the interview. I don't have Lexis-Nexus (maybe I should?) but I go on Google News and search for as many news pieces as I can about the guest. I prefer big profiles and long interviews. I'll start with whatever's in the Guardian or the Times or the New Yorker, or online sources with deep archives like the AV Club. And I read as much as I can. Usually a few dozen things. Depends on the notoriety of the guest. I'll also read a bit about the work - film or book reviews, just to get other people's perspectives on it, see if there's stuff I haven't thought of. And usually at the beginning and end I'll read... wait for it... Wikipedia. Because it's usually better than people's bios, and it helps me remember the rough narrative of their life and work. I'll also try to listen to or watch at least one interview - maybe when I'm driving in to the studio. That just gives me a feeling of what it's like to talk to them, so I'm not surprised.

While I'm prepping, I keep a document open on my computer in a writing app called Q10 that saves a text file automatically to a folder that's synced across my devices. If a thought I want to make sure to ask about occurs to me while I'm reading, I drop it in there. Not usually in question form, mostly just a phrase, like "loves to play mandolin but isn't good at it" or something. Generally I'm looking to move past what other people have asked. When I read a response that my guest-to-be has to someone else's question, I'm thinking, "what does that response make me curious about?" I can figure out how to do the exposition to get there. And I'm often thinking in a way improvisers call A-to-C. There is a piece of information, I think "what does this make me think of," then I think "what does *that* make me think of?" It helps avoid obviousness. It's important to know how other people ask someone something, so you can ask something different or at least ask in a different way. Because generally you don't want someone's patter, you want a fresh, in-the-moment thought or reaction.

While I'm doing this, if I find media I want to incorporate or ask about, I send it to my producer, who's pulling clips. They'll give me a list of clips, including the ones I specifically wanted, before the interview, and I'll give that a look-over so I can remember roughly what I've got.

In the end, I have maybe a list of six or eight things I want to try and remember to ask about, a list of six or eight clips, and a lot of information in my head about who the person is. Once in a while, I'll have a question written, but generally only because it's something sensitive and I want to say it exactly correctly. Like a question about a crime someone was accused of or a time someone's colleague was harassed or a time someone said something particularly shitty. Those I don't want to be phrasing on the fly. Generally, though, it's just a few phrases so I don't forget to ask about a funny thing I thought of. I just interviewed the soprano Renee Fleming, and the list had "singer breaking wine glass: is that real" on it.

In general, I'm trying to think about a general outline for the interview - like "we'll talk a bit about the new thing first, then circle back to childhood, then through the biography" or whatever. And I'm trying to be curious and think about why they make the choices they do and what I find myself wondering about. Besides that, I want to know enough about the person I'm talking to that I can just focus on conversing with them.

What things do you think are most important or key to your ability as an interviewer?

I like and respect the people I interview. If they seem like an asshole, I don't invite them on my show. They're generally pretty brilliant, or they wouldn't be able to make the great art they make. So my job is to just meet them where they are and talk to them like a person. I probably show a bit more of myself than most folks at NPR do, who are more news-oriented or reporter-oriented, but my interest in the person sitting across from me is sincere. If I share something of myself, it's because I think it might be meaningful to them and help them understand that we are both people, and we're having a chat.

I also don't try to hide my interest behind posturing faux-impartiality. They're there at my invitation, I'd be a real heel if I'd invited them but wasn't interested in what they were saying. I listen when they talk, and react to what they say. I don't try to control the conversation except to the extent I need to do so to make a radio show. I goof around in goofy parts and respond in a humane way in emotional parts. And in general, I know that it can't go that wrong, so I don't really give a fuck. You only get one ticket, might as well enjoy the ride, as Devin the Dude raps.

What do you do to put people at ease or when you sense that they're' holding back? Is there a time you remember when that happened?

I try to put them at ease when I meet them, before I even sit down at the mic. Or before we start if they're in another studio. That really is just basic human stuff. I come out of my office, go over to them, say hi, I'm Jesse. Shake their hand, smile. Let them know we're gonna talk for an hour or so, it'll just be talking, we'll make them sound great. For most guests if there's something that might be sensitive, I'll let them know it isn't live and if there's something personal they don't want to talk about, to just let me know. (That never actually happens.) Maybe I ask them something about their outfit or something I wondered that wasn't really for the air, like about a sports team I heard they like or something. Just talk to them like a nice person would.

If the interview is rolling and they're holding back, I maybe ask them something friendly and surprising, something that makes me look dumb, maybe something silly. If they're really polished but not revealing themselves, I might ask them a question that requires a heartfelt answer - like I dunno... "are you afraid of death?" Mostly though I just know that I have some time and that if I talk to them in a nice human way they'll usually come around to responding in kind.

What do you keep top of mind when interviewing?

The person sitting in front of me. The actual conversation happening at that actual moment.

Could you describe how you go about preparing for an interview, and approx how long that process takes?

I went through it pretty well above, but as far as time goes - outside of consuming the media the person is there to talk about, their book or film or whatever, I'd say I try to give it at least six straight hours. And I'm very fast at it, since I've been doing it now for twenty years. Before it was maybe eight or twelve. But again: that's in the context of most of my guests already being very familiar to me.

Was there a time when something totally unexpected happened during an interview? What did you do in response? How did things turn out?

I once played a clip for Michael K. Williams of a dance track from the 80s, this song where he'd appeared in the video. It was his big break. And I thought maybe he'd be happy to hear it, kind of amused, but he started crying. And he was in a studio in New York, I couldn't really tell if he was sad or hurt or happy or whatever. But I just let him do his thing. Because I didn't need to control the moment. I have him some time, and he shared some incredible memories.

Are there some people you look up to as interviewers? What did you learn from them?

I think Ira Glass is always very deeply interested in other people's feelings. It is absolutely sincere, and he just asks about them. On more than one occasion, I have had him ask me about my feelings when I was interviewing him. He obviously doesn't do the same kind of interviewing I do - he is really looking for a few illustrative or moving highlights - but the way he does that is very inspirational to me.

Terry Gross is extraordinarily modest. She is a brilliant genius, but she is always glad to highlight the guest and what is great or interesting about them. She also always asks for examples, always brings the conversation to specifics and stories when it could be vague.

I did a series called The Turnaround, where I interviewed interviewers about interviewing, and talked to all kinds of famous interviewers, from a variety of media.

Susan Orlean, who writes for the New Yorker, can find a story anywhere. She just shows up and is extraordinarily curious and recognizes when something is interesting and pulls the thread. That's another improv technique - a scene is built on the first distinctive element. You spot it and you grow it.

Larry King is always hyper-present. He did years and years of long live radio shifts. He absolutely trusts his curiosity. He told me he once asked a pilot if, when the plane took off, he knew it was going to land. He is unafraid of looking like a fool as long as he is following his curiosity.

Reggie Osse, Combat Jack, he knew everything about the subject he was interviewing people about. Everything. So he always had a little anecdote or a little insight that opened things up. His show was loooooong, but that was because he was always relating to something someone said about something in a club in 1998, and that led to this, and all of a sudden you're armpit-deep in amazing stories.

Jerry Springer really respects everyone he talks to, and cares about them and their story. Including folks who other people might laugh at or scorn or pity. He just goes in and tries to give them a chance to be heard.

Elvis Mitchell is a real critic, and he has more expertise in entertainment media than anyone I've ever met. I mean he knows more about his seventh-greatest area of expertise than I do about my first. He's really masterful at talking to artists about the actual content of their work. Themes and ideas. In a clear and concrete way. So many people substitute anecdote for insight, and I am very grateful for his insight.

Marc Maron is like a genius puppy. He just pokes and prods and guesses, and he's so smart and is crackling with such energy that he finds stuff because people step up to meet him. He also is so raw, emotionally, that people just try to take care of him by sharing themselves.

Audie Cornish is astonishingly clear-eyed. She knows what she needs to know, she knows the context, she goes and gets it.

Howard Stern will just ask about anything. And you know he will talk about anything. So you feel obliged to tell him. And he always asks about the biggest and most important stuff. Like how did you lose your virginity or do you believe in God or whatever. He just does it and what are you going to do, not answer?

That's only a few, I could list a million more. I would say that something they share is that they are all actually curious. It is not a performance of curiosity; they want to know about others.

Are there any stories you could share of times when you learned some valuable lessons about interviewing? Do's and don'ts?

I once interviewed Betty Davis, who is a legendary (and legendarily reclusive) funk musician. She was on the phone from Pittsburgh, patched through by her label since she didn't want anyone to have her phone number. And she was very polite, but very fragile-sounding. She hadn't done press in a few decades, and hadn't even picked up her ASCAP checks until a fan tracked her down and hand-delivered them. She gave me a lot of one sentence answers to my questions. It was really, really hard, but I remember thinking of something I'd read in Jessica Abel and Ira Glass' This American Life comic, which is that if you don't say anything, people will fill the space. So when she finished her sentences, I just waited. For a long time, sometimes. Like five or ten seconds, which is FOREVER. And every time, she added to her initial remarks. And that saved the interview.

Another time I went to a fancy hotel in west Los Angeles to interview Bill Withers. He's done some press since then, but at the time he hadn't really done any in like fifteen years. He's older and incredibly smart and a little grumpy. And when I sat down, he kind of started giving me the business. Because whatever - I was a young white guy there being presumptuous enough to bother him, a guy who really had nothing to gain from the interview. And I remember at some point he was giving me a hard time and I kind of poked back at him, and he laughed, and after that it was one of the best interviews I'd ever done. I think just because he was like, "oh, this is a person, too. He's not an idiot, he's here because he cares, and maybe he's even interesting to talk to."

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you were starting out?

That it's going to be fine. I think I learned that from doing the Turnaround. Because I wasn't going to make money from it, I just figured I'd let myself off the hook preparation-wise and emotionally and so forth. Just let it go. And it was some of my best work. Because I trusted it would be fine, followed my actual curiosity, and talked to everyone like a person. Once my therapist asked me why I was anxious about interviews, and I told him I didn't want to mess it up and look foolish. And he said, "Does that happen?" And I was like... "No. I guess not." And he's like, "So, why be anxious?" And I was like, "CHECKMATE DOCTOR CARR."

If there were one thing you'd like someone who's just starting out to know about interviewing, what would it be?

Be curious. Ask open-ended questions. Remember that whoever you're interviewing, whether it's Buzz Aldrin or Michelle Obama or Little Richard is a person just like you are a person. And enjoy yourself!

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magicplanetanime · 5 years

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But the typhoon came tomorrow // selfies and self-loathing in the world of “Bunnygirl-senpai”

Bunnygirl-senpai concludes another arc, and we get a fake-out, quantum teleportation, dopplegangers, bath scenes, and a somewhat-clumsy attempt at feminism. There really does seem to be nothing that this show won’t take a swing at at least once.

Despite seeming like it’s going to go in an entirely different direction in its opening minutes, the current arc soon establishes itself as centering on recurring second-stringer Rio Futaba. In previous arcs, Futaba usually provided exposition, a little nudge to push Sakuta, our protagonist, in the right direction toward solving whatever peculiar thing Adolescence Syndrome had caused to occur this time, usually in the form of some deliciously silly mumbo-jumbo composed of equal parts pseudoscience and boilerplate philosophy (not a flaw, by any means). Here, she takes center stage, and we learn a lot more about the character.

It’s been prior established that Futaba has it bad for fellow lower-orbit cast member Kunimi, a basketball player at their high school who, unfortunately for Futaba’s affections, has a girlfriend already. What we *don’t* know at arc’s start is why, in addition to centering around Rio Futaba, the arc also centers around Rio Futaba. Our geek girl has split in two.

Doppleganger stories are not new in anime certainly (and they’re even more common in manga, for a pretty thorough exploration of this idea in a love dramedy I might recommend Uwagaki), but it’s an interesting plot if handled well and thankfully it is here. Most of the arc’s first episode consists of Sakuta trying to figure out why the two split apart in the first place, both copies (who seem to be incapable of existing in the same physical space, they are apart from each other for the entire duration of the arc) claim to not understand why it happened. This, as it turns out, is a lie. The end of the first episode hits us with the revelation that one of the Futaba copies (identified by keeping her hair in a ponytail and not wearing the character’s trademark boxframe glasses) is maintaining a “sexy selfie” twitter account.

Really.

If that sounds kind of ridiculous, it...sort of is. The only place this arc genuinely falters at all is right around here, this ground mostly being covered by the first third of its second episode, but it’s worth talking about. Regular Futaba talks about how she developed earlier than most girls and as a result was frequently ogled by guys growing up. This is, taken in a vacuum, a very valid point to make. What kind of undercuts it is that she’s saying this as the camera pans up over a shot of her in the bath;

To be fair to the show, one just has to look at how said shot is framed to be pretty confident that it’s not really “fanservice” of any sort. Futaba’s in a half-curled up, very defensive looking posture and is clearly pretty uncomfortable even talking about this, but that’s actually more reason to have put the camera somewhere else and change the way the sequence is framed entirely, not less. This is without getting into Sakuta’s propensity for off-color jokes, which have been presented as a charming character trait throughout the series, something that you can only really buy if the people he makes them to aren’t creeped out by them.

To be even fairer, though, this misstep--which mostly extends to this bath scene, and then a kind of goofy “social media is evil” scaremongery bit with the twitter account slightly later on that doesn’t work as well as it obviously wants to--doesn’t overshadow what this episode does right, which is….well, everything else. Bunnygirl has outstanding character writing, informed by a love of dialogue that’s alternatingly knotty and raw, and emotional scenes that just toe the line between realistic and exaggerated, this is as true here as anywhere else in the show.

The scenes that actually make this arc shine are ones like when Sakuta and Ponytail Futaba are riding on the train and Futaba basically blurts out that she hates herself, in a way that’s not really played up at all. She says it like it’s just a fact, which is a thing that anyone who has ever felt this way--or knows anyone who has--will instantly find familiar.

Much later on, Ponytail Futaba and Sakuta meet Kunimi for some late-night fireworks on a beach, and end up staying out so late that the sun comes up. These kinds of almost-but-not-quite realistic scenes have come to define Bunnygirl for me, and it is these, not any of the show’s flaws, that I imagine will define the series in the long run for most--certainly for me.

In the end the two Futabas do, of course, re-merge, as is the standard in this kind of story. The arc ends positively but, the completely unrelated plot thread brought up all the way at the arc’s start in the beginning of episode 7 is still unresolved, leaving a small twinge of uncertain ambience to hang over the proceedings.

Bunnygirl-senpai continues to be neck and neck with the otherwise completely-different Zombieland Saga for me as far as being the show of the season most capable of putting out surprisingly poignant episodes, Futaba’s struggles here will be relatable for anyone who’s ever struggled with self-loathing. The downside of this is that it makes the flaws that the show does have all the more apparent when contrasted with the things it does so well.

So, perfect? No, but Bunnygirl continues to go where it’s going, and I for one welcome the ride.

#Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl-senpai no Yume wo Minai #Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai #anime criticism #anime review

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animalslifestyle · 3 years

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The Devil is among a group of people trapped in an elevator!!!

The film ‘Devil’ is a smart and scary tale about good, evil, fate, and religion. It also implies that M. Night Shyamalan’s primary ability has always been imaginative narrative rather than actual filmmaking.

If you’ve gone to a movie theater in the last few months, you’ve probably seen people’s reactions to the Devil’ trailer: they sit silently fascinated until the phrase “From the imagination of M. Night Shyamalan” appears on the screen. That’s when the applause and/or boos start.

It should be noted, however, that Shyamalan’s participation with Devil is limited to writing the story for the picture and guiding it as the first chapter in his ongoing trilogy, The Night Chronicles. And believe me when I say that having Shyamalan at a remove makes all the difference in the world. The Devil isn’t the best ghost story ever told, but it’s a lot more fun than you may think.

The concept is typical Shyamalan: on a stormy day in Philadelphia, five individuals visit a high-rise office building downtown (for varied reasons) and happen to board the same elevator. While the building’s employees and several officers try to get the stranded passengers out of the elevator car, the passengers begin to experience bizarre and fatal happenings that pit them against one another.

People look at that simple concept — set in a single location, no less — and the odds of Devil having the creative energy to sustain itself for 80 minutes begin to collapse fast in their thoughts. However, I am here to tell you that this is a common mistake (one I was guilty of myself): Devil plays it smart by making effective use of time, perspective, and, most importantly, plot, which would have been a terrible catastrophe to carry off in a respectable way. In classic Shyamalan fashion, there are certain plot twists tossed in for good measure, some of which you will definitely see coming, while others you may not.

Let’s start with pace. Taking into account the time it takes to set up and put things down, the real screen time spent in the elevator is about 50–60 minutes. The events unfold in real time, which benefits the picture by keeping things tight and urgent, and it helps the actors involved to infuse their performances with high-octane intensity since their characters are naturally caught up in the terrifying moment.

The film is also clever in how it employs the “single-setting” format, which is a deceptive term. The screen time is mostly divided between the elevator and the events taking on outside of the elevator, including the security officers and cops attempting to rescue the trapped people.

In reality, the majority of the film’s plot revolves around what happens outside the elevator, with the elevator itself serving as the necessary trigger. Brian Nelson (30 Days of Night, Hard Candy) is the screenwriter who fleshed out M. Night’s plot, and he smartly keeps the dialogue between the passengers within the box snappy while keeping viewers focused with movement and physical action carried out by the actors on the outside.

This tight control of time and space keeps us engaged (searching for that hint that will unveil the enigma), but also prevents us from being too bogged down or bored. Perspective was also well managed. Director John Erick Dowdle (Quarantine) frequently shifts between the individuals within and outside the box, keeping us aware, intrigued, and on our toes.

Dowdle employs clever camera angles within the elevator, gently moving around from the center of the box, capturing each passenger alone in the frame for a brief period, allowing the actors’ responses to hint at what they’re hiding, or what we should be wary of. The elevator feels like an enclosed and unavoidable death level, which heightens the suspense. Lighting is also used wisely — after all, it’s difficult to determine who a murderer is when the killer exclusively strikes in the dark; sound is also used well in those “dark times.” Bottom line: an elevator murder mystery is a premise that might easily go off the tracks, yet filmmakers manage to keep the train on track all the way to the station.

The actors are mostly “seen them someplace” faces that you might not know by name. The five passengers stuck in the elevator are played by Bokeem Woodbine (Black Dynamite), Logan Marshall-Green (Dark Blue), Jenny O’Hara (Mystic River), Bojana Novakovic (Edge of Darkness), and Geoffrey Arend (500 Days of Summer), and they all work nicely together.

It also helps that each of the five performers is brilliant; just when you think you’ve figured out which one is the one, another actor will give you cause to rethink. They do a fantastic job of maintaining the strong sense of five individuals who are terrified as heck (no pun intended) but not scared out of their wits. You’ll have to see the movie to understand what I mean.

The people working outside the elevator are also recognizable faces with names you might not recognize. Jacob Vargas (Traffic, Death Race) excels as the one religious security guard. Vargas’ job is to provide all of the goofy supernatural/religious exposition necessary by the tale, and the actor smartly handles his character with enough sarcasm to guide us through those silly portions with chuckles rather than moans.

Matt Craven (Public Enemies) portrays the straight guy to Vargas’ comedic character, a second security officer who believes his partner’s religious warnings are nonsense and isn’t afraid to tell him so. Chris Messina (Greenberg, Julie & Julia) plays Detective Bowden, a police officer who is called to the scene and quickly finds himself in the middle of something he never imagined.

I previously stated that the plot is also one part of the Devil that was handled properly, and this is correct. It’s difficult to describe without giving away any spoilers, but I will say this: there is a plot at work here with a distinct arch and goal, and it goes beyond what the original “whodunit” concept indicates.

What Shyamalan has created seems more like his Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs days than the controversial later part of his work portfolio. Devil reminds me of a period when M. Night was more interested in telling interesting stories that defied genre norms than in novels that functioned as thin veils for his preachy or egotistical lectures.

Working with other talented filmmakers and writers clearly relieves some of the pressure and gives Shyamalan the space and freedom to do what he does best: tell clever and moving stories that chill, thrill, and keep us guessing, and while Devil isn’t the greatest movie ever, it certainly achieves those things.

As you might expect from the title, religion plays a significant role in the plot, presenting the picture as a type of morality tale. It’s a bit surprising that the film wasn’t marketed as a Christian drama a la God’s Not Dead. Fortunately, the film does not portray religion as the best thing since sliced bread, instead of employing faith in a higher force to make the five imprisoned humans effectively atone for their crimes.

As a result, it’s a shame that the characters aren’t as thoroughly developed as they could have been. With the exception of Messina’s Bowden, most of the other characters are fairly poorly drawn, living solely to die or to vomit out a sickening quantity of exposition.

Though its structure and dialogue might have been improved, Devil isn’t Shyamalan’s worst effort. In reality, the multiple stressful sequences, along with superb camera work, make for a surprisingly enjoyable film.

Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUvYQqHaJulahGrU942ONQ

Playlist:

Sexy Love: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUvYQqHaJulahGrU942ONQ

Horror: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLru4FE1-1keyyqd1rYJnlwpqE8ysUn2uv

#film #movie #films #devil

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