#I think there's a lot of areas where you can see the difference in Lewis' behaviour

[yesterdayiwrote]

I was reading @manykinsmen's lovely post about the parallels between Jenson and Nico and it reminded me of how there's also so many parallels between Jenson and George as Lewis' teammate.

They're both 'the new guy' coming on to a team where Lewis is settled. They're both stereotypically 'affable brits', and they both show up just as the team is hitting a rough patch.

There was a Sky bit back in 2021 where they asked Jenson (and Nico I believe) what advice they would give George about being Lewis' teammate, and the answer was basically "Integrate yourself with the garage because if they like you, you'll reap the benefits".

And in a similar fashion to what happened with Jenson, it has felt that George has done the courteous smiling and nodding through the pain of the team struggles and put on the positive face, whereas Lewis has, like last time, struggled to hide his disappointment and at times lashed out and said things that he probably should have kept to himself or at least behind closed doors. It feels like a carbon copy, even down to the new guy winning in the points stakes in year 1 and Lewis winning right back again in Year 2.

The only difference is now, Lewis is a better teammate and hasn't lashed out at his teammate in petty mindgames (although I think there's a fair argument that there's other people still fulfilling that role as surrogate even if he himself isn't engaging in it personally, but that's a different story). Although that being said, Lewis and Jenson were never really fractious, they always put a good face on whatever was going on behind closed doors and were genuinely pretty outwardly civil.

And the funniest thing is that although we don't know how this season will go, both George and Jenson's time as Lewis' teammate is going to end in the same way too. Lewis walking away from a team he considered family to take a punt on something new.

[sydwritess]

Tattoos

Lewis Hamilton x fem!reader

Summary: Lewis is looking to have some of his tattoos touched up before the race, but he can't find anyone. Hearing this, you then offer to do it, having experience. He doubts you at first, but then proceeds to be in love with your work.

First Person POV

Lewis and I have been together for a couple of years now. Things have been going smoothly, even if his world is chaotic sometimes. As a racer, he's always expected to be on top of things, perfect, professional, but there has been times when he's not. But in all reality. Who is?

Right now me and him were in the lobby of some building talking to Charles, waiting for their interview station to get set up.

"What are you thinking for the outfits tonight?" Lewis asked Charles.

"I have some in mind." Charles said smirking.

"Mate, you better not make me look like a fool now." Charles said smiling.

"I won't I won't." Charles said laughing.

"I'm trying to get in to someone to see if they can touch up my tattoos before the shoot. Want to look fresh and all you know." Lewis said, looking down at his hands.

"Does anybody take walk ins anymore?" Charles asked.

Lewis shook his head. "No, that's why I'm hoping someone can fit me in but... it's a lot." He said. I looked up from my phone at Lewis.

"I could do it." I said.

"You?" Lewis said.

"You say you like I'm a disease." I joked. Charles laughed.

"No no, not what I meant. Go ahead." Lewis said.

"Yeah, me. I'm the one who did my cousins." I said.

"Your the one that did her full sleeve?" He asked surprised.

"Yeah, I did."

"Wow."

"Don't be so surprised." I said.

"Hm, I don't know. I was kind of looking for someone a bit more... professional." He said slwoly.

"i am the queen of professional." I said.

"Sure, but do you even have the materials?" He asked.

"Yeah, at home. Where my professional state is." I smirked. He thought about it for a moment.

"Hm, alright." He said slowly. "But I'm having Charles there for an eye witness." He said.

"Now you act like I'm going to kill you." I said. We all laughed. Just then, their names were called to the stage.

"See you old man>" I said, as Lewis walked away.

"I am not old! He shouted from across the room, I laughed, watching them do their interview from the other side of the room.

"Lewis, Charles, nice to see you both again." the man said.

"Lewis, already off to a certain topic. You just shouted your not old, some of a audience caught that. Mind telling us?" The guy asked.

"Yeah, you see, my lovely girlfriend over there called me old. Clearly I'm not. But you know. Whatever you see at the eye." He says laughing. So did the audience.

"Well, you don't look at all old to me." The man said. I mouthed the words 'suck up.' to Lewis.

"Think she just called me a suck up over there." Lewis said with a smirk. Charles was laughing loudly at the conversation.

"Charles, you seem to be enjoying this." The man said. Charles shook his head while laughing. The rest of the interview went on, talking about the cars, the track, different tires, all different things.

"Well, Charles, Lewis, great having you here, thanking you for sitting down with us." The interviewer said, getting up to shake their hands, they both walked out into the lobby area.

"Great. Now we can leave finally." Charles dramatically expressed, sitting down on the bench with a large sigh.

"Mate it wasn't that bad of a day." Lewis chuckled at his friends state.

"Ugh, yes it was. People have way to many of the same questions." Charles laughed.

"Alright, shall we go then?" Lewis asked. Me and Charles nodded, standing up and walking outside. We walked out to the circuit parking lot, all piling into Lewis's car.

"Where first?" Lewis asked.

"My house. I have to pick my things up." I said. He nodded and drove to my house. We got there in a quick time and I went inside to get my supplies.

"Wow, I should have you decorate my house." Charles chuckled, looking around the house.

"Takes a lot." I said smiling, walking to my bedroom. I got everything that I needed and we went to Lewis's house.

"Where should we do this?" He asked, taking his coat off, hanging it by the door.

"Probably the kitchen table. It'd be the easiest." I said. We all walked in there, and I got my stuff set up. putting a paper towel under his arm, filling the ink dishes up, and getting the tattoo gun set up.

"I'm scared." Lewis mumbled.

"I would be. And old man like you has Carpal Tunnel, Could be shaking a lot." I said smirking. Charles laughed a bit, taking a seat next to Lewis.

"Okay okay. We get it, I'm so old and frail." Lewis laughed out with Charles.

Lewis put his arm out on the table and I started tracing over his tattoos. I got about a good 30 minutes in when I notice him squirming in his seat.

"Are you good?" I ask, bringing the needle away from his hand.

"God, this hurts like hell." He said, letting out a breath that had been held for a while. I notice Charles next to him chuckling.

"God, I am enjoying this." He laughed, taking a sip of his drink.

"Maybe you should get a tattoo." Lewis said.

"I so would." Charles backed.

"Good, after me, it's him. Make his hurt worse though." Lewis smirked.

"Oh I should, should I?" I said teasingly. I continued working up Lewis's arm and he eventually calmed down from the pain.

"Why do you do that?" Charles asked, as I wipe Lewis's arm with mark removal and a towel.

"It helps me see better. Because it clears up the lines." I said. He nodded along. I started working again, after taking a break. Lewis started to move, I was working on the back side of his arm which was more bone, so it made sense.

"Do you need like numbing stuff?" I ask.

"No why?" He asks back.

"Your moving around like crazy." I said giggling.

"It hurts!" He backed.

"Well stop moving. I don't want to mess up." I said, getting back to work. "After all, my name is going on your body." I said.

"Your name goes on my body ever couple of weeks darling." He backs.

"Ew. That's disgusting." Charles commented, taking a sip of his drink.

"Mate, she's the one who braids my hair." Lewis said, smirking.

"Yeah get your head out of the gutter." I said.

"Hey, my head wasn't in the gutter. You made it sound like that on purpose." He said, pointing to me and then Lewis. A couple of more minutes went by and I was finally done. Getting a towel and cleaning up his arm again.

"There you go." I said, putting the towel done.

"Wow. This actually looks... really good." Lewis said, inspecting his hand and arm.

"Told you I could do it." I said smirking.

"Alright. But you still did cause me pain." He said, smiling.

"Alright, you ready for the shoot finally?" Charles said standing up.

"Yes. Let's go. And I have high hopes that you won't make me look bad, yeah?" Lewis asks. I take care of my things and we all get in Lewis's car, driving to Charles house.

We got there in a quick time, got out and went inside. Charles went straight to his room, running down his stairs with a handful of clothes, smirking proudly.

"Right mate. First one is this." Charles says, holding up a pair of black dress pants, a black dress shirt, and a long, black coat.

"Oh yes. This is my brother Arthur. He's going to be taking the pictures." Charles says, introducing Arthur.

"Wow, you are like identical." I said. Charles just laughed.

"Nice to meet you." Arthur said, shaking my hand.

"But way more polite to." I said.

"Woah, I am tons of polite mate." Charles said, putting a hand on his chest.

"Oh boy." Lewis says. Grabbing the hanger and going into the bathroom to change.

I give Charles a suspicious look, and he just smirked.

"Don't worry. He will look great." Charles said, holding up the okay sign.

"Alright." Lewis says, walking out of the bathroom. "This isn't half bad." He says, adjusting the collar of his jacket. Charles just nods and smiles, and he tells Lewis wear to stand in the house. Arthur took a bunch of pictures of Lewis, having him stand in different positions.

"Alright. Next one." Charles said. Next he handed him blue, baggy jeans, and a tan Ferrari sweatshirt. Lewis went to go change, came back out and started shooting again. This process went on for a good hour or so, tearing through many different outfits, getting many good pictures.

"Alright. Thanks for doing this mate." Charles said.

"Anytime. I'll see you tomorrow." Lewis said, saying goodbye to to Charles and Arthur before we leave. We were in the car, driving back to my house, it was pretty much a quite ride until we pulled into the driveway.

"You did great today." I said smiling.

"Thanks. You did to. This looks amazing." He said, holding up his hand.

"Well, it was just tracing over lines." I said giggling.

"I know, but still, it's major talent." He said smiling. "Will I see you at the track tomorrow?" He asked.

"Of course. You know I will be there." I said.

"Great. I'll text you when I'm home, yeah?" He said.

"You better." I said smiling. Leaning over the console to kiss him.

"I'll see you." He whispered against my lips.

"Bye." I said slowly. Opening the car door and walking inside.

Hey loves! First Lewis imagine! Hope you like! Comment to be added to the f1 tag list!

[turn3tifosi]

Idk if you've seen but arvid linblad has said that Lewis is one of his inspirations being mixed race and that. So how abt arvid and reader where she is like Lewis's sister, daughter or goddaughter or smth and he's superscared to meet him or smth

never meet your heroes

arvid lindblad x lewis hamilton’s goddaughter!reader

masterlist

a/n: i was actually planning like this?? if i had a dollar for every time an anon request matched exactly with what i was planning, i'd have two dollars which isn't much, but it's weird it's happened twice

You’re practically bouncing with excitement as you grab Arvid’s hand and lead him through the busy corridors of the paddock. His grip on your hand is firm, but you can feel his nervous energy radiating off him in waves. 

He’s not exactly your typical bundle of nerves, being a skilled F3 driver who’s faced plenty of pressure on the track, but this is different. This is personal. 

“Okay, so I’ve got great news!” you announce with a grin that’s probably too wide to be considered normal.

Arvid looks at you with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. “What’s up?”

“My godfather wants to meet you!” 

Arvid’s eyes light up. He’s already charmed your parents, and he’s pretty confident that he can win over anyone you care about. “That’s awesome! I’m excited. I’ve already met your parents, and they loved me. I’m sure your godfather will be the same.”

You nod enthusiastically. “He’s actually really excited to meet you too. I’m going to visit him in the F1 paddock during the F2 race, and you can come with me.”

Arvid’s expression shifts to confusion. “Wait, why would your godfather be in the F1 paddock?”

You laugh, the sound light and teasing. “Because he’s a racing driver too!”

Arvid blinks, processing the revelation. “What??”

You’re having a hard time containing your laughter now. “Yeah, remember the only reason we even met was because I was looking for him in the paddock, and I ended up bored and found you instead. It’s been such a funny coincidence, and now you’re meeting him!”

Arvid’s face goes pale, and you can almost see the gears turning in his head. “Wait… is it… could it be that your godfather is—”

“Yes, Arvid,” you confirm with a mischievous twinkle in your eye. “My godfather is Lewis Hamilton.”

Arvid’s mouth drops open, and he looks like he’s just seen a ghost. “No way. I can’t meet him. I mean… Lewis Hamilton? I’ve been a fan of his for as long as I can remember. I don’t think I can face him.”

You chuckle, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “Come on, don’t be silly. Lewis is just a normal person, like you and me. He’s going to love you!”

Despite your encouragement, Arvid’s nerves don’t seem to ease. “What if he doesn’t? What if I embarrass myself? This is Lewis Hamilton we’re talking about!”

Realizing that you might need to take a different approach, you decide to text Lewis. With a playful smirk, you type out: “Hey Lewis, don’t scare Arvid away. He’s scared because it’s YOU!”

You hit send and wait, and before long, Lewis replies with an enthusiastic, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he remembers this meeting!”

As you approach Lewis’s temporary garage in the paddock, you feel Arvid’s hand squeeze yours tightly. You try to give him an encouraging smile, but his apprehension is almost palpable.

“Just be yourself,” you tell him. “Lewis is going to be totally chill about this.”

As you open the door to Lewis’s area, you see him lounging on a chair, looking relaxed but with an unmistakable glint of mischief in his eyes. You wave cheerfully. “Hey, Lewis! Arvid, this is Lewis. Lewis, meet Arvid. I have to go say my hi’s to Bono and the rest of the team, so have fun!”

Lewis stands up, putting on a surprisingly stern expression that makes Arvid’s face go even whiter. He extends his hand for a handshake, but his gaze is intense. “Arvid. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Arvid shakes Lewis’s hand with a nervous grip. “H-hi. It’s really an honor to meet you, sir.”

Lewis’s face remains serious as he continues. “So, how long have you been seeing my goddaughter?”

Arvid swallows hard, clearly uncomfortable under the scrutiny. “Um, a few months.”

“Do you plan on being serious about this relationship?”

Arvid stammers, “Y-yes, absolutely.”

Lewis leans in closer, his voice dropping slightly. “What are your intentions with her?”

Arvid’s eyes widen, and he looks like he’s about to crumble. “I—I care about her a lot. I’m serious about us.”

Just as Lewis seems ready to continue his interrogation, you walk in with a cushion in your hand, eyes blazing with a mix of annoyance and amusement. “Lewis, what on earth are you doing?”

Lewis, still in his intimidating persona, raises an eyebrow. “Just making sure Arvid is up to the task.”

Without missing a beat, you toss the cushion at Lewis, hitting him squarely in the chest. “Knock it off! You’re scaring him.”

Lewis bursts into laughter, the stern facade vanishing in an instant. “Okay, okay. I was just having a bit of fun.”

You turn back to Arvid, who looks both relieved and embarrassed. “See? Nothing to worry about. Lewis is just being his usual self.”

Arvid lets out a shaky laugh, finally relaxing. “I’m glad to hear that.”

With the tension eased, Lewis wraps an arm around Arvid’s shoulder and gives him a friendly pat. “Seriously though, it’s great to meet you, Arvid. I’ve heard nothing but good things.”

You smile at both of them, happy that the meeting went well. “See? I told you everything would be fine.”

As the three of you chat and laugh, you can’t help but feel grateful for the supportive people in your life—and relieved that Arvid survived his first meeting with your legendary godfather.

[umlewis]

lewis hamilton is interviewed during the press conference on media day [part 2/2], brazil - october 31, 2024 (transcript under the cut)

Journalist #1: "Mara Sangiorgio, Sky Sport Italy. A question to Lewis: Lewis, you have, I think, the great honor to drive this weekend the Senna car. You were a McLaren driver. You won here your first title with them in 2008. Are you keeping an eye on the fight between McLaren and Ferrari for the constructors', and are you thinking that it's a big shame not be in the game with your team this year?" Lewis: "Of course that's what… We would have all loved to have been in the fight for the championship; that's what everyone works towards. We knew at the beginning of the year it was going to be tough, as soon as we hit the ground, and we didn't expect to also have some of the success we had. Obviously Silverstone, everyone worked so hard to get that result, which I'm so incredibly grateful to the team for. But yeah, it definitely… I know this team so well and I know that the result and the position we're in this year will just only fuel them even more to work harder to have a better car next year. And no, I'm not really watching much up ahead, unless I'm, like, in the battle or behind, like in the last race. I saw them for a second [laughs] and then they were gone. But yeah, I'm just focusing on trying to do the best job I can." Journalist #1: "You are interested in thinking about your future?" Lewis: "I'm very interested about my future, of course, and so in that respect, keeping an eye, yeah. Watching everything that happens." Interviewer: "Have you been very encouraged by the performances of Ferrari recently?" Lewis: "Of course. Through the year, at the beginning of the year, if you look at somewhere like maybe China already… But the Red Bull was, like, a second ahead, and it's been quite incredible to see the McLaren rise, and then the Ferrari in the last few races, to see their progress and just trying to keep an eye on everyone's car and what they're changing and what they're adding. And all the drivers, we all watch the onboard laps and we're always trying to see where we can gain time, and there's some cars that just react differently and better or worse in certain areas, and you're trying to figure out how you can find that within either your balance or get the team to develop the car in that direction." Interviewer: "Thanks, Lewis. Yep! Another one. Diego."

Journalist #2: Diego Mejia, Fox Sports Mexico. A question to Lewis: You had the chance to battle Franco back in Baku. I just wanted to get your view on what he has done so far and what you think about his chances for next year. I mean, how tough would it be to not have him on the grid next year?" Lewis: [laughs] "Well, he's done an incredible job, I think, to, last minute, be called upon and thrown into the deep end in this sport. The majority of us, if we're lucky to get in the sport, we have a bit of a run-up. If you look at young Kimi, for example, he's got a lot of test days before his first race. I think he will have over twenty days or something in the car, which is unprecedented. And as for this guy here, he didn't have that, so he just jumped straight in and he did a fantastic job. As I said in the race, it's always great to see young people and young talented individuals get the opportunity to come through and shine, and I think he did that in the first race. We had a great little battle and it was super safe, it was hard but fair, and I think he's earned his right to be here. There still is a seat available. And he's saying it's not for him to decide, but my advice would be to make sure that he's… I would be pushing, on my side, to make sure I was doing absolutely everything… And at the end of the day he's got to just continue to focus on doing his job every weekend, as he is. Hopefully he's got good people behind him who are doing the right job to make sure that he's here racing next year." Interviewer: "Thank you, Lewis. Right, any more from the broadcasters? Yes." Journalist #3: Hello. Margot Laffite, Canal Plus. Question for Lewis: Lewis, you've been battling for many world titles, strong from that experience. What are your thoughts about the battle between Lando and Max? Your opinion on their assets and their strengths, both of them?" Lewis: "Yeah, I mean, it's definitely… I think it's really exciting for the sport, firstly. The last couple of years, not necessarily so exciting, obviously, with Max just leading the way, and that sometimes happens. But I think it's been really exciting for the fans to see that it can go right down to the wire at the end of the year. There's still a possibility of Lando catching up. I read somewhere I think he's got to get eleven points more or something in each race or something over these next races, which is definitely possible with the performance they have. And yeah, I mean, we all know Max and his strengths, and can't really say too many weaknesses, if any. And you've got, obviously, Lando, who's really rose to the occasion and has been really leading the team. I haven't really spent too much time looking at how they're racing and how they're positioning the cars. Obviously everyone knows what happened in the last two races, but everyone will have an opinion on it. But at the end of the day, those two are the drivers. They know what they're doing. Yeah, I'm really excited to see what happens over these next races. I'm just hoping that I can at least have a good seat view to watch it all as they'll be ahead."

THE REST ARE NOT SHOWN: Journalist #4: "Filip Cleeren, Motorsport.com. Lewis, we've had a lot of talk about driving standards and guidelines, and it seemed like in Mexico we had more and more people dive-bombing the apex because the guidelines seemed to allow it. Obviously you were on the receiving end of that here in turn four a few years ago, so are you expecting more of that this year?" Lewis: "I mean we're kind of… Performance-wise we've been a bit no man's land, so we're not really receiving too much from behind, or we're not really attacking too many at the front. No, I mean, the rules are still the same as they were back in 2021. So what we saw in 2021 with myself and Max is still happening today and will continue until perhaps they make a change. And also, the tracks, with all the run-off areas, don't help. If it was gravel or grass they wouldn't be going all the way out there, so it'll be interesting to see the development. Hopefully they'll make some changes for next year." Journalist #5: "Adam Cooper. Question for Lewis: We're going to Vegas in a couple of weeks. What did you make of it as an event last year? Did you enjoy all the showbiz stuff? Did any funny or unusual things happen to you that weekend?" Lewis: "One of the cool things is I feel like I maybe play a tiny role in these races that appear. It was something I'd always said. They'd say where do you want to have a race, and I always said Vegas, and all of a sudden some years later we had a race in Vegas. I think for our first race, naturally at any new circuit there's always going to be learnings and things that don't go perfectly well. So the weekend as a whole, I think what happened with the fans and I can't remember exactly, but it wasn't the smoothest of weekends. But the race was incredible. And so going back now, I think they would have made so many changes and it would be even better. But yeah, definitely dancing under the nightlights was just incredible. We didn't have the car to be at the front, particularly that weekend, and so the car wasn't the happiest on the track like that, but hopefully a bit better this year. And then also, I've been talking about Africa and we've got, potentially, Rwanda on the cards, which is amazing. So I just hope it comes in time before I'm gone. That's my biggest dream, is to make sure that I get to race there before I retire. Journalist #6: "Nigel Chiu, Sky Sports. Question for Lewis. Just going back to the racing, Lewis, we've seen over the last seventeen years… Or you've been in F1 for seventeen years, sorry. Do you think the racing has kind of changed during that time? Has it perhaps become more aggressive over the last ten years, do you think?" Lewis: "I don't think so. I mean, I've raced for a long, long time, so I've been karting, and I wouldn't say that Formula 1's got any more aggressive.

I mean, when I first got to Formula 1 I was racing with Fernando, who was very firm and tough to beat on track, and it was no different to now, I would say. I think the only difference is that the tracks now have these run-off areas. I think when I joined we didn't have these big run-off areas, so when you first get in you really had to build up to the limit. You couldn't go beyond it, go off track and come back on. And that's something I would say the thing I noticed the most when… So like for example, around maybe Max's time or maybe just before, where they started having these big run-off areas, where the younger drivers were able to come in and really abuse those areas and not put the car on grass, for example. And I think that gave them a real good cushion of bedding themselves into the sport and finding the limit. As where, let's say like from Fernando's time and before that, it was, you couldn't go beyond the limit. You're in the gravel. Pouhon, for example-turn ten in Spa-there used to be grass right beyond the kerb and gravel, which was definitely worrying when you used to go into a corner like that. So I would say that's been the biggest shift and it would be great to see the old school sort of way come back if possible. Gravel traps or something like that. Maybe not safe, but we'll see." Journalist #7: "Phil Duncan, PA. A question for Lewis and for anyone else to add to it: In Mexico Lando described Max's driving as dangerous, Lewis. And obviously, I know that's not your battle, but you've been there in ‘21 with him. Is that something you thought at the time, that his driving was dangerous? And do you think that's still the same now? Would you say he's a bit of a dangerous driver?" Lewis: "I know that's where you would go. I mean, all you have to do is just go and look back and listen to some of my radio comments back in the day. It's not really something I really want to tap into. It's nothing to do with me at the moment, so… Obviously if I was in the battle, it would be… I could lean in more into it, but these are the things you have to ask those two because they're the ones that it's affecting. But I don't think you're seeing much difference across the years from 2021 to now. It's pretty much the same."

[dozyisdead]

The RB16 was actually considered as one of the fastest cars on the grid in 2020, only behind *maybe* the Mercedes despite looking rocky at the beginning of the season. I found a little snippet of what Max said about the car:

Max and Alex both have the same preference of oversteer, but it's on different levels for them.

Look on this chart where Alex is more towards the N (neutral) while Max is more to the extreme side of oversteer! Alex has said before that some of the main reason why he had such a hard time in the car was because of the media attention and not having enough experience after being brought up so soon from Toro Rosso (doesn't that sound like a certain American currently in Williams...). He also was getting updates way later than Max, which while normal, definitely didn't help his case. I definitely do think though that if Alex got another year, he definitely could have done well!

Don't take me for sure on this, but I've seen people say that the more extreme you are in preference, the "faster" you'll be. It makes sense, but if you see Lewis on that chart, that claim seems rather stupid.

I honestly have no idea how good the Williams actually is. From our POV, it obviously looks slow and hard to drive (Logan's hands during some of these corners....) but I would say it's hard to tell how actually bad it is. For all we know, its a decent car that looks worse than it is because of that extra weight. Going back to Alex, I think that media pressure Logan's been getting is what's hurting him so much. I think he's scared to push the car, which is a reason why he's crashing so much.

To be frank, I know little to nothing about how drivers configure their set ups/cars, but I do agree that Logan has been massively improving since last year. He's definitely been crashing less, and that weight he put on during the beginning on the year seems to be doing well for him! I'm actually really excited to see if Logan will be able to start matching Alex by the end of the year in terms of pace/ points (?). I think some weight will finally be lifted off him not that he knows he's not fighting for his seat anymore.

I think it's kinda funny how so many teams have drivers that like opposite things. In Ferrari we had Charles (oversteer) and Carlos (understeer) and in Red bull we have Max (oversteer) and Checo (understeer). Carlos though, has shown that he can drive cars that don't exactly suit his preference. I'm pretty sure (I'm saying this because it's a struggle to keep up with Ferrari sometimes) that the car is more suited towards Charles this year and in 2021 (why some Ferrari fans said that the 2021 car was so "good") and both years Carlos has preformed very well. I'm pretty sure the Ferrari is also more closer to neutral than way too oversteery though (?). I don't know what Williams is cooking up, but their car has been more oversteer prone in the past few years.

Funny enough though, both Lance and Latifi (though he liked a more neutral setup) both prefere (d) a slightly more understeer car! George on the other hand, likes a more oversteery car.

Oh my god I love you (/p)

So we all agree the way that Alex was brought up through Red Bull was an absolute shit show and messed up what could have been an incredible entrance into F1? But it's really interesting how much a difference they have with how they like the cars set up! But actually, noticing that Max was on an extreme makes a lot of sense. Line I've said before, I am absolutely brain dead when it comes to the technical aspects of F1, but I notice things when it comes to how things react to their environments. I've seen the way the cars move as they go through turns and down straights, and Max really is on an extreme! And I saw it a bit with Fernando's older races before Alpine and Aston Martin, but I do see it with him in Aston right now. And Lewis too, I can see the difference in both driving styles and how the car handles certain areas in certain tracks compared to the Red Bull that Max drives in those same areas. And I know part of that has to do with how the cars are made differently, but there are still differences that can't be explained with that. Also, the fact that Alex is very neutral leaning makes a lot of sense, especially if you rewatch his overtake in Canada from this year! I really don't know how to explain it, but that moment shows it very well.

Yes, I think we don't have a huge well of knowledge on the status of each car because it's really relative to each driver, though I do agree with the bit about the corners from Logan's POV. It seemed so unwieldly! Like, my grandfather has an old while truck, it's one of the ones with a bench seat in the front, and it really is very old. I learned to initially drive in it, and it is so hard to deal with now compared to my parent's cars, which is what I'm learning to drive now (I'm a very late learner so it's just harder for me in general). I think it would be very interesting to have every driver on the grid try each other team's cars with the most basic configuration. I think that would be an amazing comparison!

Also, I'm so glad someone else noticed how much the pressure made logan so hesitant while driving! I heard a driver once say that hesitation on track was a one-way ticket to a crash or going off, so I agree with your point about his performance being affected by that pressure! Oh, and I am also so glad someone noticed the weight gain! It really shocked me how skinny Logan always seemed to be, and honestly, I was a bit concerned for a bit. I think there's a video on the Williams channel that is focused on Logan, and he mentions that he needed to focus on controlling how much he weighed because he was actually too skinny/underweight, and it could have affected his performance! Don't quote me on that, but it's either one of his training camp videos or is the team torque episode with him and his new trainer (Elias) and a football player. I think the weight he put on is great for him and I'm actually so happy! And as much as I hate to see it, I'm also thinking that part of his improvement is knowing he's basically out of the running for a seat and he's relieved he doesn't have to fight for one anymore. He knows he just has to give what is left his all, and he's willing to do that! I do really hope that he joins Prema in IndyCar, particularly because I can actually afford Indy tickets lol!

But I also agree that it's really funny that we see so many opposites within teams in regard to over vs. under steer preference! And now that we see that Williams has been more oversteer leaning, and we see that both Lance and Latifi prefer a more understeer leaning set up, it kind of explains their limited success at Williams, and why George did so well! We all know George put so much into Williams, and I am glad that it did him so well. It's going to be very interesting next year when we see how Carlos does, if Williams keeps on the oversteer leaning path!

You have been a delight to talk with and I am so glad you could give me so much information!

[wildshona]

A Swim and a Chat

I know my followers have been waiting for this post and it has taken me a while to put together not least cos there is chat in it and I had to really dig my memory out to get the sense of it – so this is a bit different to the usual but I can’t help that - it was what it was.

Amelia, Zoe and I turned up in an uber at Toni’s at about 2.30 on Saturday afternoon. Amelia look impressed when she saw the house but didn’t say anything. Zoe thought we had come to a palace. Well it does look impressive starting with gates in a six foot wall leading to a gravelled parking area.

Mrs Lewis, that’s the housekeeper, met us at the door and took coats and stuff and ushered us through the reception hall and the lounge into the garden and to the extension with the swimming pool where a naked Toni was already doing laps. When Mrs Lewis called to her she pulled herself out of the water like a goddess and came to greet us, a chaste kiss on the cheek for Amelia, a kiss on the lips for me (not so chaste) and a hello and a kiss on the top of the head for Zoe.

If Amelia was surprised by seeing her doctor naked she didn’t show it and instead commented on the beautiful house. I was concentrating on Toni’s beautiful body.

Old money, said Toni, if you think this is impressive you should see my brother’s. All started from exploiting the peasants and a few fortunate wars hundreds of years ago.

Are you a princess asked Zoe? She looked like one to me. I could feel myself getting wet and my nipples harden. No munchkin i’m just a doctor, which she said in a way that implied far more than that.

Sweetie, that was to me, show the ladies where they can change into their swimming things. Feel free to go sky clad if you want – a remark lost on Amelia but meant naked to me.

Zoe had a little one piece that had lots of polystyrene floats in pockets all round it so she could float and have her arms free. This is not my costume said Amelia looking in her bag. Heh, heh. When we went shopping Amelia had bought a boring one piece for herself – she hadn’t owned a swimming costume before. But I, knowing her size, had bought her a nice purple bikini which would have been very modest by my standards but was almost scandalous to Amelia. That was what she found in her bag.

I might as well be naked, she said. That’s OK, I’m going to be.

So out we went to the pool. Me sky clad, Amelia in the bikini looking self-conscious but, I have to admit beautiful, and Zoe like a rotund umpa lumpa.

We had a good time in the pool. Splashing and playing chase and Toni showing Zoe how to swim. And after there was ice cream which pleased Zoe.

Then we stretched out on loungers, Toni suggesting that Amelia at least lose the bikini top. I thought she looked tempted but didn’t. Zoe soon fell asleep. We chatted for a while until Mrs Lewis gave us a half hour warning for dinner.

Mrs Lewis showed Zoe and Toni to a bedroom where they could change and I was sent to my room where I found that Toni had left a loose red silk cocktail dress out for me. No bra, a very small thong and heels. When we all emerged it seemed that Toni had got Zoe and Amelia’s sizes from Chris. Amelia was wearing an outfit subtly different from mine. It was tighter, but had a bra so, unlike mine, the nipples were not evident. I suspected that her knickers were a bit more substantial to mine. Little Zoe was dressed in a princess like concoction in lace.

Amelia protested at the clothes. Not the style but that Toni had lavished such presents. Toni waved it away with Old Money and I thought it would be nice to dress for dinner. A dinner which was as good as always with a nice wine,  whilst Zoe had things cut into knight and princess shapes which she giggled over before biting their heads off.

After dinner we sat for a while and Amelia read to Zoe until she fell asleep and was placed on a sofa. I sat next to Toni who casually draped her arm round my shoulder and pushed her hand down my dress so that she could play with my breast and nipple. Amelia sat in an armchair looking demure. Years of watching me in all sorts of situations with daddy meant she wasn’t phased by Toni’s tit play.

At some stage Toni said something like; it’s funny how your father split your femininity. Tragic really. Amelia as the chaste wife and mother and Shona as the lustful whore. Yet they are both aspects of the same thing. A whore can be a wife and mother and the chaste wife can also be lustful and sensual as you are dear Amelia.

Amelia tried to explain daddy’s philosophy. Are you a Christian, asked Toni. Yes, Amelia replied. I knew she was pretty secure in that although she had not been to church since she had come back to England and I knew by now all about the cult like church she had been a member of in the States.

Did you know that the Catholic church invented the veneration of Mary because they could not prevent Christian women adhering to elements of Goddess worship? Toni asked. The church tried to suppress the cult of Mary at first – it was inconceivable to those dreadful misogynists in the priesthood that a woman could be elevated to almost equality and they had killed and tortured their way through thousands of women suppressing Goddess cults. In the end they recognised that the best way to deal with Goddess worship was to co-opt it by elevating Mary. She was hardly the first virgin goddess after all. She wasn’t even the first virgin mother figure.

But they had to keep to the denial of the wholeness of the Goddess and of Woman. Women had to pray to Mary to prevent themselves revealing their true natures as Eve the Corrupter who had to be thrown out of Eden because of the Original Sin.

Yet here you two are both different aspects of the Goddess, Shona finds it almost impossible to love and will likely never be able to have children but enjoys the pleasures of the flesh and is the perfect Goddess of Lust whilst Amelia loves and trusts and cares. A different aspect of the Goddess. If only we could give Shona the ability to love and you the ability to embrace your sexuality you would both be perfect.

She turned and kissed me then. A full blown on the mouth tongue kiss.

The conversation went on a while longer. I felt almost jealous that Toni was giving so much attention to Amelia just as I had been jealous that Amelia had escaped the full treatment that I had got when we were young. Jealous yes – but Toni was wrong. I do love Amelia.

We talked about aspects of the Goddess for longer. Amelia was surprisingly articulate in her arguments and explanations although why I was surprised I don’t know – she had been brilliant at school. (same as me).

In the end it was time to go and Zoe was scooped up still in her princess dress and we left with the invitation to use the pool any time just make the arrangements with Mrs Lewis.

Now I know that you men – and probably women – followers were hoping for some lesbian love fest and i am sorry to disappoint. I have thought this over and over and you can tell cos i lost my usual freewheeling style which is cos I have re-written and revised about half a dozen times.

It is what it is.

[heartsoftruth]

Lewis after FP1 and FP2 in Bahrain | 29.02.24 "This has been a crazy Friday (lol), I was late this morning! FP1, was very very windy this morning. Very difficult session for everyone . The track was so different to practice last week. It was feeling okay. We didn't really know where we were stood on the C2 tyres. We made some improvements over the session... Again, I don't understand... It's a shock to see us where we are, but we'll take it for now. We can’t get ahead of ourselves, we need to keep our heads down, keep working on the set up and try to extract more. I think our long run pace is nowhere near the Red Bulls, for example, and I think we’re a lot closer, so we got some work to do there.” Better this year? Yeah, I am much more happier with the car. My seat position is finally further rearwards... I've got a better feel for the car approaching the corners but there are other areas that have been fixed and improved. It feels like a race car for once. The last two cars didn’t feel like that so, it’s a really good platform for us to work on. We just gotta keep on chasing.”

Longruns? “with the new car you have new tools, everything’s been re-designed. You’re learning a whole new vocabulary when it comes to the car set up. We’ve tested some of them but not all of them because we’ve only had a day in a half.” “I hope we can make a step. I have got a bit of an idea but I don’t know how to achieve that yet with the set up changes without affecting the other side of things: single lap. So we’ll see.”

[charles-leclerc-official]

hi!! New fan here, i was wondering, how do you know which stats and data to look for in terms of fairly comparing the performances of drivers? and just in general tips on race analysis :') like figuring out if they did the right strategy, the data you need to look for, anything else you find significant? thank you so much! i'd like to be more objective tbh bc the emotions are vv strong during a race and they tend to overpower my rational side.

Well there is a lot that can go into this. Some of it is very much a learned skill that you get better at over time.

General good rules of thumb for comparison and analysis:

1.The same car/teammates: comparing teammates is usually very helpful in understanding a car and also where the two drivers differ. Since they are in the same machinery we can see what some general characteristics are of a specific car. And then we can also see where there are differences that can be attributed to a driver specifically. Comparing teammates is always useful, and helpful in understanding a team overall because you know that team is constantly comparing their driver's performances.

2. Max(or whoever is the current #1): having Max as a benchmark of the current top driver is always helpful because he's obviously the one to beat. Also since he is so good he delivers amazing data on tracks. So if I want to see where the SF-24 or Charles need to improve comparing to Max is a good way to do it. It would not be as helpful to compare Charles to say Fernando, who while a great driver, the car he's in and his standing right now just isn't going to offer many valuable insights.

3. Race strategy: this is a very complicated topic, it is way more like chess than people realize. Seeing who starts where, the places they can likely gain from there, the timing that needs to happen to gain those places etc. Those are all factors. You really get a sense of it after you watch for a while. This is an extremely complex area that is a constantly evolving logic problem (which is why teams are so focused during races) This is the area where I have the fewest tips because it is really one of those things that just comes from experience and observation. One thing to do would be read interviews about what your team is saying about their strategy and the thinking that went into it. Spatial reasoning and logic are a big part of race strategy, and then once the lights go out those things get affected by time and random events (ex a driver DNFing) So race strategy is a combination of spatial logic and being able to do it dynamically as time progresses over a race. So thinking of it like chess that changes every lap is a good way to think about it.

4. Race specific battles: pay attention during races who is really battling (ex Lewis and Oscar in Jeddah, or Lando and Carlos in Suzuka or Lando and Charles in Melbourne) then you can look at the data for some insights into why the battle played out the way it did. Another example would be if you wanted to understand why Mclaren made Oscar and Lando switch in Australia, you can go look at the data and the answer it pretty clear. So these kinds of comparisons can give a lot of insight into why a team made certain strategy calls.

5. DRS: DRS is always something I look at when talking about speed, because while it's great for speed it's more of a luck right place at the right time thing, and so if I want to be fair in pace or speed comparisons I try to find laps where either both drivers got DRS or neither did (sometimes this isn't possible but it's a good factor to keep in mind)

6. Same tyres: comparing pace and speed on tyres it's important to keep the compound in mind. Comparing a fast lap one driver did on a medium tyre to one another driver did on hards isn't really in good faith. Now sometimes doing cross compound comparison can be useful, (ex a driver setting the same times on hards as another driver on mediums is interesting and worth digging into) But if you are wanting to do a direct comparison and want to eliminate this as a variable always compare on the same compound (sometimes this isn't possible so keep that in mind) Comparing across compounds is helpful too, but you should be very clear about why and the logic behind it.

7. Field placement: Comparing a midfield car to a top car isn't super helpful. Max isn't Logan's competition, other midfield drivers are Logan's competition. So it's important to look at who is actually competing with who. You could do a Logan to Max comparison but it likely wouldn't offer much insight into either drivers' strengths or weaknesses. Comparing Logan to Alex(his teammate) or Zhou(someone else in the midfield) is going to be way more useful.

8. Weather/Temperature: this can be a massive compounding factor for performance and should always be considered. Was it raining? Was it windy? Was there notable heat? How was that affecting drivers? etc

9. Mechanical issues: always note them and take them into account, this sounds like a no-brainer but not everyone does this and it leads to a lot of bad faith representations of a driver or a race.

10. Team Radio: if you want to understand what a driver and a team were thinking during the race and want answers for why things played out the way they did (good or bad) then team radio usually has a lot of answers. A good example of this would be listening to Charles' radios in Suzuka, you can listen to him talking about which strategy to go with and then the team figuring that out with him. Radios are very informative. I always listen to Charles', so if you have a driver/team you are focused on I highly recommend doing that.

11. Sometimes there is no way to do a fair comparison: this is something that is important to keep in mind(and again a lot of people forget this). For example in Bahrain when Charles had that massive brake temperature imbalance issue, no one else had it. So we cannot really compare his pace or performance to anyone and account for that. We can still compare his say fastest lap to Carlos' to see what he was able to do in less than optimal circumstances. But this is another very important thing to remember. Sometimes conditions do not allow for a totally fair comparison, and that is always worth noting. This is a very important fallacy to be aware of, and it's a trap a lot of people fall into, making it appear as though there is a fair comparison in a situation when there is not. So always keep this in mind. Sometimes the fact no fair comparison can be made is informative in itself.

A lot of analysis is also what I feel like just falls under plain old common sense and logical reasoning. Races are big logical puzzles, so just like with any logic based game it takes practice to get the hang of it. This just comes with watching races and paying attention to the details.

Also analysis doesn't get rid of the emotional reactions(at least not for me) I watch live and have all kinds of emotions. I just do that in private and wait to look at the data. And that is totally normal for the record. This is why I recommend re-watching a race for analysis for 2 reasons. 1. You will probably catch a lot of things you didn't notice the first time, and 2. You won't be as emotional and will probably be able to view what happened more objectively.

Hopefully this answers your question <3

[wily-one24]

6, 9, 14

Hey, @the-silence-in-between, great questions, you really made me think. Let's go!

End of Year Asks - meme

6. Episode of tv or webisode that defined the year for you?

Well, I would say that... not necessarily an episode, but a series of episodes, and that would be the William Lewis arc of S15 in Law & Order: SVU.

Mostly because, of course, that a great portion of this year was devoted to writing the mammoth fic Deep Deep Down Where the Darkness Dwells. I spent a lot of time and a lot of energy on that fic, it pretty much defined me this year.

9. Best Month for you this year?

Hm. I'm going to say December.

Not necessarily because it's the most recent and the freshest in my mind. But because it redefined my sense of self a little.

At the end of November, I was made redundant from my job with a company I had been with for nine years. It was a bit of a surprise. My team went from 9 people down to 4. The person that they kept for my area is... well... probably not as dedicated to actually doing the job as i had proven to be. But they're friends with the big boss, so I wasn't totally surprised (and I have since heard from friends still working there that they're already floundering in the position, which... they got who they wanted not my business, i suppose).

I did get a fairly hefty redundancy payout, which was nice. By the end of the whole process, I was ready to leave and it was actually a kind of relief that I no longer had to work there.

HOWEVER, I had visions of having to stretch the redundancy payment well into next year. (With a pretty tight budget, I could probably have stretched it out for six months or more).

You hear stories and nightmares of job hunting for ages, so many rejections and failed interviews and I was prepared for that.

That said, I got short listed pretty quickly for four different jobs and was invited to do online assessments and questionnaires to move to the next stage. Two of the jobs looked really good.

On the second week of no work, I was contacted by a fifth company, interviewed, and hired within the space of three days.

Less than two weeks out of work and I had already secured another job.

I started the following week, worked for two days and was miserable. I am too old to make myself deliberately miserable long term. And on the first day was offered an interview for one of the jobs I really wanted. So I spoke to the manager and we agreed I was not the right fit.

I interviewed for the good job and was hired. I start that job in January.

I was hired for two jobs within three weeks of leaving my old job.

This really opened my eyes. Because, while i know I can *do* the work and am quite capable, I don't always play the political or social games and this (while it shouldn't, realistically it does) can hold me back and rub people the wrong way.

I am not used to OTHER people seeing my worth. I feel quite validated.

And I can put the majority of the redundancy package in my saving account. I have never really had much of a savings. Any time I build anything, something comes up with the house (we need a new toilet, a new fridge, my heater dies, etc). Any savings I've ever had have been small and temporary.

Now? Now I'm going to HAVE savings. I'll probably need them when I have my transplant, because I can imagine I'll have a lot of time off for that. But I was saving my Long Service Leave for that and that formed part of my payment, so it's been put aside. Excellent.

14. Favorite book you read this year?

I haven't actually read a lot of books. I know. I am shamed. I have been busy with work, with writing, with just being present in my life.

Does fic count? I'm going to be that person and say I have read and reread my own fic several times. I guess that would count as my favourite.

However, other than that, you have Principal Decisions, who was written by one of my close friends. It was actually really good (even if I did have to buy my own copy, because said friend has held my promised signed copy hostage and still hasn't sent it yet.... YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE ��, 😉).

You know, if you're into lesbian BDSM erotica.

[mcl39]

I think the disproportion in show of affection from lando and carlos comes from the age difference, lando is young, and soaks up attention so he’s being pass around between djs, streamers and close knit friends and just has so many ppls around that for him it’s (just may be) like whtvr, yeah carlos is my friend like many other friends I have.

Carlos being more mature now and centered, more low key, seems to cherish and take care of the ppl he considers close to him, respect is a really big thing to him and so if he respects you, you automatically have a place in his life and would get out of his way (as much as he can) to help I somehow.

Also in the interview he does say that he saw the mercs getting closer and that if they passed lando who has similar tire wear to him, they would def pass him so he decided to help lando and in doing so help himself. I’m not saying that the one behind him being lando didn’t absolutely contribute but he’s also not that consumed by emotion.

oh yea sorry if it sounded if i implied carlos's emotionality clouds his judgement in the car - hes one of the drivers where ive genuinely never seen that happen (and we've all witnessed it with others). its just that i do actually rly like to hear drivers admitting that the way they think inside the car is slightly different to the macho tough utra-rational mentalities a driver is usually expected to present. carlos saying he does treat lando and fernando slightly more gently, lewis in 2018(?) saying he engages w max more carefully during wheel-to-wheels, lando often explicitly mentioning how scared he is in certain situations or at certain tracks (singapore and monaco specifically), etc. i find it refreshing, relatable, and like also very true in a delightful way

aside from that - i did see that interview, and im aware 99% of carlos's strategy was dictated by the circumstances that happened to b behind him, and i do believe he wouldve done that with whoever else wouldve been in p2 if lando wasnt there. that said, i do ALSO believe he thinks its nicer or more special bc lando was the one in p2. thats what i was trying to say

and yea i deffo think carlos and lando treat friendships differently - maybe its stages in life, or personalities, or a combination of the two. carlos has always been big into respect, & i rly think he respects lando a whole bunch, and thats deffo never left him. meanwhile lando - "he’s being pass around between djs, streamers and close knit friends" is v funny and also quite true. i think after the pandemic left him like, quite lonely, and maybe in a bit of a panic abt how lonely he was, he made an effort to solidify an old and trusted group of friends around him, which he's basically now settled into. and now he's in a phase where he's kind of exploring his boundaries beyond that, going on vacations w martin garrix n his friends or whatever. also like, lando is very gen z in ways carlos clearly isnt, and that means a lot of his socialising is done online (to the point where when he was living w max they sometimes texted more than actually talking to each other). so that inherently means that sometimes the friends who have access to landos time and energy arent those he chooses to prioritise, but like those who happen to be online on discord - whether that be angryginge or filly or matt gallagher or bankai or whoever, ykwim (and max) (usually max lmao). which means carlos will naturally have a disconnect w lando in that area

but yea i get what u mean for sure. its also like, 2019-2020, carlos and lando's interactions were not only v much facilitated by them being teammates, but also in huge part filmed or televised, which means that we had so much more of a grasp on what they were like w each other. now its genuinely just guesswork, ykwim

[lewispullmanitws]

It was all good ‘Chemistry’ for Lewis Pullman, whose role in the series was expanded

A meet-cute it ain’t. When brilliant, arrogant chemist Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman) first encounters brilliant, guarded lab tech Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) in “Lessons in Chemistry,” the sparks are practically toxic. But when he sees her again at a work event, and then starts vomiting at her feet from an allergic reaction to another guest’s perfume, she takes him home and cares for him, and both their wary hearts start to crack open.

He teaches her to row. She feeds him exquisite meals. They work on a theory of abiogenesis together, as couples do. Life is bliss, until — spoiler — he is cruelly snatched away. But in the Apple TV+ limited series, based on the book by Bonnie Garmus, their love story continues to permeate her life long after he has left this plane of existence, due in no small part to Pullman’s indelible performance.

Series creator Lee Eisenberg, who was writing and shooting almost simultaneously, recalls watching the actor’s dailies. “When you see Lewis, you’re like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m seeing a once-in-a-generation talent, and if anyone feels a fraction of what I feel watching this, he is going to take the world by storm.’ I went back up into the writers’ room and said, ‘How can we find ways of keeping Calvin alive in a way that doesn’t feel like a cheat?’”

First they had Calvin appear to Elizabeth in moments of deep need, not as a ghost so much as a physical manifestation of her grief. “It was great to do those scenes because I got to experience brief flashes of what Calvin’s existence would’ve looked like had he not passed,” Pullman says, sitting in an otherwise empty patio at a spot in Silver Lake.

Then they wrote an entire episode in which Calvin’s Dickensian background is revealed. “I was definitely surprised and really, really grateful when Lee came to me and said that he wanted to expand Calvin’s story, because I was already having such a good and creatively fulfilling time on this project,” Pullman says. “For them to invite me in for a little more time was very meaningful, and for me to get to spend more time fleshing out Calvin with this group of creatives was huge.”

Calvin’s brief visitations “allow the audience to care about what that relationship means to Elizabeth without it feeling like they’re being derailed too much into a different story. Because so many of my favorite parts of this whole series are watching Elizabeth’s story after Calvin,” adds Pullman, son of actor Bill Pullman.

Pullman, who made an impression as Bob in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” hasn’t played a romantic lead as such before, but he didn’t even read the role with Larson before he was offered the part. “It does feel like a bold move to not have a chemistry test on something that is called ‘Lessons in Chemistry,’” Pullman notes wryly. He credits Sarah Adina Smith, who directed the show’s first two episodes, with helping him find his way to Calvin’s heart. “Initially, I came in playing Calvin a lot more outwardly prickly. She was like, ‘I think that once he falls in love with Elizabeth, something settles inside of him, and there’s a sense of calm and of purpose and of confidence that fills him,’ and she was absolutely right. That helped me have someplace to go.”

Mastering the other type of chemistry was harder. Originally, he tried to understand Calvin’s area of expertise, “and rapidly realized that I would need a lifetime of education to really be able to wrap my head around it.” So he learned the essentials and turned to the show’s technical advisors to coach him on how to say the lines authoritatively.

He was in awe of Larson’s grasp of her many jargon-filled monologues: “I think she actually understood what she was talking about.” She was also a crack student at rowing, a hobby of Calvin’s that he shares with Elizabeth. “If there ever was a sport where, as an actor, you’re worried about little gives that are going to make you like a blaring, obvious fraud, it would be rowing,” he says. But he wanted to get it right, especially for the book’s fans. “And also, I wanted to at least look like I was as good as Brie was, otherwise it wouldn’t play.” Here again, a coach helped.

He felt lucky to work opposite Larson, who was also an executive producer of the limited series. “She led the whole operation stoically,” he says. “And she would still bring this very bright and warm light into the whole set, which makes everybody want to do an even better job, because it feels like you’re really doing it with your friends and your family, and you want to bring your best self to that.” Even when it’s not in corporeal form.

[umlewis]

lewis hamilton, p2, is interviewed during the post-sprint press conference, china - april 20, 2024 (transcript under the cut)

Interviewer: "Lewis, coming to you now. Very well done to you. How encouraging was this performance, and how sweet was it to be leading, as well?" Lewis: "Yeah, I forgot what it felt like to be up ahead, and it felt good for the short while that I had it, but I was grateful for the moment and… Yeah, really fortunate, obviously, wiht the rain yesterday, to have been able to capitalize on that. I think our out-and-out true pace was not strong enough to qualify up as high as that, but I made the most of it. Great start, and then just managed to hold off Fernando for a while and bridged a bit of a gap, but lots of deg today. But honestly I found out a lot about the car today, so not that it's telling us how to fix it, but at least give us lots of direction and things we need to improve. Fortunately we can make a few changes in the next couple of hours, so I will try and improve the car for qualifying today. But yeah, so happy to be up here, honestly. Just feel really grateful." Interviewer: "If there's one area where you think you /can/ improve the car ahead of qualifying, where is it? Is it low-speed?" Lewis: "Yeah, the low-speed is where we are struggling the most; medium and low. So Fernando was all over me through most of the low-speed corners, and I think I could about hold my own through the high. But yeah, losing a lot in the medium and low, and then obviously these guys are [laughs] in a different league, but he was also killing me in the low speed. So if there's a way to improve it, we'll try to. I think that's probably characteristics of the car that we need to actually work on through the rest of the year." Interviewer: "Lewis, can you just talk us through your battle with Lando Norris at turn one, as well? It looked like you hung him out to dry a little bit?" Lewis: "No. I mean, I obviously got a great start. I was obviously on the inside line. He tried to hold the outside line and we were both just pushing to the maximum to… I used, obviously, everything to try and hold position, and eventually I think he just ended up on the dirty bits on the outside and then lost it. There's a point where you go a bit too far, then there's no grip out there, and I think that's what he eventually found. In that scenario he should've just conceded and just parked up behind me. Probably would have had the pace to overtake me, 'cause the McLaren is very quick, but I know he lost a lot of ground there, but that's racing." Interviewer: "Alright. Very well done to you." [time jump]

Journalist: "Jon Noble, Motorsport.com. To Lewis, how much is this kind of result so far this weekend a sign of the genuine progress you've made since Japan, and how much down a little bit to circumstance that you had grid position that you perhaps wouldn't have in a dry session, and the benefits of clear air as against battling in a pack and looking after tires?" Lewis: "I think it's over ninety percent due to the scenario of the rain yesterday, if I'm really honest. We've not made really a step from the last race. The car is exactly the same, and we're battling the same issues that we had in the last race, and I think position-wise we are probably, pace-wise, in the similar position. I think today is gonna be interesting, to see if we can wing it a little bit and try and get as close to the top five, but we're currently not top five qualifiers, and so just getting into Q3 will be important today. Fortunately I've got extra tires, so if I can utilize that today I'll try and maximize it." [time jump]

Journalist: "Joe Cash from Reuters. Yesterday Pirelli said that when they'd been analyzing the track, the new surface made as though it might be difficult to find other lines. Lewis, in particular, do you feel that that was a factor in your overtake around Lando into turn one, that it's difficult to find grip outside the racing line?" Lewis: "No. This track has always been one of those circuits that's quite wide on a lot of the corners and provides lots of different lines. There are other circuits where you can't do other lines, but I think this is why it's such a great racetrack, and honestly I don't think the track surface has really made much of a difference at all, in that respect. I mean, you could see Fernando behind me on a much different line to me and he was catching in certain places and losing in others, so yeah, that's the bit I love about this track." [time jump]

Journalist: "Question for all three: We've got the sprint part of the weekend out of the way now. Have you been able to enjoy more with the revised format?" Lewis: "I've always generally enjoyed the sprint format. I think there's a lot of time wasted on these weekends and we could either, one, shorten the weekends, or pack the days more so that the fans have more of an xperience. There's at least ten hours wasted during the day where we could be entertaining the fans on track, and of course sustainability has to come into that, but… And otherwise I think also with the ability to be able to make a change right now and potentially try and close the gap to the Red Bulls, or at least to whoever's up ahead of us tomorrow, I think is great for the race weekend, as where before if you were just stuck in it right now, you would already absolutely know the end race result, but today we've got something new and exciting."

Journalist: "Hi. Henry Clark with the Daily Mail. A question for Lewis: Obviously a big smile on your face out there after a strong performance. Even for a driver of your pedigree and experience, how significant was that performance, of the confidence boost for you to help lift your spirits? Obviously it's been a difficult start to the season, and even beyond that, I guess." Lewis: "I mean, any time you have a good result is always a confidence boost. That's the way of life, and you have a good day and it lifts your spirits, for sure. I think, as I said, the circumstances are special with the rain yesterday, but obviously had to do the job yesterday and put that lap in. And then today, to be on the front row, don't remember having that view for a long time, or it feels like a really long time. I don't know if we've had it in the last couple years, but… And to be able to fight into turn one for the lead just reminded me of why I love what I do and what we do, and I know we've got to work incredibly hard to get back to a more consistent placing like this. But you saw Max, I didn't even put up a fight for Max because he was coming at us, serious pace advantage that I knew he would get me and I really wanted to make sure I didn't lose time to tthe guys further behind so I could retain second. So yeah. Grateful for it."

[stonemags]

SUGAR BABY AU

Ch.3 Blind optimism

Characters in this series: Reader, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Carol Danvers, Darcy Lewis, Maria Hill, Kate Bishop, Pepper Potts, Valkyrie, Shuri

Summary: The one where you’re forced to socialize, your favourite mug is held hostage, and you just can’t see eye to eye with Darcy.

Warnings: age gap relationships, sugar mommy/sugar baby relationships, swearing, aggression, cheating, all story is gonna be +18, you are responsible for your own ass. 

Word count: 6174

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my beloved friend, legend, amazing hair cut girl, bike riding icon, and the best horse trainer in this world. You are the kill leader of my life, and I love you a lot. It's a little early, but happy incredible birthday!

Thanks to @charturnus for editing, helping to write and posting this fic.

Previous chapter

CHAPTER 3

“Can I help you?”

 Soft and soothing, that's the way you would describe her voice if anyone would ask, but nobody did, so let's move on. You try to find anything to say that would take you out of this “deer caught in the headlights” moment, not daring to take more time to let the silence linger. You straighten out your posture trying to physically take up more space, trying to show any ounce of confidence in this really not confidence allowing, environment that your day created for you. 

“Actually yes. Would you like to talk about our lord and saviour Jesus Christ? The one and only, who can save us from the pits of hell that humanity is running into with this whole LGBT propaganda, women trying to have rights, not being chained to the kitchen madness.” She looks confused which gives you the upper hand, at least that's what you think until she gives you this cocky but proud smile which catches you off guard, and now you are the confused one. 

“You must be y/n. It's really nice to meet you. I’ve been looking forward to it.” She takes a step back to let you into your own apartment and sticks her hand out towards you to get an actual greeting. You go in and take off your shoes, only using your heel and toes for it. You don't put the bags down, and you don't engage in the physical contact that the redhead is waiting for. You look up at her, and you appreciate the much better lighting than the one in the café, because right now you can actually see the depth in the colour of her eyes. You’ve never seen eyes like that, and it's deeply interesting. As much as you want to go into this, inside of your head, on an intellectual journey about why people have different eye colours and if their lifestyle can change the outcome of that colour. But it’s not the space or time for that, so you force yourself back into the present, to the woman standing with her hand outstretched. 

“Yeah it's me. And all day I was looking forward to getting a shower, so excuse me.” You don't even give her a chance to respond as you move swiftly around her and disappear deeper into the apartment, quickly walking into your room. You feel a little bit awkward and embarrassed, but your priority is your mental state right now, and you need to wash the day off of your body. 

After putting everything in place and taking a shower which took you around 30 minutes, because you are not trying to get Darcy mad, she is terrifying when she is mad, you pull some outfit together and go to the living room where you hear everybody chatting. Classic loose mom jeans and a sentimental flannel fit you nicely, not showing too much of your skin, but still not making you a nun. 

As you walk in, you throw a loud “hi guys,” in the direction of the sitting area, and go straight to the kitchen which is connected to the living room by the island. Maria immediately stands up to hug you, and she’s never too shy to show care through physical touch. It makes a lot of sense since it's her love language.

You hug her back with just as much force as she does, and as she is going back to where she was sitting, you take a non-alcoholic cold beer out of the fridge. 

“We have wine if you are interested.”  This voice is also new to you, but this one is a little bit deeper. It's flowing through the room and if you wouldn't have any control over yourself, like your flatmates, you would probably have goosebumps all over your body. 

“She doesn't drink, this bitch is in the sober club.” Darcy answers for you, clearly a little bit pissed that you didn't say hi before the shower, but you hear the little hint of teasing in her voice. 

“That's interesting. Why?” Another new voice makes you turn around and lean on the kitchen island. Just then, you take in the whole picture in front of you. The biggest couch is occupied by Carol and Darcy sitting between her legs. Carol's hand is intertwined with your friend's and as much as you will never admit it, the lovesick look on your friend's face is making you really happy and glad that she found someone like Carol. In the big chair on your right there is a new figure, a really elegant woman you have never met before, but in some way her face is familiar. Her strawberry blonde hair is put into a tight ponytail, and it makes her features look really sharp. Her business outfit brings out the seriousness in her, but a fancy, colourful drink with a big piece of grapefruit levels it out to a neutral position. She has a hard demeanour with a really warm, friendly smile. You are aware that on the left side of the room, on a smaller couch, sits Maria with the two women you recognize from the café. Without making direct eye contact with them, in the corner of your eye you can say that your flatmate is throwing herself at them, which they don't seem to mind. The woman that greeted you at the door is on her left with her hand in Maria's hair, the woman on her right is less shy, freely grabbing her exposed thigh. You are pretty sure that they both are looking straight at you, but you are putting your attention to answer the question. You hop smoothly onto the kitchen counter and lean back for the beer glass. Taking a long sip, you think of an answer while looking at the woman in the chair. 

“What’s interesting is the fact that people always ask why I don’t drink. I mean, if I were to tell you that I don't eat carrots nobody would question it, but as soon as it's about the alcohol people ask why. Social constructs, I guess. But about why, I was diagnosed with ADHD at the beginning of the year.” You casually explain. 

“And you can’t drink while you take your medication?” The same deep voice turns your attention to the left. They seem to be really interested in what you're saying. Their focus on you is razor sharp. 

“I can and I did. I mean, you probably shouldn’t and my psychiatrist doesn't recommend it, even if I didn't have any bad reactions to drinking. It was a good enough excuse for me to stop. I don't enjoy getting drunk either way, and since I'm always sober, I can at least be the DD.” She seems confused, but Carol makes sure to fill her in as soon as you are done talking.

“Designated driver. One person always agrees to not drink, so everybody can get home safely.” Redhead nods in acknowledgement, and Carol lets go of Darcy to allow her to stand up to refill their drinks. 

“Did you bring the whisky?” It's Darcy's favourite kind and the only thing she orders while visiting you at work. You have to admit that it's a really nice 12-year-old blended, scotch whisky, and the only thing you miss since you stopped drinking. Without answering her, you jump off the counter and leave the living room to grab two bottles from your room. As you bring them back, she already prepared glasses for everybody to try. While she fills them up, she starts speaking.

“Y/n this is Pepper, Pepper Stark. She is the CEO of Stark tech company. She is also in the middle of writing an incredible book.” She introduces you as she hands the drink to the woman on the chair. Her name gives you an idea of why she seems familiar. Tony Stark teaches at your ex's university. You heard so much about him that you feel like you were attending his course yourself. Cold but creative, a leader but a dickhead, the list goes on and on. Adding up all you know from Shuri and other students, you can assume why she divorced this talented bastard. The news made it out to be a massive deal when she overtook his company. But Stark tech has never been better than under her leadership. 

“Nice to meet you, y/n.”

“Likewise.” You nod at her from a distance. You have a lot of respect for powerful, successful women. 

“This is Natasha and this is Wanda.” They don't bother standing up, so you don't move from your position waiting for Darcy to give you more information. 

“They are the co-owners of a law company. Wanda is an amazing lawyer with a Smith Award and Natasha is a CFP designated financial adviser.” You nod at them, completely unamused. 

“That's impressive.” It’s not. “ Nice to meet you both, I’m y/n.” 

“I think we already know each other, sugar.” Natasha says, and you can't help but be curious about where she finds the audacity. Her eyes are fixated on you while her hand stays on Maria’s thigh, but travels a little bit higher. You can't help but watch and think to yourself…. What the fuck. This whole situation is rather weird, but your roommate definitely enjoys the attention. You on the other hand feel like they both are trying to dominate you, and you are about to put it to stop, but before you can say anything, Wanda is already speaking. 

“We hope you enjoyed your cold brew. I bet it felt nice to not have to pay for your own coffee for once.” You don't even need a second to think. You grab your wallet from your back pocket, take out a 20 dollar bill and put it on the coffee table in front of Wanda, all without taking your eyes off of her. 

''You can keep the change.” This definitely pulls a reaction out of your friends. They know how much you work and how much you are struggling with finances. Trying to earn money to publish your poetry and to stop worrying about staying afloat every single month. You return to your place next to the kitchen island, not paying attention to Wanda’s or Natasha’s reaction. 

''y/n that’s not what she-'' Darcy starts speaking but is soon cut off by Wanda defending her motive. 

''That's not what I meant, baby.” Honestly, what is it with strangers and pet names? They see you for the first time and definitely feel too comfortable with their approach. 

“With all due respect, I went there just to support my friend, to watch over her in case it turns out that both of you are some creepy, thirsty, questionable individuals. I didn’t ask you to pay for it.'' 

“They were trying to be nice, y/n. That's it. Calm down.” Maria tries to settle you down, feeling uneasy in this situation. 

“Well in that case I really appreciate it. Please don’t do it ever again, thank you.” This situation is straight out of some Bruce Wayne shit. 

“Y/n! Are you okay?” The room went weirdly silent. Yes, you got a little bit heated, but you weren't even yelling or arguing. 

“Yeah. Why?” Darcy is on her feet immediately, same as Wanda. That confuses you even more. 

“You’re bleeding.” The redhead stands right in front of you with those green big eyes and all you think about is getting out of her reach. Just then, you look down, and your beer is stained red. Your hand travels immediately to your nose, finding out that you have a full on nose bleed. 

“Shit. Yeah, I'm okay just, shit… just give me a second.” You say quickly and if the whole attention wasn’t on you, people would’ve miss what you said. Someone goes after you, you can feel the presence behind you. 

“Fuck.” Just as you see yourself in the mirror, you get an idea of why their reaction was as big. Blood is literally dripping from your nose, it's not a light one either. As you lean above the sink trying to use cold water to minimize the damage, you hear the voice behind you. 

“Let me help. You have to-” 

“No, thanks, I got this.” Wanda won't let go that easily. 

“Baby, I'm just trying-” 

“Do you use nicknames on all strangers you meet?” You can't help but bite back, it makes you feel uncomfortable. She ignores your question and tries to move your flannel out of the back of your neck. You jump at her touch, not in a good way. Her hand is cold from the drink she was holding, and she is too close to you. 

“I don’t need your help.” Your hand is red, half of the sink stained, and the blood doesn't seem to stop coming any time soon. Before she can try to make a move one more time, the bathroom door opens with force. 

“Sit your ass down, and pinch your nose right above your nostrils.” Darcy is stern in her voice and right when you think about telling her off she continues. 

“I'm not going to tell you twice. Sit your ass down, or I'm going to yell for Carol, and she is going to make you.” You look at her in the mirror in front of you. She stands tall, arms crossed at her chest, while she is holding something green in one hand. Wanda is still in the bathroom with both of you, she looks surprisingly concerned about this whole situation. Darcy is not backing down and for your own sake you are sitting down on the toilet cover. 

“Always so fucking stubborn. Hold this.” A bag of frozen peas lands on the back of your neck, almost making you jump. 

“I got this.” Wanda chimes in and as you are about to argue, Darcy's look makes you stop. Coldness travels down your spine and your head feels light because of the blood loss. It happens often, but not as bad as this one. Your friend leaves, and as you are left with Wanda, all you want is to avoid unnecessary conversations. 

“Does it happen often?” Seems like you can't avoid it. 

“No.” 

“Darcy says it does.” 

“Then why do you ask?” For just a second she looks sad, and you realize that you act a little bitchy. 

“Sorry, it's just annoying.”

“It's okay, thank you for apologizing. Your friends say that you overwork yourself a lot. Is that the reason it's happening?”

“No. No, it's not.” 

“Then what is it? Her concern seems fake, or needed as a social expectation of the situation. You don't know why, but it makes you feel sick, or maybe it's the headache that's coming.

“Cocaine.” By her expression you can see that she is shocked but tries to be as casual about it as she can. 

“She’s kidding.” Darcy is no fun. She returns to your side and kneels in front of you, taking your head into her hands. As she makes sure you are okay, she tells Wanda to take off the bag, and you are surprised when you feel her drying your skin with a towel, after the ice melted. 

“Go lie down. And no working y/n. No essays, no school, no working. I mean it.” You laugh at her and thank both of them for help. After cleaning yourself up, you don't bother going to the living room anymore, and you disappear in your sheets. 

You wake up some time later with a full on headache. Naps are the worst thing that can happen. You never felt good after taking one. You put on a jumper and take a look at the time. It's dark outside and the clock shows 1am. You couldn't be more grateful for that. If that was 4am, you probably wouldn't go to sleep anymore. Since it's relatively early, you can still catch a couple of hours of sleep. Priority now is taking care of your headache.

The apartment is really quiet. As you move smoothly through the hall, you pay attention to the shoes mess at the entrance. Pepper is not here, but it seems as though Carol and two redheads are still in your apartment. Also, Kate still isn't back. Her room is open and as much as you would love to spare her the pain of the conversation that awaits, it's killing you that she still isn't aware of what happened. Even the worst of the truths is better than lying. 

It’s dark, soft light comes from your bedroom behind you and the living room in front of you. Darcy's doors are closed, which means that Carol is probably staying the night, it's not unusual. You just don't understand why they would stay here when they have like five other houses to choose from. You are surprised to see the living room occupied. On one of the stools, you can see Wanda finishing up a glass of red wine. Her lips are a little bit stained because of it, and the soft light coming from the candle brightens up her face, bringing out all the features. Her jaw looks really sharp, and you can't help but think that rich people definitely put too much money into fixing up unimportant things about them. It would be amazing if that kind of operation would work on personalities too. As soon as she sees you, she puts down her glass and straightens her posture, probably trying to dominate you. It's too late for that, and you are too tired to play her game, so you don't acknowledge her presence. 

“How are you feeling, y/n?” She asks as you enter the kitchen to fish inside the cabinet for your favourite tea and your mug. You stay silent, trying to pretend that you didn't hear her worried voice, flowing through the empty kitchen. 

“Y/n?” She tries again, her voice is softer now as you are about to run away. She thinks you are weak. At least that's what you are telling yourself. 

“I feel thirsty.” You search the inside of the cabinet trying to navigate through a million types of cups, mugs and glasses, thinking why do you need so many. You hear her subtle laughter, and god nobody made you that confused with their reactions, confused and annoyed. You swear under your breath, not finding your favourite green mug in the place it should be. The dishwasher is open and empty, and all you can think of is searching the house to find your comfort object. It's a gift from your brother, and everybody knows not to touch it, so who in the hell would-  it's like a lightbulb being turned on above your head. You turn around with so much power, scanning the surroundings in front of you. You spot your mug standing next to Wanda, and she catches that.

“Oh, that's what you’re looking for?” She makes it sounds like a question, but her smirk is nothing else but an invitation to her game, in which you are not planning to participate. As you let out a loud sigh, you go around the kitchen island to grab it. At the same time she turns around on the chair following your movement. You are not going to ask for it back, just as she didn't ask if she can use it. Is it normal for people like them to just take what they want? 

“Oh, you want it?” Honestly, you can help but think, “is she dumb?”.

“No, actually I came over to leave it where it is, I just wanted to see it up close.” Sarcasm is dripping from every word you say. Your sentence is coated in it hoping that she will get the message. 

“It or me?” 

“Oh get over yourself” You reach to her left, the mug is almost in your hand, but she is faster. She snatches it into her hand, drinks the rest of the water she had in it, and lifts it up to have it out of your reach. 

“Why would I? I enjoy it too much.” Your eyes are fixated on hers, the green colour sparkles with golden flakes in dimmed light. Her left hand keeps her stable by holding the counter. Your eyes are going lower, following the movement of her body. Her jacket falls lightly to the sides as she opens her legs in front of you. She wants you to reach for it. It feels like you have to work for your own property. 

“Of course you do. Does the lack of manners come in a rich, self-indulgent package?” It seems like she is too mighty to have people talking to her that way. As much as you adore Carol, her friends are not your favourite kind of people. While she takes a second to react to the boldness of your statement, you use this moment to your advantage. You grab her free wrist and pull it into your direction, causing her to lose balance and fall forward. To avoid an actual fall, she grabs anything to regain control, and the closest thing to her is you. Her hand falls right onto your waist. As being just in your pyjamas, a basic t-shirt is not helpful when her cold palm digs into your side. The whole situation takes like 5 seconds, and you can't react fast enough to get out of her grip. You find yourself in an awkward position. Her face is too close to yours, as she gasps you can feel her breath on your skin. It's also cold, you assume it's because of the wine she was just drinking. It has to be an expensive kind, too, because you can't smell sulphur in her breath. Instead of actually letting you go, she seems to fight herself not to bring you closer. You can't figure out what kind of game she is playing, but you refuse to give her the upper hand in whatever this is. You get closer to her, your lips barely inches apart, her breath hitches, and before she can make any move she hears you whisper.

“Let me go.” The realization of what she is doing comes on her really fast, and she looks almost scared. The proximity of your bodies allows you to grab the mug at the last second and as she lets you go, you return to the kettle. You notice that the air in the room feels thick, so you make a mental note of opening a window before returning to your room. Trying to salvage your grip on the situation, you decide to change the topic, not mentioning that you are already convincing yourself that nothing happened.

“So!” That brings her attention towards you. The steaming green mug in your hand feels like a trophy. 

“Where's your wife?” You take a sip, trying to sound natural and casual. It's after 1am, and you are in the kitchen, with a stranger, wearing a t- shirt and underwear as your pyjamas, after the two of you were in a really uncomfortable position. Bringing her wife up right this moment feels like an excellent idea. 

“How do you know she's my wife? Maybe we are just partners.” The glass of wine returns to her hand, and you have to admit that it suits her. 

“Your ring. Both of you have matching ones, yours was corrected into a smaller size, family heirloom I assume.” Wanda looks like she waits for you to continue, so you do. 

“It's 2 different kinds of gold. The original one is warmer, more coppery and less yellow in tone, it's called Hamilton Gold. When you had it resized, they used a different kind of gold for soldering.” For a second, she looks down at her own hand, and she doesn't look back up at you before taking another sip of her wine. When her eyes meet yours, the only thing you can read in them is amazement. 

“Oh, don't look at me like that. I have hobbies.”

“It's surprising that you have time for hobbies. You know, with your schedule.”

“Careful, you’re making it sound like you think you actually know me.” It seems like on every corner of the conversations you have something new for her. You are brutally honest, sarcastic, even rude sometimes and too stubborn for her liking. 

“You don't like me, do you?” Before you have a chance to even think about an answer, your conversation is interrupted by the other redhead. 

“Hi rodnaya. Sorry it took so long. I just need a glass of water, and then we can go.” Natasha comes up to her wife and kisses her on the cheek. Wanda smiles at that immediately, and you are trying to read them. They seem happy, what would they even look for anything else, are they playing a part in front of you? Or maybe they are just bored in life? You take in the view in front of you. Wanda's lips are even more stained than before, and it seems like Natasha got an imprint of that from her kiss. Just a second ago, you were just as close with her wife, it doesn't feel right. A shiver goes down your spine, but you decide to have this mental fight later. Natasha is a little bit taller than Wanda. Their eyes are similar in colour but have completely different natures. It reminds you of a lake and the ocean, both blue but at the same time totally different. Their hair colour is also different, and Nat’s hair is shorter than her wife’s. As you take your eyes off of their faces, you realize that her outfit that was so well put together before, is absolutely ruined. Her shirt is wrinkled, you are pretty sure that her fly is open, and her pants seem to have been put on in a hurry. You thought about possible reasons for it and, God, you wish you didn't. Maria likes to have fun, and she for sure wouldn't pass on this kind of opportunity. Before creating unwanted images in your head, Wanda’s voice takes you out of your thoughts.

“Oh, don't worry, I had a glass of wine and amazing company.” By the last bit, they are both looking at you. It's two versus one, and you don't like those odds. 

“Well, I'm glad you did. Thank you, y/n, for taking care of my girl.” 

“No worries, there are just a hundred other things I would rather be doing.” It's late, you are tired, and low on blood. These are perfect conditions for bitchiness. Luckily, they are not asking more and not picking up the topic. As Wanda finishes her wine and sends a fast text on her phone, you are getting ready to go back to bed. You are stopped in your tracks by a hand reaching into your direction. 

“Here. If you ever have more gold fun facts or feel the need to talk about our lord and saviour, call us.” A nicely printed business card contains Wanda’s and Natasha’s names, followed by two phone numbers. You look at her with a fake, softish smile.

“I’ll call you, if I ever need a lawyer. Thank you.” You nod at her and Natasha and while feeling their eyes on you, you throw the card into the bin. Your methods might be a little brutal, but they never fail when it comes to people leaving you alone. You expect them to look disappointed, maybe even mad. Some little comment about how disrespectful you are, a much too loud scoff, precisely loud for you to hear. You can't read them, and it's infuriating, you don't feel safe. Wanda smiles at you, showing a little dimple on her left side. She hands something to her wife and as Natasha takes it from her hand she sends you a smirk and puts another business card down on the counter.  The sound of closing doors makes all of you turn into the direction of Darcy's room. Carol looks like she was almost asleep, being woken up at an ungodly hour. 

“I got your text, are you guys ready?” The question is thrown in the general direction of the living room. The two redheads are on their feet immediately collecting their belongings. Carol looks at you and sends you a warm smile. 

“You look better y/n. Keep your nose bleeds in check, Darcy is really worried about you.”

“Aye, aye captain.” Since your best friend told you about her partner's favourite title, you have been smoothly using it to throw Carol off. It seems to work, as she always puts her hands into fists, taking a couple of deep breaths. 

“It was lovely to meet you, y/n.” Wanda is sweet in her voice, still having this curious look while studying your face. 

“It really was. See you around, sugar.” Natasha is more cocky, and it doesn't look as good on her as she thinks. 

As the apartment loosen up and gets more quiet, you want to take a couple extra minutes to unwind after everything, just sitting on the couch and taking in the view from the big windows. 

“You’re still awake.” Darcy is up, and she is the only person whose presence you don't mind right now, or ever. 

“Yeah, you know how naps work on me. I thought you were asleep.” She sits next to you and steals your mug. Taking a long sip of lightly warm tea, she puts her head on your rough shoulder. You adjust your body to make it more comfortable for the both of you. 

“I almost was, but Carol has some meetings in the morning, and she had to go.” You only nod in understanding, and the room is filled by comfortable silence. This is something that you were only able to build up with Darcy. Complete trust towards each other and the whole truth between the two of you, without actually having to say a word. It takes time, and effort, but you are always willing to put in more, but it doesn't mean that you don't fight. 

''What do you think about what happened?'' Her question takes you by surprise and only after giving it a couple of seconds thought, do you get what she is asking about.

“You didn't tell me that the date was with two women.”

“Does it matter?” 

“It would if I had to take them out. You know, they could always turn out as some creeps.”

“They aren’t.” Darcy sounds serious, and it throws you off a little bit. These kinds of topics work as a dynamite on both of you. Just a little spark to set off an explosion. You don't agree with each other on a lot of levels, but usually you can find a middle ground. You are not so sure if that's the case right now. 

“Why would Maria take money from strangers, though. At some point they will either want to take it back and will try to make her do something for it. Nobody gives this amount without asking for anything back.” It's shady, they are, and you don't like it. You would do everything to protect your friends, they are your family. Knowing that someone has so much power over one of your friends doesn't sit right with you. 

''Maybe they just wanted to be nice.'' You roll your eyes. You said what you said, and Darcy can't make you change your mind. It's surprising she is even trying, 

“I don’t know… all of it seems a little extreme.” You are confused, for sure, but you also feel some kind of disgust. Letting someone pay just because, it’s …. It's wrong. And then just going to bed with a complete stranger while her wife is in the next room. 

“It’s not that extreme.” Darcy tries to reason with you, educate you on unknown topics. You were trying to see things from her side, but it's like talking in different languages. 

“Darcy, you are literally wearing a dog collar.” You say while hooking your finger in the metal hoop, tugging at it very lightly. She slaps your hand away and looks offended. 

“It's not a dog collar. God y/n. You know it's not about humiliating or degrading someone. It's a matter of ownership, Carol engraved her name on it, and it makes me feel loved beyond reason. She chose me, and she chooses me every single day. My collar shows how much she cares about me, and how proud she is of me. Carol is so happy to have me that she wants to show the rest of the world that I’m all hers, that they can only look but never touch. Tell me how that is degrading. 

“This seems like a control freak thing.” You are getting really close to the boundaries right now, you can feel it. She is getting fed up, her head long gone from the space on your shoulder. Her face is shocked by the things you say. It's not going too well. 

“Talking about it is one thing, but talking shit about my girlfriend is not acceptable. You've known Carol all this time… Did she ever come across as a control freak? Also, have you ever noticed her ring?” You think for a second, trying to recall the image of it in your head.

“The silver one she never takes off? I swear to god she showers, sleeps, and works with this thing on.”

“It has an engraving on the inside of it. A sign that she belongs to me just as much as I belong to her. Don’t speak up about things you know shit about.” At this point, she is standing up in front of you, and you feel trapped. Abandoning the conversation seems like the best decision at this moment, you are just too deep into it, and you don't know how to save yourself. You never meant to insult your friends. 

“Okay, let's leave you and Carol for a second. What about Maria, God I would die for her, but she wants to be under somebody so much. Provide for her, tell her what to do, what to say, what to wear, who to be. This is not normal.” You really do love her, but you simply don't understand. If that were you, you would do everything to make it stop. 

“Let’s not leave Carol and me. I want the same things from Carol, I'm getting the same things from Carol. Am I not normal?” You can see tears forming in her eyes. It's rare for you two to make each other cry, but every time you do, it's like hell visiting earth. You stand up to be with her on the same level, and as you do, you realise it's a mistake. Your mouth seems to work faster than your brain, and you wish you never said out loud the things you are about to say.  

“Fuck sorry Darcy but it's sick. Making yourself barely exist for someone's pleasure. If you are too scared to live your life, just say so. I love you, but the fact that you chose the easy way doesn't mean I need to approve of it. I love you Darcy, so much, the last thing I want and have time for is arguing with you right now. I don't think we are going to find middle ground here”. If the looks could kill, you would be dead right there and then. She balls her hand into a fist, but you stand your ground. She moves towards you, you feel her hot breath on your face, nostril flare up, and her eyes filled to the brim with sadness, threatening to spill.

She puts a finger on your chest with surprising force, but you still didn't move. You feel smaller under her gaze, not really sure why. Her next words proved what kind of power she has in your life.

“Sick? There is no middle ground in this. You are just wrong, so, so wrong about all of this. God, how can you be so fucking blind? You are not better than any of us, just because you decide to be lonely with your struggles. Grow up, because I want my fucking friend back, and until you do, don't talk to me.” 

That's it. She just stormed off to her room, leaving you in heavy silence. You’ve had arguments before, but you never said out loud what you actually think about the style of relationships your friends are living or want to live in. You should have kept your mouth shut. Mentally scolding yourself, you finish your tea and decide to try to fall asleep. Today was too long, and you wish none of it ever happened at all. 

Next chapter

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Tag list:

@autorasexy @lizziejolsen @natashaswife4125 @sayah13 @romanoffskisser @lijo-8 @jjiiuuisssagcebrcw @natashaswife4125 @dumbassbitchwithnotits @teenybean

[charlywrites]

Requested by two anons

Request; hii, can you do one were the reader is a professional ballet dancer (from the Opera Ballet Paris)? Not the original anon but can this be Lewis? I think itll be amazing to see them since they are from 2 different worlds; one is gentle, delicate, and light wherein the other one is aggressive, adrenaline rush + may i request for a ballerina reader x lewis? i’d be nice to see someone that is like the opposite of his work.

Warnings; none.

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

When you had been given a paddock pass for the Paul Ricard Grand Prix, you had accepted even if you didn’t know much about Formula One- you knew lot of people wanted to go, it was a popular event where lot of celebrities attended and you just couldn’t refuse.

You were a bit lost when you got in the Paddock on the first day, so many people were around and you knew none of them. You weren’t particularly shy but you would be lying if you said you didn’t feel intimidated and not at your place.

Wandering around the place, you stopped in front of the map of the area that was displayed- taking in where you could go and where you couldn’t. It was definitely going to be a strange week-end but who knew? Maybe you were going to have fun.

“ May I be of any help?”

Turning on your heels, you quickly realized that you were facing the most well-known driver in the history- and probably the only one you knew before doing some researches, “ well, uh, I just don’t know what I should be doing right now?”

“ First time attending a Grand Prix?”

“ Can I be honest? I was given this pass and I know absolutely nothing about your sport besides that you’re the best at it.”

You earned a laugh from the driver, he seemed amused at your sudden rant that sounded like you were apologizing for being new at this sport, “ gotta start somewhere, am I right? I have a couple of minutes before getting ready for practice, I can show you around?”

“ I don’t want to bother you- I’m sure you’re really busy.”

“ You’re not bothering, it’ll be my pleasure to serve as your guide and I don’t want a pretty girl like you to support a rival team.”

You laughed, knowing it was nothing more than a joke, but you would be lying if you said it didn’t make you flustered for a couple of seconds, “ I knew you had a reason to propose showing me around!”

“I would have suggested it too if it wasn’t the case.”

Within the next few minutes, Lewis showed you around a bit, explaining to you what you needed to know to understand what would happen during the practices today. While still not understanding much about this sport, Lewis explanations had piqué your interest.

It was so different from your life as a ballet dancer, but in a way, it seemed just as tough and intense. You had even gotten to go to the Mercedes’ garage which you weren’t sure you were normally allowed with your pass, but it was amazing to meet the team and see with your own eyes how they were getting a car ready.

You didn’t know the other teams so you were maybe a bit biased, but you definitely liked Mercedes’ vibe. You now knew you were going to support them this week-end. Sadly, Lewis was called to get ready as the start of the first practice was approaching.

You were surprised to be invited to watch from the garage but you refused, feeling like it was too much, that many fans would have deserved this invitation more than you and would watch from the Paddock, “ are you sure you don’t want to stay with the team and see how they work in real time?”

“ I can’t accept but thank you for this offer. It was nice meeting you and the team- and you won a new supporter, I’ll be rooting for you the whole week-end.”

Lewis smiled at your words, you could see he was delighted to know you’d be supporting him and his team, “ maybe we can meet after the practice or tomorrow and I’ll explain the rest of the week-end to you?”

“ That would be lovely but do you really have the time for that? I don’t want you to get in troubles for missing on something because of me.”

“ Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I have the time.”

“ Alright, that’s a date then,” as soon as the words slipped out of your mouth, you felt your face loses all color, “ i didn’t mean it as in a real date, oh my god I’m so sorry!”

Lewis smiled at your embarrassment, thinking it was adorable more than anything else, “ why are you sorry? A real date sounds good, too.”

“ Wait, really?”

“ Yes, unless you don’t feel like it- which would be totally fine.”

You couldn’t believe that you were being asked on a date by the most popular driver in the world when a few hours ago you didn’t know a thing about F1, “ no, no a real date would be amazing too!”

“ What about after the race on Sunday?”

“ Won’t you be too tired?”

He shrugged at your question, of course he would be but that didn’t mean he couldn’t go on a date, “ not enough to postpone a date.”

“ Alright, that sounds good to me. I’ll go back to the Paddock now, good luck out there.”

Waving goodbye to Lewis, you headed back to the Paddock to watch the first practice but not without stopping to the merchandise boutique where you bought one of the Mercedes’ cap in the color you liked the most.

———

The following day, you woke up in a good mood and excited for what the day would hold for you, you hoped that you would enjoy it as much as you did the previous day- before leaving your hotel, you didn’t forget to put on the Mercedes cap you bought, impatient to see Lewis’ reaction.

As you didn’t fix a place to meet or an exact hour- and you had no way of contacting him, you went back to the spot where you first met, hoping that Lewis wouldn’t have to look around for too long before finding you.

Busying yourself by answering some texts you had been too tired to answer last night, you ended up not noticing when Lewis walked to you until you heard his voice, “ nice cap you got there, y/n!”

You were proudly smiling ear to ear as you looked up to the driver, “ what can I say, you know how to sell your team. I’m a fan now!”

“ That’s good to know because I,” Lewis sounded a bit hesitant as he took something out of his pocket, “ you said you didn’t want to stay in the garage yesterday because you didn’t have the pass allowing you there, so I got you a V.I.P access one.”

“ That’s incredibly sweet of you Lewis but it’s too much, I can’t accept.”

“ I figured that you’d say something like that, it’s a gift, you can’t refuse it.”

It was so nice of Lewis to get you a V.I.P pass and he was right, you couldn’t really refuse a gift, but you had to return the favor in some way, “ alright, but in return, I’ll invite you at one of my performances.”

“ That’s a deal, but you didn’t tell me what you do for a living yet?”

“ I’m a ballet dancer at the Opera Ballet de Paris! I know it might not be your thing, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy what we do on stage.”

“ That’s amazing, I’ll be more than happy to attend one of your performances.”

You smiled again, your heart felt warm at the enthusiasm Lewis seemed to have at the idea of attending one of your performances, you hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed, “ I’ll get you one of the best seat, that’ll be like a V.I.P access in a way.”

“ Sounds good to me, maybe you’ll want my phone number so we can arrange the date?”

“ That’ll be great, especially if you still want to take me on a date tomorrow.”

“ Oh yes, definitely,” he smiled as you handed him your phone so he could enter his number, “ there you go, wanna learn more about racing now?”

“ Of course!”

Lewis put the new pass around your neck and you followed him around, listening attentively to everything he was saying- he had a way to explain that was truly captivating, to the point that you were starting to understand how everything worked, at least what he had explained so far.

After showing you around the track and in the pit lanes, you both made your way back to Mercedes’ garage- you were surprised to be welcomed as if they had known you for years, the ambiance hadn’t changed since you left yesterday, it was just as good.

If you had understood well, the day would start with a last free practice before moving on to the qualifying for the race on the following day. The team was hoping to get in the top 10 during the qualifying to have a good result on Sunday.

You had been told by Lewis that this year Mercedes’ were struggling with their cars but since a few races, it was getting better and the good results were starting to appear. You weren’t sure how this would play out but you definitely hoped that Lewis would get at the top.

When the time for the free practice came, you were offered a seat and headset, while you had been explained that free practice didn’t mean anything as getting the first place didn’t bring anything- which honestly seemed a bit similar to training for a performance to you.

Yet, you still hoped for Lewis to get the best result he could, you didn’t have to know much about this sport to understand how he deserved to get the best results. At the end of the practice, Lewis got into the fourth position, which wasn’t too bad of a result.

Waiting for the qualifying, you stayed on your seat, making yourself as little as possible to not be a bother to anyone as the whole garage was busy analizing the data gathered to get ready for the qualifying.

It’s only a couple of minutes before Lewis would have to get ready for what would be the next step in this race week-end that he came to you, apologizing profusely for letting you alone for so long, “ no worries, I don’t mind, it was interesting to see how you guys get ready for a race!”

“ Hopefully it’ll work out well for us and we set a good enough time to be in Q3.”

“ I believe in you, you can do it!”

Lewis smiled at your words, thankful to have you supporting him today, “ now I don’t have any other choice than to bring back a good result, I’d hate to disappoint you.”

“ You won’t disappoint me either way, just be safe out there, okay?”

“ I will.”

Satisfied with his answer, it was now your turn to smile as you took a step forward to close the gap between Lewis and you to give him a warm hug as a way of wishing him good luck for the qualifying.

And maybe, it somehow worked as at the end of the Q3, Lewis qualified in the fourth position, making it possible for him to reach the podium at the end of the race- at least, that’s what you hoped for.

Even if you didn’t know too much on F1 yet and that you barely met Lewis, your heart was swelling with pride and you couldn’t hide the proud smile plastered on your face- after all, it had been a good idea to attend this Grand Prix.

As Lewis made his way back to the garage, you waited patiently for your turn to congratulate him. This time, Lewis was the one to hug you as he thanked you for bringing him luck, you awkwardly laughed it off, “ I didn’t do anything, but it was amazing to see you get the fourth place!”

“ I think I’m going to need your good luck hug before the race tomorrow.”

“ I’ll be there to deliver!”

“ Good to know,” he smiled, remaining silent for a couple of seconds as if he was pondering an idea, “ would you like to go get something to eat later today?”

“ Isn’t our date supposed to be tomorrow?”

“ Yes but it can be our second date. Honestly, tomorrow’s night feels too far away but if you’re busy tonight, it’s totally fine, though.”

You shook your head, there was no way you’d be busy when Lewis wanted to go out with you, “ no, no I have nothing planned for tonight.”

“ I still have to debrief with the team and all, but I can come by where you’re staying at when I’m done? If that’s fine with you, of course.”

“ That sounds great, text me when you’re done and I’ll send you the address.”

[stellaluna33]

Do you think the Chronicles of Narnia are sexist? I've heard people argue both ways. (If you don't want to answer this of course feel free to completely ignore it. But your post about Aravis and assault and so forth made me want to know what your opinion on this was.

Oof. Haha! So... keep in mind that I am really REALLY not an expert, and am no Lewis scholar, so this is just my opinion. However, I have read most if not all of his books as well as some of his letters, as well as done some study of his life, so... With that in mind, my answer would be: it's complicated? Haha! I'll start out by saying this: Lewis was definitely a man of his time. He was born in the late 19th century and spent much of his life in male-dominated academic circles, and with that came certain assumptions (very widely held at the time!) about the way the world and gender roles worked. A lot of those assumptions would now be considered "outdated," to put it generously. But here's the thing, though: C.S. Lewis's views evolved throughout his life. As he interacted with more Actual Women, especially through his friendship with Joy Davidman (who would later become his wife), he rethought a lot of things, and you can really see the difference between his earlier books and his later ones. Even within the Chronicles of Narnia series itself you can see this shift happening! You go from Susan and Lucy being categorically forbidden to partake in the battle in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (I still roll my eyes at that part, haha) to Jill being very definitely involved (as well as being The Best at tracking and stealth) in The Last Battle. Did he get it perfect all the time? No. But he TRIED, and was humble enough to admit when he'd been wrong and ADAPT. And, you know what? I'm going to give him credit for that. That's far better than a lot of people do, even nowadays.

But one area in which I will emphatically answer "No!" to is in the case of Susan. I still remember the first time I ever heard the take that Susan was "condemned" because of, I don't know, being interested in "sexual maturity" or something, and it was an interview/talk with J.K. Rowling, actually (YEARS ago). I remember being just FLOORED and absolutely bewildered because I had NEVER gotten that impression AT ALL. The one comment in the book about Susan being only interested in "nylons and invitations" (or something?) was from the character Jill, who is a young teenage girl who's a bit of a tomboy (I know that's an outdated expression; just roll with it!) and scornful of that sort of thing. But that's not WHY she couldn't come back to Narnia! It's because Susan didn't want to. It has nothing to do with being "sexually mature" or being interested in femininity, it's that she's so obsessed with LOOKING like a grown-up that she doesn't want to believe that Narnia was real. And this has nothing to do with her being a woman because this is how C.S. Lewis talked about HIMSELF. In his autobiographical book, Surprised By Joy, he talks about going through a long phase where he was too embarrassed to read Fairy Tales and acted scornful about them because he was so anxious to avoid anything that might be seen as "childish." What's that quote of his? "Someday you'll be old enough to enjoy Fairy Tales again." This was about himself, and it was about Susan too. Because that's another thing: Susan's story wasn't over yet! She wasn't on the train with the rest of them when it crashed, so she didn't die! And Lewis himself, in a letter written to a fan, said that he expected and hoped that Susan WOULD find her way back to Narnia again! That it might take her a while to get there (as it did with Lewis himself), but she would. I will die on this hill. Haha! Anyway, that's my long, convoluted answer, as best as I can give it. 😊

[lewishcmilton]

Susie Wolff on the Beyond the Grid podcast, talking about Lewis Hamilton (transcript under the cut)

Q: What about lewis? You've known him for so long, is he the same guy now that he was when you were karting together all those years ago?

S: He absolutely is, and I have no reservations in saying that. Just two days ago we were reminiscing about something that had happened in the karting days that we had remembered and if I haven't seen him in a while the first thing he does is ask me how my parents are, John and Sally, and we reminisce a lot. I watch some of the races together with Anthony - his dad, and he's absolutely the same but I just have so much admiration and respect for lewis. What he's achieved, how he manages his life to be the best possible racing driver that he can be and for me which is incredible to watch is just how deep he can dig in moments of pressure, and I didn't have that to that extent as a racing driver. But he has an incredibly ability in the car, and out of the car.

Q: And would you say an incredible ability to move on as well? I'm referring to Abu Dhabi and the dissapointment last year

S: You know I'm inspired by lewis as a racing driver but also as a human being and obviously I see some of the negative comments around what he does and how vocal he is in different areas but you know what, it takes guts to be different. And I know that to a lesser extent because I was different always in the paddock and it's easy to be the same as everyone else. It's easy to rock up, race, leave and not worry. But he has the guts to be different, to stand up and to use his platform for other causes and I think that's also got to be commended. Because the easier route is to do nothing. I think where he is at now and the determination he has and his ability off track to do what he does and like you said, to move on. It takes a lot of strength to move on but he has moved on, the whole team has moved on.