#melbourne etching

[majormisunderstanding]

Dome, Supreme Courts, etching by Victor Cobb, 1935.

La Trobe Picture Collection, State Library of Victoria.

[pastryfication]

Can you do another Piastri family fic where the reader is in pain or smth and Oscar can’t be there to help her so his family does xx

PAIN, MORE PAIN

pairing: oscar piastri x reader warnings: mentions of appendicitis & reader being in terrible pain.

the apartment you share with oscar in melbourne feels impossible big and lonely. the bed feels cold and strangely empty despite the humongous amount of throw pillows you have laying around.

the loneliness is something you’ve grown used to, but the loneliness mixed with this terrible pain in your stomach is too much to bear.

it hit you suddenly, no warning signs in sight, and now you lie curled up in the middle of the soft sheets, clutching your stomach as waves of unfamiliar, sharp pain hit, relentless and terrifying.

your hand trembles as you reach for your phone. oscar is thousands of miles away, getting much needed rest before the race. you know it’s late where he is—too late to be calling. you hesitate, your finger hovering over his name in your contacts. you shouldn’t bother him. shouldn’t steal away his focus—what could he do either way?

but as you curl even further into yourself, helplessness consuming you, it becomes too much, and you feel so weak. weak, helpless, and scared.

scared enough to press the call button. shame, guilt, pain, and more pain fills you as you watch your phone ring in silence.

oscar—your absolute angel of a boyfriend—picks up after a few rings, his voice groggy from sleep but instantly alert when he hears the panic in yours. “hey, love. what’s wrong?”

“i didn’t want to wake you,” you start, the guilt gnawing at you. “but something’s really wrong. my stomach . . .” you let out a involuntary whimper. “it hurts so bad, osc. i don’t know what to do.”

there’s a brief pause, and you can practically hear him sitting up in bed, a deep frown taking over his features. “how bad is it? have you taken anything? should i call a doctor?”

“i don’t know,” you whisper, pressing a hand to your side, trying to breathe through the pain. “it’s getting worse. i can barely move.”

“damn it,” oscar mutters angrily under his breath. “i wish i was there with you. but listen, i’m calling my mum. she’ll come and take you to the hospital. you need to get checked out, okay? don’t argue with me.”

you start to protest, your instinct telling you to handle things on your own. “oscar, i don’t want to bother her—”

“you’re not bothering anyone,” he cuts you off firmly. there’s no room for argument in his voice. “you’re in pain. we’re not messing around with this. i’m calling her now, and i’ll stay on the phone until she gets there. promise me you’ll let her help.”

you’re too exhausted to argue anymore, the pain blurring the edges of everything and you desperately want to cry. “okay,” you mumble, feeling a small wave of relief knowing help is on the way despite everything.

oscar keeps talking to you—for once, he’s the one doing the most talking—trying to keep you calm as he calls his mum. within minutes, she’s on her way, and oscar is back on the line, his voice soft but urgent. “she’ll be there soon, love. just hang in there.”

his words are comforting, but the pain is becoming unbearable, and by the time you hear the soft knock on the door, tears are slipping uncontrollably down your face. you barely manage to shuffle to the door, clutching your side, and open it to find nicole standing there, her face etched with worry. she takes one look at you and immediately wraps an arm around your shoulders.

“oh, sweetheart,” she murmurs, guiding you toward the couch. “you don’t look good at all. let’s get you to the hospital.”

even more tears spill over at that. it’s not just the pain, it’s the overwhelming sense of being cared for. nicole doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t ask if it’s too much trouble. she’s just there, steady and reliable.

“i’m sorry,” you whisper, hesitating to meet her eyes. “i didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

nicole shakes her head, already helping you into the car with a comforting arm around you. “don’t be ridiculous, love. you’re part of the family now. we look after each other.”

her words settle over you like a warm blanket, and you blink back more tears, grateful for the maternal gentleness she offers.

the ride to the hospital is a blur of pain and exhaustion as nicole speeds toward the emergency room. her hand reaches out to squeeze yours at every chance she gets, the worry in her eyes almost overwhelming.

when you finally arrive, nicole is by your side every step of the way, holding your hand as you’re wheeled into the exam room and after what feels like hours, the doctor finally returns with a diagnosis: appendicitis. you’ll need surgery, and soon.

oscar’s voice cracks through the phone when he hears the news. “i’m so sorry i’m not there. i feel useless.”

nicole gives your hand another reassuring squeeze. “she’s in good hands, oscar. i’ll be with her the whole time, don’t you worry.”

you try to smile, though the pain is still gnawing at your insides. “i’ll be okay. just focus on your race.”

“not a chance,” he replies, his voice softening. “i can’t concentrate when i know you’re in pain. you’re more important than any race.”

as they prep you for surgery, nicole stays by your side, never letting go of your hand.

the last thing you hear before drifting off is her voice, quiet and full of love. “i’ll stay here the entire time, sweetheart. just relax.”

when you wake up after surgery, very groggy but no longer in pain, nicole is still there, sitting by your bedside. she smiles as you blink awake, brushing a strand of hair from your face.

“there you are,” she says softly. “everything went perfectly. you’ll be back on your feet in no time.”

you blink away the tears that well up, overwhelmed by the care she’s shown you. “thank you,” you whisper, your voice thick with emotion. “for everything.”

nicole shakes her head, her smile warm and full of love. “no need to thank me, love. we’re family. that’s what family’s for.” she leans down to press a kiss to your forehead before tugging your duvet up, helping you get more comfortable in the hospital bed. “hattie is here somewhere, too. came as soon as she woke. think she wanted to buy you some snacks first.”

her words hit you in a way that feels almost foreign. the casual way in which they came out feels weird. to you, it isn’t casual. family is a concept you’ve always struggled with, never having had one that felt like this. but now, with oscar, with nicole and the rest of his family—who are buying you snacks and worrying—you’ve found something you didn’t even know you were missing.

as you drift back to sleep, comforted by the warmth of the bed and something else—something warms from in your heart—you realize that for the first time in your life, you truly have a family—and it feels like home.

[oofthwoods]

STEPS TO YOU! ── ˙ ̟ lando norris !!

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 :: lando norris hates the idea of soulmates. for him, it's hard to see everyone in his life with a matching tattoo, or a timer, or the inability to see colors, while he has to be content with the fact that he may never find his perfect match. that is, until he starts to see mysterious footprints around the paddock, hinting at a path he never expected.

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 :: this is my confession that my favorite soulmate!aus are the ones where they don't think they have one. the sadness of thinking you are not destined for a great love only to find out that there's someone out there for you??? mwah chefs kiss

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 :: to be added.

LANDO NORRIS WAS A ROMANTIC AT HEART.

He had a secret love for romantic comedies. Watching couples overcome comical obstacles before finding their happy ending always brought a smile to his face. Though he would never admit it, he found joy in the cliched plots and endearing moments portrayed on screen.

The Brit also enjoyed weddings. Family, friends, or mere acquaintances— it didn't matter. To him, the ceremony was a tangible display of true love that existed beyond the silver screen and scripted Hollywood romances.

Despite everything, Lando knew that he would never experience anything like it. Everyone around him seemed to have a sure sign that they were meant for great love: Carlos with his past life visions shared with his beloved, George with his key pendant symbolizing his destiny, and even Oscar, who occasionally vanished, leaving a girl in his place. But not Lando. No visions, no tattoos, no words etched on his arm foretelling what his soulmate would say upon their first encounter. He felt like an outsider in a world where everyone seemed to have found their perfect match, while he knew he would be alone forever.

As Lando's realization sunk in, it was an emotional rollercoaster. He wasn't just a late bloomer; he wasn't meant to blossom at all. In his childhood innocence, he embraced his supposed independence and declared that girls were gross and he could live without someone by his side forever. But as adolescence took over, he found himself increasingly on the sidelines, watching as close friends shared stories of connection and love, filling him with a painful mix of envy and despair.

Every tale of someone else's romance felt like a dagger to the heart, a wound that refused to heal. Lando couldn't help but wonder what he had done to deserve this solitary fate in a world where everyone else seemed to find their soulmates.

Occasionally, he gazed up at the dark expanse above, yearning for solutions. Had the universe overlooked him or was love just not in his destiny? Some claimed that soulmates were like atoms connected since before the Big Bang, their bond enduring despite eons passing. But what did this mean for Lando? Was he destined for a solitary life even before the cosmos took shape?

As an adult, Lando struggled to convince himself that he had come to terms with his fate. He told himself over and over again that finding true love was possible without a soulmate being involved. It didn't have to be some cosmic arrangement. Yet, deep down, even as he tried to comfort himself with this reasoning, he couldn't shake the desire for something more. He yearned to be uniquely crafted for someone, to be cherished wholeheartedly despite his imperfections and weaknesses.

Lando shook his head, pulling himself out of his thoughts and back into the present moment. The unforgiving Melbourne sun beat down on him, its golden rays spreading across the circuit. Heat radiated all around him, almost suffocating in its intensity. He cursed his decision to wear an orange hoodie that morning as a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Walking from the entrance to his garage, he couldn't escape the discomfort caused by the heat. The thick fabric clung to his skin, trapping him in its grasp as the temperature continued to rise.

Beside him, Oscar emanated an infectious energy. The pilot was fully immersed in the atmosphere of his home country's race, evident through his beaming smile. Despite the hustle and bustle around them, they maintained a calm demeanor, as if they were in a world of their own, oblivious to the cameras of the photographers trying to capture every moment.

Lando observed Oscar's anxious glances, as if he was searching for a particular person.

Deciding to break the silence, Lando asked, "Has your family arrived?"

Oscar's mind seemed elsewhere as he replied, "Oh, yeah. They're here. I'm just looking for someone else."

Someone else. Lando's brow furrowed as he thought about the mysterious bond between Oscar and his soulmate. Every now and then, without warning or explanation, the Australian would switch places with the girl he was connected to. Initially, Lando feared that this could happen during a race and result in a disastrous outcome. However, he soon realized that the universe was smart enough to only make these switches when both were safe.

"You met her?" Lando finally asked, curious about Oscar's soulmate. He looked at him with confusion before smiling sadly.

"Not yet, and she's not the one i'm looking or," Oscar replied, bringing a small sense of relief to Lando. He immediately felt guilty for wishing that others wouldn't find their soulmates, knowing it was selfish and petty.

Additionally, Lando could recall a peculiar incident from the previous year, when Oscar suddenly disappeared, and a girl had surprisingly turned up in the McLaren garage, clad in pajamas and exuding an unusual calmness about the situation. He remembered her as a charming and witty girl, and the thought that Oscar had someone special to share his life with brought a comforting warmth to Lando's heart, though it was tinged with a hint of jealousy.

"I have a friend coming over today," Oscar interjected, breaking through Lando's thoughts. "We went to elementary school together, but it's been a while since we've seen each other. She finished college last year, and managed to take a few days off to visit."

Lando nodded along as Oscar talked about his friend, dividing his attention between their conversation and the busy paddock. He couldn't help but notice weird stains on the ground and wished people would be more considerate of the space.

The two McLaren pilots still had a few minutes before the first meeting and the final free practice before qualifying. They decided to take refuge from the scorching sun inside their respective driver's rooms, seeking a moment of tranquility before the hustle and bustle of the track.

Lando made his way down the narrow path to the driver's room, noticing strange marks on the floor. The team garage was typically spotless, and he couldn't comprehend how it had become so messy.

"Who the hell made this mess?" Lando furrowed his brow and glanced around the room.

Oscar, perplexed, asked, "What mess?"

With a chuckle, Lando replied, "Are you blind? Look at the damn floor, it's covered in stains." He pointed to the ground with his arm.

Oscar tried to play along, forcing a laugh. "Mate, did you hit your head on the way here? The floor is spotless, as always."

Lando's eyes narrowed as he examined the stains on the ground more closely. What he imagined was dirt from a worker's shoe, appeared to not be random splatters; they seemed deliberate, almost forming a pattern. And then, in a sudden moment of clarity, Lando's heart skipped a beat as he realized the stains looked like footsteps.

"This is strange," he muttered, crouching down to get a better look.

Hearing Lando's concern, Oscar joined him and peered at the marks. "What are you thinking?"

Lando's mind was filled with various thoughts. He wondered if the intense heat was causing him to hallucinate. A thought crossed his mind that someone had wandered into the garage barefoot, possibly in search of new shoes. Everything seemed mildly possible.

Despite his efforts to suppress it, a nagging part inside him reminded him of the nights he spent wondering about potential invisible soulmate connections. He couldn't help but recall the excitement of discovering invisible threads - like leaving colorful marks upon touch or having their thoughts connect when within a certain distance, almost like telepathy. Things that wouldn't appear on his body when he turned eight, but still meant he had someone.

The 15-year-old version of himself seemed to be pounding on his chest, making him remember the thread through footsteps that he had long forgotten about, and started to question if even existed. Yet, Oscar didn't seem to notice the distinct marks on the floor and Lando couldn't possibly be hallucinating from dehydration.

Oscar placed his hand on Lando's back and felt a shiver run through his friend's body. "Lando, you're starting to worry me. Do you want to go to the medical bay?"

Lando quickly got up from the floor, shaking off Oscar's touch. "No need, Os. I'm fine." He forced a smile, but there was a lump in his throat as he tried to swallow down the fear and uncertainty. He didn't want to get his hopes up again, only to have them crushed once more.

"What do you think of the place?" Oscar's voice startles you from behind,.

A smile lights up your face as you turn around to see your friend in person for the first time in a long while. You eagerly embrace him with open arms, attempting to lift him off the ground like you used to when you were kids.

"Wow, okay, you're not as light as you used to be."

Oscar chuckles, and playfully returns the favor by lifting you up. "Nope, I'm not. Or maybe you're just not as strong anymore."

You tease, giving his shoulder a light slap. He winces and holds onto it, pretending it hurts.

"It's impressive." You answer his previous question. "So many people, so much noise, but I can see why you love it here." You take in the bustling atmosphere with a laugh.

The Aussie leans back against something and asks with a playful glint in his eye, "So, what's been going on in your world?"

You chuckle, immediately feeling at ease with him. "Just the usual post-grad life. Trying to figure it all out."

"Will you stick with auto sports?" He asks hopefully.

"I have an interview lined up to shadow a F2 journalist, so let's hope for the best." You make a gesture of crossed fingers. You thought that graduating with a degree in Journalism would give you direction in life, but almost a year later, you're still searching for your calling.

"It's already yours. I've never met anyone who could get honest answers from drivers like you do." He tried to calm you.

"I interviewed you once for a college project, Os. I don't think that counts." You chuckle.

"Come on, I was in f2 back then. That's definitely something to put on your resume."

"I'll keep that in mind." You nod.

It didn't feel like it had been so long since you two last saw each other in person.

As your gaze sweeps over the cluttered garage once more, something strange catches your eye, and you furrow your brow in confusion.

"Isn't Easter still a ways off?" Your eyes follow a trail of small, misshapen footprints leading around the room and you can't help but comment, "And whoever left those prints definitely didn't excel in their Arts & Crafts classes. They look nothing like bunny paws."

Oscar couldn't believe it. What was going on with his friends and footprints that day?

He squints and shakes his head. "I don't see anything," he says, trying to follow your gaze.

"Of course you don't. I've been telling you to get your eyes checked for years," you tease with a laugh. You walk over to him and point directly at the pawprint (that looks more like a footprint) on the ground that you can clearly see, even though it's slightly faded. Oscar looks at you with confusion.

"Are you and Lando in on this together?" He starts to suspect a prank.

"Lando? Your teammate?" You shake your head. "I've never even met him, Os." A mischievous grin spreads across your face. "But maybe I should."

Oscar's gaze shifted from the empty space in front of him. "Don't even go there, missy. Teammates are strictly off-limits."

You couldn't help but tease, "Why, does he have a soulmate?"

Oscar used to give you pitying looks whenever you mentioned not having a love thread, but it had been a while since then. He missed all of you - including your bad puns.

"I don't know. We've never discussed it," Oscar shuddered. He and Lando had grown closer over the past year, but the Brit never seemed to want to talk about that topic, so Oscar left it alone.

You continue to tease, "I still don't see why he's off-limits."

"Can you imagine how traumatizing it would be to see Lando making out with my best friend?"

"It wouldn't be any weirder than collecting bugs with my best friend and then suddenly having a random girl in front of me," your counterpart argues.

"Touché" It wouldn't be right for Oscar to dictate who you should pursue, especially since you had no control over randomly talking to his soulmate after swapping places. "It still would be fucking weird."

"You know, if two people saw those pawprints and you didn't, I think it's safe to say who's the one in the wrong here," You nudged him playfully. "Maybe you're just not looking close enough. Let me guide you."

Stepping closer to the mysterious prints, you crouched down and examined them closely. "They seem... fresh, don't they?"

Oscar joined you, squinting his eyes as he tried to make out any shape or form on the ground. "I swear, there's nothing there. Are you sure this isn't some elaborate prank?"

You shook your head, running your fingers over the indentations. "No, these are real."

Despite trying his best, Oscar couldn't make out what he was supposed to be looking at. "Alright, you got me. Congrats on your and Lando's little joke."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Your frustration grows as you wonder how he could have missed the obvious footprints right in front of him.

"He saw these so-called "footprints" too." He gestured with air quotes, convinced that his best friend and teammate were up to some strange prank together.

Before you could protest, someone called out your friend's name. "I have to go, it's my engineer," he said, getting up from the floor. He gave you a friendly smile that quickly turned into a knowing smirk. "And don't follow the footprints, Alice. They won't lead you to wonderland."

Wonderland or not, you would be stupid not to follow it.

As you follow the trail of footprints through the crowded garage, your curiosity builds with each step. You maneuver carefully around toolboxes and piles of spare parts, focusing on the prints as they lead you deeper into the maze-like space.

At last, you reach the end of the trail and come face to face with a closed door. Your heart races with excitement and anticipation as you stare at the sign above it: "Lando Norris' Driver's Room"

You furrow your brow in confusion. How could Norris' driver's room be connected to the strange footprints you've been tracking? Is this some kind of elaborate prank that Oscar roped Lando into as well?

Despite the nagging feeling that something was off, you stood your ground and refused to give into whatever it was that was trying to lure you in. You mentally prepared yourself to turn around and head back to Oscar's garage, where at least you felt familiar, and he couldn't pull pranks on you in front of his entire team.

And then, as if on cue, the door swings open, revealing Lando Norris standing on the other side. His presence fills the doorway, commanding attention with an effortless grace that leaves you breathless.

In that moment, you can't help but drink in the sight of him—the way the soft glow of the room illuminates his features, casting his angular jawline and chiseled cheekbones in sharp relief. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of azure, hold a glint of mischief as they meet yours, and you find yourself drowning in their depths.

Lando is clad in his fireproofs, the sleek material hugging his lean frame in all the right places. His racesuit hangs by his waist, a vibrant burst of color against the backdrop of the room. There's a confidence in the way he carries himself, a hint of swagger that speaks of countless hours spent behind the wheel of a racing car.

But it's not just his physical appearance that captivates you—it's the strange electricity that seems to crackle in the air when your eyes meet.

Your heart skips a beat as you find yourself in a predicament, searching for a clever excuse. You definitely didn't want to appear as a stalker-fan who snuck in. "Um, I was just... uh..."

"Oscar?" Lando interrupts, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Yes, Oscar!" You latch onto the name like a lifeline. "I'm a friend of his."

"He mentioned you," Lando nods, a friendly grin spreading across his face.

"Ah, so Oscar's been gossiping about me, huh?" You tease, a playful smirk curling your lips as you lock gazes with Lando. "I hope he said only nice things."

Lando chuckles softly, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Oh, absolutely. But he forgot to mention how gorgeous you are"

You feel a warm flush creeping up your cheeks at his compliment, and you playfully bat your eyelashes. "Oh, did he now? Well, I'll have to thank him for the rave reviews later."

An easy silence falls between you, charged with unspoken chemistry and the promise of potential. Lando breaks the quiet with a mischievous smirk, closing the gap between you.

"Care for a little tour while we wait for Oscar? I promise not to lead you astray... too much," he adds with a wink.

Despite the lingering adrenaline from the close call and the unexpected encounter with Lando, you find yourself nodding eagerly. Oscar had been too occupied to give you a proper tour, and you were itching to explore the place.

"Lead the way, but I'm holding you to that promise of not getting lost," you tease, motioning for him to lead. As he begins to walk, you fall into step beside him, the playful brush of your shoulders sending sparks flying.

"Do you have a habit of getting lost?" Lando asks with a playful glint in his eyes.

You laugh, shaking your head in mock dismay. "Define 'a habit'," you retort, a playful sparkle in your eyes. "When we were younger, Oscar and I used to roam around this massive mall near our homes. I lost count of how many times he had to page me over the speakers because I got sidetracked and wandered off."

"I'll have to keep a close eye on you, then," Lando quips. "Can't have Oscar's friend getting lost on my watch."

You chuckle at his teasing, reveling in the easy banter between you two. As he continues to show you around the McLaren paddock, pointing out various spots and sharing amusing anecdotes, you find yourself drawn to his effortless charm and infectious energy.

"You know, I never expected today to turn out like this," you admit, stealing a sideways glance at Lando. "But I'm glad it did. Especially if it means getting a personal tour from McLaren's charming star driver."

Lando beams at your words, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Consider yourself lucky, then. Not everyone gets the VIP treatment around here." He pauses for a moment before adding with a playful grin, "Although, I must confess, it's rather challenging to focus on giving a proper tour with you flashing that smile."

Your heart flutters at his words, but you play it cool with a playful roll of your eyes. "You need to work on your flirting skills, dude."

"But do they work?" Lando counters with a cheeky smile.

"Maybe. Keep trying, and who knows where it might lead."

"Ah, so you're admitting my charm has potential?" Lando shoots back, a playful glint in his eyes.

"I didn't say that," you reply with a smirk..

"Ouch, that hurts," Lando feigns offense, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Here I am, giving you the grand tour, and you won't even give me credit for my rizz."

"Okay, okay, maybe just a little credit," you concede with a laugh, nudging him lightly with your elbow. "But don't let it get to your head."

Lando grins. "Don't worry, I'll try to contain my ego."

As the tour comes to an end, you and Lando bid your goodbyes, thanking each other for the enjoyable time spent together. It's time for qualifying, and Lando is escorted towards his car by a member of his team. Just before he gets in, he looks back towards you with a faint smile. In that moment, his gaze locks with yours, and he freezes as a realization dawns upon him. The footsteps he had noticed earlier, weaving through the McLaren paddock, had a familiar pattern. They were from you.

He looks back to the path he took with you, and the marks on the floor as clear as day. They appear in front of his driver's room, in the small cafeteria where he took you to get the best coffee from the paddock (his words), and they follow you as you make your way to Oscar's side of the garage.

Lando's lips part slightly, as if he couldn't get enough air.

Before Lando could take a step towards you, his engineer's firm grip on his arm pulls him back. "Where are you going? Quali is about to start," his engineer reminds him, snapping him out of the mesmerizing realization.

Lando looks torn, torn between the exhilaration of discovering a potential connection he never noticed before and the responsibility of his racing career. He gives you one last longing look before reluctantly turning away, his mind buzzing with newfound thoughts and possibilities.

As he slides into the driver's seat and revs up the engine, he can't shake off the image of your smile, the sound of your laughter, and now, the footprints you left behind that seemed to lead straight to him. The engine roars to life, drowning out his racing thoughts as he steels himself for the high-stakes qualifying round ahead.

There were various theories floating around regarding why Lando secured the pole position. Some attributed it to an engine change, while others praised McLaren's performance on the specific circuit. But deep down, Lando knew that his main motivation was to finish everything quickly so he could talk to you.

He heard his engineer's voice in his ear through the radio, but he wasn't really paying attention. He knew he had interviews to do, photos to take, and a tire to sign, but as he stepped out of the car, his mind was consumed with thoughts of the girl he never knew existed.

After the whirlwind of interviews subsides and Lando returns to the bustling garage, his mind remains fixated on one thought: finding you. He navigates through the maze of mechanics and engineers, his determination unwavering.

Spotting Oscar amidst the commotion, Lando strides over, his expression a mix of eagerness and urgency. "Hey, Oscar," he calls out, drawing his friend's attention.

Oscar looks up from his conversation with a mechanic, a puzzled expression crossing his face at the intensity in Lando's gaze. "Hey, Lando. What's up?" he asks, curious yet cautious.

"I need to talk to your friend," Lando replies, his tone serious.

Oscar's confusion deepens, and a hint of protectiveness flickers in his eyes. "My friend? Why do you need to speak to her?" he inquires, his tone guarded.

Lando hesitates for a moment, searching for the right words. "I... I just need to ask her something," he says evasively, unwilling to divulge the true reason behind his urgency.

Oscar studies Lando intently, sensing there's more to the story than meets the eye. "Is everything okay?" he probes, his concern evident.

Lando shifts uncomfortably under Oscar's scrutiny, torn between his desire to find you and his reluctance to reveal too much. "Yeah, everything's fine," he assures, attempting to brush off Oscar's concern.

But Oscar isn't convinced, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "Look, if you're going to involve my friend in something, I need to know what's going on," he insists firmly.

Lando sighs, realizing he can't keep dodging the question. "It's just... I met her earlier, and I... I need to talk to her," he admits, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Oscar's expression softens as he recognizes the sincerity in Lando's words. He may be protective, but he also trusts his instincts when it comes to his friends. "Okay," he relents, nodding in understanding. "She's in my driver's room."

Before Lando can make his way there, Oscar grabs his arm, a serious expression etched on his face. "Look, I know we don't talk about this, but…" He hesitates momentarily. "I don't know if you have a soulmate, but she doesn't. And I don't want you giving her false hope, only to disappear the moment someone mentions what's on your arm, or whatever."

Lando offers a reassuring smile. "You're wrong."

"Listen, I don't care if your mark is on your arm or your ass, my point was-"

"It's not about that. It's about her not having a soulmate," Lando interjects.

Oscar's expression turns grave. "What do you mean?"

"Footsteps," Lando responds simply.

Oscar's frustration bubbles to the surface. "What's going on with both of you? First, you mention footsteps, then her." He glances at his teammate, who meets his gaze with a serene smile. In Lando's eyes, there's a glimmer of hope and relief that Oscar can't quite comprehend. Initially, he considers escorting both of his friends to the medical bay, puzzled by their strange behavior regarding footsteps that only they seem to perceive—

Footsteps that only they can see.

A sudden realization dawns upon Oscar, his eyes widening. "You two are soulmates."

"Hopefully," Lando murmurs. "I—I never thought I had one. No marks, no dreams, nothing. But this morning, I saw footsteps. And then we met, and I showed her around. We were side by side, so I didn't pay much attention. But before Qualifying, I noticed her walking toward your side of the garage, and there were footsteps leading there."

As the realization settles between them, Oscar reluctantly releases Lando's arm, allowing him to continue on his way. However, just as Lando begins to move away, Oscar calls out to him, his tone a mix of seriousness and jest.

"Lando, wait," Oscar says, his voice tinged with playful threat. "Soulmate or not, if you ever hurt my best friend, I'll make sure to crash into you in every single race."

Lando stops in his tracks, turning back to face Oscar with a wry smile. "Fair warning," he replies, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "But I can assure you, if I ever did hurt her, I'd deserve every crash."

The Brit's heart races as he stands before the door, realizing he doesn't need to ask Oscar about the girl when the footsteps guide him straight to her. He wonders if he'd ever noticed those phantom imprints before, dismissing them as mere smudges or dirt. And in a fleeting moment of clarity, he wonders if those same invisible marks had led you to his door earlier, tracing a path he hadn't noticed until now.

As Lando hesitates outside the door, uncertainty gripping his thoughts, he contemplates his next move. Should he pace back and forth until you notice the traces on the floor? Or perhaps he should boldly declare their connection as soulmates upon entering? Before he can settle on a plan, the door swings open.

"Wow!" You exclaim, your initial fright giving way to laughter. "Okay, I probably deserved that. Second time's the charm, right?"

"Uhm," Lando's throat constricts, his words stumbling over each other. In his mind, this conversation had seemed much simpler. "Look, I—I need to ask you something. Do you… have a soulmate?"

Your gaze hardens, but it's not anger that flickers in your eyes, only a hint of sorrow. "We just met today," you confess, your tone tinged with vulnerability. Lando realizes it might be an invasive question; after all, some people prefer to keep such matters private. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yes. I mean, no. I mean—" Lando fumbles, his nerves getting the best of him.

"It's alright, I understand," you say, crossing your arms with a sad smile. "You do?"

"I do," Lando confirms, gesturing subtly to the scattered footsteps that crisscross the room.

"Cool," you respond, your expression disoriented.

"No, wait, that's not what I meant." Lando's frustration mounts as he struggles to articulate his thoughts. Was this what it felt like to be stupid in love?

"It's okay, Lando, really," you reassure him gently. "I know some people like to have... fun before finding their soulmate. I won't judge you for that." Yet beneath your understanding tone, a pang of sadness lingers, the thought of forever being a mere diversion rather than a final destination.

"Listen," Lando interjects, laying his hands gently atop yours, a jolt of electricity coursing between them once more. "Earlier today, you saw those footsteps, didn't you?"

"Actually, yes," you reply, confusion clouding your features. Oscar had vehemently denied their existence, leaving you to question your own perception.

"Me too. I saw footsteps this morning. Then I noticed footsteps leading towards Oscar's garage," Lando reveals, his voice soft with emotion. He silently pleads for you not to notice the trembling in his hands. "And now, I see footsteps again. Emerging from the door and heading toward the couch. A circle of them, right in front of the television."

As Lando confides in you, his vulnerability palpable, you begin to piece it together. Your eyes widen in realization as you look around. Although you can't see the invisible footsteps he's describing, you can distinctly perceive a path, stretching from the door to where Lando stands before you.

"Every step leads me to you," he murmurs, his gaze locked on yours with unwavering intensity.

A tender smile graces your lips as you absorb Lando's words, a rush of warmth flooding your chest. "I never thought I had a soulmate," you confess softly, your voice tinged with wonder.

Lando's own smile mirrors yours, a mixture of affection and amusement dancing in his eyes. "Look at that, one thing that we already have in common," he replies, his tone gentle yet playful.

You share a moment of quiet understanding, the air thick with unspoken emotions swirling between you. It's a realization that defies logic yet feels undeniably right, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring you together. Well, it did, didn't it? Maybe you should apologize for all the times your cursed at it.

"And here we are," you say, a hint of awe coloring your words.

"Here we are," Lando echoes, his gaze never leaving yours.

A mischievous glint twinkles in your eyes as you playfully tease, "You know, when I suggested you keep trying to flirt with me, this wasn't exactly the outcome I had in mind."

Lando chuckles, his grin widening. "Well, lucky for me, there's no one I'd rather up my game with than you."

You laugh, feeling the tension ease between you as the playful banter continues. "Smooth talker," you tease, giving him a playful nudge.

"Just stating the truth," Lando replies, his tone lighthearted yet sincere. "Besides, you will have to deal with it for the rest of your life."

Your heart skips a beat at his words, the playful façade giving way to a deeper connection between you. "I suppose you have a point," you concede with a smile, feeling yourself drawn even closer to him.

Lando's eyes light up with mischief as an idea sparks in his mind. "You know," he begins, a playful grin tugging at his lips, "I've spent my entire life thinking you didn't exist. I have a lot of making up to do."

Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise at his bold statement, but a smile tugs at the corners of your lips, intrigued by his playful demeanor. "Oh really?" you reply, a teasing glint in your eyes. "And just how do you plan on making it up to me?"

Lando's grin widens as he leans in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, I was thinking we could start here. I can't really go out, but my hotel has an amazing restaraunt" he suggests, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "After that... Have you ever been to Monaco? Or Italy? Maybe after that, we could..."

You can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, charmed by his playful spirit. "I say you're full of surprises, Lando Norris," you tease, interrupting him, a playful sparkle dancing in your eyes. "But I like the way you think."

A bashful smile graces Lando's lips as he chuckles softly. "Great," he replies, his tone now tinged with a hint of shyness. "I've got a meeting to attend, but after that, how about we meet back here?"

"You'll know exactly where to find me."

As warmth floods through Lando's heart, a tender smile graces his lips. In that fleeting moment of realization, it dawns on him—he'll never doubt your existence again. Not when there's a trail of footsteps leading him straight back to you, a path he'll eagerly follow time and time again.

Lando Norris is a romantic at heart. The universe, in all its wisdom, understood that he deserved nothing less than the greatest of loves.

fun fact i actually hate this

taglist (tell me if you want to be added or removed. crossed names means i couldn't tag you) :: @saturnssunflower @sopheeg @minkyungseokie @alexander-hamilhoe @butterfly-lover @cool-ultra-nerd @tomriddleswhorecruxes @everbizzare @chonkybonky @styl1shl1v

[pierregazly]

are you warm enough? ꨄ oscar piastri

oscar piastri x reader

warnings: reader has the flu, sad!reader over being sick [945 words]

request: Could I ask for a 💗 with Oscar and "Are you warm enough?" prompt?

note: oscar is def the type to take care of a sick partner?? i dont make the rules but it's true! this is part of my 1.5k celebration! feel free to request away!!

It was inevitable it was going to hit you. It had struck through your entire workplace, through all your study groups. One by one, person by person, they were taken down. By a measly thing like the flu. You knew it was going to take you out, and you were going to hate every second of it.

Selfishly, you were hoping it would strike you the week Oscar was gone, not wanting to waste any of the short time that you did have with him by being confined to bed with a sickness that wouldn’t go away. Unluckily, just hours before his plane was scheduled to touchdown in Melbourne, you felt the tickle begin to climb in the back of your throat.

By the time Oscar’s bags were tossed through the front door of your apartment, you were curled up on the couch, a heated blanket over you while a half-empty cup of tea remained on the coffee table in front of you. Your head was pounding, your nose was stuffed, your stomach was aching. You couldn’t keep any food down, and it felt like the apartment had hit negative temperatures in the few hours between waking up with a scratchy throat, and Oscar coming through the door.

“Honey, I’m home,” he singsonged, walking around the corner and stopping dead in his tracks when he observed your state.

You had told him about all the people who were getting sick at work, at school, about how you had been diligent about making sure you were washing your hands and keeping away from them. How you had told him how you didn’t want to ruin the little time the two of you were finally going to be able to spend together, so you were being extra careful.

Oscar felt the sympathy wash over him as he observed you peak out from underneath the blanket, a look of sadness etched around your face.

“Osc… you shouldn’t come close to me. I don’t want to get you sick, too,” you said.

Ignoring your words, Oscar moved closer to the couch before sitting down beside your sock-covered feet. He gently maneuvered them so they were placed over your lap, rubbing soothing circles on your now-exposed ankle.

“I’ll suffer if I have to. Can’t make you take care of yourself when you look like you might freeze to death if I even move this blanket.”

Just from the blanket simply touching his leg, he could feel the heat emitting off of it, the number ‘6’ displayed on the power screen, indicating it was at the highest level the blanket could reach. 

“Do you want me to make you another tea? Maybe go pick up some soup? I can give my mum a call, see if she can make any and drop it off? Does that sound good?”

Your only response was a nod of your head at every question he threw at you, you weren’t one to ask for help when you were sick, always able to simply take care of yourself. But the idea of getting off the couch, moving from the warmth of the blanket to go and make yourself a tea, or dig through the cupboards to find a can of soup… it just didn’t sound worth it, at all.

“I don’t want to bug your mum, if you pass me my phone I’ll just order some soup here. I can get you something too, real food. But you may not want to eat near me, I haven’t really been able to keep anything down either,” the sniffles after every few words had Oscar grimacing.

“Oh hush, mum always has leftover soup. Someone’s always sick around there, she’d be more than happy to drop it off. Let me go make you a cup of tea, and I’ll be right back.”

It didn’t take him long to tinker around the kitchen, throwing your favourite teabag into the mug and heating up the kettle; texting his mum in the process to inquire about any recent soups she may have made. Unsurprisingly, dad had been sick just days before, excess of his favourite soup in a Tupperware container in the freezer. Nicole had promised to get it thawed up and dropped off before sunset, a message of ‘get well soon, honey’ likely to be written in black ink on the lid.

Holding the warm cup of tea in front of your face, he gestured for you to sit up, a groan emitting from your body as you did so. Gently placing the cup into your hands, he sat down next to you, a small frown marring his face.

“Are you warm enough, baby? I can go pull down a few more blankets from the cupboards? Or turn the heating up?”

Shaking your head, you placed the mug down on the coffee table in front of you, before snuggling up into his side. 

“Can you just hold me? You’re always so warm, and I just want to be snuggled up with you, right now,” you said.

The arm that was pressed between your two bodies moved out of the grasp, wrapping an arm tightly around your shoulders before pulling you in closer to his body. 

“I’ll hold you whenever you want me to, even if you’re going to have to be the one to explain to the team why I have the flu next week.”

The only response you gave him was a shrug of your shoulders. You had already grappled with the fact you were probably going to get him sick, if you had to explain to the team why one of their prized driver’s was now sick… then so be it.

y'all... i didnt realize how popular oscar was until this celebration i have SO many requests for him lol. i hope everyone loves this, and as always, thank you for celebrating with me!!

[pickingupmymercedes]

Hiii I love your writing so much!! I was wondering if you can make a Lewis x reader where she has some type of chronic illness and one day she gets a really bad flare up and he takes care of her :)

If you’re not comfortable or don’t feel like writing it you can ignore this ask :)

Hi love, of course! I did a shortish one-shot

Btw, I chose eczema because my beautiful best friend has battled it a good chunk of her teen years and I'm so incredibly and forever proud of the amazing woman she's become, and how she continously lifts other people even when she doesn't have to . Love you H.

Warnings: description of eczema

______________________________________________________________

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky. In the serene twilight, Lewis Hamilton sat by the window, watching the Melbourne lights twinkle like distant stars. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, the anticipation of this week off tingling in the air. But amidst the excitement, a sense of worry gnawed at him.

Beside him, you lay on the couch, curled up in discomfort. The gentle hum of the evening enveloped the room, but your soft whimpers cut through the tranquility. Lewis glanced at you, concern etched on his features.

"Are you okay, love?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

You managed a weak nod, but the pain etched on your face betrayed your words. Lewis sighed softly, his heart heavy with concern. He knew all too well the toll your chronic illness took on you, especially during flare-ups.

Your eczema, a constant companion in your life, often made its presence known at the most inconvenient times. Lewis had witnessed the struggles you faced; the silent battles fought behind closed doors. Yet, through it all and much to your comfort, he remained steadfast by your side.

That night, however, your flare-up seemed particularly severe. Lewis could see the discomfort etched in every line of your face. Gently, he knelt beside you, his touch feather-light as he brushed a stray lock of hair from your forehead. "I'll take care of you, darling," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing melody in the dimly lit room.

Despite his assurances, you couldn't shake the feeling of shame that enveloped you. The raw, red patches on your legs, a stark reminder of your condition, made you feel vulnerable and exposed. The thought of facing the world, especially at the upcoming Grand Prix, filled you with dread.

Lewis sensed your inner turmoil – it was a place your mind tended to take you – his heart aching at the sight of your distress. With a tender smile, he reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours. "You don't have to hide, love," he whispered, his voice a gentle reassurance. "You're beautiful, just as you are."

Days passed, and the Japanese Grand Prix loomed ever closer. The excitement in the air was palpable, anticipation crackling like electricity. But amidst the flurry of preparations, you couldn't shake the lingering doubt if you should go at all. As the day of the race dawned, nerves fluttered in your stomach like a restless butterfly. The thought of facing the world, your eczema on full display, filled you with dread.

Regardless, you made your way to the track, the air alive with the roar of engines and the buzz of the crowd. Amidst the sea of faces, Lewis's support anchored you, a steady presence in the tumultuous sea of life.

The days following the Grand Prix went as usual. Another Mercedes bad weekend, the headlines filled with the dread of how they would bounce back, but amidst the bad press, a simple message on social media caught your eye, touching your heart in a profound way.

In a picture of you and Lewis, taken during the Grand Prix, was accompanied by a heartfelt caption.

"I've always been ashamed of my eczema, hiding it away from the world. But seeing [Your Name] embracing her skin and being open about her struggles gives me hope. Thank you for showing me that it's okay to be myself, flaws and all. 💖 #EczemaWarrior #TrueBeauty"

Tears welled in your eyes as you read the heartfelt words, the impact of your openness suddenly crashing you, the realization that your journey could inspire and empower others was almost overwhelming.

With a trembling hand, you liked the post and replied with a heartfelt message of your own. "Thank you for your beautiful words. You are strong and beautiful just as you are. Never be afraid to show it. 💖"

The outpouring of support and encouragement that followed was overwhelming, a testament to the power of authenticity and vulnerability. Messages from fans around the world flooded your notifications, each one echoing the hope you felt.

However, amidst the sea of positivity, a few photographers at the Grand Prix had been less than kind. Their whispered comments and mocking glances hadn't gone unnoticed, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth.

One evening, as you sat in Lewis’ lap in his home back in Monaco, he turned to you with a gentle expression, his eyes filled with concern.

You looked into his eyes, seeing the genuine care and love reflected in his gaze. Taking a deep breath, you squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"You don't have to talk about your eczema just because people are noticing it, you know. You owe them nothing" he said softly, his voice filled with compassion. "I just want you to be happy and comfortable."

"I want to do this, Lew" you said, your voice steady with conviction. "I was the kid embarrassed of it, hiding it away from the world. Other kids need to know they have no reason to be ashamed. If sharing my story can help even one person feel less alone, it's worth it."

Lewis's eyes softened, a proud smile gracing his lips as he nodded in understanding. "You’re so brave, babe.” he whispered, pulling you close. "I’m forever proud of you”.

[janesurlife]

"When I was young, I learned a lesson that is still etched in my mind. I'm not sure how old I was exactly, but I think I was around 12. During that age, I loved to go fishing. I love the sea, because I am of Mallorca, and in my case the sea is part of my life. It is about the feeling of being by the sea, sitting on the rocks with your family and friends, or on a boat: the disconnection and peace you feel is something. special. One day I went fishing when I could having been training. The next day I lost my match. I remember I was crying in the car on the way home, and my uncle, who at that early age had a great influence on me, and who made me fall in love with tennis, told me : “Okay, it's just a tennis match. Don't cry now, there's no point. If you want to fish, you can fish. But if you want to win, you have to do what you have to first. do.” It was a very important lesson for me. He sees me as a perfectionist, so it's because of that inner voice that was calling me on the car ride home. The voice has never left me. One day I will be able to be in the sea. "Today and tomorrow... I have to practice."

"I wasn't a kid who really had sports idols. I guess it has to do with my Mallorcan character. My heroes were people I knew in real life. But when I was 12 years old I was able to play for the first time with Carlos Moyá. A Spanish compatriot, also from Mallorca. French Open champion and first Spanish player to be number 1. I was so nervous just to hit some balls with him. It was an unforgettable experience, a window to another world. Tennis was transforming from something that was just for fun (a child's game) to a true pursuit of making a living. It made me dream a little more. One day, maybe I can play at Roland-Garros..."

"But pain is one of life's greatest teachers. I got hurt when I was 17 and was told I would probably never play professional tennis again. I learned that things can end in an instant. It's not just a small crack in my foot, it is a disease. There is no cure, only management. What does that mean? You go from the greatest joy to waking up the next morning without being able to walk. great lesson of humility and I was lucky to have a father (the true influence I have had in my life) who was always so positive. "We will find a solution," he said. "And if we don't, there are other things in life besides the problem. tennis." Hearing those words, I could barely process it, but thank God, after a lot of pain, surgeries, rehab, and tears, a solution was found and, all these years, I was able to fight it."

"Tennis is a sport that demands a lot from you mentally, but there are many moments of joy that I will never forget. The Davis Cup in 2004, Roland Garros in 2005, of course Wimbledon in 2008. But then there is my first US Open and when I closed the circle of the Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne. And I don't forget those tournaments like the one in Madrid and Barcelona in my country, or the one in Indian Wells in Miami, or the one in Cincinnati where I won. for the first time in 2013, or the beautiful Monte Carlo, or the special feeling of Rome, or Shanghai and Beijing with those incredible fans... Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, my first days in Buenos Aires... so many. of incredible memories. However, you can never stop trying. You can never relax. You always have to improve, and that has been the constant in my life. That's how I became a better player.

For 30 years, the image I conveyed to the world was not always what I felt inside. Honestly, I've been nervous before every game I've played; that never leaves you. Every night before a game I went to bed feeling like I might lose (and when I woke up in the morning too!). In tennis, the difference between players is very fine, and between rivals even more so. When you go out on the field anything can happen, that's why all your senses must be awake, alive. That feeling, the inner fire and the nerves, the adrenaline of going out and seeing a full court, is a very difficult feeling to describe. It is a feeling that only a few can understand, and something that I am sure will never be the same again now that I retire as a professional. There will still be those moments playing exhibitions and maybe in other sports as well. "I will always compete and try to do my best, but it won't be the same feeling as walking in front of the fans in a certain stadium."

For most of my career, I was good at controlling emotions. With one exception. I went through a very difficult time, mentally, a few years ago. I was very used to physical pain, but there were times on the court when I had a hard time controlling my breathing and I couldn't play at the highest level. I have no problem saying it now. After all, we are human beings, not superheroes. The person you see on center court with a trophy is a person. Exhausted, relieved, happy, grateful, but only one person. Fortunately, I haven't gotten to the point where I can't control things like anxiety, but there are times with every player when it's hard to control your mind, and when that happens it's hard to have full control of your game. There were months when I thought about taking a complete break from tennis to clear my mind. In the end, I worked on it every day to get better. I conquered it by always moving forward and little by little I became myself again. What I am most proud of is that I may have struggled, but I never gave up. "I always gave my best."

Tennis is also a teacher of life itself. Most of the time, you don't win the tournament you play. No matter who you are, at the end of many weeks you will have lost. Real life is the same. You learn to live with the moments of joy and the moments of pain, and try to treat them the same way. In the good times I never thought he was Superman and in the bad times I never thought he was a failure. "What makes you grow as a person is life itself: the failures, the nerves, the anguish, the joy, the process of waking up every day and trying to be a little better to achieve your goals." "At the end of the day, you get what you give. I hope my legacy is that I always tried to treat others with deep respect. This was my parents' golden rule. When I was a child, my father He always told me: “Inventing is difficult. Copying is much easier.” It wasn't about life. Look around you and see how people you admire treat people. them. Act like them and you will probably live a happy life. I carried that lesson with me in every game I played. I was not driven by hatred for my rivals, but by deep respect and admiration I simply tried to wake up every morning and improve a little to keep up with them. "I tried... I always tried." "For over 30 years I have given everything I could to this game. In return, I received joy and happiness. Joy and happiness, love and friendship, and so much more... Sincerely, Rafa."

[chrizztopher97]

WARNING: MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

DOM!Chan, SUB!FemReader, swearing, oral, piv, protected sex, marking, breast play, praise, jealous behaviour (Chan), name calling (babygirl, darling, good girl, cutie, darling), fluff.

You, Y/N Lee, and your brother, Alexander, finally arrived to your new University.

Universal University, situated in Melbourne, a brand new place where international students could finally gather from all around the world and find their own path. They can study anything and everything they want, they choose their own courses and can always change path based on their own accord. Celebrities would also study and attend there, some open about it and others asking for the private VIP zone to not get disturbed.

"You think we'll find lots of celebrities here?" Your older brother questioned, his hands still on the wheel as he looked for a place to park the car.

"Who knows, for all I've gathered from the pamphlet of the uni, many people got switched to this building for practical reasons so.. why not." You answered as you rummaged inside your handbag to get the map of the university premises.

Once again you've looked at the entire map, it felt as if you would enter an entire city rather than just a mere campus.

"Holy shit, look at the entrance baby sis." Alexander's voice caught your attention making you gaze up from the paper you were holding.

"Damn, feels like royalty." You joked as he finally parked the car.

The ten hours ride suddenly felt non-existent on your shoulders but you knew your brother would end up falling asleep by the time he got inside his dorm room.

"Thank God we returned in Australia earlier." You murmured stepping out of the vehicle, hanging your handbag on your shoulder.

"Yeah, we definitely took the right call. If we didn't catch that flight from Seoul..." he mumbled opening the trunk of the car.

"We would have probably missed the chance of resting back home in Sydney before the ride." You giggled shaking your head as you got your luggage.

"Not only that." He spoke as he took his baggage. "We wouldn't have had the time to send our stuff right here. Imagine the trouble in moving around with all those boxes while we tried to find our rooms." He said closing the trunk and locking the car.

"For real, specially because I easily get lost." You pouted making him laugh profusely.

Joking around as you walked the long path of the entrance, you took in the surroundings. The fresh air engulfing your body, hair brushed by the delicate wind. You inhaled deeply and smiled.

The campus definitely looked way bigger than what the map designed. The main building being the place where you'll be studying, on the right a huge cafeteria as big as a 3 Star Michelin restaurant, right next to it the dormitory looking like a huge apartment building, right next to it the health care building with a pharmacy and some doctors as per instructed in the pamphlet and then, as if it wasn't enough, a gym. You also read there would be some stadiums for sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, etch...

"Where was the lobby to get our room keys and stuff?" Alexander's voice brought you back from your trance as you looked around.

Your gaze swifted from the green trees to the map. "In the main building." You mumbled pointing at the big sign.

You silently thanked the person who opened this campus for putting signs in front of the buildings or else you would have ended up in the cafeteria instead of your dorm room.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

After getting your room keys and the floor number you walked to the dormitories, aiming at the still opened elevator that was right in front of you.

As you saw it slowly closing, you called out politely. "One sec, please."

Thankfully whoever was in put their hand in the semi closed door and held it still, leaving you space to enter. Unknowingly thanking with a small bow as per habit for all the time you've lived in Seoul, South Korea, you entered.

Squeezing inside the elevator, you put yourself right in the corner, perfectly fitting as you didn't really excell in height. You despised that characteristic of yours but it did come in handy in these kind of situations.

"Press floor eight, if you didn't." You whispered as you nudged your brother's arm making him pointing at the button already pressed.

"Can't wait to take a shower and doze off." He mumbled resting his arm on your head making you look up to him and shook his arm off.

"I'm not an arm holder." You scoffed him off as you yawned. "But lucky you, I'll probably be wide awake even though I've slept what? Two hours?" You whined stretching your arms up.

Once the elevator arrived to your floor, you exited and thanked once again the guys that were slowly walking out the lift right behind you.

"Wow!" You exclaimed looking at the huge window that showed a forest outside.

More than the scenery, you were more surprised at how the first wow came out, reminding you of the way Bang Chan would say it. Making you unknowingly giggle at the thought.

Yes, you were a STAY since God's Menu era even though you used to listen to Stray Kids and 3RACHA music since pre debut, you just didn't have much time to get into details but when you did, it felt like diving into an ocean of affection, laughter and fun.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Once in front of your dorm room, you turned around and gave a light hug to your brother who kissed your head before turning and going to his room right in front of yours.

Unlocking the room, you heard the water coming from the shower running, giving you signal that your roommate would be already there.

Taking off your shoes, you walked barefoot to the empty bed, probably the one you'll be sleeping from now on.

Without waiting a second, you put on your earpods and knocked softly at the door of the bathroom.

"Hi, I'm Y/N. Your roommate. Take your time in the bathroom, we can introduce ourselves later." You spoke nicely as you tied your hair in a tiny ponytail.

After connecting your pods you listened to music as you unpacked your boxes. Humming from time to time, you put the last frame on your nightstand, a picture of Channie smiling towards your way to give you the best of the good mornings.

Sighing deeply you finally adjusted your painting supplies in the small desk in front of your bed, right next to the small library.

"I guess this should be it." You mumbled looking at the empty boxes sighing at the idea of having to fix your clothes inside the wooden wardrobe.

"Shoulda have started with the clothes first.." You whispered to yourself as you opened the closet's doors, closing the ones occupied.

Once you settled all your clothes, you made a quick call to your brother.

"You sleepin', Alex?" You questioned while fixing an outfit to wear to dinner.

"Restin'.. Took a good shower after settling in. Tell me whenever you're ready for dinner." He whispered quietly, as if he tried his best to not fall asleep on you.

"Call you when I'm ready. Rest well, bro." You mumbled taking your bathroom beauty case and closing the call.

Finally the bathroom door opened revealing your roommate. It took you a while to take in the information of the face in front of yours. You look behind at your posters and then back at your roommate.

"Hey, you must be my roommate." The guy said with his deep voice as he dried his hair with a towel.

Nodding you shook your head and moved your hand ahead. "Nice to meet you, I'm Y/N Lee." You smiled warmly as he looked at you.

"That must be why." He chuckled shaking your hand. "Felix Lee." He introduced himself taking a glance behind, staring at your wall adorned with frames of Stray Kids. "But I'm pretty sure you already know." He joked pointing at a picture of himself.

"I can take them down if you feel uncomfortable." You instantly answered, hoping he wouldn't feel any negative vibe from it.

"I don't mind at all." Shaking his head he went to sit on his bed.

After chatting for a few seconds you went inside the bathroom so you could freshen up.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Wrapped in a towel you went outside the bathroom and without looking around, you grabbed your outfit and lingerie.

"You remember only things you want, uh?" You cursed your brain as you closed the bathroom door behind you.

Drying your short, curly hair with a towel, you dressed up in your black cargo pants and a gold silky tanktop. Making sure to fix your nipple piercings the best way you could inside your laced bra.

Once completely ready you took your phone and texted your brother.

You: "Ready."

Spraying your Black Musk fragrance you put on your boots and looked around in case you missed anything.

"Going out as well?" Your roommate voice caught your attention.

"Yup. Gon' have dinner with my brother." You responded looking at him, who was also ready to go out.

"I guess we'll catch up later then." He mumbled opening the door so the both of you could step out.

Nodding you waved at him and pulled your brother by the wrist. "I'm famished."

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Walking side by side with him, you couldn't stop thinking at the fact that your roommate was one of the members of that boy group you loved so much. You've silently thanked the secretaries that mixed the details and thought that you and Felix were siblings. For some reasons he always gave the aura of being your bestie if you've ever got to know him personally.

"Oh, guess who's my roomie?" Alex caught your attention as you walked the long path to the cafeteria.

You looked at him, definitely curious and puzzled but didn't reply. Waiting for him to reveal it.

"That Kim Seungmin of your favourite boy band." He whispered to your ear, making you halt in your steps.

"No way!" You exclaimed.

"Mine is Felix." You confessed as you returned to your steps.

"What a match." He chuckled wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

Chit chatting you finally arrived at the cafeteria. Entering you gasped, almost loudly. It was like an Expo. Sections with flags of every country that served their own food.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

You were sitting on the bench, looking outside the window as you mindlessly ate your food and listened to your brother's rumbling.

"Care if we join you?" A deep voice brings you out of your trance.

"Felix, of cour.." You turned your gaze to the blond haired guy that was talking to you, your brain processing the other seven guys. Eyes fixed on him. "..se" you finished your sentence, trying to break away your staring.

Hearing a giggle coming from your brother, you kicked him under the table making him laugh.

Trying to keep it cool, you just smiled from time to time, your ears slightly alerted at every noise making you kinda itchy.

"So, Y/N.." Felix spoke to you, making you look up from your table.

"Yeah?" Setting the steel chopsticks on the napkin, you mumbled unknowingly using your silly face. :]

"This is your brother, correct?" He questioned pointing at Alex.

"Ah, yes. Alexander is my brother." You nodded.

As you reached for your cup, another hand reached out.

"Ah sorry, is this yours?" You giggled looking besides you only to see him.

Straightening your shoulders, you almost chocked on nothing.

"It's fine. No worries." He spoke softly, a smile forming on his lips.

Your eyes unable to look away. His curly hair falling on his forehead in such messy yet so curate curls, his eyes beaming and glowing under the lights, his nose scrunched softly as his plush, plump, soft, definitely kissable and sweet, tender lips were forming a smile. His cheeks looking so squishy with those cute and adorable dimples showing.

"I see now." Felix voice mumbled making your brother laugh once again.

You turned around, face front looking at Alex and Felix in the eyes.

"You two, shut it." You mouthed, trying to not look suspicious.

"We're all chatting yet we didn't even properly introduced each other." Changbin said, making your heart ache at his adorable English accent.

"Ah, I'm Y/N Lee and this is my brother Lee Yoonchan Alexander." You proceeded in handing out your hand to him.

Handshake after handshake, your hand almost visibly trembled making you reach for your thigh to grip on with your nails so that no one would notice your hand shaking. Specially him.

"I'm Bahng Christopher Chahn but you can call me Chris if you want." His sweet and so gentle voice spoke. His eyes fixed on yours as he extended his hand for a handshake.

"You're not dropping it, uh?" Felix giggled looking over at you making you blush as you delicately and definitely unwillingly retracted your hand from that handshake.

"It's not so unnoticeable, come on." You joked pointing at your tattoo.

It was the Stray Kids' compass with small SKZOO scattered as stars.

"Oh, a STAY?" Minho clapped his hands, making you smile.

"Fuck yeah." You flexed your phone case making him chuckle.

'How cute' you thought. You always loved his laugh.

"You two give off way different vibes." Seungmin said, looking at you and then at your brother.

"Ah.. that's 'cause I was adopted." You simply explained making them gasp.

"How come you two look alike?" Jeongin questioned shocked.

"Do we?" You questioned puzzled as you looked at Alex.

"Ah, I have no idea baby sis. We've been together for years that I even forgot you were adopted." He chuckled patting your hand.

After explaining your background, making them curious and nod at every word you said, they almost jumped on you as they thought it was so hard for you.

"Y'all, I am happy I got adopted. I closed my relationship with my blood." You halted your hands as if to make them relax.

"Well, family is where your heart belongs." Chris mumbled understanding.

"And home is where your heart belongs." You answered, eyes looking at him for more than a minute before looking at the others.

For some reason, you just couldn't hide it but you did wonder if he caught up on it.

Finishing your meal, you stood up and decided to grab dessert. Taking your tray, you excused yourself as you passed among Christopher, Changbin, Jisung and Hyunjin's legs. Clueless of anything, you just went to grab whatever you craved.

In the meantime, Chris eyes lingered on you more than you could ever imagine.

"You might want to let it pass. She doesn't even notice the way she moves nor how she is." Alexander spoke as he shook his head, as he looked at Chan for a moment.

"What do you mean?" Changbin spoke after clearing his throat.

"She was never this, how to say, hot." Taking a pause for a moment to formulate his sentence. "She used to look cute back when she was 20 years old." He explained about the time you used to look before establishing in Seoul. "Then she started going to the gym, exercising like an obsessed, then the piercings and tattoos. Not that I mind but as I didn't grow up with her, I could definitely see her change." He continued. "To not mention how she moves and walks, she is truly clueless." As he spoke he looked at you on your way back to the table. "I'm pretty sure she thinks she's not attractive so that's why she doesn't notice the way she moves around so attractively." He explained and went silent as you arrived at the table.

Setting the tray on the table, you put it in the middle, as if sharing it with Chris. Your breath hitting his neck, your breats softly brushing against his back.

"Excuse me once again." You mumbled walking around and stepping between their legs. Your ass facing their faces.

"Gosh." You could hear Chris whisper, making you puzzled as you sat back on your seat.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Back in your dorm room, after passing the night with the guys, you found yourself sitting on your bed and Felix there, looking at you as if begging you to spill the tea.

"Fine!" You mumbled fidgeting with your fingers. "I might have had a thing for him but today, that I finally met him, I just realised I do have solid feelings for him." You whispered, hoping he wouldn't hear from the next door.

Yes, his dorm room was right next to yours.

"Want me to set you up?" He questioned making you instantly blush.

"Oh, I can't do that." You shook your head, feeling guilty.

"I'd love to but I can't.." You mumbled.

You always thought that even if there was the slightest chance of meeting him and have a personal acquaintance with him, you would never be able to be a burden to him, to his work, to... STAY. As one, you saw many sides of the fandom. Some would be thrilled of seeing Stray Kids dating but there are some that scare you, even though you didn't care about the hate of others.

"Just know that whenever, I can always bring your name up with him." He whispered, his voice casually sounding deeper at night. "Casually asking if his eyes ever lingered on you." He teased ruffling your hair.

Shaking your head you softly hit him with your Bbokari pillow.

The night passed with you playing some videogames together and chit chatting.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

A couple of months passed and you were thrilled of the upcoming holidays. Today it would have been your last pottery and painting lesson for the semester and you just couldn't wait. The reason.. your best friend was going to be your muse. You always hinted something that happened with him in your paintings but for today's portray you had free volition on whatever you wanted to draw. No guidelines nor censorship. Your creativity only.

"Ready for pottery, babygirl?" Chris poked your cheek as you walked around with your supplies for the art lesson afterwards.

Babygirl was one of the pet names he loved to call you with. As you two got to know each other, you found out that you were more similar than what you already known. From your facial habits to your hand movements. Even when you had fun doing choreographies and singing with the members, you would catch yourself moving or making the same expressions as him. You loved it.

"Cutie, you there?" He flicked your nose making you bite his finger.

"Yes, Chris. I'm ready." You pouted as you sipped on your boba.

"You okay?" He questioned, eyebrows furrowed as he looked at you softly.

"Yeah, just thinking." You mumbled looking on your phone realising the day.

"Shit." You gasped almost choking on your drink.

"What? What happened?" Chris questioned looking at you puzzled.

"I have a date with Justin." You mumbled wanting to slam your head against the wall.

"Ah, I see. That guy." He mumbled trying not to sound weird to your ears. Not that you noticed anyways, he always sounded like that whenever you mentioned guys in general.

As you kept on walking to find the classroom, you couldn't stop thinking about how you didn't even want to go on that date. Justin seemed like a cute and funny guy but he definitely didn't set your heart ablaze. The only one for you was still Chris but you just didn't know what to do with him. You just secretly put on a line to not cross by yourself. If he ever did, you would have gladly erased it.

During pottery, your eyes laid on his arms. He would always use short sleeved arms and would always position himself in front of you so that you could chat. He always thought you looked there just to know what he makes or how to use your own hands on your own crafting. It made it so easy for you to stare at his hands, at him.

His hands and wrists freed from his jewelry, making his veins pop out even more. Eyes fixed on his dirtied, calloused and long fingers, his wide thumb making you lick on your own lips as your imagination went far ahead in time.

"Your mug is slightly crushed, darling." Chris teased making you blink twice before noticing.

"Fuck." You cursed as you laughed.

"Here.." Standing up, he sat on the spot unused of the chair you were sitting on. "Let me help you, yeah?" He mumbled moving his arms between your sides, his face resting on your shoulder as he moved his hands with yours. "This is your eight mug and you still can't get it good at the first try, uh?" He teased, his hot breath hitting on your skin.

'Ask yourself two questions.' You thought as you looked at his thumbs caressing the back of your hands. 'You're too distracting.'

His fingers moving along with yours as you crafted the mug you'll cherish forever. His chest moving at every inhale and exhale he took, brushing against your back. Biting your lower lip, your eyebrows twitched as you fought your best to not close your thighs. Gulping down you felt the way his lap moved on the sides of your legs.

"Good girl, just like that." He whispered retracting his hands from yours.

Your mind coming to your senses as he stood up, making you feel empty. You looked at the mug and smiled.

"Where are you going?" You questioned almost begging him to sit there and hold you once again.

It wouldn't have been a first anyways. You would always watch movies together, cuddling, fall asleep together, sometimes staying up all night at your shared balcony to talk and hug. You never kissed once, even when you were drunk with him, you would always feel sober in some aspects. You would remind your drunk self to never kiss him, never strip in front of him, never bring out naughty jokes that you would normally do when you're sober. Naughtiness and flirting was normal between you but you always knew when to stop.

Not wanting to make it hard for him.

"But it's complete." He whined looking at his own bowl that was left uncompleted.

"Carve it for me, please?" You pouted cutely as you looked up at him, blinking a few times.

"Ugh.." He groaned shaking his head, sitting back behind you.

As he took a carving knife, he looked at you, waiting for your orders.

'Fuck, I can't just resist that face of your's.' Chris thought, as he kept it cool.

After all he was used to hide his emotions, hide his expressions so that others wouldn't know what went through his head.

"Draw me Wolf Chan, please." You poked his inner thigh making him jolt.

"Oh-ho, you want me to carve you myself?" He teased, his lips brushing on your ear.

"You surely serve the best for later." He whispered, nose stroking against your cheek.

"Remember that you share the same classes with people that could also be your fans." You whispered poking his thigh once again.

'The more you do that, the more I can't resist it.' He thought, eyes lingering on yours before he started carving what you asked him to.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Finally it was time for your date with Justin. You got ready, a dark magnetic blue tanktop, and tech pants, on your feet your Star Hike Converse that you let Hyunjin turn it into a personal customised official Stray Kids merch. Taking your varsity jacket and your handbag, you got out.

Once at the cafeteria, you had dinner with Justin, the first time you've ever ate dinner without your brother or Chris.

The conversation was barely moving, you didn't really match but you just kept your other nice personality. It felt rather suffocating not being able to be yourself, your unfiltered self that you'd want your other half to see, to learn, to enjoy... To love.

After some time, as you walked at the campus' park, you looked around and sighed softly.

"What a nice weather, the breeze is amazing." You said, your eyes staring at the leaves moving.

"Not really my kind of weather." Justin chuckled, making you close your eyes.

'Don't mind it...' You thought. 'Suck it up, it's just the first date.'

As you conversated with Justin, not really enjoying how he never said he enjoyed anything you liked. Chris was hiding behind a tree, listening to whatever that guy was saying.

"Summer is my favourite season. I always go to the beach and have fun." Justin spoke making Chris' mouth twitch in anger.

'She loves fall and spring. Not summer, you dumbass.' He silently cursed at the guy.

"Ah, I see." You smiled nodding as you bent down to grab a fallen leaf.

The moment the guy's eyes laid on your ass, Chris clenched his jaw. Fist closed in a punch ready to be thrown.

'Eyes off.' He thought as his head twitched in anger.

The guy looked at you as you rummaged inside your handbag, you felt something weird so you turned around and looked at it from inside, slightly under the streetlights.

"Alex..." You cursed him as you found what he previously slid inside your bag when he was in your room.

A condom.

'As if I'm gonna do anything with this dude...' You thought.

"Would you like to.. spend the night together?" Justin's voice brought your mind back to your conversation.

Christopher from behind the tree on the verge of throwing his fists at him. Eyes burning him from afar.

"Know each other better..." The blond guy mumbled. "Physically..." He whispered in your ear making you look up to him.

The moment you were about to push the guy aside, loud steps came from behind you.

"She's not interested." A voice you well recognised spoke, making you turn around.

"And you are?" Justin questioned smirking, as if insinuating that a random dude came just to get you.

"Her fucking best friend." Not a second later his fist came in contact with Justin's face.

"Minho, what are you doing?!" You exclaimed pushing him from his chest.

Christopher fists relaxing as he saw his bandmate approaching you before he did. Making it easier to not mess it completely up between you and him.

"Now, you either leave or I'll beat you once again." Minho spoke harshly as he looked at that guy with hatred.

"Whatever." The guy scoffed and left.

You turned around and hinted Minho to take a seat on the bench near a tree.

"What are you doing here?" You questioned in disbelief.

"I came to hear that the guy you had a date with today, went on a date last night as well." He spouted. Fists hitting the wooden bench.

"I was about to turn him down anyways." You mumbled.

"Just... date him." He whispered looking at you. "He will surely treat you better and will definitely never pull any kind of bullshit like any other guy would." Bringing you into a hug, he caressed your hair.

"You know I can't..." You whispered, head falling on his shoulder.

"Fuck that. Fuck any other guy." Minho mumbled sighing.

Christopher, still listening from behind the tree was confused, puzzled from your conversation. He never thought you were already interested in someone else. He always thought you didn't think of dating up until now. He always thought that your remarks about some guys were just words. Silently he retreated and went to his dorm room.

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

Once there, he took off his clothes and wore some sweatpants and a sleeveless shirt. He grabbed a bottle of water from the mini fridge and went to the balcony, looking at the forest up ahead.

"She had someone in her mind all this time and she didn't tell me?" Chris questioned to himself.

"If Minho even told her to ask that guy... then he must be good for her..." Puzzled he leaned in and lowered his head.

"Hey..." A soft voice came from behind.

Chan turned around and saw you. Not wanting to let you know that he knew all about your date, he smiled at you. You could easily tell that he wasn't feeling good.

"How was the date?" He questioned leaning at the balcony's barricade.

"We weren't a match." You just replied, taking a place right besides him.

"Wanna talk about it?" He questioned, wrapping an arm on your shoulders.

"Just, meh.." You didn't know what to tell. "I just thought that if I went on a date with someone, I'd forget about my feelings for this one guy but I just got reminded how much I fucking love him." You explained, as you looked ahead.

The moon was shining so brightly. The full moon was covering you both, wrapping you under it's light.

Christopher standing right behind you, held his hands on the barricade, clenching his fingers around it. His arms flexing as he pressed his chest against your back. His crotch brushing against your ass making you blush.

"Can I know this guy's name?" He questioned, sounding annoyed by this new information he learnt about.

Resting your head against his chest, you looked up to him. Tired of pretending you just let it out. "You really didn't notice?"

"I'm pretty dense when it comes to that, babygirl." He whispered against your skin.

"You should know that." His eyes looking at you.

A look so tender and sweet that it made you melt on his body.

'How could I even think of dating someone else?' You thought as your eyes lingered on his.

"You're either that naive or... you just like teasing me..." You whispered, your eyes swifting their gaze on his plush lips.

"Baby, enlighten me." He whispered taking a step forward, pressing his body onto yours.

"Chris..." You whispered closing your eyes. "You should have known by now."

"Is it one of us?" He questioned softly.

Nodding silently, you could feel him against your ass.

"You're so mean..." You whispered, opening your eyes staring into his eyes.

"Am I?" His voice deeper as he lowered his tone.

"You're so damn mean..." Your voice turning even softer.

"I'll fight him, whoever it is." He mumbled turning you around.

After trying to give him hints as you kept on talking, before going to sleep, you decided to drop a bomb on him.

Taking off your laced panties you threw them his way before going inside and closing the door of the balcony.

"He should catch up to that, right?" You questioned, face all heated and red as you looked at Felix in disbelief.

"If he doesn't get it, then he's lost it." He mumbled handling you some water.

"Ah, you okay if I go somewhere for a moment?" Felix questioned putting his phone inside his pockets.

"Don't worry about me." You mumbled going to the bathroom.

Cleaning yourself, you sprayed some of your natural rose essential scent all around your body and then wrapped your silky robe around your curves. Coming outside of the bathroom, you noticed Chan standing up from your bed pulling you into his embrace. Lips pressed onto yours making your tensed body melt into his arms.

"You should have given me those panties months ago, babygirl." He whispered kissing you once more.

"You oblivious." You whispered into the kiss.

As you always thought, his lips were definitely sweet, tasty and kissable.

"You should have known my feelings too..." He whispered, brows furrowed as he desperately kissed your lips.

As your lips crushed against each other, your tongues roamed around each other's mouth. Feeling tingly, you clenched your fingers around the cloth of his shirt. In response he grabbed you and sat back on your mattress, seating you onto his lap. Making him groan under you.

You could feel it. He was hard. This was the first time he didn't move away from you which made you unknowingly bite his lower lip, making him grunt inside your mouth.

"Fuck baby..." Holding you by your hips, his prints gripped on your body through the thinnest layer of your robe.

One of your hands reached on your bag, looking for something and pulling it out. You pulled away from his lips and looked at him.

"Do you wanna...?" You questioned showing him the condom in your hands.

His lips parted, hands lingering on you. He looked at you and buckled up under you, making you gulping down a moan. That was enough for you to set aside the condom and get rid off of his shirt.

As your lips connected once more, he opened your robe and let it fall on the floor. A hand of his sliding on your ass, groping it firmly while the other cupped one of your tits, massaging it softly.

"God you're so fucking sexy." He moaned into your mouth.

Sensing that tingling feeling between your legs, you instinctively grinded onto him making him moan once again into your mouth making you bite his lips once again.

Breathless, he left a wet trail of kisses against your skin, from your jaw to your breasts. One pierced nipple caught between his lips while the other was teased with his thumb.

Head thrown back, you moaned silently in his embrace. "Chris..."

Feeling too excited, you pulled back from his embrace and slid between his lap.

"What are yo-mhm.." Looking at you placing your hands on his thighs, kissing his inner thigh through the cloth of his sweatpants.

Slowly moving your hands upwards, you looked at his naked torso, memorising every line on his abdomen, memorising the way his chest flexed everytime you caressed his body.

Freeing him of his clothing, your eyes lingered on his member. It was way bigger than you expected. As you stared at it, Chris looked at you, twitching at the sight of your eyes on him. At the sight of your naked body finally revealed to his eyes.

Licking your lips, you licked the shaft of his dick, hands placed on both of his lap, caressing and softly scratching his skin.

"Shit... baby.." Gulping down, he looked at you.

Your eyes glancing right into his brown irises as you went down on him. Your head bopping down in a slow pace making him clench his fingers around the sheets. Feeling precum on your tongue, you deep-throated him, a hand of his moving on your head, caressing your scalp as guiding you on his long, wide, hard and veiny length.

"Just like that, babygirl..." Breathing heavily, he moved his hips meeting your throat.

Throat fucking you, he kept his eyes on yours. Taking in every aspect of your expressions.

Oh, how he always wanted to be inside your mouth.

While the both of you oblivious about each other's feelings, you happened to always chat during bed time while a hand was busy on your body, making you crave one another every next morning you saw each other.

Moving your head up and down, up and down, he found himself releasing deep inside your mouth. Making you dig your nails in his thighs.

"God.. you're definitely soul snatching.." He whispered in his orgasm making you gulp down and take the wrapping of the condom between your teeth, opening it.

"Soul snatching?" You questioned with a smirk as you put the rubber between your lips.

"Something me and the others say whenever you get corndogs." He mumbled pulling up his head looking right at you.

With a puzzled look he parted lips to speak but you cut him off by deep-throating him to wrap the condom around his hardness.

"Gosh, that was so damn sexy." He whispered looking at your body sitting onto his lap.

Rubbing his cock against your wet cunt, you slowly began sitting onto him. Taking him inch by inch. Lips parted you let out soft moanings escape your lips and you finally adjusted to his length.

"You're definitely bigger than my ex." You mumbled making him twitch inside you.

Hands on your hips, he guided your slow movements, enjoying the feeling of being inside of you. Biting on his lips, he leaned in to kiss your neck.

Your eyes looking deep into his movements, mouth opened in breathy gasps as you moved onto him.

"You lucky you're wearing a condom.." You whispered into his ear. "Or else, you would never be able to take it out.." Licking and nibbling on his earlobe, you kept on riding his hardness slowly.

He couldn't help but chuckle at your comment, a mix of surprise and amusement filling his eyes as he looked into yours.

"Well, you know what they say about condoms.. They prevent babies, but not the fun." His hands reached around your hips and started moving them in rhythm with your thrusts, his breath hitting your ear as he spoke.

Steadying your hands on his shoulders, you chuckled at his comment. With a smirk on your lips you kissed his neck before blowing your warm breath against his ear.

"You're the only guy I've ever swallowed." Wanting to tease him, you confessed a little secret of yours.

He couldn't help but let out a laugh, his free hand reaching up to toy with your breasts as you distracted him with your tease. "Yeah.. It's not every day a girl swallows a k-pop idol."

Your confession surprised him slightly, so he replied playfully. "But honestly. I'm more than proud that you chose to do that." His hands slightly pinching your pierced nipples, pushing you deeper onto him as he spoke.

Chuckling you started moving in wave motions as if to toy with his dick inside. Lips parted you plated a kiss under his eyes. "I mean, I've never swallowed even my ex." Touching his biceps, you groped them as you kept on riding him.

With that being said, he gripped on your ass cheeks and started slamming himself harder inside of you making you gasp and bite on his shoulder.

"Fu-uhck!" As you kept your nails deep into his skin, he threw his head back as his cock slammed in and out, in and out. Non-stop.

Balls deep inside you, he moaned as you both found your movements in synch. Without announcing it, he kissed your lips and whispered. "Look at me, babygirl."

Eyes on his, lips parted in moans you both found your release as you reached you first ever orgasm.

Because yeah, your ex had a nice dick but he never knew how to actually satisfy you.

Your lips crushed as you ate each other's moans. After riding through your high, he pulled out and embraced you moving your bodies in the middle of the mattress right after he threw away the used condom.

Cuddling and kissing, you both relaxed on each other embrace.

"I love you, my lady." Chris whispered into your ear.

"I love you more, Chris." You whispered kissing his lips.

Holding each other in a warm and soft hug, you both dozed off with a smile on your faces and marks all over your bodies.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

The Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig has died aged 79, his studio has announced on Instagram.

“The pen has run dry, its ink no longer flowing – yet Mr. Curly and his ducks will remain etched in our hearts, cherished and eternal,” Thursday night’s post read.

“Michael Leunig passed away peacefully today, in the early hours of December 19, 2024. During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers – accompanied as ever, by his dear old friends, Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven.”

Leunig was born in east Melbourne in June 1945. He said his political consciousness intensified when he received a notice for military conscription in 1965 during the Vietnam war. He was rejected for service due to being deaf in one ear.

+

I have come to understand my spirituality as an ongoing internal lyrical state of consciousness, semi-consciousness and unconsciousness in which I find meaning, comfort, refuge, inspiration, mystery and strength.

- Michael Leunig

[sitizelter]

🩵Sky Full of Stars🩵

Loscar ♡ Pt.4

Pt. 4 finally here!! Sorry it took so long, but now that the season's over I can take more time to write 😭😭

╰──────── ♡⁀➷ ────────╮

The ringing of the church bells echo the streets of Melbourne, meaning it had just turned 6pm. Oscar finally comes back home after closing up the workshop, he pops a sliced apple in his mouth before trudging back to his room.

With a grunt, he throws his bag on the floor and falls onto his bed. The sunlight peers through the crack of his window, golden hour had come. He rolled over onto his back, dialling in Logan's number to videocall him.

A content sigh escapes from Logan as drowsy eyes blink open to flashing numbers signifying an incoming call. Squinting against the morning light streaming in, Oscar's cheerful face fills the display stirring a sleepy smile to his face.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite delinquent." Logan chuckles softly still finding his voice, rubbing the remnants of dreams from stubbled cheek.

Taking him in leisurely sprawled across rumpled sheets, Logan notes the weary lines etched onto Oscar's face.

"You look exhausted, mate. Everything all sorted at the shop?" Logan inquires gently, seeing as ever through his brave mask to the weariness beneath.

"Some... 'fans' found out I helped my dad out here. Started clobbering all over the place, got me here feeling buggered out." Oscar murmured out with a heavy sigh.

Brows furrow in concern as Oscar's admission washes over the american through the speaker. Fans can be notorious, bringing praise one moment and chaos the next without care.

Oscar swore under his breath as he massaged his temples, "Sorry Loges, y'know how I am."

"Don't you dare apologize, mate." The other says gently yet firmly, shaking his head. "I understand the pressure better than most. You've nothing to explain to me."

Holding his exhausted gaze, Logan let steadfast care shine through his own. "You did well to make it home in one piece, yeah? Try and get some rest now - I mean it, Osc. No tinkering or plotlines tonight."

A soft chuckle escapes as the american thinks to distract. "Maybe put your feet up, watch some Netflix. I can gripe at you for missed calls in the morning when you've got your spark back."

"No, wait Logan-" Oscar suddenly shoots out. He clears his throat, regaining his composure.

╰──────── ♡⁀➷ ────────╮

"Stay on call with me. Your... voice helps to clear my mind." The aussie explains. He adjusts himself on the pillows, getting comfortable.

Logan blinks in mild surprise at Oscar's outburst, unusual to such candid vulnerability from him, before melting into an easy smile. Oscar's request sends warmth spreading through his chest where stress and uncertainty once gnawed.

"Alright then, mate. You've got me." Shifting to mirror his snug position, Logan gets cozy against piled pillows and watches the other expectantly through the screen.

"Well now what do you want - me serenading you to sleep like a lullaby?" Logan teases gently to lighten the atmosphere, hiding his own concern for him. "I haven't got the pipes for it I'm afraid. But I'll talk your ear off as long as you need, Osc. That I can manage."

"Just relax and rest now, yeah? I've got you."

Oscar sighs in content, glad that the other could understand how he's feeling then. "What did you dream about last night?" The aussie asks, his voice is soft.

Logan ponders Oscar's question thoughtfully as he tries to remember what he had dreamt of the previous night. A faint smile plays at his lips, fondness evident in lowered tones.

"Actually, there was one that's stuck with me. We were back in the park near your dad's shop, remember - the one with that huge gum tree we used to climb?"

Chuckling softly at the image, Logan nestles deeper into feathery pillows and lets nostalgia's soothing warmth embrace his tired bones.

"We must've been... what- 15? 16? Sun was just starting to set, painting everything orange and rose. And we were laying in the grass, talking for hours like we used to..."

His gaze softens as it meets Oscar's through the screen. Quiet falls between, filled instead by memory's gentle refrain. For what need have words, when hearts have known each other so long?

"I'm glad it was that one," Logan whispers finally, hoping Oscar hears all he had left unsaid too.

"I'm glad you dreamt of that one too," Oscar breathes out.

"Sorry that our calls have been quite... short lately. Ugh, it doesn't feel the same, I miss us. When are you visiting again?" Oscar turns his head to look at Logan in the screen. His eyelids were half-lidded, with barely visible eyebags underneath them.

A pang of longing lances the american's chest at Oscar's weariness shining plain. He wishes nothing more than to reach through the call and gather Oscar into arms, let his head find rest upon his shoulder as days go by.

Stroking fingers tap a thoughtful rhythm upon blanketed thigh as schedule runs through his overtired mind. "Not sure offhand on exact dates... few weeks maybe?" He ventures tentatively, hating the uncertainty.

Their gaze holds tenderly through slowing blinks. "Tell you what though - why don't I shuffle things around and come next weekend instead, if you'll have me? Barge in, cook us dinner, we can put on a show and just relax, yeah?" A soft smile plays on his face, hoping the offer of sooner solace may lift spirits, if only briefly.

Oscar's eyes shined for a moment. "Yeah. Of course, next weekend would be great."

"I'll make sure to tell mom that you're staying over. Hopefully she'll make her Shepherd's pie that you love so much." Oscar teases, his playfulness making an reappearance from underneath his tired outlook. A genuine grin brightens Logan's face.

"God, I can taste it already." Logan sighs wistfully, relishing memory of flavors mingling on the tongue. "Your mum's Shepherd's pie is honestly the cure for everything bad. And her company, of course!"

Warmth blooms anew in Logan's chest at thought of familiar embraces, gentle smiles and care that emanates from the walls of Oscar's childhood home.

"Get some rest soon, mate. I'll sort the travel details tomorrow."

Oscar nods, "Mhm, G'night." He mutters out. He looks at the other through the screen again, with Logan's face being brightened up by the morning sun.

A faint smile plays once more on Logan's cheeks as fond gaze lingers warmly upon Oscar. His cares are the american's own; if that alone can offer even moment's solace, all the journeys of world are worth the walking.

"Now get some rest, darling. I'll see you soon." Logan whispers before he ends the call, with his heart so very full.

╰──────── ♡⁀➷ ────────╮

Once the call ends, it only leaves Oscar alone with his thoughts. His eyes are wide open, with his ears ringing and repeating those last few words spoken by the american.

"Darling. Did he really call me 'darling'?"

Oscar felt blush fill in his cheeks. He rolls over and buries his reddened face into his pillow. He felt like a 8th grader that had just fallen in love again, kicking his feet while blushing like crazy.

The aussie takes a minute to calm down. Logan might've only been teasing him. But what if he wasn't? What if he really meant it?

A shy grin appears on his face. He swears he isn't being delusional, more like... optimistic.

"Darling." Oscar whispers, with his heart fluttering.

╰──────── ♡⁀➷ ────────╮

[mybeingthere]

The sublime Kyoko Umazu, Murnong yam daisy etching and aquatint, 63 x 44.5.

Kyoko Imazu’s work tells the stories of our often-overlooked neighbours like the weeds, bugs and pebbles that fill our everyday lives. Upon closer inspection, every petal, leaf and wing is miraculously unique; they all have their own stories and universes within themselves, containing many states of life, death and regeneration. In the following Q&A we chat to Kyoko about life during quarantine and her upcoming body of work to be exhibited at Australian Galleries in Melbourne.

https://australiangalleries.com.au/kyoko-imazu-artist.../

https://kyokoimazu.com/section/215926-Printmaking.html

[dogandcatcomics]

#repost @yinghuangscubafirefly Ying Huang (Australia, b. Manchuria, China). First image is Tom. H. Prince of High Seas, 2018, etching screenprint on steel metal, 42cm x 34.

[eviecahir]

'MORNING' Print, now available via my online store > Here.

'MORNING' is an art print of a grainy Summer gradient I drew, using soft pastels and gouache. My Serving Suggestion for this print would be in a bedroom or corridor close to a bedroom, to act as a soothing and uplifting portal to another morning, start or beginning.

Details:

A3 in size [297 x 420mm]

Printed in Melbourne by Hound & Bone Fine Art Printers.

Signed and Numbered, limited edition of 5.

Printed on Hahnmüle Etching Paper, 300 GSM.

[rangeminmax]

Title: "Cradled in Chaos: A pain in the 'keister' Memoir"

Chapter 1: "Shadowplay Shuffle: Mob's Midnight Mysteria"

Nestled on Fern Street, footscray Melbourne Victoria our abode loomed like a colossal relic from a forgotten era--an ancient sentinel guarding secrets of the Melbourne underworld. Its timeworn window shades, tattered and weather-beaten, would come alive on windy nights, their eerie cacophony echoing through the darkness. The ceaseless chatter of those shades, though vexing, bestowed an unsettling sense of solace, a disquieting reassurance that we were never truly alone.

Within the aged walls of this enigmatic dwelling, concealed behind layers of history, lay secrets and mysteries waiting to be unveiled. An imposing staircase, once regal, now bore the scars of time and neglect, reaching its tragic demise when our family eventually departed. This majestic stairwell, a once-proud centerpiece, ascended towards the front door--a threshold adorned with an unsettling relic. There, nestled on the doorstep, lay a pair of forsaken wedding rings, their presence shrouded in inexplicable foreboding.

In the depths of my imagination, I often conjured visions of shattering the stoic concrete steps, as if attempting to liberate the trapped wedding rings from their ominous resting place within the staircase's dark recesses. These fantasies were born of darker times, moments when our family wrestled with the relentless grip of financial hardship.

The house harbored an enigmatic shed, perched aloft its aging rooftop. This structure, unassuming in appearance, concealed secrets of its own--a clandestine party venue that I came to cherish. The allure lay in the fact that partygoers, seeking access to the rooftop revelry or the backyard, were compelled to traverse my room, inadvertently making it the nucleus of these nocturnal gatherings.

While my youthful curiosity often drew me into the adult world, there existed a sinister aspect to these late-night soirées. The inebriated merrymakers, driven to heedless excess, would, with alarming regularity, subject me to terrifying ordeals. They would taunt and torment me, dangling my trembling form over the precipice of the shed's rooftop. The cold, stinging gusts of wind clawed at my senses as I teetered on the edge, my heart pounding with dread. The height may not have been considerable, yet to my youthful perception, it felt like a treacherous abyss.

The entire property exuded an aura of unsavory history--an ancient brothel repurposed into something more inscrutable. Clues were scattered like phantoms of the past--those forsaken wedding rings and the majestic yet mournful staircase. Across the desolate road sprawled a lawn bowls field, a stark contrast to the sinister ambiance of our residence. An apple tree, a forlorn sentinel, stood sentinel at the front of the house.

Inexplicably drawn to the dark allure of this place, I would roll apples along the road, their impending doom inevitable as they met the unforgiving metal of passing cars. An eerie satisfaction enveloped me, an unsettling resonance with the shadows that seemed to dominate our lives. This peculiar pastime was passed down to me by enigmatic mentors, and I continued to indulge until an encounter with an officer of the law. He cast a shadow over my childhood transgressions, admonishing me for my involvement with the enigmatic figures within our house.

Fearing retribution, I locked this eerie secret within the depths of my conscience, an unspoken covenant with the shadows that danced around our unsettling existence. And so, our tale begins with the approach to the old car, an artifact of a bygone era that, like our house, exuded an aura of enigmatic and malevolent history.

The midnight hour draped the world in an eerie shroud as the clock's hands etched their way to 11:30 PM. Shadows, like restless spirits, wove intricate and ghostly tapestries around the car. They danced with malevolence, engaged in an eternal waltz, forever competing with the fleeting beams of light cast by passing cars on the main road. Melbourne's once-silent night carried an unsettling chill, biting into our bones as we dared to step into its ominous embrace.

The car door groaned open, echoing a somber invitation into the cryptic depths of the city's streets. Exhausted from the late hour, my eyelids drooped, threatening to surrender me to the clutches of sleep. However, John's voice, a siren in the night, tore me from the brink of slumber.

His words unfurled a chilling narrative--our destination, the market, ruled by the merciless Mafia. The Melbourne underworld. John had regaled me with sinister stories of this place, recounting them upon his return from work. But this night marked my initiation, and the tales he wove painted a dire panorama of the market--a place where individuals vanished into the abyss, where sinister happenings festered, and shadowy deals thrived. I teetered on the precipice between consciousness and dreams as his words reverberated in the cold, still air.

Our journey led us to the foreboding threshold, marked by a sign bearing the foreboding words, M.M. standing for"Melbourne Market, footscray .Wholesaler Fruit and Veg." John's voice deepened with trepidation as he declared, "We're entering hell right now, the gateway to hell itself the underworld.turning down the volume of the radio." Doubt gnawed at the edges of my young mind. Could this be real? As we descended the sloping driveway into the market's depths, John's repeated insistence that we were descending into a veritable hell sent a shiver cascading down my spine.

Amid the encroaching darkness, John unearthed a peculiar possession--an old pair of sunglasses. He urged me to don them, promising they would shield me from the impending assault of light. I obeyed, a decision that would later prove providential, for the transition from the car's obscurity to the market's blazing illumination was a harsh shock to my senses.

We navigated the dimly lit labyrinth of the car park, passing through a guarded checkpoint, and proceeded toward the rear, where petrol pumps stood sentinel, encircled by menacing forklifts. John gestured toward the Don's imposing four-wheel drive, but then, his demeanor shifting, he scrutinized the back seat, lamenting the absence of his high-visibility gear.

Inwardly, I laughed and questioned the relevance of rules in a realm ruled by the iron fist of the Mafia. John chided me for not possessing high-visibility clothing, stressing its importance as protection against the forklifts' mechanical giants. I cast a furtive glance at my nondescript jumper, far from the prescribed attire, and kept my dissenting thoughts to myself.

My gaze drifted to the Don's enigmatic vehicle, and an electrifying thought surged through my young mind--what if I could harness the power of the Mafia to reach my estranged father? My mother had always veiled this subject in ambiguity, offering no clear answers. In a market dominated by criminals, my father's past crime--a payroll robbery executed under duress--the mafia being the best criminals could even break him out or they could possibly know him suddenly appeared almost justifiable.

I voiced my hunger to John, and he suggested acquiring an apple. Together, we ventured deeper into the bustling heart of the market, passing the pastor petrol pumps and breaching the monumental roller doors that guarded the market's secrets. The market unfolded before us--a bewildering juxtaposition of light and shadow. Yellow lines etched into the ground demarcated safe paths for pedestrians, though the operators of forklifts remained heedless of these precautions.

Every 20 meters, a yellow forklift symbol, painted on the ground, competed with the ever-shifting interplay of shadows and dancing light.

As we ventured deeper into the foreboding heart of the Melbourne underworld, the eerie atmosphere of the market only intensified. The place seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, as if it were a living, breathing entity, watching our every move with unseen eyes.

As we entered, my eyes were immediately drawn to a scene that sent a shiver down my spine. A man, much like any other worker in the market, stooped to pick up a wooden crate. It was an ordinary act, but what unfolded beneath that crate was far from ordinary.

I watched in wide-eyed horror as the man lifted the crate, revealing a hidden world beneath it. Coiled within the shadows, a snake, its scales shimmering with an eerie luminescence, lay in wait. Its eyes, two tiny orbs of malevolence, locked onto the man's hand as he reached down. I expected a scream, a frantic retreat, but to my astonishment, the man didn't even bat an eyelid.

With an almost casual nonchalance, he simply flicked the snake away with a deft movement of his hand. The serpent, sensing that it had lost the element of surprise, made a hasty retreat into the inky darkness that permeated the market. It slithered away with a speed and grace that sent shivers down my spine, vanishing into the depths of the underworld.

I couldn't fathom it. Why had the snake not struck? Was it afraid of this man, or was there some unspoken understanding between them? Questions swirled in my mind like a turbulent whirlpool, each one more unsettling than the last.

I turned to John, my voice trembling as I recounted the surreal encounter with the serpent. His response was a dismissive shrug, as if such occurrences were par for the course in this shadowy realm. He continued to lead me through the market, his steps unwavering, as if oblivious to the eerie underbelly that surrounded us.

The market itself was a maze of narrow pathways and dimly lit stalls. Shapes and shadows combined and wove intricate dances that played tricks on my young eyes. It was as if the very air was thick with secrets, and I, an unwitting observer, was caught in the midst of a sinister ballet.

I couldn't shake the feeling that everyone around me, every worker and every passerby, was part of this enigmatic world. Maybe they were all mobsters, like the man who had casually brushed aside the snake. Maybe John himself was part of this hidden tapestry, a thought that sent a chill through my already trembling frame.

The market's eerie atmosphere pressed down on me like a heavy shroud, and I clung to John like a lifeline. In the flickering lights and shifting shadows, the boundaries between reality and nightmare blurred, and I couldn't help but wonder what other horrors lay hidden in the depths of this underworld.

As we continued to navigate the labyrinthine market, I couldn't escape the feeling that I had crossed a threshold into a realm where ordinary rules no longer applied. It was a world where danger and intrigue intertwined, and where the line between predator and prey was eternally blurred.

The Melbourne underworld had opened its arms to me, a child in awe and fear, and I could only hold on tight as it pulled me deeper into its chilling embrace. The mob's midnight mysteria had only just begun, and I was a reluctant participant in this surreal and terrifying dance.

Our journey led us to the enigmatic Don's office, a peculiar enclave amidst the segmented sections of the market. It bore the semblance of a diminutive shack, adorned with a door and a solitary fridge. Adjacent to the door, a curious cutout window, bereft of glass, displayed crates laden with produce. On the rooftop, a chaotic mosaic of market paraphernalia littered the scene, casting eerie and disquieting silhouettes. An archaic bug zapper hung suspended in front of the fridge, sporadically crackling as it vanquished hapless insects.

Within this surreal setting, forklifts roared and John engaged in a conversation with the enigmatic Don. Their exchange delved into the depths of the Don's occupation, and John gleaned invaluable insights. The Don, casting a watchful eye on me, instructed me to remain perched upon an apple crate as he departed on a forklift, its horn blaring a dissonant note. From my vantage point, I watched the forklifts zip by like thundering chariots on a mythical racetrack, while rodents, animals, and even rabbits, bandicoots, and other enigmatic creatures, emerged from the shadows. They darted with reckless abandon, narrowly evading the relentless advance of the forklifts. Occasionally, misfortune befell one of these creatures, meeting a gruesome end beneath the unfeeling wheels of the mechanical beasts.

As I observed this macabre ballet of light

As the night progressed, the lights within the market shed took on a surreal quality, casting eerie shadows that danced with a life of their own. These shadows would occasionally merge, forming larger, more ominous shapes before abruptly parting ways, mirroring the chaotic underworld that thrived in the heart of Melbourne.

My gaze became transfixed on the bats, their silhouettes weaving intricate patterns through the dimly lit canopy. In that moment, an inexplicable connection blossomed in my mind--a connection between the Don and these nocturnal creatures. I couldn't help but recall the Count from Sesame Street, with his mathematical prowess, and I drew parallels between his enigmatic persona and the Don's own mysterious demeanor, manifested in his speech and attire.

The bats, like shadowy wraiths, descended upon the feast of bugs that congregated in front of the glaring lights. It was a macabre ballet, the creatures of the night devouring the silhouettes of insects with ruthless efficiency. The eerie communion between bats and shadows seemed symbolic, an eerie reflection of the clandestine dealings within the Melbourne underworld.

I remained seated, entranced by this unsettling spectacle, the enigmatic connection between the mob and these creatures etched in my young mind. It was a connection that would continue to haunt my thoughts in the years to come.

Amidst my drowsiness, I felt an undeniable chill. The relentless cold of the night was seeping into my bones, lulling me into a drowsy stupor. It was then that the Don, like a phantom emerging from the shadows, approached me. He gently draped a blanket over my shivering form, providing an unexpected warmth that sent a shiver down my spine.

In that moment, I couldn't help but reconsider my perceptions of these gangsters. The Don's seemingly small act of kindness cast a different light on his character, and I couldn't deny a growing sense that perhaps, beneath their menacing exterior, these mobsters possessed a flicker of humanity.

With the blanket wrapped around me, I allowed myself to drift into a fitful slumber, my thoughts swirling in the darkness, entwined with shadows and the enigma of the Melbourne underworld

[inamanicpixiedream]

2023

I've answered these questions on various platforms for over ten years now, I think? That's wild. There's better questions out there but tradition is tradition.

1. What did you do this year that you’d never done before?

Put on a mother-fucking Fringe show. Bought a Lego advent calendar. Got divorced lol.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions?

I don't really make them any more, but I feel like I set out what I wanted to do.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yeah, a few of my good friends from work.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5. What cities/states/countries did you visit?

My partner finally moved here from Brisbane, but I did a couple of final trips there and we went back for a wedding. I did a whirlwind trip to Melbourne and while it was fun I found out I am not the kind of person who thrives on flying somewhere for less than 24 hours.

6. What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year?

Money. God, I hate this is the answer, but my rent got super jacked up and my partner hasn't found a job here yet and everything is find but it's tight as fuck and I hate working so goddamn hard and feeling like I have nothing to show for it.

7. What date(s) from this year will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

February my show was performed. April my partner moved here. Two of the biggest days of my life honestly.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

The show was huge. I wrote and performed something I had written, with my own financial backing and organisation and steam, and it's something I have always wanted to do. And I just did it. I then started making more and more moves to make this my life, like asking to go part-time at work and starting my podcast again and putting together a Patreon.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I actually can't think of anything which is kind of wild. After leaving my husband last year I really grabbed a hold of my agency in my life. It's been pretty incredible.

10. What other hardships did you face?

I had a lot to grieve and process about the separation and I am very thankful to my therapist for all the work she did there.

My current relationship is wonderful but being two adults coming together is going to have more baggage and things to work through. It's so absolutely worth it.

11. Did you suffer illness or injury?

In July I was diagnosed with polycystic-ovary syndrome, which is yet another nail in the coffin of my ever being able to have children.

Along with that came a further investigation into my blood sugar and I was told I had pre-diabetes. This scared the shit out of me, cause I was really fucking close. I was also terrified about doing the work to try and reverse it, because I didn't want to get back into disordered eating territory. But I had incredible help from a dietician and I read really tempered, reasonable information, and I managed to make small, sustainable changes and turn that entire shit around. Within six months my levels were completely back to normal and all my other negative health markers were reversed. Honestly, this was another huge achievement.

12. What was the best thing you bought?

I just bought a new guitar that has become a huge joy in my life. I also got into beading when I went to see the Eras tour movie to make bracelets and I've kept it up and I absolutely love it as a hobby. Otherwise, I didn't really make a lot of big purchases. Contributing financially to helping my boyfriend move was pretty great to get him here.

13. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

I am often resisting the urge to come on here and write a very gushy post about my boyfriend, but god he is great. I wrote last year that I highly recommend falling in love in your thirties. My mum commented at Christmas that it's clear how happy he makes me, but it's beyond happy - he makes me calm. Even when things are hard and messy he is such a solid presence in my life, and he is so, so bloody nice to me, and I keep waiting for it to stop feeling like a crush and exciting every time I see him but it's been almost two years and that just has never gone away. He is so ridiculously supportive of me and has worked so hard on himself and I'm so proud of him.

14. Whose behaviour made you appalled?

No names, but a few people at work made me feel like I was banging my head against the wall.

Also, fuck everyone who has been supporting Israel's attack on Palestine.

15. Where did most of your money go?

Rent and household expenses is the very boring but realistic answer.

16. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My show. My boyfriend finally moving here. Seeing Barbie.

17. What song will always remind you of this year?

I was so terrible at listening to new music this year. The songs that were written for my show, I guess. I listened to Peach Prc and Tessa Violet a lot, but I don't know if those songs will remind me of the year. Maybe Kitchen Song.

18. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. Happier or sadder? Happier, happier, happier!

ii. Thinner or fatter? No comment!

iii. Richer or poorer? Poorer. But I have complete control of my finances and can still cover everything and then some. Have to remind myself I'll be okay.

19. What do you wish you’d done more of? Reading! This is something I have to work on.

20. What do you wish you’d done less of? Last year I said sleeping, which is very funny to me. Mindless scrolling is the answer this year for sure.

21. How did you spend Christmas? My extended family did out potluck on the Saturday before which was lovely, and my boyfriend was nervous cause he hadn't met half of them before, and he'd never been to a big Christmas before, but it was really great. My granny is pretty far gone with her Alzheimer's though which was a cloud that hung over everything

My boyfriend's mum then flew down on Christmas Eve, and we had lunch on the day with just us and our mums, cause we're both only children of single parents, and I was a bit concerned it'd be awkward, but it wasn't, it was really nice. We cooked an amazing meal together and both our mums bought the dogs presents. and we watched Fantasia and it was great.

22. Did you fall in love this year? 

I did not know it was possible to be in love the way we are. I sold myself short for years. It feels like a waste of time, but god, I cannot believe how lucky I am to have it now.

This is what I wrote last year, at the end of a much more extended answer, since 2022 was pretty big for us. But this is still absolutely true, and I can't get over it still.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don’t think so.

24. What was your favorite show? God, I didn't watch much that was new, but we rewatched 30 Rock because my boyfriend had never seen it and that was great.

25. What was the best book you read? The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams. Little Weirds by Jenny Slate. What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama.

26. What was your greatest musical discovery of the year? I went to see Stop Making Sense and it got me very into The Talking Heads. Loved finding corook's music as well.

27. What was your favorite film? 

Films that came out this year - Barbie, Oppenheimer, Across the Spiderverse,

 Films I watched for the first time - Amadeus, Stop Making Sense, Best In Show, The Great Escape, Glass Onion.

I also went to a cinema event where we marathoned all five Twilight movies in a row, and that ruled.

28. What was your favorite meal?

We've been doing a roast chicken every Sunday together which has been great.

It's what we did on Christmas too and I made a kickass pavlova. Think that's definitely been the best meal of the year.

29. What did you want and get?

For my partner to move here.

30. What did you want and not get?

To win the fucking lottery.

31. What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn?

I turned 35. I had a work event that night so did nothing special. That was fine.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Said it before, but having more financial stability and freedom sure would be nice.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of the year?

Comfortable. Embracing my body. Showing my tattoos. As sustainable as possible.

Wrote this last year. Stand by it.

34. What kept you sane?

My dogs. My friends. My boyfriend. Writing. Podcasts. Taylor Swift's music. Going to the movies.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you admire the most?

Caroline Klidonas is an actor I follow on TikTok whose work I just adore. I also love Pip Williams' writing so much, especially after seeing the play of A Dictionary of Lost Words.

36. What political issue stirred you the most? The genocide in Gaza.

37. Who did you miss? Sometimes I miss the family I lost in the divorce.

But mostly not.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

I honestly don't feel like I've met many new people? Which is weird.

39. What valuable life lesson did you learn this year?

Go after what you want.

40. What is a quote or song lyric that sums up your year?

On the way home I wrote a poem You say, "What a mind" This happens all the time

'Cause they said the end is coming Everyone's up to something I find myself running home to your sweet nothings Outside, they're push and shoving You're in the kitchen humming All that you ever wanted from me was nothing

- Sweet Nothing, Taylor Swift

We live in hope--that life will get better, and more importantly that it will go on, that love will survive even though we will not. As Emily Dickinson put it, hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all. And we are here because we’re here because we’re here because we’re here. Sing it with me, wherever you are. Think of those across the broad and roaring seas, and sing with me. You won’t be more offtune than I am. We’re here because we’re here because we’re here because we’re here. We’re here because we’re here because we’re here because we’re here.

- The Anthropocene Reviewed, John Green

[eclipsetint]

Enhance Privacy and Safety with Window Frosting and Safety Films in Melbourne.

Windows play a crucial role in allowing natural light into a room while offering beautiful views. However, there are times when additional privacy, safety, or comfort is needed. This is where Window Frosting Melbourne and Window Safety Film come into play. These solutions not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home or office but also provide functional benefits. If you're looking for an effective way to improve your property, read on to discover how these films can benefit your space.

What is Window Frosting?

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Benefits of Window Frosting:

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Increased Durability: Window safety film makes glass much more resistant to shattering, protecting both the glass and the people around it.

Security: Adding this film to your windows makes them harder to break, thus offering an additional layer of security against break-ins.

UV Protection: Many window safety films come with UV-blocking properties, which helps protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from sun damage.

Why Choose Window Frosting and Safety Film in Melbourne?

Melbourne’s climate can vary, with some periods experiencing intense sunlight or storms. Both Window Frosting and Window Safety Film are practical solutions that protect your home or office while improving your space's overall comfort. Whether you're looking to reduce glare, enhance privacy, or improve safety, these window films offer versatile benefits.

Additionally, with the added focus on security and safety, these window films can provide peace of mind. For example, if you have young children or pets, window safety film is a proactive way to ensure their safety.

Professional Installation for Best Results

For the best results, it's crucial to have window frosting and safety films professionally installed. At Eclipse Tint, we offer expert installation services that ensure the films are applied correctly, providing long-lasting benefits. Whether you're looking to enhance privacy with window frosting or safeguard your space with window safety film, our team is here to help.

Get Started Today!

Don't wait for your windows to let in too much heat, glare, or for accidents to happen. Enhance your space's privacy, safety, and aesthetics today with Window Frosting and Window Safety Film. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 611300864703 or email us at info@eclipsetint.com. Let us help you transform your windows with high-quality, professional solutions that suit your needs.

[mojopress]

Unleash Your Inner Artist: Laser-Etched Wonders for a Stunning Home

Transforming ordinary household items into extraordinary works of art is easier than you think, thanks to the precision and versatility of laser engraving and cutting. With the rise of personalized home décor, the demand for unique pieces is booming. If you're located in Melbourne and looking to explore this exciting crafting avenue, consider the power of Laser Engraving & Cutting Melbourne services. These services provide access to cutting-edge technology that can bring your creative vision to life, offering intricate details and a level of personalization unattainable through traditional methods. From delicate patterns on glassware to complex designs on wooden furniture, the possibilities are truly limitless. You can easily find a reliable service provider by searching online.

The process goes beyond simply etching designs; Printing Company Melbourne firms are increasingly offering laser engraving and cutting as part of a wider suite of services. This integration brings together the precision of laser technology with the creative scope of print design. Imagine incorporating laser-cut elements into your existing print projects – perhaps a laser-cut wooden frame for a custom photo print, or intricate laser-engraved details on a personalized invitation. This fusion of traditional printing with advanced laser technology opens up a world of possibilities for truly bespoke and memorable pieces. The integration also makes the process of creating personalized home decor items far more accessible and affordable.

Beyond laser engraving and cutting, consider the impact of adding vibrant and durable accents. Partnering with a reliable Vinyl Stickers Printing Melbourne provider allows you to enhance your laser-cut creations with personalized labels, intricate details, or even full-color images. These stickers are waterproof, weather-resistant, and offer a wide array of color and finishes, perfectly complementing the clean lines and precision of laser-cut wood, acrylic, or other materials. This collaboration allows you to seamlessly blend the precision of laser cutting with the expressive vibrancy of vinyl stickers, ultimately creating a unique and highly personalized piece for your home.

Now, let’s delve into specific home décor ideas you can create using laser engraving and cutting:

1. Personalized Wooden Signs & Wall Art: This is a classic application, offering endless possibilities for personalization. Laser engraving allows you to create intricate designs, family monograms, inspirational quotes, or even custom maps on pieces of wood. You can choose from various wood types, finishes, and sizes to perfectly match your home’s style. Consider using different wood stains or paints to further enhance the design and create a truly unique piece.

2. Custom Photo Frames: Move beyond standard, mass-produced frames and create truly unique holders for your cherished memories. Laser cut intricate designs into wood or acrylic, creating a frame that reflects your personal style. You can add a personalized inscription or date using laser engraving, making it a treasured keepsake.

3. Engraved Coasters & Trivets: Protect your furniture in style with custom-designed coasters or trivets. Laser engraves your initials, a family crest, or a favourite quote onto wood, cork, or even leather for a touch of elegance and personality.

4. Decorative Lamps & Lighting: Add a unique ambiance to your home with laser-cut lampshades or bases. Intricate patterns create stunning shadows, adding a layer of visual interest and drama. Pair these with different light bulbs to change the mood and create a personalized lighting scheme.

5. Customized Cutting Boards: Upgrade your kitchen with a personalized cutting board. Laser engraves your initials, a family recipe, or a whimsical design for a touch of personal flair and functionality. The engraved surface is easy to clean and durable enough for everyday use.

6. Decorative Boxes & Containers: Create custom storage solutions with laser-cut wooden or acrylic boxes. These are perfect for storing jewellery, keepsakes, or other small items. The intricate designs make them beautiful decorative items, while their functionality makes them exceptionally practical.

7. Personalized Gift Tags & Labels: Laser engraving is also fantastic for creating unique gift tags and labels. Create custom designs that match the theme of the gift, adding a personal touch that will be appreciated by the recipient. This is a great way to add a level of sophistication and care to your gift-giving.

8. Custom-Designed Puzzles: Design and create your own unique jigsaw puzzles using laser-cut techniques. You can create puzzles from images, artwork, or even family photos, making them special and meaningful gifts.

9. Decorative Mirrors & Frames: Laser-cutting can be used to create elaborate and decorative frames for mirrors, enhancing their appearance and adding a personal touch to your bathroom or bedroom.

10. Stencils for Painting: Design and create stencils using laser cutting. This allows you to recreate intricate designs on various surfaces, including walls, furniture and fabrics.

Remember to consider safety precautions when working with laser cutting and engraving machines. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear appropriate safety equipment. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional service provider. Laser engraving and cutting provides a fantastic avenue for crafting unique and personalized home décor. The possibilities are virtually limitless, allowing you to unleash your creativity and transform ordinary items into stunning works of art. If you're in Melbourne and looking to explore this exciting world of personalized home décor, remember to explore the services offered by experienced providers like Mojo Press. We offer a wide array of printing and laser cutting services to help you bring your creative visions to life. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover the transformative power of laser technology.