#next day rb for those who didn't see it the first time

[cheriladycl01]

hey babe!

may I request AM!Seb X RB!driver!reader where she's like a female version of what he was when he drove for RB? Like, cocky, competitive and young, where she's basically him paying for his sins lmao

thanks <333

I see my reflection in your eyes - Sebastian Vettel x RedBullDriver! Reader

Plot: Cocky Young Red Bull Driver looks good when your in a team with Max Verstappen. She’s a menace on track and Sebastian feels as though he needs to put her in her place.

Warnings: SMUT. Car sex. Angst. Sexism (in the MS industry) etc. MINORS DNI 18+

A/N: Thank you for the request, my fav reader!

Credit to violetvettel for the GIF

You and Max were exceptional team-mate since you'd been promoted to Red Bull in 2021 but you'd became more of a menace on track than when you were a part of AlphaTauri.

Even though it wasn't a championship winning car, every week you were driving it like one. In your season prior to your promotion. You hadn't finished outside the points, had no DNF's a few podiums and even a race win.

Horner came to you during the summer break proposing to switch you out for Albon. Of course you immediately agreed. Max was the same age as you so you were actually already pretty close, you were always found causing mayhem around the paddock despite being in different teams right now.

Obviously once you came into RedBull the car just suited your driving style so well, and you adapted much quicker than Pierre and Alex had and on your first race in 2021 you'd set pole position. You and Max had locked out the front row and you were buzzing with energy. This could be the year you win the constructors.

However, the first race was a shame in Bahrain, Lewis had collided with you into Turn 5. Lewis ended up winning, Max in P2 and Valtteri in P3. It was supposed to be your podium ... but it didn't matter too much.

The season wasn't just a Max and Lewis battle, but you were up there as well. A real challenge for Max and you were confident.

Who wouldn't be ... first female race winner in F1 and at one point in the season you were Championship Leader?

And Sebastian always was irked by this. Because you reminded him so much of himself in his RedBull days. He was cocky, arrogant and if he was being honest with himself a bit of a prick and he could see that with you.

He didn't know if it was the more you hung out with Max or if it was just the ego getting bigger and bigger but he remembered you as a sweet little rookie... freshly out of F2 and were nervous any time you got in the car.

But now he looked at you and all he could see what the smirk... that sexy sexy smirk.

But now you were sat in a drivers conference talking about the upcoming race and problems from the last one.

The last race was Monaco and you'd podiumed with Lando and Max and it was an incredible feeling. The three of you had spent the night partying in Monte Carlo casino and the pictures were in the tabloids the next day.

The next race was Azerbaijan and towards the last few laps it was you battling it out with Sebastian. Your car wasn't at peak performance as you hadn't done well in qually. But you managed to keep it up and came through with your second win of the season thus putting you up as current championship winner. Considering all the other podiums you'd had.

The feeling of stepping out the car was incredible. The fist pump in the air, your hair caked in champagne and sweat on the podium. It was an incredible feeling.

"So comments on those last few laps, Sebastian!" an interviewer asks.

"I mean it was ridiculous i don't understand how personalities weren't awarded ..." he frowns looking over at you smiling and giggling with Lando who was, along with Max a best friend of yours on the grid.

"Please elaborate!" he asks.

"Track limits, driving dangerously ... do i need to go on!" he laughs making you turn you head to him and scoff.

"I hope you aren't talking about me" you ask looking over at him and the other drivers go silent. You are now sat back with your arms crossed and a frown on your face as you look down at him in front of you.

"Of course I'm talking about you" he grits out and you just smile at him.

"Calm down, lets not get your panties in a twist!" you mumble so only Lando and Max either side of you can and they try to hide their laughs from you.

"What was that?" he asks twisting round fully to look at you now.

"Nothing, nothing. I think just don't comment on my driving abilities when I defended from you for the last 15 laps ... pretty well" you smirk looking down at him.

He just tuts turning back round making you shake your head and sigh as the interviewer looks to you to direct his next question.

"Y/N how does it feel as a woman to have all these world champions behind you after today?" he asks and you cock your head at him in surprise.

"Re-word that..." you smile at him, and he looks just as confused as you did.

"Sorry?" he asks and everyone around looks towards you.

"All you needed to ask was who it feels to have all these world champs behind me, my gender adds nothing to the question specifically ... if you wanted to ask me about my first race win as the only woman to win an F1 race ... that different" you smile and the interviewer coughs awkwardly at the same time as you PR manager shakes her head at you to stop.

"But to answer, i had the upgrades in the car. I was determined i had a good start and the race went my way today... and I think that's all that really matters..." you smile.

After the meeting, all it took was for you to be stood outside the McLaren hospitality next to Lando and Daniel, laughing with the pair of them for Sebastian to come forward looking at you with his hands on his hips.

"You, come with me!" he exclaims grabbing your wrist making you follow him.

"What the fuck! Seb, let me go!" you say as he pulls you out of the race track paddock entrance and to where his blacked out Aston Martin was.

"Let me go!" you tug on the tight grip on your wrist.

"Just stop! What happened to the sweet girl i first met here, you are ruthless, cocky and rude now! I don't like it!" he exclaims looking over you with a frown on his face.

"I've matured Seb, I'm not the same 21 year old i was when i first came here and first met you. Stop treating me like this little girl ... I'm done being nice and friendly ... i didn't get my way that way. Just deal with it!" you say throwing your hands up in exasperation.

"Matured, yeah right? You were arguing with me in there like a spoilt little brat!" he says, his eyes were so angry right now that you actually had to take a step back.

"Seb, deal with it!" you frown, stepping away and going to turn around.

"Get in the car Y/N!" he says opening the passenger side door.

"Why should i!" you ask not facing him to give him the satisfaction that you are fully listening to him.

"Because, I want to talk ... just us two!" he says his features fully softening, your brain was melting.

It couldn't work out if he was mocking you, or if he was genuinely being sweet. You stand there, now turned back around just watching his face as he stands there holding his passenger side door open.

"Argh fine!" you cry throwing your hands up. You were part of the Ferrari Driver Development Programme when you were 21 in F2 and Sebastian was a really important part of that development and the push you needed to get into F1. He was 31 and you saw him as a friendly mentor back then.

But the way he treated you, you'd developed a crush on him and you just knew it was wrong. A 10 year age gap that you knew the media would see as an abuse of power if anything was to ever happen between the two of you.

So you started to repress those feelings. You hung out more with Charles who joined you in your rookie season starting in 2018. Then when Lando joined there was more people your age on the grid. Even though Max was 26, he acted much older thanks to the early age he had started driving at which did lead you more to Charles and Lando. But where Charles was, Seb also was.

A few season's later and you were being promoted to Red Bull.

Seb drove you all the way to a quiet and coastal part of Baku, no-one was around.

"You embarrassed me today..." he sighs looking over at you as he pulled the handbrake up so you guys were stopped.

"Oh big whoop... all the other drivers do it and they don't get shit for it!" you complain crossing your arms over you chest and leaning back in the chair to get comfortable. You could tell you were going to be here for a while and you were in the middle of city you didn't know in a pretty quiet place and you didn't want to risk your chances of getting out and getting more lost.

"You've never done that before. Why today?" he asks looking over you.

"BECAUSE!" you shout spinning round to look at him, tears brimming in your eyes.

"I never ever thought you'd comment on my driving in a bad way when it wasn't ... that was my best race to date! I went from P12, all the way up to P1. I had to fight you for the last few laps and I was getting tired. I'm current championship leader and you didn't even acknowledge me on the podium or in the cool down room. You didn't say well done or congrats ... you didn't even look at me so how was i supposed to react when the first thing i can here about my performance from my old mentor is that it was dangerous. I shouldn't have the win and i should have had a penalty for defending from you? I worked my ass of for that P1 Seb and you know it, just because your getting old and the sport is changing so the grid isn't your fucking rich boys club anymore doesn't mean you get to see on me!" you scream the whole time, your throat scratchy once you take a breath and trying to get the tears under control.

"You think I'm old huh?" he asks and your gaze snaps over to him.

"Is that the only thing you got from that whole interaction?" you say with an exhausted sigh, from constantly fighting and you were getting to the point where you were so done.

"Well, you seem annoyed that this ... old man is giving you a run for you money!" he says and you look over at him.

"I'm leaving" you say going to open the door but he stops you.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry look I just ... it's hard getting used to all ... this!" he says looking you up and down, making you cock your head to the side.

"That doesn't give you the right to treat me the way you did today. You embarrassed me too" you say softly.

"Then, let me show you I'm sorry. Because I am" he sighs pushing some of your hair behind your ear.

"W- Seb what are you doing?" you ask looking at him. You eyes widened and he couldn't help but smile. You had these walls up for the past few years, creating this sharp and unapproachable look in your eyes, almost like a viscous cat, but now your eyes were wide and doe like, the way they used to be before Red Bull.

"I've waited too many years for this moment, and I know you have too" he smiles, coming closer to you leaning over the centre of the car.

"I- no i" you try say but a blush covers your face proving to him you really didn't.

"Just shut up" he laughs before pulling you in and kissing you. He tilted your head to the side to get closer to you, and you let him. This was a moment you'd dreamt of for far too long.

You pull back, taking your seat belt off and climbing over to the drivers side to straddle across him.

"If we're doing this ... It cant be a one time thing" you say holding both sides of his cheeks.

"You've always had all the power here sweetheart. It's your move, whatever we do. But I'll be here whatever that is. I promise you! I really care for you, I -" he smiles up at you and you nod. Looking over him once more before making your decision and pulling him back in for a kiss, his hands find there way to your hips pulling you down onto him a little more making you feel everything he had to offer.

"Seb, fuck you!" you laugh as you pull back.

"That was the plan" he smirks looking up at you.

"No, I don't think you've understood how long I've liked you for but we couldn't ... we shouldn't be doing this. If people found out" you said looking at him.

"I'm about to tell you something that doesn't leave this car. 2022 will be my last year driving. If you can wait for me, once I've retired this..." he gestures between the two of you. "Can be something more. But for now, our little secret?" he smiles and you nod feverishly.

Maybe you were still on the post win high, or Seb admitting he liked you as much as you did, not with words but you could just tell from the last 20 minute conversation, but you would do anything this man told you to do right now.

"I'll wait for you, but right now i need you Seb!" you breathed looking over him and his hands find their way up to the back of your neck and pulling you closer to him.

You hands are going anywhere they can, his neck, his biceps, his shoulders, his chest under his team top.

They ventured down starting to palm him through the joggers he'd worn to the track. Groans came out of his mouth that had your mind spinning at the thought that this was actually happening.

You were with Sebastian Vettel.

You couldn't even comprehend this right now.

His fingers found there way under the skirt you were wearing and into your underwear where he started to circle your clit. Your head immediately fell into his neck at the feeling trying to muffle your moans.

"Fuck Seb, please" you cry into his shoulder as you start to move your hips to get more friction.

"What sweetheart. You need to tell me what you want. Communication ... I know you aren't good at that but you gotta try for me babygirl" he says and if he wasn't making you feel like a melted puddle of water right now you would have slapped him for that comment, even though he was so right.

He enters too fingers starting at a slow place to open you up and gradually speeds up, meeting your pathetic bounces as he holds his free arm around your back.

"I need more, Seb i need you!" you say, reaching down into his loose pants to feel just how hard he'd gotten.

"Fuck baby, just like that!" he says, his hand comes down to the side of the seat to recline it a little seeing how cramped you were at the your back was close to hitting the horn. He leant fully back, taking his fingers out of you, a groan of complaint at the loss of feeling.

"Go on baby" he says, sucking his fingers off, cleaning what was there from you before reclining himself back onto the seat his arms behind his head as he waited for you.

You pulled down his joggers and pants, his dick having been straining against them the entire time.

You move yourself up, pulling your panties to the side your arms coming either side of his head on the chair as you sunk down onto him.

"Fuck" you breathed as the sting from the stretch had you biting your lip.

"You got this sweetheart, just a little more" he smiles, his arms coming down from behind his head to settle on your hips to help you lower yourself smoothly onto him.

He was on cloud nine right now, he'd always liked you and now having you here was like a treat he'd never had before but became addicted to on the first taste.

You clamped around him at the feeling which released a whiny groan from the man below you. Once you'd bottomed out, you sat there for a little, letting yourself adjust.

"Who knew, I'd win and this is my celebration" you joke looking down at him, and he just laughs back.

"I can tell you, my intention wasn't to have sex in my car with you, I just wanted to apologize. But i cant help myself when it comes to you" he groans as you start to move a little bit.

"I never thought-" you moan in between kisses with him. "I'd have this" you say as you start to move up and down a little quicker. He starts to help you moving you up and down on him with his hands but his hands were starting to shake from the sheer amount of pleasure he was experiencing.

"I don't ever want this to end" he says as he starts to run your clit, feeling himself get embarrassingly close as quickly as he was from how you were clenching around him.

"It doesn't have too!" you smile, pulling him into a kiss.

He starts to thrust up into you, his movements from his hands getting quicker as your bounces managed to keep up. Beauty of being an athlete and having insane stamina.

You both come to your highs at the same time, you fall onto him your head going into his neck and his arms wrap around you to hold you too him so you couldn't go anywhere.

He didn't want you to.

"So... am I still a rude prick?" you ask smiling at him.

"Yeah, but i guess we can say your my rude prick. I'll keep you in line don't worry" he smirks and his words made you nod and blush, before placing another light, yet sweet kiss on his lips, making him sigh happily.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @daemyratwst @lauralarsen @the-untamed-soul @thewulf @itsjustkhaos @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @summissss @gulphulp @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhhhh @georgeparisole @youcannotcancelquidditch @tallbrownhairsarcastic @ourteenagetragedy @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @dark-night-sky-99 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @laneyspaulding19 @malynn @viennakarma @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @tinydeskwriter @ironmaiden1313 @splaterparty0-0 @formula1mount

[oh-obrien]

GRID ACE 0.1

GAMER READER X Lestappen SMAU

Summary: Reader is a Red Bull e-sports athlete who happens to catch the attention of two particular drivers with her streams

I am new-ish to the F1 fandom so hopefully I didn't mess this up too bad! I used to be an AVID fic writer on wattpad and I dabbled here in imagines and what not but a full time job (and a boyfriend who got me more into gaming RUDE) really shits on my desire to write sometimes and i found that SMAU's seem to be super popular in this fandom and they felt perfect 😊!

And my requests for these are open!!

All pictures are from Pinterest!!!

Reader has various face claims!

Masterlist / Next Part

Xx.y/n.xX just posted

Liked by yourbestfriend, maxverstappen1, and 6,756 others

Xx.y/n.xX the only appropriate way to spend a Friday night pre-stream

Yourbestfriend val really????

-> Xx.y/n.xX it’s almost like I’m a professional or something 🥸

-> yourteammate1 professional bottom frag maybe

-> Xx.y/n.xX SIT DOWN YOU INSTALOCK REYNA

User1 I fear the girlies claws are out today

-> Xx.y/n.xX I did do my nails today 😌

-> User1 THE QUEEN RESPONDED

-> Xx.y/n.xX rainy Friday nail day video coming to you soon!

Redbullgaming we love to see our number 1 girl on the grind

liked by maxverstappen1

-> Xx.y/n.xX awww admin you’re gonna make me blush

->yourteammate2 STOP STROKING HER EGO SHE ALREDY TOP FRAGS

-> Xx.y/n.xX get better then???

User2 is no one going to talk about THE Max Verstappen being in the likes?????

-> Xx.y/n.xX @ maxverstappen1 goes vroom vroom for RB 🤝 I go pew pew for RB

-> maxverstappen1 🫡

-> Xx.y/n.xX see he gets it!!

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

Xx.y/n.xX just posted

liked by maxverstappen1, charles_leclerc, and 12,568 others

Xx.y/n.xX join me, a Redbull vroom vroom driver and some other vroom vroom guy (his team is the red one apparently) on a stream!

Redbullgaming hope @ maxverstappen1 didn’t embarrass the name too bad

-> Xx.y/n.xX he went 4/22/2 his first game @ redbullracing please take him back!!! 😵‍💫

-> charles_leclerc I went 6/18/4! 😌

-> Xx.y/n.xX I’ve been informed this one belongs to you @ scuderiaferrari please tell him to stick to cars!!

-> Scuderiaferrari it’s not a race weekend he isn’t our problem

-> Xx.y/n.xX this is why I’m a @ redbullracing fan

-> Redbullgaming your contract also helps

Maxverstappen1 I’d like to see you behind the wheel of my car then

-> Xx.y/n.xX @ Redbullracing am I ‘on the grid’ (I was told those are the appropriate terms) next weekend?

-> Redbullracing y/n reserve driver when???

-> Xx.y/n.xX @ Redbullgaming you’re going to need to find a new Neon main 🫣

-> Redbullgaming @ redbullracing I’m afraid we need to keep this one, you don’t want her anyways (she bites)

-> Charles_leclerc I won’t complain about biting

liked by @ Maxverstappen1

User3 I’m sorry Max AND Charles streaming with her??

-> User4 like exactly????

-> User5 she doesn’t realize how lucky she is?

-> Xx.y/n.xX they were actually horrible teammates so…

-> User4 WAIT DID YOU NOT SEE THE COMMENT CHARLES DELETED????

-> User3 WHAT???

-> Xx.y/n.xX I plead the fifth, I’m American I can do that.

Landonorris where was my invite?

-> Xx.y/n.xX @ maxverstappen1 @ charles_leclerc does this one vroom vroom too?

-> Maxverstappen1 yes.

-> charles_leclerc yes.

-> Xx.y/n.xX ☠️

Teammate3 you traded us in?

-> Xx.y/n.xX more like downgraded

-> User6 PLEASE. I am living for Y/N absolutely roasting Max and Charles any chance she gets.

-> Xx.y/n.xX I mean @ charles_leclerc roasted himself with Brim’s molly so…. Not really my fault?

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

Charles_leclerc just posted

tagged @ maxverstappen1 @ Xx.y/n.xX

Liked by Xx.y/n.xX, maxverstappen1, and 24,568 others

Charles_leclerc when the groupchat finally meets up

Xx.y/n.xX vroom vroom 🏎️

-> User7 I love how unserious she is like she didn’t just spend the weekend with Max and Charles

-> Xx.y/n.xX I actually spent the weekend with bottom frag and almost bottom frag, who holds which title is interchangeable they haven’t earned names yet.

-> Scuderiaferrari TECHNICALLY they were first and second frag on the podium

-> Xx.y/n.xX excuse me admin, I didn't say you could speak

-> Charles_leclerc excuse me y/n, I didn't say you could be in my comments

-> Landonorris @ Xx.y/n.xX you're allowed in my comments

-> Maxverstappen1 no.

-> Charles_leclerc no.

-> Xx.y/n.xX I KNOW THIS ONE HE'S AN ORANGE VROOM VROOM @ landonorris

User7 are we not going to talk about how fast she managed to get to a GP?

-> User8 are we not going to talk about how fast it feels like this friendship developed

-> User7 or how she already has other drivers joking with her too?

-> Xx.y/n.xX I'm a big kid I can get myself to a GP

Danielricciardo Y/N showed the entire gird up at the after party

-> User9 DETAILS????

-> Xx.y/n.xX a lady never shares her secrets 🤫

-> Maxverstappen1 a lady does share her shots though

Liked by @ Charles_leclerc

-> Xx.y/n.xX SILENCE BOTTOM FRAG NUMBER ONE

Teammate1 We need her back soon thxxxxxx

-> Xx.y/n.xX I fear they have discovered they can't win games without me

-> Landonorris y/n carry!!

Liked by @ Maxverstappen1 and @ Charles_leclerc

-> Xx.y/n.xX nevermind the orange vroom vroom man can stay, I like him.

-> Maxverstappen1 no.

-> Charles_leclerc no.

Redbullgaming we hope you had a great time y/n (you better have spent time in the @ redbullracing garage also)!!!

-> Xx.y/n.xX this feels like a threat admin?

-> Maxverstappen1 sadly she was in the garage, she knocked over some tires and just said oops

->Xx.y/n.xX you love me

Liked by @ Maxverstappen1

-> User10 umm guys????? CAN WE TALK ABOUT THIS???

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

Tweet 1

User13 The trio we didn't know we needed but we can't live without 🫡

-> User14 Did you see the tweet someone posted where they were apparently FLIRTING at dinner?

-> User13 NO?!?!?!

-> User14 @ User12 posted it go look at the thread

User15 I fear we have lost another one of the girlies chat

->User14 Y/N will always be a girls girl

User16 what is she doing in Monaco?

->User17 hanging out with vroom vroom boys apparently

->User16 hopefully we get a stream while she's there then!

-> Xx.y/n.xX I'm already on it, I'm trying to make sure they don't embarrass me though, they're not allowed to stream until they can go even

-> User14 She sees everything.

-> Xx.y/n.xX Yes, yes I do (so do bottom frag number one and two)

Tweet 2

User12 they were all sitting super close together and y/n kept touching both their arms, lots of shoulders bumping and giggling. They were also all totally sharing food which was kind of cute.

-> User18 sharing food??? I need DETAILS.

-> User12 they all kept just shoving their forks on to each others plates no asking or anything just stealing each others food.

-> Xx.y/n.xX to be fair we all got stuck super close together at the table so like no choice there (ick), and on the sharing we were all indecisive so sharing is caring ❤️

->User20 SHE REALLY SAID ICK.

->Xx.y/n.xX my mama always taught me boys have cooties sooooo...

User19 HELLO? Did you ask for a picture or anything like that?

-> User12 NO they literally looked like they were having the time of their lives? They kept swapping drinks and stuff too, the boys were LIVING for y/n’s fruity cocktails

-> Xx.y/n.xX I don’t drink wine, only mixed drinks or hard liquor, they were just mooching off my drinks because Mr. World Champion wouldn't order a little fruity drink himself.

-> User12 NOT THE WOMAN IN QUESTION IN MY REPLIES

-> Xx.y/n.xX I’m everywhere 👀

[0oolookitsme]

But Baby, It's Cold Outside

Type - One-Shoty Blurb!

Verse - Singer!Harry x Ceo!Y/n

Word Count - 1.2k

Warnings - None, just some tooth rotting fluff ;)

A/N - Y/n blushes so hard in this one I was legit smiling while writing the ending lmao. Hope you guys like it just as much! <3

MASTERLIST | Please rb to share!

Y/n was on her knees on the carpeted floor, her hands stacking things up on the Christmas mantel that she had been set on decorating since she'd opened her eyes this morning. Her knees hurt because of the hardwood floor, but it was better than having to bend down while standing up, nevertheless.

They were surprisingly late to decorate for Christmas this year because of their prolonged stay over at Anne's for a while. After all, Anne wanted the see her daughter-in-law who was pregnant with her grandson or granddaughter -- and Y/n was starting to feel more and more deprived of a mother's love by each day, making Harry take her to Anne.

She had put Harry to work currently with fluffing up the Christmas tree's leaves, and to decorate it with the string lights they'd bought just the day before. He was crouching just about beside her, facing her with the tall tree standing between them.

"I swear, this tree has got me working the hardest I ever have," Harry joked, wiping the sheen layer of sweat on his face. He chuckled when Y/n shook her head, laughing at him and not at his joke -- but he didn't need to know that. "So dramatic," he heard her murmur under her breath, knowing that she meant for him to hear it.

"I'm the one who's dramatic?" He questioned her with a touch of accusation to it. "You're the one who's been up my arse this whole month with 'let's do this, let's do that'!" Mimicking her, Harry smacked his hand on the tree and hissed in pain when a thorn pricked his finger.

A smirk appeared on Y/n's face as she continued to mess with the order of stuff she'd stacked up on the mantel. Shrugging, she said, "that's what you get for teasing me."

Herry scoffed instead of saying anything and went back to fluffing up the tallest bit of the tree. His armpits were moist with his sweat but he wouldn't even dare to think about putting out the crackling-fire in the fireplace. He might be a naturally warm body, but Y/n definitely wasn't.

Whether it was summer, or winter -- her body was never found to be hot. Hell, even when she took off her fuzzy socks last night her feet were freezing cold. And, with the baby growing in her body, Harry wouldn't even let Y/n remove the thin blanket he had wrapped around her frame when he woke up at the first ray of sunshine and realized that it had started snowing.

"H? Will you please bring me those mini-Christmas trees?" Y/n asked him, turning to give him some puppy-eyes but caught him watching the snowflakes on the windowpane instead. Tilting her head and joining him in looking outside, her lips stretched in a smile.

The snow fell soundlessly, drifting down like white and fluffy cold crystals. It brought an essence of magic in the world, falling softly into blankets that cover the landscape. 

"...'course," she heard him mumble, and turned just in time to catch the smile he passed her with a glint in his eyes that she'd come to recognize as admiration. Though she wasn't sure if what he was admiring then was the snow, her, or the 7-month baby bump.

In the time that Harry went to pick up the set of trees from the kitchen island, Y/n dropped the blanket from her shoulders, feeling too hot suddenly. The room had grown too warm for her current liking, and as she sat down cross-legged on the floor to give her knees some rest, she wished for Harry to be back by her side.

She slipped back on her bottom until her aching back hit the leg of the sofa and rested there. Patting the spot next to her, she invited Harry to sit beside her and whined internally when he passed her a knowing look and brought back the blanket with him. "Open the window if you're going to make me wear that blanket again," she told him pointedly, passing him a smile to tell him she didn't mean that behaviour seriously.

"But baby," Harry looked at her with a desperate look on his face. "It's cold outside!" he told her, wanting to open the window himself but he simply denied to because he couldn't have Y/n catch a cold. He sat down, spreading his legs and crossing them at the ankles.

He draped the blanket over both of their legs, making sure her bump is also covered. Leaning in, he pressed his lips on her pouted ones, smiling in the midst when she wouldn't back away.

Y/n reached for one of the kid's books that she'd been reading to learn some stories she could tell her little bundle of love when they were old enough to whine to her for just one more story. With some trouble, she caught the book on the sofa behind her and opened it, keeping it tilted just in case Harry wanted to join her.

But Harry was rather busy idly playing with her free hand, and as she continued to read, she felt him raise her hand up and press a kiss into her palm. Her cheeks, that were already rosy because of the cold, had now turned a shade of raging red and Harry couldn't help but cackle at that.

Y/n slapped his arm, an embarrassed smile dressed on her lips. "Stop it," she hissed, unable from removing the bashful smile on her mouth when Harry kisses the back of her hand the other time around. She turned her face away so that he couldn't see the cherry-red tint on her face, her mouth trembling because of the shy-giggle she was working hard to keep in.

Harry loved seeing the smallest gestures affect her in ways that she couldn't even control. Sputters of laughter kept falling from his mouth and when she didn't turn to face him after some while, he couldn't help but grab her chin and make her look at him.

Although she had shut her eyes tightly, the apple of her cheeks still suffused with a shade of pink that he decided was his favourite from now on. "C'mon!" He laughed when she wouldn't open her eyes.

He had only started getting such exquisite reactions out of her since he put a baby in her, and God, he would put another one in there if she would keep making him lose his mind like this.

Suddenly, a yelp flew out of his mouth, and he flinched away when she pressed her icy foot flat on his calf.

"Oh my god," he laughed with a surprised expression on his feet. "Baby, how the fuck are you so cold, still?" He shouted with laughter, his heart bursting with love when she started laughing profusely with her head thrown back. He, somewhere in the midst of it all, had stopped laughing, gazing at her instead.

But when Y/n didn't hear him laughing along with her, she opened her eyes only to find him looking at her as if she'd had hung stars in the room for him; and Harry swore her eyes were genuinely glittering and shimmering with something he was sure the poets would call love.

[jonquilyst]

Day 10 - Challenge Day

Do you remember our horse challenge from last season? Well, not one, but two horses are returning to the show to represent our western movie genre-themed challenge! This time, we've brought in Rocky on the left and Lady on the right. And, you guessed it! They're both untrained and as aggressive as Justice was last season!

In today's challenge, contestants from each team will be randomly paired up to ride the horses around the barrels until a barrel is knocked down. Their task is to not be the one who knocks down a barrel. Those who succeed will win the match-up and score a point for the team! The team who scores the most points (aka knocks down the least amount of barrels) will win invincibility!

Each team will be riding the same horse, (Rocky will be representing the Renowned Big-Names, while Lady will be the horse of the Illustrious Star-Shines!) and since the teams are even, everyone is participating today!

Our first match is Hans (IS) vs Liana! (RB) Liana had some trouble riding the horse at first, but it's hard to ride a horse in a dress so I don't blame her! Hans on the other hand is determined to win.

These two rode for a long time without knocking over any barrels, but in the end it was Hans whose horse made a misstep and knocked over the barrel! Liana looks pretty proud to be the winner, since Hans went into the match-up pretty confident. She scores a point for the Renowned Big-Names!

Next we have Flo (IS) vs. Toni (RB). Sadly, she fails in preventing the barrel from being knocked over, giving the win to Flo.

Our third match-up is Willabelle (RB) vs. Drew (IS)! The same fate occurred to Willabelle and her barrel is the one that gets knocked over, giving Drew the Star-Shine's second point.

But things take a turn when Paulina (RB) and Takashi (IS) take their turn. Takashi is the one to knock over the barrel, giving Paulina the point and resulting in the teams being tied for points!

It's down to just Coffee (IS) and Neal (RB) now. Their teams depend on them! Both of them gave it their all, but in the end Neal was the one to knock down the barrel, meaning that Coffee has broken the tie and secured victory for her team!

THE ILLUSTRIOUS STAR-SHINES WIN!

It's now the Star-Shine's turn to enjoy a winning streak! Everyone on the team is safe. I'll be seeing the Big-Names again at the auditorium, and let me tell you this: it will not be a normal elimination... Stay tuned!

Today's Confessional: Coffee Bean

"Wow... I can't believe I actually won for my entire team. I was... under a lot of pressure. I didn't like being the last out of everyone! It was so nerve-wracking... It felt like forever... I'm just glad it's finally over now."

@ethicaltreatmentofcowplants @bloomingkyras @akitasimblr @simsinfinitylt @riverofjazzsims

@witheringscreations @cowplant-ate-my-sim @stargazer-sims @invisiblequeen @nakasumi-sims

[chussyracing]

what has been happening in the world of motorsports in the last few days

PSA: this has gotten very long, so I divided it into sections and put it under the cut

FIA and F1 figures:

Jon Monchaux becomes new FIA single seater technical director

Horner had almost a full day lasting hearing on Friday to defend himself and now there are multiple rumours flying around about him being advised to step down, about Ecclestone getting involved and about the way it probably won't be resolved soon, he was also present at the team's shakedown yesterday and is expected to be at the car launch today as well

Team car launches and news:

Sauber had their shakedown as a first car this year on 10th Feb, followed by Haas on 11th Feb with Hulk in the car, then RB, Ferrari, Merc, McLaren and RBR

Williams:

Williams will do their shakedown in Bahrain to avoid quote unpredictable British weather unquote before pre season testing

there are rumours of Red Bull making first option offer to Alex when he leaves Williams (which could be earlier using an exit clause or after the contract runs out)

Aston Martin:

Aston Martin showed the new suits and livery for 2024 (personal opinion the suits look better than when Alpinestars made them, but the livery somehow looks worse with slightly different shade of green, more black and the colorful Aramco on the rear wing)

Fernando also spoke more about Lewis' team change and his own links to Mercedes which were strengtened after a pic was posted of his manager Briatore at a café with Toto Wolff (but the rumours about Kimi Antonelli going for that seat are perhaps even louder with Karun Chandhok speaking to F3 engineers who insisted he is the most talented driver they worked with since Max Verstappen)

Ferrari:

then Ferrari showed their car in 99 seconds with a short footage starting of with Monza 2019 and as opposed to current trend of stripping the paint, they added more of it, so even part of the front and rear wing is now red (there are some technical analysis out there if you search, but interesting thing to note is Ferrari seemingly being the only team with pull rod rear suspension)

there are many rumours about Fred Vasseur's full wallet (Fred if you see this and need a sugar baby, let me know) and who else he wants to hire, and although he may be looking at Adrian Newey, among the potential changes in Red Bull he is apparently trying to hire Pierre Waché who is said to be the main person behind the dominant Red Bull cars these days with Newey working more as an advisor - this comes from Gazzetta dello Sport so again, not super reliable but apparently Waché already discussed his potential salary in Ferrari

speaking of Fred Vasseur, he said the call to Carlos was difficult but the call to Toto was much worse for him (bromance over </3)

Sky sports also chatted with both Ferrari drivers where Carlos said he was told a few weeks before Lewis was announced that he was out of seat so it didn't come as a shock, while Charles said obviously they texted with Lewis because those things aren't done overnight and Ferrari also told him they are trying to sign Lewis, so he was onboard with the plan before signing his own contract extension, he also said after the shakedown that it's hard to say when you are alone on the track but the car feels much healtier than last year

this is not super reliable but apparently Ferrari focused on long term plans and with how 2023 went, there was already focus on 2024 since they even left out two update packages to push more resources towards this year and rumouredly they are already working on 2025 car, so next year they could use most of time and resources for 2026 and be ready for new regs

fair warning that Ferrari also extended and strenghtened the sponsorship from Celsius drink and some news pages tried to make a clickbait of it

McLaren:

McLaren were next to show their car although we already saw it after their surprise rebrand

Lando admitted they are purposedly hiding some parts with the camera angles they are showing

Oscar mentioned that at least they showed the car before going on track (probably trying to make fun of RBR)

Mercedes:

then Mercedes showed their car which is both silver and black, but also features red details like Niki's star

Allison shared interesting details about the way remaking both chassis and gearbox fully under the cost cap rules takes a toll on the team

from first analysis, it features some interesting technical details like detached front wing element joined to the nose by a wire and different aerial placement than any other team

speaking of Allison, he extended his contract with Mercedes as a reaction to being approached by Aston Martin

Alpine:

Bruno Famin said that Alpine's power unit is still lacking horse power in comparison to others this year, but will try to reduce the gap in other ways

Red Bull:

Red Bull Racing will launch their car/livery today but we already saw some pics/videos from yesterday's shakedown and it looks like the car is very slim and perhaps inspired by Merc's no pods philosophy

like Max said previously, from the pics the livery seems to be very much the same as usual

Haas:

Haas already posted their line up for preseason testing

Junior series and drivers:

Tuesday was the last day of f3 and f2 testing in Bahrain, it was raining a lot at first (so d2 drivers only had one session and later were allowed to test with f3 cars) and some were hit with bad reliability (pray for my boy Staněk who did half or less laps than anyone else)

reminder that results aren't too relevant for testing, but for those interested here are F2 testing results: Sunday 1. Hauger, 2. Maloney, 3. Martins; Monday 1. Maloney, 2. Crawford, 3. Fittipaldi; Tuesday 1. Maloney, 2. Crawford, 3. Miyata

and here are the F3 results: Sunday 1. Leon, 2. Goethe, 3. Tramnitz; Monday 1. Browning, 2. Dunne, 3. Tramnitz; Tuesday 1. Beganovic, 2. Leon, 3. Browning

F1 Academy had their first driver development meeting

3 of the F1 Academy drivers are also a part of Formula Winter Series which had first race weekend with 3 races and they had the following results: Race 1: p17 Carrie Schreiner, p29 Lia Block, p35 Bianca Bustamante; Race 2: p26 Bianca Bustamante, p29 Carrie Schreiner, p30 Lia Block; Race 3: p25 Carrie Schreiner, p30 Bianca Bustamante, p35 Lia Block

Aston Martin signed Jak Crawford as their junior driver after Red Bull let him go from their junior programme

Fred Vesti will be Mercedes' reserve driver in 2024 alongside Mick Schumacher

new electric junior series NXT Gen Cup was established

Other race series and events:

Lewis' Extreme E team x44 (and Chip Ganassi team) won't be a part of this years championship, it is also the series' last year before they change to Extreme H (standing for hydrogen)

Imola planned an event to commemorate the anniversary of passing of Senna and Ratzenberger

Netflix posted teaser and cover pics (or something?) for their latest season of DTS

From fans perspective:

Lewis posted a dump and also blessed us with Roscoe dump

it's George's birthday today

Charles partnered with Sofiane Pamart to release his first ep with 4 compositions: Focus, Heartbeat, Limitless and The Dream Continues

make sure to check out the new helmets drivers are presenting (personal opinion: Guanyu and Pierre have the best ones and I got a bit teary eyed over the fact that Charles added jb17 to the top of his helmet while keeping jules at the back of the helmet too)

Interesting stats and data:

McLaren will have 52 sponsors this season

in 2025 Ferrari will become only 2nd team in history (adfter Mercedes) to have both 7 times world champions on the team

Andretti knew their bid was rejected since December 2023 and still spoke to the media about their facilities and model car in the wind tunnel etc (not sure what exactly is the purpose but it's interesting nonetheless)

[lestappenwdc]

Jeddah unserious race overview part 2

6. Haas

Who would've thunk I would be putting Haas on number 6? Nico Hulkenberg is the only driver not from the top 5 teams from last race to score a point in this race. Partly thanks to Lance and mostly thanks to Kevin being a menace and then having no other choice but to help. Truly one of a kind racing experience.

A recap of Kevin's race just because I think it was fucking hilarious: first he almost hits Ollie like 3 times. Then he unleashes an act of terrorism on Alex Albon of all people, which gets him a 10 second penalty (kudos to whoever changed that rule btw it was about time penalties had an actual value) and then he overtakes Tsunoda off track which gets him ANOTHER 10 second penalty. At this point the team has (rightfully) completely given up on his race and is instead using him to create a 23 second (read that again, he created a 23 SECOND) gap so that his teammate would get a free pitstop. He did this by holding up 5 cars (or was it 6) with no DRS! A masterclass from the ranks of Albon in Canada if you ask me. Then he served his mega penalty and still ended up p12. And with all that he also got third runner up for driver of the day. The guy with the 20 second penalty. Exactly. Unhinged. Entertaining. This guy gets what f1 should be about. Hats down to Kevin Magnussen he may not be a great driver but he is an amazing Entertainer.

7. Williams

There was no steering wheel drama today thankfully. Alex almost got points. I would classify this race as a big success. Alex little Naughty!! In regards to kmag (see above, our protagonist) was hilarious again. Logan didn't crash. All in all they were good. Oh and I got to hear James speak on the broadcast. That was nice 🥰

8. RB

Really really dissapointing race for both of them. Yuki lost so many positions. At one point he was fighting with kmag the next moment he was 3 places down. I love Yuki but those were mistakes he made. Daniel... what can I say. Even with the mistakes he made Yuki still outperformed him. That's 4 for 4. No, I do not count last race as a Daniel win over Yuki. Because it was not. Both their performance was less than ideal today. I hope they improve cos this is not it.

Yuki did amazing in quali tho, credit where credit is due. Absolutely 💯.

9. Alpine

I had a feeling that an Alpine would be the first retirement of the season and here we are. I did not feel as bad about them this weekend as I did last weekend. I will consider that an improvement. It still is funny that everyone is quitting if this keeps going they will have no mechanics left. Who's gonna do their pitstops? I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Congrats to Ocon for an amazing drive.

10. Sauber

Girl, wtf happened to sauber? I know Zhou started last for no fault of his own and there was little he could do but, girl,,,, you're nowhere. Another long ass pitstop. It's like they're still learning how to do them. It's like it's a trial run. What? How? Why is Bottas so slow? What is going on? I had so much hope. So much! And for what?

Part 1

[singsweetmelodies]

katiee, your lovely styria anon is making me have a breakdown over piarles races that are very significant to not only their careers but also to each other

like this makes me remember monza, they will always have monza! they're tied together, their names are inked next to each other in history and the fact monza is their favourite race win?? like it was the race pierre got to fulfill one of his biggest dreams, the biggest possible fuck you to rb & everyone that doubted him. for charles, it's the race where he got the meaning of belonging, the understanding of the true power of ferrari and tifosi, it's where he finally felt accepted and loved. monza is theirs individually but also theirs collectively, only they have felt true magic there

and in 2019, it was a hard weekend for pierre (with the press conference picture you reblogged, with still processing anthoine's death, with dealing with the true weight of him going back to toro rosso), but he was so happy for charles anyways? and in 2020, it was a hard weekend for charles, a ferrari double dnf in monza of all places in one of the worst years ferrari has ever lived through, and then it was a huge crash, even he said that it was big. for charles, whose first response is to always ask about the car or yell at himself, he was so shaken up that he couldn't stop saying that it was a huge hit. he would have had bruises for days and that idiot was so happy with pierre winning that he not only postponed his medical check up but also watched the podium. how many drivers except the ones on the podium, even watch it?? he also nearly threw off romain to hug pierre. charles is never happy unless he wins and he was GRINNING for him like he had won it himself

charles and pierre always continue to place their friendship over everything else, they keep choosing each other every single time because they know what they have, even platonic, is something special, is something they'll never have with someone else. it's just them against the world, against every other person

they've been each other's number one constant their whole lives (i would have said este too but with the ups and downs in their relationship, i don't think he's a constant the way charles is) and now they share such a huge thing.

I can see them keep coming to visit monza again and again together, even when they've both retired (even if they have failed to recognise that they're soulmates in more than just the romantic sense hehe)

monza is theirs, they've made it theirs, and nobody can ever take it from them.

ahhhh, HIIII my lovely monza anon, and sorry for being the most distractible person in the world and only getting to this reply now 🙈🙈 but omg. THIS!! every word you have said here makes me ‼️ in the best way possible.

like. their names forever being inked together in history at monza... find me flat on the FLOOR omg. it always makes me think of that one interview where pierre is talking about them watching f1 on charles' couch and dreaming about making it one day, but knowing how small the odds are. but now they're HERE!! those two little dreamers are here, they made it, and they made it together, and monza will always be a reflection and an irrefutable proof of that. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

ALSO!! everything you said about them being happy for each other's monza wins despite everything is just... yes. yes yes YES. in both 2019 AND 2020, it would have been more than understandable if pierre and charles weren't visibly happy for each other/didn't go congratulate each other. but no. they literally said "no <3" and "he's my best friend" and celebrated each other as though they were the ones who had won. and i just. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. they just mean so much to each other, even if you put all shipping aside - their support and genuine joy for each other is just absolutely beautiful, and definitely something special in this sport.

and everything you said about them being constants for each other... gahhhh, go straight for my heart, why don't you? like. that is one of the things i love most about piarles. the history, the familiarity, the "of course i'll be there with you" of it all. it just makes me want to scream and cry and tear my hair out because THAT. that is what otps are made of. that is the epitome of childhood best friends to lovers and i just... AHHHHHHHHHHHHH ❤️❤️❤️

and as for that second-last paragraph of yours... you know, i feel like this is something that should become a fic. 20k slow burn best friends to lovers; them going to monza year after year and making it a tradition because "it's our place, pear. no matter what happens, it's ours" 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺❤️ and!!!! oh my GOD... i was just listening to the song walls by louis tomlinson earlier tonight, and. that lyric "for every question why, you were my because?" THAT. don't you think that would be the most perfect title for a piarles monza fic like this?! ‼️‼️‼️

... anyways. yes. well this answer got incredibly long and rambly, to the surprise of none 😅😅 but, monza anon, i love you so much and thank you so so very much for sending this amazing ask 😍❤️❤️❤️

[iwaasfairy]

Heyo Fairy!! I hope your day/night/evening/morning/afternoon is going amazingly, and that you never forget that you are that bitch! (Affectionate, obv) Seriously, I remember when I first started having these "darker" thoughts about characters and I was like 'What the fuck is wrong with me?' and then years later, I find your and Rhi's blog. Y'all let me realize that it's perfectly normal to think these things, even if those who don't, or deny that they do, think otherwise. So, seriously, thank you, y'all mean so, so, SO MUCH to me! Like big sisters that help me see there's nothing wrong with me, even if people I know irl would say "wtf?" 🥹

Ahhh, sorry, that was so fucking sappy! 🫣 I just wanted to ya know that it really does mean a lot to people like me, and your other followers, that y'all are brave enough to post the things you do despite all the little bitches that try and tear y'all down 🥹

... That was sappy again 🤦🏻‍♀️ y'know what, what the fuck ever, I'm just a soft person when it comes to emotions and shit, I'll deal with it 😤

That all being said, I can't belIEVE it took me this long to comment on 2 of Cups! Okay, so, when part 1, and 2, came out, I had no idea who Rin and Sae were. I didn't even know what Blue Lock was, just that it's a manga/anime. I was like oh, okay, cool! I read part one anyway, and was all like "... I gotta watch this. If the anime isn't out yet, I gotta watch it as soon as it DOES come out." (I'm an anime only, because I almost always give characters the exact same voice if I have nothing to go off of 😒 I struggle with it fr fr. anYWAY—) So, I don't... Think? I'd read part 2 yet, tbh I think I completely forgot about it, the memory is NOT good, I'm so sorry! So when the anime DID come out, I wasn't actually aware 😅 until they uploaded episode, like... 10? Or 11? Of the English Dub? AnywAY! THE POINT Is, I started watching because of things I've read, I was TIRED of looking up every single character when I read about them 😭 SO, I watched, got caught up to where it is now, and am waiting for the next episode, and you mention 2 of Cups part 3 is coming out, and I was like "oH SHIT, I REMEMBER READING PART 1!" So, I went back, read parts 1 and 2, absolutely ADORED them, despite the pain 🥹 Like, Rin's pining, but not wanting to do anything because of SAE, that little bitch, that won't admit he's the sAME and keeps being an AsS when Rea-chan and Rin are even remotely affectionate, AaAAAAHHHH! And I was so exCITED for part 3! And then part 3 came out, and... It absolutely bLEW MY IMAGINATION OUT OF THE PARK, LIKE!! !! I dunno, what I was expecting to happen, but I'm so happy it went the way it did! I mean, yeah, sure, it hURT, what with Sae continuing to be an ass, and RIn, poor rIN! Sweet baby, he's so! I can't even begin to espresso how in absolute awe I'm in of this mASTERPIECE! It keeps me up at night, thinking about it, and about what may happen next. Like, did Sae go back to, I think it was... Spain? Did he just go somewhere else for the time being, and he'll be back? Will Rin give in to his fantasies? Will he be soft and gentle if he does? Would he absolutely destroy Rea-chan with his roughness? Would he start off gentle, and then lose it?

So many questions, but I can wait to have them answered; I know you work incredibly hard, and that writing really takes time 🥰 PLUS, we can't have you not sleeping! The Queen of Fairies needs her sleep, she must rest and take care of herself 🥺 Love you much, take care!! 🥰

firST OF ALL,no yOURE THAT BITCH!!!! YOU ARE! YOU ARE! wtfFDSGD thIS IS SO FUCKING SWEET im gonna cry and scREam !!! ♡♡♡ yes iT is totally normal for you to thrive off of taboo, tIS ouR little bug brains,, and alSO IM MASTER OF SAP i doNT MIND YOU BEING SAPPY PLS THIS IS SO SWEEETTTTTT :/ makes me cry. i hope you know i see every like and rb and i get the dumbest fondest grin on my stupid face any time you're in my notifs, or def when you send an ask or a comment or anything i jUST mELT

and stOPPDbhFu MASTERpiECE i??FYFDyd pLS pls pls oml iM SO VERY VERY HAPPY you LIKED thE FIc and iM bery happy i decided to give myself room for a part 4 bc i think iLL need iT im just Too foND of thEm!! and YES oml manY quESTions right??? i! haven't figured them all out yet so i can't exactly tell you everything but i do know that Sae's still in Japan, he's not yet going back to Spain,, i think Sae just can't handle the idea of rea-chan being with Rin and a similar grudge against him,, and :))) heheh for the smut :))) we shall have to wait and see

[justuseyourwings]

I agree with this, don't get me wrong. Just wanted to add my opinion on some points made.

Why did they decide to put Nyck in that Alpha Tauri?

Anyone remember how RB tried to get Colton Herta a superlicence? There were so many discussions on this topic and they didn't wanna let it go, until all of a sudden Nyck came along and they gave the seat to him. Only shortly after it became public knowledge that DR wouldn't drive for McLaren in 2023... To me it's always looked like they just wanted to fill the seat at Alpha Tauri for the time being. All the talks that Danny would only be there for promotional purposes, that he wouldn't actually sit in the car and all... look how that turned out. They definitely had their plans and I feel like they've been laid out from the start.

It is indeed rather brutal how they treat Nyck in all this. I feel sad for him. He should have at least gotten the opportunity to drive his home race and be given a proper goodbye. But I wouldn't say I'm surprised, after all the comments from RBR during the last couple weeks. It was to be expected.

I do understand however why they put Danny Ric in the car rather than a new rookie. There's been a lot of rumors around Alpha Tauri's future and they do need to get better to satisfy the RB bosses. They need someone in the team with more experience, someone who can help develop the car. They still know "the old" DR and he might have found his mojo again during those last months at RB, so they need to try. They need to give him a shot, if not - why bring him back to the RB family at all?

Is it the right thing for DR to do? Who knows. He might fail or he might not. But I bet he chose that path as soon as he signed the contract in the first place. If he can really manage to outpace Yuki and surprise everyone, it doesn't really matter how bad the car is. RB will know what to do with those stats.

Let's be honest. Is there really a chance for Danny to land a spot at a top team again if he keeps on doing what he's doing right now? RB is the only team willing to give him another chance and he has to take it with both hands. He just has to.

As for next year... I doubt DR will drive the Alpha Tauri next year. There's no guarantee that he'll drive for Red Bull either. But what I've learnt from this immediate changes at Alpha Tauri and the talks and comments from both Helmut and Christian following up to this day, it's that Perez' seat for next year seems all but safe. Helmut himself said that they just don't have anyone in line to replace Checo. But what if they did? I don't believe for second that they wouldn't take their chances.

So the way I see it, Danny is supposed to help develop the Alpha Tauri and show them that he's still got it in him. If he can't, nothing will change for RB. They'll probably put Liam Lawson in that Alpha Tauri (or whatever it's called then) seat and all's well. But if DR can actually impress, I really wouldn't rule it out that he's promoted to RB next season.

Checo has still some time left to prove himself again, but they won't let his off days slide forever. Especially when the field gets bunched up next year.

Listen I’ve never totally understood why they decided to put Nyck in that Alpha Tauri nor why they created such a hype around it and why he went along with it while it put so much pressure on him. But if he really is fired with immediate effect.. that’s just brutal man. Like you steal his opportunity to at least properly enjoy his last race and idk I find it brutal to fire him while his home race, his dream race, is in three races. Like if you do want to fire him over the summer, at least give him that.

And not gonna lie I don’t understand the swap to Daniel at all. It’ll put him right back into the situation he came out off: a bad bad car, not number 1 in the team and at least another year that he’ll have to wait for a better seat. Cuz honestly if Checo ends up 2nd in the wdc? No way rbr will fire him prematurely, not unless Daniel manages to pull that AT into the points every fucking race. And I know a lot of people on here loveee Daniel but I don’t get why you’d put an even older driver than the one you’ve just fired in that team. Not while you have a very promising rookie in Liam Lawson. And yes Daniel has loads of experience but does AT really need more experience? Does that team need a new fight over who is gonna be the number 1 driver while Yuki has been doing amazing this year? Daniel isn’t gonna play second violin to Yuki and Yuki has earned his place in that team. And I don’t care that Daniel was a Redbull kid, he left Redbull and went to their direct competition. He hasn’t properly raced a Redbull in four and a half years, let alone an AT that’s fighting for the title of worst car on the grid. Maybe he’ll have more support than at mclaren but the car won’t be better, it’ll probably be worse.. and that has to convince the top teams he can race for them? That he’ll be a good investment? And please take a reality check if you honestly think Marko is gonna give him a contract with a guarantee of a rbr seat. Ain’t no way in hell Daniel will get that.

Anyways I think it wouldn’t be a good career move for Daniel. I think it’s better to stay checo’s direct competition by driving that simulator and doing the test to show he can keep up with him, than driving an AT and fighting with Magnussen of all people. Maybe the rest of this year in AT to show off his race craft could be something but Daniel and Redbull are kidding themselves if he drives an AT next year. Daniel cuz he’ll never get out of the AT and Redbull cuz they can’t call AT a junior team anymore if they keep putting people in the AT that aren’t Redbull rookies anymore

[double-diffuser]

where do you see seb and lewis' relationship going long-term in the daemon verse? what particularly inspired the choice of animals?

oooh this is a great question! I'm very fond of this verse, I'm hoping when work has eased off a bit I can get back to it, I want to spend a lot of time with it. Apologies now for the essay this became, there's a lot of rambling that you definitely didn't ask for.

In this verse I see them as nearly cosmically destined to be together. I think that's one of my favourite things about a lot of fic about them: the intimacy and genuine liking, the comfort in presence and the gentleness that's possible, even with the environment they're in.

I think events will roughly follow that of the real world, and I think because of that things proceed similarly - they skirt around each other for years, and Baku happens, and for some reason, against all expectations, this is the thing that finally breaches the last of the walls they had between them. But their job is literally to compete, to best each other, and as the season runs away from Seb, and Lewis basks in the victories he's earnt, after such a year as 2016, I can't help but think they'd both be too raw.

I think the fact that while Seb's been contending with his feelings and the strange cocktail of his run of glory at rb, with everyone saying he would be next to get the 7 after Michael - to beat him - to then years of bittersweet in the face of Lewis really doing it, he's had time to really think about it, consider his feelings and their implications. Lewis hasn't, Seb's been as much of a friend as he could be through all their shared series and seasons, but the depth of any feeling has been carefully hidden, and the natural separation that comes from being in the two teams pitted against each other, and having a really toxic breakdown in communication with someone who used to be your best friend, perfectly seals it. There's so much vulnerability that Baku brings about.

It takes some time though - it has to. From a quick check, 2018 is when I estimated they first truly admit their feelings to one another. I think Lewis has gone on a real voyage of discovery. I really want to write about that and do it justice.

All this is to say: long term is interesting. If you think about it, it's not just the two of them, it's the four of them. There are more personalities at play, even though Seb-Lucilla and Lewis-Tanja are two wholes. But I can't see them as being anything but together. And I think at that point, Monaco maybe starts to lose its appeal to Lewis, or maybe it begins before then. I envisage them bundled up during mountainous winters in Thurgau, pursuing their loves, and being enriched by each other's passions.

In terms of daemons, I know that Seb's came to me first, in fact I think it's what inspired me. And then I was trying to work out Lewis' and Charles'. I think in the end Lewis' was most difficult. I've seen a few takes of Lewis' being a bulldog, but for me personally, it didn't properly fit? I came upon foxes while thinking about drivers, the kind of mindsets they have, the personalities, opinions, and those of the people around them when they were young, and thus how this might have coloured their development too. I want to explore it more because I love the world building in this verse, it's really been fun!

While doing some early on I came to the realisation that there would be a preponderance for medium sized predators, especially land-based ones. This fit with the lynx idea already, and then after a few days of thinking the fox fell in. They both compete for the same prey, as it turns out, and can threaten each other in the wild. They're intelligent, especially the fox, which also forms strong family units. They have differences in adaptability though, as it turns out - hence why the red fox thrives, but the lynx has been very much threatened and nearly became extinct by 2000. I didn't actually know the latter two things while writing, and it's weird how they just kinda felt right beforehand?

There's also the catty nature Seb can have, and he's not meek either, definitely self-assured in a way that originates from within himself rather than external. Foxes have conflicting presentations throughout history and in different cultures, sometimes having negative connotations, other times spoken of as wise, faithful, and loyal. They run the full gamut of characterisation, which reminds me of a person embracing all aspects of themselves, including their past mistakes. If anyone does that, it's Lewis.

[nulltune]

&&. ‎@igniferous is not safe from the besties

i didn't rb a meme and u didn't send me anything but i love and just wanted to fill this out fot them okok <3

texts the other memes at 3 am: hakuno!!!! but very out of context and very likely to be cats. wolf would probably be like "wtf is this". would like to think that infects him a lil bit tho! and the next time he sees a meme he's just -squints eyes- -tentatively sends to the moon menace girl- (wolf vc this is what she calls a "meem" isn't it 🤨)

tries to convince the other to do an idea that definitely sounds questionable: hakuno: "hey wouldn't it be fun if we-" wolf: "no." (she manages to drag him into it anyway)

is the designated driver and who always gets wasted: don't think neither of them would ever be Wasted(TM) but hakuno doesn't enjoy drinking so she'd appoint herself designated driver. i just imagine chilly drunk wolf in the passenger seat telling her some story while hakuno is :| but listening attentively actually. seems fine and dandy except hakuno's not the best driver and with the way she's driving, you'd think they're from gta pulling the biggest bank heist in the world (hakuno: this is a nice podcast -bounces up from speedbump but it unbothered bc she's too short to hit the car roof- -she would've gotten a concussion if she did-) (wolf: SVFKSG ok anyway- it was 428472 years ago when FEKGJSJFKSJFKDKFJ)

always has to host the impromptu sleepover: ok but i'm thinking wolf........ because hakuno would come over and wooooh oh hey it's real hecking late now! she's fine with going back herself (even though she's homeless actually) but hold on wolf's not gonna let her go into the dead of the night like that-- it's dangerous 😤 who’s netflix account gets mooched off of: don't think either would have one but!! i imagine hakuno talking abt it (unable to buy it tho bc she's penniless 😔 /hj) every now and then and wolf ends up getting one some day. he doesn't say it but hakuno sees that there's an account with her name on it already and she's just :0 !!

brings all the snacks and who supplies the movie: hakuno would split the work between em! it's funner that say, she thinks (hakuno: nod nod.) so if she brings the snacks, he supplies the movie, and vice versa. it'd be so funny tho because it'd rlly show the difference between poor simple girl hakuno and rich boy wolf sjghdjg

is usually the first one to say sorry after a fight: 🤔 i don't think they'd ever get into a serious fight but maybe wolf. .. after he says it hakuno's like "...we were fighting?"  Σ(°ロ°)

is the ‘ mom friend ‘: WOLFF ok hear me out!!! i just think he'd be like those seemingly very strict but actually caring mothers okok. also hakuno's good at taking care of others but not herself so, yes. wolf pls look after ur bestie thank uuu

calls the other at 12 am to wish the other a happy birthday without fail: hakuno and she'd be so extra p l s ...... tosses pebbles at his window (if he has one) to get his attention and then starts singing happy birthday with the most flat voice everrrr. bonus: you know that one scene in kungfu panda 2? where po's yelling to shen but he's so far away shen can't hear him? if that happens with them i just know hakuno's chaotic enough to start climbing the damn walls to get to wolf 😭😭 (hakuno vc it's faster-)

is the better wingman to the other: somehow i feel like they both could be a real good wingman for each other :chinhands: it'd make for an interesting scenario tho!! i think it'd be vvv fun to explore >:3

‘ the strong must protect the sweet ‘ , who’s the ‘ strong ‘ and who’s the ‘ sweet ‘: hakuno can kick ass so i think she might just be the strong in that aspect (tho i think wolf is pog at magic!!! iirc!) (...wolf teaching hakuno magic when? 🧐) but she doesn't choose violence okok-- she's the strong that encourages wolf to show more of his sweet side 😌

pulls the other up for karaoke to sing a duet together: wolf with a very big sigh after hakuno's continuous and not so subtle hints for him to sing ("do you want the next song?" "there's no need to be shy" "oh, this song seems like it'd be fun. want to try?") but it comes with the condition that she sings with him !! hakuno chooses drop pop candy and if wolf feels like he might die from embarrassment i would not blame him!

[emluvsevermore]

Him (40’s stucky)

{ rb is great, but do not repost somewhere else without credit to me. do not steal my work }

originally posted on Wattpad. you can find my whole collection of stucky one-shots there. username is @/thatenbywitch107

wc: 1,437

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"I'll be back," Bucky said, ruffling Steve's hair. "Don't worry."

"Bucky, it's war. I have a right to worry."

The newly drafted soldier tried to fake a smile, but his boyfriend saw right through it. Luckily, he had the perfect thing to cheer him up.

Steve pulled a small metal object out of his pocket. He held it out to Bucky, who took it.

"What's this?" he said, inspecting it. It was a seemingly blank dog tag, save for three symbols pressed into the metal: S + B.

"Do you like it? I figured a picture of me would be too risky, and this way, you can make up any girls name that starts with S—,"

He was cut off by Bucky crushing him in a hug. Steve tried to hold the tears back but gave up when he heard Bucky sniffling. They held each other as they broke down. Bucky pressed his nose into Steve's hair, eyes squeezed shut. He hated crying, but it was an almost inevitable action. In a few minutes, he would be leaving the best part of his life behind to fend for himself in a city full of danger and disease. Meanwhile, he would be off fighting in a war that he didn't actually want to fight, with a slim chance of returning.

"Bucky... you need to go."

He shook his head profusely. "No..."

"Buck," Steve's voice cracked. "I'll be okay."

The brunette shook with emotion, but slowly pulled out of the embrace. He tucked the tag into his front pocket before turning back to Steve. He held his face in his hands. The couple shared a kiss mixed with salty tears.

Bucky pulled away only slightly, so that their lips still brushed when he spoke. "I love you, Stevie."

"I love you, too, Bucky."

///

He tucked behind a tree. Knowing his chances of survival were close to none, Bucky pulled out the dog tags that were tucked beneath his uniform. He ran his fingers over the extra tag on the chain, feeling the gentle bumps of the 'S + B'.

A bullet flew by, mere inches from Bucky's ear. He aimed his gun, but another soldier in his unit put a hand on his arm and shook his head.

"It's not worth it, Barnes. We're surrounded."

Hesitantly, Bucky lowered his gun to the ground. He held up his hands in surrender, as did the remaining soldiers of the 107th.

///

He was tossed into a dark, muddy cell with several of his comrades.

"We'll get out of here, men. Don't worry," Bucky said, trying his best to be a leader. He clutched the dog tags in his hand.

Yet months went by, and one by one, the men were dragged off. They never returned. Bucky spent his time reading and re-reading the words and numbers on his tags, spending extra time on the one from Steve.

This went on until one day, a German soldier approached the cell. He looked around until he landed on Bucky. He pointed. "You. Up."

///

When Bucky awoke, he was cold and in pain. He tried to sit up, but a strap over his chest and arms pinned him down.

Looking around him, he found that he was in a lab room of some sort. It was dark, so he couldn't make out much, but he seemed to be alone. That didn't last long.

A door clanged open, and three men walked in. Bucky didn't recognize any of them. They spoke amongst each other in German, before one walked up to the table that Bucky laid on. He was a rather short, middle-aged man, with round glasses.

"Trial number 310," he spoke in a thick accent, reading off of a clipboard. "James Buchanan Barnes, 26. Good history of health. Let's hope this one works."

He squinted when a bright lamp above the table was switched on. Before he could realize what was happening, a needle was pressed into his foremen. Within two minutes, he was passed out.

Apparently, "this one" did work, because Bucky remained on that table for another two weeks. At various points in the day, he was poked, prodded, and injected. They didn't always put him under for the tests. When those times came, Bucky forced himself to remember, despite the hunger and pain eating away at him. He ran through what he had memorized; his ID numbers, his full name, his station. Most importantly, he remembered Steve.

Steven Grant Rogers. 25, born and raised in Brooklyn. The best damn artist I've ever known. My boyfriend.

Steven Rogers. Brooklyn. Artist. Boyfriend.

Steve. Artist. Boyfriend.

Steve. Boyfriend.

Steve.

Steve?

///

He mumbled the codes. He had long since forgotten what they meant, but he knew they were important.

S. That one letter rang out in his mind, but he didn't know why.

The metal door swung open once again.

No. No, not again, he thought. One more round and I'll forget him completely. S- Steph? Sam?

But his confusion shifted when he saw the man that approached the table this time. He was different, but familiar.

That's not him, is it? No, it can't be—

"Bucky?"

Oh, shit, it's him.

"S- Steve? Steve."

The blond undid the straps and helped Bucky off the table. He took in his boyfriend, although he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

Steve spoke first. "I thought you were dead."

"I thought you were smaller."

The world was at war around them, but the reunited couple stood there, smiling like twitterpated idiots.

"Steve," Bucky cried as he collapsed into his boyfriend's impressive biceps. What the hell happened to the skinny kid he had left behind?

"I've got you, Buck. I'm here." Steve pressed a kiss to Bucky's forehead. "Can you walk?"

"Um—,"

Steve scooped him up anyways. "We need to go."

He ran out of the room with his exhausted boyfriend in his arms. Bucky rested his head against Steve's chest.

"I missed you, Stevie."

Steve glanced down, his expression warm and full of emotion. "I missed you, too, Bucky."

He kissed his forehead once more before continuing at full speed out of the building, and back into the battle.

///

*One week later*

Side by side, they walked into the base. There was applause was the other soldiers realized what was going on.

Agent Carter and Colonel Phillips approached them. As Steve filled them in, Bucky glanced around. Something about the cheering bothered Bucky. None of these men gave a damn about Steve before he got all big and strong. And then all of the sudden, he was a celebrity.

"Hey!" he yelled. "Let's hear it for Captain America!"

And there it was, even louder this time. This support was for Captain America, not Steve Rogers.

Bucky stepped forward so that he was right next to Steve. He took his hand, causing Steve to turn his attention back to him. They shared an affectionate smile.

///

Later that day, Steve and Bucky were alone in a private cabin. Steve had explained their relationship to Peggy and she had sorted it all out.

They sat on the couch in their favorite cuddling position, with one straddling the other, arms wrapped around each other. Except this time, their usual roles were swapped. For one, Bucky was now smaller than Steve, so it made more sense. Two, Bucky needed a little extra comfort. It had only been a week since he got out of the torturous room.

So, Bucky sat on Steve's lap with his face nestled in his neck. They were both exhausted, so Bucky simply placed slow, lazy kisses on Steve's soft skin. In return, Steve traced his fingers up and down Bucky's back.

"How are you feeling, doll?" Steve asked.

"Like I just came back from hell." They were quiet for a moment. "Steve?"

"Mhm?"

"I just want you to know, that you're the most important person in my life. I don't think I would've survived back there if I didn't have thoughts of you keeping me alive. You're a hero to the whole country now. I don't know exactly what this means for us, but I do know that... that even before, when you were skinny little Steve... you were my hero. I don't think I tell you often enough how much I appreciate you."

Steve hugged Bucky even tighter. "I won't let anything happen to you again, or to us. I'm with you till the end of the line."

[british-bombs]

( TO BEAT THE DEVIL ) An introduction.

FORMAT: teleplay / novel

GENRE: horror, coming of age

LOGLINE: An interning demon drives a pair of twins cursed with obedience and honesty to kill their cult leader.

THEMES: Trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, victim blaming (particularly self blame), peer pressure, redemption, internalized homophobia, and religion.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Sexual abuse, violence, domestic and otherwise, manipulation, and death

EXTENDED SUMMARY, CHARACTERS, EXCERPT AND NOTES:

Carmine can taste it. They're hiding something. Humans have such a silly smell about them, turns an overwhelming shade of sweet when they've made a demonic deal. All four of these children have. He just can't figure out what, and more importantly: why.

It keeps him on the surface longer than he should be. Long enough that Lilith sees it fit to send him a fucking trainee? And if that wasn't insult enough, the trainees one of the eternal teenage know-it-alls.

He's already got four annoying toddlers to trail, and now there's one tugging his hand in the new generation's approach to soul-catching like Carmine isn't one of the best employees they've had since the turn of the century.

And somehow, to make it all worse, the trainee is good at it. And if Carmine wants to keep his spot at the top of the food chain, he's going to have to get the soul of that dumb bitch who's running the joint.

But, of course, the kid gets him murdered??? And then has the nerve to figure out how what those toddlers managed to stick their syrupy, grubby little hands in. What gives?

But two can play at that game. If he can't get the dead guy's, then he can have the next best thing.

Jesse has lived just under seventeen years, but he's ready to check out. Or he was. But of course, some selfish bastard had to come along and say you can't ever act on those thoughts again! Don't think like that!

And then the hole kept getting deeper.

Six feet deep, to be exact. He's got blood on his hands and no matter how fucking good it felt to cut off the air supply to the God who stole his innocence, it's probably not going to feel very good to watch his mom suffer through a highly publicized trial with headlines like CHILD MURDERS HIGH PROFILE BENEFACTOR!!!

Oh. Well. Billy did say if he really got in that deep, he could always strike up a deal. His soul, everything wrapped up in a nice little bow, sweet as Easter Sunday. But until then? Yeah, he's content to live in a stupid fucking Sherlock Holmes novel.

CHARACTERS:

JESSE NIX: A soon-to-be seventeen-year-old saddled with the curse of obedience. Unlike miss-lucky-Ella-Enchanted, he wasn't told to give away his mommy's locket. No-siree. He was told to give away his virginity. In his opinion, the only appropriate payback is a life. Maybe, one day, if he really snaps, he'll dig up Pastor Dallin's corpse and chop his dick off. Really stick it to the man. If he doesn't go to prison first, anyway. (spotify playlist)

NANCY NIX: Also a soon-to-be-seventeen-year-old, though saddled with the curse of honesty. It's really not so bad. That is, until she stumbles across the sight of her dearest little brother covered in blood for no reason he can push through his metal braces. She refuses to believe he did it on purpose. If only she could convince the cops without sounding like a nutjob. (spotify playlist)

BEVERLY PINES: A seventeen-year-old cursed to feel the pain of those around her. It makes for some fun family dinners with a sadistic mom and a missing dad. Distance nulls pain, but she can't ever seem to make it past state lines before her mom gets wise and breaks one of her ribs. Oh, well. She's got a bone to pick with psychos like her mom. Apparently, Pastor Dallin was one of them. She doesn't think she could stomach the pain of killing someone, so next best thing, right? (spotify playlist)

CLARICE ANDERMANN: Also a seventeen-year-old cursed to be constantly in motion. It's honestly not that bad. She's Yale bound! Perks of having endless energy for everything to cheerleading to debate contests, though she can't imagine her heart's going to keep up like this. It's already hanging on by a thread. That thread is named Beverly Pines and like hell she's letting it go to prison for nothing. (spotify playlist)

BILLY: An annoying fuck trapped in a seventeen-year-old's body. No curses. The opposite, in fact - blessed with a silver tongue and a keen sense of deduction. It takes him all of two hours to put together (almost) everything about Jesse Nix. He just didn't think he could push the repressed little fuck to murder that quick. (All the more power to him, though. Prison always makes people desperate and paranoid, AKA: an easy mark.) (spotify playlist)

MAVIS EVANGELISTA: Former housewife turned grieving widow turned revered prophet. If she got a little help from someone downstairs, then who's to know? They love her all the same. Now, she really, really wants to see how far she can push them all. (spotify playlist)

CARMINE: Just a helpful guy, passing through. Really doesn't need anything, just a little pledge, is all! And then? Then, you can have everything you want, fame, money, power, love. The sky is your limit. The water's fine! (Ignore the piranhas, they'll wait till you're dead to eat your face, just a little bit.) (spotify playlist)

NOTES:

- all of these characters have equal importance within the story.

- personal tag system for story stuff is '#tbtd' and character tags are just first name (ex: '#jesse')

- this is kind of really fucked up. the only reason i wrote it was cause i was thinking damn ella enchanted really is NOT fucked up enough. like i don't think the author of ella enchanted went dark enough. a locket? that's it? a bitch move. i'm taking it to straight murder and sexual abuse

- jesse transgender, no character straight except evil people

- i'm not entirely sure how tag lists work but i think i get the gist of them?? idk if you want rb or ask or something </3

EXCERPT:

There were moments, where she was reminded just how different this voice was, how violent.

She had found Lynette, making off with her makeup that she’d spent her own allowance on. Mavis doted on her and, from what she’d seen of other families, everyone else looked upon their little siblings with contempt, despising the burden they dragged along with their existence.

But Mavis adored Lyn. When she'd been born, her mother had come home with a tiny thing bundled in pink fleece. Mavis had taken to Lyn on sight, thinking Lynette’s headband adorned with a baby blue bow was the universe’s way of telling her happy birthday! as reparations for the ones her mother had missed while she was enduring her week long stay at the hospital.

But that mindset was a disease, one that had finally caught up with her. Had Lynette not become her burden? She was nineteen, busting her back day and night so Lynette wouldn’t have to, that she might avoid the life that Mavis had lived in those blissful six years where it was her and her alone.

Had her mother not tampered down her birthday celebrations since Lynette’s was so very close and they couldn’t afford double anyway? Had Lynette not deprived her of the teenage experiences she heard her classmates speak of, going out and tasting alcohol for the first time while Mavis followed a ten year old Lynette house to house so she could complain of a stomach ache after she’d devoured all the candy on the walk back home?

And now this! Stealing her few precious items, the few things she bothered to save up for, few things she bothered to keep hidden. For what? It wasn’t as though she was ever going to have the courage to ask a peer of her’s out. She was a thief.

One Mavis had made the mistake of taking care of. She should’ve embraced those stirrings of resentment, should’ve left Lynette to her own devices since Lynette didn’t appreciate anything, or even half of what Mavis afforded her. She should’ve left her out in the cold that Christmas. How could anyone have known? It wasn’t as though corpses could talk--

She had let Lyn take off with the whole case, as if to remind herself when she woke up the next morning what she had considered, how vile the thought was.

Lyn had never done anything unforgivable to Mavis. Mavis didn’t suppose she ever could. It was no fault of Lyn’s she didn’t understand what it was like to live with their father. How could she? It was a topic off limits to Lyn by both Mavis and their mother. After all, a child born blind doesn’t know until it’s pointed out to them.

And yet, she found guilt hard to summon. She did, but the speed at which it came, the strength, made her uneasy. What had happened to the girl she was? Lyn had been her world. What had changed?

Then, dully, that other voice, entirely of its own volition, said You did.

[theroleofimagination]

Tabbi is back! :-D Even found a stream here in germany. And I'm really sorry you lost. Thought Arsenal had really nice chances especially in the first half. Was a little bit surprised he played Tabbi as forward (that's probably normally Viv's pos?) Was a little worried that Leo and Tabbi are fighting for the same pos. (at least they both played rb in the nt) But this is preseason for you, too, right? Wishing you and your team all the best for next season! Your Turbine-fan

Not so bad that they lost, it is their first preseason match and they don't have the whole team back yet. Even some of those who played, like Maier, only had a few days with the team. I expect as they get more time together (and get the other players in) they'll start clicking properly again.

It was great to see Tabbi get the half - she was fab, really think they lost a lot when she went off. She's played all over the place in her career - her last couple of seasons at Turbine she played upfront didn't she? Was good to see her at CF, I'd expect Viv will play there most of the time but she's a good back up! Yeah, Leonie and Tabbi are probably competing for the same position but they both played in other positions too so they may be used around the field as they're needed, as a lot of the players are.

Really hoping she'll be fit for the season now and she'll be able to make an impact with the team.

[fossadeileonixv]

Milan 2 Fiorentina 1

Needed all 3pts...

...and somehow got all 3pts...

Back to regular programming here with some ratings and then a little commentary at the bottom.

TATARUSANU 6 One of his more shaky games which means most of us were sh*tting our pants when Fiorentina got near the 18yd box. BUT this will hopefully be the last time we see him aside from a Coppa clash

KALULU 7.5 Solid game and you could tell Pioli told him to get forward. Ended up moving back to CB once Thiaw was subbed out for Dest. Oh, and Milan locked him down until 2027. Couldn't be more deserved

THIAW 6.5 Only a 6.5 but not because he didn't play well (although 6.5 isn't a bad score), it's more because the rest of the team formation/playing style impacted my ability to gauge him. But looked promising again

TOMORI 6.5 We got 2022-23 season Tomori and not 2021-22 season...again. I hope he uses the break to rediscover his level of play. He's too good to be this inconsistent

HERNÁNDEZ 6.5 Needed to do more going forward but game plan and execution likely impacted and limited his effectiveness. Still, solid game

BENNACER 7 Solid again. Probably his best first half of the season if you ask me. Was as active and dominate as he's ever been but greatly reduced his bookings and absolutely took a physical beating

TONALI 7 Another solid outing. Him and Bennacer have been so good so far. I know some people have shared they miss Kessie and some of the things he did, but I don't. It doesn't mean Milan has filled those traits, it just means I think they've been able to compensate to where it's not the detriment some thought it would be

DIÁZ 6.5 Just an ok day for Brahim, which I blame on him being out on the RW. Still looked sure of himself while on the ball but the attack was so piss-poor on the day that none of the forward players played great IMO

KRUNIĆ 6 Provided next to nothing in all aspects of the game. Was invisible for me

LEÃO 7.5 Great opening goal but was just ok after that. Definitely should've had one more. I know he's not a striker but he needs to work on those quick reacting type of striker goals. Too often those go flying into the stands and today was no different (most likely a body posture type of thing. He should talk to Giroud)

GIROUD 7 Been much better when the ball comes to him and what do you know, a flick actually worked! He also worked hard in all areas and considering Milan's attacking plan was to boot long balls to him all game I think he did well to win as many as he could

subs

DEST 7 Nice re-emergence for Dest who we hadn't seen for the last couple of weeks. In fact, he's looked much better after that terrible Chelsea outing. Seems to be finding his confidence. Let's see how he looks after the WC

ORIGI 6 Not the best showing for him, which is on par for the first half of his first season with Milan. Very...meh. Does seem to have the tools though so just a matter of putting it all together

VRANCKS 6.5 I think he got robbed of a goal because I think that ball was on target. Otherwise, the kid looks to have a solid all-around game. Wouldn't mind seeing him steal some minutes from ol'King Krunic...

REBIĆ NA Why he only came in at the 86th minute is beyond me. Terrible decision by Pioli

coaching

PIOLI 3 Ugh. That was bad. I don't know what he was thinking. It's like he got what the issue was in the previous, well...*thinking*...the previous few games and fixed it in step 1 of midweek prep but then went on to step 2, when there wasn't really another lesson to be learned and instead regressed. His coaching decisions are part of my commentary for this post so let's dive into it below

THOUGHTS

I think the only person I'm more irritated at than Krunić is Pioli and that's because he keeps playing him. Why god, why?...

So, in the matchday post before the lineups were announced, I pontificated about starting Thiaw at CB and moving Kalulu to RB as this might give Pioli the best backline possible to fit his philosophy. Before we continue, yes I was eager to use the word, pontificated, in a sentence...

Anyway, my thinking was that since Pioli doesn't EVER want to change formations and tactics (except apparently when only fielding 4 regular starters), just plug and play players, then it's important to plug and play THE RIGHT players. Since Calabria got hurt, Pioli has been trying to figure out who to field in the back 4 while playing the same tactics. Kjaer and Gabbia have played well when called upon AND they have been a liability to the high pressure/high defensive line Pioli likes to run. Since Pioli doesn't want to abandon the high defensive line other concessions have to be made, in most cases by having Kalulu, while at RB, being asked to stay back to prevent the opponent from getting in behind. So, there is a resulting chain-reaction that occurs:

Kjaer/Gabbia in a CB -> Kalulu at RB but asked to stay back -> No RB offering overlapping runs and adding width -> RW is isolated so begins to drift inward to make himself available -> this crowds the middle of the pitch and allows the defense to stay compact -> compact defense means there's no room/lanes to make runs/pass/shoot -> no room means Tonali/Bennacer/CAM are crowded out by too many defenders -> CBs can't find an outlet so pass back to GK -> GK forced to kick 50/50 balls to the forwards hoping he can win the aerial duel or get a lucky bounce

Now imagine putting in Thiaw to help prevent that chain of events only to start Krunić at CAM and start a whole new sequence of events one step removed from the CBs but nonetheless as catastrophic to the attack as the other option. It's madness.

I know I spend a lot of time talking about this, or I have particularly this season, but this isn't all that complicated and I can't figure out why Pioli isn't getting this. There are very few world-beaters out there who can thrive regardless of formation or tactics or philosophy and Milan doesn't have any. So please Pioli, for the love of god, PLEASE stop playing guys grossly out of position. Krunić shouldn't be in the CAM role unless you're up late, the defense sits back deeper, and the CAM essentially turns into one of the middle defenders in a 4-4-2/4-5-1 type of defensive formation. He cannot be in the position of a high pressing/high defensive line attack who is unable to facilitate the offense by receiving and turning with the ball OR making himself available in and around the 18yd box.

I was going to post some screenshots of average position and some heatmaps but it was just pissing me off even more (😂) but, if you're interested hop on the web and check out WhoScored or any site including Serie A that has post-match summaries and data/stats. It's right there and not difficult to see. These mistakes are jeopardizing the integrity of the formation and is making everything more difficult. So frustrating...

Finally

Not quite through the first half of the league season and Milan sitting in 2nd place and into the knockouts in Champions League is a solid place to be even though 8pts back of leaders Napoli is far from ideal. But, World Cup break is here and lots can change between now and when the league kicks off again in early January 2023. Form can change, injured players can return (while hopefully minimizing injuries between now and then for all players, not just those participating in the WC), not to mention the opening of the winter mercato.

We'll be posting stuff between now and the new year and we are also hoping to get a new site off the ground and ready by that time as well, so stay tuned on that front.

Anyway, what do you guys think, about this Fiorentina match, the first half of the season/before the WC break performance, or really anything that comes to mind? Let us know below.

Forza Milan

[norman-ratri-truther]

please do tell about theme parks I want to learn more but trying to find info on them seems to get me either clickbait nonsense or creepypasta nonsense

hi !! :D sorry this took so long to respond I was a lil busy when I first saw this, also I'm one of those people who eagerly wait for an opportunity to talk abt their fave interests then when asked/presented with an opportunity my mind just goes completely blank and its like I have to relearn everything lmao

also this ended up being VERY long so sorry if u just wanted a tiny bit of info lol

but anyway! if ur interested in rollercoaster/theme park stuff that isn't clickbait I recommend looking at the coasterforce channel on youtube they've got tons of really high quality and quantity of rollercoaster videos! it's all like onride/offride pov type videos though which are perfect for if u can't afford to actually go and ride tons of coasters, u get to look at the rides from a first person pov and whilst the experience is very different it's still fun

as for ones that actually talk about rollercoasters I don't watch those as much lately but "Theme Park Crazy" has always been one I've liked to watch from time to time :D their content can sometimes come off as a bit clickbait-looking on occasion but there is genuine knowledge and information in the actual videos! its mostly top tens and stuff

as for my favourite coasters/rides/parks I've actually been to unfortunately I haven't been to many (and a lot of them are like, local ones that I don't want to say in case I give away my location) but probably the most intense one I've been on that I really enjoyed was the "Furius Baco" in PortAventura Spain, its the third fastest in europe (135 km/h) and its super fast it really scared me when I went on it lol, the videos of the ride do not do it justice its way faster in person. This was actually the coaster that basically started my interest in rollercoasters !! I remember when I went on it the second I arrived back at my apartment I just started binge watching rollercoaster videos like all night long

also the number one fastest in europe as well a the tallest is actually very close to that one ! it's in a seperate park thats like right next to it because its part of the PortAventura resort, I didn't go on it because you had to pay more money to get into that park but I remember seeing it in the carpark and its VERY tall, it's called the Red Force and its 112 metres high and has a top speed of 180 km/h !! the number one tallest in the world is one thats really similar to that just even taller is the Kingda Ka in Six Flags Great Adventure, I've always wanted to go on it (even though it would scare the actual hell out of me) its 139 metres tall. in 2009 it got struck by lightning and had to close for a few months. It actually used to be the fastest too for a few years until the Formula Rossa opened,

The Kingda ka remained the tallest, but it's the fastest in the world and has been for over a decade, its in the United Arab Emirates at Ferrariworld Ahu Dhabi, it's also like the 6th in the world in length, its not too tall but it's so fast that you literally are required to wear goggles on the ride (this is also because of the frequent sandstorms in the area)

also if ur ever planning to go to a theme park, whilst it's kind of hard to recommend them because idk what area ur in ofc but if you're a thrillseeker/wanting to ride intense high adrenaline rides then Six Flags (27 parks cacross America, Canada and Mexico) usually has a lot of thrill rides, if you prefer the more chill and scenic rides that focus a lot on the theming of the ride then Disneyland (12 parks in various countries, I've been to the Paris one when I was super young) it has a lot of awesome ones that have rlly great looking scenery (as well as some thrill rides! I'd love to go on the tower of terror one day)

thats kinda it, I've probably forgotten a lot of my favourite bits of knowledge and fun facts so I might edit/rb this with more stuff or not this was already a lot longer than I expected it being lol

also I'm a bit tired so there might be some slightly inaccurate info at parts if so im srry