#prototype SUV

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Daihatsu MP4 Concept, 1995. Presented at the Geneva Motor Show, the "Multi Personal 4" was a compact SUV with a targa style roof

[gentlemanmotorslifestyle]

[classicvirus]

Pre-SUV: 1979 Monteverdi Safari

In the second half of the 1970s, the term ‘SUV’ was still far from being coined, but 4×4 vehicles were starting to shake off the idea of being purely utilitarian, embracing the concept of a vehicle suitable for all uses and capable of offering comfort similar to that of sedans. In this context, a very distinctive model emerged, the Monteverdi Safari. Based on the International Harvester Scout…

[adriaticpulse]

Xiaomi SUV - Špijunske fotografije otkrivaju detalje

Nije tajna da Xiaomi radi na novom modelu električnog vozila, što je Lei Jun osobno potvrdio na pozornici prije nekoliko mjeseci. Iako Xiaomi nije bio pretjerano glasan o tome kakvo vozilo priprema, izvješća sugeriraju da se radi o SUV-u, a sada imamo i špijunske fotografije koje nam daju prvi pogled na njegov izgled. Očekivano, vozilo je zamotano kako bi se sakrila vanjština, no sigurno je…

[ytmanzwhore]

Chase It - 1

summary: in which nellie harding gets pulled back into the world of storm chasing, and butts heads with the tornado wrangler himself

warnings: none so far :)

an: hey peeps- this story is being cross posted on my wattpad account (forbesfever) so if you want to check it out there, that is likely where updates will go first!

read chapter two // three

then

"Wakey, wakey," a cooing voice whispered in Nellie's ear where she sat curled up in the front seat of Jeb's SUV. The red head groaned as she began to slowly stretch her legs, peeking her eyes open to see Addy's bright smile hovering over her. "It's time to get going bud."

"It's so early," Nellie whined as everyone began to move around, Javi of course still snoring on the ground till Addy blared the horn at him. The six of them had a pretty solid routine at this point, so it took them only a few mintues to get back to full functioning capacity.

"Hey!" Nellie shouted at Addy sharply as the blonde banged on the metal cylinder in front of her, ignoring Jed's camera turning to her. "Addy how many times to I need to tell you, do not hit that device or I swear to-"

"That's our Nellie," Kate laughed at the camera as the redhead continued to berate Addy. "Nellie is our resident health care professional with us in case of emergency, but also the reason we have Dorothy here with us."

Nellie, Kate and Javi had met by chance at Muskogee State. There was no real reason for two kids in the Meteorology department and a girl in the nursing school to interact, unless you factored in Nellie's last name. Muskogee State College in 2005 had been the lucky recipient of a donation from Dr. Jo and Bill Harding, of the last used Dorothy prototype. At that point, Jo and Bill had retired from chasing and consulted and taught across the country.

In 2018, their niece had chosen to attend their alma mater. In the past, the Harding's had gladly allowed different departments to take Dorothy out in the field, after giving them stern warnings and usually making them pass some tests. But when Nellie was stationed there, she became their new point girl. So when Kate's proposal came across their desk, they asked Nellie to be Dorothy's custodian as the girl did her field research with her team. And so formed the odd but strong bond between Kate, Javi and Nellie, and an all around a passion for storms. 

"Nellie might not be studying with us," Javi moved in extremely close to the camera. "But she's probably chased more storms in her life already, then the rest of us ever will."

And Javi wasn't wrong, because Nellie? While her little brother was attending play time with the kids from the farm down the road (because their parents were too busy to parent), Nellie was sitting in the backseat of Jo's beat up truck, hearing Dusty scream down the radio and watching vortex after vortex leave paths of destruction. Nellie's childhood was split between that backseat, school, and cuddling on the couch at Aunt Meg's house while waiting for their parents to finally check back in on their kids.

So here Nellie was, berating Addy as she hit a legendary piece of equipment. "I told you I can handle Dorothy," Nellie huffed as she walked over and pet the cylinder. "She's just a temperamental bitch."

"Like you," Javi giggled, giving a innocent smile as Nellie whipped her head around to glare at him. 

"I got her," Nellie nodded as she looked at the control panel, and poked at the release button gently, holding it down for a few seconds before pulling back and pressing again. Dorothy as if knowing who was asking something of her, opened up easily. "There's a method here, and-"

"Ok we know you're the Dorothy whisperer," Praveen laughed as he walked over with his laptop. "The only reason you're here."

"Whoa, whoa," Kate interjected, walking up to wrap an arm around Nellie's shoulder. "That's not true!"

"Thank you," Nellie nodded with a grin. 

"She makes a great instant coffee too," Kate giggled as Nellie gasped. "Alright guys, lets get going."

And with that, their little group made some last minute checks before loading up the cars and hitting the road. They were driving through the farmlands of Oklahoma, both Kate and Nellie looking around and thinking of home. Nellie was watching the radar with Praveen while Kate took a last minute call from her mama. 

"There's barbecue waiting for us at home," Kate grinned as she hung up the phone and everyone in the cars cheered. As the group drove towards the storm Kate had been eyeing, they could all feel the conditions begin to build. The wind began to whip, and Nellie cracked the window and took a deep breath, feeling the energy building around them. 

While Nellie might not have a want to follow the academic side of storm chasing, what she did have was the instinct. Like Kate and her aunt and uncle, she could understand a storm like not many could. She loved the thrill of the chase, but what her heart called for, was to help people in the aftermath. Which is why she had chosen to pursue nursing instead of meteorology. 

"It's time," Nellie said quietly as Kate also called for Jeb to stop so they could finalize the solution in the barrels. With that, Javi set up in his van to track data, while the other five loaded back into Jeb's SUV to get into position. 

Nellie's chest began to ache as they drove and the hail began. "Something's not right," Nellie said as Kate began to peer out the windows. The two of them realized at the same time that the tornado was behind them. Everyone's heart began racing, especially as Jeb in an effort to avoid some debri, ended up in a ditch. They took that chance to hop out, save the overturned barrels, and drop the trailer in the tornadoes path. 

The car moved further and further away from the vortex, feeling elated as Javi announced Dorothy's sensors had gotten swept up into the atmosphere. Kate's face was stone as she watched behind them, and noticed the compound wasn't active. Javi's voice tapered out as Nellie's arm hair stood tall. 

"The velocity is 200 miles an hour," Praveen said quietly as Addy tried to hail Javi. Everyone's stomachs dropped as the realization hit them all, that an EF5 was quickly gaining on their position. 

Jeb tried his best to drive them out, but the car couldn't handle the roads. Once again they ended up off the road. "This car's gonna fly," Jeb said to everyone, and Nellie needed no more influence to throw her door open and grab Addy's arm.

"Let's go," she screamed as they booked it to the overpass ahead of them. Kate and Nellie made their way up the slick incline, Nellie freezing as she watched Kate's leg get sliced by a piece of metal. "You're ok," she yelled as she pushed Kate's butt until Jeb grabbed her arm. The red head turned around, spotting Addy lying prone on the incline. 

"Addy come on," Nellie shouted, leaning down to where the girls hand was outstretched. "Take my hand-"

And she could only watch as Addy's body got too high, and the girl's body was swept away by a flying piece of wood. "Oh no," Nellie's breath came quickly. "Okay Nellie," she talked to herself as she turned around and finished climbing to where Kate was being held under Jeb's bulk.

"Come on," Kate yelled, reaching for Nellie. The girl was silent and cold as she moved behind Jeb, bracing her feet against the concrete pillar and wrapping her body around the metal pipings. She closed her eyes, listening to the whistle as it built, hearing Kate's screams as she felt another one of her friends get swept into the vortex.

"Nell," Kate whispered as the silence hit. "Nellie."

Hours later, the two girls were found on the side of the road by a kind police officer, who hid his horror at the blank stares and bloodied bodies walking towards him.

now

Nellie's body jerked awake as her alarm went off, pulling her out of another dream about dark storms and the sound of a train approaching. She sighed as she pulled herself out of bed, opening her black out curtains and seeing the afternoon sunshine outside of her little apartment. The girl went about her usual routine, pulling on some leggings and a long sleeve before lacing up her tennis shoes and heading out for a run.

From there, it was time to shower, down some coffee and food, before throwing on her scrubs to head out for her 12 hour shift at a regional hospital in Oklahoma as a Senior Shift Nurse. She went through the motions that day as she did many days when her night was plagued with nightmares. But no matter what, she gave her best patient care, knowing she might be serving people on the worst day of their lives (or just for a paper cut). 

At 7 am, the girl made her way back to her apartment, looking at her phone and seeing a missed call from Javi. Knowing the boy's habits had changed drastically, she gave him a call as she started her car. 

"Good morning sunshine," Javi said into the reciever as he picked up her car. "You on your way home?"

"That I am," she nodded. 

"Long night?"

"Always," she sighed with a tired smile. "But feeling good."

"Good good," Javi said with his own sigh.

"How was Kate?" the girl probed. And with that, the red head listened as her friend spoke to her about his meeting with Kate in New York, and his failure to convince her to come to Oklahoma. Nellie finished her drive home, choosing not to interrupt the boy to tell him she'd already heard most of this from Kate the night before on her way to work.

"Do you think you can talk to her?" Javi asked desperately. "Try to get her to just give this a chance?"

"Javi," Nel sighed. "I have talked to her. And she's terrified honestly to chase again, to get that close to another storm like," and she didn't have to finish her sentence for the man to understand. 

"I know," he sighed. "There's just so much going on. So much I wish I could do. And I wish I had her skills or your skills, but I don't."

"Javi you need to believe in yourself," Nellie scolded. "You are great at what you do. And you're great at helping people. You just need to find another way. Kate is not the only way you can get this to work, you just need to think outside the box. But hey, let me call you later ok? I just got home and I need to get some sleep."

The two friends said their goodbyes, before Nellie headed inside and readied herself for her post shift nap. After another shift, two of three before Nellie was off, the redhead was sleeping once more when her eyes popped open in anger as she heard banging at her front door. The redhead cursed as she stomped her way to her front door, not even checking the peep hole before swinging it open. "What?" She growled, her mouth opening before she processed the two faces in front of her.

"Hi Nellie," Kate waved nervously as she bounced on her toes. "Missed you!"

"What the hell!" Nellie gasped as she leaned in to hug her friend, looking at Javi in confusion over her shoulder. "How did Javi convince you to come out here?"

"Well here's the thing," Javi laughed uneasily as the girls pulled apart. "She said she'd give me a week, but only if we dragged you along with us."

"What?!"

[tagsecretsanta]

From @sofasurf

From @sofasurf to @janetm74

My prompts were:

1. Steam.

2. Stripes/striped.

3. ‘Did you have to?'

I think I've managed it!!

DINER 

"Yellow car no hit backs!" 

The sounds of a scuffle and indignant squawks. John's tone held a warning, "So help me Gordon, if you lay a  hand on me!" 

"Na ah! No hit backs allowed!" 

"Oh I won't hit you." 

There was silence in the car as the other four contemplated John's words. 

"Man, you have zero chill," Gordon huffed turning to look out the window while Alan sniggered. In the front seat  Virgil and Scott exchanged amused grins. 

"Remind me again why this was a good idea?" 

"Because, Johnno, we have a few days off for Christmas and Alan has never been on a proper road trip." Scott  accelerated round a corner causing Virgil to grab at the handles. 

"Car not One, Scott! Car not One!" 

Scott ignored him catching Alan's eye in the mirror and winking. Of his brothers, Alan was the one who shared  his appreciation for speed. The mountain side whipped past on either side of them. "The point of a road trip is  to enjoy the scenery not travel back in time." Virgil complained while Scott pretended he hadn't heard him 

It wasn't often they indulged in frivolous perks of wealth. When Scott had mentioned their road trip plans to a  friend, who happened to also be the CEO of Ferrari, the offer to test drive the new SUV prototype had been  more than the speed freak Scott could resist. It was big enough for all five of the brothers to travel in comfort,  though Scott had yet to relinquish the front seat to test that theory. 

"Right well, remind me again why I agreed to come!" John was prepared to be pedantic. Close proximity to  Gordon occasionally had the effect. 

"Ah, Johnny, Johnny," Gordon draped his arm over his brother's shoulder. 

"Don't call me that, Fishface!" 

"Jonathan, Jonathan," Gordon ignored the daggers shot his way, "It''s because you love us and because we  promised we'd stop off at that new lab so you can talk all geeky about geeky stuff while the rest of us normal  humans go Christmas shopping." 

There were sounds of a scuffle from the backseat. It was all in jest however, everyone was in good form and  beginning to unwind though, perhaps they were due a break from the confines of the car. Scott caught John's  eye this time waggling his eyebrows. 

"Now kids, don't make me stop this car." 

He then performed another stunning manoeuvre that Virgil felt was more fitting for the air than the asphalt.  However, his older brother was, it appeared, genuinely enjoying himself and Virgil would put up with breaking  the land speed record for that reason alone. 

"I'm hungry." Alan peered longingly into his long finished bag of Doritos.

"Eos recommended a dinner just through the next town. It's about 30 minutes from tonight's stop. She says  their page is down, weird, but that she thinks it seems our kinda spot." John peered at his tablet. 

"She was right about the motel last night so that works." Scott agreed and the state of the art central console  pinged as John sent the location through. Scott glanced at the display, "Just an hour further on. Can you wait  that long, Allie?" He caught his baby brother's eye again, meaning clear. 

Alan put on his best whining voice, "I don't think I can Scotty. I'm starving. I feel faint." 

"Did you have to? Brat!" Virgil chocked out as Scott pulled even more power from the engine. His whoop of  delight brought a smile to the faces of the others in the car. 

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A much shorter time than it should have been; the five brothers had selected a quiet corner booth of the small  diner. It wasn't busy which suited them well. It had some twinkly lights, a small tree and upbeat Christmas tunes  playing softly in the background.�� 

John and Gordon made for the restrooms while Scott slipped into the corner and flopped opposite Virgil, all  long relaxed limbs. He spread his arms along the back of the seat and let his head fall back against the  surprisingly comfortable cushioning on the booth; just the right height for him.  

Alan, as always drawn to Scott like a moth to flame slid into the space below his eldest brother's outstretched  arm. He said something that made Scott laugh, and Virgil's heart warmed at both Alan's obvious delight in his  hero's response and how chilled Scott appeared. Should nothing else happen on this trip, Virgil would consider  it a hit for that reason alone.  

"Right, I'm starving!" Scott reached for the menus left for them by the waitress. Virgil and Alan followed suit.  Each took one and read in silence a moment. 

"Um, guys?" Alan had turned to the middle page and was staring at the menu. 

"Hmmm?" Virgil was still reading through the appetizers. 

"Scott, look!" Alan dug his eldest brother in the ribs. Scott followed the teen's outstretched finger and his eyes  widened and he immediately flicked his menu to the centre. Virgil did the same.  

‘Thunderbird Specials’ the centre section of the menu had hand drawn pictures of the Thunderbirds One  through Four and a slightly inaccurate representation of Five. Each had corresponding dishes.  

In a rush? Thunderbird One steak burger with fries and our unique hot sauce. 

More time to chew? Thunderbird two- tomahawk steak – great for sharing 

Thunderbird Four our famous surf and turf. Fillet mignon and our locally sourced fresh organic prawns. All day breakfast with our mouthwatering Thunderbird Five pancake stack and creamy asteroid milkshake Thunderbird Three our unique coffee triple expresso. They don’t call it rocket fuel for nothing! “Eos set us up!” Alan exclaimed. 

Scott and Virgil exchanged looks, “It would appear so!” Virgil said while Scott flipped further through the menu  looking for an explanation. 

John and Gordon returned at that moment- Gordon bouncing excitedly on his heels. “Guys, you are never  gonna believe this.” 

“Eos set us up,” Alan repeated lifting the menu to show them. Scott batted it down, checking over his shoulder.  “Don't draw attention!” Virgil whispered as the teen giggled a little.  

John rolled his eyes at them, “Yes. It would appear this is Eos’ idea of a little joke. I thought it was strange I  couldn't see the online menu.” John slid into the booth beside Virgil while Gordon dropped on Alan's other side  swiping the menu despite his protests.  

“There's a picture of dad and some dude on the wall over there!” Gordon pointed the direction he and John had  come.  

John met Scott’s gaze and held it a moment, “It’s a picture of Dad and the owner’s son. He was in that refinery  fire, remember right back near the start of IR?” 

“The big one in Texas Dad fought with top brass about for weeks after?” 

John nodded, “Seems Dad pulled the son out just in time with Thunderbird One. There is a little bit about it  under the picture.” John’s face was hard to read, memories of Jeff were always bittersweet.  

“Really?” 

John smiled, “Yep. And it appears the owner hasn't forgotten. Proceeds from the Thunderbird menu,” he  gestured the pages open in front of them, “Go to a charity that supports rebuilding in disaster areas.” 

“That's pretty cool, right?” Gordon was grinning.  

“Yea,” Virgil agreed.  

“Way to go, Dad!” Alan said his tone impressed and Scott dropped his arm to pull the teen in for a quick side  hug.  

“Way to go Dad,” Gordon repeated back his own tone softer with a little something unreadable in it.  

Scott simply nodded a soft smile on his lips. He seemed to lose himself in memories a moment and Virgil  tapped his ankle gently with his foot under the table causing his older brother to meet his eye. He nodded in  reassurance. All good.  

They sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.  

“It’s pretty cool, right?” Gordon broke the spell. “but if you want the absolute coolest, check this out!” and he  produced a bundle of papers from behind his back. “Thunderbird colouring sheets!”  

And just like that the spell was broken and chaos descended in the table. 

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The food was exceptionally good. Obviously they had to sample all the Thunderbird menu and the argument  over whose dish was the best looked set to continue until next Christmas. They had pulled the crackers orbited  with their meal and squabbled good naturedly over the tacky prizes and each now sported a jaunty paper  crown.  

Gordon and Alan had listened engrossed as John and Virgil had regaled them with the tale of the Texas fire  with Scott chipping in little details. Dad in action had truly been impressive and John, although he would deny  it, was a gifted story teller when he chose to be. 

Now a quiet contentment had descended in the group. Virgil sat back, stomach full and observed his brothers. He clutched his Thunderbird Three coffee and allowed the steam to curl up lazily in front of him. It had a  pleasing kick though Three’s pilot was still complaining that three older brothers had stated “No” in unison when 

he'd tried to order one for himself. He and Gordon, also banned from that much caffeine before being trapped  in a car with the others, were appeased with hot chocolate. Apple pie and chocolate cake had also been  consumed. Road trips were hungry work.  

John was quietly messaging Eos who was delighted her subterfuge had worked while the three opposite him,  yes the Commander of International Rescue included, were finishing off their colouring pages. Scott's tongue  was poking out the side of his mouth in concentration, a small tuft of hair sticking up from where he’d run his  hand through it, as he finished colouring Thunderbird Two blue. The argument had been brief and Virgil had  

decided not to sink any further to his level. His own completed green version of One had a festive santa hat in  lieu of her traditional nose cone. John meanwhile had been mildly offended by the inaccurate Thunderbird Five  option and so was egging the others on in their colour wars.  

“I mean we should be pleased they don't have an accurate image of our top secret satellite, Johnny!” “Don't call me that. And that's not the point, Scooter. Here, you haven't used this shade of blue yet.” 

The battle between Alan and Gordon had almost come to blows when Alan had finished a red version of Four  only to see the blue and yellow stripes the aquanaut had given Three. 

John and Scott had added fuel to the fire by appearing to seriously consider the benefits of a respray for each  accordingly and much brotherly silliness had ensued. Virgil did however make a note to keep a track of blue  paint supplies as John was sneaky when he wanted to be and was watching Scott's drawing with barely  concealed mirth.  

There had been a hairy moment when the waitress had appeared to recognise them, or at least Scott. He had  placed a finger to his lips and his teeth had practically sparkled as he smiled at her silently requesting she not  give them away, sealing the deal with a little wink. She hadn’t divulged their identities, serving then with wide  

eyes attentiveness; though a napkin with her number on it had been dropped on Scott’s knee as she refilled his  coffee much to his surprise, Gordon and Alan's glee, and a murmur of, “unbelievable,” from Virgil.  

Pucture complete, Scott looked up and met Virgil's eye. Virgil motioned to the other three and raised his  eyebrows, Scott’s indulgent smile matched Virgil's own. Moments like this were all too rare. Scott sat back  stretching his long arms along the back of the seat again, content like Virgil just to enjoy their company.  

Virgil was called in to referee/ judge the which Thunderbird looked best in the new colour competition that still  raged. When he looked back at Scott a few minutes later the eldest’s wasn't looking at them but at something  behind Virgil's head, his expression a strange one Virgil couldn't quite read; thoughtful, wistful even? Virgil  turned in his seat to see what had grabbed Scott's attention. He immediately recognised what Scott saw.  

A woman who couldn't be much older than Scott himself was wrangling a small team of children into the booth  by the door. Four boys aged roughly between twelve and four by Virgil's guess, she had another baby, a little  girl who couldn't have been older than one in her arms. The baby had blonde hair and was waving a stuffed toy  excitedly. He watched as the woman handed her to the oldest looking boy who immediately started to make faces and bounce her up and down, occupying her while the mother helped the other boys out of their coats.  

Their excited chatter and the baby's infectious laughter drifted across the diner all clamouring for their mother’s  attention as she attempted to answer several questions at once. It was chaos and to the two brothers watching,  achingly familiar.  

One of the younger boys needed the restroom and he and what looked to be his next older brother passed their  booth, heads bent in discussion their conversation just audible, “I already explained, we can't ask for ice cream  cos it makes mom worry.”  

Virgil looked back at Scott who caught his eye and looked away. Seeming to shake himself a little as if to clear something from his head, Scott used his long reach across the back of the seat to tap Gordon on the shoulder,  stealing his second last bite of cake as Gordon moved too slowly to stop him.  

“Ugh! You are the worst, Scooter! Remind me again why I let you hang out with me?”

“Because you need his signature to access your trust fund,” John helpfully supplied spearing Gordon’s last  piece. 

He and Scott high fived while Scott slipped out of the booth to settle the bill.  

“Actually ‘bout that...” Gordon turned puppy dog eyes towards his oldest brother.  

“Told you, Squid, I am not signing off on you buying a Christmas tree farm in Vermont.” He ruffled the  aquanaut’s hair as he passed. 

“You have no vision, Scooter!”  

Scott’s laugh floated back to them as he made his way to the counter.  

The other four brothers watched enthralled as their waitress and another server both jockeyed to serve him. 

Scott’s dimples were on full display as he leant in the counter bending his head towards the girls  conversationally. Virgil could swear he could see their eyes changing shape to little hearts, “Does he even  know he's doing it?” His tone was reverential.  

“I really don't know. Sometimes?” John replied folding his arms as the waitress reached across to bat Scott's  arm conspiratorially.  

“His powers must only be used for good,” Gordon covered Alan's eyes, “You are too young to see this Allie.”  Alan batted his hands away, ducking to continue watching the display at the counter.  

Judging from the way the waitress was listening intently and kept glancing at the family in the booth Virgil was  sure Scott's not inconsiderable powers were indeed being used for good. He didn't doubt for a second the  family that reminded them so much of past times would find their bill paid with a healthy ice cream allowance  added. People often thought that Virgil was the soft hearted Tracy brother; he just didn't have to hide it so  carefully from corporate sharks. 

Judging from the way the waitress’ eyes widened slightly as she retrieved the handset from his brother, there  had been a healthy tip added to their own bill as well.  

As they passed the family, now tucking into burgers and fries with gusto, the tiny girl tossed her toy into the  ground. Scott bent to pick it up, smiling at the mother who smiled back in tired gratitude. He flung his arm  around Virgil's shoulders as they walked towards the car.  

A yellow Mustang pulled into the parking space in front of them and Gordon and Alan looked at each other, frozen like gunslingers at high noon.  

“Yellow car no hit backs.” 

John beat them to it, walking between the two giving them each a solid cuff to their heads. Their outraged cries  floated on the crisp air drawing the attraction of the older two. It was the little things at Christmas really John  thought. He hung back slightly watching as his four brothers crossed the parking lot, the sky was trying to snow,  a few flurries escaping the black clouds.  

“Thanks, Eos,” He whispered into his open Comm before hurrying to catch up with a shout of, ”Shotgun!” that  sent the others scrambling to reach the car first.  

⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️

[late-to-the-party-81]

One of the guys

AN: Yet another ask that's been a long time in the answering. My new year's resolution is to be quicker with these things! Hope you like some baffled Bucky, Em.

Unbeta'd ramblings

Masterlist

Relationship: Bucky x Reader

Word Count: Approx 700

CW: None - it's Fluff

“So, if you really want to compare the Mark 3 and the Mark 4, you gotta look at the injectors, because more efficient fuel transference means more horsepower…”

Your friend Rory was chatting to Bucky about his favourite subject. Cars. Bucky was trying not to let his eyes glaze over.

“Do you think we ought to rescue him?” You leant over, and stage-whispered into Kate’s ear. The dark-haired archer covered her giggle with her hand, but both of you caught Bucky’s slight side glance toward where you were both sitting, enjoying your cocktails. 

You’d decided to hold a cook-out for your birthday so there was a mix of all of your old friends, and all of the new friends you’d made through Bucky.

Growing up you’d had more male friends than female, a cabal of honorary brothers, so you’d always known that when you finally settled down your boys would have to at least partially haze your chosen partner, and then once accepted he would be absorbed into their group, whether he wanted to be or not.

‘Love me, love my bros.’

When you’d first introduced them to Bucky they’d been sceptical. You couldn’t blame them. Firstly, he was actually the only boyfriend you’d made ‘run the gauntlet’ so they knew you were serious. Secondly, it was James ‘Bucky’ Barnes. A man born in 1917, held hostage, tortured and brainwashed into committing heinous crimes for decades, before breaking free, becoming a fugitive, and then, finally being deprogrammed and pardoned. There was a lot to unpack there.

However, it seemed that he’d passed whatever test they’d put him through, because as soon as they’d arrived today, Rory, Jerome, Lee and the others stumbling out of an SUV, they’d practically kidnapped Bucky away from you and the rest of the Avengers.

And bless your guys, it was sweet. They wanted to include Bucky in all of their conversations about cars, computers, hockey and football. He could join in, obviously. He wasn’t completely clueless about those topics, but having grown up in the Great Depression, those sorts of things hadn’t been the focus of his youth. A different time, a different place.

“I saw a flying car once.”

“Bro! Really?” Rory stopped his rambling at Bucky’s statement and you felt the smile creep over your lips.

“Yeah, the 1944 World Expo. Howard Stark was showing off the car of the future. It was shiny and red. Oh I wanted a car like that, so bad, even if the prototype had a few bugs.  Still pissed when I found out that neither Howard or Tony had been able to make it a reality.”

“So this Expo was full of, like, futuristic shit?”

You watched them over your sunglasses, the boys all leaning in now, hanging on Bucky’s every word.

“Well, for 1944 it was definitely futuristic. But if you really want to talk futuristic, you gotta know about some of the tech they have in Wakanda.”

For emphasis, Bucky straightened out his left arm, wiggling his fingers and your friend’s mouths all dropped open as they watched the plates shift and heard the servos whir.

“You gotta tell us about Wakanda, man.” Jerome pushed himself slightly forward. “I can’t believe you’re tight with the royal family. Is Princess Shuri as hot in real life?”

Uh-oh. You winced internally. Bucky just raised an eyebrow, before speaking again.

“You know how you guys feel about Angel-face over there? About how if I’d disrespected her you’d all try to take me apart? Well that’s how I feel about Shuri. So you wanna ask me another question?”

Jerome had the good grace to look embarrassed and suddenly find a burning interest in his shoes. There was an awkward silence for a moment, before Lee leant forward.

“They’ve got some kind of Mag-lev trains haven’t they? Faster than the Japanese ones?”

You let out the breath you’d hadn’t even realised you’d been holding, as Bucky’s mouth broke into a broad grin. 

“Anyone got a pen and paper. I’m gonna need to do some visual aids for you chumps.”

They all broke out into peels of laughter and you turned back to Kate.

“Scratch that. I think he’s gonna be just fine.”

Taglist: @christywantspizza @jobean12-blog @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky @tuiccim @sidepartskinnyjeans @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @krissy25 @bodeckersdiamonddoll @goldylions @ohsymphony @luxeavenger @wheezy-stucky @doasyoudesireandlive @seitmai @poppunksnowwhite

[beastofthewest]

MeatHook, The Slayer

Alias: Bull, Enkidu, A-300

Occupations ;

Formerly: Miner, Gladiator, Decepticon Warlord

Current: Smuggler, Hitman,

Alt modes : Ford Expedition Platinum MAX, Bovid

Weapon: Sheng Biao

Height: 9 meters (bipedal form)

MeatHook used to be a regular bot before he was kidnapped and used as a subject for an experiment to make "constructed" triple-changers. He was deemed a successful prototype but discarded and sent to the mines. He was known as A-300 at that time. MeatHook challenged another triple-changer named Earthquake after he mistreated a subordinate. After their fight ended with a truce, the two became inseparable. Later in life he and Earthquake were banished to the Pits of Kaon after Earthquake lashed out and severely damaged a superior to protect Meathook. In the pits the duo first met Lykaon (DeathBringer later on) and then D-16 (Megatron). Earthquake joined the Decepticon cause along with Meathook and Lykaon ranking under Soundwave. The trio became warlords with each given a city to destroy. MeatHook was given Vos to destroy.

After arriving on Earth things started to fall apart for the trio. Megatron's descent into madness became more and more apparent. They became the power-hungry bots they swore to destroy. During the Battle of the Green Steppe (Mongolia ), Lykaon was killed by Optimus and Meathook took the opportunity to escape Megatron. He took the form of a soviet truck and traveled through Russia into Eastern Europe.

Earthquake and Meathook reunited in the 80s somewhere in Eastern Europe the two disguised themselves as farming vehicles who got sold into Turkiye. The duo met BlueStrike and Cherry-Bomb who were also "owned" by the same family who bought them. At first, the team resided at the family farm.MeatHook took an SUV as an alt-form and became the "farm truck"; he helped with farm chores, went hunting and mudding with humans, hauled trailers, etc. After the farm was sold, the team moved to an abandoned Air Force base, MeatHook took his current fancy alt-mode. He is the main ride of the humans. Every now and then he gets assigned hits and smuggling missions from BlueStrike.

Fun Facts

He is conjunx endura with Earthquake

The name Gilgamesh was given to Earthquake, and Enkidu to Meathook after they told their human friends about their meeting.

His favorite farm chore is herding sheep and cattle

He LOVES swimming

[formula-fun]

can I ask what kind of work charles does in his lab?

like is it squishy sciences with like kaijus and stuff or is it developing stuff for the jeagers

I have this image of him looking like he hasn't slept in a week testing some beam weapon thing, blowing up a building taking some notes and then leaving lol and observers are like isn't that-

I love the scenes of him and max beating the shit out of each other sooo much but I think lab charles is like drugs to me

and like lab assistants ollie and oscar lmaooo

too concept

Hahsha I will go further in depth with this concept just for you

So he works in a J-science development lab that’s doing r&d for the mark vi project (in the movie striker is a mark v if that helps) and the lab is divided into a few branches, so there’s basically a bigger branch that does the physical parts of the jaeger (like how do we make the arms stronger, how do we make it run faster, etc), and a smaller branch that does the like…neurological side (how do we make this easier for rangers to pilot/how can we make the interface more intuitive/how can we make the jaeger’s brain talk better to the pilot’s brains). This is the branch Charles works for!!

Their lab is basically a big room with the mark vi’s physical prototype brain (it’s kind of like a big computer except it’s the size of an SUV) and a drift rig for test pilots to do test drifts with it. Those tests churn out data sheets that sort of indicate whether or not the pilots and the jaeger are synchronized (the goal is to get all three synchronized obvs) but since drifting is a bit of a soft science Charles is there to help the engineers read between the lines of the data. He also manages the test drift sessions and the test pilots—he makes sure they’re not over exerting themselves, that they’re matched well, and he helps them interpret what happens in the drift since he has a lot of experience drifting but they don’t have quite as much. Test pilots are usually kids from the academies who couldn’t find compatible matches, so they’re not very experienced in a jaeger

He eventually becomes program director for the entire project, which is a TERRIBLE job that he HATES. fortunately he only has to do it for about a month tho

So basically most of his job is looking at data sheets and dealing with teenagers lol. He doesn’t get to blow up THAT much stuff, except for the Mark Vi servos which are unfortunately very finicky and explode a few times during the beginning of the project. But those are outliers, and that’s probably a good thing

[paarthurnax59]

"Little Sparrow"

note: We are going to be getting a little bit of the reader's back story and also some of the people she knew from her childhood. No Van Helsing yet! but hopefully soon.

Warnings: Violence, and swearing. Reader not catching a break.🥺

Word count:

Chapter 2

Your plane landed at the Leonardo De Vinci International Airport within less then 13 hours. You thought that it would take much longer to get to Rome if the Order hadn’t booked you a flight in advanced, in first class none the less. Walking over to the desk and speaking Italian asked for a phone to get a ride to the Vatican. The woman told you that a ride had already been arranged for you and was waiting for you fifteen minutes before your flight landed. 

    Apparently, Cardinal Jinette wasn’t kidding needed to be there as soon as possible. You greeted the man in a black suit and escorted you to the black SUV. After helped your canvas bag into the car, he started the car and drove away from the airport and to your final destination. 

  After a half an hour of driving, you reached Vatican City and were immediately met with one of the other priests, Carl, a close friend of yours and one of the Order’s best engineers and inventors. 

“(Name)! It’s good to see you again!” He said as he opened his arms to hug you. you welcomed his warm embrace and hugged him with great eagerness.

“I missed you, Carl!” You laughed as the biggest smile grew on your face as you returned the hug back and laughed as you let him go. “How are things?”

“Honestly, not great. I’m sure that you have heard the news.” He replied as you can see the unease tension written all over his face. 

“Yeah, I know. It’s why I’m back. I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for something like this.” You replied solemnly as you took a deep breath. “When did he go missing?” 

“Three weeks ago. I cannot say more due to secrecy. Father Cardinal will be giving you all the details. He wants you to get yourself unsettled before he meets with you. Right now he’s in a meeting at the moment. Your old room is waiting for you.” He said as he walked with you up the steps of the main building of Vatican City and to your old bedroom. As both of you walked the opulent hallways, you told Carl about your time away in America and the many monsters you had faced. You left out the part about the Winchesters, simply for not wanting to talk about Dean and the heart break you had experienced. He explained on how he was in the process of the creating an explosive device that could annihilate dozens of vampires with a heat as powerful and intense as a small fraction of the sun itself.  On how to make it portable on the other hand was the difficult part he explained. You laughed at the many times that he had some of his prototypes almost blew up in his face. 

“Rabbi Goldberg nearly strangled me when I almost blew up the lab. Most terrifying experience of my life.” He chuckled as you both finally reached a single mahogany door. “Well, I’ll leave you to settle in. I will see you later, (Name). I have some work in the lab I need to get done.” He finished as he walked off as your lips had a small smile. Carl for as long as you have known him, had always tried to make you laugh with his crazy stories. Even though some of those stories were the result of something or someone, getting blown up. You shook your head at the memories of when you were thirteen when he was teaching you the basics of combustion energy as you opened the door to your old room. 

     You pushed it open to a luxurious, but simple bedroom with antique wall ornaments made of gold and fine wooden pictures of many historic and religious figures. The priceless gorgeous furniture laid perfectly spread out throughout the beautiful suite. The large windows were covered with fine mint green curtains, where your queen size bed with mauve color bedding draped over the comfy looking bed. A lovely blue Persian rug laid right next to the other side of the bed. And the far side of the room, was a private bathroom that had both a shower and a bathtub. Your room may not be as extravagant, (which you were fine with), but it made the motels you were staying in, even the Bunker, paled in comparison. 

   Father Jinette offered you a better room, but you preferred something not so grand.  When you arrived to America, you had to quickly adapt to the less extravagant accommodations that you were used to. It’s easy to grow comfortable, considering where you were prior to coming to Vatican City. When you met the Winchesters, you didn’t want them to think you were some posh spoiled brat that think lesser of them for their situation. They didn’t choose it after all. 

    After you placed your bag on your beg, you looked into your old wardrobe, grabbed some bath towels and quickly went to the bathroom to freshen up. After you undressed, you immediately turned on the hot soothing, water and stepped inside. Once done, you wrapped yourself in a bath robe and went to your wardrobe again. You pulled out a pretty (F/C) dress to wear when you would meet up with Cardinal Jinette. You hadn’t seen Father Cardinal in a long time, and knowing him he would like to see you looking nice for when you met him in his office. After getting dressed and fixing up your now dried hair, you slip on some shoes and headed to the door.  You locked your door with the key in your dress pocket and headed down the grand hallway to the office of the leader of the Order.

  It took and good twenty minutes, five staircases and three large hallways until you finally reached your destination. You stood outside the double darkly colored oak doors, guarded by two large men that you know were his bodyguards. Thy wore black suits, both men muscular and imposing. You go up to the door and were about to knock it, when one the men grabbed you hand roughly.

“Ow! Hey what are you doing!?” You yelled as the large man grabbed you hand so harshly, you know it was going to leave a bruise.

“State you name and business that you have with Cardinal Jinette.” The tall dark-skinned man with a middle eastern accent said so robotically that he didn’t seem human. You were too focused on the man’s hand squeezing your wrist you were being too slow too answer.

“I’m (Full name) and I must talk with him about a missing member of the Order. Now let me go!” You said as you try to get the man to let you go but didn’t budge. It wasn’t until the door opened abruptly with the man you came across the Atlantic Ocean to see. Cardinal Jinette’s dark eyes widen in shock as two other Buddhist monks stood in shock right behind him, looking at you in concern. 

“What are you doing, Isran?! Let her go, you imbecille!” Father Jinette insulted the man holding you, then you instantly let go from the beastly man’s grasp.

“Forgive me, father. I was just trying to stop her from going in while you were still in a meeting.” He said apologetically to the Cardinal, without even looking at you. You couldn’t help but feel extremely insulted.

God, why can't you just get a break?

“It’s not me you need to apologize to.” He said with a very stern glare the large bodyguard. “As for my meeting I was done with it by the time I heard screaming outside my door. This young woman is my ward, and she has the right to come in here as she wishes. I do not want to see you touching her that way again. Now…” He tilted his head to you and the man, you now known as Isran, looked at you with a sneer. 

“My apologies, miss.” He said begrudgingly, like it was a chore for him to acknowledged that he did some wrong. You did nothing but glare at the man as you walked into the office.

 Oh, he is most defiantly on your list. 

    As you walked into the office and the tension dissipating, you smiled at the monks, Norbu and Tenzin, that were in the room.  They both bowed before You walked over the two monks and hugged them both as they laughed. It was joyous and happy, which was something that you really needed.

“(Name), it has been too long!” One of the Tibetan men said as you released and hug the other as a jubilant feeling erupted in you. 

“You too, Norbu. I have really missed you guys.” You laughed happily looking at both men dressed in Buddhist robes. Jinette smiled as he watched you reconnect with your old friends. Normally, it’s frowned upon, and even forbidden, for Tibetan monks to hug people of the opposite gender. However, after helping them save their home village from the spirit of a vengeful warlord, they see you as a friend. Behind closed doors, they are like family to you. 

“How was your time in America? We heard from Jinette that you were coming back.” He asked curiously. You want nothing more than to talk all about your journey to the states, however you hear a throat clear behind you and saw Father Jinette rising his eyebrows at you, telling that you needed to get back to business of you being here. 

“We can talk later, okay? Right now I have to meet with father Jinette about some business.” You promised them and they both bowed to you and walked out of the office. Father Jinette closed the door after they left down the hall. You were now left alone with the head priest of the Order.

“Paressa, I first want to say that I deeply apologize to what my new guard has done to you. I hope he didn’t hurt you.” He sincerely spoke to you as he closed the door to his office.

“I’m fine. I mean after everything I go through, it’s child’s play.” You said to Jinette, not wanting to bother him further.

“I will have a talk with him about it. He will not be doing that again under my watch.” He confirmed “I am pleased you had come. We have all missed you here.” The elderly Italian man wearing his bright red priest robes stood and walked over to you. 

“Me too.” You agreed despite, as well as the current situation that had reared it’s ugly head. He came close to hug you tightly, like a father missing his daughter. “I’m sorry for not staying in contact as much and for making you worry.” You said to the head of the Holy Order. 

“I knew you would be alright, Paressa. But you never know what could happen in these troubling times.” He said as he let you go. “I trust your time in America was a pleasant experience, since you spent so much time there after you left to travel the world. I didn’t think you would answer my call. I was worried after you had not written back to us in a while. Thought that the hideous creatures in America would have gotten to you by now. I am thankful to God that is not the case.” He answered with a hint of worry in his tone as he inquired you of the years you had spent in the states. You were originally from France and had been safeguarded at eleven by a secret organization call The Knights of the Holy Order. Like hunters, The Order’s goal is to protect humanity from the monstrous creatures that have plagued the earth since their very existence. The Holy order were the ones that trained you as a hunter. You had never told a soul of where you were trained, not even the Winchesters. Wanting to keep the Order a secret, even from other hunters.

“I wish I could say that, but…” you trailed off before you noticed Father Cardinal looking at you with extreme curiosity, like he was analyzing you. 

 “I can see that your accent is gone. I noticed when I first heard you spoke on the phone. Has your time in the States changed you that much?” He stopped you from speaking as he noticed that your original accent had faded over the years. When you were seven years old, you lived in a government orphanage in France, where your experience there were anything but pleasant. Your parents were killed at a young age and were sent to Paris when you lost them. Throughout your time there, you were abused and neglected. You would get into fights with the staff, fighting off any adults that tried to touch you or any of the other kids. You were ultimately kicked out by the cruel, horrible woman that ran the place when you were only ten.

 You nearly starved to death if Cardinal Jinette hadn’t found you. 

  You were trying to take food from him and had to fight off a couple of his bodyguards. Instead of turning you over to the police, he brought you to Italy and raised you like you were his own. He feed you, clothed you, educated you, and cared for you like your own parents had. When the time came to train you as a hunter, he noticed the fierce aggression that sparked in you. Aggressive, but also had a very strong spirit. It is why he called you Perassa, the Italian word for Sparrow. 

“I suppose I have. I was spending so much time there that I hardly even noticed.” You looked down, your eyebrows furrowed, and your lips curved downward into a frown. Have you changed that much since you were gone?

“We will talk more of your adventures later, Paressa. Now. We must get straight to the unpleasantries. You understand why I summoned you back?” He asked looking down at you with his arms folded into his back.

“Yes, I do.” You replied straightening your back and your chest moved as you huffed, knowing very well of whom he was talking about. 

Gabriel Van Helsing.

   The Orders most talented, and yet notorious, hunter. No one knew where he came from or where he acquired the skills of a master hunter. He was found once crawling at the steps of the church half dead when they found him, with extreme memory loss. It was before you came to the Vatican City as a child. When coming of age, he foresaw your training and taught you everything you know. You were very close for years before deciding to off on your own. However, when you left for the states, you stopped having as much contact with him. The reason? Let’s just say you both were not on good terms when you left. Over something that you did and placed you in a situation that tore the both of you apart. Seven years had gone by since that day that you had stopped talking to him. You often wondered if he had forgiven you. 

“Where was Van Helsing when he went missing?” You asked the head priest in a cool tone, not wanting to reveal any emotion. You even said his surname instead of his first, something you didn’t do very often.

“He went to the far east when he was taken.” Cardinal Jinette began walking around his desk, planting himself in his beautifully crafted chair. His eyes turned from you to the papers that laid on his desk.

“Taken? You said he was just missing. You never said anything about him being taken.” Your voice became more forceful, and your eyebrows furrowed. Anger was starting to bubble to the surface. 

“Calm down, Paressa. I too thought he was just missing when I called you. I didn’t not intend to lie to you when you came here searching for answers.” He hushed his voice, singaling you to take a few deep breaths. Taking a deep breath, you relaxed your body and made your shoulders. 

“Sorry, father.” You softly uttered. “I am just worried about him is all.” He nodded as he looked through the papers some more. “Do you know where he was taken?”

 “He called to tell us he was in the far side of Romania.” He stated as he was looking through the documents.

“Why would he go there?” You queried to get the information on where your lost former friend.

“He was hunting down Count Dracula.” Jinette answered, as the whole became engrossed in this dark aura. You said nothing for some time as shock consumed every thought going in your head.

“Dra-Dracula? As in, the count Dracula?” You stammered as Cardinal tuned to you with a nod and a serious and stern expression on his aged features. “No-there is no way. He’s a myth. He is nothing more than a piece of fiction some ignorant Irishman had cropped up from his own imagination.” You denied, not wanting to believe that the most famous of all vampires was indeed real and wreaking havoc on the earth.

“Piccilo Paressa, you of all should know of both the wonders and horrors of God’s green earth. I can assure you…that he is no myth.” He said as he pulled out a piece of parchments from his hand, making you squint.

“What is that?” You asked looking at the contents in Father Jinette’s hand.

“A letter. Written in blood. Human blood to be more precise. It just arrived just an hour before your plane had gotten in.” He disclosed to you as he handed you the old, fragile parchment paper. You began to read, your eyes scanning every line, filling you with much dread and fear.

You shook as you looked down at the letter repeatedly. Your eyes could not peel away from the scarlet writings that sent a chill down your spine. He’s real. Count Dracula was real, and he had your friend. He had Gabriel and apparently, he is holding him ransom. Cardinal Jinette looked at you as his concern for you, his ward,  grew while you stared at the letter. Your skin went pale after reading the contents of the short, yet terrifying note given to the Order.

“(Name), are you alright?” He asked, saying your real name. You looked back at him, finally taking your eyes off the thick paper. 

“I-I am. Just shocked is all.” You shuttered a little, your body still shaking from the news you just received. “He said in the note that you had something. Something of great value and he is willing to keep Gabriel alive to get it, and he knows you have it. What is it?” You queried and Father Jinette looked down to the floor, not saying a word as he got up. His aged face was stoic as he looked at you with his dark brown eyes. 

“Follow me.” 

Chapter 3

thank you all for reading!

please like, share and comment and hopefully will be back with another chapter next week!

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

What a difference 44 years makes juxtaposition of International Harvester Scout, 1980 and Scout Traveler Prototype, 2024. IH retired their Scout range in 1980 after a production run of 20 years. VW in the US has revived the Scout brand for a new electric SUV that will go on sale in 2027. The new Scout SUV uses advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing the BEV variants to travel up to 350 miles (563 km) on a single charge, or more than 500 miles (805 km) in range-extender form.

[gentlemanmotorslifestyle]

[anjumzm]

Midsummer Night

A Legacy of Gods Fanfic

JerCes Daughter x LanMia Son

Chapter 17

Theodore Sokolov King

I could feel it in the air, adrenaline and excitement forged together. Tonight, as per my plan, would be the night I'd pull the rug from that rat Abazi’s feet. And then I'd get back to much more important tasks, like planning my dinner date with the little bird. Since it was crucial for me to make my move today, I'd had to postpone my date. That rat would pay dearly for ruining my me time with Aanya.

Gods, why can't I stop thinking about the damn girl? It's not like she's the only girl in London or the entire world.

But she's definitely the only one you have eyes for.

True. Even I couldn't deny the fact that I've never been this invested in anyone before. I had no patience to deal with the emotions that came with people, and eventually, the disappointment on their faces when they realized that I'm as unmoving as a stone when it comes to things like anger, despair, grief, or anything. I just couldn't bring myself to... feel. But for the first time, I felt. That day in my office, I'd felt desire and desperation to own something, and I wished to feel it over and over again. Somehow the Volkov princess had managed to imprint herself on me, and the worst part was she didn't realize it yet. No one did. Except for my Dad, because he was like me, and there's no way one can hide something from him. He's the prototype, after all. I'm a mere copy.

Speak of the Devil. My phone rang with my Dad's name on the notification bar.

"Quite a day to cause mayhem, isn't it?" his voice, as always, calm yet imposing.

"You're right, and I plan to please," I replied, a smirk tugging at my lips.

"As expected, Son. I always knew my genes were superior. Time you proved it to everyone. But be careful, Abazi is not as daft as you think him to be, and neither is Jeremy's son. I hope you've planned this through."

"You know me, Dad. After all, you're the author of whatever I am."

"True, but do let me know if you need help."

"Sure thing."

"Be safe, Son."

I smiled, knowing very well how Dad didn't show emotions often. But his actions always spoke to us. He loved me and Gina in his own way, but Mom—his entire existence was tied to her, to the point that he'd burn the world to keep her safe.

I gathered my gun, a gift from Grandpa Kyle, and headed to the SUV. "Pasha, is everything in place?"

"All good, Boss. We're waiting for your orders," Pasha replied through the phone.

"Good. This cannot go wrong, Pasha. I hope you understand."

"Sure, Boss. You need not worry; we're well prepared."

"Forward our location to Aaron Volkov. We'll be meeting halfway. Hopefully, things go smoothly with dialogue and without guns and fists."

I cut the call. Time for some action.

We met halfway as per our plan. As usual, Aaron had a scowl on his face. My soon-to-be brother-in-law didn't like the fact that we were working together, that he had to take my help.

"Lovely day, isn't it, brother-in-law?" I greeted him with a smirk.

"Stop calling me that, you psycho. I won't shy away from turning your good day into a bad one," Aaron snapped.

"Always the pleasant one. Remind me to team up with Caleb for adventures next time; he's the more intelligent of you guys, after all."

"Keep my family out of your business, King. You won't like the consequences."

"Not possible. After all, your sister is my business and by extension, so is her family."

"You little shi—" Aaron lunged, throwing a punch.

I sidestepped, catching his hand midway. "Let's continue this sweet talk some other day. I'm sure we have pressing matters at hand, don't you think?"

Aaron glared at me, yanking his hand back. "Lead the way."

Inside the warehouse, the air was thick with tension. Abazi stood in the center, surrounded by his men, a smug grin on his face.

"Theodore King and Aaron Volkov, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Abazi drawled, appearing confused, yet offering us a polite smile. He knew he was outmatched.

I cut to the chase. "We’re here for the Black Book you stole from the Volkovs."

"Black Book? What black book? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Before I could respond, the doors behind us creaked open. Two of my men dragged in Alexei, bruised and beaten. Alexei, my planted spy, was about to play his part.

"Boss, this guy was trying to run," one of my men announced, shoving Alexei forward.

Alexei fell to his knees, looking up at us with feigned fear. "Please, don’t hurt me. I was only following orders."

Aaron stepped forward, his patience wearing thin. "What orders? Where’s the book?"

Alexei hesitated, his eyes darting to Abazi before settling back on Aaron. "Abazi had me keep the Black Book hidden. He didn't want anyone to know its location."

Abazi’s expression shifted from smug to shock. "What? That’s a lie! I don’t have your book, Aaron. Theodore King, you fucking bastard..." He moved forward to punch me, but Aaron caught him by his collar.

Abazi’s men stepped forward, raising their guns, but they were outnumbered. Our men slipped behind them, putting them all at gunpoint.

Aaron motioned one of his men forward. He came up and bound Abazi.

"Aaron, what the fuck? We're allies, remember? What's going on?"

"You dare cross us. You've become emboldened, haven't you? What did you think, hmm? That you would blackmail us and we'd bend to your whims as and when you please? You forgot that we're the Volkovs, and gods damn me if I let a rat like you challenge us."

"Aaron, you're—" Aaron backhanded him.

"Shhh....Don't talk. The more you keep quiet, the better." He called Alexei forward. His men punched him in the gut, making him drop to his knees. "Where's the book, and I warn you, do not lie. My patience has already run thin."

"It's in his basement. I kept it there myself on Boss’s orders."

"What?? What orders are you talking about, Alexei, you piece of shit! I'll kill you!" Abazi shouted, struggling against his bonds.

And while all this drama was going on, all I could think about was how good Aanya looks in black, how her eyes shine whenever she feels she's made her point in a conversation, or how her and Aaron's hair are the same shade. They have the same eye shape,but their similarities end there; he looks like a wild bull while my birdie looks ethereal.

Priorities.

Before Aaron killed Abazi and my spy Alexei, I stepped in. "Alexei, was that your name? Now, you said that the book's in the basement, and how you personally kept it there. My men here will search the entire place, and if what you say is wrong, I'll leave your fate in Mr. Volkov's hands here."

"Please don't kill me, I'm telling the truth."

What a performance. Remind me to pay him double the sum.

Just when I was about to order my men, Aaron stopped me and signaled his men to look around the basement. "I still don't trust you or your men, King."

"Ouch. I'm hurt," I mockingly put my hand on my heart.

As expected, soon enough, one of Aaron's men came out with the book in his hand.

"Boss. We found this."

"Abazi, you motherfucker!" Aaron all but choked the guy. Before he could kill him, I intervened.

"Now, now, he needs to be alive, if only to appear before the Bratva and give up the southern port's control to you."

"What makes you thi—" Before the rat could even complete his sentence, Aaron kicked him in the face.

"Listen here, you piece of shit, and listen carefully. You'll kiss our bloody feet if  I ask you to. You see, I literally hold your life in my hands. So during the next Bratva meet, you'll appear all calm and collected and give up the southern ports control to us. If not, trust me, I'd kill you, and when I'm done, not even your loved ones would be able to recognize you. Oh, and don't you dare try to outsmart me. I have eyes and ears everywhere. One wrong move and I'll shoot you between the eyes."

Abazi coughed and spat blood out. "Okay, okay. I'll do as you want. So leave me the fuck alone."

As Aaron and the Volkovs departed, I lingered behind. Abazi, now free of his bindings, approached me, his eyes burning with hatred.

"You think you’ve won, Theo? This isn’t over. I'll hit you where it hurts the most," Abazi spat.

I laughed coldly. "Weak men have weaknesses, Abazi. I don’t."

Abazi’s eyes gleamed with malice. "You don't have a weakness that I know of yet, but you will. And when you do, I'll be sure to exploit it just as you did today. I hope this little stunt was worth it."

I stepped closer, my voice a dangerous whisper. "Try it, and you'll regret it. Remember, this was me playing nice."

With that, I turned on my heel, leaving Abazi to stew in his defeat. As I walked away, my mind raced with thoughts of the future and the new threats that loomed on the horizon. But for now, I had secured my place and protected my interests, and that was a victory worth savoring. King style.

[diabolus1exmachina]

Range Rover Goodwood (tailor-made by Wood & Pickett). 

While the Range Rover has always been the 4x4 of choice for royals and industrials alike, sun-loving jetsetters were missing an open-top version for their tropical hideaways. Luckily, London-based coachbuilders Wood & Pickett solved that problem in bespoke quality and style. Luxury SUVs are common as muck these days, but if we were able to engage reverse gear and back-up 40-odd years there was really only one to choose from – the legendary original Range Rover now known as the ‘Classic’, and they don’t come much more ‘Classic’ – or rare – than this superbly restored and thoughtfully resto-modded convertible that, for our money, effortlessly outclasses anything similar being made today.It’s true that Mercedes-Benz had its G-Wagen and Jeep its Wagoneer back in the ‘80s, but the former was more utilitarian than the Range Rover and the latter simply far less chic. But while the Rangie might already have been widely regarded as truly ‘the best four by four by four by far’ there were plenty of people who wanted one that was more than a bit different from the regular production model.Solihull’s bosses discovered this for themselves in 1980, when a one-off prototype designed to test the viability of an ‘ultra luxe’ Range Rover was loaned to Vogue magazine as a prop for a Biarritz fashion shoot. When the images were published, as many enquiries were received about the car as about the Jaeger clothes and Lancome perfume that the shoot was intended to promote – and so an initial run of 1,000 ‘In Vogue’ special editions was produced.The prototype had been created by London’s Wood & Pickett which was established 20 years earlier by former Hooper coachworks craftsmen Bill Wood and Les Pickett. The firm initially made a name for itself by adding luxurious and expensive upgrades to Minis, work that initially attracted the attention of celebrities such as Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and later that of the Middle East’s super-wealthy oil sheiks. To them, however, small was not always beautiful. More often, they wanted large, and the larger and more expensive the better. So in their eyes,  the names ‘Wood & Pickett’ and ‘Range Rover’ went together like a horse and carriage.

Soon, W & P (along with similar outfits such as Vantagefield, Glenfrome, Monteverdi and Rapport) was doing a roaring trade in Range Rover upgrades, making the most of the cars’ boxy shape and separate chassis to create everything from stretched limousines to Rangies designed for going on shoots and safaris and  for carrying polo kit and elaborate picnic sets.The Wood and Pickett cars were among the most accomplished, and the firm’s managing director Eddie Collins (formerly the marketing boss of rival Mini customiser Radford) was a smooth talker who could probably sell sand to the Arabs. But instead he sold them convertible Range Rovers – capitalising nicely on the fact that cash-strapped British Leyland (the then owner of Land Rover) couldn’t afford to design and make a soft-top of its own. Most of the history of this Wood & Pickett Range Rover convertible has been lost in the mists of time, but if its early years were spent travelling through the desert in style it must have taken a wrong turn along the way – because it ended-up on a run-down housing estate in Poland where it was discovered by the current owner around a decade ago.Although still in its original coat of Range Rover ‘Masai Red’ , the car was in a decidedly sorry state. Its electric roof, torn and holed, had allowed rainwater to soak the interior, ruining everything from the plush velour seats to the once-gleaming wooden trim. Its original 3.5 litre, carburettor-fed engine had been replaced with a fuel injected lump that was running rough, and the prospect of the car ever taking to the road again seemed slim.Once acquired, the car was shipped to Germany where it was stripped to its bare bones in order for a ground-up restoration to commence – a project that turned out to be a considerably larger task than expected. In fact, it took more than eight years – plus the purchase of an additional, four-door donor car -  to transform the original, badly neglected relic into what you see here: a classic  Range Rover convertible like no other.

Although still instantly recognisable as one of Wood & Pickett’s two-door ‘Goodwood’ conversions, it has been given something of a safari look thanks to its immaculate coat of Rolls-Royce ‘Fenland Sedge’ paint, colour-coded Vogue wheels and the perfectly tailored fawn convertible roof (that once again retracts effortlessly at the touch of a button). All-new interior trim in biscuit leather continues the safari/desert theme, while freshly burnished woodwork and a Moto-Lita steering wheel enhance the overall feeling of quality.

[freetheshit-outofyou]

The first "SUV": GAZ-M-72. The GAZ-M-20 prototype (2wd 5 seat passenger car) was first built in 1944 by GAZ in the Soviet Union and production didn’t begin until 1946. The GAZ-M-20 was also known as “Pobeda” which meant victory. Starting in 1955 they combined the chassis of a GAZ-69 and the body of the GAZ-M-20 to build the 4wd GAZ-M-72. Production of this vehicle was from 1955 – 1958 and a total of 4667 units were produced.

[headds]

2025 Range Rover Sport Redesign, Release Date, and Price

2025 Range Rover Sport Redesign, Release Date, and Price. The development of the brand-new 2025 Range Rover Sport quickens and also the brand-new prototypes were detected on the streets recently. We believed the pandemic is not going to affect the release date of the new SUV, yet the mid-size three-row version is delayed for 2025. Well, designers as well as engineers will certainly have added…