#oh also - I have no idea how this season will end

[kindaasrikal]

OH MY GOD

Morro’s character perfectly portrays the sin of greed, both in the perspective of himself and in the perspective of others actions.

Looking at it in the perspective of how he himself portrays it, it’s quite obvious. Morro actively causes his own demise due to wanting more than he already had, likely influenced by his time on the streets, and no thats not me saying ‘poor people are greedy!!!’. I mean in the sense of what he personally went through and how he had to force himself into toughening up to survive. Morro couldn’t afford to be kind, soft, and shy, like how he seemed to be shown when he first met Wu and was shown kindness, as well as when he first discovered his element.

They very purposefully presented him as a child who is far more innocent and sweet before the want for more took over.

Its due to that time on the streets and scavenging for more, likely prioritising his own safety rather than others (which is actually shown through other characters, the orphans who were with Morro when looking through Wu’s trash and then proceeded to run away the second they saw Wu come out without telling Morro. This was a behaviour that was likely shared amongst most of the orphans in that area and around that age), that led him to cling onto gaining more when told he could be more.

Tell me, how would a young child who had nothing, react when being told they could have everything? They would clearly cling to that idea.

Of course, as i have talked about before, Morro’s motivations wasn’t solely based on the want for more in general and for power (it was also based on factors like gaining Wu’s approval and achieving his expectations, Morro’s overall stubbornness that causes most of it, as well as his lack of any form of identity outside of it all) however those two things were very likely two important factors that made him continue wanting to be the green ninja even decades later.

Whatever innocent or naive or traumatised excuse/explanation that could’ve been given no longer hold equal or as much weight when applied to Morro in season 5, who clearly ends up wanting the green gi due to power (in multiple forms, not just power in terms of physically) more than anything else.

However, looking at how Morro represents the sin of Greed in the perspective of OTHERS is far more interesting when you think about it. I’ll try to keep this brief.

Wu, who was desperate to find the green ninja and impatient. Now, thats not to say Wu was greedy when he got the idea of Morro being the green ninja. Instead, understand it in the idea of how impatience fuels greed. When someone is impatient it is usually due to wanting something in a short amount of time, being greedy in terms of not waiting and rushing something that needs time or shouldn’t happen to begin with. Wu shows the sin of greed by (unfortunately) being the reason Morro became so greedy and for letting his impatience feed into that, as well as learning to not be greedy for more in a short period of time, and instead let things happen as they naturally should.

The Preeminent, who was likely the creature that fed into Morro’s greed to manipulate him onto helping fulfil her own. The Preeminent’s is not portrayed as a creature who is as sentient as we are, though she does have some form of sentience that is higher than usual. She had a more innocent version of greed in terms of her having less complications thoughts and seemingly only wanting more because she herself desires it. Innocent is definitely not the right word for it but i can’t think of anything else. She was greedy for more cursed souls, to escape her own realm, to take over all the realms, and to control all souls with an overwhelming amount of power. She actively used Morro and his own greed (whilst also amplifying it) to have him allow her to have her own greed fulfilled.

Shockingly enough, Lloyd, as a character who was greedy yet was no longer anything of the such. We all clearly remember Lloyd’s time as a child and his own desire for power (fuelled by naivety and neglect he’s just a tiny little guy). Later, he loses that sense of greed and instead gains a sense of selflessness (that honesty does more harm than good sometimes). He’s a perfect representation of freeing yourself from the control of your desires and greed to allow yourself a kinder life.

Theres also Kai, who was also greedy for power (with different reasons and motivations) and let go of it for Lloyd and the other ninja.

Last but not least, Garmadon. Garmadon is an amazing example of an individual who struggles with their greed and desires.

All of these character represent greed in various forms, yet nonetheless they are all the same things and lead to the same outcome. Something harmful to each of them.

All these character connect to Morro well with his story, with Kai being in the exact same position as Morro at one point, Lloyd being the one possessed by Morro in his greed as well as having that same childlike naivety and selfishness Morro did, Wu being Morro’s sensei as well as the starting point for his greed, the Preeminent being the key player in Morro’s greed growing as large as it had and leading him to make bad decisions due to it, and Garmadon whose story and life is uncomfortably similar to Morro’s whilst also suffering through an entire lifetime of fighting his desires and greed until eventually having it take over.

And yet now in Dragons Rising, all forms of greed have left Morro, leaving him sacrificing his entire existence for the sake of protecting others.

He makes me SICKKK IM CRASHING OUT MANNN

Sorry this is probably written a bit messily and like i trailed off and didn’t complete my point but its 5am guyssss :(

[saberma]

Fine I'll yap about devious

First of all. I love Spokeishere. What a creature oh my god. I loove trying to figure out what the hell is this guy up to That conversation with Minute was soooo… I have no idea what Spoke actually has planned, but that convo really felt like a Start of something. Spoke definetly didn't tell Minute much, just enough to hint at the idea of what's going to happen. Also, he probably used an orbital cannon as an example specifically for Minute… I love his sick and twisted mind

Anyway, devious. Sometimes I think about how Spoke is the only person Mapicc ever fully betrayed his teammate for (Ro in s4). And he did it after the dupe war, after knowing how much Spoke lied to him. Because Spoke gave him something to do. Spoke made him feel useful, and like he was part of something. And even if Mapicc felt betrayed by Spoke still caring about Vitalasy at the end he still would want to do something like wormhole with Spoke again.

I don't really know how to explain the fucked up sence of trust they have but it's. Something. Mapicc still trusts Spoke so much, and he loveees to bring him around in situations where he doesn't feel too comfortable (usually lore talk, him dragging Spoke in as his professional yapper for his talk with Kab is a good example, but he used to do it in s4 as well. The amount of times Spoke was just his emotional support while him and Zam were fighting is so funny). They're just such peak friendship. Everytime they have a conversation I feel like a third wheel cause they're always saying something incomprehensible (bro, what the hell is a parrot folder).

And I can't say Spoke fully trusts anyone, but i think he values Mapicc and his trust a lot (sometimes for evil purposes but still) I don't really remember the exact quote but Mapicc mentioned that Spoke is basically the person he'll go to when everything is going horribly wrong. And yeaaaah. The fact that Spoke showed Mapicc that one shot exploit (yeah that probably wasn't a hack client), specifically to reassure Mapicc that he still would have options even if there's 6 maces on the server. That Mapicc trusted him with the mace he worked so hard for in the first place, and didn't really question it too much. The fact that he still never told anyone about it. Ughhghhg they

So that's why I'm not really surprised that Mapicc is conflicted on the whole thing. Even before Mapicc joined or said anything I thought he would definetly not wanna oppose Spoke immedietly. And then the first thing he says after joining is that he needs to talk to Spoke before making any decisions. Still says that Spoke is his teammate and that he wants to know his reasoning, that he doesn't wanna fight him.

"I wanna be on the side that actually gives me meaning"

Like. Mapicc is such a perfect person for Spoke to try to get on his side. He's been feeling directionless the entire season. If Spoke offers him a chance to permanently change the server, and do something that will be remembered instead of chasing after a Flame kill again and again. Cause Spoke understands Mapicc so much, he knows his strengths and what he finds fun on lifesteal and he's *extremely* good at talking.

"I love Spoke's game more than i love saving spawn".

Mapicc already kinda agrees with a lot of Spoke's morals (or lack of them). He doesn't really care about spawn and he's so tired of fights he can't win.

Mapicc's only condition for working with Spoke would be that Mane and Flame aren't involved. (which.. can I say I really don't think they are. like I don't think spoke or focus actually need them for their plans. and maybe it's the devious bias but spoke would prefer to work with mapicc over them).

I don't think he'd immedietly betray cause he cares a lot about the people opposing Spoke (minute and zam, and hannah probably cause I can't imagine she would wanna be involved in what spoke is doing).

But it won't be an easy choice.

So yeah I am so excited for their talk tomorrow....

[neurospiczzzziee]

Moon Light

"Moon Light, just a little bit longer. We'll have these unwanted 'Guests' evicted in no time."

This piece is a continuation of a comic WIP I sketched inspired by an art request I received from @nikispade

Comic WIP: "Burdock Bur"

Takes place right after a mission

Blitzø: dinner gonna be soon! Stolz check on Loonie!

*Stolas slides the screen door to the balcony to join Loona*

Stolas: Mind if I join?

Loona: sure

*awkward silence*

Stolas looks down and notices a tick in her fur.

Stolas: ummm. . .Loona. . .

Loona: yeah? What?

Stolas:. . you seem to have a burdock burr in your coat. Mind if I help you remove it?

Loona: Oh shit. Those suck. Yeah that would be great. Thx.

*Stolas proceeds to remove the tick effortlessly. Takes out a lighter and lights the Tick on fire*

Stolas: get fucked little one!

Loona: !!!!!!

*starts to shake*

Loona: EW EW EW!!!!! STOLAS PLEASE CHECK ALL OF MY FUR!!! HELP! EW! OH GAWD.

Depicting Stolas' Strengths

So I made these art pieces to really show Stolas' Strengths as a character, how he is a really good father figure.

Because of mastermind and Sinsmas Stolas has been in a very fragile. I wanted to depict Stolas' strengths as a character and hopefully how we will see them in the future of the show. Stolas at the end of the day is a really good father and I know he'll be an amazing bonus dad for Loona. He has a history of raising children and working with scared children. I think he would be fantastic in a situation like this. He would know exactly what to do to comfort Loona and calm her down. Especially coming up with a clever lie so she would not freak out at first. The idea is she got the tick from crawling in some bushes on earth (This is low-key inspired from my own fear of ticks. Whenever I have a tick embedded in my skin I literally cry and freak out). So Loona doesn't immediately freak out Stolas tells her that she instead has a burdock bur stuck in her fur and asks her if he can remove it.

The finalized drawing is after Loona finds out about the first tick she has Stolas check the remaining parts of her fur to see if there are any more unwanted guests. I like the idea of them specifically moving towards the door so they can use the inside light to see better.

Once again I love wholesome Stolitz Family content and I really enjoyed drawing this art requests. For my friends who sent me requests. I did not forget about y'all! I am working on them!!!! It just takes time!

Some of them might be used for future collabs in the near future 👀👀👀👀

As always if you have any Stolitz art requests my asks are open!!! Also any fanfic writers/artists who are interested in collabing. I'm down to clown just reach out to me through Tumblr dms. Because I have a helluva boss brain rot and I'm trying to survive until the next season. 🤣

✨Shout out time!!!✨

Thx @theradiodaemon and @larryisnotagirl for helping me come up with Stolas' wording to Loona and for ur friendship!

@dishrack-holygrail thank you for the moral support friend!

[takaraphoenix]

@eyayah234 I have... no idea why your ask doesn't show up in my inbox and is just ~gone~ when I click on the "answer" link in my mail notification, but sure, let's do this the more complicated way xD

Thanks for playing!! ^^

2. Favorite canon scene between them?

The vault figuring out in season 3A. The way they finish each other's thoughts, how seamless they work together and just know how the other thinks, hell even how they stand facing each other, touching, as they tell Scott about the vault, finishing each other's sentences. It's, this is Steter at its essence to me.

5. Biggest in-universe supporter of the ship?

ERICA!! I have, for reasons I can't name, decided Erica is the captain of the Peter Hale fanclub and of course does she adore her Batman. So she is rooting for them the most!!

7. Who do each of them tell first about the relationship?

I don't think Peter would tell anyone. Well, maybe Malia, if we are around season 4-ish in time. Little heads up. But otherwise he doesn't really care about sharing this with anyone, it's all his.

Stiles would tell Erica first. Because he knows she is the most open to the idea of Peter, in general. Scott and Peter's past makes Stiles feel like he needs to mentally prepare before he can tell Scott. And his dad, uh, well, the whole gun-owning and being sheriff, you know.

14. How did their family take the news of their relationship?

Oh, Derek is gonna do so much growling and threatening of Peter. Depending on it, there might be some minor physical violence.

Cora mocks them to no end.

Malia doesn't really care, she just wants Stiles to be happy.

The sheriff, I prefer does not have a leg to stand on because considering Noah's actor's age (and... he really doesn't pass as that much younger), there ought to be a 10 year age gap between him and Claudia too. And I also like for Peter to earn his respect before the relationship reveal so Noah is begrudgingly accepting. As long as Stiles is happy, otherwise he will get wolfsbane bullets from Chris Argent.

Ship Ask Game

[batsandbirdbrains]

No idea what would end up happening in this one but

The one where Thomas and Martha Wayne are magically resurrected for like idk a week

But I want it to be the season 1 yj team that stumbles across them first and has to deal with them. Let’s make it be because of Klarion. Maybe he does some spell to resurrect the team’s grandparents, but lmao Robin is the only one with any dead grandparents somehow (at least on Earth) and for whatever reason, the spell latches onto the Waynes.

And while Klarion is cackling and disappearing into the void, Robin is just staring at the Waynes going “ooooh we fucked up. We really fucked up. Fuck.”

And the others just don’t recognize them. Not even Artemis, who’s from Gotham. They died long enough ago that a younger Gothamite wouldn’t necessarily recognize them.

So Robin just rushed over to them and is like “Heeyyy so I’m gonna need to you to come with us and not say your names and please just be very cool until I get you to Batman please.”

“What is a Batman.”

And Robin is giggling so nervously, a little hysterically, and he just whispers mostly to himself, “omg he’s gonna kill me”

“Robin who are these two?”

“That’s not important!!” Robin is so stressed. “No more questions please let’s just get back to the ship let’s get out of here let’s skedaddle!”

And while they’re on the bioship, Thomas and Martha are still asking so many questions and Robin eventually, reluctantly, tells them through a nervous laugh, “haha well you see, I’m sort of uh, your grandson? In a way?”

“What does that mean?” Thomas is having none of this.

Meanwhile Martha is pleased as punch and starts doting over him so much and fixing his hair and his cape and brushing the dust and dirt off his shoulders.

“Oh you’re just darling!” She gushes. “A grandson! And how old is our son now?”

Because Dick has already explained that they’ve been dead for quite some time. They’ve come to terms with it. And they’ve also gathered the secret identity thing he not so subtly whispered to them about, so they’re being very careful to avoid names.

“Oh, you know,” Dick chuckles, “he’s dad-aged. Sort of.”

Martha thinks he’s just so charming. Thomas is suspicious.

Wally actually snorts so hard at Batman being called “dad-aged” that the Gatorade he was drinking squirts out of his nose. Robin points and laughs at him.

When the ship lands, Dick rushes out and says in a high, panicked voice, “B, we have a situation!”

Bruce almost passes out when he sees his parents walk out of the ship. They look exactly the same as they did the night they died.

“Holy shit.”

Martha scolds him for his language. Thomas narrows his eyes and glances between Batman and Robin.

“Why does he not call you dad?”

And from here it can go one of two ways:

1. They find out Dick is adopted and then they move right on to become doting loving grandparents, it’s just that Thomas was getting confused about the reluctancy of Dick to call Bruce ‘dad’ on the bioship. He’d even stuttered over the word grandson. When he realizes it’s because Dick was just nervous about using the words because he wasn’t sure how they’d react when they found out he was adopted, they reassure him there’s no problem with it and they’re very excited to meet him. Thomas was just cautious that it might have been a trap of some sort.

Or for the angstier version

2. Dick ends up fleeing back to Mount Justice shortly after they’d all left for the batcave to explain things to Thomas and Martha, because they’d blatantly called him a gypsy and a street rat when Bruce told them Dick grew up in the circus and he adopted him after his parents died. Dick gets so upset, because Martha had been so nice to him and he’d really kind of enjoyed having a grandma for the first time he could remember, and now she’s looking at him like he’s dirt beneath her shoe. And they’re insisting he’s not really family, he’s not really a Wayne, and so he runs to Mount Justice and explains as vaguely as he can that they’re Batman’s parents and since he’s not actually Batman’s biological son, they don’t want him around and he doesn’t want to be around them anyway. He leaves out the gypsy shit and the street rat shit, but Wally can read between the lines, and he does his best to distract Dick.

Bruce comes back to check on him almost immediately, and he tries to convince Dick to come home, but he refuses to while they’re there.

“I know you miss them a lot and I’m sorry I’m ruining it for you but, but-“

“You’re not ruining anything,” Bruce whispers to him, holding Dick’s shoulders tightly. “You’ve done nothing wrong. They’re way out of line. You’re my son, whether they like it or not.”

Bruce sighs, because he can see that Dick is genuinely very upset.

“You can stay up here for now, if you want,” Bruce tells him. “Zatara says the spell that’s keeping them here will last a week at the longest. But I’ll come here to see you everyday if you don’t want to be home while they’re there.”

Dick just nods his head, not wanting to speak anymore. Bruce sits with him for a long time, just holding him, until he has to go back after a worried call from Alfred.

“Il come back in the morning,” Bruce tells him. “I’ll bring breakfast.”

“Okay,” Dick whispers. “Tell Alfie I said goodnight.”

Bruce is so upset his parents have upset Dick so much, but he’s really at a loss for what to do. He can’t just have them go stay at a hotel, they’re supposed to be dead. But at least he knows Dick has somewhere safe to stay in the meantime.

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

I know that was a lot of long asks so here’s some short ones to help balance out the inbox!

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼

🔍🔍🔍🔍🔍

☣️☣️☣️☣️☣️

🧑🏾‍🚒🧑🏾‍🚒🧑🏾‍🚒🧑🏾‍🚒🧑🏾‍🚒

Also was wondering if you have any upcoming ideas that you’re willing to tease? No pressure of course just curious about what your brilliant mind might be turning to next! Whether it’s post season eight or AU or whatever you never miss, so even if you don’t want to share just know that, as always, I’m so excited to see whatever you’ve got in store!

- PCA <3

THANK YOU!

Okay you know what - I'm just gonna do a screenshot of my list, and that can be my teaser:

Some of these are requests, some of them are ideas of mine, some of them are things @pantsaretherealheroes and I imagined while together in LA.

15 for🩸

---

It’s early morning. They fell asleep together last night. They’ve long since abandoned the pretenses of one of them sneaking back out to the couch. Buck isn’t sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

“What’s up?” Eddie asks, propping himself up his elbow, looking down at Buck, whose head is still flat on the pillow.

Buck can’t help but let his eyes linger on the lines of Eddie’s bare chest. God, he’s so fucking… No. Not the time. Definitely not the time. 

“Um, you know how I’ve been going to see May and Harry,” Buck says. 

“To help them with the house, yeah,” Eddie says.

“Right, well… I guess I’m worried about them.”

---

15 for🔼:

---

“But it’s not just for you. I think this is the best thing for everyone going forward, including all the kids.”

Shannon nods. “If we just did it for the new baby, how would you explain it to Jane and Chris?”

Buck frowns. “What?”

“Well, what would you say, ten years from now, if Jane asked why you weren’t legally her parent, but you were the new baby’s?” Shannon asks. 

Buck’s processes this questions, brows furrowing. 

“She would… She would be hurt, maybe?” Buck asks, like he can’t really believe it.

Eddie shrugs. “Doesn’t it seem best to give them all the same? Otherwise, it’s kind of like, you’re only this one’s legal parent because you might be their biological parent.”

---

15 for🔍

---

He doesn’t really care. The only person he knows is Maddie, but he’s used to sleeping in a fire station bunk room with strangers anyway.

In the end, Bobby and Athena share a room. They’re married, apparently. Good for them. Which leaves Buck, Maddie, and Eddie to share a room. That feels weird. 

“I’ll sleep on the floor,” Eddie says. “No biggie.”

“That sounds really uncomfortable,” Buck says. 

“Did two tours of duty,” Eddie waves it off. “I’ve slept in worse places.”

Okay, army guy. A sore back is still a sore back. 

“We could just put a pillow between us,” Buck suggests. 

---

15 for ☣️

---

“Sorry, say that again,” Buck gapes at his brother-in-law through the glass wall of his laboratory cell. “You’re what?” 

“Kind of indestructible,” Chim says. 

Hen and Buck share a look. Indestructible? 

“You can’t get hurt?” Hen asks.

“Or sick,” Chim answers. “Believe me, they’ve tried.”

Buck doesn’t like the implications behind that sentence.

“What do we do?” Ravi asks. “I was our only plan!” 

Buck finds the cell door and taps the security card against the key access. It flashes red and buzzes. 

---

15 for🧑🏾‍🚒

---

Harry rolls his eyes. “Oh, come on. He saw you like a son. Everyone knows it. He admitted as much to Mom and May.”

Buck inhales sharply. “He… He did?”

Harry pauses. Wait. Did he not… Did he not know? 

“He never told you that?” Harry asks.

Buck shakes his head. 

---

[roundandroundthemulberry]

OP, I hope you don't mind me adding to this post.

So around and about when this episode aired, Jensen went on an interview promoting S9 discussing Dean's MOC journey among others, on a fan-run podcast, Winchester Radio.

Previously, there was a link to the podcast in the article below, but I'm not sure what happened to it.

However, this is a link to the full transcript of that podcast, so all is not lost.

I am getting to my point, don't worry 😅

Now, what I want to actually bring up is the section where Jensen talked about Misha's directorial preparation. Which gave me such warm and fuzzy feelings about how he helped Misha in this particular endeavor. He was and still is such a truly great friend to Misha. And as always, Jensen is very good at cheerleading up Misha.

Under the cut is said section, copied/pasted from that interview, as this is already very long:

The crew who love him

Interviewer: Now, another question, completely different: With regards to Misha’s big Supernatural directorial debut, how was he as a first time director, did he ask you for any advice, and the most important question: can you tell us more about the pie in the face pranks?

Jensen: I don’t know what you’re talking about. (Laughter) Well, as far as advice, he and I sat down at dinner, this was maybe a couple of weeks before he was supposed to start prepping, and I unloaded on him as much advice as I could think of that I would have wanted somebody to tell me, and also some advice that I did actually get, before I shot Weekend at Bobby’s. And Misha promptly whipped out his phone and started writing notes. So I don’t know whether any of those /inaudible/ helped him, or whether he was just writing emails to somebody and not listening to me, but… Yeah, I tried to tell him as much as possible to give him kind of an idea of what to expect. But the thing is, you can give somebody as much advice as you can possibly give them, it seems to all either get lost away or just get put aside because when you’re in it, then it’s just kind of instant-think and personality takeover. And luckily Misha’s a smart guy, and he’s also surrounded by people who really know the show, and the crew who love him. The support system that he had going was the same support system that I had going, and really kind of helped him navigate any treacherous turns. And unfortunate or fortunate for him, I don’t know, you’ll have to ask him this, Jared and I didn’t work very much on that episode. I think we only worked three days on his episode. It was a big, uh, who was it? I don’t know. I wasn’t working so I wasn’t there. So we had to get in some hazing, like day one, unfortunately for him – we didn’t get to stretch it out over an eight-day shoot. It was like, oh, we’re only in today and tomorrow, so, sorry buddy. You’re gonna get – you’re gonna get hazed, pretty bad. He took it in stride and that was, you know… I actually blame you guys. Because there was so much doled up on what we were gonna do to him, that we couldn’t not do anything. So it’s really the fault of the fans that, you know, whatever happened to happened. I don’t take responsibility at all.

Interviewer: It’s his fault. He’s the one who said he was terrified of what you were gonna do to him.

Jensen: Yeah, exactly! So, you know, we were just filling prophecy.

Intense precautionary measures

Interviewer: Right, right. Who came up with the idea of the pie?

Jensen: I made that.

Interviewer: So we saw the pie in his face, twice, but was there anything else that we didn’t see?

Jensen: Yeah, well there was a lot that didn’t get done. Let me put it that way. There was – I actually had a list of ideas. And the list was extensive. We didn’t get to do a whole lot, because after day one, he took some intense precautionary measures. There were some good ones that we, unfortunately, really the one that paid off was pie in the face – twice – and Jared got his script, but yeah, some of the more extensive ones, unfortunately, we had to abort, because, a) we weren’t gonna be there to do it, and b) he had taken some precautionary measures that we couldn’t circumvent.

Interviewer: Well, Jensen, we have to thank you so much for talking to us today. It’s just been an absolute pleasure, and we really really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us.

Jensen: Absolutely. Thanks for hanging out and I hope to see you guys in Las Vegas, yeah?

/end

I’m watching “Mother’s Little Helper” 9x17 amd it’s Misha’s episode that he directed.

I’m still so impressed. He did such a good job. My favorite shots are:

1. When Dean is staring at the liquor bottle between the lamp and another object

2. The scene of the souls returning to their bodies in the jail, with very haunting music.

3. Abbadon (dressed as a num) watching the young nun as she and Henry Winchester drive past in slow motion.

4. The ending shot of Dean and Sam sitting at separate tables in the bunker l symbolizing the emotional distance between them, the separateness of their relationship at the time.

So well done, Misha.

[softquietsteadylove]

Miss your Maleficent AU. Could you maybe write some more of that ? Maybe jealous and protective Gil/Thena

(also I just want to say. I got into Eternals because of your. 👉👈 I love Don Lee, and I came across your post. I didn't know that he played in this movie. Thank you 💕)

Misery. Mating season was pure misery. As far as Thena was concerned, it always had been. Even back in the isles, all mating season meant was morons crooning at her from treetops like seagulls.

She had seen humans aflush with mating hormones. Usually in the spring, they began courting each other. They would trade soft, quiet words, perhaps sing sweet songs and trade trinkets. Humans had such cute mating rituals. Nothing like a bull flying too close and flapping his wings at her.

Thena curled around herself tighter as a couple flew past, way too close to her, and way too close to each other. Their wings were hitting each other on occasion. Some of their feathers floated down into Thena's space.

She stood with a huff, sending the errant feathers away. This was a poor place to choose as her waiting spot. But she had a view of the side entrance to the nest this way.

The patrol would be back any time now.

As the nights grew shorter, the patrols too grew longer. She could see from her higher vantage point the way Druig was one of the most eager to crowd the entrance. He was waiting for his own mate.

She was waiting for hers...in a sense.

Not that she and Gilgamesh were declared to each other. They weren't really mates, in the way most would consider the term. But she had his feather! And he had hers, even if not displayed publicly.

"They're almost here!" she heard one eager, young fae bubble gleefully to her friend waiting next to her. They were bouncing in their excitement. "Do you think he'll land first?"

Thena rolled her eyes. Young spring fledglings yet to face the harsh winds of the world.

"The captain always lands last!"

Thena bristled, as did her wings. She fluffed them, attempting to smooth them down of their own accord. She couldn't let her hackles raise to every young chick who was aflutter over Gilgamesh. She would never know peace if she did.

Gilgamesh was a very desirable specimen. He was the captain of the nest's border patrol, as well as a personal guard when occasions called for it within the nest. He was a good hunter, a provider, strong, a skilled flier, and he was handsome-

Thena walked away from her waiting spot, refusing to watch Gilgamesh be ogled as soon as he arrived with the rest of the border patrol shift. He could come and find her if he wanted to share some food, or her company.

She wasn't his mate, so what was she waiting on him for?

If she had to watch him be given mating trinkets she might not be responsible for her actions. She trudged through the tunnels instead, determined to take the caves back to the inner cliffs. Perhaps she would just drag herself back to her nest and lie around like a pitiful runt with a broken wing. At least she would be the only one to witness her own misery.

"Are you lost?"

She looked up, shocked to be spoken to in the middle of her brooding. She hadn't even realised she had passed another fae. He was an arctic fae, she gathered from his light coloured robes and the silvery shine in his hair and even his eyelashes. "What?"

"The gathering fire has been lit, they will be handing out food," he repeated, even pointing in the direction from which she had just come. "I wouldn't want you to miss out."

She frowned. What business was it of his if she missed the first servings of meal time? "Perhaps that is my choice to make."

"Yes, of course." But he smiled, showing off pearly white fangs. He was a pretty thing; she was certain he would also be giggled and flapped over by the eligible and awaiting fae out there.

Just like Gilgamesh.

Her mood still soured, Thena turned, determined to continue on her way.

"There will be fruit."

It was impossible for her to hide that her ears perked at that. They were practically fluttering like her wings at the thought. Winter had made it hard to find the sweet, delicate morsels she so loved. Her eyes must have looked bloodthirsty when she looked at him again.

He smiled warmly, hands folded into the sleeves of his robes. "I heard that once mating season begins, the last of the dried fruit rations are distributed, as a celebration that fresh fruit will begin growing once more."

She regarded him cautiously. He was promising a great treasure--almost too good to be true. "Heard?"

"Ah, I have travelled much in my life, I too am not native to this area," he excused with a laugh. "Although I come from the north, I had the pleasure of experiencing the southern Isles many years ago. I remember how lush the fruit was, no matter the season."

Indeed, it was the only thing she missed of the Isles. She approached him again. "You lived on the Isles?"

"For a time, yes," he sighed, opening his eyes again. They were a pretty colour, she had to admit--much like the waters of her island home. "I was quite happy during the time I spent there."

A smile came to her face, perhaps from sheer nostalgia. The thought of warm winds and soft sands and the sounds of her brothers' laughter (when they were still small and cute) came to mind. "They are pleasant."

"Pleasant, yes," he agreed. His smile changed slightly and he stepped closer to her, "and beautiful."

She blinked; had she misread his intentions. Her feathers weren't standing on end, but she couldn't help but tilt her head at him. "Hm?"

"I do miss the beauty of the Isles," he repeated. He was no coward. "The soft gold of the sands, the sparkling green of the seas. Truly the most beautiful sights one can behold."

She clasped her hands behind her back. She couldn't very well tell him he was speaking to a mated fae--he wasn't. Her tongue turned sour again and her frown returned without any need to force it. "I don't-"

"Ah, forgive me," he offered with genuine sounding contrition. He even stepped away again, back to a more respectful distance. "I do not wish to cause you discomfort."

She eyed him. He had taken no for an answer, which frankly put him ranks above plenty of the hormone driven bulls out there. She straightened her back, stating firmly, "I'm not looking for a mate."

"Then let it be so," he agreed easily. His voice was like silk. "I will not ask anything of you."

Thena maintained the distance he himself had offered. But if he truly was ready to accept her answer, then perhaps something of a friend would not be the worst to have in this mothernest. She was starting to realise that with exception to Gilgamesh, she had made little effort to find more, now that this was their home.

"I confess I knew you were from the Isles the second I saw you," he offered, again his own defense, but not disavowing his declaration of her beauty. "I have longed to return to the Isles for many years now. I was eager to speak with someone else who knew them."

"Hm," she contemplated her options aloud. She could surely talk with him about her past home. There weren't many other options, after all. And so long as he kept it to himself if he found her beautiful or not, she could concede having some company besides Ikaris might be nice.

"Your brothers flew here with you, yes?"

She relaxed some at the mention of her brothers. She was not the only one he had learned about. "Yes, we all made the journey together."

"Druig, the younger one," he began carefully. "I was not able to connect that he was from the Isles and your kin until recently, I confess."

She had to smile. Druig did look quite her opposite, in many ways. He had short horns, dark and coiled tightly to his head. Dark hair, sharp features, and his wings were like the darkest part of the ocean.

"He is mated with Makkari, the lightning guard."

That was a fitting name for her, Thena had to admit. "I am quite happy with the match."

"What of your other brother?" her new acquaintance asked, his hands back in his sleeves again.

Ikaris was like a medium between her and Druig. He had some grey in his hair, peppery toned wings like a great owl. Thena sighed. "I fear no one would be able to stomach him as a mate."

Her companion laughed. He had a nice laugh, his voice light but also somewhat husky. "Surely he can't be so bad."

"I fear he is worse," she rebutted, making him laugh more. It wasn't as nice as Gilgamesh's laugh, but it was nice to hear any laughter, now that she thought about it. Perhaps mating season was getting to her after all.

"I have seen him with Ajak's assistant," he offered.

She too had seen him hovering whenever Sersi was in the open. But Ikaris was too ungraced to approach her directly. Thena feared that he had picked that up from her directly. "She will need to court him herself if she has hopes of making it through his agate of a skull."

"An agate for a skull?" he questioned, humored by her term for it.

"Large, some might find it pretty, but it's technically hollow inside."

Her friend threw his head back in laughter, truly enjoying himself now. She had to smile, too. It was nice to make someone laugh.

"I have heard much worse about siblings from others, if anything he should be grateful you compare him to something so desired," he chuckled, wiping a tear from his silvery eyelash in laughter.

"Indeed, he has had females pursue him in the past," Thena lamented, back to ruminating upon mating season. "But he is too dense to realise. I end up having to break the news to them that he is...not the courting type."

"Ah," he made a face of feigning understanding.

She frowned again, looking at him. He was a pretty fae, she could see that. But something made her bristle again. "Why aren't you out there?"

"Hm?"

"I know why I am here," she continued, feeling as if the air were shifting around her. Her feathers started rising. "No one uses the tunnels."

He tilted his head at her, utterly innocent looking. "I thought a quiet walk might be nice. All the mating season chirping-"

"Your wings drag," she pointed out, looking down at their feet, her sandals and his slippers. Indeed, his silvery wings were dragging on the ground behind him, they were so long. He wouldn't be taking the cave tunnels unless he had to.

He sighed, and harshly at that.

Her brows furrowed. "Did you expect to find me?"

"I followed you in here," he grumbled, some of the smoothness of his voice leaving him. "I've been trying to speak with you for some time now, but you're always slipping away like a wriggly little eel."

She shivered; she hated eels.

"When I saw you come down here I thought," he shrugged, making quite light of the confession to having tailed her like a predator. "This was my chance to talk with you."

Whether he meant that literally or was alluding to more than speaking, she bristled. She was no one's prey. "Was any of what you said true?"

He gave her a look, thoroughly irritated with her now. It was a sharp contrast to how gentle and soft he had seemed mere moments ago. "I didn't falsify anything. I did just want to talk with you."

He did seem genuinely discouraged. Perhaps it was the privilege of being a bull that he had no idea how threatening it felt to find herself entrapped with him like this.

"But you're always hanging around with that meathead."

Her wings bristled for an entirely new reason. "Who?"

"The captain," he sighed--scoffed, rather. "Gilgamesh?--throws his weight around, doesn't talk much. I have only seen him a few times during his duties and he seems...staunch."

He couldn't have been further from the truth. "He is not."

"You fly with him often," he pointed out, and she tried not to let it ruffle her. "He was your escort when you arrived from the isles."

She stood her ground.

"I always thought it should have been me," he muttered, letting some bitterness come through in it. "I volunteered, actually. I told Ajak about living in the Isles in years past--it made the most sense for me to be your escort!"

He sounded quite certain about that.

"But she chose him," he rolled his eyes, even pulling his hands out of his sleeves to run a hand over his horns. They were long, but they were downturned. Thena liked how Gil's flowed back from his head, like the depictions of old dragons in some cultures.

"You are envious of him."

He made a face, and Thena realised that perhaps this was one of those times when she was no more graceful with their own kind than Ikaris. It was an uncouth thing to say aloud. He looked at her with wild eyes and approached her with his shoulders forward. His wings raised and even confined within the space they were, they were huge. "Me?!--jealous of him?!"

Thena took a step back, but he continued to push his way into her space. She shouldn't have said that (even if she was right). And now she was trapped in a tunnel where she wouldn't be able to fly, at least not at any decent speed.

He slapped the cave wall between them, his temper now in full control. "What could that urchin brained, thick skulled, sea salt coated idiot have that I don't-?!"

Thena blinked as he was yanked backwards so far that he fell straight onto his wings. He yowled and grumbled as he was stepped over, his pretty wings being bent and rumpled as he attempted to pick himself up with the weight of them working against him.

"Careful you don't hurt your thick skull."

Gilgamesh stepped over the other male, completely unbothered by his agonised groans radiating through the tunnel around them. He walked over to her, leaning down to her ear, "are you unharmed?"

She nodded, happy she was still clasping her hands behind her and around her wings, which were absolutely vibrating at the sight of him. Her heart hammered in her ears. "Yes."

"Good." Gilgamesh's voice was deep, and smooth, and pleasant to the ear. He turned back to the other fae present. "You!"

"Ugh," the male grunted, finally able to pick himself up. He huffed and puffed, hair ruffled and wings positively bedraggled. "What the hell was that for?! I was-"

Gilgamesh was in front of him in a second, nose to nose, eye to eye. His fists clenched audibly. "If I ever hear of you following anyone around, let alone trapping them in a tunnel?"

He rolled his eyes. "I didn't trap her-"

Gilgamesh grasped the front of the opposition's robes. He brought his face close, growling right in it, fangs bared, breath heavy. "If I ever see you say even a word to her again-"

"Won't happen," he was quick to try and slither his way out of trouble. Like a wriggly little eel, Thena thought.

"Ever!" Gilgamesh roared right in his face, shaking him. "You come near her again, and I'll shatter your wings so badly you'll never even feel the wind in them again."

The fae paled; it was about a serious a threat as there ever could be. He wrestled himself from Gilgamesh's grip and began backing his way out of the tunnel, head down, wings pressed flat. "Never again. Consider me gone."

They could hear his steps scurrying out of the tunnel almost the entire way back to the opening. Gil turned back to her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She looked down at her toes. She felt foolish for having thought he had innocent intentions, even for a second. And perhaps he did, but she didn't feel any better about it.

"What are you doing in here?" he asked her gently, coming to her and reaching out for her hand. "I landed and went looking for you."

She kept her eyes down, not wanting to admit that she hadn't wanted to see him fawned over by other faeries. "I didn't feel I had the stomach for it."

She wasn't exactly explaining herself. But Gilgamesh accepted that, moving closer until he could pull her into his arms. She sighed as his hand drifted between her wings, massaging the knot that had formed there.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to her, burying his nose in her hair. "I should have been here to fend him off."

She inhaled the scent of him from his robes. She did want that. She wanted him to be around to fend off others in the name of keeping them away from his mate. She wanted to be able to tell the young fledglings that openly lusting after another's mate was unseemly. She wanted him to be hers as much as she felt he already was.

Gil pulled away first, holding her cheeks to kiss her properly. Their lips parted but he stayed close, his forehead to hers. "I know I'm not...we're not...I know. But I'm your mate, Thena--I am. And I'm not gonna let anyone think otherwise."

She pulled her head back enough to look at him, her lashes fluttering. He stared into them, his eyes such deep brown pools that made her want to sink into them. And they were so honest--she could believe everything she saw in them. She blushed.

Gilgamesh accepted as she kissed him again, slipping her hands under his wings and up his back. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm here now."

"Hm," she purred, happy just to enjoy a moment with him away from prying eyes. She rose onto her toes to nestle her nose right into the folds of his robes. And there, she found her feather, tucked away against his heart. She was in her rightful place, as far as he was concerned.

"Hey, you didn't eat, right?" he asked, eager to move past this unfortunate episode. "I found you something."

Her ears perked again--wings fluffed again.

Gilgamesh pulled out a pouch. Before it was even open her eyes went wide at the scent. He grinned, "we flew out pretty far today. But I found a few of these."

Her eyes sparkled as he handed over the treasure; an agate in its own right, filled with its own kind of jewels. She loved pomegranate.

"How 'bout we get away from all the noise," he chuckled, handing over the treasure so he could wrap his arm around her waist. "And I'll feed you those little seeds."

"Arils," she corrected, but with a wide smile, entirely too thrilled to have one of her favourite - rare - fruits within her hands again.

Gilgamesh just chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Anything my mate desires."

[sskk-manifesto]

The best 68 seconds in anime history (and a 22 minutes 32 seconds of prelude to that, I guess)

[hexados-on-a-string]

her: they're probably thinking abt other women

me: at the end of episode 52 of nv when everyone's saying goodbye, helios and drago talk abt hopefully the next time they meet they'll still be friends and be on the same side. when spectra shows up again in ms he tells them that yes they're still friends and on the same side, however when he comes back the brawlers are falling apart and dan has a link to magmel and is also generally being a Huge Jerk™, which might be an understatement. bringing back spectra during this arc was a brilliant idea bc other than being the writers' clear favourite, nv already set up parallels between dan and spectra and the contrast between how dan's acting and how even spectra of all people is actually disturbed and concerned by it shows how bad the situation has actually gotten.

[dennistakesamentalhealthday]

not going to write out the essay forming in my head but it’s so crazy to me like i know my vision of dennis is not universal and is mostly influenced by me thinking it’s fun to woobify him with fellow tumblrinas but it’s like…..how are people watching the whole show and thinking he is actually cold hearted angry and calculated and a genius potentially a secret serial killer and that this extends to his relationship with the gang…like idk it’s just funny to me…..there is so much in the show that goes against that

[sateurn]

😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

These sobs really limited my tags?????

I have so many more thoughts this is so so much less than 1/2. Broski. Big dislike

[ambreiiigns]

so jjk w brother. i'm feeling weird abt s2. i felt weird on my first watch and it's still there i can't even put it into words. i reaaally wanna talk to brother abt it. i have almost completely lost excitement over watching jjk i wanna start madoka noooowwwwww aaaaaaaaa

[the-aviary-system]

Mood. We've had to stop playing games like this because we'd get unhealthily addicted to "number go up"

Like we'd get a withdrawal like effect, we'd get anxious about missing out on potential number going up if we didn't have whatever idle game we were obsessing over running in the background of our computer 24/7. Doing schoolwork? Keep it in the background and tab in like every 5 minutes to check in on it and buy upgrades. Planning D&D? Same thing.

Other games that use the "number go up" formula often got greedy with their players and kept trying to exploit their addiction to make them spend money, they made it more and more grindy until it was impossible for free-to-play people like us to keep up. (We didn't have a job, so no consistent money, so that's a reason why we were FTP. I dunno if we would've fallen into the trap of spending tons of money on games like these if we had a consistent income)

After getting disillusioned with our latest "number go up" simulator, I decided to try cookie clicker because I heard it wasn't pay to win. Yeah, I used an autoclicker too. And CC was pretty neat and all, it wasn't exploitative, which I appreciate- it was a grindy game in its purest state, grinding for the sake of grinding, gaining numbers for the hell of it, instead of trying to make money off of players- but since it wasn't actively trying to exploit us with FOMO it let us stop and think, and we realized we don't even enjoy these kinds of games that have taken up hours and hours of our lives.

So we made a rule for ourselves. No more of these games. From now on, we only play games if we're actually enjoying them, not just playing it out of obligation to make the number go higher. And it was really hard to stop playing since we got that same kind of withdrawal effect, the little itch in the back of the head that "I could be more productive right now, if I just had one of those games open in the background while I write I would be more productive" but we had to just fight that.

Anyway, that's not to say nobody should play these games. I'm not writing this to shame anyone for playing them, I'm not trying to sound preachy and hope that it doesn't come off that way- this comic just reminded me of our experience with these types of games and I felt like talking about it since we were addicted to these kinds of games for a good while. Some people will definitely be able to handle the addicting nature of these games better than we can. Some people genuinely enjoy the grind because it lets them just turn off their brain for a little while or not have to focus too much on something. Just be mindful to not let it become an addiction, is all.

So yeah that's the story of how we had an addiction to really grindy idle games

-Emyr (he/it)

[oikarma]

love in the air

pairing: lando norris x reader

summary: you take your long-time friend as your plus one to your dad's wedding. you catch the bouquet. maybe that's when you start agreeing with the internet that . . . lando norris is a little more than a long-time friend to you.

a/n: thank you to anon for the request i had no idea they were dating LOL this was so fluffy

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

tiktok

@/landossluttywaist I CANT BREATHE LANDO WAS AT THE SAME HOTEL AS ME

user1 you rich rich, then

user2 she probably gets paddock passes for doing her chores user3 guys why are we hating on this girl let her be excited 😭 i would be too

user4 what hotel is it?

landossluttywaist he's gone now (this was as he was leaving) but it was the four seasons in philly

user5 thanks for respecting his privacy and not posting until he left!

landossluttywaist lol i love him but at the end of the day he's just a human who doesn't need people hounding him 24/7

user6 but what is he even there for??? philadelphia??? there's ltr nothing interesting there...

user7 idk bradley cooper is the best thing to come out of that town user7 omg and also they won the super bowl user7 but that was a long time ago user8 maybe he's just an eagles fan

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

liked by versace and 7,032,810 others

gigihadid My darling B, what a wonderful thing it is that we found each other. I can't believe we're now married — I'm still smiling, because such happiness carries on for a long time. You are so kind, so sweet, so caring, so utterly magical. I am beyond lucky to have you. Your belief in me makes me who I am today and who I will be. This new chapter will be a long life, full of laughter, full of a new family.

∞ Always, your G.

view all comments

yourinstagram i'm so happy for you and dad <33 you are an amazing person and you bring so much light to our family! your dress was gorgeous but even more so was you. hope you have a great time on your honeymoon

gigihadid I love you so much ;) Thanks for coming. There's so much love in the air!! 💐 yourinstagram hey, hey, we talked about this gigihadid I didn't make the rule user1 i love how well they go together user2 bro if my step-mom was gigi hadid. user3 wait wait wait did y/n catch the bouquet??? user4 omg

user5 actually radiant

bellahadid best wishes from your baby sister 💕

gigihadid ❤️❤️❤️ user6 do they know they're real user7 omg bella drop the fit i NEED to know what you wore cause gigi's dress is already blowing all my expectations out of water

user8 man if only bradley had insta

user9 this is how i find out bradley cooper and gigi hadid are dating whaaaaat

user10 me too girl me too

user11 why is this the only post with photos????? i need to see all of it

user12 maybe they agreed not to post until after a certain time or like gigi got to post first cause yk it's her wedding user13 bella posted!

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

liked by lando and others

yourinstagram to the two of you 🥂

view all comments

user1 omg y/n paints?? did she do that?

yourinstagram yes 🙂‍↕️ i gave it to them as a sort of wedding gift! user1 aww that's so cute thanks for sharing with us <3 it's a beautiful drawing

user2 oh gosh that's such a beautiful place 🥺

user3 y/n were you at the bachelorette

yourinstagram hell yeah user4 we need the photos baddie yourinstagram maybe someday, lol

user5 wait where did they get married

user6 philly, the last pic is where they announced their engagement user5 ohhh no wonder

user7 lando you sly dog why are you in the likes

user8 well they're friends user9 dyt he went to the wedding user10 tbf wasn't he in philly a few days ago it's not crazy

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

liked by others

f1gossipofficial Lando Norris was seen at the wedding of Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper.

view all comments

user1 I KNEW IT

user2 you guys are crazy 😭 how could you even tell those were him

user3 he's with YN IN ALL OF THEM

user4 where did these even come from

user5 isnt he dating magui??

user6 lando? user5 yeah user6 probably, but he and y/n are good friends user5 shit man they look good together user6 what do you mean these are all 120p quality

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

liked by others

f1gossipofficial Formula 1's YouTube account posted a full video of Y/N Cooper and Lando Norris on a Hot Lap.

view all comments

user1 why is this gossip it's literally just a video

user2 the way he looked at her and she started screaming at him 😭 poor guy just wanted some eye contact

user3 she's so precious but jesus the amount of swear words out of that girl's mouth user4 lando wasn't even shocked he was like well lol oops

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

liked by f1 and others

yourinstagram lucky

view all comments

user1 LANDOS LUCKY CHARM SPOTTED

mclaren might need to keep you around in the paddock more often

yourinstagram 😕 'fraid i have a job

user2 oh she knows shes hot

user3 someone tell her we're not in texas anymore

user4 who cares she served

lando photo credits where??

user5 stop being a pick me lando user6 yn is this man bothering you user7 he just needs everyone to know yourinstagram let me breathe lan i can't like all these comments trashing you fast enough user8 i love her already

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

liked by others

f1gossipofficial Lando Norris and Y/N L/N after the Las Vegas Grand Prix

view all comments

user1 shit? shit!

user2 "we're friends" NO YOURE DATING

user3 are we sure that's lando?? it looks like y/n but we can't see the guys face

user4 yeah idk there are plenty of brunettes out in vegas user5 def yn tho shes wearing the same top in her last insta post

user6 she's so glad rn bradley doesn't have insta lol

user7 is gigi going to rat her out??

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

you spot him slouched against the side of the taco truck, curls flattened from sweat and his own hands. there's powdered sugar on his lips. his phone's in one hand, the other holding a half-eaten churro.

lando sees you and his face changes.

"you came," he says, voice a little hoarse. "finally."

you walk up, wobbly on your heels, heart all over the place. "yeah. i had to. you were being dramatic."

"i'm hard," he says instantly. "and i missed you."

you nearly trip. "lando."

he shrugs, eyes dragging down your body without shame. "look at you. fuck. that top's killing me."

you’re giggling before you can stop it. "you're drunk."

"so are you. and you kissed me."

"you kissed me first, okay?"

"you were straddling me. in the club."

you pause. "you asked me to sit in your lap. you liked it."

lando nods. "loved it, yeah."

you're both quiet for a second. he's watching your mouth and you're watching the way his chest moves when he breathes. his hoodie's sliding off one shoulder and your fingers twitch like they want to touch him.

"you're so pretty it's making me insane," lando says. "like i want to fuck you and cuddle you at the same time and i don't know what to do about it."

you're breathless. "jesus."

"don't call him." your noses almost touch. "call me."

you laugh into his neck. "you're ridiculous."

"you're glowing" lando mumbles, hands sliding down your sides. "like. actually glowing. i can't believe i've known you this long and didn't do something about it."

you tilt your head back. "do something now."

he kisses you like you're a prize he's earned, slow, filthy, so hungry it makes your knees weak. his hands are all over--waist, hips, ass, back under your top like he needs to feel skin now.

you break away, panting. "lando, we're at a taco truck."

"yeah," he says, mouth all over your jaw. "so hurry up and let's leave. before i do something i'll get arrested for."

you grin. "you're such a slut."

"only for you."

he laces your fingers together and starts walking backward toward the street, still staring at you like you're his first and last meal.

"wait," you say, dizzy from everything. "what about your churro?"

"don't need it," he says. "got something sweeter now."

[katsu28]

worth the wait

pairing: lando norris x williams driver!reader

summary: winning the monaco grand prix brings to light some not so hidden feelings between yourself and a certain papaya wearing driver. (7.6k)

warnings: friends to lovers, mutual pining, use of Y/N, sexual insinuations but nothing graphic. the FW46 is not a tractor—also fictional. takes place in the 2024 season.

a/n: started writing this a little after monaco last year, didn't finish it until now 😭 my first major attempt at driver!reader, and also perhaps the longest one shot fic i've ever written?? i can't remember but i hope you all love her as much as i do <3 also sorry to charles for erasing his home win i still love you babe

“That’s P1, Y/N. Repeat, that is P1, congratulations.” 

You can barely hear your race engineer over the beating of your heart in your chest, the roar of blood in your ears as you make your way far past the checkered flag. Looking at your surroundings as you zoom by, you see people waving at you from all around you, people cheering at the top of their lungs, and you wave back. 

“Oh my god…” You say softly, just for yourself to hear. 

You’ve done it. 

You’ve won your first race, won Monaco, and you have no earthly idea how to react. It feels weird, like you know you’ve won but at the same time, it doesn’t feel quite real. 

Like you’re asleep and you’re about to wake up to find it’s all been just a dream. “Holy fucking shit.” 

“Y/N, do you copy? Radio check, please. Can you hear me?” 

Blinking a few times to ground yourself, you manage to hit the radio button on your wheel to respond to your team. “Yeah, I’m here. I’m here, I’m—wow, that’s…thank you, everyone. Couldn’t have done any of this without you guys. I love you all, thank you for everything, really.” 

You can hear cheering on the other end of the channel, gleeful whoops and lots of clapping. They’re all absolutely wild with happiness, as you’re sure you should be too. 

You are happy. You’re so happy you can’t even feel anything except the familiar rumble of your trusty car. 

“Make your way to the grid. We’ll see you soon.” 

It begins to trickle in now, the realization that you’re now a Formula 1 winner, and here at Monaco, no less. 

You break into a face-splitting grin, letting a disbelieving laugh bubble from your mouth, which soon turns into a series of loud whoops you’re glad you’re the only one who can hear. 

It’s just you and your car out here right now, soaking it all in. 

The other two cars are already parked at their respective signs when you finally roll up to the grid after a celebratory cooldown lap, a Red Bull and a McLaren flanking your open spot on the left and right as they wait for you. Their drivers are standing by too, waving around at the fans. You spot Lando’s bright helmet immediately and Max a few feet away. 

You kill the engine as soon as you’re in place, shaky hands gripping the halo to pull yourself out of the cockpit. The roar of the cheering is loud even through your helmet, but the thump of your heart threatening to beat out of your chest seems more deafening. 

You aren’t entirely sure that your knees won’t give out when you step onto the hood. 

Nevertheless, you step out as confident as you can, punching both hands above your head in a sweeping motion, fist pumping the air once, twice, a third time. Each swing brings a louder cheer from the crowd, and you take it all in, clasping your hands as if to say thank you to anyone who’s watching—which is everyone. 

Everyone’s watching you as you take off your helmet and peel off your balaclava. Your fingers fumble with the cord of your earpieces, but you manage to wrench those off too, stuffing everything into the interior of your helmet clumsily. 

You hop down from your car, and immediately you’re swept off your feet. Lando crashes into you so hard you’re surprised he hasn’t knocked you both to the ground. He hugs you tight around the waist, swinging you around, and he’s laughing joyfully, that high pitched, squeaky laugh you’re only used to hearing when he’s extremely excited about something. 

If you hadn’t gotten P1, you would’ve thought he’d gotten it by the way he’s celebrating. 

“You did it!!!” He exclaims. “Oh my god, I knew you could do it!”

You’re both sticky with sweat and still breathing hard from those seventy odd laps, but his embrace feels welcoming. Familiar. It always has. You’ve known each other for a while now, having been rookies in the same season, and you’re close with him off the track too. 

Your helmet falls to the ground with a loud thud as you return Lando’s crushing hug. “Thank you,” You breathe, another disbelieving laugh spilling from you. “Holy fuck, it really happened!”

“You made it happen, Y/N. I’m proud of you. Seriously. You deserve this win and so many more,” He says sincerely. He sets you back down now, hands sliding from your shoulders down to your elbows, holding you almost tenderly. It’s a total opposite from the pure excitement he’d had mere seconds ago. 

Something in his eyes seems to deepen, though you can’t put your finger on exactly what. You can’t bring yourself to look away.

If you weren’t so attuned to Lando’s expressions by now, you wouldn’t have noticed the way his gaze flicked down to your lips for a split second. But you are, and you do notice. 

His lips part slightly, Adam’s apple bobbing as he visibly gulps. 

It feels like you’re the only two people in the world in this moment, not as who the public sees you both as, but as the versions of yourselves you really only get to be with each other. You’ve had the privilege of getting to know exactly who Lando Norris is, away from all the cameras and the media. 

Lando is kind and warm and genuine and would go to war for the people he cares about, but he’s still young. Despite having matured a lot in the past few years, he still hasn’t lost that boyishness he had about him when you first met him just before your rookie season together. He still has that spark that pulled you in from the beginning. 

A chant of your name begins to ripple through the grandstands, and just like that, the moment breaks. You remember that not only are you in front of thousands of people, but on the screens of millions more too. 

You inhale sharply and step away from him to pick up your things. He clears his throat, probably realizing the same thing you just did. 

This isn’t the first time you’ve found yourself in this position with Lando, and maybe it’s the adrenaline high, maybe it’s all the years of dancing around each other and your own feelings, but you can’t say for certain that you would’ve been able to hold yourself back if he’d looked at you that way any longer. Either way, you’re sure of one thing. 

In that moment, you wanted to kiss him. You wanted him to kiss you. 

He backs away before you have time to process any of the information firing its way through your brain, giving a little wave of his gloved hands as if to say ‘This is your moment. Take it in.’

Max is much more contained than Lando in his congratulations, giving you a nice pat on the back and firm handshake with a smile that feels genuine. You still can’t quite wrap your mind around the fact that you’d finished ahead of him for the first time. 

You make a run for your team just behind the barrier next, all but throwing yourself into them to celebrate not just your win, but theirs too. It truly takes a village, and you wouldn't have been able to do much of anything, let alone this, without yours. 

You want to stay with them for much longer than you’re allowed to, but you’re redirected by a few of the track marshals far too soon. 

The walk down the outside of the track is mostly a blur. Fernando clasps a hand over the back of your neck, telling you how proud he is of you and your hard work. His pride reminds you so much of your own father you can only squeeze his arm in a silent thanks. 

Charles and Carlos sandwich you into a congratulations group hug of Ferrari red, Lewis ruffles your hair like an older brother would. Daniel squishes you in such a tight hug that the breath gets squeezed out of your chest. 

You’re vaguely aware of various other people coming to congratulate you, clapping you on the back, jostling you excitedly. Reporters, photographers, track marshals all clamoring for your attention, shaking your hand, cameras hovering in your face. All while you're trying to wave to the fans and listen to the multitude of things being told to you by so many people. 

It’s overwhelming, but in the best possible way. 

Next is Alex, who wraps you up in a hug with such a fierceness that rivals Lando’s when you get to where he is, a beacon of familiarity for you. When people say Formula One teammates can never truly be friends, they’ve never seen you and Alex before. There’s some competition there, obviously, but it’s a healthy kind. You push each other to be better. 

He keeps you company until you need to split off for the cooldown room. Even then, he promises to find you afterwards. 

It feels like everyone is beyond happy for you, and you revel in it. This is the first and last time you’ll ever get to experience that maiden win feeling. 

The air conditioning in the tiny room feels like heaven on your sweaty skin when you finally make it there, and even though there's a chair you know you should be sitting in, the ground looks much more enticing. 

Your sore limbs scream as you lower yourself down to the floor, but it feels nice and cold when you extend your legs out in front of you with a noise that somewhat resembles a strangled groan. 

Max takes a seat in his assigned chair with an amused shake of his head. You expect Lando to do the same, but he makes a beeline in your direction, throwing himself down next to you with a reaction not dissimilar to the one you’ve just had. It takes all you have in you not to smile like a fucking idiot when he holds his hand out for a high five. 

You’re still buzzing as you sip your water while watching a few moments from the race on the screen. One of the clips that rolls is you crossing the finish line, which makes a lump rise up in your throat. You’re able to hear some broadcast commentary as it plays, and it feels surreal.

“And she’s done it!!! Y/N L/N wins the Monaco Grand Prix! First P1 ever for the Williams driver, here at the historic circuit in Monte Carlo, and Williams’ first Monaco title since 2003! That’s gonna have to be a win for the books, I’d say,” He’s saying. He sounds ecstatic. 

You do your best to swallow the lump down, sniffling quietly a few times. 

What you’re not going to do is cry in front of these cameras. You refuse to give the people who ever doubted you any ounce of ammunition against you. 

Lando hastens a look over at you, spots the tiniest crinkle of your brow, and nudges your knee with his water bottle. When you meet his eyes, he mimes taking a deep breath, smiling reassuringly. In through your nose, out through your mouth.

You match the rise and fall of his chest, finding that it helps. He doesn’t even have to say a word. 

“Wow, that was turn 10, wasn’t it? Where you overtook me?” Max asks suddenly, looking over to you for an answer. Your gaze slips back to the screen, where you see your Williams sneaking around his Red Bull at the chicane right after the tunnel, then over to him for a sheepish nod. 

It’s not everyday you can say you’ve gotten past a three time World Champion. 

Max looks almost impressed. “That was a bold move, but I’ve got to hand it to you—it was a pretty solid overtake. In a tricky spot too. Nice one.” 

He’s always been nice to you on the track, and you’ve even spent some time together in the offseason, but any ounce of praise from the Max Verstappen still feels like it’s coming from a legend. Even if you’ve witnessed that legend absolutely smash it at drunk karaoke at Charles’ Christmas party a few years ago. 

Your time in the cooldown room also seems far too short, and before you know it, the podium awaits. 

You manage a peek outside whilst the announcer is welcoming Max to the podium, and you’re absolutely floored. The crowd is a sea of different colors, all different teams gathered to witness your very first time on the top step of the podium. You spot yours front and center chatting excitedly amongst themselves, eagerly awaiting your arrival. 

“Feels different, doesn’t it? Knowing you’re about to climb to that winning step,” Lando asks, pulling his P2 hat down over his damp curls. 

He’s right. You’ve been on the podium before, but anticipating being at the top of it, anticipating finally getting to hear your home country’s national anthem—it’s something different entirely. 

“I feel like I’m about to shit myself,” You answer honestly, not bothering to censor yourself in any way. It’s Lando; he’s heard you say much worse before. 

“I would advise against that, but hey, everyone celebrates in their own way. To each their own and all that.” He holds his hands up in mock surrender, shit-eating grin present on his face. “Just know, I’ll never let you live it down if you do.” 

“That’s rich coming from the guy who nearly peed himself when he got his first podium!” You scoff. 

Lando’s teasing grin morphs into an offended drop of the mouth. “I did not!” 

“You so did, don’t even try to lie about that.” 

“Right, well if I did, and that’s a huge fucking if, it was only because I didn’t have time to hit the toilet before the ceremony.” 

“I’m sure it was.” 

“Say, we should celebrate tonight. I was thinking about going out clubbing later, if you’re up for it?” He offers, effectively changing the subject. His brows raise mischievously a beat later, eyes full of mirth. “Unless…you’re too tired, of course.”  

“Ha, nice try! I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep tonight, so you’re on,” You shoot back, tilting your chin up in challenge. 

“That’s my girl.” Lando’s expression turns warm and fond, and it makes your insides go fuzzy. You know it’s just a phrase. It isn’t even the first time he’s said it, but this one feels different. 

The way he’s looking at you feels different. It feels like he’s staring into your soul with those eyes of his you still haven’t quite figured out yet. Were they green, were they hazel? Truth be told, you’d been wondering about it since what feels like forever. 

Lando steps forward—once, twice, a third time. Three steps and he’s right in front of you, so close you can feel the heat radiating from his body. His hand comes up to run along the length of your arm, thumb rubbing over the sleeve of your race suit. 

There’s no cameras here this time. The people around you aren’t even paying any attention to the two of you. It would be so easy just to let it happen, to just close the gap between you and…kiss him.

Before either of you can make a move, you hear his name echo from outside, followed by even more cheering. Lando opens his mouth like he wants to say something, but no words come out. 

You give him a light shove, pushing down your disappointment in favor of a smile. “Go. You deserve to bask in the glory. Before I steal the show, I mean.” 

Lando looks like he doesn’t want to go, but really, he doesn’t have a choice. There are people waiting for his grand arrival out to the podium, and yours too. Before he leaves, he squeezes your hand once, and then he’s gone. The roar of the crowd grows louder. 

You take a few centering deep breaths to calm yourself. This moment is what you’ve been waiting for your entire career, and you’d be damned if you let anything, let alone your own running thoughts, take away from it all. 

The sunlight nearly blinds you when you round the corner, but you take it in stride, waving at the crowd as you take that rightful top step. You aren’t sure if you could stop smiling even if you tried. That smile only grows as your home anthem fills the air, and you swear it’s never sounded more like music to your ears than it does right here and now. 

It’s all for you.

You inhale deep, soaking in every bit of the moment as much as you can before it ends, and as you exhale just as deep, your shoulders sag with relief. It still feels surreal. 

The final notes of the anthem fade, and then you’re being handed a huge trophy by the literal Prince of Monaco, which is mindblowing in and of itself. You like to think you’re playing it cool, but you’re sure if you watch back anyone’s footage of the moment sometime later, you would probably see how not cool you were being. 

Nonetheless, the trophy is a welcome weight in your hands, and when you look down at it, all you can see in the sleek metal is a promise of things yet to come. The pride you feel is insurmountable—of yourself, of your team, of every little thing that has happened to bring you to this day, bad or good. Everything has led you here. 

You beam bright, hoisting it above your head proudly to the tune of hooting and hollering and whistling. 

It feels…well, the only word you can think of to explain how being up here feels is glorious. Even when you’re suddenly being blasted with champagne from all sides, you feel like you’re on top of the world. You can’t see a thing, but you don’t need to in order to know that you could get used to this. 

You don’t feel like you’re truly back down on the ground again until you make it back to the paddock. Natalie Pinkham from SkySports is waiting for you with a proud smile, waiting patiently as your media officer ushers you towards the group of cameras in the media pen. 

“Natalie, hi!” You greet her with a hug, having become extremely familiar and fond of the reporter in your few years of racing. There’s a reason why she’s a favorite amongst most of the grid. 

“Hi, Y/N! Thanks for taking the time to chat with myself and SkySports, I’m sure you’ve got a thousand things to do before calling it a day and going home. Or going to celebrate, maybe?” 

You bob your head, chuckling lightly. “Celebrating, definitely. Dunno what’s in the cards yet, but one of the many good things about Monaco is that afterwards I can sleep in my own bed for once.” 

“That definitely sounds like a win to me. Speaking of wins, massive congratulations on today! Now I have to ask, did anything feel different about the race or qualifying, or even any of the practices that made you think, ‘this is the weekend, today is my day’?”  

“The car’s felt amazing all weekend. Even though I wasn’t on pole, I still managed to move up in the race, and I think my pace was pretty good from the start today. Y’know, obviously nothing was perfect, there’s always bound to be a few hiccups here and there, a few unexpected things to come about at times when you don’t want them to, but overall?” You explain, letting your shoulders drop in a shrug. 

If you wrack your brain, there really hadn’t been anything that clued you into how this weekend would go. You were always confident in your own skills as a driver, but you’d been doing this long enough to know that most of it boiled down to luck, especially with a track like Monaco. 

“Overall I think things went nice and smooth this weekend. I’m not sure what could’ve made it different from other races, if I’m being completely honest, but I’m very happy with the way everything turned out in the end.” 

“Oh, you’re being modest now, aren’t you? Your first ever win, here of all places. You must be over the moon!” Natalie laughs. You chuckle too. That seems like an understatement. “Tell us a little bit about that. How does it feel to not only have that maiden win finally under your belt, but to also be the first female Formula 1 driver to win here at Monaco?” 

It’s a loaded question, of course. 

How does it feel to have beaten nineteen of the best drivers in the world? How do you feel about the highest point of your racing career so far? How does it feel to be amongst the names of all the greats who’ve driven and won this race in the past? 

You’re really not even sure where to begin, but for some reason, you laugh. Your emotions feel jumbled up right now, so much you can barely cobble together a well thought out answer to the question. 

“Sorry, I don’t—gah, I’m all over the place right now, I’m sorry,” You manage to say, taking a cleansing deep breath in an attempt to center yourself. Good thing she just nods encouragingly, giving you time to recompose. 

You can see Lando doing his own interview off to the side, talking animatedly with the biggest smile gracing his face, and you flash back to that moment on the track just a little while ago. The way he was so happy for you despite missing out on P1 himself by less than two seconds, how hard he’d hugged you as soon as you’d climbed down from your car. 

The way he looked at you right after he did, some foreign emotion lingering in his eyes that you couldn’t shake your thoughts free of. 

It’s as though he senses you looking at him, because he glances over at you, catching your gaze for a moment. He smiles even bigger, if at all possible, before turning back to his own reporter seamlessly. It makes you feel giddier inside by a tenfold, which definitely doesn’t help your focus. 

You manage to tear your attention away from him at last. You hope nobody’s noticed you looking at each other. “Okay. Alright, I’m good. Sorry again. I…I think for any driver, winning at Monaco is the dream, with all the history behind the track and—and the stories you hear. Um, it’s definitely always been a dream of mine, ever since I got into karting as a kid, so actually being able to make that dream come true is absolutely unreal to me.” 

You will yourself not to let your voice waver, on live television of all places. You kind of want to cry again (in the best possible way), but you steel yourself, keeping your head held high. This is your time. 

“This win is—above all, it’s extra special, especially since it’s my first win ever and because I’m the first female driver to win. It’s…truly, it’s such an honor. And to be racing among so many other talented drivers this season too, winning is certainly a high point. I think the rest of the season is looking up for Williams. Feels like this is only the start. I don’t really know what else to say other than that.” 

“You’re part of Monaco history now, congratulations again, Y/N. One more question and then I’ll let you get back to your celebrations,” Natalie replies, looking genuinely thrilled for you. That’s something you’ve always admired about her, the way she seems to really care about the people she’s interviewing, instead of rushing through things like you were just something to check off a list. You nod happily for her to continue. “What do you have to say to all those girls watching at home right now, watching you pave the way for future drivers, wanting to race in Formula 1 one day?” 

“I’d say exactly what my dad said to me before every one of my karting races. You’re strong, you’re determined, and you can do anything you put your mind to. Just work hard and keep the focus, but have fun too.” 

“Truly lovely advice from Monaco’s newest Grand Prix winner, thank you so much, Y/N. And congratulations again on the accomplishment! Very proud.” 

You thank her and give her another quick hug before you’re shown off towards another gaggle of reporters to answer their questions. These feel less daunting than the first, maybe because you now have somewhat of an idea of what to say, but you still need to keep things professional—no matter how much you want to shout from the rooftops. 

Maybe you’ll do that later, after you’ve been released from your media duties. 

-------

The club is so loud you can barely hear yourself think. 

You’ve shaken hands and taken pictures with so many people you begin to lose track of who’s who, though you also suspect that might be because of how many drinks you’ve had so far. But it is a celebration—a celebration for you, so really, who’s counting? 

“This is the best night of my life!” You exclaim, plopping down into the empty seat between Alex and Lando. Lily sits on the other side of her boyfriend, stifling a laugh at the state of you. 

“Having a good time?” She asks, reaching over Alex to pluck some confetti out of your hair. You beam at her brightly, nodding. “Good. You deserve to celebrate!” 

“I love you, Lil,” You sigh, squeezing her hand gratefully. “You’re my favorite person.” 

“Um, hello? I’m sitting right here, you know.” Alex sounds and looks genuinely offended, squinting at you in disbelief. You only smile guiltily. “Oh, that’s mean. You’re a mean drunk, did you know that?” 

Lando giggles loudly into his nearly empty glass, lips working the straw intently to get the last few drops out. 

Alex turns his attention on him, raising a brow. “Easy there, tiger. There’s nothing else in that poor glass.” 

“Whatever, dad,” Lando huffs drunkenly. He plonks the now empty glass onto the table with a pout. 

You let out a cackle at that, keeling over into Alex’s shoulder with the force of your laughter. “Dad! You’re an old man, Dad!” 

“I’m only four years older than you two,” He deadpans, seemingly unamused. 

“I’m getting another drink. Don’t miss me too much,” Lando announces to the general vicinity, clambering to his feet with a dangerous sway to him. 

You pop up from your seat too and he notices, holding out a hand for you to take. When you do, he pulls you in even more, tucking you under his arm so you won’t lose each other in the crowded club. 

Alex watches the two of you weave through people together, leaning towards Lily. “Hundred pounds says they’re going home with each other tonight.” 

She rolls her eyes playfully at her grinning boyfriend, scoffing. “You’re not getting my money that easily, Alex. Make it higher stakes next time.” 

Before you can make it to the bar, you tug at Lando’s hand gently to get his attention and he turns immediately, ducking in close so he can hear you over all the noise. “I need to use the toilet.” 

“Go. I’ll order for you.” He nods, giving you a gentle push towards the restrooms. You stumble a little, but right yourself quick, straightening out on your way. 

The corridor right outside the toilets is fairly quiet, and you slump against the wall to catch your breath. Fatigue is starting to set in at this point, the adrenaline from today fizzling out until you’re left feeling tired. You still haven’t quite come to terms with everything that’s happened today. 

You’re a fucking Grand Prix winner. A Formula 1 winner. 

It’s what you've dreamed of since you were a kid, something you’ve worked so hard and so tirelessly for. You’re still happy, of course, but there’s something else biting at you that rings louder in your subconscious. 

What the hell are you supposed to do now? 

The obvious answer is to do it again, and again, and again, until one day you have what it takes to be World Champion, but you're far away from that ever becoming a reality yet.  

What if this win was just a stroke of good luck? 

It’s a miracle you got past Max when you did, but really, it was the track that helped you keep your position. Monaco is notorious for making it near impossible to overtake the car in front of you. 

Had he been just a few inches over to the other side, you would’ve caught too much kerb, maybe even locked up right before the apex of the next turn. It could’ve ruined your entire race, but you got lucky. 

What if you can’t win any more races? What if this was the peak of your career and you’re destined to go downhill from here? What if you lose your seat? 

Tears slip down your cheeks before you even realize you’re crying, your pesky ability to overthink everything taking its toll once again. You dig the heels of your palms against your eyes, letting out a frustrated groan. 

Now is not the fucking time to be second guessing yourself. 

“There you are!” Lando’s voice echoes from the end of the corridor, and you swear quietly, swiping at your cheeks to rid yourself of tear tracks before he reaches you. “I was starting to think you’d fallen into the—” His teasing remark dies on his lips the moment he lays eyes on you. Immediately, you know he can tell something’s off. “Why are you sad? What happened? Did someone do something?”

You shake your head through his bombardment of questions, squeezing your eyes shut with a heaving sigh. “Nothing happened, Lando. Everything’s fine.” 

“I’m sorry, but that’s a load of crap. You’re sat out here crying when you should be celebrating the biggest moment in your career, and you say everything’s fine, but those aren’t happy tears,” Lando insists. “You can talk to me. You know that. Let me help you with whatever’s wrong.” 

You open your eyes and he’s looking at you like he’s in pain, and suddenly you feel like your chest has cracked wide open. “What if the only reason I won today was because I got lucky?” 

“Don’t say that,” He says, shaking his head firmly. “C’mon, don’t talk like that. You’re being ridiculous, alright?” 

You scoff weakly, crossing your arms over your chest. “I thought you were here to help, not bully me.” 

“This isn’t bullying, this is tough love. I wish someone would’ve had this talk with me after Miami, ‘cause I went through the same headspace you’re going through right now. What if it’s just a one off, what if I can’t live up to the brand new expectations everyone else has for me now that I’ve won a race?” 

“So you know the feeling?” 

“Yeah, I do. But you’ve got to ignore it. Whatever you think you can’t do, push it down. Lock it away and throw out the key.” 

“But what if people are right? What if this is the best I can do?” 

“When has anyone ever been right about you?” Lando asks sharply. You feel a bit taken aback at the bluntness of his question, but you bite your tongue. He’s going somewhere with this, if you just wait. “They said you wouldn’t be able to get a seat on any team, you proved them wrong. They said you’d never make it in this sport, now look at what you’ve managed to do! You’ve won the most coveted race in history, and you’re the first female driver to do it. You’re constantly smashing glass ceilings, every single day, and if anyone ever says otherwise, they don’t know you. Not like your team knows you. Not like I know you.” 

If you think back all these years, even to the very beginning of your career, Lando has always been one of your fiercest supporters, always in your corner rooting for you. Even though you’re rivals on track, off the track he’s been a fantastic friend. You’re lucky to have someone like him. 

And now, as he stands here before you, looking at you with such unwavering support and admiration, you’re whisked back to the last time you were this close to each other, mere hours ago. The only difference is, you didn’t kiss him then, but now…

Your mouth is on Lando’s before your brain even registers the movement, but even then, you can’t bring yourself to pull back. Especially not when his hands come around your waist to steady you both.

You’re kissing him and he’s kissing you back, and it’s everything you’ve imagined it would be like despite it happening outside the bathrooms of a club. 

The weight of what you’re doing dawns on you a split second later. You jerk back, eyes wide as Lando’s mouth drops into a tiny, dazed oh. 

You let go of your grip on the front of his shirt, dropping your hands back down to your sides. You aren’t sure how you can even begin to explain this one. “I’m—fuck, Lan, I’m sorry. I didn’t—” 

Lando smothers your weak excuse of an apology with a searing kiss, only this time you’re the one caught by surprise when his tongue darts out, swiping over yours expertly. 

Fuck, he’s really good at this. 

He pulls away before you can think too much on it, blinking at you slowly. “I think—” He pants, licking his lips, “I think we should leave.” 

“Your place?” 

He nods quickly. “My place.” 

You drop by where you’d left Lily and Alex to let them know you’re leaving without letting them know why you’re leaving, but judging by the not-so-subtle back and forths their eyes do between Lando and yourself, it isn’t exactly a secret. 

The constant buzzing of your phone in your purse in the car taking you back to Lando’s place is most likely Lily wanting all the details as soon as possible. 

It feels as if you can’t keep your hands off each other as you stumble down the quiet corridor after Lando, fingers interlocked as he tugs you towards his apartment. 

Every so often, he stops in his tracks, turning around to capture your lips in a quick kiss before remembering where you’re going and forging ahead again. It seems like forever until you manage to get inside with the door shut behind you. 

You’re nudged up against the back of it by one of Lando’s hands splaying flat over your torso the moment the locks click shut, the other one bracing him next to your head as he leans in, kissing you fervently. It’s messy and rushed and frantic, but you’ve both waited way too long for each other to even give a fuck. 

You thread your fingers into his hair at the nape of his neck, giving a testing tug at the curls. What you’re not expecting is the whine that escapes his mouth against yours, the ever so slight buckle of his knees that follows.

You freeze. 

It seems like he wasn’t expecting it either because he does the same, retreating just enough to gauge your reaction to his slip up.  

“That was cute,” You murmur, lips quirking into a smug smile. 

“Nuh uh. Not another word about it.” 

“I said it was cute!” 

“I don’t want you to think I’m cute right now, I want you to think I’m sexy.” 

“If it makes you feel any better, I do think that. Like that thing you always do with your tongue when you’re thinking? Hot.” 

“Yeah?” He hums, mouth lifting into an easy smirk. You roll your eyes at him. It’s so like Lando to be flustered one moment, but able to turn on the charm in a blink. But then he hooks his hands under your thighs and lifts you like you weigh nothing, and suddenly now you’re the flustered one. “You like that?” 

Your breath hitches in your chest, but you manage a nod. 

“Wanna see what else I can do with it?” 

-------

The first thing you notice when you wake up is the terrible pounding in your head. It feels like a hundred little people in your skull, banging little hammers everywhere like they’re making an attempt to escape. You want to lay in this bed and hibernate for the next three days, at least. 

The second thing you notice is that the bed you’re laying in is certainly not yours. Your duvet isn’t dark blue, and you don’t have a shelf full of helmets across the room. 

But you know who does. 

Slowly, you turn your head to the side. You pretty much already know who you’re going to see in the spot next to you, but it can’t hurt to check, right? 

The moment your gaze lands on a head full of dark curls smushed face first into the pillow and tanned skin, your suspicions are confirmed. You’re not wearing much of anything, and if you lift the duvet covering Lando, you’re sure you’ll find him in the same way. 

Everything that happened last night is starting to come back to you. 

Lando stirs right at that moment, a rather loud yawn accompanying the stretch of his long arms above his head as he rolls onto his back. 

“Hey,” You say hesitantly. Quietly. 

Apparently you aren’t quiet enough, because he startles easy, scrambling into an upright position and pulling the covers over his chest like he’s accidentally exposed himself. Once he realizes it’s you, though, he relaxes. 

“Hi,” He breathes, smiling. He seems to connect the dots about what happened at this moment, because he takes in the mess of clothes trailing from his bedroom door, then looks back at you with a furrowed brow. “So, last night…happened.” 

“Yeah.” 

“Okay. Do you—I mean, should we talk about it?” He lets the blankets pool back down at his waist, rubbing his eyes furiously to rid them of sleep. Your eyes skate over the marks littering his chest and neck, and it makes you think back to last night when your mouth was the one planting them there. 

“I’d kill for some breakfast first.” 

“I’ll make you something.” 

“Uh, no. The last time you cooked for me I had food poisoning for a week. I’ll handle the cooking, thank you very much.” 

Lando makes a face at you, lips screwed up into a pout. “I already said I was sorry, like, a million times! How was I meant to know the cream was expired?” 

“Expiration dates, Lando. That’s what expiration dates are for.” 

“Those are a suggestion.” 

“They’re really not,” You insist, to which Lando merely shrugs. “You’re so weird. D’you mind closing your eyes while I grab my clothes?” 

He snorts, chuckling. “Why? S’nothing I didn’t see last night.” 

“I know, but—whatever. Can you just look away?” 

“Yeah, fine. Just take my shirt though, it’ll be easier to put on.” He slaps a hand over his eyes, gesturing for you to go with the other. 

Inhaling a deep breath, you move quickly, scurrying across the room grabbing what you need before locking yourself in his en suite. 

Your hair is a mess, you’re fairly certain your breath is absolutely rank, and you’re on the verge of freaking out. Last night happened way faster than you were expecting it to, and you don’t regret it one bit, but now in the light of day and a fully sober state of mind, you’re not sure what to do next. 

But then you think about it a little more and quickly come to realize that whatever it is, whatever happens, you’re going through it together. 

You’ll cross that bridge together. 

Lando isn’t in bed anymore when you finally hype yourself up enough to reemerge, though the banging of cupboards coming from the kitchen is a clear indicator of where he’s gone. Always making such a racket, he is. 

As you work with what little food he has in the fridge (which to be honest, really isn’t much), he quietly makes two giant mugs of tea for you both. You decide eggs and toast are the safest bet. 

You’re already well attuned to where things are in this kitchen, so you don’t need much help finding what you need. Still, that doesn’t stop Lando from cozying right up behind you as you reach for something in the spice cupboard, one hand curling around your hip to thumb at the bare skin where your shirt has ridden up. 

It feels natural to accept the kiss he sneaks to the side of your neck where he’d nipped at last night, to lean back into his chest in the fleeting second his nose nuzzles in just below your ear. 

In no time, the two of you are scarfing down the food like you haven’t eaten in days. It isn’t until your plates are nearly empty that you look at each other again. 

“Are we—” 

“Do you think—” 

Both of you stop mid-sentence, giving each other matching sheepish smiles. You gesture for him to go first. 

“Is this—was this just a one off because we were drunk, or did last night mean something more?” He blurts, setting his fork down.

“What d’you want it to be?” You’re testing the waters now, putting out your feelers to see what Lando thinks of the situation. You know what you want, but whether or not he wants the same thing is a total unknown factor.

He blinks for a concerningly long amount of time, clears his throat before responding. “I want it to be whatever you want it to.” 

That doesn’t answer any of your questions. Great. 

“Same,” You decide, struggling to remain neutral. What you want to do is drag him in by the front of his jumper and kiss him again, but you’ll restrain yourself. 

“So…what would that be?” 

“Promise me no matter what, I won’t lose you.” 

“You won't. You could never lose me,” He says softly, reaching across the table to curl his fingers over yours. “Just tell me what’s going on in that head of yours. I know you’re thinking.” 

You gnaw on your lip in contemplation. Well, here goes nothing. 

“We’ve worked basically our entire lives to get where we are today.” 

He bobs his head in agreement. “Sure did.” 

“So it would be selfish of us to let anything get in the way. Distract us from the main priority.” 

“Mmhm.” 

“And you’re not listening to a word I’m saying, are you?” 

Lando offers up a cheeky grin, tilting his head to one side. “Not one bit, no.” 

You roll your eyes at his sass, moving to take your plate to the sink. He intervenes before you can get far, easing the dish out of your hands in favor of intertwining your fingers. 

“Hey, hey, I’m sorry. I’ll be serious now, I promise,” He insists, nodding sharply. You raise a disbelieving brow. “Look, I’ve had feelings for you since we were nineteen and didn’t know what the hell we were doing outside of racing, and ever since then, I’ve waited for the day I finally got my head out of my arse and did something about it.” 

“Is today that day?” You ask softly, only partially teasing.

“Depends on if you feel the same way,” Lando says softly. “Do you?” 

“Am I a Formula 1 winner now?” 

The smile that stretches across his face grows big enough to make his eyes squint, and he nods enthusiastically. “Fuck yeah, you are.” 

“There’s your answer then.” You drape your arms over his shoulders, fingers linking around the back of his neck loosely. “I love you, Lan.” 

He surges forward right there and then instead of using his words, connecting your lips in a second. 

Yesterday’s kisses felt like zooming towards the checkered flag mere hundredths of a second at the front of the pack, putting everything you have into crossing the line first. Fighting tooth and nail for your points, clawing your way up to the top and digging in your heels so you stay there. 

Frantic, urgent, like you’re running out of time. 

Right now is a total juxtaposition to that rush of adrenaline. 

Right now, Lando kisses you like he has all the time in the world to do it. It’s slow and sweet and more like lazy mornings in bed on an off day. Of sunshine pouring through the curtains as you gradually wake up on your own time. No plans, no training, no work. Just peace. Not something you’re used to, but definitely something you’d love to do more. 

You’re both breathless when you break apart for air. 

Lando’s still smiling hard as he studies you, that dizzyingly gorgeous swirl of the blue and green in his eyes flitting all around your face like he can’t quite believe you’re real and in front of him right now. 

“I love you too,” He says happily, grinning even bigger as the words slip off his tongue. You’re beaming just the same, so big your cheeks are starting to ache a little bit, but you don’t care. 

Finally, after years and years of telling yourself it just wasn’t your time, you’ve got the two things you’ve wanted more than anything. You’ve got your first win, and you’ve got your first love. 

Both have been beyond worth the wait. 

follow @katsu-library to be notified when i post new fics :)