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flanaganfilm · 1 year ago

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Hey Mike! Can you talk about your experience going from Absentia to Oculus? That process after Absentia went on its festival run to pitching Oculus? Would love to learn about that time in your life & career!

I moved to Los Angeles in 2003, right after I graduated college. I went to Towson University in Maryland, was an EMF major (Electronic Media & Film) and had wanted nothing more than to make movies my whole life. We were a comfortable middle class military family (my dad was in the Coast Guard) and for most of my life, making movies for a living felt like an impossible dream.

When I moved to LA I took whatever work I could find. I shot and edited those local car commercials you see on TV at 2am, I was a logger and an AE for reality TV shows, and I eventually worked my way to editing.

I said I'd give myself 5 years to make it in Hollwood. By the time we shot Absentia, I'd been here for 7 years, and in that time I hadn't gotten any closer to my dream.

I've already written at length about how Absentia came along and what it was like to make that little movie, and I've recently blogged about how the Oculus premiere changed my life and birthed my career, so I won't rehash those - but I don't often talk about what went on in between.

I finished editing Absentia just before my oldest son was born in 2010, and went back to working full-time as a reality TV editor. In fact, in the months leading up to his birth, I was working double-time - I spent my days at a company called Film Garden working on a series for DIY Network, and my nights editing packages at Nash Entertainment for those true crime clip shows. Whatever it took to keep the lights on and provide as much support as I could for my son.

While this was happening, I'd submitted Absentia to a pile of film festivals. We didn't get into any of the majors - Sundance, SXSW, and Toronto all passed on the film. Our world premiere was at the Fargo Film Festival, where Tom Brandau, one of my former professors from Towson - and one of my mentors - was teaching.

(Our original festival poster, WAY better than the weird clip art that would come later)

The movie got into a fair amount of film festivals, and we traveled with it as much as we could. I have fond memories of the Phoenix Film Festival, San Luis Obispo (where I met Greg Kinnear at a party and very awkwardly asked for a picture - you can see how thrilled he is about it) and my personal favorite: the Fantastia Film Festival in Montreal.

(At one of the screenings, I believe the San Luis Obispo Film Festival)

While this was happening, the film was picked up for a tiny VOD and DVD release through Phase 4 Films.

They were a Canadian distribution company whose claim to fame was putting out Kevin Smith's Red State under a very unusual distribution model. They acquired the movie, which led to a company holiday part in Hollywood.

There, I briefly met Kevin Smith for the first time. We've met again since, and I've now had a chance to thank him for the kindness he showed me back then - I was just some starstruck kid at a party, but he was gracious and available and inspiring. I really admire the way Kevin deals with his fans, and I've tried to emulate it over the years.

So that was kind of it for Absentia. We went to a few festivals, went to a few parties, and posed for a few pictures with some people we admired. Phase 4 designed some truly godawful cover art, dropped the movie into video stores, and that was that.

($2.99 is a pretty good deal)

So Absentia had pretty much run its course. It had a passionate following of fans, but between the crappy art design and glut of low budget horror films on the market, its moment had already come and gone. I was back at work, editing a series for DIY Network called Extra Yardage, and yearning for another chance to make a movie.

Absentia might not have broken open the industry doors like I'd wanted it to, but one thing it did yield was a meeting with an entertainment attorney named Joel VanderKloot.

I had been represented a few times over the years by various managers (to be honest, they were actually Jeff Howard's managers, and they took me on because we had a co-written project together.) But those relationships hadn't gone anywhere, I'd never sold a script or booked a job, and when I suggested making Absentia they were not supportive ("You've already tried the indie thing, haven't you?") so by the time Absentia was made, I was completely unrepped.

Joel was a family friend of Jason Poh, who was one of our Absentia Kickstarter backers. He was a guy who'd just found the project online and donated a thousand bucks. He kept up with us, and loved the final movie. He told me he knew an entertainment lawyer and offered to arrange a lunch.

I left my editing job at Film Garden for a long lunch and met Joel in Santa Monica (this was a day-killing drive for me). Joel had seen the movie and really liked it. We had a good lunch, but wasn't immediately sure about taking me on - it's a lot of work to take on a new client, and there wasn't much heat on my movie. But there was something there that he liked, and he called later that day to say he would take me on as a client.

I was elated. I felt like I'd made my movie to the best of my ability, and that it had flashed in the pan and then died... no one had noticed outside of a few festival audiences and critics. But here was someone who worked in the industry and he saw something in the film that he believed in.

Joel started looking for managers while I clung to my day job. He passed the movie around and we had a few nibbles, which led to the first manager in my career who wanted to simply represent ME: Nicholas Bogner.

Bogner went about setting general meetings at production companies who specialized in horror films. There weren't a lot of takers, and not everyone was willing to watch an entire feature film in consideration of a general meeting. So it was hit or miss - I was a nobody, after all, and they get these kinds of incoming inquiries all the time.

But there were a few takers. And the very first meeting I had was with Anil Kurian at Intrepid Pictures.

Again, I took an extended lunch from my editing job and drove across town to Intrepid's offices in Santa Monica. I was beyond nervous when I sat in the waiting room. The young man working the front desk signed me in and offered me a water. And then, just before the meeting started, he leaned over and he said "I loved Absentia, by the way."

Anil was a really cool executive and we had a good general meeting. At the end of it, he introduced me to the heads of Intrepid: Marc Evans, and Trevor Macy.

We all ended up in the conference room, where posters for Intrepid's other movies - at that time, The Strangers and The Raven - were hanging. I vividly remember staring at them while I pitched all five of the ideas I had for movies.

One of them was a story about a little boy whose dreams manifested in real life, and another was a take on Stephen King's novel Gerald's Game. But at the time, none of these ideas worked. The meeting was over, and everyone was politely going about their day.

I felt a panic in me. It was my first real meeting, the door had been cracked open just an inch by Absentia, and I was about to walk away with nothing. Would my new manager want to keep me? Would my new lawyer think he was wasting his time?

I stopped in the doorway and turned back. "I've got one other thing," I said. "I made a short years ago about a haunted mirror, and I have a take for a feature."

They kind of laughed at the idea of a haunted mirror. "How do you make that scary?" Trevor asked. I said "Think of it like a portable Overlook Hotel," and the room got a little quieter.

"I'd like to see that short," Trevor said. I agreed to send it immediately.

I ran back to work, stayed a few hours late to make up the time I'd burned on my lunch hour, and went home to find a DVD copy of Oculus: The Man with the Plan.

I'd made that short in 2005. It was 20 mins long, and a lot of fun. Over the years whenever I'd get into meetings (all courtesy of Jeff Howard, who had sold scripts long before we started writing together), people would see it and ask about a feature. Every time, though, the conversation stalled because they wanted the film to be a found footage movie, or they'd balk at the idea of me directing a feature.

I sent the DVD to Intrepid and waited. About a week later, they called and asked me to come back in.

I took another long lunch (this would become quite a habit as the project advanced) and drove back down. We met again in the conference room, but this time the mood was a little different.

Trevor said "We're interested in this. How would you expand it? I know there are cameras in the room with the man and the mirror, which begs the question of found footage..."

My heart sank.

"... but we're thinking that's a mistake. It looks like all the fun is in playing with reality, and you can't do that with found footage. So how would you do it?"

And we were off.

I won't rehash the long journey between this meeting and the Oculus premiere at Toronto (scroll down to find another blog about that), but that was really the moment when things changed.

I drove back to work a little giddy. Intrepid optioned the short film, I called Jeff Howard to see if he'd still want to work on a feature with me, and we were commissioned to write the script.

It was my first Hollywood job. I was paid the bare minimum, but I was also able to join the WGA because of the deal. I still didn't quit my day job (and wouldn't for a long time, not until the movie was really shooting in Alabama the following year) but I was off to the races.

Once the script was done, Oculus would lead to my first agents (at APA, and they treated me very well) and my first "real" movie.

What's particularly neat about this time, looking back, is that I owe it all to Absentia. We'd made this tiny little movie to try to kick open the door of Hollywood and start a career. And despite the enormous pride I had in the finished film, it felt for a long time like it hadn't quite succeeded in that.

But quietly, subtly, the movie did exactly what I hoped it would. The festival screenings built up a small but confident word of mouth. The movie led directly to my attorney Joel (who still represents me to this day), which led directly to my first real representation, which led directly to Intrepid Pictures.

Trevor Macy is now my business partner and has produced every single thing I've ever made since. We run Intrepid Pictures together, and I see that same eagerness in the faces of young filmmakers who find their way to us for general meetings. I try to be as supportive and accessible to them as I possibly can, because I remember very well what it feels like to stand in their shoes.

And Trevor even ended up making those other pitches he'd rejected all those years ago - Before I Wake and Gerald's Game followed soon after Oculus was done.

Absentia did everything I could have wanted it to do, and much more. I'll always remember that period of time with great affection... but man, it was stressful. The uncertainty of those years still exists in me, I don't think it'll ever leave.

Someone told me, along the way, that there wouldn't be a moment when I realized I "made it." It would happen while I wasn't looking. That ended up being absolutely true.

#absentia #oculus #intrepid pictures #hollywood dreams

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allhailthe70shousewife · 1 year ago

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Every year at this time I can’t help but think about this boss I once had who would not let her kids have any Xmas. She would spend a huge chunk of money for Xmas gifts for her best friend and also to make up these ridiculous gift packages full of cheap plastic crap from Oriental Trading Co. to send out as promotion to clients. She’d even drop decent money on her employees for a holiday party. And then she’d drag her kids (they were both under 12 the years I worked for her) and husband off to Thailand or India for these whirlwind vacations -traveling overnight on trains and all sorts of stuff for two weeks over the break.

Every year when it was time for the kids’ school holiday pageant she’d bitch up a fucking storm about how stupid it was. One year I heard her asking her kids if they’d care if she didn’t go because it was boring.

Neither of those kids ever got a single Xmas present. Her son would cry every year, beg for a Xmas tree, ask why they couldn’t stay home, etc. I felt so sorry for that kid.

He has got to be college age by now. I hope he’s found a way to have the Xmas tree of his dreams. And I hope someday he has a family of his own and he can have the Xmases he always wanted with them.

Both of those kids were born in Los Angeles and neither one of them ever got to go to Disneyland either. She hated it, thought it was “stupid” and “boring” as well.

And this was an older mom. Had those kids on purpose. But goddamn if her wants didn’t ALWAYS came before theirs. If her housekeeper/nanny couldn’t stay late to watch the kids so she could go drink champagne at Chateau Marmont on any given night it was a tragedy. Wasn’t very nice to her husband either. Every year she leased a brand new Mercedes station wagon for herself but the husband had to drive an old banger 1992 Honda because she felt “he didn’t need a nice car” and “it would be wasted on him”.

She was a real piece of work. Why do people like that even have kids?

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thestylesindependent · 1 year ago

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Harry Styles’s longtime stylist, Harry Lambert, and his creative director, Molly Hawkins, have had a lot to do with crafting the pop star and actor into one of the era’s top fashion icons. When they joined Styles in launching a company called Pleasing a year and a half ago, they achieved something even more significant, although no flashbulbs were around to capture it. Pleasing’s debut collection, a line of $20 nail polishes inspired by Styles’s own affinity for colorful manicures, was one of the first nail polish to be nearly 100% biodegradable.

Traditional nail polish is made from plastic polymers that break into tiny fragments of microplastic, contributing to pollution. From the start, Hawkins and Lambert were committed to making a version that would naturally decompose. They spent two years finding a laboratory able to work with them on devising a biodegradable formula, and then, in November 2021, they flashed the logo for Pleasing on the wall of the arena outside one of Styles’s concerts in Glendale, Arizona. Days later, when the Pleasing website went live, its first four polish colors—in trendy shades like inky black and bubblegum pink and with quirky names like Granny’s Pink Pearls—sold quickly. Six subsequent collections have launched every few months since then and have seen hero items sell out rapidly as well, while lines have snaked around the block for holiday pop-ups in London, New York, and Los Angeles.

As Pleasing expands into new categories (such as serums, eye shadow, and apparel), Hawkins and Lambert are continuing to push to make products even more eco-friendly, including making brush bristles from castor beans, a renewable resource, rather than petroleum. “We’re incentivizing our partners to keep moving forward,” says Hawkins. “If they can commit to developing a product for us, we can commit to purchasing a [large] quantity of it.”

Still, what makes Pleasing’s products so covetable among fans is that they just look so good. Lambert and Hawkins led the design process for the brand’s signature glass nail polish bottles, which feature globe-shaped tops in metallic and marble colors. “To succeed, the packaging needs to be interesting and exciting,” says Lambert. “We want the products to be so gorgeous that they live on your shelf, not inside your drawer.” To promote each new collection, the duo taps emerging artists to create attractive, color-saturated photography and illustrations. William Waterworth shot Pleasing’s first-ever campaign, for example, while Marisol Muro created the bright, ’70s inspired artwork that accompanied the recent nature-inspired Shroom Bloom nail polish line. Styles himself isn’t intimately involved with product development and doesn’t promote the brand heavily on social media. That’s by design. “At this moment, there are a lot of celebrity brands on the market,” says Lambert. “Pleasing is part of Harry’s world, but we also don’t want to rely on him to be the only reason people buy this product. We want to actually solve problems.”

#harry styles #july 2023 #pleasing #molly Hawkins #harry lambert

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lorifragolina · 10 months ago

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Mad World

Rating: T Relationship: Steve Harrington/Billy Hargrove WT: None Words: 2417 Harringrove droplets

Steve Harrington’s life is not perfect as it seems. He needs a tape and a long road to discover who he really is.

Steve packed some shorts and some of his favorite designer polos in the bag. It would be hot, in summer, in California, but he packed a couple of long trousers too, that sand Dockers he liked to use when he wanted to be smart casual. He threw the bag in the trunk, put his aviators on and started the car in the morning light. It was 5th of July and that was probably the first step of his independency, and a fucking madness at the same time. The road flew straight in front of him as he left Indiana. He had a couple of tapes to listen to, but at some point he lost interest in the music to follow the train of his thoughts. He indeed was doing the greatest madness of his life, and he couldn’t help but keep going. He said to Dustin he was going to visit some colleges in the North, to Robin that he would visit his parents in the east coast, and to his parents… he just said to them he would take a sabbatical to think about college. He could easily disappear into thin air and nobody would know where he was. He decided in a sudden he would go to find Billy, but, on the highway, chasing the sunset on that first day of driving to Los Angeles, he knew it was a long way that took him there. And he felt he was going to search something he never confessed to anybody and he was running away at the same time. Because Billy was the sun that made his awareness blooming, but he wasn’t the water and the soil that grew it.

He was King Harrington, he always was. It was easy given the family he had, his wealthy parents and the beautiful house he lived in. The best opportunities, the best experiences. But when he started his freshman year, the feeling of being a stranger to himself has been just growing. He suffocated it and kept working in his social circle, with jocks and the right companies and the right girls. The right car, the right parties, the right holidays in fancy places with fancy pools and fancy boats. He just swallowed his sorrow and smiled outside, bullying nerds, having his mandatory fistfights. Having his mandatory first kisses, second bases, first time, all the package. Although his first kiss with that sweet girl at the 4th july bonfire when he was 14 was not that lemon flavor popsicle they were talking about over there. Because sometimes he caught himself watching the curve of Tommy Hagan’s cheeks, the dimple he had just there when he hinted a smile, and his freckles all over his face. And when he was lost in those thoughts, he felt everyone else was walking in circles around him and he just couldn’t join those moves.

When he started wooing Nancy Wheeler he just felt something was going to reach its place. She wasn’t in his circle, she was smart and not chasing him because he was who he was, but he felt she could see through him, and it was slightly good, but it didn’t last very long. He rapidly saw that they’re trying to go in different directions and they’re trying to drag each other where they want. A motorhome, six nuggets, to see and surf in the ocean was what he wanted. Not being wealthy, not spending his parents’ money, not going to a fancy college and having the time of his life. He just wanted to go away, try to be someone for himself and have someone, a family to be himself. Nancy wasn’t the right person, but he couldn’t go back to his fancy life after they broke up. His circle has just kept running without him and he was no one now, faceless to them. For the first time, he realized he had no idea of what kind of person he wanted to be, what kind of person he was. What kind of person he needed at his side.

He had some friends in the camp his parents sent him every summer, near a little village in Colorado, a place lost in time and space like Hawkins where nothing ever happened. They are supposed to learn teamwork, forming bonds with rich kids for the future, doing exercise and building cabins or whatever in the woods. That group of 14 year olds spent their time smoking, running away from the supervisors and talking about sex. About strange things like boobs and what you feel when you touch them, about kissing a girl and about having a boner and touching themselves restless in the nights. About when someone saw Jack and Jill, older kids hiding in the boathouse and doing the thing. Steve felt the healthy and good curiosity for girls, the curves they started to show under their chaste bath suits and for joining the girls group at the 4th July dinner around the fire, watching them and giggling. But. He sometimes could feel the heat of being sat at the side of some good looking, kind kid in his cabin. The feeling of their hands just near to each other and staring at the shade of the hair on their upper lips and the smell of the mug they were playing in just a moment before. He felt sad and euphoric at the same time and he felt he was walking at a different pace, to a different place than the other kids. Just at the side, but not the same place.

And that night they went to swim at midnight as a camp tradition, excited and aroused because the girls were escaping from their cabins too and they could maybe slip a hand under their light shirts and skirts, he was excited too, he giggled together with the others and took some of the cigars the older boys were passing, and ran in the cold water all together. They sat around the fire and he kissed that girl, slipping his hand under her white t-shirt and stopping confused and aroused at the fabric of her bra on her chest. He didn’t remember her name at the end of the camp, but that day he was in the circle, he felt he was known and seen and heard and he was in the right place, at the right moment. And then when he left her at the girl camp, he saw that shadow behind the boathouse and those suffocated laughs, and he went near to see, because he was 14, and curious, and older boys and girls did the thing. Only they weren’t some older boy and girl, one of their male supervisors was pushing his roommate, the one with the shadow of the growing mustaches, on the bench outside the cabin and eating his lips in a way he wouldn’t imagine doing to his nameless girl. He had a hand between the legs of the younger kid and he was whining in a hushed voice and grinding against the other. Steve cracked a root, as in the movies they watched every Thursday, and they immediately jumped on their feet and ran away, and he ran away in the other direction, his heart in his mouth, a hardon between his legs and a stange willingness to laugh as he had just lost his mind. He returned to his bed before the other, he just couldn’t sleep and he couldn’t say when the other came in, if he was running and hiding in the woods or just reunited with the older boy and continued their intercourse in another place. Steve wasn’t so brave to touch himself in his bed that night, but the mere memory of the shadow of that hand made him painfully hard, painfully curious and painfully aware that something in him was just changed and would never be the same. He passed the last days avoiding the kid and the supervisor and when they had to prepare their bags to return home, he slipped early in the cabin, and searched his roommate bag, he just wanted to touch his things, but he found a magazine hidden between some school books, and his heart skipped a beat when he opened the pages and he felt his face become red and hot. He stole the magazine and hid it in his own bag, between his own books, and didn’t have the guts to raise his eyes again until he throw the bag in his father’s car trunk.

The next october he started his freshman year and he was still shaken, but he played the game as they expected from him, he just felt like a strange to himself, and he sometimes felt like that the new teachers, and also the classmates he knew from before, could see just through him, like he was invisible, or he had a different and unknown face. He talked about girls with his friends, and had the right experiences and even the right advices from his father, but he kept that magazine under his mattress, and over time he could put his hands on another couple of them, and when he was a junior he stole a video at the video club and he watched it with shame the first time, and then kept watching it over and over again whining with less and less guilty every time. But he never talk to anyone, and never try to look anyone as he saw in the video, he had flirts and crushes with girls and he never had difficulties in finding them, he, the Harrigton stud; he really liked chicks, and their bodies and boobs, but sometimes his glance slipped on the shadow of a mustache over plumpy lips, or on a toned arm or on the shape of a flat chest. He didn't know how to call all this, he wasn’t like that men that liked men about whom his father talked sometimes, he couldn’t remember what he said but he felt he wasn’t one of them, but�� he waited for him to go away for watch the video and then go out with his girlfriend and maybe end the evening with her in the backseat of the Beamer.

And then came the day he first crossed his eyes with Hargrove. He was so gross and loud, and rude that he hated him at first glance. He terrorized the kids and fascinated all those stupid bitches, and he started to feel his perfect world he had built over the years crumbling little by little. He never, never talked about it with anyone, but when Hargrove looked at him he felt he was watching his real face, not the mask, not the transparency, and he felt terrorized at first, and bare, and melting. Hargrove looked so confident, so comfortable, he was brave and blatant and he took him by surprise at Byers, the night he showed up so well dressed and combed and smelling so good, and the way he always looked him straight in the eye drove him crazy, so they fight and they broke each other face and Steve just could register in a fraction of second that he was really fucking handsome before hitting him and hating him a little more.

Although… yes he hated that nasty attitude, as he was the king of the world, how he snapped his fingers and all his old friend and the girls just started to hang on his lips, but… his sweaty pecs under the leather jacket, that cig that seemed so filthy in his hands, and his staring and his walking chin up in every occasion, like he had always everything at his feet. He never thought that Billy could be… like him, but sometimes… sometimes after quarreling with him he felt the urge to browse his magazines and stare at those pieces of leather on those male models’ asses… And when he watched Hargrove going back on him, staring at him from his legs… and then he woke up and felt ashamed, and guilty to have wet dreams with Hargrove, and fucking painfully hard, but he didn’t dare touch himself because he couldn’t look him at the face otherwise. God he was sad for Nancy and he was attracted to other girls but… he wished he would have the same confidence Billy had for looking down on everyone. It was until the day of his birthday. He was there, at the party somebody had thrown for him, watching people in circles around him, flirting with some girls obviously, and drinking down his frustration, he surely didn’t ever know why. And suddenly he felt the stare of Hargrove behind him, he was talking loudly with someone and laughed like he wanted to state his presence. Steve’s smiling at all the happy birthdays and cheers and turned to Hargrove catching his glare and fucking blushing like a virgin 13 years old.

And. He. Blushed. In return.

Hargrove fucking flushed in that pretty shade of tan pink and lose for an instant his grin, hinting a shy smile and then flickering and lowering his eyes, leaning the cig to his lips while he went away. Steve’s heart flipped and he felt dizzy as he was drinking sparkling champagne. And he felt good, seen, for once, in the right way.

And then they started looking at each other, smelling them like shy dogs, mocking some time and talking a little. They swam and drank some beer at the quarry, and that time Billy absent-mindedly touched his arm with his warm, soft fingers, he kept feeling the touch for hours and wanted more.

He dreamt about heated pool parties and eyes sparkling and wet skins, but all felt crumbled when Hargrove disappeared and Steve had to suck up all his feelings and doubts and hopes.

And now that he knew where Billy was, he didn’t have a second thought about driving through the fucking country and finding him. It didn’t matter if Billy would accept him or send him away, and it wasn’t ever important. It was all Steve’s matter, not Billy’s, he just had to do it to meet himself, to make peace with himself and accept all about himself. It was madness and yet the most sane thing he ever did for himself.

He smiled, put his aviator on, started The Hurting tape in the car stereo, and happily drove to meet his destiny.

#writing #stranger things #billy hargrove #harringrove #steve harrington #series #steve x billy #mad world #tears for fears

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realityjoey · 12 days ago

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CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE 118 (RILEY ANDERSON MC x EVAN BUCKLEY)

The lights of Los Angeles glowed under the crisp December sky, casting a warm glow over Station 118. The crew had reluctantly accepted that they’d be on shift during Christmas Eve this year, but rather than let the holiday spirit slip away, Bobby suggested they bring the festivities to the firehouse. Everyone jumped on board, determined to make the most of their time together.

Riley had been a little secretive all week, and on Christmas Eve, she finally revealed her surprise. As the crew gathered in the common room—decorated with tinsel, strings of lights, and a slightly lopsided tree that Hen insisted looked “charmingly rustic”—Riley arrived with several trays in hand, each stacked high with traditional British holiday treats. She set them down on the dining table with a wide grin, and the scent of spices, sugar, and freshly baked dough filled the air.

“I thought I’d bring a bit of home here,” she announced, her thick accent causing Buck to smirk in that teasing way he always did. “It’s Christmas, after all.”

Chimney and Hen were the first to dive in, lifting the lids to discover mince pies, Christmas pudding, and a few packages of what Riley called “proper British biscuits.”

“Okay, I have no idea what half of these are,” Eddie admitted with a laugh, inspecting a mince pie with a skeptical expression.

“It’s mincemeat,” Riley explained, then quickly clarified, “Not actual meat—just dried fruit, spices, all that good stuff. Trust me, it’s better than it sounds.”

Buck, standing by her side with an arm casually wrapped around her waist, grinned. “You’re in for a treat, Diaz. Riley doesn’t mess around when it comes to this stuff.”

Riley playfully elbowed him, but there was a warmth in her eyes as she saw her friends enjoying the little pieces of her heritage. Bobby even managed to snag the recipe for the Christmas pudding, already planning to try it out at home with Athena.

As the night wore on, the firehouse was filled with the sound of laughter, music playing softly from the speakers, and the crinkle of wrapping paper as they exchanged small gifts. Eddie gifted Hen a new set of tools for her car, Chimney got Eddie a framed photo of the team, and Hen surprised Bobby with a homemade ornament of the 118 logo. Riley handed out small, personalized gifts—tiny tokens that showed how much she had come to know and appreciate each of them over the past year. When it was Buck’s turn, she handed him a wrapped box that contained a new leather jacket, one he’d been eyeing but never bought for himself.

He grinned at her, something private passing between them as he muttered, “You spoil me, Anderson.”

“And you love it,” she replied with a wink.

But Buck had one more surprise up his sleeve. He disappeared for a few minutes, leaving Riley and the rest of the team to speculate about his sudden absence. When he returned, he was dressed head to toe in a plush Santa suit, complete with a hat and a fake white beard. The team broke out into laughter as he struck a pose, flexing his arms in the oversized red jacket.

“You look ridiculous,” Riley snorted, barely containing her laughter as Buck swaggered around the room, his movements exaggerated for effect.

“That’s the point, love,” Buck said, adjusting his beard. “I figured we might meet some kids on calls tonight, and I thought, ‘What’s Christmas Eve without Santa?’”

Bobby shook his head, but there was a smile playing on his lips. “That’s actually a pretty good idea, Buck. Just make sure you don’t scare the kids off.”

“Oh, they’ll love me,” Buck replied confidently, shooting a wink Riley’s way. “Everyone loves Santa, right?”

The night passed with the usual calls—some minor injuries, a small fire to put out, and one apartment where a child got stuck trying to climb down a homemade chimney. Buck stayed in costume for each call, his Santa antics bringing smiles and laughter, even from the most weary of parents.

Back at the station, Riley watched him interact with the kids they encountered, her heart swelling with affection. Even in his silly costume, he exuded warmth and care, kneeling down to chat with the kids and making sure they got a candy cane from his makeshift sack. It reminded her of just how much he cared, not just about her but about everyone he met.

As the night wound down, they gathered around the Christmas tree in the firehouse, the lights twinkling softly. Riley reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a sprig of mistletoe, her eyes glinting with mischief. She dangled it above Buck’s head, catching him mid-sentence.

“You’re supposed to be Santa, but you’re not getting out of this,” she said with a smirk.

Buck’s grin widened, and he gently pulled her closer, his hands settling at her waist as their laughter faded. He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers, the kiss soft at first, then deepening as they forgot, for a moment, where they were. Riley felt herself relax into his arms, a sense of peace washing over her in the warmth of their embrace.

But their private moment didn’t stay private for long. A cough broke through the silence, and they jumped apart to find Chimney standing nearby, arms crossed and a smirk plastered across his face.

“Well, well, look what we have here,” he said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “Guess Santa’s getting a little extra holiday cheer this year, huh?”

Riley flushed bright red, quickly shoving the mistletoe back into her pocket. Buck, unbothered, just threw an arm around her shoulders and smirked back at Chimney. “What can I say? Mistletoe rules.”

Chimney laughed, shaking his head as he called out to the others. “Hey, guys, Buck and Riley are breaking mistletoe protocol over here!”

Within seconds, Hen and Eddie had joined them, teasing comments flying about as they ribbed Riley and Buck. But even as Riley hid her face in Buck’s shoulder, she couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her lips. Buck pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hand squeezing hers in reassurance.

Despite the teasing, there was a warmth in the air, a feeling of togetherness that made the firehouse feel more like a home than ever. The 118 had become Riley’s family in ways she hadn’t imagined when she first moved to America, and now, with Buck at her side and their friends around them, she realized this was one of the best Christmases she’d ever had.

As the clock inched closer to midnight, the crew of the 118 gathered around the long dining table in the firehouse, each holding a warm drink—hot cocoa, coffee, or, for Chimney, a cup of spiced cider he’d managed to sneak in. The tree lights twinkled softly, casting a warm glow that made the space feel cozy and intimate, despite the cool breeze blowing outside. They had all settled into an easy camaraderie that made the firehouse feel like a second home.

Bobby, always the one to start things off, leaned back in his chair with a nostalgic smile. “You know, when I first started as a firefighter, I didn’t really know what to expect. My first Christmas shift, we got called to this house where a turkey fryer went up in flames. Whole family standing in the front yard, looking like they just lost Christmas dinner, and I remember thinking—‘This is it, this is what I signed up for.’ We managed to save the rest of their meal, though. I think they were more grateful for the mashed potatoes than anything else.”

Hen laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, I’ve seen plenty of those turkey fryer disasters. It’s almost a holiday tradition for some families.” She sipped her cocoa, the steam rising in little curls. “But my favorite Christmas shift was the year we got snow here in L.A. Remember that, Bobby? It wasn’t much, just a dusting, but people lost their minds. We had to rescue this guy who tried to sled down his driveway on a pool float and ended up in his neighbor’s tree. He insisted he was fine, but he was dangling upside down like a Christmas ornament.”

The room erupted into laughter, Riley clutching her sides as she pictured the scene. She hadn’t been with the 118 back then, but she could imagine it all too well. The stories flowed easily after that, each one punctuated by the team’s laughter.

Chimney, ever the storyteller, took the opportunity to share one of his classic tales. “Okay, okay, my turn. So, there was this one Christmas Eve—back when I was still a rookie. We got called out to this house because a guy got stuck in a chimney trying to surprise his kids. I kid you not, he thought it would be a great idea to dress up as Santa and climb down the chimney—except he got wedged in there like a cork in a bottle. And the best part? He sang carols until we got him out. ‘Jingle Bells’ all the way.”

Even Buck, who had heard this story more times than he could count, burst out laughing again. Riley leaned into his side, a warm feeling in her chest as she listened to her friends’ stories. She took in their smiles, the crinkles at the corners of their eyes, the way they lit up when reminiscing about old times.

Eddie jumped in next. “You know, before I moved out here, we spent every Christmas Eve at my grandma’s house. She’d cook enough tamales to feed the entire neighborhood, and by the end of the night, everyone would be stuffed and arguing over who made the best ones that year. My abuela, she had this saying—‘If you can still walk, you haven’t eaten enough.’ So, naturally, I’d be rolled out of there every time.”

Riley chuckled, picturing Eddie surrounded by family and tamales. She realized how much she enjoyed these glimpses into their lives, the little pieces of who they were beyond the job. When the conversation turned her way, she felt a flutter of nerves, but Buck’s hand found hers under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“What about you, Riley?” Hen asked, curiosity in her eyes. “What were Christmases like back in England?”

Riley thought for a moment, the warmth of the firehouse wrapping around her as she recalled her childhood. “Well, it was always a bit chaotic, as you’d imagine with eight siblings. They’d wake me up at the crack of dawn and drag me out of bed to open presents. I would finally wake up and be in the kitchen, cooking a roast, and somehow the whole house would smell like sage and onions and gravy. It was… crowded and noisy, but that’s what made it special.”

She smiled, the memories bittersweet but comforting. “I would always play the same Christmas album—some old classics—and my sister Kyra would try to drown it out with whatever pop song was popular that year. It was our little tradition, even though it drove everyone else mad.”

The crew laughed softly, imagining a younger Riley singing her heart out trying to preserve the holiday spirit for her siblings who may struggle during this holiday.

Hen nudged Riley’s arm playfully. “And I bet you made them all those mince pies, too, huh?”

“Oh, you better believe it,” Riley replied with a chuckle. “I got the recipe from an old book, and I’ve been making them since I was about thirteen. Of course, they didn’t always turn out as pretty as these—my first batch was more like mince soup.”

Buck wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “Well, you’ve definitely perfected them now. I might be a little biased, but these are the best I’ve ever had.”

Riley rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a warmth in her chest that hadn’t been there in a long time. This was different from her Christmases back home. It felt good.

As the stories continued, the team fell into an easy rhythm, the banter flowing naturally. They shared tales of disastrous holiday dinners, childhood mischief, and the strange calls they’d responded to over the years. There were stories that made them laugh until they had tears in their eyes, like the time Bobby accidentally set fire to his own Christmas ham during a family dinner, or when Hen got stuck playing Santa for her son’s preschool and barely fit into the costume.

At some point, Chimney took it upon himself to reenact a dramatic rescue from his rookie years, complete with exaggerated sound effects and wild gestures. He climbed onto a chair to demonstrate how he had scaled a tree to save a stranded cat, only to slip and nearly take out the Christmas tree in the process. The room filled with laughter, and even Bobby had to turn away to hide his grin.

Riley leaned into Buck’s shoulder, her sides aching from laughter. She glanced around the room, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn’t quite expected when she’d moved to America. This crew, this family, had welcomed her into their lives with open arms, and now, sitting here with them on Christmas Eve, she felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged.

Buck turned his head slightly, catching her gaze, his blue eyes twinkling under the Christmas lights. He brushed a lock of hair from her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. “You alright?” he asked softly, just for her to hear.

She nodded, her smile softening. “Yeah. More than alright.”

And as the clock struck midnight, signaling the arrival of Christmas, they raised their cups in a toast—Buck still in his ridiculous Santa costume, Chimney still reenacting his rookie year escapades, and Riley surrounded by the warmth of friends who had become like family. It wasn’t the kind of Christmas she’d grown up with, but it was perfect in its own way.

“Here’s to family, near and far,” Bobby said, his voice steady and sincere, and the team echoed his words, lifting their glasses higher.

“To family,” Riley murmured, her voice blending with Buck’s, their hands still clasped beneath the table. And as she looked around at the smiling faces, she knew this was a Christmas Eve she’d never forget.

As midnight came and went, the festive atmosphere in the firehouse only grew more vibrant. After finishing their stories, Chimney decided that the perfect way to keep the holiday cheer going was to dig through the stash of Christmas CDs he’d brought with him. He plugged one into the old stereo system in the corner, and soon, the familiar upbeat notes of classic holiday tunes filled the room.

Buck groaned as Jingle Bell Rock started playing, rolling his eyes playfully at Chimney. “Really, Chim? Couldn’t pick anything cooler?”

Chimney grinned, pointing his finger at Buck like a cheesy TV host. “Oh, come on, Buckaroo! It’s a classic. Get with the spirit!”

Before Buck could protest further, Riley grabbed his hand, pulling him into the open space in front of the Christmas tree. She shot him a challenging smile, one eyebrow raised. “You’re dressed like Santa, Buck. You have no room to judge anyone’s music choices right now.”

Buck let out a dramatic sigh, but he couldn’t resist her enthusiasm. He swung her around, the plush Santa jacket flaring as they moved. Riley laughed, the sound light and joyful, and it wasn’t long before Eddie and Hen joined in, swaying along to the music.

Chimney took it upon himself to pour everyone a round of eggnog, the non-alcoholic kind Bobby had made to keep things within department regulations, though he’d slyly mentioned he might have “fortified” his own cup. He handed out the mugs, making a show of raising his own as if he were toasting a grand celebration.

“To Christmas at the 118!” Chimney shouted over the music, and the others echoed him, clinking their mugs together before taking long, appreciative sips. The creamy drink, with its hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, warmed them from the inside out.

Riley twirled away from Buck and grabbed Hen’s hands, pulling her into a goofy little dance. Hen, always one to let loose in the right company, joined in, the two of them spinning around each other with exaggerated flourishes. Bobby, shaking his head with a smile, eventually gave in too, tapping his feet to the beat and even sharing a little two-step with Eddie.

For a while, the firehouse felt like a holiday party, complete with laughter, eggnog, and the slightly off-key singing of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Buck, still in his Santa suit, kept the energy high, even grabbing the firehouse mop to use as a makeshift microphone as he sang along. He winked at Riley mid-verse, who playfully shoved him, but she couldn’t hide the wide smile on her face.

Hen and Chimney, always up for some friendly competition, challenged each other to a dance-off in the middle of the room. They took turns trying to outdo one another, Hen with her fluid, rhythmic movements and Chimney with his wild, over-the-top spins and shimmies. The rest of the team played along, acting as the judges, though they all kept changing their votes just to keep the fun going.

Eventually, a slower song came on, one of those old crooning classics that filled the air with a nostalgic warmth. The energy in the room softened as everyone paired off for a more relaxed sway. Hen and Bobby shared a dance, both of them laughing at how out of rhythm they were, while Chimney twirled an unwilling Eddie around, much to Eddie’s amused protests.

Riley found herself in Buck’s arms again, his Santa hat now crooked and askew. He pulled her close, his hand warm against her back as they rocked gently to the music. She rested her head against his shoulder, her laughter fading into a contented sigh.

“Not a bad way to spend Christmas Eve,” Buck murmured into her hair, his voice just loud enough for her to hear over the music.

She looked up at him, her eyes shining. “Yeah. It’s pretty perfect, actually.”

For a moment, they stood together, the world outside the firehouse fading away. The lights of the Christmas tree cast a soft glow over them, and the warmth of the firehouse and their friends made it feel like they were wrapped up in a little bubble of holiday cheer.

It was Chimney, of course, who broke the moment. He appeared beside them with an exaggerated wink, holding up a fresh sprig of mistletoe above their heads. “Just in case you two need an official excuse,” he quipped, grinning from ear to ear.

Buck didn’t need more prompting. He dipped Riley dramatically, his Santa hat falling to the ground as he leaned down to kiss her, earning a round of cheers and whistles from the rest of the team. Riley let out a laugh against his lips, her arms wrapped around his neck as she kissed him back.

When Buck pulled her back up, Riley’s cheeks were flushed, but she couldn’t stop smiling. The room was filled with warmth—both from the eggnog and from the sense of family that had settled over them all.

As the last notes of the song faded into another upbeat tune, the team kept dancing, lost in the joy of the moment. There were no calls, no emergencies, just the sound of laughter, the twinkle of Christmas lights, and the comfort of knowing they were all together for the holiday.

By the time the night drew to a close, they were breathless with laughter, some of them sprawled out on the couches, others leaning against the walls with mugs of eggnog still in hand. Riley found herself curled up beside Buck, his arm draped over her shoulders, his Santa suit now crumpled and askew.

Bobby, Hen, Eddie, and Chimney sat nearby, chatting about plans for Christmas Day once they were off shift, about traditions they’d shared with family, and new ones they’d made with each other. And as Riley looked around the room, she realized that for all the challenges and all the unexpected turns in her life, she wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.

It wasn’t the Christmas Eve she’d grown up with, but as she glanced up at Buck, who looked back at her with that familiar, adoring smile, she knew it was exactly where she was meant to be.

As the first light of Christmas morning began to edge over the Los Angeles skyline, the 118’s shift finally came to an end. The firehouse that had been buzzing with laughter, music, and holiday cheer just hours earlier now quieted as the team gathered their things, exchanged a few sleepy hugs, and headed out to their respective homes.

Riley and Buck lingered a bit longer, savoring the warmth that still lingered in the firehouse. They both felt a pang of nostalgia, already missing the shared laughter and the comforting presence of their friends. But as they stepped outside into the cool morning air, the thought of heading home together made the transition a little easier.

Buck threw his duffel bag into the back of his truck and then turned to Riley with a playful grin. “Ready to head home, love?”

Riley nodded, smiling up at him. “Lead the way, Santa.”

He let out a laugh, then pulled off the last remnants of his Santa costume—the red hat he’d been wearing all night—handing it to her with a wink. “Why don’t you hold onto this, as a reminder of my impressive holiday spirit?”

She rolled her eyes, but she tucked the hat into her own bag, knowing she’d treasure it later. They climbed into Buck’s truck, the warmth of the heater quickly enveloping them as they pulled out of the firehouse parking lot.

As they drove through the early morning streets of Los Angeles, Buck flicked on the radio, and the opening notes of Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea filled the cab. Riley laughed softly, leaning back in her seat as the familiar melody washed over them. Buck glanced at her, a smirk playing on his lips.

“You know, I thought you’d like this one,” he said, keeping one hand on the wheel and the other reaching over to take hers.

Riley squeezed his hand, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the heater. “You’re getting pretty good at picking British classics, Buckley.”

They shared a smile, and for a moment, the world outside the truck seemed to fall away. The early morning streets were quiet, the city still waking up, and the two of them were wrapped up in their own little bubble, the music playing softly in the background.

Riley looked out the window, watching the city lights blur past, and then turned back to Buck, catching the way his face softened in the glow of the dashboard lights. She marveled at how far they’d come—both of them, together. It hadn’t been that long ago that she’d moved across the ocean, uncertain of what her new life would hold. But now, she had a place she called home, a job she loved, and a family she’d found in the 118. And, of course, she had Buck, who had become so much more than just a partner on the job.

Buck seemed to be thinking along the same lines, because he glanced over at her and gave her hand another squeeze. “I was just thinking… we’re pretty damn lucky, aren’t we?”

Riley tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, we are. A year ago, I never thought I’d be here—celebrating Christmas with a bunch of Americans and driving home with you.”

Buck let out a quiet chuckle. “Well, I’m glad you did. I’m glad we… figured things out.”

“Me too,” she whispered, her voice barely louder than the music.

They fell into a comfortable silence, listening to the lyrics of the song. The words about coming home, about the feeling of returning to where you belong, resonated with both of them in a way that felt almost too perfect. Buck’s thumb rubbed gently over the back of her hand as he focused on the road, and Riley rested her head against the seat, letting herself get lost in the moment.

Eventually, they turned onto the quieter streets of their neighborhood, the houses decorated with lights that twinkled in the pre-dawn light. Buck parked the truck in their driveway, the engine rumbling softly before he turned it off. For a moment, neither of them moved, the silence settling around them like a warm blanket.

Buck turned to her, his expression soft and open, the way it always was when they had these quiet moments together. “You know, I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world. Even the tough parts. It’s all worth it, as long as I’ve got you.”

Riley’s eyes shimmered as she reached up to cup his cheek, brushing a thumb over the stubble there. “You’re getting sappy on me, Buckley.”

He leaned into her touch, smiling against her palm. “It’s Christmas. I’m allowed.”

She laughed, a gentle sound, then leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips. It was a simple gesture, but it held all the things she sometimes struggled to put into words. When they pulled back, she rested her forehead against his, feeling the warmth of his breath mingling with hers.

“Come on,” she said softly. “Let’s go inside and have a real Christmas breakfast. I think I still have some of those biscuits left.”

Buck’s face lit up, and he kissed her again, quick and playful this time. “Deal.”

They climbed out of the truck, the cold morning air nipping at their faces as they hurried up the front steps of their home. Buck fumbled with the keys, still grinning like a kid on Christmas morning, and Riley laughed at his excitement.

As they stepped inside, the warmth of their home enveloped them, the scent of pine from the small Christmas tree they’d put up together filling the air. Riley kicked off her boots and headed straight for the kitchen, Buck close behind her. They moved easily around each other, sharing a few quiet laughs as they made coffee and heated up the last of the holiday treats Riley had brought to the firehouse.

When they finally sat down at their little kitchen table, with mugs of steaming coffee and plates of biscuits, Buck reached across the table to take her hand again. They sat there, the early morning light streaming in through the window, casting everything in a soft glow.

As the song replayed softly in Riley’s head, she looked at Buck, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the coffee or the heater. They were home—truly home. And as they shared quiet conversation and breakfast, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of Christmas morning, they both knew that this was a moment they’d carry with them for a long, long time.

No matter what the future held, they had each other. And that was the best Christmas gift of all.

#bobby and athena #buck x oc #evan buckley #evan buckley x oc #911 imagine #911 abc #911 fanfic #911 show #118 firefam #firehouse 118 #station 118 #eddie diaz #hen wilson #chimney han #howard han

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joe9cool · 2 years ago

Text

Collide-Justin Herbert-24

A/N: as usual I do not know anyone or anyone affiliated with the Los Angeles Chargers. This is just fanfiction purposes only.

This was one of the best Holiday seasons in a long time.

She felt at ease, she was comfortable with her boyfriend's family. There was no big crowd of people, No kids screaming, no one asking for connections, or people asking about a boyfriend, jokes about her appearance. Making comments about how much money she had. Being forced to talk to mom and dads work friends and social circle.

She noticed again that she was the first one up. Well Justin was gone to the facilities for an early practice and lifting. She laid for a bit and checked her phone to answer some business emails and texts from her manager and agent. It was last minute to confirm all her stuff was set for when she arrived on the Dune 2 set.

Sara was scratching behind Nova’s ear when there was a knock on the door. She heard Isabell's voice "can I come in?"

She looked down to make sure everything was in place. "Yeah, it's open!" Isabell came in and sat on the bed. "How was everything last night?"

Sara smiled. "Good, I love the Herbert's, they are just so nice." Isabebell smiled. "Yes, I remembered being terrified meeting them for the first time. But Holly and Mark are so welcoming, and Patrick was there for comedic relief." The girls laughed at that. "I came here to apologize as well." Sara was confused. "Why?"

"Well I didn't mean to act all fangirl over you. I'm sure it's annoying to have people fawn over you all the time." Sara smiled. "Trust me it's not always like that. I've had people insult me to my face and try to tear me down." Isabelle shook her head. "The nerve of some people."

They spoke for a little bit. She had a lot in common with the Brazilian girl, they came from decent sized families, being successful was important, hence why Isabelle was in dental school. They spoke on the pressures they faced and Sara really felt like she had a good friend. Her and Carly were amazing women, along with the rest of the family. Eventually Holly interrupted and announced she was making breakfast. The girls joined the gang in the living room. Once breakfast was consumed and cleaned up, it was another lazy day. The stores were insane, and she just wanted to relax. They were all getting ready for a big early Holiday dinner. Throughout the day she was texting Justin as well as her siblings, who were upset that she was missing Christmas with them as well as the kids were upset their favorite Aunt Sara wasn't there.

—--------------------------------------------------------------

So far Christmas was a success. Justin had presented his o-line with extravagant gift packages courtesy of Sara's suggestion. Despite the tension and stress of the team trying to clinch a playoff spot. All eyes were going to be on the games on Christmas Eve.

It was weird, the past Christmases were all wrapped up in football. That was all he cared about. Now here he was wanting nothing more than to get home to his family and Sara. It was a drastic change from last year.

"So, did you and Sara exchange gifts yet?" Mike asked as he and Justin finished up their workout. He smiled, a goofy smile that only his teammate and one of his closest friends knew. "You son of a bitch."

Justin blushed. "Shut up." Mike laughed and clapped him on the back. "Ayo man I'm happy for you. I still don't know how you bagged her. Way too good for you." Justin smiled, and went back to his locker to get a small wrapped gift. He handed it to Mike. "Thank you. For forcing me to go to Joe’s wedding. Even though I wanted to kill you at the time."

Mike smiled and took the package, tearing the wrapping paper. He laughed when he revealed the video game he wanted for months "how did you get a hold of this?"

"Sara knows a guy at the company." Justin smiled when Sara told him that she could get her hands on a copy of the most sought out video game. "Bro, thank you so much. I'm glad you found happiness, even though I will continue to say she is too cool for you."

Justin laughed. "I'm a lucky man. Mike, I'm a very lucky man." He saw Joey look at him from the corner of his eye.

Things had been awkward for the once close teammates. While Justin understood that the beginning of his relationship was incredibly rocky due to him being an ass, he was more upset that Bosa was entertaining Sara. Now granted there were teammates who shared hookups and casual dates he wasn't that type of person. Neither was Joey or so he thought. Justin thought about the first time Mike alerted him that his teammate was trying to steal his girl.

Things seemed to calm down once Joey had taken more of an interest in Sara's friend, despite him dating some other girl. It was stupid for him to get mad, and did he have a right? He thought about Taylor, and how he hadn't told Sara the truth about her, but then again it was likely that she didn't even know about the blonde reporter. Nothing did happen between them while he and Sara were together

Well, they did kiss, but technically she forced herself on him and he wasn't in a relationship yet, so it didn't really matter. However Justin knew that if that had happened between her and Joey he'd be pissed. But who was to say she was one hundred percent innocent?

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't notice Bosa make his way over to his locker and was now calling his name. "Herb!" Justin snapped out of his daze. "Huh?"

"You okay? You look like you want to kill me." Justin shook his head. "Nah dude I just spaced out" Bosa didn't buy it. "Uh huh sure." As he was about to walk away Justin called out. "Hey Joey can you come into the video room with me for a second?"

Joey nodded confused, he followed the younger man into the room where Justin closed the door behind him. "Hey man what's this all about-"

"Do you like Sara?" Justin blurted it out. He didn't know what came over him. He needed reassurance maybe. He was never to feel insecure in a relationship, maybe because he had never allowed himself to fall deeply in love like he is now. Joey looked at him. "Look man I know I crossed the line with the flirting, but I didn't know you were serious about her like that. I mean she is gorgeous inside and out, and many guys want her-"

Justin cut him off. "Get to the point bro" Joey laughed. "You are serious about her so I backed off. She's a cool friend to have and that's how I see her. I'm more interested in her friend."

"I thought you were seeing Kailey." He shook his head. "Ended it. Was going too fast. Listen, you and Sara are good for each other. Just don't fuck it up." Justin nodded. He was a little hurt that many of his friends and family seemed to think he would ruin a good thing, but then again he didn't have the best track record with relationships. "I have to ask something though." Joey was confused, wondering what else they had to talk about. "What's the deal with you and Sara’s friend?"

The big man groaned. "We hooked up a hit between relationships in high-school. In college, she went off to New York to do her modeling shit and that was it." Joey looked away and Justin couldn't help but pry. "Dude was she the one that got away?" Joey turned back towards his teammate. "Look man it's in the past, she would never go for a guy like me her parents even said that."

Justin nodded, not wanting to press the issue further. It seemed like it was a sore subject, plus it was obvious his teammate was still hung up on her. He felt bad for his teammate, but it gave him some reassurance that he didn't have to worry.

—--------------------------------------------------------

The Chargers were close. So close to a postseason spot. Justin and his team watched the Bengals beat the Patriots, then on Thursday the Jets lost. They just needed the Raiders to lose, and then to pull off a win in Indianapolis to get in. Justin was getting excited, a reporter mentioned this time last year and how desperate they were. But this wasn't last year, and despite all the adversity, they were sure to beat the Colts.

Once they wrapped up he raced home to get to Sara and his family. He felt bad that they would all be leaving Christmas day, and she would be by himself. She reassured him that she would have Nova to keep her company.

He opened the door to home and smiled at the sight. Sara and Mitch were talking and laughing as she was helping Holly in the kitchen. His dad and Patrick were talking with Isabel in the living room, the house spelled like a home cooked meal. His stomach growled at the smell of ham. He made his presence known and was greeted by his family, Sara coming up to him with a kiss. "Hmm, you smell really good." He mumbled, breathing in her smell he noticed her hair was wet fresh out of the shower. "You could have waited for me, we could have showered together and saved water."

She laughed. "Yeah when have we e just ever showered together?" He laughed "good point"

They looked over to see Holly take the ham out of the oven. Justin's stomach growled and Sara laughed. "Come on, set your stuff down and let's eat." They headed over to the kitchen where everyone began digging in. They had plenty of food. There was ham, then vegetables, and a couple salads. Sara made the mac n cheese, which was a hit. She did take a couple quick videos of the food just for tiktok. They dug in and overate. Everyone complimented Holly, Sara, and Isabel on how good the food was. Sometime during the dinner, Sara's phone buzzed on the table. Looking at it, she turned it off. Justin looked at her, she frowned when her phone began buzzing again. "Babe who is it?"

She looked up. "It's my mom, probably facetiming me to wish me a merry Christmas."

"Oh my god, answer it! Don't feel disconnected from your family just because you're with us!" Mitch obviously didn't know Sara's family dynamic. Taking a deep breath she answered the call and saw her mother's face. "Hi mom."

"Hello sweetie. Please don't slouch like that. It's rude and I can see your double chin." Eyebrows shot up at the table and she grimaced. Sitting up straight, she said "thanks for the reminder mom"

"Merry Christmas dear! I wish you were with us! Where are you? It doesn't look like your house."

She had to think of another lie. "Oh well I'm at a mutual friends house." Eyes shot up again. "Oh well that's nice sweetie. What was so important for work that you couldn't come home?"

Sara rolled her eyes. "Well I have the backup vocals I'm recording for the bands album you know that."

"Well you are just like your father." She cringed hearing about her dad. "Speaking of he is really sorry about Aunt Willa's comments on Thanksgiving, but you know Aunt Willa-"

"Mom I have to go. Did the kids get all of their gifts?"

Cathy sighed. "Yes they did. Your sisters will call you tomorrow when they open them"

They exchanged 'love yous' and hung up. When she set her phone down on the table she looked up. It was silent for a bit. Until Mark spoke up. "Your mom reminds me a bit of mine. Always ranting about stuff. She's a bit high strung?"

Sara laughed. "Oh yeah she's very appearance based. They had their annual Christmas eve party at the local banquet hall. Three hundred people." Mark's eyes widened. "Wow," Sara laughed. "Yeah they are well known around the neighborhood and all of their friends and dads business associates."

Holly stabbed her food. "I can't even imagine." The group continued eating.

Once they finished and they all cleaned up and recovered from stuffing their faces they all decided to exchange gifts. Sara got a bunch of Starbucks gift cards (which Sara enjoyed) she got Isabel and Holly skincare and spa items. She got Mitch medical books, and Patrick got some football merchandise. She spoiled Justin with a new outfit and books to read on the plane and the bus. Mark laughed when Sara made Justin unwrap Nova’s gift. He laughed at the giant cat tower that she was scratching at. When he unboxed it, she immediately jumped on it. "I can't believe you got my cat Christmas gifts" He teased as he opened a Herbert cat jersey. "Oh my god!"

Mitch rolled his eyes. "Don't act like you haven't bought some gifts for Dylan." Sara laughed as Justin was called out by his brother. The gift giving was successful, Patrick was touched when Sara gave him an envelope to hand to Carly when he saw her

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and for the first time. Sara felt truly at peace.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you so much for everything, your family is wonderful. Sara flopped on the bed after her routine was done. In the connecting bathroom Justin was rinsing with mouthwash before coming back into the room. "Why are you thanking me? We are together. My family is your family." She turned her head towards him and smiled. She was wearing an Oregon hoodie, courtesy of her boyfriend's Christmas gift to her, along with UGG slippers and a Burberry handbag that his family was surprised that he spent that much money on. She was surprised that he paid attention to her style.

He got into bed and kissed her quickly. "I have one more gift for you."

"Hmm. Is it your ass in your football pants?" He snorted as he got off the bed and went to his drawer. "Your mind is always in the gutter." She laughed and swatted at his ass. He playfully glared at her. "Keep it up and I'm tying you to this bed, and you can't leave."

"That isn't a punishment babe." He rolled his eyes. He retrieved the small, perfectly wrapped box and sat on the bed next to her. "I wanted to give this to you privately."

She hummed and then delicately removed the bow. Once removed and unwrapped. She took off the lid off the velvet box to reveal an emerald diamond ring, in the shape of the Oregon University logo. The ring was set in platinum. It was gorgeous, and it was her, and part of him. "It's beautiful." She whispered. Taking it out, she slipped it on her right hand ring finger. It was a perfect fit. "How did you know-"

"While you were away, you left a ring on my nightstand, and I gave it to my manager to get it sized." He ran his hand through his hair. "I had it engraved on the inside." She took it off to inspect the inside and sure enough, it had the number '10' with a date 'November 2022' she looked up at him questioningly. "It's the month I took you to Oregon." He smiled and her heart swelled. Slipping the ring back on, she launched herself into his arms. Peppering his face with tons of kisses he laughed. "Babe-"

"I love it so much. I love you so much!" They fell backwards on the bed. As much as they wanted to make love, she held off. "You need to focus on getting a playoff spot. I got the fancy champagne glasses and the best champagne. All ready for us to celebrate."

He smiled. "First of all, nothing is certain yet, also my family is heading home right after the game. So if we did make it, it would be just us."

"So I can blow you in the living room?" His cheeks turned pink. "Dirty girl." She laughed and pulled him in for a kiss. They had to get to bed if she wanted to wake up early enough to say goodbye to his family.

—----------------------------------------------------------------

"The Chargers have punched a ticket to the Playoffs!" The television announcer loudly as she had the television loud in the living room. Sara, in her navy Herbert jersey screamed as she picked up Nova, clad in her matching jersey and danced around the house. The cat was used to it by now, as it also meant she got a treat.

She got messages from Joe, Patrick and Mark and she was so overwhelmed with joy. She thought about last season and the disappointment and all of the doubts. Though she didn't know Justin last year, she could only imagine the pain he went through.

She looked down at her ring on her right hand. She smiled as the emeralds of the 'O' sparkled in the light. It was the most meaningful gift she had ever received. If you had asked her about the hot, freakishly tall guy at her friend's wedding in July, she would probably say he was fine for a night, maybe two, but she was in no way looking for anything long term. But her stupid ass heart had to chicken out and fall for the boy that was the total opposite of her. While he was a total idiot at the beginning, he was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

There was one thing nagging on her mind though, and that was the big issue regarding the public. It was no secret that people were nosy, and a big celeb like her, anyone would kill to tell a big secret like this. Truth be told she wanted people to know she was in a relationship. It didn't have to be constantly broadcasted or constant photos everywhere. Private not secret, like tons of celebrity relationships. Based on experience, Justin didn't want anyone to know about them. Then again, it seemed he was bothered by the fact that her family didn't know. It was all confusing, but they needed to have a serious talk before she left.

They said they would have a take it by day policy, but this is so much more than that. It meant goodbye to life as they knew it, every move would be watched and scrutinized by both of their fans. Rumors would be flying, the press would be eager to know about Justin's entire life, and they would be willing to pay any former friends, teammates and lovers to come forward and tell any embarrassing, juicy moments. People would vilify him, come after her. It'd be shiny and new gossip that would have everyone talking until something new came up, whenever and whatever that'd be.

It wasn't going to be tonight, but it would have to be soon since it was t minus eleven days. Her team had messaged her with all of the arrangements and the script was ready to go. She'd gone over it a bit before the game although she already knew her lines.

Deciding to push her worries out of her head for tonight. She went to get the cold champagne bottle out of the fridge to put on ice, as well as grabbing the chocolate covered strawberries and turtle cookies. She also made Buffalo chicken mac n cheese. It was a hit with Justin and his family, the way she made it was an old fashioned family recipe. As she got everything ready and set up the time had passed. It was late, and she kept checking the time, eager for him to return home and celebrate with her.

Eventually she heard the garage door open and Nova finally descended from her huge cat tree to greet her owner at the door. She was still clad in her dad's jersey, finally getting used to it. She heard Justin's voice behind the corner. " I can't believe you didn't scratch the crazy lady's eyes out." Sara rolled her eyes. Her boyfriend continued. "Isn't she the craziest girl you've ever known? I mean she bought you clothes! I think I'm gonna have to admit he-"

"Justin Patrick Herbert, if don't shut the fuck up I'm fighting you." He laughed as he rounded the corner. "Is that a threat or a promise?" She rolled her eyes. "And My minds in the gutter." He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. "You rubbed off on me."

"Uh huh" She pulled away to grab the champagne. She handed it to him. "I'm going to let you do the honors, Mr. Playoffs." He blushed. "Well we actually have to win a game." She arched her eyebrow. "Little victories Herb, little victories." He smiled and uncorked the bottle, a pop sound throughout the house. Pouring into the glasses they clinked them together and drowned the bubbly drink. Taking a strawberry, he told Sara. "Wednesday I'm going to San Diego to watch Patrick in the Holidays bowl." She nodded, remembering his brother talking about the game and the nerves. "I wish you could go with me," He muttered.

Again she raised a dark eyebrow. "That is not the place to debut a relationship. It's your brothers night, I couldn't do that to him."

It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. "Not the place to debut a relationship?" His conversation with David flashed in his mind. She began to load their plates with snacks. "Not that our relationship is some press release. But it's going to be big news, and once it's out there there's no going back. We need to discuss this actually." It was not really the time, but they were quickly running out of it, and since he brought it up. "I have no intention of saying I'm in a relationship, but the more time we spend together. Its going to be brought up eventually."

"How so? If we don't say anything or just continue our routine we should be fine." She shook her head. "It doesn't work that way. With the press coming up for my movies next year. Some of the studio execs would want me to be in a PR relationship." He paused mid bite. "Like they could force you into it?"

She sighed. "Not force, but they would expect us to go on pap walks and do couple things. My guess is probably with Timothee, since Dune is being filmed. I would have to tell them no, and they would know things. Unfortunately that means they would want to discover who I'm with just to drum up any interest in the movie. It's all a business."

She poured another glass of champagne before speaking. "I try my damn hardest to stay out of that side. There is no avoiding it sometimes though."

He sat back in his chair. "So what do we do?"

"We could continue with our routines, maybe slowly start to go out to lowkey public spots and see what happens. Sorta controls the narrative."

"I'm going to be honest. I'm not too comfortable with it at all." Sara nodded. She thought about his past relationship with Hannah, and how quickly he ended it when she wanted to launch their relationship. She wanted to ask him about it so bad.

"Let's just try our hardest to stay out of the public eye. I mean if it happens we don't speak on it. Maybe get advice on what to do from your team and ours." Justin shrugged. "We can go more in depth when you get back. But for now let's just enjoy us and take it day by day." She rounded the counter and embraced him. "I like the sound of that." He kissed the top of her head. "I'm so proud of you baby." She didn't need to look at him as she knew his face was pink. "Seriously, you took this team to their first playoff berth since 2018, you made people excited to root for the Chargers again. People love you, and believe in you."

"It's not just me, we have a great team, a great coaching staff." She rolled her eyes. "I mean yeah but I'm not fucking the entire Chargers organization. I mean If you want me too-" He squeezed her ass hard and she laughed. "But seriously baby, you are the heart and soul of this team. You've come so far." She felt him plant a kiss on her neck. Pulling away, she got down on her knees. "Oh fuck" he whispered as she began to press soft kisses on his forming bulge. She teased him for a bit before he finally spoke. "Please stop." She giggled. "You're right, you've been a good boy." He lifted himself so she could slide down his sweats, along with his underwear. His dick stood up at attention and she grabbed it, twisting her wrist and getting him wet with his precum. She took his head in his mouth and sucked it, coming off with a wet pop. She licked him like a lollipop, which she could tell he enjoyed, but also was irritated at the same time. Finally she decided she had enough teasing and took him fully. Slowly, she felt him slide to the back of her throat.

"Oh god." He threw his head back and his hands became tangled in her hair. He began thrusting and he was now fucking her face. Sara was choking down his cocktail, and she loved it. She put her hands on his thighs, and after a while he moaned and released in her mouth and she swallowed. Coming off his dick she wiped her mouth and smiled, tears in her eyes and in a state of bliss. He pulled her up to steal a kiss. She moaned as his hands grabbed her by the ass and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her on his head and lifted up her nightie to reveal she went pantyless.

"God you're gorgeous" He breathed, before diving in to taste her. The second his tongue hit her she arched her back. "Oh my god." He hit all the right spots and her hands went through his long hair. "Oh Justin" she moaned. She hit her release quickly and they both collapsed on the bed to catch their breath. After a minute she remembered something "I need to clean the kitchen." She got up but he snaked his arm around her midsection and pulled her down. "Leave it." He mumbled.

"You? Want me to leave a mess? Who are you and what have you done to Justin Herbert?" This was unlike him. She remembered making fun of him when he threw his dirty clothes in the hamper after she tore them off after sex. She respected it, but did it really have to be right after? He never lived that down.

"I just wanna lay with you." He snuggled closer. She slid out from under his arm. "Well normally I would, but there is food I have to put away. You stay here and rest, you've earned it baby." She kissed his cheek and headed to the kitchen. He laid there for a couple minutes as he tried to fall asleep to the sounds of Sara putting everything away. He couldn't do it, he needed his girl with him. Justin got up and he approached her behind while she was at the sink. He once again snaked his arms around her. "You just couldn't wait could you?" "No" He mumbled. She went to scrub one of the plates but he stopped her. "Leave it and come back to bed." Sara let herself be dragged by him (not that she had a choice)

They settled back into bed and Sara realized how tired she was, and she fell asleep in Justin's arms.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOURE HOLIDAY BOWL CHAMPIONS, THE OREGON DUCKS!"

Justin was on the sidelines in the game. Beaming like a proud brother. Patrick played a phenomenal game, in front of the Chargers GM no less. He knew his brother wanted to go to the NFL and this was a way to do it. It had been a nail biter up until the last minutes.

He hugged every player, posed for pictures, and gave Patrick the biggest hug of them all. "I'm so proud of you bro." He yelled in the young ones ear." Patrick laughed. "Thanks bro, couldn't have done it without you."

They spoke to several other Oregon players before they got off the field. Patrick and Justin wanted to go to dinner, but with the win no doubt it would be a long celebration in the locker room. Knowing that Patrick would come down for the first playoff game, he left the celebration a little early, he had a flight to catch to Los Angeles.

He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and he opened it to Sara's name.

Congrats to Patrick. All those big guys jumping on you makes me nervous. Miss you 😘

He smiled, before going up to Patrick to show him the message. "I have to text her." Patrick smiled. "I also got her Christmas gift. She's too cool for you."

Justin smiled. "I know."

"Don't fuck it up."

—--------------------------------------------------------

New Year's eve.

Justin and Sara were once again at Bosa's house. Along with some of the Players and their wives. They had been given a heads up by their husband's about the famous guests. So far all of them gave a warm welcome to Sara, teaching her the ropes about being a WAG since she was officially in the club. They also knew how important it was to keep a secret.

Sara had been talking to Breanna Norton and Ekeler's girlfriend Lauren. She really liked them, while they asked the usual questions about fame and famous people she worked with. They treated her like a human.

Justin had been clingy the whole night. Whenever he felt her slip away from him he found himself right back at her side. They both knew the reason why,

T-minus 5 days.

She had been on the phone with her team the previous day talking about what to expect. She also had a meeting with the filming crew and costume design. Justin was out of the screen view, but he was listening in. There was a lot of technical stuff he didn't know anything about. It was fascinating in some way. Once she was done he kept asking questions which she was happy to answer.

Bosa's house was in full party mode as it was professionally decorated and fully catered. While they couldn't get too crazy because of the game the next day, it was still nice to somewhat let loose.

While Justin and Sara were lost in each other sometimes. The other few wives that were looking at them gossiped.

"She is a natural at this thing. Seriously, she is fantastic!" Breanna beemed.

Lauren took a sip of her champagne "I'm calling it now. She's going to be a wife."

"Do you think so?" Sebastian's wife looked on. "I don't know, Justin is so private, how is going to handle fame on her level?"

"He brought her around us. I think he is very serious."

The rest of the evening was everyone playing party games, and laughing. Once the clock struck midnight everyone who had a significant other kissed.

Including Justin and Sara, even though their hearts were breaking.

—--------------------------------------------------------

Happy New Year to Jack Lange.

He and his boyfriend stumbled in their apartment after a few too many cocktails at their friends party. They were thankful uber existed.

As they were doing their night routines he decided to answer messages from his friends wishing him a happy new year. Out of curiosity, he scrolled Instagram and saw Kristen's page pop up under "suggested". Going on it he saw her profile was open.

Once he settled in bed he began deep diving. He saw several posts about Eugene Oregon, where she said she was from.

As he was scrolling something caught his eye. An ugly mix of green and yellow that wanted to make him gag. However he saw the Oregon University logo

"O"

He gasped, it was the exact logo that was on Sara's hoodie when he caught her rollerblading. "No fucking way" he whispered. He got up and after trying to control his dizziness he grabbed his camera on the chair. Flicking through it he saw the exact same photo he was thinking about it.

Going on his laptop he typed in Oregon University in Google

"Oregon University is a public university located in Eugene Oregon."

He kept scrolling, he hit the notable alumni tab. Some famous people did attend but no one worthy.

As he was about to exit he noticed someone.

"Justin Herbert."

Based on the helmet he was a football player, and a fine one despite the ugly colors. Clicking on his profile, he could have passed out.

He went to his camera again. Jack came across the picture he was looking for. The unidentified man in the Porsche that was in Sara's driveway.

"HOLY SHIT"

He typed in 'Justin Herbert'

'Justin Patrick Herbert is an American Football Quarterback who currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers."

He went to another tab and searched for something else.

There on Google images was Sara spotted at Charger games with Joe Grant.

This was it, the answer that he was looking for. "Thank you Kristen!" He yelled as he danced around.

Sara Wozniak was dating Justin Herbert!

His boyfriend came into the room. "What are you doing?"

Jack kissed him and told him everything. His partner smirked. "You are the best for a reason! You are getting that promotion!"

Jack laughed menacingly. Now he just needed to get the personal details. Which was the easy part. He already had an inside source close to Sara. He got all the juicy details on her and Harry and he was going to do it to her and this Justin Herbert.

2023 was off to a great start for Jack Lange.

A/N: I got to fix the format, I'm posting this from my phone. So I apologize, happy holidays everyone! Looks like someone else knows the secret.... and not with the best intentions

#alexa writes collide #sara and justin canon #justin herbert #nfl imagine #nfl #los angeles chargers

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