#i'm excited to make all the other seasons !

[postracehair]

trust me

max verstappen x reader | 2.3k

after an incredible (and wet) weekend in brazil, you have a confession to make.

cw: a loving relationship! discussion of anxiety/fear/worrying about your race car driver bf, healthy communication, and softness galore.

a/n: being a wag must be so stressful. like, damn! also, rain races stress me out, personally. this fic is about that.

__

The triple header comes to an end in the best way possible.

Max Verstappen wins the São Paulo Grand Prix from a 17th-place start! It's the stuff of dreams. The fist around your heart unclenches just a little bit as you watch him smiling, roaring, hoisting his well-earned trophy aloft. It's your best day in a long time, watching your darling boyfriend like that, and you celebrate with everyone late into the night. The Championship battle looms in the background but tonight is about the hard work from the weekend. The stress, the frustration, the damn rain. All of it worth it for the pride you all feel right now.

But what comes after -- that, you can admit, you enjoy even more. Three weeks until Las Vegas and Max and the team have plenty of work to do before then, but for now? For now, it's this: rest.

Everyone gets to go home, finally. And for you, home is wherever Max is. You've spent the first few days of the break thus far at his place. On the floor with the cats, on the couch watching movies. In his bed, sleeping, sometimes, other times... not so much. Hours and hours just being together. You'll have plenty of time for this once the season ends but you can never get enough of him.

You're on the couch, sprawled across the length of it with a book in hand. It's a good one, so much so that you don't notice Max until he taps your ankle and you jump.

"Jesus," you gasp. His lips are pulled up at one corner in the precursor to a full grin, sweatpants slung low enough that you can see the branded band of his underwear between the drawstrings and the hem of his t-shirt. "Where did you come from?"

"Watching race replays," he says with a shrug. "Scooch." You tug your legs back and sit up a little, bookmarking your page as he rounds the couch and plops down where your feet were.

"Max," you whine. "I like to watch those, too. So you can do that thing where you narrate like, every second." You're teasing, but only a little. For all the jokes about "maxplaining," you really do love how he explains things. He tells you what he was thinking at every turn, what the trick is, how long it took him to get it right. He points out his mistakes and those of the other drivers. All of it thoroughly and with enthusiasm, answering your questions like you're the best student he's ever had.

"Yeah, well," he says, sinking into the couch, arm stretched across the cushions towards you. Your eyes rake over the line of his bicep as he talks. "You don't like rain races very much. Wasn't sure you'd want to see it again."

That gets your attention. "How did you know that?" You've never told him outright that they stress you out. It's really important to you that you keep your cool at the track, that you don't do anything to let on that he should worry about you.

But you should know better, it seems.

"I can tell," Max says, looking right at you. "I pay attention."

You hum, not sure what to say. "You've got me there," you confess. "I'm sorry."

"Hey," he tuts. "Why the apology? You can feel however you want to. This weekend was complicated."

He feels too far away. You set your book on the ground and shove your toes under this thigh. He keeps his eyes on your face but you fuss with the hem of your t-shirt rather than look back.

"They're exciting. Rain races, I mean." You sigh. "But I can't help but worry, Max. From the garage, it's so --"

You lose track of your words because Max grabs hold of your legs and tugs them over his thighs as he moves closer to you, almost crowding you against the arm of the couch. He reaches for your collarbone to pick some lint from your shirt, his other arm slung across your calves.

"Were you scared?" he asks. "This weekend, I mean."

Frankly, you avoid telling him things like this because you don't want to distract him. You don't want to detract from his performance in any way and maybe that's selfish, because you know he's very good at what he does and how you feel isn't going to derail his weekend. But you know he loves you, and you know how deeply he feels things. How much he wants to be a good partner, a good driver, a good man. And you try really hard to let him know that he is all of those things.

The reality of your position in his life is that there will always be people who heavily imply that your presence, your actions, your choices could be at fault. It's ludicrous -- Max has said so many times -- but it makes you hype-aware. You don't want to overstep. It's something you know you should articulate to him properly, but you know he'll be upset that you think you can be anything but a good part of his life. It's an endless cycle.

"Hey," he says, mistaking your silence for emotion. "Liefje, I'm fine." He reaches for you, cupping your cheek with a warm hand. You look up at him and find him frowning.

"I know," you say, leaning into his palm. "I know you are. I just -- I don't want it to sound like I'm a whining baby or something."

"Whining baby?" Max gently rubs the skin under your eye with his thumb. "Psh. We've got some of those on track. You couldn't come close to them if you tried."

That gets a laugh out of you and he cracks a smile at the small victory.

You sigh. "I was scared," you admit, voice soft. Max presses a little closer to you, his hand falling from your face to catch yours, fingers twining together.

"Are you always scared?" he asks. "You're more tense on rain weekends, I can tell that much. But you've never really talked about this. I guess I--" He frowns again. "I've never really asked you."

"That's okay," you say. "It's nothing, really."

Blue eyes bore into yours. "No, I want to know," he presses. "Please, tell me?"

You tip your head back a little, eyes on the ceiling. How to say it?

"I guess I'm always a little scared, yeah," you say. "I don't know how I wouldn't be."

He tugs on your hand so you'll look at him. "What is it, do you think?" The question comes out in his typical way. This must be how he is in driver briefings, you think fleetingly. Max is analytical, methodical, always looking for the root of the problem so he can understand it and adapt.

But how do you explain this?

"Well, it's a dangerous sport," you explain. "As you know. And I -- Max, I love you, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

The furrow of his brow lessens a bit and he presses a light kiss to the back of your hand. Your stomach flutters, even after all this time.

But Max has no time for your mooning, apparently. "Were you scared before we knew each other?" he asks.

You think about it. "It's different, I guess. I was worried, generally. For all of you. I'm still worried for all of you, but --"

His eyebrow quirks and he fails to hide a cheeky smile. "Me the most?"

You roll your eyes and squeeze his hand. "You the most. But don't tell Carlos that."

Max tuts. "So, now it's just worse? You feel it more?"

Nodding, you try to explain. "I don't even like watching on TV, now, because I'm so far away. I feel so helpless."

You can't make it to every race but you try your hardest, not only to support Max but for your own sanity. It's easier to calm yourself down when you're around other people who believe in him, when you have access to all the details and when he's only a few steps away when he's out of the car.

"I don't want you to be worried," he says, softly. "You don't let on that you are when we say goodbye before the race, aside from being a little tense."

One of your favorite pieces of race weekends -- those few moments when all of his attention is on you. He makes sure you have everything you need and leaves you with a kiss and a smile and a see you later. His confidence and his competence are like balms.

"When I'm looking at you, I'm not as stressed," you say, a bit shy. "You're very good at your job, you know. And your confidence is convincing."

"I know," he says, seriously. "That's why I know it'll be fine. Do you not know that?"

If he was less determined, you'd ask him to drop it, since you're starting to feel embarrassed. But you know he won't let it lie.

"I know it, too, Max." You reach for his face to push back some fringe from his forehead. "I'll always be worried about you, though. You get in the car and drive away and I just -- sit there. And wait for you to come back."

He frowns, deeper this time. You keep your hand on him, cupping his jaw and running your thumb along his stubble.

"And I love it. You know I was a fan before I met you and it's a dream to be there to watch you race. I love seeing you do crazy things like win from p17. It's so much fun."

He knows this about you. You've got a bit of a reputation for your facial expressions in the Red Bull garage, always the first on your feet when he overtakes, jumping up and down when he extends his lead. It's an infectious kind of joy and energy and you lean into it every time, even if your stomach is churning with anxiety.

Max is quiet for a few moments. He covers your hand with his and leans into it further.

"You trust me, right?"

"Of course," you say right away. "Always."

"I've never really thought about it," he says, slowly. "I mean, in the car. I don't worry about you because I'm not worried, so I just thought you knew not to be, too."

"I'll always worry, Max. Even though I trust you."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?"

Your cheeks heat and you look away from him, pulling your hand free to cradle it in your lap.

"You've got a million other things to worry about besides me," you say. "I don't want to distract you."

Max says your name with a scoff, literally waving his hand as if swatting away your silly notions. "Distract me? Come on," he says. "I wouldn't be a three-time world champion if I could get so easily distracted." He leans into your space, nosing at your jaw. "Even if you are very distracting."

You allow the attention for a few moments before pushing him back with a laugh. His cheeks are flushed, hair a bit of a mess, like after he takes off his helmet. And, god, he looks relaxed. You're so proud of him you can hardly stand it. The season is almost over and you know he's got a lot of work ahead of him, and you've got a lot of worrying. But he's motivated, and you know he can win. You know he'll come back to you.

Max leans his head back on the couch and casts his gaze sideways at you, nose scrunched. "I can't fix this, can I? You're still going to worry."

He sounds so resigned, so disappointed in himself that you tug on his hand so he'll get closer. This time, you frame his face with your hands and kiss him, just a light press of your lips to his. Both of you sigh into it, and you drag your mouth along his cheek until you reach his ear.

"I'm still going to worry," you whisper. "But I love you and I trust you. And I know it'll be okay."

Max sighs and presses his forehead to your shoulder, practically pulling you into his lap so he can wrap his arms around you.

"You better hope it doesn't rain for the rest of the season," he mumbles.

"That damn VSC," you groan, pulling back from him a bit. "I was going to tear my hair out!"

Max laughs. "It kept things interesting," he says lightly. "Rain isn't really a problem for me, schatje, you know this --"

"Because you're Dutch, I know, Max." You roll your eyes. "Even Fernando couldn't keep it together! I mean, the gasps from the garage when --"

The seriousness of your conversation fades as you trade tidbits about the race -- you've done this already, hashed it out in the hotel room and the flight home and in bed since Sunday. Max watches you talk, elbow braced on the couch and his head resting in his hand. His eyes sparkle and you know you're amusing him as he corrects you on the turn names and who went in the wall when. Max loves you: you've never doubted this. He loves you and he cares about how you feel and doesn't want you to be worried.

And while you will be, because you love him, you know that it'll be alright.

"Hey," Max says, interrupting your opinions about start procedures. "I love you, okay? Thank you for worrying about me."

"Graag gedaan," you say. Well, you try to say. Max laughs and corrects your pronunciation. You're welcome, he says, over and over, a kiss to your cheeks, your nose, your forehead each time. Ik houd van je. Your lips, your neck, your jaw.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

[nandosbunni]

our secret moments | 𝓯. 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓸

pairing: fernando alonso x f!actress!reader, socmed!au

synopsis: you and fernando's rumored relationship isn't really a rumor at all.

a/n: nando needs more fics on this app. also, i just KNOW my pinterest feed will be filled with rich couple things and yachts bc i was so picky with the pics😭

yourusername

Liked by carmenmmundt, fernandoalo_official, oscarpiastri and others

yourusername i'll take any excuse to go back to monaco. thanks for having me, @/astonmartinf1 💞

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fernandoalo_official

Liked by carlossainz55, francolapinto, yourusername and others

fernandoalo_official Love spending the summer break on the sea🌊⛵️

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yourusername

Liked by fernandoalo_official, charles_leclerc, lilymhe and others

yourusername two weeks of this before filming starts 🌊

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username BOTH FERNANDO AND Y/N HAVING SIMILAR POSTS AT THE SAME TIME OHMYGOD

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yourusername liked this comment

yourusername can't wait to see you too, bbg!!

username i'm soo excited for the next season

yourprivateaccount

Liked by fernandoalo_official, georgerussell63, and others

yourprivateaccount just me, the sea, and my love ❤️

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carmenmmundt you look so lovely together🫶

yourprivateaccount liked this comment

yourprivateaccount we should def plan a couples trip one day, carm!

carmenmmundt yes please!

georgerussell63 wait what?

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fernandoalo_official I can't wait to see you again, mi corazón ❤️

yourprivateaccount liked this comment

yourprivateaccount me too. i miss you already, nando ❤️

landonorris get a room

yourprivateaccount stfu or i'll make nando gift you coal for this year's secret santa

fernandoalo_official You give me reasons to love you more and more

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fernandoalo_official posted a story!

yourusername

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yourusername just lace sleeves and roses in the dressing room

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[becausebuckley]

michelle's buddie fic recs: week 45!

what a week... i'm greatly enjoying all of the post-8x06 buddie fic (many more recs to come!) and took some time to revisit old favourites, which can be found in previous rec lists. enjoy!

this is a mix of fics with all ratings, so some include NSFW content. please take a look at both the ratings and the fic tags before reading! some might also contain spoilers for season 8.

if you come across something you like in this list, remember to show some love to the author by leaving kudos and a comment!

all that we need | not1_2write | 26.4k | M

When Buck buys a Powerball lottery ticket he doesn't think much beyond his need for change to air up his tire. He forgets all about the ticket until word spreads that the winning ticket was sold in LA and hasn't been claimed yet and pretty much dismisses it. After all, there's no way he won the lottery. Turns out no, he really did win the Powerball, to the tune of 295 million dollars and just in time for Christmas. He's going to make sure the 118 has the best Christmas of their lives. And just maybe he'll have a good one too. idk about all of you but i do dream about winning the lottery regularly (way too often for someone who's never bought a ticket, that's for sure). this is such a lovely look at what buck would do with a whole lot of money <3

i take this magnetic force of a man | playinginthunderstorms/@playinginthunderstorms | 9k | M

Turns out, he isn’t actually afraid of commitment. He’s just afraid of committing to the wrong thing, or the wrong person. Ana, obviously, had been a mistake, because he hadn’t been ready, and he’d put other people’s expectations above his own wants and needs. With Marisol, he’s done the same thing. Moved too fast, doing what he thinks is the right thing according to who? His parents? For Chris’s benefit? Again, pushing past his own comfort, discarding any doubt because it doesn’t fit like… Like Buck. blanket rec for one of my favourite authors who has been posting incredible fics lately!! this one in particular is so beautifully written and so romantic and just so very buddie <3

if i need to rearrange my particules i will for you | thelikesofus/@thelikesofus | 7.9k | GA

Eddie catches a cold and Buck takes care of him while having a minor, non-platonic emotional crisis. this is definitely influenced by the fact that i've been ill myself but wow truly nothing hits as hard as buddie taking care of each other when one of them isn't feeling well. the bed sharing in this is so good <3

let me | facewithoutheart/@facewithoutheart | 1.6k | T

Eddie doesn't think he needs romance. Buck, respectfully, disagrees. AKA the fic where Buck picks Eddie up and kisses him breathless against a wall. and buck is so right for doing that!! i love it when buck turns eddie to jello <3 so lovely!

second child, restless child | lesbianrobin/@lesbianrobin | 23k and counting| M

how Evan and Maddie make it out of Pennsylvania, and Buck and Maddie build a family. okay so listen these past few weeks i've been doing this thing where i only rec finished fics, and every time i scroll through my ao3 history for these rec lists, i come across this one and go oh i wish i could rec this already. and then i realised wait it's my rec list i can do whatever i want, and so then i did. anyway, mind the tags for this one, but wow are you in for a treat here! i love the character dynamics (chim is brilliant in this!! and maddie!!) and i'm so so excited to see the rest of this fic unfold <3

said that i was fine, said it from my coffin | justhockey/tumblr | 7.3k | T

And it doesn’t matter that he feels like he’s dying. Like the version of himself that he’s always been is suddenly a stranger to him - just a mask he’d spent his entire life hiding behind, without ever even realising he was wearing it. It doesn’t matter that Eddie is…that he’s gay. Because he knows - as surely as he knows that the sun will rise again tomorrow - that the only person he has ever, and will ever, truly love is Buck. And Buck isn’t his to love. another blanket rec for an author who's been posting incredible fics!! this one in particular has such brilliant eddie characterisation and i just devoured it the second i got that little ao3 email hehe

there's no place like home-spun | icewhisper | 4.1k | GA

Buck has spent most of his life trying to find something to settle fidgeting hands and the restless need for a home. He found the key to the latter when he was thirteen. He finds the former in a cozy home on South Bedford Street with two of his favorite people. (AKA the Buck-crochets fic that literally no one asked for.). this fic makes me want to learn how to crochet. i am the least crafty person ever and i have like minus time but just know that if two weeks from now i'm posting about yarn and crochet hooks and whatnot, it's all thanks to this fic. i love buck who crochets so very much <3

you get your dreams for free | llovely/@butchdiaz| 14.9k | T

five times buck and eddie cuddle drunk and one time they cuddle sober. buddie bed sharing my absolute favourite. i read this late at night curled up under three blankets and it hit just right <3

[canonicallyobserving911]

Buddie: Episodes 6x10 vs. 8x7

Last Thursday when I watched the promo for this week's episode, I noticed a lot of similarities to 6x10 and since then I've been wondering if the callback to the lightning strike will have any significance along with an effect on Buck and Eddie. Aside from the obvious of a firefighter hanging from a ladder truck's aerial, there are several others that are blatant and appear to have been done on purpose.

Since season 8 began, there have been numerous callbacks to previous seasons and they include emergency calls the 118 has been dispatched to. In 8x6, they were sent to a home where a young boy was trapped in a pipe and it looked similar to the well Eddie rescued Hayden from in 3x15. However, before Eddie could be pulled up to safety, the well collapsed and Buck lost his mind and started clawing at the ground and trying to dig Eddie up with his bare hands. Now, even though the 8x6 callback to the well didn't appear to have any obvious effects on Buck and Eddie, it's possible the call in 8x7 might.

An actor from the TV show set of "Hotshots" gets injured and he ends up hanging from the 119's aerial. It's too eerily similar to a call the 118 was dispatched to in 6x10 and it's when Buck got struck by lightning and he died for 3 minutes and 17 seconds. However, this call seems to be more than just a similarity because all of the 118 team members are standing in positions and doing the same things they did in 6x10. It almost seems like TM (showrunner) is setting up something big and he's trying to jog someone's (Buck's) memory (it makes me think my Buddie Crack Theory [linked here] is still in play).

Reminder Buck was dead, so he has no idea what happened after he got struck but everyone else does. In CANON, no one has told him about that time period that he was hanging in the air and the look on his face in the promo makes it seem like he's trying to figure something out.

Let's get started.

After the 118 arrives on the scene, one of the first things I noticed is Eddie, Chimney and Buck are all standing in the same positions they were in before Buck climbed up the ladder in 6x10. Eddie and Chimney are right beside each other and Buck is standing away from them. In 6x10, he was preparing to go up the ladder.

The second thing I noticed was Bobby looking up at the Hotshots' actor the same way he looked up at Buck after he was struck.

Hen was looking up too the same way she did in 6x10.

Furthermore, Eddie's (it looks like Eddie on the left and Buck on the ladder on the right) position on the ladder in 8x7 appears to be the same as it was when he climbed up without a harness to save Buck.

There weren't any shots of Chimney looking up in 8x7 or of how he will be involved in the rescue but his role was key in 6x10 so I'm anxious to see how it will all play out.

Gerrard and Bobby are standing side by side and they're both looking up so I want to know if Bobby will have a flashback to Buck being struck and I also want to know if he'll have to tell Gerrard the best way to get the actor down.

I also noticed Chimney and Eddie are wearing sunglasses but no one else is. They all have them and since the sun is out and Buck's squinting when he looks up, it seems like he should be wearing a pair. Hen has eyeglasses that have lenses in them that transition to sunglasses but she's not wearing them. Also, I've noticed Eddie only wears sunglasses when he doesn't want anyone to see his eyes 👀.

When Buck (on the right) and Eddie (on the left) start trying to rescue the actor, Buck starts yelling "No, no, no, no!" and it sounds similar to the yell he let out after he was struck by lightning.

Just saying.

It's unclear what TM is doing and no one will know until the episode airs but I'm excited to see if Eddie being in the same position he was in after Buck got struck will have an effect on him.

I'm excited for 8x7 and I hope the obvious call back will have some meaning and allow the 118 to remember what happened to Buck and hopefully, Buck will ask questions about what happened to him. Reminder, he STILL HASN'T PROCESSED HIS DEATH.

[callsign-dexter]

Spooky Season

Request: Please a (The Rookie) Tim Bradford x adoptive daughter shy!reader? Tim friends wants to scare Tim so they want the shy!reader to scare Tim for fun. So Tim friends dress the reader as M3GAN and shy!reader successfully scared her adopted dad. Happy Halloween 🎃

https://youtu.be/ieXKUL2taLU?si=eishSnM88STWjqVx

Pairings: Tim Bradford x Shy!Adopted!Daughter!Reader

Warnings: fluff, caussing

Masterlist

A/N: Sooooo sorry for the delay of getting this fic out. I had planned for it to come out on Halloween but that failed and then it was supposed to come out the day after but life got in the way.

Spooky season, your favorite time of the year. You always loved October, especially Halloween. Once October 1st hit you were bringing out Halloween decorations and bringing all the fall flavored drinks out despite what your father, Tim Bradford, said. He wouldn't admit it but he loved the season mainly he loved seeing you happy. With the love of the spooky season comes the love of horror movies in and out of season. Tim never understood it but didn't question it and didn't try to make you not watch it, the only time he did was when it was too much for adults and you respected that.

You came into Tim's life unexpectedly but quickly fell in love with you. You had been a baby when you came into his life. You were found in a house where your mother had overdosed in the other room. You were crying and crying which is how John Nolan found you and picked you up. He tried soothing you with the techniques he used on his son but nothing was working. Tim walked in wondering what was going on and seeing the scene. He told Nolan to hand you over and he did instantly you stopped crying and calmed down. When CPS arrived and tried to take you, you cried and fussed it wasn't until Tim took you again and once again you settled down. It was agreed for him to take you until family could be found, none was found, a few days after that discovery and he was adopting you.

Halloween was coming up and you were thinking of what you wanted to be but was having trouble deciding. You wanted to go as a movie you recently saw but none of them were jumping out at you. There was a recent movie called M3GAN that you really wanted to see and the Mid-Wilshire Police Station just so happened to be having movie night showing this particular movie. You were excited to see it and begged your father to let you watch it after some convincing from your godmother, Angela Lopez, he finally agreed to let you watch it when they played it. When you heard that he was going to let you watch it you practically squealed and jumped up hugging him thanking him profusely. They were going to play it the night before Halloween inside the briefing room. Finally, the time for the movie night came around and you were so excited that you were buzzing with excitement and your father could tell. “I take it you're excited about this movie.” He said and you looked up at him from the backseat where you sat.

“Dad.” You said exasperated.

“What?” He asked

“Of course I'm excited to see it! I've been wanting to see when it first came out!” You said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. He just smiled and chuckled even though you tended to be shy around others. You were lively with him and he was glad about that. 

“Oh, I know you have.” He chuckled as he pulled into the parking lot. He had to work that night but there were going to be plenty of people he trusted with you there. He trusted the entire police station and everyone respected the hell out of him and there in turn they respected you and were at your beck and call, not that you would ask for help. But only a certain number of people he 100% trusted you with, Wade Gray, Luna Gray, Lucy Chen, John Nolan, Angela Lopez, Wesley Evers, Nyla Harper, and Jackson West. You could say he trusted Smitty too but it was more like he trusted you watching Smitty. 

“You have to work right?” You asked and he nodded.

“Yea, I do. I'll be in and out but won't be able to watch the full movie with you.” He said and you nodded. You understood it and yes, we're upset but it was his job.

“Ok.” You said a little bit defeated and he hates seeing you like that especially since he worked so hard to get you to open up.

“You'll be with most of everyone else. Mainly Angela, Harper, Nolan, and Wesley.” He said and he could see you light up.

“Ok. Where is Lucy and Jackson going to be?” You said as he pulled into the parking lot of the precinct. 

“They will be on patrol with me but will stop in every now and then.” He said and you nodded. He parked and then got out. He came to the driver's side back door and opened it then he started to help you out. It all went quickly, having you two already having a routine down. Once you were down, he made you stay close as you both made the trip to the building. 

“Good evening, Officer Bradford and Mini Bradford.” The receptionist, Linda Hughes, said and you smiled and waved shyly.

“Good evening.” Tim said as you both made your way to the desk.

“Tim, Sergeant Gray would like a word with you before you start patrol.” She said

“Thank you.” Tim said and then the two of you were heading off to the main portion of the precinct. Along the way people said hi and you both greeted them back. You were shyer than your dad but they just smiled and went on. 

“Y/N!” A voice rang out and you looked up and saw Angela heading your way and you lit up. Tim smiled seeing you light up as your godmother came closer to you.

“Aunt Angie!” You replied back, you were one of the very few and it was very few people that were allowed to call her Angie if it were anyone else, they would be on a receiving end of life ending glare.

“How's my favorite Bradford doing?” She asked 

“Hey!” Tim said and she just smiled and looked at him.

“Oh, come on Timothy you knew when you had this little girl coming around after adopting her, she was going to be the favorite.” She said, they never kept it a secret that you were adopted. When you asked, they told you but it was never a secret. 

“Well can't argue with that, now, can I?” He said and brought you into a side hug “She's my favorite Bradford too.” He said and you smiled and hid into his side. “Hey I need to meet with Gray for a second before starting patrol mind keeping her around you until the movie starts?” He asked.

“You know I would! Come on, My Favorite Bradford.” She said stealing you away from your dad who just rolled his eyes as he let you go to her.

“Before I leave and before the movie starts, I'll say bye to you.” He said and you nodded and he smiled “I love you.” He added.

“I love you too, Dad.” You said and then you were being whisked away by Angela to her desk where Harper, Nolan, and Wesely were at.

“The Better Bradford has arrived!” Angela said and you blushed. You knew it was a joke and you played along with it and Tim did too when he was around. There was only playfulness about it, nothing serious.

“So, Y/N have you thought of a Halloween costume?” Harper asked and you shook your head.

“No, nothing is jumping out at me.” You said with a frown.

“Hey, that's ok.” Wesley said 

“Have you thought of a way to scare your dad?” Nolan asked, each year they tried to scare him but nothing had worked. It was like he was almost immune to it so you decided to help. You've tried to come up with something and so did they but nothing. 

“No, literally nothing can scare that man. It's not worth trying.” You said 

“Ain't that the truth.” Angela said “Come on, let's get the briefing room ready.” She added and you nodded happily. So, the 5 of you went to the briefing room to start getting set up. While doing so, joking and playing around brought laughter out of you. Very soon the room was dark, the snack table was set up in the back, coolers were set up, tables were pushed to the side and stairs were scattered. There was room for people to sit on the ground if they wanted to. Soon people started to file in. Sensing your shyness coming out Nolan brought you closer to him, almost sheltering you. When it looked like most of the room was filled with people and families of the officers, detectives, and others in the room, Gray walked in and to the front.

“Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the first family movie night. Hopefully we can continue this. I hope everyone enjoys the movie and the snacks in the back of the room.” He said and everyone cheered and then he was leaving. As the movie started Tim walked in, in uniform, he scanned the room and until he found you and smiled, he walked over to you and you looked up to see him.

“Hey.” He whispered

“Hey, Dad.” You said “You about to head out?” You asked and he nodded.

“Yup, I promised I would come to see you before I headed out. Be good for them and I’ll see you when I get off. I love you.” He said and kissed your forehead.

“I love you too. Be safe.” You said and he smiled.

“Always.” He said and then he was leaving just as the opening scenes appeared. While the interaction happened the other three adults smiled, they loved seeing Tim happy and actually smiling. He kissed the top of your head one more time and then he was turning to leave. Not long after the movie began to play. 

As the movie played you became engrossed in the movie. You were so into it that you didn't even know your dad had stopped by several times to check on you and once he saw how into it you became, he didn't want to bother you. The scene where the dancing came out had you captivated, you loved dancing and were quite good at it. You could do that. Once the movie ended everyone stayed around for a few and then started leaving. When most of all people left and it was just the 4 of you Angela turned to you and you looked at her. “I know how to scare your dad.” She said and you gave her a suspicious look.

“How?” You asked wearily.

“Dress up like M3GAN and do the dance she did. You're a terrific dancer. I know you can do it.” She said but you were still unsure.

“It'll be fun and perfect.” Nolan said

“I don't know.” You said hesitantly.

“Please? We've been trying to scare you dad for years and nothing works. Please do this just this one time. We won't ask you to try and scare him again.” Wesley pleaded as you had a battle inside your head.

“Fine. I'll do it. You better get me extra candy.” You said 

“We'll get you anything.” Wesley said as Angela hit him and gave him a look.

“I'll hold you to that.” You replied with a smirk.

“Ok, here is the plan.” Nolan said as he went into the plan and you listened and nodded. You gave some looks but they reassured you and promised you extra candy. Angela would be coming over early to help you get ready.

************************

Halloween finally arrived and Angela and Wesely were over as Tim was getting things ready. As she was getting you ready Lucy, Jackson, and Nolan came over. Once you were ready Angela texted Nolan to go and hit the breaker. The lights went out and you got into the position as you heard your dad start cussing along with Lucy and Jackson. “What the hell?” Tim asked.

“Did you piss off a ghost?” Lucy asked

“No, Lucy. I did not piss off a ghost. I don't know what the hell is going on.” He said as Angela called out.

“Guys! Why did the lights go out?” Angela asked as he nodded at you and made her way to the others. Once you knew she was there you got into character.

“Where’s Y/N?” He asked 

“Uh I don’t know I haven’t seen her.” Angela said

“Fuck.” He said “Y/N!” He yelled out and started to move around the house. That was your cue and so you knocked off a vase. He came running and stopped. “Y/N?” He asked and so you started dancing. “What are you doing?” He asked, the look on his face was priceless but you couldn’t break character.  As you were coming up on the flip part you concentrated and did and stuck the landing you did the last part and grabbed the fake knife and started to come towards your dad and he was quickly backing up. As you got to him you broke character as everyone laughed.

“Got you!” Angela said as she, Nolan, and Wesely laughed the others were not. They were truly scared.

“I’m sorry, Dad. They promised me extra candy.” You said as you put the knife down and walked over to him as he was catching his breath.

“You did good, Kid.” He said “Your costume and make-up are great.” He said

“Angela helped me with that.” You said 

“Shit, you almost gave me a heart attack.” He said and you chuckled.

“I didn’t want to do it at first but hey extra candy.” You said and he chuckled.

“Can’t say no to that.” He said “Alright let’s go get candy.” He said throwing an arm around you bringing you into his side and everyone nodded.

“Alright let’s go!” Jackson said “Nice job by the way.” He added as he passed you.

“Thank you.” You said and Lucy said the same thing and you thanked her. As you headed outside and started your trick or treating you couldn’t help but smile and be thankful that Tim had brought you into his life without him you don’t know where you would be. “Thank you.” You said looking up at your father.

“For what?” He asked as he looked down at you, stopping.

“For taking me, adopting me, calling me yours, and overall being my father.” You said and he smiled.

“It was so worth it and I wouldn’t change it for the world even if you scared the shit out of me.” He said and you chuckled.

“I love you, Dad.” You said

“I love you too, Y/N/N.” He said leaning down and kissing your forehead. “Now go and get your candy.” He said giving you a little push and you chuckled and went to the first house of the night. As he watched you being polite Angela came up to him.

“You raised a great girl.” She said and he looked at her and then looked back at you making you sure you were safe.

“She’s a great girl. She’s changed a lot of our lives, especially mine.” He said 

“She changed all of ours. Brought even more happiness into our lives.” Angela said as she watched you go to the next house. She patted his shoulder as she went and met up with the others as you showed them what you got. Tim smiled watching the interaction and even though you did scare the shit out of him he was so happy to have you in his life. He wouldn’t change it for anything.

Tag list:

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[herefortarlos]

Just some takeaways from these interviews that feature Ronen, Gina and Brianna!

Enzo will be back in episode 5x08! "We'll probably have to see Enzo in some orange colors, a jumpsuit perhaps because he's in big trouble right now."

Ronen gushing over how cute Jonah was when he says, "Hi, big brother."

Could this be leading to TK and Carlos taking in Jonah? And Ronen's deflecting response of, "I have no idea, that would just, I don't know, I just, I just work here." And looking away from the camera.

Ronen talking about the karaoke scene and having "no idea it was going to be Freddie Mercury, you know one of the most incredible singers of all time. Really talk about under pressure because of course they gave me the Freddie parts. So I was a little nervous because it's one thing to sing karaoke in front of people but this is gonna be watched by millions of people, so I hope I did a good job, and to sing with Henry and then Rob was so iconic... because it's TK and his two dads and how important they both are to him and just crucial to who TK has become as a man...." "They picked Under Pressure for us for a reason, I think the lyrics are very telling."

Talking about the Tarlos photos! "That's gonna be a recurring gif for the rest of time for sure! They knew what they were doing with that one."

Gina does not think Tommy would have stepped away if she had not been hurt like that for her to realize she had to take care of herself.

Brianna and Gina talk about filming the hospital scene! Tommy having to come to terms with leaving a job that means the world to her. "It had so little to do with trusting who I'm going to pass the torch along to and so much more to do with the trust and belief in the woman that's in front of me. And so it was bittersweet...but I know you've (Nancy) got this!"

Ronen saying, "Tommy is Nancy and TK's mama bird. Especially after 5x05." "That scene at the end of 5x07 is so beautifully heart breaking between Gina and Brianna, I just rewatched it again and just started crying on my own, and oh my god, when she asks her to become the temporary Captain..." "But that leads to some really fun stuff for Brianna and I. It's like the kids get to go out on their own now, so you'll see a lot of paramedic calls with just us, which is really fun. But Brianna really holds it down as Captain and we'll see what that leads to Tommy if she can come back or not. There's a lot of intense stuff for Tommy."

Brianna saying, "It's gonna be just TN." "Ronen and I had a lot of fun with the TN dynamic. The kids are taking the car!"

Ronen saying, "TK and Nancy are so close, especially this season, and Brianna and I got really close this season, and I just love her so much and I think you start to see that when we go out on the calls ourselves, and they're gonna be silly little kids, but still professional and so good at what they do and I think that dynamic is going to be really fun to see." "I'm so excited for people to see Brianna really shine and get her moment especially as Paramedic Captain, that's such a huge honor."

Gina talking about the story line Rashad wrote for Tommy this season, "Sometimes it's triumphant and sometimes you don't want to be there... If you're invested in Tommy, it's gonna hurt."

Ronen talking about Carlos' father's murder. "Carlos starts making more progress in the case...and then there's gonna be a few other questions that are going to be brought up that are really going to challenge TK and Carlos."

"Some of the questions are, "Are we ready to take the next step in our relationship?"

"TK fears for his husband's life because Carlos is getting involved with some really bad people, and I think TK vividly remembers seeing his husband almost die when he was kidnapped and I think that's probably an image that plays in his head and I think that's something he never wants to see again. His actions are coming from caring and fear..."

Ronen says TK has at least one scene with Campbell.

Ronen was asked about Judd drinking at his party and if TK will notice with his addiction, and Ronen said, "That leads to an incredible scene between Judd and TK. I think it opens the door for Jim to really shine and another side of Judd we may not have known. It's also just beautiful because Jim in real life is sober and it's a beautiful way for Jim to put his own experiences into that character."

[epitaph-of-rebirth]

now that act 1 dropped and we survived the caitvi divorce I have new theories of stuff regarding their reunion again on act2/act3 based on the teasers and what we know from season 1.

And guys I think things will get worst first before getting good so here is my theory of what will happen on act 2 based on the teasers for it:

First I really believe that Jinx will be the one to save Vi from her endless suffering drinking all day and night and fighting. She is secret following Vi on the teaser scenes so makes sense that when Vi finally hits rock bottom: Jinx will be the one to catch her.

Now probably what will make Jinx and Vi bond again and be able to be sisters like in act 1 from S1, probably will be their fight against Warwick:

From the red background we can imagine that they both are fighting him at the same time:

And we know that Warwick is Vander since this was revelead on the end of last season, if they both get to know this in some way while fighting him, we can expect a very emotional bonding between Jinx and Vi and probably have Vi and Jinx forgiving each other for their mistakes and getting their sistership back much more stronger.

So what this also means for the CaitVi reunion? well not so nice news.

Caitlyn probably is stil hunting Jinx, she will be even more deep on her rage and grief and probably isolated thanks to it. And totally manipulated by Ambess so my guess is that she will eventualy find Jinx and by proxy also meet Vi.

This Probably will be on this battle show on the act 2 teaser again, that we can see Jinx fighing that Noxian soldier who is always with Ambessa:

I imagine their reunion be maybe a paralel to Jinx and Vi first reunion where they meet and a fight starts imediatly. But this time Vi will willing choose Jinx, not only because Caitlyn hurt her, but because now Jinx is family again and Vi motto is what Vander told her: "protect the family"

And guys I'm a little excited for this confrontation, because for the first time, Caitlyn will have to face a angry, very protective and even mentally stronger Vi. Because after hiting rock bottom and finding herself again thanks to Jinx. I really imagine that Vi won't hesitate to put herself between Caitlyn and Jinx to protect her sister no matter what Caitlyn says.

My theory got a little stronger thanks to a very know interaction between Vi and Caitlyn on the league of legends game when they're in opposite teams, Caitlyn says: " I never imagine we would be on opposite sides again", we know that Arcane is prequel to LoL lore so this confirms that in some moment, Vi had to fight Caitlyn in the past, and probably will be protecting Jinx.

I really have no idea WHAT will make Caitlyn wake up and start her redemption arc, but the first thing to the ignite it in case all this happens I think will be having to fight Vi, and in such case: lose and again Jinx get free from her hands.

Also I expect a very emotional confrontation since in the first act was clearly the only person able to make Cait vulnerable until everything went downhill on episode 3 was Vi. And I don't think Caitlyn will be mentally good on this fight, Vi was always show as the thing that makes her hesitate and having to shoot Vi with the intention of actually hurt her and not by missing like was on episode 3. Probably will bring the question: "what are you shooting for?" in her mind.

[umgeorge]

The Pressure of the Podium: Interview With George Russell

While British success stories in Formula 1 tend to centre around Lewis Hamilton-as well they should; he's a legend-George Russell has quietly been making a serious name for himself. At a fresh-faced 26 years old, he’s one of the younger racers on the grid and, when we caught up with him ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix back in the summer, was still revelling in the best season of his career. So, how was he finding the season so far? "Its been... I wouldn't say a rollercoaster, but it's been one that we've been climbing," says Russell. "At the start we were at the bottom of the mountain and been steadily getting closer to the top. There's so much excitement and motivation when you're on a team like this, like we have a visible return on everything we've been putting in, that momentum we've been building up."

We were talking shortly after his second F1 victory in Austria, which was a bit of a hairy one. After spending most of the race in third, still a respectable podium finish, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen ahead of him got a little too close to one another, crashing to take them both out the race. It was a far cry from Russell's incredibly convincing first win. But was there a difference to him? "Each win is incomparable. Every race is a completely different scenario. My first, in Brazil, was where I was ahead every lap. I'd done fantastically the day before and the pressure was there. Near the end I had Lewis on my tail and it was a relief to get across that finish line. In Austria I was happy to be in third, and then it all kicked off ahead and the opportunity arose. Every race is different and you never really know how it's going to go, even when you're behind the wheel." With that kind of uncertainty, it has to be hard to prepare yourself for racing at this level. There's the danger, of course, as that crash in Austria and a multitude of other times shows, but none of these guys would be racing if that put them off. Instead, we were more interested to find out if the pressure ever got to him - and, more importantly, what Russell did to cope with it.

"I'm a little obsessive. I try to make sure I've gone through all the preparation possible with my engineers, taken a look at last year's data, gone over the car, the weather conditions; anything I feel I need to be looking for. Once I've ticked them all off I'm at peace, mentally. I know I'm at my peak physical condition. I know every race is going to be tough. But there are nineteen other drivers and hopefully they'll find it tougher than I will. After that, what will happen, will happen. It's out of your control." With that huge amount of pressure every single week, the intense training regime to stay in that physical condition, and the sheer hectic nature of a globe-trotting racing competition, decompression seems like a necessity. Russell, though, seems to want to take decompressing very literally.

"I love being by the sea so I've started free diving, which is a bit of a random hobby, but when I'm out in the water I'm just so focused on my breathing, on being underwater, that I just disconnect from the world. Once beneath the sea, down there with the fish and coral, you're not thinking about anything else except having enough breath to get back to the top!" Russell isn't the only British racing legend around. We've had a long, illustrious line of champions of which Hamilton is only the latest and Russell could potentially be next. For Russell, there's something in the inspiration of champions of old, and having seven of the ten Formula 1 teams based in the UK helps. But for him, the key to British racing success is British racing's green grass roots.

"I remember racing with Lando and Alex, and alongside other racers who didn't make it to Formula 1 but have made professional racing careers. There's definitely something about the grass roots level here that works. But it needs to stay at that level. This isn't the most economical sport in the world, so we need to make sure that we can give kids that don't have the opportunity, otherwise, the funding they need to get behind the wheel and try go-karting." That said, go-karting is never going to be cheap for most would-be podium contenders, and whether it's that or sheer pace, it's an opportunity sadly few kids have. E-sports, on the other hand, is different. "Simulators have advanced so much now. The Formula 1 game is fantastic and there should be ways we can identify talent sooner, instead of just having financial backing to push you through the ranks."

Whether coming from the classic karting angle or from killing it online with photorealistic driving games, kids are going to need to have to contend with one of the most intensely competitive sports in the world - if not the most. According to Russell, though, they shouldn't be afraid of making mistakes; quite the opposite. "The one piece of advice that I try to embrace, myself, is: don’t be afraid to fail. The times I've failed have been the times I've progressed the most, the times I've really pushed my limits. It doesn't matter what you do; failure is necessary. It's how we grow, how we learn about ourselves. There's so much pressure not to let people down, especially with younger people, but you don't want to go through life never making a mistake or knowing where your ceiling is."

And any advice for those of us not thinking of a career in racing? Even shaving a few seconds off a track day would help for a few more bragging rights. "No matter what you're driving, stay relaxed. I've driven with people that have never been on a track before. They tense up, hunch over, and it makes everything erratic. Smooth is fast - smooth with the steering, throttle, and brake. It's not necessarily how we drive in Formula 1, but if you want to speed up on a track day, stay relaxed." Obviously, it’s not lost on Russell just how many kids and F1 fans alike look up to him as a sportsman. He's young, he's hungry, and his experience is starting to pay off. But for Russell, there are other sportspeople in other sports, and one in his own who I'm sure you can guess, that he looks up to.

"I have a huge amount of respect for Ronaldo. He's without a doubt the leader in his field. The same with Djokovic - they're fighters that push their physical performance. Then there's Lewis, obviously. He puts his platform to great use and I admire him for that as much as his wins and what he's doing off the track. I hope to be one of those leaders in years to come." Now he may well get a chance as Lewis will, in 2025, be moving from Mercedes, as Russell's teammate, over to Ferrari. It's a bold move, but on the other hand it means that Russell will soon be able to race his former teammate as an actual rival. Will that be weird? "He'll be wearing a different suit, but I'll still recognise him! We're at different stages in our career, but we have massive respect for one another. For now, I'll see him on the track."

[clonerightsagenda]

Arcane S2E3

Wait so the Kirraman family designed a ventilation system for Zaun? Was it never implemented all the way? Or was the bad air quality we saw in season 1 the good version? Caitlyn using the ventilation her mother designed to gas an entire civilian population in revenge… hon I do not think that's what your mom wanted.

Liked the comic book-esque intro for this episode. Taking some cues from Spiderverse I bet, and it's a good use of the medium.

What is it with the lesbian cop trope

Is the blond councilmember human? His ears are rounded and he's not obviously a furry or gnome creature but his facial bone structure is odd, kind of elfin

Trans furry character or just trans VA? Either way I'm used to that in audio dramas but it's exciting to hear trans voices in more mainstream stuff

Jinx adopting some random street kid: I call this the cycle of generational trauma

Magic toxic waste… Jayce: I'm gonna poke it

Oh hey the hextech is glitching… wonder how the shipping lanes on the surface are doing right now

Honestly the undercity pulling an uno reverse card with toxic gasses is fair and reasonable. Well played Jinx. Update - just paint? Girl you went easy on them

Vi learns why you shouldn't date a cop

Uh oh Mel

A powerful person from another country bringing in a contingent of soldiers and offering their ~ help ~ and ~ advice ~ in a troubled time is always a good sign and not at all setting up a coup

Ambessa: My daughter is a weak bitch who isn't down with murder. Caitlyn is the baby fascist I always wanted. Also she's looking for a mother figure rn so it's perfect

Unhoused drunk guy spontaneously promoted to cop does not seem pleased by other cop's spontaneous promotion to martial law leader

I understand he's a LoL character so has to exist but I'm wondering what the doctor's motivation is for going off into the wilderness and making a werewolf. To test his abilities

Going off the part 2 promo Vi is going to have an emo phase and Jinx has a whole army of people with blue hair and pronouns

[idkyetxoxo]

Seven | Enchanted | Aemond Targaryen

Word count - 3420

Warnings - None

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"We hear there is to be a festival tonight," Viserys said, breaking the silence over dinner. The question, though innocuous enough, hung heavily in the air, sending a ripple through the room. 

All eyes turned toward me and Nymor as if waiting for some grand revelation.

I glanced at my brother, our shared look speaking volumes more than words could manage—neither of us remotely entertained by the idea.

"Yes, there is," my father replied with the smoothness of a seasoned courtier, though even he couldn't mask the tension tugging at the edges of his forced smile. 

"I am sure my children will be more than happy to explain it to you," he added, his gaze shifting expectantly in our direction as if we were about to jump in and rescue him from the conversation.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I pushed my plate away, raising a brow at his assumption. "Not really," I said dryly, shrugging with a careless air that only heightened the discomfort.

Nymor, ever my accomplice, snorted beside me, his failed attempt to stifle laughter only adding fuel to the simmering fire. 

Across the table, Aegon barely managed to muffle his own laugh, though Alicent's sharp glare could have silenced even the boldest spirit. 

She didn't appreciate my defiance, her lips pursed with disapproval as she shot me a look that demanded obedience I had no intention of giving.

But it was Helaena who, as always, cut through the tension with her innocent enthusiasm.

"A festival sounds lovely! What is it called?" she asked, leaning forward with bright-eyed curiosity that seemed almost out of place in the undercurrent of the conversation. 

Alicent, ever the vigilant mother, reached out, pulling her back gently as if to shield her from engaging too much with the likes of us.

I took that moment, savouring it, and met Alicent's gaze with a sly glint in my eye. 

"It's called Lustre," I said, my voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "It takes place on the longest night of the year. The theme, fittingly, is light overcoming the darkness." 

I let the words hang in the air, knowing full well how my not-so-subtle barb would needle her.

Viserys, blissfully oblivious to the subtle war waging across the table, clapped his hands together with genuine enthusiasm. "That sounds most exciting!"

My father, ever the diplomat, seized the moment to maintain appearances. 

"My children would be delighted to bring the princes and princess along to celebrate tonight," he declared, casting a hopeful glance between Nymor and me as if that suggestion alone could smooth over all the prickling tension.

But Nymor, always the sharp-tongued one, wasn't about to let it slide so easily. He leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Everyone knows that's a lie."

Aegon, unable to hold it in any longer, practically choked on his drink, his laughter barely muffled as it slipped out. 

Even Helaena looked confused, her brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of the veiled remarks.

Alicent, on the other hand, was less amused. She gripped her goblet tightly, her knuckles white, her irritation palpable.

I couldn't resist. 

"Nymor's right," I said, my tone light but my words deliberate. "We'll be there, but 'happy to bring them along' might be pushing it."

I shot a glance at Aegon, who was still struggling to keep his composure. "Besides, I'm not sure they'd survive a real festival with us."

Nymor leaned in with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I'm sure they'd be fine... if they don't mind a little chaos."

Viserys chuckled, the sound hearty but disconnected from the simmering battle beneath the surface. 

Meanwhile, Alicent's patience, already stretched thin, snapped. Her voice, sharp as a blade, cut through the air. 

"Chaos?" she repeated, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "I'm sure the royal family would prefer some decorum."

Nymor, unfazed as always, scoffed lightly. "Decorum? At Lustre?" His tone was incredulous. "Good luck finding any of that."

Alicent's glare could have turned stone to dust, but I didn't back down. If anything, her growing frustration only fueled my amusement. 

"Perhaps the queen would prefer something a little less... lively?" I suggested, my smirk widening as I toyed with the thin line of respectability.

Aegon, ever the instigator, seized the moment. "Come now, Mother. A bit of fun never hurt anyone," he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he exchanged a glance with Nymor and me. "Besides, it's not every day we get invited to something this exciting."

"Exciting is one word for it," Nymor chimed in, his playful gaze settling on me. "Survival is another."

Viserys, ever the peacekeeper, laughed again, waving his hand dismissively. "Well, it sounds like quite the celebration. I'm sure it will be a night to remember."

I exchanged one final look with Nymor, both of us barely able to contain our amusement. The unspoken camaraderie between us was clear—this was far from over.

My father, determined as ever to hold the illusion of diplomacy, nodded curtly, his face the picture of forced calm, though even he had to know that the night ahead was bound to be anything but ordinary.

─── ✦⋅♡⋅✦ ───

Later, in the quiet intimacy of my chambers, the energy felt lighter, more relaxed, as the festival preparations took hold. The soft glow of candlelight bathed the room in a warm, flickering radiance, making the gold accents in the tapestries shimmer. 

I moved about with ease, sliding delicate jewels into my hair as the weight of the evening lifted from my shoulders. Helaena sat nearby, her wide eyes following my every move, curiosity and a hint of longing radiating from her as I readied myself for the night ahead.

"What shall I wear?" she asked softly, her voice laced with eagerness. 

She sounded like a little girl again, yearning to be part of something bigger, something dazzling. Her gaze was fixed on me, watching intently as I slipped the last jewel into place.

I smiled, catching her reflection in the mirror. "You can wear one of my dresses," I suggested, turning to her as I untied the ribbon of my robe, letting it fall gracefully from my shoulders. 

The silvery gown I reached for shimmered like moonlight itself, its fabric cool and flowing as it slid over my skin.

Helaena bit her lip, hesitation flickering in her eyes. "I do not think my mother will like that," she whispered, her voice a fragile thread of doubt.

I let out a soft, knowing laugh, the sound rich with amusement. Alicent's constant disapproval of me was practically a given at this point. 

"She doesn't have to know," I said with a playful wink, adjusting the dress as it draped over my figure. 

The star sequins sewn into the sheer fabric caught the candlelight, sending a cascade of shimmering reflections across the room with each movement.

Helaena's breath caught as she gazed at me, her eyes wide with awe. "You look absolutely stunning," she breathed, her voice full of wonder.

I twirled lightly, the hem of my gown brushing against the floor like liquid stardust, every step making it gleam as though it were woven from the very essence of the night sky.

"Like the moon itself," she added, her smile growing, a hint of something brighter—perhaps envy or admiration—flickering across her features.

I laughed softly, genuinely touched. "Thank you, Helaena," I said, my voice warmer now. There was something so pure about her, so untouched by the darker undercurrents of the court.

I turned and held up a golden gown from my wardrobe, its rich fabric shimmering with regal elegance. 

"Here," I said, offering it to her. "Wear this. It suits you, and no one needs to know." 

My eyes twinkled with mischief as I handed her the gown, a silent promise that we were in this together, no matter what Alicent might think.

Helaena hesitated, her gaze darting to the door as if expecting her mother to barge in at any moment. But after a brief pause, she smiled—small, tentative, but real—and took the dress from my hands. 

The silk whispered as it slid over her frame, the golden fabric wrapping her in warmth and splendour.

I stepped back, watching as she adjusted the folds of the gown. Her cheeks flushed with a soft blush as she smoothed the delicate material, uncertainty giving way to a shy pride.

"So pretty," I remarked with a grin, my voice teasing but full of affection.

Helaena blushed deeper, turning slightly in the mirror, admiring herself. "Like the sun itself," I added, echoing her earlier compliment. 

The words made her giggle, the last of her tension melting away as she twirled in the golden gown, her smile now bright and carefree.

I stepped closer, looping my arm through hers, our bond in that moment unspoken but strong. "Come," I urged softly, giving her arm a light squeeze. "The boys will be waiting for us."

As we made our way down the palace corridors, Alaric, my ever-loyal guard, followed at a discreet distance. His dark eyes lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary, a teasing glimmer playing in their depths. 

I felt his gaze like a whisper against my skin, warm and slightly provocative.

"You'll outshine the festival itself tonight," he said, his voice low and smooth, laced with a subtle edge of flirtation that made my heart skip for just a moment. 

His smile was the kind that held promises of mischief, and I couldn't help but return it with a sly grin of my own.

"Careful," I teased lightly, casting him a glance over my shoulder. "You're supposed to guard me, not flatter me."

He chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving mine. "I can do both," he replied smoothly, his tone as easy as the confidence in his stance.

Helaena caught the playful exchange and shot me a look—half amused, half curious. 

She had seen the way Alaric's gaze lingered, but I brushed it off with a light laugh, not wanting to delve into whatever thoughts might be swirling in her head.

We continued through the halls, winding our way through, careful to avoid any run-ins with Alicent. The last thing either of us needed was a confrontation with the queen tonight. 

We slipped into the waiting carriage, the night wrapping around us like a velvet cloak, its darkness offering the perfect cover as we left the palace behind. 

Relief washed over me as I settled onto the plush seat, grateful we had avoided detection for Helaena's sake. 

The festival awaited us, and with it, a night of freedom—of light and shadow, chaos and revelry.

Beside me, Nymor shifted closer, the heat of his presence a comforting contrast to the cool air outside. He leaned in, his lips brushing softly against my cheek in a tender gesture.

"So beautiful," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur, but it carried the weight of sincerity. 

I smiled, allowing myself a brief moment to bask in the warmth of his gaze, the gentle affection that always lingered just beneath his teasing exterior. But the moment didn't last long. 

Across from us, Aegon's reaction stole my attention.

His eyes widened as Helaena, shy but radiant, climbed into the carriage beside him. The transformation was undeniable. 

Gone was the quiet, unassuming girl—now, she was gilded in gold, her dress catching the dim light, making her look ethereal, otherworldly even. Aegon, for once, was at a loss for words.

"Gods," he muttered under his breath, his usual smirk replaced by something far more genuine—astonishment.

Helaena, still unsure of her newfound allure, glanced down nervously at the golden folds of her dress, her fingers twitching as she adjusted the fabric. She looked up, eyes wide with hope.

"Do you like it?" Her voice was small, hesitant, as though she feared the answer.

Aegon's gaze never wavered from her, his usual flippancy replaced by something softer, almost reverent. "Yes," he said simply, but the single word hung in the air, heavy with admiration.

Her face lit up, a smile blooming slowly across her lips as she turned to me, eyes shining with gratitude. 

No words were needed between us; her expression said everything—a silent thank you, not just for the dress, but for the confidence it gave her.

My gaze drifted then, as though pulled by a magnetic force, to Aemond. 

He had been watching me from the moment I stepped into the carriage. His singular eye, sharp and focused, followed my every move with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

His stare was unwavering, piercing through the darkness that separated us, his face betraying little, yet his attention spoke volumes. 

I felt the familiar flutter in my chest—unbidden, but undeniable. 

He had a way of looking at me that always made me feel as though I were the only one in the room, as though the entire world had fallen away, leaving just the two of us.

But I refused to be swept away by the moment. Keeping my composure, I offered him a small, controlled smile, a silent acknowledgement of his gaze. 

His lips curled ever so slightly in response, his usually cool demeanour softening, if only for a fleeting moment. 

There was something almost vulnerable in his expression, a crack in the icy exterior he always wore so well.

Still, I couldn't linger in that feeling. Not tonight. I turned my attention back to Nymor, seeking the comfort of his easy banter, the lightness that always seemed to come naturally between us.

"We're starting with drinks," I announced, my voice bright with excitement as I leaned into him slightly. "And then the dancing, of course."

Nymor's lips quirked into a knowing smirk, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, the dancing. I hope you're ready for the chaos."

I laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep within me, infectious and free. "Always."

The carriage rolled forward, the rhythmic clatter of wheels over cobblestones a steady reminder that we were moving closer to the heart of the night's festivities.  

The unspoken connections between us all—tangled, complex, and ever-shifting—only added to the tension.

Aegon sat back, his gaze still flitting over Helaena in disbelief, while she, now more at ease, giggled softly to herself. 

Aemond remained quiet, his eye still fixed on me, though now he wore a faint, almost imperceptible smile. 

And Nymor, ever the rogue, was already plotting our inevitable mischief for the night.

Outside, the darkened streets blurred past us, the faint glow of festival lights growing brighter with every passing moment. Soon, the quiet hum of the city would give way to the sounds of revelry—the laughter, the music, the chaos of Lustre.

Tonight would be a night to remember, for better or for worse.

The carriage slowed to a stop just a street away from the festival, its wheels creaking to a halt as if acknowledging the excitement that pulsed through the air. 

This was our tradition—Nymor and I slipping away before the crowds could spot us, savouring those few moments of quiet before diving headfirst into the chaos. 

As the door swung open, Nymor stepped out first, turning back to offer me his hand, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

I accepted with a grin, stepping down into the cool night air. 

Together, we stood for a moment, taking in the sight of the festival before us. Though it happened every year, it never failed to enchant. 

The streets, strung with golden lights, flickered like stars caught in mid-air, while colourful banners swayed in the breeze.

Music spilt into every corner, the sound of laughter and song mingling in a harmonious hum that filled the night.

"It's like magic," I whispered, though the words barely did it justice.

Nymor nodded, his gaze warm as he took in the scene. "It's more beautiful every year," he said, but his eyes flicked back to me, his meaning clear.

I smirked, but before I could respond, the rest of the Targaryens joined us. As Aegon stepped out, he froze, his eyes wide with awe at the vibrant display before him.

"Gods," he muttered, momentarily dumbfounded. Even Helaena, who had been so shy earlier, seemed to bloom in the festive atmosphere. 

My attention shifted to Aemond. He hadn't said a word since we arrived, but his eye hadn't left me. 

There was something unreadable in his stare—an intensity that made my heart skip a beat, though I wouldn't let him see that. 

Instead, I met his gaze head-on, letting a slow, teasing smile spread across my lips. I knew how to play this game, and I played it well.

"Hurry up!" I called back, breaking the spell as I grabbed Nymor's hand and pulled him toward the square, eager to lose ourselves in the sea of revelry. 

My laughter echoed through the air as we darted past dancers, vendors, and brightly coloured stalls, my pulse quickening with the thrill of it all.

We skidded to a stop in front of a drinks stall, the smell of spiced fruit and honey filling the air. 

"Five, please!" I called to the vendor, flashing him a cheeky grin. 

Nymor fished out a few coins, handing them over as the vendor poured five drinks into small cups. The liquid shimmered in the lantern light, pink and inviting.

Aegon eyed his cup suspiciously, lifting it to his nose with a raised eyebrow. "Is this wine?" he asked, dubious.

I laughed, taking a long sip from my own cup before answering. "No, but it's better." The sweetness of the drink coated my tongue, refreshing and potent. 

"Look, we'll drink first if you're scared." I winked, and without waiting, I downed the rest of mine in one gulp, the heat of the alcohol spreading through me like fire.

Nymor followed suit, grinning as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "See? No tricks."

Aemond still hesitated, his eye narrowing slightly as he glanced between the cup and me. I rolled my eyes, stepping closer to him until we were nearly nose to nose. 

"You really don't trust me?" I teased, my voice low and playful as I lifted his cup to his lips. "Drink."

For a second, Aemond's expression didn't change, but the challenge in my eyes must have gotten to him, because he relented, taking a slow sip. 

His face softened, a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's... good."

"Told you," I smirked, satisfied as I turned to Helaena, who was already sipping hers, a look of pure delight on her face.

"Come!" I said impulsively, grabbing her arm and pulling her toward the square, where the crowd was already lost in the rhythm of the music. "Let's dance!"

Helaena laughed, her hesitation melting away as she twirled with me beneath the glow of lanterns. 

The music was infectious, the beat thrumming in my veins as I let go of everything—my worries, the royal eyes watching me, the tension that sometimes clung to the edges of my life. 

All that mattered now was the thrill of the festival, the joy bubbling up from within me as I laughed and spun with reckless abandon.

From the sidelines, Aegon chuckled, his gaze flicking to Nymor. "Is she always like this during festivals?"

Nymor grinned, leaning back against a post as he watched me with obvious amusement. "Lustre brings out her best. Enjoy it while it lasts—she's probably being nicer to you than she ever will."

Aegon barked a laugh, but his attention quickly wandered to a group of dancers nearby, while Nymor was soon swept into a conversation with a woman who had approached him.

Aemond, though, didn't move. His eye followed my every step, every laugh as if he couldn't tear himself away. 

I could feel him watching me, even as I twirled and dipped with Helaena, my joy infectious.

Aegon, noticing Aemond's stare, smirked as he clapped him on the back. "Throw a festival every now and then, brother, and you might keep your bride this happy." 

His tone was teasing, but Aemond wasn't amused. His gaze remained fixed on me, the intensity in his expression unmistakable.

I could feel the weight of it, even from across the square. Our eyes met, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded away. 

The crowd, the music, the lights—all of it melted into the background. It was just us. 

I gave him a small, knowing smile, one that promised much and revealed little, and he returned it, the tension in his face softening ever so slightly.

But the moment passed, and I was pulled back into the dance, the swirl of the festival sweeping me away. 

Yet even as I laughed and spun beneath the glow of the festival lights, I could feel Aemond's gaze lingering, a silent promise that this night—this feeling—was only the beginning.

A/n - My very small attempt at tryna give Helaena some much needed peace in some form x

Enchanted tag list - @mamawiggers1980 @shilphy87 @esposadomd @targaryendestiel @deepeststarlightmoon

@thebirdandthebee @queen-of-elves @believeinthefireflies95

[deadpoets]

RORY GILMORE & JESS MARIANO + FALL

[unproduciblesmackdown]

now my logical followup is rewatching rogue one for the first time since seeing it (multiple times) in theaters i believe? Will i cry a lot, which i am always prone to do w/media & things but all the more so lately, it seems

[castelobyers]

I'm thinking now and I just know that I'll be spoiled about byler being endgame by every pop page on every site that I decide to go to, or by any friend that knows that I like this show, so it will be like or I'll watch it in the night that it comes out (it outs 4:00 am in Brazil aka very late) or I just accept my fate that I'll be spoiled there's no way runnig

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Fandom things I'm looking forward to:

Kingdom Hearts IV and Missing Link

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Final Fantasy IX Remake

Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster or Remake (whichever it is. I've heard both things)

The fourth Madoka Magica movie, whenever that comes out (seriously. Where is it? First it was announced as the Concept movie. Then it was re-announced years later with a new name, and it's still missing)

The Percy Jackson TV show

The Infernal Devices TV show

Maybe the Twilight TV show. Maybe.

The animated Smallville continuation that Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum are working on, whenever it comes out

I was going to put Baron and Toluca on this list (that's, like, a spiritual successor to the OG "Roswell" TV show. Majandra Delfino who played Maria in the show wrote the script, and she and Brendan Fehr who played Michael star in it. They're also planning for more Roswell cameos in later episodes), but it came out and I didn't even know it? But I have no idea how to watch it, though, as I guess it only came out in theaters in Albuquerque. Here's hoping it comes out on DVD or something...

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The alleged Firefly reboot

The new Daredevil show

The Batman Part II

The next part in Tom Holland's Spider-Man movies

The DCU, starting with Superman Legacy in 2025

The Five Nights at Freddy's movie and Help Wanted 2

The Iron Lung movie

The TV show that it sounds like Markiplier will be working on after he's done with the Iron Lung movie

The next Bendy and the Ink Machine thing being worked on

MAYBE the Hello Neighbor sequel. I know. I KNOW! (It's really only because the second game had to end on a cliffhanger.)

Five Nights at Candy's 4

Frozen III

Disney's "Wish"

The next and final season of the Clear Card arc of Cardcaptor Sakura

The new Avatar series (the one about the third Avatar in the cycle: the Earth bender)

The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series, perhaps

The Chosen season 4

[gimmick-blog-bracket]

Now for the final round!

@hellsitegenetics

I love them

I didn't know I needed to know that the weed-smoking girlfriends post was genetically a wolf, but I did, and I do. Also puts great stuff on my dash.

it’s so fun to be scrolling unhinged posts and then boom. an organism!

so many moths‼ also, unexpected comedy with some of the matches

perfect blend of silly and informative, and makes for an excellent punchline at the end of a long post. puts creatures on my dash. literally what more could you ask for

It's a really unique blog concept and a lot of times the results are pretty funny. It's great when the sequence matches the post content too!

Creatures 👍

Finds beautiful creatures out of the mess of the hellsite

Offers finality AND gives us a creechur.

I love them. English speakers talk like moths

If this blog wins, they could run the text of the winning announcement, and determine the post's genus and species!

They're also very good about tagging the type of creature depicted in the results, so as long as you mute tags of creatures you don't want to see, it's a very fun time seeing iconic legacy posts (and new submissions) being reduced down to a string of letters and assigned a random species of fish or moth or something!

uhh it’s cool

BLAST

There are so many weird bugs in the world

Yippee!!

If, as Haldane said, God has an inordinate fondness for beetles, then surely this blog proves that Tumblr has an inordinate fondness for moths.

Top tier blog as a geneticist, I love seeing obscure organisms and MOTH

Admin got rate limited after trying to blast the bee movie

the knowledge of biology to pull this off (i have taken one biology class in my life) and also the work to find all the strings honestly deserves quite a bit of praise

This gimmick blog has it all: science, pictures of animals, interaction with the text of other peoples' posts, interesting information, and a unique and fun premise. As a biologist, I'm rooting for hellsitegenetics to reach the end and take the tournament, because it is truly a standout among gimmick blogs.

If they win, perhaps this blog too shall become a cool organism :3

@hasgavlebockenburneddownyet

What's more happy holiday cheer than cheering on the destruction of a giant straw goat?

The birds may have won 2023, but I believe in humanity's capability for arson for 2024 <3

a vote for me is a vote for arson! This message was approved by hasgavlebockenburneddownyet

gavle is SUCH a public service and holiday feature

what's more tumblr than comical destruction and holidays?

sometimes you just gotta vote with your matchsticks

Bringing a cultural staple to tumblr since 2021

Arson is so much more fun

It would be really funny and ironic if it survives the tournament

you have no idea how much joy watching the chronicling of the gavlebocken brings me every year

hasgavlebockenburneddownyet provides an essential public service

always love seeing a bit of Swedish history on my dash 'Swedish bamboo season'

the goat account is peak gimmick blog

If I don't get to beat the goat then nobody does. -pointless-achievements

Never ask Tumblr to choose between lies and arson! The winner threatens by nature to rip apart the very fabric of our DNA!

goat statues made out of straw are exciting and interesting

I wanna see things burn

the goat is an essential part of tumblr culture and the goat blog is a sacred keeper of the tumblr high holidays

watching to see if the big straw goat has burned down each year is a true delight, something I never knew existed until tumblr and the blog dedicated to it

the incredibly focused nature of @/hasgavlebockenburneddownyet is what makes their gimmick superior.

Please guys bite gavlebocken

Look, I'm Danish. I was put on this earth to annoy the Swedes and vice versa, but even I voted for @/hasgavlebockenburneddownyet

gavlebocken is also such a fun name and this blog informed be about its existence, so for that I am grateful

hasgavlebockenburneddownyet is providing a vital service! Every year, people rely on their updates regarding the fate of our most beloved Yule Goat! How could they NOT deserve the win!?

sacred anti-corporate arson

a vote for gävlebocken is a vote for anarchy!

pls vote for them they're the funniest gimmick keeping track on the funniest phenomena in recent human history, like when i look at their acc i think to myself this is what tumblr was created for

the goat is the GOAT

HASGAVLEBOCKENBURNEDDOWNYET DESERVES TO WIN, I have them on post alert for a REASON

the holiday season wouldn't be the same without them

they do important reporting. Do you look at the news and be like 'the reporters aren't doing work they're just telling you whats happening.' Have some respect for the goat news

let the weird burnt sacrificial ritual of it all appeal to you

nothing makes my December more interesting, arson should win

doesn't barge in on other peoples posts which is always a good thing in my books. not a fan when obnoxious gimmick blogs turn a decent post into a garbled mess

[thefunniestguy]

hang on i'm gonna yell about season2 in the tags more bc now i'm . thinking so much