#buy australian wine

[liquorwinecave]

What is the Best Australian Wine for You

Australia is a wine powerhouse. We’re talking about the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world! Australia is home to a talented community of winemakers championing all wine styles, from rosé wine to sweet wine and everything in between.

Australia produces a vast amount of fine wine, and although picking a nice bottle is easy, finding the right wine for you is a bit more challenging. After all, with so many alternatives, how to choose?

Here’s all you need to know about Australian wine and the grapes used to make it, from the robust Australian red wine made with Shiraz to the gentle Pinot Noir. Let’s find the right wine for you.

Australia’s Wine Regions

To understand Australian wine, one must first know how the 2156 wineries and 6000 grape growers are organized and how they label their wines.

Australia has a sophisticated yet straightforward appellation system. You’ll find distinct Geographical Indications (GI) under the umbrella term Wine Australia all along the country’s southern shore.

Vineyards run along Queensland’s southern shore, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia — grapes grow merrily in Tasmania as well! There are around 65 GIs in Australia, and they all focus on different wine styles depending on their climates, soil types and proximity to the sea.

To find the right Australian wine for you, let’s explore the most famous wine grapes where they are grown. Here’s a quick tour through Australia’s verdant vineyards. Our first stop? Australian white wine.

Australian White Wine

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is Australia’s most planted white varietal and the third most important after the red Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Chardonnay is a noble grape. The queen of white grapes is native to Burgundy, France, but arrived in Australia in 1832. Winemakers love the grape for a reason — it thrives almost everywhere.

Of course, Chardonnay vines prefer colder climates, so you’ll find the finest Australian white wines made with the grape up on the hills or near the coast, where temperatures are lower.

Expect a tight acidic backbone and scents reminiscent of golden apples, white flowers, citrus peels and oaky vanilla over a medium-bodied and creamy palate. These wines are best enjoyed with pasta, creamy sauces, chicken thighs and savoury pastries.

Regions for Australian Chardonnay:

Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Tasmania.

Wine to try:

Allandale Chardonnay 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the fifth most planted grape in Australia, and it’s often blended with Semillon, a style inspired by the white wines from Bordeaux. By the way, Semillon alone makes extraordinary wine in Australia as well, primarily in Hinter Valley.

Unlike Sauvignon’s European versions, these wines are brimming with tropical fruit redolent of passion fruit, lychee and kiwi, always with refreshing acidity. Enjoy Sauvignon Blanc with fresh cheese and seafood. For dry white wine, Australian white wine has you covered.

Regions for Australian Sauvignon Blanc:

Margaret River, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Tumbarumba (Check the Sauv Blancs from neighbouring New Zealand as well!)

Wine to try:

Stella Bella Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Riesling

Riesling is the queen of cold-climate white grapes; it's easy to see why it thrives in Germany and Austria. Well, Australian grape growers have found great spots for growing the late-ripening and aromatic variety as well. The result is an elegant wine with floral and petrol aromas, often with hints of ripe peaches and mango. The sweetness in these wines may vary, so read the label carefully.

Riesling is particularly compatible with white meat, including pork and veal. It can be a great partner for spicy food like curries, too. Riesling is a wonderful summer sipper, and it’s easy to enjoy on its own as well.

Regions for Australian Riesling:

Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Tasmania, Western Australia.

Wine to try:

Pooley Butchers Hill Riesling 2021

Other Australian White Grapes

Many other white varietals show promising results in Australia, including Vermentino, Pinot Gris, Fiano, Muscat and others.

Australian Red Wine

Although Australian white wines are up there with the best in the world, the country is best known for its reds. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are the two most planted grapes in Australia and make almost half of the vineyards. Both grapes arrived in the country in the 1830s at the hands of the “Father of Wine Australia”, James Busby. Today, producers make the most acclaimed wines in the country with one of these two grapes, but there are others. Let’s get to know them.

Shiraz

Shiraz, AKA Syrah, is a red grape from the Rhône Valley, France. The rustic grape produces big and bold red wines with ripe fruit aromas and hints of freshly cracked black pepper and chocolate.

Shiraz is also commonly blended with Grenache and Mataro (Mourvedre) in the now-famous GSM blend, where Grenache plays first fiddle. These wines are complex but approachable and offer a wide range of fruit, herb and spice aromas.

Australian Shiraz is best enjoyed with hearty stews, meat pies, grilled red meat, barbecue, roasts, goat and lamb.

Regions for Australian Shiraz:

Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Hunter Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale.

Wine to try:

Turon Artist Range Syrah 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape globally and the second most popular in Australia. There’s no doubt the noble Bordelaise varietal produces age-worthy and structured wines across the country. You can find wines made 100% with Cabernet Sauvignon everywhere and spectacular blends, most likely Cabernet-Merlot and Cabernet-Shiraz.

Cabernet Sauvignon wines are an excellent match for thick, fatty steaks, especially rib eyes and strip steaks. Cabernet will also shine with meaty stews, casseroles and semi-hard cheese.

Regions for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon:

Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Victoria.

Wine to try:

Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is not amongst the most planted red grapes in Australia, not because producers don’t want to grow it, but because the thin-skinned Burgundian grape is tough to grow and only thrives in the coldest climates.

Pinot Noir produces elegant, almost silky red wines with elevated acidity and fruit purity on the nose and palate. These sensual wines pair best with mushroom dishes, oily fish like salmon and tuna, and roasted poultry. Pinot Noir is also often used to make pretty rosé wine.

Regions for Australian Pinot Noir:

Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Adelaide Hills.

Wine to try:

Quartier Pinot Noir 2021

Other Australian Red Grapes

There are dozens of other red grapes in Australia, although not nearly as popular as those described above. Tempranillo is worthy of a special mention, and it’s doing great in Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Heathcote and Margaret River.

Merlot, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Petit Sirah (Durif) and many other grapes are worth seeking out, and they’re climbing the popularity ranks at an impressive pace.

There’s an Australian Wine For You

We’ve covered the most prominent red and white varietals in the Australian repertoire and where to find them. However, this is just a drop in the bucket — there’s much more from where these came from!

From world-class sparkling wine to lusciously sweet wine, Australian winemakers make wine for all occasions, food pairings and budgets. What’s the best Australian wine? That’s up to you. And you’ll have a great time finding the answer to that question.

Enjoy the wine Australia has for you and share it with friends and family. Australian wine is better than ever, and it’s not going anywhere. Are you ready to explore the vast country through your taste buds? All you need is a wine glass!

[writers-potion]

Writing Character Accents in Fiction

Hey there, thanks for the question! I speak English as a second language; most English speakers I encounter aren’t native (yes, including fictional people); thus, this is a concern I’ve explored personally when I write. 

I think the core principle regarding accent writing is this: it shouldn’t be distracting. 

For the same reasons why Stephen King prescribes the basic dialogue tag “said” rather than fancier alternatives like “whispered”, “shouted” or “screeched”, dialogue must be first and foremost easy to read. It must flow like a real conversation – the pace and tone are a lot more important than how specific words are being pronounced by the character. 

Focus on what effect the accent has:

Using adjectives to describe their voice in general. Different types of English (American, British, Australian, etc.) will give off a different vibe, also partly dependent on how your character speaks in general:

Lilting: Having a smooth rise and falling quality; sing-song like. Welsh accent is often described as singing. 

Posh: from a high social class. This is the term generally used to describe the upper-class British accent.

Nasal: this happens when the sound goes through somebody’s nose when they’re speaking. North American accents are more nasal than, say, British pronunciations. 

Brash: harsh, loud, indicative of sounding a little rude. 

Slur: speaking indistinctly; words merging into one another.

Using metaphors.

Her voice was cotton and fluffy clouds. 

When he spoke, the ‘r’s scratched the insides of his throat. 

Mentioning their accent with a brief example(s). 

“Would you like to drink some wine?” she said, though her Indian accent gave extra vibration to her ‘w’s and ‘r’s, making the words sound more like ‘vould you like to drrrink some vine’.

“I want some chocolate.” His syllables were choppy and ‘l’s rather flat, saying ‘cho-ko-lit’. 

Some Tips:

Don’t phonically spell out everything. Perhaps give a few examples in the beginning, but stick to standard English spellings. 

Pay attention to word choice, slang, and colloquialisms. 

An Australian person would say “tram”, not “trolley; “runners” instead of “sneakers”

A Canadian may refer to a “fire hall” – what Americans call a firehouse or fire station

If your character comes from a non-Enligsh background:

Use vocabulary from other languages. 

“What time was the exam, ah? Two o’clock? Jiayou!” → putting “ah” or “la” at the end of sentences + Jiayou means “break a leg” in Singlish. 

“I can’t believe that 4-year-olds have their own SNS accounts now.” → “SNS” is short for “social networking service”, a term used to refer to social media in Korea. This would a subtle difference – even though it isn’t technically Korean at all!

Transpose grammar from different languages. 

For example, in French, plural nouns take plural adjectives (whereas in English, you would speak of ‘white cars’, not ‘whites cars’).

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* . ───

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💎Before you ask, check out my masterpost part 1 and part 2 

[cosmicalily]

'everything is romantic' with stray kids, ot8 headcanons by @cosmicalily

author's note: bad tattoos on leather tanned skin, jesus christ on a plastic sign, fall in love again and again...this is one of my favourite songs on the album (especially the version with caroline polachek!). i kind of love the idea that romance is in everything, from everyday actions to random objects, i think it's such a beautiful philosophy! enjoy this little list of everything that's romantic in my eyes...

everything is romantic...with chris

addressing you in australian slang nicknames. night drives to the beach with the windows down. buying your favourite albums on vinyl. sending screenshots of song lyrics. matching tattoos. staying up late talking. massaging your shoulders while you study. laying on his chest on your phone in the evenings.

everything is romantic...with minho

cat fur on your favourite black sweater. slow blinks from across the room. homemade dinners and red wine. walks through the forest in the early morning. making the bed around you while you sleep in. closing the blinds if you forget to before falling asleep. hundreds of weirdly specific yet endearing nicknames.

everything is romantic...with changbin

you as the cover of every instagram post. matching fluffy hello kitty pajama pants. referring to you as 'his wife' from day one of dating. buying you every cute trinket or keychain he lays his eyes on. your sanrio stickers on his laptop. his giggles anytime and every time you say something slightly amusing.

everything is romantic...with hyunjin

chamomile tea before going to bed. shared pinterest boards for your future home. sketches pinned up around the house. lipstick stains on the collars of his shirts. a photobooth strip in his phonecase. a red digicam dedicated to photos of you. sending voice notes rather than text messages.

everything is romantic...with jisung

studio ghibli soundtracks while you clean the house. always keeping your favourite ramen in the kitchen. letting you do his makeup. silly inside jokes. writing you sticky notes when he doesn't know how to verbalise his feelings. writing and composing little love songs for you whenever he gets inspiration.

everything is romantic...with felix

reposting every love-related tiktok on his fyp. matching jellycat keychains. freshly baked goods. braiding his hair in the evenings. watching 2000s chick flicks. strange yet wholesome meme references. matching beaded bracelets. at least nine different emojis to represent you for your contact on his phone.

everything is romantic...with seungmin

freshly washed bed linen every weekend. homemade coffee in the morning. annotating each other's books. his hands in your hair while you study. putting your phone on charge when you fall asleep. filling up your drink bottle. sitting beside you and watching you do your makeup. shoulder kisses. long hugs in the hallway.

everything is romantic...with jeongin

facemasks and self-care nights. picking out your outfits. letting you borrow his jewellery. bringing you an iced coffee on your break at work. matching shoes. sharing a scarf in winter. imitating each other in public and laughing at each other. poking his dimples. playing twister on the living room floor.

[pitchsidestories]

have yourself a merry little Christmas II Kim Little x Reader

romantic masterlist | platonic masterlist | word count: 1115

summary: Kim, the Arsenal team and reader are strolling through a Christmas market together. requested

author's note: dear readers, we hope you enjoy our oneshot, your feedback is always appreciated.❤️❤️

Visiting the London Christmas market with the Arsenal team became an annual festive tradition for your teammates and you. The delicious scent of cinnamon and chocolate was in the air as you made your way through the buzzing streets, the slightly wet cobblestones reflected the warm fairy lights surrounding you.

“Girls, where’s Kim and y/n?”, Leah stopped moving alarmed by her realization that you two were suddenly missing from the group.

“They were right behind us.”, Beth shrugged innocently. The striker’s remark only intensified the blonde defenders frowning lines on her forehead.

“Kyra, no!”, Alessia laughed, trying to prevent the young Australian to get anymore chocolate from one of the many stands, so she wouldn’t suffer from a sugar shock.

“What?”, the midfielder responded sounding completely guileless.

“You can’t have chocolate right now, we’ve lost our captain and her wife which means we need to find them.”, Leah shook her head impatiently.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.”, Kyra waved it off unbothered by the dramatics of the vice-captain. With a huge smile on her lips, she added eyes gleaming joyfully: “But there’s hot chocolate over there.”

“It can’t be as good as Swiss chocolate.”, Lia grumbled.

“Amor.”, Mariona chuckled amused.

“Maybe try it before you slam it.”, Beth suggested winking.

“See, listen to her.”, the Spanish midfielder smirked at the older Swiss woman who still looked unconvinced at the chocolate laying in front of her.

“Oi, I think I saw them.”, Katie interrupted them excitedly, before the team could reach them though, Kim and you disappeared in the crowd again.

In front of a booth where one could win prices your wife came to a halt. Immediately, the Scottish woman’s light eyes spotted something she wanted to get for you. The unfolding scene felt like one of those cheesy Hollywood rom coms you loved while your lover hated them with a passion.

“Kim, you don’t have to do that.”, you crossed your arms in front of your chest

“Do what?”, Kim frowned.

“To win that stuffed animal for me.”, you finished your sentence with a smile on your face.

“Who said I wanted to win it for you.”, the midfielder countered teasingly.

“So, it’s for your niece and nephew?”, you asked her.

“I didn’t say that either.”, she reminded you grinning. After a few rounds of playing, Kim triumphantly handed the stuff animal to you, announcing proudly: “Here this is yours.”

“Thank you.”, you muttered too stunned to say something else.

“You’re welcome.”, your wife replied.

Nervously you put a loose string of hair behind your ear: “Kimmy, you don’t think we’re too old for plushies?”

“What? No.”

“It’s really cute.”, you admitted touched by her soft gesture. Most people in your life were getting married, buying houses and having babies, the latter one you failed at it, you two were trying again in the new year. But for now, you were grateful for what you did had an amazing wife and a wonderful team which were also your found family.

“Let’s go, maybe we’ll find the others again.” Kim cleared her throat.  

You nodded slowly: “Good idea. It’s a team bonding event after all.“

“Exactly. But do you want to get some mulled wine first? I know you like that.”, Kim suggested, pointing into the direction of a stand close by. The smell of spices and warm alcohol wafted over to you.

You smiled, admiring that she remembered: “I do.“

“I’ll get us some.“, Kim said and queued up before you could protest.

A few minutes later, she pressed a hot mug into your hand. You leaned forward until the steam touched your cheeks, inhaling the smell. “Thanks, you’re the best.“

“Because I bought you a drink?”, Kim chuckled before taking a sip from her mulled wine.

“No, for… everything.”

A crease formed between her eyebrows as she studied you sternly: “I’m not doing anything.“

“Not through my eyes.“, you said, carefully drinking from the hot beverage in front of you.

Your wifes face softened: “That’s sweet of you.“

You hid your face behind your mug while taking another sip: “It’s the truth.“

“That’s just the mulled wine.“

You giggled about how bad Kim was at accepting compliments: “I’ve not had that much of it yet! But you know it’s Christmas soon and you know what they say about Christmas. That you tell the truth.“

“I never heard of that before.“, the midfielder grinned.

“Sadly it’s not from me. It’s a quote from Love, actually.“

“Never seen that.“

You blinked at her in disbelief: “You didn’t? We need to change that as soon as we get home.“

“I don’t even like Christmas movies.“, she complained. That fact definitely wasn’t new to you. It was almost impossible to get her to watch anything Christmas related.

But before you could protest and explain to her that not all Christmas movies are predictable and cheesy, you found yourself right under a plastic mistletoe. Admittedly, that was even too cheesy for you.

“Oh.“, you said as you looked upwards.

Kims eyes followed your gaze to the mistletoe: “And that’s exactly why. They’re all so stupid and clichéd. Like the tradition that you have to kiss under a mistletoe…“

You silenced her with one raised eyebrow: “You didn’t hate tradition when you went down on one knee for me years ago.“

Kim simply rolled her eyes in response: “Oh please.“

“Yeah, right, forget it. Oh, look who’s over there.“

A group of blonde girls stood out from the crowd. You immediately recognised your teammates.

“Oh.“

“Let’s go back over to them.“, you suggested but when you were about to take a step forward, Kims hand snaked around your wrist, holding you back.

“It’s bad luck.“

She nodded upwards to the plant above your heads.

You bit back a smile: “I thought you detested Christmas traditions.“

“I do. But we can’t risk it, can we?”, the Arsenal captain grinned sheepishly.

“No, we can’t.”, you agreed mirroring her smile before her lips met for a short, but sweet kiss.

Both of you were quickly interrupted by Leah’s statement, her arms were crossed in front of the chest: “Underneath the mistletoe.”

“Ew.”, Kyra grimaced who got playfully elbowed into her side through Steph.

The older defender warned her smiling: “Shut it.”

Expectantly Alessia looked at Kim and you: “ Are you coming now? We want to go on the Ferris wheel?”

“Yes, we’re coming.”, you told her beaming.

“Don’t worry.”, your wife added in a light-tone.

Somewhere in the background, have yourself a merry little Christmas was playing, and little Christmas was about to be soon indeed. The air was already full of laughter, joy and the promises of a New Year.

Christmas/Winter Oneshots

[seasidefae]

hellooo. i wanted to celebrate 100 followers somehow (thank you for following this yapper who can't drive!) i've been thinking about the carcar wag!oscar au A LOT. but since i don't have enough time and the creative energy to sort all these thoughts out into one 3k word one-shot right now, here are some more headcanons

welcome to the full throttle universe

edit 2.1.2025: now a (major motion picture!) one-shot series

i aged up oscar a little bit so they have a 4-year age difference. 26-year old oscar piastri, architect extraordinaire, with his passion projects that are mainly education and sports related. he also jumps at any chance to participate in pro bono projects for local charities in australia.

that’s how he met carlos, at a gala in madrid oscar wasn’t even supposed to attend but the company needed someone to proxy, kiss ass and what not, and everyone else was busy. oscar thought carlos was an obnoxious 1-percenter trust fund baby asshole who spilled wine all over him (accidentally), meanwhile carlos is the epitome of that one viral tiktok audio going “blah blah blah proper name place name back story stuff” while oscar is angrily whisper-yelling at him. the cherry on top of it all is when oscar complained about his expensive suit being ruined and carlos went, “i will just buy you a new one.” oscar almost punched him. almost.

oscar hasn’t forgotten about the whole ordeal even a year later when he and carlos met again at wimbledon. again, oscar got tickets from a friend and he was alone. carlos was also alone. unsurprisingly, he doesn’t recognize oscar at first. at that point oscar knows this is the rude guy at the gala but he’s aware that this is carlos sainz jr aka formula 1 driver carlos sainz jr. carlos is friendly and enthusiastic, talking in the general direction of oscar about tactics and carlos alcaraz. oscar blurts out, “i thought you were a golf guy.” that’s when carlos finally turns to him and recognition hits. (the attraction hasn’t changed either) he brought oscar to meet carlos alcaraz after, got his number, and the rest is history.

oscar first started appearing in carlos’ ig stories in the 2024 season. they had a year to really think about whether or not they want to commit. turns out they do. whenever carlos is asked about it, he just says, “oh that’s oscar” and redirects the question when he’s asked for details.

ig stories from carlos:

oscar’s ig is private, as well as all his other socials. he has like 50 followers, just friends and family that have been warned about leaks, so he has no trouble posting carlos.

ig stories from oscar:

has carlos ever slipped? the guy is tight lipped when he wants to. but mention oscar within his vicinity and he’ll have that smile that can’t be helped. people can speculate all they want.

oscar first started showing up to races in australia ‘24 aka 2 weeks after carlos’ surgery aka the race he won. oscar tried to talk him out of racing post-surgery but carlos insisted.

that’s also when the rumors started to really hit. like at first it’s a cute little thing that only 5 people have talked about, and the rest accepted the faceless guy in carlos’ ig stories and post as some rando friend named oscar. probably a childhood friend? his sister’s boyfriend? he’s not even tagged. but after australia, seeing oscar in the garage wearing the red headset, having his lower third be just “Oscar Piastri” when he appears on screen, and greeting Carlos at parc ferme when he won definitely raised some suspicion a lot more. it’s not like they weren’t ready for that. it took countless of meetings with pr people that oscar hated, a decision left fully in oscar’s hands and not carlos’ because carlos understands oscar’s need for privacy. “piñon and him have a lot in common.” going to the australian gp was more out of necessity. (for himself, considering he'll be sick with worry staying at home and wondering if carlos, who was 3-weeks post surgery, would fare okay. he just wants to make sure he's FINE.)

[bumpkling]

consider me a house fandom Australian Cultural Liason: here’s some chase family christmas headcanons!

rowan and his mum definitely drag chase and retcon sister along to midnight mass on christmas day. it, as the name suggests, starts at midnight (imagine sitting awake in lousy wooden chairs on CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY as like. an eight year old. catholicism is stupid) and includes receiving communion (the little wafer, and the wine if you’re old enough). there’s a roman catholic communion chant specific to midnight mass for all you latin enjoyers (me): in splendoribus sanctorum, ex utero, ante luciferum, genui te (in the brightness of the saints, from the womb, before the day star, i begot you)

it’s hot and dry this time of year in australia, so spending the whole of christmas day or boxing day at the beach or the pool is common. i imagine chase and his sister competing in made-up competitions — “i bet i can make the water splash taller with a cannonball!” — with their mum as a judge

“classic catches” is a common one: basically, one person throws the cricket ball out across the pool, and the other takes the most spectacular jump/dive they can to try and catch it before landing in the water (there’s a bluey episode about it). we see chase catch pens/case files/miscellaneous objects a few times throughout the show, so i think he’s honed the skill through games like this lol

bundaberg ginger beer is a classic aussie drink for the summer. it’s not alcoholic, and kind of a stronger ginger ale, made in queensland. virtually synonymous with summer. chase feels like an adult holding the heavy glass bottle, sipping it by the pool, trying not to screw up his face at the strong taste

his family have a christmas day lunch with. yes: prawns on the barbecue. but if i catch any of you calling them shrimp i will have harsh words. you’ve been warned

i have no idea whether other places do this, but christmas meals in australia usually feature ‘christmas crackers’ or ‘bonbons’ (there is a bluey episode about these too). they’re paper and kind of shaped like wrapped tootsie rolls, with trinkets, paper crowns, and little joke cards inside the middle. they’re called crackers because you open them by pulling on either side with someone else, tug-of-war style, and when one side breaks, a little fire cracker lights and makes a small explosion with a crack sound. i think chase looooooves the stupid little crowns and wore them all day as a kid.

on boxing day every year, australia hosts a match of test cricket against another international cricket team. cricket is a slow sport (the boxing day test is like five days long), but visit any aussie household with an adult man present, and the boxing day test is absolutely on the tv. it’s one of those things that make most australians patriotic, even if for the rest of the year they couldn’t care less. i don’t think chase was a cricket kid, but he liked watching craig mcdermott’s fast-bowling against india in ‘85. gave him something to talk about with his mates when school started again.

that said, rowan absolutely had tickets to the big game almost every year, either as work gifts or consolation for his wife and kids when he couldn’t (read: didn’t want to) be there during the holiday celebrations. since it’s held at the melbourne cricket ground, chase probably attended a few. they’re gruelling all-day matches, and not exactly entertaining for young kids, but chase probably looks back at the memories fondly: his mum slathering him with zinc and bug spray, constantly yelling at him to keep his hat on, promising to buy him an icecream at half-time

chase seemed pretty aware of his surroundings as a kid, at least in his home. he never failed to catch his mum’s solemn expressions while cleaning up wrapping paper and preparing platters of fruit and cold cuts, while retcon sister played happily with her presents. rowan never labelled his gifts “from Santa”, not even when retcon sister was young enough not to know: their mum always did.

every year, chase was jealous of retcon sister about something. did she get a larger slice of panettone? did she get one more gift from rowan? did she get to be blissfully ignorant on christmas day, swimming and snacking and not having to worry about how many times mum had topped up her white wine, or how heavy her sighs became as the day got hotter? their competition wasn’t always friendly — sometimes he got pissy, and spat cruel insults at her until she ran off to cry in private. neither of them ever told their mother

[avaf00rd]

Leah Williamson relationship HC

A better fic will be out soon hang tight.

This is a scrap I made.

I would barely classify these as head cannons as they are very long. They are just about your relationship in general☺️

————————————————————————-

-you and Leah were best friends and crazy close when you first joined Arsenal in 2017. When you left to go to Barcelona in 2019 you both felt like a huge part of your lives were missing. When you came back to Arsenal in 2021 you both realised you were in love and started dating

-you always praise Leah for being the most fashionable person you know. You weren’t terrible yourself but you were always getting her to help you with what to wear daily

-whenever you two go to events together Leah will always make sure you get to the after party. Your pretty good at calling it a night often, which means Leah is dragging you for more drinks more often that not

-you, Leah and Alex Scott were sort of a trio. Sure Leah and Alex were a tad closer. But you had all been on multiple trips together

-your the cook of the house. She can’t go much further than toast. She tried to make frozen chicken one time for you both, but it ended up breaking the oven due to a weird setting she turned the oven on to.

-when she did her ACL you were in tears for her. When she walked off, She told you to get a goal for her. You didn’t in the end which made you sick to your stomach. You felt terrible and was just as devastated as Leah.

-your Australian. So bringing Leah over to your home was your favourite thing.

-Christmas in your house was amazing. You both decked out the house completely and danced and sung to Christmas songs all December.

-when buying your first house together. You had the biggest say. You had great taste is properties to buy so you kind of found a flat online and showed Leah. She said yes so you immediately booked an inspection. You got that flat two days later.

-You also bought all the furniture one night when you were both on international break and got it delivered to where Leah was. She was a bit shocked when she FaceTimed you after coming home to 45 delivery boxes.

-your taste in movies was so divergent. She liked the more fantasy movies like lord of the rings and Harry Potter. She also loved horror. Which was terrible for you. You loved romance movies, you’re either making Leah watch that or some stupid documentary you heard of.

-you were a huge dog person. And Leah already owned a dog when you first moved in together, but you had 2. So now it’s a crazy house 24/7.

-you love being together in the kitchen, listening to music and goofing around with a good bottle of wine. You both turn on old love songs and slow dance around the kitchen.

-she made you late to most trainings. Due to her stuffing around in the mornings. It got even worse when she cut her bangs

-one afternoon you were both chatting on how she used to have a fringe as a child. You said she would suit one (but you think she suits anything). So of course 2 weeks later she texts you to let you know she’s going to the hairdresser…

-Leah can be kinky asf. Come on we all know this

-sometimes after dinner you will beg her to play on the piano for you. She’s actually outstanding at it and you’re so proud of her. You will take your wine glass over and sit on the seat next to her while she plays.

-you tried to convince her to get Santa photos with the dogs. Which she very quickly declined.

-you were very good at makeup. You became obsessed with it as a teenage girl. So you find yourself doing Leah’s a lot for nights out and events. Even just doing a big look for fun.

-the girl couldn’t ride a bike to save her life. So you always tried to help teach her . She would somehow always say yes, Even if it was just an excuse to get a good laugh out of you.

-you and your Matilda’s team played in the World Cup and came fourth after being knocked out by her country in the semis. Your heart ached that you couldn’t finish it for your country, but it ached just the same at the fact that your girlfriend couldn’t lead her country to the grand finals like she had always dreamt of.

-every night you slept with your head tucked into the crook of her neck, arms cuddling onto her torso. It was just the best way both of your bodies melted together.

-sometimes she tried to take you on golfing dates. The first time she did, she told you she was good. Like the powerful Leah Williamson would. You were humble and said you would need her help. But when you swung your shot you actually made a great one and it had Leah’s jaw on the floor.

-you both had your first photo shoot together in 2020 just before covid. And you lived very minute of it. Now you have done heaps for brands like Calvin Klein, bikini brands, and more together, you both now being known for your hot couple photo shoots.

-you were both completely clumsy. The worst thing was when Leah and you had to screw a window nail tighter. Don’t ask why. But you apparently weren’t holding it properly. Causing it to fall out the other side of the frame. Completely shattering into the pool.

-though you were always chasing after her for outfit inspiration. You both looked phenomenal wherever you went. You would both be shot on camera court-side of a basketball game, on vacation or at dinner in the best outfits and hair.

-you though she was the hottest girl you had ever seen in your life. You had only had boyfriends who play football in your life before Leah. So you always blamed Leah for being gay.

-her love for country music was one of the things that made you fall in love with her. Along with her charming personality

-you were a striker for arsenal. When you scored in a game, you would do your celebration jump with your fists in the air and always try to look for Leah, to see if it was her arms you could jump into first. And she was always there, screaming at you for your goal with her arms wide open.

-your a bottom most of the time. But sometimes you switch it up and she lives for your dominant side.

-you suffered a severe back injury in 2022 while in Australia. You were scared you would never play again. Leah was on the next plane out to Australia, even though she was told not to. Just so she could sit next to your bed and hold your hand for hours.

-seeing Leah back in training after doing her ACL. With the brightest smile on her face, made your heart melt every time.

[tartlette1968]

It's really weird, as an Australian, watching the news from the US about TikTok and Rednote.

Australians don't see China the same way Americans do, but we do wish that they weren't so insistent on not being questioned. Australia has had expat Chinese people living here for about 200 or so years. Our countries have exchanged heated words on and off, and we have a well established trade relationship with China, but we also have some concerns. In short they spy on us, and we return the favour.

They drink or wine, eat our meat and lobster, and we buy their cars and phones. But it's more complex, and intertwined than that.

[blamemma]

30 maxiel!!!

things I wish you’d said - this literally does not fit this prompt at all really, it does if you squint really hard at the end, but anyway :)) - 2,072 words - yes we're out of the depressed daniel era, but sometimes u just need to sit down and re-visit it for a lil cry

In the end, Daniel has to take a break from everything. Racing. Social Media. Public Events. Every One. Michael. His parents. Max.

He buys a converted van, featuring a sofa that pulls out into a single bed, a tiny kitchen, and a shower he can just about squeeze into, and heads out along the coast of Australia. He turns his phone off for the most part, only using it for Maps and to message the group chat his family forced him to set up every two days, a small update and a selfie, so they know he's okay, alive.

He avoids tourist trap areas; he received enough sympathetic looks and kind words in Abu Dhabi, can't face strangers who barely know who he is or what he feels, coming up to him and passing on their condolences.

He drives and drives and drives and drives.

Open road. Sandy banks. Rock faces and dried out trees. Open barren land with a singular road cutting through it.

He avoids busy restaurants and sticks to quiet bars. Drinks too much whiskey and then passes out on his too small, cold, bed. Stops off at vineyards he's been meaning to visit for years, stock-piles bottles of wine to gift his mum and dad when he eventually arrives back home.

Max had hated the idea. Had come stumbling out of the door of Daniel's home, sleepy-eyed from jet lag, when Daniel had driven up in the van after heading out early to collect it.

He'd looked perplexed, cocked his head as Daniel had clambered out of the driver's seat.

"What is this Daniel?" Max had asked. He'd walked forward to Daniel, still in his sleep clothes, an over-sized Enchanté shirt and tight boxers, arms lifted a little higher than his waist, looking to curl into the side of Daniel's body in the early morning sun that was already blisteringly hot.

"It's my van," Daniel replied. "I'm going to go away for a bit."

Max stopped in his tracks, his hands instantly forming fists at his sides, before stretching out his fingers again.

"What?" He asked again.

"I'm gunna go away for a bit Maxy. Just me. And the Australian Road. Get my head straight."

"No," Max had responded. Daniel knew this would be Max's reaction. It's why Daniel hadn't told him beforehand, had kept the secret since Brazil, an impulse purchase after he'd crashed out in his second-to-last race. "We have just got here Daniel. You are not going to go away on your own. You can stay here or I will come with you!"

Despite Max's defiant attitude, Daniel had won. He'd left Max at his home in Perth, the first time he'd visited as Daniel's boyfriend, a promise of barbeques with family and chasing each other on dirt bikes forgotten. They'd argued, they'd cried, they'd pleaded with each other to understand, but ultimately, Daniel's mind was set.

He hasn't spoken to Max in two-and-a-half weeks now. Doesn't know what he'd say. I miss you. Your love isn't good enough to fix me. I love you. I can't stand the way you pity me.

He doesn't even know if Max is still in Perth. He wouldn't blame him if he'd gone back to Monaco.

His decision had been finalised when his Mum and Dad had arrived in Abu Dhabi. The tears prickling at the corner of his mum's eyes as she'd pulled him in sent guilt washing over him. He'd failed. They'd sacrificed everything for him to drive. And he couldn't give them the one thing they deserved. A Championship.

He'd marked Exmouth as his stopping point, where he'd turn around and head back home, but he arrives, camps under the stars for two days, rents a boat and sits for hours with a fishing rod that's never successful and still doesn't feel complete. Whole. He'd imagined, in the days between Brazil and Abu Dhabi, that this would fix him. That a solo trip would give him all the answers. Show him whether he's happy with this being the end, or driven to find a way back.

Instead, he just feels lost and alone.

He clambers back into his van, pulls out the beaten-up map that came with the vehicle and tries to pick a new place to go. No where strikes inspiration in him though. The big bold lettering of PERTH near the bottom of the map taunts him over and over again and he scrunches the map up, throwing it at the windshield.

Across from where he's parked, just across his van on a grassed area sits a family, at a picnic bench, fitted with a barbeque. Two dads sat side by side, a young son and daughter sat opposite them. Daniel can't tear his eyes away from them, as the kids sit eagerly awaiting their dinner, laughing, conversing. They're happy.

He'd promised Isaac and Isabella in Abu Dhabi that when they got back to Perth, they could come round to his house, and they'd spend hours in the pool and have a large barbeque, and end the night around the fire with smores.

Instead, he'd been too chicken to say goodbye to them.

He'd promised Max that he'd take him hiking at his favourite spot. Take him out on a date to his favourite Italian restaurant. Promised trips to the farmers market, and out for brunch, and endless beach days. Promised him a winter break of relaxation. A Christmas at Daniel's parents, one filled with sunshine and shorts and a mountain of presents.

Instead, he'd made Max fly all the way out here, and then abandoned him. The guilt hadn't left him, not since he'd pulled out of his dusted driveway and away from Max.

He props his feet upon the dash and watches the family as they move about their evening. Burgers eaten far too quickly by the children. A plea from their fathers to at least try the salad they'd purchased. A rugby ball emerging from their bag that they kick around and throw to each other. Small gentle kisses shared between partners, an arm around the waist, one thrown around the shoulder. Kids piling on top of their dads as they fall to the ground in a tackle. Laughter. So much laughter. And joy. And happiness.

Daniel calls Max.

It rings and rings and rings. Then Max's voicemail sets in. Daniel tries again. It rings and rings and rings. He puts his phone down on the seat and starts his engine. He'll follow a road somewhere.

His phone rings. A photo of Max curled up asleep in the sheets of their Monaco bedroom fills the screen.

He answers immediately, clutching the phone to his ear. It's silent on the other end of the line.

"Max?" Daniel asks gently.

"Daniel," Max repeats back to him.

"Max." Daniel says again. "I miss you, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking, and I'm just so lonely and I hope you're okay, please tell me you're still okay. Are you still in Perth? I'm so sorry Max. I'm gunna drive home. Yeah? I'm gunna drive back okay. You'll be there right? When I get home? I'll make this up to you. Okay--I'll drive home tonight and then tomorrow we can do whatever you want. Whatever you want. " He's crying, and his words are coming out so fast, but the simple sound of Max's voice, the Dutch intonation speaking his own name, collapses him.

"Where are you?" Max asks. Daniel can hear his voice quiver on the other end of the line and a fresh wave of guilt washes over him. He should be there right now, Max shouldn't be feeling this way.

"I'm in Exmouth, it's almost at the tip of Western Australia. So it's about 13 hours to Perth but I can drive through the night Maxy, and then I'll be back home tomorrow. Yeah? Does that sound good?" Daniel selfishly, wants Max to beg him to come home, tell him how much he's missed him, and needs him. Daniel can't even tell if Max is still in Perth, too scared to outright ask.

"You should get some sleep Daniel. And then come home. You should not drive through the night you might crash. And then I will not be able to shout at you for all the horrible things you have done and I will have to attend your funeral with all these unresolved issues of course, so probably my speech would not be that good." The glimmer of teasing that comes through in Max's voice makes Daniel clutch at his chest in want.

"Yeah, okay baby, I'll see you tomorrow yeah?" Daniel asks.

"Yes Daniel. Come home. I will cook dinner for you when you get back. We can have a lovely evening."

"Sounds good. I love you." Daniel responds.

"I love you also." Max says, and Daniel has to hang up quickly before Max catches on to his desperate sobs.

---

He does what Max asks, and sleeps. Not very well, and not for very long, but the next morning, he starts the van up at 5am and drives, joins the open road and heads home. He turns the stereo up, his Max playlist on loud and proud, singing along to the lines that resonate most to him. Whenever he stops off for fuel, and snacks, he texts Max, updating him on his journey and when he'll be home. Max responds to Daniel's first message, when he'd left Max know that he was leaving Exmouth, with Drive safe ❤️, the second message with See you soon! 😁 and the third message with I hope your bum is not feeling too numb!

He pulls up onto his track road and into his driveway just after 8pm and is greeted with a house decorated and ready for Christmas. Lights strung across the porch, pretend Snowman's just beside the front door, mistletoe hanging from above the entranceway. Max had put out all his Christmas decorations from years past.

He's already crying as he fumbles to undo his seatbelt, and stumbles out the drivers door.

The tears start falling when he sees Max running out of the front door towards him, jumping over the steps of the porch and bounding towards Daniel. Max stumbles into his chest, his strong arms wrapping around Daniel and pulling him into him. Daniel collapses into him, exhaustion and want and love all seeping out of him.

"Your mum showed me where all the Christmas decorations were kept last week. I asked her if she could show me. I thought that maybe if you would come home, it would be nice for you to come home to." Max finally says, his voice shaking, speaking into Daniel's neck. "Isaac and Isabella helped. They kept on asking where you were. And I didn't have an answer for them Daniel. I had to tell them that you'd gone on a trip. And then they would ask when you were coming back and I would say I do not know. And then they would ask if we could go and join you and I said I do not think we can. You were cruel, Daniel. You were so cruel."

Daniel finally wraps his arms around Max, kisses the crown of his head and cries with him.

"I'm better now Max, I promise you, I am better." He whispers into his hair. Max's grip around his waist gets tighter, pulling him impossibly closer.

"You never said you were bad, Daniel. I could tell and I tried to help, but you would always shut me down. You never said--"

"I know baby, I know. I'm so sorry."

Max's hand comes to the back of Daniel's neck, holding him tight, his fingers moving through his hair. It's all Daniel needs, he's realised. Is Max. Is Family. Is simple moments.

They both stand there, crying, in each other's arms, birds singing above them, the last remnants of the evening sun warming their backs, until Max, pulls away, intertwining his hand into Daniel's.

"You have to come inside now and eat," Max insists, stepping forward and tugging Daniel's arm. "Your mum has been giving me food every few days and I think that Brad is going to have to work overtime."

Daniel laughs then, his first proper, from-the-gut, endearing, happy laugh, in a long time. Max watches him, the way his eyes light up and his broad smile make up his whole face.

Daniel's back.

Daniel's home.

[callmewrinkles3]

Glitch - DR3 x fem!OC

Summary: Emma’s never really found it easy to make friends before. But her next door neighbour’s grinning friend is easy to like. And flirt with. And text even when their schedules are so different. Maybe it’s a weird glitch, but she’s only young once. What could go wrong?

Words count: 3.2k

Warning: Fluff and more fluff, flirt all around, alcohol consumption and hangovers, swearing because we don’t know how to write without it, Blake being a sunshine.

A/N: Hi everyone! We can’t believe this is happening. It feels weird to leave our new little baby out in the world but we’re really happy and excited about doing it. We really hope you love our girl Emma as much as we love her. She’s feisty, fun, and hates Zak Beige as much as we do which is an Important Thing In The Future. We also hope you get to love the story as much as much we do. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy writing it. Its gonna be a wild ride full of gossip, snuggles, media post and some angst. This is the fist of we have no idea how many chapters, but its gonna be more than two for sure lol Anyway, let us know what you think?? Enjoy and see you around soon!💜

—

Glitch - January 2018

At the start of it, Emma swore they were supposed to be just friends. That’s how everything started, friends. Daniel didn’t live anywhere near her so it was impossible for them to run into each other unless they made the effort to. But then she was arriving home at the same time as the new guy who’d moved in next door had, and they ended up becoming friends. So when Blake arrived at her front door inviting her to his apartment the next night for his birthday, she couldn’t say no. He wanted to warn her about the noise, be a good neighbor because they were actually home, and the invitation fell out of his mouth. And she said yes.

Sometimes she thought saying yes to that was her best and worst decision.

That Saturday night she didn’t think about it. Instead she got dressed up in a little black dress, put on makeup, grabbed up the nicer than she’d buy for herself bottle of wine she‘d picked up for the occasion and knocked on Blake’s door. They were friendly acquaintances, the Australian trusted her with a key to his apartment because he worked for Red Bull and travelled around the world on a regular basis. She knew his last name was Friend because of a post mixup, she knew it was his birthday, and she knew he sang in the shower. But for all Emma knew he could be the new form of Jack The Ripper inviting her out to kidnap her. But his friendliness made her believe he wasn’t.

As soon as he opened the door there were people around, a mix of his friends and work colleagues waving and introducing herself. She tried to remember names, smiling and shaking hands. Until she met Daniel.

The moment she looked at his curly hair she knew he was something else. He smelled good in the busy room, a beer in his hand and a broad smile on his face. Her brain was yelling that if she walked over to him she wasn’t walking away without something happening. So of course, she grabbed a beer from the bucket on the coffee table and took the empty spot next to him.

That was her first mistake of the night.

The second one was agreeing every single time he asked if she wanted another drink. The one time she considered saying no - happy to be tipsy but not drunk - his big brown puppy eyes made her say yes. That smile and those eyes were two of the three reasons she couldn’t help but flirt with him every chance she got. The third reason she flirted was his warm body was pressed beside her on the couch, their legs touching as they played Cards against humanity and laughed at everyone's awful answers.  

Her third mistake was going with him into the kitchen to get water for everyone, standing beside the window and looking out over the London skyline. She couldn’t help drop a comment about how he looked cute under the moonlight coming in, Dan grinning and then letting out the most perfect laugh as she rambled about how the stars and that night’s blood moon made his dimples look good. He found it hilarious.

She didn’t know that he thought it was adorable how her cheeks turned red every time he complimented her. She was smiling and he told her how cute it was that her nose wrinkled as she smiled, but she just felt her cheeks flush, heating up with embarrassment. But what made everything worse was the way Daniel brushed his thumb over her nose as he said it. It was an innocent touch, like a parent cleaning a child's face, but it went straight to her heart. She took a dangerous step forward wanting to do the same, but not trusting their height difference. Instead she pinched his cheek, dropping a stupid feeling “Shut up, Dimples.”

She wasn’t going to sleep with him. She wasn’t. Emma wanted to, but she couldn’t. They’d met three hours before and he was clearly close to Blake and she wasn’t going to ruin the one good friendship she’d made in her adulthood. Even if they were taking it any further, the spell between them was broken with a shout.

“Ems! Danny! What are you doing in there?” They came back in with the drinks, Emma raising an eyebrow at Blake.

“Ems?”

“We’re Aussies, everything gets a nickname. Is it ok?” It might have been the alcohol speaking, but she’d never had someone decide to just give her a nickname. It felt more like her than Emma ever had.

“It’s good.”

She had to leave before whatever had happened between her and Daniel started again. He knew he was good looking, she knew there was flirting, but the best thing was to shut it down then and there. She said her goodbyes and hugged Blake, shrugging off his question about why she was leaving so early.

“I’m meeting friends for brunch tomorrow, if I’m having mimosas then I don’t want to drink more tonight. It was fun, invite me next time you’re home for more than a few days.”  

She waved goodbye and closed the door, putting earplugs into sleep because every time she closed her eyes she thought she could hear Daniel’s voice through the thin walls.

When she got up the next morning her head was clear, but she cursed herself for not asking for Daniel’s number. The chances of seeing him again considering Blake’s work schedule were basically non existent, and she chalked it up to a night of fun and flirting. Daniel, however, had different ideas.

A scrap of paper shoved under her front door had a phone number and messy handwriting that said “Text me anytime, Wrinkles”. Until last night there was nobody in the world who had a nickname for her, now she had two. Daniel was the only one who would call her Wrinkles, nobody else had overheard that conversation when she was fighting herself not to kiss him. It took her more than a couple of minutes to decide to actually text him.

Wrinkles?

It took a couple of hours for him to text her back, and in the meantime, she cleaned and did a couple of hours of work. But her phone buzzed with a text and Ems wouldn’t admit to anyone how quickly she picked it up to check.

Coz your nose wrinkles!

Sure thing, Dimples.

That’s how their friendship started and sustained through the weeks and months of not seeing each other, Daniel’s job taking him away from the UK for weeks at a time. He spent a lot of time in Europe judging by the random photos he’d send on the weeks that their time difference wasn’t too bad. They texted almost daily, her favorite a picture of a plate of meat sent at 4am. When she asked why the next morning it wasn’t until mid afternoon when she got back “I’m in Austin for work, Wrinkles”.

Other times it was a YouTube or Spotify link to a song he insisted she had to know, and she replied with early 2000s UK and Ireland boyband songs. If he hadn’t sent her anything by the time the early evening rolled around she’d text him a check in to tell him what time it was for her. That always got a response of the sky, a clock on the wall, or one of the intricate watches he wore so she knew roughly how far away their time ones were.

Their conversations were short and sweet and random, so she never asked what exactly he did with Blake. She knew they worked on the Formula one team and travelled, but that was it when it came to work. Even in his personal life she didn’t know a lot. His name was Daniel, he was a year older than her, he was from Perth and he loved music. She knew he was in the UK a few times before Christmas, but work was insane for both of them so they couldn’t get the coffee that they swore they would. She only saw Blake twice, and one of those times was when she opened his front door to drop his post in and he’d just arrived home.

Ems nearly groaned when she got a photo of Daniel in an airport, his boarding pass held up to his face showing he was on his way to Perth for Christmas. The timezone difference was a pain, eight hours meaning his day was half over as hers was beginning. But the snatched messages continued, videos of him on motorbikes or running down the beach that looked like it was out of a film. She’d have lied if she said the photo of him holding his baby nephew didn’t make her ‘aww’ out loud. She couldn’t help but grin every single time he sent her a selfie of himself, relaxed and tanned and happy. Even if he’d been clearly working out just before taking many of them.

In response she sent him photos of her far paler face curled up on the couch, or when she went into the hot desks she worked from when she needed away from her tiny flat. He sent her photos of Christmas trees out of place in the warm sun, and in return he got Oxford Street lights lit up. On her last day in Liverpool for the actual holiday she sent him a photo of her sad face and rain wet hair, hoping for a kind word.

Instead she got a gorgeous sunset over the beach, the kind of photo that she only thought existed in photoshop. But it wasn’t the photo that got her, it was the four words and two letters at the bottom. ‘Wish you were here xx’. As soon as she read it she’d typed out that she wished she was too, sending it before she could regret it.

As soon as she got back to London and away from family she opened a bottle of wine, pouring heavily until the bottle was nearly empty. Drinking too much wasn’t her usual coping mechanism – that was blasting Taylor Swift - but she needed to quiet the butterflies in her stomach at his text.

She couldn’t fall for a guy she barely knew. She couldn’t fall for a guy who was constantly travelling around the world. Ems wouldn’t let herself get into that mess, pining for someone who she’d never see. She knew better, she knew that she’d be fine on her own. They could be friends and that would be it. She and Blake had started becoming Good Friends, she and Daniel could do the same. Plus, a guy like him would always have some girl wanting to be on his arm. It was alright. It had to be alright.

She’d convinced herself that it really would be alright, but then what Blake called winter break was over and he was back with a Christmas present for her as a thanks for getting his post and keeping his spider plant alive. As he was turning away from her front door he stopped, and she suddenly knew what he was about to say

“There’s a group of us going out on Saturday, are you coming? It’s mostly everyone who was at my birthday, some of the guys from work.” She was all prepared to say no when he pulled out his final line. “Daniel’s coming too.”

She took a breath, biting her lip as if she was working out if she could make it. But as soon as he invited her she was going to say yes, even if it was just a chance Daniel would be there.

Saying yes to going out was the opposite of a mistake.

Once Ems arrived at the club she realized she had no idea how to handle a full night out around Daniel and his charm offensive. He wasn’t even wearing anything fancy – black skinny jeans, a white shirt, red plaid, and a pair of black vans - but with what she was learning were his ever present rings he looked too good. She thought she could keep herself together until he grinned, holding out his arms and pulling her into a hug.

“Emmy!” The new nickname didn’t make it easy for her to let go instead of wrapping her legs around his waist and holding him close.

“New nickname?” She asked, struggling to be heard over the music even with how close they were holding each other.

“I know Blake’s calling you Ems, but I figured you deserved a proper one from me.”  

He didn’t just look good, he smelled amazing and his hugs were the best she’d ever had. They felt like being home after a long trip, lighting her favorite candle and sitting down with a burger from the greasy spoon around the corner. It was warm and cozy and familiar despite the fact she’d never had one from him before. It felt so damn good that it nearly hurt to let him go.

Emmy was so focused on hiding the electricity she felt from his hand on her hip as they walked through the club that she didn’t realize they’d been brought to the VIP area. It wasn’t the kind of place she’d usually go, a pub with a couple of drinks was her usual thing instead of loud music. But she smiled and nodded, glad that the thumping beat was quieter in there as they got drinks. But then Daniel and his friend were talking about how this was the last heavy night until the summer break apart from wins, that full season boot camp was starting Monday.

She knew she looked utterly clueless but focused on her drink until the other Australian who’d been talking to Daniel caught her attention.

“Everything ok? I’m Michael, we didn’t talk much at Blake’s birthday.”

“Em. Yeah, fine, just not sure what you and Daniel were talking about.”

“Just his race preparedness, making sure he’s fit enough for the g forces and the laps in Melbourne. Can’t have an issue in his home race!”

“Race?”

The group went silent as they realized that Em had no idea about Daniel’s actual job, and it was quickly explained that he didn’t just work with Blake. He drove the car for the Formula one team.  

“You know you’ll have to tell me the full story?” She asked Daniel as he gave her the very broad strokes, and he grinned back at her.

“Not tonight, but soon Wrinkles. Pinkie promise?”

“Promise.”

They exchanged the promise with their pinkies locked and a wry smile before Dan pulled her up to go to the bar for a drink. Which turned into another. And another. And another. Which then turned into looking at each other and Daniel trying to pull her onto the dance floor.

“I’ll dance with you, but that’s all that’s happening Dimples.”

They moved together, their own little bubble away from everyone else dancing. Daniel was careful not to touch her until she let him, his hands going to her waist and barely moving from there. They went to the curve of her hips, but after that they stayed still as they swayed out of time to the song. She wanted to get him to move them further, grab her ass and make it clear she wasn’t going home with anyone else. But even while she was tipsy as hell she found the strength not to jump into his arms, not to reach her head up and push a kiss to his lips like she wanted to. Even though he was the funniest and most charming man she’d ever met, who made her smile even during the week she hated every year. But she kept it together as they left the dance floor for another drink before going back to their friends.

Blake was her excuse to leave, her chance to run out and not drag Daniel home with her. It was clear they both wanted it, but it was a Bad Idea. Instead they hugged goodbye, Blake getting in the taxi and insisting on paying the fare when they got in. She said goodbye to him with a hug before collapsing into her own bed, alone.

What she did do was send him a text in the morning. As soon as she had the ability to open her eyes back she grabbed her phone and turned the brightness down to the lowest it would go. Once she could semi focus her text thread with Daniel came up, and she dictated it as voice to text instead of trying to tap on the screen.

Damn you and your fancy drinks, Dimples.

He hadn’t let her pay for a single round of drinks, as much as she tried to. Instead he batted away her hand with cash and held out his card, telling her it was fine. She was positive he wouldn’t answer considering she and Blake had been the first two to leave, but ten minutes later her phone buzzed again. Ems ignored it, but the third buzz meant she didn’t and made herself concentrate on the texts with Dimples. The pain eased as she saw the three messages, telling her to open her front door. Then seriously. Open it now.

She wasn’t fully sure how she managed to make it to her door, pulling an oversized hoodie around her for warmth on the cold January morning. But when she looked out her peephole the hallway was empty.

It was stupid to imagine Daniel would be there. She felt ridiculous for thinking he’d be standing there, even though he told her to open her door. But because he told her to, she decided to follow his instructions and pulled it open to find a brown paper bag from her favorite bakery sitting there.

It was mid-November and he’d been in Brazil when they’d been sharing hangover remedies and she’d told him about the lemon drizzle cake and Chelsea buns from a bakery near her flat that always made her feel better when she’d drank too much. Too many baked goods and a caramel latte from the overpriced hipster place next door always helped make her feel human. She’d told him as a recommendation, somewhere to keep in mind the next time he was in London. Daniel had told her he would, but she had to promise to try his favorite bakery in Perth that somehow managed to make the cheesiest focaccia he’d eaten in his life.

That was more than two months ago, and they hadn’t mentioned anything about it since. The last thing she’d expected was to open the door and find a bag with still warm baked goods in it. Two pieces of lemon drizzle cake, two Chelsea buns, and three chocolate chip cookies that were warm and gooey as she ripped a bite from one. There was a perfectly made caramel latte in a takeout cup, and at the bottom of the bag was a box of painkillers. There was nearly everything she could have asked for right there, and she texted him a slightly embarrassing selfie of her grinning face and the cookie she’d taken a hunk out of already.

The only thing he hadn’t brought was something to stop her falling head over heels for him. But if Emmy was being true to herself, she knew it was already too late to stop it.

[enchantedtomeethyun]

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬: 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 -------------------------------

Ｃｈａｎ:

+Super excited to hang out because he is always working

+ Doesn't sleep and probably goes back to the studio after you fall asleep

+ Feels super bad though and comes back to leave a note at least

+ You guys were building with legos and left them on the floor so when he comes back he steps on them and Ouchie. You wake up.

+ Plz force him to sleep after that!

𝓛𝓮𝓮 𝓚𝓷𝓸𝔀:

+ Yay someone can watch the cats with him!

+ “hey can we go and do something else?” “ without the cats???”

+ He will take a late night walk with you but you gotta carry dori in a lil wrap thing around you.

+ buys you pudding ( complains tho)

+ Hogs all the blankets fr

+ Wants to do it next weekend because it was so fun for him ( say yes)

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗶𝗻

+ “ wanna go to the gym?” “ can we just watch a movie or something?”

+ makes you go to the gym with him so you can be his spotter ( I googled what that was)

+ Buys you lots of food after but complains about his muscles hurting

+ Falls asleep during the movie and wakes up at the end type of dude

+ Lets you sleep on the bed and takes the couch

♥ Hyunjin ♥

+ Pillow fights are violent but then you're both so tired after you take a nap

+ Wants to watch dramas with you and cry about love and stuff

+drinks wine with you and eats croissants he bought from the bakery across the street

+ accidentally will say he's in love with you while drunk and falls asleep after

+ Wakes up like (0-0) “ so about last night....”

【Ｈａｎ】

+ You're watching anime even if you don't want to watch anime.

+ He is so loud and it is like 3 am and you're on season two already

+ If you fall asleep he will tuck you in but draw on your face

+ “ good morning princess!” then gets scared seeing your face because he forgot he drew on you

+ Steals Hyunjin's sheet masks for a spa morning in hopes you won't notice your face

ᖴEᒪI᙭

+ Baking ! Buddies!

+ Brownies and cookies and cupcakes

+ Gossiper tbh

+Super sweet until you play video games and he cusses you out like the Australian he is

+probably bought you guys matching pjs :(

+ Wants to cuddle in his sleep and you can't say no to him because he is Felix

🅂🄴🅄🄽🄶🄼🄸🄽

+ the most normal sleepover finally

+ scary movie and popcorn night and he laughs at the people who die

+ doesn't want you to use him shower so you have to use the one on the other side of the apartment

+ sleeps like a corpse and doesn't move

+ will make fun of you if you snore ( and film it for the other members to see)

+ buys you a toothbrush so your breath doesn't smell in the morning in his face

𝙹𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗

+Shopping at the mall until it closes

+ Takes so many pictures with you ( you're in his ootd post omg)

+ Is excited to see puss in boots and holds your hand during the “scary parts”

+ You get home at 11 pm and he wants to take his bubble bath

+ you fall asleep waiting for him and he falls asleep in the bath

[historia-vitae-magistras]

💯🔺 aus for the ask thing?

🔺 RED TRIANGLE POINTED UP — does your oc know how to use any weapons?

He knows how to shoot, box, and use the bush tools to deadly effect if necessary. The wadi or waddy too. He must have fiddled around with boomerangs at some point. He had periods when he desperately wanted to be blooded, to join the ranks of the imperial powers, and he got there in his way, but I don't think violence ever sat quite right with him. He's part of the British imperial system; god knows he's capable, but pushing him headlong into that ease with violence like Matt or Arthur doesn't sit right. The sheer length and breadth of protest history in multiple facets of Australian culture have me lean more towards 'will throw a brick at someone in a fit of rage or grief,' but putting discipline and time into learning a weapons system makes him incredibly uncomfortable.

💯 HUNDRED POINTS SYMBOL — share three random facts about your oc that others may not know.

He's turned into a borderline insufferable food and drink snob over his life. Penal colony baby was just happy to eat, but it wasn't long before he ALWAYS had thoughts on what the cooks could do better. He will rip apart a chiko roll or a meat pie without complaint, but he will seriously ponder a wine pairing for dino nuggets. Coffee snob, too. An adventurous coffee snob, but a coffee snob. Straight-up British-style instant coffee will make him gag. He's almost in the Mediterranean club now, and his preference shows it.

He can be ungodly surly when he's hungry. Like no one in this family is a light eater, but he is a fricken vacuum cleaner. He spends WAY too much on eating out just because he does not stay in very much and always needs a snack.

He's pretty fricken reckless. Like there's a very thin line between brave and stupid, and this shithead has had Zee going, 'Can you keep some fucking blood in your body for fifteen minutes?" and he's just like, "Can we stop at the pub before the ER? I'll buy ya a pint."

Character Detail Ask Game

[fernwebs]

TF2 OC Infodump... About this silly guy

Minion's relationships with the mercs

Engineer - Engie is like one of the only people that can understand him (literally not emotionally) because of his thick ass accent. Minion likes to talk to him. Minion yaps to him a LOT, about almost everything.

Medic - Minion WILL find any way possible to be the one to deliver Medics orders personally. He also likes to include extra organs in almost every shipment. Minion makes his feelings towards Medic very obvious, but Medic continues to play dumb to keep getting those extra organs. Minions bird is the cause of at least 3 archimedes going missing.

Spy - Spy has photo evidence of Minion doing weird shit (staring at medics ass or smth idk). Minion is VERY aware of this and gets very nervous when hes doing anything at all because hes afraid that Spy is taking a picture of him.

Soldier -  Soldier is one of Minion's best friends, but Minion is scared that Soldier will grab him. Because he did, once. Minion got accused of not being faithful to America.

Sniper - Minion thinks he's weird because of the jarate thing. Hes scared that Sniper will throw jarate at him. Theyre probably buddies though, because they are both from places that have like weird animals, and they'd probably talk about that.

Scout - Theyre probably buddies because they both are falling for someone who barely likes them back. They encourage eachother. They're also relatively around the same age.

Demoman - Demoman is one of Minion's best friends along with Soldier. They'd also be drinking buddies, maybe not too often but they would. Minion gets really emotional when hes drunk, so he'd probably overshare to Demoman.

Heavy- I think theyre only acquaintances because they both cant quite understand each other (considering they both dont speak fluent english, and their native languages are different) BUT i think if they ever hung out they would cook for each other / bond over food.

Pyro - He probably hangs out a lot with Pyro because of Louise, he draws with Pyro when hanging out with them and Louise.

Bonus: Miss Pauling - I think he respects her a lot as a person and thinks she's cool. He probably tries to convince her just a little bit that scout is cool.

Louise - They are literally the father daughter duo EVER!! minion loves louise as a daughter so much and he cares so much he would take a bullet for her.

Eddy - Even though they might argue or have their differences sometimes, Eddy is always Minion's best friend. Minion truly appreciates Eddy and is grateful that Eddy is in his life.

Smissmass Presents

Spy - Lint, like he WRAPS IT to make it look like an extravagant cool gift but he actualy needle felted to lint to make it into a middle finger

Soldier - a tabo becuz he heard that soldier like bucket

Medic - he would buy him like 8 presents and make him custom advent calendar but its just pics of him and its the same picture each time for 12 days

Demoman - probably a nice bottle of wine or a case of his favorite alcohol

Scout - shitty art supplies because Scouf draws a lot, minion thinks those are the best art supplies in the world

Heavy - He would try to make a sandwich but with hawaiian rolls

Engineer - a book on how to learn tagalog

Pyro - 200 pack of jumbo crayons

Sniper - something very australian related

Bonus: Miss Pauling - A world globe you color in places for everywhere you've been.

Louise - Literally ANY toy besides a puzzle because he knows shes sick of if

Eddy - joke gifts like a mug or t-shirt that says something retarded, but if a real gift he'd buy something that was on eddys wishlist or something

on the bonus ones.. Louise and Eddy are my friend's OCs

@ilikesimsfour

thanks for reading chat!!

[anonsally]

Day 16 in Australia

Wine tasting and birding

Today I went out for a little birding jaunt right after I got up, around 8:15 or so. We are staying right by a foresty area along the creek called Margaret River (after which the town is named), so I just walked into the foresty area. I only saw a few birds, as I had the usual problem with forest birding: it's very hard to see the birds. I had glimpses of birds I couldn't identify, but I did see a Pacific black duck in the water, and a pair of red-winged fairywrens in the understory. I emerged from the forest a little frustrated, but in the more open area by the houses I did see 2 galahs, a New Holland honeyeater, and a square-tailed kite (which was new for me).

We were picked up at 10:30am for a wine tasting tour. Our guide Terry, an affable retiree, drove us to a few different Margaret River wineries. We started at Juniper, which had a beautiful flower garden, a lawn with shaded picnic tables, and a river. I spotted a few birds there (though nothing new), and we tasted several wines. It was a beautiful day: not too hot, but very pleasant to be outside. Next we ate lunch at Fishbone Wines, which has a Japanese restaurant. My miso aubergine (eggplant) salad was exquisite. I saw a new bird: Gilbert's honeyeater. We went to two more wineries after that (I was really only having a sip or two of each wine and pouring out the rest, but it was still a bit much; I did however buy a bar of nice chocolate from one of the wineries), and finally a place that makes nougat in a dizzying array of flavors. Sadly, they only sell them in giant 180g blocks, which were too big to buy more than one of. We took a while to decide but finally opted for macadamia-wild berry. The macadamias were grown on the farm next door. Terry dropped us off around 4:30 or so.

I drank some water and almost immediately set off on my own for a long bird walk. It was a little under 2 hours. I started off with a good 15 minutes or so in front of the house across the street, which has a lot of flowering trees/bushes. I saw 3 different kinds of honeyeaters there: New Holland, Gilbert's, and brown (which was new)! There were also two square-tailed kites circling overhead for a bit. I then walked down the street and turned toward the river, where I found myself in the foresty area, but with a few businesses. I saw a few Australian ringnecks and got some photos of them (I hope some turned out okay). Then I crossed a pedestrian bridge over the river, spotting maned ducks and Pacific black ducks, and ended up in a playground. The surrounding trees were hives of bird activity, though, with several Australian ringnecks and no fewer than 3 laughing kookaburras! From there I found an entrance to Wooditjup National Park. I walked along a trail for a while. With a lot of patience, I did eventually see a few birds on the trail (it was also getting to be late afternoon by then, so there was more bird activity), including some red-winged fairywrens and what I assume was a western rosella because there doesn't seem to be anything else that red around here. It was also just nice to be in the forest, though I did get a nasty mosquito bite!

We ate leftovers for dinner and finished our game of Trivial Pursuit (I lost, but it was the Australian edition so Wife's sister had an unfair advantage).

I think tomorrow's plan involves caves and beaches.

[velvetsands]

2024: milestone after milestone

living with my partner after two years long distance was such a nice reward, and confirmed that everything was right

realised my dream of going to the australian open

and going to attica(!!) and having a kangaroo meat pie

before coming back to the table and getting engaged(!!!!!!)

unfortunately we wanted to elope but family had other ideas

leading us to plan our wedding in just three weeks

it was such a great day but yeah, not what a little girl dreams of

anyway!

turned 30 on the 2/2 - glamped/biked around riesling country in adelaide which was goooorgeous

i was conferred my phd on the 22/2 which was cool

recieved dean's commendation for outstanding theses

submitted our manuscript for publication after so much tweaking

married on the 3/3

so yeah it was pretty full-on time tbh

we packed up our entire home, facebook marketplace was our best friend

my husband flew to saudi two weeks later, sending us back into the trenches of long-distance with a new challenge of time zones

i started my long goodbye to alcohol on a trip with friends to kangaroo island - lots of wine, laughter, and swimming with dolphins!

packed up my suitcase, ready to live out of it for the next three months and moved back into my childhood room in brisbane

spent easter with my sister, our grandparents and their siblings which was so lovely

went to san diego for a conference and for some reason, we were invited to the first class bar area on the plane (i can only assume an attendant heard my colleague and i talking about our cancer research which was very unexpected and nice)

flew to sydney for two weeks to complete requested experiments from reviewers and said goodbyes to all my friends

and finally received my saudi visa after much faffing around

my first business class experience to saudi was the qatar qsuite and it was heaven 40k feet above earth

all our stuff from adelaide arrived a few days after me, i set up the entire house

the compound is amazing, so much green space and although it hit 46C in summer, the lack of humidity makes it bearable

lack of alcohol was hard at first but then you just don't seem to think about it? there are tough days where you wish you had a whiskey sure but you get through it

worked on the paper revisions back and forth for months on end

we went to paris and bordeaux just before the olympics and stayed in chateaus and drank beautiful wine and did lots of fine dining

the saudi way of life is very much "inshallah", it's not very conducive to a western way of working which has been a steep learning curve

being here finally gave me the TIME to plan, order and cook whatever my heart desired instead of feeling like a total chore and hindrance during my phd

we went to turkey and bought rugs, drank, explored the landmarks, and went back to my hammam that i dreamt about re-visiting since 2018

saudi racing is fun but as no drinking or gambling, you just sort of sit around and gasbag with friends the entire time hahaha

the women like to engage with me and ask lots of question and the kids like to show off their english and be super cheeky with me!

in general, saudi's are the kindest people and feel the need to impress! same with the pakistani and indian expats!

there is such a sense of non-urgency yet things happen at the last minute - it's truly a wonder

i don't dress much differently to australia which made me realise i am quite modest (and that's fine). i try not to wear an abaya to show expat women that you can still be #stylish

i recieved lots of compliments from saudi women on my outfits which makes me feel FANTASTIC

i did however have to buy new racewear for here ofc which is fine

we went back to paris for racing of the arc at longchamp and explored a bit more, caught up with friends, lots of good food and museums, climbed the eiffel tower etc.

started doing mini triathlons are managed to get a sub-1hr 400m swim/8km bike/2.5km run which i was stoked about

made friends with someone at the australian embassy which was been wonderful - we went to a gala dinner onsite and i think that's a once in a lifetime experience

flew back to australia for the holidays which was again, another insane trip of three weeks in a suitcase

brisbane for a few days, to adelaide for racing (we were guests of honor which was hilarious) and to catchup with our friends and chicken schnitzels; back to brisbane and then to sydney

for my graduation gift, we booked a hotel under the sydney harbour bridge which was like a staycation in our own city. that was such a treasured part of my year

the uni dress people gave me a faulty phd bonnet which was too late to be fixed which resulting in a botched graduation photo with VC :( i got it replaced it after the ceremony but i still haven't recovered from the embarassment and anger!!!!!!

we flew out that night to hong kong for the international racing and catch ups! saw romantic warrior win up close <3

and then flew home just in time for christmas (we had a moo deng angel for our fiddle leaf) and spent christmas at the ritz carlton in riyadh which was unparallelled luxury

oh the manuscript was finally published on the 12/12 in nature communications (v prestigious, v proud) but bc of the embargo, i missed out on doing all public inteviews and tv appearances as i was no longer in australia :---(((((( honestly, the whole process sucked and really jaded me as a scientist - i know it's publish or perish but they just make it so demanding and hard

also they charged us 10k USD to publish which is an actual joke as they don't do any print versions, we could used that to perform more experiments

oh the patent was finalised too so now i can say i have officially found a potential cure for cancer

in bed at 10:30pm on new years because honestly, i think we celebrated every week of this year in a different shape or form

2025

just not sure hey!

i can't seem to get a job here try as i might

going to sweden to mid-jan to ski (read: apres bc i don't ski lol) with friends from australia and america! i am scared of the cold but we shall see

saudi cup is a big time here as the richest horse race in the world

we may be moving compounds which is slightly annoying

our cancer therapy will move into clinical trials in the first half of the year so i am really hoping that we can do some good in the world and make a difference to some families

we have tickets to the imola and monaco f1 gps!!! hoping to do lake como between the racing and we have a yacht for monaco!!!!!!

we may be moving to *** mid-year but stay tuned/fingers crossed

but other than that, inshallah it will be a good year!

[ghostradiodylan]

Which Hacketteers do you think are pro Christmas music and who do you think is totally against it?

Okay this is a great question and such a hard one for me because I’m kind of ambivalent about Christmas music myself! I like it fine for a couple of days beforehand but when it starts playing in stores right after Halloween? I’m still in spooky mode, stop trying to make me be merry for the sake of capitalism! 😂

Also given the setting of New York state, I wonder if any of them come from Jewish or otherwise non-Christian families. Idk who’s most likely to fit into that category but it’s a consideration. Christmas culture infects everyone though lol.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

I feel like Jacob is a literal child so he probably gets super excited about everything Christmas and is like helping his parents put up elaborate light displays and buying Christmas themed snacks and stuff, so he’s probably listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween and I feel like Emma might be similar. Emma might come Christmas caroling at your house because she loves performing so much! Emma doesn’t mind a pop cover or a bit of Mariah Carey at all.

Kaitlyn might be a total Grinch if left to her own devices but she can’t help indulging Jacob a little. She doesn’t mind Christmas music in the context of Christmas movies but she probably wouldn’t listen to it on purpose just for fun. She has a secret soft spot for the soundtrack to The Muppet Christmas Carol.

I feel like the holidays might be complicated for Ryan. We don’t know why his mom isn’t around, though I obviously have my headcanons for fiction, but that might make it a little bit of a tough time for him. At the same time, he seems really invested in his sister so he probably wants to make Christmas special for her. He lives with his grandparents, so maybe they’re listening to the more classic, old school Christmas music and jazz covers and he’s probably fine with that.

Dylan I think could go either way, either he’s rolling his eyes about it altogether or he’s making massive playlists of indie and alt rock covers and then throwing in annoying goofy songs like “Dominick the Donkey” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” I think he probably does not want to hear Christmas music prior to Thanksgiving. But maybe I’m just projecting as I often do.

Abi’s watching The Nightmare Before Christmas on repeat to match her Hot Topic aesthetic. 😂 She likes that original soundtrack and the various artist cover versions and “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” by Fall Out Boy. But when it’s actually the week of Christmas she gives in and gets into the regular cheery stuff.

I wonder how long Nick has been in the US because I always think it has to be so weird for Australians to have all this wintery themed Christmas music when it’s summer in their hemisphere at Christmas time! Maybe he gets really into it because it’s so different from what he’s used to. Or maybe he gets cranky and misses the summer and listens to Tim Minchin’s “White Wine in the Sun” to remember warmer holidays. Could go either way.

Maybe it’s his 50’s fit talking, but I imagine Max being into the old crooner type Christmas music, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra and more recently stuff like Michael Bublé that’s copying that style. I feel like he starts terribly serenading Laura with that music in early November.

I feel like Laura might not get super into Christmas until school is out because she’s so driven, so maybe she pushes all that out of her mind until then, except when Max is badly crooning “White Christmas” in the shower. But then again, I also headcanoned her as a choir kid in high school so she probably had concerts to practice for too that made her get into the spirit earlier than she really wanted.

Thanks for the asks today y’all! I think my brain is tapped out but I will be meditating on some I can send back! 💜💜💜