#i got so many tabs running in my head right now

[ilkkawhat]

[tojbnuy]

mini part 4 for gojo day 🧁 next part will probably be the finale. thank you for showing best friend toru so much love even tho he is fairly toxic. art by @ _3aem on twt!! part one part two part three

warnings: a very vague birthday bj, some feelings? MDNI

birthdayboybestfriend!satoru who waits with his phone in his hand ignoring all his other messages and skipping to your contact because he knows you’ll say it at bang on midnight. he is then smiling so hard at his phone suguru actually gets worried.

bestfriend!satoru who obviously has party of the century going on at his place. being the star boy he is, he is soaking up the attention. however he has been dyingggg for your arrival, he makes sure to tell every girl that approaches him that he is booked and busy for today.

bestfriend!satoru who tackles you into a massive hug when he sees you and picks you up just to make sure everyone else sees this. you’re wearing white (his favourite) and he knows for a fact you did that on purpose.

bestfriend!satoru who disregards everyone else’s presents for the time being so he can give you and your presents his full attention. unfortunately he is nosy and had scrolled through your google tab last week so he already knew what two of them were going to be.

bestfriend!satoru who (staying true to character) asks you for a birthday kiss. ‘can i have my last present now baby?’ and then he’s pressed up against you and his familiar taste is all you can take in. ‘toru people can see us’ ‘let them see baby’

bestfriend!satoru who wraps your ponytail around his fist whilst you’re talking. sometimes even pulling you back a bit so he can take a long inhale at your neck.

bestfriend!satoru who is actually very annoyed that he got a hot tub because now there were multiple gawking at you. suguru even wolf whistles at you at one point just to rile him up and he got a mouthful of tub water because of it.

bestfriend!satoru who catches you whispering to suguru and finds he definitely does not like the look of that. you had a worried expression which he made a mental note of to ask suguru about later.

bestfriend!satoru who casually gropes at your chest. (you allow him of course) (however you put an end to it when his fingers start to creep into the material of the lace covering your breasts.) (there were simply too many people present but satoru was content with just holding your tit) (stressball >__<)

bestfriend!satoru who makes his closest friends go round the tub and say what they like about him most. suguru is the only one who gives him a slightly heartfelt message, sukuna calls him ugly, toji calls him an airhead, nanami says he is ‘special’ (whatever that means?), shoko says he makes her want to smoke. and then it’s your turn and gojo actually tears up at your beautiful words. your voice and your eyes staring only ever at him saying that he is your person and you really do think he the strongest individual you know. (then he grabs your face and kisses you and the crowd boos until he stops)

bestfriend!satoru who is dead set on you staying with him for the night. ‘you’re not gonna cuddle your best friend on his birthday?’ and how could you everrrr say no to that.

bestfriend!satoru who has his head on your chest, you hands running through his hair and scratching at your scalp. his thighs are covering yours and he lazily kisses at your collarbone. the tension in the room is thick. you can both feel it. it was simply a game of who would move first. satoru knew you wouldn’t, always the more timid and shy one of the two so he took it upon himself to drag his fingers across the waistband of your shorts. ‘wait toru we can’t i’m, i’m your friend?’ god you were too sweet for this earth. ‘it’s okay baby. we don’t have to, but no one’s gonna know. just us.’ and he litters even more feather light kisses to the spot right below your ear until you were letting out soft little sighs. ‘then. then i want to do it, yk since it’s your birthday.’ he knew you weren’t the most conventional best friends but this, this was further than anything you’d ever done before. and he was on cloud nine.

bestfriend!satoru who was now realizing that he had never experienced true joy before this moment. before he had felt your velvet soft lips wrapped around his tip. your tongue licking at his crown so softly, so sweetly. he’s always been a moaner but now he had no shame in the sounds that were leaving him. ‘that’s it baby, just like that. that’s my girl’.

bestfriend!satoru who was a head pusher. he let you set the pace in the beginning but he was growing desperate, something he hadn’t experienced before. your little mewls as he holds you in place right at the base of his dick. your nose nestled against the faint hairs there, and your tears dropping directly into his skin. he had given you the chance to move but being the amazing best friend that you were you swallowed everything he gave you, even opened wide and let him take a look, that to make sure. ‘fuck baby that was the best gift ever’

bestfriend!satoru who snores like a truck directly into your ears and grinds his hips into your thighs whilst he sleeps.

taglist : @haruhatake @moncher-ire @startwithrecords @ranatherealestsigma @chjinua @sukuxna0 @suechii @whozeurdaddy @purp1eha1o @greensunflowerjuna @jjkysnk @tibibibi123 @missthatgirl @macchiatoast @adanfore @namjooningera @jaeminsmilk @tojicvmslut @hachichann

[hsnlv]

soft beginnings | s.jy

pairing: dad-to-be!jake x mom-to-be!reader

synopsis: you and jake are getting ready for your baby, but jake’s full of doubts about fatherhood. with plenty of laughter, love, and tiny socks, you learn that even the smallest moments can mean the world.

warnings: fluff!, jake has self-doubt but it’s adorable dont worry >< reader is pregnant if that is not clear (i love pregnant tropes actually because it’s cute hehe)

wc: 1.1k

a/n: ive been writing a lot lately since im currently on semester break but enjoy ^^ here’s my masterlist!

jake sat on the nursery floor, holding a pair of impossibly small socks between his fingers like they were some kind of alien artifact. his brows were furrowed, lips pressed into a pout that you would’ve called adorable if he wasn’t so deadly serious.

“okay, babe,” he said finally, holding the socks up for emphasis. “these cannot be for a human. i don’t care what you say.”

you couldn’t help it—you burst out laughing from your spot on the rocking chair, where you were sorting through a mountain of baby clothes. “jake, they’re for a newborn. they’re supposed to be that tiny.”

he squinted at the socks like they might reveal their secrets if he stared long enough. “nope. sorry. these are for a hamster. or maybe a very small rabbit.”

“are you calling our baby a rabbit?” you teased, grinning as you leaned back in the chair.

“i’m just saying,” he continued, waving the socks around like he was making a grand point. “what if their feet don’t fit? what if their toes are too big? i don’t even know what baby feet look like!”

you laughed so hard that tears pricked at the corners of your eyes. “you’re ridiculous.”

“i’m serious!” he insisted, though the twitch of his lips betrayed him. “what if i try to put these on and they just… fall off? or what if i lose one? it’s not like i can run to the store and ask for replacement jellybean-sized socks!”

that did it—you dissolved into giggles, your belly shaking as you leaned forward. “jake, you’re going to be fine,” you said, wiping your eyes. “i promise, putting socks on a baby isn’t as hard as you think.”

he flopped dramatically onto his back, groaning. “i’m not ready for this.”

“you are,” you said, crawling over to him and sitting on your knees by his side. you rested your chin on his chest, tilting your head to look up at him. “you’re going to be the best dad ever.”

he gazed down at you, his expression softening, but you could still see the hint of doubt in his eyes. “you really think so?”

“i know so,” you said, reaching up to brush a strand of hair out of his face. “you’ve got the dad jokes down already. the rest is just practice.”

he groaned again, dragging a hand down his face. “yeah, but what about the important stuff? like… like making bottles. or changing diapers! do you know how many straps and tabs those things have? it’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture!”

you snorted, pressing your forehead to his chest as you laughed. “it’s not that bad.”

“it is that bad,” he said, sitting up suddenly. his hands flailed a bit as he tried to explain. “and what if i don’t wake up when the baby cries? or—or what if i hold them wrong? what if i drop them? oh my god, what if i don’t know how to swaddle? they’re gonna hate me.”

“jake.” you placed your hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look at you. “take a deep breath.”

he inhaled shakily, his wide eyes locking onto yours.

“you’re not going to drop the baby,” you said firmly. “or hold them wrong. and even if you mess up the first swaddle, or it takes you a few tries to get the diaper right, it’s okay. you’ll figure it out.”

he didn’t look entirely convinced, so you leaned closer, your voice softer now. “do you remember when we first got peanut?”

he blinked, his brows furrowing. “our dog?”

“yeah. you were so nervous about training him. you kept googling everything, and you were convinced he was going to hate you because you couldn’t get him to sit on command.”

jake huffed, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile. “okay, yeah, but peanut was a little menace at first.”

“he was,” you agreed, grinning. “but you didn’t give up. you were so patient and sweet with him, and now he listens to you better than he listens to me.”

jake let out a soft laugh, his shoulders relaxing a bit.

“it’s going to be the same with the baby,” you said, brushing your thumbs gently over his cheekbones. “you’re going to love them so much that none of the little mistakes will matter. and they’re definitely not going to hate you for struggling with a diaper or two.”

“you sure about that?” he asked, his voice quieter now.

“absolutely,” you said, smiling.

he sighed, leaning forward to rest his forehead against yours. “what would i do without you?”

“probably drown in a pile of tiny socks,” you teased, laughing softly.

“you’re not wrong,” he muttered, but he was smiling again.

you both sat there for a moment, the quiet hum of the nursery filling the air. then jake pulled back slightly, his hand drifting to your belly.

“hey, little one,” he murmured, his voice soft and warm. “just so you know, your mom’s the best person in the world. so if i mess up, she’s gonna make sure you’re taken care of. and if you could, uh… maybe go easy on me with the diapers, that’d be great.”

you laughed, swatting at his shoulder. “stop making deals with the baby!”

“what? i’m just saying!” he said, grinning.

he leaned down and pressed a kiss to your belly, murmuring something too quiet for you to hear. when he sat up again, his eyes were brighter, his usual spark returning.

“okay,” he said, grabbing the tiny socks and holding them up like a trophy. “we’re definitely framing these.”

“i knew you’d come around,” you said, smiling as you kissed his cheek.

the rest of the afternoon was spent folding onesies and arranging books on the shelves, with jake tossing out ridiculous questions every five minutes.

“what if the baby doesn’t like my cooking?”

“jake, they’re not going to eat anything you cook for at least a year.”

“what if they cry every time i pick them up?”

“then you’ll hold them until they stop crying.”

“what if they call me ‘dude’ instead of ‘dad’?”

“then they’re definitely your kid.”

by the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the nursery was mostly finished. the crib stood in the corner, draped with a soft, pastel blanket, and the bookshelf was packed with stories you couldn’t wait to read aloud.

you stood in the doorway with jake, his arm around your shoulders as you both took in the space.

“it’s perfect,” you murmured, leaning into his side.

“almost perfect,” he said, resting a hand on your belly. “just missing one thing.”

you smiled, your hand covering his. “they’ll be here soon enough.”

he pressed a kiss to your temple, his voice filled with quiet awe. “soon enough,” he echoed.

and in that moment, surrounded by love and laughter and the promise of something even sweeter, you knew your little family was already complete in all the ways that mattered.

© all rights reserved | hsnlv 2024

[charliemwrites]

Woof woof grrrrrr

Content: Dub-Con, Dirty Talk, Oral Sex (reader giving)

The bar is exactly as busy as you’re hoping for when you get there. Quiet and intimate, low lights, a hum of conversation but not overwhelmingly loud. The bar is mostly full but not crowded. As luck would have it, you instantly spot a couple empty stools towards the back.

You glide across the establishment, head held high and shoulders back. Pick a seat and smooth your skirt under you to perch. The bartender comes to you instantly; you pick something sweet and fruity (delighted that it’ll match your outfit.)

It takes up until they slide it across to you — a tab opened with your card — that the insecurity starts to set in. What if no one is interested? What if Soap doesn’t show up?

You sip at your drink and pull out your phone, reading your latest book. If nothing else… at least you’re getting out? God.

“This isn’t your usual scene.”

Oh. Oh this is worse than being ignored all night and going home alone. So much worse. Just barely manage not to curse aloud as you turn to your ex.

“Justin…” you start, realize you don’t know where to go from there. “Hi.”

“It’s been a minute, huh?”

You look him up and down. Designer everything, of course, brands printed all over him. No taste, though, none of it is cohesive. You wouldn’t be caught dead at his side ever again.

“How’s your arm?”

His expression flickers, hand unconsciously going to the spot where Johnny tried to tear it off.

“Fine. Thanks.” He gives you a long look. Unfriendly. “You know people have had dogs put down for less.”

You run your tongue over your teeth, fear and anger twisting up in your stomach like hot lava. How dare he threaten your boy like that?! Wish Johnny was here now to take another chunk out of him.

“Not when people trespass on private property,” you reply coldly, eyes narrowing.

He puts his hands up, laughing awkwardly. “Well, now. I wouldn’t call it — let’s just say we’re even, yeah?”

“For that at least.”

You take another big sip of your drink. Find it empty. Make hopeful eye contact with the bartender and nod for another when they gesture questioningly. There’s a reason you love this bar.

“Right… listen, about that, luv…”

“There you are, bonnie!”

You perk up despite yourself. Says something that the creep who sexually harasses you in public is better company than your ex-fiancé. Something zings through you when you realize Soap is bigger than your Justin (hopefully in every aspect). Taller, wider, more muscular. Better jawline and prettier eyes, too.

“Tucked up back here like this,” Soap mock scolds, shouldering past Justin. You let out a little squeak as he scoops you off your barstool, hand just under your ass for a hold. “Almost didn’t see you, hen.”

“H-Hi,” you say, arms going around his neck automatically. He presses his nose to your collarbone and audibly inhales. You shiver.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he continues, voice dropping lower.

He sets you down on your stool again with a wink, then takes the stool next to yours.

“Oi, do you mind?” Justin snaps, bumped out of the way by Soap’s bulk.

“I do, actually.” The look Soap levels him is sharp, cold. Bloody killer. Instantly reminds you of all the alarm bells that normally play in your head when he’s around. “Don’t like puffed up knobs like you around my girl.”

You bite your tongue on a protest that you’re not his girl. Wouldn’t be particularly helpful right about now. You’ll correct him later.

“Your girl,” Justin scoffs. “She was mine before she was ever — hey!”

Soap’s got his fist in the front of Justin’s shirt, jerking him nearly off his feet. A few heads turn. You feel hot with embarrassment, skin prickling at so many eyes on your little trio of stupidity.

“Woah!” You yelp. “Soap!”

You grab his forearm (remind yourself not to get distracted by the muscles cording it) and lean into his line of sight. The near-murderous glint in his blue eyes softens, though there’s still an unnatural sheen to them. Something that makes the hair on the back of your head stand on end.

“Soap, let him go,” you say, quiet. “I like this bar, don’t get us kicked out… please?”

He hums, instantly drops Justin to cup his hand around the back of your neck, fingers edging into your hair. His palm feels so big and harm, a little rough with callouses. You try not to think about how easy it would be for him to manipulate your head however he wants…

“Like when you say ‘please,’ hen,” Soap purrs.

You swallow, feel your cheeks flushing as you say, “Then… you should sit down and have a drink with me. Please?”

He grins, crooked and a little mean. “Anythin’ fer you.”

He drops into his stool again like a king on his throne. You perch gingerly on your own, waving Justin away like an annoying fly. Don’t even look as he slinks off, too busy staring at Soap. Who’s… busy staring at you. As always.

“You never called,” he drawls after ordering. Whiskey, neat. The bartender sets your new drink in front of you; you start sipping to gather your thoughts and nerve. “Lucky I happened to stop in here, eh? Imagine if I’d walked past…”

You grimace a bit. A fantastic bit of luck, that. Thought you’re still not sure what type of luck.

Definitely not going to admit to him that you didn’t call on purpose, wanting plausible deniability if you did see him. As if trying to get him under your skirt by happenstance is better than calling him to do it.

“Why did you stop in here?” You ask, looking to change the subject.

“Could smell you,” he answers, eyes twinkling.

You wrinkle your nose, kick at his shin. Want to blame it on the alcohol, but you drink red wine most nights of the week. This is just… placebo and desperation.

“You’re so nasty, you know that?” You huff.

He arches his eyebrows, grins wolfishly. “Could show you how nasty I can be,” he offers.

You wrinkle your nose even as your cheeks burn. That’s exactly what you’re hoping for.

“You can’t keep talking to me like that,” you complain.

He snorts in amusement, hooking his fingers beneath your stool and tugging you closer. Until your knees are between both of his, jeans brushing against your thighs.

“Here’s the thing, darlin’,” he murmurs, low and private. “I think you like when I talk to you like that.”

You swallow audibly, hands dropping down to twist nervously in your lap.

“I think it makes your pretty pussy all wet and swollen when I get all mean like this,” he continues. You shake your head; his palm clamps down on your thigh beneath your skirt, thumb sweeping back and forth over the sensitive skin. “Think she’s fuckin’ aching fer me to make good on all my promises. And you can get all shy and sweet here, but I bet all your cunt wants is to be mounted and bred like a bitch in heat.”

And he’s right. Of course he’s fucking right. That goddamn bad guy fantasy and your shallow, needy pussy, and Soap’s stupid fucking everything.

You feel like you’re about to explode when the bartender sets his whiskey down, snapping the tension like a rubber band. Feel dizzy as you lean away, sipping desperately at your own drink in an attempt to cool off. He gives you all over maybe fifteen second before opening that sinful mouth again.

“So how about it, bonnie? Did I hit the mark?”

You feel frustrated tears pricking at your eyes. Blink and look away at your nervous hands.

“I-I don’t even know you,” you mutter. “You could be dangerous.”

“I am dangerous, baby,” he replies, “just not to you.”

You shake your head. “You’re awful.”

“Mm and you want me to do awful things to you.”

You sigh through your nose, that little logical voice blaring again. He’s going to hurt you. He’s going to use you.

(Would that be so bad, if you go in knowing it?)

A tug at your necklace startles you out of your thoughts, his finger hooked beneath the pendant. You lean in with a noise of protest, afraid he’s going to break it. Gasp as your lips brush his.

“Whatever’s goin’ on in that pretty head, let me fuck it out of you.”

You shudder, hand balanced on his thick, muscular thigh. Can feel a twitch near your thumb. Holy shit.

“I’ll be so good to you, princess,” he promises. “Let me be good to you.”

You suck in a breath. Now or never.

Well, if nothing else, maybe you’ll let Johnny eat him if he’s turns out to be a bastard.

“Prove it,” you breathe.

He guides your chin up, eyes blazing with hunger.

“Yeah?” He asks.

You blink, muster up your courage. “You heard me. Or are you back out?”

His expression goes deliciously dark. “Oh, I’ll prove it, lass. You just sit right here and I’ll get us sorted.”

His fingers slip just that last little bit up and start teasing at the lace of your panties. You bite the inside of your cheek, trying to sip at your cocktail while he flags down the bartender. His nails scrape lightly across the fabric over your clit as gets your card and throws down enough cash to cover all three drinks.

When he pulls his hand away, you have to bite back a whimper.

“If you don’t get up right now, I’m haulin’ you out of here over my shoulder,” he growls in your ear.

You’re up in an instant, smoothing down your skirt. His hand stays glued to your lower back as he ushers you out to the lot. Sits you down in the passenger seat of a black pickup, barely waits for you to buckle yourself in before peeling out of the lot.

You’re about to tell him your address when you hear the clink of a belt, a zipper. Eyes wide as they drop to his pants, to him fishing a huge, hard cock out of jeans.

“C’mere,” he near snarls.

“Soap, that’s not— mph!”

The head of his cock catches on your teeth, but that only seems to spur him on, hips twitching.

“Gonna ruin that pretty makeup, your pretty hair. Gettin’ all dolled up like that for any fucking wanker to see.”

He twists his fingers in your hair and presses you down, your cheek rubbing against the shaft. He feels huge and unnaturally hot. You press your thighs together as you imagine how it’s going to feel inside of you.

“This isn’t safe,” you complain, mouth open as you gasp against the flushed skin.

He curses, tugs you up so that your lips press against the head, already dripping. Your eyes widen in the darkness, shocked and flattered that you’ve already worked him up this much.

“Not gonnae let anything happen,” he promises, “but you need to convince me not to spank this pretty ass black and blue.”

You squeal as he releases you hair just to deliver a harsh smack to one ass cheek, the sting making you clench up.

“H-hey!”

“You want me to slap that pretty pussy too? Bet I could make you cum just tapping that little clit over and over again. That what you want, slag?”

“N-no!”

“Then show me.”

You seal your mouth around the head, sucking and licking at the precum beading at the tip. Try to brace yourself, nearly gag as he hits a pothole and shoves into your throat. It’s noisy and messy, eyes watering from how thick and deep he is already, not letting you up for more than brief gasps of air.

“Fuck, that’s it baby. Work your tongue just like that…” he groans.

You lose track of everything but trying not to gag, his threat lingering with each obscene slurp and twist of your tongue. He tastes better than you expected, and the scent of him surrounds you. Musk and pine, something familiar that niggles at your cock-drunk brain. Can’t be bothered to work it out though, not when he’s tugging your hair. Not when he comes to an abrupt stop and you deepthroat him.

He yanks you off with a near-animal growl. You whine, scrambling to brace yourself and panting. Your head feels foggy. Know your panties are soaked through; shocked you’re not dripping down your leg. If you were sitting properly, you’d probably leave a wet mark on the seat.

You moan as his mouth crashes into yours, tongue sweeping inside like he owns it. He licks the taste of himself off your tongue, hands fumbling your seatbelt off, dragging you over the center console to straddle his lap.

You gasp at the sight of his rock hard, angry cock next to your pretty dress, pressed up against your stomach. Show just how deep he’ll be inside your guts.

“Fuck, look’it that,” he groans rutting against your stomach. “Oh you were made to be mine.”

You scream as he scoops you up, stepping out of the truck with you over his shoulder.

“Soap!” You shout. “Soap, put me down, my dog—”

“I’m your fuckin’ dog,” he replies.

“No, seriously, he’s protective—”

He grabs the spare out of its hiding place and shoves the door open. You brace for angry barking and growls, but hear nothing. Soap doesn’t even pause. He just kicks the door shut and storms down the hall to your room, like he knows exactly where he’s going.

He drops you onto the bed, watches your breasts bounce as you settle on the mattress. He strips off int he blink of any eyes while you’re still catching your breath.

“W-wait, wait, my—”

He flips you onto your stomach, hikes your ass up high in the air. You squirm, try to crawl away, but he slaps your ass so hard you see stars. He places his palm flat between your shoulder blades to bin you still.

“S-Soap,” you whine as he shoves your skirt up over your ass, palms a cheek. Spreads you open just to let the flesh jiggle back into place.

“Fuck,” he growls. It sounds off. Sounds deeper, rougher now.

“Just-just slow down…!”

He yanks your panties aside, plunges two thick fingers into you. You squeal, legs kicking uselessly against the mattress.

“Oh, you’re plenty ready,” he says, dark, almost to himself. “All ready to be mated and bred. All mine.”

That finally starts to break the lust-drunk haze. Open your mouth to tell him absolutely not, it’s been way to long and your need to be stretched—

He forces his entire cock into you with one brutal thrust. You scream, cry, try to flatten yourself against the bed but he won’t even let you do that, muttering about “presenting” properly. It hurts but it feels good, know that’s it’s just too much.

“Soap,” you sob, “y-you can’t— you have to… I’m-I’m gonna break.”

“Shhhh, no you’re not,” he soothes, grinding a bit deeper. Your eyes roll back, keening through your teeth. “You were made for me. You’re all for me.”

You shake your head, but he just chuckles.

“Yes, baby, yes. You let me in, you kept me. Now we belong to each other.”

“Soap, w-what are you talking about…?” you manage, fists tight in the sheets. He draws back once and slams into you, hard, mean.

Leans down so he’s rumbling directly in your ear.“‘S Johnny, hen.”

You blink, confused and overwhelmed. “W-what… n-no. No, Johnny is my….”

“Woof.”

First | Previous | Next

Masterlist

[thevoidstaredback]

Phase Two of the plan was set to take place during the next Wayne Gala. Meaning they had exactly four weeks to plan out every meticulous detail. It was going to be great.

Week One

Planning for a gala is never easy. Planning for a Wayne Gala is even harder. Invitations, as per social standard, must go out at least four weeks prior to the event, so the guest list was first priority. Tim was put in charge of this. He elected the help of Luke Fox.

"Dude, you are never going to believe what Bruce did."

Luke sighed. "I leave for one month- What'd B do?"

Tim grinned up at him. "We're pranking the Justice League."

A beat. "What?"

"We're pranking the Justice League."

"Okay... Why?" He asked. "Better question: How? Don't they already know who you all are?"

Tim shook his head, pulling up the security feed from Phase One to send to his pseudo uncle. "They have no idea who we are behind our masks. Better yet, they have no idea how many of us actually operate within the city."

"There's no way."

"Right? I was so sure that they'd know by now, y'know? Because Superman has memorized our heartbeats, and we've met him both in and out of costume; Wonder Woman's Wonder Woman, and she has the Lasso of Truth- though, I'm pretty sure there's a way around that if she ever did try and get our names that way."

"And you called me here because..?" Luke prompted.

"Right!" Tim opened a different tab on his tablet. "I need you to help me make a guest list for the next Wayne Gala."

"Isn't that like, months out?"

"Not anymore! We're throwing on in exactly four weeks, so this guest list needs to be made now so that invitations can go out yesterday."

Luke raised an eyebrow.

Tim met his gaze. "I said what I said. Will you help me or not?"

With another sigh, Luke relented. "Alright. You can fill me in on everything later- And I do mean everything. I want every detail. Also, why didn't you pull me into this before?"

"We weren't sure if you'd be in town for this, and you were gone during Phase One. Also, we didn't actually intend on Selina and Kate being in on this, either. Well, maybe Kate."

"You got Selina and Kate in on this before me?" He looked absolutely heartbroken. "Wow. I thought I was your favorite."

Tim shook his head. "I'm pulling you in now, aren't I? Now, c'mon, we've got work to do.

The hardest part about setting up a Guest List is knowing the relationships between everyone. Everyone will be amicable with each other no matter who was invited, especially at an event hosted by the Wayne Family, but distaste for present company will be made known.

For this particular gala, there will be a mix of upper and middle class attendees to cover the odd additions that are the members of the Justice League.

"What's our priority, Tim?"

"Guest list, seating arrangements, and interference."

"'Interference'?"

"Who's going to stand between people if families of hostile relations run into each other."

Luke shook his head. "Rich people."

"Luke," Tim said, "I hate to break it to you, but you're 'rich people'."

A gasp. "I am? Tim! How could you do this to me?"

"I'm sorry, man," he shook his head sadly, laying his hand gently on Luke's arm, "But it's not my fault. It was your parents."

"My parents?"

"A betrayal of the worst kind."

"How could they!" he sobbed.

Tim rubbed his back, "I know. There, there."

"Tim? Luke?" Kate asked, walking into the office Tim had commandeered. "What they hell are you two doing in here?"

The two look up, sharing a laugh. "Nothing, Kate."

She raised here eyebrow skeptically, "Uh-huh, sure. Do you have a guest list set yet? We need to get invites made up and sent out."

"Almost," Tim answered.

Luke shrugged. "I still don't understand why we can't just host an open event. It'll make it so much easier."

"And risk our identities being released to the public?" Kate said, "Not to mention the amount of rouges that'll get in."

"They'll try to get in anyway."

"Extra security," Tim mumbled, switching to the document that was shared between the family for planning, "Got it."

"No-" Luke turned back to him, "That is not what I said."

Kate laughed. "Get back to work, you two. I'll be back in a bit to print off the invitations."

"We can get away with sending the invited late because we're The Waynes," Tim muttered to himself, "but any later than a day and we're on cracked ice."

"Isn't the saying 'thin ice'?"

"Only if you don't wear a mask o cowl to fight crime at night."

"Touché."

Part 8 Part 10

[missmarveledsblog]

A kind of sex education part 2 (platonic cas x winchesters x reader)

Summary : after the whole porn ordeal , castiel finds tumblr and the world of fanfiction has him asking more curious questions  which the residents of the bunker are not so happy to answer . 

warnings : mentions of smutty fics , cas being the curious baby in a trench coat we love .

After the whole angel porn ordeal , they were more careful with what cas was watching not wanting  history to repeat itself . Like monitoring a toddler on an iPad. Especially given that y/n wouldn't come out of her room for days not wanting to look any of them bar sam in the eyes .  Dean even limited his teasing when it came to the subject . Today he was luckily out while cas was on laptop , Sam and Y/N were looking over some incoming cases seeing which needed to be handled first .

" interesting this is very interesting " the angel spoke making them look over both slightly relieved not see or hear an explicit image on the laptop. 

" I've been on a interesting site that led me to many other over the last couple of days " he  spoke up .

" what was that buddy" she smiled over. Their joy short lived when he uttered the next few sentences out of his mouth .

" tumblr that led me to all these other sites , did you know there is fanfiction of us like the play we seen except it's classed as what they call smut " he looked up at the two .

" why didn't  I go on the supply run ,  why am I here when he finds this shit " she cursed up at the ceiling .

" could be nothing " sam offered a weak smile .

" did you know most popular is Dean x y/n fiction seems as though you are most shipped although there are some of Dean and sam with you too " he mused .

" but I could be wrong" sam winced taking the laptop off of cas completely .

" how do you find these things " he asked looking through the tabs .

" I'm very pop culture savvy now " cas said proudly . 

" what the hell man why are you reading all these " sam groaned wanting burning his eyes out seeing an explicitly  wrong image of Dean and himself (no to wincest) .  " you are actually popular with them Y/n " sam mused .

" that's after  that stupid ghost hunting  website and chuck " she grumbled  wondering where she was going to start her new life.

" hey there's even some with you and cas " he chuckled. 

" Alaska or maybe Australia would be better it further Away " she mused .

" wow these are extremely detailed " sam continued .

" would you call Dean daddy , the stories seem to think you would " cas asked .

" what the hell did I walk into " the man in question walked into the room .

" my resignation  " she mumbled hiding her head in her arms. 

" destiel  is another popular one " sam chuckled. 

" cas found smutty fanfictions " she looked up to see the clueless expression on Dean's face.

" they suggest that Y/n is a sub and you are a Dom " the angel stated.

" wanna see if they're right sweetheart " Dean winked .

" wanna kill me cause I can't be dealing with this" she countered wondering if she could also legally change her name.

" why are they so descriptive on the parts , have they seen them" cas sat looking between the three .

" the way Dean sleeps around they probably seen his " she reasoned.

" they also suggest you like..." .

" do not even finish that one" she growled .

"so many kinks cas did you google all these" sam asked eyes widening at the search history. 

" i was looking at chucks book and comments said to check out the tumblr versions " he said looking confused to what he did wrong. " they forgot to add that birthmark just below your tits " he added matter of factly .

" when did you see her ... what he got to see i didn't" dean turned to Y/n , who honestly rather be stuck with Crowley for eternity than this .

" he walked in while i was getting dressed and it not a birthmark it's a scar from a battle with an old favourite bra "she could feel her cheeks redder than they've been so far . "i'm going to my room to pack for my new life in australia" she stormed out her room .

" she's kidding right?" dean asked looking to the mean .

" you should dom her  and make her stay , they said she responds to good girl" cas explained .

" i wonder if she would let me come with her " sam mused walking out after her.  

another awkward dinner bobby was almost afraid to ask. Although dean was smiling more than the others.

" cas read fanfiction , pornographic fan fiction " dean explained .

" i've also read some theories too, like bobby is Y/N Dad and not her uncle" cas smiled making bobby choke on his water.

"  their theories cas they're not right ... right? " she laughed but stopped when she notice bobby expression or how he would barel look at her.

" i mean it's a possibility " he mused truthfully making her jaw drop

" great more daddy issue not like the place is drowning in them with these two " she pinched the bridge of her nose and point at sam and dean.

" so the theories of dean being her soulmate are true " cas asked.

" probably " dean shrugged winking at her .

" why did i ever come here, sam wanna move to australia with me " she ignored the other three men .

" look me and your mom had a brief thing , your dad well your dad agreed while he..." . 

" australia sound nice " sam agreed cutting bobby short .

" hey stop denying our love even nerds on internet think we'd be hot together"dean spoke up .

" cas from now on stop the curiosity or so help me i will make you eat the computer  " she  groaned learning too much information for the day .

"we need to do dna test " she turned to bobby .

" you can pick me up at 7 " she turned to dean before walking out leaving the men speechless . 

" i got punished" cas pouted .

" i got a kid  kinda " bobby gulped .

" i got a date " dean smirked .

" and i got a rock ... It's a thing on tiktok ... what cass isn't the only pop culture savvy one around here " sam shrugged .

part three

[cameronspecial]

You Have To Be Clear, Baby

Pairing: Frat!Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings:  N/A

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 0.5K

Summary: It's time for Asher to learn a very important lesson because his father is Rafe Cameron.

Masterlist

Y/N remembers when she learnt the very important lesson she is about to teach her son. She had just started dating her now-husband and scrolling through Instagram. Her hand shakes a little as she shows him a post of her favourite pizza place. “I wonder what it would be like to work there. It would be so cool to own a restaurant,” she thought out loud, going back to the app once Rafe saw the post. The next week, she found herself in his car with a blindfold on her eyes. She was a little unsettled by the darkness, but excited to see what the surprise would be. The car halted and he helped her remove the ribbon. Her eyes met the sight of said pizza place and excitement filled her. “Aww, you remembered that this is my favourite place. I can’t believe I get to eat here with you,” she gushed about to get out of the car. His hand grabbed her wrist, “While we can have dinner here if you want, that isn’t the surprise. You now own the restaurant, Angel. I bought it for you.” Her eyes grew to the size of a Canadian dollar coin. “You’re joking?” she tried to get him to confess. His head slowly shook, “No. Why would I? You said it would be cool to own it, so I got it for you.” “IT WAS A HYPOTHETICAL!” she yells. “WELL YOU SHOULD’VE BEEN MORE CLEAR.” 

From that point on, she knew to clarify when she didn’t want something, especially if that something was very expensive. Years later, Rafe and Y/N are talking and Asher is playing with Tabitha on the carpet in front of them. He abandoned the dolls he was playing with when the elderly cat came into the room. Y/N spots the chaos in her living room and turns to address her son. “Ash, Baby. Please clean up your toys before you play some more with Tabs.” The little boy nods and starts cleaning up his barbies. After the room is cleared, he goes running to his parents. “Daddy, can you buy me a house, please?” Asher asks, jumping into his father’s lap. Y/N knows what Rafe is about to reply. It probably has something to do with how many rooms the house should have. “Do you mean a doll house, Baby? You mean a dollhouse, right? You have to be clear, Baby, Especially with Daddy,” Y/N interrupts her husband. Asher’s head tilts with a nod, “Yeah, Mommy. I want my dollhouse so my doll can have a house. Maybe it can look like our house?” Rafe grins at Y/N’s words, thinking about the incident all those years ago. He chuckles a little to himself.

“Of course, you can. Daddy will buy you whatever you want, Bud. I’ll get someone on it right away. And you should listen to Mommy. You have to be clear with me about what you want because Daddy would buy you and Mommy the world if you want.”

Asher smiles and hugs his father, “Okay, thank you. I also want a baby. A real baby. Like Jared’s new baby sister.” Y/N’s sip of water spews all over the room at her son’s words. Asher looks very serious about the request. A devilish smirk spreads across Rafe’s face. “Oh, I can definitely get Mommy to agree to that.” 

Taglist: @winterrrnight @loves0phelia @thelomlisrafecameron @wickedlovely121 @queen-shadow22 @victory-in-the-llama @drewsmusee @starkowswife

[lovings4turn]

୭ 🗝️ ✧ ˚. 🪩 teas’n, pleas’n . . . (e.m)

— eddie is a man who possesses a lot of musical talent. luckily for you, his fingers’ capabilities extend far beyond plucking the strings of his prized guitar

+ contains: language, smut, afab!reader + fem nicknames

+ divider from cafekitsune

god, you were a terrible person.

eddie had been wanting to show this to you all day. he’d practically dragged you back to his trailer the second he’d picked you up, all so he could lead you into his bedroom and grab his precious guitar from her place on his wall.

despite his excitement, he’d taken the time to place a pillow against his headboard so that you would be comfortable as you watched him. the caring nature of his action made your heart swell, and the broad grin he’d shot your way as you sprawled out across his mattress only intensified that feeling.

now, as he stood a few feet away from you, mastering a particularly tricky riff with little difficulty but a lot of vigour, you couldn’t even focus on appreciating the sheer talent it took.

it’d probably taken him days, weeks, possibly even months, of endlessly listening to his 'dangerous toys' cassette and playing along, aiming to nail every last note. it wasn't only a means to impress the other members of corroded coffin, no; eddie’s main intention in learning the song was to impress you. and yet, you weren’t even fully paying attention to him.

instead, your eyes were locked on to the way eddie had pulled his bottom lip between his teeth, an expression you’d seen many times before, but under a very different circumstance. instead of gripping the neck of his guitar, his hand would typically be around your throat as he fucked into you fast and deep, filth spilling from his lips as he approached his high. it definitely didn’t help that his head was thrown back, exposing the curve of his neck and therefore the faint smattering of purple marks that you had left a few days prior.

his ring-clad fingers travelled up and down the guitar’s neck with such ease and dexterity, moving so fast it should be considered criminal, and the action made the deep blue veins of his arms and hands pop out beneath his skin. better yet, eddie’s eyes were closed, allowing you to continue your lustful admirations without the looming fear of being caught.

whilst eddie was no doubt running through the memorised tabs in his mind, you were picturing something a lot less pure. the guitar was the least of your concern, and you squeezed your thighs together in an attempt to create some sort of friction.

it was only natural for your mind to go somewhere else.

countless times before you’d seen eddie’s hands repeat similar movements between your legs, calloused fingers moving in and out of your cunt in just the right way to make you see stars. he was good with his hands and the smug little shit knew it, and god you had to stop thinking like this before you got too turned on.

for once, it seemed fate was on your side, as you managed to return to your senses just as eddie played the final few chords. his eyelids fluttered open to reveal those brown, doe eyes thar you adored so much. the smile on his face was impossibly infectious, causing your stomach to flip with a cocktail of love and guilt at his look of pure joy.

“well? what’d you think, sweetheart? am i on my way to becoming the next van halen?”

you grasped for something to say, begging that your mouth would form some appropriate response to his question, spit out a compliment that proved you were definitely paying attention to the music, and not to the way his hands would feel in between your thighs.

“hello?” eddie waved a hand in front of your face, soft chuckles escaping his lips. “earth to y/n. did y’like it babe?”

you blinked slowly, mind finally catching up to what eddie was asking you. before you could formulate a proper sentence, your mouth produced the first thing your muddled brain could think of.

“it was hot as fuck.”

shit.

that was not at all like what you wanted to say at all. the farthest thing from it, in fact. how hard was it to tell him it was impressive? curse your brain for being so impossibly horny right now.

eddie’s playful grin was quickly replaced by a smirk, the corner of his lip pulled up as he moved towards you. with a surprising amount of grace, eddie slotted himself in between your legs, lips ghosting over your own painfully.

just as you moved to connect your lips, to convey everything you had wanted to say to him before your mind has betrayed you, eddie pulled back with a tsk.

“ah, ah, not so fast. you weren’t paying attention to me, were you?” though teasing, his voice was laced with an undertone of incredulity.

though your mouth opened, you closed it almost immediately, floundering as you attempted to remain calm. your lack of a response told eddie everything he needed to know.

“huh. so, how about you tell me what exactly you were thinking about in that pretty little head of yours?”

you shook your head in an act of defiance, but it was no use. rough fingertips made contact with your chin, forcing your eyes to meet deep brown ones.

"don't get all shy on me now, sweetheart."

eddie's words were mocking, the corner of his lips quirked up into an amused smirk. yet, he was only human.

finally, his bitten lips pressed against your own. whilst one hand cupped your jaw, the metal of his rings cold against your flushed cheeks, the other dropped down to your chest, bunching up the fabric of your shirt.

his fingers moved tantalisingly slow, trailing from your navel down to the skin of your thigh. with a teasing purr, he grazed his hand against your dripping pussy before turning his attention to the other thigh. any attempt to mask just how much he was loving this had clearly failed - you could read him like a book.

"so fucking wet f'me, shit. been wanting it this the whole time, huh?"

all you could do was whine, bucking your hips up in an attempt to meet his hand. eddie merely tutted and swatted at the flesh of your thigh, shaking his head as he looked up to meet your eye.

"ah, ah, babe. you gotta ask for what you want." his hands trailed up and down your skin with a featherlight touch, leaving goosebumps in the wake of his warm palms. "want to hear you say all of the dirty little things you want me to do to you. i'm gonna fucking wreck you, princess."

you were in for a long night.

[i-heart-yellowstone]

10 - What Are We Now??

Part 11

Raised Fair Share Of Hell

Tag list @bvbwestfall @hcwthewestwaswcn @child-of-of-the-sunshine @elenavampire21 @keep-the-wolves-close @kmc1989 @tallrock35

Alana and I walked into the bar that we had driven into Bozzeman for drinks that night needing to get the thoughts of Kayce and our fight out of my head for a few hours. She went straight to the bar ordering us two shots each while I got us a table near the stage where a band had their stuff set up to preform. “Here we go, two rounds to drown out the asshole's memory.” 

“I'm not sure this can erase our entire lives. But this is a good start.” I picked up the shot glass and she clinked her glass to mine. 

“To starting to forget the asshole.”��

We threw back the shot glass and I licked my tongue feeling the bitter taste going down my throat. “Woo. That's got some kick to it.” 

“It's tequila, sis.” 

I raised the glass in the air cheering with a wolf howl. “To more tequila!” 

“Excuse me, ladies. Could I buy you another round?” Someone tapped my shoulder causing me to look back and see a guy with a small stubble on his face and light brown hair in a black cowboy hat. 

Alana spoke up first with excitement. “Absolutely.” 

“Sure. Thanks.” I sent him a smile seeing him stick his hand out towards me. “I'm Alissa.’ 

We shook hands before he went to the bartender. “I'm Ryan.” 

“So what do y'all do for work?” Ryan came back over with three drinks sitting at the table with the two of us. 

“Runnin’ my father’s ranch. The Lambert Cattle ranch.” My sister responded by leaning her elbows on the table. 

Ryan sent me a look waiting for my response where I bite my lip tucking hair behind my ear. “I have worked for the Yellowstone since I was 16-17 until recently.” 

“You’re working at Yellowstone. I'm a ranch hand for the boss there.” 

Alana got up from the table suggesting to the ranch hand with a smirk. “Ryan, how would you and my sister get to talk some more with some free liquor back at our place?” 

“Lana, what about Faith-” 

She cut me off whispering in my ear. “I'll look after her. Don't worry. He's cute, have some fun for once.” 

Having some fun is what got me pregnant, I thought to myself silently. 

But I knew I deserved to not think how much Kayce had hurt me so I went along with the plan she had in mind. “What do you say, Ryan.” 

“Sure. I'll pay the tab though.” Ryan responded before he followed us back to our ranch.  My sister went upstairs to watch my daughter while I poured a glass of beer walking over to him sitting on the couch where he went to take it from my hands till I put my lips down onto his. “Thanks-” 

He sat the glass on the side table holding my face in his hands kissing me briefly. “No strings attached work for you?” 

“Hell yeah.” He leaned forward beginning one of the many heated kisses that would lead us to the bedroom until he had to sneak back over the fence for work that next morning. 

Kayce’s pov

Sitting down on my bed in my childhood bedroom that I still lived in now I removed my hat tossing it on the end of the mattress.  I had come home from picking Tate from school and dropped him off with his mom.  Laying on my back with my head on the pillow my gaze landed on the picture we had Alissa’s mother take of me and her daughter sitting on the tailgate of my beat up old red truck I had sold after she had told me she was pregnant to make some quick money. 

Running a hand through my hair I muttered to myself remembering our teenage years fondly. “What happened to us, Lissa Rae.  How can we get back to what we had?” 

We pulled up in the old red truck to a stop with the edge of lake water right in front of the tailgate.  I hoisted her up by the waist, sitting her up in the backseat of it before I joined her.  “I didn’t even know this spot was here.  I thought I knew every inch of this hometown of ours.” She chuckled, her gaze focused on the blue water. 

“I wanted it to be a surprise when I brought you here.  It should be a special place when I ask you a certain question.” I looked down at her while she laid against my chest with my arms draped around her. 

Alissa smiled up at me with a teasing expression. “And what question is that, Dutton?” 

I smiled, closing the gap between us where we slowly kissed each other.  She gripped the back of my hair deepening the kiss until I broke it, resting my forehead against hers. “Will you be my girlfriend, Lissa Rae?” 

“I thought you’d never ask, cowboy.” She grinned up at me capturing my lips with hers and we stayed like that for quite a while until we got tired then we headed back home as boyfriend and girlfriend, not simply childhood best friends anymore. 

Unknown to Kayce that night his childhood friend and wife wasn’t thinking back on what they had. 

[hearts4hughes]

regrets | jack hughes

jack hughes x fem! reader

part one

a/n: i rewrote this about a million times, and i can’t seem to settle on something i’m proud of, so i landed on this. i’m aware it’s rushed at the end, but it was so difficult for me to get ideas for this part 2.

warnings: swearing, alcohol, talk of toxic friendship

gif is not mine

two weeks.

it’s been two weeks since you destroyed your relationship with jack. well, destroyed what was left of it.

the morning after, you woke up to twenty missed calls and about thirty texts- all from jack- along with a pounding headache. you chose to ignore his existence, skimming through the texts, and deleting all voicemails.

that has been your routine since it happened. you’d wake up with a tear stained face, puffy eyes, and delete all the ‘apologies’ jack had sent. various people had told you to block his number, but you couldn’t. he was still the same jack that you became best friends with, and that’s what kept you trapped in.

“i’ll take another.” you wave the bartender over, asking for what was probably your fourth drink of the night. he nods, making the alcoholic beverage.

getting handed the drink, you throw back the mix of tequila and various juices. every sip washes away your memories of that night. you can’t cry about something you can’t remember, and that logic made you more and more desperate to wash away your sorrows with liquor.

“how many of those have you had tonight?” you almost drop your glass at the sound of that voice. the same voice that used to be comforting, but now only reminds you of the horror and pain it carries.

slowly, you turn your head to look at jack. his eyes lock with yours, dull of their usual shimmer. he sends you a half-smile- if you can even call it that. without another word, you fly to your feet, making a one way exit out of the bar.

“miss, you have you pay for your drink!” the bartender yells out. coming to a halt, you turn around, motioning your head towards jack.

“he’s going to take my tab.” you beam, hoping that will slow jack down a little bit. he awkwardly smiles, pulling out $100 and giving it to the bartender, not caring how much lower the original bill was. hastily, he spins on his heels, praying he catches you before you escape.

if it weren’t for your stiletto heels, you’d be sprinting down the street like a runner, not caring where the finish line was. however, you could compromise with speed walking.

“y/n!” jack calls out. you didn’t bother to turn around, already knowing he was right on your tail. you pick up speed, looking both ways, and crossing the street. “y/n!” he yells again.

just as you thought you got away, a strong hand grabs your bicep, causing you to stop in your tracks. you turn around, eyes shooting daggers at him.

“let me go.” you command. your voice cold and authoritative. obeying your wishes, he releases you from his hold.

you swiftly turn around, ready to run at full speed down the main road.

“wait, please.” he begs. “let me drive you home and we can talk about everything.” the street light reveals jack’s features more in-depth. dark circles lay just under his beautiful blue eyes, that are bloodshot due to crying. he was just as broken as you.

“i’m not sure, jack.” your eyes flick to the ground, tracing the cracks and curves in the sidewalk.

if he took you home, he’d only pull you back into the vicious cycle that you both called a ‘friendship’.

“please.” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. your eyes finally land on his. you scan the regretful look plastered across his face. his lips are turned downward into a frown, eyes droopy and glassy, and his once tan complexion was now pale.

your eyes flick down to your shoes, not completely letting the pity overtake you. “ok.” you nod. his face lights up into a small smile.

“ok, good.” his voice is much happier, “my car is in the parking lot back there.” he leads you to his car, looking back ever so often, just to make sure your still there.

warily, you step into jack’s passenger seat. the car reeked of his smell, and with every deep breath, the memories you tried to erase, flooded back. you swallowed hard, telling yourself it was a mistake to ever allow him to persuade you into this.

“are you ok?” he asks, reading your mind. “you didn’t make a mistake by allowing me to bring you home, y/n/n.” the use of your nickname makes you wince. “i’m not going to give up on our relationship without explaining first.”

he said relationship.

not friendship.

relationship.

“i didn’t even say anything.” you snap, causing him to flinch.

jack swallows hard. he’s not used to the harsh actions coming from you. you were always jack’s rock. his shoulder to cry on when he needed you. he never thought his actions would’ve been thought of as leading you on, but then again, he doesn’t use his brain that much.

“yeah, but you’re thinking it. i can tell.” he mumbles, grabbing his phone and throwing it over to you. confused, you accept it, searching jack’s face for any clues of what you were supposed to do.

his face falls when he notices your confused actions. it was muscle memory for him to pass you this phone in the car, waiting for you to serenade him with your music. he even made a playlist for you because at that point, you owned his car radio.

“you always have the aux, remember?” he clarifies, bewildered how after only a few weeks, you had forgotten basic routines.

as the gears turn in your head, you tap on the playlist titled, ‘y/n/n <3’, and allow the soft sounds of taylor swift to whisk you away from reality.

the car ride was fairly short, considering your house was just down the road. you roughly shove your key into the keyhole and allowing him into your apartment. even during the depressing past weeks, you managed to keep your apartment clean. you needed some sort of distraction, and busying your mind with cleaning was the perfect one.

he crept into the home, letting his eyes wander all around as if he’d never seen it before. his finger tips grazed the wooden coffee table, admiring the floral arrangement strategically placed on it. he’d always loved how you decorated your apartment. it never failed to brighten his day when he saw the photos and memories that decorated the walls.

“kinda thought you would’ve taken this down after what happened.” he broke the deafening silence, picking up a framed photo of you and him at a carnival. you both shared a huge bag of cotton candy, his jacket covering your body, and his arm slung around your shoulders. you had always joked that when you brought men over and they saw that photo, they’d get scared away, not wanting to get involved with your nhl ‘boyfriend’.

“what are you here for, jack?” you ask, not entertaining his antics. he’s trying to butter you up. making you relive all the memories from the past and automatically forgive him, but it wasn’t going to work.

his body tenses as he places the photo down. “you know what i’m here for.” he insinuated, moving closer to you. “i need to explain. everything.”

you stood your ground, standing tall and confident. nodding your head, you urged him to continue.

“i’m so sorry for everything.” he began. “i led you on, lied to you, and made our relationship toxic. i took you for granted, y/n, and i regret it every single day.”

you stood there in silence, waiting for more to come from his apology.

he swallowed hard before starting to speak once again. “i’m going to be honest with you. i’m absolutely in love with you. more than just as friends. fuck, i have been since i met you.” he takes in a sharp breath, putting his hand behind his neck and throwing his head back. “i’m- i’m not good with emotions and feelings. this is going to sound pathetic, but the only thing i’ve truly loved besides my family was hockey. then you came along and changed that.”

tears started to swell in your eyes at his words. your body practically gives out as you slowly position yourself in the loveseat next to you.

you were seeing a whole other side to jack. he rarely ever opened up about his emotions like this. you were both confused as of what to do. the love related emotions being so foreign.

finally, he looks back down, locking eyes with you once again. the second he sees your watery eyes, the tears start to pour out of his. “i used all those other girls as distractions because i knew i couldn’t be with you. i knew i’d ruin you if we were together, and i couldn’t take it.” he admits through hiccuped breaths. “but i never would’ve thought that all of this would be hurting you just as bad.”

“oh, jack.” you coo, holding your hand out as a signal for him to join you on the small chair. “i wish you would’ve just told me this before.” he takes your hand, slowly placing himself next to you. your hand tangles with his hair as you pull him into your neck.

you both cry in the comfort of each others embrace. his arms wrapped around your torso, pulling you as close as possible. one of your hands massaging his scalp. while the other comfortingly rubbed up and down his back.

“i understand if you don’t forgive me. i promise i do.” he mumbles against your neck.

his words shoot a pang of hurt to your heart. “why would i not forgive you?” your voice was soft and soothing.

he says nothing in reply, not trying to make you forgive him out of pity. “jack, everyone has their ups and downs once in a while. what’s going to make our relationship strong is if we work through them together. i forgive you because you were trying to navigate your feels and ended up getting lost.”

“i love you so much,” he places soft kisses on the inside of your neck, “but we can’t be together. i’m only going to hurt you, and i don’t want that.”

“what’s hurting me more is that we aren’t together.” you retort. “let’s just try to make this work…please.” you plead.

“together?” he pulls away. his tear stained eyes meeting yours.

“together.” you reassure, kissing his lips gently.

[zhvakinnn]

could you please do an Aiden x male reader? I don't see many of those. If not, have a good day!<3

Build up again

Paring → Aiden x male reader (romantic)

Content warning/s → homophobic, bullying, f@gg0t word mentioned

Au → slow burn

A/N → heck yeah! As a male im so happy that again someone requested for a male reader

You sat on the restroom floor crying after getting picked on by barrom

When you notice someone was coming in the restroom you quickly stand up and got up to the sink and pretend to wash your face

The blonde boy stared at you before taking his eyes off and realize your one of his classmates that don't really talk much

"hey you good?" The Blondie ask which you quickly nodded

"yeah fine just.. dust" you said as you wipe your eyes pretending there are dust in it

He nodded and was about to leave when he saw your cheeks red and legs with bruises slightly peeking out of your short's

"you sure?" He asked again, you nod again and close the tab

"I just told you im fine" your tone change, you apologize and ran out of the restroom leaving him confused but shrug it not to step boundaries

But this man loves getting into someone's personal space

☆∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°

"im Aiden" you were startled at the voice Infront of you, again you saw that blondie

You hesitated but answer "im (name)" you said trying not to make eye contact

"wanna hang out with me and my other friends and also, I have a cousin his name is benhe doesn't talk but who cares you should come later, I'll wait for you by the gate then bye!"

You didn't even got to talk and he answered his own question for you while he run's you answered quietly "okay.." you smiled slightly then returning back to your phone where your defeated in a game

Well who cares about that, you're already making a friend

☆∘⁠˚⁠˳⁠°

When you're about to go to the gate you heard someone call out

"pst"

You turn around seeing Barron again, you back down seeing your near the gate you could run and call out for help to Aiden but your frozen in fear

"aw boohoo your scared already I haven't even done anything.. yet"

He smiled as he walked up to you

"I need to go, someone's waiting for me..." You turn around to run but he shove you down the floor

"right like someone would" he laughed and crouched Infront of you, he slapped your face making you lay on the ground

Just when he was about to hit you again someone threw a rock on his head making your head turn to where the rock came from

It was that blondie again but now with a brown hair woman

"didn't you learn the first time we beat you up?!" The woman scream as you see there are more of them

Barron tsk and looked at you "im not done with you" he said and ran away

"yeah run like a coward!" Aiden said, another blondie but with glasses went you "are you okay"

You nodded and stood up brushing your clothes "yes, thank you.." Aiden look back at you "great now that's all okay im starving let's go to the cafe" he said

The ginger haired girl elbow him making him yelp in pain "hey!" You giggled slightly "no worries im really okay, my name's (name)" the tall man smiled pulling his phone and giving it to you

Confused you looked at the phone 'nice to meet you im Ben' then you remember that Aiden mentioned that, you look up giving back his phone smiling

"im Taylor and that's my twin Tyler" the brown haired girl said while pointing at her twin you waved again and Tyler greeted you by nodding

"im Ashley banner" the ginger said "and you already know me Aiden" he said making Tyler scoff while he roll his eyes, man that guy got some attitude

"my name's Logan fields " the boy with glasses said "you don't mind me asking questions?" "I wouldn't mind" "why does Barron pick on you" ...

You met Barron since elementary he was the first one to talk to you

You were very lonely that day so you appreciate that Barron talked to you

"wanna be friends?" You looked at the hands Infront of you, you hesitated but you took his hand and smiled "sure"

Ever since that you became friends you two are very close but as you grow up he began to change but you shrug it off cause you can't understand what you feel for him

He picked on everyone and order you around like "throw that in a lake", "hide it up there" "take a video of him"

And you being you, you never realized that you fell fr his trap

More worst when your like 11 you realized your feelings are not just platonic but romantic

It went on for a 2 years until you couldn't hold it in, you wrote him a loving letter and gave it to him when you were alone in the park

You were nervous as he reads it "wait you feel the same" he said making you look at him with hopes he'll like you too "yeah I do, do you?" He nodded and smiled

Just when your about to say something he spoke "hah! Yea right, it's disgusting how can you live liking your own gender" he laughed you wanna curl into a ball and disappear

When you both reach highschool he called you names, shove you, pick on you "you know if your aren't a fag this wouldn't happen" he laughed and left you there crying on the floor

Sometimes you wish, you hid it, sometimes you wish you were quiet then your world wouldn't crumble like this

Aiden noticed your discomfort and silence so he plan to change the subject

"aghh you heard that my stomach is rumbling im so hungry!" Everyone groan "yeah yeah let's go"

Logan looked at you then looked away afraid he stood in your boundaries

They all began to exit the gate while you stand there

Aiden was laughing with them and he looked back when he didn't notice you

"what are you doing c'mon" he giggled taking your arm and pulled you running while the others tried to catch up

Maybe this wouldn't be so bad, you world might change paper with no crumble in it

Part two will come this is just a teaser :D

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 48:

Am I allowed to cry?

Masterlist - Previous - Next

I didn’t really listen, the look on Dr. Friese’s face when he entered the room was enough for me to know exactly what he was about to say. The deep crease between his eyebrows, the sadness, almost pity, in his eyes. The way he sat down, tapping away on his tablet, before he turned it around, shoving it towards Charles and me. Charles who scooted closer to the table immediately, looking at the pictures, the scans, listening to what the doctor had to say. I looked out the window, watched a bird sitting in the tree, preparing to take off. Its life would be over in an instant, would it break one of its wings, losing the ability to fly, not able to do what it's meant to be doing. Losing its purpose. A bird was meant to fly. A racing driver was meant to race. What was my purpose, if I lost the ability to race?

"Cara mia?" Charles gently squeezed my thigh and I looked at him.

"Sorry, what?"

"The pain, is it only when you're in the car? Or also when you train? Or maybe even right now?" Dr. Friese asked and I shook my head

"Only in the car, but not straight away… it’s kinda like building up with each lap… and yeah sometimes after an intense work out..."

"Okay..." he wrote something down and I took a deep breath.

"Can I finish this season?" I looked at him and he stopped writing.

"Lizzie..." Charles began but I shook my head.

"If its gets worse than this, I'll stop, but just in theory, could I finish this season?"

"Well, the pain won't get better, that's for sure, but if we do weekly scans and I can keep an eye on your spine, I'd say yes... it's possible. But of course, I would advise against it. The risk of a crash is still evident and we don't know what will happen then…" Dr. Friese looked at me intently.

"Lizzie… it’s too risky. Only one bad crash…" Charles took my hand in his.

"Formula 1 is a dangerous sport and will always be... your words. I could be perfectly healthy and have a bad crash... that's the risk we're willing to take whenever we get in the car, Charles."

He sighed, squeezing my hand, before he nodded slowly.

"The moment it gets worse..." he began.

"... I'll stop. Over. Done." I reassured him, looking at Dr. Friese "I promise."

"I guess I have to set up a plan then how I can keep tabs on you, while you're gone..." he smiled a little.

"Thanks, doc. Really. I appreciate it."

"I shouldn't say that, a doctor shouldn't have favourite patients. But would I have some, you'd be high up on the list... and for your favourites you're willing to go the extra mile..." he chuckled and I laughed.

"Well, I can say that you're my favourite doc!" I got up and he sighed.

"I guess you should give your other favourite doc a call... the next weeks will be tough, once its fully sinking in that you only have... how many races left?"

"8..." Charles said, looking at me and I swallowed hard. Only 8 races left

"I don't think that I need to talk to Dr. Lindner. I'm fine. This is what has to be done." I said, feeling how the tightness in my chest got worse.

"Maybe a little talk would still do you some good..."

"Yeah, maybe. If it fits into my already tight schedule." I joked forcingly.

"Alright... if you don't have any more questions, that's it for today." Dr. Lindner closed the folder in front of him and I got up.

"Alright, always good to see you, doc." I smiled one last time and was already out through the door, while Charles was saying his goodbyes, following me.

"Are we on the run, Speedy Gonzalez?" he chuckled, taking my hand and slowing me down.

"No, but we're only here for a couple of days and I don't want to waste more time in here." I quipped back and he stopped "What?"

"This wasn't a waste of time... cara mia, you promised it!" he looked at me.

"No! Not a waste of time being here and talking to Dr. Friese! I meant spending more time in here. Hence why I want to leave so fast!" I reassured him and he studied my face for a moment, before he nodded slowly, and we continued walking "I made a promise and I'll keep it, don't worry!"

"Okay... that's good to know." he said, his voice relieved.

"Yeah... it is." I swallowed hard, smiling at Charles when he opened the door for me and I sat down in the passenger seat.

"Cara mia?" Charles put his hand on my arm and I looked at him "Your turn..." he nodded towards the cards in the middle of the table.

"Oh... yeah..." I shuffled through my deck of cards and put one down "Sorry..."

"It's okay, you have a lot on your mind..." Charles whispered, and I sighed.

"Yeah…"

"Uno!" Liam chirped, throwing a card down, leaving him only with one remaining "You know why I always win? Because I'm not chatting all the time..."

"You're absolutely right, sorry." Charles ruffled his hair.

"Its okay, I like winning..." Liam shrugged his shoulders, and I chuckled a little "Last weekend, you should've seen me! I won all 3 races!"

"Pops showed us the videos, don't worry. You were amazing!" Charles said and I nodded.

"When you retire one day, I can take over your seat. That way still a Doetterer is driving in F1." Liam smiled at me and I swallowed hard, smiling at him.

"Yeah, that would be amazing." I pressed out and Charles looked at me, gently grabbing my hand and squeezing it "Anyone else hungry? I need a snack." I got up quickly and walked into the kitchen, taking a deep breath.

"Hey you." Mum smiled at me when she walked inside, a cook book in her hand "| was thinking I'm trying something new for tonight..." she held up the book and I nodded.

"Sounds good, mum." | replied and she looked up from the recipe, looking at me.

"Are you okay?" she put the book on the counter and squeezed my shoulder.

"Yeah, sure. I mean... I still have to get used to the thought that this is my last year in F1... but it's okay. I'm alright." I replied quietly.

"I won’t say that I understand you, because I can’t… what you’ve been through… it was a lot and you would’ve deserved to race for many more years to come… but you know the saying, when one door closes, another one opens… it might be hard to find that new open door, but if I know one thing about you, than it’s that you’re a fighter. You never back down, no matter what obstacles they’re throwing at you." she kissed my cheek and I wiped away a tear.

"Thanks mum, really." I whispered and she hugged me.

"No matter how old you are, you’ll always be my little baby girl." she said quietly and I chuckled.

"You know what’s also a saying?" I asked her and she pulled away slightly, looking at me questioningly "The best comes last."

"I never said that!" she pushed me away gently and I grabbed the fruit platter from the fridge.

"You didn’t have to, I know it."

"Yeah, yeah whatever."

I watched Charles anxiously, cracking my fingers every now and then to the point where he switched seats and sat down next to me, taking my hand in his, all while looking at the screen. In retrospect, it was a stupid idea to let Charles watch the, for now, uncut episodes Elijah sent me two days ago during our flight to Baku. I had to watch him silently, with nothing else to do then thinking about his reaction, how he liked it. I binge watched the episodes all the night I got them, meticulously writing down my opinion, what I wanted to be cut out, or maybe what I wanted to highlight more.

"Stop it." Charles said after a while "Stop staring at me like that, I can feel it and it creeps me out."

"It creeps you out when I look at you?" I asked, pouting a little.

"No." he sighed, clapping his MacBook shut, looking at me "It creeps me out when you look at me like this." he mimicked my staring at him "And that only adds to it." he let his knuckles crack "Look at me with your adorable, normal face and I’m more than happy about it. Ecstatic even."

"You’re an idiot…" I chuckled when he leaned over, kissing my cheek "What do you think so far?"

"Honestly? They did a pretty good job. It’s raw, honest, nothing feels scripted… I also like that sometimes it’s just you from afar, following you through your day, your routines. That’s one of the parts Elijah wants you to narrate I guess?"

"Yup. He gave me kind of a transcript with all the moments he wants me to do a voice over… it’s not too much, thank god, but yeah, a little still."

"I like the interview sequences. Elijah really got a lot of important people in front of his camera… Seb, Lewis, Max, that are world champions praising you. Fred, Toto Wolff and Christian Horner? Team principals of the biggest teams! Susie! How proud she was, talking about how amazing it is having a girl on the grid. All the important journalists? And they all only had praise for you. Amazing." Charles pulled me close and I snuggled into him.

"My favourite interviews are the one with you and our family… friends… people that know me the best. Who were always by my side…" I whispered and opened up the MacBook, a still image of one of our karting weekends in 2013, Charles, Arthur, Dad, Hervé all sitting together around a table, playing cards. Lorenzo, Jules and I crouched down next to Charles' kart looking at the engine "I’m so thankful that our parents always filmed everything we ever did."

"Yeah… a good way to keep all our memories for all eternity."

"What did you think about-… umm…" I trailed off.

"Your accident? How they captured it?" he asked and I nodded.

"JK told me filming my way back to full strength would be an extra motivation… and always when I watched the clips back then… it really was helping me… but now for the whole world to see?" I swallowed hard.

"It was amazing… Lizzie it was so pure. I think seeing you this vulnerable? This broken? And how you fought your way back? It’s inspiring. When people will see what you had to go through, what you had to endure to be where you are today? All the horrible things that people said about you and your condition? These people will be so ashamed of themselves." Charles voice was wavering a little "I’m so incredibly proud of you, cara mia. I know it’s not easy, showing the world these clips, but you’re so freaking brave and strong." he kissed me gently and when he pulled away he kissed my forehead, wiping away the few tears that had escaped.

"I wouldn’t be this brave and strong without you, I hope you know that…"

"No, you did that yourself. You alone. My strong girl." his smile made my insides melt.

"I was never alone. I always had you by my side." I beamed at him and he chuckled a little.

"Yeah because that’s how it’s meant to be. It’s you and me-…"

"…- against the world." I finished and he nodded.

"Exactly. You and me. Against the world. Always."

"Hey Lizzie. Sorry your race ended this early today." Natalie Pinkham from SkyUK was the first stop today and I shook my head a little "Tell us what happened there? It looked like you were slipping off the track a little?"

"Yeah. It’s been quite cold the last days, so the track was quite cold as well and then the slight rain right when the race started. The weekend started not the best, but we managed to turn it around… yeah it’s a shame really." I replied and she nodded.

"You have to go to the stewards later on, for causing a collision, do you think it’s fair, being called in for this incident?"

"Honestly? No I don’t think so, George was giving me enough space, I gave him enough space. That I would hit such a wet patch that literally made me loose my rear entirely was out of my hand. George tried to swerve around me, but he must’ve hit the same wet patch because he struggled all of a sudden as well and here we are. Both cars out, race over." I explained when George walked into the media pen "Give me a sec, please." I turned to him and he smiled a little "I’m sorry mate, I really tried to control the rear, but I couldn’t hold it. Sorry…" I hugged him.

"The track was pretty slippery there. You couldn’t do much and when I tried to swerve around you I lost the car as well. I felt myself literally sliding off and thought blimey this is it, I’m out." he patted my arm and I smiled "I guess I’ll see you at the Stewards then later on, ridiculous…"

"Yeah. A little… but see you then." I walked back to Natalie "Sorry. Where were we."

"So no bad blood between you two?" she asked and I smiled.

"Racing accidents like this happen, why we have to see the Stewards? I don’t know. Just look back at Spa for example. Wet track. I wanted to give Sainz some space so he can overtake me, because he was faster and fighting him off constantly was destroying my tires. When he overtook me he lost his rear a little and sent me into the barriers. Racing accident. He didn’t have to go to the Stewards and that was the right decision." I replied and she nodded apologetically.

"Let’s hope for a good outcome, then! One last question. Next up we have Singapore where you last year almost won. What’s the goal for this year?"

"This year? I’ll win it of course!" I chuckled.

"Alright, you do that!" she smiled and I nodded, walking to the next interview, I stopped, watching on of the screens how Charles took the checkered flag, winning the race, closing the gap to Max to only 1 point.

"Lizzie?" Julie pushed me gently forward and I nodded.

"Sorry. It’s just… 1 point, you know? I just knew it from the start of the season… this year, is his year. This year, Charles will win."

I sat in front of the conference room, waiting to be called in when Daniel plopped down next to me.

"What’s up kiddo." he nudged my shoulder and I looked at him, eyebrows raised "Something’s bothering you, I can tell."

"Last year I could’ve won here… this year…" I looked around, making sure no one was listening in on us "… this year it’s my 7th last race ever… I have to win it. So I could at least win 2 out 5 of the races I always dreamt of winning."

"Hockenheim… and what are the remaining ones?"

"Spa, Monza, Monaco…" I sighed and he nodded "You know, I would love to win another race before-…" I stopped, the tightness in my chest whenever I thought about the end of the season these days returned.

"I understand… it’s the worst feeling, knowing that you won’t drive next season… although your situation is… worse… sorry." he threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me to his side "But think about it that way, you’ll be healthy, you can run around with your kids one day, play with your nephews, god children…"

"Yeah… you’re right." I said, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat, fighting the tears that were stinging my eyes.

Thankfully the doors to the conference room opened before Daniel could see me wiping away a tear and we both got up, walking inside where shortly after the press conference started.

"Coming now to you, Lizzie. Last year you almost won here but had a bad crash right in the last corner, what is possible this year?" Tom Clarkson asked and I picked up the microphone, Sainz at the end of the sofa tensing visibly.

"Last year was a close one. I honestly could taste the champagne already…but yeah… this year? I think our car will work brilliantly here and Valtteri and I can annoy the big boys a little. Watch out Charles and Max…" I replied and Daniel next to me laughed.

"So you’re here to fight?"

"Oh yeah. Let the games begin." I chuckled and he opened up the floor for some questions.

"Kate Greer, BBC. Question for Carlos. It got a little quiet around you and your seat for next season? Audi didn’t work out, multiple sources said that you signed with Williams, but nothing was confirmed, then new rumours about Alpine. Did you make your final decision where you’ll be driving next season?" the middle aged red haired lady in the second row asked.

"It’s nothing I want to rush so the final decision is not made yet." Sainz answered and I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes while Clarkson pointed at the blonde journalist in the first row.

"John Hill, CBS Sports. Lizzie, Netflix dropped a teaser of Drive to Survive: Origins

but we only got a soon, no air date. When is this soon, when can we watch it?"

"Honestly? No idea. I think in November? That was the last date I had in mind. The final editing is happening in the next days as far as I know and then… you’ll get it when you’ll get it I guess." I lied, knowing full well when the episodes will drop, right after Las Vegas.

"Alright, that’s it for today, good luck to our drivers for the weekend." Clarkson ended the press conference and I got up, walking outside with Daniel.

"You’re a liar." he chuckled as soon as we were out of earshot.

"I don’t know what you mean." I said innocently and he laughed.

"You know exactly what I mean, little Miss Netflix."

"Little Miss Netflix?" I raised and eyebrow.

"Yup, that’s you, and now come on, it’s too warm to stand outside without AC."

"Praise the AC."

I climbed out of the car. Feeling all sorts of emotions. I stood on the hood of my car, basking in the chants of my name, the cheering and clapping. I did it. I won Singapore. The exhaustion was seeping through my body, the throbbing in my back getting worse, and when I jumped off my car and walked over to my team, leapt into their awaiting arms, I was more than happy that the barrier kept me upright, steadying me.

"Brilliant, Lizzie. Fucking amazing!" Felix clapped my back a little and then pushed me towards Charles, who just pulled his helmet off, and walked towards me. When he pulled off the balaclava, I saw the deep crease in between his eyes, how worried he looked, and when he pulled me into him I felt how tense he was.

"Are you okay? Like really?" he whispered and I nodded "You were struggling getting out…"

"Yeah, it was exhausting but I’m fine, really. It’s bearable."

"Okay… congrats, cara mia. Singapore is never an easy race and for you now? You did amazing!" he kissed my temple and then pulled away, looking into my eyes "I’m so proud of you."

"Thanks Charlie." I whispered and he smiled at me.

I walked off to do the interview with David Coulthard, the crowd chanting my name, my team, friends and Charles all looking at me, a look of pride and happiness on their faces. I know I should feel like I was on cloud 9 or on top of the world. But I didn’t. There was a weird tightness in my chest again. I smiled, but it didn’t felt real. It felt forced. But I ignored it, tried my best to look happy, like someone who just won a race. The podium ceremony, interviews, press conference, it all went by in a hazy blur and when we finally walked through the door of our hotel room I plopped down on the sofa, covering my face with my hands.

"Lizzie?" Charles gently squeezed my shoulder and I looked at him "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I’m just a little… I don’t know…" I sighed and he nodded slightly, sitting down next to me.

"Overwhelmed?" he asked and I shrugged.

"Maybe? I don’t know. I’m fine tho. Really… I just want to take a shower and then I want to eat something. I’m starving." I got up from the sofa and kissed his cheek.

"Hey, hey, hey! Cara mia… stop." he pulled me back into his lap "Talk to me. What’s going on in that pretty little mind?"

"That I’m sweaty and stinky?"

"Lizzie…" he rolled his eyes.

"What do you want to hear?" I asked and he huffed.

"Where’s the light?" he looked at me intently and I tilted my head a little, not knowing what he meant "The light in your eyes? I’ve seen how you forced yourself to smile the last days, we all have these times… when we just don’t want to be out there, smile, take pictures, sign stuff left and right, but we do it, with a smile, fake or not, doesn’t matter, not a lot of people can tell anyways… but I can tell when you’re faking a smile. The same as you know when I fake one… but today? You just won a race, but that light in your eyes, that spark, it wasn’t there the whole day…"

"I don’t know, okay? I’m just… I don’t even know what to say… I’m fine, really! I’m exhausted and tired, but I won a race, and I’m pretty damn happy about it!" I looked down at my hands when I felt Charles gentle fingers on my chin, tilting my head up.

"Cara mia, hey… I know it was all a little bit too much the last weeks… maybe we need to reset for a bit. Our next race is in almost a month, we could take a week off, go somewhere. Only you and me. Relax. Reset." he said and I nodded.

"A week away from everything sounds good." I pecked his lips and pushed off of him.

"Alright. You take a shower, I take care of our food."

"Sounds like a good plan."

I locked the bathroom door and got rid of my clothes, my shirt sticking to my body from the sweltering heat outside. Under the shower I took a deep breath, scrubbed the day off my skin. The steady sound of the water stream in the silent bathroom made my thoughts go racing, emotions started to overwhelm me. My vision became blurry from all the fog in the shower. Like a freight train it hit me, after tonight, I only had 6 races left. The final show began. Before I even realised what happened, silent tears were already streaming down my face and I flinched when Charles knocked at the door.

"Cara mia?" his voice muffled.

"Is the food here already?" how long was I in here already?

"Yeah, it just arrived."

"5 minutes." I turned off the water and stepped out the shower, wrapping a towel around myself. I looked into the fogged up mirror, wiping it clean with my hand and looked at myself. My eyes were slightly red, cheeks puffy. I splashed some cold water in my face, before I turned to grab my clothes, realising just then that I forgot to take fresh clothes with me. Towel wrapped around my body I walked outside, Charles sitting on the sofa, zapping through the different tv channels.

"Look at you…" he winked at me and I rolled my eyes a little when I pulled one of his t-shirts over my head "The prettiest t-shirt thief there is."

"Where?" I asked and he chuckled while I was pulling on some shorts, wrapping my hair in another towel before I sat down next to him.

"I ordered some different stuff, I didn’t know what you would want." he nodded to the table and I smiled.

"I think that’s enough." I filled my plate with some pasta, salad and veggies and leaned back, feeling his gaze one me.

I ignored it and started to eat and after a while Charles did the same.

"Philippines?" he said after a while and I looked at him "We could go to the Philippines? It’s not that far away, we can go straight from here?"

"I didn’t pack for a tropical island!" I chuckled and he laughed.

"And? It’s not like we couldn’t go shopping tomorrow, no?"

"Are you serious? Straight from here? But-but…" I stammered and he cocked an eyebrow.

"But what?" he asked "We book a flight on Tuesday, tomorrow we go shopping, buy everything that we need and then we leave the next day." he grabbed his iPad and tapped away.

"But what’s with Arlo? We haven’t seen him for 2 weeks already! And now another week or more? That’s… that’s not okay."

"Cara mia, you FaceTimed almost every day with him…" he chuckled.

"Of course! He’s our fur baby."

"Well he’s not exactly a baby anymore. He’s gotten pretty big."

"No matter how big he is, he’ll always be our fur baby." I pouted and Charles kissed my cheek.

"Alright, alright. He’s our fur baby. But do you think we can leave our baby for a little longer in the loving hands of our family? So we can have a week off?

"Hmm… I think we can…" I said after a while and he smiled.

"Alright. I’ll have a look for flights and hotels then… Philippines here we come."

"Yeah. Here we come…"

Charles was right. A week away from everything was just what I needed. For the first time in weeks, my mind wasn’t occupied by the upcoming end of the season, I didn’t feel the dread whenever I woke up in the morning, knowing that my last ever F1 race was just another day closer. Charles tried to talk about it more than once, tried to get me to open up, but I couldn’t. A part of me was still trying to keep the attitude out of sight out of mind, most of the time it worked, kinda. But unfortunately not always. And these were the moments Charles saw and tried to talk to me about. I dodged the bullets successfully, knowing that he grew frustrated. But for now it felt like the right thing to do. To keep going. Ignore the heartbreak, the pain, the anger. If I only tried hard enough, I could power through and no one had to see me breaking down. Not even Charles. So I kept on smiling, tried to be my normal self. Enjoyed our week off, spent it with snorkelling, splashing around in the water, relaxing in the sun with a cold cocktail. The outside world didn’t exist for the past week. But unfortunately all good things had to come to an end and so

I sat on the terrace on our last night, watched the waves crashing down on the shore. A soft breeze tousled Charles hair as he walked up the stairs from the beach, a beautiful sunset behind him.

"You look like a god, with that panorama behind you." I chuckled a little and he shook his head, cold water drops splashing around "But you behave like a wet golden retriever."

"I take that as a complement... both." he kissed my head and dried himself off a little with his towel, before he plopped down next to me.

"Can't we stay here forever?" I mumbled and he looked up "It's so quiet and peaceful. The outside world doesn't exist and I don't have to think about..." I stopped abruptly and sighed.

"Think about what?" Charles asked and I shook my head "Lizzie..." he sat up and pulled me into him.

"I'm fine. I'm just... you know... getting a little sentimental… now that we have to leave again…" I said quickly, trying to pull away but he didn't let go of me

"Charles... I'm okay. Really." I tried to reassure him but he groaned.

"Stop, okay? Just stop." he looked at me intently "Do you really think I'm that stupid? Do you think I don't see how this all is affecting you? How it hurts you? How sad you are? Heartbroken, devastated? Lizzie you don't have to pretend like you're okay all the damn time! You don't have to put on a fake smile!"

"But it’s easier like that, okay? It’s not going to help me when I start crying, breaking down, it’s not changing the inevitable! It’s not changing that I will retire at the end of the season. So I put on a brave smile and say that I’m alright."

"And you think that’s healthy?" he raised his eyebrows.

"No, probably not. But efficient. It works." I got up and he sighed.

"Someone once told me it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to be vulnerable. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human…" Charles whispered when I walked inside.

I tried to ignore the aching in my heart when I locked the bathroom door and sat on the bathtub edge, trying to steady my breathing. My heart almost hammering out of my chest. Deep down I knew that Charles was right, but I didn’t want to deal with it now. Not when there were still some races left. I didn’t want to think about the future. Not when I had no idea what I would do with my life. Becoming a full time WAG? Follow Charles around the globe to support him, every weekend at the racetrack but not racing myself? No. Being at a racetrack to just sit around instead of racing would be too painful. At least for a while. Maybe after some months. Or years. But Charles deserved better than that, because I knew that if the roles were reversed, he wouldn’t stay away, he would support me no matter what. So I had to get my shit together. I groaned and got up, washing my face. Thoughts like these were the reason why I didn’t like to think about the future. A soft knock on the door made me flinch and I turned off the water, grabbing a towel.

"Lizzie? I’m sorry, I didn’t want to…" Charles began but I opened the door.

"Don’t apologise. I know you just want to look out for me, I just-… I need time, okay? I need time to-…" I shrugged my shoulders, not knowing for what exactly I needed time.

"And I want you to take as many time as you need, cara mia. But you don’t have to do this alone. I’m right here. You don’t have to pretend in front of me…" he cupped my cheeks and I nodded slightly.

"I know. Really…" I mustered a little smile and he pulled me in a tight embrace.

"I’m here for you, no matter what, okay?" he whispered in my ear.

"I know Charlie bear…"

"Okay… you’re on your own…"

"You love it when I call you that!"

"I hate it and you know it."

"Nope, you love it."

"Whatever."

"Lizzie, hey! Good to see you!" Elijah got up from his seat and hugged me "How are you doing?"

"I'm good, thanks… or as good as I can be." I nervously played with the paper straw in my cup.

"I see. How did your team react to the news? I mean… they know about it, right?" he pulled out a folder and I sighed.

"Felix was the first person I called when I made the decision…"

"Okay, that’s good. I mean not good, but good for him, like not good good because he just lost his best driver, but like good so he has enough time to find a new one… sorry, that sounded…" Elijah stuttered a little and I chuckled.

"It’s okay, I get what you mean, he’s got enough time to find the right replacement."

"That’s true… when will you announce it? Or rather how? Any plans yet?"

"No. I’m trying not to think about it to be honest.."

"Yeah… understandable…" he said and sighed, then looked at the record booth and then back at me "Alright, ready for today? Have you ever been to a recording studio before?"

"No, first time… umm- what exactly do you want from me today? I honestly don't know..." I looked at him.

"Oh… umm- basically I want you to kinda narrate, well, your story. We made the Final Cut. All episodes are done, sound and music is done. We now just need some parts where you tell a bit of your story… narrate it, and don't worry, I already have a loose script." Elijah explained and I nodded

"Okay, umm- can I see it? The script?"

"Sure… here you go." he handed me a script and I read through it, swallowing hard.

"Umm- I was okay with showing my recovery, let my doctors speak to explain exactly what happened to my spine and so on… but that? I don’t know…" I looked at him and he nodded.

"I know it’s tough, but I think it would be so powerful… what you’ve been through Lizzie… it was horrible! But look at where you are now."

I read the part over and over, before I nodded slightly.

"Okay. Let’s do this…"

"Perfect." Elijah got up and gave the sound engineer a thumbs up "Just go inside and talk. Don’t think about it. Just talk like you would tell someone your life story."

"Yeah… easier said than done." I went into the sound booth, putting on the headphones while sitting down on the armchair.

"Ready when you are, Lizzie." Elijah’s voice rang through the headphones.

"Okay…" I took one deep breath and gave them the thumbs up and started to talk. I began with how I started karting, how my parents did everything to help me get to where I was today, the countless hours of dad working two jobs and renovating our house. Mum who worked part time, managed all of our finances, coordinated three kids and their schedules. How I met Charles for the very first time.

"… he was shocked to see a girl race against him, but he was super nice, nicer than a lot of the other boys I was racing against, our families became friends instantly and I loved every moment of our time together…"

I talked about how Charles and I made it into the FDA, raced for PREMA in F3 and F2, the day Charles found out that he would race in F1 the next year. How happy we were, although we knew that it meant that our time going to every race together was over now. How excited I was for Charles to make it to Ferrari, how his dream came true.

"… the WSeries was such a good idea that could’ve been something big, something amazing if the right people would’ve worked on it, if Formula 1, the FIA would’ve helped more to promote it… but now with the F1 Academy under Susie Wolff? I have no doubt that girls in motorsports will be no rarity in the future…"

I looked at the script, my hands shaky when I heard Elijah in my ears again

"You’ve done amazing so far, Lizzie. We can take a little break if you need to…"

"No. I’m fine. I can do it…" I smiled at him and he nodded "I’m ready."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and then began to talk about the accident, what I remembered of it and then when I woke up in the hospital.

"I was like a prisoner in my own mind. I heard what was going on around me. I even saw a little bit here and there. But I just couldn't make anyone notice me, notice that I was still there. When the doctors suggested to stop life support... to let me go, I was screaming and crying. Hoping for them to hear me. To realise that I was there, but nothing… but to no avail… listening to your parents making arrangements for everyone to come and say their final goodbye to you? Yeah, that's nothing I'd wish upon anyone. But no matter how much I tried… I couldn’t make them notice me and so I was ready… I knew that this was it but then… it was Charles. Mum and Dad were talking about how they had to call Charles, let him say goodbye. I knew I couldn’t let that happen. I promised him that I would always be by his side… help him through tough times… I couldn’t let this happen and I fought for my life… I tried everything and finally it worked… the doctors realised that I was still there…"

I wiped the tears off of my face, taking about how hard it was to get back on my feet again, literally, and how painful the whole process was. All the blood, sweat and tears I invested. How some gossip accounts used some videos and pictures of me to start rumours about my health condition only to put me down because of how they didn’t like how close Charles and I were.

"… I got hate for a lot of things… but one of the worst things was simply because I was friends with Charles. We were always close, closer than just friends, we both just didn’t realise what it was because it was so natural for us. We were used to it being like this… but that wasn’t even the worst… all the hate I got when I made it into F1?…"

Elijah only shook his head when I spoke about how sexist and misogynistic, not just fans of F1 were, but also journalists, officials.

"… the Spanish media was one of the worst. They had like a secret agenda against me, or so it felt at least… but it was all because of one man…"

I talked about Diaz, without giving away his name. His assault in Assen, then Silverstone, the threats, the intrigues, and lastly his assault at my home, the rumours afterwards that Charles was the reason why I couldn’t race in Montreal.

"… the internet is a place where people just say whatever they want without thinking of the consequences… it was more than hurtful to read that Charles, the one who saved my life, was accused of being the reason why I had to go to the hospital… starting disgusting rumours like that is one of the worst things that can happen, it can not just cost you your reputation… no, so much more. I saw how it took a toll on Charles, reading all of these nasty comments…"

When I was done, Elijah clapped and gave me the thumbs up, waving me to come out of the booth.

"Amazing, Lizzie. That’s it, we have what we need. You did a fantastic job!" he hugged me and I smiled.

"You have an amazing voice. If you ever stop racing and need a new job, you could definitely be a voice actor." the sound engineer said.

"Umm- yeah not so sure…" I laughed "Elijah? I- I actually had an idea…"

"Yeah? What is it?"

"I think I know now how I announce my retirement form F1…"

"Oscar got a win in his second year in F1… Norris won’t like that." JK said when we watched the podium celebration on the screen in our garage.

"He won a sprint race in his first year, don’t forget that…" I chuckled and JK laughed.

"Did he try to talk to you? After his stupid comments?"

"As if… he just said in an interview that he won’t apologise for having his own opinion and looking out for his mate…" I shrugged my shoulders and JK shook his head.

"Idiot."

"I don’t care. In F2 Lando was a nice fella, but over the years? I don’t know, he changed, and not for the better. And since his win? He’s so freaking obnoxious. He reminds me a lot of his CEO…"

"Oh yeah… true." JK laughed, handing me my water bottle.

"Ready?" Julie looked at me and I nodded.

"Yup. Let’s go. I can’t wait to talk about this amazing race!" I said and she cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah sure." she laughed and we walked to the media pen where I started my interviews.

Right when I was done with my last one I spotted Lando and I couldn’t stop myself.

"Any final words?" the reporter asked and looked at me confused and I nodded.

"Yeah. I just wanted to congratulate Oscar again. He’s doing an amazing job since he arrived in F1, won a sprint race in his first year, a GP in his second? McLaren really have a future world champion in their team!"

"Thank you, Lizzie. See you in Mexico."

"Yup. That we will." I smiled and followed Julie out of the media pen.

"You’re evil, she chuckled and I looked at her shocked "Oh stop looking at me like that. That doesn’t work on me."

"It was worth a shot." I chuckled and we walked back to the Audi hospitality.

We walked inside and I plopped down on one of the sofas, taking my phone out when there was a loud bang from Felix’s office.

"What the fuck was that?" I asked and Julie shrugged.

"I don’t know?"

I got up from the sofa and walked towards the office, knocking slowly.

"Yeah?" Felix sounded exhausted, but also agitated for some reason and I looked inside "Oh it’s you Lizzie, how can I help you?"

"Are you okay? What happened? We heard a loud bang?" I walked inside and noticed the big metal whatever it was that was usually sitting on Felix desk on the floor.

"They want a decision." he rolled his eyes and I was confused "They want me to find a new driver for next season. They consider Sainz… I said I don’t want him…" he sighed.

"And now?" I picked up the metal piece, putting it back at its place.

"Well they said that Sainz is a good driver, and I agree, but he’s not what I want and need for the team." he scratched his chin "They said I have time until Mexico to come up with a better solution, otherwise they send him an offer."

"Audi liked the idea of an all-German line-up for next season…" I said nonchalantly and he raised his eyebrows "They liked the idea of an all-German line-up a lot." he tilted his head "And now you need a new driver."

"Now I need a new driver." Felix said slowly.

"I happen to know one… German, available, good driver, didn’t get the chance to show how good he really is, also the son of a legend…"

"The son of a legend? Not bad…" he chuckled and cocked an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on his face.

"You should call Mick…" I smiled and he nodded.

"That I should do… and now get outta here, weekend debrief starts in a couple of minutes. And I have to make a call." he waved me off, laughing.

"See you later, boss." I walked out and Julie looked at me.

"Everything alright?" she asked and I nodded.

"Yeah. Perfect." I said and walked towards the meeting room.

It felt good to know that Mick would get another chance in F1, taking over my seat. Better him than Sainz. But at the same time it felt like the final straw. Knowing that my seat was filled for next year closed up all the loopholes my mind went to escape at times, to not feel this growing void inside me. But with Audi having a new driver for the upcoming season my fate was sealed ultimately and irrevocably. Only a hand full of races left and it was over. Everything I fought so hard for. All the blood, sweat and tears for nothing. After 3 seasons the dream was over. I felt the bile rising up my throat, eyes burning with unshed tears. I made a beeline for the bathroom and just in time made it, locking the door behind me hastily. The moment I threw up, the smell of vomit burned my nostrils, making me throw up even more.

"Lizzie? Are you okay?" Julie’s muffled voice outside the bathroom "Do you need something? Water? Fresh clothes?"

I shook my head, no sound coming out of my mouth, before I threw up again.

"I can’t- I can’t…" I stammered, voice hoarse.

"You can’t what?" Julie sounded panicked, rattling at the door knob.

I clutched my chest, breathing constricted.

"Can’t… breathe…" I pressed out.

"I get help, Lizzie, try to stay calm okay? Try to breathe! I’m coming back with help!"

"It hurts…" I let out, feeling hot tears streaming down my face.

"I’ll be right back, Lizzie, I promise!"

"Cha-… Charles…" I whimpered and my head began to pound, dizziness overcoming me. I tried to steady my breathing, closed my eyes and leaned against the wall. Just trying to breath. In and out. I heard the blood rushing in my ears. Before everything went silent.

The next thing I felt was the cold and hard floor and wall being replaced by something warm and soft and when I opened my eyes I looked at Charles, worry etched on his gorgeous face. A deep ridge between his eyebrows that I tried to smooth out with my fingers, as he sighed relieved.

"You scared the shit out of me, cara mia." he whispered, kissing my forehead and I looked around.

"Hotel?" I mumbled and he nodded "What happened?"

"You tell me… Julie called and said that you broke down in the bathroom…"

"And how did I end up here?" I sat up a little.

"I brought you here."

"Sorry." I whispered and pulled my knees up to my chest.

"What happened? Julie said it was all good and out of the blue you sprinted towards the bathroom… she said you couldn’t breathe…" he cupped my cheek and tilted my head a little, his eyes studying my face.

"I had to throw up and then-… my chest hurt, I couldn’t breathe, everything was spinning…"

"Why? What happened?" his eyes never leaving mine.

"I don’t know…"

"Cara mia, I swear to god… tell me what happened, please! You had a panic attack, that’s nothing that just happens for no reason!" Charles was frustrated, I could tell and I swallowed hard, feeling a fresh wave of tears coming up "Lizzie please… I want to help you. I want to be here for you, but you have to let me!" he almost pleaded.

"Felix will ask Mick to take over my seat next year…" I said quietly and Charles sighed.

"And reality settled in that after this season it’s really over? No loopholes. No miraculous cure for your back. No seat." he said and I looked at him "Don’t look so surprised… you can’t fool me..."

"It hit me like a freight train… I couldn’t breathe… it was all just too much… I just…" I began but my voice broke and I sobbed, tears streaming down my face "I’m nothing without racing…"

"Hey! Stop saying that! Lizzie, racing never defined you! You are you. An amazing, fierce, bold, strong and beautiful girl that has so much more to offer than just to race! You’ll find your way! And no matter how long it might take, I’m here for you. We all are! But you have to stop trying to fight every damn dragon alone, when you’re not alone. Because you never are! We’ll get through this. Together."

"Who am I without racing? Since I was- what? 4? I was always racing! How am I supposed to stop? Just like that? What will I do?" my voice was still hoarse and Charles handed me a glass of water that I downed in one go.

"We figure it out, okay? But for now, you should rest a little… a panic attack is exhausting for your body… I speak from experience…" he got up and pulled me up with him.

"I need to shower first. I’m sweaty and I smell like vomit."

"Quick shower and then bed it is." Charles guided me to the bathroom right when his phone rang "Go ahead. I’ll just take the call." he kissed my cheek and grabbed his phone.

I got rid of the sweaty and smelly racing suit, fireproofs and underwear and stepped in the shower. My body felt too heavy and I was too exhausted to take a long shower, so I washed myself off quickly and wrapped myself in a towel, walking out of the bathroom, straight into Charles who held up one of his hoodies for me.

"Here. You go ahead, I’ll jump under the shower. I won’t take long." he passed me and after a minute I heard the water running.

Curled up in bed, we were zapping mindlessly through the channels. My mind still occupied by the approaching end.

"I didn't even leave anything behind... no title, nothing spectacular. I was just another driver amongst hundreds of others…" I whispered after a while.

"You're kidding me, right?" Charles turned his head slight and looked at me, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"No? I didn't leave my mark or anything, I-..." I began but Charles cupped my cheek.

"Lizzie, you're the first female F1 driver! Yes, there were woman before, but they didn't race like you! You raced 3 whole seasons! Every race! You won 4 races! You have I don’t even know how many podiums! You are the first real female F1 driver. You made all your critics shut up. You paved the way for so many girls to come!" a fire burned in his eyes and I had to smile a little.

"You think so?"

"Do you really think the F1 Academy would become such a huge thing if not for you showing everyone that girls can be just as good and even better than men! If someone left their mark, left a legacy then it's you, Lizzie! You did so much for the sport…"

"I just can't believe that it’s over..." I swallowed hard, trying my best not to cry again, but some tears escaped, and Charles was quick to wipe them away gently.

"I know it's unfair... no one in this world deserves it as much as you. But Lizzie, it's about your health… all these years ago you were robbed of your amazing career as a driver… but that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your career in motorsport…" he kissed my temple, holding me against him "Maybe this is your chance to be more present in the F1 Academy? I know how bad you felt that you couldn’t do more, be more supportive… but you had a lot going on yourself with being a driver, so you couldn’t be that involved how you wanted to be… I’m sure Susie would love to have you working with her…"

"Yeah… maybe having a more active role would help me-… well, cope I guess." I nodded slowly.

"You definitely should talk to Susie." Charles suggested.

"You’re right..." I smiled at him, feeling a little less lost "Thanks, Charles, really. I don’t know what I would do without you."

"You and me…" he gently kissed my lips.

"Against the world."

"Uh-oh… he does not look happy…" I said, when I saw Norris walking over, Max looking at me, turning around.

"Yeah, I don’t give a fuck… he pushed me twice and didn’t leave any space so yeah… I did what I did…"

"And ended his chance of winning…"

"Don’t think so… it was between me and Charles after he damaged your car so…" Max shrugged, walking over to the weighing, where Norris stopped him.

His face was red and sweaty, his eyes narrowed to slits and he was seething, his arms flailing around, wildly gesticulating. I couldn’t understand what he was saying but the look on his face left no room for speculations. He stepped even closer to Max who stood his ground, not taking a step back, looking at Norris unfazed. I was waved over for my weighing and took some cautious steps, not wanting to be involved in there squabble.

"You fucking did it on purpose!" Norris almost shouted right as I stepped in front of the scale.

"It’s calibrating. One sec." Jo smiled at me and I nodded.

"Mate, you pushed me wide more than once, this time I just didn’t let you do it and held against your attack. Don’t put this on me. We’re both not innocent." Max said with a calmness in his voice that made me chuckle, just 2 or 3 years ago he wouldn’t be so calm, that was a fact.

"Yeah but your race wasn’t over! You didn’t have to retire! You’re still on the podium! There were no consequences whatsoever for you!" Norris spat out and Max shrugged his shoulders.

"I got a penalty… your team can file a complaint, until then… give it a rest, mate." Max turned but Norris grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back, when Jo nodded and I stepped on the scale.

"I’m not giving it a rest! You can’t handle the truth that you got lucky today. Again. 10 seconds is a joke! For fucks sake!"

"Lando, mate, let go of me. Walk away, calm down. File a complaint. I don’t care, but let go of me." Max said firmly, trying to pry Norris hand off of his shoulder "My patience is running low, mate. So stop this bullshit and walk it off."

"Fuck you, Verstappen." Norris shoved Max hard, resulting in Max bumping into me, right when I grabbed my receipt from Jo, not paying attention to what was happening "This is why people hate on you so much. You never admit any mistakes or fault."

Max looked at me for a moment, making sure I was alright before he turned to Norris, the look on his face changed.

"Listen, mate. You bottled it. Over and over. You had so many chances to catch us but you never fully send it. You made so many mistakes over the race! You went straight into Lizzie after trying to overtake her again and again, resulting in her almost retiring. You needed so many fucking attempts, locking up again and again. So when you drive shit, don’t blame me. You pushed me wide, I held against it. We touched and both went hard over the kerb. Your car was fucked. Mine wasn’t. Period. Now walk away before you say or do something you’ll regret tomorrow." Max’ voice was oozing with authority, still calm but firm. Almost scary, I had to admit. He turned away, thinking Norris would retreat, but he was wrong. Norris shoved Max again, this time against the wall, grabbing him by his collar.

"I bottled it? Only because of your moving under breaking. You fucked up my race, that were important points to catch up to you!" Norris almost yelled when Max pushed him off of him, making him tumble.

"You’re not in the title fight. So get over-…" Max began when Norris was about to lunge at him, but was stopped by Charles and Lewis.

"Lando, mate, stop it. There’s cameras everywhere for fucks sake!" Charles tried to reason with him "You’re frustrated, I get that, but you’re full of adrenaline! This is not you. Walk it off."

"He’s right. Come on, man. This is not what you want to do. Let’s go. Come on." Lewis said calmly grabbing Norris gently by the shoulder, pulling him away.

"Thanks, Charles." Max said and looked at him.

"I’m not agreeing with everything what he said, but that last move?" Charles said and Max sighed.

"I know… it was a dick move… but he annoyed me so freaking much that I just lost it…"

"Mad Max is back?" I joked and he sighed.

"Sometimes he comes back, what can I say."

"But you’re right. He bottled it. That last attempt? It was too much. I mean, good for me, one more podium before I-…" I stopped abruptly, Max cocking his eyebrow.

"Before you what?" he asked and I rubbed my neck.

"I- umm…" I stammered and my heart sank into the pit of my stomach when we were ushered into the cool down room, Max still looking at me.

"You were saying?"

I only shook my head nodding towards the cameras and he understood, sitting down in his chair, looking at the replay of his and Norris’ incident.

"Oh damn… mad Max is really back." Charles chuckled and sat down on his chair when Max groaned.

"I’ll never get rid of that name, no?"

"Nope. Never."

Las Vegas didn’t change a bit. Shows and events left and right. Formula 1 more a circus than a sport.

"I hate it. I hate it. I hate it." I groaned, taking off my shoes "We’re getting paraded around like some exotic animal. Urghhh. I hate it!"

"Yeah… you’ve mentioned that before." Charles chuckled.

"It’s unfair that we have to go to opening ceremonies, parties, shit whatever they have and then also attend media day tomorrow! What was tonight? Or last night?"

"Do you want to share a room with Max tonight? So you can complain a little together?" he shrugged his shoulders and I threw a pillow at his head.

"You know what? I’m glad that I retire! I don’t have to do this media shit all the time."

"And you think you won’t have any media duties for the F1 Academy?" Charles raised an eyebrow.

"Probably, but it’s not the same. Then it would be my job. As a driver my job is to race…"

"You’ll talk to Susie tomorrow?"

"Yeah. We’ll meet up in the afternoon." I smiled and he nodded.

"It’s going to be amazing, you’ll see." he hugged me and kissed the side of my head "She’ll be over the moon."

"I hope so." I said and when I had to attend the media pen the next day, my mind was constantly at the meeting with Susie.

When it was finally time to meet her I nervously bounced my leg up and down, waiting for her to arrive.

"You look awfully nervous." a voice behind me made me flinch and I got up "Hi Lizzie, how are you?" she hugged me and we sat down.

"I’m- I’m good. Yeah… busy weeks. But over all I’m doing good. What about you? How’s the F1 Academy progressing?" I asked right when a waiter came and took in our orders.

"It’s going great. I mean you’ve seen yourself what we’ve done the last weeks. It’s going in the right direction…"

"You’ve outdone yourself. Really. These girls? You change their life’s forever and I wish I could’ve done more…" I began but Susie waved me off.

"You’re a driver yourself. With a busy schedule. I didn’t expect you to be present all the time! You’ve done your best and the girls appreciate it. I appreciate it." she smiled.

"Okay, I don’t want to beat around the bush… although it’s nice to talk to you, I didn’t ask for this meeting just to have a nice chat…"

"I figured…" she chuckled, thanking the waiter who brought our drinks "So Lizzie, what is it, you want to talk about."

"I want to be more involved in the F1 Academy. I’m not talking about coming to a race here and there or have a little chat with the girls from time to time. I’m talking about real involvement. I want to work with you, by your side. Organise events, workshops, whatever it is you need help with. I’m in. 100%." I looked at her and she took a long sip of her drink.

"And how will you do that, being a full time driver? Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have you fully on board, I just don’t see how. I don’t want you to juggle between being a driver and work with me in the F1 Academy…"

"I’m retiring at the end of the season." the moment it was out, Susie looked at me with wide eyes.

"Why? What happened?"

"I wasn’t honest… after my accident the doctors told me to stop racing. I didn’t listen, now I’m paying the price. With every race more that I do, the possibility of my spine being damaged permanently is getting more and more until I might not be able to walk again…"

"I’m so sorry Lizzie! I had no idea that it was this bad…" she squeezed my hand and I smiled.

"It’s okay. It took a while to accept it, but thanks to Charles I know now that racing doesn’t define me. I define myself. And I want to work for you. Help you to establish the F1 Academy. Make everyone talk about it." I said determined and she looked at me for a moment, then she raised her glass.

"Welcome aboard, Lizzie. I’m really looking forward to work with you."

"Thank you for this chance!"

We clinked our glasses together and with a big smile on my face I returned to our hotel room, Charles already laying in bed.

"And?" he asked when I walked in.

"Amazing. Really. Best idea ever. Thank you, Charles! Really! Thank you so much." I kissed him and I felt the smile on his lips.

"I didn’t do anything. That was all you!" he chuckled but I shook my head.

"No. Everything I ever achieved was because of you, or at least partly. I wouldn’t be here without you and… just to think how scared and lost I was the last weeks thinking about what to do next year? You gave me new hope. You just-… you made me happy again…" I looked him in the eyes and he cupped my cheeks, not tearing his eyes away.

"It’s back…" he whispered after a while and I was confused "That spark… in your eyes. It’s back. It’s not that big, bright light like usually, but we’re getting there." he pecked my lips and I smiled.

"If there is a spark, then just because you ignited it…" I breathed out against his lips and for a moment we were quiet, then we both burst out into laughter "Oh god how freaking cheesy."

"Netflix should hire us to write them some dialogues for their next cringeworthy romcoms." Charles laughed and I nodded "But for real, cara mia. I’m happy that you’re happier again."

"Me too… and now, it’s time for bed. You have a race to win on Saturday? Sunday? I have no idea. I’m so lost in the time zones." I got rid of my clothes.

"You could win too, you know?"

"Nope. Our car won’t work here that well. So you have to win, wipe that cocky grin off of Max’s face." I walked towards the bathroom, turning around "Care to join me?"

"I thought you would never ask!"

"I told you, you would win!" I jumped into Charles arms, as soon as I was close enough and he held me tight "You’re now 16 points ahead of Max!"

"I love you for having our exact points always in your mind." he kissed my forehead and I chuckled.

"I have to! It’s not every day that your boyfriend could become a world champion!"

"There are still 2 more races, Lizzie. Everything can happen." he said but I shook my head.

"Trust me on this one." I kissed his cheek and pushed him towards his interview, walking back to my garage.

"Good job Lizzie, good recovery." my mechanics patted my back and I smiled.

"Amazing job guys. Good points this weekend!"

JK already waited for me with a bottle of water and a hot tea.

"I love you, you know that?" I said, taking first a sip of water and then warmed my hands on the hot cup of tea.

"Don’t let your boyfriend hear that." he chuckled and I shook my head.

"He’s busy being the man of the hour." I smiled, watching his interview on the screen.

"He’s today’s man of the hour and you’re tomorrow woman of the hour." Julie said, sitting down next to me.

"What do you mean?"

"Elijah called. Netflix will drop all 5 episodes on Sunday at 8pm… they only announce it with a post and all 5 episode titles, tomorrow at 12pm and then… well let the games begin." she smiled and I swallowed hard.

24 hours and the cat’s out the bag.

24 hours until everyone who will watch it know the ugly truth.

24 hours quiet before the storm.

"I hope you have the announcement post for Mick ready then…"

"I- umm yeah I do… I wanted to post it at the end of the season tho." Julie said slowly but I shook my head.

"If it’s a safe deal, you should go ahead. Post it…" I reassured her and she nodded.

"It has time until Monday tho…" she smiled and got up "Get ready for the media pen."

"I’m so looking forward to retiring and finally don’t have to go to the stupid media pen." I mumbled but she only shook her head.

"We both know that’s a lie."

"Unfortunately…"

Chapter 48 - sorry for the delay! Tumblr and I had a little fist fight, I won 🙌 with this chapter I have to announce: the end is near… less than a handful of chapters left 🥺

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

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

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

Taglist:

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

All the images I’m using are from Google, Pinterest and Instagram (or self made).

[those70scomics]

Fictober Day 9: "don't listen to me, listen to them"

That '70s Show Fanfiction

Hyde paced W.B.'s office at Grooves's headquarters. Angie was present, as was Jackie. She'd taken time off from her busy-as-hell schedule for this meeting.

"It's a dumb idea," he said. "I shouldn't have even brought it up."

"It's not dumb, and I'm happy that you told us about it." W.B. grasped Hyde's arm, stopping him near W.B.'s desk. "You're turning twenty-nine in less than two months. You're engaged. You should want more."

Angie's facial expression showed that she'd been waiting for this day. "I dreamt of running a record store since I was a kid. Then of running all of Grooves someday, and now I'm the company's senior VP of operations. You're allowed to pursue your dreams, too."

"I've already got more than I ever freakin' dreamed." Hyde glanced back at Jackie, who'd remained silent so far. "It ain't fair to to risk it all."

"You don't think creating Grooves was a risk?" W.B. said. I was married to Angie's mother, who was pregnant with Angie. We needed the security of a regular paycheck, but her mom wanted me to be happy. And my risk eventually paid off more than anybody could've imagined."

Hyde gestured in defeat. "I can't imagine this workin'."

Jackie stepped toward him and touched his hand. "Neither can I."

"Exactly."

"But don't listen to me. Listen to them."

Hyde stared at her. "Who the hell are you, and what've you done with my chick."

"Steven." She jostled his hand. "I'm redesigning my whole spring collection. I can't imagine that working either, but I'm doing it anyway. This time next year on October ninth, 1990, you'll have put out your first record on your own label."

"A sub label of Grooves Records, of course," Angie said with a smirk.

Hyde bowed his head and hunched his shoulders. "That's nepotism."

"That's expanding the family business." W.B. patted Hyde's back. "I'm not taking an opportunity away from anyone else. You've earned this. The demos you've played me, you have the ear, son."

Hyde sat in the closest chair. His legs were shaking from what was being said, being offered.

"You've been apprenticing under Frankie Branch to learn audio engineering, music production, for how long?" W.B. continued. "Picked up the guitar expertly in three years of lessons and learned as much by listening to songs. Taught yourself bass guitar. Became Cam's favorite drum student, and that's saying a lot."

Angie gazed at the high ceiling and shook her head. "Edna and Bud gave you no chance to realize you have perfect pitch. You didn't understand what you were capable of. You've had to play catch-up in your mid-twenties."

Jackie stood in front of Hyde and rubbed his arms over his long sleeves. "Your childhood was stolen from you. You once told me all the doors were locked for you but one. Your family, your true family, has unlocked so many. You've walked through a lot. Don't shut this door and walk away."

Hyde covered his face in his hands. His emotions were getting to him, breaking through his defenses. As a kid, Formans' folks signed Forman up for jazz guitar lessons, which he abandoned. Only the acoustic guitar remained, and Hyde played that thing every second he could at the Formans' house.

He used Forman's beginners' workbook to learn tabs that were printed alongside sheet music. Hyde couldn't read music for shit, but tabs he got. Songs on the radio, on records, stuck in his skull like recordings. He figured out how to play the guitar parts himself and, back then, had no clue why could do that.

He understood now.

"Son, are you all right?" W.B. said.

Hyde raised his head and wiped his eyes. "Yeah. Just ... when ya don't believe something's possible for you for so damn long -- and then it happens? Kind of a mind fuck."

"So you'll start your label?" Jackie smiled at him with such hope, such support, he would've fallen in love with her if he hadn't already fallen twelve years ago.

"Yup."

Jackie cheered, and W.B. congratulated him in a proud, fatherly way Hyde was still growing used to.

"What are you going to call it?" Angie said.

Hyde grinned. "Burn-Out Records."

[thelanternsglow]

Cosmic Weather Report 4-10 February 25.

Cosmic Weather Report: 4th–10th February 2025 🌌✨

Alright, stargazers—grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s dive into the cosmic vibes for this week. The sky’s got a lot to say, and trust me, you’ll wanna listen. We’ve got Jupiter waking up from its retro nap, Mars having a heart-to-heart with Saturn, and a whole load of shifting energy that’ll get you thinking, feeling, and maybe even re-planning.

4th February – Jupiter Stations Direct in Gemini ♊️✨

Right, let’s kick things off with the big one—Jupiter stations direct at 11°16’ Gemini after months of retrograde (since October 2024, if you’ve been keeping tabs).

Jupiter’s like that mate who’s always got big ideas, loves a good adventure, and says things like, “Go on, what’s the worst that could happen?” When it’s retrograde, though, it’s more like that same mate stuck at home, reflecting on all the wild stuff they’ve done.

Now that it’s going direct? BOOM! 🚀 Expect:

• Mental clarity: Ideas flowing faster than your Wi-Fi on a good day.

• Social buzz: Conversations, connections, and probably too many group chats.

• A thirst for knowledge: Fancy learning a new skill or picking up a random hobby? Now’s the time.

Gemini’s all about communication, so if you’ve been struggling to get your point across or feeling misunderstood—good news! The fog’s lifting. 📢

Tip: If you’ve had ideas brewing but didn’t feel ready to launch—this is your green light. Send the email, pitch the project, start the blog. Jupiter’s got your back.

9th February – Mars Retrograde in Cancer ♋️ Trines Saturn in Pisces ♓️

Now this one’s interesting. Imagine Mars as the planet that says, “LET’S GO!” and Saturn’s the one replying, “Hold your horses, have you done the prep?” Usually, they’d argue, but in a trine (a smooth, supportive aspect), they’re actually getting on like a house on fire—in a good way.

With Mars retrograde in Cancer trining Saturn in Pisces, the energy shifts from:

• 🚩 “Why do I feel so emotionally stuck?”

to

• ✅ “Ohhh, THAT’S why—and here’s what I’m gonna do about it.”

It’s a mix of emotional insight (Cancer) and spiritual discipline (Pisces). You might find yourself:

• Reflecting on old emotional patterns—family stuff, relationships, even childhood memories popping up.

• Feeling more strategic about your next moves. Less impulsive, more intentional.

• Finding strength in boundaries—emotionally and physically.

Tip: If emotions feel heavy, don’t brush them off. Journal, have a deep chat with someone you trust, or sit with your feelings instead of distracting yourself. Saturn rewards the work you put in.

Weekly Vibes: The Cosmic Combo Meal 🍟🌍

So, what happens when you mix Jupiter’s forward motion with the Mars-Saturn trine? You get a week that feels like:

• A mental reboot (thanks, Gemini)

• A heart check-in (cheers, Cancer)

• And a bit of soul-searching with a practical edge (courtesy of Pisces and Saturn)

It’s like the universe is saying:

“Sort your head out, feel your feelings, and then crack on with what matters.”

Key Themes This Week:

1. Momentum Returns: Stuff that felt stuck? It’s starting to shift.

2. Clarity Over Confusion: Especially around decisions you’ve been putting off.

3. Emotional Maturity: Facing your feelings without letting them run the show.

4. Strategic Action: No rash decisions. It’s about smart moves, not just fast ones.

Cosmic To-Do List ✅

• Speak Your Mind: Send that message, clear the air, write it out if you need to.

• Reflect Before You React: Especially if emotions run high. Breathe. Think. THEN respond.

• Do the Inner Work: Mars retrograde loves a bit of shadow work. Get reflective.

• Learn Something New: Whether it’s a new language or random trivia—feed your mind.

• Rest When You Need It: Growth doesn’t mean burnout. Jupiter’s expansive, but don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Affirmation for the Week:

“I trust the process. I honour my feelings, speak my truth, and move forward with clarity and purpose.” 🌿

How are you feeling about this week’s cosmic vibes? 🚀✨ Let me know what’s resonating or if you’re feeling any of these shifts already!

[balanceoflightanddark]

Monsters We Create Chapter 20 Update

Apologies for the delay. Again. I...broke my foot and it took me a while to get myself together. That and I'm going on vacation to Alaska next weekend so...yeah.

But I do have Chapter 20, which is roughly about 50% done. Maybe. So to hold everyone in the meantime, here's a little snippet of the chapter as a sort of appetizer. Forgive me if it's a little rough.

They walked a good distance away from the war tent. Yet not once did Kori let her guard down. Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee. Three names she had a lot of good reason to be wary of. One was the Fire Lord, obviously. It wasn’t too long ago when he nearly got Yu Dao destroyed out of his own stupidity. The other two? She could understand Azula being difficult, yet to turn their backs so suddenly and completely was beyond her.

When they came to an abandoned training ground, Zuko turned around. “Alright. We’re here.”

“If you think you can get me to stab a knife in Azula’s back-”

“Listen! I’m not here to talk about Azula. At all. I meant it when I said she’s going around unbound. It’s just…well, you know how she is! I can’t trust her with all these rogue armies running around. Somebody’s got to keep tabs on her,” Zuko explained.

“Besides, we’ve got Mai here if Azula needs some knives thrown at - OW!” Ty Lee rubbed her arm after Mai gave her a swift and rather hard elbow.

Zuko simply sighed from their little spat. “The point is, if you can keep Azula in check, that’s great. I only have the guards there so it can keep those generals off my back. And hers. They wanted her thrown back into that asylum.”

“You could’ve just told her that, but whatever,” Kori muttered. It amazed her. He says that he wants to do good, but then has some secret or leaves some lasting remark that invalidates it. No wonder he and Azula were so dysfunctional. Seemed like the only way they could even interact was through backstabbing, betrayals, and fighting. If this was what they were like when they were allies, she didn’t want to see how they were when the pleasantries failed and fire was being thrown.

Agni help her no fire was thrown today yet. She certainly didn’t see it in the Fire Lord’s eyes right now. They were…well, dull. His shoulders were a bit slumped. It was as if he aged a few years in the span of a few days.

“Can we forget Azula for a few minutes? It’s not why I called you out here.” Zuko swallowed as he collected himself. “I know you’re part of that movement the assassination attempt came from. Your father talked quite a bit about what you’ve been up to.”

“I assure you, our movement was to protest and prevent innocents from being harassed by Fire Nation guards! None of us had any intention of murdering anybody!” Kori still couldn’t believe it. Who’d be stupid enough to make an attempt on the Fire Lord’s life? She wasn’t a fan of his either, but nothing he did indicated he was personally overseeing what was going on in Yu Dao. A bit ignorant and heavy handed, but not responsible. It’s one thing if he stepped in personally and started threatening people.

Yet an attempt at his life without any solid reason for? That was inviting for the army to come in and stomp on their movement. Who knew how many civilians would be caught in such an escalation?

“I know. It’s why I want you to look into it.”

Kori, out of surprise or bafflement, let Zuko continue. “I get it. The Fire Nation hasn’t done Yu Dao much good. I’d even wager you and your people have done more for the benefit of this city in a few months than my country has for over a hundred years.” His eyes went downward for a moment, as he swallowed a lump in his throat.

Yet it only lasted for a moment before he took another breath. “Figure out what’s going on and who sent that kill order. I’ll do things on my end with the assassin. Maybe together we can bring whoever did this to justice.”

The rebel wasn’t sure what to say. It sounded too good to be true. Indeed, after running his proposal through her head, she saw the problem. “I appreciate the offer, Fire Lord. But as long as that captain and his thugs roam the streets, there’s only going to be more violence. Whoever’s doing this wouldn’t be able to get away with it if the guards didn’t build this pyre of theirs.”

“They will be brought to justice,” Zuko responded. “I’m going to try and override this curfew and get a tighter leash on the officers. If you can work on your end and help me bring this mastermind down, that’ll give them less incentive to crack down on your people.”

When he ended, he once again remained silent and waited for her response. Mai and Ty Lee stood on the sidelines watching the whole thing, giving Kori more eyes that were on her. Truth be told, she still couldn’t trust him. Who could? Everyone said he had the hallmarks of his father right down to how he ascended to the throne. And who could say they bring peace when they wear a crown drenched in blood.

Yet he didn’t wear the crown now. No grandeur. Nothing. He was baring his true intentions out to her. If nothing else, she could trust that. “Alright. All I can say is there might be some Fiery Raptors within their ranks.”

Ty Lee snorted. “Of course, Azula would pull something like that.”

“It’s not what you think,” Kori interrupted, making sure they all had her attention. “I wanted some people to back us up in the protests in case things got violent. She offered to have some of her men to back us up and I said yes.”

“Can’t say I blame you there. You go up against soldiers, you’re going to need some muscle.”

“Who’s side are you on?!” Ty Lee yelled at Mai, her frustration with her reaching a boiling point.

The emotionless girl just gave a noncommittal shrug. “I’m just saying it as it is. From what I’ve heard, the Mayor hasn’t exactly done a good job of keeping the peace on his end. Can’t blame Azula for taking advantage of something that was already there. We certainly did.” Ty Lee promptly shut up from Mai’s assessment, looking a bit downcast herself.

Kori also had a harsh truth slapped in her face. Her father. Mayor Morishita, the one most responsible for Yu Dao’s woes. He’s the one who ultimately had control of the garrison and determined who was in charge. If it weren’t for him, that captain and his goons probably wouldn’t be able to run rampant and bully the citizens into submission.

Still, it was a hard truth to swallow. Needless to say, his actions were part of the reason her mother left a long time ago. True, she made her peace with it when she saw what her father’s cronies were willing to do. Yet it still hurt too much to ignore.

Something that Zuko noticed. “You know your father’s going to have to go on trial for what he’s done. Right?”

Forcing down her queasiness, Kori crossed her arms and tried not to look like she was hugging herself. “I understand.”

“Good.” Then, the Fire Lord did something rather unexpected. He walked up and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was…surprisingly warm. Kori wasn’t sure what to make of it before she saw the scar on his face. Seemed as though she wasn’t the only one who had issues with her parents.

A similar story was told with Mai and Ty Lee, who gazed at her with soft eyes. Kori wondered: what was it about the Fire Nation that equaled parental issues? She had her father. The girls had their parents. Agni help Azula and Zuko for getting stuck with Ozai as a father.

Azula.

“Before I agree to this, there’s something you need to promise me,” Kori declared.

Zuko looked a bit surprised but then gave an uneasy nod. Having got his attention, the rebel dropped the ultimatum. “Give Azula a chance. Stop treating her like she’s the worst thing in the world. And stop treating her like a bomb about to go off.”

“...you know I can’t do that,” he admitted with pain in his voice.

Yet Kori stood her ground. “Nobody’s asking you to forget. I’m simply stating that if you want this thing to work out, you need to uphold your end. That means no threats. No harassments. No lies. And no dangling her over a cliff. Got it?”

He shuddered when she threw out that last demand, but that didn’t soften her glare. Especially when she saw Mai and Ty Lee paralyzed in shock. Oh yeah. Azula told her about his little stunt that almost got him killed. She didn’t care if it was a low blow or not. If it meant he wouldn’t pull the same garbage twice, then so much is the better.

As for Zuko, he didn’t say anything for white seemed like an eternity. Then he gave a defeated nod and said, “Alright. As long as she isn’t a problem.”

Satisfied, Kori turned to rejoin her friends. Since that’s what friends do after all. Though not before she said one last thing. “I do mean it. You try anything without any incentive…just remember what happened with Godzilla. It won’t end well.”

And so she left, leaving the trio behind. Truth be told, she didn’t enjoy having to lay out the cold truth. Yet Zuko struck her as somebody who needed to be slapped in the face and have a rock hammering into his skull in order to get the point across. Agni knows how many of those blockheads she had to put up with growing up.

Mentally she kicked herself for having to go from one blockhead to ANOTHER blockhead. If there was one thing Azula and her brother had in common, it was digging in and covering their ears when they didn’t want whatever ideas they had in their head to be challenged. Sort of made things a bit depressing that it took a kaiju of all things to get them to cooperate.

Let’s just hope they haven’t killed each other by the end of this, Kori prayed.

[thatone-brightstar]

Some The Bear & The Fox behind the scenes!

(cause I had to make some executive decision but many of these deserve to see the light of day)

Amy’s notes: This is mostly pure fluff but MDNI just in case lol. Also let me know if you want to see more cuz i got a shit ton of these :)

~~~~

*This is the alternative ending to chapter 3 if Fox would have said yes from the start, but i love to make us all suffer so i took it out:

You could have been there for an eternity, both afraid to break the bubble you had so cautiously created around you, but knowing you had to. You had been gone far longer than to be justified by getting drinks and your phone hadn’t vibrated because it had been left inside your purse… along with the money you would need if you were going to get drinks.

“You’re gonna have to pay for drinks.” You whisper to Carmy, your lips brushing over his with every word.

“I’ll pay everyone’s tab, I don’t fuckin’ care right now.” He whispered back, catching your lips into another sweet long kiss.

“No, seriously. We gotta go.” You managed to say in between kisses and laughs. He planted his lips by your ear and inhaled your perfume, and you had to stop a gasp threatening to escape. “The faster we go,” You turned to whisper near his ear. ”The sooner you can get me out these clothes.”

His body tensed around you before a ‘fuck’ shaped breath left his lips, and when he raised his head, you could see his pupils had only left a thin ring of blue around them. You pretended not to notice how your words had affected both of you as you pecked him quickly on the nose then swiped your thumb over it to erase the trace of your lipstick.

“C’mon.” You smiled, then intertwined your fingers with his and reopened the door to go back inside as two completely different people than the ones who had walked out.

~~~~~

Chapter 5 instead of Carmy’s panic attack:

You had been the one to finally decide to go visit the beef family after days of absence and Carmy gladly agreed to pick you up around noon when he was running some errands, ‘Anything to get them off my back’ he had said, but he was secretly happy to see you again. Besides, he had already tried to explain on the first day that due to… personal priorities, you had decided to take some time from the restaurant.

Marcus had thrown a piece of sourdough he was kneading at Richie’s head, asking if he had scared you away.

“You know what, that’s a great question Marcus,” Carmy played along, crossing his arms and turning to his cousin. “Richie, did you? Scare her away?”

“Fuck you, I didn’t do shit to her.” He defended, taking the dough from his head and throwing it back at Marcus. “Plus, fuckin’ Carmy had already called dibs so it wouldn’t be fair”

“Richie, you asshole, you can’t call dibs on a person-” Syd yelled at him from across the counter, at the same time Carmy had called “No I fuckin’ didn’t, what am I, twelve?!”

They had begun arguing it the middle of the kitchen about what Richie had or hadn’t done to scare you off, then Tina broke it off when she asked loudly if anyone had taken the Paprika off her spice rack because it wasn’t there; only to be found under the table by the remnants of other spices scattered underneath. Carmy excused himself into his office as his ears flared up, similar to the way your cheeks did when he told you the story over the phone that same night.

~~~~

Also chapter 5 but at the beginning:

He celebrated the big achievement by stopping for dinner and driving to your house after closing on Thursday. You had snuck him in while your grandfather was asleep in the living room, under the glow of the TV and through soft pulls and giggle-filled kisses, he was shoved into your room. It was strange, how the boyish actions felt foreign to his strained soul, but didn’t stop the whispered laugh of excitement.

He had never been inside a girl’s room before, not counting his sister’s, and it was exactly how he assumed it would be. Cream colored walls were barely visible under the many framed artworks, pictures and various sized mirrors. Potted plants invaded a small corner near one of the windows while your bed took up most of the other. A pile of clothes laid discarded by your closet door and a nice lamp on your nightstand bathed the space in a soft blue glow. It felt intimate and beautifully lived in, like he was seeing a small part of your soul.

You had dinner on the fire escape by the window, enjoying the gentle breeze and the hum of music playing from inside your bedroom. He was worried things would be weird, not really knowing where you stood or what this even was. Then you joked about how Richie wanted to bribe you to go back because ‘fuckin’ Carmy can’t stop mopin’ around’ and that was confirmation enough that you two were fine.

‘Wait ‘till they find out you’re the one who fired me.’ You had said between sips of your drink and when he answered ‘Let’s just hope they don’t find out we fucked on Tina’s station’, your eyes doubled in size and a dark tint appeared on your face still visible in the low lighting.

He left around two in the morning, when the conversation had died down into a comfortable silence and your head rested in the valley of his neck, with one of his arms wrapped around you to protect you from the cold. As much as he enjoyed the soft sound of your breathing and the heat radiating from your joined bodies, he knew he shouldn’t stay. It would be too soon and the last thing he wanted was to scare you away for real this time. So before you fell asleep completely, he kissed the crown of your head and removed his arm from around you, softly whispering his parting.

You guided him quietly to the entrance of the apartment, still lazily rubbing your eyes, and thanked him for dinner and for the visit.

‘Maybe next time I can-uh cook you somethin’... instead of buyin’ it’ He whispered in the silent hallway as he scratched his head nervously, laced into his words was a tender promise that made the skin on your face heat up.

You nodded enthusiastically and raised on your sock covered feet to leave a sugary kiss upon his lips, sticky sweet honey trickled down his throat and kept him warm as he arrived home and settled on his couch to rest his eyes.

~~~~~

Thanks for reading, key byeee 🩷