#pietro alvarez

[pedgito]

PEDRO PASCAL as PIETRO ALVAREZ If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

[happypedrohours]

Good morning, fellow Happy Pedro Hours partakers! We hope you had a great night and we're looking forward to the next one aka tonight, June 22nd!

The first pit stop after a night of fun with friends is definitely some hot drink to wake up and face the day, so we asked some of our writer friends what they think Pedro Boys would drink and they came up with some brilliant ideas that you will find under the cut.

Jack has neat black coffee because he doesn't see why you should add anything else. Except whiskey, of course.

Shane doesn't like coffee but he's been known to sneak a white mocha frappucino when nobody is watching.

Javi G, being very European, would do a cappucino in the morning but if he wakes up later in the day, he'd switch to an espresso with a bit of sugar in it.

Or Javi G would drink a cortado.

Pietro Alvarez will do a double espresso with almost an equal ratio of sugar.

Maxwell Lord skips the coffee because he's already way too wound up on a regular day, so maybe he'd go for a decaf or just some tea.

Marcus Moreno doesn't drink too much coffee in a day because it doesn't always agree with his stomach. He'll have a plain cup in the morning at time, but if he stops at a coffee house, he'll try a cappucino because Missy always raves about it.

Tim will drink black at the police station because the coffee isn't any good so leyt's not even consider that powdery creamer, but if he orders at a coffee shop, he'll sometimes go for some cream in it.

Joel Miller (pre-outbreak) drinks Folgers because it was on sale. He adds his cream and 2-4 spoons of sugar (depending of it he had to bail Tommy out of jail or back him up in a fight or threaten to fight a kid because they gave Sarah a weird look). Joel is that dad, we love him for it.

Joel Miller (post-oubreak) drinks any coffee he can find, even beans are welcome. He stays awake and doesn't have to deal with his nightmares.

Or Joel would drink weak American coffee in like a tub

Din might drink caf if Grogu has kept him up when he was trying to sleep while the ship was in hyperdrive, otherwise he sticks to water. Very practical.

Dave York is a man who "closes deals" so to speak. He has some fancy Italian blend that he tells his secretary to get him and he hides it from Carol and the kids because he wants to be the only one who has it. Also too expensive to share.

Or Dave York is a coffee snob, interested in different roasts and beans.

Ezra is happy to have anything that will keep him awake so he can keep an eye on his pod. Taste doesn't matter. If he's ever able to relax, he might like some caramel. It's not too fancy but not too basiceither.

Frankie drinks Lifer juice (black coffee). Dark roast, though, he needs to be wide awake. Benny was making taco jokes all night and he dozed on the couch and has a crick in his neck. We're taking volunteer applications to give him a massage.

Strong coffee for Frankie, I can actually see him going for like a triple or quadrupple espresso when given the chance.

Or Frankie takes his coffee just black and strong.

Oberyn would go for some tea or herbal infusion instead.

Dieter drinks any and every sweet thing you can put in six shots of expresso to keep him awake and with a grin for this next scene with the actor he left with one of his monogrammed butt plugs up their ass and did not call the next day.

Or Dieter drinks "extra everything, cream, sugar, any of those coffee syrups if you have them."

Lucien has Cuban coffee with his cigarette in the morning and the afternoon.

Javier Pena drinks it black with a spoon of sugar or two because the Senora says he needs some sweet. He's a sucker for pleasing ladies, old and young.

Or Javi P obviously drinks Colombian coffee.

Thanks to @avastrasposts, @nerdieforpedro, @lady-bess, @for-a-longlongtime for their thoughts!

Do you have other coffee order headcanons for Pedro Boys? If so, we'd love to hear them! Drop us a comment to share them!

[fuckyeahpedropascal]

Pedro boys hair matrix

| Masterlist • Taglist |

Alright folks, we’re taking a break from Joel for now until I catch up on episode 2 of TLOU.

Following the Pedro boys facial hair matrix, we come to part 2 of this compilation series. I've loved every second of making these and there will be more to come!

If you're interested in more discourse on this topic, I've been sent some great asks which I’ve tagged fuckyeahmensgrooming.

* click on image for higher resolution

Commentary below the cut:

Closely Cropped

Jay Castillo, Pietro Alvarez, Ezra, Max Phillips

I definitely prefer a longer length on Pedro, this is not my favourite look, but he's still handsome AF!

Combed Short

Jack Daniels, Javier Pena, Dave York, Oberyn Martell

Men's hair is so deceptive. I spent ages debating between the Closely Cropped and this category, but I think the hair is definitely on the longer side in Combed Short, it's just styled so that it looks shorter than it seems.

Javier is an interesting one for this category. His hair is styled so many different ways in Seasons 2 and 3, but the differences are so subtle that I struggle to make sense out of them. Perhaps a deep dive Javier hair analysis is something I might do next.

Slicked Back

Commandante Veracruz, Joel Miller, Max Lord, Marcus Moreno

As with the Wrap Around category in the facial hair matrix, this is the most transformative look for me. I honestly didn't recognise Pedro in WW84. And older Joel with wet hair is a revelation.

Front Sweep

Pero Tovar, Din Djarin, Javier Pena (Season 1), Marcus Pike

This is a close second favourite look of mine. I love the soft curls over his eyes, the longer the better. Javier's season 1 bangs are the pinnacle for me, so lush and fluffy and I want to run my fingers through them.

Curls For Days

Javi Gutierrez, Joel Miller, Frankie Morales, Dieter Bravo

A clear winner for me personally. While Frankie definitely rocks the shorter curls, Dieter is the first Pedro boy really go long with the messy curls and I love him for it, and he hasn't stopped since. Give me curls all day, every day.

Which category is your favourite? Any looks you would classify differently?

P.S. When is it my turn to get the poll function??

[nicolethered]

Pedro Pascal as Pietro Alvarez in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

[firsttarotreader]

Pietro Alvarez - 6 of Swords

The next character in our series “Pedro’s Characters as Tarot Cards” is Pietro Alvarez, from If Beale Street Could Talk. Pietro represents the 6 of Swords.

6 of Swords is a card about moving on from difficult times, leaving the past behind, accepting and moving towards a better future. A person with this card’s energy is someone who has navigated troubled waters and is now finding calmer waters. They have a sense of purpose and a direction in life, from chaos towards peace. Their demeanor is contemplative and defermined, with eyes reflecting a past filled with challenges, but now seeking clarity and resolution. In a process of healing and understanding, they are ready for the future away from the turmoil.

Pietro Alvarez is a character that meets Sharon, the mother-in-law of the man who was accused by a woman, Victoria Rogers, of rape. Sharon wants to arrange a meeting with Victoria through Pietro claiming her son-in-law is innocent, trying to save him from being executed for a crime he didn’t commit. When she says who she is and what she wants, Pietro tells her she can’t talk to Victoria because she is putting herself back together, she’s been through a lot and he doesn’t want to put her through more pain. He appears to be someone who’s at peace where he is now, who has been through difficult times with Victoria and saw her going through her troubled waters. He wants to leave the past behind along with her, he wants her to heal and move on from the past. Pietro is our 6 of Swords.

[jahsontodd]

✨rating pedro pascal characters based on nothing but costuming (non-exhaustive)✨

considerations:

*real housewives voice* thats my OPINION!!! also subject to change upon reflection, just going off my current feelings. 

not really discussing whether the costuming is good or bad for character, context, or source material but just how much I like them if that makes sense. 

some of these costume designers knocked it out of the park but would I be a little grumpy if I went on a date and they showed up in a walmart denim button up and ripped their $300+ jacket to shreds? Yes. Was that costume absolutely perfect for Joel? Yes again.

Mostly discussing costuming in context modern/21st century settings. The Mandalorian+GOT+ etc. in part two?

Minimal discussion on hair+cosmetics, only really when it applies to the whole look

Javier Gutierrez: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Rating: 10/10

Crew:

Paco Delgado: Costume Designer see also: John Wick: Chapter 4, Death on the Nile, Jungle Cruise, Cats (2019), Split, Les Misérables 2012 (and many more he’s booked and busy)

full cast and crew

Comments: 

They did not have to go so crazy on these outfits!!! 

Why does one of my favorite looks apparently not even appear in the movie!?

every look is so *chefs kiss*

I feel like mustard yellow is such a good color on him. 

Like call up those people on tik tok who make nonsensical categories like “strong winter” “ambivalent fall” and find out why mustard yellow always works.

The palette is a cute mix of like warm bricky colors like red, brown, mustard yellow mixed with baby blue and eggshell white. its actually perfect. 

What really makes him stand out is the fact he accessorizes. 

Lots of men don't accessorize because they don’t think its important - they couldn’t be more wrong. 

It’s one of the many injustices of the world that a man’s outfit looks 10x better by adding one necklace or in this case- pinky ring.

Do I like the sunglasses? No. But I like that they are there. 

Obligatory hair mention: The hair looks great. With longer hair becomes more responsibility, ie sometimes the part is a little too deep making the front pieces have a combover look. This is only when its messy though so that may have been the point?

If I included every outfit I liked it would just be a slideshow of the whole movie so I picked my favorites 

Javier Peña: Narcos

Rating: 10/10

Crew:

Bina Daigler: Costume Designer (season 1) see also: Dumplin’, Tár, Mulan (2020), 1899

María Estela Fernánde: Costume Designer (season 2-3) see also: Narcos: Mexico, Queen of the South, Hell (El Infierno)

Mayra de Abreu: Wardrobe Supervisor (season 1) key costumer for (season 2-3) see also: Narcos: Mexico, The Head of Joaquín Murrieta (La Cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta)

full cast and crew

Comments: 

Can you tell I like 70s inspos?

Its unique but true to someone who grew up in RGV and now on his own

ie good luck getting him out of boots. you can’t do it

When he dresses up in s1+2, damn i love a tan suit! 

Its very formulaic, but not to the extent that it looks like he bought 7 colors of the exact same shirt. He’s pretty much always wearing a short sleeve button up and fitted jeans. which makes the times he isn’t stand out

ie the tan suit. what can i say i am an american who is up to date on politics i always defend a tan suit when i see one

also occasionally breaks out this like tan vest situation? 

I think it’s a good balance between like clearly not being inspired by like their “current day” but not so 70s that it would be odd. It’s kinda timeless. 

He tends to follow one of my outfits rules: max 3 colors

Rules are meant to be broken obvi 

But I do feel like as a general rule of thumb and since he doesn’t wear a ton of patterns, wearing more than three colors starts to make an outfit look random and not put together

For Javi, this usually means 

color 1: *shirt color* 

color 2: pants (pretty much just blue or black, he does throw in some brown pants) 

color 3: brown (pretty exclusively wears brown belts/shoes)

Short note on hair/grooming: I love how season 1 has some more length in the back and generally has a shaggy sort of look? By season 3 his hair is more cropped probably bc of his new role. 

Something about the extra length in the back makes him look young- not in the sense of like actual age but maybe looking more hopeful or green, even when dressed up 

Also every so often you can see when they mess up the stick on sideburns. It tickles me.

He’s a menace to society. And he knows it 

Pietro Alvarez: If Beale Street Could Talk

Rating:  8/10

Crew:

Caroline Eselin (Caroline Eselin-Schaefer): Costume Designer see also: Moonlight (2016), Father of the Bride, Troop Zero, The Underground Railroad

full cast and crew

Comments:

We don’t see much and what we see! Is so good

This deep deep red is very nice and I like that is a monochromatic look (I don’t think we see his pants in the movie but collecting pics for this I saw the pants are the same color) 

It also has my favorite type of collar- that extra pointy extra long collar. 

And he *drum rolls* accessorized! Its only a necklace but the choice to have it OVER the shirt, over an already perfectly monochrome outfit makes it pop

The things that bring it a little down for me is, well, there is only one scene to work with so it feels wrong to rank higher than projects with multiple outfits, and the grooming

The mustache didn’t have to be so thin. 

Hair wise I don’t understand why we always have to exaggerate the side burns to achieve the “deep sideburn” look. 

I feel like we could still make the hair look “of the time” by taking some of the weight from the sides and leaving it up top and working with his natural side burns (even if that means making them darker, just not necessarily longer)

Even though I get the hair of the time was very um... spherical

side note: everyone in this movie is dressed spectacularly. I am appreciating through the tears in my eyes

Jack Daniels: Kingsman: Golden Circle

Rating: 7/10

Crew:

Arianne Phillips: Costume Designer See Also: Don’t Worry Darling, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Nocturnal Animals, Kingsman: The Secret Service

Full cast and crew

Comments:

Have I watched in full? Maybe a few years ago? I remember the first one quite clearly bc the water filling up the bedroom scene YIKES!

The snowsuit is so good. It’s functional, it’s sassy. It has one of my favorite western top details I don’t know the name of but the little patch details on the front of the shoulders. 

Who’s idea was it for the belt buckle to be a FLASK!!! thats gold

I love a color SCHEME!!! 

brown leather deserves love

The rain boots- a practical choice in the middle of like the least practical movie ever? Leave him in cowboy boots you cowards

Like oh the grounds might get muddy he needs rain boots. His belt buckle was a flask guys be real

Marcus Pike: The Mentalist

Rating: 5/10

Crew:

Amanda Friedland: Costumer Designer See also: 13 Reasons Why, House of 1000 Corpses, Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles, Fight Club, Clueless,

Scott O’Leary: Costume Designer See Also: The Rookie, Lucifer, Supergirl, 21 Jumpstreet

full cast and crew

Comments:

Have I watched in full? No. I caught a few episodes it was when it was airing but I don’t think i could tell you a single plot line 

(there is a LOT of FBI Department of Pseudo Psychology shows ok)

I do remember in one of his early eps they use the murder house from Nightcrawlers.

*Abby Lee voice* you didn’t stick out to me

Very government employee of you to wear ill fitting suits

Not to be irrational but v-neck t shirts don’t rub me the right way. 

This is a completely personal ick that I don’t expect anyone else to agree with. 

I just ~~ just do a crew neck you know? 

Maybe WHY I don’t like it is because its very 2010-2014. 

Which, in Marcus’ defense, just makes v-neck t-shirts something of the time 

Does nothing crazy with his suits, but nothing that makes me cover my eyes either 

Joel Miller: The Last of Us

Rating: 6/10

Crew:

Cynthia Anne Summers: Costume Designer See also: Swan Song, The Babysitters Club, Snowpiercer, A Series of Unfortunate Events (2018), Apollo 18

Full cast and crew

Comments:

Joel we get it you are nOT like other girls 

It makes sense for who he is. 

And who he is is someone who is not thinking about how much cunt he is going to serve with his outfit that day. 

unFORTUNATELY.

His pants ARE suspiciously fitted. Not so utilitarian when it comes to pants are you Joel?

But! I love the big coat. Could live in the big coat. The big coat deserves an award

The best part of the big coat is the main defense against the simplicity of Joel’s outfits are “oh it’s the apocalypse” or “oh he’s not thinking about that” 

Really? bc this is a SHEARLING lined coat. Do you know how quickly those fluffy shearling/sherpa etc. liners start to look like shit? if its a real shearling lining (the one he uses is real) you need to avoid getting it wet and store in dry areas. 

I am not even talking about price here! Because I have already explained why I think its not that weird to have people wearing expensive clothes 20 years into the apocalypse. 

Its the utility of having a shearling lined coat when you don’t have a closet full of DampRids

No way he had it in Boston since they only travel with regular sized backpacks. He saw it, liked it, wanted it, got it. 

He got that coat for the cunt of it all, you can’t convince me otherwise. 

Thank you so much for coming on this ride with me it was a fun exercise to look at just the clothes and not my feelings toward the character/movie/show. 

Who should I do next time? I have plenty of more thoughts hehe

~Tags for amiges who wanted to see this post!~

@fuckyeahpedropascal​ @simpingcowboy​

[intheorangebedroom]

Hi Maddie

I'm back on my random asks bullshit once more 😆

This year is a leap year, and as 29th February is not technically a real day, I'm giving you the chance to spend 28th February with a Pedro character that you love and 29th February with a Pedro character that you don't. Which are they, and how are you spending your days?

Love, El

💜🧡

El my sweet friend 🧡

Seeing you in my notifs always brings the biggest smile on my face 🧡 Thank you SO MUCH for this ask. It is a damn good one! Your asks are always so generous and thoughtful, thank you so much, ily 🧡 I'm only sorry it took me so long to answer you, as I'm barely in time for the 28th...but like I already told you, it got me thinking real hard!

So. It might come as a shock, but the Pedro character I love above all is Frankie. I know, who would've guessed, right? And I'd choose to spend a day, any day with him, over any other fictional character, anytime (save for Princess Leia but that's another ask).

Now, what I'd like to spend the 28th of February doing to with him is another question. One I don't know how to answer, other than by saying: everything and anything, really. The sweet and the spicy. The exceptional and the mundane. The tragic and the silly.

Wake up next to him, make him coffee and share pancakes, sitting on his lap? Drive in silence next to him for HOURS? Let him brush my hair (don't ask)? Go on a road trip in his red truck and sing out of key to all the tunes we love that come up on the radio? Fly over the fucking Andes in a brand new, safe and reasonably loaded helicopter? Watch him sleep? Go through his childhood pictures and listen to him as he tells me everything I don't know yet about him? Go skinny-dipping in the Pacific Ocean? Make out on the Wonder Wheel? Bite his neck? Lick his freckles? Tousle his hair? Wear his clothes to bed? Have him acknowledge out loud that he didn't shoot first and go piss together on Tom's grave? Built the Lego Millennium Falcon (the one with 7541 pieces) together and fuck like animals on the living-room carpet in celebration? Ok, I have to stop here because I'm making myself yearn and it's kinda physically painful, but I think you got a pretty good idea!

It's been more challenging to find a Pedro boy I don't like (I even like that little bitch Dio). But when I was flying back home last week, the plane's onboard entertainment offered just one Pedro option: If Beale Street Could Talk.

And I got reminded that Pietro Alvarez is handsome, yes, but he's a bit of an asshole. So I guess I'd spend the day with him, tracking down the man who really raped that poor girl so that Fonny can walk free and I can unleash on the culprit all the repressed, pent-up violence that gives me nightmares, Ellie style.

El, I'm sorry this took me so long and is so long... I cannot shut up about Frankie, I put in some pictures to make it more digestible.

Can I please ask you something? This ask is so good, would you please answer it for me? I'm dying to know your answers! Who's your character of choice to spend the 28th with? And is there a P boy you don't like, and what would you spend the 29th doing with him? Pretty please?

[edgessunflower]

Pietro Alvarez Masterlist

In progress

[imaswellkid]

Liv, as we say in French, you are not wrong, meaning you're so very right.

IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK (2018) PEDRO PASCAL as Pietro Alvarez

[spyderschaos]

Today I bring doodles for I just finished my first two finals

[missladym1981]

Ok let’s try this again shall we? Marcus Pike kept getting cut out of my damn photo but I finally got him to stay . Again, sorry. Here once again is the damn ledger.

Top row from left to right

1. King Lear- Edmund

2. Lobby Hero- Jeff

3. Much Ado About Nothing- Don John

4. Maple and Vine - Roger

5. Sand- Ahmed

6. Hamlet- Horatio

7. Trolius and Cressida- Thersites

8. Lorenzaccio-Piero Strozzi

9. Orphans - Phillip

10. Graceland - Juan Badillo

11. Nikita- Liam

12. Red Window- Jay Castillo

13. The Sixth Gun- Special Agent Ortega

14. CSI - Kyle Hartley

15. Old Comedy from Aristophanes Frogs- Diony

16. Body of Proof - Zach Goffman

Second row Left to Right

17. The Mentalist - Marcus Pike

18. Burn Notice : the fall of Sam Ace- Comendante Veracruz

19. Wonder Woman - Ed Indelicato

20. Law and Order SVU- Special Agent Greer

21. Charlie’s Angels- Fredrick Mercer

22. Brothers and Sisters - Zach Wellison

23. Lights Out- Assyrian

24. The Good Wife - Nathan Landry

25. Law and Order- Tito Cabassa

26. Without a Trace- Kyle Wilson

27. Law and Order CI- Reggie Luckman

28. NYPD Blue- Shane “ Dio “ Morrisey

29. Touched by an Angel - Ricky Hauck

30. undressed- Greg

31. Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Eddie

‘Third row Left to Right

32. TWMT- Javi Gutierrez

33. If Beal Street Could Talk- Pietro Alvarez

34. The Great Wall - Pedro Tovar

35. We Can Be Heros - Marcus Moreno

36. WW84- Maxwell Lord

37. Bloodsucking Bastards- Max Phillips

38. Kingsman : The Golden Circle- Agent Whiskey

39. The Equalizer- Dave York

40. Prospect- Ezra

41. Triple Frontier- Frankie Morales

‘Row 4 left to right

42. The Bubble- Dieter Bravo

43. House Comes With A Bird - Nico

44. Strange Way of Life- Silva

45. Freaky Tales- Clint

46. Drive-Away Dolls- Santos

47. The Uninvited- Lucien Flores

48. The Mandalorian - Din Djarin

49.Game of Thrones- Oberyn Mother Fuckin Martell

Final row of epicnessssssss left to right

50. The Materialist- TBA

51. Narcos- Javier Peña

52. The Last of Us- Joel Miller

53. Gladiator lol- General Marcus Acacius

54. Merge Mansion- Tim Rockford

55. SNL- Mr. Ben

56. Fantastic Four- Reed Richards

57. The Wild Robot- Fink

58. Housebroken- Claude

Sorry again for the fuck up. Sometimes shit happens but they are fixed now. Thank you have a good night

[fuckyeahdindjarin]

Pedro boys facial hair matrix

Happy 2023 ❤️ Starting the year as I intend it to continue - filled with Pedro boys! This one has been in the works for ages - I’m a bit of a compulsive organizer, so this was naturally always going to be a project I would take on.

Paging sideburns anon 🪒 who’s been sending in great asks which I’ve tagged fuckyeahmensgrooming if you’re interested in more posts on this topic!

* click on image for higher resolution

Commentary below the cut (for once):

Barely There

Dave York, Max Lord, Max Phillips, Marcus Pike

This used to be my least favourite Pedro boys look, but Dave York changed my mind. Because it's almost always moustached, there's something almost sensual about being able to see the bare skin above his lips and below the nose. Also, I'm not a Marcus P girl, but dang, he looks good with this look.

Stache Only

Jack Daniels, Javier Pena seasons one to three

This is my favourite Pedro boys look - the clean shaven jaw does things to me, especially with the fluffy sideburns. I know I cheated using Javi’s from all seasons, but this look is so iconically Javier, I guess that's why we don't see often. It's so intrinsically linked to this character.

Half Fuzz

Din Djarin, Pero Tovar, Frankie Morales, Ezra

Trimmed close to the skin and quite low on the jawline, this is the most understated look out of the categories in my opinion.

Fully Bearded

Dieter Bravo, The Thief, Javi Gutierrez, Joel Miller

We are definitely in Pedro's bearded era, with the upper line of the beard sitting higher on the cheek, and he wears it so well. Joel's beard with the grays in particular drives me wild.

Wrap Around

Commandante Veracruz, Oberyn Martell, Marcus Moreno, Pietro Alvarez

Definitely the most transformative look on Pedro since it’s not how he normally grows his facial hair, and personally it's not my favourite look. Having said that, I do think it's a dramatic variation to add to his portfolio of looks.

That was a fun round-up! Thoughts and discourse welcome as always. I also have a hair matrix in the pipeline, stay tuned!

Compilations Masterlist

[firsttarotreader]

i love this picture so much. they look like they could have been someone's cool parents from the 70's! plus, pedro looks extra 🥵🥵🥵 https://i.imgur.com/Wwup96P.jpeg

Pedro looks amazing and you are right, they’re like someone’s cool parents from the 70’s! 🥰🥰

[nocturnalstarlet]

— 𝑾𝑯𝑶 𝑰 𝑾𝑹𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑭𝑶𝑹 🪐

— 𝑨 𝑪𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑻 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑹𝑶𝑺𝑬𝑺

🪐 ››       cassian, azriel, nesta archeron, elain archeron, feyre archeron, lucien vanserra, eris vanserra.

ships i'd write for: cassian x nesta , elain x azriel , gwyn x azriel , and elain x lucien.

— 𝑩𝑩𝑪 𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑲𝑬𝑻𝑬𝑬𝑹𝑺

🪐 ››       aramis, porthos.

— 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑫𝑮𝑬𝑹𝑻𝑶𝑵

🪐 ››       anthony bridgerton, daphne bridgerton, benedict bridgerton, colin bridgerton, king george iii.

— 𝑪𝑨𝑹𝑨𝑽𝑨𝑳 / 𝑶𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑼𝑷𝑶𝑵 𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑶𝑲𝑬𝑵 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻

🪐 ››       legend, julien santos, scarlett dragna, donatella dragna, jacks/prince of hearts.

— 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑬𝑫

🪐 ››       phoebe halliwell, paige matthews, wyatt halliwell, chris halliwell.

— 𝑫𝑨𝑰𝑺𝒀 𝑱𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑺𝑰𝑿

🪐 ››       warren rojas, eddie roundtree, graham dunne, camila alvarez, karen sirko, daisy jones, simone jackson.

— 𝑭𝑨𝑺𝑻 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑭𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑶𝑼𝑺

🪐 ››       dominic toretto, brian o'conner, letty ortiz, mia toretto, roman pearce, deckard shaw, tej parker, han lue.

ships i'd write for: dom x letty.

— 𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑬𝑺 / 𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑺𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑮𝑶𝑵

🪐 ››       tormund giantsbane, podrick payne, sansa stark, robb stark, jorah mormont, theon greyjoy, sandor clegane, samwell tarly, rhaegar targaryen, daenerys targaryen.

🪐 ››       aemond targaryen, jacaerys velaryon, alicent hightower, daemon targaryen.

— 𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑹𝒀 𝑷𝑶𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹

🪐 ››       ron weasley, hermione granger, dean thomas, blaise zabini, luna lovegood, neville longbottom, cedric diggory, viktor krum.

🪐 ››       james potter, lily evans, narcissa black, regulus black, andromeda black, sirius black, remus lupin, frank longbottom, peter pettigrew, lucius malfoy, pandora lovegood, alice fortescue, marlene mckinnon, mary macdonald, emmeline vance, dorcas meadows.

🪐 ››       theseus scammander

🪐 ››       teddy lupin

🪐 ››       godrick gryffindor, rowena ravenclaw, helga hufflepuff, salazar slytherin

**a very big fuck you to jkr. this account is HEAVILY anti jkr and always will be. **while some of the fics for these characters may occur during their time at hogwarts, the characters will be assumed to be 18+ regardless of fic type.

— 𝑰𝑻

🪐 ››       richie tozier, stanley uris, ben hascom, mike hanlon.

**none of my writing for these characters will take place in the first film. i may instead do college!fics for this. everything else will come from when they're adults.

— 𝑴𝑨𝑹𝑽𝑬𝑳 / 𝑿-𝑴𝑬𝑵

🪐 ››       steve rogers, james buchanan "bucky" barnes, natasha romanoff, yelena belova, wanda maximoff, pietro maximoff, thor odinson, loki laufeyson, bruce banner, druig.

🪐 ››       john allerdyce (pyro), bobby drake (iceman), peter rasputin (colossus), scott summers (cyclops), alex summers (havoc), anna marie lebeau (rogue), logan howlett (wolverine), ororo munroe (storm), peter maximoff (quicksilver), charles xavier, erik lehnsherr.

— 𝑶𝑼𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑩𝑨𝑵𝑲𝑺

🪐 ››       pope heyward, sarah cameron, kiara carrera, jj maybank, john b routledge, rafe cameron, topper thornton.

— 𝑷𝑬𝑨𝑲𝒀 𝑩𝑳𝑰𝑵𝑫𝑬𝑹𝑺

🪐 ››       thomas shelby, arthur shelby, john shelby, michael gray, finn shelby.

— 𝑺𝑨𝑳𝑻𝑩𝑼𝑹𝑵

🪐 ››       felix catton, venetia catton, farleigh start.

— 𝑺𝑪𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴

🪐 ››       tara carpenter, sam carpenter, chad meeks-martin, mindy meeks-martin, ethan landry.

— 𝑺𝑯𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑴𝑬

🪐 ››       aaron warner, kenji kishimoto, juliette ferrars.

— 𝑻𝑬𝑬𝑵 𝑾𝑶𝑳𝑭

🪐 ››       derek hale, peter hale, stiles stilinski, isaac lahey, lydia martin, scott mccall.

— 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑯𝑼𝑵𝑮𝑬𝑹 𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑺

🪐 ››       finnick odair, haymitch abernathy.

ships i'd write for: finnick x annie

— 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑽𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑹𝑬 𝑫𝑰𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑼𝑵𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑺𝑬

🪐 ››       elijah mikaelson, marcel gerard, klaus mikaelson, kol mikaelson, rebekah mikaelson, bonnie bennett, enzo st. john, stefan salvatore, damon salvatore, jeremy gilbert, caroline forbes, elena gilbert.

— 𝑻𝑹𝑼𝑬 𝑩𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑫

🪐 ››       eric northman, jason stackhouse, alcide herveaux , jessica hamby.

— 𝑻𝑾𝑰𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻

🪐 ››       charlie swan, carlisle cullen, emmett cullen, rosalie hale, alice cullen, sam uley, paul lahote, jared cameron.

— 𝑾𝑬𝑫𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑫𝑨𝒀 / 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑨𝑫𝑫𝑨𝑴𝑺 𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑰𝑳𝒀

🪐 ››       morticia frump, gomez addams, wednesday addams, enid sinclair, bianca barclay.

ships i'd write for: morticia x gomez.

— 𝑴𝑰𝑺𝑪𝑬𝑳𝑳𝑨𝑵𝑬𝑶𝑼𝑺

🪐 ››       ransom drysdale (knives out), andy barber (defending jacob), killian jones (ounce upon a time).

don't see what you're looking for? feel free to ask if i know a fandom/ship/character and if am willing to write what you're looking for!!

[labyrinthofheartagrams]

Literally this!!!

[littlemisspascal]

Part 2: Take What Comes

Summary:

Once Javi learns about the hour of free time you have after media training he starts seeking you out every day. Sometimes you both just play on your phones, scrolling through social media, showing each other memes and videos, but mostly you spend the hour talking, chatting about anything that comes to mind, growing more comfortable in each other’s company.

And Javi, he’s unlike anyone you���ve ever met before.

Pairing: eventual Javi/Fem!Reader "Oddball" (OFC)*

Word Count: 5000+

Warnings: Formula One AU ft. multiple Pedro Pascal Cinematic Universe characters, Human AU, Canon Divergence, Worldbuilding, Social Media Fic, Headlines inspired by true events but edited for this plot, Slowest of Slow Burn, Language, Food, Holiday party--reader wears reindeer headband, Reader's Mom included

Author Note: Been a year since last update and it's still just as super self-indulgent as ever ✨ Thank you anyone who gives it a read!

Winter Dividers credit here!

A03 Link | Series Masterlist

*see series masterlist for more info

Once Javi learns about the hour of free time you have after media training he starts seeking you out every day. Sometimes you both just play on your phones, scrolling through social media, showing each other memes and videos, but mostly you spend the hour talking, chatting about anything that comes to mind, growing more comfortable in each other’s company.

And Javi, he’s unlike anyone you’ve ever met before.

You start collecting facts about him throughout the conversations, little tidbits filed away neatly in a box you’ve labeled Javi in your mind. His mom died when he was young, leaving his father to fill the void while also successfully running his multimillion olive empire. He’s an only child, but his cousin’s a year older and they were practically raised as brothers. (“Butt heads like brothers too,” Javi chuckled, but you didn’t miss how hollow it sounded.) He likes brightly colored shirts, oranges and greens and blues, the kind that only 1% of the world population can actually pull off. Besides racing and swimming, his third passion is life in script writing, but no matter how much you poke and plead at him he refuses to share any of his potential plots, nerves getting the better of him.

He started his career in karting a year before you did. Javi admitted he hadn’t been interested in racing until his father took him to the final Formula 1 race of the 2007 season where he witnessed Pietro Alvarez win his first of three championships. The older Spaniard became his idol, inspiring Javi to follow in his footsteps.

“You have no idea how jealous I was when I heard you were partners at the Ando Overland,” Javi told you, followed by a nudge against your side with his elbow. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, getting to race against him on the grid was…”

He’d trailed off, a soft smile brightening his face. And even without words, you’d understood. The opportunity to race alongside your heroes, some of the best drivers in the world—it’s like something out of a dream, one of those pinch me moments you pray you don’t wake up from.

You briefly entertained the thought of telling Javi he was one of your idols. That he’d been a part of the collage of driver posters adorning your childhood bedroom walls. But your fear and embarrassment of his reaction—whether flattered or weirded out—perished the idea as quick as it came.

“Yeah, he’s pretty great,” you said instead with a matching grin. “A bit of a coffee addict, but you didn’t hear that from me.”

“Says the lemonade addict,” Javi said, laughing when you kicked at his shin. “What’s that saying about the pot and kettle?”

“Oh, shut up,” you grumbled, but the smile on your face hadn’t dimmed. If anything, it’d stretched even wider.

“Don’t worry.” He squeezed your shoulder in a reassuring manner. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

You learn Javi has a love-hate relationship with social media. Well, maybe not love-hate but rather love-indifferent. Unlike you who likes to tweet or post a photo at least every other day, he’ll go weeks without an update, then either go on a short spree of liking and commenting on stuff or just post a random photo of his food before bailing again for another month. Still, he never makes fun of you when he catches you live streaming or angling your phone for the perfect selfie, simply dodges out of the way until you’re finished.

“Did you suddenly become camera-shy or are you trying to be all mysterious and cool like Bigfoot?” you asked him once and he merely shrugged.

“I appreciate the fans, but it’s nice having this time out of the spotlight,” he’d answered. You were content to leave it at that, but then he smirked and added, “Also, everyone knows the only reason Bigfoot doesn’t show up on camera is because he’s naturally blurry.”

Bantering with Javi is easy. More than that, you enjoy it. You don’t have to worry about him not understanding the obscure film references you make or mistaking your sarcasm for sincerity. He even laughs at your stupidest jokes which spurs you on to make more stupid jokes, the sound of his laughter contagious and the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes oddly endearing.

Javi can quote any Nicolas Cage film from memory, line for line, a talent which comes in handy winning bets against Melshi and some of the pit crew boys who underestimate Javi’s skills. He happily shows you some more photos of his memorabilia collection after you mention seeing the ones on his Instagram.

“When we’re in Spain for the race next season, come with me to Majorca and I’ll give you a tour,” Javi says decisively, looking like he’s already planning the trip right then and there. “You can stay at our house. There’s lots of spare bedrooms. I’ll take you to all my favorite places.”

Your head spins a little at that. You haven't even known each other a whole month and here he is inviting you to stay at his family’s home. Maybe it shouldn’t have come as a surprise though. Between the daily hanging out after media training and challenging each other in the simulator, Javi had inserted himself seamlessly into the narrative of your life like he was always meant to be there.

“Okay,” you say, smiling. “Sounds like fun.”

“We’ll have a great time,” Javi agrees, and it sounds like a promise.

From: Barbara Minerva (barbara.minerva@vulpeculaformulaone.com) To: you (oddball.13@vulpeculaformulaone.com) Subject: Upcoming Interview w/ Speed Beasts

Oddball,

I’ve just finished confirming a future interview for you with Speed Beasts magazine at their head office in January. Their questions should be similar to what you experienced last time, mainly discussing your hopes and goals for the 2023 season, but regardless I’ll help you prepare as the date draws nearer so no need to worry too much.

However, they have expressed interest in potentially including Ben Miller and making it a joint article and cover shoot. Given your close friendship with each other, I don’t imagine you being opposed to the idea but I wouldn’t be a good PR manager if I didn’t check in and listen to your opinion on the matter. 

Give it a thought and get back to me once your mind’s made up.

Barb

To: Benny (5:10pm)

I said yes to us doing an interview together

To: Benny (5:10pm)

Don’t make me regret this, young man

From: Benny (5:12pm)

Relax, O. I’ll only say nice things about you ;)

To: Benny (5:13pm)

And there it is. Instant regret 

“That new teammate of yours certainly grew up cute, didn’t he?”

It’s only thanks to your quick reflexes that you don’t accidentally cut off a finger. 

“ Mom.” Setting down the knife, you glare at the half-finished pile of chopped carrot pieces for your salad. They didn’t do anything wrong, but seeing as your mother is on a whole other continent they’re the unfortunate victim of your irritation.

“I’m just saying I have eyes, dear,” she laughs. “The hair, the muscles, those dimples—he’s quite the package.” 

You make a strangled sound not unlike a choking cat, unable to believe her lack of filter sometimes. Your mother lets out another peal of laughter that has your thumb itching to press the hang up button. 

“Mom…”

“Alright, alright,” she says, sobering. In the background you can hear the faint sounds of a television show with a laugh track. It makes your heart twinge a bit, recalling days the two of you spent lounging around the house binge marathoning sitcoms with a bowl of popcorn.

“I remember seeing him in those magazines you used to buy,” Mom continues, a soft smile in her voice. “Now you’re going to be right there beside him in the pictures. Funny how life works out sometimes.”

You hum. “Yeah, it is.”

Outside your kitchen window the sky’s a dark wintery gray, promising a dropping temperature as night gradually approaches. Your socked feet shuffle against the tile floor, already dreading the cold walk to your car in the morning.

“Are you getting along with him?” she asks.

“We had lunch together.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“He’s…” 

You rack your head for a word that can encompass everything that Javi is. Nice, intelligent, funny as hell and so genuine it’s almost unbelievable someone like him can exist in the world of F1. You don’t know what his personality is like during a real race when the pressure can make tempers ignite, but if he’s anything like the glimpses you’ve seen during shared simulator practices though—competitive and serious, determined to do whatever he can to achieve good results, but also fair, congratulating you on the rare, yet slowly increasing occasions when you do better than him with a smile and pat on the shoulder—then you have hope your partnership will be a positive experience this season.

“He’s Javi,” you end up saying with a tiny shrug. “He’s my teammate.”

“I see,” Mom replies in a tone you can’t quite identify.

Your brow scrunches, mouth opening to ask but before you can get the question out she’s already speaking again, beating you to the punch.

“Is Javi doing anything for the holidays?” The lightness of her tone is just a hair too innocent.

“He’s going home to his family,” you say, bursting her hopeful bubble of inviting him to Sorgan. She’s about as subtle as a bantha. “You’ll just be getting me.”

“The best present of all,” she declares, and the words warm you from the inside out as if she’s hugging you across the distance. “I haven’t seen you in so long, I’m starting to forget what you look like.”

“Same as always,” your mouth turns up at the corners with a teasing smirk, “plus a couple of new tattoos.”

“For your sake I hope you’re kidding.”

“Guess you’ll just have to watch me on the Drive Awards to know for sure.”

She exhales a quiet huff, and you imagine her shaking her head, eyes lifted towards the ceiling. “You say that like there’s any chance I’m gonna miss my one and only daughter appearing at the most prestigious award ceremony for motorsports. Don’t be foolish.”

“Me? Never.” Your stomach growls, reminding you of your interrupted lunch preparations. “I’ll talk to you later, Mom, food is calling me.”

“Be sure to text me as soon as you’ve got your flight home booked.”

“Will do.”

From: Vivian Etten (vivian.etten@vulpeculaformulaone.com) To: you (oddball.13@vulpeculaformulaone.com); Javi Gutierrez (javig.53@vulpeculaformulaone.com); Vulpecula Staff (staff@maillist.vulpeculaformulaone.com) Subject: Mark Your Calendars Attached: Upcoming Dates to Remember for Vulpecula F1 (pdf)

Hello,

Attached is a list of upcoming important events for the F1 team. January dates are still in the process of being scheduled and a follow up email will be sent in the upcoming weeks once everything’s properly organized and settled.

Please note this year’s Drive Awards will be held in London. Formal attire is a necessity and a gourmet meal will be served prior to the ceremony. If you plan to invite a guest you must register them with me beforehand. Swing by my office or respond to this email ASAP with their name if you plan on bringing someone.

Happy holidays to all!

Vivian Etten

CEO of Vulpecula Racing

You blink sluggishly, trying to stay awake. Stuck in a meeting room listening to Vivian and her top executives sweet talk investors to secure additional funding from them isn’t the most riveting way to spend your morning, but what Vivian wants Vivian usually gets. And this time she wanted you and Javi to be present so the investors could personally meet the new faces of the team.

A glance across the table shows Javi leaning back in his chair, fingers tapping a silent beat against the armrest. You wonder what it means, if it’s a trick to keep him alert or a subconscious tick like the way your leg bounces when you’re nervous. He’s probably attended several meetings just like this in the past. Knows when it’s necessary to listen and when he can get by merely pretending he has an inkling of what's going on. 

Dressed in entirely black with a cobalt blue pocket square and tousled curls, Javi looks like a different person compared to the rest of your interactions. Less like a racing driver, more like royalty. You’re certainly not the only one who’s noticed his handsome looks. Of the dozen investors, at least three have eyed Javi with such blatant interest they might as well be waving neon signs.

Javi catches you staring, fingers halting their drumming. There’s a second or two where you simply stare at each other, neither willing to be the first to turn away. Then he sticks his tongue out childishly, brown eyes crossing. It’s neither the time nor place for such an expression—you’re pretty sure Vivian’s talking about inflation or something else equally important and serious—and yet you find yourself stifling a giggle into the palm of your hand before your tired brain can summon enough energy to stop it from forming.

“Of course that’s all subject to change depending on the results of the season,” Vivian’s saying at the head of the table, flipping closed her folder. “Any final words you’d like to contribute, Odds?”

Every pair of eyes in the room turns to look at you, and your blood runs cold. You hadn’t spoken throughout the meeting, content to just smile and shake hands at the beginning and then let Vivian take the lead for the rest. You rack your head for a response that doesn’t sound completely stupid.

“Uh, well,” you straighten your spine, projecting as much of an aura of confidence as you can muster, “I’m extremely grateful to have been given the chance to be one of Vupecula’s drivers. I’m also proud to be a part of a team with such a long history, too. And I think I speak for both myself and Javi when I say that we’re determined to win as many points as we can to increase Vulpecula’s ranking.”

“We’ll keep fighting from the beginning to the end,” Javi agrees with a firm nod. “No giving up. No surrendering.”

“Fantastic,” Vivian says, beaming at you both with pride. “I think that about wraps everything up for the time being. Anyone up for some lunch?”

The investors all eagerly agree, neatly filing out of the room to be the first ones in the cafeteria line. 

Javi waits for you by the door, walking out into the hallway close enough his arm brushes against yours. “What do you think about leaving headquarters for our lunch break?”

“Works for me,” you say, absently pulling at the sleeve of your sweater. It’s one of your nicest ones you own but it never fails to make your skin feel itchy. “Where were you planning?”

“Somewhere close by,” is his cryptic, grinning reply.

Somewhere close by winds up being Javi’s apartment, a quiet and private spot on the edge of town about fifteen minutes from your own place. The drive is pleasant, if not more than a little confusing for you, sitting in the passenger seat without a clue about the final destination until Javi’s suddenly parking and waving a hand towards an apartment complex as if to say ta-da!

“You like salmon?” Javi asks you as he unlocks his door, standing to the side to let you enter first. Apparently chivalry isn’t totally dead.

Still, you can’t help the teasing smirk pulling at your mouth. “They’re alright. Not as cute as clown fish though.”

“Well, duh, nobody can take away Nemo’s crown.” Javi rolls his eyes playfully before heading for the kitchen. He opens the fridge, poking his head inside as he calls out, “How about salmon skewers for lunch?”

“Sounds delicious. Do you need help with anything?”

“No, I’ve got it all under control. Just make yourself comfortable.”

Despite only recently moving here, Javi’s created a warm and cozy home with bright pops of colors and personal touches, like the impressive collection of DVDs next to the television and numerous hanging plants in front of the windows. There’s a pair of checkered vans kicked off in the entryway, a dog-eared book about script writing on the coffee table, and a box of fruit loops left on the kitchen bar counter—a cheat meal that has you biting back a snicker, thinking of your own guilty pleasures stashed back home. 

Javi hums as he moves around the kitchen, piercing chunks of salmon and onions on bamboo skewers to be grilled on a skillet. His actions are smooth, confident, same as the way he handles the sim’s steering wheel back at headquarters. 

When he sets the plates down on the table, your mouth instantly salivates from the delicious smell as you lean in for a sniff. Fuck that’s good. Eggsy might have a rival for being the best cook amongst the drivers.

“Go on, I promise it isn’t poisoned,” Javi says before sinking his teeth into a massive bite of fish. 

You snort quietly, taking a bite of your own. 

And well, if you have to sink your fingernails into your palm to hold back a moan then that’s between you and your stinging hand.

Still, something must flash across your face because there’s a glint of amusement in Javi’s brown eyes. “You like it, no? Best meal you’ve ever had? C’mon, let me hear it.”

Swallowing, you hum a long note, pretending to think. “Top ten for sure.”

“Top ten? Ugh, you wound me, Odds.” Javi groans, throwing a hand over his heart as if your words had been a dagger. “First guest I cook for in my new place and I barely earned an honorable mention. Unacceptable.”

You laugh. “Just means you’ll have to cook for me more often.”

“Mm.” He nibbles on one of the onions, eyes narrowing. “Challenge accepted. I’m coming for the gold.”

After finishing your meals Javi grabs a couple of pomegranate popsicles out of the freezer for dessert. He stretches out his legs beneath the table, knocking the side of his shoe against your ankle. Smirks when you immediately nudge him back. And to think he’s supposed to be the older, more mature one. Vivian would be rolling her eyes if she saw you two right now.

“I like your place,” you say in-between licks. “You settling in alright?”

“Hmm?” Javi blinks, as if startled out of his thoughts. “Oh, thanks. Yeah, it was a smooth move all things considered. Nothing got lost in transit this time, gracias a Dios.”

Right, this isn’t Javi’s first rodeo when it comes to packing up all his belongings and moving to a whole new place. You’d faced a difficult enough struggle moving from Sorgan to Altair, you can’t imagine doing it again and again. Fingers crossed Vulpecula keeps you around for a long, long time.

“And what about Vulpecula? Good so far?”

“Everyone’s been very welcoming,” he answers, biting off a piece of his popsicle with a slight crunch. He offers a grin once he swallows. “I’m happy to be here. I think it will be a fun time for us. Hard as hell, but fun.”

“One for the history books,” you murmur, imagining the potential of putting Vulpecula back on top again. Where it belongs. “It’d be amazing, wouldn’t it? You and me on the podium.”

Javi laughs. “It would be pretty entertaining pouring my bottle of champagne over your head.”

“Oi!” You swat at his arm, but you’re unable to stifle your own laughter. “Forget it. You’ll be down in the crowd, looking up at me and my trophy in total envy.”

“You got it all wrong, Oddball. I’d be front and center, cheering your name louder than anyone.”

You feel a pulse of warmth bloom in your chest, and you look back to your popsicle, sticking it into your mouth before you say or do something embarrassing.

From: Eggsy (3:05pm)

Hey! My turn to host the holiday party this year so stick around London on the 19th. Better bring a good gift this time >:(

To: Eggsy (3:07pm)

Kk. You make it sound like what I brought last year was terrible tho

From: Eggsy (3:08pm)

You brought an empty tin of cookies and said you’d been swarmed by raccoons

To: Eggsy (3:09pm) 

Those trash pandas are vicious beasts

From: Eggsy (3:09pm)

You had chocolate stains all over your face

To: Eggsy (3:09pm)(unsent)

I don’t know what you’re talking about

To: Eggsy (3:09pm)(unsent)

It was a longer driver than I anticipated, alright?

To: Eggsy (3:09pm)(unsent)

You’re one to talk Mr. Hoverboard. At least I didn’t set anyone on fire :P

To: Eggsy (3:13pm) 

What time should I come with my great gift?

From: Eggsy (3:14pm)

See you at 7 :D

“A lot of famous faces from the motorsport community are coming to this ceremony tonight. Is there anyone in particular you’re excited about seeing, Javi?” asks the interviewer. 

Javi offers a dimpled grin, a hand reaching up to adjust his glasses as a ripple of flashing cameras erupts at the arrival of another guest. “To be honest, if I named everyone I’m excited to see we’d be here all night,” he answers with a chuckle. “There are so many big names appearing on stage. True legends of motorsport I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. And then there’s also so much rising talent too, like rarita here.” 

The interviewer, you think her name is Shelley, blonde haired with a beaming smile, turns the microphone to you. Your dress suddenly feels two times too tight, constricting air flow. God, you wish you had even a smidge of Javi’s confidence, charming everyone he talks to, looking like he stepped right out of a fashion magazine in his black suit. Even his glasses manage to come across as elegant rather than boring.

Focus, you tell yourself, remembering your lessons with Barbara. No slouching. No pineapple face. And absolutely no public displays of vomiting regardless of your level of anxiety.

“That’s right. You’ll be a full-time driver in F1 next season. Things can’t get much better for you at the moment Oddball, can they?”

You stand up straighter, imagining your parents watching back home, no doubt having bragged to everybody in the village about their daughter appearing on tv, on a red carpet no less. Thinking of them, of their pride and love, of their support and sacrifices, makes the smile stretching across your face feel a little less forced. 

“It’s been an unbelievably great year,” you say, using every bit of self-control to keep your voice level. “I didn’t expect a second-place finish for the season. It was a very competitive bunch, including some of my best friends who I’m thrilled are going to join me on the grid. To finish 2022 with that ranking and gain a seat with Vulpecula is just amazing.”

Shelley nods, then proceeds to make an exaggerated show of looking you over head to toe. “Well, I’d bet all the money in my wallet that if you turned up to the paddock looking as stunning as you do right now you’d win the race by a landslide.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, refraining from grimacing. She’s the third interviewer tonight to make a comment about your appearance, meanwhile Javi and the other male drivers have been asked questions about racing and their preparation for the upcoming season. 

“I don’t think the FIA would approve of these heels,” you reply, adding a chuckle even though it sounds hollow to your own ears. You feel Javi’s hand on your lower back, a grounding touch. A silent message of reassurance that he’s on your side. An ally in this sea of fancy clothes and flashbulbs. 

Stay together, Gabriella had said before you and Javi got in the limo to the event, a command echoed by an equally-stern looking Barbara. You’re not just teammates at headquarters and during grand prix weekends. As long as you race for Vulpecula, you’re partners through thick and thin. Even if one of you makes a mistake, no matter what, stay together.

“You want me to cough or something next time?” Javi murmurs in your ear as you scoot along the red carpet a couple more steps. 

“What?” you ask distractedly, barely avoiding stepping on the extravagant train of Lauren Van Chance’s dress. The mauve fabric probably costs more than the budget of the whole award show. No way you would have left here alive if you’d torn a hole in it.

“If another interviewer makes an objectifying comment, I could have a coughing fit. Or try to trip them. Or stare down the camera like we’re on The Office —”

“As hilarious as that would be,” you say through a snort of laughter, genuine this time, “nah, that’s alright.”

“You sure?” Javi checks.

“I’m sure. Thanks, curls.”

Busy Bee Blog (BBB) - Style Post #37 Sunday December 18 2022

Summary: See the best dressed at the most prestigious award event for the motorsport industry.

FOURTEEN BIGGEST MOMENTS AT THE 2022 DRIVE AWARDS

By Pippa Vitalis, Bubblefeed Updated 19 December 2022

Ricky Hauk wins Rookie of the Year Award

Robert McCall’s selfie with Eggsy Unwin, Oddball, and Ben Miller

Marcus Moreno dedicates his Racing Driver of the Year Award to his mother, Anita Moreno

Pero Tovar’s priceless facial expressions the whole night long

Javi Gutierrez calls his teammate Oddball “Rarita” on the red carpet

Read More

The night after the Drive Awards, you arrive at Eggsy’s place right on time wearing a reindeer antler headband and a present tucked under your arm. Eggsy immediately steals the gift away when you enter, shaking it for suspicious noises as he takes it to the small pile in the corner. Ben flicks one of the plush antlers because every party needs an asshole, and Ricky brings you a glass of his famous sparkling punch with a happy grin. 

You’ve got a flight to catch tomorrow taking you back home with Sorgan. This is the last night you’ll spend with your friends for a long while, too busy and too spread out in the upcoming weeks to see each other. You hope you’ll see at least one of them at the start of the new year before the pre-season testing begins in February, but you also remember how virtually impossible it was for Ricky to carve out a spare day in his schedule before his rookie debut. For as hectic and rushed as things already seem, it’s only going to get worse for all of you.

“Benny brought his brother. You remember Will, yeah?” Eggsy says, gesturing with a nod of his chin to the blond chuckling at a wildly gesticulating Ben recounting a story. “He’s gonna be Benny’s new trainer, got a degree for it ‘n everything.”

William Miller. Of course you remember him. Can’t ever forget the boy who was your first crush once upon a time, heart beating a little faster whenever you saw him and his bright blue eyes at the karting races—not that you let anyone else know about your pining. Oh no, you had rather run over your own foot with your go-kart than let it slip you thought your friend’s older brother was cute. 

And he’s only become cuter since you last saw him several years ago, growing up into a tall, ruggedly handsome man with a scruffy beard and arm muscles bulging beneath the sleeves of his snowflake-patterned sweater when he crosses them over his chest.

Cheerful notes of a Christmas song blast out from the speakers on Eggsy’s stereo system, adding to the festive atmosphere as more drinks are poured and conversations continue to flow. JB the pug darts about the room, body wiggling madly with every friendly scritch to his ears he receives, dressed for the holiday in a collar adorned with a little green-and-red plaid bowtie. Spoiled, critics might say, those who don’t know the story of how and when JB came into Eggsy’s life. Cherished, you say instead, because you do know.

Ben tells you what a great teammate Frankie’s been so far, taking him to The Chill Zone for the first time. The local snow cone stand in Altair has closed for the winter season, but you make a mental promise to take Javi to it as soon as the temperature warms up. You’d invited your teammate to come along to the party, certain none of your friends would mind, but he’d had an early morning flight back to Spain. Hopefully the trip soothes some of his homesickness.

“Just do yourself a favor and avoid lavender bubblegum at all costs.” Ben sticks his tongue out, face scrunching with disgust. “Frankie’s got a shit sense of taste.”

You congratulate Ricky again on his Rookie of the Year Award, surprised when he confesses how nervous he was standing up on stage in front of the crowd because he looked so professional in his suit and tie, thanking a long list of people who helped him on his journey. Will smoothly cuts into the conversation to offer some tips to improve self-confidence, saying he worked as a motivational speaker in order to pay for his classes. And you can picture it, him easily capturing an audience’s attention with his honeyed voice.

Ricky makes a hasty exit to fight Eggsy over the last sugar cookie, claiming he already called dibs, leaving you and Will alone in silence. It’s not uncomfortable, per se, but there’s a noticeable weight to it, neither one of you knowing what to say to alleviate the tension.

“You look like you’re enjoying the holiday spirit,” Will says finally with a crooked smile, glancing up at your antlers with amusement.

“I love it,” you answer with a wide grin, bells on your headband jingling lightly. “Are you looking forward to next season? I heard you’re gonna be Benny’s trainer. Good luck with that.”

“Thanks, I’ll definitely need it,” he chuckles and then shrugs his shoulders. “It’s going to be interesting—working with family always has its own unique challenges. But there’s no one else I’d like to help accomplish their dream more than my brother.”

You blink, watching as his eyebrows climb up his forehead, abruptly looking like a deer paralyzed by headlights.

“Not that I wouldn’t be excited for you if you became champion—or Eggsy or Ricky either!” He’s full-on babbling now, cheeks going pink. “We’re on opposite teams, but that doesn’t mean we’re archenemies, right? Right. I mean, I could-I could still take you out to dinner to, uh, catch up. Or a cup of coffee at least? Maybe?”

And suddenly you’re hit with the realization of what's happening. Will is asking you out. Your childhood crush is asking you out on a date. Wow. That’s—that’s hard to process. You feel as if your entire brain has forgotten words.

“Huh?” you say, more of a strangled noise than anything intelligible.

“Sorry, I’m not usually like this. I must sound like an idiot.” Will’s expression turns sheepish. “It’s been a while since we last saw each other, in person at least. You probably have a boyfriend or—”

“No, no! No boyfriends for me,” you quickly interject, then internally cringe because now look who sounds like an idiot. You avert your gaze to the snowflake pattern, unable to meet his blue eyes. “Dinner sounds great. I’d like that. When were you thinking?”

Will chuckles again, a little shaky and relieved sound that has some of the tension draining from your shoulders. It gives you the courage to look up and see the gentle smile playing on his lips. “Ben said you two are doing an interview together for Speed Beasts in January. I could tag along, bet you and me could find something we both like.”

You smile, heartbeat fluttering as you raise your cup in a mock-toast. “I bet we could.”