#Sergio Pettis

[theanticool]

Patchy Mix submits Sergio Pettis in the 2nd round via RNC to win Bellator BW title - Bellator 301

[dannycardfan824]

TOPPS 2018 UFC MUSEUM COLLECTION

SERGIO PETTIS #MA-SE AUTOGRAPH CARD 80/99

[swaggypsyduck]

NOT A RANT BUT I WISH IT WAS

so here i was again, explaining el classico to a friend, who never touches sports, and she interrupts me in the middle of showing her clips of ramos being the wonderful asshole that he was to ask me if i ship athletes. weird question to ask so early on in my explanation. you need at least lvl 5 clearance to reach that but its okay this time bc she's a fandom veteran so i go:

short answer: not really

long answer: i think people in life will have different types of connections with different people. whether that's platonic soulmates, married with 5 children, or a "they were roommates" situation. i love reading gen rpf bc im a wholesome platonic soulmates girlie at heart. but if there's a smutty fic w 2 hot athletes that's well written and respects that these athletes are still real people, well i'll read that too.

THEN SHE GOES TO SAY, "oh cuz im only asking bc if these were fictional characters ud definitely ship the short latino guy in red (she means messi) w the spanish tackling guy in white (she means ramos)". NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRIED TO DENY IT SHE KEPT REFERENCING MY BOOK AND ANIME TASTES.

i wish this revelation came from someone who at least knows some football and not some new baby "pedri looks cute tell me about his team" fan. 😔🤟

in better news she thinks modrić is the most perfect-est babygirl in the world so i think i can forgive her.

[getting-messi]

Aguero snapping back at Zlatan PLEASEEHEJEJSJDDJKDKSJD

[muu-kun]

Muu is not above emptying the millions of dollars in his bank account just for an opportunity to beat the absolute shit out of Kenji. Please, @tximidity, he's begging.

[oh-great-authoress]

Adding on to my original post, after learning even more, I have to say, in all seriousness, I really applaud the commitment to appearances before and after the steward’s room—like, the jig was up, things are awkward now, but my man still smiled, fist bumped, and put his arm around Max.

👏👏👏👏

✨Adding my two cents to the Gax Qatar drama✨

Disclaimer: I love all the drivers no matter how messy things get, because let’s face it—we watch for the races, but we also watch for the drama.

That said; as a Slytherclaw, I truly commend George for keeping it together during the pressers (in hindsight, I can see the plotting [affectionate] in his eyes during those same pressers).

As a person, depending on his behavior in that steward’s room, yeah, maybe that went a little bit past the usual gamesmanship.

[simplywrong]

Okay so this end of the season is officially crazy and I will be relieved when it's over.

We have:

Press harassing Check again (no news) and him being increasingly done with this bs, his dad wanting to post a 'list of lying journalists' and him subtlety throwing shade at RBR for the first time ever;

Max is going to be a dad (congrats for him) and the chances that he will retire skyrocketed (while Jos said they have contract until 2028 and want to fulfil him Max's whole 'family comes first' attitude from the last week's is making things suspicious);

Toto and Horner reheating the flames of their old divorce and exchanging small insults just for fun;

George and Max becoming enemies and acting like kids arguing, throwing accusations and acting petty;

Lewis saying 'it's just started to hit him that he is leaving Merc' - THIS IS AN END OF ERA;

Charles and Carlos having their last race and acting like it is a farewell, all sweet and tender;

Esteban being kicked out before he had a chance to say a proper goodbye to his team;

Zhou, Franco and Liam still not sure about their future but happy to race this one race;

Yuki being threated like air by RBR 'family' and despite doing great this season called 'not ready' (but at least we had Yukierre crumbs);

Kevin going to another category!!!!

Haasbands divorce and them being the only duo acting normal about it;

Valtteri cranking up the positive vibes even more;

Lance and Fernando only waiting to start working with Newey because we all know it's a huge deal and Lawrence played his cards well;

Lando thriving on the drama free from the stress of WDC fight;

Oscar quietly slipping under the media attention (he's so real for this) and just wanting next season to come;

@itsblasttothepast Things are just getting more interesting! (New theory - what if Sergio saying that 'maybe it wasn't a good idea' was because Max is going to retire to care for the baby and he doesn't want to stay alone in the team? What if Max's past tense referred to that? Making the pregnancy announcement on Friday is weird unless Kelly wanted to be on the paddock and they didn't want media to start rumours before they had a chance to say anything but I kind of like the dramatic version more)

All in all, I need a break from this sport

[mysteriouslyjovialcolor]

Qatar 2024

-YESSSS!

-Safety Car?? Franco?? Oh god, Williams

-“George Russel gets away well… second phase: here comes Max Verstappen”

-“Sergio Perez gets away well” Oh how we love to hear it

-Oh god Kevin- Shit that was Nico; that tire gamble didn’t pay off

-“Got hit by Stroll. I know he would do it. I could tell” Yeah the Williams is so cursed

-How is Lewis p9?

-Yuki p10! (I don’t remember where he placed in qualifying)

-Oh god another safety car? Who was that? Yuki?? Oh Liam

-“Speed on the straight is worrying” :(

-I love that there seems to be a fire lit under the Red Bull but can Max chill for a second? That car might still give up half way

-Woah Kevin! (That Haas/Vcarb/Alpine battle is so fun to follow)

-Max please, think about the tireeess

-“blistering pace” If they jinx him istg

-“Tsunoda-San” Love Jenson and Yuki’s relationship

-“The Frenchman has got his man”

-“It’s surprising how difficult the top 8 is finding it to overtake when the rest of the field seem to be doing it just fine”

-Yo? Zhou?! Omg!

-Max and Lando battling for fastest lap

-“How slow are we compared to others?” Hate that Merc so much

-No way both Saubers just over took Yuki. What’s wrong with his car?

-“The threat from the undercut disappears as each revolution of the tires go by” Idk why that sounded so poetic

-Okay Mercedes, starting off the pit stops

-Oh- that wasn’t very good

-“Is the car broken?” Back to back L’s

-Magnussen, Gasly, Alonso, threatening everyone’s pit stops

-Jenson’s voice is so soothing

-Okay halfway through

-“Speak louder please”

-…

Did Alex lose a mirror?

-“Max has got his wing mirrors” Vengeful, petty Max is my favorite (obviously it’s aimed at the FIA, don’t draw other conclusions)

-That yellow flag was so clear. Why didn’t he lift? Was there a problem?

-What the actual hell! There’s a whole mirror on track! Why is no one doing anything?? Are we waiting for someone to go over it and cause more damage???

-Ohmygodd! They are! They were fricking waiting!

-Now??? Now??? Now you want to call a Safety Car???

-Can’t even enjoy the pit stop games with this bs

-This is such incompetence. The hell is wrong with them?

-I need Zhou to get a point. I really do

-Safety car restarts make so nervous

-NO CHECO!!

-Nico too??

-I wanna cry

-Didn’t get to appreciate Max vs Lando in all that chaos; that was very cool

-Plus Charles! On Oscar!

-Charles, Charles, Charles, Charles, come on mate

-All of the cars are so close now

-“Albon just rammed me”

-Oh shit a 10s penalty

-“That seems unbelievably extreme” Why are we surprised about this? It’s the FIA

-Oh shit that’s- oh god

-Lewis penalty too?

-Zhou!!!!!

-Lewis retiring?

-Are they really saying he won’t race in Abu Dhabi?

-Can Bottas overtake Albon so that Sauber can celebrate like crazy??

-“F***k off” “Go for it Kev” Hahaha

-Cheering so hard for Sauber right now

-Okay I knew that wouldn’t last long but Zhou! Zhou! Zhou!

-“Denied pole but not denied victory!” Wohooo

-“Karma is a wonderful thing. Yes! We did not drive unnecessarily slowly today!” Tell them GP!

-Max, Charles, Oscar podium!! Let’s go, Let’s go, Let’s go!!!

(Also congratulations to Alex Albon for finally finishing a race)

[livelaughghoul]

Qatar 2024 Grand Prix Tarot Prediction.

I would apologize for this being done so late, but honestly I had a self care day, and was busy sleeping and getting my hair done, so I’m just now watching qualifying, but thanks to the app I was spoiled in terms of the penalty and starting positions.

Honestly the cards are all over the place, I have a feeling it’s going to be an absolutely interesting race tomorrow because holy smokes everything is all over the place.

The most important part is that Fernando made it to P8, and I love that for my man.

P1, George Russell - The Hierophant

This one is interesting, because I think it’s carrying over from the sprint heavily. George may have been stuck in a DRS train, but I think that he learned what to expect from the Prix, and how others may behave and what he can expect in terms of strategy. I’m expecting a masterclass from him tomorrow with how he drives, and handles his tires.

P2, Max Verstappen - King of Wands, reversed

This king is interesting to me, because of how bold it is. Max is more than likely frustrated with his penalty, and is set to prove that position was rightfully his. I think it’s going to an overtly aggressive drive tomorrow.

P3, Lando Norris - The High Priestess

I think that there is going to be a lot of potential here, it’s possible that he’s able to work his way up in front of Max and George, but I think a lot it is going to come down to the awareness of the pit wall.

P4, Oscar Piastri - Three of Swords

It’s not going to be Oscar’s day tomorrow. I don’t necessarily see there being contact with anyone else. I think that Oscar flirting with gravel traps is going to come back and bite him.

P5, Charles Leclerc - Six of Swords

Okay, hear me out, Charles might be a super petty diva tomorrow. Six of Swords to me is a self absorbed card, one that could indicate that Charles no longer really cares for what the team wants.

P6, Lewis Hamilton - Six of Wands

I really like this pull for Lewis, mainly because I NEED something good to happen to this man. It’s a card of triumph and pride, so I’m really hoping that this is indicative of him making up positions and ending on podium again.

P7, Carlos Sainz - Queen of Pentacles

This is hilarious, because after last week it’s the most PR card that I could possibly pull. Carlos is absolutely gentle parenting Charles at this point, and I have no doubts that the pit wall is gentle parenting Carlos. There is a rebuilding of trust that is happening in the pit wall, which is unfortunate that it’s happening at this point.

P8, Fernando Alonso - Page of Pentacles

Sorry, let me fan girl for a moment. MY MAN, MY MAN, MY MAN. KING SHIT. I LOVE THIS FOR YOU, KING.

Anyways, this is a card of practicality and having an effect. I’m really hopefully that this means that there’s going to be points tomorrow because he’s finally connecting with the car and feels comfortable approaching the track.

P9, Sergio Perez - Nine of Wands

Congrats, King! It’s not I’m going to be an easy race tomorrow, this is a card of defensiveness, so I’m going to assume that it’s going to be heavy on the defense tomorrow, because he’s going to be attacked heavily. I’ll be shocked if he remains in points.

P10, Kevin Magnussen - Four of Pentacles, reversed

I love this for Kevin, I’ve missed the certified track terror, and this bodes well for us that thrive in chaos. Four of Pentacles, especially reserved, shows an immense amount of possessiveness, so I’m going to assume that tomorrow he is going to be incredibly aggressive, because he feels the higher positions are rightfully his.

[theanticool]

Patchy Mix vs Sergio Pettis | Bellator 301

Every generation there are fighters outside the UFC where it is easy to see they are elite level fighters. Think Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Alistair Overeem, Nick Diaz, Patricio Pitbull, etc.

Bellator Bantamweight champion Patchy Mix (19-1) is that type of talent. The most recent homegrown Bellator talent to capture gold, Mix has shown himself to be an incredibly dangerous fighter. He is 9-1 in his last 10 fights with 8 of those wins coming by stoppage. He's the winner of the Bellator BW Grand Prix that saw him beat the likes of Kyoji Horiguchi, Raufeon Stots, and Magomed Magomedov. Stupidly, PFL does not have a bantamweight division so Mix is stuck playing his trade in Europe for Bellator Champion Series until it dissolves into PFL or Mix fights out his contract.

Mix will face off once again with Magomed Magomedov (20-3) this Friday (May 17) at Bellator Champions Series: Paris which should air on HBO Max in the U.S.

[swayziiwriter]

☆ French footballers —

Embrace | Kylian Mbappé

Victory’s symphony | Kylian Mbappé

Pregnancy fluff | Kylian Mbappé

Handprints | Raphaël Varane

Animosity | Kylian Mbappé

Evening jealousy | Kylian Mbappé

Team gala | Jules Koundé

Destruction | Kylian Mbappé

Diamond | Kylian Mbappé

☆ Brazilian footballers —

Needy | Rodrygo Goes

Different | Rodrygo Goes

Gold | Neymar jr

Reward | Vinicius jr

Physical therapy | Neymar jr

Teasing | Vinicius jr

Rainy days | Neymar jr

Date night | Neymar jr

Heat | Richarlison

Ride it | Neymar jr

☆ English footballers —

Yours | Jude Bellingham

Attentive | Marcus Rashford

Vulnerability | Jude Bellingham

Sunrise | Trent Alexander-Arnold

Messy | Mason Mount

Devotion | Jude Bellingham

United | Marcus Rashford

Petty | Jude Bellingham

Nighttime frenzy | Marcus Rashford

Congratulations | Trent Alexander-Arnold

Tension | Jude Bellingham

Curve | Marcus Rashford

Goal scorer | Jude Bellingham

Party monster | Trent Alexander-Arnold

☆ Spanish footballers —

Against me | Pedri González

Talk that talk | Pablo Gavi

Tangled Emotions | Pedri González

Forbidden | Pablo Gavi

Ablaze | Alejandro Balde

Belong to me | Pedri González

Hands to myself | Pablo Gavi

Beachside | Pedri González

Restricted | Pablo Gavi

Pleasure | Pedri González

Apart | Alejandro Balde

Rhythm | Sergio Ramos

Forget | Pablo Gavi

☆ Other footballers —

Persuasive | João Felix

Trench Coat | Erling Haaland

Behind the wheel | Ronald Araújo

Playing with you | João Félix

International | Lionel Messi

Shower | Erling Haaland

Expert | Virgil Van Dijk

[dannycardfan824]

TOPPS 2019 UFC KNOCKOUT

SERGIO PETTIS #KAR-SP KNOCKOUT RELIC AUTOGRAPH CARD 104/150

[zaeliaeve]

A/N: not really proof read, sorry for any mistakes. Missed you guys! Let me know what you think.

2009

Surprise, surprise.

The Real Madrid squad had returned again with another victory and it was only smooth sailing from there. The media was eating up absolutely everything they did, and now it was talks about how could anyone stop this sudden new force?

After that night at the bar the dynamics hadn't changed much there was a noticeable difference of lightness, like Catalina wasn't like a deer in headlights at the sight of Sergio anymore, and they were more and a even level.

The entire team was looser now, and now it was growing into a family like dynamic. Inside jokes and horrible nicknames, it was a good time to be apart of Real Madrid.

The team were flying back from yet another game, tired but victorious. Not like they expected anything less.

Catalina had gotten a bit more accustomed to flying now, only really getting anxiety during landing and takeoff, which was a big improvement from her first flight.

She found herself scrolling through the hundreds of pictures she took at the away game as Karim sat to her right loudly grumbling at some game.

She was so focused she didn't notice the footsteps of someone in front of her. "Switch me seats" Sergio tapped Karim on the leg; pillow and blanket stacked in his hands.

Karim looked up from his vintage Gameboy up to the defender with confusion. "Why, Gordo?"

"Because I said so."

The Frenchman tsked at his answer and pulled his head back into the game "Gotta give me a better reason than that, and throw in a please too while you're at it."

Sergio rolled his eyes and clutched his white fuzzy blanket tighter, his knuckles turning white. "You can be petty all you want but Raúl wants to bet you in Escoba so move."

Karim shoulders perked up at the mention of the game and he eagerly switched the off button on his Gameboy. "Fine, I'll go then but I still want to hear you say please."

"Chúpame la verga" Sergio sneered back, earning a laugh from the forward who stood up from the seat.

"Yeah, whatever crybaby."

With that, Sergio slipped into the seat comfortably and spread his blanket across his lap. Catalina looked over at the Spaniard and greeted him with a small hello, eyes brightening up.

Sergio reciprocated the greeting warmly as he settled into his seat, laying the blanket over his legs. Catalina set down the book she was reading into her lap, growing tired of the stillness of being in an airplane. "Let's play a game." Catalina suggested causing Sergio to turn his attention to fully to her.

-

"Sergio are you sitting on my jacket?"

"No, and I'm counting that as one of your questions."

Catalina let out an offended gasp. "That totally doesn't count."

Sergio put his hands up as if it out was out his control. "I don't make the rules, I just follow them. Looks like you only have 6 questions left."

Her ponytail bounced as she shook her head. "You absolutely do not follow the rules, like ever! That's so unfair."

"So is life, sweetheart."

Catalina let out a huff of defeat, avoiding the loud thudding in her chest that seemed to happen whenever the defender was around- much to her dismay. "It's my turn now, since you just went. Hold on, let me think of a good one." Sergio paused for a couple seconds before continuing.

"When is the last time you fought with someone?" Sergio asked seemingly genuinely interested to know the answer.

"With you, like 30 seconds ago." Catalonia easily answered.

Sergio raised an eyebrow. "You call that a fight?"

"Yes I do actually and I'm counting that as another question too by the way." Catalina beamed, proud of herself for being able to get payback.

He let out a small whine before faking applause and a bow. "Okay, okay you got me. Go on then, it's your turn." Sergio conceded easily.

"What's your blood type?" Catalina asked just to get a reaction from him, but he didn't even bat an eyelash .

He didn't have to think about it before answering "White, black, and gold."

Catalina let out a giggle and crinkled her nose. "You're such cornball sometimes. The team definitely payed you to say that."

The words bounced off of him like nothing, his smile never faltering.

"Five questions left."  She reminded him with a smile.

Sergio took another couple seconds to decide what exactly he wanted to ask but grinned like the Cheshire Cat when he came up with one."Who's your favorite on the team?"

"I have no favorites, I like everyone equally" Catalina responds instantaneously, but she knows Sergio won't accept that answer.

He clicks his teeth with disapproval, arms folding together loosely. "We promised to be honest to each other in this game. You should just tell the truth and admit it's Kakà."

Catalina hums as she takes a moment to really consider her options but would feel guilty truly landing on anyone. Of course there are ones she speaks with more than others but at the end of the day this is her job and she's on a good level with them all.

But, after all it was Sergio and he wouldn't be satisfied until she gave an answer, even if it was a cop out one. "I really like shooting Cristiano. He's very photogenic and never turns me down when I ask if I can take pictures of him." Catalina said honestly, purposely avoiding the word favorite.

"He never turns you down for pictures because he'll take any opportunity he can to stare at himself" Sergio quips back teasingly.

Catalina figured it's best to say nothing else and move on. "It's my turn!"

"When's your birthday?" Catalina asks with her head tilted.

Sergio closes the airplane window halfway with one hand as the sun sets, the once bright blue sky now a strong orange color that was so vibrant it was almost blinding to his eyes. "March 30th" he answered, eyes squinted.

She stuck out her lower lip as to say awww. "You were almost a spring baby."

"When's yours?" Sergio asks back.

"September 27th."

Sergio's eyebrows raise. "That's a week away, why didn't you say anything before?"

Catalina shrugs her shoulders. "I don't really do much for it anyways, it's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal, you only get one birthday a year and you should celebrate getting to that age- coming that far and having made it though all. Your family and friends should be there to enjoy a special occasion like that.  It's important that you don't let your youth pass you by and you take the time to enjoy it with those who matter most. " Sergio protested his tone dropping now from lighthearted to serious.

She couldn't help but grin at him, putting both hands above her heart and clutching. "That's very sweet-"

"Cállate y hazme más preguntas."

Typical Sergio. Catalina laughed and moved on as if nothing happened, but it stayed in the back of her mind.

-

One week later and on the actual day of Catalina's birthday not much had happened. Her parents had offered to take her up to Barcelona so they could go see their extended family for her big day, but maybe it was her newfound general distaste for Barcelona that was being instilled in her through her job or her plain introverted heart but she decided to stay home while the rest of her family gallivanted up to Catalonia.

She had received short birthday well wishes from them however, for which she was still grateful for. The entire day was spent living her normal routine, shooting for the Madrid team and going home but this time to an empty house.

No one on the team had known, her not mentioning it to anyone and no one saying anything until her uncle had told her " Feliz cumpleaños!"  while she was still setting up her camera. and it ended there.

Catalina tried to keep her mind focused on other things, trying to assure herself that this was like any other day, just a day that she just so happened to be born on, but Sergio's words kept ringing in her head even though a week had passed.

Don't let your youth pass you by.

Is that what she was doing? She was sending herself into a doom spiral of harsh thoughts all centered in her loneliness, all centered on her inner insecurities.

Am I content being alone or am I so used to it that it doesn't even bother me anymore? She had thought.

Luckily, the day was almost over and she could just go to sleep then pretend this day never happened until the next year when the spiral will start once again. That was until she heard loud knocks at her door while she was lying on her couch snuggled up in a heavy blanket.

It had scared Catalina like it would scare anyone else getting an unexpected visitor in the night, but the moment she looked through the glass in her door her worries were relieved.

The first thing out of Sergio's mouth isn't an explanation or even a hello. But then again, Sergio was never one for many pleasantries."Twenty-two now? I'm gonna have to get you a walking cane and reading glasses next year " His lips are upturned in a playful grin.

Catalina's shoulders slumped down and she released a sense of tension that she hadn't realized she was carrying all day. "Did you forget you're a year older than me, abuelo Ramos?" Her smile was now matching his, wide and teasing.

"Right, that means I'm your elder so you have to respect me and do as I say" Sergio chuckled before his eyes dropped down to her pale pink pajamas with cartoon characters plastered all over them from head to toe.

Catalina could practically feel his eyes burning holes right through her, she felt naked and exposed in a way that made her want to hide. "Bugs Bunny, cute. It suits you" He piped with a halfway smirk.

She felt her cheeks heat up and suddenly found it hard to make eye contact, aiming to look closer to the ground now. "Thank you. I obviously wasn't expecting to see you or I would have put on something a bit less..." she struggled to find the right words. "-childish." Is what she finally settled on.

He shook his head like it was nothing. "You can wear whatever you want it's your day, birthday girl." She could practically feel his eyes burning holes through her body.

"Only for another thirty minutes" She reminded him, crossing her arms together in an attempt to hide the cartoon characters plastered all over her torso.

Sergio smiled brightly and held up the white plastic bag that he had been holding in his hand. "Then I came just in time. I have candles, jello, whipped cream, and sprinkles. The only store open didn't have any cake so I had to improvise."

Catalina's eyebrows raised, her lip pouting out with surprise. "For me?"

He scrunched his nose and feigned looking around for another person. "Who else?"

The door creaked as it was pushed open to make room for Sergio, Catalina happily stepped to the side. "Come on in."

Sergio smiled at her and stepped inside, taking his shoes off as he entered the house leaving him in his socks. They gathered at her dining room table, Catalina running into the kitchen to get utensils and plates while Sergio took out each item from the bag.

"I cannot believe you actually came here. That you put in all this effort just for me. Thank you Sergio." Catalina told him as she set the plates down at the table.

He shrugged like it was the easiest thing in the world. "Maybe your uncle will bitch at me a little less when I fuck up if he sees me running around the whole city for his niece" his tone is deadpan and his eyes trail up from the jello to look at her.

Catalina stills for a moment and he watches as her face drops, eyelids wide and lips parting slightly. Sergio brings his knuckles up to her nose and squeezes lightly, a small laugh escaping him. "Relax, kitty Cat. It's a joke. This is our secret so let's just keep it between us, okay?"

Her eyes lighten up and the corners of her lips perk back up. "Okay, deal."

Sergio's gaze drops as he spreads the whipped cream onto the gelatinous dessert. "That's settled then. Now, be a good girl and take a seat in the big chair so I can sing you happy birthday."

-

The jello cake had been better than expected, the both of them managing to scarf down almost all of the pretend cake with just the two of them.

They chatted for a bit about work, both of their yawns becoming more consistent until it became evident that his time there was coming to an end.

This was such a grand gesture, such a nice thoughtful thing to do she didn't know how to address it properly, especially not with someone like Sergio.

He wasn't one for mushy-gushy things but it felt appropriate in a circumstance like this. As they talked about next weeks schedule for the team, she found her mind slipping into what exactly to say to him.

It must have been Catalina's nerves that got to her, because by the time he was getting out of the chair to go to the front door she still couldn't muster up the courage to say what she wanted to, not that she even really knew what that was.

Sergio gave her a quick hug goodbye before he was out the door, Catalina left alone in her thoughts as the door shut behind him

Her thoughts kept getting louder and louder before a big wave of adrenaline it her, and all she could think was run!

" Wait-" Catalina called as she ran out of her house, barely having time to throw on slippers before she chased him down the sidewalk.

Sergio turned around on the heals of his feet, stopping directly in his place as he watched her charge towards him. His eyebrows knitted together with confusion, assuming maybe he forgot his keys of wallet, but she only kept running like it was the most urgent matter in the world.

Once she got half a step away from him, she stuck her arms out and wrapped her arms around him tightly, burying her head in his chest. Sergio froze for a moment out of pure surprise, but Catalina didn't let go.

The hardness of his chest pressed up against her cheek and the warmth of his body melted her soul and made her mind fuzzy.

Overcome with emotion, her vision became blurry and she let out a shaky breath. "This birthday was the most lonely day of my life, and you came when I really needed it. It felt like everyone forgot about me, and I thought I didn't care but now I know I do. I'm so grateful you came, thank you."

It was as if the breath was knocked out of Sergio by her words, his breathing slowing down. "Catalina" Sergio called softly.

His hands laced in her hair as he held her smaller frame, scratching lightly at her scalp in an attempt to soothe her. In all honesty he was unsure of what to say, on what he could possibly say to make the situation better.

He thought carefully before speaking again. "I did it because I wanted to. Because that's what friends are for."

Friends?

The word brought a smile to her face so strong she don't think anything could break it.

"I really don't know what to say, this is just so unbelievably kind-" she started before being pulled into something hard, muffling her voice.

Sergio squeezed her tightly into his chest and kept going until she was squirming in his grip, letting out a quiet whine. His chest heaved as he laughed over her screeches.

Once he got the reaction he was happy with, he squeezed her a bit tighter before letting her go. Catalina let out a gasp of air and pushed his sides lightly. "Why do you like to torture me?" She wasn't annoyed at all, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

"Because I like how you look when you pout."

He even didn't have to look at her to know what her reaction was, her dark round eyes now wide and lips agape and he wasn't wrong.

"Get some rest, Goodnight, birthday girl" Sergio bent down and pressed his soft lips against each of Bianca's cheeks, lingering a beat longer on the last cheek before pulling away nonchalantly, flashing his straight teeth to the girl.

Although it was a common way to say hello or goodbye in their shared native land, it made her chest warm and her breath hitch in all the best ways. "Goodnight, drive safe."

They gave one last small wave before he turned around to go to his car again, this time Bianca not stopping him as he disappeared off into the black night.

-

Catalina showed up to the training grounds like any other day, a special white badge dangling from her neck and a dark black camera bag strapped firmly to her side.

Something seemed to be off though. From the moment she stepped into the building everyone was acting off, gaze lingering a bit too long or not long enough. Even the security guard made her feel out of place, which was something that she hadn't felt in a while with that team.

Not to mention half the players seemed to be gone, suddenly all disappearing off into different rooms or quietly running through the back hallways. "Catalina!" Marcelo exclaimed once she stepped onto the pitch, jogging over to her.

His overexcited tone startled her, causing her to jump a bit before making eye contact with the left-back. "Oh hey, how are you?" She smiled at him before going to open her camera bag to start getting her stuff out.

"I'm great! The real question is how are you? " Marcelo emphasized, his eyebrows knitting together with concern.

Weird. Catalina raised an eyebrow but nonetheless didn't push on the matter further. "I'm feeling okay, just a bit tired from last night."

Marcelo pressed his lips together inquisitively. "What were you doing last night?"

She froze at the question, starkly remember Sergio's direct instructions to not mention their time together the night prior. There was a slight pause as she tried to think of a quick excuse, landing on the first thing that game to mind. "I was folding my laundry."

He didn't seem to buy it, and her tone didn't help much either. "All night?"

She faked a sense of casualness shrugging her shoulders. "I had a lot of laundry."

It was obvious that it was best to change the subject because there was no hope of saving it, not to mention the quietness of the field was so uncharacteristic that it became loud- an eeriness hovering over the pitch."Where is everybody? We're missing so many people it feels like a ghost town."

"Some are getting their physicals. I've already done mine so-" He stopped mid-sentence his eyes following elsewhere behind her, whatever was happening back there clearly throwing him off guard.

Catalina craned her neck to look at the distraction but Marcelo quickly grabbed her shoulders to grab her attention again, shaking her rapidly. "Don't you just love Real Madrid? The best team in all of Laliga, no, the whole world! Hala Madrid! ...y nada más" He practically jumbled out.

She awkwardly laughed, letting herself be shaken. "Hala Madrid but why the sudden team spirit?"

Marcelo stopped shaking her abruptly and his hands fell to his sides. "Not sure, just felt a surge of it run through me all of a sudden."

With that, he went back to practice like nothing happened.

Another fifteen minutes passed but at least these minutes were mostly normal, her snapping a few pictures of Raúl doing a few crossbar shots and him jokingly asking her to delete the ones of him completely missing completely.

At least he wasn't being weird today, she thought.

"Cat!" A voice called, although she didn't have to look up to recognize from the voice that it was Kaká.

She got one last fast snapshot of the players practicing before turning her head to him, He swung his hand implying for her to come to him, a wide smile greeting her kindly. It was hard to ever say no to such kind eyes.

Catalina was there in a flash, pushing her camera into her bag and zipping it shut. "Hi," she said once she was in front of him.

He laughed a bit and his eyes met hers. "Hey."

There was a pause before he asked, "Do you want to get lunch with me? Pretty much everyone is gone and I don't want to eat alone."

Her lips pulled into a downward smile, "Nice to know I'm your first choice."

Kaká ignored her teasing sarcasm and responded genuinely. "Don't be like that, I really do like spending time with you."

"Did I hear about lunch? I'll come too!"

"Me as well."

Suddenly Raúl and Marcelo were trailing behind the pair as they walked down the hallways, Cat not noticing as a few more people joined in as well. Kaká slipped his way behind Catalina at some point, her serving as the head of this randomly formed human snake of people behind her.

She pushed the heavy cafeteria door open and the moment she did multiple loud pops went off, bright rainbow colors flying so much it almost blurred her vision.

"Feliz cumpleaños!"

There awaited Karim, Cristiano, Casillas, Xabi, Pepe, and the other members of the team along with a few of the coaches and staff holding balloons, confetti poppers, and wearing cheesy multi-colored birthday party hats, a big streamer hung above their heads.

They looked happy as can be, screaming her name and using the last of the confetti. It was like they won their first game all over again, pure electricity and good energy filling up the room so much it might explode.

Tucked in the corner was Sergio with a used confetti cannon in hand, grinning proudly as Catalina yelped in shock before screeching with pure joy, throwing her arms around the first person she saw who just happened to be Kaká.

He laughed hardily and wrapped his arms around her, patting the top of her head. "I needed an excuse just to get you in here. Poor Marcelo had to rough you up just to distract you while I was bringing in the cake" He explained into her ear.

It all made sense now.

All the weird whispers, disappearing teammates, loud silences. It wasn't all for nothing. They took the time to do everything for her.

It makes her eyes prickle with tears. This was the sense of community she was searching for her whole life, and it felt like it was finally in her hands.

"Thank you so much for everything, I don't even know how to thank you." Catalina grinned brightly.

Kaká shook his head, his famous caring smile still pulling at his cheeks. "No, don't thank me. It was our fault for not knowing in the first place. I promised I wouldn't tell whose idea it was to have this party, and I am a man of my word."

In the corner of her vision, she could see Sergio watching her with a glint on his eye.

[sukunasun]

Hi hope ur doing well! I just wanted to drop by to say i love your sukuna headcanons and fics and that your soccer au of him actually reminded me of a real player LOL. his name is sergio ramos and is known for being an aggressive defender but also has no actual scandals and has sexy tattoos and an undercut. Ik this is v random but he just really reminded me of your football player! sukuna so im just gonna pretend its him from now haha

footballer sukuna manifests ramos and zlatan the moment someone so much as touches him....thinking about how footballer sukuna is like an itch that never goes away. getting under everyone's skin and riling them up, stay mad about it—"who do you think is the best player in the world?" asks a reporter at a pre-match conference and sukuna replies, "that's the dumbest question i've ever heard," shrugging off any doubt about it, because of course the answer was as obvious as his cocky smile or the ego that inflates and grows to be as big as the room—oh how arrogant is he.

'he's so disrespectful,' they say when he does a little dance after every goal, or when he sticks his tongue out just to show off the new piercing. the cameras zoom in on him and your breath hitches at the way his smile is so daring and confident. there’s no hidden mirth and it’s not to tease, this is one of pure, unadulterated, triumph because his skill is indisputable. and he loves taking his sweet time basking in the spotlight, the spectacle that is sukuna the striker and his never-ending tantrums or the over-the-top, comical bouts of fake-injuries.

but this is no time for his antics, even his own teammates are sick of it. "get the fuck up," nanami sneers from above his form, curled up in a fetal position. they're one-nil down into additional minutes and it's the only time kento's ever had anyone get on his nerves this much, something about the dane's calm and collected resolve slipping, blonde hair frazzled and coming undone from its neat do, there's no doubt he's fuming. he slips a few curses when the ref makes his way over, and what people see is a head of rose pink looking up without a speck of guilt in his face.

but he does take his time in other ways too. during the moments where you've got him all to yourself and he bends you every which way, in all sorts of positions. just because he can, because he needs it.  “slow down…” he groans into your neck, hearing you whine desperately in reply, ass bucking up to feel him, wanting more, “i said slow down,” a warning slipping past gritted teeth. sukuna's buried deep, throbbing and so hot inside. you submit so well, so pliant and willing, but he doesn't want to rush this, in fact, he's been keeping you on edge for the past four hours. his palm coming down harshly against your ass, right where it’ll sting the least, he knows you're still sensitive.

somewhere sailing off the coast of ibiza, you'd think there would be enough privacy away from photographers and fans, but alas, he's been pouting nonstop, giving you quick, short answers and avoiding your gaze. "you're not wearing your ring...if you wanted a divorce you could've just said so..." he admits after you confront him about his temper tantrums. "it's a very expensive ring 'kuna, and we're in the middle of the sea?" you try to explain, but he huffs. stomps around the deck with his bulking frame growing twice in size.

"i'll make it up to you," you purr, finding that perfect spot in between his legs to fit yourself onto. familiar and new at the same time, just the scene of watching him struggle, watching his grapple between wanting to stay mad at you and leaving his petty feelings aside. stripping them off the same way his fingers do with your swimsuit, gently lowering the flimsy coverup to reveal soft, warm skin, a little sweaty from the heat, from the sun that beats down but he can't get enough, doesn't care about the sunburn or the freckles, but hopes that as he's leaving kisses behind, or pinning you down on a tiny bench, he'll take the brunt of it. (and he does, marca gets a great cover shot of a reddening tattooed back on a yacht)

(...bet he has a whole playlist customized to his workouts, humming all the bubbly kpop tunes and singing in tune to mitski while he's lifting weights and isn't ashamed of it either. "folklore is great," he tells you, pumping iron or running on a treadmill at a steady 7.0, there's a cute little grin on his face, somewhat childish in manner when he leans over and whispers, "but it's not as good as SOS...")

[leonsliga]

Fact is they don't have a player like leon on their team. Not with his skills, his physique or his mentality. And I'm petty enough to say... I hope they'll regret it :))) won't help leon because the euros at home were a once in a lifetime chance but still.

Literally this!! It’s so rare to find a player with Leon’s versatility, who can fill just about any position when the situation demands (just look at how well he did filling in as centre-back when Bayern were short a defender). Few footballers have that gift, let alone his physicality. We always talk about Manu being a wall, but Leon’s quite the fortress himself! Just ask Sergio Busquets 😉

I’m feeling equally petty right now, and while I won’t root directly against the DFB, I hope that in some way, however big or small, Nagelsmann comes to realize what a mistake it was to leave Leon behind. Karma’s a bitch, after all. And she doesn’t forgive or forget.

I just hope Leon’s hanging in there. I can’t even imagine what he must be going through right now, let alone how devastated he must feel. It’s like you said: the Euros at home are a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m sure that’s weighing heavy on him right now. He said when the DFB were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup that he was grateful for his friends and family for helping him through it, and I hope that they’re for him now. Even if he won’t necessarily say it, I’m sure he needs them more than ever.

[itsblasttothepast]

I know right! The car wasn't fast - Max was and at least Horner could not pretend that the conditions didn't help them (the wouldn't win on pace alone no way). Not to mention that they still haven't changed the brakes that don't brake and Sergio is one or two upgrades behind. BUT at least he said something mildly positive, even if he still insists that car held together by duct tape is the same as the other.

Jos will probably keep quiet now, the one reluctant praise was too much for him, he needs to regenerate but I guess he won't be saying anything stupid for a second. Helmut being supportive will make me gag but it's better than all of them ganging up on Sergio, right? Either way, we know we will get contradicting views from two sides of the RBR civil war so yeah, we just have to wait and see. I think the money rumours are a bit fishy, it's either Helmut trying to turn people even more against Checo (by showing that "the team can't develop because HE won't leave, Max is losing because we are held in a difficult position" or some other bs) or, in more positive light, it can be Sergio's manager sharing some info to finally convince the haters that Checo is staying because the contract is really storng and thus try to control the negativity at least a little;

Bird is either a piece in their game to destroy Sergio mentaly or he too has a very good contract. I can't see other explanation for him still being there after all the mess ups ("We have time for another lap, don't worry.... Oh, and we are out."/Sergio having to ASK him during the race what the gap is and all that/All the silences). Woody come back please, Sergio was smiling with you :( Hear me out - what if Checo is the mastermind behind all this and he was burned so much by Racing Point that the moment something seemed fishy to him he started creating a protective armour around his contract and his seat? Creating a good relationships with people higher in the chain than Horner and Helmut, making sure his sponsors were HIS and not the teams and would move if he moves, making sure the contract was hard to break without serious consequences (and hiring the best guy to negotiate it), keeping his hands clean in the internal fight for control and just not getting too involved in the internal conflicts - it looks like a great plan to ensure his survival in the team. He knows he has a strong fanbase, he knows there are people who would protect him (even some journalists and old drivers) - RBR can't ruin his image more than they already did without lying and Sergio seems to be aware of that, he said it himself that "they try to make him look stupid" and well, they did but maybe they really believed he was naive and Checo let them think that and worked quietly?

It's funny how Sergio finally saying the truth about how he is being treated in the team seems to fuel both his supporters and the haters but I really hope that if the manage to fire him he will drag all the dirt out (i'm very petty - Checo burning RBR to the ground is a dream); Oh and about the potential "finding him a new seat" thing - I think it's possible, look at the grid for next year. Officialy we have only VB seat empty and while everyone is sure Liam will be the one, what if Horner and Helmut are trying to put Sergio there? What if they are arguing that it is a seat and he can race there and Checo made sure the contract stated the team they will send him to won't be connected to RBR? The drama would get spicier but I'm sure Helmut would be the happiest with Sergio gone. The Daniel and Horner thing is complcated and it would take even longer to explain (and the ask is already a mini novel lol) but the main theory is that Daniel was the first independent pick Horner did for the team and that's why he is so after him - just to stick it to Helmut, who acctually makes some good choices when choosing the rookies. (I can send you the other theories if you are interested). Now let's go back to rumours and look at the new "facts": - The thing about Horner wanting Valtteri - I mean, okay, Valtteri is a great second seat driver but I doubt Helmut would agree (he wants young drivers) and it wouldn't make sense for RBR to make him an offer (why is he even taken into consideration?). Well, I guess it can be that they just want fans of every single driver to hate on Sergio and adding him is a novelty but I doubt Valtteri would go to RBR (he had one toxic work experience, doesn't need another); - Swapping with Williams - I think people already forgotten that RBR was talking to Carols's team and nothing came out of it, they didn't want to give him 2 year contract and a raise so he went to Williams - I have no idea what the fans are talking about now but I guess Helmut is really going around the paddock collecting new potential replacements like pokemons. With Franco I just think it's a way to stirr the pot and see if fans from Latin America will split and start hating on Sergio too - Horner is capable of doing something like that just to cut one of the things Checo has going for himself - the enourmous support; - Liam - I guess for now we went away from the narrative that he already signed the contract because media caught Horner in Williams hospility but okay, I run with it - funny how when the criticism of the kid got stronger Helmut isn't suddenly outspoken about how he will be the greatest teammate Max had but whatever - I guess Helmut is promising him RBR while Horner doesn't want him (having two drivers connected to Marko is probably his nightmare). All that while they happily ignore Yuki (who needs to get out before Honda does because Helmut will destroy him just for funsies); - My theory - in LV Horner will be talking shit about already firing Sergio and Helmut will stand in his defense (but for about 5 minutes), the media will get even more nasty because race in Las Vegas is a circus and I suppose we have to find another candidate for the seat. Oh yeah, and just to be bitter - isn't it curious how every free (or in Helmuts case not always free) driver was montioned by the media or the fans as Sergio's replacement but nobody even once said anything about Zhou? I know the news are fresh but it came to my mind after reading the article that even Bottas was pointed as the next RBR driver 10 MINUTES after he posted the statement about leaving and nothing like that happened with Zhou.... Ehhhh

Sometimes I think I want to live in delulu land with Horner and Marko, since they apparently live in some sort of AU where the RB20 is perfect, and Checo is the bad guy. The worst is that even the press lives there too, I mean, it's obvious the car is not the same, but they keep saying it is! like... what are they smoking and why aren't they sharing?

This is how I imagine all of them:

Jos has been so quiet that the press had to recycle his last comments over and over, like a broken record.

You know? I think Checo is showing how much power he will have in RBR. It's my conspiracy theory that Horner and Marko did wanted Checo out, but the big boss didn't let them fire him, and also since Checo made the Ford deal a reality, and has brought new sponsors, they want to keep him; also there's the fact that Max is well liked with the whole Chestappen thing, so the only way Markorner will at least regain some sense of control is with the rumors they can create.

I do think Checo is the mastermind here, he has played the oblivious role, he even admits how they enjoy making him look stupid, but he's far from it and they are just seeing it. Checo knew how to keep playing the game in the long run, and now he has a iron clad contract, he is even making the press look bad.

Oooh, please, send the Daniel theories. To be honest, I wasn't as interested in RBR back then, I focused on Checo and Force India/Racing Point, Brocedes and Ferrari. I suppose that Daniel is to Horner like what Max is to Marko then?

With the lot of rumors going on, I think I can only add that this Lawson kid is getting on my nerves, and I hope I'm mistaken, but he seems a little racist, only attacking hispanic drivers and talking shit about them. I'm probably wrong, but it looks weird, Anyway, he's becoming enemy number one in the latino groups, so hopefully he will calm down for the next races.

I know, it's awful they don't even consider Zhou, Valtteri is considered for RBR and Mercedes... and what about Zhou? These people are awful!