#overlooking marina

[danaportwood]

Infinity - Transitional Pool Inspiration for a large transitional backyard concrete paver and rectangular infinity pool fountain remodel

[eclectic-spaghetti]

does anyone here see my vision. anyone

[frankanthonyiero]

would give anything to spend another day with my little cat and also my mom and also and also and also

[cryptosexologist]

potential reasons Marina still has her admirer as of her b ending

-Sam just didn’t die, somehow

insert details as to how their dynamic might work here, i’m less interested in speculating about the “real” samarie

-Sulfur style needles family esque bullshit resurrection

no way in hell thats turning out wholesome lol

-theres just another one. like just another person who looks similar and is following M

this other one is also a stalker

Marina decided to get a replacement babygirl

-its another more literal doppelgänger

this doppleganger is also a stalker

Marina just decided to let this long!samarie follow her around.

[fanfictionismyaddiction]

Baby Fever in Abu Dhabi

Word count: 840

Pairing: lando Norris x reader

Summary: After Max and Kelly announce their pregnancy during a dinner in Abu Dhabi, Y/n finds herself daydreaming about starting a family with Lando.

________________________________________________________

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend was always electric, the perfect mix of high stakes and celebration. The paddock buzzed with energy, and the golden hues of the desert sunset made everything feel surreal. Lando Norris and Y/n had just wrapped up a long day of media sessions and track walks, and they were both ready to unwind.

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet had invited them for dinner at their suite in the luxurious Yas Marina hotel. Y/n had been looking forward to it all day—Max and Kelly always made great company, and their gatherings were a welcome break from the intense race weekend atmosphere.

When they arrived, Kelly greeted them with her signature warmth, her glowing smile instantly making Y/n feel at home.

“Come in, come in,” Kelly said, ushering them inside. The suite was stunning, with a view overlooking the illuminated marina, the yachts glittering like jewels against the dark water.

Max appeared from the kitchen carrying a bottle of wine. “About time,” he teased, shaking Lando’s hand. “Thought you’d get lost on the way here.”

“Not everyone drives like you, mate,” Lando joked, smirking as he plopped onto the couch.

Y/n gave Kelly a quick hug, then turned to Max. “Thanks for having us. This place is incredible.”

“We’re glad you could come,” Kelly said, her voice unusually soft.

As dinner was served, the conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from the season’s highs and lows to plans for the off-season. But Y/n couldn’t shake the feeling that Max and Kelly were holding something back. They exchanged knowing glances throughout the meal, and Kelly’s hand frequently rested on her stomach.

Finally, as dessert was brought out—a decadent chocolate cake that Y/n immediately eyed with excitement—Max cleared his throat.

“Alright,” he began, his tone quieter than usual. “We have something to share with you.”

Kelly placed her hand on his, her smile lighting up the room. “We’re having a baby,” she said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.

Y/n gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. “Oh my God, Kelly! That’s amazing!”

Lando blinked, clearly caught off guard but quick to recover. “Wow, congrats, mate! That’s… wow.” He stood up, giving Max a firm handshake and a clap on the back before hugging Kelly.

Y/n practically launched herself at Kelly, wrapping her in a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you two! You’re going to be the best parents.”

Kelly laughed softly, her hand instinctively brushing over her small bump. “Thank you. We’re so excited—and nervous, of course. But mostly excited.”

As the evening continued, the conversation shifted to baby names, nursery ideas, and Max’s surprisingly sentimental thoughts about fatherhood. Y/n couldn’t stop smiling, but deep down, a small, unexpected pang tugged at her heart.

On the drive back to their hotel later that night, Y/n stared out the window at the shimmering lights of Abu Dhabi. The streets were alive with fans and festivities, but her mind was elsewhere.

“You’ve been quiet,” Lando said, glancing at her as he navigated through the bustling roads.

She hesitated before responding. “It’s just… Max and Kelly. They seemed so happy, didn’t they?”

“Yeah,” he agreed, his tone casual. “Max looked like he’d just won two championships in one season or something.”

She laughed softly, then turned to face him. “Don’t you think it’s amazing? Starting a family, building something together like that?”

Lando’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and he gave her a quick look. “You’re not saying we should do that anytime soon, right?”

“No!” she said quickly, her cheeks flushing. “I’m just saying… I don’t know. Seeing them tonight made me think about it. Someday, maybe?”

He pulled into the hotel parking lot, switching off the engine before turning to her fully. His expression softened, a mix of amusement and tenderness. “You’ve got baby fever, don’t you?”

Y/n groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Maybe a little. But it’s not like I want a baby tomorrow or anything. It’s just… it made me think.”

Lando reached over, pulling her hands away from her face. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re avoiding the question.”

He chuckled, leaning in to press a quick kiss to her forehead. “Alright, I’ll admit it: seeing Max all excited like that was kind of cool. But we’ve got time, Y/n. Let’s enjoy what we have now, yeah?”

She nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, we do have a pretty good thing going, don’t we?”

He grinned, his signature mischievous look returning. “The best. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll have a little Norris running around. But let’s take it one step at a time—like getting me through this race weekend first.”

Y/n laughed, the tension melting away as they headed inside. As she slipped her hand into his, she couldn’t help but picture a future where their little family dreams might just come true. But for now, she was happy with their here and now—and Lando by her side.

[its-avalon-08]

Omg you recent lando fic has me smiling like crazy no joke.

I was hoping I could request something similar ish. Where reader is Max.V. Sister and Lando wants it to be secre, bu the reade thinks he only wants to keep it secret because he's going to break up with her soon. (Dating for a while), and when the reader tells Carlos this, he tells Lando, who decides to let the whole world know by running up to her and kissing her just before the race.

secrets and shushed voices (ln4)

✦ pairing - lando norris x female!reader

✦ genre - angst, tears, comfort

The buzz of conversation in the Red Bull hospitality was overwhelming, but Y/N Verstappen had mastered the art of tuning it out. She adjusted her team polo, flipping through her notes for Max's debrief, when she felt a presence near her. Without looking up, she muttered, “Unless you have coffee for me, I’m not interested.”

A soft chuckle answered her. “What if I said I could charm you into being interested?”

Her head snapped up, eyes narrowing at the source. Lando Norris leaned casually against the table, his grin infuriatingly perfect.

“Charm me?” she repeated with a raised eyebrow. “Bold of you to assume that’s possible.”

“Bold is my middle name,” he shot back, undeterred.

“Funny,” she quipped, turning back to her notes. “I thought it was ‘Overtakes on Softs.’”

His laugh was genuine, and she hated that it made her chest flutter. “Touché, Verstappen. Touché.”

Over the next few months, their paths crossed often—media days, driver briefings, paddock run-ins. Lando made it his mission to tease her relentlessly, and to her dismay, she found herself looking forward to it.

One afternoon, she’d been ranting about how Max ignored her race notes.

“I bet he ignores them because you write, like, an essay for every corner,” Lando teased, plopping down beside her in the lounge.

“You’ve never even seen my notes!”

“I don’t need to. You scream ‘overachiever.’”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her grin. “And you scream ‘class clown.’”

“Ah, but clowns are memorable.”

“Annoying, more like.”

“Annoyingly charming,” he corrected with a wink, making her laugh despite herself.

--

Their playful banter became a staple in the paddock, much to the amusement of their teams. Max often shot her knowing looks, while Carlos liked to poke Lando with, “Mate, just ask her out already.”

But Lando enjoyed the chase. Every lingering glance, every sarcastic comment, every moment they shared—it all felt electric.

One night after a particularly chaotic post-race party, they found themselves on a quiet balcony overlooking the marina.

“You’re surprisingly tolerable when you’re not trying to be funny,” Y/N remarked, leaning against the railing.

“And you’re surprisingly fun when you’re not intimidating,” Lando countered, nudging her playfully.

She looked at him, the usual walls in her eyes softening. “You don’t actually think I’m intimidating, do you?”

“Only in the best way,” he said, his voice quieter now. “You’re... different, Y/N. In a good way.”

Her breath hitched slightly, but she covered it with a smirk. “You’re such a flirt, Norris.”

“Only with you.”

--

It was after a rainy qualifying in Silverstone when everything changed. Y/N had stayed late in the garage, waiting for Max, when Lando appeared, soaked and grinning.

“What are you still doing here?” she asked, handing him a towel.

“Trying to decide if I should do something really stupid,” he said, his voice unusually serious.

“What kind of stupid?”

“This kind.”

Before she could process his words, he leaned in, his lips brushing hers softly. The world seemed to blur as she kissed him back, a hundred unspoken moments between them finally falling into place.

--

Dating Lando was like stepping into a secret world. Behind closed doors, he was thoughtful, goofy, and overwhelmingly sweet. But in the paddock, he insisted they keep their relationship under wraps.

“It’s not that I’m ashamed,” he’d said one evening, his hand brushing her hair back as they lounged on the couch. “I just want us to have this—our thing—without the world tearing it apart.”

She had nodded, understanding his reasoning, but over time, doubt began to creep in. What if he wasn’t ready to commit? What if this secrecy was his way of keeping an exit strategy?

As Lando hugged her tightly after another stolen moment in the shadows of the McLaren motorhome, her thoughts spiraled.

He’s holding on so tight, but for how long? Am I just a phase he’s going to grow out of?

His voice broke through her haze. “You okay?”

She forced a smile, burying her face in his shoulder. “Yeah. Just tired.”

But as he held her, all she could think was, How much longer until he decides to let go?

--

Y/N sat in the McLaren hospitality, her hands gripping a lukewarm cup of tea she wasn’t drinking. She’d just watched Lando breeze past her in the paddock—no glance, no smile, not even a quick touch on the arm. He’d turned the charm on for the cameras as if she didn’t exist, leaving her to stew in the weight of their secrecy.

She set the cup down with a loud clink and stormed out. A short walk later, she was in the Ferrari hospitality, where Carlos and Rebecca sat chatting.

“Carlos,” she blurted, her voice trembling. “He’s going to break up with me.”

Carlos frowned, sitting up straighter. “¿Qué? Who’s breaking up with you?”

“Lando!” she exclaimed, collapsing onto the couch beside Rebecca, her emotions spilling over. “He doesn’t want this anymore—I know it!”

Rebecca placed a calming hand on Y/N’s knee. “Slow down, cariño. What happened?”

Y/N sniffled, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket. “It’s everything. He didn’t even look at me this morning. No hug, no kiss. Nothing. He just… walked past me like I wasn’t even there. And it’s not just today—it’s been months of hiding. He insists on keeping this a secret. I thought it was romantic at first, like we had something private, but now—” Her voice cracked as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Now you think it’s because he’s trying to find an easy way out,” Carlos finished, his tone heavy with disapproval.

Y/N nodded, sobbing into her hands. “He says it’s to protect us, but I don’t feel protected, Carlos. I feel like I’m not good enough for him to want people to know.”

Rebecca pulled Y/N into a hug, rubbing her back soothingly. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re more than good enough. If anything, it’s him who’s too blind to see what he’s doing to you.”

Carlos crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. “Has he given you any reason to believe he doesn’t care about you anymore? Other than the secrecy?”

Y/N hesitated, her voice muffled against Rebecca’s shoulder. “It’s all the little things. He’s so different when we’re alone—he’s kind and loving and makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world. But the second we step into the paddock, it’s like I don’t exist. I just… I can’t do this anymore.”

Carlos’s face hardened, his protective side kicking in. “He needs to hear this, Y/N. But not from you—no, not while you’re like this.” He stood abruptly. “I’ll talk to him.”

“No!” Y/N sat up, her eyes wide. “You’ll just make things worse!”

“I won’t,” Carlos said firmly. “But he’s my friend, and I’m not going to sit here and watch him break your heart because he’s too much of an idiot to see what he’s doing. He needs a reality check.”

Rebecca nodded in agreement. “Carlos is right. He knows Lando better than anyone—you should let him handle it.”

Y/N sniffled again, her resolve softening under Rebecca’s calming presence. “You’re sure you won’t tell him I sent you?”

Carlos crouched in front of her, his expression softer now. “I’ll make it about what I’ve noticed. He’ll never know you said anything.”

Y/N nodded reluctantly. “Okay.”

Rebecca gave Y/N a comforting squeeze before Carlos kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll fix this, amiga. Trust me.”

As Carlos left, Y/N leaned into Rebecca’s side, her tears slowing but her heart still heavy. “What if he really does want to break up with me?”

Rebecca stroked her hair gently. “Then he’s the biggest fool on the planet, and we’ll make sure he knows it.”

--

Carlos leaned back in his chair in the McLaren hospitality, casually sipping on a bottle of water as Lando scrolled through his phone. They had been talking about summer break plans, with Lando suggesting a group trip to Ibiza.

“Ibiza would be fun,” Carlos said, setting his bottle down. “But only if you bring your girlfriend.”

Lando choked slightly, quickly glancing around to see if anyone overheard. “Shh, man!” he hissed, leaning closer. “What if someone hears you?”

Carlos rolled his eyes. “This is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.”

Lando frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”

Carlos straightened, his tone turning serious. “Y/N came to see me today. She’s convinced you’re going to break up with her.”

“What?!” Lando’s voice rose before he quickly lowered it, glancing around again. “Why would she think that?”

“Because, mate, you’re treating her like some big secret, like she’s something you’re ashamed of,” Carlos said bluntly. “Every time you refuse to acknowledge her in public, every time you say no to posting a picture or holding her hand, she feels like she’s not enough for you.”

Lando’s face paled, his phone slipping from his hand. “That’s not… I don’t—” He stopped, his mind racing. “I’ve never said I’m ashamed of her. I thought she understood why I wanted to keep it private.”

Carlos leaned forward, his eyes hard. “She might have understood at first, but it’s been ten months, Lando. She’s tired. And frankly, I don’t blame her.”

Lando opened his mouth to argue but stopped as Carlos’s words sank in. His mind spiraled into a series of flashbacks.

-flashback-

He remembered the first time she’d asked if she could post a picture of them on her story. It was a harmless shot—just their intertwined hands on a table.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he’d said quickly. “You know how people can be.”

Her smile faltered, but she nodded. “Yeah. I get it.”

-flashback-

After a race in Monaco, Y/N had waited for him by the McLaren motorhome. When she tried to hug him, he’d gently pushed her into the shadows.

“Not here,” he’d whispered, glancing around nervously.

Her shoulders had slumped, and she took a step back. “Right. Sorry.”

-flashback-

At a post-race party, Rebecca had taken a picture of them laughing together. Y/N had been so happy, showing it to him with a hopeful smile.

“Becca sent this to me. Can I share it?”

Lando had hesitated. “Maybe not. It’s just… better if we keep it private.”

The light in her eyes had dimmed, though she tried to mask it with a nod. “Okay.”

present day

Lando’s chest tightened as the memories hit him. He hadn’t realized how often he’d dismissed her feelings or how much his need for secrecy had chipped away at her confidence.

“She thinks I want to break up with her?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Carlos nodded, his expression softening. “She’s scared, Lando. She loves you, but she’s scared that you don’t feel the same way.”

Lando ran a hand through his hair, his heart aching. “I’m such an idiot.”

Carlos smirked faintly. “You said it, not me.”

Lando ignored the jab, his mind already working. He couldn’t let her think he didn’t care. He couldn’t let her feel like she wasn’t enough.

“I need to fix this,” he said firmly, standing up so fast that his chair scraped against the floor.

Carlos leaned back with a satisfied grin. “About time.”

Lando’s mind raced with ideas, his determination growing. He’d spent months hiding their relationship from the world—now, he’d show everyone exactly how much she meant to him.

--

The pre-race chaos was in full swing. Mechanics bustled about, drivers made their final rounds with engineers, and the paddock buzzed with energy. Y/N stood to the side near the McLaren garage, watching quietly as Lando spoke with his team. Her arms were crossed, her heart heavy from the morning’s events.

She had seen him arrive, head down, moving past her like she didn’t exist. Again. The weight of the past few months pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

Rebecca’s words from earlier played in her head: “If he doesn’t see what he’s doing to you, then he doesn’t deserve you.”

Maybe he doesn’t.

Suddenly, she noticed Carlos walking toward Lando, giving him a nudge and pointing in her direction. Lando froze, his head snapping up. Their eyes met briefly before Y/N turned away, unable to handle the hurt.

But before she could step back into the crowd, she heard his voice calling her name.

“Y/N!”

Her heart jumped. She turned to see Lando jogging toward her, his race suit partially unzipped and flapping as he moved. She frowned, confused. What is he doing?

As he reached her, he stopped, slightly out of breath. “I need to talk to you.”

“Now? You’re about to race,” she said, her tone wary.

“Now,” he insisted, his blue eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach flip. “I’ve been an idiot, and I need to fix this.”

“Lando, what are you—”

He didn’t let her finish. Instead, he stepped forward, cupping her face gently with his hands. “I’m sorry,” he said softly, his voice breaking slightly. “I’m so sorry for making you feel like you’re not enough, for hiding what we have, for… everything.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Lando…”

“I was scared,” he admitted, his forehead resting against hers. “Not of being with you, but of the world ruining what we have. I thought I was protecting us, but all I did was hurt you, and I hate myself for it.”

Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back. “I thought you didn’t want me anymore,” she whispered.

His eyes widened in shock. “No. God, no. I want you, Y/N. I love you. I’ve loved you since the day we met, and I’m done pretending I don’t.”

Before she could process his words, he pulled her into a kiss—deep and unapologetic, right there in the middle of the paddock.

The world around them seemed to pause. For a moment, there was only him—his lips on hers, his arms wrapped tightly around her, as if he was afraid to let go.

When they finally broke apart, she noticed the stunned silence around them. Cameras clicked furiously, and the hum of murmured voices grew louder.

“Lando…” she started, her cheeks flushed.

He grinned, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “Let them talk. I don’t care anymore.”

“But the team, the media—”

“Let them say what they want,” he interrupted, his voice firm. “I’m not hiding you anymore, Y/N. You’re my girlfriend, and the whole damn world is going to know it.”

Y/N stared at him, her heart pounding. His words, his actions—it was all so overwhelming.

“Say something,” he said nervously, his grin faltering.

She threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly. “I love you too,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Cheers erupted around them, and Carlos’s loud, teasing whistle cut through the noise. “¡Eso es, chico! About time!”

Lando laughed, resting his chin on her shoulder. “You good now?”

Y/N nodded, her tears finally spilling over—but this time, they were happy ones. “Yeah. I’m good.”

“Good,” he said, pulling back just enough to look at her. “Because I’m not going anywhere, and I’m making sure everyone knows it.”

She smiled through her tears, and he kissed her again, sealing the promise with every ounce of love he felt.

[whirlybirbs]

Do you have anymore sharpshooter/zoro thoughts? I don't even watch one piece but that drawing was so cute and I want to hear more!!

— SWAN DIVE ; RORONOA ZORO ; ぞろ

summary: port d'beau proves to be anything but an easy job. you almost drown, zoro saves you. [set post-arlong, pre-alabasta] pairing: roronoa zoro / f!reader ; straw hat pirate wc: 2.7k tags: shameless potc reference, reader has a backstory, frenemies-to-lovers, an "oh" moment, mutual pining, the corset is a plot point, t+, no use of y/n a/n: i drew this a few days ago and here we are. i'm sure we've all seen the source material for this one — this scene actually altered my brain chemistry as a child and i'm still unpacking that to this day.

It was supposed to be an easy job.

Port d'Beau proves to be anything but.

Roronoa Zoro crosses his arms and leans back into the scarce shade on the Going Merry's deck. The mid-day heat is suffocating — and the swordsman can't help but pity the two girls high up the marina's cliffs. 

The sounds of a party float through the air. Slow waltzes on strings, the tinkering of silver on porcelain, and laughter far too refined for his taste. 

Overhead, the furled sails of the four-cannon caravel flap in the meager breeze rolling in off the sea. Waves lap at the ship's side and somewhere at the bow, Zoro can hear Luffy fidgeting. Sanji is no better, pacing and mumbling something about the heat. Usopp, to his credit, has given up entirely and surrendered himself to the shade with nothing but a peep.

The boys were forced to stay back while you and Nami played dress-up. 

In all fairness, Nami did have a point when she shoved her finger in Zoro's face and said he was too well-known to pass as some upstanding gentleman. On top of that, news of Luffy's brand new bounty of thirty million berries is sweeping ports across the East Blue. There's no doubt the Marine branch stationed on this island — the Thirty-Ninth Division — would recognize their captain immediately. Sanji did whatever Nami said, like an obedient dog, and Usopp needed no convincing to tag along once he heard about the Marine presence. 

Nami's plan was simple. 

The papers had boasted about Port d'Beau's annual gubernatorial luncheon. Hundreds of high-standing families across the East Blue were invited to celebrate Governor Bidon's re-election and his daughter's engagement to the 29th Marine Division's Commodore. The guests pocket purses and that engagement ring was a sitting duck, just waiting for Nami's sticky fingers. 

She'd sneak in alongside you — a key piece in the puzzle. You were a lady once, the daughter of a politician. You knew the ins and outs of the upper echelon's etiquette and formalities, something Nami had little grasp on when it came to burglarizing.

Once in, the entire banquet was theirs for the taking. Nami would steal what they could off the unsuspecting patrons, you'd keep the targets busy with idle chat over tea, and they'd high tail it out of there before dessert even hit the tables.

Easy. 

Quick. 

Fun, even. 

The day proves to be anything but that for you.

The heat seems like proof you're in hell — and you furiously fan yourself as some Lieutenant named Pinard leads you away from the bustle of the party. The afternoon sun beats down on your shoulders and you exhale tightly, wishing for an inch more room in this corset. Nami tied it a bit too tight in her zeal.

Your lungs and ribs ache and you heft the petticoats beneath your skirt up into your hand as you step up onto the overlook. 

Though the view of Port d'Beau is beautiful, it's one you've always sought comfort in — the view of the bustling port, the rolling waves, the marina below...

Lieutenant Pinard offers you a sweaty hand and you accept it with a grimaced smile. Keep up the act. Just about now, Nami is slipping away with a bundle of treasure and headed to the docks. Soon, you'll be out of this dress and back on the Going Merry.

You flutter your fan a bit harder as you swipe away a bead of cold sweat that runs down your temple, avoiding the wistful and adoring gaze of the spindly Lieutenant. 

You're selling this whole act a little too well, but who can blame you?

Your whole life you've defied the expectations placed on a woman of your station. You have had no intention of sitting idly by like a wallflower. Etiquette classes were overshadowed by marksmanship. You had a gift for shooting, and though sport was rare on the cluster of islands making up your home, you excelled. Trophies and ribbons are half the proof of the shot you are. 

The moment you stepped aboard the Going Merry, you thought you left petticoats, gossip, and high tea in the past.

And yet, here you are.

Your sweaty hand in Lieutenant Pinard's sweaty hand.

The heat feels worse up here. You wonder if Nami's made it to the docks yet. Just hold on a little longer, then you can excuse yourself from the party and disappear. 

The chiffon ribbon beneath your chin, tying your hat to your head, flutters in the breeze — and you try to gasp in some of the cool air before it dissipates back into the stagnant summer heat. Sweat runs down the back of your neck and beneath the collar of your dress.

You fan yourself a little harder as Lieutenant Pinard begins to speak.

You can't bring yourself to look at him.

Instead, you try to breathe and lean against the cool stone of the battlement. 

Port d'Beau has long since boasted about its impenetrable Fort Beaumont. 

Zoro, as he tips his head back into his palms, understands the reputation. From the marina, Fort Beaumont has a bird's eye view of all the ongoings. That was why they were so quick to furl their sails, hiding the Straw Hats flag deep in the gulley, as they tied off in the marina under the guise of merchants. 

He closes his eyes and wonders if he'll be able to get a wink of shut-eye in this heat. Nami should be back by now, with you in tow.

Up above him, on the cliffs, you're trying to swallow down the roll of nausea threatening to bring up the meager few bites of a finger sandwich you had an hour ago. 

Your mouth is dry.

You can't breathe.

"—That is why I wanted to speak with you privately, my lady," the Lieutenant drawls on as you flutter your lace fan faster and faster, feet wobbling; he turns his back to hide his apparent flush, "I have never met a woman as beautiful, and... daring, I may even say—"

Suddenly, the world tips.

It's enough that you stagger and press your hands against the limestone battlement. Then, the world tips the other way. Your head feels funny; your body feels like it's diving headfirst into vertigo.

Oh. 

Oh, you're fainting.

Annnnnnd, now you're falling.

SPLASH!

The Commodore blinks.

He turns around.

And you're gone.

Nami's got one foot onboard the Going Merry when you hit the water.

Zoro's head snaps up, his eyes widening at the sound of the splash from the cliffs; he's not the only one. The entire crew is rushing to the railing of the deck with confusion and panic on their faces.

"Nami—" Zoro begins, his voice is a low warning. He's already stripping his swords from his belt. 

The thief gasps in horror.

"—Where the hell is our sniper?" he grits, deep and unamused. Zoro's eyes don't leave the splash once — because deep down, he already knows the answer to that question.

Nothing ever goes to plan with the Straw Hats.

Nami spies the sudden cluster of Marines up on the battlements and her gut sinks. Her hoard of stolen goods tumbles to the deck as she throws herself against the railing.

"Shit! Zoro, she can't swim!" Nami screams, frozen in fear.

The last of his swords hits the deck as he barks: "I know that!" 

Zoro's eyes snap to the white echos of a wave from the splash, and a floating hat with a streaming emerald ribbon catches his eye. 

Not good.

Not good!

What's worse is that Luffy sees it too, and the idiot is two beats from throwing himself off the edge of the bow before Zoro hauls his shirt over his head and smacks the Captain in the face with it.

"Don't even think about it," he grits out, wagging a finger in Luffy's face, "I won't drag your sorry ass up from the bottom too."

Any protests (whines) from Luffy are drowned out by the sound of Zoro's boots on the wooden deck as he takes a running start.

Sanji's tripping over his boots, trying to follow Zoro in, but he stops completely when Usopp calls out and points to the cliffs. "We've got trouble!"

The Marines are mobilizing.

"Sanji, time to get going," Nami panics, backing away from the railing as she realizes they will need to get you out of the water fast — and get the hell out of Port d'Beau faster. 

"On it!" Sanji agrees, calling out to Luffy, "Time to move, Captain!"

Fast and strong, Zoro makes a break. With two long strides, he plants his boot on the railing and pushes off the bow to cut into the waves with a sharp dive. 

The clear blue water is cool — enough that the initial splash makes Zoro's heart pound. But, what's worse for his heart is the sight of you rapidly approaching the bottom of the marina faster by the second, weighed down by a plume of petticoats and silk. 

He curses to himself and pushes himself to dive faster as a harsh stream of air leaves a trail back to the shimmering surface above you both.

Now, as he barrels deeper into the water and tries to save their marksman from drowning, is probably not a good time to confront his feelings for you. 

It's certainly not time to address the fact that the manufactured malice he fronts aboard the deck toward you is just that: fake. It's certainly not time to address the fact he has a well-guarded soft spot for you, nor the time to address the fact he can't help but wonder how one person can make him feel so damn weak.  

So, he pushes them away, ignores the burn in his chest, and equates it to nothing more than a lack of oxygen.

They'll be time for that shit later. 

Right now, he's busy wrapping his hands around your waist and trying to urge you up to the surface.

It proves to be an easier idea than in practice, though. Zoro huffs out an exhale of frustrated bubbles as your skirts tug him — and you — back down to the bottom. 

And so, he ignores the guilt gnawing at his brain as he unceremoniously yanks the front seams of your dress open and clumsily slips you out of the layers of silk with his last breath. Calloused knuckles knock against the boning of your corset and the rough drag of fabric stings his knuckles.

The swordsman breaks the surface, gasping and coughing, just in time to spy a throng of Marines headed down the beach. In his arms, your head lolls back onto his shoulder. You haven't moved — not once, and Zoro's panic is only rising. Wet tendrils of your hair tangle across his neck as he hauls you towards the docks, your body hefted over his shoulder as he scrambles. 

Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go. 

One hand is on the back of your thighs. Your torso is thrown over his back. Your arms sway as he breaks into a controlled jog.

Up the plank, across the threshold of the dock, onto the hot deck of the Going Merry. He makes it, just in time for the lines to be cast and the sails to unfurl, but Zoro isn't even close to relaxing.

"If you die, I will kill you," he can't help it — his voice is stern, the low timbre snapping like a slap as he gently sets you down on the dock's wooden deck and pants. His hand braces against the back of your head as his body bends to hover over you. 

You're not breathing, and water drips off Zoro's nose and lands on your cheek as he starts to panic — and then his eyes land on the tight front lacing of your corset.

Immediately, he's barking at Sanji. "Sanji! Knife, now!" 

It's sacrilegious, sure, but Sanji doesn't really give a damn if it means you don't die. The pairing knife is handed off to Zoro in a flash, and the swordsman holds it like a weapon and not like a cooking implement. There's something poetic about that, but Sanji doesn't have the time to mull over why Zoro is so ready to wield a weapon for you.

Some other time, maybe.

Nami is barreling down the deck, her eyes wild. "What the hell are you doing—?!"

The lacing is sliced clean through in a flash of the steel blade. Your corset blooms open, and immediately you gasp — and water bubbles from your throat in a panicked cough that rifles you awake immediately. 

You writhe, twisting on the deck to brace yourself on your elbow as you hack and cough. Your lungs burn and your throat is on fire and everything tastes like seawater. Hair hangs in your face while you try to breathe in that puddle on the deck of the Going Merry. 

Zoro leans back on his knees, shoulders sagging, and feels a wave of relief wash over him as he hands off the pairing knife to Sanji. The swordsman is also trying to catch his breath — water running down his chest and arms — as his boots squeak against the deck. The cook takes it slowly, his mouth agape, as he lets out an exhale.

Then, gently, Zoro places a hand on your shoulder.

Slowly, you lift your head.

He's haloed by the sun and the bluest sky you've ever seen. 

Roronoa Zoro looks beautiful. 

It feels like you're seeing him for the first time — like you've been slapped across the face by divine intervention. It's like the ocean shook you by the shoulders and made you look directly in his eyes. 

Maybe you're dead.

"Are you alright...?" he asks roughly, his eyes inspecting you over in a way that makes a newfound heat thrum through your veins. The sound feels different than all the other times he's spoken to you (i.e., snapped at you). This time, it's softer. Low and warm, like a warm meal. His earrings glint in the sun, and a drop of water runs down his neck and down, down, down his sternum.

You stare.

Then, like you suddenly realize just what sort of position you're in, you blink down at the thin chemise clinging to your figure. Every curve, every dip — it's all on display, and you can't help but go rigid. 

Doesn't help that Zoro is realizing that little fact too. Your chest heaves out a panted breath and he has to physically tear his eyes away. 

"I'm fine," you manage to grit out, turning your cheek as you slowly sit up, "I—"

"Go slow," he urges gently, his hand coming to fall along your lower back, "You took a pretty hard fall."

You push the wet, tangled hair out of your eyes and ignore the bloom of goosebumps his hand ushers in. You lean on your palms. Water runs off the tip of your nose. 

When you speak, it's so soft it's nearly a whisper.

"...Thank you, Zoro."

Sanji shifts awkwardly above the both of you.

What the hell is going on?

Mosshead and the crew's beloved sniper never go more than two sentences without ripping into each other — everyone knows that. It's the way it goes. They can't stand one another. Zoro thinks their sniper is a delicate, spoiled, little princess, and their sniper thinks Zoro is a bullheaded, impulsive brute. Tit-for-tat. Grounded in reality. Unlike whatever the fuck is going on right now before his very eyes.

The swordsman's ears go red.

Sanji can't fucking believe it.

Zoro catches your eyes for a beat longer than he should have, and he swears something in the air just changed. 

And you smile at him. 

"Let's get you covered up," Sanji breaks the moment, half-tied between disbelief and fear. Maybe you did hit your head on the way down. The cook's jacket comes across your shoulders like a blanket.

Never in his life has Zoro ever been so thankful for shitty cook's interruption, or Nami's shouting, or Luffy's laughter, or Usopp's wailing. The entire crew spills onto the deck around you, sweeping you into worried hugs and doting touches — leaving Roronoa Zoro to wonder what the hell just happened.

It was supposed to be an easy job.

Port d'Beau proves to be anything but.

Because Zoro can't stop wondering if he should confront those feelings in his chest, and you can't stop wondering when those feelings for him ever took root in your own. 

[wachinyeya]

From Mossy Earth on Youtube (3/2/25):

Big news - we’ve been awarded £544,558.76 of funding to plant 4.2 ha of seagrass meadow in the Scottish Highlands across three years!

🌱 🌱 This project follows extensive baseline and investigative surveys, as well as small seagrass translocation trials undertaken in 2024, supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) that’s managed by NatureScot. The delivery of planting 4.2 hectares of intertidal seagrass meadow over three years will be supported by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF), an initiative supported by the Scottish Government’s Marine Scotland Directorate, NatureScot and Crown Estate Scotland.

🌊 The vision of Wilder Firths (Linneachan nas Fhiadhaiche), formerly known as Cromarty Seascape, is for the firths surrounding the Black Isle to be home to a resilient mosaic of biogenic habitats that support diverse and thriving ecosystems. Central to achieving and sustaining this vision are local communities that are connected to and invested in their coastal environment.

🦪 Historically overlooked in the area, seagrass meadows are one of the focus habitats of Wilder Firths alongside native oyster (Ostrea edulis) reefs. Seagrass species in the area are dwarf eelgrass (Nanozostera noltei), common eelgrass (Zostera marina) and beaked tasselweed (Ruppia maritima). Common eelgrass encompasses variants that are found either inter-tidally or sub-tidally whereas dwarf eelgrass and beaked tasselweed are only found in the intertidal zone.

🔎 As well as collecting and planting seed with other members of the local community, our team will trial more experimental approaches such as transplanting seagrass with sediment (coring) and mechanised seed collection and planting. Small scale trials of intertidal seagrass coring, a method previously used by Restoration Forth, indicate that the method could be an effective way to restore seagrass meadows when compared with other methods such as seeding or transplanting bare root seagrass plants.

💪 Want to be part of the team delivering this project? We’re hiring a Seagrass Officer and a Community & Funding Officer. There’s still time to apply! Applications close midnight on the 7th of March. Learn more here: https://www.mossy.earth/jobs?utm_sour...

[ariays]

The Significance of Kitty & Minho Bookending Both Season 1 and Season 2 in XO Kitty

Yes, I'm here again with another analysis because why not?

So previously, I mentioned the term bookending. & I just thought that it would be nice to elaborate on that.

So firstly, what is bookending?

It is a storytelling technique where a narrative begins and ends with the same event, character interaction, setting, or theme. It is a method that is often used to create symmetry, reinforce themes, highlight character growth, or foreshadow key relationships.

Storytelling is rarely accidental—especially in romance-driven narratives like XO Kitty. One of the most deliberate yet overlooked narrative choices in both Season 1 and Season 2 is how Kitty and Minho’s relationship is bookended—they are the first and last people she interacts with in both seasons. This framing technique is often used to subtly highlight a relationship’s significance, and in this case, it strongly suggests that Kitty and Minho’s story was always meant to be a slow-burn romance.

When two characters are both the first and last interaction in a season, it’s rarely coincidental. It is to:

Signify that the relationship is central to the protagonist’s journey.

Showcase how much their dynamic has evolved over time.

Foreshadow their long-term importance to each other.

For Kitty and Minho, the fact that this happens in both seasons is a strong indication that their connection is not just a subplot—it’s one of the core emotional arc of the story.

So let us break it down:

Season 1: The Beginning & End with Minho

First Interaction: The first person Kitty physically bumps into at the airport on her way to Korea (signifying the beginning of her journey) is Minho. This is their very first meeting, setting the tone for their playful, sometimes antagonistic, but always high-energy dynamic.

Last Interaction: The season ends with Minho’s confession—a moment that completely shifts their relationship. And instead of rejecting him outright, Kitty smiles. It’s a small but telling reaction—if she truly felt nothing, there would be no hesitation.

& before people come up to say that the smile was only shown in Season 2 when they re-shot the scene...

This is a screenshot from Season 1 where you can see her slight contemplating smile (with About Love by MARINA playing in the background, mind you).

Why It Matters: The fact that Kitty’s first and last interactions in Season 1 are with Minho shows that he was always meant to be a significant part of her story. The show could have ended the season with anyone—Dae, Yuri, or even a solo moment of self-reflection. But instead, they chose to end with Minho’s confession. That’s not an accident—it’s intentional storytelling, subtly planting the seeds for future development.

Season 2: The Pattern Repeats—Minho Comes First & Last Again

First Love Interest She Sees: In Season 2, the first love interest Kitty locks eyes with is Minho. While Dae is technically present (standing right beside Minho), the camera deliberately focuses on Kitty looking at Minho. This is a classic storytelling technique used to subtly emphasize a character’s importance to the protagonist.

Last Interaction: Once again, the season ends with Minho and Kitty. But this time, things are even more emotionally complicated.

Kitty realizes her feelings for Minho, but she’s too scared to confess. She convinces herself that he has moved on, and the fear of rejection holds her back. Meanwhile, Minho is actively repressing his feelings. After his failed relationship with Stella and seeing Kitty’s complicated emotions regarding Yuri, he convinces himself that moving on is the only option. He even goes so far as to swear off relationships entirely.

Why It Matters: The fact that, once again, the season ends with Minho and Kitty means their story is still unfinished. No matter what happens in the middle, the narrative keeps circling back to them.

The Parallel to K-Drama Romance Structure

In K-dramas, the first person the protagonist meets in a new place often represents fate or destiny—and Kitty’s first physical interaction in Korea was with Minho at the airport.

The “first and last” interaction trope is often used to signal who the true endgame is—the person the protagonist starts and ends their journey with is usually their true match.

By structuring both seasons the same way, the show is subtly preparing the audience for their eventual romance.

The Parallels Between Season 1 & Season 2 (Between Minho & Kitty)

While XO Kitty explores multiple love interests, Minho and Kitty have scenes that directly parallel each other from Season 1 to Season 2. These mirroring moments serve as a way to track their emotional development and reinforce their importance to the story.

Season 1: Minho watches Kitty and Dae at the party → Season 2: Kitty watches Minho and Stella dancing at the ball.

In Season 1, Minho was unknowingly affected by seeing Kitty with Dae. In Season 2, Kitty experiences the exact same thing—showing that now she’s the one realizing her feelings.

Season 1: Minho sees Kitty in slow motion, feels attracted to her, then panics when he realizes it's Kitty and screams "NO!" in denial. → Season 2: Kitty sees Minho in slow motion—not once, but twice.

Minho’s slow-motion moment in Season 1 was a comedic way to show his growing attraction, but in Season 2, Kitty has two slow-mo moments of her own—this time, with much more emotional weight, showing her realization.

Season 1: Minho saves Kitty from the fire on her skirt. → Season 2: Kitty saves Minho from his family's reputation being tarnished by Stella's plans.

In Season 1, Minho literally puts out a fire for Kitty, protecting her. In Season 2, Kitty does the same thing metaphorically—protecting Minho from a social firestorm that could have hurt his family. Can I also add that both scenarios happened in similar settings? One is on stage while the other is back stage.

Season 1: Minho confesses, "I think I fell in love with you… a little bit… or a lot." → Season 2: Kitty has an inner monologue, "I have fallen for Minho… a little bit… or a lot."

This is the most important parallel. Minho was the first to confess his feelings in Season 1, but by Season 2, Kitty finally acknowledges her own feelings—mirroring his words exactly. The fact that her confession was internal rather than spoken aloud adds tension for the upcoming Season 3, setting up a major moment where she will have to verbalize it.

The Emotional Progression Between Bookends

Season 1 starts with Minho being dismissive of Kitty → Ends with him realizing his feelings and confessing.

Season 2 starts with Kitty locking eyes with Minho first → Ends with her realizing her own feelings, but being too scared to confess.

Each season follows a clear pattern, showing that their relationship is evolving step by step. The reason it hasn’t happened yet is because both of them have been in denial, not because the connection isn’t there.

Foreshadowing for Season 3

If Season 1 was about Minho realizing his feelings, and Season 2 was about Kitty realizing hers, then Season 3 will likely be about them finally acknowledging their love for each other and acting on it. Their bookended interactions and season-long parallels have been leading toward something bigger, and Season 3 will be the moment they finally break past their fears and come together. I think we can expect a major confession scene from Kitty—one where she has to face her feelings out loud, just like Minho did in Season 1.

In Conclusion

The bookending of their interactions in both seasons, paired with their direct scene parallels, is not a coincidence—it’s a deliberate narrative choice that:

Establishes Minho as a consistent presence in Kitty’s life.

Marks their relationship as a key focus of the series.

Shows their emotional and relational growth.

Foreshadows their eventual romance.

By structuring both seasons the same way—starting and ending with Kitty and Minho—and including multiple mirrored moments between them, the show is subtly telling us that their story isn’t just important, it’s inevitable.

This isn’t a random ship gaining popularity—it was always part of the plan.

[jackoshadows]

It's so confusing and weird that Bridgerton introduced in world racism both with Lady D and Simon in season one of the show and in Queen Charlotte and at the same time they also want the audience to accept that somehow Marina Thompson or the dark skinned Indian Kate Sharma has more privilege and power than Penelope Featherington?

Kate Sharma was also poor, so much more than the Featheringtons. She depended on Lady D to host them. The Sharmas were looked down on by the ton because Mary Sheffield married an Indian. The Sharmas were disowned and ostracized by the Sheffields.

Kate was also an unmarried spinster. No one was asking Kate to dance. As much as Kate wanted love and romance and to dance at a ball wearing pretty dresses, she got none of that. She was also the woman on the sidelines watching as others danced and fell in love.

Racism and colorism is also very much a thing in eurocentric notions of beauty considering the setting and characters of Bridgerton is 99% white.

We got so little of Kate's backstory, of who her parents where - we didn't even get their names!! - of the trauma (explained for both Simon and Anthony using flashbacks) that had Kate overlooking her own happiness for that of her sister.

Despite bragging nonstop about the diversity of Bridgerton the showrunners thought that the white Featheringtons needed more screentime in season 2 rather than the South Asian family.

And Kate was planning on going back to India and work as a governess to pay for her livelihood. Because, you know, there's more honest ways of being a 'working woman' than running the equivalent of the regency 'Daily Mail' dragging other women down. The modiste Madame Delacroix, Kate planning to teach and Sienna in season one are all working to pay a living. Black, brown and lower class women looking to alleviate poverty.

And considering how much harder Kate already had it as an outsider in the ton, it wouldn't have been easy with Penelope using her gossip rag to describe the unmarried Indian woman as ' a Spinster of a beast'. What did Kate do to Penelope to warrant this? Nothing. Just a way for Penelope to make money at Kate's expense.

That's the thing I dislike the most about the way the character of Penelope is written on the show - her victims don't deserve her vitriol and are often in much worse circumstances than her. From Kate Sharma to the unnamed seamstress who apparently lost all her customers because Penelope wrote falsely about their work in the her tabloid as a bribe for Madam Delacroix.

And I think that's what I find problematic about the writing of the show and even the discourse surrounding it - when characters like Marina Thompson (the poor black cousin who would have ended up destitute on the streets because of Penelope) and Kate Sharma arguably have it far worse than Penelope Featherington as per the show's writing and yet we are supposed to have the most sympathy for Penelope because her crush Colin didn't love her back and she's a curvy white woman?

I guess that's the difference between how I perceive this world and these characters as a woc and the majority white female audience for this show and it's such a huge disconnect for me. I guess this is also partly because the show has this badly written and 'strangely toothless racism' as Ash Sarkar beautifully put it. As in the racism is treated in this world as a little problem solved by handing out a few titles to black people instead of being a white supremacist ideology which treated black and brown people as inferior, serfs and slaves.

From what little we got from season 2, Kate Sharma definitely did not have it easy navigating the ton as a poor outsider and that certainly contributed to her poor choices. She is also put through the wringer, treated like the other woman, is miserable for several episodes, had to apologize again and again and nearly die before Edwina forgives her!

In contrast Penelope's actions have hurt so many and yet she gets a pass by both the show and a fandom that wants Colin to grovel before her because of a single offhand remark and because he didn't return her affections.

Also making it clear here that I am not comparing Penelope to the male characters who always get the better writing, flaws and all. I am comparing Penelope to the female characters of colour - Kate Sharma and Marina Thompson.

I mean, Marina Thompson gets so much vitriolic and sexist hatred for not having told Colin Bridgerton the truth of her pregnancy. How dare Marina hurt this privileged white man Colin Bridgerton. When she was desperate to not end up destitute on the streets or get raped by old white men. And yet Penelope gets a pass for hurting women like Marina and Kate.

It continues a trend of white female characters never being held to the same standard as female characters of colour. Daphne sexually assaults Simon in season one and that was not even addressed on the show. Male rape is apparently no big deal because Daphne wanting children is what's important. It's Simon who has to apologize and within one episode resolve his trauma and accept being a father. This is despite both Daphne and Penelope having more screentime and more writing that builds their character unlike the stick thin writing given to Kate Sharma in season 2.

So yeah, I will be checking into season 3 to watch the ten minutes we get with Kate Sharma since we got so little of her in her own season and it's so singular to get dark skinned south Indian characters in a period drama romance like this. It's just the way the writing on the show, the production and even the fandom treats it's characters, especially characters of colour has been disappointing to say the least.

[better-setterv2]

hiiiii can you write lewis angst? or something like trying to make him jealous? your preference if happy ending or no happy ending

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐸𝒹𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒞𝑜𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓁

Authors Note: Hi All! Here’s a request I wrote based on Lewis getting jealous. Enjoy the one-shot! Lots of love xx

Summary: When a night out with the paddock turns tense, jealousy and fear threaten to unravel the bond between you and Lewis until raw honesty and quiet intimacy pull you back to each other.

Warnings: jealousy, mild sexual content, mild possessiveness

Taglist: @nebulastarr @hannibeeblog

MASTERLIST

࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ִ ֶ 𓂃࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ִ ֶ 𓂃࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ִ ֶ 𓂃࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊

Abu Dhabi shimmered beneath the night sky, its skyline glowing like a polished crown against the velvet desert.

The season was over. Another year of adrenaline, circuits, rivalries, podiums and pressure had finally culminated in one last grand celebration.

The afterparty was lavish, thrown on the rooftop of a luxury hotel overlooking Yas Marina, where champagne flowed like water and laughter sparkled beneath strings of fairy lights. It was the kind of night meant to live forever in photos, in memories that blurred at the edges but glowed in the centre.

And you were stepping into it with Lewis Hamilton’s hand clasped tightly in yours.

The warm breeze fluttered the hem of your dress - a deep crimson satin piece that caught every light like flame. It clung in all the right places, draped in others, with a slit that teased every time you walked. Weeks of searching, fittings, second guessing of it made every moment was worth it just to see Lewis’s face when you opened the hotel room door earlier that night.

“Damn,” he’d murmured, frozen in the doorway, eyes darkening as they trailed down your silhouette. “You’re really tryna kill me tonight, huh?”

You’d laughed it off, but his gaze hadn’t moved for a long moment. He didn’t just look at you more like he devoured you with his eyes, that low smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

He stepped forward, sliding a hand around your waist and pulling you against his chest, whispering something about how good you looked and how unfair it was that anyone else got to see it

Now, as you entered the party that same heat still lingered on your skin.

The rooftop was buzzing with music pulsing through the soles of your heels, champagne towers glittering under golden lighting, the gentle hum of luxury all around. Drivers, team principals, models, influencers, actors - it was an overload of beautiful people, beautiful clothes, and fleeting smiles. But no one looked quite like Lewis.

He wore a black custom suit that fit like a second skin, the silk of his shirt open just low enough to make you want to reach out and touch. His silver jewelry glinted with every movement like rings, chains, earrings, all catching the light and attention. That signature swagger was dialed to eleven, but it wasn’t loud. It was quiet confidence. Controlled. Dangerous.

Still, the most commanding thing about him wasn’t the look. It was the way he held you fingers splayed on the small of your back, possessive, proud, as if to say she’s mine to every eye that lingered on you too long.

“You sure you want to stay long?” he asked, low enough that only you could hear, brushing a kiss against your temple.

“I just want you all to myself.”

You smiled, your hand resting gently on his chest. “We’ll sneak out in a bit. But you’ve got people to greet, champ. You know, global icon things.”

He laughed softly, pressing his forehead to yours. “You keep reminding me who I am when I’d rather forget and just be yours.”

You blushed, but before you could respond, he was tugged away by a shout from one of the Mercedes engineers, who raised a toast in his honor. Lewis gave your hand one last squeeze, murmuring a soft I’ll be right back, then let go.

And with that, he was swept into the crowd.

You tried to stay close but that was impossible. Camera flashes started going off. The PR team was quick to usher him toward a setup with media banners. You watched him smile for the cameras, charm the interviewers, put his arm around teammates for posed photos. The kind of thing he’d done a hundred times. But tonight, he felt far away.

And without his hand in yours, the warm thump in your chest started to fade.

You took a step back from the center of the party, sipping your champagne, letting your eyes wander. That’s when you heard it a voice just behind you.

“You look lethal tonight,” Lando Norris said, slipping into your orbit like he’d been waiting for the right moment. He handed you a glass of something that smelled far too sweet, his grin already pulling a laugh out of you.

“Do I?” you asked, cocking a brow as you took the glass. “Pretty sure you’re just saying that to distract me from your shirt.”

He looked down. “What’s wrong with my shirt?”

“It’s got pineapples on it, Lando.”

He clutched his chest in mock offense. “It’s fashion, thank you very much. This is vintage McLaren hospitality chic.”

You laughed, genuine and unfiltered. He had that effect of harmless mischief, the kind that made you feel lighter even in a room full of egos.

You hadn’t meant to let yourself get pulled into the banter, but it felt nice, easy. And you hadn’t realised how much tension you’d been carrying until it started to melt away.

You didn’t notice Lewis looking back from across the rooftop.

He’d just finished a brief with Sky Sports, his tie slightly loosened now, his smile gone a little stiff. When his eyes landed on you, on Lando leaning in too close on your laugh, the way your hand lightly touched Lando’s arm - something inside him clenched.

His jaw tightened. His posture stiffened. The possessiveness that had lived subtly in his hand on your back earlier now simmered just under the surface, waiting to boil over.

And just like that, the party stopped feeling like a celebration.

Lando’s eyes sparkled as he raised his glass in mock salute. “I’ll take ‘lethal’ over ‘elegant’ any day. Especially when it’s coming from someone who looks like you just stepped out of a Bond movie.”

You tilted your head, arching a brow. “That sounds dangerously close to a pickup line.”

He grinned, undeterred. “Is it working?”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Not even a little.”

“Harsh.” He sipped his drink, still smiling. “But fair. Still, I’ve got to say it’s kind of rude of you to look that good and not warn anyone. I nearly walked into a wall when I saw you.”

You rolled your eyes, though a soft laugh escaped your lips. You weren’t flirting, not intentionally. You’d always been warm by nature the kind of person who met teasing with teasing, who could keep up with the boys without losing your softness. And Lando, well Lando was harmless, right?

“I think you walked into a wall because you were taking selfies with a bottle of tequila,” you teased, nudging him lightly with your elbow.

He gave you a mock wounded look. “Details. Irrelevant.”

You were mid sip of your champagne when Lando leaned in, not quite close enough to touch, but enough to lower his voice just for you.

“Seriously though if Lewis disappears for too long, you can always keep me company. I’m great with small talk. And I’m not bad at dancing either.”

That made you pause, amusement flickering behind your eyes. You weren’t oblivious. Lando might be joking or half joking but there was something a little different in his tone now. A tension you hadn’t picked up on before.

“Is that your way of offering me a backup date?” you asked, playful but pointed.

He shrugged, cheeky. “Just saying you deserve attention tonight. And I’m good at giving it.”

Across the rooftop, Lewis watched. Every slow step back toward the party brought him closer but not fast enough. He saw the way Lando leaned in. Saw the way you smiled not seductively, but softly, kindly, the way you always did when you felt comfortable. The way you smiled at him when you first met.

His grip on the champagne flute tightened. The sharp edge of jealousy wasn’t new, but it had rarely hit this hard. Not like this not when it came with the fear that someone else might be making you laugh in the way he thought only he could.

George Russell stepped beside him, clapping him on the back. “You alright, mate?”

Lewis didn’t look away. “Yeah,” he said, voice low, eyes fixed on the two of you. “Just needed some air.”

But George followed his gaze, lips curving slightly when he saw Lando trying and failing to act slick.

“Ah. That kind of air.”

Lewis finally broke his stare, adjusting the chain around his neck before finishing the rest of his drink in one swallow. “Excuse me a sec.”

He was walking toward you before he knew what he was going to say.

Before he knew how tight his chest had gotten just from watching someone else lean too close, linger too long, make you laugh in a way that felt too damn familiar.

And you still completely unaware of the storm heading your way, were smiling as Lando offered you his hand.

“Dance with me?” he asked, eyes twinkling.

And just as you were about to answer, you felt the familiar warmth of a hand at your lower back again.

“Think she’s got a better partner already,” Lewis said smoothly, his voice velvet but laced with steel.

Your heart skipped.

Lando looked up, all innocence but the tension crackled between the three of you like the electric hum before a summer storm.

You turned at the sound of Lewis’s voice, your eyes finding his in an instant.

He stood just behind you, calm on the surface, but unmistakably coiled. His smile was tight, controlled the kind of smile he wore in post race interviews when he’d just been screwed over by strategy and couldn’t say what he really felt.

The warmth of his hand on your back should’ve soothed you. But it didn’t. Not tonight. Not when the grip was too firm, too claiming. Not when something sharp flashed behind his eyes.

Lando gave a sheepish half laugh. “No offense, mate but I asked her.”

Lewis didn’t take his eyes off you. “And I’m telling you she’s with me.”

It wasn’t loud. But it didn’t need to be.

The tone was enough to snap the air tight between the three of you. You could feel eyes starting to shift toward the tension curious glances, quiet whispers. But all you could focus on was the steel in Lewis’s voice. The way his words didn’t just land - they hit.

You took a breath. “Lando was just being sweet.”

“Sweet’s not the word I’d use,” Lewis said quietly, his arm sliding around your waist like a closing gate. “He’s had his eyes on you all night.”

“Lewis -”

“No, it’s fine,” he said, but there was nothing fine in his voice. “You were just laughing, right? Smiling. Doing that thing you do when you lean in and nod like they’re the most interesting person in the room.”

Your mouth parted, but he didn’t stop.

“You don’t even realise when you do it. When guys like him take it as permission.”

Your heart thudded, loud and unsteady. “I wasn’t-”

“I know you weren’t. That’s the problem.”

Lando raised both hands slightly. “Alright, I’m not trying to start anything.”

Lewis didn’t look at him. “Then don’t.”

The finality in his voice made your stomach twist. Lando mumbled something and backed away, leaving the two of you locked in a silence far too loud for the rooftop crowd.

The moment he was gone, Lewis turned to you fully, his grip easing, but his eyes burning.

“You really didn’t see it?” he asked, lower now.

You shook your head, confused and on edge. “I was just being myself.”

“Exactly,” he said again, quieter. “You don’t know what it does to me when I see you like that completely open. Vulnerable in a way you don’t even mean to be.”

Your brows knit. “Why are you making this a fight?”

He exhaled roughly, looking away like the words were too big to meet your eyes. “Because I hate this part of myself. The part that watches you across the room and wonders if you even notice me anymore when someone else is making you laugh like that.”

The words landed like a blow not because they were cruel, but because they were true. And raw. And spoken like they’d been festering under the surface for a while.

Your voice broke slightly. “Of course I notice you.”

“Not always,” he said, looking at you again. “Sometimes it feels like you forget what it means to be mine.”

The word made you flinch. Not because it wasn’t true but because you weren’t sure what being his even meant anymore. Not when the lines kept getting blurred. Not when this much insecurity was still between you.

“I’m not a trophy you keep by your side to prove something,” you said quietly. “I’m not something to win and protect from every driver who happens to look my way.”

He didn’t speak.

“And I can’t keep feeling like I have to walk on eggshells just because someone talks to me and you spiral.”

Lewis’s jaw clenched, his voice low and bitter. “It’s not a spiral. It’s fear.”

You stared at him.

“That one day I’ll look at you from across the room and realise someone else has all of you,” he continued, voice shaking now. “Not just your smile. But your future. Your trust. Your heart.”

Your breath caught in your throat.

You wanted to speak to tell him he was wrong, to soothe the ache you saw behind the bravado. But something about the silence said he didn’t need comfort. He needed honesty.

“You think I’d give all that to someone else?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

“I don’t know what to think anymore,” he confessed, and suddenly, he looked tired. Exhausted, like he’d been holding this weight for far too long. “I know I’m not easy. I know I’m not always present. And I know you deserve more than someone who spends half the year in hotel rooms and race suits.”

You swallowed hard. “That’s not what I need from you.”

“Then what do you need?” he asked. Desperate now. “Because when I see someone like Lando getting to just be there, be available in ways I’m not I start to think maybe I’m not the one you’d choose if this started today.”

The pain in his voice made your heart break a little.

“I did choose you,” you said, firmer now. “And I’m still choosing you. Even when you get like this. Even when you let jealousy speak louder than your heart.”

Lewis looked away again, jaw flexing. You could see it the battle between pride and fear. Between needing you close and pushing you away out of self defense.

The music around you had shifted a softer beat, something deeper, slower. A song made for swaying bodies and whispered truths.

“Dance with me,” he said suddenly, voice cracked and raw. Not a command. Not even a request.

A plea.

You nodded. Because you couldn’t do anything else.

He took your hand like he was afraid you might disappear. His other hand settled at your waist again but this time, it didn’t feel like a claim. It felt like a tether. Like he was holding onto you to keep himself grounded.

You let yourself melt into him, the ache between you softening not gone, not healed just understood. Felt. Acknowledged.

His forehead dropped to yours. He didn’t speak. Neither did you.

Sometimes, the deepest kind of love comes wrapped in fear. In jealousy. In needing someone so badly it makes you forget how to breathe.

And as you danced, his hands shaking slightly where they held you, you realised: Lewis wasn’t jealous because he didn’t trust you.

He was jealous because loving you scared the hell out of him.

࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ִ ֶ 𓂃࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ִ ֶ 𓂃࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊ ⊹ ˑ ִ ֶ 𓂃࣪𓏲ᥫ᭡ ₊

The car ride back to the White was quiet. Not peaceful quiet more charged, unbearable, suffocating quiet. The kind of silence that didn’t just fill the space, but poisoned it.

You sat angled toward the window, watching the city blur past. Lights flickering across your reflection. You could feel Lewis beside you, every shift of his body like thunder. His hand had hovered near yours once then dropped.

He hadn’t said a word since the dance. Since his jealousy wrapped around you like a chain.

You thought maybe he would. In the elevator. In the hallway. Even as he unlocked the hotel suite and let you in first.

But he didn’t.

He didn’t even look at you.

Not until you were both inside. Door shut. World shut out.

The suite was dim, the skyline bleeding into the room through floor to ceiling windows. You stood by the edge of the bed, arms wrapped around yourself, heart still thudding from everything unsaid.

Behind you, Lewis’s voice finally broke through. Low. Hoarse.

“You didn’t have to look at him like that.”

Your head turned. Slowly.

“Excuse me?”

His eyes met yours not angry now. Just tired. Hollow. “You smiled like you meant it. Like you were glad it wasn’t me standing there.”

Your throat tightened. “So now I’m not allowed to smile at people?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“No, Lewis. That’s exactly what you’re saying. That I’m not allowed to be nice, not allowed to laugh, not allowed to existnear other people without you getting in your head about it.”

He flinched. Just a little.

You took a breath. “Do you even hear yourself?”

He dragged a hand over his face. “I know I sounded like an asshole, alright? I know I didn’t handle it right. But watching him touch you, look at you, like he could have you like he could take something that’s mine-”

“I’m not something, Lewis!” you snapped, voice breaking. “I’m not a trophy to guard. I’m not a title to defend. I’m a person. And right now? I don’t even feel like one around you.”

He recoiled like you’d slapped him.

You didn’t mean to. But it was true.

His voice cracked. “I didn’t want to do this tonight.”

“Neither did I.”

The silence that fell after that wasn’t empty. It was wounded.

He walked across the room slowly, like he was afraid of breaking something maybe you, maybe himself.

When he stopped a few feet away, he looked up at you, eyes rimmed with regret.

“I’m scared,” he said.

It shattered something inside you.

“I know,” you whispered.

“I’m scared you’ll wake up one day and realize I’m not enough. That this me, the schedule, the pressure, the distance it’s too much. That someone else could give you more than I ever could.”

You blinked back sudden tears. “Do you really think I’d be here if I didn’t love you?”

He didn’t answer.

“Lewis,” you said again, softer now. “Look at me.”

He did. And god, his eyes looked wrecked.

“I don’t want Lando. Or anyone else. I want you. But I can’t keep feeling like I’m constantly being tested. Like one misstep and you’ll think I don’t care.”

His voice came rough, almost broken. “I don’t want to be like this.”

“Then stop making me feel like I have to prove myself just to keep you.”

The silence thickened again. But this time, it was different. This time, it held understanding. Hurt. Humility.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

You stepped closer, only inches between you now. “I don’t need you to be perfect. I need you to trust me.”

He nodded, just once. Then again, like he was grounding himself in the truth of it.

His fingers brushed yours tentative. Asking. You let them curl around your hand.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he said.

“You won’t,” you murmured. “But you have to stop acting like you already have.”

His chest rose sharply then he pulled you into him, fast and fierce, his arms around your back, his face buried in your shoulder like he couldn’t bear the weight anymore.

You held him just as tightly, eyes stinging.

The tension didn’t vanish. But it changed.

It softened into something honest.

Raw.

Real.

And maybe tomorrow would still be hard. Maybe you’d still have things to say. But tonight?

Tonight you both stood in the aftermath, holding the pieces of a fight that wasn’t about anger, but fear.

Because sometimes the people who love the deepest fall the hardest when they forget they’re already enough.

Lewis didn’t let go for a long time.

His arms stayed around you like he didn’t trust the world to hold you if he let go. Like he was still trying to convince himself you were real, that you hadn’t slipped through his fingers in the space between silence and truth.

You stood there, wrapped in him, your hand stroking slowly up and down his back. His skin was warm through his shirt, his heartbeat unsteady against your chest.

Eventually, you both moved.

Wordlessly, you reached for his hand and guided him toward the bed.

He followed.

There was no rush. No urgency. Just the quiet understanding of two people who’d fought and survived it and now needed to feel something else. Needed to feel each other.

You sat side by side at the edge of the bed. He slipped off his rings, placed them gently on the nightstand like he always did but this time, his hands lingered there, elbows on knees, head slightly bowed. As if he was still collecting the courage to look at you without guilt behind his eyes.

You leaned over and tucked your fingers under his chin, coaxing him to face you.

“Hey,” you said softly. “We’re okay.”

He looked at you like he didn’t quite believe it. “You promise?”

You nodded. “As long as you keep letting me in we’ll always be okay.”

His lips parted, like he wanted to say more, but you leaned forward and kissed him slow, tender, your fingers brushing the stubble along his jaw.

It wasn’t about making up or making a point.

It was about coming home.

Lewis melted into it, one hand coming up to cradle the back of your head, the other curling gently around your waist. You shifted, swinging your legs up onto the bed and he followed without a word pulling you into him as you both settled under the sheets.

He tucked you against his chest, your legs tangled together like they always did. His heartbeat slowed as your fingers found their way under the hem of his shirt, resting lightly over his ribs.

“I hate fighting with you,” he murmured against your hair.

“I know. Me too.”

“I get in my own head sometimes.”

You smiled faintly. “That head is a dangerous place.”

He chuckled quietly, and the sound made your heart flutter. Because it was real. It was him. The version of Lewis he didn’t show the cameras. The one who looked at you like you were his whole world and didn’t know how to live without it.

“I just love you so damn much,” he added, voice barely above a whisper. “And when I feel like I might lose you - I panic. I shut down. Or worse, I lash out.”

You pulled back just enough to look into his eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

His fingers brushed your cheek. “You still mean that?”

“I always meant it.”

Lewis kissed you again this time slower, deeper. Not desperate. Not demanding. Just reverent. Like every part of him was saying thank you and I’m sorry and I love you all at once.

When you pulled apart, you stayed close. Nose to nose. Breath to breath.

“Can we stay like this?” he asked, already curling you tighter into his chest.

“For as long as you want.”

And so you did.

Wrapped in each other, in the quiet glow of the city beyond the window, in the aftermath of jealousy and fear you found peace. Not perfection. Not the promise that it would never happen again.

But the promise that even when it did you’d fight for each other.

And that was enough.

[drvscarlett]

About You Pt 17

Sebastian Vettel x Webber!Reader

Summary: Everyone knows about the history of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. But there's a well kept story within the paddock about Sebastian Vettel and another Webber. This is that story.

A/N: and were back. were so back after getting this chapter deleted. trigger warning for this chapter as it contains blood, car accidents.

About You Series

2014, Circuit de Monaco

From this point of view, one could overlook Monaco as a whole. There was the sea that is fleeted with yachts, specifically docked there to watch the Grand Prix this weekend. Then, the clustered hills filled with trees and apartments, the composite of it can be eye-catching or an eyesore in Y/N’s opinion. And of course, she simply can’t miss how the balcony has the perfect view of the start of the Monaco Grand Prix. She can hear and see the Formula 2 cars dash around in their practice sessions.

“What do you think?” Sebastian walked in with a smile.

“This is just gorgeous. I mean I thought that I have seen amazing Monaco apartments when McLaren or when Red Bull booked us but this…”

Y/N lets out a loud ‘woah’ to conclude her statement.

It was no wonder that this apartment seems empty and unoccupied. If Y/N has to guess then the price for this place is skyrocketing. This was a dream location for anyone who wanted to stay in Monaco.

“So why did you call me here?” Y/N asked. The Red Bull driver has texted the location and she is still confused to Seb’s interest in this place. It was gorgeous but she knew how Sebastian explained several times that he was not one for the Monaco lifestyle.

“I bought it-”

She was mildly surprised with that. Only mildly because Red Bull has clearly lined up Sebastian’s pockets well especially after winning continuously for several years. Even today, Y/N pretty sure that despite the lack of win streak, Sebastian is still getting paid generously.

“-and I want you to have keys for it”

“I must have misheard that Sebastian” Y/N stated.

A key was laid out in her palm. It has a keychain of the checkered flag with an imprint of Y/N’s name as well as the date today. It contained two keys which has been poorly labelled with Sebastian’s handwriting on a plaster tape. One was scribbled as Mon, an acronym for Monaco while the other has Mar.

Maybe there was too much car fumes or petrol in Sebastian’s head which is why he is going crazy for giving Y/N this apartment so she tries to hand back the key. He just shakes his head in disagreement.

“This place is yours as much as its mine” Sebastian insisted “I knew you love Monaco and I want you to have a place to go whenever you feel like staying here.”

It wouldn’t be that bad to have a place to go to here in Monaco. However, there was this certain guilt that this was too much and she doesn’t think that she deserves this. It was something that Sebastian caught on, he could read her so well.

“I thought of you that’s why I bought it. You love the sea, you love the races, and bonus points because you have Nico and Lewis as neighbours”

The last statement elicited a laugh from the two of them. Sebastian wanted to convince her because this was a literal vision in his head that he wanted a safe space for Y/N to go home to. England and Australia may be her home town but it doesn’t give her the privacy that she needs. Monaco, on the other hand, is quieter and more peaceful despite the extravagance.

“Okay but I’m still going to text you when I’m going to go here”Y/N settled.

“Perfect”

“Now what is Mar?” Y/N’s curiosity got the best of her “And please tell me that its not a key to a boat in the Marina”

“Mar is Maranello”Sebastian clarifies.

It was time to move to the second surprise that he has for Y/N. He had been so excited to tell her about this but he had to keep it down until everything was settled and signed. Last week, he signed the contract.

The girl was confused. It didn’t make any sense to why Sebastian would be in Maranello when the Red Bull headquarters is in Brackley. Only Ferrari resides in Maranello, why would Sebastian be there?

“Sebastian Vettel, you are Ferrari’s new driver?”

There were talks that Ferrari would change their driver lineup but she haven’t heard Sebastian’s name being thrown in the hat. She couldn’t contain the excitement that she was feeling and leaned into hug Sebastian. Driving for Ferrari is a milestone for Sebastian especially when he used to idolize Michael when he drove for the red team.

“When are you announcing this? Who else knows?” Y/N quizzes.

“No one yet”Sebastian grins “I wanted you to be the first one out of the signing team to know”

This was an exciting news and hopefully one of the first of the many happy memories shared in this Monaco apartment. Things are finally turning for the better.

2014, Red Bull Ring

In a very media-centered event, it surprises a lot of people that there are places in the Grand Prix where any forms of press and media is not allowed. Of course, this varies depending on whose home turf they are racing on. Mercedes and McLaren definitely have bigger private spaces in Silverstone, just like how Red Bull have their own private lounge reserved for their private guest.

Jenson sticks out like a sore thumb with his McLaren merchandise. He seems to stick out even more with the way that he stands there and just gazing at the view in front of him. Sebastian, Y/N, and the little baby Margarette—if Jenson didn’t know any better then he would have guessed that they are an actual family. He was lucky that the media weren’t there to catch his reactions because they could catch Jenson spilling the truth about his feelings.

“Jenson is that you?” a voice broke Jenson out of his reverie. His head turned to see Hanna with a plate of fries.

“Hello Hanna, nice to see you around”Jenson politely greeted.

He honestly couldn’t fathom why Sebastian has invited her over. He gets it if Sebastian wanted to see the kid but to add this woman that has been the cause of pain of Y/N, Jenson could not help but scoff. His emotions does not seem to be hidden well as Hanna shifted nervously.

“I know you are probably thinking that I don’t deserve to be here and I think that too”Hanna explained “But Y/N invited me to take Marga because Seb is missing her”

“Y/N?”

The woman chuckles, “Yeah, I can’t believe it as well. She has been nothing but nice to me. I know that she have every right to hate me but she has been a supporting pillar and someone really wonderful to Marga”

They glanced back to Y/N, who was playing with the baby. She was gently rocking the baby and it giggles as it tries to reach her hair. Sebastian, on the other hand, was sat next to her with a loving gaze on the two of them.

Jenson couldn’t feel but sigh and ask if it was him in Sebastian’s place then would Y/N be as happy as that?

There were no need for words but Hanna have realized from the small interactions how Jenson is deeply inlove with Y/N. It felt like a déjà vu because that was the way she used to look at Sebastian. Her actions to force things to happen has ruined a lot of things for Sebastian and she was glad that things are still repairable.

“I know that look” Hanna pointed out “You love her”

It was something that Jenson cannot rebut. He had always thought that he was good at hiding things especially with his flirty attitude and his chill self. This was the first time he was seen for what he feels.

“That obvious huh?” Jenson nervously replied.

He had tried his luck once upon a time and he ended up in the friendzone. He took the friendship if that is all that she could offer just so he could keep her in his orbit. There is a part of him that knows that no matter how many girls he meet, it was always Y/N who occupies his heart. Confessing is not an option given how complicated things are and how telling will only do more harm than good.

“We were in the same position a year ago” Hanna understands Jenson “All I could tell you that it is best to move on so it won’t hurt you anymore”

A year ago, Hanna would have not suggested that. She would have urged Jenson to confess so he can end up with Y/N and Sebastian could end up as her’s. The past few months have been a huge period of moving on for Hanna. Maybe it’s the birth of her child that allowed her to refocus the unreciprocated love to the child. She also understood how much Sebastian and Y/N means to each other, she wouldn’t do anything more to damage them.

“That’s easy to say but so hard to do”Jenson mutters.

Hanna’s hands patted Jenson’s shoulders. It was a comforting thought that someone gets how he is feeling and maybe Hanna can serve his inspiration that maybe he could move on from this unrequited love.

“Everything will be alright Jenson”

2014, Silverstone Grand Prix

Jenson Button and Assistant Webber involved in a freak accident.

Jenson Button was going home after a celebration of Lewis Hamilton’s win in the recent Silverstone Grand Prix when he and assistant, Y/N Webber collided with a ten wheeler truck. The driver of ten wheeler truck has been drunk and lost control of the car. It was of sheer miracle that Jenson was not driving the car during the time of the accident because he was at the backseat drunk and sleepy. Due to that Jenson is able walk away from the accident with just some bruises and ready for the next Grand Prix. Unfortunately, Y/N who is behind the steering wheel received more dangerous injuries. Suffering from a head trauma and crippling injuries, Y/N was rushed to the hospital where she is placed in Intensive Care Unit.

The bright light and the white aesthetics of the hospital was a stark contrast to the blood that stained Jenson’s hands. His hands were shaking knowing that this blood was not his but from the girl who is currently fighting for her life. Tears were stinging his already bloodshot eyes as he watched the clock tick painfully slow.

Its already been a hour since Y/N was rushed inside. The doors of the operating room remained close and Jenson doesn’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

Scrambling footsteps screeched in Jenson’s hallway. He saw his fellow drivers and Mark. All of them equally frazzled with the worry and fear being the top ones to show.

“What happened?” Mark was quick to ask.

Honestly, Jenson was not much of a help. He was lying down and he just remembered how Y/N was reminding him that he has to get up early to apologize to a Ronnie in the morning. He was too dizzy after having too many tequilas and then a bright light followed by a loud crunch.

“Holy shit, is that your blood?”Lewis noticed “Man its all over you”

“It’s Y/N” Jenson muttered. He remembered how his hands and his clothes were stained when he tried to pull her out of the wreckage.

The reality of the whole situation sinks in. Mark, was supported by Nico and Lewis, as he falls down on his knees. Sebastian was pacing back and forth while Jules seems to be praying. They were all a mess as they await updates about the girl. As Formula 1 drivers, they should have been used to accidents and collisions because it was a risk that comes with their work. It hits a little different when it happens to someone who is not a driver and someone very dear to them.

It took another 40 minutes before a doctor appeared in front of them.

“How is my sister?” “Is she doing okay?” “What happened to her”

The flurry of questions was something that cannot be stopped. The doctor’s expression was not giving away anything if the operation turned out positive or negative.

“She is stable now” the Doctor explained “We stitched up the head wound and hopefully she will be awake in a few hours”

A sigh of relief erupted out of every single one of them. They were just so relieved that she survived the whole crash.

“But there is something that you must know about her..”

2014, Hockenheimring

“Seb, you have to focus” Y/N reminded him “This is your home race that we are talking about”

“I know but quali don’t start in about…” Sebastian knows he has 10 more minutes before it starts but he grins “20 minutes”

The grainy camera could showcase Y/N sitting on her bed. The balcony must have been open hence the sunlight gracing her face and shining light to the newfound hollowness in her face. Her busted lips and the stitches were a constant reminder of the tragedy that she survived.

With all those imperfections, Sebastian continues to stare at her lovingly across the screen. His thoughts remain the same that Y/N is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.

“Sebastian, don’t make me call Christian”Y/N warned.

The German driver just raises his hand in surrender, “I’m just checking in you sunshine and I really miss you more than ever today”

It would have been really nice if she was here during his home race. Maybe he would have taken her for a drive to his parents’ house or they can get to explore some German countryside just like when they were younger.

“I’ll be there and recover soon”

“And I’ll be waiting. You take your time” Sebastian assures.

The door creaks open and Y/N could be seen turning sideways. She pans her camera to show Sebastian the visitor.

“Hey Mark!” Sebastian greeted.

Honestly, the retirement of Mark was a perfect timing. Sebastian couldn’t always take care of Y/N so Mark was placed in charge during race weekend. The Monaco apartment was big enough to have guests to stay over so Mark is currently camping at one of the guest room.

“Seb aren’t you supposed to be in your car right now?”Mark made a tsk tsk sound.

“I am but I wanted to talk to my best girl here” Sebastian reasoned out.

Y/N couldn’t hide the flush of red in her cheeks, “now you go and race! I love you!”

“I love you more sunshine”Sebastian replied

2014, Hungaroring

“That’s a terrible finish for Sebastian”

Mark’s comment from earlier has been ringing in her ears for the past few hours. Sebastian has started from P2 and ended up in P8 so Mark’s statement was not shocking. She has also seen the articles and the people in social media talking about Sebastian. Usually, people can blame the car or the strategy but today, Daniel won from P4. People are pointing fingers that Sebastian is past his prime.

She was fidgeting with her necklace again. She wonders if maybe her condition is a contributing factorin the recent poor performance of Sebastian.

Of course, Sebastian didn’t blame her for anything. He has always been supportive, kind, and lovely throughout this recovery journey. However, she feels like she is burdening Sebastian and distracting him from his true passion.

Speaking of the devil, the face of Sebastian shows up in her screen. Her hands hesitated to pick it up but she eventually pressed the green button.

“Hey! I have been so caught up with the meeting and I was only able to call now” Sebastian’s voice was cheery. If Y/N didn’t watch the race then she would have thought that he won with that smile on his face “Are you okay sunshine?”

“Yeah, tell me about your day”

Y/N is definitely lying but she no longer wanted to burden Sebastian. She continues to listen on with a forced smile on herself as she tries to fight the plaguing thoughts in her head.

2014, Autodromo Nazionale Monza

Seb: I know you dont like me much but we have to talk. Call me when you get this.

Mark: Hey mate. I wanted to talk to you about Y/N. Mark: Ring me up when you are available.

The notifications stared in front of Jenson for a good five minutes. It wasn't a difficult decision to ring up Mark because a) its about Y/N and b) Sebastian isn't someone he adores a lot. Although Jenson was hoping that Mark wouldn't pick up since its the late hours of the night.

"Jenson, its been a while"

Indeed it has been. Jenson can count how it had been almost 5 weeks since that accident. Heck,he could even count the hours and minutes that have passed if asked about. It was something on his mind 24/7 slowly eating him alive.

"Mark,how are you doing? How is she?"Jenson asked immediately.

"She is not doing well"Mark admits.

"But I thought everything is alright?"Jenson was confused.

He may or may not have been avoiding Y/N out of the eating guilt. However,he have heard from Nico that she was doing well. As far as he knows, she is staying with Mark in the apartment in Monaco.

"Her physical inabilities is taking a toll on her mental well-being"Mark explained "But I think she has been taking it too hard on herself."

Mark continued to talk about she has been pushing herself to the limits and wanted to expedite the whole process of getting back on her feet. He also mentioned how Y/N is clouded with guilt that she is a huge problem and a burden for everyone.

"But she isn't a problem or a burden"Jenson interjected.

"We know but she doesn't believe me" Mark sighs.

"What are we going to do about it?"

There was nothing that he wouldn't do for Y/N. Even if guilt was eating him up, he would have been an invisible figure being there for her. He would do whatever it takes just to bring back the old happy her.

"We are going to the next Grand Prix. Sebastian is making arrangements because he thinks maybe Y/N will feel better if she is surrounded by friends and the family she knows."

The Singapore Grand Prix was two weeks from now. Jenson immediately made a mental note for this one. Maybe he will busy himself with some media team bullshit or maybe he will have to arrive late for the free practice.

"I'm calling to let you know so you won't run away Jenson" Mark added "I know that you blame yourself for what happened but please, she misses you"

"You know me too well Mark"

"We're arranging dinner, promise you'll be there?" Mark continued to push.

"Anything for her"

2014, Marina Bay Street Circuit

When the news broke out about Y/N returning for Singapore, almost every driver arrived early to Singapore so they could attend the dinner arranged by Mark. Y/N was a beloved figure in the grid and even if she was not as close to everyone in a Nico, Lewis, Jules, or Jenson level—they all greatly miss her.

It was a good thing that Mark booked this restaurant for the night as people would have been really curious why the drivers gathered in one place.

Mark received a message from Sebastian that they were all there. He gently pushed the wheelchair to the elevator and texted him back that they will be there in a minute or two.

"Are you ready?" Mark wondered. "Its nice to get out of Monaco"

Y/N hummed in agreement. The glass elevator has a view of the whole Singapore nightlife. She could see the fireworks up in the sky to celebrate the upcoming weekend and the busy streets. It brings her a small smile that this was just like the old times.

The minute that the elevator opened, Jenson was standing there in front of them. Mark watched as Jenson immediately hugged Y/N and they were immediately crying.

Mark knew that if there was anyone who took this harder than Y/N then it was Jenson. He thinks he haven't seen Jenson interact or message after Y/N was pronounced safe from disaster. He knows how Jenson have blamed himself and thinks he should have been the one driving behind the wheel so this would not happen.

It was a joy to see them together again.

"I'm really sorry if I couldn't be with you a lot"Jenson continued to apologize.

"There is no need for that Jense"

"You might have needed me and I left you by yourself. I felt so guilty by the whole accident that I thought that its better to leave you alone"Jenson explained.

The hug just got tighter. There was no need for Jenson to explain himself because Y/N already understood. Many people forget that the two of them have been involved in the accident. Y/N's damage was physically present but Jenson's wound was something invisible to the naked eye.

"It's alright Jenson, were alright"Y/N assured.

It wss a good thing that the two met here rather than inside the restaurant. They wouldn't want the tears to get in the way of reconnecting and meeting with other friends.

"Let's get inside"Jenson wipes his tears "Everyone is waiting for you"

Before Jenson could open the door, Y/N shouted to wait.

"Mark,can you help me up?"Y/N asked.

Mark looked at her unsure. They have been through this several times in the Monaco apartment. Even if she tried to stand up,she normally can't walk because of the pain let alone stand for so long.

"Are you sure this is a good decision?"Mark was trying to find reason.

"I don't want them to see me in a wheelchair"Y/N admitted.

Mark gently helped Y/N up with Jenson assisting her as well. It was a team effort to keep her standing up but she is bearing most of its weight because of the excruciating pain that is hitting her.

The doors were gently pushed open and the drivers' attention turned to the newcomers of the restaurant. It made Sebastian shocked to see her standing there and trying her best to walk. He immediately went to assist her but he stops on his track.

"You stay there"Y/N instructed when Sebastian was three steps away "I'll do my best to get there"

It was quite painful for Y/N to take the first step and loosen her grip to her human crutches. Her teeth grinded each other as she tries to hide the pain away. She focused her attention to the hand of Sebastian reaching out for her.

"You can do it Y/N" Jules cheered on.

"Just careful steps"Sebastian encouraged.

The whole room seems to stand still with awaited breath as she takes another step towards Sebastian. It was like seeing a miracle for them and they felt speechless to see such feat. Some of them couldn't help but have tears in their eyes with how emotional this moment is.

"You've got this,one more"

Pain was shooting up but Y/N did her best to take another one. Her hands gripped Sebastian outreached hand before she could fall. Sebastian, gently held her close.

"You did it. You did it sunshine"Sebastian whispered.

The feeling of tears were welling up in her eyes. She doesm't know if this was because of the pain or maybe the longing that she felt for Sebastian. It didn't help when she looked at Sebastian and found his eyes tearing up as well.

There was a moment of comfort and peace that they both have been lacking the past few weeks. Everything was okay again now that they are back in each other's arms.

2014, Suzuka Circuit

Even if Y/N walked a few steps in Singapore,she was still advised to use the wheelchair. Her physical therapist have been trying to up her routines so she could walk again. For now she was stuck in a wheelchair and Sebastian don't mind pushing for her.

But today, Sebastian is quite busy so Jules have to sub for him.

"The media is going crazy with the news" Y/N observed. Today was the day that Sebastian was announced to replace Fernando Alonso and will start driving for Scuderia Ferrari. The media have been interviewing Sebastian as early as 8 in the morning and now its nearly lunchtime.

"I know, people say Sebastian may be the key to getting the championship back to Ferrari"Jules said.

"That puts a lot of pressure in Seb then"

"I'm sure he can handle it"Jules assured.

Jules pushed Y/N to the track. Their grid walks were something that Y/N have terribly missed. It was a good thing that its a bit cloudy so Jules wouldn't have to bring an umbrella for them.

"Speaking of Ferrari.."Jules opened up "I think I have to let you know that I may be replacing Kimi in 2016"

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise. She felt like she was in a deja vu moment when Sebastian first told her about the Ferrari contract.

"Ohmygod that sounds amazing Jules!"Y/N beamed.

Jules seems to be a little bit unsure of himself judging by the nervous smile that graced his face.

"Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself but you know I'm already thinking about it. Would the people cheer for me when I announce that I signed to Ferrari"Jules glanced at the Tifosi crowd chanting Sebastian's name.

Y/N knows how sometimes driver can doubt their ability. She believed that they are one of the best drivers in the world because it isn't easy to be a Formula 1 driver. The skills,the reaction time, and even their quick thinking is an asset that not many people have. They often downplay themselves when they felt like they are performing poorly.

"You have got to be confident Jules. I'm sure the Tifosis would love to have you in their team"Y/N comforts "You just have a shitbox that can't compete right now but Ferrari would give you a beautiful machinery and I swear you will be up on the podium"

It was a beautiful picture in Jules' head. Any kid would have dreamed of driving for Ferrari but winning with Ferrari is a different kind of euphoria. He glanced at her and he hoped that he could see her cheering for him someday when he is at the top of the podium.

"Thank you little sister"Jules said "I'll make you proud someday"

"You already make me so proud Jules"

READ: Statement regarding Jules Bianchi crash.

[f1byjessie]

HE LIKES MY AMERICAN SMILE ━━ OP81.

love is a wild ride, and logan sargeant's sister is about to find this out the hard way.

( oscar piastri x sargeant!reader )

━━ part seven.

INSTAGRAM.

liked by logansargeant, oscarpiastri, and 23,873 others

yourusername had to take these pictures myself bc apparently angles are “too hard”

view all 1,972 comments

landonorris maybe you should’ve just asked me 🙄

↳ yourusername as much as i love your results you turn what should be a quick 5 mins into a 20 min photoshoot

↳ landonorris yes and?? i’m not seeing what the downside is 🤨

user HOW MANY LETTERS IN SARGEANT???

user literally who needs boys when girls like y/n exist

↳ user REAL

logansargeant i know about angles

↳ yourusername yes logie and your future girlfriends will thank me for it 🫶

user that dress is stunning and i want it but i know it costs more than a month’s worth of my pay 🥲🥲🥲

user ferrari spotted = y/n for ferrari 2024

↳ user get that girl in a formula car and leT HER DRIVE

oscarpiastri in my defense your heels make you as tall as me 🫤

↳ yourusername methinks it’s just bc you only know how to take one type of picture and it’s the awkward dad kind 🫤

user OSCAR??? HAS OUR HUSBAND RETURNED FROM THE WAR???

↳ user mama y papa

user OP81 IS BACK IN THESE COMMENTS WAR IS OVER

With Oscar by your side, time passes quickly. You don’t bring up that the first night you shared a bed, you’d woken up in the morning with his arm wrapped around your waist and his breath tickling the back of your neck, and you certainly don’t mention that he’d practically whined in his sleep when you’d slipped out of his grasp. It doesn’t happen again, but there’s a part of you hoping that it does.

The days blend together into a haze of happiness, laughter, and exploring the beauty of Monaco. Lando shows you the best spots— a garden just off the Monte Carlo marina, a famous nightclub that takes your breath away, and a small cafe at the edge of the city that overlooks it all.

Things are good, great even, but you can’t help but feel like there’s still some distance between you and Oscar despite his reassurance that everything is fine.

When New Year’s Eve— and subsequently your birthday— arrives, you’re awoken to a flurry of texts. Your parents have both sent sweet messages wishing you the best, Sophia has left a voice message with sounds of traffic in the background telling you she’s planning to get wasted and if you do too then you can just pretend you’re wasted together, and Dalton has made a group chat with you and Logan and has spammed you both with pictures of yourselves from across the years.

Oscar’s already gone, and his side of the bed is cold, so you take your time responding to them all and then shoot off a message of your own to Logan before getting up. It’s your first time not celebrating with your brother, and it feels strange knowing that you won’t get to see him today, but you’re excited nonetheless for the plans Lando and the other drivers in Monaco have organized for New Year’s Eve.

The day passes by lazily. Lando and Oscar both greet you with birthday wishes when you make your way down to the living room and then they present to you a feast for breakfast, which you realize is the reason Oscar was awake so much earlier than you. It’s the best breakfast you’ve ever had, mostly because they make fools of themselves retelling how many times they had to scrap the failed waffles until they got it right. You spend lunch at a place close by, joined by Alex and Lily who have flown in for the New Year, and then the rest of the afternoon you wait around at Lando’s place passing the time watching the boys play games on the TV and helping either of them cheat when asked.

You’re happy.

INSTAGRAM.

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tagged: yourusername

logansargeant people say twins are like built-in best friends, and if that’s the case then i’m glad i got you as mine. i can’t imagine having anyone else stick by my side throughout all the crazy and wild shit we’ve been through in our lives. it feels like just yesterday we were 13 and acting as each other's lifelines in a place we barely knew, and now we’re 23 and somehow doing the same thing. you’re my best friend forever.

view all 2,117 comments

yourusername love you to the moon and back again logie 🫶 (but omg these pictures are so OLD)

↳ logansargeant love you to the stars and beyond 🫶 (yea well when else am i gonna post them?)

user i thought the only reason i’d be crying today is bc i don’t have a nye kiss but here we are aND THE BABY HANDS OMG

user I CAN’T DO THIS 😭😭😭

user sobbing over a birthday post was not on my 2023 bingo but i’ll be sure to add it to 2024 if this is gonna be a yearly thing

↳ user birthdays are a yearly thing so yea 💀

user i can’t stop thinking about the fact that each other was all they had when logan pursued racing in europe and now logan’s made it to f1 and they’re still all they have 😭

↳ user the sargeant twins are genuinely gonna be the death of me one of these days

user Y/N HAS BEEN THERE FOR HIM SINCE THE BEGINNING OMG

williamsracing Happiest of birthdays to Y/N! We look forward to seeing you out on the paddock more in 2024, and can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for you! 💙

INSTAGRAM.

liked by logansargeant, alex_albon, and 41,974 others

tagged: logansargeant

yourusername 23 + 23 = 46. 4 + 6 = 10. 10 - 2 = 8 and that’s what we’ve done for the last 23 years 😎 but real talk, i’m genuinely so honored to get to be your sister, and to share so much with you. when you win i share that joy, and when you lose i share that grief, and even though we’re an ocean away, i’m with you today and always for the rest of our lives. you’re my best friend, and even if i don’t have anything or anyone else, i know i have you and that makes me the luckiest girl in the world ❤️.

view all 934 comments

user ATE ATE ATE

logansargeant went through all the stages of grief as i read that caption

↳ yourusername i do try

↳ logansargeant i know

user HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARGEANT TWINS

user these pictures of logan are SENDING ME

↳ user y/n always feeds the ppl the low qual pics

alex_albon adding these to my folder of embarrassing pictures to blackmail logan with

↳ yourusername happy doing business with you sir 🤝

user SCREAMING CRYING SOBBING

user my mental health is dependent on the friendship between y/n and logan and it is STRUGGLING today lads

user can’t wait to see more of them in 2024!!

Lando finds you as you’re getting ready, putting the final touches on your makeup. He enters when you tell him to, and then leans against the bathroom counter for a moment just staring at you before you quirk an eyebrow at him.

“How are things going between you and Oscar?”

You lower the mascara wand and shrug, “I mean, it’s good.”

“But?” He prompts.

“But I feel like he’s still… being weird?” You slip the wand back into the mascara tube and then tuck it back into your bag. “I don’t know. Maybe we were a bit too realistic with the whole ‘making him jealous’ thing, and now he believes you’ve stuck your claim and he’s distancing himself because he doesn’t want to step on your toes or something.”

Lando snorts, “As if. I made him share a room with you, how does that in any way imply that I’m trying to stake my claim on you?”

You run a hand through your hair because you can’t run it down your face without ruining your freshly done makeup, and heave a sigh. “Then maybe he just isn’t actually interested in me at all, and I was right about him wanting to pretend the kiss never happened.”

He hums, then nods once, twice, a third time, and finally leaves the bathroom without another word.

When you finally follow him down, a number of people have already arrived— Alex and Lily are among them, and you greet them again with smiles and hugs. You’re introduced to Max Fewtrell, one of Lando’s close friends, and then you’re dragged away by Lily to hang out in the corner of the living room as the house begins to fill with current and former drivers alike.

“It’s a sausage fest,” she jokes, and you laugh beside her.

You both make conversation for a while, catching up on her and Alex’s holiday spent in California with her family and then talking about your own in Florida with yours. She asks how Logan’s doing, and you tell her that he’s well, but he’s really motivated and wants the chance to prove himself in the 2024 season already.

“I think the online discourse about whether or not he deserved a seat got to him a bit,” you admit. “But I know he can show them that there’s a reason he was chosen.”

Lily nods. “Me and Alex have faith in him too. It was his rookie year and he was in a Williams of all things. Like you said, there was a reason he was chosen, he just needs the opportunity to show the world that.”

You jump from topic to topic for a little while longer, until you excuse yourself to go find where Lando and Oscar have run off to. The guests have all arrived from the looks of it, and while a number of them all know each other already and have split off into groups to stay entertained, you’re not sure exactly how you’re meant to handle things on your own when it isn’t even your house—

“I mean, it’s fine, yeah? It’s just awkward with her, I guess.” You pause. The door to you and Oscar’s shared room is ajar and Oscar’s voice is just barely audible over the sound of music and chatter filtering up from downstairs.

“Why d’you say that? It’s just Y/N.” Lando’s voice follows.

You press yourself up against the wall, heart pounding in your chest at the sound of your name. You can’t see anything, and that almost makes it worse— imagining what their faces look like as they talk about you.

“Just that it’s weird sleeping next to her, and I feel like I’m always having to walk on glass around her. I’m trying to make things normal again, but I don’t think I can. I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep being friends with her. How can I look her in the face, knowing what happened?”

You can physically feel the dread settle into your stomach. Your heart clenches painfully in your chest and it’s like your blood has turned to ice in your veins. Your face feels warm, but the rest of your body feels cold, and suddenly it’s as though your ribcage has become too small for your lungs.

As quietly as you can, you scurry away from the door, across the distance of the hallway, and then down the stairs. Instead of turning into the living room where everyone else has gathered, their laughter and conversations a jumbled bubble of noise that makes your chest feel even tighter, you leave through the front door just as you feel tears begin to fall.

It’s worrying how frequently this has become an occurrence for you— crying because of Oscar.

━━ tags: @f1-is-lovely-33 @chasing-liberosis @405rry @aquangxl @bellezaycafe @peqch-pie @formulaal @chonkybonky @mess-is-my-aesthetic @flippingmyshit @peachiicherries @spacegirlstuff @myxticmoon @landosgirlxoxo @k-pevensie28 @moonypixel

━━ a/n: ahhhh i'm sorry i cannot let them be happy!! also, wrote this really fast and struggled a bit because i genuinely couldn't decide if it was just too fast paced or not, so i apologize if it seems rushed or if there are any mistakes editing wise that i missed!

[dr-spectre]

A little tidbit about Hypno Callie...

I wanted to touch on a little interesting detail about Hypno Callie because this fascinating thing relating to her dialogue is very much overlooked and for a valid reason. Unless you know Japanese and have played Splatoon 2 in it's original Japanese version then you've probably missed this very cool detail about her.

So what I'm talking about? Well, Callie under the Hypnoshades speaks in katakana. For those who are unaware which is probably... 99% of you, katakana is a form of writing in Japan used for foreign words and accents. Splatoon characters from my knowledge are written in hiragana which is common in Japanese media, however, the only characters that use katakana are Octarians like Marina and Octavio.

As you may or may not know, Octarians actually have their own language and probably have a distinctive accent compared to Inklings which is why their dialogue is written in katakana. Marina's dialogue is written in katakana as she was born in Octarian society and the Inkling language is her second language so she probably has a very strong accent when speaking. Octavio's dialogue is written in katakana because well... He's the leader of the Octarians, duh.

So when Callie is under the Hypnoshades, her dialogue changes to katakana and when the shades get shot off of her, her ability to speak in her regular language slowly gets restored as her dialogue slowly goes back to being hiragana.

So did the shades cause this? Did the shades brainwash her and force the Octarian language into her brain? Well... if you have seen my other posts going over the Hypnoshades in great detail... no. That's not the case, and i have proof!!!

During the Tokaigi 2018 live performance, when Callie recalls the events of Splatoon 2 to joke around with Marie, her dialogue is written in katakana for a brief period. (Rough translation from Inkipedia.)

So what most likely happened is that Callie actually learnt the Octarian language from her time in Octo Canyon and she can speak it with ease. Or she developed an accent from her time being among the Octarians and picked up on the way they speak. Smollusk did state that Callie has Octoling friends and if they aren't talking about Shiver and Marina then we can assume that Callie has other Octoling friends who she can talk to in their language out of respect. It's now a new headcanon for me that Callie speaks with Marina in Octarian in private....

It's actually so interesting to me that Callie was so stunned and dazed from Marie flinging her out of hypnosis and seeping ink into her eye that she was talking between different languages or accents WHILE SINGING AND DANCING! That's insane to think about... Callie was really going through it in Splatoon 2 huh.

(images from frequent.squidsisters on instagram and inkipedia)

[kathlare]

a moment of clarity

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: Lando sits down for a therapy session in Monte Carlo, grappling with unresolved feelings about his past and the choices that continue to affect him.

Wordcount: 1.7 k

Warnings: none

full masterlist // request over here!

October 14th, 2023 - Monte Carlo, Monaco

Lando Norris sat in the familiar leather armchair across from his therapist, Dr. Moreau, in the softly lit office overlooking the Monte Carlo marina. Therapy wasn’t something he talked about often, and he wasn’t sure he ever would. But this room had become a safe haven—a place where the noise of the world faded away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Today, those thoughts were particularly loud.

Dr. Moreau sat with her usual calm demeanor, a notebook balanced on her lap. She always gave him space to speak when he was ready, and Lando appreciated that. For a moment, he simply stared at the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the sunlight dance on the water.

—So, Lando,— she began gently, breaking the silence. —What’s on your mind today?—

Lando sighed, leaning back in the chair and running a hand through his hair. —Amelie,— he admitted, the word coming out heavier than he expected.

Dr. Moreau nodded slightly, her expression neutral but attentive. —You’ve mentioned her before. Tell me what’s been coming up for you.—

He hesitated, trying to find the right words. Talking about Amelie always felt like walking a tightrope between nostalgia and regret. —I can’t stop thinking about her lately. It’s like... she’s in my head all the time, and I don’t know why now, of all times. I mean, we haven’t even talked since Bahrain, and that was...— He trailed off, counting back. —Six months ago? And it wasn’t exactly a friendly chat.—

Dr. Moreau tilted her head slightly. —What happened in Bahrain?—

Lando let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. —It was a mess. I tried to talk to her, and it just... blew up in my face. She told me she was disappointed in me, that I didn’t fight for us back then. She said she loved me.— His voice faltered at the memory, and he looked away, biting the inside of his cheek. —I didn’t know what to say. It caught me so off guard, and I guess... I didn’t handle it well.—

—What do you mean by 'didn’t handle it well'?—

He sighed, his knee bouncing restlessly. —I got defensive. Told her she was the one who ignored me, who pushed me away. I was so angry, at her, at myself, because deep down, I knew she was right. I didn’t fight for her. I just... let her go. And now, I can’t stop thinking about what could’ve been if I had been better back then.—

Dr. Moreau nodded thoughtfully, giving him a moment before speaking. —It sounds like there’s a lot of unresolved feelings there. Have you thought about why Amelie’s been on your mind so much recently?—

Lando leaned forward, elbows on his knees, rubbing his hands together. —Maybe it’s because I found out she and Rodrigo broke up. I didn’t even know until a few months ago. It’s not like I was happy about it... well, okay, part of me was, but not in a shitty way. I just... it made me realize I still care about her. A lot. And then I started wondering if I should try again, you know? If it’s even worth trying to fix things after everything.—

Dr. Moreau’s gaze softened. —Why do you think it might not be worth it?—

He let out a frustrated sigh. —Because I messed it up so badly the first time. Because I’ve been a coward, hiding behind distractions like... well, you know. Magui, parties, anything to avoid feeling like shit about how things ended with Amelie. She deserves better than that. Better than me, probably.—

Dr. Moreau leaned forward slightly, her tone steady but firm. —You’ve said that about yourself before, that Amelie deserves better than you. Why do you believe that?—

Lando paused, staring at the floor. —Because I’m selfish. Back then, I was so caught up in my career, my schedule, my own insecurities. I let her slip away because it was easier than dealing with how hard it was to be apart all the time. And now, even though I’ve grown up a bit, I still wonder if I’m capable of giving her what she needs.—

Dr. Moreau was quiet for a moment, letting his words hang in the air. —It sounds like you’ve done a lot of reflecting, Lando. You’re acknowledging where you fell short, and that’s an important step. But what I’m hearing is a lot of guilt—and guilt alone isn’t a reason to stay away from someone. What do you feel when you think about Amelie now?—

He looked up, his throat tightening as he considered the question. —I feel... like I miss her. Not just because she’s beautiful or funny or because we had great chemistry. I miss her as a person. The way she gets me to open up without even trying, the way she makes me feel grounded even when everything else is chaotic. She’s always been... different. Special.—

—Do you want her back in your life?—

Lando’s chest tightened at the question. It was so simple, yet it felt like it carried the weight of every moment they’d shared and every mistake he’d made. He leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling for a long moment before finally answering.

—Yeah. I do. I want her back in my life. But not just as some fling or... I don’t know, something half-hearted. If I’m going to do this, I want to do it properly. I want to show her I’ve changed, that I can actually deserve a second chance with her.—

Dr. Moreau nodded, her expression kind but thoughtful. —That’s a big realization, Lando. It sounds like you’re recognizing not just what you want, but the kind of effort and commitment it will take to make it happen. Do you feel ready to take that step?—

He hesitated, his hands clasped tightly together. —That’s the thing, isn’t it? I don’t know if I’m ready. I don’t even know if she’d want to hear from me. After Bahrain... she made it pretty clear she didn’t want me in her life anymore. And honestly, I don’t blame her.—

—What makes you think she wouldn’t want to hear from you now?— Dr. Moreau asked gently.

—Because I hurt her. I let her down when it mattered most, and even if I’m ready to make things right, that doesn’t erase the damage I did back then. She’s moved on. What if she’s better off without me?—

Dr. Moreau gave him a moment to process his own words before responding. —It’s possible that Amelie has moved on, or that she’s in a place where she doesn’t want to revisit the past. But that’s not something you can control, Lando. What you can control is how honest you are with her, and with yourself. If you truly want a second chance, it starts with being vulnerable enough to tell her how you feel, regardless of the outcome.—

Lando rubbed his face, the weight of her words settling over him. —It’s just... terrifying. What if I put myself out there and it doesn’t mean anything to her? What if I ruin whatever’s left of what we had?—

—Or,— Dr. Moreau said softly, —what if it does mean something to her? What if this is the first step toward rebuilding the connection you’ve both been missing? You won’t know unless you try, Lando. And from everything you’ve told me, it sounds like Amelie was someone who valued honesty and effort. If nothing else, being open with her might bring you the closure, or the new beginning, you’re looking for.—

He nodded slowly, the words sinking in. Deep down, he knew she was right. If he didn’t take the chance, he’d always wonder what could’ve been. And maybe he had changed enough to deserve that chance, to show Amelie that he wasn’t the same person who let her slip away.

—Okay,— he said finally, his voice steadier than he felt. —I’ll do it. I don’t know how or when, but I’ll reach out to her. I owe her that much, at least.—

Dr. Moreau smiled gently. —That’s a brave decision, Lando. It won’t be easy, but taking responsibility for your actions and being honest about your feelings is a big step forward. And remember, this isn’t about proving yourself to her, it’s about showing up as the person you want to be, for her and for yourself.—

Lando nodded again, a small flicker of determination starting to replace the uncertainty. —I just... I want to make it right. Whatever that looks like. I don’t want to screw this up again.—

—And that mindset is exactly why you’re ready to try again. You’re not the same person you were back then, Lando. Give yourself credit for that.—

For the first time in what felt like months, Lando allowed himself a sliver of hope. He left the session feeling lighter, his mind clearer. As he walked out of the office and into the bright Monaco sun, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he landed on her name.

Amelie.

He didn’t call or text her—at least not yet. But for the first time, he felt ready to take the first step. Whatever happened next, he knew he couldn’t keep hiding from the truth.

It was time to fight for her, the way he should have from the beginning.

-------------

liked by ln4nation, papayagirl, and others

ln4updates: Lando was spotted in Monaco today

View all 217 comments

lovenorris07: WE GET A WHOLE MONTH WITHOUT MAGUI??? Lando, please keep it up 😭💖 → lanfan_42: @lovenorris07 right?! A month of peace, LET'S GO 🔥🔥

imlovedwithlan: BRO, WHY DOES HE LOOK SO CUTE JUST WALKING AROUND MONACO? 😩

lano_baby: He’s literally so cute, I’m crying like why do I feel like his ex right now 💀😭 → norrisfanatic: @lano_baby YOU'RE NOT ALONE, I feel the pain too 😔💔

stella_vibes: Wait... Lando out here looking THIS good while Amelie is playing hard to get?? 😩 COME ON, Ames, give him a chance already!! 😭 → racebabe69: @stella_vibes They need to get back to their vibe! Pls the friendship, the FLIRTING, I miss it 😭😭

cutie_lando: Sooo Amelie and Lando are both single now?? Things just got interesting 😏 → f1_feverrr: @cutie_lando right?! It's like the universe is telling them to get it together already!!

sophiemay_27: Wait, is this the longest we’ve gone without Magui?? 👀

[cailinsblog]

A Day with Charles, Y/N, and Jack | Charles leclerc

Charles leclerc x reader

The streets of Monaco were bathed in the warm glow of the Mediterranean sun, casting a golden hue over the pristine yachts and bustling markets. In a charming apartment overlooking the marina, life was just as picturesque for Charles Leclerc, his wife Y/N, and their adorable three-year-old son, Jack.

Jack was a spitting image of his father, with the same tousled brown hair and, most strikingly, Charles' captivating green eyes. Y/N often found herself lost in those eyes, mesmerized by their depth and beauty. It was one of the many things she adored about her little family.

This particular morning, the scent of fresh croissants and brewing coffee filled the air. Y/N stood by the kitchen counter, slicing fruit for breakfast, while Jack clung to her leg, his small hands gripping her jeans.

"Bonjour, mon amour," Charles greeted, wrapping his arms around Y/N from behind and planting a soft kiss on her neck.

"Bonjour, Charles," she replied with a smile, turning her head to kiss him on the lips. "Have you seen how much Jack looks like you today? Especially his eyes."

Charles crouched down to Jack's level and ruffled his hair. "Oui, c'est vrai. Il a mes yeux. But he has your smile, and that makes him even more special."

Jack giggled, reaching up to be picked up by his father. "Papa!"

Charles lifted Jack effortlessly, twirling him around before settling him on his hip. "Ready for breakfast, little man?"

Jack nodded enthusiastically, pointing to the table where his favorite blue plate awaited.

As they sat down to eat, Y/N couldn't help but watch the two of them interact. Jack was undeniably a mama's boy, always seeking her out for comfort and affection, but his bond with Charles was equally heartwarming. She loved seeing how Charles' eyes would light up whenever he looked at their son.

After breakfast, they decided to spend the day exploring Monaco. The Leclerc family was well-loved by the locals, and their strolls often involved many friendly greetings and photo requests. Today was no different, and as they walked through the streets, they were frequently stopped by fans and friends alike.

At one point, they stopped by a quaint little park. Jack immediately ran to the playground, his excitement evident in his beaming smile.

"Careful, Jack," Y/N called out, watching him climb up the slide. "Ne te fais pas mal."

Charles laughed, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "He'll be fine. He's a tough little guy."

They sat on a nearby bench, watching Jack play. Charles turned to Y/N, a tender expression on his face. "You know, sometimes I still can't believe how lucky I am. I have the most beautiful wife and an amazing son."

Y/N blushed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I feel the same way, Charles. Every day with you and Jack is a blessing."

"Do you think he knows how much we love him?" Charles asked, watching Jack interact with another child on the playground.

"I think he feels it," Y/N replied softly. "And I think he sees it in our eyes, especially yours. Those beautiful green eyes of yours that he inherited."

Charles smiled, pulling her closer. "I love you, Y/N."

"Je t'aime, Charles," she whispered back.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, they decided to head home. Jack, tired from all the playing, clung to Y/N as they walked back. His little head rested on her shoulder, his eyes fluttering closed.

"He's definitely a mama's boy," Charles said, chuckling as he watched them.

"And I wouldn't have it any other way," Y/N replied, kissing Jack's forehead.

Back at their apartment, they settled into their evening routine. After a bath and a bedtime story, Jack was finally asleep in his crib. Y/N stood by the crib, watching her son sleep peacefully.

Charles came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "He's perfect, isn't he?"

"Yes," Y/N said, tears of happiness in her eyes. "He has your eyes, and every time I look at him, I'm reminded of how much I love you."

Charles turned her around to face him, cupping her face in his hands. "And I love you, Y/N. Thank you for giving me this beautiful life, for being the best mother to our son."

They shared a tender kiss, a moment of pure love and connection. As they pulled away, Charles glanced down at Jack, a smile playing on his lips. "He's going to grow up knowing how much he's loved. And every time he looks in the mirror, he'll see those green eyes and remember where he came from."

Y/N nodded, her heart full. "Our little Jack, with his papa's eyes and his mama's heart. He's our everything."

They left the nursery, hand in hand, ready to face whatever the future held. Together, they knew they could handle anything. Their love was strong, and with Jack as the center of their world, their family was complete.