#(( I hope you don't mind this being a thread! ))

[lemotmo]

I have never sent you one of these before so I hope I did it correctly. I found this very helpful because I also don't always understand the nuance or subtlety of a scene. Glad to know it's not just me.

Q. I'm not sure if you can even do this but I have autism and I struggle immensely with understanding subtext, framing, sarcasm and anything else really that I'm supposed to be able to pick up on in media. The direct dialogue or action in a scene tends to be what I take as fact. I understand that's not the case and things are always there that aren't being spoken or directly stated. Can you try to explain the Buddie stuff that points to them going canon? I want it but I don't know how to spot those clues. Does this even make sense? Please feel free to ignore this if it's not something that's explainable.

A. Hi, anon. Your question makes perfect sense and I am more than willing to try and see if I can explain or offer some context into some of the scenes. I have a friend who has Asperger's and he struggles with all these things as well so we try to explain things to him as often as he needs. For the sake of length, and not wanting to make this thread too long to keep up with, I will relegate my examples to a few things from seasons 7 and 8 only. Otherwise we would be here all day. I will start with episode 7x4 because that's the episode that is most widely misinterpreted.

As everyone now knows the episode ended with Tommy kissing Buck, keep in mind that we had spent the entirety of the episode up to that point watching Buck apparently being jealous because Eddie was spending time with another guy. The direct dialogue of the scene leading up to the kiss, when Buck tells Tommy that trying to get his attention had been exhausting, is the argument people use to show that the episode was really about Tommy. But Tommy himself doesn't believe that. The audience sees Tommy surprised by that statement, because he was also aware Buck was bothered by Eddie spending time with him, but he clearly thought Buck was bothered for the same reason the audience thought Buck was bothered, because he wasn't the one Eddie was spending time with. That's why Tommy responds with a confused/surprised "Me"? The episode played very much like Buck was jealous of Tommy NOT Eddie. The most obvious example of this was the scene in the firehouse when Eddie is on the phone in the locker room and Buck is trying to get his attention while working out. The show never tells us who Eddie is actually talking too. We don't know who's on the other end of the conversation, neither does Buck. The only thing Buck sees is Eddie laughing and having a good time while ignoring him. Tommy wasn't at the firehouse so he was never going to see Buck trying to show off around the weight room and Amazon priming a basketball to himself so he could pretend he was interested in something he knew Eddie was interested in. The other interesting thing about that episode was the way Eddie was framed, in other words shot and filmed, throughout. He was consistently lit in golden/sunlight, colors associated with warmth and happiness/joy. Tim made a point of telling everyone that the episode was from Buck's perspective which means that's how Buck sees Eddie. Buck associates Eddie with happiness and warmth and joy. The joy theme is important to remember because it comes back into play during season 8. I'm not in any way suggesting that once Buck became aware of his male attraction that he didn't find Tommy attractive, he clearly did in some capacity. But it is not out of character for Buck to over correct himself in the wrong direction. Both times he asked his partners to move in with him were direct results of his belief that he needed to make up for some wrong he had done to them. He asked Taylor to move in with him after he kissed Lucy and he asked Tommy to move in with him after his reaction to the Abby news, and Josh's speech about what they owed the older queer community. Josh said many things in that speech, a speech I did not love, but he said many things and it was telling that the only part of that speech that seemed to register with Buck where Tommy was concerned was the part about what they owed to the community that came before them. It was wrong to ask on both occasions. Taylor said yes. Tommy said no. We will get back to the Tommy one shortly but those are perfect examples of Buck over correcting himself in the wrong direction in order to avoid dealing with the actual issues.

When we arrive at season 8 we get the scene of Buck hearing all the different noise and static in his head when he's trying to calm himself down while Gerard is yelling. The only voice that is clear and audible for the audience is Eddie's voice. Eddie's voice is the one used to calm and recenter Buck. It was an intentional choice to make it Eddie's voice. not his boyfriends voice but Eddie's voice. Episode 8x6 was the biggie though. The episode is titled Confessions. It was the only episode of the season so far where Buck and Eddie didn't say a single word to one another, but I'll come back to that. Eddie was the focus of that episode, it is important to note that episodes 7x4 and 8x6 were directed by the same man. It was intentional on the show's part for these two episodes to sync in some capacity. They have kept the Buck storyline and the Eddie storyline linked since the beginning of season 7. Their storylines are connected. We see Eddie at the juice bar pick up a bottle of juice and hand it to the cashier. He changes his mind though and swaps it out for a bottle of water (a good note to have here is that in the first episode when the crew is running the stairs Buck is holding a bottle of juice, not water, once they make it to the roof). Father Brian watches this interaction and decides he wants to talk to Eddie. We then see Eddie sitting outside at a table, with plenty of empty tables around him, but Father Brian asked if he could join him anyway. Father Brian attempts small talk, and Eddie, unprompted, tells him, 'sorry, I'm straight'. This is not something television has straight characters do. It's not necessary to declare your heterosexuality. In fact it is far more common for television to use dialogue like that to foreshadow a sexuality realization for that character. It is a very common beginning to a sexuality arc. Father Brian then wants to know why Eddie swapped his juice for the water. Eddie tells him he felt like water instead and Father Brian then equates Eddie denying himself the juice as a way of denying himself joy. He tells Eddie that he's punishing himself. Then they talk about why Eddie has the mustache. Eddie tells him he wanted a full beard but the LAFD doesn't allow full beards. A very interesting conversation indeed for a character who has just explicitly stated that he's straight. We all know the term 'beard' and its history within the queer community. Father Brian then tells Eddie to do one thing that brings him joy. That entire scene was written like foreshadowing. I will skip ahead now to Buck and Tommy's break up. Tommy explains to Buck that at some point he is going to figure out what it is that he really wants and even though he won't mean to, he will hurt Tommy once he figures that out. Tommy has known since 7x4 that something is there for Buck where Eddie is concerned. But he also knows Buck is not ready for that realization yet. He makes a point of telling Buck that he's his first not his last. They also made a point of having Buck say sometimes those can be the same, meaning your first can be your last. Tommy says sometimes that can be true but not most of the time. Meaning there is an exception to that rule. The right person can be your first and your last. Tommy was not the right person. Fast forward to Eddie shaving off his mustache and doing his risky business dance.

Buck goes to Eddie following the breakup. Eddie answers the door in his underwear and he and Buck do not speak. Buck holds up a beer bottle and walks in. They don't talk. They sit on the couch in silence drinking their beers. That is the final shot of the episode. An episode entitled Confessions, and the only episode of the season where Buck and Eddie don't say a single word to one another. Again the framing of that scene is also important because of what surrounds them in the scene. Buck and Eddie are on the couch. It's right it's where they belong but the timing is not right. The blurry picture of Christopher between them on the table behind them is intentional. Christopher is missing from their little unit. Then there's the picture of Texas on the wall behind Eddie. Texas, and everything it represents for Eddie, looms over them. Those are the obstacles that have to be dealt with first. They existed in that shot because Buck, and especially Eddie, cannot escape them. They have to be dealt with and fixed first. They didn't talk because they have things they need to do first.

The last shot of the mid season finale being Buck sitting alone on the Diaz couch was also foreshadowing. Eddie is going to Texas. Yes, that scene also indicated that Buck is finally at a place where he won't be able to ignore or misinterpret his feelings for Eddie any longer. Eddie isn't there yet. Texas has to be dealt with first. Therefore Eddie couldn't be physically on the couch with him in that scene because Eddie has to leave first. Eddie has to be the one person who leaves Buck and chooses to come back to Buck.

I hope this made sense, anon. It was still longer than I anticipated. Please feel free to ask me anything at any time. I am more than happy to try and explain something as best as I can, if I can. I have no idea if this was helpful but I hope you were able to get something out of it. 🩷

Thank you Nonny! This is lovely!

Such a great breakdown of the overarching Buddie storyline for Buck and Eddie. Such a great resource for people who have trouble recognising subtext and nuance in a storyline.

I am going to add my own breakdown of the entire last Buddie scene of episode 8x08. Right after it aired someone with autism contacted me with the question if I could break that specific scene down for them.

You can find it here: breakdown of 8x08 final Buddie scene

If anyone ever needs more help in this department, feel free to send an ask. Just like Ali, I'd be happy to try and explain what the viewer is meant to take away from a scene.

Heads up! For anyone who is giving me the shifty eyes for reposting Ali's updates instead of reblogging. Read this.

Remember, no hate in comments, reblogs or inboxes. Let's keep it civil and respectful. Thank you.

If you are interested in more of Ali’s posts, you can find all of her posts so far under the tag: anonymous blog I love.

[bxriles]

Lmao okay wait. I got asked that question about Feyre/Bryce/Aelin and I went down a lil rabbit hole and somehow ended up on a subreddit of people arguing over who would win in a fight if it were Feyre vs. Aelin.

And I am CACKLING right now because it seems like the bulk of people on that thread think Aelin would win, and the people who think Feyre would win are SO. UPSET. Like they are BIG MAD that anyone would think Aelin would win hahahahahaha

I'm cackling. I can't breathe I'm laughing so hard omfg. People really do 100% project themselves onto Feyre. They really think they ARE Feyre!!!!! I'm crying. Send help I can't breathe 😂😂

[tricksterlatte]

I saw someone on the bird website point out that just because people disagree with a fellow fan doesn't give them the right to bully or harass said fan, especially in such cruel ways (they were body shaming a well known Overwatch person because she shared a selfie, and the hate originated from her opinions on the character).

It's been driving me crazy how people somehow forgot you can disagree with someone's opinions without being an asshole. Why do we condemn bigotry or cruelty when it's directed at our friends, but hurl it out ourselves when opportunity arises to bash someone we dislike? It just makes me so sad.

This isn't about a specific situation but it's a problem i've noticed over the years. I have been both a perpetrator and a victim of this (if I said otherwise, I'd be a liar. I've been on the internet since I was 10 and have been active in multiple fandoms), but I don't want to contribute whatsoever to that type of environment anymore. We have to talk the talk and walk the walk with this one, or we will continue to be miserable. If you dislike something or someone, either communicate if this person is supposed to matter to you or vice versa, or just block them, mute them, unfollow them. Whichever suits your comfort level for whatever the situation may be. If you hate something or someone but still proceed to follow them, check their profile, and grab screenshots or QRTs to make fun of them, whether with petty jabs or actual bigotry and cruelty, you are not only making other people into targets. You are sending yourself into a spiral that will only harm you in the long run.

I know how addicting social media can be. I know how the instant gratuitous relief can feel when you vent about something within an echo chamber. And I don't think the answer is just don't vent, don't misconstrue my words. I think the answer is does this make you happy? I don't think this type of habit makes anyone happy. I know sometimes people change, and I really hope people can and do.

I don't say this as an accusation or to be mean myself, I say this as someone who suffered on my own end, not only from taking the brunt of harassment but also from indulging it on occasion. I used to be horrible about this type of fixation on things I hated within fandom during my prime days in my earliest tumblr fandoms, and I nearly fell into this trap again over the past few years. My irl situation was entering a state of despair, and during those times, without anyone trustworthy that shared these spaces with me and that knew me well in return, fandom felt like the one place where I had a semblance of control. That doesn't excuse belittling people. It never does. A reason is not justification.

It's a special type of hell, for example from my personal experience, to receive dozens of suibait anons about fanfic you published, whether it was from things I left blatantly tagged and easily avoidable, over my writing not being as good as others' within these spaces, or because people admitted they were envious of something outside of my control. Or people making fun of my cosplay photos or treating me as an object to be sexualized, no matter who they were or how they identified. I had old Retrospring anons sent that exploited my vulnerability regarding events only certain groups knew about, trying me during my worst of times. When I vaguely discussed them on other websites, without sharing things being said to protect myself and to not spread drama, I was largely told I was overreacting and to just delete them. Which I did, but they kept coming. I deleted anonymous ways of contacting me and closed off most forms of contact with fandoms other than a few long running places I've known for years (thank you WWD crew you guys are the GOAT). But even so. If I didn't have the person who is now my wife there for me at the right time, I probably wouldn't be here right now. Not everyone experiencing this type of thing has anyone there for them at all.

I have a tendency to ramble, so I'll summarize here: the only type of toxicity that will ever bring people joy is toxic yaoi, toxic yuri, Toxic by Britney Spears, and the Toxic TM from Pokemon. I want to get better myself, and I'm posting this because I hope for the best for anyone who read this. If you disagree with me for this, that's okay too. If you don't think this applies to you, it might not! I don't know you. None of us know each other, which I think should be further incentive to be kind, instead of ample opportunity to be mean. If you have the choice, strive to be kind over the escapism that brings us joy. For some of us, this will be the only kindness we may ever know.

[crystal-verse]

i'm sick right now but i got tired of laying in bed so i got up and made this doodlepage. various WoLs, feat. @mistdrinkersblade 's Syla, @wanderer-of-light 's Vastha, @the-littlest-kojin 's Shio, and my own Sae'pheli'ehva.

[radiaking]

//I'm that anon from before and promise I wasn't throwing any shade I'm just v v nervous rhfeikguheighikguhdig

no worries at all, my friend! truly, i didn't think u meant anything shady by it (not until after i answered and a few ppl mentioned they thought it was odd but). we all know tone/meaning can be hard to convey in writing so i always try to give folks on anon the benefit of the doubt and give ppl like urself a space to reach out if they're nervous.

but really, u don't have to be shy or nervous approaching. if we're mutuals, that means i'm interested in something you've got going on already. and even if we're not mutuals my IMs and ask are still always open and i welcome plot ideas at all times. i am more selective and there is no guarantee if we're not mutuals but if a plot idea tickles the pickle, then i won't write it off completely.

i do suggest u peruse my rules and pages/pinned, etc. tho as all the info u need ought to be there. if u still have questions after that, my IMs and askbox are always open.

special note: one last parting message, not just for you personally but other concerned/interested parties as well: lucy is as massive and integral part of cooper's story completely regardless of the fact that i ship v.aultghoul. i am canon compliant as of right now re: the show and lucy is traveling w/cooper. she is a vital part of his story and his development and as such, she will feature prominently on this blog both in having dozens of threads w/my affiliated lucy, exploring other non-ship dynamics w/other lucy blogs (potentially at least tho i can't say i'm actively looking for other lucy blogs currently), and being mentioned in other threads w/other characters and on the dash often. that's just...part of his character, i fear. i'm not saying you have an issue w/that, but should anyone else reading have an issue w/that....i'm afraid perhaps this isn't the blog for u.

[vio1315]

It is not in vain x50

[amischiefofmuses]

@obey-n-pay from [here]

As dimissive as he may be, Alastor is not one for ignoring potential threats- and Vox certainly is just that. Potential, though not currently his concern. His medium was made for spreading lies effectively, and while Alastor will never openly praise his success with that, it does seem to work as he wants. Thing is, the Radio Demon isn't one to trust the word of others regardless of where it comes from. He's sure even gentle souls like Charlie tell their half-truths and cover their secrets, it's just human nature. -- ❝Hm, and all it takes is an interesting opposing narrative to stir the pot. While I dislike your sad excuse of a medium, I do have SOME understanding of its machinations. Sensationalised fiction and altered news- it lacks class. Only as effective as the average demon is gullible.❞ Which is the crux of it all. Alastor has no concern for the average demon, they mean little to him. As long as they fear what he's capable of, he's unlikely to have any issues. His smirk grows to a grin at the mention of what he VALUES. Oh, this is interesting. -- ❝And what is it, exactly, that you think I value? The Hotel? A pet project, little else. Something to kill time for now, shake things up. Were you under the impression it was anything more? You of all people should know I am not sentimental.❞

[brawlqueen]

"Gently, gently. This is the most critical moment of frying an egg." Utters, trying to assist the other. "I do love a beautiful egg."

mizuki tended to take things in stride. after the complete lack of normalcy that had followed her since the beginning of her life, she couldn't say that she minded something incredibly .... normal. here in the kitchen; gloves off and uniform sleeves rolled back, memories flooding of all the times she had made the best soft eggs to a loser of a 'roommate'. she wouldn't admit it, but . . .

--- they were memories etched in fondness as much as exasperation. something she missed and felt the phantom wound of where it had begun to hurt. it almost cost her all of the detective's focus if not for orihime's gentle voice encouraging her; her approach and touches to certain cooking techniques as gentle as her voice.

" thanks. it's .... kinda been a while since i cooked, y'know? haven't had time with everything. " between her responsibilities and lack of free time, especially with this serial killing case, she couldn't say she minded at all the effusive, bubbly natured girl seeming right at home in the small kitchen of the date residence.

it filled in so much that should be there.

" i never really have done much of fried eggs, but, well, guess you got me convinced. by the sounds of it, you cook a lot, orihime . i never really have time, so this is.....kinda nice, y'know? " she isn't twelve anymore. her supernatural strength only grows with age. she was nervous the minute it fell into her palms to be placed into the cooking utensil, thinking it would shatter immediately in terrifyingly strong grip.

but it didn't. focus and a teacher on a new way to do eggs, so laughably simple as it was, made mizuki smile a bit as her heterochromatic gaze flits to hers as if for approval.

" okay, i think that was a pretty good flip! what's next? i usually just did soft boiled eggs in the morning . my ... " adoptive father. " roommate is a loser in that he never appreciated them! liked them all gross and hard and chewy. maybe he'll like fried eggs. " her eyes are bright with expectation for the next step, never imagining that the girl relaxing wantonly in the yoyagi park pool would be in her home.

" oh uh...orihime? if you cook a lot, do you..." a beat.

"would you want to do this again sometime? let's make a deal. if i make you an amazing fried egg then we make this a habit? how 'bout that? " it was awfully hard to decline a sunny smile from her, after all.

[unladielike]

@convxction​ — continued from here ;;

    As Chrom stares back at her in confusion, Vivian would continue grinning away, completely undeterred by the funny look he gives her. Why, she was used to it anyhow, so his reaction was far from unusual.

   “Oh, that’s simple! I simply overheard heroes from the World of Awakening wishing you a happy birthday earlier, and since I didn’t wanna miss out, I decided to give you my own unique birthday greeting,” she tells him before briefly pausing when he asks when her birthday was. “...Right, I never ended up telling you, did I? To answer your question, though, mine is on April 20th!”

[yuichiroswife]

Grave... yard... guy...

Yeah, I've been calling all night I know you're home alone I hear the fear in your voice as you pick up the phone And I've got eyes on you now I like the way you breathe But I'm more interested in the ways to make you scream

Got a real fun game I know you'll like It's where you run from me and try to hide And if you don't play right, I think I might Just find a real nice place to put my knife And when you fight back, you're such a tease How many hits it takes to make me bleed And if you play this right, you won't go first Cause you're the last to cut The final girl

I keep on calling you babe Why won't you answer me? There's just one thing that I want Your blood all over me

I'll break the door in, make my way in I'm the killer, you're the victim When you scream, it drives me nuts If you hang up, I'll spill your guts

I hear you breathing, baby Been chasing you all night Think it'd be fun to see if you can make it through the night And now you're screaming, baby The calls are from inside Are you the final girl? The one who makes it out alive

Do you wanna be the final girl? D-Do you wanna be the final girl? It's life or death, you're in my world And it's life or death to be my girl

Do you wanna be the final girl? D-Do you wanna be the final girl? It's life or death, you're in my world And it's life or death to be my girl

Slayyyter Hot blonde, big tits School girl, lipstick Virgin whore, innocent The cheerleader who babysits At home, I'm alone Stranger calls me on the phone Lights go out, you cut the line I'm the perfect sacrifice

Yeah okay, well here's the twist I'm a stone cold cunt, a killer bitch And I'll break your heart, I'll make you sick And I'll rip you apart from limb to limb You'll learn right now I don't play nice And if you hurt me once, I'll kill you twice And I won't go first, Drew Barrymore Cause I'm the last bitch up The final girl

Yeah, you've been calling me babe I'm playing hard to get And just the thought of your blood on me It makes me wet

I'll break the door in, make my way in I'm the killer, you're the victim When you scream, it drives me nuts If you hang up, I'll spill your guts

I hear you breathing, baby Been chasing you all night Think it'd be fun to see if you can make it through the night And now you're screaming, baby The calls are from inside Are you the final girl? The one who makes it out alive

Do you wanna be the final girl? D-Do you wanna be the final girl? It's life or death, you're in my world And it's life or death to be my girl

Do you wanna be the final girl? D-Do you wanna be the final girl? It's life or death, you're in my world And it's life or death to be my girl

What's your favorite scary movie?

I keep on calling you babe Why won't you answer me? There's just one thing that I want Your blood all over me

Your blood (your blood) Your blood (your blood) Your blood (your blood) Makes me wet

I hear you breathing, baby Been chasing you all night Think it'd be fun to see if you can make it through the night And now you're screaming, baby The calls are from inside Are you the final girl? The one who makes it out alive

Do you wanna be the final girl? D-Do you wanna be the final girl? It's life or death, you're in my world And it's life or death to be my girl

Do you wanna be the final girl? D-Do you wanna be the final girl? It's life or death, you're in my world And it's life or death to be my girl

Hello?

Envyness & Mika via our threads. // @s-talking

[lil-kissy]

Fluff, Drama, Lighthearted or Dark

FMA, Wonderland, Ygo or anything in between

I wanna plot gdi.

Look I love short n sweet interactions, quick asks and small threads they're all great but I'm going to be perfectly honest. I Miss plotted stuff.

I miss a single lengthy thread, or continues story beats and plots over multiple. I want progression.

Character Growth- for all muses, the world and story building, relationship growth/bonding. The good, the bad, the happy , the sad and everything else that comes with those types of threads.

Quite frankly that's what I want more then anything in regards to Kisara, future of the blog, general desire/rp interest.

This isn't to say I want to stop or won't continue doing small stuff, answering asks and sending that. I'm always for those especially as good buffers whether as a break from a current thread, a lull in motivation, life getting in the way of being able to focus on lengthy things you know whatever.

I'll always be 110% on board for any and every interaction nor am I discounting the enjoyment they've brought in the past, I love everyone one of you guys and everyone of our interactions has been a joy to do and always will be.

But I'm gonna be real it has been far to long since I last did like a properly plotted thread, a fun long continuous thread that didn't end up dying out or forgotten real quick.

Just wanted to let everyone know this is what I've really been feeling and really wanting to try and lean into more not just for her but in general with my rping as whole this year.

But especially here cause in part the fragmented one shot mini threads while always fun they kinda end up all over the place and I'd love to be able to start creating some kind of time line? do interactions that will actually carry over from one to the next, consequences for actions, lasting affects of things good or bad between threads (which I already have been trying to do that with some of her interactions and not just let them sit in a unconnected nebulous zone of their own heh)

[i-cecapades]

❜ you are doing so well, my pet. ❜

darker vibes meme || still accepting.

⛸️ — ʰᵉ ʷᵃˢⁿ'ᵗ ˢᵘʳᵉ ʰᵒʷ ˡᵒⁿᵍ ⁱᵗ ʰᵃᵈ ᵇᵉᵉⁿ ˢⁱⁿᶜᵉ ʰᵉ'ᵈ ˡᵃˢᵗ ˢᵉᵉⁿ ᵃⁿʸ ᵒᶠ ʰⁱˢ ᶠᵃᵐⁱˡʸ ᵐᵉᵐᵇᵉʳˢ, whether it was his parents or his siblings, there was no real way for him to tell. Perhaps it had been days? Weeks? Maybe even months? All he knew was that he'd been brought to this god forsaken house against his will, much like many of the things he'd been forced to do in his life, and now... he had to somehow survive all in a place he was unfamiliar with. Oh how he wished he hadn't talked to that suspicious stranger on that one fateful day, the very day that changed his life for the worst. His psychiatrist had told him that speaking to others would help him break out of his anti-social shell, that it would help to blossom a new version of himself, one that his child could look to as a role model once he was old enough. But so far it seemed that said advice only lead to the same situation he had been in before: isolation, intimidation, and fear. The same exact situation he had thought to have escaped when leaving his ex-fiancé. Regardless of that though, ⁱᵗ ʷᵃˢ ˢᵃᶠᵉ ᵗᵒ ˢᵃʸ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᵃⁱ ʷᵃˢⁿ'ᵗ ᵍᵒⁱⁿᵍ ᵃⁿʸʷʰᵉʳᵉ ʷⁱᵗʰⁱⁿ ᵗʰⁱˢ ʰᵒᵘˢᵉ ᵒᶠ ʰᵒʳʳᵒʳˢ. He didn't have the drive to try anymore, not after all of the hard work he'd done to make a better life for himself... for his child. Come to think of it, he wasn't if sure where his child was or if he was safe? He didn't know if the stranger had taken him after securing Ai or if he had simply left him back at home all by his lonesome. Those thoughts were more than enough to bring tears to his eyes. His child. His poor precious Sung-Hoon. His only reason for living. His little light of hope.

⛸️ — Though he isn't able to dwell on those thoughts for long when the sudden sound of a tea kettle whistles loudly nearby, ᵒʰ ˢᵒ ᵈᵉᵃᶠᵉⁿⁱⁿᵍˡʸ ᶠᵒʳ ˢᵒᵐᵉᵒⁿᵉ ˡⁱᵏᵉ ʰⁱᵐ, but it's enough to cause him to jump and quickly rush over to the source — taking hold of the black handle and lifting it up from the stove before placing it onto a small coaster to prevent it from burning the counter. Hands move to take hold of two tea cups (or were they called meoto yunomi? He remembered hearing something like that at some point) he had placed beside himself, carefully placing them onto a small wooden tray with handles — after all, the stranger... no, Envy would surely be unpleased with a proper presentation of his favorite tea — hence why he begins to pour the contents into the small cups before placing both the coaster and kettle onto the tray. ˡⁱᶠᵗⁱⁿᵍ ᵗʰᵉ ᵗʳᵃʸ ⁱⁿᵗᵒ ʰⁱˢ ʰᵃⁿᵈˢ, ʰᵉ ᵠᵘⁱᵉᵗˡʸ ᵐᵃᵏᵉˢ ʰⁱˢ ʷᵃʸ ⁱⁿᵗᵒ ᵗʰᵉ ˡⁱᵛⁱⁿᵍ ʳᵒᵒᵐ, lilac irises glancing ever so slightly at the small flickering flames of the candles that dimly lit the room (casting almost a haunting glow upon the much taller male's features). He places the tray down onto the table before taking one of the cups into his hands, with his head lowered... he offers the cup towards Envy and waits patiently for him to take it, not once daring to lift his gaze from his hands. After standing in silence for a few moments, Ai takes hold of the other cup within the tray before taking a seat beside Envy, though he makes sure to put a small space between them. He was hoping to sit in silence with the other to avoid any unwanted conversation, but the other's words cause him to swallow thickly. ❛ y̯̤͑́́̓́ȍ̸̢̢̮͚̐̚û̶͙̽̿͆̈ ă̶̸̝ͦ͊̿͋͞r̶̷̲͍̭͐̾̀͟ę̷̵̧̖̫̗̆̊ d̸̡̩͍̔ͥ͜ȍ̸̢̢̮͚̐̚i̵͓͙̱͚̎͟n̷̶̯͉̊̽̐ͦ͘g̴̶̛̮̣͙͠ s̩͙͖̋͛͟ȍ̸̢̢̮͚̐̚ ẅ̷̷̢̟͇͈̒ę̷̵̧̖̫̗̆̊ḻ̸͈ͧ͑̓̓̀͡ḻ̸͈ͧ͑̓̓̀͡, m̶̷͔ͪ̽͡y̯̤͑́́̓́ p̶̸̨̺͊̍̒̓̀ę̷̵̧̖̫̗̆̊t̴͕͖͓̀. ❜

⛸️ — ᵗʰᵒˢᵉ ʷᵒʳᵈˢ ᵃʳᵉ ᵐᵒʳᵉ ᵗʰᵃⁿ ᵉⁿᵒᵘᵍʰ ᵗᵒ ˢᵉⁿᵈ ᵃ ᶜʰⁱˡˡ ᵈᵒʷⁿ ʰⁱˢ ˢᵖⁱⁿᵉ ᶜᵃᵘˢⁱⁿᵍ ᵗʰᵉ ʰᵃⁱʳˢ ᵒⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ᵇᵃᶜᵏ ᵒᶠ ʰⁱˢ ⁿᵉᶜᵏ ᵗᵒ ˢᵗᵃⁿᵈ ᵘᵖ, but... if Envy believed he was doing well in his adjustment to his new... lifestyle... maybe he could make a request of him? Maybe he could... and the other wouldn't get upset with him? "Thank... Thank you for... praising me." He starts out small by thanking him for his kindness. "Since I've... I've been doing so well, um... do you t-think that... I could make a request?" He could feel his anxiety slowly beginning to spike the more he spoke to the other, but this was something that he had to ask. Something that he absolutely had to request of the other. "Do you... Um... Would you mind if... if I could see my baby? I... I have a newborn at... at home and he... he needs me. I just... I just need to... make sure that he's alright. S-Surely that... would be okay, r-right?"

[vintersang]

@umbravirtus walked into the unknown.

Lord Peterrsen has served her family for many, many long years. The death of her parents, King Agnarr and Queen Iduna, led the kindhearted man to become her regent until she became of age to properly take the throne. Four months have now passed, but the mourning period is still in full effect. Even though her birthday is quickly approaching, Elsa dresses in black. She does not allow any celebrations to occur, though she still thinks Anna is going to try to do something for her birthday...

Though the gates were closed, Lord Peterrsen had invited someone from the Southern Isles to the Arendelle Castle to try to settle some important arrangements. It was private business, something that Elsa should know about... But she couldn't focus. Lord Peterrsen requested an audience from her, but she didn't answer his knocks. She told him to go away. Unlike Anna, the nobleman did not go away as easily.

She urged him to do whatever he thinks is best, telling him to do what he thinks is best for Arendelle. Still, he didn't leave. Growing with urgent desperation, she told him that she will see him in three days time. Somewhat satisfied with her agreement to see him, he left her to her own devices. A wise queen would automatically let him in, immediately address the important matters. But she is too deep in her grief, not wanting to see anyone except for two people she would never get to see again. Will she forget their voices?

She knows she is fortunate enough to have family portraits spread throughout the castle, but the fear of forgetting them spread as fast as the ice in her bedchamber. She feared the idea of forgetting their voices. She wished it was possible to record the sound of someone's laughter, every inch of their voices... Record everything they ever said. Writing down melodies and songs upon music sheets were easy, but no amount of parchment or ink can preserve the preciousness of someone's voice... You can write down the lyrics of a precious lullaby, allow the lullaby to be immortal upon the paper, but you can never preserve someone's beautiful singing.

Gone, gone, gone.

It was all gone...

Why didn't she write down their conversations in her private journals? She has dedicated herself to writing as much as possible during her years of isolation. She should have wrote down every drop of wisdom from her father's mouth, but she didn't do it. I won't have to do that, she once thought to herself, so very foolish. Papa and Mama will always be there for us. But now they were gone, forever lost at sea.

Elsa didn't want to write down just her father's endless wisdom. She wanted to immortalize her single inch of her mother and father's very souls, but it is far too late now. They were dead. She could ask people about them, but... Talking about them left her with the urge to scream. She has never been one to scream before, not even during moments of pure joy. She swallowed back the urge to unleash a loud sob, too terrified to know what would happen if she unveiled her emotions.

One day, Anna will leave her once she grew sick of being shut out by someone as coldhearted as her. One day, Anna will find someone to happily marry— Elsa cannot predict the future, but she knew that Anna's marriage had to be written in stone. In her mind, it was a fact. She simply didn't know when or how. Anyone would be happy to have her sister's hand in marriage, even if she never got her hands on the throne. One day, Anna will no doubt live elsewhere in her husband's home. These halls, these very grounds, will no doubt be where Elsa will spend all of her days until she takes her dying breath.

Elsa kneels down in the darkened chapel. Only a single candelabra, heavier than the royal scepter she will one day hold in three years time, with three brightly lit candles were her light in the otherwise empty royal chapel. She was once wrapped up with her mother's scarf, but now she removed it from her shoulders to cling to it with gloved hands. She embraces it to her chest, lost in prayers to a silent god— Not even the gods of old, the ones that her people once worshipped long ago, would answer her prayers— She has found herself in this chapel for two, maybe three, hours since she struggled to sleep. She thought, yet another foolish thought, that the chapel would be able to ease the storm of many swirling thoughts.

In the beginning, she stood and stared up. Ever since the castle received the news of the sunken ship, Elsa had began to regularly visit the chapel. In the earlier days, she tried to sought comfort through being in the presence of the quiet chapel. Her faith has always lingered in the back of her mind, never quite the strongest. Though she may have struggled with religion, she did still believe. How could she sit back and not believe when she was given such a dazzling power as hers? Even if she did believe in the existence of a deity, praying has also been a struggle since none of her prayers were answered.

Soon, her visits to the chapel quickly turned into something more productive. If prayers cannot held her, then she will make use of her nightly visits by practicing for her coronation day. Tonight is like no other. She is here, pulled by the duty of needing to practice without her gloves. She is alone on this cold night in December, but that will soon change. She didn't know when she rose back to her feet, but she had done so without much thought. Elsa had removed her gloves, something she only chooses to do when she knows she is all alone.

Though she was worried about ruining her mother's scarf, she still clings to the fabric with both of her bare hands. It felt so soft... How soothing to feel something that her mother created from nothing. She clung to it with both hands, temporarily lost in a reverie of nostalgia. Her mother was always busying her hands, often bouncing between detailed embroidery to her newest knitting project. She had a gift for creation, her mother. The thought of her mother brought a lump in her throat as she pictured her face, but all she can remember is the way her mother looked so sorrowful, no doubt still hurt by her decision to be all alone...

The sound of a door opening instantly makes her drop her mother's scarf. The knitted scarf will no doubt not mind the floor since the chapel was extremely clean, thanks to the more pious members of the castle's staff. Still, she feels a pang of guilt for dropping something so precious so easily— But her panic shoots through her, stronger than anything else, as she didn't have time to put on her gloves, which were resting neatly on one of the empty pews. Her hands quickly reach over to grab the candelabra with both hands, the next best thing for her. She spins around, surprise written across her face. She sees the silhouette of a tall man, though she cannot see his features so clearly.

"Who goes there!" Elsa called out, silently cursing herself for not being able to get to her gloves in time. Part of her wished it was only a worried Kai, but she knew very well that the proud steward was not shaped as tall and muscular as this stranger. Was it Lord Peterrsen, the very same man that vowed to be her regent until she could properly take the throne in three years time? She hoped it was the case, even if he would no doubt lecture her on how she shouldn't be sneaking off in the middle of the night. The silence stretched, immediately confirming her worries... This person, the same person who was now blocking her only exit, was no one that she knew.

"What are you doing here?" No trace of uneasiness, thankfully, does not seep into her voice. Her hands are trembling a little bit, but they appear as steady as can be from a distance. With no heat to stay warm on this December night, she can pretend that she is cold. It was a good enough excuse for a trembling monarch. Elsa is still reeling in shock, but she holds her head up high. She cannot show weakness...

She cannot show anything.

[fellstcr]

⚔️ // seiros' silence left an UNEASY WEIGHT to bear down upon byleth's chest . as though her sentiment had OVERSTEPPED A BOUND . ( and still . . . ) when seiros spoke , byleth did well to LISTEN , only to find , with some thought , that she could UNDERSTAND the words that seiros spoke to her . ENOUGH AT LEAST to find that the HEAVY FEELING knotted ever more tightly within her as byleth cast her gaze to the side .

she knew WELL ENOUGH the creed seiros had followed . perhaps it was one she had followed still : as archbishop . BUT BYLETH COULD NOT BELIEVE that sothis would will such a lonely burden upon anybody .

not on purpose . even while she was long gone .

so , CAUTIOUSLY , byleth exhaled through her lips , blinked , and tilted her head back to lady seiros . questioning . "i don't mean that you should give up on your goals . i only mean that—" lips pressed thin . her thoughts drifted to the historical texts and the age old sagas . to saint cichol , and saint cethleann . —". . . that TRUSTED ALLIES can be invaluable to achieving those goals ."

@seirosu / cont. from (x.)

[vi-steponmeplease]

ˋ°•*⁀➷ loser!gf ellie

synopsis: just some random headcanons about what it'd be like to date loser ellie who's js so obsessed with you.

notes: never made any headcanon posts before, so don't mind the setup lmao i have no clue what i'm doing

tw: mostly fluff but there are some smutty hcs (oral — e!receiving)

✧₊⁺ to begin with, ellie defo prefers cozy 'netflix n chill' date nights over dressing up for fancy dinners.

✧₊⁺ cuddling up on the couch with you is something that never fails to make her heart swell, no matter how long you’ve been together.

✧₊⁺ but mostly because it gives her a chance to imagine what domestic life with you might be like—though she’d never admit it, afraid it might seem like she’s moving too fast.

✧₊⁺ she’s a sucker for resting her head on your chest while you thread your fingers through her hair, gently massaging her scalp as the two of you watch some cringey movie you’ll inevitably fall asleep to halfway through.

✧₊⁺ on the rare nights you don’t doze off, ellie grabs her brown acoustic guitar adorned with spongebob stickers and serenades you with a gentle melody while you rest your head on her shoulder.

✧₊⁺ when you’re out with friends, ellie—being the absolute dork she is—seizes the opportunity to practice tricks on her scratched-up skateboard, determined to one day impress you with her skills (even though she can barely land a kickflip without bruising herself)

✧₊⁺ when she eventually heads home with fresh scratches and deep purple bruises on her arms and knees, she does her best to patch herself up and cover them with makeup, hoping you won’t notice.

✧₊⁺ walking around town with ellie is always chaotic, as she can’t help but scream with excitement at the sight of every cat she sees.

✧₊⁺ bonus points if she’s eating chips—she’ll immediately tear open the bag and try to feed the poor animal junk food, no matter how much you explain it’s unhealthy. she just wants the cat to be happy and fed.

✧₊⁺ speaking of cats, she's defo the type to snap 0.5 pictures from every angle, proudly maintaining an entire folder dedicated to her feline encounters.

✧₊⁺ you got her a dino necklace for her birthday, and she’s never taken it off since.

✧₊⁺ ellie also has a whole mini-figure collection of the reptile and loves sending you pictures of two dinos kissing, always captioning them with: us!!

✧₊⁺ this girl lets nothing—absolutely nothing—distract her from a videogame. but the moment you so much as call her name, she’s running to you like a stray dog that just found its owner.

✧₊⁺ sometimes, you sit on her lap as she plays, watching her screen and asking the silliest questions. she always answers with a smile and a soft kiss on your cheek.

"what about there? would you die if you went inside that room?" you ask, your arms draped around her neck as you tilt your head to get a better view of her game.

she chuckles softly, pressing her lips to your jaw before fiddling with the joysticks. "judging by the fact that it’s pitch dark in there, i’d say… probably, yeah."

✧₊⁺ the room eventually falls silent, her focus fully locked on the game. but when she glances down a few moments later, she finds you fast asleep, your head resting on her shoulder, and she can’t help but smile.

✧₊⁺ you’ve never seen a room as messy yet effortlessly aesthetic as ellie��s. somehow, the clutter only adds to her charm and uniqueness.

✧₊⁺ sometimes, as you sit on her bed scrolling through your phone in comfortable silence, ellie sketches little drawings of you.

✧₊⁺ by now, her sketchbook is filled with portraits of you—you’ve become her muse.

✧₊⁺ she used to get shy about showing you her artwork, hesitating before every reveal. but after seeing your excitement over one piece, she proudly gave you a full tour of her sketchbook, secretly basking in the joy of being the reason behind that pretty smile of yours.

✧₊⁺ one time, ellie asked you to press your lipstick-stained lips onto a piece of paper, saying she wanted to create something abstract.

✧₊⁺ that moment quickly escalated into her kissing you with urgency, her lips trailing heated breaths down your neck and collarbone. before you knew it, you were lying on your back, clothes discarded on the floor, as she devoured you like a prisoner savoring a last meal.

✧₊⁺ ellie had never tasted pussy before, but she didn’t need any frame of reference. she’ll always insist yours is the best she could ever have.

✧₊⁺ she’s a soft dom, big on praise—even when you’re the one between her legs.

ellie’s head falls back against the wall, a low groan slipping from her lips as your tongue flicks against her clit. you wrap your lips around the sensitive bud, watching her face contort with pleasure.

“fuck, baby. just like that,” she grunts, her hand threading into your hair and tugging gently to bring you closer. “you’re doing so good.”

✧₊⁺ in the end, ellie is just a hopeless loser who’s madly in love with you and would do anything to make you happy.

[harrysfolklore]

christ-max -mv1

summary: you invite your boyfriend max to spend christmas with you for the first time, however, your family doesn't quite believe you're dating a formula 1 world champion. wc: 5.8k

folkie radio: HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOUUUU! i hope you're having the best day ever with your loves ones. this fic ended up being longer than i intended but i hope you like it!

MASTERLIST | MY PATREON

You're nestled into Max's side on his couch, wrapped in the soft throw blanket he keeps specifically for these quiet moments together. The afternoon light filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his Monaco apartment, casting a glow across the room. Your feet are tucked under you, and you can smell the lingering scent of the coffee you both made earlier.

The Netflix show you'd put on - some random documentary about deep-sea creatures - has become mere background noise. Max's fingers are threading through your hair in that gentle way that always makes you melt, occasionally stopping to massage your scalp. .

"I can't believe the season's actually over," you murmur, tracing lazy patterns on his arm. "Feels weird not having to plan around race weekends anymore."

Max chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest where your head rests. "Yeah, but now we have to plan around all the end-of-year events instead. Did you see how many galas and ceremonies are coming up?"

"At least those don't involve you flying halfway across the world," you tease, tilting your head to look up at him. His hair is slightly messy, free from its usual styling, and you resist the urge to reach up and run your fingers through it.

"True," he agrees, then glances at his phone on the coffee table. "Speaking of events, I can't believe it's already December. Christmas is going to be here before we know it. Guess time flies when you're busy winning championships."

Your heart skips a beat. This is the opening you've been waiting for. You've been thinking about this for weeks, planning how to bring it up. "Actually… I wanted to ask you something about Christmas," you start, sitting up slightly to face him better.

Max's blue eyes meet yours, curious. "What's on your mind?"

"Well…" you bite your lip, suddenly feeling nervous despite knowing there's no reason to be. "I was wondering if you'd want to spend Christmas with me and my family this year? I know we've kept things private, but I really want them to meet you, and-"

"Wait, really?" Max interrupts, his whole face lighting up with that boyish excitement that made you fall for him in the first place. "You want me to meet your family?"

You can't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Of course I do. We've been together almost a year now, and they keep asking why I'm always smiling at my phone." You playfully poke his side. "Which is your fault, by the way."

He catches your hand, intertwining your fingers. "My fault? I'm just being my naturally charming self," he grins, then his expression turns slightly more serious. "But are you sure? I mean, won't they be surprised when you show up with, well…"

"With a four-time World Champion?" you finish for him, laughing. "Actually, my dad might pass out. He's been watching F1 since before I was born. He has no idea I've been dating his favorite driver."

Max's eyebrows shoot up. "I'm his favorite driver?"

"Don't let it go to your head," you warn playfully. "But yeah, he's got your merchandise and everything. It's actually kind of embarrassing how much he talks about you during race weekends."

Max throws his head back laughing, and you can't help but join in. "Oh God, this is going to be interesting," he says, wiping at his eyes. "What about the rest of your family?"

"Well, Mom will probably try to feed you until you burst - she's like that with everyone. And my little sister Ruby, she's seven and she's going to have so many questions. She's in that phase where she wants to know everything about everything."

"I can handle questions," Max says confidently, then hesitates. "What kind of questions are we talking about?"

You pretend to think about it. "Oh, you know, probably things like 'How fast have you ever driven?' 'Have you ever crashed?' 'Do you want to marry my sister?'"

Max nearly chokes on air at the last one, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "You're joking, right?"

"About Ruby? Nope, she has absolutely no filter," you laugh, then soften your voice. "But seriously, they're going to love you. Just be yourself - the you I know, not the racing driver everyone else sees."

He pulls you closer, pressing a kiss to your temple. "I'd love to spend Christmas with your family. I can't wait to meet them." He pauses, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Should I wear my race suit when I meet your dad?"

You swat his arm, laughing. "Don't you dare! He'll actually faint." You settle back against his chest, feeling warm and content. "Thank you for saying yes. It means a lot to me."

"Thank you for asking me," he murmurs into your hair. "I love you."

"I love you too," you respond, smiling as his arms tighten around you. The documentary continues playing, forgotten again as you both start planning for Christmas, trading ideas and jokes about how to break the news to your family.

You're sitting cross-legged on Max's bed while he's in the shower, your phone propped up against a pillow as you FaceTime your family. Your mom's face fills most of the screen, with your dad peering over her shoulder and little Ruby bouncing around trying to get a better view.

"Honey, we can barely see you. The lighting is terrible," your mom critiques, and you adjust your position slightly.

"Better?"

"Much better! Now, what's this important thing you wanted to tell us about Christmas?" Your mom asks, while Ruby shouts "Is it presents?" in the background.

You take a deep breath, trying to contain your smile. "Well, I wanted to let you know that I'm bringing someone with me this year… my boyfriend."

There's an immediate explosion of excitement. Ruby starts jumping up and down, your mom gasps dramatically, and your dad's eyebrows shoot up with interest.

"Finally!" your mom exclaims. "We've been wondering when you'd introduce him. You've been so secretive about this boyfriend of yours."

"What's his name?" Ruby pipes up, her face suddenly taking up half the screen as she pushes closer to the camera. "Is he nice? Does he like Disney movies?"

You laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "Yes, Rubes, he's very nice. And his name is…" you pause, knowing what's coming. "Max. Max Verstappen."

There's a moment of silence before your dad bursts out laughing. "Good one, sweetheart. Now, what's his real name?"

"I'm serious, Dad. I'm dating Max Verstappen."

Your mom is trying to hold back her laughter now too. "Honey, isn't that the racing driver you and your father are always watching? The one your dad has all those caps and shirts of?"

"Yes, and I'm actually dating him," you insist, feeling your cheeks heat up.

Ruby's face scrunches up in confusion. "The fast car man? From TV?"

"The very same one, Rubes."

Your dad wipes tears from his eyes. "Come on now, what's next? Are you going to tell us you're best friends with Lewis Hamilton too?"

"Dad!" you groan, running a hand over your face. "I'm being serious! We've been dating for almost a year. I'm literally at his place right now!"

"In Monaco?" your dad asks skeptically. "Prove it."

You swing your phone around to show the familiar view of Monaco through the windows, but your dad just shakes his head. "Could be any apartment in Monaco."

"You're impossible!" you huff. "Fine, don't believe me. You'll see at Christmas."

Ruby presses her face closer to the screen again. "Will he bring his race car?"

"No, Rubes, he can't bring the race car," you say, softening your tone for your little sister. "But I promise you'll love him."

After a few more minutes of your family teasing you about your "imaginary Formula 1 driver boyfriend," you end the call with a mix of frustration and amusement. Just as you flop back onto the bed, you hear the bathroom door open and Max walks out, his hair still damp from the shower.

"How'd it go?" he asks, noticing your expression.

You let out a laugh. "They think I'm making you up. They literally don't believe I'm dating you."

Max raises his eyebrows, looking amused as he sits next to you on the bed. "Really?"

"Really. Dad laughed so hard he nearly cried. And Ruby, my little sister, just wants to know if you're bringing your race car for Christmas."

"Sorry to disappoint Ruby," he grins, then looks thoughtful. "You know, maybe we should've waited to tell them in person. The looks on their faces would've been priceless."

"Oh, don't worry," you sit up, wrapping your arms around his neck. "They'll still be priceless. Dad's going to lose it when he realizes all those times he was rambling about you during races, he was actually talking about his daughter's boyfriend."

Max laughs, pulling you closer. "What else should I know before meeting them?"

"Well, Ruby's seven and obsessed with Frozen. She'll definitely make you watch it and probably sing along too."

"I can handle that," he says confidently.

"And recite all the lines?"

"…Maybe not that."

"And act out the scenes with her?"

Max's eyes widen slightly. "What have I gotten myself into?"

You kiss his cheek. "Too late to back out now, Verstappen. You're stuck with us."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," he murmurs, pulling you in for a proper kiss. "Even if it means playing Olaf the snowman."

"Oh no, you'll definitely be playing Elsa. Ruby's very particular about casting."

The look of horror on his face makes you burst out laughing, and soon he's joining in too. As your laughter dies down, you can't help but think about how perfect this feels - being here with him, planning to spend Christmas with your family, even if they don't believe you yet. You can't wait to see their faces when you show up at their door with Max Verstappen himself.

"Hey," Max says softly, breaking into your thoughts. "What are you smiling about?"

"Just thinking about how Christmas is going to be interesting this year."

"Interesting is one way to put it," he grins. "Should I wear my race suit when we arrive?"

"Don't you dare! Dad will actually faint."

"That's kind of the point," he winks, and you grab a pillow to hit him with, both of you dissolving into laughter again.

"Let me guess, another text from 'Max Verstappen'?" your dad teases from his spot at the kitchen counter, making air quotes with his fingers. He's wearing one of his many Red Bull Racing shirts, completely oblivious to the irony.

"Actually, yes," you reply, rolling your eyes. "He'll be here soon."

Your mom chuckles while peeling potatoes. "Honey, you can just tell us who your boyfriend really is. We won't judge, even if he's not a Formula 1 champion."

"Mom, I've told you a million times-"

"LOOK!" Ruby crashes into the kitchen, pointing at the TV in the living room where they're showing highlights from the last race. "It's YN's boyfriend!" She dissolves into giggles, clearly in on what she thinks is a funny joke.

"Very funny, Rubes," you mutter, but check your phone again when it buzzes.

Max: "Just turned onto your street. Nice neighborhood 😉"

Your heart starts beating faster. "He's here," you announce, heading toward the front door.

"Oh, we're still doing this?" your dad calls after you, amused. "Should I get my Max Verstappen cap for him to sign?"

"Actually, Dad, yes, you should," you shout back, slipping on your boots.

"Sweetie," your mom starts in that gentle voice she uses when she thinks you're being ridiculous, "you don't have to-"

The sound of a car pulling up interrupts her. You open the front door and step out onto the porch, watching as Max's car comes to a stop in your driveway. Your family has crowded behind you in the doorway, probably expecting to catch you in your "lie."

Max steps out of the car, looking unfairly handsome in his dark winter coat and scarf. His face lights up when he sees you, and you don't hesitate to run down the steps toward him.

"Hi," he grins, catching you in a tight hug and lifting you slightly off your feet. "Missed you."

You hear a loud gasp behind you, followed by what sounds like your dad choking on air.

"Missed you too," you murmur against his chest before turning to face your family, keeping one arm wrapped around his waist.

The scene on your front porch is priceless. Your dad's mouth is hanging open, his face pale except for two bright red spots on his cheeks. Your mom has both hands pressed to her face in shock. Ruby is the only one moving, bouncing up and down with excitement.

"IT REALLY IS THE FAST CAR MAN!" she shrieks, breaking the silence as she barrels down the steps toward you both.

Max laughs, crouching down to her level. "Hi Ruby. Nice to finally meet you. Your sister has told me a lot about you."

"You're real!" she exclaims, poking his arm as if to make sure.

"Very real," he confirms, looking thoroughly amused.

"I… you… but…" your dad stammers, still frozen in the doorway.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. LN," Max says, standing back up and guiding you and Ruby toward the porch. "Thank you for having me for Christmas."

Your mom seems to snap out of her shock first. "Oh my goodness, please come in! It's freezing out here. I… oh dear… the potatoes… I should… more food… I need to…"

"Mom, breathe," you laugh, as Max follows you inside.

Your dad hasn't moved an inch, still staring at Max like he's seeing a ghost. "You're… you're actually… the Brazil overtake…"

"Dad, no F1 talk yet!" you warn. "Let him at least get his coat off first."

"Right! Yes! Coat!" your dad says frantically. "I'll take your coat! And then maybe… could you… would you mind signing my…"

"Collection?" you finish for him, smirking. "The one you thought I was making up?"

Max raises his eyebrows at you, remembering your conversation about your dad's merchandise collection.

Ruby tugs on Max's hand. "Do you want to see my Frozen dolls? And can we watch the movie? Sissy said you've never seen it!"

"Ruby, let him settle in first," your mom calls from the kitchen, where she appears to be panic-cooking. "Oh God, is the food good enough? Do Formula 1 drivers have special diets? Should I-"

"Mom, the food will be perfect," you assure her, then turn to Max. "See? I told you they'd be cool about it."

Max tries to suppress his laugh as your dad continues to stare at him in awe, your mom stress-cooks enough food to feed an army, and Ruby continues pulling on his hand.

"Very cool," he agrees, pressing a kiss to your temple. "Though I think your dad might need to sit down."

"I'm fine!" your dad squeaks, then immediately sits down heavily on the nearest chair. "Just… just give me a minute to process that my daughter is actually dating Max Verstappen and I've been accidentally talking about my future son-in-law during every race and-"

"DAD!" you exclaim, feeling your face heat up while Max chuckles beside you.

"What? I'm just saying… all those times I said 'that Verstappen boy would make someone a good husband someday' and it turns out-"

"Okay!" you interrupt loudly. "Who wants coffee? Max, come help me with coffee!"

As you drag a laughing Max toward the kitchen, you hear Ruby start explaining the entire plot of Frozen to him, your mom muttering about needing to buy more food, and your dad still talking to himself about racing statistics.

"Still think this was a good idea?" you whisper to Max.

He pulls you closer, grinning. "The best. Though you might want to tell your dad to breathe before he passes out."

"Can we build a snowman after coffee?" Ruby calls out.

"Only if Max gets to be Elsa!" you shout back, earning you a playful glare from your boyfriend.

Looking around at your slightly chaotic but loving family, and seeing how naturally Max fits into it all, you can't help but smile. This is definitely going to be a Christmas to remember.

The initial chaos has settled into a cozy scene in your living room. You're curled up on the couch next to Max, who has Ruby practically attached to his side. She hasn't stopped talking since everyone sat down, and Max, to his credit, is giving her his complete attention.

"And then Elsa makes this huge ice castle," Ruby explains, using elaborate hand gestures. "Can you drive as fast as Elsa runs up the mountain?"

"Probably faster," Max answers with a grin, making Ruby's eyes widen.

"Even in the snow?"

"Even in the snow."

Your dad, who's finally regained his ability to form complete sentences, sits in his armchair trying very hard not to bombard Max with racing questions. He keeps opening his mouth, then closing it again when you give him a warning look.

"It's okay, Dad," you laugh. "You can ask him one race question. Just one."

Your dad looks like he might cry from happiness. "The overtake in Brazil-"

"Which one?" Max asks with a playful smirk, and your dad launches into an enthusiastic discussion about racing lines and grip levels.

Your mom returns from the kitchen with a tray of hot chocolate and cookies, having finally accepted that she doesn't need to cook enough food for an entire F1 paddock. "Here we go. I hope it's okay, Max. YN mentioned you like hot chocolate."

"It's perfect, thank you," Max says warmly, accepting a mug.

Ruby immediately reaches for a cookie, then pauses. "Do race car drivers eat cookies?"

"Only the fast ones," Max whispers conspiratorially, making her giggle.

"Ruby, give Max some space to breathe," your mom says gently, noticing how your sister is practically in his lap.

"It's fine," Max assures her. "I have nephews. I'm used to it."

Ruby beams at this information. "Really? Do they like Frozen too?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure they'd love to hear your explanation of it," he says, and Ruby launches into another detailed plot summary.

You catch your mom watching the interaction with soft eyes, all her earlier panic forgotten. She meets your gaze and mouths 'He's wonderful' when Ruby isn't looking.

Your dad has moved on from Brazil to discussing tire strategies, but stops himself mid-sentence. "Sorry, I'm probably boring you. You live this stuff."

"Not at all," Max says sincerely. "It's nice talking about it with someone who understands racing. YN usually just tells me to stop being a nerd when I talk about tire compounds."

"Because you spent two hours explaining the difference between C3 and C4 compounds!" you defend yourself.

"It's fascinating stuff," your dad says eagerly, and Max nods in agreement.

"Oh no, there's two of them now," you mutter to your mom, who laughs.

Ruby tugs on Max's sleeve. "Can we watch Frozen now? Please? You promised!"

"Ruby, let Max rest a bit," your mom starts, but Max shakes his head.

"A promise is a promise," he says solemnly to Ruby. "Should we watch it now?"

Ruby squeals with delight, jumping up to get the remote. Your dad looks slightly disappointed that his racing talk is being cut short, but you can see him hiding a smile at Ruby's excitement.

"Fair warning," you whisper to Max as Ruby sets up the movie, "she knows every word. And she will sing along."

"As long as she doesn't expect me to sing," he whispers back.

"MAX!" Ruby calls, patting the spot next to her on the floor where she's arranged pillows. "You have to sit here! It's the best spot!"

Max obliges, settling down next to her while you stay on the couch, exchanging amused looks with your parents as Ruby starts the movie, already mouthing along to the opening music.

Your mom leans over to you. "I'm sorry we didn't believe you," she whispers. "He's lovely. And so good with Ruby."

"I told you," you whisper back, watching as Ruby explains to Max why Elsa has ice powers.

Your dad joins in the whispered conversation. "Think he'd sign my mug collection later?"

"Dad!"

"What? I'm just saying, Christmas cards would be sorted for the next few years…"

You're about to respond when Ruby shushes you all loudly. "This is the best part!"

Max catches your eye and winks, clearly enjoying himself despite being roped into a Disney movie viewing with a very enthusiastic seven-year-old commentator. Your heart swells watching him with your family, how naturally he fits in, how gentle he is with Ruby.

"Do you want to build a snowman?" Ruby starts singing along with the movie.

"Later, Rubes," you promise. "Let's watch the movie first."

She nods seriously, then turns to Max. "Pay attention to this part. It's very important."

"I won't miss a second," he promises, and Ruby beams at him before turning back to the screen.

Your mom reaches over and squeezes your hand, giving you a knowing look. Even your dad has stopped thinking about racing long enough to appreciate the moment – his youngest daughter sharing her favorite movie with your boyfriend, who happens to be the F1 driver he's been fan-boying over for years.

It's perfect, you think, watching your family and Max together. Different from how you imagined telling them, but perfect nonetheless.

"Shh!" Ruby whispers loudly. "Elsa is about to sing Let It Go!"

Max shoots you a slightly panicked look as Ruby starts to stand up, clearly ready to perform the whole number. You just grin and shrug. After all, you did warn him about the singing.

Later that evening, you finally manage to steal a moment alone with Max. Ruby had fallen asleep during the third replay of Frozen, and your parents took her up to bed before retreating to the kitchen to finish some Christmas preparations.

You find Max on the back porch, leaning against the railing and looking up at the stars. The winter air is crisp, and you can see his breath forming little clouds in the darkness. Quietly, you step out and wrap your arms around him from behind, pressing your cheek against his back.

"Hey," he says softly, turning in your arms to face you. His hands find their way to your waist, pulling you closer. "Needed a little break from being Elsa?"

You laugh quietly, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from his forehead. "You were amazing with Ruby today. I think you're officially her new favorite person."

"She's a sweet kid," he smiles, then adds with a playful glint in his eyes, "Though I didn't expect to watch Frozen two times in one day."

"Just wait until tomorrow. She'll probably want to act it out."

He groans dramatically, but you can see the fondness in his expression. "The things I do for you."

"Mmm, and I appreciate every one of them," you murmur, standing on your tiptoes to kiss him softly.

Max responds immediately, one hand moving to cup your face while the other pulls you even closer. The kiss is gentle and unhurried, full of unspoken emotions. When you finally pull back, he rests his forehead against yours.

"Thank you," you whisper.

"For what?"

"For being so perfect with my family. For watching Frozen multiple times. For not running away when my dad started his racing commentary."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling in his chest. "I like your family. Your dad's racing knowledge is impressive, your mom's trying very hard not to mother me to death, and Ruby…" he pauses, smiling. "Ruby reminds me of Victoria at that age."

You snuggle closer, seeking his warmth in the cold air. "I was so nervous about telling them, and then even more nervous when they didn't believe me. But this… this is better than I imagined."

"Even with your dad asking me to sign his entire Red Bull merchandise collection?"

"Hey, at least he waited until after dinner," you laugh. "Though I'm pretty sure he's in there right now planning which items to bring out first."

Max wraps his arms more securely around you, pressing a kiss to your temple. "I love you," he says quietly, and your heart skips a beat like it does every time he says those words.

"I love you too," you reply, tilting your face up for another kiss.

This one is deeper, more passionate, until you hear the back door creak and quickly step apart.

"Oh!" your mom exclaims, looking flustered. "Sorry, I just… wanted to ask about breakfast preferences… but it can wait… carry on!"

She disappears back inside, and you both burst into quiet laughter.

"We should probably go back in," you sigh, though you make no move to leave his embrace.

"Probably," he agrees, but instead of letting go, he pulls you back for one more kiss. "Five more minutes?"

You smile against his lips. "Five more minutes."

In the quiet of Christmas eve, wrapped in each other's arms, you can't help but think how perfectly he fits into your life, into your family, into your heart. Tomorrow there'll be more Frozen, more racing talk, more of Ruby's endless questions, but right now, it's just the two of you, and it's everything.

The winter sun is just beginning to peek through the curtains of your childhood bedroom, casting a soft golden glow across the room. You're wrapped in warmth, nestled against Max's chest with his arm draped around your waist. His steady breathing tells you he's awake before he even moves.

"Good morning," he murmurs against your neck, his voice still rough with sleep. His lips brush against your skin, sending shivers down your spine.

"Morning," you whisper back, feeling his hand slowly slide beneath your sleep shirt, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin.

"Sleep well?" he asks innocently, but his actions are anything but innocent as he presses closer, leaving a trail of kisses from your shoulder to your ear.

"Max," you breathe, caught between wanting to lean into his touch and knowing you should stop. "We can't… my parents…"

"Then we'll have to be very, very quiet," he whispers, nipping at your earlobe. His hand travels higher under your shirt, making your breath hitch.

You turn in his arms, ready to either give in or properly protest - though the way he's looking at you, eyes dark with desire and that signature smirk playing on his lips, makes you lean heavily toward the former.

"You're trouble," you murmur, reaching up to run your fingers through his disheveled hair.

He leans down to capture your lips in a heated kiss. "You love it."

Just as his hand starts to wander again, a voice pierces through the quiet morning:

"IT'S CHRISTMAAAAS!" Ruby's excited scream echoes through the entire house, followed by the thundering of small feet running down the hallway. "WAKE UP! WAKE UP! SANTA CAME!"

Max drops his forehead to your shoulder with a frustrated groan. "Your sister has impeccable timing."

"Welcome to Christmas with Ruby," you laugh, pressing a consoling kiss to his cheek. "I tried to warn you."

"YN! MAX!" Ruby's fists pound on your door. "GET UP! There are presents EVERYWHERE! And it SNOWED!"

"Five more minutes, Rubes!" you call back.

"NO MINUTES! NOW!" she insists, continuing to knock. "Mom said breakfast is ready and Dad made hot chocolate and I SAW A HUGE PRESENT WITH MY NAME ON IT!"

Max chuckles against your shoulder. "I suppose we should…"

"PLEASE!" Ruby calls again. "I promise I'll let you drink your coffee first!"

"That's quite the offer from her," you tell Max. "She usually doesn't allow any delays on Christmas morning."

"We're coming, Ruby!" Max calls out, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "Give us two minutes to get dressed."

"TWO MINUTES! I'm counting!"

You can hear her dramatically counting down in the hallway, making Max laugh. "She's serious about this, isn't she?"

"Oh, you have no idea."

The living room is a festival of color and chaos when you finally make it downstairs. Ruby's bouncing by the tree in her Christmas pajamas, while your parents are settled on the couch with steaming mugs of coffee.

"Finally!" Ruby exclaims. "I counted way past two minutes!"

"Sorry, princess," Max says, accepting a coffee mug from your mom. "But I'm here now."

"Max, sweetheart, you really didn't have to get us anything," your mom says, noticing the pile of presents he'd arranged under the tree last night.

"Of course I did," he replies warmly. "It's Christmas."

Ruby's practically vibrating with excitement as your dad starts distributing gifts. "Can I open mine from Max first? Please?"

At your nod, she tears into the elaborate wrapping paper, gasping when she reveals a beautiful wooden chest with golden details. "It's like a treasure chest!"

"Open it," Max encourages, smiling.

Ruby lifts the lid carefully, her eyes widening. Inside is a complete collection of princess dresses, each one a perfect replica from different Disney movies, along with matching accessories and a tiara for each one.

"The chest is magical," Max explains, kneeling beside her. "Every time you open it, there might be a new surprise inside. And look at this…" He reaches in and pulls out a small envelope.

Ruby opens it to find a letter with the Disney castle letterhead. "Dear Princess Ruby," she reads aloud, her voice getting more excited with each word. "You are cordially invited to spend a royal weekend at Disney World, where you will have a private breakfast with all the Disney princesses…"

She doesn't even finish reading before launching herself at Max, nearly knocking him over. "Thank you thank you thank you! Can I try on the Elsa dress right now?"

"After presents," your mom laughs. "Let's see what else Santa brought."

Your dad opens his gift next, finding an envelope that makes him pause. "Son," he says, voice thick with emotion as he reads the contents. "This is…"

"VIP passes to the British Grand Prix," Max confirms. "Including garage access, grid walk, everything."

Your dad has to sit down, clutching the passes like they might disappear. "This is… I can't…"

"And this," Max hands him another package, "is just a little something extra."

Inside is a vintage racing jacket from your dad's favorite driver from the 80s, signed and authenticated. Your dad actually tears up.

Your mom opens her gift next, despite protesting again that Max shouldn't have gotten them anything. She unwraps a beautiful pair of earrings.

"Oh, Max," she whispers, "This is beautiful."

Ruby, who has been surprisingly patient, tugs at Max's sleeve. "Can we do my princess breakfast now?"

"After we finish presents," you laugh. "And maybe we should have real breakfast first?"

"But I'm a princess now," she declares. "Princesses have special breakfast times."

Your mom shakes her head fondly. "How about pancakes fit for a princess?"

"With chocolate chips?" Ruby negotiates.

"With chocolate chips," your mom confirms. "Max, honey, how do you like your pancakes?"

"However they're made is perfect," he assures her, but your mom is already heading to the kitchen, muttering about making sure she has enough chocolate chips.

Your dad finally finds his voice again. "Max, this is too much…"

"It's not," Max says firmly. "You're… you're family now. Or at least, I hope…"

He glances at you meaningfully, making your heart skip a beat.

Later, after pancakes and multiple princess dress changes from Ruby, you manage to steal some time alone with Max in your favorite spot on the back porch. The morning sun has warmed the air slightly, but there's still a crisp winter chill that gives you an excuse to stay close to him.

"Your turn," Max says softly, pulling out a small wrapped box from his pocket.

Your hands tremble slightly as you unwrap it, revealing a velvet jewelry box. Inside is a delicate silver necklace with two intertwined pendants - a heart and a tiny racing helmet.

"Max," you breathe, touching the pendants gently. "It's beautiful."

"Look at the back," he says quietly, his voice carrying a note of nervousness you rarely hear.

You turn the heart over to find an engraving: "You're my biggest victory. -MV"

"I love you," you whisper, pulling him down for a kiss. His arms wrap around you, holding you close as if you're the most precious thing in his world.

When you finally part, you hand him your gift - a wrapped box that makes him raise his eyebrows at the weight.

Inside, he finds a handmade scrapbook filled with your personal moments - sneaky paddock kisses, quiet mornings at home, victory celebrations, and candid moments no one else has seen. The final page holds a photo from yesterday - Max on the floor with Ruby, both laughing during their third viewing of Frozen.

"This is…" he starts, voice thick with emotion.

"Wait," you say softly, reaching into your pocket. You pull out a key on a simple keychain. "I thought… maybe… if you wanted…"

"Move in with you?" he finishes, breaking into that brilliant smile that never fails to make your heart race. "Yes. Absolutely yes."

He pulls you into another kiss, deeper this time, one hand cradling the back of your head while the other holds the key carefully.

"MAX!" Ruby's voice carries from inside. "I need help with my Cinderella shoes! And then we have to build a snowman! A FROZEN snowman!"

You both laugh against each other's lips.

"Duty calls, Elsa," you tease.

"Only if you'll be my Olaf," he grins, pressing one more quick kiss to your lips.

"Always," you promise, letting him lead you back inside where Ruby waits, already changed into her third princess dress of the morning.

Your dad catches your eye as you pass, "If you don't marry this boy," he whispers, "I will."

"Dad!"

"I'm just saying," he shrugs, then heads outside to join the snowman-building committee.

Your mom appears at your other side, wrapping an arm around you. "He's right, you know. He's perfect for you."

You lean your head on her shoulder, watching Max let Ruby direct him on where to place the snowman's arms. "I know," you smile. "I know."

"Best Christmas ever?" she asks softly.

Looking at your family, and Max in the middle of it all, belonging there like he's always been part of it - you smile.

"Best Christmas ever," you agree.