julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Right." He agreed, always having been in the spotlight in some way with how his family had been of high profile. They weren't the Kardashians but his father had made plenty of business decisions that got them both positive and negative feedback from the public and media. Ever since his racing career took off however, he had found it increased more -- he was just able to deal with it right from the start, whereas some drivers struggled with the attention. "Can't all be NASCAR, unfortunately, but we deal with the cards we're dealt, I reckon." He uttered, scratching the side of his nose. He'd rather see it differently, but he hoped that with the departure of an important steward, he was able to breathe a little more. Especially since this one had targeted him quite frequently about his actions both on and off track. "I gotcha. Will do." He nodded. "Feel like doing something? I have to meet up the old man but I'm kind of prolonging the inevitable." @tannerkohli

With how rough it could get being in the public eye, she could only imagine it was a lot to grapple with for Julian, especially now with other people in the picture to worry about. "Can't stop all the fucking crazies out there, but you know. Do what you can, right?" she shrugged. Not the most motivational speech she'd ever thrown out there, but some things were out of people's control and that was the case here for Julian. He could be doing everything right, but one wild fan or insane reporter could cross the line anyway. Nose wrinkling, Tanner gave a half nod. "Yeah, the new rules are some hot garbage. Just let the drivers fucking race. I'd be racking suspensions up, I don't know how you guys are going to mic up without getting wrecked." Even with all the changes, though, Tanner had every bit of faith that Julian would manage to have a good season. As long as the car was good, she knew he could drive it to it's fullest. "Dude, yeah, whatever, just tell me when. I'm - I mean, you know, I'm not working right now or whatever, so it's...I've got free time." @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Got it. The Cobblestone? Diner?" Julian suggested. His usual go to was usually the oyster or anything more upscale, as he was used to. But he had begun to appreciate the cozier and more mundane settings his parents would never set foot in. "Hell, pizza?" He'd ignore the amount of carbs and calories for this one time if he had to, though there were plenty of options that passed as healthy. "Of course, yeah." He nodded, it having been something he did together with Haven. Flowers did cheer up most people, after all. "Nah, just letting the lady of the house know I'm occupied. We didn't have plans." Which was the truth. He had just gotten into the way of things that he informed Haven when he wouldn't be home without it having been planned. Which gladly didn't happen that much whenever he was at home. But she'd be understanding of this particular reason. "Let me get my things and we can go." @emrexerbay

"Honestly, anything is fine. Just something," he paused, "hearty, cozy," Emre said, managing a faint smile though his sunken eyes gave way to a deep exhaustion. "Appreciate it, though," he didn't expect anyone to feel obligated to do things with him nor did he want pity. "The flower arrangement was very thoughtful," he thanked the man, "He would've liked them." Emre hesitated a moment, "I don't want to keep you from plans, though, I can just grab something myself." He wouldn't mind the company, though he wasn't going to outright admit it now. @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Yeah? Good, that's... good. I'm glad," he said, trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. The more people said it, the more it had to be true, right? He didn’t keep up with all the news, blogs, and gossip—especially not the kind that might land Lake on some "top fifty children of celebrities" list. He shuddered at the thought. He didn’t think Haven would ever forgive him for that, even if there was nothing he could do about it. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself, either. "Eh, with all the new rules the FIA’s coming up with, we'll be lucky if we get more than five races where we’re not disqualified," he added with a sigh, frustration creeping into his voice. Politics and rule changes were slowly ruining the sport, but he’d keep pushing through, doing his best. At least seeing Tanner perk up at his offer made him feel like he was doing something right. "Right-o. I’ll have Dana make the arrangements," he said, nodding. "We’ll probably leave a few days earlier, depending on what they want in terms of exposure and all that. But I’m sure you’ll be entertained just fine." @tannerkohli

"So jealous," she intoned back with a roll of her eyes, a smile starting to lift despite herself. Things hadn't felt normal since her accident, but moments like this just shooting the shit could almost make her feel like herself, even just for a brief time. "Well, for what it's worth, you seem to be doing a good job with keeping him out of the media. I don't see a bunch of pictures and shit popping up with him all over." Tanner didn't follow a lot online, but anything related to racing she was all over it, staying up to date with anything going on so she could be a step ahead in the field. "A small price to pay to kick ass all season long." Tanner had always kept a similarly strict training schedule for when the NASCAR season came around, wanting to make sure she was in peak condition to be an asset to Ian and the team. There was a momentary slack in her shoulders when Julian said he hadn't seen the car yet, as Tanner could have talked all day about that. Everything quickly perked back up, however, at his offer, the first genuine smile stretching across her lips. "For real? I'd - yeah, I mean. Fuck yeah, I'd be totally down to go."

@julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Yeah?" He asked, letting his minder for a short while. He knew his parents were strongly against his relationship and had she been just another fling he would've called it off. It was the second thing he had felt strongly about to go against his parents, the first one having been his career. Bet they thought that one wouldn't stick this long either. That's when he turned to the humorous side of the conversation, snickering when she mentioned she wouldn't be wearing a tutu. "I will wear the crap out of that tutu, just you watch me." Julian proudly stated, crossing his arms in a dare. "I look brilliant in a tutu." @margaretxhawthornelevy

"I know you didn't." Margaret affirmed to Julian, knowing her brother better than that. "Thank you," she smiled at her brother, appreciating the support that he was giving her. There had always been the dream of moving up in the company and making the family business hers, but it would never be in their father's plan. Margaret had spent what felt like an eternity doing things to make other people happy. "It looks good on you, really." She knew there were tensions that had been brewing over his relationship with Haven but honestly, Margaret was happy for the both of them. Studying her brother, it was his question that caused her lips to curl into a brighter smile, one that was followed by a roll of her eyes. "Ha," she scoffed at him, "I will not be wearing a tutu, but I'll make sure we have one in your size for when you come practice with Taylor." @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Another reason why I don't like doctors. But safety first, eh?" Julian mused, well aware that pregnant women shouldn't be in hot tubs in their third trimester. When she began throwing more facts at him however, he chuckled. A slow shake of his head. "See, I knew that I chose a genius to marry me, but that was hot. No pun intended." He snickered, running the towel down his chest when he teased her. "That's mean." He snickered, knowing that cookies weren't in his dietary plan. "But I'll take all the cuddles from you two." The towel lowered, his hand placed lovingly on her bump when she had made her way towards him, turning his head after the kiss had been placed on his cheek, instead sneaking a kiss from her lips. "That's something I won't mind. But for now I need to do some work upstairs." He told her, lifting his hand to her cheek when he drew near, whispering something in her ear before he pressed a soft kiss in her neck and walked further into the house. "Have fun making cookies with your mom, okay kid?" He told Lake, ruffling his hair as he passed and looked at Haven again once he made his way up the stairs. "I'll see you two in a bit." Those e-mails weren't going to answer themselves. @havenbsinclair

The smile that was already on her face mid conversation with Lake only grew at the sound of her fiance's voice, eyes scanning the room before they landed on him, towel in hand. The slightest bit of water still clung to the fabric of his swim trunks, eyes focused there for only slightly longer than necessary before she placed the bowl on the counter, watching Lake stir the contents. "Well, I could've but my doctor's not a fan." she shrugged, having done her own research a few months ago. "Not to mention I'm only allowed ten minutes and the temperature would need to be adjusted; neither of which are needed when I can just skip it for awhile and take a warm bath instead." she smiled, cheeks flushing at his question; he'd clearly noticed her staring before. "You're free to do whatever you'd like my love, but just know Lake and I are about to put a batch of cookies in the oven and then cuddle on the couch." she smiled, taking the few strides - which looked more like waddles these days - to him, kissing his cheek softly. "Just know I'd stare at you all day regardless; you being shirtless is definitely a fun excuse though." @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Hey, no. I didn't tell you to try and guilt you into it. I'll be fine, besides it'll be a few years before we get there, anyway." Last thing he wanted her was to feel forced to stay on when her passion was elsewhere. "You should do what makes you happy, Marge. And if I can help in any way to set you off, all you need is ask. Not that you need it, but you know." Julian uttered, offering her a smile at her compliment. No one had ever shared they respected him for 'thinking ahead'. Not when it was their father who had always told him he was too rash. "Guess fatherhood did make me more responsible." Their mother might be against his relationship with Haven and the possible 'threat' Lake might be in terms of their heritage, as he wasn't his biological son. But there was no denying his life had blossomed ever since he joined their lives. More responsible compared to the loose party canon. For a moment it seemed he wanted to say something, teeth softly biting down on his lip until he smiled at her. "Will you be wearing a tutu?" @margaretxhawthornelevy

Margaret paused at Julian's words, her heart swelling in her chest at the sentiment behind them. "Oh-" she paused, realizing it wasn't something that had come up for her. She didn't expect that Julian give her any special treatment because they were siblings. "I guess that I could do both," she offered to her older brother, "Ballet is a different kind of challenge for me," she told him, "a passion project but that is something that could be done after hours, weekends, it's not like I don't have the whole set up in the basement," she continued on. Her expression softened as she looked up at Julian, "I do appreciate it, though, it means a lot to me. I've always respected that you've been thinking ahead, planning your next steps." @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"You're just jealous you didn't come up with it yourself." Julian teased, trying to lift her spirits a little. Her lack of sharing details about how she'd been had been enough to tell him she didn't want to talk about it, and he definitely wasn't the person to push for it. "Definitely takes away from the fun. Especially for Lake, wouldn't want him to be exposed to it more than he has to be." Julian admitted, already feeling guilty he tore him and Haven away from a normal life and into the one with spotlights. But uneventful moments like these made it worth all the more. "You clearly haven't met my trainer. But I suppose you're right. Still hurts to say no to home made cookies, though." He admitted, patting his stomach. Winter and summer breaks were never good for him, but he would rather go all out when going out for dinner and work harder to get back into shape than sticking to it all year long. Besides, he knew that he could. No loss there. "No, won't be for another month at least for the livery reveals. February 19 for ours. If you'd like you can hitch a ride and be there for it?" @tannerkohli

"You give out the dumbest nicknames," she countered back with an amused shake of her head. It was hard in any circumstance to keep up appearances and pretend that everything in her life was fine, but perhaps even more so when face to face with Julian. Making the leap to working for an F1 team had been her dream and she'd been steps away from making it happen before her life had completely upended itself. "Legoland, wow. Sounds like a blast. Good that you were able to get away, though. Dodging cameras all the time is shit." She'd been there with Ian through his rise to fame, but that wasn't anywhere near the level of recognition that someone like Julian got. "No way. The fun time is just starting," she disagreed. There was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes just talking about the start of a race season, but it was quickly replaced by a more forlorn look as the gut punch of knowing she wouldn't be going through that again struck. "You get to see the car yet?"

[julianxhawthorne]

"Nothing raggedy about my ass, Little Li." Julian chuckled, stepping back from their quickly shared hug. He'd heard about what had happened to her and he had hoped that she had bounced back. But the longer time went on and he hadn't heard from Tanner, he figured she wasn't going to take them up for their offer after all. He wasn't the one to bring it up, however. If anyone brought up his hands he would be annoyed too. "Yeah, I am. I went to Denmark with Haven and our son in December. Managed not to get paparazzi on our tails, so that was nice. Lake could enjoy lego land in peace." He might've started oversharing, but stopped himself before he actually did. "Started the diet and training again this week though. So the fun time is over." @tannerkohli

"Julian fuckin' Hawthorne," she hummed back, one arm coming up to return the hug before she took her own step back away from the man. "Forgot your raggedy ass lived here." A hand shifted back to her hair, running through it before she gave a bit of a shrug. Things hadn't been great for her, something that she was sure Julian had heard at least a bit about given that she'd had to pull out of interviewing with him and his team due to her accident. "Doing alright, though. Good. Fine. You enjoying the off season?"

@julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Of course." There wasn't much that Julian could say to make it better. He had picked out a floral arrangement with Haven to send for the funeral, hoping that it was a gesture appreciated, despite him not having met Emre's brother. "Oh, right-o. I wouldn't have mind dropping it off." Though of course, that would've required Emre knowing he was there in the first place to ask. Though, Emre had changed topics, instead indicating that he would do with something to eat. Julian nodded, taking his phone from his backpocket. "Sure thing, let me text the lady at home." That way her and Lake wouldn't be waiting for him to have lunch together. "Anything in particular you're feeling?" @emrexerbay

Emre hadn't expected to run into anyone, nor did he find himself particularly in the mood to do so. However, when he heard Julian's voice, he felt comforted by the man's voice. Julian had been a long-time friend of Beyza's and the lengths he went to to look out for the people he cared about was something that the man admired. "Hey," he spoke quietly, nodding his head to the man's words. "thank you," though no amount of apologies could fix the hole that was in his heart. "I appreciate it, Julian," he cleared his throat, "I was just stopping by to pick up Seyda's math homework, that she forgot." Emre paused, "you, uh, I could use a bite to eat, you free?" @julietaxalvarez

[julianxhawthorne]

"Oh definitely Naomi. You don't see me throwing a tantrum over not getting a sweet." Julian joked, adoring each and every one of Stevie's children, even though his connection with Zoe had been special from the start. Perhaps because the girl showed interest in racing more than the others -- though that was probably definitely it. "Oh yeah? Need me to bust you out? I can steal one of those sheet carts, no one will know a thing." He joked, sitting down on the bed besides her. He looked over the twin boys, a smile automatically curling his lips with the thought that in a few months, he'd have the same exact view, but with two boys sharing his and Haven's DNA. It scared him shitless but boy was he excited. He placed a gentle hands on top of the swaddled boys, one large hand stretched out over both boys, uttering a soft "Hi." When Stevie introduced them. At the reveal of Thomas' middle name however, he thinned his lips. Showing emotion was still something he was learning, but it was evident in the way he carefully wrapped his arm around his sister, squeezing her shoulder. "They're beautiful, Stevie." He said, letting silence wash over him for a moment, his eyes resting on the boy that carried his name. "I thought you weren't supposed to have favourites?" He asked, casting her a smile before looking back at the boy. "Because that's one hell of a name, kid." @steviexwagner

[julianxhawthorne]

"Oh definitely Naomi. You don't see me throwing a tantrum over not getting a sweet." Julian joked, adoring each and every one of Stevie's children, even though his connection with Zoe had been special from the start. Perhaps because the girl showed interest in racing more than the others -- though that was probably definitely it. "Oh yeah? Need me to bust you out? I can steal one of those sheet carts, no one will know a thing." He joked, sitting down on the bed besides her. He looked over the twin boys, a smile automatically curling his lips with the thought that in a few months, he'd have the same exact view, but with two boys sharing his and Haven's DNA. It scared him shitless but boy was he excited. He placed a gentle hands on top of the swaddled boys, one large hand stretched out over both boys, uttering a soft "Hi." When Stevie introduced them. At the reveal of Thomas' middle name however, he thinned his lips. Showing emotion was still something he was learning, but it was evident in the way he carefully wrapped his arm around his sister, squeezing her shoulder. "They're beautiful, Stevie." He said, letting silence wash over him for a moment, his eyes resting on the boy that carried his name. "I thought you weren't supposed to have favourites?" He asked, casting her a smile before looking back at the boy. "Because that's one hell of a name, kid." @steviexwagner

"That it does. Between you and Naomi, I don't know who's worse." She teased him a little bit. She loved how her daughter could be and even her brother. And she'd be lying if she said she wasn't exactly like her youngest daughter growing up. "You came at the right time. I was just about to make my grand escape." Stevie laughed before taking a deep breath. "It's taking some getting used to, but nothing I can't handle." She grinned and shrugged. She watched before shaking her head. "I'm okay. I want to do this." She assured him and looked down at her babies. "Julian, this is Michael Nicholas Wagner." She touched Michael before moving her hand to Thomas. "And this is Thomas Julian Wagner." She beamed and her eyes went up to Julian. @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Tanner Kohli, as I live and breathe." Julian spoke, making his way towards the petite woman so he could pull her in for a tight hug. "Almost didn't see you behind that big ol' nose of mine." He joked, stepping back again. It had been a while since he'd last seen her, which had been when they had been at a pivotal point for their professional relationship. "How've you been, gorgeous?" @tannerkohli

[julianxhawthorne]

"Too bad you didn't join. The hot tub was amazing." Julian said as he stepped inside, drying his arms off with a towel. After a morning work out, the thought of dipping in the hot tub had been one that was easily put into practice. Was she at this point still allowed in hot tubs? The thought made him wonder if he messed up on that part. "Got anything on your wish list for today?" He changed topics, stepping towards her. "Or should I just stand here so you can stare all day?" @havenbsinclair

[julianxhawthorne]

@havenbsinclair just posted to Instagram and tagged someone you may know, @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"Yeah.. I know." Julian uttered, knowing what she meant about it not meaning anything. He didn't understand why their parents were so anal about the male and female aspect. If an outsider had to choose, they'd choose Margaret over him, and he fully respected it. Now, it was a safety net for when he quit racing. He would still have a career and he would be good at it too. He was trained for it all his life after all. Gone to university for it. "You should." Julian nodded, letting a crooked grin slowly grow present at her joke. "I'm not going to lie. I was hoping you'd be my COO when I take over." He voiced his thoughts, thinking of how with that, he would've asked Simon to be the CFO. The three of them would run it together. "But if ballet's your future, you've got my support." @margaretxhawthorne

Margaret knew that letting it slip that she wanted to quit would be a shock. For her entire life, Margaret had been working to prove herself to their father, a man that would never appreciate her in the same way that he did his sons. "Yeah, ballets always been a passion of mine and," Margaret paused, "Nate and I have been talking and these years," the blonde ran a hand through her hair, "it doesn't mean anything," at least not to their father, "I should finally do what makes me happy." Those words were not something that she thought she would ever say. "Between you and Nate, you might be able to concoct something up," she half-joked as she spoke of her husband, "I just want to be happy, Julian." @julianxhawthorne

[julianxhawthorne]

"I can tell you that you'll have more privacy here. If it helps." Julian uttered, speaking from experience. "Sure, there's the papzz but not as many as there'd be in L.A., that's for sure." It of course also depended on how frequent they were in the news. When he'd won the championship, they were around for a whole week, but after that it had quieted down again. It helped that he traveled for his job however. "If you need any help with anything, you just give me a hollar, Briar. We take care of family here." @briarrosedahl

END.

Briar Rose looked at him, giving a weak smile. ❛ Good. ❜ At least one of them is having a good time. The Icelander did not know what to say. ⎯ ❛ No. I'm here for a little while. Undetermined time. It was a bit too much in L.A. and a lot of questions about my husband. I want a bit of isolation with my son. ❜ People did not let her in peace, always getting on a sore topic with her and having technically a newborn that needed her care on top of it all trying to be strong. ( @julianxhawthorne )

[julianxhawthorne]

"Every family has its diva." Julian smiled, despite the inner turmoil the statement brought. Struggling between being too much -- a diva, in his own words, or not being enough. Trying to find a balance had been a struggle he kept to himself. "Oh yeah, I was expecting to find you climbing the walls or organise the nurse's office." He stated as matter of fact. Perhaps it was the Hawthorne part in her, not being able to sit still for too long, always doing some form of work. "Oh, ouch. I bet even sitting up is an unpleasant happening for you now, huh?" Which was an understatement. Her muscle tissue did have to adjust again. He didn't need to be told twice to meet his nephews, following her instruction to take a seat on the bed. "You sure you don't want to be lying down?" He asked, hands softly patting atop his legs out of excitement. @steviexwagner

"And it always has to be you, huh?" She teased him a little more, but she knew he was busy and she was proud of him. "I'm good. Resting as much as I can, which you know how hard that is for me." Stevie laughed softly. "It was definitely a surprise having a c-section, but it went well and the boys are healthy and that's what matters." It wasn't her preferred way of having her kids, but for their health, she knew it was for the best. "I want you to meet them, though." She patted a spot on the bed by the bassinet. "Sit here for a second." @julianxhawthorne