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tilbageidanmark · 5 months ago

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Movies I watched this week (#187):

Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald (1997) is a random Japanese screwball comedy that I never heard of, and have no idea how it popped on my radar. A late night radio drama is transmitted live in a studio, and none of the voice actors is happy about the script, so they start amending it. It was so absurd and chaotic - and so funny! After laughing out loud non stop the second half of this crazy ride, it won me over. 8/10.

Later on I discovered this video essay about director Koki Mitani, calling him 'The best Japanese filmmaker you've never heard of'. I'm going to catch his other movies, f'sure f'sure.

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3 by Australian stop-motion animator Adam Elliot:

🍿 "PPS. Did you know that turtles can breath through their anuses?"

Mary and Max is like a weirdly adult Wallace and Gromit, a dark and tragic clay figure story, voiced by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette. It's my most wonderful surprising discovery of the week! Two damaged and unfortunate souls connect by becoming pen pals; a lonely Australian 8-year-old girl with an ugly birthmark on her forehead, and an obese Jewish New Yorker with Asperger's. It encompasses 20 years of outlandish long-distance emotions which ends with the acknowledgement of friendship. Absolutely magical. 10/10.

🍿 "Life is like a cigarette. Smoke it to the butt."

His 2003 Oscar winner Harvie Krumpet is another dark biography of an unfortunate character. He is born in a village in Poland to a mad woman, and suffers throughout his life with a long list of calamities, Tourette's, magnetized skull, asthma, Alzheimer's as well as generally very bad luck. It's really odd. It also involves nudism, depression, vegetarianism, and birth defects - and still ends on a oddly-positive note!

🍿 Ernie Biscuit (2015), another "differently-able" story about a "divergent" type of an unusual protagonist: A deaf, lonely Parisian taxidermist who escapes to Venice with his duck but ends up in Australia.

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The wind will carry us, my 8th drama by Iranian Abbas Kiarostami. An "engineer" comes to a distant Kurdish village, but the story, whatever it is, is not very clear, and is never fully-explained. Apparently, he's not an engineer, but a journalist, and he comes to witness the burial rituals of a very old woman. Meanwhile, she doesn't die, and he just hangs around, waiting. This is not only "Slow cinema", but also "Simple cinema", and this "primitive" village doesn't offer many clues. The roosters crow, the radio plays songs in the distant, the shepherd boy walks his goats...

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2 with Simone Signoret:

🍿 Army of shadows, my 6th bleak film by J-P Melville, following a group of French resistance fighters. It's a formal, introspective and restrained picture of hopelessness, fear and destiny, and you know from the depressing look of it that none of them will survive. "Still, they persisted".

🍿 The Shortest Day (1963), my first film by Italian Sergio Corbucci, and the first with the popular comedian duo 'Franco and Ciccio' (Screenshot Above). A forgettable broad comedy about a couple of numskulls who are recruited by mistake and sent to fight in the trenches of the first World War [Like Treat Williams was in the musical 'Hair!].

This film was only memorable because it had over 50 cameos of famous stars of the day, who appeared in it (for free), some of them only for few seconds worth.

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Christy Hall's superb directorial debut Daddio (2024). It's a 2-person conversation inside a NYC night cab, like a movable 'Dinner with Andre'. Talkative and foul-mouthed Sean Penn is the taxi driver and armchair psychologist and he knows how to engages passenger Dakota Johnson in an impromptu therapy session. Meanwhile, she opens up more and more and discloses personal and painful "truths" until the predictable 'reveal'. It's stagey but emotionally satisfying. 8/10. [*Female Director*]

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They shot the piano player (2023) is a Spanish animated drama about the real-life disappearance of Brazilian Bossa Nova pianist Tenório Jr. in 1976. It is hand drawn in a uniquely colorful style, and the music obviously is superb (For example, here's The trailer). But the framing devise of American journalist Jeff Goldblum, who discovers the story of and travels south to talk to musicians and family members, distracts from the emotional impact that could have been achieved. It ends up spending much time about the American-financed 'Operation Condor', which turned nearly all of South America into a cabal of murderous right-wing dictatorships, with thousands murdered and 'disappeared'.

(I saw it in the original Portuguese - with Arabic subtitles! - so I missed many details of the story.) 7/10.

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2 with Icelandic Egill Ólafsson:

🍿 Touch, my 4th emotional film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. Ólafsson is an old man with a very early onset Alzheimer, who has to put his affairs in order. So he shuts down his restaurant, and embarks on finding his long-lost love from 50+ years ago. It brings him back to London where he had learnt to cook at a Japanese restaurant, and then to Hiroshima, where he finally meets his old lover.

🍿 Children of nature was the only Icelandic film nominated for an Oscar (in 1991). Interestingly, it also tells a story of an old man at the end of his life, who dares to do one crazy thing before the curtain falls. A man finds himself in a retirement home, where meets an old girlfriend. They decide to steal a Jeep and drive back to die in the place of their youth. 8/10.

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I enjoyed the original 'That's entertainment' very much, and promised myself to watch the sequel (there were two). Like 99% of all sequels,That's Entertainment, Part 2 is a copy of a much lower quality. Still, it includes dozens and dozens of clips from old MGM classics, many of which I haven't seen before (Young Bob Fosse in tight tights tap-dancing with Ann Miller in 'Kiss me Kate', human pogo stick Bobbie Van...) It felt though like somebody just threw together a 2-hour YouTube compilation of excellent highlights.

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"My name? Enema Bag Jones!..."

The wrong guy is my first Dave Foley goofy, low-brow comedy (1997). It opens with a faux-Saul Bass and James Bond title sequence, and the first 10 minutes are cringeyly stupid! But then it shifts into a idiotic Hitchcock satire -an exceedingly funny and moronic Hitchcock satire - with joke after really idiotic joke that made me laugh out loud. He plays an over-the-top moron, and Jennifer Tilly plays a dumb narcoleptic farm girl and they do it so straight, it was a big surprise. 4/10.

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"Two Tati’s":

🍿 School for postmen (1947), Jacques Tati's first film. A perfect gem of comedic genius, which he expanded 2 years later into his first feature, 'Jour de fête'. Absolutely masterful. 10/10. Re-watch ♻️.

🍿 House Specialty ('Dégustation Maison, 1978) is a lovely short directed by Tati's daughter, Sophie Tatischeff, in the same village where he filmed 'Jour de fête' 30 years earlier. A day in the life of a little patisserie where all the pastries are loaded with liqueur. I just loved it! [*Female Director*]

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Through an eclectic reviewer on Letterboxd, I discovered Hamburger America, a so-so documentary about "different kinds" of burgers. (In 71 years I never ate a hamburger, and I will probably not have one in the next 71 years. But I love food, and I also cooked professionally for 10 years. Still I really cannot understand the concept of a burger, chopped beef, a bun, a slice of tomato, lettuce, and some mayonnaise. How did that ever become so iconic?)

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Another bunch of (mostly early-career) shorts:

🍿 Hypnotizing the Hypnotist (1911) was just a 1-reeler about hypnotism, a popular topic of the time. With Florence Turner, one of the early "stars" of the screen.

🍿 The Madness of Dr. Tube (1915), my first by Abel Gance. A (literal 'Egghead') mad-scientist discovers a cocaine-like powder, which causes those who are sprayed with it to experience hallucinogenic visions as if their bodies - and minds - are distorted, like in a crazed mirror house. The restored copy is exceptionally clear! (I didn't realize that Gance made movies up until 1967.)

🍿 Over the fence, Harold Lloyd's very first outing (1917), a debut of his 'Glasses' character. A cute baseball comedy that maintained its zest.

🍿 À propos de Nice, (1930), Jean Vigo's first documentary. It opens as an impressionistic time capsule, of the sights and people, with lots of overhead shots, upper class folks walking down the promenade, the carnival, casinos, and fancy cars. But then it turns into a surrealistic metaphor, with a sitting woman losing her cloths, feet losing their shoes, open manhole shot from below, and a man turns into a crocodile. An experimental tour.

🍿 The wagoner ("Borom Sarret", 1963), my first terrific film by Senegalese director Sembène Ousmane - possibly the first African film made by an African. A powerful and sad story about a poor man in Dakar trying to earn a meager living as a cart driver. 9/10.

🍿 Foutaises ("Things I like, things I hate"), is another of my frequent and beloved re-watches ♻️. Jean-Pierre Jeunet's very first film (1989), a condensed black and white precursor to Amélie. 8 minutes of perfection.

🍿 Like the Tati film above, the 2013 short Whiplash was the original proof of concept on which Damien Chazelle based his feature film debut the following year. And like the later Whiplash, the abusive psychopath J.K. Simmons holds zero appeal for me. Technically, this 18-min. short is as effective as the later one. 🍿 Linklater: On Cinema and Time (2013) is a visual essay that Kogonada made to accompany a philosophical BFI article he wrote about time and memory. I like Kogonada very much, but this reminds me why I didn’t care for ‘Before Sunrise’.

🍿 "Look at all that wasted space". In Negative Space a boy bonds with his traveling businessman dad by packing his suitcase. Oscar nominated in 2017. 💯 score on Rotten Tomatoes. [*Female Director*]

🍿 In Kiss of the Rabbit God (2019) a young waiter at an ordinary Chinese restaurant falls in love with a gorgeous, ethereal, neon-haired deity from the 18th century. A gay sexual hook-up in the back of the kitchen between two young guys, one of whom is an ancient God.

🍿 "Lean into loneliness and know you're not alone in it".

How to be at home, (2020) a Canadian instruction manual of how to deal with Covid social isolation, based on a poem by Tanya Davis. (Via). [*Female Director*]

🍿 Tall, dark and handsome (2023), my 3rd film by Sam Baron and the third starring 'Big Ears' Amit Shah. An Indian guy dating a white British woman (They're even expecting a baby together), becomes insecure when he discovers that she had dated several other Indian guys before him. Heartbreaking ending. 8/10.

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And finally: Timelapse of the Future: A Journey to the End of Time (2019) is a highly speculative documentary made by an astronomer about the end of "Time". Because I have no knowledge about the subject, it may or may not be scientifically plausible, as it talks about events that will happen trillions and trillions years into the future, but it mentions red and white dwarfs, pulsars, degenerate matters, Hawkins radiation, Black Hole Era, dark energy, entropy and unstable protons. All the while it plays various scenarios with creepy stock music, Kubrick's Stargate, and psychedelic graphics. Mmmmm....

Spoiler Alert: The universe will end in the year one googol.

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(My complete movie list is here).

#movies #the shortest day #sergio corbucci #Franco e Ciccio #film reviews

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jasper-juice98 · 2 years ago

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Yet ANOTHER new hyperfixation of mine coming in with an AU:

So first, Setting

So basically, humans AND vehicles co-exist. Humans created motorized vehicles originally as a way to revolutionize transport, but because of some crazy phenomena, vehicles spontaneously come to life upon being built, scientists since then have been trying to figure out why to the current day and age, but they both learned to co-exist. Planes/cars allow humans to ride in them either as a job (taxi or airlines) or if they're close friends, however driver seats are blocked off or can get removed entirely if a vehicle wants it removed. It would be like any regular vehicle as an inside screen acts as the windshield view that displays what the vehicle sees, it looks almost exactly like a regular windshield. So humans can ride within a vehicle like normal only they are alive, and you don't have control of them, so nobody can "own" one cuz that would literally just be slavery in this world pretty much, so public transport is pretty popular with sentient vehicles. A vehicle and human can be roommates/close friends and give them rides around, but nobody owns anybody. Plus, with history as a witness, both vehicles and humans are somewhat anxious about one another, one not having control and the other being scared of being hijacked.

Now, onto the characters! (Mostly Planes characters)

I've only made one main oc so far, here she is

Cassidy Calloway, as you can see, is a human. She's you're average, chill country girl who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. She grew up on the outskirts of Propwash Junction on a larger than normal farm with her mother, Lydia Calloway, as the only parent to care for her. Cassidy's mom has only had a bit of help from a recently widowed cropduster, Sandra Crophopper, who's also struggling to raiser her own son (I want you to take a wild guess who that might be). Cassidy and Dusty grew up together. being friends since the ripe age of 3, they went through life together, all through elementary to highschool graduation. After grad, Cassidy left because she wanted to study at a huge college to become an engineer, as she previously was the town mechanic. Cas and Dusty stayed in touch for a little while after that, but life would soon have them drift apart...... Until recently. After Dusty established his racing and firefighting careers, the company Cas worked for was shut down which forced her to go back to her roots, reuniting her with Dusty after years of not hearing from eachother. Since then, they've been inseparable, almost like brother and sister, they practically considered eachother as such (subconsciously). Dusty has always trusted Cas and her alone as a co-pilot, mostly during long distance trips when they need to get somewhere that happens to be far. Cas comes to every single one of Dusty's races to watch him race, and she's become his personal, free mechanic (Dottie says good riddance but secretly misses dealing with Dusty's numb-skulled self, she won't admit it not even on her death bed). Plus, she has more of an advantage than Dottie as because of her human frame, she can reach in smaller and tighter spaces. Dusty and Cas are a duo till the end, soul siblings if you will.

There, my contribution to the Cars/Planes fandom

#my art #ocs #pixar cars #disney planes #despite the cute backstory Cas and Dusty simultaneously share one braincell and both dont know how to unlock it when together #real sibling moment right there #dusty crophopper #planes fire and rescue

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julietasgf · 10 months ago

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About the ocs:

So I know nothing about formula 1 but that has never stopped me before (one of my favorite books talks about cricket and I only know vague things about cricket after reading it a million times) JAJSJSHS 😳

We only met two boys but im kinda into them, could I meet the others? Generational drama so intense is a great plot and I had many questions: The journalist has a name? Why are they interested in these stories? Will they talk to Ale and Rodri? 👀

The moodboards are gorgeous and I'm curious what the boys will look like.

Ale- alejandrooo sounds adorable and my god he funded Rodrigo's career in certain way. I don't know what happened between the two of them that ended so badly but ever since I read that part I knew something fucked up was going to happen in some moment eh. It's the kind of thing that foreshadows tense moments.

Rodrigo is horrible. He's the temperamental type who craves companionship and care but will refuse to openly accept it? Because that sounds awesome. Sounds like he may be my favorite <3

Pd: so you like Dune too? Because im shaking over that movie. Chani my love-

KSLSKSLSK I'm actually just like you regarding this 😭 I'm in LOVE with anything regarding sports (series, movies, books), and this is coming from comeone who isn't able to kick a ball for their life (also, please, tell me the name of the book 🙏 I also don't know much about cricket BUT I've watched an indian movie about it once and it was SOOO GOOD). and plus, formula 1 is just the PERFECT sport for a fiction story, it's naturally full of drama and tragic stories, I'm actually surprised it's not more common for sports books and stuff.

sureeeee I'm actually excited to talk about the other two bc I love them so much (I'm going to talk only abt other two, even tho there are another two let, but it's bc I'm too scared to be annoying 😭). but before, about the journalist: yessss her name is vienna morello!! I haven't developed much about her bc I've focused on the racers, but vienna grew up in maranello, in italy, and her familly is very involved with the auto racing scene. her mama is an engineer, a famous one at that and that worked with winning teams, and her father was a racer (not a very succesful one, but still a racer). so when vienna decided to go into a path that was so different from the expected, her mama was... disappointed, to say at least, specially after she tried so hard to push vienna into go-karts when vienna was a kid. vienna struggles to find a job because most of the magazines and newspapers she wanted to work at didn't want to be involved with any drama because of vienna's background, and she only found a job at a sports maganize. not her dream job, okay, but it's already something! but the thing is, the magazine hired her because of her background, because of course she has contacts in the formula 1 scene. they want her to write a big article about formula 1 legends and interview some of them. vienna is not glad about it, but the more she researchs about the subject, the more she understands it's a rabbit hole. and yessss she'll talk to alejandro, who's now on his 70s!! but about rodri... oh, well... you know, formula 1 is a very dangerous sport...

(rodrigo died in the 90s during a violent and horrible crash, shortly after making amends with alejandro. this incident damaged alejandro emotionally for the rest of his life. he tried to race for two years, but... he just wasn't able to. he retired and in the 2000s, became a team principal, but alejandro really isn't the same anymore.)

BUT OKAY let's talk about the 2000s duo, my problematic favs:

andrea kaddari is an italian-moroccan driver. andrea was born in italy from moroccan parents in a low-middle class family. he loved racing since he was a kid, that boy grew up watching alejandro velez race for ferrari and it was his dream. his parents were very supportive of his dreams (it's also worth saying andrea is a mama's boy) and always encouraged him to seek it. but for you to try to seek a future in formula 1, you need a lot of money, and andrea's parents made a lot of sacrifices, including selling the family's car to get him to be able to compete in the junior categories. andrea felt extremely guilty for this, so he does EVERYTHING to pay off the effort his parents put into him; he's terrified of disappointing them and being a failure after everything. but andrea is actually able to get sponsors, because he's not only a good driver, but a very charismatic one. he's funny, is always cracking jokes with journalists, and he's just that kind of guy who everyone likes. also, he's very handsome and a flirt, so it's not unusual for him to be involved with different people. andrea gets a seat in formula 1 in a team with a bad performing car, but still, he's able to get points in this car and even win some races; it catches the attention of the ferrari team principal (ahem... a certain alejandro velez) and now, andrea is ready to achieve his biggest dream: be a ferrari driver. but ferrari also signed with another new driver to be his teammate, kimi eriksen... and even though andrea tries his best to be nice and friendly to kimi, they definitely don't get along, and andrea feels nothing but despair seeing how kimi performs in the race track. he can't believe that after everything his parents have done for him, he got so far just to not be able to give his best because his younger teammate is outshining him. it feels unreal.

kimi eriksen is a danish driver. kimi was born in denmark and he's from an extremely wealthy family. actually, most people don't know a lot from kimi's past. he's extremely reserved and in the interviews, he cuts off anyone who tries to ask about his parents. there are plenty of theories regarding him and his background. people don't know about it, but kimi has a horrible relationship with his parents, and they have a deal regarding his racing: once he wins a world championship, he has to go back home and perform his duties and what's expected from him. that's all I'm going to say, but kimi has some secrets. he kinda emerged from nothing and no young driver really remembers him from the junior categories, so kimi is pretty much a mystery, including to andrea. but it doesn't matter how much of a mystery he is, because he is BRILLIANT. his racing is insane. he's a strategist, he's fast, he's not scared to put his life at risk. some people go as far as to call kimi a genius regarding it. even though he's definitely not the nicest driver around, he wins races, and wins a lot of them. kimi is very serious and chill on the race track, he's professional and keeps his head cool. but he's also very arrogant. he doesn't like listening to others and he WILL insult you and your family line if you dare saying he's wrong. his dynamic with andrea is so funny because he thinks andrea is insufferable and he has 0 tolerance to his jokes 😭 even though kimi is talented, he has concerning problems with substance abuse as an unhealthy coping mechanism. he'll drink and use other things until he can barely stand, and then skip training because of how much he's throwing up. even though him and andrea aren't friends... andrea can't help but feel concerned about kimi. it's not fun when andrea wins races, but he knows he won them because kimi was so high he could barely speak in the radio.

aaaaaaaaa tysm <33 I'm so glad you enjoyed the moodboards 🥹 I already have in my head how they look like, but most of the designs I made for them are in my sketchbook, maybe I'll try to draw them on my computer these days :')

alejandro is a dork, he's so in love with rodrigo it's actually embarassing how head over heels he is 😭 his biggest problem is being too self-centered. that's what really made things fall out with rodri, he didn't listen; he thought rodrigo should be fine with being pushed aside and living in his shadow, after all, alejandro did everything for him, why couldn't rodrigo be fine with being neglected by the team? that makes things even more sadder. that wasn't an enemy, it was someone alejandro loved.

(since I'm not able to hold back and not tell everything about them, rodrigo was getting pissed off because of how neglected he was by the team... and by alejandro, too. he tried to talk about it, tried to talk to alejandro, but every single time alejandro would try to change the subject. and rodrigo was getting more and more hurt. then one day, during a race, the team told rodrigo to let alejandro pass him on the track so alejandro could get points, and rodrigo said HELL NO, he was faster that day, he was performing better. so when ale tried to pass him, rodrigo threw the car on alejandro and they crashed, so none of them finished the race. after that, they had a big, nasty fight, and rodrigo signed with another team. so, yeah. it was pretty bad. alejandro never felt so betrayed in his whole life.)

rodrigo is the devil, you pretty much sumed him 😭 he feels lonely and wants people around him, and he adores alejandro as much as alejandro adores him. but he's too stubborn, and too temperamental, and he makes too many bad decisions. he's pretty much that audio "I'm not a violent dog, I don't know why I bite".

AND YESSSSSS I LOVE DUNE, I've never read the book (I REALLY want to, but the book is too expensive, and particularly I can't handle reading big books on epub, but one day I'll be able to get it), but I fell in love with the first movie, the worldbuilding is amazing, the visuals are GORGEOUS and it just really gave me game of thrones vibes... and game of thrones is my favorite book series/tv series, so, yeah, I was HOOKED. I watched the part 2 wednesday, and OH. MY. GOD. IT WAS SO GOOOOOOOOD. let me tell you, I was so in love with chani 😭 going to be very honest here: I liked paul until, like, when it was close to the end. I was there rooting for him, enjoying his development, but when it came to that scene with him talking to the emperor's daughter about marrying her and he did that IN FRONT OF CHANI...... it was so over for me, I was SO PISSED OFF, wanted grab that man by the throat (why is it always the white twinks..... why....). but anyways, to wrap it up, I just loved it so much <3 I really can't wait for a part 3 (because, to me, it really felt like they left the ending open for it).

(also, tysm for asking abt my ocs <33)

#ask #oc #ocs #my ocs #original characters #kimi my beloved #genuinely one of my favorites #but srsly it makes me so happy when you ask abt my ocs <33 #I love these guys who just exist in my head

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sewisdelrey · 3 years ago

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THE BEST old F1 seasons and where to watch them

[Mega post] - [Part 2]

I want to start this 2nd part of this thread by thanking everyone who liked or reblogged my previous post. I know that It's not that much, but I started this list just for fun and seeing that some notes that I wrote in my phone receiving so much love is nice. Thanks again <3.

In this second part, as I promised, I'm focusing om the dominance of one driver or team in particular.

And last but not least, I have to aknowledge the work of my bestie @whorecedes .

She translated this list from spanish to english. So if there is a mistake, It is probably my fault, not her.

Anyways

Here is the link where you can watch al the old f1 seasons:

(I used this page and I never had a problem in case you are wondering, but another useful and great resourse is F1TV PRO. The only problem is that there are some countries where this service is not available)

Well, get in the time machine because we are going back in time.

Best F1 seasons (Pt. 2):

- 1988:

The 1988 Season showed one of the most dominant performance of a team ever, With McLaren winning almost every race of that season but one. The McLaren MP4/4 Is one of the most dominant F1 cars ever made and was drove by one of the best but conflictive duos of Formula One.

The McLaren MP4/4, with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

- 1991:

Although Nigel Mansell had a great season this year too, Ayrton was a bit luckier and knew excellently how to capitalize the reliability issues that made Williams lost both championships. Ayrton won the first four races of that year, but I strongly reccomend to watch Brazil 1991. That day, he won in front of his local crowd while being stuck in sixth gear for the last laps. This video gives me the chills and just shows how passionate were brazilians about him:

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- 2000 to 2004:

There are lots of explanations about how Ferrari became this dominant between 2000 to 2004. Some people blame it on the Bridgestone exclusivity with Ferrari, others in Schumachers prime. We can't forget about the excellent engineers Ferrari had those years (Ross Brawn, Mattia Binotto, James Alisson, Rory Byrne, Aldo Costa).

But IMHO, the dominance of Ferrari during this era is just a conjunction of this factors. Although in 2003 they won by a minimum margin to McLaren, watching them in 2002 and 2004 being so dominant, could explain why a lot of people of my generation love this team despite they don't win anything since 2008.

Great team and a great car = Absolute dominance.

- 2005:

This season had something similar to what I said in 1991, Fernando capitalized grear the mistakes of McLaren and the bad luck of Kimi that year. But this does'nt mean that Fernando was just lucky. He ended om the podium in 15 of 19 races

I will never stop simping this livery.

2009:

Imagine you bought an F1 for 1 dollar but you discover a loophole in the new regulations of the sport and completely dominate the first half of the season. Well, this is what happened with Brawn GP, a team that won all the championships in which they participated (they competed just for one season but shh).

At thhe beggining of the season, the didn't even had sponsors!

youtube

If you like stories of underdog teams dominating in their sport for one year, this video is a MUST watch

- 2011:

It was very difficult for me to choose just one of Seb's dominant seasons but stats speak for themselves. (Although I could have included 2013 here too)

Look at those numbers Vettel hadd in 2011. (St: Start position / Fin: Final position)

2014:

This season started the Mercedes era and the biggest dominance in the story of the sport. Just watch the first race, the epic battle of the Brocedes duo and while watching that remember this: There are rumours that say that Lewis and Nico were not pushing 100% so the FIA wont suspect that the engine was illegal (it was not).

It was a great year for Daniel too.

2020:

I know this is a relatively new season but I just wanted to add a photo of the W11 because is a beast of a car.

What a stunning car. The best F1 car ever made in my opinion.

Well, this is the end of this mega post, but stay tuned because I am going to start a new series of post that is interesting to learn about F1!

PD: If you want to share this list in another place you are free to do it, I don't have a problem. Spread the knowledge!

#Youtube #f1 #formula1 #lewis hamilton #scuderia ferrari #fernando alonso #ayrton senna #michael schumacher #jenson button #vintage f1

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aetherin21 · 3 years ago

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I actually binged watch that netflix docu of formula 1 with my sister anddddddd guess what?

F1 AU of JJK that no one asked :)))))

Gojo Satoru and Getou Suguru used to be known as the fastests duo.

Their friendship ended cause of their contracts and stuff which also caused a great rift between them.

Though they do still see each other as friends but their rivalry is more prominent when they are seen together. Playfully making mean banthers infront of interviews and talking shit face to face but secretly they laugh it off and apologizes through texts.

Satoru's actually retired but comes back time and time again just to fuck with people. (like Miyazaki and his films) Also maybe prove a point that he's still the best which he always does.

When he do comes out from his so called "retirement", you bet everyone's shaking because: One, they have a chance to beat his ass. Two, he's always the world champion every time he does which is annoying. Three, he's a great racer that everyone looks up to and idolizes. Four, who doesn't want the bragging rights to beat his ass?

Why did he retire anyway? Cause he deemed himself too good that no one can beat him. Toji and Suguru were close but it wasnt enough. He also thought that he and Suguru being no longer a team wasn't fun. Their rivalry and friendship means the world to him and the fact that their management's contracts were disregarding his friend as second best hurt him. (He won't admit it though)

Also he wants to give others a chance cause he keeps being the world champion consecutively.

Suguru didn't like it one bit and even protested about his retirement but in the end he just accepted it.

Yaga is actually the principal of the team Satoru's under and Shoko's their leading engineer.

Shoko's a genuis that some teams even makes a deal with theirs just to get their hands on faster equipments.

Gakukanji and Yaga has this rivalry going on cause of their ideals on what it means to be a top team etc.

Toji is actually a legendary underdog racer who was disowned by the Zenin's (who are a family of racers, engineers and mechanics) and won 3 world champions in a row just to show their faces.

After a serious injury he had to stop though cause he didnt want his wife and kids to worry. Truly a family man. (Tsumiki is his adoptive kid who's mother became MIA and Megumi seemed to be attached to her growing up so Mamagumi begged him to take her in)

Megumi and Yuji are the new duo of the sister team Satoru's under in.

Yuji is a very aggressive driver that he keeps breaking his car during tests and qualifyings much to his team's dismay. Although he makes it up by listening to their instructions and trying to reach the P10 mark just so they could get points.

He also apologizes a lot and the team can't help but forgive him because of how genuine and adorable he is.

Megumi on the other hand is a calm driver with fast reflexes thanks to his dad's genes. Always the lucky kid that never got hit when a car crashes or debris flying in the course.

He makes sure to make it to the needed quota of being a part of the P10 even if there's a problem with his car's engine. Points matter so he does his best to be a team player. (Plus Yuji is already causing so much trouble)

Although sometimes he even suprises himself that he wins first places and doesn't realize that he actually has potential to be a world champion. (Until Satoru had to give him the idea and the possibility)

Always seen with his two dogs on the course that all the inteviewers and photographers would always ask for them when they dont see them beside the boy. Also probably has a fan account for his dogs alone.

The interviewers would even forget about asking Megumi stuff cause they got too distracted by his adorable pupps. Works every time.

Maki is the new underdog that also got disowned by the Zenins cause of their misogny. Saying that girl's can't race and other stupid shit.

She's very calculative and rivals Toji's fast reflexes. So whenever unexpected crashes happen, you'll see her avoiding it quickly and manouver her way back. Her favorite course by the way would be in Monaco.

The area there is small and has a lot of curves that's leaves no room for error and its very thrilling for her. Its her turf and she always win first place in that track.

Her partner is Nobora who makes a very dangerous combi once they sync up. You'll see them pressuring racers to the corner as their car pass by them. Its very scary and exhausting to their competitors.

Yuji actually got bullied by them once and Nobora was relentless not letting him reach their quota points while letting Maki pass easily.

Though Nobora would always give a higher spot to Maki whenever their place are close cause she thinks she deserves all the recognition with how the Zenin's treated her and Mai.

Mai on the other hand is one of the pit crews that makes the fastests pit stops. Even though she didnt want to be a part of the racing shennanigans, she'll do it for Maki. (She'll say bitterly that she hates Maki but she actually loves her and would do anything for her dreams.)

Mimiko and Nanako is a part of Suguru's new team. They had always looked up to him since they were kids and now they are a part of his team which is dream come true for them.

Suguru also thinks of them as his kids cause of how adorably enthusiastic they are with racing. You'll probably see them curled up to him sleeping after a long winding race cause of how tired everyone are. (Even though they should be partying and drinking.)

Sukuna (lets go with him and Yuji being twins) is actually a part of a different team and is always at the top cause of how good he is which causes comparison between him and Yuji.

He's the type of dude who gets bored at after parties and would rather be racing just for that sweet adrenaline rush.

Sometimes you'll see him hovering at the mechanics and engineers menacingly, demanding his car to be appropriate to his standards and taste or else.

Talks shit a lot on interviews but is actually quiet if you see him around the course. (Probably judging everyone)

Mahito isn't a racer but the mechanic of Sukuna's team. He has a beef with another mechanic, Nanami Kento, who is on Yuji's team.

He would always rub it in their face with a shit eating grin whenever Sukuna wins.

Kento? Doesnt care. He's too immune from Satoru. He's more concerned for the safety of the two kids his handling than to fight stupid battles.

So instead he makes it up by doing his best to support his team and when it pays off he'll return the insults back to Mahito. "So what did you say about me again?"

Though there is this one time that Nanami and Mahito got so drunk that they ended up fist fighting in the middle of the after party. It was so unexpected that everyone was so stunned.

Megumi was shocked that he just pulled his phone out and recorded everything. Nobora uploaded it online, Maki was cheering, Sukuna was enjoying every second of it while Yuji was trying to stop it.

In the end, Mahito lost cause he didn't expect the nerdy straight laced looking mechanic was actually jacked.

Anyway Choso is Sukuna's partner (in this AU he's also his brother being Yuji's twin and all) he's mostly temperamental and calm but once something happens to his siblings, shit's about to go down. The aggression of this guy is unparalleled.

When Yuji and Sukuna's car crashed. A switch flipped in his head and just went over drive in the course. You'll hear him curse a lot to his team and as well as Yuji's, demanding what the happpened to his brothers car and asking if they were okay.

He'll do his best to quickly finish the laps just to see if his brothers were okay. Even though Yuji and Sukuna had already communicated that they were alright and doing fine, that stuff like that happens.

My dude wouldn't even realize he won the race. He'll be too busy doting on his brothers asking if they're alright and if there were any serious injuries.

He's the type of person who's more happy if the race was fair with no crashes or bullshit happening cause everyone deserves the chance at the podium. Especially how hard working every team put just to get a place.

Will quickly apologize for his behavior to his team with utter nonchalance. (They're used to his stoic face and monotone voice that they know when its sincere or not)

Was actually the person who inspired Yuji and Sukuna to start racing. Sukuna was all stuck up about it. Saying stuff like "I can do better than him." or "That's a stupid mistake" At the same time though he was thinking of ways he can be faster than Choso, more efficient and not fuck up a car that badly. But deep down he wont ever admit Choso looked cool.

Yuji was actually reluctant cause of the dangers the sport faces and how many times Choso warned the two about it but when he saw Megumi race once it just clicked. He wanted the a taste. Nobora, of course saw the twinkle in his eyes and said "Just do it." Which caused the gear on his head to actually move and solidify his want to follow his brothers footsteps.

#updates from me #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen x reader #I want to talk to someone about it #I also want to either write or draw about it too #brooooooooo to see everyone in those racing outfits is making me — oh boiii #jjk headcanons #jjk fanfic #jujutsu kaisen scenarios #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #jujutsu kaisen headcanons

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joezworld · 4 years ago

Text

More Sodor Shenanigans

Not every prank on Sodor involves strategically used F-bombs. Sometimes your appearance is enough...

2015

“No! An’ that’s final! I hate paper mache an’ you know it!” Douglas said finally as Henry rolled into the shed.

“What is it now you two?” He asked - hoping he wouldn’t be involved in yet another daft argument about some intricate Scottish custom.

“The daft basterd over here disnae’ like my idea of a halloween costume!” Grumbled Siobhan. She’d been driving Donald and Douglas since the early 90′s, and the trio were so used to each other that they acted like they were fathers and daughter rather than engines and driver. Including the arguments.

“What costume?” Henry asked, wearily - he really didn’t want to be the replacement for Donald in tonight’s bickering.

“I wan’ to do this wit’ him or Donnie and they both think it’s daft!” Siobhan stuck her ‘smart-phone’ in front of Henry’s face. A looping video was playing, showing an engine dressed up as a “ghost train”. The costume was quite frightening, and looked like it would scare children and adults alike.

Henry told Siobhan this and she threw up her hands in irritation. “It’s a halloween costume ya great green wedge! O' course it’s supposed to be scary! People are supposed to get the piss scared out o’ themselves!”

“Well, I don’t think that sounds very fun.” Henry said finally.

“Lands sake! You’re all a bunch o’ sissies!” Siobhan finally gave up and went home, grumbling the whole way.

Douglas chuckled as she left, and went to speak to Henry. Before he could so, he was rudely interrupted by the arrival of James and Gordon, who had decided that ‘waiting until they got into the shed to start an argument’ was out of date, and were therefore already bickering as they pulled in.

The details of their argument were so mind-numbingly stupid that they don’t bear repeating, but they managed to keep going all through the night.

Douglas and the other engines managed to eventually tune them out, and fell asleep around midnight.

Henry, on the other wheel, was a very light sleeper on a good day, and was acutely aware of exactly when the Dynamic Duo stopped arguing.

It was at 2:30 in the morning.

The Flying Kipper left at 3:15.

As Henry blearily backed down onto his train at the docks, he began to plot an idea for revenge.

Later that morning, Henry cracked open an eyelid as Siobhan wandered in to raise Douglas’ fire.

“Siobhan - about that Halloween costume...”

October 30th

A good prank was not done alone, and Henry made sure to rope in Bear to ensure maximum efficacy.

He chose the diesel hydraulic because unlike Edward and BoCo, who both had massive reserves of Tact and would therefore skimp on the truly messed up scary stories, Bear had no opposition to scaring the unprepared into a frightened, whimpering, traumatized stupor.

It was actually a quite horrifying story that Bear ended up telling - about an (hopefully fictional) engine that was caught in a chemical spill, and was forcibly mutated into a ghostly monster as result - and Henry had to school his expression so as to not appear like a psychopath when he gleefully realized exactly how scared James and Gordon were.

Halloween

On the night in question, everything was ready. Siobhan and her husband had spent most of the last week manufacturing a large amount of decorations that could be mounted to Henry’s boiler and tender, along with a giant, skull shaped mask that fit over Henry’s smoke box. It had red lights in the ‘eyes’ and belched ‘smoke’ from a fog machine under the jawbone. Henry saw himself in a reflection and agreed with the stationmaster’s assessment that he looked like he’d escaped from the bowels of hell.

A whistle had been sourced from America - a loud, deep, “hooter whistle” that the ‘ebay listing’ had said could be heard for miles.

Finally, as the sun fell, Henry was ready.

Siobhan had managed to get Henry on an empty stock train from the Crovan's Gate Works all the way to Arlesburgh, meaning that they’d pass through Tidmouth just as the other engines were returning for the night. (Dulcie and Isobel were thrilled to take part, and assured the pranksters that they knew how to scream and wail like they were being eaten - much to Siobhan’s delight!)

Just as the sun set, the signal dropped, and train 666 left the works, bound for Arlesburgh via all 7 Circles of Hell.

Their first “victim” came much sooner than they’d planned - roaring around the blind curve near Kellsthorpe Road station in a whoosh of steam, a high-pitched scream could be heard from the ‘up’ line. As his vision cleared, Henry could see a line of High-Speed coaches roll by, and realized that he must have given Pip or Emma a huge fright.

“Sorry!” He whistled to the other power car - he thought it was Emma - as he went by.

Of course, Henry hadn’t realized exactly how frightening his new whistle was, and proceeded to scare Emma just as much as he had Pip.

“HOLY FUCKING SHIT LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!” Was the only response he got as the HST sped up and raced out of sight.

Henry felt a little bad - he had no quarrel with the HST - but Siobhan, who could barely see through her laughter-induced tears, thought it was hilarious.

Next up was Wendell, the works diesel.

He had been hauling a rake of hoppers back to the works, and saw something coming towards him on the ‘down’ line.

It whistled hello at him in a deep, demonic pitch, looked at him with beady red eyes, and whooshed smoke at him as it rolled by.

Wendell stopped where he was - and neither he, nor his trucks, nor his crew, said much of anything for the rest of the night. The rescue engine sent out for them tried to get answers out of them, and only got: “I saw the devil, and he greeted me like a friend...”

At Knapford, Daisy was taking part in the station’s annual trick or treat festivities, when The Train roared past.

The children were delighted to see an engine taking part in the costume competition, and immediately decided to award the ‘scariest costume award’ to the mystery engine.

Nobody noticed until much later that Daisy had been so frightened that she’d burst an oil line.

Tidmouth

The station’s annual Halloween celebrations were in full swing, and the humans were enjoying themselves.

The engines? Not so much.

“What a bunch of hoopla over nothing!” Grumbled Gordon. “Why would anyone ever admit to being scared?”

“And why would anyone ever want to hide what they look like?” James said, clearly more horrified at the thought of people being unable to see his shiny red paint and dashing facial structure.

“Because not all of us are emotionally bereft sticks-in-the-mud like you two.” Said Bear thinly. He had dressed up - in full British Rail Diesel Locomotive Green with the Double Arrow logo - and was very annoyed that none of his coworkers had noticed.

“Aye.” Said Donald, who was eying the festivities with suspicion. Siobhan hadn’t made an appearance yet, meaning that she either wasn’t showing up - a statistical improbability - or she’d found someone to rope into her daft ‘ghost train’ idea.

“I will say, Gordon,” Put in Duck. “For someone who speaks so definitively on not being scared, you seemed very frightened last night.”

“Stow it.” The blue engine snapped. “You were scared too!”

“Yes I was, and I admitted it.” Duck said. “Although I believe you just admitted it as well...”

“Why you!” Gordon wheeshed and dissapeared in a cloud of steam.

On the platform, The Fat Controller (the third) stared at the engine yards.

“I do wish that more of the engines would get into the spirit of things.” He said to his wife, who was struggling to contain her mirth at the clash between her husband’s dour face and his absurd clown costume.

“Just leave them Stephen,” She said. “Halloween isn’t for everyone.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re r- what the dickens?!”

He was cut off as a very loud whistle sounded in the distance.

It was long, it was low, it was loud, and it was ghostly.

It stole the attention away from everything else in the area, and drew eyes to the station throat.

In the yard, most of the engines began babbling to each other about something - they were inaudible over the confused murmuring of the crowd. Stephen noted that the only ones who didn’t seem frightened were Bear and the Scottish twins, who seemed eager and disbelieving, respectively.

As they passed through the final signal before the station, Siobhan couldn’t help but keep a smile on her face. “Ready Henry?!” She said as she pulled down her skeleton face mask.

“Let’s do this!”

“Atta boy!” She crowed as she hauled back on the whistle cord, allowing the American whistle to bellow its haunting note across Tidmouth.

Her fireman grabbed the paint-pot full of sawdust and chucked it into Henry’s firebox, while Dulcie and Isobel began screaming like banshees.

Henry, overcome with the absurdity of the situation, began cackling like an engine possessed as he rolled into sight of the platforms.

It was a train. Right?

Right?

Stephen Hatt couldn’t be sure as the demonic, skull-faced, fire spouting monster rolled through Tidmouth. It was cackling madly, and hauling a train of the damned that squealed and shrieked as it went by. The monster, crewed by skeletal beings, rolled through the freight platforms without stopping, its glowing red eyes casting odd shadows on the terrified partygoers.

He was sure that people were screaming, but the beastly whistle emanating from the ‘train’ was so loud that he couldn’t be sure.

When it finally passed, disappearing into the distance like the Flying Dutchman of old, dead silence reigned over the platform.

Then, a child somewhere on platform two spoke up: “That was bloody amazing!”

The platform broke out in cheers, and Stephen collapsed onto a bench.

“Did you plan that?” His wife whispered in his ear.

“No!” He said at last.

The shed

Gordon and James eventually stopped screaming around midnight, falling into a whimpering fugue state before finally passing out.

Duck was paralyzed with fear, and the next morning he had to be hauled out of the shed and pushed onto his train before he started moving again.

BoCo - who had been sleeping in the back of the shed, woke the next morning and told his co-workers about the horrible nightmare he’d had that night. When he was informed that it was no mere nightmare, he left the shed a wide-eyed, quiet, and subdued engine.

A visiting diesel from a mainland freight company who had been parked by the diesel pumps said nothing for the remainder of his time on the island. When his story was confirmed by an equally frightened Pip and Emma in Barrow the next morning, he left the island, never to return. His tale of the ‘Ghost Train of Sodor’ spread far and wide across the British Isles.

Donald and Douglas, who noticed that the ‘demon train’ looked a lot like Henry, said nothing that night. The next day they privately told Henry that it was the greatest prank they’d ever seen, and never turned down one of Siobhan’s Halloween ideas again.

Bear was amazed to see one of his scary stories come to life, and was practically beside himself with pride at a job well done.

Arriving at Arlesburgh about half an hour later, Henry was greeted by horrified screams from Oliver - before he passed out in fright - and astonished looks from the small railway engines, who immediately knew it was Henry and demanded to know how he did it.

Siobhan showed their controller the video she’d based the costume on, swore the small engines to secrecy, and was able to remove most of Henry’s decorations before Oliver woke back up.

Isobel and Dulcie laughed themselves silly at a prank well pulled, and all parties settled down for a well-deserved sleep.

The next day

“I can’t help but feel like I’m forgetting something...” Henry said to Siobhan as she drove him down to Tidmouth the next morning.

“Me too.” She said as they pulled into the passing loop at Haultraugh.

A very pale looking Duck rolled in with the morning’s train. He whistled a weak hello to Henry, and practically jumped off the rails when Henry’s ‘hooter’ whistle replied.

“WHERE Did yOU geT ThAT?!” He demanded shakily.

Henry now knew exactly what they’d forgotten. “I found it on the ground.” He said quickly.

Duck looked more horrified than before. “It was REAL!” He said, scuttling away in terror.

Fin.

Henry’s appearance is based off of the following ideas:

https://youtu.be/8grHpQAB1jA?t=205

https://youtu.be/zBm-ONvNhS4

https://youtu.be/ZB1rTgUesDc?t=64

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sparklingchan · 4 years ago

Text

Sun and Stars | Johnny Suh (NCT 127)

Pairing : Reader (fem.) X Johnny

Word count : 10k+

Warnings: A few cuss words here and there , gets a little suggestive towards the end. Not proof read sorry

Genre : Fluff,angst,romance , friends to lovers au ,college au.

Description: Johnny has no idea that you are head over heels for him - you intend to keep it that way.

A/N: I’ve been working on this fic for around a week now and I am sooo happy to finally be able to publish it (Johnny in a college au makes me feel a type of way ngl) This is the first time I’ve ever written a fic with more than 3k words so I’m not sure how its turned out so anyone who reads the entire thing,know that i am so,so grateful to you .

Also shoutout to my best friend @chogiwow for helping me out with writing and desrcibing and everything else. LY <3

Enjoy!

Johnny Suh has a habit of biting his nails when he is nervous, you have noticed , his eyes focused on whatever is directly in front of him and his leg fidgeting up and down continuously.

You have seen him look nervous on many occasions before - like the day of exams, sneaking alcohol to on campus events , group discussions with professors - but nothing will ever top the way he looks right now ; like he's standing on the edge of a bridge, ready to bungee jump.

"I told Professor Yun to give us at least a month and a half to organize everything properly but that man just plain refuses to listen to me because I bunked his class once !" Mark Lee has a big mouth ,that's public knowledge, but when he continues to pace inside the empty auditorium, you find yourself getting irritated at his non- stop comments .

"Has anyone else tried to talk to Yun about the extension of the date ? Someone who doesn't bunk his classes? " Lia asks, her arms crossed in front of her chest. You have seen your roommate look serious before but right now she looks almost as if she's about to go on a killing spree.

"Didn't y/n go to him yesterday? I remember seeing her near the staff room with him. " Johnny points out and suddenly all eyes are on you.

Your cheeks flush at the mention of your name from his mouth. //

The tense atmosphere in the auditorium was already making you uncomfortable enough but now , with the unwanted spotlight on you , you feel as if your body has been squeezed into a car's trunk.

"Umm.." you stutter,playing with hem of your oversized Linkin Park t-shirt, "yes. I did talk to him but he said no to me too. He didn't even let me explain our situation."

Mark groans loudly, his head between his hands. "We are so doomed. The authorities are going to remove me from the position of the president of the student body! I can feel it coming."

"I don't know about anyone else but I enjoy my position as the vice president of the student body council. And I am not going to give it up because you shitheads were too lazy to get things done quickly." Ryujin says , her eyes flaming with fury.

She's been running after all the student body members to start working on the upcoming inter college sport events for a whole week now . It's not her fault that the other members are starting to realize the urgency of the situation just two weeks prior to the event.( including the president, Mark Lee). She has the right to be angry.

"Okay ,everyone calm down. " You say, reluctantly,not wanting to be the centre of attention. You lick your dry lips before beginning to speak again, "We've wasted enough time worrying and talking okay? Let's go over the list of duties assigned and we can resume working again. "

"We just have two weeks, y/n. There's still so much left to do. We've barely started yet. " Ryujin whines, placing her head on Jungwoo's shoulder as he tries to shake her off.

"I know but if we work hard for say even ten days,we can get things done. We can stay back after college gets over and work and then rest on weekends. Exams are not arriving anytime soon either. "

"I agree with y/n. The event is next to next Monday so if we do overtime then we can still pull it off,despite everything." Johnny agrees , looking over at you with a charming smile. But instead of returning the smile, you look away ,cheeks tinted red.

Have you always been this nervous around him or does it have something to do with the sudden glow up he has had over the summer break? You don't know.

"Fine. Okay." Mark speaks out, "Jungwoo, can you go over the duties once again? And if possible take a picture of it and send it on our group chat. "

Nodding to Mark, Jungwoo takes out a sheet of paper from his pocket and starts reading it out. "So um... Mark and I are working on sending out invitations and collecting names of participants on the day of the event. Ryujin and Yuna are leading the decorating team. Lia,Taeyong and Johnny are working on the food stalls area and the packaging of free snacks for the participants. Jaehyun , Haechan and Doyoung are on the sound team for the DJ show after the events are over and lastly,Yeji, Chaeryong, y/n ,Yuta and Taeil are participating in the events so they will be busy with practice but we do expect them to manage the things overall and help us after class. "

Jungwoo looks out of breath after speaking for so long ,his chest heaving with each breath and his shoulders slumped.

"Okay, guys that will be all. Remember to do your jobs in your free periods and stay back after college." Ryujin says, clasping her hands together to symbolize the dismissal of today's student body meeting( more like a group stress out session).

You pick up your books and swing your bag across your shoulders while Ryujin pokes Jungwoo's cheeks with the sole purpose of annoying him but he flicks her fingers right away.

As you reach the exit of the auditorium, laughing at the bickering duo beside you and your hands reaching out to open the door , you see Johnny jogging up to you hastily and pushing the door open before you could.

"Ladies first." he says as he gestures for you to walk out , a sweet smile plastered on his lips.

Your heart hammers against your chest.

"Thank you." You murmur , avoiding his gaze as you walk out of the comfortable, air conditioned auditorium and into the scorching hot campus of your college.

You've always been this nervous around him, you realize, ever since you guys met in the first year of college - despite being a part of the same friend circle.

And how could you not? There are no books, no tutorials, no classes to teach you how to behave in front of your crush.

The student apartments are a good thirty minutes away from the college campus, and with the increasing velocity of Lia's car, your desire to flop down on your soft, cozy bed increases too.

"Yo ,anyone up for a girls night out tomorrow night? " Ryujin asks from the passenger's seat,not looking up from her phone. You see her fingers scrolling through the various new resto bars in town.

"Count me in. I am bored of eating Yeji's horrible food. " Chaeryong replies ,earning a punch from Yeji.

"If you're so good at cooking ,why don't you get your ass out of bed and cook?" Yeji spits back,rolling her eyes.

You laugh at your flatmates' childish tactics.

"Anyway, I'm in too." Yeji sighs, resting her head on your shoulder,sleepily.

"Yeah, me too!" Yuna chimes in.

"What about you ,Lia?" Ryujin asks her friend in the driver's seat.

Lia narrows her eyes at the road in front of her ,but you know for sure her mind is going over the pros and cons of going out tomorrow night. You've been her roommate for three years now ; you know her basically like the back of your own hand.

"I guess so,yeah." Lia says , changing the gear and turning over the corner into your appartment street.

"Okay ,that makes five out of six. Y/n?" Ryujin looks back at you , her pleading eyes drilling into yours.

As much as you want to relax and go out tomorrow night ,you have a busy schedule. Swimming practice for the sport events in the morning ,classes throughout the day, helping out with the organization and a study date with Yuta late at night. You are packed tomorrow.

That and you didn't want to get drunk on a week day.

"I'm sorry guys,I don't think I'll make it. I promised Yuta I'd study with him. " you say . Your flatmates groan out loud,throwing you dirty looks for ditching them for a stupid study date.

"Why does Yuta want to study with you anyway ? Your majors are like poles apart." Yuna mumbles.

Frankly, you didn't know why he wanted to study with you either. You were a computer science engineering student and his major was performing arts. But it's been a tradition between you two for quite a while now. Maybe you've gotten used to comfortable silence with him when you study , like music playing in background, not loud enough to distract you but loud enough to help you focus.

"Maybe it's not a study date with Yuta after all. Maybe it's just an excuse to see his roommate,right ,y/n?" Yeji teases ,nudging your ribs with her elbows.

You blush for the nth time today. "No. I'm going to have a normal study session with my best friend. Can y'all please not make everything about Johnny?" You huff.

You regret telling them about your fat ass crush on Johnny that one eventful night when you had so much alcohol that you couldn't even recognize your friends' faces as they carried you home. You should have just had apple juice or something.

Thankfully before the conversation could go on further , Lia pulls over in front of your apartment and you sigh in relief. "Yayy Home!" Ryujin chimes with fake enthusiasm as everyone gets down from the car.

Your shared bedroom with Lia is a little smaller than the bedroom that Yeji, Ryujin and Chaeryong share but you've never had a problem with that. It's cute and warm and it reminds you of your room in your parents' house .

"I'll shower first." Lia declares as she grabs her towel and walks straight into the bathroom. You sigh,too tired to compete with her for a bath. You drop on your bed, nuzzling your face into the soft pillow ,feet dangling by the edge of your bed.

And by the time Yeji walks into your room to ask what you want for dinner, you are already passed out ,with the image of Johnny's breathtakingly gorgeous grin on your mind.

Have you ever watched those cheesy rom com movies where the male lead lives in a dorm with five other boys and their rooms are so clean you wouldn't find a single piece of clothing out of place?

Well, reality is a bit different from that.

You stand in front of Yuta's apartment door which he shares with Johnny , Mark, Taeyong and Taeil , after your flatmates drop you off and make their way for their night out . You shiver as the cool night air kisses your bare arms and you can only hope someone let's you into the apartment before you freeze to death.

"Oh,hey y/n! " Taeil opens door with a welcoming smile , gesturing you to walk inside.

"Hi, Taeil. Took you guys long enough. " you say shivering , narrowing your eyes at the boy in front of you.

The smell of burnt pancakes hits your nose the moment Taeil locks the door behind you and your gaze immediately shifts to the kitchen where Mark and Taeyong are trying to desperately save some burnt pancakes.

"Well can you blame me? " Taeil shrugs , eyeing the two boys .

"Figured. " You say as you make your way towards Yuta 's bedroom . You hear Mark and Taeyong yell a few ' Hi's ' and 'wassup's ' in your direction and you reply to them without looking back at their sorry faces.

Yuta's ( and Johnny's) room is like a second home for you. You don't often hang out here but there's a homely feeling in the warm colored curtains and the smell of Johnny's favorite perfume and Yuta's anime posters.

"Wrong room. Johnny is in the other room." Yuta comments when you enter the room and you throw your notes at him,earning a fake groan in response.

You sit on the edge of his chair , putting out your books and notes on his study table, while he sits in a far corner of his bed , his study material spread out in front of him.

Studying with Yuta is always turns out to be productive for you. You both rarely talk while studying , your minds completley immersed in the hastily written notes and the only sound in the room being the scratching of pens against paper.

Maybe this was one of the many reasons why you preferred to study with him in his room (and totally not beacuse of Johnny who you are yet to meet).

After two and a half hours of being knee deep into your books ,you finally slam the books shut and stretch your limbs,relief flushing over you after looking at the many topics you covered tonight. You mentally pat yourself in the back.

"You done?" Yuta asks when he sees you scrolling through your phone, humming a song you'd heard on radio the other night.

You nod,not looking up at him.

He's about to add something when you hear the sound of shuffling feet outside the door , followed by a series of soft knocks. There is only one man in this apartment who could knock on a door as tenderly as that.

"What do you want ,dickwad?" Yuta yells as he falls onto his pillows. You glare at him. He's taking away your chances of seeing Johnny tonight. "Y/n is busy!"

Johnny peeks in through the door , his jet black hair messy and damp as if he'd just walked out of a shower. He wears a grey hoodie and a pair of black sweatpants yet he manages to look like he'd walked straight out of a sportswear advertisement. God really has his favorites, doesn't he?

"Hey, y/n. " he says ,completely ignoring Yuta's less than appropriate remarks. You feel a warm feeling spread in your entire body , adrenaline coursing through your veins. He sends a soft smile in your direction , his eyes turning into crescent moons ,and it is enough to make you feel weak in the knees.

"Hi, Johnny. " you manage to reply and smile back , unlike most days.

Johnny's heart leaps at your response ,not expecting you to be any different from other days when you would reply his enthusiastic greetings with a cold shoulder. Guess today is his lucky day.

"I didn't mean to disturb you guys ,sorry. I just wanted to know if you'd like to have dinner with us. We're getting Sushi. " he asks ,rubbing the back of his neck.

Your eyes fall on the sunflower tattoo on his forearm and you have this sudden urge to wrap your arms around his slim waist and bury your face in his chest.

"Yes,sure,I guess. " you say with a slight chuckle.

"Aren't you gonna ask me,too ,Johnny?" Yuta chimes in ,pouting and batting his eyes at him. Johnny rolls his eyes.

"Shut the fuck up ,Nakamoto. " he huffs.

Johnny looks over at you again and in a tone very different from the one he just used on Yuta, he asks, "Are you okay with sushi? We can order something else if you want."

"Oh,I love sushi! Don't worry about it. "

Lies. You hate sushi more than anything else in the entire universe.

The sushi is a lot more digestible today than those million times when Jaehyun and Yuta took you out to eat (forcefully) sushi.

It still doesn't suit your taste buds but you could eat it without wanting to throw up,thanks to the company you have .

You and Johnny sit face to face on the dining table while Yuta sits beside Johnny and Taeil ,Mark and Taeyong are in front of the television, watching a game of football.

"Hmm..this is really so good." Yuta exclaims as he takes the last piece and stuffs it inside his mouth . Fat ass.

"I know right. How are you liking it, y/n?" Johnny asks , his eyes shifting to you. You feel as if you're melting under his gaze. As if his eyes were the sun and you were ice.

"It's good. Really good. " you reply with a chuckle, forcing the last piece down your throat with a sip of water.

An achievement.

You hear Yuta's phone go off ,vibrating in his pockets along with that annoying ringtone of his.

"Yeah,what?" He speaks into the phone. You figure out it's one of his classmates by the careless tone of his voice.

"What the fuck? Are you serious?" Yuta screams , his voice now laced with urgency. His eyes widen, "We have a class test tomorrow? How did I not know about this?"

You look over at your panic stricken best friend and so does Johnny . Your gazes meet and the two of you burst into giggles.

Yuta rolls his eyes at the both of you but doesn't say anything. He gets up from his seat ,his phone still attached to his ear.

"Johnny,my dude,please walk my best friend home. I can't trust the others. Please. " Yuta says to Johnny and disappears off to his room , and you know for sure that he's going to cram his notes till the next morning.

Yuta's words lingers in the air between you and Johnny and you find a sudden interest in the hem of the table cloth in front of you. You rub the cloth between your thumb and forefinger ,the muslin cloth's soft texture distracting you from Johnny's intimidating gaze.

"So,um..when would you like to go back home?" He asks , not being able to muster up the courage to look into your eyes.

You chuckle- you didn't mean to but the bubbling laughter erupted from your throat and reached your lips before you could even stop it.

"Why? Do you want me out of your abode so bad? " you tease.

You never tease Johnny. You never even joke around with him. You don't smile at him ,you don't chuckle at him. Yet here we are.

You were being very brave today and you hated to admit it , but you liked it.

Johnny's eyes widen at your unexpected response as you once again surprise him by not giving him a cold, careless response. His heart does a backflip.

You have your lips curved up in a smile and your eyes focused on him.

This feels like a dream, to both of you.

"No, no ,of course not. You can stay for as long as you like." He replies nervously.

You shake your head with a soft giggle, " Thank you for the offer but it's very late now. All of us have a busy day tomorrow so we should get going now. "

The night air is cooler now than it had been when you arrived at the boys apartment and you regret not wearing warmer clothes.

Johnny walks along with you on the sidewalk, his eyes drifting to look over you once in a while. He carries your bag in his because he insisted that a lady shouldn't have to carry so many things when he's right there.

"Why do you never talk to me unless I talk to you first? " Johnny asks in a small voice after a few minutes of leaving their apartment.

Your body stiffens at the question, your mind desperately trying to come up with a proper reply. You want to answer him , with all honesty , that you can't do many things that you want to because of your never ending fears. You want to go bungee jumping but you're afraid of heights , you want to talk to him first but you're afraid he won't share the same enthusiasm as you.

You were afraid of attachments and afraid of the unknown, both of which were complete opposites of the other.

"That's not true." You reply,trying to laugh it off.

He looks at you with sorrowful eyes, not quite returning your laugh. You feel your heart clench.

"Have I done anything to offend you ,y/n? If yes ,then please let me know because I really care about you and I would hate to disappoint you. " he says.

The streets are quite and calm and for a moment, it is only you and Johnny in this vast universe - his beautiful black eyes and your warm cheeks , his tousled hair and your nervous hands.

"No ,you haven't disappointed me. It's just...that we're in a big friend circle and it's not possible to ,you know ,be close with everyone. "

That is a pathetic excuse, y/n, you tell yourself.

His lips curve up in a small smile now, the worried wrinkles from the corner of his eyes disappearing.

"We can be, y /n. Of course we can. Shall we start from now on then?" He replies , enthusiastically, thrusting his hand in your direction.

Your heart thumps at a speed faster than the speed of light as you decide whether or not to shake his perfectly shaped, veiny,soft hand.

You're afraid of attachments.

But you're also madly in love with Johnny Suh.

You take his hand.

It is late in the evening at your college and you know for sure that you'll be bashed the moment you step into the auditorium .

After classes got over ,you had promised Lia that you'd help with the food stalls allotation and decoration but you ended up staying back with your swim team ,discussing strategies for the final competition day , hence causing your delay.

You look over at Johnny who stands outside the auditorium door , helping the decorating team with some posters and flyers.

"Mark is mad." he says when he sees you rushing towards the door, struggling with all the books and posters and ribbons in your hands.

You sigh, " I know, goddamn it."

He opens the door without saying anything and walks behind you into the auditorium, much to your surprise.

You see Mark standing by the stage , letting out frustrated noises and pointing at random decorations which didn't need fixing but according to him they did. Oh , boy,was he mad.

"Mark, " you jog towards him, trying to get a proper hold of things you are carrying before you find a table to dump them on.

"Gosh,y/n! You are an hour and a half late! We have so much to do and only ten days are left!" He yells at you,pointing at his wrist watch.

You squeeze your eyes shut to lessen the impact of his annoyingly loud voice.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I was with the team and well..we lost track of time. I'm so sorry again ,okay? I'll get to work right now. " you say,standing in front of the angry,tiny man in front of you.

You arch your back, trying to hold on to the things in your arms without letting anything fall onto the ground. You had one too many things to carry and sadly only two hands.

"I'll get that for you." You feel two hands grab your things from behind,the arms going over your shoulders and taking the chart papers and ribbons from your hold.

And you don't even have to look back to know that it is Johnny. You have him memorised by heart - from the color of his eyes to the softness of his fingertips, from his soothing, honey like voice to his smell. He's like a book you've read a fair amount of times yet ,you never seem to get tired of it.

"Thank you. " you manage to reply through the loud sound of your heartbeat and gushing of blood in your ears.

You almost miss the warmth of his body when he walks away to put your things on the table .

You know what , " Mark starts. He looks like he's about to throw up. On you. "Just get back to work. Ew. Fuck. Y'all really getting handsy in front of my innocent eyes."

You look at him with wide eyes. "Hey, we were not - "

And if Ryujin had not interrupted you at that moment, you'd have beaten the hell out Mark Lee ; not because he had accused you of doing something you didn't do but because he had triggered a part of your imagination you didn't even know you had.

It is on the same night that Yeji makes you sit on the auditorium floor and color the huge college logo they had been outlining since the morning , while half of the squad goes out to buy some cheap dinner and cold drinks and the other half is working outside the auditorium.

"I can't believe you are leaving me alone in this huge auditorium. " you mutter when Yeji jogs towards the door to join the others. So much for being friends since childhood.

"We'll be back in fifteen to twenty minutes, y/n. " she replies. " or do you want me to call Johnny to keep you company in this huge ,empty auditorium?"

You roll your eyes at her,hoping she's joking about it. But apparently not because within two minutes , you see Johnny walking up towards you.

His presence as if automatically puts a smile on your face ,like flipping on a light switch. You usually tense up on seeing him but from the last few days, things have been different, better even.

"Woah,this looks so cool." He says as he sits across from you, a pen and notepad in his hands. He smiles at you with so much sincerity that it takes everything in you to not throw yourself at him and press a kiss to his dimples.

"I know. But I'm afraid my poor coloring skills are going to ruin it. " you comment. You dip the brush in your hands into the bowl of water sitting beside you.

"I'm sure it'll be good. It looks good already." He replies, his voice laced with fascination. You giggle at his words , as you stretch your hands and back, groaning from all the pent up tension in your joints. Something you wouldn't have dared to do in front of him a few weeks ago.

Johnny laughs. " I can help you if you want . You can rest till the others come back. " You don't even think twice before agreeing.

As long as he's near you , it doesn't matter.

He comes up to sit by your side ,grabbing the paint brush and starting to fill colors into the blank spaces. With his eyes focused on the picture , you sit back and take in the view in front of you. The long sleeves of his tshirt are rolled upto the elbow, exposing the veins on his forearm. There is dirt and dust on his pants from all the work he's been doing today and then your eyes fall on his face, absorbing the handsome features god had bestowed him with. You notice a few strands of longer hair falling over his forehead, covering his eyes as he struggles to remove them with his non dominant hand. And before you can stop yourself , your fingers find their way to his forehead, pushing his hair away softly.

"Thanks,y/n." He says with a shy smile, the undeniable shine in his eyes almost makes you see a ray of hope - that Johnny Suh might be harboring the same feelings for you that you do for him. Your heart swells with excitement.

And without even realizing it, you feel yourself find comfort in his warm presence.

Your middle school maths teacher had once told you that time passes in the blink of an eye when there's an imminent danger at the end of the line and truly so ,the next few days fly pass by like wind and you soon find yourself running from place to place to make sure all finishing touches are done.

"Did you check out the pool areas and basketball bleachers? " Jaehyun asks, as you two make your way to the auditorium where Mark and Ryunin were to hold a last group meeting before tomorrow's big day. "Yeah. I did. Twice." You reply, stressing on the last word. Jaehyun heaves a tired sigh and you two turn a corner to walk toward the auditorium.

Your heart rate picks up when you see a familiar face standing in front of the door, leaning against a pillar. And you find your lips automatically stretching into a smile. "What is he doing outside ? Is the meeting over? " Jaehyun asks when he notices Johnny.

You shrug , "Don't know."

Oh,but you do know why he's outside ; this has now become an unsaid tradition between you two to wait for the other during group meetings. Johnny didn't acknowledge it,neither did you, but it was there, as distinct as Mark Lee's voice.

He sees you and his face breaks into a grin, his cheeks flushed and heart racing just like yours. And it makes the light at the end of the tunnel shine brighter.

"Is the meeting over yet?" Jaehyun asks Johnny, you following close behind.

"No,not even started." Johnny replies and then turns to you, his eyes burning into yours. " And Y/n and I have been instructed to buy tonight's dinner so we I'll borrow her for a while."

Your eyes widen at the new information but you see Jaehyun shrug and walk inside as if it weren't a big deal - but it was, you will be out alone with Johnny and it was making you feel sick , in a good way.

"Shall we get going?" He asks you ,cocking his eyebrows playfully.

You nod ,trying to hide your red cheeks. And he sees them.

You've been into his car only a a few times , most of which you don't remember because either you were too drunk or too sleepy to register what was happening around you. This is the first time you are actually inside his car,mind and body, sitting in the passenger's seat and taking in Johnny's smell that lingers in every corner of the car.

You notice how tidy the car looks,the clean seats and windows, no extra tissues lying here and there, no money receipts crushed into seat pockets, his car is everything Lia's isn't. The drive to the convenient store is short and silent - except for a few glances you both steal at each other without the other knowing.

"What should we get? Instant noodles or something else?" He asks you as you two look around the different aisles, walking close together that you didn't even realise your shoulder was pressed to his arm till he stopped abruptly in front of the fridge.

You clear your throat, "Let's get instant noodles. That's what they eat always anyway."

He nods and you grab enough instant noodles and drinks for your entire squad and soon find yourself back in the car with him.

You settle yourself into the seat as he climbs into the driver's seat,looking apparently angry, his eyebrows knitted and mouth turned into a frown.

"What's wrong? " you ask him ,concerned.

He looks over at you , with a small, guilty smile on his lips. He shakes his head , "Nothing. It's a ridiculous thought I had suddenly. "

"Come on ,tell me ." You whine , hitting his arm softly, "I'm sure its not a ridiculous thought. "

His smile widens but he doesn't answer ,instead he just leans toward you, Your faces just inches apart. If you were nervous before now you are completely sure you're about to lose your mind. You had imagined these scenarios in your head many times before ,but if truth be told, it feels way better in real life. The close proximity of your bodies , mixed breathings and his intense eyes staring at you like you're his favorite pizza, like you're a sunday morning after a very tiring week , like you're a beautiful flower in the middle of a field of weeds.

"W-what?" You stutter nervously. He chuckles , stretching his hand out to reach for the seatbelt and pull it across your body and then locks it tightly.

"It is a very , very ridiculous thought,y/n." he whispers. He is still leaning so close to you and you know for sure that if you weren't sitting already ,your knees would have given up below you.

"I'm sure it's not." You mumble but you're not sure if he hears you.

When you reach the auditorium, you find your friends sprawled on the floor, some playing with their phones and some having a mid college existential crisis.

"Guys,we're back. " Johnny announces enthusiastically as he runs towards the group, all of their faces lighting up when they see the food your hands.

But you feel far away from them, like you are there but your heart is not,like your heart has been left behind in Johnny's car,covered in his scent and his intoxicating gaze.

"Y/n, why do you look like you've seen a ghost? " Lia points out that night , lying on her bed with her blanket wrapped around her body. You shrug and let out a fake ass shit giggle, "No, I'm just nervous...for tomorrow, you know."

"Don't be. I'm sure you'll do great and even if you don't, we have an after party to wash all your sorrows away. " she says with an excited smile.

"Oh wow,that's great. " you reply with another fake chuckle.

Oh wow, you'll have to be around Johnny the whole day tomorrow. You are not sure if you are ready to see him yet.

Lia narrows her eyes at you but let's it slip,and you're thankful for that ,for you wouldn't know what to tell her when she insists on knowing your thoughts.

Could anyone blame you though, you'd had an almost moment with your crush. How could anyone expect you to be okay right now?

The weather prediction for today was sunny with a few clouds , but if only anyone could have prepared you for what you were going to see the moment you stepped into the college campus.

You'd felt jealous before , no lie there. You remember the time you saw Johnny hanging out with Yeri, one of your juniors, and laughing with her like there's no tomorrow and you had never wanted to annihilate a human so bad . You hate being jealous. You hate the burning of your heart in your chest ,the accumulation of sweat on your palms, the warm,angry breaths you push out from your nostrils.

"Who is that?" You sound like a bad , jealous female character from a drama when you ask that question but you cannot help yourself anymore. Not when you see a girl from another college running into your Johnny's arms ,giggling like a little girl .

"I-I honestly don't know. He never told us about any girl ." Taeyong says as he looks at your exasperated expression and then at Johnny's excited face. Taeyong is almost angry at Johnny for hurting his friend.

"Yea,he only ever talked about you ." Jaehyun adds from beside you.

But it didn't seem like that from where you stood. You see Johnny wrap his arm around the girl and crush her in his embrace, just how he'd crushed your heart into a million pieces. Something as fragile and previous as your heart and he decided to play with it? Why did he act all nice and sweet to you when he already had another woman in his life? Why did he give you hope only to leave you in the dark?

"Come on , y/n. Don't overthink about it. I'm sure she's just a friend." Taeyong says ,softly tugging at your arm to move you away from that scene.

Taeyong and Jaehyun, in reality, were shocked too. They had never heard Johnny talk about any girl in that way but you. They were sure one day or other,you'd end up together. They were as surprised (and disappointed) as you were.

"Has he ever told you that he liked me? Even once?" Your voice cracks as you feel your eyes fill with tears. "Maybe she's not just a friend. "

Jaehyun rubs your back comfortingly, worried about how he'll have to handle Yuta when he finds out Johnny broke his best friend's heart. Gosh,its going to be a world war.

"He has never openly said anything about liking you ,but he did talk about you a lot. Even until yesterday...we were sure he liked you,dude." Taeyong says .

You shake your head, "If he did like me ,he'd have told you guys. He doesn't and that's the end of it."

And although it shatters your ego , you look away from the pair and walk toward the swimming pool complex where your team awaits you.

When you enter the pool area, Taeyong and Jaehyun immediately run toward the audience to be with the others.

And you find your gang-sans Johnny- waving at you from the audience as you walk up to the registration desk and put in your name.

Your heart feels so heavy ,like those dumbbells that Yuta uses ,but a thousand times more heavier. You have no desire or energy to swim anymore. You just want to lie in bed and cry your heart out.

But sadly you didn't have much of an option..

"Good luck, y/l/n. Go easy on the opponents." Your coach tells you with a chuckle. You force a smile as you nod. Talk about overestimating one's skills.

You enter the changing room and quickly strip off all your clothes ,leaving you in your tight Speedo swimsuit . You tie your hair in a ponytail and are about to head out when someone bumps into you ,quite roughly to be frank.

"Watch out ,girl,jeez. " you mutter to her,rubbing your sides.

The jealousy from a few minutes ago comes back but this time not in the form of drizzle, this time it's a whole storm.

It's the same girl from before, the one with Johnny.

"I'm so sorry. " the girl says ,looking back at you with an apologetic look.

She's pretty,you realize. Long black hair and a mole under her eye ,she looks like she could be a model in training somewhere. Long eyelashes , a slim waist and perfectly smooth looking skin ,she has everything you ever wanted ,including Johnny Suh. She's pretty ,prettier than you at least.

"What's your name?" You don't want to know that name ,yet those words spill out of your mouth.

"I'm Joy. From the performing arts college." She thrusts her hand towards you for a handshake. " and you?"

"I'm y/n. " you reply ,the frown on your lips never once leaving .

"You're swimming too ,right? It's going to be great!" She says.

"Yeah,its going to be really great. " you take her hand.

You can't have Johnny ,but at least you can have the trophy.

The four basic stroke races get over within the first one hour of the competition and needless to say ,by the time the relay race was announced , you had three gold medals already in your possession.

"Relax your body." Your coach tells your team of girls while you stand in line,ready for the relay race to begin. "Y/n, since you're going last , put in all your energy. We need to win this last round to get the grand trophy."

Directly in front of you, you see your two other teammates stand and stretch their arms by the pool’s edge , their faces bright with a hint of excitement and nervousness. Beside them ,you see Joy and her other pretty friend getting for the race too. With her tight red swimsuit and perfectly done forearm tattoo , she has everyone's attention on her. And you bet that everyone in the audience was rooting for her.

You nod at your coach's words while he turns around to speak with your partner as you once again look at your new mortal enemy, your teeth gritting unconsciously and your gaze turning more into a glare.

"Yayyy!!! Y/n,let's get it!" You hear your friends cheer from and you giggle for the first since this stupid day began. Mark ,Yuta and Taeyong are cheering for you on top of their lungs while the girls are holding posters with your name written on them . You wonder when they had the time to make them. And the rest of the guys are clapping their hands like there's no tomorrow.

Everyone except Johnny.

He sits in between Mark and Haechan, his eyes practically glued to your frame and your eyes meet his for an annoyingly long second, he smiles at you and mouths 'best of luck .'

You look away from him ,your body burning with rage. So now he's going to pretend to know you? Or maybe he wasn't waving at you at all,maybe he is just looking at Joy and your self absorbed mind assumed that he was looking at you? Possibilities are infinite but time is not; time is very precious.

"You guys have to win okay?" You hear the coach say one last time , before patting you on your heads and walking away.

Somewhere behind you ,you hear a stand by whistle go off and your team mates on the opposite side immediately walk up on the platform.

"On your marks."

Thump.

"Get , set."

Thump.

"Go!"

The race starts off pretty smoothly, your teammate cutting through the water as if this is everything she'd ever known ,her speed unmatched with anyone else's. And when she reaches your side,your partner immediately jumps off into the water , the steady speed still maintained.

The next few seconds pass fleet away in the blink of an eye and soon your turn comes up ,you realize, as you climb up to the platform ,bending over to take a diving position.

And when your body hits the water ,you feel all the anger ,rage, sadness, envy being channeled into strength and energy. Your body moves against the waves like that it what it was meant to be doing ; not running, not walking but swimming.

Your ears block out all noises around you,your mind focusing on nothing but the finish line.

And the very second your hand touches the wall on the opposite side , your body relaxes and your head pops out of the water like a cork. The audience erupts into claps and cheers and whistles and your name being repeated on everyone's tongue.

Panting and smiling and fist pumping together at the same time is tiring but you do it anyway.

After all,you'd just won your team the swimming trophy.

You feel a little light headed but it doesn't affect you at all ; you had proven yourself in front of your friends and teachers once again .

Johnny and His lovely Joy can go eat shit for all you care. ( you do care about Johnny , you're just being stupid rn)

"I'm so proud of you , baby !" Ryujin helps you up from the pool while the other girls engulf you in a hug ,not minding the fact that your entire body is dripping wet with the chlorinated pool water.

The guys arrive shortly after and Yuta presses a loving kiss on your head, "Congratulations, bitch."

But amongst the crowd of people surrounding you, the pats on your back and side hugs,the happy faces congratulating you, you feel almost empty. Like something was missing. Like the last piece of an almost completed puzzle .

Your eyes scan the people around you , looking for none other than Johnny and when you finally spot him, your heart breaks even more as if it already wasn't completely smashed into tiny pieces .

Joy has tears of failure running down her face and Johnny brushes them away with his thumbs, her head finding a comfortable place on his shoulders.

You'd always wondered what it must feel like to be in such an intimate situation with Johnny. You had wanted to experience it ,first hand , but by the looks of it, that might never happen.

Beacuse you winning the competition is not more important than Joy losing it.

Beacuse you are not more important than Joy.

"What do you mean you don't want to go to the after party? " Yuta has been hanging out with Mark way too much, you think. His voice is almost,if not more, as loud and annoying as Mark's now.

"I don't feel very good. Can you please drop me home? Then you guys can go and have fun." You reply, not quite looking at your best friend. You're afraid he'd be able to read through you , just how he always does.

"This is not about you , is it? It's about Johnny. Taeyong and Jaehyun told me." There he goes.

"Think whatever you want. I just want to be alone for a while, please." You say.

He pauses the music playing in the car, tugging at the sleeve of your tshirt.

The image of Johnny and Joy flash in your mind ,still fresh even though it happened a almost five hours ago. You remember how tenderly Johnny had held her and how lovingly Joy had stared at him.

“I really thought he liked me ,you know. I don’t even blame him right now. I should have known better than to get attached,break my oath of forever maintaining distance from him. “ you speak in a hoarse voice, the lump in your throat growing painfully.

Yuta stares at you for a few seconds,then shakes his head with his eyes on the car dashboard, “Its not your fault either, y/n. All of us thought he liked you too.”

You see Yuta take out the keys from his pocket and the pretty,yellow flower keychain attached with it.Johnny had given him that on his last birthday,you recall.

Your eyes drift to various places in the car, from the blue heart sticker on the mirror, to the bills stacked into the pockets, the empty cold drink bottles and the smell of lavender spray in the air, everything reminds you of the man you were trying so hard not to think about.

You start softly crying.

"Y/n, goddamnit, you won the completion! You are our swimming champion. And you helped us organize this event too. You're today's star. Would you really let that asshole ruin it?" Yuta demands,passing over a tissue to you.

The words ' that asshole ' stick with you , stinging your heart which was still in love with Johnny but you don’t say anything. Yuta was only trying to make you feel better.

Not earning a reply from you,he groans,"I don't care what you want ,y/n. We're going to the after party at Haechan's family farm house and staying there tonight. That's Final. " he declares , turning the key and you hear the car engine revving.

"I'll cry if I see him. " you pout,sniffing.

"Don't worry, if he makes you cry,I'll kill him.." Yuta replies as you drive off to Haechan's farm house.

The entire drive, your mind keeps playing the moments you were trying so hard to forget and you hated it. So,so much. You felt like a prisoner in your own mind.

Yesterday night , in the car,when Johnny leaned down towards you, you could have sworn that he was in love with you.

But now, not as much.

You wonder if Joy had felt special when he comforted her ,because you sure as hell would have. You would have held him like the earth was ending today and he was only thing that could keep you alive.

"We're here. " Yuta announces as you pull over in front of the huge mansion just a little away from your college campus.

You have been here many times before so the beauty of the house doesn't baffle you anymore but your eyes do go wide in realization of how rich Haechan's family really is. Every damn time.

As you step out of the car , your sneakers squeaking against the ground beneath you, you can already hear the loud music coming from the lawn and the smell of barbecued food and alcohol makes you almost want to enjoy the party.

"You're late,y/n!" A very drunk Doyoung walks towards you ,Taeil waddling behind him with two glasses of vodka shots in his hands.

"I know I'm sorry. I hope I didn't miss much." you say ,slightly embarrassed at the fact that you almost skipped the party.

They both hug you tightly as you wince from the strong smell of alcohol, "Congratulations ,sweetheart!" Taeil slurs while Doyoung sings, " we are the champion ~" on the top of his lungs.

"Gosh,yeah,thanks guys." you push their intoxicated bodies away with Yuta's help and make your way towards the lawn where your friends sit around a bonfire , dancing ,singing ,talking ,having the time of their lives. You find yourself smiling a little on seeing at their happy faces. Your eyes roam around the group until they find Johnny , eating roasted marshmallows from a small plate and your first instinct is almost to say ' hi ' but you remember Joy and how painfully sweet they were with each other and you revert your eyes from him the moment he looks in your direction. Your heart paces rapidly, yearning for his attention but you know you wouldn't get it ,no matter what, so you walk inside the house, into the kitchen to grab something for yourself.

"That piece of shit Yeji burnt the meat." Chaeryong complains to you as she volunteers to fill your plate with food. You wonder how many more such swimming competitions you'd have to win for your friends to be this generous with you everyday. "Thank god Taeil saved it before he got horribly drunk." , she adds.

You giggle a little.

All of a sudden, you feel a tap on your shoulder and when you turn around , you are filled with dread. But you’d be lying if you said you didn’t expect this.

" Hey,y/n. Congratulations on winning the trophy!" Johnny says with a bright smile.

As if you give two shits about it, you find yourself thinking for a split second. You look up at the tall man towering over you,smiling like he didn't butcher your heart earlier. He wears a warm grey hoodie with his favorite and probably only pair of blue jeans. His hair is slicked backwards ,exposing the forehead you'd often wait so eagerly to see. His signature cologne makes you feel weak , and if you weren't sober ,you knew things would have gone down pretty quick.

But you can't be rude to him - you could never be rude to him even if you wanted to.

"Thanks." You mutter in a small voice,taking the plate from Chaeryong.

Johnny furrows his eyebrows at your dull reaction and then eyes Chaeryong as if to ask what happened. She shrugs and awkwardly walks away from you two.

Brilliant. Now you have to face Johhny alone.

"Is something wrong,y/n?" He asks ,his concerned voice sending shivers down your body.

You shake your head, "No. Why do you ask?" You look around the place to look for your best friend. Where's he when you need him the most?

Johnny leans over closer to you. "You were ignoring me during the competition but I shrugged it off. And now you're acting like that again. " he says ,his breath fanning for against the side of your face, "I must have done something. "

You want to push him away but as shameless as it sounds , you were enjoying this attention he was giving you and even more than that, you were enjoying how physically close he was to you.

But it didn't mean you would forgive him. Or Joy for that matter.

"Why should you care," you chuckle sarcastically , "I'm not Joy. So don't bother."

Change of mind - maybe you could be rude to him if you tried really,really hard.

His face twists in further confusion.

" How do you know her? And why is she in this conversation again?" He asks,now softly pushing you against the kitchen counter , his hands on either side of you. He has you trapped ,literally.

You sigh, trying to hide the burning of your cheeks and the drying of your throat. You can't let your guard down. "I saw you...with her in the morning. Hugging, staring at each other like you saw the galaxy in each other's eyes. " you huff , your heart heavy from the pain that memory brings.

Johnny laughs , a deep, genuine laughter,erupting from his throat fills the kitchen. You feel like you were walking in the same tunnel again, Johnny waiting for you at the end with a source of light in his hands.

"Are you perhaps ," he leans in closer to your face, just like last night in the car ,"jealous?"

Of course you were jealous. You had always been jealous of anyone who was privileged enough to enjoy Johnny's extremely pleasant company ,especially in your absence.

" No. " Liar.

He presses his lips together in a line ,as if trying to suppress a smile.

"Then why are you turning red like a tomato?" He asks.

You turn your face away from him ,trying to move away from his grasp but he gently puts his index finger under your chin and makes you look at him.

"Y/n, Joy is my cousin." he says. Guilt punches you in the stomach like your stomach were a punching bag and the guilt was a boxer,strong and determined. You feel the blood pulsating in your ears ,in your throat ,in your temples. "I am not dating her or seeing her or whatever you think I'm doing with her. "

You look down at your feet but he makes you look at him again "I'm sorry." You mutter

"Do you remember last night I told you I had some useless thoughts?" He asks you ,his right hand now wrapping around your waist.

You nod your head ,the shame and guilt of falsely accusing him and Joy of something they never did not allowing you to look directly into his eyes.

"This is what I wanted to do. " he pulls your chin closer ,as you stand on your tip toes. Your faces were just so close ,you could feel his lips brush past yours, "May I?" He breathes.

You only find a small whisper to reply him with, "Yes. "

The feeling of his lips pressing against yours was something even your imagination couldn't have prepared you for. His soft, tender touch mixed with the urgency of the kiss made it feel even more surreal than it already was. Your noses glide against each other as he presses you closer and closer till there was no ' closer ' left. He held you firmly by the waist and your hands found their way around his neck as you depended the kiss,your tongues touching and breaths matching each other. You could feel the taste of the marshmallows from earlier and your stomach feels all giddy and excited.

And by the time you both pull away, you are panting, struggling to catch your breath as he supports your body against the counter.

"I like you ,y/n. I always have. I just didn't know how to approach you. " he says , brushing a few hair strands away from your forehead, "And I'm so sorry for making you upset today."

You giggle a little, confused whether to reply to his confession or accept his apology.

You decide to do both. " I like you ,too,Johnny Suh. So much. " you lean your forehead on his ," and it's fine. You didn't mean to make me feel bad ,I was being paranoid. I'm sorry too. "

Johnny pulls away to look at you ,his swollen lips curved into a heartwarming smile.

"I bet you looked cute while being jealous." He says , pecking your nose softly.

You don't reply ; instead you stare at his eyes, your heart pumping out these overwhelming emotions that you couldn't quite understand yet but liked it nevertheless. Your eyes shine like the sky on a cloudless night,making his knees feel like jelly and butterflies erupting in his stomach. At that moment , you realise that it was your eyes wherein he found his galaxy , his sun and stars - not Joy, not any other woman - it was always been you.

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neverdoingmuch · 4 years ago

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I’m here for the ‘swords not as pets’ agenda. Swords as cars: solid, get you from place to place, potentially dangerous, customizable, something people name. Wwx losing his license taking the fall for a mistake jc made (idk, dui maybe?) and just choosing to mod the hell out of a self-balancing scooter or segway or something so it goes dangerously fast. Alternatively: spending 3 months inventing the first functional actual levitating hoverboard, with an insane top speed. 3 months in the (1/2)

sawdfert this is delightful!! i saw segway and i immediately started wheezing,, there was no time for laughing i went straight to the wheezing. i think it would make more sense if wwx lost his car and got a motorcycle? like hoverboards and segways are cool but motorcycles have that big reputation of being dangerous and there’s the whole ‘rebellious teen gets a motorcycle and becomes a delinquent’ thing? like motorcycles are fast and if you crash it’s so much worse than if you were in a car and there’s no airbags or anything. but also?? wwx rocking up to school on a segway while playing his flute like the shittiest entrance ever? iconic. but let’s stick with chenqing as a motorcycle/scooter (motorcycle-esque scooter not the ones that try and take out your ankles).

okay so all the major sects are super rich so in a modern au it would make sense for all the sect heirs to get cars. i’m not saying that jc and wwx complain about jzx being stuck-up bc he was given a porsche for his birthday even though they were also given cars for their birthdays,,, but i am. at first it would have been this major point of contention between yzy and jfm bc wwx isn’t even their son so why is he getting a car too but wwx is like ah it’s so i can drive jc and jyl to school! you wouldn’t want their cars being left outside the school all day would you? someone in my maths class had their car get keyed and it was super expensive to fix,, and yzy is like yes wwx may have a car only to protect my children from parking hassles,, also wwx must pay for his own parking. so wwx and jc both get given cars for their bdays.

now wwx gets bored easily,, so you could translate him being a cultivation genius to him being really good at driving. im talking that jc is still getting the hang of switching gears and wwx is out there casually drifting around corners. (this does mean he has to get new tyres really frequently but he’s friends with wen ning, whose family runs the mechanics that wwx likes to go to so he just helps around the shop for a bit and gets a discount (yes its the family discount)). anyway wwx really enjoys driving, also! he just rocks up to wen ning’s place one day and is like dude, i wanna pimp my ride, wanna help and wen ning is like heck yeah. so wwx pays for some upgrades with his own money and he spends hours doing some custom work to make it look cool,,

it’s all going well until wwx and jc go to wen chao’s party one night and jc gets absolutely sloshed,,, like completely hammered. wwx had walked in, grabbed a cup of lemonade or something and was gonna hang with his friends but lwj was there for some reason so he spent the entire night talking to him in the back garden. which means that when jc wanted to leave he saw wwx hanging out with lwj and went ew gross and just decided to drive home himself. he crashes and when wwx comes home the next day jc gets super pissed at him bc he was meant to be the designated driver and if he hadnt been screwing around with lwj jc wouldnt have tried to drive home and now his parents will be super pissed and wwx is like woah chill my grandmother is a mechanic and she can fix this up just give me a couple of days.

so wwx goes to baoshan sanren mechanics (which is just the back entrance to the wen sibling’s mechanics) and spends the next three days getting rid of all of his customisations and mods so his car looks exactly like jc’s. does he cry when he has to spend like five mins spraying the inside of the car with axe body spray to get the jc stench going on? maybe a little. but he does it and returns the car to jc! and jc is like oh wow my car is fixed, your grandma is a miracle worker and wwx is like haha yeah (:

anyway wwx mysteriously and suddenly discovers a passion for public transport,, it’s a good way to stay humble jiang cheng, he says, also i used all my petrol money buying porn from nhs or whatever. anyway wwx is doing the whole pt to school thing but then one afternoon wen chao and wzh find him and idk maybe the party got too rowdy so the cops came and wc got in trouble with his dad? he assumes wwx called the cops on him so he shoves wwx into his car and drives him out to the middle of no where and dumps him in the burial mounds scrap metal recycling place or whatever.

the train line isn’t running that day and there’s no phone service either so wwx is stuck there overnight. he gets super bored. so what does he do? he finds an abandoned scooter and starts scavenging for parts. he’s not expecting it to actually work but by the time the sun rises he’s found some actually decent parts and he thinks that he could get it working. tbh he kinda forgets to go back home and just walks into town to buy some food and then goes back and continues fiddling with the scooter. he doesnt live there for the three months but the people in yiling just accept that this random teenager has all but moved into their scrap heap and adopt him anyway. so he goes and visits the burial mounds every day after school so none of his friends or family really see him anymore.

until! one day he rocks up to school on his scooter. scooters,, are kinda like sad pathetic motorcycles,, but wwx mods his scooter with like a powerful engine and new steering and everything so people see it and go oh! a motorcycle! even though it’s not actually (can you do that with a scooter? idk but suspend your disbelief pls). so lwj is like hnnngg wwx in a leather jacket on a motorcycle but also wei ying, stop riding a motorcycle, *enter statistics about motorcycle crashes here* and wwx is like no! you cant take chenqing away from me. and jc is pissed bc they were meant to be brothers and have matching cars and be able to work on them and give them cool paint jobs together! but now wwx has this bike which has been modded to hell and back and refuses to drive his car bc it’s not as cool as his bike. so we get to have the whole ‘everyone thinks wwx is doing something dumb and dangerous’ bc he has a motorcycle and why isnt he just driving his car anymore? but we also get to keep some of the nuance of the demonic cultivation bc yeah it’s more dangerous than driving in a car but wwx doesnt have a car anymore and scooters are a loottt safer than motorcycles (if my two seconds of research is correct).

so! wwx won’t abandon chenqing and he did most of his work using scrap parts so he goes back to the wens and is like wen ning my best bro check her out and he’s like oooooooh and they start modding chenqing together. wen qing doesnt know why wwx is constantly over at their shop all the time but jc keeps arguing with wwx and wwx grows more distant with his family and friends bc he’s making ~bad decisions~ and a motorcycle is a gateway to idk teen delinquent shenanigans like smoking and doing graffiti so he’s kinda ousted from respectable rich people society and wen qing is like i have two (2) brothers now and they’re adorable not that i’ll ever tell them that. and wwx modding chenqing got him a reputation in yiling like everyone saw him walk in one day and then drive out with this sexy sexy bike so people start coming to him for mods and stuff and wwx earns the title yiling patriarch and wen ning, his trusted best friend and helper, gets called the ghost general bc idk he helps a lot but the customers never meet him. so they become some dynamic duo for car and bike mods!

anyway,, yzy delivers him an ultimatum one day: the car or the bike (or more accurately: the family or the bike) but wwx can’t drive the car anymore so he just gets quietly disowned and drops out of school. (we’ll save jzxuan the suffering in this au he can keep his car). he goes to the wens and theyre like hey whats up? wait no you cant live in a scrap heap,, not even if you buy a tent,,, just live with us please. and then wwx gets adopted by the wens and idk i want them to have a happy ending so wwx and wn go off and do some actual mechanic and modding training with some expert (sqdcfgt imagine if it was the real baoshan sanren who just happened to be in the market for some apprentices and saw wwx and wn’s work and was like them and then later realised it was her grandson). so they get their apprenticeship and they disappear off somewhere for a year or two - when wwx had been disowned he’d deleted everyone’s contacts and was like if they text me i’ll add them back but im not gonna have a contact list cemetery. (no one contacts him).

eventually the 13 years pass and wwx has been helping the wens raise their little nephew a-yuan who is showing a real aptitude for being a mechanic even though he’s just a kid and just generally enjoying the quiet life of being a mechanic while doing fun mods and lil baby projects. then one day lwj’s car breaks down while he’s driving through the area and he calls up the local mechanic and guess who rocks up? it’s wwx. and then we get to have them dance around each other and wwx being like lwj doesnt trust me, he’s just sitting here and watching me work all day ): and lwj is like dont let him go dont let him go dont let him go,, and eventually they get their romance but this is way too long already so im im gonna end this here

i didnt mean to make this an entire au but i adored your idea so much anon so i kinda had to!!

#mdzs #modao zushi #wei wuxian #wangxian #lan wangji #wen ning #wen qing #my aus #asks #cql #the untamed #i might come and add a read more later but i dont have time now sorry!#Anonymous

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euphorianyx · 5 years ago

Text

DADDY ISSUES [Dawn] -3-

Pairing: JungKook & Reader Genre: Smut, Fluff, Angst Summary: You believe you know someone you live together but that only counts if they are true to themselves. Can love really change someone or do they just hold back? What if you are yet to meet the dark side? Will you stay to handle all that or will you walk away? When there is something you have to protect, the choice is not really yours so you just do what you think is the best.

AN: If you just found this story you can read the prequel here.

Other Chapters

JungKook walked slowly to the table occupied by the young woman that was seen fit to be his next toy. It was hard to tell by her back but a few small gestures already caught his eyes. The way she sat or seemed was all wrong. It lacked your shyness balanced with straightforwardness. The smile she gave to the waiter was sweet. It was way too sweet that could be childish, lacking the elegance you had.

Rolling his eyes but still making his way towards her JungKook already could tell this was a lost case. He sat down on the velvet encrusted chair across her. She greeted him with a wide smile, letting her chest pop a little. It was obvious she was trying to be sexy but the reality was far from it.

Her face truly reminded you. Long lashes, well-shaped lips gave a feeling of you. JungKook did not know why he was searching for you in someone else but he could not help it. He wanted to give her a chance but the more she spoke the worse things went. At some point, JungKook just left his glass on the table. He did not even care about the special cocktail he favored the flavor. He raised his hand cutting the young women.

He grabbed the dark purple envelope and went through papers. Hoping to find an excuse that will make sense but Min Jae Yeo seemed awfully clean. Letting out a deep sigh JungKook decided it was best to get done with this real quick so left the envelope on the table.

“Jae Yeo...”

She nodded right away with bright eyes. She was so tractable and would follow him but that was not what he needed anymore.

“I don’t think you are qualified for what I have in mind.”

The girl reached for his hand but JungKook pulled it away before she could hold it. He gestured the waiter to bring the bill. Jae Yeo was tearing up as JungKook raised from his seat. He did not mean to make her cry but did not feel like comforting her too. He had his poker face before he turned around to leave the café. On his way back to Jeon Enterprise JungKook got a call from YugYeom. He hit the pedal of his black Bugatti before he touched the screen to answer the call.

“What is it?”

His voice was not harsh or anything. It was monotone until YugYeom revealed why he called.

“Im Won... He was in charge of the border but he got seven hundred. Should I inform your father?”

Im Won dared to give them false information on the amount of white he was dealing with his name. He reported five hundred kilograms but actually got seven hundred to make more money by himself. JungKook arched an eyebrow. His voice was dangerously low as he asked.

“No...But inform everyone for tonight. The party will be after midnight. I will take him by myself.”

YugYeom ended the call after a simple remark letting JungKook know he understood. JungKook was already at the edge but the information ignited his ice-cold soul. Noone... Noone could use his own resources to make extra money. He was free to do his own thing now and the chance came quick. JungKook’s fingers danced on the steering wheel.

When JungKook pulled up by the car park, the noise of a strong engine echoed through the grey dull walls. He locked it and walked a bit until he reached the elevator. When the simple steel doors opened, the large cabin welcomed him. He rested his hands on the bars by the door.

His blood rushed while he was staring at his own eyes. They were dark just like they have been for years. The person he wanted to hold back was out stronger than ever. He felt it in his bones. A different smirk grew on his thin lips. JungKook tilted his head while his eyes rolled back with excitement. The door opened and the young boy with brown hair greeted him to the polygon.

“Mike...”

JungKook simply greeted him with a small gesture. Mike smiled back at him.

“We haven’t seen you here for so long.”

JungKook let out a cool chuckle.

“I know. Just here to keep myself in check.”

JungKook took his jacket off as he stopped in front of the familiar number. Seven... He put it aside as the gun arrived. Ignoring the headphones he grabbed it. The silver metal shined in his hand while he pulled the trigger. On and on until there was not a single bullet left. Jungkook pressed the button to see the result. Two big holes... One in the head one in the chest.

Then he heard someone clapping behind him. The young woman had peachy long hair, big eyes, and full lips. Her tiny waist was completed with her hips. JungKook arched an eyebrow at her questioningly, though she smiled.

“You are a tough one, aren’t you...I don’t know who got you mad but I am Min Chae Soo.”

She raised her hand to greet JungKook. After taking a look at the friendly gesture, he shook her hand briefly. Then her earphones arrived with the same brand of gun he used.

“Want to go for another round?”

Her simple defiance triggered JungKook. They both had similar grins as they aimed for the vital points. They pressed the button at the same time to see their results. Chae Soo’s challenge went on in their conversation. JungKook realized he was actually smiling.

After they finally decided who won, the duo walked out of polygon. When their paths were separated JungKook wore his poker face again. He had no idea what about her made him put his guard down right away. Still thinking about what just happened she went for squash and JungKook went for boxing.

After their sessions ended their path crossed by the hallway again. They decided to have some drinks together. Chae Soo wore her leather jacket. Her hair was stuck by the back so she pulled it out and it danced in the air. The smell filling the air was not perfect but not bad either. She hoped on the front seat and JungKook was not disturbed at all.

He drove to Mucaro, the night club at Im Won’s territory. JungKook stopped the car rigidly. They got out but the vale was frozen in his spot. He fixed his small hat, bowing at them. JungKook threw the keys at him before they made their way to the place. The neon sign above was bright with green, blue, and purple colors. Walls were black with lines in the same shades as the sign.

When he was seen by the door every single person working there was urged to form a proper line each side of the door. Female employees were in awe while male employees were busy with their envy. Not even aware of what was expecting him Im Won stood in the middle by the edge of the maroon carpet. He greeted JungKook and Chae Soo with a decent smile.

Im Won thought it was one of JungKook’s impromptu visits so lead the way to the big room at the back. Bodies were swaying around each other under blue and purple lights. A small group of young boys and girls had blunts hanging from their lips and glasses filled with alcohol in their hands. By the corners, two girls in skin tight dresses sat each side of a middle-aged man in a suit. JungKook had a smirk on his face before he turned around to face Chae Soo.

“Let’s grab some drinks.”

Im Won was expecting him to talk about the next deal but did not dare to question JungKook so he just left. They sat by the bar and chatted casually for a while. Somehow topic drifted on more personal matters where JungKook made Chae Soo reveal herself a little bit.

“So you were raised in a dormitory...”

JungKook imagined a little girl at such a place with no one to care for her. Chae Soo’s arm rested on the wood as her hand was under her chin.

“Yeah until I was fifteen. Then my father adopted me.”

The heaviness of her sentence lingered in the air a bit. He was going to tell YugYeom to do some research on her to see what he was going to do. Though it was time for her questions.

“I thought you got married but... I... don’t see your ring.”

Your face before his eyes, JungKook looked down at his empty finger for a moment before he put his glass down.

“Yeah, I did but things got complicated.”

Chae Soo did not ask anything further since she sensed it was no good. Meanwhile, JungKook got what he wanted since Im Won did not suspect anything at all. Soon the last member sent the signal to let him know he was there.

“Listen, I would like to talk to you more but I have something urgent to take care of. How about I get you a taxi to drop you off?”

Chae Soo arched an eyebrow at him but grabbed her purse. She hopped off the chair towards JungKook. There was almost no space between their bodies. She put her hand on his chest.

“Not before I get a promise.”

JungKook nodded with a smile. Chae Soo grabbed a pen from her purse then reached for his hand. She slowly wrote her number under his intense gaze. Looking at his hand for a good moment JungKook put it on her back gently. He gestured one of the taxis waiting across the path. The young guy pulled up right away, his eyes widened when he noticed JungKook. He opened the door for Chae Soo and told the driver to safely take her to her address.

When he was back with a simple head gesture members started to evacuate the place by informing people one by one. Im Won realized something was up so he gathered his own men together but it was too late. He walked towards Jungkook who still sat on his chair casually.

“Mr. Jeon what is going on?”

JungKook calmly put his glass down. His eyes were dark when he directed them at Im Won. He grabbed the man by his neck and his head hit the wood with a loud thud. His men proceed to interfere but they could not.

“You thought I would never find out?”

Im Won mentally cursed himself.

“Let me explain.”

JungKook let out a chuckle that froze his blood. He gestured his men to interfere and hell broke loose. The loud noise of triggers drowned in the loud music still playing. The heavy smell of gun powder and blood mixed with each other permeated the place. He got two cuts from the knife of a pretty stubborn one. JungKook got away with a swing of his body and kicked him on his chest. The man fell back and Jungkook aimed at his head.

JungKook reached for another gun. He turned around and saw two men almost reached him. He pulled the trigger in pure mercilessness and watched their bodies fall on the cold ground. JungKook realized Im Won was by the door and ran towards his side but the man fell back. Seeing who was by the door JungKook stopped for a good minute. Chae Soo had timber in her hand now was strained with Im Won’s blood. She threw it at JungKook.

“I knew something was up so I did not leave.”

You fastened your steps on the sidewalk with your phone on your ear.

“Hi NamJoon, I believe we need to talk.”

NamJoon sounded serious at the other side of the line.

“Sure Y/N...”

He knew you found out that he gave your name. Their conversation about divorce with JungKook played in his mind, he quietly took a deep breath.

“Why don’t you come over.”

If it was not for him you were going to offer that. Soon you were by his door. You knocked twice and waited for a little. NamJoon was in a simple t-shirt and dark green sweatpants with his hair swept back. He fixed his glasses as he greeted you then lead the way towards the living room. You mostly spent your time at his office room here so did not notice many details about other parts of his house.

The walls were a light shade of blue, giving his living room a calm vibe. Two dark blue couches were in the middle of the room across each other. A small white table stood between them matching the TV unit by the wall. The kitchen was open by the left of his living room. NamJoon offered you a coffee that you accepted. You watched him prepare them in silence and when he was back you finally broke it.

“I heard you gave my name to the company.”

A simple nod with his poker face was NamJoon’s response.

“Because I thought you were what they needed in there.”

A small smile spread across your lips.

“Thank you... but I doubt that is the only reason.”

NamJoon let out a deep sigh before your eyes met again.

“Okay, I will be honest with you. It was a mutual decision with Mr Jeon.”

You bit down your lip as you refused to finish the coffee and put your cup down on the table.

“And you expect me to take it when I know someone else could be there if you did not interfere.”

Before you pulled your hand from the table NamJoon caught your wrist.

“Y/N, I gave your name because I knew you could do it. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Even your family does not know yet, right?”

Your hand turned into a ball of fist while you shook your head. NamJoon gently let your wrist go with a small smile on his lips.

“I understand and he is trying to help you Y/N. That is not as bad as you think.”

You let out a deep sigh.

“He knows where I stay right now, does not he?”

NamJoon confirmed your assumption before he made the offer that surprised you.

“Why don’t you stay here instead?”

When he directed his eyes back to you realized he was serious.

Next Chapter

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princeluckybug13 · 4 years ago

Text

Decided to answer some questions from @radarvision and @mean-scarlet-deceiver about the magazine story post. Also some headcanons???

The magazines were apparently like little “comic books”. They varied as there were quite a few versions and types. I don’t really know too much about the magazines themselves, just the stories within lol. And also I own exactly zero of them. Tbh would rather buy the books anyway.

Officially, it’s spelled BoCo. I usually do Boco cause its easier, and it's pretty common to see it misspelled that way anyway. Kinda like Sir Handel being spelled Handle.

Now… I’m gonna address the big ol’ elephant in the room lol. There’s a story (reprinted several times too) called Choc-o-BoCo. Literally the whole thing is like a big joke. I’m serious. Boco gets covered in mud. Gets washed. Gets covered in mud again. Again, he gets washed. Finally he ends up knocking into a tub of “sticky, brown goo” in a factory. He returns to the sheds, stops the guard from washing him, and just casually licks some of the “mystery goo” from his face. Of course, everyone thinks he’s just eaten mud. That’s the whole joke. They think he ate mud. Spoiler it’s just chocolate.

With this it answers the question of “can engines eat?” Apparently they can?? It’s also insinuated that Boco recognizes the taste of chocolate, so that means he’s had it at least once. My headcanon is that he knows the taste because of Edward, well Edward’s crew. This goes into the next thing.

There are several times where Boco’s driver has either been neglectful (leaving Boco beside a pile of cargo that was already precariously placed), rude and imcomptent (his new driver after his first retired ignoring and belittling him), or just not fit to work (his old driver arriving two hours early and two hours late cause he doesn't have a clock??? That one’s more weird).

Needless to say Boco’s not had the greatest time with drivers. So I like to think Edward’s original crew that he meets were extra kind to Boco to cheer him up. Now I like to think Sydney would sneak Edward treats (usually small chocolates, little bits of lunch, or small soft things he could give the engine). He also gave Bill and Ben treats when they behaved (as well as they could anyway). Hence forth, when Boco came around Sydney continued it with him. So that’s how I think Boco knew what chocolate tasted like.

The next big thing was James. Anytime he and Boco were in the same story (like where they actually contribute), James brought up something he didn't like about Boco. One they argue over their colors. James really doesn’t like green apparently. Another he just flat out insults his square face. Technically both times he’s apologized, but still. James needs to chill.

My best guess is just the same thing James had with Toby for some reason. I don’t really know, but its there a lot for some reason.

Side note. I was also looking through some of the other books Boco appears in, and he seems to be on good terms with Gordon. He tries to cheer him up and rescues him in Gordon the High-Speed Engine. It obviously started with Wrong Road, but I think it's kinda sweet and cute to see the unlikely duo to be so close. Has some potential :3

That’s all I got for now lmao, but questions are always welcome!

#ttte #boco #the magazines are like the books but on several drugs lmao #they dont always make sense #or theyre like barely a story #he also seems to be on good terms with duck #but thats not as fun #gordon is a peice of work so its interesting to see lol

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iphoenixrising · 5 years ago

Text

Merry Christmas, Timmy

hi babes. For those of you that don’t celebrate, I still hope you are wonderful wherever you are. Kiddo was with her dad last night, so I was all by myself, got a little sad, and thought of this little thing for the holidays. I’ve done angsty ones before (like this one), but I won’t break your heart with it <3

And the softly falling snow flutters around Gotham, painting the city in a semblance of joy. Christmas lights on buildings and store fronts, a decorated tree in Robinson Square, all signals the city is feeling the good cheer.

Christmas Eve and all is calm.

Except for the vigilante standing at the top of the Wallstone Apartments, grapple in one hand, planning his next jump while the snow piles on his shoulders, and the glinting lights sparkle off his harness in the night.

The muted comm in his ear is silent, no witty banter back-and-forth or calm, cool orders, no sounds of flying over the skyline or fights breaking out against the criminals. It’s as quiet as the city itself.

He hadn’t expected any different, knowing the patrol roster would be empty. The Bats would be at the Manor for hours already, eating and celebrating the holiday, taking a well-deserved night off unless something awful happened, and major crime took them away from the warmth and laughter.

And even if he isn’t part of it all anymore, not since he’d brought back the OG Batman from time, even if he didn’t wear the R in front of his heart like a brand, even if he’d been gone long enough to get the point, that maybe he’d only been the stand-in all along, Red Robin is still determined to keep moving and make damn sure there would be no reason to disturb their family gathering tonight.

The pain in his chest at being the last one left standing had waned in the last year, enough that he could be in the city without it being such fucking agony. It’s easier to stand at his old haunt with nostalgia dogging his steps, looking out for the same hidden niches and fire escapes sturdy enough to hold his weight. It’s easier to stay out of the way when he’s back, to run Wayne Enterprises without getting in Bruce’s sight, to patrol the outskirts and gaps away from the family, to keep his comm on mute, to keep his penthouse Perch his main haven instead of coming back to the Cave or the Manor or the Bunker and pushing himself into their lives where he probably never should have been in the first place.

It’s easier...for everyone.

It’s easier not to make waves but to just bow out gracefully and work on the backend instead. So, yesterday, he’d bid his teammates at Titan’s Tower good-bye as they all left to go to their families for Christmas, and he boarded a plane back to Gotham with every intention of keeping the city safe while the protectors got their time to celebrate.

And the crisp, cold air is hard on his lungs after thwarting the first of three escape attempts from Arkham, bruised to the bone from some pretty good fights along the way. A few hours before dawn and he could go back to his Perch, check his injuries from the last tussle with his team to make sure he isn’t approaching an infection, and pass out for the first time in over sixty hours.

Renee Montoya, as it happens, is also on patrol, and flags him down with a full cup of coffee, grinning at his whiteouts, pulling the collar of her jacket up while they talk about the few B&Es he’d already hit.

A swing to the soup kitchen and further to the homeless shelter. Skimming along the roof of the crooked pawn shop in the Narrows and down to the usual hangout for a few of the lesser gangs, flaring the cape out to be obvious, sending the message someone is out tonight, and a beating might not be the best present for the morning.

An alarm raised at Blackgate, and he’s riding the Ducati at breakneck speed, jaw tight against the bitter cold, ignoring the numbing in his legs and fingers.

It’s no shock someone as smart as Falcone would have his minions try to bust him out when the guard duty is light for the holidays.

He shoves one out of the way of a hail of bullets, his armor taking most of the damage, and his thigh taking another in a bout of stupidly bad luck. He brings them down fast enough to keep the fighting to a minimum and as many guards safe as possible.

He stays long enough to zip tie the cranky ones, waits for the red and blue lights, the scream of sirens signalling back-up is on the way.

The ride back to town is hazy because he didn’t get the tourniquet on fast enough and blood paints a nasty wreath-like shape in the snow.

The Ducati coasts to a shadowy alleyway a few block from his Perch, and he falls off, drags himself behind a dumpster for a breather. Midnight chimes across the city, a Merry Christmas to go with his blood loss.

And when he’s finally caught his breath enough to stand with the whitehot pain in the meat of his thigh starting to be a problem, his ear cracks to life, hazy in his brainpan.

“Can’t trace him. He doesn’t have trackers in his suit.” “What the fuck ya talkin’ ‘bout, O?” “We will absolutely address that later, Hood. For now, we have priorities.”

He laughs off his insane imagination and manages to get to his feet. He hobbles to the Ducati, pushes it behind the dumpster, out of sight, and makes a note to get it in the morning.

The grapple is slippery in his hand, and he fumbles a little on the way up, not realizing it’s because his glove is bloody and not conducive to any kind of a good grip. No running this time, just hobbling his way two rooftops over and he’s home free.

Wavery, he doesn’t fall when Nightwing and the Red Hood land it on either side of him, but damn if it isn’t a close thing.

“Finally!” “Fer fuck’s sake, Red. Ya couldn’ta bother callin’ er some shit?”

Which throws him for an important second because what the hell are they even doing out?

The step away is automatic, stepping back from the vigilantes that, in their own ways, tried to kill him. Jason, at least, didn’t try to hide the intent.

Slowly, N raises a hand, “easy, Red. It’s okay now, we’re–” “Go home,” is all he can think to say. “Go back to your family. I’ve already taken care of the city tonight.” And turns his back on them both with copper in his mouth and the pain in his chest more acute than the one throbbing in his leg.

But the tall, imposing shadow right behind him manages to stop his thought processes because of all things, he sure as hell didn’t expect this.

“The guard at Blackgate reported you could have been hit,” Robin takes a step away from Batman’s side, a hand flying out to sweep the cape back, the reinforced tights stained even in the dim. “It seems he was correct.”

Penned in on all sides, B and Robin, N and Hood, all of them closing in on him.

“Is the bullet still in?” Hand on his shoulder and fuck is it familiar. “Why the hell didn’t cha call fer back-up?!” “We need to get him home. Now.” “Do not strain it, Drake. It may have hit an artery.”

Pulling out of Batman’s hold is not something he can remember doing before tonight, and it’s easier said than done. The hand tightens down for a second before Red makes another try, lunging back to keep them all in his sight.

The vigilantes around him go quiet, all those whiteouts fixed.

“Go home. I came out tonight so the Bats could enjoy Christmas. Arkham’s been secured and so has Blackgate.” He grips his thigh, tightens his hand so the pain helps clear his head a little.

Hood holds up both hand, palms out in the I come in peace that really has no place between them.

(Really, what’s a slit throat and bat-a-rang in the chest between enemies?)

And Nightwing still has a hand out toward him, takes a careful, easy step. But the Batman? He gives absolute no fucks about what his middle son is spewing, just strides up, moves fast and furious enough to have Red Robin up in his arms, tight against the yellow insignia on his chest, turns in a flare of cape, and dives off the roof.

“What the fuck–?!”

The Batmobile slides open silently, and B falls right in the driver’s seat without a ruffle, slams the button to start the massive engine, an arm around Red’s to keep the younger vigilante against his chest, in his lap, held securely. Robin lifts the legs off his seat and joins them.

The Dynamic Duo ignore the pointed, “wait!” as the hatch slides back in place and the car takes off down the silent, snowy street.

Robin reaches to adjust the tourniquet, a quiet, “hold your breath, this shall not be...pleasant.”

B’s hand moves to grip his shoulder while the other pilots the big car, pulling Red Robin deeper into his body, trying to shield him in some crazy way that seems too much, too fucking much, to be real.

The adjustment takes him by surprise, the abruptness of it, of them, of this, taking him completely–

out.

Which is how the Batman leaps out of the Batmobile, with Tim limp and loose in his arms, Damian following on his heels with quicker steps.

“My word,” Alfred turns away from setting up coffee, a hopeful gesture for Master Tim’s sake.

“That’s not what I hoped for,” Stephanie is out of the computer chair in a heartbeat, her ugly Christmas sweater still lighting up since Dick and Jay said there wouldn’t be a need for anyone else to suit up tonight. She and Cass elected to stay behind and keep Alfred company while they boys went to collect their wayward Robin.

Cass moves silently past, already throwing the screen back to the medical bay, her eyes narrowed on the swaying arm and tights darkened with blood.

The echo of Ducatis hits as Alfred scrubs his hands, gloves up, and Steph helps Bruce maneuver around the traps in Tim’s suit.

It’s all hands on deck with Cass and Dami helping to ready supplies, stripping off pieces of the suit when they can.

Dick tosses his gloves and gauntlets the minute they throw themselves off the bikes, Jay dropping the helmet at his workstation on the way.

By the computer, Barbara keeps searching, her likewise ugly Christmas sweater a tacky Riddler dancing with the tastefully done rhyme: Jingle Bells, Batman smells! Robin laid an egg. The Batmobile lost it’s wheel is absolutely perfect for the night.

Until she digs around to see what Red Robin has been in to since his plane hit Gotham, then goes a little further to see what’s been on the Titan’s roster the last few weeks.

The report is grim, and she gives it with a hard tone as Duke comes into the medical bay with a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, frowning over bullet fragments pinging in a metal tray.

“By his damn self?” Because Jay feels it bares repeating. “By himself,” Barbara confirms, wheeling cautiously around to reach through the bodies and squeeze the unmoving hand.

The bruises and contusions make the point, drive home some very hard to believe things as the Bats take him in to the skin. The new scars aren’t in his medical report, and B shoves back the cowl, eyes moving to memorize each one, already planning how he’s going to ease Tim in to talking about them all.

Dick runs a bare hand through Tim’s hair while Jay puts in an IV, Damian grips a bare ankle, his expression grim. Cass winds an arm around Steph’s waist to ground her, watches her best friend blink back tears and hold a hand to her mouth in disbelief. Duke stands with arms folded over his chest, looks for any indication he can jump in and help.

In a few hours, everyone is in pajamas, in various stages of passed out around the couch when Tim comes to slowly, strangely warm for being out in the middle of Gotham on Christmas Eve.

(What the fuck?)

He catches his breath when the ceiling above is one he recognizes all too painfully. He doesn’t even get the chance to move to sit up, to try maneuvering around all the bodies splayed in his favorite sitting room in Wayne Manor because Bruce is someone with an instinct that flares when one of his Robins is obviously in need.

He’s awake, completely alert before Tim’s hand moves the blanket off enough to try getting free over the back of the couch and out.

“Thank God,” and Bruce’s expression is so awfully, terribly relieved, Tim has to look away or be reduced to that teenage kid, shoving himself in their lives trying to save this man from himself.

And since, well Batman, Bruce is up on the couch just that fast, holding Tim in his lap, against his chest, rocking him gently back and forth, arms tight.

“I’ve been so worried about you,” breathed against his too long hair, “when you wouldn’t come home, wouldn’t come back. I thought...it doesn’t matter what I thought, but you’re home and we’re going to take care of you.”

“N-no, I can’t...I shouldn’t be here. I– you should have let me go, I don’t...I’m not–” but his voice wavers when those arms lock down, keep him from wiggling away.

“Yes, yes, you should be here. Right here with us where you belong. No more running, Tim. I’m not letting you go back to Titan’s Tower until you tell me everything. We’re going to solve cases and update your files and talk about what a pain in your ass the team is. We’re going to go to WE together next time and text each other in board meetings to keep from falling asleep. You’re going to patrol with me and Dick and Damian until you remember this is your home too.”

And Bruce only lets up enough to pull the blanket up to Tim’s shoulders, rocks them both gently while his other children sleep on.

“Bruce,” is watery and lost, is so many things that make his heart ache painfully.

“I know, well, at least some of it,” he huffs against the top of his son’s messy bedhead, “but this? You coming back? This is my Christmas Miracle, Tim.”

A big hand loosens enough to rub soothing circles on his back, feeling the tremble that go through Tim’s body that has nothing to do with the hole in his leg. But it’s fine because he’ll sit here all day and into the night, just like this if he needs to, will keep his middle son in place if it keeps Tim from running back to the Titans, to give him the evidence he needs to see.

(How much they need him.)

He holds on and soothes while the tree in front of him blinks brightly and the presents below wait for the excitement of his sleeping kids to wake up and rip them open. And strewn around the base, packages and packages marked Tim and Timmy and Drake and Pain in the ass and Boy Wonder and Master Tim all from the last two years without their third Robin are waiting to be piled up in his lap and spill out on the couch beside him. Are waiting for him as patiently as all the sleeping bodies have been. Waiting for him to come home, waiting for him to finally, finally come back.

By the time Alfred comes in with a tray of coffee, hoping to see their missing member awake without trying to leave, Tim is laying exhausted against Bruce’s chest, the two talking softly.

“I just...I–” “I know, kiddo, I’m sorry you ever thought that.” “B...” “It’s okay. We’ll work it out, we’ll work together to make it better for you. Don’t give up on me, Tim.” “Like that’s ever going to happen? The rest of the world thought you were dead, you know.”

Seeing the look on Master Tim’s face when he takes the first sip of coffee is intensely gratifying, watching him devour the omelette (tomatoes and spinach, still his favorite of course) before Alfred’s other charges are awake sets a bit of starch in his spine because the young man is woefully under weight. Another omelette is certainly in order.

Dick barely blinks his eyes open before he’s latching on to his little brother with his own octopus hold engaged, and refuses to relinquish the bird while the others start waking up to gather around him.

Tears are shed and the hugs are so tight, laughter following on the edges. Gifts are piled and the attention is set on him as he slowly opens them, blinking back so his eyes don’t spill over.

And he gets to have this warmth in the niche of Dick’s lap with hands desperately holding on, grounding him here in the Manor instead of in the silent Tower or his empty Perch.

He gets Dami gingerly handing him a wrapped package that’s a book of sketches, him in his red and black, him with a grin and domino, him with an arm around Kon and Bart, him and Dick on patrol, him and B walking to the open Batmobile, ready to take on the night. He gets a serious lecture on the statistics of sepsis and a finger wagging in his face that Dami will not tolerate his family being in such danger, Drake, and yes, that includes you.

He gets Steph holding his hand too tight, her eyes watery and lower lip trembling with whatever she’d seen while he was riding the unconscious train, and Cass rubbing his scalp with her free hand and smiling that same gentle smile from that time she came for him in the fight against Ra’s crazy ass sister.

He gets Jason Todd putting a fresh cup of coffee in his hand and a soft half-smile that seems to tell a story he’d never thought he’d live long enough to hear, and Babs treating him the same as always, going on about the new Ransomware she’d planted in Lonnie’s systems just for a hoot.

He gets to low-five Duke when the guy helps get some of the intense attention away, steering most of them back to the tree to help hand out gifts and get spots cleared so Alfred can bring in food with Jay helping so the butler can catch a seat and accept brightly wrapped packages.

And the day moves into afternoon, terrible Hallmark Christmas movies turn into awful 80′s action movies with Christmas themes (Jason making fun of Lethal Weapon is literally the best thing he’s ever seen), and it’s strange to see someone waiting for him in the hall anytime he’s had to use the bathroom, or hobbles upstairs to change clothes.

(He never suspected he’d still have a room, a place, a workstation, a set of clothes that fit. Never suspected any of this to be waiting, thought these days were long gone and acceptance was the road better taken.)

A chorus of hell no’s! and Dick literally wrapping him up in a stifling hold keeps him in for the night when he follows in the back of the group down to the Cave and picks up his suit, assesses the damage briefly but starts to wrap his wrists anyhow.

Jason is the one to take the tape out of his hand around Dick’s crushing denial, and another finger wagging in his face with some nu-uh Timmers. That shit ain’t gonna happen, feel me? on the side.

Alfred caps it all off, mildly remarking how Master Tim would absolutely be able to work comms in their absence since someone of the household would need to clean-up the mess upstairs since he apparently isn’t getting any younger.

So he finds himself plunked down in the chair by the big computer, O grinning next to him on her laptop, warming up her system to plug into the criminal side of Gotham and get their night started right.

And this chain of events might not be what he imaged a few hours, a few days, a few weeks ago when memories of the Manor hit him in his roughest moments, gave him a bit of strength to keep moving, but it may just be the evidence he needs to also believe in Christmas miracles.

#winter writes #merry christmas!#tim drake #bruce wayne #dick grayson #jason todd #damian wayne #stephanie brown #duke thomas #cassandra cain #alfred pennyworth #you might be a little sad #hurt/comfort #home for the holidays #my drabs #my writing

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suchalilyofthevalley · 5 years ago

Note

I think you raised a lot of good points with how they're going to market both S and C moving forward...I have my own opinion on this "relationship" but regardless I've been surprised they've been promoted as a duo so much? i actually felt sorry for C that her album promo wasn't about her album. and i'm interested to see what shawn's major interview will be like. if it's a fluffy relationship piece i think it will do more harm than good. (part 1)

Also I think his foundation should have launched with an interview not necessarily for his fanbase but to attract corporate partnerships? Would like your thoughts on that and the foundation in general. I just feel like he was on an upward trajectory and that it may have stalled because of the current positioning, but I don't have any figures to back it up, it's just my impression. I do think some new advisors on his team could elevate him though.(part 2)

::cracks knuckles::

First off THANK YOU SO MUCH for an ask like this. It’s very well thought out/well written and it lets me go into what I LOVE about my job/PR - the build and strategy/positioning in regards to media.

Before I do - the part about the next big interview for him: fan hat off, PR hat on. It NEEDS to be about him, about music, about what’s next. All fandom and mass pop has seen since last summer has been the THEM of it all. Most folks that know him or support him, are there for him and his music. not his relationship. These are the folks that are going to buy albums, concert tickets, merch, stream, tune into interviews, etc. They’re the ones that keep the engines fueled and the lights on. It sometimes feels like that’s forgotten about in the mix of everything.

The massive Billboard article that dropped about the success of Shawn Mendes: The Tour at the end of January didn’t even get the love and push it should have. This was massive news and it like didn’t even get acknowledged in any way, even industry facing.

This has to/needs to be a legit interview. Not a 5 question curated thing that shows up in like PopSugar or InStyle or online video only with like BuzzFeed. And honestly, after the success of SM3/SMTT - it should be something that elevates his profile. He’s done some of the big ones in Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone. Which all awesome. But time to build and keep moving forward and upward.

This next big moment - it NEEDS to go next level to hit wider, more mature more male and female mass pop. My thoughts? Depending on what they’ve actually got to talk about - Vanity Fair or Vogue are both a bit a reach but that would be EPIC goals - especially if there’s something of substance to talk about and he’s willing to be open. More realistic? GQ, Esquire, Interview Mag, even Hollywood Reporter but that skews a little more industry. I don’t trust EW to have enough of a deft hand to handle what really needs to be done, it would be too floof and veering tabloidy for that next meaty piece.

Total aside - the fact the team hasn’t pitched him for like Men’s Health/Men’s Journal yet BOGGLES considering some of the other folks that have been able to snag covers. To me? No BRAINER to have pitched that at album release or before the tour to talk and dive into his regiment and how he gets into shape to take on a tour/shows.

For the foundation - there was absolutely Z E R O marketing/pr thought or strategy put out on it or towards it. This launched in the lead up to what was the biggest moment of the tour, his hometown stadium show in Toronto. They basically launched it and was like yeah it’s a thing here’s a sizzle video and some pretty graphics ok donate to us byeeeeee.

No friends. No.

You needed to LAUNCH this thing, really and truly. Not only for the general awareness, but like you said dear anon, for the corporate philanthropy of it. Your partners are tour folks who probably got looped in on the tour deal. So what’s happening now? Who else is backing this? How much have you ponied in to start this? What else have you been doing for it? What are your fundraising drivers other than soliciting to fan base and having a donate button on your website? What’s your ethos and mission statement?

They’re under the umbrella of the Social Impact Fund for the States and Internationally to manage the financials/donation platform website, who also manages the charities/foundations from wii.i.am and Bradley Cooper. Which yay good legit and folks. So that means they’re using THAT team to do a lot of the heavy lifting on the back end with distribution, their charitable status, etc. I know I’ve heard noise/chatter on here before that folks think this is a sham, it’s a tax break/shelter, it’s not legit. The fund they’re using is a fully registered 501(c)(3) here in the States which means they’ve got folks they’ll need to answer to with legit breakdowns of how funding is being used, etc. Folks being the IRS. It looks like they’re under the Sick Kids Foundation/Sick Kids Charitable Fund with donating in Canada. So what this all means is that they’ve got the framework of the foundation without having to do the lift and say have an Exec Director on their staff managing everything.

However, they’re slow to the kick on everything the fan base says is important OR that he’s said is important/has backed before. It took a good beat to answer on the Australia wildfires and we’ve seen more recently with the COVID-19 response. There needs to be true thoughts and efforts put in, against and behind this. The fact that “our impact” on the website is literally links to Instagram posts? It would be a good idea to flesh that out a little bit more. Same with the partners they support - say what programs of theirs you’re giving to, what it’s going towards/for.

Given this kicked off in Canada around this show, like Macleans would have been a good interview, CBC/CTV or given it’s his hometown show was coming up, the Toronto Star or even go national with the Globe & Mail. It would have been a no brainer to do something with a Billboard for this, loop it in with talking about the show. Even better if you want to go after the double whammy of mass pop and corporate that would span across borders? Forbes. I know the music guys there and that would have been AMAZING. There was so much that could have been done and there just...wasn’t. Which is sad. This could be something and it’s just like a thing that’s there.

Coming off the album drop, the positive reviews, the blast through of shows/ticket sales followed by the actual tour success? Major positive forward motion and it feels like it’s stalled or backslid. I am all for him taking a beat to breathe and a break, but he shouldn’t do it at the detriment or demolition of everything he’s worked to build. He’s at a serious turning point. It’s also not out of the ordinary for artists to outgrow their teams or change teams. I know I’ve mentioned it before. It’s going to be interesting to see what he and the team, this one now or otherwise, do next all around.

#getting on my PR soapbox #cause publicists don't stop working #anon #Anonymous

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am-i-right-marines · 4 years ago

Text

Prompt: Ambush

December 24th, 2532

New Vancouver, Road to New Halifax

“-o I said to the guy: Don’t waste your money on a locksmith, I’ve got a pack of C12.”

Corporal Elliot Reynolds chuckled. As did Private Vetras and a couple of other Marines. “You’ve told that story a thousand times. It gets less funny every time, and it was never funny to begin with.”

“Hey, it’s a good story.” Private Gideon Tyler Winters grinned, punching Elliot in the shoulder. “You definitely laughed at it when Wendy was around. You got the hots for my sister or something?” He raised his eyebrows and smirked at the Corporal.

Elliot sputtered for a second before chuckling. “In your dreams, city boy.”

“Ohhhhh!” The other Marines riding on the Scorpion tank with them laughed, even the tank’s gunner and driver.

In Third Platoon, being from the city was an automatic contract to get teased relentlessly.

Gideon turned to look at the driver and raised an eyebrow. “How about you Waters? Any good stories?”

The woman smirked, rolling her eyes behind her visor. “None that involve you. Last time you tried to pick me up you mixed up your line, dropped your drink, and then face planted.”

“Oh? I didn’t hear about that one.” The gunner turned around slightly from his position at the 50. Caliber machine gun, smiling inquisitively.

Gideon laughed. “Hey, at least I tried, Mr. ‘I’ll wait until we’re back starside’.”

Elliot rolled his eyes playfully, looking between the two. “Ladies, ladies, you’re both pretty.”

Waters snorted. “Always with the.... woah.”

Everyone turned to see what had made Waters stop.

And there sitting in a crumpled and burning heap in a cluster of collapsed trees was a warthog with the sigil of the United Rebel Front on its hood and five bodies scattered around.

“Heh. Fuckin’ rebels got what they deserved.” The gunner scoffed.

“Hey, that’s somebody’s son!” Elliot snapped.

“Reynolds is right.”

Everyone snapped to attention. “Lieutenant Price.”

The platoon leader nodded at them as he walked by. “They’re not all bad. I—“

“Hey... you hear that?”

The sound of hover engines. Covenant tech.

Waters suddenly pointed skywards. “Banshees! Inbound!”

Half a second later, plasma bombs dropped from the alien fighters as they whizzed overhead, slamming into the forward vehicles in the convoy and showering the rest in heat, shrapnel, blood, and gore.

Plasma fire started coming out of the trees, cutting down countless unsuspecting Marines. A white line of plasma from a Covenant Focus Rifle shot out of the trees and slammed into Private Vetras’ head, utterly destroying it and covering Elliot in blood. “Shit-!” Vetras got out before he was silenced forever.

“It’s an ambush!” Someone shouted.

“Clear the tanks!” Elliot roared, leaping off the tread of the Scorpion and landing in the mud.

“Enemy armor!” Gideon warned, shouldering his MA5 and pouring fire into the trees as two Covenant Wraith Tanks emerged from another direction.

“Get off the road! Get off the road!” Lieutenant Price shouted, sprinting towards a side path in the grass. “Move! We’ll hit ‘em from the side!”

“You heard the Lieutenant, double time it Marines!” Sergeant Parker. The guy was a hardass in every sense of the word.

Gideon rolled his eyes, patting Elliot’s arm as the pair booked it into the trees.

“Find cover!”

“Grena—!” BOOM.

“Open fire!” Hundreds upon hundreds of 7.62mm bullets tore through foliage and wood.

The duo somehow ended up with Lieutenant Price, Sergeant Parker, and Airman Piper. He still had no idea why they had a comms liason from the fuckin’ Chair Force.

“Lieutenant! Just picked up a transmission from Sector Command. They want us to push up and capture the ford at grid 3-by-4-by-9. Apparently a second convoy is supposed to catch up with us.” Piper called.

“How the fuck are we supposed to do that when we’re being slaughtered?!” Gideon shouted over the din.

“Quiet!” Price barked. “We have our orders. Let’s move!”

The five man adhoc fireteam emerged from the trees and cut down a squad of Grunts with combined fire.

A resounding boom behind them followed by an explosion indicated that Waters had turned her tank’s canon on the Wraiths.

“Through the trees! We can’t get pinned here! Move!” Sergeant Parker roared.

“Frag out!”

Through the already deafening roar, the familiar woosh of an M57 Pilum Assault Weapon being fired sounded. A cluster of trees were engulfed in a bright purple and orange fireball, followed by the sound of half a dozen plasma grenades cooking off from the heat.

The surviving tank, Waters’ tank, plowed through the trees and into a field on the other side, followed by two M12 Warthogs and about fifty Marines. Five miles straight ahead stood their objective. They’d escaped the ambush.

—————————

“So now the objective is to destroy the bridge, not capture it?”

“Affirmative, Corporal. I just got out of a meeting with the other platoon leaders. A high-strength Covenant Force has been spotted by Air Force SIGINT Specialist Naiya Ray making for the bridge. It’s a tactical location in this sector. Command wants it gone. We’ve been given a HAVOK-Class Tactical Nuclear Warhead to ensure the job is done, and to enforce Cole Protocol.”

Gideon glanced at Elliot, who shrugged, then they both refocused on the briefing. “Specialist Ray estimates we have an hour max to complete our objective. As such, we will be commencing an all out assault on the bridge with 2nd and 4th Platoon. We’ve been allocated one CAS asset, callsign TAU-5. Now, we’ll be assaulting from the South side of the Covenant defenses. 2nd Platoon the North, and 4th the East. Any questions?”

“Sir! No sir!”

“Oorah.” Price nodded.

“Mount up!” Sergeant Parker boomed.

Elliot patted Gideon’s shoulder as the two climbed into the back of an M12 LRV Troop Carrier model, more commonly known as the ‘TroopHog’. “Hell or high water.”

Gideon slapped his friend’s back in return. “Funny this planet doesn’t have any icecaps.”

Elliot smirked. “‘Atta boy.”

A few more marines climbed into their TroopHog before it reved its engine and ripped off into the grass towards the bridge with the rest of the convoy.

Maybe three minutes later there was plasma fire flying all around them and they had to duck low in the seats to avoid being hit. As their ‘Hog bounced roughly over the ground, Elliot looked out to the side, and watched as another ‘Hog caught a Fuel Rod blast to the hood and was engulfed in a fireball. “Standby!” Parker barked.

The Hog drew closer. “Standby!”

Closer. “Standby!”

The plasma fire was immense.

The vehicle swerved in a circle to swing its back around and allow the marines out. “Go! Go go go!”

The couple dozen marines in the vehicle jumped out and raised their weapons, “Go go go!”

Gideon and Elliot both both jumped into a crater created by a plasma mortar shell and used it as a foxhole. “This is the single worst idea I’ve ever seen!” Gideon shouted as he put a five-round burst into the chest of a Jackal.

“No kidding!” Elliot shouted back.

Farther back in the Covenant lines, they saw a cluster of Grunts collapse under a hail of rifle fire. Apparently 2nd and 4th Platoon had arrived.

“Push up! Keep the pressure!” Lieutenant Price barked, lobbing a fragmentation grenade overhead and sprinting forward.

“You heard the man boys! It’s time for some hazard pay!” Parker added, following behind him.

“Go! Go go go!” Private Harper shouted, darting from his own foxhole.

Then the ground started to shake.... and over the hill emerged a Covenant Scarab Tank.

“Reynolds! Get on the horn with CAS! Double time! We need that thing dead!”

“Sir!” Elliot replied, blinking in to what limited HUD marine helmets had and connecting to the local channel. “TAU-5, Bravo 2-7. Request danger close. On our location. Trailing south. Commence 6 seconds. Target is a Covenant Scarab. Over.”

The radio crackled. “Understood. ETA 10 seconds. Standby.”

“Reynolds! Where the hell is it?!”

“Bravo 2-7, TAU-5. Positive I.D. on the target. Danger close. Guns, guns, guns.”

“Reynolds!?”

“Get to cover!”

A pair of F-41 Broadsword strikecraft emerged from the clouds at supersonic speeds, loaded for bare with missiles and autocannons. The Scarab frantically turned its dorsal cannon around, but it was too late.

The two human pilots absolutely unleashed into the enemy vehicle, cannons spitting 35mm rounds into the tank by the hundreds. Just as well, each pilot launched one M6088 ST/MMP Medusa Anti-Vehicle missile into the offending target before pulling up back into the clouds as the Scarab detonated in a wash of purple fire.

Of course, not before it got off one final shot and sheared the wing off one of the Broadswords. The pilot, who happened to be the one on the radio, was heard screaming as his fighter spiraled out of control....

..... and then slammed cockpit-first into the Scorpion tank driven by Private Sarah Waters.

“Waters!” Gideon exclaimed.

“There’s nothing we can do! Focus on the battle!” Price ordered.

“Harper, where’s that bomb?!”

“Here Sergeant!” The man tossed a briefcase to the Sergeant. Just goes to show how advanced civilization was. A Nuclear bomb in a briefcase.

“Alright, le— ah!”

“Lieutenant!”

Elliot whirled around to see Price collapse to the ground with a smoking plasma hole in his stomach. “Lieutenant!”

But Price wasn’t listening, he clasped Parker’s forearm. “You- you gotta get our boys outta here. I can complete the objective.”

“No! No one gets left behind!” Parker replied, voice cracking as more Covenant appeared.

“Goddamnit Joseph!”

“Ryan!” Parker shouted. Then he turned to Elliot. “Reynolds. You’re Sergeant now. I’m not leaving him behind again. Get our boys outta here.”

Elliot nodded, “Fall back!”

Gideon on the other hand, started panicking. “Sergeant! No!” Elliot grabbed his arm and started dragging the Private away. “No! You can’t do this! No! No!”

“I said fall back goddamnit! That’s an order!” Elliot fell into the leadership roll easily, dragging the panicking Private away.

“Sir! Second contact!” Harper barked, pointing at the sky.

Sure enough, a flight of three Pelican dropships descended from the sky and the radio crackled with a female voice. “Raider Flight to Bravo 2-7, you boys look like you could use a hand.”

“You have no idea Raider. We could use a ride.”

“You got it.” The pilot replied.

And the three descended, landing in front of the retreating Marines. “Load up!” Elliot boomed.

And as they all loaded in, Gideon looked back to the bridge where Parker and Price were still positioned. “Sergeant!”

“Mission first! Go, now!”

——————��——

And, that’s that!

#halo #unsc #halo military appreciation #OCs #prompt: ambush #Based on a game scene #Naiya Ray #oorah

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crapitskizaru · 5 years ago

Text

Step On It. (Driving School!AU)

Chapters: (0), (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7)

Summary: you’re desperately trying to learn how to drive, but the instructors at your local driving school happen to be quite…eccentric, doing more harm than good. Will you be able to pass the exams before New Year’s Eve and win the bet with your friend?

Word Count: 2k

You exhaled deeply in the heated inside of the car. Most of the buttons and colorful gauges on the control board were still a bit of a mystery to you - that being the reason you had the textbook open on your lap as you leafed desperately through the pages. It also had something to do with the fact that you had been waiting a rather long time for your instructor who was nowhere to be found.

There was a squirming knot in your belly that reappeared with double force whenever your thoughts got sidetracked, imagining all the tragic accidents that you could be the cause of. With Law and his wits, his calming voice and dependable manner, those exact thoughts seemed to just vanish into the thin air; but with Kid? That man already gave you a scare yesterday, and that was even before he got to be your instructor.

So much time had passed, you managed to spot most of the student drivers that happened to be struggling with the same issues as you were, wandering in and out of the driving school office.

You jumped in surprise when someone knocked on the window.

“Didn’t mean to scare you.” Law’s usual smirk seemed forced. You noticed, not without a bitter taste of reluctance, your heart skipping a beat at the sight of his messy, dark hair and alluring gaze. “Eustass-ya will be driving with you to-”

“I remember,” you gritted out. “I thought you said you’ll be absent today?”

“I just came to grab some papers and I’m out, but I think I’ll be able to check on you later. Also, (Name)-ya, don’t take things he says personally. Oh, and if he ever suggests-”

“Yeah, yeah, get your skinny ass away from my car, Trafalgar. I hope you two already cleaned up after yourselves,” Kid said, making you grimace at the hidden meaning behind his words. He didn’t seem too bothered about that, pushing Law away and getting into the car - his posture was huge, but he moved with surprising smoothness. “Well? Are we drivin’ or waitin’ to die here? Start that car, kid. What’s that?”

The last question was asked when Kid noticed the textbook on your lap - which was briskly snatched by him and thrown over the shoulder onto the back seat as he growled. “This ain’t a bookclub.”

Am I really going to drive with that maniac? you thought and took a deep breath, turning the key in the ignition. Already, you noticed your hands starting to shake when you reached up to clench them around the wheel.

“I think you could practice some turns today. It’s easy,” Law added and you couldn’t help but reciprocate when he sent you a smirk. The last thing you wanted was to be left alone with the redheaded individual while Law was so available, or at least seemed to be.

Apparently, Kid thought otherwise. He furiously rolled the window all the way upwards, cutting Law off. “Enough of that creep. Hit the road.”

If all of your survival instincts suddenly decided to gather together, they’d be telling you to get out of the car and run. You disregarded the negative thoughts. What could possibly happen? That guy was an instructor, it’s his job to take care of your safety.

Clinging to that desperate conviction, you slowly rolled the car out in the direction of a curve. Before you entered the main street, in your side-view mirror there was Law, talking with the ridiculously tall man you already knew was trying to teach Luffy how to handle a car. Drake seemed like a good instructor, but he didn’t always land himself very fortunately when it came to students.

“Oi,” Kid disturbed your train of thoughts. “Eyes on the road, sweetheart. You’ll check that skinny ass out later.”

The heat in the car suddenly started to feel more intense. The vibes, however, were different than the ones Doffy gave out - his were annoyed and aggressive, whereas with Kid your worries were directed more towards how unpredictable and bold he was able to get.

“He’s my instructor,” you mumbled, trying to keep the redness out of your cheeks, but it only seemed to gain in strength.

“Pft, so what? He won’t be teachin’ you forever, will he?”

Kid’s words rung in your ears, making them tint as well. Wriggling in the seat, you tried to focus on driving. Without Law’s clear instructions, it was challenging to keep up with all of the sequences before each turn, crossing and in traffic jam.

“So,” Kid sighed, stretching and sprawling his long limbs all over the place when you got stuck on a red light. “Why are you here?”

“What do you mean? I want to get a driver’s license.” Your lips pressed into a thin line as you slowly got the car going, but it kept swinging back and forth.

“Yeah, but why? Most peeps change schools after the first lesson. Why didn’t you? And release the clutch slower next time, add more gas.”

You nodded with a deep inhale, keeping your eyes on the road. “I made a bet with a friend. I have to get that license before New Year’s Eve. He’s also a student here and wants me to get through the same school.”

“Who is he? And what if you lose?” He smirked mischievously, as if the perspective of you losing the bet was giving him some sort of satisfaction. A grimace bent his face when a rusty car drove past you. “Are you gonna let that jerk pass you? C��mon, step on that gas.”

“50 is the speed limit here. And I’ll have to get whatever tattoo design Ace comes up with.”

“Ace?” If your instructor had been drinking water, he’d have spit it out dramatically all over the place. Thankfully, he wasn’t, so he limited his reaction to a pitiful snort. “That dumbass? He can barely hold the wheel for more than half an hour before he hits the hay while the car is on full speed.” Kid snarled and looked out of the window. “That’s dumb. You don’t always manage to get the license fast and on the first try. Even if you’re a good driver.”

That’s the challenge, you thought but decided to keep quiet. On a roundabout, you took the wrong lane; all the blood suddenly rushed into your brain when Kid jerked the wheel to the right and directed the car the right way. Driving seemed like child’s play when you observed how he handled the car - with such confident manner, it was simply admirable.

“When you wanna turn back on a roundabout, take the outer lane. Common mistake.” You took his words as a way to say ‘don’t worry about it’ - despite that, your hands started to sweat and tremble even harder than before.

“Oi, get yourself together,” he mumbled, letting you take the wheel back. “More chill. You ain’t gonna crash while I’m in the car with you, sweetheart.”

Thankfully, you two managed to make it alive to the maneuvering area; Kid hit the radio at some point and the tunes of Psycho Circus accompanied you when you entered the training place, the whole car vibrating due to how loud he set the radio on.

“This whole fuckin’ school is a psycho circus,” Kid muttered under his breath, making you giggle. It felt as if a barrier had been lifted from in between you two - this man certainly wasn’t as bad as he posed to be at first. Or so you’d thought, back then.

He sent out careless waves to other instructors when you passed them. Since Law suggested to practice turns, you directed the car towards where the designated lanes were drawn - but, of course, Kid had other ideas.

“Trafalgar wanted some curves, didn’t he? He’d need some for himself. But a’ight, he’ll get what he wanted. See those white lines on the road? Park there.”

As soon as the engine was turned off, you were able to look around the area. Immediately you spotted the absurd duo entering the place as well, with Drake being the one driving. He surely didn’t trust Luffy to maneuver the car in the public roads properly just yet, smart man.

They pulled over beside you; Luffy rolled the window down with the usual grin on his face. “Shi shi shi, you guys are getting a lift too?”

“I’m not giving you a lift, Luffy!” Drake barked from behind the boy’s back. “You were supposed to pay attention to the sequences-”

“This kind of looks like we’re racing, shi shi!”

With how much you wanted to disregard that horrifying idea, you couldn’t help but admit Luffy was right. Your cars were lined up perfectly, with a long, empty track in front. One glance at Kid was enough to guess just what he was thinking.

“Oi,” he started, and you already wanted to reply a strong ‘No’. “Wanna learn what true drivin’ is about? How about a quick race, Drake? My student against yours.”

The repeated shaking of your head was left ignored when the instructor got out of the car, standing near enough for you to hear him. Drake looked like the exact reflection of your panicked thoughts when he pressed his lips into a thin line, trying to politely decline.

“No, thank you. Luffy isn’t skilled enough yet. And it’s just an unnecessary risk too, since-”

His sentence was abruptly cut off when another car lined up, tires screeching. This time it was a man you hadn’t seen before. His student was also a new sight - the girl looking fierce and just itching to step on that gas pedal with all of her might, her pink hair spreading around her shoulders in a similar fashion to Hina.

“Ah,” Kid smirked with content, greeting the new instructor. “Finally someone normal. What do you say, Shanks? A little race?”

“Only if I get to race with you, after hours,” Shanks casually replied, much to your dread and panic, leaving his student in the car. “Get on it, Bonney!”

The conversation and agreements in between the instructors were happening just too fast, as for your taste. You were barely able to comprehend the situation, when, all of a sudden, you found Kid spurring you on as if everything was already settled.

“C’mon, kid! Show them what that skinny bastard taught you!”

“W-wait,” you stuttered, turning over your shoulder and searching for your only ally in this predicament. Drake was already getting out of his car and jogging over to you, his eyebrows furrowed and expression concerned.

“(Name), you don’t have to do this. Trafalgar asked me to keep an eye on you, and this is the exact opposite of what you’d consider safe-”

“Oi, quit rambling! Let them feel those engines!” Kid laughed, quickly joined by Shanks. Those two looked like they were already having fun, whereas you felt like the heavens were calling out to you, pure terror creeping up your spine. What contributed further to this catastrophe of a lesson was another KISS song suddenly tuning in from the radio - Shout It Out Loud this time, which might have fitted the situation quite well, if only you weren’t busy enough trying to keep your heart inside your chest and not yet gushing out of your throat from nerves.

Anything could go wrong. What if you lose control of the car? What if something suddenly jumps in front of the hood? What if the brakes stop working? You sent Drake a plead for help and, seeing his worried gaze, you were ready to get out of the car and just go home.

“You scared or what? I did this a million times already,” Bonney yelled over to you from her seat, her furiously pink lipstick visible from the distance. “I wanna race! C’mon!”

You took a deep breath. Maybe it would turn out to be good practice, after all. It was almost certain Law wouldn’t approve of this, but he wasn’t here.

“It’s okay, I can try,” you told Drake, earning yourself a loud cheer from Shanks and a grin from Bonney.

Luffy’s instructor still wasn’t convinced, however, as he took on a strict tone of a teacher scolding a disobedient child. “Kid, no.”

“Kid, yes,” your instructor mocked and gestured for you to get the car started back on.

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