#plus check out what jd said

[alphinias]

New interview and Madison said she doesn’t think there is any episode in season 3 where you feel like jj and Kie lived happily ever after I’m im scared now … https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bo2DBrIGQUo&feature=youtu.be

I’m not. topical non spoiler in a tense show tactic.

[damiansgoodgirll]

I BEG YOU

Don’t break my heart part 3 please ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

you ask, i deliver

part one, part two

the judgment day x reader (platonic), damian priest and rhea ripley x reader (platonic), drew mcintyre x reader

‼️family issues, fear of abandonment, reader might have daddy issues, damian and rhea being the besties i need in my life ‼️

don’t break my heart - part 3

it was right after monday night raw ended that you had no energy left in you.

you knew it was going to be complete chaos when the shein version of the judgment day ruined damian’s match. rhea’s blood was boiling at the sight of damian being attacked by his ex members. so, you knew chaos was going to happen when her theme song echoed into the arena.

she told you to choose. she said that no matter what your decision was, her feelings for you weren’t going to change but she made clear that she was going to kick liv and dom’s asses. she told you - you can stay here and wait for us backstage or you can join me - and honestly, you thought about it but ten seconds later you were running by her side.

the crowd erupted in happy screams when they saw you by her side.

rhea pointed liv, you pointed jd, and finn too.

finn knew that you wouldn’t have picked him over damian and rhea but he wasn’t expecting to see you against him.

“don’t do this…” he told you “you’re gonna regret this” he didn’t mean to threaten you, he just wished you weren’t involved at all.

“i don’t care…i’m tired of hiding” and with that you simply attacked him. carlito saw the scene and simply came to the rescue, trying to take finn away from you.

while rhea tried to attack liv, damian was still in the ring with jd so you you went to attack him “move” you simply said. his face was stone cold. maybe finn was right, jd had a crush on you but you couldn’t care less.

of course liv and dom ran away, like the cowards that they are and in the meantime damian took his time in finishing jd.

the crowd cheered when they saw you, dam and rhea standing there in the ring, hugging each other, knowing that no matter what, you would always have each other’s backs.

while backstage, rhea and damian took their time answering questions and doing interviews but you were too tired from the event that occurred that all you wanted to do was to end up in your hotel room and sleep all night long.

walking towards the exit, you spotted drew who kindly waved at you. drew was the same as jey or la knight for you, just kind acquaintances because they were friends with damian and rhea but nothing more.

“hey kid” he smiled at you. his nickname made you smile “great fight out there”

“oh” you awkwardly smiled “that…that was nothing but thank you”

“are you going back to the hotel?” he asked, probably already knowing the answer, seeing you with your bags and tired look.

“yes…i was thinking of calling an uber, i fear damian and rhea will take too long with interviews right now…” you smiled.

“don’t call them, i can give you a ride, plus we are staying at the same hotel right? in downtown?” he asked and you nodded “i’m going back right now, you can ride with me”

“are…are you sure?” you didn’t want to be a bother so you doubled checked.

“positive, let’s go” he smiled and walked towards the rental car he got for the show. you’ve never been alone with drew before, only talked with a few times when he was training with damian so the idea of driving with him for 30 minutes was making you nervous.

but the car ride was quite and silent. not awkwardly silent, just comfortable enough. soft music playing in the background, drew watching the road as you watched some raindrops falling from the sky.

“you have talent kid” he broke the silence, waking you from your thoughts.

“oh, thank you…” deep down you knew you had talent, but that being the reason of getting kicked out of your family always made you feel guilty sometimes. you always wondered and imagined how your life would be if you actually had applied for college as your parents wanted for you. maybe you wouldn’t be this shy or weird while meeting new people. maybe you would be more confident about yourself. maybe you would have a boyfriend and a lot of friends.

there was always that voice in your head that screamed what if

“you don’t talk much uh?” he softly teased, making you smile a little.

“not really, no…i’ve always been like this, i guess…” lie. growing up you were talkative and you remembered your mother always telling you to shut up because you talked too much - what would she say if she could see you now?

“i get it…i was really shy growing up, then i started getting more used to the job, working with live crowds for all these years made me change the conception i had about myself…and i worked a lot on me, that helped me” he said, talking about himself but like he was giving you an advice.

you had to work more on yourself and you knew it, you just didn’t know if you were ready yet.

“yeah…big crowds helped me a bit but i still have to get used to it” you smiled.

“about that…everything okay today?” he didn’t want to overstep but he was worried about you. he couldn’t understand what finn did to make you run away like that.

“oh with finn?” he nodded “yes, he just said some things he shouldn’t have said…nothing major”

“got it” he smiled, realising you didn’t want to talk about it.

the rest of the car ride was spent with him just talking about his family. you were curious about it because he always talked about them so nicely that you actually wanted to know how he felt having his family and friends proud of him “and what about your family y/n? i’ve never seen them at the shows…”

he may have overstepped because you didn’t answer. he knew something because people talked but he didn’t know the full story and the one person who knew the truth was you.

“nothing much to say…they have other hobbies” you tried to avoid the argument as much as possible and you were happy dropped the conversation right there.

once at the hotel you thanked him about the car ride and told him that you were tired enough that you would have fallen asleep in the lobby any minute.

“yeah, i’m pretty tired too” he smiled at you “listen, in case you need more car rides or just someone to talk to, here’s my number, goodnight kid” and with that he left.

he gave you a piece of paper with his number on, kinda old fashioned but you liked it.

once you got to your room, you tiredly took a second shower and change into your pjs. you were so tired that you haven’t even eaten yet but at the moment you couldn’t care less.

before you could drift off, you received a text from rhea.

from rhea🖤

hey girl! sorry we took so long, we just finished with interviews, are you still in the arena? do you need a ride to the hotel?

from you

hey rhea! don’t worry about it! i can’t wait to see all of your interviews! i’m already back at the hotel and ready to sleep lol, but thank you so much for the offer!

you kinda didn’t mention how you got back to the hotel because you knew that if you did, rhea and damian would kept asking you questions that you didn’t want to answer. so you simply told her that you were about to sleep and that you would see her tomorrow.

but before falling asleep, you memorised drew number and decided to text him a “thank you for the ride, have a good night!” and then you drifted off.

drew would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy receiving your text. he was up all night staring at the ceiling and thinking of you. he’s been feeling some sort of attractions towards you but he thought that it was just a game his mind was playing to him. but sitting next to you and driving with you made him realise that maybe his attraction was actually a crush. he wished he could get to know you better but he knew and he saw - from the brief conversation you had in the car - that you wouldn’t open up to him, that he had to gain your trust and he was willing to do that.

morning came and you and rhea were already hitting the hotel gym as you waited for damian to join you.

“so…” rhea started talking “everything okay with the uber last night? did they get you here safely?” rhea knew about all the horrendous stories she read about uber drivers being maniacs so she tried to avoid them as much as possible, and so did you.

“oh…” you thought for a second “no i actually didn’t call an uber last night…uhm, drew drove me back here”

rhea was a little shocked for a moment but before she could say anything, damian both greeted you “what are we talking about here girls?” he gently smiled at you.

“drew as in drew mcintyre?” she asked and you nodded.

“what happened?” damian’s tone was more serious.

“nothing, drew just drove me back to the hotel last night and rhea is shocked about that” you wanted to avoid that conversation as much as possible but their looks made you realise that you would have to explain everything that happened last night.

“why him?” damian asked.

“because you were taking too long and drew saw me calling an uber so he offered? plus we are staying in the same hotel so i don’t see the problem”

“yeah but him?” it’s not rhea didn’t like him, they were friends. she didn’t like the idea of you and him alone together.

“yes rhea, him. he just drove me back, nothing else happened” you sounded irritated and damian noticed it.

“okay well, what matters is that you are here and everything went fine, right?” damian asked, hinting at rhea to drop the topic. she simply nodded and went back to her training.

you were just doing your exercises when a notification pop up into your home screen.

it was a text from drew.

hey kid, no problem at all! i told you, if you need car rides or anything else, just give me a call ;)

“what is making you smile like that?” rhea asked with a hint of curiosity.

“oh nothing, i just received a text…”

“from who?” damian teased you.

“no one you should worry about” you teased back.

“ouch…” rhea pretended to be offended “you’re keeping secrets now?”

“gosh, no! it was nothing important anyway” you quickly replied, tried to focus on your exercises. rhea and damian shared a look without you noticing it, they were determined to find the mysterious person behind your morning smile,

i will keep it mind lol! are you still in bed? i’m working out with damian and rhea and i’m already tired :(

you quickly answered back. in that moment you realised that maybe he didn’t wanna talk to you and you were just being a bother. what if he didn’t want you to text him? what if you were being a bother? what if, what if, what if were already overworking in your mind but before you could think of something worse, drew texted you back.

still in bed but i will hit the gym in a few minutes, i really don’t feel like it after last night but i have to…guess if i won’t be too late i’ll see there ;)

yup, you were smiling like a teen in love and you really couldn’t understand why. it’s not that you had a crush on him, right?

“is it drew?” damian asked.

“what?”

“you have this happy smile since this morning and seeing that last night you and drew were car buddies…something might have happened…” he explained to you.

you were quiet for a minute. nothing really happened between you and drew but you couldn’t deny that you enjoyed his company, even if you didn’t have much of a conversation. he was kind and you couldn’t lie, he was hot, maybe too hot for you but aside from that, nothing happened.

before you could say yes or no, drew entered the gym with his teasing smile on his face.

“morning guys” he said smiling at damian and rhea “morning kid” he said smiling a little longer than to you.

rhea was beyond in disbelief “what was that?” she asked drew.

oh no, you thought. she was ready to cause chaos even outside of the company.

“what?” drew asked.

“that little stare at y/n, what was that?” she asked, a little more irritated.

“nothing to worry about, i just said good morning” he wanted to be petty but you knew rhea was a master in that.

“sure…don’t fuck with me drew” she started to get more defensive over you.

“okay can all we please calm down…” you said making them all turn their heads back to you “nothing is happening, can we please just go back to training please?” rhea was hesitant for a moment “please?” but she knew she couldn’t say no to you when you had those puppy eyes.

she didn’t wanna make you uncomfortable but she didn’t like this whole situation between you and drew.

“fine” she turned around and went back exercising with damian.

is she always like that?

drew texted you, making it hard for you not to laugh out loud. you simply nodded at him and he winked at you, making you blush.

two hours later and you were a sweaty mess “i need a shower, maybe two” you joked with damian, agreeing with you.

“i think i’ll rest for a bit…” damian said and you nodded.

“yeah” rhea joined “me too…i’m too tired today, plus we have to be back on the road tomorrow…i wanna sleep in today, y/n?”

“i’ll take a shower and then i’ll decide, probably i will order something to eat…” you smiled.

truth was you didn’t wanna stay in. you had to energy to spend the day in bed so you were probably going to sneak out and visit some places. so when you all left, you were quick to shower and to dress up.

wanna have lunch together? take out sounds nice but i think you would like some company :)

you smiled when drew texted you.

sure, i’ll meet you in the lobby in 30 minutes if that’s ok with you?

you waited for his reply with a little anxiety, so when he told you that it was perfect for him, you started your makeover and found something nice to wear.

you couldn’t lie, your heart was beating fast and faster the moment you approached the lobby.

“here we go” you whispered softly, mostly to yourself.

when you saw him, you couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was. he was a really hot man, you saw him fight almost naked every single week so you were used to it but seeing him all suit up, clean and fresh, did something to you.

“hey kid” he greeted you “you look good” he genuinely smiled at you.

you weren’t used to compliments su you didn’t really know what to say, apart from thank you.

“you don’t look bad either” you teased making him chuckle.

you were kinda surprised when he opened the car door for you. no one ever did anything nice like that - not that you ever dated anyone but being treated nice like this in general made your heart skip a beat.

the restaurant he chose was nice. not too fancy but it was cozy and nice “i hope you like it” he smiled at you.

“it’s really nice drew, thank you” growing up you became shy and more introvert so you didn’t really know how to make long lasting conversations but seeing drew being so happily awkward and shy made you happy.

the first few minutes were pretty awkward, you reading the menu and drew doing the same, deciding what to eat and taking your sweet time with it. you both opted for some fresh pasta and some chicken salad, both wanting to keep it healthy but still enjoying your lunch out.

“how are you y/n?” he gently asked.

“oh, i’m good thank you…what about you? still thinking about your victory at summerslam?” you smiled.

“of course, i will think about that moment for a while now” he chuckled “what about your summerslam?”

“mine was…something” you tried not to make it too awkward but it was like a fresh wound to you, you were still hurting about the betrayal and it will hurt for a while.

“yeah, i can imagine that…do you wanna talk about it?” he asked, fearing he overstepped.

“i…well, i wasn’t really expecting the group to break up like that, i knew there was tension but not that much…you know, they are, were like a family to me” you breathed out “and now damian and rhea are all i have, i can’t let them down you know?” you feared you may have talked too much but with drew’s kindness it came natural to you.

“i’ve been there, betrayals will stay impress in your mind but it will get better eventually…” he smiled at you and you felt more comfortable talking with him.

while eating, he talked about the most stupid things he liked but that made you happy, hearing something new from someone new.

“y/n…” he called, his serious tone more pronounced “can i ask you something? it’s a little personal and you can say no if i make you uncomfortable but i’m just curious…” he asked and you nodded “i’ve heard things…mostly rumors about you…everyone claim to know you but i feel like they don’t even know what they’re talking about” he said and you let him continue “they’ve been talking about you are basically…alone, that you don’t enjoy the other women company, they’ve been talking about how and your family don’t have any connection, how they think it’s your fault…basically a lot of stuff that i’m pretty sure it’s not real…that’s why i wanted to hear it from you, you are the only one who knows the truth…”

you weren’t going to lie but it kinda made you feel bad what your colleagues thought of you.

“i mean…they are not that wrong, i’m not good at making friends, i tried, since i joined wwe but it felt like i wasn’t really welcomed so i decided to stay by myself, at least until i met rhea and damian…and they are quite right about me not being in contact with my family but they don’t know the full story…and if you don’t mind i would like to keep it private for now” it was hard for you talking about your family.

“yes of course, i don’t wanna make you uncomfortable at all, but i thank you for opening up to me, i really appreciate it” he genuinely smiled and you felt like you could probably trust him.

so you ended up lunch with two pieces of cake and fought for who was going to pay. like the gentleman he is, of course, he offered to pay.

“thank you for this amazing lunch drew, i really enjoyed it…it was nice having someone to talk to” you truthfully said once you both got out of his car and he smiled at your genuine words.

“anytime kid” there was a moment after he spoke where you were both silent, not knowing what to do or what to say.

“uhm… i think i’m going to rest for a bit now” you awkwardly signed to the hotel entrance, trying to make him understand that you were about to leave but that you didn’t want to leave him standing right there in front of the glass doors.

“oh yeah, i think i’m going to rest too, so, uhm, thanks for coming with me” he said making you chucked while he got closer to you “i’ll see you on the road” he slowly lowered his head and gave you a gentle kiss on the cheek “take care” he smiled before going back to his room.

now, you were the one who was left standing there in front of the doors.

with your happy face and bright smile, you came back to your bedroom, unbeknownst to you, rhea saw everything from the her hotel room as the window was facing down the entrance.

“oh i’m gonna kick his ass” she said before leaving her room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

definitely be making part 4, i was just going to wait raw next monday to see if something happens with tjd! if you have any ideas or recommendations let me know in the comments!

[aaronhotchswife]

Behind the scenes

Drew Starkey X Female Reader

You and Drew catches feeling while filming a love scene

Warnings : mentions of sex

"I would get it if you say it makes you uncomfortable to do a sex scene with me," Drew said, looking at the ceiling.

I had invited the cast for a movie night. Everyone was mostly gone, leaving Drew in my living room, laying down on my sofa. I was sitting on the floor next to him, fidgeting with the glass in my hand.

"Not uncomfortable, just stressed," I answered, letting my head fall down to the sofa behind me. "I've never filmed a scene like that before, completely topless I mean, and plus, I don't really have a choice, Rafe and Charlotte are finally going to have sex," I laughed.

"True. After 2 seasons of hating me, you finally fell for my charm," he said dramatically.

"That must be it Starkey," I chuckled, rolling my eyes in the air.

**

As I got out of the shower, getting ready for bed, I hear my phone ding. I check it, seeing a text from Drew.

You ready for tomorrow ?

A bit nervous

You'll do good ;)

I smile to myself, putting my phone on my nightstand. I'll do good.

**

"Alright ! 3-2-1, action !" the director yelled.

Drew is walking towards me, in Rafe's character.

"You don't get it Charlotte," Rafe says, walking towards Charlotte.

"No ! I don't Rafe. I don't get it. I don't get why you can't let me flirt with other guys when you're the one who says that he was not interested in me."

Drew in his front of me, his hands grabbing my face.

"Fuck, I love you so much Char," Drew says, his hands grabbing my face, kissing her. "I'm sorry that I've acted like that, but I just wanted you for myself."

He led me on the bed, hoovering over me. His hands caress my body, lifting my shirt. He looks at me before taking my shirt off and unclipping my bra, his lips all over my mouth and my neck. His lips make their way to my breast, kissing them. I try to control myself, putting myself in character, trying not thinking that Drew's mouth is kissing my breast. I moan, as my character is supposed to do. I'm doing good. His mouth makes its way down my belly, his fingers working my jeans. He takes my jeans off and I can feel the camera being back to our faces. I kiss him, letting him the chance to place himself as he supposed to. To place himself as if he was going to have sex with me. He's kissing me everywhere in my face and in my neck, his finger making its way to my mouth, wanting me to suck it. I feel Drew moving his body to create an impression of us having sex. I can feel him against my core, his breath getting heavier. I moan, he moans. He looks at me and at that moment, I can see Drew's looking at me and not Rafe. It's Drew looking at me, with something different in his eyes.

"Fuck, Y/N..."

He says, before the director yells cut.

**

I finish the scene, a sick feeling in my stomach. Drew left the set quickly, nothing saying goodbye to anybody.

"Drew !" I yell, seeing him leaves his dressroom. "Drew!"

"What? I don't wanna talk," he says.

"What ? What's going on ?"

"You know what's going on."

"The fact that you moaned my name ? C'mon Drew, it's okay. It could happen to anyone."

He looks at me, his face breaking before leaving. I don't know what to do, but I know that he will come to his senses by himself.

A couple of days later

"...Hi ! My name is Y/N, and we're the cast of Outer Banks, answering fans questions !"

"So," Chase said, "the first question is: what is your favourite scene from season 3 ?"

"Mine would be when the Pogues finally found the gold !" Madelyn answered.

"True! Especially when you see them a couple of months later, where they all have what they wanted," I answered, getting a few approbations look from my castmates.

"Mine is definitely when Charlotte and Rafe had sex," JD said laughing. I can see Drew hitting him gently on the arm, making funny eyes.

"Omg true! After 2 seasons, it was time guys!" Madison laughed, looking at me and Drew.

I blush, feeling Drew's eyes on me.

"It is a great scene," Drew responded, his eyes still on me.

"Next question !" Lacia spoke, feeling something weird between me and Drew. "The most embarrassing moment you had on set."

Drew looks at me and I give him a shy smile, the question making us both very uncomfortable.

"I think mine would be when I had to run from the police for a scene and that I tripped, in front of everyone," I say.

"Yeah, that was funny. I mean, not really for you, because you had all your knees and elbows scratched," Drew said, smiling softly at me.

Because the interview finished a bit earlier, it was a great occasion of having coffee with the girls.

"Do you see how Drew looked at you ? He was blushing everytime you looked at him !" Madelyn asked me.

"What ?"

"So true! He couldn't keep his eyes off you during the interview! My guy was mesmerized," Lacia added.

"Now that he kissed you he can't stop thinking about you. I mean, I would be the same if I were him," added Madison.

"You're sweet," I say. "But, I don't think. I mean, sometimes I feel like it could be it and I would love I think but I don't know, I don't want to imagine things and get disappointed."

"Well, in my point of view you should definitely check his version because that man is hooked on you," Madelyn added.

**

I'm at Lacia's, a movie night going on. Since the movie is over, everybody's talking in different corners of the apartment, while I'm outside, taking some air, a drink in my hand.

"Can I sit with you ?" A voice asks

I look over, seeing Drew closing the patio door.

"Of course," I add, smiling to him.

"Having a good night?"

"Yeah, it's okay."

"Listen, I wanted to apologize for the way I acted these couple of weeks. I shouldn't pin it on you the fact that I got kinda excited during our sex scene...I'm sorry but I just cannot manage to make it through the day without thinking of you lately."

I look over him, my eyebrows scrunched together, as I'm trying to process the fact that Drew just admitted his feelings to me.

"It's true, Y/N," he says, his eyes leaving my gaze. I reach for his hand, this move forcing him to look at me.

"I feel the same," I answer before reaching his face to kiss him.

[teamchasezwrites]

Secret Santa

Word Count: 9,228

Characters: Damian Priest/OC (Minor appearances from Rhea, Finn, JD, and Dom)

Genre: Romance

Tags: Fluffy, Pre-relationship, Crushes

Summary: What are the odds of getting each other? Author's Note: I liked how this one started, then it hit a wall. I had all sorts of trouble with it. I shoved it aside for a bit (hence the post-Christmas Christmas fic) and pushed myself to finish it. I still don't like it, but we are our own worst critic. There is no set timeline. I have The Judgement Day still together, but used Rhea's sweater Iyo got her this year. Random cities that Raw was just at but the dates wouldn't match.

“Let’s do a Secret Santa!”

Her groan was lost in the midst of others around the table at Rhea’s words.

“Come on!” The Australian argued staring across the table to three of her friends. “What’s wrong with Secret Santa?” She asked glancing to her right, catching her other friends.

“Besides it being a dumb American office gag?” Finn’s Irish accent blanketed the table. He sat pushed up against the wall in the diner booth they were crammed in.

She blushed as she felt five pairs of eyes turn in her direction. She was technically the only American at the table. Sort of. Damian and Dom were both born in the United States but they were of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent respectively. Finn and JD both hailed from Ireland and Rhea Australia. “Stop staring at me,” she squirmed in her seat, tucked tight between Rhea to her left and Damian on her right.

She tried to slide into the booth first. Her smaller frame worked better against the wall. It was her usual spot when she joined The Judgement Day faction for breakfast before their respective flights home. Opposite of her was usually Finn or JD, both on the smaller side as well. Damian always sat on the end so he could stretch out his long legs. Everyone else just filled in the empty spots.

When she tried to file into the booth first like normally, Rhea darted in first with a smile. Not wanting to make a big deal out of seating arrangements, she just slid in next to her friend. Then Damian slid next to her.

Nerves had danced in her belly making it hard for her to eat. His thigh constantly pressed and moved against hers. The smell of coffee, maple syrup, and sausage faded into the background for the musky scent of Damian’s cologne. She found herself wanting to press her nose right in that space where his neck met shoulder and breathe in. Then she wanted to lick a strip up his neck chasing the scent.

Her face was bright red and she eyes caught Rhea’s knowing grin and wink.

She was never drinking with the girl again. It was only a few weeks ago in Michigan where after a double taping of Raw, Rhea invited her to check out a local bar. The party carried over back in her room with a newly purchased bottle of Jameson from said bar. She still wasn’t sure how she made it back home the Tuesday after. Had no recollection of even getting to the airport much less the flight home.

Jameson loosened her tongue that night. Spilling her crush on Rhea’s teammate. Rhea hadn’t let her live it down since. Sending her photos and GIFs she found on the Internet. Sending her hidden smiles and exaggerated winks when the man was near. Last night she practically hid from her friend, which wasn’t easy to do since she had to interview them during a backstage promo.

She wouldn’t put it passed her friend to have more room but was purposefully making the bench seat smaller so she was practically glued to Damian’s side. Between his hard thigh and equally hard bicep nudging her throughout the meal plus his cologne enveloping her and his deep voice vibrating in her ear she was practically a puddle of goo in the seat. She hoped when they did eventually slide out of the booth, she didn’t leave behind any evidence of her arousal. Her panties were practically soaked and she constantly rubbed her thighs together in hope to alleviate the pressure

She could barely choke down the bagel and cream cheese she ordered. The huge platter of sausage gravy and a side of home fries she’d been drooling over as they entered the diner got scrubbed when Damian set next to her. Hunger for food turned in to hunger for something else.

Rhea was going to pay.

She just wasn’t sure how.

If the Australian spilled any secrets that night, she didn’t remember.

“So back to Secret Santa,” Rhea moved the attention from her friend. She winked and looked across the table. “I know it’s a dumb American event, but it still would be fun.”

“Sure. If you call adding a huge dose of anxiety picking out another gift for someone fun,” Dom spoke before stuffing a bite of pancake in his mouth.

“Oh come on,” Rhea rolled her eyes at the youngest member of the wrestling faction. She was only six months older than Dom, but sometimes it felt like years. She could only imagine what Damian – the oldest – felt at times. “It won’t be that bad.”

“It’s just a mindless gift exchange,” JD added his opinion, reaching for the half empty glass of orange juice.

“Mindless?” Rhea repeated rolling her eyes. “I’m not asking to do gift exchanges with random people. Just between us.” She stared at the men across from her. “You’re telling me you can’t think of one gift for someone at this table?”

“Sure but she wouldn’t fit in a bag,” JD grinned. It faltered into a curse and the table shook as a leg kicked out swiftly connecting with the Irishman. “The fuck…” he complained as he reached down to rub his shin.

“I just find the whole thing dumb,” Finn said, ignoring his protégé next to him. “Go through this whole charade of picking out a gift, pretending to care about someone’s interest, and acting happy when you get some shitty gift in return.

“You guys fucking suck,” Rhea sat back on the bench. “It’s a gift exchange between us, dumbasses. Friends.” She was already partaking in a Secret Santa with the girls on Raw. She had drawn Natalya. Her gift was already done; couldn’t wait to give it to the woman who worked so hard with all the women in the division. She was also excited to receive her own gift from her unknown gifter.

Her plan was falling apart all because she was surrounded by men who didn’t think about the magic of Christmas. Or care about love; helping friends realize their feelings for one another.

“Fine I’m in.”

Her eyes widened almost comically at Damian’s voice. She’d been okay to just sit back and listen to the argument continue on around her. Guess how long it would take before someone gave in or Rhea gave up. She assumed Rhea would give up. That showed her to bet against her friend.

Rhea grinned wildly hearing Damian’s voice. She tapped her feet quickly in excitement. “Yes!”

“He’s just doing it so not to piss you off,” JD said.

“And you’d be wise to follow suit,” Rhea leaned forward, folding her arms on the table and stared at JD. When he dropped her gaze she turned to look across the table at Finn. If Finn gave in, the rest would drop like flies since Damian already agreed. She picked up on little things like that in their dynamic. Damian was a leader and could sway the opinions of the rest. Finn too. If both Finn and Damian agreed – Dom and JD fell in line.

She caught Finn’s gaze and she pleaded with him silently across the table. She could tell he was being stubborn. Her eyes slanted to the right where their favorite Raw interviewer sat. She wasn’t sure how to get her point across and she titled her head slightly in the same direction.

Finn scoffed and shook his head. “Fine.” He wasn’t sure what Rhea was up to, but he knew it was something.

Rhea grinned as groans then rose up from the table. As predicted; Dom and JD caved. “Great. Now for the rules.”

“Rules?” Dom groaned. “Come on.”

“It’s nothing bad,” Rhea rolled her eyes. “We’ll draw names. No trading. We’ll exchange gifts next week before the show.”

“A week!” JD shouted. “You’re only giving us a week to do this?”

“Less than,” Dom supplied. “We’re all traveling today and we’ll be traveling Friday for Saturday Night Main Event then traveling to Raw.”

Groans came from the table this time and she watched everyone with rapt attention wondering how Rhea was going to work the new conundrum. It was a busy week with a show on Saturday. She would be home for roughly three days all together with a day being split in half on both ends. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday coming up, those days would be extremely busy with shopping, wrapping, and baking.

“Well it’s not ideal,” Rhea started. The girls drew names two weeks ago. Plenty of time in between traveling to think of ideas and pull the trigger. Ultimately none of the gifts mattered in this little exchange, except for two.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Finn muttered. He wanted to grab his phone and text the female wrestler asking her ‘What the fuck?’ No way would it be inauspicious to the rest of the table mates. It would be obviously the two were talking to each other.

“It will be fine,” Rhea spoke up, stopping the chatter. “Again. We know each other. I’m not asking for everyone to put a lot of thought in it.” The words left her mouth and she grimaced. She needed Damian to put thought in it. A lot.

“Let’s just do it before any more problems crop up.”

“Here,” she pushed the small plate holding the crumbs from her bagel revealing the paper placemat. She flipped it over to the backside and reached across the table where the pen Dom had been using to play Tic Tac Toe with JD laid amongst the dirty dishes.

She wrote their names in her loopy handwriting consisting of half print and half cursive. Rhea first, then Finn, JD, Dom, and finally Damian. Her hand twitched to dot the ‘i’ in his name with a heart like she did for a crush in middle school. She forced herself to sit the pen on the table and set about folding the placemat over and creasing it just after the names. She then placed the crease along the edge of the table to tear the section cleanly.

“Wait a minute,” Rhea grabbed the paper from her hands and scrolled the names. “You’re not in the list.”

“What?” She turned her head to look at Rhea in confusion. “Why would I be on the list? It’s you guys’ Secret Santa – The Judgement Day.”

“Like you’re not one of us,” Rhea grabbed the pen from the table and scribbled her name beneath Damian’s.

“Wait wait wait wait!” She repeated quickly as Rhea ripped the paper separating the names. “I’m not Judgement Day. Give me my name back.”

“Maybe you should have protested a little more,” Dom smirked.

“Come on Rhea,” she complained to her friend. The argument she laughed through earlier wasn’t quite as funny now.

“Too late,” Rhea grinned as she folded the stripes of paper a couple times. A quick glance around the table, showed none of the men wore hats. Pursing her lips she looked at the table before she grabbed the coffee cup in front of her. She finished the remaining liquid – cool from sitting too long. With a quick wipe of her napkin, the mug was dry.

She dropped four of the papers in the cup, while hiding two in the palm of her hand. Lifting the cup, she held it out to the man across from her.

Finn stared at Rhea wondering what her angle was. He definitely was texting her as soon as they were separated. With a sigh of resignation, he lifted his arm and reached into the cup. His finger twisted around the folded papers and frowned. Something seemed off.

When Finn finally pulled out his pick, Rhea moved to JD and then Dom. After the three men across from her had their choices she brought the cup back to her. She sat it on the table and reached in. As she picked up the remaining choice, she dropped the two she had palmed into the cup.

Her eyes met Finn’s across the table and saw his raised eye brow. Apparently her slight of hand wasn’t so slight.

She sighed and reached into the cup when Rhea presented it to her. Then sat back as Damian reached across her to take the remaining piece of paper.

Palming the slip to hide it from prying eyes, she worked it open with her thumb to reveal the name.

Damian.

She wanted to giggle like a school girl. Her face warmed with a blush and she closed her hand around the paper hiding the name.

“So what’s the limit?” Finn asked, a smirk on his face seeing the name on the paper. Ideas already filtering in. ‘Maybe this wasn’t a bad idea,’ he thought.

Reyes shrugged. “No limit.”

“No limit!” Dom’s eyes widened.

Rhea rolled hers. “I’m not saying be extravagant… unless you have my name,” she grinned, her tongue peeking through her lips, caught between her teeth. “Just pick a thoughtful gift with the person in mind.”

There was ribbing between the friends for another ten minutes or so before the bill was taken care of.

“Does this count?” Damian asked as he signed the receipt paying for the whole table.

“No!”

“Wish I would have thought of that.”

“You wouldn’t have been able to figure out the tip,” JD grinned as he slid from the booth after Dom moved.

“Fuck off.”

The group split up after reaching the hotel. Each had varying flight schedules out of Boston. Dom heading home to California. Finn, JD, and Rhea to Florida. Damian to New York City and her to Philadelphia.

Her flight didn’t leave until early afternoon. The flight itself wasn’t very long – only a couple hours. If it wasn’t a time crunch with the holidays, she might have gotten a rental and made the lackadaisical six hour drive. It was a little on the longer side of drives, but she liked driving to some of the closer dates – Baltimore, DC, New York, Hershey. She loved nothing more than jumping in her car, passenger seat full of snacks (when she couldn’t get a travel buddy), favorite music and stations geared up, and the open road… after she got out of city traffic.

She was able to do just that right before Halloween with Raw being in Hershey. Only a short two hour drive. Rhea had flown in to be her passenger princess. They hadn’t stopped laughing the entire ride.

Back in her hotel room, she slipped the piece of paper from her pocket. Damian’s name stared back at her. Just the sight of his name caused her belly to somersault.

The crush she harbored on Damian started with a wink and a smile after she interviewed Judgement Day backstage for an episode of Raw. Wasn’t even the first time she interviewed the faction. Something about that interview drew her in and for the first time she noticed things about him she never did before.

His height and how his nearly six foot five frame towered over her. She found herself imagining how her head would be tucked beneath his chin.

His hands with his long fingers, usually dressed in silver and black rings. The veiny webs running down from his wrist over the backsides. Calloused palms that promised to feel delicious running over her skin drawing soft moans and whimpers.

His voice, low and rough, tinged with a Spanish lilt that did something to her insides when he’d switch to Spanish during an interview. Many nights she’d lay in bed imagining that low voice whispering desires directly in her ear.

His smile and its crookedness with the right side tilting up slightly more. She found herself zoning out while she was conducting an interview with him; her eyes fixed on his mouth, the way his lips moved. How his tongue would peak out to wet his lips, the movement so quick and tantalizing. She wondered how those lips would feel against her body.

His eyes – those dark chocolate orbs she would get lost in searching their depths. Black eyeliner making them pop more. The tiny crinkles at the corners would appear when he smiled and laughed. She wondered what they’d look like in the throes of passion. If they’d become darker when filled desire when her hands reached for his belt. How they’d fall close when her lips wrapped around him.

She released a shaky sigh as she opened her eyes, brushing the image she’d drawn up of Damian in her head aside. His name stared up at her from the slip on her hand. Her own loopy handwriting.

What was she going to get him?

Once again she cursed Rhea for dragging her into the office game. Now she was going to spend the next six days overthinking and over analyzing a gift for Damian that was both thoughtful and fun, something he would like, and something to hint that she liked him a little bit more than her other male colleagues.

Gift ideas were still going through her mind as she boarded her flight a couple hours later. One would pop up in her heard only to be ceremoniously scratched off almost immediately. As she was mindlessly searching Google a notification from Rhea dropped down on her phone.

‘Attachment one image’

Opening the message, the photo downloaded quickly. There was Rhea seated on a plane in her signature selfie pose. Hand held up in front of her. Pointer finger and pinkie up in the air. Her tongue sticking out caught between her teeth showing off the piercing. Her left eye closed in a wink.

Her eyes were drawn to the person next to her.

Damian.

Black ball cap on his head with a black hoodie pulled up over it. Shades covered his eyes. His pearly white teeth drawn in a grin framed by black scruff. His arm raised in the same pose as Rhea. The sleeve of his hoodie pushed up revealing the swirls of black ink on his forearm. A silver chain bracelet on his wrist.

Want coursed through her. Jealously too. Even spending the morning with them, she wished she had the same flight. She would have opted for a connecting flight in New York over a direct flight to Philly if she could have set next to Rhea and Damian.

‘I see how it is,’ she texted, responding to the photo. ‘You could have been my seat mate and caught a connecting flight in Philly. Some friend you are.’

She tapped the camera button and lifted her phone out in front of her. Reaching up, she fixed the strands pulled down from her high messy bun around her face. Her face, free of make up, her green eyes sparkled behind the black browline glasses. She made a peace sign with her right hand, palm facing inward, titling her fingers slightly. Smiling, she took the selfie.

“I’ll take a picture with you.”

She looked over and noticed a man had sat down next to her. A year ago she would have dated a man just like him. Blue eyes. Blonde hair cut in a fade. A forgotten two day beard on his checks. Faded jeans on a narrow waist. A faded rock band t-shirt clinging to his chest, laying on flat abs.

The man shrugged. “I saw the photo you were sent of the couple. Figured you could send one back.”

She thought about it for a moment before she answered with a shrug of her own. “Sure. Why not…”

She leaned toward him, holding the phone out further to capture the both of them. She held up the peace sign again and laughed as he mirrored her pose. Tapping the button, the photo was captured and sent.

Once the swish sounded signaling the photo was sent, she turned her phone to airplane mode and situated herself in the window seat. It wasn’t that much longer before the plane taxied from the terminal and took off.

If felt like no time passed and the plane was touching down in Philadelphia. She was able to make a ‘to do’ list of what still needed to be done for the holidays carving time out with her planner. Top ‘to do’ was buying a new planner for the New Year. She was old school preferring to have a physical calendar she could hold versus relying on the calendar on her phone. It was probably a hold over from her note taking abilities back in high school and college. Back when she used different colored gel pens.

She also read a few chapters in the latest dime store romance novel. A guilty pleasure she held. One she’d be completely mortified about if anyone found out. More so than Rhea knowing she crushed on Damian.

The book failed to hold her attention and spent most of the flight trying to figure out what to get Damian. When the plane landed, she was no closer than she was at the hotel.

Outside the airport she hailed a cab and slid in the backseat with her soft sided suitcase next to her and her shoulder bag on her lap. She gave her address to the driver and settled back in the seat. Unzipping the main compartment, she pulled her phone out.

Her phone buzzed with notifications after she took it off airplane mode. She answered a text from her mother asking if she made it back safely and if they were still on for dinner. Thirty three years old and her mom still checked in after every flight.

Confirming she was both back home safe and dinner was still a go, she opened up a message from Rhea.

‘Who’s the stud?’

‘Damian was real quiet the rest of the flight. I think he was a little jealous.’

‘Is that your plan? Make him jealous?’

Her eyes widened and she scrolled back in Rhea’s messages. The photo wasn’t there. Backing out she saw a group chat with just her, Rhea, and Damian. Bold indicating a new unread message. She groaned and closed her eyes. She hadn’t realized the photo Rhea sent wasn’t on their own thread. She was an idiot.

She tapped into the text thread with Rhea and Damian.

‘He’s cute!’ was the only message in the thread after her photo. Beneath the blue box told her both Rhea and Damian had seen the message. She signed, her shoulders slumping. Taping the box, she quickly typed out a message.

‘Eh not my type.’

‘Plus he lost points for standing up as soon as the seatbelt sign clicked off. He also didn’t help me get my carry on down from the overhead compartment.’

Before moving out of the group chat, she sent the selfie she’d taken earlier.  Then she sent a text to just Rhea.

‘What?! No! I’m not trying to make him jealous. If I had realized he was included in the message, I wouldn’t have sent it.’

Rhea didn’t immediately answer so she assumed she was still in flight. Looking out the window, she saw the cab reached her downtown apartment. Tucking her phone back in her cross body bag, she pulled out enough cash plus a tip for the driver.

Her phone chimed with a text as she closed her apartment door. She kicked her shoes off at the door and wheeled her suitcase into the bedroom. Sitting it down on the bed, she took her bag off her body and dug back through it for her phone.

The notification caused her to gasp softly.

‘Damian liked an image’

She stared at the notification longer than she liked to admit. Opening her messages she stared at the selfie sent about five minutes ago. In the top right hand corner of the photo was a pink heart in the middle of a blue circle.

Never had she analyzed a heart more.

*~*

Backstage for Monday Night Raw was hopping. Since it was a double taping to give everyone more time off for the holidays, everyone was at the arena earlier. The company went all out for catering, offering an actual Christmas meal to the talent and crew, along with the other finger foods and snacks. She’d never seen so much food.

Not that she could eat it.

Her stomach was a twisted ball of nerves.

As it had been for a week ever since Rhea roped them all in to doing a Secret Santa.

Her mom thought it was fun thing to do when they spoke about it during dinner.

She wished she felt the same.

Why couldn’t she have drawn Rhea’s name? Even Dom would have been easy but no. She had to draw Damian.

Fuck.

The thought of handing her gift to him in front of others made her want to throw up. Probably why she was hiding in the women’s locker room. It wasn’t much of a hiding place considering Rhea could walk right in. Right now most were gathered in catering. Eating dinner. Exchanging gifts. Taking photos. Making Tik Toks. Just being festive and fun.

She should just sneak into The Judgement Day’s locker room and leave the gift while everyone was otherwise occupied. Then she wouldn’t have to be there when he opened it. Whoever had her name could track her down.

“I heard you were hiding in here”

She looked up at the voice and watched as Rhea walked in the locker room. Her black hair was down; the layers framing her face. She was jealous of the fact the woman could pull of bangs. She tried them once her junior year of high school. She was pretty certain she confiscated all the photographic evidence from that debacle. Her mother probably had one hidden ready to show the next boy she brought home.

Rhea’s sweater caused her to laugh. “Nice.”

“You like it?” Rhea grabbed the hem with both hands and pulled it out and away from her body. The fabric stretched taunt, allowing the words to be read.

“Merry Fuckin’ Whatever,” she read with a laugh and shook her head. The sweater was a traditional ugly sweater. The words – each one their own line- were white in a font made to look like it was dripping. Below the words a line of red diamonds. Then below that an alternating line of skulls and Christmas trees in white. Then red and white zigzag. Then a row of white snowflakes. Then red crossed swords. The same repeated up toward the top. “That is so you.”

“I know!” Rhea laughed letting the sweater go. “Iyo got it for me. She was my Secret Santa.”

That was the last thing she wanted to talk about. Her stomach churned. Tilting her wrist, she looked at her watch checking the time. There was still too much time before the show began. Not a lot but still too much.

“Did you eat yet?”

She shook her head. “I’ll grab something later. It’s just too busy right now.”

“Come on,” Rhea nudged her with her shoulder after taking a seat next to her on the bench. “Besides, there’s a TikTok we need to do. Fans keep tagging me in it wanting me to do it with you.”

She laughed. “We’ll have to do it before we start taping for next week. The dress I’m wearing doesn’t allow for a lot of wiggle room.” She lifted her head in a nod to the red satin dress hanging in the locker behind her. It was a form fitting with a sweetheart neckline and a lace-up back. The short hem dipped to mid thigh. She was still contemplating wearing a Santa hat.

Rhea smirked as she took in the red number. “Pretty sexy. Any particular reason?” She wiggled her eyebrows at her.

“No,” her face flamed red. “It’s red. For Christmas. It’s not different than what I’m wearing right now.”

The form fitting, black, long sleeve knee length dress didn’t compare to the red number. Maybe she subconsciously picked the red dress with Damian in mind. Maybe it was too much. She bit her lip. “Maybe I shouldn’t wear it…” She didn’t have another dress, but she did have black sleeveless pant suit in her bag. She could wear that instead. Paired with a Santa hat to make it more festive.

“Oh no no no no no,” Rhea said quickly. “You are definitely wearing that dress and I can’t wait to see Damian swallow his tongue when he sees you in it. He probably won’t be recovered from seeing you wearing this one.”

“What? It’s not even showing anything.”

“Exactly. Now,” Rhea stood up and held out her hand. “I believe we have gifts to exchange.”

She groaned, taking Rhea’s hand, allowing her to pull her to a standing position. “I can’t believe I let you rope me in to this.”

“It’s fun!”

“Sure. If you call agonizing for an entire week fun,” She said dryly. “Don’t forget the second guessing and over analyzing.”

Rhea laughed. “Where’s your gift?”

Resigned to her fate, she went to her suitcase. Unzipping the soft sided case, she shifted her personal items inside: her make up bag, the pantsuit, a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, and a pair of Vans. The latter items would be what she’d change in to after she was through taping her segments to go back to the hotel.

Beneath her clothing was a flat package, nearly as big as the luggage. Half an inch thick and wrapped in gold wrapping with big white snowflakes printed all over it. Wasn’t that the cause of more overthinking? Should she go with elegant wrapping paper? Traditional? Cartoon? Fun? Not to mention if she should add a ribbon and bow. Those she axed since the package would be stuffed in her luggage and the bow would no doubt be crushed in her travels.

“I’m intrigued,” Rhea grinned as she looked at the wrapped present. The plan was already in effect. The first part done. Now it was up to her. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be…”

She let Rhea lead her from the locker room. Holding the present like a shield in front of her body, they walked down the hallway passing various crew members and backstage staff. Voices grew louder as they grew closer to catering and her steps slowed. “We’re not doing this in front of catering are we?”

Rhea shook her head. “No,” she turned the corner to lead down another hallway. “We’re going to our locker room.”

“Afraid of Dom’s gift?”

Rhea laughed. “I know damn well his wife picked it out – whatever it is.”

She didn’t dispute the statement. It was probably true. If Dom picked her name, maybe it wasn’t so bad. Dom’s wife wouldn’t let him pick out something raunchy or funny for her or Rhea. Finn, Damian, and JD were probably a different story.

All too soon they arrived at The Judgement Day locker room. Their placard already in the middle of the door signaling the room belonged to the faction.

“Go on in, I’m gonna go grab them from catering.”

“What?” She stopped with her hand on the door, ready to push it open. She looked back at Rhea in confusion. “I thought I was the last one?”

Rhea shook her head. “I got you first. Figured you be the hardest one to wrangle,” she said with a teasing grin on her lips. “I was right.”

She made at face at her friend. “How do you know I won’t sneak away?”

Rhea grinned. “You won’t.”

She wanted to question Rhea’s words. They came off knowingly. However, Rhea was gone before she could open her mouth. She was tempted to walk away, but the present was still in her hand. Now was her opportunity. She could go in, put the present down, and quickly scamper away. Find a place to hide. ‘Maybe Seth will let me hide in his bus?’ She thought as she pushed the door open and froze.

Damian.

He stood in the middle of the room already changed in his wrestling gear though he wore a black t-shirt over the spandex top. A cartoon Jason Voorhees brandishing a knife in one hand, blood on his white mask and a Santa hat frolicking above bloody white lettering that read ‘It’s Christmas’. A Christmas hat sat on Damian’s head, his braided dreads hanging down from either side. His dark eyes popped from the black eyeliner already lining his eyes. She tried to remember where his match fell on the schedule, but she came up blank. His eyes held hers captive.

“Hey,” Damian spoke, unable to look away. He searched for her in the gaggle of people all night hanging around backstage, but he could never spot her. His mouth felt dry as he stared at her. The dress had no right to be as sexy as it was. The high neck and long sleeve look offered no peak of skin what so ever. The dress hugged every curve down to her mid thigh before giving way to long tan legs. On her feet were black open toe heels which brought her closer to his six foot five frame.

She felt her face heat as Damian openly checked her out. Her head ducked in embarrassment. “Rhea went to get the others.”

“They were all hanging out in catering. I’m not sure where the cookies came from, but I think between the four of us, we put away about ten each.”

“Maybe I should have just baked cookies,” she teased as she walked further into the room. She made her way around the couch. Various bags sat on the floor in random locations. A tiny Christmas tree sat on the coffee table in front of the black leather couch. Clear twinkling lights hung on the branches. The battery pack sitting on a small red tree skirt. One inch red and gold ornaments were strategically placed. A star sat on the very top, leaning slightly to the right. The object a little bit too heavy for the branch.

“I definitely wouldn’t complain.” Damian chuckled rubbing his belly. He had no will power when cookies were involved. Christmas shaped ones perfectly iced? Forget about it.

“I’ll remember that for next year.” She felt her face heat again at her words and their implications. Diverting her eyes, she laid her gift down on the table sliding it beneath the tree. A smaller rectangle package wrapped in red and white striped paper about as thick as hers. Like hers, it held no tag. No other gifts were under the tree. Probably still stuck in bags waiting to be dug out when the rest of the participants arrived.

Moments passed by in silence before Damian’s phone pinged with a message. She watched as he picked it up from the table. His thumb tapping in a passcode. Drawing her gaze away from his hand, her eyes lifted to his face where she watched as he frowned. Then two hands cradled the phone allowing both his thumbs to tap furiously on the screen.

“Bad news?” She asked hearing the sound of another incoming message. She could see the muscle tic in his jaw.

“Do you have your phone?” Damian’s eyes moved from his phone screen to stare at her. He blushed when she motioned to her dress. “Right,” he murmured. There was no place for a phone on her body.

“What’s going on?” She took a step closer to him, worried that something was going on. If there was an emergency happening. Her phone was tucked in her bag in the locker room.

“Apparently this was a set up…”

She frowned. “A set up? What do you… oh…” She was going to kill Rhea.

“We are the only ones exchanging gifts…” He glanced up from his phone after unleashing a few words to his best friend. “They aren’t coming.”

“I’m gonna have to ask Rhea how she was able to rig names being drawn out of a hat.” She reached down and picked up her gold wrapped package. Those nerves still danced in her belly and she wished they’d settle.

Damian chuckled lightly as he reached for his own gift. “Probably slight of hand trick. I wasn’t paying close attention.” He swept one hand to the side motioning toward the couch, indicating for her to take a seat.

“Were the others in on it?” She took a seat, running a hand on her backside to make sure her dress was tucked. She sat on the edge with her legs crossed and tucked a little behind her. Her body faced Damian, who sat next to her. His body angled toward her as well.

“Doubt it…” A smirk teased on Damian’s lips. “Dom’s not that good of an actor.” His fingers toyed with the edges of the present. Guilt washed over him leaving him unable to hand the gift over.

“Damian?” She asked softly, frowning as she watched the man keep his head down staring at the box in his hands. “If you’re nervous about your gift, don’t be. Well… I mean… it’s okay. I am too, but I’m sure I’ll like whatever you got me.”

“It’s not that. I am a little nervous,” he confessed. His eyes flickered toward hers and those nerves settled a little when he saw her soft, encouraging smile. “I have a confession to make.”

“Okay…” she said slowly in confusion.

“Rhea didn’t set this up. She did… but I asked her too.”

“What? Why?” She was even more confused at the confession. Why would Damian set up a Secret Santa?

Damian rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. He blew out a breath before raising his head to meet her gaze again. “I like you.” Her eyes widened but she stayed quiet. “I could never figure out how to tell you. So I came up with the Secret Santa deal. Rhea was supposed to rig it so I got your name. I wanted to get you something for Christmas. I didn’t want it to be a big deal. I don’t know why she had you pick my name and let everyone else off the hook.”

Her smile was knowing as Damian’s words fell off. She laid her hand over his, curling her fingers around his palm. She squeezed his hand, her fingers pressing into the rough pads of his palm. “Because she knew I liked you too.”

Damian couldn’t stop the surprise laughter from bubbling. A wide grin grew on his face at her words. His hand tightened around hers. He stared into her sparkling eyes unable to look away. His heart beat double time in his chest. “Really?”

“Yeah,” she nodded. “She’s gonna be insufferable now isn’t she?”

Damian laughed loudly. “Oh yeah.” He shook his head in jest. He thought he was being sneaky but Rhea had been planning her own moves the whole time. “But I have an idea on how to get her back.”

She leaned forward, her knee pressing into the leather covering Damian’s. The material warm on her skin. “Tell me?”

The warm vanilla scent invaded his senses as he breathed her in. He could never get enough of it. The scent announced her arrival and lingered long after she left. He sniffed many candles at the mall searching for something similar before leaving without making a purchase feeling like a stalker. He was drawn in and found himself leaning closer without realizing he moved.

Her eyes flared at the closeness and dropped to his lips before meeting his eyes again. His eyes darkened; the irises growing impossibly darker than the already deep brown. The musky scent of his cologne wrapped around her. She wanted to bury her face in his neck and breathe him in. Just like she thought about doing at the diner a week before.

“Corazòn, you need to stop looking at me like that.”

She blinked at the deep voice, shivering slightly at its gritty tone. A blush warmed her face and she dropped her eyes in embarrassment. “We can take care of Rhea later.” She fingered the corner of the gift in her lap before she lifted her hand and held it out.

They exchanged gifts and Damian stared at the flat package in his lap. There were many possibilities what could be held inside. He learned a long time ago the shape of the box was never to be trusted.

“Open it,” she said softly, nudging him with her knee. She held his gift in her hand wanting to wait for him to open his first. Anticipation swirled with the nerves in her body.

Damian grabbed the paper where the two sides met and pulled. The paper gave way, ripping in a section nearly as wide as his hand. A brown box was revealed and he pulled the rest of the paper away. The box was pretty nondescript. Purchased at any package store or even packing aisles at a big box store.

He turned it over and noticed the flaps folded up from either side, held together by a single piece of scotch tape. Breaking the tape, the flaps lifted with the resistance gone. Further pushing the flaps away, a white foam protective sleeve awaited him. He lifted the item from the box, realizing it was a frame. His breath caught as the photo revealed itself as he pulled the frame from the sleeve.

A hand drawn headshot of Joe DiMaggio. The drawing included his shoulders down to just the start of the Yankees logo over the left side of his chest. Right over the neck line of the iconic pinstripe jersey, was the man’s signature in blue ink. He raised wide eyes to her in shock.

“It was my father’s…” she spoke softly staring down at the photo that hung on the wall in her father’s den for years.

“No no no,” Damian shook his head. “I can’t accept this…” He started to slide the photo back into the sleeve carefully. His movements were stopped when her hand covered his. He met her eyes.

“No please.”

“But this is…” he slid the photo back out unable to not look at it. “Too much. It’s your father’s…”

“Actually my grandfather’s…”

Damian made a noise of protest from the back of his throat. “Not helping Princesa.”

She laughed. “My grandfather was an avid Yankee fan. So was my great grandfather. My father a Phillies fan much to Grandpa’s chagrin. But Daddy lived in Philadelphia after he graduated college until he passed…” The words caught in her throat at the mention of her father. He passed away nearly five years ago and she still wasn’t over losing him. She blinked her eyes rapidly in an effort to combat the tears.

“Are you okay?” Damian asked softly. The photo rested on his lap momentarily forgotten as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder; his heart aching at her tears.

“I’m okay,” she said as she lifted her head. She pressed her pointer fingers beneath her eyes to wipe the tears without ruining her makeup. “It still hurts to think about even though it’s been a few years.”

“I understand,” he squeezed her shoulder. “Which is why I can’t accept this.”

“No no,” she said quickly placing her hands on his to stop him from once again trying to put the photo back in the package. “Grandpa loved the Yankees. Daddy inherited everything when he passed away. Through the years Daddy did sell some items, but he held on to everything. Being a Phillies fan he also had his own collection. Momma’s downsizing because she’s selling the house and moving to Florida with her sister. So it’s all mine now. While Daddy displayed this photo, it reminded him of his father. I have my own items to remind me of Daddy and Grandpa. Being a huge Yankees fan, I think he would be happy with it going to someone who will appreciate it.”

“Corazon…” his voice was low and soft. He dropped his eyes back to the one of a kind memorabilia. An item like this hadn’t been what he was expecting. There were no words and he definitely felt his own gift wasn’t anywhere near the same caliber. “I don’t even know what to say. This is amazing.”

Warmth coursed through her. She needed to thank her mom for giving her the idea when they discussed the gift exchange over dinner.

“I feel like mine is incredibly lacking now.”

“No!” Her hand fell on his knee. Her face once again flamed and she felt like she had a permanent blush when she was around Damian. His eyes dropped to stare at her hand before meeting hers again. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”

His knee burned from her touch; heating the skin beneath her hand. Her hand looked small and delicate. He felt his hand would completely swallow it. Two simple gold rings adorned the first two fingers. Her nails a perfect French tip.

He watched, with his heart in his throat, as she started tearing at the wrapping paper. He agonized over this gift wondering if it would be deemed impersonal or too assuming.

She pulled the paper away and let it fall to the floor at her feet. The white box told her nothing. She lifted the lid and pushed the red tissue paper away.

Inside was a beautiful cream colored cashmere cable knit hat, glove, and scarf set. “Oh Damian…” her fingers stroked the scarf; the fabric soft on her fingers. “This is beautiful.”

As her eyes examined the thoughtful gift, she caught sight of an envelope tucked behind the gloves. Red just like the tissue paper so it blended in on first look. She looked up at Damian as she picked up the envelope. His lips twitched up in a small smile encouraging her to continue.

The envelope wasn’t sealed, the flap just tucked in. A folded up white piece of paper inside. Her interest was definitely piqued. Her thumbs dipped beneath the paper and unfolded it in her hands. Two tickets fell out into the box and she reached for them with one hand.

Her brows scrunched a little in confusion because it had been years since she held physical tickets in her hand. She gasped seeing the blue rectangle at the top of the tickets with Radio City Music Hall written sideways. Her shocked eyes hit Damian’s again. He was smiling, almost smirking, with his lips closed. That smile always caused butterflies in her stomach. That smile always made her want to kiss him; to press her lips on that impish little tilt.

Looking back at the tickets, she turned them in her hand to read.

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular

“They don’t make actual tickets anymore and I don’t know how to do all that Photoshop stuff, but Alex was able to make something up that looks like the old style tickets,” Damian explained. He endured endless teasing from his younger brother at his request but he really came through. The tickets looked legit. Alex even went as far as to print them on a heavier paper.

She finally tore her eyes away from the tickets to look at the creased folded paper. Across the top in a fancy bold script read, ‘Christmas In New York City’ Below was a list of ten items including Radio City Music Hall, The Rockettes, Rockefeller Center, and the windows on 5th Avenue. Before each item was an empty box. Hope began to build in her belly as she raised her head.

“I remember you saying how you wanted to experience Christmas in New York… that you haven’t done it since you were little but you didn’t feel comfortable in the city,” Damian started. His palms felt damp with nerves. It was presumptuous on his part to even think she’d want to do these things with him. Even to think she was available on the date on the tickets.

“I said…” her words died as a lump rose in her throat blocking her ability to speak. She spoke about wishing to experience Christmas in New York at the beginning of the year when she, Rhea, Naomi, and a few others got on the topic of resolutions backstage during Day One. She couldn’t even remember all who was around or even most of the conversation. “You remembered?” Her words hushed, still in awe at the gift.

“I’d like to take you and show you around the city, but if you don’t want to, I can transfer the tickets. I don’t want you to think you have to go with me …”

“No!” The tickets dropped back into the box, settling on the scarf set and she reached for his hand. Her fingers wrapped to his palm, her thumb rubbing over his knuckles. “I wanna go with you.”

Damian’s grin was wide at her words and he squeezed her hand. The hand clutching his heart loosened. “I hope that date was okay.”

“I’m sure it is,” she looked down, but couldn’t read anything imprinted on the tickets. They blurred in front of her as her eyes grew wet. The thoughtfulness of the gift. Of remembering something she said in a conversation of something she wanted to do and making it happen. Pairing it with something has simple as a scarf set to wear for the day… that would look so perfect with her dress coat. A tear slid down her cheek unchecked.

“Are you okay?” Damian lifted the box holding his gift from his lap and slid it onto the table in front of them.

She nodded and lifted her head. “I need to hug you.”

Damian gave a surprise laugh at the unexpected words. He stood up from the couch and lifted the box from her lap to place it on the vacated cushion. Then he pulled her up and into his arms.

Her arms slipped around his waist her hands coming up to press against his back. She felt the outline of his gear beneath the t-shirt. She laid her head on his chest, his heart thumping in her ear.

He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her to his body. His chin resting on her head. The strands of her hair catching on the rough stubble of his bearded cheeks. Vanilla invaded his senses and his eyes drifted close. The weight he carried on his shoulders from nerves and second guessing melted away.

“That was the most thoughtful gift I have ever received,” she said as she lifted her head from Damian’s chest. Her arms loosened but she didn’t back away. “I was happy with the scarf set and then you hit me with the city…”

Damian grinned down at her, feeling proud of himself. “You can wear them when you come.”

“Of course.”

The continued to stare at each other; their eyes transfixed unable to look away. Slowly their heads moved toward each other.

There was a knock at the door and Finn poked his head in. He grinned seeing their position. “Aye, Rhea’s gonna be a pain now. They are looking for you.”

He was gone a second later.

“I got a few interviews and segments to do,” she told him when the door closed behind Finn. Her face once again was bright red. “Probably gotta fix my make up.”

“Nah, you look great.”

She beamed at him and with a hand cupping his cheek, she pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth, right on the tilt. She lingered for a moment before stepping away. Gathering up her gift, she placed the lid back on the box. “I’ll see you before I leave?” She asked hopefully.

“Count on it.”

*

Damian reached for her glove clad hand when their taxi reached their destination from his apartment. She arrived in the city a little over an hour ago from Philadelphia where she met him at his apartment where he had breakfast waiting. The smile on her face when he opened his door was something he wanted to repeat for years to come.

He nearly drove himself crazy working out an itinerary to make the most of the time she’d be in New York with him. All leading up to that night’s Christmas Spectacular. He wanted to make the day memorable for her.

Her gloved hand slipped into his and she came into view. The cable knit hat on her head. Her hair peeing out, hanging down in waves. The matching scarf wrapped around her neck and tucked into the opening of her black winter jacket. Her eyes were light and sparkling when they met his. He couldn’t wait to see the city through her eyes.

He held her hand tightly in his as he shut the door to the taxi and moved them further onto the sidewalk. The city was already busy with regular citizens moving about with their daily commutes and movements. Then there was an added extra layer of tourists trying to create their own Christmas memories in the city a week before the holiday.

“Ready?” He asked pulling her out of the way as people pushed by them.

“I’m so excited for this. I’m running on like four hours of sleep.” She grinned up at him. Snow flurries fluttered around them. Temps were supposed to hang in the mid thirties all day with flurries. But no accumulation. Almost the perfect weather. What could be better? “Just so you know, I will be taking a million photos. Eventually freak out about my dying battery. Drag you into every store. Buy things I definitely don’t need. Look at every window front. Probably walk when I’m not supposed to. Try to go in the wrong direction. Get completely overwhelmed and hold the crap out of your hand.”

Damian tossed his head back and laughed. He squeezed her hand as he met her eyes. “My hand is yours to hold.”

She smiled at him and dropped his hand to slip her arm around his waist. Stepping forward she gave him a hug. “Seriously. Thank you for this.”

“All we’ve done is hail a cab,” he pressed his hand on the small of her back. The winter coat hid most of the shape and feel of her body unlike the dress she wore just a couple days ago.

She pulled her phone from the deep pocket of her coat and slipped off her glove. Her phone was already in power saving mode. She was thankful they would be going back to Damian’s apartment to change before they caught the show. She would be able to charge it while she got ready.

With the camera open, she held it up to take a selfie. “Hurray for hailing a cab!” She grinned and tapping the button capturing Damian in mid laugh. She tapped the button a couple more times. The final time she rose up on tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek.

“Corazon, you keep sneak attacking me with kisses I’m gonna return the favor.”

The red on her cheeks had nothing to do with the cold. Putting her phone back in her pocket, she slipped her glove back on. She tucked her arm through Damian’s, her hand holding his bicep as they started walking down the sidewalk. “I can’t wait.”

[justiceamberheard]

''Who Trolled Amber'' podcast

The highlights of each episode from the podcast. You can listen to it on Spotify, Youtube etc. EPISODE 1.

The outcome of the trial definitely damaged #METOO movement;

There were 80k of anti Amber Heard tweets, more than anti JD tweets even though AH was the one who accused him of abuse;

There's no way it was all organic, they either bought bots or those were real people pretending to be JD's supporters;

According to Jennifer Robinson, one of AH lawyers from the UK trial, Amber'd never wanted to relieve what had happened to her during the relationship;

Jennifer thought it'd be easier to win the US than in the UK;

The information about bots were thrown out way before the trial hence Ron Shnell couldn't talk about in the courtroom; EPISODE 2.

According to Ron Shnell there was a bot campaign against AH but he wasn't 100% sure because the judge struck out that research;

Kathryn Arnold shared that AH wasn't allowed to be a part of Aquaman 2 promotion tour and was banned from posting anything Aquaman related;

KA also said that AH couldn't audition, no one would hire her and that the agents were told not to touch her[AH]; EPISODE 3

The podcast creators asked experts(Kai-Cheng Yang) to check the date that was given by Ron Shnell;

According to the data: many accounts with no followers had tweets with more than 5k retweets/likes; hundreds of identical tweets were posted in one day; many accounts liked 400k tweets; 10k of identical comments were left under AH youtube videos; many accounts change their tune(from right wing Chile politics) and out of nowhere started to post pro JD tweets; half oh the data/accounts/tweets were generated by inauthentic accounts and then the real accounts started to engage with those tweets etc. it all started in November 2020 when JD lost the UK case and was fired from Fantastic Beasts; EPISODE 4

Cameron Herrin case was mentioned, more specifically the sudden interest and pro CH posts on TikTok asking to reduce his sentence and that he is innocent. Most of the accounts that were spreading those posts were from Middle East; EPISODE 5

Some Arabic twitter accounts suddenly started to tweet Pro JD tweets in English during and after the US trial;

The friendship betweet Johnny Depp and prince Mohammed was mentioned(him financing JD directorial movie Modi); EPISODE 6

Adam Waldman worked for Lavrov as a consultant for years(2010-2017);

During the deposition Adam Waldman refused to answer more than 70 questions;

Alexi Mostrous tried contacting ''the internet journalists'' aka TUG and ThatBrianFella but they didn't answer; he also pointed out that the audios that were posted by ThatBrianFella were clearly edited(we know);

Mostrous also tried to call Adam Waldman but he didn't pick up the phone and 25 minutes later posted a tweet:

“He[Adam Waldman] attacked witnesses, he attacked us (legal team)..unlike anything I have ever seen from a lawyer” said Jennifer Robinson. ''Amber Heard wrote an Op-ed for Washington Post which is a very respected publication and Johnny Depp's name isn't in it. It told to survivors if this can be done to a woman whose actually well-known and well-established person in the industry, it's gonna be even worse for you.'' All-in-All, it's clear as day that Waldman was behind the bot campaign against Amber. We've known that but it's good that a popular podcast researched about it and shed a light on it. Plus it's always great to see JD fans being nervous and panicky.

[artsartblog]

I caved and finally made a Trolls oc. I don’t have a lot on her, but she’s a precious bean.

Briar is a pop troll, but she loves all kinds of music. She briefly lost her cool after feeling like she didn’t fit in amongst her fellow pop trolls when she just no longer felt happy singing or dancing to the pop music, but once she heard other music her color came back. She definitely enjoys rock more than pop, but purely because she’s gotten tired of hearing only pop for her whole life. Variety is key in keeping her happy. She got the skull belt after the events of World Tour because she just loved it so much. The flower in her hair is a clip on jewelry type thing, the flower is fake because she would have to constantly get a new flower every time the original one died. As stated above she lowkey a fan of BroZone. She liked them a lot when she was younger, but now that she’s older she feels silly for being so into the group. Though that does stop her from occasionally listening to their record every once in awhile as a way to just let her be herself.

I really only caved and made a Trolls oc because of @tea0w0stache and @0ketlyn-s Brotherhood AU. It’s so good and I love all the designs and love Bruce (Spruce is just my favorite character in the Trolls canon anyways). That love has been channeled into my oc (for the fun of it) because I have her having a crush on Bruce but she really just keeps it to herself. However, as an outcast (because she’s not that big of a fan of how the pop trolls worship JD, Bruce and Floyd like they’re a godsend) she does occasionally talk to Poppy about things because she really doesn’t know who else to talk to that just will listen. Plus, Briar really isn’t good with socializing. She tends to stick to herself and just makes things that could possibly make their hidden existence better. She would love to be more sociable, but prefers to view things from a distance. The flower skirt she wears is actually something she’s made. She’s pretty good at making outfits, but she makes other things. Especially if she’s in a really creative mood.

Don’t take what I said for the Brotherhood AU seriously since it’s not my AU and I purely made that version of her for fun. BH!Poppy and BH!Bruce do not belong to me, they belong to Dex and Ket. As far as I know the AU is still underdevelopment and whatnot. If you’re interested go check out both of their blogs and ask them about it. I’m purely an outsider just looking in and creating a bit of fun (and small bit of fanart). Go support the two of them, they’re really cool people!!!

Anyways, idk if I’ll actually do much with Briar since I just couldn’t resist making a Trolls oc any longer. With that being said hope you all enjoyed the art! If you want to see more Briar art let me know, any questions on her you are free to ask. Likes are nice, but reblogs help others see the art so if you want your mutuals and followers to see it reblog it ^w^ As always, hope you’re having a wonderful day and stay creative!

[ncisfranchise-source]

Don’t get us wrong, the Australia-set NCIS: Sydney, premiering Stateside this Tuesday on CBS, boasts a terrific cast, and one that is 66% Australian (plus two Brits).

But Sydney native and CBS procedural vet Alex O’Loughlin was right there, people. (Well, somewhere. I’m not entirely sure what he is up to these days, three-and-a-half years after the Hawaii Five-0 reboot said aloha.)

As such, “Where the hell is Alex?” is a question I may have directly asked NCIS: Sydney creator Morgan O’Neill during our recent, in-depth convo.

O’Neill and I shared in a chuckle, after which he said, “Look, we haven’t written off the possibility of him popping up.

“Alex is a fantastic actor, as you would well know,” the Aussie EP added, before launching into a celebration of the land Down Under’s countless, fine contributions to the U.S. television scene. (Think Chuck‘s Yvonne Strahovski, House‘s Jesse Spencer, The Mentalist‘s Simon Baker, Damages‘ Rose Byrne, Fringe‘s Anna Torv and John Noble, Brotherhood‘s Jason Clarke…. The list goes on, and on.)

“I don’t know what it is in the water down here, but Australians have a tendency to kind of bat a bit out of our weight category when it comes to producing actors and creative people,” O’Neill proudly observed. “So, I’m pretty sure Alex will pop up somewhere. He’s a fantastic actor and a good guy.”

In NCIS: Sydney, U.S. NCIS Agents and members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are grafted into a “multi-national task force, to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet.” Olivia Swann (Legends of Tomorrow) and Todd Lasance (Spartacus: War of the Damned) lead the cast as, respectively, NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and her 2IC AFP counterpart, Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey. Rounding out the merged team are Sean Sagar (Fate: The Winx Saga) as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, Tuuli Narkle (Bad Behaviour) as AFP liaison officer Constable Evie Cooper, Mavournee Hazel (Neighbours) as AFP forensic scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson, and William McInnes (Blue Heelers) as AFP forensic pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose.

[rebelwrites]

Winner Takes It All || Nineteen: The Morning After

Charles Leclerc x Valentina Hendrix (OC)

Winner Takes It All Masterlist

Summary: Valentina faces her actions of the previous evening

Warnings: you might need your tissues again

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

Valentina’s POV

Waking up in an unfamiliar bed wasn’t something new to me but something that I hadn’t woken up to for what felt like an eternity was the smell of Charles. The smell alone caused my heart rate to increase, the smell felt like home and made me feel safe, it was something that always helped me forget my worries.

Jolting upright I roughly rubbed my eyes with my palms, trying to get my brain to wake up. Memories of last night flooded my mind and I wasn’t sure what to do. The bed was empty meaning Charles was already up so I couldn’t exactly sneak out the hotel room. Running my hands over my face I let out a long sigh, I didn’t mean to fall asleep in Charles arms but here I was debating on what my next move was.

I found myself fiddling with the yarn bracelet, squeezing my eyes closed, there was nothing I could do other than facing the music. It wasn’t like I could embarrass myself even more than I did last night so I didn’t have much more to lose.

Rolling out of bed I ran my fingers through my hair, mustering up the courage to face the music. As I reached the bedroom door the smell of fresh coffee wafted under my nose causing me to pull the door open.

Scanning the room I spotted Charles leaning against the kitchen counter with a mug in his hands, keeping his gaze on his phone propped up against the wall. I couldn’t quite hear what he was saying but his smile was as bright as the morning sun that was cascading over the apartment.

Out of the corner of my eye I spotted my phone on the opposite side of the kitchen, keeping my head down I moved silently across the room not wanting to disturb Charles as I quickly realised he was on a video call, I just hoped I could stay out of the camera not wanting to cause people to ask questions.

I thought I was being sneaky but obviously not.

“Mon garçon, c'est mon petit ange avec toi ? My boy, is that my little angel with you?” Pascale beamed through the phone.

“Shit.” I mumbled, under my breath as Charles spun around smiling at me.

“How you feeling this morning?” He hummed, moving over to the coffee machine, pouring me a drink.

“Like death warmed up,” I sighed, running my hand through my hair. “Maybe the JD and flu meds weren’t the best thing to be mixing. But last night was the best night's sleep I’ve had recently so guess that’s a plus.”

Charles walked around the kitchen, standing in front of me before handing me the coffee, his fingers instantly brushed against my cheek as the smile grew that bit wider. “You have a bit more colour back in your cheeks.” he whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You spoke to Pierre yet? He was pretty worried about you last night.”

“I left my phone out here last night,” I hummed, taking a sip of the coffee. “I will text him soon, I need a ride back to my hotel anyway.”

A brief silence fell over the two of us, both forgetting he was on the phone until Pascale started coughing, gaining our attention.

“Have fun explaining this one.” I chuckled, tapping his chest before squeezing past him with my phone and coffee in hand. “Bonjour maman, au revoir maman. Hello Mum, goodbye Mum.” I hollered as I walked past the camera.

“Charles Marc Herve Perceval Leclerc, you better give me some answers now.” I heard Pascale shout down the phone as I flopped on the sofa, there was no way I was missing this.

I honestly thought this morning was going to be extremely awkward but it was like the hands of time had rolled back and I wasn’t sure if that scared me or excited me. Unlocking my phone I checked the message from the last 24 hours.

05.04 - Huds

Spoke to Pierre and he said you went over to Charles?

Hope everything went okay

06.24 - VH

Nailed half a bottle of JD before coming here

06:24 - Huds

YOU’RE STILL THERE!!!!!

06:25 - VH

It’s a long story

Gonna head to the paddock today

06:25 - Huds

You feeling better?

06:26 - VH

A bit

I think being out of the hotel will help more.

You gonna be there?

06:26 - Huds

Of course, sweetheart

We need to keep the press off us

Once you are ready we will tell the world

06:27 - VH

Sounds good

Thanks for being such an amazing person

Meet me at my hotel in a couple of hours?

06:27 - Huds

See you soon trouble!

Letting out a sigh of relief, I was glad he would still be showing his face with me at the track. It meant I wouldn’t get hounded on why he wasn’t with me. Swiping onto Pierre’s conversation I shot him a text asking him to pick me up from Charles hotel, the moment I saw the three little dots dancing at the bottom of the screen I locked my phone not wanting to get into everything with him over text.

Leaning back on the sofa I tossed my phone onto the cushion next to me, grasping the mug with both hands as Charles took a seat next to me. Automatically I rested my head on his shoulder.

“Where do we go from here?” Charles whispered, placing his hand on my leg.

“I don’t know Char.” I hummed, keeping my gaze trained on the brown liquid in the mug. I honestly didn’t know where to turn from here all I knew was I didn’t want to jump straight into anything right now.

“I meant what I said last night, you know.” Charles whispered, taking my hand in his. “I want us to start over again, I don’t care how long it takes, I will wait as long as you need.” He paused for a second before carrying on. “I hate myself for what I did to you, and I would walk through hell and back for you.”

Pulling away from him, I tucked my legs under my thighs, placing the mug on the coffee table. As much as I needed to listen to my heart I wouldn’t just jump into something causing myself to get burned again.

“We just need to take each day as it comes.” I whispered, taking his hand in mine. “There is a lot of trust that needs to be rebuilt, I need to protect my heart, it can't take you walking out on me again.”

“I swear on my life I would never be stupid enough to walk out on you again babygirl.” he said softly, pressing a tender kiss to my knuckles. “I paid the price for that once already and if you give me a second chance I sure as hell don’t plan on making that mistake again. We will take baby steps, I just need you back in my life.”

“Okay, Bear, baby steps.” I hummed, feeling my phone buzz against the sofa. Picking my phone up I saw Pierre had text saying he was outside. “That’s my ride, see you on the paddock, Huds will be there so please just play nice and follow our lead, we haven’t announced the break up yet.”

“I always play nice, babe.” he grinned, winking at me before pulling me into a tight hug. “Now go before Pierre comes up here, dragging you out by your hair.” he laughed, pressing a kiss against the top of my head.

Pulling away from the hug, I pushed myself to my feet, shooting a text to Pierre saying I would be down in a second before tucking it into my hoodie pocket. As I walked across the room I was just about to leave the room when Charles called out.

“Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.” he laughed, pointing to the items on the small table by the door.

Shaking my head I put the garments on, securing them in place before pulling my hood up. “Later, Leclerc.” I hollered, flashing him the peace sign over my shoulder.

It was good to be back on the paddock, even though I wasn’t racing this place felt like home. Hudson had his arm wrapped around my shoulders as we walked through the paddock.

“You doing okay?” He asked softly.

“Feel more hungover than ill.” I groaned, leaning into him.

“I meant more after you nailed half a bottle of Jack.” He chuckled.

“Yeah, I guess.” I hummed, looking up at him. “Think it’s gonna take a bit of time to get used to you know.”

“That’s understandable, sweetheart.”

Out of the corner of my eye I spotted Pierre and Charles talking, every so often they glanced over to me. They were definitely not being subtle about it.

Flashing them both a smile Hudson and I carried on walking through the paddock making our way to the Alpha Tauri garage.

Watching the race from the garage was killing me, all I wanted to do was get out on the track but that wasn’t possible right now.

Before this weekend I had a decent advantage for the World Driver Champion but apparently Charles was taking full advantage that I wasn’t on the track because the boy was flying out there and I knew I wouldn’t hear the end of it as he made a start on closing the gap on the points.

Feeling Josh plant his hands down on my shoulders I tore my gaze away from screens I looked up at him.

“He is killing it out there.” I said with a proud smile on my face.

“Don’t worry kiddo, you will widen the gap next weekend in Japan.” Josh laughed.

“Yeah, Japan.” I sighed, it was the one track I was dreading racing on. The memories that the trake held were painful. “It’s gonna be a tough race for sure.”

“Jules will be watching down on you.” Josh whispered, pressing a kiss against the top of my head. “He is always watching down on you.”

He was right, next weekend's race would be an emotional one but with Uncle J watching down on me I knew I could get through the weekend.

But that was a hurdle further down the road, the main one I would have to accomplish would come in a couple of days when I fed myself to the wolves that was the world of social media.

I had no idea I had been zoned out for but I was rudely pulled from my thoughts when Charles was poking me in the side like an annoying toddler.

“How old are you again, Leclerc?” I laughed, rolling my eyes at the over excited Monégasque.

“Whatever.” He hummed, the smug smirk was present on his face. “Just know I’m taking WDC this year.”

“Yeah, yeah in your dreams.” I giggled, watching him walk off waving the trophy in the air.

“Can’t hear you over the trophy, Hendrix.”

@chibsytelford @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @stillbreathin @angywritesstuff @miamedyu @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @micks-afterglow @livo67 @buendiabebeta @pleasedontfollowinlost @ferrarifwendvale @hungryhungarian @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @sunf1owerrq @queenslife @panicforspec @inesramoss30 @justme2042 @liv67 @sessgjarg @derpinathebrave @idkiwantchocolatee @littleobsessionsandlifeslessons @alynoa @clcspeonies @pleasantducktimetravel @formula1mount @inchidentwithmax @raaaaabzzz @teamspideyman @marvelousmendess @mehrmonga @sbgal @thattaylorswiftobsessedbitch @mloyer

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Redeeming big brother; Steve Harrington x pre-teen sis reader

*Author’s note*

Okay so this is a pretty short sweet little ficlet that went around my head for awhile. Like I said I’ve been wanting to write a Steve Harrington fic since s.2 came out but I didn’t have the time nor the inspiration to write him a story until I decided to first do a platonic fic and BOOM!! Cause let’s face it, Steve is the Babysitter and I could imagine him being the type of brother that I made him in this oneshot so I hope you guys enjoy this little fic and until next time :)

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@waddles03​

@psychosupernatural​

@queen-paladin​

@queensdivas​

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels​

@gay-and-ready-to-cry​

_________________________________________________________

“Look all I’m saying is that he could’ve at least had his parents drive to pick you up.” Steve said to me.

“I told you Steve, Tony said he was carpooling with his friends because his dad’s mustang was in the shop.”

“The shop right yeah.” He muttered.

“You know you didn’t have to drive Dustin and I to the Snowball, we could’ve asked his mom.”

“No, no I needed to make sure that little shit didn’t try anything with you.”

“Eww Steve what the hell! Dustin and I do not like each other like that. You know that.”

“Still I just wanna make sure that even when you’re dressed all……you know—”

“Barbie? A slut?”

“Hey! You are not that don’t ever call yourself that even if you’re joking. You-you look beautiful. Really you do. It’s just…..” he took a deep sigh as clenched the stirring wheel.  “You don’t dress up this nice like most girls do. And I’d hate for those boys to suddenly see you and think they need to jump your bones.”

“They’re not like that Steve. Plus Max will have my back, and you know how savage we can be together.”

“Believe me I saw it for myself. All I’m saying is don’t let any boy try to take advantage of you. Especially this Bobby guy.”

“His name’s Tony.”

“That’s what I said, Darrell.” I rolled my eyes as Steve pulled into Dustin’s curb and honked the horn.  

We sat there for a few minutes which allowed me to check my makeup, nothing too extreme just some blush, a bit of eye shadow to match my blue dress and checked to make sure my hair was alright.  

“Hey, c’mon now.” Steve lifted the visor up.  I looked at him annoyed but he assured me with a gentle look in his eyes “I already told you, you look beautiful.”

I’ll admit.  He really was trying to be the brother he once was.  Ever since he became ‘King Steve’ he never wanted anything to do with me. Said I was too nerdy to be with someone ‘cool’ like him.  It really hurt to lose my brother like that to the poison that was popularity.

And he only seemed to get worse as the years went by, especially when he was involved with the whole Nancy ‘the Slut’ Wheeler vandalization at the local theater.  But ever since he got involved with the Upside down, and he broke free of that dick Tommy Hagan and that bitch Carol, he started to change.

Especially this past year.  He’s even tried to mend our bond but when the events of the Upside down began to come back with Will, the Demodogs and Max’s asshole brother Billy (not Upside down related, he’s just an asshole. Nearly killed me, Dustin and Lucas while we were biking home from school on Halloween).  And Nancy broke up with Steve, he seemed a bit more—emotionally vulnerable.

He wanted to be with me but I had other problems at the time with Dustin and his ‘secret pet’.  That’s when Steve, Dustin and I became the starting team in this whole demodogs thing, then one disaster fell after another until we were finally able to get the gate close permanently and get rid of all the demodogs.

Finally Dustin came racing down and I couldn’t stop but stare at the nest on top of his head.

“Thanks for the ride guys.” He said getting into the back seat.

“Uhh Dustin, what the hell happened to your head?” I asked him.

“What?”

“Your head. I’ll need to find Diana Ross’ number because I think I just found her hair.”

“Shut up!” Dustin snapped at me.  “My hair does not look like hers.”

“You’re right you’re right. It actually looks like if Elvis was given a bad perm.” I laughed.

“Alright you little shit ease up on him. Ignore her Dustin, she’s just jealous because it took her five hours just to get her hair like this.” I punched Steve’s arm and ordered him.

“Just drive asshole.” As Dustin giggled from the backseat, Steve turned the car back on and he drove us to the school.

He pulled us in and we could see from the cat some of the Snowball decorations and could hear the music playing loudly.

“Hey Hover switch seats with me, I need to check the mirror now.” Dustin said.

“Dustin you know I was kidding right. You look great.”

“She’s right. Now remember, when you walk in there.”

“Pretend I don’t care.” Dustin said.

“You don’t care.”

“I don’t care.”

“Honestly why did you have to say that? That’s literally the worst advice ever Steve.” I scoffed rolling my eyes and shaking my head solemnly. “Dustin continues to listen to you and he’ll be single until he’s 30.”

“Okay that’s overexaggerating. Don’t listen to her Henderson. You’re gonna go in there, look like a million bucks, and you’re gonna slay them dead.”

“Like a lion.” Dustin then let out a purr to which both Steve and I cringed.

“Yeah don’t do that.” Steve told him bluntly.

“Ever again.” I also told him.

“Right.” Dustin agreed before he got out of the backseat and I followed suit.  Soon pulling up behind us was a large black SUV it slowly came to a stop before the front door opened to reveal one of Tony’s friends, Andrew.

“Thanks mom. See yah at 10.” Soon the back door opened and more of Tony’s friends piled out until Tony was the last one to come out. My heart fluttered in my chest as my palms started to grow a bit sweaty.

“What you just gonna sit there and gawk (Y/n)?” Dustin said to me.

“Shut up Henderson.” I said.  I took a deep breath and took about two steps forward only to stop and see someone else coming out of the SUV as well.  It was the biggest bitch in the whole seventh grade, Jenna LoDuca and she was holding Tony’s hand.

“Thanks baby.”

“No prob babe. Ready to head in?” Tony asked her.

“Yeah thanks.” She said as they walked hand in hand towards the gym following behind Tony’s friends.

My heart shattered and fell into my stomach as I looked down. So he really didn’t care.  He never cared to begin with. He didn’t even have the guts to tell me that he was gonna take out Jenna instead of me, he could’ve at least told me.

“(Y/n)? Hey it’s…..” Dustin started off but I didn’t want to hear it.  I took off running as tears fell down my face.

I don’t know where I ended up but all I know was that I wasn’t at the back entrance where the dance was but I was still within the school grounds.  I kicked the gravel under my feet harshly scuffing up the 1 inch high heeled shoes mom got me on her last business trip (even though I hate anything that isn’t a sneaker or sandal on hot days).

“(Y/n).” I sniffled and crossed my arms over my chest.

“I don’t wanna hear it Steve!” I snapped.

“Okay. Do you…….do you want me to take you home?” he asked in a nervous, unsure tone.

“No. Because then I’ll have done all this for nothing. Plus Jenna will rub it in my face Monday.”

“Wait she bullies you?”

“It doesn’t matter Steve. Just go home and don’t bother me with this anymore.” I walked back towards the school and tried to clean my face off as best as I could before entering the school with a big fake-ass smile on my face.

I met with the guys at the table and they were surprised to see me come walking in.

“(Y/n) you—you actually came in.” Mike said.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

“Because of Je—” Dustin started off by saying but Max kicked him in the shin.

“Don’t listen to them, there’s more to life than stupid boys. C’mon (Y/n) let’s get something to eat I’m getting a bit peckish.” Max came over and took me away from the boys.

“Thanks Max, I owe yah.”

“I’ll remember that for later. But for real, don’t worry about those turd wards. You’re more badass than the two of them are popular.” Max said playfully shoving my shoulder with hers.  That got a small smile out of me as we reached the food stand and we each got a plate of crackers, cookies and a cupcake.

As the dance went on, it soon came time for the slow dancing. At first Max declined Lucas’ offer to dance but since I could tell how long Lucas had probably rehearsed this, I told her it was okay so she and Lucas went to the dance floor together.

Then a girl from mine and Will’s art class came up and asked Will to dance (even though she called him Zombie boy).  Then Dustin went over to a group of popular girls to ask one of them to dance leaving Mike and me alone for the first song (it’d just be awkward to dance together).

When the next song came on, we both took notice of El coming into the gym now, all dolled up and pretty.  Mike stood up and walked towards her without saying a word to me (but truthfully he didn’t have to).

I was now all alone at my table, in fact looking around every one of my peers had a partner or were in their friend groups chatting along the sides of the gym.  And just ahead of me I could easily spot Jenna and Tony dancing together, hell they pretty much remained in my visual range throughout the whole slow song montage.

It was then my favorite Lionel Richie song, Truly began playing through the speakers.  I shifted in my seat uncomfortably and was just tempted to leave the gym and stay outside for the rest of the dance.

“Hey little Hover.” I looked up and saw my brother Steve wearing his homecoming tux and sporting his Risky Business shades.

“Steve? What are you…how did you get in here? You didn’t ask to volunteer.”

“I know. I’m not a volunteer. I’m your date.”

“Steve……”

“C’mon please. Don’t make me get on my hands and knees begging over this song cause you know I will. In front of all your friends and these people I’ll…..”

“Okay! Okay you big hairy oaf!” I said getting up and took his hand before we went over to the dance floor.  We stood before each other and he took my right hand into his left while his right rested along my waist and my other hand rested on his.

“He wasn’t worth it.” I looked at him as he lead me in the first few steps of our slow dance.  “Your tears. Boys this age are incredibly stupid and he’s gonna regret leaving you for that.” He gave a slight gesture of his head towards Tony and Jenna who were looking at us.

“Maybe it’s because I really don’t live up to the Harrington name.”

“Hey now…...”

“No Steve it’s true. I mean, look at her. She’s popular than me, she’s smart, and she’s way prettier than me.”

“Now that’s total bullshit.” He gave me a gentle spin before bringing me back into him.  “First of all you are smarter than your older brother. In fact you’re too smart. I swear dad never shuts up about how my 13 year old sister is smarter than me, a senior in high school. Second, being popular really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially if it changes you for the worst.”

He stroked a baby strand of hair from my forehead and tucked it back over my teased hair.

“It makes you cruel and makes you blind to what’s in front of you. I swear the last thing I remember was you clinging onto your teddy bear you won at the 4th grade fair and now here you are. A teenager in the works who I think is the most beautiful girl in all of Hawkins.”

“Even more beautiful than Nancy Wheeler?” I asked skeptically.

“Especially more than Nance.” He said without hesitation.

“Best not let her hear you say that.”

“Truthfully I think you were her favorite Harrington more than me.” I softly laughed.  “No I swear, she’d always ask me when she’d see you. She even said at times she could trade Mike in for you.” Steve said through his laughing as he spun me outward our hands keeping a firm hold on each other before I spun back into him just as the song came to my favorite part.

Right as Lionel’s voice hit that crescendo, I was resting my head against my brother’s chest as my arms wrapped around his waist.  I felt him slightly pick me up and he placed my feet gently on top of his as I heard him softly sing along to the ending of the song.

It brought me back to the early days of my childhood when Steve and I were the best of friends.  Whenever I was sad or felt lonely from mom and dad’s constant work travels, Steve always played a slow song  over dad’s radio, he’d have me standing on top of his toes and the two of us would sway like this as he’d sing the song to me.

After the dance was over, I was just getting into bed when I heard a knock at my bedroom door.

“Knock, knock.” Steve’s voice spoke from the other side of the door.

“Speak friend and enter.” I said.

“You know I don’t speak that nerd language.”

“Then you cannot pass.” I teased him.  He knocked again and I couldn’t help but say, “I hear yah knockin, but you can’t come in!”

“(Y/n) at least tell me your decent.”

“Yes I’m in my jammies.” He opened the door and came right on in.  “No respect for your sister’s room. Why do you think I asked you to speak the password? It’s not that hard, the password is Mellon.”

“I’ll slow dance with you, sing to you, even fight interdimensional monsters with you. But never on this green earth will you get me to speak that nerd language.” He said as he came over and sat at the edge of my bed.

“It’s not nerd language is Elvish. Sindar to be exact.” Steve buried his face into his hand groaning softly.  “Hey, Dustin and I got you to watch Star Wars with us and you loved it. Which makes you a nerd too Stevie.”

“First of all just because I enjoy it doesn’t make me a ner—okay I see what you’re doing munchkin.” He said as he ruffled my head. “So, your first school formal. Besides the little jerk that shall remain nameless in this house, how was it before I got there?”

“It was alright. Mostly Max and I talked and of course the guys were giving Dustin a hard time with his hair. I think his natural curls just really threw the Farrah faucet spray off.”

“Yeah it did. But the kid needed the reassurance. Now correct me if I’m wrong but did he call you Hover back in the car.”

“Hover is my D&D character’s name. She’s a level 16 rouge assassin. Sometimes Dustin calls me that outside of the game.”

“So you used my nickname for you for your nerdy game?”

“Steve it’s not…..” he raised his hand and continued.

“I was just going to say it’s actually kinda sweet.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Though I wish it was still between us. After all I’ve been calling you that since you could walk.” He said booping my nose. “Well it’s late, you should get some sleep.” At that point I let out a soft yawn and got under the covers.  “Goodnight Hover.” He stood up but before he left my room I grabbed his hand. I sat up and hugged him before kissing his cheek. “What was that for?”

“For being my big brother.”

“But I…..”

“I know you’ve been an asshole for the past few years now but in the past year you really have been trying. I could see you putting in the effort to try and fix things between us. You could’ve stayed the way you were, or worst become like Billy.”

“I’d rather get eaten by one of those dog things than ever raise a hand to you like that asshole does to Max.”

“I know. That’s why I’m grateful to have a brother like you. You may not be smart, but you’re a damn good big brother and I love you for that.” A smile came at the corner of his lips as he ruffled my hair again before leaning forward and kissed the crown of my head.

“You’re not so bad either squirt.” He pressed his forehead against mine and continued, “And I love you too.” I smiled softly as Steve pressed another kiss to my forehead before we told each other goodnight and he left my room and I soon fell fast asleep.

[idealisticrealism]

TCL 2x10 recap

Hi I loooooooved this episodeeeeeeeeee 

Many thoughts below lol

Okay first things first, I already love this song (Velvet Ring by Big Thief) and it has had many plays on my TCL playlist lol. But ugh Thony alone in the house with her critically ill son, her whole life revolving around administering those meds every 6 hours? This show loves causing me pain haha speaking of which, her IV line has not been correctly primed (to remove air bubbles) and I’m being so brave about it lol  But anyway ngl it makes me giggle a bit that this cake has apparently taken like 12 hours to make lol. Ah, stress baking. We’ve all been there. But omg wait IT’S HIS BIRTHDAY???? Aaaaaaahh I know in 2x05 he said he was ‘almost six’ but I didn’t realise he meant he was only like 2 weeks away from it!! Omg which makes me even more emotional about Thony looking back at him before she left to take the jet to Manila, knowing she might not ever be able to come back ughhh. And then they have their little birthday party, just the two of them– just like it used to be, them against the world while Marco was off doing who knows what– and ugh how hard it must be to go back to that after months of having a loving family surrounding them with Fi and the kids and even Arman? And then ugh the way she smiles at him and blows out the candles for him, even though you can see how much it’s breaking her heart to see him like this? Someone save meee

Okay holy hell I don’t know what inspired this Nadia look but I am INTO IT. We stan a stunning and badass queen. But omg the fact RK keeps all his meds in his office drawer? Seems unlikely for a guy who likes to appear invulnerable. This moment is hilarious though bc she takes a pic of the meds, but most of them are turned so you can’t even read the label? Very helpful lolllll. Of the six pull bottles in the drawer, I can only make out one name clearly, which is Ibuprofen, aka literally an over-the-counter mild painkiller, which he also appears to have been given then incorrect dose of.  He appears to be on a blood thinner which I am extremely curious about, plus something for blood pressure, which is unsurprising tbh lol, given the way he works himself up haha– and speaking of which, he’s taking something for anxiety/agitation lol (definitely unsurprising). It entertains me so much that the pill bottle appears to list the medication as ‘benzodiazepines’ which is actually the drug class, not a specific drug itself lol. Seriously, TCL writers, any chance you want to hire me as your medical advisor?? I'll do it for free!! Hell, I’ll pay you to let me do it lol. Bc as much as I loved this ep, the medical stuff was painful haha. But anyway when Robert comes in, Nadia seems to grab the pill bottle from the far end, which is literally the Ibuprofen– and he tells her they’re too strong for her. Help this is too funny. Also I’ve tried that pressure point before (did it actually help? No idea lol) but it definitely won't help rn bc he’s literally not even putting pressure on the spot? Lol. Honestly I thought he was doing this as an excuse to check her pulse and see if she was hiding something, but his fingers aren’t in the right spot for that either. Bro’s literally just sitting there tenderly holding her hand lol (not that I can blame him lol, I’d do the same). But uh oh the way he reacts to her mention of Arman running the club with her, and his “in my business we eliminate liabilities” line… yeah things definitely ain't looking great for Arman rn. Also sidenote but seriously Robert what is up with that silver clasp on your jacket you look ridiculous. Ask your bae for some style tips please lol

Ugghhhh Fi desperately trying to clean for JD, trying to feel like she’s contributing something and not just being a burden, and also trying to show her appreciation and gratitude in one of the few ways she can. ‘Acts of service’ is definitely one of her love languages ugh. Also omgggg Laura the gf is gooooone (sorry, faceless name-buddy, but I’m on Fi’s side here lol) and aaaaaaaaahhh J-Fi are being all cute and flirty and kissing and omg my ship is sailing???? Honestly this is happening waaay too quick and easy and I’m a little terrified about that, but I’m just going to ignore that dread and enjoy it while I can lol. Also poor man is going to get a crick in his neck having to bend down that far to kiss her lol. He doesn't seem to mind though, and i certainly don't either haha.  But sigh Thony couldn’t you have waited another minute on the cockblocking?? Let your girl get some, bc god knows she deserves it haha. (Ngl Thony deserves it too; hurry up and get your act together, Armony! Take some lessons from J-Fi lol). But ugh JD is just so sweet and understanding and I love him???? I love how happy he makes her. And ‘we’re not done with this’ YEAH GIRL GET IT. (Not exactly sure how you’ll go about that when you’ve got a house full of kids, but I believe in you lol)

(*Casually pretends like I didn’t just spend over an hour photo-editing a screenshot I took of the ‘The Cleaning Ladies’ banner hanging on the wall of their office so I could have a good clear copy of their logo lol*)

Aaaanyways, speaking of the office, the decor is so funny to me, with all the colourful cleaning products perfectly spaced along the walls. Like it looks cute and all but I feel that it just has to be a really inconvenient way for them to be stored when they actually need to be used?? Ngl I also have some things to say about how the meds are arranged/displayed in the clinic part as well but I’m just going to let that slide lol. But oooooh what a beautiful serendipitous occurrence that she and Arman just happen to be there ~alone~ at the same time… like hey you two, I hear there’s a free bed at the back of the clinic??? Just saying lol. But ugh I love that Arman goes from ‘oh shit better deflect quick and hope she doesn’t question why I’m here’, right to ‘wait my Thony-is-upset senses are tingling, must give ALL THE COMFORT’ in like 2 seconds flat lol. Tbh I’ll never be over the incredibly gentle way he looks at her here, or that tiny “Hey, Thony?” that escapes him when he sees her struggling to get the words out. Our boy just hates seeing her hurting ughhh. And then finally he reaches for her just like in 1x06– hands not quite touching her, letting her decide whether to accept his embrace or not– and ugh she steps straight into him, her head pressing against his chest as she cries. And honestly I am obsessed with the fact that she only breaks down like this in front of him?? Even with Fi, she works hard to keep herself fairly together– her voice shakes and her eyes get shiny, but she doesn’t cry, and she’s often the one reassuring Fi that it will all be okay. But with Arman she doesn’t have to hold back, doesn’t have to be the strong one. For those brief few moments, she can just let herself be the one being comforted for once, can let herself simply sink into the comfort of his solid body as he holds her, his cheek resting against her head as he promises her that she’ll get through this. Tbh given that we can’t see her right hand, I’m going to headcanon that it’s in between them,  gripping the edge of his jacket and holding on tight because she can’t actually hold him– not when she (mistakenly, obviously) thinks he’s Nadia’s once more. Which is a big part of the reason why she pulls back again before too long, all too aware of all that’s standing between them, forcing her to have to put up her walls again ugh. Ngl I love how carefully he held her though– in 1x06, he couldn’t stop himself from holding her face, from looking at her mouth, making it clear to her how much he wanted her. Now, they’re obviously both already fully aware of that, just as they’re aware of how complicated things are, and so he keeps his hands only on her back, his grip light, letting her pull away when she’s ready. Though lbr after the shit that these two have been through lately, they both need like an hour-long hug lol (damn I should have pitched that to the writers for the finale lol)

Poor foolish Arman was really hoping he was going to get outta there without her asking him again what he was doing lol. Too bad,  buddy. But ugh you can see him considering the idea of lying to her and keeping her in the dark about his plans– like he did with Nadia in S1 about the gun deal/Mexico stuff etc– but he can’t. After 1x05, he and Thony don’t lie to each other anymore, and so even though he knows she won’t approve, he still tells her. And okay I know that this scene has caused a lot of contention in the fandom– and a lot of hate for Thony, which I’m sad about– but I’m going to come right out and say it: Thony is right, and Arman is wrong. Now before i go any further, let’s not forget that I have been one of Arman’s most vocal supporters in the fandom all season, especially when he was getting hate in the early/middle eps; these huge recaps are literally evidence of how much I love and support my boy haha. And I am still very much his supporter now, and I completely understand why he is becoming desperate to free them all from RK (see my last recap for more about that, since I feel I've already covered his perspective pretty well there). But I have to say that in this case, I am in complete agreement with Thony. So let’s see if I can explain lol.

Okay so firstly let’s talk about Arman's plan to kill RK. He intends to do it by creating a toxic interaction between RK's regular medications and the Digoxin that he just grabbed at the clinic, thus causing a seemingly-natural heart attack without ever having to touch RK. Sounds like a perfect crime! No one will ever know! It’s brilliant, right? Wrong! It’s a terrible plan literally full of flaws. And okay look, I can say with some amount of authority here that with the exact right combination of circumstances– taking into account the medication and dose used, the specific medications the person is on, their pre-existing level of cardiac function and overall health, and also like a huge amount of sheer luck– there is the chance it would work. A very small chance, but sure, it exists. In this situation, however? No way. And Thony, a fucking cardiac surgeon, knows this. Even if Arman manages to succeed with giving RK the Digoxin undetected (a huge risk in itself), then the chance of it interacting with his meds is incredibly low, and the chance of it causing a fatal heart attack is practically non-existent. Thony knows all this, and maybe if she was well-rested and stress-free (instead of sleep deprived and emotionally distraught from caring for her dying child) then she would have been able to explain it to him calmly and in a way that he'd understand. But she’s got no mental space for that, especially when her mind is immediately equating the loss of RK with the loss of Luca’s meds– aka, her only chance of saving Luca's life. Because, remember, he is DYING. Like actively dying as we speak. If that fluid around the lungs keeps building up, his lungs won’t be able to take in the amount of oxygen needed to supply his body, and he’ll go into multi-organ failure and die. And that’s not to mention that his liver is already failing– if she can’t counteract that soon with the meds, then draining the fluid won’t help. He’ll die from the flood of toxins being released from his diseased liver, much of which will invade his brain, creating irreversible and fatal damage. And okay I’m sorry I know I’m getting grim here, but I have literally watched people die from this multiple times, because once it gets past a certain point, even an entire medical team can’t help. And I don’t doubt that Thony has seen it happen many times too, and so knows exactly the horrible fate that Luca is heading towards– and yet people are really out here judging her for doing whatever it takes to stop it from happening????? Guys. Guys.

Like okay I absolutely do believe that Arman intends to get her the drugs asap (even though he did a terrible job of actually communicating that intention to her), and I'm sure that he’s confident he can definitely make it happen– but honestly it doesn’t matter.  The risk is just too goddamn high, because if even just one thing goes wrong– and based on his-less-than-airtight plan, it almost definitely will– then the meds will be lost, and Luca is dead. And possibly Arman is too, if he gets caught by RK. Honestly Arman is too blinded by his need to be free of RK to be able to see how flawed his plan is and how grave the consequences could be. He’s also blinded by the hurt and anger he feels when Thony demands “With what money? What resources?” because it makes him feel like she doesn't trust him, and that his money and connections were all that actually mattered to her– not him– and that now that there’s someone else who has far more of both, he’s been tossed aside. Which is absolutely not true (dude, she loves you, you idiot), but it still hits right on target of one of Arman’s main character flaws: his fear that he is only valued or wanted by others because of what he can give them, and that if he can no longer provide those things, then he will be deemed worthless and abandoned. It’s been fascinating to see that trait become more overt this season, but man does it lead to him making some goddamn questionable decisions lol. Ugh but anyway, I feel like I’ve ranted about this for long enough, so TLDR: Thony is right to try to stop Arman, and it’s not her fault that she didn’t necessarily handle the conversation well, especially considering it was abruptly sprung on her when she’s already practically at her breaking point because her child is dying and she is devoting every ounce of energy she has into trying to keep that from happening. Fight me on it lol

Ok this big bald guy better be careful, Thony is having the week from hell and tbh could snap at any moment haha. I think we can all assume he’s definitely there because RK wants her to know that he’s watching, that he holds the power here and that she can’t escape, but I kinda hope that it also is a little bit because he values her now and wants her (or okay, maybe his investment in her) protected from Sin Cara? 

And then oooh Nadia has a guard too (again, for protection, but also because RK is possessive as fuck lol) and I appreciate that he at least didn’t even try to stop Arman going to see her? Tbh I could have believed RK giving the order that Arman is to be kept away from Nadia, but he probably didn’t want to upset her by doing that. But omg okay hold up, Arman is making Nadia dose RK? Holy shit, this is further evidence that Arman really is acting like a cornered animal and not thinking things through, bc he would normally have never put her at risk like that. He would have used her to get the info he needed, like what drugs RK is on, and maybe to create a distraction, but he would do the risky bit himself. “I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you and it’s not going to come down to that” you can’t promise that!!! Your plan is so full of holes you could use it as a fishing net! And omg "just put enough of these in his drink to stop his heart" oh yeah and do you know how many that is, Arman?? Do you??? I can guarantee Nadia doesn’t! Plus there's no certainty that the drug will even have that effect on his heart!! This plan is the worst aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!! But ugh at least he has actually taken clear steps to find Luca’s meds and get access to them– and omg the helpless look on his face when Nadia realises that the meds he's so determined to get are for Thony, and the way he tells her it's not up for debate?? That was hot. But see this is what he needed to make clear to Thony at the clinic, that he was actually actively in process of getting the meds and that he wasn’t going to kill RK until after he had them. Unless maybe it was their argument that made him realise how urgent the situation was and so he stepped up his meds-acquisition plans to show her that he could be relied upon and that he wouldn’t do anything that might endanger Luca. Who knows. 

Curious about why Thony did a peritoneal tap (draining the abdomen) rather than a pleural tap (draining the chest), considering Luca's abdomen didn't look at all distended/swollen, but lbr it was probably just easier to film lol. Also the ‘dressing’ she put on would be practically useless in preventing fluid leakage or the infiltration of bacteria, but whatevs lol. It was cool getting to see his Chevron incision from the surgery– ngl I’d wondered which kind of incision she’d used (oh, the things I think about lol).

Honestly I’m surprised Garrett didn’t immediately go track Arman down and bring him in the moment he saw that partial print, but I guess Russo is managing to keep him under control for now. (Since it’s at least the day after they matched the print, I’m curious about what he did when he got home– get drunk and stare at Maya’s photo or something? Or did he stay late at the office trying to find more evidence begot finally going home to crash?). But lol at his theory that Arman killed Maya bc he found out she was an informant, and was worried she would rat him out– for what, lol? Arman and Maya literally never met until the night he shot her, and he had nothing to do with Cortes’ whole cartel thing until the FBI made him get involved. Maya would have known absolutely nothing about Arman or any of his activities. Also slight sidenote but I find it so funny that they never tied Hayak’s death to him– like clearly the autopsy would have found the puncture mark in his neck, and so the next logical step is to check the camera footage for everyone who had been in the infirmary lately and might have gotten access to needles? And if they'd done that, they would have seen who had just been in there earlier for a check of the wounds he received after being attacked by inmates who were clearly hired by someone with lots of money? C'mon detectives. This is not a hard one lol. But sigh anyway, I’ll forgive this show for a plothole or two– especially one like this, because Arman getting pinned for Hayak’s murder and spending his life in jail would have been very inconvenient for my Armony shipping plans lol. But hmm ok Russo does seem genuinely determined to get RK and everyone he’s connected to, so maybe my conspiracy theory is a little crazy lol. Oh well, it was a fun thought

You know it surprises me how much I actually love Thony/Nadia scenes. There’s obviously tension there– resentment from Nadia, guilt from Thony, and jealousy from both sides– but idk, they’re oddly united by the simple fact that they both love Arman. I’d also like to think that it was a deliberate costuming choice in this scene that they are both wearing blue rn– which has been the colour most associated with Arman through the show (for Nadia it’s green, and for Thony it’s obviously red) but that’s probably just me imagining things lol. But so anyway, I love that Nadia could have had her big security guy immediately throw Thony out, but instead she wordlessly led her to the office where they could talk. Ngl though I did giggle at her ‘well that’s progress’ line when Thony said Arman wasn’t answering her calls. The snark is strong with this one lol. But ugh their argument is amazing for so many reasons? Thony begging for Nadia’s help, knowing she has no right to, but doing it anyway because there’s literally nothing she won’t do to save Luca. Nadia clearly feeling a reluctant pity for Thony even despite her anger. Thony trying not to react to the way Nadia keeps using ‘we’ to refer to herself and Arman like they’re a single unit. Nadia getting pissed at Thony for working with RK and ‘betraying’ Arman, which is exactly what Thony got pissed at her for doing only a few eps ago. Nadia clearly now believing that Thony just uses people to get what she wants and then discards them (making the point by referring to RK as being Thony’s ‘hero’ now, after having called Arman that multiple times in previous eps)– a belief which would then make her even angrier that Thony destroyed their marriage seemingly for nothing. And– maybe because of that– Nadia deliberately not mentioning that Arman is literally out getting Luca’s meds for her right now. Then there's Thony’s instant and strong reaction when Nadia accuses her of not caring what happens to Arman, and then going quiet and clenching her jaw at the genuine worry and certainty in Nadia’s voice when she says RK is going to kill Arman, and the way she then leaves without trying to argue further. And let’s not forget the fact that she didn’t actually tell Nadia that they can’t kill Kamdar, but just told her to wait. Honestly I think that once she got her hands on Luca’s meds and ensured he was safe, she would have actually helped them to kill RK (and in a much smarter way lol), and I think that if Arman had answered any of her damn calls, she would have told him that. When they spoke at the clinic she was already upset and also completely caught off guard by his plan, but she’s had time to calm down and think about it now, and I think she would have talked it out with him and come up with a joint plan that would have protected both him and Luca. But instead of that, we got some real 'Romeo and Juliet' style miscommunication happening here, and well, that’s never led to disaster, right??? Right??

Lol if I saw Arman walking through my workplace, I too would follow after him and stare at him like these two guys are hahaha. Btw where is this shipping container place? Vegas, surely, because I assume he didn’t drive the 4 hours to LA just to talk to this guy lol. Also ngl I have to giggle because it’s been literally like a couple of days since Thony was in Manila, and yet they’re all acting like the meds have already reached the States or will be arriving at any moment, despite the fact that shipping something on a freighter from the Philippines to the US would take at least 3 weeks haha. Ah, TV magic. But ugh anyway who cares about that when Arman is so hot in this scene?? Firstly there’s his annoyance at this guy disrespecting him and trying to haggle with him– something I bet he would never have even dared to attempt in the pre-prison days– and then there’s his fury about the fact that by practically holding the container hostage, the man is endangering Luca. (Not to mention that any delay with getting the meds would mean that Thony would keep on believing that Arman can no longer be relied upon to protect Luca– I mean, not that she actually believes that, but Arman thinks she does). Honestly Arman is probably relieved to have the chance to let out his anger on someone (he could have literally just pulled his gun on the guy, but he chose to get physical haha), and unlike that asshole guy he beat for RK in 2x05, he’s doing this for himself. Ugh I have missed Big Bad Mob Boss* Arman (*with a secret heart of gold lol). I also love how useless the two musclemen were at protecting their boss haha. And then ugh his "nobody touches the cargo but me!"– he's really not taking any chances with Luca’s meds now ughhhh. I would die for him Your Honour

Nadia is crushing up pills in the bathroom and I am wheezing because a) our girl has clearly had some ~experience~ at this, which tbh is hardly surprising considering the type of party we first meet her at; and b) she’s literally got three tablets??? THREE. Three tablets of 250mcg of Digoxin (the dosage was on the bottle). That’s a total of 750 micrograms, aka LESS THAN A MILLIGRAM. For RK’s approximate weight, that’s literally considered a normal therapeutic dose. You know how much Digoxin it generally takes to create a severe acute toxic reaction? Usually more than TEN milligrams, but at the very least more than 5mg, unless someone has some pretty significant health issues and just happens to be having some REALLY shit luck that day. And as far as I could determine from his meds, the only thing RK was taking that has any potential to interact with the Digoxin would be the Benzos, but he takes a low dose and likely only uses them as needed, which means he probably hasn’t got any in his system currently. And hey, again, you know who would have known all this? THONYYYYY.  Like I’m sorry if I’m ruining the very serious moment of Nadia putting her would-be ‘murder weapon’ into her cleavage in a folded up $20 lol but I just can’t deal with any of this at all hahahahaa

Ooooh Thony meeting with Garrett in the carwash, so clandestine haha. And tbh I’m actually impressed that he manages not to immediately give away that he knows about Arman and Maya, and about Thony likely lying to him, especially when the first thing she does is ask him for yet another favour lol. But holy shit she just comes right out and says that Arman is planning to kill Kamdar? Ngl that caught me off guard (I want to google if it’s technically actually illegal to make plans to kill someone– like I assume so, depending on how detailed and feasible they are?– but I don’t want to bring the feds to my own doorstep by looking it up lol). But man it really shows that Thony has come to trust Garrett– lbr him protecting Chris would have gone a long way for that– but also that she took Nadia seriously when she said that Arman was in danger from RK. Bc consider Thony's line “Arman is planning on killing Kamdar, and I need you to protect him”. Garrett takes that to mean that she wants him to protect RK from Arman, which is partly true– until she has Luca’s meds, she does still need him– but I also think that when she says ‘I need you to protect him’, she also means Arman. He needs protection from himself– from taking part in a foolish plan that could easily get him sent to prison or killed– and he needs protection from RK’s men, who could also come for him before Arman even has a chance to act on his plan. And so she asks someone she trusts– a man who is literally a trained FBI agent, and who has already protected someone she loves– to keep an eye on Arman, and keep him away from RK. I can see how some fans would call this a betrayal of Arman, but I honestly don’t see it that way at all. I see it as Thony doing the only thing she can to protect both Luca (by preventing RK’s death and the loss of access to the meds) and Arman (by literally giving him his own bodyguard). Yes, this will screw over Arman’s plans, but that’s a price she’s willing to pay– and like I said last week regarding Arman choosing to protect himself and Thony by killing Kamdar even against her wishes, her stopping him is just the same– both are a situation of “I love you enough to do what needs to be done to save you, even if it makes you hate me”. Which is why Thony is doing what's necessary to protect Arman, even if it comes at the cost of damage to their relationship and the trust between them. After all, it keeps coming back to what he said to her in 1x01: “when it comes to keeping your son [aka the people you love] alive, it’s not about doing things the right way or the wrong way, but any way you can.”  

But man this ep really is aptly named, huh? Practically every scene explores the concept of trust– Thony wanting Arman to trust her judgement and not act on his plans. Arman wanting Thony to trust that he can and will protect Luca. Arman trusting Nadia to carry out this plan with him. Nadia trusting that his plan will work. Thony trusting Garrett to protect Arman (and him breaking that trust by almost murdering him). Garrett's trust in Thony being broken by her lying to him about Maya. Fi being forced to question her trust in Thony. Like damn writers, you’re really exploring human nature here aren’t you

Lol at first I thought all these texts were from Nadia to RK, and that he had actually stood her up bc he’d figured out their plan and had ditched their dinner to go abduct Arman again. But then I learned to read and saw that the texts were to Arman. Clearly something has held him up, since he said he was 10 minutes away and the tone of her texts suggests it’s been longer than that. Also sidenote, but on rewatching I noticed that right before the shot cuts to the next scene, you can see the actor who plays RK in the background, waiting just outside the door for his signal before he starts walking into the main club area lol 

Aaaand now we know why Arman is delayed haha. Fell for the old kidnapper-hiding-in-the-backseat trick huh? Though tbh given the size of that car I think it would be very hard to miss a six foot man scrunched up in the backseat lol. Guess Arman just had a lot of other stuff on his mind haha. But daaaamn Garrett this is definitely not what Thony meant when she said to keep Arman away from Kamdar! Tbh I don’t love that they clearly split the scene of Nadia in Fastlane and put this in the middle of it, because it throws the chronological order out of whack, but I guess it created more suspense this way or whatever lol. 

Apparently Nadia managed to get off a few more texts in the 10 or so seconds before RK crossed over to her from the doorway haha. Honestly though I think I’m becoming paranoid bc when he held out the gift box I was like IS IT GONNA HAVE SOME KIND OF PROOF IN THERE SHOWING HE KNOWS SHE’S PLANNING TO BETRAY HIM?? But then it was just a matching necklace, which then prompted the thought of ‘watch out it’s a listening device!!!!’ lol. God this show has me too on edge. Also lol RK is so goddamn Extra, like he wants to take her to Buenos Aires for sunrise?? Cool just a casual 14 hour flight in a tight dress lol. Though then again maybe his whole plan is to get her out of the dress for the flight haha. Love the ‘To our new beginning’ today bc from her it's  more like ‘to your end’ lol. Honestly I have so much respect for Nadia for what she does in this next scene; like not only does she stall him for an hour to give Arman time to show up, but then when he doesn’t come, she doesn’t abandon the mission?? She makes her own distraction and then actually goes for it and doses his drink??? Like firstly omggggg girl you are literally drugging someone in a crowded area where there are multiple potential witnesses, not to mention cameras, and also where Robert himself could turn around at any second and catch her in the act?? Tbh I am now headcanoning that Sophie the waitress did actually see her do it, bc she fills up the glass literally moments later, but since Nadia has always been nice to her and RK only pays her minimum wage, she’s like ‘eh not my problem’ lol. Women supporting women, amirite?? Ngl I would totally watch a Sophie POV series of all the drama she witnesses between RK, Nadia, Arman, and Thony lol. But anyway speaking of the champagne– even once the drug is in the glass, she has so little time for it all to dissolve away???? Like did she experiment beforehand and see how long it would take?? And what about the way the medication would change the taste??? God this plan is the worst and while I am so impressed by Nadia’s bravery and her taking that risk for Arman (well, and also for her inheritance, since it makes me feel more comfortable to think that she’s doing it for selfish reasons as well as for Arman lol), this whole situation still stresses me out far too much aaaaahhh

Oh man Garrett taking Arman to the dumping spot looks so disturbingly reminiscent of Arman killing the guy in 2x04 aaaaaah. But ugh the resignation on Arman’s face– lbr he’s been waiting for this moment. Whether it was Garrett, or RK, or someone else, he’s known that this day was coming for him; that after all he’s done, he’s been living on borrowed time. I just keep thinking of the Hamilton lyrics for him:  I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory. Is this where it gets me, on my feet, several feet ahead of me? I see it coming, do I run or fire my gun or let it be?  But ugh even for all Garrett’s big talk (“do you think anyone would give a crap if your body was one of [the dumped corpses]?” like uh yeah buddy, Thony would sure as hell care) his gun isn’t steady and he’s clearly trying to work himself up to the idea of pulling the trigger. Also dude it annoys me so much that he says "What I really want is to know everything about the night that you put a bullet in Maya’s head" because she wasn’t shot in the head??? We clearly see (when her body is pulled out of the river) that Arman shot her in the chest. Which is also the place that makes the most sense??? It’s a bigger target, it’s quick and clean, and there’s just no way Arman would shoot an innocent woman in the head. Ugh c’mon writers, keep up lol. I thought maybe Garrett was trying to bait Arman into correcting him and revealing he did shoot her, but it didn’t really seem like that.  But sigh anyway. Clearly Garrett needed to get all of this stuff off his chest about Maya, and the kind of person she was, and how she’s dead because of Arman– but tbh I think Garrett is also saying it to himself a little, like reminding himself that if she’d never met him, she never would have ended up in that river.  I love that Garrett is the one to bring up Thony, showing that he knows what it means to Arman that Maya saved Thony from Cortes. Garrett knows what they are to each other, which is why when Arman turns and looks him in the eye and tells him (even though he knows that Garrett might have a recording device on him that's listening to every word) that he’d had to choose between Maya’s life or Thony’s, and that if Thony hadn’t been there, then things would have turned out differently– Garrett knows that he’s telling the truth. And even more than that, he knows the impossibility of the choice Arman was faced with, which is why he lowers the gun. He later says that he never would have done what Arman did and taken a life like that, but honestly I’m not so sure, and I don’t think he is either. He didn’t hesitate to kill Cortes when Maya was potentially in danger from him, and though killing an innocent would have been much harder for him, the whole point is that the ‘rat’ in the chair was going to die no matter what, so the choice was either to kill the rat and ensure the survival of the woman he loves, or to let all three of them be murdered for nothing. Faced with that situation, I’m certain Garrett would have pulled the trigger too.

Also dude I would have loved to see what the drive back to the gas station was like, the two of them sitting silently next to each other, both dwelling on their own grim thoughts? And then ugh when Garrett tells Arman that the second he's is no longer useful to him, he will bury him? That was hot tbh. Honestly I am living for the connection developing between these two, these former-nemeses-turned-reluctant-allies, and I can’t wait to see more of them. Their relationship is so fascinating because there is so much tension and resentment and anger but there’s also a grudging respect and regard, at least from Arman’s side (because of everything that Garrett has done for Thony) as well as remorse from Arman about his role in Garrett losing the woman he loves. Ngl I dream of a S3 where Arman and Thony are badass mob bosses of their medication import business (Nadia is happily elsewhere being queen of La Habana and Fastlane, being fawned over by men and women alike) and Armony have their morally dubious FBI buddy who they feed info to about bad guys and help him put them away behind bars. Please give it to me writers, I’d do anythiiinggggg  

Okay excuse me show, you cannot just put the Armony theme music over a scene with Fi and Luca??? Firstly Luca has his own damn theme music, and secondly, don’t you know I have a very strong Pavlovian response to this specific melody lol?? That was just cruel lol

Anyway ughhhhh J-Fi are so cute with their flirting over the phone and her giddy little face, she’s like a schoolgirl with a crush omg I love themmmm

Ok honestly, I just really don’t understand how people are hating on Thony for this ep. Like she finds out Arman’s plan, and then literally the moment she is done with the procedure that Luca needs to stay alive, she leaves him with Fi while she goes to La Habana to try to talk to Arman and keep him from putting both himself and Luca in danger. But instead she finds Nadia, so she begs her to stop the plan. Then she goes straight to the one person she knows who has the best chance of keeping Arman safe, and begs him to help. And then later she literally goes to RK himself to try to convince him of how beneficial it would be to have Arman working with her on the medication importing operation, how she needs an asset like him. Like guys the woman literally left her critically ill child at home and spent the day running all over town trying to protect Arman (and ok yes, protecting Luca’s meds too, but it was never just about that). And then ugh at Fastlane when RK tries to get threatening, asking her if she’s telling him how to run his business, she stands her ground and tells him that her and Arman running the meds operation together for him was what they had all agreed to in the first place, and ugh just look at these two brave women both trying to protect Arman from RK?? Albeit going about it in very different (and somewhat conflicting) ways lol. I do kind of love that RK genuinely seems to think highly of Thony and her Badass Mob Boss potential, and wants to see her free herself from Arman, who he clearly considers to be purely dead weight. Like aw that’s nice that he’s been drinking his Respect Women (And Their Right To Do Crime) Juice lately, but shame that it comes with the side effect of hating Arman even more for the fact that he is valued and desired by these amazing women lol

So I hope you didn’t think I was done with my medical ranting because hoooooooooooo boyyyyyy I am not even CLOSE haha. Like honestly I was just going to let all of the medical stuff in this ep slide and not say anything, bc it’s TV and inaccuracies are just an inherent aspect of that, but @enigmaticfox (the little devil on my shoulder that she is) told me to go for it, and so now you must all suffer with me haha. So where to begin?? Maybe with the fact that acute digoxin toxicity is most likely to take around 2 hours post ingestion to actually start showing symptoms? Or that it is far more likely to present with vomiting and abdominal pain than sudden cardiac arrest? And oh boy I could definitely say many many things about Thony’s CPR lol, but instead I will be generous and admit that it can’t be all that easy to simulate true CPR on TV (though I have certainly seen it done much better than this on other shows haha). But I will NOT be generous about the whole "we don’t know what meds he’s on, so shocking him could kill him" nonsense lol. Important PSA to anyone reading this: if you see someone collapse from what seems to be a heart attack, and there’s a defibrillator nearby, please for the love of god put the defibrillator on them. It will literally TELL you whether their heart is in a rhythm that can be shocked or not. (And honestly even if it’s not, as long as they’re not breathing and don’t have a pulse, getting shocked anyway won’t actually hurt them– it just won’t help fix the problem at all, and will delay you resuming CPR for no reason which is definitely not what we want). So basically they 100% should have at the very least put the defibrillator pads on and checked the rhythm– and in fact, the two main cardiac-arrest rhythms caused by Dig toxicity are VF and VT, which are both shockable. But I guess the writers wanted to make it clear that without Thony there, Arman's plan would have likely succeeded and RK would have died; and that because of her choice to take actions to save his life, she indirectly condemned Arman. But dude, it just ain't that simple. Firstly, if Thony did nothing and then RK miraculously somehow survived anyway, he would definitely have her killed for not trying to save him. And though she knows that saving him means he remains a threat to Arman, he won’t be able to come after Arman immediately, meaning there’s time for her and Arman to figure out a way to get him to safety, like asking Garrett to get him put in WitSec. And maybe she’s hoping that by saving his life, RK will feel indebted to her, and will give her whatever she wants in return– which, of course, would be him sparing Arman.

But anyway, back to complaining lol. She tells the paramedics that RK is bradycardic, which literally just means that his heart is beating slowly, but she could have only known that by having felt his pulse– and if someone has a pulse, then they are not in cardiac arrest, and they don’t need CPR lol.  And her telling the medics that they need an EKG makes me feel so much secondhand embarrassment, bc like dude. They know. This is literally something they deal with almost daily in their job. But then lolllll they don’t even take his shirt off and they put on like 2 leads instead of 10 and no one asks for or gives any history of what happened or any details about RK, and someone is giving him oxygen without even holding the mask to his face (meaning the O2 is all just leaking out around the mask rather than going into his lungs) . And then Thony recognises from the EKG that he might be hyperkalaemic (have a dangerously high potassium level, which to be fair does happen with Dig toxicity) and tells them to treat it by giving dextrose– except she doesn’t mention insulin which is the other very essential part of that treatment (as in, the dextrose is useless without it), and she also mentions calcium gluconate which should actually be calcium chloride which is more appropriate in cardiac arrest. Plus these are treatments which generally happen in the emergency room, not with paramedics. Also she says that the EKG shows peaked T waves and widened QRS’s, but the actual rhythm visible on the screen (while definitely slow) actually shows normal T’s and QRS’s. And also she stops CPR because they apparently ‘got a rhythm’, and gives instructions to not shock him ‘if his heart stops again’ (which, again, is bullshit) but then she tells the medic to carry on CPR??? Girl you have literally just proved he’s not in arrest????????????  This is honestly so painful haha. And omg the way the medic acts like such a robot in following her orders, like he would have had no idea what to do otherwise? Gah. Honestly even as a doctor with emergency training I would not be giving the paramedics orders??? I would be discussing my concerns with them but I would be trusting them to do their jobs??? They literally have protocols upon protocols for this shit man. But ugh. Anyway. Nadia congratulating Thony on just killing Arman was kinda funny bc she’s clearly forgetting that now she is in danger too as his accomplice– so technically, Thony may have just gotten both of them killed. Well, they got themselves into that situation so we can’t really blame Thony tbh lol. But aaaanyway I apologise for all of that, but I guess I just have a lot of Opinions haha?  (/EndRant)

Sigh it’s a relief to see Luca looking better. And I appreciate that Fi actually checks in with Thony about how she’s doing; I feel like her own wellbeing gets overlooked a lot, except (for the most part at least) by Arman. And ugh she admits to Fi about having to make a difficult choice today which may have endangered Arman, and you can see how much it weighs on her. Fi immediately reassures her about Arman seeming to be able to take care of himself, which is a very valid point tbh. He’s a grown man who has lived in a very dangerous world for the last two decades; he’s no stranger to his life being at risk. Still, I think Thony would have trouble accepting that argument bc as we have already seen over the past 2 seasons, she’s very protective of Arman and worries about him at the best of times, let alone when his life is being threatened by someone like RK. She breaks it down so clearly though when she says that the decision today involved her being asked to choose Arman over Luca– because for her the situation was that simple. Letting Arman kill Kamdar to protect himself would risk losing access to Luca’s meds, which Luca would almost certainly die without; and so of course she had to choose her son– who has been her entire world for over six years– over a man who she loves, but who has only been in her life for literally about 4 months, and she honestly doesn’t even know if he will choose to stay in her life. To be totally honest, I think that just the simple fact that the decision was genuinely difficult for her to make– not in terms of knowing her choice, but in terms of acting on it, knowing the potential consequences it would have for Arman– is incredible, and shows just how deeply she cares for Arman. But lbr I’d be very concerned about any parent who did put their romantic kind-of-partner above the life of their child– like if Fi or JD had to choose between saving each other or saving Jazz, both of them would pick Jazz without hesitation, because they’re her parents. It kind of comes with the territory???

Anyway speaking of JD, he appears and is not at all happy about being manhandled by Mr Big, Bald, and Brawny. Tbh though I kind of love this bodyguard guy? Like every time he speaks you just know that there are no thoughts going on in that big bald head. He’s clearly a former boxer based on his cauliflower ears, and tbh it looks like he got just a few too many concussions lol. Honestly I would love for him to start feeling a sense of respect and regard towards Thony somehow (like maybe she helps him with a medical issue or something) and he becomes like a big ol’ loyal dog following her around haha. But anyway ooooh I kind of like that JD calls Thony out on things? I think having someone force her to look at herself and her actions is important to make sure she doesn’t disappear too far down the rabbit hole. Though it does kinda suck that he’s (very fairly) forcing Fi to be torn between Thony and the kids… but I mean, like I literally just said, she’s going to have to choose the kids, just like Thony would. But ugh when she tells Thony about the ultimatum he gave her… Thony looks so sad, because though she knows what the right choice is and will support Fi in making it, she knows it means that she will lose her entire family and be alone with just Luca once again. Tbh I’m just the tiniest bit happy that she is the one on the receiving end of this decision this time, because it might give her a sense of how it felt for Arman, and might make her be more open with him about why she did what she did and how much she wished she hadn’t had to make that decision. Ngl I have already drafted a fic where Arman turns up at her house after the events of the ep and they actually finally talk it all out and maybe also make out lol

“I’ve never had an issue with my heart” Hmmmmm are you sure you even have one, Robert?? Lol. But seriously though, one of the pills in his drawer was a ‘blood thinner’ and so that literally means that he has to have something wrong with his heart– or if not that, then a problem with blood clots, and those can obviously also lead to cardiac arrest as well anyway. So really this heart attack shouldn’t have been that much of a shock. “They checked your blood for toxins” lol like what? What funky tests are these guys running? Though to be fair, if they do take his request to test for ‘everything’ seriously, then Nadia is in deep shit because our genius boy Arman picked one of the few meds that we actually have a blood test for. And which can also cause a very distinctive waveform pattern on the EKG as well. Like siiiighhhhh have I mentioned yet how stupid this plan was???

Anyway oh mannnnn I cannot say how much I enjoyed this ep (even despite the medical ridiculousness) because holy shit literally every interaction between the characters was so good and all of them took actions that were so completely in character and ugh I am just so excited to see what happens tomorrow aaaaaahhhh

[darlington-v]

I know different interpretations of a work are generally enriching and cool... but c!dream villan interpretations is like how to tell me you only watch Tommy without saying you only watch tommy.... which would be fine but its not a great place to be making statements about the whole nature of the dsmp lol

Wild speculation, but sometimes I wonder if like, because the dsmp didn't really start as a narrative, and a lot of fans don't nessecarily enter it expecting a narrative, but then there is one and the fandom is really discourse heavy and everyone is sort of excpeted to have an opinion while maybe not expecting to form one from the begining or not having a ton of experience with narrative in a way that would "expect" them to have an opinion or not take things at face value??, I don't know if I explained that well at all... and I don't really even think thats right nessecarily... but like wow sometimes some of the takes about power and government and villany...

Honestly, it makes sense!!!

I think something interesting is like.... looking at how animatics have shaped the like tone and culture of the fandom essentially. Like, an interesting fact that I didn't really fully grasp until SUPER recently is like...

c!Wilbur out the gate admits he is manipulating c!Tommy. Like his first youtube video on the Dream SMP he admits his goal is to manipulate c!Tommy and people like c!Tommy into helping him achieve a potion ("drug") empire to monopolize on potions because there were a lot of people on the server who like to min-max, which is to put all of your effort into this one specific skill essentially. so like... i know minecraft doesnt have a skill tree but if it did, it would be putting all your points into that one specific branch of a skill tree. So he wanted to exploit the labor of all the TommyInnits to.... maintain a Potion Empire.

THIS IS A LONG POST BC I GOT CARRIED AWAY SO BUCKLE UP

And I don't think a lot of the fandom who joined later on knows this. I certainly didn't until like a week or so ago? Like... I knew c!Wilbur had been manipulative from the start because I'm a mod of (shameless self promo incoming) @dsmpanalysis and we have a lot of different POVs in that mod team and discord and we talk about it really frequently. I joined the fandom as someone who was really big on L'manburg ESPECIALLY crimeboys, and have turned into.... *gestures vaguely to my blog*

And ngl I owe a lot of it to @1-michibiki-1 in terms of c!Dream "Apologism" but all of the mods there have expanded my thoughts and views on the storylines of this narrative.

My application consisted of like largely essays about like... how I think Dream was the villain but he was meant to be the villain because you don't get any insight into his character WHICH.... IS A FAIR ASSUMPTION AT FIRST GLANCE. People are easily villainized when you cannot get a glimpse into their thought process. It's easy to dwindle someone down into this flat character and starting out I knew Dream didn't stream the SMP on purpose.

And I personally came to the conclusion of "Oh! So Dream is supposed to be the villain." However as the story continued and I learned more about what Dream went through I began to realize that... it's more than likely a form of a red herring. My opinions on this were immediately solidified when I watched Ranboo's 2 MIL stream because both Ranboo AND Dream agree on enjoying red herrings.

There have been MANY times were Dream has said that c!Dream is a complex character and he's not a wholly evil guy and there have been times where the narrative has honestly just proved that.

Anyways, what's important though was that... I learned most of this from other people who were more focused on c!Dream rather than myself. Eventually I shifted from c!Tommy to c!Ranboo and c!Techno after c!Tommy betrayed c!Techno and I began to realize.... everything I learned before hopping in wasn't exactly what it seemed.

Part of this is because I'm older, I heavily identify with c!Techno's sense of loyalty and philosophies on government, but I especially identify with the anguish c!Techno voiced in... a lot of lore but especially the lore around Doomsday.

I'm not 16 anymore. I don't always feel wronged by adults, or older people in my case, whenever they absolutely have done something wrong by me, but I do feel wronged by my close friends. I also felt like c!Tommy's sense of loyalty didn't line up with mine after what felt like him constantly flip-flopping and refusing to understand c!Techno's morals on government didn't line up with his.

In short, it was easier to identify with Tommy in these animatics versus in the actual stream content because c!Tommy is played by a 16 year old. I'm not a teenager and my line of thinking doesn't entirely line up with people that age anymore. It's harder to place myself in the same shoes of someone's OC who is played closer to their actual age, because I'm not that age.

Regardless, I was still on the c!Dream is a villain train. I wasn't ever like... c!Dream is repulsive I hate him, but I was like omg hot villain lad go brrr.

Even when the first like... mellohi, panic room, Ranboo lore stream popped up I thought "Oh! c!Ranboo corruption arc?"

And I was excited because I really wanted this shy, nervous character to turn into villain buddies with his good pal c!Dream. I'm a total sucker for villains and corruption arcs and all that good shit.

SO I STARTED GETTING REALLY INTERESTED IN ENDERSMILE. I'VE BEEN ON ENDERSMILE SQUAD OUT THE GATE. NOT THE SAME WAY I AM NOW, BUT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED THEM TO TEAM UP.

So... upon not really keeping up with c!Dream and being relatively??? indifferent? I don't think I started arguments on c!Dream back then, but I might have. But I remember like... starting to participate more whenever c!Dream came up and looking more into Dream's character BUT ESPECIALLY TALKING WITH OUR SERVER'S C!DREAM SPECIALIST MICHI ABOUT DREAM A LOT MORE.

And because Michi has been a watcher since day one and was a DTeam fan rather than a SBI fan, she was able to provide me with more information on how the server worked pre-Tommy but especially pre-Wilbur.

Now, you could definitely argue well Michi probably has clear bias but it made sense to me when I looked back on how the storyline had been constructed and was going along, and everyone in the server talks a lot about our own biases and how we want people to maybe not lean so hard on them. Michi would also provide like anecdotes on what had happened and I'm sure links were probably provided at one point but the point was I felt like Michi had no reason to lie or manipulate how the story was told and if she did, eventually someone would have pointed it out because... Group of like... right now it's around 20 or more analysts but I don't remember how many at the time there were. POINT BEING, WE'VE ALL GOT POINTS TO PROVE AND IN MY EXPERIENCE NOT MANY OF US HAVE BEEN SHY TO PROVE THEM.

So if anyone ever had any differing opinions they would be talked about and we literally had and still have discussions.

REGARDLESS.... I DIDN'T FACT CHECK IN DEPTH BECAUSE I THOUGHT PEER REVIEW WAS ENOUGH WHEN YOU HAVE LIKE HOURS UPON HOURS OF STREAMS TO WATCH.

Anyways. Eventually I started paying closer attention and looking more into c!Dream lore but only recently have I started to triple check before speaking about c!Wilbur lore because I know everyone has biases and while I did trust everyone's thoughts and analysis in the discord, whenever I make essays I typically like it to be largely air tight and if theres a mistake, I want it to be because I forgot not because I just trusted what was said. Plus, I wanted to get down to the specifics of how Wilbur had always started with manipulation on the mind.

SO I WATCHED HIS FIRST VIDEO ON THE DREAM SMP.

AND WHAT I WAS NOT BY ANY MEANS EXPECTING WAS WILBUR TO SAY WORD FOR WORD, VERBATIM,

"SO WHY DON'T I START AN INDUSTRY WHERE I USE THE TOMMYINNITS OF THE WORLD TO WORK FOR ME, TO CREATE THINGS THAT THE MIN-MAXERS OF THE WORLD WILL WANT."

Like... this is in no way an attempt to like hardcore villainize c!Wilbur like everyone does Dream, it's just more so to like REALLY outline how far off a lot of fandom interpretation of c!Wilbur is....

Because of SBI focused animatics.

Now, when I joined I watched A LOT of animatics that really highlighted like... Wilbur being this self-loathing JD-esque, "I destroyed it because I had to because the world was against me because no one loved us, Tommy" type of character. At least... that's what it came across as.

And it definitely highlighted the fact that Tommy was a victim, which he is. He is undoubtedly a victim and no not even any dream apologist can change my mind otherwise. Tommy, despite being an instigator sometimes, didn't deserve the abuse he received.

But these animatics never shown the fact that c!Wilbur started L'manburg as a shady ploy to exploit people like c!Tommy and vilify c!Dream so he could have power.

And that was easy because Dream and Tommy had wars before. They had spars and pranks and here's the plan to take back my disks and here's the plan to out smart the thieving little child etc etc.

And all of the animatics I watched never mentioned this. Neither did the recaps though. The recaps gave the events flat out, there didn't sound like there was bias, and honestly I don't really know if there was rather than like... a lack of nuance. And it's hard to provide a recap with that much nuance in a short period of time for a youtube video, to be perfectly fair.

However, this creates a perfect formula for entirely rewriting the history of a server. c!Wilbur quite literally fucking succeeded TO A META LEVEL. He slandered and ran smear campaigns against Dream and like he even does that with Sapnap in the beginning. But what's crazy is that it transferred over into the meta! Most of this fandom understands Wilbur as a victim of mental illness, and yeah maybe? He definitely wasn't mentally well by the end of pogtopia, but he never started out with honorable intentions. L'manburg was never a victim, only its citizens. The TommyInnits of the world.

I just think it's like... such an interesting case study. Because this is like... an opinion like shared by at least half of the fandom, but the vilifying of c!Dream is shared by MOST of the fandom I would argue. Which is like even more crazy for me because that was c!Wilbur's goal!!!

LIKE I GO INSANE WHEN I THINK OF THIS BECAUSE HIS REACH IS JUST TOO POWERFUL. HE'S NOT EVEN ENTIRELY REAL, JUST A MANIPULATIVE PERSONA OF SOME BRITISH GUY.

And I mean... maybe people who have watched Wilbur's video on the SMP still maintain this idea that Wilbur wasn't always the bad guy, but honestly... I wouldn't be surprised if their introduction was still an animatic. Like bias is hard to check and I'm not going to lie I could have sworn I watched both Wilbur's AND Tommy's video on the SMP in the beginning and yet I STILL was a ride or die for tragic yet on some level still honorable Wilbur and a resilient Tommy.

Like... upon watching Wilbur's first video... possibly again I was surprised because I thought I did watch it like right before I even started watching the streams and yet I was still so invested in c!Wilbur as this tortured anti-hero.

It took 6 months of... not being in an echo chamber, full of multiple different people of different ages, different stream POVS, and people who joined the fandom at different points in time.

IDK IF THIS WAS EVEN ENTIRELY RELEVANT IT JUST FELT TANGENTIALLY RELEVANT AND THIS WAS SOMETHING I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT FOR A HOT MINUTE AFTER LIKE WATCHING WILBUR'S FIRST VIDEO AGAIN.

TLDR;

SBI CENTRIC ANIMATICS HAD A LASTING AFFECT ON THIS FANDOM AS IT'S HARD TO GO BACK AND ACTUALLY CHECK THE NARRATIVE FOR SOLID FACTS FOR YOUR OWN INTERPRETATION BASED ON THE FACT THAT THIS NARRATIVE SPANS OVER HUNDREDS OF HOURS WORTH OF TWITCH STREAMS.

[thedeviousdo]

Just As Usual..A Space Saga

Part Ten

“I look ridiculous.”

“How is this different from any other time?” 

Baekhyun looked up at Chanyeol in the reflection of the mirror before flipping him off. He moved the chain slightly higher up his nose, sighing when it fell back to its previous place. “What’s the point of this thing anyway?”

Sehun walked to Baekhyun’s side, handing him the blade they took from Chanyeol’s side the other week. “Makes you look oh so pretty.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes as he took the blade and placed it in his belt. “I don’t mind the hair, but did he always wear clothes like this?” He looked down at the close fitting black leather outfit with a frown.

Yixing gave a small nod, “Always.”

“At least yours covers your body.” Jongin groaned as he walked out to join the others, both hands trying to cover the bare skin of his stomach. He saw Yixing cringe when giving him a once over, quickly looking somewhere else. “Sorry, I know I promised I wouldn’t have this hair color.” He ran a hand through his now teal hair, giving a small smile towards his friend. 

“I didn’t think it would bother me this much...seeing you all look like them.” Yixing gave a small shrug as he looked down at his hands.

Minseok rubbed Yixing’s back, “You went through a trauma that you are still coping with, we’re sorry we need you to do this.”

Yixing shook his head, “You need to know what they looked like so that they can pass for them. I’m the only one here that can really do that and I will.”

“Shuttle’s ready.” Kyungsoo said from the doorway, he gave a quick once over of both Baekhyun and Jongin. “You look terrible.”

“Don’t remind me.” Jongin said, looking down at his outfit.

“Chanyeol is adding a few more hidden weapons on the shuttle. I want you three in and out as fast as you can. Hack into their computer, find the location for JD and Junmyeon and then get out.” Minseok instructed as they all made their way to the hangar. 

Chanyeol walked off the shuttle, fake cuts and bruises on his face courtesy of Sehun. “All set, Jongin hide this...somewhere.” He handed a small gun to Jongin, smiling when he shrugged at the lack of clothing he could hide it under. “Baek, here are a few more daggers. No one should be looking that close to notice they don’t look like the one he freaking stabbed me with.”

“There should be one more person going.” Kyungsoo said from beside Jongin, helping him hide the gun in his boot.

“We can’t spare more, plus it may raise more suspicions if they have more than one prisoner. And we can’t make one of us look like a clone that we don’t know exists either.” Minseok said from beside Yixing. “Baekhyun can keep most anyone distracted, either talk them to death or to such annoyance they walk off. Chanyeol can get out of his cuffs without issue, and Jongin can teleport them out if things get dicey. They’ve got this. Just our usual missions.”

“We will see you all soon.” Jongin said, giving a light nod towards Kyungsoo and the others before following Chanyeol and Baekhyun onto the shuttle. 

“See you.” The others said just as the shuttle door sealed shut.

X

The building was nearly deserted, just as Chanyeol’s contact had said it would be. Only a handful of guards patrolled the perimeter, and from the scan on their radar, only two dozen people were inside. 

“This is our entry point.” Chanyeol said, pointing to a room on the radar. “Kyugnsoo said it was temperature controlled so it must be their main computer room. Jongin, land us here and we will walk to this location. Anyone we come across that we can’t knock out, we are here as a pit stop for the Red Force before taking me on to get my powers sucked out.”

Jongin nodded before taking both Chanyeol and Baekhyun’s hands, with a deep breath he teleported them in. The room they landed in was deserted minus one man that Chanyeol quickly knocked unconscious and stuffed in a closet. With a quick check to make sure the hallway was clear, they started their trek to the computer room. 

“This place gives me the creeps.” Baekhyun said, twirling the dagger in his hands. 

“What were you expecting?” Jongin asked as he peeked around the corner, “Lively music and happy smiling faces?”

“I don’t know, maybe. It just feels off here.”

“Xian, Kai. What are you doing here?”

The three of them halted in their steps, Jongin quickly taking hold of Chanyeol’s arm and forcefully turning them around. Baekhyun slowly turned as well, nearly dropping his dagger mid twirl and cursing softly under his breath. 

“Just making a pit stop.” Jongin answered.

The man behind them gave them all a slow once over, a sneer forming on his face when he looked at Chanyeol. “New pet, Kai?”

Jongin smiled as he ran a finger down Chanyeol’s cheek, “I broke the other one.”

“I heard differently, heard that you all let him escape.”

Baekhyun picked at his nails with the dagger, “We have things to do, what do you want?”

“The new clones have just been transferred to the tubes, if you want to take a look.” The man said, gesturing to a nearby door. 

Jongin and Baekhyun exchanged looks before nodding, Baekhyun making a show of pushing the tip of his blade into Chanyeol’s side to get him walking. They followed the man down the hall and into the room he had pointed to. The room was large and open, nearly as big as the air hangar on their ship. The entire room was all white except the rows upon rows of tubes holding fetuses in light blue water. 

“All 500 will be ready in the next month.” The man said with a proud smile. “Suho wants them transferred to Valis for power transfers since Harmaa was compromised.”

“So many.” Baekhyun said in a near whisper. 

The man looked sideways at Baekhyun, “So little you mean.”

Baekhyun straightened his back and turned to look at the man, “Are you correcting me?”

The man mirrored Baekhyun’s pose as he looked at the three of them, eyes lingering on Chanyeol. “What were you all doing here again?”

“Breaking in and stealing information dick face.” Chanyeol smiled before clasping his hands together and slugging the man hard across the face. 

The man stumbled back, light smoke coming off his face where Chanyeol’s fists singed his cheek. Baekhyun didn’t give him the opportunity to right himself, one of his hands already covering the man's eyes and blasting pure white light into them. He slapped his other hand over the man’s mouth to muffle his scream. Chanyeol rammed the back of the man’s head hard with the metal of his cuffs, instantly knocking him unconscious.

“Shit, we need to leave.” Jongin said, helping Baekhyun move the man to a nearby closet. 

“Agree.” Baekhyun said, a little out of breath. 

“We need the location though.”

Jongin shook his head, “The guy said Valis, we can work off tha-.”  

“Leaving already?”

Baekhyun and Chanyeol turned to see Jongin being held by his throat. 

“Sehun…” Chanyeol whispered. 

Sehun, or the clone of him, stood near the open door, a thin smile on his lips. There was a deep blood red glistening scar that ran down his left eye, the only difference they could tell between their friend and the clone. 

Standing silently against the wall behind Sehun was Yixing’s clone, Lay. He kept his hands behind his back and eyes lowered. 

 “Pleased to meet you.” Sehun said as he squeezed Jongin’s throat slightly when he tried to break away, smiling when he choked for air. “We’re thankful you brought yourselves here. Chan, Kai and Xian will be very pleased that they’ll have stronger powers soon. Too bad you didn’t bring me along.” 

“Jongin, teleport yourself out.” Chanyeol said, shaking the cuffs off his wrist and setting his hands on fire. “We will get out ourselves.”

“Then he would take me with him, and believe me when I say I’ll have the air from his lungs before he can even take a breath.” Sehun said as if he was talking about the weather. He raised his other hand and slowly curled his fingers into a fist, smiling when Baekhyun and Chanyeol started gasping. “Or I can take yours instead.”

Baekhyun fell to his knees, both hands at his throat as he tried to take a breath in. Chanyeol fell  a moment later, the fire on his hands all but extinguished. 

“I’ll let the others have some fun with you two while I take pretty boy here to my shuttle first. I’ll send another to pick you two up later. Make sure our men keep them alive.” Sehun said to Lay before he pulled Jongin from the room as a handful of men walked in after him. 

Chanyeol and Baekhyun coughed much needed air into the lungs just as Sehun left the room. Baekhyun was barely on his feet before the first blow of a fist hit his cheek. 

X

“Holy shit, what happened?!” Sehun yelled as he helped Baekyun out of the shuttle, holding him firmly when he nearly collapsed into his side. 

Chanyeol limped out behind them, wiping blood from a gash above his eye. “Your clone was there...we barely got out.”

Minseok came running into the hangar, closely followed by Kyungsoo. “Yixing, we need you in the air hangar now!” he said into his comms. “What happened?”

“We had to fight our way out of the building and then I blew the fucker to peices.” Chanyeol said as he sat down on one of the crates as they waited for Yixing.

“Where is Jongin, still on the shuttle?” Kyungsoo asked as he peered around Baekhyun and Sehun towards the shuttle. 

“He… Sehun showed up and he… Soo we tried to get to them I swear.” Baekhyun's voice shook as he leaned into Chanyeol’s side on the crate they both sat on. “Sehun took him.”

“What?!” Kyungsoo yelled in a growl. The hangar groaned as he curled his fists, parts of the metal caving in as if large fists were struck repeatedly into them. “Where did they go?”

“We think Valis.” 

 TBC

Masterlist

[winterscaptain]

intellectual guesswork.

Aaron Hotchner x Gender Neutral Reader

a/n: another ajf update that requires absolutely no context to enjoy! i love you all so much. send some extra love to your favorite writers this week :)

one quick thing - if you’re on my taglist, please consider dropping a reply or a reblog! i love to see what you all think, and it encourages me to keep going :) it’s also getting a bit long, and i want to make sure my mutuals and people who engage are seeing everything - tumblr sometimes has a hard time with a lot of mentions. 

words: 1.6k warnings: none!

summary: “ignorance of the law excuses no man - from practicing it.” - addison mizner. au!may 2008

masterlist | a joyful future masterlist | ajf faq | taglist | what do you want to see next? edited: january 12th, 2021

You all settle into one row. Aaron’s on the end beside you, looking very sharp in a crisp black suit, his favorite Rolex, and a settled kind of confidence you’ve only seen in him a few times. It’s like he’s in his natural habitat. 

Aaron’s record as a federal prosecutor speaks for itself, of course, but you’ve never seen him in action. As often as they can, the bureau’s leadership sends him in as an expert witness. This time, the case happens to be one of yours. The judge hasn’t required a sequestration for Aaron, so you get the treat of sitting together in the courtroom. 

He’s scoffed and mumbled snide remarks under his breath all morning. You’re just itching to see him get up on the stand and give this joker an education. 

Emily leans over, whispering in your ear. “I promise you’ve never seen anything like this before. Hotch is going to rip this clown to shreds.” 

You stifle a laugh and look over at Aaron. He heard her. Leaning toward you, he murmurs, “All my JD does is collect dust. When I use it, I’d like to enjoy it.” 

“Your Honor, the prosecution would like to call our expert witness, Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, to the stand.” 

He takes a breath and rises, buttoning his suit jacket and crossing the courtroom. His presence commands respect and everyone in the courtroom seems to shrink before him. 

The prosecution’s questions go over smoothly, and the defense attorney stands with an unreasonable amount of confidence. 

Emily leans over. “He thinks he can get Hotch with at least one of these questions, and he might. But just watch.” 

You nod, taking everything in. 

“So you’ve stated that it was your profile of the killer that led you and the police to my clients door that night.” 

“Behavioral analysis was a factor in our investigation, yes.” 

Without hesitation, the attorney follows up. “And was behavioral analysis also a factor in the Olympic Park bombings case in Atlanta?” 

“Yes, it was.” Aaron’s eyes and tone never waver, no hint of arrogance or cheek. 

“And was that suspect you identified,” the attorney asks, far too aggressively, “Richard Jewell, ever convicted of the bombings?”

The prosecution objects, and you watch Aaron. Every part of him observes the proceedings with an outwardly detached interest, but his eyes are alive - strategizing and anticipating. It’s like you can see the wheels turning as the lawyers bicker. 

 The judge ends the squabble. “I’ll allow it.”

Aaron, now with permission, answers simply, “No, he was not convicted.”

“Because he was innocent. Your profile led you to the wrong man.” 

Oh, give me a break. It takes everything in you not to scoff and you can feel Emily’s eye roll.

“Jewell was not the perpetrator, but if you look at the real Olympic Park Bomber, Eric Rudolph, you’ll see that our profile was dead-on.” 

Dead-on indeed, Aaron. 

“Well, how about we look at the Baton Rouge Killer? Your unit said that he was white and living in the city. He was Black and from the suburbs.”

Aaron’s eyes narrow and you feel Spencer shift beside you. Emily shakes her head. “Don’t worry,” she whispers. “He always recovers, never in the way you’d expect.” 

“How do you know?”

Emily’s face pulls into a little smile. “I’ve read the transcripts. Hotch is terribly clever.” 

“You said that Dennis Rader, the B.T.K. Killer,” the attorney continues, “was divorced and impotent. He turned out to be married with two kids.” 

JJ huffs, and you hear her whisper to Spencer, “Can we quit with the sermon?” 

His lips turn up. “Just wait.”

Dave leans over and stares them down over Derek. Stop talking. 

All of you look down at your hands like chastised children, but your gaze floats back to Aaron right away. 

The prosecution objects again, this time on the grounds of preaching. The judge forces a question, and the attorney turns back on Aaron.

“Having been wrong on those cases, isn’t it possible that you were wrong about Brian Matloff?” 

“No.” Your chest squeezes. He’s completely firm in his denial. 

How does he do that?

“Fact is,” the attorney continues like Aaron didn’t speak at all, “behavioral analysis is really just intellectual guesswork. You probably couldn’t tell me the color of my socks with any greater accuracy than a carnival psychic.” 

“Objection!” 

Her outburst is unnecessary. Aaron has a plan. His eyes track to you as if to check in. Are you paying attention? 

If you weren’t watching before, you’re certainly watching now. Always. 

“Withdrawn.” 

“Charcoal grey.” His flat assertion makes you gasp and you immediately cover your mouth with your hand to stifle the sound. 

The attorney turns around. “Well, look at that,” he exposes his socks to the court, and they are, in fact, charcoal grey. “He got one right.”

Aaron’s not finished. “You match them to the color of your suit to appear taller. You also wear lifts and you’ve had the soles of your shoes replaced. One might think you’re frugal, but in fact, you’re having financial difficulties.” 

You do your best to school your expression and remove your hand from your mouth. Checking down the row, you see six smirks watching the witness box. 

“You wear a fake Rolex…”

And you’d know. 

“...because you pawned the real one to pay your debts. My guess would be to a bookie.” 

Is he smiling?

“I took this case pro bono.” There’s tension in Mr. Charcoal Grey’s voice. You can hear it behind the false confidence and it pulls a smile from you. “I am one of the most successful criminal attorneys in the state.”

Hotch continues, completely bypassing him. “Your vice is horses.” There’s definitely a little smile on his face now. “Your Blackberry’s been buzzing on the table every twenty minutes, which happens to be the average time between posts from Colonial Downs. You’re getting race results.” Your smile gets wider, and Emily grabs your hand. 

“Just watch.”

“And every time you do, it affects your mood in court, and you’re not having a very good day.” There’s something that looks almost like concern on Aaron’s face, but you know it’s nothing if not facetious. He’s ripping this poor man to shreds without changing a single thing about his presentation.

I love - 

Don’t finish that thought. 

Why not?

Remember how he’s freshly divorced?

I know, but have you seen him?

“That’s because you pick horses the same way you practice law -” 

You lean forward and Emily follows, her thumbnail between her teeth. 

The final blow. 

“- by always taking the long shot.” 

If this was any other setting, you’re sure the entire team would be on their feet, shouting and jeering. But alas, you’re in court, so you settle for a wide smile and a suppressed laugh. Amused brown eyes meet yours from across the room and you shake your head just the tiniest bit. I can’t believe you.

His lips twitch. 

“Well, you spin a very good yarn, Agent, but as usual, you’ve proven nothing.” He’s just trying to recover something, anything left of his dignity. He fails, miserably. 

“If I’m not mistaken,” Aaron says, his eyebrows raised just a little, “the results from the fifth race should be coming through any minute.”

Just then, his Blackberry buzzes on the defense table. “Why don’t you tell us if your luck has changed?”

You raise your hands to your face to cool the rising heat in your cheeks. 

“Your honor, this is - “

The judge takes matters into his own hands. “What do you want me to do? Either show us your Blackberry or cut him loose, counselor.”

Hotch and the defense attorney share a loaded look. It’s a battle of wills. 

Aaron wins. 

“Nothing further.”

+++

When you all leave the courthouse, you practically latch onto Aaron’s arm, completely floored. 

“How did you do that?”

He laughs and Derek jumps up beside him, shaking his shoulders. “Come on, Hotch. That was incredible.” 

“Why have a law degree if you aren’t going to use it?”

+++

He offers you a ride home later that evening and you take him up on it. You’re both still in the car, idling in front of your house. 

“That really was impressive today,” you admit, your eyes on your hands.

You can feel his soft smile rather than see it. “Thanks. I know it didn’t quite go the way we wanted as far as the case itself, but there’s more to come.” 

“It’s never as bad as it looks in the first couple of days.” 

“Exactly.” He sighs. “Thanks again for being there today. It’s…” his lips twist as he thinks, “nice to have the team around.” 

You reach out, squeezing his forearm before immediately letting him go. “Of course. We’ll always be there for you. Plus, there’s nothing better than watching you tear blowhard lawyers to shreds in a court of law.” 

“I’m not sure that’s exactly how it went.” 

“You’re kidding!” You laugh. “That’s just what happened. The man left without half his soul! You absolutely tore it from his body.”

The pair of you quiet, and you move to get out of the car. He stops you with a hand over yours as you unclip your seatbelt. “Really. Thanks for being there today.” 

“I can’t emphasize this enough - it was my pleasure.” 

Enough of a pleasure as it was, his smile in the dark of the car is the best part of your day.  

+++

tagging: @arganfics @quillvine @stxrryspencer @agenthotchner @wandaswitxh @hurricanejjareau @fics-ilike @ange-must-die @ughitsbaby @rousethemouse @criminalsmarts @shrimpyblog @genevievedarcygranger @ssaic-jareau @good-heavens-chris-evans @davidrossi-ismydad @angelsbabey @gublergirls @writefasttalkevenfaster @venusbarnes @hotchsflower @micaiahmoonheart @ogmilkis @thatreallyis-americas-ass @marvels-agents100 @hotchslatte @risenfox @mrs-dr-reid @captain-christopher-pike @joemazzello-imagines @pinkdiamond1016 @sebbybaby0 @pan-pride-12 @hotchlinebling @lee-rin-ah @sunshine-em @word-scribbless @jdougl-love @sageellsworth05 @nohalohoseok @giveusbackourbucky @writerxinthedark @bauslut @yourlovelynewsbian @sparklingkeylimepie @aili28 @kingandrear @reader4027 @spnobsessedmemes @rogers-mouth @dreila03 @forgottenword @aaronhotchnerr @ssa-morgan @hotchnersgoddess @buckybau @phoenixfyre374 @sana-li @tegggeeee @abschaffer2 @ssacandi-ass-prentiss  @dontkissthewriter @ellyhotchner @lotties-journey-abroad @mrs-joel-pimentel-23-25 @laneygthememequeen @ahopelessromantic @violentvulgarvolatile @andreasworlsboring101 @mooneylupinblack @ssareidbby @violet-amxthyst @bwbatta @roses-and-grasses @lcvischmitt @capricorngf @missdowntonabbey @averyhotchner @mandylove1000 @garcia-reid-lovechild  @cevanswhre @colbyskoalas @qvid-pro-qvo @jeor @spencers-hoodrat @infinity1321

[leossmoonn]

mind games [part eleven]

masterlist | part ten | part twelve

zuko x fem!reader fluff, angst smau (it has the social media elements, but not as much as the last series)

avatar: the last airbender

summary - being zuko’s best friend is the easiest thing in the world. until he gets a girlfriend and you realize you’re in love with him

warnings / includes  (this counts for any/all chapters) - fighting, suggestive, language, crying, alcohol, cheating, talk about injuries, making out, alluding to sex, talks about sex. you are sokka and katara’s older sister. you, mai, and zuko are seniors in college, sokka and suki are juniors, katara, aang, and toph are sophomores.

note - so for this one im gonna be switching pov’s. so for the first half it’ll be 2nd point of view with y/n and the second half it'll be like 2nd point of view but with jet (hope this made sense lol)

————

“so, how has living with jet been?” aang asked. 

“really good,” you smiled. “he’s a really good housemate. he cooks, actually cleans. doesn’t mind that i had to take up a little more closet space.”

“wow, sounds like you have the perfect man,” suki smirked. “i do,” you sighed dreamily. 

you and jet had been dating now for a little more than 4 1/2 months. you two decided that it was time to move in together. you two had already practically been living together so it seemed right to start the next phase of your relationship. you weren’t at jet’s, though. you were at an ice cream shop downtown with your friends. 

living with jet was amazing, as stated, but you rarely saw your friends. college was coming to an end, too. with you and between that and looking for jobs and picking up extra shifts at the JD, it had been very busy. but you had just finished all your finals and was now ready to graduate in the next week, so you were able to relax, finally. 

“how about you guys, how have you been?” you asked. 

“really good! i can’t believe you won’t be at school with us,” katara frowned. 

“yeah, i hate to admit it, but i’m gonna miss you,” sokka said. 

you chuckled, “thanks, sokka. well, i’m not planning one really going anywhere. i’ll just be out of school, which thank the spirits for that.”

“must be nice knowing you don’t have to deal with finals anymore,” toph suck her tongue out in disgust. 

“yeah, i definitely won’t miss that,” you snorted, taking a bite of your ice cream cone. 

“have you found a job yet?” toph asked. ”i’ve found a few. i have yet get interviews, though. i’m waiting until the july to so i can enjoy there summer,” you explained. 

“makes sense. we’ll miss you at the JD,” katara said. 

“yeah, you’re the only one who makes good frappuccinos,” aang chortled. 

“i know. zuko and katara just can’t grasp the recipe,” you teased. 

“i can! i just prefer to make the tea. it’s a lot easier,” katara deafened. 

“don’t worry. i agree,” you smiled. your phone vibrated on the table. 

you turned it over, seeing that there as a text from zuko. 

“is that zuko?” aang asked. “yeah, how did you know?” i asked. 

“he’s been missing you lately,” sokka explained. 

“oh, really? we hung out a couple weeks ago, though,” you said. “exactly. he knows you been busy so he hasn’t asked you to hang out yet, but we told him you’re less busy now,” aang said. 

“oh,” you frowned. “well, he asked if we could hang out today. you guys okay if i go?”

“yeah, of course! we’ve been here for hours, anyways,” suki said. 

“great. still on for the sleepover tonight?” you asked, getting up and grabbing your purse.

“you know it! have fun,” katara smiled. 

“will do,” you smiled back, waving goodbye at them. 

you walked to your car, getting in and driving to your friend’s and sibling’s house. you parked in the garage, going in and seeing zuko on the couch. 

“hey, stranger,” you smiled, taking off your shoes. 

“hey, long time no see,” zuko smiled, getting up. you hummed in reply, opening your arms out and hugging him. 

“i’ve missed you,” zuko whispered. 

“i’ve missed you, too. i’m sorry i haven’t reached out,” you sighed, pulling away. 

“no worries. we aren’t kids anymore. we have our own life,” zuko smiled reassuringly. 

“right. so, you said you wanted to talk about our plan?” you asked, walking over with zuko to the couch. 

“yeah. so, how do i approach her?” zuko ask. “well, i wouldn’t suggest doing it over a date. do it at night so you can go somewhere else and sleep immediately. you two are living together, right?” you asked. 

“yeah,” zuko nodded. “great, well, just tell her you need to talk to her. don’t hint at anything, be neutral about it all and break the news to her,” you explained.

“easier said than done,” zuko chuckled. 

you furrowed your brows and studied his face, seeing the guilt and confusion in his eyes. you leaned against the couch and put your hand on his forearm comfortingly.

“are you sure you want to do this?” you asked. “i am,” zuko nodded. 

“are you sure? like 100% positive?” you checked with him.

zuko chuckled, “yes, i am. plus, i…i like someone else.”

your eyes widened, “o-oh. this is new info. who is it?” your heart started to race and you began to feel very nervous thinking about who he could like.

“i’d rather not say just yet,” he said, averting his gaze from you. 

“alright. well, no pressure,” you smiled softly. your phone then started to vibrate in your back pocket. you pulled it out, seeing that jet was calling you. 

you answered it quickly. “hey, babe, what’s up?”

“hey, when’re you coming home?” jet asked. 

“oh, um…” your voice trailed off as you looked at the clock. “tomorrow? i’m hanging out with zuko right now, and you know i’m having a little sleepover with the girls.”

“oh, right,” jet muttered. you furrowed your brows as he sounded annoyed and sad. you stood up off the couch, holding your first finger up to zuko to let him know you’ll be back in a minute. 

you walked into the kitchen and leaned against the island counter. “hey, you sound sad. everything okay?”

“yeah, i just miss you,” jet sighed. you smiled, “i miss you, too, but i haven't seen zuko or my friends in a while.” “i know, i know. i wasn’t going to make you come home, don’t worry,” jet said. 

“i didn’t think you were. i know you’re understanding.”

you and jet sat on the phone in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes before you spoke up. you did a little awkward cough before speaking. 

“so, um, i better go,” you said. 

“oh, yeah, yeah, of course. i’ll see you tomorrow,” jet said. 

“see you tomorrow. i love you.” “i love you, too,” jet smiled, hanging up the phone. 

he sighed and gently threw his phone on the bed. he laid down, running his hands through his hair and down his face. he felt so jealous. so jealous of you and zuko. he knew it was silly since you have been nothing but loyal to him, but the unwanted thoughts of you and zuko still crept into his mind every so often. he was thankful you two didn’t live together anymore and that you lived with him now, but jet was beginning to think that wasn’t enough. 

even though you and zuko weren’t living together and didn’t hang out as often, you two were constantly texting and calling. jet often found you downstairs late at night texting zuko, smiling and laughing at whatever he said. it made jet’s blood boil to see another guy making you happy, especially since it was a known fact - not between you and zuko, though - that you had a thing for zuko a while back. jet was positive that you still had a thing for him, no matter how much you denied it. 

he sat up on his bed and grabbed his phone, getting up and going to the only person he knew would understand; mai. 

he drove to her house, going up and knocking on the door. mai answered the door almost immediately, a surprised but pleasant smile on her face. 

“hey, jet. what’re you doing here?” she asked. 

“i was just seeing if you were free. y/n and zuko are hanging out, and we haven’t hung out in a while,” jet shrugged. 

“right, right. well, come in,” mai held the door open for him. jet stepped in with a smile, walking into the living room. 

“i like what you did with the place,” jet noted, looking around at the new furniture and decorations. there were a lot more brighter colours than he remembered.

“thanks. ty lee said i should make the place more lively,” mai chuckled. 

“glad you took her advice,” jet smiled. 

mai nodded, “are you hungry? i was just about to eat some leftover pizza.”

“yeah, sure. you got any beers?” jet asked. 

“yep,” mai said, going over to the kitchen. “make yourself comfortable!”

“thanks,” jet said and sat down on the couch. 

mai came in with a pizza both and a six pack bottle of beer. mai and jet watched tv for a while, getting drunk on the beer. after a while of silence, mai decided to ask jet about what he thought about you and zuko. 

“so, you jealous of zuko and y/n, too?” zuko asked. 

jet’s brows raised, “w-what?”

mai smirked and turned fully to him. “that’s the reason why you came here, because of zuko and y/n.”

jet sighed, turning to her. “yeah. you caught me.”

“they act like they’re dating each other,” mai rolled her eyes. “zuko is always like “y/n this”, “y/n that”, “look what y/n said”, “sorry, i’m talking to y/n”. god, it’s all so annoying.” “and they always stay up late talking to each other! like, i understand they’re each other’s best friends, but we’re here, too.” “right!” mai nodded. “i wouldn’t be surprised if they were making out right now.” jet frowned and looked down. “you think they are?”

“mmm, i wouldn’t doubt it,” mai shrugged. 

jet looked up at mai, his eyes meeting her’s. he studied her face for a few moments, his eyes roaming her face and stopping at her lips. mai noticed his gaze and smirked, scooting closer to him. she put her hand on his thigh, her fingers snaking up his leg. 

“m-mai, what’re you doing?” jet stammered. his heart was racing a million beats per second. 

“c’mon, we both know zuko and y/n are in love with each other. plus, i’m pretty sure zuko is going to break up with me soon. let’s just have some fun, okay?” mai gave jet a flirtatious look, biting her lip and batting her lashes. 

jet sighed, looking into mai’s eyes. he knew in his heart that you weren’t cheating on him with zuko, or anyone, but the just thought of you with zuko, kissing him, running your fingernails all over his back, moaning his name, it clouded jet’s mind with anger and fear. without thinking rationally, jet smashed his lips onto mai’s. 

both melted into the kiss immediately, grabbing at each other and pressing themselves closer to each other. after a few moments of kissing, jet pulled away, looking a mai with wide, shocked eyes. the kiss with mai honestly felt amazing.

mai smiled at him, taking his hand into her’s. “wanna go upstairs?”

jet nodded furiously, getting up off the couch, mai leading him up to her bedroom. 

————

Like and Reblog!

note - hey guys, sorry for not posting this series for a while, but im back now so :)

taglist is open, just lmk if you wanna be on it for this series by messaging me, commenting, and/or send me a message!

@theblueslytherin @thatarthistorynerd @coldlilheart @akiris @serenitytomothings

[lyricalimerence]

Fairy Pick-Up Lines - Rudy Pankow

word count: 1601

a/n: i hate editing so sorry if the grammar is tRaSh. this one's for the USS group chat 🥺 and @jayjaymaebank for the idea. also i totally just realized i was inspired by @calumbroutledge for the last part with the pancakes ily

summary: reader texts rudy dirty fairy comments and he gets always ( without fail ) gets flustered

warnings: fluff, DIRTY ASS FAIRY COMMENTS

Music blared through the apartment, the regular lights dimmed and disco lights throwing a miniature rave in your shared apartment with your boyfriend, Rudy. Him and his cast mates just returned from filming their show, Outer Banks, and while you visited him on set occasionally, you missed him. A lot.

You missed his stupid smirk when he makes you blush and you missed his early morning cooking and you especially missed seeing his flustered reactions to you texting him dirty pick-up lines while you two are across the room from each other, people standing in your paths.

You leant against the kitchen counter, Madelyn and Madison standing next to you on your left.

"Y/N, look," Madelyn said, pointing towards where the boys are congregated. Rudy and Drew were standing on top of the coffee table, having a shotgunning contest to see who could down the can the fastest. Rudy won, dropping his can in triumph as he looks across the room to catch your eye. He saw you, his girl, clapping slowly for him with a smile. He smirked, sending you a cocky wink.

You raised your eyebrows, calling to him, "Is this a challenge?" The blond boy that had your heart wrapped around his finger shrugged, hopping down from the table and falling back into conversation with JD and Chase.

Finding your phone that was behind the counter, you pulled up your message thread with Rudy.

Y/N

babe, you really pulled that off 😌🧚‍♀️👏 next time make it my clothes 🥺🦋💞

The two Maddies looked over your shoulder, biting the inside of their cheeks to keep themselves from laughing as they heard Rudy's phone ding across the room. Rudy fished his phone out of the front pocket of his jeans. The second the glow of his phone screen hit his face, you could see the capillaries under his cheeks flushing at the sight of your text.

The other boys, too into their conversation to notice Rudy's otherwise preoccupancy, continue filling the room with their laughter as they elbowed Rudy to join in. Looking up from his phone at you, the flashing lights in your shared apartment distort the view of the blush that spread across his face.

You smirk back at him, jokingly mimicking how he did moments earlier to you. He opened his mouth to say something, but as you morph your expression to be completely innocent, he no longer could find the words, leaving him to look like a gaping fish in your living room.

.❀.

The next morning, you and Rudy were walking to Santa Monica beach to play SpikeBall with the cast of Outer Banks. Rudy was so excited that you were getting along with his new friends so well, after only ever being able to meet them briefly in Charleston.

Halfway through Rudy's game with Drew, JD, and Austin, they took a break to drink their beer disguised by water bottles. As the boys were discussing which team was winning, Rudy reached over to you and gently pulled your sunglasses off of where they sat on the top of your head to shield his own eyes.

"Babe, who do you think is winning?" Rudy asked you, putting his arm around your shoulder and bringing you into his side.

"Oh, definitely JD and Austin, no doubt." You replied, getting high fives from the two, and a playing shove from your boyfriend.

"Ouch, Y/N," the blond said, turning around to check his phone for any messages. While his back was turned, you fished your cell from your bag slung from your shoulder.

Y/N

what's the difference between the sunglasses and me 🧚‍♀️ 💫❓the sunglasses sit higher on your face 😌💞🥰

As the familiar chime of a new message rolled in on Rudy's phone, you watched as his back muscles stiffened. He cleared his throat with an air of uncertainty and cleared the notification off his screen before putting his phone back on the towel beside you.

Rudy tried to keep his eye contact on the guys as they returned to their SpikeBall championship, but he found his eyes travel back to you. He realized you had been watching him, your poker face of a supportive girlfriend stuck to your face as you spoke with Madelyn.

When you noticed his stare, you waved with a bright smile, causing his cheeks to flush a deeper red and miss the ball when he reached out the spike it.

.❀.

A couple months later, the cast plus you were at Madelyn's apartment. Standing around, drinking beers, doing Instagram lives to give the fans of the new show some cast content. You felt pretty damn awkward, having no actual part in the show or the making of the show, and knowing that there were numerous teenage girls that had crushes on Rudy.

The whole crush thing didn't bother you, it was the potentially hateful things they might say. Maddie holding the phone so you and Rudy weren't in the frame.

The two of you were standing in the kitchen while you rounded up snacks for everyone. Cheez-its for Chase, fruit snacks for JD when he was going to be guested on the live, and cookies that you had made with Rudy the previous night for everyone else.

You grabbed the tray of food and started walked over to your group of friends, Rudy's arm wrapped loosely around your lower back as he walked with you. Once you placed the tray onto the coffee table in the center of the room, Rudy held onto you tighter.

Remembering that you had a penny in your back pocket, you pulled out your phone, ready to cluster your boyfriend.

Y/N

the penny in my back jeans pocket 💍🧚‍♀️ 💫 but the penny is your hand 💐🦋💞

You hid the screen from Rudy as you type and hit send. Immediately following your text, all most in time with the ding on Rudy's phone, Chase took the phone from Maddie, showing you and Rudy in the background.

Checking his phone, Rudy's face instantly light up beet red. You found it much harder to keep a straight face at his flustered expression when he was standing directly next to you. Without a word, Rudy slipped the hand that was around your waist into your back pocket, making you stiffen.

As Chase read the comments on the live, he turned around to see Rudy whisper something to you.

"Babe, you've gotta stop doing that." He placed his mouth against your ear, sending a shiver up your spine. Involuntarily, you tilted your chin to plant a kiss on his cheek, "I dunno, it's kind of fun for me."

"Hey, Toot, Y/N?" Chase said finally, pulling your attention to him and the phone. Rudy's face instantly returned to it's blushed state, the catharsis of flustering you slightly vanishing.

You were less startled, more nervous of whether your boyfriend's fans would react negatively, but as Chase handed Rudy the phone, you couldn't help but smile at some of the nice things people were saying. They thought you and your boyfriend were cute together.

That made you blush.

.❀.

The next week was your birthday and you woke up to a Rudy sized empty space in the bed next to you. Standing out of bed, the t-shirt you were wearing ( which was definitely Rudy's ) fell to your knees. As you stretched your back, it was like your senses woke up and the scent of pancakes filled the room.

Venturing out of the safety of your bedroom, the soft patter of your feet against the cool laminate floor was no match against the speakers playing American Idiot by Green Day extremely loudly in your apartment.

The scent of Rudy's cooking and the sound of the song blended together, blurring your senses in euphoria. It was already turning out to be a great birthday. You followed the scent and the sound to the kitchen where Rudy was standing shirtless in his sweatpants, his tricep flexing every time he flipped a pancake.

You walked up behind him and hugged him, resting your cheek against his shoulder blade.

"Happy birthday, love." Rudy said, only receiving a hum from you as a response and a light kiss between his shoulder blades. "Do you have your phone on you?"

"No, why?" You replied, squeezing him lightly in the hug.

"'Cause right now seems like a situation you would text me one of those fairy message things."

As if he could sense the smirk growing across your face, he slightly tensed in between your arms. Pushing yourself onto your tiptoes, and placing your lips next to his ear, you whispered, "I have a cake, now just stick the candle in."

Rudy fumbled to get all of the pancakes off the griddle and turn off the stove, but when he did, he spun around and pushed you against the kitchen counter opposite the oven.

"I'm pretty sure I've said you gotta stop doing that." Rudy said, his warm breath fanning you face as you looked up at him. Your bottom lip caught itself in between your teeth as you try to keep your poker face intact, but as the blond's eyes darkened in lust you found it very difficult.

"I told you I thought it was fu—"

Before you could finish your statement reminiscing the week before in Cline's apartment, Rudy slammed his lips against yours, causing you to fluster before you melted into the kiss.

You missed seeing his reactions to your fairy pickup lines while he was filming, but this reaction was new. But you liked it.

tags!! @outrbank @drew-starkey @anonymous0writer @katie-avery @lovingxjj and @rudys-pankow for that great sunglasses line

[jaybear1701]

The Outpost is, without a shred of doubt, a shithole.

And Ellen Waverly secretly loves it, even though her fellow ASCANs frown at the tavern’s dilapidated exterior. Anybody who’s anybody knows about the dive bar frequented by astronauts, engineers, and other NASA staffers. Spoken about with hushed reverence, the Outpost is hallowed ground, a right of passage, and a frisson of excitement courses through Ellen as they pause just outside its entrance.  

“This is it?” Dani Poole eyes the peeling red paint of the watering hole’s sign, uncertainty lacing her voice as she clutches the strap of her purse.

“Yep.” Molly Cobb lights a cigarette dangling from the corner of her lips. She pulls the door open, hinges squeaking, and the odor of cheap beer and stale smoke wafts out. “You gonna stand out here gaping all night?” Molly strides in without waiting for a response. Patty Doyle’s right on her heels, as usual. 

Neither bothers to check if the others are following, but Tracy Stevens manages to catch the door before it swings shut again. “Let’s go, ladies.” She ushers the others inside. “Can’t let Cobb and Doyle have all the fun.”

The stench, now mingled with sweat and other odors barely concealed by fading cologne,  intensifies the second Ellen sets foot inside the dimly lit bar. She wrinkles her nose and, as her eyes adjust, they walk past a beat up cigarette machine into a tightly packed space where all eyes immediately fall on them. Ellen thinks she recognizes some of the men from around the halls of JSC, but in all honesty they blended together in a uniform mass of white oxfords, skinny black ties, and thinly veiled disapproval. They were all just waiting for them to fail.

“Same shit, different toilet,” Molly mutters under her breath. Still, she throws her head back high, cocksure, and swaggers toward a pool table with Patty. Her heavy boot steps draw even more attention, not that Molly pays it any mind, acting as if she’s frequented The Outpost all her life. Like she belongs there.

Ellen does her best to follow Molly’s cue, straightening her spine and making her way around a jukebox that’s seen better days to the last empty table. “First round’s on me,” she announces, surprising even herself. 

“That’s mighty generous,” Dani says as she and the others take their seats. The legs of their chairs scrape across the slightly sticky wood floor. They all pretend they don’t see the little brown insects that scatter from beneath the table.

“What would you like?” Ellen asks before any of them decide to hightail it outta there. 

“Round of JD,” Tracy responds. “Least that’s what Gordo has when he’s here. If that’s all right with y’all, of course,” she adds to murmurs of assent.

“Coming right up.” Ellen beelines for the bar, continuing to ignore the stares from around the room that make the tips of her ears burn despite her carefully curated air of indifference.

She manages to find a small opening between the occupied, but is disappointed when no one’s there to serve drinks. The bartender probably took a quick break, she thinks, focusing her attention on the black-and-white astronaut photos that line the wood-paneled walls. Idly drumming her fingers against distressed mahogany, she wonders if her picture would ever be prominently displayed alongside the likes of Armstrong, Glenn, and Aldrin. Of if she’ll wash out, as her mother seems to be expecting.

An unsubtle cough interrupts Ellen’s musings, and a man leans an elbow on the bar to her left, a little too close for comfort. 

“What’s a pretty thing like you doin’ in a place like this?” He slurs out the oh-so-creative pickup line, alcohol sharp on his breath.

It takes all of her willpower not to roll her eyes in disgust. Instead, she pretends not to hear him, but he persists. “Never seen ya before. Y’all tourists or somethin’? Sightseein’?”

Irritation spikes in Ellen, who has half a mind to correct him, nondisclosure agreements be damned, when another voice cuts in. “Jimbo, what’d I tell you about scaring new customers?”

Ellen turns her head to the right and… Oh.

She’s not quite sure what she expected when it came to The Outpost’s barkeep. Based on the decor, she wouldn’t have been surprised by someone schlubby and indifferent and borderline antisocial. But Ellen most certainly isn’t expecting one of the prettiest women she’s ever seen, with strawberry blonde hair pulled back in a careless ponytail, bangs hanging just above eyes as blue as a cloudless sky. And just like that, Ellen’s starting to understand the appeal of the place. 

“C’mon now, Pam,” Jimbo drawls, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “Jus’ tryin’ to be friendly.”

“Uh huh.” Pam cants her head to the side, unconvinced. “Get outta here before I call your wife.” After he slinks away, Pam gives Ellen an easy smile, bracing her hands on the bar. “Sorry ‘bout that. What can I get for you?”

It’s not until Pam’s closer that Ellen remembers to breathe, the influx of oxygen allowing her to regain control of her faculties and notice the pin fastened to Pam’s maroon t-shirt. It reads in bold white letters against a black background bespeckled by stars: A Woman’s Place Is In Space. 

Ellen’s stomach swoops in delight. 

“You okay?” Pam asks when Ellen doesn’t answer right away.

“Oh, er,” Ellen intelligently answers in a manner befitting a future astronaut. “Yes, sorry.” Heat rises in her cheeks. “Drinks?” She vaguely gestures toward the other candidates, and the pool table where Molly’s lining up a shot that sends a striped ball straight into a corner pocket. “For me. And my…” Her what? They aren’t exactly friends. Rivals would be closer to the truth, but that would sound weird. And she’s already being weird. She eventually settles on, “Colleagues.” 

“Drinks,” Pam repeats, eyebrows disappearing beneath her fringe.

“Yes, um, please.” 

“Sure thing.” Pam nods, thoughtfully observing the other women for a moment before fixing her gaze back on Ellen. “Got something particular in mind? Or should I surprise you?”

Ellen somehow manages not to smack the heel of her hand to her forehead. “Sorry. Jack Daniels for, uh, seven.”

“You got it, space cadet.” With a wink, Pam pushes off the bar to fetch a set of lowball glasses and arranges them in a neat row.

It takes a few seconds before Pam’s words catch up with Ellen. Was Pam referring to Ellen’s embarrassingly delayed response or… “Space cadet?”

“You all are the female astronaut candidates, aren’t you?” Pam reaches past several rows of bottles to fetch the whiskey. 

“What, uh, what makes you think that?” Ellen nervously brushes her hair behind her ear. No one’s supposed to know who they are until they graduate. If they graduate.

Pam shrugs, the tip of the bottle’s spout poised above the glasses. “Groups of women don’t really wander in here. Plus, some of you match the scuttlebutt I’ve heard here and there.”

“Scuttlebutt?”

“NASA types like to talk, especially after they’ve had a few.” 

“That’s…  not unsettling in the slightest.” Ellen tries and fails to tamp down a swell of unease, wondering if they’d all be bounced from the program if word got out.

“Relax.” Pam chuckles, as if reading her mind. She tips the bottle forward, expertly eyeballing  two fingers of brown liquor per glass. “What’s said here stays here. Unless you’re a reporter, then I’m sworn under our unofficial Baldwin rule to kick you out.” 

“Definitely not a reporter,” Ellen says, recalling Ed Baldwin’s very public misstep in calling out NASA after the Soviets landed on the moon last summer. Relief eases some of the tension between Ellen’s shoulders. She shifts from one foot to the other, curiosity getting the better of her. “So, what have they been saying? All good things, I’m guessing,” she jokes weakly, all too aware of the rampant sexism among many, if not most, of her male counterparts.

“They wouldn’t dare say anything negative within earshot of me.” Pam taps her equality button. “Would never get a drink otherwise.” 

Ellen can’t stop herself from smiling as Pam finishes pouring, sets the bottle down, and crosses her arms.

“Let’s see, I’ve heard that two of them were in Mercury 13. Have chips on their shoulders.” Pam nods toward Molly and Patty playing pool. “I’m guessing they’re the ones over there acting like they own the place.” There’s an underlying current of respect in her voice as her line of sight drifts toward the lone table surrounded by women. “The blonde? I’d bet all my tips that she’s Tracy Stevens. Got those Hollywood looks that’d be Gordo’s type.”

Ellen has to admit she’s impressed. “And me?” She asks before she can stop herself.

Blue eyes darting across Ellen’s face, Pam appraises her in a way that sparks flutters against her ribs. “I’m afraid I haven’t heard about you, Ms...?”   

“Waverly.” Ellen sticks her hand out. “Ellen Waverly.”

Pam grasps her hand, grip firm yet gentle, palm warm and smooth. “Nice to meet you, Ellen Waverly.”

“And you’re Pam.”

“That’s right.” Neither of them moves to let go. “Pam Horton.”

Another patron accidentally jostles Ellen’s shoulder and she immediately drops Pam’s hand. “Can I get a couple of beers, Pam?” He asks.

“Just a sec.” She says, transferring the whiskey glasses to a round serving tray.

“So, uh,” Ellen clears her throat as she reaches for her purse. “What do I owe you?” Pam waves her away. “First round’s on the house.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“It’d be my pleasure.” Her smile is genuine, radiant. “It’s the least I can do for the first American women heading to space.”

Ellen ducks her head, pleased yet embarrassed. “We haven’t passed yet.”

Pam looks her straight in the eye, and says without hesitation, “You will.”

Warmth blooms inside Ellen’s chest from Pam’s sincerity. “I… thank you." She hopes her face isn't as red as it feels. "We’ll make it up to you.”

“Prove all the assholes out there wrong, and we’ll be square.” Pam pulls out two beer bottles, swiftly pops off their caps, and hands them to the man. She inclines her head toward the tray of Jack Daniels. “I’ll have these out to you in a jiffy.”

With one last nod, Ellen makes her way back to the table, heart pounding and already vowing to return to the shithole that wasn’t so shitty after all.