#things alex rider would probably say

[jenna-louise-jamie]

anytime i have a bank appointment my day is automatically ruined

[justsomerandomweirdo]

so i was going to write this in the tags but i've ended up cackling over my own bullshit because this is absolutely fucking ridiculous and there's way too much to just leave in the tags or a reply so sorry for the long post but here we go

first things first: i have only ever published one fanfic on ao3, so if we're only counting published fics then yeah sure 'untitled' i know what that one is it's the dumb jasico thing i wrote in like 2015-2016 which was like five sentences long or smth, the answer is yes

if we're counting the APPARENTLY OVER A THOUSAND unfinished unpublished word documents currently languishing in my 'Fanfics and shit' folder, the answer is a resounding No The Fuck I Would Not

holy shit there's so much going on here

so I've gotten slightly better at titling fics since the days when i would just call things 'bleh', 'oop de doop', 'wtf' or 'wtf au the fuckening pt 3', and now actually call these word documents (which will at best hold my attention for about three days and more commonly less than a single day bc i can never fucking stay focused on anything long enough to finish it) things like 'archivist sasha is good though', 'no eliot then' or 'sighs in self insert'

naturally those are still pretty vague so there's still enough confusion that i have to keep them in specific folders and sort by date modified rather than alphabetically, so i can see what fic came before 'that but more elusive' or 'that but Wit earlier and less assassining' or 'more spy though' or 'more nervous though' or... yeah

but at least i have the folders organised, you say! ahahahahahaha, no, no i do not have the folders organised. these folders are a mess of fics organised vaguely by vibes and fandoms, not helped by the fact that the majority of them are crossover fics for fandoms with very different vibes

for instance: where are the Alex Rider fanfics? yeah that's a very good question let me check. okay so the non-crossover fics are in the surprisingly helpfully named 'alex frickin rider then' folder, which lives in the 'dumb thing' folder inside the 'boop' folder. The 'boop' folder is actually for Foxhole Court fics - or no, it's specifically for crossover fics where Zuko from Avatar the Last Airbender joins the Palmetto State Foxes, there was another barely-used folder for non-crossover aftg fics which i think just has in it like an au where Neil was a Raven or some shit, but I was simultaneously hyperfixated on Zuko and aftg for like quite a while so there's uh. Like well over two hundred attempts to figure out how putting Zuko on this terrible fucking sports team would go. Anyways, back on task, the 'dumb thing' folder was like few OC (really SI) type things bc i decided i had made my boy zuko suffer enough (and i should suffer instead), and the alex rider folder got put in there bc vibes. it makes sense in my brain i swear

anyways so where do the alex rider crossover fics go? good question, i think i know most of them but let me check! so the aftg crossovers are in the 'back to exy' folder in the 'alex frickin rider then' folder, there's a single really dumb hp crossover idea in a different subfolder called 'aaargh' about Julia Rothman having a magical child which will never see the light of day so long as jkr remains on her bigoted bullshit, and then we have to leave the boop folder entirely to search out the remainder. oh lmao i forgot what was in that 'sigh' folder hey i just found a foxhole court/mistborn crossover idea that literally only exists bc i thought of the sentence 'Ash fell from the end of Neil's cigarette' like hot damn that references the opening lines of both books if only i had a story to go with it, wait what was i doing oh yeah alex rider fics... okay so i think all of the rest of them are leverage crossovers and uh. so uh. so okay all the leverage fics live in the 'why' folder i think, except for that one crossover i just found in the 'leverage' folder at the bottom of the 'this now' folder which is for pjo fics, and the 'why' folder isn't actually for leverage it's for mistborn, but its where the leverage fics live in another 'leverage' subfolder bc heist vibes, except that subfolder is actually for mistborn/leverage crossovers and there's a 'modern' folder in that which is where the regular leverage stuff goes, except that's only got like two things in bc why have regular leverage when you can have 'eliot worked for scorpia before moreau' leverage, like seriously you know that bit in that warehouse scene where eliot shoots the guy behind him without even looking yeah now think about that bit in the stormbreaker film where yassen shoots that guy behind him without even looking you can't unthink it just accept Scorpia!Eliot into your hearts. so yeah there's an 'alex rider crossover then' folder in that - oh lmao there's another 'exy' folder in here the aftg fics are everywhere, but like jean moreau should clearly definitely be related to damien moreau that's just common sense and if we assume stormbreaker does in fact take place in 2001 then alex is the right age to join the foxes around 2005-2006 either the same year as neil or one before and you can actually do a fun thing with The Inside Job if you say that Wakefields actually used to be called something else before a merger with Greenfields, that evil gm wheat company from Crocodile Tears, so alex could be... (i continue infodumping about this nonexistent three-way-crossover, and a camera slowly zooms out to show me sitting alone at the center of the venn diagram of aftg fans, alex rider fans and leverage fans. a tumbleweed blows past)

anyways i think the best organised folder is probably the 'spoopy' folder which is for magnus archives stuff, im pretty sure no tma stuff has actually found its way outside that, though there are more crossovers inside naturally. there's a 'pjo crossover nonsense now' folder which is reasonably self explanatory, most of the barely-started fics in there assume Jonah Magnus is a son of Athena trying to escape death by creating his own new pantheon, then there's a 'cosmere nonsense bullshit' folder which only has one thing in it bc what if Fear was a Shard like can we let Cognitive Shadow Gerry say to Jon and Martin 'so yeah remember when i said there's no gods of love or hope or indigestion yeah actually turns out i was wrong there's a whole bunch of them actually it's pretty great', and on the subject of letting Gerry have nice things there's yet another fucking exy folder, called, 'tfc folder too big so crossover goes here' because Gerry can would and should be a Fox. lmao just imagine the moriyamas trying to intimidate him, this man has seen supernaturally induced atrocities your petty gang bullshit doesn't even register for him Riko you idiot, and then the foxes are incredibly fucking confused and concerned when Mary Keay shows up and Gerry's clearly more scared of this little old lady than anything to do with Riko and wait what do you mean she's your mother-

anyways pls remind me to go ask a doctor about adhd diagnosis bc i would like to maybe be able to finish writing a single thing in my life like ever

fanfic writers: if you were shown nothing but the title of one of your own fics, do you think you would be able to remember which one it is

[formulapookie]

rosquez for on a scar pls<3

20. on a scar

Marc is tracing a pattern between all the moles on Vale’s chest, head resting on the older’s arm as he strokes his hair.

This is one of the moments Marc prefers in their newfound routine. The domestic feeling of belonging somewhere that’s not a place per se, but the arms of someone you love so dearly, like Marc loves Vale.

Vale is home to him as much as he is home to Vale.

It’s enough to look one of the two in the eyes while he’s watching the other do anything.

It’s pure love.

Vale watching Marc pace around the house? Love Marc watching Vale cook? Love Vale watching Marc getting ready to go train? Love Marc watching Vale while he explains to him all the different kinds of wines he has in his cellar? Love

Vale is looking at Marc right now, and he wants nothing more than to hug him tight and never let him go again.

He’s divine, perfect body, out of this world face, amazing personality and that god forsaken smile that never fails to brighten up Vale’s days.

Vale’s eyes lock on that scar, one of too many, the one which had Marc almost stop racing, the one he got back in 2020, when he was so high on painkillers and antibiotics he hallucinated Vale being with him, in Cervera, holding him at night when the pain was too much.

Vale hates it.

Not the scar as a thing, but what it means.

They weren’t speaking back then, not even a greeting.

Not even “hello” if they met in the hallways of some hotel they were both in.

And when Marc had gotten injured, and declared he was going to miss the season because he had to get surgery, and because his arm hurt too much and had to undergo rehabilitation Vale hadn't called.

Or texted. Or sent anything to say “I’m sorry you’re going through that, as a rider I know how awful that must be”

Nothing. Complete Radio silence.

The scar reminds him of what he had managed to get of those years, 2020 especially, when he wasn’t there.

Marc didn’t like to talk about it, he hid his scar for the majority of times, either with sleeves or bandages or simply sitting, standing or laying making sure to cover it.

But Alex did.

He told Vale everything, how awful he was for letting his brother suffer alone, calling for him during the night, blindly reaching out to someone who wasn't there, who was probably at some club getting shitfaced with his friends, who was probably making fun of him.

He had told him how Marc, in his less lucid moments, thought Vale was really there, and he would find his brother hugging a pillow, sleeping while hugging it tightly and sometimes telling Alex not to yell because he would’ve woken Vale up.

Vale’s fingers find their place tracing the outline of the scar, slowly, feather-like touches.

Marc tenses up, his hand not moving anymore.

Vale leans down tentatively, slowly, he doesn’t want to do something that will drive Marc away.

But Marc lets him, waits to see what will happen.

He presses a light kiss on the boy’s scar, then locks gazes with him.

There’s tears in Marc’s eyes, while he looks at Vale, because the scar is something they never talk about.

Vale just knows that if Marc is hurting 90% of the time it’s that arm.

“You’re beautiful, every part of you is, even the ones you don’t like, they’re perfect”

Marc can’t keep the tears in anymore, he just breaks down in Vale’s arms, sobbing loudly as Vale hold him tighter than ever before.

It’s not often he sees Marc crying like this: real, deep, hurt.

The last time he had seen him like that was after Sepang, when Vale had doubted Marc ever being a fan of his and had called him other names too.

That night, when Vale was in his hotel room with a bunch of the Yamaha crew and some friends Marc had gone to him, lips red and patchy from Marc obviously biting them till they bled, fingernails bitten and the area surrounding them coloured of a bitter red.

He was standing in front of him, a sad face on, looking up at the man who was supposed to be the love of his life.

“Can we talk Vale please?”

“What do you - CUT IT FOR A MINUTE GUYS MARQUEZ CAME HERE - what do you want?”

Vale remembers his crew getting up from wherever they were sitting and going to the door to see how destroyed that kid looked.

“Can we talk like - without all these people?”

Marc was hurt, Vale could fucking see that, could feel the desperation coming from him.

“Talk or I’m shutting the door Marquez”

“I - why did you say that? About me, my room with your poster - you know they are there. You’ve been to mine you saw them”

Marc had looked for confirmation in Vale’s eyes, but had only found hatred and sick fun.

“If I was ever in your house it was in your wet dreams Marquez, surely I never set foot there”

And he laughed. Alongside with all the others.

Marc had stood there, heart caught in his throat, feeling laughs like daggers in every part of his body.

And he had cried, hot tears streaming down his face as he tried to walk away, shame surrounding him like a cloud.

Marc feels like that right now, ashamed weak, stupid.

Because he hates crying, much more so doing it in front of the man he loves.

And Vale is just holding him, cuddling him and stroking his back lulling him to make him calm down.

“I love you Marc, I love all of you, I always will”

He kisses the scar again, this time it calms the sobs down, Marc hiding his head more in the crook of Vale’s neck, waiting for him to finish.

“I love you too” Vale is happy, happy Marc is as well, because he deserves happiness more than anything right now.

Marc manages to fall asleep in his home, Vale’s arms, and slowly gets Vale back into his comfort zone.

“I am so sorry baby, so so sorry I wasn’t there”

A cut sob comes from Vale.

“But I promise I’m not letting go of you anymore, I want to bring you to the altar”

A third kiss on the scar, softer this time, like a peck, like a butterfly just rested her tired body on Marc’s scar, giving him a little relief.

Semd me a Ship name and a Number and I’ll write a kiss

[moonshynecybin]

this isnt in the subs but im p sure alex also says "shut up" to marc in that video nfjdkf

video here.... DESERVED ! marc is. listen he is very goofy and charming and often really very sweet. he is ALSO! maybe the most annoying person on planet earth. loud yapper slut dances in every situation does NOT apologize for his behavior and is never self conscious. and alex shares a lot of those goofy traits but unlike marc (the most SHAMELESS man of all time.) he has an example to WATCH and LEARN FROM. lmao. like marc-as-prodigy was probably weird for both of them in terms of like. shaping identity. like literally WHY would marc feel shame he's one on the best EVER at a sport that literally requires you to have confidence falling out of your ass. yes its crazy he then extended that from sports to LIFE (like i think vale has much more capacity to be embarrassed for example. like he's INVESTED in looking cool) but i think its follows a very marc marquez deranged sort of logic.

ALEX on the other hand has been somewhat forcibly humbled from a very young age merely by being born marc marquez's younger brother. like hes really fucking talented and handsome and funny but. as other scholars have recently talked about (@babynflames, @baking-soda recently) he's been kind of overshadowed his entire life by the shear caliber of marc's star. forced to play the proverbial straight man. jim from the office making faces at the camera LITERALLY several times in marc's documentary while marc is clowning SO hard for the cameras. so i think he DOES have the capacity for shame (A GOOD THING SOMETIMES) and is just in general a lot more measured than a guy like marc who went hard at literally everything his entire life and was kind of only rewarded for it (until he really wasnt.)

and THENN theres their codependent soul bond ass relationship where. i get the sense alex is a lot more independent than marc but he loves marc more than anything so he will indulge his crazy girl cheetah and emotional support labrador tendencies. so you get a. the comfort only close siblings have with each other/only living boy in the world who gets marc on a rider level and wont blame him for shit, and b. alex being the only one of them who has the capacity to feel any sort of shame, and you GET alex calling out marc for being a little hypocrite and then telling him to shut up DIRECTLY in front of a camera. and marc not even blinking an eye

[flowersforzoe11]

Alex Rider S1E7 Episode notes

Just had the most hideous combo of back2baack travel weekends, midterms, and canvassing for the upcoming election (reminder to any Americans of age to go vote--it's what Jack Starbright would want<3), so i have not had a single second to think about this show for the past like 3 weeks. HOWEVER my life is slightly less chaotic now and i'm ready for ep7. without further ado...

-WHAT DEATH SCENE FAKEOUT ALEX YOU GENIUS (i was gonna say, i didn't think his injuries were *that* serious in the book but goddamnit what a reveal. the past few episodes are such a love letter to this show)

-sorry i'm literally still in shock that was genius

-okay i haven't read this book in probably 5 or 6 years, but i feel like Alex returning to Point Blanc was way less consentual. i will say my major gripe with this show is that they're downplaying the evil that MI6 was, especially in the beginning (esp. the show's "no signal" vs book Blunt actively ignoring the signal)

-okay! fine! i like this Smithers (the tweak the chromosomes lines is such a funny cop-out line but i will ignore the science and accept it)

-alex yelling at Jones/K unit is the definition of AURA. god i love "defending those he loves" Alex

-and tulip can keep Kyra's name out of her mouth

-scream it for those in the back. MICHAEL ROSCOE WOULD NEVER QUOTE HITLER

-the motorbikes line was soooo Ella Cornell coded it's crazy (read I Spy i dare you)

-ahhHHHHHH CUB (this is such a good inclusion of K unit)

-Otto Farrant was so good during the k unit sniper scene. real loss of innocence moment for tv Alex and i could see it in his face. love love love (also that was just such a good scene in general. absolutely clincial. if i ever go to war, i'm taking all of k unit with me)

-the dr Greif x stellenbosch dynamic is so deliciously fucked up

-"we need greif alive" if i don't get my helicopter murder and shitty pun i RIOT

-CLONE KYRA IS CRAZY I AM GAGGED

-also for the record i'd be pissed if i was Wolf. just had to air the place out with very little back up and Alex just disappears despite having exactly one job (to not disappear)

-if there's one thing about Alex, it's that he gets his shit rocked often

-i love Alex's semi-working knowledge of science (especially because it only seems to exist when things are about to explode). also, as someone who graduated with a STEM degree, the lab fight scene was awesome. when will it be my turn to throw flasks at my enemies...

-well the project gemini information certianly was destroyed !

-the kids seeing their clones scene was absolutely bone-chilling

-okay i'm gonna say it. i feel like tv Alex is a silghtly nerfed version of book Alex. i feel like his role was a lot more important than "tag along and almost get himself killed"

-WOLF BEING SO NICE TO ALEX??? I'LL CRY REAL TEARS I LOVE THEM

-NO HELICOPTER SCENE AND BAD PUN???????? GET YOUR PITCHFORKS BC WE RIDE AT DAWN

-alex you poor shell of a boy you deserve the world (HOWEVER tv point blanc was maybe only 1/2 as traumatic as book point blanc. someone def toned AHorz down)

-god scorpia has their greasy little hands in everything

-JULIUS

[winterisol]

im in the trees, im in the breeze (3/?)

Rosquez Future Reconciliation Fic (2028-TBD)

Part One. || Part Two.

Word Count: 2.1k words Warning(s): Minor descriptions of injuries, angst, non-linear timeline

Valentino has never been known for being patient. Especially as he sits waiting on news about one of his kids. Even with crashes being a apart of the job, he never seems to get used to it. The knowledge that there are things that are truly out of your control, scares him.

Standing outside the medical centre, Valentino ran a hand through his hair. If he was alone he’d probably be pacing around, biting at his lips and fidgeting with his hands. He was never great at waiting, especially when it was around the medical centre.

But next to him sat an equally nervous Marco, who was the first to exit the medical centre with an icepack held to his ribs.

After five minutes of sitting in the waiting room under the florescent lights, white walls and the scent of alcohol, he shot up taking one look at Marco and dragging him outside.

Both of them look a second away from snapping, Marco picking at his lips, not bothering to tame his messy hair. Valentino was certain he didn't look much better leaning against the wall and closing his eyes.

Glancing back at Marco, Valentino could not help his fond smile.

Valentino loved all of his kids equally. But perhaps it was the sheer amount of god-worship he received from Marco when he was a kid, or perhaps it was the shocking similarities in their personalities, but Marco has always received the soft loving side of Valentino.

Even now, with Marco being 30, he still sometimes felt like that child back in 2020, overeager, brash, but most of all loving.

Of course that is not to say Marco did not mature. In someways Valentino felt that all his kids were more mature then him. Marco of today no longer blindly blames other riders. Despite being loyal to a fault, he still tries to look at things in a pragmatic manner, or at least acknowledging he is immensely biased and would kill for his friends or family. 

But if one thing still stayed the same, was the immense respect and trust he had for Valentino, eyes still shiny and bright with awe as he talked to Valentino.

The last time someone so close to him stared at him like that was almost a decade ago.

And suddenly, as Bezz turned to look at Valentino the gaze felt suffocating.

“Bezz why don't you wait out here. I’m going to use the restroom, and if there are any updates I'll grab you.” Valentino suddenly said, moving up the stairs and into the building, beelining towards the restrooms.

Entering a stall Valentino sighed, trying to collect his thoughts. It was a chaotic day to say the least, with both Bezz and Celestino crashing out, on top of another poor qualifying from Franky. reflecting on it, his concentration was only broken from the sound of the doors.

Valentino took in a sharp breath, as a voice all too familiar began to speak.

“Alex!”

Valentino heard, the only other sound being feet shuffling against the restroom tiles, echoing across the empty walls.

“No, Ambos sabemos lo difícil que fue-”

Clearly he was cut off by the other Marquez brother, whose voice was so loud Valentino could hear his voice spill out from the phone from the stall in which he hid.

“No, no vueles hasta aquí, estás herido.”

And then there was a pause. What for? Valentino could not tell. He lost the desire to speak Spanish a long time ago.

“no puc.” Marc whispered, and Valentino froze. A phrase so short, words so quiet that if Valentino had not heard it before, he would have never understood.

“Alex,  si us plau, no puc.” 

Whatever was said next was enough for the call to end the beep, the tone hanging heavy in the air.

There was a sigh, and then a loud groan of frustration followed by the sound of the sink, water splashing about, before the door slamming shut a few seconds later. 

Valentino let out a breath he didn’t know he held, unlocking the stall and quietly exiting the restroom. Exiting he turned the corner to immediately see Celestino who stood with a large sling covering his left collarbone. Staring at each other for a few moments, Valentino could see the rims around Celestino’s eyes were wet, most likely the result of angry tears.

Valentino wanted to ask a million different things, but none of them seemed right. Nothing seemed right with Celestino. 

“Celin, Bezz is outside waiting for you.” Valentino finally said, but as the words slipped out he could see Celestino’s gaze hard.

“ Thank you.” Celestino curtly replied, gently pushing past Valentino and towards the entrance, where Marco still sat on the stairs.

Not knowing what to do with himself, Valentino awkwardly trailed the younger Italian, hands shoved in his pockets as he saw Marco perk up, gently pulling Celestino into an embrace, mindful of Celestino’s and his own injuries.

“Boys, why don’t we go to my motorhome? It's the closest and I have snacks.” Valentino weakly offered.

“Let's go! Cele, if we are fast we can still watch the race.” Marco quickly responded, grabbing Celestino’s right hand and tugging the younger boy towards the motorhome, not waiting for a response.

He didn’t need one. Where Marco went, Celestino would follow.

-

Pecco had won the race, though even from the distance of his motorhome, Valentino knew that was the least of Pecco’s concern. The podium was a rather solemn affair, champagne popped, but nothing more than PR smiles across everyone’s faces.

Whispers across the paddock only fuel the situation. Whispers of injury, of surgery, of retirement.

“Marco, Cele, you’re both okay.” Pecco sighed in relief as he entered the motorhome. Moving towards the pity pile that was Marco and Celestino curled on the couch, Pecco attempted to touch Marco’s hair, his leather’s pulled half way down, the gross scent of champagne and sweat premeting throughout the room.

Pushing Pecco away, Marco glared playfully, saying, “Go wash first, you might be a world champion, but that doesn’t mean you can touch me with your stinky hands.”

“You wound me Marco Bezzecchi!” Pecco playfully exclaims, placing a hand over his chest.

Celestino finally cracked a genuine smile as he drawls, “Oh the woes, first you win a race, and now you are being told to shower. Pity is you.”

“The both of you! Ganging up on your elder! Vale, do you see this?” Pecco whines.

“Just go shower, I'd rather you not get champagne on my couch, very expensive.” Valentino teases, sitting around the dining table, his laptop in an attempt to get ahead of his work.

Defeated, Pecco laughed, giving them all a brief finger before slinking towards the bathroom, throwing his neck towel towards Celestino who dodged just in time for it to hit Marco flat in the face.

After showering Pecco joined the two boys on the couch, the three of them squished together, sat on their phones and occasionally giggled as they tapped each other’s shoulders to show them what they had found. 

They decided to have a quiet night, ordering food and lounging around, Pecco begging Marco to review the race with him. 

Watching the start, Valentino looked up from his seat, narrowing his eyes as they rewatched the start, Marco’s mistake earning him a wince from both Pecco and Celestino. 

As the replay started they all held their breath, watching as a distinctive 93 threw its rider into the air, waiting for the inevitable hit.

From there they were all silent, unsure on how to continue. After what felt like the hundredth replay Celestino grabbed the remote, skipping the painfully long red flag and back to the restart.

Marco tried his best to uplift the mood, making fun of Pecco’s mistakes as they reviewed the rest of the race.

By the end Valentino was no longer focused on either the race or his work, an uncomfortable buzz coursing through his veins. Closing his eyes, Valentino tried to focus on anything but that, staring at the computer screen in front of him, feeling the texture of his pants, reaching for the smell of food, even trying to listen to the distant sounds of scooters.

Suddenly Marco’s voice broke his focus, the younger rider trying his best not to glance over at Valentino as he asked, “Pecco, have you heard any updates about Marc?”

“Marc? No, I heard the medical centre sent him to the hospital for further scans, but no updates past that.” Pecco shrugged.

“The Marquez brothers don’t seem to have the best luck this year with injuries.” Bezz offhandedly commented.

“Yeah, for Alex it's really blood vessels and nerve damage that's messing with the recovery. I heard he’s already had surgery on his shoulder before.” Celestino replies, shifting uncomfortably. Unlike everyone else in the paddock they all seemed to dance around the elephant in the room, refusing to directly mention him and more specifically his injury. 

“Boys, I’m going to go on a walk. I’m too full to even think.” Valentino announced, cutting through the tension, desperate for some air.

“Don’t get lost, old man.” Valentino hears Pecco call out as he exits the room, the cool evening air giving him a fresh sense of relief.

Unsure on where to go, he lets himself wander, the alleys between the motorhomes just bright enough to see the ground, but other than that almost pitch black.

There was something peaceful about the night, perhaps it was unusual silence around the motorhomes, or perhaps it was the comfort of darkness.

Valentino quietly hummed to himself, brushing his hand against the walls until a short sound caused him to pause.

It was sharp, almost silent, like hearing the subtle squeak of a mouse from the inside of a barn.

A whimper.

Followed by a short sniffle.

Squinting Valentino peer further down his path, a dim yellow light spilling from a motorhome as a figure was tucked behind its stairs, clearly hiding from something.

From where he stood he could clearly make out a 93 on the wall of the motorhome. The person crouched over clearly the owner of that motorhome.

Marc always said he liked to sit outside to think.

If Valentino was a sensible man he would have turned around, pretending he was never there. Just like he did in 2019.

-

It was a typical night in Thailand, bugs humming incessantly while the air was both humid and unbearably warm. Valentino wanted nothing more than to retreat back to his motorhome, but instead he found himself wandering the looming alleyways formed by the trucks, searching for the team's truck where he left his very important phone.

Overall, it was a good race, nothing spectacular enough to write home about, but it wasn’t horrible.

Ducking through the maze, Valentino smiled seeing the monster energy logo, only for a sound cut through his focus. It was then followed by a voice, a pained wince, followed by a familiar laugh. While the laugh was unmissable, there was something off. It’s once familiar sweetness lost from time and pain. No, this laugh was not one of unmarked innocence and enjoyment, no this laugh was a bitter one, almost cynical.

Following the sound, he found himself squinting at a small figure at the end of one of the deadends, sitting against the wheel of a truck, arms covering his face.

“Marc, canalla, pots guanyar una cursa, pots guanyar un mundial, però no pots ni caminar?” He seemed to murmur, followed by a dry heave and then finally a quiet sob.

If Valentino was a better man he would have gone to help.

But he never claimed to be a saint.

-

Instead Valentino found himself walking over, standing an awkward distance away as he finally spoke.

“Marquez? Do you need help? Should I call someone?”

And that seemed to get the man’s attention, rapidly wiping away his tears, looking up quickly only to wince, the movement most definitely pulling at the muscles in his left shoulder.

In the lighting Valentino could almost pretend it was over a decade ago, when seeing Marc did nothing more than excite Valentino. When being so close to him meant a warm embrace.

But instead they maintained distance, eyeing each other warily, Marc strongly keeping an arm's length from Valentino. Like he would be burned if he got any closer.

“I don’t want to hear it Rossi, I promise you I didn’t purposely interfere with the race. And I also promise I’ve not engaged in any mind games with your precious protegee.” Marc bitterly dismisses, pushing himself up from the ground using both arms, definitely trying to make a point.

“I- Did you not hear what I said? I ask if you needed help!” Valentino said back, running a hand through his curls, unsure on how else to proceed.

“Why do you care? You think this will benefit Pecco, Rossi?” Marc drawled, leaning against the motorhome, eyes glinting under the moonlight.

“Don’t call me that!” Valentino snapped back.

“It’s your name, no? Or am I not even worthy enough to utter the name of our sport’s god.” Marc continued, his tongue sharp, words even more scathing.

“Marc, please. Listen to me-” Valentino sighed, not even sure why he was even continuing the conversation.

“No, you listen to me! Why do you even care? After years are nothing but insults? Why must I listen to you?” Marc snapped back, voice shaking as he stood up straight, scrunching his nose as he attempted to push off the wall, forgetting he couldn’t use his left shoulder.

It was a stand still, Valentino not knowing what he could say.

Instead he stared, eyes tracing a familiar pattern across Marc’s face, lingering at the same mole along his temple that has been there as long as Valentino has known him. He also lingered on the unfamiliar. The sign of wrinkles along his eyes and stubble which wasn't there ten years ago covering his jaw. It was a cold reminder that this was not the same Marc Marquez from 2013.

That he didn't know him anymore.

“Just, don’t bother Rossi, I don’t care for whatever delusions brought you here.” Marc hissed, before stalking past Valentino and into his motorhome. Leaving Valentino stood outside. Alone.

[ray935sworld]

Lost podium - marcmarc

He was used to it by now. Not that he didn't hate it as much. But it had some weird familiarity to not pull in Parc ferme and return to his garage instead.

He was used to saying an apology to his mechanics for fucking up the race. He has been so close to a podium. P2. He had been on P2 for so long and losing the 2nd place to an 8 time world champion surely wasn't the worst thing. Especially when said was on a better bike than he was.

And P3 was completely acceptable. He would be incredibly happy with a P3. But then he had pulled the stupidest move in existence. Going wide and letting Bastanini through.

He could basically hear his father sign loudly. He didn't want to talk to him right now. He knew what they'd say. He wondered when his guilt would be too much and he finally did call his parents. He had been stupid and now he had to endure the consequences all while trying his best in less than 24 hours. He felt like a child, failing one exams just to have another test in the next lesson and therefore being unable to concentrate on anything.

The unforced errors would forever break his neck. If every unforced error were an overtake, he'd have more wins than Vale and Agostini together.

He went through the interview and the evening like he always did. He told the same things like he always did. He spoke about progress he didn't truly believe in. He faked some happiness and optimism. He did believed in his team but he wasn't able to actually execute it.

He congratulated Pecco as the academy met for dinner. He forced himself to laugh about the bad jokes that were made on his behalf and shot the same ones back. He listened to Luca ranting about the Honda. He was obviously torn between happiness that there was some progress and frustration that he was still stuck in the 2nd half of the grid and barely able to fight for the remaining points.

He was used to the weird feeling of knowing he could have done better by now. He hated it none the less.

He knew how to get ride of those thoughts. But today, it was different. Today he had been so close to Marc. He had been close to him the whole weekend. Somehow they had always ended up near each other.

He had no idea how but he definitely wasn't complaining. Even though his stupid brain had decided to give himself false hope and think that Marc had looked at him during the media day and the fan parade. He even thought he had caught him sliming at him, but he had probably grinned over a joke from Alex.

Still all those moment and his mistake that cost him a podium were stuck in his mind.

He was tossing and turning in his bed but he couldn't fall asleep. He wanted to blame the jack let. But he knew it'd be a lie.

He contemplated staying awake until he was too tired to even keep his eyes open. But that would probably be still a few hours to go and then he would manage only 3 hours to sleep. 4 max. And then he'd be tired-grumpy and unable to focus on his job.

He sighed as he stood up again. He quickly threw on some running gear and went outside. Maybe getting some energy burned would help.

At the end he ran 1 lap. He was about to start the next one when someone said his name.

"Bezzecchi?" He flinched. He hadn't excatly expected company. He turned around, to see a smaller man, somehow dressed in a hoodie despite the still thick heat.

"Marquez?" he asked confused cause he couldn't quite believe that the soft lightning of the circuit was actually showing him the older gresini rider.

"Did you expect someone else at... 2 am?" he asked with a laugh. "I didn't expect anyone at 2am. What are you doing here?" he asked confused.

He was panicked. Slitly. Somehow it felt like he was crossing boundaries. Vale's boundaries, but still boundaries he should respect. After all, he had done a lot for him and talking with Marc Marquez of all people in the middle of the night surely would pass as questionable. At least. Especially cause Marc had been his crush for quite a while now.

"I could ask you the same" he countered. "But I asked first" "Right. Okay, I couldn't sleep. It was a long day and the traveling is still in my bones" "Yeah... Same" he muttered.

"Naaaah, I don't believe you" "What?" "I don't believe you. I'm old. I can't adjust to the time that well but you... What's really the reason why you're standing here?"

Marc looked at him for a second. His eyes wandered. He was clearly checking him out and a part of him regretted while the other was super happy he had gone for the extra tight running shirt.

Marc didn't had the decency to at least and hide that he was, in fact, looking at Bez body. His chest, to be clear. The tight and sweaty shirt left no room for imagination. It also gave him the answer wheter he was still wearing the nipple piercing Marc had once spotted on a picture.

He was.

He wondered what they would feel like against his skin. His lips. Before he realize what he was doing, he licked his lips.

Bez was starting to panic. His crush was clearly checking him out and now - Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. He had to do something. He had to get away or close or -

"I am very sorry about you losing the podium." Marc said, eyes now locked with his. His voice was soft, but there was a daring tone to it. "I was looking forwards to share another one with you. You deserved it"

Without any of them noticing, they got slightly closer. The distance between them shrunked. "Thank you... It was... Well, you know how it is. And congrats to your podium"

"Thanks... Would have been more fun with you there"

Suddenly Marco felt a hand on his wrist. He didn't dare look. Instead he watched how Marc's eyes were focused on the bracelets there. He had got then from his sister, his mom and his best friend in Italy.

They were really meaningful to him, so he normally didn't like people touching them. This however seemed different. He didn't flinch or pulled back. Instead he tested how far Marc would go and Marc tested how far he could go. Searching for the limit. As always.

"I like having you on the podium... It makes you smile in a very beautiful way. And you look fucking breathtaking up there" he whispered, his hand now lingering around the younger ones fingers and the simply grabbing them.

Bez didn't hesitate and let their fingers intervene. It felt warm and he smiled as he looked down at Marc. They were standing closer than ever.

"Marc?" he whispered. "Yeah?" "Why are you doing this?" he heard himself ask and with that, he once again destroyed his own luck.

With that simple question doubted returned to his mind. He wondered why Marc Marquez would be interested in him - the rider that didn't live up to the expectations the most.

Unless... All the warnings that Vale had shared with the academy about other riders manipulations techniques returned. He felt panic rise on him. Was that part of it? But why him? Why not Pecco? Pecco would make more sense. Okay, Pecco was married but he wouldn't put it past Marc not to be bothered by that.

"Because I like you, Marco. You've woken my interested since you stepped up and you are smoking hot. Especially when sweaty and on top" he grinned and Bez felt his stomach heating up. He hadn't quite expected a statement that bold. "On top of the podium of course..."

"Then why do you... Why now?" After all, this was his 3rd year in MotoGP. "Well, I doubt I would still have a head if I tried this last year... And in 2022, I was out half the time. Not really a good bonding opportunity." He laughed. The darkness around them swallowed it.

Marco wasn't sure what to say or think. But there was no need. Marc crossed the last distance between them, standing on his tiptoes as he kissed his cheek. Bez immediately felt them heating up.

He knew he was turning red but Marc just smiled at him.

"Good luck tomorrow, Marco" he said as he tilted his head to the side he let go of Bez hand. "Try to get some sleep. Okay?"

He was about to turn around when Bez grabbed his wrist. He couldn't help himself. Confused he looked at him. "Is that some sick twisted way to destroy my concentration for tomorrow? Is... Did you tell that to Pecco too? Is that your way of fucking other ones races up"

He knew it wasn't nice what he accused him of, but he had to.

Marc froze. He didn't like to admit that the accusation hurt more than he had expected. He knew where it was coming from. Of course. So he didn't blame the younger rider. And in his defense, he had used some questionable methods already. Flirting didn't seem like out of pocket for him. But fake flirting? With Bez? No.

"I am not playing with you. I am very serious about this." he reassusered him. "I want you to have a good race and see you smiling on the podium again. It's where you belong and you look very pretty there."

He could see that Bez wasn't believing him. He wondered if putting his hands on his cheeks and pulling him down to him and kissing him after very sentence until he was convinced might be too much. He decided it was.

"And no. I never talked to Pecco like that and I never would. Or anyone else for the record. At least not since I know you." "I don't believe you." He smiled. It was a calm, sad smile.

"I know. That's okay. I really hope you can somehow find it in yourself to let me try and give you trust in me. I am really not lying to you, Marco." "And how would I know that?"

"Do you not trust me because you think I'm actually a bad person or because the people around you told you not to trust me?" he finally said. It was all he wanted to know. And not getting an answer, instead being answered with silence, was enough he had to know.

He smiled again, kissed his other cheek as well. "Well, then... Maybe you should start forming your own opinions. I'd be happy to help" he offered as he walked away.

"Tomorrow night. My motorhome" A thumbs up was all the answers that was given.

That was the last thing spoken between them, before Bez went to sleep. And had the best night of rest in a long time.

[windforestsso]

I still believe SSO should have rotating events instead of either having them same each time but leaving the players bored or try to one-up themselves to try to keep players interested but would mean the workers work on something that doesnt matter in the long run.

Having there be atleast two years between the same type could make players more excited. Like distance makes the heart grow fond or the like.

With the equestrian festival as exempel.

They could focus on four different riding styles: dressage, western, jumping and terrain. One for each Soul Rider.

Dressage would only have dressage, and not have Sabines races. Anne could have a quest where she teach the mc her routine she was supposed to do in the competition if she wasnt kidnapped (if the player havent saved Anne yet it could be Derek instead and he say something like "I dont know much about dressage but I would watch Anne practice and thought I should set this stuff up in her honor. I miss her") could also add some kind of rivaly with Jessica/jay as they where her villian in the old ssl games

Western would like wise only have western stuff and of players havent saved Lisa yet it could be her dad setting things up. This could be over done with camp western being a thing now. Could have a quest with Sabine. Scott buttergood can be included here with the farm animals running away.

Jumping would have Linda (who is she close to that can hold in stuff if shes still in the castle?) Linda didnt have anything against a dark rider in the ssl game so it could be Erissa. But as she comes to the game so late maybe its best if its mr Sands instead.

And Alex would have terrain. Her quest could go up against Katja. I thought it could be fun if this included outfits thats covered with mud.

If four different equestrian festivals is too much it can instead be split up to two. Like have one version with Dressage in jorvik stables and jumping in moorland. And another version with terrain in jorvik stables(or in greendale) and western in Moorland (could be in starshine ranch but to not have it too much like camp western its probably better for it to be in moorland)

With Halloween it could be that every other year Ydris can take over again to have his party, and those years would focus on the party aspect of halloween, with costumes and tales around fire pit.

And the other years it focus on the more scary part of Halloween, ghost and spiders. Have more tales about jorvikian history.

Dont know how to best split up winter event.

It can also be a complete flop of course.

With people getting mad or frustrated that the current years version of an event is less popular and need to wait about year to play the version they like.

[annt-i]

okok really showing how mentally ill I am, but my mom watches Big Brother (Reality competition show for those who don't know) and of course my brain immediately started formatting on what kind of contestants Alex Rider characters would be. so yeah,,, enjoy.

DISCLAIMER, I personally have never watched the show, so all I know is from what my mom mentions and what I walk past when I go through the living room. Also I am operating under the idea that these characters are participating in the show out of their own free will and not for a mission or w/e

Alex: Would likely be an audience fav and would go far in athletic competitions. His personality would appeal him to the other players as he seems trustworthy. I think he'd prob make it mid-late comp but would fall victim to house politics. Would always shout out his friends in the voting room. Fans would say shit like "Alex should have won"

Yassen: If he wasn't putting on a front, he probably wouldn't be very popular with the audience. The house guests would be iffy on him, but if he wanted to, he would be able to manipulate them into liking him/not voting him out. I could see him performing equally in the competitions,,, idk. the thing about Yassen is if he would even *want* to be there. I don't see him winning bc he'd let himself get voted out or something, bc we all know if he wanted to win, he prob would. Anyway, he'd likely get Head of Household at some point and people would be *pissed*.

Tom: He'd also be liked by the audience, and while I can see him getting far bc of likeability and athleticism, he wouldn't win. He'd be funny to witness doing the competition loss punishments and would likely have a short relationship with another house guest. He'd be on the chopping block like every other week and then be saved w the power of veto or smth. He'd be like that one guy a couple of seasons ago who made friendship braclets for his alliance members lmao.

John: He'd win.

Ian: Looks really promising, but gets kicked out too early for anyone to really tell (I'm sorry lmao). Good at the more logical side of the games, likely always between different alliances and getting through by the skin of his teeth.

Jack: Could not fathom how she would do. I don't think she'd win, prob mid game. I can see her always gossiping about other people, and there are lots of scenes where it's her whispering so you have to read the subtitles they put on the screen. She'd be in a secret inner circle but then some drama would happen and it would be disbanded.

Sabina: I see her making it to the last five or even winning. People would like to see her, and she'd probably make HOH a few times. She would be head of an alliance with a secret alliance in the middle of it.

These were the only ones I really thought about and I'm not very good at analyzing characters so like, do with this what you will.

[phoebified]

ooooobliiiiigaaatory sso post because new dark rider design dropped! erissa (not sure why they didnt just keep elise or change it to eris? but that's ok!), the remake of chiyo, just dropped, and... she's white! interesting. there were a lot of ways sso could've saved the dark riders fumbles. there were a LOT of those fumbles, but the one i hammered on the hardest was chiyo, because i myself am japanese, and immediately know a bad design when i see one. likewise, i'm pretty spot on with calling how that character will most likely be written, and can make a few good solid guesses. i will say, i feel lots more in common with sabine, and am against the way they designed someone i could relate to and then painted them staunchly as a villain; likewise with all the dark riders, this may be sso's most diverse group yet, and they are villains. HOWEVER. at that point, they had already put them in-game, and now all i can hope for is some good old fashioned childhood "everything ends up fine" writing that shows these characters some love and perhaps sways them from their homocidal ways.

back to erissa.

why was chiyo's design racist? well, it wasn't just her. most of the dark riders were handled poorly. to be honest, i've talked SO much on this blog about why chiyo was such a bad design that i simply don't want to rehash it. was it the worst i'd ever seen? no. but putting in those stereotypes to a game children -- WHITE children -- play is like teaching children to hit bees nests for fun. it's pointless and hurtful to everyone.

SO: what do i think of erissa? she's cute! i like this design way better than the last.

that's it. whole idea. i think the colors are more comprehensive, i like the crochet details, i think the hobby horse looks a little silly but i kinda like it. overall, i am happy.

now you're probably wondering, "what, so sso can't make non white villains!?" and the answer to that is 1. don't be stupid and 2. of course they can. but they better put just as much effort into the rest of sso. they don't, though. our only buff woman is alex, who barely counts because she's kinda small as fuck in game. that leaves Sabine, who's more buff. her character is nonwhite, visibly has arm hair, and until proven otherwise, is nonhuman. not only that, she's evil. that sends some pretty strong messages, and, side tangent, but to anyone too goofy or too stubborn to see how that's a problem, i'm excited to see how the children in YOUR family turn out, be it yours or other family member's. will YOU teach them what racism is and why it exists and the complexities of it that people scoff at that allow it to continue to exist day in and day out, or will you let them play all the other games that DONT revise their writing, where the good characters are straight and white and every other type of "normal" and the enemies are gay or nonwhite or both? anyway. i hope you see my point.

"children will experience this stuff ANYWAY!" sure. why add to it?

"oh, so you're pulling a save the children thing? so what, you want everyone to be th3 same?" no. i want them to take chiyo's design, make her clothes look better, make her default state not like a mouse, and put her in the game as sso's like. only japanese character. i'd fucking love that! do you know how little representation there is for weird japanese girls? we dont got dick or shit. it'd be so fun to have a slightly redesigned chiyo as an npc, i'd totally fucking adore that! different clothes bc i think her past design was a little. ourgh. it'd be fun and cool if they made her like, a budding emo? omg that'd resonate with so many people i'm sure, and the purple hair is already suited to it. black hair would also be cool, though. do you see what im saying here, though? context is everything. im sad sabine is a bad guy. im sad every white girl who plays this game gets someone to relate to. i guess i too really relate to and like anne, but that's where the similarities end. it's easy to say "why does race matter?" in a sea of white people if you're white, but it can get lonely playing any video game if you're not white. sso is one of the best games ive found in terms of trying to really add diversity (although im still waiting for updated fat npcs), and that's why i weighed in so heavily. it matters to me. i love this game. i think they've done so much good with it recently, i'm really just beyond impressed and in love.

i think erissa is a good design.

[batsplat]

what did you think of pecco accusing alex of crashing him out on purpose and once again reigniting the vr46 vs marquez feud

oooh boy anon. I've existed peripherally on various motogp-related social media platforms for quite a few years now without giving my immediate hot takes to various controversies, including and most importantly the rossi/marquez ones, and I'm not entirely sure I want to change that policy now

look, I'm mainly happy pecco seems more or less all right, because that was a really really scary crash and pecco spent much of the weekend flirting with serious injury. a lot of it was far too reminiscent of catalunya last year for my liking, and sometimes it's just worth remembering that riders are human beings who do get scared too. I'll keep my initial reaction to the incident as well as where I'm at now to myself. primarily since it's one of those incidents where my view has changed quite a few times after seeing it again, seeing different angles, seeing and listening to various opinions on it - which to me shows I don't have the tools to assess what 'really' happened (if anyone does). I'm not willing to take a firm stance on it, though I'd be interested to hear what various involved parties say at misano

all that being said, at the end of the day I just... don't massively mind what pecco said. riders accusing each other of playing dirty in crashes is something that existed before argentina 2018, it is something that will exist after this feud has run its course (aka once the concept of italy has finally been abolished). sometimes riders do invite contact without literally wanting to kill each other because it's a specific response to a specific racing situation. these debates are nothing new. I do get releasing a statement saying that crashing someone out deliberately isn't part of the dna of the sport but also, like, dorna's safety adviser infamously did that shit. so, y'know. it wasn't a nice thing of pecco to say, it probably wasn't all that smart - but this is also simply what happens sometimes when you put a mic in front of a rider who has just had an awful, at times terrifying day and has been knocked around a few too many times at frighteningly high velocities. it's even something non-italians have been known to do on occasion. I take more issue with the immediate vitriol of fan responses, but that does feel kinda unavoidable at this point. obviously, pecco is aware of who he is and of who alex marquez is - you see an incident sometimes and know the discourse will be 'bad', but I didn't clock immediately quite how bad it would be and pecco does ultimately share some responsibility for that. which is an interesting choice to make, one I'm still thinking my way through

at the end of the day, however, I would prefer to watch a version of the sport where riders sometimes say some wildly controversial shit about each other. it'd be nice if everyone didn't immediately lose their minds and quite a few of their morals too in response to those statements, but it does mean I'm not all that interested in condemning any riders for this kind of thing. I'm not interested in condemning anyone in general, that's just not really how I engage with sports. I'm interested in how this plays out from here - but it has reminded me personally of how I don't actually get a whole lot from interacting with social media fanbases in this sport, and it's time to make use of my rather stricter curation policy from circa... oh, I don't know, maybe 2018. which I have done! and was already increasingly enacting before this weekend. I don't want my enjoyment of the sport - including engaging with controversies like this, once the dust has settled and it's clear neither rider is 'seriously injured' (for a given meaning of those words) - to be tainted by already preemptively fearing the tone in which people will discuss a certain incident. sometimes you do just have to make the call for yourself to... make yourself unaware of the discourse from fans, to take the sport on its own terms. I'm interested in seeing how this situation develops and I'm interested in what it says about pecco, that's it really

oh, reading through the ask again - about the feud, I don't really have a take about that yet either beyond 'huh' and 'wonder how that'll play out'. the extent to which pecco (and his fellow academy members) engages or refuses to engage with that feud has always been fascinating to me, the feud's transitive properties are obviously crazy and ever so intriguing - but I won't have any takes on that until I see what tone he strikes when he's not just been dragged along under a bike at a high speed (even if he doubles down on his comments! which I'm guessing he will). also, it is always kinda funny when the sport has awful timing. it is kinda funny they're going to misano next for like a month

[formulapookie]

❛ i need you. please. i'll be quick. ❜ with beznaia :)

The scent of Bez can probably be perceived by the whole paddock with how strong it is.

It shouldn't tho, not with the scent suppressants he's taking, not when his heat is always on time and has to arrive two weeks from now.

And Bez knows, or at least, he gets it, with the way mechanics, fans or other riders stare at him while he walks.

Fuck fuck fuck it's early. He's sweating and it doesn't help his situation in the slightest.

He's hot, he needs this to fucking calm down or he won't be able to race.

The one time it happened out of schedule he was at the Ranch, and he didn't manage to train because it was so shocking he didn't come out the bed until one his boyfriend of the time had arrived and helped him out.

He broke up recently with his ex, he doesn't have anyone to help him and fuck no he's not asking a random mechanic for help with this.

"Shit why now it was supposed to come later come on"

He's in his motorhome, he needs help, he knows he does, but who can he ask to?

Not Diggia for sure, he's got that strange this with Enea going on, and he thinks he's seen a bite on the ducati rider recently.

A mechanic is out of discussion.

Vale? No absolutely not, he remembers all too well when he got in heat near him and Marc was there, that man had practically dragged Vale away and looked at him like a psycho for days.

Much too jealous.

Cele is racing currently, Mig is and Franky are busy with something and Luca is - he doesn't really wanna know where Luca and Alex are.

So. That leaves one guy only to his desperate need.

Pecco.

Which wouldn't even be a bad idea, it would be a great on even, but the problem is he's got a crush on him that's been lasting forever.

Can he control himself around Pecco when he's in heat? Maybe. Maybe not. But he's the only solution.

God knows how much strenght it takes to him to get up from the floor and sneak out, his scent must be going off the rails fuck's sake.

He uses a secondary exit from the garage and manages to sneak in Pecco's motorhome, he's hot, too hot, he needs Pecco. And he needs him ow.

"Pecco?"

Pecco is sat on the couch, head in his hands, breathing in and out.

"Bez you don't want to stay here" "Pecco please I need help" "Is there- no one in your garage?"

Pecco is trying so hard not to grab Bez by the shirt and rail him on the couch, he smells so sweet and inviting, it's almost sickening how good it is.

"No. The others are all busy, and after last time I'm not going with a mechanic"

Pecco looks up, it's a mistake, Bez is flushed and hot, and he's looking at him with a bit too much need.

"Bez I - this can - God this can end badly"

Bez's brain doesn't fuction well anymore, he needs to fuck, and Pecco is - well he's not a beta like Mig or Franky, and despite smelling less strongly than Vale he's an amazing alpha.

"Please" "Bez" "I need you. Please. I'll be quick" "Marco I don't think I'm the best option"

He doesn't know how he's still in control of himself, his best friend, and way too long time crush smells so good he could beat any of the other omegas out there.

He's had desperate omegas throwing themselves at him, he's even fucked a few of them, but Bez? Bez is another story, what if he gets too intoxicated by the scent an does something he regrets? What if he gets too rough?

Bez reduces the distance between them two, and sits beside a clearly scent-affected Pecco, who's practically trying to hold his breath in not to smell him.

"Come on Pecco don't you want to help a friend in need?" "Jesus Christ Marco you can't say things like that" "Why? Don't you want to be a good friend?"

The scent truly feels intoxicating, Bez is practically radiating lust, he's looking at Pecco with too much need and the other can only resist so much before giving up.

"Marco seriously, we both crashed in the sprint it's not a good situation, aren't Mig or Fr-" "Aren't you the Alpha, Pecco? Are you not good enough? You think you can't do enough?"

Then it's a mess. A rough kiss with too much hunger and too many teeth, but they both feel so taken by it they wonder how it never happened before.

"Fuck please"

Pecco has never been quicker in undressing someone, and gets rid of Bez's jeans in two split seconds, and just as quickly he's got a hand in his underwear, teasing and feeling just how wet Bez already is, but not acting on Bez's need.

"Fuck you're so wet Marco, you get like this every time? Might help you more often" "I ah yeah, now do something or I swear if you don't fuck me" "What will you do? Huh? You came begging to my door Marco, because no one out there can fuck you like you want me to do right?"

And - yeah that's true, for how harsh it can be it's the truth.

"Then you better prove you were worthy"

Sliding two fingers inside Bez's cunt may just be the most satisfying thing of Pecco's weekend, especially with the little whimpers he makes, and how his hands start to travel underneath his shirt trying to get it off.

"Desperate"

Bez moans, he needs Pecco to fuck him now or he might go mad, seriously, he needs to have him inside.

"Alpha"

Every single cell of Pecco's body is activated, a primordial need basically taking over his brain and ability to understand where they are.

He slides a third finger in, but judging by the amount of wetness in Bez's briefs it won't be a long wait before actually fucking him.

And it's not a lot of work in effect, Bez is practically drenching the boxers, and Pecco's fingers can only do so much, even with the intensity and speed he's putting in it.

When he takes off his own jeans his bulge is really noticeable, his scent is - Bez gets lightheaded from it, and the lust in his eyes makes the younger want to give him kids.

Bez climbs on his lap, his neck exposed just the right amount for a bite, but Pecco restrains himself.

When Bez gets both their boxers completely off he wastes no time in stroking Pecco's dick once or twice and then slowly sinking down on it, letting out the prettiest moans Pecco ever heard.

They kiss once again, less messy but equally as lustful, and Bez starts riding him slowly, moaning in the kiss.

“Don’t tease Bez, you wanted it so bad then fucking earn it”

“Oh the champion can’t handle a bit of teasing? How sad, and I thought you were the best out here”

“Shut up”

“Truth’s harsh Pecco?”

“If you don’t shut up i’ll make sure you can’t even get on the bike tomorrow because of how sore you’ll be”

And it does something to Bez, shakes him inside, makes him want to see how far Pecco can actually go.

He’s on birth control anyway, even if - even if Pecco came inside him, he’d be safe.

And God does he want it.

“Bez you smell so good”

Pecco buries his face into the crook of Bez’s neck, inhaling the scent and fucking yo his brain more than it already was.

He moves so he can lay Bez down on the couch, and starts thrusting with a rapid pace, little ah ahs being the only words Bez can get out his system.

He’s fucked omegas before, more than once, but fuck, they were never like Bez.

So open, ready to give themselves up like he is doing, soft and burning hot beneath his hands, so submissive to his every touch or whisper. And they weren’t so fucking wet.

“Pecco please fuck more”

He picks up the pace and kisses his friend again, tongues twisting inside each others mouths in a tango of many unsaid things.

“Fuck. Bez fuck I want to mate you”

He stills, fuck he said it. Shit shit shit it wasn’t supposed to happen he should’ve kept himself in check.

That’s fucking why he didn’t want Bez to spend his heat with him. The risks were too high, he’s too uncaring when he’s having sex.

“Please say it again”

There’s a moment of utter shock in Pecco’s eyes, he’s not sure he’s heard correctly.

“Pecco please say that again”

He gulps, he’s still buried deep inside Bez, his mouth is so dangerously close to the neck. All too much but all so right at the same time.

“I want to mate you”

“Fuck!”

It’s like a shock wire touched his skin, the way Bez clenches around him and grabs his biceps to hold himself from flying away.

“Please do. Pecco please I beg of you please mate me. I need it to be you I - I need it since were fucking 17 and you had your first big rut and I just wanted you to have me”

He’s frozen, he wants to but what if things go bad? What if it goes like Marc and Vale? He can’t leave Bez like that.

“Get out of your head Pecco I hear your thoughts. You want it? Do it. Get your mark on me and fuck me with it on my neck”

“Bez you need to be sure, we’re- it’s not a simple situation and this is serious”

“I told you Pecco, been sure since we were 17, you smelled so good even back then, always thought you smelled better than the others, better than Vale even”

It’s a fire that ignites inside of Pecco’s stomach, travels to his dick, to his brain, crackling like fresh wood burning in the open.

Bez gets closer to his ear, gets one of his hands on his back, and digs his nails in a bit.

“Mate me. Alpha please”

And God it’s pathetic but it’s all he wants right now, he wants Pecco to claim him and ruin him for any other guy who may think they’ve got a chance with him, wants that asshole of a Pramac rider to never look at Pecco like that again, understand he’s ever gonna be his, not like Bez is.

It’s a whole three seconds of internal debate for Pecco before he gets his mouth on Nez’s neck and opens it, the. lowers himself and bites.

The hand on his back digs more inside, the broken whimper coming from Marco is basically a melody, he wants to hear it again.

“You’re so sweet, smell and taste all so fucking sweet amore”

He leaves other kisses and bites all over his collarbone, moans getting louder and louder form both parts.

He picks the pace up again immediately, thrusting into Bez with force, holding him down by the hips and just going.

“You’re big fuck Pecco, so big and so good, I need you to fill me up, need to feel you everywhere”

“Mh you like it? Yeah fuck I’ll fill you up so much, fucking get you pregnant. I want to breed you so bad”

Bez lets out a louder moan, it’s almost a cry, he wants it too.

Pecco hasn’t stopped thrusting inside him, actually he picked up the pace once more, it’d be uncomfortable if any of the two could properly think.

“Mine. Mine mine mine you’re mine Marco, I will mark you everywhere on the neck so no one comes close thinking they can have you. Do you have any idea how many guys there want to have you as their omega? Mh? You just go around smelling so good, everyone wants a piece”

“Then make me smell like you. I want your scent on me for days Pecco, you’re mine too, I don’t ever want to see Martin looking at you again, he can’t, and also - fuck also your friend he better take his fucking eyes off you”

Pecco grunts, he’s close, but Bez’s is closer, he’s on edge, so close anything can tip him off.

Another bite coming from Pecco is what does it, makes him come and shudder, a long dragged whine to accompany it.

He clenches around Pecco, who can deem himself strong as much as he wants, but when Bez clenches like that, so wet and hot and his, it’s not something he can resist.

He comes deep inside, still thrusting, as Bez lets go of his back, just helpless little moans in the background mixing with the loud sound of bikes and machines in the garage.

They kiss again, their scents mixing, the motorhome must smell like sex and them, like love.

“Mine”

Pecco says it again before collapsing on top of Bez, he was an exhausting omega to take care of, and to think it’s only the first day of heat.

“Pecco shower, shower then we have to go to the hotel”

“No. We stay here they won’t notice”

“Yes they will, you’re the Champion amore forgot it?

“I want to stay here with you”

“Yeah I know I know but we need to go”

They shower, make out in the meanwhile, Bez still tastes so sweet it’s incredible.

When they get out Bez actually looks at the mark.

It’s beautiful, perfect.

“What’s going on?”

“You had to do it so high? Pecco this is not gonna be hidden by shirts”

Pecco smiles, leaving a kiss on the back of his neck, then running his fingers over the fresh mark.

“Yeah it was my intention”

“Oh fucking possessive bastard”

“Mig stares, too much. And Franky does too, when you went in heat last time and your stupid ex wasn’t there he immediately offered to help you. Also Cele, he stares at you every chance he gets he looks at you, now they’ll know you’re mine”

They get dressed rapidly, luckliky Pecco’s clothes fit him, and he can get out the garage without seeming like too much.

Of course the day after all the journalists will ask about his new bite, and he’ll smile and just say that he’s been mated, not by who.

But he hopes he’ll still smell like Pecco so they’ll know anyway.

That he is his.

[nisaconite]

so i was playing through the new tutorial quests with an alt account, and kind of thought it was odd that all the soul riders just happened to be there? like, lisa first got back into horseback riding all the way in sl. and anyway, she trained at jorvik stables with herman, nowhere near moorland.

so: headcanon that the mc's power signature from all four circles + aideen's light was so strong when they arrived on the island that everyone with even the most minimal magic ability immediately sensed it. the druids, knowing that the dark riders would have felt it too, immediately sent the soul riders to 'coincidentally' be there to greet the newcomer.

aka why alex says "long time no see, lisa!" - this is their first soul riding mission since the novels, since they last parted ways. if not for the mc's arrival, none of them would have been at the riding camp that day in the first place. maya probably helped them orchestrate the whole thing, too, hence lisa and the mc's 'lesson' together.

[flowersforzoe11]

Alex Rider tv series S1E5 Reviews

spoilers and thoughts below :)

okay!! Kyra is very cool all of a sudden !! can't wait for her and Alex to team up (plus it's nice albeit weird that he's not so alone in the tv-verse)

yassen gregorovich the man you are

god i love Alex's ingeniuty (the graphite on the keypad). very book series-coded

OKAY THE HITLER BIRTH YEAR PULL WAS INSANE ALEX ILY (also Kyra saying "make sense faster" was so perfect. exactly what Alex needs to hear every day of his life)

i will say the biggest strength of the show vs the books is that you get to see into what other characters are doing (like Yassen or the MI6 hacking scene). very much enjoying all of the plots running together

the kyra/alex hacking scene is so good??? no notes

also i love how smart everyone is. James blasting the music was perfect and it's nice Alex's buddies here are all competent (poor book Alex was the only one operating with any brain cells in 75% of his interactions)

i will say it forever, yassen is perfection. as away-from-the-book as it is, i love his presence in the tv show sm

STOP YASSEN SEEING ALEX IN THE FLESH FOR THE FIRST TIME IS CRAZY!! LIKE IMAGINE SEEING THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE REINCARNATED AS A 14 YEAR BOY IN YOUR PLACE OF WORK (also, "another time, maybe" was awesome). and him turning back omggggg i loved every bit of this scene to pieces

if Alan Blunt has no haters then i am dead BUT him reading Parker Roscoe like a book was actually so good

"Michael Roscoe would never quote Hitler" i'm dead

okay things are getting really real omfg. there are so many things that i *hope* they do in the rest of the season but i will keep them to myself until the inevitably happen/don't happen

finishing thoughts: i think it's a good thing i haven't read anything before Never Say Die since like 2019(that being 5 years ago is crazy. anyway). even though i've read every book at least three times (and let's be honest, i've probably read Snakehead and Scopia 10 times a piece), having a fuzzy memory on the events of Point Blank helps me not focus too hard on the differences between book and show which increases my enjoyment for sure <3

[lumiidragon]

So now that I've seen the last season of the Nine Realms, I can finally give my own personal review on it, and the last seeing as how this was the last season and TNR is officially over.

So needless to say SPOILERS BELOW! PLEASE STOP READING HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE LATEST SEASON AND DON'T WANT SPOILERS!!!

So let me start out on a, sadly poor note with this: this season was super disappointing... The big finale, the end-all, the conclusion to The Nine Realms was...flat. Boring. Pointless. Like, this was actually probably one of the more poorer seasons...

So let's start with The World Serpent (Yeah, I can't spell the other name, so I'll just refer to it as 'The Serpent' for ease. This dragon was honestly a really cool design, but not as a "predator of all dragons and the destroyer of The Hidden World". First off, a top-tier predatory animal that is meant to destroy all dragons and the dragon ecosystem...doesn't make sense. Why would an animal like that exist??? If The Hidden World is supposed to be this perfect dragon paradise, then why is there a dragon that literally goes against this notion. Also, this dragon was literally seen poorly trying to catch a terrible terror in a flock of three that was just casually flying around its face like a cat trying to catch a fly and not doing very good at it. This is the dragon that can supposedly take down any dragon such as a Red Death? A bewilderbeast? Any titan-class dragon? No, I don't think so. The poisonous gas attack it has is powerful, but this dragon just doesn't scream "Destroyer of The Hidden World" to me. Not that a dragon that is destined to destroy the world all the dragons that are damned there forever makes sense anyways, but still. On top of that, this dragon spent most of its time "defeating the Riders" by hitting them with the same amount of power any other dragon enemy has and then just taking off. That was pretty much it. It hit once or twice then ran away. The series literally only made this thing to be "unbeatable" because they made the Riders' dragons have 2 HP per battle and have the bad guy dip afterward, thus drawing this out through the entirety of the season. This dragon wasn't powerful, it was long-winded. Finally, the final battle was so.......boring? The group brought in an "Army Of Dragons" to defeat this thing, which would have been cool if it weren't for the fact that they basically just brought one or two dragons a piece. That's not an army and if a handful of common dragons with two special bosses (the Faultripper and the Sky Torcher) is all that it took to beat this thing, then this dragon was never the ultimate dragon destroyer the legends made it out to be. I could really go more into how The Serpant and the battles with it were pointless, boring, and just anti-climatic, but this section has gotten long enough, so I'll leave it at this.

Next up, Tom and Jun. Their romance drama was so pointless and added literally nothing to the story. This is the last season and it's only 6 episodes long. They don't need teen romance side-drama this late into the series, they need to concentrate on what was supposed to be the issue at hand. That, and Jun breaking it off with Tom over him doing the same thing he's always done since Season 1 really shows their compatibility as a romantic duo. But yeah, their whole romance here was just completely pointless and added nothing to the series. Also, Alex and Eugene was also completely unnecessary with what they were trying to build.

Then we have the villains. So Buzzsaw's goons and Linda are the most pointless characters in the villain side of things. The bumbling side kicks to a villain can be charming, but when every villain's group are just kids in adult bodies that still need to be babysat or else they can't do anything right, then it gets annoying and kind of pointless. Linda was probably the worst of them. As for Buzzsaw, his redemption was too much a play off of Dagur and, in my opinion very unnecessary. It felt like they only redeemed him because they didn't need him anymore, but didn't have the time to properly deal with him. As for Sledkin, she was actually a decent villain for what the series was giving, but ultimately fell into the weak trope of "I'm so desperately obsessed over my final goal that I am just throwing self preservation out the window so I can be pointlessly reckless despite being a very intelligent individual" and ended up getting killed over it (which I'm surprised TNR actually had a human death in this).

So let's finally move to my final complaints with this season:

-Thunder being "alpha" is bullshit. There is no way the night lights (yes, even the Elder Night Light) are the "Kings of Dragons" when most dragons didn't give them two glances. So there is no way Thunder is an alpha. I'm sorry, but no. Also, with the Elder Night Light passing, it's nice to see how literally no one cared since Thunder can glow like a radioactive lightbulb now, I guess. They grieved Sledkin more than this dragon. Thunder hardly even cared. Along with the night light thing, Thunder's family is not only useless in the series, but seeing as how we never get a real reason as to why night lights are breeding with each other, I am not convinced that this family line isn't just a messed up family wreath than a family tree at this point. Nothing was explained, so the fans only have the fact that there were only 3 night lights from Toothless (Toothless who was basically never mentioned in this series) and the Light Fury (who wasn't mentioned at all) and no others exist, but we see night lights having kids with each other....I....ew.

-The Raker episode was literally just not necessary and could have been left out altogether and nothing change. This is the last season, we don't need pointless spoilers.

-Olivia was being built as a true character earlier in the series, shame she was basically forgotten about. Same for the other parents.

-The Gods Realm was boring and really uninteresting to look at. Like...it might as well have been any chamber in any cave around the world, not the "Lungs of the Hidden World", which the dragonite still makes no sense and there's no way they would have run out of oxygen in that massive chamber that quickly with the stone removed. None of that made sense.

-There's no way Tom would have ever learned how to communicate with dragons with Valka's staff. I don't know where they got this "Hypnotizing" thing from, but Valka lived alone with dragons for 20 years. She communicated and learned their language that she developed replications of in her own way. Tom cannot learn that in a short montage because Valka's power with dragons came from her connection and understanding from more time of experience with dragons alone than Tom has even been alive for. The staff was a tool, not the power itself. That, and Hiccup would never use his mother's staff. That's A. not his approach to dragons anyway, and B. his mother's. Valka most likely would have had her burial with that staff. Oh, and it's nice to see yet another thing just be casually destroyed and not cared about.

-And I think the last thing I've got for this massive post is the ending. Yes, the dragons leave. What a surprise. This time, the dragons choose to leave and more or less say "Sorry kids, you guys...eh, kinda suck.". The Riders were basically pleading with their dragons (mostly Tom) that there had to be another way and the dragons wouldn't even let them touch them anymore. They acted like they had their fun and it's gone stale so it's time to leave. Great...bond??? Of course, it was over "HOOMANS BAD." so why bother to fix the world when you can just hide in a dead-looking cave system forever? Right? Not only that, but the group itself also split up, expect for Tom and Jun of course, because how else can the series end off with the romance that they pointlessly shoved in.

So yeah, this season was......not good. I really had my hopes out for the series ending much more interestingly, but in the end, with the dragons shoving themselves away again, nothing came from this series other than Tom gets a girlfriend and the group learns the true power of video calls. So in all, I give TNR a personal 5-6/10.

[shiverandqueeef]

dipping my toes into the alex rider fandom bc i like the actor who plays yassen in the tv show, and of course there is a significant contingent of fandom who ship yassen and alex. i expected that just based on the book series' target age demographic, along with the particular dynamic between the characters (not quite allies not quite enemies a secret history tying them together, he's a cold-blooded killer who makes exceptions for alex because alex is special. that shit is what teenage fanfiction dreams are made of).

there is also a not-insignificant pushback against shipping an adult and 14 year old. Makes sense! I get it. but the thing is. having only spent a day or two in the alex rider tag i can already say with confidence that the overwhelming majority of yalex fans are themselves roughly the same age as alex rider. It's a fandom that skews young. and when it comes to engaging with fiction as a young person, it's normal for teens to use characters their own age with whom they can identify as a method of exploring their own sexuality. imagining and writing about romantic and/or sexual scenarios between a character close to your own age and an older character you find attractive is pretty standard stuff.

the very first fanfiction i ever posted? rin/sesshomaru from inuyasha. for context if you aren't familiar with the show: rin's exact age is not given, but she is very clearly a child. sesshomaru is not only an adult but also her father figure. at the time i was writing fanfic of them falling in love, i was around 12. i romanticized the idea of a girl my own age being the most important person in the world to a handsome mysterious character i had a crush on. and it was fine. I wasn't an adult fantasizing about children, I wasn't supporting grooming or influencing anyone into thinking children and adults being "in love" irl is in any way okay. I was a kid trying to figure out why i was suddenly feeling nervous and shy around boys when just a year ago i didn't care about them one way or the other. and using these two fictional characters with a dynamic that appealed to me (morally ambiguous man who doesn't care about anyone or anything except for this one girl he protects and loves seemingly despite himself because she's special) was a perfectly healthy outlet for me to imagine what it would be like to hold hands or kiss someone i liked.

Obviously now as an adult, the idea of shipping rin/sesshomaru has zero appeal, and the fact that canonically they do end up in a romantic relationship when she's older quite frankly skeeves me the fuck out. but i just didn't see it that way as a kid, because of course I didn't.

I keep thinking about 12 year old me, in the early stages of discovering her own sexuality, and how upsetting it would have been to receive online harassment for trying to explore it within the safety of fiction. And while 12 is younger than what i would put the average yalex fan at - probably between 14 and 19 - the principle is the same, only with more explicit content than the hand-holding stage i was at as a 12 year old.

anyways. all im saying is maybe try to understand why a fandom comprised of mostly under 18 year old girls would be invested in writing/reading stories exploring their sexual and/or romantic fantasies using fictional characters as surrogates, alex and yassen in particular; a morally ambiguous man who doesn't care about anyone or anything except for this one boy he protects and loves seemingly despite himself because he's special.

maybe don't blame them for the existence of pedophilia (maybe that's something you should blame on pedophiles). and actually you know what maybe stop condescending to teenagers as though they aren't capable of discerning reality from fiction and understanding the nature of their own fantasies. maybe just leave them be and blacklist the appropriate tags so you don't have to see anything you don't want to.