#that looks like zaks fiancé

[sunshineandlyrics]

So it seems Louis and his team got tattoos together again after the FITFWT London concert (17 November 2023) x x x

CORRECTION: the tattoos were done at the FITFWT Birmingham show, 18 November 2023.

[imagionary]

Top Dog ref 3 (I'm happy with this one! ^v^)

Stupid shitpost I made towards @wolfylch under cut xD

[acesofspadess]

FIA Awards

AG5 Universe

summary: Ace and Lando are in Rwanda for the FIA Awards

warnings: Ace thirsting over Lando (like the rest of us)

Spending a few days in Monaco was refreshing, it was nice to be back in her and Lando’s home, doing some errands together. But as soon as they arrived they left for Rwanda for the Prize Giving Ceremony. Ace was there for two prizes this evening which is something she never expected.

“We’re joined by Lando Norris and Ace Giovanelli, how are you both today? Ace you look lovely.” Ace and Lando smiled politely. “She does doesn't she?" Lando agreed, "We’re great, and you?” Lando added sweetly. “Yes we’re great. Are you excited for tonight?”

“Oh yes we are.” Ace spoke up looking at Lando. “We’re very happy to be in new places and Rwanda is a new place for us…”

A day prior….

Ace and Lando were on stream with Max playing Tarkov once again. “Why the hell do we have to fly all the way to Africa?” Lando groaned as his and Ace’s phones buzzed with an itinerary from Zak. “That’s such a long flight.” Ace also groaned. “Well you two must have been doing something right this season to have been invited…"

The opening ceremony was very special to Ace. Being a person of color in this world was hard. Everyday she was fighting 10x harder just because of the color of her skin. Seeing the unashamed culture of the country, from the continent of her ancestors warmed her heart. They would never be able to shut their culture down.

Lando was sitting next to her, in their own row. F1 had their own row in the front. Lando’s hand was interlaced with her left hand brushing over the engagement ring. “This is our first outing being engaged.” Lando whispered to her. Ace looked down at their hands then his face. “And I couldn’t be more honoured to be the most handsome man in the room's fiancé.” Lando blushed lightly at her. He really did look so amazing. 

The first award of the night was Karting Championships and Ace was very ready to see Lando give Kenzo his trophy. Ace watched with heart eyes as Lando spoke and handed out the awards, his engagement band shining in the lights.

“Advice?” Lando repeated as he was asked to give advice to three karting champions, going shy. “I have trouble with these kinds of things, but just do what you continue to do, believe in yourself, you’re holding this trophy for a reason, continue to work hard, and you may take my seat one day.”

Ace smiled as Lando was a natural talent when talking to the younger generation. He stayed to give Kenzo another fan voted award, before he was free from stage duties. “I know Lando was giving out awards, but who does Kenzo look up to the most?” They asked his dad.

“Well, as some may know, Lewis Hamilton, but towards the end of this season he’s said how much he adores Ace Giovanelli. So both of them I would say.” Ace placed a hand to heart at the new information. Her and Lewis were always supporting him, but to hear that he looked up to her was something she never imagined.

Lando came back from behind the stage and sat next to her lacing their hands. “I just gave him an award and he’s trying to steal my wife?” He joked. “You have serious competition, he’s already taken your Karting award.” Lando laughed, bringing their hands to his lips. “I’ll fight for you, if I have to.” Ace shook her head, a feeling of warmth clouding her. “Je t'aime.” She whispered, kissing his hand. They went through the next set of awards and through them Lando just played with her hand and ring discreetly through them.

During the memory of everyone that passed this year Ace got emotional. Everyday would she think of Jules, and what his tragedy did to the world of motor racing. Lando squeezed her hand as he saw her eyes gloss over. 

Ace cheered when Klara won the fan award for WRC. Women were taking this sport over one award at a time. 

Tom then asked Christian about Mclaren and how they did winning this season constructors. After that, they moved onto Formula E. Ace, Lando, and the rest of Mclaren cheered when Sam Bird won the fan award for Formula E.

The next set of awards were rookie of the year but before that were performances from some of Rwanda’s finests. If Ace walked out of here with nothing, she walked out with appreciation for cultural representation. 

Ace was proud to see her name on the rookie list. Max gave the award to Gabriel Borteleto whom Ace had gotten to know as he was a McLaren junior driver and had driven her car in the past. 

Ace was proud when Nyck won, he deserved it after everything that happened in F1 for him. The lifetime achievement award was up next. Mohamed went back up on stage as everyone listened to his small speech. “... she came into this sport and fought endlessly, she is making history every day. Ace Giovanelli is history.” Ace clapped a hand over her shocked face, she did not know what was happening.

“Ace, you made so many milestones this year…” He continued as Lando helped her stand up and get to the stage, she was still in shock. “I don’t deserve this.” She whispered to Mohamed. “Oh, yes you do.” He shook her off. “Now, Ace this was surprise but I want to show everyone a video of why you were chosen for this.”

The lights dimmed as the room hushed in anticipation. A video began to play on the massive screen behind them, the opening frame showing a black-and-white photo of a young Ace Giovanelli in her karting gear, a determined glint in her eye.

The montage began with clips of Ace's early karting days, weaving through tight corners with precision and winning junior championships.

A voiceover from Alain Prost played: "Even then, you could see she had something special—a fire, an intuition for racing that can’t be taught. She was destined for greatness."

The screen transitioned to her F3 debut, a young Ace climbing out of her car after a podium finish, grinning ear to ear. Moments from her F2 career followed: her first win, her daring overtakes, and the celebrations with her team as she secured the championship title.

"Ace came into F2 like a storm," said Max in an interview clip. "She dominated, she inspired, and most importantly, she paved the way for others. Watching her was like seeing a masterpiece in motion."

The footage shifted to her in F1. The McLaren garage erupted in cheers as Ace crossed the finish line in P1 in the Qatar Sprint in her rookie season.

"I’ll never forget her first podium in Formula 1," Charles shared in his segment. "She wasn’t just fast—she was fearless. She outbraked me and I thought, ‘Okay, this isn’t just a rookie. This is a future champion.’"

The montage grew more emotional as it chronicled her historic first win at Hungary. The screen showed Ace standing atop the podium, tears streaming as the Monegasque anthem played. Then came the images of her claiming the Constructors' Championship with McLaren, the first female driver to achieve that feat.

"Ace changed the narrative," said Lando Norris. "She didn’t just break records—she shattered ceilings. Being her teammate has been the honour of my life."

The video slowed, showing personal moments: Ace helping young girls at karting academies, mentoring junior drivers, and celebrating with her family and friends.

The final clip was her second GP victory, the race where she clinched P3 in the Drivers' Championship. As she stepped out of the car, fists raised high, the roar of the crowd was deafening.

The montage ended with a simple quote from Ace herself: "It’s not about being the first woman to do these things—it’s about ensuring I’m not the last."

The room erupted in applause as the lights came back on. Ace stood frozen, tears streaming as Mohamed gently nudged her forward.

Mohamed smiled warmly. “Ace, this award is not just for your incredible achievements on track. It’s for your resilience, your trailblazing spirit, and the inspiration you’ve given to generations of fans and drivers alike. You’ve changed the sport forever.”

The crowd rose in a standing ovation as Ace took the microphone, still overwhelmed, her voice trembling as she began to speak.

“Wow. I… I truly don’t know what to say. This is such an incredible honor, and I’m still not sure I deserve it. But standing here, looking at all of you, I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Ace paused, her voice thick with emotion. “Racing has been my life for as long as I can remember. From those early karting days in Monaco and France, dreaming about one day driving on the streets I grew up on, to standing on the podium there… it’s been a journey of passion, perseverance, and a lot of help along the way.”

Ace smiled, her eyes finding Lando and Max in the audience. “To my teammates, my mentors, my rivals—you’ve all pushed me to be better, faster, stronger. I wouldn’t be the driver or the person I am without you. And to the woman in motorsports��� you’re the heart of this award. Thank you for believing in me, even when I doubted myself.”

Her tone softened as she looked down at the award in her hands. “This really isn’t just for me. This is for every girl who was told she didn’t belong here. For every kid who dared to dream of something bigger. If my journey proves anything, it’s that there’s no limit to what you can achieve when you fight for it.”

She straightened, her voice clear and firm. “I promise to keep fighting—to keep pushing boundaries, to keep paving the way, and to keep making history. Not for me, but for all of us.”

The room erupted in applause, the sound echoing as Ace stepped back, her smile radiant and her heart full. As she walked off the stage people took pictures of her with her award before she was headed back to her seat. “I love you. Thank you.” She whispered to the three boys next to her. “You deserve it Ace.” Max said, squeezing her hand.

More awards for the WRC were next. Then was the FIA presidents award. Ace was still in shock when they transitioned into the Formula 1 section of the night. The video played of F2 and F3 championship battles. 

The championship awards were given to Gabriel and Invicta. Then it was time for F1. First was the fan award for Action of the Year award. Ace and Lando looked at each other when Monza came up. They could laugh about it now, but then it was a little rough. 

Before they announced they moved onto Tom who was speaking with a Ferrari driver from a different motorsport. Checo ended up winning the fan award, before they moved onto highlights of the year.

The video was very well put together. This season was definitely one to remember. Max got his special moments which Ace made sure to poke his leg at, knowing he hated it. They showed how the season started as another Max run, but then Carlos in Australia and Charles in Monaco and Monza and Cota played, then went back to Carlos in Mexico.

Then it went to Mercedes, showing Geroge and Lewis’ epic wins at the beginning of the season. Then the famous papaya colour filled the screen.

“Enter McLaren.”

It showed Lando’s amazing win in Miami, then the rough win in Hungary. Then back to Lando in Zandvoort, then her in Azerbaijan where they took P1 in constructors. Then Lando again in Singapore.

“McLaren's rise was volcanic.” 

“It brought a new battle, Max versus Lando.”

Ace hated watching this back, it was hard enough watching her two best friends go at it and risking their lives. But it got happy again when they showed Max winning the WDC for the 4th time. Then it went into Abu Dhabi.

“Who will we crown the constructors.”

It went into Max and Ace’s crash in the start and showed a few clips of her recovery mixed in with Landos race. 

The video turned off after showing the team's post celebrations. “Wow, what an amazing year as a fan. First we present our third place.” 

“Yes, she took massive wins in Hungary and Baku, ladies and gentleman, Ace Giovanelli.” Ace walked out waving to the audience before greeting the presenters. 

“Ace, such a great season for you and for Mclaren. Down to the last race and ending up champions, it must make you hungry to go at it again.”

She nodded her head with a wide smile. “Yes, definitely hungry for next year. We were fighting with Ferrari until the very last race but the season ended in our favour with amazing drives from Lando and I. I’ve achieved so many things this season, my first wins and then the constructors. I was on the podium in my home race next to Charles, it was everything to me, hopefully next year we can switch spots,” she laughed softly, “but I’m very ready to fight for more wins and even for the drivers championships next season, and hold onto the constructors.” She finished and they thanked her as she walked off with a small wave.

After her speech she walked off the stage but stayed on the side to watch Lando take his award. Everyone was so proud of him, for fighting like a champion everyone knew he would become. “I retract that comment that said it was all luck. The media likes to change things.” He disclaimed almost immediately.

They rolled Lando’s car on stage behind him which made Ace very happy. “Can we bring Ace back out please.”

She walked back out and stood next to Lando who kissed her cheek in greeting. Zak and Andrea came on stage soon after, and they four alongside the president of Rwanda and Mohamed took pictures.

Zak spoke for them, “Of course we’ve been celebrating, here in Rwanda. The weekend was fantastic there in Abu Dhabi, the team, myself and Andrea, everyone at the factory did an amazing job. The fight put up by the competition was amazing. Ferrari kept us honest until the very last lap. It’s just very nice being here and accepting awards and making history and getting it done after 26 years.”

“Well, thank you very much. Congratulations again.”

They exited the stage and Ace cheered quite loudly for Max when he was called on stage. 

“... both Lando and Ace brought the fight, and it looks like they’ll bring again next year.” When he walked off the stage Ace and Lando faked wrestling the trophy from him. “Alright you two, at least let me have it until the new season.”

At the end they took a photo of all the winners and runner ups. Ace wasn’t sure how she ended up with two trophies that night but she did. Walking out of the auditorium she was stopped many times. Many people congratulated her for her Lifetime Achievement award, P3 in the drivers, and her and Lando’s engagement. She gave as many hugs as possible with two giant awards in her hands. Her, Lando, Zak, and Andrea were pulled to the ‘blue carpet’ to take photos of them and their trophies. 

The first one was just Ace and her two awards, then Lando and his runner up award. The two of them together with the constructors and their personal awards, all four of them together, then the last one was just Zak and Andrea with the constructors. Ace and Lando also took one with Max in podium order.

They all went to a different room for dinner once awards were given to some officials. F1 was sat together as normal, and Ace and Kelly spent the night taking pictures of everything and everyone. The night was filled with delicious foods and enough laughter for months. This may have been the end of the season, but it was just the beggining of everything that was to come.

~~~

taglist: @unlikelystay

[spookedlev]

I just watched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice! It was a bit much, a veritable cavalcade of bits put together to form a very loosey goosey plot, but I liked it! It had a very similar energy to the original, even if it’s definitely 2024 cinema

My favorite part was just how everyone looked, they had so many ghosts in this film and they all looked great. You could definitely put a lot of them on the set of the original movie and not bat an eye, and there was such character in each. I liked the dumbass Wolf Hardballs or whatever he was. Delores looked so cool and I loved her intro sequence with the stapling, but she did so little in the film :(

I like the idea of Lydia as a horror hostess, but I thought she’d be more along the lines of Elvira than Zak Bagans. Delia great as usual, Lydia’s fiancé and Astrid… brought the plot along I guess. Like I got a few laughs out of it, and her and Astrids mended relationship was nice, but the characters didn’t do a whole lot for me. Beetlejuice is the guest of honor ofc and Keaton does a great job. I hate to say it, but Beetlejuice is genuinely in love with her here. I wanna see where this goes!! *hides face in hands* I just love a goth and their supernatural freak partner, and now Lydia’s actually an adult and can reciprocate.

I liked how gross they were willing to get EXCEPT the inner child. Fuck that baby. What the hell was that scene. I know Beetlejuice is still dangerous and unbalanced but fucking yuck, that came outta left field. Wedding was wack but great, dream sequence… fun ig. I know it’s meant to be unreliable narrative but I’m a basic bitch and I WILL be taking the plot at face value.

Anyways uhh 3.9 out of 5. The .1 was removed just for that fucking disgusting baby.

[acosmicdisappointment]

— zak.

is that SEAN TEALE? oh, no, that’s ZAK TORRES, a THIRTY-ONE year old INVESTMENT BANKER who uses HE/HIM pronouns. they currently live in CASA MACAIRE HOUSING, and the character they identify with most is FLYNN RIDER FROM TANGLED. hopefully they find their own little paradise here in el país de los poetas!

BASICS.

FULL NAME. zachary alejandro torres NICKNAME(S). zak (bc he wants to be cool hence using ‘k’), z AGE/BIRTHDAY/ZODIAC. 31 / october 31st / scorpio SEXUAL ORIENTATION. bisexual BIRTHPLACE. putney, london HEIGHT. 6’2” EYE COLOR. dark brown ILLNESSES/CONDITIONS. has a goddamn smolder face TATTOOS/PIERCINGS/SCARS. honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a bentley? FC. sean teale

PERSONALITY.

hella generous charming confident stubborn materialistic impatient

HISTORY.

— Zak was born as the only child of a Venezuelan-Spanish businessman and an English art teacher. His father met his mother on a business trip and fell madly in love. His family were well-off, but it was his uncle, Eduardo Torres, who truly embodied wealth and opulence. — Eduardo was a self-made millionaire, having amassed a fortune through savvy investments and business ventures. Childless and seeing potential in his bright and ambitious nephew, Eduardo took Zak under his wing. He provided Zak with mentorship, guidance, and, eventually, a significant trust fund that would set him up for life. — As the designated heir to his uncle's wealth, Zak was groomed for success from a young age. Eduardo's influence extended beyond financial support; he instilled in Zak the importance of hard work. He had to prove to his uncle that he was worthy of such a fortune. — Growing up, Zak excelled academically, dedicating himself to his studies and aspiring to follow in Eduardo's footsteps in the world of finance. However, his single-minded focus on his career left little room for personal relationships or indulging in the carefree experiences of youth. — So when he met a girl in one of his elective classes, the boy was smitten. Right after graduating college, he proposed to her. — Everything was going well for him, his dedication in his career paid off and he was climbing the ranks. However, his personal life wasn’t so successful. His fiancée yearned for spontaneity and adventure, qualities that Zak struggled to embrace. Her feelings of neglect ultimately led to the end of their engagement, leaving Zak devastated and questioning his priorities. — Determined to learn from his past mistakes, Zak made a conscious decision to change his outlook on life. He realized that success was not just about professional achievements but also about finding a balance and making time for personal fulfillment. — With Eduardo's guidance and support, Zak embarked on a journey of self-discovery, embracing new experiences and learning to appreciate the value of living in the moment. He moved to Valparaíso as a way to start fresh. He’s been living in the region for about 3 years now.

TL;DR

— if you’re looking for a man in finance, trust fund, 6’2”, and brown eyes, call zak

EXTRAS.

to read to see to listen

HEADCANONS.

— he in fact wines and dines before the sixty-nines (he’s not that barbaric, that’s why he’s got such a good reputation bc he lets them know his intentions right away) — has a ‘bedroom playlist’ — he’s a great wingman (guaranteed you’d end up with someone’s number by the end of the night) — although he sleeps around, he’s got his standards (he’s a slut with standards) — doesn’t double-dip or sleep with the same person twice (it’s a rule, no exceptions yet sorry!) — would almost say yes whenever you ask him for money though you gotta convince him first (salesman pitch it to him then it’s a guarantee) — he does have an accent — throw parties on his yacht (don’t ask me about boat stuff bc i have no clue abt those) — definitely dances at parties (like actually dance not the bump and grind kinda thing) — kinda like the funcle you’ve always wanted (definitely spoils his faves) — he is both sassy and sexy — knows everyone’s tea but no one knows his — and yes, he does ‘smolder’ when he flirts (i like to think he practices it in the mirror)

WANTED CONNECTIONS/PLOTS.

your finance friend with benefits — who says people you've slept with can't be your friend? have you met '*y/n*'? — zak has some barney stinson traits so stealing this iconic line; he needs friends or people he definitely helps finds dates for more tbd! dms are open for scheming!

[metalkitty21]

Apollo Justice

just finished Apollo Justice and what a game! Even while going into it with some knowledge it was still such an exciting and enjoyable game!

So you guys get to suffer with me going into details about my thoughts of the case /hj

all details under cut!

Case 1: Turnabout Trump

I went into this case knowing that Phoenix was the defendant and that was it. Kristoph was such a dick in the best way possible and probably my favourite villain of ace attorney. He's such a villain, even in just this first case. Phoenix is a good defendant, Payne is...well Payne, and Trucy is adorable and no one can stop me from loving her. Olga is a great witness. She goes from adorable Russian gal to a fucking pirate, what else do you want in a gal?

Case 2: Turnabout Corner

Worst case of the game, but not horrendous. The mixture of the a murder and theft is a cool idea, I don't know the panty aspect of it wasnt completely needed. Wocky is probably my favourite defendant of the entire game. He's a goofy goober who just loves his fiancé and didn't know he was dying. I was so happy when he appeared in credits enjoying life with his family to the fullest. Eldoon was brilliant, despite the pun name, he was a fun guy, with a dog called Spoon, a mascot called Salty and gave me the betray of the century when he took the ramen wig off. Anita(?) was an okay villain. Nothing special. Stickler didn't ruin the case, but he made it a little hard to deal with at times. Ema's return was nice, but this was my first experience with her since I never played Rise from the Ashes. The forensic stuff was fun and she ended up being one of my favourite characters! Klavier is golden! He takes the cake for the gayness introduce in Ace Attorney history and just flirts with Apollo the entire game and I fucking love this man to no end.

Case 3: Turnabout Serenade

I went into Serenade knowing a lot, like Machi wasn't blind, it was Lamroir who was, I even knew Daryan was the killer. Yet this case, despite all the hate it gets, is my absolute favourite case of this game. The events happening with the lyrics is such a good concept and execution so well. Daryan was a pretty good villain, and his murder attempt on Lamroir was unexpected ans I like they included it. Machi was a bit meh honestly. Lamroir though, she was great. Such a good character with all the twists and turns and just a character as a whole she's amazing! (We'll get back to her) the mixing board was a tad annoying at times but hunting through to find the gunshots while Lamroir was singing was such a good choice to make.

Case 4: Turnabout Sucession

In trust AA fansion, the final case is brilliant, but sometime holds it back and we'll talk about him last. The case seven years ago was absolutely painful to do because of the knowledge the evidence was forged. Zak was fun, baby Trucy was extra cute, FUCKING GUMSHOE, Valent is probably one of my favourite characters because of this case, he's such a good character. The incident was Thalassa is honestly heartbreaking and that fact she's fucking ALIVE AND LAMROIR is such a good twist (which I called because I'd seen Trucy's mother before and thought Lamroir looked similar) but a good twist nonetheless. Valent was fun in Serenade and was even more fun in Case 4. The actual case for Case 4 thought was great. Being a ploy by Kristoph that ended up because delayed seven years because Vera wanted the stamp was brilliant and actually made a lot of sense. Klavier broke my heart, and Kristoph breakdown was satisfying as fuck. the MASON system was so fun, my part part of the case. It was confusing at times, but I'm also stupid, so. Hopping between past and future and having it explain by a camera in Phoenix's hat is such a good explanation. Yet...

spark Brushel...ruined everything. he's a bad character and not a fun witness at all, but he would have been manageable if he stayed in the first day of the court BUT HE KEEPS COMING BACK AND IT FUCKING SUCKS

Overall View

It's a great game! Would recommend! Apollo, Trucy, Klavier, and Valent are probably my favourite new characters from AJAA Case rankings are Case 3, Case 4, Case 1, Case 2. Favourite defendant is Wocky, closely fellowed by Vera and Zak. Guilt love fucking slaps

[honeybadgercomeback]

Come Back, Be Here (Part Two) | DR3

His heart was glass and you dropped it, but you dropped yours too. Four months after ending things your new job lands you back in the one place you never wanted to be. The paddock of the Yas Marina Circuit for the final Formula One Grand Prix of the season. Part One

Warnings: angst, like…heavy angst, Christian Horner (being a decent guy), arguments, mentions of McLaren being dicks, a happy ending (I promised didn’t I).

Words: 5.9k

—

Living in Nice was strange for you, but it helped. You’d spent plenty of time there when you’d needed out of the Monaco bubble and living there full time made a difference. It was a lot of fun as you wandered around your hometown, visiting museums and galleries. Most evenings you walked home from your new job along the seafront. Sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of a yacht in the Mediterranean and your heart would ache a little bit.

Time hadn’t healed anything. If it had done anything at all, you just felt guiltier. Two weeks after you left him Dan put up an instagram story saying that you’d ended your relationship and you both wanted privacy. When you’d first seen it all you could think was of Lando’s one and how he’d probably helped Dan phrase it, which set off more tears. You reposted it and then logged out of the account altogether. It had been left untouched as you set up a finsta to keep an eye on the people you’d loved. The decision to set it up was probably the worst thing you could have done but you couldn’t help it.

You watched every race, getting up early for Suzuka and your heart in your chest as you saw Carlos crash and the tractor on the track. Hearing Pierre’s radio made you wish you were thousands of miles away so you could wrap him in a hug. Every time you heard someone on radio you felt so guilty but you were the one who left. You weren’t allowed feel guilty about it.

The only person it hurt nearly as much to see as Dan was Kelly. You’d hold your finger on the screen and stare at the pictures of the family, missing P’s hugs and the way she’d started calling you her aunt.

But aside from the heartache it was the right thing. You’d gotten a new job as one of the marketing leads in a VR company, a mix of in the office and at home. You’d made friends with the couple who lived across the hall and every week you’d swap between who hosted for dinner. Your colleagues were fun and you got drinks with them on a Thursday to celebrate the week nearly over. It was easy to fall into a routine and forget how lonely your bed was.

Except every night you’d wake up feeling cold because your human radiator wasn’t there. You kept seeing people in the media call Dan washed up and useless and you wanted to scream that he wasn’t. He was one of the best men you knew and he deserved respect and support rather than the bullshit they were talking about. That if you’d been in any of the meetings with Zak you’d have been hard pressed to not rip him a new one for the lies he’d told about how they’d work with Daniel. You’d have slipped some sly words to members of the press who you knew and trusted.

But you were on the outside of all of it and you didn’t get to say anything about it anymore. You were the ex fiancée. It wasn’t your place.

Your manager had told you that there was a sponsorship organised with a UK based sports team, that you’d be having a meeting with their top executive. So you were sitting in the office on the zoom meeting, talking about plans for their final match of the year. The familiar ding that someone had arrived beeped, and you looked up to see Christian H in the new slot, camera still not on.

“We’re happy to make this public in Abu Dhabi. We’re doing a big announcement about our drivers for next year then too, so we can have this year and next years involved. This stays in the room, obviously, but we’re signing one of our former drivers to come back for next year. Daniel will be more than happy to get involved in any marketing we need.” Your breath caught and you almost missed your cue to speak until Emilie, your manager, nudged you in the arm.

“Perfect. We’ll need to do a briefing to make sure they’re all aware of the branding.” Please let it all be wrong. Please let it be a completely different Christian with the same voice involved in sports in Abu Dhabi. Please.

“Oh they’re aware, Max is a big fan. He bought the bundle as soon as it was released, when we mentioned the sponsorship was happening he offered to send photos of him and his girlfriend playing on it.” The camera finally went on and your prayers weren’t answered. Christian Horner was on the screen in the meeting room, and you could tell immediately that he recognised you. You just kept yourself together and acted like you were jotting down notes.

“If he wasn’t I’d nearly be surprised, Max and video games are like him and winning races this season. I’ll be in touch with a slide deck next week, is the email we sent this meeting invite to the best one to get you on?” You were proud of how professional your voice sounded.

“Of course. It’s good to see you again, will you be in Abu Dhabi?”

“N—“

“Yes, the two of us are going.” Emilie cut into your denial and you just kept your face steady, the photographer smile you’d perfected plastered on it. “The two of us are flying out, we’ll discuss it together and settle on dates. We’ll have a meeting to confirm next week with you, Christian.”

“Sounds good to me. I’ll see you both then.”

It ended and you glared at your manager as the room emptied until it was just the two of you sitting there. Emilie looked at you.

“I can’t be there. If I turn up the media will be all over me. And I can’t work with Daniel. If it was Max and Checo only I could do it, but not Dan. I can’t do it.”

“And if the media are all over you then we get even more visibility for this sponsorship. Plus you know how Formula One works better than anyone else here. You know exactly what we’ll get away with. You need to be there.

“Fuck.” This week couldn’t get worse, and all you wanted to do was go home and drown your sorrows in a bottle of wine. Instead you couldn’t, because you were taking the lead with Red Bull.

It meant meetings every couple of days with Red Bull’s marketing team, Horner sitting in when he could. You’d met all of them in other contexts and the look of surprise was clear on everyone’s face. The last time you’d spoken to any of them apart from a casual wave was at Dan’s leaving party, when Horner had asked if there was any way you could convince your then boyfriend to stay at Red Bull. He wasn’t too impressed when you told him that it was all Dan’s decision. But here you were talking distribution deals, how Daniel and Max would have their own box designs and the development team was working on a new game where you could drive the car in VR. In return your brand was pride of place on their cars and you were giving millions of dollars. Win win situation.

The meeting was wrapping up and you were organising the final logistics about Abu Dhabi when a door opened on Christian’s side and you heard an oh too familiar voice.

“You wanted to see me?” It was Max and you couldn’t stay in the meeting much longer. You didn’t want to see him until you were ready so you could be ready for his anger at your lies.

“I’ll let you go. Email me if you need any more details?” You asked, hoping he’d just end the call and Max wouldn’t have time to recognise your voice.

“I think that should be everything until you get out to us. You’re arriving on the Thursday and we’re doing the big event on Saturday with the car unveiling, correct?”

“That’s right. I’m flying back here on Saturday, and we’ll have a representative there on Sunday to see the race. I think Emilie is staying.”

“You should be there. Have you missed the races?”

“I haven’t missed the media chaos. I’ll see you then.”

“Wait is that—“ You hit the end meeting button before Max could say anything else, sitting back in your chair with your hands over your face. Eight days until you arrived at Yas Marina and had to face your past again, and each time you thought about it you felt nauseous.

The one silver lining was that you didn’t have any meetings with Horner until the Thursday morning at the paddock when you were in Abu Dhabi. You thought you could have a week without talking to anyone from Red Bull, but Tuesday when you were part working from home and part packing you received an email. You should have guessed Max would have done anything to get your contact information.

SUB: DO NOT DELETE

FROM: m.verstapp@rbrf1.com

Hey,

First, don’t blame Christian for this. He left his iPad open when he left the room and I got your email address from his calendar. He refused to give me your details when I asked.

We miss you. I get why you had a clean break but you’re really missed. Kel thought she did something wrong until I told her about the elevator. P still asks if you’re coming to visit. She’s stopped asking Dan about where you are but that took a while. I tried to do what you asked and look after him but he’s still struggling. Checo’s retiring to stay home with the kids now they’re old enough to realise how often he’s gone, so Dan’s taking the seat. Horner made the joke that maybe he’d find the love of his life in Milton Keynes and none of us could mention he already had.

I haven’t warned him you’ll be there. Christian was going to tell us both on Thursday before you arrive in the paddock. If you want me to give him more notice I can.

Look after yourself for us? Everyone asks if we’ve talked to you. They all just wish you’d give your new number to call. If you still have our numbers nobody will get mad. And if you need them again just ask and I’ll send it all over. I miss my second sister.

Max

You started crying in your office as you reread the last paragraph. You missed everyone so much. Ending things had blown up your relationship and your friendships and none of it had been worth it. Yeah, your career was great but you were so, so lonely. Everyone who tried flirting with you to got compared to Dan and they never came out on top. It had been four months and the ache in your chest had barely lessened. Your hand still felt like there was something missing. You missed everything you’d given up. You even missed the jet lag.

It was the biggest mistake of your life, and in a few days you had to see him and pretend you were ok even though the exact opposite was true. Instead of replying to the email you opened WhatsApp on your phone and thumbed open the archived chats. There were so many messages there that you hadn’t read, but you opened the one with Max that had mostly been him sending you cat photos.

I miss you too

It took less than a minute for a response to come through.

It’s so good to hear from you. Kelly’s here, can we call?

He didn’t give you a chance to make the decision, a video call coming through with his name and WhatsApp photo. You wiped your face roughly and answered to see the couple in the tiny frame, heads pinned together

“Oh my god you’re there. You’re actually there. I thought Max had made a mistake when he said he’d heard you in a meeting but you’re here.” You couldn’t stop the tears as Kelly kept speaking, grins between you both.

“I missed you. I’m so sorry for everything, I just…I’m sorry. I’ll be there on Wednesday.”

“We’re seeing you. P is going to be so excited, she’s missed you so much.”

It was the briefest catch up before they had to go for their flight but you got to see them and they weren’t angry. Once you hung up you texted Kelly, the immediate flurry of emojis in response making you grin and miss her all over again. The final thing was a voice note from Penelope telling you she couldn’t wait for a hug. You re-listened to it on your flight to Abu Dhabi, lifting your spirits and making you feel like you could do it.

Max warned you with a text that he’d told Dan you were involved in the sponsorship event and that he was staying with McLaren until after the race. Once it was done he was moving over to the Red Bull hotel. They’d agreed to loan him out for the event only and you wondered what Christian had threatened to be able to get that much from them. You’d be gone by Saturday afternoon so it would be fine. You’d just see them for a few hours, leave, and get back on a plane.

You’d forgotten how easy it was to check into a hotel when a team had organised it, just giving your names and the keycards were released. As you turned to get your suitcase a three year old ran into your legs, wrapping her arms around your hips.

“I missed you!” Your manager looked confusedly as you hoisted P up onto your hip, Kelly running across the lobby to you.

“Missed you too, Princess P. What’s happening?”

“She’s supposed to be going to bed but saw you and ran.” Kelly gave you a one armed hug, the look in her eyes clear that you’d be having an in-depth discussion before the weekend was out.

“Uncle Danny gave me ice cream. He looked sad but when I asked he said it was ‘cause he didn’t have any so he got us all some!” You could tell from Kelly’s face exactly what had made your ex sad, but you shook your head and made yourself smile.

“Ice cream always makes me happy too. Go with your Mama and I’ll see you soon, ok? I have to work this weekend.”

“Will you be in the laranja building?” You shook your head at the Portuguese she dropped in when she was sleepy.

“I won’t be at the race. I’m going home before it happens, I have to work.”

“Oh.” She was gearing up for a tantrum but Kelly got in quickly and pulled her for a cuddle.

“I’ll get her to bed. Breakfast tomorrow?”

“Definitely.”

Emilie knew that you knew Christian. She knew you were familiar with how Formula One worked. But she had no idea of your complete backstory and why you were so against coming this weekend. So over a room service burger that tasted too much like the first time you’d stayed in this hotel with Daniel you did the brief highlights of the last five years of your life.

“So you dated a driver, were engaged, ended things, and he’s one of the guys we’re spending hours with on Saturday before practice?” Emilie asked as you lay back on your bed and groaned.

“Yeah. Pretty much.”

“It explains why Horner’s assistant didn’t ask for your photo.” You propped yourself up on your elbows to look at her. “She said we needed paddock passes for the weekend and we needed photos for security to confirm. I offered to send her yours but she said your pass was still active.”

“Merde.” The French expletive slipped out as you lay back, taking a pillow and screaming into it. Emilie stared until you could get your shit together and sat up.

“I was at every race until the summer break, I only missed a race if I was sick. Daniel and I split up a week before Spa. He’d just come home after signing his contract ending deal and I couldn’t keep things going on my own anymore. I broke his heart but he didn’t cancel my pass…he wanted me to come to a race.”

“That’s why every week you always seemed sad on Fridays.”

“Yeah. Ugh. And he’s still upset and I’m still heartbroken. It’s going to be a mess.”

“We’ll get you through it.”

And you made yourself do it. Arriving on Thursday was harder than you’d expected, keeping your head down to avoid people who you’d known as friends and who you’d spent so much time with. So many of the Alpine team had been there when it was Renault, and Esteban jogged over to give you a hug before realising you were there for work. But the Frenchman couldn’t keep a secret, before long the paddock regulars were abuzz that you were back there without Dan by your side.

An advance team had installed the machines and set up the games, you were there to make sure that the branding was visible and nobody messed up on the social media side of things. Drivers came over to interact with the VR headsets as you stood near the back to get Emilie to deal with them. Sebastian refused, instead coming over to give you a giant hug.

“I should be congratulating you on your final race,” you murmured into his shoulder.

“I didn’t think I’d see you at another one.”

“Work calls.” You separated slightly at that, giving a shrug before indicating to the photographer to leave Hanna and the kids alone and waving to them.

“He misses you.” The words were tender but you shook your head, giving him a final hug before letting go and remembering just how restorative they were.

“It was the right decision. He deserved more than me.”

Before Sebastian could refute what you’d said one of his daughters pulled him away, leaving you to breathe a sigh of relief. The photo of him hugging you went up on the brand account, your still unused public profile tagged on it. But it being public meant more people came up to you. There were conversations you never wanted to have but you were forced into them.

“You’ve some nerve.” The paddock was nearly empty as you turned to see Lewis speak while you were tidying the final things away before leaving for the night. He stood there in a bright outfit, lights from Williams hospitality illuminating him.

“I don’t want to be here. But when my job calls, I answer. The last thing I want to do is hurt him.”

“Should have thought of that before—“

“You’re saying this like it was on a whim. Like I enjoyed it. I broke my own heart in the process and it’s not healing. But he deserves so much more than I can give him, and I deserve someone who can put me higher than tenth on their list. He couldn’t do that anymore. I don’t expect anyone to understand what happened and I don’t expect anyone to be friendly and forgive me. I just want to get through this weekend and leave on Saturday and pretend I was only here four times instead of five. So just…just ignore me or whatever you need to do, ok? I’ll do the same.”

You didn’t know where the words came from, months of hurt and anger coming out at Lewis who you’d barely spoken to before. The packing was finished and you locked the shutter in place, Lewis stepping back to watch you do it. Your arms were full and he tried to take the top box but you turned away.

“I’m a grown adult.”

“And I picked a fight I shouldn’t have touched. Can I help?” You got him to scan your paddock pass to get you out, walking in silence to the hire car Red Bull had organised. Everything was packed away when you finally had the courage to ask the question nobody was really answering. The two of you had barely been acquaintances, definitely not friends, so it was easier to ask him than anyone else.

“I know I have no right to an answer…but how is he?”

Lewis turned to look at you with the softest expression you’d seen on his face in a long time. “He’s fucking miserable. He turned up in Spa alone and we were worried about him, then the press realised you weren’t there and asked Michael if you’d dumped him because he was getting fired. None of us knew anything until Carmen told George you’d left the WhatsApp group and changed your number. Then we realised what had happened. That triple header was tough on him, I’ve never seen him so sad after that Monza DNF.”

You sighed and pulled your hair from your face in the desert night, making yourself listen to everything Lewis had to say.

“He’s doing better now but he’s still not great. I think he asked every one of us if we noticed anything, if he’d done something obvious. He doesn’t believe it’s not his fault even though he said it. Seb nearly punched him when he realised that he’d missed your anniversary. We were out in Singapore after the race there, that’s when it hit him. But the last couple of weeks he’s doing ok. He’s had some almost smiles.”

“Thanks for looking after him for me.”

“I always will, you know that. I’ll see you tomorrow and you can get some photos of me looking stupid.”

That night you were supposed to have dinner with Max and Kelly in the hotel restaurant but you texted an apology, instead going straight to your room and sobbing your heart out into the spare pillow as you mourned for the pain you’d caused.

Friday morning came too early. The last thing you wanted to do was get up and face the world but you still had a job to do. A cold shower helped the puffiness on your face, your makeup was impeccable even with the heat. The tricks you’d learned from being constantly photographed meant that you could get ready quickly and as soon as you closed your hotel room door you were on and ready for the day that you knew would have hugs and probably involve looking at people who hated you. But you and Emilie arrived together to open up.

Charlotte and Isa were the first two there, arriving as you powered on the devices calling your name. You were wrapped in a hug as Emilie looked on, the Ferrari men standing a few meters away and nodding to you when you separated from their girlfriends. You set them up playing tennis between them, laughing at the scenes in front of you. It didn’t take long for you to put your press face on, getting into a rhythm of greeting the people you knew by name and smiling at everyone else. But then he arrived and the fragile bandages on your heart split open.

“Can I play?” He was skinnier than when you’d last seen him, corded muscles too visible on his arms, face almost gaunt. His smile was there but it wasn’t a real one. You ached knowing this was your fault.

“Of course. Put this headset on and you’ll be in the game. The controllers act as your hands. Have fun.” You passed over each device one at a time as he was ready to go, keeping your skin away from his. You didn’t get to touch him. The VR had a number of games but at the last minute you changed it to a pattern bashing one that had always reminded you of his reaction games. It didn’t take long for Dan to get into a rhythm, barely missing a beat.

You couldn’t help but smile at how he moved, remembering the way he used to dance around the living room before pulling you up to dance with him. But then it was over and you schooled your face back to neutrality to see him and put the equipment back.

“And your score is…” It took a moment for the numbers to appear, but you couldn’t help but laugh. “33,333. Turns out it’s a lucky number after all. Congratulations, Daniel.” His full name felt wrong on your tongue but you;d lost the right to use a nickname for him.

“Thanks, B—“ He cut himself off and you nodded.

“See you tomorrow?”

“Sure.” As he walked away you saw Michael and Blake stand outside the unit waiting for him. You wanted to apologise for hurting their best friend, but it was clear from their faces they’d never want to talk to you again. You didn’t blame them.

The rest of the day went in a crawl for you and all you wanted to do was scream. He’d been right there in front of you but you couldn’t touch him. The tears were piling up at the back of your head waiting for a moment for you to let your guard down but you couldn’t. You weren’t allowed to cry until you were back in the hotel. The only saving grace was that Emilie was on closing up duties so you got to leave once FP2 was over. The screen in your unit had the stream up and you watched the practice go, staring at the people you’d been so close to before driving in circles. You slipped back to the hotel in the crowds that were leaving to hide away, deciding to get room service when you finished this bout of crying.

When would it stop? When would you finally be over him? If not over him at least when would it stop hurting like that August night? You were going to see him a couple of times a year at a minimum from now on, and if each moment hurt like this you wouldn’t survive it. You didn’t want it to be this painful. If you could go back in time to the woman who was so sure it was the right call you’d scream at her to change her mind. But you couldn’t. And he deserved the chance to be happy.

Knocks on your hotel room door disturbed the pity party, so you wiped your eyes to make yourself a little more presentable. Once the mascara streaks could be confused with artfully smudged eyeliner you stood straight and opened the door as the knocking continued.

“Emilie, I’m fine. I just need to get through tom…Daniel.” He was standing right in front of you. He looked as through the wringer as you felt, staring right at you and not looking away. There was less than a meter between the two of you and it was too much space and not enough at the same time. “How did you get my room number?”

“Penelope. She asked why I was sad earlier and I said I missed you, so she asked Max what your room number was. She’s crafty for barely more than a toddler.” You let out a wet laugh, trying to cover that you’d just been sobbing over him.

“I was supposed to go for dinner with them last night. Decided on a night alone in my room instead.”

“I was also supposed to be at dinner with them, but tonight. Which is my excuse for being here but I needed to come up here instead. I need to ask you one question, ok?”

You wanted to say no. You wanted to tell him to leave and go back to crying. You wanted to close the door and to forget that he’d appeared there, try to forget the five years you’d spent together. But you owed him this at the very least. After everything that had happened between you, you owed Daniel the truth. No matter how it hurt you.

“You deserve answers.”

He stopped at your confirmation, licked his lower lip and looked you straight in the eyes with his molten brown ones. It was like he was searching your soul for something you weren’t quite sure of, but whatever he saw gave him the strength to continue.

“Do you still love me?”

It wasn’t what you’d expected him to ask. Wasn’t what you’d imagined him asking in your wildest dreams. But he was there at your hotel door and you could never lie to Daniel Ricciardo as long as you lived.

“I don’t know how to stop loving you. And that’s what hurts so much about all of this.”

The words were barely out of your mouth when he closed the gap between you, broad hands on your waist as he pulled you close and kissed you soundly. It took a moment for you to realise what was even happening but you kissed him back, hands running through the hair you’d missed so much. He was there and you were in his arms and if this was the last kiss the two of you ever shared you were memorising all of it.

A ding from the elevator bell reminded you that you were semi in public, separating and breathing heavily. His hands were still on you, yours around his neck as a small smile - a real one - appeared on his lips.

“Can I?” You nodded back to him before bringing him into the room and settling on the small sofa with him. His arm went around your shoulders to pull you close, holding onto him for dear life. It didn’t feel like reality to you.

“I’m sorry. For not realising how much I was taking from you. For missing our anniversary. All of it. You…you deserved so much more than I gave you for our entire relationship. I’m just so sorry I didn’t realise what I was doing in time to save us.”

“Do you still love me?”

It was clear he hadn’t expected you to ask the question he’d asked as his body froze before looking at you. But you held his gaze the exact same way he’d held yours as you waited for your answer.

“You’re the love of my fucking life.”

It was a practiced move the way you leaned over and threw one thigh over his, pulling him into a bruising kiss as you were spread over his lap. Your forehead leaned against his, hands cupping his jaw as he held you tight against him.

“I was wrong to end things. And we have so much to talk about and work through, and please understand couples therapy is about to be compulsory. But I love you and you love me and if we still feel this way after four months then we’re worth saving.”

You watched the widest grin you’d seen on him in years spread across his face, a hand reaching up to run his thumb over your cheekbones before Dan brought you into a lingering kiss.

He cancelled dinner, citing that he was nervous about tomorrow in the text to Max. Instead he helped you pack a bag with a work outfit before the two of you snuck away from the hotel to get back to his. Michael and Blake were sitting in the lobby, the two men looking stern as you arrived with Dan beside you.

“What’s she doing here?” Michael asked. You wanted to shrink away but held your head up, Dan’s hand on yours.

“We’re trying again.” Three words that made you want to sing.

“But you…” he trailed off and you took the opening it provided.

“We were both a mess, and I know ending things was my decision. But we love each other and we’re trying to make it work.” You took a deep breath before saying the next words. “I owe both of you the biggest thanks for looking after him while I wasn’t there. I made the biggest mistake of my life walking away, and I can’t thank you enough for keeping him going.”

The words softened them and you got nods, knowing that when Dan was in a car you’d get a lecture. But it’d be worth it.

“See you tomorrow. The two of you going to the paddock together?” Blake asked as Dan nodded.

“Yeah, we’ll be going early so she can open up. See you both there.”

It was quick to Dan’s room, the elevator door opening to Lando on his phone. You could have laughed at the way his jaw dropped seeing the two of you there, but Dan did it first.

“Hey, Mate.”

“But you’re…what? I was avoiding the VR all day cause I thought you wouldn’t want us hanging out? When did this?”

“Today. And come over tomorrow, I’ll give you a longer go. But you’ll have some tough competition to beat, I’m just saying.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll keep this quiet till tomorrow for you too.”

You spent that night talking, having the hard conversations neither of you really wanted to have. How you both needed to compromise, the races you would and wouldn’t attend. How he’d support you and do what he could to make life easier for you with the media and stop ignoring the crap that was said about you. And you promised to tell him when you were worried about something. But it was worth it to have Dan pull that familiar box out of his suitcase and open it.

“I couldn’t leave this behind. Don’t ask me why, but it’s come everywhere with me. Will you please, please marry me?”

“Of course I will.”

Getting ready the next morning was terrifying. It wasn’t just the publicity, but his family were about to arrive and you hadn’t seen them since the break up and now you were back together. As you began to overthink Dan realised, handing you one of his new merch shirts to wear to the paddock. You put your work one underneath, but this was your way to prove exactly what was happening. It was the two of you and nothing else would matter.

Michael was outside the hotel room door when you were walking out, and the man was surprised when you hugged him. He hugged you back after a moment and you looked up to him.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for all of it, and Dan and I have talked about it. But thank you for being there for him when I couldn’t be.”

“Please don’t do it again?”

“Never.” He caught sight of your ring and smiled, hugging Dan and clapping his back. The three of you got into the car and made it to the circuit, your phone beeping with texts from Emilie asking where you were. You promised you’d be there in a minute and got an eye rolling emoji in return.

“Are you ready, Babe?” Dan asked as he put it into park and you nodded while gathering up your bag.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

The photographers were taking shots of both of you entering, hands firmly clasped together until you had to separate to swipe in. A hair tie was keeping the oversized shirt from turning into a dress, and it was very obvious you were together. He didn’t stop until he was just outside your unit, leaning in for a final kiss before letting you go.

“See you in an hour for the unveiling?” He asked and you grinned.

“I’ll see you then. Good luck.”

“I don’t need it, I’ve got you back.”

Tags: @vroomvroommbtch @a-distantdreamer @sidcrosbyspuck @soleilgrec @clintsupremacy @hiphopdancer101universe @sheslikeacurse @footballbroadcast @ricsaigaslec

[letapollojusticesayfuck]

Your post about Klavier being unbendingly lawful made me think about how hilarious it is that if you put Apollo, looking all proper and serious when suited up, next to Klavier, grinning rockstar decked out in chains and shirt partly unbuttoned, one would think Apollo would be the stickler for rules and laws.

But in reality Klavier has managed to make even being a rock star all about law, while Apollo was raised by literal rebels, has possibly been living with forged papers ever since being sent away at age [young], and also can and will punch someone for being too much of a dick. Not to mention what else he might have been up to inbetween age [young] and now.

Kinda makes me wonder if Klavier would assume the same, and how long it would take for him to realize otherwise... 🤔

okay so i'm going to take this as an opportunity to talk about one of my favorite things from aa4: the way that almost all the characters entirely subvert your expectations of them based on their outward appearance. (obvious spoilers ahead, if you're somehow following me without having played aa4)

So, yeah, there's Klavier and Apollo--the supposedly "bad boy" rockstar with a motorcycle and self-branded boots, contrasted with the seemingly straightlaced Brand New Defense Attorney in his comparably normal businesswear. ...and then Klavier turns out to make music entirely about upholding the law and is the prosecutor in the series most dedicated to finding the truth above all else right from the start, and Apollo punches his first ever client in the face once he discovers that the guy was...let's politely say not giving him all the information about the evidence he had.

The most obvious way AA4 subverts expectations surrounding appearances is probably in Turnabout Trump--you expect the legal mentor figure (Kristoph Gavin, in this case) to be trustworthy and upstanding. You're introduced to your somewhat shady-looking client who's Obviously hiding something. And then it turns out that the sketchy guy you're defending is Phoenix Wright, former paragon of justice; and you realize your mentor is significantly more personally involved in this case than you could have imagined, and by the end of the trial you're not really sure what the status quo is actually going to be for this game.

(the rest of this is under a cut because I uh. had a lot to say about this)

And then this subversion continues with characters like the Kitakis, who are notorious for organized crime but who are revealed to be trying to put that behind them and open a bakery; or Alita Tiala, who at first glance seems to be a devoted fiancée but who's been planning on taking advantage of Wocky's inevitable death for her own financial gains. You've got Lamiroir, the "landscape painter in sound," who turns out to be blind; and Machi Tobaye, the young boy who's actually been caught up in a smuggling plot.

(...come to think of it, AA4 has a lot of children who end up involved in dubiously legal schemes through the influence of parents/guardian figures in their lives (Machi and Daryan; Vera and Drew Misham; Trucy and Zak Gramarye--and even Trucy and Phoenix Wright, honestly).)

Ultimately, almost everyone you encounter throughout AA4 is lying about who they are--they're acting, putting on a performance. And this is one of the things about the game that I think is genuinely so brilliant--because Perceive, as a mechanic, is all about seeing through this seemingly-perfect image to what's being concealed. You have a game full of people whose identities involve some form of pretense (Phoenix, pretending to be a washed-up piano/poker player; Klavier, and the inherent pretense that comes with being a celebrity; Trucy, and her whole family's illusion-based magic; Lamiroir, who doesn't even know her previous identity; etc, etc, etc), and the whole point, more than ever, is being able to understand and see through to what truth they're hiding.

(this is one of the things that annoys me about the fact that we never got a resolution for Kristoph Gavin's black psyche-locks, actually--because the game leaves that as a dangling plot thread, because we never do get to find out entirely what he's concealing with his polished, perfectly composed facade. We can make educated guesses based on everything we find out--he's a perfectionist, obsessed with being in control; he wants to be admired and have people depend on him. But the why is never resolved in a satisfying manner within the text of the game, and then isn't revisited)

...I can't remember if I had some sort of profound point to this--I think I just wanted to talk about how interesting the characters in AA4 were, honestly--and because I really, really love themes of concealed/hidden identity, whether it's more concrete or abstract. I think I was probably supposed to talk about klapollo here and not give you half an English Lit essay--but i've been wanting to ramble about this for ages and this gave me an excuse.

[berlinini]

I have a confession...I still get the band members confused. I have tried so hard, literally have studied and made flash cards, but I see them in a picture and suddenly they all look the same to me (except daddy Louis of course)

There are several posts that are more seriously about this but here's a little recap of Louis' bandmates:

Michael: guitarist, the hot one with the amazing fingers and a little earring, sometimes he looks fruity but you still wanna call him daddy, he's not single but we pretend he is (or that he's polyamourous), in his content creator era (#keepingupwiththeyouth), and most importantly, winner of the bandmates Hunger Games.

Matt: bassist, very tall, the cute one with an adorable smile, baby of the group, looks like a lost puppy, definition of 'no thoughts head empty', owns oversized t-shirts and one (1) pair of jeans that he rolls up, possibly engaged/married or maybe it's just a promise ring and we wouldn't be surprised because it's very on brand.

Steve: drummer/musical director, the one with the long hair, he's the dad jokes person of the group, amazing core strength and dance skills, you dream of squeezing his biceps (or maybe having him squeeze you with his biceps) but then remember he's probably married with 2 kids.

Zak: keyboard, the short and quiet one, very much in love with his girlfriend (fiancée?) according to his insta and possibly new dad? Strong accent that's hard to understand. We don't know much about him and that's ok.

Isaac: guitarist, curly hair, often wears stripped pants that remind us of Harry's ass pads during HSLOT1, has a solo career project on the side, sometimes gives psychopath vibes, definitely gets bullied (lovingly?) by the others. We don't think about him very often, but unfortunately we already know too much about him (against our will).

[carletes]

Can you please post your fic of Lando proposing? I can’t find it or I don’t think I’m looking for it in the right place. Pretty please.

It's this one, the first fic I ever wrote for Carlando! The specific moment is under the cut for people who might not have time to read the whole fic:

A few minutes later, while Carlos was washing the conditioner from Lando’s hair, the latter murmured:

“You know I love it though, don’t you?”

“Love what?” Carlos asked, before making a satisfied noise as he finished rinsing Lando’s hair. Lando laughed, pointing to his hair.

“This. That watching me come makes you come. That you text me hair products to try because you overheard someone mention something and their hair looked like my hair.”

Lando drew closer, wrapping his arms loosely around Carlos’ neck. The shower was warm, but he could still see the shiver go through Carlos’ body.

“That even when I ask you to pretend,” he whispered, touching his forehead to Carlos’ nose, “you call me the race winner, and not yourself. I know how competitive you are, Carlos. I know how good you are at keeping racing separate from us.”

“It…felt right,” Carlos replied. Lando could feel Carlos’ heart beating against his own chest. Something was going to happen. Lando could feel it in his bones, could feel something bubble up inside of him. “All of it. Feels right, I mean.”

Then, a shaky sigh. “Everything feels ri-”

“Marry me?” Lando choked out, and felt dizzy from relief. Carlos froze, his eyes wide. Lando continued, rapidly: “Jesus Christ. I don’t want to wimp out. Please, let’s- let’s get married. I don’t care when, just. One day.”

Lando watched Carlos take several shaky breaths. For a second, he wondered if Carlos was going to pass out. His panic mounted when Carlos gently got down on his knees, pressing his forehead against Lando’s stomach.

“Not fair.”

“What?” Lando laughed, his own body quivering.

“I had- plans-”

Lando’s laughter mounted, and he joined Carlos on his knees, cupping his face. “Of course you did. Of course you fucking did. You twee bastard. You absolute idiot. I love you.”

“I-”

Lando cut him off with a kiss. The wettest, most inconvenient kiss they had ever shared - even more inconvenient than the out-of-the-way hidey-holes they’d scoped out between motorhomes, under stairs - water cascading between their faces, getting in their eyes, making purchase so difficult and friction impossible. But it was the best kiss he’d ever experienced.

“Yes,” Carlos said against his lips, garbled and wet, and Lando giggled hysterically. Carlos joined him, helpless. “Let’s get married. No one needs to know. We tell them at some point. Maybe when we retire. Maybe next season. I don’t care.”

“Our families need to know-”

“Yes, yes, of course-”

“Zak-”

“He can’t keep a secret-”

“Daniel and Charles-”

“No-”

“Carlos, they’ll be so pissed-”

“But imagine how funny-”

“Oh my god-”

And back and forth, barely letting the other finish a sentence, laughing the entire time, and by the time they had decided to finally finish showering, they had a not-insignificant amount of their wedding already planned out. When - the closest they had gotten to a when was sometime over Christmas - didn’t seem as significant as the fact that they were going to get married at all.

At some point Lando would think to ask Carlos what his plans had been. But that wasn’t important either. Just something to lovingly rib his boyfriend - no, fiancé, soon to be husband - about until Carlos decided to shut him up with a kiss (and hopefully, much more after that) for the rest of their lives.

[moeyy-writes]

No One Else But Us

Jay Wasley x Reader

Warnings: It’s just disgustingly cheesy and fluffy. That’s it.

Word Count: 645

My Full Master List

Zak chuckled as he stared into the camera mounted on the SUV’s dashboard. He was sporting an eye patch, something he discovered in the glove compartment and decided to wear for the rest of the night.

“That’s a great look on you, dude,” Billy chuckled from the driver’s seat beside him. “You should cover even more of your face.” Zak scoffed, offended, then stared back at the camera.

You sighed and stared out the window, rain pelting the glass and distorting the image of the outside world. It was rare that Vegas got rain this time of year, but you weren’t complaining. It was the perfect night for the four of you to head to Aaron’s house and go over the plans for the next run of investigations.

A large hand gently covered yours on the seat beside you. You turned to see Jay smiling at you, his eyes soft in the dim lighting. His thumb slowly stroked over the top of your hand, over the ring he had given you just two months before. Your heart leapt for the thousandth time as you thought about marrying your best friend.

“Hey,” he whispered softly. He cocked his head a little in silent question. You weren’t usually this silent. You were the one laughing and joking with the guys, kicking Zak’s seat or messing up his perfect hair. But tonight, you were deep in thought. Not gloomy, just taking in the recent events of your life.

Jay had asked you to marry him exactly two months ago, and it was almost the three-year anniversary of being a full-fledged member of the GAC team. You got to work with the best people life had introduced to you so far. You and Jay had bought a house just over a month ago, and were even thinking of getting another dog.

Overall, life was freaking awesome.

Jay’s hand squeezed yours as he offered his heart-stopping smile. “I love you,” he mouthed as his eyes locked on yours. Your smile enveloped your face as your heart fluttered. After two years, he still had that effect on you.

“I love you too,” you mouth back, maintaining eye contact. The two of you just stared at each other for a little while, the world around you fading. Jay’s dark amber eyes and those slightly disheveled waves were all you could see as you felt the warmth from his fingers transfer to yours.

Jay’s thumb encircled your ring, his smile growing as he glanced down at it. He was so nervous when he had popped the question, between takes on the set. That was his style. He was never one for theatrics. No, he had just pulled you aside, behind a building in old Virginia City, and got down on one knee. Luckily, nosy Aaron had gotten the pose on camera, but only a few photos. None of them had even known of his intentions until it happened.

Now, he was your fiancé, and you were ready to plan your life together.

“Hey, heart eyes, we’re almost there. You guys good?” Billy teased, glancing at the two of you through the rearview mirror. You glared over at him, rolling your eyes.

“Yeah, we’re good,” Jay answered for you. He turned back to you and squeezed your hand, fueling your smile again.

“Ugh, you guys are so gross,” Zak whined from in front of you. His face scrunched, making you laugh.

“Good, our plan is working,” you teased, forcing Zak to gag. Billy sighed beside him.

You turned back to Jay, who was still staring at you like you were the entire world. You returned his gaze, getting lost again in him. You didn’t care about the guys teasing; you were used to it by now. In this moment, it was just the two of you, and you were going to ravel in it.

Thanks for reading! Feedback is appreciated. <3

[ghostadventuresstuff]

Aaron Goodwin x Reader

Let’s get in the Christmas mood!

Y/N

Christmas was your favourite time of year, well it used to be. This year had been hectic with you opening a new photography studio. Your fiancé Aaron was due back from an investigation this afternoon and you felt bad because you hadn't even thought about decorating the house for Christmas. He loved coming home to see all the lights on the Christmas tree and the stupid little decorations you'd both gathered over the years together scattered around the house.

All you could do was leave him a note saying you'd be back later because someone had broken two lights in your studio and they needed replacing as soon as possible. You hated not being there when he opened the door to your house, normally you'd scream his name and jump into his arms but today wasn't like all the other times.

AARON

I couldn't wait to see my beautiful fiancé again, Ghost Adventures had just finished a few back to back investigations and y/n had to stay back because she was setting up her very own photography studio because she wanted somewhere to work on her photography that looked more professional for clients.

When I pulled up to the house we'd bought together I couldn't help but notice that there were no Christmas lights outside which was odd, around this time in December the lights would be up and on. Jay was staying with us while his house was under reconstruction so when we walked into a bare hallway both of us were surprised to see the house empty and not a single Christmas decoration in sight.

'I thought you two loved Christmas Aaron? This place doesn't even have decorations on the tree.'

Jay was right both y/n and I loved Christmas. I found numerous boxes of decorations and lights which had been unopened. I left Jay to go unpack in his room as I trudged into the kitchen and noticed a note on the counter in y/n's familiar handwriting.

Aaron,

Sorry, I couldn't be there when you got back but I got called into the studio last minute as some idiot broke two lights. I'm sorry I couldn't have the house decorated for you but with the studio and editing pictures, I just have been rushed off my feet and had no time. I wanted the first Christmas in our new house to be special but I kind of ruined that. I'll be back later, tell Jay if he isn't already reading this letter over your shoulder that the fridge and cupboards are fully stocked with your favourite food.

y/n xxx

'We should do something for her Aaron.'

I jumped at the sound of Jay's voice behind me, y/n was right about him reading the letter over my shoulder. I felt bad that she was pinning the blame on ruining our Christmas on herself, I'd been away the last few weeks and she'd been left to deal with everything on her own. Jay was right about doing something for her.

'Jay do you think we could get the house decorated before she comes back from the studio? I think it will make her day if she comes back and the house is all festive.'

Jay nods, 'I could call the other two, four sets of hands are better than two. Plus they love y/n and will understand. You're a good fiancé, Mr Goodwin.'

It looked like we had a plan. If we could rope Zak and Billy in the decorations would get put up quicker. y/n was going to have the best surprise when she walked through that door.

Y/N

You got a message from Aaron just after the second light had been fixed, normally it would have taken a week to get replacements but you got things done when you were in a mood. Aaron's text lightened your mood.

AARON: We got back safe; Jay thanks you for the food. Hope you get the lights fixed and I can't wait to see you tonight. Four weeks is a long time and I have a surprise for you xxx

You wondered what the surprise could be as you finished a few things around your office. Usually, you hated surprises when people did them to you and Aaron knew this, but in the six years, you'd been together his surprises were the best.

Y/N: I'm heading back now so I should see you in half an hour if the traffic is good x

Aaron didn't reply and you thought nothing of it as you locked up the building and got into your car. You were surprised that Aaron hadn't bought up the lack of Christmas decorations; maybe he was being nice knowing you weren't in the best of moods. You were just happy that you had him back.

SKIP CAR RIDE

Pulling into your drive you did a double-take upon seeing Christmas lights lit up on the front of your house, you didn't remember putting them up. Had Aaron done this? Was this his surprise? He should have been resting after the investigations and not putting up decorations.

Before you could unlock the front door it opened revealing a smiling Aaron. He engulfed you in a hug and all your worries vanished, 'God I've missed you y/n.'

'I've missed you more Aaron. Did you put the lights up? You should be resting,' you fake scold.

He pulled back and grinned and only then did you notice he had a blindfold in one hand. You didn't question him as he turned you around and tied it around your head.

'That's only part of your surprise babe, I and my little elves did something else for you.'

He took your hand and led you into the house. It wasn't that long of a walk before he stopped you and told you to take the blindfold off. You took off the blindfold and gasped at the beautiful sight in front of you, Christmas had puked all over the lounge and hallway. The tree was decorated and lit up, stockings hung above the fireplace and tinsel-covered everywhere else. All the little decorations you'd gathered were placed around the room. You felt tears come to your eyes; this was the best surprise you could have ever asked for.

'It's beautiful Aaron; you didn't need to do this. This must have taken you a long time.'

He shrugged his shoulders, 'I had three little helpers who all agreed that you've been worked off your feet and deserved a nice surprise. Look up.'

You glance up and laugh upon seeing mistletoe hung above you, it was very well placed, 'I'd be a bit of a scrooge if I didn't kiss you, Aaron.'

'Jay is crashing at Billy's so we have the house to ourselves tonight. So we can do more than a kiss under the mistletoe,' he says, wiggling his eyebrows.

You smiled and wrapped your arms around his shoulders before standing on your tiptoes and kissed him. He smiled against your lips and picked you up around the waist before deepening the kiss. You had your fiancé back for Christmas and it finally looked like things were getting better. This was going to be the best Christmas yet.

[justkeeponsimming]

It seems like love is really in the air tonight, as the final night of the song plays in the bar. It’s the middle of the night, far too late for Cara to be up, but one night out of her normal routine should be fine. Right now, she’s curled up on her Aunt Mila’s lap, sound asleep. Zeta and Esme know that they need to get her home soon.

Zeta: “One last dance before we head home?”

Esme: “Absolutely! Mila, are you okay with Cara?”

Esme’s big sister waves her off towards the dance floor. It really warms her heart to see Mila snuggle Esme’s daughter, enjoying cuddles with her niece. She turns back to Zeta, grabbing her hand and joining the other couples slow dancing on the dance floor. 

Esme: “My parents have been singing your praises, Zee. They love you almost as much as Cara and I do.”

Zeta sighs happily as she tugs Esme closer. The warmth and safety makes Esme start to glow a faint, soft pink. The love she has for her fiancée and family is so strong that it shines from the inside out. 

Esme notices her brother, Dilan, and his wife, Lydia, sneak off the dance floor mid-song. She doesn’t want to know where they’re going, perhaps to find their daughter, Willow, to take her home with them. 

As the song finishes, Zeta pulls Esme into a passionate kiss. Many other couples follow, including Mila and Zak, Auden and Verge and Lydia and Dilan. Each Quick sibling is so happy with their spouse and looking forward to having another family member join them! 

[acesofspadess]

New Roads

Pt.3 of All Roads Lead Here

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3

a/n: the last, but certainly not least... another long one, comment down below if you liked this sub series or if you just like the AG5 universe in general

warnings: none??

summary: hungover, then drunk again, proposed, then proposed too again.... and her birthday....

The night was a blur of celebration, laughter, and champagne-soaked madness. After the Constructors’ Championship win and Lando’s unexpected proposal that left Ace in tears of joy, the McLaren team was whisked away to Bahrain by none other than the crown-prince himself.

 By the time they landed, the group was already buzzing with excitement, though the real party was just beginning. The DJ was already spinning a mix of bass-heavy tracks that shook the room. It was exactly the kind of place you’d celebrate the double victory of a lifetime.

Ace and Lando, now officially engaged, were inseparable on the dance floor. Ace had ditched her racing overalls for a simple dress she always packs for emergencies like this, while Lando stuck to his signature outfit—a half buttoned linen shirt and some jeans. They twirled, laughed, and occasionally stopped to kiss amidst the crowd. The McLaren team surrounded them, equally swept up in the joy, raising glasses and shouting over the music about how this was “the best damn night of their lives.”

“Here’s to Ace, the comeback queen!” Zak Brown bellowed, lifting a glass of whiskey high.

“And to Lando, the fastest fiancé in the paddock!” someone else shouted, prompting raucous laughter and cheers.

Rounds of shots appeared like magic, and soon the entire group was letting loose, throwing inhibitions to the wind. Champagne bottles popped like fireworks, the golden fizz showering everyone in proximity. Lando and Ace took turns pouring champagne into each other’s mouths, their grins so wide they could barely drink properly.

The prince, gracious and clearly thrilled to host the victorious team, had ordered an endless supply of drinks and food. Ace found herself sipping on an exotic cocktail—something blue and impossibly sweet—while Lando goaded her into joining him on a makeshift karaoke stage. Together, they belted out an off-key duet of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” with their team roaring in approval.

At some point, they stumbled back to the dance floor, where the night turned into a haze of bright lights and uncontainable joy. Ace, with a tiara someone had randomly placed on her head, clinked glasses with her mechanics, “Are we drunk yet?” Ace teased, leaning against Lando as they swayed to the music.

“Not even close,” he shot back with a laugh, his arm securely around her waist. “But don’t worry, we’ve got all night.”

They did not have all night. They had until the morning when they had to fly back, very drunk. They stumbled into their hotel room barely getting their clothes off before they were in the bed and sleeping heavily cuddled into each other.

Ace woke up to her phone buzzing relentlessly. “Happy birthday fiancé.” She lifted her head from Lando’s side to look up at him already on his phone. “I could get used to that name.” She smiled sleepily. “Don’t, I plan on making it ‘wife’ soon.” He said smugly. Ace rolled her eyes with a small chuckle before rolling over him to get to her phone.

She looked at the time first, it was already 1 in the afternoon. “We’ve slept so late.” She gasped. Her bottom which was over Lando’s lap was now exposed to him which he took advantage of.

“Yeah, but dinner isn’t until 8.” He said now using his hands to play the drums on her bottom. Ace was entirely used to it though. “Yes, and for that I thank you.” She said kissing his arm as it was the only thing she could reach. 

She opened some text first, from her friends and family:

Maman: Joyeux anniversaire chérie, je suis tellement honorée d'être appelée ta maman. Tu es devenue une belle jeune femme. Je t'aime chérie. (Happy birthday darling, I am so honored to be called your mom. You have become a beautiful young woman. I love you darling.)

Charlie: À ma meilleure amie et petite sœur. Joyeux anniversaire petite étoile, je savais quand maman est entrée dans le salon de coiffure et t'a donné à Enzo que nous serions coincés avec toi quoi qu'il arrive. Je savais qu'à partir du moment où tu t'asseyais sur les genoux de Jules, tu suivrais ses traces. Il serait si fier de jusqu'où tu es venu. Je suis si heureuse d'être dans ta vie pour une autre année. Je t'aime petite étoile, ne sois pas en retard pour ton propre dîner s'il te plaît. (To my best friend and little sister. Happy birthday little star, I knew when mommy walked into the hair salon and gave you to Enzo that we would be stuck with you no matter what. I knew that from the moment you sat on Jules' lap, you would follow in his footsteps. He would be so proud of how far you've come. I'm so happy to be in your life for another year. I love you little star, don't be late for your own dinner please.) 

Max: Happy Birthday Frenchie. (I’m monegasque not french, you’ll say) You were a menace in Renault and you haven’t changed one bit. It’s odd thinking I knew you and Lando before you two even met, now you’re engaged 🤢. You know I love you, and I’m proud to see how far you’ve come since 2018. You deserve it all.

Alex: Joyeux anniversaire à mon partenaire criminel! 🎉 nous avons traversé une année folle, des petits sourires à l'abandon de Charles et Lando l'un pour l'autre et maintenant vous êtes ENGAGÉS (!!!). Je suis tellement fière de la personne incroyable que tu es devenue, même si tu seras toujours la fille qui vole mes croissants et qui appelle ça "partager". Voici pour vous célébrez aujourd'hui : votre gentillesse, votre feu et tout ce qui fait de vous, vous. Je t'aime pour toujours, ma meilleure amie. 💕 Now go make Lando spoil you like crazy! See you later for cake and champagne. 🍾❤️ (Happy birthday to my partner in crime! 🎉 we've been through a crazy year, from little smiles to abandoning Charles and Lando for each other and now you're ENGAGED (!!!). I'm so proud of the incredible person you've become, even though you'll always be the girl who steals my croissants and calls it "sharing." Here's to celebrating you today: your kindness, your fire, and everything that makes you, you. I love you forever, my best friend. 💕)

Kelly: Happy Birthday, Ace! 💖✨ You are truly one of a kind. Watching you grow over the years has been such a joy—from the little firecracker cheering on Charles and Max, to the unstoppable woman and soon-to-be Mrs. Norris! We are so lucky to have you in our lives. P adores her Aunt Acey, and I can’t wait for you to meet her baby brother or sister soon—you’re going to be the most amazing godmother. Today is all about YOU, so soak up the love and celebration. You deserve the absolute world. Love you, gorgeous! 😘💐

Lily: Happy Birthday, Ace! 🥳💛 The queen of the track, and absolute sunshine to everyone who knows you. I hope you know how loved you are today—and always. You’ve been a badass both on and off the track this year, and watching you crush it has been amazing. Let’s make tonight one to remember (or maybe forget, depending on how much champagne we drink 😂). Wishing you the most magical day, babe! Big hugs and see you soon. 😘

Kika: Happy Birthday, Ace! 🎂💜 What a year you’ve had—championship winner, and you said yes to the man who adores you! I hope today is filled with as much love and excitement as you bring to everyone around you. I still can’t believe we all kept the proposal a secret—honestly, it was SO hard! 😂 But seeing your face last night was everything. Let’s make today just as unforgettable. Can’t wait to celebrate you properly—don’t worry, I’ve got the champagne ready. Love you, babe! Cheers to another incredible year ahead. 🥂❤️

Rebecca: Happy Birthday, Ace! 🎉❤️ The most fierce, kind, and absolutely hilarious person I know. You’ve been the glue that holds this group together, and I feel so lucky to call you my friend. And let’s be real—you deserve a weeklong celebration after this year! Lando’s proposal was the cherry on top of what’s already been a legendary season for you. Carlos and I are beyond excited for what’s ahead. Love you so much, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🥂😘

Pierre: Joyeux anniversaire, Ace ! 🎉 Honnêtement, je n’arrive pas à croire que tu as un an de plus. J'ai encore l'impression qu'hier tu volais mes collations dans l'enclos et que tu agis comme si l'endroit t'appartenait. Oh attends, tu fais toujours ça. 😏 Mais sérieusement, tu es comme la petite sœur agaçante que je n'ai jamais demandée mais que j'ai quand même fini par aimer. Vous voir écraser la F1 cette année a été irréel : vainqueur du championnat et fiancée de Lando ?! Ne laissez pas cela vous monter à la tête, ou je commencerai à vous appeler Mme. Norris juste pour t'ennuyer. J'ai hâte de fêter ça ce soir : les boissons sont sur Lando, non ? Je t'aime, soeurette. Faisons la fête ! 🍾😂 (Happy Birthday, Ace! 🎉 I honestly can’t believe you’re a year older. It still feels like yesterday you were stealing my snacks from the pen and acting like you owned the place. Oh wait, you still do that. 😏 But seriously, you're like the annoying little sister I never asked for but ended up loving anyway. Watching you crush F1 this year has been unreal: championship winner and Lando's fiancée?! Don't let this go to your head, or I'll start calling you Mrs. Norris just to annoy you. I can't wait to celebrate tonight: the drinks are on Lando, right? I love you, sis. Let's party! 🍾😂)

🦁: LIttle Lion, I’m been trying to come up with words to send to you today, but that’s mainly because I’m hungover. Watching you grow up for so many years has been a pleasure. You are right where you belong, the best of the best. Knowing you has been a journey, whether a fun one I’m still figuring out. I love you little Lion. I’ll have more words when i’m no longer hungover 😊

Danny Avocado: Ace of Spades!!!! Happy Birthday little one. I’ve been watching you grow these past two years and damn, you are good.  You deserve everything that has happened to you, and you deserve everything that’s coming next. I’ll see for sure in March, but until then. I miss you and am so proud of you. 

Lewis: Happy Birthday, little sis! 🎉 Ace, you’ve had one hell of a year—championship winner, newly engaged, and still the most stylish woman in the paddock. You’ve grown so much, and watching you conquer the world while staying true to yourself has been incredible. I’ll never forget all the laughs, flights, and deep talks we've shared. You know I’ve always got your back—whether it’s on the track, on the runway, or when the world gets too heavy. Love you, Ace. Here’s to celebrating you properly tonight—leave some champagne for the rest of us, yeah? ❤️

Martin: Happy Birthday Ace! Playing your favourite songs tonight just for you!

Franco: Happy Birthday paddock mom! Thank you for taking me in these past few months. Hopefully we’ll race together soon!

My sons: Ollie- Hi mum! We love you! Happy Birthday! Kimi: Happy Birthday! We will still need handling next season 🥰

Ace was crying softly in Lando’s arms by the end of it. “You’re so loved baby.” He said, rubbing her back. “I need tea, I’m too hungover to be this emotional.” She laughed at herself. Lando chuckled at her, shaking his head. “I shall spoil you to your heart's content.” He said before standing up with her in his arms. Ace laughed as he was dramatic with steps, almost as if he were slow dancing. 

“You’re an idiot.” She laughed as he sat her down on the kitchen counter. “You’re idiot.” He tilted his head at her. “Whatever.” She shook her head at him as he set the kettle. “Did you want to do anything before tonight?” He asked, stepping between her legs and rubbing her thighs.

“Just be with my fiancé.” She said holding his waist. “You never told me if you liked the ring.” He said taking her left hand from his waist and thumbing at the ring. It was a ‘toi et moi’ ring with two pear shaped diamonds. “Lando,” she said breathlessly. “I love it.” She said with sincerity in her voice. “You’re not just saying that?” He assured making her smile as she shook her head. “No Lan, I really love it. I really love you.” She said moving her hand to hold his cheek. He nuzzled into her hand, eyes closed and a dopey smile on his face. “I love you.” He told her softly. She pulled his face down to her and pressed her lips to his.

He hummed in slight shock but let his hands slide up her thighs and to her hips pulling her into him. Ace could feel him through his sweatpants, she knew he wasn’t wearing anything under them. She dipped her fingers into his waistband and pulled away from her. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.” He warned.

‘Finishing has never been a problem.” She replied back. He licked his lips with a cheeky smile. “I’m aware of that fact. But you know what else I'm aware of?” He asked, biting at her neck. “What?” She said softly. “The fact that we won’t make it anywhere tonight the moment I’m inside you, you’ll beg me not to stop, and you know I won’t.” His hand was tilting her head up exposing her neck.

“Up or down?” He asked. “Down.” She answered before gasping at Lando biting and sucking at the side of her neck. “Lan…” She squeezed his waist, trailing her fingers up his exposed abs. The beep of the kettle rang through the steamy aura in the kitchen.

“Figure out what you want to do today?” He asked again. “Yeah.” She nodded. He raised an eye brow at her. “Get you a ring.” He scoffed out a laugh. “After all of that, that’s what you want to do?”

“No one can see these, so yes.” She said tapping his abs. He looked down and saw that she had lightly scratched ‘A’s’ over his front. “Fuck that’s hot.” He groaned. “Tea time.”

Instead of going to the mall, where they knew it would be crowded, they decided to wait until they were back in Monaco on Wednesday to get it. They decided to nurse the hangovers they had by watching a christmas movie in the free time they had.

Every so often one of them would get a call from friends or family congratulating them on the engagement or wishing Ace a happy birthday. 

Ace gave herself extra time to get ready for the Lando factor. The Lando factor was Lando stopping her any time he thought she looked so gorgeous he couldn’t physically help himself from kissing her– or so he says.

She put on her dress, the white one that Alexandra and Rebecca had convinced her to get and there was Lando, arms around her waist and tongue in her mouth.

She had just finished diffusing her curls, shaking them out, so they could fall naturally. There was Lando, hands around her neck, and kissing her lips swollen.

He tried again after she had just put her makeup on and she denied it. “I’ve just put my makeup on amour.” She tried. “Just one.” He asked with a doe look in his eyes. Ace couldn’t say no even if she tried. “One.” She compromised. He smiled so hard his eyes closed and she giggled. She pecked his lips but he grabbed her thighs lifting her up and carrying her to the bed. “Lando no!” She laughed.

He tossed her down lightly and continued kissing her. “Lando yes.” She hummed into his mouth thoroughly happy. “But we have to go now.” She said tugging at his hair in pulses. “Keep doing that and we won’t.”

“Let's go, you slut.”  She teased making him giggle at her.

The warm glow of candlelight flickered across the elegant outdoor setting in Dubai, the private dining space bustling with the laughter and chatter of friends. A long table stretched out under the night sky, its surface adorned with fresh flowers, golden accents, and glowing lanterns that cast a soft light over the scene. The Burj Khalifa stood proudly in the distance, illuminated against the night like a quiet guardian of the evening’s festivities.

Ace glanced around the gathering, still trying to process how this incredible evening had come together without her lifting a finger. She wore the sleek satin gown Rebecca and Alex bought with her, its bell sleeves catching the light beautifully. It was understated and timeless—just like her. As everyone settled into their seats, she turned to Lando, who was mid-conversation with Max and Charles, laughing about a particularly chaotic moment from the race the day before.

“Did you really plan all of this?” Ace whispered, leaning closer to him.

Lando grinned, his eyes sparkling. “Well, I had some help, but yeah. You deserve it all. Every bit of it.”

Ace’s heart swelled. Despite his easy going demeanor, she knew how much thought Lando had put into tonight. Even if he’d already proposed in the most spontaneous, heartfelt way after their win in Abu Dhabi, tonight felt like a continuation—a celebration of all they were and all they were becoming.

Nearby, P sat on Max’s lap, clutching a tiny bouquet of flowers she had insisted on giving Ace the moment she arrived. “Do you think Acey is a princess now, Maxie?” she asked innocently, her big eyes darting between Max and Ace.

Max chuckled, smoothing down her braids. “She’s been a princess for a long time, P. But maybe tonight, she’s a queen.”

Ace overheard and smiled full of emotion, mouthing a silent ‘thank you’ to Max as P beamed proudly.

The evening carried on with a relaxed rhythm. As courses of food were served, the group fell into their usual dynamic—jokes flying between Pierre and Charles, Kika and Kelly teasing Rebecca over her insistence that Carlos had become a “food snob,” and Lily swapping stories with Ace about the chaos of race weekends as a wag. The atmosphere was vibrant but intimate, the kind of gathering that felt like family.

Midway through dinner, Lando gently tapped Ace on the arm. She turned to him, her fork paused mid-air. “Can I have this back for two minutes?” he asked, gesturing to the ring on her finger.

Ace frowned in confusion but slid the ring off, handing it to him with a curious look. “What are you—”

“Just trust me,” he interrupted softly, his voice carrying a warmth that sent a ripple of excitement through her.

Lando stood, the soft hum of conversation fading as everyone turned to look at him. He took Ace’s hand, gently pulling her to her feet. She followed, her heart racing as he led her a few steps away from the table, where the city lights stretched out endlessly behind them.

“I know I already proposed yesterday,” Lando began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “And that moment was everything I ever wanted. But this—this is what I had in mind when I started planning. I wanted to do it right, to say the words I’ve been holding in since the day I realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Ace’s eyes widened, her free hand coming up to cover her mouth. The table had gone completely silent, every pair of eyes locked on the couple.

“Ace,” Lando continued, his thumb brushing over the ring in his hand. “You’ve been my biggest cheerleader, my partner, my calm in the chaos. From the moment you stepped into my world, you turned everything upside down in the best way. I’ve never met someone who challenges me, inspires me, and loves me the way you do. And through every lap, every lifetime, I want it to be you.”

Tears streamed down Ace’s cheeks as Lando dropped to one knee, holding the ring up to her. “Will you marry me, again?”

She nodded, barely able to speak through her tears. “Yes, of course, yes!”

The table erupted in cheers as Lando slid the ring back onto her finger, pulling her into a tight embrace. The words engraved inside the band—through every lap, every lifetime—glimmered in the candlelight, a quiet promise between them. 

Once the moment settled, Ace found herself swarmed by the girls. Kika grabbed her hand to examine the ring more closely. “Oh my gosh, it’s perfect. And the engraving—Lando really thought of everything.”

“He’s setting the bar way too high for the rest of us,” Rebecca joked, nudging Carlos with a grin.

Kelly, her hand resting on her baby bump, leaned in with a smile. “P is going to be so excited to tell everyone her ‘fairy godmother’ is getting married. And let’s be honest, so am I.”

Ace laughed, her heart full as she held out her hand for them to admire. Even Lily, who was usually the calmest of the group, squealed in delight. “I knew he’d nail it. Lando doesn’t do things halfway.”

The boys eventually drifted over, unable to resist the commotion. Charles playfully shoved Pierre aside to get a better look at the ring. “Let me see what we’re all crying about.”

“You mean what you’ll have to match someday?” Pierre shot back, earning a groan from Charles.

Max, who had been holding P again, smiled softly. “I have to admit, it’s a pretty great proposal. But we all knew Lando had it in him.”

Back at the table, Carlos stood and raised his glass, calling for everyone’s attention. “I’m not much of a speech guy,” he began, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness. “But tonight deserves one. I still remember the day Lando texted me about Ace. It wasn’t anything big—just something like, ‘I think I’ve met someone who gets me.’ And from there, I’ve had the privilege of watching you two grow into something so real and beautiful.”

Carlos glanced at Ace, his smile softening. “I’ll admit, I wasn’t Ace’s biggest fan at first. On track, we were rivals, and I let that get in the way of seeing how incredible she is off-track. But once I did… well, I get it now. I was also the first person you two told about your relationship, and I’ll always be proud of that. Lando and Ace, you’re proof that love and partnership can be as strong as any championship. To Ace and Lando!”

“To Ace and Lando!” everyone echoed, raising their glasses.

Dessert arrived shortly after—a stunning cake adorned with fresh flowers and candles. P clapped her hands excitedly as everyone began to sing “Happy Birthday” to Ace. Lando slid his arm around her waist as the area filled with joyful voices.

When the song ended, Ace leaned forward, blowing out the candles as everyone cheered. P gasped, her little hands flying to her face. “Did you make a wish, Acey?!”

Ace smiled, her cheeks warm. “I didn’t need to. Everything I could ever wish for is already here.”

Lando kissed her temple before cutting into the cake with her. As dessert was passed around, the conversation shifted to winter break plans.

“So, what’s next for you two?” Charles asked, fork in hand.

“Skiing,” Lando replied. “Ace has been talking about getting back on the slopes for months. Figured it’d be a good way to spend the holidays.”

“And the wedding?” Kelly asked, her eyes alight with curiosity.

Ace exchanged a look with Lando before answering. “We haven’t talked about much of it yet, but we’re thinking summer. Something warm, outdoors, maybe in Monaco, use the break as a honeymoon.”

“That’s going to be stunning,” Rebecca said with a dreamy sigh. “A summer wedding by the sea… I can already see the pictures.”

Ace laughed, taking a bite of her cake. “We’ll figure it out. Right now, I’m just trying to soak this all in.”

The night stretched on, full of laughter, toasts, and the kind of moments that turn into cherished memories. The stars above seemed to shine a little brighter, as if celebrating the love that had brought everyone together in this magical place.

"Better drink some tea or coffee." Max said draping his arms around the couple. "Why?" Lando asked into his drink, which Max took from him. "Because you both have testing tomorrow."

"Fuck."

landonorris posted a video

‘good morning it’s sunday and I wanted to film this for me and Ace and maybe you guys should we decide it, but I’m going to propose to Ace tomorrow night at her birthday, and today is a big day, but I just wanted to film our last moments before we’re engaged.

Then the scene cut off and Lando was grinning with a tired, hungover smile panning down to Ace's hand interlaced with his, her ring on broad display and head on his shoulder. “Plans changed.” She whispered kissing his jaw.

liked by carlossainz55 and others

landonorris every lap, every lifetime

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acegiovanelli my forever lover

landonorris my lover forever

user31 this is so Ace and Lando coded

user33 i love them

user36 this is so cute i can't

carlossainz55 This makes sense coming from you two, congratulations again!

maxverstappen1 Congrats again you guys!

charles_leclerc Thank you for making my sister happy, congratulations!

pierregasly Congratulations! Can’t wait for the wedding

acegiovanelli posted

liked by alexandrasaintmluex and others

acegiovanelli maman, i found who love is

view comments

landonorris love found me first

acegiovanelli it’s impossible to not love you more every second of every day

user53 the standard all women should have

user56 this caption is going to make me cry

alexandrasaintmluex congratulations amour!

iamrebeccad so happy for you! congratulations!

lilymhe so special to be apart of! Love you and congratulations!

kellypiquet so excited to see what married life is for you both! Love you so much!

maxverstappen1 posted

liked by landonorris and others

maxvertsappen1 my little lion isn’t so little anymore. Congratulations AJ, the moment Lando asked me if he could marry you, I knew you had found your person. 

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user12 lando asked max 🥺

charles_leclerc he asked all of us that grew up with her, or were very important, even pierre

user15 i’m actually crying

acegiovanelli love you lion, will always be your little lion,

landonorris thank you for trusting me with her

charles_leclerc and 3 others

liked by pierregasly and others

charles_leclerc Arthur, Lorenzo and I were blessed with Ace at such a young age, and we wouldn’t change it for the world. Then Pierre also got stuck with her. Nous t'aimons petite étoile.

view comments

arthur_leclerc couldn’t be prouder

pierregasly sister I never asked for, but one I love with everything

acegiovanelli i love my brothers so much 🥺

lorenzotl we love you êtoile

user162 ace and lando are so loved

maxfewtrell posted

liked by landonorris and others

maxfewtrell I knew them both before they knew each other, I feel like I can say I made this happen

View comments

user76 max😭😭

landonorris but you never introduced us….

acegiovanelli ever….

maxfewtrell don’t gang up on me just because you’re getting married

user78 😂😂😂

user73 I live for this trio

•••

taglist: @unlikelystay

[ozzyonedge]

Debris S01E09: Do You Know Icarus?

So.... That was the Fringiest episode yet.

1) A guy accidentally erases his twin sister from existence. Just like Peter Bishop was at the final episode of season 3 and through the first 4 episodes of season 4...

2) Guy tries to jump back in time to reset the reality and bring his sister back. Much like Alistair Peck trying to save his fiancée at Fringe S02E18: White Tulip.

3) Turns out those jumps are destroying the universe, much like Walter opening the portal to the Redverse to save Peter... And he doesn’t seem to care as he would do everything to save his sister, just like Walter would for Peter.

4) Images from alternate realities leak into this reality. Much like what Olivia saw on Fringe S01E19: The Road Not Taken, and to the old lady in Fringe S03E14: 6B.

Also, on this episode, there are many actors that were actually on Fringe.

Zak Santiago, who plays Gary Garcia, was Cecil, the man stuck inside the pocket universe in Fringe S05E06: Through the Looking Glass and What Walter Found there.

Keenan Tracy, who plays Shelby, played the role of Nate, in Fringe S03E21: The Last Sam Weiss.

Byron Noble, who plays Niels, was Jackie Bermudez in Fringe S03E11: Reciprocity. 

Adrian Neblett, who plays Vincent, was a cab driver in Fringe S04E18: The Consultant. 

Jennifer Mawhinney, who plays Maddox assistant, was an EMT in Fringe S03E04: Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?

[wilhellmine]

#13DaysofGA - Zaaron - Christmas Eve

Wooohooo, here is my little something to participate in the 13DaysofGA!

Be ready for some Zaaron cheer! EEEEEEYYYYYYY!!! OOOOOH!!! EEEEY! OH! Well... XD

I strongly recommend to listen to LVNDVNs “Dragon” as a soundtrack ;-)

----

Theme: 4) Christmas lights at night... or maybe 10) Naughty or nice?

The door bell rang for a long time.

Zaks headache couldnt take it.

And then again. Someone rang the bell at his door.

"What the fuck? Its freaking Christmas eve, who the hell would..." mumbled Zak while walking to the door. When he opened them, he was actually surprised who paid a visit to his house on this dark, windy and chill December night. "Im here for the usual Christmas dinner," explained Aaron why his tall and, now, compared to his younger self, so thin figure is what Zak saw when he opened the door. "What dinner, bro, what are you talking about?" "The one we used to have every year... as a crew, with our families together..." Aaron was looking confused. "Oh man... yeah... well... Im not hosting it this year, you know? I... I thought Billy or Jay told you." "Yeah, they did, but I thought its a joke," shrugged Aaron his shoulders.

Zak was tired. He just wanted to get into the bed, curl into a ball and maybe even leave a few tears to escape his eyes and make their way to the pillow, thinking how the fuck old he is and how the fuck alone he feels without having someone to cuddle to, before he fells asleep.

"Aaron... Why... why arent you at home? With your... fiancée?" "Because... On Christmas eve, Im always here. With you. And the guys." "Aaron, again, no ones coming, you get it?" "Then... wheres your mother?" "My mom? Dude, for the last time, there is no party tonight. You get it? Even my mom is at home, probably already asleep, which I would like to be too, so... you should go home." "And what am I gonna do with these then?" Aaron pulled his hand from behind his back, showing Zak a bouquet of flowers. "Well, you take them!"

Tiger Lilies...

"What am I gonna do with flowers?" "I dont know, but Im not gonna take these all the way home." "Why not? Victoria would definitely love them. They are... beautiful." "No, you take them."

Where did he got Tiger Lilies in the middle of winter?

"You like them, you take them."

The both went awkwardly silent, Zak staring at the bouquet, that, who knows how, ended in his hands, Aaron scratching his head and shifting from one foot to another.

"Come in, you ass," growled Zak. Aaron smiled brightly and followed Zak inside to the dark house. Aaron took off his coat and then his hoodie. Zak didnt even bother to turn on the lights, the fireplace and the colorfully lit small christmas tree in the corner were enough for him.

"Im sorry, Ive got a little headache, so... I like when its darker around me..." "Its okay," said Aaron silently. "Im used to darkness." "Yeah..." "So? No party tonight?" "No, man," sighed Zak. "I didnt want to see... I mean... You all have your families... like, girlfriends... The only woman visit me for celebrating Christmas with me is my mom. So why are you here, Aaron? Why arent you with your girl? Or, if you thought that Im joking, why didnt you take her with you to celebrate with the whole crew?" "You know why I came. Im always with you on Christmas eve. And I wont change that tradition." "But Victoria..." "Gosh, Zak! You know what I am and I felt so bad about what Im feeling and she offered me this fake relationship thing so that you..." "What?" slipped from Zaks mouth. Aarons face was covered with shadows, but his eyes were sparkling with fire. "What do you mean? What fake relationship? And what does it have to do with me?" "Forget that. I should go." "No! I want an explanation!" shouted Zak while grabbing Aarons arm, holding him close firmly, so he wont escape. "Zak... dont pretend like you dont know." "About what?"

The wind outside changed to a storm. The christmas tree lights blinked and turned off. The only light in the living room was now the fire, who wasnt burning anymore, just a few glowing embers were slowly dying in the ashes. The two men were surrounded by darkness.

Aaron took another step closer.

"Dont play stupid. I like you. A lot."

Aarons voice almost sounded like a wolf snarl. Zak could feel chills all over his body.

The christmas lights flickered again. Zak almost jumped out of his skin, when the radio turned on by itself.

"And now we are gonna play a song for all of those who would love to spend their Christmas with someone they are longing for, but they cant..." spoke the, in Aarons opinion, "too-happy" voice from the radio and Zak realized that his hands are now grasping Aarons shoulders. "Its ok, its just the radio... the electricity is working again... sometimes it turns on some items, if you dont unplug them before they shut the power off and then on again," explained Aaron. "Seems like were going to have a party in the end, dont we?"

Aaron embraced Zak around his waist, swaying with him to the slow rhythm of the song that begun to play.

All of the pressure Makes you drift and wander If all the paths we've paved Love remains true And gravity ain't the one to blame You should know Where I wanna be Who I wanna see...

"If you like me... then fucking prove it."

Let's not beat around that bush Lets not feed the fairy tales Here it in the way way way...

Aaron kissed Zak gently, tightening his hold around him.

You wanna believe that I'm down with ya I'm down with ya Imma help you see that I'm down with ya Yea im down with ya...

"Do more," whispered Zak. "Make me believe you." "Careful how you approach me, I might..."

Aaron pulled Zak down on the couch, kissing his neck, biting on the flesh, leaving wet, burning marks all over Zaks fragile, porcelain white skin.

"More," breathed Zak into Aarons ear.

Aarons hand found its way under Zaks tshirt, travelling with fingertips over Zaks collarbone and then down to the belt of his pants.

"You dont know what you wish for..." "Prove it to me. I need to know that you want me as much as I want you... Do it finally..."

Zaks thoughts are hazed, and hes feeling lightheaded, Aarons eyes still connected with his, a soft moan escapes his lips, as Aaron touches him, his hand almost rough on the sensitive spot, but Zak enjoys it, he loves it oh so much, and he allows himself to think that this Christmas could maybe be the best he ever had, as Aaron silences his now loud moans with kisses.

Give that feeling to you oh yea...