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taylorman2274 · 6 months

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We Care About You (Part III)

Those who have been with you since the beginning discuss the differences they've noticed with and without your presence.

Content Warning(s): Jean, Kaeya, & Albedo Story Quest Spoilers; Mondstadt Archon Quest Spoilers

Notes: SAGAU; GN!Reader; [T/N] = Traveler Name

Word Count: 2.1k

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Taglist: @silverstarred; @victoria1676; @angelofdarkness2; @areaderspov; @andromeda-gay; @ash1; @mercy-not-merci; @toodledoodl3;

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The sun had fully risen over the horizon by the time all the stores in Mondstadt's main plaza had opened for the day. Blanche was finishing setting up her fruit trays on the counter by the time Marjorie and Timeaus arrived at their respective stores. Sara, on the other hand, had already opened up Good Hunter half an hour ago. This was in case there were any early birds or if any of the aforementioned shopkeepers wanted a quick bite to eat before work.

Today, the Traveler and Paimon were examples of early birds, as the two were enjoying breakfast from Good Hunter. However, as they were eating their respective meals, they were approached by Raymond, a Knight of Favonius.

"Morning, Traveler. Morning, Paimon," he greeted. "Sorry to interrupt your meal, but I'm here to inform you that your presence has been requested by the Acting Grand Master. She requests that you head on over to headquarters immediately."

Paimon groaned. "Does Jean really have to summon us this early? Paimon hasn't even finished her Fisherman's Toast yet."

"I apologize once again, but it would be rude to keep the Acting Grand Master waiting," Raymond replied.

The Traveler shook their head. "No worries. I'm just about finished anyway." They got up from their seat. "Would you like for me to get you a to-go box, Paimon?

"Get a to-go box? Has Paimon not already proved to you what she's capable of? Watch this!" Paimon proclaimed before chowing down the rest of her Fisherman's Toast as quickly as Paimonly possible.

...Said way involved burying herself nose-deep in her plate and practically inhaling all the food left on her plate. The Traveler and Raymond even had to hold their hands up to their faces to protect themselves from any flying food.

Maybe they shouldn't have bought her a triple stack...

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Despite being invited by Jean herself, The Traveler decided to knock on her office door. It was only proper manners.

"Enter."

They opened the door and allowed Paimon to enter first before letting themselves in. As soon as Jean recognized them, she gracefully got up from her chair and walked around to the front of her desk.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Honorary Knight. I know you must be tired.”

The Traveler shook their head. "It was no trouble. Paimon and I were already up to begin with."

"Is that so? It's a shame my cuties didn't think to greet me in the library first thing in the morning. Your company can certainly revitalize this mage's energy." Came a voice to their left. Both newcomers swiveled their heads to look at the other visitor partially hidden in the corner.

"Lisa? Were you called here by Jean as well?" questioned Paimon.

"I was," Lisa confirmed, perplexion etched on her face, "Though I haven't been told why yet."

"I called you both here for the same reason. However, not everyone has arrived yet. We're still waiting on two more people. Once they’ve arrived, I’ll explain everything," Jean explained.

To pass the time, the Traveler, Paimon, and Lisa began to catch up with each other on what had happened since they last met while Jean leaned against her desk and peeked at the ticking clock on the wall from time to time.

She wasn't worried about the other two members being late. They each were fellow Knights of Favonius members after all. They know the standards that need to be set in order to maintain their position.

A few minutes later, everyone in the office could hear rapid footsteps from outside the room. Not even a second later the door was thrown open by Amber who quickly entered the room and put her hands on her knees to catch her breath.

pant ... pant ... "Sorry I'm late, Jean. I got caught up with something."

Jean shook her head. "Not to worry, Amber. We haven't started talking about anything yet." Jean snuck a peak behind Amber towards the open door. "Did you happen to see Kaeya on the way here?"

Amber straightened up and nodded her head. "I did, actually. He's..."

"Right here."

Kaeya smoothly walked into the office and quietly shut the door Amber left open behind him.

Jean gave a quick nod. "Good. That should be everybody." Everyone gathered around Jean in a semi-circle. "I bet you're all wondering why I've called you here this early."

"To put it simply, I'd rather get this discussion out of the way before we all start work for the day. This mainly concerns the Traveler, but I promise you all are important to this discussion as well."

Jean turned her attention to the Traveler. "First off, how are your adventures going?"

The Traveler looked at Jean in confusion. Jean called all of them here just to ask them about their adventures? "...Pretty well I guess. I've hit a few obstacles here and there but it was nothing I couldn't handle."

Jean nodded. "That's good to hear. And what about this latest obstacle you're facing?"

Now it was Paimon's turn to be confused. "Latest obstacle...?" she murmured, "Oh! Do you mean [Y/N]?"

Amber, Lisa, and Kaeya all widened their eyes in surprise as they looked at Paimon. Jean nodded once again.

"Yes. That's exactly the reason why I've called you all here. Although I may not know much about [Y/N], I understand that you all have had some experience with them. If you could tell me all that you know about them, I'll get a better understanding of what our next action should be."

The Traveler nodded in understanding before looking around at the others. "Should I go first, or do you all want to share your thoughts now?"

Amber was the first to reply. "Sure! I'll go first. In my opinion, the Traveler and [Y/N] are the same person, but also different people. When I first met the Traveler outside of the Whispering Woods, they introduced themselves as [Y/N]. However, once we dealt with the sources of Stormterror's power in the abandoned Four Winds' Temples, they seemed much livelier. That was when they explained that they were actually [T/N], and [Y/N] was this 'ghost or entity-like thing' that possessed them against their will.

Lisa nodded. "It's true. When we were traversing through the last temple, I felt as if my body was not under my control, but I was still conscious to witness what I was doing. It was scary at first, but after a while, I kind of got used to it."

Jean raised a skeptical brow. "And why is that?"

"Because [Y/N] and I were trying to achieve the same thing. They guided me through the temple, defeated all of the enemies, and destroyed Stormterror's crystal, all things that I originally intended to do myself."

Jean brought a hand to her chin. "Interesting..."

Kaeya raised his hand, signaling to speak next. "It's not just that, either. Later on when I had the Traveler lure some Treasure Hoarders to some ruins, one of them accidentally activated a Ruin Guard while attempting to flee. We managed to take it down, of course, while being guided by [Y/N], but I noticed that I had gotten stronger in between fighting the treasure hoarders outside the ruins and fighting the Ruin Guard. We defeated the Ruin Guard a lot quicker than I thought we would."

Jean furrowed her brows. "But Ruin Guards are a lot harder to defeat than mere Treasure Hoarders. Surely you must be exaggerating?"

Kaeya chuckled. "I can assure you, Jean. The strength I gained when guided by [Y/N] is no exaggeration. Surely you must've felt their presence yourself?"

"Outside of the day when I got burnout, no. But even then, I didn't exactly feel I was much stronger."

"Oh!" Amber blurted out. "Speaking of getting stronger, I've noticed that [Y/N] has improved some of my abilities as well! For example, the day before we pulled that whole sleeping stunt on [Y/N], we were helping them complete some commissions around Mondstadt. While we were completing them, I noticed that I could suddenly fire two arrows with one shot! Not only that, but I was able to manually detonate my Baron Bunny by shooting at it!"

Amber frowned. “The only downside is that I haven't had much success replicating these abilities when I'm not with [Y/N].”

"So you've noticed as well?" Lisa asked. "I thought I was the only one to notice." She turned her attention back to Jean. "You see, [Y/N] typically has me defeat hydro slimes whenever they appear, and with them I'm normally able to defeat them in one or two hits. However, I wanted to test a theory I've been thinking about recently. So I went to go find a hydro slime and see how many hits it took to defeat it. Just as I thought, it took nearly double the number of hits before it was beaten."

"I see. And is this something that we should look into?"

"No. I just thought it was something worth mentioning."

"Alright then. And when [Y/N] does guide you, is it only to complete commissions?" Jean inquired.

"Oh no!" Amber eyes sparkled. "We've been helping the Honorary Knight and [Y/N] all across Teyvat! It's amazing!"

Jean smiled. "Then you all must be enjoying your adventures, I presume?"

"But of course!" exclaimed Amber. "I've always wanted to see the world beyond Mondstadt and it's just as grand as I imagined."

"That's good to hear." Jean then looked down at the floor and sighed. "...Honestly, there are times when I wish I could throw my work to the side and travel alongside you, Honorary Knight."

"Paimon is certain that [Y/N] would love to have you join their Adventure Team! If it becomes possible, Paimon will put in a good word for you."

Jean chuckled. "Thanks, Paimon." She turned her attention to the Traveler. "And what about you? What do you know about [Y/N]?"

"It's a pretty long story. The first time I ever got a clue as to who [Y/N] was was when I was in the middle of helping Albedo with his research. During the middle of some experiments, I felt their presence leaving. However, almost immediately after they left I saw a bright light in the sky. It only lasted for a few seconds, but when the light went away, I saw that it had come from Celestia!"

Jean looked shocked for a moment but quickly composed herself. She had an image to maintain after all. "Really?! From Celestia?"

"Yes. Albedo saw it as well and it piqued his curiosity. To make a long story short, he found out that for a brief moment, the light that spawns from Celestia forms as if one is opening a door to an unlit room. He hypothesizes that whoever [Y/N] is, they are not from Celestia but somewhere beyond it. Maybe even another world entirely."

Kaeya smirked. "From another world, eh? So does that mean [Y/N] is an alien?"

The Traveler shook their head. "I don't think so. Most of the worlds I traveled to before Teyvat were inhabited by humans. I would assume that if [Y/N] is from another world, they would be human as well.

"How certain are you?" inquired Jean.

"I'm like 90% certain they're human," the Traveler confirmed. Amber hummed in thought.

"Do you think they might be a god?"

“A god whose eyes are focused on a world separate from theirs? Sounds unlikely to me,” countered Lisa.

"Regardless..." Jean interjected. "[Y/N] has been absent for a while now, correct?" The Traveler nodded. "Have you thought about continuing your journey without them should they not come back?"

"I've had the thought. But I'm willing to wait however long is necessary if it means I get to see them again."

Jean put a hand to her chin. "Are you sure? I would gladly be willing to have Amber, Lisa, or Kaeya travel with you for the foreseeable future."

Paimon nodded. "It's been almost a week since that incident, and yet Paimon has never seen the Traveler lose any determination at all!"

Jean nodded as well. "I see. In that case, I believe that is all I have to say for this discussion. It was nice meeting you once again, Honorary Knight."

"The same goes for you, Jean.”

Everyone exchanged goodbyes with each other and, minus Jean, prepared to leave the office. However, just before they left...

"Hey. Is it just me, or is it getting brighter outside?"

Kaeya looked towards Amber. "I'm sure it's just the clouds moving past the sun."

Amber shook her head, keeping her gaze towards the window. "No... I didn't see any clouds when I first came in..."

The room was silent. Some looked to the window while others kept their attention on Amber.

Suddenly, Paimon gasped.

"Paimon!" The Traveler shouted in surprise. "What's wrong? What happened?"

"...They're back..." she whispered.

The Traveler tilted their head. "Who's back?"

Paimon was too stunned to speak, but it didn't take long for the Traveler to figure out why. Their eyes grew wide in shock.

"[Y/N]!!" They suddenly exclaimed as they bolted past everyone. Everyone quickly followed the Traveler outside.

Once they all gathered outside. They quickly turned their gaze towards Celestia. Just as they thought, a light, though less noticeable during the day, was slowly getting brighter.

"Sorry, Jean! We've got to go! Don't wanna be late!" Paimon quickly said before everyone aside from Jean was teleported away.

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"It sure is taking a long time to check for updates," you thought.

After countless research, note-taking, and several anxiety breakdowns, you were finally ready to hop back onto Genshin and meet up with the people who you now realize are alive and sentient.

"I hope all this makes a good impression on them."

The door appeared.

With one click, you would be back to where this trouble all started…

Breathe in… Breathe out…

click

The door opened.

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Author Side Notes: I looked at my fanfiction and decided that it needed LORE™

Once again, I'll be editing this chapter over the next upcoming days. I sort of prefer it as opposed to keeping this in my drafts. I don't want you all waiting for the next part too long!

#genshin impact sagau #genshin sagau #self aware genshin #genshin self aware #sagau x reader #sagau #sagau genshin #platonic genshin x reader #platonic #gn reader #gender neutral reader #genshin impact

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teaquaccey · 4 months

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Okay… soooo… (Eng ver)

Okay so…

I’ve been thinking of this thing for Sagau Genshin for a while but like…

I’m not sure how to explain it…

So, here’s the idea!

I don’t remember where I heard it but it was about the lore about visions.

Archons don’t give them out like candy, but the gods who give them to the inhabitants of Teyvat as a somewhat “help” to the user to achieve their ambition.

But once their ambition has been fulfilled the vision goes out like Tomo’s or something like that and finally the gods receive something greater than what the user wanted.

But it also serves as an “eye” of sorts like a mini spy camera.

I’m not sure how legitimate this info is but, where im trying to go is…

What if the vision also work as a “shield” and blocks the vision holders ability to identify the reader as the creator and such?

Just imagine…

You wake up in Teyvat and the only people that can identify you as a highly being are the npc’s and not the vision users?

Imagine an imposter au with an imposter that is perceived as the creator by the vision users but that is actually a group of gods manipulating their perception or ability to identify the creator by making one of them play the role of the creator.

The reason behind this is because they want to rebel against the creator or something, i dunno maybe they lost badly against the creator in uno or something like that idk.

And because the vision users don’t have the ability to sense anything strange with you they don’t report it to the rest.

And because of how much energy or attention the gods have to keep on the whole creator play they don’t pay any attention to you for the first months?

You would be free from the vision users…

But the npc’s?

Oh dear…

Imagine the gods and imposter finally notice your presence and send the rest to hunt you down.

Imagine the least likely people teaming up together like…

In Mondstadt it would be like…

-Oh! Amber here for the usual?- Sara asks the outrider.

-An imposter?! No! I haven’t seen anyone looking like their grace…- She answered sounding surprised.

—-

-No information about the so called “Imposter” again Master Diluc- Charles informed the red headed that had visited the Tavern with just that exact purpose.

—-

-An imposter? I’m sorry Acting Grand Master, but I’ve seen no one looking identical to their grace!- Marjorie mentioned looking at the blonde.

-I see…- Jean ponders.

-If any information arises please inform us immediately- She mentioned.

-Of course- Marjorie replied as the blonde left.

Jean left as she went back to headquarters.

Finding the imposter was going to be a bit more challenging than expected.

Lost in her thoughts she barely managed to dodge Blanche and Charles who were carrying boxes with what looked to be food and beverages.

-Oh! My apologies- She mentioned.

-Oh no worries Grand Master Jean- Blanche brushed it off as both her and Charles walked towards Marjorie’s shop

She found it a bit suspicious how the three seemed to be together but soon her concerns went away as she realized how paranoid she was that she was now even doubting about Mondstads citizens.

Jean shook her head in disapproval of her eavesdropping and walked away to see how were the others with the search.

Once the three were in the clear they entered the building where a certain Creator was reading a book.

-Glad to see that you’ve been doing alright, your grace-

In Dragonspine:

-Is something wrong, Albedo?- Timaeus asks.

-You see… there have been rumors of a so called imposter…- Albedo explains

-An imposter?!- Timaeus asks in surprise.

-What do you mean…-

-Mmhh, Timaeus… you have been in the city for longer than I, have you not had any encounter with a person with similar characteristics to their grace?- He asks

-No, I’ve seen no one with their appearance…- Timaeus denies.

-Mmhh I see… by the way, I don’t want to sound invasive but why have you’ve been asking about the price of my paintings? I wasn’t aware that you were interested on the arts- Albedo inquired as poor Timaeus tried to come up with an excuse to not expose that he wanted to get one to give it to the creator because they commented that they liked them.

-Well um… because why not?- He mentioned sheepishly

-Huh…- Albedo pondered.

Suspicious.

In Liyue it might be like…

-Mr. Shitou one of my clients has complained over the lack of quality of the Noctilucous Jade you’ve been selling- Yanfei mentions interrogating Shitou.

-Well, you see business hasn’t been going well lately and…- He tried to excuse himself trying to find an excuse after he has been commissioning different hair pins and accessories to be made with said material to later give them to their Grace.

-Huh… this is the same thing Linglang told me at the antiques shop! Is business really not blooming right now?- Yanfei asked herself.

-Anyways, my client would still want to demand you for the low quality of your products-

-What?!-

-We’ll be paying for the troubles Miss Yanfei-

Before she knew it, Yanfei was now in front of the Northland Bank.

-We are the ones who have been buying all the good quality Noctilucous Jade from Mr. Shitou- Nadia mentioned helping Shitou cover from this.

They didn’t wouldn’t want to see their grace upset because one of their followers business broke because of them…

In Inazuma:

-I commissioned a new kimono for you your grace! Is it to your liking?- Hiiragi Chisato asked as she showed her a beautiful made Kimono she had sent from Fontaine.

-Wow…-

-Ah yes, your grace we have been waiting to give you these for quite some time- Xixi mentioned as she presented a bunch of boxes filled with various gifts.

(I dunno why but I feel like being in Ritou wouldn’t be so bad I mean, here is where most Npc’s are at… just be careful with the boats and every should be fine)

(Everywhere else I think you’d be pretty screwed not gonna lie xd)

In Sumeru…

I’m too tired to keep making stories…

But I think people like Dunyarzard would be so nice! Like she comes from money as far as I can remember so I can imagine her taking us to the Grand Bazaar.

It would still be a bit complicated to go there however since Nilou and Dehya would be there and with the switch that the gods forgot to turn off to recognize you again… yeah it’s gonna be a bit difficult to convince them but we have a sweet, lovely person like Dunyarzard! And the grand bazaar you should be fine… probably…

In Fontaine…

Melusines or Poisson, either place and you should be good at.

But this place is the trickiest however since there seems to be someone with a vision almost everywhere you may go.

Overall…

It would be like a very big game of hide and seek where the seekers(the vision users) are breaking their minds trying to find you while the supposedly spectators that shouldn’t help you are just watching them while helping you, basically cheating in the game.

Just image a war between the two factions like oh my gosh!

There was this Npc’s… I don’t remember her name(also to lazy to search it up xd) that was part of the Aranara quest, like the forest watcher that helped us, you know what I mean? Got into an accident, Aranara help, Aranara quest and finally she went out into adventures with the Aranara that saved her.

Just imagine if we meet her before anything and then she gets her vision like…

She puts it on as an accessory and doesn’t sense the Creator’s aura.

She takes it off and she notices it.

She finds out slowly about what visions really do and with some scholars from the Akademiya they start coming up with a plan or device to take away people visions so that they realize who the actual god is.

The possibilities…

Also dunno where to put the archons here I think they would notice the aura of the creator because they don’t have visions and such so maybe they’re in the rebellion against the gods of celestia and the fake creator.

Neuvillete and Furina would also probably be in the creators side because Furina’s vision is if I don’t remember badly given to her by Neuvillete.

So yeah…

Just something that I’ve been thinking about while I try to sleep.

This is just a very crapy idea but anyways hope someone likes it :,)

Also!

I don’t think my posts are appearing in the etiquettes i’ve been putting them at, because this is a very new blog I made with the only purpose of publishing this.

So if anyone that somehow sees this thread can help me with reblogging it you would be helping me a lot!

I really want to share this Idea with more people!

Once again thank you!

(Also good luck for anyone pulling for Clorinde and Alhaitham!)

(I’m personally pulling for Sethos, fingers crossed that he comes in a ten pull or else I’m gonna be so close to 70 pity and I don’t want neither of the current 5 stars, even though they are cool)

(Anyways good luck and thanks for reading!)

(:D)

#genshin sagau #self aware genshin #genshin impostor au #genshin impact sagau #sagau #genshin imagines

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aziraphales-library · 1 month

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Hello there! Thank you for this awesome library :) I read "a lighthouse (burning)" by books-and-omens (everybody_lives) and I LOVED it. Are there any other fics where Crowley & Aziraphale encounter ghosts? Preferably not a human AU though. Thank you!! ❤️

Hi! Here are some fics in which there are ghosts...

No victory without suffering by DarkmoonSigel (G)

Tumblr prompt about the bookshop being haunted, and Aziraphale not noticing.

Who Moved My Cheesecake? by Rathgrith (T)

Aziraphale and Crowley discover they have a ghost in the bookshop, and call Madame Tracy - now Marjorie Potts - for help communing with the dead.

the thirteenth night by darcylindbergh (M)

Crowley and Aziraphale have found everything they've been looking for in a cottage in the South Downs. Unfortunately, something else in the cottage finds them.

If I Risk It All by EdosianOrchids901 (M)

Eager to get closer to Aziraphale, Crowley suggests that they feign a relationship while on assignment. Aziraphale agrees, and soon they’re off to a grand country estate. But things at the estate may not be as they seem…

Death in Love by Aspirina_Effervescente, Cyanidechan (M)

After tempting a composer to fame and success, Crowley is cursed by his wife and tormented by her ghost until the end of his days. Aziraphale would do anything to save him, the only problem is that he doesn't know what's going on and, anyway, the problem could be much more complicated than it seems. Inspired by Giuseppe Tartini’s Sonata “the Devil’s trill”

And the one you mentioned...

a lighthouse (burning) by books-and-omens (M)

In good weather, one can see the lighthouse at the Rock from the shore: a dot on the horizon, a distant star flashing red and white and red again. It’s been dark for a fortnight, of course—ever since the incident that every newspaper had breathlessly written about, that the paper-boys on the corners had shouted themselves hoarse over. This is where Aziraphale is headed: it is his duty, after all, to find out what happened, to make sure that the beacon can be safely lit once again. He does not expect Crowley to follow him to the windswept isle, to the lonely lighthouse at what could just as well be the edge of the world. Crowley follows him anyway.

- Mod D

#good omens #ineffable husbands #ghosts #mod d

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whencyclopedia · 5 months

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Robert the Bruce

Robert I of Scotland, better known as Robert the Bruce, reigned as King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329 CE. For his role in achieving independence from England, Robert the Bruce has long been regarded as a national hero and one of Scotland's greatest ever monarchs.

Robert succeeded John Balliol (r. 1292-1296 CE) but only after a tumultuous decade of side-switching and military ups and downs against English armies led by Edward I of England (r. 1272-1307 CE) and those of rival Scottish barons. A grand victory over the English at Bannockburn in 1314 CE cemented Robert's claim to be the rightful king of Scotland and his skilful diplomacy brought recognition of Scotland's full independence both from the Pope and Edward III of England (r. 1327-1377 CE). Robert was succeeded by his son David II of Scotland (r. 1329-1371 CE).

Early Life

Robert (VIII) the Bruce was born on 11 July 1274 CE at Turnberry Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland. His father was Robert (VII) the Bruce (d. 1304 CE) and his mother was Marjorie, Countess of Carrick. The Bruce family had been the lords of Annandale since the 1120s CE, and they claimed descent from Earl David, younger brother of William I of Scotland (r. 1165-1214 CE). Robert spent a period of his youth in either the Western Isles or Ulster. As the family had estates and properties in England, so, too, he spent time in Carlisle Castle and London. In 1292 CE Robert inherited the earldom of Carrick.

Around 1295 CE Robert married Isabel of Mar (d. c. 1296 CE), daughter of Donald, earl of Mar, and then, in 1302 CE, Elizabeth de Burgh (d. 1327 CE), the daughter of Richard de Burgh, earl of Ulster. With Isabel, Robert had a daughter Marjorie (b. c. 1295 CE) and with Elizabeth, he had two daughters - Matilda and Margaret - and two sons - David (b. 1324 CE) and John (possibly the twin of David but he died as a child).

#History #DavidIIofScotland #EdwardIofEngland #EdwardIIofEngland #WHE #[#]

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resplendentoutfit · 6 months

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Playing Dress Match-up: a painted dress and the actual dress or a close match.

Albert Braïtou-Sala (Spanish, 1885-1972) • Portrait of Marthe Chenal • 1921 • National Library of France Opera Museum

Isn't Marthe grand? And, of course, very rich. I could not find a dress that to my estimate was a good match. That bias cut bodice made from what looks like metallic silk, with a flowy but curve flattering skirt of perhaps crepe? It slightly gathers at the waist, falling to the ankles with a subtle, elegant train in back. Really gorgeous. In my search there were many more dresses of the 1930s that fit this profile. The one below, for example. It was worn by the American businesswoman and socialite, Marjorie Merriweather Post.I posted about her portrait here.

Evening Dress • American • c. 1933 • Cream silk crêpe, cream organza

In 1921, the flapper trend was only beginning to take shape. Waists had dropped a bit and would continue into the decade to drop further.

Fashion changes from 1924-1925

Although I didn't find a dress I liked as a match-up to the portrait of Marthe Chenal, I did find an evening coat that resembles the one she's so brilliantly flaunting.

Velvet opera coat • 1915-1920 • Augusta Auctions

#art #portrait #painting #fashion history #art history #albert braïtou-sala #1920s fashion #1930s fashion #spanish artist #the resplendent outfit blog #margerie merriweather post #historical fashion #fine art #fashion timeline #female portrait #fashion blogs on tumblr

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vickyvicarious · 1 year

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Beetle Bracket

The substack is over now, it's time to be honest. None of us truly needed The Beetle in our lives. And do you know what we need even less? That's right:

The Beetle Sexyman* Bracket!

*gender, species, and probably even sexiness-neutral

That said, let's subject ourselves to this anyway.

There will be a grand total of five rounds, at the end of which the burning question will finally be answered: who is sexiest in Richard Marsh's The Beetle?

The Beetle Bracket is complete! See below for our final competitor's trophies, and below the cut for number breakdowns/writeups of each round.

Round One Breakdown

In the exact opposite of a shocking twist, Mr. Lindon was absolutely demolished by Train. Out of 130 votes, he got only 0.8%, compared to Train's whopping 90%. Excluding em-dash votes, that adds up to 117 for votes for Train and a measly 1 for Mr. Lindon.

Perhaps the biggest challenge this round was telling the contestants apart (at least in the wonderful accompanying art). However, people pulled through for Edwards, deeming that his ability to survive Sydney is the sexier quality. Out of 55 votes, Edwards won with 52.7%, compared to Peter's 27.3%. Excluding em-dash votes, that's 29 votes for Edwards, and 15 for Peter.

Brick Guy aimed his stones at the voters' hearts, it seems! Out of 58 votes, he won handily with 87.9%, while Mrs. Henderson netted a mere 5.2%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 51 votes for Brick Guy, and 3 for Mrs. Henderson.

Another easy victory! The Flirty Constable was confirmed far sexier than Louisa Coleman, who could only disapprove out her window. Out of 47 votes, he got 83%, against Louisa Coleman's 8.5%. Excluding em-dash votes, that's 38 votes for Brick Guy, and 4 for Louisa Coleman.

We always knew this would be the real nail-biter of Round One, and it didn't disappoint! The vote was the closest by far, and both contestants exchanged the winning spot multiple times, but in the end Cat narrowly eked out a win... true to life, at least in my experience of cat vs. carpet battles. Out of 152 votes, Cat won with 44.7%, against Carpet's 42.1%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 68 votes for Cat, and 64 for Carpet.

One last gimme to finish us off this round. Out of 65 votes, Glove Seller won with 80%, Matthews trailing at 15.4%. Excluding em-dash votes, that adds up to 52 votes for Glove Seller, and 10 for Matthews.

Round Two Breakdown

Look, he's no Superman - Robert Holt stood no chance against this runaway Train, it seems. Out of 102 votes, it barreled to victory with 58.8% against Bobert's 31.4%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 60 votes for the train, and 32 for Holt.

Nearly everyone agrees that No One is sexier than Augustus Champnell! No, not like that. I mean, the detective is significantly less sexy than the mere concept of no one at all. Out of 64 votes, No One handily won with 81.3% against Augustus's 9.4%. Excluding em-dash votes, that is 52 votes for No One, and 6 for Augustus Champnell.

Marjorie Lindon may have three men canonically head-over-heels for her, but neither Edwards nor Tumblr count among those numbers - though this was the closest match this round. Out of 41 votes, he quickly defeated her with 48.8% against her 31.7%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 20 votes for Edwards and 13 for Marjorie.

Percy Woodville doesn't want to fight - but luckily the voters were willing to do so for him! Out of 43 votes, he took 58.1%, compared to Brick Guy's 30.2%. Excluding em-dash votes, that becomes 25 votes for Percy, and 13 for Brick Guy.

The Beetle has many mystical abilities. Chief of these, it seems, is being literally the only main character to survive their first round in the sexyman contest! Speaks to the (lack of) sexiness in Marsh's writing, I suppose. Out of 104 votes, The Beetle won easily with 66.3%, while the Flirty Policeman only had 13.5%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 69 votes for Theb (nice), and 14 for the policeman.

He survived it twice, thanks to Edwards and The Beetle (more worthy competitors according to this round), but the third time seems to have been the charm. Sydney Atherton was absolutely slaughtered by Atherton's Magic Vapour! Out of 47 votes, the murdergas got 72.3% compared to Sydney's 17%. Excluding em-dash votes, that adds up to 34 votes for the vapour, and only 8 for its creator.

The Cat is no longer just lurking outside Paul Lessingham's house in hopes of pets and food. Oh no, it's shaping up to be a fierce competitor indeed! Out of 58 votes, it won easily with 58.6%, versus Paul's 29.3%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 34 votes for our favorite feline, and only 17 for the erstwhile statesman.

Glove Seller took an early lead, and Dora Grayling simply never caught up. Honestly, she'd probably be fine with it, she only cares about Sydney anyway. Out of 74 votes, Glove Seller easily won with 47.3%, Dora only getting 33.8%. Excluding em-dash votes, that equals 35 for Glove Seller, and 25 for Dora.

Round Three Breakdown

In any other sexyman bracket this matchup might not have meant so much, but I think we all understand these were some top contenders who both deserve our respect. Still, only one could continue on... and with the narrowest margin of victory in the entire bracket thus far, that turned out to be the Train! Out of 56 votes, it won with 46.4% against No One's 41.1%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 26 votes for Train, and 23 for No One. (Cat vs. Carpet had a difference of 4 votes, being the second-closest match. I'm loving that the fiercest battles are the ones with no people involved.)

Percy Woodville's charms carried the day once again, this time with a rather dramatic lead. I'm sure he's much more surprised than we are. Out of 38 votes, he had 78.9%, leaving Edwards in the dust with 10.5%. Excluding em-dash votes, that adds up to 30 votes for Percy, and 4 for Edwards.

Perhaps it's The Beetle's sheer unbridled charisma, perhaps it's the fact that the vapour has 'Atherton' in the name... Either way, this round was a slam dunk for our favorite coleoptera, proving that at least in this case canon was onto something. Out of 83 votes, The Beetle took 72.3% while Atherton's Magic Vapour could only muster up 13.3%. Excluding em-dash votes, that equals 60 for Theb, and just 11 for the vapour.

Well, it had a good run... but in the end the Cat just didn't know what to do in the face of that many gloves, just like everyone else Glove Seller has come up against. (It's fine, I'm officially declaring that she adopted it. These matches only end in death when the loser sucks.) Out of 52 votes, Glove Seller won with 53.8% versus Cat's 40.4%. Excluding em-dash votes, that would be 28 for Glove Seller, and 21 for the kitty.

Round Four Breakdown

He put up a good fight, and managed to close the initial gap somewhat, but in the end Percy just didn't have the requisite sexiness to defeat the mighty Train. Out of 63 votes, it won with 60.3%, against Percy's 28.6%. Excluding em-dash votes, that equals 38 votes for Train, and 18 for Percy.

Glove Seller may be many things (to us; she is admittedly very few things in canon), but apparently those do not include immunity to The Beetle. Winning with their narrowest margin yet, they still easily took over half of all votes! Out of 47 votes, Theb won with 63.8% versus Glove Seller's 23.4%. Excluding em-dash votes, that makes 30 votes for the Beetle, and 11 for Glove Seller.

As per vast majority vote, there will now be a third-place match next round. Apologies to the three of you who didn't want it, feel free to seek out your nearest hypnotist bugperson and ask them to erase the memories of whatever the results may be from your mind.

Final Round Breakdown

It seems that we are all the Train fiends today. At least for this one particular train. Out of 128 votes, it took the win with a solid 56.3%, against The Beetle's 31.3%. Excluding em-dash votes, that adds up to 72 votes for Train, and 40 for the Beetle. It seems some things are just meant to be. Theb will simply have to fly away with the silver, for now...

While the finale results were accurate to canon, that's not the case for third place! Percy Woodville made one final effort and overtook Glove Seller's early lead. Out of 57 votes, he won with 47.4%, against Glove Seller's 31.6%. Excluding em-dash votes, that equals 27 votes for Percy and 18 for Glove Seller. Honestly, I think she'd be proud of him, and if my official stance means anything to you, then you should know that Glove Wins (aka Persally aka this ship) is beetle bracket canon in my heart.

#the beetle weekly #beetle bracket #i made this because i said in my tags once that unlike mina marjorie could never win a sexyman contest.#that and also all beetlers are enablers ;)

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moon-soo-ah · 10 months

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Ice Dance - Free Dance Starting Order & Time Schedule

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lisaalmeida · 1 year

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" A la naissance, on monte dans le train et on rencontre nos parents. On croit qu'ils voyageront toujours avec nous.

Pourtant, à une station, nos parents descendront du train, nous laissant seuls continuer le voyage. Au fur et à mesure que le temps passe, d'autres personnes montent dans le train. Et elles seront importantes , notre fratrie, amis, enfants, même l'amour de notre vie. Beaucoup démissionneront et laisseront un vide plus ou moins grand.

D'autres seront si discrets qu'on ne réalisera pas qu'ils ont quitté leurs sièges ou s'ils sont toujours dans le train . Ce voyage en train sera plein de joies, de peines, d'attentes, de bonjours, d'au-revoirs et d'adieux. L'essentiel est d'avoir de bonnes relations avec tous les passagers pourvu qu'on donne le meilleur de nous-mêmes. On ne sait pas à quelle station nous descendrons. Donc vivons, aimons. Soyons la meilleure version de qui nous sommes. Il est important de le faire, car lorsque nous descendrons du train, nous devrions ne laisser que des beaux souvenirs à ceux qui continuent leur voyage. Soyons heureux avec ce que nous avons et remercions de faire ce voyage fantastique. Aussi, merci d'être un des passagers de mon train. Et si je dois descendre à la prochaine station, je suis contente d'avoir fait un bout de chemin avec vous.

Librement adapté d'un Texte de Marjorie Noël

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paddockbunny · 2 years

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All Too Well – Chapter Eight

Summary : Alessandra Lucciano tells herself she has it all. She is Daniel Ricciardo's girlfriend after all. Isn't she? Well, sometimes she has to work hard to feel like it and no more so than when some girl shows up and makes her question her life as she knows it. So what happens when someone else starts paying her more attention than her boyfriend? Pairing : Daniel Ricciardo x (OC) Alessandra Lucciano + Max Verstappen Rating : 18+ Word Count : 6,506 Trigger Warnings for this Chapter : NSFW, Angst, relationship issues, language, PinV sex, undiscussed protection, fantasising about someone else, adult themes, strong emotions Song Inspiration for this Chapter : "Never be so kind you forget how to be clever, never be so clever you forget to be kind." - Marjorie

💞 Authors Note: Please enjoy this chapter. Remember this is a LONG angst filled story so if you're looking for short and sweet then this is certainly not it. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has dropped a line or two to say how much they like the story and honestly, you have zero idea how much it means to me. Thank you also to all of the incredible rebloggers!!! Reblogs honestly work wonders for all us writers so I appreciate each and every one you guys bestow on me. Please be aware this chapter will be proof read at a later date as I'm working on something else at the moment.

10:00 PM – 10th of October 2020 – Suzuka – Japanese Grand Prix

A low groan slipped passed Max’s lips as he ran his hand up and down his engorged cock, readying it to push in. Running the throbbing tip up and down her dripping wet folds – ones that were a mixture of her arousal and his own salvia after he had gone down on her – only sent an excited wave wash through his body. It had been at least two weeks since he last had sex and by now he was utterly desperate. Elin had been ridiculously busy since the launch and although he was overjoyed that she had found something she was passionate about, he had to take care of himself too many times to count and by now just craved another person’s touch.

Elin gasped and it practically echoed around the room as Max finally slipped inside of her. He had been elated when he managed to convince her to come this weekend. Initially she complained that it was a long way to Japan, especially as she was trying to build a business, but he knew she would enjoy it while she was here. In truth it was really because he needed time away from Monaco with her. He wanted some time when the discussion wasn’t about jewellery nor all the people she thought had backstabbed her by not supporting her dreams. Max wanted to reconnect with her and remind her that he needed a little support too sometimes. But, the thoughts were pushed out of his mind when he started moving, thrusting his cock into her the way he knew she liked, and he realised he was getting what he wanted right now and to have been thinking about all the other stuff made him feel a bit guilty.

His name ruptured out of her when he gripped her hip harder and continued his fast paced rhythm. The sound of their skin hitting each other’s bodies mingled with the loud moans pouring from her open mouth. Max’s eyes squeezed shut when he bottomed out inside of his girlfriend and all the could think about was how good she felt, how soft her skin was, how her legs wrapped around his waist and how it felt to hear his own name being sighed breathily in his ear. And right as he began thinking he wouldn’t be able to last very long after being touch starved, in his mind the bright blonde hair of his girlfriend were slowly transformed into long flowing raven coloured locks. His girlfriends pale, Scandinavian toned skin faded away to a sun kissed, rich, olive one. And Elin’s small crystal blue eyes transformed into large, golden tinted doe like ones that were the final piece in who his mind was now thinking about.

Alessandra.

Daniel’s Alessandra.

As he momentarily paused fucking his blissfully unaware girlfriend, he fought with his mind to stop imagining the stunning Italian beauty – whom was very much dating his teammate – but the attempt was futile. Elin’s hands grasped at the flesh of his back and all he could think about were Ali. He thought of her perfectly manicured nails scratching and digging into his flesh and how he would moan for her instantly. He huffed at the thought of her moaning and sighing while he was the one to give her pleasure. He battled himself as the thought of Ali’s naked body being under him could have temporarily made him insane. Her collarbone that he wanted to kiss, the roundness of her breast that he wanted to graze, the curve of her hip he wanted to grasp all flashed before his eyes. He knew it was wrong of him to continue but his cock twitched inside of his girlfriend and he figured it wouldn’t hurt anyone. It was only in his mind after all. It wasn’t as if anything was going to happen, he would have to tell people for something to happen and Max wasn’t about to go do that. So, as he proceeded, he allowed himself to lean more into this fantasy this mind had dreamt up for him until finally he was teetering on the edge of climaxing. As hands gripped his arms tightly and a loud cry found his ears, Max’s mind made him believe it was Ali. As his rhythm got sloppy while he could feel his balls start to tighten, Max thought about himself being the one who could make her orgasm. He thought about her mouth open, eyes squeezed shut and her body feeling like it was being licked by electricity. He envisioned how her pussy would start fluttering around him, tightening and squeezing his pulsating climaxing cock. Max’s mouth suddenly fell open and as he began to succumb to the high, he groaned; “Fuck….Al…” before catching himself about to allow say her name. But while he felt his seed leave his body and begin to spill into his girlfriend Ali’s name still perched dangerously on the tip of Max’s tongue.

It wasn’t until he finally rolled over on to the bed beside Elin – who was unsatisfied and looking at him rather pissed – that Max allowed his mind to realise what had just happened. He had only actually met Ali a few times so why the hell was his brain thinking of her while he had sex? What the fuck did this mean? He was happy, relatively so, with Elin and although he wouldn’t say Ali and Daniel were the picture perfect example of such they were very much together. He felt guilt initially for thinking about another woman but it wasn’t cheating, was it? It was certainly different but he never said anything that would allow Elin to catch on during the act and like hell would he spill that he had been thinking of Daniel’s girlfriend while the came inside of her later. It was an innocent crime really. The only problem was, how could he be around her now he had thought about her like that?

09:30 PM – 16th of October 2020 – Max’s new Apartment – Monaco

As Daniel drove them through the well-known streets of Monaco Ali observed the fancy stores illuminated by their dazzling lights dotted in between restaurants with patrons sat in windows finishing their dinners. Things had somewhat returned to normal with Daniel. His parents accompanied him to Japan where they then returned to Australia once the race was done. The memory of Grace arguing with her son about her getting to go with them had played on her mind constantly since. If his own mother couldn’t convince him to have her with him during race weekends what chance could she have? She watched the race alone and paced through her own apartment when Daniel’s teammate went flying into barriers on turn 6, causing a red flag and lengthy delay while marshals had to help get him out of the car. The fact she now knew Max – that she liked him very much – had made her stomach drop to her feet and she realised how easily it could have been Daniel and he would have had no one there for him.

While Daniel braked for a red light she glanced over at him. They had argued before leaving earlier. Daniel wanted to stay home and not attend Max’s apartment warming. He complained and said he couldn’t think of anything he wanted to do less but Ali said if he didn’t go, when he had been invited, would make people talk. The thing was, Ali had also invited. She saw the text invite on Daniel’s phone first and then practically burst when the notification came though on her own phone from Max inviting her too. She remembered the last time, Elin’s launch, and knew she couldn’t attend solo again if she didn’t want to be questioned about who she was and how she knew the couple, so had worked hard on convincing Daniel this time. Before they left his apartment – after it took a little bribery (in way of a blowjob) – Daniel had told her she looked nice and they should blow it off and go for dinner instead and then the slightly jovial mood flipped. As he asked her again to reconsider, Ali didn’t realise that he saw her roll her eyes and sigh in the mirror and for some reason her innocent enough reaction instantly pissed him off. He said she didn’t have to be such a bitch and hurried her out of the door. When they got into the elevator she happened to say she should have chosen different shoes as way of lightening the situation but Daniel interjected, telling her; “you’re getting what you wanted so don’t complain.” It wasn’t what she wanted. Going to Max’s house warming wasn’t exactly the thing she craved. All Ali really wanted was to have a good night with Daniel, amongst his friends and perhaps be introduced to people within his world. She wanted to be on his arm and for him to proud she was there with him.

After arriving at the lovely new apartment block that overlooked the new extension to the marina, Daniel and Ali exited the elevator on to Max’s floor. Music flowed out of the open door to the apartment and Ali felt a little jittery so grabbed hold of her bag tighter. She would have felt a little more relaxed if Daniel would have just taken hold of her hand as they walked in but he did nothing of the sort. As they crossed the threshold into Max’s brand spanking new abode, she figured Daniel was still somewhat mad with her as he breezed in in front of her. She felt a little stupid as she trailed behind her boyfriend, four or fife feet away, but Elin’s voice came from a wide open cut out in the wall which Ali registered was where the kitchen must have been. “I’m glad you came. I was just telling my friend Emmanuelle about you.” She took Ali tenderly by the arm and led her off to meet her friends. “About me?” Ali breathed out nervously and glanced back to see where Daniel was. “Yes, about how magnificent you look in the jewellery and what a fabulous photographer you are.” Elin pretty much thrust Ali around and directly in front of the four friends that she was now standing in front of. With a shaky breath she tilted her head down in a coy fashion and said a hello.

“This is Emmanuelle, Camille, her boyfriend Sandro and this is Ines my business partner.” She was such a natural hostess. She was like something from a Fitzgerald novel but with a modern twist. Instead of a lit cigarette hanging off the end of a long golden holder, it was a thin-stemmed glass of rose wine. It made the memory of Ali being called a “housewife” came flooding back but instantly she pushed it aside again. She didn’t want to remember that unpleasantness. A glass of the same rose wine that Elin was drinking was suddenly thrust into her hand by Sandro, the boyfriend of Camille who was dangling off his arm to the right. They seemed like the typical French set that frequented all the bars and restaurants in Monaco. The ones whom always had black Amex cards and had the latest designer pieces before they were even released to the public. The type that Ali would often find herself amused by but not wanting to ever join. She listened to them pouring on about something and thought how strange it was that Max was involved with this. He was incredibly low key, relaxed, down to earth, somewhat like herself. Surly all of these money orientated social climbers weren’t his thing, but then when it came to men and their characters Ali figured she might not be the best judge.

As she slunk back from the bathroom Ali was tempted to crawl on her knees so the group in the kitchen wouldn’t see her as she passed. She had spoken to them for nearly forty minutes and it was forty minutes too long. She gathered that these were new friends to Elin as it was obvious she didn’t pick up on some of the thinly veiled digs like Ali did. It was obvious they didn’t actually like her line and that the wine they were all drinking wasn’t too their taste. She figured the allure of Elin being an out and very proud “WAG” was what the draw was to these rather ghastly humans - they probably only wanted free garage passes to the next Monaco Grand Prix. And for the smallest glimmer of a moment she actually thought she should thank Daniel for not having her around people like that. But then again, that should have been her choice to make, not one he was constantly making for her. Figuring Elin was perfectly happy to get to know her new fake best friends, Ali went to find the man whose apartment she was standing in.

The apartment was roughly the same size as Daniels but with a larger balcony, better views and in a better location. It was decorated well and although there was an undercurrent that it felt like a bachelor pad there were glimpses of feminine touches that were clearly provided by Elin. Ali spied Max standing amongst a group of friends – noting Daniel was not one of them so glanced around quickly to see where he had gotten too but she couldn’t see him – but didn’t want to interrupt and bother him so instead stepped out on to the lovely wide balcony. As Ali leaned forward against the stoned balcony wall she registered the slight chill that ran over her body. It was getting cold enough to need a jacket when out at night now. The cool air would whip off the Mediterranean Sea and would catch out any unsuspecting visitors to the Riviera at this time of year. As she thought about the first winter after she moved here her name was gently called from behind her and she turned to find Max. He had come to her. She registered that no one else was out on the balcony so he must have thought she was crazy to be stood out side with only a thin silken top on.

“Congratulations on the apartment, Max. It’s splendido!”* He seemed genuinely happy at her comment and nodded while flashing a glance back inside. “I’m quite happy with it.” He added and she smiled back at him. The last time she saw Max was at the jewellery launch but the last time she had spoken to him was that night Daniel came home drunk and wounded her heart with his harsh words. That night still loomed heavily on Ali. The fact he was so quick to involve her with his family after it only gave her more cause for alarm. She still wasn’t entirely sure if Daniel had told her the truth the following morning - that he hadn’t done something he would have upset her with someone that she very much by now hated – but she wouldn’t bring all of that up at a housewarming.

“I was watching on Sunday, I don’t want to bring up the memory but how is your neck?” As Ali asked the question she saw the crinkle in Max’s eyes and then how they seemed to take a second to register that she was genuinely asking him how he was, did no one else do that?

**MAX POV

She just asked if I was ok after Sunday. She was the only one to ask this whole fucking night. And as I stared into those pools of tempting golden honey that she had as eyes, I knew she was completely and utterly genuine. None of the other fuckers here had bothered. Even the ones that claimed to like racing enough when they were trying to show off too me. Fuck, Elin hadn’t bothered passed Sunday if I was ok.128 miles per hour was what I went into that barrier at and my own girlfriend hadn’t asked how I felt since because she was too preoccupied. When I answered and thanked her for caring, the fucking glimpse in her eyes that showed she simply liked being appreciated made my cock twitch in my jeans. And that sent the memory of fantasising about her as I fucked Elin the Saturday night before the race coursing through my brain. “Stay calm, Max.” My conscience ordered me. She was just another girl. That happened to look like a fucking angel and be completely and utterly selfless but she was just another girl.

“I wanted to say, thank you for inviting me. I uh…” She stalled and looked down as if she didn’t want me to read her anymore but she plastered something of a fake smile on her mouth when she finished the sentence “…well I’ve improved since the last time, at least he came with me this time.” She joked and suddenly I remembered Daniel. Fucking, Daniel. He came with her alright – yes, as soon as he arrived he came straight over to me complaining he needed a drink because they had just argued about coming here which I thought was a little ungracious of him if I was being honest but I could brush it off as it just being his humour - and yet she didn’t seem as though she was happy about it but I let it go. I didn’t want to enquire because I had already had his one sided view (which I didn’t like) and that was enough. Perhaps if we had known each other a little better I would have confessed I didn’t actually want to invite Daniel at all and I only wanted to invite her. Being forced to spend time with Daniel during race weekends was enough let alone socially too. He could be rather difficult and immature at times and suddenly he had this strange pre-occupation with his phone that bugged the hell out of me. The thing was, we had always gotten on and had a good bond considering we were rivals as much as teammates, but Daniel sometimes did things that I couldn’t agree with as much as I tried. The way he treats Ali for one but also this “thing” he has going on with Haylee Bircher-Bruckner. Which everyone knew about and gave me a horrible twisting feeling in my stomach as I stood in front of the rather gentle soul in front of me.

I realised I hadn’t said anything in quite some time and the memory of what happened last week flashed right in front of my eyes. I recalled it so easily. How my conscience seemed to crave her without me even realising it. I still didn’t fully understand how exactly my brain went to her when we barely knew each other. But then again, you hear about those kind of things don’t you? You hear about people having a pull to one and other for some unknown reason as if the universe was doing some weird magical shit. Now I had a quickened pulse and I felt a little worried the yearning to act might overpower me – if she wanted it of course – and that turned my mouth dry. Without realising I glanced down toward her boobs. They would fit in my hands perfectly and I couldn’t help but wonder how sensitive her nipples were. “Fuck! Stop it, Max!” I warned myself when I took a second glance and I was sure on that occasion she caught me but thankfully she shivered and I immediately grabbed a blanket from the furniture beside me.

“Are you cold?” I asked but I already knew the answer and so put the blanket around her shoulders. Her body was only inches from mine, so close I could feel her body temperature, and I instinctively swallowed because if she were single - if I were single - then I would absolutely have kissed her in this moment. I willed myself not to stare at her because there was something about her eyes that were mesmerising; I found that out at that weird dinner when her eyes seemed to stare straight into my inner soul and now it was apparent she had made herself at home there.

I opened my mouth; about to say something to break the now strange and somewhat awkward tension that had befallen us when I heard the loud, rather unwelcome sound of her boyfriends voice from behind me. “What’s this, Verstappen? Making a move on her?” Daniel’s hand went to the top of my shoulder and gripped it harshly, squeezing it as if to give a silent warning. He knew I was sore and tender, still hurting from the crash a few days earlier so I gritted my teeth in my mouth. “Daniel, his neck!” Ali’s voice spoke from in front of me and it sounded protective. I couldn’t believe that this sweet, gentle girl was with Daniel, of all people. His hand gave my shoulder another squeeze and he laughed; “Maxy’s a Formula One driver, Ali. He’s got one of the strongest necks out there. Don’t you, mate?” I could tell the several glasses of wine had started taking effect and sighed with a nod hoping he would get his fucking hands off me.

“So? Are you making a move on her?” He seemed to change tact and brought it back to what he first entered the conversation with and I scoffed. I was going to tell him not to be ridiculous but I didn’t want her to think it would be ridiculous for me to have made a move on her because how would she feel if I said that? But what registered with me most was how Daniel seemed to get possessive and jealous at me talking with Ali. It crossed my mind that he wasn’t actually that self confident and assured as he makes out he is and that actually he felt threatened by us talking out here alone while I wrapped her in a blanket to keep her warm. He glanced at her and I realised he had been firmly fixed on me this whole time and I clenched my jaw at how the way he was behaving was obviously making her feel. “Daniel…” She said in nothing above a whisper but before she had a chance to say anything else – something that potentially lend itself to my defence because that was just the type of girl she was – I piped up. “Ah…. You had me for a minute there, mate!” I played it off with a pat to his stomach praying to God he would by it. And he smirked and laughed that loud laugh of his and I physically saw a nervous breath leave Ali’s body as she let a small-pleased smile dance briefly across her lips. Whether or not Daniel actually did catch on I was making it into a joke (or if that was what he was intending and it simply wasn’t landing) I decided to never ask. He would forget about it in the next hour or so as he sipped on his fourth glass of wine. I motioned to Ali with a slight head to make sure she was comfortable now it was simply taken as a joke and those eyes stared into my core again and could have melted me into pure puddles.

***

Ali swallowed nervously. Ever since Max put that blanket around her shoulders she felt like she hadn’t breathed. In the moment she felt nothing but a strange calm. Having Max so close to her, doing such an innocent action but striking something deep inside of her. It was how Daniel made her feel, at first. Back in those five or six months at the start of their relationship where they couldn’t keep their hands off each other and there was an intense burning in her soul for him. She wondered if there was something by Max doing such a pure and genuine action that made her mind recall those blissful months with Daniel that could be chalked up to earning for something she missed. Because surely it wasn’t just because of Max, right? Max was very much not available. The gracious, polite girl in the kitchen (probably still being belittled be her “friends”) was his and evidently he was madly in love with her to want her around all the time and show her off to everyone. It made a slight jealous twinge way down low in the bottom of her stomach as she realised Elin had exactly what she had always wanted. A happy, loving relationship with the man she adored above all others.

Ali thought something must have been wrong with her for thinking thoughts like that about Max. The ones that swirled around her head and made her mouth go dry. His body being close enough to her own that she could feel his warm body temperature and all the could think was how badly she wanted to creep her arms around his waist and hold on to him. But then Daniel stepped out on to the balcony and his words instantly put her on edge, seeped in a boorish attitude that even she was somewhat unfamiliar. And as if it couldn’t get any worse for her, it did. Daniel insinuated something untoward was going on between her and Max as he roughly manhandled his neck and she could see the slight pain flash across his eyes. All Ali could think about in that split second was the pain Max must have been in from Daniel’s harsh grip on him that she found words leaving her, pleading with Daniel to take his hand away from the innocent man who was clear of any wrong doing. When Daniel turned his attention to her and rather mockingly said something about being a Formula One driver Ali realised he was clearly in this strange headspace he got himself into sometimes. It was one that she didn’t care for nor enjoy. It was almost like he was faking being egotistical and had to make himself the life of the party – even if it wasn’t his party to be the life of. And then without really saying a word, Max broke the tension with words that Ali didn’t even take in what it was exactly he said but Daniel seemed to be laughing and it allowed her to finally take a large inhale of much needed air. Instinctively she looked to Max and thanked him silently for making the situation less awkward and he would never know how he had managed to calm her.

There was a little small talk between Max and Daniel to which Ali felt herself a little lost. It was something to do with the race the prior weekend – the one she watched at home in her apartment – and so it wouldn’t kill her to have zoned out. It gave her the opportunity to realise that while Daniel seemed clothed in the darkness of the shadows cast upon him by the stone pillared balcony, Max stood in direct contrast and was bathed in the soft glow of the light from the forgotten about party beyond. Ali practically giggled at how it seemed almost Shakespearian that Daniel was in the darkness and Max was in the light based upon how they had just both behaved. Then two men coming out to join them dragged her out of the moment. They both patted Daniel on the back and shot Max a knowing glance before finally settling their attention on Ali while she stood between them.

“And who might this be?” His eyes pooled over her, taking her in with an almost uncomfortable stare. The other smirked and she was ready to turn her head toward Max for security before it dawned on her that she should have been turning to her boyfriend instead. Daniel seemed to stand awkward, frozen even, as if he had turned into a statue. Ali wasn’t sure he even heard the question proposed by the Englishman before them but then when he did she swallowed. Ali wasn’t sure why but she felt like Daniel had all of a sudden turned nervous. “Rob, Mark this is Alessandra. Alessandra, this is Rob and Mark. They’re apart of the team. Uh…” And he stumbled. Daniel only stumbled on his words when he felt uneasy – Ali practically confirmed this only recently when his parents were visiting and his mother said something about Cartier making lovely rings while they drove past. On that occasion Ali watched, as Daniel seemed to bumble a little and not be able to form a proper sentence as he tried to divert the conversation away from the luxury jewellers. However, the performance tonight was not quite on that level.

“Alessandra is…uh…. she’s a great photographer and friend.” Ali felt cold again. She felt cold from Daniel’s words. She was a photographer and friend. Photographer. And friend. She couldn’t grasp what he had just said. Ali felt her lungs burn, as she couldn’t will herself to take a breath of air. The word “girlfriend” was too much for him, again, and she had no clear indication as to why. He had introduced her as such to Max and most importantly only a few weeks prior to his parents and yet to more inconsequential people he couldn’t even bring himself to say it. Ali felt like he had cut her straight to the core and he had to have seen how she looked like a kicked puppy.

She was so preoccupied in how wounded she felt she failed to notice a third man appear on the balcony right in front of her. His hand suddenly thrust itself out in front of her and she simply looked at it. It wasn’t until she heard his loud looming accented voice that she snapped her head up and heard him say; “Ah, you must be Haylee…”

Ali felt like her legs were about to go from underneath her. A quick, exasperated breath ruptured from her slightly agape mouth and she felt her blood run cold. Why would he say that? How could he think she was the person he thought she was? What the fuck was going on? Ali suddenly felt like she was underwater. She could hear her blood swooshing around her head. Somehow instinctively she turned her head to look at Daniel and he wasn’t saying anything. He was just staring at her expecting something to come out of her first. Ali couldn’t bare to give him the satisfaction of her words when she felt so utterly humiliated and embarrassed.

And then before even knowing she was doing it she had turned on her heels and purposefully strode into Max’s apartment. Ali waltzed intentionally across the room and across to the corridor where she would have to pass back in front of the kitchen to start toward the door of the apartment. She couldn’t have known how long it took her, seconds possibly. She didn’t even know how she hadn’t toppled over in her heels she was taking such deliberately long strides to get out of the apartment. She heard her voice being called but whose it may have been she didn’t know but she was sure it wouldn’t have been her fucking boyfriends. Ali managed to breathe when she was out in the hallway and pressing the button for the swanky new lift a million times. Everyone knew pressing it like that didn’t work, it didn’t make it come any faster and it was an utterly futile action but to her it was so important as a pure diversion technique. She had to think about absolutely anything else because if she didn’t she could feel a sob already waiting to burst out of her throat and she refused to give Daniel the satisfaction of hearing it – if he was the one who called her name again from the open doorway back from where she had come from.

Finally, the door pinged open and she crossed the threshold of the marble floored lift instantly. She didn’t care if anyone wanted out, she wanted in. She wanted as much distance between her and that apartment as possible. She only cared about getting out of the building and getting away from the situation. She pressed the button marked for ground level and just as the door slowly began to creep along, a body was immediately stopping it from closing. “Ali…” She looked up. It was Max. And written right there in those sapphire blue fucking eyes was concern and worry mixed with tenderness and understanding. She bit down hard into her bottom lip because she would be damned if she let it tremble.

“I’ll take you home.” He stated and Ali realised Max was pulling on a jacket and had his car keys in his hand. His voice was so soft and mild with no shred of anger or annoyance, emotions Ali figured he had every right to be displaying toward her. After all, he was leaving his own house warming because some silly inconsequential photographer and friend had stormed out of his party making herself look ridiculous. He didn’t have to treat her anything more than the embarrassment she was and now she realised that Daniel would call her a liability – considering he didn’t want to come in the first place.

11:45 PM – 16th of October 2020 – En route – Ali’s Apartment – Monaco

As Max pulled out of the underground car park Ali shivered. She hadn’t worn a jacket tonight and although she would normally have regretted by the time they were on the ride home, she would usually reach into the back of the car and pull out one of Daniel’s sweatshirts to pull on for warmth. But now she sat in Max’s car as he drove her home instead of Daniel.

“Would you like the seat warmer on?” He pressed a button and turned a dial and her seat began warming up. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything yet. Ali felt like her mind was frozen, stuck thinking about that man’s voice and how he asked if she was THAT girl. Of all people, it had to be her. She knew it had to mean something and that was what gave her this inability to have the basic functions of speech. Her eyes felt glued to the dashboard in front of her as Max whizzed them through the streets of Monaco. It wasn’t until they hit a red light she realised he was actually heading toward Daniel’s and not her own apartment – possibly thinking she actually lived with him, as if he wanted her too - so had to finally swallow the lump in her throat and tell him.

“Uh, I have my own place in Moneghetti. If that’s too far, I understand, just pull over here and I'll catch an Uber. I’ve already been too much of a hassle.” And without missing a single beat, Max replied quickly; “You’re no hassle. I’m sorry for, well…. I’m sorry.”

Ali felt that lump return and her bottom lip quivered. She willed herself not too cry but the attempt was useless. Silently, a few tears slipped passed her eyes and trailed slowly down her cheeks. She didn’t like anyone seeing her cry. She didn’t want people to see her weakness. She didn’t want people to think she was the fragile little ten year-old anymore but as always Daniel never failed. She was so embarrassed in fact that she was ready to tell Max to pull over and just let her walk home because she couldn’t bare the thought he would think less of her for crying over what had happened. But something deep inside her ordered herself to stay silent.

While Max drove the soft hum of the engine mixed with the gentle voices coming over the radio. The words were in Dutch and she couldn’t understand a thing but for some reason she allowed herself to focus solely on that. She listened to how the words were formed and the use of the presenters intonation as they spoke. They were clearly passionate about whatever topic they were discussing and she felt her mind easing as she listened. She was glad the lights from Max’s dashboard were all that illuminated them and mixed with the glow of the street lamps outside as they flickered passed. As they drew closer into the area Ali resided in she gave directions in a low, soft voice until finally they were outside of her apartment block. Silently they got out of the car. Ali would normally have protested Max’s gesture, citing there was truly no need to be so gentlemanly for her, but tonight she allowed it. He held the door open for her, called the elevator and rode with it up to her apartment. He stood and watched and her trembling hands struggled with her key before taking over and never in her life had she ever felt so grateful for a man. He pushed open the door for her and she took the few steps to continue inside but suddenly something invisible made her pause. Ali felt herself turning instinctively and she finally looked in the eyes she now felt like she found herself loving before sliding her hands around Max’s neck and pressing her body against his. Ali figured she caught him off guard and perhaps he didn’t like this familiarity when then she felt his hands go around her waist and he pulled her into his firm body even more. Ali’s teeth ground together as a method of keeping herself from crying but finally, just being held the way she longed to be, she was overcome with the emotions of the evening. Tears poured from her cheeks and she now couldn’t give a damn if Max saw her crying.

They stood like that for what felt like an eternity. Max allowing her to dampen his jacket with her tears and she knew she had to ask him. The urge had only intensified due to what transpired earlier. As she pulled back she allowed herself to feel the gravitas of what she was about to say. She wasn’t mentally prepared for the answer he would give her, not at all, but still she had to ask the question.

“Max, that night you went out for…her…. birthday, did something happen between them? Daniel and….” It was out there and Ali could finally breathe better, even if she couldn't bring herself to say the name of someone that man had mistaken her for. Max was looking back at her so intently but blankly and it was starting to feel like she was going to have to suffer, that all of her horrible, vile thoughts were about to be made truth. Her heart was about to be blown into smithereens, wasn’t it?

* - wonderful

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