#And looking back at the interview now.. I should've just said “I would follow the rules regarding that specific problem the customer has”

[novemquadragintillion]

.

[bi-writes]

I love the mail order bride !! Can we see her trying to get a job or school something and Simon getting offending thinking he doesn’t have enough to support her ??

mail-order bride

he would not be offended if you wanted to do something for yourself; but he would be offended if you felt you were required to.

you pick up your blazer out of the closet, fitting it over your shoulders and buttoning it. you check your hair and your makeup one more time in the mirror before making your way into the living room, where simon still is, tools laid out at his feet as he uses a level and a pencil on the wall.

you clear your throat, knocking on the doorway gently.

"s-simon?" you ask gently. he grunts in response, marking a place on the wall, and you shuffle on your feet as you try to calm your stuttering breath. "i...can i ask for a favor?"

"can ask me for anythin'."

you purse your lips, "uhm...i need a ride."

"where ya wanna go?"

you play with your hands, rocking back and forth on your heels. he's still facing the wall, dark sleeves rolled up as he lifts a wooden block to the wall and starts to mount it there. he's putting up floating shelves you think, but the block of wood is very short in length. odd.

"i...have a job interview," you say softly. "it's in a half an hour. i...have to leave now to be on time. i'm..." you close your eyes, flinching. "i'm sorry, they only just called me, i-i should've given you more time--"

"why are you apologizin'?" he asks, setting his things down. he turns around to face you, and you open your eyes again, biting your lip. he comes closer, making you look up at him, and he narrows his eyes at you. "just said they only just called ya. so 's not y'r fault."

you open your mouth to say something, but he just brushes past you to head towards the door, grabbing his rain jacket and slipping it on. he flips the hood up over him after he shrugs his balaclava on, and he meets your eyes where you stand there oogling at him.

"well?" he raises a brow. "get y'r shoes on."

you scramble to go slip your boots on, picking up your purse by the door. simon opens the front door, revealing the misty rainy weather that's emerged since the morning. simon opens up an umbrella, making his way down the steps, and you follow him. he stops you before you come down, holding his hand out, and when he gets to the bottom of the steps, he holds his hand out for you.

you take his hand gently and let him guide you down the steps, and you're startled when he appears at the passenger side door of his truck. he holds the umbrella over you, opening the door for you, and he holds your hand again as you get settled before he shuts it behind you.

the drive is quiet. the rain falls hard, but simon is unbothered. you clutch the seatbelt a little bit as he drives--you don't want to be ungrateful, but simon sometimes makes a turn too sharp and brakes a little too hard. he sometimes has a hard time staying in his lane, too, but you just squeak and try not to be too loud when he swerves into a parking space crooked at a 45-degree angle.

simon opens the door for you, holding the umbrella and taking your hand again to help you onto the pavement. he walks you to the door, humming lowly, and he tilts his head to the side as you open the door.

"'ow long will y'be?" he asks, and you shrug.

"i-i don't know. maybe an hour?"

simon huffs a little, "olright. y'call me when y'r done."

you nod, about to go in, and he stops you again, big hand on your elbow.

"just..." he sighs deeply, looking anywhere but into your eyes. "good luck."

simon doesn't leave. he sits in his truck in the parking lot, eyes narrowed at the door of the building you just went inside of. his leg bounces underneath him, and he doesn't turn the car on for the heater because the bite of the cold, rainy weather keeps him awake and alert.

it's been over an hour. his phone sits on the dashboard, silent. he's not a patient man, never has been. his patience certainly has been tested with that fucking gremlin you insist on keeping around, the pocket of fur that drinks out of his water glass when he isn't looking and must nibble on his herbs in the kitchen (he can't prove it, but there's teeth mark tears in the basil leaves, the little shit). but this is somehow worse. he doesn't know why you want to get a job. he's been thinking about it while you've been gone.

maybe he hasn't made you feel secure enough. maybe you still feel like a stranger in your own house. maybe you still don't trust him yet, so you're too afraid to ask him for anything.

his phone starts to ring. he picks it up immediately, putting it to his ear.

"'ello?"

"s-simon?" it's you, of course, soft voice a little shaky. "i-i'm...can you pick me up now?"

"'m outside. i'll come get ya."

he practically rips open the door, and you're already standing there, coming out. he stops you before you start walking, making sure you're underneath the umbrella before you start to walk again. you keep your head down, and he doesn't even get a glimpse of you as he opens the door for you again and helps you up and into your seat.

as he pulls back onto the road, he barely hears the sound of your tears over the rumble of the engine. he looks over at you, frowning when he sees your hands covering your face and your shoulders shaking lightly.

he growls under his breath, not even turning on his blinker as he pulls over onto the side of the road. there's a honk sounding as other cars pass, but simon just turns to face you.

"oi, why are y'cryin'?" he asks firmly. you don't respond. you keep your face hidden, your body turned away, and simon huffs.

"oi!" he startles you with his loud voice, and your hands fall into your lap. "wot the fuck happened?"

"i didn't get t-the job," you hiccup. "i-it went...it was h-horrible. he hated my...m-my resume. the questions...i-i took too long t-to answer them, and i-i could tell...i could t-tell he h-hated me--"

"so you didn't get the bloody job," simon shrugs. "come off it. there'll be others."

"i-i don't even wanna do this!" you cry, wiping your face. your mascara is running, and simon sighs, frustrated.

"then why are you?"

"i...i-i--"

"look at me," he tells you, and your eyes meet his finally. your face is puffed and messy, wet streaks along your cheeks and eyeliner smudged along your eyes. "y'can do woteva y'want. anythin'. 'f you want t'stay home, then ya stay home. 'f y'wanna go t'work, then y'go to work." he reaches over and grips your face in one big hand, cupping your jaw and forcing you to lean closer to him. you can feel his breaths through the mask, warm and anxious. "don't worry about me. now tell me y'understand."

your lip wobbles, but you nod anyways.

"i-i understand."

your eyes close when you both lean in closer, and the mouth of his mask brushes against yours. you stay that way for a few long moments, lips brushing together, and when he pulls away to get back on the road, you notice his hand has fallen to rest on your thigh.

you put your hand over his gently, and by the time he pulls into the garage, your tears have dried, and your anxiety has dissolved.

when you emerge from your warm shower, there's an envelope by your purse. simon is in the kitchen, busying himself with dinner, and you pick up the envelope and rip it open. when you unravel the paper, there's a new credit card taped to it, with your name on it.

there's movement out of the corner of your eye, and when you look up, you realize simon had finished putting the little shelves up on the wall.

you can't hold back your smile, watching as the cat jumps from one shelf to the other. the cat follows the ascending and descending blocks of wood, all the way around the room until they curl up on their favorite spot on the couch, right inside the throw blanket that has been curled into a neat ball just for them.

you slip the credit card into your purse. when you pass by simon in the kitchen, you put a hand around his bicep and coax him to bend low, giving his cheek a kiss.

does he know he's not wearing his mask anymore?

his ears get red when he blushes.

[writerswall26]

First Time In Years

Synopsis: Y/N is an action star who's dubbed as Tom Cruise Jr. she was in a relationship with Jenna for a while before the two of them broke up due to Jenna's uprising status in the industry. The two of them happened to bump into each other at an award show and time stopped when they saw each other again.

Warning: Bad writing, Feels.

Words: 1.1k

Masterlist

A/N: I was feeling a bit bored then this popped in my head so I thought I'd share it to you guys. Happy Reading!

You've been away from the entertainment lime light for a couple of years because of an accident that happened in a production you were doing a few years ago.

During those times you were down and under, one person stuck by your side and supported you, from recovery, to therapy, to getting back in shape. You'd never ever forget that person, she was the one for you, you believed that. But fate had something instilled for the both of you. She was an uprising superstar, you did not want to hold her back. So you did what you thought was best at the time, you broke up with her.

A few years back, you were not so sure you're gonna be back into doing action films due to an accident you had on a set that left you bed bound for at least 3 months. You thought your time in doing actions was done by that point. But here you are, leading a sequel from one of the best action films of all time, Top Gun: Maverick. Your Godfather pushed you to be in this movie, quoting "you're gonna be my successor, I want you in this movie". So yeah, what Tom Cruise asks, he shall get. And today, you're back in an award show with your castmates.

Today, you're gonna have to face that person again. You're not entirely sure what would happen, or if anything would happen at all. You haven't seen her since you two broke up, but you did follow her activities. Watch her series, movies, anything that would update you of what she's been up to. And you couldn't be more proud of what success she'd had. She was becoming a household name and she's still getting bigger and bigger as the time goes by.

So, when you saw her being interviewed wearing a wonderful dress, you could not help but stare, you're shameless about that, but can you blame yourself? She was looking beautiful. She looked more mature now, her long hair cut shorter, she looked more of a woman now, it's crazy what time did to her. She looked more beautiful, she's always been beautiful in your eyes.

"Stop staring and start approaching, kid." She heard Miles whisper in her ears.

Y/N turned to her castmate and gave out a chuckle. "I don't think that's a wise idea."

Miles looked confused. "Why is that?"

Y/N shrugged. "Let's just say we want to leave it where it was left." She said before she walked on. Miles was still confused as he followed her inside with their team.

"So, who's that girl you were looking at lovingly outside?" Glen asked as soon as they got to their table.

Y/N groaned, not wanting this topic to be the talk of the entire night.

"She's just... some I used to know, okay?" She told them, pleading for them to stop asking questions.

The older men and women got the signal as soon as they heard her frustrated voice, and thankfully, they did not continue to ask.

The entire show, Y/N would steal glances to look at the girl she's watching outside. She couldn't help it. It's been so long. Of all the places, she never thought she'd be seeing her here, with a guy she knows has been linked to the girl.

"I'm gonna go to the toilet real quick." Y/N told her mates and went without waiting for a reply.

She did her business and was about to leave when she stopped on her track as she was face to face with the girl she's been eyeing the entire time. She looked as shocked as Y/N, her eyes widened.

Should've tried to hold it in. Y/N thought.

The two of them stood there, in the middle of the comfort room, staring at each other with wide eyes. No one made an attempt to move, or even to speak. It's like they're stuck in a dimension where they're just there, standing and staring at each other.

Y/N was the first to move, to get back to her senses. She gave out a small chuckle, thinking how dumb they probably look inside the toilet room, just staring at each other.

She cleared her throat, getting the attention of the girl in front of her. "Well, you look extremely lovely." Y/N said genuinely, smiling.

The girl in front of her giggles as well, her dimples showing. Y/N always loved those cute dimples, and she most definitely loved the sound of those cute giggles.

"It's so weird that the first time I see you after so long, we're in a comfort room." Jenna said, giving out a giggle again, lowering her head, shaking it lightly.

Y/N laughed with Jenna as well. The two of them looked like madmen inside the comfort room.

"How have you been?" Y/N asked when they finally calmed down.

Jenna's smile never left her face. "Good. I've been good. You?"

Y/N nodded. "I'm getting by. Trying to get back on my feet."

Jenna nodded, then she looked at Y/N from head to toe. She never thought she would see the taller girl again. Ever since they broke up, Y/N seemingly went under the radar, like she was hiding, not wanting anyone to find her. But here she was, standing tall and healthy.

"I saw the film. I thought you weren't gonna get back to it. Was afraid I'd heard on the news that you broke something again." Jenna admitted, making Y/N's heart jump at the thought that Jenna was still worried about her after all these times.

"I wasn't expecting to get back in action as well. Just tried to bring back the old me, but did not expect to get back."

Jenna nodded. "What made you take the film?"

Y/N grinned. "Tom Cruise."

Jenna giggled again. "Ah, of course. Can never say no to the godfather." She said, causing the both of them to share a small laugh.

"You realize we're really catching up inside a freakin' comfort room, right?" Y/N said, giving Jenna one of those weird looks she loves to give.

"Yeah, I know it's weird, and disgusting."

Y/N just shook her head. She stared at Jenna for a moment, taking all of her in. She's still as beautiful as before, maybe even more. But one thing's for sure, she's still the Jenna she knows, nothing has changed.

"Congratulations on everything you've achieved. I'm extremely proud." Y/N turned serious, but the smile on her face never left.

"Congratulations on getting back to the screen, I'm extremely proud." Jenna replied.

The two of them stared at one another, before Y/N broke their eye contact.

"I'll see you around, Jenna." She finally spoke.

"See you around, Y/N."

And they both left it at that. Their hearts are full knowing the sacrifice both of them made blossomed into something bigger than they both expected. That would stay in both their hearts forever.

[annisassintchaska]

Heyy!!! I was wondering can you write a one with Lewis c black reader Toto? Like Toto and reader are married and poly and they have a secret relationship with Lewis and one day Lewis gets injured in a race so she goes to check on him and they assume she’s cheating on Toto until he confesses that there all in a relationship with each other! I don’t know it’s up to you!

The fun part of being in a polyamorous relationship with two of the most popular men in the United Kingdom, is the fact that it was kept a secret from the world as we snuck around; playing hide and seek.

Today is the second to last race of the season as both of my partners prepare themselves for the hectic race ahead. The cars were checked over and both drivers were inspected as to be sure they were fit to drive out in the sun today before everyone started getting dressed and heading to their cars.

I for one always stayed by my husband's side as to not draw suspicion with Lewis; I had a bad feeling about thus race and so I kinda just sticked myself to his side, leaving my husband with George and the computers with analysis that I will never understand.

Walking along the corridors, Lewis and laced ourselves together in a tight hug as he swayed me from left to right. "Promise me you'll be careful?" I asked low but loud enough for him to hear. "I'm always careful sweetheart. I would never be careless when I have you to return to" he said softly as he kissed my forehead.

Time passed and all the drivers were now line up on the grid waiting for the green light that came sooner than I wanted. The race went on with me being extremely anxious, feeling the need to puke everything Lewis had to take a sharp turn in the narrow corners.

TOTO'S POV

Lewis had been going good for the most part, George looks to be a bit struggling and honestly this has been our reality for a while. Y/n has been jerking anxiously beside me as she had made her concern about the race earlier and I'm honestly concerned with her state.

Turning in my seat to speak to Bono, after a minute I heard shouting. Spinning around, I realised that my wife is being held back by some mechanics as she begged them to allow her go out. Swiftly running over and taking her from them, she broke down in my arms crying. "He crashed Torger, I told you we should've had the reserve driver go in today." She referred to Lewis who was just getting out of the car.

Allowing her to go out, she walked straight to the entrance where the safety car would arrive with Lewis, as I went to check on George.

LEWIS' POV

The safety car stopping at the entrance and allowing me to exit, I spotted Y/n running straight for me as she landed in my arms. Hearing her sniffles, I ran my hand over her curls instead of risking to knot my hand into her hair.

Whispering calming words into her ears, I kissed all over her face, stopping at her lips. Unbeknownst to us, camera had actually followed her 6here and the moment was spread live.

Upon returning to the garage, everyone stared as Toto engulfed us into a hug. The post race interviews came with everyone questioning what happen, and for a while I said nothing so everyone's best guess was that Y/n wad having an affair with me and Toto was allowing it.

Fans started trashing her online within seconds and Toto and I could not have that happening so we went to the last inter view together, finally responding to the question "My wife is not having an affair, the three of us are in a polygamous relationship- not that it's any of your business but I would like for y'all to stop slandering my innocent wife's name" Toto answered, stunning everyone as I just stood back and smiled at Y/n who I could see had fallen asleep on the couch at the garage's entrance. Overtime the fans came to term with it and eventually loved seeing all three of us together; there were no more problems.

[fanficmanic]

I just finished watching 8x08, and I have so many feelings.

So. Many. Mixed. Feelings!

Fair warning - long post ahead.

For one, I re-blogged a post sometime after 8x01 or 02 aired, I can't really remember, about the parallel's between Eddie's first season on the show and this one. With the insane amount of presence that Ryan has had so far in promoting the season so far, I've had this bad feeling at the pit of my stomach that this would be his last season. Now, hear me out, I don't think today's episode was his last (the masses would riot if it is), BUT, they have left the room wide open for it to happen fully by the end of the season.

Two, the level of act-ception this show is doing is hilarious! You have 3 of the most talented actors out there (I'm looking at you Oliver, Ryan, and Kenny) act so badly that if it wasn't so funny I'd die of second-hand embarrassment. Who ever said that this show was serious is sadly mistaken.

Three, Buck's reaction on the couch after finding out Eddie has a realtor interview for houses in El Paso. I've read so many comments and posts, and again, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I want this to be the start of Buck's realization of his feelings for Eddie, but on the other hand, if it is, it feels like almost anti-climatic! This was the fall finale (granted, I don't have much experience with those) but shouldn't it end with more of a cliffhanger? (Promo for March's 2-part return is not included in this rhetorical question)

Now, what do I want to see happen (I know the chances of it actually happening is slim-to-zero but I'm saying it anyway)?

For the Eddie-Chris story, I want Eddie to go to El Paso, scream at his parents and say something along the lines of "you feel so guilty about taking my childhood away that you're overcompensating with my son and giving him the childhood that I should've had". Moreover, I don't think Eddie ever badmouthed his parents in front of Chris because: 1. he's a great dad who would never jeopardize Chris's relationship with his grandparents (proven by the fact that Chris felt safe enough to call them when shit hit the fan), and 2. Eddie rarely (if ever) expresses his feelings to anyone (but Buck), so him showing his true feelings about his parents in front of Chris is virtually impossible. So, when Eddie shows up at El Paso and screams at his parents (I want it to happen in front of Chris but without Eddie knowing that Chris is there), Chris will feel like he's just his grandparent's second chance at being good parents and will want to have nothing to do with them. Also, I want Chris to freak out when he finds out that Eddie is looking to buy a house in El Paso because it was never his plan to stay there forever.

If Tim and Co. use this story line to have Eddie leave the 118 and LA, I want him and Chris to decide on a fresh start by going to Hawaii. Dum dum dum: Enter 9-1-1 Hawaii where they follow the lives of members of the 366 fire house who are having to cope with a new captain that just transferred over from LA.

For Buck, my beautiful beautiful Buck. First of all, I bow to the beautiful portrayal that Oliver Stark does with his face alone. He's so expressive when he wants to and being able to show such a wide range of emotion without saying a single word is otherworldly. (This is not saying that the others aren't great actors, I just have a stupid crush on Oliver Stark and I'm self-indulging here).

Anyway, back to what I was saying. The scene between Buck flipping over the tablet, Eddie explaining things, and Buck going to take a seat on the couch with the camera focusing on his face while Eddie wasn't looking wasn't longer than 2-3 minutes at best (could've been longer - seemed too short for my liking to be honest. These two haven't had enough screen time together this season IMHO). However, within just those few minutes, Buck went from panicking about wanting to call Tommy, to skeptical about why Eddie flipped the tablet, to playful about what Eddie must be hiding (like only a best friend would), to shock at hearing Eddie's explanation, to supportive of his best friend's decision (because he knows that Eddie must be dying on the inside at being so far away from Christopher), to panicking again at the possibility of losing his best friend. Buck spirals so easily on a good day. Today? It's a terrible, horrible, no good day and for Buck to be able to put a lid on his emotions so he can be fully supportive of Eddie says a lot! I also think that THIS is what will throw Buck back into his fuckboy phase, and NOT the breakup with Tommy.

Don't get me wrong, I hated how they ended things between Buck and Tommy (the struggles of being a multi-shipper), but in the grand scheme of things, who would have a more profound effect on Buck? Tommy leaving, or Eddie leaving? How about both of them leaving, making him spiral on his own?

Anyway, like I said in a previous post, this is my first time having to go through a fall/holidays hiatus. I don't celebrate Christmas - so I don't have that option to keep my minds off of things. This leaves my mind to wander on its own, which can be a very scary thing. I know that I already planning so many stories (as if I don't have enough ideas in my 9-1-1 folder), but I also know that I'll probably re-watch the show and dissect it with a fine-tooth comb, which will probably results in more story ideas.

I'm also really looking forward to all of the fanfiction that will come out during the coming 3 months.

Right now? This is exactly how I feel.

👇👇👇👇

[all-seems-no-well]

"Testing...Hello? Can you hear me?..."

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-Hello. AHEM... Regarding the past events of "Kalloway Kindergarten" , We have decided to hear from the victims 20 years later to get a better insight on what really happened. The following paragraphs will be from our latest interviews with each, separate person. - These will be repeated from what our subjects had said to the interviewers. - Sadly, some people hadn't come to the interview. So please bear with us on this unfortunate mishap. Thank you for listening, Thank you for your patience, and thank you for coming.

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-Subject no. 1 (???)

"Subject number one was unable to make it today.

-Subject no. 2 (Lilith (Lily) Prescott.)

"Slow and painful it was. At least, that's how it felt for me. But I can't imagine the more brutal things my brother had to go through. He was missing for a while, and...Nobody knew where he went. Until that very day, I and...someone else, had found him...... Under the school. The principal was doing experiments on him. It was all so... horrific. Too horrific for a child to see... If I could go back in time and give my younger self a hug, I wouldn't think twice. As for my brother, I would've done the same, even at the time. I wish In that moment I could've told him how much I loved him, how much he meant to me... But now I can't..."

-Subject no. 3 (???)

"Subject number three was unable to make it today."

-Subject no. 4 (Jerome Kennedy.)

"Hearing about the awful stuff my dad did after he died, broke me as a kid. If I had known what he was doing before, I would've told someone before it got so bad... Sometimes I still blame myself for everything that happened. I know I shouldn't, but he was MY dad. I can't get over it."

-Subject no. 5 (Buggs V. Mallory.)

"Shit sucked. Those other kids were awful to me. And yeahhh, I may or may not have been awful to them back. But YOU would be a dick too if YOU were constantly bullied! Oh, right...that... Well, I wasn't really a part of the whole thing. All I know is one day our principal died, and then another day our other principal died. A lot of principals died that week, man. So uh. I don't know.

-Subject no. 6 (Cynthia (Cindy) Louelle.)

"Okay, well. Kindergarten was kinda blehh... y'know? I met some decent people there, I guess. But I also met the most rudest girl in the world! Ugh... But yeah, like, I didn't really care about the whole "principal experimenting on us" jig. It was kinda just stupid... and annoying.... And I honestly don't even recall half of the teachers there, sooo...."

-Subject no. 7 (Monty Hyde.)

"I lost a lot at that damn school. I mean seriously, they didn't think to fire the janitor after day two?! I lost my legs because of him! And now I've just been stuck with these unflattering girl legs. But y'know what? Kindergarten was pretty fun at times. Cause' I was a little shit, and all the teachers knew it. I was even smarter than the science teacher, which says a lot about how smart I am now as an adult! ....are you recording this? Yeah? Good. YOU HEAR THAT DR. DANNER?! I'M BETTER NOW. IM A SUCCESSFUL MILLIONAIRE, AND WHERE ARE YOU? PROBABLY IN A RETIREMENT HOME...... Uh- Thank you for having me here..."

-Subject no. 8 (Felix K. Huxley.)

"I say... Kindergarten was certainly quite the experience. Younger me would've said it was horrible, but now that I've matured I see just how dramatic I was being. Though, there were some things I did that....I'm not quite proud of.... But! That aside, the experience looking back at it was quite swell. If not for that place, I wouldn't have met my lovely Cynthia...or what's his face- uh- Monty!... He's helped me a lot with my business, and I tip my metaphorical and imaginary hat to him."

-Subject no 9. (Theodore (Ted) K. Huxley)

"I believe they should've had much better funding, and staff. Because that place was just...awful. The teachers obviously despised their jobs, and the bathrooms... Oh the bathrooms were foul...! And even thinking about Kindergarten brings back horrible memories of what my brothe- actually nevermind... But anyway, thinking about the pain and suffering those poor students before me must've gone through...it makes me sick to my stomach. They could've done so much better for the students and the school itself."

-Subject no. 10 (???)

"Subject number ten was unable to make it today."

-Subject no. 11 (???)

"Subject number eleven was also unable to make it today."

-Subject no. 12 (Ozzy Harrison.)

"I don't have any good memories of that place. Not one. I'm sorry, but I don't even wanna talk about it anymore..."

-Subject no. 13 (Madison Bonneau.)

"It was like one second I was at recess, and then another I was in some sci-fi looking lab! But me and my friends got saved by some randos, so all was well after that I think! But in all seriousness, that mean lady got what she deserved. I'm glad nobody has to put up with her ever again... oh, oh! And also there was a girl there when it happened...and her head freakin' exploded!! I couldn't sleep for days because of the sight!"

-Subject no. 14 (Alison (Alice) M. Claire.)

"I heard Madi from the other room... I am incredibly sorry about her... excitement? She's never been interviewed before, and quite frankly, neither have i- o-oh, yes...my apologies... The whole situation had really put a negative toll on my well-being. I was scared to go back to school, I had a hard time trusting people, and I was overall terrified of everyone and everything around me. It felt like a bunch of eyes had been laid upon my person, and hands were out to hurt me at any moment. I and my friends were kidnapped by the other school's principal, and to say it was traumatizing would be an understatement..."

-Subject no. 15 (Ronaldo (Ron) Duncan.)

"hey do you have any cheese? No? Okay.. Well anyway. What I remember is like.. kinda crazy. So bear with me. I was just on the playground, swinging on the swings, okay? And then suddenly IM KNOCKED OUT, LIKE BLAM! And then, I woke up in some bunker with a bunch of sciencey stuff in it. And I'm like floating around in this giant tube thingy, right? And then these kids come into the bunker and they're like "well save you!!" And then the evil principle lady turns me into a monster and I'm all like "blehghh" and my friends are also like "blehghh." BUT THEN the principal lady also turns into a giant, ugly monster!! And then the kids kill her like superheroes. True story."

-Subject no 16 and 18 (???)

"These two subjects were unable to come in today due to their own plans together."

-Subject no. 17 (Austin Scarrow)

"I don't actually CARE about the stuff that happened in kindergarten! That stuff was a long time ago, and it doesn't matter to me anymore..."

------------

"By listening to our subject's stories, We hope you know how much this means to them, finally being able to speak up about their own experiences from the tragedy. These people are powerful, and strong, and we wish nothing but the best for them."

------

------

"...Jesus...these kids are gonna make me a killing. I've got to get in contact with those other subjects... If I don't, this whole jig is gonna go out of business..."

[acourtofthought]

My love! I have something in my mind. I like Elain as a character, I wouldn't say I love her we don't know much about her for me to say i love her.

yet a couple of things bothered me when speaking about Elain. One of them is the flower thing. I will not bring up the neglect of Feyre because that's on another point. But the fact that people say she could've planted crops and not flowers. While this is a valid point, I seem to recall the one who brought Elain the flower seeds.. was Feyre.. so if we're going to say "Elain should've planted crops" shouldn't we say Feyre should've bought her crops?

The second thing is more for the neglect to care for Feyre as the youngest, while she wasn't as cold as Nesta, and Feyre herself says so. It was always interesting to me, how when it came to Elain the IC would say things like "Elain is different" Rhys himself said this. What is so different about Elain's situation? Is it because she chose to stay with them? is technically acting as one of the shadow twins, cleaning learning, and caring? which may be a way to make amends and this is why is different.

IDK what do you think about this, my love

I've missed your asks!!! I agree with your first point. Feyre bought Elain the seeds so if planting vegetables was such an obvious thing to do than why did Feyre buy Elain flower seeds? Yes, she knew Elain loved flowers however she had no issues asking for help in other ways (asking Nesta to chop wood for example). So why not say, "I'm going to buy you vegetables too, could you try to grow them?" I do think Sarah also addressed this entire thing later in ACOTAR, when the sisters are in their new estate and Elain says she'd like to plant a vegetable garden by the greenhouse if she could learn enough about it over the next few months. For whatever reasons, it doesn't seem like it was feasible for Elain to grow a garden in their cottage. To your second point, I think what Rhys is saying boils down to what Sarah has been telling us about Elain all along (in the books and in interviews). Rhys is Illyrian and knows he will do whatever is necessary to protect his people. Feyre, as his mate (and now with Illyrian anatomy) will do whatever is necessary to protect their people. The IC will do whatever is necesary to protect the people. It doesn't matter if they need to lie, steal or murder, they will become monsters to do what needs done. Rhys tells Feyre that Elain is Elain and Nesta is Illyrian at heart. To me that means that Nesta is exactly like the rest of the IC, he senses in her the ability to do whatever needs done to protect those she loves and it bothers him that she didn't follow through with that in the human lands. In contrast Elain is not written as morally gray (not like the others). She is not willing to do whatever needs to be done at any cost, it seems her character has limits. She's not revenge seeking, cruelty bothers her, etc. That's not to say Elain isn't just as strong but her strength lies elsewhere, in her kindness and generosity, her willingness to apologize for her mistakes, her ability to see everyone's POV (not just this person or that person because of her relation to them), offer forgiveness, to openly express her affections (something Sarah even mentioned in interviews, where Nesta and even Feyre found it difficult to be as open / as soft in their love as Elain). The NC is a land of lethal beauty, they will play the role of Dark Lords and Death personified when they need to. Nesta fits in to all of that. Elain does not. She refused the leathers, returned TT without looking back, was quick to deflect what she did to the King in the war, seemed shocked by Nesta's brutality with the King. I think Rhys knows that Elain is not Illyrian at heart, she is not the NC at heart and that's why he would not have expected her to do whatever needed to be done while in the human lands. I think he sees that her nature was more nurturer than survivor / warrior. Is that fair? Maybe not? But at the same time, is it fair to expect all people to behave in exactly the same way? I always think back on the Hunger Games. When Katniss left, she didn't insist Prim head out into the woods to begin hunting in her stead. Instead, she focused on what Prim's strengths were, to use her goat to bring in cash flow and asked Gail to continue hunting for her family. Prim also became a doctor / healer like her mother and I rarely see anyone give backlash regarding her character. I don't think I've ever seen anyone hold it against Prim that she did not become a hunter / warrior type the way they hold it against Elain for not hunting. If Elain were not in the house I imagine it would have felt like a Civil War in that place, what with Nesta, Feyre and their father. But Elain managed to maintain a decent relationship with all three and I think the role of peace maker is often overlooked but something that is at the core of Elain's strength and why I think she'd make an amazing High Lady someday.

[rpstartersinc]

* 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐒.

feel free to change pronouns / wording!

“ more enemies are landing, we won't be safe for long. ”

“ i'll hold him off, buy you some time. ”

“ this is my fight. ”

“ you have such a beautiful world. ”

“ i ain't your butler. ”

“ no names over the airwaves. ”

“ no real names, they're listening. ”

“ ain't no secret government agencies worried about us. ”

“ don't forget to laugh at all their jokes, white people love that shit. ”

“ you fighting this alone or we fighting it together? ”

“ stop touching everything. ”

“ when you gonna let me put your skills to work and get you some real money? ”

“ it's my own personal way to protest the vampiric nature of modern-day capitalism. ”

“ i figured if i stopped to call, that would make me later. ”

“ don't be a problem, don't go looking for a problem, or else we're gonna have a problem. ”

“ i just really need a break. ”

“ you don't know anything about me. ”

“ superman went on a bunch of interviews before he got his job on the daily planet. ”

“ life ain't a comic book. ”

“ no one's coming to save us, we're alone in this. ”

“ you gotta relax, man, your energy is really affecting my chi. ”

“ i was nervous my first time too. ”

“ i get it, you don't like to chit chat back and forth. ”

“ you got a robbing mixtape? ”

“ just act like you own the place. ”

“ try not to look suspicious. ”

“ what're you doing, making friends? ”

“ this won't hurt a bit. ”

“ i ain't no thief. ”

“ are you having an existential crisis now? ”

“ you're just on an adrenaline high. ”

“ don't draw any attention to yourself. ”

“ that was fun, man, you're fun, dude. ”

“ this is probably a lot for you, huh? ”

“ i thought after the car chase we were boys. ”

“ tough guy, i like that, i like it a lot. ”

“ give me a little tap, there you go, now we're friends. ”

“ i'm nobody, i ain't even seen nothing, i'm not even seeing anything right now. ”

“ i mean, you looking pretty rough yourself. ”

“ what we need is a quiet way in. ”

“ we make a great team. ”

“ what about for friendship? ”

“ wow! that was corny when i said it out loud. ”

“ i do not want you going to that drive-in theatre anymore. ”

“ man, it's about time you showed up. ”

“ i enjoy that look of confusion, when an inferior being meets a higher power. ”

“ i'm not following you, i'm just escaping in the same direction! ”

“ oh cool, you're still alive! ”

“ this is my fault, it should've been me. ”

“ i can't sleep. ”

“ i know you're a robot. ”

“ yo! you scratched my paint! ”

“ man, they didn't treat e.t like this. ”

“ you need someone to watch your back. ”

“ way to be incognito. ”

“ if you keep your eyes and your ears open, life will show you everything you need to know. ”

“ guess it's a night mission then. ”

“ that's some indiana jones-type shit. ”

“ you had a gun this whole time? ”

“ did someone call for back-up? ”

“ i won't ask a second time. ”

“ that doesn't look so good. ”

“ there is more to them than meets the eye. ”

“ didn't i kill you already? ”

“ you fought for yours, as i fought for mine, when we should've been fighting the darkness together. ”

“ i ain't done fighting yet. ”

“ it sound like we're all going to die. ”

“ if we are to die, then we will die fighting, all as one. ”

“ he was mine. ”

“ you think you're nobody, but you're the strongest guy i know. ”

“ let them know who you are. ”

“ you think you can take me on alone? ”

“ i'm getting really tired of you humans. ”

“ i have come here to kick ass. ”

“ who are you, like the cia or fbi or? ”

“ strictly off the books. ”

“ no idea what you're talking about. ”

“ we could really use someone like you. ”

[majaloveschris]

This whole “relationship” is so confusing, I think we can all agree on that. I understand people who believe this is real, I personally am still team PR. Everything about this situation is so unnatural- it is as if CE and AB were following some sort of a list of actions suggested by people, which they find on here or LSA and try to prove everyone wrong. The pap walk, the girl with AB’s picture at Disneyland, them looking totally uncomfortable next to each other. The interview last year where Chris was not very subtle while checking the interviewer (and according to the timeline they present he was as in a happy relationship at that time already?). We say he has never been to Portugal- there he is. Lisa doesn’t like her- there is a picture with Lisa from Disneyland, which miraculously was sent to only one account. I think Chris did not think this would backfire as much as it did. He was used to fans having his back and it turned out they saw his true colors and the majority of them is done with him. He cannot just back off now- I personally think right now he is trying to save his face and ego by going deeper into this because if he left AB now, he would confirm his fans were right about this situationship. It is like, if say A, he will say B to prove people wrong.

That’s why I don’t think it is unlikely that he will go that wedding- they know people watch. They know people will look for proof he was there. I know people can say that he does not care about fans but I don’t think it is true. He made a fool out of himself and- again- he has to prove everyone wrong.

I still think they didn't think this through, and they didn't check Alba properly. Since I think it's PR, I'm going to talk about it like it is and like there is a contract.

I don't think that if Chris knew about Alba and her friends past behavior, he would've gotten into this whole thing. It makes no sense. Why would he want to be associated with someone like her? They definitely didn't check her properly. Something I think came in handy for them was the fact that Alba wasn't that popular, so there weren't articles about things she'd said or done, or anything about her behavior. The same goes for Justin and Kiko. Nobody cared about them at the time, and nobody started digging deeper and deeper to find out everything about them. I personally can't recall her or Justin saying anything racist or controversial during an interview, whether we talk about a video or about one they gave to a magazine. Please let me know if I'm wrong; it's hard for me to keep everything in mind.

Obviously, if they had done a proper job, they could've found the evidence other people did. They should've expected fans to figure things out.

He is obviously getting something out of this whole thing, and ending it before the contract expires would mean he doesn't get anything. So he would basically do all of this for nothing. I get that it would be better for his reputation if he ended it sooner, but maybe it's not as easy as we think it is.

I'm not trying to find excuses rather than trying to understand the situation, because I don't think he is a racist, antisemitic, or fatphobic person.

[dalekofchaos]

My thoughts on Adam Driver's interview on Bendemption/Dyad/Reylo not being planned.

As much as I love Reylo, I honestly would've preferred Supreme Leader Kylo Ren as the big bad of the sequel trilogy.

And honestly? The vibe I got with Rian is he still intended for Kylo Ren to go down the path of the big bad. It was the studio who chose for the result we got because they saw how big the Reylo fandom got, but wanted to appease all sides, hence the stupid result we got.

A part of me feels like the entire trilogy was building up Kylo Ren as the villain. If it were his destiny to abandon the dark side and The First Order, he would have either joined Rey or left in exile and eventually return and join Rey to end the war together. But that didn’t happen. Trust me I wanted that to happen, I wanted Rey to convince Ben to stop the fleet, take her hand and come home and while Rey flies the Falcon, Ben goes to Luke and Leia to make amends. Then Luke and Ben together would stop The First Order on Crait.

But here’s why I think TLJ was setting up Kylo Ren as the villain. In TFA, Kylo Ren killed Han Solo, but did not yet fully embrace the dark side. The deed split his spirit to the bone, which made him unbalanced and conflicted. He was so conflicted that in TLJ, he was unable to pull the trigger to kill his mother. At this point, he still felt a call to the light. Also, in ROTJ, Palpatine said to Luke, “Strike me down with all of your hatred, and your journey toward the dark side will be complete”. While Luke resisted temptation, Kylo Ren did not. When faced with the opportunity to kill Snoke, he didn’t hesitate. I see him turning the lightsaber to strike true. And now, foolish child. He ignites it, and kills his true enemy! At this moment, his journey towards the Dark Side is complete. Then, after the fight against the Praetorian Guards, Kylo Ren was given a chance by Rey to be redeemed. However, he went straight for the throne. He went straight for power. Even during the Battle Of Crait, knowing very well that Leia was probably in the base, Kylo still gave the command to take no prisoners. He was now willing to kill his mother and even ordered that the Falcon be shot out of the sky with both Rey and Chewie on board. He killed Han and Snoke. He was willing to kill Leia, and he indirectly caused Luke’s death. From this point of view, Kylo Ren has fully cemented himself in the dark side and it was a shame we could not continue this path and a shame they just HAD TO bring back Palpatine.

To me Kylo Ren is what Vader could've been had he reached his full potential. A Vader who was never wounded on Mustafar, a Vader who killed a close family member and his master. He is the villain they were looking for, but no they had to course correct.

Now yes, it would've been sad that Ben dying unredeemed as much as Ben dying after being redeemed. My suggestion is if villain Kylo happens, we could either get the following

Ben lets the light in and surrenders to Rey and does what he should've done and call off the fleet. Ben makes peace with Leia and it ends with The First Order and Resistance signing a peace treaty, while also symbolizing the balance in the force and peace in the Skywalker family

Exile. After embracing the light and doing the right thing, Ben knows he cannot live the life his family wanted for him. He cannot live a peaceful life with Rey after everything he's done, so Ben goes into exile on Ach-To or Jakku to repent for the life he lived.

Atonement. Basically what should've happened in TROS. Ben lives and has to separate from Rey. He takes the Falcon and goes to snuff out First Order holdouts and releases the systems that was conquered in his name. To make things right and the movie ends with Ben walking off into the sunset like an old Spaghetti Western like ROTJ was originally meant to end.

Paying for his crimes. Kylo Ren refuses to let the light in and gives into the dark side fully. But Rey won't kill him, not after promising Leia. So Rey would disarm Ben, destroy his lightsaber and sever Ben's connection to the force. So he cannot harm anyone ever again. The war is over.

The First Order would be put on trial. Kylo Ren, Hux and Phasma(ideally she lives and faces punishment) would be put on a Nuremberg styled trial as they are tried as War Criminals. Just the thought of the FO leadership facing a Space Nuremberg tribunal is too fun to think about. Just imagine Ren, Phasma & Hux backstabbing and shit-talking each other in jail. Then we see the people who are the victims of their atrocities. Finn and the various Stormtroopers who were forced as children to kill for them. Eila and Kel from SW Resistance tells everyone exactly what Kylo did to their home planet of Tehar. Kazuda Xiono and the rest of the Hosnian Prime survivors will voice heartbreak and outrage for what Hux did, while Hux reminds everyone “I am not alone to blame, Supreme Leader Ren was there as I voiced the plan to Snoke, he did not object and stood by and watched from a distance and did nothing he is just as guilty.” Both Poe and Finn will come forth as witnesses to the massacre of Tuanul. Rey will then come to Finn and stand as witness to the murder of Han Solo. Rose will voice what the First Order did to her home and how Hux confirmed it when she was aboard the Supremacy. R2-D2 will come forth showing the footage of the Jedi massacre. Rey and Poe will come forth and say they were victims of torture by his use of the force and Rey then say “I gave him the chance to turn his back on the FO and save the Resistance twice, to save his mother and he still chose to let everyone die and he almost succeeded on Crait. and still gave the order to wage war until the very last man” Literally everything is stacked against them and finally, Kylo, Phasma and Hux will get their say. Phasma will be unapologetic for her actions. “I grew up on a hellhole. Each day clawing my way to stay alive. I killed my own family. Went from clan to clan. Then one day The First Order came. I saw my opportunity and I chose them. I saw power, strength, order and unity. And I did what I had to do to get to where I am today. I do not regret what I’ve done in the name of The FIrst Order or rescuing children and forging them into an army the likes of which this galaxy has never seen.” Phasma then looks at Finn and her former Stormtroopers. “Only you chose disobedience and cowardice instead of greatness. I don’t regret it. That’s the difference between us. I know what I am, and I embrace it. I’m proud of it. I fought for everything that I have, every bit of what I am.” Hux will go on a Nazi like rant, saying the New Republic was a lawless and corrupt state that usurped it’s rightful government and it deserved to die! He shows absolutely no remorse whatsoever, only pride. “WE COULD HAVE DESTROYED THE LOATHSOME RESISTANCE, IF ONLY OUR SUPREME LEADER DID NOT LET HIS PATHETIC EMOTIONS CLOUD HIS JUDGEMENT!” Hux will say “LONG LIVE THE FIRST ORDER!” and does his salute and expects his former men to do the same, only the former Stormtroopers doesn’t do anything but look down in shame. Kylo Ren will show just as little care or empathy for his actions. Basically he will say the galaxy fell without Imperial rule. Without the example of Darth Vader. He will dare claim “I became a stronger Vader, one not held back by sentiment or compassion. I killed the past and became better for it. I was abandoned by everyone, but came back to burn everything down. I do not apologize for ANYTHING I DID! I AM PROUD OF IT. I AM THE SUPREME LEADER AND MASTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF REN, WHERE WOULD YOU BE WITHOUT ME OR THE FIRST ORDER? A CORRUPT GOVERNMENT THAT ALLOWED SLAVERY AND A LAWLESS GALAXY? WE BROUGHT ORDER BACK TO THE GALAXY! I UNITED YOU AGAINST ME AND YOU BECAME STRONGER FOR IT! YOU ALL NEEDED ME! WHERE WOULD ANY OF YOU BE WITHOUT ME? Do what you will, I know what we did was right.”

WIth that, The First Order Triumvirate is sentenced for life in prison. Phasma still looking as the sole survivor. Hux uttering threats. In one final moment, Kylo Ren would be taunting Leia and Rey. Goading them all to sentence them all to be killed by a firing squad. Leia turns away with Poe wrapping an arm around her, Finn & Rey supporting her.

Even though I ship Reylo and love what Ben Solo could've been. Even I understand that in the context of no redemption, dyad or Reylo existing. Kylo Ren ending the trilogy as a disgraced and jailed war criminal seems to be the only realistic solution the more I think about it. Leia doesn’t lose her son but he faces consequences for his crimes. He absolutely must face the consequences of his actions and spend the rest of his life imprisoned for crimes against the galaxy and the Republic. Kylo Ren does not get to have a happy ending. He stood by as Hosnian Prime was wiped out, he killed Han, Luke and wanted to kill Leia, Finn and Rey and countless other atrocities. He chose his path and he has to live with the consequences of his actions.

But overall I'm glad we got Bendemption and Reylo, even if it ended poorly, but ultimately I recognize Carrie Fisher’s death radically affected the plot of Ep IX for better or for worse.

[scratchandplaster]

How’s was Sam’s childhood, what was it like?

[Masterlist] | Ask game

I'm just going to abuse this ask as a little interview-switcheroo for Sam. Takes place after this.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

One simple inquiry about Shepard's peculiar service offering turned into a medical check-up in the blink of an eye. Sam was guided to lay on their side for a better access to the throbbing wound, and if it hadn't been for Birdie insisting on changing the dressing once more, they would've long gone insane.

"If meditation is your biggest fear, wait until I tell you about tetanus."

"My biggest fear was that y'all reek like hell."

The stinging pain made more honesty spout than planned, yet the young mother just tutted: "We are all for natural purity, but if you're interested in looking into our hygiene policy for the campground-"

Birdie faltered as she slid the pant's cuff further up their leg. The slit left behind by the nail was evidence of how quickly it had pierced through the corduroy, gravity only helping to force it into Sam's calf. Yellow-red stains already leaked through the fabric and drenched it with the feverish scent of infection.

"M'good, just gonna - ah, be careful - drive back to the motel and that's it."

"In this state?" Birdie's concerned frown wasn't missed by Sam.

"I have to get home somehow." And they surely didn't want these people to snoop around in their abandoned car. "Should've figured your shit ain't OSHA-approved." 

Birdie's brows knit together as she focused on the swollen skin that trembled helplessly under her gentle hands: "Why are you so nervous around me?"

"I'm not." Still, Sam was being truthful - what good would another lie yield in this situation? The woman at their feet was lovely to be with: calm and pleasant. Her warmth alone filled the empty tent with a spark of comfort.

If Sam had been raised by a mother like her… Well, that didn't matter.

The bandage was slowly lifted, moist scabs of ichor and blood sticking to it and once again peeling the gash wide open if it were not for a handful of plaster strips holding the ripped edges of flesh together.

"Mhh, that's a mean one, the risk of living, I'd call it," Birdie sighed and rummaged through her first-aid kit. "I bet you been through worse when you were younger, right? A few broken bones caught on the playground."

The person attached to the cursed leg whimpered quietly and bit their thumb. Be it from the childhood memories boiling up or the itch around the wound, Sam couldn't tell.

"Is everything alright?"

They pressed out a hum, desperate to keep their dinner in.

"Oh, you-"

"Yes! I'm a giant wuss, okay?" Sam whined and swallowed down the thick coat of humiliation. First the bees and now this: all this exertion just to reveal a hodgepodge of strange but ultimately harmless customs. At best, their audience would be bored and at worst, rip them apart for being a close-minded asshole leeching off hicks for a few weeks.

Embarrassing, there was no other word for it. 

"I'm okay and so are you," Birdie whispered softly and laid her sunhat over Sam's shoulder, thus blocking their vision. The woven straw smelled like just her hair: of lilies and rosemary.

Working quickly, she sprayed a cool mist on the wound, followed by patting it dry again and twining fresh gauze around it. Sam waited for a burn that never came. Despite her healing hands, every twitch in their foot continued to sting like hell.

"I could drive you," she finally said in a tone Sam was unable to place.

"And walk all the way back here?"

"Sure," Birdie shrugged quite assertively.

"I can't demand that from you."

"You're not, it is an offer."

What was Sam supposed to do? Let a woman wander through the dark forest for hours, only able to pray for her safe return home? Out of the question. Though, their final answer depended on how enthusiastic Birdie's reaction would turn out to be.

"I guess… I'll stay for tonight."

"Alright," she nodded approvingly - not delighted but definitely relieved, "I will gather some blankets and a sleeping bag. We have plenty of vacant beds at the moment, so you're free to choose any tent you like."

Doomed to a sleepover with Ben and a bunch of snotty children? No, thanks. It seemed like spending the night in a tent where god-knows-who could pay them a visit or with strangers who liked getting mesmerized for leisure also proved to be inadequate. Their selection pool became alarmingly small.

"You wouldn't have a bit of space left…in…uhm…"

Birdie gave them a smile, in it a twinge of loneliness nobody witnessed: "Otis is on guard duty tonight, so there will be plenty of that."

Hidden behind the sunhat, Sam turned rosy in embarrassment once again. Suddenly shy because of their request, but not regretting it in the slightest.

It was no taboo thought: they'd choose her over the rest any day.

"Let's get settled in, shall we?"

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

[f1]

Daniel Ricciardo confesses McLaren made him timid and he should've made changes at at F1 team

Daniel Ricciardo confesses his disastrous McLaren stint smashed his confidence and made him 'timid' - as he highlights what he should have done differently with British team Ricciardo split with McLaren after last season  Made way for fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri  Admits he would have done things differently  By Josh Alston For Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:45 EDT, 10 April 2023 | Updated: 23:45 EDT, 10 April 2023 Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo has spoken candidly about his recent stint with Formula 1 team McLaren, admitting it damaged his confidence and made him 'timid.'  Despite a number of highlights in his career, including eight Grand Prix wins, his two seasons with McLaren did not go as he had hoped, and he struggled to match teammate Lando Norris. In a recent interview with Speedcafe, Ricciardo accepted some responsibility for his underwhelming performances with McLaren, stating that he had been aware of his weaknesses as a driver.  'I'll always take some responsibility or accountability,' he admitted. 'For many years, I truly believed I was the best, and I am the best in the world, so whatever the situation, I'll be able to overcome it. 'And obviously with McLaren it was tough for me to do that. 'So yeah, I was aware that I'm not the perfect driver, I do have weaknesses, so I'll always hold something on to myself.' Ricciardo has made the candid confession that his time at McLaren made him feel timid and lose confidence in his abilities Ricciardo endured numerous mechanical problems with his car at McLaren but elected not to make changes to the interior  Ricciardo was afforded the chance to make internal changes to get comfortable in the car but chose not to do so.  He also admitted that he would have done things differently if he had the opportunity to go back in time. 'Having a bit of a chance to remove myself from it and now looking back on the last two years, I would have done things differently if I had that time again, or maybe ask more questions or been a little bit more demanding,' Ricciardo conceded. 'But you also live and you learn, so I don't look back with regret. 'That was a situation and I got through it.' Australian driver Oscar Piastri (right) has now joined Lando Norris at McLaren, replacing Ricciardo Ricciardo's departure from McLaren with a year left on his contract and the subsequent arrival of Australian driver Oscar Piastri caused a stir in the F1 world.  However, Ricciardo has taken time out of the sport to refresh himself mentally and spend time with family and friends. He has also reflected on the last few years and gained new insights as a result. He recently returned to the F1 paddock at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, performing marketing duties for the Red Bull team and listening in during engineering debriefs.  While he is not racing at the moment, Ricciardo has found his smile again as a reserve driver for Red Bull where his racing career started Ricciardo returned to the Albert Park paddock for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne and was kept busy with a number of roles outside of the car Although he initially went into his shell following the McLaren divorce, Ricciardo said he has gradually regained his confidence and felt at home back in the car.  'And now, getting back into Red Bull, I felt as well I was certainly a little bit… my confidence was probably not what it used to be as well. 'Even I was a little bit probably timid getting into the simulator, trying to downplay how it was going to go. 'But as the day went on, the more comfortable I felt, and the more it just felt like I was kind of back home in a car that I honestly felt comfortable with. 'So yeah, let's say everything felt like it was pretty recharged after that first day.' Share or comment on this article: Daniel Ricciardo confesses McLaren made him timid and he should've made changes at at F1 team via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

[chrisevanslovesposts]

This is new- Chris Evans

Summary: Chris is in an interview when Harper interrupts accidentally

Pairing: Chris Evans x Actress! Harper Thomas

Word count: 623

---------------------------

Harper knew Chris had an interview with Jimmy Fallon today. Chris told her he was doing it on his computer around 7: 30. Harper and Chris hadn't told the world their dating yet and wanted to keep it that way for a little big long. Maybe like 2 more weeks. Harper went upstairs to take a shower when Chris's interview got moved to then. Chris didn't tell Harper cause he thought she wouldn't get out of the shower until after his interview. Half way through the interview Jimmy showed the video that Chris had uploaded to instagram of you and him scaring each other a bunch.

"So have you and Harper been hanging out a lot recently?" Jimmy asked him as he took a sip of his drink.

"Yeah. It helps that she lives in Boston too. But yeah, every chance we get we scare each other. She's a great friend." Chris chuckled emphasizing on the word friend

"Hey, baby, what do you want to dinner?" Harper hopped down the stairs and walked over to him and leaned down and kissed him and patted his head.

"Uh.." Jimmy said as Harper looked at the computer and her eyes went wide.

She looked at Chris then turned and walked away.

"Sorry, ill be right back, Jimmy." Chris told him standing up following Harper to kitchen.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know it got moved." Harper told him leaning her elbows against the counter covering her face.

Chris walked up behind her putting his hands on either side of her on the counter kissing the back of her head.

"it's okay. Maybe its time." Chris said putting his chin on top of her head.

"Maybe." Harper said uncovering her face.

"I'm sorry. I should've told you. I didn't think you would get out of the shower until after my interview was over." Chris told her and she shook her head and turned around and hugged his torso.

"no, its okay." Harper kissed his chest.

"get back. Their probably wondering where you went." Harper told him and he smiled leaning down and kissing her.

"I love you." he muttered against her lips.

"I love you too." Harper blushed.

Chris went back and sat down at his interview and Jimmy smiled at him.

"Sorry about that." Chris cleared his throat.

"Chris that didn't look very friendly, it looked like a lot more." Jimmy raised his eyes brows and Chris chuckled.

"Yes, me and Harper are a little bit more than friends. We have been for 8 months now." Chris told him and Jimmy's eyes widen in shock.

"8 months?! Why didn't you tell me?" Jimmy asked faking hurt putting his hand over his heart.

"Well, we just wanted to keep it to each other for a while." Chris told him and Jimmy nodded as Harper walked back in the room and but sat down in the chair by Chris behind the camera.

Chris smiled at her as she pulled her phone out. She opened kindle and started to read one of her favorite books.

"Understood." Jimmy told him

They continued his interview then Chris shut his computer making Harper look up from her phone. The moment their eyes met she smiled widely at him and he leaned across the corner of the table and kissed her.

"Come on." Chris told her grabbing her hand making her stand before picking her up bridle style and carried her up the stairs.

Upon getting to their room Chris set her on their shared bed and crawled on top of her and started to kiss her.

[overnightheartbeats]

"Okay, ten questions seems fair. Enough chances for me to stump you, and yes if I win, it's just one free session." The last thing Laurel wanted was to take advantage of him. Still, it was an amusing challenge, one she couldn't resist. "That's what intrigued me about it, knowing what makes people tick. I just haven't taken the plunge to pursue it. Maybe, if physics class doesn't kill me first." Eli had a very good outlook on life, very good observations, and a reminder that she appreciated. "I like that. You make some really good points, and true, most people don't really know me. Not in the ways that matter, I suppose. Thanks for that reminder, I hope your opinion doesn't change too much. "

Laurel smiled at his question. Of course, she had told him about her family and essentially, the process it took to land in Texas, but missed mentioning the obvious portion. "He's an attorney. So, when he began interviewing at other firms, he was also trying to decide where he'd need to take the bar to practice. I think that's also why we landed here. I don't mind it so much anymore."

Every now and then, she would look up and catch glimpses of him while he worked. They were friends, right? Could she consider him a new friend now? She thought so, or at least hoped that'd be the case after their planned hangout at the Saddle. Laurel's laughter followed when he clarified, not a strip club. "Well, that wouldn't deter me, though it'd be an interesting choice on your part, to take me to a strip club for our first hang out," she joked, before continuing to listen as he explained. "You had me at live music and cool drinks, that's all you needed to say. My first underground bar, I think."

They walked down the street, and she almost smiled to herself at the silence. One of the few times silence did not make her uneasy, but only because she was amused thinking that her questions had stumped him already. First try, shoutout to trivia. But, nope. He began answering and Laurel was pleasantly surprised that he knew the answers. "I have so many questions, but mostly - how do you just know these things? Forget me nots always sounded funny, but that meaning seems hopeful. Hm, I learn something new everyday." Oh, she had him. The tootsie pop question always got everyone. Honestly, she wasn't even sure of the answer herself. She had said she didn't want the free session, but Laurel was just caught up in the goal to win. But, she was stunned. Her mouth agape as he answered. No way, or yes. His smirk was already saying she might not win this challenge after all. Laurel should've known that someone at UT Austin would know all of these trivia questions. "The human method," the words made her giggle. "Try reaching the center of a Tootsie Pop? Maybe so, could see how many licks it takes me. Have you ever done it?"

She looked up at the establishment, it looked very unassuming but that only drove her curiosity further. Laurel was curious to know how he knew about this place, and knew to keep her eyes open. Learning more about him through the place he chose to hang out. "We're probably the only ones coming in here with backpacks, that'll be fun." She reached for the door handle, swinging the door open before looking back at him. "You coming?"

"I'll hold you to it," came his response as a small smile took over. Texas wasn't known to throw balls but he never clarified what type of ball it'd be. "Destined to meet. I like that. Actually have heard that before which makes this funnier. Fair enough. If you want to take this as your pre warning then who am I stop you."

"Hmm. How about a solid round of ten questions. If I get stumped then you win one free session. If I win you pay once and that gives you a solid four weeks worth of help." It seemed fair and balanced. She got her way and in a way he did as well. "That is always interesting. Especially when you get into the realm of knowing what makes a person tick." Usually get into the mindset of criminals but it seemed to work for just about anyone. "Well, most people don't know you. They see surface stuff. Who you hang out with and the like. Don't worry so much about what others' opinions are. Especially if they don't know you." He had always operated on the fact that he wasn't going to get along with everyone and he was fine with that. As long as he was left alone and unbothered then opinions didn't matter.

"What does your dad do?" It must be something that had him travel. His first thought was military but Laurel didn't really seem a military brat type. Then again he couldn't be sure of anything.

As he went back to work, he couldn't help but glance at his new friend (?) If he could even call her that at the moment. This was a weird one that threw him for a loop and something he'd talk to the siblings about. He knew he had about another thirty minutes until he clocked out but those seemed to go by faster than normal.

Cleaning his last table he went over to the counter to untie his apron and grab his backpack. He went over to say his goodbyes to the other ladies and threw a see you on Thursday. They wished him a fun weekend ahead and smiled at him. With the bag slung over his shoulders and two textbooks in his arms he made his way over to a laurel. A quick flash of a smile overtook his features as he couldn't help the laugh. "Not often enough. It's not a strip club," he clarified. "It's kind of an underground bar where new acts come to perform. We get live music and cool drinks. It's just called the Saddle because they have open bar on Sundays for games."

He kept up a good pace with her and pondered her first question. Truthfully, how he knew this one was a mystery but still answered, "Vatican City, second smallest is Monaco. Alaska state flower is," he sat in thought for a second. "Alpine forget me nots. Did you know why they chose that as the state flower? It symbolized perseverance and constancy. The qualities that embody the pioneer spirit." He looked up at her, long eyelashes splayed across his cheeks as a smirk made it clear presence. "It depends. Some say between hundred forty four and a thousand licks. A purdue study concluded it took three hundred sixty five. But they used a licking machine. When they used a human method, it took two hundred fifty three licks from twenty students." he licked his lips and chuckled. "Why, did you wanna try it?"

[munchcorner]

Dabi doesn't get jealous easily. Sometimes, he pretends to be just so he could get a reaction from Hawks. But this time, he's not pretending.

Dabi can feel the jealousy bubbling in his chest after seeing people ship Hawks with a famous actor he saved during his night patrol. Dabi was asleep when Hawks went out that night, and waking up to that news without Hawks by his side in the morning didn't feel good.

He wanted to bury the feeling away. It's not like this is the first time Hawks was linked with someone. But as he was about to leave his social media, a video caught his attention.

It was a video of the actor blushing and flirting with Hawks. Dabi kept his focus on the video as he watches how Hawks would react. He can hear an uncomfortable laugh come out of Hawks' lips as he awkwardly scratches his nape. Those actions should've been enough to reassure Dabi, but the words that slipped past Hawks' lips made Dabi's heart ache.

"I'm not interested in anyone at the moment. And I'm not open to dating. I'm too busy to fall in love, you see,"

It was a clear rejection directed towards the actor flirting with Hawks, but it hurt Dabi. It hurts because Hawks can never say he's taken.

Dabi's aware of Hawks' dating ban. He's listened to Hawks say he's single in interviews, and it didn't hurt. But this particular instance was awfully painful.

"Whatever," Dabi says and throws his phone on the bed. He didn't want to dwell on the negative emotions so early in the morning. So, he decided to eat breakfast while watching the cars pass by.

Dabi spent the day with his friends. He didn't want to stay in their apartment thinking about nothing but Hawks and that stupid actor. He didn't even want to see Hawks yet. But everyone was too busy to let him stay over. He had no choice but to go home.

Dabi arrives at their apartment with a pout. He looked around, hoping Hawks isn't home yet. But the moment he entered the living room, warm arms wrapped themselves around his waist. A familiar scent envelopes him, but instead of feeling home, he felt nauseous.

"Welcome home," Hawks whispers and places a kiss on Dabi's shoulder. Dabi presses his lips together and shrugs Hawks off him.

"Welcome home," Dabi says without looking at Hawks. He didn't want Hawks to notice he was in a sullen mood. So, he heads straight to their bedroom.

"Is something wrong?" Hawks asks after following Dabi into their room. Dabi doesn't answer, making Hawks nervous.

Hawks thinks back to everything he did that day as he waits for Dabi to speak. But minutes passed, and Dabi didn't seem to have any intentions of speaking.

"Is this because I wasn't here in the morning?" Hawks asks and carefully sits on the bed. Dabi still doesn't answer. Instead, he pulled the sheets over his head and said, "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

Hawks gulps. He cautiously reaches for Dabi's shoulder and lets his hand rest when Dabi didn't shake him off, "I left a note on the fridge that I was called for an emergency mission. If I had known that you'd be this upset then I wouldn't have taken the mission,"

"It's not that," Dabi answers, "I'm not that shallow,"

"Then what is it?" Hawks asks and gently pulls the cover off Dabi's body, "tell me," Hawks coaxed when Dabi didn't answer.

A sigh escapes Dabi's lips before forming a pout. Hawks wanted to smile and tease Dabi about how adorable he was with his pout, but he stopped himself. Now isn't the time to tease him. He can do it later.

"Touya," Hawks whispers affectionately, knowing full well that Dabi's weak to Hawks calling his name.

Dabi moves his body and buries his face into Hawks' back, "You love me, right?"

The question made Hawks furrow his brows, "of course, I do," he answers without a second thought.

"Okay," Dabi says and moves away. Hawks silently watches him and thinks about why the question suddenly came up.

"Is this because of the news with that actor?!" Hawks asked, his voice rising in surprise.

Dabi quickly sits up and looks at Hawks to deny it, but his body gave it away. He was red in embarrassment, and his eyes were teary. These were enough to tell Hawks that he's right.

"Touya, you know you're the only one I love," Hawks says and crawls towards Dabi. He cups Dabi's face and forces him to look at him, "I love you, Touya."

Dabi's tears start to stream down his face. He didn't realize how badly the situation weighed on him until he talked to Hawks about it.

"I love you too, Keigo," Touya whispers after pulling Hawks down into a hug.

Hawks wraps his arms and wings around Dabi and lets him cry. He can feel his heart clench with every sob and sniffle he hears. But he lets Dabi cry it out as he comforts him by stroking his hair and peppering him with kisses.

Once Dabi finishes crying and falls asleep, Hawks lies beside him and pulls him into an embrace before pulling out his phone. He places a kiss on Dabi's forehead and takes a picture of it.

Hawks contemplated posting it. He thought about how he doesn't have Dabi's consent to post the photo. How the HPSC would react if he breaks the dating. And if his fans would get mad or support them. But when Hawks looked at Dabi's puffy eyes and recalled how he cried, his decision was made.

Hawks took a deep breath and posted the photo on all of his SNS before turning it off and going to sleep. He'll deal with the consequences in the future.

Dabi wakes up with Hawks playing with his hair, "good morning," Hawks greets and places a quick kiss on Dabi's lips, "I've been waiting for you to wake up,"

"What time is it?" Dabi asks and tries to reach for his phone on the bedside table, but Hawks stops him by taking his hand and kissing it, "it's 9:37. I'm hungry. Let's have breakfast,"

Dabi's eyes grew wide, and he quickly sat up, "aren't you supposed to be on morning patrol?!"

Hawks chuckles and pulls Dabi into a hug, "how can I leave so early in the morning when you cried so much last night? Forget about work and spend the day with me, will you?"

"But-" Dabi tries to argue, but Hawks hushed him by kissing him. Dabi was pulling Hawks away from him, but Hawks only pinned him on the bed, "I said, forget about work,"

Dabi furrows his brows, "but Keigo. The HPSC,"

Hawks sighs and kisses Dabi's forehead, "I'll deal with them tomorrow,"

Dabi pouts and stands up to follow Hawks to the kitchen. He couldn't help but think about how the HPSC would react to Hawks not going to work. But if Hawks says he'll deal with it, he has no other choice. He'll just enjoy the day with Hawks.

The day was spent with them having breakfast together, washing the dishes, binging their favorite series, playing card games, having sex, and cuddling. Only when they spent that entire day together did they realize that they've never gone on a proper date for a long time.

"Keigo," Dabi calls and turns around to look at Hawks.

"What is it?" Hawks asks, his eyes closed and his breath slow. Dabi smiles and cups Hawks' face, "let's go on vacation next time,"

Hawks opens his eyes and smiles brightly, "I'd love that," he answers and kisses Dabi's nose, "but before we do that, can we go to sleep? I'm tired,"

Dabi chuckles and nods, "good night, Keigo,"

"Good night, Touya," Hawks responds and slowly drifts to sleep.

Dabi was watching Hawks sleep when his phone rang. He turned his head towards the bedside table and remembered that he didn't have the chance to check his phone at all that day.

Dabi reaches for his phone and answers the call from Bubaigawara, "what is it? Do you know what time it is?"

"Why didn't you tell us you were going public?!" Bubaigawara's voice was loud enough to make Dabi move away from his phone.

"What are you talking about?" Dabi asks with furrowed brows.

"Don't tell me you haven't checked your SNS today?!" Toga asks in genuine surprise, "I'm ending the call. You need to check the chaos on Hawks' SNS!"

And with that, the call ended. Dabi can feel his heart racing as he anxiously opens his Instagram. He quickly went to Hawks' account and flushed when he saw the photo Hawks posted.

Dabi turned to Hawks and quickly shook him awake, "Keigo! Wake up!"

Hawks furrows his brows and opens his eyes, "what is it?" he asks and yawns.

"You have to open your SNS. I think you accidentally posted a photo of us," Dabi says and shows Hawks the photo. But instead of panicking, Hawks only smiled and pulled Dabi down.

"It wasn't an accident. I intentionally posted it," Hawks says with a smile, "I realized it's unfair to keep you a secret,"

"But the HPSC. The dating ban. Keigo, what about your fans? What if you get punished?" Dabi asked, his head filled with worries of what the HPSC would do to Hawks.

But Hawks continued to smile and pulled him tighter, "I told you, I'll deal with it. So, stop worrying and go to sleep," Hawks whispers and gives Dabi a reassuring smile.

"Fine," Dabi whispers and focuses on Hawks' arms wrapped around him instead.

[the-bau-quinjet]

Secret's Out

Summary: Request! Reid and Y/N are secretly dating, but their business doesn't stay their business for long.

Warnings: Criminal Minds level violence

Word Count: 2974

a/n: Thank you for the request! I hope you like it :)

Sorry this took forever! It took me a while to think of case details that I liked and then I kept rewriting parts. I think I'm finally happy with it though!

Masterlist

"Spencer!" You pushed him away. "The doors could open at any moment! How are we supposed to keep this a secret if Morgan walks in on us kissing in the elevator?" You raised a brow at him.

"On average, elevators travel at a speed of 200 ft/min or about 4 seconds per floor. Being on the fifth floor means we have about 20 seconds to ourselves." He smiled triumphantly.

"Yeah, until someone surprises us on floor 3." You rolled your eyes, stepping out of the doors once they opened.

"I can't help it. I'm just... really happy with you." He whispered softly.

"I'm really happy too." You smiled at him. You were about to lean in when the elevator doors opened once again to reveal JJ and Emily.

"Hey guys, ready for another case?" Emily glanced between you suspiciously, but thankfully didn't ask any prying questions.

"Yep, let's go!" You turned quickly, walking into the round table room without so much as a glance back at the three agents by the elevator.

"What's with her?" JJ questioned.

"Said she didn't sleep well last night. Must be all the caffeine." He held his own cup off coffee up in solidarity before also walking to the round table room.

"Alright, we've got 3 dead in Billings, Montana. All three were law enforcement, and all three were found this morning around the city." You listened as Penelope introduced the details of the case.

"Could be someone who feels the police didn't do a good enough job protecting a loved one?" You threw out a theory.

"Or someone who feels wronged by the criminal justice system as a whole." Rossi added on.

"Either way, they likely won't stop until we catch them. Wheels up in 20." Hotch rose from his seat as he spoke, wasting no time in preparing for take off.

You all dispersed briefly to grab your go bags, meeting back at the SUVs to head to the jet.

Once boarded, it didn't take long for the conversation to start up again.

"When we land, L/N go to the morgue. Dave, Prentiss take the first and second crime scenes, they're only a mile apart. Morgan and Reid, check out the third scene. I'll head to the precinct with JJ."

With Hotch's instructions set, you took what little time you had left on the flight to go over the causes of death.

-

"Anything stand out to you on the bodies?" You asked the ME after going over the blunt force trauma and bullet wounds.

"There's tape residue and bruising on the wrists and ankles. Based on the state of bruising, they were likely held for about 3 days before they were killed."

"Thank you for your help." You shook hands, pulling out your phone to call Hotch.

"Hotchner."

"Hotch, they were held for days before they were killed. How did nobody notice they were missing?" There was nothing in the reports that indicated the victims were reported missing prior to being found.

"We just found the same pattern. They all used vacation days for various reasons in the days leading up to their deaths. Meet us back at the precinct and Reid can explain the whole pattern."

"Okay, I'm leaving now." You hung up just as you reached the SUV. Throughout the drive, you couldn't stop thinking that something wasn't adding up.

The victims were taken in the same day. It didn't make sense for the unsub not to escalate. So, why aren't any officers unaccounted for?

Suddenly, a truck crashed into your SUV, sending you flying off the road. A figure dressed in black opened the door and dragged you from the car.

"Agent L/N, it's so good to see you again." A male voice spoke, but you couldn't place it.

He hit you over the head with a handgun before dragging you to his own vehicle.

-

"Where's L/N?" Emily questioned when her and Rossi returned from the second dumpsite.

"On her way back from the ME." Hotch answered. "Did you find anything useful?"

"They truly are dumpsites. Both bodies were found by dumpsters, sending a pretty clear message." Dave replied.

"Same for the third site." Derek added on.

"All three victims were single and took time off leading up to their death. Nobody would've notice that they were missing until it was too late." Reid supplied the final bit of information gathered.

Hotch's phone rang before anyone else could comment. The frantic sound of Garcia's nails clicking against her keyboard echoed through the phone. She was talking before anyone could greet her.

"You need to see this, check your tablets."

Confused glances were exchanged as everyone, barring Reid, opened their tablets. Reid glanced over Morgan's shoulder to observe as well.

A seemingly live video that Garcia received a link to was streaming to the tablets.

A single woman sitting in a chair could be seen in the frame. Her wrists and ankles were bound to the chair with thick, gray tape and a bag was over her head.

"Garcia, what is this?" Hotch asked almost immediately.

"I was emailed the link just now. It's not streaming anywhere else online." Her reply came quickly, the sound of typing still filling in the silence.

"Can you trace it?" Rossi questioned.

"I'm trying, but it's being routed through multiple proxy servers."

"Did the email say anything?" Emily chimed in.

"No, it was just the link- Wait. I just got another email." She paused as the new email loaded. "It's addressed to Reid."

Every set of eyes in the room turned to Reid.

"What does it say?" He felt the nerves beginning to grow waiting for Garcia to read the words aloud.

"Dr. Reid,

I hope you remember me. What am I saying, of course you do. I've got something of yours that you might want back. You see Dr. Reid, you and your team ruined me. My family, my career, all of it, just gone. I thought I'd return the favor. A person's phone can be so informative. Tell me, does your team know about your girlfriend? I've so enjoyed getting reacquainted with her.

Happy hunting."

Spencer's face went white as he looked at Morgan's tablet again. His thoughts were racing. How did he not recognize you before? Even with the bag over your head, he should've known it was you.

"It's her." His words were barely a whisper.

"This is your girlfriend?" Morgan gestured to the screen again. Spencer could only nod in reply, his mind unable to focus on anything except you.

"Reid, listen to me. You've got to tell us everything you know about her. We'll have to split up. You can go back to Quantico with Emily and Morgan, the rest of us will stay here to work on our current case." Hotch was already devising a strategy to work both cases.

"There's no need." His words made sense to him, but sounded cryptic to the rest of the team.

"Kid, of course there is. We'll help you get her back." Morgan placed a hand on his shoulder, effectively shocking him back to the present situation.

"There's no need to split up because she's here. She's in Montana." Before he could continue, everyone was asking questions.

"Give me a phone number and I'll get you a location." Garcia was already typing away again.

"Are you sure she's here?" JJ's brows furrowed. She did her best to hide the hurt of her best friend hiding his girlfriend from her, again.

"Why would she be here?" Rossi added.

"How did she get here? Maybe we can track the transportation and figure out means of abduction." Emily was the only one thinking about the case.

Like ripping off a bandaid, Spencer blurted out the truth.

"It's Y/N."

He was met with silence in the room as everyone absorbed the information.

Garcia caught up first, a sudden gasp sounding through the phone.

"So, then that's Y/N... in the video..." Her voice wavered.

As if a switch was flipped, the team was back on the case.

"Garcia, get me a list of anyone who would have a grievance with the team." Hotch ordered.

"Go through anyone who was falsely accused. Start with cases in or around Montana. He would want to keep this close to home." Rossi specified.

"We've only had one case in Montana since Y/N joined the team." Reid supplied the knowledge as it came to him. "A name, I need a name." He muttered to himself, pulling his hair as he roughly ran his hands through it and over his face. "Garcia, look into Jameson Braddock."

"Got it." She immediately began a background check, searching through case files and news articles for additional information. "i'll get back to you with locations." With that, she hung up.

"Fill us in, kid. Who is Jameson Braddock." Morgan lead Reid to a chair, gently easing him into it.

"Our last case in Montana, Emily and I went to interview a witness." Emily nodded, the memories slowly coming back to her.

"He wasn't very forthcoming, and then he tried to run." She added on.

"Exactly, except he didn't make it very fair. We arrested him, but it turned out he was only guilty of selling alcohol to minors. When word of his arrest got out, the whole town thought it was for the serial rapes and murders we were investigating even though it was never confirmed."

"By the time we corrected the media, it was too late." JJ supplied, also remembering the man.

"So, he killed three officers just to draw us out back out here?" Morgan refocused the conversation on the current case.

"It looks that way now. The media knew we were coming, so he must have as well." Emily theororized. "If he followed us from the airport, he would've seen Y/N leave by herself."

"He likely didn't know about your relationship until he abducted her and went through her phone." Hotch paced the room.

"He's flaunting his power over us." Rossi chimed in just as Hotch's phone rang again.

"Garcia, what've you got?"

"Three addresses in Billings, Montana. Jameson Braddock has been on a downward spiral since your last trip there. His entire life fell apart, like he said. Divorced, his wife moved to Nebraska with their two kids. He lost his job at the high school, and was evicted from his house when he could no longer pay the bills." She listed the information quickly.

"He has ties to three addresses. Nobody has moved into his previous house, so it's vacant. He's got a small apartment in the northern part of the city which he pays for through working odd hours at Taco Bell. Finally, he briefly worked security at a now abandoned warehouse."

"An apartment wouldn't be enough space to hold her without the chance of someone hearing. She's not there." Rossi eliminated the location as an option.

"We'll split up to cover the warehouse and the house-" Hotch began, but Reid cut him off.

"No, we shouldn't split up. She's got to be at the house. The warehouse has no connection to his previous life. He wants revenge for our perceived wrongdoing, he wouldn't make his last stand at a new location." Reid was already putting on a bullet proof vest. Despite how his mind was racing, he refused to show how afraid he was.

"You're sure?" Morgan asked, on the fence about committing to one location.

"Absolutely." With that, Reid was out the door heading for the SUVs.

-

"Rossi, Emily head around back. I'll take the front with Reid. JJ and Morgan, the side door." Hotch instructed the team to split up upon arrival at the house.

Reid wasted no time in approaching the house. He was confident you were inside, but he didn't know what was happening to you.

The main floor was cleared quickly. Again, the team split up to cover the upper level and the basement.

Knowing you were likely downstairs, Reid immediately started that direction, JJ and Hotch following him.

It wasn't hard for him to find you. You were still tied to the chair in the middle of the room, bag over your head.

Before anyone could stop him, Reid lowered his gun and ran to you. He gently maneuvered the bag off your head, stopping his movements only when he felt something press into his back.

"Dr. Reid. So kind of you to join us." Braddock spoke maniacally, pressing the gun against Reid's head.

"Drop your weapon." Hotch commanded, but the man only cackled in response.

'Y/N... Y/N." Reid gently shook you in an attempt to wake you up.

"She can't hear you." Braddock singsonged.

"What did you do?" Reid tried to turn to him only to feel the gun press further into his head.

"Like I said in my email, you people ruined my life. They took everything from me, so I thought I'd try to return the favor." During his short speech, Braddock shifted just enough for JJ to get a clean shot.

He fell to the ground, gun clattering across the floor.

Reid moved quickly to remove the tape binding you to the chair while Hotch called for a medic in the basement.

The entire team watched as you were wheeled into the ambulance, still unconscious, none more scared than Spencer.

-

"She's going to be fine, Spence." JJ tried to reassure him, nonetheless his pacing continued.

"You don't know that. We don't even know what he did to her." He had one hand anxiously running through his hair, the other pinching the bridge of his nose in distress.

Just then, a doctor emerged from behind closed doors.

"F/N L/N." She called into the waiting room, slightly taken aback when the group of agents rushed to her.

"It was touch and go for a while, but she got here just in time." It was visible to even the least qualified profiler how relieved the team felt. Their previously tense shoulders relaxed, frowns turned to small smiles, wide eyes and raised brows pinched together with joy.

"What happened?" Emily posed the question everyone was thinking.

"In short, she was drugged. It's not clear what exactly was used, but it was likely a mix of drugs that attempted to stop her heart."

"Can we see her?" Morgan spoke next, cautiously eyeing Reid.

"You may, follow me." The doctor lead them through a series of hallways to your room. "She should be waking up soon."

With that the doctor left, allowing the team to file into the room. You looked strangely peaceful for someone who almost died.

"So..." JJ glanced between you and Spencer. "Girlfriend, huh?"

His eyes went wide. Instinctively, he turned to you for help, but you were still asleep. He opened his mouth to answer, but no words came out.

"Relax, kid." Morgan grinned. "We're happy as long as you two are happy."

Spencer smiled gratefully, looking at you with an adoring gaze. "We are happy."

"How long?' Emily gestured to your joined hands. Just before Spencer could answer, you groaned.

"I want to hear your guesses first." Your voice was raspy, but there was a clear smile on your face. "Also, what happened?"

The quickly explained the email Garcia received and the events that followed.

"Now that that's cleared up, do tell us how long you think we've been together. I know you've got a bet going." You narrowed your eyes, playfully glaring at each team member.

"4 months." Hotch begrudgingly admitted. JJ followed with 3 months, Derek and Rossi both betting 10 weeks, and Emily going with 6 weeks.

"Ha, you're all wrong." You smiled triumphantly, leaning closer to Spencer.

"Wait, we haven't heard from Garcia." Derek smirked as he rung her on speaker phone.

"Oh, my beautiful crime fighters. Y/N, are you okay?" Your smile widened at the concern in her voice.

"I am indeed, but I have a very important question for you." You glanced as Spencer briefly before continuing. "How long do you think Spence and I have been together?"

"Oh, I know this one!" Her excitement caught everyone but you off guard. "7 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days."

Spencer's jaw dropped as he stuttered out, "that's exactly right..."

"How'd you figure it out?" The group of profilers wore matching expressions of surprise as Penelope explained.

"Well, we had just finished testifying in the Bigelow trial. The whole team went out for drinks, and I could just see it in Y/N's eyes the next day that something wonderful happened. At first I just thought that she got some, but then I saw her and the good doctor in the kitchen getting coffee and I knew." Penelope's voice held a mixture of smugness and pure excitement.

"Babygirl, you didn't tell me?" Derek sounded genuinely offended.

"Y/N asked me not to." Even though you couldn't see her, you knew she punctuated the statement with a shrug.

"You knew, she knew?" Spencer turned to you in shock.

You nodded. "I could see it on her face the second I walked out of the kitchen. But she promised not to tell, so I didn't either."

"The two of you, thick as thieves." Rossi lamented.

"I love you so much." Spencer whispered into your ear as he pulled you in for a hug.

"I love you too." You whispered right back.

"Honestly, I'm glad the secret's out." You smiled at Spencer before looking at the rest of the team. "Although, I wish I didn't have to be kidnapped to tell you."

You spent a few more hours in the hospital before being cleared to go back to the hotel.

The next morning, you smiled to yourself as you were finally able to cuddle with Spencer during the flight home.

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