#shout out to that time I got so excited to watch the season 2 finale I downed wayyy too many cocktails

[tyquu]

Cause I don’t think I’ve actually drawn these two together properly??

[gguk-n]

Last Straw (Lando Norris x Reader)

Thank you for the 400 followers. I love Lando but I felt like a bit of angst was needed.

Part 1 of Fading Shadow

Summary- Lando has been in a relationship for quite some time, most people didn't know that. Finally, the world finds out about Lando's girlfriend, he seems to forget about her.

Warning- Lando is a bit of an ass and the reader is a bit of a doormat

{Reader's POV}

Lando won the second race of his career and the season at Zandvoort, Max's home race. I was over the moon watching Lando cross the finish line. He was so happy to have won another race, finally. As he got out of the car he ran to his parents; after the greeting and congratulations, he walked away to be interviewed. I was stood there, dumb founded as Lando left without even acknowledging my existence; I could hear people whispering as Lando walked away

When we got back to the hotel, "Lan, do you wanna go out to celebrate?" I asked looking at him as he got ready for a shower. "Oh, Y/N, I made plans with the others; none of their girlfriends are coming. It'd be weird" he stated. "Oh, yeah, obviously. Well, I hope you have fun. I'll be here waiting for you" I said trying to give him a smile but I felt tears well up. Lando left soon after, while I was sat in the hotel scrolling through twitter when I saw something I wish I hadn't. I couldn't stop myself from reading through the tweets.

I could already imagine my friends screaming at me for staying after everything. It had always been like this, it always felt like Lando was too embarrassed to be seen with me. We started dating a year and a half back but we met 2 years back, when I was on a vacation with my friends. He was the best guy, or so I thought. We exchanged numbers and stayed in contact until he asked me out. It was straight out of a movie, the whole nine yards. But he wouldn't let me tell my friends, "baby come on, why do you wanna tell everyone and ruin the fun just yet. I like the thrill, isn't it fun trying to act like there's nothing between us" he said as he pushed me on my back on the sofa while his lips trailed the exposed skin on my torso; honestly I'd lose any train of thought once his lips were on my skin. Though I accidentally let it slip one day, they had been trying to get me to go on a blind date. So, I told them I was dating Lando Norris. They were so excited and wanted to meet him.

When Lando found out about that, he was furious and didn't speak to me for days. "HOW COULD YOU TELL THEM? AFTER ALL THE TIMES I TOLD YOU NOT TO....ARE YOU STUPID?" he shouted. "Lan, it was an honest mistake. They kept trying to set me up on a blind date and I didn't wanna go, obviously since I have you. Please, I'm sorry. I won't do anything stupid again. Please just join me for lunch on Sunday. I'm really sorry" I cried. "Then you should've gone on that stupid date" he spat as he walked away. I should've known then. It was only after I begged and pleaded that Lando agreed to meet my friends. He never let me forget how he did me a favour by agreeing to meet my friends. "baby, you know how much I love you right" he asked. "yeah" I replied as he intertwined his fingers with mine. "I can't share you with others. I get so jealous. You're mine and only mine. And that's why I can't have you meet my friends" he said as he started sucking on my neck.That's why I didn't bring up the fact that I hadn't met his friends since we'd known each other for a year and dating for half of it. We barely even went out on dates; we'd always have in home dates since he was a celebrity and didn't like the paps. He would always say that he enjoyed the normalcy and the feeling of being a regular guy with me. "Baby, do you really wanna go out, where we would be spotted and then people say stuff about us. Don't you like being home, wear whatever you want. I can touch you however I want. Come on, why do you wanna ruin something so perfect" he hummed against my lips as his fingers pushed my underwear aside. I was so naive and thought that he was such a romantic guy.

It a little before our 1 year anniversary when I started asking him to take me along to the races since I wanted to be there to support him in person. "Lan, I really wanna be there for your races. I wanna see my boyfriend being cool at what he does." I whined. "You already do see me on the teli, it's practically the same" he said. "Please Lan" I begged. "Baby, I love you I truly do and I wanna show you off to the world but you know how the fans can get, they ruined my last relationship and I can't lose you. I love you too much" he said making me blush. I believed him like the idiot that I was. I believed every lie that left his pretty lips even when he would say that all those pictures of him on twitter with girls were edited and that he would never do that to me. I believed him.

I don't know how much I begged to be at a race and when I got to go to the first race of my life with him as his girlfriend and of the season; I was ecstatic. I made sure to be dressed well so as to not embarrass Lando and made sure to be a little controlled in my movements even though I was super excited to be there since I loved Formula One. All the other drivers were pretty shocked to meet me and even more so when they found out we'd been dating. They were all very kind and so were their girlfriends. I thought we'd be the best of friends and I'd have someone to hang out with while my boyfriend raced. Oh how stupid I was, they never even told me that Lando cheated on me or that their boyfriends knew and they never told me. I had an inkling that Lando was cheating on me; I saw it with my own eyes on the night before my birthday; the day of the Miami GP and he was celebrating with everyone and I saw him kissing a girl. No one saw me because I left immediately and cried myself to sleep. I hated myself for never confronting Lando; I brushed it off thinking that if I tried harder Lando would be back to himself, the Lando I know. But the Lando I knew was a facade and never existed. Lando had only been playing with my heart, it seems.

Did I tell you? He forgot our anniversary and said he would make it up to me. Which I do not believe he has. "Fuck baby, I'm sorry" he whispered as he wiped away my tears. "You know how busy I've been with the season starting and stuff. You'll forgive me right? I'll make it up to you, promise." he said while I nodded along to him. My friends hated his guts, but I was the one covering for him. When they asked why we weren't public; I said I wanted to be private. When they asked about Lando's multiple infidelities I would lie to their face and say that everything was a lie and a ploy to ruin his reputation; that's what I knew then and believed. I would see them face palm themselves mentally, now that I thought about it.

I guess being embarrassed by the man you love, multiple times, publicly can fuck you up. Because right now, I couldn't even cry anymore. I couldn't believe the other girls wouldn't even reply to my texts on the group chat; they added me to. This was humiliating. I was done with that asshole and I wasn't about to let him walk all over me anymore.

I wiped away the tears that were streaming down my face. I got dressed and decided to show up at the same bar he was at. When I entered, I saw him, dancing and drinking with others. I saw the other drivers with their girlfriends; I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. I walked up to the bar and sat down and started ordering the most expensive drinks they had. "Bad day?" The bartend asked. "Horrible, my boyfriend's been cheating on me" I chuckled. "I'm sorry." he looked apologetic. "You have nothing to apologise for. Just add the tab of every drink I put down my throat to that guy in the white shirt" I said directing his eyes to Lando. "Lando Norris?" he asked. "Yeah" I said and started to drink. I was sure Lando saw, I could feel it. I felt multiple eyes. I felt my phone buzz multiple time; I wasn't sure if it was some one who cared about me or those assholes since I didn't want to check my phone.

After a good hour of just drowning my feelings in alcohol, I stumbled my way out of the bar. I had made the decision to move out of that hotel room to another hotel and stay there before I flew back to get all my stuff. Lando would be too hammered to realise I was gone. I woke up the next morning with a major hangover but I knew what I wanted. I flew back to our his home in Monaco and took all my stuff; thankfully not a lot and left with a note on the table saying 'We are done'. I left any and everything he gave me, which wasn't a lot when you think about how I was dating a millionaire. I blocked Lando's number while I waited for my flight back home, can't believe I gave so much up for this man boy. I will be putting myself first finally.

{Lando's POV}

I saw her, but I wasn't sure if it was really Y/N so I texted her but no reply. Apparently, she was at the bar we were at but she didn't approach me or us. Everyone saw her, I thought she didn't see us but I found out she knew I was there since she billed everything she had to me; which was a lot of alcohol, almost enough to cover half the amount I spent on the group. I knew I was fucked. I had no idea how I was gonna explain myself to her. I tried texting her but no reply. I think she blocked me and when I saw twitter I saw Y/N had posted a story but I couldn't see it either; guess she blocked me on there too.

I flew back as soon as I was able to, to find the house empty and a note on the table saying we're done. I guess I deserved that after the shit I pulled; well at least it's not as messy as I expected it to be.

[hyperfixatedoncrimminalminds]

can i request a hotch x two-years-old-daughter!reader? i could totally see her begging her dad to let her wear her pink, poofy princess dress when hotch has to take her to work with him. but while hotch is busy, she manages to wander off. she then meets spencer (i imagine this takes place when spencer’s just starting with the bau) & immediately clings to him lol. she’s just very giggly, bubbly, cuddly, & LOVES to play with his hair. & poor spencer is just so confused but is endeared by her nevertheless. & then hotch finally finds her & is relieved. <3

sorry it’s so long! love your works!

Aaron Hotchner X Young Daughter reader

Request: can i request a hotch x two-years-old-daughter!reader? i could totally see her begging her dad to let her wear her pink, poofy princess dress when hotch has to take her to work with him. but while hotch is busy, she manages to wander off. she then meets spencer (i imagine this takes place when spencer’s just starting with the bau) & immediately clings to him lol. she’s just very giggly, bubbly, cuddly, & LOVES to play with his hair. & poor spencer is just so confused but is endeared by her nevertheless. & then hotch finally finds her & is relieved. <3

I do love young Hotch daughter who is completely opposite to her dad. Around season 1, Hailey is alive and just had Jack.

Third person pov...

Hailey smiles as her Husband runs around after their hyperactive 2 year old, little Y/N Hotchner was a ball of sunshine and energy.

The 2 year old was excited she had a baby brother and loved to play with him, though she loved playing with her Daddy even more.

Currently the little ball of energy was running around the house away from her Dad who was attempting to put her in her clothes, she was going to work with him for the day.

The little girl was only half dressed as she ran before the man could put her trousers on, giggling she shouts "no daddy!" As the man almost grabs her, a smile on his face.

Still chasing the girl, surprised at how quick she was for a tot, though he wasn't running more like in slow motion, wanting the chase to last a little longer, it wasn't every day he got to do this with his daughter (besides he had time before work started)

From the living room, Hailey watches her Husband and daughter with a smile on her face as she held her sleeping baby, Jack was sound asleep as if nothing was happening.

As they make another loop around the house Aaron stops and hops into the doorway of the living room, back pressed against the wall, Hailey watches her husband as he made a shush motion.

"Daddy?" Calls Y/N as the tot ran past the room, a confused look on her face and she looked for her dad. Poking her head around the door she looked at her Mum. "Where daddy?" She asks a pout on her lips.

Hailey fails to hide her smile as her daughter was grabbed and thrown upside down, giggling madly Y/N yelled to be let down. "Daddy! Let go" giggling even more when her tummy was tickled.

"Never, now its time for naughty girls to be dressed" he tells his daughter smiling wickedly as he continues to tickle his daughter, the H/C girl only wiggled in his grasp.

"No no daddy, wanna wear princess dress" yells the tot, Aaron stops his attack and looks at his wife. Hailey only shrugs her shoudlers.

Ever since her birthday Y/N loved one gift in particular, it was a beautiful poofy princess dress her parents got specially made for her.

She loved wearing it every time they went out and was always careful to keep it clean. Hotch sighs of course she would want to wear it to his work.

Looking down at the sad puppy look hisbwas getting he gave in. Hanging his head he stood up Y/N in his arms.

"Okay, Princess dress it is" he declared, dramatically, while bouncing the little girl in his arms before walking upstairs with a happy Y/N "yayy" cheers the young girl.

Finally ready to go Hotch grabbed his brief case, his lunch and Y/N lunch. As he headed for the door he called for Y/N the little girl eagerly bouncing over to him as he helped her put on her light up shoes.

"Ready princess" he asks her, Y/N gives him a huge gumming smile. "Yes Sir Daddy!" She saluted him before hugging her Mum and baby brother before leaving. "Good luck" Hailey whispers as she kisses Aaron.

When they arrived at the FBI headquarters Hotch pulls his daughter aside. "Now N/N, I know your excited, but I need you to stay close to me today okay? The office is busy and I don't want you to get lost" he explains to the girl.

Y/N smiles and hugs his neck giggling. "Yes Daddy! I be good" she smiles, Hotch pats her head a smile on his lips. "Thank you N/N" the two Hotchners then walk into the busy building.

And what a pair they made, Hotch in his usual suit and red tie combo, his stoic expresson on his face. Y/N in her pink poffy dress with light up shoes waving and smiling at all the agents she sees.

Once they get to the bullpen, Y/N is introduced to the team who are all excited to meet the young girl. Soon Hotch is busy in his office mountains of paperwork to go through.

On the floor lays Y/N, the young girl had grown bored it staying in the office. She had drawn lots of pictures, played with her toys. Now she wanted to explore.

Getting up from the floor she walks over to the door and opens it quietly, giggling silently she squeezes through the gap and is now free from the room.

Giggling she runs around the bullpen looking at all the desk and the members of her daddy's team, one person stand out to her, that's person being Spencer Reid who had jsut recently joined the BAU.

Walking up to thr agent she grabs onto his pant leg and shakes his gaining the surprised Dr's attention, looking doen and the girl dressed in pink spencer gives her an awkward smile.

"Hi..?" He says Y/N grins up at him. "Hi! I'm Y/N" she tells him proudly. Spencer is taken aback how smiley Hotches daughter is.

"I'm Spencer, nice to meet you Y/N" he says, before Y/N holds her arms up to him, Spencer was confused before realising she wanted to be picked up.

Nervously looking over to his bosses office he picks the girl up and sets her down on his lap, Y/Ns smiles brightens as she was held by the young man.

The brown haired man was surprised again when the ball on energy on his lap twisted around so she could koala hug him, pressing tightly to him Spencer hugged her back.

" your nice" came a muffled voice pressed to his chest, Spencer let out a surprised laugh at that making Y/N erupted into giggles all over again.

After hugging spencer the H/C tot began moving around as he tried to work, afgwr wriggling a bit she finally settled behind him, half sitting on top of his chair and half holding onto his back.

Y/N happily played with the agents hair as Spencer worked, he was slowly getting used to the girl spending time with him.

As this happened a very worried Dad was panicking in his office trying to find his daughter, after going through everything in his office Hotch threw open his door and stepped down the ramp into the bullpen.

Morgan stood from his desk as he saw the worried expression on the man's face. "Woah woah, what's happened Hotch?" He asks the worried man.

Shoulders shaking Aaron explained he couldn't find his daughter anywhere, instead of helping Derek just laughed and pointed.

Following his arm Hotch breathed a sigh off relief as he saw where Y/N had got to, smiling he watched his daughter laugh and play with the young doctors hair.

He was glad she was okay and made a new friend. Quickly taking a few pictures he sends them to Haily who messaged back just a quick. "Some one made a new friend" chuckling he responded. "I think they both made a new friend"

Putting his phone away he went back to his office, happy to leave his daughter in his agents capable hands.

The end!

Hope you liked this oneshot sorry for the wait! Sorry for any grammar and Spelling mistakes.

Requests are open!

Word Count : 1375

[angelliicc]

signal

“i send you a sign, send you a signal

but it doesn't work at all”

a/n: hey guys im back again. enjoy because this is based off of a real life story to me :)

warnings: none

masterlist

| your team jumped for joy, forming a circle. “WE’RE GOING TO CHAMPIONSHIPS!!” you all exclaimed. the playoffs were a very close game, your team winning by a point yesterday. tears of joy filled the gym when you all realized you were going to the finals game.

“wanna watch the next game to see who we’re playing tomorrow?” coach asked.

“sure.” your team replied. you climbed up the bleachers sitting in the middle. you sat next to your friend, just as about it was tip off. you had no idea which schools they were. they were just yellow vs. black to you. the first half was quite boring, so you scrolled on your phone. halftime ended and it was the start of the 3rd quarter.

black was in possession of the ball until a girl from the yellow team stole it and made a wide open layup. woah. you thought to yourself. shes good. really good.

you couldnt take her eyes off of her. the way she played, her defense, her handles, her height, everything. you were admiring her from afar. you can finally see the back of her jersey. 14, williams.

you received a pamphlet of all the schools and players who were eligible to playoffs. you grabbed yours and flipped the pages quickly, looking for a williams.

“#14, ellie williams, point guard.” ellie huh? you thought to yourself.

the game eventually ended, with ellie and her school winning. meaning you were playing her tomorrow evening.

“im so scared, nervous, and excited.” you tell dina at school.

“im sure you guys will be fine! you have an undefeated season!” dina replied.

“i have a feeling we might lose. they’re really good and tall.” you said

“im sure everything will be fine, good luck tonight tho!” dina spoke

“thanks, i need it.” you joked back.

school ended at 3, the game was at 7. you had to get ready quickly since the play you were playing at wasn’t close. you brought your gym bag and water bottle and jumped into the car.

you were the first one there, with tons of emotions flowing through your body. you had a mental breakdown yesterday since you didn’t play to your expectations, which resulted into your mom scolding you. you wanted to make sure you played your best today.

more and more people arrived, parents, athletes, coaches, anyone. the gym was divided, half being in pink to support you and the others being in yellow to support your opponents.

tip off was in 5 minutes, you weren’t a starter, but you understood. your emotions were trying to get the best of you, but you tried to stop it. your coach gave you and your teammates some advice and where everyone should go, then the buzzer rang.

“on the court lets go!” the ref shouted. you sat down on the bench, watch the ball fly up in the air, then one of your teammates swinging it to your team.

“is ellie starting?” you thought to yourself. you didn’t see her on the court, but found her on the bench, watching eagerly just like you were.

2nd quarter had arrived, 15-24. you were losing. “you, go.” the co-coach told you. you got up, making sure your shoes had grip and ran on the court. you saw ellie was also playing. a foul got called against your team, so an opponent got 2 free throws. you were waiting on the 1st one.

“what are you doing? get ready!” coach scolded. when the opposing team got the rebound, coach called a timeout.

“you, take a charge on #14 if you can. shes too tall and drives fast.” coach ordered

“but who will the foul get called against?” you questioned.

“she will, shes in foul trouble.”

but before he can even explain more, reg blew the whistle, ordering everyone to get on the court. her team now had the ball. you tried your best to take a charge, but chickened out. coach subed you out. that was the only time you played.

it was a close game, but the other team started to give out towards the 4th quarter. your team took advantage of that. less than a minute left. shot clock. 52-48. your team had possession of the ball. there was 6 seconds left. ball up in the air, and it was a good. a 3 pointer made with 6 seconds left.

your team were champions. an undefeated record, the first in your schools history. you and your team gather outside to do an “undefeated” chant. all of a sudden, you see ellie in tears. you walk up to her, trying your best to comfort her. “hey, good game out there. you played good.” you said, attempting to cheer her up. all she could do was nod.

a few days later, you couldn’t stop thinking about ellie. “why can’t i get her out of my head?” you asked yourself. its like she owned your mind, and she was the only thing in it. you had no choice but to find her online, somehow.

you figured out the schools name, and decided to check the following list on it on instagram, when you see her username with a profile picture that looks exactly like her. “oh shit, its ellie. should i follow?” you ask yourself “you know what. fuck it.”

you pressed that blue follow button. next moment, your phone buzzed. she followed you back. it was like you were on cloud 9.

you went through her stories, seeing that she plays volleyball. you decided to dm her saying who you were, and that you played against her.

r: “hey, are you one of the players from the championship game?”

e: “yes, are you one of our opponents?”

r: “yup, i just wanted to say like your really fucking good i saw your semi-final game on sunday you killed it.”

e: “thank you so much omg you are rlly good too. i saw you guys play at the finals game. you are rlly good.”

r: “thank you, how long have you been playing?”

e: “7 years, wbu?”

r: “technically 2, i player when i was younger and i play now. i played volleyball for the first time this year, it was interesting.”

e: “vb is amazing. why, what happened?”

you then told her the unnecessary drama that happened at that time. it was definitely an experience.

r: “i wanna join club vb but its so expensive”

e: “fr like thousands of dollars to hit a ball over a net?”

r: “there’s a club near my city, but they want $6k”

e: “jesus, for hitting balls?”

r: “exactly! i can do it for free at my house”

you both then continued to talk about club volleyball, until you mentioned her volleyball videos. god she was amazing, you can see her going pro one day. she complimented you for your kind gesture. you both talked about how you can go against each other in the future again.

the next couple of days, you were contemplating weather or not to try out for club vb, so you texted ellie about it.

r: “hey ellie, i kinda wanna try out for volleyball. do you have any tips or what to expect?”

e: “theres gonna be passing, hitting, and serving. just keep practicing those.”

the conversation continued until it was getting late, and you both stopped responding to each other.

over the summer, you kept throwing hints to her how you liked her. you were head over heels for her, but you didn’t know if she liked you. you went complete stalker mode, looking at her reposts. you put songs on your story that reminded you of her. you replied to her stories and her notes, but she just didn’t get it.

over time, you made it to her close friends list. you felt like you won the lottery. you told dina and jesse about this crush, but they weren’t supportive.

“you can do better.” jesse commented

“first of all, what the fuck? and second, shes cute and a good baller.” you replied.

“i don’t think she likes you, sorry.” dina said. “shes friendzoning you. you’re the one always texting her first, replying to her, etc. i think you need to stop.”

“and what if i don’t?” you questioned.

“you’re gonna get your hopes up, all for nothing. don’t let her break your heart.” jesse added.

from then on, the signals you sent her died down. you didn’t text her as often as you did. you replied to her stories only rarely. you were forced to fall out of love.

i give you a glance and keep throwing hints

but you don’t understand

[piratecaptainscaptainpirates]

I don't think I'll ever forget what it was like to watch season 2 as it dropped.

Where I am, the episodes dropped at 3 am every week. Getting out of bed in the middle of the night, sitting in my dark living room, and seeing a new episode of OFMD like that - I had the biggest grin on my face seeing Stede again. I'd been a bit nervous (what if it didn't live up to all the hype we'd been building?) but the second dream-Stede looked across the beach and shouted Ed's name with tears in his eyes and so much emotion in his voice, I knew we'd be alright. I knew it would be great.

And it was great! I always had trouble getting back to sleep because of the excited activity on here after episodes dropped. I look back on all that joy with so much fondness. And it just got better! Seeing Ed and Stede kiss in the moonlight, the literal fireworks over their first time, sooo many scenes in the finale from the lovely letter to the callback to Stede's dream at the start...amazing season of television.

Closest to a magical experience I've ever had.

[lindsey-laufeyson]

Saying Goodbye

Tom Hiddleston x wife!reader oneshot

Your husband just finished filming season 2 of Loki, thus concluding his long journey as the God of Mischief, but as a stunt double for The Marvels, you’re stuck doing a reshoot on the night of the wrap party when all you want to do is be there for him.

Warnings: angst, fluff

A/N: After watching the Loki finale, as well as Tom’s interview on Jimmy Fallon, I guess I wrote this to process my own grief (and be a little self indulgent)…

When you walked into the wrap party, you spotted your husband immediately, talking to Ke Huy Quan across the room by the bar. Tom’s dyed black curls were slightly disheveled and he was gesturing wildly with his hands, clearly very passionate about whatever the topic of conversation was. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you watched him, until you were pulled from your thoughts by a familiar voice.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Owen Wilson greeted you, pulling you in for a hug. “Glad you could make it!”

“And just in time, evidently,” you added as you pulled out of the hug. “Is he doing any better?”

Owen shook his head and sighed. “He’s not doing any worse, I can say that much.”

The two of you walked over to Tom and Ke, and you slid your arm around Tom’s slender waist. “Sorry to interrupt,” you told them both.

Tom’s eyes lit up when he saw you. “Darling! You made it!” he said excitedly, standing up from his seat at the bar and quickly giving you a hug and kiss before addressing the entire room. “Y/n Hiddleston, everybody!” he shouted, pointing at you as if you were the big surprise guest for the night. Everyone played along and cheered while you waved bashfully at them all before turning back to Tom.

“How are you doing, my love?” you asked him, concerned, as you cupped his face in your hand.

“I’m wonderful,” he assured you. “Why?”

You glanced at Owen apprehensively. “Owen said you were sort of… spiraling.”

“What?” Tom looked at Owen confused. “You said I was spiraling?”

“You’ve been spiraling a little,” Owen said quietly from behind you. You and Ke proceeded to watch the two men bicker back and forth.

“I think I’d know if I was spiraling.”

“I mean, it’s a subtle spiral, but a spiral all the same.”

“Is there even such a thing as a subtle spiral?

“So you’re admitting that it’s not subtle. Good!”

“No, I’m saying there was no spiral to begin with.”

“Oh my god! If either of you say the word spiral one more time, I’m going to start spiraling,” you shouted abruptly.

“I promise you, darling, I’m fine. Really.” Tom attempted to reassure you as he pulled you close to him. You looked over your shoulder at Owen briefly who held up his hands in defeat.

“Alright,” you conceded, before turning to Ke. “I’m so sorry, Ke! I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation.”

“It’s okay,” Ke said cheerfully. “Tom was just telling me about how I shouldn’t get too attached to anything because everything ends eventually.” You and Owen both gave Tom a look.

Tom chuckled nervously and then clapped his hands together. “Shots anyone?” he asked, as he turned to the bartender. “Another round of Loki shots, please! And add one more for my beautiful wife!”

“No need,” Owen called after the bartender. “She can just have mine!”

“Oh no, I’m good. I’m driving,” you chimed in, shooting a glare at Owen.

“That’s fine. I’ll just have both of theirs,” Tom said nonchalantly.

You quickly stepped between Tom and the bar. “Hey, maybe we should forget the shots and have a little fun of our own at home.” You gave him a playful wink, hoping to distract him.

“But you just got here,” he protested. “Please, let’s stay for a while and celebrate the end!”

The way he said ‘celebrate the end’ sounded excited and happy, but you could tell it was forced. Still, it was his night tonight (though he would never accept it if you told him that), and you didn’t want to be the one to spoil it, so you obliged.

You, Tom, Owen, and the rest of the ‘Loki’ cast and crew spent the next couple of hours laughing, dancing, and sharing stories (most of which ended up being about Tom), and it seemed like maybe Tom was handling things better than you had originally thought. There was a moment when he reprised his rendition of ‘Very Full�� from the first season of the show, and you thought for a moment, during the slower part of the song, that he was finally letting his feelings to the surface, but as the song picked up again, so did his demeanor. It wasn’t until people started to say their goodbyes for the night, that you really began to see his happy exterior fade.

“I think it’s time to call it, boss,” Owen said to Tom as the last few cast members departed, leaving only the three of you along with a couple of closing staff in the venue rented out for the night’s festivities.

“I suppose so,” Tom agreed with a sad smile.

“We’re still on for lunch before your flight leaves tomorrow, right?” you asked Owen as he hugged you and Tom goodbye.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he replied. And with that he left.

You then turned to your husband and held out your hand. “Come on, love. Let’s get you home.”

The two of you spent the car ride reliving the fun of the party, and were laughing as you walked in the front door of the house. As you set your purse down on the buffet in the foyer, Tom wrapped his arms around your waist from behind and nuzzled into your neck.

“Thank you for coming,” he said softly.

You placed your hands over his and swayed back and forth. “Of course, baby. But I want to ask you one more time…” You turned around to face him, putting one hand on his shoulder and the other gently cupped his face. “Are you alright? Because it’s perfectly okay to not be okay right now. You just closed a huge chapter of your life and no one expects you to just take it on the chin.”

As you said this, Tom’s eyes slowly welled up with tears as he finally let go of the mask he’d so tirelessly upheld all night. “I’ve said goodbye to Loki before, and I thought I could do it again” he began, his voice cracking slightly. “But it’s only that much harder now. He changed my life. He’s become such a deeply rooted part of me over the last 13 years. How am I expected to just move on from that?”

A tear fell down his cheek and you brushed it away with your thumb. “No one expects you to, sweetheart,” you replied in a soft, comforting tone. “You’re allowed to grieve.”

Tom squeezed his eyes shut, causing more tears to fall as he hugged you tight, burying his face in the crook of your neck. You held him there for a moment, stroking his hair while he quietly cried.

“But, Tom,” you continued, taking his face in both hands, lifting his head, and looking deep in his eyes. “Even if Loki’s on-screen journey is over, it doesn’t mean he’s gone. You said it yourself that he’s a part of you. Even if Kevin Feige never calls you up again— which, let’s be honest, is never out of the question at this point—” He let out a small chuckle. “As long as you’re around, so is he, and that’s because you put your heart and soul into that character, much like everything else that you do. It’s one of the many reasons I fell in love with you.”

Tom smiled at you through his tears before leaning down to kiss you tenderly. When your lips finally parted he leaned his forehead against yours and sighed. “Thank you, love,” he whispered.

“No, thank you Tom,” you replied, tears forming in your own eyes now. “Thank you for giving us Loki.”

…

One year later:

[ashtheketchum]

Do you have a tag list for your Daryl story? If you do, could you add me please?

This is like the perfect story bc I’ve been looking for one like it for a while.

A new family Part 6

A/N: Here's the sixth part! I'm very happy that you want more and more of this story, but I don't have such good news for you all- This story will only be about the first season! (Pic from Pinterest!)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5

Warnings: Injuries, alcohol, needles (at least it is mentioned that blood will be drawn)

Taglist: @b0p-itt @twisteduniverse5

Masterlist!

__________________________________

PoV (Y/N):

We all stayed hidden until the walkers left. However, (D/N)'s wound was still bleeding and she was crying quietly into my shoulder. She must have been in incredible pain. When the walkers were finally gone, we climbed out again and I picked (D/N) up. Lori, Rick and Shane ran towards us while (D/N) pressed her face into my shoulder. "What happened?" Shane asked me. "She cut herself on a piece of rust…" I explained quickly before carrying her to Daryl's truck. He also came out of his hiding place and looked at (D/N) briefly. When he saw her tears and blood, he immediately ran towards us.

"Wha´ happened?" He asked, a little more excited. Daryl stood next to me as I gently pressed on her wound so no more blood would come out. Daryl immediately ran to the back and grabbed a first aid kit. Shane walked towards him and stopped him before he could get to me and (D/N). "We need this first aid kit for emergencies!" Shane simply said with a stern look. He briefly looked at (D/N) and me, I had a horrified and angry look. "(D/N)'s wound is not big and not that deep either. All we need to do is wrap a little cloth around this wound.” Shane then said in a calm voice. "Fuck off, Walsh! This is a kid!" Daryl just growled.

He pushed Shane away with force and then came to us. From the first aid kit he pulled out a huge plaster and a bandage. We poured some water on the wound. While I hugged (D/N) tightly, Daryl carefully applied the bandage to her wound and then wrapped the bandage around her leg. Shane just watched us quietly as (D/N) slowly calmed down. “We have to go to the CDC quickly…” Lori then said. Carl walked towards us and squeezed (D/N)'s hand gently to show her that everything was okay. She wiped away her tears and then climbed back into the truck. "Yes, we should move on." And so we continued on our way to the CDC.

We arrived in the big city, in front of a huge building. Rick said this was the CDC and we headed outside. Since (D/N) was limping badly, I picked her up and we ran towards the building. "Hold your breath, honey…" I said to (D/N) when I noticed the smell of the walker. My daughter immediately nods and holds her breath. Daryl, Shane and Rick shot a few walkers so we could penetrate further. I stayed between Rick and Daryl so that no one could get to (D/N).

When we finally got to the building, Rick and Shane banged on the doors to get them to open. However, since there was no answer, we all assumed that there was no one left in there. I also ran to the door and looked pleadingly into a camera I spotted. "Please! My daughter is seriously injured and her wound needs stitches!” I shouted loudly up to the camera. There was still no response and for a moment I also thought that no one was in there anymore. But before we could even turn around, the door suddenly opened and a bright light came from inside.

I didn't think before I ran in with (D/N) in my arms and looked around. The others immediately followed me and also looked around, the doors behind us closed again. "Don' go so far forwar´, woman!" Daryl then snapped at me and pulled me behind him. (D/N) looked around curiously with her eyes. We hadn't seen such a clean place in a long time.

However, we couldn't look around for long because a man came around the corner. He had a gun in his hand and was wearing a white coat. He just looked at us searchingly, suspiciously to be more precise. "Is someone infected?" He then asked loudly. We looked at each other briefly before Rick spoke up. "It was one… he didn't make it." "Where is the injured child?" The man then asked again. We didn't move for a moment before Daryl grabbed my arm and pulled me forward with (D/N). The man looked at (D/N)'s leg for a moment before looking at both of us.

"Are you her parents?" Daryl and I stayed quiet for a moment. This question took me a bit by surprise; I didn't want to tell him my whole life story. But suddenly Daryl shook his head. "Nah, I'm no´ her old man…" He then murmured quietly. I felt (D/N) grip my top tighter and look down slightly. It made me sad for a moment, but she had to live with the fact that Daryl didn't seem to want to be her father. "Okay, sorry…" The man apologized. "But I'm her mother…" I then spoke quickly.

The scientist looked at me briefly before nodding slightly. It seemed difficult for him to take care of us now, but he allowed it. Maybe he wasn't as bad as one might think. "Okay… but I want you all to take a blood test! I’ll take care of the wound afterwards…” He then murmured quietly. Relieved, I smiled broadly and we all followed him. Andrea complained briefly, but I didn't listen to her. We should be grateful that we were allowed in here at all.

We all did the blood test and after that was done, Dr. Jenner took care of (D/N)'s wound. He said we were lucky and the wound hadn't become infected. He quickly attended to her wound, stitching it up and then giving her small crutches. "Thank you!" I then said. Dr. Jenner just gave me a quick nod before looking at (D/N). He smiled at her briefly before we moved on to the others.

Dr. Jenner showed us around and explained everything to us. We were supposed to sort out the room layout between ourselves, but otherwise we had to pay attention to his rules somehow. We shouldn´t use electronic devices, i.e. no TV or video games, and we should take a quick shower so that we don't use up the warm water. But we liked everything. Soft beds, fresh air and showers with warm water. (D/N) and I took a room with a small bed and a couch. I would sleep on the couch and then (D/N) would sleep on the bed.

In the evening we moved to a huge room where everyone had gathered. I could already smell the delicious food and I could already hear my stomach growling. "It smells good here, Mom!" (D/N) simply said and limped towards the others. The others looked at us and even made room for us. (D/N) sat down and I slowly approached the group. There was hot food, something to drink and even some alcohol. "Enjoy it, little one." Glenn said simply as he drank from his wine glass.

I sat down too and we all ate together. I also drank a few glasses of wine, but not too much, so I could still look after (D/N). Carl even tried some alcohol, but found it so disgusting that he almost spit it out. We all laughed, even Daryl had fun. He kept teasing Glenn that if he didn't stop drinking he would soon turn red and that he would definitely want to see it. "Daryl, leave Glenn alone!" I then called out to the two of them, laughing. Glenn laughed a bit again before continuing to eat. Daryl just hissed in amusement and grinned at me. "I tease whoever I wan´, woman." His answer made me giggle before I then looked at (D/N).

She looked at Daryl with some excitement and amusement. I was a little confused by her look, but before I could ask, Dale said that we should thank Dr. Jenner for letting us here. We all clinked glasses before we had another quick chat. But Shane had to kick the mood and ask some questions. We all fell silent, some staring at the scientist, others looking down at their food. "Shane, you're a party pooper." Glenn then complained, with a slight pout. Glenn's reaction made me smile briefly, but the mood remained tense.

After a while, I saw (D/N) yawning loudly and rubbing her eyes. I smiled at her and gently stroked her head. “Are you tired?” She only answered my question with a nod. Giggling, I then stood up and I gently stroked her back. "I'll just put (D/N) to bed." I then said to the group. They all agreed while Lori, Carl, Carol and Sophia also stood up. They probably wanted to put their children to bed too.

"I'm comin with yah…!" Someone suddenly shouted. And that someone was Daryl.

Next Chapter ->

[mamirhodessxox]

His Strange Addiction

Pt 1, Pt 2, Pt 3, Pt 4.

Cody Rhodes x Fem Wrestler!OC (Milena Reyz)

Desc: Milena is getting quite sick of Bianca eying her soon to be husband almost everyday so she takes it upon herself to be involved in a wrestling match with Bianca on Monday night raw & show exactly who Cody belongs to. Melina decided to go with a storyline within WWE where she’s downright psychotic, Talking to herself etc & Cody has no idea until Milena makes her way into the ring.

Contents: Angst, Fluff, Arguing, Milena serving cunt, Cody being a whore for Milena, Mentions of insecurity, 1 Year time skip, slightly toxic duo, Violence. Mentions of Cheating, Accusations of cheating. Implications of smut.

{~I'm very serious with you guys interacting with my writing!!!! it would make me so happy & excited, the more comments & reposts the more inspiration i have to write :) Votes and comments are strongly appreciated so please COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT COMMEENNTTT the more comments the more content <3!!!~}

It had been at-least 2 months since the wedding of Cody & Milena, it was now finally summer slam season, it was July & the couple just arrived to Miami, the only issue was Cody had torn his pec while working out the other day & he was just about to go into a match with Seth in less than 30 minutes.

Milena had just left her dressing room in a referee crop top & shorts since she was reffing for his match and made her way to find Cody to check up on him, but she couldn’t find him anywhere so she went up to Jey “Hey JJ have you seen Cody anywhere?” He tossed his water bottle in his bag “Yeah I’m pretty sure he’s in the back of the locker-rooms with Montez talking about the pec issue.” She nodded thanking him and made his way to the locker rooms expecting to see Montez but instead saw Bianca with him & felt her heart drop. She squinted her eyes and poked her tongue against her cheek before crossing her arms leaning against the doorway while listening to Bianca talk “I’m just so..happy for you cody, truly, but um..if you have any issues with her I’ll have open arms.” And open legs, Cody nodded & thanked her awkwardly while she ran her hand down his arm smiling.

Milena scoffed enough to have the two of them look over at her, Cody immediately knew she had the wrong idea especially if she just saw this happen, Milena nodded her head looking at Cody “Your so fucking insufferable cody, truly. You’re up in 5 minutes.” Cody watched her walk off and clear his throat before glaring over at Bianca “I don’t know what game your trying to play but I swear to fucking god on everything I own if you ruin my goddamn marriage Bi, I will end your career & future careers for as long as you live, and you DEFINITELY shouldn’t trust Mills when she’s as calm as that, she’s going to beat your ass. In the ring and out of it.” He spat his harsh words at her leaving her in shock, Seth just finished his entrance & was In the ring while Milena circled it holding up the championship belt while Cody was making his entrance.

Seth stared down Mills as she stood on one of the ropes flashing the belt towards the crowd with a grin on her face while Seth started talking “Had anyone ever told you that your wife looks fucking amazing today? Maybe after I kick your sorry ass and send you back to Georgia I’ll maybe..give Milena a visit..” he grinned over at Cody while he entered the ring clenching his jaw while She had just let out a laugh at the remark. Before blowing her whistle to start off the match.

Cody was insanely pissed off, He immediately beat Seth to the ground, threw some VERY real punches & stomped into his chest & even got to the point where he left claw like scratches on his face so the announcers had Milena call off the match & Drag cody backstage, The minute that door shut their biggest argument started “What the FUCK was that?!” She shouted while Cody scoffed unwrapping his hands from any bandages & glared “You heard what the hell he said about yo-“ she stopped him with a laugh of mockery “Your fucking kidding me right? Just a few months ago you CRAWLED up my ass for beating the shit out of Bianca for what she said to you and that goddamn shoulder touch and FUCK ME EYES! But when YOU do it suddenly it’s okay?! Your fucking ridiculous.” Cody pointed his finger in her face with a condescending tone“Watch your fucking tone.” She smacked him across the face “Don’t you EVER talk to me like that ever again. It truly amazes me how you’re okay with Bianca making inappropriate suggestions despite our fresh fucking marriage but the minute Seth does it you go fucking insane.” She spat at him.

“And the minute I get my fucking hands on her she’s fucking done and you know it, especially after that little connection with her earlier.” She glared while Cody wiped blood off his lip scoffing “Don’t you da-“ before he could even finish Milena stormed out of the dressing room and everyone in the locker room heard the entire argument and ran after Mills to stop her including, Roman, Seth, Montez & Jey but she was to fast, she found Bianca & Immediately the other girls such as Becky, Liv & Rhea tried stopping her but she was yet again to quick, “Jey go get cody & tell him to grab Milena before she ends up in a damn cell tonight.” Jey ran off to get Cody “Your chick is about to beat Biancas ass you better go on and get’er” Cody furrowed his brows and started running to where everyone was & saw Milena & Bianca slamming into lockers & pulling onto each-others hair but Milena grabbed Bianca by the back of her head and slammed her head into a wall yelling at her. Cody & Roman pushed their way through the crowd trying to stop the girls & both of them grabbed Mills while roman kept shouting at Bianca to either ‘shut the fuck up’ or ‘Go somewhere before I let her go.’ Milena fought against Cody still yelling at Bianca calling her a Cunt & other harsh names before He dragged her away from the scene “You need to take a goddamn breath Milena.” Her chest heaved up and down while Cody held her arms trying to get her to calm down but she was still furious “Your sleeping with Bianca aren’t you? Why the FUCK do you both have some sort of chemistry and connection since I’ve came to WWE?”

Cody groaned and ran his hands down his face “I’m not fucking sleeping with Bianca Milena!” She scoffed “Bullshit! You two have something going on, Your on the same fucking cover for that dumbass game and have shared moments together behind the scenes of a goddamn photo shoot, let me find out your lying to me Cody and I swear to god I will make this marriage a living hell for you.”

She stormed off leaving Cody by himself, for hours they gave each other the silent treatment during the entire summer slam event, Jey & Seth walked into the dressing room while Jey handed Milena coffee he cleared his throat “So how are you handling the news??” She quirked up an eyebrow “What news?” Seth looked over at Jey & Her confused “I thought Cody told you Bianca & Him used to sleep with each-other before you joined WWE?” Milena immediately had a facial expression that showed the pair she had no idea they had any sort of connection to her. “Are you a fucking dumbass Seth?” Jey turned to him automatically stressed out “Why do you always run your mouth jesus fucking christ.” Seth awkwardly laughed while Milena stood up “Where the fuck is he?” Jey blocked the door and held his hands “Milena n-“ She got closer to him and started putting her hair up “Tell me where he is now before I tear this entire room apart and find him myself.” Seth shoved jey out of the way “empty confrence roo-“ before he could even finish she left and went to the exact room Cody was in & just stood there, They both stared at each other “When were you going to tell me Cody?” Her voice croaked but she still held herself together while he exhaled standing up walking over to her “Were you even going to tell me and just make me sit here looking like a fucking dumbass??”

Cody frowned and tried holding her hands but she pushed him away “Answer me! It’s the least you could fucking do! Is this why you kept giving her the benefit of the doubt! Are you STILL fucking her?” He held out his hands “Sweetheart I was going to tell you until everything died down, I didn’t intend for any of this to get as far as it did I’m not sleeping with her in-fact I stopped the moment I found out you were back.” She shook her head “I can’t trust you Cody, not as a husband or a person I do not fucking trust you. I won’t divorce you but I need you to start being honest with me for as long as we’re married if you want my trust.” He nodded and pressed his hand against her cheek “I’ll go as far as getting her out of the goddamn company if I have to for you.”

She nodded in silence “Let me handle that alright?” He nodded and pulled her into his arms, Cody knew if she was this calm she was plotting & scheming, summer slam wasn’t going to end until atleast 12AM, Just as Roman finished his promo Milena went out into the ring with a microphone, Cody & Jey watched backstage “How the fuck is she so calm right now?” Jey asked with minor concern while Cody leaned into his seat “She’s about to reveal the shit she’s been plotting and scheming since her fight with Bianca.”

She cleared her throat and spoke into the microphone “Some of yo- ALL of you know of the rivalry between me & Bianca & I have decided, That next week I will be challenging Bianca into join me in a Hell In a Cell match, 1 on 1, No limits & No disqualifications.” Roman sat in the room with Jey & Cody and sighed “She’s going to kill Bianca.” Milena stood there before speaking again “This will be my last warning to Bianca, I know your listening to this & I’m going to say this VERY clearly, I suggest you back off of my husband Cody or I will make your life a living hell in & out of the ring, If I need to fuck him right in front of you to get that through your thick skull because your pony tail is to tight it explodes your braincells then I absolutely will.” She stared directly into the camera while the crowd started freaking out, She walked backstage & looked overt at Cody, Jey & Roman.

“I know one of you have her husband’s personal phone number, and one of you are going to give it to me & let me handle things My way. Since she wrecks my marriage then it’s only fair I wreck hers.” They all looked at each-other and Cody muttered under his breath a quiet “Shit.” while roman started pulling out his phone. This was not going to go well for Bianca in the slightest.

🏷️ list: @ginswife @coolpastelartshoe @greatkoalawizard @cokolin044 @kotoriarlert @alicerosejensen @bunnybot55 @agent-dessis-posts @adollonyourshelf @valkyrurr @alyyaanna @niknakbucks92 @mini-rhodes @southerngirl41

xtripleiiix’s Masterlist

[rd0265667]

Minji x Reader: Game on

Permanent Taglist: @cwpiqwon @justme-idle

2016

"Oh my god, Y/N, get to the lane now, you're throwing my ranked game" She teased as you rolled your eyes "I'm coming, I'm coming, watch me carry your 2-4-1 ass." You shot back, earning a swift smack to the neck "You got lucky, but thanks for the save bro." She said, a smug smile on your face as you finished the team wipe. "Some would argue I deserve a kiss for that." You proposed, leaning in close as she smirked, leaving a light kiss on your cheek. "Of course my love."

Current day

Sweat dripped from your brow, your thumbs twitching. This was make or break time

From the side, you could faintly hear the commentators.

"Can Ursa do it? This is the final push made by CK, and with Ursa's Miya at half health and K's Alice with both her Winter Truncheon and Petrify on cooldown, it's going to be a tough fight against a full team of 5. And OH! It's in! Alice has popped her ultimate, initiating the team fight.She gets controlled by Franco but what's this? Ursa activated her inspire and OH CK IS COLLAPSING, TRIPLE KILL, MANI-, OH SAVAGE, URSA HAS DONE IT!" The commentator screamed as you breathed a sigh of relief, your mage was down but you had managed to get the enemy team, securing the win as you ran to finish the base. "And just like that, ZG has won the 2022 MLBB tournament! MVP of course goes to the captain of ZG, Ursa! Using a relatively off-meta character like Miya all season, enemies have grown to regret underestimating Ursa, now let's go over to the podium to have a chat with the MVP!"

At the podium, you were all smiles as the interviewer asked the routine questions. "So, Y/N. How do you feel about the win?" "The team is ecstatic. We've worked our whole season to this, and to see our efforts be rewarded is great." "There has been rumors of you retiring soon, not uncommon for someone of your age in the esports industry, comment?" "No comment." "There's been talks about you collaborating with MLBB for an ad? Care to comment on that?" "Yes, and I'm really excited about it. That's all I can really say for now, ML please don't fire me." You jokingly pleaded to the camera, as the reporters chuckled at your reaction "Before I let you go, anyone thing you would like to say?" "I just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me through my entire career, including a very special person who has been with me all this while." You said to the camera, smiling as the reporters clambered, excited for new gossip.

Meanwhile, at the dorm of NewJeans

"Where are th-, Minji Unnie!" Hyein shouted out, frantically pushing around the kitchen cabinets, pulling her leader out of her thoughts. "Where are the cup noodles" Hyein shouted, as Minji scurried over, opening the packet for her. "Still watching that competition?" Hyein commented as Minji held her phone away defensively, before turning away and looking at her screen longingly. "Stop teasing her Hyein-ah, you know she loves that game. She even got us into it. Haerin loves that furry too." Hanni commented as Haerin pounced on Hanni "Her name is Joy!" She grumbled, as Hanni rolled her eyes. "Just remember to help me the next time I get ganked in the middle lane, Pharsa is so squishy." Hanni complained, Danielle chuckling. "Oh, Minji Unnie, Management told me to inform you, you have a brand advertisement soon!" Danielle told Minji, as she looked over, slightly confused. "Yeh, Moonton heard that you enjoyed the game so they want you to represent them for an advertisement." 'Wait, An ad for Mobile Legends?' "Did they say who I'd be doing it with?" "Yeh, that Esports pro you like so much, Y/N."

"So, Y/N, there will be two advertisements. One will be an interview with you, what got you into Mobile Legends or gaming in general. Then, the second will be a short skit, with a story centred around the game. I know you aren't exactly an actor but I doubt you'd struggle too much. Is that alright?" Your liaison texted, as you sent back a quick back an acknowledgment, resting on your couch.

"Oh, hey babe, congrats on the win today." Karina(ps, not an idol) said somewhat absentmindedly, fiddling with her prada bag. "Thanks, I got you a gift." You whispered, reaching into your bag and grabbing a small box, Karina's head immediately bolting up, a smile across her face, as she grabbed the small box from you. What was it? Jewelry? A necklace? A new watch? Her smile slowly faded though, as the box opened to reveal cards. Titled, 52 reasons I love you. Seeing her smile disappear, your eyebrows furrowed, did she not like it? "What's wrong?" You asked, as Karina quickly tried to brush it off. "I'm just tired, I'll get some rest now alright?" Karina said, tossing the card onto the table as she scurried to the room, your eyes stuck on the card that took you hours. You sighed, guess she just had a long day huh? It's been years of long days. Sighing, you went to wash up, laying in bed seeing your teammates party together on Instagram

You were lost in the maze of the production studios, taking a crew member to basically pull you by the hand to the interview sight. After a quick visit to the makeup studio, you found yourself situated in a high chair, next to an interviewer. "So Y/N. Tell me about how you got into Mobile Legends and the realm of E-sports." "It began in high school..."

2016

"Get off that game! We have midterms next week!" You shouted, rolling your eyes as your girlfriend mockingly shook her head, the both of you chuckling as you ran to her, tugging her by the hand "Who are you playing anyways?" You peeked over her shoulder, her right shoulder pushing you away as she tried to finish the game "Her name's Miya, she's pretty fun to play" She offhandedly said, the base exploding on the screen as you saw her queue for a next game. "Aish Min, let's make a deal. We study for this midterms for the next week, then I play with you after the exams alright?" You proposed, as her eyes twinkled, nodding before pecking you on the cheek, setting her phone aside.

"She taught me to play Miya, and after that, she kinda stopped due to busying schedules, so I've played Miya since." "Miya huh? Is that why you play her predominantly?" The interviewer asked, as you nodded "So is this mystery woman the same person you referenced previously? She seems like she means a ton to you." The interviewer question, as a sense of nostalgia washed over you. "No, sadly she and I drifted apart due to differing careers that took different paths. I'm glad to see that she's been doing well though! I see her on TV all the time now." You explained, the interviewers eyebrow perking up. "Oh, so she's a celebrity!" You smiled a little, shrugging as you continued the interview. Close to the site, a nervous Minji sat at her makeup table, close enough to hear the interview going on, happy that you still remembered her, but still unsure on how the encounter to come was going to go.

Stretching as you got off the interview chair, you went back to your bags. A crew member handed you a script, as you slowly read through it. "Who's Lead 2?" You asked the crew member, who looked at you curiously. "Oh, you didn't know? I supposed I could introduce you to her." She pointed behind you, as you slowly turned, seeing a lady, shrinking into herself, fingers fidgeting "Minji?"

"So, how've you been?" You asked, trying to break the awkward air between you and the NewJeans starlet. "Good, been busy with comebacks, and this should be my last schedule until I go for a break with the rest of the girls." Minji said, her eyes trailing away from you as she didn't want to catch that gaze she missed all this time. 'Get it together Minji.' "So I heard you're a fan. Who's your bias?" Minji asked, as you shot back a cheeky smile "Oh it has to be Haerin." You said, as Minji rolled her eyes, grumbling, then chuckling at your cheeky smile "Why is that?" Minji asked, a silent rage building up. "She's likes to mess with you, that's enough for me." You teased, as Minji whined. The awkward air about the two of you disappeared, Minji chasing you as you two ran around the room, Minji smiling throughout the chase, this scene not an uncommon one when the two of you were high school sweethearts

"Well, it's good to see the two of you being so well acquainted. Could I explain the advert?" The director asked, as the two of you stopped your chase, nodding. "So, we were thinking of shaking up the way we make our advertisements, and we wanted to make a new cinematic with the two of you, showcasing the story of Cecillion and Carmilla."

As the director went through the briefing, Minji felt both excitement and dread. She knew you were with someone else, and this felt wrong, but recreating a romantic story with the person who still owned her heart was almost everything she could ask for. "There's been some issues with the props so we're going to need to rework, so we'll just be rehearsing some of the basic scenes, is that okay?" The director asked, as the two of you nodded

"How is this more tiring than dance classes?" Minji panted as she collapsed into her chair, gulping down her water as you chuckled, tossing her a towel for her to dry her sweat "Oh, Y/N, are you free tonight? You want to grab dinner and catch up?" "Rain check? I've got to get to Karina. See you soon okay?" Minji nodded, hiding her disappointment as you rushed off. 'Karina' Minji thought to herself bitterly

"Minji, you're back! What's wrong?" Hanni exclaimed as she saw her leader trudge back into the house, eyes slightly puffy. "Y/N has someone else..." Minji whispered, Hanni's face morphing into a look of pity, and understanding, quickly ushering the teary eyed girl into the house. Minji crashed onto the sofa, how could things have gone so wrong?

"I won a 1 v 3 and comments still called ME a liability. Can you believe that! Minji? Min?" You stopped your ramble, turning to your girlfriend, seeing her blanking in the air. She quickly jolted up, turning to you with an apologetic smile "Sorry, I'm just kinda tired. What did you say?" She pinched herself, shaking herself awake as you were wracked with guilt. You knew what your girlfriend was putting herself through to be here. She was spending hours training to be an Idol, working herself to the bone, but here she was, sneaking away from her dorm in the middle of the night to steal fleeting moments with you. That was all she needed to keep going, but that wasn't what you wanted for her. You didn't want her to exhaust herself all to placate you. You knew this wasn't easy for her. Her deep eyebags that she attempted to hide with concealer, her bruises from hours of training that she assured you weren't serious, her near brushes at getting caught escaping. "Minji, could we talk?" You lightly held her hand, as she straightened her posture, slightly afraid at the change of tone. "I hope you know that I love you. But I don't think we can work anymore." You confessed, Minji's face dropping "What are you talking about?" Minji muttered, shook in disbelief. "We can't work, Minji. You're training for hours on end to be a trainee, and I'm training to be an E-sports player. You spend hours training, then still rush to be with me. I...I just don't think I'm worth all this effort. Your career and well-being is more important than me. Besides, once you become an idol, what of us? The media finds out and tears us down. Or the company gets to us first. We don't work, Min." Minji knew there was truth in your words. She loved you, and she loved her little stolen moments with you. But this was getting too much for her. She was pushing her body to the absolute brink, and she could feel it giving up on her. The two of you had always heard that Love required sacrifice, and that they had to fight to stay together. But what was the point of fighting to stay together, only to have to fight again? The battle grew repetitive. She knew she should have said no. She loved you too much to let you go. But this was for the best, she thought. The best for whom? For either of you? For any of you? She didn't know. But she did what she thought was right "Are we breaking up?" Minji whispered between her tears "I don't want to hold you back." You said through a small forced smile "Can you just hold me now?" Minji muttered back, you nodded profusely as you ran to her, holding her in your embrace as she sobbed into your chest. Calming her down, the two of you looked at each other, Minji and you sharing one last loving look, before leaving your house

"Hey Rina, I'm H-" You could barely speak out before she pushed you to the wall, putting her lips onto yours as you shared a deep kiss "Rina, I need to tell you something." You quickly said, in the brief moment of reprieve Karina smelled of alcohol, reeked of it. In her intoxicated stake, she held you as she tried to make out with you "I'm retiring from E-sports. Just to live a more basic life for awhile." With that, Karina bolted up, seemingly out of her drunken stupor. "Are you serious? Where's the money in a basic life." She mocked, inverted commas and an exaggerated facial expression telling you all you needed to know about her thoughts. "I just want to settle down with you, Rina. What's wrong with that?" Karina walked to you, grabbed your cheeks and pulling them hard. "Aish, Y/N you stupid little baby, did you really think I'm with you for your personality. Fuck off with that childish sentiment. What am I going to stay with you for if you're just gonna be some broke little shit." Karina spouted venom, words stabbing you and hurting you to the core. Speechless, you backed away, running out of the house, you had to get away. Far away.

"Y/N, Y/N! Are you okay?" Minji lightly nudged as you sat dazed at the set, her forehead creasing as she saw your face devoid of life, hair disheveled. "Yeh, don't worry about it Min." You tried to force a smile, running your hand through you hair as you tried to look more composed. "Here, got this for you." Minji set a cup down next to you, before moving to the makeup set. Milk tea, with evaporated milk. For the first time since the night before, an albeit small, but genuine smile formed on your face. It's been years, but she still remembered.

"You look stupid." Minji quipped, smiling as she saw you fidgeting in the clunky suit Cecillion wore "Hey, I save your life in the future Miss Carmilla, don't be mean." You chuckled, as Minji rolled her eyes "Whatever bro." Despite your lack of sleep and still being angry at Karina, you couldn't help but laugh and revert back to the person you were all those years ago, the one Minji would mess with, the one who would mess with Minji, the one laughing at Minji as she saw the suit she had to wear for her role as Carmilla. You couldn't help but miss the person you were with Minji "Do you wanna rehearse?" Minji asked, script in hand as the two of you sat, nodding in response "We can't be together, Carmilla. I'm different...your father doesn't approve of me. We don't work." You delivered the line, trying to ignore the anguish on Minji's face as the familiar line brought up feelings of regret and pain "No, I must be with you Cecillion. Our love is too great to let anyone separate us!" Minji quickly composed herself, anxiously fixing a strand of her hair "My love, I would only burden you. Don't you see that?" "My dearest Cecillion, you're worth it, you're worth it all ." Minji said, a pang in her heart. She should have told you this all those years ago. She loved being an idol, but it all rang hollow in the face of the loneliness and isolation she faced outside of her bandmates. She wanted, no, yearned for someone to care for her the way you did. Someone to hold her the way you did. She yearned for someone to love her the way you did. She yearned for you.

Sitting at your high chair after taking off your Cecillion costume, you watched on as Minji took promotional pictures of her in the Carmilla costume, her aura captivating as you couldn't keep your eyes off her, her eye smile melting you. You'd truly missed Minji. You cracked a small smile as you reminisced upon your shared moments together. Studying together, gaming together, being together, growing together. Despite being with Karina, even before events of the previous night, you never felt really happy. You tried your hardest to make things work with Karina. But it was different. Karina didn't care for you the way Minji did. Karina didn't appreciate the little gestures you would do the way Minji did. Karina wouldn't notice the small things like Minji did. Karina didn't love you the way Minji did.

Minji stood outside your changing room, nervously pacing as she pondered if she should ask you out to dinner again. She wanted you back, but you were already in another relationship. She didn't want to be a home-wrecker, especially if you were happy That concern was quickly quashed however, as screams could be heard from your changing room. Concerned, Minji slowly peeked in, seeing a blonde girl wreaking havoc in your changing room "You're leaving me? After all I've done for you!" The blonde girl shouted, Minji looking on as you stood with your hands cross, massaging your temples in annoyance. "If all you want is a piggy bank to squeeze, then it's not going to be me Karina. I can't spend my life with someone who only sees me for my money." You spoke, trying to keep your composure "Oh, so you just want that Minji girl, huh? You never forgot her huh? Get the fuck out of here, off your fucking high horse." Karina shot back, pushing you by the shoulder as you struggled to keep calm 'Me? Have I never left your mind?' "I've never claimed to be the perfect significant other Karina. I tried my best to forget about her, love you with all my heart, but it took meeting her again for me to realise that I never stopped loving Minji, but I've tried my best to make you the happiest person in the world, tried to love you with my every being, but you don't love anything without a dollar sign next to it. You disregarded my handmade gifts, only ever excited if you saw 5 numbers and above. I sacrificed my relationship with my teammates, my friends, to spend more time with you, but you didn't care. You never cared. I won't have it any further Karina." By now, your knuckles grew white, trying to contain an implosion, while the girl outside the room stood stunned, but also relieved. At this moment, you loosened your knuckles, realising the door was slightly ajar, noticing the shellshocked girl outside the door Following your gaze, Karina saw Minji, gaze steeling in recognition as she stared at Minji, anger evident.  Karina stormed at Minji, hand raised in an aggressive position as Minji stumbled back, trying to avoid the confrontation. "It's all because of you!" Karina shouted, swinging her hand down at Minji, but you caught her by the wrist. "That's enough, Karina. Leave before I call security on you. You can stay at my apartment for the next few days till you can find somewhere else to stay, once you can, please leave." Your grip on her wrist remained firm, as Karina wrestled her hand out of yours, muttering curses as she stormed off the set, crew members staring at the cause of the commotion. You grabbed Minji by the hand, but unlike the way you had gripped Karina when stopping her hand, your hold on her was gentle. Leading Minji to your room, you let her sit, grabbing her a cup of water "Sorry about that Min." You muttered, embarrassed at what had transpired with Karina. Minji was still in shock, only nodding as she sipped her water. Noticing her slight tremble, you got your jacket, draping it over her shoulder, then taking a seat next to her. "How much did you hear?" You nervously asked, struggling to let it out of your mouth. "Enough." She whispered back, as you nodded, settling back uncomfortably in your seat. "Did you mean it?" Minji asked, turning her head as she braced for the worst. "About loving you? Every word." You said with resolution, Minji looking back at you with shock. The two of you sat in silence for a short while, an awkward and tense air between the two of you as the both of you digested what had transpired. "For what it's worth, I never stopped either." Minji whispered, her hand reaching out and grabbing your hand, holding it close to her as you let out a gentle smile. Scooting towards her, you leaned on her shoulder, feeling her hand around your shoulder. "Wanna grab dinner?" She whispered "1v1, loser pay." You quipped, whipping your phone out as you stuck your tongue out.

"For old time sakes huh? Well, don't forget who taught you how to play the game L/N. It's time for the Master to humble the apprentice." She theatrically spoke as she raised her finger at you in challenge. "You're not in the suit anymore, speak normal people words Bro." You teased, as Minji came down from her comical bender, sheepishly scratching her head as she bumped you. Queueing into the game, you noticed both of you never changed your IGN, keeping the cringey couple name you guys had made way back. Looking at her, she smiled, leaning over to peck you on the cheek, before leaning down, the gamer posture breaking out "Game on my love"

[themultifandomgal]

Arthur Shelby- Call The Midwife

I was requested to do a request based on call the midwife. I couldn't choose just one character and one story line from call the midwife so I've done one for each. They will all be out over the next few weeks.

Inspired by season 2 episode 4

Falling pregnant was something Arthur and I were very excited about. A year after we married we knew that we wanted a baby. So here I am  now nearly 9 months pregnant. Groaning I sit down on our shared bed after going to the bathroom for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. Arthur puts his arms around me and rubs my large stomach

"How's my boy doing in there?"

"Making me need a piss every 5 minutes" I chuckle "Arthur?"

"Hmm"

"Esme said we should speak to the midwife about the baby not moving much. Said her lot she could feel kicking. I haven't felt him kick once"

"I'm sure he's alright in there, but we can speak to the midwife tomorrow if you'd like"

"Thank you Arthur"

"Anythin for you dear" Arthur helps me to lay down properly in bed, placing the bed sheets over me and I quickly fall asleep.

Sometime during the night I wake up to awful pains in my stomach. Waking Arthur up I tell him to go and call the midwife.

What feeling like hours pass and I'm pacing the bedroom huffing and puffing

"There here" Arthur finally says and in walks the midwife I've been seeing since falling pregnant

"Sister, thank god your here" I breath out just as another pain hits me

"How are you doing?"

"I feel terrible, look at me"

"Well it's not a beauty contest. Now let's take a look at you" the midwife says helping me on to the bed. She lifts my legs up and takes a look at me "well it looks like we're going to be waiting for a little bit. Your not quite ready yet"

"Oh god I want this over" I shout

"And it will be soon and you'll have a perfect little baby in your arms"

"Your the father I'm guessing"

"Yes sister"

"We'll time for you to leave. Go heat up some water. This is woman's business" with that Arthur leaves the room looking panicked.

Hours later the Sister checks me again and tells me that I'm ready to push

"Now on the next pain I want you to give me a really big push. Ok?"

"I don't think I can. It hurts so bad"

"I know it does but just keep thinking about this little one being in your arm. Ok right" as the pains hit I push with all my might "ok I want you to wait a minute and when the next contraction hits I want you to push really hard" I pause, panting out of breath. Another contraction hits and I start pushing again "keep going almost there"

"I can't"

"Yes you can. Baby is nearly here" finally I feel the baby leave my body, but there's no crying at first

"My baby, is he ok?"

"Come on little one" I here the midwife say and tears start to form, but once a cry is hear I breathe a sigh of relief "I'm just going to clean him"

"Is it a boy?" I ask

"Girl"

"A girl" i mutter smiling. There's a knock on the door and in walks Arthur "it's a girl Arthur"

"Mr Shelby we haven't quite finished in here. YN hasn't delivered the after birth yet"

"He can stay I don't mind"

"Erm well in that case. Mr and Mrs Shelby I need to speak to you both"

"What's wrong?" Arthur asks frowning

"Baby's had some complications"

"What's that supposed to mean. What's wrong with my daughter?" Arthur demands

"She's got a problem with her back"

"What kind of problem?" I ask worried

"Let me call for a doctor who can explain it to you"

"Spina bifida?" I repeat making sure I've heard the doctor correctly

"Yes"

"But most children with this condition don't make it past their 3rd birthday"

"Only if their condition is accompanied with other things. I want to take the baby to the London general"

"My wife and I haven't even held her yet"

"Arthur it's ok" I say placing my hand on his arm

"Your both welcome to visit whenever you'd like and once we're happy with babies progress then you will be able to bring her home"

"Thank you doctor. Sister" with that I watch them take mine and Arthur's daughter away. I can tell Arthur is feeling many mixed emotions, anger, hurt, upset, confusion. I lean my head on his shoulder

"What if she...." Arthur finally says, his voice cracking trying not to cry

"We have to have faith Arthur"

"Faith. We should name her faith"

"I love that name"

[imsadstuff]

Loving you is Red - A Jeon Jungkook Fic Teaser

Fic link: here

Synopsis:

Jeon Jungkook's name was unheard on the Formula 1 paddock till he got a chance to drive a Mercedes car as a reserve driver. His 2020 starts looking brighter as he signs with Ferrari and meets you, his team mates little sister. So many cliched tropes, strangers to friends to lovers, slow burn, dating brother's best friend, and most importantly Jeon Jungkook looks smoking hot in a Ferrari!

Author's Note:

So, this has been collecting dust in my drafts since I watched Drive to Survive last year, watched the new season and got motivated to write this fic. Please comment under if you want to be added to the reading list for this fic! ❤

Also, if you have any though or ideas, please feel free to comment or message me and for the love of Jungkook, don't be a ghost reader!

Race 16 Singapore Grand Prix 2019

Race weekend is always exciting, especially when it is a night race. The city felt alive as the crowd buzzed around, ready for the race to start. Walking beside your father, you stop periodically as he stops and talks to a million people through the paddock.

The Ferrari garage is buzzing with tension as your father goes up and pulls your brother in a tight hug, “Lets win, just like last year!” your father is gleaming with pride thinking of your brother’s glorious win in Singapore last night.

“How did the doctors go?” Philip asks as you kiss his cheek, after a shattered ankle, back injury and multiple head injuries a year ago, doctor visits have been regular for you.

“There’s progress, I might go back on ice again” you reassure him and he gives you a big, pleased smile.

Phillip soon gets back in the car as everyone gets ready to race, he looks at home in the car.

“The two-time world championship winner Phillip Lee is starting at pole position followed by the other Ferrari and Mercedes” the commentator's voice booms in your headphones as you look at the cars line up.

“It’s an important race for Ferrari to maximize points. The Mercedes team feels weak today as their lead driver has to sit out of the races due to sickness. The replacement is Mercedes reserve driver Jeon Jungkook, starting at P9” the camera pans to a new face for you, you’ve heard Jungkook’s name a few times, after he almost won the Formula 2 championship last year. 

Race 18 Mexican Grand Prix 2019

Midway through this year, your schedule has been emptier than expected. Right now, you were supposed to be at the Olympic camp as a part of the figure skating team, instead you were sunbathing in Mexico.

Putting on your cover up, you are heading back to your hotel room. You run into someone very unexpected in the elevator.

“Hello” Jungkook is standing against the wall with his manager on the other side. You mumble a meek hello as you stand in front of them. The two of them are talking about last week's race till the elevator reaches a stop and his manager steps out.

“I have some stuff to work out with the lawyers but I’ll come and get you for the signing” the manager says and Jungkook nods.

There’s silence as the two of you walk back to your rooms, awkwardly in the same direction.

“So, you used to be in the British figure skating team” Jungkook finally breaks the silence and you nod, looking at him a little surprised.

“How’d you know?” “I looked you up on Instagram” he answers with a teasing tone, like, duh he looked you up on Instagram.

“How are your injuries?” he asks, surprising you again. Sure, you make a long post to announce your injuries, but you didn’t expect him to bring it up.

“They’re there” you answer and he gives you a sympathetic smile as he opens the door to his room.

“Congratulations on signing with Ferrari” you shout as you walk away from him, he turns around, his big bambi eyes looking around with terror.

“Shhhh!!!! how’d you know?” he says very seriously only, making you giggle as you open your room diagonal to him.

“I have my ways” you say with a small smile and he looks away shyly. 

taglist:

@blancflms

(comment under if you want to be added to the tag list)

[boygirldykefag]

Fusion Therapy Chapter One: Amazonita Accident

Disclaimer #1: For the sake of this fic, Peridot is demisexual and demiromantic.

Disclaimer #2: Amazonita is not my creation. She was created by @robinzuper: https://www.tumblr.com/robinzuper/738537132193431552/lapis-lazuli-peridot-fusion?source=share

A preface: I recently binged all of Steven Universe and I absolutely love it. This four-part fic is a love letter to everything I love about the show. Chapters two, three, and four will be published in the coming days. Enjoy!

Peridot laid on the truck in front of the television, waiting. She was tired of waiting.

“Lazuli! Hurry up you clod!” she shouted.

“I’m not done yet!”

“I have been waiting! For two hours!”

“You’ll have to wait longer! I’m still checking crops!”

Peridot grumbled and then flailed around, rambling incoherently, with several “clod”s thrown in. Then she sighed and floated her tablet to her. She started watching cat videos, and got into it, giggling. She turned it off as soon as she heard Lapis Lazuli coming closer. She loved the sound of her water wings flapping; there was nothing like it. Peridot floated her tablet away.

“Peridot, I’m-”

“You’re ready!”

Lapis Lazuli smiled.

“You look eager.”

“It’s the season finale! How could I not be excited?!”

“Do you think Pertricia and Lauren Luli are finally gonna get together?”

“It has to happen! They’ve been friends for so long! They’ve been through so much together! All they had was each other when they both lost their homes; they have to get together!”

“They had other friends, didn’t they?”

“But there’s nothing like each other! Here, let me explain to you my 95 reasons why.”

“The show’s about to start. Maybe later.”

They laid on the truck together, watching Camp Pining Hearts. They were both so immersed in it. Peridot almost forgot to put her arm around her. Almost.

“What are you doing?” Lapis Lazuli asked.

“This is a human ritual called ‘cuddling’. I thought we might try it.”

Lapis Lazuli said nothing, just blushing her blue blush, but completely stopped paying attention to the show. Soon after, she put an arm around Peridot, and soon after that, looked at her face. Peridot was blushing green all across her face, pretending to watch the show. Lapis Lazuli smiled at her, still blushing.

Suddenly, a white glow. Their bodies melted, their gems moved around. Amazonita opened her eyes on the bed of a truck. She looked down, saw her four arms, of a color between blue and green, and started hyperventilating. She felt her face, felt glasses and the peridot gem in her forehead, and hyperventilated more intensely. She started screaming. She screamed and screamed. Camp Pining Hearts was forgotten. Amazonita fell off the truck, screaming the whole time, and unfused as she hit the ground. Lapis Lazuli was still screaming. Peridot got up as quickly as possible and ran to her.

“Lazuli! Are you okay?!”

Lapis screamed.

“Lazuli, I’m here!”

“Go away!” Lapis Lazuli shouted, tears collecting in her eyes.

Peridot also teared up.

“I’m calling Steven.”

Peridot floated her tablet to her, and called Steven, panting, with sweat on her face.

Steven was in his house, snacking, while Garnet stood on the warp pad. Pearl had her head in the door to the bubbled gem room.

“Amethyst! Let’s go! You can talk to bubbled Jasper after the mission!”

Steven’s phone buzzed. It was Peridot. He answered it.

“Steven, Steven, Steven!”

“Hi Peridot!”

“Clod, clod, clod!”

“Peridot, what’s wrong?”

“Steven,” Garnet said.

“Just a minute!”

“Steven you have to help!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Lazuli and I were watching Camp Pining Hearts, and we were cuddling, and then we fused, and then she started screaming, and please help I don’t know how to fix it!”

“On it!”

Steven hung up.

“Peridot’s in trouble!” Steven shouted, running onto the warp pad.

“What?!” Amethyst shouted from the other room.

“Actually, Lapis is in trouble! We have to go help!”

Amethyst rushed out of the room and onto the warp pad.

“Pearl, hold down the fort,” Garnet said.

“Wait, but-”

Steven, Garnet, and Amethyst warped to the farm. They ran to Peridot and Lapis Lazuli. The blue gem was hunched over and crying into her hands, while Peridot looked on with an incredibly worried expression.

“Lapis! What’s wrong?”

“I don’t wanna fuse again,” she said through her tears.

“You don’t have to fuse with anyone,” Steven said.

“I’m a terrible person!”

“No you’re not!”

“Come on, Peridot, let’s leave them be,” Amethyst said, tugging on her arm.

Peridot looked back to Lapis Lazuli sadly, then walked off with Amethyst.

“I don’t want to hurt Peridot.”

“You remember being Malachite, don’t you?” Garnet said.

Lapis Lazuli nodded.

“Fusing with Jasper was very difficult for you.”

“I hate Jasper.”

“Peridot isn’t Jasper. She cares about you. And you care about her.”

“That’s why I don’t wanna fuse with her! I don’t wanna hurt her! I don’t wanna fight her!”

“You don’t have to.”

“I, I!”

Lapis Lazuli looked at her hands.

“It’s okay, Lapis,” Steven said. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want.”

“I can’t!”

Lapis Lazuli stood up. Steven wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m here.”

“No! Let go of me! I don’t want to fuse!”

“We’re not fusing.”

Their gems started glowing.

“No!”

Lapis Lazuli shoved Steven away and took out her wings.

“Lapis!”

She took off.

“No!”

Garnet put her hand on Steven’s shoulder.

“Let her go.”

“But!”

“She’ll be back.”

[pbear]

Opinions below the cut. May include spoilers for any of the shows

Spy Classroom: Okay, the first three episodes are terrible then it gets better. They rush the plot without developing any of the characters so I don't care at all. Also, they pull a lot of uno reverses with Klaus' mentor being alive and then materializing an eighth girl out of nowhere (I love Erna but still). After that the show actually has stories that help develop each girl which is what I was looking for coming into the show. I started really enjoying the characters at this point. Thumbs up on not making it harem. Season 2 followed that energy and learning more about Annette (she was blowing my mind), Thea (I like that she's the kindest out of the girls), and Monika (it's so cool seeing her in action) was great. It's not the most amazing show ever but I would definitely watch more if it came out.

Dungeon Meshi/Delicious in Dungeon: Yeah I hopped on the bandwagon. I’m not sure how to describe what makes this show so good. I think it’s just really well balanced and all its components are done very well. It succeeds in a more slice of life setting where this party is traveling and cooking, but it’s also exciting in the action scenes and as an adventure to defeat the Red Dragon and save Falin. (The animation 👌) The characters are all likeable in different ways. They each get little moments that help reveal more about them even in the more casual episodes. It’s also really funny. Wearing the frog skins made me laugh so much:

So yeah. If you have heard good things about Dungeon Meshi and are considering watching it, check it out.

A Sign of Affection: I have a hard time articulating my thoughts on romance aside from just saying I liked it or not. I did like this one though. It’s very sweet. Kind of similar to Horimiya, I like that the side characters get moments and development alongside the main couple. (Rin is the bestie we all need and Shin is scratching my itch for unrequited love stories) Overall a really sweet show.

Oshi no Ko: I was listening to the AmaLee cover of the opening so I thought I’d check out the show. Firstly, the animation is beautiful and the opening absolutely slaps.

The first episode is wild and it GOT ME at the end. I really liked Ai’s character and her doubts about whether she could ever express true love to anyone. Even though she wasn’t sure if she could love someone truly, it seemed so clear that she loved life. She chose to give birth to her children, she chose to continue being an idol afterwards, she enjoyed every moment she spent being with her kids.

After the first episode, it’s a hunt for who killed Ai. Miyako stepped up after the murder and I need to shout her out. Ruby doesn’t get much to do, at least where I am, other than wanting to be an idol. I admit the stuff Aqua is up to is more interesting but I thought it would be about both of them equally. He also scares me sometimes with the dark look he gets in his eye. Also, I don’t know how he keeps attracting girls. (Kana and Akane both seemed to have a thing for him. Also, shout out to Akane for her exceptional acting. I screamed when she impersonated Ai.)

A double whammy for pedophilia and incest in the weirdest way possible and that’s the main downside to this show. It’s not super prominent but as someone who normally avoids both of them it’s still an ew.

Yugioh Go Rush: I’ve included this one another iteration of this poll, but I thought I do it again since we’ve just hit the end of season 2. The final episodes were really good, Yuamu’s character has been saved for me. The revival of the Velgearians didn’t happen and I’m not sure if it ever will (I said previously I didn’t want it to but I will miss Zwijo).

It looks like season 3 is going to be traveling space. I’m not super excited by the group of Yudias, Yuhi, Damamu, and Epoch. Yuhi is my favorite of the group easily. Yudias is pretty good if he has other characters to bounce off of and the plot challenges him. Damamu I like and they’re fun but they’re not too interesting/dynamic. They’re very powerful and I hope that comes into play. Epoch isn’t bad, but most of her character so far is cheating. If they can do something interesting with her and have her grow some, I’ll be okay with it.

I’m mostly disappointed that they’re leaving a lot of characters I’ve grown attached to back on Earth. I don’t know if they’ll introduce new characters on this journey, but I’m going to miss Asaka, Yuna, Rovian, Zaion, and the Ryugu brothers.

[art-i-know-yes]

SPOILERS FOR LIMITED LIFE

also someone drop a compilation of skizz's affirmations

Jimmy's Ep

I didn't watch everyone from last week anyway

5 MINUTES IN

THIS IS MAKING ME NAUSEOUS

me sobbing every five minutes of fear even though i know it's his last

I'm shaking

bdubs is a savior

plz get off the bread bridge it's a single file line

grian's popping off

anytime someone's near the edge I get nauseous

the podcast gets their kills

joel got 2 people

54 minutes

I'm not joking I'm physically sick

...jim...babe...wtf

can't WAIT to see this from Grian's pov

Canary curse continues

dumbest person alive/lh

i hate him/j

awww it's the fact that it ISN'T on purpose not even a bit

AWWW

i love him so

was rooting for him rip

Tango's Ep

"is it a pet"

oh so that was just...there

at the end of this every base is just hung to be flooded

"i think I'm gonna hand back"

seal team ties *falls*

it's panic from everyone

"im...a... perfectly honest person" *side eye*

impulse turns red and was like "im filled with guilt"

scott got the good shots

back to yellow scott

omg my heart. Tango why would you cut like that

Grian solo

bread bridge is carnage

"Yeah my guy I needed that time"

impulse is eagle eyes for those minecarts

bdubs is luck incarnate

sky net is the exact same problem as bread bridge and my mental health CAN'T

2nd kill from bad boys

Grian was farming kills from bread bridge 2.0

there wasn't even a death message

THE LOAF

the silence after

JOEL

it's the silence from all of ties as the do this

scott is GETTING those kills

is skizz out out?!

oh good he's ok just playing his

SKIZZ

tears...beautiful...thunder

down to tie

they're surrounded

bad boys aren't playing

aw joel at the VERY end

a WHAT 30...omg

TIME FOR MARTYN

scott just can't wait

the boom effect

babe said i'll give you time to change that

but they're anyways jumping

fake beds

everyone's so jumpy

"you feel like a dad for figure, I'll take it" "No we already did the soulmate thing"

an exhausted "No! You're not getting a new dead"

then making fun of ties

ohhh so scar was given that kill

oooooo sneaky

"how about Martyn" *GULP*

"because I'm bored"

'safe'

"and a tnt minecart" "oooh"

"me?! im not telling you that"

is that his joel died

Martyn being salty about the glass pane is so funny

ohh that was Jimmy's frantic grab

oh he felt bad

was that the 2nd one

it was

martyn's sneaky this episode

jumpscare

break time to mourn

to be a fly in that discord to HEAR jimmy explain himself

ominous

*sigh* watcher's will be done

did i miss lore last episode

"game on" *death* "game off"

sky net was WILD

like the ground is like nearly unscathed

ok so that's what happened

"bye martyn!"

the mansion was always a massive death zone

i was right! on Joel's death being by the glass

i was so curious about what that was

"im saying it's-spacious"

"don't blame me! i shouted move!"

the carnage is wild

oh he only killed himself

'i could really use that affirmation right now'

why do you want grian?

poor joel

"oh. dear."

'tatters'

oooo joel

SCOTT GOT JOEL OUT

ohh he gained that hour only to lose it

at the beginning of this, even just 2 sessions ago, it was really looking like skizz and scar being the first 2

but we lost 3 and got lore

^^^these three were done the night of^^^

Grian's video is too long for my unfocused self rn and i need to consume different media before i can watch Scott's despite it being short so it's got to be later for them.

Grian's Ep

Scott's Ep

im in mourning already. time to watch the final bad boy.

"what the arrows doing"

THEY FOUND THE BASE

ok well that explains a few things

grian could not let this go

rip the podcast

"maybe" bc it was such a foolproof plan

oh i didn't even notice that he called him jimmy

grian was off doing a solo podcast and just popped off

i love his happy/evil screams

lost about 2-3 hours to the podcast alone but like yeah

it's like every season grian gets one kill that gets him REALLY excited (i almost remember nothing about last life)

bdubs was a real one for that

don't you worry grian

Jimmy's the sadistic one?

oh grian is quick with it

bread bridge mvp

nauseous grian nauseous

"the family"

grian's squealies

idk if i can watch this again *sobs* /lh

it's bc i know that it's cause he stopped crouching that he WALKED OFF

painful every time rip bad boy

grian's cackling is so much fun

AH they put their mourning back on

i love this funeral awww

JOEL

god my favorite part of this server is just when they LOOK UP and you can see all the bridges

back to bigb he's fun

THE DOGS

"AH THE BREAD"

"can you be a nosy neighbor" "You don't wanna be a bad boy?"

"mine are dying or dead"

they are all bad at making allies

time to point and laugh at martyn

good 'ol amnesia cold

he's accepted that Joel is also dying this ep

jimmy dies first, Joel becomes a psychopath--things happen

"if i don't say bye im gonna regret it"

Joel is just like grian you can get this kill

grian-lightheaded lightheaded l- myheart

joel is PLAYING

don't play on the bridge scar

"breathe breathe"

so THAT'S what caused it

omg grian was racking up more than i thought-- that's another hour

it is nice that they were thinking about giving hours for each other

gotta give that update to Joel

"oh scar--force of habit-- joel"

bread bridge 2 is literally the most op

"*gasp* he's got 11 minutes left"

like the moment you left him alone

scar has gotten better at mlp buckets

"im gonna kill pufferfish" "can keep it alive for fun!"

scar bargaining

SCOTT KILLED JOEL 3 TIMES

"im not gonna kill you again you need to survive!"

joel becomes more and more hysterical with every death

"grian it's not going well-" His final words

he wasn't going to do it anyway

he always has. good words good words

bad boy forever at heart

that was a TRUE allyship bad boys till the END

rip bad boys joining the nosey neighbors

(im a bad boy at heart)

he was everywhere this session

scott was a monster this ep

oh so that's where he went

he didn't want that boogie death

scott is so observant

the fact that Scott managed to make so many allies while everyone else is enemies

awwww skizz

therapy but like fun

'stunning, beautiful, jaw-dropping, outstanding'

"i said i was gonna fight but-"

"i wasn't- meaning to!"

it's like the only times Scott has died is because he let them (except for Grian's kills)

impulse's shaky "you are the nicest guy ever"

I think I wanna try to keep count of Scott's kills- i'll be inaccurate though

there's so much happening

they did chase him down

omg god it was everyone

scott is shmovin

just turn it into a challenge arena

"why'd your voice go high Joel" "cause I'm scared scott" that is so funny to me

oh I didn't even notice that Joel killed scar. somehow.

SCOTT KILLED JOEL 4. TIMES. INCLUDING THE FINAL KILL.

9 kills total this ep (i think) 4 of which were joel

that was. a lot.

rip bad boys. so while if Grian wins, it will be a bad boy win- i do not care.

but ah now. i kinda hope the mean gills win. i wonder how lore will happen if Martyn wins. considering last season Scott gave the win to pearl (even if they both technically won bc soulmates)

i also hope ties win.

this, surprisingly, has been like the most loyal season.

tbh i don't care as long as someone i watch wins bc that's a team win. but also very excited to see who wins, even if it isn't someone i watch.

time to watch empires now. so many villain arcs

[shoujo-wizard]

Netflix has decided to undertake another Austen adaptation this time Pride & Prejudice & I'm not very excited abt it given the abysmal Austen attempt we've seen....... tht being said I do have a dream crew & casting of the characters in pride & prejudice specifically those often deemed the most important in terms of how they get the plot to move along & a few tht r just my personal favorites, this got quite long so I've written out the rest under the cut

Elizabeth Bennet, Yara Shahidi would fill this role spectacularly, to see her be soft with her family of chaotic embarrassments, console & counsel her most favorite sister Jane, tear Darcy apart for the rudest of marriage proposals, her tears at Lydia's fall into Wickhams hands & her defiance against Lady Catherine's rude remarks, to finally see her glowing w love when Darcy returns to bring her his suit once again, I feel like she'd rise to the challenge of this role spectacularly

Mr Darcy, Dev Patel would bring this most dreamy of male characters to new heights he'd be a proud addition to the Darcy collection amassed over the decades, what began with Firth in 1995 & then proudly expanded by Macfadyen in 2005, i think he'd brood beautifully & at the same time give the warmest smiles for his dear little sister Georgiana tht our Elizabeth in this cast can only choose to end up loving him in all his complicated humanity, and I will absolutely have tht man also jump into water & walk around in a wet regency shirt

Jane Bennet, ah yes the most beautiful of the Bennet sisters & I have decided tht Lupita Nyongo would bring the soft angelic Jane to life in a way tht speaks to her characters sweetness & quiet heart & exemplary beauty both without & within

Mr Bingley, for this role I've decided I'd love to see Henry Golding in a Regency suit at the Netherfield ball trailing lovely Jane as if on a cloud of roses & music & love

Charlotte Lucas, this was a tricky one for me to settle on but I eventually decided I'd like to see Nicola Coughlin give us the speech abt how marriage cannot b abt daydreams such as love, one must make decisions abt security in a world where women do not have their own money

Mr Collins, was a character I went back and forth btwn actors on, I decided Martin Freeman would lend Mr Collins the right air of affected superiority & it'd b quite fun to see how the man could bow & scrape to my casting of Lady Catherine

Lydia Bennet, the most wild of the Bennet sisters I'd love to see portrayed by Letitia Wright, she's got the potential for bubbly flirtatious escapades tht her character is known for & I think the actress would have fun w the role

Mr Wickham, the rat bastard must b beautifully cast so I've chosen Jude Law for this dream of mine, he's charming & handsome & has played many a role tht involves manipulation & dastardly energy of a rakish nature

Lady Catherine de Bourg, her snark & prestige can only b played in my mind by someone new as I think Judy Dench deserves a vacation & I've chosen tht someone to b Jane Lynch, I will not explain further & she will not affect an accent in my version

Now onto my 3 favorite characters in every p&p I watch:

Georgiana Darcy, our lovely little sister to the dreamy Mr Darcy, a young girl targeted by Wickham & sheltered by her brother, for this role I've chosen Charithra Chandran, I think she'd bring the right counterpart of youthful energy & sisterly love to a Patel Darcy & she'd do a fantastic job of further humanizing this brooding man of fortune, she's proven herself perfect for such a role w her portrayal of Edwina in Bridgerton season 2

Mrs Bennet, I struggled w this casting till I realized I want to see Viola Davis running abt Longbourn shouting abt Mr Bingley buying Netherfield & choosing one of her darling daughters to b his bride, to see her mother & primp her many wayward girls, to cry abt little Lydia being led astray & scold Mary in the same breath, to berate Mr Bennet to do his duty as a father & gentleman of the Regency countryside, I think tht she too will not b directed to affect an accent

Mr Bennet, I think the choice couldn't b clearer for me & that's to cast Colin Firth in the role of the aging patriarch of the Bennet household, he's played Darcy to perfection & so I'd love to see him return to the story in a new role, one where he gets to b a witty but ultinately neglectful Regency father, I think Firth would have fun playing a character so decidedly different from his previous one

This is my dream cast tht I suppose can also b considered a fan cast, obviously this exact cast of actors will likely never happen unless I become unfathomably wealthy overnight allowing me to produce this to my weird/loving standards.

The technical side of things I've also put some thought into. I'm envisioning my adaptation as either a short series or a lengthy film ala 2005

Director? Autumn de Wilde would b my choice to take on the challenge of a new p&p adaptation, she's shown her skills with Emma 2020 & I'd love to see what she'd do w a story decidedly more dramatic.

Screenplay? I'd like to have a hand in the screenplay but I would want to collaborate w the mind behind the screenplay for (u guessed it) Emma 2020, tht is Eleanor Catton of course

Costumes? Alexandra Byrne brought us the gorgeous world of Emma 2020, I adored every costume piece I saw in the film & was thoroughly impressed by her ability to appeal to the aesthetics of the current day audience whilst maintaining the Regency silhouettes tht r so admired, not a sequin in sight in Emma 2020 & that is what I want for my p&p fantasy, plus I'd adore a scene of a Patel Darcy getting dressed (perhaps after a certain dip) like we got in Emma 2020

Music? I'd want a movie score tht uses music to showcase the class commentary Austen was often making in her writing, I want Elizabeth & Darcy to have their very own individual leit motifs tht come together in the end of the story in a soaring symphonic orchestra, the opening upon the Bennet household must b memorable perhaps with a folk song, I would like all of this to b done in a manner similar (once again) to Emma 2020

[littlemisspascal]

Formula 101 - Prologue: September

Summary:

Vulpecula picks Oddball to replace Juan Badillo for F1 2023

Formula1Daily - 5 minutes ago

Vulpecula reserve driver, known by the racing community as Oddball, is set to replace Juan Badillo as one of the team’s two full-time drivers in the 2023 Formula 1 season…

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

Word Count: 7000+

Rating: T

Warnings: Formula One AU ft. multiple Pedro Pascal Cinematic Universe characters, Canon Divergence, Switching POVs, Worldbuilding, Social Media Fic, Headlines inspired by true events but edited for this plot, Usernames were created for PPCU characters and if they do exist irl there's no affiliation, Slowest of Slow Burn, Language

Author Note: I've been a longtime fan of Media Fics ever since my days in the Captain America fandom and I decided to finally give it a shot writing one of my own. This might be the most fun I've ever had working on a fic--and it's also been the most challenging by far 😅 Hope someone out there enjoys this! Can't wait to share more with y'all 💗

Also, in real life, CEOs and team principals are 2 separate jobs but for this fic I decided to combine them :)

Special shout out to @beecastle for keeping me sane! Looking forward to documenting our many adventures together with BBB 😉

A03 Link | Series Masterlist

Summer was in full swing, afternoons hot and Sorgan's forests green all around, when your dad took you to watch your first race. It was a karting championship at the track near the Common House. You remember the electric thrum of excitement in the air, the roaring drone of the engines as the wheels devoured the concrete, how the drivers were mere blurs whizzing by, distinguishable only by the colors of their gear. And despite being only seven, you knew right then and there you wanted to race too. Your dad raised an eyebrow when you told him your desire, but he didn’t say no. He didn’t say much at all, really, just got that wrinkle between his eyebrows he always got when he was thinking particularly hard about something.

You hadn’t known that motor racing was a predominantly male sport. Didn’t know how hard it was for a girl to get her foot in the door of the racing community without some kind of connection (usually in the form of a father, brother, or husband). You just thought it looked like fun. Like something new and exciting and nothing at all like the tedious krill farming the rest of your village loved.

That night, your dad brought it up at dinner. You remember your mom had seemed to freeze for a second, biting her bottom lip, meal momentarily forgotten. And then—

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with trying new things.”

Your dad hummed in agreement. “If she starts practicing now, she could be ready to join the local team next season.”

“She’ll need gear, of course,” your mom stood up to grab a piece of paper and pen to start a list of necessities. “And a kart—maybe one of Myra’s boys has an old one we can borrow for now. They haven’t gone down to the track in months. We’ll go ask first thing in the morning after breakfast.”

A grin spread across your face as you listened to her continue to ramble on, your dad occasionally chiming in once he’d swallowed his mouthfuls. The way your mom talked, it all seemed so easy, so simple. 

Years later, you’ll laugh at your own naivety. There’s nothing easy about the world of racing. It’s a roller coaster of ups and downs, the thrill of success and the brutal disappointment of failure, never knowing what’s coming next. It’s high speeds and long hours and harsh words screamed in your face, telling you to quit, telling you that you don’t belong. 

And later still, when you’re making history in Formula 1 and opening doors for future generations of girls to follow after, you’ll think it was all worth it. 

There isn’t anything you would change.

 _________________________________________________

Formula1Daily

All You Need to Know About Formula 1: A Beginner’s Guide

Ginger Ale ─ June 20, 2022

What is Formula One?

Formula One (aka Formula 1 or F1) is the highest level of international motorsport where 20 drivers compete in the fastest single-seat, open-wheel, and open-cockpit racing cars in the world. The word ‘Formula’ comes from a set of rules the constructors, mechanics and drivers of the car must strictly follow which were devised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

What’s so special about a F1 car design?

Formula 1 cars are designed to achieve high speeds by generating aerodynamic downforce. They are capable of top speeds of 360km (223mph). Therefore the cars are also equipped with rear wings and diffusers to keep them grounded on the track or else the drivers would have little steering control. 

How to become a F1 driver?

Most drivers begin their racing careers in kart racing competitions, then gradually progress through other single-seater series, and then onto Formula 3 and Formula 2. Champions of F2 are commonly recruited onto F1 teams, but it is not a requirement for F1 drivers to have competed in F2.

Drivers must develop high stamina and quick reflexes, as well as intense concentration. They are required to commit a lot of time maintaining their physical and mental health both during the season and off. 

When driving around corners, a driver’s head will be pulled sideways by a force of 2 to 6Gs (the equivalent of a force 6 times their weight), making breathing and focus challenging for the duration of the race which could last from one to two hours. Formula 1 drivers are known to spend much of their training sessions strengthening their neck muscles in order to withstand the pressure.

Drivers must also be at least 18 years old, pass an official FIA knowledge test, and have a FIA Super License which allows them to annually compete in the motorsport. 

How many people are on a Formula 1 team?

Drivers in Formula 1 compete in teams which are each supervised by team principals, aka CEOs. There are 10 teams overall and they must compete with two cars apiece. There may be upwards of a thousand members on a team when including engineers, mechanics, designers and support staff. 

How many races are there?

There are 21 races which take place all over the world during the F1 season. Each race is called a Grand Prix (or GP) and lasts the length of a weekend. Typically, the season lasts from March to November.

How to win?

There are two championships which take place each season in F1: the World Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors' Championship.

The driver who finishes a race the fastest is determined to be the winner. A points system is used at each race and the top ten fastest drivers earn points. The amount of points decreases the lower a driver’s finish. For example, first place receives a hefty 25 points whereas tenth place only earns 1. 

At the end of a season, all the points are added up. The driver with the most points is declared World Champion, and the Constructors’ Championship goes to the team with the most points accumulated by both of its drivers.

What’s it cost?

Formula 1 teams must pay an entrance fee per season starting at $500,000. The cost for building a brand new car, staff expenses, and transportation to each of the races are different for each team, but typically every one spends at least $50 million. A budget cap of $145 million was introduced in 2021 to make a fairer playing field for all the teams. 

Why should you watch?

If the speed, strategies, and incredible technology of the sport hasn’t already hooked your interest, then stick around for the controversies, the rivalries, and, most hilarious of all, the reaction from social media. Whatever reason prompts you to start watching, it’s a guarantee the endless drama will make sure you always stay invested.

 _________________________________________________

Present Day - September 5, 2022

“I see no Ferris wheels,” Javi’s father used to say whenever Javi complained about the unfairness of life during his preteen years. The phrase is an odd mix of humorous and poignant, meant to make whoever hears it stop and take a look around at the world, to notice life isn’t a fairground to entertain us. Back then, the words usually provoked Javi’s temper rather than quenched it, but now that he’s older he finds them coming to mind more and more. 

“I swear you’ve been looking at your phone every five minutes, Javi,” Frankie says, taking a seat on the other end of the couch. As far as teammates go, Frankie isn’t so bad. He’s quiet mostly, keeps to himself and doesn’t cause unnecessary drama in the paddock.

“You got a secret girlfriend or something?”

If not for his irritating obsession with Javi’s non-existent love life, Javi might even call him a friend.

Javi doesn’t have to look at the man to know he’s smirking. “Or something,” he answers, only a little prickly sounding.

Frankie sits up straighter and braces his elbows on his knees, leaning closer into Javi’s space. He actually looks a little concerned now. “Shit, man, I was just kidding. There really is something going on?” 

Here’s the thing: there’s always something going on when you’re an F1 driver. If he isn’t racing, he’s practicing; if he isn’t practicing, he’s reviewing data; if he isn’t reviewing data, he’s standing in front of a camera answering questions for the press or fans or God knows who else; and if he’s not doing that, then he’s usually passed out in a hotel room in whatever country they are in for the week. For as much as it’s a dream come true for this to be his career, it also has the tendency to turn his life into a roller coaster of chaos. 

I see no Ferris wheels.

Javi lifts his cap off his head just enough to drag a hand through his curls, and says, “I’m expecting a call from Gabriela.”

His PR agent is quite possibly the closest thing to an angel on earth. She keeps his schedule organized, his interviews short, and doesn’t take any bullshit from anybody who dares try to stand in her way. Other drivers can only wish to have someone as efficient and quick-witted as her on their team. Javi honestly would rather lose a limb than lose her.

“It’s like pulling teeth with you,” Frankie mutters, shaking his head, though he doesn’t seem truly irritated. Javi can count on one hand the amount of times he’s seen his teammate angry and each of those times were out on the track in the aftermath of a shunt. “Wait, don’t tell me you got dropped again?” 

The team polo Javi’s wearing does absolutely nothing to hide the way his shoulders tense up. Irritation flares in his chest—not at one particular person, that would have been easy to deal with, but at a whole list of names and things. 

At the top is his younger self who agreed last year to be transferred from Black Gold to Triple Frontier for the current season, believing Maxwell Lord’s promise his seat would still be available for him to return to in 2023. Such an idiot. Next there’s Dave York announcing not only was he returning to F1 after two years of retirement, but also that he’d be joining Black Gold.

The media was shocked, the fans were shocked, Javi was shocked. And also hurt and a little—no, a lot pissed off.

Dave York is a two-time world champion so Javi gets the appeal. Hell, if he had to decide between himself and York he’d choose the other man without hesitation. Still, the betrayal from his former team had stung worse than a venomous snake bite, not to mention they didn’t have the consideration to even call ahead and warn Javi they were breaking their contract with him. If they had, Triple Frontier could have arranged to keep him as their second driver next season along with Frankie instead of devoting their time to finding a new rookie to fill the spot.

For the first two weeks of the summer break, Javi’s future looked helplessly bleak. He’d been an F1 driver for four years, barely given the chance to make a household name for himself and it was scary to think it could all be over. His career, his childhood dream— finished. Just like that.

I see no Ferris wheels.

But August proved to be another strange and unpredictable month within a strange and unpredictable year.

Pietro Alvarez announced his impending retirement. Vulpecula wanted an experienced driver to fill the seat. And all of the sudden, after a long phone call and no less than a dozen signatures, Javi’s future didn’t look so miserable anymore. He would be trading his dark green Triple Frontier kit for Vulpecula’s cobalt blue next year. 

“No, Vulpecula hasn't dropped me,” Javi says stiffly. Frankie at least has the decency to look abashed for jumping to the wrong conclusion. “They’re supposed to be announcing my teammate today.”

“Poor guy,” Frankie says, wincing in mock sympathy. “He has no idea what an intolerable asshole you really are.”

Javi rolls his eyes. “I’ll miss you, too, Morales. No one else will ever compare.”

The other man beams at that, but his response is interrupted by the chime of a new text message. Javi’s not sure what surprises him more, the fact Gabriela—who notoriously condemns texting, claiming 99% of misunderstandings occur as a result of a text’s tone being misinterpreted—is the sender, or the actual text itself.

From: Gabriela (11:15)

Don’t say or do anything until I’m there

To: Gabriela (11:16)

What’s going on???

From: Gabriela (11:17)

Vulpecula officially announced your teammate

From: Gabriela (11:17) 

Next season’s going to be interesting

“What the hell does that mean?” Frankie asks, unashamedly reading the texts. He sounds as confused as Javi feels.

Ignoring him, Javi exits out of the conversation and looks to the internet to make sense of Gabriela’s crypticness. He takes one look at the breaking news headlines and—oh. 

After the whirlwind of last month, he hadn’t thought anything else could stun him. And yet here he is, five days into September, gaping at his phone like an idiot.

Frankie nudges him. “So, who is he?”

“It’s—” Javi swallows against the dryness of his throat. “It’s not a he.”

 _________________________________________________

HoloNet

September 2022 Latest News

Vulpecula picks Oddball to replace Juan Badillo for F1 2023

Formula1Daily - 5 minutes ago

Vulpecula reserve driver, known by the racing community as Oddball, is set to replace Juan Badillo as one of the team’s two full-time drivers in the 2023 Formula 1 season…

Third female driver in F1 history has signed a multi-year contract with Vulpecula

BBB - 1 hour ago

Oddball makes it to F1, taking over for Badillo, what a turn of events! She’ll compete with Gutierrez…

Vulpecula F1: Oddball will partner with Javi Gutierrez next season

Weekly Motorsports News - 2 hours ago

“We’re ecstatic to have Oddball join us as a F1 Vulpecula driver,” said Vulpecula CEO Vivian Etten…

 _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

“I hate you so much right now,” Ben says, appearing out of nowhere. You look up at him, tucking your phone away back in your jacket pocket. He glares back at you, expression indignant. “How the hell did you get a seat before me? And with Vulpecula? Seriously?”

“There’s nothing wrong with being a late bloomer, Benny,” you retort.

“Takes one to know one,” he shoots back, pointedly looking at your chest. 

“Wow, a joke about my boobs.” You slowly clap your hands in mock applause. “How original.”

“Oh, don’t mind him, Odds,” Eggsy says just as his arm drapes loosely over your shoulders. He pulls you in for a side hug. “He’s just mad he’s not the center of attention around here anymore.”

Ben scowls. “I hate you too.”

You’ve known the two boys for several years now, moving up the different series from karts to cars together. There’s a common misconception that anyone who is a rival is therefore an enemy, but Ben and Eggsy have become as close as brothers to you. Ricky, too, even though you scarcely see him nowadays since he’s too busy being one of the best rookies in F1. He’s already texted you congratulations about your promotion, followed shortly by: When I podium, I promise I’ll wave down at you amongst the peasants :)

It was nice to see Ricky’s trash talk game hadn’t improved in the slightest. Poor kid uses proper grammar and emoticons like he’s a seventy-year-old man. It’s ridiculous. Even your own father knows how to send gifs every once in a while and he’s one of the most technologically impaired people you’ve ever known.

“Oh, quit it already,” you say with an eye roll. “Everyone knows Santiago’s gonna pick you for Triple Frontier next season. He’s just being a drama queen and taking his sweet time getting the contract ready.”

Ben grumbles under his breath and crosses his arms. He doesn’t deny it though.

“And then there was only one,” Eggsy says with a chuckle, but the way he fiddles with his glasses gives away his nervousness. 

You and Ben exchange subtle looks. It’s been a tough season in Formula 2 for all three of you, but while you and Ben have been vying against each other for first place, Eggsy’s been struggling a bit further behind. With only two races left before the season ends, he’ll have to have high finishes for a chance at fourth or third place in the Drivers’ Championship. And the higher he finishes, the better his odds of impressing the F1 team principals.

“It’s only September,” you say, trying to lighten the mood. “Plenty of time left for recruitment.”

“You’ll make it.” Ben’s voice is uncharacteristically serious, full of such raw certainty it has you and Eggsy blinking at him with surprise. “We’ve been through too much together to be torn apart now.”

“That,” you start, just as serious, pointing a finger in the air, “might be the nicest thing I’ve ever heard you say, Benjamin Miller.”

Ben offers you the sight of his middle finger as a response.

 _________________________________________________

Wonder World Sports

Football | Tennis | Golf | Olympics | US Sports | Motorsport

Oddball: The young woman set to make Formula One history

By Steve Trevor, WWS

Friday September 9 2022

(Picture : Oddball, brow furrowed with concentration and lips pursed, studies her recent track data alongside Vulpecula engineers. Caption: Oddball is on course to become the third female F1 driver in history.)

(WWS) – It’s a cloudy September morning when I meet Oddball at a coffee shop in downtown Los Angeles. She’s dressed casually—a National Treasure graphic tee, blue jeans, and well-worn sneakers—looking like a local university student rather than someone who was recently announced to become the third Formula One female driver in the sport’s history.

“It was one of the best days of my life,” says the 20-year-old, reflecting back on the day she learned she’d be on the grid next season competing against nineteen other elite racing drivers.

What began as an ordinary race weekend for Oddball at August’s Swedish Grand Prix quickly changed with a single phone call from Vulpecula CEO Vivian Etten asking to meet with her.

“Vivian’s wonderful and hilarious. Everybody loves her,” Oddball says of the chief executive, who first recruited her as a junior driver for Vulpecula back in 2020. “When you go to a race or to headquarters, it’s always a positive environment—and that’s all because of Vivian. She looks after all of us.”

(Picture: Oddball, dressed in full cobalt blue Vulpecula driver kit, gives CEO Vivian Etten a thumbs up in the Vulpecula garage. Caption: Oddball began her racing career at the age of seven.)

READ: Marcus Moreno wins fourth world title

READ: Javi Gutierrez to replace Pietro Alvarez at Vulpecula

Vivian Etten, who has repeatedly described Oddball as “a fabulous driver” and “immensely talented,” made the decision to promote the young reserve driver to help the team improve and become a force to be reckoned with once again after several years of struggling in midfield.

Once Etten told Oddball she would replace Juan Badillo, a driver ten years her senior, for the upcoming season she was required to keep it a secret from everybody until an official announcement was made. Even her own family. She admits, “It was almost impossible keeping it from my mom. I tell her everything that happens to me, but somehow I managed to keep it under wraps.”

Oddball was born and raised in Sorgan, developing an interest in motorsport racing after watching the Outer Rim Kart Championships at the local kart track. “My family’s encouraged me from the start,” she says, smiling. “I travel so much, always on the go since I was seven, and I’m lucky to have their constant support.”

(Picture: Oddball photographed during a practice lap at the Spanish Grand Prix.)

She speaks fondly of her parents. They agreed to allow the 15-year-old Oddball to quit school and focus entirely on her racing career. “I thought it was great at the time,” she says now, looking amused. “No more math or vocabulary tests.” Homesickness, though, was a feeling she struggled with immensely once she began living on her own at eighteen. “It was so much harder than I thought it would be to move away from home. I called my mom every night the first six months and we’d both start crying. But over time, Vulpecula has become my second family of sorts. And I have more friends at the track than I ever did back in class.”

Oddball enjoys a strawberry lemonade while we talk, preferring the tart, citrusy flavor over the long list of coffees and teas on the menu. Her answers are polite and thoughtful, not a trace of smugness to be found. Her social media accounts are full of movie quotes, comedic gifs, and sarcastic one-liners. The fact that her name will go down in F1 history behind Anita Moreno and Ahsoka Tano hasn’t inflated her ego.

She has lived in an apartment in Altair for two years, about thirty minutes from Vulpecula headquarters. “No, I love it too much to move,” she says when I ask if she has plans to reside in the Mos Espa region where many past and present F1 drivers call home. “The food, the people, the closeness to Vulpecula—Altair is the best place for me right now.”

These past few months she gracefully balances the increasingly thin line between the worlds of F1 and F2—where she is currently second in overall standings—and also manages to squeeze in a plethora of interviews into her hectic schedule. September is a particularly busy month with two more races for Oddball to prepare for following this last weekend’s Romanian GP. The California GP is next weekend and then the Paradise Island GP will follow on the 30th. In general, Oddball says she enjoys the whole experience, but admits it can also be “pretty crazy at times.” 

“It’s all part of the job, though. I’ve learned to become adaptable over the years.”

Of course, an interview wouldn’t be complete without mentioning four-time world champion Marcus Moreno, son of Anita Moreno, the first female F1 driver in history. “I knew he was going to come up at some point. He always does,” Oddball says, but her tone stays light, good-natured. 

Similar to Oddball, Moreno was once a reserve driver for Vulpecula before making his F1 debut in 2013. However, he received additional insight and training from his legendary mother to propel his career forward, while Oddball has had to learn the tricks of the sport one step at a time.

She mentions she has talked to Moreno a few times, but she has learned the most from Vulpecula’s Pietro Alvarez, the three-time world champion who has announced his retirement at the end of the season.

They first worked closely together at the Ando Overland in January during F1’s offseason, taking turns driving during the 24-hour event. 

(Picture Gallery 1 of 40: Marcus Moreno on first place podium sprays second-placed Din Djarin with champagne. Caption: Moreno and Djarin celebrate at the Florida Grand Prix before the midseason break.)

READ: Pietro Alvarez accomplishes Ando Overland dream

“It was a great experience teaming up with Pietro,” Oddball says about the endurance race, where the team came in twelfth out of fifty. “He gives everything 110% effort, even if it’s just reviewing data or rewatching footage. His advice on how to prepare myself for F1, both physically and mentally, has been extremely helpful.”

According to Alvarez, he sees “a bright future” ahead for Oddball. “She’s smart and has a natural instinct for this sport.”

Despite there being seven races left before Alvarez’s retirement, Oddball has already begun preparing to make an impact on the grid next season. What goals does she have for her debut? “Honestly? Just have fun,” she confides. “Everyone always says they want to start their career by beating their teammate or finish in the top three, but I…I just want it to be a good time, you know?”

And with that, the future F1 history-making rookie takes the last sip of her strawberry lemonade and steps outside onto the busy streets of Los Angeles.

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Busy Bee Blog (BBB) - Vlog Post #57

Thursday September 15 2022

Summary: The F1 world is abuzz right now with the news of Oddball joining Vulpecula. I asked some of the other drivers at the California Grand Prix what their thoughts were about the announcement and their answers may surprise you.

Bee Castle holds her signature black-and-yellow striped microphone, standing in the middle of the paddock walkway with a bright smile directed at the camera. “Hello everybody! Tis I, your Queen Bee, coming to you live from the paddock at the California GP.” She gestures towards the blue sky overhead. “It’s a beautiful Thursday morning, the teams are looking forward to a great race weekend while I’m looking forward to getting some drivers’ opinions on the new addition to next season’s grid, Oddball.”

 ~

The camera is zoomed in on Marcus Moreno’s grinning face. Bee coughs once, twice, and there’s a moment of fumbling before both Bee and Marcus are in view side by side. In the background, Sunspear’s motorhome is full of fancily dressed people and team members in gold shirts enjoying brunch, including Marcus’ teenage daughter Missy.

“Look who I found,” Bee says, gesturing with her thumb. “How are you doing today, Marcus?”

“Fantastic,” he replies, bobbing his head. “I love coming back here every season. Definitely one of my favorites.”

“I won’t keep you long so you can get back to enjoying everything, but BBB readers and I are dying to hear your opinion on Oddball joining next season.”

“I think it’s great news. F1 has been without a female driver for too long since my mom and Tano retired.” His smile widens at the mention of his mother. “It’s going to be great for girls to have another role model to look up to. My daughter even told me she would be rooting for Oddball instead of me!”

~

Pero Tovar glares at the camera.

“Good morning, Tovar.” Bee nervously shifts in place when the Spaniard remains silent. “Um, what’s your opinion on Vulpecula’s new driver?”

She tentatively holds out her microphone towards him, biting her lip.

“If she can race,” Pero says, voice a low grumble, still glaring at the camera, “she deserves a place.”

And then he’s stalking away down the paddock walkway, people all but leaping to get out of his way. His PR agent offers a quick apologetic smile before hurrying to catch up.

There’s a moment of silence. Bee looks at her camerawoman, arching an incredulous eyebrow.

“I’ll never understand why he’s your favorite driver, Rae.”

~

“I heard you were going around, asking opinions,” Nico Loro leans against a wall inside the Sunspear hospitality suite and places a hand over his heart, lips pulling down into a pout, “I gotta admit I’m a little hurt you didn’t come to me, Bee.”

“Well,” Bee extends her microphone with visible reluctance, “what do you think about—”

“I’ll tell you my opinion,” Nico interrupts, leaning in closer so his mouth practically touches the foam cover. “It’s most likely an advertising ploy, you know what I mean? A novelty to draw in more viewers. A gimmick. Not that I mind though. It means I have one less competitor to worry about next season.”

The camera pans to Bee’s face, catching her uncomfortable expression before she’s able to hide it with a strained smile. “Thank you, Nico,” she says through gritted teeth. “It’s always nice hearing your view on things.”

~

Bee, unaware the camera is recording, holds the microphone under her arm and attempts to fix her hair as the breeze picks up, ruffling it. 

“Be honest, Rae,” she frowns, “does it look as much like a bird’s nest as it feels?”

“I think you look beautiful as always, Bee.”

Bee jumps with fright as Frankie Morales steps into view. She recovers quickly, offering him a beaming grin, and there’s the quiet noise of someone behind the camera snorting.

“Frankie,” she says, sounding pleasantly surprised by his appearance. “I didn’t think you’d get here until tomorrow.”

“And miss meeting with my favorite reporter? Not a chance,” he replies with a teasing wink.

Bee gasps. “Favorite?” She laughs then, delighted, and aims a fierce look at the camera. “Steve Trevor, eat your heart out.”

Frankie watches her, hands stuffed in his jeans’ pockets. It’s hard to tell if the rosy tint to his cheeks is from the sun or perhaps something else.

Turning back to the Triple Frontier driver, Bee resumes her professional blogger persona, asking, “How are you feeling about this weekend’s race, Frankie?”

“Good. Excited. Javi and I have both been preparing on the simulator, so fingers crossed one of us will end up on the podium.” He glances at the camera. “Preferably me, obviously.”

“Speaking of Javi, what do you think of his future teammate?”

“I’ve been keeping up with the F2 results and Oddball’s doing a great job holding her own against her competitors,” he replies, scratching at his scruffy jawline. “I think she’ll definitely make next season an interesting one.”

A voice off-camera calls out to Frankie, catching his attention. He waves, then holds up a finger asking them to wait for him.

“Nice seeing you again, Bee,” he says.

“You too, Frankie. Best of luck at qualifying tomorrow!”

The camera zooms in closer on their smiling faces.

~

Bee power walks through the paddock, in-between the motorhomes, talking over her shoulder to the camera rushing to keep up with the brisk pace. “Let’s try to get one more opinion. I think I see Dieter Bravo up ahead.” She pitches her voice higher, waving a hand in the air, “Dieter! Over here, Dieter!”

The Van Chance driver spins on his heel, lifting up his sunglasses to get a better look as Bee slows to a stop. She takes a second to catch her breath, missing the way he squints at her in silent confusion.

“Hi,” Bee greets.

“...Hi.”

“I’m doing a vlog for BBB asking drivers what they think about Oddball officially joining F1 next season.” 

There’s an expectant pause which follows. Dieter merely stares at her blankly.

Bee jiggles the microphone, prompting, “What do you think about Oddball officially joining F1 next season, Dieter?”

“I had no idea she’s joining,” he answers distractedly, tonguing at the inside of his cheek. “Who’s she replacing?”

“Juan Badillo.”

“Right. That’s a shame.” Dieter looks appropriately dismayed at the news.

Bee subtly exchanges a look with Rae behind the camera.

“Is…is that all you have to say on the matter?” she asks.

He scrubs a hand through his thick curls, grimacing. “Listen, I’m sorry, I’m trying to care, but it’s way too early for this conversation.”

Bee stares with disbelief at his departing backside. “But it’s already eleven thirty…”

~

Bee leans against the balcony railing of a suite overlooking the pitlane. 

“Thanks for tuning in to watch your Queen storm the paddock!” She gestures to the side where a like button appears on screen resembling a giant smiling bumblebee. “Let me know what you liked and what you didn’t about this video, I love hearing all your feedback. Rae, any thoughts about today’s vlog?”

“When’s lunch?”

Bee stares at the camera flatly.

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Just because Javi’s never officially met Oddball doesn’t mean he’s not aware of who she is. She’s one of only a handful of female drivers who’s ever competed in F2, let alone F1, of course he’s damn well aware of her.

He’s seen her around at races, usually hanging around Vulpecula’s motorhome, decked out in their cobalt blue apparel, sometimes out on the track when the team lets her take Badillo’s place during practice laps. 

She’s fast, whipping down the straights and around the corners like it’s second nature. She still needs some more time and experience behind the wheel to adapt to the changes between a F1 and F2 car, but she’s definitely got potential. He can see why Vulpecula’s taking a chance on her.

Javi has watched some of Oddball’s interviews with reporters after races. Some of her own personal Youtube content, too. Half to get a sense of his future teammate’s personality, half because once Gabriela told him Oddball creates her own videos he couldn’t resist his own curiosity.

The casual way in which she seems to handle attention is as admirable as it is surprising. When she wins, there’s no arrogance. No look at me, look at me attitude. When she loses, there’s understandable disappointment, but there’s no badmouthing her competitors. Just a fire in her eyes, determination to do better next time. 

She knows she’s making history (not that she ever has a chance to forget given the amount of times the press brought it up), but she doesn’t expect special treatment for it. In comparison to how many drivers he’s met over the years, sons of politicians and millionaires, who expect the world to bend over backwards to accommodate them, Oddball’s equanimity is…refreshing.

Before the announcement Oddball was joining Vulpecula’s F1 team, she didn’t have much of an impact on Javi’s life. And even now, he hasn’t been formally introduced to her yet, only has a vague impression of what she’s like when not in front of a camera, yet somehow she’s taken up a corner of his mind. Makes him wonder about their future together at Vulpecula. If she’ll be able to hold onto that fiery determination.

Javi hopes she knows what she’s getting into.

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Speed Beasts Magazine

United States' Top Motorsport Weekly

September 26 2022 Issue

Outer Rim's Next F1 Star

Can Oddball find success with Vulpecula?

How she’s making history in F1

What can she do to end Vulpecula’s bad luck with young drivers

Why she’s passionate about racing

(Cover Photo by Fennec Shand: Oddball, wearing a Vulpecula polo, offers the readers a wide smile.)

In This Issue:

4. Ricky Hauk nabs Aurelac seat 6. Pietro Alvarez retirement plans 7. Paradise Island Grand Prix first look 10. A chat with BBB’s Bee Castle 12. A chat with Speed Beasts’ chief editor Darren Eigan 13. Fan opinions on who’s hot and who’s not 14. Can Oddball find success with Vulpecula? 22. The next rising female F3 stars 24. Inside the Bravo twins’ garages 32. Be kind rewind: 2020 season highlights 36. Stats of Sunspear SS4/1 38. Remembering Paul De Santo 48. De Santo’s top 10 fastest F1 drives 52. Early predictions for the 2023 season

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The second floor of the Vulpecula motorhome is a bustling hive of activity all hours of a race weekend. Drivers, mechanics, and management coming and going up and down the stairs, disappearing into the different rooms where they’re needed. The seating in the main center space has been arranged so no matter where you sit there will always be a good view of the three giant screens constantly displaying the current happenings including drivers’ standings, highlights, and weather patterns. 

Having finished with your required duties for the day, you grab Diana, a spare video camera from the PR team, and sit down in one of the corner stools, out of the way of everyone else. It’s been a while since you’ve updated your personal Youtube channel, too busy dealing with the media circus exploding in the wake of your F1 drafting announcement. 

“You feeling up for some fan questions today?” Diana asks, already pulling out her phone and pressing the Twitter app. This isn’t the first time your performance coach has doubled as your videographer, so she knows the drill by now.

“Yeah, sounds good,” you nod, though you’d be lying if you said you didn’t feel a flutter of nervousness in your stomach. You love your fans and interacting with them on social media, but there are also a couple rotten apples in the bunch who find joy in harassing you with rude remarks and invasive questions about your personal life.

Fortunately, Diana immediately skips over those with a derisive wrinkling of her nose, seeking out the thoughtful and funny queries instead. Although, sometimes those are hard to wrap your head around as well. Why on earth does it matter if you prefer Winnie the Pooh or Paddington Bear more? It seems like a total waste of a tweet.

The answer’s an obvious one though: Paddington Bear all the way.

Diana presses a button on the video camera, turning it on with a quiet beep and a flash of green light indicating a full battery. You give yourself a once-over, hoping nobody notices the stain on your jacket sleeve from lunch earlier, and then meet Diana’s patient gaze with another nod of your head.

She mouths, three, two, one—

“Hi everyone,” you wave at the camera, “Diana and I are here in beautiful and sunny Themyscira at the Paradise Island Grand Prix. Fun fact for those of you who don’t know, Diana grew up here. Which explains why she’s such a hardass coach—”

Diana chimes in with a cheerful, “You mispronounced badass.”

“I said what I said.” Your mouth curls up into an amused smile. “So if you want to see some of her favorite spots, I’ll be posting a couple of pics on my Instagram later today. But right now I’m going to answer some of your questions, whatever ones you’ve got, and uh,” you shrug, smile turning sheepish as your brain fails you. “Yeah, here we go.”

Hopefully there will be enough watchable material to post after you edit the hell out of the footage. You’re sure your hands are fidgeting too much, your voice too high, tongue too clumsy. Probably look like a total idiot who doesn’t know what she’s doing, but you’re trying, alright? That’s got to count for something.

“An easy one to start with,” Diana says with a smile, reading the question off her phone. “What is your favorite drink?” 

“Lemonade,” you say immediately. “All kinds, though especially strawberry or lavender. Unfortunately, I can’t drink them during races. Gotta just stick with water, water, and more water.”

“Where’s somewhere you want to visit but haven’t yet?”

Your face scrunches up, imagining a world map in your head and looking for noticeable blank spots. Travel is a major element in the sport of motor racing. As both an F2 racer and Vulpecula’s reserve driver, you’ve been to every continent except Antarctica. And that doesn’t include all the years competing in karting, F4, or F3. You consider yourself incredibly lucky having seen so much when most people your age are in college right now, stuck in one spot.

“I guess…” You chew on your bottom lip. “Maybe the Water Gardens in Dorne? I know it’s impossible to go there, that only members of House Martell are allowed, but from what I’ve read it’s supposedly the most beautiful place in the whole world.”

Diana clears her throat, prompting an eye roll.

“Next to Themyscira, of course. I mean, what can beat a place literally called Paradise Island?”

“Exactly,” your coach hums affirmatively. She looks down at her phone, reading the next question. “This one is a popular one. Why are you called Oddball?”

Diana isn’t wrong; it is a popular question. So popular, in fact, it’s followed you around ever since you were seven-years-old. You wish your nickname had a cool origin story, like the superheroes from your favorite comics growing up, but life is unfortunately not a wish-granting factory.

“When I first started karting, I was the only girl competing at the time. I didn’t have sponsors like a lot of the boys, so my suit didn’t have as many advertising patches and stuff. There’s an old Disney movie, 102 Dalmatians, and in it there’s a puppy who doesn’t have any spots. I think you can guess where I’m going with this,” you look directly at the camera, shrugging a bit. “An article came out calling me Oddball and the name’s stuck with me ever since.”

“And how do you feel about it now?” Diana asks.

“Good,” you say, and you mean it too. “Both Ahsoka and Anita have nicknames—Snips and Daybreak. I think it’s actually pretty cool to have one too. Like we’re in a special club or something. Plus, if you have ever watched 102 Dalmatians, you’ll know Oddball is the G.O.A.T.”

Diana looks at her phone and whatever she sees has her shoulders shaking with restrained laughter. Oh God. “Alright, I like this next one. Would you rather have fingers as long as arms or arms as long as fingers?”

You bark out an embarrassingly loud laugh at that. “What the hell, D?”

“Don’t ask me! I didn’t write it,” she counters through her own snickering.

“Um,” you rub your hands over your face, trying to imagine the two scenarios without dissolving into another round of giggling. You only partly succeed, another snort escaping before you can stifle it. “I dunno. They’re both awful. Let’s just go with…Fingers as long as arms.”

The Q & A session continues for another few minutes. Most questions are about racing—how to get started, what’s your favorite car, best driving advice you’ve ever been given, etc.—and then there’s a couple more weird ones you suspect Diana only purposefully includes so she can laugh at your reactions, the most notable one being would you ever eat yellow snow? Hell to the no.

“This is the final question,” Diana announces, tone mimicking the overdramatic seriousness of a television game host. You school your features into an expression of intent listening, hands folded on top of the table. “Are you excited to have Javi Gutierrez as a teammate next season?”

You force yourself not to squirm. Ask anyone else the question and they’d probably give a positive or negative answer right away. Even after being faced with dozens of similarly phrased questions from the press, your brain fumbles for words each and every time. How do you say you're excited to meet him while also simultaneously feeling like you’re about to fall off the edge of a cliff—but in a good way? He’s one of your favorite drivers, been keeping up with his career since he was in F3, and when the realization sunk in he was going to be your future teammate you almost passed out. You can only hope you don’t do anything to embarrass yourself when you finally meet him.

However, there’s no guarantee you and Javi will become friends, let alone get along in a civil manner. Most of the grid doesn’t spend much time with each other off-track or consider each other anything more than teammates and fellow competitors. Javi could be a total asshole, for all you know, his whole persona on camera just a ruse to gain support from sponsors and fans. Only time will tell, you suppose.

“I am, yes,” you finally admit, hoping your smile conceals your inner turmoil. “He’s a great driver with a lot of talent and experience. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him next season.”