#early for mother's day but ---- shhh

[fishalthor]

endless amount of favorite character aesthetics: mother's day edition

"She had been an outlander, and Rand remembered little of her aside from a smiling face, though he did put flowers on her grave every year, at Bel Tine, in the spring, and at Sunday, in the summer." "I remember Kari al'Thor cradling that child in her arms with as much love given and delight taken as I have ever seen from any woman with a babe. Her child, Rand. You."

↳ kari al'thor. the wheel of time by robert jordan

[theemporium]

A smut-berry daiquiri with Luke Hughes please! Number 15!

thank you for requesting!🫶🏽

15. "Go on, baby. Ride my thigh."

.

“Luke—”

“Shhh, it’s fine,��� Luke murmured between kisses, his hands sliding down to grip your ass and tug you further onto his lap. “Everyone is out on the boat, we’ve got ages.” 

“Yeah but—” You paused, a breathless ‘fuck’ leaving your lips as his lips began to trail down the length of your neck until he reached the spot at the base of your neck that made your body shiver. “They could come back early.” 

Luke smiled against your skin. “S’fine, babe, I promise.” 

“Luke,” you groaned, both at his words and at yourself as you pulled away so you could look down at him. “I am not having sex with you on the same couch we have movie nights with your parents on.” 

He snorted a little, leaning back against the couch completely unfazed by your glare. “But we could—”

“It’s like you don’t want me to ever be able to look your mother in the eyes again,” you deadpanned.

“Okay, okay,” he laughed as he sat back up, his hands gripping your ass once again with a teasing smile on his face. “But I’m comfy and you look really hot on my lap and there’s so many other things we can do here…” 

His words trailed off, replaced by his lips on your neck once again. You let out a sigh, your eyes fluttering shut as the kisses began to trail up until his lips were brushing against yours. 

“They’ll be out for ages,” Luke murmured, his nose nudging against yours. “This is the first time we’ve been properly alone since we arrived. And I’ve missed you.”

You blinked your eyes open, your expression softening a little when you saw the sincerity in his eyes. “I’ve missed you too.” 

“And,” he continued, squeezing your hips to emphasise his point. “I have missed making you feel good.” 

You rolled your eyes a little. “How long have you been keeping that line in?” 

“Got inspired by a few of those books you’ve been reading,” he admitted, his grin widening a little when he watched your eyes widen. “Saw the way you got all flustered the other day out and knew I recognised the look on your face—”

“Shut up,” you grumbled, slapping his chest lightly. 

“I got curious,” he continued, shifting his hips against yours. “Wanted to see what you were reading so I looked while you were in the shower.” 

You groaned, lifting your hands to cover your face but Luke reacted faster. He gripped your wrists, pulling them away and smirking a little as he did so. 

“Learnt a lot about you,” he murmured, enjoying the way you continued to grow flustered under his gaze. “Gave me a lot of ideas too.” 

You swallowed. “Is that so?” 

“Mhm,” he hummed, nodding his head a little. “Including some things we could try on this very couch.” 

“Luke—” You started. 

“You telling me you don’t wanna try?” He asked, waiting for you to disagree but you never did. “S’what I thought, babe. Chapter twenty-four looked interesting.” 

You swallowed harshly, though something in your stomach twisted happily at his words. 

Luke grinned, easing back against the couch once again as his hands slid around to squeeze your ass again. “Go on, baby. Ride my thigh.”

.

[graveyardcuddles]

Breakfast in Bed

A/N: just a dadstarion drabble. feeding as a love language. mdni.

word count: ~ 3000

tags/warnings: sfw, shameless fluff, soft spawn astarion, baby fic, mentions of reader being pregnant in past tense, breastfeeding, soft blood-drinking (? lol), tav reader, mom reader, soft vampire romance, hints of angst, just lots of sweetness, playing fast and loose with dnd lore about dhampirs and vampires.

You're enjoying a rare deep sleep when a small yet powerful sound jolts you into a state of semi-consciousness with alarming urgency. You can barely register your own body around you, attempting to roll and shift. Suddenly, you feel a familiar cool hand touch your shoulder. "Shhh, it's alright, love. I've got her."

Astarion. He must have sensed your panic at your daughter's cries before he even had the chance to grab her himself. You sigh in relief as he quickly moves to soothe her.

"Gods below, whatever could be making that absolutely hideous sound? Has a little gremishka gotten into our home?" He says with a heavy dose of sarcasm as he pads over to her cot.

Untangling yourself from the bedding, you open your eyes just in time to see Astarion gently lifting your tiny daughter out of her bassinet.

"Darling, waking up your mother so early?" He tuts. "And here I was hoping to make this a peaceful morning."

Despite his mock scolding, his expression betrays the softness of his eyes, wide with adoration. His lips curl upwards in a carefree way that you've never quite seen from him with anyone else. A secret smile that only she can pull from him. She scruches her little legs, and he places a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his hand covering almost her entire back. He coos to her as her cries taper out into little whines. Nestling her close to his chest, Astarion tucks her tiny head under his chin. Rocks her gently while shushing her until she goes quiet.

You watch as her tiny scrunched body relaxes as she calms in his hold. So enchanted you are by the two of them that it takes a moment for you to notice the aroma of food coming from behind you. You turn around and see a small tray on your nightstand with a bowl of porridge, two hard-boiled eggs, toast, and some blackberries.

Once again, you find yourself struck by how much he's changed in the years since the Nautaloid. He never used to cook for you before, and you never resented him for it. You couldn't expect him to be enthusiastic about cooking when he couldn't even taste what he made for you.

All of that changed after the news of your impending little one broke. He had quietly taken to practicing a few basic meals for you. They often lacked the amount of seasoning you normally preferred, but with your overly tender stomach, the bland meals ended up being a blessing on days you could barely keep things down.

As you eat your breakfast, you watch the two of them. Somehow, he's always had a remarkable talent for calming her. Something else you never imagined. You used to tease him about it frequently: "Oh sure, I go through all the hard work only for you to be the favorite, then?" He had simply smirked, barely able to contain his triumphant aura.

He's talking to her now; always talking with her about anything: one tangent will lead to another story and then another. He carries on conversation with her as he would any adult, despite the fact she can't even babble yet.

Even before she was born, he would speak to her in the womb. He knew your heartbeat would be a source of comfort for her when she was born, just as it was for him. She would recognize you from it, know you. He lacked the ability to provide that same comfort but hoped his voice would make up for his lack of heartbeat.

In truth, you were awed every day by how naturally Astarion had taken to caring for her, and how much she in turned seemed to take such comfort from him. You remembered how he refused to believe it at first. How something so small and innocent and precious could possibly come from him, an undead creature. Him, with his red eyes and fangs and cold skin. He had been so afraid of frightening her with his appearance at first. You had reassured him constantly, and he had seen his own likeness in the form of portraits over the years. But he could never be sure you weren't just placating him. Could never be sure those artists weren't simply flattering him.

The first time she opened her little eyes and peered up at him, Astarion let out a sigh of relief that her irises weren't a vampiric red. As her tiny eyes bore into his, he tried to discern what their true color was. You were half-delirious from exhaustion as you watched the two of them become acquainted. Barely thinking, you sleepily suggested to him that perhaps her eye color took after his original shade from before he was turned.

Astarion grew quiet and still for a long moment, something inside of him seemingly triggered by your words. A memory locked away long ago, lost to time. For the second time that same day, his body was hit with deep racking sobs. As he cried quietly into your shoulder, he clung to the little bundle in his arms, a part of himself thought long lost now given back to him.

He brings her to you now, settling down next to you in bed. You cuddle up next to your husband and baby. He's still too enthralled with her to pass her off to you, as he often is. He kisses her little hands and cheek. He smiles radiantly, far past his fears of scaring her. You're more than content to let him hold her as you eat.

She's calmed down now, her soft delicate features smoothed and her big bright eyes looking up at you both. Those captivating eyes are like faceted gemstones, a rare shade even amongst High Elves. Her skintone is similar to yours in color but with an unsettling washed-out, pale undertone that would be alarming on any other child who wasn't a dhampir. Branches of veins show through her semi-translucent skin. Her soft, silky miniature curls were the color of milkglass.

Your little one is deceptively fragile-looking, sickly even. It's easy to forget sometimes how powerful they could potentially be one day. Even at her tender young age of eight weeks, she's a formidable one. Eating and crying with equal fervor. Small and mighty. Just as opinionated as her father.

She wastes no time in letting you know both know she has needs that must be met. Rolling towards Astarion in his arms, she presses her tiny face into his chest. Her little mouth opens up as her face nudges around his shirt, seeking nourishment. You both giggle at her frustrated attempt.

"I think that's my cue, love." You place the tray back on the nightstand and gently take her from him to nestle her in your arms. Pulling down one strap of your nightgown, you begin feeding your babe in a peaceful ritual you had mastered weeks ago with her. Astarion settles in behind you with his chin resting on your shoulder. For a few minutes, he simply watches the two of you. When he takes note of your unfinished breakfast, he grabs a handful of blackberries from the tray and holds out for you to eat at your leisure as you cradle her.

It isn't lost on him, the way in which you were the first person to ever feed him. Truly feed and nourish his body, with the very blood from your own body nonetheless. Never in a million years did he ever think he would one day witness you feeding his child with that same body. An entirely brand new soul, somehow born of your union. Innocent, beautiful and alive. A part of Astarion was alive again, and he could hardly believe it even as he faced each new challenge head-on.

Since she was born, he would sometimes go without feeding for days at a time. Though the elk, deer and boars that populated the nearby woods provided ample prey for him, you knew he hated leaving you two behind even for a few hours of time that it typically took for him to hunt.

He was trying to hide it, but you could tell he was starving now. His face was a little more hollow than usual, eyes a bit more sunken, skin paler and colder. It was truly a testament to how much he adored your daughter that despite his sickly appearance, he still radiated with joy in her presence.

The blackberries run out. You tilt your head to look at him. "You should feed," eyes fixed on his. He blinks at you, obviously surprised at your suggestion. "Just a bit of my blood before you go hunting."

It takes more than a bit of willpower to stifle your giggle at his reaction. Astarion had never been one to hesitate accepting your blood.

"I- Darling, come now. You're sweet to offer, but we shouldn't. Not when you're already expending yourself," his arms snake around your waist, and his cool fingers knead into the softness of your belly comfortingly.

"Ha, trust me, this is nothing compared to feeding you while traveling and fighting for our lives in the wilderness," you assure him.

"Besides," you gesture at the jewelry around your neck. "That's what this is for."

The Amulet of Silvanus, which had already been more than useful to both of you during your time traveling, had come to have many more beneficial properties than you could have imagined at the time. It restored your blood levels, allowing Astarion to feed on you regularly. And even though he had abstained from feeding on your blood while you were with child, it had been found to also be useful in keeping your milk supply up, giving it a second use once your baby had arrived.

"It's alright," you insisted, eyes and voice soft. "I feel strong enough for this again, my love. Truly. And I trust you," your daughter continues to nurse peacefully, blissfully unaware of the conversation between her parents.

"At least let me take the edge off of your hunger, Astarion. I know you won't go too far. Besides," a smile forms on your face, unable to hold back your enthusiasm any longer. "You know I've missed it, too."

He stared at you for a moment before breaking into a smile that made your heart ache so much you swear it could have killed you.

"My love," he kisses you on the forehead, then on your lips, then both of your cheeks and your lips again. It's soft and reverent, gentle and loving.

"Always so good to me." He strokes your hair and kisses you some more before pulling away gently. His maroon eyes broke from your gaze and locked onto your little one.

"Are you sure about this, though?" There was a hint of hesitancy in his voice despite his previous enthusiasm. "I don't want to do anything that would hurt you around her," he whispered, conflict clear on his face. You considered his words carefully.

"Well..." You start with a hint of playfulness. "I don't know if you remember, dear husband, but this?" You gestured at your nursing infant. "Feeding her? It was painful at first. And we don't even know if she'll need blood one day. But if she does, I'll be providing it for you both." He looks guilty already, so before he could respond, you followed up. "But even so," you cup his cheek, gently forcing him to look you in the eye. "No matter what happens, she can't hurt me." His eyebrows raised, and he smirked at you with obvious skepticism.

"When we first found out about her, we vowed we would love her, no matter what. Even if her hunger drove her one day to drain innocent people dry." You gaze down on your little dhampir, your precious 'baby monster,' as she fed. "At the time, I was scared, but now... my love for her is so deep. I know nothing will ever change it. Nothing could ever possibly change it."

You look to him and see his eyes were round with wonder. "You don't have to if you're not comfortable, my heart. But just know you don't have to worry about hurting me. You could never hurt me, my love."

He sighed, looking at you with a sort of incredulous amusement that would normally be followed up with a statement about how nothing you say ever makes sense. Instead, he takes the hand that had been caressing his cheek and kisses it longingly.

"I'll never understand what I've done to deserve you, my dear," his nose runs along your inner wrist, savoring your scent.

"Hmm, besides helping me save the world? Well, making me laugh and being adorable definitely doesn't hurt."

"Our daughter is adorable. I am enigmatic and alluring, NOT adorable," he rolls his eyes dramatically.

"Hmm. Sorry love, but I'm afraid all evidence points to the contrary. Our daughter gets her looks from somewhere, and you know who she takes after." Astarion can't hold back his grin he looks down at her and strokes her silvery curls. The semblance between father and daughter was no small point of pride for him.

"Alright, my love. I know better than to argue with the mother of my child." He slips in behind both of you easily, pulling you up so your back is flushed to his chest, allowing yourself to lean back into him.

His arms come up under where both of yours are supporting your babe. He cradles the both of you protectively. "I've got you. I've got you both," he reassures. Your little girl continues to nurse peacefully, both parents holding her tight.

Astarion noses at the base of your neck and inhales deeply. Soft kisses pepper up and down your neck before his lips hold still in place, silently asking permission once more.

You tilt your head back against his shoulder in answer, giving him greater access. Taking a deep breath, you feel the familiar sting of his fangs breaking your skin. He was so gentle, sinking his teeth in fast enough so as not to make the sting linger, but also slow enough so as not to bruise the skin. His fangs work back and forth tenderly, taking great care to keep the bite bleeding while not opening the wound further.

You find yourself easily relaxing. "You're still gentler than she is most of the time," you joke.

His lips attach around the bite wound, gently latched just enough to keep them sealed around it. The flow of blood stayed slow and steady this way, trickling gently from you to him. In your arms, your little one is also feeding eagerly. For a moment, you can't help but giggle at how the sound of Astarion's suckling at your neck joins in with her own precious little eating noises. Her tiny ears wiggle adorably with each drink, and while he refuses to acknowledge it, you can feel Astarion's own ears make miniscule twitches when he feeds on you.

Sighing happily, you sink deeper in his embrace. You had truly missed being able to provide this for him. Time seems to slow down to a hazy crawl as you savor this moment. In the warmth of your bed, surrounded by your little family, you feel as though you could spend an eternity here. You wish you could. It wasn't easy to sacrifice so much. Give so much of yourself over to caring for your babe. But it was moments like this that had made your many sacrifices worth it.

Your undead love at your back and your tiny, half-undead infant in your arms. The feeling of his cool chest and her not-quite-warm-enough little form were somehow the most natural thing in the world. The steady beating of your heart sustaining the both of them. They were both supposed to be impossible, wrong, and profane to everything sacred and divine. And somehow, they were perfect. And you were lucky enough to have them both.

Though you're more than prepared to supplement your daughter's diet with blood the moment the need arises, you feel grateful in this moment that she's still satisfied with your milk. Melancholy borders on the edge of your warm and blissful feelings. Astarion has spoken often of how painful the blood hunger can be for him. You try to keep it to yourself, but guilt squeezes your heart when you think of her with those same hunger pains. Astarion has already sworn he will guide her through them, teach her to hunt on animals when she's strong enough. As you look upon your daughter, you can only hope to yourself that she and Astarion keep each other close, even if you one day leave them behind. There had been talks of ways the two of you could extend your lifespan, and you invested every hour you could spare into researching life-extending magic.

Yet if your endeavors failed or you died prematurely, after some time, perhaps decades, perhaps centuries in the future, you will be the one who leaves first. Astarion will remain unliving and physically unchanging, and while dhampirs were said to be more alive than undead, they were exceptionally long-lived creatures. Sources the two of you researched varied greatly, but all accounts agreed that dhampirs could outlive High Elves by centuries, possibly thousands of years if they renewed themselves with blood. Two ancient souls, undead and half-undead, largely unchanging in an ever changing world. Astarion and her would need each other.

Just as you begin to feel lightheaded, he pulls away, licking and kissing your bite to seal the wound and carefully collecting any stray strands of blood. "Easy," his arms are diligently wrapped around your babe, keeping her supported and snug. "Restore yourself, darling," he encouraged.

You nod sleepily and bring your hand up to touch the amulet. "Te Absolvo," with a soft flash of healing magic, your dizziness was instantly gone, the buzz in your head replaced with Astarion's sweet praises in your ear.

"Thank you, my love," he whispers. He presses a deep kiss into your neck, where your fresh bite mark heals. Your daughter has finished her meal now as well, and you pull your gown back up to tuck her closer to you. She snuggles up on your chest, and you stroke her back softly. She's fast asleep again already, her schedule leaning more and more each into the nocturnal with each passing day. Another early manifestion of her dhampirism.

Nocturnal sleep schedules, blood hunger, spider-climbing, shape-shifting. It didn't matter what new challenges the two of you might face with her. You trusted Astarion would be there for her. He would struggle. He would make mistakes, you know. But he has you both.

As you hum sleepily to your baby girl, Astarion nestles into your neck tenderly. He mumbles unto your skin quietly, just barely loud enough to be heard.

"You have given me everything. Thank you."

[rabiesram]

HELLO HI I'm not dead surprisingly!!! I've been doing some stuff behind the scenes and I have enough to share one comprehensible post lol This is Pandora! She was one of the vessels of Death (pretty early on) There's some other character I have under my belt that are important to her lore under the cut if you're interested! <3

Quint and Troy! Quint was Pandora's first husband pre-crownbearing. Troy is a follower that Pandora married. However, these two guys are technically the same person! Quint was reincarnated as Troy a little while after his passing. He, of course, doesn't know that lol.

Cyril

Cyril is Pandora and Quint's only surviving child. He was stolen from his mother after her original death and proved to be useful in Shamura's cult. He now serves as an elite and is determined to go after the red crownbearer (that just so happens to be his mother but shhh) to prove himself even further in the eyes of Shamura.

Neoma Pandora and Quint's baby that didn't survive past a few days. Will be important later! Somehow!

Phoenix This is Pandora's and Troy's child! She's basically the beloved child of the cult and she sure as hell knows it. Teensie bit of a trouble maker. Has Troy tied around her little paw she's too cutsietootsie.

[bbrissonn]

in which y/n attends the ears tour in detroit with cole and luke

lemon au masterlist

y/nzegras

liked by colecaufield, avazegras and others

y/nzegras best night of my life 🪩🐍🧣(last pic is my live reaction of hearing haunted and i almost do as surprise songs)

also shootout to coley for being the best photographer out there, and to lukey for running to the bathroom to get my toilet paper cause i was crying too much 😗

tagged colecaufield

view all 108 comments

colecaufield t swift >> hs

y/nzegras @/colecaufield okay woah now, comparing mother to father is something we do NOT do here short stuff

lhughes_06 why wasn't the fit changed included...?

y/nzegras @/lhughes_06 shhh that's for another post

trevorzegras @/y/nzegras outfit change...???

y/nzegras @/trevorzegras yuh, you would know if you were an actual swifty and came with us loser

colecaufield i can confirm the statement abt the last pic, my ears still hurt from the yelling

y/nzegras @/colecaufield :))

friendsusername can't believe you decided to go to the one in detroit instead of coming with us...

y/nzegras @/friendsusername sorry loves, but mr coley offered me free tickets, can't say no to that <33

trevorzegras @/y/nzegras 1. you're such a fake friend, ditching them like that 2. stop using my friends for their money

y/nzegras @/trevorzegras 1. i was on facetime with them so shush 2. cole offered them to me as an early birthday gift. ur friends like me more than you, stay mad whore 😌

colecaufield @/y/nzegras ur my fav zegras

y/nzegras @/colecaufield this is why ur my fav

jamie.drysdale @/y/nzegras what about me...?

y/nzegras @/jamie.drysdale ur my west coast boy :D

jackhughes why do i have 20 million friendship bracelets in my room with weird letters on them @/y/nzegras

y/nzegras @/jackhughes it's part of my plan to turn you into a swifty

jackhughes @/y/nzegras what on earth does ATWTMVTVFTV mean??

y/nzegras @/jackhughes it's a song duhhh look it up jacky

jackhughes @/y/nzegras ITS TEN MINUTES WTH

y/nzegras @/jackhughes consider it ur song of the day :)

jackhughes @/y/nzegras wait when you'd even go in my room...?

y/nzegras @/jackhughes i have connections, lots of help from the inside

jackhughes @/y/nzegras WAS IT LUKE??

y/nzegras @/jackhughes im not saying it's him, but im not saying it's not him either 😃

load more...

~

y/nzegras

liked by lhughes_06, _alexturcotte and others

y/nzegras twinningggggg

view all 73 comments

trevorzegras this is the outfit change??

y/nzegras @/trevorzegras yuh

trevorzegras @/y/nzegras im a little dissapointed ngl

y/nzegras @/trevorzegras idc, go cry about it little baby

_alexturcotte @/y/nzegras i wanna be like you when im older

y/nzegras @/_alexturcotte purr as you should mr cactus 😽

_quinnhughes when'd the outfit change happen exactly...?

y/nzegras @/_quinnhughes i missed the end of cardigan to be ready for the 1989 set

trevorzegras @/y/nzegras isn't cardigan like one of your fav?

y/nzegras @/trevorzegras si, but i was sobbing and i only missed like the last minute of it

lhughes_06 security giving you a weird look when you explained why you had a whole other outfit with you was the best part of the night

colecaufield @/lhughes_06 "it's called an outfit change mister" -y/n zegras, 2023

y/nzegras @/colecaufield he obviously wasn't a swifty, i don't get why they hired him 🙄

load more...

[jessicaloons]

E P I L O G U E - Invisible String

Masterlist - Previous

Hello lovely people, here it is, the Epilogue. Instead of a classic epilogue you’ll get to join Lizzie and Charles in their life together through the years.

I hope you enjoy reading this final part of Invisible String as much as I enjoyed writing it. The whole journey of Lizzie and Charles meant so much to me, finishing it is heartbreaking but relieving at the same time. I know I sent you in for a looong ride with lots of ups and downs with this one and I thank every single one of you who stayed from the very beginning to end now. But also everyone who joined in along the ride, thank you! And to the people who just recently started reading, thank you for taking time out of your day to start reading over 50 chapters of a fic, that started over a year ago! I loved every single interaction with you guys, the comments, reblogs, chats and anons, thank you so much for showing me/my story so much love!

There are a lot of people to thank, starting with my bestie who first was mildly confused by the fact that I was writing fan fiction, but then become obsessed and hated me when I hurt her precious baby boos (her words!) and literally gobsmacked me once or twice, when my "torturing went too far".

My lovely boyfriend fiancé who I met while being in the middle of writing this amazing story, who supported me and even read my story because he was curious, starting to get super invested in it.

And last, but definitely not least, a H U G E thank you to the person, without who this story wouldn’t even exist. Thank you, thank you, thank you @elisysd for not only writing my favourite fanfics, but also for motivating me to write and release my own! Thank you for being my torture partner in crime, thank you for always helping me out with title names, thank you for reading my new ideas, motivating me to continue and develop them into new stories. Thank you for all the conversations about our stories, new ideas, talks about the races, our shared views on certain people, and the talks about what is going on in the crazy whirlwind that is our life’s! I’m so very grateful that I found Cruel Summer (if you haven’t read it till now, DO IT! My favourite fic out there!) last year and that you started a chat with me, because life hasn’t been the same since then. So one final thank you, for literally EVERYTHING ♥️

And now I wrote enough! Some little blurbs, social media posts and a lot of time jumps are ahead, buckle in and let’s f****** goooo!

10th May 2026:

"Shhh Emmie, we don’t want to wake up mummy now, do we?" I whispered, tickling her tummy "I’m almost done, little princess."

I placed everything on the tray, and tried to lift it with one hand, before I picked up Emmie, making my way to our bedroom. Lizzie was still fast asleep, Arlo at the foot of our bed sitting up, looking at Emmie and me.

"Be a good boy." I looked at him and he laid back down, making no sound "Alright…" I sat down the tray on my side of the bed before I pushed the button to open up the shades, letting in the sun, a little groan letting me know that Lizzie wasn’t liking the light intrusion. Pulling the blanket over her head was the second indicator.

"Way too early…" she mumbled and I had to chuckle, Emmie clapping happily.

"It’s not that early…" I climbed into bed, Emmie in my lap, pulling the tray over.

"Everything before 9 is too early." Lizzie yawned, slowly scrambling up, her hair dishevelled. She took in Emmie and me, a big smile slowly spreading over her face "Good morning my beautiful baby girl." she cooed and our little one wriggled out of my lap, crawling over to her mum, cuddling into her side "Hi Emmie." Lizzie picked her up, cradling her to her chest, kissing her cheek, making our little girl giggle.

"Happy Mother’s day, cara mia." I smiled at them, pulling the tray close and turned a little to grab the bouquet of flowers from my night stand.

Lizzie made big eyes, looking from the breakfast on the tray, to the flowers in my hand to Emmie in her arms.

"Oh Charles… this is… this is wonderful." she whispered, leaning over, brushing her soft lips against mine "I honestly forgot about it… Oh god our mums!" she panicked a little and I cupped her cheek.

"They both get a beautiful bouquet and a bottle of the nicest champagne delivered today. Don’t worry. I talked to them, because I wanted to spend today with you and Emmie… it’s your first Mother’s day after all. Today is special." I smiled at her and she looked at me, glassy eyes and pink cheeks.

"You’re amazing…" she whispered and leaned in, kissing my cheek.

"It wasn’t just me, Emmie helped as well…" I said and Lizzie giggled, looking at our little girl, sitting in her lap and looking up at her with big eyes, smile on her face, eating everything up her mum said.

"You’re amazing too, Emmie." she kissed her chubby cheek.

"Ready to eat something?" I asked and she nodded.

"I’m actually starving."

"Perfect, because I made a lot…" I pulled the tray closer and Lizzie’s eyes widened.

"Watching Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay made a real chef out of you…" she chuckled, grabbing a strawberry "Daddy is spoiling us, baby girl."

"Just wait for dinner and dessert." I wiggled my eyebrows, wiping some strawberry juice from Emmie’s chin.

"Ouhhh, I can’t wait!" Lizzie mumbled, looking through the options of food, while I fed Emmie another Strawberry.

"I was thinking we could do a little boat tour today, but because of the race next week it’s so full everywhere, I don’t want to navigate through it with you two…" I said, playing with Emmie while Lizzie munched on her cheese omelette.

"It’s Emmie’s first home race." Lizzie looked up from her plate, gently pinching Emmie’s cheek "You’ll see daddy race here in Monaco, baby girl. Daddy and his Ferrari."

"Rar-… rari…" Emmie babbled and I dropped the melon slice in my hand, Lizzie almost choking on her orange juice.

"Did she just?" I looked at Lizzie, her big blue orbs staring at our daughter "Princess did you just try to say Ferrari?" I picked her up, looking into her gorgeous face.

"Rari…" Emmie repeated, clapping happily.

"Oh my god Charles! Her first word is Ferrari! Well… almost… but oh my god!” Lizzie cheered "Emmie, baby girl, say Ferrari. Fer-ra-ri…"

"I don’t think it’s that easy, cara mia, you can’t just say a word and sh-…" I began but had to swallow my own words.

"Fr- fri-" Emmie chortled.

"Almost baby girl. Fer-ra-ri…" Lizzie tried again.

"Fr-rari…"

"Yes! You did it!" I chimed, littering Emmie’s chubby cheeks with kisses "My little genius baby girl! Ferrari! Your first word is Ferrari! Can you say 'Forza Ferrari'?"

"Okay, now you’re just reaching." Lizzie chuckled, but I ignored her.

"Fr-rari…" Emmie giggled when I kissed her nose "Fr-rari…"

"You’re just jealous that her first word was Ferrari, not Audi!" I smirked and Lizzie rolled her eyes "My precious little princess! I can’t wait to tell everyone about it!"

I cradled her to my chest, kissing her hair and she giggled happily. Lizzie leaned over, tucking some loose strands of her out of Emmie’s face, smiling at her, kissing her cheek.

"You want to try to say 'Audi'? Au-di…" she whispered and I pulled Emmie away.

"What are you doing, cara mia?" I laughed and she sat up, shrugging her shoulders.

"It was worth a try…"

"Even if she would say Audi, which is a way easier name by the way, so… unfair… but okay, her first word would still be Ferrari!" I looked at her and she was pouting a little, my eyes fell on her plush lips, before I looked in her eyes again.

"What about… we finish breakfast, put Emmie down and then we’re having a thorough discussion about what our baby’s first word was?" her voice sultry, lashes fluttering.

"Mhhh that does sound pretty good to me…" I leaned over, capturing her lips in a steamy kiss, biting her bottom lip a little when I pulled away "But it won’t change the fact that our baby girls first word was Ferrari…"

"Fr-rari!" as if on cue Emmie chimed in and I laughed against Lizzie’s lips, a soft smile on them.

"Ferrari it is…" she sighed.

"Ferrari it is…" I laughed.

"Fr-rari!"

7th September 2026:

"Food?"

"Check."

"Drinks?"

"Check."

"Decoration?"

"Check."

"Birthday cake?"

Silence. So I repeated it again.

"Birthday cake?"

"Umm-…"

"Charles! That was the most important thing! You said you would pick it up! I can’t believe you!" I groaned, walking inside, stopping dead in my tracks, the birthday cake sitting on top of the table.

"Birthday cake? Check." Charles chuckled and I puffed out some air.

"So not funny…" I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry, I had to, because someone is panicking a little… it’s going to be just fine cara mia!" Charles pulled me into him, kissing my cheek "Emmie won’t even remember this day, okay? Relax a little, pretty girl."

"Who says that she won’t remember today?" I cocked an eyebrow and Charles sighed.

"Are you serious? No one remembers their first birthday…"

"It’s just… I want this to be perfect…" I said quietly and he rubbed his hands up and down my sides "She’s one Charles, can you believe it? One!"

"Yeah… the last year went by in a blur… one day she was still in your belly the next we’re already celebrating her first birthday…" he replied and I looked around.

"We should take a picture of her. Before everyone is here and she’s too excited to sit still for a moment… just her, a balloon or two, her cake?" I said and Charles nodded.

"I set up a back ground and you get our little princess ready?" he said and I nodded, walking off, but then I stopped, turning around "You forgot something?"

"Yup…" I cupped his cheeks and kissed him "Thank you, for always calming me down… I love you."

"I love you more…" he whispered against my lips and I smiled "Now, get our little princess…"

I walked downstairs, opening quietly the door to Emmie’s room, pushing the button for the shades to open. I smiled when I saw that she was already awake, sitting in her bed, gorgeous smile on her little face.

"Hi baby girl, look at your little smiley face…" I cooed, leaning down and picking her up.

"Mama…" she said, her voice sweet like honey.

"Ready for your party?" I asked, sitting her down and she clapped happily "Yeah? You know that everyone is coming to see you?"

"Evy-one?" she repeated slowly and I nodded, brushing her wild hair.

"Everyone, that means… pops and gammy, granny as well. Your aunties Sissy, Charlotte and Shima. And of course your uncles Lorenzo, Joris, Daniel, Arthur-…"

"Tur!" she said excitedly almost jumping off the changing table.

"Yeah, Uncle Arthur is coming. And of course Liam and Noah." I smiled at her, kissing her cheek "Alright let’s dress you up and then go and find daddy?"

"Dada!"

"Yes, dada."

After putting her hair in a tiny bun, or rather a little palm, on the top of her head, dressing her into a cute dress I picked Emmie up, walking upstairs, where Charles arranged in the corner a little photo background.

"Oh look at my gorgeous girl! Hi princess." he cooed at her and she leaned over to him and Charles grabbed her, holding her close to his chest "Is that okay?" he looked at me and I nodded.

"I’ll go and get the cake…"

I watched Charles putting Emmie down, playing a little with our girl, and had to smile. He was born to be a father, like I always said. I took some pictures of them before I walked over, setting the cake down in front of Emmie.

"You have to watch her closely… I don’t want a foot in the cake… or hands…"

"I’ll take care, don’t worry…" Charles smiled "Ready?" he looked at me and I nodded, then he let go of Emmie and I took some photos.

"Alright. I think I’ve got it…" I showed Charles the results and he beamed at me.

"Perfect. Now let’s get ready for the party. They should all be here in the next minutes…"

And he was right, not even 20 minutes later the living room was full with our family and we gathered around, singing Happy Birthday for the very first time for Emmie.

February 2027:

"Charles Marc Hervé Perceval Leclerc! Are you serious?!" I sighed and Charles looked sheepishly at me.

"It looked so cute and I thought she doesn’t have one yet…" he said and tried to soften me with his smile.

"Charles! Her room slowly turns into the Ark of Emmie! She has a whole petting zoo full of stuffed animals!" I said as Charles crouched down and handed our toddler the stuffed panda bear. Emmie took it in her arms and cuddled it tight.

"Look! She loves it! As long as she loves it! Cara mia, she’s my pretty princess! Spoiling her is basically my job!" he said and I rolled my eyes.

"I used to be your pretty princess…" I fake pouted and Charles grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into him.

"Oh mon amour, you’re my beautiful queen! And she is our pretty little princess!" he said and kissed me tenderly.

"Mhhh I like the sound of that… my king…" I whispered against his lips, then kissed him again and pushed myself off of him gently. I walked away but stopped in the door "No more toys, Charles! She’s not even 1.5 years old and has already more stuff than 3 toy stores combined!" with that I walked out of the room, but I stayed in the hallway.

"You heard what our queen said, little princess. No more toys for you officially… but rest assured, I’ll bring you more, but that’s our secret!" Charles whispered and Emmie laughed and clapped excitedly.

"CHARLES!" I shouted.

"Oh shit…" he exclaimed.

"Oh shit…" Emmie repeated and I stormed back into her play room "Oh shit, mama. Oh shit, dada!"

"I’m so, so sorry!" Charles said and I glared at him.

"Mami? Dada a stupi io?" Emmie smiled at me and Charles looked flabbergasted.

"Emmie!" I sighed and Charles started grinning.

"No curse words in front of the baby girl I thought, cara mia? What happened to that rule?" he cocked an eyebrow and grinned at me.

"Someone was cutting the line…" I whispered.

"Road rage… I get it." he laughed and then picked up Emmie and pulled me in his arms too "My queen and my princess… I don’t know what I did to deserve this kind of magnificent luck…" he whispered and kissed my temple first and then Emmies cheek, she smiled her almost toothless smile, dimples showing just like her dads.

Bahrain 2027:

"Season opener for the husband on Sunday, charity race for you today with said husband, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Jamie Chadwick, Doriane Pin, Maya Weug, Abbi Pulling, Carrie Schreiner and Bianca Bustamate. Excited to be back in the car?" Natalie asked Lizzie who smiled her most beautiful smile.

"Very excited. It’s only 10 laps, so I should be good, but yeah I trained a little with Charles the last weeks and I really hope that I’ll make it." she chuckled.

"First time little Emmie see’s her mummy race, how excited is she?"

"She made huge eyes when she saw me in the race suit and at the seat fitting she pulled at Charles leg and pointed at me, asking why I’m in the car and not he." Lizzie recalled and I had to laugh, thinking about Emmie’s face yesterday.

"So she’s talking now?"

"We’re getting there… but yeah, everyday a little more… if she’s like her dad, she won’t stop talking in no time…"

"It’s good to have you back here, Lizzie. All the best for the little family and of course good luck in the race later! And if I might say that, kick some asses in good old Lizzie fashion." Natalie smiled.

"Thanks, I’ll try my best, I promise!" Lizzie hugged her and walked off, a big smile on her face.

"So I’m the one talking too much?" I cocked an eyebrow and she laughed, kissing my cheek.

"But I love it when you’re talking…"

"Yeah, yeah… let’s go. The race will start soon…" I said, taking her hand, intertwining our fingers.

"It will be fine, you don’t have to worry…" she said, squeezing my hand a little.

"I know… it’s just- it was a risk that you finished your season 2 years ago… and now getting back in the car…" I sighed and she stopped.

"Charles, it’s only 10 laps… I’ll be fine, don’t worry! We talked with the doctor, I’m prepared, we did a lot of workouts-…"

"Mhh… that we did. I liked that." I whispered and she blushed, pinching my side.

"Get your head out of the gutter! We’re racing in 30 minutes!" she rolled her eyes playfully and I laughed.

"Prepare to lose, cara mia."

"Nope. I’m going to kick your ass. All my girls will kick your ass…" she smiled and I pulled her close, kissing her.

"May the best driver win…"

"So Max should win?" she cocked an eyebrow and I pinched her waist.

"Hey!" I pouted and she laughed.

"Let’s go, world champ."

"Did you let her win, because she’s your wife? Be honest." Max wiggled his eyebrows and I laughed.

"Yeah sure and never hear the end of it at home? How she beat me? Definitely not! You couldn’t catch up to her as well!" I looked at him and he scratched his chin.

"Maybe it’s better for us that she’s not in F1 anymore…" he shrugged.

"Yeah, I’m kinda getting used to winning titles." I joked and Max pushed me playfully.

"Yeah, yeah, Ferrari boy. Hold your horses, I’m this close of snatching the title away from you."

"Sure thing, slow bull."

"Ouch, what kind of conversation do I interrupt here?" Lizzie walked up to us and I pulled her in, kissing her gently.

"We just established that we’re pretty damn happy that you’re not in F1 anymore… we like winning and against you… well never mind." Max said and Lizzie laughed.

"Oh you poor boys… maybe I should give Felix a call." I chuckled and Charles shook his head, laughing.

"Please don’t."

"We’ll see." she laughed, walking off when Susie waved her over.

"But in all honesty, this was fun, we should do this more often." Max said as we walked back to the garages and I nodded.

"Definitely. It’s fun and for a good cause, we really-…" I began when a tiny little whirlwind in red ran towards me.

"Papa! Papa!" Emmie’s bright voice made everyone looking for the source of the adorable sound "Uppy!" she stopped in front of me, making grabby hands and puppy eyes.

"Hey my baby girl, you shouldn’t be running around here all alone." I picked her up and she immediately grabbed my face between her chubby, little hands.

"Pop!" she screeched and turned my head to the side, Juergen wiping his eyebrow, sighing relieved.

"And you shouldn’t make Pop sweat like that!" I booped her nose and she started to giggle hysterically, turning her head a little, stopping abruptly when she spotted Max.

"Hi Emmie." he cooed at her and she scrunched up her nose adorably.

"Say hi to Max, princess." I smiled at her and she looked between me and Max for a while before she turned to him, stretching out her hand, poking his cheek.

"Maxie." she said and he nodded.

"You can call me Maxie, that’s alright." Max smiled.

"Maxie…" she repeated and then looked at me "Charlie…"

"Hey! I’m not Charlie! I’m dad-" I began but got interrupted by her giggles.

"Maxie 'nd Charlie." she smiled poking first my cheek, then Max’ "Maxie 'nd Charlie."

"No, Emmie. I’m Daddy, Dad, Pap, Papa, Paps. But not Charlie. Okay? I’m not Charlie." I tried again.

"Charlie… Maxie." she said, nodding.

"Are you really trying to argue with her? You know who her mother is." Max laughed.

"Yep. That I know." I looked at Emmie and kissed her cheek "Thankfully she’s just as adorable as her mum, that saves her."

"Look at you, turned into a big, old softie." Max laughed when Emmie looked at him, a curious look on her face.

"Softie Maxie?"

"No, your daddy, girlie. He’s the softie!"

"No. Maxie softie. Charlie? Down." Emmie turned and looked at me, when she spotted Lizzie a few steps away. I sat her down and looked at her.

"Straight to mum, princess, okay? No detours!"

"Staight to mama." she nodded and bolted off.

I watched her hug Lizzie’s leg who bent down, picking her up. Seeing Lizzie back in a race suit, our daughter on her hip, made me feel all sorts of things and when Max started to laugh next to me, clapping my back I couldn’t stop the grin forming on my lips.

"Oh you’re so down bad for these two…"

"Oh yes… yes I am."

I watched the replay of the final overtake on the screen, Max next to me chuckling.

"Not gonna lie, after that move, I’m not even mad that you won." he said and I wiped my face with a towel.

"I had to try it, could’ve gone wrong as well…" I shrugged a little.

"Not today, you had an extra lucky charm with you." he nodded towards the screen, showing Lizzie with Emmie, wearing her little Ferrari hoodie, in her arms, standing right under the podium.

"Yeah… how could I not win with her around." I smiled.

"Little unfair advantage…" Oscar joked.

"Make your own lucky charm then." Max laughed.

"Hell no. I’m not ready for that!"

"Believe me. You’ll never be, it just works out magically…" I smiled when he was called out on the podium, followed by Max.

I took one last deep breath and stepped out, the cheering of the crowd almost deafening. But when I stepped onto the highest podium, I looked down. Lizzie and Emmie. Both smiling. Both beautiful. Both cheering louder than anyone else.

"DADDY! DADDY!" I heard her sweet voice carrying all the way up to me, almost jumping out of Lizzie’s arms.

I waved at her, blew her a kiss and her smile got even bigger.

"MY DADDY IS WINNER!" she continued and I felt tears well up. Happy tears.

Win or not today. I already won in life. Big time.

May 2027:

Emmie sat up and looked towards the door, her face lighting up.

"Dada!" she looked at me with her big eyes, clapping excitedly as soon as she heard Charles voice.

"Yes, baby girl, dada is home!" I smiled and she giggled happily, scrambling up on her feet, takings some cautious steps towards the door.

"Dada, I comes!" she screeched and made her way to the door.

I laughed and followed her into the hallway where I saw Arthur kneeling down opening his arms, Emmie slowly waddling towards him. The look on her face changed and she scrunched her nose adorably, realising that something wasn’t right. I heard her sigh and shaking her head slightly.

"You not dada." her voice full of disappointment.

"No, Emmie girlie, I’m not dada." Arthur chuckled "Can I still get a hug from my favourite niece?"

"Only niece." Charles said, appearing behind his brother and Emmie’s face lit up instantly.

"Dada!" she screeched happily, bolting towards her dad, ignoring Arthur’s open arms entirely.

"Ouch…" he mumbled and got up, watching how Charles picked up our little girl.

"Hey baby girl." he smiled at her but Emmie cupped his cheeks, studying his face intently, as to make sure that it was really her dada. Charles grinned, letting his baby girl turn his head to all sides.

"You dada!" she smiled after a while and Charles nodded, kissing her chubby cheeks. Emmie giggled and threw her little arms around his neck, cuddling him.

"Yes, I’m dada. I missed you so much, my little princess." Charles whispered, hugging her close, when Emmie pulled away, pointing at Arthur.

"You not dada!" she said accusatory and he sighed.

"No, Emmie, I’m not dada."

"You Arthie!" Emmie smiled a little and he nodded "My Arthie."

"Your Arthie."

"Dada… Arthie kissie." she looked at Charles with her big eyes and he laughed, walking towards his brother, so that Emmie could lean over, kissing Arthur’s cheek "Hi, my Arthie." she smiled and Arthur kissed her head in return.

"Only your Arthie." he smiled.

"But not dada." Emmie shrugged her shoulders, looking at Charles, smiling adorably.

"No. Not dada, I get it." Arthur shook his head and I laughed.

"Don’t be offended, as soon as Charles comes in, I’m forgotten as well. She’s such a daddy’s girl."

"Just like her mum, she’s crazy for me, what can I say?" Charles laughed, walking up to me, kissing me "Hi, cara mia. You look gorgeous today... you’re glowing!"

"Mama pwetty." Emmie chirped and Charles nodded.

"Mama super pretty, just like my little Emmie." he cooed at her, making her chubby cheeks turn pink "And now you’re blushing just like your mama." she giggled and hid her face in his neck and he sighed contently "You have no idea how happy I am to be back home."

I woke up from Emmie’s faint crying, hastily scrambling up, just to see that Charles was already leaving the room. I sat up, switching the light on, listening into the now quiet penthouse. A couple of moments later, the soft thuds of Emmie’s steps towards our bedroom made me smile. She poked her head around the corner, looking into the room, sighing happily when she saw me and then bolted straight for the bed. I pulled her up, sitting her in my lap and tugged some wild strands of hair out of her face, behind her ears.

"What is it princess? Did you have a bad dream?" I cooed and she nodded.

"Bad fishies…" she mumbled and I kissed her forehead "They meanies."

"What did the bad fishies do?"

"Didn’t lets me play."

"No! How rude!" I gasped and she nodded.

"Emmie?" Charles looked through the door and then smiled "Hey, I was looking for you. I’ve got your princess cup…" he walked over, handing her her little cup and she grabbed it happily, drinking some water "Come on. I’ll get you back to bed and then I’ll tell you what to do next time those fishies are mean!" he held out his hand but Emmie cuddled up into my chest.

"Nu-uh…" she shook her head a little, handing me her cup and I put it down on the night stand.

"Nu-uh?" Charles repeated and she pulled away, sliding down my lap, onto the bed.

"I sleeps here." Emmie patted the mattress next to her, already making herself comfortable.

"Yeah?" Charles asked and she nodded, pulling the blanket up.

"Lightses off." she said and I had to chuckle "Pwease?"

"Can I get in bed before mum switches off the light? I don’t want to stub my toe…" Charles walked around the bed, laying down "Alright." he pulled up the blanket and snuggled into the sheets before he pulled Emmie over, cradling her against him, making her giggle.

"Lightses off now?" her voice muffled.

"Lightses off now." Charles confirmed and I switched off the light, scooting a little closer.

"Good night, my cute little Emmie." I whispered against her head, kissing her.

"Nighty mama." she yawned and Charles kissed her forehead "Nighty dada."

"Good night, my princess." he whispered and then looked up, smiling at me "Good night, my queen."

July 2027:

Pregnant. The second test showing the same result. The mood swings, stomach bugs, my overly emotional state at times, it all made sense now.

"Whats dis?" Emmie asked, looking at the test in my hand "Is it toy?"

"No girlie, no toy…" I breathed out and she scowled a little.

"Why no toy?"

"Because not everything is a new toy for you."

"Dada always buys toys…"

"Yeah, because dada can’t resist your puppy eyes!" I chuckled, looking down at her.

"New puppy for Emmie?"

"No. Not a new puppy for you. It’s- umm well it’s… it’s something for mum and dad." I smiled at her "But you know what? It’s not a toy, but you’ll be able to play with it still in some time…"

She happily clapped her hands, beaming up at me.

"Tank you Mama for new toy."

"Not a toy, Emmie." I leaned down, cupping her cheek "A little brother or sister…"

"You’re pregnant?"

I flinched and looked up at Charles standing in the bathroom door frame, wide eyed, looking at me.

"Umm…" I grabbed the pregnancy tests and handed him the two sticks "Yeah…"

"We’re having another baby?" Charles breathed out, his eyes wandering between the tests in his hand, me and then Emmie on the floor.

"Looks like it…" I said quietly "Is that okay? I mean-… we talked about it… but never about the when…"

"It’s perfect, cara mia…" he stepped closer, cupping my cheeks "We’re having another little one…" he kissed me and Emmie got up, pinching his leg.

"Want kissie too." she pouted and Charles picked her up, tickling her belly.

"You’re going to be a big sister, princess. Are you excited? You’re getting a little brother or sister!" he cooed at her kissing her chubby cheeks.

"Big sis-sissie?" she tilted her head a little.

"Big sister, munchkin." I said slowly.

"Big sista…" she repeated and I smiled.

"That’s it. Well done pretty girl." Charles kissed her cheek again "You’re going to be an amazing big sister, I just know it!"

"The bestest!" she chirped.

"The best, girlie. It’s just the best."

"Na-uh… bestest." she shook her head and cuddled into Charles chest "Bestest, bestest, bestest."

"Okay… bestest is it- for now." he said and Emmie giggled, kissing his cheek, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Emmies always right." she said and I laughed.

"She’s 100 per cent your daughter!" Charles and I said in unison and then laughed even more.

"Daddy, down pwease." Emmie said and Charles sat her down "Arlooo… me’s a be big sista…" she shouted, running away.

"Ready for another one?" I asked and Charles grabbed me by the waist, pulling me close.

"Another little trouble maker? I can’t wait… I think we can handle two…" he kissed me and then leaned his forehead against mine "I love you, cara mia. You, Emmie and the little one in your belly… I can’t wait for another baby…"

"Then I call the doctor for an appointment…" I whispered and he nodded.

"I want to be here for the first ultrasound…" Charles whispered back and I smiled.

"I’ll make sure of it… even if it might take a little longer then." I pecked his lips and he smiled.

"And there… oh there they are!" the nurse said and my eyes widened.

"They?" I asked and Charles looked confused.

"Yes, here we have baby number one and here is baby number two. Congratulations, you’re having twins!" the nurse smiled.

"Twins?" Charles repeated.

"Yes, Mr. Leclerc, you and your wife are having twins!" she nodded.

"How?" he asked and the nurse laughed.

"Happened the same way like it did with your daughter…" she chuckled and got up "I’ll leave you alone. If you’re dressed come up to the front desk."

"Charles, hey? Pretty boy, are you alright?" I asked as Charles sat next to me, visibly panicking.

"Twins, cara mia! Twins! I barely kept Emmie alive! How am I supposed to take care of two babies at the same time?" he said with a worry laced voice.

"Did I miss something?" I chuckled and Charles looks at me confused "Am I leaving and you’re alone with them? Besides, 'barely kept Emmie alive'? Charles you were born to be a dad! You were so very good at it, you know how jealous I was at times!"

"Yeah for absolute no reason…" he rolled his eyes a little and I sighed.

"We both did good, okay? Emmie turned out just great and with these two it will be just the same…" I cupped his cheek, rubbing circles on it "It’s going to be fine… okay?"

"Twins, cara mia… can you believe it?" he whispered and I sighed a little.

"I’m going to get so huge… blue whale like…" I mumbled.

"Beautiful. You’re going to be so freaking beautiful. Like you always are, just with a little more-…"

"… fat on the ribs and basically everywhere?" I groaned.

"Hey, stop that!" he pinched my waist "I wanted to say just with a little more of that gorgeous glow you had when you were pregnant with Lizzie… you’re going to be the most beautiful girl out there cara mia… you and Emmie of course." he kissed me and I had to smile.

"Three little rascals…"

"Three little rascals…"

May 2031:

"Why do you look so nervous?" Lizzie asked and I shook my head slightly "She’ll be fine…"

"How do you know?"

"Because she’s our daughter?" she chuckled and I rolled my eyes "She’ll be fine." she said again, cupping my cheek "You taught her everything she needs to know."

"I hope so…" I said underneath my breath and watched as the race director waved the flag, signalling for the race to start.

I closed my eyes and took one last deep breath before I watched the race unfold before our eyes. Emmie was fearless as well as ruthless, making up 5 positions in the first few corners.

"Fucking hell…" Arthur let out next to me, his eyes widening in horror when he heard the loud gasp from Elio on his shoulders.

"Arthi said bad word!" he chirped and I glared at Arthur.

"Yes Arthur, you said a very bad word!"

"Fucking hell!" Enzo said proudly, leaning his back against Lizzie, swinging his dangling legs back and forth.

"Enzo!" Lizzie warned him and he rolled his eyes groaning "Mister!"

"Fucking hell…" he repeated and Arthur mouthed an apology towards me.

"Enzo Doetterer-Leclerc. Stop it." I picked him up from the banister he was sitting on, making him look at me "No bad words. And no bad attitude."

"Yous boring." he mumbled, poking my cheek "Arthi funny."

"Nope, little man. I said a bad word. We don’t say bad words. Mum and Dad are right." Arthur tried it and Enzo sighed.

"Yous boring too."

"And you’re a little menace." I tickled his sites, making him giggle.

"Stop! Paps stop!" he laughed but I kept going "Not saying bad wordses again! Pomis!"

"You promise me?" I stopped, looking at him and he nodded.

"Pomis."

"Okay, now let’s watch your sister…"

"… winning her first race…" Lizzie finished and I followed her look, watching Emmie starting her last lap, a huge gap between her and the rest.

The moment Emmie crossed the finish line and stopped her kart, she jumped out, running towards us, happily screaming.

"I won! I won! Did you see that? I wooon!" she pulled her helmet off, hairs standing up in all directions "I WON!"

"You did amazing, Ems!" Arthur pinched her cheek a little and she chuckled.

"Did you see that?" Emmie looked at me and I nodded, hugging her.

"You were amazing princess!"

"We’re so proud of you!" Lizzie bend down, kissing her cheek "So, so proud."

Emmie smiled and wiped her face with a towel Lizzie handed her and then grinned.

"I kicked the boys asses." she chuckled and Lizzie pressed her lips into a thin line, trying her best not to laugh "They didn’t even had a chance."

"You’re a menace too." I said and Arthur laughed.

"Look what you guys did. Created 3 little menaces to the society." he nudged my shoulder.

"That we did."

May 2033:

I watched the twins getting into their race gear. Both with a big smile on their faces, chatting overly excited with Arthur and Pops.

"Dad?" Emmie poked my side and I looked down at her "Mummy is looking for you. She’s talking to Maxie."

"Please tell me you said Maxie to him…" I chuckled and she grinned "Good girl. Go help your brothers we’ll be there any minute." I kissed her head and she sauntered off, pinching her brothers as soon as she was close enough.

I looked around, finding Lizzie and Max standing at the exit, talking away.

"Hi Maxie." I said, chuckling when he rolled his eyes.

"Your kids can call me that, you? Definitely not."

"Oh come on, Maxie. Don’t be a party pooper."

"Lizzie, tell your husband to stop." Max looked at her and she just held up her hands.

"I didn’t want to get dragged in between you almost 30 years ago, I don’t want to get dragged between you now. You two are big boys. Behave." she chided and I laughed.

"I’ll tell you something. I’m only allowed to call you Maxie if I win the title this year, equalling with your 5 titles."

"Deal." Max said with not hesitation and I cocked an eyebrow "Mate your car is… well it’s not shit like at some seasons in the past… god just think back at 2023-…"

"Or 2020!" Lizzie added.

"My point is. 8 races in and you won how many? One? Only Monaco… I mean…" he shrugged.

"Just out of spite I have to win now." I said and Lizzie laughed.

"Look what you made him do…"

"You should’ve just retired like me last season." Max said, scratching his chin but I shook my head.

"No, I could feel that I have one more title in me. And I’ll win it, to prove you wrong. And then I’ll call you Maxie all the damn time." I punched his arm and he laughed.

"Alright. If you say so… for now I want to see our boys race. Let’s go." he said and I nodded, taking Lizzie’s hand.

"Let’s just hope these boys are not like you two…" she chuckled and Max and I looked at her "What? You were track terrors… and whoever got caught in between you two? Yeah no…"

"You were worse than us!" I chuckled and Max nodded.

"Yeah… if all, we have to hope that they are not like you!" he said and Lizzie glared at us "Oh… there it is, the Lizzie-death-glare… I wish I could say I’m not scared but… that would be a lie."

"Yeah, now imagine being married to her!" I said and Lizzie pinched my side.

"If you boys are ready now? There are 3 boys about to race and I don’t want to miss that…" she stomped away and I sighed.

"You know that I’ll have to pay for that back at home…" I chuckled and Max laughed, following Lizzie.

I sat down next to Lizzie on the bleachers, Emmie, Arthur and Juergen in front of us. Max sat down next to us and we watched excitedly the race start. Enzo leading into turn 1.

"He’s really good." Max commented and I smiled proudly.

"That he is."

"Just like his dad…" Lizzie said, and I threw my arm around her shoulder pulling her close.

"And like his mum!" I kissed her cheek, watching Enzo increasing the gap "But damn he’s fast…"

"That’s because he’s fearless… look, he’s almost not braking at all in the corners…" Arthur said.

He was right. Enzo was fearless, going into corners almost at full speed, dive bombing later than anyone I’ve ever seen. He won the race by such a big margin that he already had parked his kart and got out when Max’ son, Eric, parked behind him, followed by Elio.

"What a race…" Max clapped his hands and got up, and we walked down to our sons "Arthur is right, you know? Enzo is fearless…"

"He is. Not sure I like that…" I replied and he chuckled a little.

"Yeah… I feel you…"

"But then again. If he continues like this? He could make it pretty far…" I said as we stepped on the track, Enzo, Eric and Eli joking around.

"Yeah, if he wants to." Max said, taking Eric’s helmet "Hey buddy, good race."

"Yeah, couldn’t catch Enzo though… he’s crazy…" Eric said and Enzo chuckled, handing me his helmet "You drive into the corners without braking!"

"That’s how you win!" Enzo shrugged his shoulders and I chuckled.

"Or end up in a wall." Elio said and his brother rolled his eyes.

"It won’t happen, your brother is not stupid." I said and Lizzie chuckled next to me.

"Yeah… he’s not his dad…" she said and Max and Arthur began to laugh.

"Very funny…" I rolled my eyes when the race director waved at us "Boys, you’re needed…"

I ruffled the boys hair and they ran off, stepping on the little makeshift podium. It was the seventh race of the season and already the sixth win for Enzo, who got better each week. He jumped excitedly up and down on the top step on the podium waving at us happily.

"Look at him… he reminds me so much of you…" Juergen said, standing next to me "Whenever you were on the podium you were super giddy and couldn’t contain your excitement."

"He loves it… racing, the speed, the adrenaline, winning… Elio on the other hand…" I began and he nodded.

"He loves it too, but for him it’s more a hobby… while for Enzo… it’s everything."

He was right. Elio had fun. He enjoyed karting. But apart from the track, his mind wasn’t occupied with karting, not like his brothers, who couldn’t stop talking about karting, or racing in general. Enzo lifted his trophy over his head and cheered happily, waving at us and I smiled.

"Look dad! Another one!" he screeched, running over to us.

"Soon you’ll need a whole trophy cabinet!" I said and he nodded.

"Or I can put them next to yours and mum’s trophies in your trophy room?" he looked at me with big eyes, when Elio joined us, smiling shyly, presenting his smaller trophy.

"I tell you what, both of you, and Emmie, get a shelf in our trophy room…" I said and they both beamed up at me, running off again.

"You have a trophy room? Like… seriously?" Max asked and Lizzie cocked an eyebrow.

"Where? In our penthouse? You mean your office/ studio/ storage room? Where all of our trophies are kept in boxes?" she asked and I laughed.

"I mean… we could turn it into a trophy room." I shrugged my shoulders and she laughed.

"Sure. You do that…" she replied and I groaned "Your idea, you told your kids, so you do that…"

"Pops?" I looked at Juergen who just chuckled.

"Sure, I’ll help you… and maybe you can put your fifth world champion trophy in at the end of the year…"

"Let���s hope so…"

June 2038:

I watched as Emmie practically beamed at him, hanging at his lips, soaking in every word he said. I groaned a little and Lizzie looked up from adjusting Enzo’s helmet.

"What?" she asked and followed my look, then she chuckled.

"Do you see how she looks at him? She’s too young for these kinda looks!" I muttered.

"Charles, she has a crush on him! At her age I already had a huge crush on you too!" she laughed but I shook my head.

"That’s different… we knew each other for almost 5 years at her age! And I wasn’t so… so…" I rambled and Lizzie laughed even more.

"So what?" she asked and I sighed.

"So slimy! God, look how he laughs!" I groaned.

"Enzo, you’re all good, why don’t you go to Arthur, he’ll help you with your kart…" Lizzie send Enzo away "Love? She’s 13. She has a crush on Nick. That’s it. They won’t get married tomorrow. So relax, please."

"He won’t marry her in 10 years either! Never. I don’t like that boy!" I huffed out and Lizzie rolled her eyes. Both watching as Emmie put her helmet on, walking towards Enzo and Arthur. "Alright. I’ll be right back."

"Charles! Be nice!" Lizzie whisper shouts at me as I made my way over to Nick, but I just waved her off. The boy was about to grab his helmet as I grabbed it first, handing it to him.

"Here you go…" I said and Nick made big eyes.

"Th-thank you Mr. Leclerc…" he stuttered and I smiled at him. As he put his helmet on and sat down in his kart I crouched down next to him.

"That’s a nice kart you’re having. Looks fast." I said with an overly friendly voice.

"My dad and uncle worked on it together." he said nervously and I nodded.

"I saw you talking to Emmie, yeah, you know, she’s a tough girl. Ruthless on track. Very talented. Fast." I stated casually, checking his engine out "But you see, no matter how old she is, she’ll always be my little princess… and if everyone were to hurt her, make her sad, god forbid, break her heart? Make her cry… oh well."

"I don’t know what you mean… Emmie is… she’s great… but I didn’t…" he began to ramble but I just held up my hand, making him stop abruptly.

"What I’m saying, Nick, is… that’s a really nice kart you’re having… if you want to keep it that way… you better be as sweet as honey to my Emmie…" I smiled at him and got up "Because during these karting races accidents happen so fast…" I gently closed his visor "Good luck, Nick!" I said loudly and Lizzie looked over, smiling at me.

She didn’t have to know everything that I’m doing.

July 2037:

I watched as the kids cuddled him, one by one. Scratching his ears. Showering him with kisses.

"What did the doctor say?" Lizzie whispered and gently stroked by back, holding my hand.

"He won’t make the night. He said we should give him all his favourite treats…" I answered, voice broken and hoarse.

"I can stay with you? Lorenzo and Charlotte can pick up the kids and I stay with you and then we’ll go tomorrow together…" she began but I shook my head.

"You should be with them, they shouldn’t be alone…" I whispered and Lizzie nodded, kissing my cheek, wiping away some stray tears.

She walked down the lawn, sat down next to the kids and cuddled Arlo. His ears immediately stood up, of course, his mum was there. After a while they all said their final goodbyes, coming back in, Emmie hugged me immediately.

"You’ll stay with him, right? He won’t be alone?" she cried and I nodded.

"He won’t be alone, no. Not a single moment." I kissed her head and the twins squeezed right into our hug.

"Will he be in pain?" Elio’s voice barely above a whisper.

"No, little one. The doc gave him some medicine. He won’t feel anything. He will fall asleep…" I began and Enzo cried out.

"And then he won’t wake up anymore?" he asked and I nodded.

"He won’t." I swallowed hard and Lizzie gave Arlo one last kiss, then walked inside.

"We have to go now, come on. Dad will take care of our good boy." her voice was laced with tiny sobs. The kids slowly pulled away and I kissed them one by one on the forehead as they headed into the foyer, grabbing their bags.

"Will you be okay?" Lizzie whispered, pulling me into a tight embrace and I felt tears streaming down both our faces.

"Yeah… I’ll see you tomorrow…" one last kiss and she left with the kids.

I took a deep breath and walked outside, sat down next to Arlo on the soft lawn, the setting sun shining softly above us. He held up his head, tilting it a little and it reminded me of the day where I brought him home to our old flat. How I couldn’t tame him and knew that he would be a piece of work. All those years ago. Lizzie’s eyes, when she saw him, lighting up. The tears she cried. Happy tears. So many happy tears. The moments when Lizzie was pregnant first with Emmie, later with the twins. How protective Arlo was. Always looking out for his mum. Always putting his head on her belly. I scratched him behind his ears and he closed his eyes. Laying his head in my lap.

"Good boy. My Arlo. You can rest now. You took care of your mum and the kids whenever I couldn’t be here. Thank you, my sweet boy. I love you." I leaned down, kissing his head. I could hear his breathing becoming more shallow with every breath he took. I kept on stroking his soft fur. Giving him belly rubs. Kissing his head. Thinking about all the memories our little fur baby gifted us with. "I will miss you, Arlo. I love you. So much!" I whispered after a while and looked down. Watching closely. He wasn’t breathing anymore. Realising that he was gone "Goodbye, my Arlo."

September 2041:

"What’s up?" I asked, looking at Charles who just walked in "You look like you’ve seen a ghost?"

"That was John… he offered me the position as director of the FDA… starting next season…" Charles said and Enzo looked up from his iPad.

"Oh wow! Congrats Charles!" I got up from the barstool and kissed his cheek.

"Thanks…" he mumbled and I looked at him.

"You don’t sound too happy? You don’t want to do it?" I asked, but he shook his head.

"No, of course I’m happy. It’s just…" he stopped and looked at Enzo.

"I have to work now even harder… or people will say that I only got into the FDA because of you…" he said and Charles nodded.

"But that’s ridiculous. Everyone can see how talented you are. Also, you’re only 13… you won’t make it into the FDA for the next two or three years anyways…" I said, patting his arm but he sighed.

"Your mum is right, Enzo. Also, just because someone is in the FDA, doesn’t grant them a seat in a car." Charles said and I nodded.

"Yeah… sure." Enzo smiled and got up, hugging him "Congrats dad." he then grabbed his iPad and left the kitchen.

"Hey? It’s going to be just fine, okay? He’s talented. One of the best, if not the best… no one will think otherwise." I snaked my arms around Charles neck, pulling him closer "I’m so proud of you, my pretty boy."

"Thanks, cara mia." he smiled and kissed him, then he leaned his forehead against mine and he exhaled loudly "He really is the best right now… if he continues like this? Prema is already interested, also Carlin…"

"See? And that all without your help…"

"It’s 50% of my DNA in him, so I’d say a little of my help…" he laughed and I shook my head.

"You’re an idiot… but a cute one… so, yeah… that’s fine…"

September 2044:

"Okay… what’s going on here?" Enzo asked after a while, looking at Elio then at me "You said that there is something important we need to talk about, now we’re sitting here for ten minutes and nothing happened… I could sit in the simulator, you know?"

"Enzo!" I glared at him and he rolled his eyes a little.

"Sorry. But-… whatever." he groaned, crossed his arms and leaned back in the sofa.

"Elio, sweetheart? What is it?" Lizzie asked him quietly, smiling at him and he looked at me.

"It’s okay, take your time…" I encouraged him and he took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

"Maybe not that much time, Nick is going to pick me up in… half an hour." Emmie said, looking at her phone.

"Nick?" I looked at her and Lizzie shook her head "And where are you and Nick going?"

"To Clara, she’s having a party with drugs and alcohol." Emmie rolled her eyes and I glared at her "We’re just going to the movies…"

"To the movies?" I repeated and she nodded.

"Charles? We’re here because of Elio, remember? So… focus." Lizzie said and I knew that tone.

"Can Elio then please speak up?" Enzo said and Emmie nodded.

"Yeah, I’m not done with my hairs yet…"

"Guys!" Lizzie and I said.

"I’m gay." Elio blurted out and the silence was loud.

He looked at me, then Lizzie, Emmie, both smiling, and lastly Enzo, who didn’t react at all.

"That’s wonderful, sweetheart. Thanks for telling us!" Lizzie got up and kissed his cheek, followed by Emmie, who hugged him.

"You’re damn brave, little bro." she chuckled and he smiled at her.

Enzo still didn’t react and I was about to say something, when Elio beat me to it.

"Zo?" he asked quietly.

"What? I thought you would tell us a secret or something?" Enzo replied and we looked at him.

"What do you mean?" Elio asked.

"You think I didn’t knew? We shared a womb, dumbass? I think I knew it before you knew it yourself. My point is. More girls for me, because now all the girls who like the tortured poet that is you, will come to me now… thanks for that, El." Enzo got up, clapped his brothers back and walked away "I’m in the sim… Singapore is next…"

"Unbelievable…" Emmie shook her head, kissing Elio’s cheek "Love you." then she was gone as well.

"Umm- I guess that’s it then?" Elio shrugged, following Emmie.

"That was…" I began but then shrugged.

"Well, they’re clearly your kids…" Lizzie chuckled "Or at least Enzo through and through…"

"Not gonna argue with that."

Monaco 2046:

"Why are you so nervous?" Emmie put down her headphones, watching Enzo anxiously replaying old videos from the Monaco Grand Prix "You know those streets better than anyone else? Dad used to drive the track with us almost daily when we were younger…"

"It’s not the same like in an F2 car! Especially after having 3 shitty races in a row… and after all it’s Monaco… not the easiest track for our family…" he mumbled and Charles rolled his eyes a little.

"Ooouuuhhh you touched there a sore spot, Enzo." I said and Charles glared at me "Oh don’t look at me like that."

"You should’ve never mentioned this stupid statistic…"

"First of all, I didn’t mention anything, it’s all over the internet and second of all, it’s not a statistic, it’s a curse-…" I began but he interrupted me.

"Curses don’t exist! You’re all too superstitious."

"Oh really? We are superstitious?" I cocked an eyebrow and our kids looked between us.

"Yeah, you are, curses don’t exist, stupid rituals or whatever don’t help… it’s just about you and the car and your abilities… nothing else!"

"Says the guy who wore red pants on every quali day because he wore red pants when he got his first pole."

"That was not because of that…" Charles protested but one look and he stopped.

"And then stopped wearing red pants on quail day because during a shitty season 2023, when nothing worked out for him he once didn’t wear red pants on quali day and got pole position… the next time he forgot them, he got pole position again and from then on he never wore red pants on quali day…"

"Whatever." Charles groaned and I had to chuckle.

"Just admit it, you were just as superstitious like the rest of us!"

"Nope." he shook his head.

"Oh come on dad, not even a little?" Emmie looked at him, big puppy eyes on full display.

"I mean… I just don’t believe in it…" he sighed.

"Maybe that’s the topic of my next podcast? Drivers and their rituals and superstitions?" she thought and I nodded.

"That would be interesting! You should talk to Arthur, he also had a weird ritual…" I smiled at Emmie and she already scribbled something down in her little notebook.

"Didn’t uncle Arthur also crash out in Monaco?" Elio asked, looking up from his phone and I nodded "But you didn’t? Not in F2 not in F1?… well maybe it’s just a Leclerc curse then… therefore Enzo you’re cursed."

"Okay, stop that now!" Charles rolled his eyes, glaring at me "Look what you’ve started!"

"Me? I didn’t start shit!" I said

"Language!" Enzo, Emmie and Elio said in unison, cackling away.

"Very funny…"

"Hey, you made us watch that old movie! What was it called? Aviators?" Elio asked.

"Avengers." Charles and I said and he grinned at me.

"Same thing." Elio mumbled.

"We kinda lose the plot here! Dad’s Monaco curse and Enzo shitting his pants driving here." Emmie wiggled her eyebrows at her little brother, who threw a bread roll at her.

"Enzo Doetterer-Leclerc! We do not treat food like that!" I reprimanded him.

"Sorry… but she’s egging me on! And it’s-it’s…" I saw how frustrated he was, but before I could react Elio already seemed to be having an idea.

"If it’s a Monaco curse and that only applies to Leclerc drivers… maybe you dropped the wrong last name then? Maybe for now you should go by Doetterer." he said matter of factly and I looked at Charles, his jaw clenched, a muscle ticking.

"If you want to drop my name, because you want to driver under your mums name? Fine by me. If you drop your name because of a stupid, not-existing curse… that’s something different…" he looked at Enzo who shrunk a little under his dad’s gaze.

"No one is dropping anyone’s name. You chose Leclerc, and I get it, shorter, easier to pronounce, the name of a five time world champion. Also 5 time winner of the Monaco Grand Prix! You studied the track, and now you get into your car and you focus on nothing else but the car and the track. Whatever happens then, happens." I said and Enzo sighed.

"I just want to make you guys proud…" he mumbled and Charles look softened, grabbing him by the shoulders.

"We are proud of you, Enzo! It’s not so easy coming fresh out of F3 and your fourth race in F2 is already Monaco, but you’ll manage, okay? And if not? That’s also not the end of the world… it took me years to even finish our home race…" he said and Enzo nodded slowly.

"It’s going to be fine, Enzo, you’ll see." I said and he got up.

"And if not, you’re just continuing a family tradition." Emmie laughed and walked away, dodging another bread roll.

"Don’t listen to her. Your mum is right, it’s going to be just fine." Charles smiled at Enzo who just sighed "Let’s watch the races together. Maybe I have some tips and tricks on what to do…"

"Rather on what not to do…" I chuckled quietly, a bread roll hitting me straight at the temple.

"You deserved that one…"

October 2046:

"Dad? What are you doing here?" he was surprised, I could tell.

"I wanted to see your work." I answered simply and he looked at me confused "Jo told me that you asked him for advice, what pictures to choose. And then I found the flyer in the rubbish bin. Crumpled."

"I mean, I know how busy you are with the FDA and Enzo in F2 now, preparing for F1 next season." he mumbled and I just shook my head.

"Elio, I’ll always make room for you and your passion. If I know about it…" I said and he nodded sheepishly.

"I know… it’s just that…" he began but then stopped.

"That what?" I asked and he sighed.

"I just thought that this is nothing that would interest you… I mean Emmie is studying sports journalism. Has her F1 podcast and blog, everyone loves her and she has so many subscriptions! Enzo is stepping right into yours and mums shoes, starting in F1 next year. And me? I’m not in any way like them. I like F1. As a fan to watch. But that’s it. I just thought that…" he said and now I sighed.

"You thought what? That I wouldn’t be proud of you, wouldn’t be interested in what you’re doing because it’s not F1 related?" I asked and he nodded and looked down "How many times do I have to tell you, that I’m proud of you, no matter what! Any passion of yours, is something I’m interested in, Elio."

He swallowed hard and looked up, then he turned a little, pointing behind him.

"Do you want to see my pictures?" he asked and I nodded excitedly.

"Did you know, when I was younger I was also really interested in photography! I just wasn’t as talented as you!" I said and he looked at me.

"I didn’t know that…" he replied and then pointed at the 5 pictures in front of us.

One showing Lizzie and me in our garden, another one was from Enzo as he was breezing past me and Emmie in the feature race of the last Monaco GP, the one in the middle a shot of an old F1 car engine, one from a wild and rough countryside, the last one a busy street in London, with Emmie in front, pointing at something.

"Wow Elio, these are amazing…" I whispered, taking a step closer.

The photographs were impressive. The colours. The contrast. The lighting. I loved every single one.

"Thanks dad… for being here…" Elio said after a while and I looked at him.

"This is what you should do, you know? I think you could be an amazing photograph…" I said and he smiled.

"Yeah… maybe I will one day…"

I left my office, heading downstairs when Stella, John Elkann’s assistant bumped into me.

"Sorry Stella, didn’t see you." I smiled apologetically.

"It’s fine Mr. Leclerc-…"

"Charles. I told you before, it’s just Charles…"

"Charles, of course. Umm do you have a minute?" she asked and I nodded.

"Sure, what’s the matter?"

"Mr. Elkann wants to talk to you. I sent you an invitation for a meeting next week, but we came here this morning on a whim and you know Mr. Elkann…" Stella smiled at me and I followed her.

"Yeah, if you can do it now, do it." I nodded "Do you know about what this meeting is?"

"Umm- I do… but it’s better if he tells you this…" she said shyly and I got nervous "Oh it’s nothing bad!"

"You sure? The big boss comes in just to chat?" I said and she smiled.

"You’ll see. He’s waiting for you." she knocked on the office door and opened it, letting me in.

"Charles, good to see you!" John got up from his chair and hugged me "How are you? The kids? Lizzie?"

"We’re all good, thanks." I smiled, still a little nervous.

"Enzo must be excited, now that he has a seat in F1 next year. It was only logical that we would want our best driver from the academy, soon to be F2 champion in our junior team in F1 next season."

"Yeah, he’s really excited. He is really grateful for this chance, I mean, we all are of course."

"He’ll make us proud, I have no doubt in that."

I smiled and nodded only.

"Okay, I make this quick, I don’t want you to have a heart attack. Charles, you did an amazing job as the director of the FDA, but now we think it’s time for someone new…" he began and I felt my stomach twisting "… because we would like you to step up and become the new team principal of Ferrari."

"Sorry what?" I was confused.

"We want you as team principal for the Scuderia Ferrari, starting next season."

"Me? As team principal? Ferrari. The F1 team?" I almost stuttered and he nodded.

"Yes. You’re the right one for the job. You know the team, the sport. You know how it works. We believe you’ll be amazing… so? What do you say?" John looked at me hopefully and I tilted my head a little.

"If I agree, I have one condition…" I said slowly.

"Of course. What is it?" he asked and I began to smirk.

"Monza. All black suit. All black car. And I mean all black. Not some weird grey patterns on black. Or some black car parts. All black. I’ve been deprived of it my whole career, when I wanted nothing more than to drive an all black car, wearing an all black suit…" I said and John looked at me for a moment before he laughed, leaning back in his chair.

"Oh how I remember the disappointment in your eyes when they showed you the suit for Monza 2025?-…"

"2024… and then 2027 again…" I added.

"… yeah. You hated the 2024 suit. And the livery…" he finished wiping tears away.

"I thought 2023 was bad… but that topped it I think…" I shrugged my shoulders.

"Alright Charles, Monza is black. But not every year, no? But the upcoming season for sure. Do we have a deal then?" he got up, buttoning his jacket close as I got up as well.

"We have a deal." I said shaking his hand.

"Well then it’s official, Charles Leclerc, new team principal of Scuderia Ferrari."

January 2047:

"Elio? There's a letter for you." I put it down in front of him, walking around the kitchen island "Are you coming to Enzo's first race?"

"Huh?" Elio looked up from the envelop in his hands "What?"

I chuckled a little, beginning to slice up some apples, watching him tilting his head a little reminding me of Charles.

"Are you coming to Enzo's first race? I know you're not that into F1 anymore, but I think Enzo wants you there.. it's also your dad's first race as team principal of Ferrari and I know for a fact that he would definitely love to have you there." I smiled at him, and he rubbed his neck, looking nervous "What's going on?"

"Oh umm-it's just… do you remember how I applied for the Parsons School of Design in New York? Studying there would be a dream, although... I mean, chances were little that they even consider me, comparing my photography to those of others? But... mum, they want me.. I'm in..." Elio whispered, and I dropped the knife "I mean... I applied there on a whim, I first need to cheek for scholarships because it's freaking expensive and-..." he began to ramble and I walked back around the island, stopping in front of him.

"I’m so proud of you, Elio. Wow! This is amazing!" I cupped his cheek, kissing it, watching him blush.

"Thanks mum, but it's like I said I have to check if they have scholarsh-…"

"You do know that your dad and I have a little money on the side, right?" I joked and he looked at me "You're going. No scholarship needed. It's noble from you, to think like that, but you don't need it. I'm sure, you would get a scholarship if you would apply for one, but someone might need it more than you..."

"Are you sure? It's expensive? Like really." Elio mumbled, and I laughed.

"Your dad is a 5 time Formula 1 world champion, Ferrari team principal, investor, founder and whatever of god knows what companies, I honestly lost count, and your mum, little old me, also managed to make a little fortune with clever investments and commercial deals and from driving 3 seasons in F1! So yes Elio, l'm sure. And even if not? We could always sell one or two of your dad's cars, I guess that would cover the tuition fees and everything else."

"Who wants to sell my cars for what?" Charles walked in, all sweaty, hair a mess.

"Elio has some big news..." I smiled at our son who nervously grabbed the envelop from the counter.

"Okay? Then shoot..." Charles opened the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water, looking at Elio.

"So umm-... I applied at some universities... and the Parsons School of Design, they have one of the best photography programs worldwide, they accepted me..." Elio said nervously and Charles eyes brightened in an instant.

"The Parsons School of Design in New York? Wow! Elio, I'm so proud of you! Incredible!" he exclaimed, storming over to our son, pulling him into a tight embrace "You worked so hard for this! You deserve this so much, son. I'm really, really proud of you."

"Okay, Mr. Sweaty, can you please take a shower and not smother your sweat all over our son? Thank you!" I pulled Charles away from Elio.

"Hey! I just ran 5 kilometres! Of course I'm sweaty!" he snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me closer "I have to stay in shape for you cara mia..." he then whispered, his warm breath fanning over my skin, eliciting goosebumps all over, before he kissed my jaw.

"Eww! Here are children! Behave for fucks sake!" Enzo walked into the kitchen, fake gagging "Things I don't want to see before breakfast? My parents making out in front of me like horny teenagers!"

"You're just jealous because I landed a pretty girl and you didn’t." Charles laughed, pinching my waist "I'm going to take a shower and tonight we're celebrating you Elio..." he ruffled Elio's hair and was about to leave when he stopped "I still don't know why you want to sell some of my cars?" he looked at me.

"And I don't know why we're celebrating Elio?" Enzo plopped down on the stool next to his brother, eating his cereals "What did you do?"

"You're brother was accepted at the Parsons School of Design..." I said and he made big eyes.

"Are you serious El? Fucking hell, that's one of the best schools! I know that because you talked about it for years now! Congrats little bro!" Enzo side hugged his brother who smiled shyly.

"Thanks, but hey, you're only 3 minutes older, Zo..." Elio rolled his eyes playfully.

"Semantics..." Enzo shrugged his shoulders and I continued cutting the apples.

"Hello? I still want to know why my cars are being sold?"

"It was because of the costs of the school. But don’t worry, I won’t touch your precious cars…" I chuckled and Charles tilted his head, coming closer.

"You could sell them all, just not the F40… that one is special…" he said and I rolled my eyes.

"It’s your favourite car, I know…"

"Yeah, that too… but you bought it for me… so no, that one won’t be sold ever." he whispered and then kissed me, before stepping away "I’m going to take a shower now."

"And I need to wash my eyeballs with bleach…" Enzo mumbled and I saw the mischievous look on Charles face.

"Care to join me under the shower, cara mia?" he said, looking at me challenging.

"Sounds like a good idea. It’s also good for our planet… it saves water…" I put the knife down, grabbed the plate with the apple slices and put it down in front of the twins "Eat your fruits kiddos."

"Let’s go pretty girl, let’s save our planet…" Charles grabbed my hand, pulling me with him.

"One day you have to pay for your children’s therapy!" Enzo shouted after us and we both laughed.

"That’s fine. We can sell a car for that."

Montreal 2047:

"Charles. Round 7 here in Montreal, 2 Ferrari wins, but also 2 Ferrari DNFs. What are your thoughts on the season so far?"

"I think we started out pretty well. The DNFs were unfortunate, but you have to put into account that one was due to a damage after a collision, so I’d say only our DNF in Bahrain, where we had a mechanical issue, is something we need to work on." I answered and knew already what the follow up question would be.

"The collision in Miami you mentioned, was between your driver and your son… how do you handle such a sensitive situation?"

"That’s simple. I don’t. Enzo is not my driver. He has a team principal who talks with him after the races. That’s not my job. My job as his father is to tell him he gave his all and it didn’t work out, the next time it will…"

"But he’s driving for your junior team, I’m sure you have a say as well?"

"No, I don’t. Not my team. Not my place to say something."

"So you don’t think, you should’ve said something to Enzo about his attempt to overtake your driver at a corner that simply isn’t made for that? Which caused your driver to retire from the race? Costing Ferrari precious and well needed points?"

"Again. That’s his team principals job. Not mine. I did my job as his dad and that’s it." I said with finality in my voice, hoping the reporter would understand that he wouldn’t get a different answer from me.

"Thank you, Charles."

I nodded and got out, already seeing Enzo and his group preparing for their press conference. He saw me and rolled his eyes a little and I shrugged my shoulders, walking off towards the Ferrari hospitality where Lizzie sat, going through some timetables and documents

"What a bitch!" her first words and I had to chuckle.

"What did you expect. The Spanish media never liked me… why would they start now." I sat down next to her "What’s all that?"

"That are Mira and Callie’s schedules for the next weeks… who would’ve thought that managing two Formula 1 driver and co-directing the F1 Academy was so difficult." she chuckled and I sighed.

"Yeah well… who would’ve thought that being the team principal of Ferrari would only be my secondary problem and my first one would be my son who’s not even driving for my team…"

"I’m sorry they ask you these kind of questions." Lizzie sat up, cupping my cheek "And I’m sorry that Enzo is a little… well he hates that he’s compared to you all the time, so he’s a little frustrated and you’re the one who…"

"I know. And I’m not even mad at him. I’m sorry for him. But more in a way like… I know what good of a driver he is, I mean… he didn’t win his championships for nothing, but F1 is different. The media is different, the expectations… everything. I just don’t want him to crack under all the pressure." I mumbled and Lizzie rubbed soothing circles on my cheek.

"He’ll manage, you’ll see. He just needs time… and a thick skin." she said and I nodded, right when I saw Enzo picking up his microphone and turned up the volume.

"Julia Andres, ESPN Spain, question for Enzo. Out of the 6 races of this season you already had 3 DNFs, and finished only once in the points. Do you think the criticism from other drivers such as Ward Benton or Paolo Vasquez is justified that you only have a seat in F1 because of your famous father?"

"Well, no it’s not justified, because I’m not just here because of my famous father… also because of my famous mother, who won in 3 Formula 1 seasons more races than Benton and Vasquez have won combined in over 11 seasons together." Enzo answered and some of the journalists laughed. Vasquez on the end of the right side of the sofa only clenched his jaw, glaring at him.

"So you don’t think it’s justified?"

"I worked my ass off to be here. I won every junior championship there is on the first attempt. Did I have it easier than others because I never had to think about the finances and never had to think about if I wouldn’t win the next race a sponsor might drop out and I wouldn’t have the money to continue? Yes. I know how privileged I am. I know that the chance that I have to race now in F1 is huge and I have to step up my game to prove that I deserve it. I know that better than anyone else. But to say I’m only here because of my famous last name? No. Not justified. Because right now my last name is more a curse than a blessing… everyone looks at my races, sees my name and asks themselves and that’s the son of Charles Leclerc and Lizzie Doetterer? So yeah… I know that my results aren’t promising, but I’m working hard on turning my season around…"

"Thank you Enzo…"

He smiled but I knew him better than anyone, I saw how defeated and frustrated he was, his shoulders tense.

"I want to go in there and hit them. All of them…" Lizzie was seething, seeing the pain in Enzo’s eyes.

"He handled that pretty well, better than I would have to be honest." I smiled a little and she nodded.

"Still. These kind of questions are unfair… and Benton and Vasquez? I want to hit them too…"

"It’s okay mama bear. I want to hit them too. Or run them over…" I joked and she chuckled a little, then threw all of her stuff into her bag "And now you’re leaving me to look after him… fair enough…" I got up.

"Mama bear has to look for her cub, no?" she laughed and kissed my cheek when she spotted something behind me and I turned around.

Between our motorhome and the Mercedes one all the drivers from the press conference and some more were standing huddled together, Enzo, Benton, Vasquez in the middle, looking at each other like they would kill one other any minute. I walked towards the exit and opened the door, but stopped when I heard the dispute.

"Just admit it, without your famous Dad, you wouldn’t even be here." Benton rolled his eyes.

"Yeah just that he’s a failed mini Leclerc, right?" Vasquez sneered.

"Mini Leclerc-Doetterer… and at least I’m having my parents last name, they weren’t ashamed of me… can’t say that about you and your old man, never once world champion Carlos Sainz jr." Enzo smiled, everyone now staring at Vasquez "Oh right. I forgot. No one knew who your daddy was… well oops… now they know. Now they all know how you made it to F1… because let’s face it, without your dad and his influence in Williams, you wouldn’t be here… you didn’t even drive in any junior series. Straight from karting to F3 and then without a title nothing into F1. Where you drive now for 4 seasons, and only won one race because of a penalty and two disqualifications."

"I swear to god, Leclerc, shut the fuck up or…" Vasquez began when I cleared my throat, making all the drivers flinch.

"Charles." Marco, one of my drivers said and I looked at him "They were just about to go to our teams."

"Yeah… right." Benton said, pulling Vasquez with him, who glared at me.

"Tell your dad I said hi." I shouted after him and then turned around, only Enzo left, Lizzie behind me looking at him.

"Enzo Leclerc! Do you have anything to say?" she sounded mad, but there was something else in her voice, and if I wasn’t mistaken it sounded a little like pride.

"I’m sick of them asking me the same questions again and again! I’m sick of everyone saying I’m only here because of you!" he said looking at us but I shook my head.

"You can’t listen to that, Enzo. You have to ignore it. They will use that against you again and again."

"I know, okay? But it sucks still." he mumbled and Lizzie walked towards him.

"I know Enzo, believe me when I arrived in F1 I had to go through the same… but just because they have this opinion of you, doesn’t mean that they’re right, okay? Do the talking on track. That’s what I did. And your dad as well… just don’t give a fuck about them."

"Hey!" I pinched her side and she laughed "No curse words!"

"Whatever." she rolled her eyes.

"What I’m saying is, you made it this far because of your talent. You’re a damn good driver and it’s time that you finally see that yourself, don’t give a fuck about others, and just focus on yourself. Your race. Your team. You. Don’t listen to anything else." Lizzie nudges his shoulder and I nodded.

"Your mum is right. Always when I had a shitty season and I was too much in my head everything got worse, but the moment I stopped caring about others and started focusing on myself, it was always like the penny dropped and I was able to turn the season around."

"You know how uncle Danny always said fuck 'em all? Well… that’s the kind of attitude you need now… but please stay within the rules…" Lizzie chuckled and Enzo nodded.

"Alright… you’re right. I have to focus on myself." he said and hugged Lizzie, then me "I’m sorry dad, but Marco and Lucas won’t win this weekend. It’s my turn…" he winked once and then walked off.

"Well, I guess you have to talk to your drivers…" Lizzie said and I cocked an eyebrow "They have to watch out for Enzo. If he’s like you? He’s a menace and will force them into making mistakes that he will use to overtake…"

"That was more your field of expertise…"

"Congrats Zo! Damn what a race! Emmie and I woke up the entire hotel." Elio said and Emmie next to him nodded.

"You really kicked some asses today. I’m proud little bro. Seriously. The face of Vasquez and Benton? Priceless. I swear. I can’t wait to talk about it in my next podcast. You should be one of my guests!" Emmie said excitedly and Enzo smiled from ear to ear.

"If I can say whatever I want to? Yes. No PR trained answers. Just what I have to say…"

"Enzo…" Lizzie mumbled and I laughed.

"Maybe tone it down a little, you still have to race for a while with these guys…" I said and Enzo shrugged his shoulders a little.

"How’s New York? The campus? Tell me everything!" he asked and Elio and Emmie began to describe every single detail of their trip.

I looked at Lizzie, how she smiled at our kids, squeezed into Enzo’s side so she could see Emmie and Elio on the screen. She looked up and tilted her head a little and I nodded towards the door and got off the sofa, Lizzie following me.

"What’s up?" she asked and I grabbed her by the waist, kissing her "As much as I like that, something is going on in here…" she tapped at my forehead with her fingers and I smiled.

"Marco will retire at the end of this season…" I began and her eyes widened "John wants Enzo, but only if he proves himself… today was… today was amazing, but he needs more weekends like this."

"And you doubt that he will have them?"

"No! God, cara mia!" I said immediately, shaking my head "I just don’t want to put him under too much pressure. You know? But I also want him to race every weekend like today. If he continues like this? He’ll be driving for us next season."

"You won’t tell him, right?" Lizzie asked and I shook my head.

"I wasn’t even allowed to tell you… but we have no secrets so…"

"Don’t worry, I won’t tell him. He will do just fine, you’ll see. He doesn’t need our help. Not anymore. And if so, he knows he can always come to us…"

"You’re right. He’ll manage." I kissed her cheek and looked at the sofa, where Enzo was telling Elio and Emmie everything about his final overtake of Marco.

He would make it. He would prove that he deserves a seat at Ferrari. He would do just great.

Summer 2048:

"Here, cara mia." Charles handed me a glass of wine and sat down next to me "What are you thinking about?"

"Oh nothing…" I said quietly, but he pinched my side.

"We’re married for almost 23 years, together for more than 25 years, I know you for over 40 years… I know when something is going on in there… so spill the beans…" he pulled me into him, kissing my temple.

"It’s just… Charles we’re 50… our kids are successful young adults. Emmie’s podcast is in the top 10 of the most influential Formula 1 podcasts, one of Elio’s photographs was used in the newest National Geographic magazine and Enzo just won his first race in Formula 1… isn’t it crazy?" I said and Charles was quiet for a while, before he chuckled "What?"

"It’s crazy… you’re right. But it’s wonderfully crazy, don’t you think? Our kids are truly amazing, they go their own way, are their own people, but never forget where they’re coming from…" he said and I nodded.

"Who would’ve thought that this would be our life one day…"

"Me. From the moment I realised that I was in love with you. This was what I was hoping for. You and me. 3 kids. A wonderful house you made into our home. That was the life I was dreaming of…" he whispered and I turned a little, looking at him "I told you before that from the moment I met you, you were intertwined in my brain, my thoughts, my mind, every fibre of my body. You were it for me. I know I took a stupid detour, but at the end of the day it was just that, a detour, just a stupid bump in the road to my destiny. You."

"I always loved how you were able to say things like that out of nowhere…" I smiled at him and he chuckled.

"You’re the biggest inspiration there is." he cupped my cheeks and kissed me, time stopped and for a moment it felt like our very first kiss all those years ago in Miami, after I crashed out, after Charles confessed his feelings for me. I opened my eyes and looked at him. The little freckles on his skin, the gold speckles in his eyes. The boyish smile with his gorgeous dimples. For a moment it all came back and I saw the young boy I fell in love with all those years ago before my eyes.

"I love you, Charles Leclerc."

"I love you, Lizzie Doetterer-Leclerc."

"It’s you and me. Against the world…"

"…always."

The End ♥️

And that’s it. Again, thank you all for reading. It’s been one hell of a ride. ♥️

(Also, congrats Charles on WINNING Monza!!!)

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@itsjustkhaos @eugene-emt-roe @sunny44 @silkenthusiasts @glitterquadricorn @aundercover @kakorrhaphiphobia @alittlebitofbooksandmagic @ru-kru @shimmermotorsport @janeh22 @kahhorri @18754389 @chiliwhore @hellowgoodbye @queensassybitchsworld @harrysdimple05 @skynel09 @fangirlforever2000

[wintfleur]

ᥫ᭡ EEPY ETHANS B-DAY! — Stella Hughes AU!

au masterlist - you can find everything under #👩🏻‍🎨 ͡ ꒱ Stella Hughes!

°. — summary ( ITS ETHANS BIRTHDAYYYYYY 😽 )

˖ ་ 💭 roro’s notes ( I love Stella and Ethan sm , he’s really her brother from another mother 🫶🏻 hope you guys enjoy !! It’s very short because I have a migraine )

stellahughes

liked by dylanduke25 , adamfantilli , nick_moldenhauer and others

🏷️ edwards.73

🎵 22 (Taylor’s version) - Taylor swift

stellahughes; happy birthday to my fav brother 🫶🏻 from almost killing me with a snowmobile, almost drowning me in the lake, to being by my side whenever I make a irresponsible decision, thank you eepy ethan for everything ily 🩷

comments on this post has been limited

📍edwards.73 stells ur the sweetest sis ever love you 🩷

stellahughes pls stop before I sob 💔

edwards.73 STELLAAAA 😭

edwards.73 wait a minute…

edwards.73 I don’t know if I should feel offended or not from the caption 🤨

stellahughes shhh close your eyes and just enjoy the moment

jackhughes HES NOT EVEN YOUR REAL BROTHER ???

carmenbarlowe I think I still have water in my ears from that night

markestapa awee little eepy ethan is a big boy now 🫶🏻

edwards.73 only stells can call me that 😐

_quinnhughes each day i become more worried for you when your in the presence of Edwards

edwards.73 I’m offended, I’m a great influence.

lhughes_06 ethan has never done one thing wrong in his life.

stellahughes he’s almost killed me… MULTIPLE TIMES ‼️

lhughes_06 get better ig

rutgermcgroarty 69 ??? More like 73 😍

edwards.73 you want me so bad bro 🥰

stellahughes babe what🧍🏻‍♀️

ahndaesee his smile, oh my heart ❤️

stellahughes that’s the skin of a killer bella ✨

pshoon2002 he’s the worlds most dangerous predator ✨

ahndaesee LEAVE ME ALONE YOU TWILIGHT FREAKS

_alexturcotte are we just gonna ignore the part where you almost died from a snowmobile and almost drowned?

stellahughes yes 🩷

_alexturcotte okay.

edwards.73 added to their close friends !

[caption1: came over too early and ruined the bday cake surprise (she does the same thing every year)] [caption2: she made me a cake, who would have thought @/stellahughes 🥹]

markestapa replied to your story ‘someone give this man an Oscar with how surprised he acted’

stellahughes replied to your story ‘I don’t appreciate your sarcasm’

ahndaesee replied to your story ‘why did you break into my gfs house ??’

luca.fantilli replied to your story ‘that’s not the cake I wanna see 😏’

Lilybaileys replied to your story ‘she looks so good in those jeans 😮‍💨’

rutgermcgroarty replied to your story ‘I decorated it 🥰’

edwards.73 replied ‘yeah we can tell 💔’

lhughes_06 reacted with ❤️

˖ ་ 💭 roro’s notes ( I love them sobs 💔 , again daisy is the oc of @qoqurt / @yoontwin )

°. — taglist ( @cixrosie @toasttt11 @lovings4turn @bunbunbl0gs @petite-potato4 @winterbarnesblog @yoontwin )

©️WINTFLEUR

[lixie-phoria]

ੈ✩‧ 🎀🩰 ➛ everything's going to be okay

genre : fluff, angst with a happy ending

warnings : descriptions of parental neglect

an : not my best writing :/ (+ his brother's name is haru)

lee know had been so excited. he'd been ecstatic, in fact, when his parents broke the news to the two of you. he loved you with all his heart, so finding out he was having another sibling sent him on cloud 9.

until he wasn't so excited anymore.

his younger brother was everything; the most adorable little baby he had ever seen. but he was a lot of work.

lee know remembers coming home from school one day, the widest grin stretched across his face as he ran up the stairs, with you just barely managing to keep up.

"omma! look!"

"shhh, not now."

he skid to a stop at the door frame, watching his mother rock his brother's cradle, trying to put the crying baby to sleep.

"but i have something to tell you."

"later, minho. can't you see i'm busy?"

the excitement drained out of him, but he nodded nonetheless.

it's ok. his younger brother needed to be looked after right now. he could tell her some other time.

he managed a small smile as you clutched onto his hand from behind, leading him away from the scene.

"it's ok," you mumbled softly, jumping over the toys scattered across the floor.

"but i was so excited to tell her about the dance competition," he grumbled, letting out a yelp as his foot landed on a lego and he was immediately shushed again.

"i know."

minho's eyes searched the audience for any familiar face. his spirits plummeted when he couldn't find any.

they had promised. his parents had given him their word. they said they would make it. then why weren't they here?

it was the dance competition. the same one he'd been so excited about. the same competition he'd been talking about for over two weeks. but somehow his parents seemed to have forgotten.

he had to ask a friend's mother for a lift home that night.

"minho-ah, you did so well!"

his ears perked up when his mother greeted him at the door, ruffling his hair.

"you were there?"

"of course! i wouldn't miss your performance for anything."

"why didn't i see you at the end of the program?"

"we had to come home early because of your father's work."

oh. maybe he had been overreacting, after all.

"did you like the cart wheel i did?"

"yes! you made me so proud."

nevermind.

the seven year old tried to smile as genuinely as he could, but gods he felt terrible. there had been no cart wheel. his mother had lied.

that night he tried to be as quiet as possible as he cried into his pillow, but when he heard your soft footsteps padding across the hallway towards his room, he sighed.

"oppa?"

"go away."

you were his younger sister. he didn't want you seeing him like this. but you slid into the covers beside his anyways, staring at him with sad, innocent eyes.

"i really wanted to watch you perform," you whispered in the silence of the night.

"then why didn't any of you come?"

"omma got busy. haru was having one of his tantrums again, it took all 3 of us to calm him down."

"oh."

lee know felt terrible. partly because he had really wanted his family to be there for his performance, and partly because in that moment he couldn't help but wish that his parents had never decided to have another kid. he loved his baby brother, but everyday he felt like his parents were slipping away from his grasp. things had never been like this when you were a baby.

"i'm sorry," you mumbled. "i know you did well. you always do."

minho hoped his smile was convincing enough as he reached across his pillow to link your hands together.

"thanks, y/n."

"but i want to have a party!"

"your brother is sick! how can you think about a birthday party at a time like this?"

the seven year old furiously wiped the tears from his eyes.

it was his eighth birthday. he wanted to have a birthday party like any normal kid his age. he wanted to call over his friends. he wanted to cut a cake and blow out the candles. he wanted people to sing for him as he cut into the cake. he wanted his old life back.

"but-"

"you can have a birthday party next year. no more discussion on this."

the boy didn't have it in him to fight back anymore. he ran back to his room, sobbing at how unfair his parents were being.

when he slammed the door shut, he wasn't surprised to see you sitting on his bed. this had happened more times than he could count over the past few weeks.

he would fight with his parents. they would send him back to his room. he would cry. you would comfort him. repeat.

"oppa-"

"why are they acting like this?"

he knew the answer just as well as you did.

haru. your younger brother haru.

minho knew bringing up a child was not easy. it was stressful. it wasn't entirely his parents fault. but he just wanted things to go back to how they were before. back when he could hold the attention of his parents for longer than just a few minutes.

"the two of us can go for ice cream instead?" you suggested, making space for him as he climbed into the bed.

"if they let us."

"they will."

he looked down to see you staring back at him determinedly.

"and if they don't, we will sneak out. it's your eighth birthday and we have to celebrate!"

"look at you. already becoming rebellious, huh?"

hearing you giggle made him feel better. only a little bit, but better nonetheless.

when he woke up the day after tomorrow, freshly turned eight, you were the first to wish him, running into his arms the second he stepped out of his room, a hand-made card clutched in your fist.

"i made you a card!"

minho smiled at the little cats you had drawn, the banner you had neatly scrawled happy birthday in and the chocolate taped inside.

"you're welcome!" you yelled, not waiting for his acknowledgement and ignoring your mother who shushed at you.

and somehow, minho felt lighter. he could feel a genuine smile pulling at his lips for the first time in months as he stared at your excited face.

yes, things were hard right now. yes, it would take some time before they would go back to normal.

but if you were trying, despite being in the same position as him, then he decided he would too.

he had you, and that made everything better.

©lixie-phoria, 2023

🏷️ @foxinnie8

[liliesonpandora]

Kissing Them Goodnight

Jake Sully being a loving dad, post-atwow

Jake watched as all his children slept peacefully. He returned from his hunt very late, missing the opportunity to tuck them in and kiss them goodnight. But the one thing he learned is that he would not live with regrets when it came to them. He would kiss them as many times as he could… before it was too late.

He often thought of Neteyam, taken from them too early. He was just a boy with so much more life to live. Jake tried hard to not let the past consume him. Of course he missed his eldest son, the pain was always there. But he had three more children who needed him, children who needed to grow up with a present and loving father.

Jake walked towards the hammock where Kiri slept. Her breathing was slow and even. He leaned down so that his face was level with hers, and he caressed her cheek. She opened her eyes and smiled softly at her father. Jake felt sorry to wake her, but he wanted to hear her voice… it always calmed his heart when he needed it the most.

“Hi Dad.”

“Hi babygirl.”

“I missed you today,” she said with tired eyes. Jake smiled when he heard this and it warmed his heart.

“I’m sorry I took so long, babygirl. But I just wanted to say goodnight and tell you that I love you.”

“I love you more,” she said before hoisting herself up and leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek. Then she laid back down, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

Jake looked at her for a little while longer. She was so beautiful and sweet. Although she was now a teenager, she would always be his little girl. He was still unsure how he and Neytiri were blessed with a gift like Kiri. But he knew the great mother had a plan for her… he just wasn’t sure what it was yet.

Jake finally left Kiri’s side and moved to the second hammock where Lo’ak and Tuk were sleeping. Tuk was glued to Lo’ak’s side as he snored lightly. She was supposed to be sleeping on her own, but she always managed to sneak into someone else’s bed… craving the touch of someone else while she slept. Jake thought it was adorable, but Neytiri thought she should learn to sleep by herself sometimes.

Jake put a hand on Tuk’s cheek and rubbed it gently to rouse her. “Baby, wake up,” he whispered, trying his best not to wake Lo’ak.

“Daddy?”

“Hi, hon” Jake began to lift Tuk out of Lo’ak’s hammock.

“Daddy, I wanna stay with Lo’ak tonight,” she whined.

“Shhh baby, let’s let your brother sleep comfortably. He’s had a long day. You’re gunna come sleep with me and mama.”

“Okay,” she said with some disappointment, probably annoyed that she was woken up only to be removed from her big brother’s side. She rubbed her eyes while Jake held her to his body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist before finally rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and then ran his hand through her hair.

Lo’ak woke up during this exchange.

“Dad?”

“Hey, son. I was just getting Tuk, I’m sorry we woke you. You can go back to sleep.”

“Thanks. Last time she slept with me, I woke up with her leg on my chest and I could barely breathe.”

“Hey!” Tuk cried, having not yet fallen back asleep.

“Sorry Tuk,” he apologized.

Jake laughed lightly at their brief interaction, glad he could save his son from his youngest’s reckless sleeping habits. He needed rest, things had been difficult for him lately.

“Lo’ak?” Jake called to his son quickly before he fell back asleep.

“Yeah, Dad?”

“I love you.”

Lo’ak smiled and replied “I love you too, Dad. Goodnight Tuk.”

“Tuk Tuk, give your brother a kiss goodnight.” Jake lowered her to peck Lo’ak on the cheek. “Night Lo’ak,” she said softly before Jake lifted her back up again.

He gently rubbed his son’s head before walking over to his and Neytiri’s sleeping mat to put Tuk down. He set her gently on her stomach in between himself and his wife.

“Daddy, Tsireya gave me the prettiest shells for a necklace today. But we have to finish making it, it’s not done yet,” she said with pursed lips and closed eyes as her face was squished against the mat.

Jake smiled at the way she updated him on her day. He wished that she could keep having more innocent moments like this.

He rubbed little circles on her back and whispered “You can tell me all about it tomorrow, baby. Go back to sleep now. I love you.” He told her before kissing her temple.

Once her breathing slowed, Jake leaned over to place a kiss on Neytiri’s eyelids. They twitched slightly, but she did not open them. ‘She must be exhausted’ he thought. But almost immediately, she spoke with her eyes still closed, “Ma Jake?”

Jake chuckled to himself before responding, “yes, my love?”

“Why is Tuk not in her own bed?”

“I should ask you that. She was sleeping with Lo’ak when I got here.”

“She’s sneaky… and she sleeps badly, take her please.”

Jake smiled as he knew this would be his wife’s request. He gently brought Tuk over to his other side where he could shield Neytiri from her nighttime antics.

He wrapped an arm around her so she wouldn’t roll too far in her sleep. At the touch, she moved slightly and gripped his arm with her tiny hand. Just then, Neytiri’s arm slipped around his waist and he felt her warmth as she pressed her body into his side. Jake rubbed her back with his free arm, hoping that she got a restful sleep.

There wasn’t much he could do now. Both his girls had a hold on him, so I guess he would be sleeping in this position for now. But this was just the way he liked it, he would hold them close and not let go. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

[serede986]

Boyfriend Jumin HCs~

Gets you a bouquet of roses on every date. When he first saw your excitement on receiving the first bouquet, he got addicted to your happiness, although he refuses to accept it.

Speaking of dates, he arrives exactly 30 minutes before meet-up time. You're not aware of it, so shhh.

He is learning new breakfast recipes from the chef for whenever you stay over. He would wake up early, and prepare to serve you breakfast in bed.

Matching pajamas are ordered for you, him and Elizabeth the third.

Drops Elizabeth in your care, whenever he's out for a business trip and he can't take you with him. He trusts you and no one else.

Neatly folds your clothes and keep it next to his, whenever you visit him for a few days or travel with him.

Will take your advice over every new merger his company makes.

Is obsessed with your voice. He'll listen to you talk for so long, you think he's not invested in your topic of conversation. But believe me, he is. Imagine that love struck look on him.

Loves it when you put his head on your lap and play with his hair or massage his scalp. Count to 100 and he'll be out in a deep sleep.

Kisses your forehead every time one of you leave to part ways.

Will read every favorite romance book of yours, just to learn how to swoon you.

"Elizabeth the third, we need to talk about when your mother comes over. You're precious to me, and so is your mother. But your mother has taken the first place in my heart."

[midwesternvibes]

Time for more Seperated Leo Human AU! (I really need a name good lord-)

As promised, we now get to look into Leon's lore! He's a funky little guy, and shockingly well adjusted!

Lore drop under the cut!

His full name is Leonardo Tomás Esposito, and he is quite proud of it! He picked it out himself when he was about 10 years old, and he's happy to say that he still loves it to this day! (Fun fact: all of the names have double meanings to them hehe)

But anyways, his Mamà is in fact, NOT Big Mama (but it was a solid guess!), her name is actually Mia Esposito! (+10 Fandom points to anyone who can guess her full first name) She is a full time nurse and used to travel around the several NYC hospitals as an on-call nurse, but once Leon was born she stuck her roots down to one and has been there ever since!

She's actually an incredibly interesting character (with her very own arc!) with a lot of depth and meaning. She grew up with her Puerto Rican mother and Italian father, but after a series of misfortunes and despair, she ended up immigrating to NYC to start a new life for herself. About 10 years later she began raising a baby all on her own as a single immigrant mother in New York City (Sound familiar?). Whenever Leon asks about his father she tells him that she doesn't remember his Papá, only that he had the same almond-shaped brown eyes as her baby boy....

But ultimately she doesn't remember him hahaha maybe Leon should stop asking questions and get back to studying!

(Leon knows that she's hiding something, but ultimately he doesn't care about his father that much, he just assumes that he did something to hurt his Mamá and wants nothing to do with the man at all)

Leon and his Mamá are very close, they're very similar to Percy and Sally Jackson from the PJO series, and they would definitely fight God for each other.

Leon was raised very much with the mentality of "It takes a village" and has many aunts and uncles and relatives in the hospital staff that he considers family. Mia couldn't really afford childcare as Leon grew up, as it often came down to food or rent for the month. The hospital staff saw this and absolutely adored little baby Esposito, so they were more than happy to raise him alongside their own children. Mia owes her life to this staff and considers them her family through and through.

As he grew up, Leon saw all his favorite people as nurses and doctors and considered each and every one of them heros. He decided very early on that he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up, and after a terrible injury when he was 14 it cemented the fact that he wanted to be a pediatric surgeon, to help kids just like him.

But the issue is, Leon and Mia definitely do not have enough to cover medical school for Leon on a single nurse's income, even with all the jobs that Mia and Leon have taken over the years. That's why Leon NEEDS the athletic and valedictorian scholarship, without it he won't be able to achieve his dream. The only thing standing in his way is.....

THE HAMATOS

(Except Michael, he's a gift)

Leon is willing to do ANYTHING to get those scholarships, but his Mamá always reminds him that the Hamatos might need it just as badly as he does, and that's about all that's keeping him from REALLY doing anything to hurt/sabotage them. His Mamá has instilled a really strict moral code into his psyche and he won't actually do anything to them, he just....really wants to give his Mamá a better life, one she deserves.

Although, he is kinda curious as to why the Hamato brothers have the same eyes as him......

First // Previous // Next

Whew! That was pretty much just a really intense ramble, sorry there was no actual structure to that, I just really wanted to talk about my Leon lore! Props to anyone who figures out the significance of all the names, and to clear up any confusion, Mia is Half Puerto Rican, half Italian, and Leon is 1/4 Puerto Rican, 1/4 Italian, and 1/2 Japanese (but shhh he doesn't know that yet) and obviously he's got that amazing vitiligo (shout out to anyone and everyone with vitiligo, y'all are amazing and beautiful)

Thanks for reading my lore dump, see ya next time for..... huh idk yet, vote ig

See ya next time!

[stephsbridgerton]

Confessions

My take on how the Lady Whistledown reveal between Pen and Colin could go in s3p2!

TW: Angst

Let me know if you want a second (smutty) chapter in the comments!

Thanks to @barbiewritesstuff for betaing!

Check this story out on Ao3!

Pen was breathless by the time they made it to what she assumed was Colin’s room. Her panic did not allow for her to take much of it in as she turned to face him in the soft light of the moon.

“Colin,” she said, her voice breaking on a sob,”I-”

His eyes were icy and his voice hard, as he cut her off,  “How could you? How could you expose Eloise? Marina?” 

Penelope closed her eyes, taking a breath, her answer surprised even herself, “Because I love you, I’ve loved you from the first day we met. You fell off your horse and even though you were covered in mud, you laughed. You showed me kindness when others would have been cruel.” 

“Pen-” he started, confusion and shock painted his features. 

“Please,” she replied, her voice rough and broken, her eyes pleading with him to let her explain. 

At his silence she continued speaking, “Marina was using you, when my mother found out she was pregnant they decided to trick a young man into marriage and hoped that he wouldn’t notice when the baby came early. I tried - I did everything I could think of. I - I couldn’t let them use you Colin…” she trailed off as she broke down in sobs, hugging her arms to her chest. 

Warm arms enveloped her in a tight hug, “Shhhh,” he breathed into the top of her head, “It’s okay Pen, I-” Colin let out a shuddering breath, “I didn’t realize how far her scheming went.” 

Taking a deep, gasping breath, Pen nodded, trying to calm herself enough to continue, once she had quieted her crying, Colin prompted her again, “What about Eloise? Does this have to do with your apparent falling out?”

A lone tear fell on to her reddened cheek, her heart breaking as she continued to lay her sins bare to him, “She had drawn the attention of the Queen. She thought El was Whistledown, she threatened to ruin your family. I knew that if what El was doing was printed, the Queen would leave your family alone. I didn’t want to publish it, and I published a tame version of the events at that, but I did it to protect your family.”

With that she stayed silent, the occasional hiccuping breath escaping the confines of her lips as a steady stream of tears flowed down her face. She couldn’t bring herself to look up at him, especially with the next statement that left her lips, her voice nothing but a pained whisper, “I would understand if you felt differently now. If you travel for a year I’m sure the scandal would die off, I won’t pose a threat to your future.”

She felt his grip loosen as he pulled away from her slightly, “Pen,” he whispered, as he lifted her chin with a finger, their gaze connecting as he made a confession of his own, “I love you, I’m sorry it took me so long to see it, to see you. I would be a fool to let you go. Let me protect you, as you have protected my family and I.”

The shock of his confession found Penelope on the verge of sobbing again, but the quivering of her lip was put to a stop as Colin crashed his mouth down on to hers, their kiss all consuming, sealing their fate together. 

Colin broke away first, “Pen if I had known, I -” 

“Shhh,” she said, placing her finger on his lips to silence him, “It is alright,” she said with a sad smile.

He brought a hand up to pull hers from his mouth, “No, it is the farthest from alright,” he said, his hold on her getting just a bit tighter than before, “God, you were protecting me, and Eloise, and look how we have treated you. Hell, up until ten minutes ago I was ready to dance on Lady Whistledown’s grave.” 

“You didn’t know,” she said, “I couldn’t tell you, I had to protect you, and El, if the Queen finds out who I am, everyone we know will be threatened. Colin, are you certain you still want to marry me?”

Pen’s heart stopped as his look turned almost dark before she felt his hands shift lower, from her waist to her bum, and she let out a surprised squeal as Colin picked her up with ease, her legs wrapping around his trim waist on instinct and her hands clutching at the back of his neck. 

“You are my dearest friend, and fierce protector, there is nothing that will keep me from marrying you now,” he said, his voice deep and heady, “I only wish I had plucked up the courage to tell you I was interested in you as more than just a friend sooner, much sooner” he ended in a whisper, his lips seeking hers out passionately.  

Footsteps in the hallway brought their embrace to a stand still, Colin’s grip on her vice-like as they both held their breath, the footsteps fading down the hall until they were left in silence once again. 

Colin quickly put her down on her own feet once more, “Forgive me Pen, I should not have- You are too precious to me for me to treat you this way, now and in the carriage, I am a gentleman, I should-” 

Pen gripped his collar with her fingers and pulled him down into a softer, slower kiss, “I find I am not sorry in the least,” she said, a smirk finding its way onto her face. 

Puffing out a laugh, Colin’s gaze fell from her lips to her breasts, and on down. She felt his hands shift on her waist, turning her until her back was tucked tightly against his front and she could feel the hard planes of his body against her feminine softness. Penelope’s breath caught in her throat as she saw them standing in the mirror. 

Colin’s hands framing her hips, his lips pink and slightly swollen from their passionate kissing, how tall his frame was in comparison to her own. While Pen wasn’t one to be caught admiring herself in the mirror, she couldn’t keep her eyes from taking in her own flushed cheeks and chest, how her lips looked slightly puffy and darker than usual, and how dark her irises had become in the face of their passion. 

She continued to watch as Colin traced a finger from her ear, down her neck and across her shoulder, to the strap of her dress, the roughness of his voice surprising her, “I do believe we have some unfinished business, Pen.”

[zenlesszonezero]

You feelin' fired up now? Make way for the undefeated Champion! —Welcome to New Eridu!— PS5™/iOS/Android/PC | Version 1.3 "Virtual Revenge" of Zenless Zone Zero, HoYoverse's urban fantasy ARPG, is out now

[hockeybabe]

Broken Pieces|| J.Tavares

*Gif not mine*

Pairing: John Tavares x wife!reader

Summary: You and Johns life outside of social media is very different and John tries to fix the broken pieces.

Warnings: angst, talk of loneliness, self-doubt, John being a great husband, breastfeeding mentioned.

Word count: 845

Note: Please do not read this if you don’t do well with any of these subjects. I will not go into depth with all of these but it’ll all be mentioned

Posing in front of paparazzi, answering interviews, and posting on social media is easy, but it's exhausting, mentally and physically. You didn't know how John was able to do it; he could answer interviews, do photoshoots and stay up to date with socials.

You on the other hand, didn't do all of that; your account wasn't private, but you never posted about anything other than your kids. John tries his best to make time for you and the kids, but sometimes work takes over.

Sometimes it's hard taking care of kids who are still under the age of four. They both have their own and very much separate needs, and when John is on the road you sometimes cry while breastfeeding, your youngest, who's nine months, and your oldest would cry with you for a different reason.

John would come home seeing you in the boys room lying on the floor sleeping with your eyes red and puffy from crying while the boys slept in their cribs. John would try to get you to talk to him, but you always told him it was nothing.

John was worried about you mentally and physically and started to hate away games because they meant that you were alone for a longer period of time then if it was a home game. Thankfully, today wasn’t one of those days; today he’d have an early home game and come home to help you with everything.

Packing his bag, he makes his way to the front door of the house and drops his bags. Taking a deep breath, he turns around and goes to find you. John walks up the stairs and heads for the boys room, knowing you'd be in there breastfeeding your youngest just before his nap.

"Babe?" John whispers, peeking his head in the door. You smile ever so slightly, nodding at him so he could come in. “How are you doing?” John asks, running his hand through your hair. “Alright.” You answer, giving him a sheepish smile.

But you weren’t feeling alright; if anything you were far from it. You wanted to cry in Johns arms and never stop; you wanted to tell him all your struggles and how lonely you felt these past months. Yet you couldn’t, you had to be a strong mother because your kids came first. Always.

“Babe? You’re spacing out.” John explains snapping his finger in front of your face, with your beautiful baby boy in his arm. You’d be so lost in your own thoughts you didn’t even notice John taking him. It made you hate yourself, what if this happened in public, someone could’ve taken him.

John notices tears brimming your eyes; he places your guys’ son in his crib beside his older brothers crib and takes you into the master bed room. “Babe? Shhh, it’s okay.” He whispers into your ear, holding you close to his chest. He sits down on the bed, pulling you into his lap.

“Let it out. I’m right here.” He reassures you, rubbing your back as you continue to sob into his shoulder. “Breath, baby. You have to breathe.” John whispers, lifting your head off his shoulder, taking your head into his hands. “Follow me, I’m and out.” He repeats slowly as your breathing starts evening out.

“You want to tell me what’s going on?” He asks, with soft eyes. “I’m so tired, John. Its too much.” You whisper, not looking at him. “Fuck baby, I’m so sorry. Tell me what I can do.” John says, he then takes his phone out to call his coach and lets them now he won’t be playing.

It was last minute, but the whole team knew how bad things were going for you. William would come over just to help you out a bit, but even then you were still crying yourself to sleep. “I feel so lonely, you’re always gone for too long and I’m left here with two babies who want you always. When their finally asleep I clean the house and barely get any sleep.” You rant to him, sobbing.

John made sure to listen closely to every word you were saying, figuring out what he could do better. “Shhhh, it’s okay. No more, I won’t let this happen anymore.” He tells you, pulling your head to his shoulder. “How could you possibly stop this.” You mumble into his neck.

“I won’t let the three of you suffer; you all are coming with me everywhere I go. It makes me feel better knowing you all are right there by my side. Knowing that if anything happens I’m right there.” He says looking you dead in the eye as you lift your head to face him.

"So, me, you and the boys altogether?" You ask, smiling softly. "Yes, you, me, and the boys." John promises, with a hopeful smile. "Okay, altogether." You agree, feeling a sign of relief fills your body. You finally have the missing piece in your heart filled.

And it was all because John was able to fix the broken pieces.

[shelby-fangirl00]

Hi darl, I'm so happy to see a new writer for the fandom! I'm Lee and I write for most Peaky characters. I esp adore Tommy tho and I'm curious to know what you'd do with this prompt: "Sing for me." "What would you like to hear?"

Hello! XD I'm so sorry for the late reply, I just had a bit of trouble with this one for some reason! But I had a fun time writing! I'm a little unsure of this but I hope you can enjoy it! Thank you so much for the request, you're the best :)

Word Count: 2359

The song below is incorporated into this story, just for reference.

Sing For Me

The sun poured in through the large windows, creeping through the thin sheets I used to cover my face. I woke up to loud car engines coming through the circular driveway. Being an au pair here at the Arrow House was, of course an absolute gift. It was unlike any place I had ever worked before. But it was also very empty here. The only sounds that floated through the halls are from the maids and Charlie.

 I was hired in a few months after the passing of Mrs. Shelby. I like to imagine that when she was here, the house was lively, something I had never seen before. This mansion felt like an empty museum. I wondered often what life was like around here for Mr. Shelby and Charlie before I was needed. It would bring me comfort to know that they were both truly happy at one time. 

As I walked out of my room and into the hallway, I could hear Charlie rustling around in his bed in the next room over. His door was cracked open slightly. As I peered in to greet him, I saw that he was still sleeping, tossing and turning.

Suddenly, he started to weep. He was in some sort of distress it seemed like. 

‘Charlie…Charlie love, wake up.’ I whispered while I gently shook his arms. 

When he finally opened his eyes to look at me, he started to cry even harder. 

‘Shhhh shhh Charlie…it’s alright dear. It’s just a scary dream.’ I consoled. He often woke up like this. Frances warned me about it when I first got here. He has these night terrors often, ever since his mother died. He was barely two years old at this point. 

Charlie continued to cry harder, becoming louder. It was still quite early, so I worried that I’d wake Mr. Shelby, who was next door. 

Now that I’ve come to understand Charlie, I had a few tricks up my sleeve that I knew to calm him down. He seemed to like when I sang to him. I sang him some of my favorite songs or a song that was stuck in my head. Other times, I would just hum to him and he would drift back to sleep. 

Charlie extended his small, puffy arms in an attempt for me to hold him. I reached out, placing him on my lap. He wrapped himself around me, squeezing around my neck as he clung to me, lying his soft head on my shoulder. 

I began to rock, rubbing his back in an attempt to sooth him. I quietly began to sing a song that he usually responded well to. 

‘I am dreaming dear of you, day by day

 Dreaming when the skies are blue, When they're gray

 When the silv'ry moonlight gleams, Still I wander on in dreams  In a land of love, it seems, Just with you  Let me call you "Sweetheart," I'm in love with you.’

Before I could even finish the song, Charlie’s sniffles stopped and his body became limp, drifting back to sleep. 

I held him there a few moments longer, enjoying the embrace of the child I had grown to love and care for. As the minutes passed, there was a small creak from Charlie’s door. 

I looked up expecting to see Frances, but instead, a disheveled Mr. Shelby stood in his night clothes. His billowy white shirt and boxers. 

I immediately averted my gaze from him, feeling like I was intruding on his privacy, even though he was the one who barged in.  

‘Everything alright? I heard Charlie crying again.’ He said so quietly, as to not wake him.

I very quickly and carefully placed Charlie back into his small bed, covering him with a blanket before standing up. 

‘I apologize if we woke you, Mr. Shelby. Charlie just had another bad dream I believe. He’s settled in now sir.’ I said as I stood in front of him, eyes doing their best to avoid him. He was a very intimidating man to be around. 

‘No need for an apology dear. Would you mind leaving me with him for a little while?’ He questioned. 

I couldn’t help but to look at him and smile before answering. I liked seeing him spend time with his son. He needed his father more than he needed me. 

‘Of course, sir. I’ll be downstairs in the library if you need me.’ 

                                                            ------

Charlie and I spent most of the day in the stables. He loved being outside more than the empty house, so I usually had a picnic made up for us out on the large property. He was the only person I really ever saw or spoke to these days, but I don’t mind, he is great company and always keeps me entertained. I just hope I do the same for him. I can tell that he misses his father.

It was winding down towards the end of the night. Charlie had been asleep for well over an hour by now. I had just finished helping Frances clean up in the kitchen. With nothing else to do, I decided to head upstairs to my bedroom.

As I headed down the long hall towards the stairs, I passed Mr. Shelby’s large office. The tall and dark door was wide open, which was out of ordinary. A low light crept out of the doors and on the hallway walls. As I walked by, I glued my eyes on the wooden floor. 

Just as I passed the door frame, I heard his deep voice call my name from inside the room. My stomach tightened as I realized I had never been alone with Mr. Shelby and I was petrified for it to happen. 

‘What can I do for you, Mr. Shelby?’ I practically mumbled out as I stood in the doorway, too scared to enter.  

He was sitting casually on the edge of his desk with a glass of whiskey in hand. His sleeves were rolled up his arms sloppily. His expression didn’t give away what he wanted from me. He was expressionless. 

‘Shut the door please.’ He commanded. 

I did as he asked, fear creeping up my stomach, into my chest. 

‘I heard you and Charlie this morning. I heard you singing to him.’

Was he offended by my practice? Did I cross a line? 

Your cheeks flushed red as the embarrassment set in.

‘Oh…yes, it’s just something I do when he has his nightmares. If…if you want me to stop-

‘Does he like it when you sing?’  He questioned, his voice becoming a bit softer when talking about his son. 

‘I believe it does. It stops his crying, at least. But it mostly puts him to sleep.’ I giggled out, smiling in his direction while talking about Charlie. 

Thomas studied my face a few seconds, chuckling to himself. A small smile crossed his face too, which was new. His dimples peaked out from each cheek. I liked seeing him smile. 

‘Well then, please don’t stop. I’m happy that it brings him some comfort.’ 

 There was an awkward silence for a few seconds before he spoke again. 

‘You drink whiskey?’ Asking as he strutted over to a cart full of liquor by his desk. 

‘If you’re offering, thank you.’ 

I studied his broad shoulders and back as he poured out the drink, then headed towards me.

I had never been so close to him before as he stood a foot away from me, extending the glass out for me to take. 

He blue eyes never left my face as I threw back the glass, the dark liquid warming up my insides. 

‘So, you like to sing?’ he asked, leaning back on his desk again. I inhaled deeply and took a few steps closer to him, closing the now awkwardly large gap between us. 

‘Well, I suppose. Me mum always forced me to sing for her and her friends when I was a little girl. I prefer singing to Charlie over them though. He doesn’t expect much out of me.’ I chuckled while thinking again about Charlie.  

‘I can tell that you care deeply for my son. I called you in here to thank you. He’s been through too much for his age. I am happy to see him happy again.’ He spoke like he was reading off of a piece of paper. Still, I appreciated the recognition. 

‘Of course. I really do love being here with him, even if it is a bit…lonely here sometimes.’ 

 It was easy to see how lonely he was too, without his wife. It broke my heart to know he was hurting. I cared so much for his son that it was hard not to care about him too.  

His eyes looked up from his glass, a surprised expression on his face.

‘I think I know what you mean. It can eat away at ya if you’re not careful though.’ He warned me.

‘You know from experience, I assume?’ I asked sheepishly, prying a little more.

‘Well, of course. I’ve lived in this loneliness for a while now, love.’ He said lowly and plainly as he sipped on his drink. 

‘Right well,’ he declared as he walked around his desk to sit back in his chair, leaving me stranded, feeling exposed in the middle of this large room. 

‘I need to hear more of this voice of yours, since Charlie loves it so much.’

My heart sank with dread. 

‘Sorry?’ I chuckled out with a confused expression covering my face. 

‘Sing for me.’ He affirmed, smiling devilishly, knowing that putting me on the spot like this would make me fluster. 

A few moments passed in complete silence. I shot back the rest of my whiskey  before placing the glass on his desk. I cleared my throat obnoxiously before placing my hands behind my back.

‘What would you like to hear?’

His eyes scanned the length of my body before answering.  I became over aware of my most-likely underwhelming appearance. 

‘What did you sing to the boy today that put him to bed?’

‘Uhm… It’s called ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart.’ Ya know it?’ 

‘Yes, perfect. Go on then, I insist.’

I smiled at him before taking a deep breath. I opened my mouth to repeat the same song from this morning, wanting to get this over with:

‘I am dreaming dear of you, day by day

 Dreaming when the skies are blue, When they're gray

 When the silv'ry moonlight gleams, Still I wander on in dreams  In a land of love, it seems, Just with you  Let me call you "Sweetheart," I'm in love with you.’

I looked back up at Thomas who was already staring at me, a glimmer in his eyes. 

‘Charlie is right. You’ve got quite a lovely voice, dear.’ He stood up and made his way to stand in front of me again. 

I grinned up at him as to say thank you. 

And a pretty smile as well. You’re very beautiful.’ 

I nearly froze from his words, my breath quickening. 

‘Oh, please. Thank you, but you’re so beautiful, it’s almost annoying, Mr. Shelby.’ I giggled out nervously, hoping I wasn’t being too forward. But he was, so what was the harm?

He cocked an eyebrow at me.

‘Please call me Tommy, love.’ He muttered out.

Without saying another word, Tommy began to push my long and frizzy hair behind my ear. I inhaled sharply as his hand made contact with me. He was definitely coming onto me. Was this appropriate? It was hard to say no to a man like Thomas Shelby. Everything about him was intoxicating.

“Are you going to kiss me, Tommy?’ I whispered, batting my eyes sensually at him as I wetted my lips, pushing my lips passed my teeth.

His hand made its way to lightly tilt my chin up to him before he leaned down to press his warm lips onto mine. I was basically trembling with excitement and a bit of fear. The fear fell off of me as he deepened his kiss. He wrapped his hands around my cheeks and pulled me further into his body. I could feel his muscular chest pressed against mine as he sank into my mouth. I opened the kiss to allow his tongue access inside. He greedily accepted the invitation with more force. The kiss was became so needy.

Without thinking, I threw my hands into his hair and gripped lightly onto his loose brown strands. He moaned softly into my mouth, sending vibrations through my body. 

“Mommy! Mommy!’ Charlie cried out from behind us. My eyes shot wide open as both Tommy and I practically sprung off of each other. 

Charlie ran up to me with tears in his eyes, clinging to my legs and squeezing.

Completely flushed and still trying to recover what just happened, I picked up Charlie instinctively, bouncing him up and down to calm him down. 

I turned around to see Tommy was who holding back a giggle. 

‘Tommy, I try to correct him when he says this, I swear.’ I worryingly assured him. I hoped it hadn’t offended him.

‘No, no, please don’t apologize. He doesn’t know any better…it’s quite adorable, actually.’ He said jokingly while giggling.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head at him before turning to face the door. 

“I should try to put him back to bed.’ I exclaimed as I headed towards the door. 

‘I’ll join you, then. I wouldn’t mind hearing you sing again, either.’ He said teasingly, coming up on my side and placing his large warm hand on the small of my back as to lead me out of the doorway with him. 

‘You will? Oh Tommy, I think Charlie would love that!’ I beamed up at him as he smiled down at me. For the night, I felt as though I saw a side of Tommy that he hides away from others. To the outside world, Tommy Shelby was a ruthless gangster and business man. Here at the Arrow House tonight, he was just Thomas. He was just a man.

[persimmonsimmer]

Mariam: “So you and James are still—?”

“Shhhh,” Farah hissed. Their mother was just in the next room, doing the town’s taxes or who knew what boring mayoral activity--and probably eavesdropping, too. “And duh. You saw him walk me home.”

Mariam: “I also saw Idara sending you death glares all day long. The vibes are getting super awkward.”

Farah: “You’re one to talk.”

Mariam: “That’s different. Iris and Joanna and I aren’t the jealous types.” Her stomach gave a little flip of protest, which she ignored.

“Yeah right,” Farah said, just as Mariam, this time, let out a low but urgent shhh and turned pointedly back to her history report.

Nadya: “How’s the homework coming along?”

“Almost done,” they said, in unison.

Nadya: “Excellent. Remember, your father and I are having some people over for dinner, so that means an early dinner for the two of you and then free time in your rooms until bedtime. You can take a couple of snacks into your rooms with you as long as you’re careful not to get crumbs everywhere.”

Farah: “Sounds great!”

Mariam picked up on the sarcasm in her twin’s voice, but if their mother did she gave no indication.

Mariam just kept her head down. So their parents seemed determined to treat them like little kids forever—that was nothing new. Nor were the boring adult-only dinner parties her mother had been holding nearly every week in order to schmooze with the town’s voters. But so what? She’d realized early on that rebellion was stupid—best just to ride it out until she was old enough to call her own shots.

[carylerxsecretsanta]

Not Just a Trim

Written for: @madwomanlexie

Title: Not Just a Trim Author: @breb23 Rating: M  Summary: Part two of this series! Takes place a few years after season 11 (let's pretend everything is resolved in France and we are back home lol). There's some Christmas-y smut in this so proceed with caution hahaha. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas ❤️💚

She wakes to clanging downstairs, followed by a curse. Bright white light is seeping through the curtain and she can hear the muffled splat of wet snow against the window.

She slips into the wool socks Lydia had made for her last week as an early Christmas present. The previous year, Lydia had snuck a knitted hat under her door on Christmas Eve, too nervous to announce the present she had spent days making.

Carol ambles to the bathroom to get ready for the holiday, a small smile on her lips. 

She pads downstairs, still pajama clad, and sighs with contentment as warmth seeps into her bones.  She hears him in the kitchen and her heart swells as her family comes into view- Lydia stirring something sweet on the stove while Daryl rinses something in the sink with one arm, their little bundle in the other. 

❄️❄️❄️

Daryl and Aaron had found Cecilia on a stifling August day, between the border of Virginia and North Carolina. It was supposed to be a long supply run, at least a month. So when Carol saw their car pull back into Alexandria after just two weeks, her stomach filled with dread. Assuming the worst as she ran towards their car, her eyes raked over Daryl in the passenger seat, looking for signs of injury.

Instead she found him smiling back at her with pride and trepidation and love, so beautiful and unexpected that her breath was stolen away. He opened the car door and took her under his arm, her face tucked in his neck. It was a closeness he rarely displayed publicly, but at that moment  he didn't seem to care. 

"Missed you," he exhaled, his nose burrowed in her hair.  He kissed her then with a vigor she matched instantly, her hands moving to his shoulders. Her eyes flew open when she felt her, soft and warm. 

There, snuggled into Daryl's arm, was a sleeping baby whose lips squished into a purse and tongue sucked against the cool evening air, as if dreaming about milk. Carol hadn't had words yet, didn't know how to react or what this meant but she'd quickly brought them inside, pulling a soft blanket from the couch to wrap around the baby. Her hands had wrapped the bundle with muscle memory she didn't realize she still possessed. 

Daryl explained that her biological mother must have known she wasn't going to live and barricaded herself outside of the small mountainside cottage. Aaron took down her walker form while Daryl tore at the wooden planks, barging into her nursery moments later. Hands shaking, he had scooped up the screaming infant, her eyes tearless from dehydration.  Cecilia was painted above her crib in a pale yellow cursive. 

"Shhh, I gotcha, I gotcha," he had whispered, his eyes scanning the room for formula. In the end, Aaron had found a stockpile of what she would need in the closet of the nursery. They left a few hours after, heading straight back to Alexandria.

It'd been Carol's idea, after all, the same day they’d come back from the run. She knew it was an impossible idea- she and Daryl raising an infant after all they had lost. Yet, seeing Daryl whisper softly to her while peering up at Carol had taken away any question that this was his baby- no, this was their baby. 

❄️❄️❄️

"Morning!" Lydia smiles, her eyes sparkling with childlike glee. Carol blinks away the memory and takes Lydia into a warm hug, squeezing her with all of the love she could muster. 

"Good morning, sweetie," she says warmly, sniffing the pot of cinnamon sticks and cider. "Wassail?"

"I, uh, showed Lydia how to make it. Thought you might like to wake up to it like when you were younger. Dunno if we did the right-"

"You remembered," Carol whispers with a smile, blinking quickly to keep her tears at bay. "You always remember." 

She walks over to him now, nuzzling into his arms that wrap so naturally around her shoulders. She smooches Cecilia's warm cheek, and is rewarded with a gummy smile. 

"'Slept real good. Only had to feed her once during the night," Daryl smiled down at Carol, his eyes hidden behind the fringe of hair. Carol had briefly woken to the steady gulp and suck of Cecilia and fallen back asleep upon Daryl's gentle fingers on her back, stroking sleepily back and forth as he fed their baby. 

Carol brushes Daryl's hair away from his face, tutting her tongue. "You, sir, need a haircut. Lydia, can you watch Cece for a bit?" 

"Yeah, but don't be too long," Lydia grimaces with slight disgust in a way only a teenager can exude.

Carol chuckles and Daryl rolls his eyes, ducking his head while they make their way upstairs and into the bathroom. Carol grabbed the pair of scissors in the cabinet but was quickly spun around against the door, scissors clattering to the floor near Daryl's toes.

"Watch it, you could've lost a foot!" Carol cried out, but was quickly silenced by Daryl's lips against hers.

"Don't care," he mutters in her mouth, his tongue grazing her lip. He pushes her against the bathroom door, the taste of cinnamon and cider and Daryl intoxicating her. Her hips lift against his as he grazes his palms across her sides, over the flare of her hips and settling on her ass. He squeezes, his hot breath ticking the hollow space beneath her ear. She is putty against him as one hand trails down her thigh, closing around the back of her knee. He hitches her leg around his hip, and they both moan at the friction. Her hands slip under his shirt, blunt nails raising goosebumps in their wake. She runs her fingers through his chest hair and tugs. 

"Fuck, Carol," he growls, pushing away long enough to pull her plaid pajama pants to her ankles. Kicking off his own, they come together again, their kisses fighting for control. 

Daryl lifts her off the ground, setting her on the counter as her thighs bracket his hips. He grinds himself against her center, slippery with need.

"Daryl," she whispers as he positions himself against her. Her arms loop under his, hands grasping the angle of his shoulder blades. He's hard and taut where she's pliable as he enters her in one slow motion. 

"Mmmm?" He mumbles into her ear, nibbling light enough to earn a gasp from her. His thrusts are slow and deep, and he ignores her desperate attempts to move faster. His hands trail under her, lifting her against him and she moans at the subtle change in position.

She can feel a knot building deep in her as he takes control. He licks and sucks the web where her neck and shoulder meet, his tongue memorizing her with every stroke. She's heavy with need, clinging to him and he bites down on her neck and she feels herself begin to flutter around him, her body melting in his arms. He lifts his mouth from her shoulder just to muffle her cries with his lips, her mouth open and breathy against his. 

She feels him throb inside of her, her walls pulling him deeper and deeper until there's nowhere else to go. He makes no attempt to muffle his own moans, spilling himself deep inside her walls as he mutters her name like a prayer. 

Their heartbeats are racing against each other as he slumps over her, still cradling her body with one hand and his other underneath her. She is sated and sleepy, enjoying the quiet stillness of his company, no words needed to express their love. It's always been like that. 

He pulls away when she begins to tremble from the draft coming in through the bathroom window. He grabs a towel and lightly drags it across her skin, cleaning and then kissing her as he trails from her knees to her thighs, before lifting her pants back.

Pulling up his own, he reaches over and taps her lightly on the butt. "C'mon, lunch time," he smirks, a light blush on his cheeks.

"When did you become an ass man, Daryl?" she questions quietly, her eyebrow raised and lips pursed in a flirt as they walk down the stairs. 

His blush deepens, trailing down his neck. "Stop," he mutters, and she giggles in response. 

As they reach the kitchen, Carol lifts Cecilia into her arms, blowing raspberries into her daughter's onesie-clad tummy. Her belly laugh is contagious, and they all join her. The roast Daryl had caught the night before was almost ready, the aroma wafting in the kitchen as Daryl checks the meat. 

"Wait," Lydia gasps suddenly, peering down at Daryl. "She didn't even cut your hair!" She yells out in horror, and Carol laughs harder, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much. Lydia starts laughing despite herself. 

Daryl mumbles something about not having a scissors, ears pink with embarrassment, which just makes them laugh harder. Cecilia joins in, and Daryl can't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all. Shaking his head, he stalks back over to Carol, grabbing her face dramatically as he kisses her, not caring anymore about the complaints from Lydia. 

"Merry Christmas, baby," he murmurs to Carol, his eyes shining with emotion. Her eyes mirror his, so thankful for the man in front of her.

"Merry Christmas, Pookie."