#I hit the maximum text block

[81pastrys]

Quadrant Racers

Nearly 19k 2 part series

Summary— Max Fewtrells sister was Lando’s teammate at McLaren before her move to RedBull, but she’s still close to Lando and a part of quadrant, so what happens when Max wins a bet that they set on Lando?

Warnings— First Person POV (I, me, us, we) ; confident reader ; mention of broken wrist ; angst ; mention of Max’s racing career ; awkward Lando ; Oscar!Ex ; mentions of abusive ex ; panic attacks ; anxiety ; forced proximity

A/N— hey! So I hit the maximum text block for this one. It HAS to be a two parts.

Series Masterlist ; Main Masterlist ; Part 2

Growing up I was always in and around go karts, now I’m in and around Formula One cars. I made it to Formula One, but with a few downsides. My brother dropped from Formula Two. I was super devastated, but his mental health was declining quickly.

He runs a company with his best friend, Lando Norris and a few other friends. Lando is in F1 with me though, so he makes appearances every now and then. I do as well, when we have the time.

During the winter break, my brother wanted me and Lando to do shoots with him for the channel so we agreed. We fly out from Monaco to him and the rest of Quadrant. When we arrive we go to his house. I take my stay in the guest bed while Lando takes the couch.

“Do you want the room?” I ask, realizing I just took the room without negotiating with them.

“No, no.” Lando says. “I’ll live for a few days on the couch.”

“It’s not like you have choice mate.” Max laughed. “She was just being nice, she wouldn’t have given the room up.”

“Oh shut it.” I say. “If you want the room, have it.”

“I feel like there’s a bigger argument here.” He said. “I’ll stick to the couch.”

“No argument, a bet maybe.” I say. “Max will go above and beyond with bets he can’t win.”

“Yeah? Like you’re any better.” Max mocked.

“Technically-“

“There is no technically you failed.” He cut me off. “Deadline was the last race.”

“Deadline for what?” Lando asked, laughing slightly.

“Oh nothing, just the bet we set in May.”

“Max!” I say. “He isn’t interested, that’s not fair!” Lando is severely confused now.

“I gave you information that says otherwise.” Max says. “Don’t give me that bull.”

“What if I can do it by the end of this week?” I say. “Up the ante a bit.”

“To what?” He asked.

“Paddock pass to Vegas next season, if I lose.” I say. “If you win though, hmmm Lando give me ideas.”

“Oh no, I’m not getting involved.” He said.

“I get your Vegas helmet.” Max said.

“You muppet.” I laugh. “Deal, shake on it.” We shake hands and I immediately take action to win the bet. “Lando, do you like me?”

“Woah!” He said. “That was the bet?!”

“Choose wisely, a paddock pass and a Vegas helmet are on the line.” Max says.

“I need to know the bet exactly.” Lando says.

“Ehhh no.” I say. “Answer truthfully and we’ll tell you.” I say. Max knows Lando too well to know when he’s lying.

“This is gonna be awkward.” Max said.

“Yes, I like you.” Lando said, laughing afterward.

“You dimwit, she means like date her not in general.” Max said, knocking Lando on the side of his head.

“Yes!” Lando said. “I do, I’ve told you this!”

“Oh come on!!” I say. “I owe you a paddock pass.”

“Thanks mate.” Max said to Lando. “Well on with filming.”

“What?” Lando said.

We go and film the video. It was a kart race between a few of our friends and us. The twist was we had the worst karts. So it was basically Lando and I racing. We do a ‘quali’ lap and I get first.

“Pole position Fewtrell, how do you feel.” Max asked me.

“I could’ve done better to be honest.” I say.

“Aren’t you a bundle of joy.” Ethan said. “I got 4th.”

“It’s my interview, go away.” I say.

“Alright well, that was quali!” Max said dialing down the tension. Ethan and I never really got along well. We move the karts and do the line up. Somehow Lando ended up 3rd.

“I’m gonna win this dude.” I say before we get in the karts.

“Don’t be too cocky just yet.” Lando said.

“How can I be cocky without one?” I ask.

They laugh and we get back in the karts. We race and Lando catches up with me. I drift the last corner and win the race with +.154 seconds on Lando.

“Told you!” I yell. We get out the karts and Max interviews us.

“P1!” He said. “That’s new for you isn’t it?”

I punch his arm and we start fighting on the grass, wrestling until he wins and I tap out. “It wasn’t easy.” I say when I’m back up.

“How did she just go from wrestling you, to talking like nothing happened?” Niran asked.

“Shut up- ummm.” I say and laugh. Lando walks up and challenges me. “Oh I’m not doing that.” I laugh more, blushing.

“Scared I’ll mess up your racing skills?” Lando asked. “Don’t worry I have to worry about mine.”

He continued to push me and I finally give in holding his hands pushing him back. “Here we go again.” Max said.

I end up wrestling Lando in the grass, able to pin him down. I straddle him and he taps out looking to the camera. “You’re cutting that out.” He said out of breath.

“Keep it in, shows he’s only good at driving.” I say winking and getting off his lap. “Fuck I’m tired.”

“Anyway, can I interview you now?” Max asked. “Are you done wrestling people?”

“Idk are you gonna lose the attitude Maxie?”

“Maxie!” Lando said and laughed.

“I’m skipping your interview now.” He said.

He did everyone elses interview and leaves me out. I lay on the grass and chill out. “Come on, let’s go.” Lando says.

“I’m comfortable.” I say.

“Comfortable?” He asked. “It’s fucking freezing.”

“Don’t remind me you muppet.” I say getting up. We head back to Max’s house and I change. I put on pajama pants and a big McLaren hoodie. “What’s for dinner?”

“Food perhaps.” Max mocked.

“I made a reservation at- what are you wearing?” Lando said, looking over mid sentence.

“Clothes you muppet.” I say.

“You’re a Red Bull driver, take that off.” Max said.

“God forbid I wear my previous teams merch.” I say. “Reservations where?”

“He made a reservation to take you out, idiot.” Max said walking past.

“We don’t have to go if you don’t want.” He said with mock sarcasm.

“I can go change Lando, I just wanted to wear something comfortable.”

“De Terra.” He said. “It’s in 2 hours, so if you want to go get ready…”

“I will.” I say. I go back to the guest room and pick an outfit. I grab my makeup and start when Max walks in. He sits on the bed while I do my makeup. “What’s up?”

“Please don’t rush this one.” He said. “I don’t want you getting hurt again.”

“I won’t, what happened with Oscar was just-.” I say. “He wanted my spot and thought getting closer to me would help that.”

“Yeah well, he broke your heart in the process.”

“I don’t think Lando wants my f1 spot.” I say. I start doing my hair, curling it. I’m slightly rushing, it’s been around 45 minutes. “Besides if I didn’t like Lando like that, I would’ve- FUCK!”

“What?” Max asked, jumping from the bed. I put the curling iron down and jump up and down. “What did you do?”

“I burned my finger, holy fuck it hurts!”

“Oh, stop yelling at me!” He said. “I’ll get you ice.”

“Owwww!!” I say shaking my hand around. Max returns with ice and puts it on my finger. “That hurts!” I yell at him.

“Well no shit, you burned your skin off!”

“Shut up.” I say. I finish curling my hair and put a bandaid on my finger. I get dressed once max leaves the room.

I put on fleece lined leggings, an oversized tan sweater dress and bootie heels. I go back to the main room and Lando is wearing khakis with a leather belt, and a black crewneck. His gold watch and a dainty golden chain. We unintentionally match.

“You look stunning.” He said. I blush and giggle.

“You look good too, we’re matching.” I say still giggling. “How are we getting there?”

“Max offered to bring us, London traffic and all.” He giggled.

“Understandable, where is Max?” I ask unamused by my brothers absence. “Wanking off I presume.”

“I’m right here, shut your trap.” He said walking from the kitchen. “Let’s go.”

We follow Max to his garage and he unlocked his car. Lando opens the rear door and I get in thanking him. He gets in on the other side.

Max drives us to the restaurant and same thing, Lando opens my door for me. He stands in front of me so I don’t flash anyone. There are a few fans. Paparazzi are crazy as well. We get into the restaurant and sit down. It’s a small, niche restaurant.

“What are we starting off with to drink?” Our waiter asked. I glance at Lando.

“Can I get a glass of water?” I say.

“I’ll just do a water as well.” Lando said.

The waiter walks off and we look at the menu. We get our drinks and then order our food.

“What was the full bet, if I may ask?” Lando started.

“Well, Max told me you liked me.” I say. “So I bet that if you did, I’d give him a prize and he bet that if you didn’t he’d pick a prize.”

“Well, why did you choose the losing side?” He laughed. “You had proof, you could’ve won easily.”

“Who knows?” I laugh. “Truth be told, I really want Max in Vegas.”

“Really?” He asked.

“I mean he goes to races, but not the fun ones.” I say. “Plus he’s never had fun after races.”

“That’s true, does he know how to though?”

“I’m sure he does, Vegas will prove that.” I giggle. “It’s also a heads up not to do bad, so we can celebrate.”

“Well, I never plan on doing bad.” He said. “If McLaren keeps this strategy up, I’ll be fine.”

“Yeah?” I say. “How’s Andrea?”

“Oh shut it.” He giggled. “His strategies have improved to say the least.”

“That’s good!” I say. “He didn’t like me much though.”

“I think he’s just sexist.” Lando laughed. “He doesn’t treat Oscar that way.”

“Yeah well.” I say. “Oscar is good at manipulation.”

“Oh yeah?”

“I went through a year of it yeah.” I say. “He wanted my spot.”

“Really?” He said. “Max never told me that.”

“Yeah, he’s the only person I told.” I say. “Not to say Oscar is a bad person, but he used me for an F1 spot.”

“Oh wow, I never thought that of him.”

“That was over a year ago now.” I say. “Max is worried about me dating, so he kept deferring me.”

“I’ve noticed that.” He said. “Max seems very protective of you.”

“Older brother at his finest.” I say. “I admire it though, he wants what’s best for me.”

“Yeah, he knows how it feels to be in dark places.” Lando said. “No harm in trying to protect you from that.”

“He gives good advice on it too.” I mention. “He can comfort me, but not having him at races is hard.”

“I bet, I’m sure he’d answer if you called.” Lando said.

“Yeah, although I don’t think he wants a call from his sister at 3 am having a panic attack.” I laugh slightly. Lando used to calm me down before races.

“I’m sure it’s gotten better, no?” He asked.

“A bit, but I still have them every other race.” I say. “Verstappen is good at calming me down.”

“Max? Really?”

“Yeah, he acts like a brother to me.” I say.

“I mean you’re only 23.” He said. “I’m sure it’ll go away.”

“I’m hoping on that, but only time will tell.”

We get our food and eat. The food was amazing. I text Max that we’re almost done and he says he’s on his way. We get dessert and share.

Lando pays and we head out to Max’s car. We get in and laugh. “What’s funny?” Max asked.

“The paparazzi and fans.” I giggle.

“Mate they’re going wild.” Lando said. “Asking us about other people, as if we weren’t on a date.” I put my face in my hands and laugh more.

“At least we know the headlines won’t be speculation of us dating.” I laugh.

“Right?” Lando laughed.

We get back to the house and I go to the guest room, taking off my makeup. Max comes in and sits on the bed. “How’d it go?”

I blush and smile at him. “Stop!!!” I say throwing my brush at him. “It was good.”

“I don’t want you rushing, you know that.” He said.

“I know I know, but I really like him.” I say blushing harder.

“Understood, I’m telling him the same things.” He said. “If he breaks your heart, I’ll break his trophy’s.”

“He won’t break my heart, Max.” I say. “He might steal it though.”

He rolls his eyes and leaves, closing the door. I go to lock it and the doorknob turns. It’s Lando.

“Oh hey.” I say.

“You still haven’t changed?” He asked. He’s wearing pajama pants and a long sleeve shirt.

“I was about to!” I laugh. “But my doorknob turned and here you are.”

“I’m sorry!” He said, surprised. “I didn’t know that, Max walked out I figured you were-“

“It’s okay!” I say. “I’m joking with you.”

“Okay.” He said. “Maxie wants to do a movie night.” He mocked my nickname for Max.

“Okay, let me get changed first, and I’ll head out there.” I say. He leaves the room and I actually lock the door. I put on fleece pajama pants, a quadrant hoodie that’s a few sizes too big and fleece socks. I walk out and see them lounging on the couch. “What are we watching?”

“Uhhh I don’t know what do you want to watch?” Max asked. “Not cars.”

“Well then guess I’ll go back to my room.” I say acting like I’m leaving. “I’m kidding, what else is there to watch?”

“Why can’t we watch cars?” Lando asked.

“Mate, she’s obsessed.” Max said.

“What?” Lando asked laughing.

“Come on Fernando literally voiced in cars 3!” I say like an excited child.

“What?!” Lando said, like I just blew his mind. “Since when?!”

“In the Spanish version, Hamilton voices in 2 and 3.” I say. “Seb is in the German and Italian version, Schumacher is in the second one too, you’re telling me you didn’t know this?!”

“She’s fucking with me right?” He asked Max.

“No you muppet, how did you not know that?”

“Dude, now we have to watch cars.” Lando said.

“Yay!!” I say and jump in the middle of them. “1, 2, or 3?”

“2 is my favorite.” Max said.

“You’re boring.” I say. “The third one is the best.”

“I’ve never watched any.” Lando says. Max and I both look at him like he flashed us.

“We’re watching all three.” I say to Max.

“Fuck yeah we are.” Max said.

I get up and to grab a blanket, but Lando had other plans and pulled me back to the couch. He covered me in his and I cuddled to his chest, blushing while Max starts the movie.

We get to the second movie and talk about the first one. “Classic, but I like the third one.”

“It’s literally the same thing.” Max says.

“You muppet, you just spoiled it.” Lando said.

“Not really, it’s different I promise.” I say. “The second is way different than them though.”

“Second one is- oh shut up.” Max said.

We start the second movie and I feel myself drifting to sleep. We get to Hamilton’s part and I’m no longer drifting off. “Look! It’s Hamilton!” I say pointing.

“Wait, why does Francisco look like an f1 car and the others don’t?” Lando asked.

“I don’t know, but did you hear Hamilton’s part?”

“Yes I heard it.” He said smiling at me. I go back to drifting to sleep. His chest is so warm and his arm wrapped around me was comforting. I fall asleep.

They wake me up on the third movies credits. “Hmm?” I hum waking up.

“The movies are over.” Lando whispered. “You fell asleep.” He giggled a bit.

“Because you’re comfortable to lay on.” I mumble. “I don’t wanna move.”

“My bed is the couch, I don’t mind.” He said.

I hear him and Max talking for a bit then the light go out. He moves to lay down, moving me to lay on top of him. His arms rest on my back, like he’s hugging me. I sink into a deep sleep.

I wake up next to him, halfway on his chest. He isn’t awake yet, so I assume it’s early. I look around for a clock and the tv has one. It’s 7:30am. I go back to sleep. He wakes me up 2 hours later.

“Morning.” He said yawning.

“Morning.” I say, getting more comfortable, if possible.

“Don’t get more comfortable, Max will be up any minute.” He said shaking me a little.

“It should be illegal for you to be this comfy.” I say. “You’re like a cloud.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He giggled. “I think we’re doing another shoot for quadrant today.” He said.

“Again? What for?” I whine.

“Well, I have to film while I’m here.” He laughed. “It’s a sim racing video.”

“Well this’ll be fun.” I laugh slightly. “I’m tired, and comfortable though.”

“Yes, but Ethan and Niran will be here any minute.” He said.

“Are you embarrassed to have a hot f1 driver on your chest?”

“No, I’m scared they’ll make fun of me, or get drunk and say it on stream.” He laughed.

“Fine, but you owe me big time.” I say sitting up finally.

We both get up, I go to my room getting ready. I do light makeup and fix my god awful hair. Then I put on fleece lined leggings and an oversized sweater and still have my fleece socks still on.

I go back to the living room where Lando is also dressed now. His hair is no longer a mop. He’s wearing thick cargo pants with a hoodie and thick flannel over top. Max is up, but still in pajamas.

“Tea?” He asked.

“Please.” I say, walking to the kitchen.

I pick out a tea and he makes it for me. I put some milk in with honey and drink it. “Did he just make you tea?” Lando asked.

“Yeah, why?” I ask.

“She’s my little sister, of course I made her tea.” Max said.

“You didn’t make my tea.”

“You aren’t my sister idiot.”

“I get princess treatment.” I smile.

“Not if you’re gonna be cocky about it.” Max said.

“That’s next level.” Lando said. “You’re spoiling her and not me.” He shakes his head.

“You’re telling me, you wouldn’t make your little sister tea after she flew from Monaco out to your house?”

“No I would, but if my mate also went I’d make him some as well.”

“You’re fully capable of making your own.” Max said. “Come on mate.”

“Whatever.” Lando says jokingly.

Ethan and Niran arrive, I roll my eyes at them. “What’s her deal?” Ethan asked.

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

“She rolled her eyes at us.” Niran said holding an arm out in my direction.

“Dude we just woke up.” Max said. “Get off it.”

Max is the king of ignoring my blatant attitude towards them. To be fair, I just never liked them. If I could pick any guys other than them I would.

They talk for a bit and then Max sets up the simulator. I get in first. Adjusting the settings to how it would feel in a real car, or at least the closest. Max picked the track, which was Monaco.

“Oh come on.” I say. “Monaco really?”

“You need to learn not to hit every wall possible.” He said.

“I do not hit every-“ I stop myself. Lando laughs. “Shut up.”

I do a slow warm up lap and hit no walls. The next lap was timed so I sped up. I hit like one wall, not even hitting it, just tapping it.

“Mate, no walls!” Max said.

“You drive an F1 car on this godforsaken track Max!” I say heated. “It isn’t as easy as in the F2 cars.”

“I don’t hit walls often.” Lando said, he’s not even paying attention. He’s playing on his phone. “You just need to go a bit slower.”

“And what? Let Verstappen pass me?” I scoff. “I’ll take the wall risk.”

“You’re doing better!” Max said. “No kissed walls.”

“Oh that’s because it isn’t a McLaren.” I laugh.

“Tell that to your RB20.” He said. I always crash out or hit walls at Monaco. Last year it was bad. I acted like it was fine but it really did hit me when he said that.

“Just be quiet.” I mumble. I tried to keep racing but then when I passed the corner I crashed at, I paused the game and left the room. He called after me but I ignored him. I go to my room and lock the door. I lay in the bed and go on my phone. Not upset but just mad.

A few hours go by and there’s a knock on my door. I ignore it. “Sis, come on I was joking.” Max said. I ignore him again. It is now I realize he has a key to this room. I get up and unlock the door opening it. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah whatever, what do you want?” I ask.

“They want to go out for lunch.” He said. “Did you want to come?”

“No.” I say. “I’m not hungry.”

“Come on seriously.” He basically whined. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I’ll go to lunch I guess.” I sigh. Once he starts whining it takes a while to get him to leave me alone. I put on shoes and grab my purse. They take two cars, Max driving one and Lando driving another. Ethan and Niran went with Max while I went with Lando. They didn’t seem bothered by it, considering we were teammates.

“Did his Monaco comment really upset you?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I say.

“Come on, don’t be dry with me.” He said.

“I’m sure he saw the race, and I told him how fucked up I was after.” I say. “I just- I’d rather forget about it.”

“He didn’t have any ill intent.” Lando said. “He was messing around for the bit.”

“I still don’t care.” I say. “My hand is still fucked up.”

“That’s why Liam drove 3 races for you.” He said. “Your trainer cleared you, the doctors cleared you.”

“That doesn’t mean I have my full potential back Lando.” I start raising my voice. “Max of all people knows that, that could’ve been 3 podiums for the team.”

“Okay, okay, no need to start yelling at me.” He said placing a hand on my thigh, rubbing it up and down to comfort me. “I understand it was a hard time, but Max was just trying to make you laugh.” He said soothingly.

“Whatever.” I sigh. “I’m still pissed about it.”

We get to the restaurant and get out. We’re seated fairly quickly. I sit in between Max and Lando. I fuck around with the straw paper and then play on my phone. “Why did we bring her if she’s just going to nod off?” Ethan asked. I look up innocent, knowing he’s talking about me.

“I mean, I can leave.” I say, almost clueless.

“No, you aren’t leaving.” Lando said. “Ethan why are you so rude?”

“Well I mean, I’ve got a point don’t I?”

“Dude just drop it.” Niran said. “She’s here and she’s Max’s sister.”

“Why can’t I leave again?” I ask Lando. He looks at me, then at Ethan, and then grabs my neck pulling me in for a kiss.

“That’s why.” He said, giggling a bit to him self. “She’s not only tied to Max now.”

I giggle and sit back in my chair blushing. Ethan shut up and Niran was still in shock. Max was looking at us as if it was planned to piss him off. “What?” I ask smiling uncontrollably.

“We’re in public.” He said. “Someone could’ve videoed that.”

“Let them.” Lando smiled. “We’ll talk more later.”

After lunch we get in the cars and all agreed to go shopping for a little. I ride with Lando, which is now suspicious to them. “You really kissed me in front of all three of them.” I say in disbelief.

“And I would happily do it again.” He laughed. “I’ve liked you since last season.” He said. “I’m gonna blindly assume you liked me.”

“Oh I’ve liked you since I broke up with Oscar.” I scoff. “Max knew that, he ratted you out so I’d make a move.”

“What a muppet.” He laughed. “Technically you still did.”

“Nooo, I asked if you like liked me and then you brought me on a date.”

“True.” He said as he pulled into the shopping center lot. We find where Max parked and park nearby. “Let’s not make a scene here, or your brother will kill me tonight.”

“No promises pretty boy.” I joke. We get out the car and head towards the entrance. “Oh you know what I need?” I perk up. “I need new heels.”

“Heels for what?” Max asked. “The paddock?”

“Yeah, heels make me look taller and badass.” I say. “Hence the fact I need heels.”

“The paddock is full of cracks, you’re gonna break an ankle.” Lando says.

“Fine, then nicer shoes than what I have, preferably wedges.” I say.

“That’s more like it.” Max said. We go to a fancy shoe store and I tell the lady exactly what kind of shoes I’m looking for. I start trying on shoes when I realize Max, Ethan, and Niran aren’t in the store anymore.

“What’s wrong love?” Lando asked, seeing me look around.

“Where are the other boys?” I ask. “Were they that bored?”

“Well Ethan and Niran have a Complex against you and Max didn’t want to hear it so they went to another store.” He smiled.

“I’m glad you stayed behind.” I say smiling. “Although I think you should spend time with them, they are your friends too and Max always sees them.”

“Yeah well, It was Max’s idea they leave and I told them I was staying.” He said.

“Ok what do we think about these?” I ask standing up in tan with light pink strapped wedges. “I personally love them.”

“You look too tall.” He said. “They are cute though.”

“I’m just too tall for you.” I say. “These are only what, 2 inches?”

“That makes a difference love.” He laughed.

“That makes me 5’6!” I laugh. “Is that too tall for you?”

“No, but I’d prefer you to be shorter.” He joked. “Can you please try on the Nikes?” He asked pointing to the stack of shoe boxes I picked.

“Yes, I will.” I say. “After you approve the wedges.”

“They’re nice, versatile, and make you tall.” He said. “Buy them.”

“Yay! Now I can try on the Nikes.” I say, I swap the shoes and put on the bubblegum accented shoes. “Ouu I like these.” I say.

“Damn they look good.” He said. “I think if anyone can pull off that pink, it’s you.”

“Why thank you, and I think I don’t need an opinion to buy these.” I say.

I go through more and more shoes but only end up with 3. The wedges, bubblegum Nikes and cream embroidered high top converse. I pay and we leave the store. Lando holds my bag. “Where to?” He asked.

“Hmm I don’t know, I got what I wanted.” I say. “Anything you want?”

“Not really.” He said.

“I could do some new sunglasses.” I say.

“Get a pair of the McLaren ones.” He said. “Remind me before we leave, we can go to Surrey and get you some from HQ.”

“Are they pink?” I ask. “If you couldn’t tell I like pink.”

“No, but it’ll be a pair of McLaren sunglasses.” He laughed. “We can order you a pair with pink and the McLaren logo.”

“Okay, sounds good.” I say. “Look there’s Max.” I say pointing to the food court.

“Hey sis.” He said. “What shoes did you get?”

“A pair of wedges, Nikes, and Converse.” I say.

“Nikes?” Max said confused. “You don’t wear Nikes?”

“I know but they’re pink!” I say.

“My god, you and pink.”

We leave the mall and go back to the house. I put my shoes away and change. I wash my face and throw my hair into a messy bun. I go to the kitchen and grab a drink from the fridge. Max had seltzers so I grabbed that.

“What are you drinking?” Max asked.

“Ummm Smirnoff ice seltzer?” I say.

“Uh absolutely not, no alcohol.” He said.

“What? Why not!” I whine. “It’s winter break!”

“I don’t care, alcohol isn’t good for you.”

“Then why do you have it?” I ask.

“I don’t drive fast cars.” He said.

Lando joins us and sees what drink I picked in Max’s hand. “Drinking mate?”

“No, I was trying to.” I say. “Max thinks it’ll affect my performance.”

“It can, you only have one liver.”

“One drink won’t kill me.”

“I said no drinking.” Max said putting it back. “Can we talk about earlier?”

“What about it?” I ask with attitude.

“When I kissed her?” Lando asked. “It was to get them to shut up.”

“There are many other ways to do that mate.” Max said. “Why did you choose kissing my sister.”

“She’s tempting, and I knew it would shut them up.” He responded, biting his lip after. “I didn’t want to go for the mediocre half-ass successful options.”

“Me personally, I enjoyed it.” I add. “Lifted my mood.”

“Yeah, yeah, could’ve just told them to shut it.” Max tried to argue more. “It hasn’t even been a week and you’re all over each other!”

“We were teammates over two years.” Lando said.

“Yeah, I’m comfortable and feel safe around him, I know he wouldn’t intentionally do something I wouldn’t like.” I defend.

“As a friend.” Max says. “You’ve been around him as a friend, he’s not your boyfriend.”

“Not yet.” Lando mumbled. I couldn’t help but laugh in my brother’s face after Lando said that.

“I’ve told you time and time again, don’t put yourself in these situations!” He yelled at me. Usually I’d take it, but I have a stand on this argument.

“Max, he’s nothing like Oscar!” I yell back. “Oscar was talking to other girls while we were together!”

“How do you know Lando isn’t?” He asked.

“I see him on his phone like 10% of the day. Oscar was constantly texting whores back.” I say. “If Lando is talking to other girls, they aren’t getting the attention I am, they aren’t sleeping on his chest or shoe shopping with him.”

“Ok I get the point.” He says defeated.

“I don’t think you do.” I say disgusted. “It’s been over a year Max! Oscar got my spot he won, I lost.” Tears start in my eyes as I yell. “Lando has treated me better these past few days than Oscar ever did in the year and half we dated!”

“Stop yelling at me please.” He responded. “I see where you’re coming from now.”

“Do you?” I ask, tears staining my face. “Did you see how I was when I was with Oscar? I was afraid of anything I would say, afraid that when I got a bad place he’d scold me only to find out he was happy when it meant he had a chance at my spot!” I go on. “He made me a horrible person, but who was there for me when you weren’t Max? WHO?”

“I don’t know.” He mumbled.

“Lando, he knew Oscar was my ex and wasn’t afraid to comfort me. He knew what Oscar put me through and how scared I was for any race, any position.” Lando decided that was enough yelling and interrupted.

“Alright, I think it’s time to get ready for bed hm?” He asked in a calm voice. He went to grab my arm and I slap it away.

“Don’t touch me, I need a minute to myself.” I say. They watch me walk away.

Norris POV

I go to grab her arm and lead her to her room and she slapped my hand away and told me not to touch her. “Has she ever done that?” I ask.

“Not in a while.” Max sighed. “That’s why I told you not to rush it mate.”

“What? Because she got mad once?”

“No, because she still needs time to heal from that.” He said. “Oscar mentally drained her of her own personality, then threw her away when he got into McLaren.”

“I didn’t know it was that much.” I say. “She told me he wanted her spot, but I didn’t know he was manipulative and abusive.”

“She’d call me crying, inconsolable at times.” Max said. “Every time, without fail, it was because he got into her head.”

“What the fuck?” I say. “I knew she had panic attacks before races, I didn’t know she’d be upset after as well.”

“Still?” He asked. “She had those in F2, when she started dating him.”

“Oh wow.” I say. “I didn’t mean to upset you earlier, it was an impulsive decision.”

“I’m not too upset about it now, I just ask that you don’t rush it.” He said. “She’s still hurting, and I don’t want it to affect her career.”

“I understand that.” I say. “I’ll wait.”

“Thanks mate, I’m gonna go check on her.” Max said. He walked to the door and knocked. He looked back at me then we hear a crash and I get up rushing to the door as he opens it.

“What happened?” I ask. There’s glass shattered on the floor and Max sits next to her on the bed.

“She threw the lamp.” He said.

“He texted me.” She said through tears.

I grab a broom and sweep up the glass, cleaning it up for Max. “Hope you didn’t like that one.” I say.

“I don’t care about the lamp.” He said. “What did he text you?”

“A picture.” She said, grabbing her phone and showing Max. He looks at me in disbelief. My phone goes off and surprise it’s Oscar. “What?”

“I need to go do something, I’ll be right outside.”

I leave and call him immediately. I walk outside standing in the doorway. “Did you see my text mate?” He asked.

“Yeah, what’s that about?” I ask, acting like I don’t know anything I just heard.

“That’s Lily, she super excited.” He laughed. “I just asked her to be my girlfriend.”

“Ohh congrats mate.” I say.

“We’ve been talking for years and I finally called it quits.” He laughed. “Well worth it.”

“Really?” I ask. “Well I’m in the UK with Max for quadrant.”

“That sounds like fun.” He said. “Well I’ve got to go, girl to please you know?”

“Yeah, I’ll text you whenever.” I say. I go back inside, setting my phone on the counter. Max brought her to the couch to comfort her more. “How are you feeling?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” She says. “Anytime he went home, he was with her.”

“Seems like a bundle of joy.” I say sarcastic. “He just called me, he just asked her out.”

Max punched my arm, hard. “I figured, it was only a matter of time.” She sniffled. “Oh well.”

“Movie tonight?” Max asked.

“I’m down.” I say.

“I guess, what are we gonna watch?” She said.

“Fast and Furious?” Max suggested.

“Which one?” I ask. “There’s 7.”

“2 or 3 are good.” She said.

“Let’s watch 2.” Max said.

We get comfortable on the couch. I sit on the same side from the night before and she cuddles up to me. I cover her with the blanket and let her get comfortable. I don’t care what Max says. She needs this comfort more than anything, if I can provide it for her, I will.

By the end of the movie she’s asleep on my chest. “Next time give me the room.” I laugh.

“Noted mate.” Max laughed. “You can sleep in there tonight if you want.”

“Nah, I think she needs someone here for her right now.” I say. “The couch is the safest place for that.”

“Alright, I’m going to shower and get ready for bed then.” He said.

“Sounds good.”

He gets up and turns off the lights, leaving the lamp by me on. I play on my phone. I go through socials and messages. After a little while I hear the shower go off and his light go out. I try to move to where I won’t wake her, but can get out to shower myself.

“Where are you going?” She mumbled, raspy.

“I need to go shower love.” I whisper, crouching by her head. I move a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Do you want me to bring you to bed?”

“Will you be there when you’re done?”

“No, love I’m sleeping out here.”

“Then no, I want you next to me.”

“Okay, I’ll be back in a few then.” I say. She nods and I go to my bag, grabbing sleep clothes. I go to the bathroom, taking off my watch, bracelets and necklace. I get undressed after starting the shower and get in.

After I shower I dry off and put on my pajama pants and a compression shirt. I go back to the living room and she’s cuddled into the blanket. I put my other clothes in my bag and head to the kitchen.

I make a glass of water and sip on it for a little while playing on my phone. I go to lay on the couch again. She moves over a little, only to cuddle into my chest when I’m comfortable. My arm is wrapped around her back and the blanket is covering both of us.

In the morning I look over to see the time, 8am. I rub her back lightly to wake her. She groans at me and shifts a little, her leg brushing against my crotch. “Woah, good morning to you too.” I giggle in a raspy deep tone. I slowly moved her leg back where it was.

“It’s too early.” She groaned. “Why are you up?”

“I need to train today.” I say. “It’s 8 am.”

“Too early.” She repeated. “Training isn’t for another hour.”

“Yes, but you’ll want to shower and get ready love.” I say, now playing with her hair.

“You’re comfy, I don’t wanna.”

“Too bad love, I’m getting up.”

I get up and she whines as I do. I stand next to the couch crossing my arms. She lays with one arm hanging off the couch. She brings it up and turns over to face the other side. I roll my eyes and get clothes from my bag. I go to the bathroom and it’s now I realize I got a hard on.

“Cheeky little-“ I whisper to myself. I finish getting ready ignoring it. By the time I’m done it’s gone. I go back out and she’s out. I make some tea for us and while the kettle is heating up I go to the couch. “It’s 8:30, wakey wakey.”

“No, go away.” She mumbled.

“I’ll call Max.” I say.

“Which one?” She asked.

“Depends.” I say. “Are you going to get up?”

“Fine, I’ll get up.” She said turning over and sitting up.

She drags herself to the guest room and I finish making tea. It’s 8:45 and I hear the shower start. The MTC isn’t far from Max’s house so I plan on going there for an in person train, but if she’s ready in time I won’t. Jon said to be there by 9:30, so I’d have to leave by 9:10 to get there a bit early.

“Morning mate.” Max said. “Where is she?”

“Getting ready, we have training today.” I say. “I was planning on going to MTC.”

“Where is her training?” He asked.

“Probably RBR.” I say. “About 15 minutes out.”

“Where’s the MTC?” He asked. “I’m gonna run out of cars.”

“15 minutes the opposite way.” I laugh.

She walks back in with workout shorts, a compression shirt and a ponytail. Tennis shoes and no makeup. “Sis can I bring you to RBR?” Max asked.

“For what?” She asked.

“Training.” I say. “Is that not where you go?”

“I was going to do a gym train.” She said. “Did your pt want to do an in person?”

“Ehh he just said if I wanted to, I could be there for 9:30.” I say. “I’ll go to the gym with you though.”

“Thank god, I’ll have a car.” Max joked. We laugh and she makes a hydration drink and we take Max’s keys.

We go to F1 HQ for gym training. We do a few sessions on our own, then do some that need spotters. She sets up the hip thrust machine first and I watch. She gets ready to do a set and I get ready to grab the 55 kilos she has.

“Doubting me already?” She asked.

“No, but there’s a spotter for a reason, don’t push too hard.” I say.

She rolls her eyes playfully, making me smile. She does a set of 10 and rests. Then does two more sets, struggling on the last one.

“You got this, 2 more.” I encourage her. “2 more, 2 more.”

“I know shut up.” She said, straining. She did the last two almost collapsing. I catch the bar before it clunked the ground. “Fuck, thank you.”

“Good job.” I say. “That was a lot of weight.”

I do the same set with the same weight, I could do more but 55 is what her limit is so I’m not pushing her to grab more than she can handle.

We do more spotting sessions and then finish our workout with neck exercises. Once we’re done with that, we get our stuff to leave. It’s around 11:30 so we’re hungry. “Did you want to get lunch?”

“Umm Max said he’s cooking lunch.” She said. “He just texted.”

“Ok, back to Max’s then.” I laugh. “Did he say what?”

“Teriyaki steak bowls.”

“He’s such a people pleaser.” I say. “I love his teriyaki bowls.”

“Me too, he’s so good at cooking.” She said. “He gets it from me.”

“Really?” I ask. “Two years we were teammates and I didn’t know that.”

“I never disclose my biggest secrets.” She giggles. “If I told you, you’d want me to cook for you.”

“Fair, I don’t beg Max though.”

“I do.” She beams.

We make it back to the house and go inside. It smells amazing. She goes to the guest room and I stay in the kitchen. “Smells heavenly.” I say.

“I’m almost finished.” He said. “Just need to make the bowl part.”

“What’s that consist of?” I ask.

“Veggies and a few other proteins.” He said.

He finished the bowls and she walked out in a different outfit. “Do you have an outfit for everything?” I laugh.

“I only brought so many.” She said. “That’s my only workout fit.”

“Fair, are you ready to eat?” Max said.

“Yes, it better taste as good as it smells.” She said.

“When does it not?” Max scoffs. “That one soup doesn’t count.”

“Okay.” She said.

“When’s the next shoot for Quadrant?” I ask.

“Tomorrow?” Max said as a question. “Truth or dare with a twist.”

“I will not be participating.” His sister said quickly. “Too many times have I said things I wasn’t supposed to.”

“Really?” I ask.

“Dude, she was banned from my streams.”

“Why?” I laugh.

“She just talk and talks.”

“Can confirm, I talk.” She said.

“Now I just have to worry about when she’s intoxicated.” Max said.

“What do you say?!” I laugh harder.

“Oh mate, I haven’t seen it in a while.” Max said. “I don’t want to either.”

“I’m fun when I’m drunk!” She protests.

“If having fun is your little sister confessing her love then yeah, it’s fun.”

“I’m an honest person!” She said. “Who knows what I’ve told the boys on the grid.”

“Oh god.” Max said. “You’ve gotten drunk with the grid?”

“Oh mate plenty of times.” I say. “They’re party animals.”

“They’re so much fun though!” She said. “Remember summer break?”

“Max got so drunk we had to bring him back to the hotel.” I laugh. “He lost his shoes that night.”

“Mate what?” Max said. “I don’t even want to know.”

First Person POV (2 months later)

Were called in for season pictures and a ‘grill the grid’ episode. I won last year and plan on winning this year.

“Welcome back!” She said.

“We’re back!” I say, laughing after. “What’s the damage?”

“We’re starting easy this year.” She started.

“Oh god.” I laugh again.

“Name the entire grid for this year, within 2 minutes.”

“The entire grid?” I ask. “All 20 of them?!”

“Yes all 20.” She laughed this time.

“Ok, tell me when to start.” I say.

“Timer starts.. now.”

“Me, Lando, Hamilton, Verstappen, Russell, Albon, Gasly, Leclerc, Sainz, Doohan, Stroll, Alonso, Bortelleto, Antonelli, Ricciardo, Yuki, Ocon, Ollie… Lawson!” I say all but Oscar and breathe a bit.

“One more.” She said. “1 minute left.”

“Ummm.” I laugh hysterically. “I’ll lose that point.”

She stops the timer and tells me I have the most points anyway. The cameras cut and I take off the race suit. “You could’ve had the most points possible!”

“I don’t mind the one point.” I say.

I leave the HQ and go to my driver trailer. I unpack a bit and chill out. Lando and I have been talking a lot since we left Max’s house. With the next race in a few weeks, I don’t know if I can handle just being his friend. I want to be his girlfriend. He calls me when he leaves the HQ.

“Hello love.” He said.

“Hiiii.” I say. “How was it?” I ask.

“I lost points for not saying myself.” He laughed.

“That’s funny, I lost points for not naming your teammate.” I laugh.

“I might win then.” He joked. “I had 30 seconds left.”

“Ha! I had a minute.”

“Ah shit, I take that back then.” He laughed.

The race weekend comes up and nerves are high. Anxiety higher. Practice and Quali went good. I got P4 behind Lando, Max, and Charles. My trainer and I do some light training.

“How’s that on your wrist?” He asked. Max walked up right before we were done.

“Alright.” I say, very unamused. “Could feel better but.” I shrug.

“Could feel better?” Max said, before my trainer.

“She’s good to race, just a bit extra training for the harder turns.” My trainer explained to Max.

“Good we need good points today Fewtrell.” He joked. “Let’s get out there huh kiddo?”

“Yeah, let’s go.” I say. My attitude is very monotone. I’ve just not been having a good day. We go to the garage and Max pulls me aside.

“What’s going on?” He asked concerned.

“Nothing, just not feeling it today.” I say. “I’m good to race.”

“Ok, we can talk more after?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I nod.

We get all our gear on and get ready in the cars for formation. The car felt off a bit.

“Why is my car tutting?” I ask my engineer.

“Uhmm.” He responded.

“What do you mean umm??”

The lights go out and we start the race. A few laps in and the car still doesn’t feel right. “We have found the issue, either a tire isn’t on properly, or your wheel isn’t locked.” He said on a straight. I fuck around with my wheel and it clicks.

“Fucking idiotic.” I say.

“Please let us know if that fixes the issue.”

I drive another lap and it still doesn’t feel right. I toggle my radio switch. “No, no it didn’t fix the fucking issue!” I yell to him.

“Okay, calm down, we’ll need you to box next lap.” He sighed. “Box this lap please.”

“Confirm.” I say mad. I box and they swap the tires, I lost 3rd place and get back on track in 4th. “This is much better, can we check tires next time?”

“I’m not doing this on the radio.” He responded.

“Then don’t fuck up my car next time.” I say, then stop talking for the other laps, unless needed.

I finish P2 and pull into the spot. Max got P1 as usual and Oscar in P3, as if my day couldn’t get worse. I take off my helmet and place it on the stand, I grab my drink. Max comes up and hugs me. “Good race today!” He said.

“Congrats.” I say. We do the interviews and after go to the cool down room. I fix my hair and lay on the floor, pissed off if anything.

“Why are you on the floor?” Oscar asked. He was here before me, sitting in one of the chairs. I don’t answer him, I don’t have energy. Max walks in and laughs seeing me. I smile and look away from him.

“Is the floor that comfortable?” Max laughed.

“Yes.” I answer. “Feels better to me.”

“Is this normal?” Oscar laughed as well now.

“Oh I always find her on the floors.” Max said. “I’m used to it by now.”

I sit up and watch the replays with them. After we go to the podium and spray each other with champagne. In the garage after I change and wet my hair in one of the bathrooms, getting the champagne out. I dry it as best I can and go back out.

“Still washing your hair in a sink?” Max laughed. “It isn’t that bad.”

“When you have as much hair as me, it is.” I laugh.

“So what happened earlier?” He asked. I shrug and act like it was nothing.

“Shitty morning, shitty race start.” I say. “Ex on the podium, just not my day.”

“Shitty start?” He asked. “What happened?”

“My wheel wasn’t locked, and my tires weren’t screwed in right either.” I explain.

“Oh shit, and you still managed second.” He said. “That’s commitment.”

“Yeah, I just want to go to sleep now.” I say sighing. “But we have press to do.”

“Only 2 though.” He said. “Then you can sleep!”

We go to the top 3 and top 10 conference and I doze off for most of them. “Fewtrell, thoughts?”

“Good race and nice start to the season.” I smile weakly.

“Are you okay? You seem a bit ill.”

“No, no, just tired, haven’t raced in 3 months.” I respond.

After the conference and a drive back to the hotel, I am exhausted. I go to lay down when my phone rings. Lando. I ignore it and fall asleep.

A few hours goes go by and I wake up to multiple missed calls from many other people. I call back my brother first. “Hey, are you alright? You weren’t yourself today.”

“I just don’t feel good.” I say. “I just woke up.”

“Lando said he was worried, he hadn’t seen or talked to you all day.”

“I had a bad day, and I don’t feel good.”

“Okay, well answer him back or he’s going to go psycho on me.”

“I will, I felt your call was more important.”

“Alright well I love you little sis.”

“Love you too Max.” I say.

I hang up the call and text Lando. I explain I had a bad day, don’t feel good, and Oscar being on the podium wasn’t any better. He calls me after I send the text. I let it ring. It goes off and he calls again. I answer it.

“I’m at your door love.” He said. I get up and open the door. “Hey.” He smiled.

“Hey.” I say, tired and exhausted. “What are you doing?”

“I wanted to see you!” He said. “I figured you fell asleep earlier.”

“I really don’t feel good.” I say. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay!” He said. “Can I hug you?”

“Yeah.” I say hugging him. It was a really needed hug. I hold him tighter.

The next race weekend comes up and it’s a double header, so I still don’t feel good. We do media day and I don’t engage much, but do what I can.

We do the Free practice sessions and then conferences. “Fewtrell, how’s the car feel today?”

“Hm? Oh it feels good.” I say clearing my throat after, you can hear the sickness in my voice. “Yeah, glad to be back and stronger.”

“You sound a bit ill, are you able to race?”

“I’m sure I’ll feel better tomorrow.” I say.

I, in fact, did not feel better. We get ready to race and Max walks up to talk. “Feeling a bit better today?”

“No, I feel worse.” I say. “I need to call Max, I don’t want him upset.”

“Upset about what?”

“If I retire.”

“Ahh, well do your best today okay? No pushing your limits.”

“Yeah, you too Max.” I say, with a small smile.

I call my brother and he answers, sounding like he was asleep. “Hello?”

“Oh shit, were you sleeping? I’m sorry Max.”

“No, just a nap sis. What’s up?”

“I’m feeling worse today, I’ll race but I might end up retiring. I didn’t want you to be disappointed.”

“It’s okay, you win some you lose some lil sis.” He said. “If you don’t feel well, don’t race. You matter more than points, and Max is good at gaining them.”

“Yeah I know, but I want to at least try and see what I can do.” I say. “I won’t push too hard, but I’ll call you when I ultimately have that decision.”

“Sounds good, do good out there- and if you don’t I hope you get the rest you need.”

“Thank you, I miss you.”

“I miss you too sis, being together most of the break wasn’t very helpful huh?”

“Made it worse to be fair.” I chuckle.

We talk for a little longer and then I have to get in the car. We get out on the grid and do the formation lap.

“Lights out, and away we go!”

I race and gain positions up to 3rd. I have a fair gap between me and Norris. They do the pits and I’m undercut a few times but I gain the positions back fairly quick.

“P2, good pace and +3s gap with Norris behind. Gap to Verstappen in P1 is +5s.”

“Copy.” I say. “How many more laps?”

“16, how are you feeling?”

“Like I can do 16 laps and nap.”

“Copy.”

I finish second and get out the car as fast as I can. I take my helmet off and run to the garage, I grab a water and chug it. My engineer saw me and pat my back lightly.

“You alright?” He asked. “You’re pale.”

“Yeah, I just felt nauseous slowing down there.” I say out of breath. “I shouldn’t have finished the race.” I run to the bathroom and puke my guts out, my race suit half unzipped and my fireproof hugging my body.

Once I gather myself I walk back to the interviewers and do mine. “You look a bit ill, are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah I got a bit nauseous in the end there.” I say. “I finished though so that’s a plus.”

He asked me a few questions and I zoned out a bit and half ass the answers. I head to the cool down room and Lando is there. He gives me a big smile, until he realizes I’m not feeling too hot.

“Are you alright?” He asked, standing up to hold me steady.

“Just a bit ill, I’m fine.” I slur a bit. He sits me in one of the chairs and gives me a water.

“After the podium, you need to get some rest.” He said. Max walked in and saw my state.

“Fewtrell-“

“Yes! Yes I’m ill, leave me alone.” I say irritated. That’s the only question I’ve gotten this weekend. “Sorry, I just don’t feel good, and all anyone is asking me is if I’m ill.” I whisper to them after.

We watch the replays and then get called for the podium. I had enough strength to stand there and do a bottle spray, but after I was physically drained. Back at the garage, Max noticed. I was stumbling in between walls and tripping over air.

“Alright, unzip your suit.” He said. “The layers are not helping your state.” I unzip it and sit down against the wall.

“Where’s Lando?” I ask, out of it.

“At his garage, do you want me to go get him?”

“Yes, please.”

He leaves momentarily and then returns with Lando. “What’s wrong love?” He asked kneeling to my level.

“Call Max, ask him- ask him what he does when I’m like this, I can’t remember.” I say.

He stands back up with his phone and calls Max. I hear Max yelling through the phone. “Did she push herself too hard?!”

“All I said was hello.” Lando responded. “I don’t think she pushed too hard, but she did push herself.”

It’s unintelligible what Max said next, but I’m assuming it’s what I asked Lando to call him for. I’m sure there’s still stuff that needs doing, but I’m not in the right state to be doing it.

“Alright mate, I’ll have her call you when she’s feeling better.” He said before hanging up. “Alright, can you stand up or do you need help?”

“I can do it myself.” I say attempting to get up. “I need help.” I correct myself.

He helps me up and we walk to the paddock. We get a cab to the hotel and he brings me to my room. “So, the team needs your suit back.” He said. “Can you change without hurting yourself?”

“Yeah, I guess.” I say.

“Ok, I’ll get you some clothes. You can shower later when you feel better.”

“I feel like shit.” I say. “What did Max say?”

“He said to get you changed, make you some tea, and tuck you in with a kiss.”

“Sounds about right, how my mum used to do it.” I say. He puts clothes down next to me and I take them to the bathroom to change. Once I’m done I go back out and hand him the suit.

“I made you some tea, it was all they had.” He said. I throw my champagne ridden hair in a messy bun and drink the tea.

“Eugh- vanilla bean.” I say disgusted. I’m too sick to not drink it though so I drink it all.

“Like I said, only one.” He repeated. “Now, are you ready to rest?”

“Yes.” I say, setting the tea down. I get under the covers and he makes sure it’s perfect before kissing me on the forehead.

“I’m going back to the paddock, but if you need anything call me okay?”

“Okay, I’m probably going to sleep the rest of the day.” I say, tired.

“Ok, if I come back before you call, I’ll come in and check on you, sound good?”

“Yes.” I say. He leaves the room and I’m sound asleep.

I wake up after 7 hours. I check my phone to texts and calls. I look up what time it would be for Max. It’s too late to call, so I text him. I text Lando as well, seeing as he should be asleep. He responds quickly though, calling me.

“Hey!” He said. “How are you feeling?”

“Not much better, but better.” I say groggy.

“That’s good! I came in there to check on you a few hours ago, you were out cold.”

“I slept long, wait why are you still up?” I ask.

“Ahh Max asked to go out, he wanted to ask you.” He said. “I’m just a few blocks away from the hotel.”

“Sounds like fun, while you’re out can you get me some tea? Preferably Hibiscus.”

“Yes, I can get you some tea.” He laughed. “Did you need anything else my love?”

“Some soup would be nice as well.” I say smiling big at his pet name. “I like when you call me that.”

“Well I’d hope so.” He said. “Max and I were about to leave anyways, let me go wrangle him and I’ll be on my way.”

“Okay, I’m going to shower, I reek of after race.”

We hang up the phone and I take a shower. I wash my hair twice to get rid of the champagne. I get changed into comfier clothes. A redbull crewneck and puma sweats.

A few minutes go by before Lando knocks. He’s holding a bag of goodies and Max is stood behind him. They both smile at me.

“Hello boys.” I smile.

They walk in and Lando starts taking out the things he bought. “I got you some hibiscus tea, and other teas that will help you feel better.”

“I picked out the soups.” Max whispered to me. “Some I’ve seen you eat and some I think you’d like.”

“Is he drunk perhaps?” I ask.

“Ahh just a tad, he’s sobering up though.” Lando said. “He tried to get one of every soup but I refused to let that happen.”

“So thoughtful, thank you Max!” I say hugging him.

“Anything I can do to help my favorite teammate.” He said.

I look at Lando with wide eyes and burst out laughing. “Really?” I ask. “What about Daniel, Checo?”

“They were alright, but you’re the best.”

“Alright, that’s my cue!” Lando said. “Before he says something he’ll regret tomorrow!”

Lando escorts him out and returns about 20 minutes later. I made a tea and a bowl of my favorite soup. “How’d that go?” I ask.

“Like it always does, he argues with me for a while then ultimately decides to lay down and passes out.” He said. “How’s the tea?”

“1000% better than whatever I had earlier.” I say. “The soup is amazing too.”

“He did pick out your favorite soups, he said he ‘knew you like the back of his hand’.” He laughed.

“Oh please, he’s been my teammate for a year.” I laugh. “He’s so overconfident in things nowadays.”

“Yeah well, that’s the championship mentality.”

“I guess.” I say smiling. “You need to go get some rest yourself!”

“No, no I’d rather make sure you’re alright.” He said. “You’ve been ill all week.”

“Your health matters too Lando!” I whine. “Go get some sleep!”

“I will, once you are.”

“That’ll be a while, I took a 7 hour nap.”

“Then I guess I’ll be here for a while.” He smiles. “I really don’t mind my love.”

“Fine, at least go change.” I say. “You smell of clubs and bars.”

“Yes ma’am.” He said sarcastic and laughing.

He leaves and goes to change. I finish my soup and tea. He comes back in a LN4 hoodie and sweats. He takes his shoes off and lays on the bed. “I feel a lot better now.”

“That’s the ideal thing.” He smiled. “Although if this is another attempt to get me to leave, it won’t work.”

“If you wanted to cuddle you could’ve said so.” I laugh. “I might actually go back to sleep.”

“Well, clean up and we can put a movie on.”

I do just that, cleaning up the other soups and tea bags, discarding what I’ve used. I turn off the lights and lay next to him, covering us with the blanket. I get comfy in his chest and he starts a movie.

The next morning I wake up, Lando still asleep. I move to get more comfortable and he wakes up. “Morning.” He groans.

“Morning.” I respond, my voice raspier.

“You sound more sick, my love.” He said, caressing my hair slowly and soothingly.

“I probably am.” I groan. “I’m gonna get you sick for the next race.”

“It’ll be worth it.” He giggled. “Then you can take care of me.”

“True.” I giggle. I get up and go to the bathroom. I go back out and call Max. “Morning.” I say.

“Hey! Any better today?”

“Worse, I shouldn’t have raced at all yesterday.” I say, my voice cracking.

“God are you losing your voice?”

“Yeah, seems like it.” I say. “Lando took care of me though, so I’m sure I’ll be fine until the next race.”

“Good, if I can’t be there I’m glad someone is.” He said. “Are you coming back for a few days?”

“I want to, but I don’t want to get you sick too.”

“Too? Is Lando sick?” He asked.

“No but he might be after spending so much time around me.”

“Ahh you’ve got a point sis.” He said. “I’ve got nothing better to do, come see me for a day or two.”

“Ok, I will.” I say. “What about Lando?”

“He can come too, he knows that.”

“Okay, I’ll let him know and then update you on arrivals and stuff.”

“Sounds like a plan lil sis.”

I text the group chat with the other drivers and ask if anyone else is going that way. Oscar responds and I freeze. Lando looked at his phone and just sighed.

“That’s not ideal.” He said. “Shouldn’t be too bad, only what like 5 hours?”

“7.” I say quickly. I shake my head and start packing. Lando responds to it as well saying he’ll go with us.

“Max as well, no worries my love.” He said.

“Max is going?” I ask.

“Yeah, he just said he needs to go that way as well.”

“That makes it a bit more tolerable.” I say. “Go pack!” I laugh.

“Oh shit you’re right.” He said jumping up.

He leaves the room and I continue packing my suitcase, bags, toiletries, all of it. Once I’m done, I do a room sweep to make sure I’m not forgetting anything, then head to the lobby. Max is there. I text my brother all the details and talk with my teammate.

“How are you feeling?” I ask laughing slightly. My voice still hoarse from the sickness and cutting out.

“Fine, just a bit of light drinking is all.” He smiled. “How are you?”

“Could be better.” I sigh. “I took some medicine so I’ll live through the flight.”

Oscar joins us and I stand there on my phone. They talk and try to add me in but I walk to a couch nearby and sit down. Max responds shocked I agreed to fly with Oscar, before I could respond, Lando walks out and I stand up joining them. “Alright, everyone ready?” Lando asked. We all nod and get a cab to the private jet.

Lando texts me asking if it’ll be awkward. I respond that it won’t be as long as I have alcohol in my system. We laugh while Max and Oscar are confused. “What’s funny back there you two?” Oscar asked.

“Nothing, nothing.” Lando said. “Twitter.”

“It’s actually X now.” Max said. We laugh even more. We get to the airport and board the plane. Lando sits across from me and Max on my side. Oscar diagonal. “Where’s the alcohol?” Max asked.

“Wait a minute Max!” I laugh. “Not until we’re in the air.”

“Eager aren’t we?” Lando giggled.

“I want alcohol too, but not that bad.” I laugh.

“You drinking alcohol?” Oscar said. He made a face looking down. “That’s new.”

There was an awkward silence between the four of us, until Lando and I made eye contact and started laughing again. Once we’re in the air, Max and I head for the bar. He shows me how to make certain cocktails and then we sit back down. “This is good!” I say to max.

“Dutch are good at making drinks what can I say.” He responded.

“I don’t think drinking is going to help your cold.” Lando said seriously. “Max is going to be furious if he finds out.”

“Well then, don’t tell him Lando.” I say smiling. “No, if Max has a problem with me drinking to calm my nerves then he can suck it up.”

“Where’s the attitude coming from?” Lando asked. “And what nerves you love flying?”

I stay quiet and sip my drink. Max looks at me taking a big sip and realized what I said in the garage. “Oh shit.” He said. “This is awkward.”

“Just a bit of nerves, it’s also a longer flight.” I say calmly. “Max just doesn’t like me drinking casually.”

“Well considering it’s a new habit, I wouldn’t want you to either if I was your brother.” Oscar said.

“It’s not new.” I shoot at him with the attitude returning. “To you maybe, not to me.”

“Change of subject!” Lando said. “Why are you two going to London?”

“Ahh Horner wants to have meetings at the RTC.” Max said. “New managers for me or something.”

“Lily wanted to see me, she’s there for the week with a few friends.” Oscar said. I roll my eyes taking another sip. “Why are you going to London Fewtrell?”

“My brother misses me.” I say. “So I’m going to spend time with him before the next race weekend.”

“Yeah, he wants to do Quadrant videos too, so having us both there is a plus.” Lando said.

“You’re both going to see Max?” Oscar asked.

“Yeah, mate he’s been my best friend since karting.” Lando laughed. “Just a plus I drive with his sister.”

“I think he wants us to do a merch photo shoot as well no?” I ask

“He may have mentioned it.” Lando said. “It’s a surprise though so shhh.”

“Mate no surprises get past me.” Max laughed. “She talks like there is no tomorrow.”

“Hey!” Lando said. I laugh.

“What! He listens so I talk.” I say defensively. “I hardly believe he listens to everything I say.”

“Don’t believe that.” Max said sipping his drink. “I hear everything.”

“I don’t think he cares enough about new merch dropping for our brand to be fair so I’m not too worried.” Lando said smiling.

“I need more drink.” I say finishing off the cocktail Max made.

“Already?” Lando exclaimed. “Goddamn.”

“Go get a new one then.” Oscar said. I get up and make a new drink, a whiskey neat.

I set it on the table and Lando takes a swig, making the most disgusted face. “God, how do you drink that?”

“Simply, it’s calms me down.” I say sipping it with no reaction.

“Based on Landos reaction, it’s whiskey. Based on her reaction, it’s soda.” Oscar said laughing. Max takes a sip and makes a face as well.

“That’s whiskey.” Max said coughing at the burn. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah.” I say monotoned.

“That’s mental.” Lando said.

The flight goes on a few hours and I get tired. I grab a small throw from my bag and sit in a reclining seat. I get comfortable and try to sleep. After a few minutes of laying there, I can’t fall asleep but the guys are talking.

“What was she talking about nerves?” Oscar asked.

“I don’t know, she usually loves flying.” Lando said.

“Could it be the history you two have?” Max asked. “She briefly said something about you being an ex.”

“Ahh, yeah.” Oscar said. “Why would she be nervous though, it’s not like I abused her or anything.”

“Mate I don’t know, maybe she still likes you?” Max asked.

I was waiting on Landos response yet it never came. “It’s been over a year and a half, if she still likes me she has other unresolved issues.”

“I wouldn’t say that, I mean it takes a while to process that.” Lando said.

“Yeah true.” Max said. “I don’t know how long you were together but when you love someone hard it hurts having to let them go, and in our case, seeing them everyday of your career.”

“I guess, but it was a mutual understanding we didn’t want to be together.” Oscar lied.

“It wasn’t because you wanted her seat?” Lando coughed to cover, starting drama.

“Oh well, I guess that was a factor.” Oscar laughed. “She knew that was why I dated her in the first place.” He lied again.

“Woah, mate don’t be proud of that.” Max said. “You dated someone for a F1 seat?”

“I never said I was proud of it, but basically yeah.”

That was the last straw. I got up and sat down next to Max again. I was tired of them talking about it.

“What are we talking about?” I ask, groggy like I was asleep.

“Your McLaren seat.” Oscar said.

“What about it?” I ask. Batting my eyes at him innocently.

“How I dated you for it.” He said. “Nothing big.”

“It doesn’t really matter to me now.” I shrug. “I’m in a faster car anyways.”

“Hey now.” Lando said.

“What?” I laugh. “He brought it up.”

“We never really talked about it much did we?” Oscar said.

“I’d rather not, not in front of people.” I say rude. “There’s nothing to talk about anyways.”

“You don’t have to be rude.” He said, getting his feelings hurt.

“Just a taste of your own-“ Lando looks at me in a ‘stop talking’ kind of way. “Whatever.”

“I feel like there’s more to this.” Max said.

“I’m going to say something I’ll regret later, I’ll shut up.”

“It’s for the best.” Oscar said. At this point Lando can’t, and won’t stop me. I scoff at his comment. “What?”

“Are you treating Lily well?” I ask. “The girl you basically cheated on me with?”

“I never did anything with her while we were together.” He defended.

“Hanging out with her on breaks more than me while we were together, is kinda cheating is it not?” I ask.

“Yeah it kinda is.” Max agreed.

“I bet you two laughed about it.” I scoff again. “The ‘nerves’ I had coming into this plane, were because you used to yell and belittle me about every single race fuck up.” I start raising my voice. “I get anxiety seeing you after I have a bad race, I get anxiety even thinking of having to fly with you.” The anger was stemming from how he knows me, knows how hard I am on myself. He still would belittle me after races as if I didn’t to myself.

“Okay that’s enough.” Lando said. “I think he gets the point.”

“Is there something going on between you two?” Oscar asked, Lando’s head snapped quickly to look at him and then to me. “I’m feeling some tension.”

“Probably from my anger and anxiety of you just being present, knowing how you used to treat me.” I say calmer and rolling my eyes as I sit back.

“Here we go again.” He said rolling his eyes. “You go all playing the victim.”

“Because I was!” I say my voice cracking. “You beat me when I was already on the floor!”

“Yeah? And look at where you’re at, in a better place huh?” He said. “I made you who you are.”

“You did not! I brought myself back out of the trenches you threw me in!” I yell at him. “I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.”

“It’s because I was the one who showed you your potential, hell I even got your seat because of it.” He raised his voice. He smacked the table and I flinched.

“If you were meant to help me why were you treating me like some discarded rubbish?” I ask genuinely searching for an answer.

“You were too overconfident and acted like a prissy brat, that’s why!” He yelled at me.

“Let’s change the subject.” Lando said calm.

“Good idea mate, whats papaya rules?” Max said.

“Don’t crash into your teammate!” Me and Oscar yell at Max. I stay quiet the rest of the flight.

We land and I see my brother waiting. I throw my stuff in his car and sit in the front seat. Pissed beyond belief. Lando does the same, just not aggressively. Max gets in the driver seat and can tell how upset I am.

“Sis what’s wrong?” He asked.

“I’m sick.” I say shortly with attitude.

“Ahh ok.” He responds.

We get to his house and I get out grabbing my things. I bring my stuff inside and sit on the couch. I play on my phone until it’s taken away.

“Tell me what’s wrong.” Max said.

“Oscar is what’s wrong.” I say sighing. “He tried telling me he was pushing me forward and that he made me a better person.” The disappointment flooded my words as I spoke.

“On the plane?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I say.

He gives me my phone back. I go to the room and get ready for bed. “Movie night?” Lando asked popping in.

“Not tonight.” I say. “I’m exhausted from flying.”

“Okay, we’ll be out here if you need anything.”

“Okay, thank you.” I say giving him a smile.

After I shower, I lay down and go to sleep. The next morning I’m woken up by loud music. I get up and check the time, 10:00. I hear Max and Lando singing to the music. I go to the bathroom and fix my messy ass hair.

“It’s Friday then!!!” I hear Lando yell from across the house. I finish my morning routine and walk to the sound. “Saturday, Sunday what?!” I hear around the corner to Max’s room.

I walk through the door to Max streaming and them blaring music to sing and dance to. “What the fuck are you two doing?”

“I hit my goal of subscribers.” Max yelled over the music.

“I’m trying to sleep!” I yell with my raspy voice.

“It’s Friday again!!!” Lando yells again. I walk to the computer and pause the music. “What was that for?”

“I want to sleep!” I say. “Sorry stream, I don’t feel the greatest and they’re blaring music at 10 in the morning!!” My voice was nearly gone from the sickness I endured.

“Oh hush up, if you were feeling any other way you’d turn off the fun.” Max said.

“You’re right, because blaring music this early in the morning is mental!”

“Apologies princess, we won’t blare music anymore.” Lando said jokingly. “You may fetch more Beauty sleep.”

“Oh shut it.” I say making a face at him. Once the camera can’t see me I blow him a kiss. His face lights up with smiles.

“Go away!” Max said.

“I am!” I scream back.

I go back to the guest room and lay down falling back asleep. I wake up at 12:00 and go back to Max’s room. He’s still streaming and Lando is no where to be seen.

“Glad to see you’re not blaring music.” I mumble groggy.

“Mate you just slept until 12 pm.” Max said. “Why?”

“I flew for 8 hours yesterday, and don’t feel good Maxie.” I whine. “Where’s Lando?”

“He left to get food and snacks, apparently I don’t have the snacks he likes.”

“Makes sense, I don’t like what you have either.” I say. “When did he leave?”

“Like 5 minutes ago.” Max said. “Call him.”

I call Lando and Max muted the mic, so the stream couldn’t hear. “Hi my love.” Lando answered.

“Heyyy.” I respond. “Max said you’re going to the store?”

“I am, did you need something?” He asked.

“Can you get me some meds and soups?” I ask.

“Yes I can, is that all?” He asked.

“Yessss.” I say. “Max already has the tea I like so cross that off the list.”

“Sounds good, I’ll see you in a bit my love.” He said before hanging up.

“Oh god.” Max said. He muted the mic again. “They heard him call you my love.” My eyes go wide.

“I thought you muted it?!” I ask.

“I didn’t think he’d say it again so I unmuted it towards the end!”

“Max he’s gonna kill you!!” I say.

He continues the stream. He plays some game on his computer. When Lando gets home I go out to help him with everything. We bring everything inside and I make one of the soups he got me. “Heads up, Max’s stream heard a bit of our call…”

“What part?” He asked, not really caring.

“Before you hung up and called me your love..”

“Oh, they’ll have fun with that then huh?” He laughed. “I don’t mind us being out, do you?”

“No, I was scared you were.” I sigh. We both go back to Max’s room and I sit in his secondary gaming chair to eat. Lando lounges on the bed.

“Mate, they’re all asking why you called her ‘my love’.” Max said.

“Huh?” Lando asked, clearly not paying attention.

“Mate I’m not repeating it.” Max laughed. I chill in the back eating my soup. “Sis did you hear the question?”

“Yeah.” I say.

“Do you want to answer it?”

“I don’t know the answer, That’s just what Lando calls me.” I laugh.

“Oh why do I call her my love?” Lando said. “Cause she’s my girlfriend.”

“First I’m hearing of this.” Max said.

“Uhh me too, since when?!” I ask.

All Lando does is laugh at our reactions. He causes me and Max to also laugh. I set my soup bowl down, I’m laughing so hard. I almost finish my laughing fit, but I made eye contact with Lando and started laughing again.

“You two need to calm down.” Max said. “It wasn’t that funny.”

“No but it is.” Lando said.

“That was good, ohhh that was so good.” I say calming down. I finish my soup and leave the room to bring it back to the kitchen. Lando follows me. I put the bowl in the sink and turn around.

“Woah there.” He said. “Careful of your surroundings.” Our bodies are touching with almost no space between us.

“I didn’t know you followed me.” I say. “Jeez.”

“He’s almost done streaming, then we’re going to do a Quadrant shoot.”

“Ok, the merch drop or a video?”

“Uhhhhhh.” He responded.

“Well, I’ll go get ready either way.” I laugh.

I go back to Max’s room to tell him and to ask which shoot. He muted the stream while we talk. “Today we’re doing the merch, tomorrow we’re doing a normal video.”

“Okay, I’m going to get ready, do I do my makeup or will the team be there?”

“The team will be there, don’t bother.”

“Got it, tell stream I said bye.”

“Will do sis.”

I go to my room and pick out an easy to change outfit. I let my hair down and don’t mess with it, the team does makeup and hair there. I walk out to Lando on his phone in the kitchen. He sets it down face up. “McLaren app?” I ask

“Yeah, gotta see what they’re up to.” He laughed. “I was on Twitter.”

“Oh god, I don’t even bother with all that.” I say. “Max said we’re doing merch today.”

“Sounds like a plan then.” He said. “Zak is racing in something this weekend.”

“Oh?” I say. “Are you going?”

“No it’s another country.” He said. “I’ll cheer him on from here though.”

“Yay!” I say sarcastic, then laugh. “Where is Max?”

“I don’t know he said he was ending the stream like 10 minutes ago.”

We both walk to his room and burst in one after the other. He’s still on stream. “MAX!” We both yell.

“Fucking hell!” He said jumping. “Don’t do that!”

“Ending the stream my ass!” I say.

“Mate it’s been like 15 minutes since you said you’d end it.” Lando said.

“I was literally saying bye to the chat.”

“Bye stream!!” I say.

Not long after he actually ends the stream. Lando and I leave his room so he can change. We head to the shoot at some warehouse. The other quadrant members are there.

“Hey guys.” Max said.

“Mate 20 minutes late.” Niran said. Lando and I both pan to Max who scratches his head.

“Yeah someone doesn’t know how to end a stream when he said he would.” I say.

“Are you ill?” Arrav asked.

“Getting over it.” I say. “But yeah.”

“Can we go shoot?” Ethan asked.

We go in and the new merch is beautiful. There’s a baby pink, beige, black, and white version. I go straight for the pink.

“Who’s taking the other pink?” Max asked.

“I’ll take it.” Lando said.

We do the shoot and it takes forever because we keep joking around and laughing. After we get to keep the merch we put on. “I can go for a nap.” I say.

“Still not feeling well?” Lando asked, concerned. “We can head home love.”

“We were going to go eat, are you sure?” Max said.

“I really don’t have the energy.” I say. “I can go eat though.”

“If you don’t feel well you don’t have to sis.” Max said. “I’ll bring something home for you.”

“Okay, I feel bad though.”

“You’re sick, don’t feel bad.” He reassured me.

Lando and I head home. Max texted where they were going and we texted back our orders. Once we get back to the house I go to my room and crash out on the bed.

A few hours later I get up and go to the kitchen. Lando and Max are watching a movie on the couch. I take out the food Max got me and start eating it.

“What movie is this?” I ask.

“Fucking hell.” Max said jumping.

“Oh hey.” Lando said. “Fast and furious 5 I think.”

“Oh, that one’s alright.” I say. “What time is it?”

“Uhhhhh 7:00.” Max said checking his watch.

“7?!” I ask. “Damn.”

“Do you feel better?” Lando asked.

“A little, I’ll be better tomorrow.” I say.

I go and sit with them on the couch when I’m done eating. Lando cuddles into my chest and I let him, playing with his hair. It’s super soft and curly.

“How is your hair so soft?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” He laughed.

“Maybe his shampoo you muppet.” Max said.

“Okay max, some people use other products.” I say back. “My hair is never this soft.”

“Can we just watch the movie?” Max asked. Lando and I laugh. We finish the movie and this time Lando is asleep. Max and I aren’t. I look over to Max. “Well good luck.”

“What do you mean good luck?” I ask slightly panicking. “We need to talk!”

“Talk about what?” He asked now panicking with me.

“Get him off me without waking him and you’ll find out.”

We both do our best to move Lando carefully. We’re successful and walk to Max’s room. “What’s up?”

“Can you tell him that I want him to actually ask me out.” I say unamused. “That announcement on stream was the first time he’s ever called me that, he never asked.”

“Well I mean, you guys basically are dating.” He said. “Wait he hasn’t asked you out officially?”

“No.” I say. “But I want you to tell him to do it, I’m not asking him. I mean he already said it but.”

“I’ll talk with him about it, sis, don’t worry.” He said.

“Okay I’m going to shower and then go to bed, love you max.” I say. I walk out his room and jump to the sight of Lando half awake next to the door. “JEEZUS!” I say.

“Shhhhh.” He said covering my mouth. He looked over my shoulder to Max’s room, I look too. Max didn’t hear me. Lando moves his hand and grabs my neck, pulling me in for a passionate kiss.

We walk to my room and make out. “Max would kill us.” I whisper.

“Oh for sure.” He agreed.

“Let’s wait, we aren’t even official yet…” I whine. “I have to shower anyways and get to bed.”

“Okay my love.” He said smiling. I go to the bathroom and shower quickly. I get out and he’s asleep on my bed, looking very comfortable. I grab pajamas and change in the bathroom. When I go back out I grab the blanket and let him cuddle into me.

The next morning I’m woken up by Lando getting up. “No, no, go back to sleep love.” He said groggy.

I groan and turn over. I fall back asleep. After a few hours I get up myself and go to the kitchen. A few guys from quadrant are there, I greet them. “You look like you just woke up from a good nap.” Max laughed. “Marks and all.”

“That’s what it felt like.” I say raspy. “Tea?”

“Hibiscus, your favorite.” Max said handing me a cup of tea.

“Ugh you’re amazing.” I groan. “What quadrant shoot are we doing again?”

“That’s what we’re trying to decide.” Niran said.

“It’s between speed shopping, and helmet designing.” Aarav said.

“Helmet designing sounds like a good one.” I say. “That’s it though?”

“Yeah that’s what I said!” Lando chimed in. “What if they design helmets and the viewers vote on which ones we should actually wear for a Grand Prix.”

“Fuck yes.” I say. “They make two designs, one specified for you and one for me and whatever two win we make a real helmet.”

“That sounds like a good idea actually.” Max said. “How do we feel about that?”

“Yeah.” Niran said. “It does take forever to actually make a helmet real though huh?”

“6-8 months.” I say. “LAS VEGAS!” I scream jumping excited.

“Ouuu she’s good at this.” Aarav said. “We’ll all be there too no?”

“Yeah. Good thinking, sis.” Max said.

“I know, I’m amazing.” I smile, Lando smiles at me as well. “We’ll need to do like instagram polls right after and then post the video though.”

“Yeah to get the timing right.” Lando added.

We all get ready, and buy supplies. Lando and I went to an art store to find helmet sized porcelain pieces. To our surprise they had helmet porcelains. We grab 10 and some paints.

Back at Max’s house, we set up in the backyard with sheets and set out the sets of helmets with paint pallets. They record the video and they take forever to paint.

“I’m in love with Nirans helmet for me.” I comment. “It has flowers and stars.”

“Look at Ethan’s, it’s such a you helmet!” Lando said laughing.

“It’s just pink.” I say. “It has no fun to it, this is Vegas!”

“Alright, cut that.” Max said painting a helmet. “It’s gonna be a surprise you muppet.”

“Oops.” I laugh. “Now Max has my vote overall.”

“Why?” Will asked. “Cause he’s your brother?”

“No because look at it, it has pink, orange, red blue.” I say. “My two teams and my fav color.”

“Look at mine!” Aarav said.

“That’s- that’s something!” I say, looking at Lando’s helmet in pink basically.

“Mate that’s my helmet in pink!” Lando said laughing. “She wouldn’t wear that!”

“I would wear that!” I say. We both laugh hysterically at the helmet to the point we’re rolling on the ground.

After they finish painting we put up the polls, not mentioning who made what. Fans are very biased towards some quadrant members, so we have to be careful.

“Give it what, an hour?” I ask.

“An hour?” Lando asked. “What about five.”

“5 is more fair.” Max said.

We wait the five hours, which felt like forever. Aarav’s helmet for me won and Nirans for Lando won. I jump up and down in excitement. “I’m so excited to wear that.”

“I’m glad.” Max said smiling. “I just noticed, are you feeling better?”

“Oh 100%.” I say. “It basically gone.”

“Now we just hope I don’t get sick.” Lando said. “Knock on wood.”

“Oh I’m knocking mate.” Max said. “Your helmet design isn’t bad.”

“I never said it was, I think Niran stepped up on this challenge.” Lando said.

The next day Lando and I head back to Monaco. We text the chat to see if the other two will join and only Max responds that he is. Oscar is heading back another day. The three of us meet at the airport and board the jet.

“I’m so tired.” I say, organizing my stuff in a corner.

“Take a nap love.” Lando said.

“I probably am, I’d rather my bed though.” I say, scrunching my nose.

“Are you two…?” Max asked hesitant.

“Not yet, apparently I need to ask her properly.” Lando said giving me a look.

“Okay, well saying it on stream isn’t asking me Lando.” I say. “He said it while Max was streaming and we were both so confused.” I tell Max.

“Chat was being nosy.” Lando said. “I shut them up.”

“Mate, you’ve gotta be joking.” Max laughed. “You said it out of the blue on a stream?”

“Yes! Thank you!” I say.

“I’ll ask you for real.” Lando said. “I’m not telling you when though.”

“I hope not, but the whole world already thinks we are so.” I say smiling. “I’ll be surprised but they won’t be.”

“Want a drink?” Max asked.

“Nothing strong.” I say.

“Drinking again?” Lando asked. “Is something the matter?”

“No, just want to relax a bit.” I say.

“We never talked about what happened on the way here.” Max said.

“About what, ohhhh.” I say. “Oscar?”

“Yeah.” Max said. “I never got an explanation for that.”

“Oh mate she gets in a yelling match with anyone about him.” Lando says.

“Really? Was he that bad?”

“Yeah, well he was very toxic to me.” I say. “I don’t like talking about it.”

“Well if he treated you bad, I understand why.” Max said. “Look at me.”

“Yeah.” I say. “He was just horrible, he’d yell at me for bad races or things that were out of my control. It’s only recently I realized it was for my spot, he wanted me to be dropped so he’d get the spot.”

“That’s insane.” Max said. “He’d guilt you into doing good, but happy cause it meant he had a chance.”

“Exactly, and he’d spend more time with Lily. He was so bad to me.” I say distraught almost. “That’s all in the past though, I’ve learned to focus on myself and never let someone treat me like that ever again.”

“May I ask, why Lando?” Max asked. Lando perked up from his phone.

“He treats me so well, I mean he’s treated me better, without even dating me, than Oscar ever did.” I say. “I trust him, my brother trusts him. I’ve known him a long time, I feel it’s right.”

Lando smiles. We all talk about the next race and other things. The plane lands and we head out. Lando and I go to our own houses and so does Max.

When I get to my house I call my brother. “Hey sis!” He answered.

“Hey Max!” I say back. “I just made it home.”

“That’s good! How was your flight?”

“It was alright, quite boring to be honest.” I say.

“Is that so?” He asked. “Well I hope it gets better sis.”

“It will, alright well I’ve got to unpack.” I sigh. We end the call and I unpack my things. I had a weird feeling about the call, Max seemed like he was hiding something. I call Lando to check in.

“Hey!” I say when he answers.

“Hey! What’s up?” He asked. He sounded panicked almost.

“Not much.. wanted to see how you were doing after the flight.”

“I’m doing fine.” I hear a faint stop it from him and then giggling. “Yeah, unpacked and reading emails.”

“Is someone else there with you?” I ask.

“No, why would you ask?”

“I thought I heard someone else.” I say.

“Maybe you’re tired love, take a nap.” He said. “I have no one with me.”

“Okay, I’ll call you later then.” I say.

I don’t take a nap, but overthink about who was at his house. I freak myself out and decide to go there. I collect myself in my car and get out. I hesitate to knock and then ultimately do.

“Hey!” He said surprised. “You said you’d call!”

“I know, but I swear I heard someone else when we were on the phone and I couldn’t help but think and think and I don’t want to break our trust and-“ He kisses me in the middle of my anxiety talking.

@il0vereadingstuff @pandabiiissh @itznotsophia @kallanfiona @justaf1girl @widow-cevans

[lucysgraybird]

modern!university!coriolanus x fem!reader. part 2 here, part 3 here

notes: this is not set in panem -- if you're looking for a vibe, think harvard/uchicago/any of the old-guard, upper echelon US universities. i have another part in the works that i'll post tomorrow or thursday. also i promise that they both have some crazy in them . It will appear in later parts

“Please remember that I cannot accept late work for this essay,” your professor says as everyone packs up. “The deadline is the deadline for work for the semester, so everything has to be submitted by then. This includes any outstanding work you might have.”

She shoots a look at a boy in the front row when she says that, and he bows his head.

“Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you all Monday.”

You shove your laptop in your bag, sling it across your body, and make a beeline for the exit. This is your last class of the day and you have no intention of spending any more time in a lecture hall than you have to. Just as you're about to leave the building, someone catches you by the shoulder and pulls you back.

“Excuse you,” you mutter, turning to see who would do something so…well, to put it diplomatically, bold.

There stands a boy with a shock of hair so blonde it's nearly white and eyes so blue they're nearly translucent. It would be eerie if he didn't wear it well: angular and bright, it's like he's been carved from the purest block of ice. His pale features are offset by the rich ruby of his sweater. He looks royal, though you'd think a prince wouldn't go around grabbing girls by their arms.

“I'm sorry,” he says. “I've been wanting to talk to you for weeks, but you always fly out of the building and I didn't want to miss you this time.”

“Talk to me? About what?”

God willing, not about some group project that had slipped your mind. You're so careful about organization, but sometimes things slip through the cracks.

“Would you like to go out with me?”

“Who are you?”

His eyebrows (the only dark thing on his face) twitch, and you wonder if he's so arrogant as to assume you'd know who he is. He doesn't say anything, though, just extending a hand to you.

“Coriolanus Snow. Pleasure.”

You shake his hand, finding the official-ness of it a little odd. When you open your mouth to introduce yourself, he stops you.

“I realize this is going to sound…odd, but I do know who you are. You're the only person I listen to in that insipid class.”

“Oh.”

Because honestly, what are you supposed to say to that?

“Let me take you to dinner, please,” Coriolanus says. “At least for the conversation.”

Your pause must spur him on, because he continues, “And you're gorgeous. Honestly, you caught my eye before you even started speaking, and then…well.”

He's very forward, but it doesn't come off as desperate. He carries himself with such a confident air that if he hadn't tried to be suave, it would've been more awkward.

You allow yourself to be flattered, offering him a soft laugh. His poise must be a front, at least a little, and you can put up a façade too.

“Why, thank you, Coriolanus. I'd love to go out with you, but I'm so busy with finals coming up…”

This is partly true – you're taking the maximum number of credits your advisor would let you, which is over the credit load the school has set, so you have a good deal of work to do. However, you're not above playing a little hard-to-get, especially if you are interested in the person. Half the fun of a hunt is the chase.

“All the more reason to go out. I know a spot if you're free tonight – one more bit of fun before hitting the books?”

“What kind of fun, Mr. Snow?”

“Well, we'll see where the night takes us, if that's a yes.”

It can't hurt, right?

“It's a yes. I'll text you my address?” You extend your phone to him, a delicate smile gracing your lips.

“Perfect,” he says, putting in his number. “I'll pick you up at 7:30. Wear something nice.”

“Where are we going?”

“A surprise, but it's very classy. You'll love it.”

You can't wait to look this guy up when you get home. “I'm looking forward to it. See you tonight."

“See you tonight.”

—

“Classy” is an unhelpful dress code, you're discovering. It refers to such a range of places, so you're left to take a guess and hope you don't make some sort of grave faux pas. You're limited in being overdressed as a university student, so you select the nicest thing you brought from home. It's a wine-coloured dress that skims just the middle of your calves, with a cowl at the neck and a sweeping back that shows a tasteful (yet tempting, you hope) amount of skin. With a thin necklace and some earrings, you could fit in at most “nice” restaurants that would be appropriate for a first date with a nigh-stranger.

At 7:25, you slip on your coat and heels and head down to the lobby of your apartment building. Something tells you that Coriolanus has a tendency towards extreme punctuality, so you'd rather not keep him waiting a moment.

Just as you suspected, at 7:30 exactly the silhouette of a tall man appears at your door and your phone buzzes with a text.

Coriolanus Snow: I'm here.

When you open the door, he is, indeed, there, holding a bouquet of white roses and wearing a red vest and slacks with a white dress shirt. He is nothing if not coordinated, you suppose.

“Ah,” he says. “Hello. These are for you.”

It is a lovely gesture, and it garners a genuine blush from you while you accept the bouquet. “Thank you. They're gorgeous. I didn't even know they made white roses.”

He offers his elbow to you, which you accept. Though it's odd, there's something sweet about his anachronistic nature. You, like any college girl, have had many a bad first date, and it's pleasant to have one with a man who is, at the least, polite.

“My grandmother grows them. I dropped by and picked these up on my way here. You look wonderful, by the way.”

“Oh! Thank you. I wasn't quite sure what to wear because I don't know where we're going, so I'm glad I chose well.” You glance over at his outfit. “We match, sort of.”

“So we do.”

He smiles in a way that's almost indescribable – it's not quite aloof, though it has some of the same calculation behind it. It actually feels incredibly personal, and sets your heart racing. Why this boy gets under your skin the way he does – the way no one has before – is something you have yet to discover.

Your walk with him ends at a black car, for which he opens the back door and allows you to climb in before following you. A scan of social media earlier had turned up tragically few results, and every single thing Coriolanus does makes you more curious about him. He settles next to you.

“So are you a polisci major, or are you just taking the one class?” You ask, unwilling to let silence be for more than a moment.

“Polisci and philosophy,” he replies. “My goal is law school directly after college, and then politics.”

“I should've guessed,” you say.

“Oh?”

“Not in a bad way. Just…you're very smooth. Well-spoken, attractive, all of that. You'd do well in politics.”

The corners of his lips turn in a slight smile. “You think I'm attractive?”

You laugh. “I certainly do, Coriolanus. I do have standards, you know.”

“Then I'm very glad I'm meeting them. Are you looking to do politics too, then, or…?”

“Honestly, not right now. I think I might stick to academia for a while. I don't have the stomach for pandering that you have to have for politics.”

“It's my least favourite part, honestly. I did some work for a senator last summer and the endless word-parsing drove me insane. No one ever says what they mean.”

“Right. The image of it all is fun, though. Like playing a character. But you don't have to do politics to do that.”

Coriolanus nudges his knee against yours. “Are you putting on an image for me right now?”

“A lady never tells. Are you putting on one for me?”

When you turn, he's a lot closer than you expected. You can see the spires in his irises, like cracked moonstones, and can smell his cologne: whiskey and spice and something woody, clean.

“You'll just have to find out,” he says, his voice low in his chest. It's said as a secret – there's no one else in the car, but it's as though if he says it too loud the leather of the seats might remember. These words were for your ears only, the rumble meant to coast across just your skin, and you shudder.

[laurelwen]

Obscure Media: Encore VFX Article

Brought to us courtesy of @widowswinter, who's been working hard to dredge up these gems from the past.

We've all seen this cover by now, but in case you didn't know, Encore was an Australian film trade magazine. It switched to an online format and then seems to have ceased publication around 2013. Some of their articles can be found at https://mumbrella.com.au/, but none going back to 2006. Widowswinter accessed this article via the National Library of Australia, which houses physical copies of the magazine and will make copies/scans of some of their collection.

Full Article and a plain text version below the break:

ENCORE I 22 I V24 ISSUE 2, FEBRUARY, 2006

Digital effects were integral to writer/director Gregory Read's Like Minds, the UK/Australian psychological thriller starring Toni Collette, Richard Roxburgh, Eddie Redmayne and Tom Sturridge.  

With production split evenly between Australia and England, where the story is set, the dual role of the DFX was to heighten the in camera drama, and to solve problems created by on-set limitations and impracticalities. This was especially true for the film's opening train sequence during which schoolboys hang outside the door of a train travelling at 80 km/h, playing 'chicken' with the rapidly advancing stanchions (posts that support the overhead electric wires).

"Even if we could shoot the whole scene on a live train travelling at speed, getting the angles in and out of the train with the presence of real stanchions isn't realistic, not to mention the danger of attempting such a live sequence," said Read, who consulted with DOP Nigel Bluck and VFX supervisor Dave Morley, of Sydney-based VFX house Fuel International, to determine the best way to shoot this scene. "The upshot was to have two shoots; the first being the boys on a live train minus stanchions, travelling at its top speed of 20km/h. We used a wind cannon and lighting rig to emulate speed. The boys were cabled into the train, which gave them the opportunity to hang out, feel the 'rush' and give me the performance I wanted . The rest of the scene was shot in a shed with two very big guys rocking the train."

Like Minds features Collette in the role of a forensic psychologist appointed by police to determine whether there's enough evidence to lay murder charges against 17-year old Alex (Redmayne), accused in the shotgun death of his schoolmate Nigel (Sturridge).

The train scenes were initially earmarked to be shot in Adelaide but the unavailability of a suitable 1970s-style electric train meant the production shifted to a train museum located in Cessnock, NSW. Fresh stumbling blocks at the new location included a train carriage without a front engine and the absence of on location electricity; factors which necessitated the deployment of a bright yellow ex-BHP locomotive to propel the 'electric' carriage backwards and forwards at a maximum travelling speed of just 20km/h.

Fuel's task included the creation of the CG stanchions, which Read wanted to "crash into frame very close to the carriage then vanish into shadow".

"The shot required the stanchion to race towards the boys, barely missing one of them. However, when the stanchion was put in it just didn't look right so David [Morley] gradually scaled up the stanchion to 300 percent as it raced towards us so that it worked, visually and dynamically. As an added effect, when this stanchion slams past it actually hits the camera on which David introduced shudder."

Morley's team rigged up a series of par cans (stage lights) attached to a programmable lighting desk that enabled them to set the speed of lights turning on and off in series to simulate the feel of the stanchions travelling past the carriage at the desired speed of 80 km/h.

"Each of the CG stanchions has its own light pointing down towards the train and we used the par cans to give us the motion of the light travelling past," Morley said. "We built CG stanchions to match the style of what they have over in England, and from reference gathered off the web and footage Greg shot in England, then tracked them in and composited them all together."

When working on shots looking down the length of the train, the ground plane was sped up 400 percent. This was done to disguise the fact that the train was actually only travelling at 20 km/h.

"That would get put back in and then we'd have the CG stanchions over the top of that," said Morley. 'There was normally only one extra carriage behind the one that we were working on, so we ended up having to extend extra carriages as well. Because we only had one train rigged with the lights we ended up shifting the camera up one carriage length then duplicating this carriage for the two missing carriages."

The variance in visible rainfall during the Cessnock shoot presented another problem to be solved.  

"We'd set up to get the master shot, which was a very large crane shot moving down onto the railway tracks from about 30 feet up," Read explained. "In this environment we had two large rain towers with rotating heads which produced heavy rainfall, however when we swung  around to shoot reverse shots there was very little backlight and the rainfall was barely visible. We knew we didn't have time to move lights - let alone the travelling train in the background where the lights would need to stand. It was a matter of placing CG rain into the background of those shots so they matched the master."

Like Minds is set in the middle of the English winter. Obviously, Cessnock's 45-degree temperatures created obstacles. Among the challenges were short night shoot hours, actors having to wear heavy fur-lined clothing and the need to frame out all 'summer' foliage - especially gum trees.

In addition, while the English shoot took place in wintertime, Read was keen to include a shot of the school location in summertime. Fuel was called upon to make shots filmed in winter appear as though it was summer. This was done with sky replacements, adding leaves to trees and replacing snow with grass. Among these was an interior shot of the exterior through a window.

Fuel worked on 89 shots in total including the opening title sequence, which sees a camera move along a darkened surface before rising to show raindrops falling on this surface, which is revealed to be a train track.

"Suddenly a train rushes over the track and we cut out to a wide shot and there's the boy hanging out of the train," said Read. "I thought we could use a motion control rig and then put in the CG later but then practicality and cost came into it and I faced with the reality that this shot was too much of an indulgence; we didn't have the budget and so I turned to David and said 'Help! This is the shot I want to do'.

Armed with Read's storyboards and a second unit, Morley directed the title sequence himself, opting to use a live train to give it authenticity.

"We had to carefully choreograph the timing of both the camera tracking back and the train barrelling down the track straight for us with quite a few dry runs separately with both train and crew until we were confident we had the positions the camera needed to be in relation to the train," explained Morley.  "We still had several safety people standing by to quickly rip crew out of the way of the impending train if they had not reached the agreed ‘point of no return'  position. In the end we got exactly what we wanted."

Once the shot had been captured, Fuel scanned the image at 4K, smoothed the camera move and retimed the sequence. In addition to the titles CG sparks were added to the undercarriage as the train passed by.

[Like Minds Masterpost]

[hotvintagepoll]

just wanted to say thank you for doing the prelims! i was wondering how hotvintageladies was going to work with how many submissions you got. it’s also really interesting to see who got submitted sans propaganda across the decades, too

Crucial things to know before Round 1 hits on Saturday:

There will be 512 hot women in Round 1. Yes. I know.

540 women were submitted who fit the criteria. For context, the Hot & Vintage Men Tournament started at ~320 men. To be honest, it could get a bit overwhelming—I'm going to stagger the polls and hopefully it won't get too annoying, but if you need a break, block the tag #ladies 1.

For the early rounds, I'm not including all the propaganda I received. This tournament received so many submissions (2500+ photos for 540 women) I cannot post it all without breaking Tumblr—or me. For Round 1, I'm including 5 photos maximum for each hot lady. I know this is a bummer, and I'm sorry if I don't include a photo you sent in, but this is the only way I can do it. If you submitted a pic you really wanted in the post, you can still reblog the poll and add it there.

If you can't believe I didn't use a photo you sent in, sometimes I couldn't open the photo or had trouble downloading the image. I'm sorry if this happened. Same guidelines as above—add it in a reblog and I'll boost what I can.

The views expressed in the text propaganda are not my own. You all should know this by now, but since there are new followers here, I feel like it needs to be explicitly stated. I don't submit my own propaganda text, and I don't alter what's submitted beyond fixing spelling mistakes. If you hate a poll bio or a pic, let me know and send me something I can use instead.

Read my FAQs. Wonder why I'm including a woman who morally sucked? Read the FAQs! Want to send in nasty propaganda? No you don't! Read the FAQs! They're in my pinned post and they're a good time; I'll be updating them tonight, but they mostly remain consistent bracket to bracket.

[andromeda-galaxy2877]

RAN HERE FULL SPEED okok so could you do 8, 14, and 21 all in one story?? If possible. Totally didn’t pick those for maximum angst or anything nooooo /s

Omg hi Ferr!! First writing I'm posting in awhile not beta read by you /pf

Ahem. Maximum angst, you say?

(WARNING! This is going to contain blood, death, and descriptions of corpses. Please be warned!)

Link to original post with the prompts!

https://www.tumblr.com/promptsbytaurie/737257254775111680/if-anyone-wants-to-send-specific-prompts-in-my-ask?source=share

8: “Okay. Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do—fuck.”

14: "You just watched them die."

21: “Please be okay. Please be okay, please be okay—”

The moment the clock hit 10pm April knew something was wrong.

It was Friday night, the rain pattering gently against the glass of her window. April watched the trickles of water slowly make their way down, collecting at the bottom. Jupiter Jim: Back to the Moon?! Again?! Sitting in her DVD player, the 18-year-old curled under a blanket as she stared down at her phone.

No texts.

No calls.

No word.

Absolutely nothing from her little brothers.

Sure, they were only supposed to be there thirty minutes ago. Yeah, it certainly wasn’t the first time they were late— the four of them once Busted through her window two hours late, sporting a few pizza boxes and a story about some pigeon holding pizza in its beak— apparently the second time that had happened to them, so it was a big deal.

But they knew better. They knew better, after what had happened to all of them six months ago. After the invasion, after she almost lost all of her little brothers in one fell swoop.

They had been planning this all week. For them to not arrive…

“Damn it.” April muttered, throwing her phone to the side and watching it bounce right off of her couch, her youngest brother’s voicemail still playing out. She stood up abruptly, not even bothering to change out of her pajamas as she grabbed a coat and her baseball bat. “You boys better be okay so I can kick your ass, I swear…”

Her door slammed shut behind her, and the moment it clicked shut she took off running. Booting up the tracker app she had on her phone, quickly locking onto Donnie’s tracker with fumbling fingers. All four of them were together, in some alley. About four blocks away.

‘If these idiots stopped over another goddamn pizza pigeon just to give me a heart attack I’m going to kill them.’

She barely remembered her race to get there. As she turned the corner, she had a maelstrom of thoughts going through her head— violent images of the Krang being back, finding them standing over her brothers’ lifeless bodies— or her turning the corner to find them all safe, alive, okay—

…

But…

Neither option was correct.

April felt the bat slide out of her hand, barely hearing it impact the wet asphalt as her ears began to ring. As she felt the ground be ripped out from under her.

A metallic smell filled the air. April could barely breathe as she beheld the massacre in front of her.

A dozen men in government uniforms, bloodied and ripped apart. Blood coated the walls, dripped and puddled in the rainwater. Streamed from their black coats like rivers. Her gaze wobbled as it rose past them, what was standing in the middle of them.

Donnie.

Her little brother was clutching his bo staff tight, breath heaving and shaking as he silently stared at the scene around him. The look on his face was terrifying.

“Donnie…? Did you—?” April couldn’t finish her choked out words.

Donnie didn’t even react. But the blood on the end of his bo spoke for itself. Going up his arms to his elbows, covering his plastron.

“Okay.” April’s voice wobbled as she slowly walked towards him. “Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do— fuck.” The air was punched from her as she finally beheld what was at the end of the alley. The clear reason why Donnie had done this.

Their brothers.

Her baby brothers.

Raph, Leo, and Mikey. All laying there, crumpled forms and limbs twisted in ways that they shouldn’t be. Crimson soaking them, the rain barely making a dent in the bloodstains.

“No!” April rushed forward, darting right past Donnie to their sides. She collapsed to her knees, reaching out to grab Raph’s shoulder with a violently trembling hand. “Please be okay. Please be okay, please be okay—” Her voice rose multiple octaves in her hysteria. 

Raph’s eyes opened, bringing her momentary relief. Her heart broke as he let out a tiny whine, reaching his hand out for her. She immediately took it, forcing a shaky smile onto her face as she mustered up as much determination as she could. “You’re gonna be fine, big guy.” She murmured, rubbing his arm. ‘Where is he hurt how bad is it how bad is it how bad is it—’ “Everything’s okay, your big sister is here now, okay? I’ve got you. I’ll keep you safe, okay?”

Raph’s only answer was another short, soft whimper.

And then his eyes went dull. His weak grip went slack, his head hitting the pavement with a sickening, soft thump.

April couldn’t breathe.

Her little brother, her baby brother, gone. Just like that. In an instant, torn away from her and the rest of their family. Their protector, the foundation of their family, the rock that kept them all afloat through the storms—

Gone.

April’s gaze slowly lifted to the brothers curled under his arm. The ones he shielded, even in death. She could immediately tell that Leo was gone already. She had no idea for how long, but necks should not bend like that. His eyes were blank, lifeless. Blood slowly seeping a trail from his mouth down his jaw, dripping.

And then Mikey. Her poor, sweet baby brother. She let out a choked sob as she saw him weakly holding onto his brothers, the agony in his eyes all she could see for a moment…until he went limp. Dead, just like the other two.

Dead.

Dead.

Dead.

Her brothers were gone.

April clenched her teeth as she let out an agonized scream, clenching her fists and banging them into the pavement— ignoring the sickening crack, the sharp pain that suddenly flooded her— it was nothing compared to the grief she felt. April shakily reached a hand out, closing Leo’s eyes and then Raph’s. 

“What are you doing?” 

Donnie’s hoarse, angry voice came from behind her. Immediately catching her attention.

April looked up over her shoulder slowly, staring up at him. She couldn’t say a word, her throat closed up.

“You just watched them die.” Donnie sounded breathless, his eyes filled with pure malice as he stared down at her. Bo trembling in his hand. “You didn’t— why didn’t you DO SOMETHING?!”

April swallowed back the flood of agony that wrought her at being blamed. “I— there was nothing I could’ve done, Dee.”

“You didn’t even TRY!” Donnie exploded, gripping his staff in both hands as an explosion of purple energy flew out of him, slamming into the walls around them— and right into April.

She cried out as she was flung back, slamming into Raph’s motionless shell. Her back hitting the side of his spikes winded her, sending the human crashing to her knees and gasping for breath.

When she finally looked up again, Donnie was staring down at her with wide eyes. His entire body was shaking, a newfound clarity and horror gleaming in his gaze. He opened his mouth, but the only sound that came out was a weak chirp. A call.

She recognized the sound. She knew it well, from years of growing up alongside those turtles. Her boys, her brothers.

He was calling for his brothers.

Donnie shook his head violently, the chirp escaping much more desperately, as if it was torn from his throat. April lunged to her feet as he crashed to his knees, the bo staff rolling away through the bloodied carnage Donnie had caused. 

April dropped down in front of him, hauling her little brother into a hug right as those desperate chirps turned to piercing wails. Unable to do anything more than hold the only brother she had left.

[jimmy-urine-official]

whenever I mention u around my mother I don't wanna get clocked for saying urine bc that's weird idk so I call u by ur real name and I find that funny like "James euringer" ho sounds like a geek but nah u fly asf dawg bro be spitting BARZ bro be yelling SLURZ bro be hitting MAXIMUM fucking SLAYAGE but nah bros name is "James" bro sounds like he gets straight A's in school but nuh uh ho be out here corrupting the youth and that's awesome sauce dude

(what in the absolute fiddily flip flap fix fax tick tac rick rack frick frack big back ball bat ding bat toe rat hoe crack coke line shyt be fine out of time fuck is this rhyme hoes mad tiktok fad body bag old rag gay fag price tag piss frag shit man was that nonsensical ahh block of text)

WHY DA FUCK WOULD U GET CLOCKED FOR SAYIN URINE. ALSO Y DIDNT U JUZT SAY JIMMY EURINGER????????? DAT WOULD HELP WITH MY ACTUAL NAME NOT SOUNDING FUCKING STUPID

[demaparbat-hp]

Hello Dema.

Music Asks #4, 5, 6 and 7 please. ^.^

4: A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget about

Hey, call me back when you get this / Or when you've got a minute / We really need to talk / Wait, you know what? Maybe just forget it / 'Cause by the time you get this / Your number might be blocked

—Party Favor by Billie Eilish

I'm a very introverted person, so it's hard for me to make lasting connections with my peers—but when I care about someone, I do it completely. That makes the pain feel worse when it comes.

I had a friend. They had always been sweet to me, and I was nice in return. Cordial, more often than not, because there had always been something off. I see it now.

They claim they fell for me somewhere along the way. Gradually, they began to get insistent, texting me at all times and asking me out and calling me pet names they knew I felt uncomfortable with. They made me feel guilty for the longest time, just because I didn't return their feelings and was honest about it. They said I lead them on. Said to never talk to them again. Said it was my fault.

Throwing ourselves under the rug for the sake of someone else is kind of a family trait, so it was really hard for me to find the courage to put a stop to it. In the days previous to that conversation, I listened to this song. It gave me strength to cut them off from my life before more damage was done.

5: A song that needs to be played LOUD

How are you sleeping at night? / How do you close both your eyes? / Living with all of those lives on your hands? / Standing alone on that hill / Using your fuel to kill / We won't take it standing still / Watch us dance

—Gasoline by Måneskin

Connect your phone to the speakers, turn up your volume to the maximum, and play the song. You're welcome.

6: A song that makes you want to dance

You're my heart, you're my soul / Yeah, a feelin' that our love will grow / You're my heart, you're my soul / That is the only thing I really know

—You're My Heart, You're My Soul by Modern Talking

I blame this one on my dad. He really loves these late-eighties-to-early-2000's disco hits, and some of those songs clawed their way into my Playlist, if only for nostalgia's sake.

7: A song to drive to

Remember me, love / When I'm reborn / As a shrike to your sharp / And glorious thorn

—Shrike by Hozier

I don't drive, so I don't really have a Let's Hit The Road!™ Playlist, but Shrike is my Scenery Song and it deserves a special mention.

This song feels like spring. It feels like laying down in the grass and watching the tree leaves flutter in the wind. It feels like peace and earth and life.

(If I ever need a Let's Hit The Road!™ Song, though, it would probably be Ride by Twenty One Pilots)

[eossa]

How I'd Make Tumblr More Profitable

Yes, this is going to be controversial, since I know nothing about the behind-the-scenes spending, economics, and all that jazz. But I've been on Tumblr for long enough to have a rough idea of the userbase wants - which is what positions Tumblr in a niche other sites don't really utilize. Most of the points I list here are about improving the experience of existing users, as keeping users might be harder for tumblr than attracting new ones.

Please note that this posts reflects my personal opinions and some stuff I've seen people complain about it. Do not attack me over anything I've written here, it's not worth my time and I will resort to blocking if I'm being bothered. Constructive criticism is fine and encouraged!

[under the cut because this got quite long] [last updated 20th July 2023]

Features to Add

Block posts. Xkit has/had this feature, it was great. Sometimes I just don't want to see a specific post, and others probably agree with that.

Send asks and replies from sideblogs. Would literally make a lot of things easier and better.

Delete individual reblog additions from a post. Sometimes, you have a post where there is one"relevant" addition, multiple "irrelevant" additions ("yes!", "[repeated phrase in bold]", "this is a must reblog"), before there is a "relevant" addition again. But right now, you can only remove all reblog additions, not just individual ones. I feel like this would be a neat feature.

Direct blocking of anon hate which also tracks the IP and blocks the associated account(s). No rights for cowards, that's all I'll say.

Features to Bring Back

Reblog chains. Prev tags are the backbone of lots of interactions on here. If I click on someone's username in a reblog chain, I want to see that post on their blog, not their blog starting from the newest post. The loss of this feature is one of the things people constantly complain about in the replies of @changes.

Several text formatting options. As a theme maker, it would be nice to have proper preformatted text again - it makes code so much more legible. Other formatting options I miss are marked/highlighted text and text lines, which are really helpful to visually break apart passages of text.

Features to Ditch

Tumblr Live. There I've said it. If I want to see stuff like that, I have TikTok, IG Reels, Pinterest Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Twitter also has something like this. It's oversaturated, and aparently there are still enough cyber security concerns that it's not even accessible outside of the US and Canada.

Ads in lightboxes. Especially on mobile, there are already more than enough ads on the feed, no need to add more nested inside other elements.

Features that Make Money

Pay for NSFW. If this site allowed full nudity etc. again but hid it behind a paywall, we'd kill two birds with one stone: The site would probably still be allowed on the App Store, and the money influx would be huge. The userbase would also increase again.

(If Tumblr Live is kept.) Pay to snooze Tumblr Live permanently. It's the most complained about thing in changes' replies, so I feel like people would pay on a subscription base just to not see TL anymore.

Pay to increase limits. 250 posts per day is the maximum that can be posted - and there are people hitting those limits. If there was an option to buy a higher limit (500p/d, 750p/d, etc.), people might generally use it. Like those add-on charges for mobile data. Same goes for posts in the queue, posts in drafts, images in a photoset and so on.

Pay to pin posts at the top of a tag or search result. Ebay Kleinanzeigen has this neat feature where you can push your small ads to the top of a search query so that more people can see it. This could be a cool feature to try, as it would work in a more content-aware way than Blaze does.

Pay to buy inactive URLs. There are some really cool usernames on here that are taken by blogs that haven't updated for 5+ years and only have one post (or none at all), and I feel like it would be neat to be able to buy one of these cool usernames attached to an empty account. To make sure that usernames attached to redirect or something else don't get bought, tumblr should send an e-mail to the username owner - if the user doesn't react to that for 3 months, the usernames changed owners. [added 13th July 2023]

Existing Features to Improve

NPF posts. I feel like a combination of legacy and NPF would be neat. Think selecting a main element like in the legacy editor (e.g. video, image, audio) and then adding a caption that can add different content types like NPF does. Or at least create a better overview over NPF variables and release the full base code with documentation to make things easier for the web designers on here. There are more issues with the NPF format but I won't list everything people dislike about it here.

Block people. The block feature should make sure that the person being blocked doesn't see any posts made by the person they were blocked by, even if those posts were reblogged by another user. Also, like IG does, there should be an option to block either just a specific blog or the IP address attached to block side-blogs and other accounts of that user.

Color palettes. The color palette options for the dashboard are generally a nice idea but I think it would be better if there was a dropdown menu to choose a palette from rather than having to click through all the different options. For example, if I want to go from Cement (light mode) to Dark mode, I have to click through 10 options until I reach Dark again. There has to be an easier way. [added 20th July 2023]

Other Improvements Needed

Nuke spam bots. Users are reporting all the spam bots, yet, it doesn't seem like they are dwindling in numbers. Also - at least this is how it's being perceived by the userbase - tumblr isn't doing enough on their end to reduce spam bots. This is definitely something that needs to be fixed.

End hateful and criminal activities. It's the year 2023, yet there are still outright N*zis, violent tr*nsphobes, literal p*dophiles, and other people committing to the daily bit of hate speech and other illegal activities (fraud too considering all those fake GoFundMe sites) on this website. I'm not saying free speech should be banned but there is a bright red line between what is free spech and what is hate speech (or should get you jailed considering fraud and p*dophilia).

A through-out, perhaps even interactive, beginner tutorial. "The site is too complicated to use for new users!" – then explain how it works in easy terms, with examples, images, and videos. Every other application or web app has walk-throughs, just do the same here.

Improved ad relevancy. The ads I see on tumblr are usually so out-of touch with the userbase, and many of them feel like the sort of stuff you see on a spam-ridden torrenting site. I feel like increasing the relevancy of ads to what the users usually blog about would cause a higher click-rate and turn-over-rate than the current ads do.

Summary

There is probably more I could add, but that's it for now. Should I make any later additions directly to this post, I will mention it to prevent misunderstandings. If you have any ideas or constructive criticism, let me hear about it in the replies or reblogs of this post.

[amongtheus]

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What do you think of Patrick Bateman's Breakfast?

1 Kiwi

1 Sliced Japanese Pear

1/2 of a Bran Muffin, with a touch of Apple Butter

Oat-Bran cereal (with wheat germ) with soy milk

Mineral Water (specifically Evian)

Two cups of apple-cinnamon decaf tea ff read

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how do i get out of the is

when i the charater limit

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ok guy draftr saeved i cant belif this a ctuallty hit the limtit no way guys this cannot be real

[ourceliumnetwork]

so as it turns out, my parents are only capable of following directions for a maximum of 2 weeks before they decide their relationship with me is less important than whatever it is they get out of trying to pretend they're better parents than they are.

My mother's message I was willing to write off - it still did damage, I was still greatly hurt and violated by it happening, but I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt that it was an accident, that she'd forgotten, that she was drunk and it didn't matter because she was drunk and that wasn't okay but i was willing to give her leeway for a first offense.

My father texted me this morning - he works at a church, it was between services, he is very good at not being drunk for God on Sundays (at least until after his nap in the afternoon, anyway). As he was the primary recipient of the original boundary setting message, this made me feel like both messages were deliberate.

So...nuclear option because I have run out of chances to give them. I tried. i tried so fucking hard to make sure it didn't get to this point but they did not give a flying fuck and so now they get nothing.

(gif description: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka saying the word "Nothing" as part of the phrase "You get NOTHING!" to Charlie at the end of the movie)

I sent them a final message to explain what they fucked up, and to be very clear about where the boundary is this time. And then I blocked them. Everywhere.

I cried before I hit send - I would have started sobbing but those up at the controls kept a tight leash on that, thankfully. thankfully because if i'd started really crying i wouldn't have hit send.

I'm not very good with goodbyes. And I certainly never imagined this would be how it would go down.

but treating me with respect was less important to the two of them than *checks notes* letting me know where they had positioned their silly wine-stopper.

The thing I think that fucks me up the most about it is that it's going to look *horrible* on the other end of things. I'm cutting them off for saying they hope I have a good day, from their perspective. And that's what they'll show people to get them on their side.

I mean, if they decide to tell anyone that they fucked up so bad their eldest won't even let them say hello anymore.

god this is so fucked up. everything is fucked up...i really didn't want it to be like this....

[bhaskarfuckedmeover]

CRINGE BUT TRUE

After I realized he didn’t love me, I completely lost it. I’m not even exaggerating—if someone made a documentary about my meltdown, it would win an Oscar for “Most Unhinged Drama.” Let me walk you through my madness.

1. Became a Mastermind Spy

I created not one, but three fake Instagram accounts. One was a “sugar mommy” who loves gym boys and pizza, another was a distant cousin who’d “accidentally” found him, and the third? A guy who might slide into his DMs to make him jealous. I had full-blown conversations with myself in the comments to make them look real. Honestly, I could’ve worked for the CIA.

2. Wrote Him a Love-Hate Novel

I sat down to write him a letter to tell him how much I hated loving him, but it turned into an 87-page manifesto. I detailed every moment he made me smile, every glance that made me think he cared, and then aggressively ripped him apart for ruining my life. I ended it with, “You’ll regret this.” I printed it, tore it into shreds, and then burned it in a saucepan. My room smelled like betrayal for three days. I EVEN WROTE HIM URDU LOVE POEMS.

3. Practiced a Breakup Speech That Never Happened

I spent DAYS rehearsing the perfect breakup speech. I stared into the mirror, tears streaming down my face, and said things like, “You’ll miss me when you realize no one else can love you like I did!” I even recorded myself to make sure my voice cracked at the right moment for maximum effect. Spoiler alert: he never even got to hear it.

4. Made a Crying Playlist So Depressing, Even Spotify Judged Me

I curated a playlist titled “He Never Deserved Me Anyway.” It had every sad song you can think of—Adele, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Lata Mangeshkar. I’d cry for hours, hitting repeat on the saddest lines like, “I’ll never love again!”

5. Tried to Hex Him

Listen, I’m not proud of this, but I Googled how to cast a hex. I wrote his name on a piece of paper, circled it with salt, and whispered, “You’ll stub your toe every morning until you apologize.” When nothing happened, I decided the universe was clearly taking his side.

6. Became a Social Media Stalker on Steroids

I zoomed into every picture he posted. Who’s that in the reflection of his sunglasses? Why is there a pink jacket in the background? Is that a new girl in his following list? I had notes, screenshots, and conspiracy theories. Honestly, I was one step away from creating a crime board with string.

7. Sent Him Cryptic Messages

I texted him, “Hope you’re happy now :)” and then blocked him before he could reply. A week later, I unblocked him just to send, “Funny how people change” and blocked him again. The chaos fueled me. I TEXTED HIM FOR DAYS SINCE HE SAID HE,LL FUCKING FIX IT… PROCEEDING TO REMOVE ME FROM HIM CONTACTS AND FOLLOWERS

8. Tried to Become a “New Me” Overnight

I decided I’d make him regret everything by becoming the best version of myself. I cut bangs at 2 a.m., signed up for a pottery class even though I hate getting dirty, and bought clothes that were way out of my comfort zone. The next morning, I looked in the mirror and sobbed because the bangs looked FUCKING AMAZING.

9. Went Full Detective Mode

I dug deep into his social media. I checked the tags, likes, and comments. I even found his mom’s account and scrolled way back to her vacation pictures from 2015 to see if she’d ever posted about “the kind of girl he should date.” For the record, she hadn’t.

10. Talked to the Moon Like It Was My Therapist

One night, I went outside, stared at the moon, and said, “Why did you let me love him? What was the point?” I actually felt like the moon was judging me, so I yelled, “Don’t you dare look at me like that!” My neighbors turned their lights on, but I was too far gone to care.

Looking back, I realize I’m not just brokenhearted—I am a full-blown disaster. But honestly? I kind of need it. Chaos is my therapy, and even though I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone, I think it helps me let go. Or at least, I stopped Googling hexes. Progress, right?

[walterteigan]

I made a monster

Most dnd fancontent created nowadays is for 5e, and very little in the way of 3.5 content has been created recently. I've been dming a 3.5 game for over a decade and have to make monsters A LOT so I figured I'd try to share some of the stuff I make.

I have modified this to be more easily used in more generic settings, though I suppose if asked I can post the original. This one here is an unmodified version without the breath weapon or energized fists.

I also can't draw to save my life so you're just getting text

Legering Golem

Huge construct

Hit Dice: 40d10+40 (220)

Initiative: +4

Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)

Armor Class: 46 (-2 size, +4 dex, +28 natural, +4 haste), touch 12, flat-footed 42

Base Attack/Grapple: +30/+50

Attack: slam +50 melee (5d10+20)

Full Attack: 2 slams +50 melee (5d10+20)

Space/Reach: 15 ft./15 ft.

Special Attacks: trample

Special Qualities: construct traits, magic immunity, dr 50/+6, alacrity, arcane cloaking

Saves: Fort +23, Ref +27, Will +23

Abilities: Str 51, Dex 19, Con -, Int -, Wis 11, Cha 1

Skills: -

Feats: -

Environment: Any land

Organziation: Solitary or with controller

Challenge Rating: 23

Treasure: None

Alignment: Always Neutral

Advancement: 41-60 HD (Huge); 61-80 HD (Gargantuan)

The first legering golem was created through the collaboration between two high priests with the aid of their deities and was improved over generations. Later on, a more accessible version of the recipe became public and those who could afford the prohibitive expense, created more.

This golem is made of an alloy of mithril and adamantine that happens to be dense enough to act as lead, blocking magical attempts to determine its magical nature. It resembles a 30 foot tall humanoid and weighs 20,000 pounds. It cannot speak, cannot vocalize any sound, and has no discernable scent.

Combat

A legering golem gives no quarter, taking advantage of its strength and mobility to turn enemies into paste.

Alacrity (Su): Once per round, the legering golem may take an extra partial action (either before or after its other actions in the round).

Magic Immunity (Ex): A legering golem is immune to all magical and supernatural effects, except as follows. A slow spell negates its alacrity for 1d4 rounds, while a haste spell restores 1d6 hit points per level of the caster (maximum 10d6) or restores its alacrity, if previously negated by a slow spell. Multiple slow spells simply extend the duration of the effect.

Trample (Ex): As a standard action, during its turn, each round, the legering golem can literally run over an opponent at least one size category smaller than itself. The trample deals 8d10+30 points of bludgeoning damage. Trampled opponents can either attempt attacks of opportunity at a -4 penalty or Reflex saves (dc 40) for half damage.

Arcane Cloaking (Ex): A legering golem is coated in a mithril-adamantine alloy that blocks any divination spell of 9th level or lower that would reveal its magical nature.

Creating a Legering Golem

The legering golem's body requires 45,000 pounds of iron that is divided into two parts. The first is polymorphed into mithril and the second adamantine, both using polymorph any object. A bonding agent is then used to merge them into an alloy that is shaped into the desired form.

Construction requires 350,000 gp, which includes 15,000 gp for the body. Assembly requires a dc 35 Craft (armorsmithing) or Craft (weaponsmithing) check

The creator must be 27th level, have the Craft Epic Magic Arms and Armor feat and be able to cast arcane spells. The spell drains 8,000 XP from the creator and requires the spells bigby's crushing hand, geas/quest, haste, polymorph any object, and wish.

[chelzone]

Upcoming Games from Me

been a bit since i touched upon the progress of the games ive been working on proper, so gonna do a lil write-up to give a refresher and hopefully inspired me to get back to regular game dev soon

this is a long write-up, so ive hidden everything under a read more for anyone that's genuinely curious to learn more about the three games ahead

Hallowed Discharge

this one is still slated to be the kinky and text-focused game made within the Quest engine. not entirely text though, as i utilize the map-making system within it so the player has a better idea of where they're going

short story summary like ive said befores is that you play as Reverend Artemis, a furry priest basically, and your goal is peacefully exorcising spirits from a long-abandoned mall

besides the protagonist Reverend Artemis, every other character is ghosts of every major or minor roles. it would be far too much work for me to detail every single one right now, especially cause there's still a big chunk ahead not yet written for!

there's a basic energy system in place tied to one's actions in the game, alongside a faith system and weight system. weight system affects not only the Reverend physically but also which tasks are feasible, how interactions pan out, and can lead to early game overs depending on the situation (ie: you hit the maximum in-game limit and cant feasible move out of somewhere)

the game's setting is the Delícias do Vale, an abandoned mall near the outskirts of the town of Sweet-Kiss Oasis in the country of Centauri. basically you'll explore the different floors of the mall, both parking lots, and a small bit of roads surrounding the mall

development progress: MOST of the map is set up in terms of foundation and what connects to much. there's still areas to block off / require alternate routes or tools to access based on the story and player's inventory. the main objectives are like 20% done currently, with the other 80% basically requiring me to handle the remaining exorcism tasks

possible release: still hoping for later this year at the earliest. the date has changed a lot due to me having to take breaks and hitting bouts of burnout. health always comes first, so if i need to take this slow for the rest of the process i will

Enchanted Bliss

my first attempt proper at making a visual novel, within the Renpy engine. basically a mixture between a story about furry wizards investigate a city-wide disaster and friendship and / or romance possibly budding between the protagonist and one of the supporting characters

characters involved include the protagonist Dylan Rhodes, the supporting wizards you can team up with (Brava Denver, Maple Finley, Marcos Wylder, Price Flynn, Remy Taffy and Serena Journey) and the lead supervisor for the team Carmichael Kentz

unlike other romance-adjacent dating sim type deals, this VN is made to ONLY support choosing one of the six supporting wizards to team up with during a single player. once you've made the choice, you CANNOT turn back unless you load a save back to the beginning of the game before making the choice. this was done to better flesh out the relationships between player and choice as well as make the dialogue and mini stories involved with each choice have way more impact and care put into em

main setting will be set around the demolished city of Filia Lunae in the country of Centauri. depending on who you team up with, you'll get a chance to either explore a facility within the city, the sewer system under it, or the outskirts where a river runs along the north edge of the city

development progress: all the main backgrounds are drawn, including the main screen. i'll still have to draw epilogue screens eventually and any bonus area screens if it seems needed. ive made at least 10 music loops for the soundtrack, tho i still need to make a LOT more before i start applying them to portions of the game while moving the rest to the official OST later on. only the introduction of the game is written, right before the player makes the choice of who they will team up with. none of the character assets / emotions are drawn yet but i'll get to it. only things ill have others handle is public domain sounds with credits given in the game of course. music, art, writing, and coding will fully be done by myself

possible release: realistically Sometime 2024 at the earliest, i cant possible be less vague than that because i'm trying to be realistic as possible with how much work is still ahead on this.

Nigh Maintenance

my first proper RPG maker game, following many scrapped less-focused attempts over the years. it's only in its early planning stages right now, with most of it being in the mind and not transferred to a proper document in my folders yet

will involve the main cast of my characters Waever Nuelle, Glory Fantasy, Mason, and Weston Fredericks. friend group of furry investigators of sorts, focusing on strange, paranormal, supernatural, and even extraterrestrial scoops and cases. i plan to include one supporting character past that, a currently-unnamed trucker that made her soft debut in my short story AFTERGLOW back in June 2020. will draw out her design and name in the future

basic story i got going currently is barebones but something along the lines of the main cast traveling with the trucker either through a desert focused setting or a cold focused setting. perhaps a mountainous one if im feeling so bold..? we'll see, only today as of writing am i finally figuring out a very rough story concept that excites me for once

will not feature combat, at least in the normal sense. i might do a gag where you 'fight' a door to break it open or something like that. generally past that i'll have puzzles that tie in inventory and stats of the party members, provided it doesnt get too ambitious. also lots of text and dialogue, much like the rest of my works lol

possible release: who knows, wouldnt be surprised if the 'earliest' i can say is 2025 but even then remember that as of writing i havent even BEGUN to write down plans and ideas in a document yet. all in the mind until i feel ready to start that stage of work

[telomeke]

Hi @hughungrybear!

I think a lot of us found out (the hard way 😭) that Tumblr has certain restrictions on links. But all is not lost (if you still have your write-up in your drafts).

Tumblr makes a distinction between inline links and link blocks. Apologies if you already know this, but just in case – an inline link is simply a line of text (you have to type it out) that also functions as a hyperlink to a post or video elsewhere. A link block, however, is like a screenshot or image that functions as a hyperlink; it's usually an image with text overlaid, but the text cannot be copied or manipulated.

This is an example of an inline link: 'I tried posting my 2023 summary thingy...'

And this is an example of a link block:

Clicking on either of the above links will take you to the post in question.

On Tumblr, however, the maximum number of inline links in a post is 100. But the maximum number of link blocks you can create is only 10.

To create an inline link, you have to copy the URL of the post you want to link to, type out some text in your write-up as a link, highlight the text, click on the 'Link' icon that pops up and then paste the URL in the field that appears before clicking 'Done'.

To create a link block, you simply paste the URL directly into your write-up as you type, which is obviously the easier solution and what most of us would do.

But then we get hit with the limit for link blocks, which is only 10 and certainly not enough for all the favorite posts by month. (Yes, I found this out the hard way, and had to convert all my link blocks to inline links before I could move on beyond May or so in my 2023 summary. 😂) And this is why so many of the 2023 summaries were just composed of text and links, with few images.

I hope this info is useful! Just convert your link blocks to inline links and Tumblr will let you continue with your 2023 write-up. 👍 Do let me know when it's posted because I'm sure I'll love reading it! 🤩

@telomeke, I tried posting my 2023 summary thingy. Unfortunately, Tumblr decided to hate me (again) by disabling my ability to link my top posts from June onwards. The fvck.

[paiteyy]

Stampede and Maximum Spoilers!

Look this is kinda a negative (not totally but I wanna be polite and warn! ) look at Stampede and it's handling of the queer content in the source marital, if ur not in the mood for that, block me or scroll past plz 👌don't wanna be a downer for anyone so ye, thought I'd slap this uptop lol

Gonna be real, idk how I feel abt the last ep... Some of my fears are definitely coming true. The big one being that Wolfwood's role in the manga seems to be played by Meryl in Stampede.

The manga is so important to me because it lacks the typical anime/manga hetrosexual tropes.

They put these tropes back in when they made the 98 anime, and it feels like they're putting them back into Stampede.

Wolfwood is the one who saves Vash in the manga, he is Vash's reason to fight. I know Stampede is pretty much an AU of the manga, but they're hitting the major plot points in their own unique way. Not everything is in order, and it's different, which I don't mind.

What I do mind is the fact that they've cut out all the queer parts of Maximum.

From changing Elendira, the cannon trans woman (who wasn't perfect rep, but goddamn it a cannon transwoman who wasnt a joke at that time?! I fucking love her), to a lab grown loli (before you come at me, I know this is a prequel and that she'll age, but that's not the point, because it doesn't negate the fact that she is no longer trans. They could have updated her rep from the manga, but no.) To subbing in Meryl for Wolfwood in narrative moments he occupied in the manga, like saving Vash from Knives.

Narrative moments that would have been occupied by a female love interest in most manga were occupied by Wolfwood in TriMax, and intentional or not, TriMax is queer coded as shit. By switching him with Meryl in Stampede, that is gone.

This is what happens in the manga, in the Stampede Vash is saved by, and saves, Meryl instead. (Also black coat Vash is a reference to Vash from this fight in Maximum. It is the result of him fighting Legato and killing him to preserve Wolfwood's memory, ((he is taking on Wolfwood's color pallet in this fight, the layers in Maximum are insane)):

This isn't a ship post, not really, it's about stripping the queer aspects from TriMax, which are an integral part of TriMax's narrative, a major part what makes the work unique, especially for it's time, and straight-washing it in Stampede (which is taking a lot from Trimax... just not the queer stuff, hum). However, I'll entertain some ship talk.

People have been calling Vashwood the "yaoi flavor of the season" and in all honesty, to me, that's what Stampede Vashwood feels like. I KNOW it's the first season and this could change, but damn it, I feel like I'm allowed to be a little frustrated and worried about the direction they're going.

Vashwood in the manga is a queer relationship supported by COUNTLESS examples in the text, read as romantic or not,(personally, I think it should be read as romantic based on manga framing ((Wolfwood playing the role narratively reserved for the female love interest in most manga)) and textually (("I wanted to spend my tomorrows with him," just one of many examples of Vash's feeling about Wolfwood)) it is undeniable that they are integral to each other in a bone deep way. To the point where the only person as, or more, important as Wolfwood to Vash is Rem, his mother and guiding light.

This is absent in Stampede.

I'm trying not to be uncharitable, but I have a sinking suspicion that Meryl is going to be the one to find Vash after the timeskip, a role given to Wolfwood in TriMax. I wanna be proven wrong tho!

I DO like how Meryl and Wolfwood are getting more interactions in Stampede! They didn't get many in the manga and I love their dynamic. Honestly him grabbing her like a sack of potatoes and booking it outta there was the best part for me lol, I'm glad Milly is coming back too! Vash getting his spikes back also was rad af!!

I feel like I should also say, this isn't a ship hate post or anything. This isn't a Meryl hate post either, I don't kin characters myself but she's as close as they come for me, so I love the little lady. Plus, I've really been enjoying her Stampede design and character development, it's one of the best parts of the show imo!!

It's just the fact that the queer content from the original didn't make it in, while so many other things from TriMax did, that rubs me the wrong way.

I think I'm mostly just frustrated, I'm enjoying Stampede for what it is, but I'm a queer woman, and I can't help but feel cheated out of the faithful Maximum adaptation I've always dreamed of. How come every other manga gets a one for one adaptation, but Maximum, with all it's queer text, doesn't?! I'm frustrated. They always try to make Trigun more appealing, mass marketable, but damnit that's not why I love it. Idk, I just feel sad. With this new adaptation, idk if I'll ever see a faithful Maximum adaptation, which is a depressing thought for me.

Anyway, this became a vent post, sorry. I'm a longtime TriMax shill and I was really (and to be fair, still am to a degree) enjoying Stampede up until these last few eps. In some ways it feels like I'm watching watered down, more marketable Maximum and that just frustrates me.

I'm still holding out hope for season 2 though, I can't help it, even with the things I'm not personally into in Stampedes it's still Trigun, and if I'm not going to bat for Trigun, am I even me?

[feekins]

xkggzjgzjdumb depression taking away the spoons I had for making these posts 😖 I'm in a better brain place now, though, so here are my thoughts and things as I re-read ch 6 and finish up Trigun Maximum vol 1.

(NOTE: I'm reading the Dark Horse [physical] and the Overhaul [online] translations side-by-side)

...ok idk why I didn't connect the two before, but something about that flashback to Wolfwood saying (quoting the Overhaul here, but Dark Horse p much says the same thing) "It's the same old story that keeps repeating itself. Even people who would never fight...will pick up a gun if their loved ones are killed." and then, on the very next page, the way it cuts to "THIS BASTARD KILLED MY DAUGHTER!!"

that...REALLY hits hard this read-through.

additionally, what Wolfwood says... that's basically Vash's story, too. preaching to the choir. I wonder if Wolfwood knows...?

(Dark Horse on left, Overhaul on right)

"should" VS "will" - an important difference imo, with the Overhaul's translation better conveying how well this new character, Sensei, knows Vash.

here, the Dark Horse translation seems to lead into what's said in the next panel - although I can't tell, in either translation, whether Sensei or Wolfwood is speaking.

in the next panel, we just have 2 blocks of text. here's what it says in Dark Horse:

"Every time they up the ante and every time they regret the outcome... This time will be no different..."

meanwhile, the Overhaul has:

"Those who are too foolish will never learn to solve problems effectively, no matter how hard they try. Every time they will push the limits...and every time they're gonna regret the outcome."

next, in Dark Horse, we have Wolfwood saying "You could end up singin' with the angels this time and all I've told you would be wasted... Seems my luck may be tested, too. Whatcha gonna do...Spikey?!"

below, we have the Overhaul's translation...

and I just. HAD to put the panels across these two pages together. idk how to put it into words but. this sequence says A LOT to me.

I'm a bit confused, though - the two choices Wolfwood gives are "regret the outcome" or "sing with the angels" which? I'm p sure is an idiom for dying? it's a pretty damn grim way of looking at it...which, now that I'm thinking about it more, perhaps this bit isn't so much Wolfwood talking about the current situation as it is Wolfwood talking about himself, if that makes sense.

(Dark Horse on top, Overhaul on bottom)

...interesting translation discrepancies...?

next, we have a little inner monolog from Vash as he's being taken into custody. both translations start with "In the end...he just couldn't kill a man in cold blood." from there, Dark Horse has Vash saying:

"His daughter's murder goes unpunished. Call him weak, but...it saved both of us."

meanwhile, in the Overhaul, we have:

"His daughter's murder goes unavenged. Call him weak, but...that 'weakness' saved the both of us."

and then...to this day, this sequence confuses me:

thoughts, anyone?

Dark Horse's translation gets the gist of it, but imo there's more impact to the Overhaul's specific wording here.

I never noticed that poor guy up by the headlights 🤣

:(

"make foundations ring out"????????

finally, in Nightow's afterward...

then in the next panel, he says "I incorporated them throughout the story."

as someone who's in the middle of the biggest for-fun thing they've ever written...mood 🤣