#disco wheels au

[discowheelsau]

🛼 Disco Wheels: a WH AU! 🪩

ㅤㅤㅤa famous and beloved rollerskate rink from the 80s, brought alive by its colorful cast of puppets and live entretainment. a safe place for anyone and everyone, no matter who or what you were.

ㅤㅤㅤa story following Wally—nicknamed Roco—and his experiences working at a roller rink, until everything went wrong.

！﹘ Index

About the AU

The Cast

Boundaries

Tagging Guide

Important Links

1. ﹕ About the AU

ㅤㅤㅤit's the 80s, and all you can hear being talked about is the latest rollerskate that opened not so long ago. neon lights, disco music, a cast of colorful puppets and live entretainment bring the building to life all day and all night long. ㅤㅤㅤa place where everyone is free to be who they are, free to have fun however they want; sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it? come in! the doors are open for you, everyone is waiting. ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤwill you join the fun…? :o)

2. ﹕ The Cast

Roco :: Wally (he/it/roll)

the main mascot of the roller rink; he appeared the most in commercials and other promotional material, and could be seen present in the rink at all times either dancing, singing, or rolling around. - Actor: Renny

Blades :: Sally (she/he)

the "chill friend" of the group; she could be seen frequently in roller skating and roller skates ads, hanging out near the speakers, or rolling around the rink. - Actoress: [REDACTED]

Cherry :: Julie (she/he/cherry)

the most cheerful one out of the whole group, always ready to be the center of attention and the life of the party. she was always dancing and singing along the disco music of the rink. - Actoress: [REDACTED]

Beetle :: Frank (he/they)

possibly the most grounded out of the whole group - although certainly not any less fun! they could usually be seen skating around the rink helping those that needed it. - Actor: Mateo

Dee :: Eddie (he/dis)

a popular drag queen in town; like Julie, he's always ready to be the center of attention, frequently dancing alongside her during the later hours of the day. - Actor: Ken

Mr. H :: Howdy (he/him)

with a more "rich jock" attitude, he was the most admired by the rink's attendees out of the whole group. he was always ready to help anyone that needed it! - Actor: [REDACTED]

Pop' :: Poppy (she/her)

the mother figure of the group, she used to appear most frequently in health/ safety PSAs videos in the rink. she usually worked during child-friendly hours of the day. - Actor: [REDACTED]

B.B :: Barnaby (he/him)

the clown of the party - he was always up to making everyone present smile and laugh along. he had more party tricks up his sleeve than stars on his fur, or so he said. - Actor: [REDACTED]

3. ﹕ Boundaries

What is ok?

Fan art, edits, cosplays, fanfics, anything creative!

Character interactions of any kind!  In any medium!  I’d love to see them!

Memes or things alike!

Hurt/comfort!

Fanon AUs of the AU

Edits! All of this, as long as you tag/ credit me of course!

What is not ok?

Selling mass produced merchandise.

Sexual interactions, both explicit and not explicit.

Ignoring a character's sexuality for shipping purposes.

Redesigns, recolors, tracing, etc. without my permission.

Any type of com-proshipping content; this includes Wallycest.

Any kind of AI content. Please respect these boundaries, if not you will be blocked and blacklisted.

4. ﹕ Tagging Guide

#disco wheels au — general tag for the AU! #lore — general lore/ important posts. #ask — all answered asks made to the blog! #golden disco years — all posts related to the roller rink. #watcher mansion — all posts related to Watcher Wally's Mansion and other interactions with other AUs in it.

5. ﹕ Important Links

Spotify playlist

fanart folder!

... it's best to not live in the past, isn't it?

are you willing to hear the truth…?

[idk2085]

Lovely :: Betty (She/They)

This girl with pink hair has two personalities, she has a sweet, loving and kind personality around people but she has a personality that is really hidden and yet with which she identifies better, the cold and asocial personality, she is considered the cupid of disco, she hates that title more than Valentine's Day

- Actoress: [REDACTED]

Disco Wheels AU by:@discowheelsau

I did my best to do the same as you did for your AU, I really like your AU!!!

[blueberryarchive]

Off The Races

In which you, the sweetheart of America and famous actress, gets tired of the director's bullshit and Taehyung, your two times winner Nascar boyfriend, it's called to "calm you down".

♡Pairing: Racer!Taehyung & Actress!Reader

♡Genre: 1950's Hollywood au, fwb

♡Word Count: 2.3k

♡Warnings: Mention of drugs and alcohol, drunk driving, sexism, penetration, oral, very dramatic lol

⠄･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄

California, 1952

The makeup seemed to melt into your skin as the scorching California sun beat down on your face, blonde hair in voluminous waves tickling your shoulders. You didn't want to admit it, but the gold of the wig made your tan glow like a goddess.

A goddess on the brink of madness. The kind to let thunder fall on all the men who praised you with their words and profaned you with their eyes.

The lights that were put in front of you when singing action, the childish phrases that your new director wanted you to say in a tone of pure innocence. They made you tremble with disgust, but your agent had fought so much to get you this role and you, with so much time in this business, still didn't know how to say no to a good role that would catapult you back to heaven.

You loved the cameras, the attention, and the screams of the young women and girls seeking your divine attention in public. Be the cliché rag-to-riches icon. Icon of hope for America. America's little sweetheart.

Even when you seemed to be failing, you could hear people gasp in the streets at the sight of your emerald dress full of beads and stones, the tulle piled up inside your little car. A thin veil of whitish powder delicately covered your nostrils, the red lipstick smeared on your dress, and the long scarf that floated out of your Disco Volante, the cute car that Taehyung gave you a couple of months ago. The car looked like a red bullet flying through the streets, the palms shading your clown-like theatre makeup.

Your right hand, covered in lace, moved as abruptly against the steering wheel as if you were driving alone through the streets, dodging the other cars by almost brushing their rear bumpers.

From your left hand, dangled a cigarette that was finishing with the seconds and the harsh wind. You didn't know when you'd light it on, maybe between the time you ran out screaming that you wouldn't do a tenth take of the same fucking scene and when your car seemed to roar just under your stiletto heels.

No one chased you, not even your agent, he knew it would be worse if they treated you like a child to convince you to be submissive. Much less that son of a bitch of a director that thought he could get into your panties for knowing how to look behind his glasses and yell 'Cut!' over and over again.

On the other hand, Taehyung was finishing his cigarette leaning against his red Hudson Hornet, one of his most precious jewels after you.

The workshop was alive with the noise of men talking and laughing, machines, and the roar of engines being tested. His car was being checked for the race on Sunday, and he looked into the engine himself whenever he could, even when he had a crew of mechanics.

His favorite part was wiping the towel over the car to give it the finishing touch, his last name on the side next to a 7 painted in white. It was beautiful. He felt his chest swell with pride every time he did it. 

The Korean boy who played with cars made from milk cartons and soda caps. Now a two-time Nascar championship winner.

He dropped his cigarette butt to the ground as Little James, one of his mechanics, called several times from the small office at the end of the workshop. The telephone was in Little James' hand with a face of surprise and terror. The corner of Taehyung's lip lifted because he knew who could cause that expression with just a look and a simple action.

He walked slowly, keeping the cigarette box in the sleeve of his white shirt. Grabbing the phone, he asked Little James to leave him alone with a single raised hand.

"Now what?"

"She did it again, Kim. I don't know what I'm going to do with her."

"You should throw her off a bridge and tell her that'll make her more famous" Taehyung chuckled wiping his oily hands on the fabric of his shirt. Taehyung could almost hear your agent squinting his eyes under his bottle-bottom glasses.

One of these days you would kill him from a heart attack, Taehyung thought that was your purpose.

"I don't know where she's gone but we need to finish at least three scenes today and-" the man stammered. "Kim, she's wearing a dress that costs twice my salary. She needs to stop acting like a child, you should control her."

"Mmm," Taehyung snorted. "You've been with her for years, dear Carl. You've been handling her since she turned sixteen and still don't know how to tell her to calm down? To fucking stop her nagging?"

"No" he complained, not understanding the sarcasm in Taehyung's voice. "Since she turned twenty I don't know what to do with her"

Taehyung rolled his eyes "You can calm down, Carl" he assured with a serene voice.

"Are you going to look for her?"

"Yeah, cancel the whole week too, and tell that fucking director of yours not to try to change the actress because he's going to regret it"

"Do you know who you're talking about? Mr. Truman doesn't take shit from anyone, not even her"

"If they take her out of the movie, you won't find anyone like her"

"Kim..." Carl sighed in disappointment, he more than anyone knew it was the truth.

"Goodbye, Carl" Taehyung put the phone down, searching for his motorcycle keys.

You were on one of the highest hills, revealing a city of papers and moving images. 

The air around you was sweet and heavy; the palms were unfazed by the desperate heat. You gripped the wheel tightly looking up the rocky steep, of course you thought about it. You're also not trying to lie to yourself when you hear the sound in your head of how your body falls sharply, hitting each sharp stone. 

You took a deep breath and looked inside your car, white leather decorated to the smallest detail. A shuddering hand grabbed the bag on the passenger seat, a bottle so small it looked like a toy; with your fingernail covered in red varnish, you picked up the white dust. 

"What do you think you're doing?" your body tensed upon hearing the unfathomable voice of your boyfriend. Or so the magazines said, not that it bothered you that it was called that. 

His motorcycle was behind the car, high waisted jeans and sculpted white tee. A feast to the eyes. He came to you with slow steps, lighting a cigarette on his oily hands while he analyzed the scene in front of him: the biggest dress he has seen and your dilated pupils.

You cocked your head at Taehyung, his eyes unreadable. Your heart pounded when you saw him, eyes narrowed by the scorching sunlight, his eyebrows almost knit together with the lit wrinkled cigarette on his lips. 

They had already been five months since the first time you two met and the ineffable splendor that exuded from Taehyung was such, that every time you saw him, you felt like a schoolgirl. A girl having her first infatuation upon knowing what a man was; not the kind who pulled your hair to get your attention but one of those men who fix things and says the right thing all the time. 

Taehyung didn't talk much, he kept his voice like a rivulet, firm but gentle. You loved that about him, you loved when he would say the strangest things to you and then adorn it with "my love." 

For example: "Don't you think if you're going to go up a hill at noon, at least have something lighter, my love?" You didn't know if he was talking about the dress or the cocaine that was spreading away from your fingernail. 

"For the moment, it suits me perfectly, honey" You got out of the car removing your sunglasses to see him without the dark tint. His smell of smoke and perfume eternalized your nerves. 

"What are you doing here?" you said, pleased with the view.

"Your agent is worried about you" 

"Let him worry, he doesn't know what awaits him on this shoot" 

"I thought you wanted this role" his hands slid to the tight part of your waist, the smoke of both of your cigars blinding you.

"It's not the role I want, Taehyung dear" You looked at him with half-closed eyes, drunk with obsession. 

"Mmhm," was all he said, letting smoke out of his nose. You didn't realize when but you exhaled when you felt how the dress no longer tightened your waist; the open zipper on your back. 

"And what does my doll want?" he asked, throwing the cigar from your mouth away, spitting his.

"My face...everywhere" you smiled just thinking about it. Taehyung gently squeezed your breast, studying your face. 

"I want women to cut their hair to look like me and for men to masturbate in their bathrooms just by watching me on TV" a moan escaped your lips as you felt Taehyung's tongue cool your neck.

"What else?" said he leaving wet kisses all over your chest.

"I want-" your mind was overflowing with flashing pictures, "I want to enter rooms with a simple dress, and people to still make a fuzz about it, for them to think it's easy." You sighed, hearing the fabric break under his hands.

"What's easy?" He stopped the trail of kisses to see your face, close enough to smell the alcohol on your tongue.

"To be me." You smiled, him too. He grasped your untouched finger, still covered with the angel dust, took your wrist, and began to brush his gums with your index, the fine powder disappearing with his saliva. You never looked away.

He took your face in his grubby hands, cupped your cheeks, and drank you in like it was the first time, the last too. With a kiss, he pressed you against the side of the car. Putting his hands beneath your knees, he lifted you to take you to the hood. 

Number two of the things you discovered about him, it's the way he could make you melt. His hands opened your knees and broke the last pieces of the detailed skirt, glitter and stones flew in the air. 

The only thing you could do was let him do his part, you loved watching him perform. He crawled on top of you, the metallic noise of the hood sinking because of the weight. He ripped your white panties letting your pussy feel the cool air. "Oh, honey." You purred with a cocaine-induced smile, the alcohol making your whole core blush. "The way you move, makes me feel like one of your precious cars" 

He laughed while going down on you, his tongue found the throbbing nub beneath all the fabric and stones sticking to your sweaty skin. You yelped.

"I love the way you taste." He whined nibbling the skin of your inner thigh, he was going insane and you loved it. His tongue made its way to your core moving his head like a wild animal, growling while he ate you out. 

You couldn't give two fucks about who saw you or heard you, though, it was difficult people were going to when you were in the middle of nowhere. What a shame, really. You would've loved letting people see the stoic Kim Tae Hyung going down on you. His head lifted looking for air and looked at you with hooded eyes.

"Take my belt off, pretty thing." He demanded in a low voice, swallowing your taste. You obeyed with a rush. 

He took your hand and spit on it, with the raise of his brows you understood. You started wetting his shaft with his spit. His eyebrows furrow, tilting his head letting the sweat on his neck glist in the harsh light. "Fuck" he whispered and you felt so proud of your hard work.

After a few pumps, he couldn't control himself. His body fell on top of yours, softly putting your hands behind your head. His cock find your entrance and you both twitched at the feeling, he moved as slowly as he could. Breathy groans came out of his throat. 

"What about me, darling?" He started saying brushing his lips in your ear. "I'm not a billboard or a little shiny statue. Can you still take my adoration as something precious?" His heart was at the edge of a cliff, the tears too.

Your body trembled and laughed nervously. You've heard so many adorations from men, took them all like thrown roses.

This one felt like a dagger, a begging instead of a prayer.

"Don't be silly, Kim." Was everything you could say.

"When have I been a fool with you?" He interrupted, sinking the blade a little more when he stopped smiling. Gripping your hands harder under his. 

You denied. The in-and-out had you seeing stars around him. "Never" you exhaled.

"Let me take you on a date, please, honey" he whined leaving sweet pecks in your face and neck. "Let me treat you right"

You breathe so hard you shake, and with a roll of his skilled hips, you rolled your eyes, biting your lips. This man took his job so seriously, even when he was begging. 

"I never liked jesters anyways" you finally said, he smiles and pushed his body up without stopping his hips, taking the sweaty top off. 

His thumbs caressed your tummy and grip your sides so hard you squinted, he went as hard as possible. The car creaked under the movements. 

Taehyung's wet hair dripped salty drops. The sun made a halo around his body behind him and you could swear you were in heaven.

You hummed when you came, almost singing away your orgasm. It came so soft and smooth, the high was lovely. 

The boy on top of you groaned and smiled brightly, laughing so beautifully when his cum started coming out in hot shots. "God" he laughed even more throwing his head back. "You're insane" he denied seeing the mess of green diamonds, dripping mascara in your face, your sweaty wig letting your hair peek through the cap. "I love it" he whispered kissing your hand with adornment.

"I love it too" you sighed.

a/n: Thanks to @peachypinkygloss for giving me the courage to actually write, lots of love. This two characters have been in my mind and my journal for quiet some time and it's time i give it a try.

You can write to me on private if you have some critics or want to help me on my grammar.

[pauking5]

Runaway 🏎️ Chapter 2 🏁

Pairing: Naozumi Hiyama x fem reader oc

Genre: racing AU, enemies to lovers, rivalry, suspense, a whole lot of teasing, gender power games, spice

Word count: 13.1k+

A/N: Chapter 2 already? Hope you're enjoying it so far. I spoiled you with this one ;) Things are slowly getting heated, both racing wise and a little up close and personal this time around. I'm rallying behind what's hopefully my last uni work this week so hope this one's good. Enjoy lovelies.

Raiko's Playlist: Monster - A7S with Alok, Locked out of Heaven - Bruno Mars, Youngblood - R3HAB Remix, Greedy - Tate McRae, Ocean Drive - Duke Dumont, Into You - 3LAU Remix, She Doesn't Mind - Krmoni, Something On My Mind - Purple Disco Machine & Duke Dumont & Nothing But Thieves, Bad Boy - Chungha & Christopher, React - Pussycat Dolls

Previous Next

Day 2 of Tour de Tokai

"Rai, take it easy," said Tanaka worriedly over the coms. "The new suspensions will break if you push them too hard."

You would happily take it easy peasy lemon squeezy if the road wasn't turning the car into a fucking death trap, going at over 100 kilometers per hour on the most difficult and curved track in the world.

Any miscalculated sway of the wheel could project you into the ditch at the side of the road, kissing goodbye to any chance of completing this stage. Which unfortunately did happen in the first one this morning.

That bold black lettering spelling out DNF next to your name on the scoreboard was not what you expected after bagging third place on the first day. Bitter wasn't even close to describing how you felt. Sour, dejected, with an ever-growing pit of disgust for this tour sounded more like it.

Frankly, it wasn't even supposed to happen. It was a rookie mistake. One that cost you a bunch of points.

At one turn, halfway through the race, your car hit a rocky mound neither you or Tanaka saw in the pre-race drive. An anomaly that birthed itself from thin air most likely. Coming towards it at full speed with no time to break and avoid it, the car slid over it scratching a big part of the chassis by the loud screech drilling in your ears and the lower back bumper, sending your rear right into a deep ditch.

You revved the engine multiple times to get it out and back on the road but the car simply refused to work with you, wheels spinning in the gravel underneath uselessly keeping the car suspended. You were towed out by the marshals, driving back to the station in shame after hogging up at least ten minutes off everyone else's stage time. The rest of the drivers scowled at you, angrily waving you off the road to get to the start line. Being called a rookie in insult after that and not something else was actually a compliment.

Tour de Tokai was spread out so unevenly and it bugged you beyond prevail because it put insane pressure on the car that was barely out of the factory still. With new components too.

The first day had one long stage over 40 km but it was a full paved track, much more easier to take on, hence the good result you had yesterday. Today on the other hand, consisted of three awful stages around a mix of tarmac and off-road dirt tracks in the depths of the valley, over shorter distances but challenging on every part of the car. You already screwed up one of them in one of the more rougher patches of terrain. It was out of the way. But at what cost? At the cost of my cheerios being spilt on the floor this morning. That's what.

Thankfully, you only had two more stages left for the day. Then the final two tomorrow. If your car managed to stay in one piece until then. Tough life out here.

You were currently on the second stage, driving down a dirt road just like the one that put you out of the race. Tight, soliciting and full of chicanes. You tried your hardest to keep the car on the road this time.

Half of the smooth grey asphalt already ended, leading into a curved forest path, sheltered entirely by dense pine trees on each side. The early afternoon sun peaked out through the branches, blinding you even through the laminated flaps on your visor, further adding to your irritation.

"4 left 50," spoke your co-driver, usually steady voice broken by the jolting path.

Medium corner in 50 meters. A little breather.

"2 right very tight over crest," he shouted, hand shooting up to the safety handle as you ran over a bump.

Very tight corner over the hill.

You accelerated up the hill, going airborne for a few meters before the car landed back down on the ground with a jarring wobble shaking you in your seat.

"1 left 100."

100 meters running up to the tightest corner.

A hairpin section in this hellhole after two taxing corners that pulled the car sideways brutally. Just what you needed. This was a no go drifting portion. The desire to go wide was so overpowering, but you couldn't push the limit. If you went the slightest into understeering the car, it was game over again. Another DNF. More points lost and even more damage on the car the current fund couldn't cover until you did some promotions.

Come on, honey, you rubbed the steering wheel in support, trying to get the car to listen to you. Stay with me. We're almost there.

Sure enough the dreaded hairpin section came into view faster than you could prepare for it. Up ahead, the road dove into lower ground to the right - a sharp C turn - harbored by a high hill lifting into greenery on one side and an excavated one that curled above the road with a few public stands on the other.

You cut the gas and tapped the brake just when you entered the slight curve of the curb, tyres skidding over the coarse gravel. It was tight as hell.

The forces of the momentum you gained on the straight portion pre-corner shoved you back in the seat so harsh you felt that turn with your whole body. Your forearms shook trying to keep control of the wheel in your hands, heaving breaths like crazy. Don Tanaka got squished to the door, belts working overtime to keep you both strapped safely. Your boot pressed to the floor with all your might to keep it near the pedals, rear at the back lifting up in the air.

Exiting the curve, you turned the wheel straight cueing the throttle back in way too fast. The tyres screeched horribly loud behind the car as you lost grip of the road.

"Fuck!"

The car took every incoming bump jerking you in all sides while you grappled with keeping it on course. You were going way too fast on wild ground, untouched by cement. You had to slow down. It would inevitably add more time to your lap that you can't make up anywhere on the rest of the course, but at least you wouldn't crash into a hill at 100 kmph or flip over in an area that was too inaccessible for marshals to come get you. You couldn't risk it.

Fuck this.

It wasn't up to debate. You let the throttle loose. A quick glance at your speedometer and your anxiety was quickly replaced by anger at seeing the speed decrease - 90, 80, 70 kmph. Way too slow. The heaps of bumps and craters scattered to smaller mounds, still threatening your safety, but they were manageable now.

Seething with burning rage, you let the speed decrease till it got to 50 finally gaining back full control of the car, then amped up the speed again, pressing the gas pedal to the floor. The engine roared alive under the hood, pumping fuel like a beast as it propelled you forwards at breakneck speed.

Now we're talking, baby.

"5 right 200 very long."

Easy wide corner in 200 meters.

You had some time to catch up there. Hitting the throttle again to increasing the speed even more you took it like a pro, drifting over the last off-road patch, sliding back on the straight asphalt. The crowd in the stands stood up, cheering loudly over the roar of the engine as you took the straight fast like lightning.

"Last one. 6 left 50. Flat out."

Flat corner in 50 meters. Take it fast Rai. Bring it home.

Taking the corner with a wide drift, the car finally reacted the way you wanted it to for once, gripping the road nicely. You gained an extra 20 on the exit, cutting off at least half a second on your lap time. If that even made up for the rest of the time you lost in those shitty corners.

The cheers got louder than the music booming over the speakers, crowds getting smoked by the dust you raised up in the air with that last drift. Before you knew it, it was all done. This stage anyways.

Who even picked this course? I hope they slip and fall in the toilet every time they go for a wee for the rest of the race weekend.

Driving back to the station, you parked the car neatly in place. Unfastening all the belts to ply your body away from the seat, you slumped against the wheel with eyes closed, letting out a long heavy breath you've been holding in for a while. The adrenaline in your body plummeted so fast it left you panting like you ran a marathon, trying to catch your breath and let out some built-up steam.

That was so nerve-wracking. No amount of training or racing over and over again would prepare you for the obstacles that can just jump at you out of nowhere. Obstacles that can very well end your career that barely even started.

Thanks to your quick reaction time, you avoided a lot of road hazards that could've sent you and Tanaka in flimsy hospital gowns. You did get control of the situation before it was too late, which was great. But some of those calls were way too close for your liking. So, so close.

"Hey," Tanaka piped up, gloved hand patting your back gently. You turned your still helmet-encased head at him. "You did good out there. Others would've let it crash in the side and pay for the damages, but you redressed the car back on track. It takes a lot to pull that off."

You pulled off the helmet, running a hand through your hair in frustration. You did almost crash. But you saved it. Because you had more stages left and no back up car for it. Because your father put way too much money into it to let it smash to pieces and pay for the damages. Because your co-driver's life was in your hands just like yours for that matter. There were so many reasons why you tried so hard to save it. Though none of them calmed that worry in the pit of your stomach that it could've been so much worse.

But you were a driver. Things like these were part of the job description. You can move on for a while but they'll always haunt you.

"Come on," he took your helmet. "Let's go see the scoreboard."

"I'd rather not," you smiled apologetically. "I'll go get some food. I could eat a week's worth of steak right now."

You were hungry as hell. But getting out of the car and away from the track for a bit was more of a priority and you hoped Tanaka would see past it. A therapy session about why shit happens sometimes was not what you needed right now.

"Okay," he chuckled. "Let me know if you need anything, lightning strike. I'll be around."

"Yeah," you nodded quietly more to yourself.

You got out of the car, passing a few smiles in sympathy to the team that got working on replacing the back bumper right away. Some of them patted your back in the same supportive manner.

On your way out of the station you passed by the screen displaying the scoreboard. You tried your hardest not to stop by but your eyes just fleeted there in curiosity. A curiosity that was left better unsatisfied.

Rai Suruki - 12th place - 1.53.07. Out of twenty. Not too bad all things considered.

Dwelling on it for a bit you tried to let it go. At least you weren't in the shoes of the one unlucky driver that ended up with a DNF at the bottom. Poor bastard- Wait. Getting closer to the screen to make sure your eyes didn't betray you, you read the line again in shock.

Naozumi Hiyama - 20th place - DNF.

Before it even registered in your head, the screen changed to replay the scenes right before disaster. You watched the distinctive blue hues on his car whizz by as he got past the first corners like an expert, lap time near perfect midway through the race. Until he drove into the tight corner that nearly broke your car in half. He took it just like you did, tight and miscalculated, unaware of the chaos on the other side.

What happened to you happened to him too - he lost grip on the back, taking on the uneven rocky bumps at full speed. All that knowledge of rally was thrown out the window in seconds as he struggled to keep the car under control. Then something even weirder happened - fumes leaped out from under the hood. Engine failure.

Instead of slowing down to prevent a crash and the engine from overheating more, he accelerated, hellbent on keeping the few points he gathered so far. What the hell was he thinking? The front tyres of his car took a high mound that sent him airborne landing right in the deep channel of the next corner, smashing the front into a hill portion. Nope, he wasn't thinking. That right there is idiocy.

The angry screech of tyres in the station next to yours sparked your attention. You peeked your head in at the side, bending over a tool table watching the chaos unfold. The front bumper cover was smashed into the car, like it just swallowed it up, along with a big part of the hood. Mechanics rushed over, struggling to get the hood open and cool the engine sending smoke through the broken cracks. Other staff ran around with fire extinguishers just in case the car caught fire.

Those were replaceable, already at the ready by the side. What wasn't replaceable was Naozumi's impending wrath about to rain down on the team like metal pikes.

Naozumi got out of the car boiling with fury, throwing his helmet off into the seat, smashing the door shut making the whole car shake at the impact. You looked back with pity at your little blue and gold princess, muttering I would never do that to you. Turning back, you caught him running an angry hand through the mess of his helmet hair, closing in fast on the same man he had a scuffle with just yesterday.

"Care to explain why I got an engine failure mid-race of all times?" he shouted at the mechanic, tongue pushing his cheek impatiently. He didn't really look like he expected an answer, simply wanting to vent off his own mistake.

"I told you not to push it. Not my fault you're too hardheaded to understand simple directions," he shouted back, having had enough of his tantrums.

"There's one more stage left today. If this happens again I will make sure-"

He struck a nerve with that unfinished sentence, making the taller man drop what looked like a new water pump for the engine right on top of the tool box with a loud clatter.

"Make sure of what exactly, your highness? Throwing me off the team? That didn't work the last time you tried, did it?"

Naozumi clicked his jaw and glared at him with all his pent up rage before he stormed off to his trailer to cool down. He didn't give a shit about the looks the people around fixed on him, and they didn't dwell for too long either, everyone scattering back to their jobs.

Seems like no one was taking today that well.

Padding around the vans lined up with all kinds of fast-food only dimmed your appetite. The good ones were closed for a break until the last race, which was in an hour. Your body needed the food so bad, you were willing to drive to a restaurant in the city, which was like two hours away. If only you had time.

Ready to give up, you spotted a nice looking bacon and ham sandwich at a shabby stand just on the side of the food court. Scouring over their window from a distance, it looked like the last one. Better than going back on an empty stomach.

You jogged up to order before anyone else could. Too engrossed in reaching the till you failed to notice someone slide in before you. Too late to pull the breaks, you collided into a hard shoulder, nearly losing your footing and falling face first on the ground. Strong hands gripped your upper arms to keep you upright just like you caught theirs in return.

Looking up, your quick apology got stuck in your throat. Two round chocolate balls gazed down at you, eyebrows raised in surprise. Those eyes could put chocolate to shame, glowing like priceless pralines, the special kind you eat once a year on Christmas.

Dark brown hair framed the side of his face, matted in messy waves. A pair of black sunglasses sat on top of it, pushing the front locks into small curls. Trailing your eyes downwards, you were greeted by two moles on the side of his face, right under his lower lip, stamped like two mini vampire bites. Cute. White fireproofs in darker logos stretched over his broad chest, complimenting his tan complexion so well. You were grateful for the strong hands that held your arms in a firm grip since your knees went a little weak.

Otherworldly was the only word you could find in the empty sea of your mind to describe this man. And not even that one did him justice. Not even close.

He seemed just as entranced by you, trained on your face for a while then swiping down your racing suit that was still done up to your neck, preserving all the heat of your previous ride as well as pulling the outside heatwave into it, turning into a body sauna. Or was it all coming from him? You couldn't tell.

His warm eyes searched your face with concern.

"Are you okay?"

Even his voice is beautiful.

"Huh? Me? Yeah, yeah. I'm good," you finally straightened letting go of him. "Are you uhh... good?"

"I'm good," he said, his palms loosening on you until they slid down, away from you.

"Good."

Placing your hair behind your ears out of nervous habit, you looked back at him, finding a smile so sweet on his face it could give you a sugar rush if you stared too long. Dear heavens.

"I don't think we've met before," he started extending a polite hand to you, smile fully popping with dimples now even though those moles on his chin eclipsed them fully. "I'm-"

"Akira Shinkai," you cut him off breathless, grabbing his hand in excitement. "You've been in Sigma Academy. You're also the youngest of the junior series that got picked to drive at a top team and you hold countless records on track. You're a legend," you said all of that in one breath.

His head dipped, ears going the smallest tint of pink, as did your cheeks at the realization that you were kind of fangirling over him big time. Who wouldn't if they had the chance to stumble upon rally royalty? Dad doesn't count. He's expired already.

"And you're Rai Suruki."

He knows my name.

"I saw your stage back there," he added.

All your excitement washed away at the mention of your near fuck up of a race.

"Yeah," you rubbed the back of your neck. "It wasn't my best."

"Are you joking?!" His chocolate orbs widened at you like you said something wrong. "That was some badass understeer maneuvering if I've ever seen any. You're the legend here."

Oh. That was unexpected. Getting complimented by one of the current best drivers in rally racing like you didn't step into the car just yesterday. It got your heart thundering in your chest, rising the blood to your cheeks once again.

"T-thank you," you cleared your throat looking away. "You did great too," you hit back remembering his insane lap time on the board. His smile only deepened at that.

"They do have some good sandwiches here," he pointed at the van behind you. By the looks of it, he was a regular at the stand. Even the older lady at the till gave him a smile in recognition that he reciprocated just as warmly.

"Too bad they only have one left," you sighed defeated, looking back at the lone sandwich.

"You can have it," he urged.

"No, I'm good," you waved him off. "I was craving something else anyway."

"You sure?" he quipped an eyebrow, not really buying your retreat.

Well, you did bump into him almost decking him over to buy it. Looking back and forth between his brown eyes and the deliciously packed sandwich on the other side of the glass window, bacon and salad leaves hanging so appetizing on the side of the bread, you nodded.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

No, you weren't sure. You were far from sure. But you weren't about to have the who gets the sandwich dispute. Passing him one last smile and another speedy apology for bumping into him, you walked off with your tail between your legs before he could argue.

That looked like the best sandwich on earth. Everything looks delicious to you when you're hungry, Rai. Well yeah, but that one might've tasted heavenly. Too late now.

You roved around the rest of the stands, trying not to breathe in too much of the smell of barbecued meat and fries and salad and all the delicacies that could be in your stomach already but lingered in the air instead. The other stalls at the end of the food court had insane long queues or no food available yet since they were still cooking the late batches.

I'll have more luck in the forest at this point.

A hand grabbed your arm out of nowhere. You were about to sucker punch its owner when you came face to face with Akira once more. He ducked out of the way and caught your fist before it could plant itself in his face.

"What-"

He held up the large bacon and ham sandwich between you as a sign of peace. "This sandwich is way too big for me to eat alone. Wanna share with me?"

"Are you sure? I don't wanna steal your lunch." You lowered your fist down. "We barely get to eat as is."

"Which is why you should have some before we're called back," he pushed it to you again, hopeful that you would accept his friendly offer. Before you could even debate it, your stomach grumbled loudly making him laugh. "I guess that settles it."

"Fine," you gave in.

You found a table off the radar just at the edge of the food court, beside a luscious green patch of dense forest, away from perpetrators like the press or the crew. Birds chirped around in the trees, sun shining so bright you were glad for the umbrella above. It was a little corner of quiet in the chaos. Akira sat down opposite you, pulling out a cup filled with fries to the brim out of thin air.

"Where'd you nick that from?"

"A fan gave it to me."

That must happen quite a lot if he just willingly accepted stuff. Was he sure it's not poisoned or something? Your stomach rumbled again in need of fuel. Ah well, might as well die by eating french fries.

Splitting the sandwich in half, you knocked the halves together like a toast and dove in. The soft baguette melted into your mouth along with the perfectly greased bacon, the squishy ham and the rest of the salad leaves and round tomato slices. It even had a nice sauce on the inside. He was right. They do make some mean sandwiches.

Shimmying out of your suit to cool off, you were left in your fireproofs, letting the breeze card through your hair, enjoying the food in sheer delight. The adrenaline rush came and went so fast back there on track that it took most of your energy with it. Filling up with food was the only way to restore it and if it was good food, you were guaranteed to get it all back quicker.

"This sandwich is so good," you mumbled with your mouth full.

"I told you," he mused through big bites of his own.

"Yeah, you did," you chuckled.

You both finished the food and sat in a comforting silence. Drawing random patterns in the wooden table, you felt this sudden need to find out more about the man before you. Though you weren't sure what to even ask since most of his information was out there thanks to his fangirls. By god, you weren't one of them, but you did know a lot about him. Okay, maybe more than a normal person should know about him, but alas.

Just when you mustered up a question he beat you to it.

"Have you been racing for long?"

"For about 8 years now. Started with karting, made my way through the juniors for a bit and some lower series and now I'm here."

"I bet it's nice having someone like your dad support you in it." He looked down at the scrunched up sandwich wrapper in his hands, passing it from one to the other with something akin to bitterness in his eyes that went away as quick as it came.

"It is," you nodded with a meek smile. "Most of the time anyway. It's hard trying to revive a dead team after so long but I'm trying my best."

"Are you trying for yourself or for him?"

That was a damn good question. You never thought about it in depth before. You jumped up at the thought of finally being helpful with something that you and your dad both loved with a strong passion. But was it for him, to make him forget the pain and move on from the past? Or was it for you and ensuring you had some kind of a better future doing something you loved? Beats me.

"I think maybe a bit of both?" you said, unsure of which one weighed more or less than the other.

"Eh, it doesn't really matter," he said softly leaning back to stretch his shoulders. "You've been here for two days and you're already showing results others would dream of having so early in their career. Give yourself some credit," he ended with a knock on the wooden table, pointing back at you.

You stared at him in awe. He really was so well-spoken. That and the fact he glowed like an angel with a missing halo above his head. Or maybe it was the afternoon sun shining warmly over him.

"Thanks," you replied sheepishly. "What about you? Why does Akira Shinkai race?"

He smiled looking at the ground and sat thinking for a while. You just looked at him soaking even more of his calm presence in. His chin laid on top of his palm, eyes peering off in the distance like you just asked him what he had for breakfast Wednesday last week. Then his eyes suddenly lit up.

"I want to become someone people look up to. I've always liked cars of all kinds and the minute I sat down in a go-kart I just knew I wanted to race. I guess I kinda wanted to feel that thrill on a daily basis," he chuckled at which you laughed a little too.

"Sureeeee, 'cause going at lightning speed on some of the most dangerous roads known to men multiple times a day is everyone's dream when they get in bed at night."

"Maybe it is. Who are we to judge?" he lifted his hands up in surrender making you laugh some more.

On the way back to the station, you both talked some more. About your hopes and dreams, your families, and the rest of the stages left. You both cursed the damn track that nearly totaled your cars and found out you had a lot in common. Behind that idol-like presences in the media, he was actually a very laid-back guy.

Coming up to your pen, he smiled warmly at you once more. That sweet, honey-dripping, serotonin-inducing smile. Talking to him put you in such good vibes that you forgot all about what made you upset before. Until you felt the energies shift for the negative at your back.

Whirling around, you came face to face with Naozumi. He seemed a tad bit calmer than before when he used his mechanic as an emotional punching bag, scrolling aimlessly on his phone. Spotting you, he threw that unnerving shit-eating grin on his face sending it your way with a small wave. All your good spirits warded off at the gesture.

You abstained from throwing him a middle finger in response settling on a scowl. Then his eyes went to your lunch companion, throwing him a way more conceited smile. Akira stiffened beside you for a moment, zeroing in on the other driver, before he turned back to you in a haste like he was suddenly in a rush.

"Good luck out there."

"You too."

"See you around," he bid you goodbye, regarding Naozumi with another loaded look before he went on his way.

You lingered by the team banner, watching his back retreat farther in the distance before it disappeared into his team's red and black pen at the end of the paddock lines. At least one of these men knew how to politely introduce themselves.

Spinning back, you caught Naozumi still behind you simply watching you with some kind of assertiveness that pushed your buttons. You wanted to ask if he needed help finding respect and manners when he just walked off to his own pen. Weird.

Walking to your car, you came face to face with Don Tanaka's sharp stare. What is it with men and staring today? His foot tapped the cement so fast you were sure it could drill a hole to the other end of the planet if he amped the speed just a tiny bit. It was the kind of staredown you get after going to a party with the popular clique, getting home past your curfew. The one that also meant your pocket money would cease their presence in your wallet for a month.

"What?" you gulped out, confused at being received so warmly.

"Why are you fraternising with the enemies?"

"Enemies?" you paused, even more dumbfounded. "I'm not following."

"Naozumi Hiyama and Akira Shinkai," he shook his head in disappointment. "Do I need to remind you we don't need press to jump on us and that your father kinda has a bad history with their teams?"

"Whoa, hold on. Rewind the CD. What do you mean by bad history?"

He walked you off to the deserted lounge area by the pen, making sure you were alone. In all the years you've known him, you've never once seen him this stressed. The man was a trainer. If anything, he was the stress.

"Sigma Racing's team principal used to race your father back in the day. They used to be sort of best friends, if we put it that way."

"What happened?"

"Once they got past the junior series, they both went after the same team and your father got picked instead of him. It all turned really sour between them after that."

"How sour are we talking?" you interjected. "Like gooseberries or those really sour gummy jellies that you choke on when the sugar bits get stuck in your throat?" He threw you a look asking for more seriousness. "Okay, continue."

"Sour in the sense that he tried to sabotage your dad every chance he got. Be it in racing or life itself. He never liked seeing him so successful, always living in the shadows of the second place on the podium, with his own racing, with his team, even with business. Being second to everything your father did got to him in the worst ways. Your father didn't even mean it to be that way."

"He tried to make amends, didn't he?"

Knowing your father he probably tried to mend that crack in their friendship until there was no more glue left in the world to put the pieces back together.

"Every chance he got. They were so close it was hard to even watch it fall apart from the sidelines."

Sounds like dad.

Rewinding back to the whole enemies part, you failed to see where Akira and Naozumi stood in this story.

"But Akira isn't related to that guy," you pointed out. "He just drives under him."

"Yes, but Sigma Racing didn't become one of the top teams in Japanese rally through genuine hard work," he sighed heavily. "A lot of people are unaware of this because they hid it well," he leaned in closer, warily looking left and right before continuing, "but they pulled a lot of strings to get to where they are today. Some of them not through the finest approaches."

You wouldn't question that information since Tanaka worked as a trainer for them for a while. But you did wonder just how much dirt he had on them. But that was a rabbit hole to dive into another day.

Okay, so Sigma Racing was red flagged before you even looked their way. Thankfully, no one knew you tried out as a ghost driver for them about a year ago or it would raise a scandal that would send your father to the intensive care unit. Throwing that to the side you went to the other walking red flag deemed as an enemy.

"What about Naozumi?"

"Well, not Naozumi directly, but Tsuzuki, Spica Racing's director. He used to be a shareholder in Suruki Racing before the team fell apart. He was your father's biggest sponsor, providing most of the parts for the cars. One day, right before chaos started raining down on the team, he retracted all his support just like that," he snapped his fingers, "out of nowhere."

"Without a notice?"

He shook his head. "None. He cut down all ties with your father without a solid reason."

"Okay, but Naozumi and Akira don't seem to have anything to do with this mess. It seems like more of an old generation battle we don't want to be part of."

"I really hope you won't get dragged into this mess," he rubbed the edges of his moustache. Something he did when he was really worried. "What I mean with all this is that I just want you to keep an eye out. Rally racing is a dirty world. You never know who's out to get you."

Great. Now I have to watch out for every breathing soul around me. Never a dull moment here.

A loud voice boomed over the surrounding speakers around the paddock, announcing that the next and last stage of the day starts in half an hour.

"Let's get you ready."

The last stage of the day went better than you expected it to. The course was a full tarmac one this time with really wide corners. You only had to look out for dips beside it where your rear could slip and get pinched, and the dangerous sharp corners where the crowds loved to gather like sacrificial lambs. The car held a lot better too, gripping the road firmly on all turns.

Without further damage on the car, you finished fifth this time around, sandwiched in between Akira and Naozumi on the scoreboard. The latter had another mishap in a turn nearly ending up in a ditch again. There were fumes coming out of his ears rather than the engine when he got out of the car, ready to throttle anyone in his way, but at least it wasn't another DNF to shatter some more of his pride.

Surprisingly, your father plied himself away from the office headquarters in the hotel and came down to the station to congratulate the team on their efforts. You waited at the end of the line, watching as he smiled and patted everyone's shoulders for the good work. When he came to you, he stopped, smile slightly falling around the edges.

You had a hot and cold relationship with him. Most times it was the latter, cutting icy through the days when you were in the car. He placed a hand on your shoulder and gave you a squeeze in support then turned back to everyone. That was as much as you'd get for now.

"I know you all must be tired," he started, taking in the sullen faces around the pen. "But our official car show is on later tonight in the hotel events hall. Go rest, dress up and come have a drink on the house."

That damn car show. You would rather be anywhere else than interacting with more people. You kind of had your social battery drained out for the rest of the day and it was barely 5 pm. But you had to be there for your father and the team.

Shortly after, the team dispersed to each their own. You trudged back to the hotel and had a well-deserved relaxing shower, washing off the fumes and sweat. When you came out, you were met with a dozen shiny designer bags all over the floor and your bed, together with your extremely stressed PR Agent.

Kate Yuzumi, or Yuzu (how you called her when she became a stress ball about to explode into pieces), has been in charge of your press-related endeavours for as long as you've been racing. She lived a huge chunk of her life in the States, before her parents returned back with her in tow. Now in her late 20s, she worked under your father, managing every little detail about your public image. She was also your only female friend in an overtly masculine rally world, just like you were hers.

She was the best at her job. A lioness in the wild jungle occupied by so many tigers. But there were times where she let it eat at her sanity, like now for example. She ran a mad hand through her long amber hair, messing around the soft caramel highlights on top as she paced your hotel suite from corner to corner, scribbling down in her notebook in a very frustrating manner. One harder press of that ball point pen and she would put a hole through the lined paper.

You cleared your throat announcing your presence. She whirled around to you, eyes blazing in a frenzy.

"Finally, you're out," she breathed out in relief. "Any longer and I would've called reception to cut down the water supply in your room."

"Really funny," you narrowed your eyes at her. "What's with all this?" you nodded at the endless heaps of bags littered around the room. You walked to one of the closest bags, decked in baby pink and paper ruffles, digging your hand through it to pull out a shimmery black dress.

"You need to look your best tonight. It's the first car show the team is having in years and your father insisted you dress accordingly."

You let the material slip out of your hands with a disgusted look on your face. One that she caught right away.

"No sulking or trying to evade it, Rai." She came up to you and placed both of her hands on your shoulders. "You're the only driver Suruki Racing has. You represent the team and you need to be there tonight, as boring and daunting as you may find it. Your father needs you there," she said softly, rubbing her thumbs over the bathrobe you wore. You gave her a look telling her you weren't in the mood to be poster girl after today.

"It'll be over before you know it," she urged.

"Yeah right," you blew a raspberry. "Those things always last so long."

"Well, you are part of this world now. So, woman up and go take charge of it," she smiled brightly, sounding so encouraging that it lit up a spark of content in you.

Slumping your shoulders with a pout, you decide there is no point in fighting it. The last time you tried to avoid an official event by hiding in the team garage, your father grounded you by having Tanaka train you like you were getting shipped to a Bear Grylls episode the next day. The very skin on your bones hurt like you saw hell briefly after that. Not doing that one again.

"Fine," you gave in. "Help me pick something normal out of this hurricane of clothes. It looks like a unicorn puked in here."

"A very stylish one," she held up a finger.

She ushered you back to the bathroom, picking up a hair dryer, a few dresses laid out on your bed and some branded makeup bags on the way. "Come on, we're running out of time. The event starts in two hours and you're far from ready."

Dolled up rather uncomfortably, you made your way to the event hall. Your heels clicked against the dark floors, looking at the décor your dad planned - gold and blue was the theme present all around. From the tables to the chairs decked in light sparkles to the crystal bar at the right of the stage lit up in blue with rows of champagne glasses, the team colours were everywhere in elegant and deep tones. Your father had a thing for interior design even if he denied it. Tanaka always joked he could work in the field if he ever got tired of racing.

It wasn't long before the hall was filled with chatter. You didn't expect so many people to come. Most were probably curious about you rather than the car or your dad's attempt at trying to be the main event again. Press came early and took up a lot of space, likely hoping to get a scoop of info out of you. Even the team principals, some drivers and bosses of other teams made their presence felt.

Your dad was busy greeting the crowd, shaking hands with that golden boy smile plastered on his face at all times. You hardly even got a chance to see him this week. While you've been stuck in training, testing and racing, he's been hauled up in the conference rooms going over paperwork or talking business night and day. The few nights you did get together, you would sit at dinner and make small talk, keeping to each their own.

Ever since he started revamping the team, he drowned himself in it completely. Not body and soul like before, but quite close to a robot devoid of feelings. Like he needed to breathe that success back into it no matter what.

With a troubled sigh, you stretched a hand to the bar to grab a glass of champagne. Your co-driver joined you, a glass of white wine in his hand.

"Champagne should be for the podium," he teased.

"It should be for whatever I want it to be," you stated, taking a sip in small vengeance.

"And what is it for now?"

Tanaka rounded around you, leaning against the bar next to you. You just stared ahead at your father, taking a bigger gulp of the alcohol with bitterness. He smiled at the two of you in sympathy.

"Nothing," you smiled back in reassurance, focusing on the swirl of the mellow golden liquid in your glass.

"He'll come around. Just give him time."

You nodded, more to yourself. Hopefully he will do it before he runs himself into the ground from stress. To see me race and be a father sometime like we promised. Following him through the crowd, you spotted him still in his tracks losing the dazzling smile on his face for a moment and sure enough you saw why.

Right in front of him sat Sigma Racing's team principal. Raven-haired in a clean dark suit, about the same age as your father, just a little more battered by it. The crooked grin on his face resembled a scowl so alarming, even you got angry at the condescending look he gave your father. They both held each other in a strong gaze, filled with a lot of ire, tension from it drifting away to the rest of the hall till it reached even you by the bar at the back.

Your father extended a somewhat friendly hand his way. A luxury he probably didn't deserve. The other man simply looked at it, scrunching his dark brow in suspicion before he shook it with a firm grip. Some words were exchanged between them, by the looks of it not that peaceful then they let go of each other. Just when you thought the great Hiro Suruki couldn't be moved, he looked like a boulder bigger than him just shoved him to the side of the road. There had to be more than just bad blood between them.

Before you knew it the event was in tow. The classical music drew out to a minor background noise for a tap of the microphone grabbing everyone's attention. Your father finally took to the stage, letting his prepared speech roll off his tongue like charmspeak.

"Hello and welcome everyone!"

He was welcomed himself by a big round of applause. Huh, he still has it. Fixing the bowtie matching his beige suit he continued even more relaxed.

"For those who don't know me, shame on you," he chuckled and the crowd followed. You could see so many familiar faces in the audience, there would hardly be anyone who didn't know him.

"For those who do, thank you for supporting me all these years with good thoughts. Or bad. We accept those too." That drew another laugh from the crowd.

"After nearly ten long years, Suruki Racing is back in business and better than ever. We started again from zero, putting everything into a new car, keeping the old glamour of the team, bringing in new spirits," he spared you a glance. "We couldn't have done this without you, the team and the star driver representing us on track."

Oh, no, no, no. Please don't call me up on stage. Please let me sit on the sidelines. Please, please, please.

"Please welcome my daughter."

Fuck me. At least don't use the government name.

"Raiko Suruki, the lightning strike powering Suruki Racing."

He used the government name.

Throwing back the rest of your champagne, you went up the stairs floating on the sound of breaking applauses and joined him on stage with a smile matching his extremely bright and fake one. This was all for show. No one gave a rat's ass about it anyway. But out of politeness and respect for your father you went with it.

Camera flashes burned in your vision from all corners of the room, momentarily blinding you as the press snapped pictures of you. Once you reached him, he turned to you with a grin. "Would you like to do the honours?"

Going behind the curtains, you got in the freshly polished rally car and turned it on, greeted by the purr of the engine as you gave it a good powerful rev announcing its arrival before you drove it on stage. The instrumental music boomed again as you reached the crowd, trumpets carrying out over the noise of the engine. You gave it a few more revs to drown out that horrible music. Your father laughed nervously as he turned to you with gritted teeth, shooting you a look to cut it out before he spinned back to the public with a smile.

Getting out of the car, you went to get off the stage thinking that was all when he called you over again. Mentally groaning that you couldn't get back to the shadows of the bar faster, you turned back and headed for him. He took a few questions from the press while you sat by his side, looking pretty, zoning out in your own world. That was until the press started directing questions at you and the microphone was pushed in your hand.

"What-," you let out, the sound of your uncalibrated voice bouncing off the speakers with a screech. "Sorry about that," you laughed nervously. "What was the question again?"

"Why did you choose to race in your father's team?" asked a female journalist. "From your broad skill set and experience, you could've been picked by any other team on the grid."

A shit show. That was what this was.

"Uhm," you paused, trying to think of something smart to say. Kate didn't really prepare you for this. You scanned the crowd, catching her figure by the bar at the far left. She rolled her hands around motioning you to just talk. Just wing it.

"I wanted to stay within the family business and help dad," you looked over at him giving him a sweeter and truer smile than the crowd could ever pull out of you, "get his dream up and running again. Suruki Racing means the world to him and it means the world to me to see him happy."

At that, his features softened and he looked like your dad for once tonight, under all the spotlight and glamour. He mouthed a subtle "Thank you" under his nose that you caught when you looked back at him. "Always" you mouthed back.

Thinking that was all, you prepared to pass the mic back to him when another reporter shoved a question your way.

"Why did Suruki Racing choose a female driver out of the wider talent pool out there?" asked a male reporter this time, his gaze piercing through you with something utterly similar to distaste.

Even the public turned their eyes on him, appalled at the tone but just as curious at the answer he would receive, focusing back on you.

One - he was clearly implying that you didn't have a talent for driving, comparing you to the other people in the junior series who were all predominantly men. Two - he was making it even more obvious that females didn't belong in the sport from the way he accentuated the words female driver like it was a bad omen. Three - the way he asked the question made your skin crawl with hot blood.

Before your dad could take your mic and reply to the question that was obviously meant for you, you lifted it back to your lips and stared the man down with all your might.

"Suruki Racing didn't choose me," you seethed, calm and collected. "I worked my ass off for it until I got good enough for the sport to accept me."

A few heads in the crowd nodded in acknowledgment at your words. It was hard to get into a rally team for everyone, not just women. But the reporter still wasn't satisfied with your response and he made that clear with his next affirmation.

"That doesn't answer my question," he shot back, obviously trying to get a reaction out of you.

Prove them wrong, echoed Tanaka's words in your head. Don't let them get to you. Keeping your composure level-headed without giving him the satisfaction to see your rage, you replied.

"Suruki Racing picked me out of the wider talent pool out there because I proved myself to be a capable rally driver."

"A capable rally driver doesn't put the car in a ditch mid-race," he argued, still not backing down.

This dude was looking for a bone to pick with the wrong dog.

"No," you countered. "A capable rally driver gets third place first time on the job and overcomes challenges rather than giving into them like most of your very talented idols must be doing."

He threw his head back, barking a laugh so irritating it got harder to keep calm and carry on being civil.

"That was just pure luck."

"Pure luck will not be my foot through-" your face, you wanted to say but stopped.

You leaned towards him a bit too menacingly, forgetting that everyone else was kinda there, watching it all unfold. Waiting for you to step wrong. He didn't deserve the mercy for that potty mouth of his. But this was too public to cause a scene. Straightening back, you coughed awkwardly.

"Through the gas pedal each race. I'm here to compete for Suruki Racing and I will do so until the team no longer wants me."

With that you shut him up and handed the mic back to your father who nodded at you in contentment.

"I think that was all for our Q&A session. Please enjoy the rest of tonight and good luck in tomorrow's stages!"

Finally off the stage, you went back to the bar and hogged a few more glasses of champagne. Thinking this was just the beginning and much worse awaited you was unnerving to say the least. You were downing your third glass when jet black hair appeared in your peripheral vision. Looking over you found a really amused Naozumi peering right back at you. He checked you out shamelessly, letting his dark eyes browse you from top to bottom.

Kate picked out a midnight blue satin dress for you, hugging your curves in all the right places, with a huge back drop exposing your behind. A semi-precious trail of shimmering stones fell down your back from where the straps were joined, all the way to your lower back where it connected with the rest of the dress. Your hair was pulled into a braided bun, little side pieces framing your face softly. You looked less like yourself and more like one of those models he hangs out with on the usual.

Letting your eyes do the same, you lingered on his own attire. He wore a navy suit tailored to his body a bit larger than his tight racing suit, giving him a broader form but still rounding around his bulky biceps with a strain. His hair was no longer a messy bird's nest from the helmet, fixed into a neat hairstyle. His dark strands sat so thick and orderly in small waves, it was hard to believe this was the same hair those heavy hands rove through like it was an Olympic sport.

The man could really look his million dollar smile when he wanted to.

"Didn't think you'd be here tonight," you mused, playing around with the champagne in your glass.

"I kinda have a thing for public humiliation," he beamed, giving you that smirk reserved for the masses of ladies waiting to fall at his feet.

Some of them already clocked him next to you, batting their mascara filled eye lashes at him in thirst for a piece of him. You wondered how it felt being one of them. So smitten and drawn to him like he wasn't the biggest red flag on earth.

"Oh well, I would say you came to the right place for that." You took a bigger sip from the glass, letting the dry bubbly liquid run down your throat. "But you do that after every race by yourself anyways, no offence."

"None taken," he replied, leaning on the bar to browse the bottles on the racks illuminated by led lights.

Surprised that he didn't argue on that observation like it was his nature to, at practically every single thing that annoyed him, you regarded him once more. He seemed oddly calm. Maybe way too calm. But then again, you met the guy like a handful of times. You didn't know him that well. Maybe he had his good and bad days and the ones on track were the bad kind.

He looked like a tough nut to crack. He definitely had more layers than the racing suit he wore. And if anything, Naozumi Hiyama was a puzzle you were better off leaving wrapped up on the shelf for now.

His deep voice cut through the animated chatter around you, grabbing your attention once more.

"That was really ballsy back there, rookie," he said with a wry smile.

He was talking about your near assault on that reporter that was looking for a tabloid story. He watched the exchange from the back of the hall with slight irritation himself. If that was him in your shoes, he would've punched the guy multiple times just to get all his questions out in a more productive way.

"One more word and I would've kicked his balls to Narnia."

A deep chuckle rumbled out of his throat at that. You knew what you signed up for coming into this world and he respected that. Some of the fuckers that have been here for longer didn't even have that decency.

He eyed the glasses of champagne next to you, stacked high in several pyramids. You moved to the side thinking he wanted one. He shook his head, asking the bartender for whiskey on the rocks instead. It suited him much better than champagne for some reason. Just like whiskey, there was this strong hit about him at first sight, so smooth and raw with his words, that blended into a surprisingly bittersweet aftertaste just like his smile. The ice crashing in the glass only added to that hard exterior he put up for the world.

You were curious if he was this icy with everyone. Was his interior just as arctic and brutal to someone who made the effort to get through to him or was Naozumi Hiyama an impenetrable iceberg that sunk all the ships of amicable intent? And now you were curious about the very devil you were warned to stay away from.

Get your bearings around, Rai. He's danger in far more ways than you can think of.

"Champagne is only for podium," he piped up.

"Ah, not you too," you rolled your eyes.

Was it a men thing that you weren't aware of? Why did you have to celebrate something huge to pop open a bottle of champagne?

Last time I checked, whiskey was more expensive than champagne.

"Tradition is tradition," he simply shrugged.

"Is it bad luck or something?" you leaned over with interest, trying to gauge out the meaning of this weird tradition. Or rather the meaning it held for him.

He lifted up his raven eyes from the drink, glass steaming at the contact with his warm hand. Pointing them with measured grip on your own, the corner of his lip tilted up in experienced manner. Like he's seen the worst of it if he gave in to the will of Dionysus with so much as a small sip of champagne before the big day. You didn't take him for a superstitious person until now. But that look told you he was its victim many times. Who would've thought that Naozumi believes in karma.

"Don't jinx what you don't know," he stated, like a silent mantra he recited to himself all the time.

To beware the unknown and leave it to fate. Control what you know, not what you don't. Just like your pre-race ritual.

Maybe you were more alike than you thought. Not temper wise. He won that part fair and square with the outbursts he had after nearly every race. But in other parts of common ground. You wondered what else was silently shared between you.

Before you could peer more into the wild force of nature beside you, you were joined by another one, much more brighter and cheerful than the storm at your left, but still as deadly as a tornado behind the wheel.

"There you were," interjected a soft voice from your right.

Akira joined in the conversation, briefly regarding Naozumi with a smug grin. You gave Akira a small smile, turning back to find that Naozumi made himself scarce with his glass of whiskey by the time you looked from one to the other. He had this weird habit of waltzing in and lighting up all your curiosities then leaving just when you were about to satisfy them. Browsing the crowd for him, you found no trace of him.

"Here I am," you replied back, brushing off the meek interaction with the other man. "Were you looking for me?"

The music slowed to a slow melodious tune that stabbed your ears painfully. Curse your father for his very bland taste in music. You'd expect more from someone with a golden earring that blasts Metallica every morning as his alarm. He wanted to look good to the world but this was actually how he killed all excitement. Not that this event even had excitement in the first place. Unless you counted your stage debut for an entertainment moment.

A few couples in the crowd took to the dance floor, swaying lightly on their feet. Team principals with their wives, mechanics with their spouses, a few drivers and their model girlfriends too. They drew each other close, dancing on the tempo of a slow mellow waltz. You never understood what it was about slow music that was so alluring to people and drew them together to hold each other so close. For one moment where they danced like their souls connected, they forgot everything about their problems and the reality of the life we were all living. Not running at full speed. Simply just being.

"I have been looking for you," said Akira, rather excited about something.

He offered his hand to you in the most gentlemanly way someone of the opposite gender ever did towards you. The kind of gentleman you see in those princess movies, where the girl gets whisked away by the nicest guy, golden carriages and diamond tiaras included. You swore you could see his eyes sparkle like stars lost in the resolute distance of the night sky. Or it was just the drunken haze of the champagne talking.

"Would you care for a dance?"

He asked so softly with that dizzying smile of his that it made your knees weak.

Dancing with the Akira Shinkai? A hallucination surely.

There was no way this prince charming came out of nowhere and asked you, a nobody yet, to dance. That and the fact that you weren't even supposed to be talking to him, considering everything Tanaka told you. Plus the previous heated interaction between your team leaders. A heavy mix of feelings that kinda weren't yours, but your father's.

"Okay," you yelped.

Okay? Rai Suruki. Akira Shinkai of Sigma Racing asks you if you care for a dance and you say okay?

He led you to the edge of the dance floor, placing his hands around your waist to pull you closer. You weren't sure what to do with your own, setting them against his chest for now. He swayed you side to side to the slow music. You focused on his deep brown eyes, getting sucked into their void with each sway. They were so big and round.

Conversation, Rai. Make some conversation.

"Thank you for the sandwich earlier today."

Great. 'Cause talking about sandwiches is conversation.

"No problem. I saw it got you a few places up the board."

"But it brought you down a few," you looked up at him, feeling a little responsible for that.

On the crescendo of a soft violin aria, he spun you out, bringing you back in closer than before. Your hands weren't pressed to his chest anymore, but circled around his shoulders to keep your balance. Your faces were so close that your breaths were nearly brushing off each other's lips. When did he get so close?

His lips parted catching the attention of your eyes instantly. Those were some delicious rosy lips if you've seen any. Get a grip Rai. Mentally scolding yourself for the inadequate direction your thoughts were going in, you focused back on his eyes. Though even that was a mistake.

"If anything, it wasn't half a sandwich that made me lose places," he chuckled, eyes crinkling into crescent shapes. "This tour is so complicated. I hate it with a passion."

"That I can agree with," you giggled.

The song changed to a really sad tune, slightly upbeat violin changed for the sorrowful piano in the back, drowning out every bit of energy you had left for the day just like that. That's it. If this continued any longer, you'd fall asleep standing.

"Will you excuse me for a moment?"

Heading for the dj booth on top of the stage, you climbed up the steps careful not to trip in your heels and cause yet another scene. You walked behind the dj and nudged his shoulder. He put down his headphones wondering what it was you wanted.

"For the love of god, please change the playlist," you asked, prying your hands together.

He looked at you briefly, thinking he'd get away with just a song request from you. Too bad he just met the one person in this room who didn't mess around when it came to music.

"This is what Mr. Suruki said to play," he spoke over the track, moving to put his headphones back up when you nudged him again. You weren't leaving until he changed the disk. Even if it involved violence.

"The crowd is dying out there," you motioned to the public that was genuinely exhausted and bored out of their mind. "Here," you fished out your phone and connected it to his laptop before he could complain about you hogging his deck, pulling up a file on his laptop and downloading it. "Play this mix."

"Won't that get me in trouble?"

"I'll make sure he pays double."

That seemed to convince him. He gave the mix a quick listen through his headphones, eyes widening at the music choice. Even his face brightened as he gave you a thumbs up.

You walked off the stage going back to join the small crowd. A few moments passed and the sorrowful instrumentals faded into energetic electronic dance beats. People sitting around the tables moved back on the dance floor, this time getting into it better than soft waltz music could make them dance. The lights dimmed to a steep blue, letting a light show peak through. You successfully turned the event hall in a club.

You got back to Akira, a knowing smirk on his face.

"You are full of surprises, Rai Suruki," he grinned.

You bopped your head to the beat, moving your hips in sync with the music, feeling awakened rather than half-asleep. The alcohol finally pumped through your body along with the deep bass, sending the blood in your veins running like waves on an open sea. Your hands latched back on Akira's making him move with you in languid moves.

"Just wait till you get to know me better," you yelled over the music.

He snorted at you with a shake of his head, that turned into a full laugh carrying over the music. You made Akira snort. Double points in the charisma book. He whirled you around, back crashing into his chest. A confident hand sneaked around you to pull you closer by your waist, now moving hip to hip to the song. His lips brushed to your ear without warning.

"This dj is so good," he whispered, sending chills down your spine.

The whole mood shifted around you with the next song, so full of life and energized. Some people in the crowd yelled the lyrics, throwing their hands in the air. He seemed to enjoy himself too as the man on the deck pumped up the speakers even louder, letting the mix boom out and rouse the spirits.

You simply nodded with a small smile. The dj was good for sure. That and the fact that he was kinda dancing with her.

Showered once more, to get rid of all the makeup, and in the comfort of your loose nightwear, you finally dove head first into the bed like a submarine submerging in the depths of the mattress, snuggling your head into the silky pillows on the bed. Your silky soft pillows that you packed everywhere you went. Who trusts those hard hotel deadlifts under their head? Not what you wanted to lay on after being pushed around in a sports two-seater the size of a space capsule.

Getting comfy under the covers, you let out a sigh of content at the warmth enveloping your body in each and every neatly tucked in corner under you. You closed your eyes, willing mother sleep to take you into her loving arms and lull you into deep, restful slumber.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day with the last round of the Tokai track and you could use better points after today's performance. Going for podium wasn't even in the cards yet. The car had better days ahead of it. You had to keep from pushing it more than necessary. But the points could help you catch up.

The lights dimmed down in the room, the jungle outside the hotel ceased riveting and it was just peace and quiet. Perfect, serene and silent.

You were barely hanging on the last brink of consciousness when something rattled against the wall behind your head. Your eyes flew open checking around the room and the headboard to be met by the quiet pitch black again. The headboard was still where it should be, no sign of anything that could move it. Shrugging it off, you crashed back into your pillows and tried to go back to sleep.

Until you heard that sound again. And again. The third time, it was accompanied by an awfully female voice struggling to moan. What the fuck? It grew quiet again, then all of a sudden you could hear her loud and clear, pushing that really annoying mewl out of her throat in sync with the banging in the wall. Pulling your other pillow over your ears, you tried drowning the lewd sounds out but it only proved futile as the minutes on the nightstand clock passed and she was still struggling to commit to one fucking tone to come to.

For the ever-loving shit of sleep.

Throwing away the covers, you left the amazing comfort of the bed and wore your slippers. You flung the door open, marching down the corridor to the room next door. The moaning was even louder out here, bouncing off the walls like it was played from speakers. You stopped in front of the door, banging on it with bubbling annoyance at being denied sleep due to someone prioritizing their funky time more than the peace of other people under the same roof.

All sounds stopped upon your angry knocks. Crossing your arms over your chest, you blew out a breath waiting for the resident of the room to open the door. Then it dawned on you that you weren't sure just what you were going to tell them and how they were going to react.

Would they make it a big deal that you cockblocked their big night? Hopefully not. What if they deck you in the wall for interrupting? You looked behind at the hard wall decorated with a lamp and gulped. I have martial arts training.

You tapped your foot anxiously thinking of an amicable solution when the door finally pried open revealing an almost naked Naozumi, wearing only a pair of black briefs that sat way too tight around his jewels for your liking. You choked on air. Dear lord. Your jaw dropped somewhere to the first of lava at the center of the earth as you took him in.

His neatly arranged jet black hair was now a thick mess straying in all sides from possibly being grabbed at with womanly strength. Only a woman hungry enough for a taste of him would do that kind of mess. Something stirred deep down inside of you at the sight. You didn't like it one bit.

Your eyes trailed down his exposed torso taking in every ridge of muscle from his toned pumped up pecs, the carved squares of his abs that might as well be the best washboard you've ever seen, to his veiny biceps curling around his middle before you could take a peak at what lay beneath his belly button as he leaned on the door frame.

Heat crawled up your neck the longer you stared at him unable to tear your eyes away. By god was he handsome. And hot. Hotter than hell could ever burn.

He watched your shameless perusal, making sure to catch the pink tint spreading across your cheeks and the way your tongue swiped over your bottom lip in thinking, things at which he chuckled lowly. Openly checking him out like this was unlike you and he was curious just how far you'd take it if he just let you. Testing it out, he unraveled a hand away, watching your eyes instantly latch on his lower abs like a cat jumping after a laser. He shifted on his legs, causing the muscles on his waist to bend on one side and stretch on the other. He was so broad and big, it overwhelmed you.

You knew he was packed just from sneaking glances at those white fireproofs, catching them strain underneath with each move of his body, but this was next level. You looked at the power nestled between his meaty thighs and swallowed a thick gulp of air, reeling back up his body. Sweat glistened on the trunk of his neck under the flickering light of the corridor - a clear product of what he was up to before you interrupted.

The sound of a door opening and closing down the hall brought you out of your daze like a truck hit you at full speed, then rammed over you again backwards.

You were in the hallway of the rally teams hotel, looking at a very naked and sweaty Naozumi. You cockblocked Naozumi Hiyama of all people. The playboy extraordinaire. You'd be lucky if you got out of this unscathed. Or with your braincells intact because the longer you stared at his abs or the dip in the crook of his neck you lost a huge amount of them.

"Can I help you?" he asked, irritating smirk that's been slowly getting under your skin bright as day on his face.

"Yes," your voice came out on a broken pitch. You cleared your throat trying again more sure of yourself. "Yes you can."

You struggled to look away. It was physically impossible to when he looked like one of those ivory sculptures of naked Greek gods you see in museums. Though he wasn't fully naked like them. Okay, let's lose the word 'naked'.

Your train of thought got stopped by his smooth voice, slightly tinted with amusement.

"What is it I can help you with?"

That seemed to oil your brain back to work.

"Can you stop moaning so loud? Some of us are trying to get some sleep," you looked him dead in the eye.

"That wasn't me," he said, moving to the side slightly.

You got a view of his own hotel bed, pillows and clothes scattered across the floor in heaps, graced by a woman on top of it tangled in nothing but a white sheet. She softly waved at you. Before you knew it, you waved back with a nervous smile, too entranced by her beauty. Her long platinum blonde hair cascaded down her collar bones, complimenting her tender milky skin and petite form so well. Adding her bright smile to it, you could swear you just saw an angel from heaven. She is way out of his league.

"Are those Lightning McQueen pajamas?" asked Naozumi rather confused, pointing to your nightwear.

Your nightwear had the face of the popular Cars character in the middle of your long sleeve top. The pants had several miniature versions of it, checkered flags and the iconic golden Piston Cup, all over them on red background. A Christmas present from Tanaka you adored. Well, not anymore, considering you currently looked like a toddler sitting before two bare deities.

Your hands shot out to try and cover most of it but it was no use. He already saw it all, including your Mater slippers sized to scale, hugging your ankles better than any pair of boots could, and he was simply just smiling at you. There was a curiosity about you in his eyes. The same one you had about him.

You cleared your throat, embarrassed in a dozen different ways, looking forward to hitting the bed and sleeping.

"Just fuck quietly or something."

The woman behind him called his name softly. He turned back around to the beautiful angel waiting for him. Even her voice was angelic. Seriously, what was she doing with this excuse of a man? By the earlier sounds of it and the sight before you now, he clearly was the one who struggled to satisfy her.

"What did she say?" she asked.

He rolled back to your form in the hallway and just smirked at you, uttering the next words like they weren't dripping with the most sinful implications.

"She said you weren't loud enough."

A scarlet red hot tomato package on a ketchup bottle. That was how furiously you were blushing right now. Those words weren't even directed at you but at the woman behind him. Though you couldn't help the flurry they started in your belly since he looked at you so intensely when he said them.

"Really? Why doesn't she join us?" she asked excitedly sitting up on the bed.

His smirk turned into a full toothy grin at that remark.

"Right? Why don't you join us?"

I'm out of here.

Not staying longer for the incoming teasing attack at your already crumbling sanity, you started making your way back to your room in shame, his laugh booming behind you. You threw him the middle finger this time only making him laugh harder.

Please choke on her pussy and die.

You closed the door and sped-walked to the bed, getting back under the covers, sighing at the warmth still preserved under the big heavy duvet. Since it was quiet again, you thought it all stopped. Until the previous strangled moans turned louder and louder and the rattle in the wall turned into a full rhythmic bang, fully shaking your own bed with you in it.

I'm going to fucking kill him.

🏎️ Glossary of terms and other useful information 🏎️

Stages - A rally consists of several stages over the course of three days, usually at the end of the week. These are series of timed races where the drivers take on different portions of track in the selected area of the race region. There can be 2-4 stages in a day, stretching over 20-50 kilometers.

DNF - Did Not Finish. When a car does not finish the race due to falling off the track. You either hit the gravel, spin out with understeer, or hit a road hazard. Basically anything that can get you out of the time frame of completing the track stage.

Pace notes - Taken by driver and co-driver on a ride along the course pre-race stage (also called a recce for reconnaissance). They point out road hazards and corners that the driver isn't able to see during the fast race. Example: 5 left over crest - hill portion approaching.

Oversteer - Happens when there's too much power applied than the tyres can take, making the car slip and push in the other direction of the turn. Balance is important here.

Understeer - Happens when the car turns less than you want it to in a corner. For example, you force the steering wheel to the left too briskly and the car doesn't turn entirely. The tyres screech and lose grip.

Overdrive is based around the fictional Asian SEIKO Cup Rally Series, mostly focused on Japan. Tour de Tokai is the 3rd round out of 13 rounds in the calendar, taking place right at the beginning of the movie. The champion of the series is determined by the total number of points accumulated at the end of the series, advancing to the World Rally Championship!

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[jillsandwhichs]

Cleon Oneshots/AUs Collection , Chap 10 , Spoiled

Masterlist

Pairing: Claire Redfield & Leon Kennedy

Summary: Leon takes Claire shopping for her birthday

Status of their relationship in this one shot: Dating

WC: 6.0k

Type: Sfw

A/n: Hi! Hope you all enjoy. Please check out my masterlist, there's a lot of stuff there. You can get to know me, you can see the rules of my blog and then you can see all of my fanfictions. You'll be able to find the previous chapters to this fic and upcoming ones. You'll also be able to find my Wattpad & AO3. Comments, reblogs & likes are appreciated. Thank you. Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME 🎉🎈 Thank you guys for always supporting me, it's the best gift I could ever ask for

"Can't believe you're doing this for me, it's so sweet." Claire expressed to her boyfriend, twiddling with her nails as she gazed at him. As of right now, she was relaxed & comfy in the passenger seat, whereas Leon was driving them. They were on their way to a recently built mall in the city. Claire has before spoken on wanted to go there, just to see what types of stores there were, Leon was ready to fulfill that idea for her.

Leon turned his head, looking back at her with a grin, "You can't believe it? Well, I can. It's your birthday baby, of course I'm going to do something for you." Leon cooed at her, giving her a playful wink. "I seriously appreciate it Leon, thank you." Claire smiled at him. "Of course." Leon muttered back, his left hand still on the wheel as his right made it's way to her thigh, gripping it softly as he drove down the busy highway.

The streets in the city were packed, especially on weekends considering just about everyone had the two days off - Saturday & Sunday that is. All sorts of different cars were making their way to different places. The city was quite populated, ranging to about 6k people living in it. Leon & Claire were just two of a large, extensive amount. Leon could already imagine how busy the mall was going to be, especially since it's brand new. It's only been open for about a week now. Stores might've already sold out.

As he drove, music was soothingly playing from the radio. Just a calming tune. Both parties enjoyed it. The sun was out & about too. It blazed the entire city, it was 82⁰ out, both Claire & Leon were able to bust out their causal summer clothing. For the day, Claire was wearing a plain, faded red tank with some light blue faded demin shorts, pretty casual. Although Leon wasn't as done up, he was just wearing a black t with khaki shorts that bendled down to his knees. He wasn't all for wearing shorts but he wasn't about to suffer in the heat either.

"Do you wanna get food first or afterwards?" He questioned, it popped in his head as he went off the exit and spotted a sign with some fast food logos on it. Leon despises fast food, it always gives him a gut ache and causes him to bloat but on occasion, it's bearable. And besides, today is not about him but rather Claire. Actually, in his world, it's always about her. They did only begin dating recently, about two months ago, but those two months have been a dream.

"We can go after, I'd really rather shop without greasy ass food marinating in my stomach." Claire described eating fast food in such a grotesque way, it was actually comedic. "Yes ma'am." Leon hummed to her, squeezing her thigh easily and using his other hand to turn & steer the car. They weren't to far from the mall but a good distance enough to where they still need to use the GPS tracker set up on Leon's held phone. These things are marvelous and a great invention. Although Claire isn't as for it as he is.

"Is there anything specific you plan to look for? To buy?" "Don't know yet... Would like to see if there is a bookstore or a candle store. Some new clothes wouldn't hurt either." Claire beamed with radiance, her eyes like a sparkling & spinning disco ball. They were full of excitement for the upcoming journey. "Those are some nice choices sweetheart, like I said earlier, there are no limits, you may get whatever it is your heart desires." Leon chuckled, turning the car left as he pulled into an entirely new street.

"I seen on your timeline that a lot of people wished you a Happy Birthday, I honestly didn't realize you were so close to so many people." Leon explained, coughing slightly before talking again, "So whose Neil?" Leon asked her. Leon was very much the jealous type. Of course he's going to worry when he sees a conventionally attractive male commenting on his girlfriend's post with some stupid heart emojis & explanation points.

"Neil? Oh, he's my coworker. Why do you ask babe?" Claire questioned her boyfriend, her eyebrows bunching together. "Oh, no reason, no reason at all..." He paused momentarily, trying to come up with what to say next. "Just that, does he like you or have a thing for you?" Leon added, his eyes fierce as they landed on her. "Not that I know of, honey, where is this coming from?" Claire giggled, taking her icy water bottle out of the cup holder and taking a few tiny sips from it.

"His comments... On your timeline... "Oh Claire, I didn't forget about your birthday, have a good one!" With a shit ton of hearts." Leon mocked Neil, his eyes rolling. Damn, he can be sassy as all hell. Not responding, Claire just glared at him, her brown doe like eyes just on him. "What?" Leon spoke out. As he said that, Claire couldn't help but cackle, her cheeks turning rosey red as she stared at him. His confused face just made it even better.

"Oh baby, there is just no way you're threanted by Neil of all men!" Claire giggled even more, caressing his hand as she did so. Leon just watched her in awe, she's was super cute but his worries weren't set aside yet. "What is he Gay or something? If so, that's great." Leon's eyes lit up. "No dummy, he's not Gay but he has a girlfriend. Really baby, were just friends." Claire eased his mind, smiling at him. "I just find it funny when you get like that." "Like what?" "Like all possesive & caring... I just enjoy it, that's all." Claire responded to him wonder.

"Glad you get enjoyment out of my pain." Leon teased her. The tone of his voice was rather seductive sounding, even though that wasn't what he was implying. Still, Claire felt something inside her change when he spoke that way. It made her feel good. A different kind of good though. She let it roam through her head before she then shook the thoughts away, studying the buildings as Leon drove right on by them. In the city, all the buildings were either skyscrapers or just large in general. Claire was a country girl at heart but the city brings a more lively feel out of her.

"Turn left onto Warner road, then continue down Warner road for another two miles." The automated voice played from Leon's iPhone. "Almost there, babygirl." Leon assured, passing her a warm tinted smile before focusing on the road. "Yay!" Claire said quietly but her voice as playful as can be. She was a cutie. Although, she would get all cringed when Leon would call her that. She finds it to be a nickname you'd give to a pet or a child. But deep down, it does make her happy he views her as cute & beautiful rather than most men who care for women who can be viewed as just hot & attractive.

Leon's hand was still wrapped around Claire's thick thigh ; He'd put pressure on it every so often, sometimes even causing a low groan to release from Claire, in which Leon found to be sexy but nevermind that. They were still early on into their relationship, there's no way Leon would admit his sexual attraction to her anytime soon & vice versa. It's clear though. Very clear.

"If they have a nail salon inside, since a lot of newer malls do, would you mind if I got my nails done? Just a manicure?" "Babe, I don't mind, anything you want, I will provide." Leon spoke with a genuine tone, making sure she knew of his seriousness. "If you say so." Claire replied to his statement. As the car went silent, Claire grabbed her phone from her shorts and swiped right on it, watching as all of her applications appeared.

Claire clicked on the messages app and noticed there was a red circle with the number '1' on it, indicating someone texted her. As she pressed on it, it was a notification from her brother, Chris. "Chris messaged me." Claire announced to Leon as she swiped left on it, opening it. All it read was, "Hey Claire. Happy Birthday. Love you and miss you." It was very short & sweet. "Awe, he said Happy Birthday and that he loves & misses me." Claire told him. "That's good. I'm glad your brother loves you so much. A lot of siblings aren't that close, y'know?" Leon continued on with the subject.

"It is sad to see. Working with TerraSave, I see families torn apart all the time. Once in a blue moon though, I'll see a pair of siblings that are very close and all I see is a reflection of Chris and I." Claire paused. "It means the world to see siblings be that way. Especially younger ones." She stopped, letting out a slight sigh. "Yep." Leon responded, his eyes shooting from his phone & back to the paved street. They were getting very close to the mall.

"Is that it right there?" Claire questioned, leaning forward to attempt to get a better angle on it. "Pretty sure, the GPS is showing that it is." Leon said, clearing his throat as he spoke. "Do you want me to bring my purse in just in case?" "Claire, leave all of your money in here, like I said, it's all on me." Leon insisted, a half smile forming nicely on his handsome face. "Okay honey, I'm sorry for pushing it, I just feel bad when people spend their personal money on me." "Even when they offer it themselves?" "Even so." Claire stated calmly, sitting back regularly in the passenger seat.

Leon sat up more straight and shifted lanes before swiftly turning his car into the parking garage. It was literally full of cars. He already knew it was going to suck to walk from his car to the mall & eventually from the mall to his car. But it's a sacrifice he's willing to make for his love. "Here we are." Leon mumbled out, quickly turning his phone off as he surprisingly found a free parking space on the third floor which wasn't to bad considering how many floors the garage was.

Putting the vehicle in park, Leon heaved out deeply with a chortle, unbuckling as well then peeping over at Claire, "You okay, my love?" Leon wondered, taking his right hand and sticking it to her cheek, stroking it with love, pure love. "Yes handsome, I just have a minor headache, nothing major." Claire gave him a gentle look as she was practically melting at his sweet touch. "Oh sweetheart, take these." Leon pulled his hand away for a second, opening up the center console and pulling out some medication. He twisted the cap off and plopped two of the pills into his hands before dropping them in hers.

"Those should do the trick." He cooed to her, his tone low & loving. "Thank you." Claire whispered, popping them into her mouth and taking a swig of her ice cold water. It made her throat feel extremely refreshed as it drained down it. "Good. Let's go baby." Leon muttered out as he opened the door, stepping out of the car & stretching widely. "Yes." Claire responded with am adorable snort as she also opened the door on her side & got out.

The parking garage was empty, all there was were other cars and the occasional person either parking or leaving. That just meant everyone was most likely at the mall. This parking garage isn't reserved for the mall, but it's pretty close to it so it's not a drastic assumption. After they both closed their side doors, they linked their hands together as they made way to the establishment.

"Should've gotten you a Birthday sash that says something like "Birthday Queen" therefore everyone knows it's all about you." Leon teased, their hands swaying back & fourth. "Oh Jesus no, I would hate that." Claire giggled, nuzzling her head against his broad shoulder. "You don't like being in the spotlight?" "Oh absolutely not." Claire answered his silly question. "I hate doing anything that rounds attention onto me." She reasoned with him. "Me too babygirl." He whispered back.

The stroll out of the garage felt never ending but eventually, they entered out of the pedestrian exit and immediately were shot by the warm sun. "I hope the mall is cooler, I'm dying out here." Claire complained, putting her shades on. They fit her face very well and were quite cute. "I'm sure it does." Leon eased her, squeezing her hand firmly. Summer days were always like this. Just the occasional breeze was a big help through these heat waves. In Leon's flat, he has three AC's built in, that's most likely why Claire prefers staying over there instead of her own abode.

It was enormous & had large glass windows classed all along it. The mall was in commission for a good bit, no wonder so much time & energy was spent on it. For awhile now, Claire has wanted to check it out and now she finally gets to. She truly has a hard time expressing her feelings but she's grateful for Leon and all he is doing for her. It's super sweet and she feels totally loved by him. No man has done things like this for her before, it's a whole new experience.

As the both of them convoyed closer to the mall, they witnessed as groups of people walked right on in and right on out. Leon was correct - it was extremely busy. But nothing he can't handle. It didn't appear that anyone in the crowds of people walking out were sweating or uncomfortable, all the more that proved it would be a decent degree on the inside of the abundance of stores. "Alright Red, let's go in." Leon grunted out as he led himself & Claire through the automatic transparent doors.

Immediately, a chilled windy breeze blew onto the two of them, a relieved sigh coming from both of them. Leon didn't mind it as much but it made him happy knowing it was one less thing to worry about. Claire's comfortability means so much to him. There were escalators all over & all sorts of stores were scattered around the building. It was one hell of a mall, that's for sure. It was top tier compared to the ones Claire used to shop at in Highschool or College. This one was way cooler.

"Wow, this place is massive as all hell." Claire chuckled out, her eyes glistening as she studied it. Leon watched as she did, taking in the view of his astonished girlfriend. "You like?" "I like." Claire snickered, kissing the side of his shoulder sweetly. There were loads of people just simply wandering around and shopping like your everyday average person. It was calming to witness, especially since both Leon & Claire are always out doing abnormal things such as killing literal monsters. This was a good change of pace.

"Come over here baby, think this is a map of the mall." Leon spoke to her, leaning down towards her ear so she could hear him clearly. Claire held onto his arm now instead of his hand, it made her feel not only more secure but more happy. Leon & Claire headed towards the pamphlet holder and snatched out one of the maps, unfolding it & scanning it. Yeah, there were a lot of stores. Claire was gonna have a field day.

"Here honey, you take a look at it." Leon offered, passing her the map. Claire gave him a slight nod as she viewed it, taking it in, in all it's glory. "People weren't kidding when they said this mall was ginormous." Claire scoffed in disbelief. "Yeah, wherever you wanna go first, we'll go." Leon whispered to her, pecking her cheek directly afterwards. "You mean it?" "I mean it, Claire. I'm ready to spend a good bit of cash." He snickered to her, holding her hips momentarily as he stood behind her.

"In that case, I'd like to look for some clothes first, just to get that out of the way." The woman said, her words understandable. "Fine by me." The man responded, giving Claire a loving smirk. She interlocked her arm with his again as they began their journey. "What store would you like to visit first, for clothes?" "American Eagle, if that's okay. They just have a good selection of jeans." "Red, next time you say "If that's okay" I'm gonna choke you." Leon laughed, wanting her to just relax.

"Okay, okay, I know. I just, like I said, feel bad when people spend their money on me." Claire pleaded out to him as they entered a escalator. "You better get used to it." Leon huffed out kindly. Escalators were fearful to Claire. Just the thought of getting your fingers or toes stuck in one was icky to imagine but not only that, it's a common occurrence which just fuels her fear much more. "I hate escalators." "Me too babygirl." Leon giggled, kissing the top of her head and breathing in deeply, the scent of coconut filling his nostrils was intoxicating.

Reaching the top, Claire hopped off alongside Leon and they instantly seen the large sign for the American Eagle store before they both walked right on in. Distant music was playing all throughout it and the store was mainly full of teenagers or middle aged women. Leon felt like he was out of place, he stuck as close to Claire as humanly possible. "How does a tinier version of AE have more clothes than the bigger one?" Claire spoke with comedic concern as she dragged her fingertips along the jeans on the shelf.

"I'm surprised not everything is sold out yet." Leon spoke in shock, eyeing down Claire as she picked up a pair of light blue jeans that were skinny. "Think these would look nice on me?" She asked as she held them up to her waist. "I think anything would look good on you, especially those." He said to her, giving her a joking wink. "M'kay." Claire muttered out, placing the jeans onto her arm and scanning the store. Right out of the corner of her eye, Claire spotted a red zip-up, it looked comfy.

"One second." Claire spoke to her boyfriend as she wandered to the other side of the place, taking the jacket off of the rack and checking it's sizing. "You would look pretty in that." "You think so? I think it'll be nice for the Fall time." Claire responded, taking it off of it's hanger. "I say you get it." Leon smiled at her. "Will do." Claire tittered, placing it on her arm, smack dab on top of the jeans.

"I'm not really seeing anything else here for clothes... Mostly jeans, I already own way to many." She shared to him. "Ok then, is there a different clothing shop you'd like to look at?" "Yeah actually, Hollister, they usually have good shirts, I need some for this summer." Claire responded to his wonder as they made way to the cash register. The man behind the counter was short & stumpy. His hat had a name tag attached to it & it read, "Joshua." On it.

Leon took the casual attire from Claire's left arm and placed it on the counter, watching as this Joshua guy scanned the QR code on the tags of the clothes Claire picked out for herself. The guy wasn't very good with customer service but it wasn't a huge deal to either of them. They don't prefer the small talk anyways. "Ok, your total is 36.40$." Joshua said with a monotone voice. "Right." Leon grunted out, pulling out his card and swiping it through the machine.

A green 'approved' popped up along with a check mark, showing that the payment successfully went through. Joshua bagged her clothing and set it on the counter, waiting for one of them to pick it up. Both of their hands reached out for it but Leon picked it up. "I got it sweetheart." Leon assured her, holding his arm out so she could hold it. As she slithered her right arm around his left, she spoke to the cashier, "Have a good day." "You guys as well." He spoke back, giving them a gentle nod. He needed that, evidently.

"That guy looked depressed." Leon chuckled, acting like what he said was funny when to Claire, it really wasn't. Working with TerraSave as made Claire more emotionally intelligent. She really takes care of those with mental illnesses as her herself suffers from it too. "Leon, that's not funny." Claire pulled away from his arm and walked with her arms crossed. Okay, she knows she's being a bit dramatic. "What? Oh baby, I wasn't joking about it. I was morely saying that due to his bruting posture." "I'm just saying, I don't think joking about that type of stuff is funny." Claire quit walking for a moment, standing beside a vending machine.

Leon quit moving as well and just gazed at her before cupping her face in his hands, the bag on the ground for a little bit. "Noted." Leon whispered, bringing himself down closer to her face and kissing her. Claire placed both of her hands on his arms as he did so, breathing in softly. He was an ass sometimes but he really is the sweetest. "If you say so hun." Claire responded to his words. "Promise." He grunted out, picking the bag back up and holding onto it stiffly.

Claire & Leon walked side by side as they strided around the mall for some time, trying to find a new place for Claire to check out. Leon had spotted a candle shop and remembered how earlier she had mentioned it. "A candle shop! You still wanna go Claire?" "Oh, yes, thanks for pointing that out honey." Claire was glad he did, she was ready to have all those amazing scents fill her nose. Treading in, the immediate smell Claire sniffed out was a berry like smell. It was delightful.

"I don't think I've ever seen this many candles at once." Leon vocalized, making a 360⁰ turn as he checked all of them out. Some were small, some were tall & some were even chunky. Claire usually gets the tall ones that are layered with three different wax scents. The current candle Claire has back home is earthy type scents. Like trees, grass, mist, wood, etc.. Today, she wanted to find something more fruity & citrusy, which is why the berry smell enticed her rapidly.

"Leon, if you see anything that will have a berry or citrus scent, let me know, that's what I'm looking for today." Claire articulated, her arms folded as she strolled around the store. The main thing she was seeing were outdoor scents and the occasional food scent, like cotton candy or chocolate, which is way to strong for her. "Gotcha hun." Leon agreed to what she had posed, making sure he made a mental note of it.

"I also seen a bookstore a bit ago, did you still wanna check it out afterwards?" Leon wondered, giving her a kind look. "Yeah, sure. Let's worry about this for now though." Claire muttered out as she picked up a layered candle but it was not what she was looking for. Either way, she took the steel top off of it and sniffed it. It smelt pleasant. It was scented as pure white flowers, one of them being a Gardenia. "I'm not usually into floral smells but this isn't to strong." Claire told Leon, handing it to him so he could smell it as well.

As he took a whiff of it, the smell blew him away. It was strong to him. "The hell do you mean that's not strong?" Leon coughed with a giggle, giving it back to his girlfriend. "Oh baby, you're just sensitive." Claire snickered, holding it close to her. Now, she was especially trying to find a tangy scented candle. Normally she has no trouble but surprisingly, she hasn't seen anything that would suit her acquired taste. She is quite picky.

"What about this one babygirl?" Leon questioned her, passing her a red, blue & purple candle. It was appealing appearance wise but what truly matters is how it smells. Twisting the top off, Claire took a decent whiff and shook her head up & down in awe. "It smells good, I like it." Claire beamed, reading the label on it. It was scented as 'Red Berry, Blue Berry & Purple Berry'. Claire had no clue what the berries actually were but she didn't pay much mind to that. "Okay, my love, is that what you want?" "Mhm!" Claire nodded continuously, standing by him still.

There were two different check out areas and both were sort of busy. Either way, it didn't matter which one they chose. Leon followed behind Claire as she got into the right side lane, standing behind two different people who were seperate. Leon wrapped his arm around Claire's shoulder, holding her close to him as they stood in line. It wasn't for a particular reason other than just liking how it feels whenever they touch each other.

The first woman in line walked off with her bags in hand. Looks like she bought a lot. Luckily, Leon's wallet hasn't been to damaged yet. The clothes were much cheaper than expected earlier. The candles were 7$ each too. The distant convo between the cashier & the customer in front of them could audibly be heard. Clearly, this worker has a lot more experience working in customer service than that dude from earlier. But nevermind that.

"How sweet of you to purchase this for your daughter." The cashier spoke to the man. "Yeah, yeah, with her graduation coming up and all, I wanna make it special." The man chortled, taking the singular bag off of the tan counter. "You have a good day." The woman said softly. "You too!" He replied, heading out of the store now. Claire felt at ease knowing it was a nice lady working right now. Sometimes people who work at malls are so uppity.

Stepping up to the register, Claire placed both candles on the platform, allowing the woman to scan them & bag them. "Hello, how are you two today?" The woman asked. She didn't have a name tag so there was no way of knowing who she was. "Hey, we're good, you?" Leon uttered to her, his voice deep. "I'm doing just fine." The woman grinned, glancing at the bar, checking what the total was. "Your total is 15.12$." She said softly, waiting for one of them to pay.

Once again, opening his wallet, Leon grabbed out his card and stuck it into the machine, watching as it took the money off of it. "Alrighty, you two are all set." "Thanks. Have a nice one." "You too!" She responded to Leon's friendly words. Now, Leon was holding onto two different bags. Luckily, they weren't heavy at all. It was his workout for the day.

"Want me to hold one?" Claire raised, holding her hand out. "No babe, it's fine." Leon held his arm out for her to hold onto. "Onwards to the bookstore!" Claire giggled out, her head rubbing up against his tightened shoulder. "Onwards & upwards." Leon repeated back, giving out a soft chuckle. The bookstore wasn't far from the candle store as it was just across the mall on the third floor, which was just above the clothing stores they were at earlier.

The mall was still packed as ever. It wasn't even the afternoon yet and still, so many civilians were here. Leon can't even begin to imagine how crowded it is later in the day. The mall was built nicely though, there's no denying that. All the windows emitted a natural light that wasn't to strong to where you'd have to cover your eyes due to the shimmer. It was a peaceful look. It was more modern which is definitely Leon's style. The prominent colors of the building were white, black, gray & pops of red and blue. It was very much color coded.

"Right here babygirl." Leon whispered to Claire, caressing her hand that was placed upon his arm as they entered the compact bookshop. Oh, it was calming to be in. It was really empty. About three people filled the place. The music, decorations, scent & all together atmosphere of the store was genuinely relaxing. It was a welcoming change from the commotion outside of it.

"Hi, can I help you with anything?" A man walked up to the two of them, a tanish apron with a name tag that read 'Victor'. "Uh no, we're good for now, thanks though." Leon not only spoke for himself but Claire too. If she needed help, he's there for her. The employee nodded and trotted off. He seemed to have gotten the memo. "Alright sweetheart, is there a certain book you wanted to look for?" "Actually no, I just wanted to see if I could find anything interesting." Claire answered him, studying the cozy shop.

"Ok baby, we can take a look around." He mumbled back to her reply, his hand pressed on her lower back as they checked out the store. "Any genre?" "Yeah, I was thinking thriller. I need a change from all the romance I've been reading." Claire tittered, picking up a book and reading the back of it briefly. "Understandable." Leon nodded, rubbing her back gently as she read it. Claire reveled in the feeling of Leon's hands on her. He was very affectionate, it was adorable.

"This is interesting..." Claire muttered out, setting the book back down. "What was it about?" "Just some guy who travels back in time to the '60s and gets to witness JFK's assassination first hand..." Claire whispered to him, trying to have the time remain low ; this is a bookstore after all. "Think I've heard about something like that." Leon said back to her, gazing as she picked up another book. This one was a lot smaller as where the one she had a second ago was thick.

He couldn't help but admire her. She was beyond beauty. He could stare at her all day if he so pleased. Although, that would be off putting. Besides that though, Leon just felt so good in this moment. He's got to spend the entire day with her, her entire Birthday with her. It felt as though it was needed for him. He needed to be with her. Claire means the absolute world to him. Vice versa. She also felt great about today. Claire was clearly grateful & honest about how Leon took her out for her day. She felt heavily appreciated.

"Oh wait, this has been on my TBR for a good bit." Claire picked up a book. Leon couldn't see the cover but he could tell it was a decent sized novel. "Oh yeah? You want it? "Yes, of course I do." Claire snickered, opening it up & allowing her fingers to drag along the fresh pages. Oddly enough, the smell of books is great to Claire. They smell wonderful. "Don't you just love the smell of books?" Claire posed to Leon as she stuck the book to his nose, allowing him to also sniff it. "Mmm, yeah, sure." Leon said jokingly. He definitely wasn't all about it like Claire was.

"You can pick out another one if you'd like." "No, that's alright, I'm getting pretty hungry and I'm honestly good with everything I've gotten today." Claire smiled up at Leon, positioning her lips to be duck lips. Leon cackled and grabbed ahold of her chin, pecking her lips a couple times before he then kissed her nose lovingly. Claire blushed deeply, her cheeks turning a dark shade of rose. Leon really could hit the spot on her.

Leon took the book from Claire's hand & set it down carefully on the table, allowing the cashier to swiftly scan it and bag it. "Have a lovely day!" The woman said softly. "Ya, ya, you too." Leon giggled, taking the bag and holding onto it.

"So, Red, was there a food place you had in mind? Anywhere you choose, we'll go." Leon voiced to her, the two of them making their way out of the mall and to the garage where his car had been. Claire was not ready to sit in a hot ass car. She'll make sure Leon blasts the AC hastily. "I was kind of thinking KFC, those sandwiches are to die for and I wanna treat myself, so." Claire spoke with delight. Leon, deep down, was glad she chose said fast food chain. It was his personal favorite.

"Ooo okay." Leon chuckled out, the two of them holding hands now. His hands were significantly larger than hers. Hers felt like a babies hand compared to his. Her fingers were so slim too, it felt weird but he found it immensely attractive. As they reached the bottom of the escalator, only walking a yard in front of them, Claire pushed open the exit door and the vibrant fresh air hit them like an arrow.

"Oh it feels nice to smell fresh air. Especially after inhaling all those candles earlier." Leon expressed, basking in the weather. It definitely got warmer but the chilled breeze added to it perfectly. "Definitely." Claire responded to her boyfriend, putting her shades back on despite the literal fact they'd be back in the car in minutes. It was a extensive distance but nothing they couldn't handle. "My feet are killing me. I shouldn't have worn these sandals." Claire whined out. "You know baby, for the record, I think the sandals suit you well." Leon teased, tightening his hand on hers for a moment.

Finally, they made it to Leon's automobile, it felt like an honorable victory. "Claire, could you please pop the trunk for me? I'll put these bags in there. "Sure thing." Claire shook her head and jogged up to the driver's side, opening the trunk for Leon. She felt a tad bit sad that his arms were probably tired from carrying her bags that whole time. "How do your arms feel baby?" Claire wondered. "Just find hun, why?" "Just curious."

Ambling up to Claire, Leon's hands slithered down to her waist as he pulled her closer into him. "Thank you for today honey." Claire gleefully spoke. "Anything for you, my love. Happy Birthday." Leon whispered to her. He brought himself down closer to her face and passionately pressed his warm lips against her soft ones. Their lips moved in sync as they practically made out in the middle of a parking garage. It just felt so amazing.

Claire's hands rested on his built chest as they kissed each other. The kiss felt so real & meaningful. Despite their relationship only being about two months old, they're very comfortable with one another. Especially Claire with Leon, she feels safe in his presence and doesn't feel like there's a single thing in the world that she could do that would weird him out. He's a weirdo himself. Claire's hands slid up to the back of his neck, holding onto it firmly as their kiss only deepend with love further.

"I love you a lot." Leon muttered out between smooches, pulling away for good. "I love you too." Claire voiced to him, stroking his cheeks gently. "You ready to go get food babe?" Leon raised, letting go of her officially. "Yeah, I'm starving." Claire snorted out, kissing his cheek for a final time and making her way to the passenger side door.

[missing-sock-misto]

So Tuggoffelees, 3, 7, 8, 18 and 20, if you like?

Thank you so much!!

3-Most common argument?

Messes and keeping where they live tidy. Misto likes everything to be neat, and thinks everything has its place. Tugger does not care, and finds putting things away a bother. He does try, he’s gotten better, but it does not come naturally to him. So Misto does most of the tidying/cleaning, and sometimes gets frustrated when Tugger comes in and leaves a tornado in his wake.

In more-human aus, they basically work to develop a system, finding chores Tugger can do that he likes/tolerates, and Tugger does know to at least put away his clothes and keep his hair/makeup products in the designated drawer.

7-What’s the first thing that changes when they realize they have feelings for the other?

Well to start, Neither of them had expected to fall in love. Misto was still dead set on insisting that he didn’t even like Tugger, while Tugger had his reputation and free-wheeling lifestyle. (I head canon that they would meet up in secret for hook ups or hang outs for a while before they properly fell in love. And then it was months of pining before they confessed their feelings). So they had a secret relationship before going public.

So the biggest thing was; they stopped hiding that they liked each other in public. They still tease each other, Misto pretending to be annoyed by Tugger’s antics (Terrible bore). But they press against each other when they see each other, lean against each other, keep their tails entwined etc.

8-Nicknames? & if so, how did they originate?

Lmaoo yess

Misto-> Tugger: Terrible bore, Rockstar, handsome, sweetheart, dear, brat, menace.

Tugger-> Misto: [Unfurl scroll that hits the floor] Including but not limited to:

Sparkles, Starlight, Firecracker, Stardust, Twinkle toes, Flashbang, my Personal Laser Pointer, Disco ball, Little Demon, Void, Voidlet, Raincloud, Darling, Dear, Love

The general logic:

Sparkles: most common, default

Starlight: A more private nickname, when he’s feeling more awestruck/romantic. Most people are unaware of it.

Firecracker: When Misto is being particularly sassy

Raincloud: When Misto is sad and withdrawn.

I’m working on a story of Tugger and Misto’s first hookup, where Misto’s magic is secret. And Tugger calls Misto “Bowtie” when he is supposed to be unaware of Misto’s magic, but switches to Sparkles when he finds out.

18-Who leaves little notes in the other’s one lunch? (Bonus: what does it usually say?)

Honestly, this doesn’t feel like something either of them would do to me? This is more a Demestrap thing to me. I’d say for special occasions, Tugger, but it’s not really an everyday thing.

20-What do their family/friends think of their relationship?

Initially;

Victoria- thrilled and shocked. “HIM?! But you said you hated him?!?”

Munk: Certain that this is just a fling and won’t last.

Bombalurina: has been Tugger’s confidant for the last few months, and has been subject to his pining. She knows they’re genuine and has the most confidence in this working out if Tugger can get his shit together.

Now: Everyone has seen how they feel about each other and knows it’s a matter of time before they get married. They’re supportive and accepting.

Thank you so much for the ask! 😁

[sunwarmed-ash]

🔥Sinful Sunday🔥

Figure You Out

Ships: Steddigrove(eventual), Rydon(established,) Eddie/Brendon Fandoms/Bandoms: Stranger Things & Panic! At The Disco Tags: Song fic, 00's Band AU, Post Hawkins Shit-Everyone Lives, Billy has internalized homophobia/polyphobia thanks to Neil, Aged up Hawkins Crew-late 20's, angst, drama, gay eddie munson, bi steve harrington, pan brendon urie, jealous ryan ross, boys kissing, post vecna everyone lives, Preview:

The intro starts slow, with a deep base undertone accentuated by the electric violin that Eddie thinks feels so sexy once they get to the chorus. They’ve never performed it live before, only twice at practice before the concert tonight, but in his head, Eddie knows it's going to be sexy. Mostly, he just had a lot of feelings about one asshole Billy Hargrove that he needs to get out. The blonde shredded his heart. The stage is where he heals. 

"I heard he got you a penthouse

On the West Coast,

When will he learn

That you're afraid of heights?"

"I heard he got you a new Benz

With the white wheels

When will he learn

That’d you rather drive your bike?"

Brendon arrives offstage right before the chorus and Eddie is quick to motion the front man to the stage. The younger scene kid’s face lights up, nodding before running back on stage. 

The crowd explodes with the reappearance of one Brendon Urie and Eddie is feeling better about this decision already.

[memes-in-a-half-shell]

Villain AU - Deadlock, Part 9

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6 || Part 7 || Part 8 ||

This fanfic is not popular at all, but goddamn I'm having fun writing it 😤👏 WOO

It took them some weeks, but plans were finally getting in motion. Late at night, Vee received a message on her phone only to notify her that Donnie was waiting outside the appartment building.

"Meet me down on the street?" she read with slight confusion.

Packing her gear into a backpack, she headed to the building's entrance, meeting with a garbage truck waiting by the sidewalk. The woman hesitated for a moment, but dared climb to the passenger door, peeking inside.

The first thing she noticed was the array of electronics decorating the space, but she also saw Donatello sitting at the driver's seat, striking a goofy waiting pose with a grin. Vee laughed, not waiting to get in. She was first met with music, recognizing the tune as Evil Woman by ELO.

"I'm sure you chose that song on purpose," she pointed, sitting down.

"Oh come on, I would never," he teased back. "It just so happened to start as soon as you got in."

"Uh-huh," sourly agreed the human, although playful as well.

She took a moment to look around the cockpit, truly amazed by everything her eyes landed on. As her gaze moved, she then got to the back of the vehicle, her eyes growing even more.

"Holy shit Donnie, what even is this truck?!" She pointed towards one part. "There's even a couch, what the fuck!"

"That's where the magic happens," he played off cool, though he remained comical. "Welcome to smooth Donatello's fuck mobile."

That got Vee to burst into laughter, a loud snort easily escaping her. She rapidly placated a hand to her mouth, looking back at the terrapin with renewed wide eyes. That brought the mutant to laugh as well, soon the same sound leaving him too. The woman pointed at him next, snorting again.

"No way! We laugh the same!!"

They could only fuel one another, yet reached a resolve with warm smiles, somehow charmed by this unforseen similarity. Donnie broadly gestured to the back of the truck.

"Actually, this is primarly a battle truck. ... But I gave it my own twist to also make it a party van," he winked at the end.

"I mean, with the disco ball, I can see that," added the human, still peaking and looking over from her seat.

"I know just what's needed to get this party started!"

With a flick to his radio, another song started, its beat already catching Vee's attention. The tune of We Like To Party! from Vengaboys was now blasting, the woman already cheering while Donnie got the truck back on the road. She couldn't stop dancing a little in her seat as she started singing along - to the terrapin's slight surprise. He couldn't hide his smile as he was driving, enjoying this burst of happiness from her. As the first half of the song ended, Vee sighed to calm her excitement, lowering the music's volume. Settling herself comfortably in her seat, she glanced over at the terrapin, a grin forever present on her features.

"So! What excuse did you give to your family?"

Donnie lightly tapped the steering wheel, his eyes still on the road: "Said that I needed to do some test runs with the truck for a couple of new features. I've been indeed working on it lately, but I'm not done yet with the upgrades. ... But they don't need to know that!"

"That's what I'm talking about," added Vee with a smirk.

Getting to meet up was definitely a challenge as it went on. Ever since that night Donatello got into an argument with Leo, his return home had been met with a family sit down and a long and tedious conversation about the mission and the woman's involvement. Raph had reported that she didn't seem like a threat, physically - to which Donnie gave him the stink eye. She was aware of the plan to take the Foot clan down, as well as any potential Purple Dragons involvement. For Leonardo, that was already too much, but for Donnie that was only the tip of the iceberg. They knew nothing, many details were still in the dark. The terrapin did bring a point on the table regarding Vee's findings about Bishop and their ties to the so-called "Earth Protection Force". With that lead, Donnie had been able to research the organization and had indeed found out that Bishop kept themselves involved in many projects that dealt in non-human findings and various xeno researches of the likes. There was a pattern to notice, and there was no way the turtle would let that go. His family may be well against the woman's participation, but they didn't need to be made aware of it for now.

They arrived near their destination; a tall tower that was reserved for pharmaceutical research and various medical advancements. Parked, Vee observed the building from her seat, pushing out a quick sigh.

"Another tower... great."

"I already got the layout figured out, it won't be so bad."

"Hopefully the security won't be as arduous as the Foot's."

"Piece of cake, I'll say," smirked the terrapin.

The woman playfully rolled her eyes, hopping out of her seat and heading towards the back of the truck - she did not miss the opportunity to smack Donnie's shoulder on her way.

"I'll get dressed, don't peek."

The mutant tsked in amusement, shifting the vehicle's stick to get it back in motion and closer to the building. He couldn't help peeking into his rearview mirror a little...

He stopped the truck near a back entrance where delivery trucks would usually go. Parking into a dark spot, he then stepped out, soon joined by Vee in her usual technical gear.

"So, where do we start?" she asked in her flanged tone.

The terrapin tapped something to his right wrist, a 3D holographic model - or rather its inner skeleton - of the building appearing from a small projector on his shoulder strap.

"Seems like we have some naughty hematologists in here who's been leaking some blood sample information to the Purple Dragons." He tapped to a higher floor, a dot marker appearing. "We'll need to reach the 24th floor and tap into those databases - see what they have to offer."

"Why does it always have to be on such high floors?" briefly sighed the woman.

"Aw, come on, it'll be fun," smirked the other, tapping another button, this time highlighting vents and corridors throughout the whole complex. "We can either stick together and go along a path that shouldn't offer too much surveillance, or you can wiggle alone in the vents. They'll be too small for me, so I can't sneak around in them."

"Would we reach the destination at the same time?"

"If you work that butt of yours fast enough in those vents, maybe. You might even get there a bit earlier than me."

"Bet. I just need to know how I'll head there exactly."

On cue, Donnie reached for a pouch to his belt, next handing a watch-like device to the human.

"Wear this; you'll be able to view the same map I have and it'll highlight you the best route."

Vee faked a gasp, accepting the object with slight giddiness.

"Monsieur Donatello, you are the gift that keeps on giving!"

"Watch out, soon enough I'll claim my due," he winked.

The duo got on the move, keeping communications open as they went their seperate ways. Disabling the cameras had indeed been a piece of cake, the terrapin still making his way carefully along the halls and stairs. Vee had mostly been complaining about dust and some webs here and there, but her trek did allow her to reach higher levels faster. As she arrived to the 24th floor, she slipped through an opening large enough for her at floor-level - after removing the grid. Easily spotting a room with computers and various testing equipments, Vee made a beeline as she brought the watch up:

"I've made it. I'll start looking through the files."

No answer.

"Donnie?"

His voice came through as a hush: "We've got company."

Still walking towards the room, she spoke in soft tones as well: "Who?"

She steered for the first computer she laid eyes on, already booting it up and ready to slip in a key that could bypass any login credentials.

"Foot ninjas," he replied. "They're just a couple of floors under you. I'll try to see how many of them there are."

"Hacking in, grabbing stuff, and waiting for you," simply answered Vee, tapping on the keyboard next.

Already starting to copy over files, she dared moving away and tried peeking out of the room. She first heard some faint footsteps, barely noticing some dark figures before she reeled back inside.

"They're coming," the woman stiffled through gritted teeth. "What the fuck is the Foot clan doing here anyway?"

"Drop everything and go," advised the turtle.

"Go where? I'll have to go past them to reach the vents!"

"Hide! I'm coming."

Vee glanced at her download, not even halfway through. She'd just need a couple more minutes.... With a hushed groan she turned the green lights of her googles off, retracting to a dark corner, under a desk. The ninjas made their way closer, stopping by the room's entrance. The woman worried as to why they were interested, when she realized that the computer she was messing with was the only one with its monitor on .... damn idiot. Three figures stepped in, coming closer to the hardware. They were speaking softly, observing the transfer window. It was when Vee picked up something along the phrase "let's unplug this" that she got some smoke bombs out. Slipping out of her hiding spot, her hand grabbed the first thing she could - a pen - and threw it far so it made noise right outside the hallway. The ninjas' attention diverted, Vee did not hesitate to throw her bombs next and took the chance to slip through the smoke and right to the computer. In a swift move she grabbed her key, hoping she would have enough information, and settled back up to chance an escape. Yet her action was altered, a hand grasping one of her wrists, a mask figure meeting hers. Her body was instantly lifted and thrown up against tables nearby with a loud crash. Voices rose in a warning an alarm suddenly blaring through. Vee barely had time to come to reason that a renewed pair of hands grabbed her by the front of her hood, yanking her back on her feet.

"What are you doing here?" asked one of the ninjas, still holding her firmly.

The woman winced lightly, trying to play it cool afterward: "I wanted to get a good idea of the building's layout. I have an interview tomorrow. I'll be less worried."

Wrong answer. She got slammed on the table once again.

"What did you copy?"

"Wouldn't you like to know, sweetheart."

She saw the other raise his fist, ready to punch her face, but Vee had been quick enough to raise her knee and hit the other straight to his groin area. As the ninja reeled back, the woman was standing on her feet - slightly dizzy. The smoke dissipating, she could see the two others ready to strike her, Vee instantly holding up her fists in a boxing position. It'd been a while since she last "fought" something, but now was no time to slack. Her first opponent came swiftly, his kick interrupted with a quick block from Vee's wrists. Her claws gave her an advantage as she ripped through some clothes, drawing a bit of blood from superfical cuts. All she had to do was to keep herself in defensive until Donnie would come...

The second man came in delivering a punch to her side. A loud grunt left the woman, but she came back with a vengance as she shouldered her attacker, then elbowing right under his chin as hard as she could. Next spotting a metal tray, she grabbed it, deflecting another kick from the other she blocked prior. It was a constant back and forth, trying to keep her head out of this metaphorical raging water. Her body was screaming in pain, but the adrenaline was keeping her in check - always ready to punch or stop any ninja coming her way. She heard some heavy footsteps coming down the hallway through all this commotion. In this cacophony, the first man who'd grabbed her was finally back on his feet, shouting for the two others to move aside. In a juxtaposition, she spotted Donatello's shape at the door frame, behind the now clearly angered ninja. Vee felt some instant relief wash through her, but it was shortly lived when she felt a kick to her chest - strong enough to push her backward and have her crashing through a window and down the tower.

The terrapin's yell was instant, rushing into the room and barely minding the Foot ninjas as he shoved them out of the way. His only goal was the window, through which he jumped and next aimed for a screaming Vee.

His weight was an advantage at this moment, falling faster than the human. Her arms were already extended towards him in this blatant need for help. As soon as the mutant got a grab of her hand, he instantly pulled so that Vee could wrap her arms around his neck and squeeze her thighs against his sides. In an expert move, Donnie reached for a gun-like device with suction cups, aiming for windows. As it stuck, the duo was slinged through another glass, the terrapin bracing for impact as he surrounded the woman in his arms and rolled into a room, barrelling through chairs and desks.

... They remained in this closed position for a couple more seconds, simply to acknowledge the fact that they were not falling anymore. Donnie was the first one to move and sit up with a groan, looking down at Vee who was still clutching at his very being.

"... Are you alright?" he asked.

She barely nodded, finally moving in turn, yet remaining in his lap and facing him for a little while more. She removed her hood and her googles, lowering her mouth mask with a shaky breath.

"You saved me..."

That got a quick snicker from the other.

"What? You wanted me to let you splatter down on the pavement?"

She didn't answer at first, prefering to hug back around his neck once more. He had said that as a joke, of course, but deep down his core he would have never forgiven himself if it had been the case. The immense fear that had gripped him as he watched her crash through that window... Free falling was something normal along his patrols, but for her it must've been a fearful realization that death had only been some mere seconds away. He hugged her back, nuzzling her hair. All he wanted was to hold her forever...

The constant beeping alarm caught back to their ears, prompting them to move once more. This time Donatello winced, noticing a pain to his right shoulder. Looking over, the duo noticed a big shard of glass firmly planted into his scales, blood already starting to trail around the wound.

"Oh, hello," simply observed the terrapin.

Vee's mind rushed at the sight, realizing that this was a chance. She needed to think of something quick that would allow her to get some sample secured... Her deer-in-headlights stare did not escape the turtle. He waved a hand slowly before her eyes.

"Hey, you good? Are you uncomfortable with the sight of blood?"

Vee snapped back to life, comically dismissing his concern.

"I bleed every months, I can handle it."

"As expected," he was shuffling through a pouch at his belt. "I'll need you to put some gauzes and tape on the wound after I'm done removing the shard."

"Don't you want me to remove it?"

He handed her the needed items, his head shaking slightly.

"It needs to be removed in one swift move as to avoid breaking the glass. I'm strong enough to do it, don't worry."

She agreed, preparing the first aid care. Donnie placed his left hand around the glass, prepping himself mentally until he swiftly pulled - a sharp hiss leaving his lips. Some quick "go, go, go" escaped him, trying to numb down the pain as he focused on Vee's actions.

"Let's go back to my place, I'll be able to patch you up better," she said after being done.

"Was about to propose the same," he added, still wincing a bit. "Before the others catch up to us."

***

The ride back to the apartment was definitely somewhat quieter. Donnie was trying to not focus on his right shoulder, prefering to throw in speculations as to why Foot ninjas had been present. Were they securing the information? Were they trying to steal the data instead? Was there anything else of value over there? The reasons seemed infinite and that could only fuel the duo's curiosity and theories even more.

Finally arriving at Vee's place, the woman hurried to her floor as the terrapin was doing his best to reach her living room's window, waiting patiently for her to get in and open the way for him. Vee's mind was a blur as they headed for the bathroom, her thoughts completely locked on the bloodied bandages. Holding them gave her pause - so close to her goal.

"Are you sure you're alright?" rose up Donnie's voice.

Her gaze shot back up to him, quickly nodding.

"I'll go get scissors to help cut the new bandages," she simply answered, already disappearing towards the kitchen.

She had to think fast. Knowing she had to preserve the small sample, Vee quickly fumbled around and reached for a tupperware, throwing the bloodied gauze and medical tape in, sealing it shut and hurrying to hide it at the back of her refrigerator. Closing the door, this sudden wave of relief hit her - any and all pent up stress finally fading away. The weight of everything that happened finally fell on her shoulders, a light shaking invading her limbs, and most specifically her knees and hands. Reaching for a pair of scissors in a kitchen drawer, she also grabbed a glass of water - a further excuse for her absence.

Heading back to the bathroom, Vee found the mutant observing his wound in the mirror, already at the task of washing it (and wincing slightly).

"How are you going to explain that to your family?" asked the woman, placing the scissors on the small sink counter.

"Cut myself on sharp metal, trying to fix something on the truck. S'not the first time it happened anyway - but not as deep."

He handed her a piece of cotton soaked with an antiseptic liquid.

"Pat that around the wound, please."

Vee carefully took the piece after discarding her glass to the side, next trying to calm her hands as she placed her free one around a safe space on his shoulder, the other carefully tapping the piece on his scales. She focused on the feel of his skin, sensing his arm's muscles twitch ever so slightly whenever she got too close to the wound's opening - alongside his patient moves as he prepared the next steps of his care. He next tasked Vee to apply some ointement while he prepared the needed length of bandages.

All of this executed in cooperative silence, Vee could only smile faintly, feeling this easiness between them; this sensation that they truly were a team now. The terrapin noticed her features softening, a quiet chuck leaving him:

"What are you thinking about?"

The woman's motions slowed, eyes crossing Donnie's.

"We make a good team."

His gaze appeared tender, his whole self warming with this simple sentence. Vee gestured for him to hand over the bandages, starting to wrap him up.

"I suspect you had to protect yourself against the Foot while I was trying to reach you," spoke Donnie, changing the subject only to get himself out of this inner puppy-eyed reverie. "How did that go?"

Vee sighed, continuing her task: "Let's just say I was mostly lucky," she started. "Back when I was a kid I had some boxing lessons with my dad, but that feels like forever ago..."

"Huh! You never really mentionned anything about your family before. Do you still talk to them?"

The faint frown on the woman's features was already a good indication.

"... Let's not talk about that right now, if you don't mind."

"Noted."

The terrapin swiftly moved the subject around once more, a smile on his lips.

"Raph was wrong then; you can indeed be a physical menace!"

Vee was back into that similar amusement: "Oh, please, I would absolutely still be obliterated by him if I were to try to fight that wall of a turtle. ... I'm certain I could even lose against you."

"We can test that out, sometime," added Donnie with a smirk.

As Vee finished securing the bandage, she lightly slapped over it, making the turtle wince one last time.

"We'll see about that," she simply answered with a stick out of her tongue.

The woman proceeded next to her living room and computer, tasking herself with plugging her key containing any information she'd been able to snatch from their excursion. The tall turtle followed suit, rolling his right shoulder lightly only to get accustomed to the faint pain as quick as possible. Skimming through the data, Vee noticed that most of the files were targeting blood samples. Apart from the usual types and various metrics, some more digging revealed mentions of 'animal ancestors', which instantly grabbed Donnie's attention. Standing behind and slightly hunching over the woman sitting in her chair, the mutant took hold of the mouse, taking control of the search. To be surrounded by his form, Vee felt the faintest of blush invade her cheeks - being reminded of how small she appeared alongside him.

"Do me a favor and search the term 'mutation'," he asked. "I'd do it myself, but your keyboard's too small for my stupid fat fingers."

That brought a quick amused snort out of Vee, pressing the ctrl and F keys, then searching for the requested term. Some results were found, a particular sentence holding their attention:

As per the client's information, animal ancestry may play a key role into the test subject's mutation after being subjugated to the purple substance. Two successful specimens are known and alive, currently out of reach. Samples are yet to be distributed for further research. Tentative recreations are still ongoing.

"Tentative recreations?" read back Vee, puzzled.

"They're trying to recreate the purple ooze..." clarified Donatello. "And with Bebop and Rocksteady still locked up, they can't access their blood and extract the substance."

He straightened up, sighing as he pinched between his eyes, under his glasses, grumbling next: "They want to mutate people again, of course they wanna do that...."

"Do you think they'd be able to do that from scratch? Why would they want to mutate people, anyway?"

He looked back at Vee, the woman still trying to read more on the matter. The terrapin's hands gently landed on her shoulders, his thumbs petting the nape of her neck slowly, thinking. That motion seemed to ease Vee's tension, sensing her muscles relax and her posture slacking ever so slightly.

"There could be many reasons," started the turtle. "Knowing the Foot Clan, they'd most certainly want to add more muscles to their organization. Ever since Shredder disappeared after Krang's invasion, they've been more reckless on certain operations..." His next thoughts pained him a little. "And if they're really trying to recreate the purple ooze, I can only hope they are not experimenting on human subjects already.... the cases about missing people makes sense now and I'm starting to fear the worse."

Donnie's hands moved along her shoulders and over her arms, hunching over her once more only to nuzzle her hair in gratitude.

"Thank you for grabbing that information, it's a step in the right direction."

"I assume you want a copy of it?"

"Yes please," mumbled the turtle, still nuzzling her hair.

He would have to do a thorough review of the documents, knowing he would need to regroup all the intel and let his family be aware of it. ... Donnie felt cheap for having to take all the credit in front of them, when he'd much prefer to reveal it all with Vee alongside him.

Gear back in place and ready to go, the terrapin was stopped by the window, Vee's hands against his arm and scales. She took a moment to observe his features, as if wanting to burn this image into her mind.

"I didn't say thanks," she simply stated first. "... Thank you for saving me back there. I don't know what would've happened if you didn't jump after me. I-..."

The mutant's smile was sweet, instinctively bringing a hand to cup her cheek.

"That's my job; saving people and this city."

"Even unlawful information brokers like me?" added Vee, joking lightly.

"Even more so..." he answered in a heartbeat.

In a natural gesture Donnie came nearer, leaving a faint kiss to her forehead. Both with their eyes closed, they remained close, basking into this serene proximity.

"I'd never let anything or anyone hurt you..." he murmured.

She trusted those words. She knew he was speaking the absolute truth and once more, she could only feel this relief by standing at his side.

Saying goodbye felt a bit heartbreaking that night. The terrapin said that he'd keep Vee informed as best as he could, as soon as possible. ... The woman had a faint hope it'd be tomorrow - yet that was only infatuation speaking at this very moment.

...

Alone once more in her apartment, Vee took a moment to watch the garbage truck disappear into the night. She surprised herself with a long sigh, this cold sensation invading her body all of a sudden. That reminded her of her fridge, her attention snapping to it and already making a beeline to her small kitchen area. Opening the door once more, she spotted the tupperware far in the back, it's bloodied content still present. ... Closing it, she pondered her next course of action. The sample may be too poor and small to be actually handed to her mysterious client. She would definitely need to up her game if she wanted to grab something of greater value. Yet, now something was starting to sprout in the depths of her mind, starting to wonder what was actually planned for such sample of such extraordinairy blood.

For now she would safekeep this forbidden treasure, hoping she wouldn't need to hold onto it for too long...

((TO BE CONTINUED))

[discowheelsau]

Woaaahhh....I LOVE THIS AU! Seems I'm glad i came across it! ^^

I want to ask if its not rude or weird of me:

What does the screwable holes are for? (Sorry if that sounds dumb, I'm not experienced with animatronics or etc-)

What happened to the others after the place got abounded?

Why was it abounded?

What are Wally's feelings about the sudden/expected abondment??

Have a cool day!!! Love the stuff you drew for this silly au!

:3

i'm glad you like it! to answer your questions,

the screwable holes are for arm rods! each puppet has one in each hand and in at the back of their feet. puppeteers would use the leg rods to film them skating for commercials and stuff! :)

as for the other questions, I don't want to reveal everything at once (even tho between being busy and lacking motivation i'm not sure when i'll get to reveal the story lol), but lets just say there were some concerns about leaks & mold in the roller rink, which eventually led to the place being shut down.

here's a sneak peek into how their return went on :)

[idk2085]

Disco Wheels AU by:@discowheelsau

Disco Wheels Betty(Lovely) and Disco Wheels Wally(Roco)

Little Lovely Pretty(DW Betty)

[mythicalmagical-monkeyman]

You know how all duos/trios/etc in lmk have fun little nicknames?

Here's some for the reincarnation au + just ones I haven't seen yet (not ships!):

Tang & Wukong: Mythhistory duo. Wukong is a mythological/historical figure and Tang is into myths and history

Ma & Wukong: Pineberry duo.

Ma & Tang: Coconut duo. Based solely on their hair colors; white and dark brown/black.

Ma & Tang & Wukong: Weird hair crew.

Ma & Wukong & Macaque: Who's the third wheel? They can all be the third wheel in this group.

Ma & Macaque: Bitter Lemons. They're the type of friends who constantly bully/tease each other but it's all just an act.

Sparkle quartet: Tang, Wukong, Ma and Macaque.

Sandy & DBK: Sandcastle duo. Sand(y), kings live in castles.

Rumble & Macaque: Black hole duo. They both have black fur but they also eat a lot.

Savage & Macaque: Leather jacket duo. They are both the type of people who have leather jackets.

Rumble & Savage & MK: Pixy Stix trio. Tell me they wouldn't be the type of people to hoard candy + Pixy Stixs.

MK & Bai He: Hair ties duo. Bai He wears a head band, MK wears a bandanna.

Spindrax and Syntax: Ax duo. Their names both end in ax.

DBK and Wukong: Atlas Kings. Wukong feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders and DBK had a mountain dropped on him. They're both kings.

Wukong and Jiutian Xuannü: Masters of war. Name of the chapter where they first interact.

Ma and Ba: Short duo: Frozen buleberries. (Long duo name: You have the right to remain silent but not the ability)

Bai He and The (not) Mayor: Slushy duo. When ice melts it turns into slush.

Muzha & Macaque: Music addicts. They love music.

Syntax & Macaque: Magic science duo. Syntax science, Macaque magic.

Hua and Macaque: Moon blossoms duo. Plants and the moon.

Syntax & Spindrax & Huntsman & Strong Spider: The spider cluster

Jiutian Xuannü & Yellow Robe Demon: Shinyswords duo. YRD likes disco, disco balls are shiny. Jiutian Xuannü has a sword.

[theriverspath]

Prompt: the discreet gentleman's club

Summary: Thanks to a new friend, Aziraphale learns something about himself at the local skating rink. Rated Teen.

---

Aziraphale loved the skating rink. There was something exciting about the thrum of the music in his chest, the clack and rumble of the wheels vibrating up through his legs, the hubbub of voices and laughter from the other skaters. He even liked the food. Ms. Tracy, the owner’s wife, ran a little counter with pre-prepared and packaged snacks. Along with wistful stories about the bygone glory days of roller disco, she would dole out cheap hot dogs wrapped in foiled paper and stored in a heated display case until the chili or mustard had melted into the steamed bun. Or, she’d use a set of long-handled tongs to fish one of the tangy green pickles out of the giant glass jar that sat next to the cash register. And the off-brand root beer she served in thin paper cups was so sweet it made Aziraphale’s cheeks hurt. The food that he bought here was so different from anything he’d ever been offered at home. This was fare that fed not only his body, but also his soul.

He didn’t even mind that Tron insisted on dropping him off at the nearby gas station. The Dollar Skate definitely wasn’t a place where his brother would show his face. But the short walk, even in cold weather, was worth the three or four hours of freedom Aziraphale managed to grab for himself every Saturday evening. Most of the popular kids from his school spent their weekends at the bowling alley on the other end of town. Instead, the rink was overwhelmingly frequented by the county school students. Underneath the twirling sparkles thrown off by an elderly disco ball, boys in Wrangler jeans and brightly patterned button-ups glided alongside girls sporting long hair and cropped denim vests.

At least, that’s what it usually looked like. This afternoon, the only girl at the rink was Greta. She was perched on a bench near the little snack counter. She balanced a tiny paper plate on a knee and poked at the remains of a piece of cake with a plastic fork. Greta looked as bored as a fourteen year old girl who was forced to be at her older brother’s birthday party could possibly be. 

Tim, the birthday brother in question, was a relatively new addition to the roller rink regulars. Aziraphale remembered the first time they’d met. Tim had rolled right up, stuck out his hand, and introduced himself. He had a bright voice laced with an accent Aziraphale couldn’t quite place. It was faster than what he was used to, and had a twang that sounded like something out of an old Hollywood western.

"Hi! I'm Tim Brown. New in town. My dad just bought the furniture and carpet emporium out on the interstate? I don't think I've seen you around school. You in 4-H?" Aziraphale had shook the other boy's hand on instinct. The manners drilled into him by his mother had taken over while his brain processed the information Tim had just thrown at him.

"Um, hello. Nice to meet you. I'm Aziraphale Mightey. I go to Westend. And, no?" Tim had continued to pump Aziraphale's hand, and his expression changed to one of impressed surprise.

"A Duck, huh? And you're here? I thought the Westenders stuck to the bowling alley.” Tim’s eyebrows had lifted up. His smile had switched to a teasing conspiratorial grin, as if he’d expected Aziraphale to confess to some great secret behind his reason for being at the rink.

Aziraphale had managed to extricate his hand from Tim’s enthusiastic grip and had wiped his now-sweaty palm along the side seam of his pants.

“I guess I just like skating more than bowling?” Aziraphale hadn’t been exactly sure how to react to this level of cheerful directness. He had gotten to know a few of the other kids here that were around his age, but none of them were quite this … politely intense?

“Well, since it means you and I get to be friends, I guess I’ll let it slide. And hey, maybe I’ll change your mind about 4-H?” Just as Aziraphale had been about to explain that he had no interest in an agriculture-focused after school program, the music from the sound system had changed. The sweet harmonies of “Love Can Build a Bridge” had started and the lights on the floor had dimmed. A red spotlight had caught the disco ball, adding the color to the white sparkles. The night’s designated couples skate had just begun.

Tim had glanced out at the people starting to split off into pairs of a boy and girl each, hands on shoulders or hips as they skated together to the romantic song. But his gaze had quickly returned to Aziraphale.

“You, uh, got someone here to dance with tonight?” Aziraphale hadn’t been expecting that kind of question from his new acquaintance, and was shaking his head almost before he registered it. Tim’s smile had softened a bit, and he glanced down at his feet. He’d gently tapped the floor with the rubber stopper on the front of a skate. “Yeah, me neither. Too bad we can’t …” Tim hadn’t gotten a chance to finish his thought, though. A girl had skated up, slightly shorter and a little younger than either of the two boys.

Continue reading on ao3...

[third-thepeacock]

Hello PEOPLEE

Because its a festive date I want to talk about one of my favorite AUs that I have just ended

I think I'm done with the AU planning and it's ready for the public!

Thanks to @primulatea and @shayden64 as they really helped me in the au

So now I show to you

PLAYROOM

AN EDDSWORLD AU

They all live in a single room full of wonders every kid would love, living as toys of every kind, from a piece of paper to the most fancy doll

Where is the kid? Who plays with them? Why are they alive? No one seems to know or care…

The Toys:

The Room:

They all live in a room made specially for kids. ABCs posters, planes and birds hanging from the ceiling, a bright lamp shining all over the room, a giant closet, a fancy desk,bright but calming wallpapers, colorful floor with a city carpet, a big fluffy bed, and a sofa bed with drawers below to look at the window, and so much more every kid wants!

If you look outside the window, natural provider of light, and indicator for night and day, you can observe a giant field of cotton and sunflowers, but is not the only thing visible, the sky and clouds, birds and bugs are visible too!

Some things have been modified for the toys accessibility because they are toy sized, but the furniture isn't. They have extra lego stairs, a big train track and car track for all over the room so they can travel fast, you name it

The room is divided depending on who or what is in there , so nothing is out of limits to no one. Some exampples, cotton valley or the creative plains

This toys are the one within the room, living at their fullest with every day.

Edd:

Jack in the box

Can get in n out of the box

Lives in the box

Troubadour

Ringo:

Calico critter cat

Edd's royal cat

Ell:

Rag Doll,1700 clothing style 

Tequila:

Long cat pillow

Ell’s mischievous cat

Matt:

Ken doll,prince version.

Matilda:

Barbie doll, princess version

Tord:

Anime figure

Has his own army but its more to protect the room

Tori:

Anime figure

Yeah works in the army too

Tom:

Porcelain doll in a sailor outfit

Has Tomme all around

Tomee is a tiny teddy bear

Tamara:

One girl band toy

Can put the instruments on and off

Eduardo:

Toreador

Kind of toxic.

Elena:

Monster High Doll (Lizard type of monster)

Mark:

Disco/Superstar Doll

Bright colors in a lot of ways

80s Style of clothing

Marcy:

Lalaloopsy

80’s style of clothing, sometimes more of a pastel vibe

Jon:

Playmobile small prince

He isn't a prince, he just has a crown. 

Joanna:

Polly Pocket Doll

Lives in her own small house and travels in it because going out normally could get her totally lost

Todd:

Nesting doll

Toni:

Precious Memories doll

Peace giver in the land

Paul:

Plastic soldier

Works for Tord

Grumpy man

Paula:

Bubbles blower

She uses the bubble wand as a cigarette and blows out bubbles instead of smoke

Works for Tord

Patryck:

Wind up toy

Works for Tord 

Likes coffee, its like extra winding up

Patricia:

Ballet Girl/Spinning top

Works for Tord

She can kick yo ass while twirling

Laurel:

Astronaut figure

Has a lot of tales about space almost no one believes

Lauren:

Parachute toy

Fearless of everything

His leg has been replaced by sticks many times.

Hellucard:

Wooden skeleton figure.

Hellen:

Race Car racer

Hot Wheels cars and remote control cars

Has all of her cars decorated

Bing:

Lego

 Likes making movies with his abilities

Beth:

Robot toy

She knows how to upgrade herself

Larry

Action figure

Gives Bing Ideas

Laura:

Pirate

She only steals things Beth tell her to

Don't ask her to say “yo ho ho” or “arrr”

Kim n Katya:

CareBears

They are physically attached, one hand to another

This is no inconvenience for them

They love each other dearly

Ken:

Sun inspired doll

Only comes out at day

Loves Kate but can almost never see him

Kate:

Moon inspired doll

Only comes out at night

Loves Ken but can almost never see him

Superguy:

Superhero figure

Fun dead kid:

Candy dispenser

The candy is suitable for humans somehow

Can't talk because of it

No one knows where he gets the candy

Zanta Claws

Old santa toy

It was destroyed mysteriously and it stays like that

Scribble Tom

Paper doll

Drawing in crayon, every movement looks like a frame in crayon

Realistic Matt

Plushie

Has a cartoony body and a realistic head

NFT(Not funny Tom)

Funko Pop

It is still in the box

…What else do you want, its nft

Torm

Face changing toy

Has a face for Tom, one for Tord and one for Torm

Can manage to use a yoyo but they keep fighting frequently so its hard to

Tomatoredd

Mix n’ Match toy

Every part changes everyday

That means there's days where they are mixed perfectly or 99% percent someone and 1% other

And for now thats it! I actually love this AU, I had it since forever but now I can actually show it. Maybe someone did this already? I dont know, but I really like my au(or my version of it unless). I will make designs soon! I just wanted to show the list first

Note:There are genderbends, and the non-official names are just my headcannons of names. You can refer to thm however you want. How to know what ellsworld character is each one? The direct genderbend is below the eddsworld character, Ell below Edd, Matilda below Matt, etc. I know this should be up the list but eh

There is no ships because , well, they are toys. No, my point is not that they dont need to be shipped, is, everyone plays differently with their toys, so why not with this ones? Everyone can ship whatever they want(.....Just. Don't include the fun dead kid or something. That not. Im going with whatever that isnt problematic). Will there be "official" ships? Maybe. But its up to the viewer to ship in their way.They are toys, not books, they have nothing assigned except for whatever one wants

A part I love too its that because there are hundreds of types of toys, and they can obviously be more than one of each type of toy, theres a lot of space for more toys! New characters, Ew OCs, old characters to bring again, so many things! It's a whole new world to expand, and I really love it

So yeah...I love this AU. Thank you to the people who helped me, Tea and SHayden

[rederiswrites]

Since you’re currently accepting asks: Inspired by your Viking “OC” post (and, okay, maybe a little by my love of Samhal), are there any fandoms that you would just love to write an OC for if you ever had the time/inspiration. Or do you typically prefer to write canon characters?

(I do realise that’s two questions, but the second one’s more of an addendum.)

I love you for loving Samhal, among other things. You don't have any idea how many chapters of Little Fox were written because of your wonderful comments.

Let's see. Not an OC but I am CONSTANTLY wanting to write modern Geralt. Like, Ciri takes Geralt to modern discos but he's walking through it as 100% a scrungly biker bar guy. He listens to blues rock but when he walks by all the kids listening to house, they wanna touch him.

I DO imagine Samhal in modern AU's, too. God, I'm going way back to remember it, but I still remember. He's a sugar baby and high-end escort in a modern AU (which is essentially what he was at the beginning anyway, to be clear). His apartment is really short on furniture, but everything there is is soft. Thrift store couch, soft velvety blanket and throw pillows. The most expensive stereo he can afford, and a big wall mirror, and big windows. He dances for the world, even though no one is looking, and he doesn't trust anyone. He hangs with people getting high, but refuses to ever lose control of himself. He dreams of making it as a dancer, and is good enough too, but there's so much luck involved in that and no one hires elves without something to grease the wheels.

and last but not least, technically I always am open for asks but suspect that people are intimidated by me, and actually I DO prefer to write canon, but Geralt and Samhal feel so personal to me that I'd know them anywhere.

[rosesinvalley]

Aperçu sur le roller disco

Le roller existe depuis toujours inventé par un néerlandais en 1743!

Mais nous, retournons dans les années 70, le roller disco fait fureur et la pratique se démocratise. Performance de danse ou sportive, solo ou en couple, y'en a pour tous les goûts mais c'est vrai que pour certains danser sur la piste en roller devient une addiction.

Cher, la "roller disco fanatic" avec sa chanson "Hell on wheels" deviendra culte pour le film "Roller Boogie" et pour toute la communauté de suiveurs de l'époque.

Le film provoquera un engouement pour le roller disco en 1979. Plusieurs films s'ajoutent la même année "Skatetown  USA" ou "Xanadu".

Les rollers disco girls and boys naissent. Des teams se forment multiethniques, le roller rassemble. De nombreuses discothèques pour les rollerwomen et men ouvrent dans le monde entier à l'apogée de la musique disco jusque dans les années 80.

Style Roller Disco

Diana Ross la reine du disco

Le film "Roller Boogie" de 1979 avec Linda Blair et Jim Bray.

Xanadu avec Olivia Newton John (Grease) et Gene Kelly's

"SKatetown USA" film 1979.

Aujourd'hui les marques comme Rookie Skates fondée en 1978 au Royaume-Uni ou Moxi roller skates au USA fondée par Estro Jen en 2008, une patineuse hyper connue, mettent en avant les femmes et nous montrent un roller acrobatique sensuelle.

Ses marques renouvellent l'esprit retro alliant fitness, danse et performance. Une pratique qui ne s'est jamais arrêtée à Venice Beach par exemple durant les années 90 à aujourd'hui. 

Le marché du roller donne une place importante au roller derby (sport en équipe, plus sportif et tactique) qui se pratique beaucoup dans chaque ville ou chaque pays à son équipe féminine.

Une grande communauté s'est mise en place à travers le monde, que ce soit le Derby, le roller dancing, acrobatique... La vague des réseaux sociaux l'a fait grandir, on peut apprendre le roller avec des copines virtuels et des tutos en ligne.

Des soirées rollers disco se profilent dans le monde entier pour le grand public, une façon amusante de passer une soirée.

Enfile tes quads, on y va !

Hommage de "De la Soul" en 1991 au roller skating

[hypnotisedfireflies]

can i ask how you think maria and tommy’s night after the gala went in IO??? i have my own ideas but would love to hear how you conceptualize them

- mariatesstruther (cant send messages from there its not my main lol)

MWAH, thank you for asking this! Their story is kind of bubbling along but isn't getting too much of a look-in in the main narrative, so it's nice to get this out. I'd love to hear your ideas of them, too! <3

Oh yes, these two had a grand old time!

The afterparty started at a rich playboy’s house with an underground casino.  They got pretty loaded up there and won a bit on the roulette wheel, lost a bit, came away with a profit of about five dollars which they then left the party and spent at a questionable hot dog stand on the side of the road.  They then saw the night through going from disco to disco, and came out just in time to see the sky starting to lighten.

They went down to the beach to “sober up” (pretty difficult when you take a bottle with you, but hey) and they sat down there as the sky gradually lit up and the sun rose.  This is where they first really started talking – the rest of the night had been flirty and fun, a lot of kissing and dancing and just letting loose, but there hadn’t been much in the way of serious conversation until then. 

They kind of bring one another up to speed about how they got to where they are.  Tommy’s still wanting to make a good impression (so he glosses over the more criminal aspects of his past, though Maria guesses at them) and mainly talks about life in Texas, a sanitised version of his childhood and what he’d like to get out of life.  Maria avoids the topic of her marriage and does most of the listening.  They’ve had very different childhoods – economically, socially, and hers was stable and loving – and Maria kind of plays down her family’s wealth and the privileges that came with that because she doesn’t want to scare him off. 

They’re basically trying to feel one another out at this point.  The chemistry’s all there but they know they’re so different they’re both convinced if the other knows too much, they’ll be alienated.  And Maria’s still like, “this is such a nice guy, I don’t want to mess him up, and I’m still married and don’t really know what I want to do about that,” and Tommy’s like, “this is such  a nice girl, if she finds out what a screw-up I am she’s gonna be out of here, she’s still married and probably just out for a good time so let’s not get the hopes up.”

But it’s morning now and Maria knows Winston will have left their apartment for the golf club, so she takes Tommy back there.  He briefly meets Kevin and the Swedish au pair (Maria kind of hustles him along to the bedroom) and then they spend the morning and early afternoon together.