#niki x marlene

[lil-ol-shipper]

It’s canon that Niki is not good at romance or portraying himself like a "normal" husband. But there are things Marlene notices that he does to show that he cares:

He always makes her favorite foods. Even when he fails miserably or he dislikes said food. Ex: mushrooms. Marlene is a mushroom girly and Niki hates them.

Niki always drives and always opens the car door for her. Not that he doesn't trust her to drive, he believes that his woman shouldn't have to worry about driving. Especially when she's married to a Formula 1 driver.

Niki can get protective and vice versa for the famous couple, especially after Niki's accident. It's the little subtle gestures he makes in public, being a celebrity can be very dangerous. Ex: hand on the back when escorting her everywhere, whenever they walk alongside the track Niki puts himself between her and the road/cars, being protective at the after parties or the press conferences. He never takes his eyes off of her.

Slowly Niki has gotten better at remembering their anniversary date. The first time he forgot, a week later he came to her workplace holding flowers and wearing the brown suede blazer she loved. The second time, he took her out to a fancy restaurant and told her to order whatever she wanted. The last time he didn't give her expensive gifts, take her out for dinner, or try making up for it. The last time it was Marlene who forgot and Niki was the one who remembered.

Niki tries every chance he gets to make her laugh. One time Niki made her laugh while they were eating. Usually, Niki is the one who's taken away with work so these dinners together were very rare. When he made a joke about a certain British Formula 1 playboy, Marlene had laughed so hard that the wine she was drinking came out of her nose.

Bonus Marlene tidbit: Marlene's love language is acts of service/gift giving. Platonicly and romantically. She loves taking care of Niki as well as her friends and family. For James' birthday, she had ordered a special (very expensive) whiskey and a new drink cart for his collection of assorted fine wines and bourbons. It was difficult for Niki to adapt to someone taking care of him. He grew up independent, most of his previous relationships never lasted long for various reasons for him to get close enough. Marlene snuck her way in and broke down his walls. For that reason he had learned to accept what Marlene wants, she gets.

[ask-missparker]

The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing | Wandavision 60s blurb 📞

Pairings: Wanda x Vision, Nikolai x Amelia, Marlene x Melissa

Extra characters mentioned: Agnes, Herb, Ji-Hoon, Norm

Summary: A nice day in WestView isn’t it, neighbor? Just a nice day for a talent show in the park.

Click here to read them in the 50s episode

———

“Why are we doing this again?” He yelled from across the room.

“Because it is our neighborhood duty to participate.” She called back.

“And who’s brilliant idea was that?”

“Yours!”

“WAS I DRUNK WHEN I SUGGESTED THAT?”

She looked up with doe eyes shaking her head and said, “No. You were your normal amount of drunk when you came and suggested it.”

“Oh.” He repiled looking surprised for a moment and turned back on track, “Well I’m not going.”

As he turned on his heels, she yelled, “They are serving free drinks and well made sandwiches.”

He stopped his tracks, amused by the latest news and began walking backwards, “What I meant to say was I’m not going without a quick shower to fresh up.”

She smiled and winked at the camera with a shrug. She crossed her eyes, “How about we did a little dance at the talent show tonight as well?”

He yelled from that bathroom, “Only if you wear that sassy little number that make your eyes pop and fit you in all the right places!”

“Now you sound like yourself.”

“Wouldn’t be if I wasn’t!”

“And it’s for the children.”

“We already got one, who needs more?”

“Niky!”

“I love you too!”

~~~~

At the town meeting, Nikolai was sitting down near the round table stuffing his face with a donut half listening to what Ji-Hoon saying as Marlene muttered his ear to share the food.

Herb was talking about the Jesters new playground in the front yard and how they should all invest in their lawns looking just as good.

That’s when Vision walked in standing all awkward and said, “I’ll just stay here and be as quiet as a church mouse.”

Nikolai yelped pulling up a chair, “Nonsense man, come sit! More the merrier. Maybe you can make the place more interesting. Uh, no offense Norm.”

He muttered, “None taken.”

Marlene snorted at the comment, handing Vision a box of doughnuts in which Nikolai stole from his grasp.

She rolled her eyes instead passing around sandwiches and said, “You’ll love them. My wife made ‘em this morning.”

Vision kindly denied, “Oh no thank you. I don’t eat food.”

“Uh what?”

“..uhh what I meant to say is that I don’t eat food inbetween meals, but at meal time. I’m a regular eating machine.”

“Well more for-“ Ji-Hoon exclaimed about to put them a little to-go box for later but Marlene slapped his hand away, “-ow!”

“No more! Then you won’t be able to fit into your pants later.” Marlene respones scowled at him then turning back to Vision, “Would you like a stick of gum instead?”

Norm was about to say ‘is gum even food’ but one glare from Marlene shut the man up. Vision shrugged saying it couldn’t hurt and took a stick of gum from Herb which made him act kinda funny. They all assumed it was the flavor must’ve been different to his taste buds.

Nikolai and Herb smirked saying it would be great to have a game of horseshoe out back. Vision nodded excited which had Marlene and the others holding back their laughter.

~~~

The ladies however had an interest time at Dottie’s house. Amelia arrived somewhat easily carrying Milo in her arms as the the puppy playing patty cake with Geraldine. She thanked the women for keeping her company as they waited for the others. The girl said it was her pleasure to do so, she wasn’t sure why she came in the first place because she thought it would be more fun. Melissa arrived just in time, saying that her and her wife were having some exact fun that morning.

Both girls laughed.

Dottie looked around counting head and raised an eyebrow, “Uh Amelia right?”

“Hm?” She asked.

“Uh I don’t remember saying dogs could come.”

Melissa smirks as she added, “And I don’t remember you saying that florals were on the list today. I guess we’re both disappointed.”

Dottie looks down at her loud floral dress, flowers rounding her tables set up and the floral curtains. She groaned and walked away as if she was fuming. Melissa smirked to herself as Geraldine and Amelia giggled, they liked florals but this was overkill. Agnes, Wanda and the other ladies finally joined in. Her puppy was being treated well by the staff members there, which made her smile.

Dottie was discussing the incident and plans for today, reminded them that this whole show was for the children. In which the other ladies repeated in unison.

“Did I walk into a cult or something...” Marlene muttered to herself as Amelia snorted.

That earned a little smile from her other friends. Agnes was just drinking meanwhile Wanda was biting down on a cookie that she forgot what was happening.

She removed the cookie from her mouth to clap and repeat along, “For the children.”

Afterwards some ladies went to get ready for the show, but Amelia, Melissa and Wanda stayed behind to help clean up with Dottie.

“Thank you for helping us clean up today, we feel so lucky.” Wanda said with a smile, picking up plates.

“You are.” Dottie responded with a fake ass smile.

Melissa muttered, “I should’ve ran out when I had the chance.”

“You and me both.” Added Amelia with a smile.

The four of them wanted to correct the situation, trying to avoid any confusion and become friendly. Everything was going fine. Melissa was fixing fix up a few napkins hearing the girls speak when the radio started to turn into an oddly specific voice asking ‘Can you hear me, Wanda? Who’s doing this to you girls?’

Dottie got concerned asking who they are, in pure curiosity and shock the glass in her hand shattered as the radio returned back to normal. But she was bleeding a daring red as Amelia rushed over with some napkins to clear that mess up. Dottie was looking between both girls in confusion and slight embarrassment then calmly smiling like a perfectly good housewife should. Wanda stood there with no words coming out of her mouth as Melissa tried to defuse the situation.

“How do you know this much?” Dottie asked.

Amelia smiled, “Well, when your married for so long and had mishaps..you know when to stay calm..”

“Good. I’ll take care of this.”

“But you sure?”

“Do I look like I’m kidding?”

Dottie just walked away leaving the girls and Wanda to themselves wondering how uptight and strange the blonde could be. Amelia rushed over to see is the redhead was okay as Wanda nodded saying she was fine, having to get ready for the show.

———-

The show at the park was in full swing, as couples were in their fun acts. Marlene and her wife, Melissa, did a little balancing act for the whole crowd. Everyone clapped and cheered for their performance.

Ji-Hoon was hosting the show talent show dressed in his trademark suit, as Amelia and Nikolai were up next doing their best dance routine yet. The two dance Jailhouse Rock on the stage, doing swings, kicks and twirls. Their footwork was excellent in their eyes, having the whole stage be their dance floor.

They finished off the dance with Nikolai dipping Amelia’s head with a classic grin and wink to the audience. She giggled and smiled across the crowd as they clapped loving their performance.

It didn’t matter if they won, they could all tell the couple had way too much fun. But winning would be nice of course.

The two raced off the stage watching Wanda and Vision getting ready. Amelia noticed that Vision looked like he was drunk, as she muttered if Nikolai had of them drink during their meeting. He just put a finger to his lips chuckled, when in reality he had no idea what happened to Vision.

But they got their answer once Wanda and Vision were performing on stage. It was honestly hilarious on their own magic act how silly Vision was out of the loop meanwhile Wanda was playfully showcasing their tricks.

Some of the crowd was confused, others were laughing meanwhile the whole time everyone was entertained piecing together the magic up.

Suddenly Vision walked off the stage and yelled, “Stand up, Shebert! Say hello to the crowd.”

Herbert stood up awkwardly, “Actually it’s Herbert..”

“Pipe down Sherbie and pick a card!”

Vision was fumbling around with his words, instructing Herbert to do as told. Afterward the tall blonde shuffled the cards then flipping one out with a confident expression.

“Is this your card?”

“Uh no.”

“I beg to differ.”

“No.”

“R-really?”

He threw the card over his shoulder and went to pick another one, as Hebert kept telling him, ‘no’. Vision made a grumping noise flipping across the card rapidly in front of the other man’s face repeatedly asking the same question.

All the cards went flying around the park until Vision held up the last one in frustration asking, “Is this your card?”

Herbert smiled, “It is!”

“It is what?!”

“It’s my card.”

Vision scoffed exclaiming, “Well pardon me, Herbert, have it back!” As he shoved the card onto his chest scrambling away and onto the stage saying he did the trick right. The crowd clapped and laughed.

Vision went on and on with tricks running around the stage like a maniac trying to get a hold of himself but failing. Marlene snorted as Melissa laughed. Poor Wanda had to deal with all of her husband’s mishap, covering it up with fake magic to go ahead his real magic act. Soon enough it was over.

Everyone clapped and cheered at their performance, as Ji-Hoon and Dottie called up all the acts to the stage for hand out awards. Everyone got a little ribbons or small trophies, but the real winner was Wanda and Vision. 

All that mattered is that everyone had fun!

——————

Marlene took Melissa on a walk along the park afterwards then home for a special little treat of their own. All Amelia knew that Melissa was blushing after something her wife said in her ear before they left, Nikolai snorted loudly knowing those two were gonna have fun. He decided to take his wife home where he was greeted by their growing puppy Milo was leaping into his lap the moment he sat down on the couch.

“Sometimes I think you love that little mutt more than me.” Amelia joked putting their small trophy on the coffee table before taking a seat beside them.

Nikolai was kissing Milo’s face who was licking and curling up against him ignoring his wife’s jokes as he smirked. That was tall tale sign that she was right about that. He then pressed a kiss to her face as she tried to scurry away.

“You got dog slobber on you!” She yelled giggling.

“Really?! Can you remove it?” He shouted jokingly, picking up Milo who licked her cheeks as well.

“Ahh! You boys will be the death of me!”

“Take it back!”

“No!”

Nikolai and Milo were attacking Amelia with kisses and doggie breath, as laughter and yelling echoed the room.

The two heard a small rumbling sound coming from outside the house, pausing to look outside the window to see thunder and lightning coming. Nikolai’s eyebrows furrowed for a moment sensing something in the air, as Amelia stayed curious onto the sudden weather conditions.

Which meant a short stormy night for them, but a cozy one. As the pair looked at one around their respective features gleamed in the only bright lights of the living room.

The room temperature dropped then rising again for a moment as a wave of shifting sparkles washed over their home. The streets started to brighten up in brighter shades as well.

Every single house was turning into actual color. It felt completely natural and refreshing to the eyes of everyone in town.

~~~~

Instead of black and white, they were all in color now.

~~~~~~~

————

—————

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed this addition to wonderful world of WandaVision. Anything you liked? Let me know 🎶

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @meiramel @gcthvile @rickb-chaos @gaminggirlsstuff @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @luna-d-marsh @rooster-84 @thecavalrywife @cherrysft and etc

[anerdquemoraaolado]

Quickest Marlene and Niki sketch just to say to @brigadeirolovatocute they're my new OTP

Really, more now than ever, "Through Marlene's eyes" is coming. (Don't worry I won't use that title it's just a joke)

[maria-chwan]

I'm watching Rush for the first time.

The scene featuring Niki and Marlene's honeymoon, where Niki says that happiness is a foe, that it weakens you and that suddenly you have something to lose. After that Marlene says that if happiness is a foe, then it's already too late. Then you have already lost.

I think that scene would be rewarding to interpret. However I'm going to watch this movie to the end first. Feel free to comment your thoughts on this scene if you have any

[f1yogurt]

Snapshot in the Fast Lane - Masterlist

70s Formula 1, Rush (2013)

AO3 Link

18+ explicit chapters are labeled with **

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Series Summary: You're a Formula One photographer in the golden age of the sport. Amidst all of the glamour, you find yourself attracted to one of the best drivers on the grid, Niki Lauda. The media portray him as a coldhearted bastard, although you see him as something more. Niki can't deny his own attraction to you, and it isn't long before the two of you are embarking on a controversial romance in the heart of the glamour, chaos, and danger of 70s F1.

more tags under the cut

Relationships: Niki Lauda x fem! photographer Reader

Characters: Niki Lauda, Reader, Clay Regazzoni, Heinz Prueller, James Hunt (Formula 1 RPF), Luca di Montezemelo, Ronnie Peterson (Formula 1 RPF), Emerson Fittipaldi, and more eventually

Tags: Formula 1, Formula One, 1970s, Action & Romance, Slow Burn, Awkward Flirting, First Dates, Marlene doesn't exist in this AU, Journalism, Photography, Fast Cars, Eventual Smut, so many driver cameos, Racing, taking artistic liberty with Heinz's character, Niki is cute and shy, reader is too, But it gets better I promise

Warnings: Cursing, Eventual Smut, slowwww burn!!

[mysoftboybensolo]

Love Looks Not With the Eyes

A/N: I started writing this one day when I got pretty angsty and had also wanted to write something with Niki for a little while. This is an AU where he doesn’t meet Marlene and also, I corrected what was supposed to be the proper translation of the courthouse wedding scene. Link to the scene in question here (x). No use of Y/N here.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/35125366

Pairing: Niki Lauda x Fem Curvy/Plus Size Reader!

Summary:  What if Niki fell for someone after his accident but felt unworthy because of the scarring, and the reader feels she is unworthy of Niki because of her weight?

Warnings: Description of burns, childhood bullying/fat shaming, implied age gap (but doesn’t have to be if you don’t want it), smut. 

He barely remembered much from the crash, just that it happened. He blacked out, the smell of burnt skin and rubber filled his nostrils, voices of people, everything too hot. Lying on the hospital bed, he was fighting for his life, though, what kind of life, Niki couldn’t say. There wasn’t anyone waiting for him when he finally got home, just a crew that were loyal to him, fans, but no one special. Niki was not the most sentimental of men, but when he felt something strongly, he went all in for it.

Chances of finding said special one had gone down to lower than zero percent. He didn’t care what he looked like, people had always made fun of him for his looks, pointing out his overbite, calling him a rat. But it didn’t bother him then, at least he looked like a normal human being. Now, he had a face that frightened people, made them not be able to stare for very long. That was what hurt.

It was a jarring sight, all his hair gone along with his eyebrows and replaced with red veiny burns, his ears were misshapen, and in the beginning, there was still skin that were dark and burnt, reminding Niki of a burnt marshmallow. Everyone who had come across him had stopped in their tracks when they saw him, their faces disbelieving, horrified. He knew it was bad when Hunt himself even looked at him with shock, horror, and despair, and bitterly Niki blamed him for allowing the room to be swayed which led to the accident, but he knew that Hunt was also the reason Niki got up and fought. And fought he did. He would show everyone that despite this accident, despite how he looked, he could still be Niki Fucking Lauda, the best Formula 1 driver there ever was.

But even he knew he couldn’t always drive, so he started to become interested in the business of private jets, and when he wasn’t driving, he was beginning to work on his own business, but he’d need some help with the venture.

You were new to this, new to working with the big shots and you couldn’t believe your luck. At last, something to make the parents proud. That was harsh, you knew that your parents were proud of you always, but your deeply rooted insecurities made you think otherwise. You were the good kid, the quiet kid who was more than content with a good book. This also meant you were the easy target kid, the kid who bullies loved to torment endlessly. It wasn’t just that you were quiet, it also because of your figure. You were never skinny, you knew this, and in your childhood years, it never bothered you, people used to say how adorable you were that you still had your baby fat and Granny always said that you were the best cuddle bug she ever had because of it. But, once puberty started, you noticed that your baby fat didn’t melt away into a womanlier shape like most of the girls in your school did. You were still baby faced, round, unshapely you and that was when it all began.

You sometimes wondered if your insecurities were what prevented you from having a boyfriend, or maybe what everyone said was true, that you were too fat and too ugly for anyone to love. You tried diets, you tried exercise, but nothing seemed right for you, nothing seemed to be working the way you wanted, and you were just left with trying to accept this figure you had. Making the best of it was the only way to move on, finding styles to accentuate the better parts of you, finding the confidence to feel proud of yourself. But as the seventies came, the style changed and it suited the skinny, small breasted women best, leaving you to feel out of fashioned and out of luck.

Luckily, your talents and hardworking nature allowed you to shine, and move on up from a non-paying intern to secretary to one of the biggest F1 drivers out there, fresh from his return from the hospital. You knew what happened, everyone did, and you felt nothing but empathy for this man, knowing how he must feel that his life has completely changed. You met with one of Niki’s team members, who was very nice and help show you around, even gave you a heads up on how Niki’s behavior might be. You heard that he can be a bit demanding, harsh even, but his crew was loyal, and he did know what he was doing.

When Niki walked into the room, you felt a surge of nerves. Not because of his face, but because now it suddenly felt so real, that you were here, secretary to the Niki Lauda. Putting on your brave face, you waited until Niki went up to you and introduced himself. “So, you’re the new secretary? I am expecting a lot and it won't be easy. Still want the job?" You nod and he shrugs his shoulders and said, "Welcome to the crew.”

“Thank you, sir,” you say, smiling, offering your hand. He stared at it for a moment, as if surprised, then took it, giving it a firm but quick shake before he went off. Did you do something wrong, were you not allowed to shake hands with him? He didn’t seem upset by the gesture, but still, it was odd.

Niki sat in his office, feeling a bit out of sorts. It had been a long time since he had been in the presence of a woman, and none have since the accident been comfortable in his presence and sought his touch. It made Niki realize, how much he missed having the touch of another. He sighed, shrugging it off. At least she didn’t look terrified.

In the following months, you found that most of what you heard of Niki was true; he was blunt, hardworking, demanded perfection in his work, and was brilliant. You had been helping him pick up his business of private jets, and you couldn’t help but to admire the way he went about these things, how much he knew of not only the business but the technological part of it. But there you also saw a side of him that most people didn't see, which was someone who cared deeply, was good to his crew, and was even a little awkward in an endearing way, like a shy teenager trying to talk to a girl he likes. It wasn’t hard to admire the man, even grow a crush on him, but you had to remind yourself, he is your boss, and you are, well, you. It could never happen. What you didn’t know, was that Niki was feeling the same about you.

Niki found you to be a comfort to him. You took his moods steadily, but somehow managed to win him over, killing him with kindness in a way, and he felt there was no one he could trust more than you. Unlike what his first impression of an unexperienced secretary, you were smart, observant and did incredibly well with people, a skill he still struggled with. He was amazed how often you were able to stand to see him like this, how you sat and watched him tend to the burns while he rambled off something about a meeting or investment and not look at all disgusted or horrified. Maybe it was because he was lonely, maybe because of how much time he spent with you, but he felt certain that he was falling for you. What a tragedy that would be. Here you were, young, beautiful, full of promise and a life ahead, and he was just old, ugly Niki, the guy that no one liked.

It killed him to see guys at the office flirt with you, even Hunt did at one point, and while it did please him to see you politely put him in his place, Niki knew that if not Hunt, someone else will eventually win you over and he’ll have to stand by and watch you love another. It was his own fault really, for daring to believe it could be possible, but he knew, every time he caught his reflection, there was no chance of anyone loving and wanting him in return.

It all came out one day during an interview, when some prick of a reporter had the gall to ask how Niki’s love life was going. “You’ve been doing great on the track but heard you haven’t had much luck in your romantic life.”

“I wasn’t aware that you were interested in what goes on in the bedroom,” Niki quipped, making a few reporters chuckle.

“I mean it. Do you honestly think you’ll find anyone willing to be with you now after the crash?”

The words stung you and you stared at Niki, now knowing his micro expressions well enough to understand he was not only angry but deeply hurt by those words. How you wanted to shout out to all those reporters that it was possible, because you loved him, with or without the burns. But Niki spoke first in his usual blunt and short manner, telling the man to fuck off and that this interview is over.

You followed Niki close by, all the way to his hotel room, where no one had been allowed in except you. Once you had closed and locked the door, you turned and saw Niki pacing around, rubbing his mouth, a tick when he was emotionally uncomfortable. “Assholes,” he murmured in Austrian, and a few other choice words that you learned through Niki’s constant use of the language.

“Don’t listen to those jerks,” you say, understand what he feels, “They just do it to get a rise out of you.”

“Well, then I guess they did a fucking good job of it!” Niki spoke with agitation, “Is that all anyone will see? This face? Does nothing else I do matter? Why can’t they let me forget my own face, even for five minutes? Why can’t I?”

Your heart went out to him because you knew how that felt as well. Trying your best to help, you shared, “Did you know that when I was in school, I was the top of my class for six years straight, that I got to be valedictorian for both high school and college? But all that anyone saw was this,” you gestured to your figure, “This blob of a body, at least that was what everyone called me. ‘Careful, the Blob is heading your way, let’s pinch and poke her to see if she’s fat enough for the spit, pull at her clothes to see what size she really wears’,” you recall in painful memory, not noticing the pained look on Niki’s face to hear what you suffered. “No one saw me, saw what I did. But to those who matter most, they’ll see you as you are, what you are capable of. I see you.”

You don’t look him in the eyes when you say this, feeling as if you gave away more than you wanted, but you did not see how Niki looked you, the same way he had been looking at you these past months. “I um,” he cleared his throat, trying to find the best way to express his feelings, “I am sorry about your past. You deserved so much better; you deserve much better now. Someone that can see you as the brilliant, kind and beautiful woman you are.”

You shake your head and blow a raspberry in amusement. “Beautiful? Sorry, you got the wrong gal.”

“No, I haven’t. You are beautiful, everyone knows that. I am surprised you don’t know.”

You can't allow yourself to be flattered, or else you fall for him even harder. “Mr. Lauda, you don’t have to be kind, I didn’t share because I wanted compliments. I said it to let you know I understand what you are feeling, that you are someone who deserves someone who will truly appreciate you for you, and who will never make you feel undeserving. And if I was your girl, there would be no way I’d ever let you feel that way ever again.”

Blush came to your cheeks as you realized what you had just said, what you just gave away, and you couldn’t bear to look at his reaction. If you had, you would have seen him look at you with hope, uncertainty, and love. He steps up to you, placing a tentative hand on your shoulder, and makes you look back at him, looking you in your eyes, which were filled with tears.

“Maus, why are you crying?”

“Because” you sigh, you might as well get it out, “I love you. I know it’s unprofessional, and I know that you could never see me that way but-” You’re cut off by him placing a quick but firm kiss to your lips, making you stunned for a moment. “Mr. Lauda?”

“I-I’m sorry, but I had to stop you. You were wrong, because I do see you that way, for the longest time I have. I just never thought you would because how ugly I am.”

“You’re not! I mean, the burns are bad, but I still think you are a very attractive man.”

He looks at you surprised and disbelieving. “Really? I wasn’t exactly the handsomest fellow before, a rat, as I recall some said.”

“Ok, so maybe you aren’t a Hunt type of handsome, but not every girl is interested in that kind of guy, with long hair and shirt open down to here. Personality and a beautiful pair of eyes go a long way,” you say, admiring how his eyes looked in this light.

This caught him off guard and his eyes glistened before he wiped them. “I don’t think anyone has called me anything but ugly since the accident.”

You cradled his face in your hands, making him look at you. “Well, if you’ll allow me, I’ll be sure to say it to you every day.”

He doesn’t say anything at first, as if trying to find the right words, then admits, “I’ll not be perfect at this, remembering birthdays, flowers and hand holding, but if I am going to do this with anyone, only with you.”

A tear falls down your face and you chuckle, “My goodness, what a poet!”

You see him inch closer, and you accept his kiss, which is gentle and long. You feel him wrap his arms around your waist and pull you close, and he moans, making your heart race. Niki was your first kiss and was he pulled you closer to the bed, you knew that he’d also be the first you’d sleep with. It scared you, thinking that he’ll be turned off by your figure, once he sees that it isn’t all attractive curves, but belly rolls, wide thighs, and stretch marks. But you don’t have it in you to stop him, not when he kisses you like he needs you to survive, when his hands run over you like an artwork to admire.

It had been a long while since Niki had went to bed with anyone, and it became more pitiful than enjoyable when he’d get himself off in the privacy of his room, that he just didn’t have the urge for it, but to have you here beneath him, the feeling of your soft warmth, your perfume engulfing him and your moans and sighs in his ear, he can’t imagine not wanting you. He is careful to remove your clothing, not only because you told him he’d be your first, but because he wanted to give you time to stop and say no, to say you don’t want to sleep with a disfigured man.

He sees the stretch marks, he sees the belly rolls and the thick thighs, but he refuses for you to see it as something ugly, something to wish away. He buries himself between those thighs to lick and kiss at your core, his hands rubbing up and down your limbs, and when he is done, he kisses up your belly, kissing every stretch mark as his hands run across the curves and speaks about how you are a goddess, an angel, perfection itself. “Just like Aphrodite herself, soft and round, perfect. Love itself.”

You cry, no one had ever said beautiful things like this to you before, and you want to believe them, and in that moment, you do, you truly do. You are careful to undress Niki, the burns still are sensitive and the last thing you ever want to do is hurt him, but you see him falter when you remove his shirt. The burns primarily were located on his face, but there were some bad burns on his shoulders and upper back, and you reach up to place tender kisses to those areas, letting him know that it doesn’t bother you and that it will never bother you.

When you make love, it feels as if there is no way to tell where you ended and where Niki began, as if you were meant to fit together, belong together and you both felt, for the first time in a long while, honest to goodness beautiful and loved.

The press had a field day when you both stepped out for the first time as a couple; people wanting to know why someone like you be interested in a disfigured Niki, and then there were the others who, due to jealously, thought that Niki deserved someone “prettier” than you, aka skinnier. It wasn’t always easy, you both had your insecurities, and it could bring you both low sometimes, though when the moment came, you both were able to help each other up to the point where it was easier to accept each day. Niki always had a more “no fucks given” attitude with anything he did, and he had been used to people calling him ugly, but it would sting when he thought how you deserved someone better.

“Niki,” you told him one day, “There has never been a man who has ever made me feel as happy or as beautiful as you have made me feel. There couldn’t be a better man than you, so don’t go on thinking that there is. I'd rather be with you who makes me feel beautiful than someone Like Hunt who'd probably make me feel totally unworthy of him just by standing next to him. Be kinder to yourself, please. You deserve to be loved deeply.”

You continued to be Niki’s secretary, his right hand in his business ventures and there was a growing feeling of confidence that the job offered but you never forgot how you looked, mostly because the press didn’t. Some were kind, even praiseworthy of how you seemed to own your body, but most, they shamed you for not looking like the typical form of the modern woman, and those days hit you the worse. It felt like school again, people overlooking your accomplishments for how you looked. During your tour in America, Niki made sure you two went to the museum in Chicago, saying he wanted to show you something important.

You couldn’t imagine what it was until he stopped you both before a statue of a woman kneeling, her body rolls on full display. “Alright,” you say, confused, “What is this?”

“Do you know who this is, Maus?” You shake your head, the face on the statue was a little worn and it didn’t look like anyone you knew. “This is a statue of Aphrodite, goddess of Love. See her body? Whose does her body remind you of?”

You feel yourself fighting back tears as you admit, “Me.”

“That is why you look like this,” he says firmly but full of love, “Because you were built for love.”

Built for love. Indeed you were, you both were built for love, for no one but each other.

Tagging: @arizemo @scuttle-buttle @cazzyimagines @rumblelibrary @violetmuses @flutterskies @thetempleofthemasaigoddess​

[ay0nha]

The Race That Launched a Thousand Ships: Part 4/?

(Working) Summary & Title: Niki Lauda, the rookie starting his career requests the help of a mechanic,  Margot Lancaster who has a buried past that he’s seemed to uncovered.  

Pairing: Niki Lauda x femme!OC (mechanic)

Word Count: ~3.1K

A/N: Dumb question/shower thoughts: Were seat belts a thing in the 70s? Probably right? I’ve been working so much, so thank you to all the kind comments and patience! Oh, and if you’d like to be added to the taglist, please let me know! Someone sent me their username in my ask box and I accidentally deleted it, so please send again sorry about that 😅😅

Warnings: drinking & being drunk/throwing up

Taglist: @scuttle-buttle @creme-bruhlee​ @hardlyinteresting 

Masterlist - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5 Part 6

--

"And...Are you?"

"Yes."

Niki Lauda, Formula One Word Champion.

"Take me through it."

"No congratulations?" Niki asked, an ego-fueled smirk plastered on his face. This just helped prove how he was still high off the victorious adrenaline.

"Not until you talk me through it,"  I requested bluntly.

"Ok, well..." Niki drew in a breath to explain the race. It was as straightforward as his last few wins of the season were. He was in a good car with a good engine that brought him across the finish line just a bit faster than the rest. There was nothing exciting about the race except for the fact that Hunt's car broke down, no longer an issue for Niki. He got lucky, the two of them were contemporaries, Hunt had just as much a chance to win as he did by the sounds of it.

"So what I'm hearing is you had the advantage?" I baited him. I was in the perfect mood to pick a fight, "You're in a Ferrari, he's in a Hesketh...I mean, that speaks for itself."

"You're mad at me," He put it simply, "That's what this is."

"No," I shook my head and shrugged,  "Just put Hunt in my car, then come talk to me."

"Are you calling him the better driver?"

"All I'm saying is that-

"Ever since that party in Italy," Niki raised his voice at the start of the sentence, but trailed off toward the end, rubbing his chin with his hand, clearly being cautious of how he wanted to continue.

"No, go on," I dared him.  We were in it now, and there was no coming back from the argument that was begging to be started.

"Where is your loyalty?" He now questioned, adjusting his stance. His shoulders were squared, looking ready for a fight. He looked confident and rooted, I almost wanted to take a step back out of pure intimidation. Almost.

"Where's yours?" I seethed, copying his stance as I physically stood up to him.

"It was Marlene, wasn't it?" He argued further, coming even closer to me, "Clay talks to you the same and there is no issue there."

"No-

"Then what is your issue? " He practically bellowed.

I pushed air out of my lungs as I started to become visibly angry. But I was caught off guard by Niki’s previous comment. It made me stutter for a moment, realizing we weren't arguing about the same thing, "Nothing."

"No, not nothing," He wagged his finger at me, "Ever since that party, you have not been focused. This comes first."

We hadn't talked about what happened in the car the day of Clay's get-together, at least not directly. Neither of us knew how to bring it up and in doing so, we only created a wedge between us. One that only got wider as the races went on. I hadn't meant to take my anger out on him, but he was an easy target, in the same way, I was an easy target for him. We had become each others punching bags when in reality we were the only two that knew how to get the job done properly.

"Everyone seems to like him...Hunt." I ignored him, only pressing further. I knew when to stop, but I didn't want to, "He's got it all doesn't he? And you? What do you have Niki?"

I felt like strangling him. We were standing so close at this point that it wouldn't be that hard for me to do. He had a look on his face that could be described as masking hurt. It made me think that maybe, just maybe, I should have just congratulated him when he stopped by. That's what I was supposed to do as his mechanic. The car had optimal performance, the driver excelled, and the mechanic did their job of having all the right parts put together. We were a well-oiled machine on paper. But now, in person, that professional boundary between us proved to be nonexistent from the start. I was about to apologize for being difficult on purpose, but he spoke before I had the chance to.

"I never should have hired you," He said his words slowly, making sure I knew this was his final blow.

This was the final straw that broke the camel's back. My voice was quiet and low, but my words were menacing, ready to strike at a moment's notice, "Fire me then."

"What did you say?" Niki was taken aback by my willingness.

"Fuck you, Niki, that's what I said," I poked the bear one last time before things could truly got out of hand, "I'm leaving."

"You can't just leave when things get difficult," Niki walked after me, hoping I'd stop. I was quick to grab my things, more than ready to remove myself from this situation. My feelings were hurt and Niki was the one responsible, but I'd rather die than him know the way he made me feel.

"Then this," I held up my middle finger, walking out of the garage completely, "Is really going to burn your ass!"

"Where are you going?"

I glanced back at him, wishing I had just powered through and left. I shouldn't have given him an answer, but as much as I wanted to be left alone by him, I still answered, "The track."

"I thought you said you wouldn't go to a race," Niki yelled after me, grasping at straws to keep me there.

"It's over isn't it?"

The party was in full swing by the time I got there, everyone both winners and losers mingling together to sing and dance under the string lights of the track's pop-up tents. Any other time, I'd shy away from such a large crowd, but the blind rage I felt caused me to go straight to the middle. It wasn't hard to navigate the different bowls and bottles of alcohol, the small pockets of conversations, or the melding of a few different songs playing from various speakers on the grid. Everyone was on cloud nine, truly experiencing bliss in all its forms. Finding James was easy, especially since he was the life of the party despite his mishap only hours ago on the track. Once he saw me, he was surprised, but no doubt lit up, telling me how I had chosen the right person to party with tonight. It was obvious why so many people fawned over him. He was tall, blonde, charming, and was wickedly good at holding an enthralling conversation. He made you feel like an old friend that he hadn't gone a day without talking to. He was everything Niki wasn't. 

I couldn't help but wonder what Niki would be like if he let loose, let himself relax, and enjoy himself fully. I had thought I saw it once before. It was shortly after he had hired me and we had just gotten on a red-eye flight, causing us both to succumb to the wiles of exhaustion. I couldn't even remember which Grand Prix it was, but I could never forget how uninhibited Niki was. It was unprompted and it wasn't anything explicit, just the general atmosphere of comfort and contentedness as we sat next to each other on the quiet flight. His guard was completely down. I had no way of knowing that wasn't going to be the norm for him and I wish I had stricken when the iron was hot.

But now, there was no doubt that harden exterior was right back up the way he wanted it. It was a protective barrier that I should build back up for myself.  As my mind became hazier by the drink, I started to believe in order to start over, I'd need to knock down what was remaining to truly start from the bottom up. As a result, I started to slur my frustrations to those around me, no longer caring what I said or who I said it to. James thought it was funny at first, he even encouraged me. However, his encouragement led me down a deep rabbit hole of exploiting myself from atop a table and frankly I became the buzz kill of the party. He then excused himself, probably tired of my antics.

"James, you didn't," I seethed as he came back into view with an uninvited guest, "Why did you call him?"

"I'm not fit to drive you home and you're clearly not fit to drive..." James defended politely, scared of the glare he was now receiving from me, "I thought he'd be the one to call..."

"The one to call," I laughed bitterly, my body losing balance as I stepped off the table. Niki reacted before I could, offering a helping hand,  "Look here you-

"Get in the car," Niki said sternly, wanting to leave no room to argue.

But I had enough wiggle room to say, "No, just go home."

"Is she alright?"

Niki directed his question towards James, but I took the opportunity to answer, "I'm fine!"

"She started talking about-

"Martin," I hiccuped loudly, "Big deal, it's time for all these people to know don't you think? How I was bullied out of my title."

Niki's grip on my elbow was firm, teetering on the line of painful and protective. He pushed through the crowd, adeptly fake smiling at a the handful of people who had stopped to congratulate him.

"Stop manhandling me," I huffed tugging my arm from Niki, but his grasp was unrelenting, "I can walk on my own!"

"Let's get you to the car," James stepped in, replacing Niki's arm of support.

I took it gratefully as I stumbled with him towards Niki's car. It was like a flip of a switch. I was tired now and had no fight left in me. I watched as the two men next to me tag-teamed to get me into the car. Not only had my mind given up, but my body wasn't too far behind. With James's arm under my own, he let me lean on him while Niki opened the door. Niki's posture seemed nervous as I worked my way into the car, he was restraining himself from stepping in. I thought at that moment, maybe if I truly went slack he would. But I didn't have enough time to test my theory as the door was already closed.  I watched through the windshield as Niki walked around to the other side of the car, stopping in the middle to share a few words with James. I tried to read their lips but the darkness and my inebriation made my efforts worthless.

While I waited, I made sure to buckle myself in. Not soon after, Niki opened his own door and slid in next to me, a hefty relieved sigh leaving his mouth. When he shut his door, it was like he shut out the rest of the world, finally able to give me his undivided attention. Even thinking that made me nervous, but he gave no indication otherwise. He had even glanced over at me, his hand already reaching for my seat belt only to stop once he saw I had already fastened it.

The ride was silent. Every part of the car could be heard. I tried hard to listen to it, hoping I could start nit-picking the way he had.  I couldn't hear anything. Maybe I didn't want to because that meant I'd have to start talking to him. But what really stopped me from opening my mouth was incredible nausea I started to feel. I put one hand over my mouth and the other to my forehead, trying to force it away as best I could. It only grew stronger as the car moved further along.

"Niki..." I groaned lowly, afraid if I said any more, more than words would come out of my mouth.

He ignored me, having zero interest in the argument he thought I was going to start. Our last words were still fresh.

"Niki," I said more urgently, grabbing his arm.

"Margot." He said my name like a warning.

"It's coming..." I let go of his arm, my hand returning to my mouth.

"What?" His attitude forgotten, anxiety now heighten.

"I'm going to throw up..." I started to burp. Saying it aloud almost pushed me over the edge.

"Not in the car, you're not," He answered pulling over immediately. It was funny how for such a skilled driver he braked so poorly, but the threat of puking in a car can do that to someone.

Without hesitation, Niki jogged around the front of the car, unbuckled my seat belt, and ushered me to the closet patch of grass right as I emptied the content of my stomach. I hated being this vulnerable if this was even considered that. I think I hated the fact that it had gotten this far and the one who had to deal with the consequences was not only me but more directly Niki. My mind was blank as I continued to vomit. I couldn't even recognize how much Niki was helping me.

He was whispering affirmative phrases behind me, trying as best he knew how to calm me. It wasn’t all too helpful because I could hear in his words how he cringed, but it was the thought that counted. As I slow down, I felt his warm hand on my back, unsure of whether its position was comforting or not.

My breathing was heavy, trying to make up for lost time when Niki asked me, "Do you have more?"

"I don't think so," I leaned forward and spit into the grass, pretending that it would help change the taste in my mouth.

That's when I started dry heaving. This time, however, Niki was a bit more prepared. He adjusted, also crouching down in  a position to better be by my side, his hand went to my hair, making sure every strand was out of the way in case I had more of my stomach to empty. We stayed in this position for a bit of time, every time one of us thought it had passed I'd start gagging all over again.

"Ok," I said quietly, afraid of speaking too soon, "I'm done this time."

"Are you sure?"

I nodded my head and slowly stood up with the help of Niki, wanting to leave my embarrassment behind, "Let's just go."

Niki didn't have to be told twice. He helped me back into the car and we were once again on our way. I was happy the nausea was settling down, but my stomach felt sore, a blatant reminder to never drink again. Hoping to settle it, I   put my feet up on the dashboard which clearly peeved Niki as he pushed them off and back down into the foot well. I went to do it again, but he only repeated his actions with a small glare. My boldness was resurfacing due to our little back and forth interaction. So, when Niki thought I’d put my feet back up on the dashboard, I shifted and stretched my legs out over the bench seat of the car onto and over Niki's lap.

"What are you doing?" Niki asked suspiciously as he re-positioned himself in order to drive properly.

"Getting comfortable," I continued to shift, truly making myself as comfortable as possible, "...My stomach is killing me."

I was a live wire and he knew if he said something, it would be the end. Even in my clouded mind,  I could tell he wanted to say something but refrained. As he drove, I stared at his side profile as the street lights hypnotically illuminated his face.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" He glanced at me briefly.

"Were you sleeping?" I mumbled, my words still influenced by alcohol.

I noted how he took a moment to think, unsure of whether to answer truth but ultimately deciding to, "Yes."

"Are you mad?"

"No."

"Are you happy?" I continued to ask my questions. I had only started to get the ball rolling, but Niki didn't give me a response. Shifting again, I used my foot to nudge his stomach, "Niki, are you happy?"

"Yes." Yes. I wanted to ask further... why? what about? maybe who about? but I wasn't focused enough to follow up.

"Ok."

"Ok," He nodded his head as if closing out the conversation.

"Well, aren't you going to ask me?" I practically whined. I hated the way my voice sounded, but I was suddenly desperate for conversation with Niki. As much as I enjoyed Hunt's energy, it helped me realized how much I craved that with Niki.  I knew he wouldn't ask me so I decided not to ask him  another question, "You have my title."

"I have your title," He confirmed, being as neutral on the topic as possible.

"It's infuriating, I...I think I'm actually livid," I traced his face with my eyes as I worked through my feelings.

"Is that why you've been acting like this?" Niki couldn't help but let the question slip, he turned his head to look at me for as long as he could before his eyes were needed back on the road.

"'No," I answered honestly, "Winning shouldn't be your fault."

"Then what is?" He was seeking resolution.

"You went fast."

"Hunt was on my tail the entire time," He lifted his hand from the wheel as a gesture of defensiveness, "What else was I supposed to do?"

"No, the other day," I tilted my head back and forth against the window saying no, "You went fast. I don't like to go fast in cars."

This only confused him further. I thought he would have gotten it, but he was struggling to string together my thoughts. Even earlier, I expected him to get it, but there was no reason for him to.

"Ever since..." I mumbled, not finishing the sentence, "I just don't like to go fast. I can't go fast. And I told you when we first met I don't go fast. I just don't. So just don't, okay?"

Instead of responding, Niki shifted gears and lifted his foot from the clutch to the brake of the car to slow down as gently as he could, contrasting how he had just moments ago. Niki's posture relaxed as well. He allowed his arm to fully rest of my legs, while his hand now held the bottom of the steering wheel and the other placed smoothly on the gear shirt. The entire car, both inside and out, had slowed down.  He didn't know how apologize and I didn't blame him. So this was his way of doing it and our way to reconcile.

"You also lost me a lot of money."

[aion-rsa]

Upcoming Movies in September 2020: Theaters, Streaming, and VOD

https://ift.tt/2CUVT60

Movies are back! Granted they never really left either, with Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, and others keeping us satiated with content these past five months. Still, the streamers are about to be reinforced for those willing to return to movie theaters: Major Hollywood blockbuster releases are coming, and limited rollouts are slowly making their way back into cinemas around the world.

For that reason, we’ve assembled a list of potential moviegoing experiences in September, whether on the big screen (please consider the risks of attending a theatrical screening) or at home via video on demand. It’s time for the popcorn to get popping.

Bill & Ted Face the Music

Now playing in theaters and VOD in the US (September 23 in the UK)

One of the biggest movies yet to eschew its intended theatrical window for a premium video on demand (PVOD) release is this most excellent adventure. It’s been 29 years since we last saw Alex Winter’s far out Ted or Keanu Reeves’ perpetually astonished Bill, yet it’s good to have both back in their legendary stoner roles. 

The fact they’re middle-aged and still having adventures through time and space, and against the visage of Death—he’s still cheating!—is pretty sweet. As is Keanu coming back to this role one Speed, three Matrixes, and nearly five John Wick chapters later. But this time they’ve got daughters (played by Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine)… but rest assured, the children are as amused as their dads.

Tenet

Now playing in the UK (September 3 in the US)

Already playing in the UK, Tenet will be making its much vaunted North American debut in “select U.S. cities” in September. We’re still not entirely clear what that will look like, but hopefully it will be worth it for this mysterious and visually dazzling Christopher Nolan epic. 

Early reviews are in, and the majority promise Nolan’s most exciting use of IMAX spectacle to date, though even without spoilers, this one might be too big for its own good. Our own Rosie Fletcher describes it as Nolan’s long-whispered about James Bond movie meets Doctor Who…

The New Mutants

Now playing in the U.S. (September 4 UK)

Josh Boone’s journey into the X-Men universe has been pushed back so many times it almost feels like a mythical lost movie. So when it finally arrives in UK cinemas on Sept. 4 (it landed in the U.S. at the end of August) it might feel like a bizarre flashback to another era – namely that of 2017 when the main shoot took place. 

Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga star as five young mutants held in a sinister facility against their will. It’s been positioned as an action horror which in theory sounds pretty cool, though what the final cut will look like is anyone’s guess.

Mulan

September 4 (Disney+ with premium)

One day after Tenet makes its U.S. debut, Disney, and more specifically Disney+, offers a starkly different vision for the future of cinema with Mulan. Whereas Tenet will attempt to jumpstart moviegoing, Disney has pushed one of their biggest 2020 blockbusters exclusively to streaming in all markets featuring Disney+, including the U.S. and UK. That means if you want to see Niki Caro’s anticipated reimagining of the 1998 animated Disney movie, you are going to have to pay $30 on top of your Disney+ subscription to get a load of this bad boy on a new PVOD model.

Read more

Movies

Mulan and Tenet Show Competing Visions for Future of Movies

By David Crow

Movies

UK Cinemas Slam Disney After Mulan Streaming Announcement

By Kirsten Howard

Even so, the film’s need to step away from the 1998 version’s iconography—Chinese moviegoers generally dislike musicals—appears to offer an opportunity to make a modern 2020 epic that can stand on its own two feet.

I’m Thinking of Ending Things

September 4 (Netflix)

Charlie Kaufman does horror? Well, uh, maybe?! For his first Netflix original production, the idiosyncratic writer-director behind Synecdoche, New York, and the Being John Malkovich screenplay is adapting Iain Reid’s thriller novel, I’m Thinking of Ending Things. But Kaufman is expected to come at it from his singularly off-center perspective.

With a somber setup about a young woman (played by Wild Rose’s talented Jessie Buckley) going to meet the parents of her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons), the movie is actually about an unhappy lover planning to terminate her relationship. Yet when she meets Mom and Dad (Toni Collette and David Thewlis), things are going to get weirder, if not necessarily better for the relationship…

The Roads Not Taken

September 11 (UK)

Sally Potter’s wistful drama was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival earlier in the year before the world went into lockdown. It follows Leo (Javier Bardem), a man with dementia, as he imagines different paths in life he might have taken, while his daughter Mollie tries to help him keep various appointments and struggles with decisions about her own future. A very personal study of mental illness, grief, and regret.

The Devil All the Time

September 16 (Netflix)

Southern fried noir might be the creepiest noir. With its rural and sunny backdrops, and a smiling Christian face, its pleasantries belie an evil heart. And Tom Holland of all people will be driving right to the dark center of it in The Devil All the Time, a new thriller by writer-director Antonio Campos. 

Ready to bow on Netflix this month, the all-star cast, which also includes Bill Skarsgård, Riley Keough, Sebastian Stan, and Robert Pattinson, as a fire and brimstone preacher no less, The Devil All the Time reimagines post-WWII Tennessee backwoods as a hotbed of corruption, hypocrisy, and murder. Sounds about right.

Antebellum

September 18 (U.S. Only)

Co-writers and directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz appear to have cracked the code in making one of fiction’s favorite fantasies terrifying. You know the type: From Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court to Midnight in Paris, some congenial fellow travels back to a point in history he loves and has an all-around splendid time. Now imagine that same scenario except the protagonist is a Black woman. And she’s sent to the Antebellum South on the eve of the Civil War. Scared yet?

It’s a disturbing premise that aims to put Antebellum in the same wheelhouse as recent horror movies that have tackled American racism head on, including Jordan Peele’s Get Out and Us. The movie stars the ever compelling Janelle Monáe as a 21st century author trapped inside a 19th century nightmare, and it’s one of the most intriguing setups of the year. It also will be available on VOD and in select theaters.

The King’s Man

September 18 (September 16 in the UK)

Kingsman: The Secret Service was one of the nicer surprises of 2015. A better Bond movie than that year’s Bond film, this Matthew Vaughn directed and Jane Goldman co-written spy adventure was both a satire and loving homage to 007 movies of the 1960s and ‘70s, with excessive swagger and style to boot. Unfortunately, Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) didn’t live up to its predecessor. It did, however, make enough money to spawn a prequel. Which brings us to The King’s Man.

As Disney/20th Century Studios’ latest release, this movie sees Vaughn return to the director’s chair as he travels back in time to World War I and the origins of the Kingsman secret service. With the same daffy style but now in period garb (it worked for Vaughn in X-Men: First Class), the prequel hopes to recapture the charm of the original. It certainly has a winning cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Daniel Bruhl, Djimon Hounsou, and Gemma Arterton.

Kajillionaire

September 18 (October 9 in the UK)

One of the happy discoveries out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Focus Features’ Kajillionaire is a movie we’ve had our eye on for a while. The picture is writer-director Miranda July’s pleasant vision of criminality and heists being the stuff of family team-building. Take Evan Rachel Wood as Old Dolio. She’s an adult daughter whose depression has forced her to live at home with her small time crook parents. But Mom and Pop (Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins) have a plan; they’ll incorporate their daughter in the next heist and bring her out of her funk. It’s a charming premise that won over almost every critic who saw it back in January.

The Nest

September 18 (U.S. Only)

Another apparent highlight out of Sundance this year, Sean Durkin’s The Nest presents itself as a foreboding drama. As the follow-up feature from the director of Martha Marcy May Marlene, the film intends to be an unsettling account of a wealthy marriage descending into Gaslight levels of manipulation. With Jude Law as the rich patriarch and Carrie Coon as his quietly suffering wife, a sudden move to the country reveals dark dimensions to their relationship and the brittleness of domesticity. If the buzz is to be believed, the wound up WASPy tension in this could strangle an elephant.

Enola Holmes

September 23 (Netflix)

Did you know Sherlock Holmes had a little sister? You’re about to thanks to some strong synergetic mojo going on at Netflix with Enola Holmes, a new mystery/adventure that stars The Witcher’s Henry Cavill as Sherlock, The Crown’s Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Holmes, and Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown as the eponymous Enola. That’s right, Eleven’s going to use her own English accent and play Sherlock’s kid sister. 

Often kept in her famous brother’s shadow, it is up to Enola to do him one better when she sets off to find their mysteriously vanished mother. In the process, she proves she’s a super-sleuth in her own right and brings to light a deadly conspiracy. The game’s afoot!

Misbehaviour

September 25 (Open in the UK)

A crowd-pleaser that debuted earlier in the year in the UK, Misbehaviour has all the markers of a charming dramedy with real world ramifications. In fact, it’s set during the events of the Miss World competition in 1970, a televised beauty pageant in London that was then the most-watched event on the planet. In this context, the Women’s Liberation Movement reached international acclaim by disrupting the proceedings, and a Woman of Color from Grenada became a contender for the Miss World title.

Director Philippa Lowthorpe (The Crown) reportedly explores these events to winning results with an ensemble of players that Keira Knightley and Jessie Buckley as lead activists, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Jennifer Hosten (aka Miss Grenada), and Greg Kinnear at his greasiest as an aging Bob Hope.

Greenland

September 25 (U.S. Only)

Imagine this: A comet that is supposed to gently pass Earth by was misjudged by the science community, and instead a cataclysmic extinction level event occurs with comet fragments destroying parts of the world one action scene at a time! Yeah, in 2020 that sounds about right. It’s also the plot of Greenland, a new high-concept survivalist action movie starring Gerard Butler as a family man who, realizing Florida is gone and his home state is next, tries to save his wife (Morena Baccarin) and child by getting his family to the last place that may be spared: military bunkers in Greenland!

And you thought U.S. leadership was being ridiculous when it tried to buy the country a few years ago…

The post Upcoming Movies in September 2020: Theaters, Streaming, and VOD appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[ohholyfanfics]

It’s Cold Outside|H.Holland Headcanon

Countdown to Christmas:Day 6

It’s Snowing:

Okay so just imagine this

You were invited over to watch a movie with Harry 

It started to snow outside 

You having to leave but Harry trying everything to make you stay 

“Y/N, it’s cold outside..” 

“My mum’s getting worried Harry..” 

Him being a pouting mess as he watches you stand 

Quickly following you and looking out the window 

The fireplace was ablaze 

Finally you’d give in and call your parents 

Your mum agreeing its best if you stay over 

Harry being a grinning mess cause you're gonna be staying the night 

Niki rushing him up the stairs to get his room settled for you 

You’d softly thank her as you went up the stairs to Harry’s room 

“I changed the sheets and stuff..” 

You blushing softly as you took the clothes from his hands 

Him being a blushing mess seeing you in his clothes 

“Wanna watch a movie?” 

You’d both cuddle up in his bed watching 

He’d look down at you with the biggest smile 

“What?” 

“Nothing, just happy to have you here is all..” 

You’d be a mess and cuddle closer to him resting her head on his chest 

He’d press a soft kiss to the top of your head 

“I’m happy to be here too..” 

He’d smile and look down with a soft look on his face

Your heart would be beating faster 

“Can I kiss you?” 

“I’d be slightly pissed if you don’t” 

Tag-List: @maggie-starz @behxndthemask @marlene-newton

Request to be on tag-list here x

[lil-ol-shipper]

One thing Marlene loves about Niki is his eyes, when he smiles his eyes light up and Marlene has to concentrate to even breathe.

Marlene loves it when Niki wears his sunglasses but every time he looks or talks to her he takes them off so she has the chance to see his eyes when they communicate with each other. She literally goes weak in the knees when he stares at her and smiles.

Niki loves Marlene's hair. Loves playing with it, running his hands through it, and washing it when they take showers together.

The reason why Marlene kept her hair up after she met Niki was because he loves seeing her hair down and out of the bun so whenever her hair is down it's when she's around him. She rarely has it down when Niki is not in the vicinity and doesn't show her hair down in front of anyone else.

[beardedbruhl]

If you don't think Niki alone in the car with Marlene is the cutest thing ever, you need to prioritize your life because when she's singing and he's all flushed.......

so....freaking.....adorable. 

[lil-ol-shipper]

Marlene has a thing for when Niki wears his hot blazers and button-downs. She loves him in his sexy '70s attire. She mentions it every time he wears his brown suede blazer. Niki hates to wear suits for the press but Marlene is giddy as all hell when he does.

She'll never admit that secretly she loves seeing him in his racing overalls even more.

[lil-ol-shipper]

I'm on my new hyperfiction wish me luck.

Marlene and Niki are bi-lingual hotties but of course, we always see them speak to each other in their native tongue. Niki loves hearing Marlene speak Italian or French but he just goes crazy when she speaks to him in German. In and out of the bedroom.

plenty more where that came from

[f1yogurt]

Snapshot in the Fast Lane - Chapter 1

Series Masterlist

Chapter Summary: As a 70s F1 photographer, it's your job to work closely around drivers, but you find yourself constantly returning to the Ferrari garage to see a certain Austrian.

AO3 Link – SNAPSHOT IN THE FAST LANE 

Chapter Rating: G

Relationships: Niki Lauda x fem! photographer Reader

Chapter Tags: Niki Lauda, Clay Regazzoni, Heinz Prüller, F1 Journalists, Photography, Slow Burn, Awkward Flirting, Marlene doesn't exist in this AU, I'm taking artistic liberty with Heinz's character

Word Count: 3k

Chapter Warnings: none

A/N: This is a long chapter, hope you enjoy it!!

You breathed in the familiar scent of car fumes, a smile crossing your face as you walked through the paddock. It was Saturday practice before the grand prix, and as a Formula One photographer, you were eager to capture all of the action today. You had two of your favorite cameras slung over one shoulder, and you carried an extra bag of film rolls on your other.

Today was the best time to get into the garages without the chaos of the actual race. The practice allowed you to get a nice view of the action among the teams. During the race, people were usually moving about frantically, and while the chaos offered an exciting environment to photograph, you sometimes preferred the more relaxed atmosphere of practice.

It was an overcast day, and the heavy clouds meant that the occasional sprinkle of raindrops would cause everyone to pull out their raincoats or dash hurriedly to cover their drivers with an umbrella. You were just thankful that there wasn’t a heavy downpour, or else you would need to find some covers for your camera equipment.

You made your way along the back of the pits, darting in and out of the garages to snap candid photos of the teams at work. The mechanics, most of them smudged with grease or oil from working on the cars, never paid you much attention. After all, they were much more concerned with their work.

Most of the drivers had a similar attitude towards photographers like you, and they simply let you do your job without complaining or interfering. Every so often, though, the drivers or engineers would acknowledge your presence and pose for a photo. Usually, it was to capture something amusing or hilarious that was going on, and you lived for those small intimate moments where you could capture the lighthearted personalities of many of the Formula 1 teams.

You were always looking for a front page photo, a picture that would earn a full two-page spread in a glossy magazine. An image preserved for a lifetime. If you were lucky, your photo may be printed into a poster that would hang on the wall of a young kid’s room, where their racing hero could remain immortalized on paper.

After capturing some photos of the six-wheeled Tyrrells, you found your feet carrying you towards the Ferrari garage. There was some shouting coming from inside, and you were curious as to what was going on. No doubt you could get a few good shots of the mechanics hard at work, or perhaps a driver.

A few of the mechanics looked up as you entered, and they nodded before returning to their work. You had been doing this so long, that you had become a familiar face in the paddock, and you were good friends with some of the major journalists and drivers. In fact, you grinned as you saw Clay Regazzoni climbing out of his Ferrari and walking into the garage.

Quickly, you lifted your camera and focused the lens on Clay’s face as he pulled off his helmet. The man tugged off his balaclava, and after you had snapped a few candid shots, he noticed you.

“Ah, paparazzi,” he joked, giving you a wink. You grinned. You liked Clay. He always had something witty and flirtatious to say, and he respected both you and your work. He was one of the more talkative drivers in the paddock, which meant that he always was an entertaining subject for vivid photos.

“Yes, paparazzi,” you teased back, taking the spare moment to roll up your used film and reload one of your cameras. “You’re just so photogenic. That’s why I always come into the Ferrari garage.” Clay laughed, and you watched as he set his helmet on a workbench nearby. You glanced around the garage for the other man you had come to photograph.

“Clay, do you know where Niki is?” you asked, not seeing the Austrian around.

“Oh, out there,” Clay said, gesturing to where the other Ferrari was parked just outside of the garage by the pit lane. Niki was still in the car with his helmet on, chatting with Luca, and you saw a few mechanics dressed in yellow who were dashing around the car.

“But I would be careful,” Clay said with a little smirk. “I think they are having technical issues. Niki is being…well, Niki. You know how he gets, especially with Luca.” You nodded, knowing very well the kind of tension you would be walking into.

“Thanks, Clay. I’ll go take a look,” you said, before you made your way outside.

Niki and Luca were in a heated discussion about something. You couldn’t tell if it was an argument, or simply an intense conversation, but it offered you a perfect opportunity to get a photo. As you approached the Ferrari, you found an open spot next to the car where you were still out of the way.

Everyone was speaking in Italian, and it all seemed like such perfect chaos. Cradling your camera, you crouched beside the cockpit, close enough to see the sweat rolling down Lauda’s brow beneath his helmet visor. Niki was talking to Luca, his face angled up and away from you as he gestured emphatically to his Italian friend.

You snapped a few shots of Niki’s side profile, the sunlight glistening off of his helmet and illuminating his bright blue eyes. Luca must have said something important to the mechanics, because you watched as a few of them rushed over to the car with different types of tools. They started to work on the Ferrari, checking the tire pressures and adjusting the rear wing to Niki’s liking.

You rose to your feet and walked slowly around the car, capturing images of the mechanics at work. They were speaking in rapid Italian to Luca, who was translating a few things that Niki had said in English. You watched as the chief engineer, Mauro Forghieri, dipped his head into the cockpit to talk to Niki. Mauro, Luca, and Niki together in one photo would definitely earn a two page spread in a magazine or newspaper, and you quickly zoomed in to capture their conversation.

The tension among the Ferrari team was always unique, and sending in a photo of the Scuderia to newspapers was always financially lucrative. The media, especially if it was Italian, absolutely ate up the drama.

Not that you didn’t send in pictures of other teams and drivers as well. You enjoyed seeing the other racers, and you liked spending time in the McLaren pits, where you could capture the wild James Hunt in action. Submitting photos of Hunt with his latest flavor of the month standing next to his McLaren was always guaranteed to make the front pages. But somehow, you kept finding yourself drawn back to the Ferrari garage. And to Niki.

Satisfied with your shots, you headed back into the shade. A quick glance at your watch told you that the practice session was almost over, and you decided that you would take a quick break here. Niki also must have decided that it was time for a break, because you watched as his car was slowly wheeled inside by the mechanics.

A few journalists had come into the garage, no doubt eager to get an interview with the drivers after the last practice session. Some of them were already talking with Clay, but a few more were waiting anxiously for Niki.

Lauda stepped out of the cockpit of his Ferrari, and you watched as he was instantly swarmed by the journalists. You chuckled, because you knew that unless any of them were personal friends of Niki, they would never get a real interview at this moment. Catching Niki after he had some time to breathe would be the perfect opportunity to talk to him. But not now.

“Mr. Lauda! Niki! Niki please, over here!” you heard them shout. Niki ignored the swarm of men and waved them away temporarily as he went over to talk to a few of his mechanics. The journalists were respectful and kept their distance, knowing better than to interfere during technical discussions among the teams. However, as soon as Niki thanked his engineers, and said he was off to lunch, the mob of men were on him again.

“Niki, what do you have to say about the allegations of your car being illegal?”

“Niki, how are you coping with your rivalry against Hunt?”

“Niki, are the rumors about you insulting Mr. Ferrari true?”

To deal with the swarm of people, Niki hid his bright blue eyes beneath his oversized sunglasses. You listened as he gave short, clipped answers to all of these questions. He was polite enough to respond to everything, although his short answers were indicative of his lack of interest in all of the journalists. Once the group was satisfied with a few short words for their editors, the men were off again, traveling down to another garage to catch the next juicy bit.

As the swarm dissipated, you watched as Niki returned to the shade of the Ferrari garage. It looked as if this was his safe space, where he could be surrounded by his cars, his mechanics, and his team.

You suddenly felt a tap on your shoulder, and you turned around to see your friend, Austrian journalist Heinz Prüller, grinning back at you.

“Hey,” he said, smiling fondly. “We were going to catch an interview with Niki during his lunch break. Looks like you’re in just the right spot as well.” You looked over to see a few other journalists that were gathered behind Heinz. All of the men looked like they had done their research on the topic of ‘how to not piss off one Niki Lauda after practice,’ and you grinned, gesturing to your cameras.

“Mind if I sit in?” you asked. “I’m sure I could capture a shot or two for your article in Autorevue. The Austrian media do love their golden boy.” Heinz chuckled and nodded.

“Of course. I’m sure we’ll annoy him with questions, so you better take your pictures early,” he said. You rolled your eyes, walking beside Heinz and the group to where Niki was at the other side of the garage.

“Heinz, don’t pretend that you aren’t good friends with him. You know that’s why I sit in with you and the others,” you told him, gesturing to the rest of the more docile journalists. “You all…appeal to his humanity.”

Heinz stopped walking for a moment to stare at you. He looked…curious. Inquisitive, and more than a little suspicious. You knew that mischievous smirk.

“Oddly sentimental of you,” he said, lowering his voice so that no one else could hear. “And odd to say about Niki. You almost sound as if you’re more than just a little interested in Austria’s golden boy.” You paused, staring back at him, your eyes wide.

“What? Heinz!” you said, glaring at him defensively, although he could see right through your intense gaze. The journalist just looked at you fondly.

“Do not worry, I am teasing you,” he said lightly. “But I have seen you spending more time in the Ferrari garage, and as Niki’s friend, I can tell you…your lovely presence hasn’t gone unnoticed by him. Come now, let us do our interview.”

You huffed a sigh as you followed the rest of the journalists to find Niki, who looked as if he had served himself a plate of pasta from the Ferrari cook. He had taken off his shoes and now sat barefoot, perched on a folding chair. Someone had stuck a piece of duct tape to the back of the chair and written “Super Rat” on the label. You suppressed a smile, watching as Niki got settled with his food.

“So,” he said, gesturing to Heinz with his fork before he took a bite of pasta. “Where do we start today?” You listened as Prüller clicked his tape recorder, and then as the journalist began questioning Niki in German. The boys dipped into what sounded like an easy conversation, and you took the opportunity to capture a few photos.

When Prüller had finished his interview, a few of the other journalists asked questions in English, and Niki ate as he gave thoughtful replies that were interspersed with plenty of crude humor and swearing. Soon, Clay walked over to stand beside the group, looking quite relaxed amongst the crowd of people.

It wasn’t long until most of the journalists had finished their questions, and there was a lull in conversation. As you changed another roll of film in one of your cameras, you watched as Niki shoveled in another mouthful of his noodles. You chuckled softly.

“This isn’t an official interview question, but how is the food at Ferrari? Are they feeding you well?” you asked, an amused expression on your face. Niki noticed you then, and he glanced up at you in pleasant surprise, as if he was prepared to answer any questions but that. He huffed a small laugh, and the little smile on his face was endearing.

“Terrible,” he said with a cheeky grin. “The food is absolutely terrible. Right, Clay?” Niki looked over at his teammate and winked. Clay just rolled his eyes.

“Oh yes. That’s how I’m able to keep my thin figure,” he teased, posing dramatically. The group of men laughed good naturedly, and you looked over again to find Niki gazing at you while everyone else was distracted.

“I see you in the pits,” he told you in his deep, accented voice. “You never ask anything of me, just a few clicks with your camera and you are off again,” he said. You raised an eyebrow at this curious remark.

“Yes, unless you’d like me to take more than only pictures? I can always interview you as well,” you teased lightly, pretending to reach into your pocket for a tape recorder. Niki laughed, and his usually stern face lit up with amusement.

“No, no, please, no more interviews,” he joked, glancing around at the other journalists who had turned back to the conversation. “I am too used to these dogs always barking in my ears.” He glanced over at the men, who rolled their eyes.

“Oh please, Niki, we know you love us more than any of the other media,” a British journalist joked. “And so does Clay. That’s why we’re sitting with you now.” Regazzoni grinned and turned to you.

“By the way, I saw that photo of me on the cover of Autosport last week,” he said, leaning against a workbench. “And I noticed that you were the photographer. I must say, I looked very handsome. Well done.” His words set off another round of laughter, and you grinned.

“I am glad you think so,” you replied. “Of course, that is always my intent. To make all of you look like supermodels.” Even as all the other men chuckled, you noticed that Niki hadn’t taken his eyes off of you the entire time. He looked…curious. Attentive.

“What about Niki?” Clay asked, turning to the Austrian. “Aren’t you going to get a winning picture of him?” Niki suddenly looked uncomfortable at having been put on the spot, but you saved him before he had to answer.

“No, unfortunately for you, I only take candid shots,” you said. “Unless a posed picture is specifically requested by the driver. Just like you asked me to take a photo of you with those grid girls back in Brazil. If I remember correctly, those fun little snapshots made more than a few gossip headlines.” At the jab, all of the attention fell on Clay, and the journalists began ribbing him good-naturedly about his sex appeal.

Amongst the chatter, you turned back to Niki, who had wisely remained out of the conversation. He was still gazing at you with that same curious expression, although when your eyes met his, he looked away in an oddly shy manner. You had been a bit nervous about defending him so openly in the conversation, but it seemed that he didn’t mind. And now…now, you didn’t know what to do.

“Well, I…I think I have to be going,” you said, glancing at your watch as you felt your nerves get the best of you. Damn, why couldn’t you just stand here and flirt like a normal person? Or even just talk with him? You began to gather your things, preparing a strategic exit while Clay and the other journalists were still engrossed in their own chat. However, Niki stopped you before you could leave.

“Wait,” you heard him say softly, gazing up at you. “What is your name?” Once again, you were mesmerized by the intensity of his gorgeous blue eyes. For a moment, the words were caught in your throat, but then you finally found your voice.

“Y/n Y/l/n,” you told him, letting out the breath you had been holding. Niki nodded slightly, looking pleased. You could tell that he wanted to stand, or shake your hand, or do something similar, but he didn’t really know which would be appropriate for the situation. Before he could do anything, you just smiled pleasantly again.

“Well, then, I’ll see you around the paddock, Niki,” you said, securing your cameras on your shoulder. With that, you turned and walked out of the Ferrari garage, mentally slapping yourself upside the head. Well that was awkward.

You breathed a heavy sigh. Maybe taking some photos of Ronnie Peterson in the next garage would cheer you up.