#golf breaks in Spain

[teetimesbooking]

10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Golf Break in Spain

Spain is a golfer's paradise, offering an array of stunning courses set against breathtaking backdrops, luxurious resorts, and a rich cultural experience. For those seeking to escape their everyday routine and indulge in a golfing getaway, planning the perfect golf break in Spain can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options available, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure an unforgettable experience.

1. Choose the Right Destination

When planning your golf break in Spain, selecting the right destination is paramount. Spain boasts a plethora of renowned golfing regions, each offering its unique charm. The Costa del Sol, for instance, is famous for its sunny weather and luxurious golf resorts, making it a popular choice among golfers. On the other hand, the Costa Blanca features stunning coastal views and a variety of courses suitable for all skill levels. If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, consider regions like the Iberian Peninsula or the Balearic Islands, where you can enjoy both golf and the serene beauty of nature.

Researching and choosing the right destination based on your preferences for weather, landscape, and local amenities will set the tone for your entire trip. Each region has its distinct character, and your choice will shape your overall experience. For instance, if you’re interested in exploring Spanish culture and cuisine, a golf break in Barcelona might be ideal, while those looking for a beachside escape might prefer the courses in Marbella.

2. Research and Book Tee Times in Advance

Once you have settled on a destination, the next step is to research and book your tee times in advance. Popular golf courses can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. By reserving your tee times ahead of time, you can secure your spot on the courses you want to play and avoid any disappointment. Websites like teetimesbooking.com offer convenient tools for booking tee times at various courses in Spain, allowing you to compare prices and availability with ease.

Additionally, consider the time of day you want to play. Early morning tee times can offer a cooler climate and quieter courses, while afternoon rounds might provide a more leisurely pace. Keep in mind that certain courses may have specific rules regarding dress codes or tee time policies, so be sure to familiarize yourself with these before your visit.

3. Consider Accommodation Options

When it comes to accommodation, you have a myriad of options to choose from. From luxurious golf resorts with on-site courses to boutique hotels in the heart of the city, your choice will significantly impact your overall experience. Many golf resorts offer package deals that include accommodations, meals, and tee times, providing excellent value for money.

If you prefer a more local experience, look for charming guesthouses or apartments that allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of the area. Staying close to your chosen golf courses will minimize travel time and maximize your enjoyment on the green.

4. Plan for Travel Logistics

Travel logistics are essential when planning a golf break in Spain. Consider how you will get to your destination and whether you need to rent a car for easy access to the courses. Spain has a well-connected public transport system, but having a rental car can provide you with more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore multiple courses or travel between regions.

Additionally, if you’re flying into Spain, be sure to check the baggage policies for your airline, especially if you’re bringing your golf clubs. Many airlines have specific regulations regarding sports equipment, and knowing these details ahead of time can save you frustration and unexpected fees.

5. Pack Accordingly

Packing for a golf break in Spain requires careful consideration of the climate and specific needs of your trip. Spain's weather can vary greatly depending on the season and region, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing for both warm days on the course and cooler evenings. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for daytime play, while layers can help you stay comfortable when temperatures drop.

Don’t forget to pack essential golf gear, including your clubs, balls, tees, and any personal items you may need, such as sunscreen or a hat for sun protection. Investing in a good quality travel bag can help protect your clubs during transit and make it easier to navigate through airports.

6. Mix Golf with Local Experiences

While the primary focus of your trip may be golfing, don’t forget to take advantage of the rich culture and experiences Spain has to offer. Spend some time exploring the local cuisine, art, and history of the region. Many golf resorts and courses are located near charming towns and cities, where you can indulge in delicious tapas, visit historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.

Consider scheduling your rounds of golf alongside visits to local attractions. For example, after a morning of play at a beautiful course, you can head to a nearby village to sample regional wines or enjoy a traditional Spanish meal. This blend of golf and local experiences will enrich your trip and create lasting memories.

7. Stay Hydrated and Fuel Up

Golfing can be physically demanding, especially in warmer climates. Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your energy levels and enhancing your performance on the course. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your rounds. Many golf courses in Spain have water stations, but it’s wise to carry a water bottle with you to ensure you stay hydrated throughout your game.

In addition to hydration, fueling your body with the right foods will enhance your stamina and focus. Opt for nutritious snacks before your round, such as fruits, nuts, or energy bars, to keep your energy levels up. After your game, treat yourself to a hearty meal at the clubhouse or a nearby restaurant, where you can indulge in local culinary delights.

8. Be Open to New Experiences

A golf break in Spain offers the perfect opportunity to try new experiences, both on and off the course. If you have the chance, consider participating in a golf clinic or lesson to improve your skills. Many clubs offer group lessons or clinics with experienced instructors, providing a great way to learn from the pros while enjoying the company of fellow golfers.

Off the course, embrace the opportunity to engage in local activities. Whether it’s taking a flamenco dancing class, attending a cooking workshop, or exploring the natural beauty of the region, being open to new experiences will enhance your overall trip and create unforgettable memories.

9. Connect with Fellow Golfers

One of the joys of a golf break in Spain is the opportunity to connect with fellow golfers. Whether you’re traveling with friends or meeting new people on the course, the camaraderie of the game is one of its most rewarding aspects. Engage in conversations with fellow players, share tips and stories, and enjoy the social side of golf.

Consider joining local golf groups or forums online to connect with other golfers who share your passion. This can lead to new friendships, valuable insights into the best courses, and recommendations for local attractions and dining options.

10. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Finally, the most crucial tip for planning the perfect golf break in Spain is to remember to relax and enjoy the experience. Golf is about more than just the score; it’s about enjoying the journey, the challenge, and the friendships formed along the way. Allow yourself the freedom to indulge in the beauty of the courses, the culture of the region, and the joy of the game.

As you navigate the challenges of planning, remember that flexibility is key. Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from unplanned experiences or unexpected encounters. Embrace the spirit of adventure, and your golf break in Spain will surely be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Planning an unforgettable golf break in Spain involves careful consideration of various factors, from choosing the right destination to packing appropriately. By following these ten tips, you can create a balanced itinerary that includes both exceptional golf and rich cultural experiences. 

Spain's diverse landscapes, stunning courses, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly special destination for golf enthusiasts. So gather your clubs, book your tee times, and get ready to create lasting memories on the fairways. With the right preparation, your golf breaks in Spain will undoubtedly leave you eager to return for more.

[httpsserene]

𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 - 𝐜𝐬. 𝟓𝟓 & 𝐥𝐧. 𝟒 | 𝐒𝐎𝐒 |

𝐬𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫

summary: you can't complain about being paid to soak up the heat of the spanish sun and serve drinks— if you can ignore the flirting middle-aged men. however, this summer could be your last. you need to decide if you're returning next year by the end of the day. if only there was a sign to help you make up your mind.

content warning: fluff. light flirting. world-building and backstory. ignore my questionable spanish. no beta we die like summer silly season 2k24.

pairing: poly! carlos sainz jr x lando norris x phd-student fem!black!reader

from, serene: just a little teaser, a lil prologue, to establish the vibes and vague characteristics of the reader ! i’m using my light understanding of spanish (as an unfortunate no sabo kid) to get through this, so pls ignore thx.

⌕ join taglist | feedback & requests | upcoming chapters | table of contents | sip of sunshine | next ↻

The sweat beading along your hairline causes your edges to curl and lift. The cooling effects of the portable fan dangling around your neck are negated by the suffocating humidity of a mid-August summer day, yet it enhances the scent of sweat, sunscreen, and the hints of your faded perfume. Your appreciation for the dry-fit fabric of your uniform is refreshed; if it wasn’t moisture-wicking, your resignation email would’ve been submitted with haste.

But, the uniform does its best to protect you from the Spanish heat, and the pay (and tips) are satisfying. You make enough money to live frugally and cover any expenses that your financial aid and scholarships don’t during the school year. This meant you didn’t have to juggle being a full-time student and a full-time worker to survive. Working the beverage cart is perfect—you can’t be mad about serving drinks to men who have more money than they know what to do with, and even though you despise the fact that they freely flirt (terribly, at that) with a wedding band shining bright on their left ring finger—it pays your bills. As much as that disgusts you, this was always meant to be a temporary job, a stepping stone. You weren’t planning to continue working here after you got your undergraduate degree. And now, after graduating, a fancy company has hired you and is offering to pay for you to get a PhD. So, of course, you accepted their offer of free education and a job. This means there’s no reason for you to continue working as a cart girl at Golf La Moraleja in Madrid.

But, it’s Spain! Summer in Spain, at that, it’s a massive difference from a monotonous school year back in America. And, you don’t even have to pay for an apartment in Madrid (which is out of your tight budget, anyway) because your parents live here, and they’re always desperate to have you at home rather than out living on your own. The shining summer sun keeps your melanin strong, too. You’ve made friends out of colleagues, good friends. You’ve made good memories, a good resume, stupid choices, near-death experiences—you’ve made a time out of your early twenty-somethings. You don’t want to let it go.

Yet, it seems like it’s time. You don’t need the money, even though having extra income would be terrific in this economy. It would probably exhaust you during a break that’s supposed to be relaxing from your PhD studies. You’ve regained all fluency in the Spanish language that you lost growing up in the States. You’ve been a cart girl for four years, maybe it’s time to start a new chapter and leave this behind. The cart bounces over a bump in the pavement and breaks your train of thought. Your body tenses at the sound of the cans and bottles clinking together louder than you’d like. You do not want to stay late on your last day cleaning out melted sticky alcohol from the cooler. It’s ironic—you would think that with your four summers of experience, you wouldn’t let your mind wander while driving. The clock beeps its warning of fifteen minutes till the end of your shift, and you sigh. Directing the cart back towards the first hole of Course One, you’re aware that if there’s anybody present who wants a cold drink, they will be your last customer of this season or even your last customer for forever.

You lift your foot off the gas pedal as you see three figures become visible on the green, readying yourself for what could be your final service. You halt the cart, turning off the engine and smoothing out the skirt of your uniform as you stand and walk out a few steps.

“¿Qué puedo servirles de beber?”

You catch the attention of one of the men, an older gentleman who greets you kindly and informs you that he needs something strong if he’s going to be dealing with the other two for eighteen holes. You laugh politely, glancing at the men who have yet to notice your presence. The taller brunette is annoying the shorter, poking and prodding at his stance, seemingly teasing him about his form. Your smile brightens at the sight before you redirect your focus to your current client, and you begin to talk him through his options for the stronger alcohol you’re carrying today.

He easily downs a shot of whiskey and takes a bottle of beer with a lime off your hands before he turns to gather the others’ attention.

“¡Mijos!” The men at this point, have dissolved into boyish squabbling that carries over to where the two of you are standing by the cart. They silence easily at the older man’s call, heads snapping in your direction with widened eyes. Oh fuck, that is what your brain thinks at the view.

The taller, tanner one, is handsome. He’s built—broad shoulders, plush lips, a strong nose, wide brown eyes, and long eyelashes that he has no reason to have. The shorter, paler one, is beautiful. Pretty, even. He’s not quite grown into himself yet, you can tell. But, the youthful mischief lingering in his blue eyes is alluring, especially when paired with his cute sunburnt cheeks, and the big grin showing the cute gap in his teeth—did you say he’s cute already?

As they near the cart, you notice that Brown-eyes (you’ve decided on using descriptors because of the lack of names) shares the same eye shape as the older man you’ve served. He must be his son, or related to him at least. Blue-eyes must be a friend, or family, you suppose, if he acquired all the recessive traits during his genetic raffle. You exchange greetings with the two, dismissing the shakiness of the younger’s voice as shyness.

“¿Algo que quieran beber, señores?”

“Can you ask her if she has anything non-alcoholic?” The British-accented English spills from Blue-eyes’s mouth, and you understand that his greeting sounded nervous because of his lack of fluency.

“I do have a selection of non-alcoholic drinks—,” you start, smiling as all three men look surprised at your code-switching, “—That I can tell you about in English if you’d like?”

“Oh, I would like that very much, please,” the words tumble from Blue-eyes in one breath, the Spanish men laughing at his relief of being able to communicate in his native tongue.

“Not fluent in Spanish yet, huh?” You tease him lightly, with a soft smile to communicate your lightheartedness.

“I have terrible teachers,” Blue-eyes laughs pitchily, and both Spaniards gasp in faux-dismay of his words as he continues, “If you couldn’t tell.”

“I am not a terrible teacher,” Brown-eyes clarifies, accent curling around his words,  “You just do not listen to me when I try to teach you!”

“That’s not my fault! How am I supposed to stay focused when I’m talking to you?”

Brown-eyes seems surprised at that response, his eyes appearing to widen even more at the words. Blue-eyes realizes what he said during the pause of banter, his cheeks flushing even redder beneath his sun-baked skin.

“Well,” you clear your throat, eager to dismiss whatever that was about, “While I don’t know if he’s a bad teacher or not—I can assure you that I’m a great teacher when it comes to the non-alcoholic drinks I can serve you today!”

All three men seem to relax at your seamless dismissal, and you can feel Brown-eyes look at you thoughtfully as you ramble a relaxed script about what you're carrying to Blue-eyes. There’s a brief moment where Blue-eyes turns to his(?) father, for his opinion on what he should order, and you look away, making eye contact with Brown-eyes. His eyes are softer, and he nods at you, as if in thanks for your earlier redirection. You do the same, and shrug your shoulders lightly as if to say, “All good.”

Blue-eyes’ voice calls for your attention as he orders a refreshing virgin cocktail, and you turn to start mixing it for him.

“You know,” you think aloud, “If you ordered an alcoholic drink, I wouldn’t believe you’re old enough to be served?”

“Hey! I’m twenty-one, I can even drink in America now!”

You turn to look at him with narrowed eyes, tilting your head to the side dramatically before shaking your head as if you don’t believe him. Brown-eyes and his dad (you’re confident in their relationship), chuckle at this interaction, in a way that leads you to believe they’ve heard it before.

“Aww,” you coo, as you salt the rim of his plastic cup, “Twenty-one! You’re such a baby! I would think your I.D. is fake if I ever saw it.”

“I’m not a baby,” Blue-eyes pouts, his eyes brightening as he thinks of a response, “Wait—well, you look too young to be serving alcohol!”

“I’m taking that as a compliment, not an insult since I’m older than you. Beautiful brown skin like mine doesn’t show age, at least that’s what my mom says. Anyways—there’s nothing wrong with being baby-faced, it means you look young for longer.”

Blue-eyes ponders that train of thought as you add a slice of lime as garnish. You hand the drink off to him, waiting for him to take a sip to see if it’s to his liking. His eyes flutter shut as he swallows, with a tiny moan of approval following, and wow, that sounded like a different type of moan. It’s enough to cause your mind to drift to other scenarios where you may be blessed to hear that noise in, and you make the mistake of letting your gaze cross Brown-eyes again. 

There’s a hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, and his eyebrow is raised at you slightly—like he’s aware of your train of thought. Hmm, you think, is that because he’s experienced the same train of thought as yourself, or is it because he’s gotten to hear that beautiful sound in the way you want to? It’s also possible that he thinks you’re just desperate, too. You blink at him, forcing your expression to remain innocent, before Blue-eyes speaks gleefully, breaking the tension once more. 

“This is the best drink I’ve ever had!”

You’ve heard those words hundreds of times on the course, but hearing them from him has you suddenly feeling bashful, waving his words away with a hand before you address Brown-eyes.

“¿Para beber, señor?”

“Please, cálmate. I thought you were talking to my father,” he responds, and the older gentlemen, confirming your suspicions about his relation, laughs.

“And—there’s no need to call me sir. Not in this context.”

Blue-eyes chokes on his drink next to you and it’s enough to distract you from responding to whatever that was supposed to imply. Okay, you panic internally, you’re either just a freak, or these two fine men are freaks themselves, and they’re not hiding it. Maybe, they even want you to join—okay, calm down you harlot. The men roughly pat his back to clear his airways and Blue-eyes reddens, you hope it’s due to embarrassment and not lack of oxygen. When it’s clear that he isn’t at risk for dying, Brown-eyes does take a bottle of beer off your hands.

“Have you been working here for a while?” The dad inquires, pulling you away from that mind-boggling exchange and into another bout of small talk while you dispose of the bottle caps.

“Sí, señor. This is my fourth summer here.”

“What?!” The two younger men, both exclaim, shocked at your answer.

“We’ve been coming here regularly since 2019 and we’ve never run into you before?” Blue-eyes continues, perplexed.

“Really? Wow, that’s terrible luck. I guess I’ve only worked shifts when you all aren’t here,” you theorize, cleaning out the shaker you used for his mocktail. 

“Why would it be ‘terrible luck?’” Brown-eyes asks with a painfully cute, confused tilt to his brows.

“It might be my last day,” you nod sadly, as all three men indulge you with sounds of dissent, “I know, sad, isn’t it?”

“But, why?” asks the dad, “Are they treating you badly here? Because I’ll talk to them for you. You seem like such a hardworking young woman.”

“Nonono, they treat me very well, there’s no need for threats! I’m just too hardworking. It’s just—I think it might be time for a change, you know?”

“We don’t know, actually,” Blue-eyes, offers smartly, “But, I wanna know. I like you, I think you’re interesting, and I’m invested now.”

You force the urge to giggle hysterically down as your brain screams, He said he likes you! That sounds like he’s in love with you! The cacophony of your subconscious gnawing at the bars of its enclosure rattles around your skull. 

You stare at them for a second, determining whether or not you should share your personal life with three strangers you're being paid to serve drinks to on a golf course. So, of course, you explain your very simple dilemma to the men. Do you quit your summer job because you’re afraid it might be too much to handle on top of getting your PhD and working an office job? Or, do you continue to work on the green because you’ve genuinely only ever enjoyed your time here, because it’s extra money in your pocket, because you’ve fallen in love with Spain, and because it keeps you near your family?

“I think you should stay.”

“Obviously, stay.”

“Sí, stay.”

You laugh abruptly at the answers. You’re ninety-five percent sure their answers are drenched with an ulterior motive—well, the two younger men's responses are.

“You like it here,” Blue-eyes starts earnestly, “I figure that getting a PhD is a lot of hard work, but why don’t you at least try it out for one more summer? If it’s too much, you don’t have to come back after that, right?”

The clock inside the cart blares its alarm for the end of your shift. You reach inside and shut it off before turning back to look at Blue-eyes thoughtfully, “I guess you’re right.”

“And…if you stay for another summer, there’s a chance we will see you again, no?” Brown-eyes jumps in.

“I would say the odds are pretty low, as this is the first time I’ve served you guys over four summers,” you joke back. That’s the reality of the situation, though. The first time you run into hot men who are your type and around your age range. You have to cope with the fact that you’ll never see them again. You’re the one with the terrible luck.

You tap the ledge of the cart off-handedly as you begin to ring up their drinks in the mobile register, pausing briefly to look up with a polite smile, “Is there anything else I can get for anybody before I head out today?”

Blue-eyes and Brown-eyes turn to whisper to each other, the older gentleman snorts, exchanging thanks with you and well wishes for your future before he walks back over to their equipment, leaving the younger men to close out the tab.

“Yes,” Blue-eyes clears his throat, “Can I have a ‘Sip of Sunshine?’”

You can’t recall ever carrying any beverage with that name and telling him as such, “Sorry, I don’t think we sell that. Is it a beer, or a cocktail—”

“You’re the sip of sunshine,” Brown-eyes interrupts you, twin smiles of pride painted on both men’s faces.

You laugh freely. It’s the most pleasant experience you’ve had being flirted with on the green. “I think that was the worst pick-up line I’ve ever heard!”

Brown-eyes rolls his eyes at your response lightly, giving you his credit card to pay, while Blue-eyes cheeses at you, “It made you laugh though. And, I think it made you blush too.”

“It did, but, the blush might be more of sunburn though,” you grin back at him, handing the mobile register to Brown-eyes for him to sign and tip, if he chooses. You avoid looking at the screen as he hands it back, placing it securely in the cart.

“Wait,” Brown-eyes calls, as you slide into the driver’s seat, “We never got your name?”

“You mean you never read the name tag that’s been clipped to my collar the entire time we’ve been talking?” You pester back, amused.

“We were too busy being distracted by how pretty you are,” Blue-eyes counters.

“Ah, that’s unfortunate,” you giggle, your flushed cheeks a definite result of the conversation and not the radiating sun, “I never got your names either?”

“Carlos,” Brown-eyes answers, “He’s Lando.”

“I can speak for myself you know,” Blue-eyes, Lando, sasses back. He pinches Carlos’ arm, causing the man to yelp and pull away from his side, and Lando takes the chance to address you again, “Will we see you next summer?”

“Oh, I hope not,” Carlos and Lando’s mouths drop open incredulously, “I don’t know how much more of your terrible flirting I can take!”

You smile at your own words, starting the cart and driving away from the green with a self-satisfied wave in their direction. You pray for your boss to still be in his office—you need to let him know that you’ve finally come to a decision about returning next year.

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© httpsserene 2024 - photo in header from pinterest (edited by me).

[maxverstappendefender]

drivers as your boyfriend

some headcanons of how i think the drivers would be as boyfriends, or like cute things they would do! only doing 3 drivers at the moment but might do a pt.2 (leave some requests for drivers you would like to see). also might do some blurbs based off of these headcanons

drivers included:

max verstappen

lando norris

charles leclerc

mv¹

would never let anyone show any disrespect towards you, if any media commented on you in a poor light you can expect hell to break loose

if he has a bad race, you can expect him to sort of self-isolate. he is too busy trying to focus on what went wrong to make it a bad race

will hold your hand whenever possible. king of the thumb thing (rubs his thumb over yours while holding your hand, or over your knuckle, honestly just look it up)

even if he is away from you due to racing, he would send you flowers randomly when he misses you

hates texting, would much rather facetime you

making sure you laugh when you are down about something

would read any book that you are reading just so he can talk about it with you

ln⁴

would always be down for a random trip, "hey, you wanna just go to spain for the weekend?"

literally your number one supporter in everything

loves napping with you

if your feet hurt from the shoes you are wearing, he would most definitely give you a piggy back ride or carry you bridal style

would blush and get a little flustered if the media asked about you

always would feel bad if he had to stay late at HQ or at the paddock and would probably accidentally wake you up after getting into bed after a shower, then shaking his damp hair out on you once he sees that you're awake

takes mini-golf dates very seriously

says "im sorry" first always, even if it wasn't his place to apologize

cl¹⁶

would learn your favorite songs on the piano

would never forget an anniversary or birthday or other special occasion

calling him "pretty boy" only because he blushes from it

would send you pictures of funny signs fans have

would give you the friendship bracelets that fans give him

will always talk to you, even if the timezone difference means he is up in the middle of the night sometimes

would call you his "future wife"

[wcters]

𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗢𝗘𝗦

pairing: lando norris x fem!brown!reader

summary: in which zak brown’s daughter and lando norris are dating and (unsuccessfully) try to hide it

request: lando and zak brown daughter reader? no specific ideas for this one really i’d love to see how you write it ♡

warnings: established relationships, pretend bullying, jokes about harming others | i decided to do a smau because it matched the vibe i was going for, i want to do backpacking sometime because it looks like so much fun

yourusername

liked by zbrownceo, landonorris, and 125,874 others

yourusername i had such a good time hiking the walkers' haute route with friends the past couple weeks !!!!!!! was such a great experience. lots of views, some cuddling, some silliness 🏔️ the video for this trip is in the works. let me know if i should convince my dad to hike with me sometime 🤘

view all 175 comments

user1 how hard was it?

↳ yourusername not too bad for me, though it did get difficult in some areas. it’s really nice in the summer and lots of good views. would not recommend it for beginners and would suggest looking into it before you decide to go ☺️

zbrownceo though you are my daughter and i love you, i’ll stick to golf ⛳️

↳ yourusername you are soooo boring

user2 she’s so cool

user3 i feel like this would be such a good bonding experience

landonorris i would pay a lot of money to see you drag zak along

↳ yourusername how much?

user4 we need y/n to organize a wellness trip for the drivers and it’s just her leading a hike while singing as she walks

↳ yourusername free karaoke 🎤 everyone sings while they hike, they just don’t admit it

yourfriend lots of cuddles

yourusername

liked by landonorris, user2, and 157,034 others

yourusername me out of my comfort zone at the spain gp featuring dad doing work, cool car, me being awesome, this british weirdo that snuck in, some views, and my girl b 🫶

view all 201 comments

racerbia i missed you so much ❤️‍🩹

↳ yourusername i was starting to get withdrawal 😔

user1 little snack

↳ yourusername i was feeling famished

landonorris i’m not a weirdo

↳ yourusername 🤨 you sure?

user2 did you convince zak to go hiking?

↳ yourusername unfortunately not

user3 your makeup is always flawless

user4 zak was probably teaming up with mercedes to take out redbull

yourusername

liked by landonorris, user3, and 123,764 others

yourusername another adventure loading . . .

view all 157 comments

user1 she really said “you handle this” to lando

user2 she knew her dad wouldn’t follow her up a mountain to get her in trouble

landonorris please take me with you 🙏

↳ yourusername no idiots allowed, sorry 😞

user3 and they’re still flirting even after they’ve been outed

user4 if you were part of the rainbow fairy books, you’d be y/n the adventure fairy 🏔️🥾🎣

↳ yourusername this is my love language right here. that is the best compliment i’ve ever gotten. i will print this out and keep it in the back of my phone case

author i LIVED for the rainbow magic fairy books as a kid 🧚🧚

landonorris

liked by yourusername, mclaren, and 1,138,503 others

landonorris silverstone i love you, so many incredible fans out there ❤️ congrats on the win @lewishamilton, we'll review, do better and come get you next time 😜

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user1 you did great lando 🔥🔥

user2 he feeling back to normal after knowing zak (probably) won’t kill him

yourusername P3 AT YOUR HOME RACE !!!!! beautiful work

user3 y/n is one of lando’s biggest fans

user4 she really not caring about hiding it anymore

user5 you did us proud lando 🇬🇧

yourusername

liked by zbrownceo, landonorris, and 213,187 others

yourusername new hike, new protégé 🥾🏕️

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user1 this is such an y/n way to reveal their relationship

user2 i never thought i’d see lando “rough it”

landonorris can we take a break? i’m tired

↳ yourusername we’re almost there, you can do it. where’s your stamina gone?

user3 y/n ignored lando to the point that he took it to the comments

zbrownceo you somehow always manage to keep me on my toes

↳ yourusername that’s my job 🫡

yourfriend new backpacking buddy??

↳ yourusername we’ll see how he does with this. it’s only for two days and he’s complaining

[leclercskiesahead]

Spanish Heat

You have been to Sardinia. You have been to Corsica. Mallorca is the same. The ocean is always cold at night.

I wrote this last year when @underthelightsblog kindly let me contribute to their C2 keychain companion booklet. If you ordered her keychains, you might have already read this! I didn't want to spoil it before she could send everyone their booklets, and then it felt a bit weird to post it in winter, so I'm sharing it now as a Valentines' post!

Charles is cold.

He is in Spain. In summer. It was perfectly hot and sunny in the morning, as he had expected, and his skin is already a bright pink that the internet will surely laugh about.

So why is it so cold??

Carlos is never cold. He is always nice and warm whenever Charles bumps into him as they compete in their silly challenge, searing hot when he traces his fingers down Charles’ arms in a way that means something different from teammates, blistering heat when he presses into Charles at night, and warm again when Charles curls up next to him as they drift off to sleep.

Carlos is always talking about his Spanish blood and oh I’m Latino I’m fire and how warm Spain is compared to Modena, where they work.

So Charles thought he would come to Spain and bake in the sun. Instead, he is going to freeze to death at night.

And he doesn’t have a warm Carlos to curl up with. Because Carlos is in Scotland for his friend’s birthday.

Charles shivers as he swipes through his phone. There’s a video of Carlos at his friend’s party, singing along and looking not at all cold in his simple sweater.

Doesn’t it always rain in Scotland? Carlos hates the rain. He loves his warm and sunny home country. But the one time Charles finally booked a trip there for summer break, Carlos had other plans.

It’s unfair.

Charles is cold. He is also impatient.

So he calls.

“Hola.”

“You didn’t tell me Spain is so cold.”

There is a laugh. Charles pouts even though Carlos can’t see how displeased he is. He is cold and freezing, and Carlos is laughing at him.

“Cabrón. You have been to Sardinia. You have been to Corsica. Mallorca is the same. The ocean is always cold at night, no? Did they teach you in school? Or you didn’t pay attention.”

And well, yeah. Charles hadn’t thought about that.

But he still has to make a point.

“I was very good at school,” he huffs. “I always got good marks and paid attention.”

Another chuckle comes through the phone. “Sure, love.”

He can hear Carlos rolling his eyes. So annoying. But the pet name still makes part of his chest feel a bit fuzzy. And now he’s a little warm.

But still not as warm as the real thing.

"When are you coming here," he whines. Not that he doesn't already know the answer —

"You know when, mate, you made me send you my itinerary."

— but maybe if he asks enough times, Carlos will get annoyed and join him sooner.

"Then hurry up, Carlos," he says, his accent thick around the 'r'.

The phone transmits a static noise that Charles figures is Carlos tsk-ing at him. "Always so bossy," is the reply he gets. Then more gently, "Just a few more days. I will be right there, love."

"I want you now." His brain knows that logically, Carlos can't just abandon his own friends like that. But his heart wants what it wants. And if it can't get what it wants, then he'll just be a bit whiny about it.

"You are in Spain, think about me everywhere."

"Yes, yes," Charles nods, as if he hasn't already stalled multiple times in a day because something sets him off daydreaming about his boyfriend. "You have to win the golf now, since you are making me wait."

"Of course," is Carlos' smug reply. "Please don't fall down or hit anyone while you are surfing or doing volleyball or anything else."

Annoying man and his annoying ability to play all sports.

———

They have a yacht day planned, and a good amount of their supplies for this segment are in Charles' room because he has the biggest room because he likes to treat himself during his summer break. Also because he had booked it with some wishful thinking that he could be bringing someone with him.

Anyway, he has to get all their stuff from his room while his friends go to the dock to prepare the yacht.

Joris follows him to his room to help.

“Jesus Christ, why is it so hot here? Have you not burnt enough outside?”

“It’s cold at night."

"It's not that cold."

"It is science, Joris. Did you pay attention in school?"

Joris doesn't answer. He stares at Charles. Sighs. Walks over to one of the bags and pulls out a white lump of clothing. Stuffs it into Charles' hands.

"What is..."

It's one of the Ferrari fashion sweaters. But Charles doesn't remember packing it for this trip (because it is summer and they are going to Spain, where it's supposed to be hot and sunny, why would he need a sweater?). And when he unfolds it, it looks a size bigger than what he wears.

"I found it in your room," Joris says. "Maybe it can keep you warm. Until..."

He waves a hand and makes a knowing face.

Right. Joris goes to nearly all the races now and has seen more of what Charles gets up to off track than he needs to, whether as a friend or personal assistant. That also means he knows Charles, and he knows how Charles is when it comes to things related to a certain other driver who shares his name.

Charles holds the sweater against his chest. He has the decorum not to press his nose to the fabric there and then, but if he focusses, he can still pick up the lingering trace of a familiar cologne.

"Thank you," he whispers.

"Yeah, don't mention it," his friend says, grabbing two large bags. Right, the rest of the group is probably waiting. He stops in the door. "It's not that cold, Charlie. Maybe only your bed."

He ducks out before Charles can smack him. He has the best friends. Really.

———

"Oh, it's windy, no?" Someone says while they all rest from a game on deck.

Charles turns to give Joris A Look. See? He's not the only one who feels cold.

"That's why we can't stay out too long. It's better in the water." And then they are all jumping in again.

Someone starts a swimming race. Bad idea. Because Charles can't not give his all in any sort of competition and because he trains the most out of all his friends — it comes with the job. He's going to win by a large margin.

It's also a bad idea because no one knows which marker they are using as the finish line, so everyone is paddling madly in all directions, and at some point, Charles realises he's ended up swimming away from everybody else. Which could be the large winning margin he wanted, but it's also possible that he's gone the wrong way and ended up further from the finish line. He can imagine everyone laughing at him, and the competitive racer inside him fumes.

Grim and determined, he starts paddling back, only for an air horn to snatch his attention.

A jet ski whizzes by, curving around and slowly circling towards him, like a shark. Or maybe a stingray, because Charles thinks his heart might have stopped. It's hard to see against the bright sun and with some saltwater in his eyes, but the figure on the jet ski is recognisable to Charles anyway.

Carlos rides up next to him with his perfect windswept hair and a sly smile.

"Hola," is all he says.

Charles is already grabbing his outstretched hand.

"Mate! You are early!"

"I told you I was coming today."

"You didn't say what time," Charles argues. "You sounded like —"

He tries to haul himself up the ski and nearly slips because he forgot his body is still dripping seawater.

"Ay, be careful," Carlos nags. Not that Charles really listens because he has two large, hot, searing hands on his waist as Carlos wrangles him onto the ski. A full view of a bare shoulder under a life vest.

Spain is very hot indeed.

"Good," Carlos mutters when Charles is finally settled on the ski. "How can I surprise you if I tell you exactly what time I'm arriving?"

Charles can't think of an argument. The breeze from earlier has returned, and he can feel goosebumps breaking out on his still-wet skin.

He presses into Carlos. The life vest is still in the way, but leaves enough exposed for Charles to feel the heat he has been craving this past week and a half.

He is wet and cold and feels Carlos' muscles jump at the initial contact.

"Ay, mate," he complains, but shifts to accommodate Charles anyway.

That's how Joris finds them later, tucked together on a deck chair as Carlos enjoys a beer and Charles enjoys Carlos' body heat.

———

"Mate, you are using the heater?" Carlos says when they retire to Charles' room — their room — for the night. He moves to turn it down with one hand while towelling his hair off with the other, freshly showered. Charles stares at the perfect dark locks sticking in all the right directions.

Tonight had not felt as chilly as the previous nights, but Charles had still turned the dial up out of habit when they had returned earlier.

"Is that mine? Ay, no wonder I couldn't find it."

Ah, yes, the sweater that he had stolen from Carlos at a race that Joris brought here for him. Laying across his lap.

"I was cold," is all he manages to say.

Carlos has a stupid grin on his face. Charles wants to kiss him.

So he does.

Charles is no longer cold.

[almondmilktargaryen]

Dear Birdie

Summary: Tom Bennett visits his girl, Birdie, after returning home from his first leave. He stops by her house, despite never sending her any letters.

Couple: Tom Bennett/Original Female Character

Category: Fluff (with the slightest angst)

Content warnings: One slap, smut

Word count: 5.5k

Also on my Ao3

A/N: This is kinda where season 2 kicks off. Except Tom's dad is not dead and everything's fine there because goddammit we deserve some happiness.

Birdie always made sure she and her brothers took advantage of their father’s out-of-country meetings. Even a world war couldn’t stop a businessman. Still, for Birdie, it meant a break from entertaining his friends with whiskey refreshers while dodging questions about marriage. It meant no sons of those same friends lurking around her at dinner parties, critiquing the meal in between their stories at the country club, unaware it was she who had strained over her mother’s cookbook all morning.

For her brothers, it meant no golf on Saturday and no church on Sunday. They slept late, ate plenty, and played outside while Birdie enjoyed her noon cigarette. She kept their itchy jumpers in the back of their closets while their button-ups and socks stayed a pristine bleach white for another week. And all of it equaled far less laundry for her to deal with before Monday.

That didn’t mean there was absolutely no laundry on the weekends. She already had a load to hang outside and more than enough August sunshine to take advantage of. As she clipped up one damp garment after another on the clothesline, next week’s load tumbled next to her as the boys wrestled in the grass. Charles was all elbows and knees at twelve, but it didn’t stop him from lunging at Robert. His blonde hair flopped into his eyes, giving Robert the time to dodge his tackle. His laughter rang high and clear when Charles landed in the dirt.

They both scooped up more to shove down the other’s polo when a face was out of reach, grunts and giggles blending together even after Birdie tossed her slipper at them. “I’m not doing any more laundry today.”

“Alright,” Robert said, finally getting dirt down Charles’ collar.

Birdie picked up her slipper. “That includes ironing.”

“We know.” Charles pulled Robert down by the ankle as he said it, his face clean until Robert took his shot.

“That includes your school uniforms.”

Then they paused, looking at each other, then up at their sister.

“If you can make it to the door before me, I’ll reconsider that last part.”

Charles hopped up first, this time helping little Robert up before charging to the back door. Birdie followed behind, the distance growing as she walked with a laundry basket at her hip.

Tom was the one who taught her that. “When in doubt, make it a race. Boys will take any easy win.” Sometimes he’d even sweeten the deal by offering actual sweets. Anything chocolate or caramel was an simple win over. And Tom was good at that, winning people over. Because, unlike the boys who only pulled polite laughter from Birdie all night, Tom Bennett was actually charming. And unlike their father coming home from France or Poland, the boys loved seeing him.

Unfortunately, Tom Bennett was also a proper bastard.

She couldn’t say that in front of the boys. It would break their hearts. He was proper when he told them about joining the army (while in jail,) then signing up for the navy (before almost going back to jail.) Everything had been radio silence since he told them about being sent to Spain first. The radio itself was more respondent than Thomas Bloody Bennett, making him the bastard he was.

They constantly heard about the Kriegsmarine. The Admiral Graf Spee had a record of sinking one ship after another across the Atlantic and Indian. Charles counted nine over several months in a little notebook he kept under his pillow. Robert would always ask if Tom was still in Spain or what ship he told Birdie he’d be on. All perfectly reasonable questions she had no answer to.

Eventually came the worst question left to loom in the air: Was Tom dead? The question lingered, unvoiced, in their minds. She wished she knew, even if it meant he was.

But she also wished the boys could forget. Erasing Tom Bennett completely instead of letting the continuous unknown haunt them seemed like a logical, lesser pain. It wasn’t a problem when their mother died. They were one and two when Birdie was ten. Their love for her was not as great as their love for Tom. They never stepped into a room with her in mind and a blanket of memories to follow. No everyday objects held the weight of those memories, like hair brushes and gold jewelry. Their father taught the boys how to play solitaire, but they couldn’t look at a deck without seeing Tom, the one who taught them about poker and how to cheat in the same night.

Even the report of Graf Spee’s sinkage last December felt bittersweet. The boys were cross-legged at the coffee table with the fire warming their backs. Birdie knitted while their father read in his chair. The fuzzily read conclusion of HMS Exeter’s victory sent that heavy blanket over the three of them. It was suffocating until Robert perked his head up, thick brown curls just above his eyes as he said, “Maybe Tom is on the Exeter.”

Birdie glanced over at their father.

“Tom’s dead,” Charles snapped back, his voice cracking with the force of it as his fists clenched in his lap.

“You don’t know that.”

“Boys,” Birdie called. But their father already stood, taking the radio and hiding it again.

Charles pushed Robert. “Good job.”

 “Shut up.” Robert traced the table’s edge, sweeping his curls from his face. “And you still don’t know if Tom is dead.”

“Neither do you.”

“Birdie. Tell him he’s not.”

“Enough,” she ordered.

When their father came back, Charles hid his face as he wiped his cheeks. Birdie soon sent them both to bed.

He never wrote to her. She’d have to accept what that meant, whichever way fate fell. She knew Tom taking a liking to marriage was as hopeful as never seeing war again, but even leaving her like this would be the ultimate coward’s way out. Plenty would see it as a reason not to worry about him and take advantage of her youth while she had it. She never even met his family. They wouldn’t know to look for her if they knew his whereabouts. Time was her only solution. She could only hope that enough of it would pass, and she’d find the strength to laugh at a boy’s jokes from across the table. He’d feel so proud and funny throughout their courting; he’d even crack a joke before proposing to her. Then Birdie would surrender herself, hoping they’d all learn to love him. Just differently.

For now, Birdie opened the back door as the boys waited and soon clamored through the kitchen. “Shoes off!” She ordered as each thunk of non-bare feet trailed up the stairs, then back down, following the reminder. Birdie put the basket on the kitchen floor, debating briefly if she should smoke another cigarette.

They both shouted from the foyer. “Birdie!”

She didn’t move. There wasn’t distress in their voices, and Robert quickly came back into the kitchen to find her where she was standing. Running and shoving dirt into each other’s faces didn’t make them nearly as breathless as they were now. Then she saw the reason, standing in the doorway.

“Tom is here!”

He was here, leaning on his shoulder in a navy uniform with his sandy hair grown out past his ears. Charles hung to one arm as he carried a birdcage with the other. He topped it off with his arrogant grin and wink combination.

“Told you he wasn’t dead,” Robert said. His curls bounced as he vibrated with joy.

“Course I’m not dead.”

Charles continued holding onto his arm, his freckled face split into a wide, toothy grin Birdie hadn’t seen in months. “What are you doing here, then?”

“Hitler sunk me ship. Decided to stop by here.” He placed the cage on the breakfast table. The little canary inside chirped as it swung back and forth on the bar. “Wanted to bring a birdie for my Birdie.” He leaned against the table.

She crossed her arms. Charles finally separated from Tom to look into the cage. He stuck a finger between the golden bars. “Where’d you get it?”

“She was on the ship with me and the lads.” He mimicked her pose, not straying from her eyes. The boys continued with questions.

“Did you kill any Nazis?”

“Loads.”

“Get your uniforms,” she said.

“Are you back for good?” Robert asked, his dark eyes wide with hope.

“Boys. Now.”

“She’s right,” Tom said. “Be good and listen to your sister.” He ruffled their hair before pushing them on the back of their heads. “We’ll talk later.”

Robert disappeared first. Charles second, but he poked his head through the doorway one more time. “We’re glad you’re back, Tom.” And he showed off his toothy smile again before leaving. Their footsteps thump, thump, thumped up the stairs.

“Shoes off! I’m not telling you again.”

“Yeah, shoes off, boys,” he repeated with the same grin and a laugh to boot. He pushed himself off the table with his hip. “Seems like you’ve loosened the reins since last ti—”

The crack across his face bounces off the tiled walls. She thought about doing it plenty of nights when in bed alone, thinking of every way he could’ve left her, but it happened before she realized what she had done. The mark burned pink on his skin. Tom rubbed the spot, but a grin still stained his face just as prominently. Birdie’s face only tightened. “You think this is amusing?”

“A little bit, yeah. Keep that up and we’ll have to take this to your room. As long as your old man’s not here.”

“You think you can just show up whenever it suits you? We thought you were dead.”

“Your faith in me was strong, I see.”

“Because you hadn’t sent a single letter. And you think bringing some bird gets you out of this?”

“Hey, first off, her name’s Vera.”

“Vera!” Robert held his uniform in his arms, gray and wrinkled to hell. Charles opened the laundry room door and placed his matching one on the counter. “She’s a girl?”

“Sure is. Seen her lay an egg and everything. She was on board with me and the lads before Graf Spee took shots at us.”

“Wow!” Robert looked at Vera, Charles at Tom.

Birdie raised a brow. “You were on the HMS Exeter?”

Tom nodded, looking over at the bird.

“I knew you were on the Exeter! I told them you were!” It was Robert’s turn to take Tom’s arm, looping it with his own. “You killed them all, right? They said someone shot the captain.”

“Sounds about right.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat before tightening his arm with Robert’s. He patted his little hand.

“If Hitler sunk that ship, then did the others make it home?”

“Yeah, yeah. One way or another.” He glanced back at Birdie, and his grin simmered down. There was something more she couldn’t piece together. She opened her mouth, but Tom spoke up first. “You two do us a favor, yeah?” He unlooped Robert’s arm as Charles came around the table. Both are standing tall with eager ears. “So, I haven’t had a milkshake in about a year.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s awful, innit? With it being as sweltering as it is, I think we all could go for some.”

They nodded enthusiastically. Birdie bit her lips closed.

“Good. But I’m sure your sister would appreciate you two cleaning up before we head out. Bath and all, alright?”

“But you need a milkshake now.”

“We all need milkshakes now.”

“Which is why you should hurry,” Birdie interjected. “The sooner you’re clean, the sooner we’ll get them.”

“But don’t rush washing up. Don’t want people to think she doesn’t know how to take care of you.”

“Are you going to kiss while we’re gone?” Charles’ nose scrunched as he said it.

“Probably,” Tom said. “You wanna watch?”

And just like that, for the third time, they were off. (Their shoes weren’t, but she couldn’t care to remind them.)

Tom shifted slowly, turning back to face her. “That’ll keep them away for a while.”

“You think I want to kiss you?”

“Oh, absolutely. You’re just too angry to admit it.”

“You brought home a bird and no apologies.”

“Not just Vera.” He delved into one pocket. “I’ve got some seeds she likes. Here’s some rope she climbs on.” He placed them down on the table before fishing around the other pocket.

“Are you so up your own arse that you think I’m going to look past this? You think you’re so bloody perfect because—”

“Because I have these.” In front of them both were papers. Envelopes upon envelopes, stamped and ready to send with torn journal pages sandwiched in between. All of them covered in his fine cursive. Tom held them up and placed them with Vera’s things. “Well, at least you’re finally speechless.”

Birdie touched the top envelope with her full name written out, feeling the indentions of his handwriting.

“Sending letters at sea is harder than you think when Germans are around.”

“You wrote to me.”

“As often as I could. More than me dad or Lois. So if that doesn’t get me out of trouble.”

She couldn’t help the way her vision blurred with tears. Many months of anger and resentment dissolved inside her, melting into salty pools. Then she looked up, remembering the mark on his face. Birdie reached out and brushed his cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

Tom blew air through his nose. “It doesn’t hurt. Shows you still love me.”

“That’s not–”

“You wouldn’t have touched me at all if you’d given up.” Tom leaned into her hand, then took her fingers in his to observe. “No ring. So I’m not too late then? You didn’t move on from this poor bloke?”

“Not through lack of trying. They sent all the good ones away, too.”

They both laughed. It fizzled out slowly, leaving Vera to fill the silence with her chirps. Tom’s eyes were a crisp blue, making him extra dashing in his uniform. His damn smirk didn’t help with her decency, but Tom did the honors by pulling her in, guiding one hand to his back like she was the one who was used to being led. He kissed her gently, and his hands drew up into her hair, making her earrings dangle as a tingle bloomed from her scalp to her spine. She slipped her tongue in before bringing Tom closer in response–waist against waist. She felt what she wanted.

Tom hummed at the friction, pulling back first. “Eager to give me a hero’s welcome, I see.”

She nodded, already out of breath.

“Doesn’t help that you taste like cigarettes. Reminding me of old habits.”

“We can go to the laundry room.” She bent her back to press further into his bulge and kissed him again. The deep exhale through his nose was cool, brushing her cheek.

“Let’s go upstairs first.”

“But I want you now.”

“You’ll have me. Come on.” The warmth of his hands left her face as he reached out for Vera’s things. He hooked two fingers to pick up her cage.

Birdie watched him leave. A quick fuck was never something he declined before. It was what he preferred over anything that took a long time. Birdie preferred getting to the point, and Tom barely had the experience to take things slow like her. She sighed and grabbed her letters before following him upstairs.

The peachy walls and green curtains matching her floral bedding were reminders of how little things had changed. Even Tom pointed it out as he looked around. “That’s good.” He walked over to her desk, next to the big window. “Vera would like it here. She’ll get good light, and you can open up the window for some fresh air.”

“Sure.” She put her letters on her nightstand before shutting the door.

“I’ll put a hook in the ceiling and find a chain to hang the cage from. Make it all pretty for ya.” He scaled the height of the wall from top to bottom, hands on his hips and nodding to himself. “Yeah, I can get the boys to help me.”

“Tom.” Birdie stepped closer.

“Well, maybe not with this. Rather make sure she’s secure.”

“Tom.”

He turned with raised brows. Birdie rubbed his arms first, then cupped the part of his face she slapped. “Are you alright?”

His brow creased. “Yeah, course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’re acting differently.”

“You haven’t seen me in a year. A lot happens in a year, Birdie. That’s no one’s fault.” He kissed her knuckles, all gentlemanly. His arms wrapped around her waist as he returned to his signature smirk.

“You can keep Vera at yours. The boys will understand.”

“Nah. We don’t have the room. She’s better off here on your side of the country.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, and I’ll visit her when I want. No matter what your old man says. I’ll just sneak through the window. Like old times.” He smiled at that. “Now, where were we?” He kissed her.

She wanted to say more, but Tom was good at distracting. The tingling sped down to her legs and morphed into numbness as Tom nibbled at her neck. They tangled with his own as he tried taking the lead again. Luckily, they fell onto the bed with little injury, only a bump to the teeth as Tom kissed her deeply into the mattress. His tongue slid through to find hers, and she worked her hands through his hair. Tom pulled down one shoulder of her dress, kissing and nipping his way down like he was reacquainting himself with every inch of her. Her bra went with it. Tom stopped at her waist to give her chest the attention it craved. He massaged one tit while taking the other in his mouth. He suckled gently on her nipple, occasionally taking it between his teeth to make Birdie gasp.

Birdie’s knees hiked up against Tom’s hips. She kept him in place while pulling his hair. Her calves felt the leather of his belt, telling her hands where to go. With their bodies so close, she struggled to find his buckle. Still, she navigated with her goal in mind.

Until Tom took both her wrists and held them over her head. He looked up with a pinkish face. ”Someone’s eager.” His voice was low as he said it, breath cool over her nipple.

“I need to be fucked.”

“I can see that.”

She bucked her hips against his. “Quick.”

“It’s been a year, love. I have to be quick.” And soon, he stepped up, then back. He took fistfuls of her dress and her underwear. Birdie lifted her lower back, and she was naked with one yank. She knew she was glorious. Her appearance clearly pleased Tom. So she reached out for his belt again, but Tom slapped it away. “Not yet.”

She groaned and rolled her eyes. When she looked back up, though, he was already removing his shirt. The sight helped the sting. Before, he had a lightly sculpted physique, with some prominent muscles. But now, his skin was tighter against them, with veins that wrapped around his bare arms. Just like the men on all the sign up posters. A war hero.

Tom nestled back on top of her, keeping her warm as he pushed her hair back. “Is it so bad that I want to enjoy you?”

She shook her head. “You just don’t waste time when it comes to treats.”

“Who said I’m wasting my time?”

Birdie said nothing. For many reasons.

Tom liked his secrets, and he liked to think he was good at hiding them. But he was also right when he mentioned it being a year. Any logical discussion regarding his changed behavior had to be put aside. So for now, she stroked his chest, fingers gliding over his pronounced muscles. His abs jumped at the touch. Tom’s hand then followed down. Further down, actually. And before she could ask what he was doing, electricity sparked up her insides and throughout as Tom explored her wetness.

“Is this wasting time?”

No would be the obvious answer if she hadn’t lost all the air in her lungs. Each harsh intake forced a moan back out. Her chest felt caved in as she jolted under his heavy touch.

“Didn’t think so.”

She would also tell him to shut up if she had the wits, but he never did this. He was never bad at it (decent at most.) He never liked trying new things, fearing he’d embarrass himself. Learning and improvement were beyond his confidence. Being on the sea must have unlocked a more adventurous spirit with no room for improvement because she was so sensitive from enduring no touch at all. (A bloody year!) The only thing he could do was go faster, but his pace was agonizingly slow. With time, her back still arched as she gripped the arm that kept him hovering deliciously above her. “Tom.” She looked him in the eyes as she said it.

He caught his lower lip between his teeth as he picked up the pace, while she grew louder. Eventually, he brought himself down to kiss her, drinking in her moans as she continued to shake. He hummed as her nails dug into his arm and the other hand strangled her bedding. It kept her grounded as she cried out, spasming amidst her little death by Tom Bennett’s hand. He still explored, moving his fingers around and never venturing inside. He kissed her one more time before whispering, “There she is,” as she came back down.

Her legs quivered around Tom, lingered remains of her peak briefly pressing into his hips. And because Tom was feeling proper, he took it as an opportune moment to finally (finally!) remove his pants. Birdie tried watching what she could, but their bodies were too close together to see anything before he completely slipped inside. She stretched against him, but her reaction was to put a palm on his shoulder. She needed a minute, and Tom didn’t move. Birdie released the sharp grip on his arm to cup his face. His eyes were droopy, dazed with the same want she already received. He still kissed her slowly, tenderness still in his heart after everything he might’ve seen, and waited for her say-so.

Soon, Birdie nodded, nearly being lost in the moment again as she enjoyed her own show. Tom was deliberate with every inch, watching her face for any change. Her smile only grew, tightening her arms around his shoulders once he was completely inside her. Her breath hitched as she fully felt it, watching Tom’s eyes flutter shut from the same feeling. Normally, he would anchor her down with hands around her hips, but he stayed close as he thrusted slowly. Knowing he would be quick, he wasn’t animalistic about it. He didn’t pull all the way out to shove himself back in. He just kissed her neck as he kept his pace.

Her nails found his back, scratching down his skin and the small moles on his spine. “Tom,” she said as her mouth started falling open.

“Oh, Birdie.” He kissed her again, like it was a command. Their noses bumped as their hot breaths mingled in the limited space between them. “Oh, my God.”

She could feel the tension building inside. His thrusts became more pointed and faster, making it difficult to keep quiet again. She felt the raised lines she left in his skin as she moaned, “Don’t stop.”

He buried his face in her neck again as he only grew more erratic. And her second release, like Tom’s, was quick (as predicted.) It rushed up and down her legs and no further, topping off her first orgasm as Tom finished hot on her belly. Her toes curled at the lingering feeling as Tom breathed heavily, pulling the bath towel off her floor to clean up his mess. Then he took her hand in his as he fell into her pillows, stark naked and a beautiful sight amongst frilly pink lining. Birdie crawled while still trembling to lie on his chest. His heartbeat was rapid against his ears, and it eventually settled into a healthy rhythm.

Tom’s arms kept her close, keeping their hands together. She looked up at his face, already close to nodding off. One blue eye peeked open, and his lips curled into his signature smirk once more.

“Welcome home.”

“A fantastic welcome, love. Wake me up when you want to welcome me again.”

“You know you can’t fall asleep yet.”

He nodded. “It is tempting, though.”

“The boys should be ready soon.”

Air puffed through Tom’s nose. “A milkshake will have to do, then.”

She knew she should get up, but Tom’s hold around her waist was tighter, as if he had read her mind. It was tempting to sleep. It was more tempting than ever for another cigarette. But Tom’s breath had finally slowed, nearly to a rate that felt like he passed out, anyway. The only thing that assured her he was still awake was his thumb brushing over her knuckles. The simple back-and-forth motion that eventually numbed the skin soothed her mind, despite her questions still being there.

They piled in her head, one after the other, like the letters on her nightstand, addressed to her, for her to read. Even Tom knew he couldn’t avoid it forever.

But footsteps scampered down the hall.

Milkshakes would have to do.

They went to one of the inner city diners. The boys kept to one side of the booth (much to their shared dismay) as Tom stayed next to Birdie. They wanted to be glued to him, to prove to themselves that he was alive and in front of them. Charles even kicked him under the table with a grin plastered on his face. Only once, though, giving Tom rights to kick him back.

Birdie didn’t need the proof. Because something that hadn’t changed about Tom was showing her off in public. He held her hand during the entire walk and kept an arm cascaded over her shoulder in the booth at all times. Word would get back to her father when he returned home. (Someone was always ready to gossip.) And it would make no difference now that Tom was a war hero. No one acknowledged him as such even in the restaurant, despite his uniform.

Even Tom didn’t acknowledge it. He was more concerned with touching the skin on her arm. When their milkshakes arrived, he could barely pull himself away to drink any of it. Birdie crossed her legs , feeling the heat prickle through her as Tom eventually found her knee under the table while giving the boys his full attention the entire time. The way she allowed such public displays of affection would be embarrassing if she didn’t need him so badly again already.

It didn’t help that Tom ended up showing the boys how to hang Vera’s cage, exchanging his uniform for an undershirt and jeans. He installed the hook and showed them how to test its sturdiness, same with the chain holding her up, triple-checking the stability, making sure she’s safe.

They both tested the stability of her bed later in the night. With her hands on the bars of her headboard, Birdie found her familiar motion as she rode Tom into the mattress. His hands gripped into her hips as he moved with her, pushing all he could inside her while staying synchronized. They panted in the dark together. Tom occasionally reached up for her tits, but they made no attempt at meeting in the middle. There was a mutual end they were both desperate to meet.

And eventually, they did. Birdie curled in on herself as she caught her breath, and bent in to Tom’s touch. He guided her to the space between him and the wall. He cleaned them up once more with the same towel and wrapped her in his arms. As her arm snaked around his neck and her thigh drew near, he showered her with tenderness, nuzzling below his chin and rubbing her smooth skin. Vera chirped softly, the golden bars of her cage gleaming in the pale moonlight just above her desk.

Tom’s nails tickled her skin as they traveled up her hip and side before finding her chin, lifting it up to his. She couldn’t see him in the dark, but felt the air leaving his nose with every exhale. She drew circles on his bare chest, high up where his muscles didn’t get in the way. Her eyes were wide open, not even a little tired since this morning. She then wondered if Tom had slept at all since coming home, or if this was his first stop. Would he rest easy, like normal?

“What’re you thinking?”

“What?”

“You’re always quick to sleep. Unless you’re worried about something. So what is it?”

Birdie situated herself to rest on her stomach. She combed her fingers through his hair, reaching his scalp before pulling herself forward to kiss his cheek (she missed) then his lips. “Were you really in the South Atlantic? On The Exeter?”

“I was.” He said it without hesitation. It surprised even her.

“A lot happened.”

“Yeah.”

“What?”

“We were hit. I was cutting up with some lads, pissing off some others.” He cleared his throat. “And they were gone.”

“Gone?”

“The lads. Norman, Vic, others. Only me and Henry survived that one explosion.”

“Oh, Tom.” She reached for his face.

“I wrote about Vic in some of the letters. Hopefully, I did him some justice.”

The silence was thick. No witty jokes to pad the seriousness. He only petted her hair over and over. His touch was rigid and his pulse picked up in his chest. She looked over at the letters on her nightstand, the abstract pile that they were. She reached out, and Tom caught her hand as her finger poked an envelope’s corner.

“Don’t,” he told her. He cradled her hand, bringing it up to his face again, but not letting go.

“What else is there?”

It took so long for him to answer she worried he was pretending to be asleep, making that the end of it until she inevitably brought it up again. His inhale was deep. “I don’t know if I have it yet.” He used her hand to point to his temple. “The Shellshock. You think I’d know with my dad and all. I don’t feel much different. But if… if I get sent out again… I’m…”

“Scared?”

“I might keep changing, Birdie. And I might finally snap like my dad and end up in one of those insane hospitals. With no one.”

“I’d be there.”

“You don’t know that.” He sounded like Robert.

“And neither do you.” She inched closer to kiss his lips again, longer this time, like it was a seal of guarantee. Even with the tensity, Tom softened to it. “What if you don’t go back?”

He huffed. “And be branded a deserter?” She could hear the smile in his voice. “Your dad already hates me enough, don’t you think?”

“Well, it doesn’t sound like you want to go back.”

Tom sighed.

“Tell me what you’re thinking, then.”

“It just seems like the easy solution, right? Just don’t go back. I’d be a traitor, but I’d be alive with my dad, Lois, the boys, and you. But like I said, good lads died on that ship. Plenty more are dying elsewhere for the same bloody war. It’s not fair to sit out here when more good lads are getting sent out every day.”

Birdie picked herself up, unwinding herself from his body to look down at the vague silhouette halfway under blankets. “You’re a good lad, too. You know?”

His tongue clicked, brushing it off.

“Bad men don’t think the way you do. That’s why I waited for you. I’ll do it again. I’ll be in the waiting room of any hospital in England if you end up needing to get your head checked.”

“Not beside me?”

“They wouldn’t consider me family.”

“But I would.”

“Well, you’d have to marry me to prove it to them.”

It was a one-off joke. She even topped it off with a chuckle. Still, silence persisted; even Vera couldn’t be heard. Despite his fears, he was still the same Tom Bennett who couldn’t handle the idea of being tied down.

But just when she was about to give up and settle in with nothing spoken further, she felt Tom’s hand move across the side of her face, finding the comfortable, familiar spot just under her ear before pulling her back down. He didn’t make her settle in. He found her lips, kissing her slowly with an open mouth, taking a breath when he could in between.

“I love you,” he said.

“I love you.”

  It wasn’t until he stopped that she rested her head on his chest again and his arms found where they wished to settle on her body for the night. He picked up her ring finger and it alone.

“I’ll think about it, alright?”

Birdie buried herself into his chest.

[formulaonedirection]

top 5 mando moments

I feel like every time I'm asked this the answer changes RAPID FIRE these are the ones in my brain rn

1. The OG breakfast for three incident. Why did everyone else leave Dubai and only Max stayed with Lando and Luisa and why was he there at breakfast and why were Max and Luisa watching Lando work out and why did Lando upload that story with Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

2. This random stream in the back of a car was not okay why did they go film a Quadrant promo at an airport hanger just the two of them and then it never got released #sus #posttheouttakes

3. When Max went to AD2021 and was upset to be on the stands instead of the garage like a good wag and got really drunk and then a few days later after everyone else had left Lando brought him to watch post-season testing and they took these cute pics

4. After they spent a week on their yacht trip summer break 2022 they decided to drive from Spain to Portugal on some stupid golf trip and then Lando was being really annoying and insisted he was going to use the toilet while Max was standing shirtless in the shower. Bit weird that.

5. The way Lando kept (still has????) cardboard cut out Max for literal years in his Monaco flat. He had no reason to keep it beyond the joke but I'm 1000% confident and certain that he talks to cardboard Max because he can't actually move Max into his little flat.

And special shout out to when they genuinely cyberbullied Jess together bc that video always makes me laugh

ask for my top 5 anything

[pitstoptaken]

more racer!charles & wag!carlos questions!!

how did their families take it? how were the first introductions? 👀

again, love it so much!!!! ❤️❤️

OOOOO (a little bit of warning for some mention of homophobia)

One of Carlos sister was, “are you in love with him?” In the middle of breakfast at Madrid. This caused Carlos to choke on his pancake. Not even ‘do you have a crush on him’ when talking about Charles. Maybe it’s sister natural instinct. Or her annoying ass. But here we go, I guess

Carlos’ dad talking about it because the whole Spain was talking about it. Carlos asked if he was mad about it but his dad said, ‘you’re a 29 years old. I am glad it was Fernando’s friend. And he is handsome’ so no worries.

It was also the very first time Carlos come out to his family. Or even the whole Spain. Of course it’s unusual at first but the family is accepting it better because Carlos is now a grown man. There’s possibility of them trying to be unacceptable if Carlos is younger because, you know, ‘you still have some time to be straight again’ type of stuff.

But Charles… Charlie… oh. He talked about liking both guys and girls since he was younger. Sometimes he is tired to slip it every time he has a conversation with people around him. He wanted to be seen. And thank the god of Monaco, his family is very open and accepting. Especially his mother. And his brothers too.

Growing up in a motorsport environment, he realised he can’t be really open about this. That’s why he is known for a good guy who settled for non-questionable women growing up. People knew his girlfriends that he brought to the paddock. This, or we can say the homophobia, also limiting Charles to even be comfortable with his sexuality. He doesn’t know how to start something with guys even he knew he is not straight. 100%. He was so sure.

Carlos introduced Charles in a very private of the Sainz and they were so lovely. Carlos’ sisters think Charles is like a cat (Carlos is a dog person). The sisters are getting along well with him because the softness of Charles seems like a magnet of Carlos’ sisters nurturing side. Carlos’ dad is okay. (‘Do you know Fernando? He is my friend’)

Charles brought Carlos first to The Leclerc Brothers and see if he fit the Bros Criteria. He does. The Leclerc Brothers Approve. They play padel together. Or even golf. Bros Lunch together. Bros Gathering, you know?

Summer break… oh. Charles told Carlos that The Leclerc Brothers are having this habit of bringing The Leclerc’s WAGs to the holiday. Carlos said yes. He met Charles mother and The Leclerc’s WAGs. Funny thing is the wags are getting along well. Do the wags have the gathering too? Yes, at the paddock. At the hospitality too.

[f1mvln]

Landos said his summer break he’s playing some golf

Then going to Portugal Spain Greece and Spain again

Martin has a show in Portugal and then one in Spain straight after hoping we get Lando Martin summer break content 🙏🏻

[redwineconversation]

Olympique Lyonnais Behind the Scenes (Episode 5)

This covers the month of January. Better late than never but alas some of us have jobs that we want to keep and cannot be chronically online. The Behind the Scenes translations is one of those times where I wish I was technologically apt because then I could just upload the video and add subtitles, alas, neither OLPlay nor my technology skills will ever make that happen.

I have no shame in confessing to this - I didn't want to do this one because Carpenter is in it and I am so irked by all the fucking Arsenal fans/stans suddenly thirsting for her to join their godawful team after the abuse she is has gotten from Arsenal stans the past two years. To act like she should join that club after what those people have said / done is so completely tone-deaf. Likewise, suddenly using "le clean sheet" every time your goalkeeper does their actual job is not as cute/funny as you think it is. It's annoying. It's so fucking annoying.

I will also save those godawful stans the time and say that Lyon / Carpenter do not address Carpenter's engagement to van de Donk as Lyon is a serious club who doesn't use a player's personal life as a marketing ploy. The purpose of the Behind the Scenes is to get to know the players' mentality and thoughts about the month's events.

Blah blah standard disclaimers apply; @OL Comms I feel like chipping in to contribute my Starbucks fund is the least you could do considering all the free work I am doing for y'all; how amazing would it be if some of you would actually get the mental help you so desperately need; y'all know the speech.

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS BEHIND THE SCENES (EPISODE 5)

Ellie Carpenter: We had a lot of games. We had Champions League games. I think it was a much needed break for everyone.

Selma Bacha: We really needed to have a break, because there are players who went straight into the World Cup so they didn't have a lot of rest. Everyone benefited from the break. For me, I went to Tunisia, where my family is originally from. So I had a great time with my family. And then we started up again. The break was short.

Damaris: It was good for everybody I think to go home, to be with our families and friends. Just to push football aside and enjoy ourselves. Yeah, that's always a good thing.

[OPENING CREDITS]

[TRAINING FOOTAGE FROM GIRONA]

Sara Dabritz: We went to preseason camp. It was really good. We spent a lot of time together. We had a nice hotel. It was intense but it's like that in camp. But I think it was good for us to prepare for the [second half of the] season.

Carpenter: The training camp in Spain was a nice way to come back at the start of this year to train well, to get the basics back, get back in the gym. And it was also really fun for the team morale. The camps with the team are always really fun. We have to work fun but also enjoy ourselves off the field.

Bacha: It was hard because you come back from break and you have to dig deep and work hard. So it was really hard because we had a fitness test over there.

Carpenter: The worst moment was probably the running test we had to do, the 1.5km [1 mile] sprint test.

Bacha: Honestly, that's when you realize that Olympique Lyonnais is a family. You can see it in the video clips, we're encouraging each other. The cohesion was top.

[TRAINING FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Bacha: My favorite moment was the team cohesion activity with the golf carts. Honestly it was so good. We had to do stuff - well, we had to do funny things. It was the best part.

Carpenter: Driving around the hotel trying to find clues, that was very fun.

[TEAM COHESION ACTIVITY FOOTAGE]

Carpenter: Yeah, we knew we had Paris FC as soon as we got back from Christmas break. After having been off we thought it might be hard to come back and play against a top team in Europe, in France for sure.

[LYON - PARIS FC GAME FOOTAGE]

Bacha: We got right into it. We know that those sort of games, they're going to very very big games because Paris FC is a really good team who has really improved and recruited really well. And honestly, it was a big game. We had to work for that win, so the game was won on mentality.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Carpenter: Paris FC has shown that they're a great team, they're a top team in Europe, doing well in the Champions League and, yeah. The intensity was high. I think you could feel that everyone just came back from holidays but we'll fight, until those last five minutes when we did score.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Bacha: Ah, Ada's goal, that's just Ada Hegerberg. That's it. There's no other forward who can do that. Honestly, when we celebrated - even I spoke in English, I said "what a goal". [Hegerberg speaks English when she's annoyed, which is why Bacha brings up the linguistic switch] Her shot was really incredible. You can watch it over and over. If you ask her tomorrow to do it it, she will. And it's true that she's the kind of player whom you can count on in big games. Everyone should have an Ada on their team.

Damaris: Yes, it was a magnificent goal. Speaking for myself, I was far back. It was a long ball, I headed it forward. I saw the ball stay there and I saw Ada [Hegerberg] call for the ball. When you're behind, you can see everything. Right before she took the shot, I was like "well, that's going to be a goal."

Carpenter: Yeah, she's a big game player, she scores big goals. So we needed that in that moment and she did that. So it was very cool.

[LYON - PARIS FC POSTGAME FOOTAGE]

Bacha: Honestly, it's good for us and it gets us going. I think we've been really good since the start of the season. And when I talk with players on other teams, or other coaches, they tell me that Lyon this year is unbeatable, so I hope it continues like that and we'll bring all the trophies home.

Damaris: The work we did for that game, we worked really hard. I don't think we were really efficient but we had a lot of opportunities to score.

Carpenter: Yeah, I think it was important that we started the year off with three points and continue our perfect streak in the league.

[LYON - MONTPELLIER COUPE DE FRANCE GAME FOOTAGE]

Dabritz: We had the game against Montpellier in the Coupe [de France]. I remember Amel [Majri] scoring a magnificent goal. It was a right on target.

Majri: Yeah, I saw Lindsey [Horan], she won the ball back. I called for it, she passed it to me. I think Ada [Hegerberg] was besides me asking for it as well, but I don't know, I think I was focused on what I was doing. So I just took a shot and it went it.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Bacha: Yeah, it's really great. Good on her as well because you can see she is starting to get her rhythm back. It's not easy when you're not playing all the time. Here, honestly, I'm just so happy for her. I hope she continues like that because she's the sort of player we really need.

Carpenter: Yeah, I love playing with Amel [Majri]. Yeah, I think she's one of the best players in the world I've seen or played with. [is she though...] She's an amazing talent and you can see what she's capable of now when she's getting back to the top of her game.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Carpenter: The team is in very good spirits at the moment, and you can tell that on the field. Off the field, we're a very close group and we work for each other. And on the field, you can see we're very connected. We're just enjoying ourselves out there, we're not too much pressure [on ourselves], we're just trying to play good football.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Majri: So really, when I went to call for the ball, I could see that even if I got it, I didn't think I could do much with it. So I said to myself, "Amel, leave it", so I left it and there was Ada [Hegerberg] and then a goal. And I thought - well I'm not going to lie to you, when I left I thought to myself "I hope she gets it". And to be frank she was doing great work before, because Lindsey [Horan] got past the opponent, and she [Hegerberg] just shot across. Honestly, it's a great goal.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Majri: Yeah, I'm happy because it's always nice to implicated in the build-up to a goal. I think that what I bring in terms of the style of play, I try to be involved in the ball movement, moving with the ball, moving without the ball. And I have good sensations, I feel good. Beyond that it's also the fact that I have been playing in consecutive games. But in terms of full games, I think it's one of my best performances since I have come back.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Carpenter: I guess playing a team one week after the other, twice in a row, it's quite difficult. It was a different Montepellier we faced at their home as well, away. Yeah, it was a tough game, it was one we had to grind out. Yeah, we knew they were going to come out different, like after beating them in the Coupe [de France], we knew it would be a completely different game since they're at home, and they totally showed that.

Bacha: We know that the league and the Coupe de France have nothing to do with each other. We know that Montpellier is a very, very aggressive team. And we knew that playing at their stadium was going to be hard. But here, yeah, it was really hard.

[MONTPELLIER - LYON GAME FOOTAGE]

Bacha: The night before the game, I was really focused on myself. I knew there were people coming to watch us, members of my family. And then, corner. It comes back to Eugenie [Le Sommer], who gives it back to me, and I was like - I knew exactly where I wanted to put it. So I pulled it in and placed it on Vanessa [Gilles]'s head. So really, really happy.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Bacha: It's that left foot, it's my left foot. What can I say. But beyond that, I work really hard. I know that I always want perfection. Because I know there are games where the crosses aren't good, but I really want perfection.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Bacha: My second assist for Ada [Hegerberg], it's vintage Ada-Selma. It's that connection that I think not a lot of people have. Honestly, with her, I know where she wants the ball and - honestly, I don't even have to look up. Because I cross, but I already know where she is.

Carpenter: Yeah, Selma [Bacha] is a great crosser, a great assister. Yeah, they're perfect, those crosses, pinpoint. If it wasn't for her we probably wouldn't have gotten the three points. So it was great to have her service [LOL at the Franglais here - the correct word would have been contribution], it allowed us to score goals.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Dabritz: I remember that it was a very intense game. But it's always like that against Montpellier. It's always a game which comes down to the duels, to aggression. They came back with that goal, it was a game which was a little [Dabritz mimes going back and forth] But then we won it and that's the most important thing.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Dabritz: We gave it all on the field. And it's normal to have games which are more complicated than others. And yeah, Montpellier is a good team, I can admit that.

Bacha: That's why I said that Olympique Lyonnais, the mentality - honestly, there are few players who can walk on to this team and say they already have that mentality. [@/any team other than Lyon. A blood lust isn't innate. It's learned behavior.]

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Dabritz: We went to Austria for a Champions League game. Those are always special games for us. It's a particular game, playing the Champions League, those games are seen as the highest level.

[ST POLTEN - LYON PREGAME FOOTAGE]

Carpenter: Yeah, you never know really, when you go to other teams, other countries, how the pitch is going to be. Yeah, the pitch wasn't great. But we made the most of it and we had quite a good game.

Bacha: A stadium which was ... [Bacha laughs] It was a complicated game. No, playing on that pitch was complicated, it was a bit hard. But we started strong. We attacked from the start, even if we were starting to feel the tiredness. But we attacked from the start and were playing simple. And honestly, we were very efficient as well.

[ST POLTEN - LYON GAME FOOTAGE]

Dabritz: And yeah, we played a really good game, with a lot of goals and a really good performance from the entire team.

[ST POLTEN - LYON GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Bacha: [forcefully] We never underestimate a team. When you play simple and individually you're clean, technically you're clean, and you're all on the same wave length, honestly there are not - we're good.

[ST POLTEN - LYON GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Carpenter: Getting players back from injury, it's always nice, especially when they're providing assists and scoring goals. That's even better.

[ST POLTEN - LYON GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Dabritz: Yeah, it was a good goal. [laughs] We really enjoyed ourselves on the field, we had nice combinations, we were explosive offensively. At least I think so. So we were really happy after the game.

[ST POLTEN - LYON GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

[TRAINING FOOTAGE / COUPE DE FRANCE LYON - FC NANTES FOOTAGE]

Bacha: Yeah, it wasn't an easy game because maybe in our heads, even if I think it's not really like that, but instinctively it's human nature and we underestimated them. FC Nantes came in with their game plan. They're a really good team, I was surprised. The first half was difficult. I think it's a little bit because exhaustion is starting to creep in. But the changes at half time did us some good and we were really efficient. The coach [Sonia Bompastor] yelled a bit at half time but it's normal. It's like that.

Carpenter: Yeah, I think fatigue comes into play there. I think it was our fifth or sixth game in a run. They were a different team, we hadn't really played them before. I think we can put that first half behind us and I think we really came out better in the second half. But yeah, I think we ended the game better than we started.

[LYON - FC NANTES GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Carpenter: Yeah, it was so nice to see Delphine [Cascarino] make her return from her ACL. Obviously it's such a long rehab, such a long journey. It's tough to have an injury and go through something like that, and it's her second one as well. But I think she's done an amazing job. You can see in the way she's come back, she still has her speed, has her footwork.

Bacha: It was a really good moment for Delphine, the return against FC Nantes. We saw her struggle, her mentality is just incredible. It's really hard to have the ACL injury happen twice, to have missed the World Cup when we were expecting her, we wanted her there. Now she had the mentality, she dug deep. I'm really happy to see her back because it will really do us good.

[GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D / LYON - SLAVIA PRAGUE GAME FOOTAGE]

Carpenter: Yeah, we knew we were first in the group and obviously qualified, but we also knew we needed to put out a strong performance [they did not]. We wanted to keep the flow going for how well we're doing this month [of January]. On game day, obviously not everything went to plan. Obviously I think fatigue played a little bit in that as well, but that's not really an excuse. We should be better. We had 10,000 people come and you know, the more people that come the better, at least for us. We want to perform well, put on a show, for them to come back again.

Bacha: First of all we have to thank the fans who come out and support us. They're becoming more and more, so we need to thank them and for them to continue coming out and supporting us. After, it was hard because - well personally, I could feel the exhaustion. Then Slavia [Prague] was playing with a really low block. They came to get something at Lyon, even if we were already first and already qualified. At the end of the day we're Olympique Lyonnais. It's not acceptable to have played that sort of game.

LYON - SLAVIA PRAGUE GAME FOOTAGE CONT'D]

Carpenter: Yeah, it was very frustrating. I think games like that, you want to play the next game very quickly after so you can have a good reaction.

Dabritz: We were a little disappointed because we weren't happy with our performance. We wanted to show to the public that we can put on good performances, they came for us. That's why we were a bit disappointed. Beyond that, we want to continue, we always want to improve, progress. We always want to give our best. But it's not always possible.

Bacha: I'd rather it happened to us then than get to the quarterfinals and you're knocked out I hope it will serve as a lesson to us.

Carpenter: No team is perfect in the world. Some teams have draws or a loss and it's not the end of the world. I think we need to remind ourselves that we're also human as well. Not every game is the best game. January is probably the biggest month we've had in a long time. We knew we had a lot of games, we had to get points, play well, perform. I think as a team we did that great, especially as we have some injuries at the moment as well so we had to adapt. I think the team has held up well. We're ready for February.

[teetimesbooking]

10 Best Golf Breaks in Spain for an Unforgettable Getaway

Spain has long been celebrated as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of stunning courses set against picturesque backdrops. The country boasts a unique blend of culture, climate, and world-class golfing facilities that make it an ideal location for unforgettable golf breaks in Spain. In this article, we delve into the ten best golf breaks in Spain, ensuring your next getaway is filled with relaxation, challenge, and breathtaking scenery.

1. Costa del Sol: The Golfing Paradise

The Costa del Sol is often referred to as the crown jewel of golf in Spain. With over 70 golf courses lining the Mediterranean coastline, it’s no surprise that this region attracts players from all over the world. The pleasant climate ensures year-round playability, while the stunning views of the mountains and the sea add to the overall experience.

For a memorable golf break, consider booking a stay at one of the numerous luxury resorts that offer access to top-tier courses such as Valderrama Golf Club and Finca Cortesin. These courses are known not only for their challenging layouts but also for their spectacular surroundings. After a day on the links, indulge in the vibrant local cuisine and nightlife that the Costa del Sol has to offer.

2. Costa Blanca: A Hidden Gem

While the Costa Blanca may not be as well-known as its southern counterpart, it offers a wealth of golfing opportunities that should not be overlooked. The region is home to picturesque towns like Alicante and Benidorm, where golf courses blend seamlessly with the stunning coastal landscape.

Courses such as Las Colinas Golf & Country Club and La Sella Golf provide a mix of challenging holes and breathtaking views, making them ideal for a relaxing golf break. With the added benefit of beautiful beaches and rich cultural experiences, the Costa Blanca is perfect for those looking to combine golf with leisure.

3. Mallorca: A Golfer’s Dream Island

The island of Mallorca is renowned for its stunning scenery, charming villages, and, of course, its exceptional golf courses. With a variety of options ranging from coastal courses to those nestled in the hills, Mallorca provides an idyllic setting for golf breaks in Spain.

Courses like Son Gual Golf and Pula Golf are not only well-maintained but also offer unique challenges for players of all skill levels. After a day on the green, take advantage of Mallorca’s culinary scene, indulging in local delicacies and fresh seafood while enjoying the breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean.

4. Canary Islands: Year-Round Golfing

The Canary Islands, known for their subtropical climate, are another fantastic destination for golf breaks in Spain. With mild temperatures throughout the year, these islands provide an ideal setting for those looking to escape the colder climates of mainland Europe.

Courses such as Golf Costa Adeje and Abama Golf offer unique challenges and stunning ocean views, making them must-play destinations. The islands also boast a vibrant mix of cultures, outdoor activities, and relaxation options, ensuring that your golf getaway is as enjoyable off the course as it is on.

5. Costa Brava: A Blend of Golf and Nature

The Costa Brava is famous for its rugged coastline, charming villages, and lush landscapes. This region is home to several exceptional golf courses that offer a unique combination of natural beauty and golfing excellence.

Empordà Golf and PGA Catalunya Resort are just two examples of courses that have received international acclaim and provide an unforgettable golfing experience. After your rounds, explore the rich cultural heritage of the Costa Brava, visiting local art galleries and indulging in exquisite wines and cuisine.

6. Madrid and Surroundings: Urban Golfing Experience

The vibrant capital city of Madrid is not just known for its rich cultural history and bustling urban life; it also offers some excellent golf courses. The proximity of courses like Club de Campo Villa de Madrid and Centro Nacional de Golf makes it easy to enjoy a golfing getaway without leaving the city.

These courses provide a unique golfing experience with their well-maintained greens and beautiful layouts. After a round, take time to explore Madrid’s world-class museums, parks, and culinary delights, ensuring that your golf break is well-rounded and fulfilling.

7. El Algarve: Portugal’s Golfing Paradise

Although not technically in Spain, the El Algarve region in Portugal is just a stone’s throw away and is home to some of the best golf courses in Europe. Renowned for its stunning coastline and warm climate, the Algarve is an excellent choice for golf breaks.

Courses such as Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago offer breathtaking views and challenging layouts that will test golfers of all skill levels. The excellent food and wine in the region, coupled with its beautiful landscapes, make it a perfect destination for a golf-centric holiday.

8. Murcia & Almería: The Underrated Regions

Murcia and Almería are often overlooked in favor of more popular golf destinations, but these regions boast some hidden gems worth discovering. Courses like La Torre Golf and Desert Springs Golf Club provide unique challenges and stunning scenery.

The tranquil atmosphere and fewer crowds make these areas an ideal choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy locations. Additionally, the local cuisine and wine are not to be missed, providing a perfect end to your golfing days.

9. Sotogrande: Exclusive Golfing Experience

For those seeking a more exclusive golfing experience, Sotogrande is the place to be. This luxurious destination is home to some of the most prestigious golf courses in Spain, including Valderrama Golf Club, which has hosted numerous professional tournaments.

The combination of high-end accommodations and exquisite dining options makes Sotogrande a perfect choice for a lavish golf break. Whether you're playing a round or simply enjoying the stunning architecture, Sotogrande promises an unforgettable experience.

10. Lisbon Coast: A Blend of Culture and Golf

Finally, the Lisbon Coast offers a unique blend of culture and golfing opportunities. With beautiful beaches, historic sites, and stunning golf courses like Oitavos Dunes and Estoril Golf Club, this region is perfect for those looking to combine their love of golf with rich cultural experiences.

After a day on the course, explore the vibrant city of Lisbon, sampling its delectable cuisine and immersing yourself in its rich history. The Lisbon Coast is an excellent choice for those seeking a diverse and enriching golf break.

Conclusion

Spain is a golfer’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of courses and stunning locations that make for unforgettable golf breaks. Whether you choose the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol, the unique landscapes of Mallorca, or the cultural vibrancy of Madrid, your golfing getaway will undoubtedly leave you with memories to cherish. So pack your clubs, embrace the Spanish sun, and get ready for an incredible golf adventure that combines the best of sport, leisure, and culture.

[loveisanimaginarydagger3000]

Hello, hello. To my lovely audience and to our lovely contestant, and to the people watching this from home I welcome you back to question time, with me your humble host - ☕️

We are back in action for round two, for those who need a reminder, it’s our sports round! Now for every correct answer given the contestant will bag themselves a point, and just like the last round there is a bonus question at the end. This time though it’s worth 3 extra points. Shall we get started?!

Question one. Which footballer has scored the most goals in World Cup history?

I’m shit at football so I’m glad I’ve got my handy cue cards that have the answer written down for me.

Okay question 2. Which countries rugby team is called the Springboks?

Question number 3. In which sport is 180 considered a perfect score?

Into number 4. Jessica Ennis-Hill competed for Great Britain in which sport?

Back to football with question number 5. Which country has one the most FIFA World Cup titles?

Question 6. In which sport is the Ryder cup contested?

For question number 7. We have. Which country won the cricket World Cup in 2019?

In which sport would you find the terms “jab”, “hook” and “uppercut”? That’s question 8.

After this question we move onto to the last one which includes bonus points, but first question 9.

Who is the current holder of the Formula 1 world championship?

Okay onto the last question.

Question number 10. The first FIFA World Cup was held in what year? And for those bonus points can you name the host country?

Okay so that wraps up round 2 of our question time quiz show! We’ll be back after this short reading break to have a look at what our lovely contestant said. Can they put some more points on the scoreboard or are we going to see the downfall of the one we are rooting for?

All will be revealed when we return. But from me your host it’s bye for now -☕️

Woooo round 2 time!!! Finally, topics I'm good at!

1- That would be Germany's striker Klose :) I think it's something like 15/16 goals in total he has.

2- I'm pretty sure it's South Africa? I'm not the biggest rugby fan tbh

3- Darts! (a sport i am surprisingly shit at)

4- Ngl I have no idea😭 Not really a fan of the olympics some reason.

5- Back to football? perfect, let me show off here. Brazil has the most world cups with 5, then Italy and Germany are tied on 4, Argentina 3, Uruguay and France on 2 and spain and england with 1. 🫡I'm a football nerd.

6- Golf I'm pretty sure?

7- England? I think that was the match were it went to the last ball? (not a massive cricket fan)

8- Boxing!

9- That would be Max Verstappen (Red bull racer)

10- 1930 was the first world cup! Uruguay were the hosts and the winners

Help not the downfall of who we were rooting for😭😭 I hope I haven't just embarrassed myself and gotten most of these wrong

[monzabee]

screaming because i saw you were planning something for carlos !! can we know more about maroon? 💌

of course you can, honey!🥹🩷

this was a request i actually got over the summer and it is about carlos and the team lawyer falling in love, and then consequently breaking up because the season gets tough for our favourite smooth operator. ever since i first listened to maroon i always associated it with carlos for some reason, so i wanted to use similar patterns to the song. also, the fact that the main character is a lawyer kinda hits close to home and i used an analogy from contract law as part of the beginnin and i have to say i love it.

the excerpt below is from when the characters are no longer together, but if you can spot the very obvious effect listening to the hamilton soundrack had on me, we can totally be friends!

Carlos was a winner, and you knew this. He loved winning regardless of the category; against Charles in chess, Lando in golf, even against his father when he made him subject to mindless bets. And deep down, even though you didn’t want it to be true, he saw you as a shiny trophy to win and to keep until your time was up. Carlos saw his father before him; racing and winning, the legacy it left in his family, and in Spain – and even from a young age he knew he wanted to achieve the same. He knew he had the talent, the drive and the ambition, and he knew he would not stop until he got what he wanted. And Carlos wanted to win. But that was the problem, wasn’t it? He was an ambitious man; not a in the usual i want to be the best way, no, because Carlos Sainz was the ambitious man. The kind where his ambition consumed him to the point where winning was all that he could think about, and it didn’t matter what cost it came at. He wanted to be the next Alonso for the next Carlos back at home, he wanted to continue his father’s legacy – and he didn’t care he lost you completely at the expense of chasing that fame. And you think of him, the man who once occupied the left side of the bed beside you when you wake up alone at night now. And you can’t help but to think what a real fucking legacy to leave, that is. To reduce someone into a mess every time they realise they wake up alone. But what is a legacy anyway?

come join the wip game!

[its-just-hyper]

Music make me gain control

*Annihilates your immortal soul*

Boss dead, Level clear, Where do I go from here?

Walk home, Try to eat, I'm not hungry, Go to sleep

I can't sleep, Lie in bed, Think about what bad guy said

"Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?”

Online course, Back to school, Pass the bar, Superstar!

Sue a guy, Win big, Walk home, Try to sleep

Level Clear!

Lie in bed, Think about what bad guy said

"Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?"

Buy a ticket, See the world, Move to Spain, meet a girl, fall in love, have four kids. Learn the joy a family gives

Live my life, Love my wife, Share a bed every night, Still can't sleep, Lie in bed

Level Clear!

Start again

Isaiah Rashad 'Heavenly Father' Official Lyrics & Meaning | Genius Verified

Raise money, Charity, Save the whales, save the trees, save the bees, save all life, win the Nobel Peace Prize

Preach that kindness is an art, live in all of mankind's heart, Try to sleep, Lie in bed

Level clear!

Start again

Alright

Thank you

Hadouken

You win

"Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?"

Grab a guy, Beat him up, Threaten his life, Take his stuff

Fight more people take their shit

Start a crime syndicate

Deal some drugs to kids

Hide some bodies in a fridge

Get killed by my second in command

Level clear

Start again

Still can't sleep, Lie in bed

Ready? GO!

Look to god say wow preach the book and make the vow

Leader of the whole congregation

Level clear!

Start again

Train in 9Gs, space trip

Three years in a rocket ship

Be the first player on Saturn

Level clear!

Start again

Practice medicine pay my fees

Raise awareness around Cheese Knees

Cure the famous deadly Cheese Knees disease

Don't even try to sleep

TikTok live stream take a big ball of ham

Put it in my mouth, get a lot of likes, subscribes hashtag Ham Guy

Level clear!

Start again

Train that body 7 days a week, protein cardio, Level up!, no sleep

Become the greatest sportsman in the world!

Golf, Tennis, Race car Driver, Olympian, umpire

Level clear!

Plumber, Carpenter, Composer, Doctor, Builder

Level clear!

Fighter, Painter, Royal family negotiator

Level clear!

I forgot break dancer, Turtle killer f-freelancer

Level clear!

Astronaut, Indentured cleaner on a beach resort

Alright!

Thank you!

Hadouken

You win

"Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?"

Alright!

Thank you

H-H-Hadouken

You win

"Even if you did defeat me, what would you do then?"

[c2-eh]

Not saying I want them to break up or anything, if they are still together and happy good for them but everyone that is so sad and that love them together... I'm sorry I don't see it, am I the only that doesn't like Isa that much?

Nothing against her but I just find her so boring and plain, to me she is just a typical rich posh girl from Madrid (if you're from Spain you know what I mean). And don't get me wrong, Carlos is a posh rich kid too, but idk to me he has way more of a personality than her, but what do I know? 🙃

(sorry for rambling at you and if you like her and/or them together, sorry again 😬)

i am sure you are not the only one that does not like her anon. we had a whole ass blog hating on her here :)) but yes, i like her and i still wish they are not broken up. i might be a little sad, for like a day, but that doesn't mean i will go cry or say "love isn't real" because lmao no.

i am not from spain but i have enough spanish friends that enlightened me on that. and what can i say? Carlos is the exact same. rich boring (he plays golf) boy from madrid.

regarding isa's personality, i don't think she does not have any lol. just because she is not as open about herself and does not let her goofy side show that often, does not mean she is plain. but fair, you can have your own opinion and i am sure many share it :)

it's okay! it's not like you can't have an opinion or that i will be offended by that. you can like whoever you want! <3

[bonvoyagetimeshare]

Marriott Club Son Antem: The Ultimate Timeshare Investment for Luxury & Relaxation

Thinking About a Smart, Luxury Holiday Investment?

Let’s cut to the chase. You want luxury vacations without the hassle of planning every year. You want world-class resorts, top-tier amenities, and consistent quality.

But you don’t want to burn cash on expensive hotels.

Enter Marriott Club Son Antem – a timeshare that lets you lock in luxury stays at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're looking to buy a Marriott timeshare or just explore Marriott Vacation Club France for future investments, you're in the right place.

What Makes Marriott Club Son Antem Special?

It’s simple.

Located in Mallorca, Spain, this resort is a dream. Think private villas, stunning golf courses, spa treatments, and gourmet dining. And because it’s a Marriott Vacation Club property, you get all the perks of a high-end hotel with the exclusivity of a private escape.

Why does that matter?

Guaranteed luxury – Every time you visit, expect the same Marriott-standard excellence.

Huge savings – One-time investment vs. paying premium hotel rates every year.

Flexibility – Choose when and how long you want to stay.

Resale value – Unlike regular hotel stays, a Marriott timeshare retains value.

Who is This Timeshare Perfect For?

Let’s be real. Not everyone needs a timeshare. But if you tick any of these boxes, it’s probably for you:

Frequent traveller who visits Spain often.

Family-oriented – Need extra space & a kitchen? You got it.

Luxury lover – Five-star service without paying five-star rates.

Investment-minded – Want an asset that holds value? This is it.

If this sounds like you, read on.

Breaking Down the Perks of Marriott Club Son Antem

You’re not just getting a place to stay. You’re getting an experience. Let’s look at what’s inside:

1. Stunning Private Villas

Spacious, modern, and stylish.

Full kitchens, living areas, and outdoor terraces.

Feels like home but with resort-level service.

2. World-Class Golf Courses

Two 18-hole championship golf courses.

Training academy for beginners & pros alike.

Breathtaking views while you play.

3. Relaxing Spa & Wellness Centre

Massages, facials, and top-notch wellness treatments.

Indoor & outdoor pools for all seasons.

Gym & fitness classes to stay on track.

4. Fine Dining & Bars

Multiple on-site restaurants with authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Poolside bars & lounges for a relaxing evening.

Fresh seafood, local wines, and international dishes.

5. Activities for the Whole Family

Kids' club & family-friendly events.

Tennis courts, bike rentals, and hiking trails.

Easy access to beaches and Mallorca’s top attractions.

How to Buy a Marriott Timeshare at Son Antem?

So, you’re convinced. You want in. Now what?

Here’s how to make a smart purchase with Bon Voyage Vacation Services:

Research Your Options – New or resale? Both have perks.

Understand the Costs – One-time buy-in + annual maintenance fees.

Choose the Right Package – Weeks-based vs. points-based ownership.

Work with a Trusted Reseller – We help you avoid scams and bad deals.

Enjoy Unlimited Vacations – Once you own it, your dream vacations begin.

Want to explore more options? Check out Marriott Vacation Club France and see how different locations stack up.

Is a Marriott Timeshare Worth It?

Let’s be blunt.

A Marriott Club Son Antem Timeshare isn’t for everyone. If you travel once in a blue moon, maybe stick with hotels.

But if you want predictable luxury, long-term savings, and the ability to vacation on your terms, then it’s a no-brainer.

Still on the fence? Ask yourself:

Do I visit Spain often?

Do I like quality vacations over cheap, unpredictable ones?

Do I want an asset instead of throwing money at hotels?

If you answered yes, then a timeshare is worth considering.

How to Get Started?

It’s easy.

Browse Available Timeshares – Check listings with Bon Voyage Vacation Services.

Get Expert Advice – We’ll help you find the best deal.

Make a Smart Purchase – Get the best price with zero hassle.

Want a hassle-free vacation every year? Buy Marriott Timeshare today.

Marriott Club Son Antem is waiting for you.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a timeshare isn’t just about where you stay.

It’s about how you vacation.

With Marriott Club Son Antem, you get luxury, flexibility, and long-term value.

No more wasting time booking overpriced hotels.

No more wondering if your next vacation will be hit or miss.

Just first-class travel, every single time.

So, if you’re serious about elevating your travel game, this is your sign.

Time to make it happen.