#all in all a Fantastic weekend 10/10

[aseuki]

aahh i'm a little late but happy birthday!! hope you had a fantastic time!!

Aaaaah thank you so much Starflung! It WAS though!! I got to hang out with a couple buddies, and had a lot of tasty treats to boot!

Hands u a slice of cake from one bday neighbor to another 👋💖💖💖

[entitled-fangirl]

Sweet mama.

Joel Miller x reader

Summary: Joel gets baby fever watching the reader play with Tommy and Maria's baby.

Author's note: don't think too hard about the timeline please and thank you. Also, I got baby fever this weekend, so I figured I'd make everyone else have it, too. Also also- I use they/them for the baby since the gender hasn't been revealed in the show

Masterlist

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Oh, God. She was all that occupied his mind at the moment. 

Life in Jackson was not exactly what Joel had in mind, but even he'd admit, it had its perks. 

For example, this scene in front of him.

Y/N on the floor of their shared home with Tommy and Maria's baby.

At first, Joel had very much disliked the idea of babysitting for the night when Tommy asked. But how could he have said no when he saw the way Y/N's face lit up at the very thought?

So, he obviously said yes.

But now, here they were actually doing it. 

He was sat on the dusty couch with an old can of beer he had found, sipping occasionally when he fell out of his daydreams. 

How can he not enjoy the way she interacted with the kid?

He had seen just how fantastic she could be with Ellie.

Y/N had been with Joel a little less than Tess had. They had had a rocky start, especially right at the beginning.

She was a friend of Bill and Frank's. And Frank had decided that they should meet.

But he knew telling both parties about it would only cause conflict. 

So, he didn't tell them at all.

Imagine their surprise when unsuspected visitors appeared in the middle of Y/N's and Frank's tea time. 

She pulled her gun on Joel.

Things were tense for a while after that.

But, after some time, they found that they liked each other very much.

Sometimes, Joel worried that they liked one another a little too much.

"You know," Joel finally said to her. "I haven't even been around a kid like this since… well, when it was Sarah, I guess."

She looked up from her spot on the ground as the baby played with the wooden blocks in front of them, "Really?"

He nods, "Don't even know if I remember what to do. Thank God I got you."

She laughs, "You were the one that was a parent. I was just an older sister. That's how I got my experience."

He shrugs, "You have a gift for it."

She smiles, grabbing the 10-month-old. The baby giggles as she lifts them into the air. She walks to the couch, "Here." She holds out the baby to him.

He holds his hands up in surrender, "Nah. You're doing great, Sweetheart. I won't stop ya."

She scoffs, holding the baby close to her chest now with a teasing scoff, "Whatever, Miller."

"I'm serious," He argues, "I like watching you like this. Happy and… God, this looks so fucking natural for you."

"Joel!" She yelled. "Language."

He laughs, "See? You're…" He sighs in thought.

She notices, "What?"

He smiles and shakes his head, "In another world, sweet girl…"

She tilted her head, "Joel, I'm confused."

He stands up, inches from her face now. He gently takes the baby out of her arms and places them in the makeshift playpen. He returns to her quickly.

His arms grab her waist gently. His voice lowers, "If life was different, I'd give you a baby right now."

Her cheeks turned pink, "What?"

He laughs as he buries his face into her neck, "Think about it. You'd be a beautiful mother. God, I'd give you a baby."

Her gaze started to turn hopeful. She had never thought about having a baby. 

Her thoughts turned dirty as he started to kiss up her neck slowly.

"A sweet mama." Kiss. "Walking around here with my baby in you." Kiss. "Making every man in here green with envy." Kiss. "You'd be so pretty like that." Kiss. "God, you'd just glow more than you do now."

"Joel…?"

He pulled away at her weak voice.

She looks away in thought. "Do you think… if… if this whole 'cure' thing works with Ellie… You think there may actually be a world we could have a baby in? Where… we could be parents?"

He takes in her features carefully, not realizing just how much his words had affected her. "Well… I… I don't know." 

She nods and pulls away from him completely, her wishful thinking over, "Right." She walks back to the baby in the playpen, "Not worth even hoping for."

He pulls her back into his firm chest, and circles her waist with his arms, "Hey. Don't say that. We'll just… leave it on the back burner. Yeah?"

She nods. "Back burner. Okay."

The two watch the baby in front of them play happily, blissfully unaware of the world they all lived in.

…

Y/N sat in the backseat with an unconscious Ellie.

She was still shaking at the sight of seeing Joel in a murderous rage in the hospital.

She knew he was protective of her and Ellie but she had never seen him do anything like that before.

She cradled the girl's head carefully in her lap, gently running her fingers through Ellie's greasy hair. 

She looked up to catch Joel's eyes in the rearview mirror. "Guess we're not getting that cure, are we?"

He shook his head, "Guess not."

"Say goodbye to the chance at parenthood." She sighed.

They sat in silence for a while.

She watched Ellie carefully to check for signs of her waking up.

And she heard Joel's light chuckle.

She looked up, "What?"

He looked at her though the mirror again, "Nothing, sweet mama."

"I'm not… this is…" She glanced down at Ellie, and back up at Joel. 

She smiled slowly as she reveled in Joel's observance.

"I guess…" she noted, "I guess we've already been doing it."

Joel nodded, "Guess it really was made for you."

................................................

[sugrhigh]

BOY NEXT DOOR 10 - ( c.s )

part nine

summary- you and your roommates live beside a bunch of senior hockey players, one of them being the infamous team captain chris sturniolo. he’s effortlessly flirty and undeniably attractive, but he’s also a pain in your ass. you find that you have to fight between lust and hatred as you finally get to know the boy next door, whether you want to or not.

warnings- a little angsty, swearing, comfort as well i guess, idk??? nothing crazy

a/n: i liedddd i lied i’m splitting the last part in two bc this became a little longer than anticipated. i hope u are all doing fantastic and i stg i will get the rest of this story out if its the last thing i do LMFAO (next part will give u goblins what you’ve been waiting for hehehehe)

the knocks on your front door start at around six pm the following friday. it’s surprising, because it’s rare that anyone shows up unannounced, especially right before the weekend festivities.

in fact, the last time someone did that was when chris arrived on your front porch with a bouquet of flowers to ask you on a date. you try not to think about it too much as you descend the stairs, focusing on not tripping over your feet instead.

the knocking grows louder, making it clear that whoever is waiting is rather restless.

“i’m fucking coming!” you shout as you make it to the landing, closing the final distance and yanking the door open with a huff.

when you see who it is, you’re even more out of breath. ben and connor stand before you, concern written all over both of their faces. neither of them say anything; they just exchange sheepish glances with one another like they’re unsure where to begin.

“oh—uh…hey guys. what’s up?” you try not to sound too disoriented, even though you are.

“hey…sorry to barge over here like this, i’m sure we’re not really the people you want to be seeing right now.” connor starts, shoving his hands in his pockets as he speaks.

you stay silent, because he’s not really wrong. you know that they have nothing to do with the situation, and you refuse to take it out on them, but seeing chris’s friends is a painful reminder that he still exists.

even though each week becomes a tiny bit more bearable, that doesn’t mean you’re suddenly fine and back to normal.

ben clears his throat, taking over for his friend and cutting to the chase. “look, we really need your help. i swear we wouldn’t be bothering you if it wasn’t serious.”

your eyebrows furrow further, and you’re somehow even more confused than you were when you opened the door. an anxious feeling settles in your stomach, like it’s only going to get worse from here.

“what is it?” you ask hesitantly, because you’re not sure you actually want the answer.

“it’s chris,” connor starts, eyes darting over to their house as he says it, “he’s…i don’t know, he’s just messed up. ever since things ended between the two of you he’s been completely out of it, and now he’s throwing hockey away too.”

you tilt your head to the side. “wait, what do you mean throwing it away?”

”the team confronted him after we lost on sunday and he didn’t want to hear it, so he walked away. we thought he was fronting, that he’d realize he was being an idiot, but he didn’t show up to any of our practices this week and coach is fuckin’ pissed. he won’t talk to us, or listen to anything we’re saying.” ben explains further, waving his hands around in aggravation as he speaks.

horror washes over you when you realize that they probably spoke to him about you, and that the whole team was in on it. you can feel your cheeks heating up in shame just thinking about how that conversation went, which makes you angry.

your voice comes out a lot sharper than intended when you respond. “no offense guys, but i’m not really sure what this has to do with me.”

“kind of, like, everything.” ben shoots back, though he immediately slaps a hand over his mouth once he realizes how he sounds.

connor rolls his eyes and elbows him in the hip, earning a muffled grunt. “what he means to say is that the only person that kid listens to is you. if he doesn’t snap out of it soon and go to the game tomorrow, he's gonna be kicked off the team for good. and as much as you’re on shitty terms, i don’t think you want to see him do that either.”

he’s spot on once again. you’re still hurt, but you can’t bring yourself to truly hate him. hearing that chris is taking this just as hard and is actively fucking up the rest of his career at the most critical time makes your heart feel like it’s suffocating.

you rub your eyes, letting out a long sigh as you begin to mentally prepare yourself for what you’re about to do.

“fine, i hear you, and i’ll talk to him. but i'm not making any promises beyond that.”

they both look so relieved that you actually feel kind of bad. you’re not sure if this is actually going to work, but they’ve clearly been stressing out over their friend for a while now.

you wonder if your own roommates feel the same way about you. they’re out together for happy hour after you insisted on staying home, still not in the mood to socialize. you’ve been trying not to burden them with the massive pressure you‘re feeling all of the time, but they’ve also known you for over three years now.

it’s hard to hide from the people that really know you, which chris clearly understands.

“thank you, seriously. we both owe you major, anything you want for real.” ben praises, hands pressed together as if he’s worshiping.

“yeah, we really appreciate you doing this. i’ve always known you were the best, but you somehow only get better.” connor smiles, a small glimmer of sadness in his eyes.

he straightens up after a moment, nodding over at their place as they begin to retreat. “ben and i are headed out to the bars, so if you’re not up to anything tonight, he’ll be in his room. front door’s open.”

you already feel like you’re floundering, but you nod at the two of them as if you’re just great anyways. what else can you do when you just made a vow to throw your healing out the window?

ben lingers for a moment, staying just close enough so that he can whisper under his breath. “for what it’s worth, you're the best thing that ever happened to chris. and i hope one day he can prove that he knows that too.”

you feel yourself tense up immediately. you have no idea how the hell you’re supposed to respond to that, so you don’t. he gives you a small wave as he finally turns, joining his friend so that they can make their way up the street.

you watch them until they’re gone, still frozen in place. the shock has finally kicked in, and you can’t move.

all you can think about is chris; having to look him in the face again, and listen to him say things to you that you know are going to twist the knife even deeper. it’ll probably undo all of what little progress you’ve made.

but you can’t let him mess everything else up too, not when you still love him so much. there are some things that are worth throwing yourself on the blade for, and this is one of them.

unfortunately or not, you’re going over there, and you’re going to shake some fucking sense into him like you always do.

even if it kills you in the process.

when chris hears the soft tapping on his door, he assumes it’s one of his roommates trying to persuade him off of his war path once again. he’s sprawled out in bed as if there’s not a care in the world, playing endless rounds of fortnite like he has been for the past week.

“i’m not interested in chatting.” he snaps, narrowing his irritated eyes at the tv screen in front of him.

it’s locked anyways, so they can’t get in regardless. and yet, despite this fact, the door swings open a moment later. chris is about to spiral into a complete rage until he actually looks over to see who it is.

you’re standing there with a bent paperclip in hand, a self-satisfied expression plastered on your face.

“so it actually does work, huh?”

for a second he thinks he’s hallucinating. there’s no way that you’re actually here, in his room, cracking a joke about the time that he broke in to talk to you. but he can smell your signature perfume in the air, which convinces him that this is in fact real life.

chris shoots up in bed, messing with his hair self-consciously. a furious blush is creeping up his face, because his room is a fucking disaster zone of clutter and it’s embarrassing. he wasn’t expecting anyone, especially not you.

“um—hi?” it’s more of a question than an actual greeting, even though he didn’t mean for it to come out that way.

“hi.” you reply awkwardly, eyes shifting around his room as you continue to stand in the doorway.

“you can, uh, sit. if you want.” chris stutters, moving his legs so that they’re hanging off his bed.

he straightens his comforter to make room for you, still red with shame about the mess. he has no idea why you’re here, he’s just praying that he doesn’t say anything that’ll scare you away. he wants this moment to last as long as it possibly can.

luckily enough, you actually do end up making your way over, settling on the very edge of his bed. you’re practically falling off it, trying to make sure that you keep as much distance between the two of you as possible. it breaks his heart, but he can’t say he doesn’t understand.

“i’m sure you’re confused, so i’ll just get right to it.” you start, picking at your fingernails so you don’t have to look at him.

the lump in his throat is growing by the second, but instead of showing that, he nods and attempts to choke it back down.

“your friends came over. they’re really worried about you, you know.” you continue carefully.

he barely contains an eye roll, opting to close them for a moment instead as he lets out a small breath. but he understands, seeing as he’s gone completely off the rails.

“i don’t know what to say to that.” chris replies honestly, since he’s apparently lost the ability to talk to you too.

“well, i guess you could start by telling me what the hell is going on, because you pretty much live and breathe for your team.” you’re putting it bluntly now, because you know it won’t get through to him if you don’t.

he rubs a hand over his face, trying to think of the right words. they’re not really there, but it’s been too long of a pause, and he needs to fucking speak like a normal person.

“i…my heart just isn’t in it. i’m playing like shit and it’s better if i don’t bring them down with me.”

you shake your head, completely astounded by the attitude that you’re hearing. “so you’re just going to turn your back now? when you’re weeks away from selection show and so close to a contract?”

he’s defeated; chris doesn’t know what else to do besides throw in the towel, and he also has no idea how to get you to understand that. his shoulders slump slightly as he stares at the floor.

“yeah, i guess i am.”

it’s silent for a moment, which makes him incredibly insecure. then you nudge him with your foot a little, forcing him to look over at you.

“listen, if you don’t want to play hockey anymore, that’s your decision at the end of the day. but i have to be honest with you before you do that.” you start off strong, facing him fully so that you can meet his eyes.

“the first time i ever came to your game, as someone that you actually invited, i saw you. i’d been to games before, but that night i was solely focused on you, as stupid and fucking embarrassing as that is to admit. you were electric out there, chris, and you’ve got so much talent it’s actually a bit ridiculous. i mean, you literally made me fall in love with hockey all over again,” your voice wobbles slightly—barely enough for him to notice—but it’s there.

your eyes are full of an emotion he can’t comprehend. maybe it’s because you’re feeling every single one of them, just like he is right now. he’s beginning to cry, and there’s nothing he can do to stop it.

“you’ve been putting in the work, and i know that you’d get an AHL contract from one team or another. you want it so bad it kills you, and you’re so damn close. i can’t let you give that away because of us.”

the words hit him hard, and even though his first instinct is to get defensive, there’s no point. you can read him like a book, and you know just as well as he does that his terrible performance has everything to do with your relationship.

slowly, he reaches for your hand. he can’t help it; being this close to you makes it feel like every single one of his nerves is on fire, and he has to actually feel you.

your fingers tangle together, resting on your leg. you’re stiff at first, but you relax into it as his thumb grazes your lower thigh in a calming pattern. it feels so natural, almost domestic, even after being apart for so long.

his other hand goes to your neck, pulling you forward so that your foreheads press together gently. you can smell him, feel his slightly callused palms, hear his soft breaths. it’s so overwhelming that the tears you’ve been shoving away spring to your eyes.

he knows he only gets one chance to say it, so he does.

“i love you. i love you so much that i can't focus on anything else, not with the way things are between us. and i am so, so sorry that i ever did that to you, or that i put myself in that situation in the first place. it was my own insecurity taking over, as much as that sucks to say, and it was pathetic. but i want to be with you, only you, and i always have. i mean, fuck, i’ve loved you since the moment you moved in next door, when you yelled at me out your window to put on a shirt that night.” chris chuckles slightly, sniffling a bit as he continues to brush his thumbs along your skin.

you can’t help but huff out a small laugh as well, thinking about that day. you were already frustrated after it took hours to build your dresser, and him teasing you was just the final nail in the coffin.

“the point is that i love you, and i’m sorry. i just needed you to hear me say it.” he breathes.

everything in him wants to lean in and close the rest of the space, because he misses his mouth on yours so much. teardrops roll down your cheeks slowly, and he can feel you shaking just a little bit in his grasp.

“i fucking love you too, chris, but i just…i just don’t know.” you sigh, biting down on your bottom lip hard to keep them from colliding with his.

you place a hand on his chest, pushing him away just a little bit to try and set a boundary. it’s almost worse, because now you can really see him, his face inches apart from yours.

his eyes dart down to your lips for too long, puffy from you gnawing on them, and he can feel himself slipping into that same trance he’s always in whenever he’s around you. especially after hearing those three words, whether you were cursing at him or not.

but he nods and lets his fingers fall from your neck, because he refuses to force this on you if you’re not ready. he still keeps a hold of your hand, though, for at least a little longer.

“i get it. i’ll fucking wait, i don’t care. if there’s any chance, i’d wait forever, do you understand that?”

you can’t meet his eyes as you push some of your hair over your shoulder. “i’m not sure that i do.”

“i can’t do this without you, and i don’t want to.” chris feels like he’s repeating himself, but he doesn’t care.

he squeezes your hand just a bit, and you use your free one to brush the tears from your cheeks. you finally meet his gaze again a moment later, eyes shining slightly. he can see the hesitation in them from a mile away.

“please, just come to the game tomorrow. i’ll swallow my pride and beg for forgiveness until coach lets me back on the team if you can do that for me.” he pleads, the faintest of ideas forming in the back of his mind.

you blow out another breath, but your body betrays you and you’re nodding your head before you can actually respond. he’s surprised by this, naturally.

but you knew the second the words came out of his mouth that you would say yes, so you verbalize that fact. “i’ll go. if you show up and play like you mean it, i’ll go.”

he feels himself laugh again instinctively, just because of how wrong he was. you’ll always have that fiery personality; it’s just you. he figured you’d eventually move on and find some really great guy, but he was pretty sure that he would always stay right here, dreaming of you.

“i’ll play like it’s the last game of my life, i promise.” he places his hand over his heart, knowing full well now that he’s going to put on a real show.

you pull your own from his so that you can stick your pinky out, forcing him to swear on it. you’re well aware that it’s silly, but you’ve always believed it was a little deeper than just saying it.

“pinky?” you challenge.

he smiles, linking his finger with yours without batting an eye. “pinky.”

@fawnchives @55sturn @luverboychris @teapartyprincess4two @pinksturniolo @mattinside @stonermattsgf @impureals @chrisactualwife @fikefries @riasturns @mattybsbitch @mattsmunch @sturnifyed @julessspoetry @beijhe @gnxosblog @braindead4l @orangeypepsi @ponyosturniolo @cupidsword @rainydayenthusiast @sturnvvz @wurlibydominicfike @poopydroopt @bernardsleftbootycheek @trilliwarner @rubyjanexxx @reallykaz @neatcarrot767 @kirby0strombolli @bunnysturns @junnniiieee07 @hrt-attack @sturnssmuts @stunza @beccaluvschris @asturniolos @slutz4sturniolos @mattslolita @alorsxsturn @sturnrc @chrissystur @kellsbells-18 @realqueenofpepsi @snowysosturn @secretfangirly @scarlettbitches @satvisfavetoodles @x0x0bunny

[jiminjamms]

sex therapy :: 23. homewrecker

chapter tags/warnings: naoya has sex with toji’s older ex-wife. misogynistic! naoya. age gap. exhibitionism. creampies. masturbation. infidelity/adultery. family drama. strong language. plain manipulation. corruption. 

word count: 3.8k

notes: a longer chapter, but i had became so enraptured in the writing process hence the quick turnaround! given the thanksgiving weekend in the united states, i want to thank all my readers for being so invested my story! likes, comments, and reblogs are much appreciated. xoxo

fic masterlist | 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33.

Naoya Zenin had no qualms in calling himself the Master of the Universe.

He had everything he wanted in this world.

Money? Check. Power? Check. Fame? Also check.

Mind you, Naoya had to work hard to get into this position too. He didn’t just sit around on the couch all day waiting for opportunities to come flying his way. He had to be proactive. He had some tough decisions to make. Like how he had to choose between spending the weekend on a golf course or a ski resort. Or if he should pull up to the next board meeting with a Patek Phillipe or a Rolex. Nothing in his sad and poor life came easy when he only grew up as a spare heir, always living in the shadow of his once almighty cousin.

Which was why nothing could fuel his ego more than watching Toji's ex-wife ride his dick like this was some fucking rodeo.

"Naoya, baby," Mari whined, flushed as she ground down hard on his cock, her pussy squeezing him to the point his sight became spotted with stars. "I'm so close."

“Yeah?" Naoya managed to croak. His voice was hoarse; he longer recognized himself. He could only feel how his cock was splitting his mistress open, and with one long groan, he sank his face into her fat tits that were like clouds against his skin, his heavy balls slapping against her ass cheeks with each thrust up. "Gonna make a mess over my cock?”

She nodded confidently. “Mhm…We’re going to leave the sheets covered with cum.”

“Fuck, yeah.”

Sighing, the woman leaned forward with her palm holding the headboard’s edge for dear life while the other groped her own breast to keep her bosom from moving wildly.

“Don’t stop,” she mewled.

But shit, Naoya knew he was going crazy at this fantastically sexy sight. With this goddess before him, his mind and body wanted to go all in. No holds barred. He wanted nothing but to stuff this celestial being full of his cum, making sure her cunt would be aching when she woke up. 

The Zenin CEO moaned at his lewd ideas, the mattress beneath them rocking back and forth from their combined forceful movements. Damn, he knew he should've booked a hotel room at the Ritz Carlton rather than at some InterContinental, where he knew (from experience) that the beds were sturdier and wouldn't be such an annoying mid-sex turnoff. 

"I'm cumming!" Mari shouted in the midst of Naoya's haze, and his mind placed a screeching halt in his thoughts to focus solely on how her walls now squeezed around his cock, contracting around him in waves. 

“Shit.”

She might be twenty years older, but goddamn, did she still have that grip.

Naoya’s climax didn’t take long to follow. The way his mistress's hot body crumpled against him as she wailed out his name repeatedly was simply too much, his own breaths dissolving into a strangled moan as his orgasm consumed him. “Holy fuck.”

In one white flash, Naoya's vision went blank. Hot semen shot from his tip in intense bursts as Naoya plunged himself completely into one of the tightest cunts he'd ever fucked. (And yes, he had enough girlfriends and one-night stands to make this conclusion. Don’t be silly to assume he didn't have experience.)

He panted hard, trying to catch his breath as Mari rolled over into the spot next to him, leaving their sweaty forms tangled in bed. As his heart slowed down from its marathon, he puffed his cheeks out and exhaled. 

Wow. 

He hadn’t gotten his dick twisted like that in a while, and to award the star of tonight’s show, he faced his lover and pressed a kiss against her forehead. 

“Drained my balls completely empty,” he hummed in sheer amazement, pulling the sheets to cover their naked bodies. If they hadn’t gone for four whole rounds already, he would have hauled her into another episode of intense thrusting and moaning, perhaps slamming into her by those windows for the entire Tokyo area to see.

Giggling, the older woman slipped off the bed. She trailed toward the vanity mirror to re-apply her lipstick for what must be the millionth occasion. Not that Naoya was complaining because he had a thing for women with that cherry red on, and every time Mari went smacking her painted lips together, Naoya would find a way to get all that off.

All Naoya could picture in his head was how much he wanted to watch her suck him off again and see her print lipstick stains on his dick, from the base to the tip.

Well, fuck. 

He’s getting hard again.

To distract himself, he tossed over to the side, propping an elbow on a pillow and resting his chin on his palm. This gave him the perfect angle to watch his hot girlfriend while hiding the boner between his legs. A genius move.

Then, he thought aloud, “I don’t know what I would have done without those nudes that you’ve been sending me over these past several weeks.”

She purred, flattered. “Liked them?”

Naoya had to correct her.

“Loved them.” Recalling the slew of dirty photos that he had received over text made his eyes roll to the back of his head. “I would bring my phone to the bathroom just so I could beat off to your pictures in the shower. Even came on my screen once because I couldn’t hold myself back a moment longer.”

Mari grinned from ear to ear from the compliment, staring into the mirror to wipe away a misplaced smear. “So, you really missed me.”

Naoya nodded in acknowledgment, reaching for his unfinished glass of Rémy Martin that had been left on the bedside table. “Most certainly, I did.”

“Of course.” Through her reflection in the mirror, he saw her scarlet lips pucker into a pout. “We haven’t been together in weeks since you are always busy and all.” 

Despite her leveled tone, the bitter twinge caught Naoya off guard. 

Did Mari think he did not care for her anymore after everything that he had done just this night alone? It was not like he had intentionally avoided her in recent weeks. Naoya had made himself extremely clear in the past that he had a company to run, a marriage to tend to, and a father to please. 

Especially that last bit. 

Naobito Zenin had been on Naoya’s ass on what seemed like everything lately: ‘financial forecasts’ this and ‘earnings call’ that. The Chairman had been chasing him on whether he had been planning for his upcoming strategy discussion with the board, consulting with other C-suite members about new firm initiatives, and speaking with Daisuke (your father) about recent company operations. Immensely annoying. His very own father should at least have some sympathy, knowing that Naoya—unlike his older cousin—did not grow up with a business mindset drilled into his head. 

With the family patriarch also now aware of his son’s extramarital affair, Naoya must especially tiptoe around every interaction that involved his mistress.

After all, Naobito might have been turning a blind eye ever since discovering those scandalous paparazzi photos online, but he was no fool to ignore his son’s funny business, especially if this would jeopardize the Zenin Corporation’s success and the proud family’s reputation. In their most recent meeting, the older Zenin had reiterated that if there was any evidence that his son’s affair may imperil the company’s bottom line, there would be ‘severe consequences’—and in these matters with his own father, Naoya understood that no punishment was off the table. 

“So,” Mari pressed, noticing the blond’s silence, “when are we going to see each other again?” 

Meanwhile, the woman before him was absolutely oblivious to everything that had been going on ever since Naoya rushed back to Japan from Mexico. 

He would take the blame, too.

Naoya intentionally did not mention how his father discovered their scandal’s photos, to lessen Mari's worry. Turned out the decision bit him in the ass, given how the woman narrowed her gaze in suspicion.

With the glass of cognac now trapped between his teeth, he took a slow sip that burned down his throat like spiced liquid fire. The warm residue, a testimony to the drink’s potency, pulsed through his veins like a slow-burning hearth as he sat up slowly.

“As soon as I can.”

She surprised him with her fast response. “Why not this weekend? We were supposed to go to your lakehouse in Switzerland soon, remember?” she pointed out, and Naoya had to conclude that she could not possibly be serious given that the European country called for a ten-plus hour flight from Tokyo, even with his Gulfstream. 

“That, I cannot do,” he replied, his tone firm.

If he went missing again, his father would be livid. 

“Why not?” an unaware Mari asked while walking over to the bed again and seated her naked form along the edge. “Trying to make time for your wife again?”

Interesting that she assumed you had a role in this. Frankly, Naoya had not thought about you the entire night, seeing you last as a sobbing mess in the penthouse.

As your husband, he should feel a teensy bit bad about cursing you off, but he had never been the one to chew on an emotion that did not serve him, so he quickly let that guilt go. This whole thing was your fault, anyway. Purposely poking around in his business, and then letting him have his way with you despite how obviously little he could care. As far as he can tell, he left you huddled up in an adorable little ball on the floor, sulking and crying over how badly you fucked up. 

Pathetic. 

That should teach you a lesson.

Perhaps Naoya would like to see a little backbone in you, but if that meant you may grow even more testy when around him, then he would rather not.

With his tongue running over his lower lip, he placed his glass atop the oak table again. “About my schedule,” he began, “no, my wife doesn’t have to do with anything.”

“Good!” Mari huffed with finality, his answer giving her the green light to crawl across the mattress and push the covers off Naoya. She straddled him perfectly, allowing his latest load to trickle out slowly from her cunt and onto his thighs. “That’s what I thought, that you two were over had your marriage certificate not existed. Besides, what was that you had texted me?” she continued as if she wasn’t pressing her slicked pussy against his semi-hard cock. “That your wife had been cheating on you for who knows how long.” 

He nodded. “Pretty much.”

“Disgusting,” the older woman spat, rolling her eyes at your audacity. “So, she’s a spoiled brat and a two-timer. For someone from her noble background, your wife is one dumb and cheap whore.”

Quite an ironic statement given who was talking, but Naoya kept his mouth shut at the thought. Rather, his hands kneaded his mistress’s fat butt, which at least helped him keep his mind away from things he didn’t want to think about. 

“Yeah, she sure is a slut,” he agreed.

Naoya sent a convincing smile in between his words, and he could practically see Mari’s face light up from his validation. 

“See! Exactly!” she exclaimed. “That bitch never lived a hard day in her life and is already blessed with everything the world can possibly give her—wealth, respect, a good last name. Yet, she dares to act like she has nothing?!” Enraged, she threw her hands into the air from frustration. “Might as well just leave someone as entitled as her! Filing a divorce is simpler than you think, speaking from my own experience. Once the whole world understands that she’s a nobody unmatched by you, everyone would support your decision, right?” Wrong. His father surely would not. But to satiate his own curiosity, he let her continue. “Not to mention, baby, people would respect you more as a businessman without your current wife.” Wrong again. 

His hands might be tracing another woman’s curves, but Naoya understood that he needed you if he hoped to ascertain his ascendancy in the company. That was why his father, with his life’s many decades, easily recognized this necessary union and had pressed for this marital arrangement.

To the Zenin family, you were the perfect addition. 

Descending from a line of honorable financiers, you not only had the right connections to the upper echelon since birth but also were the daughter of the Zenin Corporation’s Chief Operating Officer. Yet, most importantly, you were incredibly elegant, classy, and admired, exactly the person people would want to be associated with if they wanted to clear their public images and tarnished pasts…and exactly the impeccable character that Naoya needed by his side.

His marriage to you served him as not a bond forged upon mutual love, but rather a calculated decision to leverage your virtuosity as a cloak—or moreso, a distraction. With the public adoring you, Naoya could confidently hide his lack of competence and credentials behind your flawless paragon. Goddamnit. He fucking hated how he relied on you more than you depended on him (albeit you might not realize this), but until his father kicked the bucket, what could Naoya realistically do?  

Therefore, dissolving this shrewd alliance between him and you would be detrimental not only to two distinguished bloodlines but also to Naoya in particular.

He already skirted around being shown out the door once.

Given Naobito's recent stringency, there was no room for Naoya to make another mistake again.

But rather than dealing with an upset Mari if he chose to reveal these facts, Naoya instead patted her head with encouragement and brushed her brown locks. “That’s my smart girl,” he praised, tilting his head forward to express his agreement. 

Flustered at the commendation, she went on without much thought. “I’m so glad you agree with me, baby. That’s just…That is a thought that has been on my mind for a while, but,” and she paused briefly to formulate her next words carefully, “I mean, I only want the best for you. Naturally. So, maybe there are better people to spend your money on and life with.”

Now, Naoya would admit that he can be shortsighted at points, but he was not that stupid to realize that she was alluding to herself. 

“I appreciate you for thinking about me,” he still said, because he must stay on her good side if he hoped for a comprehensive answer to his following question, “By the way, do you know any new rumors going around about Toji?”

The said man’s ex-wife perked up visibly at the question. Even though she was busy plotting your downfall a moment ago, the mention of Toji inveigled her such that she would push all her other thoughts aside. 

Although Mari had presented divorce papers to her then-husband earlier this year, Naoya continued to allow—in fact, encouraged—Mari to still visit Toji on the occasion. He didn't give two hoots that his mistress was getting railed by his cousin if that meant that she came back with fresh dirt about him, allowing Naoya to indulge in his custom-tailored version of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

“I had an appointment with him yesterday." Using her fingers, Mari combed through her dark strands. “Crazy that you used to work with him and his stupid little entourage, right?"

“That is crazy.” Had he not been reminded, Naoya would have nearly forgotten that he used to work as a sex therapist too up until earlier this year. In that office was where he befriended the then-Mari Fushiguro, although he had known her years prior as an in-law. Naoya only terminated his position after his father finally decided to hand his only son (rather than his nephew) the CEO and heir apparent titles. “To think that now I oversee a large conglomerate,” he stated proudly, “so unlike everyone else, I have matured and am off to better things.”

"Funny for you to say that,” the woman resumed, now twirling her hair out of habit. “Do you remember your office in the middle of their hallway? Only recently did I realize someone scratched out your name from the door’s plaque. Don’t even know who did that.”

What pettiness.

What was this?

Middle school?

Were the other therapists that butt hurt when Naoya turned against them to propel himself toward his well-deserved future as the Zenin Corporation’s heir? “Choso probably did that. He is the type to hold grudges and act upon them.” 

Even if he has to kill, Naoya mentally added from what he recalled about his former co-worker but preferred to keep that morbid possibility to himself.

“That makes sense. I never liked Choso anyway. He will talk shit about you to your face,” Mari declared, which launched her into a soliloquy about her grievances regarding the other therapists that Naoya used to work with. “Meanwhile, Geto smiles too much. Creeps me out.” Agreed. “Sukuna is overly cocky.” True. “Then, Toji,” and this is the part that Naoya really wanted to hear about, “has been distancing himself from me these days.”

Why, this was not the news that Naoya hoped for. 

Rather than soaking in joy from hearing about Toji’s demise, Naoya instead felt his stomach drop from a sinking dread.

While he found some sick gratification in pleasing his cousin's past partner both emotionally and sexually, the more important reason he needed this MILF in his life was to monitor his estranged cousin’s moves from afar.

She was merely the perfect spy.

What better source of intel was there in this world besides Toji’s former spouse, who simply walked up to Naoya and offered her espionage services the day she learned that her then-husband was no longer set to inherit the Zenin thone? All that she asked in return was a little money and a little physical attention, which was easy for Naoya to throw at her.

After rightfully (and he must place emphasis on that last word) taking back what he was entitled to, Naoya was positive that Toji had a target placed on his back. Therefore, Naoya needed Mari's updates on Toji and Co. to protect himself, to protect his position, and to protect the status quo that he had worked so hard for.

If Toji stopped talking to Mari completely, how else would Naoya keep his threats under watch?

“Do you have ideas on why Toji is giving you the cold shoulder?”

Pressing her bare chest to Naoya’s toned ones, Mari stopped briefly in contemplation but ultimately shrugged. “Do you think he’s getting suspicious? That he realized I left him for his younger cousin Naoya?”

“No,” the said man denied vehemently. “That cannot possibly be.”

Naoya had been extremely careful in keeping his extramarital relationship as discreet as possible. For example, the moment he learned about those photos of him and his mistress en route to Mexico, he immediately called every publisher to have them take the pictures down, no matter the monetary cost.

He made sure to leave no crumbs along his trail and refused to believe in the contrary. “Any other reasons you can think of?”

With Naoya not reciprocating her libido, Mari started to appear visibly annoyed. “Maybe he’s moved on," she suggested, answers curt. "Maybe he'd found another person.”

If Naoya thought the first hypothesis was alarming enough, this second explanation definitely took the cake. 

At least, if Toji had truly gotten suspicious about Mari’s affiliation with the current Zenin successor, Naoya somewhat had some control over that situation. Divert the paparazzi. Create cover-up stories. Bribe more publishers. Find each and every way possible to take the spotlight off him and his secret affair.

On the other hand, there was not much Naoya could do if Toji no longer found interest in his ex-wife.

Huh.

Well, that wasn't quite good.

How could Naoya play his next move?

Or had Toji been playing him all along?

Strategize.

Naoya needed to strategize. C'mon, he was the fucking CEO of the fucking Zenin Corporation. He had done strategizing plenty of times before, so why was his mind suddenly going blank on what to do next?

“Who has Toji taken interest in?” Naoya found himself asking, desperate for information.

“Beats me.” Mari guided his hands to trace her curves, cupping her breasts with Naoya's palms to urge him to massage the rounded mounds. “Although, think about this: she cannot merely be anybody,” and she released her grip around his wrists to start counting with her fingers, “One, she has to be well-off. Therapy ain't cheap. Two, she is stuck in a bad relationship. And three, she is also stuck with bad sex.”

What a good approach to the situation, narrowing down the potential suspects and investigating from there!

Who knew some women had the smarts in them to devise such detailed commentary? That was what Naoya loved about mature and more experienced psyches in ladies like her. 

Now, her brilliant analysis reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t exactly place his finger on who. 

Whatever, because with this turnaround in the mystery, Naoya decided he would figure this out soon enough.

Triumph was right within his reach.

It was only a matter of time until his aging father Naobito, the one person who had the final say in all company and familial matters, solidified his Last Will and Testament to ensure his wonderful only son Naoya would be the successor to the multibillion family-run conglomerate, condemning Toji Fushiguro to be dwarfed by his little cousin forever. 

But first, he must treat his paramour to a much-deserved reward that would render her limping in the morning.

With all the moving parts falling into place, Naoya burst into a wicked cackle by her left tit, leaving Mari staring back at him with a confused frown.

"What's so funny?" she demanded to know. 

“Don’t worry about it,” Naoya assured between snickers, leading his mistress forward by gently pulling her waist toward him. He attached his mouth to the nipple, flicking the bud with his tongue as he added, “What you should worry about, though, is how you will walk when you wake up after how sore I’m going to make you.”

The cheesy comment made Mari laugh as she batted her long lashes. She saw where this was going, and her large chocolate-colored eyes sparkled with an excited twinkle as she met his hazel ones, her thin lips stretching into a Cheshire Cat grin from delight.

"Baby," she cooed, "the dirty things you say to me make me forget that you have a wife at home sometimes."

Something about her remark made Naoya chuckle even more heartily as his mind meandered back to his nearly forgotten spouse: his wife.

His…wife.

Wait.

𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗘𝗡𝗗

last chapter || next chapter

end notes: The end to Act Two: House of Cards! The very reason behind this act’s name is to reference the precarious web of disguise and deception in this story, only for this structure to topple like a domino chain. Thank you to all my lovely readers for reading, and although I recognize my writing is imperfect, I would love to hear your thoughts before the third and final arc!

taglist: @dissociatingdiva @httpsplanetmarsdotcom @nemoyr @huangfairy @shadowarchon @203steph @agentdedf1sh @cloudybabes @lynn-writes-things @illicitwriter @7oji @kikuchimi @chaoticjojofan @musicisme333 @vvestwoodrose @kumocchin @s-guru @mwahilovemylife @hey-gurls69 @cloudsinthecosmos @moon-mumu-moon @kazscara @obitohno @skilerfrostfairy @funicidals @nico707 @proteovaldez @tsukiyohanayome @marimoares @qirbys @puffaloxx @sakanoshitaa @arizzu @kissditrio @tokyometronetwork @downtown-roponggi @the-cosmos-network

[macaiv]

Source: Sky Sports F1 Pre-Qualifying Show Las Vegas GP 2024

Esteban: Yeah it's definitely been awesome to just being able to have such a result after difficult season. Yeah it's been fantastic and also coming back here last year we had almost a podium, finished fourth. It was a very good race so there's a good momentum at the moment going on and obviously a big fight with the other teams until the end of the year. So it just brings more spice and more interesting things for us until the end of the year.

Transcript:

Rachel: So Esteban we're back in Vegas, it probably feels like a long time since Brazil but those memories must still be pretty good.

Rachel: What did it mean to the factory and to everyone who works in the team to have both of you up there because as you say it's been a really difficult year. Everyone's had to keep their heads down and keep working hard and try and get something out of this season.

Esteban: Yeah I mean there was a huge buzz inside the factory. It meant the whole world for the team. Everyone, everybody was working so hard you know to try and get a good car this year. Unfortunately we don't have the the car that we expected but it's a good reward for everyone and a very very nice one you for me and Pierre for sure to to be on the podium together. It's a special story for us and yeah definitely a moment that we will forever remember.

Rachel: Last three races with Alpine. How are you feeling? Is it weird?

Esteban: Yeah it's going to be emotional for sure especially the the last race but I've spent five years with this team. It's been a hell of a ride some good times some times a little bit more difficult but five years in formula one terms is a long time.

Rachel: You're making me feel really bad man.

Esteban: You've been here for a long time Rachel. But yeah no it's been nice obviously to get that last good results. I hope that we can get some good ones as well for for the rest of the year but it will be more tricky to be realistic to be honest. It won't rain for for the last three but yeah as I said it will be emotional but I'm looking forward to finish the story on the high.

Rachel: I mean this place is quite distracting, isn't it? This actual I mean the city itself have you been out what have you been doing and and I mean look at all this this is crazy.

Esteban: Yeah this is crazy and you know the sunset, the scenery and how it is you know the whole week. It's a standout race I would say compared to the rest of the year. It's a race that we've got really good surprises from last year. I think you know we were expecting something to be very different to actually how it is but it's a really good racing circuit. It can feel like it's warm because I'm wearing very thin jackets but I'm actually freezing for it.

Rachel: But I'm really warm that's the thing I'm really warm right now but I've got about 10 layers back in the office ready for it.

Esteban: Yes exactly just before you take them off and when we do the interview but no it's actually freezing so that brings opportunities because you know the tires the way they work you know it's not usual it's quite extreme so it should be interesting.

Rachel: All right, go well this weekend. Enjoy your last three races with Alpine. Thanks for talking to us.

Esteban: No problem. Thank you.

Bonus Part:

Simon: Well, it was a nice way, isn't it, to end his Alpine career. Great scenes up there. They're not always been the best of friends. We know that. Great rivals himself and Pierre Gasly. But I mean, what an enormous moment for the team, Jenson.

Jenson: Yeah, that was massive. That came from ninth in the championship to seventh. Right. Yeah, sixth. So they jumped three teams. That's massive. But this is a nice way to see out their championship. Well, they they're time together as teammates, as we know, they haven't seen eye to eye always. But to hug it out and stand on a podium together, it's pretty awesome.

Simon: Such similar careers that they've had as well.

Danica: I mean, it's a small world. You never know when you might run into each other or the or a team again or the team personnel within. So I think it's a really good thing to sort of be on this being this in this in this feeling at this point in the season as this comes to an end for Alpine with him. And, you know, he still has a chance to make some really great impression in their these last few races. Here last year, him and Pierre had a great race against each other. So, yeah, it's good to see good to see smiles.

Simon: Is he destined, though, do you think to be one of these drivers that last a long time in the sport, but perhaps doesn't get to one of the top drives, Esteban?

Martin: I think there's more potential in Esteban than he's showed. He fascinates me actually, because he is the nicest person you'd ever want to meet. And then when the helmet goes on, a little switch just behind you here that we've all got goes down and he turns into, with all due respect, a bit of a monster on the racetrack. And I think that energy is wasted in a way. I think there's more potential in him than he's delivered so far. But there's still time.

[tending-the-hearth]

my personal favorite parts of "transformers one"

warning for MAJOR spoilers below!!! a theater near me was doing an early access screening, the movie is officially coming out september 20 in the us!

first off getting the obvious out of the way with Megatron and Optimus' friendship, obviously we know what happens but when a movie with a clear eventual villain that's been iconic for years makes me hope it retcons everything that has ever happened so two characters can remain friends???? their friendship was EVERYTHING to me

also very happy to see that Optimus is still such a nerd i love him

i did love the little subtle hints with Optimus and Megatron's differences from the start

Elita and Optimus' moments together were my FAVORITES

JAZZ!!!!! BELOVED BELOVED DARLING!!!!!! LOML!!!!!

AND RATCHET MENTION!!!!!!! DR. HATCHET MY BELOVED

I like that they didn't try to hide the fact that Sentinel was not a good guy. Like he was just so skeevy from the start, but they built it up in a way that still felt intense when his betrayal was revealed

Bee <3 he's so silly <3 favorite guy <3

Also the AA-Tron joke was 100% a reference to the A-A-Ron skit which had me cackling

The immediately big brother-little brother connection between Optimus and Bee?????? cries

ughhhhhh Megatron's shift from wanting to help Cybertron with Optimus to just wanting revenge

and Megatron's view being "one person controls everyone" and Optimus' being "all are one" IT'S SO GOOD

AND THE OPTIC COLOR SHIFT!!!!! OPTIMUS' ALWAYS BEING BLUE BUT MEGATRON'S STARTING AS YELLOW THEN SHIFTING TO ORANGE AFTER FIGHTING STARSCREAM THEN TURNING COMPLETELY RED WHEN HE LETS OPTIMUS GO I'M GOING TO LOSE MY MIND

Bee's excitement about the knife hands and Optimus being excited for him!!! They are siblings!!!

also a crime that i haven't mentioned Bee saying "Badassatron" multiple times every time it happened i just lost it

but also love love love transformers and their "someone will die" trope i was expecting the Optimus death 100% but it still was SO good

I also loved how Optimus' voice became more and more sterotypically "Optimus" as he went through his journey, like he started off very goofy and silly, then after getting his cog from Alpha Trion we start to hear more of how we're used to hearing Optimus, then after he's brought back by the Primes it's pretty much a very strong younger version of Peter Cullen's Optimus

the VAs were actually really impressive for the most part. I thought Chris Hemsworth did a fantastic job as Optimus, putting in just enough of a similar inflection as Peter Cullen's voice that it still felt like Optimus, just younger

Brian Tyree Henry DESTROYED me as Megatron, his vocal change through the movie???? emotionally devestating

Keegan Michael Key is one of my favorite Bumblebee voices tbh <3 especially considering we've only gotten a few iterations where Bee actually talks, so it worked for him since he could make it his own

absolutely 10/10 movie, i will be going back to see it next weekend when it's officially out because i'm obsessed

[choke-me-joey]

Eddie Munson x fem metalhead cheerleader

Summary: Based on this - how Eddie met his not so typical cheerleader girlfriend and a little exploration of their relationship.

Content warning: 18+ content minors DNI, smoking, underage drinking, drug use, swearing, flirting, violence, smut.

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 2

It had been 3 weeks since you had gone to your first Hellfire Club meeting, and 3 weeks since Eddie had fallen head over fucking heels for you.

He'd liked you before sure, a harmless crush, but now he knew you were into good music and his favourite fantasy game? Consider him a truly smitten kitten.

And now, when you turn up to school in a Hellfire shirt, ripped jeans and that fucking jacket, Eddie could have kissed you right then and there in Ms O'Donnell's class.

"Hey," you grin as you take your usual seat next to him, sliding him a brown paper bag over to him. "So it turns out that Mountain Dew, cigarettes and Cheetos aren't a substantial diet, so I accidentally on purpose made extra chicken salad today. Figured you'd need some more sustenance y'know, got a feeling tonight's session is going to be killer."

"Hey, I eat other stuff too."

"Twinkies and coffee also don't have fantastic nutritional value, Munson." You tease, rolling your eyes. "Ever heard of a vegetable? Y'know, the healthy green stuff?"

"Oh, I'm into the green stuff alright." Eddie grins, eluding to his precious stash. You give him an exasperated look. "I'm kidding. Thanks. And the uh, the shirt looks good."

"Thanks," you smile, tucking some hair behind your ear. Were you...blushing?? "So, um, I was wondering-"

"Miss Y/L/N, is there something that you need from Mr Munson right this very second?" Ms O'Donnell glares at the pair of you.

"I mean, I guess it could wait, 5, maybe 10 minutes?" You quip, making Eddie chuckle. The old bat doesn't seem to be in as bad a mood as usual today, so somehow you narrowly escape detention but earn yourself an extra 5 chapters on the reading for over the weekend.

Later on, when Eddie is diving in to the fucking delightful chicken salad, the Hellfire Club, minus you as unfortunately you had yet to be released from the grip of the cheerleading table, don't miss the unusually nutritious food their glorious leader is consuming.

"Jesus, Eddie, is that an actual sandwich you're eating?" Gareth teases, for which he gets a mini pretzel to the face.

"Is that what Y/N gave you in English this morning?" Jeff smirked and Eddie rolled his eyes. "It is! She's making food for you?! Damn, when's the wedding?"

Eddie shot him a warning glare and it was clear that this was not a topic to be joked about.

"Jesus." Jeff grumbled, shrinking back in his seat.

"I still can't believe we have a cheerleader in Hellfire," grinned the Henderson kid, clearly loving the events of the last 2 weeks a little too much. The heart eyes the little nerd made at you each week over the table during campaigns was almost laughable.

"She's not just a cheerleader, Henderson," Eddie mumbles through a mouthful of sandwich. Because you weren't. You were a pretty cool person, who liked kick ass music and liked fantasy games, but who could also get her leg above her head, not that Eddie had been thinking about that very much at all-

"Hey, Eddie! Hi guys!" Your voice snaps Eddie out of his rapidly approaching dangerous thoughts and he realises you're stood next to him, your perfume wafting over and Eddie kind of wants to just inhale you.

The rest of the table greets you and then go back to their conversations, mostly about band practice, AV club or possible new campaign ideas. Eddie turns to look at you, smiling.

"What's up?"

"So, I was trying to say before we got interrupted earlier, I was wondering if you're going to be going to Jason's party tonight?" You smile, a hopeful look on your face. Eddie raises his eyebrows.

"Uh, gee, my invite must have gotten lost in the mail," he grins. Like he was getting an invite to that douche fest. It would be the last place on earth he'd ever be caught-

You laugh. "Well, it's a good thing I'm inviting you verbally then, huh?"

"Wait, wait, wait. You want me to come?" Eddie's eyes were practically like saucers now. Was he definitely hearing this right?!

"Of course! I mean you don't have to if you don't want to, I just figured you'd probably get a few extra customers there and I don't wanna be stuck by myself all night. These things get kinda boring when you don't have someone to distract you from the god awful music." You shrug, adjusting your bag on your shoulder.

Goddamn you were too cute.

Eddie sighs. If he was going to suffer through this, at least he could make some extra cash.

And be with you.

"Fuck it, yeah, I'll come."

"Awesome! Pick me up at 7.30?" You hand him a scrap of paper with your address on it. He frowns at it.

"Pick you up? Like a-"

"Like a date, if you want?" Your tone was hopeful, eager, and the biggest shocker was that you were completely serious. You weren't joking. You were actually asking him out. Eddie cleared his throat.

"Shouldn't this, uh, be the other way around?" He gestured between you both, and you shrug.

"I got tired of waiting. So, are we on?"

"It's a date, sweetheart."

***

At 7.30 on the dot, Eddie is waiting outside your house in his van, anxiously checking his own breath again. He was pretty pleased with how he looked tonight, his usual ratty band shirts or Hellfire shirt replaced with simple black tshirt and jeans without holes in, a red plaid shirt and his trusty leather jacket. His hair wasn't too unruly either, which made a nice change, and he was freshly showered and shaved.

Wayne had caught him dabbing aftershave on in the tiny trailer bathroom, hissing at the sting, and thanked whoever was sat on their asses in the sky that his nephew had finally found a date that wasn't a six-pack and a large pizza.

You stepped out of your front door and Eddie just about passed away. You were wearing a simple, short and sleevless black dress, one that clung to you in all the right places, with a chunky belt around your middle. Your legs were bare right down to your Dr Martens. You looked...ethereal. Breath taking.

Your face lit up the moment you locked eyes with Eddie and you walked up to the driver's side window.

"Hey, handsome. We match." You grin, gesturing to your predominantly black outfits.

"That we do," Eddie chuckled, pretending his cheeks weren't warming at you calling him handsome. "Ready to go, cutie?"

Well, if you could call him names...

He definitely noticed your cheeks flushing at that.

The drive to the party was a relatively short one, you and Eddie discussing your favourite Black Sabbath tracks, and whether you think Ozzy really did bite the head off of that bat.

"Bats are so cute! It had to be fake, there's no way." You'd said, a little pout on your face as you talked about it.

"Oh it was real, the way it bled and shit?? There's no way that could be faked." Eddie chuckled. "So fucking metal."

"So fucking gross, what if he got rabies?!" You laugh, sticking your tongue out in disgust. "You know, this isn't good first date conversation."

"It isn't? Damn, I must be a little rusty from the non-existent dating life I have." Eddie smirked. "You have better conversations with uh, whats his name, Anderson??"

The way you frown at him makes Eddie think that maybe that was a bit of a low blow, past the playful bantering and bordering on a little mean.

"I never dated that asshole. And I never fucked him either." You growl. "He's such a prick, as if I'd ever touch him or his warty dick."

Eddie bursts out laughing. "Warty dick?!"

You can't help the laugh that bubbles out of you. "He got genital warts from hooking up with some girl from out of state one time. Didn't use a rubber so I guess that's what you get. Plus he's a massive asshole, so he deserves it."

Eddie nods in agreement.

"You know him and his massive asshole buddies are going to be there tonight, right?" He says, leaning forward to check the traffic at the junction he'd pulled up to. You sigh.

"I know, again, that's why I invited you. So I have someone to talk to other than Chrissy or Tammy or Ashley about their upcoming dates or our next competition. I just wanna relax and have fun with a cute guy who wants to actually get to know me, not my pussy."

"You think I'm cute?" Eddie slyly grins and you roll your eyes playfully.

"Don't let it go to your head, Munson."

"Which one?" He jokes and you smack him lightly, laughing hard.

***

A few hours later, you're already a few drinks in, blissfully tipsy. Eddie has had maybe one or two piss weak beers, wanting to stay relatively sober to drive you home and to stay on top of his selling game. Although he'd already made bank within the first hour of the party, so now his main concern was you.

Eddie didn't really know what to do with himself; 99% of the people here hated him and avoided him like the plague. So he was happy just to sit on one of the chairs outside with you as you both smoked, happily chatting and getting to know each other better.

He'd not missed how you'd scooted your chair closer to him, or how occasionally your hand would rest on his arm. You'd not missed how he'd lean into you, or brush his hand over your knee or thigh when he was reaching for something.

Your brain swirled in the best way when Eddie took your hand and helped you up so you could both go and get another drink from the kitchen. He went to pull away after you were on your feet, but you linked your fingers through his and led him inside, pushing through the crowd to reach the drinks.

"I gotta piss," Eddie shouted over the thumping music, giving your hand a squeeze to wordlessly let you know he'd be back. You nodded, grabbing another cup and looking around for the bottle you had been nursing the entire night.

"Wow, Y/N, you fucking the freak now? Made your way through the football, basketball and baseball teams and needed a new challenge?" Anderson's ribbing voice floats over the loud music and you bristle, but ignore him. "Aw, what's wrong baby? Did I touch a nerve?"

"Fuck you Anderson. Take your micro dick and go bother someone else." You snap, finishing mixing your drink and attempting to leave the kitchen. Anderson scoffs, trapping you against the counter with his hefty quarterback frame, his alcohol soaked breath fanning over you making you want to gag.

"You look sexy tonight, Y/N, s'like you're begging to be fucked. You know that freak Munson couldn't do half the shit I could do to you," Anderson slurs and you shudder in disgust.

"What's that? Last 20 seconds and pretend like you rocked my world? I told you once and I'll tell you again, I wouldn't fuck you if you were the last creature on earth, Anderson. Fuck. Off." You growl, pushing against him but he doesn't move. He smirks, shoving his hand up your skirt. Your reflexes kick in and you drive your knee up, straight into his crotch as hard as you can. When he staggers backwards clutching his groin, you punch him square between the eyes and hear the sickening sound of bones crunching. The pain that shoots through your hand is quickly dulled by adrenaline as Anderson stumbles backwards onto the floor, blood pouring from his nose. The entire party is silent, save for the music which is still playing.

Eddie pushes his way into the kitchen after returning from the bathroom, and his mouth falls open at the scene in front of him. You, panting with fury, skirt pushed up pretty much to your crotch, fist covered in blood, and Anderson crumpled on the floor, blood pissing out of his nose and groaning in pain. Two of the other football players pick him up, staring at you in shock.

"She's a fucking psycho!" Anderson yells, his voice thick with blood. "See what happens when she starts hanging around with that fucking freak?!"

Eddie blinks and you let out a scream of rage, diving for Anderson again. Eddie is quick to grab you, restraining your arms behind your back as you struggle to get at Anderson.

"Hey, hey, hey, easy, alright? It's not worth it," Eddie says, soothing and low in your ear. "Come on, let's go."

"If you ever touch me again, Anderson, I'll cut your dick off!" You growl, still struggling against Eddie's grip as he practically picks you up and carries you out of the house towards his van.

"Eddie, that motherfucker, he-"

"I know, sweetheart. I know." Again with the soothing tone. Eddie pretty much carries you to his van and puts you in the passenger seat, buckling you in. He notices your slight shiver and takes off his jacket, draping it over your shoulders.

Eddie gets in and starts to drive.

"Your hand okay?" He asks gently, and you nod. He sneaks a glance at it, already bruised and covered in blood. "Y/N."

"It hurts," you sniff, your tough exterior cracking. "Fucker has a hard face."

Eddie laughs and you shoot him a look. "Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, just wish I'd have been there to see you throw the punch."

"And the knee to the balls," you smirk, and Eddie winces slightly, knowing how bad it must have hurt.

"Jesus, Y/N. What did he do?" Although Eddie had a sneaking suspicion judging by the way your skirt had been pushed up practically around your waist when he came back from the bathroom.

"Aside from trying to shove his hands into my underwear, tried to tell me he could..." you trail off, not wanting to say it for fear of scaring Eddie off, or weirding him out.

"He could...?" Eddie probed. You sighed, looking out of the window as you spoke.

"Pretty much that he could fuck me better than you ever could." You said quickly, your cheeks once again flushing scarlet. Eddie went silent, swallowing hard. "He's just an asshole, I don't care what he says about me, but when he brought you into it, I-"

"Had to defend my honour?" Smirking, Eddie looks at you. "Listen, sweetheart, I'm glad you beat the shit out of him, he's a fucking bitch and deserved it but you didn't have to do it for me."

"I know." You answer and the conversation falls into a comfortable silence for a few moments.

"And I could definitely fuck you better than he ever could." Eddie states, making you burst out laughing.

"Renember earlier how I said dont let it go to your head? That's the kind of shit I meant. No more compliments for you, mister."

Taglist: @big-ope-vibes

@50shadesofuncomfortable

@bibieddiesgf

@josephquinngirly

@mich-13

@wintersoldierbaby

@gracieluvthemoon

@lilmisssimp

@cutiecusp

@lovelylittlemetalhead

@angelina16torres-blog

@ceriseheaven

@icallhimjoey

@harrys-four-nipples

@chaoticgood-munson

@quinnypixie

@joesquinns

@quinnsbower

@ghostinthebackofyourhead

@joejoequinnquinn

@ches-86

@mystars123

[lucy90712]

I saw that you requests was open, could you mby do a Hector fanfic 💋 ty xx

Football has been part of my life for as long as I remember my older brothers have always played so from birth I was taken to matches to watch them play. As soon as I was able to I played too and I was good at least people told me I was I developed so quickly as a player that I was put into boys teams under the advice of my coaches so that I could continue to develop. That's when my life really changed after one particularly good match my parents were approached by someone from Barcelona's academy offering me a place there. Of course I wanted to go but it was a tough decision for my parents letting their little girl go to play football when there is no guarantees of making it but I begged them enough to convince them so at 10 I went to La masia. 

La masia is the best place in the world or at least I always thought it was for a kid who loved football getting to play almost everyday while still doing school was the best thing ever. It was there that I met all my friends all of the girls were close as there wasn't as many of us but we also made friends with the guys like Hector, Lamine and Pau. They were rough but they made us all better players and I like to think playing with players who have made it now like Lamine made me a better striker. At just 16 I started to play for the women's b team which was a fantastic experience my first few games were tough but then I figured it out and since I've been scoring goals consistently most matches. 

During my time at La masia I got really close to Hector we used to play together after school I'd try and beat him to score goals which helped us both practice our skills one on one. That innocent childish relationship changed as we got older we both developed feelings for each other which Hector was brave enough to admit so from that moment we've been together. That happened when we were 15 and now we are both 18 and still happily together. Throughout that time we were the power couple of La masia the star striker and defensive protégée of the academy. Then Hector started playing for the first team while I stayed with the academy and for a while that hurt. Watching him do so well with the first team was amazing and I love watching him live his dream but it did hurt deep down as I was still stuck playing for the b team. 

Hector has been great at encouraging me he still comes to all of my games that he can make and celebrates every goal like it's my best or likes it's the champions league final. He will practice with me and he makes Lamine train with me so I can learn from him too. That's all nice but the best thing he does for me is just be there when another match goes by that I don't get called up for he is there to comfort me if I cry or to listen if I need to vent. Even when the men's team is winning and doing well he can put that behind him and be there for me which is one of Hector's best qualities. He believes in me more than I do sometimes so it's his support that keeps me going and his encouragement that keeps me motivated to keep going and keep proving that I'm worthy of a chance. 

After training today I stayed behind to practice for longer which is when the manager of the first team came out to the pitch and walked in my direction. I panicked thinking I wasn't supposed to be out on the pitch but when he got closer I saw he had a smile on his face which calmed me down a bit. 

"Just the person I've been looking for y/n it's nice to meet you" he said 

"It's nice to meet you too coach" I said 

"I have some news I think you'd like to hear it's been a long time coming but I'm going to call you up for this game this weekend" he said 

"Thank you so much I appreciate the opportunity I won't let you down" I said

"I don't doubt you'll be amazing we have training tomorrow at 9 I expect you to be there" he said 

"Of course I'll be there" I said 

Suddenly I no longer wanted to train I just wanted to go and tell Hector he didn't have training today and I told him I'd come over when I finished training. I made sure to call my parents and tell them the good news they were incredibly proud of me but they couldn't make the game as they are both out of town for work. My brothers were the next people I told and they promised they'd try and make it to the game but I know they won't be there they never are they are jealous that I'm the one with the football career and they have to work normal jobs. Their jealousy doesn't bother me anymore I have plenty of people who care about me and are proud of my achievements. The person I really care about is Hector and I know he'll be over the moon for me and I can't wait to tell him. The drive to Hector's felt like an age but eventually I got there and I ran up to the door jumping around on the spot waiting for Hector to open the door. 

"Hey love I wasn't expecting you here yet" Hector said 

"I was going to stay late but I just had to come here and tell you something" I said beaming 

"What is it?" He asked 

"I'm being called up to the first team for the match this weekend and I'll be training with them all this week" I said 

He didn't say anything he just picked me up and spun me round while kissing all over my face. Once he put me down he told me how proud he was and he promised me he'd be at the game whether I played or not he said he wouldn't dare miss my first game. I was there for his first game with the first team and the first time he played and now he gets to do the same for me. He said we have to celebrate so he ordered dinner from my favourite restaurant for dinner and we got to cuddle while watching our show which is exactly how I wanted to celebrate this occasion. 

~~~~~~~~~~

It's match day and I've been so nervous all day. Last night I stayed with Hector as he didn't want me to be nervous alone as he was alone before his first game and he swears it made him more nervous. He made me breakfast and drove me to the training ground so I could meet with the rest of the team to go to the stadium. That's when we had to leave each other but I didn't want him to go I need him by my side to keep me from getting too nervous he's been through this he knows how it feels and how to cope and I need that knowledge. He stayed for as long as he could but eventually we had to leave and get on the bus so he gave me one last hug and kiss on my cheeks and lips before handing me an envelope. 

"I know you'll get nervous so open this before the match and if you need to read it again at half time but remember you're amazing and you can do this you wouldn't be here if you weren't I believe in you so you should believe in yourself" he said 

"Thank you" I said 

"Now tell me that you can do it" he said 

"I can do it and I will do it" I said 

"Thats my girl now go and kill it I'll be there to watch every second" he said 

I ran onto the team bus holding the envelope smiling knowing I could do it. That confidence carried through right until after the warm up when it realised this was actually happening. I started to panic until I remembered the envelope so I grabbed it from my bag and opened it. Inside was a handwritten note from Hector reminding me of all my achievements and telling me that I'm more than capable of doing this and if I wasn't I wouldn't be here. His words really helped they reminded me that I'm not just some kid I have 12 goals in the first few matches of the season for the b team I'm a professional footballer and I deserve to be here. 

As I thought I didn't start and nor did I play any of the first half then some subs were made and I still didn't get to go on and then another few subs were made and still I was just warming up on the sidelines. Then it happened I was called over and told to get ready to go on I thought I'd feel anxious in that moment but instead I just felt excitement I was finally getting my debut and all I wanted was to prove that they made the right decision in calling me up and bringing me on. While waiting at the side to come on I looked up to the stands to find Hector who was right where he was said he would be beaming ear to ear and gave me a thumbs up for encouragement. 

I stepped out on the pitch not expecting much to happen but straight away we were on the attack and I had the ball given to me but I wasn't in the right space to get the shot in but I managed to pass it back so we could rebuild. The next time the ball was coming my way I was in a much better position I wasn't sure if I was slightly offside but I made the run anyway and somehow the ball landed at my feet right where I wanted it to be so instinct kicked in and the next thing I knew the ball was in the back of the net. It didn't feel real but when the rest of the girls all ran to me cheering and hugging me it hit me that I just scored on my debut for the first team. I've never had a goal celebration but in the moment I couldn't stop my hands from making a heart and thanking the crowd. 

The rest of the match felt like a blur I managed to score a second goal which had me on cloud 9 the match couldn't have gone any better until I found out I'd received player of the match so I had to go and do an interview straight after the match even though all I wanted was to find Hector and celebrate with him. I did my interview to the best of my abilities before I was finally let go and managed to find Hector stood at the entrance to the tunnel waiting for me. Before he could even move I ran up to him and jumped in his arms which luckily he was ready for and he caught me and managed to spin me round. He treated me like I was simba in the lion king it felt like he was holding me up to the sky to show me off but really he was just so happy he didn't know how to process his emotions. I was thrown in the air a few times before Hector put me back down on the ground and kissed me in front of everyone still in the stadium which was most people which I should've cared more about as I don't like everyone seeing the private parts of our relationship but in the moment I couldn't care less. 

"You were amazing out there I couldn't believe it when you scored the first goal let alone the second now don't tell anyone this but I cried a little watching you celebrate that first goal" he said 

"If I wasn't so full of adrenaline I might've cried too" I said 

"I can't even put into words how proud I am of you but you should be even prouder of yourself what you did out there was amazing you proved exactly why you should be here every week" he said 

"Thank you I don't know if I'll be able to play for the first team again but this has been an amazing experience" I said 

"Oh you will be back here trust me" he said 

He gave me another kiss before we were approached by a tv crew wanting an interview. Hector tried to step aside to let me do the interview but they asked if he would stay as they captured our moment together earlier and wanted to give their viewers an insight into what this game meant for both of us. I was nervous about doing it but when Hector squeezed my hand I knew it would be ok so I agreed to it. 

"So y/n this is your first match for the first team and to score two goals that must feel amazing" the interviewers said 

"It really does I wasn't expecting to score at all let alone two goals I feel invincible" I said 

"Now you two had a heartfelt moment after that match Hector you must be incredibly proud of her" the interviewer said 

"I couldn't be prouder of her I'm proud to call y/n my girlfriend I was proud before but now I'll be shouting it from the rooftops I just know she's going to be an incredible player and she already showing that" he said 

"It seems we have a new power couple in Barcelona on our hands" the interviewer joked 

"She's certainly a star I'm just lucky to be along for the ride" Hector said 

The interviewer thanked us both and finally we were able to walk down the tunnel and get some privacy. I quickly got changed and grabbed my things and met Hector right outside the door to the locker room so we could go back to his place and celebrate as he promised me we'd do that no matter if I played or how well I played and seeing as things went so well we have a lot to celebrate. 

[imagininghogwarts]

Being A Weasley Would Include...

You're probably sorted into Gryffindor. Sorry if that's not your house, but the sorting hat doesn't seem to separate families even if they really should be in different houses (I could rant for hours on how Ron is a Hufflepuff and Percy is a Ravenclaw, don't even get me STARTED)

Even if you're not in Gryffindor though, Arthur and Molly would love you just the same <3

You'd share a room with Ginny of course!

And you'd be super close, sharing a room and being the only sisters

Molly hand makes a lot of your clothes and blankets, so they're super cute, warm and cozy, and made with a lot of love <3

Her home cooking is fantastic as well!

Your brothers are all very protective of you, even if you're fully capable of hexing someone for yourself.

Ginny looks up to you so much, you're her personal hero

Arthur is such a fun dad! He barely ever gets cross with you, and he has so many cool trinkets!

He also taught you how to play quidditch <3

For the holidays, Molly sends you cookies, candies, and jumpers she home makes <3

You'd grow up playing quidditch with your brothers (and Ginny of course) so of course you make the house team!

Backyard quidditch in the summer

Also exploring the marshy woodsy areas with your brothers

SUMMERS AT THE BURROW.

School shopping in diagon alley with your whole family can be chaotic, but you all get everything you need and it's kinda fun with Harry and Hermione there

Speaking of, Harry is there just about every summer. Get used to him!

The two of you are probably very close friends (Harry is a girl's girl fr, he's so good to Hermione and Luna, 10/10 friend)

You're also super close with Hermione! It's always so fun when she comes to stay with you guys <3

Fred and George are total menaces and nobody is safe from their antics, not even their precious baby sister.

You have so many stories about your brothers and sister, you never run out of things to talk about

A LOT of inside jokes with Ron. Being the closest in age, you two basically have your own language of inside jokes and references.

Getting to go on cool trips to visit Charlie and seeing so many cool dragons!!!

Spending weekends at the cottage with Bill and Fleur to get away from Fred and George from time to time lmao (and they absolutely adore having you over, Fleur loves you)

You probably bicker with Percy because he's a git </3 (but he still really loves you and will protect you at all costs)

During the Battle of Hogwarts, you fight side by side with your family. They're absolutely not letting you out of their sight, ever

You're part of the most cozy, loving family of all time <3

Let me know if you want a part two! I love the Weasleys <333

[petit-papillion]

"I always enjoy wheel-to-wheel. It’s always a very exciting moment of the weekend where you’ve got to adapt to different drivers. Of course, you get to know drivers and you adapt your driving style to it as well and obviously when lots is at stake, it’s where you can take more risk and that’s where I enjoy it the most."

"As a driver, I feel like looking back at this year, there hasn’t been really any missed opportunities, which in the other years, when I look back, there was always one or two races where I wanted to do things that were not possible. And, by that, it was biting me. That would mean that I would get zero points in a weekend where I could have got eight or 10. Even if that’s not much, at the end when you add these things up it makes a difference and on a year like this, I don’t think I’ve left any chances behind. That is why I’m satisfied with the season."

Charles in an article in Autosport (19 Dec 2024) which ranks Charles number 2 of the 2024 season. The author also notes:

Leclerc’s 33-lap stint at the Italian GP where every lap was within a second earned headlines in his fantastic win there, but it should not be forgotten that he was also great on another one-stopper back in China. This tyre management element of his game is often overlooked, around all that qualifying wildness.

Read the whole article here: https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-top-50-of-2024-2-charles-leclerc/10683383/

[petite-madame]

I just found again your account. I first saw your art when I was a teenager. And its been a while. Your art has felt like coming back to a brewed coffee and some pastries. Winter wind blowing against the coffee shop windows.

It feels like coming back home to fandoms i used to adore. And look at it fondly, in a nostalgic lense. You've worked very hard and honed your skill. I'm proud of how long you've been drawing and how you provided such joy and excitement in so many people. Heck even just sparked a glint in their eye whilst being on the internet.

Tu est merveilleuse. Tu as tellement contribué pour les fandoms. Merci énormément ♡

Hi anon ^^

First, I apologize it took me so long to answer. Messages kept piling up and it took me time to reach yours. 😳

This is one of the kindest messages I ever received. Not that other messages are not kind or sincere, or that I don't enjoy receiving or reading them but...you see what I mean ? 😳 Comparing my art and the feeling it brings you to "coming back to a brewed coffee and some pastries. Winter wind blowing against the coffee shop windows." is so...so poetic ? And strong ? And it talks to me, you see ? The nostalgia, the feels. 😭

It's really funny because I received a message from another anon who told me they hadn't "seen (my) art for years but it randomly came across (their) dash and (they) recognized the style right away" and I compared the experience to finding out that an old restaurant you used to go to as a kid was still open. That's me, I'm the restaurant, this little coffee shop that still tries to bring you good pastries. 🥳Sometimes, the menu changes a bit but it's still the same recipe and the same owner, who starts to get a bit old, but who is still enthusiastic about the new cakes available in his tiny shop.

I'm proud of how long you've been drawing and how you provided such joy and excitement in so many people.

I've always drawn, I think I will carry on as much as I can. And even if I draw for me (almost like a compulsion, a need), it's messages like yours that makes me carry on sharing my art on the internet because even if I have a "successful coffee shop", sometimes, I can't help thinking about some drawings I do "Nah, nobody's going to care about this one". 🤓 I forget about it but then, sometimes a few weeks later, I post the art and I receive messages from people telling me I made their day, that they were having a bad time but that my art cheered them up. It's incredible, right ? Someone is having a bad day in Milwaukee or Jakarta and me, and my stupid little "bakeries" helped them smile (*) for a couple of minutes. I think it's fantastic. So even if as an artist I love to share what I do, sometimes when I think that "nobody cares", I think about some random people and the possible positive outcome that my art can produce.

(*) Sometimes, I make people cry too because of death art and pretty angsty illustrations but that's another story. You're welcome, by the way 🤓

Of course, my artworks are not masterpieces, I'm not starting a pictural revolution, it's just TV show and movie characters doing "random stuff" but if these artworks that will be forgotten in 10 minutes will make someone smile just a couple of seconds at some point in time then, it was worth it. I guess. I hope so. (And sometimes, it's more than a couple of seconds because some people put my art as their desktop wallpaper or phone background. How awesome is that ? 🤩🥳)

Anyway, I'm rambling. 🙃🙃🙃 Thank you so much for this amazing message and for enjoying my art all these years. (Because I write, I write but I didn't even thank you!!)

I wish you a great weekend and I hope that you'll stop by my coffee shop again. 💗

[lurkingshan]

Hii, hope you're doing well!! I've been meaning to check out more c-dramas. I've never really watched any, but I keep seeing them on my dash and want to start giving some a shot since I watch every other type of drama (BL or otherwise lol). I saw you post often about c-dramas, so I wanted to ask if you had any other recs besides Tender Light (which I'm planning on watching when it's done)? I'm more curious about c-dramas in general rather than any specific genre, since I'm so new to them

Hello, thank you for the ask! I'm glad my obsessive Tender Light posting has got you curious about cdramas. Some of my all time favorite dramas are from Mainland China, and I would be happy to share some recs! Since you are looking for a general sense, I am just going to give you a sampling of some of my personal favs.

Tender Light

Obviously I will be taking this opportunity to talk up this drama some more, which will be ending its run this weekend. This is, hands down, my favorite drama of the year and easily going on my top 10 dramas of all time list. It's one of the most gorgeous and precise and unflinching pieces of media I have ever seen. This is definitely one for people who love smart mystery writing, dark themes (I mean this for real, if you have a lot of triggers ask for CWs), and explorations of the human condition. It will be staying with me for a long time.

Go Ahead

Another of my all time favs (and with cast crossover from Tender Light), this is a family drama that digs deep on the meaning of family, finding your people, and resilience through intergenerational trauma. I love it so so much (I am actually rewatching it right now).

Lighter & Princess

A fantastic romance and owner of a coveted spot on the ride or die drama couples list. In this story you get to watch these two fall in love twice, first in college and then as adults, and both times it's epic.

Reset

How about a time loop thriller? This is one of the best I have ever seen, and its relatively short run keeps it tight and tense all the way through. There's a romance in this one, too, but kissing is definitely secondary to finding their way out of this death trap.

The Rebel Princess

Let's dip our toe into historicals! Granted, I still have plenty of gaps in my historical cdrama watch list (there are just so many and they're so long, I am doing my best people!) but this remains my all time favorite to date. It's epic, it's shockingly well written and paced for its length, the characters are excellent and compelling all around, and it has one of my all time favorite male leads and drama couples (another from the ride or die list!). Don't let the episode number intimidate you, it will fly by much faster than you think.

The Untamed

You watch bl so I am assuming you already know about Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, but just in case I will also include this drama as a much watch. It's likely the best live action danmei we will ever get.

Love Between Fairy and Devil

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a show put all your favorite fanfic tropes in a blender, cast beautiful people to act them out, and put them in lavish costumes? Well, here is your answer.

Love and Redemption

This one's for us angst with a happy ending girlies. An epic love story with lots of pining and struggle and strife, and it's so worth it.

Falling Into You

Back to the modern era, this is a classic sports drama with a noona romance. Very unassuming but full of charm and very well executed.

Fake It Till You Make It

An unusually mature take on adult romance from a cdrama, this one is about two career focused permasingle love skeptics who meet, realize they actually like each other, and try to figure out what the hell to do with that. I love it a lot.

That should be enough to get you started! There are many many more recs to be had, so once you give some of these a try and figure out what you like, feel free to hit me up for more!

[ofmdrecaps]

11/09-10/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Taika Waititi; Samba Schutte; Ruibo Qian; Vico Ortiz; Nat Torress; Lindsey Cantrell; Minnie Driver; And Now for Something Completely Different; Articles; Love Notes;

Sorry lovelies, I'm so very behind right now. I have so much I am trying to catch up on at home and work, and with all the moving parts going around, it's taking a lot to catch up. For 11/12 Ive got a lot more news since people have moved from twitter to bluesky and there's a lot going on. Will try to get that done tonight too if I can. Take care <3

== David Jenkins ==

Chaos Dad started his Bluesky career off strong!

Source: David Jenkins bsky

== Rhys Darby ==

Rhys was out in St Louis exploring some Mystery tunnels!

Source: Rhys Facebook

The St Louis show ended wonderfully-- everyone seems to have had such a fantastic time! So jealous of all yall who got to go!

Source: Rhys's Instagram

== Taika Waititi ==

Guess what!? A new holiday short is coming out Nov 12 on youtube - Directed by none other than Taika!

Source: ShelleyLowryTalent Instagram

Source: YulYY4

Something to mention however... as one of our crewmates, bbviago on twitter pointed out. 👀

Source: bbviago on twitter

Taika was also out with Rita at the MTV EMA!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MTV EMA (@mtvema)

Source: ritaoracanada

Oh and just a little adorable video of Taika from Rita's Tiktok.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taika Ora (Fan Page) (@taika_ora)

Source: Taika Ora Instagram

== Samba Schutte ==

Samba had his Death by Cheese class on Saturday the 9th!

Here are some Class Notes if you're interested!

And some BTS he mentioned in the class.

Source: Samba's Instagram

== Ruibo Qian ==

Our Pirate Queen <3

Source: Ruibo Qian's Instagram

== Vico Ortiz ==

Free show Nov 12 at 9:30 PM PST! (Sorry I'm late cause I'm posting this on the 12th!) More Info!

Source: Boys Night Out Show Instagram

== Nat Torres ==

Our beloved writer blessing us with some puppy content <3

Source: Nat's Instagram

== Linds Cantrell ==

Are you in CA? One of Lindsey's newer works, Watching Walter will be playing at @hollyshorts Monthly Screenings at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00pm. Tickets available on HollyShorts page!

Source: Watching Walter Film

== Minnie Driver ==

Another one of our dear crewmates joined the White Rabbit, Red Rabbit show -- Minnie!

Source: Lambert Jackson Productions

= And Now For Something Completely Different =

Just a random "somewhat" related real life incident to OFMD that seemed cool. They found a message in a bottle in the wals of a lighthouse in Scotland! Thanks teeheeseason3 on twitter for sharing it!

Source: TeeHeeSeason3 Twitter

== Articles ==

Source: Irene Adler's Instagram

== Love Notes ==

Short love notes for this one lovelies, it's been a heck of a weekend/start to the week. Keep your head up, I'm thinking of you and sending you so many good vibes.

Source: The Latest Kate's Twitter

[gottalovethegeeks]

Currently reading 'a chorus of dragons' and im a little over half way though book 2 and im just sitting here with book 1 open trying to remember who's who and what they've done and why they hate each other because you have this fun combination of soul swapping, reincarnation and just flat out living a really long time and it's 10:30pm and i feel like I'm losing my mind and what do you mean there are three more books how am I going to keep up with all of this please send help i feel like I'm going crazy because I'm talking to the walks trying to remind myself of what's happened (im having a fantastic time 10/10 this is how i love spending my weekends)

[lovely-lee]

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

I love stories where there is a journey MOSTLY because of how many settings can be crammed into it. A brand new setting for every leg of the journey, a new place to be introduced and have key moments take place..I can think off the top of my head some of my favorite books that have this including Lord of the Rings, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase (PLEASE if anyone has read this LET ME KNOW).

Adding to that list is the fanfic I've been reading along to since the beginning of this year, There Are Monsters Nearby by @uhohbestie. The original summary had the blurb “Desert Duo road-trip” in there somewhere and that little line drew me in so so fast. And the zombies, of course, as well. Very quickly I found myself the “Location Guy” of sorts. And before the epilogue of this fantastic fic, I have chosen my TEN top locations from Texas to Canada! I picked these locations mostly through just my own liking of them, but there's definitely key features that make it a favorite to me including plot importance, the overall atmosphere of the place, and just my own experiences as well. Also I’ll be looking back at my comments from the selected chapters to see what my thoughts were from back then, if I had anything to say about it then. So without further ado, we’re starting off with Number 10! (Also general warning for spoilers)

Number 10 – Chapter 17: The Grocery Store

“It’s a grocery store, albeit a small one, with a large sign above its door boasting an in-store butcher and fresh local produce. Even from a distance Grian can see that some of the plate glass windows that make up the front of the building are smashed, displays that had been stacked against them pushed out onto the parking lot, creating a mess of dented cans and broken bottles.

He hopes that means whatever had besieged the place has already moved on, leaving it empty and safe enough to loot.”

Ohh the battle of deciding which place would even make it on to the list was so intense. Choosing this location actually surprised me since it wasn't even on my rough list of my favorite locations. But it made it to the top ten for many reasons! This is defiantly as VERY important plot heavy location and it’s markedly special as its set in the first chapter where Grian and Scar are away from each other for a significant period of time. Grian is there with just Quackity which elevates the tense atmosphere so much already from being in a larger town with many zombies.

I think to me it’s just also such a zombie apocalypse location in general. A place of familiarity and sustenance now twisted with rotting food, broken glass, corpses, and zombies in hidden places. Also the Butcher Army references were REALLY cool. I think my past self just puts it all together very succinctly: “Grocery store….so scary….”

Number 9 – Chapter 20: The Hot Springs

“They follow the signs directing them where to go, taking an exit off the highway onto what rapidly becomes a rutted dirt road. The hot springs themselves are about six miles off the interstate—not all that far when they have the scooter to take them there. It’s a weekend destination, rustic and clearly mostly frequented by locals, but the location is beautiful, centred in a large open valley basin, hemmed on one side by a row of hills tinted jade in the haze of the distance, with an impressive view of a large, shallow lake spread out magnificently before them.

At a first glance it seems both secluded and empty. There are several small cabins set up where the dirt road ends, arranged around a single large central building with a low, sloped aluminum roof that Grian assumes must be where the hot springs are located.”

I’ve always wanted to go to a hot springs but all the ones near me have brain eating amoeba SAD. Anyways this whole chapter was SUCH a great vibe in terms of the locations. I honestly was struggling with either picking the hot springs or the house they get all the winter clothes from earlier in the chapter. Ultimately I picked the hot springs but it was close! Pour one out for Scar and his broad shoulders or whatever.

ANYWAYS. Hot springs. Making it to Oregon. Quoting my past self, “OMG hot springs how lovely..the whole place seems so quaint and nice..ough hot springs time”. Yeah. I think it’s funny this is the second place they had no plans of going to and Scar was like we have to go there. Thank you Scar for making this road trip an actual honest to god road trip. Honestly this chapter is funny to me. The two of the have miraculously gotten back to their tentative peace with each other after leaving Karlnapity and things are like kinda nice? We were settling in for another weird intimacy chapter but BOOM this is actually where they finally talk to each other about the same song and dance they keep on doing again and again. WONDERFUL location for it like it just heightens it so much with this backdrop of comfort and warmth they have found themselves in, that Grian let Scar take them too but it’s all for naught. And then booked with the next chapter? It’s a fun time all around.

Number 8 – Chapter 32 & 33: The Enormous Lakeside Cabin

“A single house.

Alone and enormous on the waterfront.

It’s clear that there’s no town associated with it—no formal community whatsoever. At the shoreline it has a pier, the dock protruding out into the water, but it’s difficult to make out any other details at a distance. It feels safe to assume that it’s a vacation property, though. No doubt for a rich family. Meant for hot summers, canoe trips, fishing, and cookouts.”

Thinking back on this location makes me realize just how nice these two chapters were. The time to feel safe and comfortable and just be happy with each other. The cabin and the surrounding area seem so mysterious to me. I remember they didn’t find much about who lived here since it seemed it was just used in the warmer seasons. Kinda spooky in its own way! Everything about this place though just felt like a respite, a beautiful oasis after being in this hellscape for so long already. It really was just a place to rest and no added scares or surprises. Also it had a generator which I mention in my past comment, “Finding such a big beautiful mansion cabin was so awesome, and a generator!!! I love generators they’re so cool.” Man I miss having a generator.

Number 7 – Chapter 16: The Hill in the Desert

“Together, they carefully pick their way down the bank, the dry earth cracked and dusty beneath their feet, walking in the direction that leads them away from the highway and towards a natural curve of the waterway that, over decades, had piled up silt at its bend, creating a hillock with a base of wind-worn sandstone that looms over them in the gathering dusk.

It’s picturesque but barren, though Grian supposes it’s as good a place to stop as any.

“Doesn’t it look like it should have a tower on it?” he asks, shielding his eyes as he peers up at the hill’s peak. The rise is the tallest thing around for miles, glowing red-gold in the light of the swiftly setting sun.”

There’s a bit more to this quote that I didn't add cause it was just getting too long, but soon after this part, Grian climb up the hill and imagines what this desert tower might look like. He then peers over one of the edges of the hill where it’s more of a straight drop than the slope he climbed. He then gets “an odd, weightless feeling settles in his stomach—indescribable, like deja vu.

Unprompted, he looks down and wonders if a fall from this height would kill him.” SO spooky god. Having this moment and more showing how the life series and hermitcraft are like past lives is just a really cool detail. Usually these moments are more feelings of familiarity or sometimes even dreams or similar kind of places from the life series, but having like a more physical exact callback of a location is ten times eerier. Especially that here only Grian is really pulled towards the hill. Scar doesn’t really hold too much interested from what we see? Maybe internally he was thinking something else, but Grian is the one who climb up the hill, images the tower he built, and peers over where he last stood in another life.

The timing of them finding it with Karlnapity is interesting to me. They’ve been in the desert for a while now but stumbling upon it with the other three and making this a moment of isolation for Grian even. It just makes it more creepy to me and a location to ruminate over. Anyways here’s past me’s comment, “Erm tower on a hill? A CASTLE? In a DESERT? Looks around nervously. HIM LOOKIG OVER THE EDGE.. ^_^ I love desert duo <3”. This is true I love desert duo.

Number 6 – Chapter 23: The Model Home

“Eventually they pass a billboard advertising a residential neighbourhood—construction dates and parcels of land remaining for sale splashed on top of pictures of a park with an idyllic mountain background, the kind of place families with young children would go to picnic and play catch. The area beyond it is cleared of all greenery, the earth pressed flat by the tire treads of backhoes and dump trucks, the skeleton shape of houses framed in plywood and two-by-fours looming up in the darkness.

Finally, Pops begins to relax, going so far as to pull a flashlight out of his bag and using it to light their way. They follow new roads with wide sidewalks, but only a single completed building stands out to greet them: a model home built with a sod lawn, a sign set at the end of the driveway offering open houses on alternating weekends.”

Jumping right into my past comment which puts everything I feel about this location very nicely, “Ough and yes the model home. I LOVE model homes cause I love looking around people’s houses and this is like the next best thing AND they feel kinda creepy as a bonus and that’s so true here. Empty neighborhood partially built and no one will ever live here now..” My family and I when I was younger used to go to model homes as a fun free activity to do like on weekends. I remember those times very fondly so yeah this model home defiantly stood out to me. But yeah this place is just SO creepy with the lone model home that never had anyone live in it, in a plot of land no other homes were ever built. Here being where Scar and Pops had a huge shootout of a zombie swarm walking by in the cold is just so unnerving too. I just like this place a lot.

Number 5 – Chapter 28: The Tiny Cabin at the Empty Campsite

“It’s an eerie feeling, walking along the road that winds through the location, imagining the place full of campers; pitched tents and vans, pickups towing trailers of ATVs with kayaks and mountain bikes thrown in the back. The place had no doubt closed for winter before the outbreak spread itself across the continent, but Scar can’t shake a profound sense of loss as they move through it, noting the lingering signs of human activity nearly everywhere he looks. Initials and dates carved into picnic tables, black coals and ashes left in fire pits, and small pillars of smooth river rocks arranged in cairn-like clusters along the shoreline.”

“Pops, on the other hand, seems to share none of Scar’s melancholy, ignoring the empty campsites completely as he leads Scar straight to a cedar plank structure near the centre of the campground. It’s a shed really, a seasonal residence meant for the forest ranger in charge of overseeing and maintaining the site. It’s boarded up but Pops makes quick work of it, stripping back the winterization of tarps and plywood in order to pry the door open, revealing a single room inside, large enough for a small desk, a wood stove, some shelves, and a cot.”

I’ve been camping a good couple of times, in tents and in cabins, and so seeing this campsite really remained me of the places I’ve been camping to. And Scar having that same kind of line of thinking of a guy that also had camped a lot with his friends is just an interesting feeling. Of going to a place so similar to one you have experienced many times but being fundamentally changed and different now. It being empty and going to be empty for who knows how long...It’s also just such a beautiful places described, deep in this forest and alongside the river. This is another place that has no real scares or surprises of zombies or anything, so it just being spooky from its emptiness is nice in its own way.

I love the little tiny cabin too so much. Just imagining the ranger that lived in this barely bigger than a shed place, with only is few furnishings but still being a comfort to Pops and Scar now, a place to rest and be out of the cold. I just really loved this place, and them leaving their initials behind just makes it more special as well. Also this is the chapter where I got the idea of doing this list which is fun.

Number 4 – Chapter 15: The Rancher Motel

“They approach the motel with caution, keeping quiet as they creep in close. It, like everything else, looks old. Vintage way that catches Scar’s attention. The large neon sign set next to the entrance to the parking lot reads The Rancher Motel, the mismatched letters on the marquee beneath it boasting: POOL, LAUNDRY, WIFI.”

Big part of course of the Rancher Motel making it so high up on the list is because of the Jimmy and Tango backstory CRYING. Like reading this whole chapter again makes everything just...shadowed under the tragedy of what could have been, and the story that this empty abandoned building tells. That every location that once was had people living, working there tell. This is also another place where we see the Grian’s and Scar’s physical intimacy with each other stagger and lurch around for its footing. With added bonus of SCAR initiating it. That’s another story though, I love this location for it being a weird and more than likely kinda dirty motel like the hundreds I’ve been to while on road trips. Nothing like an old and dirty motel!

Number 3 – Chapter 21: The Last Gas Station and The Surrounding Forest

“The gas station itself is small but looks reasonably well kept, positioned on the edge of a large concrete pad that Grian assumes must have been used by truckers who needed a place to rest for the night. A dinged marquee sign left out by the road advertises live bait by the bucket and nearby trail rides for both beginners and experts.”

Getting into the top three...This gas station is still so diabolical to me. I think one of my favorite themes from TAMN that comes up again and again is to not get too comfortable, too compliant about the dangers you know are there but are just so easy to forget. It’s frustrating because I forgot here too!!!They didn’t check the area if it was safe, if there were no zombies around. The gas stations had slowly became a symbol of rest, of stocking up and maybe even resting overnight in shifts. It became familiar and common place as they used to be, which I think made it even easier to forget the dangers. Especially coming down from the high escaping the mall with the wheelchair was. I think about how lucky the two of them have been for so long. So so many places that they were oblivious of how much danger they were in, but they always made it out alive. I think it speaks for the fic that realistically that luck had to run out somewhere if they solely relied on it. And it just all culminates into the physically manifestation of not being careful.

And then getting into the forest,

“He hopes that when he dies from this, he’s left out here alone forever, and he hopes that when he turns, he’s granted the dignity of wandering off into the woods never to be seen again.”

This is just one of my absolutely favorite lines of the whole fic. I really love this chapter.

Number 2 – Chapter 7 & 8: The Storage Unit

“Ultimately, the storage unit doesn’t have much for them to benefit from. When they finally get in, abandoning their attempt to force the lock and simply smashing a window, they find the front office empty and useless. The reception desk has nothing of interest on it, just a computer from the early 2000s and a phone without a dial tone when they lift it off its cradle.

Scar finds the staff room while Grian goes through the shallow drawers of the reception desk. The door opens into a small space with a thin slit of a window high up on one wall. There’s a sink and a sliver of counter, which is promising. There’s also an old fridge covered in takeout menus and hand-written betting pools for every sport imaginable in one corner, and a table with four plastic-backed chairs in the other. There’s no couch to crash on, but there is a door marked as a washroom”

Similar vein to the previous location, of an earlier time of getting too comfortable. This one was especially scary and frustration since I never expected a zombie to shove its way through a broken window!! That’s so scary, but also of course them going to bed with their supplies scattered and without sleeping in shifts. The whole storage unit also reminds me of all the ones I have ever driven by.

My family did use one for a time but I actually never went to it. Dropping my comment in here, “ohh a storage unit is another really great setting, it’s like such a weird kinda place in general” and yeah they really are. This place especially brings a lot of what I’ve talked about into one place. This being a place where people worked and just existed, seeing it in every little thing the two come across. It being another place where the two try and come together again and again, with Grian grasping for more and more and Scar wanting it in his own weird way as well. Which we see so clearly with him kissing Grian after shooting the zombie AUGH. This felt like a big turning point in how they realize the dangers of the world they are now in and how much they both mean to each other. It was just two really exciting chapters with a stellar location.

Number 1 – Chapter 3: The Farmhouse

“The farmhouse is a bad idea, but it’s the only option they have.

From where they sit, parked on the gravel shoulder of a service road that splits off from the highway, they can see the proper entrance to the farm. It lays at the end of a long road that skirts around the edge of several fields. It crosses a culvert and empties into a gravel driveway set between two large silos, a barn on one side and a simple saltbox house with a large garden next to it on the other.”

To me, there was absolutely no contestant for my favorite location. It was always going to be the very first place where I was like Oh. This is not going to be just your run-of-the-mill zombie apocalypse au that also has a cheating plot point as well. This was a story that was thought out on so many details that these locations Grian and Scar were going to felt like real places, taking up space and existing at that point of time. Of course, finding out that Lock and Key often times based these locations on actual places around the route Grian and Scar made so much sense. But it takes that skill and time to write these locations to feel like places that I’ve been to just through reading. And I first really felt that here at the farmhouse. The highway they park at, the fields, the silos, the culvert, the house itself and how it looks inside.

Here too is where we see how well Grian and Scar do actually work together, and where Scar gets his signature jacket. I think what really gives the chapter such an eerie vibe is of course that this is a home, where they even come across the people who used to live there, but already infected...It gives a finality that this has reached everywhere, not just the big city, or places frequented by many people, but even quiet outskirts of secluded homes. I really like my comment from this chapter, so I’ll just end it here with it, “I love every setting they’ve been to so far since leaving the city. The empty gas station and the restaurant on the stretch of empty highway and now super freaky farmhouse property off of the highway ough…”

[seraphinitegames]

The Wayhaven Chronicles—Update 10/March/2023

I didn't realise it was Friday today *facepalm*

This week has just flown by! How are we getting through March so quickly???

It was an exciting and super busy one though, which is probably why it went so fast.

The Book Three release content started going up, and Nai has done a FANTASTIC job with it all!! (Can't wait for you guys to see the unbelievably amazing new Book Three trailer next week!)

I worked on prep for Book Four, focusing a lot on trying to get the side characters' branches actually mapped out onto paper. I know exactly where I want them to go in my head, but I'm trying to be better at writing it down to help with ease of planning in the future!

But in doing that I got rather (extremely) overwhelmed by everything that needs to happen for Book Four onwards. There's so much I want more organised this time with so many branches and ideas coming, and it'll be so worth it to do it now ready for future books too, but it's just...immense.

Nai calmed me right down though, and we're going to work on figuring it all out and putting it into a format that works really well for me: Checklists.

There's something about a nice organised list with checkboxes that just really does help me work so much smoother (which is surprising when you see how messy my planning and notes get, lol!). So yeah, we're going to get that up together over the weekend and prioritise what needs to be done so as we can easily go through everything and start checking off those tasks!

Still, even with getting a bit overwhelmed with it, it is exciting to see everything that's coming into play from Book Three! Even more so when I'm actually mapping out the ways it could all go!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We'll be offline as usual, so I'll update you all again next Friday! <3